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Most flat steel producers in the country are now accepting orders for August-September production.

The countrys flat steel production increased, but consumption decreased in January-May 2017, according to the Turkish Steel Producers Assn (TCUD).

Turkeys flat steel end-product consumption amounted to 6.80 million tonnes in those five months, a 3.40% year-on-year decrease.

Flat steel end-product output reached 5.30 million tonnes, up by 26.70% year-on-year.

Domestic prices

Hot rolled coil, cold rolled coil

Metal Bulletins weekly price assessment for Turkish domestic hot rolled coil (HRC) was $510-520 per tonne ex-works on Friday June 30, increasing from $490-495 per tonne ex-works on June 2.

The weekly price assessment for Turkish domestic cold rolled coil (CRC) was $590-600 per tonne ex-works on June 30, narrowing downward from $590-605 per tonne ex-works on June 2.

Prices will increase [as] Chinese prices are also increasing, one market participant said on June 30.

Coated coil

Coated coil prices also increased over June in Turkey, in line with increasing HRC and CRC prices.

Demand remained moderate for coated steel in the country as it was the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, followed by the post-Ramadan Eid Al-Fitr break at the end of the month.

The weekly price assessment for Turkish domestic 0.50mm hot dipped galvanized coil (HDG) was $725-760 per tonne ex-works on June 30, rising from $700-720 per tonne ex-works on June 2.

The weekly price assessment for Turkish domestic pre-painted galvanized iron (PPGI), or colour-coated coil, of 0.50mm gauge, with 9002 colour code, was $800-845 on June 30, rising from $779-800 per tonne ex-works on June 2.

Import prices

Turkish buyers booked HRC from Ukraine and Russia in June, but not many CRC bookings were heard in the month.

A total of 30,000 tonnes of HRC was booked from Ukraine at $450-455 per tonne cfr. The buyers were tube and pipe makers, and CRC producers.

Another 20,000 tonnes of HRC was booked from Russian producer MMK at $455-460 per tonne cfr by tube and pipe producers.

The weekly price assessment for Turkish HRC imports was $450-460 per tonne cfr on June 30, down from $455-470 per tonne cfr on June 2.

And the weekly price assessment for Turkish CRC imports was $530-535 per tonne cfr on June 30, up from $520-525 per tonne cfr on June 2.

HRC exports

Demand for Turkish HRC weakened in Europe in June, as prices from Turkish mills were higher than the European bids.

Several deals for Turkish HRC were made at $470 per tonne fob to Spain, Italy, the UK and Portugal in early June.

As Indian prices are much more competitive, European buyers are not accepting Turkish offers. And Turkish producers prefer to sell in their local market [anyway], a trader said on June 23.

The weekly price assessment for Turkish HRC exports was $470-480 per tonne fob on June 30, up from $460-470 per tonne fob on June 2.

Flat steel exports, imports

Turkey exported 447,462 tonnes of finished flat steel in May 2017, 202.83% more than the 147,762 tonnes exported in May 2016, the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) said.

The total included 256,539 tonnes of HRC, up by 249.27% year-on-year from 73,450 tonnes in May 2016.

Turkeys flat steel imports reached 610,946 tonnes in May 2017, down by 12.25% from the corresponding month in 2016, when 696,242 tonnes arrived in the country.

The imported volumes included 357,418 tonnes of hot rolled flat steel, up by 24.12% year-on-year from 287,961 tonnes, according to TUIK.


AAR Corp. provides products and services to commercial aviation, government, and defense markets worldwide. The Aviation Services segment offers aftermarket support and services; inventory management and distribution services; and maintenance, repair, and overhaul, as well as engineering services. This segment also sells and leases new, overhauled, and repaired engine and airframe parts, and components; and provides inventory and repair programs, warranty claim management, and outsourcing programs for engine and airframe parts and components, as well as performance-based supply chain logistics programs in support of the U.S. department of defense and foreign governments. In addition, it offers airframe inspection, maintenance, repair and overhaul, painting, line maintenance, airframe modification, structural repair, avionic and installation, exterior and interior refurbishment, and engineering and support services; and repairs and overhauls components, landing gears, wheels, and brakes. The Expeditionary Services segment provides products and services supporting the movement of equipment and personnel by the U.S. and foreign governments, and non-governmental organizations. This segment also designs, manufactures, and repairs transportation pallets, and various containers and shelters; and provides engineering, design, and system integration services for command and control systems. The company serves domestic and foreign passenger airlines; domestic and foreign cargo airlines; regional and commuter airlines; business and general aviation operators; original equipment manufacturers; aircraft leasing companies; aftermarket aviation support companies; and domestic and foreign military customers. It primarily markets and sells products and services through its employees and foreign sales representatives. AAR Corp. was founded in 1951 and is headquartered in Wood Dale, Illinois.
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Regions Financial Corporation, a financial holding company, provides banking and bank-related services to individual and corporate customers. It operates through three segments: Corporate Bank, Consumer Bank, and Wealth Management. The Corporate Bank segment offers commercial banking services, such as commercial and industrial, commercial real estate, and investor real estate lending; equipment lease financing; deposit products; and securities underwriting and placement, loan syndication and placement, foreign exchange, derivatives, merger and acquisition, and other advisory services. It serves corporate, middle market, and commercial real estate developers and investors. The Consumer Bank segment provides consumer banking products and services related to residential first mortgages, home equity lines and loans, consumer credit cards, and other consumer loans, as well as deposits. The Wealth Management segment offers credit related products, and retirement and savings solutions; and trust and investment management, asset management, and estate planning services to individuals, businesses, governmental institutions, and non-profit entities. The company also provides investment and insurance products; low-income housing tax credit corporate fund syndication services; and other specialty financing services. As of March 01, 2022, it operated through a network of 1,300 banking offices and 2,000 automated teller machines across the South, Midwest, and Texas. Regions Financial Corporation was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama.
Ghanaian stage actor, Obed Nii Armah, otherwise called Ronny Nii Armah, got drowned when he went swimming at the Laboma Beach near La Pleasure Beach in Accra on the Republic holiday, July 3, 2017.

Ronny, known for his roles in Scribe Productions such as 'This Family Is Not For Sale Season 1 & 2 and 'I Want To Sue God', died just a week after burying his late mother.

The actor was swimming with some friends when he encountered difficulties and went under the rough waters.

He died shortly after he was pulled from the water.

We are very heart broken. We really had plans of doing lots of projects together. Well. All we can say is, God knows best. May his good soul rest well. We have lost such a talent! Hmmm, Kobina Ansah, CEO for Scribe Productions, confirmed his death to Ghanaweb.com.

Until the unfortunate death, Ronny was a level 300 student at University of Cape Coast pursuing Basic Education.
Actress Yvonne Okoro has promised that she will be offering a supporting hand to needy but brilliant students as part of her charity organisation, Elizabethan Scholarship Scheme, this year.

According to the award-winning actress, she will be visiting some educational institutions to settle bills for some students who need support to pay their fees.

Yvonne took to Twitter to announce the upcoming charity project.

Glad to announce that this year my charity org Elizabethan Scholarship Scheme will be paying some fees of students in various schools, she said.

However, she didn't indicate when she will begin the sponsorship programme. But her announcement attracted a lot of retweets, with many people thanking and congratulating her bold decision to support 'struggling' students.

The school fees paying project follows Yvonne's annual charity campaign.

In April 2016, Yvonne Okoro won the love and respect of the people of Wungu in the Walewale community of the Northern Region, where she commissioned a borehole project to provide water for the town.

For a very long time, the community had battled with water scarcity. Natives, including school children, walk several kilometres in search of water daily. As part of Yvonne's annual charity exercise, she decided to go to the aid of the community by funding the drilling of a borehole.

It gives me joy to offer a supporting hand to those who need it in society. I hope this project will go a long way to impact positively on the lives of the people of Wungu, especially the children and women, she said when she commissioned that project.

Previous years, she did other charity works, including building a playground for underprivileged children at the Dzorwulu Special School in Accra.

This year, she is not relenting on the charity exercise, as she wants to touch the lives of students in some institutions who are having challenges paying their school fees.

By Francis Addo (Twitter: @fdee50 Email: [email protected] )




06.07.2017 LISTEN

Organizers of zongofest are set to honor popular northern musician Ahmed Mujahid Bello affectionately known as Fancy Gadam for his effort to promote the culture and values of Zongo through music.

The New VGMA Artiste of the Year will be honoured on Sunday 9th July at the National Theatre together with 30 other personalities.

Fancy Gadam won the discovery of the year award during the 2015 Bass awards. He was also nominated Dancehall Artiste of The Year, Dancehall Song of The Year and New Artiste of The Year during the 2016 Bass Awards.

Over the weekend the organizers held a grand Durban to outdoor this initiative of honouring and celebrating the rich culture and talents of the Zongo people under the theme "Harnessing Culture and Arts for the Competitive Advantage in the Zongos.

The function attracted high profile government appointees, renowned chiefs and opinion leaders of the Zongo communities, patrons of the Zongo development agenda and others. There was rich display of culture by various warrior groups dressed in royal apparels to the amazement of the gathering.

' Dr Ziblim Barri Iddi, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture said the Zongofest 2017 was to commemorate the 57th Anniversary of Ghana attaining a Republican state.

Dr Iddi noted that Muslims mostly inhabited Zongos in Ghana, through the intercultural relations of the various ethnic groupings.

Speaking to Ghanacreativearts.com, editor Mustapha Inusah , He noted that heterogeneous nature of the Zongos was relevant to rich cultural and commercial interchanges that had existed from time immemorial.

The Zongofest organised by the National Commission on Culture and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture as well as the Ministry of Inner City and Zongo Development and in partnership with the YaaSalam Opportunity Centre and Zongo Business Incubator.
Father of Late Major Maxwell Mahama, Captain Dennis Mahama (Rtd), has directed residents of Denkyira Obuasi to go to God instead and ask for His forgiveness for destroying his creation (Major Mahama).

In an exclusive interview with Akwasi Boateng host of "Maakye' educative show on Hot93.9fm, Captain Dennis Mahama (Rtd) stated that, the people of Denkyira Obuasi should not ask for his forgiveness for the brutal murder of his son that happened on their land by some residents of the town, but rather, their apologies should be directed at God Almighty because the late Major was God's creation whose life was whisked away tragically.

"For me and my wife, with the sorrows that are still buried in our hearts we can not just get up and say I have forgiven you and you, that is what I have been saying. Who I'm I to say that I have forgiven them, I'm no body." He said.

He added that, "So far as the creation of Maxwell Mahama is concerned; he is a creation of God so they should go to God and ask for His forgiveness for destroying his creation not me because I did not create Maxwell, I just Fathered him but the Creator Himself is Almighty God so if you destroy somebody's property, you go to the person and ask for forgiveness. I don't have anything against them I only want justice but the one they should apologise to is God."
Rome (AFP) - Privately-run aid organisations rescuing migrants off Libya have slammed the idea of creating a "code of conduct" for them to follow, saying European ministers tackling the crisis are bungling their response.

Italy, France and Germany held a working dinner on Sunday to prepare the ground for a six-point plan to address the biggest migrant phenomenon since World War II, to be submitted to the bloc at a meeting on Thursday in Talinn.

Top of the list was a code to regulate operations in the sea off Libya where the Italian coast guard, European border patrol forces and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) save migrants attempting the perilous crossing.

Up to a dozen private aid boats have been patrolling off the coast of Libya since 2015.

They performed 26 percent of the rescues carried out in 2016, rising to 35 percent so far this year, according to the Italian coastguard.

They have been accused of acting as a magnet by sailing close to the Libyan coast.

In reply, they insist that not doing so would risk lives, as smugglers are putting migrants out to sea in increasingly unseaworthy vessels with little fuel or water.

The Maltese organisation MOAS told AFP Tuesday it was "very perplexed" by the code-of-conduct proposal as all rescues in the Mediterranean are already automatically coordinated by a command centre in Rome.

'Code exists already'

Ruben Neugebauer, spokesman of the German NGO Sea-Watch, was equally as baffled, saying: "there is already a code of conduct in place -- it is called international maritime law".

SOS Mediterranee, which was recently awarded a UNESCO peace prize for its efforts to save lives, said it was "surprised that the first response by European leaders to a major humanitarian crisis is for a code of conduct for the NGOs".

Italian coast guard head Vincenzo Melone gave the aid groups his backing in May during an audition with a parliamentary committee in Rome looking into whether the NGOs were encouraging people trafficking from Libya.

"We are facing a tragedy of incredible dimensions... (but) the solution is not at sea," he said. Since 2014, the coast guard has coordinated the rescue of over 590,000 migrants, while over 14,000 have died or are feared drowned.

The coast guard holds meetings in Rome with NGOs to facilitate coordination. The next one is scheduled for July 13.

"There's no anarchy among the aid groups, the anarchy is in Libya, a country without any state structures worthy of the name, where large-scale human trafficking is proliferating," said vice president of SOS Mediterranee Sophie Beau.

'We need more boats'

It is the "EU which really needs a code of conduct", Oscar Camps, head of Spain's Proactiva Open Arms, said on Twitter.

He pointed to a campaign against the NGOs which shifted attention from crisis-hit Libya or the reasons behind the mass migratory movement -- people fleeing war or hunger -- by slinging mud at the rescuers.

"'You're a pull factor, you are in cahoots with the traffickers, you are financed by the mafias, you are the taxis of the sea, we are going to close the port'," he said, quoting the critics.

"Are we really the problem?" he asked.

Italian media reports said the code of conduct would forbid NGOs from sailing near the Libyan waters or communicating with smugglers -- including using any form of lights that could attract traffickers.

The NGOs said a regulation to stop sailing near Libya would be difficult to enforce in international waters, and pointed out they use searchlights to look for men, women and children who risk drowning in the dark.

The code may also include an obligation to have a police officer on board the aid boats. The NGOs have said that would go against their humanitarian principles.

"But if the police want to come on their own boats, they are very welcome. We need more boats" saving lives, he said.
Cotonou (AFP) - President Patrice Talon of Benin has returned from a medical checkup in Paris following two operations in France, according to a member of his entourage.

The 59-year-old head of state, who left for the French capital last week, returned to the country's economic hub of Cotonou on Tuesday evening.

The post-operative checkup was "reassuring", the source said on condition of anonymity, as an official announcement about the return had yet to be made.

Benin's presidency announced on June 19 that Talon had undergone two operations on his prostate and digestive system during an almost month-long stay in Paris.

His prolonged absence had caused controversy and forced the government to deny rumours about his health.

Talon's transparency about his health is rare among African presidents, who are often treated abroad and do not usually disclose details of their illnesses.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has been receiving treatment in London for almost two months but his administration has refused to disclose any information about his illness.
Paris (AFP) - French prosecutors said Wednesday they were seeking a three-year jail term and a 30 million euro ($34 million) fine for Equatorial Guinea's Vice President Teodorin Obiang, on trial in absentia for embezzlement.

The 48-year-old son of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema is charged with using money plundered from his country's state coffers to fund a jet-set lifestyle in France, where he bought a six-storey mansion in an ultra-posh part of Paris.

Prosecutors also asked a court in the capital to seize the mansion on Avenue Foch, in western Paris, which is valued at 107 million euros, and other assets worth 43 million euros.

The landmark trial of the notorious playboy fond of fast cars and Michael Jackson memorabilia began on June 19 in the defendant's absence. Besides embezzlement, he is being charged with corruption, misuse of public funds and breach of trust.

Financial prosecutor Jean-Yves Lourgouilloux said Obiang, who was agriculture and forestry minister before his father made him second vice president in 2012, spent more than 1,000 times his annual official salary of some $80,000.

Obiang was promoted to full vice president last year.

Many of Obiang's eye-popping purchases were allegedly made through Somagui Forestal, a forestry company that Lourgouilloux called "an empty shell used solely to channel public money."

Obiang denies the charges.

He has said the money came from legitimate sources and claimed the property purchase was not prohibited under French law in any case.

Late last month Obiang called the case a "farce without any legal basis" aimed at damaging the government of the impoverished but oil-rich Equatorial Guinea, in west Africa.

"It is a fabrication against the legal government of Equatorial Guinea and against Africa," he said at a Pan-African Youth Forum in the Chadian capital N'Djamena.

Lourgouilloux dismissed the charge, saying: "I'm not here to try Equatorial Guinea, I'm here to try the defendant."

Testifying on Obiang's behalf, former British mercenary Simon Mann, who led a failed 2004 coup in Equatorial Guinea, last week accused US billionaire George Soros of plotting to overthrow Obiang's father.

UN court backs Obiang

French judicial officials first launched raids in Paris in 2011, hiring trucks to haul away Obiang's Bugattis, Ferraris, Rolls-Royce Phantom and other cars which were memorably photographed leaving the scene.

They seized the Avenue Foch mansion in 2012.

But in December 2016, the International Court of Justice -- the UN's top court -- ordered France to "take all measures at its disposal" to ensure the property, which Equatorial Guinea calls a diplomatic mission, be treated the same as all other diplomatic locations under the Geneva Convention.

France disputes that claim, and Lourgouilloux called it a "manoeuvre to try to protect the property from French legal action."

The defence is to make closing arguments on Thursday.
Libreville (AFP) - "Heavy gunfire in Zemio. Impossible to go out. They have cut the phones and we can't go out -- it's just too dangerous. So I am posting on Facebook."

The sense of fear and urgency is palpable as Jean-Alain Zembi, a priest in Zemio, a southeastern parish in the Central African Republic (CAR), sends a stream of messages to his Facebook feed recounting the horror of ongoing violence.

"The information simply must get out as we are holed up here and the shooting is continuing", Father Zembi, 33, told AFP in Libreville via Whatsapp on Tuesday.

His account of the violence in his parish came just hours before Human Rights Watch (HRW) issued a report indicating armed groups had killed hundreds of civilians in a spree of bloodletting in CAR.

That report came just ahead of the impending opening of a Special Criminal Court, a new judicial body that will probe rights violations in the country since 2003.

According to HRW, investigators have found evidence of more than 560 civilian deaths and the destruction of more than 4,200 homes by militias since late 2014.

On Sunday, a humanitarian source said at least 15 people died in clashes between UN peacekeepers and former rebels in the central market town of Kaga-Bandoro.

Mainly Muslim Seleka rebels briefly seized power in March 2013 and deposed Christian President Francois Bozize only to be ousted itself amid reprisals by Christian anti-Balaka militia.

In Zemio's case, violence sparked on June 28 as phone links were cut and unidentified armed groups took over the town near the Congolese border some 1,000 kilometres (625 miles) from the capital Bangui.

Zembi has reposted on his feed a picture dated Sunday showing a group of people, including a priest, standing over a group of shrouded bodies in a ditch.

"There were six bodies on the ground in the streets around the presbytery. We had to risk going out and recovering them if we wanted to avoid sanitary contamination. Other bodies are still in the streets -- but nobody picks them up."

Common grave

"We've no coffins here so we've had to dig a common grave," Zembi told AFP.

With phone links cut, wifi is the only means of communication with the outside world for locals, aid workers and UN peacekeepers based in the region.

On June 28, a group of armed men entered Zemio to pillage and then burn down local businesses, forcing residents and more than 3,000 refugees from the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo to flee.

Two days later Father Zembi began posting the scale of the town's suffering to his Facebook account.

Jean-Alain Zembi says his parish is now providing refuge to some 1,500 people displaced by a week of violence in Zemio, near the Congolese border and where telephone lines have been cut after the city came under the control of unidentified armed men

"Zemio has been ablaze since Wednesday June 28, 2017. Help us," read his initial post on unrest which has displaced some 20,000 people, according to the UN's humanitarian affairs office OCHA.

The Zemio death toll is not clear but is believed to be at least six.

Diary

"Humanitarian workers are compelled to limit temporarily their activities in Zemio," the UN's humanitarian coordinator for the country, Najat Rochdi, said Tuesday, prompting Father Zembi to lay bare the scale of the crisis.

"There is total insecurity. People have nothing to eat, no drinking water and lack necessary medical care. Houses have been torched."

"Almost all the displaced families are without shelter. How will they manage after the crisis?" asked the priest whose posts sparked indignation among those following his Facebook diary of distress.

"The gunfire means we can't venture out to pick up bodies" still lying in the streets.

Father Zembi says holding mass in adverse circumstances was a "beautiful celebration" -- but laments how local children have been caught up in the unrest

In a post taken two days after the violence flared and accompanied by pictures of local children caught up in the unrest, Father Zembi warned that urgent aid was needed.

"Look carefully at the faces of these child victims of the war in Zemio," he wrote.

"Perhaps they will die in a few days given the situation. These faces ask you a solitary question: If they were your children, what would you do?"

On Monday, he welcomed the arrival of a UN aid team bearing "some tarpaulins and some water bottles."

Another post shows him conducting an open-air mass -- "a beautiful celebration" -- in the grounds of his church which is now a refuge, he says, for "at least 1,500 people."
A 65 year old Cocoa Farmer, Joseph Enchill has emerged overall winner of MTN Mahiti promotion. For his prize, he walks away with GHC200,000.00.

In additon to the ulitmate winner, four other monthly winners were also presented with prizes GHC20, 000 each for the first, second, third and fourth months of the promotion respectively. They are Ebenezer Ayitey Nunoo, Theodore Klu, Bernard Kudadzi and Emmanuel Mensah.

In addition to this, over 50 subscribers also won Samsung S7 and Iphone 7 phones and over GHC100,000 worth of airtime throughout the period of the promotion.

The ultimate winner, Mr Enchill, who was overjoyed said the reward from MTN Ghana was timely.

This money will greatly help with the medical care of my wife who is not well and it will also help me enlarge my cocoa farm. I will put up my own house and also cater for the welfare of my family he said.

Commenting on the promotion, Mr Asher Khan, Chief Marketing Officer at MTN said, There is always an exciting momemt for MTN customers. We truly care for our customers and we always find creative ways of helping them fufil thier dreams.

Mr Ekow Inkoom, Head of Business Promotion, National Lotteries Authority (NLA), attested to the fair, credible and transparent nature of the promotion.

From the beginning of the promo to the end, procedures were monitored to ensure free and fair results, he said.

The Mahiti promo, which was launched on 31st January, 2017 and ended on 1st June 2017 saw participants walking away with numerous prizes and souvenirs by answering questions upon subscription. MTN continues to reward its customers with exciting promotions. MTN Ghana together with Emirates Airlines recently awarded two lucky winners of the MTN Emirates Challenge with an all-expense paid trip to the United Arab Emirates.
When I was a little girl, I would pester my grandfather with the same question every time we wandered the flagstone streets of Athens Philopappou Hill on a clear evening. I would wait until we had reached the 147m peak, with the Parthenon at eye level, to ask:

Why are the stars shining so brightly from here?

Ancient Greeks were wise. They knew where to build their sacred venues, my grandfather would say, unfazed by the annoying excitement in my voice. These are places symbolising something greater than us.

Some astronomy enthusiasts believe Greeces temples were built to align the inhabited parts of Earth with the planets in the sky (Credit: Nikos Pavlakis/Alamy

In retrospect, I cant help but wonder if this beautiful explanation was inflated by my grandfathers immense pride in Greek culture. But Manolo Fernandez, a Spanish language teacher and amateur astronomy enthusiast, shares my grandfathers opinion  that the placement of Greeces temples was not random.

I first met Fernandez amid the ancient ruins of the Parthenon during a late June heat wave. Surrounded by the temples stately Doric columns, he unfurled a map of Greece. Look at the map, there, he said. The temple of Poseidon in Sounion forms an isosceles triangle with the Hephaisteion in Athens and the temple of Aphaia Athena in Aegina. Apollo in Delphi, Aphaia in Aegina and the Parthenon, the same: they all form perfect isosceles triangles!

Fernandez is sure that the triangles made by the sites reflect the movements of different celestial bodies such as the sun, moon or planets and stars in relation to the Earths surface. This theory frequently leads him to the National Observatory of Athens to attend stargazing events. Inside a domed marble building, the Doridis telescope provides visitors like Fernandez with marvellous views of the night sky. Having seen the moon, Saturn, Mars and various constellations through the telescope, he is adamant that the temples of Greeks were built to align the inhabited parts of the Earth with the planets in the sky.

The temple of Aphaia in Aegina is said to form an isosceles triangle with several other temples across Greece (Credit: Dimitrios Iatrou/Getty Images)

The idea of a triangulation of the Greek world is not new, but rather an example of sacred geography, or how religious sites were situated according to astronomy or mythology. In the 1960s, Jean Richer, a French literature professor (with a special interest in symbolism, esoteric doctrines and Greek mythology) at the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis in Nice, France, described it as a grand design bonding sacred sites with each other and the sky. He imagined Greece to be divided into 12 sectors reflecting the 12 signs of the zodiac, with the oracle shrine of Delphi as the omphalos , or navel, of the Greek mainland.

But sacred geography theories like Richers never earned proper respect from orthodox science as they could never be proven.

Lets start with Acropolis. Which temple was used as the Acropolis point for a start? The Classical Parthenon, the Archaic Parthenon, the temple of Athena Polias or the temple of Athena Nike? asked Efrosyni Boutsikas, archaeology lecturer at Englands University of Kent, who focuses on ancient Greek astronomy, mythology and religion. If we are talking about creating precise geometrical shapes like an isosceles triangle, we need accuracy of less than a metre. These temples are several metres apart so you can take your pick on choosing the one which gives you the most precise isosceles, but this does not mean that the shape would have had any significance for the Ancients.

The National Observatory of Athens offers views of the Parthenon Philopappou Hill (Credit: Vladislav Gajic/Alamy)

George Pantazis and Evangelia Lambrou, associate professors at the National Technical University of Athens, recently used rigorous geodetic methods to determine the astronomical orientation of Ancient Greek temples. The pair zeroed in on the temples of the Parthenon and Hephaisteion, two of the greatest temples of the classical era, both of which were dedicated to the goddess Athena (though Hephaisteion was also dedicated to Hephaestus).

They found an extraordinarily symmetric positioning between the temples, ensuring both had the same view towards the east. The astronomical orientation of temples has to do with the sunrise on the celebration day of the god to whom the sacred site is dedicated, Pantazis said. The sunrise must occur exactly on the central axis of the temple in order to illuminate the central statue of the worshipped god.

And there are a slew of other studies indicating that classical temples were built to align with the stars, although not at the scale Richer imagined. Still, the emergence of the field of archaeoastronomy, the study of ancient cultures astronomical knowledge and implementation, is bound to make the connection between astronomy and religion even more fascinating.

The sun would once have illuminated the central statue of worship at the temple of Apollo (Credit: Sizun Eye/Getty Images)

Tourists who roam Athens historical centre during the day make their way to the observatory come sundown to see which stars will emerge in the night sky. As I joined the queue at the entrance, I spotted a familiar man. Fernandez, the fervent stargazer, would soon be marvelling at the Milky Way, an experience I am sure left him even more bent on uniting the celestial objects above with the sacred sites on the ground.

Unable to resist, I tagged along and waited for the exact moment to ask: Why are the stars shining so brightly from here?
The Hague (AFP) - War crimes judges will rule Thursday if South Africa flouted international law by failing to arrest Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir, wanted for trial on charges of genocide in Darfur.

Legal experts widely expect that judges at the International Criminal Court will find that Pretoria, one of the founding members of the tribunal, failed to co-operate with the ICC based in The Hague.

And while the landmark decision will be aimed at sending a message to signatories of the court's founding Rome Statute that they must cooperate, many believe little concrete action will follow.

Despite two international arrest warrants issued in 2009 and 2010, Bashir remains at large and in office as conflict continues to rage in the western Sudanese region of Darfur.

In 2015, he attended an African Union summit in Johannesburg, and despite earlier consultations between ICC and South African officials then flew out of the country again unhindered.

The UN Security Council asked the ICC in 2005 to probe the crimes in Darfur, where at least 300,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million displaced since ethnic minorities took up arms against Bashir's Arab-dominated government in 2003, according to UN figures.

'Diplomatic immunity'

Pretoria's lawyers argued at an April hearing at the ICC there "was no duty under international law on South Africa to arrest" Bashir.

Pretoria had sought legal clarification from ICC judges shortly before the visit, and argued there was "nothing at all" in the UN resolution to waive his diplomatic immunity.

But ICC prosecutor Julian Nicholls shot back that South Africa "had the ability to arrest and surrender him and it chose not to do so."

In the end, the only reason Pretoria did not arrest him was that South Africa "disagreed with ... the law as set out... so it did not comply," he said.

Bashir, who has been president of Sudan since 1993, has denied all 10 charges against him, including three of genocide and two of war crimes.

And he continues to travel, with Khartoum announcing Monday he will visit Moscow for the first time in August.

The ICC does not have its own police or enforcement body and relies on other countries to arrest or surrender suspects.

And while 124 nations have signed the Rome Statute which underpins the court, it has struggled to shore up its legitimacy at times, faced last year with unprecedented withdrawals and tainted by accusations of bias for focusing too heavily on war crimes in Africa.

"The ruling is... fundamental for future compliance," Carsten Stahn, international criminal law professor at Leiden University, told AFP.

A decision against South Africa "would send an important message that states cannot negotiate (their) legal obligations with the court," he said.

'Minimal' effect

However, even if the court finds against Pretoria it has few practical sanctions to offer. And a defiant South African President Jacob Zuma has reiterated threats to pull out of the ICC.

The judges could refer the case to the court's Assembly of States Parties -- the body representing all the member nations -- or the UN Security Council for further action.

But Kaajal Ramjathan-Keogh, executive director at the Southern Africa Litigation Centre, cautioned that any effect, "looking at the ICC's history, is going to be minimal".

"Neither the ASP or the Security Council have taken any strict measures against countries that have failed to cooperate. I can't see that in this instance they will take a different approach," she said.
Minority MPs have heightened their unrelenting pressure on the government over the sale of the $2.25 billion bond in April, insisting that there were legal breaches in the transaction with Franklyn Templeton Investment.

The opposition MPs are set to file a suit at the Supreme Court this week, explaining that they seek to correct what in their view are jurisdictional breaches in the deal.

Former Deputy Attorney-General, Dominic Ayine, told Joy News Wednesday that the Supreme Court action would not have been necessary had there been transparency in the deal.

He said the Finance Minister, Kennedy Ofori-Atta missed an opportunity to put to rest their concerns about the deal when he appeared before Parliament to explain the transaction, accusing the Minister of not being candid and forthcoming with information.

Dominic Ayine is MP for Bolgatanga East

Apart from a petition to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) legislators have also filed another external petition in Luxemburg for a probe into the deal.

The Minority claims that Franklin Templeton has deep ties with an insurance firm, Enterprise Group  a company closely aligned to the private interests of the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.

Related: US Securities and Exchange Commission acts on Minority's petition over GHE2.25 bn bond

Private legal practitioner and a known affiliate of the NDC, Victor Adawudu, has also dragged the Attorney-General, Gloria Akuffo and the Bank of Ghana to court over documents covering the bonds issue.

Mr Adawudu is among other things praying the Supreme Court to direct the A-G, and the Finance Ministry to furnish him with copies of documents in respect of the bond transaction.

Related: A-G, BoG dragged to court over controversial $2.25 billion bond issue

Mr Adawudu explains his action follows the failure by Gloria Akuffo to provide the documents after he had petitioned the A-G for same in May this year.

The contentious $2.25 billion bond was auctioned in four separate bonds.

Related: $2.25bn bond saga: Minority files second external petition in Luxembourg

The first two bonds, totalling $1.13 billion, was issued at 15 and 7 years period with the same coupon of 19.75%. In addition, the Ministry of Finance raised the Cedi equivalent of $1.12 billion in 5 and 10-year bonds via a tap-in arrangement.

Shortly after the deal was closed, the Minority began fighting the process which it said lacked transparency and called for a full-scale parliamentary probe into how some persons they referred to as very close friends of the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, purchased 95% of the entire bonds issue.

Kennedy Ofori-Atta

Mr Ayine told Joy News it is critical to ascertain the extent to which his [Mr Ofori-Atta's] material and peculiar interests conflict with the performance of his duties within the jurisdiction of Ghana without recourse to external mechanisms.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | George Nyavor | [email protected]
06.07.2017 LISTEN

Accra, July 5, GNA - The Shipper Community has decried container demurrage charges classifying it as unacceptable and avoidable financial burden on industry players.

'The Shippers have decided to begin to scream loud to ignite government and stakeholders' intervention.'

The Shipper Community outlined number of issues which they classified as critical contributory factors for shippers to hold containers in the terminal longer than agreed free days and called for immediate intervention.

Mr Fred Asiedu-Dartey, Chairman of the West Africa Branch of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) led the Shipper Community to sound the loud cry at the first ICS maritime stakeholders' conference on Container Demurrage in Accra.

The ICS maritime stakeholders' conference is on the general theme: 'Container Demurrage; Its administration and impact on Ghana's Maritime Industry.

Mr Asiedu-Dartey noted that over 80 per cent of liner cargo cannot be cleared from the ports within the allowable seven days free time, which leads to an estimated US$100 million being paid in a year as demurrage.

He also blamed aspects of administrative frameworks that were not clear to the shipper community and therefore called on government and stakeholders to fix the challenges and operational lapses within the cargo handling systems to ensure that goods were cleared faster through more efficient arrangements.

Mr Carlos Ahenkorah, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry shared the concern of the shipper community on container demurrage and attributed the problem to inefficiencies in the clearance procedures, which some shippers exploit to cash in on demurrage.

He affirmed ICS's revelation that huge sum of money went into the demurrage business which could have also benefited the country and should be stopped.

Mr Ahenkorah recommended that agents should be allowed to put insurance policies against container detention to covers those that would be back after taken out.

He also emphasised on need for capacity building and challenged ICS to ensure operators in the sector to regularly update their professional skills in accordance with international standards.

Dr Kofi Mbiah, former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shipper's Authority noted that container demurrage was having dangerous impact on Ghana's maritime industry.

He noted that the shipper community was at pains to understand exactly the calculation of the seven days free time and found it ambiguous 'even holidays and weekends are included in the calculations.

'It is also unclear the commencement day whether its start as soon as vessel arrives and at what time it arrives. There is total lack of uniformity some ports begin to count immediately it arrives'.

Dr Mbiah emphasised that 80 per cent of liner cargos are unable to clear within the given period because of delay from service providers and activities of unreliable clearing agents and inconsistencies in its operations, difficulties in locating containers and also delays in the receipts of cargo documentation.

He recommended that much education for shippers on the automation of the clearance procedure.

He said there was the need to introduce a better system for tracking containers and increase the number of customs officials at the ports to reduce the hours spent on handling containers.

Mr Karl Franz, ICS Chairman explained that container demurrage was a bane to the Maritime Industry...'without shipping there will be no globalisation and therefore it helps to sustain economic growth in the country'.

He stressed that container demurrage was a huge issue not only in Ghana but all over the world as such delays affected financial issues in a country.

Ms Julie Lithgow, ISC Director at the Institute's headquarters in London said the aim of the institute was to support and encourage the next generation through teaching and mentoring.

She said the importance of maritime trading to the economic development of the world could not be under-estimated 'as countries that were able to trade fairly grew richer'.

Ms Lithgow noted that sea transportation and trade used to be the cheapest means of business, but in recent times impact of container demurrage had gradually eroded that impression.

The ICS is the professional body for all members of the commercial shipping industry including; shipbrokers, ship managers and agents, and other maritime practitioners.

GNA

By Francis Ameyibor, GNA
Accra, July 5, GNA - President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has assured Ghanaians in the Diaspora of his government's determination to provide the needed funding to enable the Electoral Commission (EC) to implement the Representation of the Peoples Amendment Law (ROPAL) in future elections.

He said to enable Ghanaians everywhere to exercise their franchise, "Government will engage the Chairperson of the EC to ensure that whatever is needed to bring the law into effect is done."

President Akufo-Addo gave the assurance when he opened the Diaspora Homecoming Summit 2017 in Accra on Wednesday.

The Summit, which is a direct initiative of the Akufo-Addo Administration, seeks to engage and harness the Diaspora community's potentials to invest in the vast opportunities and possibilities and actively participate in the transformation of Ghana.

ROPAL, a law that seeks to provide opportunity for Ghanaians living abroad to participate in general elections, was passed by Parliament 12 years ago but the EC has not been able to implement it due to inadequate resources.

President Akufo-Addo said though a group was challenging the EC in court over the implementation of the ROPAL, government would wait patiently for the outcome of the suit.

Emphasising the critical role and invaluable contributions that Ghanaian in the Diaspora played in the economy of Ghana, President Akufo-Addo said government would expand opportunities for Ghanaians living abroad to enable them to participate in national discourse and the development of the country.

He also assured the Diaspora community that government would revisit the law that prevented Ghanaians with dual citizenship from holding public offices.

President Akufo-Addo said his administration took the decision to move the Office of the Diasporan Relations from the Foreign Affairs Ministry to the seat of Government to enable it to effectively coordinate the affairs of the Ghanaian community outside the country and better engage them.

He said as government was accountable to them owing to their contribution to the economic fortunes of the country.

President Akufo-Addo said his government was developing a policy framework to enable the country to harness effectively the skills and competencies of Ghanaians living outside the country to transform the economy in line with his vision.

He said he would ensure that the Diaspora Community participated fully and benefited from the opportunities that Ghana had to offer, and appealed to all Ghanaians to assist governments to bring to reality the dream of improving the quality of life in the country and build a country beyond aid.

"Everyone in and out the country has a significant role to play to position the country on the path of progress. Our economy over the years has been dependent on the production of raw materials which cannot provide decent and sustainable jobs," he said.

President Akufo-Addo noted that the ambitious programme government had put in place would stimulate growth, create jobs, lower the cost of doing business, and make Ghana the most business friendly economy in Africa.

"We have a clear vision of where we want to take the country and we have presented a clear and detailed plan of how we will get there. We have a bright future ahead and I am certain that we will transform Ghana," he said.

GNA

By Ken Sackey, GNA
Accra, July 5, GNA - The Student Representative Council of Ghana's Premier Health Medical School, Family Health Medical School as part of their way of providing community service has organised their first free medical screening for the people of Teshie in Accra.

The free medical screening was made possible with the collaboration between SRC of Family Health Medical and the Ghana AIDS Commission.

Over 700 people including traditional rulers, from the Teshie community were screened for Malaria, Hepatitis B, HIV, Blood Sugar Level, Blood Pressure and Body Mass Index measured in addition to health education on malaria, cholera and typhoid fever.

Mrs Amanda Wumbel, the SRC President of Family Health Medical School, said the school had enjoyed a good relationship with the people of Teshie and as part of their social responsibility and a way of building a tradition of community service, they decided to organise the health screening to check their health status.

"In addition to fostering a stronger relationship between the Medical School and the community, we hope to use this event as a platform to sensitise the community on power of prevention. While Family Health Hospital is there to cater to the community's medical needs".

Dr Mokowa Blay Adu-Gyamfi, the Director-General of Ghana AIDS Commission in an address read on his behalf expressed his willingness to partner Family Health Medical School in providing an integrated health screening for the people of Teshie and its environs.

"I congratulate Family Health Medical School for coming up with this very important idea of bringing free health services to the doorsteps of the people of this community".

He said HIV was real, but said there were treatment for all and encouraged all Ghanaians to test and know their status.

He explained that the Antiretroviral treatment (ART) was effective in slowing down the progression of AIDS and in reducing HIV-related illnesses and death, adding that it was offered free in majority of the health centres and private hospitals.

"We should discredit claims that there is cure for HIV. We wish to caution Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) not to be influenced by claims and stories by some people and organizations parading as having a cure for HIV in Ghana because there is no cure".

He urged the public not to stigmatise or discriminate against persons living with HIV.

Mrs. Reeta Auguate, Ambassador of Family Health University College in an interview revealed that the purpose of the health screening was to give back to the community they had stayed with for years and also foster cordial relations between the school and the people of Teshie.

She said it was the second free health screening that Family Health Medical School was having in collaboration with the Ghana AIDS Commission, saying the first encounter was what they organised for the media practitioners at the Black Star Square in Accra.

She entreated the general public to periodically go for medical check-ups in order to know their health status.

Family Health Medical School (FHMS) is the teaching arm of Family Health Hospital. It is the First Private Medical School in Ghana and has a vision of advancing human health by encouraging distinction within an inclusive community.

The main mission of FHMS is to lead in advancing human health through innovative research, clinical care and educating the next leaders in medicine in a culture that supports critical thinking, including, diversity and innovation.

GNA
06.07.2017 LISTEN

Dormaa-Ahenkro, (B/A), July 5, GNA - Donor partners will soon withdraw their funding for immunisation exercise in the country, Ms Evelyn Bema Darkwah, the Vice President of the Brong-Ahafo Regional Chapter of the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Health has hinted.

This, she said, was because successive governments had failed to demonstrate true political will and commitment to improve on national immunisation.

Interacting with Mr Kwaku Agyemang-Manu, the Minister of Health on the sideline of a fund raising campaign to support immunisation at Dormaa-Ahenkro in the Brong-Ahafo Region, Ms Darkwah called for urgent establishment of a National Immunisation Fund.

Ms Darkwah who is the Chief Executive Officer of Human Care and Maintenance Foundation, an NGO, said the fund was needed so that the country could continue with its immunisation exercises after donors had pulled-off.

She explained child health related issues must be given the needed attention to help curb infant and child deaths.

Mr Agyemang-Manu reiterated that the government was working assiduously to establish the Fund, saying that would help the various health directorates to undertake immunisation exercises.

He added that very soon the Ministry would distribute free treated mosquito nets to households, while the aged would also be registered under the National Health Insurance Scheme.

Mr Agyemang-Manu observed that improving national immunisation was a shared and collective responsibility and therefore urged NGOs to support that cause.

Earlier, Ms Otiko Afisa Djaba, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection said 11 million children died globally annually, adding that in Ghana, five babies died out of 250 babies born every day.

She said the government was putting in place pragmatic measures to ensure drastic reduction of infant and child mortalities and also improved on the National Health Insurance Scheme well.

Ms Djaba advised parents to always send their sick children to health facilities, instead of seeking medication at herbal centres.

GNA

By Dennis Peprah, GNA
06.07.2017 LISTEN

Accra July 5, GNA - Mrs Samira Bawumia, wife of the Vice President has paid a working visit to a model school in China with a view to replicating their successes in Ghana.

The visit, which took place on the sidelines of the four-day official state visit by the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, went to the Beijing Jingyuan Primary School, one of the most prestigious schools in Beijing, the capital of China.

The school, which takes care of grooming the next generation of responsible citizens and world leaders, is focused not only on teaching the tradition and history of the Chinese people, but also imbibe in the younger generation fundamental principles of living a happy and fulfilled life.

Among other accolades, the kindergarten is widely acknowledged as one of the nation's finest and the primary school students have won the first prize for synthesis ability in Shjingshan District for many years, while the junior middle school students have won first place in the Entrance Examination to high school for six years.

The students have since gone on to famous universities.

After lengthy interactions between the staff of the school and a guided tour of the facilities, Mrs Samira Bawumia was invited to try her hands on Chinese calligraphy and she drew the first two letters in the spelling of China, C and H in Chinese calligraphy to a loud applause.

She was later presented with a traditional Chinese calligraphy scroll describing Ghana as the Golden Beach.

The scroll recounted the old friendship between Ghana and the Chinese people and the hope of strengthening the bond.

Mrs Bawumia in a brief remark promised to pass on the knowledge acquired to the appropriate authorities in Ghana in order to enable the country draw lessons from the successes of the model school.

GNA

By Ken Sackey, GNA
*Ugochukwu Ejinkeonye (Nigerian Journalist and Writer)

06.07.2017 LISTEN

When President Muhammadu Buhari announced the people he has selected to occupy some of the most strategic positions in his regime, there was understandable uproar across the country. Nigerians looked at the profile of these fellows and wondered what could have motivated their choice, what exactly in their credentials qualified them for such sensitive positions.

Ordinarily, Buhari would have simply ignored such an outcry, but he surprised Nigerians by volunteering an explanation. These, he said, were the people who had stood by him through the stressful years of his various unsuccessful attempts to become president. As he moved from one party to another in his quest to actualise his ambition, they stuck with him, undiscouraged by his growing history of failed presidential runs. So, this was the time to "reward" them for their steadfast loyalty. (These are the people now loosely referred to as Buharis "Kitchen Cabinet," or more recently, "the Cabal" in Aso Rock, whose activities Nigerians have learnt to monitor with considerable apprehension.)

Buhari's preference for cronyism which mostly celebrates mediocrity at the expense of merit and expertise (an odious, counterproductive practice that has sufficiently advertised its predictable dividend in his regime's very dismal performance in the last two years) is, however, not original. In the unmissed Olusegun Obasanjo regime, appointment into public office was celebrated as an invitation to "come and eat." And not a few in that wayward regime, and the ones that followed it, did really overeat and became horribly obese, as evidenced by their mysterious humongous accumulations!

In decently-run countries, people see appointment into public offices as sacrifice to their nation. Some, driven solely by love for country, quit high-paying jobs to take these positions whose statutorily fixed salaries compel them to undertake drastic readjustments in their lifestyles by shedding some luxuries that were easily guaranteed by their former salaries. Their country men and women celebrate them as patriots and heroes, and they leave public office with their heads held high, and their names boldly engraved in their country's Hall of Fame.

But in Nigeria, the story is different. That is why it should be understood that while for many months Nigerians waited for Buhari to announce his list of ministers, thinking he was busy carefully searching for the best hands to do the very significant and urgent reclamation job crying for attention at such a very critical period in our nation's history, the man was, no doubt, busy considering whom to "reward" with what position. When the list was eventually released, it greatly disappointed and shocked many Nigerians leaving them wondering why it took the president all those months to come up with such hope-depleting appointments. The most demoralising confirmation that little or no imaginative thinking went into the making of that list, however, was Buhari's decision to "reward" Mr. Lai Mohammed, the industrious chief propagandist of his party, with the office of the Minister of Information. Although, I had learnt very early to grossly moderate my expectations of the Buhari regime, I never in my wildest imagination expected that the president would fall so cheaply into such a brightly advertised trap.

Now, as the chief propagandist of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Mr. Mohammed worked very hard to ensure the successful execution of the APC stratagem for hoodwinking Nigerians into thinking the party had any clearly thought0ut programme for the countrys reclamation. So, I am not begrudging him his presidential reward for hard work in line with Buharis political philosophy. But why the information ministry? It is like asking the chief propagandist of a guerilla army to head the country's information ministry after it had ousted the government in power and formed its own regime. The switch is not impossible, but always very difficult to achieve. And that has remained Mr. Mohammed's problem from his first day in office. Both offices require different approaches, languages, mindsets and even postures and gestures. The minister of information has found it very difficult to achieve a crossover.

Hence, for several months after the APC gained power, Mr. Mohammed was still trapped in campaign mood  clearly ill-prepared, and pathetically battling to adjust to his new job. And so, while Nigerians demanded evidence that the regime he speaks for had the slightest preparation for the job that had fallen on its lap, Mohammed continued to launch vitriolic attacks on the now opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), an expired strategy that had served his party very profitably during the campaigns, but which was now exposing the party's abject lack of action-plan and focus. When it eventually dawned on him (after many months) that the PDP was no longer in power and that this option has become such an unbearable irritant, he quickly changed tactics and began to make fantastic and offensively unverifiable claims about the supposed exploits of the Buhari regime. That was when we began to hear that the Buhari regime had changed Nigeria for good despite the unimaginable hardship that suddenly overwhelmed Nigeria shortly after the APC assumed power which soon began to drive Nigerians to suicide and into other deadly extremities forcing several of those who had campaigned vigorously for the APC to come out to render unqualified apologies for misleading Nigerians! Or that Boko Haram which was still unleashing horror and bloodshed across the North East had been "technically defeated.

The work of an opposition propagandist does not require much imagination. In Nigeria, the PDP even made Lai Mohammed's job very easy for him by its embarrassing failure of leadership and character. So all he did was to paint the PDP in hideous colours while his party and its presidential candidate promised Nigerians juicy pies in the sky. Although, I remained skeptical after noticing that the APC was carefully avoiding every opportunity to explain how it intended to realise all those tantalising promises it was lavishly throwing at Nigerians, not a few voters, however, easily fell for their deception having already been irrecoverably seduced by the carefully erected and overwhelmingly marketed myth about Buhari's exceptional abilities and character which had gained considerable weight overtime.

But Lai Mohammed became the greatest casualty of his own strategy. It was not hard to see that even many of those who still voted for the APC had stopped taking his words to the bank long before the elections. He had become a severely damaged brand, horribly marred by the astounding untruths and half-truths his office churned out with unbelievable "bold face" and amazing regularity.

How a thinking government, one that expects to be believed and taken seriously by rational human beings, could not have seen very clearly that Mr. Mohammed had become such an image problem himself and, therefore, should not have been allowed to touch an image-making job with a fifty foot pole would continue to baffle any Nigerian with less-than average capacity to reason. Indeed, it sure speaks volumes and deepens our apprehension about the capacity of the regime managing our affairs to exercise sound judgment even on the simplest of matters.

Is there no other position with which he could have been rewarded? Is the APC in such pitiable lack of appropriate personnel to man its information ministry? Apart from obvious names like Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and Dr. Kayode Fayemi whom, most people would easily agree, should have made tremendous difference as the New Face of APC image-making, are there no other people the APC can find within its fold whose understanding of image-making goes beyond churning out revolting lies and brazenly throwing them at Nigerians? In fact, Lai Mohammed has become such a damaged brand that even when he speaks the truth today, not a few Nigerians have difficulty believing him. For a regime that has wantonly squandered the enormous goodwill that welcomed it to power and which is presently nursing an odious image of failure and disappointment at a period of the worst form of recession in our countrys history, this kind of minister of information is the worst gift it can give to and retain for itself.

Although, much of Lais lies were easily overlooked during the campaigns by those Nigerians who had already made up their minds about the PDP, it was a disaster for the APC to unduly stretch its luck by thinking that Nigerians will, in the face of worsening economic conditions, still suspend their disbelief, and allow their eyes to be turned away from APCs crying incompetence and abysmal failure with the same cheap lies they had endured during the campaigns.

As I write now on the evening of May 29, 2017 (the so-called Democracy Day), Mr. Lai Mohammed is being reported as having said earlier today, against all evidence to the contrary, that despite the dwindling revenue, the Buhari regime has been able to deliver on [its] campaign promises. Waxing more confident, he dropped the real shocker: I am happy that we are here today to prove that this government is not a government of propaganda; this is a real government that is dealing with the real people.

The next day, May 30, as I tidied this essay, Lai Mohammed was on Channels TV painting such a rosy and delicious picture of the Buhari regimes marvelous achievements, that one was left wondering whether those beautiful and sweet stories he was telling were actually happening in the same country one lived in. So disgusted, a senior journalist announced on his facebook page that thirty minutes into that repelling performance, he had to change to a Cartoon Network to save himself from hypertension. One wonders if Mr. Mohammed even believes himself each time he opens his mouth to drop those his imaginary truths and facts. One wonders how many hearts he damages after each of his disastrous performances.

In February, Mr. Mohammed declared that he has never told Nigerians a single lie and challenged those calling him a liar to provide even a single evidence to back their submission. According to him, even from his days as opposition spokesperson, he has remained always very factual [and] very objective Then he dropped the bombshell: I challenge anybody to come out and say this is one lie you told when you were spokesperson for the opposition. I challenge these people and I say, fault me on facts, and not on emotions. Can you beat that?

Now in this same interview (published in Daily Sun, February 18, 2017), Lai Mohammed also declared. Number one, Mr. President is not ill; he is not in the hospital. So, there would be no need for me to give a bulletin.

And after the Wednesday Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, Minister Lai told reporters: I can say without any hesitation that Mr. President is well, is hale and hearty. No question about thatDo you think we will be conducting our business like this if Mr. president is ill? I was in Kwara yesterday, all our ministers are busy doing their work. Mr. President is well and is absolutely not in danger.

That was Lai speaking his truth when Buhari was away in London where doctors were battling to save his life. But when the president returned to the country, he came very close to dismissing Lai as a pathetic liar. He said: I couldnt recall being so sick since I was a young man, including the military with its ups and downsBlood transfusion, going to the laboratories, and so on and so forthI couldnt recall when last I had blood transfusion, I couldnt recall honestly, I can say in my 70 years..

The problem with Mr. Mohammed is not that his first name, Lai, rhymes perfectly with Lie and he seems to derive peculiar animation from always going all out to emphasize how that might be influencing his astounding pronouncements. His real problem is the extreme insensitivity that fires his stubborn resolve to continue force-feeding raw, nauseating lies to a suffering people and expecting them to be happy and grateful to him.

The Change Begins With Me campaign, a clearly fraudulent scheme seeking to transfer to the populace the guilt and responsibility for the failed Change Agenda on whose back the APC rode to power is reportedly the brainchild of Mr. Lai Mohammed, even though there was also a controversy as to whose concept it was originally. Although, Mr. Mohammed denied Daily Independents report that the campaign gulped N3.4 billion, I am not aware that he has told Nigerians how much that wasteful, exasperating, hollow propaganda which is still running on prime time TV has cost the tax payer. I doubt if there is any sincere Nigerian who is not rankled by that campaign each time it pops up on the TV screen.

It is quite clear that offering any advice to the APC government, a regime that often carries on as if it did Nigerians a huge favour by seeking and being in power, is like singing even the most enchanting ballad to the deaf. But then, what can one do with an insufferable problem like this that hurts the populace so badly? Now, I am not by any means suggesting that Lai Mohammed should be rendered jobless. No, not at all. But it should be clear by now, even to a deaf, dumb and blind leadership, that his redeployment is long overdue. A people being grievously punished by the current impossible conditions in the country do not need any callous smooth talker coming out to regularly insult them and compound their grief by attempting to discredit their very dire experiences by seeking to persuade them that their real and excruciating situation exists only in their imagination.

Lai Mohammed was a mistake from the beginning, the kind that cannot be managed. Like that very bad tooth whose intolerable pain can only be ended by extraction. When one looks very closely at Mr. Mohammed each time he is on stage performing, it looks as if the crushing burden of the lie-lie image is even beginning to weigh down heavily on him. He would obviously welcome any news of his redeployment with great happiness. The Federal Government (whichever one) should please kindly oblige him by finding him another job. Such a kind gesture will, no doubt, bring immense relief to him and many Nigerians.

*Ugochukwu Ejinkeonye is a widely published Nigerian journalist and writer ([email protected]; twitter: @ugowrite). Several of his articles are archived on the blog: www.ugowrite.blogspot.com

Mr. Lai Mohammed, Nigeria's Minister Of Information And Culture
The Ghana Community Network Services Limited (GCNet) demonstrated its pioneering leadership position in the trade facilitation space when it won the two top most awards at the maiden Ghana Shippers Awards (GSA) held in Accra recently.

GCNet was adjudged the Trade Facilitation Company of the Year while its Executive Chairman, Dr. Nortey Omaboe took the flagship award for the night - CEO of the Year, capping 15 years of excellence in the deployment of e-applications for the efficient and paperless processing of trade and Customs transactions in the country. Among others, GCNet has distinguished itself as a key partner whose efforts in the trade facilitation and revenue mobilisation space remain unrivalled.

The GCNet/GCMS (Ghana Customs Management Systems) currently connects over 7200 players in the trade facilitation ecosystem in a day including Freight Forwarders, Shippers, Courier Companies, over 34 Ministries, Departments and Agencies, regulatory bodies including the Environmental Protection Agency, the Ghana Standards Authority, and Oil Marketing Companies, among others.

Mrs. Aba Lokko, Corporate Communications Manager, noted that GCNet continues to play a critical role collaborating with the Ministry of Trade & Industry and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to continuously deploy new services built on a culture of excellence in service delivery, innovation, integrity and professionalism. Mrs. Lokko expressed the companys gratitude to stakeholders for their partnership and support for GCNet over the past 15 years which has culminated in the numerous recognition and awards over the years.

The GCNet / GCMS single window platform has undergone significant improvements all in a bid to facilitate trade business competitiveness, and enhance revenue mobilisation. In addition to the GCMS platform, a back-end application deployed by the GCNet is the Ghana Integrated Cargo Clearance System (GICCS). For instance, in 2015 the total validated declarations was 508,554 and further increased to 549,393 in 2016, Mrs. Lokko reiterated.

She added that GCNet will continue to deploy a robust e-solutions infrastructure to support a paperless regime in the country, adding, one of such e-solutions deployed in July 2016 at no cost to the Bank of Ghana is the Letter of Commitment (LOC) module, which has raked in a total of $4.2bn within a year of deployment.

The GCNet LOC tracks exports proceeds into the country and also boosts the availability of forex in the economy. According to the Bank of Ghana, it was losing close to $3bn annually through non-repatriation of export proceeds before the LOC.

The GSA, organised by the Ghana Shippers Authority, will be an annual flagship event of the authority to recognise individuals and companies that have distinguished themselves in the growth and development of the shipping industry while recognising the key functions within the industry that promote growth and sustainability.

Delivering his keynote address, Minister of Transport, Hon. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah said government will continue with the expansion of sea and air ports to facilitate the creation of a competitive business environment.

He reiterated governments commitment to deepen trade facilitation efforts to make Ghana the preferred trading hub in Africa.

He announced that government was considering the adoption of a regulatory framework that provide a mechanism to address challenges in the space of trade facilitation and urged players in the industry to continue to leverage on technology while upgrading their systems regularly.

Mr. Ofori Asiamah praised the Ghana Shippers Authority and Globe Productions for creating a platform that celebrates the contribution of the shipping industry in Ghana.

Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Ms Benonita Bismarck assured that the authority will continue to work towards building robust and enduring infrastructure and systems that enhance the maritime environment.
06.07.2017 LISTEN

Situated in the centre of planet Earth  rotating on an axis at the heart of the Meridian and the Equator  Ghana is truly Gods own country. We have almost everything, including two of the most precious minerals known to mankind: diamonds and gold. Toss in the lush tropical and savanna belts and rivers, and one would see the great agricultural potential of the country. In addition to all this abundance, oil has been added to Ghanas prospects. Ghana is not a nation to be pitied at all.

With a seriously planned protection of the nations lush natural environment as a key consideration in development, there will be enough to sustain the population for years to come.

So why do people look up passively into the skies wishing dreams to happen by themselves from heaven? Why the loud prayers and disturbing tongues with the childish intent to eradicate poverty and acquire the good things in life, for free? Wont it be more realistic to explore this very earth to find what God  in His infinite benevolence  has endowed this wonderful country with? Isnt a bird in the hand worth two in the skies?

A book for posterity

The American novelist, Arthur Millers famous remark, The world is an oyster, but you dont crack it open on a mattress is a most appropriate introduction to the man George Yaw Owusu, the author of the new book, In Pursuit of Jubilee: A true story of the first major oil discovery in Ghana.

In an important respect, Mr Owusu needs to be applauded. How many African leaders, government officials and businessmen have shared their motivation, challenges and working experiences for posterity? Its as if, one, they have something to hide, or two, they are ashamed of their stewardship. Except for the very few in the fashion of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah  who recounted his travails from the cradle to the grave  most died burying their corpses and life experiences into the dust with them, leaving nothing for posterity to appreciate and learn from.

George Yaw Owusu

Mr Owusu was born in Ashanti New Town (Ash Town) in Kumasi in 1949. He graduated from Wesley College as a teacher in 1969, and taught in the primary school. In 1974, he left for the United States where he graduated with a degree in Agribusiness from Illinois State University. He started off at a Montgomery Ward department store in Pasadena, California. In 1988, he took a better job at ARCO Chemical Plant in Channelview, Texas, and later at Eltex another petrochemical company.

In social circles, he was once crowned the Asantefuohene of Houston. He was to move on in 1998 to join Shell Oil as an Environmental Representative.

With the visit of President J.A. Kufuor in Houston in 2000, and tasking Ghanaians there to consider companies for oil exploration in Ghana, Mr Owusu took the task at heart feeling that he was about to take the wildest ride a man could ever imagine.

Mr Owusu has a story to tell; and its not all kosher. His first setback was when he was kicked out of a deal [he] had been instrumental in helping put together by Vanco, an oil company he was expecting to make him the Country Manager in Ghana.

At another time with another company, Ennex Oil, after a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been signed with the government, a key player backed out saying, he was unwilling to spend that kind of money to drill these wells in Ghana.

Ghana strikes oil

Mr Owusus resilience is noteworthy. In a chapter, Regroup, Mr Owusu wrote, I was driven. Four letter words like quit werent in my vocabulary. I set out to give it one more shot. He was to meet one Jim Musselman and his Kosmos team and developed a business relationship.

In 2004, he prepared to move to Ghana to begin my new position as the Country Manager for EO Group/Kosmos Energy partnership. In this new role, he quipped, I was working 60 hours per week. And I loved it.

In June 2007, oil was discovered in the West Cape Three Points (WCTP) block, it was located just off the continental shelf, approximately 36 miles off the southwest coast of Ghana. President Kufour was to be told by the Kosmos team, Mr President, Ghana has oil. We have made a significant discovery of high grade, commercial quality crude oil.

The elections on December 7, 2008, was to usher in a new government. At one point, he said, 25 criminal charges were filed against him with instruction to seize his assets. Kosmos decided to sell their stake to ExxonMobil, and as Mr Owusu put it, they may have thought that if they dumped me, it might somehow soften the anger from the government and help resolve that issue.

On being cleared

When he was cleared by the U.S. government, he noted, with emotion: It was almost as if Ghana was determined to make the anonymous adage a national motto. No good deed goes unpunished  All I knew was that I loved Ghana. I was born there, raised there, educated there. I had family there. I owned land there. Ghana was in my soul. She was my roots. My familys blood was deep in her soil.

Asked if it was all worth it, he said, It took its toll on me and my family  And to all those who stood against me [who] tried to jail me  I harbour no ill will. For there is an old saying  Success is the best revenge.

Mr Owusus foundation is involved in healthcare and education in Ghana.

Email: [email protected]

Blog: www.anishaffar.org
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the leading mobile telecommunications company MTN, Mr Ebenezer Twum Asante called on up and coming entrepreneurs' not to cut conners to grow their business.

According to the MTN CEO businesses thrive base on integrity, trust and prompt service delivery. Saying do not pay bribes to get contracts and other favours to grow your firm.

Mr Twum Asante made called at the 7th Victory Business Summit and Fair held at the Victory Presbyterian Church auditorium at Adentan-Frafraha near Accra.

Speaking on the topic "Service Mission: Catalyst for Sustained Business Growth" Mr Twum Asante opined that every business should have a mission and vision. Saying going by the mission and vision with ethical leadership will blossom the business.

"As Christian business men and women we must leave by the Christian ethos in all our dealings and the lord God bless and sustained our business" he maintained.

Mr Twum Asante however, cautioned that the desire to set up businesses should not be solely on profit but how it will affect human kind positively.

Mr Prince Asare, a Legal Practitioner and Entrepreneur took participants at the summit through the 'dos and don'ts' of running Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana.

He admonished SMEs like barbering shops, hairdressing salons, road side mechanic's owners to register their business.

"You need to register your business as the law requires. This is the first step every entrepreneur should take" he added.

The Lawyer cum entrepreneur also advised business owners to pay their taxes promptly to avoid legal tassel.

"When you fail to pay your taxes and the law caught up with you, the law enforcement agencies will come after you and at that point you will have no excuse" Mr Asante reiterated.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr K. O. Adu Labi called on participants to who has Business Plans to forward it to the committee for guidance and support.

"The submissions should demonstrate clearly what the plan intends to achieve and how such a business will make a difference in the market place. Sustainability and profitability should also be in evidence" he opined.

Mr Adu Labi hinted that deadline for submissions is on the 18th July 2017. All entries will be reviewed and shortlisted for detailed consideration after which the first three in terms of responsiveness will be assisted with soft loans by Victory Presbyterian Church organizers of the summit for the roll out of the plans. He added.
The Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) has expressed worry over the Minoritys insistence that there was insider-trading and conflict of interest in the issuance of the $2.25 billion bond by government in April.

The IFS is warning the Minoritys multiplicity of petitions to foreign Securities and Exchange Commissions over the bond could spell doom for the countrys economy.

The Minority Wednesday petitioned the Securities and Exchange Commission in Luxembourg in its ongoing crusade for disclosure on the saga since April by the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta.

This comes after a similar petition was sent to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission to probe what the NDC lawmakers suspect to be riddled with underhand dealings, enabling Franklin Templeton Investments to buy a chunk of the bond.

In this new petition, the Minority wants Authorities to investigate the Luxembourg-based subsidiary of Franklin Templeton which bought the bond on behalf of its Parent Company.

Reacting to the development, the Executive Director of IFS, Prof. Newman Kusi cautioned that the Minority should be very careful in what they are doing, arguing that if a case of conflict of interest in the issuance of the bond is established all the international rating agencies are going to downgrade the country, which means that when we conduct international business we dont look at issues of probity and integrity.

I really dont understand what the Minority stands to gain because the Minister of Finance had been in parliament and at that you should ask questions if there are some information that you wanted.

You [Minority] had opportunity to question the Minister of finance, you didnt do that. So I really dont understand the benefit that the country stands to gain in pursuing this particular matter, he stated on Morning Starr.

The Finance Minister Ofori-Atta has maintained that the $2.25 billion bond issued by the government in April was done transparently without any breaches of integrity.

Responding to the Minoritys claim in an hour long address before parliament on June 7, 2017, he explicitly stated that nothing illicit or untoward occurred in the transaction noting It may be tempting to say that the apparent attempt to manufacture some form of integrity deficit in the process is generally borne of out a lack of understanding of the actual process on the part of the minority.

He added: All prospective bidders bid through their primary dealers, who in turn submitted the investors bids through the Central Securities Depository platform. The joint transaction advisers then collate these bids to build up a book on which the bonds are issued.

At no time during the book building process did the Ministry of Finance negotiate with any investor in any way, and it will indeed be quite difficult to manipulate the process when the three financial institutions are governed strictly by the Bank of Ghanas rules and regulations.

There were no breaches of integrity either on governments part or on the joint book runners part, he emphasized.
The Ashanti Region has recorded an outbreak of African swine fever in three districts, which has led to the killing of over 400 pigs between May and June this year.

According to the Veterinary Services Department of the region, the affected communities are Adjaman and Amakom in the Bosomtwe District, Hemang near Santasi in the Atwima Nwabiagya District and Tepa in the Ahafo Ano North District.

As a result of the disease outbreak, the movement, slaughtering of pigs and its products to and from the affected communities have been banned as a measure to control and curtail the spread of the swine fever which is caused by a virus that produced syndromes from acute to chronic.

African swine fever is a disease which affects only pigs and is highly contagious. It is characterised by a high fever haemorrhages and cyanosis in the skin, loss of appetite and a high mortality rate and there is no vaccine against the disease.

The disease is mainly transmitted through the movement of infected animals that show symptoms of the disease and the feeding of infected material to pigs.

The Chairman of the Pig Farmers' Association in Atwima Nwabiagya District, Augustine Naah, said the disease outbreak which also occurred last year crippled their business.

He stated that they were not compensated for the killing of their pigs as happened in previous years, where farmers were given something to start their business.

He appealed to the government to come to their aid to enable them to start over their business. Dr Effah appealed to all pig farmers, livestock traders, butchers, meat processors, shop owners and the public to co-operate with them in its efforts to control the disease.

Mr Naah called on all pig farmers in the region to report immediately the presence of any strange disease among their pigs to the nearest office of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) in their area.

The Director General of NADMO, Nana Agyemang Prempeh, was concerned about the numerous outbreaks in the country in recent times. He reiterated their commitment to helping find lasting solutions to the disease to enable farmers to go about their business.

Nana Prempeh, however, assured them of government's support to eradicate the disease and prevent further spread.

Last year, the disease hit the Ashanti Region and over 6,000 pigs were killed, something that affected the pig business and livelihood of over 21 pig farmers in the region. Officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the Ashanti Regional Director of the Veterinary Service Department have inspected some pig farms in the region to assess the situation.

By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri


OFORI Agyeman Boadu, the ex-MCE for Obuasi during the immediate-past National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, has heaped tons of praises on President Akufo-Addo.

According to him, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government's decision to employ people with disabilities to work at the various tollbooths on the major highways in the country, was spectacular.

In this regard, Mr Agyeman Boadu, who is nicknamed 'Zuba' in political circles, stated that President Akufo-Addo and his government should be commended for a positive job done.

I don't like this NPP government, headed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, but I must confess that their decision to offer employment to people with disabilities is fantastic.

I think, politics should be put aside with regards to this important issue and President Akufo-Addo and his government should be praised for this gracious decision, Zuba said on Nhyira FM.

According to him, for the president and his team to even have the idea of offering employment opportunities to people with disabilities alone ought to be highly commended and praised by all and sundry.

Zuba, who believes disability doesn't mean inability, indicated that government's decision to offer employment to people with disabilities would enable them contribute towards national growth.

The former Obuasi MCE therefore stressed the need for every citizen, irrespective of the one's physical and social conditions, to be given the opportunity to play key roles in transforming the country.

Zuba is noted for always criticizing the NPP administration; therefore, his decision to heap praises on President Akufo-Addo and his government, stunned radio listeners.

The ex-Obuasi MCE insisted that Ghana had reached a stage where praises should be given to the sitting government when it takes a good action, without political undertones.

FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi
Umar Alhassan

06.07.2017 LISTEN

A dual citizenship case filed against the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Zabzugu Constituency Umar Alhassan has been dismissed by a High Court in Accra.

The plaintiffs in the case, Nikimola Jacob Makinye and Moponyaw Godwin, wanted the court to remove Alhaji Alhassan Umar from Parliament and declare the seat vacant.

They are seeking a declaration that the defendant, who owes allegiance to a country other than Ghana, is disqualified from holding office as the Member of Parliament for Zabzugu in the Republic of Ghana.

The Member of Parliament for Zabzugu was said to have relocated to the US in 1993 but did not renounce his US citizenship before contesting the elections. He captured the seat from John Jabaah Bennam, an NPP MP.

According to the youth, Umar Alhassan held top positions in the US.

We want the relevant authorities to look into this before we get a problem like what happened in Bawku Central where a former MP, Adamu Sakande, was jailed for holding dual citizenship status before contesting to become an MP, Jacob Nikimola, one of the concerned youth told DAILY GUIDE.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Zabzugu Constituency Umar Alhassan told DAILY GUIDE that he feels vindicated.

According to him, it was a victory against tribal politics and that his opponents would have to learn because their ideas are old and people are getting fed-up.

From day one it was my opponent who had lost and lost big time so this is the second victory over John Jabaah.

He stated that he had given the people of Zabzugu freedom from the hate politics of John Jabaah in the area.

FROM Eric Kombat, Tamale


Former President Mahama

06.07.2017 LISTEN

"Poor leaders push us towards the goal.Great leaders guide us along the journey" - Simon Sinek

When we think of world leaders, what often comes to mind are honesty, communication, commitment, creativity, intuition, inspirational and approachable. When we think of our former leader John Mahama, would we use any of those characteristics to describe him? I first met Mr Mahama in Botswana in March of 2015 when he paid a three-day visit to the country at the invitation of Lt- Gen Seretse Khama Ian Khama, President of the Republic of Botswana.

I entered the Hall where he met the Ghanaian community in the country, with a mindset formed based on my perception of him.I sat quietly at the hall as Mr Mahama spoke to the Ghanaian community. To understand what real leadership embodies, one must first understand that above all, you are a leader of yourself. This must be the cornerstone of all ideologies.

The second time I met him was when he attended an Anti-Corruption Summit which was organised by the UK government.I attended the summit as one of the reps of the UN ( UNCAC). The summit offered me the opportunity to share my personal and professional views on the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan and Ghana's commitments under the UN Convention against Corruption.

I noticed that the Mahama I have taken the time to follow because of deep interest in matters concerning Ghana has grown in intellect through the development of self, has grown his consciousness to an immense height and strengthened his intuition to decipher reality.Wisdom and leadership are crucial in providing structure, the global reality is that we live in a collective reality where numerous beings and forces interplay. Africa needs leaders who can position themselves strategically to take advantage of this global reality. It is no more about mere rhetorics and slogans, but a display of supreme intellect and understanding of contemporary global dynamics.

My junior brother William Asiedu a medical officer now based in Berlin never mentioned that he had worked closely with Mr Mahama and always showed his disinterest whenever I raised issues about politics in Ghana. It was until I told him that my perception about Mahama keep on changing after he left office vis-a-vis happenings in the country today that Willie narrated how he had dealt closely with Mahama in the past at PPAG to the extent that he got his first car ( Lada) through the effort of his friend ( Mahama).

A true leader nudges you on a path of self-discovery and letting you figure out the answer to problems yourself, and does not aim to exercise control you. This is what many African leaders lack. Based on what I heard the man espouse and the path he chose after the crisis Ghana found itself between 2012 and 2014 which resulted in the transformation and successes recorded between 2015 and 2016 it will not be out of place describing the man I once despised, as a gem whose must be seen as still very relevant to the nation's developmental agenda.

Some of us held that perception based purely on ideological inclinations, we condemned some of the policies he introduced, the scrapping of the trainees' allowance etc, but a true leader speaks the truth no matter the form. Ghanaians voluntarily bestowed power upon our leaders not because we are afraid of them or need them, but because the wisdom of these leaders which has been earned over the time. Listening to my brother, I understood why the young man against all odds was able to achieve what he achieved within four years which is making some of us change our position of him.

CORE REASONS FOR THE PERCEPTION CHANGE

The problem in Ghana today is that we look at our leaders in the wrong way.When I compare the leaders in the party I am ideologically inclined to (NPP) to what I witnessed under Kufour, my conclusion is that our leaders today have become a symbol of power, wealth and supreme power.The saddest aspect of this emerging trend is that we look at them almost as gods or rulers, instead of leaders.

This is highly dangerous for society and the party. The administration is gradually losing the respect it commanded among Ghanaians and the party seems not interested in the emerging danger. It is blinded by the support it continues to enjoy in the media without extending its monitoring devices to areas beyond its jurisdiction. At our last meeting here in Botswana, some known pro-NPP expressed worries over happenings in the country

The very policies the administration condemned in opposition in opposition have become the cornerstone policies of the current administration. Botswana is today still wailing over the careless decision to leverage its mineral resources for financial support from China, a policy China introduced in East and Central Africa to tap the rich mineral resources in these regions. Dr Bawumia worked in Zimbabwe so has a fair idea about how this leveraging policy affected negatively, the economy of Zimbabwean.

To introduce the same policy in Ghana at the time our economy is making steady progress is mind boggling. The President was recently in Zambia and should have used the opportunity to find out how these reckless trade and financial arrangements shattered the economic foundation of that country. Botswana and Rwanda have proven that prudent homegrown policies can propel economies on the economy to appreciable heights.

POLICY

After listening to the Finance Minister present his government's economic policy, I saw where the country would be heading and happenings in the economy including reverses and reneging on promises have vindicated the position I took.

Countries such as Rwanda, Namibia, Rwanda etc whose economies are seeing a massive transformation, are building independent national economies, firmly structured on their resource potentials and dialogue and negotiate deals with their development partners without succumbing to their dictates. I saw that strength being displayed by Mr Mahama and he bluntly expressed that strong conviction when he met some foreign organisations when he visited Botswana.

This new administration vindicates the last administration daily per the things the tell the public. Most of the promises they made in opposition are not policies Ghana needs at this time, they are wasteful and will only stagnate development. We still have a huge deficit in terms of infrastructure and we cannot make meaningful progress without reducing that deficit.

We must have a target and consciously, work towards that than the wholesale approach adopted by the current administration. My perception about the former leader continues to change and changing faster than friends expect because of what we witnessing under the new administration. We can still tap from his leadership wisdom to help shape the destiny of our great nation.
The Hague (AFP) - War crimes judges ruled Thursday that South Africa flouted its duties to the International Criminal Court in 2015 by failing to arrest visiting Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, wanted on genocide charges.

The widely expected judgement slapped Pretoria for failing in its obligations and hindering the work of the world's only permanent war crimes tribunal, of which it is a founding member.

"The chamber concludes that by not arresting Omar al-Bashir while he was on its territory... South Africa failed to comply with the court's request for the arrest and surrender" of the Sudanese leader, said presiding judge Cuno Tarfusser.

This was "contrary" to the provisions of the court's guiding Rome Statute and prevented it from seeking to prosecute Bashir on 10 charges of war crimes, including three of genocide in Sudan's western Darfur region.

But the judges stopped short of referring the matter to the UN Security Council for further action, with Tarfusser saying "a referral would be of no consequence".

Despite two international arrest warrants issued in 2009 and 2010, Bashir remains at large and in office as conflict continues to rage in Darfur.

In June 2015, he attended an African Union summit in Johannesburg, and despite earlier consultations between ICC and South African officials then flew out of the country again unhindered.

The UN Security Council asked the ICC in 2005 to probe the crimes in Darfur, where at least 300,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million displaced since ethnic minorities took up arms against Bashir's Arab-dominated government in 2003, according to UN figures.

No diplomatic immunity

Pretoria's lawyers had argued at an April hearing at the ICC there "was no duty under international law on South Africa to arrest" Bashir, arguing there was "nothing at all" in the UN resolution to waive his diplomatic immunity.

But ICC prosecutor Julian Nicholls shot back that South Africa "had the ability to arrest and surrender him and it chose not to do so."

In the end, the only reason Pretoria did not arrest him was that South Africa "disagreed with ... the law as set out... so it did not comply," he said.

Judges agreed in Thursday's ruling that international obligations cannot "simply be put aside" if a country disagrees with them, and ruled that in this case Bashir did not enjoy immunity.

Bashir, who has been president of Sudan since 1993, has denied all the charges and continues to travel, with Khartoum announcing Monday he will visit Moscow for the first time in August. Russia announced late last year it was withdrawing its signature of the Rome Statute.

Based in The Hague, the ICC does not have its own police or enforcement body and relies on other countries to arrest or surrender suspects.

And while 124 nations have signed the Rome Statute which underpins the court, it has struggled to shore up its legitimacy at times, faced last year with unprecedented withdrawals and tainted by accusations of bias for focusing too heavily on war crimes in Africa.
06.07.2017 LISTEN

The Electoral Commission has failed to produce actual evidence of the implementation of the Representation of the Peoples Amendment Act, 2006 popularly known as ROPAA to an Accra High Court as ordered a month ago.

The Commission is now seeking to rely on two documents it tendered before the court as evidence of implementation of the law despite an earlier admission that those two documents were insufficient evidence.

Over ten years after the ROPAA law was passed which will make it possible for Ghanaians living abroad to vote in Ghanas elections, the EC, which supervises Ghanas elections has not taken steps to implement the law.

As a result, five Ghanaian residents abroad initiated a legal action against the EC, seeking to force the EC to implement the law.

They contend that failure to implement the law is a breach of their fundamental human rights which are enshrined in Articles 17(2), 42 and 33(5) of the 1992 constitution.

Among others, the plaintiffs are seeking a declaration that each of the applicants right to vote and entitlement to be registered as a voter for the purposes of public elections and referenda in light of the Act 699 and said various and legal instruments are not subject to any condition precedent aside the article 42 citizenship, age and sanity of mind criteria.

They also want a declaration that it is discriminatory for respondents, [particularly the Electoral Commission] to continue to register abroad and ensure that a category of citizens studying abroad or working in Ghanas Missions/Embassies abroad vote in public elections and referenda while living abroad to the exclusion of the applicants.

The EC submitted two documents to the courts outlining what is says were efforts being put in place to implement the law but lawyer for the plaintiffs Samson Lardy Anyenini said, the documents were insufficient and did not show in clear details what steps have been taken to execute the law.

One of the documents contained a roadmap towards the execution of the policy but fell short of giving timelines and exact plan of action to be taken.

Lawyers for the EC agreed and prayed the court to give them two more weeks to furnish the court with further and better particulars on what is being done by the election management organization in respect of implementing the ROPAA law.

When the case was called Thursday, the EC made a u-turn, seeking rather, to stick to the two documents they had tendered earlier, Joy News Joseph Ackah Blay reported.

This did not go down well with the plaintiffs lawyer as well as the Judge, Justice Anthony Yeboah who quickly asked the defendants what the EC has been doing after preparing the roadmap which it has tendered before the court.

The lawyers said a number of meetings have been held in the last two weeks in respect of the execution of ROPAA.

The judge wondered why the defendants did not even bring minutes of the meetings held by the Commission as evidence of work being done in furtherance of the implementation of the ROPAA law.

With the EC bent on relying on the two scanty documents before the court as their evidence-in-chief and a testimony of their efforts towards the execution of the ROPAA Law, the judge has also promised to rely on those two to give his ruling when the need arises.

Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah
The Embassy of Italy in Ghana has congratulated the Ghana government, Italian Oil & Gas Company, ENI, VITOL and Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) for the first oil which has been extracted well ahead of schedule from the OCTP project.

The Charge dAffaires of the Embassy, Lorenzo Pinelli, on behalf of his Ambassador Giovanni Favilli in a press release Thursday said, the OCTP project makes the bilateral relations between Ghana and Italy even stronger.

"It perfectly fits in a long trail blazed by the first Italians who arrived in Ghana (at the time known as Gold Coast) more than 100 years ago in order to build the first roads, railways and mines of this beautiful country."

He added that the two countries shared and long-standing history continues with many other infrastructural achievements, such as the construction of the Akosombo dam by Impregilo Salini and Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) by AGIP/ENI with the OCTP project, cementing a long-term partnership between Ghana, Italy, ENI, Vitol, and the GNPC.

Even more laudable is the fact that the gas from this field will be commercialised locally in order to drive and promote the development of this country and to put a definitive end to the much hated dumsor, Mr Favilli said.

According to him, "the cost of this kind of energy will be significantly economical for the people of Ghana and an added advantage for Small and Medium Enterprises as they further create a larger industrial sector capable of providing thousands of jobs every year.

Considered one of the global super-majors, ENI is currently operating in 73 countries.

Africa provides over half of ENIs total production of oil and natural gas, confirming the company as the leading international producer in the Continent.

The Italian Government owns a 30.303% golden share in ENI.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Abubakar Ibrahim
On Monday 3rd July 2017, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) named His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo the African Union Gender Champion for 2017. Subsequently at the opening ceremony of its 29th Ordinary Session, the Assembly of the African Union (AU) held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, awarded him AU Gender Champion for 2017. It is worthy to note that prior to this award, President Akufo-Addo was appointed as Chairperson of the AUs Committee on Gender and Development by the AU Chairperson.

His Excellency President Alpha Conde of Guinea, the current chairperson of the AU, said the award was given to President Akufo-Addo in recognition of his efforts in ensuring gender equality in Africa. This acknowledgement is, yet, another testimony of President Akufo-Addos commitment and determination to bridge the gender gap and engage all the forces in Africa for its advancement.

AASU would like, once again, to congratulate President Akufo-Addo for this noble achievement and encourage him to continue to be steadfast in his determination to uplift Africa from its doldrums.

We call for more efforts on the part of African leaders in integrating the continent and ensuring the free movement of people, goods and services across the continent without any hindrance.

Long live African Unity!

Ayekoo President Akufo-Addo!

Signed:

Peter Kwasi Kodjie

Secretary General-All Africa Students Union (AASU)

[email protected]/ Mobile: +233(0)242879028
06.07.2017 LISTEN

By Laudia Sawer

Tema, July 6, GNA - The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) in 2016 recorded a general growth in all aspects of its operations at the Tema and Takoradi Ports.

The Ports recorded the growth in vessel traffic, cargo traffic, transit, container traffic, GJT container deliveries, and reefer terminal container deliveries.

Mrs Esther Gyebi-Donkor, General Manager, Corporate Marketing and Public Affairs at the GPHA, disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency in Tema.

Mrs Gyebi-Donkor stated that the Ports documented 1,521 vessel calls in 2016 as against the 2015 vessel call of 1,514 representing a marginal growth of 0.46 per cent.

She said the Ports handled 13,414,784 metric tonnes of cargo in 2016 compared to the 12,145,496 metric tonnes recorded in 2015, this she said represented a growth of 10.45 per cent adding that imports grew by 8.43 per cent while exports leaped by 25.32 per cent during the period.

Total transit traffic handled in the Port in 2016 was 862,377 metric tonnes as against the 722,508 metric tonnes handled in 2015 representing a growth of 19.36 per cent.

She added that 903,277 Two Twenty-Foot (TEUs) container traffic was handled by the Port in 2016 showing a 13.70 per cent growth rate over the 2015's 794,452 TEUs handled.

Mrs Gyebi-Adjei indicated that the Golden Jubilee Terminal delivered 96,108 TEUS which was a substantial increase of 35 per cent over the 2015 figure of 71,362 TEUs

The reefer container terminal in 2016, saw 24,894 TEUs delivered, showing 132 per cent increase over the 10,702 TEUs delivered in 2015.

She added that transit terminal also delivered a total of 44,125 TEUs in 2016 representing a 59 per cent positive variance compared to the 2015 deliveries of 27,810 TEUs.

She stated that stevedoring services at the Port were being provided by GPHA and 10 private stevedoring companies adding, her outfit controls 25 per cent, while the private companies operated pre-determined quota of 75 per cent

She explained that this formed part of GPHA's Hybrid Port Management System which allowed for increased private participation with expanded role of private sector management and operations of the Port.

GNA
06.07.2017 LISTEN

By GNA Reporter

Accra, July 06, GNA - Mr Albert Antwi-Boasiako, a Cyber Security Expert with the Interpol Global Cybercrime Experts Groups, has been appointed as the Cyber Security Advisor to oversee the implementation of the National Cyber Security Policy and Strategy.

A statement signed by Mr Issah Yahaya, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Communications, and copied to the Ghana News Agency, said this was part of the measures being undertaken by the Ministry to build a comprehensive cyber security management architecture , which coordinated cyber security services, and advised government with a point of contact for cyber security incidents.

The Ministry said the technology environment of today required the urgent implementation of important cyber security activities and programmes to address Ghana's cyber security challenges and Mr Antwi-Boasiako was expected to assist the Ministry to implement the policy in this regard.

Mr Antwi-Boasiako, the Ministry said, had significant experience in cyber security and forensics.

He is currently an Expert with the Council of Europe's Global Action on Cybercrime Extended (GLACY+) Project.

Mr Antwi-Boasiako, attended the University of Trento in Italy, where he graduated with First Class Honours, before pursuing his post graduate studies at the University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom graduating with distinction, and receiving the overall post-graduate Best Student Award from the School of Computing of the University.

He worked with Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Market of DFLabs , a global cyber security firm based in Milan, Italy and is at present, a PHD Research Fellow with the University of Pretoria in South Africa.

The Minstry stated: 'Mr Antwi-Boasiako has a broad knowledge and professional experience in cyber security, particularly, with sector /Government agencies, Laws Enforcement /Security, International organisations and the private sector.

'Apart from pioneering private-sector-led cyber security and forensics best practices and initiatives in Ghana and the sub-region.

'He has provided consulting services to a number of international organisations, government agencies /departments, law enforcement /security agencies (Economic and Organized Crime Office, Financial Intelligence Centre, Criminal Investigation Department, National Security) and a number of private sector institutions.'

Mr Antwi-Boasiako has conducted cyber security related consulting and research for a number of international and local organisations, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, Commonwealth Cybercrime Initiative of the Commonwealth Secretariat , Global Commission on Internet Governance /Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House ) and the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money laundering in West Africa and the Media Foundations for West Africa.

He is currently engaged in the following teaching and research roles: 'Visiting Lecturers -Cyber crimes, Cyber terrorism and Cyber Security , Kofi Anan International Peacekeeping Training Centre.

'Adjunct lecturer -Cyber crime, Cyber terrorism and Digital Forensics at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Research Associate, African Centre for Cyber law and Cybercrime Prevention, Kampala , Uganda. Faculty Member, Ghana Police Command and Staff College, Winneba.'

The statement said Mr Antwi-Boasiako had a number of publications covering Information Technology, cybercrimes, data protection, digital forensics and cyber security to his credit.

Mr Antwi-Boasiako has also delivered presentations and papers at major local, regional and international conferences and workshops.

GNA
The Techiman Circuit Court has sentenced a 50-year-old farmer to 20 years imprisonment with hard labour for defiling, impregnating and eloping with a 13-year-old.

Father of the victim narrated that the accused approached him for accommodation and job. He agreed to offer him help.

But his guest eloped with his 13-year-old daughter about two years ago from the Western region and resettled with her in Techiman in the Brong-Ahafo Region.

The incident happened when the victim's parents were both away on errands.

A neighbour saw the accused and the then 11-year-old young girl leaving the community with their luggage and several attempts to trace the whereabouts of their daughter proved futile, the victim's father further explained.

A relative to the victim who resides in Techiman saw the accused and hinted the victim's father leading to the arrest of the accused.

The 13-year-old victim is a mother of one and is currently pregnant.

The presiding judge his Lordship Alexander Graham sentenced Kwame Kyere based on the account that he has defiled, impregnated and eloped with the victim 13-year-old victim.

His Lordship Alexander Graham used the court to appeal to the Gender Ministry to take care of the girl and her unborn baby.

The father of the girl has also appealed to the government to support him cater for the girl since she is already pregnant and is having a child with the accused.
President Nana Akufo-Addo says Ghana will start operation Find oil in the Voltarian Basin' in the next 18 months will see more exploration activities to discover hydrocarbons in the basin.

This he said will be a game changer in Ghanaians fortunes as it moves to become a petroleum hub in West Africa.

The basin accounts for more than 40 percent of Ghanas land mass stretches from the Eastern, Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Northern and Volta regions.

Speaking at the launch of the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah, the President said he is excited at the prospect of a fourth exploration site hoping it will happen under his presidency.

The Acting CEO of Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, Dr Kofi Koduah Sarpong, confirmed that a geochemistry technique has successfully been deployed in Senegal to be tested before a full-scale work is embarked on fully as a way of cutting cost on the project.

He said there is more potential top produce more gas from the Sankofa fields, which will lead to a cheaper price for the product.

Dr Sarpong believes this will consequently translate to cheaper electricity and set the stage for the production of petrol chemical industry in the country.

According to him, GNPC has positioned itself to go into the production of fertilisers, ethanol and other products once more petro chemical s are produce and inviting private investors to join hands.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
The Asokwa Police have requested the authorities of the Nana Afua Serwaa Kobi Ampem Nursing Training School to conduct a census of all students on campus.

They believe there is a possibility that some students may be trapped under the bus which claimed a life after it fell into a valley on the Kuntenase-Abono road on Monday.

The tragedy happened when the nursing students were returning from a trip to the Lake Bosomtwe. Many students were injured and taken to the hospital at Kuntenase.

The administrator of the school said that some of the students were discharged immediately after treatment while others were admitted to the hospital.

There was no head injury or scalp fracture, he said and added that there was no need to panic as many wounds the victim sustained were minor.

He also added that a lot of them are in stable condition.

According to the Police Superintendent, James Annor, we are yet to get a definite number to be able to know whether someone is trapped or not.

He started lifting the bus to find the trapped people from the valley is a challenge.

Once the bus has not been lifted, we will still have that suspicion the superintendent added.

The head-count, he suggested, will give them the assurance they need as to whether someone is trapped or not.

However, he said the police will continue to do their job and make sure that the bus is lifted.

Story by Ghana | myjoyonline.com | Nasiba Yakubu | [Intern] | [email protected]
The Hague (AFP) - War crimes judges ruled Thursday that South Africa flouted its duties to the International Criminal Court in 2015 by failing to arrest visiting Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, wanted on genocide charges.

The widely expected judgement slapped Pretoria for hindering the work of the world's only permanent war crimes tribunal, of which it is a founding member. But judges also had harsh words for the UN Security Council for years of inaction in the Bashir case.

"The chamber concludes that by not arresting Omar al-Bashir while he was on its territory... South Africa failed to comply with the court's request for the arrest and surrender" of the Sudanese leader, said presiding judge Cuno Tarfusser.

This was "contrary" to the court's guiding Rome Statute and prevented it from prosecuting Bashir on 10 charges of war crimes, including three of genocide in Sudan's western Darfur region.

But the judges stopped short of referring the matter to the UN Security Council, with Tarfusser saying such a move would be "effectively futile" since the council had failed to act in six previous referrals over the Bashir case.

Despite two international arrest warrants issued in 2009 and 2010, Bashir remains in office as conflict rages in Darfur.

'No immunity'

In June 2015, Bashir attended an African Union summit in Johannesburg, and despite frantic consultations between ICC and South African officials later flew out of the country unimpeded.

The Darfur town of Golo was recently captured by Sudanese government forces. At least 300,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million displaced since ethnic minorities took up arms against Bashir's government in 2003, according to UN figures

The Security Council asked the ICC in 2005 to probe the crimes in Darfur, where at least 300,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million displaced since ethnic minorities took up arms against Bashir's Arab-dominated government in 2003, according to UN figures.

Pretoria's lawyers had argued at an April ICC hearing there "was no duty under international law on South Africa to arrest" Bashir.

But the judges ruled international obligations cannot "simply be put aside" if a country disagrees with them, and said in this case Bashir did not enjoy immunity.

"South Africa was under the duty to arrest Omar Al-Bashir and surrender him to the court while he was on South African territory in June 2015," they ruled.

South Africa's ambassador to the Netherlands, Bruce Koloane, told AFP legal experts would study the decision to see if "it's worthwhile for government to contest that through an appeal process or not."

But South Africa's opposition Democratic Alliance party said the ruling was "an indictment on the ANC-led government" which was "intent on relegating South Africa to the status of a scumbag nation which protects the law-breakers and corruptors of this world. "

Referral 'futile'

Bashir, who has been president of Sudan since 1993, has denied all the charges and continues to travel. Khartoum announced Monday he will visit Moscow for the first time in August.

The judges had harsh words for the UN Security Council which has shied away from taking any action against states who have hosted Bashir.

"The past 24 meetings of the Security Council" had failed to take any measures "against state parties that have failed to comply with their obligations," said Tarfusser.

This was "regrettable," he said, and "renders any referral to the Security Council effectively futile."

He insisted however the ruling had removed "any possible ambiguity concerning South Africa's obligations."

Based in The Hague, the ICC does not have its own police and relies on countries to arrest or surrender suspects.

And while 124 nations have signed its Rome Statute, the court has struggled to shore up its legitimacy, faced last year with unprecedented withdrawals.

Darfur victim Yousif Ibrahim Fasher told AFP he was happy as people had been awaiting "a tangible result for a long time from the ICC to arrest" Bashir.

Rights groups agreed the ruling sent a warning to other nations.

It was "a victory for international justice" and an important step "in tackling impunity," said Arnold Tsunga, Africa regional director for the International Commission of Jurists.

Amnesty International's Netsanet Belay added it was "shocking that other states parties such as Jordan are also failing in their obligations to arrest Bashir ... in flagrant violation of international law".
A former deputy Attorney General and Minster of Justice Dr. Dominic Ayine has poopooed warnings by the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) that the minoritys insistence of insider-trading and conflict of interest in the issuance of the $2.25 billion bond could spell doom for the countrys economy.

The Minority Wednesday petitioned the Securities and Exchange Commission in Luxembourg in its ongoing crusade for disclosure on the saga since April by the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta.

This was after a similar petition to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission to probe what the NDC lawmakers suspect to be riddled with underhand dealings, enabling Franklin Templeton Investments to buy a chunk of the bond.

In this new petition, the Minority wants Authorities to investigate the Luxembourg-based subsidiary of Franklin Templeton which bought the bond on behalf of its Parent Company.

And the multiplicity of the petitions bemoaned the Executive Director of IFS Prof. Newman Kusi has the potential of injuring the countrys ability to lure investors.

The minority should be very careful in what they are doing cautioned Prof. Kusi arguing that if a case of conflict of interest in the issuance of the bond is established all the international rating agencies are going to downgrade the country, which means that when we conduct international business we dont look at issues of probity and integrity.

I really dont understand what the minority stands to gain, he told Morning Starr host Francis Abban.

Reacting to the IFS boss, Dr. Ayine said the minority is not prepared to sacrifice principles which govern issuance of such bonds on the altar of investor confidence.

He said the petitions to the US and Luxembourg Securities and Exchange Commission will rather promote confidence of investors in the Ghanaian economy

I will really be very sad if that happens. But of course the public policy and public law principles governing the issuance of the bond should not also be sacrificed on the altar of investor confidence, he told Francis Abban. Should we be doing things that end-run the basic principles of our constitution in order that investors will have confidence in the economy.

He added: On the contrary if we engage in matters that do not augur well for transparency and accountability that is when investors will rather shy away from us. But if investors know that there are citizens here who are fighting for transparency and disclosure and that our government is cooperative, that is when they will have more confidence in the economy.
Kinshasa (AFP) - A military court in DR Congo on Thursday handed stiff jail terms, including life imprisonment, to eight soldiers for killing civilians in the violence-wracked central Kasai region following mounting pressure from the UN.

In less than a year, brutal violence in four central Kasai provinces has claimed more than 3,300 lives, according to a tally by the influential Roman Catholic Church, and displaced 1.3 million people.

The UN children's agency said more than 600,000 of the displaced are children.

A military court in Mbuji-Mayi acquitted one soldier but sentenced two others to 20 years in jail. Three soldiers got 15-year terms and one got a year in prison.

Two absconding soldiers were served life terms.

The violence erupted last September after the death in clashes of a tribal chieftain, known as the Kamwina Nsapu, who rebelled against the authority of President Joseph Kabila's regime in Kinshasa and its local representatives because he was not recognised by the local governor.

The killing sparked violence that has escalated, including gross violations of human rights such as extrajudicial killings, rapes, mutilations, torture and the use of child soldiers, according to rights groups and the United Nations.

The soldiers who got 15- and 20-year terms and life were sentenced for "murder".

The men were on trial for war crimes and other offences -- including murder, mutilation and cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment -- after a video surfaced that was purportedly shot in the Kasai village of Mwanza Lomba and showed uniformed men opening fire on civilians and then walking among at least 20 bodies.

The military court however dropped the war crimes charges.

Late last month, the UN Human Rights Council decided to send a team of international experts to help probe the violence.

However, the resolution specified that they should pass on conclusions to authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, while "perpetrators of deplorable crimes" should be accountable to the national judiciary.
06.07.2017 LISTEN

At a time when the nation was a bundle of furious judgment, heaven was a bundle of generous mercy over a crime in Denkyira-Obuasi.

One man, Francis Yeji who is also a pastor at Fountain Gate Chapel, was plucked out of his comfort zone to go to the town of 4,000, the most condemned spot of Ghanaian earth in recent times.

In an article obtained by myjoyonline.com, the man who works with the Ghana Health Service testifies to a vision he had days after the May 29 tragedy.

"In a vision, God showed me the town of Denkyira Obuasi (a place I had never been to) and asked me questions about the incident that happened there weeks ago. I could answer some of the questions but others I couldnt answer."

"The first question was whether I had heard of the evil act of murder and condemned it, which I answered in the affirmative. Several questions followed in the discourse. But importantly also, in the vision, God said He was merciful and loved the people of Denkyira Obuasi, including those who committed the gruesome killing of the innocent man."

"God has always and would show the people mercy and heal the land if they seek His face in fasting and prayer (2Chronic 7:14)."

The experience was unsettling for him because God apparently is not just a story-teller but an assignment-giver who impressed on the public servant to go there.

Francis explained he sold the idea to other pastors hoping to buy their interest in this expedition. They were not interested. They were too angry to be interested or to cold to feel love when apathy was easy.

"I spoke to a few pastors/reverend ministers about the vision and asked them to accompany me but none wanted to hear the name Denkyira-Obuasi".

"They didn't think this was the plan of God, and that even if God actually spoke, it couldnt be immediately, at a time the security agencies were still arresting suspects in the case".

"Some suggested prayer to be made for the people from Accra or other places, and then go to the town much later ( in about 4-5 months time) but not to go there any time soon"

Arrival

"We arrived in Denkyira Obuasi at about 5:30pm not knowing who to talk to. But eventually God brought the people we had to meet, and we delivered the message from God. They were moved to tears, warmly received the message. I first met with the leaders of the Presbyterian Church and the Roman Catholic Catchiest (who gave us a room in his house to stay)"

"The leaders of the two churches then relayed the message to the local council of churches, the Paramount Chief, leaders and people of the town. A date for fasting and prayer was agreed on immediately and communicated to me. Instead of a day they decided to embark on a three (3) day fasting and prayer (from Thursday June 29 to Saturday July 1, 2017).

They met to pray twice daily; from 8am to 12 Noon, and 1pm to 5pm.

We joined them on Friday (30/06/2017) and climaxed the program on Saturday. The program was very successful, as about a thousand people (old and young), including the chief and elders, participated. On the last day, Saturday evening, I led the people in prayer of repentance; they were divided into five groups, and as we prayed, we walked within and around the town.

We want to be called New Obuasi - Residents rename town

Upon returning to the central meeting ground, the Paramount Chief led the people in prayer, asking for Gods mercy and to heal the land of evil. And, indeed, God heard their prayer, as one could see the people revitalized and energized by God and the life of the town returned.

The name of the town (New Obuasi) which has been shelved for long was announced and declared. the declaration included that the town should no longer be called Denkyira Obuasi but its old name New Obuasi. Joy has returned to the town and people are going about their normal business.

My visit to the town on two occasions allowed me to interact and live with ordinary people in the area; and they are nice and hospitable as typical of us all as Ghanaians. A few evil persons have committed a barbaric act which has brought a dark cloud over the town. But that has now been removed by Gods mercy.

On our part as fellow Ghanaians, this could have happened anywhere in Ghana, and similar incidents have actually been committed in several other places at different times. As the law deals with the culprits, let us support the call for a nationwide crusade against Mob Injustice through rigorous education, sensitization, advocacy etc.

We have begun the crusade in Denkyira-Obuasi and intend to take it to the rest of the nation. Join the movement and lets effect the change.

Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com|Edwin Appiah|[email protected]
Cocoa farmers have hailed the decision by the government to subsidize fertilizer stressing that it will help in ensuring that they get the right quality and quantity for their businesses.

They said the previous policy by the former administration to provide fertilizer free of charge, did not help them since many farmers did not get the right quantities needed.

It followed an announcement by Chief Executive of COCOBOD, Joseph Boahen Aidoo to the effect that, the government has, as part of strategies to increase cocoa yield, decided to subsidize fertilizer supply and also embark on a mass cocoa spraying exercise for the 2017/2018 crop season.

Mr. Boahen Aidoo made the announcement at a meeting of Regional and District Farmers in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region Thursday, July 6, 2017,

Almost 50% of our colleagues were not receiving the fertilizers because they were being diverted to other areas, an excited farmer stated.

The meeting was to discuss issues of subsidy on fertilizers and the fall in the price of cocoa.

COCOBODs challenges

Meanwhile, National Chief Cocoa Farmer, Alhaji Alhassan Bukari has advised cocoa farmers to take keen interest in activities of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and be better informed instead of relying on what politicians tell them.

A recent announcement by Chief Executive of COCOBOD, Joseph Boahen Aidoo said that government has decided not to increase producer price for cocoa for 2017/2018 crop season, took a political twist when the Minority group in Parliament, issued a statement describing the move as insensitive.

COCOBOD in a response, however, explained that the decision was reached by the Producer Price Review Committee following the sharp fall in the world market price of the produce to a 10-year low.

Current average cocoa prices reflect a drop of around 30 percent compared to mid-2016.

But COCOBOD stated in a statement: The producer price of Gh7,600.00 per tonne of cocoa announced at the beginning of the 2016/2017 crop season has not, and will not be reviewed downwards as being speculated, despite the fall in the world price of cocoa from overUS$3,122 per tonne in June, 2016 to as low as US$1,900 in June, 2017.

File photo: A group of cocoa farmers

Chief Farmer, Alhaji Bukari said they as farmers, understand the challenges facing COCOBOD making it difficult for it to increase the producer price.

Alhaji Bukari, therefore, called on the farmers to rally behind COCOBOD for it to continue to provide the needed support to boost cultivation of the cash crop.

The main objective of Ghana Cocoa Board is to encourage the production, processing and marketing of cocoa, coffee and sheanut.

He said as farmers, they will continue to support the government irrespective of the political party in charge, but would not allow partisan politics to be introduced into their activities.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Jerry Tsatro Mordy | Email: [email protected], Twitter: @jerrymordy
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reiterated the commitment of his government to the exploration and discovery of oil in commercial quantities onshore, specifically in the Voltaian Basin.

According to President Akufo-Addo, 17 years ago, during the presidential campaign of then candidate John Agyekum Kufuor, he gave a solemn pledge to the people of Takoradi, in the Western Region, that, if elected, his government will concentrate attention to discovering oil in commercial quantities.

I believe God will be on our side once again under another NPP administration to strike more oil and gas. President J A Kufuor made it happen off shore. The focus now is also to explore opportunities on shore. That is why my government is committed to intensifying efforts towards the discovery of oil and gas on shore in the Voltaian Basin, he said.

President stated that the commitment of the national oil company, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), to find oil and gas in the Voltaian Basin, is reassuring, and was delighted about this bold step.

My government is totally committed to giving Dr K K Sarpong and his team all the support they need to make this happen. I have been briefed that all the necessary preparatory work has been done to commence initial seismic survey. Approval for the award of the contract for the seismic survey will be given soon, he said.

President Akufo-Addo made this known on Thursday, July 6, 2017, after turning on the valves on the FPSO John Agyekum Kufuor to signal the formal production of oil in commercial quantities from the Sankofa oil and gas fields.

Gov't outlines oil objectives

With the oil industry increasingly becoming an important contributor to the country's economy, President Akufo-Addo indicated that the efficient management of petroleum resources and its associated revenues is a national priority.

By judiciously managing the country's petroleum resource, he assured that government will ensure the welfare of its people, promote employment, improve the environment, and strengthen trade and industrial development in the country.

In accordance with the NPP's 2016 Manifesto, President Akufo-Addo stressed that his government will ensure that the petroleum sector remains a significant contributor to financing nationwide industrial development, and thus generating resources that can be used for rapid development of national infrastructure, increasing agricultural productivity, accelerating job creation and for enabling a paradigm shift in the structure of the economy towards increased industrial value-added production.

Additionally, government, he stated, is laying the basis for continued development of the petroleum sector, by ensuring that our petroleum industry remains an attractive area for investment; and promoting linkages of the petroleum sector with other sectors of the economy, and avoiding the curse of the sector remaining an enclave.

Improving transparency in the management of the country's oil and gas resources and strengthening the Public Interest Accountability Committee (PIAC) to enhance further transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector, he added, is of the utmost importance to his government.

Government, he added, is developing, in collaboration with the private sector, the Western Region into a regional oil services hub with a first class port facility; and is aggressively investing in education and skills enhancement of Ghanaians to manage the sector through the Accelerated Oil & Gas Capacity Development Programme.

The accomplishment of these policy objectives, President Akufo-Addo added, will help us fulfill our vision for the energy sector to become a modern, diversified, efficient, and financially sustainable 'Energy Economy' that will ensure that all Ghanaian homes and industries have access to adequate, reliable, affordable and environmentally-sustainable supply of energy, to meet their needs and to support the accelerated growth and development we all desire for the country.

-Starrfmonline
The friction between Iran and Saudi Arabia is the summation of the pressing issues in the Middle East, all things being equal. This dispute traces its root from the Sunni vs. Shiite ancient war that has existed to date. Iran vs. Saudi Arabia war has created all these sectarian wars in the Muslim populated countries. From Yemen, Qatar to Al Qaeda, Isis, Hezbollah, Muslim Brotherhood, etc., Iran and Saudi Arabia plays a vital role in these ongoing conflicts in the region.

To end this conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia, think of how to approach the Sunni and Shiite issue. Again, think of fixing Saudi Arabia and Iran diplomatically. If the friction between Iran and Saudi Arabia is resolved, there will be no or less conflict in the Muslim world, all things being equal. Iran and Saudi Arabia has come to stay so you can not do away with them. They must be involved to fix the problem.

It is so wrong to take a position between Saudi Arabia and Iran if you want to fix the problem diplomatically. This is why I disagree with the Trump administration because they seem to lean towards the Sunnis world (Saudi Arabia and others) more than the Shiite world (Iran and others.) It is a dangerous position that America is taking currently. It will rather spark the sectarian war more than we see now.

Russia role in the Middle East is not clear as well. When you see Saudi Arabia and allies criticizing Russia and Iran seems to lean towards Russia, it makes sense to assume Moscow is taking a position which is not a holistic one. I see no difference between Russia role in the Middle East and that of America. One sided approach.

Turkey is still looking for ways to restore the Ottoman Empire glory. Yesterday they were against Syria and appeared working with Saudi Arabia. Today they are in Qatar against Saudi Arabia and on the side of Iran. Turkey strategically has no definitive role in the Middle East. Erdogan Turkey is one of the confused countries in the world today.

The entire European countries can not take any step which is distinct from that of the United States. They are just following the United States when it comes to international politics. Europe follows America, all things being equal.

At the meantime, China is approaching the Middle East and the rest of the world in the business environment. I am yet to see a country in the Middle East that opposes China. Personally, I think if the Crisis in the Middle East can be solved diplomatically, the Chinese have shown to the world as the middle man who can address this problem.

The single approach to the Muslim world can not fix their problem. Russia, USA, Europeans are not setting a good pace to deal with the issue of the Middle East. China is yet to prove to the world that they can mediate effectively.

I am just observing!
06.07.2017 LISTEN

Kumasi, July 06, GNA - A Mango Fruit Factory being built at Mentukwa in the Offinso North District to give jobs to the people and boost the local economy is nearing completion.

It is a joint venture between the Kwame Nkrumah of Science and Technology (KNUST), the community, the mango farmers association and Knights Group, an NGO, and would be processing mangoes into fruit juice, syrup and other products.

Professor Richard Akromah, Provost of the University's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, said a team of engineers from the Czech Republic would be arriving in the country this month to install and test run the production plant.

They would additionally train food and beverage engineers - the core staff to run the factory.

He broke the news at the 51st congregation of the University in Kumasi.

He indicated that the factory would create ready market for farmers and tremendously boost mango production.

Prof Akromah said he was confident that 'it will become the country's first factory to be inaugurated under the one district, one factory programme'.

A total of 606 students, made up of 402 males and 204 females, graduated and were awarded Bachelor of Science degrees. Fifty-eight (58) of them had first class honours.

Prof Akromah outlined plans by the College to expand its 25 acre-land at the Anwomaso Research Station to enhance practical training programmes for students.

He also touched on the significant progress it was making in its 'edible palm larvae project'.

It is a partnership with ASPIRE Food Group in Canada to produce the larvae, locally known as 'akokono', a delicacy for many, on large scale for commercial purposes to generate revenue for the College.

Prof Akromah said the Group was working with the Food and Science Department of the KNUST on the preparation of pastries and other dishes that would contain the larvae as a component.

Mr. Osei Asafo-Adjei, Chief Executive of the Royal Bank, advised the fresh graduates to adopt positive work attitudes - hard working, punctual and diligent in any assigned task.

He also encouraged them to constantly upgrade themselves to efficiently perform.

GNA

By Stephen Asante/Florence Afriyie Mensah, GNA
06.07.2017 LISTEN

Sunyani, July 6, GNA - The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Thursday reiterated that it is a serious offence for a tax payer to cause harm to customs revenue collectors.

Offenders, according to section 87 of the Revenue Administration Act 2016, (Act 915) are liable to a jail term of not less than 20 years.

Customs Revenue Officer (CRO) Samuel Foli of the Sunyani Collection made these known and advised tax payers to cooperate with revenue collectors and pay their taxes to avoid sanctions.

He was speaking at a tax education forum, on the theme 'honouring tax obligations is a sign of good citizenship' in Sunyani.

It was organised by the Sunyani Collection for traders, businessmen and women, customs officers and security agencies.

CRO Foli explained that the Revenue Administration Act 2016 (Act 915) mandated revenue collectors to visit homes and work places to search persons when the Collection suspected any foul means in relation to tax.

But, he was quick to add that tax payers or suspects also had the right to request for the Identification Card of the custom officer.

Senior Revenue Officer (SRO) Evans Amenu of the Collection, advised prospective vehicle buyers to visit the collection to check the validity and authenticity of vehicles before payment.

He warned that any vehicle which had no genuine documents would be impounded and culprits would also be prosecuted.

Assistant Commissioner of Customs Seidu Yakubu, the Sector Commander of the Sunyani Collection, said the forum was necessary to sensitise tax payers on certain Acts of the Division.

This, he said, would enable tax payers to understand certain custom laws and encourage them to pay their taxes for the country to generate enough financial resources needed for national development.

The participants were taken through highlights of the Revenue Administration Act, Act 891, offences and sanctions, Temporary Vehicle Importation (TVI), detention and seizures, auction of goods and valuation of imported goods and vehicles.

GNA

By Dennis Peprah, GNA
06.07.2017 LISTEN

Accra, July 6, GNA - Ms Josephine Nkrumah, the Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education, has called on Ghanaian in the Diaspora not to follow negative attitudes of some workers but help rebuild the country's identity.

She urged them to stick to the right thing and not indulge in the so call 'normal negative practices' before services were rendered, which affected productivity and retarded development.

Ms Nkrumah said this on Thursday at the second day of the Ghana Diaspora Home coming Summit in Accra, which started from July 5th to 8th.

She said working ethics among Ghanaians especially in the public sector was low due to bribe, corruption, lack of time consciousness, bureaucracy, and poor supervision which were seen as acceptable practices in the country.

Ms Nkrumah noted that most public sector workers thrive in the inefficiency of the system such as inadequate resources, logistics and lack of capacity building as an excuse for low productivity, instead of being innovative to be competitive.

She said in the private sector, there was strict supervision, result oriented environment with targets and deadlines set for the company especially in the big companies and the multinational organisations.

'It is our expectation that Ghanaians in the Diaspora will not conform to these negative attitudes but be part of a change and make a positive influence in the system for total transformation,' she added.

She urged them to report any wrong doings to the appropriate authorities and always strive for fair transparent services, for that would be the first step in bringing a change to these 'negative glorified values' in the country.

Mrs Ellen Hagan, the Managing Director of L'aine, a Human Resource Management Firm, expressed concern about the spate of unemployment in the country, saying the issue was not peculiar to Ghana but other countries as well.

She indicated that, according to the Ghana Statistical Service, about 1.5 million Ghanaians were jobless, while over 80 tertiary institutions graduated over thousands of Ghanaians, describing the phenomenon as 'Crisis in the World of Work'.

Mrs Hagan urged people in the Diaspora to do thorough research about the country's economy and abreast themselves with the labour laws and re-orient themselves with the market to manage expectations.

She called for mentorship, internship and the need to be an entrepreneur and be self-employed and as a means to reduce the unemployment gap in the system.

Mr George Asomaning, Founder of Direct Expatriate Nationals Investment Concept, said the concept was designed as investment vehicles for the country, because the Diaspora was seen as greatest offset asset.

He posited that not every Diasporan was an entrepreneur but every Diasporan was an investor and that the idea was to pool expatriate remittances together to create wealth and impacts it positively to society.

GNA

By Kodjo Adams, GNA
06.07.2017 LISTEN

Accra, July 6, GNA - Mr Chris Addy-Nayo, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Buem Constituency, has called for reforms in the Party to strengthen its Institutions and Social Democratic principles and policies.

Chris Addy-Nayo was speaking at a meeting with the NDC Nkwanta North Constituency Members and sympathisers at Kpassa in the Volta Region.

The meeting was held towards rebuilding the Party in the Volta Region and across the country to provide an effective opposition first and foremost and a strong foundation for policy reforms towards the needs of the people.

The meeting was in response to the Kwesi Botchwey report following the defeat of the party at the 2016 election.

One of the main recommendations was for the Party to restore its capacity and effectiveness at the various organs especially at the branch level, which connects directly to the people.

In an effort to rebuild a stronger Party to be able to meet the current challenges, the NDC is embarking on a soul-searching effort to rebuild itself towards winning the trust of the electorate.

Mr Addy-Nayo reiterated the importance of restructuring the Party in the Region and beyond to address the policy weaknesses and reasons which led to one of its biggest loss of votes in the Region.

He said the withdrawal of teacher trainee and nurses allowances among others affected the electoral fortunes of the Party.

'A policy which hit hard the region because of the number of trainee teachers and nurses from the region,' he stressed.

GNA

By Morkporkpor Anku, GNA
Veteran journalist Kweku Baako says the fight against corruption under the 4th Republic remains unimpressive because of the weak-willed governments.

In a lecture replete with examples, Kweku Baako picked out the failure of government to prosecute public officers found culpable of financial malfeasance by the Auditor-Generals report on public accounts.

The Editor-in-chief of the New Crusading Guide newspaper expressed his disappointment when he took his turn as the main speaker at the 13th Kronti ne Akwamu lecture organised by the Ghana Center for Democratic Development.

Speaking on the topic "the search for accountable government under the 4th republic", pointed out 23 positive developments and 19 defects under Ghana's 25 years of democracy.

Photo: Audience at the lecture held at the Kofi Annan Centre Of Excellence In ICT in Accra.

Dwelling on a defect, Baako said the culture of impunity, corruption and official graft under five presidents leaves much to be desired.

He revealed, it has taken three years for one case to be filed at the Financial courts set up to prosecute corrupt public officers.

Background

Embedded in the Financial Administration Act 654 of 2003, is a provision requiring the setting up of financial administration courts.

The Act prescribes a panel of judges included a Justice of the High Court as chairperson, a Chartered Accountant or a professional valuer as member

The panel according to Section 67 of the Act is charged with the power to enforce the recommendations of the Public Accounts Committee on the Auditor Generals Reports.

The reports chronicling the sins of public and civil servants has been gathering dust over the years.

Parliament's Public Accounts Committee usually questions officials named in the report and after huffing and puffing, little is done to punish officials engaged in mismanagement and corruption.

Photo: T he Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Ghana's parliament

Although the law was passed it was difficult to set up the court because the judiciary and parliament clashed over the provision requiring a non-judge to sit in judgement over public officers.

For more than 10 years, the financial courts could not be set up as public officers got away with financial malfeasance.

The Chief Justice Georgina Wood however moved to set up five courts in March 2014 - two in Accra and one each in Kumasi, Sekondi and Tamale.

A year later, Parliament amended Section 3 of Act 760 of the Financial Administration (Amendment) Act, 2008 (Act 760) to repeal the panel system with required a Chartered Accountant or a professional valuer as judges.

There was now going to be a Single Judge System.

Ignorance in Parliament

But all these developments appeared not to have been known to some MPs, Kweku Baako revealed.

He said it had to take the Chief Justice to remind some MPs that the courts were fully functional and ready to take cases.

Photo: Georgina Wood

"The parliamentarians were arguing that the court has not been set up. When the Chief Justice told them the court had been set up, they told her you have not set up the kind of court the Act said you should set up"

"The then Chief Justice says, no I have done it the right way. Double checking showed that, that particular Act had been amended. But parliamentarians appeared not to know they had amended the Act. Incredible"

The PAC after public hearings on the Auditor-General report can forward instances of malfeasance to the Attorney-General who will bring the case to the court for prosecution.

Kweku Baako revealed that his checks show that the single case in three years is one involving the Auditor-General and Africa Automobile.

There are hundreds of cases that ought to be flooding the courts, he said, lamenting the slow pace of work in recovering stolen funds and punishing corrupt public officials.

Listen to extensive recording of Kweku Baako's lecture

Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com|Edwin Appiah|[email protected]
A non-governmental organisation, Elizabeth Foundation has given scholarships to some orphans in Abuja. The foundation also runs Weekly School in IDP Camp to educate enterprising Nigerians, especially the youths.

Speaking on the occasion, the Founder of the Foundation, Mrs Adelani said the Foundation is ready to do everything possible towards assisting orphans to go back to school and also to remain in school.

"This gesture is in line with the Foundation's undying commitment to ensuring affordability of qualitative education for less privileged students in institutions and we are always ready to commit hard-earned resources towards achieving this feet," she said.

That is why at Elizabeth Foundation, we have what we call Heroes of Humanity, it is all about inspiring people who are doing the kind of things we do, to let them know that somebody sees you, recognizes you. Its being challenging and we need all the support we can get, she added.

The Beneficiaries of the education scholarship project felt so opportune and applauded the organization for such great initiative.
Year-to-date, home loan provider, Pepper Group Ltd [ASX:PEP] is up more than 50%. In February this year, Peppers FY16 results were extremely positive. Revenues were up 29.7%, while net profits jumped 1,710% to $61.6 million.

This morning, Pepper shareholders woke up to a takeover bid from private equity firm KKR. Yet, instead of offering a substantial premium for the small growing company, KKR tried to snatch up the company for a discount.

What happened to the Pepper Group Ltd Share Price?

This morning, Pepper announced that KKR bid $3.60 per share for the company. Yet this is a 4% discount on Peppers closing price yesterday. KKR is also offering shareholders up to 3 cents per share in dividends.

But even with a 3 cent dividend, the total price is still a discounted offer.

Whats next for the Pepper Group?

It would be ridiculous for Peppers board to sell out now. Surely KKR doesnt even believe that its bid will be accepted. Maybe KKR just wants to inspect Peppers financials. Then, if it likes what it sees, itll increase its bid.

Since the offer is below Peppers market price, I dont think shareholders should take the bid seriously.

Over the past year, Pepper has been a great investment. The stock has climbed more than 66%  largely on the back of earnings growth. Whos to say it wont continue to grow into the future?

Regards,

Harje Ronngard,

Junior Analyst, Money Morning

PS: If youre interested in investing in smaller growth stocks, check out Sam Volkerings new report, Top Three Aussie Small-Cap Stocks.

Sam is a small-cap guru. Hes managed to find growth in a market where many investment professionals simply cant find any.

To get your free copy of Sams report, click here.
- The police has started investigation into how Evans was released after a robbery incident in 2006

- One policewoman and other accomplices have been unmasked

- The police is expected to make a statement on the matter soon

Police investigation has revealed that the policewoman simply identified as Tina who helped Chukwudumeje George Onwuamadike popularly known as Evans to escape detention is still in active service.

The Nation reports that a Special Investigation Panel constituted by Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris to probe Evans 2006 arrest and eventual release found out that the so-called Tina was not only in active duty but has also risen to the position of a Chief Superintendent of Police.

READ ALSO: Middle belt dissociates from north, sends message to government

Legit.ng had reported that The investigation follows a revelation by a senior police officer that Evans was arrested in 2006, after his gang of robbers attacked a commercial bank in Lagos.

The senior police officer whose name has been concealed to protect him from prosecution, had said the robbers went somewhere around the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, to share the loot.

The source said while sharing the loot, the robbers had a disagreement and shot one another. Seven members of the gang reportedly died instantly while three of the suspects, including Evans were arrested.

The senior officer said his team also went to Mbidi police station, Imo state, for investigation, where two other gang members were arrested. He however, said a police woman identified as Tina at the Band Section of Police College, Lagos pushed for Evans release on the grounds that he was her brother.

There was a police woman at the Band Section of Police College, Lagos, Tina, who insisted that we dropped the case as Evans was her brother. She traveled to Imo state. Not long after she returned, we got a message from the Imo state police command that the command had been searching for Evans and requested we transferred the case.

Evans has also reportedly confessed to the 2006 armed robbery attack on a bank and the shooting of seven persons.

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According to a source the new police panel has made significant progress in its investigation and has even found out the womans name is not Tina.

The source said: I can tell you that Tina is not the womans real name but I wont give you her name. I can also tell you shes now a CSP and still in service. So many officers took part in that 2006/2007 release of Evans and they are being investigated. The panel has made progress and almost all of them have been identified. An official statement might be release by the authorities soon.

Watch a Legit.ng TV video below of what Nigerians think about ongoing Evans' saga:

Source: Legit.ng
- The Nigerian Army is making progress in its fight against insurgency

- Its superior fire power has weakened some Boko Haram members

- Many of them have now given up on their campaign of terror

No fewer than 70 Boko Haram insurgents on Wednesday, July 5 surrendered to the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri.

Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, made the disclosure while presenting the repentant insurgents to journalists in Maiduguri.

Attahiru said the insurgents surrendered voluntarily sequel to various strategies evolved by the federal government to end insurgency in the north-east.

Fifty seven out of the 70 surrendered Boko Haram insurgents had been profiled. About 700 or more insurgents have also indicated their intention to surrender, he said.

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Attahiru added that the federal government had initiated a Safe Corridor Operation to encourage the insurgents to surrender and facilitate their integration into responsible members of the society.

The commander said that the suspects were undergoing level of interrogation as part of the de-radicalisation process to integrate them into the society.

Also speaking, one of the insurgents called on Boko Haram fighters to surrender.

The insurgent, who pleaded anonymity, dismissed the groups activities as unIslamic.

I am calling on other Boko Haram insurgents to lay down their arms, embrace peace and join the society.

Some of them are apprehensive of what might happen to them after they surrender.

We thank the Army, they gave clothes, and took care of us. No harassment or maltreatment meted out to us after we surrendered, the former insurgent said. (NAN)

Meanwhile, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state on Sunday, June 25 appealed to the Nigerian military to intensify efforts to end the Boko Haram insurgency that had ravaged the North East for long.

Shettima made the appeal while speaking at this years Eid el Fitr reception for members of the State Executive Council and other dignitaries at the Government House Maiduguri.

He said although the military had recorded tremendous successes against the insurgents, the recent spate of attacks in different parts of the state was worrisome.

READ ALSO: Middle belt dissociates from north, sends message to government

Watch a video report of the recently released Chibok girls by Boko Haram on Legit.ng TV below:

Source: Legit.ng
- The Nigeria Customs service has launched a new e-auction platform to speed up its process

- The new process will help to dispose of vehicles seized by the Service from criminals and smugglers

- 43 Nigerians are the first group to benefit from this new platform, 48 hours after the launch

According to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), about 43 persons have won the bidding of vehicles in the first 48 hours of the newly launched e-auction platform.

The public relations officer, Joseph Attah, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday, July 5, in Abuja that the platform was working quite well.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Hameed Ali, on Monday, July 3, in Abuja inaugurated the e-auction platform.

According to the Customs, the platform is aimed at giving all Nigerians equal opportunities to partake in bidding for seized vehicles and to increase Customs revenue.

READ ALSO: Customs introduces new portal for auctioning seized cars, others

Mr Attah said: At the first day of the launching, there were technical challenges with the e-auction platform and these challenges have already been resolved. Potential bidders can now register smoothly without hitches.

The first 48 hours expired at 12noon on Wednesday and already 43 persons have won the bidding including a journalist, so you can see this platform is working.

For now, it is only Jaiz bank that is on the platform, other designated banks are having Interswitch issues and they will soon be on board as soon as they ratify the issues. I understand that today one bank will soon be on board."

This means the person has activated with Jaiz bank and the bank can key you into the bank system to enable you pay the N1 000 administrative fee, which will be transferred to your e-wallet.

READ ALSO: Nigeria Customs promotes HND holders, 3,487 senior officers  Hameed Ali

For those trying to register, they should go to the designated bank area on the platform, click on the Jaiz bank and print out the page from their system and go to the bank to pay.

This means the person has activated with Jaiz bank and the bank can key you into the bank system to enable you pay the N1 000 administrative fee, which will be transferred to your e-wallet, he said.

However, when Legit.ng visited the website, it kept showing the following error message:

Customs e-auction website

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This is a link to the website: https://app.trade.gov.ng/eauction. It was earlier reported that the NCS through this new process is set to beat fake agents to their game.

The portal is networked to designated banks to ensure money accruing from the auction gets to the Central bank of Nigeria Treasury Single Account for transparency and accountability.

Watch this Legit.ng video to see the effect of Customs on the state of Nigerian markets and importation:

Source: Legit.ng
Legit.ng gathered that a professor at the University of Lagos decided to punish some of his students who dared to come late for his lectures by flogging them.

A lecturer of the University of Lagos identified as Professor Daramola was recently caught on camera assaulting some of his students.

Professor Daramola who is often described as a no-nonsense lecturer by his students was pictured flogging some students for 'daring' to come late to his lecture.

The student who shared the picture on social media captioned it: "This happened in my class today...gift to those who were late to class..."

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See the picture below:

Chai! See what UNILAG professor did to students who came late to his class (photo)

Na wa o!

Meanwhile, see who Nigerians think should be held responsible for examination malpractice:

Source: Legit.ng
- Ekiti state governor, Ayodele Fayose, is seeking the help of God to offset the salaries being owed to the states civil servants

- In the video clip, the governor promised not to finish his term still owing the states civil servants

- Ekiti civil servants are being owed over 6 months salaries as Fayose continually seeks help from the federal government

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti state has invoked the name of God, to help him offset workers salaries.

According to reports, the governor stated that at an appointed time, God will provide a means for him to pay workers salaries.

READ ALSO: Only a court order can stop the recall of Dino Melaye - INEC tells Senate

Fayoses comments were recorded in a video clip in which the governor was seen preaching alongside an interpreter.

In the video clip which was tweeted by comedian Wale Gates (@walegates), the Ekiti governor promised that he would not finish his term still owing salaries to civil servants.

He stated: the Lord will make a way at the appointed time.

Legit.ng gathers that Ekiti state workers are being owed salaries for over 6months.

The governor has been seeking cash backing from the federal government to pay salaries.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the governor of Ekiti state Ayodele Fayose accused the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Magu of blackmailing state governors.

Fayose while reacting to the harassment of serving governors in Nigeria on Wednesday, July 5, said the EFCC chairman was using the Paris Club Fund as a means to blackmail all his colleagues.

The EFCC is obviously blackmailing state governors on the Paris Club refunds," Fayose said.

Watch this Legit.ng TV video asking Nigerians who they would vote for in 2019 - Fayose or Buhari?

Source: Legit.ng
- Borno state senator denies claim by Army chief that the war against Boko Haram has been won

- The Senator urged the federal government to stop the incessant terrorism attack on University of Maiduguri

- He said there were available information that the terrorists were gathering for yet another attack on unknown location

Senator representing northern Borno, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has refuted the claim by the Nigerian army chief, Tukur Buratai, that Boko Haram has been defeated.

Legit.ng learnt that Kyari said there are information that the Boko Haram terrorists are gathering and preparing to launch a major comeback in the state.

READ ALSO: Police investigation reveals identity of woman who helped Evans escape in 2006

The senator made this known while submitting a motion yesterday, June 5, on the floor of the senate on the attacks by the dreaded sects on the University of Maiduguri, according to a report by Daily Post.

Kyari urged the federal government to produce adequate security for the University of Maiduguri which has been hit several times by the Boko Haram sect.

He argued that the university is the only federal government owned higher institution in the state and the incessant attack on it might cripple academic activities in the school and the state as a whole.

PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app

Recall that Legit.ng reported on Wednesday, that army chief, Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai, said that the release of the second batch of the 82 Chibok girls recently was a political decision and not one taken by the Nigerian Army.

Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) in Nigeria, said this in an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

According to Buratai, the Nigerian Army has performed its own roles for the safe passage of the abducted Chibok girls.

Buratai insisted that Boko Haram has been defeated since they only operate in a limited area unlike in the past when they were present in some northern states.

Watch this video and see how the Nigerian military engages Boko Haram insurgents:

Source: Legit.ng
TWIN FALLS  Sayrd Heidemann hopes to hire five people a day until shes filled 445 new entry-level positions in Twin Falls.

C3/CustomerContactChannels announced Wednesday its plans to add hundreds of full-time jobs at its call center over the next four to six months. And Heidemann, the companys talent acquisition manager, says she will focus her efforts entirely within the Twin Falls area.

As unemployment hovers below 3 percent, it will be a challenge to get applicants amid fierce competition, but she feels her team is up to the task.

I filled over 150 positions in the last four months, she said.

C3/CustomerContactChannels employs more than 500 people. It can accommodate up to 1,100 employees on different shifts at its 45,000 square-foot facility.

These newly created positions are a direct result of the growth we are experiencing as a company, especially in the health care industry, Millie Lozano, C3 site director, said in a statement. We are looking for people who enjoy solving problems and creating exceptional customer-service experiences through traditional and modern streams of communication.

The company opened its Twin Falls facility at the former Dell building in June 2010. It has expanded and laid off workforce throughout the years as its clients and business practices changed.

Following an ownership change in December, C3 this year laid off 25 support positions, which were outsourced to other parts of the company. C3 is owned by Singapore-based Everise  a joint venture between Sunrise BPO and Everstone Group  according to its website.

But now, call volumes are up. The new positions are entry-level customer service representative jobs with pay ranging between $9 and $12 per hour, depending on experience, Heidemann said.

Inside C3s Twin Falls center, cubicles separated workstations where employees were busy Wednesday answering phones. But there were still rows of empty chairs and underutilized space.

Weve definitely got room to grow, Heidemann said.

C3 facilitates customer service calls and online communications for corporate clients in health care, financial services, telecommunications, energy and utilities, media, travel, hospitality and government service industries. It also operates call centers in five other U.S. states, the Philippines, Bulgaria, Guatemala and China.

Recruiting new hires

When C3 opened its Twin Falls call center, the Magic Valley was coming out of the Great Recession and there were more people unemployed, Idaho Department of Labor Regional Economist Jan Roeser said.

Now its not at that degree by any means, she said.

The company initially opened with more than 480 employees. Although still a major employer in the area, other companies have since come in with equal or greater employee counts, Roeser said.

With the extra competition, C3s hiring is likely to be more challenging. But the company has opportunities to recruit people who are underemployed, such as high school graduates working part-time jobs, Roeser said.

C3s team of recruiters handles the talent attraction in-house. Chuck Hollingsworth, who was hired in August 2010 after being unemployed for five months, said the low unemployment rate significantly narrows down the number of applicants.

What will help C3 fill jobs: Recruiters frequently sit down with recently unemployed people at the Idaho Department of Labor office so We are at the forefront of people needing work, he said.

Additionally, the company has established relationships with other employers in town, and they mutually refer employees, Heidemann said.

Building those strong relationships is very important, she said.

Heidemann sees this as a perfect time to be a part of Twin Falls growth.

The new job include some supervisory positions, though she said C3 does much of its promotion in-house. Lozano said all of the companys quality assurance representatives and 90 percent of its supervisors were promoted from within.

Applicants should have customer service skills and be proficient with computers. Upon hiring, employees who are new to the industry will receive training  and those training times will expand to accommodate the influx of new hires.To attract potential new hires, C3 will host an open house from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at 851 Pole Line Road. Tours and interview slots are available. Applications can also be found at jobs.c3connect.com.

Connie Stopher, executive director of the Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization, welcomed the announcement of the new jobs as a sign of a healthy economy.

I think its always great when a community adds new jobs, especially a range of jobs, she said. Having growth in other sectors is really exciting.

And its likely to attract people to Twin Falls who are seeking that type of work, Twin Falls Economic Development Director Nathan Murray said.

The pool, I think, is a lot larger than we realize sometimes, he said.
- Major-General Tajudeen Olarewaju (retd) speaks on the death sentence passed on ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo some years back

- The former minister of communication reveals that late Maitama Sule prevented the death sentence passed on Obasanjo by the regime of late Gen Sani Abacha

- Olarewaju said the late Maitama Sule will remain evergreen in Nigeria and the global community

Major-General Tajudeen Olarewaju (retd), former minister of communication, has revealed how late Maitama Sule prevented the death sentence passed on ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and others by the regime of late Gen Sani Abacha.

Legit.ng gathered that Olarewaju in a statement also named onetime National Security Adviser, (NSA), Alhaji Ismaila Gwarzo, as being involved in commuting the death sentence.

READ ALSO: 25 most dangerous countries in the world 2017 (See where Nigeria ranks)

According to the former minister, the trio had embarked on a diplomatic mission which resulted in the commuting of the death penalty to 25 years jail term by Abacha.

He said: A Nigerian delegation led by the late Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Sule comprising myself and former NSA Gwarzo had gone on a diplomatic mission in Switzerland to meet with American delegation comprising Ambassador McHenry, then Assistant Secretary of State for Security Susan Rice and Assistant Secretary of State for Africa George Moose sent by then United States President Bill Clinton.

The Maitama Sule-led Nigerian team demanded the release of the trio of General Olusegun Obasanjo, General Shehu YarAdua and Alhaji MKO Abiola.

The former minister in reaction to Sule's death, said the late elder statesman will remain evergreen in Nigeria and the global community due to his contributions.

In a previous report by Legit.ng, thousands of sympathisers, including the chief of staff to the president, Malam Abba Kyari, on Tuesday, July 4 attended the funeral prayer for the late Dr Maitama Sule, the Dan masanin Kano.

The late elder statesman died in the early hours of Monday, July 3 in Cairo, Egypt after a brief illness.

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The remains of the late diplomat arrived at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Kano in an Air Force plane with registration number NAF 913.

He was later buried at Kara Cemetery at Kofar Mazugal in Kano metropolis.

Watch a Legit.ng TV video below that focuses on Nigeria's unity.

Source: Legit.ng
Ibrahim Abubakar Lajada who has declared his ambition to run for Nigerias presidency in 2019 has laid out his plans for the people if given a chance.

In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, the billionaire revealed why he is interested in becoming the president of the country and addressed some of the key problems affecting the nation.

Lajada also spoke about the issue of marginalisation and how Nigeria can grow out of tribal sentiment to become a great country.

READ ALSO: Kanu's Biafra will not benefit Igbos - Prof Ujo

Read the interview below:

Q: What are three things you will change about Nigeria if you become president?

A: I will strive to accomplish these three major things. First, I will strengthen our educational system. Second, I will improve economic growth and fight corruption. Last, I will make certain that everyone has equal and fair treatment in our society.

The future of our great nation is at stake, the future of our children is in jeopardy. The resources of our country are in peril, we must do something to reverse this down turn of events. Things are not going badly for only one tribal entity but the worsening of the state of affairs affects Ibos, Yorubas, and Hausas,Fulani. This is why I'm begging you to understand that we are all in this together, to bring back our country from the brink. All children of Nigeria have to be able to access good quality education and decent education. All children of Nigeria have to be able to access quality but also affordable health care.

We have to change our attitude. I have seen how politics can be used to make us afraid of each other and make us turn on each other. I know how hard it will be to bring about change in Nigeria. I know how difficult it will be to alleviate poverty and fix our schools because its not just a function of money. The challenges that we face in Nigeria today require a new vision for tomorrow.

Mr Lajada is optimistic he can fix Nigeria's problems Credit: Legit.ng

Q. What do the youths stand to gain if you are elected to the highest office in the country?

A: Youths hold the power to push the old government out and away from the way things have been to a more productive and prosperous Nigeria. The majority of our population is youth and if we can stand united we can build and develop a viable structure for our nation.

Many of you have shared with me how difficult things are in Nigeria. The people in our country believe that we desperately need change and I have great hope and faith that the challenges we face can be overcome if the youth join hands together to bring unity to the country. This is our time to bring extraordinary change for ordinary people.

The question for our generation is this: How will we strengthen our democracy? How will we bring peace and unity to our country? At a moment when our challenges seem so big and our politics seems to divide us by our ethnicity.

Q: How will you address the perceived issue of marginalisation in Nigeria that is threatening the countrys unity?

A: That is another reason I'm running for president, to address the issue of ethnicity and marginalization which has become rampant across the country. I will be in the best position to bring people regardless of their religion or ethnicity to move the country forward in terms of creating jobs and providing security for he life and property of each Nigerian. Instead of looking at ourselves as Ibos,Yorubas,Hausa, Fulani or whatever our tribe may be, we need to start looking at ourselves as human beings and who all stand for Nigeria. I will not waiver in the pursuit of Peace, security and the unity of Nigeria. Let us resolve to focus on what each of us can do for the sake of our common future. Now is the time for all of us to do our part and bring peace and unity to our country. Despite all our divisions and disagreements, our hesitations and our fears, so I know the anxieties that are out there right now. These struggles are the reason I'll ran for President.

READ ALSO: Middle belt dissociates from north, sends message to government

Marginalization needs to be addressed not only through policy changes and development but also by concentrating efforts for those who are in most need and have the least resources to assist themselves. There are hundreds of dialects, tribes, and religious groups in Nigeria and some of these groups have more say than others which is not right. This is where finding common ground is incredibly important and deepening our democratic roots will be of utmost importance. It is only through a true democracy that the voices of the marginalized can be heard and they can have a say in decisions that are made that affect their everyday lives.

Q. What is your position on the issue of restructuring compared to our current system?

A: If elected the first thing I will do is to pass a bill to restructure the government whereby we will give more power to the state and local government. The federal government will oversee the economy, Defense and foreign policy. There is a need to create state police. We need to change our constitution so that it will accommodate all people, inclusive of the minority groups so that it will strengthen our national unity and peace. Restructuring and decentralizing of power will not solve all of our challenges, but I'm sure that it is the pathway to peaceful developments and unification.

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Q. Why do you think you will be the best person for the job?

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POCATELLO  A new Idaho State University College of Education scholarship for Minico High School students honors longtime local educator Alice Cannon.

The Alice E. Cannon Memorial Teachers Scholarship is an annual $1,000 award for graduates of Minico High School and residents of Minidoka County. Applicants must be enrolled in the College of Education at ISU pursuing a degree in elementary, secondary or special education. Senior students from Minico High School who plan to pursue a degree in education are highly encouraged to apply.

The scholarship was established by Dianne and Steve Schow of Rupert, and Sid and Vicki Cannon of Meridian. Cannon grew up in Acequia and attended the Albion State Normal Teachers College following her graduation from Acequia High School. She was a teacher for 32 years and taught at several schools in Idaho including Acequia, Southwest (Burley), Heyburn, Pioneer, Lincoln, Pershing and Memorial schools. In addition to her teaching career, Alice also raised five children with her husband, Carl Cannon.

I am so very proud of the years she devoted to successfully raising a family of five children, being an incredible housekeeper and wife, and teaching full time. On occasion, she even took part-time jobs to fulfill bucket list wishes. Through her dedication and determination, she made a tremendous impact on many lives  family and friends; and in the classroom and community, said Dianne Schow, her daughter.

The Alice E. Cannon Memorial Teachers Scholarship was awarded for the first time this year to Margarita Espinoza-Henscheid. Espinoza-Henscheid graduated from Minico High School in 2016 and is entering her sophomore year at Idaho State University. She is a music education major and plays the viola.

Information: Contact the College of Education Director of Development, Catherine Rider, at 208-282-3780 or ridecat2@isu.edu.
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All US Presidents from Reagan, to Bush 1, Clinton, Bush 2, Obama and Trump have failed to reverse the North Korean Nuclear program. Presidents from Eisenhower to Carter failed to prioritize and solve the North Korean rogue state issue.

China has long feared a refugee crisis flooding its borders if North Koreas leadership collapses. South Korea does not want to pay the price of a second Korean war.

China does not want a unified Korea and China and Russia have seen some utility for North Korea in its current state.

Sanctions have not worked because China has not enforced them on their end. China accounts for more than 90 percent of North Koreas trade, it would be ideal for them to cut back that trade significantly. The problem is that Chinese officials have long feared that doing so would not only cause a collapse, but it would turn Pyongyang against them.

The USA would have to offer China a huge deal to entice China to not only give up North Korea but to prevent or make up for all of the big downsides.

The North Korean nuclear program has its roots in the 1950s and begins in earnest in 1989 with the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union, the main economic ally of North Korea. The Chronology mainly addresses the conflict between the United States and North Korea, while including the influences of the other members of the six-party talks: China, Russia, South Korea, and Japan.

The North Korean nuclear program can roughly be divided into four phases.

Phase I (195680) dealt primarily with training and gaining basic knowledge.

Phase II (198094) covers the growth and eventual suspension of North Koreas domestic plutonium production program.

Phase III (19942002) covers the period of the freeze on North Koreas plutonium program (though North Korea pursued uranium enrichment in secret) and

Phase IV (2002present) covers the current period of a very active nuclear program

In 2004

12 September: Clinton Former Secretary of State Madeline Albright admits North Korean cheating on the Agreed Framework occurred during the Clinton Watch.

28 September: North Korea says it has turned plutonium from 8,000 spent fuel rods into nuclear weapons.

In 2006

26 June: A report by the Institute for Science and International Security estimates that current North Korea plutonium stockpiles is sufficient for four to thirteen nuclear weapons

4 July: North Korea test-fires at least six missiles, including a long-range Taepodong-2, despite repeated warnings from the international community.

9 October: North Korea announces that it has performed its first-ever nuclear weapon test. Measurements recorded only showed an explosion equivalent to 500 metric tons of TNT, as compared to the 1998 nuclear tests that India and Pakistan conducted which were 2450 times more powerful. This could indicate that the test resulted in a fizzle. Some also speculated that the test may be a ruse using conventional explosives and nuclear material.

2009

25 May: North Korea tests its second nuclear device

2013

12 February: North Korea tests its third nuclear device.
Duke Robotics makes the TIKAD drone, which is a drone modified to carry a machine gun, a grenade launcher, and variety of other weapons to fight tomorrows urban warfare battles. They are selling the drone to the the US and Israeli military.

It is a fully robotic weaponry system to an airborne platform. TIKAD, which is a proprietary development of Duke, uses the delivery of a unique suppression firing and stabilization solution. The TIKAD allows us to utilize completely new capabilities against terrorist groups and reduce the number of deployed ground troops, and therefore, the number of casualties. Instead of sending our troops to investigate a potentially dangerous location, the TIKAD can be deployed while the troops control it remotely.

Through a system of flexibly connected plates, the TIKAD distributes the backward momentum from recoil in a way that keeps the vehicle stationary in the air. A ten-pound robot gimbal allows six degrees of movement freedom and the ability to rapidly re-target the weapon and camera.

H/T to Patrick Tucker at Defense One.
Twin Falls County

Monday arraignments

Cody Lee Erdmann, 35, Filer; DUI  excessive, appeared in person, public defender appointed, $5,000 bond, pretrial Aug. 15.

Robert Galvan Monje, 24, Twin Falls; battery and malicious injury to property, appeared in person, public defender appointed, $5,000 bond, pretrial Aug. 29.

Juan Isidero Adame, 40, Twin Falls; domestic battery, appeared in person, public defender appointed, $5,000 bond, pretrial Aug. 29.

Robert Neal Coonce, 56, Twin Falls; felony possession of a controlled substance, appeared in person, public defender denied, own recognizance release, preliminary July 14.

Richard Bruce Ottmann, 49, Kimberly; felony DUIsecond offense, felony malicious injury to property, driving without privileges  third offense and disturbing the peace, appeared in person, public defender appointed, $75,000 bond, preliminary July 14.

Brian Anthony Jones, 35, homeless; burglary, grand theft and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, appeared in person, public defender appointed, $100,000 bond, preliminary July 14.

Ernest Ronald Watson, 54, Twin Falls; battery and disturbing the peace, appeared in person, public defender appointed, own recognizance release, pretrial Aug. 29.

Ashley Kristine Gee, 33, Twin Falls; under the influence of a controlled substance, appeared in person, public defender appointed, own recognizance release, pretrial Aug. 29.

Michael Brionne Trivitt, 22, Twin Falls; attempted strangulation and domestic battery, appeared in person, public defender appointed, $5,000 bond, preliminary July 14.

Constance Ann Price, 67, Hailey; burglary, appeared in person, public defender appointed, own recognizance release, preliminary July 14.

Joshua Dwayne Wolters, 35, Twin Falls; trafficking heroin, appeared in person, public defender appointed, $250,000 bond, preliminary July 14.

Laurel N. Stahl, 27, Twin Falls; felony possession of a controlled substance, appeared in person, public defender appointed, $10,000 bond, preliminary July 14.

Heather D. Larson, 38, Murtaugh; domestic battery, appeared in person, public defender appointed, own recognizance release, pretrial Aug. 15.

Austin Dale Burton, 25, homeless; providing false information to police, appeared in person, public defender appointed, own recognizance release, retrial Aug. 15.

John Tanner Hardin, 33, Jerome; felony possession of a controlled substance, appeared in person, public defender appointed, $25,000 bond, preliminary July 14.

Jose F. Tule-Zarate, 34, Hansen; three counts of aggravated assault, appeared in person, public defender appointed, $100,000 bond, preliminary July 14.

Tuesday arraignments

Tod Lee Weber, 50, Twin Falls; rape, appeared in person, public defender appointed, $100,000 bond, preliminary July 14.

Joshua Nathan Harbaugh, 35, Jerome; felony possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia, appeared in person, public defender appointed, $2,500 bond, preliminary July 14.

Steven Paul Maxe, 54, Twin Falls; battery on correctional officer, appeared in person, public defender appointed, $50,000 bond, preliminary July 14.

John Lee Otero, 33, Twin Falls; felony perjury, appeared in person, $10,000 bond.

Santiago Vergara Vazquez, 35, Hazelton; DUI  second offense, appeared in person, public defender appointed, $5,000 bond, pretrial Aug. 15.

Joshua Dean Mullins, 26, Twin Falls; felony possession of a controlled substance, appeared in person, public defender appointed, $2,500 bond, preliminary July 14.
Raul Labradors refugee bill is ill-advised legislation that needlessly targets some of the most vulnerable people on earth. The legislation, H.R. 2826, was approved by the House Judiciary Committee on June 28 on a 15-11 vote. This is a pernicious bill that will leave a stain on the moral standing of the United States.

Rep. Labrador acknowledges that America has a long tradition of helping refugees who, through no fault of their own, are fleeing war and persecution, but has authored a bill that is contrary to that tradition. Among other things, H.R. 2826 would limit refugee admissions to 50,000 per year, triple the waiting period for refugees to apply for lawful permanent residency from one to three years, subject refugees to continuous surveillance, give states and localities a veto over resettlement, impose needless new red tape requirements, and provide preference to religious minorities.

All of these requirements are justified by bill sponsors as necessary for national security. However, experience does not support their case. U.S. refugees have not and do not pose a danger to our country. Refugees do not pick the country they want but are referred to a country by the U.N. refugee agency. Those destined for the U.S. are subjected to about two years of rigorous screening.

A terrorist posing as a refugee would have to wait a long time to carry out his planspending years in a wretched refugee camp in Turkey or Jordan, hoping to be referred to the U.S. by the U.N. rather than one of the 27 other resettlement countries, and then undergoing another couple of years being vetted by U.S. authorities. He might be tempted to take the quicker and easier way that the 911 hijackers choseto get a tourist or student visa and jump on a plane to the U.S. Interestingly, none of the countries from which those hijackers came is subject to the Presidents current travel ban.

In the past, America has been a shining moral beacon for persecuted immigrants. The world has been inspired by the Statue of Libertys call to send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me. We have opened our door and our hearts to terrorized people from around the globe. Our help is needed more than ever now because the world is facing the largest displacement crisis on record. There are more than 21 million refugees worldwide, more than 5 million of which are registered from Syria alone. In FY 2016 the U.S. took in only 84,994 refugees. To date we have taken in a total of less than 20,000 refugees from Syria. In comparison, Turkey has registered 2.97 million Syrians and another 2 million are registered in Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt.

We have hardly done our part, considering that our invasion of Iraq contributed directly to a refugee crisis in that country and indirectly to the much greater crisis in Syria. The leadership of ISIS is composed largely of participants in the earlier insurgency in Iraq. Colin Powell said that if you break it, you fix it. Rather than helping to alleviate the mess that we helped to create, we seem to be turning our backs on a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions.

The religious preference in the bill is an inappropriate and uninformed religious test. The refugees that are currently most in danger are from Sunni-majority Syria and they are being terrorized by the Alawite-minority government of Bashar al-Assad. Those people with the greatest need would get no preference. Proponents of H.R.2826 focus primarily on refugees from the Middle East but less than half of the refugees taken in by the U.S. last year were from the Near East and South Asia. About an equal number were Christians and Muslims.

As far as the 50,000 refugee limit in Mr. Labradors bill, that is simply not enough to fulfill our responsibility as a civilized nation. There are more than 50,000 Iraqis who endangered their lives by helping U.S. forces and who are desperately awaiting resettlement in the U.S. We are honor bound to give safe harbor to those individuals but that would take up the entire measly quota set by this bill.

This country, as great and warm-hearted as it is, has had momentary lapses in the past when it has treated immigrants badly because of anxiety stirred by fear-mongers.

Lets not let it happen again. H.R. 2826 targets refugees, who are not a terrorist risk, while failing to target home-grown, social-media-inspired persons, who do present a risk. The legislation is either ill-founded and uninformed, or it is intended as a vehicle for politicians to ride to political stardom at the expense of powerless and vulnerable refugees.
E-commerce jobs are growing fast 

Employment attributed to electronic shopping firms has doubled in the last five years, outpacing other types of retail.

Percentage change in retail jobs over the last 15 years +300 % E-commerce up 334% +200 Warehouse clubs and other: up 80% +100 Retail industry overall flat Dept. stores down 25% 25 other retail sectors 100 02 04 06 08 10 12 14 16 Percentage change in retail jobs over the last 15 years E-commerce up 334% +300 % +200 +100 Warehouse clubs and other: up 80% Retail industry overall flat 0 Department stores down 25% 25 other retail sectors 100 02 04 06 08 10 12 14 16 Percentage change in retail jobs over the last 15 years E-commerce up 334% +300 % +200 +100 Warehouse clubs and other: up 80% 0 Retail industry overall flat Department stores down 25% 25 other retail sectors 100 02 04 06 08 10 12 14 16 Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

 but they are still a small component of overall retail employment 

Even with the fast growth, the number of online shopping jobs is small compared with department stores, warehouse clubs and grocery stores.

Net change in retail jobs over the last 15 years Warehouse clubs and other have gained 841,000 jobs +500 ,000 Retail industry has gained 645,000 net jobs E-commerce has gained 178,000 jobs 500 02 04 06 08 10 12 14 16 Department stores have lost 448,000 jobs Net change in retail jobs over the last 15 years Warehouse clubs and other have gained 841,000 jobs The retail industry has gained 645,000 net jobs +500 ,000 E-commerce has gained 178,000 jobs 0 25 other retail sectors Department stores have lost 448,000 jobs 500 02 04 06 08 10 12 14 16 Warehouse clubs and other have gained 841,000 jobs Net change in retail jobs over the last 15 years The retail industry has gained 645,000 net jobs +500 ,000 E-commerce has gained 178,000 jobs 0 25 other retail sectors Department stores have lost 448,000 jobs 500 02 04 06 08 10 12 14 16 Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

 partly because e-commerce is less labor intensive.

Online retailers can sell more products with fewer workers than traditional stores. Nearly three-quarters of e-commerce firms have four or fewer employees. Even though online companies pay higher average wages to their workers, they have a bigger impact on retail sales than on retail employment.

E-commerces share of the retail industry by: 10 % Value of production 8  but companies get more value out of them. 6 The growing amount of e-commerce workers are paid more  Labor comp- ensation cost 4 2 Number of employees 0 87 90 95 00 05 10 15 E-commerces share of the retail industry by: 10 % Value of production 8 The growing amount of e-commerce workers are paid more   but companies get more value out of them. 6 Labor compensation cost 4 Number of employees 2 0 87 90 95 00 05 10 15 Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

The jobs are going to large metro areas.

Small metro areas and rural counties account for about 23 percent of overall retail employment but just 13 percent of jobs attributed to electronic shopping firms.
Saturday

5) 9 A.M. Morning Loop

Djurgardsrundan, a lap around the green city-center island of Djurgarden, is how many svelte Stockholmers begin their Saturdays. Lace up for a scenic six-mile run around the perimeter, or stroll the short loop, just over two miles, following nature trails east along the waterfront into the parkland. If a rest stop is required, take it at Rosendals Tradgard, a biodynamic garden with plots of vegetables and herbs, fields of wildflowers to gather, a greenhouse cafe and apple orchards offering shade to the weary.

6) 11:30 A.M. Design Redefined

Still associate Swedish interior design with austere minimalism or, worse, Ikea? Then absorb the latest trends at Dusty Deco, where the eclectic mix includes Danish design classics, French flea-market finds and modern photography collected by the owner, Edin Memic Kjellvertz, on his travels around the world. In January a spacious second showroom opened in the Ostermalm neighborhood with a flower shop in the entryway. Inside, admire the more-is-more collection of furry 1940s armchairs by Axel Einar Hjorth, vintage Moroccan rugs and whimsical accessories like a palm-tree-shaped table lamp from the 70s.

7) 1 P.M. Food Hall 2.0

While the 19th-century food hall Ostermalms Saluhall is closed for renovations (scheduled to be completed next summer), vendors have been occupying a temporary building across the street. Locals might tell you, sotto voce, that they prefer the spacious new market, a destination for its upscale provisions and casual restaurants. After browsing, take a seat at the seafood specialist Lisa Elmqvist to dine on herring with dark rye bread and aged Vasterbotten cheese (125 kronor); gravlax with sweet mustard sauce (192 kronor); and platters of lobster, langoustines, shrimp and king crab (675 kronor).

A view of Sodermalm and Monteliusvagen. Credit David B. Torch for The New York Times



8) 3 P.M. Sculptor and Scribe

Atop a hill surrounded by parks sits the former studio of Carl Eldh, a pre-eminent sculptor in the first half of the 20th century, whose light-filled atelier and sculpture-dotted garden have been preserved as the Carl Eldh Studio Museum (admission, 80 kronor). The unusual wooden building, designed in 1919 by Ragnar Ostberg (the architect of Stockholms City Hall), houses several hundred sculptures by the artist, including many depicting August Strindberg, the father of modern Swedish literature.

9) 7 P.M. Dinner Duo

The chefs Adam Dahlberg and Albin Wessman continue to tinker with the expectations of fine dining at Adam/Albin, an ambitious restaurant opened last year in the same location where the pair previously offered lavish supper clubs, noodle lunches and cooking courses. Here, dinner is now a five-course affair: a choose-your-own-adventure menu with two or three choices per course after snacks, which recently included fried sweetbreads to dip in caviar and divine smoked parsley broth with tender ribbons of squid. At a communal table, the meal proceeded with a delicate caramelized langoustine; hand-cut tartare beneath white mushrooms; garlic-seared scallops in butter sauce with wasabi flowers; and an icy pile of lemon-vervain sorbet, frozen coconut and creamy corn. Dinner, 895 kronor.

10) 11 P.M. Cocktail Quarter

Rare is the peppy dive bar that also pours great cocktails, but look west of Mariatorget, a square on Sodermalm, to find precisely that at Paradiso. Theres a tropical vibe at this rum-specialist bar, thanks in part to the pina coladas made with pineapple, lime, coconut, love, respect and Blanca rum (130 kronor). Head a few blocks west to Bar Hommage, whose large wooden doors are vestiges of the buildings former life as a fire station. At the long zinc bar, locals sip cocktails inspired by streets like Uppsalas Akademigatan (near the resting place of the botanist Carl Linnaeus), which is a floral concoction of mezcal, Carpano bianco, bergamot liqueur, rosemary, lime, sugar, lavender bitters and egg white (135 kronor).
6 of 10

Every G-20 leader has a high-level aide who prepares plans before the summit meeting, is present during it and helps negotiate the declaration at its close. The aides, in turn, have assistants. What terms are used to describe these two roles?


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With the domestication of plants and animals, the human species became the first creature in the more than 3.5 billion years of the evolution of life on earth to extricate itself from the niche in which it had evolved biologically.

This breakthrough seems to herald an unprecedented freedom for humankind to invent its own way of life. But this notion that the breakthrough brought "freedom" starts looking implausible when we look at what transpires in the early millennia of the development of this new kind of life-form, the civilized society.

In the five thousand years following the first steps out of the hunter-gatherer way of life, the full-scale civilization that arose showed a frightening face. The social equality of primitives gave way to rigid stratification, with the many compelled to live as slaves, serving the few. Warfare became more important, more chronic, and more bloody and destructive.

It is telling that, in all the seven regions where civilization emerged in its pristine form, that same basic pattern of strife, tyranny, and oppression unfolded.

If humankind were "inventing" a new way of life, would this be what people would choose?

The answer is the rise of civilization only appears to represent some new birth of human freedom. Yes, our species became the first to escape the constrictions of the biologically evolved order. But humankind's unprecedented breakthrough subjected humankind to a new set of necessities, a dynamic that emerged out of the unprecedented situation humankind's breakthrough brought into being.

And it was this dynamic, not free human choice, that has governed the direction of civilization's unfolding--a direction that humankind did not choose, but could neither avoid nor stop.

That is what "the parable of the tribes" shows. Let me demonstrate this in two steps.

******************************

THE INEVITABILITY OF THE STRUGGLE FOR POWER

The first step is about the consequences of anarchy.

The previous installment concluded with the point that clusters of human societies -- emerging from the natural order, and each with its own capacity to expand without inherent limit -- were compelled to interact with each other with no order to regulate those interactions.

For the first time, we saw, out of the living system there arose a new kind of disorder, with human societies no longer held in place by any biological order and with no man-made order yet being possible.

It is time to look at the consequences -- the inevitable consequences -- of this new kind of anarchy that humankind unwittingly had unleashed into the human world. The breakout from the biologically evolved order looked like "freedom" when we considered each such emerging society separately. But when we look at the ungoverned system of a multiplicity of such societies within reach of each other, that apparent freedom is seen to be -- more fundamentally -- an anarchy previously unknown in the history of life.

In his classic, Leviathan, the 17th century English philosopher accurately described the consequence of anarchy: a ceaseless struggle for power. And we can see how that is true wherever some civilized order breaks down into anarchy (as we've seen in the past couple of generations first in Lebanon and later in Somalia).

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The right for meeting in private once a month with his wife is denied, based on "Negative IA" [Negative Intelligence Assessment], but prison authorities refuse to disclose any details.



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Tel-Aviv, July 05 - yesterday, Olga Grishaev, Roman Zadorov's wife, published the following Facebook post, pertaining to denial over the past two months of the right to meet in private in prison, for unknown reasons. [i]

Olga and Roman first met in the Ukraine, and were boyfriend and girlfriend in high school. Later, Olga's family immigrated to Israel. A few years later, Roman, who is Christian, decided to join her in Israel, and the couple got married. A few months after the birth of their first son, in December 2006, Roman was arrested and later prosecuted for the murder of the 13.5 year school girl Tair Rada.

The case and its numerous ramifications exposed unprecedented corruption of the Israeli justice and law enforcement system. [ii]

Law professor Boaz Sangero wrote: "Conviction with no real evidence."

Law professor Mordechai Kremnitzer wrote: "Conduct of the State Prosecution in the Zadorov case is scary, it is not conduct of Prosecution, which is seeking the truth " Adding to that the Supreme Court' stance and the Attorney General's conduct in recent years, one is left with a justice system, which is primarily defending itself."

Never before had law professors in Israel directly attacked the integrity of the courts in any manner even close to that.

Likewise, public protest is unprecedented -- against the false prosecution and false conviction of Roman Zadorov, on the one hand, and against the failure to conduct true investigation of Tair Rada's murder, on the other hand.

Even before Roman's trial started, Tair's mother petitioned to the Israeli Supreme Court, asking to re-open the investigation, which she considered bogus. The petition was denied.

Public perception is that conduct of law enforcement was initially motivated by desire to protect the true suspects in the case, and later -- to protect the justice system itself... Various support groups have been active in social networks for years, the largest of them alone numbers over 250,000 members, in a nation of 8 million!

The case of Roman Zadorov was one of the key cases, documentation of which was provided in a recent report for the Universal Periodic Review of Human Rights in Israel by the UN Human Rights Council, in support of allegations of incompetence and/or corruption of the courts and the legal profession and discrimination by law enforcement. [iii]

Olga Grishaev:

Over the past two months Roman and I have been denied the little time that we are entitled to meet in private.

Not only was Roman's liberty deprived for no reason at all for over ten years; not only is he denied the ability to function as a husband and a father, as he, I and our children deserve; now, also the little time that I was allowed to spend with him in private once a month is denied - not only him, but also me.

And why?

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To see if the quicklink was renamed or re-published, please click here.


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The future of EU-Russia relations is even more uncertain than ever before. Everyman may observe only deterioration. Mass media broadly covered the extension of the bloc's economic sanctions against Russia by six months until January 31. European Union leaders made such decision on June, 22 during a two-day summit in Brussels. This step followed the Washington's decision to broaden its sanctions against Moscow.

But this is only a visible part of world politics based on the clear desire to punish Russia for annexation of Crimea. The US and European politics continue to consider the sanctions the only effective mechanism to influence Kremlin. Though there is no great success. Sanction cause counter-sanctions and so on and so forth. May be it is high time to try other tools of international diplomacy? Where are talented diplomats who could reverse the situation and prevent further confrontation? It is absolutely urgent because it turned out that Europe punishes not only Moscow but itself.

The most complicated and demonstrative situation is in energy sector. After a decline in gas consumption in 2001-2014, Europe has begun to consume more. For example, last year, the EU consumed 447bn c m, of which 34% was Russian gas. The demand is expected to go even higher because in the next decade, Europe will run short of its gas reserves. Nothing to do, Europe has to cooperate with Russia and try to find the consensus.

The US has its own opinion on this matter. The US also offer gas to Europe. Washington and Moscow are real rivals in the gas supplies to the European states. Some European leaders are even sure the senators were pursuing US economic interests at Europe's expense. This fact proves the Senate bill that says "The United States government should prioritize the export of United States energy resources in order to create American jobs, help United States", and strengthen United States foreign policy."

That seems aimed against Nord Stream 2, the proposed Russian pipeline across the Baltic Sea to Germany, bypassing Ukraine. Investors in Nord Stream 2 include five major European companies: Anglo-Dutch Shell and Austrian OMV, German Uniper and Wintershall, French ENGIE. It expected to be very profitable for the states participated in the project. But the US considers it a threat to its own economic interest and successfully uses political background in order to oppose the realization of the commercial project.

Though the US is increasing its liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capacity, it's not clear whether the price of US gas will be lower than that of the Russian pipeline gas, supplied by Russian Gazprom. At this point, large-scale US LNG exports to Europe appear to be a money-losing enterprise aimed at gaining market share. There is nothing common with politics.

Nowadays Europe should clearly defend its interests and be able to distinguish the real politics from private business interests. It is obvious that the US forces Europe to harden sanctions against Russia and Russian energy sector not because of the Ukraine or Crimea, but because of own economic interests. It is not clear why Europe should be committed to American economic interests and continue political confrontation with an economically more profitable partner under the cover of imposed political motives.
From Greg Palast Website



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A national outcry followed last week's request from Kris Kobach, Vice Chair of President Donald Trump's Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, that state election officials provide him with a long list of personal information on every voter, including party affiliation, date of birth, last four digits of social security number, and more.

Election officials in 44 states say they will refuse to comply with the June 28 written request from Kobach, whose advisory commission was created in May by Trump via executive order. Trump has made repeated and so-far unsubstantiated claims that millions voted illegally in the 2016 election.

"They can go jump in the Gulf of Mexico, and Mississippi is a great state to launch from," responded Mississippi's Republican Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann.

"The President's Commission has quickly politicized its work by asking states for an incredible amount of voter data that I have, time and time again, refused to release," said Louisiana's Secretary of State Tom Schedler.

To the contrary, Schedler and voting officials from 15 other Republican states, the majority of those allegedly "resisting" Kobach's demand, have already shared detailed voter files with Kobach in his capacity as Secretary of State of Kansas.

Records obtained by The Progressive from the Kansas Secretary of State office showed that Schedler turned over nearly three million voter files to Kobach earlier this year, including voter birthdates and Social Security information.

In Mississippi, Hosemann turned over the state's entire voter rolls to Kobach, some 2,092,886 files. Each file includes voter names, last four digits of their social security numbers, voting address, and voting history.

Kobach, who has recently announced his candidacy for Governor of Kansas, has indicated the lists will be used to remove illegal voters. But voting rights advocates say the goal is actually to allow fewer people to vote.

Twenty-one states listed by CNN as refusing Kobach his demands for voter files have already turned over voter files to Kobach's office.

"The lists will almost certainly be used to...suppress the votes of citizens of color," says Dee Hunter of the newly formed Civil Rights Center. Hunter's group is part of a coalition including the ACLU, Common Cause, the NAACP of Georgia, Rev. Jesse Jackson of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, and other organizations calling for a halt to the expansion of Kobach's Crosscheck system.

Voter lists from Mississippi, and 27 other states, were turned over to Kobach beginning years ago as part of a voter-list purge program called "Interstate Crosscheck," Hunter explains. The list aims to identify Americans registered in more than one state and intending to vote twice in one election, which is a crime. Any names identified as potential double-voters receives a postcard which, if unanswered, could lead to removal from the rolls.

According to a Rolling Stone analysis of data obtained from states participating in Interstate Crosscheck, as many as 1.1 million names were purged from voter rolls before the 2016 election.

According to database expert Mark Swedlund, an astonishing one in six Hispanics and one in nine African-Americans are on Kobach's "potential double registered" list of seven million suspects in the 28 states.

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From Smirking Chimp

Some leading Democrats in Congress are eager to turn the summit meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin away from avenues for improvements in U.S.-Russian relations, even if that means deflecting it toward World War III.

On Wednesday, the New York Times reported that "the White House announced that the meeting with Mr. Putin would be a formal bilateral discussion, rather than a quick pull-aside at the economic summit meeting that some had expected." Meanwhile, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer criticized the lack of a "specific agenda" for the Trump-Putin discussion and tweeted "the first few things that come to my mind" -- with 10 items denouncing Russia and not a single step to help avert a nuclear war between that country and the United States.

What a contrast with another Democrat, former Senator Sam Nunn, who signed a June 27 open letter that urged Putin and Trump to focus on "urgently pursuing practical steps now that can stop the downward spiral in relations and reduce real dangers." The letter emphasized "reducing nuclear and other military risks."

But these days, apparently, the Democratic leadership in Congress has much bigger fish to fry than merely trying to avert a global nuclear holocaust.

The Democratic Party leaders on Capitol Hill can't be bothered with squandering much political capital or sound-bite airtime on the matters highlighted by the open letter, which Nunn -- a former chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee -- signed along with former top British, German and Russian diplomats.

The open letter offered four crucial proposals for the meeting between Trump and Putin:

* "The starting point could be a new Presidential Joint Declaration by the United States and the Russian Federation declaring that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought. This would make clear again that leaders recognize their responsibility to work together to prevent nuclear catastrophe, and would be positively received by global leaders and publics."

* "A second step could be to increase military-to-military communication through a new NATO-Russia Military Crisis Management Group. Restarting bilateral military-to-military dialogue between the United States and Russia, essential throughout the Cold War, should be an immediate and urgent priority. The focus of these initiatives should be on reducing risks of a catastrophic mistake or accident by restoring communication and increasing transparency and trust."

* "A third step could be to collaborate to prevent ISIS and other terrorist groups from acquiring nuclear and radiological materials through a joint initiative to prevent WMD terrorism. There is an urgent need to cooperate on securing vulnerable radioactive materials that could be used to produce a 'dirty bomb.' Such materials are widely available in more than 150 countries and are often found in facilities, such as hospitals and universities, that are poorly secured."

* "Fourth, discussions are imperative for reaching at least informal understandings on cyber dangers related to interference in strategic warning systems and nuclear command and control. This should be urgently addressed to prevent war by mistake. That there are no clear 'rules of the road' in the strategic nuclear cyber world is alarming."

But top Democratic Party leaders hardly give high priority to such concerns. On the contrary: For many months now, their preoccupation has been to double, triple and quadruple down on an insidious -- and extremely dangerous -- political investment. Party leaders have positioned themselves to portray just about any concession from Trump in bilateral talks as a corrupt payoff.

The House minority leader, Nancy Pelosi, was ringing a familiar bell when she proclaimed on CNN in mid-May: "Every day I ask the question, 'What do the Russians have on Donald Trump financially, politically or personally that he's always catering to them?'"

"Given their vehement political investment in demonizing Russia's President Putin," I wrote in late April, "Democratic leaders are oriented to seeing the potential of de'tente with Russia as counterproductive in terms of their electoral strategy for 2018 and 2020. It's a calculus that boosts the risks of nuclear annihilation, given the very real dangers of escalating tensions between Washington and Moscow."

Days ago, looking ahead to the scheduled discussion between the two presidents at the G-20 summit in Germany, the home page of the Washington Post carried this headline: "Months of Russia controversy leaves Trump 'boxed in' before Putin meeting." The tagline noted that "whatever course Trump takes will likely be called into question."

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From Smirking Chimp



From flickr.com: Umm

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Have corporate/billionaire control of our republic reached such a point that it's no longer reversible? Have we passed the tipping point where democracy dies?

A few years back, on my radio show, President Jimmy Carter said that America, in large part because of Supreme Court decisions like Citizens United, has become "just an oligarchy, with unlimited political bribery."

He's right. It's the elephant in the room that everybody, particularly our corporate media, completely ignores.

While Republicans are doing the will of their oligarch owners, replacing real scientists with industry lobbyists and shills everywhere from the White House to congressional science committees to the EPA, the media stubbornly refuses to report in depth on it, preferring instead to following the Worldwide Wrestling moves of our tweeter-in-chief.

"Red-shift" election fraud (called red because it helps only Republicans) has been flagrantly on display across the country since the privatization of our vote by GOP-leaning voter-machine companies in the 2000-2004 period. GOP voter suppression in nearly 30 states has now been institutionalized with Kris Kobach's Interstate Crosscheck scam (now a presidential "commission"). Pre-poll and exit-poll results "flipped" in Georgia's 6th district in a way that caused us to decry similar vote-rigging in the Ukraine (the result, like in Georgia's 6th, was measurably off from the exit polls).

Yet in the face of all this, enough to provoke revolution in countries like Egypt and Ukraine, our press instead focuses on the oligarchs' unproven and well-debunked claim that "illegals" are voting to help Democrats.

While climate change is ravaging the world, the administration of billionaire oligarch Donald Trump has pulled the U.S. out of the Paris climate change agreement and is rolling back climate-protecting rules on behalf other oligarchs in the oil, coal and gas business so they can continue to use our atmosphere as a sewer.

While billionaire-owned Republicans frantically work to roll back the 3.8% tax on investment income (for families with over $250,000 in investment income/year) their oligarch owners so despise, cutting millions of Americans off any hope of affordable healthcare access, the television media usually plays this tax-cut story as if it were about healthcare.

From trying to destroy the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (which has returned to consumers billions of dollars in ill-gotten gains from our country's banksters), to gutting environmental laws, to preventing students from even declaring bankruptcy when their efforts to join the middle class by going to college don't work out, the oligarchs who now largely run America are solidifying their power and their wealth.

This is rule by the rich. It's here. It's now.

As Vice President Henry Wallace predicted in a prescient New York Times op-ed in 1944:

"They [the super-wealthy] claim to be super-patriots, but they would destroy every liberty guaranteed by the Constitution. They demand free enterprise, but are the spokesmen for monopoly and vested interest. "Their final objective toward which all their deceit is directed is to capture political power so that, using the power of the state and the power of the market simultaneously, they may keep the common man in eternal subjection."

Have they finally reached that goal which, in Wallace's day, they could only hunger for?

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From Palestine Chronicle



Iraq was attacked by all US Presidents since George H. Bush in 1991.

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No matter how hard White House officials try, they cannot construct a coherent "Trump doctrine" that would make sense amid the chaos that has afflicted US foreign policy in recent months.

However, this chaos is not entirely the making of President Donald Trump alone.

Since 1945, the United States has vied for total global leadership. The 1991 dissolution of the Soviet Union, and the subsequent disintegration of the Eastern Bloc, gave it complete global hegemony.

The US became the force that stabilized and destabilized any region in the world, as it saw fit -- which always served the interests of the US and its allies.

Political opinions and ideological strands in the US, but also globally, were formulated around this reality. Often unwittingly, we are all pushed into one of two categories: pro- or anti-American.

For decades, many critical voices warned of an uncontested unipolar world. Conformists fought back against the "un-American," and "unpatriotic" few, who dared break rank.

In the late 1980's, Francis Fukuyama declared "the end of history," now that the US and its western allies managed to defeat communism. He prophesized the end of "sociocultural evolution,' where a new form of a single human government can be formed.

It appeared, however fleetingly, that all the obstacles before the American vision of total domination have been subdued. Thomas Friedman of the New York Times imagined such a world in his bestselling book, "The World is Flat."

He wrote, with the wisdom of a sage and the triumphalism of a victorious war general, "Communism was a great system for making people equally poor -- in fact, there was no better system in the world for that than communism. Capitalism made people unequally rich."

But history never ended. It just went through a new cycle of conflicts, problems and alliances of enemies and foes. Unchecked consumerism was hardly a triumph for the neoliberal order, but a defeat of a delicately balanced planet, where global warming emerged as the world's greatest enemy. American military power could hardly wait to rearrange the Arab world, as once promised, by former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Since then, the so-called "New Middle East," has become a horrifying nightmare that traversed many countries and destabilized the entire region.

Worse still, the US economy has crashed, taking down with it the global economy and reducing some of the smallest, most vulnerable countries into abject poverty.

The rise of Donald Trump to power is, in fact, an outcome of the chaotic years that preceded his advent.

By the end of his second term, former President Barack Obama spoke of his success in stabilizing the economy and creating more jobs in a process of swift recovery, contrary to real evidence.

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This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here.

Every now and then something lodges in your memory and seems to haunt you forever. In my case, it was a comment Newsweek attributed to an unnamed senior British official "close to the Bush team" before the invasion of Iraq in 2003. "Everyone wants to go to Baghdad," he said. "Real men want to go to Tehran." At the time, it seemed to distill a mood of geopolitical elation sweeping Washington and its crew of neocons. They had, of course, been beating the drums for war with Iraq, but also dreaming of a Middle Eastern and then a global Pax Americana that would last generations. Less pithy versions of such sentiments were the coin of the realm of that moment. New York Times columnist Paul Krugman, for instance, reported in March of that year that, "in February 2003, according to Ha'aretz, an Israeli newspaper, Under Secretary of State John Bolton told Israeli officials that after defeating Iraq the United States would 'deal with' Iran, Syria, and North Korea."

Fourteen years later, the U.S. has yet to make its way out of its multiple Iraqi wars, is embroiled in a Syrian conflict, and as for North Korea, well, I could tweet you a thing or two about how Washington has "dealt" with that still-nuclearizing land. And yet, it seems that, on one issue at least, those old neocon dreams may finally be coming to fruition. We may at last have a "real man" in the White House, someone truly readying himself to "go to Tehran." At least the pressures from his political backers, his Iranophobic generals, and his CIA director are on the rise, and President Trump recently aligned himself very publicly with the Saudi royals in their anti-Iranian campaign, which seems about to kick into high gear.

If we had time machines and someone could head back to March 2003 to tell those neocons and the top officials of George W. Bush's administration who that future "real man" might turn out to be, they would, of course, have laughed such a messenger out of the room in disbelief. And yet here we are in comb-over heaven, in a land whose foreign policy is increasingly done by tweet, in a country whose leaders evidently can't imagine a place in the Greater Middle East that the U.S. military shouldn't be sent into (but never out of). Meanwhile, the pressure, as TomDispatchregular Dilip Hiro, author most recently of The Age of Aspiration: Power, Wealth, and Conflict in Globalizing India, suggests in vivid detail, is only growing for a full-scale campaign for regime change in Iran, not to speak of a possible proxy war against that country in Syria. And honestly, tell me -- to steal a line from another TomDispatch author -- what could possibly go wrong? Tom

The Enemy of My Enemy Is My...?

The Saudi-American-Iranian-Russian-Qatari-Syrian Conundrum

By Dilip Hiro The Middle East. Could there be a more perilous place on Earth, including North Korea? Not likely. The planet's two leading nuclear armed powers backing battling proxies amply supplied with conventional weapons; terror groups splitting and spreading; religious-sectarian wars threatening amid a plethora of ongoing armed hostilities stretching from Syria to Iraq to Yemen. And that was before Donald Trump and his team arrived on this chaotic scene. If there is one region where a single spark might start the fire that could engulf the globe, then welcome to the Middle East. As for sparks, they are now in ample supply. At this moment, President Trump's foreign policy agenda is a package of contradictions threatening to reach a boiling point in the region. He has allied himself firmly with Saudi Arabia even when his secretaries of state and defense seem equivocal on the subject. In the process, he's come to view a region he clearly knows little about through the Saudi royal family's paranoid eyes, believing staunchly that Shia Iran is hell-bent on controlling an Islamic world that is 85% Sunni. Trump has never exactly been an admirer of Iran. His growing hostility toward Tehran (and that of the Iranophobic generals he's appointed to key posts) has already led the U.S. military to shoot down two Iranian-made armed drones as well as a Syrian jet in 12 days. This led Moscow to switch off the hotline between its operational center at the Khmeimim Air Base in Syria and al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the major American military facility in the region. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, at the time the Syrian warplane was hit by the U.S. fighter, Russia's Aerospace Forces were carrying out missions in Syria's airspace. "However," it added, "the coalition command did not use the existing communication line... to prevent incidents in Syria's airspace." At the same time, the incorrigibly contradictory Trump has not abandoned his wish to cultivate friendly relations with Russia whose close economic and military ties with Iran date back to 1992. The danger inherent in the rich crop of contradictions in this muddle, and Trump's fervent backing of the Saudis in their recent threats against neighboring Qatar, should be obvious to all except the narcissistic American president. No one should be surprised by any of this once Trump inserted himself, tweets first, in the violent and crisis-ridden Middle East. After all, he possesses an extraordinary capacity to create his own reality. He seems to instinctively block out his failures, and rushes headlong to embrace anything that puts him in a positive light. Always a winner, never a loser. Such an approach seems to come easily to him, since he's a man of tactics with a notoriously short attention span, which means he's incapable of conceiving of an overarching strategy of a sort that would require concentration and the ability to hold diverse factors in mind simultaneously. Given this, he has no problem contradicting himself or undermining aides working to find a more rational basis for his ever changing stances and desires on matters of import. These problems are compounded by his inability to connect the dots in the very complex, volatile Middle East where wars are raging in Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, or to assess how a move on one diplomatic or military front will impact a host of inter-connected issues. The Iran Factor Let's examine how complicated and potentially treacherous all of this is. In the early days of the Trump administration, an outline of its Middle Eastern strategy might have appeared something like this: the White House will pressure the Sunni Arab states to commit their cash and troops in a coordinated way to fighting the Islamic State (ISIS) under the leadership of the Pentagon. Along with this, the State Department and the Pentagon would explore ways to break Moscow's military and diplomatic alliance with Tehran in a bid to end the Syrian conflict and bolster the fight against ISIS. This reflected a lamentable ignorance of the growing strength of the ties between Russia and Iran, which share borders on the Caspian Sea. This relationship dates back to August 1992 when Russian President Boris Yeltsin's government signed a contract to construct and operate two nuclear reactors near the Iranian city of Bushehr. The two countries then inked an agreement to build two new reactors at the Bushehr site, with an option for constructing six more at other locations later. These were part of a partnership agreement signed in November 2014 and overseen by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Military cooperation between the Kremlin and Tehran can be traced back to 2007 when Iran inked a $900 million contract for five Russian S-300 long-range missile batteries. Because of United Nations Security Council sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program in 2010, those missile deliveries were suspended. However, three months before Tehran signed its landmark nuclear deal with six world powers, including Russia and the U.S., in July 2015, Moscow started shipping an upgraded version of the S-300 missiles to Iran. In September 2015, the Kremlin intervened militarily in Syria on the side of President Bashar al-Assad. By then, Iran had long been aiding the Syrian government with weapons and armed volunteers in its five-year-old civil war. This led Moscow and Tehran to begin sharing military planning over Syria.

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At a rally in Iowa last week, Donald Trump had his God-awful proposal for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border on his mind. This time, Trump seems have abandoned the Mexico-will-pay-for-it-all rhetoric and, instead, suggested that solar panels would make a effective border, so effective that the U.S. could then sell the resulting energy to Mexico at a cost; thus, ensuring a Mexican-paid wall.

Lots of sun, lots of heat, Trump said, almost as if talking to a group of preschoolers, at the rally in Cedar Rapids. Think about it, the higher it goes, the more valuable it is. Pretty good imagination, right, good?

My idea.

Itsan idea. Not the best idea, but its not the worst idea (because a concrete wall is the worst ideaor rather a wall built out of puppy heads is probably the absolute worst idea). That said, putting solar panels on a stupid wall doesnt change the fact that the wall itself is stupid.

For starters, this idea indicates Trump has no idea how solar-power works. The president needs to understand that, while technologically feasible, there are dozens upon dozens of more technical and cost considerations than just slapping solar panels onto a 2,000-mile concrete wall like youre tiling your uncles bathroom. The panels need to be sloped at specific angles, while, at the same time, mounted in such a way thatd prevent people from entering. Theres also the issue that the wall will be 40-feet high. Dont forget: The entire stretch of the border will need a fucking power grid.

Trump says this has the potential to make the U.S. money. Thankfully, Liam Denning at Bloomberg went ahead and calculated this cost, and its so much that even the sun cant afford it. Construction of the 1,933-mile, forty-foot tall solar wall alone would cost $40 billion, and about $20 billion of that would be paid by taxpayers.

As if the price tag isnt alarming enough, Denning says that assuming all this and that the solar wall was somehow completed by 2020, it would have paid for itself by the year  2168. Thats about 37 election cycles awayor, as close to now as the current president is to the days of Ulysses S. Grant. None of this even factors in the additional complexities like permits, varying regulations crossing state and country lines, all while leaving aside the reality that mounting solar panels atop or lining the sides of a giant wall is probably the least effective way to maximize solar output. If it were effective, energy companies would be doing this already.

Oh, and all of the power generated from the border wall, Trump says itll be sold to Mexico as payment for the wall, which, by the way, Mexico has continuously said will not pay for that fucking wall.

Trump also doesnt realize the sheer scale of a solar-wall project. Either that or Trump is the biggest proponent of solar energy the United States has ever seen, which is surprising because just a few months ago, his budget proposal completely undermined the solar industry.

A solar wall of this magnitude would multiply U.S. solar output by 50 times, and itd require more than twice as much concrete to build as the Hoover Dam, making it one of the biggest construction projects in U.S. historyup there with the Panama Canal.

Ridiculous or not (if its functional and cost-effective, it has the potential to be brilliant), this idea suggests Trump may be willing to invest in green energies, something many of his voters actually lovedespite what the loud-mouths say.

Iowa, for example, depends on green energy, thirty-seven percent of the states energy comes from wind farms, and, currently, theres $4 billion in investments for new wind projects. Even newly anointed Republican governor, Kim Reynolds, put forward an energy plan that called for expanding the wind, biofuels and solar industries.

And other states are realizing the potential. Florida Gov. Rick Scott, a Republican, just signed a bill that provides tax breaks for residential and solar installations.

Brian Sandoval, the Republican governor of Nevada, just last week, signed a bill that encouraged solar investment in the state.

In Virginia, one of the traditional coal states, for the first time in history, solar jobs outnumber coal jobs. Numbers from the Solar Foundation show that the industry grow by roughly 65-percent over the last year.

Thats a big deal in coal country. Stateslike Republican holds in Nevada, Iowa, and Virginiaare realizing that the benefits of industries like solar outweigh the damages of coal. Within the last few years, solar costs have come down radically, and, coupled with natural gas and other renewables, theres minimal need for coal. If states can implement alternative energy policies correctly, they can save lives and make money.

Joshua Pearce, an associate professor in Materials Science and Engineering at Michigan Tech University, estimates that switching to solar could save about 52,000 American lives and make up to $2.5 million for each life.

Unlike other public health investments, you get more than lives saved, he told Michigan Tech News. In addition to saving lives, solar is producing electricity, which has an economic value.

Trumps proposal is more than likely more fluff from a man who, at this point, full of so much fluff hes practically a marshmallow. Its quite possibleread: really fucking possiblethat this solar-wall is just another dismal attempt to garner public support for a border-wall; that is, until he builds it anyways and says, Solar-wall? Fake news.

Top photo by U.S. Department of Agriculture, CC BY 2.0

Tom Burson is a travel writer, part-time hitchhiker, and hes currently trying to imitate Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? but with more sunscreen and jorts.
The Deputy National Communications officer of the opposition NDC, Kwaku Boahen has accused members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) of engaging in galamsey activities in Ghana.



He said the NPP government is substandard and its officials are looting from the countrys quarters left, right centre.



Speaking to Obaasima Serwaa Akoto on Yensempa on Agoo TV, Kwaku Boahen said the media campaign against galamsey will be in vain.



This is because the government has shared mining lands among members of the ruling party who intend engaging in illegal mining.



The first Vice chairman of the NPP, Alhaji Omar Bodinga on the program refuted the allegations, accusing the former NDC administration of being the cause of the galamsey menace.



He blames the entire galamsey situation on the Youth in Mining model introduced by the NDC government.

Source: kasapafmonline









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The personal assistant to Mr. Alfred Agbesi Woyome, Reginald Dogbey says he is not the right person to confirm whether the embattled businessman is truly sick or not.



According to him, As far as you have life you are fine. So you dont go around telling people you are not fine. He has been exempted from business activites for two weeks medically. God has given him life so I can say that he is fine.



Mr. Woyome was not in court when the Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed an application seeking to stop the scheduled oral examination by the Attorney General in relation to his infamous Ghc51.2 million indebtedness to the state.



Giving the ruling Tuesday morning, the court presided over by a single judge, Mr Justice A.A Benin, was of the view that the application had no basis.



Mr Woyomes counsel brought a medical report to court that stated that Mr Woyome was sick and that he should be off duty for two weeks.



The state, represented by the Deputy Attorney General (AG) Mr Godfred Dame however argued that Mr Woyome got that medical report on June 30, 2017, a day after he was in the Supreme Court.



Counsel argued the medical report was therefore part of the ploy to dodge the oral examination and that irrespective of whatever, Mr Woyome does, the day of reckoning would definitely catch up with him, he cant run any longer.



When asked by host of NEAT FMs morning show, Kwesi Aboagye to confirm whether Mr. Woyome is sick or not  his personal assistant, Reginald Dogbey said I am not a medical doctor to tell whether he is sick or not. The doctors have examined him that is why he was giving two weeks off duty.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/ Twitter: @Washman5/ Instagram: Washman007









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Satellites for WSOP Cirguit Iguazu Argentina Announced

July 05, 2017 Matthew Pitt Editor

The World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) is being sponsored by 888poker for the second consecutive year and will be visiting Argentina for the first time.

As 888poker sponsors the WSOPC, the online giant has launched a series of satellites tournaments for the WSOPC at the Casino Iguazu, which eventually award the lucky winner a packaged valued at $2,500

$1,000 entry to the WSOP Circuit Iguazu Argentina Main Event

$1,000 for travel expenses

Five nights hotel accommodation

The WSOP Iguazu Argentina Package satellites run until July 31. They cost $160 to enter and can be found under the Live Events tab of the 888poker tournament lobby. If $160 is too steep for your bankroll, feeder satellites start at only $0.01 and run throughout the day.

It is also possible to win a $1,000 seat to the WSOP Iguazu Argentina Main Event if you already have accommodation near the venue. These $55 buy in qualifiers come to an end on July 28.

WSOPC Iguazu Argentina Schedule

The WSOPC Iguazu Argentina festival takes place between Aug. 2-8 at the Casino Iguazu. The $1,000 Main Event features four starting flights and there are several side events to get your teeth into should your quest for a famous WSOPC ring not go to plan.

Date Tournament Buy-in Wed 2 Aug Crazy Eights $200 Main Event Satellite $100 Thu 3 Aug Main Event Day 1a $1,000 Main Event Satellite for Day 1b $100 Fri 4 Aug Main Event Day 1b $1,000 Main Event Satellite for Day 1c $100 Turbo tournament $300 Sat 6 Aug Main Event Day 1c $1,000 Main Event Day 1d $1,000 Pot-limit Omaha $500 Sun 6 Aug Main Event Day 2 Second Chance tournament Day 1 $500 Mon 7 Aug Main Event Day 3 Second Chance tournament Day 2 High Roller tournament $2,500 Tue 8 Aug Main Event Final Day High Roller Final Day

Download 888poker via PokerNews and youll receive a free $88 (free 20 to residents of the United Kingdom) worth of cash and tournament tickets just for creating your new account. When you come to a make your first deposit, 888poker will match it 100 percent up to a maximum of $888; this is more than twice the size of the bonus offered by 888poker on its website.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-07-06 20:10:01

A.M. Best Assigns Credit Ratings to AXA Corporate Solutions Brasil e America Latina Resseguros S.A.

A.M. Best

Guilherme (Guy) Monteiro Simoes

Senior Financial Analyst

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5301

guy.simoes@ambest.com

or

Scott Mangan

Senior Financial Analyst

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5593

scott.mangan@ambest.com

or

Christopher Sharkey

Manager, Public Relations

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159

christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

or

Jim Peavy

Director, Public Relations

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5644

james.peavy@ambest.com

A.M. Best has assigned a Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good) and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of bbb to AXA Corporate Solutions Brasil e America Latina Resseguros S.A. (AXA CS Latam) (Brazil). The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect AXA CS Latams solid business plan and benefits derived from being integrated into AXA S.A.s (AXA) corporate solutions segment led by AXA CS Assurance S.A. AXA is a strong global organization with strong brand recognition, broad product offering, global systems and solid risk management infrastructure. The ratings also contemplate AXA CS Latams strategic importance to AXA through access to Latin Americas largest economy.

The ratings also reflect the solid intergroup reinsurance support provided to AXA CS Latam, which provides significant protection to AXA CS Latams balance sheet and risk-adjusted capitalization.

Despite the groups vast resources and business plan, AXA CS Latam will be challenged to build out its operations in Brazils highly competitive (re)insurance market. Additionally, Brazil is mired currently in significant political and economic turmoil, which could increase operational and execution risk.

Factors that could have a positive impact on AXA CS Latams ratings are sustained and stable profitability, improved standalone risk-adjusted capitalization or an additional enhancement from the companys ultimate parent.

Factors that could have a negative impact on AXA CS Latams ratings include the lack of support from the parent organization, sustained material volatility in operating performance or deterioration in risk-adjusted capitalization. Other factors that potentially could have a negative impact on the ratings are the companys inability to meet its profitability targets or a downgrade of Brazils country risk tier.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on A.M. Bests website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see A.M. Bests Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Understanding Bests Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Bests Credit Ratings and A.M. Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper [..].

A.M. Best is the worlds oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright  2017 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

####

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201707060060
PR-Inside.com: 2017-07-06 15:00:22

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Alix Resources Corp.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCWire) - Alix Resources Corp. (TSX Venture:AIX). has issued a press release with the following headline:Alix Enters Into Property Option Agreement to Joint Venture Up To 60% Of Vanadiumcorps Iron-T Vanadium ProjectTo view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on Alix Resources Corp., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Alix Resources Corp.Source: Alix Resources Corp. (TSX Venture: AIX, WKN: A12GQ2, ISIN: CA01642R3009)Date: July 06, 2017Time: 9:00 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Alix Resources Corp. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
PR-Inside.com: 2017-07-06 21:21:01

Santiago, Thursday, July 6, 2017. You are cordially invited to participate in Banco Santander Chile's (NYSE: BSAC) conference call-webcast on Friday, July 28, 2017 at 11:00am (Eastern Time) when we will discuss 2Q 2017 financial results. The Bank's Officers participating in the conference call are: Emiliano Muratore, CFO, and Robert Moreno, Manager of Investor Relations. A question and answer session will follow the presentation.

To participate, the webcast presentation can be viewed at:

link: http://edge.media-server.com/m/p/r6iksx85

Or please dial: (866) 393-9152 or (440) 996-5725

Participant Passcode: 51571745

Please dial in approximately 10 minutes prior to the starting time of the conference. If you have any questions, please call Robert Moreno at Banco Santander Chile at 562 2320 8284 or Rowena Lambert at 562 2320 3114.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Robert Moreno

Investor Relations

Banco Santander Chile

Bandera 140, Piso 20

Santiago, Chile

Tel: (562) 2320-8284

Email: robert.moreno@santander.cl

Website: www.santander.cl





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: Banco Santander-Chile via Globenewswire


PR-Inside.com: 2017-07-06 17:02:01

Company Pledges More Than $20 Million to Enable Better Learning Outcomes, Helping Break the Cycle of Poverty in Underserved Communities

News highlights

HP commits over $20 million in technology, training, R&D and funding contributions to enable better learning outcomes for more than 100 million people between 2015-2025

HP will continue to bring education directly to people in underserved communities through programs like HP LIFE, HP World on Wheels and HP Learning Studios

HP is working with governments and policymakers to better map learning to employment

HAMBURG, Germany, July 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, HP Inc. (NYSE:HPQ) announced its commitment to enable better learning outcomes for more than 100 million people between 2015-2025 at the 2017 Global Citizen Festival in Hamburg, Germany. The Global Citizen Festival in Hamburg falls on the eve of the G20 Summit, where leaders of the world's most powerful countries are congregating to address inequalities and promote sustainable development.

HP's pledge supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 and aligns with the company's goal to improve access to quality education and lifelong learning for all in the classroom and beyond, as outlined in the recently released HP 2016 Sustainability Report.

For the hundreds of millions of people across the globe who are not currently learning basic literacy and numeracy skills, a quality education can be instrumental in breaking the cycle of poverty. HP is reinventing the classroom in ways that engage students, empower educators, and build strong and vibrant communities. Furthermore, HP is bringing these classrooms directly to students who otherwise may not have access to a quality education.

HP is building innovative education solutions for millions of people, including those in underserved urban, rural and refugee communities, helping power global economies. This includes creating technology solutions designed exclusively for schools, scalable models that support digital inclusion and learning, and insights that help governments create effective human capital development policies and programs.

"HP's efforts to advance quality learning and to support the Sustainable Development Goals are expanding social and economic opportunities for people all over the world," said Nate Hurst, Chief Sustainability and Social Impact Officer at HP. "I'm proud to work for a company that creates and invests in technology that can help teachers teach and students learn while building the skills needed for future success."

To increase the reach of HP's education initiatives by 2025, the company will expand programs like HP World on Wheels, which brings digital literacy to rural India through mobile learning labs. HP will also continue to provide refugees in the Middle East with access to personalized, blended learning experiences through six HP Learning Studios, equipped with hardware, software, and teacher training services that together inspires instructional innovation and next-generation learning experiences. HP Learning Studios also drive experiential learning at more than 60 schools in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, and seven countries in Europe. In addition, HP LIFE, a global e-learning program of the HP Foundation, aims to empower another one million aspiring entrepreneurs by enrolling them in HP LIFE between 2015 and 2025, in support of the broader HP commitment.

Through HP National Education Technology Assessment (NETA), the company is helping ensure that skills match between what schools teach and what employers require. Using a combination of macroeconomic analysis, hyper-local insights and predictive analytics, HP supports governments and policymakers around the world in creating effective human capital development policies and programs, including employer engagement programs.

"Education has the power to spur innovation, promote the prosperity of communities and empower vulnerable and marginalized groups," said Sarah Brown, Executive Chair, Global Business Coalition for Education. "We commend HP's commitment to enabling every person to unlock his or her potential and develop the talents and acquire the skills necessary for a better, brighter future."

Global Citizen Festival

The Festival, at Hamburg's Barclaycard Arena, includes headliners such as Herbert Gronemeyer, Coldplay with special guest Shakira, Ellie Goulding, Andreas Bourani and Pharrell Williams. Over 630,000 actions were taken by Global Citizen in support of their campaigns to earn free tickets to the event.

About the HP Foundation

The HP Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that funds philanthropic programs for underserved communities where we live and work by supporting technology-related learning, charitable giving, volunteering, and disaster relief. Along with HP employees, the HP Foundation creates programs that make life better for underserved and underrepresented communities by providing technology-related learning experiences and opportunities.

Sustainability at HP

Sustainability serves as a guiding principle for how we do business at HP-fueling our innovation and growth. We engineer with integrity, ensuring all products and operations are based on the highest ethical standards. We are committed to full-circle innovation that improves performance, reduces waste, and powers a circular and low-carbon economy. And we inspire impact, creating opportunities and enabling action to achieve a more just and inclusive society. To learn more about these efforts, visit the HP Sustainability website, and be sure to check out the newly released HP 2016 Sustainability Report, www.hp.com/sustainability.

About HP Inc.

HP Inc. creates technology that makes life better for everyone, everywhere. Through our portfolio of printers, PCs, mobile devices, solutions, and services, we engineer experiences that amaze. More information about HP Inc. is available at http://www.hp.com.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-07-06 13:00:35

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for King's Bay Gold Corporation--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver BC. (FSCWire) - King's Bay Gold Corporation (TSX Venture:KBG). has issued a press release with the following headline:Kings Bay Applies for Exploration Permit for Phase 2 Exploration on the Lynx Lake Project in LabradorTo 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 King's Bay Gold Corporation, or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/King's Bay Gold CorporationSource: King's Bay Gold Corporation (TSX Venture: KBG)Date: July 06, 2017Time: 7:00 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of King's Bay Gold Corporation and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
PR-Inside.com: 2017-07-06 15:58:57

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EUMEPS

Weertersteenweg 158



Edmar Meuwissen

Secretary General

681431728

email

http://www.eumeps.org





# 401 Words

Weertersteenweg 158Secretary General681431728

Maaseik, BelgiumOn July 1st 2017, EUMEPS, the European Association of Manufacturers of EPS, unveiled a completely redesigned website at www.eumeps.org . The website provides users a clean design that incorporates improved functionality and enhanced content.Website visitors will find the website showcases a fresh look and easy-to-navigate design. In addition, EUMEPS has incorporated broader information for the variety of industry audiences, including manufacturers, suppliers, industry professionals and consumers for both Construction and Packaging sections.From the EUMEPS landing page, visitors can choose their area of interest: EUMEPS Power Parts, with a focus on packaging and in general shape moulded parts for food, white goods, electronics and automotive applications, or EUMEPS Construction, which concentrates on all information related to the use of EPS as an insulation material in construction.With the new website, we are taking the opportunity to strengthen and modernise how we represent our association and promote the industry to our members, government officials, the media and the communities in which we operate, says Bernhard Hauck, Chairman of EUMEPS.The new website will serve as a platform to highlight EUMEPS key activities, among which are Sustainability and Circular Economy.Sustainability: raise the awareness that energy efficient production contributes positively to economic development and to the environment. We encourage our industry to be a strong link in the supply chain, to be a reliable partner and a good neighbour. We provide accurate information about the environmental impact of our materials and productsCircular Economy: we continue to innovate alternatives to the traditional linear economy of make, use, dispose. In the circular economy we keep resources in use for as long as possible, we extract the maximum value from them whilst in use, then recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of each service life.Visit www.EUMEPS.org to begin exploring EUMEPS new website.About EUMEPSEUMEPS is the European association for Manufacturers of Expanded Polystyrene. EUMEPS represents converters of expandable polystyrene in order to lobby and promote their interests in Europe. Membership represents over 90% of the European manufacturing industry, comprised largely of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs)Members are the National Associations of EPS in each country whose membership comes from converters, suppliers, recyclers, machinery companies. Together we navigate the political and regulatory landscape in Europe and ensure that our voice is heard and the benefits of EPS as a construction and packaging material is understood.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-07-06 12:14:12

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Gabriel Resources Ltd.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---London, England (FSCWire) - Gabriel Resources Ltd. (TSX:GBU). has issued a press release with the following headline:Romania Issues Abusive VAT AssessmentTo 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 Gabriel Resources Ltd., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Gabriel Resources Ltd.Source: Gabriel Resources Ltd. (TSX: GBU, WKN: 931885, ISIN: CA3619701061)Date: July 06, 2017Time: 6:14 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Gabriel Resources Ltd. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
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.




End

-- senseQA sits together with Everton Vieira,of IzyPlay, and discuss the place of QA in the successful games. Inspired by games and the valuable meetups at the BIG Festival that happened this year June 24  July 2 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.1. What is the most valuable part of quality assurance testing with senseQA?I would highlight two base pillars: The Functionality tests and the Usability tests. The first test focuses on bugs that interrupt the flow, the second test focuses on the user experience. Both tests are complementary and each issue needs to be accompanied by detailed feedback.2. According to your company what part of the development is dedicated to testing?Each sprint needs to be tested to guarantee a good beta. It is a spiral testing process.3. As a game developer how would you describe the perfect quality assurance testing for your game?The perfect QA happens after every stage of the playtest process, in this order: Functionality testing Localization testing Soak testing Usability testing Beta testingA good approach would be to offer the above stages individually  upon request.5. How would you evaluate your own company in your own words?Izyplay is a company that wants to make good games that reach a large number of users around the world. The platform could be mobile or PC, doesn't matter. We search to make the company sustainable and profitable to have this market flexibility. We have a good art sector and focus on a polished game design6. What do you find to sell more: better marketing, higher quality, strong uniqueness?Better marketing, of course!For contacts:senseQA: www.Senseqa.comEmail: getqa@senseqa.comIzyPlay: http://www.izyplay.com.br/ br/ Email: work@izyplay.com.br
National speaker, Lori Highby of Keystone Click, shares secrets of digital marketing

By: Independent Business Association of Wisconsin

Steve Kohlmann

Contact

Judi Murphy

Murphy Associates

***@marketingwithmurphy.com Judi MurphyMurphy Associates

End

-- The Independent Business Association of Wisconsin (IBAW) hosts a breakfast meeting on Friday, July 21, 7  9:00 am, at the Wisconsin Club, 900 W Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wis. Presentation is "High Powered B2B Digital Marketing" featuring Lori Highby, president of Keystone Click. A plated breakfast is served.National speaker, Lori Highby, is president of Keystone Click, a Milwaukee digital marketing firm. She'll share ideas and secrets of using social media to build your brand and generate leads. How business, and particularly manufacturing, can use social media and digital marketing to build brand awareness and generate leads.Steve Kohlmann, Executive Director of IBAW, said, "Lori will share the insights and tactical strategies her agency executes for their clients. Takeaways will include how to source content your target customers want and will engage with, understanding how the B2B buying process has evolved in the digital space, and how you can be part of that process." To register for the July 21program, go to www.IBAW.com Lori Highby said, "I'm excited to be presenting to IBAW on July 21st because there are so many great opportunities to market your business online, and today it seems more overwhelming than beneficial. My goal is to help clear the air on the benefits of digital marketing and help business owners and leaders feel less stressed and more empowered to continue growing by using the web."IBAW's mission is to advance business prosperity through insightful programming, executive networking, & member-driven public policy and advocacy. Membership encompasses service, manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, technology, financial, consulting & others. A statewide, non-profit association, IBAW members and sponsors employ thousands of Wisconsin workers.Since 1973, the Independent Business Association of Wisconsin (IBAW) was formed for small business owners to engage in conversation relating to legislation which impacts the bottom-line costs of businesses throughout the state of Wisconsin. IBAW is a venue for high level CEOs, CFOs, COOs, other upper management and entrepreneurs to network, exchange business ideas, and become educated and involved on issues which impact their business.For additional information, contact Steve Kohlmann, IBAW Executive Director, via email at IBAWOffice@gmail.com
ABA's Teicher reflects on 2017; the scheme that saved a Maine bookstore; San Francisco's Booksmith expands; Tennessee's new indie; and more.

Open Letter from ABAs CEO: Oren Teicher reflects on BookExpo, the challenges of indie bookstores, and Amazon.

Creative Scheme Saves Maine Bookstore: Blue Hill Books was purchased by members of the local community who pre-bought books in lots of up to $1,000.

Silicon Valley Store Forms Nonprofit: Kepler's Books in Menlo Park, Calif. has formed Keplers Literary Foundation to run community and off-site events.

San Francisco Bookstore Expands: The Booksmith has opened a new events space called The Bindery.

Buffalo, N.Y. Bookstore Consolidates: Talking Leaves is closing its University Heights location and is moving the stock into its shop on Elmwood Ave.

Miami Bookstore Saved from Closure: The Bookstore in the Grove has been bought and will stay open.

New Bookstore Opens in Tennessee: Harper's Books opened for business in Lebanon.

New Orlean's Store Publishes Books: Tubby and Coo's has launched its own line of books.

Remembering a Slain California Bookseller: Dwain George Kaiser, the owner of Magic Door Books in Pomona who was shot to death on July 3, is remembered by friends.

SIBA Book Prizes Announced: The Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance awarded prizes to books in eleven categories.
French publishing sales were up in 2016, rising 4.25% to 2.8bn ($3.17 billion), according to figures from the French Publishers Association (Syndicat National de lEdition, SNE), as reported by The Bookseller. The rise is the result of a change in national school curriculum, which prompted more purchases by schools and boosted unit sales by 4.11%, from 417.3 million in 2015 to 434.5 million in 2016.

The figures were released at the Association's annual membership meeting on June 29, where the association also noted that e-book sales hit 234 million ($265 million) in 2016 and represented 8.65% of the overall market. Rights sales accounted for 132m ($160 million), or 5%, of publishers net revenues last year.

Reflecting on the figures, SNE president Vincent Montagne told The Bookseller, The economic equation is increasingly difficult. Sales are stable, but the number of titles published and royalty payments are rising, and books shelf life is shortening. This means that everyones margins are shrinking.

Among the concerns of publishers has been the erosion of the traditional book market by online retailers, some of whom have been accused of selling new books at a discount by labelling them as used or second-hand titles, thus skirting France's fixed book price law. Earlier in the week, French culture minister Francoise Nyssen, oversaw the signing of a new "book price charter" which will further regulate book sales and enforce the fixed book price law. The signatories of the charter include The National Union of Publishers, the French Booksellers Association and the Union for the Distribution of Culture, as well as several major online book retailers in France, such as Amazon, Cdiscount, FNAC, Leslibraires.fr, PriceMinister, Chapitre.com and Palidis.

Last week, Nyssen also addressed the annual meeting of the French Booksellers Association (Le Syndicat de la Librairie francaise). Held in La Rochelle, the event attracted some 800 attendees, including 550 booksellers. There, Nyssen praised the role of booksellers in fostering culture and said the government is thinking about instituting a program to give each French citizen turning 18 a sum of 500 to spend on "cultural goods," including books, theater or symphony tickets, as was launched in Italy last year.

Research firm GfK took the occasion of the meeting to release a report based on a survey of 15,000 readers. The report compared the book market between the years 2007-2016. The firm noted that while the French market for "cultural goods," which includes books, film and music, has been in decline, physical books remain the country's top cultural product and now represent 57% of the market value for cultural goods, up from 51% in 2007. The study also indicated that the French now devote an average of three hours per week to leisure reading, which trails behind time spent streaming music or videos.
Coming off two lightly attended conferences in a row and facing funding threats from President Trump, 2017 got off to a rough start for the American Library Association. But an upbeat 2017 ALA annual conference in Chicago, which concluded with a rousing speech by Hillary Clinton on June 27, may have just turned their year around.

Total attendance in Chicago hit 22,702, with the number of paid attendees (excluding exhibitors) up nearly 50% from last years annual conference in Orlandoa welcome rebound as well from the 2017 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Atlanta. Held over Trump's inauguration weekend this past January and competing with Women's Marches across the country, that show ranked as the lowest-attended Midwinter Meeting in 25 years.

In Chicago, a strong slate of speakers expressed support for librariesincluding Clintonand sought to energize librarians for the political, professional, and budget battles that lie ahead.

In her keynote, Clinton criticized President Trumps proposed cuts to libraries and other agencies, including the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and she likened the current climate in America to something out of Ray Bradburys classic Fahrenheit 451. She said Trumps proposed cuts were shortsighted and deeply disturbing, and warned that if enacted they would disproportionately harm rural and underserved communities.

As librarians, once again you have to be on the front lines of one of the most important fights we have ever faced in the history of our countrythe fight to defend truth and reason, evidence, and facts, Clinton said, to loud applause. We are facing some very challenging times and we all have to rise to the occasion. This goes far beyond any kind of political party or partisan feeling, it really does go to who we are as Americans, what we stand for, the values that weve inherited, and the values we will pass along.

 As librarians, once again you have to be on the front lines of one of the most important fights we have ever faced in the history of our countrythe fight to defend truth and reason, evidence, and facts. 

In addition to Clinton, who will publish an as-yet-untitled memoir this fall with Simon & Schuster, as well as a new edition of her classic kids' book It Takes a Village, this years program included talks from a number of award-winning authors, including Hamilton author Ron Chernow, and 2017 Pulitzer Prize winners Colson Whitehead (The Undergound Railroad) and Matthew Desmond (Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City), who were in Chicago to pick up their Carnegie Medals at a reception on Saturday, June 24.

Sarah Jessica Parker was also on hand to announce her first official selection as honorary chair of the ALAs new Book Club Central: Stephanie Powell Wattss debut novel No One Is Coming to Save Us (Ecco). Launched at the conference, ALA Book Club Central is an online platform of reading resources, including recommendations, book lists, and other content for book clubs and their readers. In her role as honorary chair, Parker, who recently launched a new fiction line (SJP for Hogarth, in partnership with Molly Stern at Crown) will offer additional picks throughout the year, books that have moved me personally, she told librarians, and that I believe are richly deserving.

Another high-profile attendee, librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, was awarded the 2017 Melvil Dewey Medal at the show. The honor, given annually by ALA, recognizes creative leadership of high order. Unlike her predecessor, Hayden, a former ALA president, told PW she will be a regular attendee at ALA conferences.

Perhaps the most compelling speech of the conference, however, came at the Carnegie reception honoring Whitehead and Desmond, from the evening's featured speaker, author Sara Paretsky, who captivated her audience with a clarion call for librarians, authors, and publishers to stand up for truth and reason.

We are living in an age of rage, lies, and willful stupidity. The 24-hour news cycle keeps us on the brink of hysteria with tales of terrorists, pizza-parlor pedophilia rings, the imminent imposition of sharia on our nation, ISIS, climate change, and Americas horrific number of gun deaths, Paretsky said. The person who puts together the most compelling narrative out of these jostling fragments is the person who controls what we think, say, and ultimately do. When we dont check for facts, when we dont pay attention to the whole arc of an event long enough to build a reliable narrative, we are at the mercy of unreliable narrators. Thats why works like The Underground Railroad and Evicted are so important. They help us keep a plumb line to that most elusive quality: the truth.

The 2018 ALA Annual Conference is set for June 21 to 16, in New Orleans. After that, the next five conferences are scheduled to trade off between Chicago, and Washington D.C., cities where ALA has offices, and cities that traditionally host the best-attended annual conferences.
Immediately after reaching a merger agreement with Cablevision to create a giant pay-TV player in Argentina, Telecom has announced the acquisition of a major stake in Paraguay satellite operator TuVes.





Argentinas largest telco has announced an agreement to buy 70% of TuVes for only $6,200, although $8.8 million more has been invested to capitalise the Paraguayan operator. The operation has been carried out through Nucleo , a mobile player that has been operating since 1998 under the Telecom Personal brand in Paraguay.The move strengthens Telecoms position outside Argentina, right after a merger agreement with Cablevision has secured its leading position in its home market.Last weekend, Telecom and Grupo Clarins pay-TV player announced a deal that will shake Argentinas telecom and video markets , as the merged operator will own over 30 million clients, half the fixed broadband market and over 40% of the pay-TV market.The preliminary agreement between both companies has been approved by the boards of directors, but is still dependant on getting the green light from Argentinas telecom authority Enacom.
A notorious Russian hacker whose exploits and later arrest gave glimpses into the intersection of computer crime and Russian law enforcement has been sentenced to two years in prison.



The Moscow City Court issued its ruling July 6 against Vladimir Anikeyev in a decision made behind closed doors, one indication of the sensitivity of his case.



Anikeyev was head of a group of hackers known as Humpty Dumpty, or Shaltai Boltai in Russian. The group was accused of intruding into e-mail accounts and computer servers of Russian government officials, including the spokeswoman for Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.



He was detained in November 2016, but his arrest only became public in January, along with the arrest of two officers with the cybercrime division for the Federal Security Agency (FSB).



Russia news reports said Anikeyev, who had been living in Ukraine, was detained at a Moscow airport after being lured back to Russia with an offer of payment for an unspecified hacking operation.



The two FSB officers -- Sergei Mikhailov and Dmitry Dokuchayev -- were charged with high treason, accused of passing classified information to U.S. intelligence. Mikhailov was reportedly arrested during a meeting of FSB officers in Moscow in December, taken from the room with a bag over his head.



The unit that the two worked in, the Center for Information Security, was the lead FSB division overseeing cybercrime and routinely cooperated with U.S. law enforcement to investigate and prosecute hackers and others.

At least three other people, including a former employee of the Moscow-based cyberresearch firm, Kaspersky Lab, have also been charged in the case.



The senior officer who headed the unit, Andrei Gerasimov, was reportedly pushed into early retirement, according to the Kommersant newspaper.



Another former member of the Shaltai Boltai group, Aleksandr Glazastikov, fled to Estonia. In an interview with Estonias public broadcaster published in February, and another published later in The Financial Times, he asserted that the groups hacking activities had allegedly been overseen by the FSB cyberunit.



In March, U.S. prosecutors unsealed indictments against Dokuchayev and another officer in the FSB cyberunit for their alleged role in hacking Internet giant Yahoo and stealing information to 500 million user accounts in 2014.

Two other Russian-linked hackers were also charged in that announcement, including Aleksei Belan, whom the U.S. had been linked to the intrusions on the U.S. Democratic Party computers in early 2016.



The indictment also listed an unnamed FSB officer as being involved in the hack as well. Computer experts who have monitoring Russian hacking for years says that officer is believed to be Mikhailov.
Ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych announced that he will not participate in a high treason trial against him that is scheduled to resume in Kyiv on July 6.

Yanukovych said he is recalling his lawyers from the court, which is trying him in absentia on charges of treason, violating Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and abetting Russian aggression.

Yanukovych fled Ukraine in February 2014 amid street protests during which his police forces killed dozens of people. He has been living in exile in Russia.

"I don't want to participate in the alleged adversary trial, the outcome of which was determined in advance," he said in a statement, adding that his lawyers are "powerless" to argue his case "in the country of obliterated justice."

Yanukovych said prosecutors are "accusing me of all past, present, and future woes of Ukraine" and called the trial "a sham."

He said that the Ukrainian law allowing the court to try him in absentia violates the European Convention on Human Rights, and the court violated his rights by refusing to allow him to participate in the trial by video conference.

Based on reporting by TASS and Interfax


Gunmen have shot and killed a Pakistani regional political party leader in the city of Quetta, police in the southwestern province of Balochistan say.



Malik Naveed, 38, and his guard, Mohammad Zareef, 42, were shot while riding in a car by at least two gunmen on motorcycles along Quetta's Arbab Karam Khan Road, police Superintendent Ashraf Jattak said.



He said both men died as they were being transported to hospital.



A relative of Naveed's traveling in his car was wounded in the attack.



The assailants escaped unhurt, officials said. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.



Naveed is a leader of the opposition Balochistan National Party, which advocates on behalf of regions indigenous ethnic Baloch people.



Balochistan Province has been home to nationalist and separatist groups fighting against the central government.



Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and militants linked to the Islamic State (IS) militant group are also active in the region, which shares a border with Afghanistan and Iran.

Based on reporting by Reuters and Dawn
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy declared that Kherson is "ours after his special forces entered the strategic southern city following the retreat of Russian troops, marking another dramatic battlefield victory in Kyivs drive to recapture territory occupied by Russia since the start of its unprovoked invasion.

The Ukrainian military also said on November 11 that its troops had advanced all the way to the western bank of the Dnieper River in some areas of the Kherson region as Moscow said its forces had completed their withdrawal to the eastern bank in the face of Ukraines powerful counteroffensive.

"Our people -- Ours. Kherson," Zelenskiy wrote in a Telegram post that also included what appeared to be a video of Ukrainian troops celebrating with local residents.

Today is a historic day, Zelenskiy said in the post. We are returning Kherson. As of now, our defenders are on the approaches to the city. But special units are already in the city.

Various videos on social media from Kherson showed resident cheering and waving flags as the first Ukrainian troops reached the center of the city, the only provincial capital captured by Russian forces following their February 24 invasion.

"Kherson is returning to the control of Ukraine," the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said earlier in the day. "Units of the armed forces of Ukraine are entering the city."

WATCH: Local residents welcomed Ukrainian soldiers into Snihurivka on November 10, as advance forces of the Ukrainian military recaptured the town in the southern Mykolayiv region. Other footage from the village of Blahodatne in the Kherson region shows a massive cache of abandoned weapons left by the Russian troops after their retreat.

"The Russian occupiers' routes of retreat are under the direct fire of the Ukrainian Army," the statement added. "Any Russian soldier who resists will be killed."

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said in a tweet that "Ukraine is gaining another important victory right now and proves that whatever Russia says or does, Ukraine will win." The tweet included a video purporting to show Kherson residents removing a billboard that proclaimed "Russia is here forever."

Serhiy Khlan, a deputy for the Kherson Regional Council, said a Ukrainian flag had been raised in Kherson, as multiple videos circulating on social media purportedly showed Ukrainian soldiers planting their yellow-and-blue flag on administrative buildings in the city and local residents celebrating.

The Russian Defense Ministry said it had finished the pullout from Kherson city and the region at 5 a.m. on November 11 and that no military equipment had been left behind, in an another embarrassing blow to Moscow's war effort, which it refers to as a "special military operation."



"In total, more than 30,000 Russian servicemen, about 5,000 pieces of hardware, and military equipment and materiel have been withdrawn," the ministry said. "Not a single piece of military equipment or weaponry was left on the right (western) bank," he added, although the report could not immediately be confirmed.

Khlan said some Russian soldiers had been unable to leave the city and had changed into civilian clothing and urged local residents to stay at home while Ukrainian troops cleared the city.

"The number of these people is not known," he told a news briefing, without citing evidence for the claim.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's ongoing invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Khlan also said, without citing evidence, that many Russian troops had drowned attempting to flee across the river.

The head of the joint coordination press center of the Defense Forces of Southern Ukraine, Natalya Humenyuk, said Russian troops "have been changing into civilian clothes for two weeks."

"This should focus our forces as it means saboteur operations cannot be ruled out," Humenyuk told a separate briefing.

"Because of this, we are not rushing to announce our successes in other directions and in other towns."

Russia did not immediately comment on Khlan's or Humenyuk's remarks.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said on November 10 that it would take Russia at least a week to withdraw, telling Reuters in an interview that Russia had 40,000 troops in the Kherson region and that it still had forces in the city.

Kherson 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 with a launching pad for supplies and troops to try to win back other lost territory in the south.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's public broadcaster quoted local residents as saying on November 11 that the Antonivskiy Bridge, the only nearby road crossing from Kherson city to the Russian-controlled eastern bank of the Dnieper, had collapsed.

The Suspilne broadcaster published a photograph showing whole sections of the bridge missing. The next road crossing across the Dnieper is more than 70 kilometers from Kherson city.

It was not immediately clear what had caused the collapse.

Recapturing the city could provide Ukraine a launching pad for supplies and troops to try to win back other lost territory in the south.

The Ukrainian General Staff said retreating Russian forces have been looting homes and destroying critical infrastructure, while forcibly evicting residents from the settlements still under their control.

"The Russian invaders continue to loot the settlements from which they are retreating. The enemy is also attempting to damage power lines and other elements of the transport and critical infrastructure of the Kherson region as much as possible," the military said, adding that Russian mines continue to wound civilians.

Elsewhere, six civilians were killed in a Russian rocket attack on Mykolayiv overnight, the mayor of the southern Ukrainian city said on November 11, as Ukrainian troops continued their advance in the direction of Kherson.

The mayor of Mykolayiv, Oleksandr Sienkovych, said on November 11 that the people were killed when Russian rockets hit a residential area of the city, destroying a five-story building.

"As of 10 a.m., six people were killed by the impact of the attack on the residential building," Sienkovych said.

Fierce fighting continues in Bakhmut and Soledar in the eastern Donetsk region as well as in the adjacent Luhansk region, the military said, adding that heavy Russian shelling pounded about 20 settlements in the Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhya, and Mykolayiv regions.

In his nightly address late on November 10, Ukrainian President Volodymyr 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 added that 41 settlements had been liberated.

With reporting by AP, Reuters, and dpa
Russian investigators have raided the Moscow election office of opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, a day before he was scheduled to be released from jail, activists say.



According to his supporters, about 10 police officers entered the Kremlin critics headquarters, seizing computers and campaign literature and sealing the doors afterward.



"The Moscow headquarters have been seized, Nikolai Lyaskin, a campaign office coordinator, said on Facebook. The guard says investigative actions are being carried out.



There are people inside, but we can't get in," he wrote, adding that, if possible, come to the headquarters.



Police have not commented on the reports.



Leonid Volkov, a Navalny ally, said the authorities were raiding offices in other Russian cities as well, confiscating campaign pamphlets.



Navalny has vowed to run for the Russian presidency in March 2018, when Vladimir Putin is widely expected to easily win reelection.



Russian officials have barred Navalny from participating in the election, citing a criminal conviction that Navalny has said was politically motivated to block him from running.



Navalny, who has organized several antigovernment protests, is scheduled to be released from jail on July 7 after serving a 25-day term for violating a law on organizing public meetings.



His supporters said they are planning a series of campaign events for July 8, including the distribution of 5 million pieces of campaign literature.

Based on reporting by Reuters, dpa, The Moscow Times, and TASS
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the United States is prepared to cooperate with Russia in Syria, including on military matters, in a renewed gesture at reconciliation ahead of a meeting this week between the two nations' leaders.

Tillerson said late on July 5 that the United States is open to establishing no-fly zones in Syria in coordination with Russia as well as jointly setting up mechanisms to monitor cease-fires and to ensure delivery of humanitarian aid.

The U.S.-Russia cooperation would create stability in Syria, Tillerson said, as U.S.-backed forces continue their assault on the Islamic State extremist group, which he said is "badly wounded" and on the "brink of complete defeat."

"If our two countries work together to establish stability on the ground, it will lay a foundation for progress on the settlement of Syria's political future," Tillerson said.

Tillerson's statement came as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time on July 7 at a Group of 20 summit in Hamburg, Germany. The two are expected to discuss Syria, in what Tillerson said he hoped would be a "good exchange."

It was Tillerson's first detailed statement addressing the war in Syria. He stressed that the administration's goals are to prevent a resurgence of extremism from emerging in areas that U.S.-backed forces have recently liberated from IS control, and to enable Syrian civilians to return to their homes and rebuild their lives there.

"While there are no perfect options for guaranteeing stability, we must explore all possibilities for holding the line against the resurgence of ISIS or other terrorist groups," he said.

"The United States believes Russia, as a guarantor of [Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's] regime and an early entrant into the Syrian conflict, has a responsibility to ensure that the needs of the Syrian people are met and that no faction in Syria illegitimately retakes or occupies areas liberated from ISIS's or other terrorist groups' control," he said.

"Russia also has an obligation to prevent any further use of chemical weapons of any kind by the Assad regime," he said.

Tillerson said further U.S. cooperation with Russia would build on already successful efforts to avoid accidental clashes as both nations have waged battles on Syrian territory in recent months.

"The United States and Russia have already achieved progress in establishing deconfliction zones in Syria that have prevented mutual collateral damage," he said. "This cooperation...is evidence that our two nations are capable of further progress."

With reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters


U.S. President Donald Trump spoke to the Polish people in Warsaw's Krasinski Square on July 6, praising the country for being "among the most committed members" of NATO. Trump said that Western allies must now adapt to face new challenges, including propaganda and cyberwarfare, and called on Russia to "cease its destabilizing activities in Ukraine and elsewhere." (Reuters)
Mikhail Gorbachev has urged U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to restore trust between their two countries and said their upcoming meeting should emulate the 1986 Reykjavik summit of the Soviet leader and Ronald Reagan.



Gorbachev on July 6 told Russian state news agency RIA ovosti that "above all, it is good that this meeting is finally happening -- but a shame that it is only coming now."



"A lot of time has been lost that they need to make up for, he said. They need to rebuild trust. So far, our countries do not have a joint constructive agenda."



Trump and Putin are to hold bilateral talks on July 7 in Hamburg, Germany, on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit.



"We now need an impulse from the leaders, as happened in Reykjavik in 1986," Gorbachev said. "We must put everything on the negotiating table and establish a mechanism for interaction, not for any single items, even important, but for all problems.



Several issues divide the two nations, although Trump has expressed desires for better relations and has often praised Putin personally.



Many U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia, most likely under Putins orders, interfered in the presidential campaign to boost Trumps chances of winning. The Kremlin rejects the allegation.



In addition, the United States and its allies have imposed sanctions on Moscow for its illegal annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region and its support of separatists in eastern Ukraine. Disputes over policies concerning Syria and North Korea also linger.

Based on reporting by AFP and AP
U.S. President Donald Trump is set to hold the most consequential meeting of his 6-month-old presidency: a face-to-face sit-down with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort aimed at stemming a deepening crisis in U.S.-Russia relations.



With Kremlin actions overshadowing Trump since before his January inauguration, the U.S. president is looking for common ground with Putin: on the grinding war in Syria and the unresolved conflict in Ukraine; on hacking and cyberwarfare; on North Koreas ballistic-missile tests; and on the fight against terrorism.



Their meeting is scheduled in the afternoon of July 7 on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit of major industrialized countries in Hamburg, Germany -- a summit that will also be closely watched for White House intentions on trade deals and climate change.

Trump, who arrived in Hamburg a day earlier, met Putin briefly on the morning of July 7. The two shook hands and smiled while standing near other officials at the venue, with the U.S. president patting Putin on the back.

Trump has repeatedly called for a new approach to Moscow, saying there are plenty of areas of overlap.



But Trumps efforts are tinged by multiple congressional investigations, and an FBI criminal probe, into Russias alleged interference in last years presidential election and interactions between Trump associates and Russian officials.



Russia and the United States "have considerable potential for coordinating efforts in the sphere of the struggle against international terrorism, drug trafficking, organized crime, and the spread of mass-destruction weapons, the Kremlins top foreign adviser, Yury Ushakov, told reporters in Moscow earlier this week.



"Discussions with Trump may touch upon the issues of arms control and strategic stability whose maintenance Russia and the United States bear special responsibility for as the largest nuclear powers, he was quoted as saying.



To date, the White House has made no major reversals of Russian policies begun under Trumps predecessor, Barack Obama.

Sanctions imposed in 2014 for Russias illegal annexation of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula remain in place. So do the sanctions levied in December in response to U.S. intelligence conclusions that Russia actively interfered in the 2016 election campaign.



Those measures included the seizure of Russian diplomatic compounds in Maryland and New York, which U.S. officials have said may have been used for intelligence-gathering. Moscow has repeatedly complained about that, and last month, the Foreign Ministry threatened the seizure of some U.S. diplomatic properties if the compounds arent returned.



Tension have also risen sharply in Syria, where Washington and Moscow share some overlapping goals in defeating Islamic State militants. That overlap has been frayed, however, by Moscow's stalwart backing of Syria's president, and reports of chemical weapons attacks against civilians.



The White House is also hoping to enlist Russian backing for sterner measures against North Korea, just days after Pyongyang tested what the U.S. confirmed was an intercontinental ballistic missile.

Meanwhile, Putin's agenda on July 7 also included talks with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Their meetings were expected to focus on North Korea's test launch on July 4 of an intercontinental ballistic missile that is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.

On the morning of July 8, Putin was expected to discuss Ukraine's conflict during a working breakfast with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Later on July 8, Putin was to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss energy projects and bilateral cooperation.

The Russian president also was to meet with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on July 8 and have a separate bilateral meeting with Macron.

On July 6, during a visit to Poland before he traveled on to the Hamburg, Trump made several statements that were likely to annoy Moscow.

He made an explicit endorsement of the most important component of the treaty that established the NATO alliance: Article 5, which stipulates that an attack on one member should be considered an attack on all members.



That was welcome reassurance for former Soviet bloc members of NATO, such as the three Baltic states and Poland, who fear Russias more assertive military actions of recent years.



The White House also gave its blessing to a $7.6 billion deal to sell Patriot missile-defense systems to Poland by the end of the year. U.S. missile-defense systems in Eastern Europe have prompted repeated complaints from Russia in the past, and Obama had shelved similar plans in 2009 as part of his administrations attempted reset of relations with Moscow.



Trump also pushed for a long-term deal to supply Poland with U.S. liquefied natural gas, which would help reduce Polands dependency on Russian gas.



And in a speech in Warsaws Krasinski Square, he called on Russia to cease its destabilizing activities in Ukraine and elsewhere.



But the U.S. leader also downplayed the consensus among U.S. intelligence agencies, and many Republicans and Democrats in Congress, that Russia had actively meddled in the election that he ended up winning.



"Nobody really knows for sure," Trump told a news conference in Warsaw on July 6 when asked about the allegations of Russian interference.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted by Russias state-run TASS news agency as saying on July 7 that Putin had been "thoroughly" informed of Trumps statements in Poland and "has been taking it all into account."

Peskov also shrugged off Trump's call to reduce Moscows dominant role as a supplier of natural gas to Eastern Europe, telling reporters: "There's no energy monopoly in Europe."

Trumps presence at the G20 summit will also be closely watched for hints into Trump administration policy, particular regarding trade.



As a candidate last year, Trump railed against major trade deals negotiated by the Obama administration, and his campaign was built around an America First approach to trade.



He has canceled one that would link up Pacific Rim economies, and in May, his administration notified Congress that it planned to renegotiate the NAFTA trade deal linking the economies of the United States, Mexico, and Canada. He called the 23-year-old agreement the worst trade deal ever.



The Trump administration's open disdain for the science behind climate change has also worried European and Asian allies. Trump announced last month he intended to withdraw the United States from the 2015 Paris climate accord, under which the U.S. pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions.



Merkel, who is hosting the summit and who is up for reelection in September, said among the issues G20 leaders would be tackling would be terrorism, combatting climate change, and regulations of financial markets



Thousands of antiglobalization activists were expected to protest in Hamburg during the two-day summit.



Merkel said that "free, rule-based, and fair trade" would be an important topic.



"You can imagine that there will be discussions that will not be easy," she said. "Globalization can be a win-win situation. It must not always be that there are winners and losers."

With reporting by AP
Washington is considering heeding calls on all sides to appoint an envoy to the Minsk peace negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and separatists in the east, a senior U.S. State Department official said on July 5.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who is due to visit Ukraine next week, has said he would like to help the agreement reached between the warring sides in the Belarusian capital in 2015 succeed, though it has so far has failed to spark even a lasting cease-fire.

Tillerson has also said he doesn't want to be "handcuffed" to the Minsk accord, however, if alternative ways of settling the war that has killed more than 10,000 arise.

The senior State Department official said all parties to the agreement "have asked for a U.S. interlocutor that they can work with -- some sort of Minsk coordinator or envoy ... and we are actively considering that."

The Minsk agreement was brokered by France and Germany and signed by Russia and Ukraine in early 2015. It calls for a cease-fire, the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the front line, and constitutional reforms to give eastern Ukraine more autonomy.

With reporting by Reuters


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For the third time in 12 days, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully took off from Earth and sent a satellite payload into orbit.

The rocket launched from the historic Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7:38 p.m. EDT (2338 GMT) today (July 5). The Falcon 9 sent the Intelsat 35e satellite to a high-up geostationary transfer orbit; the craft will eventually make its way to geostationary orbit, about 22,300 miles (35,800 kilometers) above Earth.

SpaceX did not attempt to land the reusable Falcon 9 first-stage booster, because the heavy payload (Intelsat 35e weighs about 13,000 lbs., or 6,000 kilograms) and high orbit required more fuel than a typical launch; as a result, the booster did not have enough fuel to make a return landing. [SpaceX Launches Super-Heavy Intelsat 35e Satellite (Photos)]

GIF showing SpaceX's launch of the Intelsat 35e communications satellite on July 5, 2017. (Image credit: SpaceX)

The Intelsat 35e satellite will provide commercial broadband communications services in the Caribbean, as well as services for "government applications in the Caribbean, trans-Europe to Africa and the African continent," according to a statement from SpaceX. The Intelsat 35e is part of the Intelsat EpicNG series of "next-generation, high-throughput satellites," according to the statement.

SpaceX has made two additional Falcon 9 launches within the last two weeks. On June 23, the company launched a Bulgarian communications satellite into space from launch complex 39A, using a pre-flown first stage booster. On June 25, SpaceX launched 10 communications satellites into orbit from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, for Iridium Communications.

Representatives for SpaceX have said that the company currently has a backlog of more than 70 missions, which is partly due to an incident that took place on Sept. 1, 2016: A Falcon 9 rocket exploded on a launch pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station during a routine static-fire engine test two days before its scheduled launch. Following the incident, SpaceX halted all scheduled launches until the cause for the explosion was uncovered. The company returned to flight on Jan. 14.

GIF showing the jettison of the protective payload fairing surrounding the Intelsat 35e communications satellite on July 5, 2017. (Image credit: SpaceX)

SpaceX, a private spaceflight company founded by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, is leasing Pad 39A from NASA and made its first launch from the historic site in February. Missions for the Apollo program and the space shuttle program have previously launched from 39A.

Today's launch was originally scheduled to take place Sunday (July 2), and then Monday (July 3); however, both attempts were scrubbed with just 10 seconds left on the countdown clock as a result of technical issues with the Falcon 9.

Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
Falcon 9 and Intelsat 35e Lift Off

SpaceX

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches the Intelsat 35e communications satellite from NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 5, 2017.

Falcon 9 Rises into the Sky

SpaceX

The Falcon 9 and its satellite payload climb into the Florida evening sky.

Falcon 9s Engines Burning Bright

SpaceX

The nine engines on the Falcon 9s first stage power the rocket toward orbit on July 5, 2017.

Falcon 9s Second Stage Lights Up

SpaceX

The Falcon 9s second stage powers the rocket and the Intelsat 35e into orbit on July 5, 2017.

Intelsat 35e Deploys

SpaceX

The Intelsat 35e satellite deploys from the Falcon 9s second stage on July 5, 2017.

Falcon 9, Intelsat 35e Poised to Launch

SpaceX

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket sits poised to launch the Intelsat 35e satellite from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 3, 2017. The launch attempt was scrubbed with 10 seconds left on the countdown clock.

Falcon 9, Intelsat 35e on the Pad

SpaceX

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and its Intelsat 35e payload on the pad shortly before a planned July 3, 2017 liftoff.

Falcon 9 Static Fire, June 29

SpaceX

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket performs a "static fire" test on June 29, 2017, at Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The rocket is scheduled to launch the Intelsat 35e satellite on July 2.
Brown dwarfs, or failed stars that resemble rogue planets, are far more abundant than astronomers previously thought. A whopping 100 billion of the small, dim celestial bodies could be lurking throughout the Milky Way, new research suggests.

Like most stars, brown dwarfs form when clouds of interstellar gas and dust collapse under their own gravity. In main-sequence stars, the heat and pressure ignite the core through nuclear fusion. But some aspiring stars never reach that point: instead, they enter a stable state before fusion can begin. Without fusion, these failed stars don't emit much light, and they can be difficult for astronomers to observe. A new study attempts to tally up how many brown dwarfs are hiding in the Milky Way, revealing a number that is much higher than expected.

Previous studies determined that there are about six stars for every brown dwarf in our cosmic neighborhood. Those studies only looked at brown dwarfs within a range of about 1,500 light-years from Earth, where such faint and tiny objects are easier to spot. However, the entire Milky Way spans a much greater distance of about 100,000 light-years, and it turns out that our neck of the woods isn't exactly representative of the entire galaxy. [Brown Dwarf Photos: Failed Stars and Stellar Misfits Revealed]

This false-color, near-infrared image of the star cluster RCW 38 reveals several small, faint brown-dwarf candidates. The image was taken using the NACO adaptive-optics camera at the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope. (Image credit: K. Muzic/A. Scholz/R. Schoedel/V. Geers/R. Jayawardhana/J. Ascenso/L. Cieza/ESO)

Using deep-space observations by the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in northern Chile, an international team of astronomers surveyed star clusters in the Milky Way to determine just how common these stealthy objects really are. The team, led by Koraljka Muzic from the University of Lisbon in Portugal and Aleks Scholz from the University of St Andrews in Scotland, began hunting for brown dwarfs in nearby star-forming regions in 2006.

While they were conducting their Substellar Objects in Nearby Young Clusters (SONYC) survey, the researchers discovered that the star cluster NGC 1333 contained an unusually high number of brown dwarfs. Rather than 1 brown dwarf for every 6 stars, there are about half as many brown dwarfs as there are stars in this star cluster  three times the previous estimate.

At first, they weren't sure if NGC 1333 was just a bizarre brown-dwarf hotspot, or if this observation had bigger implications. So the researchers expanded their brown-dwarf survey to look at a bigger chunk of the Milky Way. They then turned their telescope toward another star cluster named RCW 38, which lies 5,500 light-years away in the constellation Vela. Not only is this cluster about five times farther away from Earth than the previously surveyed regions, but it's also more densely populated with bigger and brighter stars.

Brown dwarfs are not quite massive enough to ignite nuclear fusion, yet larger than known planets. See how brown dwarfs work in this SPACE.com infographic (Image credit: by Karl Tate, Infographics Artist)

In order to detect the brown dwarfs in RCW 38, the researchers used a special adaptive optics camera on the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope called NACO. This instrument combines two technologies: the Nasmyth Adaptive Optics System (NAOS), which counteracts distortion caused by turbulence in Earth's atmosphere, and the Near-Infrared Imager and Spectrograph (CONICA), an infrared camera and spectrometer. Because brown dwarfs emit red and infrared light, these technologies allowed researchers to see the distant, dim and tiny objects hiding among a crowd of large and brilliant stars.

Again, the researchers counted about half as many brown dwarfs as actual stars in RCW 38. "This is in agreement with the values found in other young star-forming regions, leaving no evidence for environmental differences in the efficiency of the production of [brown dwarfs] and very-low mass stars possibly caused by high stellar densities or a presence of numerous massive stars," the study's authors wrote in a research paper, which was published online in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

"We've found a lot of brown dwarfs in these clusters. And whatever the cluster type, the brown dwarfs are really common," Scholz said in a statement. "Brown dwarfs form alongside stars in clusters, so our work suggests there are a huge number of brown dwarfs out there."

The researchers determined that the minimum number of brown dwarfs in the Milky Way is somewhere between 25 billion to 100 billion. But there are likely far more than that, the researchers suspect, because there are many more brown dwarfs in the galaxy that are too small and faint to be detected with today's telescopes.

Scholz will present the new findings at the National Astronomy Meeting in Hull, England, on Thursday (July 6).

Email Hanneke Weitering at hweitering@space.com or follow her @hannekescience. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
Vice President Mike Pence addresses NASA employees on Thursday, July 6, 2017, at the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.  The Trump administration will seek a heavier emphasis on human-spaceflight efforts, including crewed missions to the moon and Mars, Vice President Mike Pence said today (July 6).

During a 25-minute speech at NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) here on Florida's Space Coast, Pence told the 700-plus members of the crowd that the United States is "at the dawn of a new era of space exploration," and called for a return to the moon and "American boots on the face of Mars." He also said the United States will maintain a presence in low-Earth orbit.

Pence  standing on a flag-draped podium in KSC's cavernous Vehicle Assembly Building  offered no time frame or budget for the expeditions, but said partnerships with commercial companies are key. He repeatedly called for a "re-establishment" of American leadership in space and made no mention of ongoing or future international partnerships or collaborations, such as the International Space Station, a $100 billion project of 15 nations. [The First 100 Days: What Trump Has Done on Space So Far]

Pence chairs the newly revived National Space Council, which will advise the White House on space policy. The council will begin its work with an initial meeting before the end of the summer, the vice president said today.

Pence also stressed that President Donald Trump's initiatives in space will extend well beyond NASA, though the heart of the program will be human spaceflight and exploration.

"President Trump's vision for space is much larger than NASA alone," Pence said, adding that the National Space Council will coordinate policy among several federal agencies and interests, including the military and commercial sectors.

Echoing Trump's "America first" theme, Pence said Trump intended to carry nationalism into space with renewed emphasis on human space exploration and discovery "for the benefit of the American people and all of the world."

"America will lead in space once again," Pence said.

The United States already has the biggest budget for space exploration, according to a 2016 World Economic Forum report.

"From the first moon landing to the International Space Station, the U.S. government agency NASA has been leading space exploration since its creation in 1958," the report states.

Trump's budget request for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1 drops the Obama Administration's plan to send astronauts to an asteroid as a steppingstone to Mars, but maintains the program's multibillion-dollar, heavy-lift Space Launch System rocket and deep-space Orion capsule. The Trump administration's budget request also continues previous program funding for NASA's commercial partnerships with SpaceX, Boeing and other companies.

Since the end of the shuttle program in 2011, the United States has been dependent on Russia to fly crews to and from the space station, which flies about 250 miles (400 kilometers) above Earth. NASA hopes to turn over crew ferry flights to SpaceX and Boeing before the end of 2018.

Editor's Note: Space.com senior producer Steve Spaleta contributed to this report.

Irene Klotz can be reached on Twitter at @free_space. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com.
Bir Lehlu, July 05, 2017 (SPS) - The President of the Republic Secretary General of the Frente POLISARIO, Brahim Gali, congratulated his Algerian counterpart Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Tuesday on occasion of the 55th anniversary of the independence of Algeria and Day of youth.

President Brahim Gali said: "This anniversary allows us to think of a key event in history, not only in Algeria, but also for the peoples and countries that suffered injustice and repression. The victory of the Algerian revolution was crowned with the independence, on this date, 55 years ago, has been a determining factor in the change on the ground, which has retreated the colonialism that lashed Africa, Asia and Latin America. "

"The Algerian brother people, who celebrated the anniversary of his independence with the day of his youth, proud of legacy full of struggle, militancy, heroism and sacrifices that resulted in more than a million and a half martyrs. It can be proud of what the independent Algerian state achieved along a path full of achievements in all spheres and sectors, within the framework of a special national experience. the Algerian State knew how to safeguard its sovereignty and dignity, in the time that achieves its development and regional and international position, "said the head of state.

"The Saharawi people celebrate this anniversary with their brother Algerian people, and it is inspired by heroism and determination," adds Brahim Gali in his letter, recalling Algeria's support for the struggle of the Saharawi people for freedom and independence, emphasizing that this position "has been in total harmony with the principles of the Revolution of the First of November and the Charter of the United Nations and the AU."

The President of the Republic clarified that the region is experiencing some instability provoked by the expansionist and aggressive policy of Morocco, which caused the rise of criminal groups in the region.

On the other hand, the Saharawi president reaffirmed his commitment to deepen relations between the two countries, as well as contributing to stability in the region.

"We want to remember all those martyrs and militants who have been with them in the battle for liberation," says President Brahim Gali in his message to the Algerian president. SPS

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Although the government plays down Islamic radicalism it does tolerate some forms of religious persecution. This is especially true of a minority Islamic sect; the Ahmadi (Ahmadiyya). This sect appeared in India during the 1880s and has been popular enough to get about one percent of all Moslems to join despite constant persecution in Moslem nations. Io most Islamic conservatives and radicals the Ahmadi are heretics and are often attacked and even killed because of their beliefs. The Ahmadi believe in centralized authority for Islam and a separation of church and state. They also have different views on the caliphate and the future of Islam. In Algeria nearly 300 local Ahmadi have been arrested since 2016 because a local Ahmadi group sought a (mandatory) government permit to build a new mosque. Many of those arrested have been prosecuted and fined or sentenced to prison. Because of all the persecution in Moslem nations the Ahmadi world headquarters is in Britain, where the Ahmadi are free to practice their belief that the West is in need of more religion and Ahmadi clerics seek new members from among Moslems and non-Moslems. The Ahmadi dont believe in Islamic terrorism and that makes them tolerable in non-Moslem nations. But for nations like Algeria, to leave the Ahmadi alone is unpopular with a lot of Moslems who dont want Islamic terrorism, or Moslems who are as nonconformist as the Ahmadi.

Resisting Realistic Reform

Algeria is a peace in large part because it went through its own Arab Spring in the 1990s. Because of that the 2011 movement made only a slight impact here and Islamic terrorists are few and very much on the defensive. Islamic terrorist violence declined again in 2016 and that continues in 2017. Most Algerians are more concerned with corruption and bad government. The popular rejection of Islamic terrorists was largely because many Algerians are still traumatized by the 1990s war not because they disagreed with the fact that the Islamic terrorists attracted popular support in the early 1990s by pretending to be the cure for corruption and bad government. Algerian Islamic radicals tried to capitalize on the Arab Spring unrest in neighboring Tunisia and Libya. But in both those countries, the popular uprising was against the local dictators and for democracy, not for an Islamic religious dictatorship. Islamic political parties were popular, but not Islamic radicals. The uprisings in Tunisia and Libya weakened the local security forces, and made it easier for Islamic radicals to move around and recruit. Algeria was able insulate itself from this. Many expect another, and larger, Arab Spring in Algeria eventually but so far the geriatric government is making concessions and trying to reform itself and finding that very difficult to do. This is delaying another revolution rather than preventing it. Meanwhile Tunisia next door, the first Arab state to rebel in 2011, is so far the only one to do so successfully and they did it without oil wealth.

The Oil Curse

Algeria has a serious budget problem. While oil prices (and oil income) were up a bit in 2016 (to about $48 a barrel) they have to reach $90 a barrel before national finances return to normal and that will apparently never happen. In 2013, before the price of oil fell over 70 percent from record highs, oil and gas exports accounted for 30 percent of GDP, 95 percent of exports and provided enough income to cover 60 percent of the government budget. The unexpected drop in oil prices brought big changes to Algeria. The government has been largely successful in cutting the budget and finding additional sources of income to cope with this. But these solutions are only temporary because they depend on drawing from foreign exchange reserves (needed to pay for imports, especially food) each year.

The government cut their budget 17 percent in 2017 after a nine percent cut in 2016. The cuts are necessary to reduce the budget deficit (8 percent of GDP in 2017 versus 15 percent for 2016). There are limits on how long these deficits can be tolerated. The deficits are covered by drawing on cash reserves built up (to about $200 billion) before 2013. In 2015 these reserves fell 22 percent to $143 billion and in 2016 another 20 percent to $114 billion. In 2017 the goal is to keep the reserves loss to about ten percent (a decline to $102 billion). At mid-year that goal on track to being achieved. Current estimates are that the foreign exchange reserves can be drawn on for ten or more years (supplemented by some foreign loans). After that severe cuts will have to be made and there will be much unrest. To avoid that the government has actually addressed (or at least admitted to) problems like corruption and mismanagement that have long crippled the economy and created popular discontent. This led to the Islamic terrorist uprising of the 1990s that was defeated but not forgotten. The Islamic radicals still have supporters, especially among men under age 30 (about 30 percent of whom are unemployed). The government has tried, especially since 2010, to reduce the youth unemployment rate but so far has not had much success. But the government still has a chance because economic reforms have enabled Algeria to keep GDP growing despite the price of oil dropping fifty percent in the last three years and not showing any sign of increasing.

July 3, 2017: The government agreed to allow some of the illegal migrants from the south (mainly from Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso) to apply for legal status and obtain work permits. Although young Algerians of the same age face a 30 percent unemployment rate there are still a lot of unskilled construction and agricultural jobs that go unfilled because educated young Algerians consider such jobs unacceptable.

June 18, 2017: In Constantine province (400 kilometers east of the capital) a weeklong operation resulted in three Islamic terrorists killed, another three captured and eight supporters arrested. So far in 2017 about 40 Islamic terrorists have been killed in the east, mainly near the coast and the Tunisian border. Thats more than half the Islamic terrorist losses in all of Algeria this year.

June 13, 2017: French diplomats visited Algeria and met with their local counterparts to discuss ways to coordinate policy on dealing with the political deadlock in Libya. Algeria and France agreed to coordinate their diplomatic efforts regarding Libya.

June 9, 2017: In the northeast, just across the border in Tunisia a soldier on patrol was killed by a landmine. Elsewhere in the area soldiers found the body of a local shepherd, who had been kidnapped by Islamic terrorists and beheaded, apparently because the victim was suspected of working for the security forces. In 2015 the brother of the dead man was also murdered by the Islamic terrorists. As heavily patrolled as this area is Islamic terrorists still find it safer for them than the similar mountainous forests on the Algerian side of the border. There is a known group of al Qaeda men hiding in this area.

June 5, 2017: Officials from Algeria and Tunisia met with their Egyptian counterparts in Egypt to discuss the continued fighting in Libya and the recent Egyptian airstrikes in Libya. Egypt explained its situation with Libya based Islamic terrorists attacking Egyptians and killing over a hundred recently. Algeria and Tunisia announced that they understood the necessity of the Egyptian attacks even though all three countries have long called for no military intervention in Libya.

June 3, 2017: Near the Tunisian border (Tebessa province, 650 kilometers east of the capital) a roadside bomb killed two soldiers and wounded four others who were patrolling the Tunisian border. By the end of the days security forces had found and arrested three Islamic terrorists (apparently due to a tip) who admitted making and planting the bomb.
Phone maker HMD Global, which licenses the Nokia brand from the Finnish company, has announced an "exclusive" partnership with optical systems maker Zeiss that will see the pair develop cameras for upcoming Nokia handsets.

Nokia was in a partnership with Zeiss until it sold its smartphone division to Microsoft in 2013. The company had used Zeiss optics in several of its phones, such as the Nokia N95. Now, HMD wants to make an excellent camera system the focal point of its future Nokia-branded Android handsets.

"Our fans want more than a great smartphone camera; they want a complete imaging experience that doesn't just set the standard but redefines it. Our fans expect it and, together with Zeiss, we're delivering it - co-developed imaging excellence for all," said Arto Nummela, CEO of HMD Global.

Nokia's new Android smartphones - the N3, N5, and N6 (which was one of our top picks from last year's IFA event) - don't come with Zeiss lenses. It seems the first Nokia handset to feature the system will be the flagship Nokia 8.

Back in March, rumors claimed it was unlikely that the Nokia 8 would use Carl Zeiss optics after Nokia said it is no longer using the imagining technology in its devices. But it appears that decision has now changed.

Nokia's previous relationship with Zeiss produced handsets that were regarded as hugely innovative at the time. Whether this new partnership yields equally impressive results remains to be seen, but it could help the Nokia brand stand out in an increasingly crowded market.
Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. engages in the design, construction, and sale of single-family attached and detached homes in the United States. The company operates through a portfolio of six brands comprising Maracay in Arizona; Pardee Homes in California and Nevada; Quadrant Homes in Washington; Trendmaker Homes in Texas; TRI Pointe Homes in California, Colorado, and the Carolinas; and Winchester Homes in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. As of December 31, 2021, its operations consisted of 112 active selling communities and 41,675 owned or controlled lots. The company sells its homes through own sales representatives and independent real estate brokers. It also provides financial services, such as mortgage financing, title and escrow, and property and casualty insurance agency services. The company was formerly known as TRI Pointe Group, Inc. and changed its name to Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. in January 2021. Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Irvine, California.
Ofo the bike sharing startup based in China has set a goal of global expansion saying Thursday that it had raised more than $700 million in its latest funding round including monies from the Alibaba Group.

Ofos funding round had several big names including Alibaba, CITIC Private Equity, Hony Capital, with more participation from two existing investors DST Global and Didi Chuxing.

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CEO and founder of Ofo Dai Wei said the company would be upgrading its services to ensure better experiences for the user, accelerate its strategy for global expansion and continue to maintain its edge as the leader of the bike-sharing industry.

Wei added that the companys vision is unlocking every corner of the world so Ofo will one day be a universal language.

The company did not disclose its valuation for the most recent round of funding, but its CEO last April said the company was valued at over $2 billion.

The bike-sharing industry in China has been getting more competitive, with upstarts like Ofo, its biggest rival Beijing MoBike Technology amongst others looking to improve the countrys urban mobility and promote green transportation.

The bike-sharing concept is a simple one: People through an app on their smartphone unlock a bike near them and ride it to their destination for a fee. This enables them to avoid traffic jams in many cities across China.

Investors say they have seen the markets potential for some time and have invested large amount of money into the industry. Prior to the funding news on Thursday, Ofo said it was able to raise over $650 million.

In June, MoBike announced that it raised more than $600 million during a funding round that was led by Tencent Holdings, the internet giants. Other companies that invested in MoBikes recent funding round were Sequoia, Hillhouse Capital and TPG amongst others.

Before the end of 2017, startup Ofo said it was planning to have more than 20 million bikes in its bike sharing ecosystem. The company added that it was planning to expand the reach of its services to more than 20 countries and 200 cities across the globe.

The company also said that it currently had more than 6.5 million bikes located in 150 cities.

With carmakers moving towards electric powered vehicles, the bike sharing industry has found a niche to promote greener transportation as well.
Tiki is one of those weird things: We know it when we see it, but few of us could come up with a working definition.

Thats partially because, although tiki takes some inspiration from the South Pacific, it was actually a made-up bar culture, invented in California immediately after the repeal of Prohibition. It was the perfect time to introduce over-the-top, super boozy drinks served in pineapples to the thirsty public, which just wanted to be distracted from its Depression-era problems for a night. Pioneering tiki bar owners (and rivals), Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt (a.k.a. Donn Beach) and Trader Vic Bergeron, didnt stop at the drinks, either. To make the drinks go down easier, Trader Vics and Don the Beachcomber bars helped establish a multi-faceted, full-service tiki vibe, involving furniture made from bamboo and palm fronds and kitschy ceramic drink mugs  perfect for the burgeoning surf culture in that state.

Sadly, theres no Trader Vics in Toronto anymore in which to distract us from our problems. The solution, obviously, is to build a home tiki bar, which is surprisingly easy to outfit, thanks to new arrivals at the LCBO and cocktail supply shops such as the Crafty Bartender and BYOB Toronto.

By the book

A lot of people think that tiki drinks are just an exercise in getting as much rum as humanly possible into a glass, then sprucing it up with fruit juice and a crazy garnish. Nothing could be further from the truth, since tiki is actually one of the most fastidious and precise genres of cocktails. For a primer on how to make a proper Mai Tai, theres no better book than this one, written by the owner of San Franciscos Smugglers Cove, the most acclaimed tiki bar since Trader Vics. Way more than recipes, this book is also an introduction into this drinking genres ethos. ($40)

Go-to booze

Many tiki recipes call for Demerara rum, a rich, sweet and, often, slightly funky rum that has a regional appellation (like how all champagne comes from that part of France), and, by definition, comes from the region surrounding Guyanas Demerara River, which empties into the Atlantic Ocean near Georgetown. That countrys premier distillery, El Dorado, makes several expressions of Demerara rum, which were lucky enough to have here at the LCBO. I recommend El Dorado 12-year-old since its highly sippable in the interim while one is figuring out how to build the best tiki cocktails. ($40.15, LCBO 60608)

Anything worth doing is worth overdoing, is a motto that could certainly apply to tiki, which often lists three or four different types of rum in a single drink recipe. Aside from Demerara, which weve got covered, the common spirits are Jamaican, white, agricole and overproof. The first two are fairly straightforward: I like Appleton Estate Signature Blend ($28.45; 177808), Jamaican rum and Havana Club Anejo 3-year-old ($26.45; 337667).

Agricole rum, on the other hand, is a bit difficult to get in Ontario, since the LCBO has an extremely limited selection  one. And its not exactly a brand that bartenders go crazy for. Fortunately, Novo Fogo Silver Cachaca ($44.95; 486662), a tasty fair-trade sugarcane distillate produced at a fully sustainable, organic distillery in Brazil, just landed here. Cachaca is a close cousin that will work perfectly as a substitute for agricole in just about any tiki cocktail.

The last choice is a no-brainer, since theres only one high-proof option at the LCBO, namely, Wray & Nephew White Overproof RumWray & Nephew White Overproof Rum ($39.95; 326223,), which does the job perfectly well. Its a key tiki staple, since its used to make falernum (a clove-ginger-lime zest syrup thats indispensable for certain drinks), as well as flaming garnishes for boozy-orange Zombies, which are classic tiki staples, and volcano bowls  fun, flaming rum punches.

Tiki syrups

For the perfect Mai Tai, B.G. Reynolds Orgeat ($14, The Crafty Bartender) is just the ticket. Orgeat is an almond syrup that, theoretically, you could make yourself, but truth be told, its next-level pain-in-the-butt stuff, so, pick up a bottle and save a lot of time and trouble. Falernum, on the other hand, isnt hard to make from scratch, but, in the interest of easy gifting, you can pick up a B.G. Reynolds Falernum at The Crafty Bartender while youre buying the orgeat ($14, The Crafty Bartender.)

Tiki gear

Theres no shortage of great gear to choose from these days, from traditional ceramic mugs ($10, BYOB Toronto) to copper pineapple drinking vessels (starting at $55, BYOB Toronto), shiny new barware that just might be the best thing to happen to tiki since the cocktail parasol. For those who love to play with fire, a kitschy volcano bowl ($60, BYOB Toronto) is a must-have  just fill that little volcano spout in the middle of the punch bowl with that overproof rum and add fire.

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SACKVILLE, N.B.A New Brunswick cat who had been missing for six weeks had an unlikely saviour: A dog.

Shelly Colette was walking her dog Cash a few weeks ago in Sackville, N.B., when the black border collie Labrador mix stopped over a manhole and refused to move.

Colette looked down and saw a cat through the grate and immediately knew it was Ghost, a local cat who had been missing for weeks.

I had never met Ghost, but I had seen the missing cat signs around town and I thought, Thats Ghost,  said Colette.

Cash was very intrigued and refused to leave. He wanted to save this cat.

Colette called Ghosts owner Izzy Francolini, who rushed to the scene.

I was at work and I jumped up and my boss was super lovely and just told me to get him, said Francolini, who works at a hand-dyed yarn company.

Francolini said she contacted town workers to remove the manhole cover, but the job proved difficult. She said it was too rusted to lift off, so it had to be broken in with a sledgehammer.

The one guy couldnt get it open on his own so five other guys showed up and they had three sledgehammers going, said Francolini.

She then got comfortable, hoping the four-year-old cat would eventually climb out. But she believes the banging sounds may have scared the orange tabby further into the drain, so she camped out on the street.

Someone came and gave me a blanket so I made a little blanket fort basically. Every so often friends and strangers came and went. A neighbour charged my phone for me. Two people brought me dinner. A lady gave me five bottles of water, said Francolini.

It was incredible. It was mind-blowing and heartwarming.

After six hours of waiting, there was no sign of Ghost, so she reluctantly left her post.

But about three hours later, she got a call from a friend saying they had passed by the manhole and could hear meowing.

Francolini said this time, she managed to tempt Ghost with food and successfully lured him to the surface.

I grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and took him home, she said, adding that Ghost lost about three pounds and had two ticks on him, but was otherwise in good health.

Francolini said if it wasnt for Cash, she may have never found Ghost.

I love that dog dearly, she said with a laugh.

Ghost received his name because of his notorious elusiveness. He was once found inside a wall and it took nearly a month to catch him.

Colette, co-ordinator of academic support services at Mount Allison University, said Cash is goofy dog and an excellent tracker. He has led her into the middle of the woods to a dead deer, and has found his way out of a corn maze.

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After a lot of chirping, Canada may not get a national bird. Well, at least not yet.

From January 2015 to Aug. 31, 2016, the Royal Canadian Geographical Society conducted a poll, ran an online contest, held consultations and debates with birders and other experts about which bird should get the honour.

The grey jay, also known as the whisky jack, was chosen to be crowned top bird, just in time for Canadas 150th anniversary.

But July 1 came and went. There wasnt a peck of news from the federal government about the countrys new national bird.

I knew that this would happen, said David Bird, Emeritus Professor of Wildlife Biology at McGill University.

He said he is not flapped by the events. Members of the team working to get the grey jay elected national bird received letters a few months ago from Heritage Minister Melanie Jolys office saying there were no plans at this point to adopt any new national symbols.

Our national symbols reflect the history, people, environment, and traditions of Canada, its provinces and territories, as well as the Crown in Canada, said Jon Schofield, spokesperson for the Department of Canadian Heritage, in an email.

Canadas official national symbols are those recognized by an Act of Parliament, by Royal Proclamation or by Ministerial declaration. At this time, the Government of Canada is not actively considering proposals to adopt a bird as a national symbol.

Bird said the Royal Canadian Geographical Society ran the contest but because they are a nonprofit, could not lobby the government.

He also thinks there are other reasons why the government is taking time.

The thing is the Trudeau government is relatively new in power, he said. And they have a lot on their plate . . . Im not surprised that they are not jumping on this right now.

And while he is disappointed the grey jay wasnt officially designated a national symbol this past Canada Day, Bird is now hoping to itll happen in August, 2018. Thats when Vancouver will host the 27th International Ornithological Congress (one of the worlds largest bird conferences) and the international bird festival.

Its the perfect platform to announce that Canada has a new bird, he said.

He has another idea about how to make people care more about the bird.

We are taking steps to adopt the old name for the bird because its more suitable for Canadians, Bird said. We want to change it to Canada jay instead of grey jay.

The grey jay was once known as the Canada jay and the wisakedjak of folklore in indigenous cultures.

But in 1957, the American Ornithologists Union Committee on Classification and Nomenclature of North and Middle American Birds decided to combine the Oregon Jay and the Canada jay, and call it the grey jay. It even adopted the American spelling for the bird.

In Canada we can call the bird whatever we want, Bird said. Americans call the bald eagle, the American eagle. We Canadians can call the bird whatever we want.

The grey jay is the quintessence of all that is Canadian, Bird said.

It is found coast to coast in Canada, in every province and every territory, he said.

It doesnt migrate in the winter, Bird pointed out. It stays in our country year around and toughs it out. It basically figures in our First Nations folklore. It is friendly, loyal, tough and smart  qualities that Canadians like to embody.

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The head of the national inquiry into murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls says she has no intention of resigning and she believes the commission is progressing at lightning speed.

The inquiry has been mired in roadblocks since its inception last summer. It has lost several senior staffers  including executive director Michele Moreau last Friday  and has been heavily criticized for not communicating well with families, for being slow to produce a schedule of hearings and for formally hearing testimony from only a handful of families so far.

Chief Commissioner Marion Buller defended the work the inquiry has completed and how long it has taken them to progress. The inquiry has only had one formal set of family hearings from May 30 to June 2, in Whitehorse. Family testimonies begin again the week of Sept. 10 in Thunder Bay.

Read more:Feminists should work to secure justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women: Mochama

In the last few months, Indigenous leaders and advocates have called for Buller to take a pause and reset the direction of the inquiry and some, including Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Sheila North Wilson, have suggested Buller should step aside.

I dont intend to resign things are not drifting, Buller said, responding to media questions at the Vancouver press conference.

We have to put this in the right context. We started on September 1, four commissioners and myself and a piece of paper, our terms of reference. In eight months, we hired staff, we opened offices, we put life to our terms of reference and we held our first hearing. In my view that is lightning speed, especially when we had to comply with government policies and . . . financial rules, she said.

In fact, if there was one thing she could have done differently, Buller said it would be to slow down. If I had slowed down and changed my expectations about timing it would have been a lot easier, she said.

Buller admitted the inquiry into the murders and disappearances of nearly 1,200 Indigenous women and girls could benefit from an extension in order to properly fulfil its mandate.

It is clear, we cant do the type of work we want to do and should do in the time period that government has given us. We havent made a formal request yet, (there) has to be an in-depth analysis of not only time but money, said Buller.

The inquiry process still feels as if it is a test pilot because there are so many communities and voices  such as the grassroots organizations that have been raising concerns about murdered and missing Indigenous women for decades  who have been completely left out of the process, said Maggie Cywink, who is part of a group of 40 families and leaders who wrote an open letter to the inquiry expressing their concerns. The letter was released in May.

There are still questions around hearings  how many hearings will there be in total? This feels like a test pilot still because there are so many communities not represented, said Cywink, whose sister Sonya Cywink was found murdered in the London area in 1994.

How were the locations chosen? Who was invited? she said.

The group is deeply concerned about the tone and approach they believe the chief commissioner continues to adopt without any accounting for the harm their approaches have caused already due to a lack of transparency and poor communication with families and survivors.

Buller denied the $53.8 million inquiry has a staffing problem even though the inquiry has lost four senior employees  Moreau, Michael Hutchinson, the communications director who left in February, then his replacement, Sue Montgomery who left in May, and Tanya Kappo, a lawyer and one of the organizers of the Idle No More movement, who left June 15.

People are leaving because of personal reasons and for positive reasons. In some cases they have been offered jobs of a lifetime, she said. We expect turnover in our staff, and we plan accordingly so that there is no change in the workflow, the work continues.

Francyne Joe, interim president of the Native Womens Association of Canada, said Bullers statements were needed, but she believes an opportunity was missed to reassure families after Moreaus departure.

The announcement of an interim executive director and other details about who will replace director Moreau would demonstrate to families and communities that they have planned and prepared for any resignations and are capable of moving quickly to continue momentum. It would tell us that there is someone overseeing this strategy and executing the schedule families are depending on, Joe said in a statement.

A broad timeline of events for nine summer community visits followed by nine fall hearings was released Thursday but details, such as exact locations of events, are still pending. Buller also said two expert panels will take place before the end of the year  one in late August in Winnipeg concerning Indigenous law and decolonizing and the other in the fall in Montreal. That panel will address human rights.

Buller said she believes they have enough material to produce an interim report in November because they will also examine the pre-inquiry documents, information and data that was collected before we even started, and they will consider findings from a variety of earlier reports including the recommendations made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Weve learned a lot from Whitehorse, weve learned a lot from families and survivors. Yes, we are ready to move forward with our interim report. I expect it wont be as full and detailed as our final report, she said.

Nine hearings are to take place across Canada starting the week of Sept. 10 and ending in mid-December. The first stop for community hearings is Thunder Bay, then the inquiry moves back to the west coast, to Smithers, B.C. for the week of Sept. 25. In October, the inquiry will be in Winnipeg the week of the 16th, then on to Saskatoon for the week of Oct. 23 before moving to Halifax for the week of the 30, then Edmonton for the week of Nov. 6. The inquiry then moves north to Yellowknife before heading to Maliotenam, Que. then on to Rankin Inlet.

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LAC-MEGANTIC, QUE.Four years after the rail disaster that killed 47 people in their town, a group of Lac-Megantic citizens renewed the call for the construction of a bypass that would steer trains away from the core of the community.

Robert Bellefleur, spokesman for a rail-safety group in the town, said Thursday his group is outraged that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other politicians seem to accept that a bypass might not be ready for years.

What shocks the population, its to note that its politically acceptable . . . to wait until 2022 for a safer solution for Lac-Megantic, he told a news conference.

The Quebec and federal governments have financed a feasibility study on the matter, and the provinces environmental review agency began public hearings on the issue in May.

Read more: Four years after Lac-Megantic, the struggle to prevent similar rail disasters continues

But Bellefleur said dangerous goods continue to be transported through the town on a section of rail track that has been rebuilt with an even steeper curve than before.

What we want, the citizens coalition, is that we build the bypass as quickly as possible, he said.

We want an announcement this summer, and while were waiting for it to be built, we want them to fix this death curve.

On July 6, 2013, a runaway train carrying crude oil from the United States derailed in downtown Lac-Megantic and exploded, killing 47 people and destroying much of the citys core.

To mark the anniversary, the town planned a series of low-key activities including a church service, an outdoor vigil and an activity at the towns train station.

The disaster led to hundreds of millions of dollars in clean-up and reconstruction costs as well as the bankruptcy of Montreal Maine and Atlantic Railway, the company that owned and operated the tracks.

Trudeau issued a statement Thursday to say no community should ever experience what Lac-Megantic went through.

I am committed to ensuring that rail safety remains a top priority, he said.

But while policy-makers continue to look for ways to improve rail safety, Lac-Megantic is well into the reconstruction process.

Sonia Dumont, a spokeswoman for the towns rebuilding committee, says construction on several new projects, including a new park, pedestrian walkway and multi-functional community space, will begin this fall.

The town is also developing new human infrastructure, including a new greeters program where citizens act as guides for tourists.

Meanwhile, three ex-railway employees are awaiting trial after pleading not guilty to 47 counts of criminal negligence causing death stemming from the tragedy.

Their trial is to be held in Sherbrooke instead of Lac-Megantic and is set to last from Sept. 11 to Dec. 21.

Conviction on a charge of criminal negligence causing death carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Montreal Maine and Atlantic Railway was charged with the three men and has pleaded not guilty to similar charges.

It will face a separate trial at a later date.

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Veteran city councillor and social justice advocate Pam McConnell is gravely ill, Mayor John Tory said Thursday afternoon.

She is getting the very best care from the very best people we have in Canada, said Tory, whos spoken with the hospital where McConnell is being treated.

She is a fighter, and were all going to be rooting for her, as Im sure will be many, many people whose lives shes touched over decades of service to the city of Toronto.

McConnell, 71, is married with two children and four grandchildren. She has been suffering from an ongoing lung issue, her constituency assistant said, noting it is not cancer.

Tory, who said hes very fond of McConnell, named the long-time councillor a deputy mayor and appointed her to lead the development of the citys poverty reduction strategy.

Pam McConnell is a person that I have grown to respect immensely in my time here, he said.

Following Torys comments a number of people tweeted words of support. Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam said McConnell is a dear friend (and) mentor. Shes tough and giving this fight all she has.

Phil Pothen, an environmental and planning lawyer, tweeted that McConnell is a tremendous force of good on (city council).

McConnell, who represents Ward 28, Toronto Centre-Rosedale, was first elected to city council in 1994, after serving for 12 years as a school trustee.

She has been an advocate for social justice issues throughout her political career  leading the way for the citys poverty reduction strategy in her seventh term on council.

Poverty is everybodys business, McConnell told the Star in 2015 after the strategy was released.

The survival and prosperity of Toronto demands that we pay attention to moving as many Torontonians as possible down the road from poverty to prosperity, she said.

McConnells fight for poverty reduction is decades-long. Back in her days as a school trustee she helped found Parents for Better Beginnings in Regent Park, an early childhood learning program that continues to serve families today, alongside numerous other initiatives.

While youth poverty and education issues have been a considerable focus of her career  McConnell has advocated for better education at all ages as well.

In 1985 she and school trustee colleagues Doug Little and Beare Weatherup, proposed a task force to address low adult literacy in the city.

That year the city committed $1.3 million to address the issue, becoming the first city in the country to develop an adult literacy policy.

Tory said McConnells family has welcomed messages of good will, saying the councillor would find them uplifting.

Those messages can be directed to councillor_mcconnell@toronto.ca .

Shell be fighting this as hard as she possibly can, and so I hope that the people of Toronto will join me in sending their thoughts and prayers to her and to her family, Tory said.

With files from Laurie Monsebraaten and Toronto Star file.

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When Joanne MacIsaac looks around at the lawyers who will represent the various parties at the upcoming coroners inquest into her brother Michaels death, the same question always comes back to her:

If public dollars are funding all of these lawyers, why does her family have to foot the bill for their own? Its a problem addressed in a Court of Appeal judges recent review of police oversight in Ontario, but one the provincial government has yet to fix.

This should be a level playing field, funding should be given to everyone, MacIsaac told the Star. Either they fund every party involved, or they fund none . . . They dont facilitate our participation in the process, but they facilitate everyone else's. Perhaps they just want the status quo.

The inquest, set to begin July 17 in Toronto, will delve into the circumstances surrounding the death of Michael MacIsaac, who was shot by Durham police Const. Brian Taylor on an Ajax street in December 2013.

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Why did Durham police shoot and kill a naked man?

Michael, 47, was holding a table leg when confronted by police, according to Ontarios police watchdog, the Special Investigations Unit, which cleared Taylor of criminal wrongdoing. MacIsaacs family has disputed the SIUs version of events. They also believe he left his house naked that day after having an epileptic seizure.

The MacIsaacs predicament around legal representation highlights the fact that there is no guarantee of funding for a lawyer at a coroners inquest for a family of a person killed by police.

The issue was addressed this spring in a recommendation from Justice Michael Tulloch following his sweeping review of Ontarios police oversight bodies. The provincial government will only say that the recommendation, which calls for publicly-funded legal assistance for families, is among many from Tulloch currently under review.

The police services board and the individual police officers have lawyers who are typically funded directly by tax dollars or indirectly through union dues. There is also a publicly-funded Crown attorney who acts as coroners counsel and presents the case to the inquest jury.

I do have standing at the inquest, but its as if they would expect us, if we cant get legal representation, for me to stand up, as a bereaved sister, and go against seasoned attorneys who are being funded by the government, said MacIsaac. How is that fair and balanced? Its not.

The question around funding has been raised several times in the past during previous inquests into police shootings, but the government hasnt taken action.

Former Metro Toronto councillor Bev Salmon wrote last year to politicians, including Premier Kathleen Wynne, urging them to fund lawyers for families, following the inquest into the Toronto police shooting death of Ian Pryce, whose mother, Heather Thompson, is a friend of Salmons.

(Families) cant be worrying about whether they can afford a lawyer or not. The police are covered, so you need a balance, Salmon told the Star last year.

She received a reply from the deputy minister at the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, stating that the coroners inquest legal fee reimbursement program assists parents and spouses of individuals whose deaths have been deemed to be the result of a criminal act.

As critics have pointed out, its rare for police shootings in Ontario to lead to criminal charges against the officers, including in the MacIsaac case, and so families likely wouldnt qualify for legal representation funding at an inquest.

In his report made public in April following his review, Tulloch said many affected families felt they were not adequately supported at coroners inquests.

Some family members pointed out that the police have their own lawyers, yet they are generally expected to pay out of their own pocket if they want one, he wrote. Many of these family members are simply unable to do so. That is unfortunate since families have a special interest in obtaining a complete understanding of the circumstances of the death.

Without legal assistance or representation, they may not ask the right questions, know what arguments to make when issues arise, or understand how the inquest procedures work.

The recommendation for funding is just one of dozens that the government said it is reviewing, with no timeline for possible implementation.

We know that coroners inquests can be a difficult time for the families involved. We recognize the importance of family involvement in the process and value the participation of those given standing, said Yanni Dagonas, a spokesperson for Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Marie-France Lalonde.

The governments statements on the recommendation are of little comfort to MacIsaac, who is meeting with Lalonde on Thursday.

She has created a GoFundMe page to raise funds. She and other family members have been able to pool around $12,000, which is on top of the tens of thousands theyve already invested in their own investigation into what happened to Michael. Their goal for legal funding is $25,000.

In my view, its important that the families be represented to counterbalance the police view, said lawyer Peter Rosenthal, who has represented many families at police shooting inquests and will be one of the lawyers representing the MacIsaac family.

Rosenthal represented Thompson pro bono at the inquest into her son Ians death, but pointed out that its not possible for a family to always find a lawyer who can do an inquest for free.

I was in a position to offer pro bono assistance sometimes because I had another job, but it's not reasonable to expect a lawyer to do it too frequently because a lawyer has to make a living. And these things require a huge amount of time.

MacIsaac said her family has been denied funding through Legal Aid Ontarios test case program, which has funded lawyers for families at police shooting inquests in the past. A meeting with Attorney General Yasir Naqvi also proved to be unhelpful, she said.

This process is not going to ease my pain, my family's pain, or bring Michael back, MacIsaac said.

The only thing that this process can do would be to make change, and hopefully prevent such shootings from happening in the future. So why is my family responsible to foot the bill for that?

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A Facebook group with over 300 members has been created to find Andrew Kinsman, a 49-year-old beloved Cabbagetown resident who has been missing since June 26.

And thats not even scratching the surface of the amount of support from people offline were getting, said Robin LeBlanc, Kinsmans neighbour and a member of the group.

The group was created on July 4, and its members have been going on search trips and putting up posters.

Kinsman was last seen near Parliament and Winchester Sts. Those who know Kinsman consider his disappearance out of character for a man of routine.

Toronto police have also been conducting searches, and are investigating dating apps like Grindr and Scruff for suspicious behaviour, and asking local users of those apps to report unusual interactions.

LeBlanc met Kinsman in April when she moved into a building where he was the superintendant.

Ive known him to be a very kind, considerate man who will stop whatever hes doing for a friendly chat or to help with anything, she said.

Ted Healey, a friend and former roommate of Kinsman, met him 20 years ago when they both worked at the Black Eagle, a bar on Church St.

Andrew is a great friend. Hes funny, hes sardonic, hes smart, said Healey.

Healey last saw Kinsman on the Sunday of Torontos Pride weekend, a day before he went missing.

While I have hope, time passing is making me worried, he said.

Kinsman has spent decades volunteering for the Toronto HIV-AIDS Network, and also volunteered for the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation.

He was always ready to step in and help, Healey said. He would work a lot of overtime just to make sure things got done.

A GoFundMe page was posted to support the search for Kinsman, and nearly $2,000 had been raised. But the owners of the page have refunded all donors.

We thought it was a bit premature, said Healey, regarding the GoFundMe page. The only costs so far has been printing and some travel expenses.

If, as a last ditch move, if the police didnt come up with anything, we may reinstate it for a private investigator.

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A Toronto community is mourning the drowning death of Jeremiah Perry, a 15-year-old student who arrived in Canada relatively recently, while school officials are facing questions about how they ensured all the kids on a wilderness trip to Algonquin Park could swim.

Shocked teenagers continued to return from the forests of Algonquin. Eighteen arrived in Toronto by bus Thursday morning, and the remaining 14 arrived Thursday night.

No one at the school board or C.W. Jeffreys Collegiate Institute could account for the details of their pre-trip swim tests.

While questions about this remain, Perrys friends and family are left to grieve their loss.

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Body of missing Toronto teen found in Algonquin Park

Speaking to reporters Thursday afternoon, Principal Monday Gala would not answer questions about swim testing, Jeremiahs swimming ability, or protocol surrounding life jackets.

This matter is still being investigated by the police and everybody knows that. We have to wait until we hear what the police say about this event, he said, when asked about where a swim test would have taken place.

Schwartz-Maltz, spokesperson for the TDSB, said Jeremiah started at the school in October after immigrating from Guyana.

The refusal to comment was a stark shift from Wednesday, when Schwartz-Maltz and Ryan Bird, also a spokesperson for the TDSB, assured reporters there had been swim tests. Schwartz-Maltz described them as quite strict and including water safety, laps and endurance.

The teacher with information about specific swim tests was with kids on the bus coming home, Schwartz-Maltz told The Star on Thursday. Once the bus arrived and a debrief could be held, the board would have more answers. For now, they have had none to offer.

Student Boran Balci, 17, from C.W. Jeffreys told reporters outside the school on Thursday that he went into Big Trout Lake with Jeremiah before he went underwater and didnt resurface.

We went together to swim because we were dirty, he said. He (Jeremiah) went inside the water and then I was swimming and something pulled me down. First something pulled my left leg and then my right leg, it pulled my foot.

Since the first group of students was brought back to Toronto, a group of teens has trickled back to gather at the school building.

Theyre devastated. They said they cant sleep, trustee Tiffany Ford told The Star. They are really coming to get some support because they are not doing too well at all.

Counsellors are at the school, and students have been huddling and coping together, she said. Gala said Jeremiahs death was like losing his own child.

Thats how I feel at this moment, he said. While Jeremiah struggled with school at first, he took advantage of mentorship opportunities, Gala said, and worked extremely hard and made huge improvements.

Ive actually spoken to some of his teachers and every one, without exception, is saying he was the most improved students in their classes, Gala said. So that is the kind of student that Jeremiah was.

Jeremiah and his older brother, Marion, were always together, he added. The boys were both on the camping trip this week.

Jeremiahs body was recovered on Wednesday, and has been brought to Toronto where an autopsy was conducted Thursday afternoon, said Cheryl Mahyr, spokesperson for the Ontario coroners office.

After airlifting the first group of students out, including brother Marion and those with Jeremiah right before his death, the second group portaged, before boating across Lake Opeongo, about six kilometres north of Hwy. 60.

Evacuating the first group of students took most of Wednesday, partially due to technical difficulties with a plane. Coulas said the officials involved decided as a group to direct the others to portage out of the backcountry, instead, taking the quickest route park staff could identify.

We want to make sure we get everyone else out safely, so they can be reunited with their family members, Coulas said. We hate to see these kinds of tragedies happen.

With files from Vjosa Isai and Emily Fearon

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The Ontario Medical Association has announced that it wants to appeal a court ruling that would make the names of the provinces top-billing doctors public.

In an email sent to 29,000 members Thursday, the organization said it wants to ask the Ontario Court of Appeal to overturn a lower court ruling that would allow public disclosure of the names.

The OMA continues to maintain that physicians identities should be exempt from disclosure under the personal privacy provisions of Ontarios Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

An adjudicator with the Information and Privacy Commission of Ontario last year ordered the release of the names, ruling that they constitute professional, not personal, information.

Doctors sought to have that IPC order quashed through a judicial review.

But a week ago, the Divisional Court dismissed their application, ruling that the IPCs order was a reasonable one.

The OMAs board of directors held a special meeting Wednesday evening to discuss next steps. The board decided to file a motion in Ontarios top court, seeking leave to appeal, according to the email to members.

The board continues to strongly disagree with the IPC adjudicators ruling that physician payment information is not personal information protected from disclosure. The board overwhelmingly decided that we must stand our ground and exhaust every possible avenue to fight for our members on this matter, the email said.

Billing information does not reflect the actual earnings of doctors and provides no useful information regarding the health care system, it continued.

The Star has been trying for more than three years to get physician-identified OHIP payment data on top billers from the health ministry.

In response to a 2014 freedom-of-information request, the ministry granted access only to non-identifiable data: The amounts most doctors in question received in OHIP payments and their medical specialties.

Identities were withheld because the ministry deemed their release would be an unjustified invasion of privacy.

The Star successfully appealed to the IPC.

The limited amount of data provided so far by the ministry shows that the top 100 billers received a total of $191 million in 2012-13.

The highest paid was an ophthalmologist who received more than $6 million. The next two highest paid doctors each received more than $4 million. Nineteen doctors each received payments of more than $2 million.

Ophthalmologists were the biggest billers, followed by diagnostic radiologists and then cardiologists.

(The Star requested five years worth of physician-identified data. The most current available data at the time covered year years 2008/09 to 2012/13, inclusive.)

Other jurisdictions already make this information public, including British Columbia, Manitoba and the United States. New Brunswick started going public with the data last month. Newfoundland and P.E.I. have also taken steps to do so.

Ontario already makes public how much it pays to salaried doctors who work in the public sector, for example hospitals, in its annual Sunshine List of civil servants earning more than $100,000.

Star lawyer Iris Fisher said last weeks Divisional Court ruling was a strong one that confirms that doctors should be treated like everyone else who gets paid from the public purse.

Physician payments comprise a huge government expenditure, which needs to be transparent, she said.

Now, we have both the IPC and the Divisional Court affirming the publics right to know how much government spends and on what. There is no basis for overturning two levels of decisions and I think the OMA will have a tall hurdle to clear to convince the Court of Appeal to hear the case, Fischer said.

Meantime, the IPC has put on hold an appeal of a separate FOI request from the Star, this one seeking OHIP payment data on all Ontario doctors. The IPC said it would make a decision on that appeal once the one on top billers was addressed by the courts.

The OMAs email to members said that, according to its lawyers, all physician billings would be released if the organizations appeal on top billers is unsuccessful

The OMA . . . will continue to develop strategies for dealing with subsequent releases of information in the future, the statement said.

In a phone interview later in the day, OMA president Dr. Shawn Whatley said that the organizations primary concern is that physician-identified payment data could be made public without appropriate context.

Its important for Ontarians to know that doctors pay overhead expenses from their OHIP payments, he said. In clinic settings, such expenses can include employee salaries and pricey equipment.

In some communities, there is a shortage of specialists and those physicians who are available serve very large populations, Whatley noted, explaining why some may receive large OHIP payments.

We need to put patient access at the centre of this discussion, he said, adding that he does not want doctors to be discouraged from working in such settings.

Docs are committed to transparency and accountability. We would welcome a conversation about how best to achieve these goals in such a way that it doesnt compromise access to patient care, Whatley said.

In response to these comments, Fischer said: The Star has been clear in its reporting on this issue that payments from OHIP are not doctors take-home pay  which was also the evidence before the IPC and important to the finding that payment information is not personal to doctors.

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And so, as pretty much expected, the federal government announced it would spend $4.8 billion on Toronto transit building projects.

This is great news for Toronto transit, right? It is, probably.

Mayor John Tory said so, right away. This is a huge victory for Toronto and will lead to better transit for the entire region, the mayor said in an emailed statement immediately after the announcement.

And yet, it comes with bad news for the premier of Ontario and the mayor of Toronto, too. For as much as it represents a 33 to 40 per cent share of Torontos most pressing transit construction plans  the relief subway line, the Eglinton East LRT, the waterfront LRT, SmartTrack  for the heads of the more local governments, it is also a bill.

Read more:Ottawa to require Ontario to pay one-third of Torontos new transit projects

To receive the cash, and build the transit, each of them is going to need to come up with their own money to chip in. Neither of them seemed to have any idea how they would do so.

The federal contribution requires at least 33 per cent matching funds from the province  which amounts to at least about $4.5 billion new dollars in the case of the projects on the citys priority list.

And if the province ponies up, that leaves the city to come with the remaining share of the funding for these projects  an amount probably north of $4 billion.

The province chose some odd words of celebration to mark the occasion: This is the first step in negotiating a bilateral agreement, a spokesperson for the provincial infrastructure ministry told my colleague Ben Spurr. Indeed, Spurr reports the ministry was not immediately willing to commit to funding the one-third share of these projects.

I understand that its a lot of money. I understand that the provincial government likes to look like it plans and runs its own affairs, rather than meekly taking bajillion-dollar orders from the feds. So, you know, first step blah blah bilateral blah may be perceived as a dignified pause before the triumphant announcement of a coincidental decision that was not coerced at all to graciously contribute a one-third share of funding these projects.

But if the hesitancy is more than that, then Premier Kathleen Wynne and her colleagues ought to take careful note that if a Liberal government at Queens Park turns its back on $4.8 billion for Toronto transit being offered by the Liberals on Parliament Hill, thereby stiffing every voter who ensured both of those Liberal governments virtually swept Toronto seats in the most recent elections  well, she should remember she faces another election next year.

Mayor John Tory, of course, has been reminding her of that for some time, beating the drum for Wynnes government to pony up dollars for Toronto transit and social housing. He indicated right after the federal announcement that he intends to continue his campaign, if anything, turning up the volume now that the federal dollars are waiting on the opening of Wynnes own wallet.

But then, while Tory is standing outside the premiers window with a boom box over his head, he also has his own share of the funding to figure out. Hed like to arrange it so the city only has to pay 20 per cent of the projects costs, but may have to pay as much as 33 per cent. In either case, that means coming up with somewhere between $3.5 billion to $4.5 billion.

Hows he going to do that?

I cant answer that question yet, Spurr reports him saying. After all, the provincial government killed his road-toll proposal, Tory notes. I will note that the province has also, apparently, vetoed a city sales tax on liquor tax. The land transfer tax goose may well be just about out of golden eggs. And Tory himself has nailed his colours to the mast refusing a steep property tax hike.

My very rough estimate is that servicing a 30-year loan of $4.5 billion would cost something like $150 million a year  equivalent to a 6 per cent property tax increase. (The roughly $1 billion city share of the Scarborough subway is being funded over a similar period of time by what was a 1.5 per cent dedicated property tax levy.)

Whats left, beyond those options? Selling off half of Toronto Hydro  which Tory took off the table last year  would only raise about $1 billion, and would also rob the city of a source of annual revenue that would need to be made up. A vehicle registration tax (maybe worthwhile anyway) is unlikely to get us even halfway there.

Worse still, this need for transit-building cash isnt the only demand on the citys bank account  already the city faces a whole lot of other funding pressures for other priorities, many of which it has already approved but not figured out how to pay for: the social housing repair backlog of several hundred million over the next two years; the climate change plan; the anti-poverty plan; and the other usual list of pressing programs.

Icing on the cake: the city is at its own self-imposed debt limit, so will need to do something about that to create room for more building.

There are side issues with the federal announcement  whether it includes the $660 million contribution to the Scarborough subway or not, whether it will be enough to cover even a third of the priority project budgets, whether those budgets are reasonable or will spiral up higher as soon as detailed planning begins  but before even getting to them theres a more fundamental issue. When the feds kick in $4.5 billion, will the province match it? Will the city? And in the latter case, how?

Great news for Toronto transit? Probably. But there are a lot of headaches, arguing and legitimately difficult decisions  and a couple of election campaigns  to get through before anyone can really begin to celebrate.

Edward Keenan writes on city issues ekeenan@thestar.ca . Follow: @thekeenanwire

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What happened to Amelia Earhart?

That question has captivated the public ever since her plane vanished over the Pacific Ocean in 1937 as she attempted to become the first female pilot to fly around the world.

Now, investigators believe they have discovered the smoking gun that would support a decades-old theory that Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, were captured by the Japanese: a newly unearthed photograph from the National Archives that purportedly shows Earhart and Noonan  and their plane  on an atoll in the Marshall Islands.

I was originally skeptical until we could get the photograph authenticated, Shawn Henry, a former FBI assistant executive director who is now helping privately investigate the Earhart disappearance, told The Washington Post. The fact that it came out of the National Archives as opposed to somebodys basement or garage somewhere  that to me gave it a lot more credibility.

The photograph was rediscovered a few years ago in a mislabeled file at the National Archives by a former U.S. Treasury agent named Les Kinney, who began looking into Earharts disappearance after he retired, according to previews for a new History channel documentary, Amelia Earhart: The Lost Evidence, that airs July 9.

The 8-by-10-inch black-and-white photograph went ignored in a stack of 20 or 30 other pictures until Kinney took a closer look a few months later, Henry said.

In the photo, a figure with Earharts haircut and approximate body type sits on the dock, facing away from the camera, Henry points out. Toward the left of the dock is a man they believe is Noonan. On the far right of the photo is a barge with an airplane on it, supposedly Earharts.

Henry, who was asked to join the investigation about a year ago, said two different photo experts analyzed the picture to ensure it had not been manipulated. It had not been, they found. The experts also compared the facial features and body proportions of the two figures in the photograph with known pictures of Earhart and Noonan.

For the man on the left, the hairline is the most distinctive characteristic, Ken Gibson, a facial recognition expert who studied the image, told the Today show. Its a very sharp receding hairline. The nose is very prominent ... Its my feeling that this is very convincing evidence that this is probably Noonan.

The figure seated on the dock is wearing pants, much like Earhart often did, Henry noted.

Im looking at her sitting on the dock and thinking, This is her, he said.

Though they cant be sure of when the photo was taken, there is no record of Earhart being in the Marshall Islands, he added.

Henry said he travelled to the Marshall Islands and interviewed the son of a man whose father repeatedly told others he had witnessed Earharts plane land at Mili Atoll in 1937. He also spoke with the last living person who claimed to have seen the pair after their emergency landing.

But again, for me, those things are all somewhat suspect until you have that photograph, which corroborates that she was there, Henry said. To me, thats just proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Gary Tarpinian, executive producer of the History documentary, told the Today show that they believe the Koshu, the Japanese merchant ship in the photo, took Earhart to Saipan, where she died in Japanese custody.

The team thinks the photo may have been taken by someone spying on the Japanese, he added. Other questions, like when and how Earhart died, remain a mystery.

What happened to her then? Was there a coverup or not? Did the U.S. government know? What did the Japanese government know? Henry said. I think this actually opens up a whole new line of questioning.

Over the past 80 years, three prevailing theories about Earharts disappearance have emerged.

Some speculate that Earharts Lockheed Model 10 Electra crashed and sank to the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, killing her and Noonan.

Last year, a Pennsylvania-based group called International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR) repositioned the spotlight on an alternate theory: With their fuel rapidly depleting, Earhart and Noonan used celestial navigation to land on a remote coral atoll named Gardner Island, about 643 kilometres south of Howland Island, their original destination. It was there, TIGHAR says, that the two tried to send out frantic radio calls for help but eventually died as castaways.

Just last month, the group launched an ambitious expedition to try to prove its theory, sending researchers and a pack of forensically trained border collies to Gardner Island, now called Nikumaroro. The mission: For the dogs to sniff out human bones that, through DNA matching, would confirm Earhart and Noonan landed and then perished on that island.

Henry said he isnt bothered by other explanations for of Earharts disappearance.

Ive listened to some competing theories, he said. When you look at the totality of what we put together and then hold that photograph ... I think that photograph is as close to a smoking gun as youre going to have in a cold case thats 80 years old.

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MEXICO CITYA series of raging gun battles between two drug gangs left at least 14 people dead Wednesday in the mountains of the northern Mexico state of Chihuahua.

Authorities said the number of dead could rise. Initial reports from the relatively isolated region had put the death toll as high as 26 but officials said later that only 14 bodies had been recovered.

Oscar Alberto Aparicio, the Chihuahua state security commissioner, said security forces came under fire when they arrived at the scene of the clash in Las Varas, a town about 300 kilometres northwest of the state capital.

Soldiers and police were met with gunfire, but they managed to beat back the attack and only one patrol vehicle was hit by gunfire, Aparicio said.

Aparicio said gunfights were continuing as police and soldiers chased gang members through the mountains. Authorities called in a Black Hawk helicopter to help in the search in the area, which is in a region known for marijuana and opium poppy production.

Felix Gonzalez, a spokesperson for Chihuahua state prosecutors, told local media the initial confrontation pitted members the La Linea gang, based in the border city of Ciudad Juarez, against a faction of the Sinaloa cartel.

Another state prosecutors spokesperson, Eduardo Esparza, confirmed 14 bodies had been found, but added that there could be more. He said all the dead were adult males. Twenty rifles were found at the scene, along with grenades and grenade launchers.

Gonzalez had initially reported 26 died, but later told Milenio television that the higher toll had mistakenly included some wounded.

Aparicio said the gangs had apparently killed two state police officers who went up into the area to investigate about 10 days ago.

These criminals were the ones who killed in a cowardly way two of our agents a week ago, Aparicio said, noting there were about 50 gunmen in one of the gangs.

Mexico is experiencing its highest homicide total in at least 20 years as splintered drug cartels battle over territory.

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KANSAS CITY, MO.Could a grainy, black-and-white photo, long buried in the National Archives, offer new evidence to solve the Amelia Earhart mystery?

The famous Kansas-born aviatrix disappeared on July 2, 1937, while attempting to fly around the world. The most widely held theory is that she crashed into the Pacific Ocean.

But now a never-before-seen photograph  allegedly showing Earhart, navigator Fred Noonan and her twin-engine Lockheed Electra  supports a theory that she crash landed in the Marshall Islands, was captured by the Japanese and died while being held on the island of Saipan.

Read more:

Researcher says Amelia Earhart didnt die in a plane crash

The photo will be featured in a two-hour documentary, Amelia Earhart: The Lost Evidence, Sunday night on the History channel.

Earhart is believed to be the woman in the photo with short dark hair, wearing a white shirt, sitting on the dock with her back to the camera, her head turned to the right. The photo will be featured in a documentary, Amelia Earhart: The Lost Evidence, Sunday night on the History channel.





This absolutely changes history, Shawn Henry, an NBC News analyst and former FBI executive assistant director who led the investigation featured in the documentary, tells People magazine.

I think we proved beyond a reasonable doubt that she survived her flight and was held prisoner by the Japanese on the island of Saipan, where she eventually died.

Many theories about Earharts fate have been researched and debated since she disappeared. Some even contend she survived and eventually returned to the United States under an assumed name.

The governments official story, however, is that her plane ran out of gas and crashed into the Pacific Ocean somewhere near her destination, Howland Island. Some researchers have studied her planes typical fuel usage, her flight path and other factors to determine approximately where she would have gone down.

Based on that work, Maryland-based researchers have used sonar to search hundreds of square miles of ocean floor near Howland Island without success.

Another theory pushed by a Pennsylvania group, The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery, is that she crash landed near Gardner Island, now Nikuramoro, in the Phoenix Islands chain and survived for some time before dying there.

Supporters of that theory have visited the island repeatedly. They found a womans shoe, aircraft aluminum and other artifacts they say support their theory. But opponents say nothing theyve found proves anything.

A few Earhart sleuths contend she turned around and flew back to New Guinea.

Meanwhile, many researchers are convinced she ended up imprisoned on Saipan, which the Japanese controlled, and eventually died there, either of disease or killed by her captors. Not everyone agrees about how she got there.

But researchers point to interviews of at least 50 witnesses that give credibility to the theory she crash landed at Mili Atoll in the Marshall Islands, and that both she and Noonan survived that landing.

Witnesses reported seeing the plane, with a broken wing, in a sling on the back of a ship in the Marshalls.

The new photo, unearthed by retired U.S. Treasury agent Les Kinney five years ago and revealed for the first time in the documentary, is stamped with official Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) markings that read Marshall Islands, Jaluit Atoll, Jaluit Island, Jaluit Harbor.

The photo shows a ship towing a barge with an airplane on it. A group of people are standing on the dock. Kinney believes the plane on the barge is the Electra, and that two of the people on the dock are Earhart and Noonan.

Earhart is believed to be the woman in the photo with short dark hair, wearing a white shirt, sitting on the dock with her head turned to the right.

Kinney found the photo while hunting through the National Archives looking for anything concerning Earharts demise that might have been overlooked. He found the picture in a formerly top secret file in the National Archives.

It was misfiled, said Kinney, who spent 15 years trying to solve the Earhart mystery, in the documentary. Thats the only reason I was able to find it.

Kinney theorizes the photo was taken before 1943 because the United States conducted more than 30 bombing runs on Jaluit in 1943 to 1944.

Independent analysts confirmed the legitimacy of the photo for History and that it is undoctored.

When you pull it out, and when you see the analysis thats been done, I think it leaves no doubt to the viewers that thats Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan, Henry told NBC News.

The documentary makers believe the photo was taken by someone who was spying on Japanese military activity in the Pacific for the United States.

Japanese officials told NBC News they have no record of Earhart being in their custody.

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If John Pratt were an international criminal mastermind, he would fly to Paris, don an all-black suit and ski mask and sneak into the elegant French baroque building that serves as headquarters for the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM).

His mission: To set the whole worlds system of mass into disarray, Pratt said. This is my dastardly plan.

In this hypothetical scenario, Pratt slips past the security guards, disables the alarm system and picks the lock on a temperature-controlled, airtight safe deep in the bowels of the BIPM. Inside, he finds his target: a small, platinum and iridium cylinder weighing exactly one kilogram. Its the kilogram, crafted in 1889 to serve as the single standard by which all other kilograms are measured. People call it le grand K.

Id take out a nail file and Id scratch a little bit off, Pratt said. Then, hed slip back into the night. And the next time they take the thing out (to test the accuracy of the worlds other kilograms), everything else will be wrong.

But Pratt is not a criminal mastermind. Hes a public servant, the chief of quantum measurement at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which oversees weights and measures in the United States. And he doesnt want to tamper with the global system of mass. He wants to revolutionize it.

Pratt and his colleagues at NIST are part of an international effort to redefine the kilogram based on a fundamental universal constant  a physical quantity in nature, like the speed of light or the electric charge of a proton, that never changes regardless of when and where you are. And on Friday, the NIST team got their most precise measurement ever for this constant.

Its not obvious that its a big deal, but its a big deal, Pratt said. With this new measurement, we could switch from a 19th-century definition of mass to a more 21st- or 22nd-century definition of mass. We could get it based on an idea more than an object. And thats just beautiful and Im proud of our species for getting to this place.

Heres the problem with the current standard kilogram: Its losing weight. It now is ever-so-slightly lighter than the once-identical witness cylinders stored in labs around the world. Scientists dont know whether the BIPM prototype is losing mass, perhaps because of loss of impurities in the metals, or if the witnesses are gaining mass by accumulating contaminants.

Either way, the whole thing is a huge inconvenience, Pratt said. Several years ago, NIST had to reissue certificates for its kilograms because they were 45 micrograms off the French prototype  about the weight of an eyelash. This meant that companies that produce weights based on the NIST standards had to reissue their own weights and they were not happy about it. Lawmakers were called. NIST was accused of being incompetent. In the end, it turned out that the problem stemmed from le grand K, not NIST.

If that seems like a lot of uproar over an infinitesimal change in the mass of an object, consider this: The effectiveness of filters on diesel engines is determined by measuring the mass of the soot they capture  in micrograms.

Theres a lot that rides on these sorts of things that people take for granted, Pratt said. Like breathing.

Scientists agree its long past time to retire le grand K. Using this 19th-century technology for 21st-century physics is like trying to get to Mars on a rocket powered by a steam engine. It just isnt going to work.

So in 2014, at the quadrennial General Conference on Weights and Measures (yep, thats a thing), the scientific community resolved to redefine the kilogram based on Plancks constant, a value from quantum mechanics that describes the packets energy comes in. If physicists could get a good enough measure of Plancks constant, the committee would calculate a kilogram from that value.

But its a very difficult constant to measure, Pratt said. He would know: He and his colleagues at NIST have spent much of the past few years trying to come up with a number accurate and precise enough to please the finicky physics community.

Theyre using a tool called a Kibble balance. Instead of balancing the scale with weights, Pratt and his colleagues use electromagnetism. An electrical current is sent through a coiled wire, generating a magnetic field that creates the upward force needed to balance the scale. Scientists can figure out the strength of that field by pulling on the coil. If you know the voltage, the current and the velocity at which the coil was pulled, you can calculate the Planck constant with extreme precision.

On June 30, the day before the deadline to submit a value to the weights and measures committee, the team at NIST was finally ready to release its result. Based on 16 months worth of measurements, it calculated Plancks constant to be 6.626069934 x 10 {+-} {+3} {+4} kgm {+2} /s.

Dont be alarmed by this small, strange number. The most important thing about the NIST measurement isnt so much the number (though thats also a big deal) as the uncertainty: just 13 parts per billion (ppb). This means that the NIST scientists think their measurement of Plancks constant is within 0.0000013 per cent of the correct number.

When the International Committee for Weights and Measures announced that it would reconsider the kilogram definition, it said it would require three measurements with uncertainties below 50 parts per billion and one below 20 ppb. But with the new NIST measurement, the world now has at least three experiments below 20 ppb  another was conducted by a Canadian team using a Kibble balance, the third by an international group that calculates the Planck constant based on the number of atoms in a sphere of pure silicon.

The weights and measures committee will meet this month to establish a global value for Plancks constant by averaging the values calculated at NIST and other labs. And in 2018, at the next General Conference on Weights and Measures, the scientific community will draft a resolution to redefine kilogram based on this constant.

I cant stress enough how impressed I am at humanity for being able to pull this stuff off, Pratt said.

Were lucky Pratt decided to use his powers for good instead of evil. These are weighty matters.

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An attorney representing the widow of U.S. Delta Force soldier Sgt. Christopher Speer filed a court application to try to enforce a $134-million wrongful death claim against Omar Khadr two weeks before lawyers for the former Guantanamo Bay detainee negotiated a confidential settlement in the case.

Court records show the application to Ontarios Superior Court of Justice was filed June 8. The 11-page application from lawyers for Tabitha Speer and retired special forces soldier Layne Morris, who was injured in the 2002 firefight where Khadr was shot and captured in Afghanistan, requests an emergency injunction to stop the Canadian government from giving Khadr and his lawyers the reported $10.5-million settlement.

Khadrs lawyer, John Phillips, said Wednesday that he has not yet seen the legal challenge but confirmed that private mediation with representatives from the Department of Justice took place June 21 and 22. The results of the mediation remain confidential, he said.

Reached in Utah, Morris declined an interview request. His Toronto attorney, David Winer, also said he could not comment on any aspects of the case.

Read more:

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The Trudeau government once again remained quiet Wednesday, refusing to acknowledge reports that began Monday night claiming Ottawa will apologize to Khadr and pay more than $10 million to compensate him for the years of abuse he endured as a teenager in Guantanamo Bay and Afghanistan.

No date has been set for the application to ask an Ontario court to enforce the Utah judgment but any payout for Khadrs civil case, which began in 2004, could once again be delayed if the injunction is granted.

Toronto lawyer Paul Cavalluzzo said the Ontario court would have to consider specific criteria in deciding whether to uphold the huge settlement.

The fact that Khadr was still in custody when the application began and the sheer amount of the default judgment  a figure never seen in Canadian cases would be part of the argument and make it difficult to enforce, he said.

But the facts of the case would not be re-tried here, Cavaluzzo said, which means they could bring a motion on an expedited basis within six months or so; it should not take a long time.

Khadr, who was 15 at the time of the firefight, is the only captive the Pentagon has prosecuted for the death of an American service member. He was accused of throwing a grenade that fatally wounded Speer in Afghanistan.

The 30-year-old is now living in Edmonton, free on bail pending an appeal of his Guantanamo conviction. He said once he returned to Canada that he agreed to plea guilty in 2010, as he believed it was his only chance to ever leave the notorious U.S. prison in Cuba.

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Thirty years ago, as Donald Trump gave what is widely considered to be the first campaign speech of his career, he criticized one country above all for cheating the United States in trade: Japan.

On Thursday, Japan took on the mantle of the global rules-based trading system, as it sidestepped a failing trade agreement with the United States to forge a historic new pact with the European Union.

Leaders from Japan and the European Union on Thursday announced their agreement in principle on the broad strokes of a trade deal that will cover nearly 30 per cent of the global economy, 10 per cent of the worlds population and 40 per cent of global trade.

The deal crafts a trading bloc roughly the same size as that established by the North American Free Trade Agreement, a 1994 deal between the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump

Coming on the eve of the Group of 20 meeting of global leaders in Hamburg, Germany, the announcement appeared to be a calculated rebuke of both the United States, which has spurned global trade agreements in favour of more protectionist policies under President Trump, and Great Britain, which voted to leave the European Union last year.

Shinzo Abe, the prime minister of Japan, greeted the announcement as the birth of the worlds largest free advanced industrialized economic zone.

Japan and the European Union will hoist the flag of free trade high amidst protectionist trends, Abe said in a press conference Thursday.

Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European Commission, said the deal shows that closing ourselves off from the world is not good for business, nor for the global economy, nor for workers. As far as we are concerned, there is no protection in protectionism.

While concrete details are still being ironed out, information released by Japan suggested that the deal will lower trade barriers for a sweeping array of products, including a 10 per cent European tariff on Japanese car brands like Toyota and Honda and an up to 14 per cent tariff on electrical machinery.

In a press conference on Thursday, Juncker said that more than 90 per cent of European exports to Japan will have freer terms of trade under the deal, including European wine, leather, shoes and dairy products.

The deal will be a heavy blow to American producers of these goods, by making U.S.-made goods relatively more expensive and less competitive in the major markets of Japan and Europe.

The deal also contains the firmer protections for data privacy that the European Union has long advocated. Matthew Goodman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies said these provisions run counter to the interest of U.S. technology companies and other multinationals, which have argued in past trade negotiations for the ability to freely move and store data around the world.

Talks over the deal have stretched over more than four years, in part because Japan was more focused on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a 12-country trade deal that included the United States. But after President Trumps election last year, negotiations between Japan and Europe accelerated, as the countries saw that the United States might take a new posture on trade, said Goodman.

On his third day in office, President Trump officially withdrew the United States from negotiations for the TPP. It was a blow to Abe and his party, who had invested much political capital in pushing the Pacific agreement forward.

On Thursday, Abe said that he would continue to push ahead with TPP negotiations without the United States in meetings with the remaining 11 countries next week, and that he would continue to try to persuade Trump of the TPPs importance.

Europe and Japan have only agreed to their trade deal in principle, meaning they concur on its broad outlines. As such, the deal could still founder due to internal political opposition. At the press conference, Donald Tusk, the president of the European Union, said the countries were aiming to bring the deal into force in early 2019.

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LOGANVILLE, GA.Four young children and their father were found slain in a home outside Atlanta early Thursday, and police say the mother  now charged with their deaths  was the one who called 911 to report the killings.

The five were apparently stabbed to death. A fifth child, a 9-year-old girl, survived and was hospitalized with injuries described as serious, police said.

The woman was detained by police after the bodies were found inside the home in Loganville, Gwinnett County police Cpl. Michele Pihera told reporters at the scene. Police later charged 33-year-old Isabel Martinez with five counts of malice murder, five counts of murder and six counts of aggravated assault.

She was quickly taken into custody and right now shes at Gwinnett County Police Headquarters being interviewed, Pihera said. Police have not said whether she was injured but said she was co-operating with investigators, though they were not releasing the motive for the slayings.

Right now we believe we have everybody involved in this crime, Pihera said, adding that she does not want people in the community to think that a dangerous person is at large.

Pihera confirmed that the 911 call came from an adult woman who was inside the home. Pihera says police believe the suspect made that call.

Pihera said the caller was speaking Spanish, which initially made it difficult for 911 operators to communicate with her. The county sheriffs office said Martinez is being held for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement but didnt provide further details.

Early indications are that a knife was used to attack the five, though a medical examiner will make the final determination about the cause of death, Pihera said.

The hospitalized girl, Diana Romero, was in serious but stable condition Thursday evening, police said in a brief update on the case.

The four children killed have been identified as Isabela Martinez, 10; Dacota Romero, 7; Dillan Romero, 4; and Axel Romero, 2. Their slain father was Martin Romero, 33, Pihera said.

Psychologists and others who study cases of mothers accused of killing their children say its not as uncommon as people might believe. But media coverage often focuses on dramatic cases, such as Andrea Yates who was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the 2001 drowning deaths of her five children.

Other cases get less attention, as when a woman hides or leaves a newborn or in childrens deaths blamed on neglect, said Cheryl Meyer, a professor of psychology at Wright State University in Ohio.

She co-authored two books on mothers who have killed children, based on an analysis of about 1,000 cases during the 1990s. That amounts to one death every three days. If anything, the total based on media reports at the time underestimates the reality, she said.

In cases where mothers do kill intentionally, Meyer said there is often another influence, such as mental health issues, postpartum depression or the loss of a close loved one.

We like to classify these women as pariahs, that they arent at all like us, Meyer said. I found that was not the case.

Police initially said in a statement that a woman inside the home called police at 4:47 a.m. Thursday to report a stabbing and officers answering the call found the five bodies inside.

Outside the single-story home with white panelling and black shutters, neighbours sat in their front yards later Thursday. Crime scene tape surrounded the home and parts of the yard in the Loganville area, about 48 kilometres east of Atlanta.

Some neighbours in the small, largely Hispanic neighbourhood said they had no clue anything was amiss in the home until police mobbed the scene Thursday morning. The neighbours said the Spanish-speaking family had moved to the community recently, and their children seemed happy playing with other neighbourhood kids.

Victoria Nievs said the childrens mother had recently suffered the death of her father.

Jim Hollandsworth is spokesperson at the Path Project, a non-profit organization that runs an after-school program that the familys children participated in. He said the family had been in the community for a few months. While the children spoke English as a second language, he said, they were fluent.

Its awful. Its devastating. Everyone is in complete shock, he said. The kids were engaged in what were doing. They were happy. They were fantastic kids with a bright future.

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President Donald Trump cast himself as a defender of Western values in a clash of civilizations during a dark and confrontational speech in Warsaw on Thursday, rebuking the news media, U.S. intelligence agencies and Barack Obama during his visit to the European capital most hospitable to his right-wing nationalist message.

Once again breaking with tradition by attacking U.S. leaders and institutions while abroad, Trump told a friendly Polish crowd, including loyalists the governing party had bused in from the more-conservative countryside, that radical Islamic terrorism threatened our civilization and our way of life.

In Warsaw, a city rebuilt after it was razed by the Germans in the Second World War, the president declared rhetorical war on a broad array of foreign and domestic forces that he said were aligned against him, even criticizing President Vladimir Putin of Russia in his strongest terms to date, before their first face-to face meeting, in Hamburg, Germany, on Friday.

But the blunt force of his words were not matched by new specifics. Pressed about Russian interference in the U.S. election, he said that nobody really knows if other countries might have been involved. He also vowed a very severe response if North Korea escalated its military threat, but he did not go into detail.

Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump

Trump delighted his Polish hosts by recounting a popular narrative about the countrys resilience in the face of centuries of partition and oppression  including Nazi invasion and communist domination  but he said next to nothing about the right-wing governments crackdown on judges, journalists and opposition parties, which has deeply alarmed other European Union leaders.

And although he spoke in Krasinski Square, where a monument commemorates the 1944 Warsaw uprising against the Nazis, he skipped a visit to a museum devoted to a 1943 uprising by Jews who had been forced into a ghetto. His daughter Ivanka went there Thursday instead.

Trump praised Poland, a NATO ally, as an example for others who seek freedom, and who wish to summon the courage and the will to defend our civilization.

He went on to employ the same life-or-death language as in his inauguration speech, which promised a war against the American carnage of urban crime.

The fundamental question of our time is whether the West has the will to survive, he said. Do we have the confidence in our values to defend them at any cost? Do we have enough respect for our citizens to protect our borders? Do we have the desire and the courage to preserve our civilization in the face of those who would subvert and destroy it?

U.S. President Trump, speaking in Warsaw, Poland, called on the world to confront the North Korean 'global threat.' (The Associated Press)

Trump also denounced the steady creep of government bureaucracy that drains the vitality and wealth of the people, citing the value of individual freedom and sovereignty.

The U.S. president also had harsh words for North Korea, after its recent test of a new long-range missile, but he refused to say during a short news conference with his Polish counterpart, Andrejz Duda, what steps he would take to punish Pyongyang.

Well see what happens  I dont like to talk about what we have planned  but I have some pretty severe things that were thinking about, Trump said at the news conference. They are behaving in a very, very serious manner, and something will have to be done about it.

Trump  who is under pressure to confront Putin on his attempts to sway the election  delivered a mixed message on Russia, one tailored for his Polish audience, the other straight out of his Putin playbook.

The president, acknowledging Polish concerns about Russias intervention in Ukraine, said, We are working with Poland to deal with Russias destabilizing behaviour.

But he also said he was still not entirely convinced that Russia was solely responsible for interference in the 2016 election, breaking with American intelligence agencies that have agreed that the efforts emanated from Moscow and were directed by Putin.

I think it was Russia, and it could have been other people in other countries, Trump said when asked for a yes-or-no answer to the question about Russian meddling. Nobody really knows for sure.

Trump also came with an announcement intended to emphasize his commitment to defending Poland against aggression  possibly from Russia  and to helping American workers. Dudas government has agreed to buy the Patriot missile defence system from the United States, a senior administration official said.

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Trump emerged from a Marriott in Warsaw on Thursday a little after 9:15 a.m., his sprawling motorcade of flag-flapping black sedans, police escorts and shuttle buses riding along the Vistula River to a back entrance to the presidential palace. He was greeted by Duda, and disappeared for closed-door meetings after a session with photographers, emerging only for the news conference.

Unlike what is expected in Hamburg, where leaders of the Group of 20 economies will meet Friday, there were no major protests in Warsaw, although there were signs of dissent.

Wednesday night, around the time Air Force One arrived in Warsaw, environmental protesters projected a message on the side of the Palace of Culture and Science, reading No Trump, Yes Paris, a dig at Washingtons plan to withdraw from the Paris climate accord.

And Michael Schudrich, Polands chief rabbi, and other Jewish leaders criticized Trumps decision not to visit the monument to the 1943 ghetto uprising.

Every U.S. president and vice president who has visited Warsaw since the fall of communism in 1989 has visited the monument. We deeply regret that President Donald Trump, though speaking in public barely a mile away from the monument, chose to break with that laudable tradition, alongside so many other ones, the statement read. We trust that this slight does not reflect the attitudes and feelings of the American people.

But Trumps appearance in Krasinski Square, a setting that symbolizes the Polish peoples resistance to tyranny, was well received, as was his message linking the fight against Daesh, also known as ISIS and ISIL, to Polands resistance of German invasion and occupation from 1939 to 1945.

We must stand united against these shared enemies to strip them of their territory, their funding, their networks and any form of ideological support, Trump said. While we will always welcome new citizens who share our values and love our people, our borders will always be closed to terrorism and extremism.

The pro-Duda crowd at Krasinski Square, where many waved U.S. and Polish flags, serenaded reporters from both countries with periodic chants of fake news.

That came about an hour after Trump tag-teamed with Duda in a transnational denunciation of journalists who write negative stories about them.

The American president criticized CNN and defended what he suggested was a lighthearted tweet of a video depicting him body-slamming a figure whose head was replaced by the CNN logo.

What made Trumps sermon against the mainstream news media different this time was that Dudas center-right party, Law and Justice, proposed restricting the medias access to Parliament last year. The government backed down after street protests.

They have been fake news for a long time, Trump said of CNN when asked about the tweet, adding that the network had been covering him in a dishonest way.

We dont want fake news, he continued, as Duda nodded vigorously in agreement.

Duda, responding to a U.S. reporters question about his own actions toward the news media, blamed Polish journalists for intentionally distorting his record and for failing to include his positions in articles critical of his government.

After chastising CNN  a go-to move on both sides of the Atlantic  Trump went after NBC, his former employer. NBC is nearly as bad, despite the fact that I made them a lot of money on The Apprentice, he said.

Krasinski Square is considerably smaller than Zamkowy Square, outside the Royal Palace, where President Barack Obama spoke in 2014.

Worried that crowds would not show up on Thursday  Trump is less popular in Polands liberal capital than in the conservative countryside  the authorities chose a smaller, though still symbolically rich, site.

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Relations between Russia and Georgia were strained in 2011 when vice-president Joe Bidens motorcade rolled past the Ferrari and Maserati dealerships to Vladimir Putins private dacha for their first meeting in a ritzy neighbourhood outside Moscow.

Biden had laid the groundwork to ease tensions and made the case to Putin, then Russias prime minister, that Georgian leader Mikheil Saakashvili was not seeking to provoke the Kremlin.

I just spoke to him, Biden declared across a large conference table.

Putin was unmoved. We know exactly what youre saying to Saakashvili on the phone, he shot back. Biden laughed, but Putin didnt, according to a former U.S. official who recounted the exchange, which has not been previously revealed publicly. The American delegation took him at his word that Russian intelligence agents were wiretapping their calls.

Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump

As U.S. President Donald Trump prepares for his first face-to-face meeting this week with Putin in Hamburg, Germany, those who have negotiated with him caution that Trump must be ready for a shrewd, well-prepared and implacable adversary.

Putin  who reclaimed the presidency in 2012  has outlasted three U.S. presidents, shifting his persona but never his demands in countless phone calls and summit meetings, according to interviews with former aides with first-hand knowledge of the conversations. Bill Clinton shared a dinner of spicy wild boar with him at the presidential palace. George W. Bush looked in his eyes to get a sense of his soul. Barack Obama pursued a reset of a troubled relationship.

But all three failed to forge a personal bond with Putin as bilateral relations tumbled into an ever-worsening state of affairs.

Enter Trump, who professed admiration for Putin during his campaign, calling him a stronger leader than Obama. But their summit has been tainted by an FBI investigation into possible ties between the Trump campaign and Russian operatives who allegedly meddled in the U.S. election to aid Trump.

White House officials have said there is no formal agenda, and they were noncommittal about whether the president intends to raise the election issue with Putin.

The meeting will be watched closely for the tone Trump that takes with his counterpart. Jon Finer, who served as an aide to Biden and as chief of staff to former secretary of state John F. Kerry, said it is imperative for Trump to draw clear lines about American interests and then find common ground, if there is any. Part of why going in without an agenda is so dangerous  you could end up having the entire conversation on his topics and his terms.

With Putin, Finer said, theres a sense that personalities matter, but at the end of the day hes someone who has a strong sense of what Russian interests should be and hes not going to deviate from that.

Those who have met with Putin describe him as a direct and forceful negotiator who wields nearly total power in the Kremlin. Though he and Bush developed an initial rapport, their relations soured amid the Bush administrations war on terror and Russias conflict in Georgia.

After their first meeting in 2001, Bush proclaimed Putin very straightforward and trustworthy. That assessment has since been widely ridiculed, but Thomas Graham, who served as Russia director at the National Security Council under Bush, said critics leave out the rest of Bushs assessment that Putin was a man deeply committed to his country and the best interests of his country.

That turned out to be true, Graham said. Putin knew what he wanted; he had messages he wanted to convey.

Michael McFaul, the former U.S. ambassador to Russia, recalled Obamas first meeting with Putin in 2009, also at his private residence. The Americans wanted the three-hour session, over tea, to be more than an icebreaker, viewing it as the opening bid in an ambitious play to reset relations.

Though Dmitry Medvedev was president and Obama met separately with him, U.S. officials believed at the time that Putin continued to wield significant influence  and later came to conclude that Putin remained in charge.

Putin was skeptical of the Americans. He told them he had tried to work with Bush, but then launched into a litany of complaints over how the U.S. had foiled efforts to co-operate on counterterrorism and on the folly of the Iraq invasion, McFaul recalled.

Putin, a former KGB agent, blamed the setbacks on U.S. intelligence agencies.

He blamed the deep state for thwarting efforts to co-operate, McFaul said. He went through a series vignettes over eight years with Bush: We did this, got close on this, yet it was your side that screwed it all up. 

The Russian leader prefers smaller meetings, with fewer aides, which he believes will result in fewer leaks, U.S. officials said. On one visit to Moscow by Kerry, there were so few officials permitted that the U.S. delegation asked ambassador John Tefft to serve as the official translator.

Thats not Putins only power play. While Trump is known to use forceful presidential handshakes to show dominance, Putins strategy is more subtle. He was 40 minutes late for a meeting with Obama at the G-20 Summit in Mexico in 2012 and kept Kerry waiting for three hours to see him in Moscow in 2013.

Our staff was really upset, one former Obama aide recalled. The president was like, Who cares? Its only a dis and a power play if you allow it.

Yet for a macho leader who has been photographed riding a horse shirtless and drilling for oil, Putins demeanour in person is remarkably calm and composed, U.S. officials said.

Those who meet Putin are often surprised that his tone is mild-mannered and soft-spoken, Finer said. A famous photo of Obama and Putin looking uncomfortable during a 2013 meeting in Northern Ireland was interpreted as a sign of their mutual disdain.

But Finer said the Russian leaders body language tends to be slouched, looking down as if there are notes in front of him. He will then make eye contact for emphasis. I got the impression of someone who is supremely confident, relaxed, not super-animated. Thats not to say the content of his words is relaxed or soft in any way. He can deliver quite hard messages.

Putin has developed a long list of grievances over U.S. actions, which he often recites to start a meeting, former Obama aides said. Many have to do with visa delays for Russian officials or the treatment of Russian diplomats who arent granted meetings  a grievance U.S. officials found disingenuous given that American diplomats are routinely harassed and intimidated in Moscow.

Obama aides said they tried to funnel Putins complaints into a separate channel to be handled by lower-level aides, while attempting to steer him back to geostrategic matters such as Ukraine, Syria and the Iran nuclear deal.

Those topics got him even more animated, however. Obamas relations with Putin took a downward turn in 2014 when the United States and European allies imposed economic sanctions over Russias annexation of Crimea. In meetings, Putin would refer to Ukrainian fascists, former Obama aides said.

The Russian leader is typically the only person on his side of the table who speaks, the former aides said. He hardly ever delegates authority, and he has a solid command of the issues, especially energy, where he recites facts and figures.

Though he only recently learned English, Putin has been known to correct a translator, the officials said. As he speaks, he scans for reactions, looking for signs of division, and he considers it a sign of weakness if another world leader is cut off, or corrected, by a lower-ranking aide.

Putin also has a penchant for trolling his rivals. During a meeting with Kerry in 2016, Putin mocked him for carrying his own luggage off the plane, suggesting that it was a cash bribe to work out disagreements over Syria. In 2007, Putin brought his black Labrador to a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is scared of dogs.

More recently, Putin said with a straight face on Russian television that he would offer asylum to former FBI director James Comey, who was fired by Trump and then gave damaging congressional testimony about Trump in the ongoing Russia probe.

Putins sarcastic asides can reveal his sharply different view of the world compared to the Americans. In 2015, after a three-hour negotiating session with Kerry over Syria and Ukraine, Putin invited the U.S. delegation to a cocktail reception.

The American side was made up largely of women, prompting one to joke that Kerry was not afraid of strong women. Putin then teased foreign minister Sergey Lavrov about why the Russians had no female aides, which led to an off-colour conversation about gender and sexual orientation, according to former U.S. officials familiar with knowledge of the exchange.

Regarding that formal meeting with Putin, Wendy Sherman, former undersecretary of state who was in attendance, said the U.S. delegation came away thinking there might be some openings. But none of those really materialized.

She added: This was a leader who was sure about what he was about and didnt need to bluster or pretend or try to impress.

Another major frustration for the Americans was that Putin did not always have a high regard for facts. Antony Blinken, a former high-ranking aide to both Obama and Biden, recalled several Oval Office calls during which Obama tried to find common ground with Putin on Ukraine.

It got to the point where he would be claiming there were no Russians in Ukraine, Blinken recalled. And Obama would say to him, Vladimir, we can see things. We have eyes. We know its not true. He would just move on.

Trump, too, has developed a reputation for ignoring facts in favour of bluster and bullying.

You have two of the most powerful leaders with the most adversarial relationships with the truth, Blinken said. Trump does things in a theatrical way. Putin is the antithesis of that. But the objective is the same: Whatever advances the ends youre trying to achieve, its fine.

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Because youre reading this newspaper, or any newspaper for that matter, youre probably horrified by U.S. President Donald Trumps ongoing behaviour.

What grown man with a nuclear arsenal at his fingertips has either the time or the inclination to tweet an old WWE video of himself clothes-lining a man with a CNN logo for a face? To even write that sentence beggars belief.

But it happened, just like last weeks jihad against a pair of morning show hosts happened, just like the false claims of Obama wiretapping happened, and just as James Comeys firing happened. No matter how poorly each Trump move is received by the press, the president always manages to serve up another foul scoop.

How much critical coverage will it take to force a change in Trumps behaviour?

Talk about the wrong question. The problem in covering someone who is elected to buck the conventional wisdom - as Trump surely was - is that conventional wisdom isnt likely to buck them out of office. Bad press in the elite media targeted to other elites wont do the trick. Not on its own, anyway.

The first step in holding Trump to account is to understand what metrics his supporters use to hold him accountable. This isnt a mystery. One only has to return to the frozen cornfields of Iowa circa January 2016, where candidate Trump (helpfully) unearthed his own Rosetta Stone.

I could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldnt lose voters, Trump bragged in Sioux City. The media dutifully clutched their pearls and Trumps supporters ... clapped.

Trumps point wasnt literal, it was that he had the cast-iron support of his people, and that nothing the elites could say about him (including the media) would matter. The point was prescient and remains true to this day.

And so for CNN to whine, as they did earlier this week, that the president should put down the Twitter machine and start doing his (job) only plays into Trumps hands. For the Commander in Chief and his supporters, blasting the media is his job. When media critics like CNNs Brian Stelter compare Trumps tactics ominously with those of Vladimir Putin, Recep Erdogan, and Hugo Chavez its a win. Trumps supporters love their mans (perceived) machismo.

If anything, the news medias whining about Trumps treatment of the news media only gives the president another positive news cycle in the not-so-news media followed by his most fervent supporters. It cements his virtue.

For Trump diehards the (almost entirely negative) saturation coverage provoked by the presidents tweets prove the media care more about the media than they do about their more mundane, ordinary lives. First amendment, schmirst amendment. Where is the media outrage at the loss of jobs, rampant illegal immigration, or out-of-control prescription drug addiction?

Of course, media are covering those issues, but anyone with eyes and ears watching cable news will see far more coverage of the days insider tattle (like the WWE bit) than they will about the issues facing the country. Yes, this is partly because Trumps team does everything it can to pick that particular fight, but nobody said the media had to be dumb enough to take the bait.

To crack Trump, the mainstream media need to flip the problem on its head; they need to think politically and realize that their base (i.e. elites) already cares as much as is humanly possible about Trumps bad behaviour. The challenge is to convince Trumps supporters that some of what their president is doing isnt all that great for them.

This means ignoring the presidents anti-media blatherings (and the boffo ratings they create) and sticking to health care reform. It means brushing off the insults. Imagine if CNN had ditched their haughty statement in favour of superimposing their logo on a wrestlers head as that wrestler hoisted the title belt?

It would never happen, of course. Most journalists see themselves as neutral observers bound by Marquess of Queensberry rules, even if a bare-knuckled president with a fondness for low blows has dragged them into the ring.

If theyre going to continue to observe convention and not become active participants, the least the media can do until they sort out how to cover Trump is stop whining to people who dont care about their fate.

Andrew MacDougall is a London-based columnist and commentator. He was director of communications for prime minister Stephen Harper.

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When I went to the Womens March in D.C., I came back inspired but glad that the movement in Canada did not have a specific focus. On International Womens Day, for example, Canadian women didnt take the day off to protest pay and labour equity and we didnt co-ordinate to call our MPs offices to change any particular law.

Instead, any feminist activism was about making change wherever you were.

At least, thats what I thought. I was wrong.

I was wrong.

Read more:Head of murdered and missing Indigenous women inquiry will not resign and defends progress

There has, in fact, always been a cause and a movement that demands the concerted support of Canadian feminists. We should focus our attention and energy on ensuring that the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls inquiry serves justice for the women and their families.

Launched with sombre fanfare last fall, it has until now been a fractious and unsteady process. There has been only one stop, in Whitehorse; the remaining stops remained either unscheduled or unannounced. Community groups have been given little notice as to when the inquiry will hear testimony from them. Over the last several years, families repeated their stories of tragedy and loss to get the federal government to launch an inquiry; they now rightfully fear being retraumatized by it.

The inquiry has struggled to retain key staff: In five months, four major members of the inquiry have left. The latest, Michele Moreau, officially departs in the middle of next month.

In May, artist Christi Belcourt wrote a striking and necessary open letter to Marion Buller, chief commissioner of the inquiry, that outlined these, among many other, issues. While clarifying the limitations of the inquiry, Buller wrote back, committing to clearer communications. So far, that has not happened.

We need to get off the focus of operations, says Francyne Joe, president of the Native Womens Association of Canada (NWAC). That should have been done last fall. When the doors opened in September, they should have had the staff, the offices. We need to get at the underlying problems.

And that is the crux of the problem. In failing to put together an inquiry that is fully-staffed and deeply resourced, the stories of the families have become a secondary concern. Hearing from them should be a primary concern to all non-Indigenous people.

It should be a rallying point for non-Indigenous women and feminists. Without speaking over or for Indigenous families, we too must find a way of putting pressure on the inquiry to fulfil its promise and on the federal government to substantively support its work.

While some organizations like NWAC and the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) are committed to seeing the inquiry through, others like Sheila North Wilson, grand chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, have asked for the chief commissioner to resign. There are no clear or perfect answers. I can understand that this makes it difficult for a lot of people to know where or how to participate.

Justice, however, cannot hesitate. The murder of Barbara Kentner, an Indigenous woman in Thunder Bay who was killed by a young man who threw a trailer hitch at her while she walked, shows that Indigenous women are in danger every single day.

This danger and the disappointing outcome of the inquiry is what led Jocelyn Wabano-Iahtail to call the situation a state of emergency in a press conference in Ottawa. That press conference has mostly been covered in relation to Wabano-Iahtails interaction with two reporters, but the substance of it was on the status of the inquiry.

The MMIWG inquiry stands at the nexus of state apathy, intergenerational trauma, public indifference, and misogyny towards Indigenous women. Alone, each has made life hard for women in Canada; together, these factors have impoverished, diminished and chipped away at the dignity of Indigenous women.

It is hard to call oneself a feminist if we simply stand aside and let Indigenous activists, advocates and families take on the labour of ensuring accountability from the inquiry. If there is such a thing as sisterhood, it requires us to stand with  and yes, even behind  the families of the missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

Vicky Mochama is a co-host of the podcast Safe Space. Her column appears every second Thursday. She also writes a triweekly column for Metro News that mixes politics, news and humour.

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The Omar Khadr settlement is a sign of the times. It marks a belated recognition that Canada went overboard in the war against terror.

The deal reached between Khadrs lawyers and the federal government, whereby Ottawa will pay the 30-year-old Muslim-Canadian roughly $10 million in compensation, is not the first of its kind. It wont be the last.

Prodded by the courts, the government is admitting that its preoccupation with national security in the years following 9/11 allowed  and in some cases encouraged  the abuse of Canadian citizens and residents.

Earlier this year, Ottawa quietly settled with three other Muslim-Canadians  Abdullah Almalki, Ahmad El Maati and Muayyed Nureddin  to avoid a court judgment.

That came almost 10 years after an inquiry, headed by former Supreme Court justice Frank Iacobucci, found that the actions of Canadian security officials had contributed to the torture of these three men in Syrian and Egyptian jails.

The trio filed a $100-million lawsuit. It is not publicly known what they settled for.

This spring, Ottawa also settled one of two lawsuits filed by Abousfian Abdelrazik. Hes the Canadian who was stranded in Sudan for six years (sometimes in jail, sometimes not) because successive Liberal and Conservative governments made it impossible for him to come home.

Stephen Harpers Conservatives finally relented in 2009, but only after a federal court judge forced their hand.

Two years ago, the Conservative government also settled, for an undisclosed amount, a bizarre case involving Algerian refugee claimant Benamar Benatta.

In 2001, Canadian officials had illegally transported Benatta across the border to the U.S. where they handed him over to the FBI as a terror suspect.

The Americans quickly determined he wasnt a terrorist but kept him in jail anyway for five years. He eventually made it back into Canada and is now a Canadian citizen.

The big one though is the settlement reached with Canadian citizen Maher Arar. In 2007, he received $10.5 million  plus $1 million more to cover his legal costs  in compensation for Ottawas role in his rendition by the U.S. to Syria, where he was jailed and tortured.

That settlement too came only after a judicial inquiry, which effectively cleared Arar of any role in terrorism, forced the governments hand.

At one level, Khadrs case differs from the others. He has always admitted he was fighting on the side of the Taliban in 2002, when he was wounded and captured by U.S. forces invading Afghanistan.

Theoretically, Ottawa could have charged him with treason. But since he was a child of 15 at the time, I suspect the government would have had a hard time making that charge stick.

Or, given that he was a Canadian citizen and child soldier, Ottawa could have pressed the Americans to release him into Canadian custody. But to its shame, the Liberal government of the day didnt do that either.

Instead, it collaborated with the Americans to confine Khadr, without the protection of the Geneva Conventions, in the U.S. prison camp at Cubas Guantanamo Bay  where, to put it mildly, he was interrogated harshly.

He spent 10 years there and eventually took the only exit available  which was to plead guilty, in a military court of dubious legitimacy, to what the U.S. claimed were war crimes.

These war crimes included killing an enemy soldier during battle.

In 2010, the Supreme Court ruled that Canadas participation in the illegal and coercive interrogations at Guantanamo Bay had violated Khadrs Charter rights.

With that ruling, it was just a matter of time until he received some kind of compensation from the Canadian government.

Now that time has come.

Conservatives such as party leader Andrew Scheer say Khadr does not deserve any money. They miss the point.

The point is not to enrich Khadr. In fact, Id bet he would gladly give up the $10 million if he could be miraculously transported to an alternate reality where none of the events leading to this settlement had ever happened.

Rather the point is to drive home to government, in language it can understand, that the struggle against terrorism does not give the state carte blanche, that even those whose actions make them unpopular must be treated fairly.

Thomas Walkom appears Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

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When city councillor Joe Cressy said this week that allowing the closure of even one unit of social housing run by the Toronto Community Housing Corp. would be a collective failure, he was right.

Unfortunately, this is a familiar tune when it comes to TCHC. The corporation has been the subject of collective failures by all levels of government in recent years.

Its long been clear that Torontos biggest landlord and only major social housing provider is in turmoil.

Just over a year ago, a major report called Tenants First concluded that the corporation is plagued by a fundamentally broken business model and a monolithic organizational structure that prevents it from meeting the many different needs of its tenants.

The social cost of these failures is enormous. TCHC is the landlord of 110,000 Torontonians, while an additional 181,000 people remain on a waitlist for subsidized housing. Its tenants include some of Torontos most vulnerable: 93 per cent live in poverty and 7 per cent face mental illnesses severe enough to qualify them for supportive housing. The city cannot afford to let these populations lose, or continue to go without, affordable housing.

Passing a motion proposed by Cressy, directing the TCHC not to close any more social housing units over the next two years, was the right call in a moment of crisis. It should minimize harm to TCHCs current tenants, given that as many as 1,000 units are at risk of closure. But much more needs to be done to address the corporations problems.

What TCHC really needs is a complete overhaul supported by all three levels of government.

That starts with funding. The provincial and federal governments have not yet committed a one-third share to TCHCs 10-year, $2.6-billion repair plan as the Stars Jennifer Pagliaro reported on Wednesday. Without this help, the city will have to find hundreds of millions of dollars in its 2018 and 2019 budgets for repairs in order to avoid closing units.

Funding commitments for repairs from the province and Ottawa are long overdue. While the federal government has promised billions of dollars countrywide for social housing projects, it has not assigned a dollar amount that will go to TCHC. The province has invested some funds in Toronto housing repairs, but has been mum on TCHCs 10-year plan. Both governments need to step up immediately to help prevent Torontos social housing situation from degrading further.

The city is looking into options such as mortgage refinancing to make up some of the cash it needs for repairs. But it should also acknowledge the seriousness of the social housing funding shortfall and finally consider new revenue tools like an increase in property taxes.

Lack of funding is the elephant in the room when it comes to TCHC, but it is not the end of the corporations problems. If and when the huge backlog of repairs is completed, the corporation will still need to figure out how to move forward in a sustainable way and serve tenants better.

There is some reason to be cautiously optimistic on this front. The Tenants First plan, unanimously supported by council on Tuesday, includes measures that may help make TCHC more manageable and more tenant-focused.

Its most significant proposal is creation of an independent entity for senior tenants. The new body would manage 14,000 units of social housing.

The plan is commendable and in line with recommendations of the June 2016 Tenants First report. The city and the corporation should also work closely together to achieve the other aims outlined in that report. They include creating a more even income mix in Torontos social housing communities, and forging better connections with independent non-profit housing organizations and service providers.

Cressy also said this week that we should be having a debate about how much housing to build, not how to better maintain and govern the housing we have.

Hes right about that. To get to that point, governments first must put money toward TCHCs repair backlog. Then the corporation might stand a chance at benefiting from reforms put forward in the Tenants First plan.

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The U.S. opioid crisis rages on.

President Trump on Thursday declared the country's opioid crisis a national emergency. "The opioid crisis is an emergency, and I'm saying officially right now it is an emergency. It's a national emergency. We're going to spend a lot of time, a lot of effort and a lot of money on the opioid crisis," Trump told reporters at his golf club in Bedminster, N.J.

Goldman Sachs explained in a note in July that while the opioid epidemic in the United States has contributed to a decline of prime-age participation in the workforce, illicit drug use has not significantly increased. Therefore, the analysts suggested the unemployment does not overstate the employment stock.

"It is tempting to assume that drug abuse must also be a rising barrier to work for the remaining pool of unemployed workers," the researchers wrote. "The [Federal Reserve's] May Beige Book offered a hint in this direction, noting that several contacts reported that job applicants were unable to pass drug tests. In fact, however, we see drug problems as at most a modestly larger barrier to employment for unemployed workers."

Although age-adjusted drug deaths tripled since 2000, the analysts noted illicit drug use has not increased so dramatically, only a few percentage points since 2002. Illicit drug use among unemployed individuals even decreased between 2002 and 2015, and it increased less than two percentage points since the Great Recession. The analysts also noted that while positive pre-employment drug tests have increased, the rise in presence of opioids has been "very small."

In reviewing the increase of the opioid-related deaths following the Great Recession that began in 2008, the analysts also determined that while the economic decline worsened the epidemic, other factors were likely more important since the crisis began before the downturn.

"The recession likely made it worse, but the relationship between the economy and the opioid epidemic is more complex," the analysts wrote.

Nearly 100 Americans die from opioid abuse every day, and there are about as many opioid prescriptions written in the United States every year as there are adults in the country. That results in the country consuming 80% of the world's opioids, despite having just 5% of its population. The National Survey of Drug Use and Health found that almost 13% of Americans on prescription pain relievers misused them in 2015.

Drugmakers have developed medications to treat opioid dependencies and overdose. Here are some of them.

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Microsoft Inc. (MSFT) - Get Free Report on Thursday confirmed a round of layoffs that's the latest move to re-align according to its most promising businesses.

The cuts could result in as many as 3,000 employees losing their jobs, with the restructuring largely being focused on Microsoft's sales group, according to CNBC. Microsoft declined to disclose how many employees are being let go. According to reports, a majority of the job cuts will occur outside the U.S. Microsoft employed 71,000 people in the U.S. and a total of 121,000 employees as of March 2017.

"Microsoft is implementing changes to better serve our customers and partners," a Microsoft spokesperson told The Street. "Today, we are taking steps to notify some employees that their jobs are under consideration or that their positions will be eliminated. Like all companies, we evaluate our business on a regular basis. This can result in increased investment in some places and, from time-to-time, re-deployment in others."

Leading up to the announcement, reports surfaced that Microsoft would be laying off employees as part of a larger plan to refocus the group on selling cloud computing services. Over the past several years, Microsoft has turned its focus toward cloud computing as it tries to pivot away from the sluggish PC market and its legacy software business. Microsoft doesn't give specific revenue figures for its cloud computing platform, Azure, but said in its most recent earnings report that Azure revenues grew 93%.

The company sent a memo to employees this week detailing how its sales organization would be restructured, according to GeekWire, who obtained a copy of the memo. Microsoft didn't mention anything about the layoffs; instead, the memo describes how the customer model in its commercial and consumer businesses will be broken into two segments: enterprise and small, medium and corporate customers. The enterprise unit will now focus on six markets, including manufacturing, financial services, retail, health, education and government.

Representatives from Microsoft confirmed the contents of the memo, and said in a statement that the company notified employees of the restructuring earlier this week.

Mid-year re-structurings have become the standard at Microsoft ever since former CEO Steve Ballmer announced a company-wide restructuring in 2013 -- shortly before he departed from the company and current chief executive Satya Nadella took over in 2014. Microsoft typically announces job cuts at the beginning of its fiscal year; its 2016 fiscal year ended on Friday. The company has laid off employees every year for the past three years, each affecting different businesses.

Here's a rundown of Microsoft's previous rounds of layoffs:
French energy giant Total SA (TOT) - Get Free Report raised eyebrows this week when it inked a major development deal in Iran. The move is a bold one -- and not one many other companies, U.S.-based and otherwise, are likely to follow.

Total will make an initial $1 billion investment to develop the South Pars gas field in Iran in partnership with the China National Petroleum Corporation and Iranian company Petropars as part of a project estimated to be worth almost $5 billion. Chairman and CEO Patrick Pouyanne said the deal signals Total's "return to Iran to open a new page in the history of our partnership with the country" in a statement, noting work will be completed "in strict compliance with applicable national and international laws." The deal marks a major milestone for a country that has been under heavy sanctions for more than a decade, but don't expect the floodgates to open for business in Iran.

"The reality was, business was still quite, quite risky even after the Iran deal, because the Iran deal was a nuclear cooperation deal plus," said Mark Wallace, CEO of United Against Nuclear Iran and former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. "Big companies operate because of disclosure requirements, listing requirements, registration requirements, etc. on acceptable business risk, and I don't think that there was ever a time...that Iran has been an acceptable business risk."

Iran was given moderate sanctions relief in early 2016 under the conditions of the Iran nuclear accord, orchestrated under the Obama administration the year prior, after international inspectors concluded the country had followed through on promises to dismantle sections of its nuclear program. But U.S. companies are still largely barred from doing business in Iran, and European companies who venture in risk running afoul of the United States.

Non-U.S. banks can do dollar trades with Iran, but those transactions cannot pass through financial institutions in the United States. In turn, non-U.S. companies interested in doing business in Iran have had a tough time finding any financial backing to do so.

"The greatest impediment to [Asian and European] companies doing business in Iran is the lack of second and top-tier European banks willing to act as a corresponding entity," said Crispin Hawes, managing director at Teneo Intelligence. "Any of those banks, their U.S. business is so much more important than Iranian business that they remain incredibly reluctant. That makes it difficult to finance investment in Iran."

Total has identified small European banks that will furnish its local financing needs in Iran, according to The New York Times, and has spent months sending small amounts of euros there to test its banking system.

Business in Iran has become even riskier in the era of Trump. The president slammed the Iran nuclear accord as the "worst deal ever" on the campaign trail and threatened to withdraw the United States from it when he was elected. Since taking office, the Trump administration has stuck with the deal, but the sanctions in place, combined with the volatile president's rhetoric, have been enough to keep companies on edge.

"The trajectory of the Obama administration was very, very slowly positive from the Iranian perspective," said Hawes. "While nobody in the Iranian government thought Hillary Clinton would indulge, Trump's victory in the election has definitely, in the view of the Iranians, deterred European banks."

The White House has thus far continued waiving sanctions eased under the Iran deal, but it has also applied new sanctions to certain individuals and companies connected to its ballistic missile program. Hawes said the entities and individuals named were hardly a surprise.

"I would have already highlighted a huge risk...way before they were added to the list," he said. "The reality is that to continue to frustrate Iranian ambitions to generate large-scale foreign investment, the U.S. doesn't have to do that much."

Boeing (BA) - Get Free Report in April reached a $3 billion agreement to sell 30 of its 737 Max planes to Iran Aseman Airlines. The company spent months working through the Treasury Department to get authorization for the deal.

"The default setting for U.S. companies or foreign companies that are U.S. owned when it comes to Iran is no unless there's a reason to get to yes," said Christopher Swift, partner and litigator at Foley & Lardner LLP.

Even so, the sale ruffled feathers. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Representative Peter Roskam (R-IL) urged Trump to suspend aircraft sales to Iran soon after it was announced. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in May said his department was reviewing licenses for Boeing and rival Airbus to sell aircraft to Iran.

"Boeing continues to follow the lead of the U.S. government with regards to working with Iran's airlines, and any and all contracts with Iran's airlines are contingent upon U.S. government approval," said Boeing spokeswoman Kate Bernard in an email to TheStreet.

"I am still intrigued to observe such a strong desire from Western companies to conduct business with Iran. They do not desire to fall behind Asian companies," said Majid Rafizadeh, a Harvard scholar and president of the International American Council who has advised many companies on conducting business in the Middle East. "Iran is still known as the world's last and largest untapped emerging market."

With about $1.5 trillion in purchasing power parity, Iran is the world's 18th largest economy and the second largest economy in the Middle East and North Africa region behind Saudi Arabia, he said. It has the second largest population of the region after Egypt. And while energy is obviously the primary point of interest, its consumer, mining and tech sectors are very profitable as well.

Total appears to have calculated that Iran is worth the risk, the consequences of which, if any, remain to be seen. BNP Paribas SA in 2015 was slapped by a U.S. judge with a record $8.9 billion settlement resolving claims that it violated sanctions against Sudan, Cuba and Iran.

"Iran would be an enormously important market if it didn't have the political problems that it has," said Swift.

Visit here for the latest business headlines.

Editor's Pick: This article was originally published on July 6, 2017.
The European Union and Japan have agreed a free-trade deal that will create the world's largest, free industrialized economic zone, as the two regions fight back against protectionism.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President of the EU Council Donald Tusk said the agreement sent a strong message ahead of Friday's G20 summit in Germany at a joint press conference.

Abe said the deal was "a major pillar in our economic growth under Abenomics" and "is the birth of the world's largest industrialized economic zone."

Tusk said the agreement is a blow to rising protectionism, referring to President Donald Trump's America First policy, and the U.K.'s exit from the EU, adding "we are showing...that the world doesn't have to go 100 years back in time."

The deal show both economies are not "closing ourselves off from the world," Jean-Claude Juncker, the European Commission's president said at the press conference.

"There is no protection from protectionism," he said.

Japan and the EU also backed calls by the U.S. for more sanctions on North Korea following the country's test of an intercontinental ballistic missile earlier this week.

We stand ready to strengthen measures aimed at further restricting the transfer of relevant items and technologies and funding for North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs and, to that end, we call for the early adoption of a new and comprehensive UN Security Council Resolution," Abe, Tusk and Juncker said in a joint statement.

"We strongly call on the international community to redouble its efforts to ensure the sustained, comprehensive and thorough implementation of all relevant UN Security Council Resolutions."

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The European Union accused General Electric (GE) - Get Free Report , Canon Inc (CAJ) - Get Free Report , pharmaceutical company Merck (MKGAY) and Sigma-Aldrich Corp of breaching antitrust rules, the Wall Street Journal reported.

EU Competition Chief Margrethe Vestager said her department is reviewing recent merger clearances on suspicion that companies misled the commission when registering for antitrust review.

GE's $1.65 billion deal with LM Wind Power and Merck's $17 billion merger with Sigma-Aldrich are in question. The commission also thinks Canon may have implemented its deal with Toshiba Medical Systems before the acquisition was registered.

The three deals remain valid but are now under investigation. If the EU finds that any deals misled the competition commission, the companies could be fined up to 1% of global revenue. C

Canon could have to give up as much as 10% of its global revenue if the commission finds that it jumped the gun in its deal.

What's Hot On TheStreet

Apple is OK for the time being: For those silently worrying how the Apple (AAPL) - Get Free Report iPhone 8 will sell, simmer down -- the tech giant still has several huge advantages. On the hardware side, for instance, the iPhone still feels ahead of the pack thanks not only to Apple's design skills and the visible features of its hardware, but also what's under the hood points out TheStreet's tech columnist Eric Jhonsa. From the looks of things, the iPhone 8 should extend that lead, Jhonsa predicts.

Tesla is looking wobbly: Tesla (TSLA) - Get Free Report shares are looking a little shaky (again) after its Model S didn't get a top rating from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), reports TheStreet's James Skinner. The IIHS cited issues with the small overlap front test, which is meant to simulate crashes into trees, poles and other vehicles, as why the Model S did not receive the highest rating. IIHS Executive Vice President David Zuby said the front test remains a "hurdle" for some vehicles.

"Tesla made changes to the safety belt in vehicles built after January with the intent of reducing the dummy's forward movement," IIHS said. "However, when IIHS tested the modified Model S, the same problem occurred, and the rating didn't change."

Costco finally scores some good news: After watching its stock crash about 13% inside a month thanks to fears Amazon (AMZN) - Get Free Report and Whole Foods (WFM) will dominate society, Costco (COST) - Get Free Report scored a nice win. Costco said same-store sales in June rose 6.5% in June. Canada saw sales up 3.2%, while international sales rose 6.2%.

The numbers should serve as a reminder how resilient Costco's business has been in the face of Amazon's rise.

Apple is aholding in Jim Cramer'sAction Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio.Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells AAPL? Learn more now.

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Germany's largest energy company Innogy has established a subsidiary in California offering charging stations for electric vehicles, taking aim at ChargePoint, the world's largest network of electric vehicle charging stations.

The subsidiary, called Innogy E-Mobility US LLC, will manufacture, market and operate the charge points.

Innogy has been conducting research into electric vehicles with the University of California in San Diego since 2015. Innogy is the largest German energy firm by market value, and has about 5,700 electric vehicle charging points.

Last month, it achieved $43 million in financing led by German manufacturing company Siemens (SIEGY) , which will collaborate with it on the development of charging stations in Europe.

What's Hot On TheStreet

Apple is OK for the time being: For those silently worrying how the Apple (AAPL) - Get Free Report iPhone 8 will sell, simmer down -- the tech giant still has several huge advantages. On the hardware side, for instance, the iPhone still feels ahead of the pack thanks not only to Apple's design skills and the visible features of its hardware, but also what's under the hood points out TheStreet's tech columnist Eric Jhonsa. From the looks of things, the iPhone 8 should extend that lead, Jhonsa predicts.

Tesla is looking wobbly: Tesla (TSLA) - Get Free Report shares are looking a little shaky (again) after its Model S didn't get a top rating from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), reports TheStreet's James Skinner. The IIHS cited issues with the small overlap front test, which is meant to simulate crashes into trees, poles and other vehicles, as why the Model S did not receive the highest rating. IIHS Executive Vice President David Zuby said the front test remains a "hurdle" for some vehicles.

"Tesla made changes to the safety belt in vehicles built after January with the intent of reducing the dummy's forward movement," IIHS said. "However, when IIHS tested the modified Model S, the same problem occurred, and the rating didn't change."

Costco finally scores some good news: After watching its stock crash about 13% inside a month thanks to fears Amazon (AMZN) - Get Free Report and Whole Foods (WFM) will dominate society, Costco (COST) - Get Free Report scored a nice win. Costco said same-store sales in June rose 6.5% in June. Canada saw sales up 3.2%, while international sales rose 6.2%.

The numbers should serve as a reminder how resilient Costco's business has been in the face of Amazon's rise.

Apple is aholding in Jim Cramer'sAction Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio.Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells AAPL? Learn more now.

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Goldman Sachs (GS) - Get Free Report economist David Mericle said the opioid crisis killing more than 90 Americans every day is also causing doubts that the labor-force participation rate will rebound, CNBC reported.

Mericle said the opioid crisis might contribute to sluggish prime-age labor participation for men especially. Labor participation has stagnated around 63% for the last four years even as job creation stays steady and unemployment declines.

Mericle said the flat participation rate might hinder the Fed from achieving the full employment aspect of its dual mandate for a strong economy.

"The economic consequences of the opioid epidemic extend beyond the labor market," Mericle said. Healthcare and criminal justice costs and lost worker productivity contributed to a total cost of $78.5 billion for the opioid crisis in 2013, and it's grown since then.

What's Hot On TheStreet

Apple is OK for the time being: For those silently worrying how the Apple (AAPL) - Get Free Report iPhone 8 will sell, simmer down -- the tech giant still has several huge advantages. On the hardware side, for instance, the iPhone still feels ahead of the pack thanks not only to Apple's design skills and the visible features of its hardware, but also what's under the hood points out TheStreet's tech columnist Eric Jhonsa. From the looks of things, the iPhone 8 should extend that lead, Jhonsa predicts.

Tesla is looking wobbly: Tesla (TSLA) - Get Free Report shares are looking a little shaky (again) after its Model S didn't get a top rating from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), reports TheStreet's James Skinner. The IIHS cited issues with the small overlap front test, which is meant to simulate crashes into trees, poles and other vehicles, as why the Model S did not receive the highest rating. IIHS Executive Vice President David Zuby said the front test remains a "hurdle" for some vehicles.

"Tesla made changes to the safety belt in vehicles built after January with the intent of reducing the dummy's forward movement," IIHS said. "However, when IIHS tested the modified Model S, the same problem occurred, and the rating didn't change."

Costco finally scores some good news: After watching its stock crash about 13% inside a month thanks to fears Amazon (AMZN) - Get Free Report and Whole Foods (WFM) will dominate society, Costco (COST) - Get Free Report scored a nice win. Costco said same-store sales in June rose 6.5% in June. Canada saw sales up 3.2%, while international sales rose 6.2%.

The numbers should serve as a reminder how resilient Costco's business has been in the face of Amazon's rise.

Apple is aholding 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.
Principal Financial Group, Inc. provides retirement, asset management, and insurance products and services to businesses, individuals, and institutional clients worldwide. The company operates through Retirement and Income Solutions, Principal Global Investors, Principal International, and U.S. Insurance Solutions segments. The Retirement and Income Solutions segment provides a portfolio of asset accumulation products and services for retirement savings and income. It offers products and services for defined contribution plans, including 401(k) and 403(b) plans, defined benefit pension plans, nonqualified executive benefit plans, employee stock ownership plans, equity compensation, and pension risk transfer services; individual retirement accounts; investment only products; and mutual funds, individual variable annuities, and bank products. The Principal Global Investors segment provides equity, fixed income, real estate, and other alternative investments, as well as asset allocation, stable value management, and other structured investment strategies. The Principal International segment offers pension accumulation products and services, mutual funds, asset management, income annuities, and life insurance accumulation products, as well as voluntary savings plans in Brazil, Chile, Mexico, China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, India, and Southeast Asia. The U.S. Insurance Solutions segment provides specialty benefits, such as group dental and vision insurance, group life insurance, and group and individual disability insurance, as well as administers group dental, disability, and vision benefits; and individual life insurance products comprising universal, variable universal, indexed universal, and term life insurance products in the United States. It also offers insurance solutions for small and medium-sized businesses and their owners, as well as executives. Principal Financial Group, Inc. was founded in 1879 and is based in Des Moines, Iowa.
CNX Resources Corporation, an independent natural gas and midstream company, acquires, explores for, develops, and produces natural gas properties in the Appalachian Basin. The company operates in two segments, Shale and Coalbed Methane. It produces and sells pipeline quality natural gas primarily for gas wholesalers. The company owns rights to extract natural gas in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio from approximately 526,000 net Marcellus Shale acres; and approximately 610,000 net acres of Utica Shale, as well as rights to extract natural gas from other shale and shallow oil and gas positions from approximately 1,006,000 net acres in Illinois, Indiana, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. It also owns rights to extract coalbed methane (CBM) in Virginia from approximately 282,000 net CBM acres in Central Appalachia, as well as 1,733,000 net CBM acres in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and New Mexico. In addition, the company designs, builds, and operates natural gas gathering systems to move gas from the wellhead to interstate pipelines or other local sales points; owns and operates approximately 2,600 miles of natural gas gathering pipelines, as well as various natural gas processing facilities. It also offers turn-key solutions for water sourcing, delivery, and disposal for its natural gas operations and for third parties. The company was formerly known as CONSOL Energy Inc. and changed its name to CNX Resources Corporation in November 2017. CNX Resources Corporation was founded in 1860 and is headquartered in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.
A new modern terminal designed to accommodate the largest operating cruise vessels, is scheduled to open in the summer at DP World Limassol port in Cyprus.



The new terminal consists of seven pods with an internal area of 7,000 sq m. Along with 24-hour availability the terminal offers integrated services including Home Call and Day Call handling capability.



DP world Limassol has a draft of up to 11 metres (tide free) and three 400 metre berths that can accommodate cruise vessels. It is the third addition to the cruise terminal portfolio that DP World operates globally, after cruise terminal operations in Mina Rashid, Dubai and Quinquela Martin, Argentina.



Limassol is one of the major destinations in the Mediterranean for the cruise industry with the opportunity to be the first port of call for cruise lines after transiting the Suez Canal. The terminal offers fast turnaround times for connections to both Larnaca and Paphos international airports. With favourable weather conditions throughout the year, cultural heritage, excursions and events all through, Cyprus and Limassol present the opportunity for a memorable experience.



Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group chairman and CEO, DP World, said: Cyprus is a centre for tourism and trade across the Mediterranean Sea and beyond and we are delighted to help develop its cruise capability. The terminal is another example of how partnerships with Government on infrastructure projects help boost economies, creating jobs and prosperity for the country and its people.



Charles Meaby, general manager, DP World Limassol said: With the opening of this new terminal, all our visitors will enjoy an even more impressive welcome. DP World Limassol continues to promote the development of tourism in Cyprus and driving economic benefits for the local and national economy.



This is an exciting time for Limassol and Cyprus and DP World Limassol is focused on delivering a long-term legacy creating employment opportunities and helping Limassol reach its potential of becoming a fully-serviced home port for cruise ships, he added. - TradeArabia News Service
- Uganda's Public Service permanent secretary Catherine Bitarakwate Musingwiire has shared the official dress code for public servants

- The new guidelines are as a result of several complaints made to the authorities

- Staff who fail to comply with the new enforcement would be cautioned at first, and repeat offenders would face disciplinary action

Ugandan government has introduced a new dress code declaring that citizens have disregarded Section F-j of the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders.

Public Service permanent secretary Catherine Bitarakwate Musingwiire made the announcement saying that public servants have disobeyed standing orders which needs them to always be sharp and to dress in a manner that is social acceptable.

READ ALSO: Raila skips presidential debates hours after Uhuru opted out

Uganda's Ministry of Public First Cultural Day. Photo: Facebook/Ministry of Public Service Uganda

READ ALSO: Gubernatorial candidate kicked out of the race by IEBC

According to the Ministrys Director of Human Resources, Adah Muwanga, the new guidelines are as a result of several complaints made to the authorities

She added that staff who failed to comply with the new enforcement would be cautioned at first, and repeat offenders would face disciplinary action.

We were approached with complaints that, specifically lady officers, were dressing in an unacceptable manner, with mini-skirts and showing body parts which otherwise generally should be covered in Ugandan society. She said.

READ ALSO: Photos of the lavish KSh 150K apartments that Oliech has allegedly failed to pay rent

Here are some of the new rules.

Dress code for female officers

1) Dress in a skirt or dress that's not above the knees with a smart long or short sleeved blouse. Officers should avoid wearing sleeveless, transparent blouses and dresses at the workplace.

2) To ensure that the clothing covers up cleavage, navel, knees and back.

3) Not to be allowed to appear for duty in open flat shoes, "except on Doctors recommendation/medical ground"

4) Not allowed to have bright coloured hair in form of natural hair, braids and hair extensions.

READ ALSO: KTN TV screen siren, Betty Kyalo shows us how ell she can cook chapos (photos)

5) To keep hair neat and presentable.

6) May wear trousers during office hours in form of smart lady suits with jackets long enough to cover the bosom.

7) To wear modest accessories for example diamond studs and pins. Chandelier earrings should not not be worn.

8) To desist from wearing tight fitting dresses and skirt.

9) Maintain well-groomed, neutral polished nails. Long nails with more than three 3cms, with bright nail polish or with multi-coloured nail polish are not allowed in public offices.

10) Shall keep the facial make up simple and not exaggerated.

READ ALSO: IEBC finally gazette list of candidates after being accused of breaking the law

Dress code for male officers:

1) Male officers are required to dress in neat trousers, long-sleeved shirts, jacket and a tie.

2) Officers shall not be allowed to put on open shoes during working hours "except on health ground/recommendation"

3) Officers should dress in dark colours like dark green or brown, navy blue, grey and black suits.

4) Hair should be well-groomed and generally kept short.

5) Tight fitting trousers will not be permitted.

6) Only black and brown shoes should be worn to the office premises.

The only way Uhuru Kenyatta will win the elections;

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Source: TUKO.co.ke
- DP Ruto's wife Rachel has made a telling plea to Meru residents

- The second lady urged residents of Meru and Embu to maintain their peace at elections inch closer

- This is despite of the wrangles within Meru Jubilee politics

Deputy President William Rutos wife has urged the Meru faithful to quell any political rivalry which may be brewing in the county as elections draw nearer.

Rachel Ruto, who was in the county on Wednesday, July 5, was speaking during a prayer service where she preached unity in a region whose vote swing remains in the balance 30 days to elections.

She was speaking in reference of the spilling rivalry between Jubilees Meru Senator Kairitu Murugi and incumbent governor Peter Munya of PNU.

READ ALSO: Organisers of the presidential debate reveal what will happen with Uhuru and Raila out

TUKO.co.ke had earlier reported of the war of words between the two leaders who are both in support of the Jubilee government

Munya had threatened to ditch DP Rutos Jubilee for allegedly frustrating his re election campaigns in favor of Jubilees Kiraitu Murugi.

READ ALSO: Gubernatorial aspirant rescues baby from Hospital in the absence of nurses

However, Murugi, in a retaliatory response, urged Munya to withdraw his support, claiming that Munya enjoyed virtually no support in a county he has been governing for 3 years.

Rachel Ruto insisted that despite the things the leaders say in the public eye, they maintained a solid relationship in private.

READ ALSO: Uhuru's project will hurt many Kenyans, not help- Raila defends his stand on KSh34 billion project

These politicians look like they are at war, but the truth is they love each other. Dont divide yourself into clans. Stay as the people of God that are the Meru people,  She urged.

Meanwhile, Deputy President William Ruto was on Wednesday representing Jubilee in an intense campaign in Kilifi county.

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Watch an experts take on Uhurus best bet to beat Raila:

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- Supporters of National Super Alliance (NASA) in Garissa are mourning the death of a popular aspirant

- Ibrahim Abdullahi Muktar MCA candidate for Masalani ward in Garissa county died on Wednesday, July 5, in a tragic road accident

- Muktar belonged to the Amani National Congress (ANC)

Residents of Garissa have woken up to the shocking news that a popular National Super Alliance (NASA) affiliated candidate is dead.

Ibrahim Abdullahi Muktar MCA candidate for Masalani ward died on Wednesday, July 5, in a tragic road accident.

TUKO.co.ke has learnt that Muktar was traveling to Masalani for campaigns when the horrific accident occurred.

READ ALSO: NASA candidate shoots self with pistol

NASA affiliated aspirant Ibrahim Abdullahi Muktar died in a tragic road accident in Garissa. Photo/Ibrahim A Muktar Facebook.

READ ALSO: I received 20k messages after the gubernatorial debate- Miguna Miguna

Muktar had won the Amani National Congress (ANC) ticket to vie for the seat in the General Election slated for August 8.

The young politician who was a lawyer by profession had won hearts and minds in the ward with his slogan of change and transparency.

Muktar had large support base among the youth and was seen as the favorite to clinch the seat in August.

READ ALSO: Raila Odinga returns back to DP Ruto's backyard with promise to the residents if elected president

Muktar had won the Amani National Congress (ANC) ticket to vie for the seat in the General Election slated for August 8. Photo/Abubakar Mohamed Ahmed Facebook.

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Leaders and residents of Garissa turned to social media to send their condolences to the family of the politician describing his death as a blow to Garissa and the country.

We at TUKO.co.ke send our condolences to his family, friends and supporters.

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The only way Uhuru Kenyatta will win the elections;

Source: TUKO.co.ke
Azimio Drops Oburu Oginga, John Waluke's Names from Powerful PSC Commission amid Protests

John Waluke of Jubilee, who is currently in prison after being found guilty of corruption, was replaced in the list of Azimio commissioners to the powerful PSC.
- Former machachari actor Almasi has hit the internet again with a show of rachetness on his social media account

- Almasi whose real name is Ian Nene has constantly confused Kenyans on social media with his dressing, talking and expression

- A while back, the actor who resides in England was accused of being gay although he trashed the allegations

While attending the thrift social event in Nairobi a few days ago, former Machachari actor showed everyone the adult he has become.

Actor Ian Nene formerly of the Machachari kids show copes a smoke at the thrift social event in Nairobi. Photo: Instagram/Ian Nene

READ ALSO: Nasty single-mum slur lands Kiambu politician in hot soup

He was dressed in a white overall. Unbuttoned all the way to his belly button. His left shoulder and part of his torso was out. For all to see.

His hair was held atop his head in neat dreadlocks and secured by a scarf. On his neck sat an assortment of African beads and a rosary.

Actor Ian Nene shows off his cool fashion vibes. Photo: Instagram/ Ian Nene

READ ALSO: Politician dies in road accident heading to campaigns

Our attention was drawn to his hands where he was cradling a tall bottle of beer. In another photo, he is blowing wraiths of smoke. Like a coal train.

He was in the company of a lady friend who was seen dancing alongside him while sipping a cocktail.

Yet again, the question of his sexuality arose with some of his followers accusing him of swinging the other way.

READ ALSO: 13 times Zari Hassan rocked office wear like the boss she is and appeared like a virgin!

He did not respond.

Wavinya Ndeti finally explains the "Yaliyo Ndwele Sipite" proverb:

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Source: TUKO.co.ke
Many people have been left without pipe-borne water in northern and eastern parts of Trinidad and some areas in Tobago.

The Water and Sewerage Authority indicates this is a result of an impact to twelve of its plants due to adverse weather, which has caused flooding in some areas.
The Congress of the People's internal elections have been postponed.

Morning Edition: 3rd July 2017 Speaking of women in leadership, we had representatives from the Arthur Lok Jack school of Business in the second hour.

In a media release, the party says that there must first be a General Membership Meeting which has now been scheduled for Sunday July 23rd.

Seepersad Bachan Against COP Membership Fees The Congress of the People is in debt and is unable to pay staff or bills. Former COP Chairman Carolyn Seepersad Bachan is questioning the new supposedly mandatory membership fees.

Former Political Leader for the COP, Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan says she's saddened by the decision. In her own release today, she says, the party is yet to provide details as to the reasons which led to this decision. She says her team is of the firm conviction that the constitutionally due elections should be allowed to proceed as scheduled for Sunday 9th July.
The United Kingdom is ready to continue to provide non-lethal military assistance to Ukraine in the future.

Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Boris Johnson said this to journalists at a press conference in London after the conference on the reforms in Ukraine, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"The United Kingdom is ready to provide non-lethal military assistance to Ukraine, including marine equipment, cars," Johnson said.

According to him, this could be a "long-term" aid.

As known, the United Kingdom sent to the Armed Forces of Ukraine medical kits, helmets, night vision systems, winter protective clothing, tents, etc.

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Ukraines State Service on Food Safety and Consumer Protection has received a message from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Ukraine regarding the abolition of the temporary ban on the import of certain products to the KSA.

This has been reported on the website of the State Service of Urkaine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection.

"The Saudi Food and Drug Authority decided to lift the ban on the import of poultry meat, eggs, poultry products from Ukraine," the report reads.

This decision was adopted in accordance with the report of May 14, 2017 that was sent to the International Epizootic Bureau regarding the absence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Ukraine.

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Canada is proud of the opportunity to support Ukraine and sees great potential for the development of bilateral relations.

Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said this during a meeting with Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman on Thursday in London.

"We are pleased to see the successes of Ukraine and are proud of the opportunity to support Ukraine," Freeland said.

She has added that she sees significant prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation, in particular, in the economy. "We see now many opportunities, all the reforms that you are implementing open many opportunities for cooperation, including in the economic field," she said.

The Prime Minister of Ukraine thanked Canada for its support.

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The situation in Ukraine and the West-2017 military exercise have been discussed at a meeting between the U.S. and Polish presidents, Donald Trump and Andrzej Duda.

This was stated by the Polish president, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

"We discussed the situation in Ukraine, the West-2017 exercise [the Russian-Belarusian exercise scheduled for September], and contracts for the modernization of the Polish army, in particular, the purchase of Patriot missiles," Duda said.

He said that Trump had similar views on the security situation in the region.

Duda noted that he expected intensive cooperation with the United States in the supply of liquefied gas to Poland.

"I hope that a long-term contract will soon be signed, and this will mean the diversification of energy supplies to Poland," the Polish leader said.

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Ukraine will still have support for the reform process, and the state should stimulate the interest of the business community in cooperation by ensuring the absolute rule of law.

Latvian Foreign Minister Edgar Rinkevics said this at the Ukraine Reform Conference in London on Thursday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"I know that Ukraine wants to join the EU. It will not happen this year or next year, but we have the experience of the 1990s, when many people said that the Baltic countries would never join NATO and the EU. They said that we are able to conduct reforms, but they will tell you when the right time comes: they are like us and they deserve a place in the European family, "he stressed.

Rinkevics noted Ukraine's position and added that the success of the whole of Europe depended on Ukraine's success in confronting Russian aggression.

"We all understand that Ukraine is advanced not only in the fight against Russian aggression, but also advanced in defending our values. If you [Ukrainians] are successful, then this will have a positive impact on the success of the entire European Union, even wider, "he said.

Speaking about the reform process in Ukraine, he said that Ukraine would continue to see support in this process.

"We all understand that reforms are carried out not for the European Union or the international community, but for their own people. It seems to me that a lot has been done and we are ready to continue our support, " Rinkevics said.

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Foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt met in Cairo Wednesday to discuss tensions with Qatar. The four countries have accused the oil- and gas-rich Gulf country of fostering terrorism in the region and last month they cut diplomatic and transport ties with Qatar. Doha has denied any links with terrorism and has in turn accused its neighbors of carrying out a smear campaign against Doha. VOA's Zlatica Hoke has more.
Human rights organization Amnesty International said Thursday that Turkish police had detained its Turkey director along with a number of other activists.

Idil Eser, Director of Amnesty International Turkey, seven other human rights activists and two IT trainers, were detained Wednesday and are being investigated for alleged membership in an armed terrorist organization, Amnesty International said in a statement Thursday.

The absurdity of these accusations against Idil Eser and the nine others cannot disguise the very grave nature of this attack on some of the most prominent civil society organizations in Turkey," the group's secretary general, Salil Shetty, said.

If anyone was still in doubt of the endgame of Turkeys post-coup crackdown, they should not be now. There is to be no civil society, no criticism and no accountability in Erdogans Turkey.

The Turkish government has been conducting a year-long crackdown following last Julys failed coup attempt.

The United States also expressed concern over the detention.

"As with past arrests of prominent human rights defenders, journalists, academics, and activists, we underscore the importance of respecting due process and individual rights, as enshrined in the Turkish Constitution, and consistent with Turkeys own international commitments," Heather Nauert, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, said in a statement.

Eser, Ilknur Ustun of the Women's Coalition, and others were detained by police in Istanbul Wednesday while attending a workshop, and were denied access to a lawyer or the right to contact their family members for 28 hours, according the Amnesty International, which is calling on Turkey to release them "immediately and unconditionally".

The crackdown by the government has resulted in more than 100,000 people losing their jobs and more than 60,000 jailed.
Armed police in Kyiv, saying they acted to prevent another major cyberattack, have raided a software firm that supplies Ukraine's most widely used tax and accounting programs.

Police equipped for combat seized computer servers Tuesday at the main office in Ukraine's capital of software company M.E.Doc. Employees stood by calmly as officers carrying assault weapons and clad in camouflage gear carted away the computer equipment.

"We prevented the initiation of a second wave of viruses," a police spokesman said Wednesday. He added that investigators had already found "evidence of Russian presence on these servers," but he gave no further details.

Ukraine blamed the Kremlin for the cyberattack, but Russia has denied any involvement.

M.E.Doc ("My Electronic Document"), whose programs reputedly are installed on more than a million computer systems, denied any connection to the malware that paralyzed government and business computer networks in Ukraine and more than a dozen other countries, beginning on June 27.

However, the company admitted Wednesday that it had been invaded by hackers in a "backdoor" attack on its servers, and that it was the inadvertent source of the malware, a virus named as "NotPetya" by some computer security experts.

M.E.Doc's chief executive, Olesya Bilousova, told reporters there was a continuing risk, and that any computer on a network that has used the tax and accounting software remained vulnerable to attack. "We need to pay the most attention to those computers which weren't affected [last week]," she said in Kyiv.

"The virus is on them, waiting for a signal," Bilousova said. "There are fingerprints on computers which didn't even use our product."

The cyberattack is estimated to have caused millions of dollars in damage to the infected networks, and some victims have not yet been able to regain access to their data. The unidentified hackers are said to have posted a message online Wednesday offering to unlock and unscramble data stored on infected computers in return for a substantial ransom, payable in the digital currency bitcoin.

The exact motive for the cyberattack is unclear. Despite the hackers' demand for financial payments, experts in Ukraine and the United States have suggested the "ransomware" may have been a disguised attempt to destroy data and sow chaos.
Embattled Brazilian President Michel Temer quickly presented his legal defense against corruption allegations to lawmakers on Wednesday, a move seen as a bid to reduce the likelihood of being suspended from office and tried at the Supreme Court.



Temer's lawyer submitted the defense on the second day of Chamber of Deputies commission proceedings to consider the matter, eight days ahead of deadline.



Allies of the president want a quick vote on the issue in hopes of putting an end to the political uncertainty this month.



However his adversaries favor a more drawn-out process with ample time for any more damaging information to emerge, figuring it improves their prospects of winning over votes against the unpopular leader.



Brazil's top prosecutor accuses Temer of accepting bribes from businesspeople in exchange for political favors. Temer, who is also being investigated for possible obstruction of justice and criminal organization, denies the allegations.



Regardless of the commission's decision on the corruption count, the full house will vote on Temer's fate with a two-thirds super majority required to suspend him.

The 98-page defense delivered to the commission by attorney Antonio Mariz de Oliveira argued that the accusation against Temer is based on assumptions and fiction.

Temer's defense also wants lawmakers to disregard a recording of the president in a secret meeting with an executive of meatpacker JBS that triggered the accusations.



Oliveira did not rule out the possibility of Temer appearing before congress to defend himself.
Without adequate power, even the best smartphone or laptop can quickly become useless. Its a simple concept thats often taken for granted in industrialized nations. But not in the developing world where basic internet access is a challenge.

You have a very large population of people who are not on the electrical grid, so you cant bring them internet access if you cant also solve issues around energy access, said Paul Garnett, director of Microsofts Affordable Access Initiatives. Companies who are starting out in the internet access space are ending up in the energy access space, and vice versa.

Two years ago, Microsoft launched the Affordable Access Initiative (AAI), which recently doled out $75,000 to $100,000 to 10 firms working to bridge the digital divide. Each firm also receives Microsofts cloud services and software.

Andy Bogdan Bindea, CEO of California-based Sigora International, knows a thing or two about the challenges of bringing power to developing countries. Sigoras electrification efforts in Haiti made it one of this years grant winners. The company works to build solar-powered, mini electricity grids in the countrys most remote regions.

It is a very, very difficult place to work in, logistically. It costs about 28 percent extra to bring any kind of equipment into the country, said Bogdan Bindea, It takes us 12 hours to get from the capital to our pilot project, which is 100 miles away ... nine hours if you drive like a maniac.

Through the partnership with Microsoft, Bogdan Bindea hopes to expand Sigoras offerings, building a web portal for instance, so customers can pay for internet access and online content using digital wallets.

More than anything, a company like ours needs names like Microsoft, needs partners like Microsoft said Bogdan Bindea.

Access to the internet is as essential a need as food, shelter and clothing these days. More than half of the worlds population, 3.9 billion people, are stranded along the digital divide, according to the International Telecommunication Union.

Picosoft is a startup in Kathmandu and one of this years AAI grant winners. The company uses untapped TV frequencies or white space, to provide internet access to schools in the remote, mountainous regions of Nepal.

One of the great things about TV white space frequencies is they are in the broadcast bands, and therefore the signals that are transmitted over those frequencies travel over very long distances, Garnett said.

SunCulture was another one of this years grant winners. The Kenya-based startup offers solar-powered irrigation kits to smallholder farmers across Africa. Working with Microsoft, team members plan to build a digital platform for farmers that will provide data on crops, collected from connected sensors and cameras in the field.

Internet is a conduit to other services in the markets that we work in, said Samir Ibrahim, SunCulture CEO and co-founder.

The value that SunCulture provides and the value of our company isnt in the things that we sell to farmers, it is in the connected experience and the relationship we build with them, said Ibrahim. So internet for us is a conduit to build the relationships with farmers so we can continue to develop solutions for them.

Microsofts AAI grant winners may have clinched the prize, but Garnett says the real gains cant be counted in dollars and cents.

The bigger value that the relationship delivers is really the network and the mentorship, helping companies to adapt and evolve their business models, said Garnett.
Britain will lose its status as Europe's top financial center unless it keeps borders open to specialist staff, improves infrastructure and expands links with emerging economies, TheCityUK said in a report published Thursday.

The report from Britain's most powerful financial lobby group said continental Europe might eventually become the preferred destination for banks, insurers and asset managers as they relocate business there to retain access to the EU single market.

Although companies may begin by initially shifting a small number of jobs to Europe, this may accelerate when property leases expire, they carry out business reviews, or the cost of capital becomes uneconomical.

"Shifts out of the U.K. may gradually erode the 'cluster effect' of the financial ecosystem, with the threat of a tipping point in the ecosystem being reached," the group said in an 83-page document outlining how the industry can thrive over the next decade.

Securing a favorable deal for financial services from the Brexit negotiations is one of the biggest challenges for the British government because it is its largest export sector and biggest source of corporate tax.

Britain's finance industry could lose up to 38 billion pounds ($49 billion) in revenue in a so-called "hard Brexit" that would restrict its access to the EU single market, according to some estimates.

The report said the government must ensure businesses can recruit people to fill skill gaps and must simplify the process of getting a visa.

Brexit has already made it harder to attract people to Britain, and the government is introducing policies making immigration more restrictive and expensive, the report said.

It said the cost of hiring an employee on a five-year visa has risen by 250 percent to 7,000 pounds over the last year and the minimum salary a business may recruit staff for a visa has risen by almost half since 2015.

Aside from Brexit, the report also looks at broader issues that threaten the competitiveness of the city of London as financial services hub, including a need to invest in transport networks and technology.

It calls for government and financial services to work together closely to develop international trade policies and to improve the country's digital and physical infrastructure, including speeding up travel times between airports and different financial centers around Britain.

One financial services industry veteran who had independent access to the report said it lacked urgency and there was too little on the impact of Britain leaving the EU given that "Brexit is a catastrophe for the city."

Mark Hoban, a former financial services minister who chaired the report, said that Brexit was only one of several challenges facing financial services.

"The challenges facing financial services are much more than just about Brexit. It is about emerging financial centers and also, to a degree, about unmet needs in the U.K. as well," Hoban told Reuters. "There is a very clear appetite to tackle these issues at various levels of government."
China has insisted India withdraw its troops from a disputed Himalayan plateau before talks can take place to settle the most protracted standoff in recent years between the nuclear-armed neighbors, who fought a bloody frontier war 55 years ago.



India must pull back its troops as soon as possible as a precondition to demonstrate sincerity, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters at a daily news briefing.



His comments came after weeks of saber-rattling in New Delhi and Beijing, as both sides talk up a potential clash bloodier than their 1962 war that left thousands dead.

Relations swiftly deteriorating



The standoff could spill over into the G-20 summit in Germany later this week where Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi are expected to meet at a gathering of leaders from five emerging economies on the sidelines of the main event.



The monthlong standoff and unconfirmed reports of troop buildups on both sides of the border have also underscored the swiftly deteriorating relations between the two Asian rivals headed by assertive leaders with a nationalist bent.



China complained bitterly when Tibets spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, who lives in exile in India, visited the contested Arunachal Pradesh region in April, which India said amounted to interference in its internal affairs.



China also appeared frustrated that India has refused to join its continentwide One Belt, One Road infrastructure initiative, which includes a key component in Pakistan, Indias archrival but one of Chinas staunchest allies.

Meanwhile, India has fumed about China using its position at the United Nations to effectively stymie Indias efforts to gain permanent membership in the Security Council or label the Pakistani militant Masood Azhar a terrorist.

'Fragile, volatile relationship'



Despite a litany of grievances on both sides, frequent clashes on the 3,500-kilometer (2,174-mile) shared border have been the most prominent irritant in efforts to build stable bilateral ties, said Zhang Li, an expert on China-India relations at Sichuan University.



The border clashes show how fragile and volatile the relationship can be, Zhang said, noting that the latest flare-up took place in an area relatively free of past trouble and not previously contested.



The dispute flared in June after Chinese teams began building a road on territory also claimed by Bhutan. Although China and Bhutan have been negotiating the precise border for decades without serious incident, the tiny Himalayan kingdom sought help this time from its longtime ally, India, which sent troops onto the plateau to stop the Chinese workers.



Since then, videos have emerged of Indian and Chinese soldiers blocking each other with their arms and physically jostling without coming to blows.

Sniping on both sides



Incensed with Indias involvement, China retaliated by closing a nearby mountain pass that Indian pilgrims use to reach Mount Kailash, a sacred Hindu and Buddhist site in Tibet. Chinas foreign ministry also presented to reporters historical documents that it says prove Chinas claims to the plateau.



That hasnt stopped the two-way sniping. After Chinese officials said India should learn historic lessons from its humiliating defeat in the 1962 war, Indian Defense Minister Arun Jaitley responded that India in 2017 is different from India in 1962, in a reference to its improved military strength.



While Indian media have issued shrill warnings about Chinese expansionism, Chinese state media have also ramped up their bellicose rhetoric, with the nationalist tabloid Global Times warning Wednesday that Beijing would make no concessions.



Zhang, the Sichuan University professor, acknowledged the unusually tough talk from both sides but said the conduct of the two militaries and foreign ministries has been relatively restrained and within normal bounds.



Abhijnan Rej, a fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, a New Delhi-based think tank, said India needed to show resolve as China tries to pry away its traditional allies like Bhutan and assert itself as the regions leader.



China has exhibited a larger pattern in the last two years and sees itself as an Asian hegemon, Rej said. You dont become that by playing by the rules.

Doklam Plateau



Even though the Doklam Plateau is not part of Indian territory, New Delhi has been particularly sensitive to Chinese building activity in a region with strategic significance.



If linked by Chinese roads, Doklam could become a launching point for a Chinese attack on the vital Siliguri corridor, also known as the Chicken Neck, that connects Indias northeast with the rest of the country, Indian analysts say. Last month, Indias Ministry of Externals Affairs said Chinese actions in the area had serious security implications.



Aside from Doklam, the two countries have vast competing territorial claims. China claims about 90,000 square kilometers (35,000 square miles) in the Indian province of Arunachal Pradesh, referred to informally by some Chinese as Southern Tibet. India, meanwhile, says 38,000 square kilometers (15,000 square miles) of the Aksai Chin plateau belongs to it.



More than a dozen rounds of talks have failed to make substantial progress in the dispute, although there have been relatively few confrontations in recent years. India has also formally joined the Russian and Chinese-dominated Shanghai Cooperation Organization this year alongside Pakistan.



Former Indian Ambassador to Beijing C.V. Ranganathan said he was baffled by why the typical diplomatic channels that have smoothed over other flare-ups have not worked.



The fact that this has lasted so long is not a good sign, he said. India and Chinas relationship has been on a downward trend recently and this in fact is yet another example.
The health of China's lone Nobel laureate, the dissident Liu Xiaobo, has dramatically deteriorated, according to the hospital treating him for liver cancer in Shenyang, China.

Doctors at China Medical University No. 1 Hospital released a statement Thursday, saying that they suspect Liu has a blood clot in one of his calf muscles and that his liver functioning "has deteriorated."

Liu, 61, was sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2009 for co-writing and distributing Charter 08, a petition that called for liberal reforms in mainland China. Accused of "inciting subversion of state power," the scholar of Chinese literature and philosophy was placed in a remote prison in northeast China, while his wife, the poet Liu Xia, was put under house arrest in Beijing, despite never being charged with a crime.

Earlier Thursday, Chinese authorities invited doctors from Germany and the United States to visit Shenyang and help treat Liu. Some, including the rights group Amnesty International, view the concession as an attempt by the Chinese Communist Party to sideline the issue ahead of the weekend's G-20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, where President Xi Jinping hopes to project global leadership on issues like climate change and free trade.

Although China released Liu from prison to seek medical care in June, authorities have denied him permission to search for better treatment elsewhere, insisting that he is being tended to by the nation's pre-eminent liver cancer specialists. That decision has drawn growing condemnation.

Last week, a letter signed by more than 50 fellow writers, including Martin Amis, Margaret Atwood, and Philip Roth, asked President Xi to "ensure [Liu's] unrestricted freedom as he undergoes medical treatment," and to "show him compassion." On Thursday, the European Parliament passed a resolution urging China to "immediately release the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize winner ... and allow him to seek medical treatment wherever he wishes."

China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told AFP that outsiders should "refrain from interfering in China's judicial sovereignty under the pretext of the individual cases."

Hu Jia, a friend of Liu, told AFP that Chinese authorities want to keep the dissident muzzled in the country, unable to criticize the party.

"They want to delay things until he can no longer express himself," Hu said. "Their greatest fear is that he'll speak."

Liu has grown into a ubiquitous symbol for the resistance to Communist Party rule. As Hong Kong celebrated the 20-year anniversary of its handoff from Britain to China, student protesters draped a banner that read "We do not want Xi Jinping. We want Liu Xiaobo" over a monument and continued to shout his name as they were hauled off into police vans. Thousands of Hong Kong citizens marched for liberal reforms, some of them carrying placards emblazoned with Liu's face.

The professor first drew the Communist Party's ire in 1989. He was teaching in America at Barnard College when student protests began in Tiananmen Square. He rushed back to China and stayed in the park for several days, later helping negotiate the safe exit of demonstrators when the military invoked martial law. He was sentenced to two years in prison.

He emerged, continuing to write politically charged essays like "Changing the Regime by Changing Society," a 2006 piece that was cited during his 2009 trial as evidence of Liu's counter-revolutionary ideals.

"China has entered an Age of Cynicism in which people no longer believe in anything," he wrote. "Unrelenting inculcation of Chinese Communist Party ideology has ... produced generations of people whose memories are blank."
Yeast can be used to make beer and bread, and now - medical diagnoses. Using only bakers yeast, filter paper and a 3-D printed holder, researchers at Columbia University designed an inexpensive, on-the-spot test to detect major fungal pathogens.

Diagnosing fungal infections, which kill 2 million people each year and cost global agriculture more than $60 billion annually, is a complex, expensive procedure; but, synthetic biology researchers found a way to replace the specialized equipment with a simple, one-component biosensor that could cost less than a penny.

Writing in the journal Science Advances, Nili Ostrov, Miguel Jimenez, Sonja Billerbeck and their coworkers at Columbia University's Cornish Lab described how they genetically altered yeast so it could detect disease-causing pathogens and turn red. First, they swapped out one of the yeasts receptors for one that recognized the pathogen Candida albicans, which can cause life-threatening infections. Then, Ostov explained, "we engineered into it the tomato pigment for red color called lycopene, and when the yeast detects the pheromone of other organisms in its surroundings, it will turn red." The change happens in fewer than three hours.

Versatile test kit

By replacing the baker's yeast gene with similar genes from other fungal species, the researchers showed the biosensor could detect nine additional human, agricultural and food spoilage pathogens. And the dipstick test detected pathogens in soil, urine, serum and blood. It was still effective after being stored at room temperature for 38 weeks.

Simplicity, however, was not the researchers only goal.

Co-author Miguel Jimenez said, "The idea we had was really, could we build a diagnostic device that was very, very cheap, basically the cost of just the sugar that feeds the yeast and that would be the only expensive reagent required? And we thought if it was so cheap, people outside the lab could use it all the time for continuous surveillance of pathogens."

Another advantage is the yeast-based tester could be easily manufactured in developing countries, because, as Jimenez noted, "Every country can make beer!"

The researchers have developed a prototype and are working to get it to places that need it.
Thousands of residents in northern Syria's Afrin district took to the streets July 5, 2017, to protest Turkish artillery shelling from across the border. Turkey said its military targeted Syrian Democratic Forces, whom Ankara accuses of having ties to the outlawed Turkey-based Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK. VOA's Nawroz Rasho reports.
President Donald Trump labeled North Korea's behavior a threat and promised, "we will confront it very strongly."

North Korea carried out a test launch Tuesday of its first intercontinental ballistic missile, complete with a re-entry vehicle that would allow it to be equipped with a nuclear warhead.

U.S. military officials estimated the missile had a range of 5,500 kilometers, potentially putting parts of the northwestern United States within Pyongyang's reach.

Speaking at a news conference Thursday in Warsaw with Polish President Andrzej Duda, Trump warned North Korea he is considering "some pretty severe things."

"They are behaving in a very, very dangerous manner and something will have to be done," he said. "There are consequences for their very, very bad behavior."

The U.S. president did not elaborate on which options are under consideration, but Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told reporters later Thursday at the Pentagon there was still time for a diplomatic solution despite North Korea's continued provocations.

"I do not believe this capability in itself brings us closer to war because the president's been very clear, the secretary of state's been very clear, that we are leading with diplomatic and economic efforts," he said.

"We are working with allies. We are working with the Chinese," Mattis added. "But obviously any kind of effort by North Korea to start a war would lead to severe consequences."

WATCH: 'Severe Things' Considered for North Korea, Trump Says

Mattis said the U.S. military has readied several options in case diplomacy ultimately fails but noted U.S. defenses were not being buttressed as a result of the ICBM test and that the launch itself did not take the Pentagon by surprise.

"We knew it as soon as he [North Korea's Kim Jong Un] fired it," said Mattis. "We assume these sorts of things from him right now."

The United States has 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea, and about 50,000 in Japan.

The U.S. and South Korea also have deployed some components of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, anti-missile system in South Korea. Other missile defenses include the Aegis ballistic missile defense system, which can be deployed on naval vessels.

And, in a test last month, a U.S.-based missile interceptor knocked down a simulated incoming North Korean ICBM. Other tests of the system, however, have met with mixed results.

"We do have confidence in our ability to defend against the limited threat, the nascent threat that is there," Pentagon spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis said Wednesday.

On Wednesday, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said the U.S. is prepared to defend itself and its allies.

"One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces," she told an emergency meeting of the Security Council. "We will use them if we must, but we prefer not to have to go in that direction."

Haley said the United States will propose new sanctions against North Korea shortly. A new draft resolution will be circulated among Security Council members "in the coming days," she noted, adding the measure "raises the international response in a way that's proportionate to North Korea's escalation."

Among new sanctions under consideration, U.S. officials indicated, are restrictions on the flow of oil and other energy supplies to Pyongyang's military and weapons programs, tightened controls over air and maritime traffic to North Korea, and further moves to hold senior officials of the Kim Jong Un regime accountable for the country's defiance of international demands to shut down its nuclear-weapons development program.

The U.S. and China remain far apart on what to do about North Korea, and Beijing's response to the next U.S. move on North Korea will be key to the success of the American effort.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un boasted Wednesday about the missile launch.

He told a group of scientists and technicians the new rocket was "a package of gifts" timed to coincide with the U.S. Independence Day holiday.

The regime's Korean Central News Agency said Kim expected the U.S. would be "displeased" by Pyongyang's achievement, and he urged his scientists to conduct further tests as "big and small 'gift packages' to the Yankees."
Chinese students from the Uighur ethnic minority have been detained in Egypt in a broad police sweep that has shaken the country's sizeable Uighur student and expatriate community, activists said Thursday.

Egyptian police have detained scores of Uighur students, including 20 from Cairo's Al-Azhar University who were stopped in the city of Alexandria on their way out of the country late Wednesday and told they would be deported to China, said Abduweli Ayup, a Uighur activist in Turkey.

Ayup said he had heard directly from some of the detainees and their relatives.

The detentions come amid reports that authorities in the Uighur homeland of Xinjiang in western China are seeking the immediate return of Uighurs studying abroad. Authorities in Xinjiang have significantly tightened security measures in the past year, as well as controls on religious expression, in what officials characterize as an "unyielding" campaign against Islamic extremism brewing in the region.

Overseas Uighurs and human rights groups say the measures have turned Xinjiang into a police state with widespread arbitrary detentions and invasive surveillance.

The detentions in Egypt, a popular destination for religious study among China's Muslims, were seen by activists as a possible sign that China's security crackdown in Xinjiang is extending its reach overseas.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman appeared to acknowledge on Thursday that Chinese citizens had been detained in Egypt, saying at a regular briefing that consular officials would visit them. He gave no further details.

Another activist, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, said overseas groups had managed to move 60 Uighur students out of Egypt to safety in Turkey this week but 20 were held while trying to fly to Dubai.

Unverified videos shared on social media purportedly showed more than 70 Uighurs sitting on a floor in a government building and others being driven in a truck in handcuffs.

Abdullah, an Asian student of Islam at Al-Azhar university, said Uighurs were being detained in the Hay el Sabia area of Cairo's Nasr City district. He gave only his first name for fear of reprisals.
France is confiscating weapons from roughly 100 people on a watchlist of potential Islamist militants, the interior minister said on Thursday, two weeks after state prosecutors said an assailant inspired by Islamic State had been a gun-club member.

Minister Gerard Collomb was speaking ahead of a parliamentary vote to extend emergency search-and-arrest powers given to police after Islamist gunmen and suicide bombers killed 130 people in Paris in November 2015.



"We traced about a hundred ... We're sizing up the situation and taking the weapons away," he told TV channel CNews, adding that police had foiled seven attacks in France this year alone.

The issue of weapons came to light last month when public prosecutors confirmed that a 31-year-old man, who died after ramming his car into a police convoy in Paris, had joined a gun

sports club to train as a jihadist fighter.



He had built up a large weapons arsenal and renewed his gun permit, despite being on an intelligence services list of people who appear to have been radicalized and could commit attacks.



Prosecutors said the man had sworn allegiance to the Islamic State militant group, whose bases in Syria and Iraq are being bombed by jets from a coalition of countries including France.



They say he appears to have been killed by the thick orange fumes that billowed out of his vehicle after he hit the police van on the Champs Elysees avenue.



The government of President Emmanuel Macron is proposing legislation to replace the system of emergency rule in November, including changes making it easier for officials vetting gun permit requests to cross-check against watchlists of would-be militants.



More than 230 people have been killed in France by Islamist assailants in the past two and a half years.



In the most recent operation, police arrested a man in northern France this week and four more were arrested in Brussels in a Belgian-led counter-terrorism swoop.
Dozens of people were hurt as German police and anti-capitalist demonstrators clashed Thursday in Hamburg during a march protesting the upcoming Group of 20 summit.

Thousands of people are taking part in protests against the G-20 economic summit, which will be held Friday and Saturday.

Watch: After Warm Welcome in Poland, Trump Arrives in Less-friendly Hamburg

As U.S. President Donald Trump met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday afternoon, thousands of protesters gathered in the historic Hamburg Fish Market and confronted police, some tossing bottles. Police responded with water cannons, pepper spray and batons.

Nearly 75 police officers were injured throughout the evening, with three requiring treatment at a hospital, police said. The pilots of a police helicopter sustained eye injuries when laser pointers were directed at them, police said.

Medics were also seen assisting injured protesters on the sidelines of the march.

Video footage showed masked protesters blocking streets with construction material and setting small fires. Local media reported some property damage, including burning cars and smashed shop windows.

Hamburg police also tweeted that the protesters were throwing "bottles and objects" at them.

In all, more than 100,000 protesters are expected in Hamburg for the summit, with some 8,000 considered part of Europe's violent left-wing scene, according to police.

The northern port city has boosted its police with reinforcements from around the country and has 20,000 officers on hand to patrol Hamburg's streets, skies and waterways.

After the rousing welcome Trump got in Poland, he arrived in less friendly territory in Hamburg to face tough issues of trade and climate, as well as his first face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Protesters had been camping out since the start of the week, waiting for the U.S. leader.

"What are my thoughts about it? Oh, Donald Trump is kind of really symbolic for this issue, how to manage the crisis in the world," said Alma Wunder, a demonstrator. "He is kind of the symbol [of] our enemies."

WATCH: German police use water cannons on anti-capitalist protesters in Hamburg

Hamburg has historically been a hotbed of left-wing, anti-capitalist protests  a symbol of openness that Merkel wants to showcase as she makes her case against protectionism.

"I think we're united in our will to strengthen multilateral relations at the G-20 summit, that we need an open society, especially open trade flows," Merkel said during a news conference before Trump's arrival.
An international inquiry aims to report by October on who was to blame for a deadly sarin gas attack in Syria in April, the head of the probe said Thursday, as he appealed for countries to back off and stop telling investigators how to do their work.

While Edmond Mulet, head of the joint United Nations and Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) inquiry, did not name any countries, diplomats said Russia regularly pressured the investigators.

"We do receive, unfortunately, direct and indirect messages all the time, from many sides, telling us how to do our work," Mulet told reporters after briefing the U.N. Security Council.

"Some of those messages are very clearly saying if we don't do our work according to them ... they will not accept the conclusions," he said. "I appeal to all ... let us perform our work in an impartial, independent and professional manner," he said, adding the results would be presented in October.

Syrian-ally Russia has publicly questioned the work of the inquiry, which was created by the Security Council in 2015, and said the findings cannot be used to take U.N. action and that the Syrian government should investigate the accusations.

The inquiry has so far blamed Syrian government forces for three chlorine gas attacks in 2014 and 2015, and Islamic State militants used mustard gas in 2015. In response to those findings, Western powers tried to impose U.N. sanctions on Syria in February but this effort was blocked by Russia and China.

The Syrian government has repeatedly denied using chemical weapons.

Investigators are currently looking at two cases  the exposure of two Syrian women to sulfur mustard in an apparent attack in Um Hosh, Aleppo last September and a deadly April 4 sarin attack in the town of Khan Sheikhoun that prompted the United States to launch missile strikes on a Syrian air base.

In both cases, an OPCW fact-finding mission has already determined that chemical weapons were used. Western governments have blamed the Syrian government for the Khan Sheikhoun attack, which killed dozens of people. Syria has denied any involvement.

Syria agreed to destroy its chemical weapons in 2013 under a deal brokered by Russia and the United States.
Countless visitors to Santa Catalina Island off the coast of California take a rough, bumpy ride into the islands interior in hopes of finding a piece of Hollywood history.



In 1924, approximately 14 bison were brought to the island for the filming of a movie, and they did not end up being in the movie, but when the film crew left, the bison were left behind and have been on the landscape ever since, said Julie King, director of conservation and wildlife management at the Catalina Island Conservancy.

Currently, 120 bison remain on the island, but they were not native to the island.

Nearly extinct

In prehistoric times, millions of bison roamed the North American mainland, but by the late 1800s, they were nearly extinct. Through conservation efforts, they can now be found in all 50 states, including national parks, private lands and on one of the Channel Islands off the coast of southern California.

While five of the eight Channel Islands are part of the National Park Service, Catalina Island is not. Most of the island is now owned by the Catalina Island Conservancy, which manages the bison there.

Theyre very challenged healthwise when theyre on this island because they dont have the adequate nutrition during the right time of year, King said. So, our bison are in fact a little smaller than the mainland, and its not a genetic difference. Its due to not having the right nutrients at the right time.



The bison do not have predators that are native to the island, and they live in a mild climate in contrast to their counterparts on the mainland, which often have to survive harsh winters. Eventually, the bison on Catalina Island had grown to numbers that the island could not sustain. According to the conservancy, the herds numbers were rumored to have reached up to 600 at their peak.

Watch: History of Catalina Bison: Hollywood, Tourism and Ecology



Bison relocated to new homes

In 2002, 2003 and 2004, we had relocated or repatriated [Catalina] bison to native American reservations in North and South Dakota, to the Lakota Sioux and Standing Rock reservations. King said. They were trying to re-establish bison on their lands. They hadnt had bison in 100 years.



Over the years, nearly 500 bison found a new home on Native American reservations, renewing a historical relationship between the people and the animals.

They provided food for the Native Americans. They provided shelter. They made their homes out of their skins. They used every part of it. It was like so ecologically perfect, said Debbie Rosen, who fell in love with the island and its bison. She co-wrote a childrens book, The Amazing Adventures of Beebee the Bison, with her husband, Howie Rosen.



As for the ecological balance between the bison and the island, King said, Ideally, as a wildlife biologist, I would say one is too many on this island. They did not evolve on an island. Our largest native herbivore is a squirrel  not an 1,800 herbivore.

This island and the bison



The identity of the island, however, has become deeply tied to the herd.



They belong here. Theyre part of the fabric. People come to Catalina to see the bison, Howie Rosen said.



Debbie Rosen said the Catalina Island bison are also symbolic of why the American bison officially became the national mammal of the United States in 2016.



They were left behind to survive and this is a far cry from the America Plains  so they were forced to adapt. So thats an example of their resilience and why theyre such a fitting symbol for our country, because the American people are resilient people. Rosen continued, Personally I think we should keep them here (on Catalina Island).



To keep the bison herd at a sustainable size, biologists on the island have been managing them through a contraception program since 2009.



However, we havent been administering any of the doses the last two years. Were evaluating reversibility, King said.



This is one way the conservationists and the community are finding a compromise on the island bison, she said.



The bison have been here for many, many years and are a part of the community that people come to see, and they very much appreciate the bison on the island, and so were trying to find a balance between their ecological impacts and tourism and cultural context.
The Federation of Hungarian Jewish Communities has asked Prime Minister Viktor Orban to immediately end a political ad campaign targeting Hungarian-American investor and philanthropist George Soros.

In a letter to Orban released Thursday, federation president Andras Heisler said the government's "poisonous" messages were harming the whole country.

"This campaign is not openly anti-Semitic but it is still very capable of arousing uncontrolled passions like, among others, anti-Semitism," Heisler said in the letter. "It is the historical responsibility of you, our elected leaders, to prevent hate from spreading in our nation, to not turn the Hungarian people against each other."

The government last week launched a billboard and television ad campaign seeking to discredit Soros' pro-migration views. The posters and billboards show a smiling Soros with the caption "Let's not allow Soros to have the last laugh!" and a notice claiming that 99 percent of Hungarians reject illegal migration.

Some of the posters in Budapest and other large cities in Hungary were defaced with slogans like "stinking Jew" written across the Soros image, which Heisler said confirmed the federation's fears and were reminiscent of "the dark periods of Hungarian history."

Janos Lazar, Orban's chief of staff, said Thursday that the anti-Soros campaign did not have any anti-Semitic connotations and reiterated the Hungarian government's "zero tolerance" toward anti-Semitism.

"This matter is not about George Soros' ancestry or identity but about what he does," Lazar said after a weekly Cabinet meeting. "Viktor Orban considers Soros a successful, very smart and very talented Hungarian person."

Orban last week repeated his charge that Soros is supporting a "mafia network" of civic groups and human smugglers which are bringing illegal migrants to Europe.

Soros "wants to see 1 million migrants coming from a different cultural background settled in Europe every year," Orban said. "For him migration is good business. The reason he's so angry with Hungary - and with me personally - is that we stand in the way of his grand plan and grand business project."

For his part, Soros said last month in Brussels that Orban had set up a corrupt "mafia state" in Hungary.

Hungary built fences protected by razor wire on its southern borders with Serbia and Croatia in late 2015 to stop migrants from moving through the country toward Western Europe.
Judges at the International Criminal Court have ruled that South Africa failed in its obligations to the war crimes court by failing to arrest Sudan's wanted president when he visited the nation for a summit of African leaders in 2015. The ruling comes as South African officials dig in their heels in their decision to withdraw from the court after the controversial incident.

Two years after Omar al-Bashirs whirlwind visit to South Africa, judges at the International Criminal Court unanimously ruled the nations officials erred by failing to arrest Sudans president on an international war crimes warrant.

The court issued a warrant in 2009 for the Sudanese leader on charges of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity for his involvement the long-running conflict in Darfur, where the United Nations estimates 300,000 people have been killed and more than two million have been displaced.

On Thursday, Judge Cuno Tarfusser said the three judges had unanimously agreed on the ruling.

By not arresting Omar al-Bashir while he was on its territory between 13 and 15 June, 2015, South Africa failed to comply with the courts request for the arrest and surrender of Omar al-Bashir, contrary to the provisions of the statute, thereby preventing the court from exercising its functions and powers under the statute in connection with the criminal proceedings instituted against Omar al-Bashir, said Tarfusser.

But the panel said they would not refer the matter to a higher authority at the United Nations.

Southern Africa Litigation Center executive director Kaajal Ramjathan-Keogh told VOA her legal advocacy group welcomes the ruling, including the decision not to refer the case to the Assembly of States Parties, or members, of the court.

A referral to the ASP or the U.N. Security Council would practically have not been of much effect in any case If we look at the referrals of other similar countries in similar situations: Uganda, Djibouti Kenya, the DRC," said Ramjathan-Keogh. "They were all either referred to the ASP or the United Nations Security Council, or to both bodies, who have taken no action on them. So I imagine South Africa would have been in precisely the same boat. They would have been referred, they would have been very upset about it and there would have been no follow-through from either of those bodies.

South Africa announced its intent to leave the court in 2015, after the public disagreement with the court over the Bashir incident. The ruling African National Congress party said last week that it remains committed to leaving the court.

Other African nations and the African Union have frequently accused the court of targeting Africans. The court disputes this charge and notes it is investigating situations in a number of countries, but has yet to try a case from a non-African nation.
Afghan officials reacted strongly to recent remarks by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani concerning water management and irrigation projects in Afghanistan.

Speaking at an international conference on sandstorms and environmental issues Monday in Tehran, Rouhani criticized the Afghan governments dam projects, which are part of several economic and development initiatives recently begun in Afghanistan.

We cannot remain indifferent to the issue [water dams] which is apparently damaging our environment, Rouhani said. Construction of several dams in Afghanistan, such as Kajaki, Kamal Khan, Salma and others in the north and south of Afghanistan, affect our Khorasan and Sistan-Baluchistan provinces.

Allegation of interference

Afghan lawmakers charged that Rouhanis remarks amount to clear and deliberate interference in Afghanistans affairs and undermines the countrys sovereignty.

The House of Representatives will not remain indifferent towards Rouhanis remarks, said lawmaker Abdul Qader Qalatwal, who represents southern Zabul province.

We maintain the right to have irrigation and power dams in Afghanistan, Kiramuddin Rezazada, another outraged Afghan lawmaker, added.

The Afghan government has recently launched several economic and water management projects across the country, sparking reactions from neighboring countries, particularly Iran.

Water-sharing treaty

Iranian authorities have been seeking a larger share of water supplies from Afghanistan. It has voiced concerns that an Indian-funded hydroelectric and irrigation dam called Salma in western Herat province may reduce the flow of water into Iran.

The two neighboring countries signed a water-sharing treaty in 1973 that says that Iran shall not make claims to water from the Helmand River in excess of the amount agreed upon in the treaty, even if additional water becomes available in the future.

Meanwhile Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has said that Iran continues to receive its fair share of water from Helmand River and that the country cannot claim more than what has been agreed upon.

We want domestic production.  We will manage our water and control it, Ghani said earlier this year.

Afghanistan currently imports electricity from several central Asian countries to meet the growing demand for electricity across the country.

Iran still receives more water

Afghanistans Ministry of Water and Power charged that Iran has received four times more water over the years than allocated to it in the water-sharing treaty between the two countries.

For the last 40 years, there has been no development on Afghan rivers and water flowed to the neighboring countries without any restrictions, Sher Jan Ahmadzai, director of the Center for Afghanistan Studies at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, told VOA. For decades there was no oversight of the amount of water that was supposed to flow to Iran, thus Iran receives more water than what was agreed in the treaty of 1973, he added.

Wadir Safi, a professor of law and political science at Kabul University, echoes Ahmadzais analysis and adds that in defending its national interests, the Iranian government goes to the extremes, threatening and undermining regional security.

If Iran is not satisfied with the amount of water it receives under the 1973 water-sharing treaty between the two countries, it should revert to international laws governing water resources, Safi said.

Abdul Basir Azimi, Afghanistans deputy minister of water and power, said two-thirds of the Afghan water flows to neighboring countries.

Our economic and development initiatives are a good opportunity for regional cooperation as well. If neighboring countries really believe in an independent and prosperous Afghanistan, they should welcome our initiatives. A prosperous Afghanistan can be a better neighbor, Azimi said.

He added that the ongoing irrigation and development projects in Afghanistan are aimed at providing employment to Afghan youths who are vulnerable to extremists recruiters, and that it will discourage the widespread poppy cultivation in the country.

Irans support for insurgents

Afghan officials have previously accused Iran of attempts to sabotage dam projects in Afghanistan by supporting the Taliban and providing them with sophisticated weapons.

In late 2016, Asif Nang, former governor of Farah province, which shares a border with Iran, accused Tehran of harboring Taliban fighters from Afghanistan in cross-border areas.

U.S. General John Nicholson, leader of NATOs Resolute Support Afghan mission, also said in December of last year that Taliban connections to Iran and Russia were not advancing the cause of stability in the region.

In January of this year, Afghan governors in southern and western provinces accused Iran of using its close relationship with the Afghan Taliban to target power and water projects to safeguard Iranian interests.

Iran is seeking to undermine the development projects over the Helmand River so that it can continue receiving more water, Hayatullah Hayat, governor of Southern Helmand province, told VOA, citing Afghan intelligence reports forwarded to the Afghan Palace and the countrys National Security Council.

Iran says its contacts with the Afghan Taliban are aimed at helping the countrys peace talks with the militant group, not instigating instability in the country.

Some analysts believe that Rouhanis recent remarks are in the context of environmental protection.

Serious public health challenges inside Iran have exacerbated over the past years and the dispute over Helmand River could have the potential to reshape Iran-Afghan relations and become a major source of tensions between the two countries, Alex Vatanka, an analyst with the Middle East Institute who follows Iran told VOA.

VOAs Mehdi Jedinia contributed to this report.
They are known as the cubs of the caliphate, youngsters enlisted by the Islamic State, which views them as the generation that will conquer Baghdad, Jerusalem, Mecca and Rome.

The West and the Middle East communities from which they have been recruited see them as a grim threat, the deadly legacy of a murderous caliphate on the brink of military defeat.

As the terror groups territory shrinks in the face of offensives on IS strongholds in Syria and Iraq, the militants have highlighted in a series of chilling videos in recent months what they hope will be in store for their enemies. The militants are counting on the revenge of the lion cubs, the child soldiers they have been enlisting in northern and eastern Syria and western Iraq, and grooming determinedly since Islamic State's leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi proclaimed himself the emir of all Muslims in June 2014.

Steeped in a culture of martyrdom, the threat posed by the cubs  both to themselves, as well as others  is worrying de-radicalization experts, who fear Western governments are not giving enough thought about what to do with them.

Western governments are the most likely to come up with the resources, analysts say, needed to rehabilitate ISs cubs. There is little in the works, though, being planned to shape or establish rehabilitation programs, according to rights groups and charities working to reintegrate child soldiers in other conflict zones.

Rehabilitating 'cubs'

They say that when they raise the issue of the cubs, they are battling a prevalent attitude among Western officials that these child soldiers are different from those in other conflicts and maybe beyond rehabilitation.

It would be a terrible mistake to think that because someone was a cub for a year or two, they are lost forever - they can be saved and rehabilitated, says Mia Bloom, a Canadian academic, who is co-authoring a book on jihadist child soldiers.

Not only have Western governments not started to calculate what would be involved in a successful rehabilitation program, they don't even want to consider that the four-year-old is not culpable, she argued. Of the cubs who are the sons and daughters of foreign fighters, Western governments often are trying to slam the door on them. In many cases they have canceled the passports, revoked citizenship, said Bloom.

"What we are seeing with many of the Western governments is a complete rejection of the children because they fear they could be potentially members of sleeper cells or time-bombs waiting to explode, she said.

Bloom worries that will be a self-fulfilling prophesy, if programs arent established quickly to start the long and expensive process to reintegrate them, which she insists is possible.

Experts point to the successes achieved by clinical psychologist Feriha Peracha, who has been overseeing a project partly funded by the Pakistani Army to de-radicalize and rehabilitate young Pakistani militants recruited by the Taliban.

When Peracha first got involved in rehabilitation efforts in Pakistans Swat Valley in 2009, she was terrified, fearing initially the radicalized youngsters could kill her at any moment. But she quickly began to sympathize with the boys, aged between eight and 16, who she saw were brainwashed, had been taught by rote the Koran in Arabic, and trained to be killers.

Deprogramming initiatives

Her deprogramming efforts have drawn wide praise since then.

"We have reintegrated 192 without any recidivism, said Peracha. She said the two most important aspects that have ensured success are maintaining monitoring up to five years after reintegration, and ensuring alternative life opportunities and goals for the boys.

Peracha says it can take six months to four years to reintegrate a young militant depending on the factors that pushed them into militancy. Teenagers take longer than pre-teens. Each student costs approximately $200 to $350 per month.

In Syria and Iraq, the challenge is even greater. The Islamic State has enlisted thousands of youngsters, some as young as four years old, in northern Syria and Iraq, indoctrinating them ideologically, and training them as suicide bombers, spies and as executioners.

And there has been no let-up in the effort. In March, the militants weekly online magazine, Al-Naba highlighted ISs determination to continue to groom youngsters even in the face of battlefield losses.

If anything, there seems to be a greater urgency in the militants recruitment efforts. The high casualties IS has sustained partly explains the continued enlistment of kids.

In a video released last year by IS of the training of recruited pre-teens and teenagers in in Syrias Al-Khayr province, the narrator concludes ominously, Even if we are all eradicated and no one survives, these cubs will carry the banner of jihad and will complete the journey.

Many cubs will survive the offensives currently underway against the terror group - 2,000 suspected cubs currently are in detention in Iraq. Rachel Taylor of Child Soldiers International, a nonprofit based in London, says throwing cubs into detention centers isnt an answer.

Exploited children

Taylor says that doesn't mean refraining from punishing those who are guilty of war crimes, but not all of them should be treated as terrorists. We need to recognize that they are children who have been exploited. Stigmatizing them can be as psychologically damaging, if not more so, than the trauma they underwent as child soldiers, she added.

They need education, jobs and a role; you have to offer them stable, productive alternatives to violence, otherwise you will add another cycle of violence, she warned.

Taylor disputes the idea that somehow the cubs of the caliphate are different from child soldiers in the Congo or Colombia. When it comes to recruitment, the drivers are the same, she argues. The ideology is secondary - the drivers are lack of security, desire for revenge, desire for a role, the need to find food, shelter and support and to seek material benefits, she said. The role of parents in recruitment is often crucial, she notes.

That certainly seems the case in Syria and Iraq. According to several studies, and from anecdotal information gathered by VOA from refugees since 2014, youngsters who joined IS were often coerced to do so in different ways, ranging from being cajoled by parents, to kidnappings from orphanages. Some parents were eager for at least one of their children to enlist because of the monthly payments IS paid the families of cubs; but others did so because they agreed with the terror groups ideology.

The role of families in the recruitment complicates rehabilitation. The standard practice for reintegrating child soldiers is to reunite them with their families as quickly as possible; there are dangers, though, if the parents were complicit in the recruitment. One answer would be to require whole families to go through a rehabilitation program.

There is not a one-size-fit-all, cautioned the Canadian academic Bloom. We are going to need programs that are suited to every level of involvement - from those like the girls, who witnessed violence, to boys who have shot someone or cut off someones head or detonated an explosive device, she said.

Doing that while conflict rages will be impossible, de-radicalization experts say. Trying to do it even post-conflict will be a challenge, especially in wrecked communities, where families will be mourning the deaths of relatives amid an atmosphere of anger and grievance.
The vice chair of President Donald Trump's election fraud commission is taking issue with reports that a majority of states are refusing to comply with a request for extensive personal voter information.

Kris Kobach, the vice chair of the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, said in a sharply worded statement Wednesday that news stories stating that 44 states had "refused" to provide voter information to the commission were "patently false" and "more 'fake news.' "

"Despite media distortions and obstruction by a handful of state politicians, this bipartisan commission on election integrity will continue its work to gather the facts through public records requests to ensure the integrity of each American's vote because the public has a right to know," he said.

The commission had requested that states provide it with a list of publicly available voter data, including names, voting history and other information, as permitted under state laws.

Kobach appeared to be referring to a CNN report, which counted a state as noncomplying if it said it would not or could not provide every piece of information the commission requested. States have different rules regarding what information can be made public, and many states have agreed to provide some information, but not other data, citing those restrictions.



The Associated Press has found that no state so far has said it would provide all the information requested  including Kansas, where Kobach is secretary of state.

Kobach said that, so far, 20 states had agreed to comply with the request, while 16 were reviewing what information they could release. Fourteen states and the District of Columbia, he said, have refused the request outright. He said the commission would use public records requests to obtain data from states that wouldn't provide.

AP review

The AP's own review has found that 26 states have said they will provide the commission with some information, but that parts of what was requested are not considered public information and will not be forwarded to the commission.

States have different definitions of what's public and what's private. Most say even partial Social Security numbers should not be shared. Some say they won't provide other details, including information on voters' military service, felony records or which elections they participated in  either because it's private or because the states don't track that information.

The AP's count is consistent with Kobach's in finding that 14 states and Washington, D.C., have said they won't comply at all. Some officials have cited citizens' privacy, while others, including the secretaries of state in California and Kentucky, have said they object to the premise that there was widespread voter fraud in last year's election. It was this premise that prompted Trump to form the commission. Past studies have found that voter fraud is extremely rare.

The states denying the requests entirely are Arizona, California, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia and Wyoming.

Another 10 states have either said they have not received the request or have not decided what to do about it.
Syrian Kurdish officials say Turkey's shelling of Kurdish militias in northwestern Syria and its troops' mobilization in the border region are preparation for a full-fledged military assault on northern Syria, which could impede U.S.-backed operations to rout Islamic State from its de facto capital, Raqqa.

Following intense, cross-border Turkish artillery attacks and military deployments near northwestern Syria's Afrin region since last week, Nasser Haj Mansour, a senior military adviser to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), told VOA that Turkish military actions were a "declaration of war" that could push thousands of U.S.-backed fighters to leave the battlefield in Raqqa and respond to developments in the border region with Turkey.

"Members of the Army of Revolutionaries and YPG who are fighting in the operation for Raqqa will leave that battlefield to defend their homes in Afrin," Mansour told VOA. "This will be a serious setback for the ongoing operation on Raqqa."

The Army of Revolutionaries is a predominantly Arab armed group allied with the Kurdish YPG, also known as the People's Protection Units. The two Syrian groups, along with several other local militias, have formed the SDF, which is supported by the U.S.-led coalition in its Raqqa operation.

The SDF has made advances in Raqqa since the start of the operation last month. It has encircled the city and breached a strategic wall surrounding the last redoubt of IS defenders in Raqqa's Old City neighborhoods.

Turkey opposes the role of the main component of the SDF  the Kurdish YPG  alleging that the group is a terrorist organization linked to Kurdish separatists inside Turkey, known as the PKK. Turkey, the United States and the European Union have designated the PKK as a terrorist group for its decades-long autonomy push against the Ankara government in Turkey's southeast.

Ankara was outraged by a U.S. decision in May to supply arms to the YPG in preparation for the Raqqa operation.

Turkey: 'We are protecting ourselves'

The Turkish government has said its recent military movements in northwest Syria are legitimate measures in response to attacks from the YPG forces in the Afrin region.

"This is not a declaration of war. We are making preparations against potential threats," Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus told the Reuters news agency on Wednesday. "It's ... a legitimate measure so that we can protect our independence. We cannot remain silent against those sending missiles from Afrin."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also said on Wednesday that Turkey was ready to carry out ground operations against the YPG if needed.

"If there is a threat against us, our troops will conduct any operations with the Free Syrian Army on the ground," he told France 24 television.

Turkish artillery has pounded YPG positions in northern Syria several times in the past. To counter the YPG's growing influence and prevent its aspirations for Kurdish autonomy in Syria, Turkey also has supported efforts by several Arab and Turkmen militia groups, part of the rebel Free Syrian Army (FSA), to gain control of a large swath of land in northern Syria.

Kurdish officials say recent Turkish attacks are coming in support of plans by FSA opposition groups to control Afrin.

The YPG has not disclosed whether it suffered casualties from the Turkish shelling, but sources in the Afrin region told VOA that three civilians had been killed and dozens more wounded in the attacks.

Khalil Sabry, an administrator at a hospital in Afrin, told VOA that dozens of civilians from villages situated along the Turkish border had been hospitalized with injuries suffered in the attacks.

"We had to call on civilians to donate blood as the number of injured civilians increased on Tuesday," Sabry added.

One woman, 47, and her two children, 14 and 12, died from the overnight shelling on Tuesday, he said.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an activist-run monitoring group, also confirmed that Tuesday's attacks had hit more than a dozen villages in the region.

The casualties prompted thousands of people to march on streets of Afrin on Wednesday, condemning the attacks and pleading for international intervention.

WATCH: Widespread Demonstrations Held in N. Syria to Protest Turkish Shelling

U.S. perspective

In the past, the U.S. has intervened to ease tensions between its two allies when conflict started to surge. The U.S. military began patrolling along the Turkey-Syria border in April to prevent direct confrontations between the two sides.

U.S. officials say their focus is on defeating IS in Syria and Iraq, and that they expect their allies to all be on the same page. The U.S. says it expects transparency over possible Turkish incursions in the region.

"Our position with regard to that has been fairly consistent with Turkey, which is that the fight in Syria is a complicated one and we need to be in very, very close coordination with our allies, including with Turkey, in terms of what happens there," a senior U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of government protocols, said in a news briefing Wednesday about U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's visit to Istanbul on July 9.

The official said the U.S. wants to remain in close contact with Turkey on developments in northern Syria and "reinforce our message to them that any action that they take or we take needs to be done in full transparency with the rest of the coalition to make sure that there are no surprises, and that we're working toward the same goal."
Libya's eastern commander Khalifa Haftar said on Wednesday his forces had taken full control of Libya's second city Benghazi from rival armed groups after a three-year campaign.

The battle for Benghazi between Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) and an array of Islamist militants and other fighters has been part of a broader conflict since Libya slipped into turmoil following the 2011 fall of strongman Moammar Gadhafi.

Victory would mark a major advance for the one-time commander in Gaddafi's army, who has slowly gained ground in eastern and southern Libya in defiance of a U.N.-backed government that is struggling to extend its influence from the capital, Tripoli.

"Your armed forces declare to you the liberation of Benghazi from terrorism, a full liberation and a victory of dignity," Haftar said, wearing a white uniform in a televised speech. "Benghazi has entered into a new era of safety and peace."

Before he spoke, LNA forces made rapid progress through the seafront district of Sabri, using heavy artillery to blast their way through some of the final pockets of resistance.

As they have after past retreats in the battle for the city, rival armed groups may fall back on using guerrilla tactics against Haftar's forces.

Haftar launched his "Operation Dignity" in Benghazi in May 2014, promising to crush Islamists blamed for a wave of assassinations and bombings.

Over three years his forces have clashed with militants as well as with former anti-Gaddafi rebels, resisting what they saw as an attempt to reimpose autocratic rule. The LNA suffered heavy losses, which its own officials put at more than 5,000 men.

Haftar's critics accuse him of dragging Benghazi into a war that he has used to establish military control over much of eastern Libya. Parts of Benghazi have been wrecked by heavy shelling and airstrikes.

In Sabri, where the LNA advanced on Wednesday, deserted streets were littered with debris and the shells of rusting cars. Some buildings have been destroyed and others peppered with holes from bullets and shrapnel.

Having seized a string of key oil ports and southern air bases since last year, Haftar has made little secret of ambitions to enter Tripoli, where he portrays his rivals as beholden to Islamists and militia rule.

He has backing from foreign powers including Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, and has cultivated closer ties with Moscow. The LNA has gradually grown bigger and better equipped but is still heavily dependent on alliances with local brigades and tribes.

Though weak, the U.N.-backed government in Tripoli retains the formal support of most Western powers.
Muslim groups in Malaysia and Indonesia have called for a boycott of Starbucks because of the coffee chain's support for LGBT rights.

Malaysian group Perkasa, which supports a hard-line form of Islam and nationalism, this week called on its more than 500,000 members to stay away from Starbucks coffee shops. This week and last, leaders of Indonesia's second largest mainstream Muslim group, Muhammadiyah, with an estimated 29 million members, denounced the chain.



The groups were apparently reacting to comments made several years ago by former CEO Howard Schultz in support of gay rights that drew renewed attention amid an increasingly anti-LGBT climate in both of the predominantly Muslim countries.



Perkasa said in a statement that the Malaysian government should revoke the trading license given to Starbucks and other companies such as Microsoft and Apple that support LGBT rights and same-sex marriage.



Amini Amir Abdullah, who heads Perkasa's Islamic affairs bureau, said Muslims should stay away from Starbucks because its pro-gay rights policy is against Islam and Malaysia's constitution.



Sodomy is illegal in Malaysia and punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Homosexuality is not illegal in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, but a case before the Constitutional Court is seeking to criminalize gay sex and sex outside of marriage.



A boycott Starbucks hashtag was briefly popular on Twitter in Indonesia and shares of the company that operates Starbucks in the country fell sharply this week. But its stores in the capital Jakarta appeared as popular as ever.



Gavin Bowring, a Malaysia analyst at risk consulting company Eurasia Group, said the boycott was unlikely to amount to much but reflected "a growing tendency toward conservatism and strict adherence to Islamic principles."
A month after mounting a military operation to help Mali crush Islamist extremists, France says it will shortly begin a drawdown of its forces -- and is pushing for an international peacekeeping force in Mali as early as April. Some observers say the Mali intervention symbolizes a changed French relationship with Africa -- and the presidency of French leader Francois Hollande.After struggling with sinking polls at home, French President Francois Hollande got a boost overseas last week, during a triumphant visit to Mali.Speaking to cheering crowds in Bamako, Hollande said January's decision to deploy troops to drive out Islamist extremists in Mali came in response to demands of the Malian government and the international community -- and was critical in the fight against terrorism in West Africa.African analysts say France's intervention in Mali may count among the hallmarks of Hollande's presidency. The politician with little African experience is now known by Malians as "Papa Hollande."Frederic Lejeal, chief editor of the Paris-based publication La Letre du Continent, is also among those who believe it symbolizes a dramatic change in the old, so-called "France-Afrique" -- a relationship once marked by lack of clarity, cronyism and questionable business ties.Lejeal said since Hollande came to power, he has been trying to normalize relations with France's former colonies, by reporting to parliament and sending missions to Africa with clearly defined goals. While the change began with President Hollande's predecessors, Lejeal says, Hollande is offering his own branding that highlights human rights -- although French business interests in Africa also shape policy.French forces intervened during the leadership crisis in Ivory Coast in 2011 and provided intelligence and logistic support to Chad's President Idriss Deby as his army battled rebels in 2008.For the Mali operation, France has pushed for a multilateral face that includes soliciting support from Europe and the U.S. While President Hollande says French troops will stay as long as necessary, Paris is pushing for a West African intervention force to take over as soon as possible. Now, officials are outlining a new phase.Speaking to reporters in Paris on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said France may begin drawing down its estimated 4,000 French troops in Mali starting next month. Those staying would shift their goals to routing out remaining pockets of extremists in the North.And Fabius suggested that the West African force could turn into an international peacekeeping one under the U.N. umbrella as early as April.For now, President Hollande is not only drawing cheers in Mali but also at home. Polls show the majority of French support the Mali operation.That includes retiree Yves Naviere who lives in the Brittany village of Ereac. France knows Africa better than other countries, he says, so it makes sense it should send forces to Mali.But experts caution these sentiments may change swiftly if French troops stay too long and body bags start coming home.Lejeal says that's one reason why Hollande is pushing for an African face to the operation. And, he says, the French president believes Africa should manage its own problems.The government estimates the price tag so far for its Mali intervention at more than $90 million -- but there may be other costs. France has notched up its security at home, for fear of retribution. Earlier this week, police arrested four people outside Paris suspected of having links with extremists in the Sahel area of west and central Africa. More than half-dozen French hostages are also being held in the Sahel -- and their fate may hinge on France's next moves in the region.
There were balloons, flowers and tears of happiness. Mexican parents were reunited Wednesday with sons and daughters they hadn't seen in decades because their children have been living in the United States.

The parents came through a family-reunification program organized by the Mexican state of Morelos that allows Mexican families to stay together for about three weeks. The U.S. granted the visitors tourist visas.

I am so happy, said Candido Macoto, a worker at a flower shop in Brooklyn who had not seen his mother, Magdalena Garcia, in 21 years.

Macoto welcomed her with tears in his eyes at a boat docked at the Chelsea Piers. He brought his wife, son, daughter and grandson with him.

Twenty-six other Mexican families were reunited as part of the program, called Corazon de plata (Silver heart).



Other Mexican states, such as Puebla, carry out similar programs. Among the requirements: Mexican parents need to be 60 or older, never have been in the U.S. before and have had a son or daughter submit an application. The families paid for the flights and boat ride Wednesday.

It's been a long time, said Garcia, 67, while holding a bouquet of red roses her family had brought her. Most of the sons and daughters who waited at the boat to meet with their parents left Mexico years ago and are not legal U.S. residents.

Marta Mendez hugged her father, Luis Mendez, amid the applause of the rest of families.



I am thankful to God for making this possible, she said. Father and daughter had not seen each other in 24 years.

The Mexican immigrants who live in New York applied to the program through a local group called Pulso New York, which became a link between the families and Morelos. The parents flew together from Mexico City and will return to their home country on July 24. There is no limit in the number of participants of the program.


France will stop selling gasoline and diesel cars by 2040.



The move, announced by the countrys ecology minister Nicolas Hulot, is part of a plan to meet emissions targets set forth in the Paris climate accord.



"We are announcing an end to the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2040," Hulot said, adding that it would be a "veritable revolution."



Saying the goal would be tough to accomplish, he added that French carmakers such as Peugeot-Citroen and Renault would be able to handle the changes. France is the biggest manufacturer of electric cars sold in Europe.



France is the latest country to focus on electric cars. India has said it wants all cars sold there to be electric by 2030. Norway has said it will stop selling gasoline and diesel cars by 2025, and Germany is aiming to have 1 million electric cars on its roads by 2020.



In 2016, the largest market in the world for electric cars was China, where more than 500,000 were sold.



On Wednesday, Volvo announced it would stop producing cars with conventional engines by 2019.



According to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), only 3.6 percent of cars sold in Western Europe in 2016 were hybrid or electric.



Hulot said getting conventional cars off the road was important to public health as several French cities, including Paris and Lyon have recurring issues with air pollution. Hulot said the move was part of the countrys plan to be carbon neutral by 2050.



To that end, he announced last month that France would no longer give licenses for oil and gas exploration in France and its overseas territories.



"One of the symbolic acts of the plan is that France, which previously had made the promise to divide its greenhouse gas emissions by four by 2050, has decided to become carbon neutral by 2050 following the U.S. decision," Hulot said."The carbon neutral objective will force us to make the necessary investments.



Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would withdraw from the Paris pact saying it would be unfair to American businesses and too expensive for taxpayers.
The families come in waves, trudging through the ruins of Old Mosul as Iraqi and coalition forces capture buildings one by one.

They are starving and cry out for water. Children are covered in rashes. It is more than 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees F), and dead IS fighters rot in the searing rubble. Many people have no shoes.

One woman sinks to the ground. Her 6-month-old daughter, Elaf, lost consciousness in the airstrike that sent them running. Now Elaf is dead.

"She's gone!" her mother wails, rocking back and forth as she weeps and feels the baby for a pulse, still hoping. The grandfather, gaunt and in his 70s, urges her to stop crying and keep moving out of the war zone.

Soldiers tell families they must continue on, as the thinnest and the oldest collapse. Among these sick and dying have been more than 40 suicide bombers, both men and women, in the past few days.

Most of the bombers' only victims were themselves, but some succeeded in killing and maiming soldiers and civilians.

However, as families leave the war zone, the vast majority desperately try to hold on to life, not end it. Soldiers forget their caution, scrambling to give them water, biscuits or anything else they have. Elaf's mother holds her daughter's lifeless body and squeezes into a humvee, hoping against hope that someone can help.

Nearby, an Iraqi translator hands one woman his bottle of water. She gulps it down and soon after throws it up.

These are IS's last victims in Mosul as the militants' rule here collapses. Many of the people fleeing the city now are widely believed to be the families of IS militants, both living and dead.

Some admit to being related to an IS member. Most do not.

Iraqi soldiers say they have no mandate or desire to punish starving women and children. Like other families in Mosul, IS relatives are suffering for what the militants have done.

Screening

Families leaving the war zone are screened several times as Iraqi forces search for bombers and fleeing militants.

The first level of screening is on the front line, where government snipers watch in both directions, searching for signs of bombers among the families. Women are told to remove the veils from their faces. Men must lift their shirts.

In the relative safety behind Iraq's front line, men and women are separated. Men's identifications are run through databases, and their bodies are searched for bombs and other weapons. Female volunteers search women.

Women, children and the elderly then move on to places like a field hospital, where they can eat, rest and seek emergency care. The sickest leave in ambulances.

One woman at a field hospital does not want to move to the next screening point, one of two more before she can register for a tent or transportation elsewhere. Her husband, she says, is still being checked and she wants to wait for him.

"His brothers are with IS," she tells a soldier. "But he is innocent."

"We will check him, and God willing, it will all be fine," the soldier replies. "Now go and get in the truck. You can meet him at the next screening point."

As she departs, the soldier drops his voice. "We know who her husband is. He works for IS, producing their videos," he says.

Fleeing fighters

Since the beginning of the government offensive last year, IS fighters have hidden among families fleeing Mosul.

It's often ordinary people who turn in the extremists when they reach Iraqi forces.

"We arrested a man the other day after the people said he was with IS," explains Iraqi Federal Police Colonel Taha al-Hussaini at a screening center on the edge of the battle. "He said he was from a different neighborhood, and the people were mistaken. They just didn't know him."

But then a little boy in the group began to cry. "That is my uncle. Where are you taking him?" the boy asked, according to al-Hussaini. The people knew exactly who he was.

The United Nations has warned that relatives of alleged IS members are under threat of "collective punishment" from local authorities or other civilians.

Families of IS members fleeing often either keep it secret or just keep to themselves.

"A woman came to me saying, 'I know they all hate us,' " says al-Hussaini, " 'but it's not my fault my husband joined IS.' "
After militants from Myanmars persecuted Rohingya Muslim minority launched deadly attacks on border guard posts in October, several journalists sped to Maungdaw in northern Rakhine State to cover the military operation that followed.

But they soon discovered they would be allowed to document little.

Wearing a flak jacket and helmet, Kaung Htet, the 34-year-old director of photography at the Myanmar Times, arrived at a roadblock with colleagues and was told to head back for security reasons.

The problem is you cant expect the permission from the authorities, from the government authorities, with police or soldiers ... it's almost impossible. We told them, we explained to them, thats our profession, we know all the risks," he said. "But they insisted, they cant let us in.

Lack of media access

In addition to obvious safety concerns, Myanmars conflict journalists deal with several obstacles in covering numerous conflicts since its independence in 1948.

These include a lack of access to conflict zones, concerns about what content publications are permitted to publish, language barriers and trust issues between reporters and ethnic armed groups, and the militarys reluctance to let the media document crackdowns that have led to allegations of human rights abuses.

There are also emerging legal issues. Myanmars transition from military rule in 2011 led to the election of Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy party four years later.

Journalists arrested or worse

Late last month three journalists were arrested after attending a drug burning ceremony in northern Shan State held by the Taang National Liberation Army. They were charged under the Unlawful Associations Act, which has been used by the military to cut off support for rebels and as a way of scaring off media organizations that operated in exile before being welcomed back into the country as part of the democratic transition.

In theory, the abolishing of censorship in 2012 and the passage of a media law that guarantees rights to report on conflict without detention should mean local journalists are able to report on Myanmars civil wars without fear of being accused of aiding insurgents. But as many cases show, the reality is different.

In 2015, the military warned the media not to broadcast statements made by another rebel group, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army or they would face action under the law. In 2014, journalist Ko Par Gyi was covering clashes in Mon State when he was detained and killed while in military custody.

Reporters covering Myanmar's many ethnic armed conflicts face grave risks, some of which could be lifted with a few simple legal reforms, Shawn Crispin, the Southeast Asia representative for the Committee to Protect Journalists, said in an email. The military continues to threaten journalists who report from areas controlled by rebel groups with charges of unlawful association, an outdated colonial era law that should be immediately purged from the penal code."

The three journalists arrested last month, Lawi Weng from the Irrawaddy and Aye Naing and Pyae Bone Naing from the Democratic Voice of Burma, could get three years if convicted.

Fighting has increased

Fighting has surged since the breakdown of a cease-fire between the military and one of the more powerful ethnic armed groups, the Kachin Independence Army, in 2011. As clashes increase, access diminishes.

What weve seen in recent years in Myanmar is a growing set of restrictions on human rights monitors, on journalists, on international and national humanitarian actors trying to provide assistance to people affected by the conflict. And it appears to be getting worse, said David Baulk, a Myanmar specialist for the NGO Fortify Rights. And it means that when you try to get information from these areas you are doing so at enormous personal risk.

Months after the October attacks in Rakhine State, the government has, with rare exceptions, made the northern part of the state a no-go region for the media, and last month it said it would deny visas to U.N. investigators probing allegations of crimes against humanity that surfaced during the military operation.
A newly discovered photograph may provide the answer to one of the 20th century's greatest unsolved mysteries -- the disappearance of Amelia Earhart.

The legendary American pilot vanished 80 years ago this month somewhere over the Pacific. She was attempting to be the first woman to fly around the world.

What is known is that Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan radioed on July 2 that they were in trouble between Papua, New Guinea, and Howland Island.

U.S. investigators quickly gave up the search, concluding they crashed into the ocean and formally pronounced them dead in 1939.

There have been numerous theories of what happened to Earhart and Noonan.

But a new television documentary shows a previously lost photograph of a woman resembling Earhart and a man who experts say is almost certainly Noonan on a dock somewhere in the Pacific.

The woman has her back to the camera and is looking to her right. She has the short hair style and men's-style pants Earhart was known to favor.

A barge in the background appears to be towing an object that looks like the same size as Earhart's plane.

The man in the foreground has the same hairline and prominent nose as Noonan's.

The photo was misplaced in a box at the National Archives in Washington and the filmmakers found it by accident.

Possibly seen as spies

They theorize that Japanese forces captured Earhart and Noonan, believing them to be spies and held them prisoner in the Mariana Islands.

It is unknown when or how they died.

The producers believe someone spying for the U.S. against Japan took the photograph.

They say that may be the reason why the United States hastened to give up looking for Earhart and Noonan.

Shawn Henry, a former assistant director of the FBI and Earhart aficionado, hosts the documentary. He says the aviator was abandoned by her own government and may very well be the first casualty of World War II.

The documentary, "Amelia Earhart: The Lost Evidence," premiers Sunday night on The History Channel.
As the deadline for the 13-list demand expired on Tuesday, Qatar rejected the conditions to end the siege and blockade imposed on it by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, as unrealistic and unenforceable.

The boycotting countries, in a joint statement released after a meeting of their Foreign Ministers in Cairo Wednesday, deemed Dohas response a negative response, which showed its negligence and its lack of seriousness in dealing with the roots of the problem.

Qatars Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, speaking at Chatham House in London on Wednesday, said the list is demanding that we must surrender our sovereignty as the price for ending the siege.

He termed Saudi Arabia and its allies as aggressors and encouraged them to undertake dialogue to end the blockade by taking a first step for engagement because they should not expect from me a first step.

Both parties seem to be reluctant to make concessions as Kuwait continues its mediation efforts.

Saudis Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir highlighted that they will take the right steps at the right time without going into details while stressing that Qatar must change its policies for our stance to change.

His Qatari counterpart wondered why Qatars independence poses such a threat to Saudi Arabia and its allies as he accused them of intellectual terrorism.

With Doha determined to resist the pressure, Sheikh al-Thani said Qatar as a country must be self-reliant amid the challenges that the diplomatic rift has triggered.

World powers and international organizations have limited their role in the rift while calling for dialogue between the parties to resolve their differences. Analysts think that it could lead to a creation of a new geo-strategic puzzle in the Gulf as well as affect the functioning of the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC); a political and economic alliance.

Qatar has turned down speculations that it will be dismissed from the group because decisions are reached through consensus.
North Korea's newly demonstrated missile muscle puts Alaska within range of potential attack and stresses the Pentagon's missile defenses like never before. Even more worrisome, it may be only a matter of time before North Korea mates an even longer-range ICBM with a nuclear warhead, putting all of the United States at risk.



The Pentagon has spent tens of billions to develop what it calls a limited defense against missiles capable of reaching U.S. soil. The system has never faced combat or been fully tested. The system succeeded May 30 in its first attempted intercept of a mock ICBM, but it hasn't faced more realistic conditions.



Although Russia and China have long been capable of targeting the U.S. with a nuclear weapon, North Korea is seen as the bigger, more troubling threat. Its opaque, unpredictable government often confounds U.S. intelligence assessments. And North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, has openly threatened to strike the U.S., while showing no interest in nuclear or missile negotiations.



We should be worried, said Philip E. Coyle III, a former head of the Pentagon's test and evaluation office. North Korea's latest success, he said, shows that time is not on our side.



U.S. officials believe North Korea is still short of being able to miniaturize a nuclear warhead to fit atop an intercontinental missile. And it's unclear whether it has developed the technology and expertise to sufficiently shield such a warhead from the extreme heat experienced when it re-enters Earth's atmosphere enroute to a target.

A Pentagon spokesman, Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, said Wednesday, We've still not seen a number of things that would indicate a full-up threat, including a demonstrated ability to mate a nuclear warhead to an ICBM. But clearly they are working on it. Clearly they seek to do it. This is an aggressive research and development program on their part.



Davis said the U.S. defensive system is limited but effective.

We do have confidence in it, he said. That's why we've developed it.



The Trump administration, like its recent predecessors, has put its money on finding a diplomatic path to halting and reversing North Korea's nuclear program. While the Pentagon has highly developed plans if military force is ordered, the approach is seen as untenable because it would put millions of South Korean civilians at risk.



But diplomacy has failed so far. That's why U.S. missile defenses may soon come into play.



Hitting a bullet with a bullet

The Pentagon has a total of 36 missile interceptors in underground silos on military bases in Alaska and California, due to increase to 44 by year's end. These interceptors can be launched upon notice of a missile headed toward the United States. An interceptor soars toward its target based on tracking data from radars and other electronic sensors, and is supposed to destroy the target by sheer force of impact outside the Earth's atmosphere. Sometimes likened to hitting a bullet with a bullet, the collision is meant to incinerate the targeted warhead, neutralizing its nuclear explosive power.



This so-called hit-to-kill technology has been in development for decades. For all its advances, the Pentagon is not satisfied that the current defensive system is adequate for North Korea's accelerating missile advances.



The pace of the threat is advancing faster than I think was considered when we did the first ballistic missile defense review back in 2010, Rob Soofer, who is helping review missile defenses, told a Senate Armed Service subcommittee last month. Beyond what U.S. officials have said publicly about the North Korean nuclear threat, he said the classified picture is even more dire. Soofer didn't provide details.



The escalating danger has led the administration to consider alternative concepts for missile defense, including what is known as boost phase defense. This approach involves destroying a hostile missile shortly after its launch, before the warhead separates from the missile body and decoys can be deployed. One proposed tactic would be to develop a drone capable of long-endurance flight and armed with a solid-state laser to destroy or disable a missile in flight.



These and other possible new approaches would add to budget strains already felt in the missile defense program.



President Donald Trump's proposed 2018 budget would cut $340 million from missile defense programs intended to deter a potential strike by North Korea, Iran or other countries. The Republican-led Congress has taken the first steps in rejecting the reduction. Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, the House Armed Services Committee chairman, declared last month that he was astonished Trump would propose trimming missile defense.



Thornberry's committee voted last week to provide about $12.5 billion for missile defense in the 2018 fiscal year that begins in October, nearly $2.5 billion more than Trump's request. The Senate Armed Services Committee also called for millions more than Trump requested. The full House and Senate are expected to consider the committees' legislation, and the boost in missile defense money, later this month.
The international community is watching in anticipation as Donald Trump, five months into his presidency, holds his first meeting with the man seen as his rival for the title of "most powerful leader" on the planet, Russian President Vladimir Putin. Their formal bilateral discussion late Friday is overshadowing the two-day gathering in Hamburg, Germany, of heads of state of the world's 20 strongest economies.

The meeting is fraught with symbolism as Trump, still new to the world of international diplomacy, sits down with Putin, who came to power in what amounted to a Kremlin palace coup 17 years ago, and has a reputation for keeping negotiating partners off balance.

Students of Washington-Moscow relations point to striking parallels between the scheduled Hamburg talks and another great-power meeting 56 years earlier.

Berlin Wall followed JFK's summit

"In June 1961, five months after John F. Kennedy was inaugurated, [Soviet leader] Nikita Khrushchev proposed a summit in Vienna," said William Courtney, adjunct senior fellow at the Rand Corporation, who served as the first U.S. ambassador to Kazakhstan following the breakup of the Soviet Union.

"JFK's advisers advised against it because it wasn't well prepared, but Kennedy decided to go ahead anyway. He admitted later that Khrushchev 'beat the hell' out of him. Two months later the Berlin Wall began to rise," Courtney told VOA. "Now did JFK's weak performance in the summit have anything to do with the timing of building the Berlin Wall? We'll never know."

On the eve of the Hamburg meeting, Trump signaled his intent to speak to Putin about Russia's behavior in Eastern Europe and other world hotspots.

"We urge Russia to cease its destabilizing activities in Ukraine and elsewhere and its support for hostile regimes, including Syria and Iran," Trump said Thursday in the Polish capital, which he visited before flying to Hamburg.

At a joint news conference in Warsaw with Polish President Andrzej Duda, Trump was less forthcoming about another sensitive issue: whether Russia interfered in last November's presidential election.

"I think it was Russia, but I think it was probably other people and/or countries," Trump said. "Nobody really knows for sure."

Trump aides have said he might bring up the election-meddling issue, but is not likely to dwell on it.

"That's a difficult conversation to have in your first face-to-face, and Russia knows this," said Lauren Goodrich, senior Eurasia analyst at the Stratfor geopolitical intelligence group in Texas.

'Master strategist' Putin vs. 'unpredictable' Trump

While Trump is the relative neophyte going into Friday's meeting, Goodrich said Putin is wary of his American counterpart, who often is unpredictable in an international setting.

"Putin is a master strategist. He outplays the majority of his opponents the majority of the time. He's well rehearsed and practiced for every single scenario," Goodrich said. "The problem is, I've never seen him come up against a counterpart as unpredictable as Trump, so I think that may throw Putin off his game a little bit."

For Putin, simply being seen on the world stage alongside a U.S. president will be considered a success, Goodrich added. After being frozen out during the final years of the Obama presidency, Putin knows that a picture of him and Trump sitting together in friendship will send an important message to countries on Russia's border  both friends and foes.

"It's enough that Russia can shape its messaging with its border lands that, 'Look, at least the United States and Russia are talking again, so we're going to be able to figure out the world. The United States is not talking to you about the world; they're talking to us about the world,'" Goodrich said. "That's really important to Russia among its border lands, to show that it's on the same par as the United States on kind of shaping the world, instead of the U.S. working within those border lands outside Russian influence."

'Tremendous pressure' on Putin

The Stratfor analyst said comparing the Hamburg meeting to the Kennedy-Khrushchev summit may be excessive, for one critical reason: Putin is desperate for a win on the world stage to ease massive headaches at home.

"Putin is under tremendous pressure. He has so many domestic problems that he has to find some way of relieving the pressure outside Russia, because at home it's becoming very dangerous for him and his system," Goodrich said.

Historian Dan Mahaffee points to another big difference between the 1961 Vienna summit and the Putin-Trump conversation, for which a relatively brief time has been allotted.

More than half a century ago, "it was a different Cold War environment," said Mahaffee, who is policy director at the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress. "It was a time of a divided Berlin, the threat of nuclear war between superpowers, and trying to lower the temperature to avoid imminent conflict."

Mahaffee mused that Kennedy had less difficulty going into his meeting with Khrushchev than Trump has had in the midst of exaggerated media speculation ahead of his face-to-face meeting with Putin. In contrast to intense attention in Washington devoted to the investigation of Russia's attempts to influence last November's U.S. election, the historian said with a chuckle that for Kennedy, "it was [Chicago Mayor] Richard J. Daley, not Khrushchev, who helped him win the 1960 election."
Madonna says the children's wing at a hospital in Malawi she has been building for two years completed its first surgery last week and will officially open July 11.

The Mercy James Institute for Pediatric Surgery and Intensive Care, located at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in the city of Blantyre, had a soft opening and is the first of its kind in Malawi. It was built in collaboration with the Malawian Ministry of Health.

"When you look into the eyes of children in need, wherever they may be, a human being wants to do anything and everything they can to help, and on my first visit to Malawi, I made a commitment that I would do just that," Madonna said in a statement to The Associated Press.

"I'd like to thank everyone who has joined me on this unbelievable journey. What started out as a dream for Malawi and her children has become a reality, and we couldn't have done it without your support," she added.

Madonna adopted four children, David Banda, Mercy James, Stelle and Estere from Malawi. The children's wing was named after 11-year-old Mercy.

The pop star's charity, Raising Malawi, has built schools in Malawi and has funded the new pediatric unit, which began construction in 2015. Madonna, 58, visited the site last year.

The children's unit includes three operating rooms dedicated to children's surgery, a day clinic and a 45-bed ward. It will enable Queen Elizabeth hospital to double the number of surgeries for children and will provide critical pre-operative and post-operative care. It also includes a playroom, an outdoor play structure and murals curated by Madonna and other artists.

Sarah Ezzy, executive director of Raising Malawi, said the charity has been working with Queen Elizabeth hospital since 2008, helping the hospital's chief of pediatric surgery, Dr. Eric Borgstein, develop a training program.

"Pediatric intensive care is not something that has formally existed in Malawi. There hasn't been any training on it. It's not part of the curriculum in nursing school [or] medical school. People had to leave the country to train ... now people don't have to leave the country to train," Ezzy said in an interview. "This facility is attached to the college of medicine and nursing so it will be a learning, teaching hospital."

Trevor Neilson, who works at Charity Network and has been advising Madonna's philanthropic efforts for the last six years, said "only someone like Madonna could do this. If you weren't Madonna, you would have given up a long time ago."

"Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of lives will be saved by the hospital in the course of it operating," added Neilson, who has worked on charity projects with Bill Gates, former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Bono and others.

Madonna founded Raising Malawi in 2006 to address the poverty and hardship endured by Malawi's orphans and vulnerable children.

"Malawi has enriched my family more than I could have ever imagined. It's important for me to make sure all my children from the country maintain a strong connection to their birth nation, and equally important to show them that together as humans we have the power to change the world for the better," Madonna said.
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence pledged to usher in a new era of American leadership in space during a tour of the Kennedy Space Center in Florida Thursday.

Our nation will return to the Moon, and we will put American boots on the face of Mars, Pence told the cheering crowd of about 800 NASA employees, space experts and private contractors, but gave no specifics.

The pledge comes almost a week after President Donald Trump signed an executive order reinstating the National Space Council, which had been dormant for nearly 25 years. He named Pence to serve as its chairman.

Once it is operational, the council will review current space policies and long-term goals for national space activity, Pence said.

Under President Donald Trump's leadership, we will re-orient America's space program towards human space exploration, Pence said. We will return our nation to the moon, we will go to Mars and we will still go further, to places our children's children can only imagine.

Trump's proposed budget, released in March, called for $19.1 billion for NASA, a 0.8 percent decrease from 2017. It also called for NASA to abandon plans to lasso an asteroid and cut several missions to study climate change and Earth science.

Lawmakers are still hammering out their adjustments to the proposed budget, which should be decided on later this year.
As Senate Republicans struggle to finalize a health care reform bill, most are not holding the types of freewheeling town hall encounters with constituents that could draw protests over their plan to dismantle major portions of former President Barack Obama's signature health care law.

During the current weeklong congressional recess, the Senate's 52 Republicans have held or scheduled seven town hall meetings, compared with 30 by Democrats, according to townhallproject.com, which tracks and publicizes events where Americans can speak directly with their elected representatives.

"Face-to-face conversations are the most valuable that you can have," said the group's founder, Jimmy Dahman, a former Hillary Clinton campaign worker. "We post events for Democrats and Republicans, and we believe that all members of Congress [should] listen to their constituents."

Demonstrators seek out meetings

Republicans may be cutting back on open-forum events, but demonstrators are undeterred.

"Health care is a human right!" protesters shouted Tuesday in McAllen, Texas, during an Independence Day speech by Republican Senator Ted Cruz.

Cruz later spoke about military veterans' health care needs at multiple events hosted by Concerned Veterans for America. Entry was limited to ticket-holders, keeping protesters at bay, and the forums' primary focus was not the Republican push to repeal and replace Obamacare.

Republican Senator Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania fielded questions on health care Wednesday from a panel of local residents chosen by a Harrisburg television station. In what proved to be a highly structured event, some participants read their questions from cards, and none were allowed follow-up time to challenge Toomey's answers, which included a denial that the Republican plan would cut funding for a federal health care program benefiting the poor and disabled.

"The federal government will spend more money on Medicaid each and every year, indefinitely, under the Senate plan. But it will grow at a slightly slower pace, and that makes it sustainable," Toomey said.

Republicans relied heavily on open forums in 2009 to mobilize public sentiment against the Affordable Care Act, which came to be known as Obamacare. John Barrasso, a physician and U.S. senator from Wyoming, led a group of Republican lawmakers who blasted the Democratic bill at a series of town hall meetings across the nation.

"We need the help of the American people," Barrasso said to thunderous applause in Kenner, Louisiana, in August 2009. "People are here for the right reasons, because we are trying to protect our freedoms."

Lack of public events

For years a leading proponent of repealing Obamacare, Barrasso helped craft the current Republican health care proposal. No speaking events were listed this week on the senator's website or his Twitter feed. Efforts to reach his spokespeople were unsuccessful.

In 2009, it was Democrats who found themselves the target of fierce protests.

"If government-run health care doesn't work in France, doesn't work in Britain, doesn't work in Canada, how is it going to work here?" a man asked Virginia Democratic Senator Mark Warner at a September 2009 town hall.

Now, with polls showing fewer than 1 in 5 Americans supporting the Republican health care plan, Democrats are on the offensive. Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill scheduled 10 town hall meetings this week across her state. Democrat Jeff Merkley is holding six in Oregon.

"How about universal, totally affordable, quality health care just by the fact that you are an American citizen?" Merkley said to hearty cheers in Eugene, Oregon, on Wednesday.

Republican ads

Republicans may not be holding many town halls, but they are far from silent. The National Republican Senatorial Committee is running advertisements against Democrats up for re-election next year, attempting to tie them to the policies of one of the chamber's most liberal members, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.

"Elizabeth Warren doesn't think Obamacare goes far enough," the ad says. "Does Senator [Bill] Nelson [of Florida] agree? He has in the past. Senator Nelson votes with Warren 90 percent of the time. Tell Senator Nelson NO to government health care."

Republicans are also speaking out on social media.

"#Obamacare's status quo is unsustainable and unacceptable," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky wrote on Twitter. "It demands action. The American people deserve #BetterCare."

But some efforts have backfired. Indiana's Republican Party asked people on Facebook to post their "Obamacare horror stories." Scores responded with praise for the law.

"Thanks to Obamacare, I have health insurance despite my history of breast cancer," one person wrote.

"I got good coverage for $125 a month. Terrifying!" wrote another.
One of Africa's driest regions  the Sahel  could turn greener if the planet warms more than 2 degrees Celsius and triggers more frequent heavy rainfall, scientists said on Wednesday.

The Sahel stretches coast to coast from Mauritania and Mali in the west to Sudan and Eritrea in the east, and skirts the southern edge of the Sahara desert. It is home to more than 100 million people.

The region has seen worsening extreme weather  including more frequent droughts  in recent years.

But if greenhouse gas emissions continue unabated, the resulting global warming  of more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels  could change major weather patterns in the Sahel, and in many different parts of the world, scientists say.

Rainfall models vary

Some weather models predict a small increase in rainfall for the Sahel, but there is a risk that the entire weather pattern will change by the end of the century, researchers at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) said.

The sheer size of the possible change is mindboggling  this is one of the very few elements in the Earth system that we might witness tipping soon, said co-author Anders Levermann from PIK and the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of New York's Columbia University.

If the Sahel becomes much rainier, it will mean more water for agriculture, industry and domestic use. But in the first few years of the transition, people are likely to experience very erratic weather  extreme droughts followed by destructive floods, the researchers said.

Hard for people to plan

This level of unpredictability makes it very hard for people to plan for coming changes, they said.

The enormous change that we might see would clearly pose a huge adaptation challenge to the Sahel, said Levermann.

More than 100 million people are potentially affected that already now are confronted with a (multitude) of instabilities, including war, he said.

The region faces a range of conflicts, including some driven by groups such as Boko Haram and al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.

The researchers studied rainfall patterns in the months of July, August and September when the region receives most of its annual rain.

'A range of possible outcomes'

There's a range of possible outcomes for societies in the Sahel which depend on the climate that eventually (develops)  and whether they are prepared for fluctuations, lead author Jacob Schewe, from PIK, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Climate change from burning fossil fuels really has the power to shake things up, he said.

It is driving risks for crop yields in many regions and generally increases dangerous weather extremes around the globe, he added.

The study was published on Wednesday in Earth System Dynamics, a journal of the European Geosciences Union
Europe has made a dangerous turn on the Mediterranean Sea as it looks to Libya for help in slowing the number of migrants attempting to reach the continent in flimsy boats, Amnesty International said in a report released Thursday. The organization called the European Union's strategy of training the Libyan coast guard to rescue migrants "reckless."

By turning to Libya, a country in chaos that is the jumping-off point for the hazardous journey, the EU has created "A Perfect Storm"  the title of Amnesty's report  that could hammer often-desperate migrants with a double vengeance. They face the risk of dying at sea or grave human rights abuses once they are returned to Libya and trapped there, the human rights group said.

More than 2,000 migrants to Europe have died at sea so far this year, while over 73,380 have reached Italy, the report said, citing figures from Italy's Interior Ministry. By year's end, the number of arrivals is expected to match or exceed the 181,400 who made it in 2016, which was more than in the two previous years, the report said.

Looking for help

The European Union has been casting about for ways to deal with the crisis, notably looking to Libya, which has two rival governments, for help in preventing departures. The EU is focusing in particular on equipping and training the Libyan coast guard and navy to conduct sea rescues and to lead the fight against smuggling and trafficking networks.

Amnesty said it was "deeply problematic" to unconditionally fund and train Libya, where human rights are lacking and the coast guard has been known for violence and even smuggling.

The group cited an August incident off Libya's coast in which attackers shot at a Doctors Without Borders rescue boat. A U.N panel of experts on Libya later confirmed that two officers from a coast guard faction were involved.

In May, the Libyan coast guard intervened in a search-and-rescue operation another nongovernmental organization was performing. The coast guard officers threatened migrants with weapons, took command of their wooden boat and took it back to Libya, Amnesty reported.

"The current situation with the Libyan coast guard is absolutely outrageous," Iverna McGowan, who leads Amnesty International's European Institutions Office, said in an interview in Brussels. "It is unconscionable that the EU ... would allow certain rescue operations that we know are inadequate and trust that with people's lives."

'Unthinkable abuses'

The worst may go unseen, McGowan said. "People who are disembarked in Libya are going back to unlawful detention centers where they are facing torture, rape and other unthinkable abuses," she said.

The report argues that NGOs need to continue participating in migrant rescues even though Amnesty says responsibility for the task rests with governments. It makes no mention of the recent threat by an overwhelmed Italy to prohibit some NGOs from bringing migrants to ports in southern Italy.

Amnesty said a "multicountry humanitarian operation" under the control of Italy is urgently needed and that use of Libyan resources should be conditional on certain limitations, including no rescue operations outside territorial waters and the transfer of all rescued migrants to EU or other appropriate vessels.

Amnesty is not alone in its concern over relying on Libya to ease the European migrant crisis.

The search-and-rescue director for Save the Children, Rob MacGillivray, said in a statement that rescued migrants have recounted horrors from Libya, including claims of sexual assaults, sales to others for work, and whippings and electrical shocks in detention centers.

"Simply pushing desperate people back to Libya, which many describe as hell, is not a solution," he said.

Try harder, nations told

EU Migration Commissioner Dimitri Avramopoulos conceded at a recent news conference in Paris that the EU is drawing on a country in "very precarious conditions."

The European Union executive on Wednesday beseeched member states to step up their efforts and show goodwill in helping Italy and Greece cope with the surge in migrants crossing the Mediterranean.

EU Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans said, to the applause of legislators at the European Parliament, that "it would already make a world of difference in Europe if every single member state would live up to their commitments to show solidarity."

The EU made commitments to ease the migrant pressure on Italy and Greece by having other member states take in some of the refugees who have made the dangerous Mediterranean crossing, but several countries in eastern and central Europe have shown little or no appetite for doing so.
Al-Shabab militants attached a police post Wednesday on Kenyas coast, sparking a day-long gun battle that killed three officers and injured a fourth, according to police officials. Kenya has seen an uptick in attacks over the past two months near its border with Somalia.

Police officials say the gun battle went on for 10 hours after armed men raided a police post in Lamu County Wednesday. The VOA Somali service reports that al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack.



Since May, al-Shabab has carried out a series of deadly attacks in Kenyas northeast and coast regions, which border Somalia. The targets have been security forces, however a roadside bomb against a police vehicle last week in Lamu County also killed four schoolchildren.



Interior ministry spokesperson Mwenda Njoka says the porous border complicates the situation.

We saw many activities going on the side of Garissa, and some of these guys moving back to Somalia," Njoka said. "But since Ramadan, thats when we started having the IEDs and all that. So the latest incident does not necessarily mean that our multi-agencies that are there have been ineffective. They are still effective, but occasionally you expect some of these insurgents to make entry and cause a loss on our side.



He said security forces are enhancing patrols, which may include patrols by air.



Some analysts see a link between the fresh spate of attacks and nationwide elections coming August 8.

They know everybody is so much focused into politics at the expense of security, said Tuta.



Kenyan security expert Richard Tuta says he fears al-Shabab may have been able to establish roots in the Boni forest despite Kenyan military operations that began nearly two years ago to flush them out. The forest stretches from Lamu County into Somalia.

Kenya as a country, we will start experiencing terrorism being exported not now from Somalia, but from Boni forest itself because its also acting as a very good training ground for the jihadists, said Tuta.



The duration of the gun battle Wednesday, as well as the reported number of attackers, as many as 200 fighters according to some Kenyan media, have raised concern. Police have not confirmed the number of assailants.



George Musamali is director of the Center for Risk Management in Africa.

From Kiunga, you get [to] Raskambooni. We have a whole brigade of KDF plus the Somali national army. So its become very difficult for people to traverse this country and cross the border and get to Kenya to carry out these attacks," Musamali said. "So it means basically that these al-Shabab guys are actually based in Boni forest itself. They are not coming from across the border.



However, the Interior Ministry spokesperson told VOA al-Shabab does not have long-term bases in the Boni forest. He said the militants come and go.



Kenya sent its troops to Somalia more than five years ago as part of an African Union force to defeat al-Shabab. The al-Qaida-linked group responded by ramping up attacks on Kenyan soil. The most recent large-scale attack in Kenya was over two years ago on Garissa University in the northeast. 150 people were killed, most of them students.
A suicide bomber blew himself up at the entrance of a bus station in the central city of Hama on Thursday, killing at least three people and wounding 11, according to Syrian state-run TV.



The midday explosion occurred at the usually busy station where buses depart to Mesiaf, in the Hama countryside. Explosions are rare in the city, which is controlled by President Bashar Assad's forces.



Al-Ikhbariya TV quoted Hama governor, Mohammad al-Hazouri, saying that a suicide bomber blew himself up at the entrance of the bus station while being insplected by security forces, killing two women and a man and wounding 11 others, two of them in critical condition.



Hama saw some of the largest protests against Assad in 2011 that were quickly quelled. The city has remained under the control of government forces throughout the country's civil war, now in its seventh year.



Assad, who rarely travels outside his capital stronghold of Damascus, attended prayers at a mosque in Hama on the first day of the three-day Muslim al-Fitr holiday late last month.
Tanzania on Wednesday appealed to authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to help release its 21 nationals abducted late last month by Mai-Mai rebels in central African nation.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mindi Kasiga told state television the 21 Tanzanians and three Kenyans were driving trucks belonging to two Tanzania-registered companies when they were taken by the Mai-Mai, a "self-defense" militia made up of various ethnic groups that has clashed repeatedly with Congolese troops.

"They were kidnapped by Mai-Mai fighters on June 29 in Lulimba, in South Kivu province, while they were on their way to the Namoya gold mine in Maniema province," Kasiga said.

The Congolese army is fighting the Mai-Mai Yakotumba fighters in South Kivu. On Wednesday, the Congolese army said 12 people had been killed in clashes there.

The regional deputy army spokesman, Dieudonne Kasereka, said, "Our forces are progressing towards the final barrier."

This has raised alarm in Tanzania, which asked the Congolese government to take into account the presence of the kidnapped truckers as they continue with operations against the rebels.

This was not the first time Tanzanian drivers had gotten into trouble in the DRC. In September, Mai-Mai rebels burned four Tanzanian trucks and abducted eight drivers in South Kivu.
Georgia-US deal to jointly prevent terrorism

By Messenger Staff

Georgias State Security Service and the US Terrorist Screening Center signed an intergovernmental agreement today to prevent and address terrorism through a series of joint efforts.The agreement on the Exchange of Terrorist Screening Information was signed by Charles H. Kable, Director of US FBI Terrorist Screening Center, and Irakli Chimakadze, the head of the Counterterrorist Center of the State Security Service of Georgia.The conclusion of this agreement will further joint efforts and enhance cooperation between Georgian and USA to prevent and address terrorism.Furthermore, it will create solid legal basis for developing direct, secure and rapid communication system in the field of exchanging terrorist screening information between the relevant agencies of our two countries, Georgias State Security Service wrote.A signing ceremony was held during the official visit of a US FBI Terrorist Screening Center delegation to Georgia.The delegation also included Charles C. Choi, Chief Counsel at Terrorist Screening Center, and Kathleen M. Noyes, Senior Policy Advisor at Terrorist Screening Center.Such agreements will support Georgias relevant bodies to be in line with high standards in fighting terrorism, an issue which is a cancer upon the civilized world.However, no one in the modern world can be safe form the threat.The United States has years of experience in fighting terrorism and is ever on the alert to future threats.Sharing their experience is very valuable for Georgia.It is also in the interests of the developed world, Georgia, which has an important geopolitical location, not to become a transit route for terrorists.Having a skilled partner in the region who will be able to prevent terrorist risks is in the interests of the US, as well as for other nations who are under the terrorist threat.
The issuance of U.S. visas, passports and other travel documents should be transferred to the Department of Homeland Security from the State Department, a consulting company commissioned by U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has recommended in a report.

The study, by Insigniam Holding LLC, which was seen by Reuters, also urges extending foreign postings for U.S. diplomats by one year and ensuring overlap between arriving and departing diplomats to improve efficiency and impact.

The 110-page study was based on online surveys of 35,386 people within the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development as well as one-on-one interviews with about 300 workers. It was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.

Tillerson commissioned the study as he looks to reorganize the State Department to cut its budget by roughly 30 percent, as laid out in President Donald Trump's budget proposal.

Influential members of Congress, which has the power of the purse, have made clear that they are not willing to institute such sharp budget reductions, which have contributed to anxiety and low morale among many State Department employees.

In the report, the consultants recommended that Tillerson "move issuance of passports, visas and other travel documents to Homeland Security."

"There may be an opportunity to elevate efficiency and reduce cost by this change," it said. "Indications are that doing so would elevate security at our borders."

Jeffrey Gorsky, a former State Department consular official, said the idea of shifting visa issuance from the State Department had been around since the September 11, 2001, attacks, but that improved U.S. security had undercut the argument for this.

Such a shift, he said, would likely require congressional action and could erode the principle of non-reviewability, the current doctrine under which consular decisions may not be reviewed by the courts.

The report also called for crafting "a unifying, clear and vibrant mission" for the State Department and USAID, though the recommendations did not specify one; focusing on "front-line" staff at U.S. embassies and consulates rather than headquarters personnel; and improving management to measure performance, remove "poor performers" and update personnel policies.
Some 78 people were killed and dozens more were injured when a truck heavily loaded with goods and passengers crashed in Central African Republic, a doctor said Wednesday.

The accident occurred Tuesday around 10 km (6 miles) outside the town of Bambari, around 300 km northeast of the capital Bangui, as the truck was traveling to a weekly market day in the village of Maloum.

"At the moment, we have counted 78 dead and 72 wounded. Some wounded were taken directly to their homes from the accident scene and died there some time after, but most died here," said Chamberlain Bama, chief doctor at the university hospital in Bambari.

A member of parliament from Bambari said the truck was overloaded and traveling faster than normal.

"They were driving fast to make it to the market on time. That's what probably caused the accident," Amaseka Topi told Reuters.

Decades of neglect have left the landlocked country's road system in ruins and safety regulations are rarely enforced.

Central African Republic is racked by violence unleashed after mainly Muslim rebels ousted President Francois Bozize in 2013, provoking a backlash from Christian militias.

Thousands have died and a fifth of Central Africans have fled their homes.
The Trump administration says Texas has scrubbed its voter ID law of any potential discrimination and wants a judge who once compared the measure to a poll tax on minorities and the poor to resist further action.

That stance from the U.S. Justice Department, filed in court Wednesday, continues a reversal from Washington over what critics call one of the most restrictive voter ID laws in the nation. Under former President Barack Obama, the federal government joined minority rights groups in suing Texas over measure passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature in 2011.

But that position has changed with President Donald Trump in charge, who has established a commission to investigate allegations of voter fraud in the 2016 elections. Trump last week tweeted frustration over the fact that all states are not fully cooperating with requests for details about every voter in the U.S., and even Texas has said it will only turn over information that is already public.

In February, the Justice Department abandoned the argument Texas passed voter ID rules with purposeful discrimination in mind. Now it says Texas lawmakers fixed things in May by ratifying a weaker version that should satisfy the courts.

The decision rests in the hands of U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos of Corpus Christi, Texas, who has twice ruled that original law was intentionally meant to suppress minority voters.

Texass voter ID law both guarantees to Texas voters the opportunity to cast an in-person ballot and protects the integrity of Texass elections, the Justice Department wrote.

Under the original Texas law, voters had to present one of seven acceptable forms of ID to cast a ballot  concealed handgun licenses were OK, but not college student IDs. The new version allows people without one of those IDs to cast a ballot if they sign an affidavit and bring paperwork showing name and address, such as a bank statement or utility bill.

Democrats and minority rights group contend the weakened version remains too restrictive and could have a chilling effect on voters because it makes lying on the affidavit a felony. In May, Republican lawmakers said the state wouldnt go after voters who make an honest mistake on the form, while also defending the original law as a necessary safeguard.

Opponents ultimately want courts to put Texas elections back under federal supervision, which would require the state to seek permission to change voting laws.
President Donald Trump said Thursday that Russia might have meddled in last year's U.S. presidential election to help him win the White House, but that others also might have interfered.

"I think it was Russia and I think it could have been other people and other countries. Could have been a lot of people [who] interfered, Trump said at a news conference in Warsaw before heading to the G-20 summit of leaders of the world's biggest economies in Hamburg, Germany. "Nobody really knows. Nobody really knows for sure."

Trump's statement is at odds with the more definitive conclusion reached by the U.S. intelligence community that Russian President Vladimir Putin personally directed a campaign to discredit the quadrennial U.S. election and to damage the reputation of Trump's opponent, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

The intelligence finding was reached in August, three months before the November election, leading Trump to again question why his predecessor, former President Barack Obama, "did nothing about it."

Trump said, "Why did he do nothing about it? He was told it was Russia by the CIA  as I understand it. It was well-reported. And he did nothing about it. They say he choked. Well, I dont think he choked  I think what happened is he thought Hillary Clinton was going to win the election and he said, 'Lets not do anything about it.' Had he thought the other way, he would have done something about it."

Trump justified his skepticism about the intelligence community's conclusion about the Russian interference in the U.S. election by citing its incorrect analysis that Iraqi strongman Saddam Hussein was stockpiling weapons of mass destruction before the 2003 U.S. invasion toppled him.

"I remember when I was sitting back, listening about Iraq  weapons of mass destruction," Trump recalled. "How everyone was 100 percent sure that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. Guess what? That led to one big mess. They were wrong. And it led to a mess."

The U.S. intelligence community concluded that Russia last year planted fake election-related stories throughout social media outlets in the U.S. and most prominently hacked into the computer files of Clinton's campaign chief, John Podesta.

The file-sharing, anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks subsequently released thousands of Podesta's emails almost every day in the weeks just before the election detailing embarrassing, behind-the-scenes efforts by Democratic officials to help Clinton win the party's presidential nomination.

Clinton has said the release of the emails was one of the reasons she lost the election, which national surveys had shown she was likely to win.

In a Warsaw speech that followed his news conference, Trump accused Russia of engaging in "destabilizing behavior" in world affairs, a claim Moscow rejected.

Trump is set to meet Putin for the first time Friday on the sidelines of the G-20 summit for face-to-face talks, but it remains uncertain whether the Russian election meddling will be discussed.

In Washington, several Democrats in the Senate said it would be a "severe dereliction" of Trump's role as the American leader if he did not confront Putin about Moscow's election interference.

Representative Adam Schiff of California, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said that Trump, by equivocating on whether Russia interfered, "is not putting America first, but continuing to propagate his own personal fiction at the country's expense."

Numerous investigations of the Russian interference in the election are underway in the United States, including several in Congress.

Special counsel Robert Mueller is conducting a probe into whether Trump campaign aides illegally colluded with Russian officials to help Trump win and whether the president obstructed justice by firing the former head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, James Comey, who was leading the Russia investigation before Mueller took over.

Trump said he was thinking of "this Russia thing" when he ousted Comey and has generally been dismissive of the investigations, saying that Democrats are using the Russian interference as an excuse for having lost the election.
U.S. President Donald Trump discussed a variety of global issues late Thursday in Hamburg with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, one of his frequent critics on the world stage, just ahead of Friday's start of the G-20 summit of the leaders of the world's biggest economies.

The two leaders met in a hotel, briefly greeting each other in front of reporters before heading behind closed doors for their talks. Later, a Merkel spokesman said economic and trade issues, North Korea's latest missile test and turmoil in the Middle East and Ukraine were discussed.

In recent days, Merkel has voiced her displeasure at Trump's withdrawal from the 2015 international Paris climate agreement aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions across the globe in the coming years. She has called Trump's decision "extraordinarily regrettable."

She also has said that Europe can no longer entirely rely on the United States as a partner on the world stage, as Trump advances his "America First" policies. Merkel has said that Germany and China can work together to resolve world issues.

For his part, Trump has been critical of Merkel's efforts to allow more immigrants to cross into Germany at a time when the U.S. leader has been defending his order to curb immigration from six majority-Muslim countries in an effort to combat possible terrorist attacks.

It is the second time the two leaders have met for face-to-face talks, with Merkel having visited the White House in Washington in March, when awkward exchanges marked their time in front of cameras.

During a joint news conference, Trump quipped that the two leaders had something in common, a reference to Trump's unsubstantiated claim that former President Barack Obama wiretapped him during the 2016 U.S. election. The German was furious when she found out that the U.S. had tapped her calls during the Obama administration.

Merkel did not smile at Trump's attempt at a humorous recall of the eavesdropping.
President Donald Trump opened his second visit to Europe at a Polish castle Thursday, welcomed by President Andrzej Duda and a vigorous handshake. The leaders then retreated to a room decorated with red walls for their private talks.

Afterward, they spoke to reporters.

Duda welcomed Trump to Poland and said he and Trump discussed NATO, strengthening Eastern Europe as well as ways to increase Polands security.

They also discussed shipments of LNG gas from the U.S. to Poland; the first shipment arrived in Poland last month  with Trump joking about raising the price.

Trump noted that Polish-Americans came out in droves to vote in the last U.S. election. He said the U.S. and Poland have never been closer. He said U.S. and Polish soldiers have fought side by side, and that Poland has made welcome 5,000 U.S. troops stationed there. Later, in answer to a reporters question, Duda said Poland and U.S. will discuss specifics of those troop deployments at a later date.

Trump also made a point that Poland has met its NATO financing commitment. And I appreciate that very much, Trump added.

Trump, in his first public comments since North Korea tested an intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time, declined to say how the U.S. might respond, saying he was weighing it and that he does not draw red lines.



Its a shame that theyre behaving this way, Trump said of North Koreas leaders. But they are behaving in a very, very dangerous manner, and something will have to be done about it.

After their opening remarks, Trump and Duda took four questions. They were asked about whether the U.S. and Poland would enter into more contracts for LNG and when. Trump said the U.S. is an exporter of energy and is open to signing more contracts. Duda answered by saying he and Trump would not be the ones signing those contracts, they would be signed by companies. He also said Poland could be a hub for LNG entering Eastern Europe.

The last question involved Russia and whether Trump would say definitively if Russia interfered in the 2016 U.S. election.

Trump answered that he thought it was Russia, and it was probably others as well and that "nobody really knows for sure."

He accused former President Barack Obama, who knew of the meddling as early as August, of not doing anything to stop it because he thought Trumps opponent, Hillary Clinton, would win.

After the handful of questions, the press conference ended so that Trump could deliver a keynote address to the Poles from Krasinski Square, the site of a monument commemorating the 1944 Warsaw Uprising against the Nazis.

Earlier Thursday Duda said Trumps visit to Warsaw strengthens Polands position in the European Union.

Trumps visit also strengthened Polands defense. Wednesday night, the U.S. agreed to sell Patriot missile defense systems to Poland in a memorandum, Polands Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz said.

A memorandum was signed tonight that the U.S. government has agreed to sell Poland Patriot missiles in the most modern configuration, Macierewicz said in a news conference broadcast on public television Thursday morning.

I am glad that I can pass on this information on the day of Presidents Trump visit to Warsaw, Macierewicz added.

Trump arrived Wednesday in Warsaw where the White House said he would showcase his commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in a speech and in meetings with a group of nations closest to Russia on his way to the G20 summit in Germany Friday and Saturday.

Trump is also expected to deliver a keynote address to the Poles from Krasinski Square, the site of a monument commemorating the 1944 Warsaw Uprising against the Nazis.



He'll also be meeting with the heads of a dozen countries bordered by the Baltic, Adriatic and Black seas known as the Three Seas Initiative. The group aims to expand and modernize energy and trade with the goal of reducing the region's dependence on Russian energy.

This is the second foreign visit by president Trump and it starts in Poland. This shows we are a country that matters and it strengthens our position in the European Union, Duda said Thursday on public radio.

In March Poland said it expected to sign a deal worth up to $7.6 billion with U.S. firm Raytheon to buy eight Patriot missile defense systems by the end of the year. Warsaw sees the deal as central to a thorough modernization of its armed forces by 2023.


This first face-to-face meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will take place on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Hamburg. The Kremlin says terrorism, Syria and Ukraine will top its agenda.

The White House says Trump will decide what to discuss, calling it a normal bilateral meeting. Trump could raise any topic, analysts say, but Secretary of State Rex Tillerson tipped his hand somewhat with a statement late Wednesday saying the U.S. president will raise the crisis in Syria in his talks with the Kremlin leader.

Watch: Trump-Putin Meeting: Closely Watched but Expectations Low

He may decide he wants to push the meeting in some unexpected direction," says the Council on Foreign Relations Stephen Sestanovich. "And, we have to be prepared for this. This is a little bit his style.

However, ongoing investigations into the Trump campaigns alleged collusion with Russia are casting a shadow over administration hopes the meeting could lead to improved relations.

Everything that happens between Trump and Putin is going to be seen in that context, says the Hudson Institutes Hannah Thoburn. Was Trump too friendly? Was Trump actually trying to seem very tough on Russia in order to quiet down his critics back at home? I think those are a lot of questions that we will see the answers to shortly.

Concessions unlikely

The Russian diplomatic property in the U.S. that the Barack Obama administration seized could be on the table. The Kremlin is threatening retaliation if the property is not returned. Obama ordered the seizure in response to evidence of Russian meddling in last year's election.

But Trump offering major concessions is unlikely, says Thoburn.

I think its going to be very difficult, particularly for President Trump, to give much," she said. "To say, well, were going to take these particular sanctions away its going to be very difficult because of the position hes in here domestically.

Even fewer expect Trump to raise the issue of Russian hacking that U.S. intelligence says was aimed at helping him get elected.

America expects from Trump a tough dialogue with Putin dealing with Russias alleged interference into the elections in America. But I think that Trump will be quite embarrassed to raise this issue, says the Carnegie Moscow Centers Andrei Kolesnikov. Putin, naturally, wont touch on this issue. So, it will just fall out from the agenda.

WATCH: Andrei Kolesnikov on Trump-Putin meeting

On the streets of Moscow, Russians hope the meeting means relations will get better after some rough years.

Someone should realize that if we do not collaborate together, we do not progress, says a Muscovite who only gave his first name - Konstantin.

U.S.-Russia relations took a nose dive over the Kremlins 2014 annexation of Ukraines Crimea and military support for pro-Russia separatists in eastern Ukraine.

The Kremlin hoped for a U-turn with the election of Trump, who praised Putin during his campaign and expressed a strong desire to work with Russia on Syria.

'Toxic' Russia

But allegations of Russian hacking and Trump campaign collusion mean any new U.S.-Russia cooperation is subject to intense scrutiny.

Russia has become toxic. You can't mention that you ate Russian blinis in Washington without being put on the FBI watch list, says Konstantin von Eggert, a political commentator for Russias independent TV Dozhd. And to some extent we have a paradoxical situation in which Russian leadership can't really talk to American leadership because every single step the Americans take is reviewed under a microscope by the democratic opposition, by the media, and - and let's face it, by serious elements of the state bureaucracy. It's a situation of be careful what you wish for.

Some analysts say any steps toward cooperation would likely be limited to rhetoric.

We see currently neither a concrete agenda, nor concrete goals for both leaders, nor even the willpower to implement these goals, says Kolesnikov. Putin seems to wait for some steps from Trump, while Trump is unable to cope with his own problems inside America. He does not know how to shape his attitude to Putin. No objective, no willpower, no progress.

Trump needs to be firm on support for Ukraine and on the conflict in Syria, says Thoburn, as the Kremlin tries to take ground when it sees weakness. So, I would advise the president to go in with a strong sense of what he wants in Syria, what are the red lines, what actions will not be tolerated by the United States.

Trump sent a strong signal when U.S. cruise missiles targeted the Syrian air force over alleged use of chemical weapons, adds Thoburn.

Regardless of the outcome, the bilateral meeting is a win for the Kremlin, Kolesnikov says. If it goes badly, Russia will blame the U.S. If it goes well, Putin will take the credit.



Other than tweets by the U.S. president, observers will be watching visual cues between the two men. Much attention has focused on Trumps handshake and how other leaders respond to it. Both the U.S. and Russian presidents are known for projecting a physically strong image, says Sestanovich. But he notes that Putin at 170 centimeters (5 feet 7 inches) is quite a bit shorter than Trumps 188 centimeters (6 feet 2 inches).

Heres one thing I would suggest people watch for - how uncomfortable is Putin being much smaller than Trump? Putin has been more comfortable with shorter American leaders, more uncomfortable with tall ones.



Jessie Oni, Elizabeth Cherneff, Olga Pavlova and Charles Maynes contributed to this report.
U.S. President Donald Trump urged the leaders of central and eastern European nations Thursday to enter into agreements to purchase U.S. energy exports, instead of relying heavily on imports from Russia.

"America stands ready to help Poland and other European nations diversify their energy supplies, so that you can never be held hostage to a single supplier," Trump said in Warsaw, Poland, where he attended a meeting of 12 European nations.

Trump did not mention Russia, but many observers believed his remarks were meant to get the leaders to view the U.S. as a viable alternate source of energy.

In 2008, Russia cut supplies of natural gas to Europe during a dispute with Ukraine. Russia's subsequent military intervention in Ukraine and its annexation of Crimea raised concerns about Europe's over-reliance on Russian gas.

The meeting of the European nations, The Three Seas Summit, was attended by nations located around the Adriatic, Baltic and Black Seas. The nations are involved in an ongoing initiative to strengthen relations through energy, trade and infrastructure deals.

One of the goals of the Three Seas nations is to develop energy infrastructure that aligns with recent European Union efforts to more effectively merge gas pipelines to guard against supply disruptions, particularly from Russia.

The Trump administration hopes to export more liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the region. The U.S. has large inventories of low-priced natural gas and is constructing new terminals for shipping the gas overseas.

Trump's comments were made one day before he is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Hamburg, Germany.

FBI and several congressional probes are under way into whether Trump's presidential campaign colluded with Russia when it interfered in the 2016 U.S. election.

Trump has dismissed or downplayed findings by the U.S. intelligence community that Russia meddled in the election with the intent of helping Trump win the presidency.
On Day 20 of his "March for Justice" Kemal Kilicdaroglu still has a spring in his step. The 68-year-old leader of Turkey's Republican Peoples Party (CHP) has often been criticized for being an ineffectual opposition party leader. Now, Kilicdaroglu is galvanizing opposition to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his year-long crackdown on dissent following last Julys failed coup.



This march has already made a difference, said Volkan Yosunlu, who like so many got up in the early hours of the morning to travel from Istanbul to join the march. For 20 days, tens of thousands of people walking together proclaiming the same message of justice is a reflection of a growing awareness and something positive is really emerging out of this, said Yosunlu.



Marchers' spirits high



"Adalet" means justice, and that is the simple message marchers carry on banners, placards and t-shirts. Marchers say they are trying to reach across the political divide bring attention to the thousands of people who have been jailed and lost jobs in Erdogan's post-coup crackdown.

"There are deputies arrested, there are many journalists arrested. Also the academics. Also the education system fell apart, claims Zeynep Altiok CHP deputy leader as she walks towards Istanbul flanked by cheering fellow marchers. The judiciary system is also very much under pressure. So all this together, from different levels of society everybody feels it for them right now, everybody feels for justice, everybody seeks for justice."



Erdogan blasts marchers

President Erdogan accuses the marchers of treason and of collaborating with terror groups.

"You are launching a march for terrorists and for their supporters, Erdogan bellowed on Sunday. You have never thought about marching against terrorist groups, you can convince no one that your aim is justice.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has even suggested the march could be a second coup attempt against him.

March picks up steam



Despite such rhetoric the march goes on, and continues to pick up more supporters along the way. The growing success of the march is putting Erdogan in a difficult situation.

There is really not much Erdogan can really do, points out Semih Idiz political columnist of Al Monitor website. He knows if he prevents it, then the issue grows even larger, the interest it attracts, would grow not just in Turkey but internationally. So he is in a dilemma here, no doubt about. It seems to be almost a prelude to something else. Now people don't know what this will be prelude too, but there is this feeling that will be a prelude of sorts to something else, added Idiz.

Many passing cars and trucks sound car horns in support, while people line the road to applaud.



People are really giving big support to us, this woman marcher says, They wave at us, they kiss us and wish us the best, they hug us with love, they get tears in their eyes. They say 'May god Help you. She adds, "We have seen incredible support from the people. We got some negative reaction too, but mostly it was positive."

Erdogan still strong



Erdogan still enjoys considerable backing in the country. On the march route, his supporters blast his campaign song and display a four-finger sign, symbolizing support for the president.



Political divisions in Turkey will likely deepen as more people join the march. Kilicdarolgu worries about such tensions, but insists they are committed to peaceful resistance. We have never been and we will never be in favor of violence. They tried to force us to show violent behaviors, they tried to provoke us, but we never, ever responded, he said.

Kilicdaroglu is calling for greater police protection for the march. The march is scheduled to arrive Sunday in Istanbul.
Several hundred Islamic State fighters are still clinging to control of a small part of the city of Mosul in Iraq, but Iraqi commanders and U.N. officials said Thursday that thousands of civilians are trapped there, in extreme danger from the fighting raging around them.

IS militants have pressed their family members into the fight for Mosul, now in its final stages, and Iraqi commanders said the extremists have threatened to blow up any civilians who try to flee to safety.

"The women are fighting with their children right beside them,'' Lieutenant General Sami al-Aridhi of Iraq's elite counterterrorism service said.

"It's making us hesitant to use airstrikes" against the remaining Islamic State fighters, he added. "If it weren't for this, we could be finished in just a few hours.''

The Iraqis said thousands of civilians are trapped in Mosul's Old City, once a maze of alleys and narrow passages among ancient buildings but now largely a sea of wreckage.

A U.N. humanitarian official in Iraq, Lise Grande, told the French press agency that the pockets of Mosul still held by IS could be sheltering "as many as 15,000 civilians, possibly even as high as 20,000." That estimate was not confirmed by the Iraqi military, although General al-Aridhi agreed the remaining civilians are in great danger.

The militants have used explosives to stop any civilians trying to escape, he said, and they have deployed female suicide bombers near buildings where civilians have been hiding. "They have been waiting for [Iraqi] troops to reach them, and then blow themselves up," the commander said.

Stabilizing, rebuilding

Mosul was once by far the most populous area controlled by Islamic State, and the place where the militants declared their "caliphate" over parts of Iraq and neighboring Syria. Now it is in ruins, with thousands of residential buildings seriously damaged or destroyed, and attention has begun to turn toward the task of eventually rebuilding the ancient city on the Euphrates River in northern Iraq.

In Washington, the State Department announced Thursday it will provide an additional $150 million to help stabilize Iraq after the Islamic State militants are driven out.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will work through the U.N. Development Program, State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said, adding: "The funds will support efforts to establish basic security, re-establish essential services, restore local economies, stabilize communities and allow Iraqis to finally return home."

The United Nations estimates it will cost more than $700 million to restore basic services and repair war damage in Mosul. USAID said the stabilization program it is supporting is intended to restore water, electricity and sewage services, provide health care and rebuild the education system.

The U.S. funds, part of a total commitment of more than $265 million over two years, also will provide temporary, cash-for-work employment to jump-start local economies, officials said.
U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on Thursday signed an order to hold more lease sales and to speed up approving permits to explore for oil and gas on federal land, a process he said got bogged down under former President Barack Obama.

The order is the latest move by the administration of President Donald Trump to make it easier to drill and mine on federal land, which Zinke said is a source of income for the government.

The Interior Department's Bureau of Land Management is supposed to take 30 days to review applications for permits to drill, but Zinke said the average time for processing in 2016 was 257 days.

"I'm directing the BLM to conduct quarterly lease sales and address these permitting issues," Zinke said in a statement. "We are also looking at opportunities to bring support to our front line offices who are facing the brunt of this workload."

There were 2,802 permit applications pending as of January 31, with three-quarters of them filed in five field offices in Wyoming, Utah, North Dakota and New Mexico.

On a call with reporters, Zinke did not say how long this streamlining process would take.

"This is not going to be done overnight. What we don't want is unintended consequences," he said.

Environmental groups criticized the announcement and said that companies have already leased vast amounts of public lands but have held off on drilling because of record-low oil prices.

"With historically low gas prices, these companies aren't using millions of acres of leases they already have, so there's no reason to hand over even more," said Chris Saeger, executive director of the Western Values Project.

The group pointed to Interior Department data that showed that production on federal land increased by 77 percent between 2008 and 2015.

The Independent Petroleum Association of America, a lobbying group for independent drillers, welcomed the announcement, which came a week after Zinke met with its president, Barry Russell.

"Reinstating quarterly lease sales is vital as independent producers consider future American energy opportunities on federal lands," said Dan Naatz, the group's head of government relations.
U.S. President Donald Trump Thursday called on all nations to confront the threat posed by North Korea and to publicly demonstrate to that country there are consequences for their very, very bad behavior.

Speaking during a visit to Poland, Trump said he is not one to draw red lines or talk about his plans but that he has some pretty severe things he is thinking about. He did not elaborate.

On Wednesday, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told Security Council members that the United States is prepare to use military means to defend against the threat posed by North Koreas launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile. But she said it would be best to try to resolve the crisis through diplomatic and economic measures.

Haley said the United States is prepared to defend itself and its allies.

One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces, she said. The United States has 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea and about 50,000 in Japan.

Haley told Security Council members at an emergency meeting Wednesday: "We will use them if we must, but we prefer not to have to go in that direction."

North Korea's launch of an ICBM for the first time triggered widespread condemnation and an immediate diplomatic crisis. Parts of North America are believed to be in range of the new multistage rocket Pyongyang test-fired Tuesday.

WATCH: 'We Must Do More,' Haley Tells U.N.

Overall threat still limited

U.S. military officials said there were multiple reasons to be concerned about the North Korean action, but that the overall threat to the U.S. and its allies  Japan and South Korea, in particular  is still limited.

Haley said the United States will propose new sanctions against North Korea shortly. A new draft resolution will be circulated among Security Council members "in the coming days," she noted, adding the measure "raises the international response in a way that's proportionate to North Korea's escalation."

Among new sanctions under consideration, U.S. officials indicated, are restrictions on the flow of oil and other energy supplies to Pyongyang's military and weapons programs, tightened controls over air and maritime traffic to North Korea, and further moves to hold senior officials of the Kim Jong Un regime accountable for the country's defiance of international demands to shut down its nuclear-weapons development program.

The U.S. and China remain far apart on what to do about North Korea, and Beijing's response to the next U.S. move on North Korea will be key to the success of the American effort.

In a clear reference to China, the U.S. ambassador said: "There are countries allowing, even encouraging, trade with North Korea in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. Such countries would also like to continue their trade arrangements with the United States.

"That's not going to happen," Haley said, warning that President Donald Trump's administration is willing to use its "great capabilities in the area of trade" when countries do not take international security threats seriously.

China-North Korea trade

China is North Korea's largest commercial partner, and the trade volume between the two countries rose 37.4 percent in the first part of this year, according to Chinese data released in April.

China did announce in February it was suspending all coal imports from North Korea through the end of 2017, to comply with the U.N. sanctions program. Coal is Pyongyang's single largest export, and the Chinese action could cost Pyongyang hundreds of millions of dollars.

China's U.N. ambassador, Liu Jieyi, said the North Korean missile launch was "unacceptable" and a "flagrant violation" of U.N. resolutions, but he did not say whether Beijing would support new sanctions, and he dismissed the idea of a military solution to the crisis on the Korean peninsula.

China proposed a resolution calling on Pyongyang to suspend its military programs and for the United States and South Korea to likewise suspend their annual joint military exercises. The U.S. has so far rejected this idea.

U.S. officials said Pyongyang's first-ever demonstration of an intercontinental weapon caught the world's attention, and they warned that the diplomatic window of opportunity for resolving tensions on the Korean peninsula is "quickly closing."

Missile launch 'has our attention'

The United States tracked the two-stage ICBM for 37 minutes after it took off from a mobile launcher Tuesday near Panghyon Airport. Experts said the rocket was fired in a very steep orbit, rising far above Earth's atmosphere before splashing down in the Sea of Japan.

The missile carried a re-entry vehicle, they said, which apparently was intended to demonstrate it could withstand the intense heat of a high-speed descent through the atmosphere. The re-entry capsule could be used to carry a nuclear warhead, but it is uncertain whether North Korea has yet developed the technology to miniaturize and "ruggedize" a nuclear device for such a ballistic flight.

The missile, which fell into the sea due west of the Tsugaru Strait, "is not one we've seen before," Pentagon spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis told reporters Wednesday. He said the new rocket apparently would be capable of traveling more than 5,500 kilometers  a range that could reach Alaska and parts of Canada, but not Hawaii or the contiguous 48 U.S. "mainland" states.

Nevertheless, Davis said, the new weapon "has our attention."

"This was a test launch," the Pentagon spokesman added. "It was not assessed to be posing a threat to the United States or our allies.

"We do have confidence in our ability to defend against the limited threat, the nascent threat that is there," Davis said.

In a test last month, a U.S.-based missile interceptor knocked down a simulated incoming North Korean ICBM. Other tests of the system, however, have met with mixed results.

The Defense Department assessment came as the North Korean leader boasted about the missile launch. Kim told a group of scientists and technicians the new rocket was "a package of gifts" timed to coincide with the U.S. Independence Day holiday.

The regime's Korean Central News Agency said Kim expected the U.S. would be "displeased" by Pyongyang's achievement, and urged his scientists to conduct further tests as "big and small 'gift packages' to the Yankees."
Senior U.S. and Chinese officials will meet to discuss bilateral economic issues this month after threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to use trade to pressure Beijing to do more to rein in North Korea's weapons programs, said a U.S. official with knowledge of the decision.

The meeting of the U.S.-China Comprehensive Economic Dialogue will take place in Washington on July 19, and will be the first covering economic and trade issues in a new format for U.S.-China dialogue agreed after a summit between Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, in April.

Trump pledged repeatedly during his election campaign to take a tough stance on Chinese trade practices deemed unfair to the United States, but his rhetoric softened after a friendlier-than-expected summit with Xi.

Shortly after their meeting, Trump said he had told Xi that China would get a better trade deal if it worked to rein in North Korea, whose nuclear and missile programs have become an increasing threat to the United States.

Lately though, Trump, who is to meet Xi again on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Hamburg this week, has appeared increasingly frustrated that China  North Korea's neighbor and main trading partner  has not taken stronger action.

North Korea said it tested its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Tuesday and experts said it appeared to be of a type capable of hitting all of Alaska, prompting renewed U.S. calls for global diplomatic action.

The United States has said it will propose new United Nations sanctions in response to the test, but it is unclear whether China and Russia will support these. Unlike Washington, neither Moscow nor Beijing have described the missile used in the test as an ICBM.

Trump vowed on Thursday to confront North Korea "very strongly" after the latest missile test and urged nations to show Pyongyang that there would be consequences for its weapons programs.
The United States is calling for a tough response to North Koreas launch this week of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and one key country Washington and others are looking to for help is China, particularly as the U.S. seeks to draw up new and tighter sanctions.



North Korea is expected to be a key topic when Chinese leader Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump host talks on the sidelines of this week's Group of 20 summit in Hamburg, Germany.



Japan, South Korea and the United States are also scheduled to hold trilateral talks on North Korea during the summit on Friday and Saturday.



Britains foreign minister, Boris Johnson, has called on China to do more to increase pressure on Pyongyang.



"The single most important thing is that the country with the most direct economic relationship with North Korea, that is China, has got to continue to put on the pressure. And in the last six months or so, we are seeing some real changes in Beijing's attitude to North Korea and that's got to go further," Johnson said in an interview with BBC radio.



China indispensable



China is North Korea's biggest ally and trading partner. Over the first quarter of this year, China saw its trade with North Korea grow by nearly 40 percent.

At the same time, however, Beijing has begun implementing new sanctions, on North Korean coal, that were passed late last year. In February, Beijing banned the import of coal for the rest of the year, and according to statistics released in April, those imports to China dropped by almost 52 percent, compared with the same period last year.



Chinese analysts argue that China is already doing more than it is being given credit for.



The West believes that China has great influence over North Korea, highlighting its military alliance with the North and North Koreas economic reliance on China and argues that strong sanctions through either can change its behavior, but such thinking and assumptions are incorrect, said Cai Jian, a North Korea specialist and professor at Shanghais Fudan University.



In an interview with VOAs Mandarin service, Cai said that what North Korea really needs is security assurance, which China cannot provide.



So far, China has expressed its condemnation of the launch along with other countries, calling it a flagrant violation of United Nations resolutions. China has not, however, said anything definitive regarding sanctions.



Tighter sanctions



At an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting on North Korea Wednesday, U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley said a new draft resolution would be circulated among council members in the coming days.

U.S. officials have indicated that restrictions on the flow of oil and other energy supplies to Pyongyang's military and weapons programs, tightened controls over air and maritime traffic to North Korea, and further moves to hold senior officials of the Kim Jong Un regime responsible are among the new sanctions under consideration. Chinese analysts have indicated that controls on travel to North Korea and its export of labor could also be considered.



The export of forced labor is a key conduit through which North Korea obtains funds from overseas. The issue was highlighted recently when Secretary of State Rex Tillerson unveiled a new report on human trafficking. In the ranking, released late last month, China was listed among the worlds worst human trafficking offenders.



In comments, Tillerson accused Russia and China of, in effect, paying North Korea for slave labor.



Still, some are skeptical that sanctions can stop North Korea.



Richard Bitzinger, a senior fellow at Singapores S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, said sanctions may make the West feel good but are unlikely to change North Koreas behavior because they do not impact the elite.



Kim and the top one percent of the North Korean hierarchy have ways to get around sanctions and make sure that they stay in that comfortable lifestyle, he said. We are past the point where the North Koreans will give up their nuclear weapons and missile systems.

Ripe for disruption



Others argue that there are chokeholds that could be better used to dismantle and disrupt North Koreas illicit overseas financing and procurements for its weapons programs.



They also note that North Koreas sanctions pale in comparison to what was used to help broker a deal with Iran.



In a recent report, titled Risky Business, the Center for Advanced Defense Studies argues that while North Korea uses a wide range of networks to skirt international programs and continue its pursuit of nuclear weapons, the system is centralized, limited and vulnerable. The report argues that the disruption of key facilitators could greatly increase pressure on Kim Jong Un to return to the negotiating table.

China, the largest market exploited by North Korean overseas networks, represents about 85 percent of total North Korean trade, the report said. Yet, this entire trading system has consisted of only 5,233 companies from 2013 to 2016.



Such work is already underway. Last year, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Dandong Hongxiang Industrial Development Co., its company head Ma Xiaohong and three other employees over their close ties to North Koreas nuclear weapons program. And while China is opposed to unilateral sanctions, it also carried out its own investigation.



Ma was arrested, but charges against her, if any, have not been made public and no one knows where she is. Ma is a former communist party member who also held a seat on Liaoning Provinces Peoples Congress before her arrest.



Late last month, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on two Chinese citizens and a shipping company for helping North Korea. The Bank of Dandong, based in a city that is a key crossing point to North Korea, was also sanctioned, accused of money laundering for Pyongyang.
There is a happy ending for a team of Gambian students who planned to compete in a major global robotics contest in Washington later this month.

The five-members were granted visas Thursday to come to the United States after being turned down earlier this week.

They say they are still disappointed that their mentor, education and science ministry director, Mucktarr Darboe, was not granted a visa.

But the Gambian American Association will escort the students around Washington.

Gambia and Afghanistan were the only two countries whose robotics teams were initially denied visas. Neither were given any reason.

The Afghan students had planned to try again this week.

The Gambian and Afghan students were especially puzzled because teams from Iran and Sudan, and a group of Syrian refugees were given visas. All three Muslim-majority countries are on President Donald Trump's travel ban. Afghanistan and Gambia are not.

Lida Azizi, a 17-year old from Herat, calls the visa rejection "a clear insult for the people of Afghanistan."

The group called FIRST Global Challenge holds the yearly robotics competition to build up interest in science, technology, engineering and math across the world.

The group says the focus of the competition is finding solutions to problems in such fields as water, energy, medicine and food production.
Qatar Airways says its passengers can once again carry on laptop computers and other personal electronics for direct flights to the United States.

The airline says it and its hub Hamad International Airport had met new U.S. security requirements.

In March, the U.S. banned laptops and large electronics from the cabins of direct flights from 10 airports in the Middle East and North Africa over concerns that terrorists could hide bombs inside the devices.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said last week airlines needed to implement sophisticated imaging technology for X-Ray and ultrasound screening of carry-on devices, or continue to ban passengers from bringing the electronics on the plane.

Qatar Airways is the fourth airline to announce this week the restrictions were being lifted for its passengers.

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad, Dubai-based Emirates and Istanbul-based Turkish Airlines also say they have met the new requirements.

Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst and president of the San Francisco-based Atmosphere Research Group, told VOA he is not surprised at how quickly the airlines and associated airports have made the changes because they had already invested a lot of money into keeping up with U.S. Department of Homeland Security screening standards.

Harteveldt also described what he thinks passengers can now expect.

"First the screening may take a little bit longer than youre used to," he said."There may be a secondary screening applied at the boarding gate, either before you enter the gate area itself or before you leave the gate to board the airplane."

An Emirates spokesperson said in a statement new imaging technology was put in place at Dubai International, the world's busiest airport for international travel.

Emirates airlines had reported a decline in the past month in demand for flights to the United States, and consequently cut its schedule from Dubai to five U.S. cities.

The ban still applies to non-stop U.S.-bound flights from airports in Jordan, Kuwait, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Morocco.
The Trump administration on Wednesday renewed an offer to cooperate with Russia in the Syrian conflict, including on military matters, ahead of President Donald Trump's meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin later this week.

In a statement, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the U.S. is open to establishing no-fly zones in Syria in coordination with Russia as well as jointly setting up a truce monitoring and humanitarian aid delivery mechanism. The statement came as Trump prepared to meet with Putin on Friday in Germany and as the U.S. seeks to consolidate gains made against the Islamic State in recent weeks and prepare for a post-IS group future.

Tillerson noted that the U.S. and Russia have a variety of unresolved differences but said Syria is an opportunity for the two countries to create stability in Syria. He said that the Islamic State had been badly wounded and may be on the brink of complete defeat as U.S.-backed forces continue their assault on the self-proclaimed IS capital of Raqqa. But he stressed that Russia has to play a constructive role.

While there are no perfect options for guaranteeing stability, we must explore all possibilities for holding the line against the resurgence of ISIS or other terrorist groups, Tillerson said. The United States and Russia certainly have unresolved differences on a number of issues, but we have the potential to appropriately coordinate in Syria in order to produce stability and serve our mutual security interests.

He said that Russia, as an ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad and a participant in the conflict, has a responsibility to ensure that the needs of the Syrian people are met and that no faction in Syria illegitimately re-takes or occupies areas liberated from ISIS' or other terrorist groups' control. Tillerson added that Russia has an obligation to prevent any further use of chemical weapons of any kind by the Assad regime.

The appeal echoed similar entreaties made to Putin by the Obama administration that were largely ignored by Moscow, but they came just two days ahead of Trump's first face-to-face meeting with the Russian leader that is set to take place on Friday on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Hamburg, Germany.

And, the offer went beyond the Obama administration's offers, suggesting that cooperation in establishing no-fly zones was possible. Tillerson noted that despite differences, the U.S. and Russia are having success in avoiding accidents between American and Russian planes flying over an extremely complex conflict zone. Minor incidents, he said, had been dealt with quickly and peacefully.

This cooperation over de-confliction zones process is evidence that our two nations are capable of further progress, Tillerson said. The United States is prepared to explore the possibility of establishing with Russia joint mechanisms for ensuring stability, including no-fly zones, on the ground ceasefire observers, and coordinated delivery of humanitarian assistance.

If our two countries work together to establish stability on the ground, it will lay a foundation for progress on the settlement of Syria's political future, he said.
Rifts are widening in Theresa Mays Cabinet over Brexit with two rival schools of thoughts emerging, one favoring a sharp break with the European Union and the other, led by the ruling Conservatives increasingly influential Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond, wanting closer ties with the European bloc.

The mounting tensions are emerging as surveys suggest British voters are becoming more skittish over Brexit, possibly a reflection of increasingly bad news about the British economy, which is the worst performing major economy.

According to a YouGov poll, 60 percent of Britons believe trade with Europe should take priority in the departure negotiations with the bloc, rather than immigration issues, thought to be a key driver of the Brexit vote a year ago.

Rising public concern about post-Brexit economic prospects comes amid signs that Britain will need to improve the skills of its own workers rapidly or make better use of robots in manufacturing and assembly plants, as it could be faced with a crippling skills shortage.

The consultancy firm Deloitte found in a survey last week that 47 percent of highly skilled workers from other European countries are thinking of leaving. It warned that if they do, there will be a serious implications for employers.

Overseas workers, especially those from the EU, tell us they are more likely to leave the UK than before, said David Sproul of Deloitte.

The split within the upper echelons of the ruling Conservatives over Brexit has gotten sharper since last months inconclusive elections that left May weakened and her party remaining in government thanks to a voting deal she made with 10 Northern Ireland lawmakers to give her a slight working majority in the House of Commons.

Few analysts believe May will see out the year before she has to step down and is replaced. The battle is playing out in public with key ministers taking swipes at each other over how Britain should leave the European Union, adding to the sense of a government in disarray.

Hammond has warned that petty politics must not be allowed to interfere with economic logic, while the minister charged with overseeing Brexit negotiations with Brussels, David Davis, has remained firm that Britain should leave by March 2019 both the single market and customs union. It could remain in both, if London agreed to pay into the EU budget and accept the principle of free movement of labor.

The stark division within the party was illustrated Tuesday when a 2010 video surfaced of Conservative lawmaker Steve Baker speaking to a Libertarian Alliance gathering. Baker, a junior minister and a member of Daviss Brexit negotiating team, branded the European Union as an obstacle to world peace and incompatible with a free society. He argued it should be wholly torn down.

That is not the position of most Conservative lawmakers, but reflective of a hard-core minority who are propping up May, fearful that if she goes Hammond would probably be the most likely to replace her.

Moderate backbench Conservative lawmakers have been reaching out to opposite numbers in the Labour and Liberal Democrat ranks to try to plot a parliamentary way forward to block a so-called hard Brexit and to fashion one that would allow Britain to retain membership of the Single Market and Customs Union. They are not being helped by Labours hard-left leader Jeremy Corbyn, who is presiding over a party almost as divided as the Conservatives over Brexit.

Labours position isn't clear, it campaigned last month as a Brexit party that wants to withdraw Britain from the Single Market, doing so because it feared desertion by working-class voters angry over the large number of immigrants working in the country. Corbyn has talked since about wanting a jobs-focused Brexit, but has punished 49 Labour lawmakers who ignored him last week and supported a rebel amendment calling for Britain to stay in the single market and customs union.

European officials say with the incoherence underlining British politics they are becoming increasingly fearful that Brexit negotiations will collapse, leaving Britain exiting Europe with no trade deal.

They aren't the only ones worried. This week the director of the Leave campaign during last years referendum, expressed grave doubts about Brexit. In a Twitter exchange Dominic Cummings said he feared a debacle in the EU negotiations and admitted the referendum had been a dumb idea. Leaving the European Union could be an error, he said.
The intercontinental ballistic missile North Korea successfully tested this week is "not one we have seen before," the U.S. Defense Department said Wednesday, describing its immediate threat to the United States as "limited."

Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis said, "We have still not seen a number of things that would indicate a full-up-threat." He noted that in a successful test last month, a U.S.-based missile interceptor knocked down a simulated incoming North Korean ICBM.

Davis said the missile Pyongyang tested Tuesday was capable of flying more than 5,500 kilometers (3,400 miles), a long-enough range to pose a threat to Alaska, the northwesternmost U.S. state, but not the 48 contiguous states further to the south or the Pacific island state of Hawaii.

The Defense Department assessment came as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un boasted about the missile launch. He told a group of scientists and technicians that the United States would be "displeased" to receive what he called "a package of gifts" as it celebrated its annual Independence Day holiday on Tuesday, according to the regime's Korean Central News Agency.

39-minute flight

North Korea launched the missile, dubbed the Hwasong-14, from an airport near its border with China. The North's Academy of Defense Science said the Hwasong-14 traveled 933 kilometers (580 miles) and reached an altitude of 2,802 kilometers (1,740 miles). The missile splashed down in the Sea of Japan after a 39-minute flight.

Based on analysis of the steeply angled trajectory the rocket followed, U.S. experts said the missile appeared to have a range that would enable it to reach Alaska.

KCNA said Kim, wearing "a broad smile on his face," urged his scientists to "frequently send big and small 'gift packages' to the Yankees."

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson issued a statement confirming the North's missile test, which he said "represents a new escalation of the threat to the United States, our allies and partners, and the world."

Tillerson said global action was needed to stop the threat posed by Pyongyang. He said any nation that hosted North Korean guest workers, provided the North with economic or military benefits, or failed to carry out U.N. resolutions against Pyongyang was "aiding and abetting a dangerous regime."

Council session

Dana White, the Pentagon's chief spokesman, issued a statement saying Tuesday's missile test "continues to demonstrate that North Korea poses a threat to the United States and our allies."

A spokesperson for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a statement condemning Pyongyang, saying its missile test was "yet another brazen violation of Security Council resolutions and constitutes a dangerous escalation of the situation."

The U.N. Security Council set an emergency, closed-door meeting on the North Korean matter for late Wednesday, and Tillerson said there would be stronger measures taken against the North.

In South Korea, U.S. and South Korean forces said they carried out an offensive missile exercise hours after the North Korean launch, intended to counter "North Korea's destabilizing and unlawful actions."

"The U.S. commitment to the defense of the ROK [Republic of Korea] in the face of threats is ironclad," a joint statement said.

The spot in the Sea of Japan where the Hwasong-14 splashed down lay in Japan's special economic zone, angering not only Tokyo but also China, which appears to be failing to keep its ally in check.

VOA's Jeff Seldin, Joyce Huang and Saibal Dasgupta contributed to this report.
ACQUISITIONS

FTC approves merger of Bass Pro, Cabelas

U.S. antitrust regulators have ended their investigation into Bass Pro Shops $4 billion deal to buy Cabelas, Cabelas said Wednesday.

The retailer of outdoor equipment said that the Federal Trade Commission signed off on the deal this week, but that banking regulators have not approved one part of the transaction.

Cabelas shareholders are to vote on the deal, which would pay them $61.50 a share, on Tuesday.

Stifel Nicholaus analyst Jim Duffy said that gaining FTC approval makes it much more likely that the merger of the two rivals will be completed.

In addition to selling Cabelas stores, website and catalogue business to Bass Pro, the company plans to sell its credit card unit to Capital One. Before that, Georgia-based bank Synovus is to buy that unit as a middleman.

 Associated Press

Also in Business

International travel to the United States grew by more than 5 percent in May compared with May 2016, according to a Travel Trends Index report released Wednesday by the U.S. Travel Association. There is widespread talk of daunting challenges to the U.S. travel market  perception of the country abroad is mentioned most, but the strong dollar and slowing global economy are factors as well  yet the resilience of our sector continues to astound, Roger Dow, the groups president and chief executive, said in a statement. The travel index also showed solid domestic travel demand in business and leisure sectors.

True Religion Brand Jeans filed for bankruptcy protection, becoming the latest retailer to be upended as Americans ramp up spending in places other than clothing stores. The apparel company is seeking Chapter 11, and operations are to continue uninterrupted as it restructures. The company, owned by TowerBrook Capital Partners, said reorganization will trim its debt by more than $350 million.

Alphabets DeepMind, the London-based artificial intelligence company, is hiring prominent computer scientists from Canadas University of Alberta to establish its first research facility outside the United Kingdom. The new lab will be headed by Rich Sutton, a leading expert in reinforcement machine learning. DeepMind is best known for developing the software AlphaGo, which has beaten the worlds best players at the strategy game Go.

 From news reports

Coming today

8:15 a.m.: Payroll processor ADP reports how many jobs private employers added in the month of June.

8:30 a.m.: Commerce Department releases international trade data for May.

10 a.m.: Freddie Mac releases weekly mortgage rates.

10 a.m.: Institute for Supply Management releases its service sector index for June.
The News in Brief

Russian Official: New Law Enforcement Agency in Tskhinvali Decided Matter



At a meeting with Tskhinvali leader Anatoly Bibilov on June 26, Russian Deputy Interior Minister Igor Zubov said that establishment of the Information-Coordination Center of Internal Affairs Agencies in Tskhinvali was a decided matter.



According to Zubov, only technical issues are remaining, such as overhauling and equipping the building for the Center. The funds have been designated, and they must be used this year, he added.



The Russian Deputy Interior Minister also noted that the Center would be a legally independent agency, practically an international organization and added that the first head of the Center would be a local.



Igor Zubov signed the agreement on creation of the Information-Coordination Center together with a representative of the Russian-backed authorities in Tskhinvali on July 4, 2016.



The purpose of the Center according to the agreement, is countering organized crime and other dangerous types of crimes. For that, the Center will document, analyze and exchange the crime-related information; as well carry out inter-governmental search and extradition of persons, and assist in conducting the necessary agreed activities to combat dangerous types of crimes that pose threats to the security of the Republic.



According to the agreements addendum, financing of the Centers activities is carried out at the expense of the funds provided by the Russian Federation for its maintenance.



Russia signed a similar agreement with Sokhumi on May 18 2017, causing further controversy in the region. In Tskhinvali, however, the Information-Coordination Center will enjoy wider powers than in Sokhumi.



In the case of Tskhinvali, the Centers officers will have a right to store, carry and use firearms. Besides, if the Center agents use these weapons in the region, the legal assessment of such incidents is going to occur together with authorized representatives of the Center. Moreover, the Center officers will have a right to conduct operative and search activities in the region.



Unlike Abkhazia, where the number of the Centers employees is limited to 20, there is no limitation on the number of officers for Tskhinvali. In addition, in Tskhinvalis case it is formally specified that the working language of the Center will be Russian. (civil.ge)







Poti port becomes victim of cyber attack



One of the most strategic sites in Georgia, the port of Poti, has become a target of the recent series of cyber attacks. Computer systems have been completely shut down. Special measures are taken to prevent the impediment of cargo transits and turnover.



The Maersk Group (a Danish business conglomerate which owns Poti's port) and other companies operated by the group are facing similar problems in different countries all over the world. The cyber attack is associated with a virus called Petya which is asking for ransom in return for the restoration of access to computer software.



Hackers launched blistering ransomware attacks on Tuesday against companies and agencies across the world, particularly targeting Ukranian businesses.



Major global firms reported that they had been targeted, including British advertising agency WPP (WPPGY), Russian oil and gas giant Rosneft and Danish shipping firm Maersk. "IT systems in several WPP companies have been affected by a suspected cyber attack," the WPP said on its Twitter account.



Maersk issued a similar statement, saying its tech systems "are down across multiple sites and business units due to a cyber attack". (1tv.ge)







Political parties may have six instead of seven members in Central Election Commission



The representation of political parties in the Central Election Commission may be determined by six members instead of seven. In addition, the Georgian Dream majority plans to revise the formula, according to which, members should be appointed in the election administrations by parties.



The aforementioned is envisaged in the draft amendment to the Election Code, which concerns the introduction of new procedures for appointment of Central Election Commission members by political parties.



The main change is that the appointing of members in the Central Election Commission will depend not on the budgetary funding of the party, but on the number of votes the party receives in the last parliamentary elections.



Currently, members of the Central Election Commission are appointed by the parties that have more funding from the budget. (IPN)




Admit it: You picked up Joshua Cohens 800-page epic Witz but decided life was too short. A few years later, you thought maybe youd tackle his 600-page Book of Numbers, but a novel by the New York novelist Joshua Cohen about a New York novelist named Joshua Cohen sounded like a postmodern migraine.

Now youre out of excuses. Granta recently named Cohen one of the best young American novelists, and his new book, Moving Kings, is a svelte comic triumph that concentrates his genius. Here, in a story inflected by verbal dexterity but not overwhelmed by it, Cohen explores themes of power and Jewish identity with the same insight that has justly attracted praise from some of the countrys most sophisticated writers.

Ye shall know them by their vehicles, he begins with mock-Biblical solemnity. These vehicles are trucks that belong to David King, president of Kings Moving, known throughout the New York metropolitan area for its corny TV commercials. Sadly, the success of Davids business life belies the failure of his personal life. His wife has left him after a vicious divorce, and despite giving his college-age daughter everything, including a brownstone in Crown Heights, shes a spoiled wreck.

Just as David is feeling desperate for family validation, he receives an email request to host his Israeli cousin Yoav, who recently finished his mandatory military service. David is not a particularly religious man  His brain wasnt wired for prayer, just panic  but the Jewish state offers him something essential: The ideal of it, the abstraction  to have family in the country was to have the country in the family. And so, freighted with wildly overblown expectations, Yoav is invited, like a son, arriving from across the seas.

[Joshua Cohens The Book of Numbers, and the birth of the Internet Age]

Yoav is not entirely as expected: neither an impressive Israeli warrior nor the likely heir of a moving empire. Holed up in one of Davids spare apartments crammed with repossessed furniture, he finds civilian life and particularly civilian life in the United States baffling. When is the weekend? Who are the Jews and who are the goyim? It doesnt help that he speaks English with an Exeter/Devonshire/American media mongrel accent, like that of an effeminate Berber pirate. But nonetheless, for a few days David parades Yoav around like a hero to a host of cooing Jews and then puts him to work on one of his moving crews.

The clash of expectations between a rough American businessman and an Israeli innocent abroad provides the basis for some smart comedy, and Cohen is particular adept with moments of silly absurdity. He also exercises a fantastically agile style that pushes hard against the banisters of traditional grammar. The novels voice freely veers into these characters minds, picking up their thoughts and accents, mixing with the narrators own straight-faced asides.

But for all its domestic humor, theres barbed wire running through this story, stretching tight from New York to the West Bank. The moving business, after all, is not just a matter of transporting happy families to bigger homes. Much of Davids profit is squeezed from evictions: emptying peoples apartments as their lives careen toward ruin. The nefarious nature of that work first drops into the novel in the form of an impassioned letter reproduced without introduction or comment. Addressed to Whom It May Concern At The Bank, its written by a desperate single mother who describes the horror of being forcibly removed from her home. I was sleeping in bed with My son, she writes. He was scared and scared Me by messing His pjs and screaming. He did not understand how You could just enter Our House like it was Yours in the night and start packing everything, start taking everything. Her plaintive cry, which we know will go unanswered, echoes the misery of so many others without enough money or sophistication or connections to enjoy an unviolated life.

Author Joshua Cohen (Marion Ettlinger)

For Yoav, its a familiar cry. He heard it all the time while serving in Israel. Breaking into Palestinian homes, hustling the frightened residents out, searching through their possessions: It was not so different from what he does now in New York where, Cohen writes, his weapons were the harness and dolly, his uniform a blue zipup onesie. . . . Who wouldve guessed that the army had been training him for moving? Some of the places theyre sent to empty have been grotesquely desecrated before they show up; some of the evictions even attract violent protesters, just as they did 5,000 miles away on that strip of contentious land.

This comparison would feel irritatingly polemical if Cohen didnt subsume it in a larger lament for the plight of powerless people  including Yoav. Tasked with cleaning out yet another house lost in foreclosure, hauling and packing and hauling and packing, Yoav drifts back to his military training: What did it mean that it was always easier to labor than to question, always easier to sweat than to ask? It dulled the mind but that wasnt all, it also dulled whatever muscle was responsible for judgment. What was effective, what wasnt. What was wrong and what was right. This was actually the most traumatic lesson of the army, that the most atrocious things theyd ever done were just the products of repetition.

As subtly as water seeps into sand, the comedy drains from this story, and were left in the stark moral desert where Yoav is stranded. Speaking to another young Israeli who works for Cousin Dave, Yoav complains, Weve always just been forced to become who we are and still everyone has an opinion about it, treating us like we chose this. Leaving the army, even leaving Israel, has made no difference. Everywhere we go were Israelis, and if not that, were Jews. Everywhere were the Jews of Jews, he says. The only way I can separate myself from it all, in the minds of other people, even in my own mind, is to admit to what a piece of s--- I was as a soldier.

As Moving Kings hurtles toward its explosive conclusion, Cohen keeps expanding the implications of his story. Suddenly, the disparate tragedies of our world feel oddly connected by the bodies of the powerless set against one another.

Ron Charles is the editor of Book World and host of TotallyHipVideoBookReview.com.
More than two years after its world premiere in 2015, John Strands political drama The Originalist is returning to Washingtons Arena Stage. The play, which runs from July 7 to 30 at Arenas Kreeger Theater, imagines the conversations between Justice Antonin Scalia (Edward Gero) and a liberal Harvard Law School clerk (Jade Wheeler) as the Supreme Court prepares to hear the landmark same-sex marriage case United States v. Windsor.

Gero spoke to The Washington Post about reprising his role, Scalias legacy and the value of bipartisan discourse today.

Q. In the two years since the premiere of The Originalist, our country has witnessed both a tumultuous presidential election and the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. Have the events of the past two years shaped the plays meaning for you?

A. John [Strand] had written a play on the question, Is there a political middle? I think that question has been answered for the moment: There is no political middle. The political bases are completely deaf. No one is listening. But this is a play about listening. Here are two archetypal characters who represent the far ends of the spectrum. But they come to each other with respect, and an incisive ear. We opened the play in Florida, on Inauguration Day, and people just straggled into the theater. They came out with a sense of hope.

Q. To prepare for your role in The Originalist, you spent a significant amount of time meeting with Justice Scalia, reading his opinions and watching him in court. What is it like inhabiting Scalias character after his death? How are you reflecting on his legacy now?

A. I miss the stories. I was expecting years more of stories to tell. [After Justice Scalias death,] I felt an immediate loss, and also a loss for our country. I didnt agree with him, but he didnt care. In fact, he was affectionate with the people who didnt agree with him, because he would argue with them. He was so transparent, so consistent, and had enormous respect for language and words. He spent his entire life in the vineyard of language and the law. And that respect for language seems to be at the wayside for the moment.

Q. A major theme of The Originalist is the need to reach across partisan lines. But as you said, the political middle seems to be growing narrower and narrower these days. Do you think the play itself can challenge set opinions?

A. I have a deep sense of mission about it, in a way: as an artist, to rise to the level of citizen-artist, and contribute to the experiment. Ive done over 100 performances now, and I find myself relaxing a bit more and listening to the audience. Depending on how they respond to some of his utterances, I can sense the Scalia in me wanting to press them, and maybe hit them a little harder with the stuff they dont want to hear, because thats exactly what he would do. Its great when the audience laughs, and its great when they groan, because I can tell exactly what side of the aisle theyre on. But by the end of the play, you get the sense that audiences are shifting their stereotypes of [Scalia]. They may not agree with him, but they get a sense of who he was as a human being. That might lead them to rethink their own contribution to the discourse.

Q. Do you find yourself channeling Justice Scalia in real life?

A. Ive been empowered by living in the role. [Scalia] really raised my game. In our correspondence, I would check and double-check and edit, to make sure everything was grammatically correct, and try to be elegant. In talking to people, I would look for flaws in the argument and support for the argument. I wouldnt be so eager to say Youre wrong. People ask me, What would Scalia say about this? I have no clue. It would only devalue his intelligence. I would never presume to know that.

Q. Youve also performed in over 70 productions at Washingtons Shakespeare Theatre. How has your experience as a Shakespearean actor prepared you for this role?

A. [Shakespeares] plays are about the transformation of the human spirit, and the possibility of growing beyond yourself, shedding your skin, reinventing yourself, and opening your mind through archetypal characters, large ideals and big questions. Those are often questions of law. One of the things I found about [Scalia] was that he had great performative ability. When I spent time with him, he just came out with these long, complex sentences without so much as a thought, with incredible fluency. Its like listening to Shakespeare, it really is . . . the grammar, the syntax, all those things.

Q. What are your goals as an actor now?

A. In many ways, this role is a synthesis of my entire life experience: Italian American, Roman Catholic, New Jersey, all of that. Everything seemed to come together with this role. So Im not done, and I hope not to be done for a long time. Its too important a time in the republic to not do something as substantive as this. I feel a sense of calling about it  to represent his legacy in some way. Im happy to continue reading, going back to the Federalist Papers. I miss being at the [Supreme] Court. And Im very grateful to bring it back to Washington. Ive invited Justice [Neil] Gorsuch. I dont know if hell come.

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
Arian Gibson works for the D.C. Department of Health. (April Greer/For The Washington Post)

Arian Gibson, 39, is a program manager for the Food Safety & Hygiene Inspection Services Division in the D.C. Department of Health. He has been part of the food division for almost 20 years. He lives in Maryland with his wife and two children.

Is your department responsible just for restaurant inspections?

We have restaurants, all food establishments including grocery stores, food trucks, things like that. And we also handle pools, cosmetology salons, nail salons and mattress inspections.

Wait, mattress inspections? Is that for hotels?

That is for the tags. We check the tags to make sure theyre labeled correctly. If its a new mattress it has to be labeled new, or if its refurbished it has to be labeled refurbished.

Wow, I always thought those inspection tags on mattresses were made up.

[Laughs.] No.

So how many restaurants are there in D.C.?

Anywhere from about 6,000 to 8,000, depending on the time of year. That number fluctuates a lot.

And is every place inspected each year?

Well, we inspect by risk level. So a place like a hospital, which has an immune-compromised population, we would inspect between three and five times a year. A gas station that has just packaged chips and water  we might inspect them every other year. We can adjust their risk level according to their history.

Whats your biggest worry as an inspector?

My big worry is a food-borne outbreak. Thats my biggest concern. If you have an outbreak, it doesnt affect just that one restaurant, it affects the whole industry. So typically the restaurants are more than happy to work with us.

Over the years, whats the worst thing youve seen in a restaurant health-wise?

Its probably just a lot of bare-hand contact with food. And a lot of food out at the wrong temperature. Because those are the things that really make people ill. People tend to focus on clean floors and walls, but the thing that really makes people sick is bare-hand contact with the food and cross-contamination and improper food temperatures.

Do you ever have any nightmares about that?

I dont sleep. [Laughs.]

Are there surprising things about your job that people wouldnt know?

I think people dont realize the science behind it. They think we just go in there and look at the food, and thats it. But theres really a lot of science behind it. Theres a lot of microbiology. We have to know how bacteria grows and the growth curve and things like that. Thats how we write our regulations.

What should an average diner going into a restaurant be looking for?

Look to see how the establishment is handling your food. Making sure that theyre washing their hands and not touching the food with their bare hands.

When you go out to dinner at a restaurant, are you able to enjoy it, or do you want to go back in the kitchen and check it out first?

No, Im okay. I think Im immune to thinking about that stuff when I go out. My wife is more concerned about it than I am.

Would your kitchen pass inspection at home?

I have two young kids, so my house would probably get shut down.

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In Cuba, coffee often is served from small windows. At Colada in the District on T Street NW, a large window joins the interior and outdoor spaces for the hybrid cafe and lounge. (Yacouba Tanou/For The Washington Post)

In Cuba, people will often gather around ventanitas, or small windows, and serve coffee from their homes. The tradition encourages people to gather in their neighborhoods and make conversation. Coffee shops here are austere and quiet, with people with headphones on, not talking, says Daniella Senior, partner and director of operations at Washingtons recently opened Colada Shop.

The first Colada opened in August in Sterling, Va. The D.C. location (1405 T St. NW) opened Feb. 1 off 14th Street NW, on a busy block alongside Taqueria Nacional, Ice Cream Jubilee and Italian restaurant Lupo Verde. It wasnt long before Colada was winning praise from Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema.

Senior and her partners, Juan Coronado and Mario Monte, wanted to change the Districts coffee shop culture. Their shop is a hybrid cafe and cocktail bar. The small and colorful space has a welcoming open window connecting the front patio and shop. It is named for the colada drink, which is made of four to six shots of sweetened espresso. Sip slowly and talk, thats the idea of the colada, Coronado says. Its customary to enjoy the drink while discussing politics. That makes it a natural for the nations capital. Coronado also recommends dunking toast in the drink.

I tried the cafe con leche, sweetened just a bit, and though I didnt dunk, I enjoyed the rich, unique flavor. The shop also offers traditional Cuban quick bites such as empanadas and croquetas, sandwiches and desserts from chef Monte. In the afternoon Colada becomes a cocktail bar. A note above the kitchen says, Share the Cuban way to start and end the day. Stop by or spend the times in between. Among the offerings: eight cocktails for $8 each.

The day I visited I chatted with Jessica Carson, a customer who was reading on the patio. Shed been to Colada before and had tried a pina colada and mojito. She was surprised when she saw the place was also a coffee shop.

Nearby, Michelle King enjoyed a spinach and egg breakfast sandwich with her iced coffee. It was weeks before President Trumps administration announced its tightening of travel policies to Cuba. King made a casual and lighthearted comment that now has an air of prescience: Just in case they close us off from Cuba again, she said, well still have this place.


The late Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace is shown in this March 16, 1993 file photo, standing at a second-story window overlooking the patio of his Miami Beach mansion during renovation work. (Marice Cohn Band/AP)

JULY 15, 1997 Gianni Versace was opening the gate to enter his Miami Beach mansion on the morning of July 15, 1997, when he was fatally shot by a man wearing a cap, dark trousers and a backpack. Several people who heard the pop of the gunshots rushed to the scene where Versace, covered in blood, lay unmoving, The Washington Posts Donald P. Baker reported. Police quickly identified the suspect as 27-year-old Andrew Cunanan, a male prostitute accused of being a spree killer. The 50-year-old renowned fashion designer, who didnt know Cunanan, was his fifth alleged victim. The others were an architect, a gas company manager in Minneapolis, a millionaire in Chicago and a cemetery groundskeeper in New Jersey. Despite making the FBIs Ten Most Wanted list and being featured four times on Americas Most Wanted, Cunanan was never caught by police alive. On July 23, 1997, he was found not far from Versaces home, on a houseboat, dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was so elusive, so slippery, the cops had trouble even finding his corpse, The Posts Joel Achenbach wrote.


A standard room in Cape Town, South Africa. Swiss photographer Roger Eberhard spent a year documenting 32 Hilton hotel rooms in 32 countries. (Roger Eberhard)

In cities around the world, hotel rooms  with their carpets showing the fresh tracks of a housekeeping vacuum and their vents exhaling temperature-controlled air  await the arrival of strangers.

Still. Tidy. Blank.

Enter Swiss photographer Roger Eberhard, who spent a year documenting 32 Hilton hotel rooms in 32 countries. The result: a postcard, of sorts, in the form of Standard, a book thats as quiet as a readied room.

In its 88 pages of restrained graphic design and minimal text, the book, published by Scheidegger & Spiess in February, takes readers on a journey of deja vu.

Eberhard says he has long been intrigued with the idea that we travel the world and yet stay in a place that looks like everywhere else. That interest drew him to the Hilton chain, whose founder, the late Conrad Hilton, once described each Hilton International property as a little America. That mid 20th-century approach was intended, at least in part, to showcase capitalism on a global scale.

In 2015, Eberhard set out across five continents, always staying in a standard Hilton room, where he photographed each interior from the same perspective. He also took an accompanying snapshot of the view from the guest-room window.



Eberhards view from his hotel room in Cape Town, South Africa. The photographer took an accompanying snapshot of the view from each guest-room window. (Roger Eberhard)

In the book, the paired photos are displayed on facing pages, a format that gives readers the sense of being frequent travelers as they flip pages, pausing briefly in locales barely discernible from one another. Bed pillows are plumped, their positions varying slightly from double-stacked to propped. Wall colors and draperies change, but the atmosphere remains strikingly similar.

As Franziska Solte notes in one of three Standard essays, The guest room core elements have not changed since the 1950s.

The city views divulge few clues as to the rooms locations. (Readers must turn to the back cover to discover where they are, which makes for a geographic guessing game.) There is some evidence. Languages vary on billboards, for example. And there are hints of humanity in the panoramas: laundry hanging on a line in Lima, Peru; a lone man at a bus shelter in Reykjavik, Iceland. Theres also a barely visible Kentucky Fried Chicken in a Mexico City shot. Case in point.

Like the photographs, the books essays examine the ubiquity of one-night homes. Does the sameness serve a purpose, much like the practicality of a travel wardrobe? Or does it reflect a growing global monotony?

Eberhard, 32, spoke with The Washington Post via FaceTime from his home in a small village near Zurich.

Q: What was the seed of this project?

A: Ive always been fascinated by places that are built according to a formula, by places that lead to a function without you realizing that the environment is dictating your behavior  like the Starbucks phenomenon. There are Starbucks all over the world and you know exactly how to behave. You know exactly where to get the sugar, where to get the milk. Irish bars look everywhere the same in the world. Theyre all called James Joyce or Finnegans Wake or Dubliners, and it makes me feel uneasy. They seem like little traps, and were constantly falling for them.



A standard Hilton hotel room in Panama. In the book, paired photos of interiors and window views are displayed on facing pages. (Roger Eberhard)

Q: In the rooms you visited, did you find the 1950s little America concept of Conrad Hilton? Or, all these years later, could they as easily be a little Germany?

A: What does it really mean, a little America, these days? All of the Western world is quite similar, certainly in design aspects. I dont really see a big difference between an American design or a German design nowadays, when it comes to personality in hotel rooms.

Q: The concept of Standard is a little sad, especially as it applies to the similarity of the hotel-window views.

A: Its not a nostalgic project. Its a fact that more and more uniformity is being created.

Q: Did you reach a conclusion? Do we have an innate need for familiarity, perceived safety and security? Why do we eat at a McDonalds in Munich, for example?

A: We like to get what we expect. We dont like surprises, especially when traveling to a foreign country. Its a complete irony.

Q: There is that moment, however, when you exit the hotel lobby and you feel the humidity or smell the diesel exhaust and hear the noises.

A: I love that moment when the world hits you, when you get this reality check.

Q: Youve said that Bangkok was one of your favorite locations for photographing the window view.

A: Its a city thats too big to really grasp. It looks like its growing almost in different parts. Its a wild city. Low buildings sort of look old and shabby and these shiny skyscrapers are being built. And this high train is running through the image. It has everything.



The view from a standard Hilton hotel room in Panama. The books city views divulge few clues as to the rooms locations. (Roger Eberhard)

Q: What type of camera did you use?

A: A Mamiya with a digital back.

Q: What do you seek out now in the way of accommodations?

A: I like small, quaint hotels that offer a decent standard. I like it when the person in the lobby is also the owner and we get little tips for the city and it feels a little bit family. I dont think I ever stayed in a Hilton before the project. Its extremely cool that you can come down [to the lobby] and whatever you want, whatever you wish for, they never say no. Its quite astounding. For the project, I had to have the bed on the right. I came to the reception desk. I said, Listen. Im a very difficult guest. I need a room with a bed on the right. I never explained what I was doing. Sometimes I changed my room five, six, seven times. Im sure theyve had crazier requests in their careers than the bed on the right-hand side. But still, 32 countries in one year and not once, no one said no or why.

Q: Have you had feedback on the book?

A: It makes people feel uneasy. Thats the most common reaction. They expected a lot more diversity. Knowing that every time they look at a room in a different country they cannot see that theyre in a different country, except in Hanoi with the funny wallpaper. We have this romantic notion of the world being a diverse place.

Q: Theres the expression, Stop the world, I want to get off.

A: Standardization: Theres something frightening about it.

Q: The movie Lost in Translation comes to mind.

A: A lot of the emotion in what [director] Sofia Coppola did dealt with a sterile environment that you have to fill with your own emotional state. And theres a vacuum that comes about in these places. Even though it wasnt an inspiration, I could relate to the feeling it conveys.

Q: In his essay, Benedict Wells writes that when he was traveling a great deal, the sameness of rooms made him feel lonely.

A: I agree with him in a way, a room is lacking anything personal. Its, to a degree, quite sterile and doesnt give you much warmth. It provides you with a home, but theres nothing that really reflects you. That can intensify the feeling of loneliness. But I dont really feel lonely in hotel rooms.

Q: Do you still have the feeling of excitement when you first enter a room?

A: Its almost like a game, time to find these things: Aha, heres the armchair with the lamp right next to it. Theres the pen. The recurring items that need to be in the hotel room in order to make people feel at home, things that people require. Everything is so perfectly measured and neatly arranged. It was a fun game.

Q: Did you have a favorite object in the rooms?

A: The alarm clock. I know people steal all sorts of things. I didnt steal anything. But if theres one thing I would have wanted, it would have been the Hilton alarm clock.

Powers is a writer based in Detroit. Her website is rebeccapowers.com.

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Protesters gather for the Womens March on Washington on Jan. 21. (Amanda Voisard/For The Washington Post)

One out of every three Washingtonians has marched in protest against President Trump or his policies at least once since January, making the District the capital of national dissent, a new Washington Post poll finds.

But a clear racial divide exists among those who have attended the demonstrations since Trump took office, starting with the Womens March on Washington the day after his inauguration and continuing through the winter and spring with marches against the presidents policies on climate change, health care, immigration and a host of other issues.





According to the Post poll, 53 percent of white residents participated in a march or demonstration in opposition to Trumps policies since the start of the year, compared with 16 percent of African Americans and 36 percent of Hispanics and those of other racial and ethnic groups.

The overwhelmingly African American residents of Wards 7 and 8 are the citys least likely to protest Trump, with only 12 percent saying they had. By contrast, 54 percent of residents in overwhelmingly white Wards 1 and 3 in Northwest Washington say they have protested the president.

High-income residents are among the most likely Trump protesters this year.

[Read full poll results| How the poll was conducted]

Yet whether they rally outside the U.S. Capitol or remain at home, a majority of all Washingtonians  54 percent  believe that Trump has changed the city at least some or a lot.

Women are about twice as likely as men to say that Trump has altered the city a lot, according to the poll conducted June 15-18 among a random sample of 901 D.C. residents. It carries a four-point margin of sampling error.

Given the ups and downs of the first five months, Im surprised that were not dead yet, said Sarah Ronnebaum, 37, a white health-care researcher who lives on Capitol Hill. She attended the Womens March, the March for Science and a protest against Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. Because the District has no vote in Congress, the least I can do is show up, Ronnebaum said.

She said she fears that Trumps imprint will repel the waves of young newcomers who were drawn to Washington by President Barack Obama.

At this point, I have trouble imagining the young person who thinks the government has their best interests in mind and is looking out for the best interests of the nation, Ronnebaum said. So many people who wanted to work for Obama will not be sustained under Trump.

Mark Woodard, a black hospital technician who lives in Kingman Park in Northeast, said he has not felt compelled to protest because his life has not changed much under the new administration.

Im kind of waiting to see  he hasnt made an impact yet, Woodard said. Im able to go to my job; my benefits are fine. Hes not doing anything to affect me, so Im not going to support any protests.

Justina Jackson, 28, a black assistant pastry chef in Brookland who voted for Hillary Clinton, said that she is accustomed to being disappointed in government, no matter which party is in the White House, and that Trump is no different.

Im used to stuff not going my way, she said. Theres always some kind of obstacle I have to overcome just because Im a young African American female. I dont have a lot of sympathy for people who are upset about Trump.

The District is an overwhelmingly Democratic city in which more than 90 percent of the electorate voted for Clinton over Trump in November. Since the election, many residents say, a sense of unease and even despondency has pervaded the city  and not just because the new resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is a Republican.

Trump and his advisers have also alienated Washingtonians with an often abrasive, freewheeling style that challenges more genteel traditions embedded in the citys political culture.

It seems a lot harsher; it feels a lot meaner; it feels more like facts dont matter anymore, said Keith Krueger, 60, who is white, lives in Northwest and runs an educational nonprofit. He attended the Womens March  a march that drew criticism from some African Americans in the early planning stages because the initial organizers were all white  and one of the environmental ones; he could not recall which one.

Most of the people I know are upset about the direction of the country. Everything seems to be a whiplash from the Obama years.

The dissatisfaction has driven Washingtonians to join the resistance to the presidents policies at a rate far higher than in other parts of the country. A Fox News poll conducted in mid-February found that 14 percent of registered voters nationwide had participated in a march or demonstration since the election in November, far less than the 35 percent of D.C. registered voters who have protested between the beginning of the year and June.

The Post poll finds that 21 percent of anti-Trump protesters from the District were black, while 63 percent were white. The citys adult population is 45 percent black and 39 percent white.

Certainly, proximity has something to do with participation. It is relatively easy for Washingtonians to attend a weekend march on the Mall. In some circles, protests have become the new Saturday routine or weekday lunch break. The day after Trump fired FBI Director James B. Comey, an impromptu gathering outside the White House attracted office workers who held aloft signs made with manila envelopes and other office supplies.

[Office workers flock to last-minute protest outside White House]

Still, theres something more at play than convenience.

At a certain point, when you have 100,000, 300,000 or a million people in the streets, you cant pretend its a few dissident voices from the left, said Noah Klose, 23, a recent graduate of Earlham College in Indiana who lives in Northwest and joined the Womens March as well as protests against Trumps immigration policies and the ban on travelers from some Muslim-majority countries. A protest of 100 doesnt mean anything, but a protest of 100,000 has a certain gravitas.

People I grew up with who never showed political opinions are becoming much more active, said Klose, who is white. People are talking about health care, and some of its because we never had to worry about it before.

African American respondents interviewed said they were less inclined to march, even if they disagreed with Trump.

Terrell Dobey, 27, an African American deliveryman who lives in Southeast, said he has no time or inclination to participate in demonstrations, even though he said he felt more comfortable with Obama being president.

It brings negative energy to D.C.  it causes an uproar, and its not good for the city, Dobey said. I cant risk putting myself in jeopardy. Im not willing to get pepper-sprayed or shot or anything like that.

Raynard Styles, 47, an African American maintenance worker who lives in Southwest, said he voted for Trump because we needed a change; we needed to fire everybody. But he questions the wisdom of his vote and whether it was fueled by wishful thinking, rose-colored glasses.

Nevertheless, Styles said, he would never consider attending an anti-Trump protest even if I disagree with him. Because hes still my president, and Im an American first.

The Post survey finds that about half of the Districts college graduates and residents from households with incomes exceeding $100,000 demonstrated against Trump. By contrast, 20 percent of residents without college degrees and 16 percent of those earning under $50,000 attended a march to protest the president.





When asked to choose from four Trump policies that would most affect the District, 41 percent of residents selected budget cuts to Medicaid and social-safety-net services. About a quarter said the overhaul of the Affordable Care Act, 13 percent cited increased deportations of undocumented immigrants, and 11 percent said increased defense spending.

Daniel Giglio, 48, a Hispanic interpreter who lives in Mount Pleasant in Northwest, said he is most focused on Trumps quest to overhaul health care. But he is also concerned about the lack of access that the press and the people have to Trump.

Im not a hugely political person, but I pay much more attention to the issues now, Giglio said, adding that he and his partner often find themselves talking about Trump and being taken aback by his comments but that they have not attended protests. We give money to the ACLU, he said. Maybe thats how we make our contribution.

Marcus Murchison, 44, an African American budget analyst who works for the federal government, said it is too soon to measure the full impact of Trumps policy decisions, although he understands that many Washingtonians are fearful, as if there were a tornado coming up the coast.

Instead of attending marches, Murchison, who lives in the Hillcrest neighborhood in Southeast, said he finds it more productive to express himself on social media and at small gatherings.

I do believe demonstrations serve a purpose, but Im leaving that to younger people, he said. I need to speak up in my own circles. You have to start with your friends and family and bring another perspective.

Scott Clement contributed to this report.
Again and again, college financial aid offices would frustrate Jan Wagner and Michele Waxman Johnson.

As executives of Central Scholarship, a nonprofit in Owings Mills that provides scholarships and interest-free loans to Maryland students, they would award a student money, and a university would reduce that students financial aid by the same amount.

It totally undermines our very existence, said Wagner, Central Scholarships president.

The common practice provoked Wagner and Johnson, the organizations vice president, into a two-year campaign to stop it. Their effort led to a new law that took effect July 1, making Maryland the first state to ban scholarship displacement by public colleges.

This is a David and Goliath thing, honestly, said Sara Goldrick-Rab, an education professor at Temple University who has researched scholarship displacement. I have never seen anything like Central Scholarship, quite frankly. Michele Johnson and her team are so dogged.

Marylands new law now limits the conditions under which institutions may decrease financial aid, allowing reductions when a students aid exceeds the cost of college or with permission from a scholarship provider.

Goldrick-Rab and other researchers say the law could prompt other states to adopt similar bans.

The long-standing practice of scholarship displacement has exasperated nonprofits and students across the country. University officials say its intended to redistribute limited financial aid to the students who need it most. Scholarship recipients say it essentially punishes them for having the wherewithal to find other sources of financial aid.

Under federal law, a student who wins a private scholarship after receiving a financial aid package from a university must report the scholarship to the university. Some universities then reduce the students aid by an amount equal to the scholarship.

The practice jeopardizes a scholarship industry that awards $51 million in Maryland and $1 billion across the country each year, according to Central Scholarship. It discourages donors from giving to scholarship programs, Wagner and Johnson said.

Woudese Befikadu, a junior at the Johns Hopkins University, said her aid was reduced after she received a $700 scholarship from the office of state Del. Eric Ebersole.

It felt like they were stealing the scholarship that I earned and using the money for themselves, she wrote to state lawmakers in support of the bill.

Hopkins officials see it differently.

When a students financial position changes, perhaps because of a well-deserved honor like a state legislative scholarship, then the students need for our help has also changed, said Dennis OShea, a Hopkins spokesman. We can put that money to use helping another student who may not have that resource.

Though the Maryland ban affects only state colleges and universities, lawmakers are considering plans to try to expand it to private institutions such as Hopkins.

At the University of Pittsburgh, administrators have publicly denounced the practice. Randall McCready, the director of financial aid, said he will only displace scholarships when a students aid exceeds tuition.

Promoting access and affordability is a priority at the University of Pittsburgh, he said in a statement.

The National Scholarship Providers Association published a paper in September 2013 urging nonprofit groups to lobby lawmakers to ban the practice. By then, scholarship displacement had become a thorn in the side of the some of the countrys largest philanthropic organizations, such as the Gates Millennium Scholars Program and United Negro College Fund, Goldrick-Rab said.

But it was the small Central Scholarship, with its staff of nine people, to first bring change. The nonprofit awards more than $1 million a year to students from low-income families in Maryland.

I was really impressed, Goldrick-Rab said. There are much larger foundations that are very unhappy about this problem.

Researchers dont know how many colleges and universities routinely displace aid, she said. But its an urgent issue for those struggling to afford the increasing costs of college. An average student in Maryland borrows about $28,000 during their time in college, according to Central Scholarship. Nationwide individual student loan debt exceeds $37,000 on average,

We all view it as a matter of equity, Wagner said. For someone who went out and beat the bushes and pounded the pavement and submitted applications to try and get additional grants and make college affordable, the net result of their efforts is zero. Thats unfair. Especially when were talking about low-income and middle-income students.

Some scholarship providers have developed strategies to prevent displacement. The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, which has awarded more than $76 million to about 1,600 students over the past 14 years, allows students to defer scholarship money until they graduate. They then can use the money to pay off their loans.

The majority of the students that we work with will face some kind of a displacement, said Oscar Sweeten-Lopez, who overseas grants for the foundation. He said the risk of displacement is something that we need to counsel our students on every year.

The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators hasnt taken a position on scholarship displacement. But Karen McCarthy, its director of policy analysis, said shes heard from universities who say the practice can redistribute aid to low-income students.

The details about the Maryland bill probably will be widely shared in October at a national conference of scholarship providers, said Mark Kantrowitz, a leading researcher of financial aid and publisher of the scholarship website Cappex.

Most of the other states, I think, are eventually going to follow suit, he said.

Del. Dana M. Stein (D-Baltimore County) co-sponsored the bill after learning of the issue from Central Scholarship.

Its grossly unfair to say, Oh, you got some additional outside aid because of your hard work. Were going to take some of that away from you,  Stein said.

Now Stein is among those considering to try to expand the law to private colleges.

No decisions have been made, he said, but Im certainly thinking about it.
THE DISTRICT

Man, 46, is slain

in Southwest D.C.

D.C. police said a man was fatally shot early Wednesday in Southwest.

The shooting occurred about 12:30 a.m. in the Bellevue neighborhood near Blue Plains. Police identified the victim as George Wayne Denny, 46.

Denny was shot near his home and died shortly after arriving at a hospital, police said.

 Peter Hermann

MARYLAND

Teen is among three killed in 24-hour span

An 18-year-old was among three men who were fatally shot in a 24-hour period in Prince Georges County.

Police identified Demarco Robinson, 33, of Lanham as a victim who was shot inside a car and driven to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Robinson was near a store in the 7300 block of Landover Road when he was shot at about 3:40 p.m. Tuesday, according to Prince Georges police. Another person was shot but did not appear to have life-threatening wounds, police said.

In a separate case, Tyrek Walker, 18, was found with a gunshot wound after a reported shooting about 1:25 a.m. Wednesday in the 2500 block of Darel Drive, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities are working to arrest a suspect in Walkers killing and have strong leads in Robinsons case, police said.

Police have not identified the person killed in a fatal shooting Tuesday at about 6:50 a.m. in the 800 block of Kayak Avenue.

Police are asking anyone with information about these cases to call 301-772-4925 or 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).

 Lynh Bui

VIRGINIA

Daughter of slain

deputy: Dont execute

The daughter of a slain sheriffs deputy has urged Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) to stop the execution of the man who killed her father and a hospital security guard in 2006.

The statement Wednesday from Rachel Sutphin in support of clemency for William C. Morva came one day before he was scheduled to be executed on Thursday. Sutphin adds a powerful, personal voice to a growing number of state lawmakers urging McAuliffe to commute Morvas death sentence.

Morva, 35, was convicted in 2008 for fatally shooting Cpl. Eric Sutphin and hospital guard Derrick McFarland after escaping from custody. His clemency campaign has attracted local and international supporters who say the jury that sentenced Morva to death was not informed of his severe mental illness.

The effort also comes as lawmakers in eight states have proposed eliminating capital punishment for people with severe mental illnesses.

Sutphin, a 20-year-old student at Virginia Tech, is one of the sheriff deputys two daughters. She asked for privacy for her family and for the McFarlands, and said she was writing only for herself and not for the other relatives of the victims.

 Ann E. Marimow
THE DISTRICT

Work starts on first of homeless shelters

Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) on Thursday celebrated the first groundbreaking for one of the neighborhood-based shelters for homeless families that she says will replace the Districts dilapidated family shelter at the former site of D.C. General Hospital.

The Thursday morning event in the 4th Ward was a symbolic milestone for Bowser after more than a year of struggle to push forward with her vision of small family shelters spread throughout the city.

The D.C. Council scrapped the mayors initial proposal to lease space for the shelters last year after it came to light that some of the property owners who would have profited from the plan were Bowser campaign donors.

In April, the city prevailed before the D.C. Board of Zoning Adjustment in its legal battles with neighbors of two of the eight proposed shelter sites, clearing the way for Bowser to move ahead with her plan to close D.C. General by 2020.

 Peter Jamison

Another surgery for Scalise after shooting

Louisiana Republican Steve Scalise underwent another surgery Thursday to handle an infection from wounds he suffered in Alexandria last month, according to a statement by MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

The hospital did not elaborate and said the House majority whip remains in serious condition after a complication arose this week that saw him readmitted to intensive care.

Congressman Steve Scalise underwent surgery for the management of infection. He tolerated the procedure well, the statement read.

Doctors feared new dangers of infection after he underwent several surgeries as a result of being shot in the hip June 14.

Scalise was one of five people taken to hospitals in the aftermath of a shooting at a congressional Republican baseball practice in Alexandria by 66-year-old gunman James T. Hodgkinson, who was fatally shot by police.

 Clarence Williams

Evaluation ordered in assault weapons case

A Pennsylvania man accused of bringing a military-style rifle to Trump International Hotel in May was ordered by a federal judge Thursday to undergo a psychiatric exam after prosecutors alleged that he was in the throes of a debilitating mental illness.

Bryan Moles, 43, pleaded not guilty June 22 to a firearms charge after being arrested in the District on May 31 after police found an AR-15 rifle, a handgun and more than 90 rounds of ammunition in his 2017 black BMW parked at the hotel.

Moles told authorities that he had come from Edinboro, Pa., to meet with President Trump.

U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon on Thursday ordered that Moles complete a competence evaluation at a federal psychiatric facility within 30 days.

 Spencer S. Hsu
A generic-drug trade group is suing Maryland over a price-gouging law that is set to go into effect in October.

In a federal lawsuit filed Thursday against state Attorney General Brian E. Frosh (D) and Dennis Schrader, the secretary of the state Department of Health, the Association for Accessible Medicines asked the U.S. District Court of Maryland in Greenbelt for an injunction to block the law, which it argues is unconstitutional.

It will harm patients and our communities by reducing choice and limiting access to essential medicines that people need, Chip Davis, chief executive officer of the association, said in a statement.

Maryland is the first state to give its attorney general the power to take legal action against drug companies that dramatically increase the price of off-patent or generic drugs.

Frosh proposed the legislation, which received bipartisan support and passed the General Assembly with a veto-proof majority. Gov. Larry Hogan (R), who had reservations about the bill, let the measure move forward in May without his signature.

A spokeswoman for Frosh said the attorney generals office received a copy of the lawsuit Thursday afternoon and was reviewing it

Vincent DeMarco, president of Maryland Citizens Health Initiative, a health-care advocacy group, said he is confident Frosh will successfully defend the lifesaving law.

It is shameful that the drug corporations are wasting their time and resources fighting to keep the ability to price-gouge Marylanders, he said. They should be spending their time trying to make their drugs more affordable.

In the lawsuit, the association claims the new law violates the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution. It argues that the measure is overreaching and wrongly gives the state power to regulate interstate commerce and business in other states. The suit also claims that the law is vague and violates the companies right to due process.

The Maryland General Assembly has given the Attorney General extreme, arbitrary enforcement powers and would allow him to substitute his judgment for that of the free market, the trade group said. Companies would be forced to read the mind of the Attorney General to determine if he thought their negotiated prices were excessive. 

In a letter to House Speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Anne Arundel) in May, Hogan said the legislation had a laudable goal to combat price-gouging of consumers for life-saving drugs, but he said he wasnt convinced that the legislation was a solution.

Hogan raised constitutional questions similar to those included in the lawsuit, and he predicted that the law would face a legal challenge.

DeMarco said Thursday that Hogans letter gave ammunition to the drug companies.
Arthur Alafoginis, right, with his son Frank Alafoginis in 2015. Frank Alafoginis will continue running his fathers business. (Mark Gail for The Washington Post)

Arthur Alafoginis, the owner and operator of Capital Meat Co., which supplies meat to many leading Washington-area restaurants and hotels, died June 26 at his home in Potomac, Md. He was 65.

The cause was neck cancer, said his wife, Joanne Alafoginis.

Mr. Alafoginis began doing odd jobs for his fathers meat business, Bay State Beef Co., in 1966, when he was 14. He and his brother Peter purchased the business in the early 1980s, running the company together until his brother died in 1989. A few years later, he sold the company to Sysco.

After a noncompete clause with Sysco expired, Mr. Alafoginis opened Capital Meat in 2003. Beginning with only two employees and no clients, he built the company to 60 employees, with hundreds of Washington-area hotel and restaurant clients, including the Clydes restaurant group.

Arthur George Alafoginis was born in Washington on Feb. 2, 1952. His father was a Greek immigrant.

Mr. Alafoginis was a graduate of the private Bullis School in Potomac and attended the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George in Bethesda, Md. He was a former board member and chairman of festivals at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Washington.

He was also a former board member of Bethesda Country Club and a member of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association. He volunteered for causes including the Operation Homefront veterans organization and an annual cookout for first responders to the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.

His son, Frank Alafoginis, who joined Capital Meat seven years ago, will continue running the business.

Survivors include his wife, the former Joanne Pappas of Potomac; three children, George Alafoginis of Potomac, Frank Alafoginis of Arlington, Va., and Eleni Alafoginis of Washington; two sisters, Demetra Judy Green and Barbara Alafoginis, both of Washington; and a granddaughter.
Ed Tuck, an investor and electrical engineer, was flying his twin-engine Beechcraft Baron through the clouds of Northern California when he realized that landing his plane  searching for the narrow runway through a thick band of fog  was much harder than it should be.

It was 1985, and Mr. Tuck, an Army veteran, had heard about an emerging military technology known as the Global Positioning System. Dreamed up by the Navy and Air Force more than a decade earlier, GPS relied on satellites that were still being tested and launched into space and on bulky ground-based receivers that were expensive and difficult to use.

Though it was designed primarily for the military, civilian use of the system had been encouraged two years earlier, after Korean Air Lines Flight 007 wandered into Soviet airspace and was shot down. The incident appeared to be the result of a navigation error, and President Ronald Reagan declared that GPS would be available to airliners when the system became fully operational.

Yet there was little widespread interest in GPS until Mr. Tuck, who died June 26 at 85, brought the technology down to earth. As the founder of Magellan, he manufactured the first handheld GPS receiver for the general public  and demonstrated the mass appeal for a technology that has permitted smartphone users to find the closest late-night Thai restaurant; helped lost road-trippers pretend they know exactly where theyre going; and enabled countless schoolchildren to avoid learning how to properly read a map.

Mr. Tuck was forced for decades to remind people that he was not the inventor of GPS, a title that is generally bestowed upon Roger Easton, a physicist at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory who died in 2014. He was also not the first to produce a small GPS receiver. According to Greg Milner, who chronicled the history of the technology in his 2016 book Pinpoint, competitor Charles Trimble already had made relatively small receivers for military and commercial use.

The first mass-market GPS receiver, the Magellan NAV 1000, sold for $3,000 in 1989. (Jaclyn Nash/Smithsonian's National Museum of American History)

But it was Mr. Tuck, a tinkerer who leapt from business to business, working at companies that produced everything from Mickey Mouse phones to optical character scanners, who insisted that the GPS could and should be shrank down to pocket size, without hurting the pocketbook. He also assembled the team and funding to make it happen.

Through his investment company, the Boundary Fund, he formed what became known as the Magellan Systems Corp. He hired the engineers Norm Hunt and Don Rea to develop software and hardware for his new device, which he hoped to carry in his shirt pocket and use on flights up the California coast.

At least 86 potential investors were unimpressed, perhaps as a result of Mr. Tucks unorthodox pitch. His product was geared not toward high-end Silicon Valley consumers but toward an ideal customer whom Mr. Tuck described as Bubba.

Bubba is probably more south than Missouri, said Mr. Tuck, who was raised in Springfield, Mo. But I knew the culture, I knew what Bubba was like. I knew Bubba doesnt like to admit hes lost, and that if he found one of these under his Christmas tree, hed be a happy man  if they were $300, of course.

The device that Mr. Tuck and his team eventually produced, the Magellan NAV 1000, ultimately sold for $3,000 in 1989. It was waterproof, weighed a pound and a half, ran on six AA batteries and offered precision that was, Boating magazine wrote in a review, pleasantly startling.

When the global network of 24 GPS satellites became fully operational in the mid-1990s, Magellan and followers such as Garmin and TomTom became ever more popular and accurate. The company also was given an unexpected boost during the Persian Gulf War, when GPS had widespread use in combat for the first time. Many soldiers relied on Magellans portable units to coordinate their movements on the battlefield.

I dont think its nice to say that wars are lucky, Mr. Tuck said of the timing. But it was lucky that we had one at that particular time  if we were going to have one.

A breadboard, or early mock-up, of Magellan's handheld GPS receiver. (Jaclyn Nash/Smithsonian's National Museum of American History)

Edward Fenton Tuck Jr. was born in Memphis on July 5, 1931. His mother was a secretary; his father worked as a mechanic for the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway, where he eventually became an executive. Mr. Tuck dropped out of high school to work full time as a producer for a radio station.

After graduating in 1953 from what was then Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy in Rolla, he worked as a telecommunications executive at ITT Corp. before striking out on his own as an investor.

He eventually named Jim Whittaker, the first American to summit Mount Everest, as the chief executive of Magellan. The company was sold to Orbital Sciences Corp. in 1994 and is now a subsidiary of the Taiwan-based conglomerate MiTAC.

Mr. Tucks later business ventures included Teledesic, a partnership with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and telecommunications executive Craig McCaw that aimed to offer phone and Internet access across the world. It shuttered in 2002.

Mr. Tuck died at a nursing home in Charlotte, his daughter Jean McGregor said, and had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. His wife of 60 years, the former Janet Barber, died in April.

Survivors include two daughters, Jean McGregor of Waxhaw, N.C., and Ann Tuck of Accra, Ghana; and five grandchildren.

I used to tease him about how none of my kids can read maps thanks to him, McGregor said. He thought that was all right. Thats too bad, hed say, but oh well. 

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported the impact of Korean Air Lines Flight 007 on the development of GPS. GPS was partly open to civilians by the time Flight 007 was shot down by the Soviet Union; it was not entirely classified. President Ronald Reagan subsequently declared that GPS would be available to airliners when the system became fully operational, but he did not single-handedly open it to the public.
Baltimore police arrested a suspect Thursday in the fatal shooting of the brother of T.J. Smith, the departments chief spokesman, in an apartment on the citys west side on Sunday.

Terrell Gibson, 21, was arrested at his home in the 1800 block of Lafayette Avenue in West Baltimore, a mile from where the victim lived. Police said Gibson was charged with first- and second-degree murder, assault and reckless endangerment.

The victim, Dionay Smith, 24, was found fatally shot Sunday night inside his apartment on Argyle Avenue. Police had surveillance video of a man in a hallway that they said helped them identify a suspect. Police did not discuss a possible motive.

At a news conference Thursday, Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis said that when officers went to Gibsons apartment building with an arrest warrant, someone in the apartment tried to conceal Gibson when officers entered. He also said police have not recovered a weapon.

Davis said Gibson has a long arrest history and is no stranger to law enforcement. He has past convictions for assault and drug dealing, according to online court records.

The police commissioner said Gibson had been freed on probation in December after having been convicted in 2015 in a stabbing aboard a Maryland Transit Administration bus.

Court records show Gibson was sentenced to 18 months. Three other defendants in the bus stabbing case were sentenced to six months or less.

Davis said that Gibsons sentence doesnt sit well with him.

When someone harms someone in 2015, you dont expect to hear about that person in 2017. It doesnt jive with the expectations of the community.

Thankfully hes off the street and he wont harm anyone else like he harmed Dionay and the Smith family, Davis added.

Dionay Smiths brother, T.J., was hired by Davis and is responsible for media relations for the Baltimore Police Department. He has relayed information to the public about more than 600 homicides over the past two years. T.J. Smith was a police officer in Anne Arundel County, Md. for 18 years, rising to the rank of lieutenant, before coming to Baltimore in August 2015.

On Wednesday, T.J. Smith spoke publicly about his brothers death, the 173rd homicide in Baltimore this year. Five more people have been killed since Dionay Smith was shot.
A D.C. police officer shot and wounded a man who police said was found with a gun in Northwest Washington Wednesday night, D.C. Police Chief Peter Newsham said.

Few details could be immediately learned, but the incident happened in the 700 block of Park Road about 10:20 p.m., Newsham said. The wounded man was taken to a hospital with injuries not believed to be life threatening, the chief said.

The officer, who was not immediately identified, was not injured, police said.

Newsham said police were still working to find out what led to the shooting, but said the officer came across the man armed with a weapon.

The officer was out here working, he came across a man with a gun. Shots were fired. We know our officer fired his weapon, Newsham said.

Investigators recovered a gun from the scene, Newsham said.
The spate of homicides in Prince Georges this week is atypical for the community, with many of the unrelated fatal shootings stemming from long-standing, personal disputes among the people involved, county Police Chief Hank Stawinski said.

Stawinski addressed the shootings Thursday after a double homicide in District Heights marked the sixth and seventh fatal shootings the Maryland county has seen in a one-week span.

In a majority of cases that detectives are investigating, gunmen have armed themselves and tried to solve these disputes with gunfire, leading to tragic outcomes, Stawinski said.

The major exception, Stawinski said, involves the slaying of a man who was gunned down on the Capital Beltway for reasons that remain unclear.

Adriano Lombre, 55, probably didnt know who shot him while he was traveling along the outer loop of the Beltway near Pennsylvania Avenue exit, police said. Since Lombres shooting Sunday, police have been asking the public to come forward with information in the case, which has been challenging for detectives because initially no witnesses or 911 call came in reporting the incident.

[Police seek help in killing of innocent victim on D.C.s Beltway]

Stawinski said the police department has received some information that could lead to a resolution in Lombres slaying, but urged anyone from the public who was in the area about midnight Sunday to continue calling police with tips.

We need that information to bring peace to this family, Stawinski said.

In addition to Lombre, six others have been fatally shot in Prince Georges since July 1.

A man was shot about 12:30 p.m. in Brandywine on Friday during a residential robbery, police said. That shooting has been determined to be a case of self-defense, police said.

On July 4, a man was shot in the 800 block of Kayak Avenue about 7 a.m. Police are investigating the possibility that the man was shot in a case of self-defense.

[Tracking D.C.-area homicides]

Also on July 4, a man was shot in the drive-through of a liquor store in the 7300 block of Landover Road about 3:30 p.m. Someone in the car with him drove him to a hospital, where he later died.

Shortly before 1:30 a.m. on July 5, an 18-year-old was found fatally shot in Suitland.

In the most recent case, two men were killed Thursday in the parking lot of an apartment complex in District Heights. The victims were identified as 34-year-old Phillip Michael of Southeast Washington and 31-year-old Kenneth Edmonds of District Heights.

There were words exchanged along with pushing and shoving between two groups that were in conflict before the shooting, Stawinski said.

None of the cases appear to be gang-related, Stawinski said.

Detectives have been working around the clock through the July 4 holiday and are close to making arrests in two cases, Stawinski said.

Despite the recent string of shootings, homicides being investigated by Prince Georges police are still down in the county compared with last year, Stawinski said. As of Thursday afternoon, the department has logged 44 homicides compared with 48 this time last year.

Police are asking anyone with information on any of these cases to call 866-411-TIPS (8477). Rewards of up to $25,000 are available for information leading to arrests and indictments.

Justin Wm. Moyer contributed to this report.
The Trump administration announced plans to keep voter roll data it has requested from all 50 states and the District on White House computers under the direction of a member of Vice President Pences staff, it told a federal judge Thursday.

The disclosure of the White House role came in a government filing required in a lawsuit by the Electronic Privacy Information Center, a watchdog organization that has asked a federal judge in Washington to block the requests for voter data until the impact on Americans privacy can be fully assessed.

A decision on the request for a temporary restraining order by U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly is expected as early as Friday afternoon.

The commissions request for voting information has caused a nationwide uproar.

The states that wont provide all of their voter data grew to a group of at least 44 by Wednesday, including some that said they would provide nothing. Others said that they will provide what information they can but that state laws control what can be made public.

Then U.S. President-elect Donald Trump met with Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach in November 2016. (Mike Segar/Reuters)

The vice presidents office said the commissions letter asked only for publicly available data under state laws, stating that 20 states have agreed to share at least some data and 16 more are reviewing the request.

President Trump has made claims widespread voter fraud cost him the popular vote in November, although critics say the claim is unsubstantiated and is a pretext for voter suppression.

[Why almost every state is partially or fully rebuffing Trumps election commission]

In a court filing, Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach (R), vice chairman of the Trump panel and a leading conservative voice on concerns about voter fraud, said the data would be stored through the White House.

The executive order in May creating the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity stated that the panel would be funded and staffed through the General Services Administration  a federal agency subject to privacy requirements.

But that arrangement has shifted, according to Kobachs filing. At this time, there are no plans for the General Services Administration to collect or store any voter registration or other elections-related data for the Commission, Kobach said in response to questions from the court.

Commission staff will download the files  onto White House computers, he wrote, adding that an employee of the vice presidents office will be responsible with White House information technology staff for collecting and storing any data.

Kollar-Kotelly, a 1997 Clinton appointee, had pressed for details about committee membership and operations after the government asked her to toss out the EPIC lawsuit. The government defended its request for voter details saying the data was publicly available and that the commission planned to de-identify sensitive data before releasing documents. It also said the voter commission was a presidential advisory panel not subject to federal privacy review requirements.

In its response, EPIC President Marc Rotenberg called the privacy implications of the demand for voter roll data from across the country staggering, and said the commission had no authority to gather hundreds of millions of voter records from the states or to create a secret database stored in the White House.

EPIC wrote to the court that the commissionsought data at the heart of democratic institutions and protected under state law  without complying with any of the laws enacted to protect personal privacy. The privacy watchdog said the panels June 28 request to collect, store and publish personal voter information covered at least 157 million registered voters, or more than the 149 million individual tax returns received by the Internal Revenue Service.

EPIC said the proposal would increase privacy risks to every registered voter, including in particular military families whose home addresses would be revealed.

In its letters to state officials, the commission invited them to submit state data by email, or by an Army-operated file exchange website, with an invalid security certification system, neither of which appear secured, EPIC said.

It also highlighted the commissions request for partial Social Security Numbers  often used as passwords for commercial services  and felony conviction data included in voter data, and said plans to make such information publicly available is both without precedent and crazy.

Trump formed the commission after repeatedly suggesting that voter fraud cost him the popular vote against Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. Studies and state officials of both parties have found no evidence of widespread voting fraud.

[Trump challenges states on voter fraud: What are they trying to hide?]

Led by chairman Pence, Kobach on Thursday confirmed in a court filing that the panels other members are Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson (R); New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner (D); Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap (D); former Ohio secretary of state Ken Blackwell (R); Christy McCormick (R), commissioner with the U.S. Election Assistance Commission; former Arkansas state representative David Dunn (D); Mark Rhodes, clerk of Wood County, W.Va. (D); and Hans von Spakovsky, senior legal fellow of the Heritage Foundation (R).

[Trumps voter-fraud commission wants to know voting history, party ID and address of every voter in the U.S.]

Kobach said in the court filing that McCormick is not serving in her official capacity as a member of the EAC.Kobach said the Trump commission has no legal relationship with the EAC, and that while the president can appoint additional members to the newly formed advisory commission, to Kobachs knowledge, no other federal agency officials are currently under consideration.

[Trumps voting commission asked states to hand over election data. Some are pushing back.]

Instead, he said, the White House is using a website for data transfers operated by the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center.
William Morva listened as the possibility of the death penalty or possible life in prison was discussed during jury selection in Christiansburg, Va., in September 2007. (Matt Gentry/AP)

William C. Morva was executed Thursday night in Virginia, after supporters failed to convince Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) that Morvas mental illness merited clemency and a life sentence in the 2006 murders of a sheriffs deputy and an unarmed hospital security guard.

Morva was pronounced dead at 9:15 p.m., according to Lisa Kinney, a spokeswoman for the state corrections department. When asked whether he had any last words, Mr. Morva responded no,  Kinney said. The execution was carried out without complications.

McAuliffe, who is personally opposed to the death penalty, said he would not stop the execution because he is convinced Morva received a fair trial. The governor also dismissed claims Morva was experiencing delusions at the time of the shootings.

After extensive review and deliberation, I do not find sufficient cause in Mr. Morvas petition or case records to justify overturning the will of the jury that convicted and sentenced him, McAuliffe said in a statement.

As governor, McAuliffe blocked a scheduled execution in April but has allowed two others to proceed.

Attorney Dawn Davison on the grounds of the Virginia State Capitol. She is one of the attorneys representing William Morva. (Julia Rendleman/For The Washington Post)

In seeking clemency, Morvas attorneys said the jurors who sentenced him to death were not told about the severity of his mental illness. His case became part of a larger national effort to eliminate capital punishment for people with illnesses like Morvas delusional disorder.

Responding to the governors decision Thursday, Morvas legal team said the execution will not make our community safer. He is not the worst of the worst for whom the death penalty is supposed to be reserved. He is a person with a severe mental illness whose problematic and criminal behaviors were driven by his chronic psychotic disorder.

William apparently will go to his grave never having received treatment, attorney Dawn Davison of the Virginia Capital Representation Resource Center said in a statement.

Morva, 35, was convicted in 2008 for shooting Cpl. Eric Sutphin and hospital security guard Derrick McFarland after escaping from custody.

His clemency effort garnered support from local, national and international advocates pressing to stop states from executing people with severe mental illnesses. Amnesty International, the ACLU of Virginia and mental health organizations delivered more than 30,000 petitions to McAuliffe asking him to commute Morvas death sentence.

More than two dozen members of the Virginia General Assembly and three of the states representatives in Congress, all Democrats, also asked McAuliffe to block the execution. On Wednesday, one of the daughters of the slain sheriffs deputy said she, too, had written to McAuliffe supporting clemency for the man who killed her father.

Morva was scheduled to be executed by lethal injection at 9 p.m. at the Greensville Correctional Center, about 160 miles south of Washington. He was executed with a combination of three drugs that includes midazolam. The controversial sedative has been used in other states executions that were prolonged and apparently painful.

The last execution in Virginia in January was the first to rely on midazolam and the first since the passage of a state law that keeps secret the drug suppliers to shield them from political and public pressure.

[Democratic lawmakers ask McAuliffe to commute sentence of convicted killer]

Lawmakers in eight states, including Virginia, Ohio and Tennessee, have introduced bills that would make people with severe mental illness ineligible for the death penalty. Advocates say capital punishment was not intended for people who are incapable of distinguishing between delusions and reality.

The legislative proposals address punishment, not guilt or innocence. The Supreme Court has already said people with intellectual disabilities and juveniles may not be executed because of their diminished culpability.

After years of appeals in state and federal court, the high court declined to take up Morvas case in February.

Elizabeth Morva, his mother, has expressed remorse for her sons actions and said that he has not received the psychological treatment he needed.

If someone had intervened sooner, I truly believe William would never have killed those two men, his mother wrote in an affidavit in support of her son. But I cannot change the past. I can only say that I am so sorry and ask that my son please be spared.

Mary K. Pettitt, the Montgomery County, Va., commonwealth attorney, who helped prosecute Morva, had told McAuliffe the jury had sufficient information about his mental health and urged him not to overturn a fair verdict.

Pettitt said Thursday that the governor had reached the same conclusion as the jury that Morva knowingly and deliberately over a two-day period killed two men and left another for dead in what she called a senseless tragedy.

In addition to law enforcement officials, McAuliffe said he heard from family members of the victims. Only Sutphins daughter has issued a public statement and asked for privacy for other relatives.

[He's a killer set to die. But his mental illness has set off a new death penalty debate.]

Years before the shootings, Morvas friends and family were concerned about his mental health following his decision to drop out of Blacksburg High School.

He went barefoot in winter, sometimes slept in the woods and told people he had special powers and was in training to fight in the wild on behalf of Native Americans. Morvas daily routine became consumed by unusual habits  eating large amounts of raw meat and spending hours in the bathroom.

His mental health deteriorated further when he was locked up for a year in jail awaiting trial on attempted robbery charges. Morva was convinced that someone at the prison was trying to kill him and intentionally withholding medical care, he told his mother in a series of phone calls from jail on recorded lines.

In August 2006, a deputy escorted Morva to Montgomery Regional Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. In the bathroom, Morva knocked the deputy unconscious, took his gun and then shot McFarland, the unarmed security guard. The next day, he shot Sutphin, the decorated sheriffs deputy, who was out searching for Morva on a wooded trail near the campus of Virginia Tech.

[Man arrested near Va. Tech in two killings]

The jury that sentenced Morva to death in 2008 heard from two doctors who diagnosed him with a personality disorder similar to schizophrenia. They noted his odd behavior and that Morvas maternal grandmother had been treated for schizophrenia in the 1950s.

But the doctors told jurors that Morva was not delusional  a determination that later was rebutted by another doctor and Morvas new team of lawyers.

After reviewing the conflicting medical evaluations, McAuliffe said Thursday that he was persuaded by the initial findings at trial that Morva was not suffering from any condition that would have prevented him from committing these acts consciously and fully understanding their consequences.

Morvas diagnosis of delusional disorder came during the appeals process and after a more in-depth psychiatric evaluation. Davison, Morvas attorney, stressed on Thursday that Morva was in the grip of a powerful psychosis at the time of the shootings. Morva has not accepted in-person visits from his lawyers and his mother for years. He insisted they were part of the conspiracy to kill him.

Despite his opposition to capital punishment, McAuliffe has allowed two executions to go forward. In January, Ricky Gray was the last Virginia inmate to be executed. Gray had been convicted of killing two young girls in a brutal 2006 home invasion.

In April, McAuliffe commuted the death sentence of Ivan Teleguz in a murder-for-hire case because of what the governor described as a flawed sentencing process.

Gregory S. Schneider contributed to this report.
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly said DC Waters Blue Plains treatment plant is located along the Anacostia River. It is located on the Potomac River. This version has been corrected.



Bill Brower, program manager at D.C. Water, checks on the health of a honey bee colony on the roof of a water-treatment building. The plant is thought to be the only facility of its kind that also produces and bottles honey. (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post)

Its a blazing hot summer day, and Bill Brower and Toni Burnham are standing on the roof of one of the myriad buildings that dot the campus of Blue Plains, the vast wastewater treatment plant on the banks of the Potomac River.

In large veiled hats and thick long-sleeve white shirts, theyre hardly dressed for the weather. But their focus today is not on the temperature outside. Its on the inside of the 15 blue and white bee hives in front of them.

Last week, a new queen was introduced, and theres a chance she may have been rejected by the colony. And so Brower, a project manager who specializes in sustainability issues at D.C. Water, and Burnham, president of the D.C. Beekeepers Alliance, are here to assess the fallout.

Its like a soap opera with 50,000 characters, and we have to figure out if its Days of Our Lives or Game of Thrones,  Burnham said.

Bees? Living on the roof of North Americas largest wastewater treatment plant?

Normally, you dont associate wastewater treatment plants with something sweet, conceded D.C. Water spokesman Vincent Morris.

But the rooftop apiary on the utilitys 140-acre campus is part of an experiment to see whether bees can thrive in such an unconventional setting. The hope is that if it works here, it can work at thousands of similar facilities across the United States.

If youre a bee, it can be hard to find a decent home in urban areas like D.C.  too much noise, too many humans and not enough open land and tall trees.



Each hive houses roughly 10,000 bees in a perfectly suited location for the insects: between the water source of the Potomac River and the woodlands of Oxon Hill. (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post)

As it turns out, D.C. Waters campus, bordered on one side by the Potomac River and the other by Oxon Hill Farm, is not a bad place to be if youre a bee.

Brower and Chris Peot, D.C. Waters director of resource recovery, hit on the idea of opening an apiary about three years ago. The pair thought it would be a way to build links with the urban agriculture community, promote their goal of a more sustainable campus and help bees.

They reached out to the D.C. Beekeepers Alliance, a local resource for apiarists in the region. And soon, with the help of Burnham, they were in the bee business.

Beekeeping, like raising chickens, has become a popular pastime for city types, including some at Washingtons most famous addresses. Michelle Obama installed the first White House beehive in 2009, and Melania Trump has said it will remain on the grounds, producing honey for the first family and their guests. In June, Karen Pence, wife of Vice President Pence, installed a hive at their residence, giving more than 15,000 bees free run of the sprawling U.S. Naval Observatory campus. In Virginia, George Mason University launched its Honey Bee Initiative in 2012.

These days, bees can use all the help they can get. The insects, critical to the production of crops including almonds, squash and watermelon, have been the victims of both man-made and naturally occurring problems.

[Heres how the White House is helping the humble honeybee]



Toni Burnham, president of D.C. Beekeepers Alliance, checks on a honeybee colony at a D.C. Water building. (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post)

According to statistics offered by the White House, the number of honeybee hives in the United States has declined from 6 million during the 1940s to only about 2.5 million today.

The problem is worldwide  making experiments like the one at D.C. Water useful for those looking at how to provide bees with livable habitats.

In, D.C. alone, there are 300 hives registered with the city, which gave the go-ahead for city dwellers on nonfederal property to keep bees in 2015.

The effort at D.C. Water has not been without its challenges: Some employees worried more bees would equal more stings  fears that have proved unfounded. Morris said the winged residents have proved to be remarkably tame  more focused on their work than on tangling with D.C. Water workers.

Thats backed by Brower, who added management of the hives to his already long list of projects. He had no previous beekeeping experience, but in three years, he said hes only been stung once.

Beekeeping is not easy, even under the most ideal circumstances, and the question of where to put the hives on the water utilitys massive campus proved tricky.

When we cant put bees where they want to be, we have to figure out how to manage them, Burnham said. Bees are like anyone else  they need food, water and good weather.

The bees initial home in an open spot on the rooftop was too windy. And despite the apiarys proximity to the Potomac, water was still a problem, said Burnham, who has served as D.C. Waters bee consultant. Bees, being resourceful, compensated by drinking condensation from a nearby air conditioning condenser, she said. It wasnt until it came time to service the condenser that officials discovered that several thousand had met their end after being sucked into the unit, Burnham said. Now they provide water for the apiary and have put the hives in a spot that shields the bees from the wind. The bees, Burnham said, appear to be doing well.

[Graphic: We all get stung when bee colonies collapse]

Even so, theres always a risk. This queen situation for one thing.

Brower and Burnham planned this particular welfare check for midmorning because thats when most of the bees are out working, he said.

Even so, there are plenty left in the hive and more than a few buzzing about.

Brower and Burnham go about their task, slowly pulling the frames from the blue and white boxes. A silver smoker sits atop one of hives.

Using a sharp metal tool, Brower carefully lifts one of the frames from its wooden box. He gently pushes the bellows of the silver can, which emit a few slow puffs of smoke over the bees.



Bill Brower bottles a batch of honey from the rooftop bee colony at D.C. Water. (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post)

It calms them, he explains. They think theres a fire so they just hang in place.

He slowly turns the frame over while Burnham peers, examining the individual cells looking to see how many eggs have been laid and which might be hatching.

After examining one particular frame, Burnham turned to Brower.

What do we say now, Bill? she asked, a wide grin on her face. We say, Boo-YA! 

In other words, things look great.

She pointed to a large bee with a yellow dot. Its the queen.

There was some possibility that they would reject her, Burnham said. But there she is alive and laying eggs. Thats what the boo-YA was about.

Added Brower: It is fascinating to learn how these creatures work  so different from how human populations operate. If we want a new leader, we get out and organize and vote; if honeybees want a new leader, they nurture a new one who may eventually kill the reigning queen.

This year, Brower and Burnhams work was rewarded. D.C. Water celebrated its first harvest of Blue Plains Honey. The tiny jars have proved to be a popular giveaway: D.C. Waters general manager, George Hawkins, doles them out at community gatherings. D.C. Council member Mary M. Cheh is just one of the local VIPs whove requested a sample.

Brower has worked on many projects at D.C. Water. But, grinning as he grabs a jar and fills it with some Blue Plains honey, his pride in this particular project is clear.

You dont always get to see such an obvious benefit, he said as he held a jar up to the light and admired the golden brown liquid.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has granted final approval for Dominion Energy to build a power transmission line across the James River near Jamestown, enabling a project that historic preservationists say would spoil a view little changed since Capt. John Smith helped found the nations first permanent English settlement there more than 400 years ago.

Richmond-based Dominion says the 500,000-volt line and 17 towers that will carry it across the James are needed because federal environmental regulations are forcing the shutdown of two coal-burning power plants in Yorktown. Without the new line, the utility said, the Peninsula region would not have reliable access to power.

But environmentalists have joined historians in opposing the project, arguing that in addition to changing the landscape, the giant towers would endanger a fragile population of river sturgeon that is struggling to make a comeback.

[Endangered sturgeon at center of Jamestown battle over power lines]

There is only one Jamestown, and once development of this magnitude begins, there is no undoing its impacts, Theresa Pierno of the nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association said Thursday after the Corps of Engineers approved the permit. We cannot stand by and let that happen. We will continue to fight to protect historic Jamestown and are considering all options, including legal action.

Tourists explore the original Jamestown settlement. (Jay Westcott/For The Washington Post)

The line will require more than 40 transmission towers in the area, some nearly 300 feet tall.

Jamestown and its surroundings are a cradle of American history, the root of the English colonies that went on to become the United States.

The original fort at Jamestown, begun in 1607 and long thought lost beneath the waters of the river, has been unearthed in recent years, which led to a renewal of interest in the site. In 2019, the Virginia General Assembly plans a major event at Jamestown to mark the 1619 origins of the House of Burgesses and celebrate 400 years of representative democracy.

In a column published last year in the Richmond Times-

Dispatch, then-National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis objected to the power line project as forever marring the river, the view and the setting that framed the experiences of this nations first settlers.

He lamented that the power line would ruin something rare: the ability to stand on that sacred ground at Jamestown and look downriver, feeling the isolation and challenges our first citizens experienced. If the proposed power line moves forward, that historic view will be overrun with towers, power lines and blinking lights.

[Power lines for data centers threaten historic African American enclave]

Dominion said it considered several other locations for the line but found that the current one  just south of Jamestown, running from Surry County to a spot in James City County near Carters Grove Plantation  would be the least disruptive. The utility also said the towers crossing the river should not be visible from the Jamestown site.

The Corps of Engineers said it considered 23 alternatives, including burying the line under the river.

We believe the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has done a diligent and thorough review, Dominion spokeswoman Bonita Billingsley Harris said. She said the permit allows construction to begin on the line leading up to the river crossing.

The utility agreed to take steps to limit the environmental impact, such as doing construction work during times of year when sturgeon are not spawning.

Dominion also agreed to a design that uses the fewest towers possible and to paint them in a way that minimizes their appearance.

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission also approved the project this week despite hundreds of letters and emails in opposition, as well as testimony from some 25 people at a public hearing.

The next step is a public hearing July 11 at the James City County Board of Supervisors for a permit to build the switching station that connects to the line, Harris said.
The number of prescriptions for opioids written by health-care providers declined between 2012 and 2015, the government reported Thursday, introducing a glimmer of progress in efforts to quell the worst drug epidemic in U.S. history.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said prescriptions for highly addictive painkillers such as oxycodone dropped 13.1 percent over the three-year period, from 81.2 per 100 people to 70.6.

Anne Schuchat, the CDCs acting director, expressed tempered optimism about the first national decline in opioid prescriptions that the CDC has reported since the crisis began in the late 1990s. She said the prescription rate is still triple the level it was in 1999 and four times what it is in some European countries. Even at the reduced prescribing rate, she said, enough opioids were ordered in 2015 to keep every American medicated round-the-clock for three weeks.

It looks a little bit better, but you really have to put that in context, Schuchat said in an interview. Were still seeing too many people get too much for too long.

[Missouri says Big Pharma caused opioid crisis with campaign of fraud and deception]

The overprescribing of legal opioids sparked the addiction crisis, but some addicts eventually move to cheaper or stronger drugs, especially if they run into difficulty obtaining prescription opioids. In recent years the overdose death rate from illicit drugs, such as heroin and fentanyl, has risen much faster than the rate of overdoses from medical narcotics. That means the decline in prescriptions may trigger fewer first-time addictions in the future, Schuchat said.

The improvement should be viewed as prevention, she said. The fewer we get started, the fewer we get addicted to opioids.

Gary Mendell, founder of the anti-drug advocacy group Shatterproof, noted the improvements being made, citing estimates that 80 percent of opioid abusers first become addicted to prescription narcotics, not street drugs. But, he said, the reduction is not even close to what could occur in this country.

In particular, Mendell said, prescribing practices should be measured and responded to in real time. The CDC process of collecting data from states and counties is cumbersome and inefficient, he said.

Can you imagine being on a conference call with a company and they announce data thats two years old? said Mendell, a former hotel executive. Theres a simple saying in business: What doesnt get measured doesnt get done.

[As opioid overdoses rise, police become counselors, doctors and social workers]

The opioid crisis appears to have left no community untouched as it mushroomed into an epidemic after the turn of the century. Prescription opioids alone killed nearly 180,000 people from 2000 to 2015, and overdoses, abuse and dependence on medical narcotics created an annual economic burden estimated at $78.5 billion, according to the new report.

In 2015, the latest year for which the CDC has released data, more than 33,000 people died of overdoses that involved an opioid, including more than 15,000 who had taken a prescription narcotic. Nearly 13,000 more were killed by overdoses of heroin.

State data and a nationwide survey conducted by the New York Times indicate that those figures may be rising sharply in 2016.

More than 2 million people are addicted to opioids, the government estimates. In 2014 alone, there were 1.27 million emergency-room visits or inpatient hospital stays for opioid-related health problems, another government agency reported in June.

The critical shortage of treatment for people with opioid-use disorder also has complicated plans by President Trump and Republicans in Congress to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. States confronting major drug problems have resisted federal proposals to roll back the ACAs expansion of Medicaid, which is helping to fund treatment for many people.

[The deadly connection between prescription painkillers and the economy]

There are also indications that prescriptions for opioids have been dropping since 2015. In the past year, some private-sector data collectors have reported prescription declines on par with the data in the CDC report. Customers of the health insurer Cigna, for instance, have consumed nearly 12 percent fewer opioids in the past year, according to Will Lopez, senior medical director at Cigna Behavioral Health.

The CDC report also confirmed another critical factor in the crisis. It found wide disparities in opioid prescriptions in counties across the nation. Doctors in some counties in hard-hit parts of Appalachia, the Southwest and New England prescribed the equivalent of 958 to 5,543 milligrams of morphine per capita in 2015. In other locations, prescribers authorized zero to 454 milligrams in the same year.

The report also determined, as other researchers have, that opioids are more heavily prescribed in small towns, in counties with larger white populations and in places where unemployment and Medicaid enrollment are higher. It also found that they are prescribed more frequently in counties where arthritis and diabetes rates are higher than average.

Still, those factors explain only about a third of the variation among counties, Schuchat said. That suggests to me that clinicians may not know what the right amount of prescribing is. They may be prescribing based on custom and tradition and what they were taught in medical school, she said.

In the past few years, medical and public health authorities, including the CDC, have been urging doctors to cut back on the number of pills, the dose and the duration of the prescriptions they offer  a turnaround from just 15 years ago, when a nationwide movement urged physicians to more aggressively treat their patients pain. Even before the CDC issued guidelines last year, studies were warning prescribers of the dangers of dispensing too many opioids.

The data indicates that at least some prescribers are heeding the message. Nationally, prescribing peaked at the equivalent of 782 milligrams of morphine per person in 2010, declining to 640 milligrams per person in 2015.

Physicians have been making more judicious prescribing decisions in recent years, said Patrice A. Harris, chair of the American Medical Associations opioid task force, but she called for continued improvements. Doctors should continue using prescription drug monitoring programs, eliminating stigma, prescribing the overdose reversal drug naloxone, and enhancing their education about safe opioid prescribing and effective pain management, Harris said.

The study also found a continued increase in long-term prescribing of opioids. The average length of prescriptions rose steadily from about 13 days in 2006 to about 18 in 2015, the data shows. But Schuchat cautioned that as fewer people are receiving short-term prescriptions, those who take opioids for years for chronic pain may have skewed the average. The CDC has said that there is no evidence that opioids are effective long-term and suggests that people with chronic pain, one of the most common reasons for visiting a health-care provider, seek alternatives.

Improving the management of chronic pain is very important, Schuchat said. There are multiple approaches. Larger-scale studies suggest that opioids, even high-dose opioids, are not in the long run effective for chronic pain and in the long run may even be dangerous.
Federal prosecutors say Hobby Lobby Stores has agreed to pay a $3 million federal fine and forfeit thousands of ancient Iraqi artifacts smuggled from the Middle East that the government alleges were intentionally mislabeled.

Prosecutors filed a civil complaint in New York on Wednesday in which Oklahoma City-based Hobby Lobby consented to the fine and forfeiture of thousands of tablets and bricks written in cuneiform, one of the earliest systems of writing, as well as other artifacts that prosecutors say were shipped without proper documentation.

Hobby Lobby executed an agreement to purchase over 5,500 artifacts in December 2010 for $1.6 million. Prosecutors say acquisition of the artifacts was fraught with red flags and that packages bore shipping labels that described their contents as ceramic tiles.

The protection of cultural heritage is a mission that [Homeland Security Investigations] and its partner U.S. Customs and Border Protection take very seriously as we recognize that while some may put a price on these artifacts, the people of Iraq consider them priceless, Angel Melendez, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New York, said in the statement.

A dealer based in the United Arab Emirates shipped packages containing the artifacts to three different corporate addresses in Oklahoma City. Five shipments that were intercepted by federal customs officials bore shipping labels that falsely declared that the artifacts country of origin was Turkey.

In September 2011, a package containing about 1,000 clay bullae, an ancient form of inscribed identification, was received by Hobby Lobby from an Israeli dealer and accompanied by a false declaration stating that its country of origin was Israel.

Prosecutors say Hobby Lobby has agreed to adopt internal policies for importing cultural property and training its personnel.

Prosecutors say that Hobby Lobby began assembling a collection of historically significant manuscripts, antiquities and other cultural materials in 2009.

During the following year, an expert on cultural property law retained by Hobby Lobby cautioned company executives that artifacts from Iraq could have been looted from archaeological sites, advising the company to verify that those being sold had been obtained legally.

In a statement, Hobby Lobby President Steve Green said the company cooperated with the government and should have exercised more oversight and carefully questioned how the acquisitions were handled.

Our passion for the Bible continues, and we will do all that we can to support the efforts to conserve items that will help illuminate and enhance our understanding of this Great Book, Green said.

Green is the chairman and founder of the Museum of the Bible, which is under construction in Washington, D.C.
A security guard stands at attention as New York Police Department officer Miosotis Familia is memorialized before the start of a baseball game between the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays Wednesday. (Kathy Willens/AP)

New York City officials were investigating whether a parolees anger at police led him to shoot and kill a veteran police officer in an early-morning ambush that authorities described as an assassination.

Alexander Bonds, on parole since 2013 after serving seven years in prison for robbery, approached Officer Miosotis Familias vehicle in the Bronx at 12:30 a.m. Wednesday and fired through the window, striking Familia in the head, police said.

Familia, a 12-year New York Police Department veteran, was inside the large vehicle, known as a mobile command post, at the time of the shooting and was taken in extremely critical condition to a hospital where she later died. Her partner was not wounded in the attack.

Two other officers shot and killed Bonds, 34, about a block from the scene of the shooting after he drew a revolver, police said. A bystander was shot during that encounter and was listed as stable, police said.

Familia was unjustly targeted and murdered in a cowardly, unprovoked attack, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. She will be remembered for her years of service and for the example of selflessness that she set protecting people on our streets.

(The Washington Post)

A police spokesman said Familia did not know Bonds.

Ten months earlier, Bonds posted an 11-minute video to his Facebook page that complains about mistreatment at the hands of officers during his incarceration, and he suggested that he would fight a police officer if he encountered one on the street.

In addition to the robbery, Bonds served more than six months in prison in 2004 for selling a controlled substance.

Im not playing, Mister Officer. I dont care about a hundred police watching this s---. You see this face. You see this face or anything, leave it alone. Trust and believe, he said in the video.

Im not hesitating. It aint happening, Bond added. I wasnt a b---- in jail, and Im not going to be a b---- in the streets.

A law enforcement official told The Washington Post that the NYPD believes the video to be authentic and is investigating it further.

The shooting was reminiscent of the 2014 killings of two New York police officers who were shot at point-blank range while sitting in a police car in Brooklyn. The gunman in that ambush had declared his intention on Instagram to kill officers as retribution for the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, black men who were killed by police that year.

Its clear that this was an assassination, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) said at the time. These officers were shot execution-style, a particularly despicable act which goes to the heart of our society and our democracy.

In 2016, law enforcement fatalities spiked to their highest level in five years, with 135 officers killed in the line of duty, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, a nonprofit group that monitors line-of-duty deaths. Of those, 64 officers were fatally shot, a 41 percent increase from the previous year, according to the Memorial Fund. Nearly 1 in 3 officers fatally shot was killed in what were deemed to be ambush attacks.

Two ambushes in July 2016 largely contributed to the increase: In Dallas, a gunman targeted officers patrolling a protest over deadly police shootings of civilians, killing five officers and wounding nine others.

Ten days later, an attacker in Baton Rouge killed two police officers and a sheriffs deputy before he was fatally shot by a sniper.

In November, two Iowa police officers sitting in their squad cars were killed in a pair of ambush attacks. A San Antonio officer writing a ticket was ambushed and killed not long after.

These episodes helped fuel an uptick in police officer deaths last year.

Overall, law enforcement line-of-duty deaths have declined since the 1970s, when twice as many police officers were fatally shot each year and twice as many officers were killed annually.

New York Police Commissioner James ONeill announced Familias death in a post on Twitter early Wednesday, writing #NYPD PO Miosotis Familia has been assassinated in an unprovoked attack on cops assigned to keep NYers safe. Keep her family in your prayers.

Familia, 48, was a mother of three, said Patrick J. Lynch, president of the Patrolmens Benevolent Association.

Vivian Gomez, who lived in the same Bronx apartment building as Familia, said Wednesday that she would often see Familia in passing.

When our paths crossed, she was either coming to or from work. I know she loved the job, Gomez told The Post. I never heard her say a negative thing about her job. Oftentimes, people would gripe about the hours, the long days. I never heard her say, I dislike my job or Its tough. She always had a smile on her face.

I know theres a lot of distress about lack of justice in our community, Gomez continued. Shes a real face behind the badge.

Wesley Lowery and Julie Tate contributed to this report.
It was supremely ironic. President Trump stood in front of a monument to the Warsaw uprising, the Polish underground resistance armys catastrophic, failed attempt to overthrow Nazi rule at the end of World War II. The uprising was a national tragedy: 200,000 of the countrys best-educated and most patriotic young people, the men and women who would have been its leaders, died. The capital was burned to the ground. And in large part, the disaster was caused by the fact that none of the other allies  not Britain, obviously not the Soviet Union, and certainly not the United States  came to Polands defense, even though the resistance army believed they would.

In front of this monument to unfulfilled expectations of distant allies, this memorial to the horrors of a Europe riven by brutal nationalist struggle, Trump offered his support to a Polish government that is both the most nationalist in Europe and now the most isolated in Europe. He made lengthy remarks about the uprising, complete with the now familiar references to the blood of patriots, and at the same time offered his support for Poland in carefully delineated terms.

In essence, Trump called on Poland to help the United States in the struggle of Western civilization against Islamist terrorism  though at times he made it sound as if the real enemy were cultural, not political. He didnt talk about the democratic values that would unite the West in this struggle, but of the ties of God and family, language designed to appeal to nationalist-Catholic Poles, but not to the whole country. He made only one allusion to Russia, speaking of its destabilization of Ukraine (in fact it was an invasion) even though Russia poses a far greater threat to Poland than Islamist terrorism. Russia will hold major military exercises on Polands borders in September. A previous version of these exercises included a simulated nuclear attack.

In failing to focus on Russia, Trump broke with precedent. By comparison, President Barack Obama, at a speech in Estonia in 2014, declared clearly that Russias aggression against Ukraine was a threat to a Europe that is whole and free and at peace. Trump also broke with precedent, but in a different way: He barely mentioned democracy. And he alluded mostly negatively to the rest of Europe, speaking (misleadlingly) of the billions and billions of dollars that Europeans are now supposedly paying into NATO, as if it were a protection racket. When he lauded the military equipment and the gas that the United States will sell to Poland, he joked about needing to charge more.

He did  after refusing to do so on his last trip  finally refer to Article 5, the part of the NATO treaty that says an attack on one NATO member is an attack on all. But earlier, at a news conference, he told journalists that he had not discussed military guarantees with Polands president. And after his speech, the American president known for his mendaciousness and untrustworthiness left Warsaw for his meeting with the Russian president.

In truth, Poland, like its neighbors, will only ever be safe from Russian military intervention or political interference if the country is deeply integrated into a strong, cohesive, unified and democratic Europe. It will only be safe if its own democratic institutions are strong enough to withstand outside meddling. But right now, Poland is run by a political party, Law and Justice, that has launched an assault on the countrys democratic institutions and has, by doing so, managed to alienate all of its most important European neighbors.

The free press is under attack in Poland, along with the independence of the judiciary. The current defense minister has even begun to undermine the professionalism and apolitical character of the military. These policies have alienated Poland from the rest of Europe and also led to a deep schism inside the country. The crowd at Trumps speech, supporters bused in from around the country, booed and shouted insults at opposition politicians, among them Lech Walesa, the anti-communist hero, despite the fact that this was a solemn, national, military and diplomatic occasion.

In giving such a speech in such a place, Trump has confirmed Polands nationalist government in its isolationist and anti-democratic course. He also encouraged Poles to be brave, as in the past, when they fought alone, and encouraged them once again to place their faith in distant allies. Lets hope that faith never has to be tested.

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In Washington, there is a conventional wisdom on North Korea that spans both parties and much of elite opinion. It goes roughly like this: North Korea is the worlds most bizarre country, run by a crackpot dictator with a strange haircut. He is unpredictable and irrational and cannot be negotiated with. Eventually this weird and cruel regime will collapse. Meanwhile, the only solution is more and more pressure. But what if the conventional wisdom is wrong?

The North Korean regime has survived for almost seven decades, preserving not just its basic form of government but also its family dynasty, father to son to grandson. It has persisted through the fall of the Soviet Union and its communist satellites, the Orange Revolution, the Arab Spring and the demise of other Asian dictatorships, from South Korea to Taiwan to Indonesia.

The Kim dynasty has been able to achieve striking success in its primary objective  survival. Of course, this is because it rules in a brutal and oppressive fashion, but so did many other regimes, such as Romania, Syria and Burma. But somehow North Korea has maintained its system.

Kim Jong Un is a young man but has been highly effective at preserving his authority. He has secured the support of the military and sidelined or killed anyone who threatened his grip on power  including his uncle and, allegedly, his half brother.

Look at the world from North Koreas perspective. The regime saw the collapse of the Soviet empire and an even more unsettling transformation in China, which went from being a fiery ideological soul mate to a pragmatic trading state that has eagerly integrated into world markets. These days, Beijing seems to view Pyongyang as a nuisance, and China now often votes to condemn and place sanctions against North Korea at the United Nations.

(The Washington Post)

And the worlds most powerful country has made clear that North Korea is destined for the ash heap of history. After 9/11, when the United States was attacked by Islamist terrorists emanating from the Middle East, President George W. Bush announced that the United States would no longer tolerate an axis of evil comprising Iraq, Iran  and North Korea. It invaded Iraq. Current U.S. policy toward Iran, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson recently said, is to work toward support of those elements inside of Iran that would lead to a peaceful transition of that government. And regarding North Korea, President Trump wants China to end this nonsense once and for all, which again can only mean getting rid of the Kim government in some way.

So, the North Korean regime has tried to buy insurance. And in the realm of international affairs, the best insurance is having a nuclear capacity. Pyongyang knows that it has a large-enough army and the Korean theater of war is so small and dense that a conventional war would be unthinkable, producing hundreds of thousands of casualties and millions of refugees pouring into China and South Korea. North Korea has accurately calculated that China and South Korea are more terrified of the chaos that would follow its collapse than of its nuclear arsenal.

Perhaps the right way to look at North Korea is as a smart, rational, calculating government that is functioning shrewdly given its priority of regime survival. More pressure only strengthens its resolve to buy even more insurance. How to handle it under these circumstances?

The first way to break the logjam in U.S. policy would be to persuade China to put real pressure on its ally. That wont happen by serving President Xi Jinping chocolate cake at Mar-a-Lago. Beijing faces an understandable nightmare  under sanctions and pressure, North Korea collapses and the newly unified country becomes a giant version of South Korea, with a defense treaty with Washington, nearly 30,000 American troops and possibly dozens of Pyongyangs nuclear weapons  all on Chinas border.

Washington will have to promise Beijing now that in the event of unification, it would withdraw its troops, change the nature of its treaty relationship with the new Korea and, working with China, eliminate Koreas nuclear arsenal.

But pressure will work only if there is also some reason for North Korea to make concessions. Pyongyang has indicated in the past that it seeks a formal end to the Korean War (Washington signed only an armistice in 1953), a recognition of the regime and the lifting of sanctions. Obviously none of this should be offered right now, but there is no harm in talking to Pyongyang and searching for ways to trade some of these concessions for the complete eradication of the nuclear program.

Its a bitter pill for Washington to swallow, but the alternative is to hope that China will act against its interests and crush its ally, or that North Korea will finally collapse. But hope is not a strategy.

Read more from Fareed Zakarias archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
In her July 2 op-ed, Blind on Russia, Anne Applebaum continued the mythology that nobody paid much attention as Russia . . . turned into something quite different from a Western-oriented, liberalizing state. In fact, Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama contributed to alienating Moscow over the past 20 years.

Mr. Clinton started it off with advancing the North Atlantic Treaty Organization into former states of the Warsaw Pact. Mr. Bush added former republics of the Soviet Union to the NATO military alliance and abrogated the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, the cornerstone of strategic deterrence. Mr. Bush and Mr. Obama also endorsed the deployment of a sophisticated missile defense in Poland and Romania, which serves no strategic purpose other than to alienate Russia. Mr. Obama contributed gratuitous personal criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin that was never responded to in kind.

In the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, moreover, Mr. Putin did his best to engage Mr. Bush in a formal diplomatic dialogue, but Washington failed to respond. If we are going to properly assess the terrible state of Russian-American relations, we should take note of Washingtons heavy responsibility.

Melvin A. Goodman, Bethesda
The Bronx, the only one of New York Citys five boroughs that is on the American mainland, once had a sociological as well as geographical distinction. In the 1930s it was called, as Daniel Patrick Moynihan noted, the city without a slum. It was the one place in the whole of the nation where commercial housing was built during the Great Depression. In the third quarter of the 20th century, however, there came, particularly in the South Bronx, social regression that Moynihan described as an Armageddonic collapse that I do not believe has its equal in the history of urbanization.

Of the several causes of descent, there and elsewhere, into the intergenerational transmission of poverty, one was paramount: family disintegration. Some causes of this remain unclear, but something now seems indisputable: Among todays young adults, the success sequence is insurance against poverty. The evidence is in The Millennial Success Sequence published by the American Enterprise Institute and the Institute for Family Studies and written by Wendy Wang of the IFS and W. Bradford Wilcox of the University of Virginia and AEI.

The success sequence, previously suggested in research by, among others, Ron Haskins and Isabel Sawhill of the Brookings Institution, is this: First get at least a high school diploma, then get a job, then get married, and only then have children. Wang and Wilcox, focusing on millennials ages 28 to 34, the oldest members of the nations largest generation, have found that only 3 percent who follow this sequence are poor.

A comparably stunning 55 percent of this age cohort has had children before marriage. Only 25 percent of the youngest baby boomers (those born between 1957 and 1964) did that. Eighty-six percent of the Wang-Wilcox millennials who put marriage before the baby carriage have family incomes in the middle or top third of incomes. Forty-seven percent who did not follow the sequence are in the bottom third.

One problem today, Wilcox says, is the soulmate model of marriage, a self-centered approach that regards marriage primarily as an opportunity for personal growth and fulfillment rather than as a way to form a family. Another problem is that some of the intelligentsia see the success sequence as middle-class norms to be disparaged for being middle-class norms. And as AEI social scientist Charles Murray says, too many of the successful classes, who followed the success sequence, do not preach what they practice, preferring ecumenical niceness to being judgmental.

In healthy societies, basic values and social arrangements are not much thought about. They are of course matters expressing what sociologists call a societys world-taken-for-granted. They have, however, changed since President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed unconditional war on poverty. This word suggested a fallacious assumption: Poverty persisted only because of hitherto weak government resolve regarding the essence of war  marshaling material resources.

But what if large causes of poverty are not matters of material distribution but are behavioral  bad choices and the cultures that produce them? If so, policymakers must rethink their confidence in social salvation through economic abundance.

Reversing social regression using public policies to create a healthy culture is akin to nation-building abroad, an American undertaking not recently crowned with success. Wang and Wilcox recommend education focused on high-level occupational skills, subsidizing low-paying jobs, and public and private social marketing campaigns, from public schools to popular media, promoting marriage toward the end of the success sequence.

Success is, of course, more complex than adherence to the sequence. Much cultural capital often is unavailable to poor people. In J.D. Vances Hillbilly Elegy, his memoir of his rise from Appalachian poverty to Yale Law School, he recounts his experience in the recruiting process with prestigious law firms, during which he learned, among many other things he did not learn at home, use the fat spoon for soup and your shoes and belt should match. These may seem trivial matters; to upward mobility, they are not.

Much more important, however, is the success sequence. In Nathaniel Hawthornes day, as in ours, it was said that problems were so daunting that old principles must yield to new realities. Perhaps, however, unfortunate new realities are the result of the disregard of old principles. Hawthorne recommended consulting respectable old blockheads who had a death-grip on one or two ideas which had not come into vogue since yesterday-morning. Ideas such as getting an education, a job and a spouse before begetting children.

Read more from George F. Wills archive or follow him on Facebook.
Jake Sullivan was national security adviser to Vice President Joe Biden and director of policy planning in the Obama administration. Victor Cha is former director for Asian affairs on the National Security Council and served as deputy head of the U.S. delegation for the six-party talks in the George W. Bush administration.

North Koreas July 4 intercontinental ballistic missile test raises hard questions for the Trump administration: Is there any path forward that does not lead either to war or to living with a nuclear North Korea that can hit the continental United States? Can effective diplomacy prevent the major, major conflict that President Trump has talked about?

There is growing recognition that the old playbook wont work. Reviving old agreements North Korea has already broken would be fruitless. The Chinese wont deliver on meaningful pressure. And a military strike could lead to all-out war resulting in millions of casualties. We need to consider a new approach to diplomacy.

That means playing the China card, but not the way it has been played until now. Its not enough to ask China to pressure Pyongyang to set up a U.S.-North Korea negotiation. China has to be a central part of the negotiation, too. China, rather than the United States, should be paying for North Korea to halt and roll back its nuclear and missile programs. Heres the logic.

The best option would be for China to agree to work with us and South Korea toward getting new leadership in North Korea that is less obsessed with weapons of mass destruction. But this is unlikely to happen in the foreseeable future for a litany of reasons: Chinas historical ties to its little communist brother; its concerns about regime collapse; its uncertainty about alternative viable power centers to the Kim family; its mistrust of U.S. motives; and its strained relations with South Korea.

The next option would be for China to cut off, or at least severely curtail, its commerce with North Korea, which accounts for 85 to 90 percent of North Koreas trade, to restrain Pyongyang. But as Trump has recognized in recent tweets, China is unlikely to go this far right now, for the same reasons.

So we are left with a less dramatic form of carrots-and-sticks diplomacy, backed by increasing pressure. But it cant be a repeat of previous rounds.

In the past, China has largely left it to the United States to put inducements on the table. Together the nuclear agreements executed by the Clinton and George W. Bush administrations cost the United States a half-billion dollars for denuclearization via monthly energy-assistance payments to Pyongyang. (Japan and South Korea also paid their fair share; China paid only a small amount in the Bush agreement.) Meanwhile, China continued to enjoy its trade relationship with North Korea, extracting mineral resources at a fraction of world market prices.

Now China is back, pushing us to the bargaining table, as evidenced by its statement with Russia after Tuesdays missile test calling for the United States to give up military exercises in exchange for a missile-testing freeze.

(The Washington Post)

We should reject the freeze-for- freeze. But beyond that, we should tell China that it has to pay to play. The basic trade would be Chinese disbursements to Pyongyang, as well as security assurances, in return for constraints on North Koreas program. China would be paying not just for North Korean coal, but for North Korean compliance.

In a Chinese freeze-and-rollback agreement, the International Atomic Energy Agency would monitor compliance. If North Korea cheated, China would not be receiving what it paid for. The logical thing would be for it to withhold economic benefits until compliance resumed.

Of course, China might continue to fund the regime anyway. Or North Korea could very well reject such a deal from the start. But these scenarios would leave us no worse off than we are now. And it might well put us in a stronger position. Because China didnt get what it paid for, or got the cold shoulder from Pyongyang, it might become more receptive to working with us and our allies on other options.

Why would China agree to this plan, given that it has never been willing to put its economic leverage to real use before?

Beijing wants a diplomatic off-ramp to the current crisis. President Xi Jinping is still seeking a good relationship with Trump in this critical year of Chinas 19th Party Congress. Furthermore, Chinese frustrations with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have grown after his execution of family members and regime figures close to China. All this may give the Trump administration marginally more leverage than its predecessors had.

We also have an important stick. If China refuses to proceed along these lines, we would be better positioned to pursue widespread secondary sanctions against Chinese firms doing business with North Korea beyond the Treasury Departments sanctioning of a Chinese bank last week. We would be left with little choice.

Of course, this idea is no silver bullet. It doesnt answer the question of how to get verifiable, enforceable, durable constraints on North Korea. It wont go very far if what North Korea really cares about is extracting something from the United States. But North Korea is the land of lousy options. We should be looking for a strategy that gives us not only a better chance of success but also some advantages if it fails.
Did Democrats ignore  or worse, condescend to  white working-class voters in 2016? Did many of these voters back Donald Trump because of his promises to restore economic growth for small towns and in manufacturing and mining  or because they resented rising prospects for minorities and women? Can these voters be returned to the Democratic fold with sharper economic messaging? Or does appealing to them require an unthinkable retreat on issues of social justice and inclusion?

These questions have divided Democrats since Election Day. But who really condescended to working-class voters in 2016  and what should replace such condescension today?

The most damning piece of evidence for the Democrats condescended claim is Hillary Clintons statement last September that half of Trumps supporters were a basket of deplorables. I was with Clinton the next day, and it was clear how much she regretted that formulation. Worst of all, the focus on this comment drowned out the real point of her remarks: that Democrats had an obligation to understand and empathize with Trump supporters in  the other basket  people who feel that the government has let them down, the economy has let them down, [and] nobody cares about them.

Far from condescending, Clintons campaign spoke truth to these voters: Our economic future is Stronger Together. Americas best hope to remain an economic superpower is an inclusive economy where immigrants start businesses and create jobs, where everyone can make meaningful contributions to an innovative economy and where the United States masters the economic opportunities that come from challenges such as climate change. That message may not have appealed to some working-class voters, but it isnt condescension  its honesty.

By contrast, Trumps economic message has been a kind flim-flammery where the carnival barker lavishes compliments on his audience while whispering to his sidekicks, Can you believe they are buying this? He extolled the virtues of Buy American while building his own projects with imported Chinese steel. He made immigrants the scapegoats for a wide array of economic problems, while applying for special visas to import foreign workers for jobs at Mar-a-Lago.

It was Trumps campaign that reeked of condescension when he told working-class voters that he alone could make sure that jobs shipped overseas come back. Trumps presidency is erected on faux populism, as he claims to look out for forgotten people  while saying that only rich people are qualified to formulate economic policy and using the presidency to promote his familys businesses. Appealing to working-class voters on false promises and flawed premises is not showing them respect: It is a condescending belief that with enough bluster and showmanship, you can get away with anything.

Democrats should respond to this  not by writing off white working-class voters, or by mimicking Trumps divisive rhetoric and hollow promises  but with a combination of honest talk and a new social and economic contract for the working class.

The honest talk starts with unapologetically reminding Trumps working-class voters that immigrants  like their own ancestors  have always made America greater, bringing new energy, ideas and job-creating businesses to our country. It means telling them (as President Barack Obama did), that the time has passed when you didnt have to have an education . . . [and] you could . . . get a [good] job. It means rejecting economic nostalgia, and embracing technology and innovation; when these forces are shaped by the right policies and a fair tax system, they can create a stronger middle class in our country, as they have during earlier periods of economic transformation.

A new social and economic contract for the working class would include replacing the confusing mishmash of higher education plans with a clear program to make four years of education after high school free and universal. It should include defending and then building on the Affordable Care Act so that every American has health coverage without fear or doubt. It should ensure that benefits such as unemployment compensation and workers comp are available to all, whether they are employees or contract workers. It should make affordable child care a right (not a scavenger hunt) and life-long skills training an American area of excellence.

But like any true contract, this set of benefits must be paired with obligations. This includes an uncompromising insistence that the economy it creates will be inclusive  and that, with a program in place to restore economic opportunity for those who have been left behind, there can be no excuses for resentment of Americas growing diversity. It also includes acceptance that young people will have to get education after high school, working adults will have to continually improve their skills, and some long-beloved occupations will be replaced with new jobs. The nostalgia for an America where brawn alone was enough to create a middle-class life and where a comfortable stagnation was revered as tradition must be abandoned.

(McKenna Ewen,Whitney Leaming,Whitney Shefte/The Washington Post)

Candor, not condescension, is the Democrats path to unmasking the false promise of Trumpism and reclaiming working-class voters in 2018 and beyond.
The June 30 news article Trumps election panel seeks all voter-roll data should raise deep concerns for Americans who value participatory democracy. I applaud Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) and other governors and state officials who refused to comply with the request for extensive voter information from the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, which was created to address a nonexistent problem by shaping future elections to produce sought-after results. They should also resist Justice Department efforts to impose requirements on states to purge voter rolls.

Similarly, in February, the House Administration Committee voted to disband the Election Assistance Commission. The House Appropriations Committee unveiled a bill on June 29 to defund the Election Assistance Commission, the only federal agency dedicated to upholding and advancing the integrity of voting equipment across the nation.

It is absolutely astonishing that, in the wake of Russian involvement in our presidential election and Russian attempts to hack voter systems in several states, two separate congressional committees would seek to destroy the principal agency devoted to safeguarding our election process and securing the nations voting equipment against cyberattack.

Because of partisan gerrymandering, restrictive voting laws and other actions, the right to vote and the integrity of our elections have already been compromised. All public officials and all citizens should strongly denounce and actively oppose those actions and any attempts by the White House, Justice Department, Congress and state legislatures to restrict voting and repress voter participation.

Karen L. Gatz, Annandale

If President Trump is so concerned about protecting the integrity of our elections that he is demanding detailed information on every voter in the United States, then he should be doubly determined to clear up the question of a foreign entity  Russia  attacking our elections. Instead, he is blocking the investigation and calling it fake news.

Carol Calvert, Herndon
With President Trump and Vice President Pence, left, looking on, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos speaks to students at a school-choice event at the White House in May. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

Jaclyn Grimm is a rising freshman at Wesleyan University.

I attended a Baptist private school from kindergarten to ninth grade in the suburbs of Central Florida. Every other day, wed file into gender-segregated Bible classes and write prayer requests on the whiteboard until the bell rang.

Eighth grade was the first year our teachers deemed us mature enough to discuss homosexuality. We pored over Sodom and Gomorrah and memorized verses from Leviticus. In the hallways, boys grew fond of the words homo and fag. We learned about homosexuality the way we would a vocabulary word  definition: abomination.

This is the type of school that would thrive if President Trumps budget were to be implemented. The administrations proposed budget includes $250 million for studying and expanding school voucher programs, centered around private schools such as the one that I attended and eventually left. As a result, Trumps budget is tacitly supporting discrimination.

The general disdain for the LGBT community at my school didnt surprise me, even as a 13-year-old  I had grown up understanding that marriage was between a man and a woman. But I was still surprised to discover that I could be expelled for being bisexual. In my mind, expulsion meant being dangerous or bad. But my student handbook was clear: Practice, self-identifying statements or public promotion of being lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender would result in being kicked out. In the list of sinful offenses, bisexuality came immediately before bestiality and incest.

I had never earned so much as a detention, and yet I suddenly realized that I faced dismissal on the grounds of what my school considered sexual immorality  even though I had never been kissed before.

I changed schools after my freshman year because I wanted to leave on my terms, before anyone could force me. But many LGBT students dont have that choice. Even though I didnt have to deal with the effects of expulsion, the consequences of growing up in such a homophobic environment still affect me.

Most criticism of expanding school-choice programs has to do with the drain on public schools with no proven academic improvement. Thats a valid argument, but far from the only one.

Schools receiving federal funds must follow Title IX, which includes admissions protection for LGBT students. But private schools like the one I attended can receive funds through state voucher programs without following federal guidelines. Theyre free to discriminate based on religion, sexual orientation and disability.

At my old school and many others around the country, identifying as gay or transgender earns the same punishment as bomb threats, selling drugs or bringing weapons to school: expulsion.

Seeing this comparison meant that most of my classmates instinctively viewed LGBT people negatively  and likely still do. Expelling kids for being queer goes beyond the expulsion itself; it validates the homophobia held by many cisgender and heterosexual students. For LGBT students, it makes school a dangerous place. Theyre unable to seek help and advice from teachers, counselors or friends for fear of getting kicked out.

For me, it meant years of dealing with my own internalized homophobia and not feeling comfortable coming out even after I left the school.

Theres no way to make religious schools accept LGBT students, but theres no reason the federal government should financially support such schools. Choice programs might amount to a relatively small amount of public money, but they still result in schools discriminating against kids on taxpayer dollars.

Its been years since I left that school, and I am happy where I am now. But I cant deny that I still struggle with the reality that I had to leave my school for being myself. Im not the only student who has been forced to move to a different school based solely on sexual orientation. Given the administrations interest in expanding school-choice programs, I certainly wont be the last. If religious schools choose to expel students because theyre gay or transgender, they shouldnt receive any sort of government funds.
IT WOULD be difficult to overstate the danger posed by North Koreas launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile potentially capable of reaching U.S. territory. The exercise brought this country, and the world, that much closer to the moment  perhaps only a couple of years away  when the Pyongyang regime may be able to arm such a missile with a nuclear warhead and threaten not only Alaska and Hawaii but also Washington, Oregon and California. Against that deeply destabilizing threat, the Trump administration must now rally not only Republicans and Democrats within this badly polarized country but also the widest possible range of like-minded countries around the world.

Is President Trump capable of doing that? He deserves credit for restoring urgency about North Koreas weapons programs, having openly disavowed his predecessors ineffectual stance of strategic patience, before the latest missile test. Mr. Trump was also well-advised to seek help from China, Pyongyangs sponsor, in reining in the North, even if that is not exactly a new idea. Less admirable, alas, was the manner of his outreach to Beijing  a series of tweets about President Xi Jinping that ranged from embarrassingly fawning to prematurely frustrated. This is no way to conduct diplomacy, but then again, Mr. Trump has not yet even nominated anyone to fill key State Department positions for East Asia, international security and nuclear proliferation issues.

Mr. Trump is an unlikely orchestrator of a multilateral approach, given both his erratic conduct and his off-putting rhetoric about America first. Still, other countries might yet be induced to follow his lead if he can convince them both that he has a credible plan and that the alternative might be far worse  war in Northeast Asia. The third way between more fruitless talks and a catastrophically risky preemptive war would be to impose on the North, for the first time, truly stringent economic sanctions, comparable to the ones that brought Iran to the nuclear bargaining table.

To be sure, that could be a recipe for short-term tension with China, because its Chinese banks that help North Korea trade in U.S. dollars and Chinese companies that continue to supply North Korea with food, energy and dual-use materiel that helps its nuclear program. And China might not be the only nation inconvenienced if there were a serious effort to choke off the Norths supply of hard currency; North Korean workers have been contracted out in Russia, Qatar and, until last year, even democratic Poland. Early indications were not auspicious for such an effort; on Tuesday, Russia and China jointly called on the United States and South Korea to abandon military exercises in return for a suspension by North Korea of missile testing.

Washington and Seoul rejected the false equivalence of that approach, demonstrating that their essential solidarity is intact despite recent disagreements between the new presidents in each capital  and Pyongyangs obvious efforts to shake it. From this, Mr. Trump must construct a widening circle of cooperation against the North, a long-term effort that will require overcoming the resistance of skeptical governments  and his own most impulsive tendencies.
The director of the independent Office of Government Ethics, who has been the federal governments most persistent critic of the Trump administrations approach to ethics, announced Thursday that he is resigning nearly six months before his term is scheduled to end.

Walter M. Shaub Jr. repeatedly challenged the Trump administration, publicly urging President Trump to fully divest from his business empire and chastising a senior Trump adviser for violating ethics rules. His outspokenness drew the ire of administration officials and earned him near-cult status among Trumps opponents. Fans started a Facebook page in his honor, and his name has occasionally appeared on posters at anti-Trump protests.

Shaub made no reference to those clashes in a resignation letter he posted Thursday indicating he will step down July 19. Instead, he praised the work of federal ethics officials, pointedly noting their commitment to protecting the principle that public service is a public trust, requiring employees to place loyalty to the Constitution, the laws, and ethical principles above private gain.

In an interview, Shaub said he was not leaving under pressure, adding that no one in the White House or the administration pushed him to leave. But the ethics chief said he felt that he had reached the limit of what he could achieve in this administration, within the current ethics framework.

Its clear that there isnt more I could accomplish, he said.

Walter Shaub, Director of the United States Office of Government Ethics, said he felt that he had reached the limit of what he could achieve in this administration, within the current ethics framework. (Linda Davidson/The Washington Post)

[How the U.S. ethics chief took on Trump and became a reluctant Washington hero]

Shaub is set to take a new job as senior director of ethics at the Campaign Legal Center, a nonprofit legal advocacy group founded by Trevor Potter, who served as a Republican appointee to the Federal Election Commission. Shaub said he hopes to find bipartisan solutions to strengthening government ethics programs at the federal and state levels.

In working with the current administration, it has become clear that we need to strengthen the ethics program, he said.

Reacting to Shaubs resignation, White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters said, The White House accepts Mr. Shaubs resignation and appreciates his service. She said the president would nominate a successor in short order.

Created in 1978, the ethics office is designed to promote and protect laws intended to prevent conflicts of interest by government officials. The office offers ethics guidance and training for government officials and oversees employees annual disclosure of personal finances, but it has limited enforcement authority.

Directors are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate to five-year terms  a length of time intended to give the office independence by ensuring directors terms overlap presidential administrations.

Shaubs departure is likely to spur anxiety among ethics officials and critics of the president who viewed him as one of the few federal officials who had been willing to speak out when he viewed the administration departing from past ethics norms. Trump allies cast him as a grandstander and noted he had been appointed by President Barack Obama.

Upon Shaubs departure, the ethics offices chief of staff, Shelley K. Finlayson, is expected to assume the role of acting director, although Trump could appoint another senior OGE official to serve temporarily until he chooses a permanent replacement. In 2014, Shaub described Finlayson as a tireless advocate for OGEs mission and praised her reliably cool judgment.

Shaub, who before his appointment had served in other roles at OGE and as a lawyer at other federal agencies dating to 1997, was named OGEs director in 2013 and had been scheduled to serve until January.

In a statement, Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) promised that Democrats would closely scrutinize Trumps selection to replace Shaub, insisting the nominee must demonstrate that they are committed to actually draining the swamp and ensuring administration officials are not using their positions for personal gain.

Norman Eisen, who served as Obamas chief White House ethics lawyer, called Shaub one of the great public servants of the executive branch.

In his own understated and nonpartisan way, this is a protest resignation, Eisen said.

Shaubs willingness to challenge the Trump administration was apparent even before Inauguration Day. On the morning of Nov. 30, the official OGE Twitter account erupted in a storm of nine tweets sent over three minutes that appeared to mimic Trumps bombastic tweeting style, urging the president-elect to separate himself from his business.

.@realDonaldTrump OGE is delighted that youve decided to divest your businesses. Right decision! read one tweet.

.@realDonaldTrump OGE applauds the total divestiture decision. Bravo! read another.

Trump had in fact made no such decision. The tweets appeared designed to use Trumps own tactics of praise and flattery to urge him do so. Internal OGE emails later released through public information requests showed that Shaub himself had drafted the notes and directed that they be sent.

When Trump announced on Jan. 11 that he would retain ownership of his business, merely transferring management to his adult sons Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., Shaub aired his concerns in an unusually public address at the Brookings Institution. He denounced the plan as wholly inadequate and insisted Trump should place his assets in a fully blind trust over which his family would have no control.

The ethics program starts at the top, he said. We cant risk creating the perception that government officials will use their positions for personal profit.

[Federal ethics chief blasts Trumps plan to break from businesses]

In March, Shaub chided the White House over its failure to discipline senior aide Kellyanne Conway after she urged viewers on Fox News to go buy Ivankas stuff, a reference to the apparel line owned by the presidents daughter. Federal law prohibits government employees from endorsing brands or products.

The White House said Conway had been speaking in a light, off-hand manner and was unlikely to violate the rule again. In a letter, Shaub responded that failing to take action against a senior official risked undermining the ethics program.

More recently, Shaub has clashed with the White House over his efforts to gather data about former lobbyists and other federal appointees who had been granted waivers to ethics rules allowing them to interact with their former employers while serving in the White House or at federal agencies.
The Interior Department, intent on boosting oil and gas production on federal lands, issued an order on Thursday designed to speed up the permitting process for drilling.

Coming on the heels of the Trump administrations self-styled Energy Week in late June, Secretary Ryan Zinkes order is its latest effort to loosen restrictions on the fossil fuel industry. The White House is pushing for more domestic oil, natural gas and coal production so that the United States can become a net energy exporter as part of President Trumps energy dominance agenda.

The Interior Department said the average approval time for a drilling permit during the last fiscal year under the Obama administration was 257 days, though the most recent statistics suggest it was 220 days. The result of that approval pace, according to the agency, was that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) had 2,802 drilling permit applications pending when Trump took office in late January.

Zinke said the aim of his order is to untangle the bureaucratic knot so the BLM can review permit applications within 30 days, as mandated by statute. He also ordered oil and gas lease sales be held in each state every quarter.

The Department of the Interior will be a better neighbor, Zinke said in a statement. As is outlined in this order, we will look at ways to improve the process and make sure regulations serve their intended purpose rather than create a mountain of useless paperwork.

Still, Zinke cautioned Thursday that working out the kinks of such a speedy approval system would take time. This is not going to be done overnight, he told reporters on a call.

Environmental groups criticized the move as yet another unnecessary handout to oil and gas companies, which already have considerable access to federal lands.

Fast-tracking oil and gas exploitation on our public lands is wrong for America, Sharon Buccino, director of the Natural Resources Defense Councils land and wildlife program, said in a statement. And its another sad example of the Trump administrations fossil-fuel-first agenda.

A number of factors account for the current delay in permitting, but one of the major reasons was that until recently companies filed via paper forms, rather than electronically. The BLM announced in late December that it was moving to a default electronic system, which it estimated would cut the average processing time to 115 days for 90 percent of all applications.

The vast majority of all BLM sites also lack archaeological and historic data, meaning they have to be physically surveyed before the agency grants a permit.

In a recent interview, Acting BLM Director Michael D. Nedd said the agency had been examining how do we make certain that process doesnt take so long to ensure that the administration was following through on its commitment to promote domestic energy production.

The vast majority of onshore oil and gas production takes place on private and state land. Federal land accounts for only 4.8 percent and 11.3 percent of total U.S. crude oil and natural gas production respectively, according to data from Interiors Office of Natural Resources Revenue.

Erik Milito, who directs the American Petroleum Institutes upstream and industry operations, said in an interview that it often takes as little as 10 to 30 days to get a state permit to drill. If the federal government could shorten its time frame in a similar manner, he added, it would be much easier to invest in those properties.

Environmentalists counter that oil and gas firms let leases they already hold go to waste, often preventing those parcels from being used for camping or other recreational activities. According to the Wilderness Society, 12.7 million acres of public land of the 27 million acres currently under lease were in production during fiscal 2016.

Moreover, 7,950 approved permits were waiting to be used for drilling by the end of that fiscal year, Kate Macgregor, a deputy assistant secretary at Interior, told Congress last week.

Its not clear why processing more permits will do anything to produce more energy on public lands, Nada Culver, a senior director at the Wilderness Society, said after Zinkes announcement. It seems to me to be the same message we keep hearing, but it doesnt match up with the situation on the ground.
The top U.S. diplomat at the United Nations blasted Russia and China on Wednesday for holding the hands of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, as the Trump administration struggled to respond to Pyongyangs latest ballistic missile test.

U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley chided Moscow and Beijing over their opposition to a Security Council resolution condemning North Korea and imposing greater economic sanctions for what she called its sharp military escalation.

She also said Pyongyang was quickly closing off the possibility of a diplomatic solution and suggested the United States would continue to consider military action if necessary.

One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces, Haley said during a Security Council meeting in New York. We will use them if we must, but we prefer not to have to go in that direction.

Haleys pointed speech marked the latest effort by the Trump administration to rally allies and rivals around a common agenda to blunt North Koreas progress, days after Kims regime tested an intercontinental ballistic missile with a range that experts said would put it within reach of Alaska.

North Koreas Korean Central News Agency on Wednesday released this photo is says shows the successful test-fire of an intercontinental ballistic missile. (Korean Central News Agency via KNS/AFP/Getty Images)

But her remarks also illustrated the limits of the White Houses options and lacked specifics about what concrete steps the administration is considering. The missile test marks a new level of advancement in Kims pursuit of a nuclear weapon that could strike the continental United States. Analysts said a military confrontation could escalate quickly into a mass-casualty war across the Korean Peninsula and Japan, where the United States has stationed tens of thousands of troops.

The standoff cast a shadow as President Trump prepared for his first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his second with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit, which opens Friday in Hamburg. Trump also will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the heads of U.S. allies Britain and Germany.

[Analysis: Trump has never had a plan for dealing with North Korea]

Weve been pretty consistent that we are never going to broadcast next steps, deputy White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters aboard Air Force One as the president traveled Wednesday to a short stop in Warsaw.

Before leaving Washington, Trump revealed more frustration with Xi, whom he has personally lobbied to enact sanctions on Chinese banks that do business with North Korean companies. The U.S. Treasury Department announced last week that it would block the Bank of Dandong, along the border region between China and North Korea, from accessing U.S. markets. Officials said this was the first of potentially greater sanctions by the United States.

On Twitter, Trump wrote: Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40% in the first quarter. So much for China working with us  but we had to give it a try!

Chinese data released in April showed that Chinas trade with North Korea grew 37.4 percent during the first three months of the year compared with the same period in 2016. China said then that overall trade grew even as it complied with U.N. sanctions and stopped buying North Korean coal.

South Korean army howitzers are shown Wednesday during military exercises in Paju, near the border with North Korea. (Ahn Young-Joon/AP)

Russian and Chinese diplomats used the U.N. Security Council meeting to push their joint proposal for a suspension of North Korean nuclear and missile testing in exchange for a suspension of U.S. and South Korean military exercises. Both countries also condemned the U.S. antimissile system being deployed in South Korea and called for it to be removed.

Early Wednesday in Asia, U.S. and South Korean forces fired missiles in joint military exercises that the U.S. Pacific Command cast as a show of ironclad resolve.

[U.S. and China split on North Korea]

Daniel Pinkston, a lecturer in international relations at Troy University in Seoul, said he saw no chance that Washington and Seoul would agree to halt joint exercises, calling it a non-

starter.

During the U.N. meeting, a Russian official questioned whether North Koreas missile was an ICBM, suggesting it was an intermediate-range weapon.

That prompted Haley to request a second turn at the microphone, during which she said: If you see this as a threat, if you see this for what it is, which is North Korea showing its muscle, then you need to stand strong. . . . If you choose not to, we will go our own path.

Danny Russel, who served as senior Asia director at the National Security Council under President Barack Obama, said Trump has a rare blue moon opportunity this week to meet with and rally the major players  China and Russia on one side and Japan and South Korea on the other  toward some sort of unified display of condemnation of North Korea.

What the administration needs to do is get China and Russia around an approach, even if it is not as testosterone-rich and muscular as the U.S. would like, so that the basic geometry is five on one, not three on three, said Russel, now a diplomat in residence at the Asia Society in New York. There is no formula, no path forward, other than war, that isnt built on some degree of common cause between Washington and Beijing.

Victor Cha, who served as senior Asia director at the NSC under President George W. Bush, said the U.S. sanctions on the Dandong bank were a shot across the bow at the Chinese that what is happening is not working for us. It arguably gives [Trump] a stronger position going in to the meeting with Xi.

The missile the Kim regime launched had been in the works for years. It flew higher and remained in the air longer than previous attempts, in what experts called a milestone for North Korea

[U.N. Ambassador Haleys complaint: Spending my 4th in meetings]

South Korean authorities described North Koreas test as a two-stage missile with a range of about 4,300 to 5,000 miles  enough to reach Alaska and other parts of North America.

South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo said there is a high probability that Pyongyang will stage another nuclear test and noted gains in its efforts to miniaturize a warhead  steps toward developing nuclear-tipped weapons capable of hitting the mainland United States.

Pyongyangs test appeared to catch the United States by surprise. The Pentagon initially mislabeled the activity as a test of an intermediate-range missile before reclassifying it Wednesday as an ICBM with a range of at least 5,500 kilometers.

Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, said that the missile is not one we have seen before and that it was launched from a site  the Panghyon airfield about 90 miles north of Pyongyang  that has not been used to test missiles before.

He emphasized that North Korea still has a number of steps to meet before a threat to North America is imminent, noting that Pyongyang has not yet demonstrated the ability to mount a nuclear warhead on an ICBM or show the lateral range necessary.

But clearly, they are working on it, he said.

Rauhala reported from Beijing. Anne Gearan and Dan Lamothe in Washington contributed to this report.
Randy Bryce, an ironworker and labor organizer challenging Speaker Paul D. Ryan for his Wisconsin House seat, was having a good week. His campaign, kicked off by an emotional video, raised nearly $500,000 in less than 30 days.

This week, Bryce beamed into CNN to keep up the momentum  and ran straight into a question about whether he, like a growing number of Democrats, supports European-style universal health care.

You want to raise $32 trillion in taxes? CNNs John Berman asked.

Theres a lot of people not paying their fair share in taxes, Bryce said. Theres corporations getting away with a lot.

That would be quite a tax hike, CNNs Poppy Harlow said. Thats an astonishing number, $32 trillion over a decade.

Democrats, who are largely using the week-long recess to rally opposition to the Republicans deeply unpopular attempt to repeal parts of the Affordable Care Act, are now facing a political challenge of their own: increasing pressure from their liberal base to embrace universal, government-funded health-care coverage.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), perhaps the countrys most prominent proponent of universal coverage, is waiting for an opening  likely after the GOPs repeal push succeeds or fails  to introduce a new bill. Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), both seen as potential 2020 presidential candidates, each said last week that the party needed to get behind Medicare for all.

Republicans have noticed  and have begun to attack. Facing a widespread voter backlash over the House and Senate repeal bills, theyre trying to make universal coverage a political anchor for Democrats by asking whether they can seriously defend trillions of dollars in new taxes and spending.

On Wednesday, the GOPs Senate campaign committee launched Web ads against the 10 Senate Democrats up for reelection in Trump-won states, warning of government health care if they win. The same day, the National Republican Congressional Committee gleefully highlighted the CNN interview with Bryce. White House press secretary Sean Spicer has also chimed in.

When you look at the majority of House Democrats, they support a single-payer, $32 trillion bill backed by Bernie Sanders, Spicer said last month. We need to accept that Obamacare is dead, we need to understand that the reality is that what the choice is is between putting in a system that is affordable and accessible, or a single-payer $32 trillion health-care plan that the majority of House Democrats support.

[Republicans try to shift health-care blame back to Democrats]

The $32 trillion refers to H.R. 676, a Medicare-for-all bill sponsored every year by Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.); the cost estimate comes from a study by the Urban Institute. For the first time, most House Democrats have endorsed the bill, and many can explain how a single-payer system would end up saving money.

(Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

Still, Republicans are readier to attack the measure than many swing-district Democrats are ready to defend it.

I continue to be surprised, though perhaps I shouldnt be, that they keep moving further and further left, especially after getting burned politically by Obamacare for so long, said Rob Engstrom, the political director of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Where are the days where Rahm Emanuel and Howard Dean would come in and find moderate candidates that could actually win in the South and West?

Sanderss upcoming bill will have a lower price tag and cost-sharing measures that will be easier to sell, according to aides. But any single-payer plan will require a tax increase larger than any on which Democrats have run since the Great Depression. In 2016, Sanders proposed paying for his plan with a 2.2 percent federal income tax hike and a 6.2 percent health-care payroll tax on employers. Some red and purple state Democrats, including Sen. Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.), have blanched at the cost.

I told Bernie this: Lets look at the tax code, Manchin said in a recent interview with The Washington Post. Look at Sweden and Denmark  look at their tax code. You cant just pick what you like and think everything stays the same. How are you going to pay for it? How do people get access to it? How much regulation? Lets find out.

Democrats, and Sanders, saw the attack line coming months ago. On one hand, as activists constantly remind them, Medicare for all polls better than either partys current health-care positions. Last month, a new study from Pew Research found 60 percent of all voters agreeing that it was the federal governments responsibility to make sure Americans have health coverage. Thirty-three percent of all voters favored a single government insurance system; among Democrats, the number rose to 52 percent, having grown every year since the ACAs passage.

The single-payer chorus has been growing louder, too. Gillibrand has talked about expanding Medicare for years, but it was only last week when she fully embraced a single-payer, government-funded model. Bryce is among the new faces on board.

Last week, as Sen. Kamala D. Harris (D-Calif.) addressed a pro-ACA rally outside the Capitol, members of Democratic Socialists of America chanted single payer! As Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) finished his first town hall meeting of the recess, a 35-year-old Web developer named Justin Speers demanded that he talk about the Conyers bill.

Senator Wyden! Speers shouted. Will you support Medicare for all, H.R. 676, and quit taking money from Blue Cross/Blue Shield?

When the applause died down, and the handmade Medicare for all signs were lowered, Wyden passed the litmus test  barely  by talking about how states could build single-payer systems under the existing structure of the Affordable Care Act.

Democrats need to stand for something, or they will keep getting crushed, Speers said. The least they can do is stand for Medicare for all.

[At parades and protests, GOP lawmakers get earful about health care]

Some liberal activists are skeptical that all the Democrats now willing to talk about universal coverage are also willing to act on it.

In states dominated by Democrats, single-payer campaigns have been thwarted by the high cost estimates  a preview, some worry, of what would happen if the plans went national. In 2014, Sanderss own Vermont, run entirely by Democrats, bottled a single-payer plan that would have been paid for by a 11.5 percent tax on businesses and 9.5 percent premium assessment.

The total cost would still have been lower even with expanded access with better coverage, said Deb Richter, the Vermont director of Physicians for a National Health Program. But you need to get the money from different pockets. And those pockets have influence, whereas those who would benefit the most from single payer dont have political clout.

This year in California, progressives got a single-payer outline through the state Senate, where Democrats hold a supermajority. But the states budget rules would have required a state referendum or a yearly supermajority vote to pay the estimated $400 billion annual bill. House Democrats blocked a vote on the single-payer plan, which kicked off protests led by the California Nurses Association and a coalition of single-payer groups. RoseAnn DeMoro, the executive director of CNA, said Democrats were running on single-payer without ever planning to deliver.

The Democrats will now co-opt the language of single payer for the wrong reasons, like Levis co-opted blue jeans, DeMoro said. The question should be do you support taking the insurance industry out of health care? That is where the rubber meets the road. And thats where they will run for cover, with few exceptions.

Sanders himself has offered Democrats a get-out-of-jail-free card, relaxing his 2016 campaign rhetoric to argue for a more gradual path toward single payer.

Short term, we should lower the age of Medicare eligibility to 55 years of age, Sanders said in a weekend interview with CNN. In the short term, I hope we can work with Republicans to end the absurdity of us paying the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs. Longer term, we need a Medicare for all system.

Democrats are also willing to provide leeway for candidates who didnt run on universal coverage. In this years special House elections, only one Democrat, Montanas Rob Quist, said he favored Medicare for all. None of the others faced a serious backlash from activists, who were hungry for a win.

Sure, Republicans are going to attack, but I think well just have to defend, said Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), a co-sponsor of H.R. 676 and deputy chairman of the Democratic National Committee. If theyre right, why does every other country in the industrialized world pay half as much as we pay and have better health-care costs? Explain, how does the VA do this? How does Medicare do this? Its not like Americans dont have a clear concept of single-payer; its called the VA, and its called Medicare.

Ellison added: If they dont believe in having a Medicare-for-all system, I dont want them to get up and say they do, Ellison said. But Ill tell you this  if youre a Democrat looking for an applause line, get up and say something about Medicare for all.

Read more at PowerPost
On the eve of President Trumps first face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, congressional Democrats are imploring him to raise the subject of Russian meddling in U.S. elections as they criticize him for not representing the United States interests over his own.

Not raising this [election meddling] matter with President Putin would be a severe dereliction of the duty of the office to which you were elected, Senate Democratic leaders wrote in a letter sent to Trump on Thursday ahead of the presidents planned meeting with Putin on the sidelines of the Group of 20 conference in Germany. They stressed that it is critical that you set the agenda from the start and make absolutely clear that Russian interference in our democracy will in no way be tolerated.

President Putin must understand this can never happen again, they wrote.

The presidents meeting with Putin on Friday is a high-stakes test for Trump, coming barely six months into his presidency and at a time when congressional and federal probes into allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election are kicking into higher gear. To date, Trump has been unwilling to endorse the findings of the intelligence community, which are that Russia  and Putin specifically  ordered a campaign of hacking and dissemination of false information as a means of tilting the political balance toward a Trump victory.

[Trump refuses to say he believes Russia was solely responsible for U.S. election interference]

1 of 22 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Vladimir Putin: From the KGB to president of Russia View Photos Russian President Vladimir Putin, 64, a former KGB agent, served as prime minister from 1999-2000, then two presidential terms from 2000-2008, before shifting into the prime ministers seat again for four years because of term limits. He was reelected as president in 2012. Caption Russian President Vladimir Putin, 64, a former KGB agent, served as prime minister from 1999-2000, then two presidential terms from 2000-2008, before shifting into the prime ministers seat again for four years because of term limits. He was reelected as president in 2012. Dec. 16, 1999 Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, left, watches a hockey match between Russia and Canada during the Baltika Cup tournament in Moscow. Mikhail Metzel/AP Wait 1 second to continue.

During a news conference in Poland on Thursday, Trump told reporters that the culprit behind the election meddling could very well have been Russia or could well have been other countries, stressing that nobody really knows for sure. He then blamed the Obama administration for not doing more about hacking evidence they had been made aware of in the months before the election.

In a formal speech Thursday, Trump criticized Russia for its destabilizing activities in Ukraine and elsewhere and its support for hostile regimes, including Syria and Iran  but no mention was made of Russian election meddling, in the United States or in Europe, where similar campaigns have affected France, Germany and other nations.

[In Poland, Trump reaffirms commitment to NATO, chides Russia]

In a statement, Rep. Adam B. Schiff (Calif.), ranking Democrat of the House Intelligence Committee, charged that Trumps comments continue to directly undermine U.S. interests.

This is not putting America first, but continuing to propagate his own personal fiction at the countrys expense, Schiff said. He added that if Trump did not challenge Putin over Russian election meddling, the Kremlin will conclude he is too weak to stand up to them  a historic mistake, with damaging implications for our foreign policy for years to come.

Trumps meeting with Putin was upgraded in recent days from an informal huddle to a more formal, sit-down talk. But the president, a self-described political neophyte, will be facing off with one of the most experienced and formidable heads of state on the world stage  and while Trump has eschewed a public agenda for the meeting, Putin is coming in knowing exactly what he wants.

At the top of the Russian presidents list is securing a promise from Trump that the United States will hand back control over two compounds that were seized from Russia in late December, when the Obama administration accused Moscow of using the facilities for intelligence-gathering purposes and kicked out 35 Russian operatives. If Putin insists upon that during his meeting with Trump, it could force the issue of Russian election meddling out into the open, as the Obama administration took those measures in response to Russias alleged hacking and disinformation campaign. But the Trump administration has already been considering returning those compounds.

Lawmakers in the Senate and the House had hoped to avoid a scenario where the president could make concessions to the Russian president during their meeting by passing a bill that would step up sanctions against Russia and give Congress the power to stop any change in sanctions policy  such as handing compounds back to Russia  before the president can effect it. The legislation has overwhelming support, passing the Senate by a vote of 98 to 2, but stalled at the threshold of the House over a technical violation, and House leaders have not yet committed to putting it on the floor.

AshLee Strong, spokeswoman for House Speaker Paul D. Ryan, charged Thursday that House Democrats are blocking the chambers procedural way forward by demanding their own changes to the bill. House Democrats dispute that take, according to Minority Leader Nancy Pelosis spokeswoman Ashley Etienne, who said Thursday that House Democrats have been demanding that Ryan bring the bipartisan Senate-passed Russia sanctions bill to the floor for an immediate vote for weeks, to no avail.

A group of House Democrats sent Trump a letter of their own Thursday, urging him to put his weight behind the sanctions bill  or at least not undercut it in his meeting with Putin.

We urge you to work with Congress in holding Russia accountable, the group of House Democrats, led by Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-N.J.) wrote. We believe it critically important that you do not give President Putin any concessions on sanctions relief.

The sanctions would cover punitive measures related to Syria and Ukraine in addition to new restrictions in response to Russias alleged election meddling.

While the presidents team has shown more willingness to take on Russia over its support for separatists in Ukraine and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, it is unclear exactly how Trump will broach those topics with Putin. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson recently expressed openness to talk about a Ukraine peace deal outside the confines of the Minsk accords, the agreed-upon peace process and the pathway the Obama administration defined for lifting Ukraine-related sanctions against Russia. And in Syria, the Russians shut down the deconfliction channel after Trump ordered a strike against a Syrian airfield following a sarin gas attack on civilians.

Coordination with Russia in Syria is becoming increasingly urgent as forces make gains on the Islamic State strongholds of Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria. Once their common enemy, the Islamic State, is gone, the United States and Russia might be thrown into an increasingly direct confrontation, as their allies shift to battling over who will control the newly liberated areas.

Putin will probably also pressure Trump to back a plan for North Korea that would limit the U.S.s ability to conduct military drills and exercises in conjunction with South Korea in exchange for reining in Pyongyangs ballistic missile program. That approach runs counter to the approach the Trump administration embraced this week, when the United States and South Korea responded to North Koreas first-ever test of an intercontinental ballistic missile by conducting a missile drill as a show of force.

Read more at PowerPost
Sen. Patrick J. Toomey (R-Pa.) answers a question from Nancy Rohrbaugh of Dillsburg, Pa., during an hour-long question-and-answer session on Wednesday. Toomey said the health-care debate has gone badly because Republicans were ill-prepared for Donald Trump to win the White House (Marc Levy/AP)

Sen. Patrick J. Toomey offered a simple, remarkable explanation this week for why Republicans have struggled so mightily to find a way to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

Look, I didnt expect Donald Trump to win. I think most of my colleagues didnt, so we didnt expect to be in this situation, the Pennsylvania Republican said Wednesday night during a meeting with voters hosted by four network affiliates across his state.

Toomey, now playing a critical role in negotiations over the GOP health-care bill, spent most of last year criticizing Trumps personal behavior and the fights he picked on social media. Toomey did not announce his support for Trumps candidacy until polls closed in Pennsylvania on Nov. 8, fully aware that no Republican presidential candidate had won his state since 1988  and assuming that Trump would continue the streak.

Toomey did not participate in detailed Republican planning sessions on the Senate Finance Committee about how to reshape the nations health laws if Trump won the election  because no such planning sessions were really ever held.

Every important Republican leader expected Democrat Hillary Clinton to win, and that left Republicans confused and paralyzed about how to proceed when she didnt.

(Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

That in turn led to a rushed initial decision, made in consultation with House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) during the presidential transition, to push for a full repeal of the 2010 health law and then set up a two- to three-year window in which Republicans would pass bills to replace it.

We all know how that has gone so far: The proposal was jettisoned amid a rank-and-file rebellion  and Trumps conflicting statements about what Congress should do. At one point, Republicans could not even agree on what metaphor to use to describe the process for replacing the law. Ryan referred to buckets, while others called for rescue missions and some talked about backpacks.

That the GOP didnt think it would take back the White House has informed other policy debates this year. A massive overhaul of the tax code, a holy grail of policy for Ryan, remains completely at loggerheads because the speakers preference for a controversial tax on imported goods was never litigated within the party last year, ahead of the election.

[Of buckets, bridges and backpacks: GOP grapples with health-care lexicon]

Similarly, Trumps call for a $1 trillion infrastructure plan is sitting in neutral because congressional Republicans, long averse to big spending projects, never embraced it or even turned their attention its way.

Perhaps nowhere did the surprise factor of Trumps victory show its impact more than in the effort to fill top jobs inside the administration. Clintons campaign, fully expecting victory, was stocked with hundreds of volunteer advisers who were already angling for sub-Cabinet-level posts in key agencies including the departments of State, Justice and Defense. Many of them were current or former senior staff of congressional Democrats.

But with Republicans, those connections were rare because few believed them to be worth the effort. No more than a handful of senior GOP aides from Capitol Hill boasted connections to the Trump campaign team. And only in recent weeks have some of the smartest and most influential advisers to Senate Republicans been nominated to key positions at Treasury and State.

Trumps struggles on Capitol Hill reflect more than institutional shock over his victory. Republicans have controlled both the House and Senate now for 2 years, with little success working out these policy issues.

And Trumps advisers have not always lent a helping hand in the six months since he was inaugurated. Aides have regularly gone to war over key policy objectives and left Hill Republicans guessing which way the wind was blowing inside the West Wing. Earlier this year, Stephen K. Bannon, Trumps chief strategist, praised Ryans border-tax proposal as a first step of economic nationalism, but a few weeks later Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told House conservatives that Trump opposed the plan.

And Trumps public musings, sometimes in media interviews and sometimes on Twitter, have also sowed division on policy matters  and scared away top Republican talent from senior administration posts.

But the shock of his victory, and the lack of planning ahead of it, is perhaps the cornerstone of this summer of Republican gridlock.

In December 2015, Republican lawmakers voted easily to repeal the Affordable Care Act. But it was a messaging vote, and they knew that then-President Barack Obama would veto the bill. Now, as Toomey likes to say, theyre playing with live ammo.

Eight months after Trumps stunning victory, Republicans are still coming to grips with what they can actually pass and sign into law even with full ownership of all the levers of power.

Given how difficult it is to get to a consensus, it was hard to force that until there was a need to, Toomey said Wednesday.

[If these two Republicans cant agree, the Senate cant pass its health-care bill]

Eight years ago, Democrats had been planning for months for the possibility of full control of Congress and the White House. Leading up to the 2008 elections, the chairmen of the finance and health committees, then-Sens. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), held meetings with key health-care industry stakeholders about early thoughts on what would become the Affordable Care Act.

Many policy disputes still had to be litigated throughout 2009 and early 2010, but congressional Democrats and Obama laid out from the outset the process they would pursue to pass the legislation.

Republicans have not had that luxury. They have themselves to blame for not being ready from the outset to handle the health-care issue and others. Now, we know they admit it.

Said Toomey at his town hall on Wednesday: I think thats a valid criticism.

Read more from Paul Kanes archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
1 of 36 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Homes you can buy for $800,000 View Photos A look in and around Washington and across the country at dwellings that can be had at this price point. Caption A look in and around Washington and across the country at dwellings that can be had at this price point. Adams Morgan condo The two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo is listed at $799,000. The monthly condo fee is $382. Photo by HomeVisit Wait 1 second to continue.

The $800,000 house is nearly an extinct species in the D.C.-area housing market. Once the typical price of a home for a move-up buyer, an $800,000 house is about as rare as a three-car garage in Dupont Circle.

Finding starter homes in the $300,000 and $500,000 price range for previous what you can buy stories was a challenge, but tracking down $800,000 houses was especially daunting, particularly inside the Beltway.

The move-up market is hurting right now because there is not a lot there, said Bonnie Casper, a Long & Foster agent and past president of the Maryland Association of Realtors. Demand has outstripped supply.

[What home buyers can get for $500,000]

Where have all the $800,000 homes gone? Some of them have become $1 million houses after being renovated by their owners. Others have become rentals. These days, someone in search of an $800,000 house is more likely to rent one than buy one. Still more are being held on tightly by their owners who fear selling and finding nothing to buy.

Casper also cites the clash between millennials and baby boomers who both value walkability as the reason why so few homes exist in this price range. There are too many buyers vying for similar homes.

Fewer people want to get in a car, she said.

Because of the lack of inventory, homes that once sold at this price are being bid up closer to $1 million.

[What home buyers can get for $300,000]

Casper isnt optimistic about seeing more $800,000 homes on the market inside the Beltway anytime soon. Instead, she predicts that millennials will take their search farther out.

Maybe theyre going to have to be just like their parents, get in their cars and drive around, she said.

Based on a 20 percent down payment and a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 4 percent, the monthly mortgage payment on an $800,000 home would be about $4,202, including taxes and insurance. To keep within the general guidelines of spending no more than 30 percent of your gross income on housing, a home buyer would need to earn at least $168,085 to afford a home in this price range.

Within the $800,000 price range, the type of home you can buy varies depending on where you look. In pricey urban areas, you are unlikely to find a detached house. But the farther from the city center you travel, the more house you will get for your money. We found a mix of properties across the region and the country, from a Cape Cod in Arlington, Va., to a five-bedroom house in Laurel, Md., to a cottage near the beach in Santa Barbara, Calif.

Wonder what you can buy for $800,000? Here are some of the homes on the market now:
This photo from 2008 shows a Chinese soldier, left, next to an Indian soldier at the Nathu La border crossing between India and China. (Diptendu Dutta/Agence France-Presse via Getty Images)

Their meeting is likely to be all smiles and polite handshakes, as world leaders look on. But as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping left for Fridays Group of 20 summit in Hamburg, tensions between the rising Asian powers had escalated over a patch of disputed territory claimed by both China and the tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan.

Border scuffles between India and China have simmered in the past, but analysts from both sides said the latest spat has the potential to spiral into conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations. So far, the countries troops, who are usually unarmed to avoid provocation, have engaged in what is known as jostling, when soldiers attempt to physically push rivals back.

The standoff began at the end of June, while Modi was meeting President Trump, prompting some Indian analysts to wonder whether the timing had anything to do with Chinas disdain for Indias increasingly close ties to the United States.

The Chinese are making their unhappiness clear on India and Americas relationship, said Sameer Patil, director at an India-based foreign policy think tank called Gateway House.

The dispute started after Chinese construction trucks, accompanied by soldiers, rolled south in the disputed region of Doklam to build a road. India and Bhutan consider the region to be Bhutanese territory; China claims the land as its own. The countries disagree on the exact location of the tri-junction, where the three borders meet.





The argument bears some of the hallmarks of Chinas efforts to fortify islands in the disputed South China Sea, where it has riled the Philippines and Vietnam and risked confrontation with the U.S. Navy.

India and Bhutan have traditionally been close allies; India often provides the small country with financial and military assistance. It was the first country Modi visited after being elected.

Indian analysts say Chinas move in Doklam threatens a narrow sliver of strategically important land, known as the chickens neck, which connects central India to its remote northeast. In response to what it believed was extraterritorial Chinese road-building, New Delhi sent reinforcements supporting Bhutan  according to ex-Indian army officials, at Bhutans request.

Chinese officials say Indias intervention amounted to a provocation, violating an 1890 treaty with Britain that appears to grant China access to the region. According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, the pact was affirmed by Indian leaders after independence.

As to the boundary negotiation between China and Bhutan, he said Wednesday, we have repeatedly stated that Doklam has always been part of Chinas territory and under Chinas effective jurisdiction without disputes.

The governments messages were bolstered by stern statements in Chinas state-run media. The Global Times newspaper printed a furious editorial warning India of Chinas military might. The Indian military can choose to return to its territory with dignity, or be kicked out of the area by Chinese soldiers, it said.

Wang Dehua, from the Shanghai Municipal Center for International Studies, said, By continuing to increase deployment of troops at the border, India once again underestimates Chinas capability and determination to safeguard its territory. It also fails to estimate the cost of confrontation.

Hopes for a discussion between Modi and Xi on the Doklam dispute on the sidelines of the G-20 summit were scuppered after Indian media reported that the government had not requested a one-on-one meeting. Instead, Xi and Modi will meet among leaders from other G-20 countries to discuss international issues.

China has taken a very stubborn attitude, and there is little appetite in India to accommodate Chinas behavior, Patil said.

Modi had come into office with high hopes of building Sino-

Indian relations; experts called him the most pro-China prime minister since the two countries 1962 border war. Xi met Modi in India in 2014 shortly after the latter was elected, in the first visit by a Chinese leader in eight years.

Instead, the two nations have become increasingly suspicious of one another. During Modis recent visit to the United States, a deal was struck to buy surveillance drones that could be used to monitor Chinese naval activity in the Indian Ocean. In April, China fulminated over the Dalai Lamas tour of Arunachal Pradesh in northeast India, known in China as south Tibet. China considers the Dalai Lama an opponent and a separatist whose power threatens its control over Tibet.

India also refused to join Chinas One Belt, One Road program, a massive infrastructure project involving 70 countries aimed at reviving old Silk Road trade routes. Plans include an improved connection between China and Pakistan and would allow Pakistan access to other countries in Central Asia.

China, on the other hand, blocked efforts to designate a Pakistan-based militant outfit, Jaish-e-Muhammad, as a terrorist organization. It has also stood in the way of Indias bid for membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group, an organization of countries that supply  and control  the export of nuclear materials, equipment and technology.

China has billions of dollars in investment deals with Sri Lanka and Nepal and this year took part in a joint military training exercise with Nepal. India considers both neighbors to be allies.

I think the root cause is that the Chinese feel that their moment has arrived and that they do not need to accommodate Indian interests in any way, given the huge power differential in their favor, said India expert Ashley Tellis, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Chinese suspicion that India was casting its lot entirely with the United States has only intensified Beijings determination to be even less accommodative towards New Delhi.

Politically, neither Modi nor Xi can be seen to be giving in to the others demands. Modis nationalist government has insisted upon maintaining the integrity of Indian borders, banning maps and representations of disputed regions in the north. Xi, too, cannot be seen to be relenting on what the Global Times called unruly provocations from India, as he prepares to face a Chinese Communist Party conference in the fall.

Denyer reported from Beijing.

Read more

China demands India leave Himalayan plateau in rising spat

Chinese and Indian media compete over which country is more self-righteous

U.S. military wants India to counterbalance Chinas rise as a sea power

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Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez can't run for reelection in 2020, but that hasn't stopped him from getting ready to raise some money from political donors.

The two-term Republican recently filed paperwork to solicit donations from his long-time political committee, Miami-Dade Residents First, and a new one called Miami First. Joe Carollo, the former Miami mayor now running for his brother Frank's city commission seat, is listed as chairman of Miami First.

Carollo declined to elaborate on the committee's mission. It has only raised $5,000 from a single donation provided by a Miami firm called Rodriguez-Duret Investment Management. "I don't think Mayor Gimenez has been raising money for that PAC," Carollo said. Miami-Dade Residents First hasn't reported new donations since November.

Gimenez's June 23 filing is required under a 2016 county law seeking more transparency for fundraising. The legislation requires elected officials to file paperwork before soliciting donations for political committees.

Carollo worked on Gimenez's successful 2016 reelection campaign, and the two are allies. Gimenez, who raised a record $7 million in 2016, has used surplus money in Miami-Dade Residents First to pay for a March poll that, among other things, measured public opinion on increasing taxes to imrpove transit.

So Gimenez's fund-raising registrations could signal a popular incumbent helping raise money for an ally's campaign and restocking a war chest that funds some political activities tied to his final three years as mayor.

But the paperwork also adds fuel to speculation that Gimenez may be setting his sights on another race once his time at County Hall comes to an end. People close to Gimenez aren't knocking down that speculation. On Monday, Carollo suggested it would wrong to assume that Gimenez, 63, is ready to retire from politics after his second term ends three years from November.

"You never know what Carlos' future may hold after being mayor of Miami-Dade County," he said. "Don't count him out."

Gimenez isn't countering the buzz, either. Asked via text message if he was looking at a life in politics once he's a former mayor of Miami-Dade, Gimenez wrote: "Possibly."
This was the end of Europe, the experts grew fond of saying.

There was Brexit, there was Donald Trump, and there was the rising radical right across the continent: in Austria, in the Netherlands, in France. Meanwhile, the embattled and unpopular European Union, struggling to manage an epic migration crisis on the outside and a crisis of legitimacy on the inside, was on its last legs  2017, it followed, was the beginning of the end.

Except it wasnt.

One by one, Austria, the Netherlands and France all rejected the far right, and the pursuit of a functional, cohesive E.U.  based on a strong Franco-German alliance  has been renewed. As Europe buries two of its most prominent postwar architects, continental leaders have begun acknowledging that the original dream of an ever closer Europe committed to social democracy and human rights has proved far more durable than many could have anticipated.

[Marine Le Pen will have few friends in Frances new Parliament]

On Wednesday, after a massive state funeral, France buried Simone Veil, a Holocaust survivor who became a major champion of womens rights in France and, in 1979, the president of the European Parliament. Her memorial came just three days after that of Helmut Kohl, a former German chancellor and another tireless advocate of European integration.

But as these prominent members of postwar Europes founding generation passed away, their successors wasted no time insisting that their respective visions have endured.

She lived deep in her bones the tragic tears of Europe, Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission, said of Veil in a statement. And by her political engagements she continued to fight for a durable peace in Europe.

Donald Tusk, the president of the European Council, said in remarks delivered at Kohls memorial in Strasbourg on Saturday that a united Europe has become a reality because it was blessed with partners who had such grand designs.

Veil, born in 1927, and Kohl, born in 1930, belonged to a generation that knew the devastation of war firsthand.

At 16, Veil, who was Jewish, was deported from France to the Nazi concentration camps, where her father, mother and brother all died. Kohl was also marked by the memory of the war, recalling having to fish out the dead bodies of those he knew from the rubble of his destroyed home town.

They were from the same generation indeed, said Josef Janning, the head of the Berlin office of the European Council on Foreign Relations. They had this formative experience of a destructive war of extreme nationalism and racism, and all of the damage it brought about. That is not available in the same sense to the current generation.

Both were forever committed to the twin causes of human rights and European integration, which Veil once called the grand design of the 21st century.

In France, Veils most significant achievement remains her campaign to legalize abortion, which succeeded in 1975. Kohl is remembered for many things, but the 1984 image of him holding hands with Francois Mitterrand, then Frances president, at Verdun, site of the largest and longest battle of World War I, earned him a reputation as a die-hard European. Notably, his coffin bore only the E.U. flag  not a German one.

Bolstered by electoral successes across the continent, leaders have wasted no time in using the memories of Veil and Kohl as examples for further cooperation among E.U. member states.

Today, the successors to those great heroes of positive European history must, gathering around his coffin, examine their consciences, Tusk said at Kohls funeral. In Berlin and Warsaw, Paris and Budapest, the question about the future of a united Europe must be given a resounding answer: Yes. Yes to the union, yes to freedom, yes to human rights.

Already, the exhortation seems to be gaining traction. Following the victory of the staunchly pro-Europe Emmanuel Macron in the French presidential election, a strengthened, ascendant Franco-German alliance has become a focal point in continental politics. No one eulogized Veil more passionately than Macron, who announced Monday that she would be interred in Frances Pantheon, a towering mausoleum for national heroes.

[French parliamentary elections give big boost to Macron]

The greatness of Simone Veil is that of her battles, which were nothing less than the battles of the century, Macron said in remarks at her memorial.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said much the same in her remarks about Kohl, whom she credited with providing her and others the ability to live in a free, united country that had shaken off the division of the Cold War.

Helmut Kohl changed my life, said Merkel, who received her first ministerial post under him in 1991. He served as a mentor to the young lawmaker until she distanced herself from him over a funding scandal that plagued their party.

This generation is biologically, physically ending in front of our eyes, said Dominique Moisi, a French foreign policy expert at the Paris-based Montaigne Institute, a think tank linked to Macron. But as we pay tribute to them, the coming to power of someone like Macron in France gives us a lot of hope with the rejuvenation of this vision and thinking.

He added: The figure of Simone Veil was in a way the perfect incarnation of our values. She was without illusion and nevertheless with much hope.

Stanley-Becker reported from Berlin.
A Hellfire missile hangs from a U.S. Air Force MQ-1B Predator unmanned aerial vehicle, at an air base in the Persian Gulf region. The U.S. military and coalition forces use the base, in an undisclosed location, to launch drone airstrikes against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. (2016 photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

Her day begins following a man on a red motorcycle as he bumps down a rutted road past palm trees and cement block houses. An assault rifle is slung across his back.

While her partner stares at the video feed from an armed Air Force drone, Courtney, 29, a staff sergeant and intelligence analyst, fires off questions and compiles a running narrative.

Whats the driver wearing? she asks, keeping one eye on the action as she types.

Black Western wear, says Aaron, 20, the airman assisting her.

The motorcycle driver is speeding through Qaim, an Islamic State-controlled city in western Iraq, where the midday sun has driven temperatures over 100 degrees.

Courtney is sitting in a chilly cubicle, where purplish-pink overhead lights, designed to make the video stand out, give the room a feeling of perpetual dusk. Its the start of another shift at this base outside Hampton, Va., on a recent morning in mid-June.

For more than three years, this has been Courtneys war  10 hours a day, four days a week, thousands upon thousands of hours of live video footage from Iraq and Syria.

It is an existence characterized by long stretches of boredom and grim flashes of action as she helps guide pilots decisions on when to shoot and watches the last seconds of another persons life. The Air Force allowed a Washington Post reporter to spend a day with a team of its analysts  the first time a journalist was allowed to spend a full shift watching their secret work  on the condition that their last names were withheld for security reasons.

With President Trump likely to send thousands more troops to Afghanistan and maintain a military presence in Iraq indefinitely, some airmen will spend most of their careers immersed in the war zone, watching an ever-expanding flood of live video. Trumps proposed defense budget would continue the rapid growth in worldwide drone missions. The Air Force is on pace to fly as many as 70 missions a day next year, up from fewer than 15 missions a day a decade ago

Our airmen never get to unplug, said Lt. Col. Alison Kamataris, the deputy commander of the 497th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group here.

Infantrymen typically serve nine- to 12-month combat tours; pilots deploy for four months. Even U.S.-based drone pilots rotate off war duty every three or four years.

We dont have the same ability to give breaks to train or innovate, Kamataris said of her analysts.

[How a woman in England tracks civilian deaths in Syria, one bomb at a time]

Air Force officials are just beginning to grapple with the long-term effects of this life. For now, they mostly have questions: How long before the intensity of the troops war zone experience begins to overwhelm the relative quiet of their lives off-base? Can repeated exposure to remote killing over a long career lead to moral exhaustion? What should Air Force officials do to rebuild boundaries between the war zone and home  combat and the cul-de-sac, in the lingo of the modern Air Force  that technology has obliterated?

Courtney, meanwhile, has more immediate concerns. On this morning, she is both watching life in a distant city and waiting to see whether her name is on a list, due to be released in about an hour, of airmen selected to go to officer training school. The promotion would free her from the daily grind of the video feed and give her broader responsibilities overseeing airmen and positioning Air Force intelligence assets on the battlefield.

A few cubicles away, her fellow airmen, anticipating good news, have bought a celebratory cake. Its going to be a sad cake or a happy cake, she says. Either way, were having cake.

A lesson in patience

Courtney was working as a paralegal at a law firm near her home town in Louisiana and weighing law school when she first applied to be an Air Force officer. The Air Force had seemed like a chance to serve and see the world.

When she wasnt selected for officer training in 2013, she decided to enlist as an intelligence analyst, a job that would put her quickly into the fight. Unlike most enlistees, she has a college degree.

Courtney is the first link in a chain that runs from her base in Virginia to the air operations center in Qatar to the drone pilots scattered across the United States. The targets are chosen by commanders who rely on voice intercepts, satellites, human intelligence, high-altitude surveillance planes and the analysis of people such as Courtney.

Only a few months into her work here, she was looking for a gathering of Islamic State fighters in northern Iraq. She found their trucks parked in the desert and, as the drones camera panned, spotted the fighters who were firing their weapons into a mass of about 50 unarmed men, packed shoulder to shoulder in a ditch.

The fighters rumbled past two more mass graves before coming to a stop on the side of the highway. Courtney scanned the area for women and children. There were none, so the Air Force planes let loose.

Courtneys next job was to tally the dead. I hadnt witnessed anything that gruesome before, she says. It was shocking. She stayed after work to talk with Air Force mental- health counselors. The next day she was back behind the screen.

The toughest part of the job, she says, has been forgetting about it when she goes home and not second-guessing decisions. Were at war, she says. We dont experience bullets flying, but our decisions have direct impacts on peoples lives.

Analysts such as Courtney typically take part in strikes or witness acts of killing every two to three weeks. In between, they spend hours upon hours watching scenes of everyday life unfold on their screens: children playing, women shopping, men gathering for evening prayers.

[Air Force is trying to improve drone pilot morale  with memes]

Now Courtney and her partner are orbiting a crossing over the Euphrates River, moving from Iraq into Syria.

On the south side of the river theres a ferry carrying a white truck and two adult males, Aaron says. It looks like theres also a motorcycle on board.

Yeah, its a motorcycle, Courtney says, leaning in for a better look.

Neither she nor Aaron can make out any weapons, which suggests its just another scene of everyday life in Islamic State territory.

She checks her watch and notices its a few minutes before 10 a.m., when the list of airmen selected for officer training is due to be released online.

Another airman takes her place behind the video screen. Courtney slides her chair a few feet to her left and logs onto the Air Force personnel website. A banner at the top of the screen reads: Active FY17 Officer Selection Board Updates! But the names have yet to post.

A lesson in patience, she says, drumming her fingers on the desk.

She refreshes the page a few more times. Nothing.

Courtneys colleague watches as the drone moves from the river crossing to a suspected Islamic State operations center, which on the screen looks like almost every other blocky, cement house in eastern Syria. A woman in a black abaya glides past, trailed by a child.

Courtney, still waiting, pops her knuckles and refreshes the screen. Oh, goodness gracious, she whispers under her breath.

Eventually, another airman who has also applied for an officer slot tells her to type PSDM, short for personnel services delivery memorandum, into the websites search bar.

It takes only a few seconds for Courtney to scan the list and realize shes not among the airmen who were selected. She looks to see whether any other intelligence analysts were picked and texts her disappointing news to a friend: No cigar. Only 63 selected.

A deep breath, and then shes back to the drone feed.

Theres a child in the alley to the south of the building, Aaron is saying.

What? Courtney asks, an edge of sadness and frustration in her voice.

A single word

For the next few hours, the pace is unrelenting. They orbit a warehouse complex, another Islamic State operations center, an enemy checkpoint. They follow a truck, a motorcycle and then another truck.

Courtneys immediate supervisor, a tech sergeant, approaches her cubicle and asks gingerly about the officer list.

Sorry, he says.

Dont be, she replies, her eyes fixed on the screen. That makes nobody feel better.

Youll make it next time, he offers.

Courtneys job is to watch the video feed and make judgments: Are the people on the screen civilians or enemies? Do they pose a threat to U.S. troops or allies? Does it make more sense to shoot now, or wait and see where they go or what they do?

To mitigate civilian casualties she keeps a tally of men, women and children in the area. She makes note of anyone who crosses her screen.

One previously unobserved adult male pushed a wheelbarrow on the south side of the target building, Courtney writes while observing a suspected Islamic State drone factory. He took a box  already present in the wheelbarrow  into the building.

She types her observations in a chat room that is monitored by dozens of U.S. military and intelligence officials around the world, where even the smallest details can have life-or-death consequences. After U.S. and coalition airstrikes last September mistakenly killed 62 Syrian troops, a military investigation honed in on communications among the pilots, commanders and the analysts, who had doubts about the target.

A single word made the difference between shooting and not shooting, said an Air Force intelligence officer who oversees operations at the base here.

To sharpen the analysts vigilance, the Air Force is experimenting with different lighting schemes. And to help with stress, particularly after strikes that result in civilian casualties, a psychiatrist and mental-health counselor have been assigned full-time to the operations floor.

Our suicide and suicidal ideation rates were way higher than the Air Force average; they were even higher than for those people who had deployed, said Col. Jason Brown, commander of the 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing. Something had to be done.

The suicide rates in the small community have fallen with the introduction of the mental- health teams, Brown said. The stressors, though, havent diminished. In the past three years, Air Force officials said there has been a tenfold increase in weapons expended on the battlefield. The heavier fighting has meant more scenes of carnage on the feed.

In some instances, the demands of urban combat and a more aggressive approach to the war have meant taking shots even when analysts determine civilians are present. The number of allowable civilian casualties can vary with the importance of the target.

For us, it can be kind of demoralizing, says Christopher, a tech sergeant and Courtneys immediate supervisor on this day. Were aware of civilians, he says, but the analysts dont set the limits for pilots. We cant tell them, This is your cutoff,  Christopher says.

Somewhere over Syria

Were shifting, Courtney says as her drone heads for what she is told is a suspected Islamic State war spoils camp.

Thats an interesting name, says Aaron, who assumes its a place where the Islamic State stashes captured loot.

Night has fallen in the desert, and the men at the camp are stretched out on mats under the stars.

Was that a cigarette he just tossed? Aaron asks, pointing to one of the men on the screen.

Yeah, Courtney says. This doesnt really seem nefarious.

In fact, it looks like a typical Bedouin campsite. Camels lope across the screen. No one appears to be armed.

Courtneys squadron commander pulls her aside to offer her some words of encouragement on becoming an officer.

The service didnt see fit this time, he says. But it doesnt mean no. It just means not right now.

She walks back to her cubicle, passing people eating her celebration cake. A few minutes later shes back at the screen, transiting to the next location in her target deck: an Islamic State safe house. She studies the cluster of buildings, the curve of the road and the placement of the satellite dishes on the roofs.

Hey, Ive been here before, she says. I just recognized it.

Its like driving through your home town, Aaron replies. You get familiar.

Courtney watches a man shoo a dog and children at play. Her relief arrives and boots up his computer a few minutes before 4 p.m.

Your eyes are free, he tells her.

She stands up and stretches.

Her first call when she leaves the building is to her parents to let them know she wasnt selected for officer training. Early the next morning, shes back in her chair, back in the war, floating somewhere over Syria.
The Trump administration is renewing an offer to cooperate with Russia in the Syrian conflict, including on military matters, ahead of President Trumps meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin this week. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

The Trump administration is prepared to consider joint stability operations with Russia in Syria, including no-fly zones, cease-fire observers and coordinated deliveries of humanitarian aid, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said late Wednesday.

In a statement issued as he departed for Europe, where he will join President Trump in Germany on Thursday, Tillerson said that the United States and Russia have successfully cooperated in establishing deconfliction areas in Syria to avoid contact between their air operations.

Trump plans to meet Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin outside a Group of 20 summit that both are attending in Hamburg. Tillersons statement appeared designed to set an agenda for that meeting, framing the discussion in ways that the White House has declined to do in public.

In brief remarks at Joint Base Andrews before taking off, Tillerson recalled his own characterization of U.S. relations with Russia as being at a very low point.

Were at the very beginning, he said of Trumps first face-to-face meeting with Putin, and at this point its very difficult to say what Russias intentions are in this relationship. And I think thats the most important part of this meeting, is to have a good exchange between President Trump and President Putin over what they both see as the nature of this relationship between our two countries.

U.S.-backed local ground forces fighting the Islamic State and forces backing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad that are supported by Russia have moved increasingly closer to one another in southern Syria, bringing U.S. and Russian warplanes into closer proximity. In recent weeks  although Moscow has claimed to have cut deconfliction contacts with Washington  U.S. officials have said significant progress has been made between them in drawing lines to avoid one another.

Our military leaders have communicated clearly with one another to make sure no accidents occur between our two countries in the Syrian theater, Tillerson said. This cooperation over deconfliction zones process is evidence that our two nations are capable of further progress.

Separate from the fight against the militants, Russia, Iran and Turkey have called for the establishment of four safe zones in the western part of the country where Assads forces, with Russian and Iranian assistance, are fighting Syrian rebels. The United States is not a formal participant in those talks, but U.S. officials have said they may be willing to take over monitoring of one of the zones in Syrias southwest corner where the borders of Jordan and Israel are endangered.

Although Trump, like President Barack Obama before him, has said he is not interested in a direct U.S. role in Syrias civil war, the administration has become increasingly convinced that the permanent defeat of the Islamic State there is not possible while that war continues.

With the liberation of Raqqa now underway, Tillerson said, ISIS has been badly wounded, and it could be on the brink of complete defeat in Syria if all parties focus on this objective. In order to complete the mission, the international community, and especially Russia, must remove obstacles to the defeat of ISIS and help provide stability that prevents ISIS from rising anew from the ashes of their failed and fraudulent caliphate. ISIS is an acronym for the Islamic State.

Raqqa, the militants de facto Syrian capital, has been under assault by U.S. aircraft and artillery, and the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, since late spring. On Monday, U.S. officials said the SDF had achieved a key milestone.

Having decimated much of the heavily populated west, Assad and his backers have begun heading eastward through the desert toward Islamic State fighters south of Raqqa. U.S. military officials have said they welcome any contribution to the anti-ISIS fight, as long as it does not impede or conflict with U.S. operations.

Following the G-20 summit, Tillerson will travel to Ukraine and to Turkey.

Carol Morello contributed to this report.
President Trump on Thursday stepped up efforts to blunt North Korea, warning that the rogue nation could face some pretty severe consequences over its latest missile test and huddling for more than an hour with the leaders of Japan and South Korea.

But even as Trump sought to use his proximity to world leaders ahead of the Group of 20 summit here to rally allies, the White House faced firm opposition from Russia and China over any retaliatory measures on Pyongyang.

Asked by a reporter at a photo op whether he had lost faith in Beijing, Trump replied: Never give up. But he did not respond to a follow-up question about whether he has been disappointed in Chinas inability to constrain North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un.

Earlier in the day, during a news conference in Warsaw before his arrival in Germany, Trump called North Koreas successful test of an intercontinental ballistic missile very, very bad behavior.

Something will have to be done about it, he said, though he did not offer details about what responses his administration was considering.

(The Washington Post)

The Trump administrations effort to forge consensus among members of the U.N. Security Council appears to have hit a wall, given the opposition in Moscow and Beijing to additional economic sanctions or potential U.S. military actions against Pyongyang.

New sanctions would have little effect unless backed by China, which is North Koreas financial lifeline.

Trump had a 75-minute meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in a bid to put the two U.S. allies on the same page as Washington. Norio Maruyama, a Japanese government spokesman, told reporters in Hamburg that the conversation was very vivid and that the only topic on the agenda was North Korea.

The three leaders agreed that China should do more to rein in North Koreas provocative behavior, Maruyama said. Abe emphasized that holding dialogue for the sake of dialogue with North Korea is meaningless, Maruyama said. He added that the Japanese leader believes that it would be essential to put pressure on North Korea to make it engage in dialogue seriously.

Maruyama said the issue of military action was not discussed with any specificity.

Great trilateral meeting & dinner, Trump wrote on Twitter, including a photo of him flanked by Moon and Abe. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson attended the meeting with Trump, along with other U.S. officials.

Their discussion came a day before Trump was to hold his first bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Friday in Hamburg. Trump is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday.

[Hamburg braces for mass protests at G-20]

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told reporters at the Pentagon on Thursday that the launch of the ICBM does not alone bring the United States closer to war. Mattis described ongoing efforts to pressure North Korea as purely diplomatically led with a focus on economic sanctions.

Diplomacy has not failed, Mattis said. It is U.S. self-restraint that has prevented war in the face of provocations, he said, but our self-restraint holds, and diplomatic efforts remain underway as we speak.

Mattis said the United States is still analyzing the reentry vehicle in the ICBM launched this week. U.S. defense against North Korean missiles are sufficient, and the United States knew quickly that the missile had been launched, he said.

We assume these sorts of things from him, Mattis said of North Koreas leader. We were on duty. As you all know, the radars were up and operating.

Pentagon officials this week have sought to underscore that the ICBM threat posed by North Korea is nascent and that Pyongyang has a long way to go in terms of understanding the trajectory of the missiles and reentry before they could hit North America.

While the Trump administration has said that all options are on the table to counter North Korea, Mattis has previously warned that an armed conflict would include probably the worst kind of fighting in most peoples lifetime, citing the threat posed by hundreds of North Korean rocket launchers and artillery pieces aimed at Seoul.

The Pentagon and State Department have not taken steps that would indicate U.S. officials are seriously concerned that the situation is an immediate crisis, such as sending home the families of U.S. service members and State Department employees stationed in South Korea.

At an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday, U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley accused China and Russia of holding the hands of the North Korean leader.

Her words were met with criticism from Vladimir Safronkov, Russias deputy ambassador to the United Nations, who called stricter sanctions not acceptable and military action inadmissible.

At a daily briefing in Beijing on Thursday, a spokesman for Chinas Foreign Ministry backed him up, calling for calm in response to U.S. remarks.

After his first meeting with Xi in April, Trump emerged professing confidence that China would pressure Pyongyang to stop testing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. That plan, as he recently tweeted, has not worked out.

But U.S. tough talk seems unlikely to bring Beijing on its side, experts said.

The U.S. response to the ICBM test so far has encompassed joint military exercises with the South Koreans, calls for stricter sanctions on those doing business with North Korea and high-level warnings of military action  all of which are at odds with Chinese plans.

Its not that China does not care about the North Korean threat  it does  but that it sees it differently, analysts said.

Beijing and Pyongyang were once communist brothers-in-arms at war with American forces. Those days are long gone, but the memory of the 1950-1953 Korean War looms large.

The fact that thousands of U.S. troops are still stationed in South Korea is a sore point for the Chinese, which would rather not have the American military at their doorstep. Beijing often sees U.S. moves in South Korea, from joint exercises to missile defense, as maneuvers designed to counter Chinese military might.

[Twenty-five million reasons the U.S. hasnt struck North Korea]

Indeed, the double suspension plan pitched by China and Russia in the wake of the ICBM test calls for the United States and South Korea to suspend joint military exercises and for North Korea to freeze its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

Over the years, Trump has said repeatedly that China is the key to squeezing the regime into submission. However, China does not appear willing to topple Kim.

Its not very likely that China will follow the will of the U.S. and put a heavy move on North Korea, like what President Trump has called for, said Deng Yuwen, a Beijing-based expert on North Korea.

It would expand sanctions, but there is a bottom line, and the bottom line is that it wont sanction North Korea such that it causes chaos in the North, he added.

Lastly, Beijing does not have the same sense of urgency when it comes to North Korea. China has always been in reach of North Koreas military, so the development of an ICBM is not as much of a game-changer.

Plus, Chinas leadership remains focused on domestic issues, namely key political meetings set for the fall, said Michael Kovrig, a Beijing-based senior adviser for the International Crisis Group, and officials are unlikely to make any move that could threaten their bases of support.

Chinese analysts continue to argue that no amount of pressure, short of what might cause a collapse, will bring North Korea to denuclearize, Kovrig said.

Beijings prescription is still to coax rather than to pressure. Unlike the U.S., its not in a hurry and hopes that economic incentives can gradually induce Pyongyang to moderate its behavior.

Rauhala, Luna Lin and Shirley Feng reported from Beijing. David Nakamura and Dan Lamothe in Washington contributed to this report.

Read more:

Trump thought China could get North Korea to comply. Its not that easy.

As concern about North Korea deepens, the U.S. and China are at odds

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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@amysherman1

The Florida Democratic Party and Democratic politicians have urged Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner to not comply with a request for voter data from President Donald Trump's voter fraud commission.

It's unlikely that Detzner -- an appointee of Trump ally Gov. Rick Scott -- will pay much attention to the growing list of pleas from Democrats to decline the commission's request for a long list of voter roll data.

The Presidential Advisory Commission for Voter Integrity sent a June 28 letter to the Florida Division of Elections asking officials to hand over voter data by July 14. The commission, which is led by Vice President Mike Pence and Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, wants voters' names, registration status, political party affiliation, voting history, social security numbers and other information "if publicly available under the laws of your state."

Detzner's spokeswoman has said that he is reviewing the request while Scott's office deferred comment to Detzner's office. The newly formed Miami-Dade Democratic Lawyers Council plans to file a challenge to the request.

Florida Democratic Party chair Stephen Bittel wrote a letter urging Detzner to refuse to turn over citizens' data.

"We remind you that complying with this request may put voters at risk of identity theft, encroach federal rights to privacy, and violate the Federal Voting Rights Act in addition to the Florida Constitution," states the letter co-signed by Senate leader Oscar Braynon, Senate Leader-designate Jeff Clemens, House leader Janet Cruz and House Leader-Designate Kionne McGhee.

Additionally, the Florida Senate Democratic Caucus sent a letter to Detzner calling the commission's request an "invasion of privacy and federal overreach."

"It also begs the question of why this data is being sought in the first place, and whether voter suppression may be the ultimate goal," the caucus wrote.

All three of the Democratic candidates for governor -- Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham and Orlando businessman Chris King -- have urged Detzner not to comply with the commission's request.

Gillum filed a Freedom of Information Act request asking Detzner to provide any evidence of voter fraud in the 2016 election.

Floridians deserve truth and confidence in the electoral process, so my demand is simple - if theres widespread voter fraud, then prove it by releasing evidence of it. If theres none, then it is time that Florida stands up against the Trump Administration and this dangerous and unfounded lie.

Graham sent a letter to Detzner and Scott calling the commission a "sham" and urging them to take steps to make it easier to vote including adding voting on college campuses, expanding early voting, automatic registration, and restoration of civil rights for felons who have served their sentences.

King wrote in a press release: "This request is nothing more than the latest attack on democracy by noted voter suppression advocate, Kris Kobach. We should be in the business of expanding access to voting, not suppressing it."

Several Democratic members of Congress in Florida wrote a letter calling the commission's request "outrageous" and recalled past flawed efforts to purge voters from the rolls.

"It is our sincere hope that you have learned from your prior attempts to find voter fraud where none existed in Florida and choose this time to respect the privacy rights of Florida voters," states the letter signed by Charlie Crist, Kathy Castor, Ted Deutch, Lois Frankel, Alcee Hastings, Al Lawson and Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

The League of Women voters, a nonpartisan organization, also wrote a letter to Detnzer urging him to decline the commission's request. The League wrote that some of the commission's requested information such as Social Security numbers is shielded from public records in state law.

Trump made repeated claims about massive voter fraud and election rigging, which PolitiFact debunked again and again and again and again and again and again and again. (as well as a claim by his spokesman Sean Spicer).

Miami Herald file photo of voters in Miami-Dade

This post has been updated to include comments from additional politicians.
Welcome to The Independent Herald E-Edition! Check back each week on Tuesday to see our[Read More]
Post Holdings, Inc. operates as a consumer packaged goods holding company in the United States and internationally. It operates through five segments: Post Consumer Brands, Weetabix, Foodservice, Refrigerated Retail, and BellRing Brands. The Post Consumer Brands segment manufactures, markets, and sells branded and private label ready-to-eat (RTE) cereal and hot cereal products. It serves grocery stores, mass merchandise customers, supercenters, club stores, natural/specialty stores, and drug store customers, as well as sells its products in the military, ecommerce, and foodservice channels. The Weetabix segment primarily markets and distributes branded and private label RTE cereal, hot cereals and other cereal-based food products, breakfast drinks, and muesli. This segment sells its products to grocery stores, discounters, wholesalers, and convenience stores, as well as through ecommerce. The Foodservice segment produces and distributes egg and potato products in the foodservice and food ingredient channels. It serves foodservice distributors and national restaurant chains. The Refrigerated Retail segment produces and distributes side dishes, eggs and egg products, sausages, cheese, and other dairy and refrigerated products for grocery stores and mass merchandise customers. The BellRing Brands segment markets and distributes ready-to-drink (RTD) protein shakes, other RTD beverages, powders, nutrition bars, and supplements. It serves club stores, food, drug and mass customers, and online retailers, as well as specialty retailers, convenience stores, and distributors. Post Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1895 and is headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri.
GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft engages in the development and production of systems and components for the food processing industry worldwide. The company operates through five divisions: Separation & Flow Technologies, Liquid & Power Technologies, Food & Health Technologies, Farm Technologies, and Heating & Refrigeration Technologies. It provides separators, decanters, homogenizers, valves, and pumps; and process solutions for the dairy, food, beverage, chemical, and other industries. The company also offers solutions for food processing and pharmaceutical industries, which includes preparation, marinating, and processing of meat, poultry, seafood, vegan products, pasta production, baking, slicing, packaging, and confectionary, as well as frozen food processing; and granulation systems and tablet presses. In addition, it provides integrated customer solutions for milk production and livestock farming, such as automatic milking, feeding systems, conventional milking solutions, manure handling, and digital herd management tools; and sustainable energy solutions for an array of industries including food, beverage, dairy, and oil and gas in the field of industrial refrigeration and temperature control. The company was formerly known as mg technologies ag and changed its name to GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft in 2005. GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft was founded in 1881 and is headquartered in Dusseldorf, Germany.
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. provides automotive replacement parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items for domestic and imported cars, vans, sport utility vehicles, and light and heavy duty trucks. The company offers battery accessories; belts and hoses; brakes and brake pads; chassis and climate control parts; clutches and drive shafts; engines and engine parts; exhaust systems and parts; hub assemblies; ignition components and wires; radiators and cooling parts; starters and alternators; and steering and alignment parts. It also offers air conditioning chemicals and accessories; air fresheners; antifreeze and washer fluids; electrical wires and fuses; electronics; floor mats, seat covers, and interior accessories; hand and specialty tools; lighting products; performance parts; sealants, adhesives and compounds; tire repair accessories; vent shades, mirrors and exterior accessories; washes, waxes and cleaning supplies; and wiper blades. In addition, the company offers air filters; fuel and oil additives; fuel filters; grease and lubricants; motor oils; oil filters, part cleaners and treatments; and transmission fluids for engine maintenance. Further, it offers battery and wiper installation; engine light scanning and checking; electrical system testing; video clinic; oil and battery recycling; and loaner tool program services. Additionally, the company sells its products through its website. It serves professional installers and do-it-yourself customers. The company operates stores under the Advance Auto Parts, Autopart International, and Carquest brands, as well as branches under the Worldpac name. As of April 23, 2022, it operated 4,687 stores and 311 branches in the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada; and served 1,318 independently owned Carquest branded stores in Mexico, Grand Cayman, the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and the British Virgin Islands. The company was founded in 1929 and is based in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The following companies are subsidiares of CIT Group: 1143986 Ontario Limited, 1244771 Ontario Limited, 3918041 Canada Inc., 544211 Alberta Ltd., 555565 Alberta Ltd., 555566 Alberta Ltd., Baliardo Limited, C.I.T. Leasing Corporation, C2 Aviation Capital LLC, CBG LJB 21 LLC, CCERU Finance LP, CFHE Funding Company LLC, CIT Aerospace (Australia) Pty Ltd, CIT Aerospace Asia Pte Ltd., CIT Aerospace Belgium Sprl, CIT Aerospace Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd, CIT Aerospace Holdings (France) SAS, CIT Aerospace International, CIT Aerospace International (Aruba) A.V.V., CIT Aerospace International (Australia) Pty Ltd., CIT Aerospace International (Bermuda) Limited, CIT Aerospace International (France) Sarl, CIT Aerospace International Leasing II, CIT Aerospace LLC, CIT Aerospace Sweden AB, CIT Asset Management LLC, CIT Aviation Finance I (France) Sarl, CIT Aviation Finance I (Ireland) Limited, CIT Aviation Finance I (UK) Limited, CIT Aviation Finance I Ltd., CIT Aviation Finance II (France) Sarl, CIT Aviation Finance II (Ireland) Limited, CIT Aviation Finance II (UK) Limited, CIT Aviation Finance II Ltd., CIT Aviation Finance III Ltd., CIT Bank N.A., CIT CBK Funding Company LLC, CIT CBK Funding Inc., CIT CLO Holding Corporation, CIT CLO I Blocker Inc., CIT CLO I LLC, CIT CLO I Ltd., CIT Canada Finance LP, CIT Canada Finance ULC, CIT Capital Aviation (UK) Limited, CIT Capital Finance (UK) Limited (in liquidation), CIT Capital Securities LLC, CIT Capital USA Inc., CIT Cayman Coconut Palm Leasing Ltd., CIT Cayman Sandy Keys Leasing Ltd., CIT Communications Finance Corporation, CIT Credit Group USA Inc., CIT Equipment Finance (UK) Limited (in liquidation), CIT FSC Eighteen Ltd., CIT FSC Nineteen Ltd., CIT Finance & Leasing (Tianjin) Corporation, CIT Finance & Leasing Corporation, CIT Finance LLC, CIT Financial (Alberta) ULC / Services Financiers CIT (Alberta) ULC, CIT Financial (Barbados) SRL, CIT Financial (Hong Kong) Limited, CIT Financial II (Barbados) Srl, CIT Financial Ltd./Services Financiers CIT Ltee., CIT Financial USA Inc., CIT Funding (UK) Limited (in liquidation), CIT Funding Company LLC, CIT Funding LLC, CIT Funds LLC, CIT Group (Hungary) Financial Servicing Limited Liability Company "under voluntary dissolution", CIT Group (NFL) Limited (in liquidation), CIT Group (NJ) LLC, CIT Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd (In Members' Voluntary Liquidation), CIT Group (UK) Limited (in liquidation), CIT Group Finance (Ireland), CIT Group Holding (Germany) GmbH i.L., CIT Group Holdings (UK) Limited (in liquidation), CIT Group Holdings B.V., CIT Group Inc., CIT Group Italy Srl in liquidazione, CIT Group SF Holding Co. Inc., CIT Healthcare LLC, CIT Holdings (Barbados) SRL, CIT Holdings B.V., CIT Holdings Canada ULC, CIT Home Lending Securitization Company LLC, CIT Insurance Agency Inc., CIT Leasing (Bermuda) Ltd., CIT Leasing (Germany) GmbH i.L., CIT Lending Services Corporation, CIT Lending Services Corporation (Illinois), CIT Loan Corporation, CIT Malaysia One Inc., CIT Maritime Leasing LLC, CIT Mezzanine Partners of Canada Limited, CIT Millbury Inc., CIT Rail Holdings (Europe) SAS, CIT Rail LLC, CIT Railcar Funding Company LLC, CIT Small Business Lending Corporation, CIT Strategic Finance Inc., CIT TRS Funding B.V., CIT TRS Holdings B.V., CIT TRS Subsidiary B.V., CIT Technology Financing Services Inc., CIT Trade Finance Funding Company LLC, CIT Transportation Holdings B.V., CRE CT 21 OTHER LLC, CRE CT 27 OTHER LLC, CRE FFBC LLC, CRE LJ 21 OTHER LLC, CRE LJ 27 OTHER LLC, CRE LJ 4800 Riverside LLC, CRE LJ CA 2 LLC, CRE LJ CA LLC, CRE LJ CP ESCONDIDO LLC, CRE LJ TX LLC, Canadian Income Partners I Limited Partnership, Canadian Income Partners II Limited Partnership, Canadian Income Partners III Limited Partnership, Canadian Income Partners IV Limited Partnership, Canadian Income Partners V Limited Partnership, Canadian Income Partners VI Limited Partnership, Canadian Income Partners VII Limited Partnership, Canadian Income Partners VIII Limited Partnership, Capita Corporation, Capital Direct Group Inc., Centennial Aviation (Bermuda) 1 Ltd., Centennial Aviation (France) 1 SARL, Centennial Aviation (France) 2 SARL, Centennial Aviation (Ireland) 7 Limited, Direct Capital Corporation, Direct Capital Funding III Company LLC, Direct Capital Funding V LLC, Education Loan Servicing Corporation, Emerald Funding (Netherlands) C.V., Emerald Holdings C.V., Financial Freedom Acquisition LLC, IMV 11 PALM LLC, INDYMAC VENTURE LLC, Jessica Leasing Designated Activity Company, MEX CIT SERVICIOS S. de R.L. de C.V., Madeleine Leasing Designation Activity Company, Memphis Peaking Power LLC, Millennium Leasing Company I LLC, Millennium Leasing Company II LLC, NACCO (U.K.) Limited, NACCO GmbH, NACCO Rail Ireland Limited, NACCO S.A.S, Nacco Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Newcourt Financial Espana S.A., North Romeo Storage Corporation, ONEWEST VENTURES HOLDINGS LLC, OWB REO LLC, OneWest Bank N.A, OneWest Investments II LLC, OneWest Investments LLC, OneWest Resources LLC, PL Servicing LLC, Rita Leasing Designated Activity Company, The CIT GP Corporation III, The CIT Group Securitization Corporation II, The CIT Group/Business Credit Inc., The CIT Group/Commercial Services Inc., The CIT Group/Corporate Aviation Inc., The CIT Group/Equipment Financing Inc., The CIT Group/Equity Investments Inc., The Capita Corporation do Brasil Ltda, The Equipment Insurance Company, and Worrell Capital Limited.

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@ByKristenMClark

The bitter fight over new K-12 public school reforms that the Republican-led Legislature approved this spring entered a new stage on Wednesday when the Broward County School Board voted unanimously to challenge the laws constitutionality in court.

Broward is the first school district to vote to sue over the passage of House Bill 7069, which became law Saturday above passionate objections from school administrators, teachers unions and parent groups statewide for its many provisions friendly to charter schools, in some cases, at the expense of traditional public schools.

Im in favor of taking aggressive action as soon as we possibly can, Broward School Board member Rosalind Osgood said during a special board meeting convened solely to authorize Superintendent Robert Runcie to file the legal challenge and to spend up to $25,000 on initial legal fees.

MORE: Heres how the controversial new schools law will impact South Florida

Were on life support now, and we have to literally fight for the life of public education in this state, Osgood said. If we dont stand up now, if we miss this opportunity, well never recover from it.

Its unclear how soon the lawsuit will be filed.

Broward Countys allegations of unconstitutionality primarily surround how HB 7069 gives charter schools a leg up over traditional public schools through less-restrictive regulations and extra taxpayer funding that make it easier for them to expand.

In a statement to the Herald/Times, House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land OLakes, blasted the Broward School Board for its decision, saying in part: "Not only is it clueless, it is also arguably heartless."

Full story here.

Photo credit: Miami Herald file
Core Laboratories N.V. provides reservoir description and production enhancement services and products to the oil and gas industry in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates through Reservoir Description and Production Enhancement segments. The Reservoir Description segment includes the characterization of petroleum reservoir rock, reservoir fluid, and gas samples to enhance production and improve recovery of oil and gas from its clients' reservoirs. It offers laboratory-based analytical and field services to characterize properties of crude oil and oil delivered products; and proprietary and joint industry studies. The Production Enhancement segment provides services and products relating to reservoir well completions, perforations, stimulations, and production. It offers integrated diagnostic services to evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of well completions and to develop solutions to improve the effectiveness of enhanced oil recovery projects. In addition, the company markets and sells its products through a combination of sales representatives, technical seminars, trade shows, and print advertising, as well as through distributors. It operates approximately in 50 countries. The company was founded in 1936 and is based in Amstelveen, the Netherlands.
Markel Corporation, a diverse financial holding company, markets and underwrites specialty insurance products in the United States, Bermuda, the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, Canada, the Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. Its Insurance segment offers general and professional liability, personal lines, marine and energy, specialty programs, and workers' compensation insurance products; and property coverages that include fire, allied lines, and other specialized property coverages, including catastrophe-exposed property risks, such as earthquake and wind. This segment also offers credit and surety products, and collateral protection insurance products. The company's Reinsurance segment offers transaction, healthcare, and environmental impairment liability; and specialty treaty reinsurance products comprising structured and whole turnover credit, political risk, mortgage and contract, and commercial surety reinsurance programs. Its Markel Ventures segment provides equipment used in baking systems and food processing; portable dredges; over-the-road car haulers and transportation equipment; and laminated oak and composite wood flooring, tube and tank trailers, as well as ornamental plants and residential homes, handbags, and architectural products. This segment also provides consulting, and other types of services to businesses and consumers, including distribution of exterior building products, crane rental, fire protection, and life safety services, management and technology consulting, and retail intelligence services. The company's Other segment provides healthcare, leasing and investment services, as well as operates as an insurance and investment fund manager offering a range of investment products, including insurance-linked securities, catastrophe bonds, insurance swaps, and weather derivatives; and program services. it also manages funds with third parties. Markel Corporation was founded in 1930 and is based in Glen Allen, Virginia.
PNM Resources, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides electricity and electric services in the United States. It operates through Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) and Texas-New Mexico Power Company (TNMP) segments. The PNM segment engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. The segment generates electricity using coal, natural gas and oil, nuclear fuel, solar, wind, and geothermal energy sources. As of December 31, 2021, this segment had owned or leased facilities with a total net generation capacity of 2,168 megawatts; and owned 3,426 miles of electric transmission lines, 5,751 miles of distribution overhead lines, 5,765 miles of underground distribution lines, and 250 substations. The segment also owns and leases communication, office and other equipment, office space, vehicles, and real estate. The TNMP segment provides regulated transmission and distribution services. As of December 31, 2021, the segment owned 983 miles of overhead electric transmission lines, 7,297 miles of overhead distribution lines, 1,408 miles of underground distribution lines, and 113 substations. The segment also owns and leases vehicles, service facilities, and office locations throughout its service territory. The company serves approximately 806,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers and end-users of electricity in New Mexico and Texas. PNM Resources, Inc. was incorporated in 1882 and is headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The following companies are subsidiares of Lithia Motors: 797 Valley Street LLC, Albany CJD Fiat, Baierl Auto Group, Baierl Auto Parts LLC, Baierl Automotive Corporation, Baierl Chevrolet Inc., Baierl Holding LLC, Broadway Ford, Buhler Ford Inc, Cadillac of Portland Lloyd Center LLC, Camp Automotive Inc., Carbone Auto Body LLC, Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat of Morgantown, Cranberry Automotive Inc., Crater Lake Ford Lincoln, Crater Lake Mazda, DCH (Oxnard) Inc., DCH Auto Group, DCH Bloomfield LLC, DCH CA LLC, DCH Calabasas-A LLC, DCH California Investments LLC, DCH California Motors Inc., DCH DMS NJ LLC, DCH Del Norte Inc., DCH Essex Inc., DCH Financial NJ LLC, DCH Freehold - V LLC, DCH Freehold LLC, DCH Holdings LLC, DCH Investments Inc. (New Jersey), DCH Investments Inc. (New York), DCH Korean Imports LLC, DCH Mamaroneck LLC, DCH Mission Valley LLC, DCH Monmouth LLC, DCH Montclair LLC, DCH Motors LLC, DCH NY Motors LLC, DCH Nanuet LLC, DCH North America Inc., DCH Oxnard 1521 Imports Inc., DCH Riverside-S Inc., DCH Simi Valley Inc., DCH Support Services LLC, DCH TL Holdings LLC, DCH TL NY Holdings LLC, DCH Temecula Imports LLC, DCH Temecula Motors LLC, DCH Thousand Oaks-F Inc., DCH Torrance Imports Inc., Dah Chong Hong CA Trading LLC, Dah Chong Hong Trading Corporation, Daron Motors LLC, Day Auto Group, Downtown LA, Driveway Motors LLC, Elizabeth Collision LLC, Florida SS LLC, Ford Lincoln of Morgantown, Freehold Nissan LLC, Fuse Auto Sales LLC, Hamilton Honda, Hazleton Honda, Hutchins Eugene Nissan Inc., Hutchins Imported Motors Inc., Jaguar Landrover Mission Viejo, LA Motors Holding LLC, LAD Advertising Inc., LAD Carson-N LLC, LAD Mission Viejo-JLR Inc., LAD Mobu Inc., LAD-AU LLC, LAD-MB LLC, LAD-N LLC, LAD-P LLC, LAD-T LLC, LAD-V LLC, LBMP LLC, LFKF LLC, LGPAC Inc., LLL Sales Co LLC, LMBB LLC, LMBP LLC, LMOP LLC, LSTAR LLC, Lithia AcDM Inc., Lithia Aircraft Inc., Lithia Anchorage-C LLC, Lithia Anchorage-H LLC, Lithia Armory Garage LLC, Lithia Auction & Recon LLC, Lithia Auto Services Inc., Lithia Automotive Inc., Lithia BA Holding Inc., Lithia BNM Inc. (nonoperating), Lithia Baierl-S LLC, Lithia Bryan Texas Inc., Lithia Buffalo-A LLC, Lithia CCTF Inc., Lithia CDH Inc., Lithia CIMR Inc., Lithia CJDO Inc., Lithia CJDSA Inc., Lithia CJDSF Inc., Lithia CM Inc., Lithia CO Inc., Lithia CSA Inc., Lithia Community Development Company Inc., Lithia Crater Lake-F Inc., Lithia Crater Lake-M Inc., Lithia DE Inc., Lithia DM Inc., Lithia DMID Inc., Lithia Des Moines-VW LLC, Lithia Dodge of Tri-Cities Inc., Lithia Eatontown-F LLC, Lithia FLCC LLC, Lithia FMF Inc., Lithia Financial Corporation (previously Lithia Leasing Inc. and Lithia Credit Inc.), Lithia Florida Holding Inc., Lithia Ford of Boise Inc., Lithia Fresno Inc., Lithia HDM Inc., Lithia HGF Inc., Lithia HMID Inc., Lithia HPI Inc. (nonoperating), Lithia Hamilton-H LLC, Lithia Hazleton-H LLC, Lithia Idaho Falls-F Inc., Lithia Imports of Anchorage Inc., Lithia JEF Inc., Lithia Klamath Inc., Lithia Klamath-T Inc., Lithia LBGGF Inc., Lithia LHGF Inc., Lithia LSGF Inc., Lithia MBDM Inc., Lithia MMF Inc., Lithia MTLM Inc., Lithia McMurray-C LLC, Lithia Medford HON Inc., Lithia Middletown-L LLC, Lithia Monroeville-A LLC, Lithia Monroeville-C LLC, Lithia Monroeville-F LLC, Lithia Monroeville-V LLC, Lithia Moon-S LLC, Lithia Moon-V LLC, Lithia Morgantown-CJD LLC, Lithia Morgantown-F LLC, Lithia Morgantown-S LLC, Lithia Motors Support Services Inc., Lithia NA Inc., Lithia NC Inc., Lithia ND Acquisition Corp. #1, Lithia ND Acquisition Corp. #3, Lithia ND Acquisition Corp. #4, Lithia NDM Inc., Lithia NF Inc., Lithia NSA Inc., Lithia Northeast Real Estate LLC, Lithia Orchard Park-H LLC, Lithia Paramus-M LLC, Lithia Pittsburgh-S LLC, Lithia Ramsey-B LLC, Lithia Ramsey-L LLC, Lithia Ramsey-M LLC, Lithia Ramsey-T LLC, Lithia Real Estate Inc., Lithia Reno Sub-HYUN Inc., Lithia Reno-CJ LLC, Lithia Reno-VW LLC, Lithia Rose-FT Inc., Lithia SOC Inc., Lithia SSP LLC, Lithia Salmir Inc., Lithia Sea P Inc., Lithia Seaside Inc., Lithia Spokane-B LLC, Lithia Spokane-S LLC, Lithia TA Inc., Lithia TO Inc., Lithia TR Inc., Lithia Uniontown-C LLC, Lithia VAuDM Inc., Lithia VF Inc., Lithia Wexford-H LLC, Lithia of Abilene Inc., Lithia of Anchorage Inc., Lithia of Bend #1 LLC, Lithia of Bend #2 LLC, Lithia of Bennington - 1 LLC, Lithia of Bennington - 2 LLC, Lithia of Bennington - 3 LLC, Lithia of Bennington - 4 LLC, Lithia of Billings II LLC, Lithia of Billings Inc., Lithia of Casper LLC, Lithia of Clear Lake LLC, Lithia of Concord I Inc., Lithia of Concord II Inc., Lithia of Corpus Christi Inc., Lithia of Des Moines Inc., Lithia of Eureka Inc., Lithia of Fairbanks Inc., Lithia of Great Falls Inc., Lithia of Helena Inc., Lithia of Honolulu-A Inc., Lithia of Honolulu-BGMCC LLC, Lithia of Honolulu-F LLC, Lithia of Honolulu-V LLC, Lithia of Killeen LLC, Lithia of Lodi Inc., Lithia of Maui-H LLC, Lithia of Missoula II LLC, Lithia of Missoula III Inc., Lithia of Missoula Inc., Lithia of Pocatello Inc., Lithia of Portland I LLC, Lithia of Portland LLC, Lithia of Robstown LLC, Lithia of Roseburg Inc., Lithia of Santa Rosa Inc., Lithia of Seattle Inc., Lithia of South Central AK Inc., Lithia of Spokane II Inc., Lithia of Spokane Inc., Lithia of Stockton Inc., Lithia of Stockton-V Inc., Lithia of TF Inc., Lithia of Troy LLC, Lithia of Utica - 1 LLC, Lithia of Utica - 2 LLC, Lithia of Utica - 3 LLC, Lithia of Utica - 4 LLC, Lithia of Walnut Creek Inc., Lithia of Wasilla LLC, Lithia of Yorkville - 1 LLC, Lithia of Yorkville - 2 LLC, Lithia of Yorkville - 3 LLC, Lithia of Yorkville - 4 LLC, Lithia of Yorkville - 5 LLC, Medford Insurance LLC, Milford DCH Inc., Northland Ford Inc., PA Real Estate LLC, PA Support Services LLC, Paramus Collision LLC, Paramus World Motors LLC, Personalized Marketing LLC, Prestige Auto Group, RFA Holdings LLC, Ray Laks Acura, Ray Laks Honda, Sacramento-L Inc., Salem-B LLC, Salem-H LLC, Salem-V LLC, Sharlene Realty LLC, Shift Portland LLC, Southern Cascades Finance Corporation, Subaru of Morgantown, Tampa-H LLC, Tustin Motors Inc., Wesley Chapel-H LLC, Wesley Chapel-T LLC, Zelienople Real Estate I L.P., and Zelienople Real Estate L.L.C..

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Soweto (South Africa) (AFP) - South African President Jacob Zuma on Wednesday sought to calm an increasingly fractious battle to succeed him that is threatening to split the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party.

Zuma, who has been hit by corruption scandals and the country's poor economic performance, will step down as ANC party head in December and as national president ahead of the 2019 election.

The next ANC chief should be on track to win the general election and become South African president, but the party has recently suffered a sharp decline in popularity.

Zuma, giving his closing address at an ANC policy conference in Soweto outside Johannesburg, called for the party to drop its "winner takes all" attitude to the divisive leadership race.

"I believe we must get rid of factions. The factions have become so deep," he said.

"We have almost have a situation where it looks like two organisations exist in one. We can't have that.

"Do we want an ANC that is perpetually destabilised, fighting among itself?"

The two leading runners are Zuma's ex-wife, former African Union chief Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, and deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa, a wealthy former businessman.

Zuma, who is seen as supporting Dlamini-Zuma's campaign, called for the ANC to have two party deputy presidents to broaden its top leadership team.

"There is consensus that our movement can no longer afford to totally reject leaders who were preferred by a significant number of members to lead," he said.

Critics accuse Zuma, 75, of fuelling factionalism and corruption since he came to power in 2009, and of being in the sway of the Gupta business family, allegedly granting them lucrative government contracts.

He will face a vote of no confidence in parliament on August 8, though he is likely to survive due to the large ANC majority in the house.

Opposition parties are pushing for the vote to be held in secret, hoping to encourage ANC lawmakers to vote him out of office.

Story continues

Both Dlamini-Zuma and Ramaphosa were on stage for Zuma's speech, which was greeted with lukewarm applause from delegates.

The clash between the two camps could provoke further political instability in South Africa, which last month slipped into recession and also is suffering record unemployment.

The opposition Democratic Alliance party made gains in the 2016 local elections and hopes to benefit from the ANC's woes in the 2019 vote.
LAS VEGAS  In her last two bouts, Amanda Nunes has needed a combined four minutes and four seconds to finish the two biggest names in female mixed martial arts history.

Shell get a chance at a third consecutive finish on Saturday when she takes on No. 1 contender Valentina Shevchenko for the UFC womens bantamweight title in the main event of UFC 213 at T-Mobile Arena.

Nunes won the title with a dominant performance over Miesha Tate at UFC 200. Tate had long been one of the elite fighters in the world, but she was pummeled like a newbie by Nunes, who won the belt by submitting her at 3:16 of the first with a rear naked choke after battering her around the Octagon.

It was a remarkable performance, which, despite excruciating pressure the next time out, she managed to exceed.

Nunes first title defense came at UFC 207 on Dec. 30 at T-Mobile Arena against ex-champion Ronda Rousey, who was making her first appearance since being upset by Holly Holm at UFC 193 in Australia.

Rousey wasnt speaking to the media and though Nunes was, the story was primarily Rouseys silence and what could be gleaned from it.

Nunes stewed at what she felt was a lack of respect, but performed like a grand champion when she battered Rousey around the cage and stopped her in 48 of the most one-sided seconds youll ever see.

Amanda Nunes reacts to her victory over Ronda Rousey during UFC 207 on Dec. 30, 2016. (Getty Images)

It was a difficult, emotional journey for Nunes, who even now is haunted by questions about Rousey.

At the time, though, the pressure was rising and the resentment was real.

That fight against Ronda, everything was crazy and it was surreal, Nunes said. It was because of who she was and her reputation. The challenge wasnt fighting and beating Ronda the fighter; it was dealing with everything about Ronda that had been built up by the media. I was the champion, and it was like I didnt matter. It was hard to take.

She took a deep breath and stopped speaking for a moment. She thought about what she wanted to say, and then finished with a sentence that typified the inner battle she was fighting.

Story continues

It felt like it was me against the world, Nunes said. I was wondering, Why is this girl all everyone wants to talk about? What about me? Im the champion. What about me? It was tough, you know?

As difficult as it was, she learned something about herself. She could perform at her highest level even when the stakes were the highest and the pressure the most intense.

And that was good news for a talented yet erratic fighter who didnt really find herself until she moved to the American Top Team and overhauled her training.

Shes brimming with confidence now, having overcome the shyness of a rural farm girl growing up in Brazil where she frequently felt out of place.

Nunes joy since winning the bout has been contagious. Shes been all over social media and everyone she takes pictures with is grinning ear to ear. Shes having the time of her life, at the top of her profession and with the ability to become one of her sports household names.

For the third show in a row, shes headlining an event at T-Mobile, the UFCs home arena. Shes still asked about Rousey a fair amount  Everyone loves to talk about Ronda Rousey, she says. But its OK. Everyone also knows who the champion is now.

And then she laughs heartily. Its almost as if she had to prove herself all over again against Rousey.

Her bout with Shevchenko is a rematch, and the first fight could have gone either way. Nunes dominated the early going but Shevchenko was the stronger fighter at the end.

That bout came at UFC 196, and Nunes said that though its only been 16 months, shes not close to being the same fighter.

I learned so much about myself and what it takes to not just be a fighter, but to be a champion in this last year, Nunes said. That gives you a confidence that you can do anything. Anything can happen in a fight, and I respect Valentina, but she hasnt evolved the way I have.

She wants to talk about my cardio, or this or that. Go ahead, talk all you want, girl. Go ahead and talk. When the bell rings, lets see what happens then.

The one thing you notice after spending any amount of time with Nunes is that she loves to laugh and nothing seems to bother her.

That wasnt always the case  witness her barely concealed anger when she felt she was being unfairly overlooked prior to her bout with Rousey  but it clearly is true now.

I have learned so much and I have such a great life now and everything is so good, I cant even tell you how thankful and grateful I am, Nunes said. And it helps me. Im the best fighter Ive ever been. I have a great team and great support and its just better and better and better.

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A newly discovered photo could be the clue that solves one of Americas greatest mysteries: Where is Amelia Earhart?

Read: The Truth About Bombs Bursting in Air: Fireworks Are Not as American as You Think

The legendary aviator disappeared somewhere in the South Pacific in 1937 as she was attempting to become the first female pilot to circle the globe. Her fate has been shrouded in mystery for 80 years.

Now a long-lost photograph, discovered in the National Archives, shows what some believe is the trailblazing pilot after she was taken prisoner by the Japanese.

It was taken on Jaluit Atoll in the Marshall Islands, about 2,500 miles from Hawaii.

A new History Channel documentary, Amelia Earhart: The Lost Evidence, utilizes forensic analysis to determine whether the figure seen in the image is Earhart.

The woman in the photo has short hair and broad shoulders that appear to match earlier photos taken of Earhart. A man standing at the far left of the image is a dead ringer for Earharts navigator, Fred Noonan.

The man has a distinctive hairline, which is said to match that of Noonan.

In the background is a Japanese ship towing an object that looks to be about 38 feet long, the exact length of the plane Earhart and Noonan were flying when they vanished.

Read: 'Gotham' Actor Donal Logue Pleads for Missing Daughter to Come Home

The specials executive producer Gary Tarpinian spoke to Inside Edition about the shocking photograph.

We believe it is Amelia Earhart  it is Fred Noonan on the Marshall Islands  and that we can prove, he said. Amelia Earhart is a great American, a great woman, and you can stay she started the feminist movement in a way in showing what could be done. We think we owe it to her to tell the real story.

One theory put forth by the documentary is that the two captured Americans were taken to a Japanese prison on the island of Saipan, where both later died.

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The photograph is the first hard evidence that she survived a crash.

Watch: Starbucks Worker Who Mysteriously Vanished During Break Found Alive Nearly a Week Later

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One month ago, Donald Trump publicly backed an overhaul of the nations air traffic control system during a White House speech, the first major policy proposal announced by the president during Infrastructure Week.

But standing in Trumps way is the only Miami House Republican who voted for him during the 2016 election: Mario Diaz-Balart.

Diaz-Balart is chairman of the House subcommittee tasked with funding the Federal Aviation Administration, a powerful position that allows the veteran lawmaker to shape legislation that affects the federal budget. Hes worried that public oversight of the nations air-traffic control system could end if its run by a private non-profit controlled by various stakeholders in the airline industry.

Proponents of the plan say that privatizing the nations air traffic control system will lead to faster implementation of GPS technology that will result in fewer flight delays and queues on the tarmac.

Diaz-Balart bristles at calling the proposal privatization.

Its not privatization, Diaz-Balart said. Its a monopoly and it will remain a monopoly as opposed to being a monopoly being run by the public sector. It will be a monopoly run by private interests with zero oversight. Theres still no competition.

Diaz-Balart said its important to have elected officials in charge of overseeing the nations air traffic control system, because everyday citizens can choose to vote someone out of office if they think a member of Congress isnt doing enough to rectify airplane noise or pollution complaints.

In the past, Diaz-Balart has contacted the FAA on flight paths through downtown Miami and said the FAA made changes to the flight paths after his office reached out.

That doesnt happen if a private non-profit takes control, said Diaz-Balart, whose district includes Miami International Airport.

Who would people go to if in fact there are issues of excess noise? Diaz-Balart said. Who are you going to complain to? Right now you complain to your member of Congress and we win some and lose some. I dont have a problem with special interests but I do have a problem when youre giving those special interests run of the U.S. airspace without competition.

Airlines for America, a group composed of major commercial airlines in favor of privatization, said Diaz-Balarts opposition wont slow the bill down.

It would be unfortunate for political turf wars in Washington to stand between the residents of South Florida and the modern, 21st century ATC system they are paying for but havent yet received, Airlines for America spokesman Vaughn Jennings said in an email. There is unprecedented momentum in favor of reforming our nations antiquated ATC infrastructure. We are confident that the bill will reach the floor.

Read more here.
United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley warned that North Koreas recent actions are quickly closing off the possibility of a diplomatic solution.

In a speech at the United Nations Wednesday, the former South Carolina governor said that the United States is prepared to use our considerable military forces as it responds to North Koreas recent testing of a intercontinental ballistic missile.

Time is short. Action is required. The world is on notice, she said. If we act together, we can still prevent a catastrophe and we can rid the world of a grave threat. If we fail to act in a serious way, there will be a different response.

Here is the full text of the speech.

Thank you, Mr. President.To my friends on the Security Council, I must say that today is a dark day. It is a dark day because yesterday's action by North Korea made the world a more dangerous place. Their illegal missile launch was not only dangerous, but reckless and irresponsible. It showed that North Korea does not want to be part of a peaceful world. They have cast a dark shadow of conflict on all nations that strive for peace.Yesterday's act came from the same vicious dictator who sent a young college student back home to his parents unresponsive and in a coma. For Americans, the true nature of the North Korean regime was painfully brought home with the images of two guards holding Otto Warmbier up as they transported him from a prison he should never have been in.Otto Warmbier is but one person out of millions who have been killed, tortured or deprived of their human rights by the North Korean regime. To Americans, the death of one innocent person can be as powerful as the death of millions because all men and women are created in God's image. Depravity toward one is a sure sign of willingness to do much more harm.The nature of the North Korean regime is clear. Only the scale of the damage it does could become different. That's why yesterday's escalation is so alarming. If North Korea will treat an innocent young student the way it treated Otto Warmbier, we should not be surprised if it acts barbarically on a larger scale.The United States does not seek conflict. In fact, we seek to avoid it. We seek only the peaceful denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and an end to the threatening actions by North Korea. Regrettably, we're witnessing just the opposite. Make no mistake, North Korea's launch of an ICBM is a clear and sharp military escalation.The North Korean regime openly states that its missiles are intended to deliver nuclear weapons to strike cities in the United States, South Korea and Japan. And now it has greater capacity to do so.In truth, it is not only the United States and our allies that are threatened. North Korea's destabilizing escalation is a threat to all nations in the region and beyond. Their actions are quickly closing off the possibility of a diplomatic solution.The United States is prepared to use the full range of our capabilities to defend ourselves and our allies. One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces. We will use them if we must, but we prefer not to have to go in that direction. We have other methods of addressing those who threaten us and of addressing those who supply the threat.We have great capabilities in the area of trade. President Trump has spoken repeatedly about this. I spoke with him at length about it this morning. There are countries that are allowing, even encouraging, trade with North Korea in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. Such countries would also like to continue their trade -- such countries would also like to continue their trade arrangements with the United States. That's not going to happen.Our attitude on trade changes when countries do not take international security threats seriously. Before the path to a peaceful solution is entirely closed, however, there remains more that the international community can and must do diplomatically and economically. In the coming days, we will bring before the Security Council a resolution that raises the international response in a way that is proportionate to North Korea's new escalation.I will not detail the resolution here today, but the options are all known to us. If we are unified, the international community can cut off the major sources of hard currency to the North Korean regime. We can restrict the flow of oil to their military and their weapons program. We can increase air and maritime restrictions. We can hole senior regime officials accountable.The international community has spoken frequently against the illegal and dangerous actions of the North Korean regime. For many years, there have been numerous U.N. sanctions against North Korea, but they have been insufficient to get them to change their destructive course.So in order to have an impact, in order to move North Korea off its military escalation, we must do more. We will not look exclusively at North Korea. We will look at any country that chooses to do business with this outlaw regime. We will not have patience for stalling or talking our way down to a watered-down resolution.Yesterday's ICBM escalation requires an escalated diplomatic and economic response. Time is short. Action is required. The world is on notice. If we act together, we can still prevent a catastrophe and we can rid the world of a grave threat. If we fail to act in a serious way, there will be a different response.Much of the burden of enforcing U.N. sanctions rests with China; 90 percent of trade with North Korea is from China. We will work with China. We will work with any and every country that believes in peace.But we will not, repeat, the inadequate approaches of the past that have brought us to this dark day.We cannot forget the multiple missile tests this year, or yesterday's escalation.We cannot forgot Otto Warmbier and others North Korea continues to hold. We cannot forget the threats to our friends and allies around the world.We will not forget, and we will not delay.Thank you.
Washington (AFP) - Two top UN rights officials added their voices Wednesday to a growing chorus of appeals to Virginia's governor to spare the life of a mentally disturbed man found guilty of killing a police officer and prison guard.

Defenders of 35-year-old William Morva say his fragile psychological condition should preclude his execution, scheduled to take place on Thursday through lethal injection.

His case has reopened the debate in the United States about the execution of mentally unstable prisoners.

"We are deeply concerned about information we have received indicating that Mr Morvas original trial did not meet fair trial safeguards, which include reasonable accommodation in all stages of the process, and may therefore have breached international standards, said UN Special Rapporteurs on summary executions, Agnes Callamard, and on right to health, Dainius Puras.

We are concerned at Mr Morvas deteriorating psychosocial condition. The denial of reasonable accommodation in detention can be considered a form of discrimination against him because of his mental health condition, the UN experts added.

Morva, who holds both US and Hungarian citizenship, had originally been jailed for attempted armed robbery, but in 2006 he escaped from a Virginia prison hospital, beating up a deputy and taking his pistol, which he used to kill a guard. He then shot dead another sheriff's deputy a day later during the manhunt close to the campus of Virgina Tech. Both slain officers were fathers of young children.

Morva was sentenced to death in 2008, even though two psychologists had diagnosed him with a severe mental disorder similar to schizophrenia.

His supporters say that Morva had long suffered from psychological delusions which render him incapable of understanding the consequences of his own actions, and that jurors were not given an accurate picture of his mental state during his trial.

As a young man, Morva was known for his conspiracy theory diatribes and for walking barefoot in winter and sleeping in a forest with only leaves for cover. He would eat only raw meat, berries and pine cones and was convinced he had paranormal powers. Over time, he became increasingly convinced that others wanted him dead.

During his trial he used the assumed name of Nemo instead of what he called his own "slave name," and told the court, You may kill me, thats guaranteed. There are others like me, and some day theyre going to get together, and theyre going to sweep over your civilization and wipe these smiles off your faces.

Various rights groups, including the ACLU, have called for a stay of execution in Morva's case, but the final decision rests with Virgina governor Terry McAuliffe, a Catholic who has spoken out against the death penalty but who has allowed executions to take place on his watch.
As Garbage members reflect on their career , one highlight that quickly comes to mind is the Grammy Awards 20 years ago, when their sophomore effort Version 2.0 was up for Album of the Year. Frontwoman and fashion icon Shirley Manson commemorated the occasion by wearing a bold dress emblazoned with the albums artwork, but realized too late that the cover art didnt totally cover up her body.

Shirley Manson at the 1999 Grammys (Photo: Getty Images)

This sounds like a lie, but this is the Gods honest truth: I had zero idea it was see-through, Manson says now of the infamous outfit. I look at photos now and go, I turned up for the Grammys in that? Its just like, Jesus Christ, what was I thinking? I was just fixated on the fact that I thought it was really smart to advertise our record on the Grammy red carpet, because I think we knew that we were never going to end up on the red carpet again with Album of the Year. I had no idea.

Garbage arrive for the 41st Annual Grammy Awards (Photo: AP/Victoria Arocho)

It was a striking dress, chuckles Garbage drummer-producer Butch Vig, sitting with Manson at Yahoo Entertainment for a career-spanning interview. I remember [bassist] Duke [Erikson] and [guitarist] Steve [Marker] and I, we didnt want to question your choice, your fashion choices. Its like, Shes wearing that dress. Yeah.

But nobody mentioned it to me! Manson exclaims. Not one person said, Shirl, you might want to put on a flesh-colored bra

Garbage has always defied the odds. Mansons first audition for the supergroup (in Vigs Manson-described man cave in Madison, Wis., far away from the Scotswomans native land) was by all accounts a disaster, but she still landed the job  and then took a major risk by relocating to the States to join a group with virtual strangers and stay in a Shining-esque hotel. (I wouldnt recommend the way our band came together to any other young woman traveling from Scotland to Madison with no money in her pocket, no way of really getting home, no way of touching base. I wouldnt recommend that for anyone, but I was very lucky that they werent creeps. They couldve easily been creeps, at least one of them could have been a weirdo, but they were really great, Manson says.)

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Even when Vig, fresh off his historic production work on Nirvanas Nevermind and Smashing Pumpkins Siamese Dream, was assembling Garbage, he says, a lot of people started telling me, Man, you made a big mistake doing a record with a band. Youve just became a very successful producer, and if the record flops, it could be the end of your career. And when Vig and company opted to experiment with electronic sounds instead of the expected guitar-based grunge, there was a fan backlash at first.

Shirley Manson and Butch Vig (Photo: Paul Rosales)

So after all that, its understandable that Manson was astounded that Garbage had been nominated for Album of the Year against heavy hitters like Madonna, Shania Twain, Sheryl Crow, and eventual winner Lauryn Hill. Just to have gotten to that point in our career, so quickly, was really an extraordinary, bizarre moment  where the underdogs suddenly found themselves sniffing around the studs, Manson marvels.

This was a phenomenally happy time for Garbage; as Vig says, It was a hell of a party! Following the surprise double-platinum success of their 1995 self-titled debut, while making Version 2.0 the band spent $200,000 in their local watering hotel (actually more than they spent on the album recording itself), and spent a whopping $750,000 on their VMA-nominated Push It video. (Oh, God bless the 90s! Manson laughs now.) But the party couldnt last; and eventually, struggles with Garbages record label, within the band, and in the members personal lives took a toll.

The first sign of trouble came when Garbage were asked to record the James Bond theme for The World Is Not Enough  a massive honor for any artist  but then everything went wrong when the bands flight to the L.A. film premiere was canceled, forcing them to catch a public screening that night in their layover city of Pittsburgh. Then, to make matters worse, they watched in horror as the opening credits rolled and they realized the song had been radically tweaked in postproduction. We went to a commercial cinema to watch it on our own, and we got our hopes and joys squashed, says Manson. Because the theme comes on and were really excited and were sitting on the edge of our seats  like, Oh my God, weve just done a Bond theme!  and they had completely screwed with all the stems of mix and it sounded completely different. We were like deflated balloons, sitting in our seats. Wed gone from primed and awake to slumped and depressed. Manson says this was Garbages first taste of getting rogered by the showbiz machine.

What followed was Garbages annus horribilis, 200102. Manson was going through a divorce from her first husband, Scottish sculptor Eddie Farrell, and was constantly squabbling in the studio with Erikson. Then, the groups third album, Beautiful Garbage, came out right around the time of 9/11 and got lost in the shuffle. When the band finally hit the road, Vig came down with Hepatitis A, followed by Bells palsy, and he had to quit the tour.

Our record sales were diving into the toilet. That causes a lot of tension in a band. You just cant help it. Nobody feels good. Everybody feels like a loser. Everybodys worried, says Manson. So it was a very, very taxing, sad time for everyone, and we were unable, really, to talk about it because we were so busy. It took us a long time, through into our next record cycle, to even start addressing the problems that had arisen from, basically, our career collapse.

Those tensions bled into the making of Bleed Like Me, as the band felt pressure from their label to re-create the success of their first two albums. The result was Garbages darkest hour. Vig, usually the peacemaker of the band, finally got so fed up with Manson and Eriksons ongoing drama that he temporarily bailed on the Bleed Like Me recording sessions and flew to Los Angeles. (I was like, Im free! I just felt like this gigantic monkey on my back had just fallen off. We didnt even talk to each other for, I dont know, a couple months or so, Vig recalls.) Eventually, Garbage finished the difficult fourth album and resumed touring, but while in Australia, we just pulled the plug, says Manson. Then we didnt see each other for seven years.

Ironically, it was more tragedy and strife that eventually brought the band back together. Manson had pretty much retired from music after her mothers terminal 18-month battle with dementia (To watch my mother basically slip away was excruciating), but another series of horrible events  including the sudden death of her best friends young husband and the cancer death of another friends 6-year-old son  knocked some sense into me, Manson explains. I just continued to grow up, I think, and any sort of bad feelings toward the band just evaporated. I yearned, actually, to be with them, because I really missed them.

It was the death of 6-year-old Pablo Castelaz (son of music-business veteran Jeff Castelaz, who later co-founded the Pablove Foundation) that inspired Manson to sing again and ultimately reunite the band. [Pablos] favorite song was Life on Mars? by David Bowie, and I was asked to sing that song at the memorial, Manson says solemnly. I went to the memorial, and Butch was there. I dont know if any of you have ever been witness to your friends losing a child, but there is nothing in this life worse than watching people lose a child. It is, bar none, just the most horrific experience. It was a very tense time and a very sad event. In the middle of all this, I get to sing this beautiful song by an incredible artist, and it brought great pleasure to Pablos parents, and it brought me and Butch together at a very emotional time. We saw each other, and Butch was like, Oh, its so good to hear you sing. I was like, Yeah, I miss singing. Why are we not making music? Butch was like, I dont know. Lets make a record. Lets see each other. Lets hang out. It sort of started there.

We just felt like, life is short, and we have music to make, Vig adds.

When the four band members reconvened for the first time in seven years, they immediately jelled. (We were laughing hysterically, like 12-year-olds drunk on cider, recalls Manson). They went on to found their own record label, Stunvolume, and release two critically heralded comeback albums (2012s Not Your Kind of People and last years Strange Little Birds) and coffee table book This Is the Noise That Keeps Me Awake. Their future looks bright again. However, one of Garbages recent singles, No Horses, still traffics in depressing matter: It is, as Manson describes it, an imagining into a dark, dystopian future Its about this is the road were going down [as a society], and how if we continue down this road, this is what we see possibly could happen  and its not pretty.

Manson may joke, when looking back at her daring 1999 Grammy dress, that fans are welcome to have a look at my beautiful, lovely, young tits, but now, as a 51-year-old veteran artist reflecting on her long career, she wants to tackle more adult subject matter in her lyrics  as she does on No Horses.

As I get older and older, I feel like the stakes are getting higher and higher, Manson explains. Every time I go to write, I want to write something that Ive never written before, and that nobody else has said before.  I dont just want to write a pop song anymore. Im going to leave the pop songs to the kids; thats what theyre good at. Im 50. What can I do with my 50-year-old self that hasnt been done before? Thats what I want to write about. I think thats interesting.

I, unlike so much of the world, welcome growing up. I welcome being older and welcome experience. Im not ashamed of the fact that Im 50 years old. Im not trying to sell myself off as some 35-year-old, Manson elaborates. I want to say, Yeah, I am an aging woman. This experience is real, and its going to happen to everybody.  I dont want to run away from the truth of my life. I know that Im going to die, so I want to bear witness. I want to put a mark in the sand and say, This is what it was like to be a Scottish woman who was a young ingenue, who grew up, who then aged.

When I hear female artists, I feel that a lot of them are trying to run away from their age and trying to still pretend theyre still hot in their leotards, Manson continues, getting intense. Of course I understand why women are scared to admit what age they are, but my feeling is that will never change until women change it It breaks my heart when I see older women make apologies about their age. It breaks my heart. Im like, Why are you apologizing? You should feel victorious. Youve survived and youre still here. You know more than me and you know more than them. You should own that! So many women just feel that theyre written off the board because theyre no longer sexy, or theyre no longer the woman that every man in the worlds head is turning to watch walk out the door. All I want women to know is, theres a lot more out there for you, that will mean more for you in your life, than a mans head turning to watch you walk out the door.

In the end, as Manson, Vig, Erikson, and Marker achieve elder-statesmen/stateswoman status, they are at peace with the career theyve had, with all of its ups and downs. We didnt compromise; I think thats what Im so grateful for, asserts Manson. We didnt get corrupted by record company pressure and the record company corporate obsession with making money. We actually fought that, and it was difficult, but weve come out the other side and we feel unsullied. Its like, Oh yeah, it wasnt great, and yeah, we got rejected by the mainstream, but I can sleep at night and I feel pure. That feels so good. To know that youre not easily corrupted is really an incredible realization.

Shirley Manson and Butch Vig (Photo: Paul Rosales)

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Botox is the most widely used cosmetic procedure out there and in the last decade the number of people using it had increased by a whopping 750 percent  but are people addicted to the versatile injection?

Dana Berkowitz, an Associate Professor of Sociology at Louisiana State University and author of Botox Nation, joins The Doctors to weigh in on the Botox obsession and figure out if it is a gateway cosmetic procedure.

While interviewing people and doing research for her book, Dana found that due to Botox being temporary as soon as patients began to feel its effects wear off, they felt compelled to go back to their dermatologist for further injections. People she interviewed referred to the injections as a quick fix and another said she was crack-like when it came to her Botox. Dana feels that the injections serve as a gateway to getting other work done including fillers and even more invasive surgeries.

Watch: Botox for Kids?

She explains further the motivation behind her research and book telling The Doctors, As women, were already told to wear makeup, dye our grey hair, count calories, remove all of our body hair and now were being told to paralyze our facial wrinkles almost before they even exist and Im arguing that this is creating this lifetime consumption. Dana stresses that she does not feel that getting Botox is either good or bad, but she worries that with so many people getting injections that there are a lot of people who end up looking the same.

Plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Ordon feels that Botox on a regular basis is no different than the act of getting your hair or nails done. Dr. Ordon does admit the age of those getting the injections is younger and younger.

Watch: Long-Term Effects of Botox

Dermatologist Dr. Sonia Batra adds, If you are doing it for the right reasons, not when you are 16, but when you notice something in your face and you have a minimally invasive tool to fix it, why wouldnt you use the technology?

Where do you stand on Botox? Are too many people getting it too often and at too young of an age?
The handwringing over Trump besmirching the dignity of the White House tells us that style, in the minds of pundits, will always win out over substance

To listen to Remnick and others tell it, the country would be better off if only Trump stopped acting like such an uncultured, impulsive slob. Photograph: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images

Every day, Trump wakes up and erodes the dignity of the presidency a little more, David Remnick, the editor of the New Yorker, wrote recently, speaking for the not-insignificant faction of the country horrified by a president who tweets hatefully about Mika Brzezinski and shares a video of himself body-slamming a man with a CNN logo for a head.

The hallowed office of the presidency, dignity-drenched for a couple of centuries, is now held captive by a reality show star, so uncouth and erratic. When, Remnick wonders, has any politician done so much, so quickly, to demean his office, his country, and even the language in which he attempts to speak?

Following Donald Trumps latest Twitter rampages, this is again the central preoccupation of the people who not only didnt vote for Trump but who earn their livings cataloging, analyzing and broadcasting his every move to the portion of the nation that will listen, the mass not yet ready to lead a chant of CNN sucks inside a multi-purpose midwestern arena.

Trumps behavior being beneath the dignity of his office has been one of the chief criticisms of his presidency, a bipartisan lament engaging all kinds of inside-the-Beltway creatures, some more well-meaning than others.

Remnick and his sympathizers arent necessarily wrong. Trump does act like a boor, use the vocabulary of grade-schooler, and show little interest in acquiring the deep working knowledge needed to govern the most supremely-armed superpower on Earth. There are many reasons to despise his presidency. No one quite like Trump has ever climbed so high.

My use of social media is not Presidential  its MODERN DAY PRESIDENTIAL. Make America Great Again! Trump boasted in a recent tweet. He isnt wrong. He is president and what he does is by definition presidential. He is free to redefine the term. A victor can have his spoils.



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What matters more is what he does with his mighty powers and how many people he hurts. The handwringing over Trump besmirching the dignity of his office ignores whats really going on. It tells us style, in the minds of pundits, will always win out over substance.

To listen to Remnick and others tell it, the country would be better off if only Trump stopped acting like such an uncultured, impulsive slob. If only he comported himself elegantly, used larger and prettier words, spoke in a pleasing baritone and playacted like the real pros who came before him. If only he was Hollywoods idea of a president, equally polite and portentous, grave when he needed to be, soothing otherwise.

Trump is deeply unpopular overseas. He doesnt conform to any nations idea of a dignified leader. But what is dignity anyway? Did George W Bush invade Iraq with dignity? Was Franklin Roosevelt dignified when he locked up Japanese families for the crime of not being white? Was Harry Truman dignified when he gave the orders to murder hundreds of thousands of civilians with two atomic bombs? How dignified was Woodrow Wilson when he segregated the federal government and threw a civil rights leader out of the White House?

Imagine, for a moment, a Republican president as beholden to oligarchs as Trump, a president who wanted to demolish Obamacare, block Muslims from coming to this country, strip away environmental regulations and stack the supreme court with as many generation-defining conservatives as humanely possible.

Imagine this president as someone who only tweeted anodyne things, never lost his cool, and used the vocabulary of a college professor, or at least a fairly competent high school English teacher. How better off would our country be?

This is the crux of it all, what so many beleaguered pundits wish for in the dead of night, their heads bowed in prayer for the end of the Trump madness. Cant a president just punish us nicely? The savior could emerge, maybe someone who appreciates a good book and a fine scotch and likes talking less and doing more.

The savior will look and sound something like Mike Pence, and he will, with great dignity, kill civilians overseas and brutalize the poor and marginalized back home.

But the president as benign paternalist is no more. This fiction overshadowed the reality of America, which functions more like a balkanized, fading empire of incongruous nation-states than the unified country schoolbook mythology has taught us is our heritage.

Your governor, state senator or small-town mayor has much more power to ruin your life, and always has. A nationalized media obsessed all hours of the day and night with the presidency obscures this truth and tell us to regard Trump tweetstorms as things imbued with far more relevance than an underfunded school system, a broken bridge or a predatory healthcare matrix.

If your one-bedroom apartment in a public housing development is rife with asbestos, or opioids are ravaging your town, or endless wars are leading your loved ones to die in remote lands, who cares about how dignified the president is?



For those not living so precariously, there is time to fret about how an office gets demeaned. For people with the money and freedom to gallivant on European vacations, or just those with some actual stake in the global order, Trump undermining the dignity of the presidency abroad is a real and tangible thing.



But understand this: a lot of people just dont care, and have no good reason to.
Trump vowed to defend the West and its values: Getty

The crowds that cheered for Donald Trump in Warsaws Krasinski Square may be been specially bussed in, but that did not seem to bother him.

As he spoke about Polands history and its role in defending what he claimed was a threat to Western civilisation, he repeatedly stopped to acknowledge cheers from the crowd. Thank you, he grinned, almost purring. Thank you.

And in case anyone missed all that cheering and the chanting of his name, the White House made sure to include it in a transcript of his remarks. It noted in parenthesis, that there was applause on 54 occasions in a speech for that lasted for around 35 minutes. Not bad.

Trump haters in full meltdown over #Poland success. Polish people view him as another Reagan not Obama who sold them out on missile defense  Darl L. Stephenson (@DarlstephL) July 6, 2017

It was easy to see why the Poles were happy. Here was the US President telling them how wonderful they were, and finally confirming Americas commitment to Natos Article Five, that part of its constitution that binds its 29 members to the notion of mutual defence. If someone attacks you, they attack all of us.

Trump had churlishly refused to do so on his previous visit to Europe, and had been criticised for his behaviour. But in Warsaw, a city that has for long periods echoed with the boots of foreign armies, there he was, spelling things out clearly.

To those who would criticise our tough stance, I would point out that the United States has demonstrated - not merely with its words but with its actions - that we stand firmly behind Article Five, the mutual defence commitment, he said.

If Trumps ticking off of some of Polands most celebrated sons - You are the proud nation of Copernicus, think of that - sounded as if hed been scrolling through Wikipedia or the Lonely Planet on Air Force One, it was well received by his audience. Who could not cheer, when he declared: Poland is a land of great heroes.

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It was easy, too, to see why Trump was so happy. There he was, 4, 457 miles from Washington DC, and a universe away from all his problems - the faltering progress of a health bill, his low approval ratings, the outcry over his misogynistic Twitter posts.

Speaking not so far from where, 30 years earlier, Ronald Reagan had gazed out over the Brandenburg Gate and urged Mikhail Gorbachev to Tear down this wall, Trump was standing at the geographic centre of Europe and offering himself as the man who for this generation would do no less than protect its people and its values.

Just as Poland could not be broken, I declare today for the world to hear that the West will never, ever be broken, he said, to more (applause.) Our values will prevail. Our people will thrive. And our civilisation will triumph.

It would be easy to say, that it is easy for Trump to appear presidential. But he has shown, repeatedly, that it is not. During the election campaign, and since his victory, the 71-year-old has shown himself to be anything but. Petty, narcissistic, mean-spirited, bullying and abusive, yes. But not presidential.

Yet what he confirmed on Thursday, is that when he is speaking before a crowd of people who like him - or at least a crowd of people who are cheering his name - he can be an effective communicator. He is not Reagan, he is not Obama, but he is a better orator than his opponents would have it.

In truth, this was just a warm-up for the real action. Trump now has to go to the G20, where he is going to be confronted by trade, climate change, and the fresh challenge of North Korea. There, it will not be enough for him to simply make speeches, but he will need to deliver. That will be when his pre-election boasts come true, or are shown up as mere bluster.

Bear in mind, he will be dealing with Angela Merkel, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. Theyre going to be a much tougher audience than the crowd that was cheering in the Polish sunshine. The Emperor will certainly need new clothes.
Brussels (AFP) - The European Union and Japan will hold a summit Thursday in hopes of sealing broad agreement on a massive trade deal after four years of tough negotiations.

The landmark deal would mark a big victory for free trade just days before a G20 summit in Germany in which US President Donald Trump is expected to defend his "America First" protectionist stance.

The hastily planned Brussels meeting will be attended by Tusk, EU Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and follows weeks of intense negotiations in Tokyo.

The EU and Japanese economies combined account for a colossal 28 percent of global output.

"EU-Japan Summit on Thursday. Ambitious free and fair trade deal in the making," European Council President Donald Tusk tweeted.

"At the summit, leaders are expected to announce a political agreement on the EU-Japan free trade agreement and the EU-Japan strategic partnership agreement," a statement said separately.

At this stage, the EU and Japan are expected to reach only a "political agreement" on the trade deal, that would still cover some of the accord's toughest aspects.

A complete deal would be formally signed later in the year, according to EU plans.

Premier Abe in Tokyo said that the deal was not done and sent Japan's Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida to Brussels for talks on Wednesday to iron out final differences.

"While staying mindful of the sensitive areas for both sides, I will do everything until the final moment to achieve the best outcome for our national interest," Kishida said before his departure to Europe.

- Challenge for Trump -

At the heart of the accord is an agreement for the EU to open its market to the world-leading Japanese auto industry, with Tokyo in return scrapping barriers to EU farming products.

Left untouched would be the controversial investment courts that have stoked opposition to trade deals in the EU nations, including Germany and France.

Story continues

The deal could be seen as a provocation to Trump who pulled the United States out of the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership this year, in favour of striking country-to-country bilateral deals.

"Clearly, when the US steps back from its historic free trade stance, it creates an opportunity for others," said Fredrik Erixon, economist and Director of the European Centre for International Political Economy.

"Japan had been holding back on the trade deal with the EU because of the ongoing TPP discussion," he added.

EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstroem and Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan visited Tokyo last week for two days of urgent talks with Japanese officials.

In Tokyo, Malmstroem said the package would "tear down almost all customs duties between us that are worth a lot of money, billions actually".

EU exports to Japan overall "could be boosted by one third" and a deal would send a "strong signal to the rest of the world that the EU and Japan believe in free trade," she said.

Tariffs on European cheese have been a key sticking point in the talks.

Brussels wants Japan to eliminate its 30 percent tariffs on some EU-made cheese, while Tokyo wants duties cut on cars which it exports to the 28-member bloc.


On Thursday, the European Union and Japan announced an agreement on a new trade deal.

Coming just one day before the start of the G-20 meeting in Germany, this deal is also seen as something of a rebuke to the antagonistic trade talk President Donald Trump made a cornerstone of his campaign and which has featured prominently in the early days of his presidency.

On Wednesday, for example, Trump tweeted that the United States has made some of the worst Trade Deals in world history. [Why] should we continue these deals with countries that do not help us?

Trump has also repeatedly referenced Americas bad or one-sided trade deals in the last 18 months.

In a statement, the European Commission called this the most important bilateral trade agreement ever concluded by the EU. The Commission added that this deal will for the first time include a specific commitment to the Paris climate agreement. Recall that earlier this year Trump said he had withdrawn the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement.

The New York Times writes that this deal is an act of geopolitical theater, and indeed it is. But that the EU and Japan reached a deal which had been in the works for years shows that while the Brexit vote and Trumps victory were seen as signs that something like the western neoliberal order was cracking, these proclamations may have been either premature or misguided.

No one leader can change the world economy in one fell swoop

At the risk of making the EU-Japan trade deal something it is not  this deal does not show that everything is fixed or that the U.S.s involvement in foreign affairs is now meaningless  it is worth emphasizing that this is an agreement in principle, a diplomatic show of force about which interests some of the worlds leading powers want to protect: free trade and economic collaboration chief among them.

But against a backdrop of the gnawing sense that something fundamental about the world order we thought we knew having changed in a post-Trump world, this deal is also a reminder no one world leader  U.S. president or otherwise  is likely in one fell swoop to alter international economic alignments.

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President Donald Trump (L) with German chancellor Angela Merkel.

A recent report from Pew Research, for example, found that in the last year support for the EU among many member countries  notably Spain, Germany, France, and the Netherlands  rose sharply. Additionally, a report from CNN Money this week suggested Mexico and China could be in talks on a new trade deal. Both countries have been the target of perhaps Trumps strongest rebukes of existing U.S. trade deals.

Among Trumps first actions as president was signing an executive order pulling the U.S. from the Trans Pacific Partnership, while the administration has also signaled its intention to renegotiate NAFTA.

These actions were very much in line with Trumps campaign and to be expected after his victory. This also established Trumps negotiating position in the international community: the U.S. would be seeking to act unilaterally  that is, on a one-to-one basis  with its major trading partners rather than as part of a larger group.

Approach with skepticism

Certainly, both Trumps win and Brexit came as a shock to the elite establishment not only in the U.S. and the U.K. but around the world as well. In his new book The Retreat of Western Liberalism, Edward Luce writes that, If the intellectual basis of Western liberalism is skepticism, we should learn to live up to its meaning.

And while this critique is aimed at those who were sure the spread of western liberalism would continue unabated and were left reeling after Brexit and Trumps win, this cuts both ways.

The EU and Japan may be seizing on a lack of specifics emerging from the Trump administration on its stated desire to re-work the worlds existing series of economic integrations into something it deems more favorable for the U.S. On some reading, this deal may be putting off an inevitable reaction against this kind of free-trade state of play.

But that Trump can or will succeed in putting America first should be viewed with equal skepticism. Financial markets, to a large extent, have largely discounted that the Trump administration will pull off a kind of wholesale re-configuring of the global economic order.

This may be fine for a president who is clearly pleased with the rise in stock prices resulting from bets on a continued status quo.

The real question for Trump, though, is if this will be fine for voters.



Myles Udland is a writer at Yahoo Finance. Follow him on Twitter @MylesUdland

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STRASBOURG (Reuters) - The EU executive offered Italy more funding on Tuesday to help deal with Mediterranean migrants and said private rescue boats working off Libya should review their operations to avoid encouraging people to take to sea. The European Commission announced 35 million euros ($40 million) in extra cash for Rome in response to Italian demands that its neighbours share more of the burden of handling thousands of people coming by boat every week. It also set out a list of other measures for EU ministers to discuss on Thursday. Among the proposals was that Italy draft a code of conduct for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) running rescue services off Libya. Frans Timmermans, the Commission's deputy head, told reporters after the commissioners' weekly meeting, that this was in part because their activities might be a "pull factor" -- encouraging people to risk their lives in flimsy dinghies in the hope of being picked up and then ferried over to Italy. The Commission plan calls for beefing up Libya's coastal rescue services -- something Europeans hope may curb the number of people picked up close to shore by international charities. Despite criticism of abuses by coastguards employed by Libya's shaky, U.N.-backed government, European officials argue that better local rescue services would mean more migrants being taken back to Libya or perhaps to neighbouring Tunisia or Egypt. "ABUSIVE CONDITIONS" Human rights groups have been critical of EU governments, noting a jump in the death rate and more than 2,000 drownings so far this year off Libya; many want Europe to give safe passage to refugees, though some governments fear this would boost their anti-immigration opponents. Human Rights Watch said a similar set of proposals agreed on Sunday by the Italian, French and German governments along with the Commission "fall far short" and were "awful for people fleeing Libya" and its "abusive conditions ... and conflicts". It said France and Spain could help by having rescue ships dock there, rather than in Italy, where more than 85,000 people have arrived so far this year. Paris and Madrid have responded cautiously to Italy's warning that it might close its own ports. Timmermans and Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker called on other member states to make good on two-year-old pledges to take in more refugees from Italy and Greece. An EU deal with Turkey last year has staunched flows that saw a million people reach Greece in 2015 but numbers reaching Italy from anarchic Libya are higher than last year. "The focus of our efforts has to be on solidarity  with those fleeing war and persecution and with our Member States under the most pressure," Juncker said in a statement. "At the same time, we need to act, in support of Libya, to fight smugglers and enhance border control to reduce the number of people taking hazardous journeys to Europe." The Commission reaffirmed its readiness to mobilise EU agencies and personnel to help the Italians. It said a 46-million-euro project with Italy would bolster Libya's ability to make good on promises to help curb migrant traffic. The EU also pledged to step up or otherwise enhance a range of other measures, including deportations of failed asylum-seekers, combat smuggling networks and fund African countries from which people are fleeing poverty hoping for work in Europe. Italy, the Commission said, should speed up its processing of asylum claims and deportations of those rejected. (Reporting by Alastair Macdonald in Brussels; Editing by Gareth Jones)
Horror unfolded in Georgia when a mother fatally stabbed her husband and four of their children in their home outside Atlanta, police said.

Gwinnett police were called to a Loganville residence at about 5 a.m. Thursday, when they found the man and children dead from apparent stab wounds.

Read: Father Charged After Allegedly Stabbing His 2-Year-Old and 4-Day-Old Daughters to Death

The mother was identified late Thursday as Isabel Martinez, 33. Police said she was inside the home with the bodies of her husband, Martin Romero, 33, and the remains of the four children: Axel, 2, Dillan, 4, Dacota, 7, and Isabela, 10.

A sixth victim, 9-year-old Diana, was another of the couple's children. She was airlifted to Children's Health Care of Atlanta and was in serious condition.

Martinez was ordered held without bond. She was charged with five counts of murder, six counts of aggravated assault and five counts of "malice murder."

A motive in the stabbings has not been revealed, but a neighbor told reporters that the mother had been depressed in recent weeks following the death of her father.

Read: Dad Shot and Killed His Twin Teen Daughters Before Turning Gun on Himself

A GoFundMe account was established by Romero's family to help with funeral costs.

After taking the mother into custody, authorities said they were not searching for additional suspects.

Watch: Stevie Ryan Kills Herself After Grandfather's Death

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@crossingbordas

Perennially outnumbered by Republicans in Tallahassee, Florida Democrats have a chance to win back a competitive Miami state Senate seat in September. But first, Kendall-area voters will have to pick between two political veterans running in the Senate District 40 primary: former state Rep. Ana Rivas Logan and businesswoman Annette Taddeo.

Compared to the more expensive and more heated Republican primary, the race between Taddeo and Rivas Logan has been low-key. The two Hispanic women agree on a lot. But Rivas Logan is campaigning as an underdog, outraised by Taddeo even though Rivas Logan has prior experience in elected office and Taddeo does not.

I have never outraised anyone and have never gotten big-time endorsements, but I have outworked and outsmarted my opponents every time, Rivas Logan said. As of July 1, Taddeo had raised nearly $46,000, compared to Rivas Logans $10,425.

Charlie Crists gubernatorial running mate in 2014 and to The financial gap makes Taddeo the favorite, at least on paper. But Taddeo has lost four elections over the past eight years, even in cases where shes raked in more campaign cash. She lost a bid for Congress in 2008, for Miami-Dade County Commission in 2010, ass gubernatorial running mate in 2014 and to Joe Garcia in a Democratic congressional primary in 2016

I am a girl, not Cuban and have never been elected, which is tough, said Taddeo, who is Colombian-American. Its not how many times youve fallen but how youve learned from them and get back on your feet and keep on fighting.

The special July 25 primary election was set after former Sen. Frank Artiles resigned in April following a tirade unleashed against two fellow legislators and the revelation that hed paid a former Hooters calendar girl and a Playboy model as political campaign consultants. Three Republicans  former Sen. Alex Diaz de la Portilla, Rep. Jose Felix Diaz and attorney Lorenzo Palomares  are also running; the general election will take place Sept. 26.

Democrats used to hold the district, but lost it when Artiles defeated former Sen. Dwight Bullard last November. Winning this year would give Democrats a 16th seat  out of 40  in the Senate.

After Artiles resigned, Florida Democratic Party leaders backed a run by Rep. Daisy Baez of Coral Gables. But she dropped out before formally qualifying as a candidate, after the Miami Herald revealed she not only didnt live in District 40 but also didnt appear to live in her current House district.

Read more here.
Daniil Medvedev took out his wallet and threw coins on the court after his second round defeat. (Getty Images)

In a bizarre situation on Wednesday at Wimbledon, Russian Daniil Medvedev melted down and threw coins at the base of the umpires chair.

The 21-year-old was coming off a stunning upset victory over fifth seeded Stan Wawrinka in the first round, but grew frustrated over what he deemed were unfair calls in his second round match against Ruben Bemelmans.

After going up 2-0 in the fifth set, Medvedev was on the wrong side of a few close decisions  even asking for the chair umpire to be removed. The Russians request was denied, eventually falling to Bemelmans 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6.

At the conclusion of the match, Medvedev expressed his displeasure by pulling out his wallet and throwing coins at the umpires chair.

Just bizarre! Here is the very latest on Daniil Medvedev's coin-throwing incident  https://t.co/lNG2l09cEh #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/uN8g32oEec  BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 5, 2017

I was disappointed with the result of the match, Medvedev said. It was frustrating after a big win I had. All the match was not going well for me, so I was just very disappointed.

In the heat of the moment, I did a bad thing. I apologize for this, he also noted. It was just that I was packing my things and I saw my wallet.

Certainly, an interesting way to express your emotions.
BERLIN (Reuters) - Draft conclusions to this week's summit of the Group of 20 leading economies acknowledge the United States' isolation in opposing the Paris climate accord but agree to G20 collaboration on reducing emissions through innovation, a G20 source said. The text, dated July 3, makes plain a 19-1 split in the G20 over the Paris climate accord, the 2015 global accord to fight climate change from which U.S. President Donald Trump said last month he would withdraw. Under the agreement, which took years to reach, rich and poor countries committed to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases generated by burning fossil fuels that are blamed by scientists for warming the planet. "We take note of the decision of the United States of America to withdraw from the Paris Agreement," read the draft text of the conclusions on the climate chapter of which Reuters has seen a copy. A G20 source also confirmed the wording. "The United States affirms its strong commitment to a global approach that lowers emissions while supporting economic growth and improving energy security needs," the text added, noting the other G20 leaders agreed the Paris accord is "irreversible". The German government, host of the G20 summit in Hamburg from Friday to Saturday, neither confirmed nor denied the draft agreement. "At the moment nothing is decided. There are many options," said government spokesman Steffen Seibert. Greenpeace urged world powers to resist any attempts to water down the joint language on fighting climate change. "The G20, or G19 if necessary, must make it crystal clear that the Paris Agreement is the only game in town," said Jennifer Morgan, executive director of Greenpeace International. Morgan said there was absolutely no evidence that Trump wanted to lower emissions. "The statement that the U.S. has a strong commitment to a global approach that lowers emissions smacks in the face what Trump is doing in reality - raising emissions," Morgan said. "This is the moment for the G19 to stand together on the right side of history and reject any diversions from the Paris Agreement." Trump, who has called climate change a hoax, said last month his administration would begin negotiations either to re-enter the Paris accord or to have a new agreement "on terms that are fair to the United States, its businesses, its workers, its people, its taxpayers." By describing the accord as irreversible, the G20 text appeared to resist any renegotiation. "We don't want a parallel discussion on climate. For us, it's all about Paris," said one EU diplomat. "But at the end of the day it's still the United States and if they want to renegotiate, we will probably still come to the table." Another EU diplomat said some delegations, who were instrumental in negotiating the climate deal, were lobbying to have the sentence on supporting a "global approach" removed. In the draft, G20 countries agreed to collaborate closely to facilitate "well-balanced and economically viable" long-term strategies to enhance their economies in a way that is consistent with sustainable development. "We will continue to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions through innovation and energy efficiency," the draft read. The conclusions remain subject to change as leaders only start arriving in Hamburg on Thursday, before gathering for their summit on Friday and Saturday. But a draft that both acknowledges U.S. isolation in its opposition to the Paris accord while securing the commitment of all G20 members to develop clean energy technologies through innovation may allow a conclusion that all countries can sign. (Writing by Michael Nienaber; Editing by Mark Heinrich and Robin Pomeroy)
Jesse Williamss split with wife Aryn Drake-Lee is off to a contentious start. The Greys Anatomy star is gearing up for a legal war over custody of their two children, Sadie, 3, and Maceo, 2.

According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Williams is seeking to get more time with their kids, as Aryn allegedly wont let him see them for more than three hours a day. Also, she reportedly refuses to allow overnight visitation.

Williams filed for divorce in April and requested joint legal and physical custody. He is supposedly renting a house less than three miles from the family home in order to be closer to his children, but he alleges Aryn makes it impossible to see Sadie and Maceo. The actor is asking for the judge to issue a formal custody agreement, despite initial attempts to make informal arrangements.

In order to prove hes a hands-on dad, Jesse supposedly listed his childrens nicknames and their favorite foods in the docs.

Williams and Drake-Lee kept their relationship out of the spotlight during their five-year marriage. So what went wrong? Page Six quoted anonymous sources who alleged that fame went to Jesses head. According to friends, he wants to be the hot single guy in Hollywood.

Rumors have surfaced that Williams cheated on Drake-Lee with actress Minka Kelly. However, sources close to the actor denied those allegations.





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Maligned as a bee-killer and possibly cancer-causing, a common herbicide has turned out to be a boon for tadpoles making them more toxic to predators, researchers said Wednesday.

Common toad larvae exposed to glyphosate, used in the well-known herbicide Roundup, contained higher doses of bufadienolides -- life-saving natural chemicals found in some plants and animals.

Bufadienolides taste bad to put off potential tadpole diners, and can kill in large quantities.

"That environmental pollution can induce changes in bufadienolide production is relevant not only for toads but also for their predators," said study co-author Veronika Bokony of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

While some toad species are declining, she pointed out, others such as the Australian cane toad are invading new areas and disturbing established ecosystems.

"Thus, if some pesticides make toads more poisonous, this might alter predatory-prey dynamics and the structure of natural communities in freshwater habitats," Bokony told AFP.

Toads with more bufadienolides in their bodies are more toxic. Large Australian predators like crocodiles, for example, die from eating cane toads which are a large species and therefore contain more toxins.

For the experiment, Bokony and a team raised common toad larvae in water polluted with a glyphosate-based herbicide, and noted that the amount of bufadienolides in their tiny bodies were elevated.

"So these tadpoles became a more 'concentrated' source of bufadienolides compared to their siblings that were raised in clean water," said Bokony.

Glyphosates are widely used in agriculture, and pollute freshwater bodies that receive runoff from farms.

The European Union will decide in December whether to renew the licence for glyphosate, which is produced by US agro-chemicals giant Monsanto.

Last year, Europe limited use of the herbicide for research, over fears that it causes cancer.

The EU's chemical agency said glyphosate should be not be classified as cancer-causing.

But this is challenged by scientists and environmentalists who point to a finding by the International Agency for Research on Cancer that glyphosate is "probably carcinogenic".

The study was published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
A new island suddenly emerged from the sea just off the coast of North Carolina  but officials warn that the spit of land is too dangerous for humans to explore.

The new sandbar island seemingly sprang from the ocean in just a few weeks, the Virginian Pilot reported. The island, which is about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) long and about 480 feet (146 meters) wide, lies off the coast of Buxton, North Carolina, which is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

The new island grew from a mere nubbin in the ocean in April to its current size over Memorial Day weekend. One of the early explorers of the island, Janet Regan, took her 11-year-old son there to collect seashells. Because of its treasure trove of shells, the boy named it Shelly Island, the Pilot reported. [See Images of a Volcanic Island Birthed in Japan]

Close but dangerous

While the newborn island may be tantalizing for would-be explorers, it's also very dangerous, Bill Smith, president of the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association, told the Pilot. Officials with the Cape Hatteras National Seashore have warned people not to try to reach the island.

Because the island formed near a popular fishing spot, years' worth of fishing hooks could be lurking just below the sand. Sharks and stingrays prowl just beneath the water's surface in the area, and the narrow 50-foot (15 m) strip of water between the island and the mainland forms a little "river" that creates a strong rip current, he said.

"We're worried about shark bites, but we're more worried about drownings," Smith said.

The sandbar isn't accessible by foot, so photographer Chad Koczera sent a drone into the skies to capture a stunning aerial photo. More intrepid (or foolhardy) explorers also have tried to reach the island by boat or paddleboard, the Pilot reported.

The area of coastline near the island is always transforming, according to a statement from the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The point, called Cape Point, sometimes changes orientation, and currents and storms are constantly shaping the land. It's likely that such forces formed the sandbar, meaning it could get even bigger or sink beneath the waves in the next year or two, Smith said.

Story continues

If anyone does attempt a trip to the island, National Seashore Superintendent David Hallac said such a trip "is best accomplished by experienced kayakers or paddle boarders that are using appropriate flotation and mindful of the tides and strong currents in the area."

Cape Hatteras point and the new sandbar island #capepoint A post shared by CHAD(@chadonka) on May 31, 2017 at 6:01pm PDT

Originally published on Live Science

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Brussels (AFP) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and top EU officials agreed Thursday to the broad outline of a landmark trade deal, presented as a direct challenge to the protectionism championed by US President Donald Trump.

The breakthrough capped four years of talks and came on the eve of a G20 meeting in Germany at which Trump is expected to defend his "America First" stance on world trade.

"Today we agreed in principle on an Economic Partnership Agreement (with Japan), the impact of which goes far beyond our shores," European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker said at a joint press conference with Abe and EU President Donald Tusk in Brussels.

The EU and Japanese economies combined account for more than a quarter of global output, making the deal one of the biggest trade pacts ever.

"We were able to demonstrate a strong political will so that the EU and Japan take the lead on free trade,", Abe said just hours before he was due to meet Trump at the G20 in Hamburg.

- Cars for cheese -

With the deal, the EU is seeking access to one of the world's richest markets, while Japan hopes to jump-start an economy that has struggled to find solid growth for more than a decade.

Japan is also hoping to seize an opportunity after the failure of the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), torpedoed in January by Trump.

The "political agreement" on the trade deal covers some of the accord's toughest aspects but leaves aside details that could still prove difficult.

At the heart of the deal is an agreement for the EU to open its market to the world-leading Japanese auto industry, with Tokyo in return scrapping barriers to EU farming products, especially dairy.

EU officials insist that the deal will be a major boon for European farmers who would gain access to a huge market that appreciates European products.

- 'Corporate protectionism' -

Left untouched for now is the issue of controversial investment courts which have stoked opposition to trade deals in the EU nations, including Germany and France.

Story continues

"After hard negotiations, the EU and Japan are sending a very positive signal to the world," said Markus J. Beyrer, Director General of BusinessEurope, a Brussels-based lobby.

"We are asking the G20 to take action against protectionism and this is a concrete example of how this could be done," he added.

Anti-free trade activists meanwhile furiously criticised the mooted deal, calling it a dangerous sop to multinationals.

"This trade deal, and others like it, smack of corporate protectionism at the expense of democracy and the environment," Greenpeace trade campaigner Kees Kodde.

Last year, the EU's giant CETA trade deal with Canada nearly sank on such concerns when the small Belgian region of Wallonia threatened to veto it, before eventually relenting.

Most opposition is centered on the investment courts, a controversial measure designed to resolve commercial disputes.

They have come under fierce opposition in Europe and the EU is trying -- so far unsuccessfully -- to persuade partners to adopt a new system staffed by public officials.

Divisions within the EU over the issue could prove significant when the EU-Japan deal faces ratification in the bloc's more than 30 regional and national parliaments.

EU officials said they hoped to implement the deal in January 2019.




More than 40 states and the District of Columbia are saying they cant or wont hand over voter data to President Trumps election integrity commission  and Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Grimes had a colorful way to describe how the White House request has been received in her state.

As my grandmother used to say, Its about as welcoming as a breeze off an outhouse, Grimes said on MSNBC Wednesday. The folks across the state  not just Democrats, but Republicans  are realizing that turning over personal sensitive information to the federal government  to the president who has requested this  one, isnt in the states interest and two, isnt in individuals interests.

The data requests were first made last week by the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, a group formed by Trump following his unsubstantiated claims of massive voter fraud in the 2016 election. The letters requested information about voters, including birthdays, party affiliation and the last four digits of their Social Security numbers.

"About as welcoming as a breeze off an outhouse"  that's been the reception for the @POTUS' "election commission". pic.twitter.com/fJikMaIqr5  Alison L. Grimes (@AlisonForKY) July 6, 2017

Many states, including those with Republican officials, said state law prevented them from turning over most of the data requested by the commission.

They can go jump in the Gulf of Mexico, and Mississippi is a great state to launch from, Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann said in a statement.

But Grimes  a Democrat who ran for the U.S. Senate in 2014 and lost to incumbent Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell  remains the commissions most quotable opponent.

Theres not enough bourbon here in Kentucky to make this request seem sensible, Grimes said last week. No American in their right mind would hand over [sensitive information], let alone hand [it] over to President Trump  someone who likes to tweet 140 characters at a time.

Story continues

The President has repeatedly spread the lie that three to five million illegal votes were cast in the last election, Grimes said in a statement rejecting the commissions request. Kentucky will not aid a commission that is at best a waste of taxpayer money and at worst an attempt to legitimize voter suppression efforts across the country.

By the end of the day Friday, more than 20 states had declined to participate, and that number ballooned over the long holiday weekend.

Numerous states are refusing to give information to the very distinguished VOTER FRAUD PANEL, Trump tweeted on Saturday. What are they trying to hide?

Numerous states are refusing to give information to the very distinguished VOTER FRAUD PANEL. What are they trying to hide?  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 1, 2017

One question, Grimes replied. If @realDonaldTrump asked for your address, SSN, birthdate, political affiliation, & voting history, would you give it to him?

One question: If @realDonaldTrump asked for your address, SSN, birthdate, political affiliation, & voting history, would you give it to him? https://t.co/fHrRnCKhuw  Alison L. Grimes (@AlisonForKY) July 1, 2017

 With reporting by Yahoo News Christopher Wilson

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A college sophomore did the unthinkable when he captured a shark with his bare hands in Washington state.

Read: Diver Straddles Shark to Untangle It From Rope

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire student Alex Winn, 19, caught the shark in Liberty Bay last Wednesday and video of the incident has since gone viral.

"It got so close to the dock and I said to myself, It would be really cool to catch one of these things,'" he told Inside Edition. "75,000 people viewed it in the first 10-15 minutes."

Winn caught a dogfish, also known as a "mud shark." Many of the people on the dock started freaking out as he threw it down.

But there was anger on social media, as people who saw the video voiced their concern. One user claimed Winn had tortured the animal.

"Up to the past day or so, I have been getting death threats, honestly," Winn told Inside Edition.

Others had no problem with the video.

Winn said he had no intention of hurting the mud shark. It cant be seen on video, but he claims it swam away and appeared to be uninjured.

Read: Expert Gives Tips to Protect Yourself Against Shark Attack: 'Punch a Shark in the Snout, Grab His Gills'

He doesn't recommend the stunt, especially on the mud sharks because of the hazard that goes along with handling them.

"They do have stingers behind the dorsal fin that can poison you," he said.

Watch: Mother of 3 Recalls Devastating Shark Attack: 'My Arm Was Ripped Right Off'

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As Virginia is set to execute a mentally ill inmate convicted of killing Montgomery County Sheriff's Deputy Cpl. Eric Sutphin and hospital security guard Derrick McFarland, in 2006 in Blacksburg, Virginia, calls for clemency have been rising.

William Charles Morva is scheduled to be executed July 6. He was sentenced to death May 23, 2008. However, his lawyers argued Morva should be spared since he suffered from a serious mental illness, which was also confirmed by the doctors, reports said.

Read: Why Do States Keep Trying To Execute Mentally Ill Prisoners?

Morvas lawyers had filed a clemency petition with Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe stating their client suffered from mental problems and his death sentence should be lowered to life in prison without the possibility of parole. At the time of the crimes he was suffering from a severe mental illness, delusional disorder, and his delusions led to his crimes, Morvas lawyers wrote in the petition.

However, McAuliffe has not yet issued any statement on the same.

Since the mercy petition was filed, several local and international groups, as well as a number of lawmakers, have urged McAuliffe to halt Morvas execution.

William Morva

Photo: TheKMan/ Wikipedia

The United Nations on Wednesday called for Morvas execution to be halted, WTVR reported. In a statement released Wednesday, the U.N. said: We are deeply concerned about information we have received indicating that Mr. Morvas original trial did not meet fair trial safeguards. The United Nations also expressed concern on Morvas deteriorating psychosocial condition.

According to Richmond Times-Dispatch, the daughter of one of Morvas victims wrote an email to the media Wednesday, saying she was against the death penalty and sought mercy for Morva.

In the email, Rachel Sutphin, daughter of Eric Sutphin, wrote: "I am against the death penalty for religious and moral reasons. I have fought and will continue to fight for clemency for all death row inmates until Virginia declares the death penalty unconstitutional. I have sent my own letter to the governor showing my support for clemency.

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Read: Esteban Santiago Death Penalty: Motive, Mental Health, Terrorism Questioned After Fort Lauderdale Shooting

Te National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) too have sought clemency for Morva.

While Morva's crimes were horrific, there is strong evidence that they were the product of his delusional symptoms and that without these symptoms, it is highly unlikely that he would have shot the officers, NAMI said, NBC News reported.

Meanwhile, Commonwealth's Attorney Mary Pettitt, urged McAuliffe not to intervene in Morvas case, saying it was absurd to believe what the medical experts testified at the previous trials. She also accused the medics of misdiagnosing Morva and misleading the jurors, the report added.

Two bedrocks of our judicial system are the right to have a jury decide a defendant's guilt or innocence and the right to have a fair trial. Mr. Morva has had both, she wrote to the governor.

The fairness of his trial has been reviewed, and reviewed, and reviewed with all courts, both state and federal, finding no unfairness or basis to overturn the voice of that jury. So the issue before you is real whether or not you individually are going to override that jury's voice and undermine our judicial system, she further stated.

Morva is set to die Thursday by a lethal injection at the Greensville Correctional Center unless McAuliffe steps in and halts his execution.

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By Aziz El Yaakoubi DUBAI (Reuters) - Royal Air Maroc expects the U.S. ban on laptops and other large electronic devices in aircraft cabins on direct flights to the United States to be lifted by July 19, a senior official from the state-owned airline said on Thursday. The U.S. banned laptops in cabins on flights originating at 10 airports in eight countries - Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Turkey - in March to address fears that bombs could be concealed in them. "Negotiations with the U.S. authorities are underway and we expect the ban to end by July 19 at the latest," the official, who declined to be named, said. U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) spokesman Mike England said in an email that it was too early to confirm Royal Air Maroc's compliance. Royal Air Maroc operates flights to the United States from Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport. Qatar Airways said on Thursday the ban had been lifted on its flights from Dohas Hamad International Airport. Emirates [EMIRA.UL], Turkish Airlines and Etihad also announced a lifting of the ban on their flights this week. Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has said it expects the ban to be lifted on flights from Jeddah and Riyadh by July 19. Other airlines affected by the ban include Royal Jordanian [RJAL.AM], Kuwait Airways [KA.UL] and EgyptAir [EGY.UL]. The United States announced enhanced security measures for flights to the country on June 29. These require additional time to screen passengers and personal electronic devices for possible explosives. Airlines that fail to meet the new security requirements could still face in-cabin electronics restrictions. (Editing by Alexander Cornwell and Alexander Smith)
ABOARD USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH  Under a blanket of stars, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, miles from the coast of Greece, a U.S. Navy carrier is bustling with activity. Twinkling lights in the distance that look like stars move fast toward the ship, but they are F/A-18 fighter planes returning from their missions, some over Syria or Iraq.

The USS George H.W. Bush carrier, a part of the Navys 6th Fleet, sends out more than 20 sorties or missions each day to support military air strategy and conduct airstrikes against the Islamic State.

More than a dozen strikes hit northern Iraq almost daily while Iraqi forces on the ground fight to push out the remaining ISIS fighters. But damage and casualty numbers from the U.S. led-coalition airstrikes are raising heavy concerns for human rights groups.

Airwars, an advocacy organization tracking airstrike casualties, says there have been at least four thousand civilian deaths from coalition strikes since last August in Iraq and Syria. But the U.S. has only acknowledged causing around 400 fatalities based on its own investigations. Yet in Iraq specifically, American planes have carried out at least 68 percent of the total airstrikes.

Yahoo News spoke via Skype with Chris Woods, the director of Airwars, which is based in London. He described his organizations mission as engaging with militaries, engaging with governments on the issues of civilians being killed and trying to get those numbers down.

Airwars concern is shared by other groups. Last month, Human Rights Watch issued a statement, saying, Rising civilian casualties from aerial operations have heightened concerns regarding coalition and Iraqi forces use of airstrikes. The use of explosive weapons with wide-area effects such as air-dropped bombs of 500 lbs and above,  in densely populated civilian areas of western Mosul may be resulting in civilian casualties.  Such disproportionate military attacks are prohibited under international humanitarian law.

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Fighter pilots and aircraft controllers prepare for daily takeoffs. (Photo: Ash Gallagher for Yahoo News)

But naval pilots say while they are aware of the feedback on the ground, they are more focused on the tactical implications of their work, and they argue that following protocols helps keep them from making mistakes.

Lt. Commander Scott Butters Welles, an F/A-18 pilot based on the George H.W. Bush, told Yahoo News, We are certainly aware of what is discussed and presented as popular opinion of whats going on, but frankly we dont get too tied up because were doing whats been asked of us.

Welles, 36, is a tall, blond fighter pilot and full of energy. He believes in the U.S. mission and has no objections about his orders.

He explained there are briefings before and after their sorties to evaluate their mission and that pilots are in constant communication with controllers before they strike a target. Theres always an assessment of the implications of a strike to include potential civilian [casualties], and so far, he said, he hasnt made any serious mistakes that would have impacted his mission.

Another pilot, Lt. Andrew Wolfe, said he gets an accurate picture of the situation on the ground ahead of time. We get an intelligence update from a ground officer  a liaison officer, he said, so well know specifically where the bad guys are, where the good guys are and what progress has been made.

Wolfes concern is focused on what to do in the moment and how the friendly forces on the ground need his help. Where do [they] need my bombs right now? I feel comfortable with how much we know and what we dont, he said.

Pilots are fairly isolated onboard the ship. While there are TV screens in the briefing rooms, showing reports from CNN, Fox News and other organizations, the ships Internet service is relatively slow, limiting regular access to social media or other sites. Some of the sailors on the ship even use pay phones hanging on the walls.

A fighter plane lifts off from the USS George H.W. Bush. (Photo: Ash Gallagher for Yahoo News)

*****

Airstrikes in Syria and Iraq by the U.S. Navy and 21 other coalition forces are coordinated by ground-based controllers in various locations in the Middle East, including Baghdad.

In Baghdad, U.S. Army Gen. Rick Uribe, the deputy commanding officer for coalition forces, believes they have a process for determining a strike protocol that is solid. Uribe describes five pillars in the decision-making process U.S. forces follow to determine if a strike is warranted, both for deliberate strikes, or those initiated by U.S. intelligence, and dynamic strikes, which Iraqi forces and other coalition partners can request when they are in need of tactical assistance.

Uribe explained to Yahoo News, We have to have proper intelligence that says weve got positive identification of a target. Then, he said, commanders assess in that area whether or not there is a civilian pattern of life.

After that, the coalition determines if they have the right weapon for the target. Im not going to strike a machine gun team with a two thousand pound bomb, Uribe explained. U.S. forces also assess the risk of damage to the structures and surrounding areas, and check whether they are within the rules of engagement and law of armed conflict. Finally and most important, Uribe said, all strikes must have the permission of the Iraqi authorities in order to be conducted.

Missiles for an aircraft at the bomb farm on a U.S. naval carrier. (Photo: Ash Gallagher for Yahoo News)

While Uribe did not specify the amount of time it takes for vetting the target, he did say the coalitions airstrike campaign over Mosul in particular has been pretty successful.

Reports from witnesses on the frontlines have said a strike can be carried out within minutes of the initial call. And many civilians on the ground, such as those trapped in Mosul, have said they believe Iraqi forces are aware of their presence when an airstrike is called in  as they say was true of the strike in March in the neighborhood of Jadida in west Mosul that killed more than 200 people.

Iraqi forces have not commented on that strike, but human rights activists are calling for caution over heavily urbanized places such as west Mosul, where its estimated as many as 20,000 civilians are still trapped inside, according to the United Nations.

In Erbil, U.S. Gen. Scott Efflandt said making decisions to approve a strike can be complicated because the enemy gets a vote. When ISIS fighters use places of worship or hospitals as a base, the decision to strike requires further evaluation of civilian casualties. We have yet to find a mechanical way to alleviate those hard decisions, Efflandt admitted. Its incomplete facts that lead to an undesirable or tragic conclusion.

Capt. James McCall, the air-wing commander for the George H.W. Bush, told Yahoo News, We come back at the end of every flight and debrief [pilots] fairly rigorously. We go through every step of that flight. By our very nature we are very self-critical. He explained pilots are trained to notice if something on the ground changes and to abort the mission, adding, thats something I expect of them.

The site of an airstrike in west Mosul, Iraq. (Photo: Ash Gallagher for Yahoo News)

Nevertheless, at Airwars, Woods said he has had detailed briefings with militaries on how they conduct their assessments and I find them problematic. He believes the U.S. military is limited in their intelligence because they dont have their own forces on the ground investigating and their own cameras are not enough to determine the number of civilians on the ground.

U.S. military officials consistently expressed to Yahoo News their view that ISIS is an evil enemy using civilians as a weapon and its their duty to annihilate them, referring to a May statement by U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. They believe theyre helping bring freedom to civilians on the ground.

Welles said, I know theres always an assessment of the implications of a strike to include potential civilians to be impacted  the way we contribute to the process [is through] the different type of weapons we deploy that can mitigate or change the explosion.

But from Woods point of view, precision is not enough. Weve gotten awfully caught up in precision warfare, he said, but it didnt help the 4,000 who died. With technological shifts, what used to be anonymous statistics, we [now] know who many of the civilians are, we know their ages, we know their names, we know the village they grew up in. The numbers can be counted and so can their identities. Of the 4,000 victims, Airwars has names for more than half.

*****

A Navy crew on the flight deck monitors arriving and departing flights. (Photo: Ash Gallagher for Yahoo News)

Back at sea, the carrier crew prepare for the days tasks. Inside the pilot watch house, a control room of sorts, young Navy personnel keep the ship on course and maintain careful watch over the flight deck. In a room off the flight hangar, mechanics check air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles.

Welles heads for a dressing room following his morning briefing. The room is lined with flight suits and helmets. After putting on his gear, he walks to the flight deck, where pilots double-check their instruments and line up for takeoff on their assigned missions  ones they believe make the world a better place.

But the results of their efforts and skill and the systems put in place to avoid mistakes arent as visible on the ground in Mosul, where much of the city is destroyed. Houses are flattened, rubble covers the streets, cars are overturned and burned out. The city will take years to rebuild and many civilians wont have a proper home to live in while its being rebuilt. Many may not even come home.

For the civilians on the ground, freedom from ISIS occupation comes at a risk  one that could end in their death, killed by a foreign entity from the air that will never know their names and wont stay to help them start over.

Ash Gallagher is a journalist covering the Mideast for Yahoo News.

_____

Read more from Yahoo News:
President Trump and his wife Melania may have had a hard time finding a place to crash after arriving in Hamburg, Germany, for the G-20 summit.

Read: Trump's Wrestlemania Video of Him Knocking Out CNN Is His Most Popular Tweet Since Taking Office

Trump reportedly wanted to stay at The Four Seasons in the city, but the Saudis beat him to it and rented out all 156 rooms in the hotel.

The other luxury hotels across the city were fully booked.

The Park Hyatt is occupied by Russian strongman Vladimir Putin and his delegation.

Le Meridien is hosting Britains Prime Minister Theresa May. Right next door, at the Atlantic Kempinski, is Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel and Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Trump is left to stay at a government-owned guest house off the beaten path, according to The Associated Press.

The president also had an embarrassing moment Thursday as he was left hanging by the first lady of Poland, Agata Kornhauser-Duda, following a speech.

Read: CNN Responds After Trump Wrestles Network in 'Juvenile' Tweet: 'It Is a Sad Day'

While reaching for her hand to shake, she moved right past him.

After Trump appeared upset at her actions, Kornhauser-Duda came back to make sure there was no diplomatic incident.

Watch: Artist Creates Image of Vladimir Putin in Wheat Field Ahead of G20 Summit

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The enthusiasm in Poland about the pending visit of the president of the United States Wednesday is palpable.

A group calling itself Poland for Donald Trump has launched a Facebook event in order to welcome Donald Trump to Warsaw. There are posters up around town advertising a celebratory picnic, sponsored by several of the countrys major publicly-owned companies. There are reports that members of the ruling Law and Justice Party (PiS) have been asked to bring up to 50 members of their extended circles to a planned presidential speech so that Trump feels like hes received a warm Polish welcome. Realistically, however, such efforts are likely to be unnecessary: the excitement from Polands truly pro-American, pro-Trump and anti-immigrant public about the pending visit is real, and they are likely to turn up in greater numbers in Warsaw than Americans did in DC on Trumps inauguration day.

Trumps visit ahead of the G20 meeting in Hamburg is being treated in Poland as a diplomatic coup. In a limited sense, thats fair: The visit will coincide with a meeting of the Three Seas Initiative, an effort to develop cooperation among the EUs eastern states established by Polish President Andrzej Duda less than a year ago, in August 2016. Nabbing a visit from a U.S. president this early on is a genuine P.R. triumph for an obscure regional grouping whose economies put together make up less than 10 percent of the EUs GDP.

But its undeniable that some members of the Polish government also see the Trump visit  his first stop on only his second time overseas since assuming office  as both an implicit endorsement, and a chance to thumb their noses at the European elites based in Brussels and other capitals of western Europe. (The visit comes less than a month after the EU launched legal proceedings against three member states, Poland, Hungary and Czechia over their unwillingness to accept refugees, and takes place against the backdrop of Polands ongoing feud with French President Emmanuel Macron, who recently chastised eastern Europe for treating the EU as a supermarket.) And its here where Polands enthusiasm about Trump is not just misplaced, but dangerous. American presidents have previously found that exploiting European divisions is useful for the United States, precisely because it undermines Europes collective interests.

The idea of New Europe was a term coined by the George W. Bush administration. When the United States decided to invade Iraq in early 2003, the term was deployed by Donald Rumsfeld to differentiate, and celebrate, the solidarity of new NATO members  the 13 countries which sent letters supporting U.S. policy on Iraq, which included Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Latvia, and others from the reluctance of the U.S.s old allies, Germany and France. This American-drawn distinction between the Old Europe and the New not only signaled problems within the U.S.-EU security arrangements, it also created serious diplomatic tensions ahead of EU enlargement decisions over the next two months. French President Jacques Chirac at the time declared it a moment where his fellow Europeans had missed the opportunity to keep silent.

In the years since, intra-European politics has only grown more intricate; the continent is now criss-crossed by smaller groupings like the Three Seas Initiative and larger regional alliances like the Visegrad Group, the Benelux Union, the Nordic Council. Other countries see in these regional unions a chance to weaken Europes position and potential on the global stage, by exploiting divisions. China, for instance, has developed its own 16+1 format, that groups together EU and non-EU countries from central and eastern Europe, including, among others, Poland, Hungary, Serbia and Belarus. Beijing sees an opportunity to undermine EU unity by offering investment funds to certain countries hungry for new roads to prosperity. Russia, meanwhile, is weaponizing culture to deepen European divisions; a recent study by the think tank Political Capital based in Budapest concluded that the Kremlin purposefully deploys notions about traditional society to sow divisions between eastern Europe and the nihilistic and decadent West. Feeding these divisions for domestic political purposes is something all leaders on the continent should be wary of; they can quickly be turned against us.

Trumps European visit this week is only going to highlight current differences of opinion. The trip is likely to be one of stark contrasts: He will move from Warsaw, where he is expected to be greeted with crowds of supporters and cordial, back-slapping meetings, to Hamburg, where he is almost sure to be met with street protests, and where German Chancellor Angela Merkel has promised there will be difficult conversations.

It would be one thing if the risks of a Trump visit had a chance of being offset by great potential benefits. But realistically, Poland, and central Europe more broadly, have little material to gain from the United States at the moment. The U.S. has already increased its military presence in the region, with about 900 troops stationed on Polish soil, even more than had been originally promised by the Obama administration. The LNG terminal in Swinoujscie  a strategically important facility allowing for more energy independence in the region  has only recently celebrated the arrival of its first shipment from the USA and awaits further shipments from, among others, Qatar. Poland will likely take the opportunity to support the recent sanctions that were proposed by the U.S. Senate on contractors for the Nord Stream 2 (NS2) project as well as other significant Russian businesses, but this, too, is divisive: The proposal that has been denounced by Germany and Austria, whose companies and economies would also be hurt.

The visit, in other words, is solely a PR exercise for both sides, where very little of significance will transpire: Trump gets to make a triumphant return to the continent to waving crowds, having skulked away last time after losing a handshake-off to Macron; the Polish government gets to demonstrate that there are other governments out there  big ones!  that share its skepticism of refugees (with a little bit of publicity for a regional cooperation initiative as a bonus).

It should go without saying, however, that a bit of goodwill from a troubled U.S. administration can hardly compensate for a healthy relationship with Brussels. Polands economy depends on the EU not only because of major investment money that has flowed in from Brussels (and which has vastly exceeded the scale of the U.S. Marshall Plan for Europe after World War II). Its main trade partner by far is the EU: Germany accounts for 26 percent of exports; Czechia 6.7 percent; the U.K. 6.5; France 5.2. The U.S. accounts for just 2.5-3 percent, according to the 2015 Harvard Atlas of Economic Complexity. Polands laws are shaped by the laws prepared by the European Commission and voted on by the European Parliament in Brussels. While NATO might be the source of Polands hard security  what protects it against potential aggressors  the EU forms the backbone of its soft security: its support against economic and resource pressures from Russia. The very worst thing that Warsaw could do, once all the pomp and ceremony of a presidential visit is over, is to view a little bit of attention from the White House as a license to grow even bolder in its fights closer to home.

Image credit: SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images
Police came to the rescue for two dogs trapped inside a 167-degree car in Roswell, Georgia Sunday. The dogs were locked inside the stifling car in the afternoon sun for at more than an hour while their owner was inside a movie theater.

Officers responded to the scene after receiving a call about the dogs. Upon arrival, they found the temperature inside the car was 167 degrees Fahrenheit. Body camera video captured the whole incident  including the thermometer reading the temperature.

Read: 5-Year-Old Found Dead In Daycare Van After 8 Hours Inside 141 Degree Car

A concerned citizen noticed a dog suffering in a hot car and called 911, the police department said in a Facebook post alongside the video. The first officer arrived in 18 seconds. What you are about to see is actual body cam footage of the rescue and medical treatment of two dogs suffering from heat stroke.

As the officers approached, at least one of the dogs could be heard barking, clearly in distress. The officer then held up a thermometer reading 167 degrees Fahrenheit. They then noticed a second dog inside the car.

The temperature that day was around 90 degrees, reports said. On a 90-degree day, the interior of a car can reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit in less than 10 minutes, according to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

The dog was very aggressive from heat and fear, the police department said. A second dog had crawled under the front seat to escape the direct sunlight.

The officers had to use a catch pole to rescue the dog hiding under the seat. After removing one of the dogs, it had a seizure on the pavement from heat stroke.

Roswell Georgia firefighters provide urgent medical care to cool off and hydrate the overheated animals, the police department said. The owner finally arrives after emergency pages inside the movie theater. At this point, the dogs had been inside the car for more than one hour.

The dogs were treated on the scene and given water from a nearby fire hydrant. The video shows the officers talking to the owner, whose identity is blocked out, after they finally emerged from the theater.

Story continues

Have you been out to check on the animals? an officer asked.

I havent been out, the owner responded.

I think that we got here just in time to save these animals lives, an officer said.

The unidentified owner was charged with two counts of animal cruelty. Both dogs were taken as evidence by Fulton County Animal Control.

Hundreds of dogs die each year from heat exhaustion as a result of being left in parked cars, according to the American Veterinary Association. The Roswell Police Department noted that the person who called 911 made the right decision that day.

Help us spread the word about the dangers of leaving pets inside of a hot vehicle, the department said on Facebook. If you see an animal trapped inside of a hot car, call 9-1-1, so that a tragedy can be avoided.

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A pregnant woman who was struck by lightning while out for a walk in her Florida neighborhood has had her baby delivered by emergency C-section, her family said.

Meghan Davidson was critically injured in the strike, but is now improving and has been moved from the intensive care unit, according to her husband.

Read: Fisherman Struck by Lightning Manages to Call 911: 'I'm Not Going to Die This Way'

The 26-year-old woman was struck in the head last Thursday in Fort Myers. It was a cloudy day, but neighbors said there was no rain or thunder.

Residents called 911 and rushed to help the woman, ABC News reported. She was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors delivered her son, Owen.

The babys condition has not been released. Members of Davidsons church held a prayer vigil Sunday for the infant and his mother.

I think its devastating, congregant Linda Kelly told The Associated Press. You just dont understand why some tragedy happens, she said.

Read: Veteran Struck by Lightning Fights for His Life Several Years After Escaping IED Blast

Davidsons husband, Matt, said Wednesday that his wife was doing a lot better, ABC reported. He did not speak about his newborns condition.

The couple has two other children, ages 2 and 14 months. Meghans mother was watching the kids while the pregnant woman went out for a walk.

Watch: Man Struck by Lightning in His Office Says He's Lucky to Be Alive

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Speaking to reporters on Thursday in Poland, President Donald Trump said nobody really knows if Russia was solely responsible for interfering in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

I think it was Russia, and it could have been other people in other countries, Trump said, according to the New York Times, after he was asked for a yes or no answer to the question about Russian interference in the election.

Nobody really knows, he added. Nobody really knows for sure.

But Trumps words contradict the findings of U.S. intelligence agencies, who determined that Russian President Vladimir Putin led efforts to meddle in the election, notes the Times.

Trump also argued that American intelligence agencies have made mistakes in the past, the Times reports, citing the time when officials determined Baghdad had weapons of mass destruction just before the U.S. invaded Iraq in 2003.
Riot police clash with G-20 protesters in Hamburg, Germany A boy shows his appreciation for the police watching a demonstration pass by on July 8, 2017 in Hamburg, northern Germany as world leaders meet during the G20 summit. (Photo: Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty Images)

Small groups of hooded anti-capitalist Black Bloc militants scuffled with German police on Saturday at an otherwise peaceful march against a G20 summit of global leaders in Hamburg, after two days of violent clashes which marred the G20 summit.

After a night of rioting in which radicals looted shops, torched cars and hurled objects, the city center was in lock down with luxury shops along the main streets barricaded up and many protected by security guards.

More than 50,000 people gathered for a G20  not welcome demonstration in the port city. At one point a group of about 120 people, some masked, kicked police and attacked them with flagpoles before running away.

Police turned water cannon on protesters sporadically but by 1530 GMT many of the demonstrators had left.

Chancellor Angela Merkel, facing an election in September, had sought to underscore her commitment to free speech by holding the summit in central Hamburg, a trading hub with a long tradition of leftist radicalism.

Images of smoke rising over parts of the city, burning cars, wrecked shops and streets awash with debris have, however, raised questions about her strategy, and police reinforcements from across Germany had to be dispatched to help.

Merkel, who met police and security force after the summit to thank them, condemned the violence but also said the majority were peaceful and legitimate protesters.

I condemn in the strongest terms the extreme violence and unbridled brutality that police were repeatedly confronted with, she said at the end of a summit which exposed differences with the United States on climate change. (Reuters)

See more news-related photo galleries and follow us on Yahoo News Photo Twitter and Tumblr.
Tehran (AFP) - Iran will be allowed to set up temporary consulates in Saudi Arabia during the hajj pilgrimage despite the absence of diplomatic ties between the two rivals, the foreign ministry in Tehran said Tuesday.

"Some officials from the foreign ministry's consular section will be deployed to Jeddah, Mecca and Medina to provide consular services to Iranian pilgrims during the hajj," spokesman Bahram Ghasemi was quoted as saying by the ISNA news agency.

Iranians were unable to attend the hajj last year after talks on security and logistics fell apart.

But an agreement was reached earlier this year to allow Iranians to take part in this September's hajj.

The two countries severed diplomatic ties in January 2016 after Iranians stormed Saudi Arabia's embassy in Tehran in response to the execution of a prominent Shiite cleric.

The region's two leading powers back opposing sides in several conflicts, including in Syria and Yemen.

More than 1.8 million faithful took part in last year's hajj. The pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam and all Muslims who can must perform it at least once in their lives.
By David Francis, Adam Rawnsley, and FP Staff

On notice. Again. Americas U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley is putting the world on notice over North Koreas recent test of an intercontinental ballistic missile, threatening that the U.S. is prepared to use the full range of our capabilities, including military force, to deal with the threat from Pyongyang if other countries dont step up the pressure. Despite the military rhetoric, FPs Colum Lynch reports that Haleys speech to the Security Council called for diplomatic and economic measures in response to the latest test, calling out China for being North Koreas biggest trading partner. China and Russia, however, remain skeptical of the more aggressive approach, with diplomats from both countries panning any proposed military solutions.

The big meeting with Vladimir. President Trump is facing the mother of all meetings on Friday, when he will have his first face-to-face session with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Hamburg. It represents a political minefield for Trump, amid investigations in Washington over his campaign teams contacts with Moscow and Russian meddling in the 2016 election. Will Trump cut a deal with Putin to have U.S. and Russian forces cooperate in Syria? Will he agree to return those Russian diplomatic compounds in Maryland and New York used by Russian intelligence services? Democrats in Congress have warned against any unilateral concessions.

What to expect when youre expecting Vlad. FPs Emily Tamkin takes a stab at gaming out Putins agenda for his big day with Donald. The White House has said theres no set agenda for the meeting but Putin spokesman says Ukraine will likely come up. The two leaders are slated for a brief 20 minutes of face-to-face time, which will cut short Putins sapce o offer his side of the Ukrainian conflicts history. But Peskovs characterization of the conflict as a civil war hints that Putin isnt likely to be candid about Russias direct role in eastern Ukraine.

Big Oil to Honor Tillerson in Turkey: Americas top diplomat will travel to Istanbul to accept an award for what he did while CEO of a major oil company. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will receive an award for excellence in the petroleum industry at the World Petroleum Congress during his visit to Istanbul July 9 to 10, despite repeated past assurances he would recuse himself from all matters related to Exxonmobil, the energy giant he used to run. State Department officials assured reporters on Wednesday it wasnt just for his work as Exxon CEO, but broadly on energy issues and U.S. prioritiesthough he was slated to receive the world well before becoming Secretary of State. Maybe he can put this one on his mantle next to his Russian Order of Friendship award Putin gave him in 2012.

Welcome to Situation Report. Your regular presenter, Paul McLeary, is out for a few days, but will be back next week. You can reach him at paul.mcleary@foreignpolicy.com or either he or Adam on Twitter @paulmcleary and @arawnsley.

Fallen. A U.S. soldier was killed in Afghanistan while serving alongside special operations forces in Helmand Province, according to the Pentagon. Army Pfc. Hansen B. Kirkpatrick, a 19 year old mortarman from Wasilla, Alaska, serving with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, was killed by enemy indirect fire on July 3.

Potemkin crowds. President Donald Trump is extraordinarily unpopular in Europe so Poland is making sure that the famously sensitive leader will receive a warm welcome by busing in Trump supporters during his upcoming visit for the G-20 summit.

Borders. Chinas dispute with India over the two countries shared border has plunged relations to the worst in 30 years, according to Chinas ambassador to India. The South China Morning Post reports that crisis started when Bhutan enlisted Indias help to deal with a dispute over new road construction carried out by the China along a still-disputed border with China and Bhutan. India deployed troops to the area, leading China to accuse Delhi of violating its sovereignty. The two sides have since traded veiled threats, with Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat boasting that India was prepared for a two and a half front war and China telling India to recall the historic lessons of its 1962 border war with the Peoples Liberation Army.

Hobby robbing. Hobby Lobby, an American Craft store, was fined $3 million for illegally smuggling over 5,500 ancient artifacts out of Iraq and into the U.S. for eventual display in museums. The company paid $1.6 million from a broker in the United Arab Emirates even though experts warned company officials that they were likely illegally acquired. The federal government has taken possession of the artifacts where it will consider claims of rightful ownership.

Tag team. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says the Trump administration wants to partner with Russia on operations in Syria. Tillerson said he hopes the two countries can work together on issues such as establishing no fly zones and delivering humanitarian aid. The statement comes ahead of President Trumps first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and follows a series of incidents in which Assad regime allied forces have clashed with America in southern Syria as the U.S. and rebel allies take on the Islamic States last holdouts.

Tensions in Syria. Syrias Kurdish YPG fighters are warning that they could be at war with Turkey soon after Turkish deployments to Afrin and Aleppo near territory held by the group, telling Reuters that the moves are tantamount to a declaration of war. For its part, Turkey denies any preparations for an assault on YPG forces, with Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus saying Turkey was simply making preparations against potential threats. A conflict between Turkey and the YPG, which comprises the bulk of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces fighting the Islamic State, could throw a wrench into the U.S.-led coalition attempts to oust Islamic State fighters from their capital in Raqqa.

Armed and unmanned. The Israeli military is taking a commercial hexarotor drone, strapping a machine gun for eventual use by troops in the field. Defense One reports that the IDF has teamed up with the American company Duke Robotics to use its TIKAD drone as the platform. An early concept drone made by Duke managed to fire a sniper rifle for its Israeli customers, but Duke rolled out the TIKAD to be able to carry the heavier weapons payloads for longer periods of time.

Gold rush. Syria is selling off mineral and energy rights to Russian private security contractors in exchange for their help fighting the Islamic State, according to the New York Times. One Russian company, Evro Polis, has already reportedly teamed up with a security contractor sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department for a deal that offers them a quarter of all oil and gas from fields they can reclaim from the Islamic State. Stroytransgaz, another Russian firm, received a share of phosphate mining rights after Russian, Iranian, and Syrian troops ousted the Islamic State from the Sharqiya phosphate deposit.

Trials. An international team of prosecutors say theyre looking to try suspects responsible for the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 with a Buk surface-to-air missile system. Prosecutors from countries affected, including the Netherlands, Ukraine, Malaysia, Belgium, and Australia, say theyre looking at a pool of at least 100 suspects and would like to try those responsible in a Dutch court. Investigations by U.S. intelligence as well as open source reporting outlets like Bellingcat have all implicated Russia as the source of the missile system and territory held by Russian-backed rebels as the location of the launch..

More missiles. In other nuclear missile test news, Pakistan test-fired a Nasr short-range ballistic missile. The weapon is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and the new test shows that Pakistan has managed to extend its range an extra 10 kilometers from 60 to 70.

State Morale Dipping: New State Department employee satisfaction surveys show things arent going so great in Foggy Bottom, Wall Street Journals Felicia Schwartz reports. Highlights from a few State Department employees surveyed include: What are our priorities? No one knows, Militarizing of diplomacy continues, Our technology is a disaster, and To get answers on any given issue is absolutely excruciating. Not exactly reassuring stuff.

Quote of the day. I will eat your liver if you want me to. Give me salt and vinegar and I will eat it in front of you. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte offering threats to Islamist militants in Marawi after they beheaded two Vietnamese sailors.
Beirut (AFP) - Tens of thousands of people protested on Wednesday in a town in northern Syria against Turkey, as speculation mounts it is planning to attack the Kurdish-held border region.

The demonstrators took to the streets of Afrin wrapped in flags of the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) and carrying portraits of Abdullah Ocalan, the leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) jailed in Turkey.

"No to Turkish intervention," they chanted, according to images of the demonstration shared by activists and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group.

"All the people of Afrin, both Arabs and Kurds, have responded to the call of the Kurdish parties to protest... to express their opposition to the Turkish intervention," said Suleiman Jaafar, a Kurdish official in Aleppo province.

They wanted to show "their support for the border protection forces and our forces on the front lines to protect our lands," said Jaafar.

Turkish troops and YPG forces have repeatedly exchanged cross-border fire in recent days, leading to the deaths of three civilians on Tuesday, and there is speculation Ankara may be planning an assault on the group in Afrin.

"Since the beginning of the Syrian crisis, not a shot has been fired at Turkey from Afrin," Jaafar said, accusing Ankara of "shooting at us".

The Turkish newspaper Sabah said on Sunday that pro-Ankara Syrian rebels were on standby for an operation against the YPG and Russia could ensure security in the air.

Asked about the possibility of an operation around Afrin, presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said Saturday: "We take all measures to protect our borders and national security."

He said the Turkey would "instantly" hit back against any threat from Syria, be it from IS, the PKK or the YPG.

Ankara considers the YPG a terrorist group and the Syrian branch of the PKK which has waged an insurgency inside Turkey since 1984.

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But the United States is openly arming the YPG as it considers the Kurdish militia group the most effective fighting force against jihadists in Syria.

Turkey fears the creation of a continuous Kurdish entity in northern Syria stretching from the Iraqi border almost too the Mediterranean.

It fears this could encourage separatism amongst its own Kurds, especially as the Iraqi Kurdistan region is planning a referendum on independence.
After the IIHS said the Tesla Model S electric car didn't perform as well as some other large four-door sedans in its crash-testing, the California-based automaker didn't mince words.

Tesla issued a statement to Business Insider slamming the IIHS and stating that the federal government-funded NHTSA's procedures are more "objective and accurate" in evaluating what it proudly boasts are "the safest cars in history."

Here's the statement:

"While IIHS and dozens of other private industry groups around the world have methods and motivations that suit their own subjective purposes, the most objective and accurate independent testing of vehicle safety is currently done by the U.S. Government which found Model S and Model X to be the two cars with the lowest probability of injury of any cars that it has ever tested, making them the safest cars in history."

The IIHS announced Wednesday that the 2017 Tesla Model S performed relatively well in its tests, but its safety structure wasn't strong enough to earn its Top Safety Pick award. The IIHS requires a "Good" rating in each of the instrumented tests it performs. Even after testing a second Model S with an updated seat belt system at Tesla's behest, the IIHS said that there was too much intrusion from the front wheel and suspension into the driver's foot well area. The IIHS rated it as "Acceptable."

Additionally, the IIHS pointed out that there was some deformation of the Model S' battery case in the test, although the variant used didn't actually have battery cells in that part of the case.

MUST READ: First Tesla Model 3 arrives Friday, two weeks ahead of schedule

The IIHS also said that it hasn't had the opportunity yet to test the latest Model S' Autopilot system. Among Autopilot's numerous autonomous functions is the ability to prevent a forward collision. This techgenerally called automatic emergency brakingmust perform well in order for a car to qualify for the Top Safety Pick award.

This year, the IIHS has made strong headlight performance a requirement for its Top Safety Pick+ award. The IIHS rated the Model S' headlights as "Poor," disqualifying it from its highest award.

We've reached out to Tesla for further comment on the test results, but the automaker hasn't yet responded.

It's unusual for an automaker to respond so strongly to a subpar showing in the IIHS' barrage of crash tests. Typically, statements from automakers tend to be more restrained.

The federally funded NHTSA's frontal and side-impact crash-tests are less comprehensive (although not necessarily less effective) than those administered by the insurance industry-backed IIHS. In 2013, the NHTSA awarded the Model S five stars overall. However, it has not given the Model S a crash-test rating since 2015.
A man tries to return his home A man trying to return his home gives up as driftwood block the way as torrential rain hit on July 6, 2017 in Toho, Fukuoka, Japan. (Photo: The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images)

Troops worked Thursday, June 6 to rescue hundreds of people stranded by flooding in southern Japan. At least two people were found dead and nearly 20 were still unaccounted for in flooding that wrecked homes, roads and rice terraces.

Heavy rain warnings were in effect for much of the southern main island of Kyushu after Typhoon Nanmadol swept across Japan earlier in the week.

Authorities in Fukuoka on Kyushu said six people were injured, two of them seriously. One man was found dead after he was covered by a mudslide. Four others were missing and feared dead in the city after being swept away by floodwaters or buried underneath mudslides.

In neighboring Oita prefecture, where rivers also overflowed, a 43-year-old man dug up from a mudslide was pronounced dead, according to the Oita prefecture. Public broadcaster NHK said he was a rescue worker.

Four people were missing in Fukuoka, while 15 others were still unaccounted for in neighboring Oita, according to prefectural disaster management websites.

Hundreds of people were trapped in areas by the floodwater, Kyodo News reported.

In one of the worst-hit towns, Asakura in Fukuoka, a man managed a narrow escape when a landslide crushed his home on a steep mountain slope, NHK said.

I heard smashing and banging in the house, windows shattering, then floodwater gushed into the house, furniture floating around, said Tsunemichi Motomatsu, who runs a liquor store with his wife.

We struggled for life and somehow got out. Now I feel its a miracle both of us are still alive, Motomatsu told NHK, pointing to his house, collapsed and half-buried in the mud.

Television footage showed rice fields and homes flooded after a river overflowed its banks, dragging vehicles into the riverbed and destroying dozens of buildings as well as roads and bridges. Soldiers waded gingerly through floodwaters, carrying an elderly man to safety and evacuating families using inflatable boats.

Many trees washed down from mountains were floating in flooded fields or blocking roads. Homes were without electricity, train operations were suspended and parts of highways closed. Classes at dozens of schools, including those used as shelters, were canceled Thursday.

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Nearly 600,000 people were ordered or advised to evacuate in Fukuoka, but only a fraction of them did, in part because the heavy rain worsened during the night. Only about 1,800 people had sought refuge in schools and other public facilities as of early Thursday, according to the prefectures disaster management website. In Oita, more than 270,000 people were subject to evacuation.

Japans Meteorological Agency said Fukuoka and Oita were experiencing unprecedented amounts of rain.

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Most Americans found that President Donald Trump's tweet insulting MSNBC host Mika Brzezinski's face-lift went too far, according to a Politico/Morning Consult poll taken after the controversial tweet was posted to Twitter last Thursday. A majority of Americans also reported that the post made them think less favorably of the president.

Sixty-five percent of voters say Trumps tweets were unacceptable while just 16 percent say it was acceptable for Trump to tweet that Brzezinski was "bleeding badly from a face-lift." Trump had also tweeted a series of insults at the "Morning Joe" co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Brzezinski, calling them "Crazy Joe" and "Low I.Q. Mika," and alleged that their program had low ratings and was "fake news."

I heard poorly rated @Morning_Joe speaks badly of me (don't watch anymore). Then how come low I.Q. Crazy Mika, along with Psycho Joe, came..  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 29, 2017

...to Mar-a-Lago 3 nights in a row around New Year's Eve, and insisted on joining me. She was bleeding badly from a face-lift. I said no!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 29, 2017

The poll reflects a bipartisan condemnation of the tweets, with lawmakers, celebrities and users on social media coming to the defense of Scarborough and Brzezinski, who are engaged to be married.

READ: Who Are Mika Brzezinski And Joe Scarborough? Why Is Donald Trump Attacking Them?

The split was different between voters who self-described themselves as either Democrat or Republican. Democrats overwhelmingly said that Trump's tweet was inappropriate: Only 9 percent said his tweets were acceptable, compared with 82 percent who called them unacceptable.

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Among Republicans, 28 percent said Trumps insults of the morning talk show host were acceptable, while 46 percent said that the insults were unacceptable. Twelve percent of independents said Trumps statements were acceptable, and 65 percent said they werent.

Another figure noted how much the tweet changed respondents opinion of the president. Fifty-one percent of voters said that Trumps tweets made them view the president less favorably, whereas 17 percent say the tweets made them view Trump more favorably.

READ: Twitter Reacts To Mika Brzezinski's 'Face-Lift' After Trump's 'Bloody' Comments

The tweets at the morning hosts were just the beginning of Trump's assault on media over the weekend. He continued Sunday when he tweeted multiple times about CNN, saying that the news company should change its name to "FNN" for "Fake News Network."

I am thinking about changing the name #FakeNews CNN to #FraudNewsCNN!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 1, 2017

He also tweeted wrestling video edited to appear as though Trump were body-slamming the network.

The Politico-Morning/Consult poll surveyed 1,989 registered voters and reported a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.

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On a foreign trip that will include his first summit meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Trump pursued his feud with cable news networks, especially CNN, during a press conference in Poland.

The president went on to complain that NBCs coverage of him showed insufficient gratitude for the profits he generated for the network as host of The Apprentice.

Appearing with Polish President Andrezj Duda, Trump was asked about his Sunday tweet, which included a video of him clotheslining a figure representing CNN, and the networks response.

I think what CNN did was unfortunate for them, said Trump. As you know, now they have some pretty serious problems. They have been fake news for a long time. They have been covering me in a very dishonest way.

President Trump at a press conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda in Warsaw on July 6. (Photo: Karol Serewis/Gallo Images Poland/Getty Images)

Trump then addressed Duda, asking him, Do you have that, also, by the way, Mr. President?

The Polish president responded with a faint smile.

NBC is equally as bad despite the fact that I made them a fortune with The Apprentice, continued Trump, but they forgot that. I will say that CNN has taken it too seriously and I think that they have hurt themselves very badly. Very, very badly. And what we want to see in the United States is  honest, beautiful, free but honest  press. We want to see fair press. I think its a very important thing. We dont want fake news. By the way, not everybody is fake news. But we dont want fake news, bad thing. Very bad for our country.

Related slideshow: Trump visits Europe for G-20 summit on 2nd overseas trip >>>

David Martosko, a political editor for the Daily Mail, asked Trump about the tweet. Last month Martosko interviewed for a position at the White House, writing, I was honored to briefly discussed the possibility of joining President Trumps administration as press secretary or in another senior role. At this time, however, I have chosen not to take the discussions farther. Following the press conference, Martosko got in a brief Twitter spat with CNN White House correspondent Jim Acosta, which included a boo-yah response to a tweet from Donald Trump Jr.

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According to a Washington Post story last week, some advisers to the president were upset with his attacks on Morning Joe co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski because they felt it overshadowed the clearer heroes and villains of the CNN feud.

Trump is on his second foreign trip as president, which will include a visit to the G-20 summit in Germany.

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The Trumps head home President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump make their way to board Airforce One after the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, July 8, 2017. (Photo: Saul Loeb /AFP/Getty Images)

Leaders from the worlds leading economies broke with U.S. President Donald Trump on climate policy at a G20 summit on Saturday, in a rare public admission of disagreement and blow to multilateral cooperation.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, keen to show off her skills as a mediator two months before a German election, achieved her primary goal at the meeting in Hamburg, convincing her fellow leaders to support a single communique with pledges on trade, finance, energy and Africa.

But the divide between Trump, elected on a pledge to put America First, and the 19 other members of the club, including countries as diverse as Japan, Saudi Arabia and Argentina, was stark.

Last month Trump announced he was pulling the United States out of a landmark international climate accord clinched two years ago in Paris.

Trumps shift to a more unilateral, transactional diplomacy has left a void in global leadership, unsettling traditional allies in Europe and opening the door to rising powers like China to assume a bigger role.

Tensions between Washington and Beijing dominated the run-up to the meeting, with the Trump administration ratcheting up pressure on President Xi Jinping to rein in North Korea and threatening punitive trade measures on steel.

Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time in Hamburg, a hotly anticipated encounter after the former real estate mogul promised a rapprochement with Moscow during his campaign, only to be thwarted by accusations of Russian meddling in the vote and investigations into the Russia ties of Trump associates.

Putin said at the conclusion of the summit on Saturday that Trump had quizzed him on the alleged meddling in a meeting that lasted over two hours but seemed to have been satisfied with the Kremlin leaders denials of interference. (Reuters)

See RELATED STORY by Olivier Knox/Yahoo News

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There will never be voter fraud in Missoula.

Thats the headline to Montana Secretary of State Corey Stapletons letter to the editor published in the Missoulian in late June.

Though he meant it sarcastically, referring to the 91 (of 47,000) ballots rejected by Missoula County Elections officials as fraudulent in the May special election, the Board of County Commissioners agreed with the assessment.

What the secretary is either not cognizant of or willfully disregarding, is the level of effort that goes into canvassing the election, Commissioner Dave Strohmaier said Thursday. We went through all of this process in detail.

The commissioners met Thursday with Elections Administrator Rebecca Connors and Deputy County Attorney Matt Jennings to discuss the flurry of activity between Connors and Stapleton since the special election.

Of the 91 rejected ballots, Connors said one was incorrectly counted. The rest of the ballots had either no signature, a mismatched signature, or some other mistake on the form, and were voided.

The single miscounted ballot was mailed to an apartment building, where Connors confirmed the mail is sometimes mixed up among tenants.

A different person filled out the ballot and sent it back with their own signature  most likely they just didnt read it carefully enough to notice it was another persons ballot, Connors said.

They werent trying to replicate the voters signature on file, Connors said. They signed their own signature, which I think makes it a mix-up.

It was counted, even after the election offices process of checking signatures. The woman who should have received the ballot called the elections center, wondering why her ballot was listed as cast, when she didnt get one.

Something went awry, Jennings admitted. There is human error.

Connors found the miscounted ballot, voided it, allowed the woman to vote (it was well within the deadline) and reported the error to the Missoula Police Department and the Secretary of States office.

Thats where things got somewhat bizarre, Jennings said. We didnt know the magnitude that the Secretary of State was treating this with until we received a press release saying they were treating this as fraud.

The news release took county officials, including Connors, Jennings and the commissioners, by surprise and kicked off an email exchange between Stapleton and Connors. Stapleton continued to accuse Missoula County of not taking voter fraud seriously (and asserting all 91 rejected ballots were evidence of fraud), all while shifting the onus for actually investigating the incident away from his office.

I cannot prosecute fraud from Helena, Stapleton wrote in a July 3 email to Connors. All I can do is hold a mirror up to you, challenge you to question your OWN motives (versus mine) as to why 91 illegal signatures on mail ballots are once again going to be silently set aside on the shelf of indifference.

Connors responded July 5 asking if Stapleton (whose news release singled out Missoula County) thought the 528 rejected ballots in Yellowstone County constituted fraud. Or the 336 rejected in Gallatin County, or the 99 rejected in Lewis and Clark County or the 207 rejected in Flathead.

Stapletons legal counsel, according to Jennings, said the Secretary of State was using Missoula County as an example to try and start a dialogue on legislative action around voting procedures in Montana.

There was no elaboration as to what the legislation would entail.

Any conversation on legislative changes needs to start with accurate information, Jennings said.

The commissioners agreed that a conversation could happen and decided to reply to Stapleton, defending Missoula County against his allegations and asking what he thinks can and should be done to fix the issue.

The commissioners oversee the elections and appoint the elections administrator, putting them as elected officials in the line of fire as well, Strohmaier said.

Strohmaier began the meeting irked by the tone of Stapletons correspondence with Connors, saying he showed contempt and unprofessionalism.

Commissioner Jean Curtiss agreed, calling the matter ridiculous and juvenile.

There isnt any logic, Commissioner Cola Rowley said. Thats why Im confused."
Warsaw (AFP) - President Donald Trump said Thursday he was considering a "pretty severe" response to North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missile test, even as his defense secretary said the United States is still seeking a diplomatic solution to the standoff.

International divisions on how to contain the North Korean threat continued to sharpen, meanwhile, as Russia blocked a UN Security Council statement calling for fresh sanctions and China appealed for a scaling down of rhetoric.

Washington has led the push for tougher sanctions in response to the milestone in Pyongyang's drive to threaten the US mainland with a nuclear strike, and Trump has also warned he is ready to use force if necessary.

"I call on all nations to confront this global threat and publicly demonstrate to North Korea that there are consequences for their very, very bad behaviour," Trump said during a visit to Warsaw.

"I have pretty severe things that we're thinking about," Trump said, adding: "That doesn't mean that we'll do them."

While the Pentagon has drawn up an array of plans for a possible military intervention in North Korea, Pentagon chief Jim Mattis said he did not think America was closer to conflict because of the ICBM test.

"I do not believe this capability in itself brings us closer to war because the president has been very clear, and the secretary of state has been very clear, that we are leading with diplomatic and economic efforts," Mattis said.

"As (Winston) Churchill put it, better to jaw-jaw than war-war."

The launch of the missile, which experts say could reach Alaska or even further towards the continental US, is set to be a key issue at the G20 summit in Germany that begins Friday with the leaders of the US, China and South Korea in attendance.

It poses a thorny policy challenge for Trump, who is at loggerheads with Beijing over how to handle Kim Jong-Un's regime.

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Trump has repeatedly urged Pyongyang's chief backer Beijing to rein the Stalinist state in, taking to Twitter this week to publicly berate Beijing for not squeezing the North hard enough on trade.

China responded Thursday with a call for more moderate language from all sides.

- Russia contests UN statement -

Washington had made a hard-hitting call in the UN Security Council on Wednesday for tougher sanctions against Pyongyang after the missile test.

But Russia contested a Security Council statement Thursday calling for "significant measures" in response, signalling that it might not back a final resolution putting fresh sanctions in place.

China's President Xi Jinping stressed that the best way to rid the Korean Peninsula of nuclear weapons was through dialogue and negotiations, the Xinhua news agency reported.

Likewise, South Korean President Moon Jae-In said his previous offer for talks with Kim was still on the table despite the missile test, warning it was "dangerous" if there was "no dialogue whatsoever".

But Moon has also called for a response to the test beyond "just words", prompting a joint missile drill with its ally the US aimed at countering threats from the North.

Trump had dismissed the idea of North Korea having a working ICBM, vowing it "won't happen".

The test has sent jitters through global stock markets, with shares falling on Thursday.

- 'We had to try' -

Beijing insists it has made "relentless efforts" to curb Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions in line with UN economic sanctions.

China stopped buying North Korean coal in February and total imports from the North have steadily dropped every month from $207 million in January to $99 million in April.

But official Chinese customs data shows a 37.4 percent rise in yuan terms in overall trade with North Korea and 30.6 percent in US dollars in the first quarter.

"Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40%... so much for China working with us - but we had to give it a try!" Trump tweeted on Wednesday.

For China, the worst-case scenario is a collapse of the regime in Pyongyang, which could see an influx of refugees from its impoverished neighbour, and worse yet, US troops stationed on its border in a united Korea.

Trump had until recently nurtured friendly ties with Xi, hosting him at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida in April, when they agreed on a 100-day plan to improve trade relations.

China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang defended his country's dealings with North Korea, insisting Beijing has upheld UN sanction resolutions "in a comprehensive and earnest manner".

But, he added, sanctions "should not harm the livelihood and normal humanitarian need of the DPRK," using the initials of North Korea's official name.

burs-kjl-wat/ec
By John Irish PARIS (Reuters) - President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday reaffirmed Turkey's support for Qatar in its dispute with four other Arab states, saying their demands against the tiny Gulf nation were unacceptable. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt accuse Qatar of supporting terrorism and allying with regional foe Iran, charges Doha denies, and have cut diplomatic and commercial ties. At a meeting in Cairo on Wednesday the four nations' foreign ministers refrained from slapping further sanctions on Qatar but voiced disappointment at Doha's failure to comply with their 13 demands after the expiry of the deadline. "When it comes to this list of 13 items ... it's not acceptable under any circumstances," Erdogan said in an interview with France 24 television. Some of the terms were tantamount to "stripping" Qatar of its statehood, he added. Among their demands is for Qatar to end an accord under which Turkey maintains a military base in the Gulf state. "We remain loyal to our agreement with Qatar. If it requests us to leave, we will not stay where we are not wanted," he said through an interpreter, adding there had been no such request. Turkey, the most powerful regional country to stand by Qatar, has sent 100 cargo planes with supplies since its neighbors cut air and sea links. It has also rushed through legislation to send more troops to the military base in Doha. Two contingents of Turkish troops with columns of armored vehicles have arrived since the crisis erupted on June 5. KURDS Erdogan, who was speaking ahead of the G20 leaders summit in Hamburg later this week, also took a swipe at the United States saying its arming of "terrorist" Kurdish groups would backfire and that it would be impossible for Washington to recover heavy weapons as it has promised to do so. He also said Ankara was ready to carry out ground operations in northern Syria against Kurdish forces if it felt threatened. The head of the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia said on Wednesday that Turkish military deployments near Kurdish-held areas of northwestern Syria amounted to a "declaration of war" which could trigger clashes within days. "If there is a threat against us, our troops will conduct any operations with the Free Syria Army on the ground," Erdogan said when asked whether Turkey was prepared to intervene against the Kurds. Elsewhere in Syria, Erdogan said he was optimistic on the implementation of de-escalation zones that are under discussion in the Kazakh capital Astana with Russia and Iran. He said he would discuss the next steps with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the G20 summit in Germany. Erdogan added that he hoped the Astana talks would pave the way for political negotiations under U.N. auspices in Geneva, but said Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had no future in the country. Russia and Iran are both allies of Assad. "Of course he has to leave," Erdogan said. "Those who want Assad to remain are still going after their interests in Syria." (Reporting by John Irish; Editing by Gareth Jones)
Krakow (Poland) (AFP) - UNESCO on Wednesday "strongly" urged Poland to stop logging the older parts of the ancient Bialowieza forest, a world heritage site that includes some of Europe's last primeval woodland.

The large-scale logging authorised by the Polish government began in May of last year and has since drawn concern from environmental activists, scientists and the European Union.

UNESCO "strongly urges (Poland) to immediately halt all logging and wood extraction in old-growth forests," the World Heritage Committee said in a statement during its annual session.

The committee, which is meeting in the southern Polish city of Krakow this year, also called on "the state party of Poland to maintain the continuity and integrity of protected old-growth forest in Bialowieza forest."

Straddling Poland's eastern border with Belarus, Bialowieza boasts unique plant and animal life -- including the continent's largest mammal, the European bison -- as well as one of the largest surviving parts of the primeval forest that covered the European plain 10,000 years ago.

The Polish government has said it authorised the logging to contain damage caused by a spruce bark beetle infestation and to fight the risk of forest fires.

But environmental activists allege that the government's explanation is being used as a cover for the commercial logging of protected old-growth forests.

UNESCO urged Poland to "clarify third-party reports about logging targeting species other than those affected by bark beetle, which cannot be justified as so-called sanitary cuttings."

The European Commission for its part gave Polish authorities a "final warning" in late April to address its concerns over the forest or face being summoned by the EU's top court.

Environmental activists lauded UNESCO's statement: "This vote encourages us to continue our fight," Krzysztof Cibor from Greenpeace told AFP.

"But we have no illusions. This doesn't mean that the saws will stop tomorrow in Bialowieza. But one day it will end up happening, I hope, sooner rather than later."

The committee said it would send a monitoring mission to Bialowieza, while Environment Minister Jan Szyszko invited UNESCO delegates to the forest on Saturday.
New York (AFP) - News that JPMorgan Chase considered bidding for British payment company Worldpay signals that big US banks could be shifting back into acquisition mode after nearly a decade playing defense.

JPMorgan, the biggest US bank by assets, said on Wednesday that while it considered bidding on Worldpay, it would not attempt what would have been its biggest purchase since the financial crisis.

JPMorgan's decision to back off opened the way for the acquisition of Worldpay announced Wednesday by US payment firm Vantiv. But the once over of Worldpay by JPMorgan is another sign of a shift from the tough regulatory environment in the aftermath of the 2008 crisis.

"I think the time for the big banks to break up is over," said Richard Bove, an analyst at Rafferty Capital Markets.

"This wasn't possible a few months ago," said Gregori Volokhine, president of Meeschaert Capital Markets.

The maneuverings around Worldpay came just days after the US Federal Reserve gave the green light to large US banks for a generous round of capital distributions to shareholders after the industry passed stress tests with flying colors.

Banks amassed some $750 billion in capital to meet rules enacted while Barack Obama was president, according to Morningstar.

With President Donald Trump signaling a softer regulatory approach, some analysts expect banks to employ some of that cash on acquisitions of rivals or of technology companies and not only on returning money to shareholders.

"Banks have to take some risks because there is not enough organic growth in their traditional business lines," said Volokhine, who expects large international banks to be active in mergers and acquisitions.

Bove said the list of banks that could be primed for deal-making includes Bank of America, US Bancorp, PNC and Goldman Sachs.

"The whole game is that you have to get more customers, and to get more customers, you have to make more acquisitions," Bove said.

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- Tech a potential target -

A recent Treasury Department report said 171 of 370 rules implemented under the Dodd-Frank banking law enacted after the crisis could be modified.

Trump has staffed his administration with top officials sympathetic to big finance, including Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and National Economic Council director Gary Cohn, both of whom once worked at Goldman Sachs.

Other key players in the Trump administration with banking industry experience include Joseph Otting, nominated to be head of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and Randal Quarles, who is reportedly in line for a top regulatory post at the Federal Reserve.

"You have a total change in the structure, in the thinking and the policy of regulators towards banks, which would suggest that big banks are going to be allowed to make acquisitions again," Bove said.

One possible area of interest could be players like Worldpay active in financial technology as consumers turn to their smartphones more frequently to buy goods and make transactions.

Big banks have not been major players in the world of virtual currencies or in the innovation of electronic payments, a sphere dominated by companies like PayPal, Apple Pay and Square.

"The banks need to think about the future and not just paying out dividends," said Volokhine. "Otherwise, they'll become has-beens."
North Koreas successful launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), called a package of gifts for Independence Day by their leader Kim Jong Un, prompted a swift response by South Korea and the U.S. The two nations test-fired missiles of their own of the East coast of South Korea according to the Washington Post Wednesday. The gesture was meant to posture strength.

The launch was North Koreas first successful test of an ICBM, and the fear is that North Korea will eventually be able to arm an ICBM with a nuclear weapon and strike the U.S. The July 4 ICBM test was North Koreas farthest missile test.

READ: Twitter Criticizes Nikki Haley For 4th Of July North Korea Tweet

David Wright, co-director of the Union of Concerned Scientists, wrote in a blog post that judging from reports, a missile similar to the one tested could not reach the continental United States but could possibly reach Alaska.

(Kim) stressed that (North Korea) would neither put its nukes and ballistic rockets on the table of negotiations in any case nor flinch even an inch from the road of bolstering the nuclear force chosen by itself unless the U.S. hostile policy and nuclear threat to (North Korea ) are definitely terminated, read a statement Wednesday from the Korean Central News Agency, North Koreas state media wing. (Kim) with a broad smile on his face, told officials, scientists and technicians that the U.S. would be displeased to witness North Koreas strategic option as it was given a package of gifts.

The U.S. is weighing its options for the next step.

North Korea Missile

Photo: KCNA/REUTERS

Self-restraint, which is a choice, is all that separates armistice and war, cautioned General Vincent Brooks, the U.S. commander of soldiers based in South Korea, in a dual statement with his South Korean counterpart. We are able to change our choice when so ordered by our alliance national leaders  it would be a grave mistake for anyone to believe anything to the contrary.

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President Donald Trump, who has leaned on China to do more economically curtail North Korea, expressed his frustrations via Twitter.

Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40% in the first quarter. So much for China working with us - but we had to give it a try! the president wrote Wednesday.

Last week the U.S. imposed sanctions on Chinese individuals and businesses that work with North Korea, whose biggest trading partner is China.

READ: Emergency US Meeting After North Korea Missile Launch; Kim Jong-Un Regime Cites 'Nuclear War Threat' By US

Trump has said he is pivoting away from Barack Obamas policy of strategic patience with North Korea. The U.S. doesnt have official diplomatic relations with the country.

Testing an ICBM represents a new escalation of the threat to the United States, our allies and partners, the region, and the world," said Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in a statement.

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New York (AFP) - US arts and crafts retailer Hobby Lobby has agreed to forfeit thousands of ancient Iraqi artifacts and pay $3 million to settle a civil suit brought by the US government, prosecutors announced Wednesday.

The Department of Justice says thousands of cuneiform tablets and clay bullae, originally from Iraq, were smuggled into the United States via the United Arab Emirates and Israel in packages shipped to the Oklahoma-based company.

Hobby Lobby said that in 2009 it began acquiring artifacts "consistent with the company's mission and passion for the Bible" with the goal of preserving them for future generations and sharing them with public institutions and museums.

In July 2010, the firm's president and a consultant traveled to the UAE to inspect antiquities up for sale.

US prosecutors said the company was warned against the risk of such items being looted from archaeological sites in Iraq and that improper declaration of country of origin could lead to forfeiture.

But in December 2010, Hobby Lobby agreed to pay $1.6 million for more than 5,500 artifacts, including cuneiform tablets, clay bullae and cylinder seals.

The company did not communicate with the dealer who purportedly owned the artifacts and instead wired payment to personal bank accounts held in the names of other people, federal prosecutors said.

Around 10 packages were shipped to the firm, five intercepted by customs which had shipping labels falsely declaring that the artifacts came from Turkey.

In 2011, the firm also received a package of 1,000 clay bullae shipped by an Israeli dealer and accompanied by a false declaration stating that the contents originated in Israel.

"American collectors and importers must ensure compliance with laws and regulations that require truthful declarations to US Customs and Border Protection," said acting US attorney in Brooklyn, Bridget Rohde.

Hobby Lobby agreed to forfeit the artifacts, as well as 144 cylinder seals and an additional sum of $3 million to settle the civil action, prosecutors said.

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"The company was new to the world of acquiring these items, and did not fully appreciate the complexities of the acquisitions process. This resulted in some regrettable mistakes," Hobby Lobby said in a statement.

"We should have exercised more oversight and carefully questioned how the acquisitions were handled," said company president Steve Green.

Hobby Lobby calls itself the largest privately owned arts-and-crafts retailer in the world with approximately 32,000 employees and operating in 47 states.

In 2014 the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of Hobby Lobby and another corporation, allowing them to refuse contraceptive coverage to female employees on religious grounds.
William Morva is set to be put to death on Thursday using a cocktail of unregulated drugs which have been shown to cause severe distress in the past

The autopsy report of the Virginia execution of Ricky Gray six months ago describes how Gray reacted when the drug Midazolam was injected into him: He appeared to take a number of deep breaths and he appeared to make snoring or groaning sounds. Photograph: AP

Virginia is preparing to kill a 32-year-old man using a controversial lethal injection formula that may have subjected the last prisoner to be executed by the state to an excruciating death equivalent to drowning.



William Morva is set to be put to death on Thursday using a cocktail of three medical drugs. Two of the chemicals have been obtained from compounding pharmacies  private outlets that are not subject to the full regulatory regime followed by regular drug manufacturers.

As a result, the drugs can be of variable quality and strength. New evidence relating to the Virginia execution of Ricky Gray six months ago suggests that the patchy consistency of the lethal drugs may have caused a terrifying outcome.

The deceased prisoners family has obtained Grays official autopsy report, which was carried out in January and is being revealed by the Guardian for the first time. It contains alarming evidence of potentially extreme distress on the inmates part.

The autopsy report contains routine information about the prisoners body, such as the Coolie High tattoo he had on his right arm and that he was dressed in blue jeans, shirt and boxer shorts. It also discloses details of a highly rare and disturbing nature.

It notes that blood-tinged fluid is present from the mouth and that the upper airways contains foamy liquid. It also finds that the bodys lungs were severely congested and that there were red cells present in the airways.

Mark Edgar, an associate professor of pathology at Emory University school of medicine has examined the autopsy report and said that its finding of a frothy liquid in the upper airways was very unusual. It was an indication, he said, of acute pulmonary edema, in which fluid collects in the lungs and overwhelms an individuals ability to breathe.

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The presence of foamy liquid in the upper airways is only found in the most severe cases of the condition, which can come from acute heart failure or actual drowning. Edgar said he could not say for certain why the edema happened in the course of Grays execution, but he was sure about the human consequences of something akin to drowning from within.

This way of dying is intolerable. You cant control your breathing  it is terrible, Edgar said. When it is this severe you can experience panic and terror, and if the individual was in any way aware of what was happening to them it would be unbearable.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch described Grays execution. According to the paper, a minute into the lethal injection procedure, after the drug Midazolam was injected into him, the prisoner lifted up his head, looked around, moved his toes and legs. He appeared to take a number of deep breaths and he appeared to make snoring or groaning sounds.

Gray, 39, was executed for the brutal murders in 2006 of a family of four in Richmond, including musician Bryan Harvey, his wife Kathryn and two daughters aged nine and four. A few days later he went on a second killing binge in which he murdered an acquaintance, Ashley Baskerville, his mother, Mary Tucker, and stepfather Percyell Tucker.

Thursdays execution has the added complication that William Morva has shown signs of serious mental illness almost eight years before he was sentenced to death for killing a hospital security guard, Derrick McFarland, and county sheriff Eric Sutphin in 2006. The prisoner has appealed for clemency to the Democratic governor of Virginia, Terry McAuliffe, who has so far declined to intervene.

McAuliffe is nominally opposed to the death penalty, but he allowed the execution of Gray to proceed. He was also the architect of legislation that imposed some of the most stringent secrecy laws of any death penalty state.

Under those laws, it is not possible to find out the identity of the compounding pharmacies that produced two of the three drugs in the states lethal injection cocktail. But Virginia has given lawyers the results of tests carried out on its batches of drugs that provide further alarming evidence of haphazard standards.

The test results show vast discrepancies in the strength of the compounded chemicals. Some of the vials of Midazolam, a drug that has been used in several botched executions including that of Clayton Lockett in Oklahoma, who writhed and groaned on the gurney for 43 minutes, were found to be barely two-thirds the recommended strength  well below official standards.

The potassium chloride, a fearsome drug that is used in executions to stop the heart but can induce the sensation of having liquid fire inside the veins, was found to be as low as 89% strength in some batches.

Maya Foa, director at the international rights charity Reprieve, accused Virginias department of corrections of dealing drugs on the black market, under cover of a secrecy law that shields back-alley compounding labs from regulation. She said that the drugs in the states possession had already led to one prolonged and potentially torturous execution and were now set to be injected into Morva within hours.

Rather than relying on chance to decide whether William Morva dies in agony, Governor McAuliffe should intervene and stop this execution, she said.

The attorney for condemned prisoner, Dawn Davison, said that instead of focusing on killing Morva the state should give him treatment for severe mental illness. Nothing can be gained by pushing ahead, except subjecting a vulnerable man to a potentially slow and excruciating death.
An Alabama house party turned ugly on the Fourth of July when a dispute spilled into the streets and developed into an unruly mob that was caught by gas station surveillance cameras.

Police in Eufaula say the drama unfolded at a Citgo station where footage appears to show numerous shots being fired as a fight descends into complete pandemonium.

Watch: Brawl Between McDonald's Customer and Employees Caught on Video

With the help of videos and eyewitness accounts, police say they identified at least three armed individuals in the group, where multiple shots were fired throughout the course of the melee.

While cops say that while the Citgo property was damaged, no one was struck by a bullet.

It was a surprising incident, something thats never happened in Eufaula before, Sgt. Donald Brown of the Eufaula Police Department told WTVM. "Fortunately no one was hit."

Many feared for their lives, however, and video taken from multiple angles shows people fleeing as shots rang out.

Police vowed to bring any criminals involved to justice in a strongly worded statement they posted to Facebook.

Watch: Flight Attendant Gets Caught in Middle of Brawl on Southwest Flight

"We have positively identified two of the individuals and will obtain warrants for their arrest... This behavior should not be tolerated in a civilized society and we cannot emphasize enough to the other persons attending this gathering how much your lives were jeopardized," the statement read.

Anyone with information on the case is urged to call Eufaula police.

Watch: Crazy Brawl Breaks Out Among Friends on Luxury Sailboat

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Nadia Alawa, a human-rights activist, detailed the discomfort and humiliation she felt when targeted by a sales associate at a White House Black Market recently. (Photo: Getty Images)

A human-rights activist is speaking out this week about the anti-Muslim discrimination she says she experienced while shopping, when a sales associate insisting on making subtle jabs against her hijab.

Discrimination against Muslims, request for help, Nadia Alawa, of Boston, wrote in a lengthy July 3rd Facebook post describing the recent incident. Earlier that day, she explained, she had been browsing at the White House Black Market, a popular womens chain store, in Lynnfield, Mass. She was dressed, she says, in my usual Muslim American clothing, which includes a hijab, when a store manager approached her with a smug smile to ask how she was doing.

Alawa, who spends much of her time supporting Syrian widows and orphans through her non-profit humanitarian relief organization NuDay Syria, went on to recount in her post how, when she told the manager she was fine, the womans voice then shifted to an unfriendly tone as she asked, No, how are you REALLY doing?

Alawa continued: I say I am fine, how are you? She then says, you must be hot, that is why I am asking. I say, I am fine. She says you ARE hot, the store has AC and I am dressed like *this* (looks at herself in shorts and a top), and I am hot, so you must be hot dressed like that. I turn around and look at her, put the hanger back and say I am very fine, thank you.



I stand there for a minute, try to look casual, but feel so upset and humiliated. A basic shopping experience with two credit cards and cash in my purse and I have to defend my attire and am made to feel uncomfortable by a clerk that very clearly targeted me like a hungry shark out for fodder.

A minute later I go to the counter to filed a complaint, but get distracted by my kids entering the store, so all I can do is ask for the womans name and store card and tell her I will be in contact with the higher manager. At that point, Carisas face changed from snarky and arrogant to slightly surprised. SO. If you believe this is NOT the way to treat customers of ALL backgrounds, call the store + make a complaint to the manager.

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According to the American Civil Liberties Union, 69 percent of women who wore hijab have reported at least one incident of discrimination compared to 29 percent of women who did not wear hijab. Other statistics have found that Muslim women who wear headscarves are routinely passed over for jobs and sidelined in the workplace, and that one out of every eight Muslim women is asked illegal questions during interviews  compared to one out of every 30 non-Muslim women.

Alawa did not respond to an interview request from Yahoo Style.

A White House Black Market spokesperson provided the following statement to Yahoo Style: We have reached out to Ms. Alawa to hear her perspectives directly. We are committed to providing an environment in all of our stores that is free of harassment and discrimination. We value the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and uniqueness of all of our customers and employees, and we hope to have the opportunity to speak directly with Ms. Alawa.

Alawas supporters have vowed, through Facebook comments, to call the store. Others say they could relate to her story.

I was actually in another WHBM store about ten days ago when I was being ignored until I was way in the back and an elderly clerk walks by me and snarks that I must be very hot. I just smiled and say I am fine, one commenter noted.

Yet another supporter  who had heard these comments before but not understood them to be discriminatory  thanked Alawa for teaching me this lesson, especially that they could be this mean or worse to other Muslim women who cannot or will not defend themselves, and this will maybe help and give us equal rights just like any citizen in this country is allowed to have.

Among those calling on Alawas behalf was her own daughter, Laila, who called and spoke with a manager named Mindy, according to Facebook. Mindy, Alawa reported, defended the behavior of the sales associate, Carisa, she wrote, adding that the manager said that I was wrong for being offended, and that I had a responsibility to explain to Carisa why I was feeling the way I did. When Laila said she would post it on social media, Mindy got very agitated, and continued to say that Carisa didnt have a mean bone in her body. This is after 10 minutes of Laila explaining WHY the behavior was wrong.

On July 4, Alawa posted this update: Getting bullied in a store by a clerk is so much more than two minutes of discomfort and humiliation. It is a systemic approach to how to treat minorities and I wont take it. It is not about me, it is not about one particular store and bigoted clerk even; it is about all of us and our rights as citizens and humans in a country built on the right to freedom and liberty and peaceful expression of opinion including freedom of religion.

Finally, in a response to a comment from a supporter who said shed experienced similar, she said, Its been over a year now with clerks and assistants visibly starting to drop comments, act rude, ignore me, and belittle my requests. It is not direct harassment, but subtle and demeaning. I can easily smile and move one when people drop comments, but as a shopper I do not want to normalize these kinds of interactions that are clearly not meant to be friendly.

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HAMILTON  Former Ravalli County Treasurer Valerie Stamey claims in a new federal court lawsuit that she was illegally fired, and is suing 13 current and former county employees, as well as the owners of the Bitterroot Star, who she says are all covering up long-term deficiencies in the treasurers office.

This case represents the coordinated effort on the part of those in charge of Ravalli County government to utterly destroy the livelihood and dignity of a person based on a complete fabrication to protect the malfeasance of the Defendants herein named, Stameys attorney, Robert Myers, wrote in the lawsuit. In Ravalli County, they arent contented to beat you; they must destroy everything about you.

The case was filed June 25 in U.S. District Court in Missoula  exactly three years after the county commission voted to suspend Stamey on charges of official misconduct. Stamey was interim treasurer for eight tumultuous months in which the office fell behind in maintaining the countys books, key employees quit, and bank deposits werent made. After Stamey was suspended, county officials found about $780,000 piled on her desk and in box tops on her floor.

County Attorney Bill Fulbright, who is one of the defendants in the case, said the county hasnt been served, so it would be premature and inappropriate for him to comment.

Other defendants include current or former commissioners Greg Chilcott, J.R. Iman, Jeff Burrows, Chris Hoffman and Suzzy Foss; Ravalli County Clerk and Recorder Regina Plettenberg; former deputy treasurers Linda Issacs, Mary Borden and Bonnie Dugan; former treasurer Joanne Johnson; county employees Karlyse Murphy and Jana Exner; and Charlene and Michael Howell, owners of the Bitterroot Star.

Stamey is seeking $20 million in punitive damages, along with $240,000 for loss of economic opportunities resulting from the defendants actions.

The lawsuit includes numerous allegations. Stamey said the commission illegally suspended her after alleging official misconduct in a civil case; she claims they only can suspend her via a criminal case.

Stamey alleges that the county incorrectly limited an investigation to her time in office when looking into the failure of the county to abide by Montanas finance laws. She believes the problems stretch back much farther, and that Chilcott, Iman, Burrows and Fulbright orchestrated a cover up investigation of the long-term deficiencies in the Ravalli County Treasurers Office 

Stamey said she wanted to involve the FBI in the investigation, but instead the county hired retired judge Nels Swandall and the accounting firm of Anderson Zurmuhlen. In addition, she contends that Murphy manipulated accounting software to prevent Stamey from doing her job, creating the false impression that she was incompetent.

The Howells were the press lynch pin who coordinated with the other defendants to make a news story of the false claims, according to Stamey.

Michael Howell also hadnt seen the lawsuit and declined to comment on her allegations. Theyre defendants in a similar federal court lawsuit in which Stamey is seeking $8 million from the Howells.

A Ravalli County district judge ruled last fall that Stamey committed official misconduct by failing to perform her statutory duties and had to pay the county $151,478.22.

The county filed a lawsuit against the former treasurer in June 2014 after she was suspended from that position for failing to perform her job. It took the county six separate summonses and two years of searching before it finally tracked Stamey down in South Carolina, where she was served with legal papers in May 2016.
Movies like Jurassic Park paint the Tyrannosaurus Rex as a ferocious hunter capable to crushing bones (and Jeep Grand Cherokees), but more recent research suggests the king of the lizards was largely a scavenger. Now, new research into an ancient species of crocodile paints a picture of a creature that not only boasted teeth as large as a T-Rex, but had an attitude to match its intimidating appearance. Its called the Razanadrongobe sakalavae, or Razana for short, and its not something youd have wanted to encounter on the muddy shore of a Jurassic watering hole.

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New research into the ancient crocodile species reveals that its thick jaw bones, deep skull structure, and huge teeth would have made it adept at not just rending flesh from bone, but but pulverizing tendon and bone for consumption as well. Its teeth were also serrated, making it particularly good at tearing through body parts. It was an imposing force in the Jurassic period, and may have even been the top predator in the region (now Madagascar).

Like these and other gigantic crocs from the Cretaceous, Razana could outcompete even theropod dinosaurs, at the top of the food chain Cristiano Dal Sasso of the Natural History Museum of Milan explains.

The beast would have measured some 23 feet long and weighed in as much as 2,200 pounds. It could swim just fine, but was also skilled at traversing dry land, with erect limbs that lifted it above the ground unlike how modern crocodiles typically slide along. In short, it was yet another example of why you wouldnt have lasted ten seconds in the Jurassic world.

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The IDF, the Shin Bet, the Border Police and the Israel Police carried out a joint operation overnight Wednesday during which they discovered weapons-manufacturing equipment in the Palestinian village of Al-Ram northeast of Jerusalem.

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Weapons-manufacturing machine (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

Following the discovery, the security forces sealed off two of the illegal workshops while two lathes were confiscated along with numerous other weapons. Another lathe was located in a village in situated in the Etzion Regional Division.

IDF find lathes, seal off weapons workshops (:  ")

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Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit

In a separate overnight operation, the IDF carried out a mapping of the home belonging to a terrorist from the village of Deir Abu Mash'al ahead of its demolition for his role in a recent combined terror attack at the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem during which MSG. Hadas Malka was killed.

Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit

In the attack , three terrorists armed with semi-automatic weapons and knives struck in two different parts of Jerusalem's Old City, killing the 23-year-old border policewoman.
Israel is pressing the United States and Russia to secure a demilitarized zone in southern Syria where Hezbollah and other militant organizations backed by Iran will not be able to operate, according a report in the British Times Thursday.

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According to the report, Israel is also closely following the talks between the United States and Russia in Amman in regards to the future of southern Syria.

Photo: EPA

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin even spoke on the phone on Thursday. According to the Kremlin, Netanyahu requested the phone call and the two leaders continued their exchange of views on Russian-Israeli cooperation.

In regards to joint efforts to combat international terrorism, the Kremlin reported that the two leaders discussed the situation in Syria and the Middle East.

Lieberman tours northern border (:  / )

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The Times also reported that the proposed demilitarized zone will be roughly 50km east of the Israeli border towards the city of Daraawhich is reportedly at the center of US-Russian talksand onward to the city of As-Suwayda.

Israel is worried that Hezbollah and other hostile militant groups will take up position in southern Syria close to the border. As such, according to the report, Israel is supplying weapons to rebels and attempting to gain support among Syrians by providing humanitarian aid and medical care to wounded rebels and civilians.
- Reverend Sam Korankye Ankrah says the people of Denkyira Obuasi have been cursed for generations for killing Major Maxwell Mahama of the Ghana Army

- He said Denkyira Obuasi youth will die young and that no leader will come from the community

- The pastor said only three days of fasting and prayers by members of the community can lift the curse

Click here to get the latest news in Ghana.

Reverend Sam Korankye Ankrah, the founder of the Royal House Chapel International, has claimed that a curse has been placed on the people of Denkyira-Obuasi in the Central Region for killing Major Maxwell Mahama.

Sam Korankye Ankrah

Major Mahama, an officer in the Ghana Army, was killed by a mob at Denkyira-Obuasi in May after people allegedly mistook him for an armed robber.

The mob shot him several times and hit him with dangerous objects such as cement blocks and tree branches.

They then set his body ablaze in a killing that provoked fierce outrage and condemnation from members of the public.

The late Major Maxwell Mahama

According to a report by Accra-based Starr FM, Rev. Korankye Ankrah spoke at a church in East Legon and said that by killing Major Mahama, the Denkyira Obuasi people had inflicted a curse on themselves.

He said the curse was so dangerous that people in the community would die once they clock 33 years, which was Major Mahama's age when he was killed.

He said people in the community would not prosper and that they would be unable to produce leaders for generations.

The reverend added that the curse would only be lifted if powerful men of God led the people of the community in a three-day fasting and prayer session.

Sam Korankye Ankrah

Several social media users who commented on YEN.com.gh's Facebook page, on Wednesday, condemned Rev. Korankye Ankrah's remarks, which they said were inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible.

They said although the killing of the army officer by some people in Denkyira-Obuasi was an evil act, the preacher had no right to lay curses on them.

Click here to get YEN.com.gh news on the go with our mobile app

READ ALSO: YEN.com.gh has 9 breathtaking photos of the best dressed celebrities on Instagram this week.

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YEN.com.gh invites you to send your tips and stories for publication on our platform. Contact us on Facebook or via email at info@YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh
Tropical jungles in Central America host hundreds of different plants while Montanas forests only support dozens. Isnt that just because jungles get more rain and sun?

What sounds like a simple answer overlooks some really complicated science. University of Montana fire ecologist Andrew Larson was part of a 50-author study to sharpen that understanding. And the result shows plant communities depend on good enemies as much as good resources.

This is the most difficult study Ive tried to explain, Larson said last week after the project was published in Science magazine. We cant pick up everything we know from the tropics and use it to explain forests here. We couldnt take a tropical biologist and turn them loose in the Rattlesnake, because they couldnt fully explain what they see any more than someone from Montana going down to Costa Rica. Were going to have to learn some new things to explain and understand whats going on.

The research also builds support for an old idea, broached in the 1970s by ecologists Daniel Janzen and Joseph Connell. They suggested jungles teemed with rare species not just because there was lots of fertile soil and water and sun, but because it was easier to be rare than common in a competitive environment.

Imagine growing up in a farming town like Malta or a big city like Seattle. Children of a Malta farmer can successfully find work growing wheat for the family or on another farm. But the children of a baker in Seattle would probably fail if they opened another bakery next to Mom and Dad. Theyd have more success with a furniture repair shop or a bookstore  occupations that would struggle in a small farming town.

Similar patterns play out in forests. Tropical jungles in Central America display dozens or hundreds of species not only because theres more water and heat near the equator, but because the rarity of each individual species makes it harder for a specialized bug or disease to find victims. Thats known as rare species advantage.

Conversely, offspring of tropical species struggle in the shadow of their parents because the mature plants hog the few resources theyve specialized in consuming. This falls under the mouthful term conspecific negative density dependence.

Move toward the harsher environments of the temperate zones (like North America), and the pattern changes. Plant species may team up with allies like underground fungi to make the best of limited resources. We wind up with extensive forests of lodgepole pine or prairies covered with a few species of grass.

The 50 authors from 12 countries who contributed to this finding asked an enormously important question that has been on the minds of scientists since Darwin, said David J. Skorton, secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Until now, there was no satisfying answer to the question of why there are so many species of trees in tropical forests.

This study, convened by the Smithsonian Forest Global Earth Observatory network, used 24 research plots 25 to 60 acres in size. Each had a team of ecologists individually tagging, measuring, and identifying everything bigger than half an inch in diameter  every year. Former UM wildlife biology graduate Joe LaManna led the project as a post-doctoral student at Washington University.

It took thousands of hours to generate all that data, Larson said. You can learn a lot from a satellite, but you cant do this. You have to get out in the field and track performance and demography.

Larson was responsible for three of the sites, in Yosemite National Park, southwestern Washington and Utah. As the project progresses  it will continue after publication of the study  he hopes to add a Montana plot to the inventory.

One thing the study shows is how the relationships with friends and enemies changes as species move from the tropics to the temperate zones. In the jungle, the kaleidoscope of rare plants jumbled together makes it hard for a predator to concentrate on the weaknesses of a particular species. The same principle keeps one species from becoming dominant because it would support an equally dominant predator that would overwhelm it in a boom-and-bust cycle.

But the pattern changes as landscapes get closer to the poles. As the resources get limited, specialization pays off even as it encourages specialized enemies. That may stem from the need to take advantage of whatever the tougher habitat offers. But it also might mean that changes in climate, like more seasonal rains or heat waves, could have amplified impacts on how temperate forests look.

Papers like this one are exciting, because weve documented a strong global pattern, Larson said. Weve speculated about this, but no one had the huge amount of data needed to show it.
U.S. Sen. Jon Tester is expected to discuss outside influences affecting domestic and international elections as part of a panel discussion scheduled Friday at the University Center.

The panel will discuss multiple ways U.S. elections are influenced, including the effect of dark money and the Citizens United ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, as well as Russias alleged role in the 2016 election. In addition to Tester, the panel will include former CIA analyst Nada Bakos and University of Montana law professor Anthony Johnstone. A representative from U.S. Sen. Steve Daines' office will also be at the discussion to read a statement from Daines.

The discussion moderator will be Bob Seidenschwarz, president emeritus of the Montana World Affairs Council, one of the groups helping to organize the panel. Seidenschwarz wants to give a historical perspective on the issues being discussed as well as reflect on current events.

We need our collective memory sharpened sometimes, Seidenschwarz said.

Although a large part of the discussion will be about what is happening within the United States, Seidenschwarz plans to ask Bakos about how the United States has disrupted elections in other countries. Understanding how other countries and businesses have tried to change the outcome of elections in the past is a huge part of understanding Russian actions in 2016 and how the United States can protect itself in the future, Seidenschwarz said.

This is about an attack on the integrity of our election system, Seidenschwarz said. That should be a concern for all Americans regardless of political stripe.

Seidenschwarz plans to ask Tester about how prepared America is when it comes to cyber warfare.

As for the 2016 election, Seidenschwarz hopes the panels discussion will also address allegations that Russia attempted to infiltrate and invalidate the results of the U.S. elections.

By having a collaborative discussion, Seidenschwarz hopes to challenge peoples preconceptions about some of these issues.

I would guess the majority of the people have their respective opinions and views established, but that does not mean they are informed, Seidenschwarz said.

The panel was organized with the help of the Montana World Affairs Council, Montanans for National Security and the Davidson Honors College. Emma Harrison, the World Affairs Council's program director, said the hope is that the morning discussion will be as popular as some of the evening ones the group has organized, when anywhere from 100 to 300 people have attended.

The discussion will be at 9 a.m. Friday at the University Center on the University of Montana campus. Admission is free.
KALISPELL  The earthquake that rattled residents awake early Thursday morning in northwest Montana left some frayed nerves, but no damage in its wake.

Emergency management directors in both Flathead and Lake counties reported that emergency dispatch centers were inundated by phone calls from residents reporting the earthquake.

Flatheads Rick Sacca said the dispatch center in Kalispell received 76 calls from people anxious to report they had felt the earthquake.

As of right now, we have zero injuries and zero reports of damage, Sacca said at about 9 a.m. Thursday morning. Im pretty happy about that.

Steve Stanley, Lake Countys emergency management director, said that countys dispatch center was also overwhelmed by calls.

It shut us down for awhile, he said. I dont know how many calls we received, but it was a lot. There were no requests for service.

At his home in St. Ignatius, Stanley said the earthquake was strong enough to send his daughter and their children under a table.

They are visiting from Alaska, he said. Thats the thing they do up there.

Stanley said it appeared that the northern half of the county shook a little harder. The Polson rural fire chief reported that some things had fallen off shelves at his home.

The earthquake didnt appear to cause any damage at the Selis Ksanka Qlispe Dam, five miles southwest of Polson, said Energy Keepers CEO Brian Lipscomb.

Workers began checking the dam immediately following the earthquake and were continuing that process Thursday morning, Lipscomb said.

The dam is staffed 24/7, he said. I was on the phone immediately after I felt the earthquake. It woke me right up.  Well go through the entire structure. Theres no apparent damage so far.

Glacier National Park spokesperson Lauren Alley said there was no confirmed damage at the national park.

There was a power outage for a small portion of the park. It was small enough that visitors may not have even noticed. Its also not clear if the outage was caused by the earthquake, she said.

The earthquake is a good reminder of the danger residents face in this area, Stanley said.

Its something that we dont think about until it happens, he said. People should consider adding earthquake insurance to their policy. Its not part of regular homeowners insurance. Its not that expensive.
BILLINGS  Shifting winds prompted the Bureau of Land Management to put the few residents of Landusky on alert for a potential evacuation Thursday morning as the July fire burning in the Little Rockie Mountains of north-central Montana moved.

The wind changed and is now coming out of the east-southeast, pushing the 2,100-acre fire northwest toward the historic mining town founded in the late 1800s, according to the BLM.

Phillips County sheriff's deputies have made contact with the residents of Landusky and told them to be ready to evacuate. The fire also spread overnight to within 1.5 miles of Little Rockies Christian Camp, south of Landusky. The camp is vacant and the caretaker has left.

Wildland firefighters and equipment are staging at the camp. Fire information officers from the Type-2 Incident Management Team will be in Landusky on Thursday to provide residents with more detailed information. A structure protection crew has also been assigned to Landusky.
It is summertime in Montana. Drive down the road, and you will see Montanans pulling their campers to their favorite campsites, hauling their mountain bikes to their favorite trails, or dragging their boats in search of fish. In the fall, they are likely to be adorned with hunters orange in pursuit of Montanas ample wild game. All of these pursuits rely on public lands and Montanans ability to access those lands.

Unfortunately, there are two ways to privatize our public lands  you can sell them, or you can block established, legal public access to those lands. In either case, the public is left on the outside. Lands the public cannot access are, for all practical purposes, private lands, even if the public does derive some income from those lands.

Recently, the U.S. Forest Service removed District Ranger Alex Sienkiewicz from his position in the Yellowstone Ranger District pending an internal investigation into his efforts to defend historical Forest Service trails and easements along the Crazy Mountains. Sienkiewicz is a Montanan who is raising his family in Livingston. He is an important part of our community. In addition to being an assault on the publics right to legally access its lands, this re-assignment threatens the Sienkiewiczs familys well-being and instills fear in our public employees who work for all of the public.

From the perspective of many of us, Sienkiewicz is being investigated for doing his job. Dont we expect our Forest Service employees to manage our lands for multiple use? Dont we expect the Forest Service to defend our legal public access to those lands? I believe we do.

It is very important to recognize that public lands which do not have public access will not be accessible until the Forest Service, or other public agencies, can negotiate an access with willing surrounding landowners. If negotiations are not successful, or landowners are simply not interested in reaching an access agreement, then the public lands will remain inaccessible. Nobody is trying to force open access to these lands. They, including Sienkiewicz, are simply trying to ensure that historical accesses are protected in light of the attack on public lands by the present administration.

When legal access to public land does exist, I believe Montanans fully expect the Forest Service to defend and maintain that access for Montanans. As with so many of these issues involving political pressure on public agencies, a look behind the curtain reveals a very troubling story. According to media reports, U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, and Congressman Pete Sessions from Houston, Texas, both contacted Agricultural Secretary Sonny Perdue regarding Sienkiewiczs efforts to protect legal, established accesses to landlocked public lands. According to Mary Erickson, forest supervisor, the reassignment was made after allegations from an assortment of landowners in the Big Timber area were raised to the level of the Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, and Sen. Steve Daines.

If Daines and Perdue support public ownership of public lands, then they should also support access to those public lands. By pressuring the Forest Service to reassign a Forest Service employee who is defending legal public access, Daines and Perdue are betraying their pledge to keep public lands in public hands. I urge Montanans to contact Daines. Let him know that support of public lands includes access to public lands.

I also urge Montanans to contact the Forest Service and ask them to resist political pressure and to reinstate Alex Sienkiewicz as district ranger for the Livingston Ranger District. Intimidation of public employees by powerful interests hurts all of us. In this case, it is hurting a great Montanan and his family as well.
A cult is a group of people that shuts out conflicting information and rejects facts in favor of an alternative reality.

Its time to call todays Republican Party what it is: a cult. The Republican Party hasnt always been a cult, but you can trace its conversion to one to the late 1980s and the rise of hate-based AM talk radio shows. Commentators such as Rush Limbaugh not only supplied the venom, they also delivered it with a hypnotic cadence that deep-seated their message. Fox News followed, claiming to be fair and balanced, while doing the opposite.

To facilitate the conversion, the GOP targeted people who were already controlled by the church and were therefore more susceptible to manipulation than those who were free thinkers. Issues used to gain and maintain followers included opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion. It didnt matter that Jesus was never quoted in the Bible as opposing either issue, or that the Bible actually contradicts the Republican definition of life at conception (Genesis 2:7 and Job 33:4); stoking such beliefs garnered unquestioned loyalty and allowed for the manipulation to commence.

In reality, the men behind the curtain couldnt have cared less about abortion, same-sex marriage, or the additional issue of guns. Instead, what they were really after was increasing their wealth via massive tax cuts and the freedom to cheat and pollute. Their manufactured moral issues were merely a brilliantly evil way to get cult members to vote against themselves.

For those who dont believe me, I present global warming as Exhibit No. 1:

That global warming is real, human-caused, and deadly is not in dispute in the real world. NASA, NOAA, the U.S. Military, peer-reviewed climate scientists and college science departments all agree on this. The only large organization in the world that disputes anthropogenic global warming is the Republican Party. And they do so not with scientists, but with devious misinformation that cult members lap up without question. Hence children will suffer so CEOs can get richer.

Still not convinced? Lets look at Exhibit No. 2:

The men behind the curtain had their biggest challenge when it came to getting Donald Trump elected. Although money was their personal lord and savior, what if their followers believed differently? Jesus preached in favor of kindness and turning the other cheek. He also preached against braggarts and the rich. Essentially, Donald Trump is the antithesis of everything Jesus stood for. Therefore, anyone voting for Trump would have to cast their Christianity aside.

A tough task? Apparently not. The Cult of Republicanism turned out to be stronger than the religious beliefs of roughly 62 million people. In fact, multitudes of Republicans wrote their local newspapers and posted on social media that Trump had actually been chosen by Jesus! Think about that for a minute. If Jesus existed as depicted in the Bible, why would he choose a man like Trump to be Americas president? The only thing more ridiculous would be choosing Dr. Hannibal Lecter to perform your liver transplant surgery.

Although there is no simple solution for deprogramming a cult, we can look behind the curtain for guidance. While influential Republicans rarely admit to being anti-education, their actions say otherwise: the right-wing comic strip Mallard Fillmore frequently rails against schools, conservative talk show hosts rant about intellectual elites, and Republican politicians slash education funding every chance they get.

Trump correctly bragged he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and not lose any voters. He also deftly proclaimed his love for the poorly educated. Cults dont question, and education is a cults greatest enemy. Therefore, for the rest of us, vigorously supporting education is our best hope for eventually returning the GOP to sanity.
By now, the rational or at least non-misogynistic among us had an opportunity to be appalled by President Donald Tweets recent Trumps (or is that backwards? Its hard to remember) regarding the hosts of Morning Joe, a cable TV talk show about which the president is apparently fixated. The exact language of the comments hardly deserve to be repeated again, but the nastiest (and loudest cry for psychiatric help from within the White House) was directed at Mika Brzesinski and touched on her intelligence (judged low), physical appearance (ditto) and blood flow (judged high which, lets face it, is really creepy and scary coming from just about anybody but especially from the guy holding the nuclear codes).

The presidents social media postings were widely denounced, including, mercifully, by leaders of his party. The official word from the White House was that the president was merely giving tit for tat, which is, of course, exactly what they say on the preschool playground. Republicans fretted that their legislative agenda was getting trampled, Democrats were secretly pleased about the trampling and almost nobody was shocked by it all. Trumps coarse language and personal attacks against his critics on Twitter have simply become too commonplace and familiar for Americans to be shocked. Sickened, yes, but surprised? Ah, those were the days  back when presidents spoke with dignity and intelligence  about six months ago.

Even Trumps most vigorous defenders (aside from the ones on his payroll or sitting at his dinner table) will admit he has acted foolishly. But heres something else Americans need to take away from this latest act of self-sabotage: Can we all now agree that billionaires arent inherently better than everyone else? That being richer than Croesus doesnt make one smart or virtuous or even possessing of sound judgment? That wealth isnt much of a yardstick to assess character or even management skills or the understanding of a complex central government? That might seem obvious, yet the expectation that a successful businessman could make a nation great again was the main pitch of the Trump candidacy and seems to suffuse the Trump administrations every action.

Who can be trusted to set economic policy? Mr. Trumps cabinet has a combined wealth of more than $9.5 billion. As the president told supporters last month at an Iowa rally, he doesnt want a poor person in his cabinet. Perhaps thats why so many of his proposals to date would disproportionately benefit the rich, from Republican health care reform (billionaire Warren Buffett has calculated that the House version of the Obamacare repeal would provide him a cool $679,999 a year while taking health insurance away from tens of millions) to his outline for tax reform (which contains all kinds of benefits to the super-rich from the elimination of the estate tax to a lower corporate tax rate). This notion that the U.S. economy is driven by the proper nurturing of the 1 percent is not only demonstrably untrue and remarkably un-American but so unabashedly narcissistic as to enter the realm of self-parody.

Surely, this puts Trump is the rare air of a Travis Kalanick, the 40-year-old Uber founder (worth several Donald Trumps, if we are to use that measure) whose arrogance, scandals and bro culture led to his recent resignation as CEO, or perhaps the various disgraced super-rich of recent years from con artists like Bernard Madoff to outright frauds like Kenneth Lay and Jeffrey Skilling of Enron fame. Their money didnt make them better people; if anything, their drive for wealth demonstrated their lack of character. There are some extraordinary people who have made fortunes in business, but there are also extraordinary people teaching the next generation to read, walking police beats, inventing the next life-saving medication or helping lift the disadvantaged out of poverty  all for a fraction of a rich persons pay.

The Donald Trump of The Apprentice, that all-knowing, generally benevolent and relatively dignified presence who appeared in a dramatically-lighted board room at the beginning and end of each episode to judge the success or folly of contestants? Thats a fiction, people. As revolting as the presidents tweets may seem to average Americans, they are an invaluable reminder that rich does not make right. Billionaires are no better or worse than anyone else, and the one who currently occupies the Oval Office seems to use Twitter primarily to demonstrate his everyday, ordinary vulgarity.
Jan. 29, 1931-June 29, 2017

GREAT FALLS  William Moran OKeefe, 86, of Great Falls, passed away at home just before sunrise on June 29, 2017. Anyone who knew Bill, knew it was his habit to watch the sunrise outside his window every morning, as he loved that quiet morning time. A blessing, then, to part with this world in this manner.

Born to Remy and Frances OKeefe on Jan. 29, 1931, in Missoula, Montana, Bill spent his early childhood in Maxville, Montana where his love for all things Montana and all things Irish were fostered and deeply rooted. After his fathers death in 1938, the family moved to Deer Lodge where Bill graduated in 1948. Bill then spent four years in the U.S. Army, serving in Germany. Upon his return from duty he met the love of his life, Sylvia Ann Ingraham, and they married Aug. 13, 1953. Rare were the times spent apart and in his last months of battling lung cancer, Sylvia tended to him around the clock, with family and their loyal dog, Roadey, constantly by his side.

Early in his career he became a welder for Montana Power Company (MPC), moving his family first to Cut Bank and then to Butte before finally settling at Rainbow Dam downstream from Great Falls. Bills genius did not go unnoticed and soon his rise within the company was fostered by all those who encountered his analytical and inquiring mind. Before retiring on Jan. 29, 1996, he had become Superintendent of Hydro II, in charge of all MPC dams in Montana. He was known during his career of being a family man and an unselfish man of his time and knowledge. Bill had a deep interest in technology, which was a great asset to all, as was his passion for his work.

Bill and Sylvia enjoyed touring Ireland and visiting the OKeefe homestead. They also enjoyed traveling on their Gold Wing across the western United States and Canada. Photography, Montana history, family history and Irish history kept him active and engaged all his life. These interests naturally led to his involvement for many years in the Sons and Daughters of the Montana Pioneers. He especially loved to participate in the Bell Ringing Ceremony to honor the Montana History Teacher of the Year at the Capital each Nov. 8, the anniversary of Montanas Statehood. Bill was most proud of his heritage by being a direct descendant of one of Montanas first pioneers. Bills love for history came full circle when he became engaged in the development of the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.

Although Bill passed away from lung cancer, he spent more than five years with dementia and fibrosis of the lungs after having survived throat cancer.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Sylvia; their five children, Mike (Liz) of Butte, Pat of Great Falls, Sherry Faber of Billings, Mary (Rex) Streets of Billings, and Ray (Lourdes) of Vernon, Florida; six grandchildren, Jason (Renee), Justin, Kelsey and Conner OKeefe, Will (Caitlyn) Faber and Beth (Trey) Gregg; great-grandsons, Greyden and Kasen OKeefe and his soon-to-be namesake, Liam Faber; sister, Barb (Jim) Beck Weis of Helena; and dozens of nieces and nephews whose lives were carefully recorded on the family tree Bill kept in precise detail, the work and legacy of which has been enjoyed by many family members.

He was preceded in death by his father, Remy; his mother, Frances; siblings Emmett, Edward, Donald, Daniel, Robert John (Pat) OKeefe, and Gloria Corcoran; and niece Shelley OKeefe.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 6, at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel, 1410 15th St S. Burial of ashes will follow with full military honors at Highland Cemetery. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

The family would like to thank the wonderful people at Great Falls Clinic Hospital, Grandview facility, and Peace Hospice for their excellent care and dedication.

In lieu of flowers, please consider Peace Hospice, Shriners Hospital for Children, Childrens Receiving Home of Great Falls or any charity of your choice for donations.
Narendra Modi has become the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel, arriving in Tel Aviv on Tuesday as part of a three-day visit to mark 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Commenting on social media ahead of his departure, Modi said he was looking forward to holding extensive talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he called "my friend ... who shares a commitment for vibrant India-Israel ties."

"From boosting economic ties to furthering people-to-people interactions, my Israel visit has a wide range of programs," added Modi.

The landmark visit includes meetings with industry leaders and members of the Indian community as well as Moshe Holtzberg, a boy whose parents were killed in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks.

Important ally

Arun K. Singh, India's former ambassador to Israel, believes the milestone trip "will enhance awareness" within both countries of the "increased significance of the relationship."

Israel has in recent years become an important defense supplier for India. The two countries signed an air and missile defense deal worth almost $2 billion in April, in what Israel termed the "largest defense contract deal" in its history.

"There has been a focus on defense and counter-terrorism and it is important. This kind of cooperation enhances the confidence that countries have with each other," Singh told CNN.

The trip follows Modi's meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington on June 27, in which Modi was seen hugging Trump in front of the world's cameras, a sign of affection reserved for the leaders of a select few countries.

"One of the reasons that Israel and the West are really important for India is that China can outspend India any day and every day," said Abhijit Iyer-Mitra, a senior fellow at the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies.

"The West and Israel focus on the quality of technology and that becomes a massive force equalizer... Israel, Europe and America do not sell to China, and that's really the biggest aspect of that India and Israel relationship."

Modi's Israel trip comes amid an escalating border dispute between India and neighboring China, with both sides accusing the other of territorial intrusions.

Not just about defense

Economic relations between India and Israel have flourished since the establishment of formal diplomatic ties in 1992.

Bilateral trade at the time was worth $200 million and mainly consisted of diamonds. By 2016, that figure had skyrocketed to $4.16 billion, excluding defense expenditure.

In 2016, India accounted for 3.3% of Israel's trade, with imports and exports including agriculture, textiles, machinery, and chemical and mineral products.

Under a program titled "Make in India," Modi has been looking for foreign companies to set up production in India. Modi's trip, which includes scheduled meetings with Israeli CEOs, is likely to be viewed as an opportunity to encourage Israeli businesses -- ranging from diamond merchants to tech firms -- to sell their wares in India.

"Defense has been a primary driver, but I think this visit will be about broadening the relationship," said Dhruva Jaishankar, a foreign-policy fellow at Brookings India.

"Both sides are trying to create an enabling environment for a broader relationship. When India looks West, there aren't too many stable democracies anymore. Same with Israel, so when it looks East, it sees some stability in India. That creates a natural convergence of interest."

Modi and Netanyahu are expected to announce agreements and address the media on Wednesday.

Palestinian visit not in the cards

In May, Modi hosted Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, for a state dinner and affirmed "India's commitment to the Palestinian cause." He later added that he "earnestly hopes for early resumption of talks between Palestine and Israel leading to the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine."

However, Modi's schedule does not include a visit to Ramallah, the city where the Palestinian Authority is based.

According to Jaishankar, this has little to do with making a political statement.

"India has always had a very good relationship with Palestinian authorities. When India's President Pranab Mukherjee went to Israel in 2015, he visited Ramallah. India is not going to abandon the Palestinian cause, but Israel is certainly more important."

CNN's Dan Merica and Manveena Suri contributed to this report.
The need for clean water is indisputable. We expect it from the taps in our homes, we rely on it to irrigate the food we grow in Montana, and we know that it is essential for the fish and wildlife that make our states rivers, lakes, and streams the icons of the American outdoors. Only water that is clean at its source can ensure that we have clean water for these essential uses.

Thats why the announcement of the EPAs process to unravel protections of the Clean Water Act for small headwater streams is so troubling. When the Clean Water Rule (CWR) was completed in 2015 it extended the Clean Water Acts protections to nearly 50 percent of Montanas streams and rivers that had little prior safeguards against contamination. Of the roughly one million Americans who commented on the CWR, 87 percent were supportive. Clean Water Rule protection of the nations streams and wetlands buffer against floods, maintain healthy habitats that minimize drought, filter pollutants from drinking and irrigation water, as well as provide vital spawning and rearing grounds for native and wild trout.

By Executive Order, President Trump has set in motion a fast-paced process for the EPA to rescind this nationally-popular protection for clean water. In its place, the administration has indicated they want a new rule that will not provide near the protection for the 60 percent of US streams and 20 million acres of wetlands covered by the rule being rescinded.

To counter this ill-conceived effort, we must act quickly. The EPA will soon begin a 30-day public comment period. In the same way that the public overwhelmingly supported the CWR, we now have to oppose its undoing.

As the EPA follows the Executive Branchs marching orders to jeopardize the nations sources of clean water, we have 30 days to say no. Not in Montana and not in this country. Montana Trout Unlimited and our 4,500 members will let our states Congressional delegates and the EPA know that we not only support clean water, we require it and demand assurance that the water we need for drinking, food production, and livestock is protected by law.

Clean water is a basic human right. It is not political. An equally basic truth is that water runs downhill. Because we all live downstream, the Clean Water Act must protect water at its sources. Similarly, protections for clean water must begin at the source of all good democracy  you.

Let our leaders know how you feel about clean water. MTU will.
CHICAGO  Thank you, thank you, thank you, President Trump.

I offer my gratitude because after years of being the last of my immigrant family members to undertake the naturalization process, my mother just took the oath to become a U.S. citizen.

It finally happened after 10 years of prodding and needling and of painting doomsday scenarios about crazy, obscure ways that legal permanent residents can accidentally become deportable. For instance, paperwork mishaps like failing to file a change of address form to the Department of Homeland Security within 10 days of a move could put a green card holder at risk of fines, jail or even deportation.

But, ultimately, all it took was a new president promising to do his best to rid the country of immigrants to get her to undertake the long, arduous process.

She started her application process less than a month after the November election and now I can sleep easy knowing that no bureaucratic slip-up will send my mom back to the country where she spent only the first third of her life.

My mom was hardly alone in hesitating to make the leap. Though Mexicans represent the largest group of legal permanent residents, their rate of naturalization is only about half that of green card holders from all other countries combined, according to the most recent tally by the Pew Research Center.

There are many reasons for this: Many of the immigrants surveyed indicated that they weren't engaging in the process because they felt their English skills were not good enough or were scared that the citizenship test would be too difficult.

In my mom's case, neither of those was an issue. What had been keeping her from taking the plunge was a combination of comfort with her legal status and the hassle of undertaking a complex administrative process.

However, once mere legal permanent residence status stopped feeling like the most secure way to ensure her future in the United States, it was an easy decision.

But people who tsk-tsk that more eligible immigrants don't naturalize rarely realize that it takes money and time that many people don't have.

The process took six months from filing the initial forms to completing the interviews and taking the test. But it was, effectively, a walk in the park since she's an educated professional who has been a fluent English speaker for more than 40 years. And she had all the time in the world to manage the process because she recently retired. Plus, the $800 that it cost to pay for the application, get photos taken, travel to multiple appointments, and so on, was of little consequence to her budget.

For someone without all those resources, a task that could take up to a year or more is far less attainable than an uninformed observer might imagine. According to Pew, 94 percent of those who say they have not naturalized cite the cost of the application.

There are nonprofit groups out there like The New Americans Campaign, a nonpartisan national network of organizations helping immigrants navigate and pay for the citizenship process. Since its inception in 2011, the Campaign has helped more than 250,000 applicants and saved them more than $206 million in legal and application fees, but the group is hardly a household name.

Still, the latest data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services says that 752,800 people were naturalized in fiscal year 2016 -- a little higher than the average of 740,000 per year over the last decade, an increase that's almost surely due to people who wanted to be eligible to vote in the 2016 election. But it will be some time before statisticians can determine whether, or how many, new U.S. citizens resulted directly from fears prompted by Trump's election.

No matter.

What counts is that last week in Chicago my mother and 114 other men and women from 33 countries spanning Armenia to the United Kingdom closed their journeys as immigrants and took the oath to be upstanding and honorable citizens.

They joyously swore to support our Constitution, renounce allegiance to all other countries, and also vowed to bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law.

That's right, America, my mom's got your back!

Hopefully, President Trump will inspire an unprecedented number of immigrants to become new Americans. And may they be energized to help others attain the safety of citizenship.

(c) 2017, Washington Post Writers Group
New Orleans, LA - As father-son activities go, Dewing Hickerson and Dewing "Dwayne" Alveris would have been better off taking up fishing or having a catch in the backyard. Instead, according to New Orleans police, they operated a prostitution ring and engaged in violence that sent both to state prison on Tuesday (June 27).

Alveris, 28, resolved two open cases when he pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the March 2016 killing of Hollygrove's Arthur Victor, and to the rape of a woman two months earlier inside his father's Algiers house. In exchange for his guilty pleas, District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro's office asked Criminal District Judge Byron C. Williams to impose a negotiated prison term of 19 years.

Hickerson, 49, whom police said shot a cellphone video of his son raping the woman, was sentenced to 10 years on a firearm charge in his own plea deal that saw kidnapping and rape charges dropped.

And accused accomplice Bryisha Pennington, 31, avoided prison with a plea agreement to a lesser charge for which she received a suspended sentence and probation.

The family's unique dynamic was on display in Williams' courtroom after the pleas were accepted and the sentences rendered. A smiling Alveris was granted permission to share a quick supervised visit with two young children and two family members before being escorted from the building by deputy sheriffs.

When Williams offered Hickerson the same consideration, the defendant shrugged off the judge's offer and never offered the young relatives a glance.

"Nah, I'm good," he told the judge before sitting back in the corner with other inmates.

Authorities contend the men were just as cold and dispassionate during the commission of the two crimes, which investigators have not publicly said were connected.

New Orleans police say Dewing Alveris raped a woman being held at gunpoint by his girlfriend, while his father recorded cellphone video of the assault.

According to arrest documents, the woman accusing Alveris of raping her in Hickerson's house on Jan. 2, 2016, didn't come forward with her accusation until two days after the 34-year-old Victor was shot to death in his Hollygrove home.

The woman purportedly worked as a prostitute in the ring operated by Alveris and his father, and came to meet them to repay a $200 debt. According to the affidavit sworn by NOPD sex crimes detective Jessica Williams, the woman said she was greeted at the door by Pennington, described in the report as Alveris' girlfriend and "main prostitute," who grabbed the woman by the hair and yanked her inside.

The woman told police Pennington pointed a gun at her, took her purse and car keys, and forced her into a back bedroom of the house. Alveris arrived at the home minutes later, the affidavit said.

"While in the room, the victim stated, she told Alveris she had his money and did not want any problems," the report said. "Alveris told her it was too late, and that she had to make up for her delay in repayment by having sex with him."

The woman told police that Alveris ordered her to remove her pants and raped her, while Pennington watched with the gun in her hand. She said that during the rape, Hickerson entered the room and began recording the sexual assault on his cellphone. The accuser told police that after the attack ended, Alveris rummaged through her purse and stole $400, and warned, "If you tell anyone, I will kill you along with your family members," according to the officer's affidavit.

An Orleans Parish grand jury in August 2016 indicted Alveris, Hickerson and Pennington on charges of first-degree rape, aggravated kidnapping and armed robbery with a firearm. First-degree rape is punishable by mandatory life imprisonment upon conviction, while armed robbery with a firearm carries a sentencing range of 10 to 99 years.

Dewing "Dwayne" Alveris, 26, and Dolhman "DJ" Brown Jr., 29, are each wanted on one count of second-degree murder, NOPD said.

Alveris, represented by defense attorney Bradley Phillips, struck a deal that saw the state drop the kidnapping charge, amend the sex crime charge to second-degree rape (punishable by 5 to 40 years) and keep the armed robbery charge intact. Williams approved the state's recommendation of a 10-year sentence on the rape count and 19 on the armed robbery, to be served concurrently.

Hickerson, represented by lawyer Jerome Matthews, took a deal that saw his kidnapping and rape charges dropped, and the armed robbery count amended to unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. He was sentenced to five years for taking the woman's car while she was being held captive, and also pleaded guilty to an open gun charge in a separate case. Formerly convicted of manslaughter, Hickerson pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 10 years, the low end of the 10- to 20-year range he faced. His sentences also are to be served concurrently.

Kidnapping and rape charges also were dropped Tuesday for Pennington as part of a deal negotiated through attorney Miles Swanson that saw her plead guilty only to an amended charge of aggravated assault with a firearm. Pennington received a 10-year suspended sentence and was placed on five years' active probation.

In Victor's death, Alveris' alleged accomplice Dolhman "D.J." Brown Jr. remains charged with second-degree murder and obstruction of justice, with a pretrial conference scheduled for July 14. The obstruction count against Alveris was dropped Tuesday in the deal that saw him plead guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter. He faced up to 40 years, but Williams approved the deal that included an agreed-upon sentence of 19 years to match the concurrent armed robbery sentence in his other case.

Brown, 30, is represented by defense attorney J.C. Lawrence. Police accuse Brown of accompanying Alveris to Victor's house in the 4200 block of Hamilton Street around 1 a.m. on March 27, 2016. While the other two men talked, investigators believe Brown fatally shot Victor from behind.
MUSCATINE  Residents should still avoid swimming in the Mississippi River, but city officials said Wednesday that treated water is safe.

City officials advised residents to avoid full-body contact with river water while swimming or participating in other activities. Individuals may become sick if river water is ingested.

The notice comes after the city's wastewater disinfection system malfunctioned.

City Communications Manager Kevin Jenison said it is the second time the ultra-violet disinfection system has broken down. It first happened in 2012, when the plant was struck by lightning.

This time, Jenison said, the gate, which limits how much water flows through the system, has stopped operating.

The water still meets the criteria to be discharged into the river, which was done Tuesday by the Water Pollution Control Plant.

"That water is still clear and has no contaminants," Jenison said in an interview. "This step takes the water from 98 percent (clean) to 99.8 percent. It's just the last step of cleaning."

Water Pollution Control Director Jon Koch said Iowa Department of Natural Resources requires the city to notify residents who live downstream of the Mississippi River when the system breaks.

"It isn't that the water being discharged is unsafe, but it is a requirement of our permit," Koch said. "And it makes good sense to keep people informed."

The UV-disinfection system is used to remove E.coli and other harmful bacteria from river water.

"The Mississippi River typically has E.coli in it from stormwater runoff, poor functioning septic systems and communities that do not have disinfection at their sewage treatment plants," Jenison said in a news release.

Muscatine was one of the first cities in Iowa to install a UV system, he said. It was installed in 2010 as part of an $18 million plant expansion. Cedar Rapids has a similar system.

Jenison said Muscatine has not used chlorine to disinfect treated wastewater since the 1980s.

"That had its own problems, including having to use chlorine gas to disinfect the water and then having to run the water through another process to remove the chlorine before it could be discharged into the river," Koch said in the release.

The city will notify residents when the UV-disinfection system is functioning, which could take about one week.

Residents who swallow river water should contact their doctor.
MUSCATINE The following people have recently been hired by Grain Processing Corporation in Muscatine.

Augustine Villa has joined Grain Processing Corporation as a division engineer.

After completing process training at the Washington, Indiana, GPC facility, he will join the Wet Milling Department.

He graduated in May from Iowa State with a bachelors degree in chemical engineering.

Jared Huhndorf has joined GPC as a division engineer.

After completing process training at the Washington, Indiana, GPC facility, he will join the engineering department.

He graduated in May from Iowa State with a bachelors degree in chemical engineering.

Brandon Antoine has joined GPC as a division engineer.

After completing process training at the Washington, Indiana, GPC facility, he will join the Alcohol Department.

He graduated in May from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City, South Dakota with a bachelors degree in chemical engineering.

Emmerson Mannin has joined GPC as a division engineer in the MALTRIN Department.

He recently graduated with a bachelors degree in chemical engineering from Purdue.

He has worked previously at GPC as part of his university studies as a five-term co-op.

Paul Hallett has joined GPC as a maintenance shop supervisor.

He has worked at GPC as a contractor through the Kelly Group since 2012, and has previous work experience at Midwest Industrial Corporation and Reynolds Engineering.
Les emplois a Rennes sont abondants et varies. Il y a quelque chose pour tout le monde. Que vous soyez a la recherche dun emploi []
Les blattes ou cafards (Blatta orientalis) sont des insectes qui appartiennent a la famille des Blattoptera. Ils se caracterisent par leur forme allongee, leurs ailes []
A Kenyan man involved in an on-going narcotics case was shot and killed in Georgia, United States.

Investigators said Joel Gatu Muturi, 23, tried to use his car to run over members of the Cobb Marietta Smyrna Narcotics squad last Thursday.

The incident happened at the Liberty Pointe Apartments located in the 700 block of Franklin Gateway SE at around 7 pm as authorities served the deceased with a warrant.

When they were here at the apartment, they had contact with the suspect in that case. The suspect attempted to run over a deputy sheriff in a vehicle. Shots were fired and the suspect is deceased, said Lt. Colonel Robert Quigley of the Cobb County Sheriffs office.

According to Fox5 Atlanta, the sheriffs office said they recovered a significant amount of drugs and weapons as the scene. They could not immediately disclose the type of narcotics but said several different drugs were found.

Our undercover narcotics unit had run a series of investigations. This is one they were working very heavily and they were certainly looking to get this individual into custody. And did everything they could to prevent this type of event from happening, said Quigley.

There were no serious injuries to the other law enforcement personnel involved.

The deputy who shot Mr Gatu will be placed on administrative leave until the completion of the investigation, a standard practice in this type of incident.

Gatu was the son of pastor Gatu and evangelist Lydia Gatu of Austell Georgia.

There will be prayers on Friday July 7th from 6PM-9PM at Kenyan American Community Church (KACC) 771 Elberta Dr. Marietta, GA. 30066

A memorial service will be held at the same location on Sunday, July 9th at 3 PM.
It was supposed to be the most anticipated live event in Kenya this year  the 2017 Presidential Debate. 2 of them were to be staged, with the first happening this coming Monday (July 10) at Catholic University of Eastern Africa.

However, plans were thrown into disarray yesterday after both Jubilee and NASA announced that their respective presidential candidates would not be attending. Jubilee was first to make the announcement, stating that they were not consulted in the planning and scheduling of the event. We are not even aware of the rules of engagement. So let them do it without him, Jubilee Vice Chairman David Murathe said.

Nasa quickly followed suit, saying that Raila would also not be attending the debate in its current format. They however left the window open urging President Uhuru to be open to debating Raila on issues affecting Kenyans in the present circumstances.

Organizers of the debate have announced two debates on the same day. The first is reserved for candidates polling above 5% nationally, and another for everyone else. They will commission an opinion poll one week before the debate (this week). This format has however been opposed by the other candidates, particularly Abduba Dida who has filed a case demanding the cancellation of the debate if all candidates will not be included on the same stage.

Debate Media Limited, the company organizing the debates, is fighting back the discrimination suit, saying that compared to the US where candidates must poll 15%, they are in fact very lenient. The ruling is expected on Friday.

Judging by Uhuru and Railas statements, it is almost guaranteed that they will not show up if any other candidate is included.

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Abduba Dida has come under attack from Kenyans for doing nothing for 5 years, sitting pretty during campaign season, and only waiting for the debate to throw a few jokes and one liners. In 2013, that strategy worked quite well. The results saw him finish in position 5 defeating even Martha Karua.

Despite this turn of events, Debate Media Limited has announced that the debate will still go on as planned. In a statement yesterday, they denied the claims that they have not been consulting presidential candidates, saying they were well informed even before the announcement was made in May. They however said that they will be reaching out to the two campaign teams for clarifications. Heres their statement signed by Wachira Waruru.

There is still a likelihood that both Uhuru and Raila will show up. In 2013, Uhuru said the same thing but still made an appearance.

According to court documents, Debate Media lists financial loses as part of the reasons the court should allow the debate to continue as planned. According to them, they stand to lose Sh200 million in advertising revenue. This is on top of Sh100 million that has gone into the planning, including hiring the venue, and constructing the stage and podiums.

So, how does a Sh100 million stage look like? Here are the first pictures from CUEA.
A public service vehicle conductor based in Nairobi has restored faith in humanity and the notorious matatu sector after a kind gesture towards a granny.

The conductor, dressed in his maroon uniform, was snapped helping a grandma in the busy streets of Nairobi and the photos shared on social media.

As the story goes, the unidentified man helped the elderly woman alight from a matatu. He then held her hand and helped her maneuver the chaotic hustle and bustle of the city centre.

With the grannys bag on his shoulder, the conductor was kind enough to take her to the next bus stop.

This is what a social media user who witnessed the incident wrote on social media:

Yesterday(Monday) while in town I could not fail to notice the young man help this grandma alight from a matatu where he is a conductor. He went ahead to help her cross the busy streets of Nairobi while carrying her bag. He took her to connect the bus to her next Destination and saw him run back to his matatu which had already left. This lady could not hide her joy as she was boarding the next bus. May God bless you young man and may God connect you to your Destiny helpers too.

If photos of Matatu conductors doing bad things trend,maybe photos of them doing good things like this act of kindness should also trend pic.twitter.com/SAJHm17AGx  Sharon (@jesang_) July 4, 2017



Some reactions:

Leah Karanja: Remnants of good nature will never lack.Upbringing is key.Wish some well placed person can capture this an highlight it to help improve on virtues in the matatu Industry.

Roselyne Wambui: So kind of him God bless this man waoooh

Rosemary Thira: Kudos to the woman who brought him up and God bless him too hes indeed a gem in an industry that is chaotic

Lillian Kakwekwe: oooh God bless this young man, this is so rare in kenya

Joy Arnold: God bless him i wish was able could have help him get his own matatu if he doesnt have one but i know God will bless him get one.

Mariann Nation: Its rare to find such kindness God has planted some seed of hospitality in him may He prosper in everyway.

Wambui Kagunya: MC Just dropped some tearsMay God bless you. His break through is nearer than he knows!

Sheerow Kagz: Wooh am speechless, God bless him Oooh connection to your destiny helper may become his portion

Robert Limo: Now these is the real Joshua.Kudos be blessed, long life brother!
Another incident of human-wildlife conflict has claimed the life of a man in Naari, Meru County.

Naftali Karani was trampled to death by a stray elephant on Wednesday as he and other residents joined forces to drive away the elephants from their potato farms.

Does the government value elephants more than its people? How come no one is concerned about our safety after many intrusions by wild animals, said Miriam Mungania, Karanis sister-in-law.

The midnight incident comes days after residents held demontrations on Friday to protest rampant killings by the animals.

Mungania said they have been forced into taking dangerous measures as men are sometimes required to sleep outside to drive away the jumbos.

According to Buuri Jubilee MP candidate Mugambi Rindikiri, the wildlife invasions have also affected learning in the area as children are sometimes unable to attend school for fears of attacks.

He called on authorities to construct an electric fence, saying there have been significant economic losses by the farmers.

Rindiriki also claimed the Kenya Wildlife Service has been reluctant in compensating those affected by the invasions.
A city businesswoman was on Tuesday night shot and injured during a mugging in Nairobis Donholm area.

The woman who operates an M-Pesa shop in the area was on her way home when she was accosted by three gunmen. The thugs are said to have ordered the woman to surrender her bag which contained the airtime valued at Sh400,000.

According to the police, the woman resisted with the bag and attempted to flee the scene but was shot on the back.

The gunmen made away with the bag as good Samaritans rushed her to Metropolitan Hospital in critical condition.

The bullet is said to have lodged in her stomach.
Napa Countys master plan to deal with the ever-increasing number of cars idling in congestion needs an octane boost in the view of the county grand jury.

The 2016-17 grand jury studied the Napa Valley Transportation Agencys Vision 2040 plan. It deemed the strategies and list of $1.9 billion in proposed highway improvements, new buses and new bike lanes inadequate to truly solve the countys traffic problems.

This 400-plus page document should be the guide for planning and funding of Napa County transportation needs for the next 25 years, but it does neither, a new grand jury report said.

The NVTA is a joint effort by Napa County and its cities to tackle regional transportation projects. Board President and St. Helena Vice Mayor Peter White said he didnt view the grand jury report as being negative, but rather as saying the NVTA could do better.

I think anytime there is a grand jury report, I like to take the tact we look at it positively first and not just look at it negatively, White said.

NVTA Executive Director Kate Miller said the agency Board of Directors will consider responses to the grand jury comments at its July 19 meeting.

Vision 2040, completed in September 2015, includes projects ranging from Soscol Junction improvements and a Highway 29/Trower Avenue overpass to increased bus service. About $600 million would go to maintaining existing infrastructure.

But the plan lacks measurable goals so the public can monitor progress, the grand jury said. In contrast, the Sonoma County plan calls for reducing the hours people are delayed by traffic by 20 percent below 2005 levels by 2040.

The grand jury submitted a list of recommendations to both the NVTA and Napa County Board of Supervisors.

County Supervisor and NVTA board member Alfredo Pedroza said Vision 2040 needs an update more than a rewrite, but he shared the grand jurys sense of urgency. Napa County has experienced much success in a short period of time and transportation plans havent kept pace, he said.

I do see the Board of Supervisors and NVTA being compelled to address transportation issues with real solutions, said Pedroza, who is also the countys Metropolitan Transportation Commission representative.

The grand jury sees high stakes for Napa Valley and its wine-centric, tourist-driven economy.

Extreme traffic congestion has the potential to threaten the livelihood of Napas tourism business, along with diminishing the quality of life for all county residents, the grand jury report stated.

The Napa County Board of Supervisors should form a task force by December that includes traffic, economic, employment and housing experts. This task force would develop a transportation plan with innovative funding sources and measurable goals, the grand jury recommended.

I think looking at it from a regional perspective and being inclusive is only going to mean positive outcomes, Pedroza responded.

But White and Miller were uncertain why such a recommendation would go to the Board of Supervisors, instead of to the NVTA.

Were not a body of the Board of Supervisors, Miller said. Its not like the Board of Supervisors would have jurisdiction over any other jurisdiction.

The NVTA should set clear expectations and timelines and establish measurable traffic congestion performance targets, the grand jury report said. It should begin making annual progress reports to the public in January.

The grand jury viewed traffic woes in a larger context.

Napa County workers in 2014 had a median annual income of $38,168. A household would need to earn $95,000 annually to buy a median-priced Napa County home of $606,000. This mismatch will continue fueling commutes into the county and traffic congestion, the grand jury report stated.

If projections are accurate, the number of workers commuting into Napa County daily by 2040 could increase 45 percent to 30,000, it said.

Meanwhile, federal and state transportation dollars are shrinking. Vision 2040s project list calls for $1.9 billion in local transportation spending over 25 years, with only $1.1 billion thought to be available.

The net result is that the NVTA needs to find other ways for Napa to self-fund transportation solutions, the report recommended, without elaborating what these ways might be.

In March 2015, the Napa County Board of Supervisors voiced its intention to revise the circulation element of the county general plan, including looking at a traffic mitigation fee to be paid by new rural development. Work on that idea is continuing.

But county Planning, Building and Environmental Services Director David Morrison doesnt expect such a fee, if enacted, to bring in huge amounts of money for congestion-relieving projects. The county approves only about 16 winery projects and 35 homes annually.

Its not a panacea, Morrison said.

NVTA officials at an April 2015 retreat mentioned the idea of seeking a transportation sales tax from voters to help fund Vision 2040 projects. Officials said they thought the agency first needed to bolster what they feared was a nondescript public image.

Pedroza said this week hes not yet ready to support new transportation taxes. First, he wants to look at using existing transportation dollars as an enticement to land more regional money.

Local sources include traffic reduces fees in cities and the Measure T half-cent sales tax for road maintenance that begins next year, replacing the expiring flood control tax.

I want to be careful and very sensitive to overtaxing our local constituents, Pedroza said.

The grand jury also looked at the NVTAs identity in the community.

The NVTA runs the VINE bus system and recently helped build the Oak Knoll section of the Napa Valley Vine Trail. Its other accomplishments include helping to bring about the 2014 Highway 12 widening in Jameson Canyon. It is a congestion management agency tasked with developing a regional transportation vision.

Yet the grand jury said it thought the agency does a poor job communicating the full scope of its responsibilities.

The NVTA has not educated the community (nor even convinced some of its own Board members) that it serves functions other than managing buses and building bike trails, the grand jury said.

White disagreed with this assessment. He views the NVTA as a full-service transportation agency, one tackling such projects as proposed Highway 29/Soscol Junction intersection improvements, and said it has tried to reach out to the public.

Dealing with congestion management will always be a challenge, White said. Just trying to get people out of their cars is a challenge.

The grand jury issued two commendations. It praised the way the NVTA works with the private sector on developing the Vine Trail. It also praised the agency for being helpful and responsive to all grand jury requests.
A vegetation fire that broke out Thursday afternoon blocked the road connecting northern Napa County to Yolo County, authorities said.

Cal Fire said the Winters Fire was reported at 12:41 p.m. off Highway 128 near Pleasant View Road, 3 miles southwest of Winters.

The fire, which spread to 80 acres, was 10 percent contained by 3:30 p.m., according to a Cal Fire press release. Firefighters at the scene faced a grassy oak woodland area with challenging steep terrains and difficult access.

No structures are believed to be threatened, and the cause is not yet known, said Suzie Blankenship, a spokeswoman at the fire agencys St. Helena station.

In response, the California Highway Patrol began closing Highway 128 near the fire site. Roadblocks forced drivers to turn back at the Markley Cove Resort in the west and at the Pleasants Valley Road intersection in the east, according to CHP Sgt. William Bradshaw in Napa.

The Sheriff's Office said late Thursday afternoon that it could be sometime Friday before the road reopens.
Douglas B. Haberman died on July 2, 2017 at Queen of the Valley Hospital. He was surrounded by his loving family. He was 93 years old. He grew up in Farmington, Michigan. At the age of 17, Doug joined the Navy and served in the South Pacific through World War II. After the war, he met Alma Lujan. The two were married in September of 1948 and settled in Napa, where they raised their four children, Terry Ann (Terry), Ronald (Helen), Jeffrey (Cindy) and Sandra (Marc). They have watched 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren grow up over nearly 70 years of marriage. Following his Naval discharge, Doug spent the next 33 years working at Mare Island. Following his retirement, Doug was an active member of the Napa Rifle and Pistol Club, serving as Secretary//Treasurer for more than 25 years. He also volunteered for the Napa County Sheriffs Aero Squadron for many years. His family will miss him dearly, but remember him fondly for his sharp wit, love of history, and ace shot. Services will be held at Claffey and Rota on July 10 at 12:30 pm. Graveside services with military honors to be held at Napa Memorial Park. Memories and notes of sympathy may be shared at claffeyandrota.com.
For a long time, it seemed Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsoms unspoken (at least publicly) agreement with Sen. Kamala Harris would bear the fruit he intended  inauguration about 17 months from now as governor of California.

The early-2015 understanding between the two San Francisco Democrats, both with campaigns managed by the same San Francisco political consulting firm, was this: To avoid a brutal fight over the Senate seat being vacated by the retiring Barbara Boxer, Newsom would stay out of the 2016 Senate race and concentrate on running for governor two years later.

And so, with help from the SCN Strategies firm headed by longtime San Francisco consultant Ace Smith, Harris won Boxers old seat in a cakewalk.

Meanwhile, Newsom took the early lead in the run for governor, becoming the first to declare his candidacy, raising millions of early dollars and running far ahead of everyone else in the first polls.

Newsom hoped to make his move to the governors office seem as inevitable as Harris accession from San Francisco district attorney to state attorney general to the Senate. Essentially, he hoped to scare away most serious competition just as Harris did.

The former San Francisco mayor began issuing press releases cum fund-raising appeals every time any significant news story occurred. His anti-Donald Trump posts are as frequent as they are predicable. Early polls showed him with double-digit leads over all other potential candidates, emphasis on the potential, because no one else declared for the race until this spring.

But now several others have. They are out gathering both money and support  apparently at least in part at Newsoms expense. In fact, anytime he looks back these days, Newsom sees someone gaining on him.

Most prominent is former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Like Newsom, Villaraigosa must overcome a history of womanizing, but with previous candidates like President Trump and ex-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger winning office despite their own similar peccadillos, this may not prove as big a problem as it might have in previous eras.

In this years first version of the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll, successor to the usually reliable Field Poll, Newsom ran 11 points ahead of Villaraigosa. Just two months later, in May, Villaraigosa had closed that gap to a mere five points, with Newsom still leading, but by only 22 percent to 17.

In short, Villaraigosa, not yet in hyperactive campaign mode and still holding onto the bulk of his campaign cash, gained as much backing as was lost by the very active Newsom, who saw a loss of almost one-fourth of his prior support.

State Treasurer John Chiang, a former two-term state controller, had five percent in both polls, holding steady. Republican businessman John Coxs backing dropped by half, from 18 percent to 9, perhaps because his support for an initiative creating a 12,000-member state Legislature received significant publicity in the interim. Many GOP voters moved over to support the new candidacy of former Republican Assemblyman David Hadley of Torrance, who drew 8 percent. Its uncertain how the early-summer entry of conservative Republican Orange County Assemblyman and surfer Travis Allen might affect this race.

Cox and Hadley are little known to most voters, so the best guess is that their total of about 17 percent poll support consisted of solid Republicans determined not to vote for a Democrat so long as any GOP hopeful is still breathing.

Drawing even less support was Democratic former state Schools Superintendent Delaine Eastin. Put her voters into the Villaraigosa column, where they could end up if she eventually sees she has little chance and pulls out, and the race is almost even at the top level. This picture could change a lot when Chiang begins spending the millions hes raised so far.

But no one knows whether he will take support from either Newsom or Villaraigosa, or win over some of the undecided, who currently make up nearly 30 percent of voters.

Its far too early to call Newsoms scare-them-off strategy a bust. But so far, no one looks intimidated. So unless Republican San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer gets in, prospects are for a very tight primary race likely to produce a Democrats-only runoff election next fall.
Last week, at the Aspen Ideas Festival, I moderated a panel on U.S. national security in the Trump era. On the panel, former CIA director David Petraeus offered the most robust defense of President Donald Trump's foreign policy that I have heard. Central to his premise were two facts. First, he argued that Trump's national security team was the strongest he had ever seen. Next, he argued that whereas President Barack Obama was indecisive to the point of paralysis, such as in the case of Syria, Trump is decisive.

Toward the end of the conversation, we turned to Trump's erratic behavior and I noted that for the first time in three decades in the world of foreign policy, I was getting regular questions about the mental health of the president.

I asked Petraeus, a man I respect, if he thought the president was fit to serve. His response was, "It's immaterial." He argued that because the team around Trump was so good, they could offset whatever deficits he might have. I was floored. It was a stunningly weak defense.

That is where we are now. The president's tweeting hysterically at the media is just an element of this. So too is his malignant and ever-visible narcissism. The president has demonstrated himself to have zero impulse control and a tendency to damage vital international relationships with ill-considered outbursts, to trust very few of the people in his own government, and to reportedly rant and shout at staff and even at the television sets he obsessively watches.

Whether he is actually clinically ill is a matter for psychiatric professionals to consider. But when you take the above behaviors and combine them with his resistance to doing the work needed to be president, to sitting down for briefings, to reading background materials, to familiarizing himself with details enough to manage his staff, there is clearly a problem. Compound it with his deliberate reluctance to fill key positions in government and his wild flip-flopping on critical issues from relations with China to trade, and you come to a conclusion that it may be that Trump's fitness to serve as president is our nation's core national security issue.

Not only does the president diminish the office with his pettiness; he also shows disregard for constitutional principles including free speech, freedom of religion and separation of powers, and he operates as though he were above ethics laws. Daily he shows he lacks the character, discipline, intellect, judgment or respect for the office to be president of the United States. In normal times, this would be worrying. But look at the news. North Korea is moving closer to having the ability to deliver a nuclear weapon to the United States. A confrontation is coming that will be a test of character pitting North Korea's unhinged leader, Kim Jong Un, against our leader.

This week, he is to sit down with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hamburg, Germany, during the Group of 20 meeting. Quite apart from the political optics of rewarding a man who attacked the United States with to help get Trump elected with such a meeting, the summit reveals why it is so dangerous to have an erratic president. Much of U.S. foreign policy comes down to personal diplomacy conducted by the president and his actions in the wake of such meetings. If a dedicated enemy of the United States and opportunist such as Putin determines to take advantage of Trump's narcissism, ignorance, paranoia, business interests or brewing scandals, he will do just that. If he sees Trump's behavior as a tacit endorsement of his own thuggishness, he will seize the opportunity. Could Trump enter the meeting with good advice from the team that Petraeus and others admire so much? Yes. But they can't undo Trump's record, nor can they, we have learned, always shape the behavior of a man who has shown repeated propensity for ignoring the advice of his best allies. That is one reason, according to reports, that European officials are deeply concerned about the outcomes of the meeting that will take place in Hamburg this week.

T Even President Richard Nixon at his moments of darkest paranoia was a professional public servant who understood the office and the stakes associated with it. One might, on this Independence Day week, have to go back to King George III to find a head of state who so threatened America. But there is no precedent for one whose character is so obviously ill-suited to the presidency.

At the end of the Aspen session, a gentleman approached me and asked why I had made the conversation so ad hominem by questioning Trump's fitness. I explained that when we have a system in which the chief executive is endowed with so much power, we regularly find that our fate in crises turns on the character of the president. For that reason, it is not the incivility of modern politics that drives us to question Trump's fitness; it is a respect for the lessons of history and for the national interests his profound deficits put at risk.
Robert Wilkinson persists in asking that all Americans try offering support for President Trump and his agenda and policies ("Proving my point," July 2).

He bases his call on an obvious factual blunder, his erroneous insistence that the American voter stated quite emphatically - we support the Trump agenda and policies he spelled out quite clearly during the 2016 campaign.

Only in an Orwellian Trump-Wilkinson doublespeak world of alternative facts could winning 46 percent of the popular vote be considered a national endorsement of every single one of the winners positions. Fifty-four percent of voters selected someone other than Trump, yet Robert Wilkinson asks us to believe that this somehow proves majority national support for Trump.

Support for Trump has declined since the election. As of July 3, Trumps approval rating was just 39.5 percent, according to weighed polls reported by FiveThirtyEight.com. Rasmussen Reports, whose polls are historically the most friendly to the GOP, says that 56 percent of Americans disapprove of the president.

And there is a second fatal flaw in Robert Wilkinsons claim. Surely not even the boldest Trump loyalist would claim that every Trump voter endorsed 100 percent of his proposed policies. One voter might have vigorously applauded Trumps promise to ban Muslims, but vigorously opposed his position on climate change, or vice versa.

Not even Donald Trump himself supported all of his own positions, judging from his flip flops and contradictions, and his post-election walk-backs.

But wait, even after reducing the 46 percent as a measure of endorsement, theres more. Does Robert Wilkinson want us to believe that no one voted for Trump simply to reject Hillary Clinton or the Democratic Party? More than a few voters did, of course, just as some Clinton voters were not endorsing her, just rejecting Trump or his party.

Even enthusiastic Trump voters cannot be expected to continue their support when President Trump works against one our another of the promises made by Candidate Trump.

Wilkinsons rebuttal ignores my evidence for saying that. For example, Candidate Trump promised a big wall paid for by Mexico, but President Trump wants a partial fence paid for by American taxpayers. Candidate Trump promised health care coverage for everyone, better than they have now, and cheaper. But voters who end up with no coverage or unaffordable coverage under Trumpcare cannot reasonably be asked to continue their support.

A vote is not a loyalty oath, and Trump broke the contract with his voters first.

Consider Obamacare and Trumpcare. Neither the House nor the first Senate version of Trumpcare (both of which Trump supported) would do what Trump promised, as Republicans have acknowledged. Even Robert Wilkinson, in a quiet moment of non-partisan common sense, must recognize that Trumpcare would leave millions without health insurance, and leave others with reduced health coverage despite increasing their deductibles and co-pays, all while providing tax cuts to the wealthy.

Robert Wilkinson says he is a registered Democrat, and refers to his beloved party. But he sure does sound like a GOP and Trump loyalist. He asks the Democratic Party to support the policies of the Republican president. And he relentlessly attacks liberal Democrats, labeling them simple little brains, children, and socialists who use Marxist/Communist tactics to work against the national interest. That is some Democrat.

Robert Wilkinson labels me a Democrat [sic] party loyalist at all costs and claims that my last letter proves his complaint about the tactics of the liberal branch of the Democrat [sic] Party.

Wrong: I am not even a registered Democrat. If Wilkinson can find a single endorsing compliment I have given the Democrats in any of my letters, let him produce it.

You dont have to be a Democrat to oppose a Robert Wilkinson belief, just a person opposed to that belief. I think most politicians in both parties work more for their personal and party benefit than for the national interest, and that absolutely includes President Trump. Both parties seem to me to be deeply flawed, prioritizing re-election, indebted to donors and special interests, dishonest in speech, and in need of serious reform. This belief makes me an unlikely candidate to be called a Democrat [sic] party loyalist at all costs.

Many who are not party loyalists are willing to criticize or compliment either party, issue by issue or action by action. Trump scuttled the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and I am glad that he did. But having considered Democrat Robert Wilkinsons reiterated call to support the president, I still prefer Republican Teddy Roosevelts advice.

Teddy Roosevelt said of presidents that "To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.

Stephen Sossaman

Burbank
Welcome. I imagine that you all enjoyed the Fourth of July and celebrated the day that our 13 colonies claimed our independence from England, and then formed the United States. Speaking of independence  and courage and strength  I have someone were going to meet today who has all those qualities and more.

Recently, I attended the Elder Abuse Prevention Agency, which meets in the district attorneys conference room. This was my first meeting with our new district attorney, Allison Haley. Her ideas for what she plans for now and the near future blew me away. I, immediately, became an Allison Haley fan, and I wanted you to meet her and get to know this energetic, no-nonsense, determined, likable red-headed DA.

Welcome, Allison. If you dont mind, Ill be asking you a few questions we seniors are especially interested in, such as what is your plan for handling the large issue of elder abuse in our county?

Allison Haley: Im happy to respond to your questions. Approximately one in 10 Americans aged 60-plus have experienced some form of elder abuse: neglect, unwarranted confinement, financial exploitation or physical, sexual or emotional abuse. Only one in 14 cases are ever reported to authorities and an even smaller number is sent to my office for prosecution.

I believe that a district attorneys worth is judged by her attention to and compassion for vulnerable populations. In my administration, I will be resurrecting the elder death review team, a multi-disciplinary team devoted entirely to elder abuse matters under my jurisdiction and eventually, a financial abuse specialist team.

Victims deserve the best attorney and the best team behind them. It is my goal to employ a specifically trained elder abuse prosecutor to work with an in house forensic accountant to ferret out economic exploitation and lead to meaningful prosecutions of financial abuse. Ive got the attorney. Now I need to find a way to pay for an accountant.

Betty Rhodes: Wonderful news, Allison. Wouldnt it be wonderful if the county could find some funding for this forensic accountant? Will you see that tougher sentences are giver to senior abusers?

AH: The role of the District Attorney is to ensure justice  to secure resolutions in cases where in the abusers sentence is commensurate to the seriousness of the case and the suffering endured by the victim. California law recognizes the vulnerability of our elderly populations and affords prosecutors the ability to add sentencing enhancements, when appropriate, to offenders who target victims 65 years and older.

To ensure that real justice is effectuated, I have established the Vulnerable Victims Unit. This unit identifies and isolates cases where the victims are 65 and older (as well as dependent adults and other high-needs survivors of crime) and assigns a prosecutor who will help that victim and their family from the first stages of a prosecution to the last.

I will not tolerate vulnerable victims and their cases being bounced around my office from one attorney to the next. Rather, I believe that a relationship should be built between our elderly victims and their criminal justice team. That relationship can only be built with time, trust and mutual respect. I believe that this prosecution design with result in meaningful sentences to punish wrongdoers, the restoration of survivors of crime and a sense of equity to our community.

BR: Will you see that the Caregiver Ordinance is being enforced, and that there is more of an effort by law enforcement to ask to see the caregivers permit?

AH: I am incredibly fortunate to have law enforcement partners who care about this population as much as I do. Tremendous in-roads have already been made by both the Napa Police Department and the Napa Sheriffs Department to train their first responders about warning signs of elder abuse, how to do the necessary cross-reporting with other county agencies, and sensitivity to the family dynamics often present in elder abuse situations. Law enforcement has been trained about the Caregiving Ordinance and steps to take when its absent. The prosecutor assigned to the Vulnerable Victims Unit is also tasked with the regular, ongoing training of our local law enforcement on these specific issues, including the legal requirements of the Caregiver Ordinance.

BR: More good news for our vulnerable citizens. How about sharing with us what your first six months have been like as our new DA?

AH: In my first six months in office, Napa County has faced two officer involved shooting incidents, one homicide, a gang-related stabbing, the successful prosecution of the murderers of Kayleigh Slusher and the Oscar Tapia Felix DUI-related murder among other notable crimes, sentencings and criminal trials. Because criminals dont take the day off, there has yet to be a quiet day at my office.

In my first 100 days in office, my goals included establishing a social media presence on behalf of the office, establishing a statistical system whereby we can track real performance measures within my office and providing training opportunities for our local law enforcement. I am proud to say that my team has accomplished these preliminary goals. Next in line is my focus on expanding the vulnerable victims unit within my office to encompass the elder death review team and the MDIT protocol. This will involve collaborating with other service providers, avoiding duplication of services and identifying areas where there is a need for improvement. There simply is no room for ego, politics or self-serving when it comes to honest evaluation of services to this population. We can do better and we must do better.

BR: Would you let us know a little bit of the personal side of Allison?

AH: Our daughter Fiona is 5 years old. She looks exactly like me but couldnt be further from me in temperament and attitude. Where I was a fat kid who ate waffles and watched TV, she has the energy of 10 puppies and takes apart anything with a motor that weve made the mistake of putting in her bedroom. We have bought her no less than three star projection lamps  all have been reduced to screws and bits of detritus as she tries to figure out how it works. She starts kindergarten this fall and frankly, she could care less. I have decided to view her apathy as deep contentment in her life as it is. Why change things up when she has a good thing going?

I am definitely someone for whom the birth of my child changed everything. Before her, I was all-business, no chit-chat, emotionally unintelligent and analytical to a fault. She made me softer, more compassionate, slower and kinder. I relate to my cases in a different way; my empathy grew exponentially and my need to devote my work to the protection of the vulnerable took on a whole new life.

BR: Allison, little Fiona has certainly helped give you a very full, well rounded Allison, and arent we lucky to have you in a position to continue making Napa County a wonderfully safe and enjoyable place for all of its citizens to grow and prosper in. We thank you for your generous spirit and your passion for your job, and wish you much success and continued feelings of accomplishment and a job well done.

Thank you for allowing us to get to know you. We wish you much success and a long career in what you love to do.
Several seemingly unconnected economic events have conspired in 2017 to provide wine lovers with some of the greatest bargains of the last decade, most of which are currently available on store shelves.

However, only insiders know about this, and even they cant get the word out fast enough, or strongly enough, to reach consumers.

Lets start with a few of the economic factors:

The worldwide recession: Starting in 2008, the impact of the collapse of world financial markets left the retail sector in the United States in recovery mode. Wine sales initially collapsed. Although they have recovered to some degree, a lot of wine that wasnt sold over the last eight years remains in inventory around the country, undermining prices.

The impracticality of brick-and-mortar warehouses, malls, and large stores: Over the last two years, it has become apparent that department stores (JC Penney, Sears, etc.) are not a practical way to market goods. Rents are too high and employee salaries and benefits too great a burden.

The dramatic rise of online purchasing: The result of this, as well as the prior situation, has led not only to the discussion of the closure of large stores, but the termination of higher-paid employees in favor of younger, less knowledgeable associates.

The imminent shift in food purchases through online access: The purchase of the Whole Foods chain by online powerhouse Amazon.com signals a new strategy in how all food products, from canned goods to fresh produce and, of course, wine, will be purchased in the future.

The closure of some stores and the firing of skilled wine experts will mean that wine choices will shrink and most purchases will be of recognizable brands. No longer will we find wine experts roaming store aisles with stories to tell about new wine discoveries. Only savvy wine buyers will find the best wines at the best prices.

For many years, well before I began writing about wine, I relied on store experts to tell me of regions about which I knew nothing, and wines that offered excitement and diversity.

As stores close and key wine experts seek other employment, curious wine lovers will have no recourse. A 19-year-old clerk who restocks the shelves likely is no help.

I just returned from my eighth trip to New Zealand with a folder full of exciting new wines and regions to write about. Part of the problem, at this early stage, is that some of the wines are not yet imported the United States. So there is no point in writing about them yet.

What is already here, of course, represents fantastic value because the New Zealand dollar currently stands at 73 U.S. cents, meaning that all New Zealand goods cost us less than they would if the two currencies were at parity.

The relatively unknown nature of many New Zealand brands and sub-regions also hurts recognition of the greatness of this countrys superb wines, with their racy acidity, distinctive varietal characteristics, and astounding personality.

And yet none of this is evident when you see pricing so low that you make the assumption that the wines must be modest.

The most visible New Zealand wine is sauvignon blanc, almost all of which sell for between $12 and $17, and many are discounted even below $10! Prices like this do not imply the reality  the world-class nature of the wines.

More intriguingly, red wine from New Zealand has become insiders best secret in the last three years, with pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and even syrah stealing the show in many wine competitions.

A fine quality Russian River Valley Pinot Noir today will cost roughly $50 per bottle. A New Zealand Pinot Noir that delivers superb quality can be discovered in most stores for about $30. Some are even closer to $20!

But dont expect to find these wines in your local supermarket. Wines that typically end up on supermarket shelves are part of much larger portfolios and there is a completely different retail mix available in such outlets than you will find in a dedicated wine store.

Yes, supermarket wine pricing is competitive and there are some good values to be had in such locations, but you have to pretty much know what you are doing without much assistance from the staff.

Wine lovers seeking bargains, especially the adventuresome, can find astounding values in most wine shops. You may pay slightly more than a supermarket club price, but the wines will be so exciting youll be hooked.

It sort of reminds me of coffee. There is nothing wrong with Maxwell House or Yuban. But a local craft roaster generally is light years ahead in terms of quality.

Will you pay more? Probably. Is it worth it? That depends on your taste demands.

Your best bet for finding stores with wines such as these are those that specialize and fine wine, beer, and spirits.

Wine of the Week: 2013 Spy Valley Pinot Noir, Marlborough ($25): This stunning New Zealand bargain has deep black cherry fruit, a slightly rustic aroma, and great acidity with a medium weight structure, to pair perfectly with rare roast beef or lighter chicken dishes. Comparable to virtually any $45 pinot noir. Sensational value.
NORTH ALTANTIC SEA, June, 27. 2017. HDMS Esbern Snare, FS Latouche Treville, USS Williams and HNLMS Evertsen in close formation during Dynamic Mongoose Photo Exercise .Dynamic Mongoose is a high-end multi-national exercise designed to sharpen existing NATO Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) skills in a deep water training area. Dynamic Mongoose 2017 showcases NATO Maritime capabilities and interoperability. This year, the exercise involves more than 2,000 military and maritime personnel from 10 NATO nations as well as 5 submarines,11 ships and 8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA). NATO Photo by FRAN CPO Christian Valverde

I look forward to take part in exercise Dynamic Mongoose, to enhance our ability to conduct advanced surface and subsurface ASW in a realistic and challenging environment, off Iceland, said Commander SNMG1, Commodore Ole Morten Sandquist. The exercise is a great opportunity to train, experiment, and share best practice and lessons learned among all participating units.

I look forward to take part in exercise Dynamic Mongoose, to enhance our ability to conduct advanced surface and subsurface ASW in a realistic and challenging environment, off Iceland, said Commander SNMG1, Commodore Ole Morten Sandquist. The exercise is a great opportunity to train, experiment, and share best practice and lessons learned among all participating units.

KEFFLAVIK AIR BASE (ICELAND), June, 27-30. 2017. A French Navy technicians team charge sonobuoys into the "Atlantique 2" aircraft at Keflavick Air Base. The Atlantique 2 is one of the 8 Maritime Patrol Aircrafts deployed for Dynamic Mongoose exercise. Dynamic Mongoose is a high-end multi-national exercise designed to sharpen existing NATO Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) skills in a deep water training area. Dynamic Mongoose 2017 showcases NATO Maritime capabilities and interoperability. This year, the exercise involves more than 2,000 military and maritime personnel from 10 NATO nations as well as 5 submarines,11 ships and 8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA). NATO Photo by FRAN CPO Christian Valverde

To support the simulated multi-threat environment, 8 Maritime Aircraft from Canada, France, Germany, Iceland and the United States operate from Keflavik Air Base under operational command of NATO Maritime Air Command (COMMARAIR), temporarily located at the base for the exercise. The aim of this exercise is to provide all participants with complex and challenging training to enhance their interoperability and proficiency in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare skills.

To support the simulated multi-threat environment, 8 Maritime Aircraft from Canada, France, Germany, Iceland and the United States operate from Keflavik Air Base under operational command of NATO Maritime Air Command (COMMARAIR), temporarily located at the base for the exercise. The aim of this exercise is to provide all participants with complex and challenging training to enhance their interoperability and proficiency in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare skills.

NORTH ALTANTIC SEA, June, 27. 2017. HNoMS Ured sails in the core of 12 vessels international formation for Dynamic Mongoose Photo Exercise .Dynamic Mongoose is a high-end multi-national exercise designed to sharpen existing NATO Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) skills in a deep water training area. Dynamic Mongoose 2017 showcases NATO Maritime capabilities and interoperability. This year, the exercise involves more than 2,000 military and maritime personnel from 10 NATO nations as well as 5 submarines,11 ships and 8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA). NATO Photo by FRAN CPO Christian Valverde

The presence of NATO in the waters south of Iceland is a a sign of an increased focus on the North Atlantic and will strengthen the Alliances knowledge and experience of the area, said Arnor Sigurjonsson Director, Department of Security and Defence, Icelands Ministry for Foreign Affairs. This year, NATO Research Vessel ALLIANCE, operated by the Italian Navy for the NATO Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) based in La Spezia (Italy), will participate to the exercise. CMRE is looking forward to demonstrating autonomous security networks for ASW during DMON17. Said Kevin LePage, CMRE Scientist-in-Charge. The inclusion of CMRE in this exercise reflects NATOs recognition of the importance of these future capabilities, and the commitment to working with researchers to improve the way NATOs navies operate at sea.

The presence of NATO in the waters south of Iceland is a a sign of an increased focus on the North Atlantic and will strengthen the Alliances knowledge and experience of the area, said Arnor Sigurjonsson Director, Department of Security and Defence, Icelands Ministry for Foreign Affairs. This year, NATO Research Vessel ALLIANCE, operated by the Italian Navy for the NATO Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) based in La Spezia (Italy), will participate to the exercise. CMRE is looking forward to demonstrating autonomous security networks for ASW during DMON17. Said Kevin LePage, CMRE Scientist-in-Charge. The inclusion of CMRE in this exercise reflects NATOs recognition of the importance of these future capabilities, and the commitment to working with researchers to improve the way NATOs navies operate at sea.
SATELLITE BEACH, Florida  Charles Krininger, a Satellite High School teacher and Eastern Florida State College instructor was arrested and charged with lewd and lascivious conduct and promotion of sexual performance of a child under 16 years of age.

According to Brevard County Jail records, the complaint was made to the Satellite Beach Police Department but the Brevard County Sheriffs Office served a felony arrest warrant on the 40-year-old teacher who resides in Melbourne, Florida.

Krininger earned an effective rating on his 2015 performance evaluation, the most recent. The Brevard County School Board recently chastised Brevard County School Superintendent Dr. Desmond Blackburn for being heavy-handed in giving out highly-effective and effective ratings to nearly every teacher at Brevard Public Schools.

Personnel records show he was counseled and warned by Satellites principal for making inappropriate and offensive comments to students in class in 2013.

Many former female high school students had given Krininger the nickname Creepy K for several years prior to the Brevard Public Schools administration finally taking action.

Krininger has been employed as a teacher in Brevard since 2002. He taught at Space Coast Jr./Sr. High in Port St. John from 2002 to 2005 before moving to Satellite High.

Krininger, who had taught science at the Satellite Beach campus since 2006, was immediately removed from the school following a student complaint in February 2016 and put on administrative leave. Satellites principal contacted Satellite Beach Police upon learning of the students statement.

However, School Board records show that Krininger was nominated again in May 2017 for a teacher contract renewal for the 2017-18 school year.

The BPS administration claims that, under Florida law, school districts may terminate teachers on professional contracts upon conviction of certain crimes. In the meantime, Brevard Public Schools has kept Krininger on paid leave  but away from children  upon advice of counsel, Brevard Public Schools spokesman Matt Reed wrote in a press release.

But it is not true that Krininger was kept away from Brevard Public School children. Thats because he continued to work as an instructor at Eastern Florida State College where dual-enrolled Brevard Public high school children attend.

A media request made to Reed in the late afternoon today, asking if BPS notified EFSC of the pending investigation and potential harm to minor BPS children attending EFSC, has so far gone unanswered.

The State Attorneys Office petitioned for a capias warrant on June 29, 2017 which was granted by a Brevard County Circuit Court judge. Krininger was then arrested July 5, 2017.

It sickens me, totally sickens me, to have to report this kind of news, Superintendent Desmond Blackburn said.

In addition to contacting police in 2016, BPS immediately launched its own investigation of Krininger and alerted the Department of Children and Families and the Department of Educations Office of Professional Practices Services.

Blackburn said he hoped the case would not cause BPS nearly 9,000 other amazing and selfless employees to be painted with a broad stroke of doubt.

Just three days before Kriningers arrest, a former Brevard Public Schools bus driver and substitute teacher was also arrested for child molestation.

I pray that you keep in mind that our employees are your neighbors, your friends, your family members, or you, Blackburn said. They are phenomenal. That said, when the small percentage commits a crime, especially against our babies, the school board and I will move assertively and transparently.
09:42





The ryots want to start the nationwide-rally on tractors and four-wheelers from Pipalia Mandi -- the place where five farmers were killed in police firing during an agitation on June 6.





On the other hand, the district administration is not giving permission to the farmers' outfits to start the rally from the town, around 17 km from the district headquarters, saying tension still prevails in the area.





"We won't allow farmers to hold a condolence meeting at (nearby) Bahi-Phanta area (to mourn the death of the five farmers) and then take out the rally from Pipalia Mandi," collector O P Shrivastava told PTI over phone.





"Tension still prevails in Pipalia Mandi. Besides, Bahi-Phanta is a place from where a four-lane road passes. Traffic on that road will come to a halt if farmers arrive for the condolence meeting on their tractors," he added.





The collector said the farmers are adamant on assembling at Bahi-Phanta and then coming to Pipalia Mandi for a public meeting to start the rally. However, shops were burnt during the farmer stir at Pipalia Mandi and the area is "still tense", he said.





"Farmers are free to start their rally from any other place in the district. We don't want to curtail the democratic rights of any person or group," Shrivastava contended.





"We have made some preventive arrests," he said, but did not elaborate.





Ujjain division range Inspector General of Police Madhu Kumar said adequate security arrangements are being made to maintain law and order.





"Nothing (untoward) will happen. We will handle the situation," he said. Notwithstanding the administration's tough stance, a farmer leader said there will be no change in the venue.





"We are going to take out the rally from Pipalia Mandi," Madhya Pradesh Kisan Sabha president Jaswinder Singh, who has already reached Mandsaur, said.





"Farmer leaders from different parts of the country are coming to Pipalia Mandi. They will demand that a memorial be built for the farmers killed in police firing," he added.





"More than 150 farmer organisations are going to take part in the rally," he said.





The vehicle rally has been organised by farmer outfits to demand remunerative prices for agriculture produce and waiver of farm loans, among other things, he said.





Singh said the rally will pass through Maharashtra, Gujarat and reach New Delhi on July 18 where farmers are planning to hold a demonstration in front of Parliament.





The vehicular procession will continue from the national capital and culminate at Champaran in Bihar on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Singh added.

Farmers' plan to launch a vehicle rally today from the site of last month's police firing in Mandsaur has hit a roadblock with the local administration vowing not to give permission for the stir.
23:22

The producer of Gujarati film on Patidar agitation leader Hardik Patel has appealed to Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi to help get it released.





The controversial film 'Power of Patidar - one man army' has reportedly run into trouble. The film's producer Dipak Soni has alleged that hurdles were being created by the government to stop the film from getting released.





Soni has alleged that fearing defeat in the forthcoming Gujarat assembly elections, the state government was creating obstacles in the smooth release of the film. In his letter to Rahul Gandhi, he has said that as an opposition leader, he should help the film's release.





The producer further wrote in his letter to Rahul Gandhi that he had invested all his life's savings in making the film. He claimed that the film portrayed truth regarding the Patidar agitation on 23-year-old Hardik Patel.
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A frog is pictured at the end of the last days of autumn in the Mediterranean coast city of Antalya, 25 October 2005. (AFP PHOTO / OKAN CETINKAYA)

WASHINGTON, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Most of the frogs alive today may owe a "big thank you" to the mass extinction that wiped out dinosaurs 66 million years ago.

A new study by Chinese and American biologists showed that 88 percent of today's frog species have descended from just three lineages that survived the calamity, likely caused by an asteroid or comet striking the Earth.

"Frogs have been around for well over 200 million years, but this study shows it wasn't until the extinction of the dinosaurs that we had this burst of frog diversity that resulted in the vast majority of frogs we see today," said study co-author David Blackburn, associate curator of amphibians and reptiles at the Florida Museum of Natural History on the University of Florida campus.

This finding, published Monday in the U.S. journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, "was totally unexpected," Blackburn said.

The swift rise of frogs after the massive die-off was likely due to the fact that so many environmental niches were available after the animals occupying them disappeared.

"We think there were massive alterations of ecosystems at that time, including widespread destruction of forests," Blackburn said. "But frogs are pretty good at eking out a living in microhabitats, and as forests and tropical ecosystems rebounded, they quickly took advantage of those new ecological opportunities."

Today, there are more than 6,700 known frog species, representing 55 families and living in a wide range of habitats from trees to aquatic environments to underground.

For this study, Blackburn joined researchers from Sun Yat-Sen University in China, the University of Texas at Austin and the University of California, Berkeley in the U.S. to tackle the mystery of frog evolution with a dataset seven times larger than that used in prior research.

The team sampled a core set of 95 nuclear genes from 156 frog species, combining this with previously published genetic data on an additional 145 species to build the most complete frog family tree yet.

When the analyses pointed to a simultaneous evolution of the three major frog clades -- Hyloidea, Microhylidae and Natatanura -- the researchers initially eyed the finding with skepticism, said Peng Zhang, a corresponding study author and professor in the department of biochemistry and molecular biology at Sun Yat-Sen University.

"Nobody had seen this result before," he said. "We redid the analysis using different parameter settings, but the result remained the same. I realized the signal was very strong in our data. What I saw could not be a false thing."

While the extinction event opened new opportunities for frogs, notably leading to the evolution of tree frogs worldwide, it snuffed out many frog lineages, particularly in North America, the team said.

The study also indicated that global frog distribution tracks the breakup of the supercontinents, beginning with Pangea about 200 million years ago and then, Gondwana, which split into South America and Africa.

The data suggested frogs likely used Antarctica, not yet encased in ice sheets, as a stepping stone from South America to Australia.

While the survival and subsequent comeback of frogs testifies to their resilience, Zhang said, their current vulnerability to disease, habitat loss and degradation is cause for concern.

"I think the most exciting thing about our study is that we show that frogs are such a strong animal group. They survived from the mass extinction that completely erased dinosaurs and boomed back quickly," he said.

"However, frog species are declining nowadays because humans are destroying their habitats. Does that mean humans are making a huge extinction event even stronger than this one? We need to think about it."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-05 23:01:59|Editor: Song Lifang

Police officers stand guard near the Hamburg Messe in Hamburg, Germany, on July 5, 2017. The German armed forces (Bundeswehr) have issued a warning for all soldiers stationed in Hamburg against violent attacks from protestors at the upcoming G20 summit, the newspaper Spiegel reports on Wednesday. While the police are responsible for security during the G20 summit, they will receive assistance, upon request, from the armed forces. (Xinhua/Luo Huanhuan)

BERLIN, July 5 (Xinhua) -- The German armed forces (Bundeswehr) have issued a warning for all soldiers stationed in Hamburg against violent attacks from protestors at the upcoming G20 summit, the newspaper Spiegel reports on Wednesday.

In response, a general ban on wearing of uniforms in non-duty hours was imposed and strict security measures have been enacted at barracks.

An internal security note issued by the Ministry of Defense, information obtained by German Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD) suggests that "soldiers moving around the city in their uniform during announced protests could become the target of spontaneous attacks by left-wing extremists who are willing to use violence."

Several security instructions building on the insights of the MAD have been compiled to ensure the safety of military personnel, including an order to appear in the wider urban agglomeration of Hamburg as civilians when off duty between July 5 and 9.

Uniforms are only to be worn during official deployments.

The German armed forces believe that protests surrounding the G20 summit on July 7 and 8 will become a "focal point" for the potentially violent-scene of European left-wing extremists.

The protests, some of which have already clashed with police since the past weekend, are directed against the "G20 as representatives of the capitalist system which they oppose."

The security note warned that the mobilization of individuals and groups towards this end had occurred in Germany and throughout Europe "with great intensity" ahead of the summit.

Aside from warnings for individual personnel, German defense authorities are also concerned about the security of military bases used as accommodation for staff. These were exposed to "a heightened risk of blockade attempts and spontaneous demonstrations," the paper quoted by Spiegel read. As a result, all military vehicles are to be parked in specially-secured areas.

The German armed forces' assessment highlights the existence of "extensive plans aimed at disturbing the summit, blocking access roads and logistically significant intersections, as well as attacking municipal and harbor infrastructure."

Military circles expect up to 10,000 potentially violent protestors to arrive in Hamburg from all over Europe. Anti-capitalist groups from Greece, Spain and Italy are seen as a threat in particular, due to their experience of clashes with their domestic governments, which has offered them years of training in tactics including building improvised weapons like Molotov-cocktails and engaging in looting.

While the police are responsible for security during the G20 summit, they will receive assistance, upon request, from the armed forces.

There are also concrete contingency plans for emergencies, such as chemical or biological attacks, which would lead to the deployment of military experts.

Large numbers of paramedics are on call throughout the summit and the German air-force will continuously monitor air space above Hamburg with a squad of fighter jets ready for action.

The security note includes a specific plan for July 7 to rescue heads of states in boats should there be an attack on the concert at the river-facing Elbphilharmonie concert house scheduled for the evening.

A further concern raised by the Ministry of Defense is the use of drones by protestors to interfere with scheduled events. Police experts are still assessing means of how to respond to this threat, details of which remain confidential.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 03:20:15|Editor: yan

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BANJUL, July 5 (Xinhua) -- The Gambia government said Wednesday that the reforms of media laws are in progress to facilitate the country's media operation.

Demba Ali Jawo, Minister of Information and Communication Infrastructure, said the media need laws that will help them operate without hindrance.

The existing draconian laws that were enacted by the former president were believed to have led to the arrest and imprisonment of many Gambian journalists.

"There is currently a committee that we formed with the Gambia Press Union. This committee is to look at a complete roadmap on media reform," Jawo told Xinhua.

According to him, the Gambia government has started discussion with international stakeholders, including Article 19, the United Nations and the European Union.

He said his ministry had recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Article 19 that also includes reform agenda.

"As soon as the committee is done with their task, they will submit it to the ministry for possible recommendation and then we will take it to national assembly to repeal, amend or create friendly laws," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 03:40:29|Editor: yan

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WASHINGTON, July 5 (Xinhua) -- About six in 10 U.S. voters backed a travel ban against portions of citizens from six Muslim countries, a poll found Wednesday.

The Political/Morning Consult poll found that 60 percent supported and 28 percent opposed a measure to prevent travelers from Syria, Iran, Somalia, Yemen, Libya and Sudan who are without connections in the United States to enter the country.

"Since we last asked about Trump's travel ban, we've seen a drop in those who oppose the executive order," Morning Consult Chief Research Officer Kyle Dropp said.

Opinion toward the travel ban varied largely based on political orientation, with 84 percent of Republicans approving the policy, but the number stood at 41 percent with Democrats.

The poll, conducted June 29-30 on 1,989 registered voters, did not mention U.S. President Donald Trump by name, prompting researchers to believe that the policy may be more popular when separated from the president.

A similar poll conducted last month showed 57 percent of those polled said federal courts were right to halt the travel ban.

Trump signed an executive order in March invoking the travel ban, but was put on freeze by federal district courts and federal courts of appeals.

The U.S. Supreme Court released an opinion in June stating that the U.S. government may block travelers from those countries who are without a "bona fide relationship" with persons or entities in the United States.

The Supreme Court said it will hear the case and make a formal ruling in October.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 04:05:39|Editor: yan

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WASHINGTON, July 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday urged Egypt and other Middle East countries to solve their dispute with Qatar through constructive negotiation, the White House said on Wednesday.

In a call with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi en route to Poland, Trump also reiterated the need for all countries to follow through on their commitments at the Riyadh Summit to stop financing terrorists and discredit extremist ideology, the White House said in a readout of the call.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut off diplomatic ties with Qatar on June 5 and imposed punitive measures, accusing Qatar of "supporting terrorism and interfering in their internal affairs."

The four Arab countries then issued a list of 13 demands to end rift with Doha, including closing Al-Jazeera television and cutting diplomatic ties with Iran.

The four announced Wednesday morning that they received the Qatari response through Kuwait, which has played as a mediator to reach a solution for the crisis.

However, speaking at a press conference after meeting his counterpart of Saudi Arabia, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said on Wednesday that Qatar's response to the demands of Egypt and Gulf countries was "very negative."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 06:12:16|Editor: yan

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WARSAW, July 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Warsaw on Wednesday evening to start his visit to Poland.

Air Force One with U.S. President and his spouse on board arrived here about 10:15 pm local time.

On Thursday morning, Trump will begin his activities in Poland. According to Krzysztof Szczerski, chief aide to Polish President Andrzej Duda, these activities include meeting with President Duda, delegation talks and participation in the regional Three Seas Summit.

Trump is also expected to deliver a major foreign policy speech on the Krasinskich Square.

Security and economy will be the main topics to be discussed during the visit, according to Polish top officials.

This is Trump's second visit to Europe. After visiting Warsaw, Trump will go to Hamburg to take part in the G20 summit due to be held on July 7-8 in Germany.

Since taking office in January, the Trump administration has been wrangling with the EU over issues as free trade, burden-sharing among NATO allies and climate change.

Frustrated by Trump's first trip to Europe in late May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, addressing an election campaign in Germany's southern state of Bavaria, said the Europeans "really have to take destiny into their own hands."

Trump and Merkel had a long history of disagreement that was previously focused on the two leaders' view on immigration.

During his campaign and also after winning the presidency, Trump repeatedly blasted Merkel for making a "catastrophic mistake" with her open door policy on refugees, while Merkel did not shy away from criticizing Trump in the wake of his travel ban order that sought to ban travellers from six Muslim countries.

After Trump announced his decision to pull the United States out of the landmark Paris Agreement last month, Merkel became one of the most vocal critics of Trump's abandonment of the climate treaty.

"We will and must take on this existential challenge," said Merkel in an address before German parliament on Thursday. "We cannot and will not wait until every last person in the world can be convinced of climate change by scientific evidence."

According to a new Pew Research survey published on Wednesday. a majority of Americans say that they have more confidence in Merkel as a leader than they do in Trump, despite Trump's criticism of Merkel's performance.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 06:37:25|Editor: Yang Yi

Wang Zhidong, legal advisor to Zhang Yingying's family, speaks to reporters after a hearing in Urbana, the United States, July 5, 2017. U.S. Magistrate Judge Eric Long on Wednesday ordered the man accused of kidnapping University of Illinois' visiting Chinese scholar Zhang Yingying to be held in jail indefinitely until he goes on trial. (Xinhua/Wang Ping)

CHICAGO, July 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Magistrate Judge Eric Long on Wednesday ordered the man accused of kidnapping University of Illinois' visiting Chinese scholar Yingying Zhang to be held in jail indefinitely until he goes on trial.

Brendt Christensen, 28, of Champaign, a former UI graduate student from Wisconsin, was making his second court appearance at the federal courthouse in Urbana on Wednesday afternoon. The suspect did not speak during the 20 minutes' hearing.

Long called Christensen both a flight risk and a danger to the community because of evidence presented by U.S. attorney Bryan Freres.

Long said the denial of bail is based on four points: first, the nature of kidnapping is seriously bad; second, the evidence presented by prosecutors is strong; third, the suspect is no tight relation with community and he is unemployed for long time; four, Christensen is a potential danger for public if he is freed.

Christensen's next court date is a preliminary hearing on July 14, unless a grand jury returns an indictment before then. Even if it does, it's possible Christensen could be arraigned in court that day, said Sharon Paul, a spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney's office.

After the hearing, Christensen's attorney, Evan Bruno went outside the courtroom and said to reporters Wednesday's ruling "is not surprising to us," explaining that it's not unusual for bail to be denied in a case like this.

Christensen is accused of luring Zhang into his car as she was waiting for a bus in Urbana and then holding her hostage in his Champaign apartment. Zhang has not been seen since, and authorities said on June 30 that she is presumed dead.

Zhang, 26, went missing on June 9 after she got into a black Saturn Astra car about five blocks from where she got off a bus as she was heading to an apartment complex to sign a lease. She had just arrived at the University of Illinois in late April.
Local residents and Chinese students held a rally in front of the federal courthouse in Urbana on July 5, 2017, asking to bring justice to Zhang Yingying and her family. (Xinhua Photo/Wang Ping)

CHICAGO, July 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Magistrate Judge Eric Long on Wednesday ordered the man accused of kidnapping University of Illinois' visiting Chinese scholar Yingying Zhang to be held in jail indefinitely until he goes on trial.

Brendt Christensen, 28, of Champaign, a former UI graduate student from Wisconsin, was making his second court appearance at the federal courthouse in Urbana on Wednesday afternoon. The suspect did not speak during the 20 minutes' hearing.

Long called Christensen both a flight risk and a danger to the community because of evidence presented by U.S. attorney Bryan Freres.

Long said the denial of bail is based on four points: first, the nature of kidnapping is seriously bad; second, the evidence presented by prosecutors is strong; third, the suspect is no tight relation with community and he is unemployed for long time; four, Christensen is a potential danger for public if he is freed.

Christensen's next court date is a preliminary hearing on July 14, unless a grand jury returns an indictment before then. Even if it does, it's possible Christensen could be arraigned in court that day, said Sharon Paul, a spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney's office.

After the hearing, Christensen's attorney, Evan Bruno went outside the courtroom and said to reporters Wednesday's ruling "is not surprising to us," explaining that it's not unusual for bail to be denied in a case like this.

Christensen is accused of luring Zhang into his car as she was waiting for a bus in Urbana and then holding her hostage in his Champaign apartment. Zhang has not been seen since, and authorities said on June 30 that she is presumed dead.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 07:22:48|Editor: Song Lifang

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ASTANA, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Russia is going to send military police to patrol the de-escalation zones in Syria to provide safety and security there, Russian President's special representative on Syria Alexander Lavrentiev told press here on Wednesday.

He made the remarks after the fifth round of Syrian peace talks in Astana.

"I would like to emphasise that these are non-combat units of the regular army, they are non-combat police units with specific, non-combat tasks," he said.

He said that Russian military police in Syria will have light weapons for self-defence.

He also called on members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to consider sending military observers to the peacekeeping mission in de-escalation zones in Syria.
Chinese Ambassador Luo Zhaohui (R2) in an interview with the Press Trust of India news agency in New Delhi, India, July 4, 2017. (Xinhua/Chinese Embassy in India)

NEW DELHI, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador Luo Zhaohui on Tuesday urged India to unconditionally withdraw its border troops to the Indian side of the boundary with China and seek a peaceful solution to the recent incident in the Doklam area.

In an interview with the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency, Ambassador Luo said he was deeply worried by the "grave" situation in Doklam.

"It is the first time that the Indian troops have crossed the mutually recognized boundary and trespassed into China's territory, triggering a close range face-off between Chinese and Indian border troops. Now 19 days have passed, but the situation still has not eased," he said.

"It is the first time that such a severe situation has occurred at the Sikkim section of the China-India boundary. This section has already been delimited with clear alignment of the boundary, the two sides have consensus on it and there has been no incident over the past years," the ambassador added.

According to Ambassador Luo, the Convention between Great Britain and China Relating to Sikkim and Tibet (1890) explicitly stipulates that Doklam undoubtedly belongs to China's territory. After independence, India inherited this historical convention and successive Indian governments have repeatedly confirmed that in written forms, recognizing that it concurs with China on the boundary alignment at the Sikkim section.

The Chinese diplomat expounded on China's three-point position on the situation in Doklam.

"The first one is that the Indian troops unconditionally pull back to the Indian side of the boundary. That is the precondition for any meaningful dialogue between China and India," he said.

The second one is to seek a peaceful solution, according to the ambassador.

"China attaches great importance to the China-India relations and is ready to develop a long-term stable strategic partnership for cooperation with India. The current level of cooperation and friendship between China and India are hard earned and deserve to be cherished by the two sides," said Ambassador Luo.

He added that the third one is to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas.

"China has always taken this seriously and done a lot to this end. It needs joint efforts of the two sides. We appreciate what Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi said in St. Petersburg that over the past 50 years, not a single bullet has been fired at the India-China border areas."

The ambassador stressed that the three top priorities are connected with each other. "Only by fulfilling the unconditional withdrawal of India's military, can peaceful resolution of this issue be achieved. Only by approaching with peaceful resolution, can peace and tranquility of the border areas be maintained."

Stressing the fact that Doklam belongs to China and has long been under the effective jurisdiction of China, Ambassador Luo said "now the ball is in the court of the Indian side."

The Chinese envoy also dismissed the Indian side's views on the border incident as self-contradictory. "On the one hand, India claims that Doklam belongs to Bhutan. On the other hand, it denies the 1890 Convention and claims that the Sikkim section of the China-India boundary is not delimited and uses it as a pretext for its trespassing into China's territory."

Despite the incident, the ambassador said he was always optimistic about the China-India relations.

Noting that the two countries are neighboring powers as well as members of BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, he hoped both sides should focus on cooperation, well manage such existing problems as the boundary issue, uphold a positive attitude to address emerging issues of the bilateral ties and set a vision for the China-India relations.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 09:53:32|Editor: Song Lifang

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ASTANA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Russia, Turkey and Iran agreed to form a joint working group on establishing de-escalation zones in Syria during the latest peace talks wrapped up Wednesday in the Kazakh capital of Astana.

The three countries said in a statement released after the talks that they respect the sovereignty and territory integrity of Syria, and believe that the Syrian conflicts could only be resolved by political means.

The three countries will continue to hold talks on establishing de-escalation zones in Syria, the statement said, adding that the next round of peace talks will be held at the end of August in Astana.

Russia, Turkey and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding on creating four de-escalation zones in Syria on May 4, aiming to ease tensions in the war-torn country for at least six months.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 10:09:00|Editor: Song Lifang

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HAMBURG, Germany, July 6 (Xinhua) -- The 12th Group of 20 (G20) Summit is to be held from Friday to Saturday here in the northern German city of Hamburg. Here is a brief introduction to the group and its summits.

Created in 1999, the G20 is a central forum for international cooperation on financial and economic issues. It comprises 19 countries plus the EU. The countries are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The group, home to almost two-thirds of the world's population, accounts for more than 80 percent of gross world product and 75 percent of global trade.

In 2008, against the backdrop of the global financial crisis, the meetings of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors were raised to the level of heads of state and government for better crisis coordination, with the first summit being held in Washington, the United States in the same year.

As an informal forum, the G20 does not have an administrative council or permanent body. Instead, G20 countries take turns to assume presidency and host the summit.

As the host of this year's summit, Germany took over the presidency from China on Dec. 1, 2016. After Germany, Argentina will take over the presidency and organize the summit in 2018 -- the second time a G20 summit to be held in Latin America following the 2012 Los Cabos Summit in Mexico.

Altogether, a total of 11 G20 summits have been held since 2008. G20 leaders met twice in London and Pittsburgh in 2009, and Toronto and Seoul in 2010. Starting from 2011, the summits have been held once a year in the following places: Cannes, Los Cabos, St Petersburg, Brisbane, Antalya, and Hangzhou.

Tackling economic recession, regulating international financial market, combating tax evasion, and boosting development policy have been some of the main topics of these summits.

Themed "Shaping an Interconnected World," the Hamburg summit will focus on such topics as economic, financial, trade, climate, and development policy. Other issues like digital technology, migration, and counter-terrorism will also be discussed.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 10:19:04|Editor: Song Lifang

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YANGON, July 6 (Xinhua) -- A total of 34,069 undocumented Myanmar migrant workers have returned home as of Wednesday although Thai authorities have delayed the full enforcement of a new labor law introduced last week, the Ministry of Labor, Immigration and Population said Thursday.

The law, which is aimed at tackling human trafficking concern and regulating foreign workers in Thailand, sparked panic and prompted more than 60,000 foreign workers to flee from the country, many of them are from Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.

The influx has overtaxed social agencies and border crossing as border gates restricted the number of crossing to only 100 people a day, causing hardship for many Myanmar migrants who do not have enough food and lodging while waiting for the border crossing, reports said.

The new decree imposes heavy fine on employers and employees who do not have work permits.

There are about 4 million legal and 1 million illegal Myanmar workers reportedly staying in Thailand.

In a bid to solve the problem of undocumented Myanmar migrant workers who are returning home out of fear of the new labor law, authorities of the two countries are negotiating on issuing official documents to the workers, the ministry added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 10:24:09|Editor: Song Lifang

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CANBERRA, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Australia's Northern Territory (NT) government said on Thursday that local children have the highest blood lead levels of any children in the developed world, in what has been dubbed a "public health emergency" for some rural towns.

The NT's Center for Disease Control conducted a number of tests among disadvantaged children thought to have been sniffing fuel, and of the 178 tested, 154 returned positive results for elevated levels of lead in the blood.

The Center's acting director, Charles Douglas said the levels were not only higher than expected, but they were the highest among the developed world, with the highest level found to be 17 times the acceptable rate, while the average test returned blood lead levels six times the average.

Douglas said the "public health emergency" was due to a recent change in the formula of aviation fuel. Previously, the fuel, known as "avgas," was deemed unsniffable, but when the formula changed making it sniffable, it slipped "under the radar" of local authorities.

"The formulation has changed, and it's now classified as a sniffable substance. It kind of snuck under the radar," Douglas told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

"It's a serious issue because the levels are high and, particularly in children, the effects are long-term and some of them are irreversible."

Douglas said the effects of sniffing avgas were similar to that of a "nasty poison," and could lead to serious liver and kidney damage, behavioral disorders and, in some cases, death.

In remote parts of the Northern Territory, fuel sniffing has reached crisis point levels in April, CCTV footage showed addicted youths breaking into airfields, siphoning avgas out of the wings of light planes to sniff.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 10:24:12|Editor: An

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by Xinhua writer Liu Chang

BEIJING, July 6 (Xinhua) -- As leaders of the Group of 20 (G20) major economies gather in the northern German port city of Hamburg for an annual summit, a great but difficult task they need accomplish there is to dispel uncertainties overcasting future revival of global free trade.

Almost after a decade of weak growth since the 2008 global financial crisis, international trade transactions have somehow begun to see a slight hope of recovery.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has projected that this year's global trade will grow at 2.4 percent, up from last year's 1.3 percent -- the slowest pace since the outbreak of the crisis.

A large portion of the WTO's cautious optimism comes from a recovering global economy.

The International Monetary Fund has forecast that the global economy is expected to expand at 3.5 percent in 2017. That means all G20 economies, including Russia and Brazil -- countries that reported negative growth in gross domestic product for the past two consecutive years -- will deliver real economic development this year.

Yet it is certainly not a time to let down vigilance, as uncertainties in economic development worldwide and policy making still flutter about. That has made it premature to pronounce the start of a full and sustainable process of recovery.

In the United States, President Donald Trump has time and again flirted with trade protectionist moves since taking office.

He proposed putting "America first," chastised a string of trade agreements as "horrible" deals for U.S. manufacturing industries and vowed repeatedly to renegotiate many of the treaties.

Most recently, the leader in Washington has taken his aim at foreign steel, saying it is "killing" U.S. steelworkers. That has pushed high the prospects that the Trump White House could slap punitive tariffs on foreign firms, and trigger a spike in trade spats between the United States and its trading partners, including traditional allies in Europe.

In Europe, the Brexit talks that are underway are no doubt another big source of worries for global trade.

British Prime Minister Theresa May is known for her persistent stance for a hard Brexit. Yet, her Pyrrhic victory in June's snap elections has weakened her position in the talks with the European Union (EU), and rendered the future of the negotiations utterly undetectable.

Yet, whatever the outcome -- hard Brexit, soft one, or even no deal at all -- the two sides need to try their best to calm the water as much as possible so that the waves might not rock the ship of international trade too wildly.

Few would disagree that free and fair trade running on the track of commonly recognized rules benefits all. That is how global trade over the past few decades has helped promote economic development globally by boosting the exchanges of people, goods and services worldwide, and improving living standards at relatively low cost.

Because of international trade and globalization, the level of interdependence among different countries and regions are simply unprecedented high at this moment, and is still going up. The old and isolated age when my loss is your gain has already come to an end.

At the upcoming G20 summit, world leaders need to deliver a definitive declaration that rejects protectionism, upholds the spirit of openness and stresses negotiation in solving disputes instead of threatening each other with punitive sanctions.

Ultimately, promoting global free trade is more of a destined future than a choice of among various options in this interconnected and interdependent world, and the only way to ensure everyone's best interests is to expand global commerce, and make it even freer and fairer.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 10:34:13|Editor: Song Lifang

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ASTANA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Russia, Turkey and Iran agreed to form a joint working group on establishing de-escalation zones in Syria during the latest peace talks wrapped up Wednesday in the Kazakh capital of Astana.

The three countries said in a statement released after the talks that they respect the sovereignty and territory integrity of Syria, and believe that the Syrian conflicts could only be resolved by political means.

The three countries will continue to hold talks on establishing de-escalation zones in Syria, the statement said, adding that the next round of peace talks will be held at the end of August in Astana.

Delegations from the Syrian government, Syrian opposition forces, Russia, Turkey and Iran participated in the two-day talks, together with observers from the United Nations, the United States and Jordan.

Russia, Turkey and Iran are negotiating on seven documents related to establishing mechanism on de-escalation zones and coordination center to monitor the implementation, deploying troops and how to use force in the zones, chief of the Russian delegation Alexander Lavrentiev said after the talks.

It is not confirmed that which country would send troops to monitor the situation in de-escalation zones, Lavrentiev said, however, Russian military police will be deployed there.

Establishing de-escalation zones is a temporary measure and resolving the Syria issue need breakthrough in political settlement, UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura said.

Russia, Turkey and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding on creating four de-escalation zones in Syria on May 4, aiming to ease tensions for at least six months in Syria where the war is in the seventh year.

According to the memorandum, the government and opposition forces will halt fighting in four zones, including the northwestern province of Idlib, the central province of Homs, the eastern Ghouta countryside of Damascus, and areas in the Daraa and Qunaitera provinces in southern Syria.

The move is to "put an immediate end to the violence," "provide the conditions for the safe, voluntary return of refugees," and allow immediate delivery of humanitarian aid, it said.

However, the Syrian opposition refused to accept it, saying the pact threatened Syria's territorial integrity.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 10:39:17|Editor: Song Lifang

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WASHINGTON, July 5 (Xinhua) -- The United States is prepared to discuss with Russia efforts to ensure stability in Syria, including to establish no-fly zones, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Wednesday.

"The United States is prepared to explore the possibility of establishing with Russia joint mechanisms for ensuring stability, including no-fly zones," said Tillerson in a statement.

He added that the United States also wants to discuss with Russia other joint mechanisms, including on the ground ceasefire observers and coordinated delivery of humanitarian assistance.

Tillerson's remarks came days before an official bilateral meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the G20 summit scheduled in Hamburg, Germany later this week.

In the statement, Tillerson said that the current situation in Syria will be a topic the Trump would raise in his meeting with Putin.

The first face-to-face encounter between Trump and Putin will come as the United States and Russia hold differences on a slew of issues, including the Syrian conflict, the Ukrainian crisis and the alleged Russian meddling in the U.S. presidential election.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 11:49:29|Editor: Xiang Bo

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by Tian Dongdong

BRUSSELS, July 6 (Xinhua) -- As Donald Trump kicks off his second official trip to Europe on Wednesday in Poland, an awkward scenario may await the U.S. president and his "America First" policy -- he and his European colleagues may talk past each other during his visit.

Prior to the trip, the White House laid out three primary objectives: to promote U.S. prosperity, to protect U.S. interests, and to provide U.S. leadership. That sounds rather "local" compared with the topics European leaders have picked for Trump during the G20 Summit in Germany: climate change, free trade and mass migration.

In fact, the risk of not being on the same page is just the tip of the iceberg. The presumably strong transatlantic relations, fostered with the blood, sweat and tears of many centuries, are now plagued with mistrust -- partly if not wholly -- attributed to the seeds of discord sowed across the Atlantic by the "America First" policy.

The seeds have been planted mainly in three areas.

For starters: in their shared values. The "America First" policy not only stains Washington's self-claimed image as a world leader, but also weakens the common values of the United States and Europe, which serve as cornerstone for the ties binding them for centuries.

With a lifetime of negotiating experience as a businessman, Trump is not loath to turn diplomacy into commerce. A lot of things that used to be a natural extension of transatlantic cooperation are now being short-changed in the name of "America First".

Taking NATO as an example, Trump has repeatedly told his European allies: "If you want security, you pay for it." That is really baffling to Europeans who are habituated to Washington acting as a "protector of peace."

Secondly, the sentiment of mistrust is high in the trade area. Trying to return millions of jobs to the United States, the "America First" policy adores trade deals that are, first and foremost, "fair" to the United States and abhors those "unfair" to its workers, brushing aside the interests of other countries, including Washington's European allies.

As a result, verbal shots on trade are flung across the Atlantic. When Washington threatened to slap high tariffs on German exports, Berlin warned of possible tit-for-tat retaliation. When Washington trashed multi-trade agreements, European countries endorsed continued global trade.

Last but not least, disagreement also erupts from climate change issue. The White House's announcement on June 1 to withdraw from the Paris climate accord has been resoundingly condemned by European countries.

During his stay in Poland, Trump is scheduled to speak to 12 Central European, Baltic, and Western Balkan leaders. His remarks will highlight, for instance, the first shipments of U.S. liquefied natural gas into Poland last month, according to the White House.

The speech is quite a symbolic move of Trump's "America First" energy plan, which aims to eliminate burdensome regulations on the U.S. energy industry.

For the Trump administration, climate change is above all a trade issue. But for some European countries like Germany and France, who played leading role in forging the Paris climate accord, the issue is an existential challenge.

"We cannot wait until every last person on Earth has been convinced of the scientific proof," said German Chancellor Angela Merkel in the run-up to the G20 summit, with French President Emmanuel Macron asking Washington to "return to reason" on climate change.

Shortly after Trump's first visit to Europe in May, Merkel said pointedly that Europe "really must take our fate into our own hands".

The "America First" policy seems to have alienated European allies and might result in "America Alone" in Europe.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 11:54:34|Editor: Xiang Bo

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MEXICO CITY, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in Mexico's northern state of Chihuahua on Wednesday strengthened police presence in three communities after rival drug trafficking gangs clashed earlier in the day, killing at least 14 people.

According to State Security Commissioner Oscar Aparicio Avendano, the early-morning shootout near the mountainous community of Las Varas, in the heart of one of Mexico's drug trafficking regions, involved some 60 members of rival criminal rings -- La Linea and the Sinaloa Cartel.

Once federal police arrived at the scene, a firefight broke out between the police officers and the gunmen.

The office of the State Prosecutor General (FGE) issued a statement, saying: "A security and surveillance operation was deployed in the communities of Las Varas, Largo Maderal and Mesa del Huracan, in the town of Madera, following the clashes that took place between criminal groups."

Several more clashes followed, the FGE said, adding authorities were working to restore order with the help of a Black Hawk helicopter overflying the region.

Police made three arrests and seized 10 vehicles as well as more than 20 weapons, including grenade launchers, said Avendano. Two arrestees are from La Linea and the other is from the Sinaloa Cartel.

There are varying reports on the number of casualties, between 26 and 30, none of which can be verified.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 11:59:39|Editor: Zhang Dongmiao

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The United Nations Security Council holds an emergency meeting at the UN headquarters in New York July 5, 2017. Military means should not be an option for resolving issues in the Korean Peninsular, Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the UN and UN Security Council president for July, told the meeting about the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, July 5 (Xinhua) -- China strongly urges the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to strictly abide by resolutions of the UN Security Council and refrain from exacerbating the tension on the Korean Peninsula, a Chinese envoy said here on Wednesday.

The DPRK's latest missile launch was a serious violation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and was against the will of the entire international community, said Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, at a Security Council emergency meeting on the latest missile test conducted by the DPRK.

On Tuesday, the DPRK declared that it successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile.

"China finds this launching unacceptable," Liu said.

"We strongly urge the DPRK to strictly abide by the resolutions of the Security Council and put a stop to any rhetoric and action that might further exacerbate the tension on the Peninsula," Liu said.

"At the same time, we call on all the parties concerned to exercise restraint, avoid provocative actions and flagrant rhetoric, demonstrate the will for unconditional dialogue, and work actively together to defuse the tension," he added.

China and Russia issued a joint statement on Tuesday, urging dialogue and the China-proposed dual track approach to cool down the current confrontations on the Korean Peninsula.

"China has always insisted on realizing the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, maintaining peace and stability on the Peninsula and seeking a solution through dialogue and consultation," Liu said, stressing that "military means must not be an option in this regard."

He noted that the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in northeast Asia seriously undermines the strategic security interests of the regional countries including China.

"China urges the countries concerned to hold and cancel its deployment immediately," he said.

"We hope that the parties concerned will work together with China, play their due roles and show up their due responsibilities to return the issue of the Korean Peninsula to the right track of peaceful dialogue at an early date," he added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 12:37:11|Editor: Liu

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BEIJING, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Leading Chinese bike-sharing startup ofo announced Thursday that it has raised over 700 million U.S. dollars in its latest round of funding, the largest so far for the rapidly growing industry.

Major investors include Alibaba, Hony Capital, CITIC Private Equity Funds Management, Didi Chuxing, and DST Investment Management, Beijing-based ofo said in a statement.

The company's founder and CEO, Dai Wei, said ofo will improve its customer experience and accelerate expansion both in China and abroad to make ofo a worldwide brand.

Founded in 2015, ofo shot to success with its innovative business model providing non-docking public bikes. Users can find a bike parked in the street, unlock it using a code via their mobile phone, and park it anywhere after use.

The company said it now has 6.5 million shared bikes in 150 cities across five countries and regions, handling an average 25 million rides a day. It aims to expand that to 20 million bikes in 200 cities across 20 countries and regions by the end of 2017.

China's bike sharing market has become a red-hot investment opportunity.

Within around two years, more than 20 million shared bikes have appeared on streets across the country, operated by over 40 companies.

But small players are being pushed out and the competition has narrowed to ofo and its rival, Shanghai-based Mobike, backed by Tencent Holdings.

As of the first quarter of 2017, Mobike accounted for 40.7 percent of the Chinese bike-sharing market while ofo held about 51.9 percent, according to an industry report.

Both companies are aggressively expanding overseas and researching the use of Internet-of-Things for future mobility services.

In June, Mobike said it had raised more than 600 million U.S. dollars to finance overseas expansion.

Britain, Singapore, and the United States are among the markets Chinese bike-sharing firms have already entered.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 12:57:18|Editor: Song Lifang

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by Xinhua writer Zhu Sheng

BERLIN, July 5 (Xinhua) -- While a surge of anti-globalization sentiment in Western countries casts a shadow on the Hamburg summit of the Group of 20 (G20) major economies to be held on July 7-8 in Germany, the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative inspires the group with new ideas of cooperation.

The anti-globalization sentiment has been highlighted by the U.S. policy of America First, Brexit and the U.S. withdrawal from Paris climate accord, among others. Under the circumstances, business leaders have considered the Belt and Road Initiative as an inspiration for the G20 group to boost mutually beneficial cooperation within its framework.

The world needs a plan B against the anti-globalization sentiment of the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighted by Trump's America First policy, said Tufan Khalaji, managing director of Rail Cargo Operator of Austria.

The Belt and Road Initiative provides the whole world at the right moment with a new option and solution, he noted.

The initiative, proposed by China in 2013, aims to build trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along ancient Silk Road trade routes to seek common development and prosperity.

For example, as far as Europe is concerned, the China-Europe freight train service to promote interconnectivity not only facilitates flow of commodities, but also brings opportunities to countries along Eurasian railway routes to improve railway infrastructure and transport system.

The China-Europe freight train service, whose operation was first launched in March 2011, has witnessed a remarkable increase in transport volume boosted by the initiative.

Citing the experiences of German logistics company Deutsche Post DHL Group, Thomas Kowalski, DPDHL director of operations in multimodal transport, said the Belt and Road Initiative expands the freight volume of railway routes connecting China and Europe, which boosts DHL's business.

"It opens up new opportunities for DHL in the Asian-Pacific region," he said.

The freight volume of Eurasian railway lines has steadily increased since the operation of China-Europe freight train service. It is estimated that the volume will exceed 1 million standard containers by 2030, according to Kowalski.

Shan Jing, business development manager of Far East Land Bridge Ltd.(FELB), said the China-Europe freight train service also facilitates the transport of goods between Europe and other Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea.

Currently, the trans-continental trains operated by FELB depart mainly from cities including Suzhou and Changsha in southern China, leaving China from Manchuria in the northeast. Every week, three or four trains arrive in European cities such as Warsaw, Duisburg, Hamburg and Milan.

In addition, Shan said the Belt and Road Initiative brings opportunities to countries along Eurasian railway routes to promote freight transport capacity through improving railway infrastructure and organizing the railway transport system.

Germany's International Rail Freight Business Association (IBS), which partly functions as promoter or lobbyist for efficient train systems and mechanisms in the European Union (EU), welcomes the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.

IBS Chairman Olaf Krueger said the initiative may provide great opportunities for countries to modernize the existing rail lines and create new transport corridors.

In addition, the direct rail link between Chinese cities and western Europe offers a new option for shippers. Some European business people call it an "artery" as it injects fresh blood into the existing European rail freight corridors or networks.

Success stories like the China-Europe freight train service are believed to be significant to leaders to attend the G20 Hamburg summit themed "Shaping an Interconnected World."

Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the G20 Hamburg summit following a state visit to Germany. Xi has called on the G20 group to continue to champion globalization and innovative growth.

The Belt and Road Initiative has won support from over 100 countries and international organizations around the world.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 13:02:20|Editor: Song Lifang

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VIENTIANE, July 6 (Xinhua) -- The Healthcare Department under the Lao Ministry of Health will order the closure of foreign-owned clinics when their professional Lao medical licences expire in 2017.

The ministry had ordered the closure of the clinics by the end of 2015, but it decided to extend the licensing period in the interests of promoting friendly diplomatic relations, Chanphomma Vongsamphanh, director of the department, was quoted by local daily Vientiane Times as saying on Thursday.

The closures would reduce the number of complaints about bogus advertisements by foreign-run clinics, which attracted patients but resulted in them being overcharged. The closure will send a strong signal to foreign nationals that the operation of medical clinics is solely reserved for Lao doctors, according to regulations on private medical clinics, Chanphomma said.

All foreigners wanting to continue medical businesses in Laos will only be permitted to open hospital, Chanphomma said, adding that many foreign-owned clinics can be upgraded to hospital if they comply with the Law on Healthcare of Laos.

There are currently 17 private hospitals legally registered with the Ministry of Health. There are more than 1,000 private clinics in Laos, but only three of those are foreign-owned, according to the Vientiane Times.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 13:17:31|Editor: Song Lifang

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LOS ANGELES, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Record-shattering 34.4 million trips were made to the U.S. state of New Mexico in 2016, the state's Governor Susana Martinez announced on Wednesday.

It was another record-breaking year for tourism trips in New Mexico in 2016, up from 33.4 million in 2015.

"A record number of people are visiting New Mexico and that means more money being spent in our communities -- large and small," said Martinez in a statement. "It is so exciting that more people than ever before are getting to experience what we already know: New Mexico is the best place in the world to enjoy natural beauty, vibrant culture and -- of course -- our incredible food."

Overall, trips to New Mexico have grown 15.4 percent since 2010. In addition, 2016 recorded the largest single-year increase in visits since the introduction in 2012 of New Mexico True, the state's tourism marketing project.

The local tourism industry continues to be a leader in job growth, with another 2,600 leisure and hospitality jobs added in 2016, or a 2.8-percent increase since last year and an 8.6-percent increase since 2010, according to the statement released by the governor's office.

"New Mexico True brings attention to what is 'true' about our state's vibrant culture and heritage; the things that set us apart from every other state in the country," said Rebecca Latham, cabinet secretary at New Mexico Tourism Department.

New Mexico is a state located in the southwest of the United States. It is rich in tourism resources with landscape ranging from vast deserts to snow-capped mountains.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 13:37:43|Editor: Song Lifang

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JAKARTA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- All five people on board of a small plane that went down in Indonesia's eastern Papua province on Wednesday were feared dead, a spokesman of the national search and rescue office said on Thursday.

Spokesman Marsudi made the statement after rescuers, observing the Pilatus Porter PC-6 aircraft from air, saw the plane was broken into pieces.

"The plane has been seriously damaged, so it is a high possibility that all the people inside the plane were killed," he told Xinhua by phone.

Dozens of rescuers from the search and rescue office and volunteers were heading to the crash site in Wamena district, said Marsudi.

The five people on board included a pilot, a co-pilot and three passengers, he added.

The plane, operated by Associated Mission Aviation (AMA), a private firm operating flights in and around Papua province, was flying from Wamena to Derakma.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 13:57:49|Editor: An

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HANGZHOU, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Railway freight is bringing an increasing number of German products to China, according to Chinese customs authorities.

A shipment of baby formula and beverages from Germany arrived at a transborder e-commerce zone in Hangzhou last week. This is the 58th shipment received by Dolphin Cross-Border Technology Co., Ltd, an e-commerce company.

"German goods are thought to be durable. Dinnerware, children's car seats, water purifiers, and baby formula are very popular with Chinese consumers," said Hu Xiaoxiao, manager of the company.

Hangzhou customs said German goods are some of the most diverse imported goods they see.

Since May last year, over 64 million yuan (about 9.4 million U.S. dollars) worth of German products have been imported via the China-Europe rail link, about 37 percent of the total amount of imported products via the route, according to Hangzhou customs.

The goods arrive in Yiwu, then travel to the neighboring cities of Hangzhou and Ningbo before being distributed nationwide.

The train route linking Duisburg, Germany with Yiwu takes 14 days, about half the time needed for sea transport. "It is a cost-saving and time efficient means of transport," said Hu.

According to the General Administration of Customs, trade volume between China and Germany from January to May was 434.5 billion yuan (about 63.9 billion U.S. dollars), up 13.4 percent year on year. Import volume was valued at 247.3 billion yuan (about 36.4 billion dollars), up 12.4 percent, while export volume was 187.2 billion yuan (27.5 billion dollars), up 14.7 percent.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 14:12:53|Editor: An

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BEIJING, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Beijing traffic police said Thursday that they will investigate footage showing a self-driving car developed by Chinese tech giant Baidu on the open road.

At a meeting Wednesday, Li Yanhong, Baidu's CEO, live streamed while riding in a Baidu self-driving car on Beijing's fifth ring road.

The video went viral on social media, and caught the attention of traffic police. The public has since debated whether driverless cars should be allowed on the streets, as there are no clear regulations or laws covering their use.

Traffic police said they support technological innovation in driverless vehicles, but will investigate possible violations of existing traffic laws.

Baidu launched its autonomous car project in 2013, joining the race with Internet giants such as Google and Tesla Motors. The search engine giant said in 2016 that it plans to mass-produce driverless cars in five years.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 14:17:59|Editor: Song Lifang

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BUENOS AIRES, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Making direct contact with a potential business partner is the key to successfully accessing the growing Chinese market, Argentine consultant Enrique Bechis said Wednesday.

In an interview with Xinhua in Argentina's capital of Buenos Aires, Bechis spoke about his experiences living and working in China over the past 15 years, helping others promote their businesses, and the "amazing" changes taking place there.

He advised business owners and entrepreneurs seeking to enter the dynamic Chinese market to "have patience, the patience to go and get to know (the country) firsthand."

Nothing can take the place of a face-to-face encounter with a potential business partner, he said.

"The more complicated the business venture, the more necessary it becomes to visit, which can give you an idea of why China is so different. Come in direct contact with a Chinese businessman, it doesn't matter whether it is through an interpreter, you can still instantly note the tone of the conversation," Bechis added.

There are a few other factors that he believes can be decisive in making or breaking a deal.

"The presence of the person who makes the decisions is important," as is "having some local help ... especially because it can save time. Time and money are sometimes related, so saving time is important," said Bechis.

Getting "good legal advice is another important matter," though China itself is bolstering laws to guarantee foreign investors legal protections, he said.

"China is updating its entire legal system to provide greater legal security to foreign companies, and is succeeding, because China is the mecca for foreign companies. The system is a lot more predictable," said Bechis.

A civil engineer specializing in hydraulic engineering, Bechis first traveled to China in 2000, invited by authorities to visit the Three Gorges Dam spanning the Yangtze River.

"I had never been to China and what I saw seemed fantastic. More than half of the dams being built around the world at the time were being built in China, and I thought it was a good opportunity to see if I could do something in China, since my specialty is building dams," recalled Bechis.

However, he soon saw an opportunity in helping others with the same goal.

"The country fascinated me and, given the number of companies that wanted to do business with China, I launched a project to build a bridge, to offer service providing cultural understanding to all those companies that set out with no prior knowledge of China," said Bechis.

He spent some time learning about China's culture while putting together a business plan. His firm, Suarez and Menendez, agreed to represent British consulting firm Moore Stephens, to help steer companies looking to grow their businesses.

In 2002, his firm set up a shop in Shanghai, and over the years has helped more than 150 projects get off the ground, many belonging to "companies that are leaders in their fields," said Bechis.

When he first moved to Shanghai, Bechis said he longed for traditional Argentine cuisine, "but now it is the other way around, I miss my favorite Chinese dishes when back in Buenos Aires."

His "adopted home" is changing rapidly, said Bechis.

"If one leaves China for a while and comes back, one finds a China that has changed in every way," he said.
File photo shows Zambian President-elect Edgar Lungu speaks during his inauguration ceremony in Lusaka, Zambia, Sept. 13, 2016. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)

LUSAKA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Edgar Lungu has declared a state of emergency due to lawlessness caused by continued destruction to public properties.

"This is not an easy decision to make, but in order to preserve peace, tranquility, safety of our citizens and national security, we had no choice but to take this decision given the events that have occurred in the recent past," he said in a televised address on Wednesday.

Lungu said he has issued a statutory instrument to invoke Article 31 of the constitution which gives him powers to declare a state of emergency. The matter will however be tabled in parliament for approval by lawmakers, he added.

Lungu noted that the government has on several occasions advised citizens to desist from any irresponsible behavior and expressed sadness that this has fallen on deaf ears.

"There is no doubt in my mind that the intentions of the perpetrators of these irresponsible actions is to make the country ungoverned," he said.

He however said the action will not affect law-abiding citizens as they will be allowed to go about their daily activities.

On Tuesday, Lungu warned that the government will be forced to take measures that will curtail rights of citizens due to lawlessness. It came after the burning of a busy and popular flea market in Lusaka, the country's capital, the latest destruction of property by unknown people.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 15:18:27|Editor: Zhang Dongmiao

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JAKARTA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- The national search and rescue office of Indonesia confirmed on Thursday that all the five people on board of a small plane that went down in Papua province a day earlier were dead, a senior official in the office said.

Spokesman of the office Marsudi said that dozens of rescuers from the local search and rescue office and volunteers have arrived in the scene and undertaken evacuation.

"All of the five people on board are dead. We have removed four of them to Wamena town, but another remains on the scene," Marsudi told Xinhua by phone.

The five people on board included a pilot, a co-pilot and three passengers, he added.

The plane, operated by Associated Mission Aviation (AMA), a private firm operating flights in and around Papua province, was flying from Wamena to Derakma.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 15:23:34|Editor: Yang Yi

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PHNOM PENH, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia deported 74 Chinese suspects involved in telecoms swindle cases to central China's Hunan province on Thursday afternoon, a senior immigration police official said.

"Chinese police had sent a plane to pick them up from Cambodia after we decided to deport them," Major General Ouk Hai Seila, chief of the investigation and procedure department at the General Department of Immigration, told Xinhua.

The deportees, including 21 women, were arrested on July 1 by Cambodian authorities during simultaneous raids on 12 locations in Phnom Penh city, Kandal province and Kampot province, he said, adding that they would face legal action in China.

They were suspected of using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol, a type of internet phone service) from Cambodia to threaten and extort money from victims in China, he said, adding that a number of telephones and laptops were seized during the crackdowns.

Seila said the raids were launched following a request from the Chinese Embassy to Cambodia.

In telecoms fraud, scammers often use overseas servers to make scam calls to their victims in China, claiming to be court or police officials, noting that the victims' bank accounts had been breached, so they have to transfer the money to a separate safe account.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 15:43:43|Editor: Yang Yi

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CHONGQING, July 6 (Xinhua) -- The former headquarters of the Allied Forces in China during World War II has received more visitors as China marks the 80th anniversary of the beginning of the war against Japanese aggression.

The number of visitors has risen from 290,000 in 2015 to 320,000 in 2016, said Liu Wanhong, curator of the Chongqing Anti-Japanese War Heritage Museum. The first five months of this year has seen 140,000 visitors.

After the Pearl Harbor event in December 1941, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt decided to establish the China Theater Command of Allied Forces and named Chinese leader Chiang Kai-shek supreme commander and general Joseph Stilwell chief of staff.

Japan started a full-scale invasion into China on July 7, 1937. The ruling Kuomintang government led by Chiang evacuated to the southwest city of Chongqing at the end of 1937 after its capital Nanjing was seized by the Japanese. Chongqing then became China's temporary capital in wartime.

Chiang set up the headquarters of the Allied Forces on Huangshan mountain in the suburbs of Chongqing, where he and generals and consultants from the United States and the United Kingdom held hundreds of meetings to direct the war before it ended in 1945.

"China is a major battle field of World War II," said 84-year-old visitor Xie Yingwei. "We sacrificed a lot of people and will forever remember the war and the dead, to achieve a lasting peace."

According to curator Liu, visitors to Huangshan include delegations from U.S. Congress and former Flying Tiger pilots -- voluntary soldiers to aid China led by general Claire Lee Chennault, as well as Kuomintang officials from Taiwan.

The Chinese government has poured millions of yuan over the past years to preserve and renovate the 190,000-square-meter historical site, which is comprised of dozens of buildings and shelters on the forest-covered mountain.

The site was named a base for cross-strait exchanges between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan.

Its main building is a three-storey brick villa where Chiang met special envoys from the United States and United Kingdom. A meeting hall was kept in its original status, where Far East military meetings were convened and where Chiang and Allied Forces generals made important decisions, such as establishing the Flying Tigers, sending joint troops to Myanmar, and creating the famous "hump" air route across the Himalaya mountains to send supplies to China.

Between 1938 and 1944, over 9,000 Japanese planes bombed Chongqing, killing and wounding more than 20,000 people. Chiang narrowly escaped a 1941 attack targeting his Huangshan office, while his two bodyguards were killed.

A building named "Green Lotus" which accommodated a U.S. military delegation is also well preserved. Words written on a board read that China and the United States formed allied relations and launched full military, political, diplomatic and economic cooperation in the war against Japan, before finally achieving victory.

Americans living in the Green Lotus included Joseph Stilwell, David G. Barr and John Leighton Stuart.

Photos of communist leaders such as Mao Zedong meeting with American visitors in Yan'an were on exhibition.

In the museum, visitors can watch a movie documentary about Song May-ling, Chiang's wife and a graduate of Wellesley College, who spoke at the U.S. Congress in 1943, calling for joint efforts to defeat the Japanese. She was the first Chinese speaker on Capitol Hill.

Chiang and Song's dinning table and bed are preserved, as well as rare photos showing their family life.

More than 35 million Chinese soldiers and civilians were killed and wounded during the war. President Roosevelt's words were inscribed on an exhibition board and describe the significance of Chinese efforts during the war: "If there were no Chinese, if China had been destroyed, you think about it, how many divisions of Japanese soldiers for combat could have been thus been redeployed?"
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 16:04:04|Editor: Zhang Dongmiao

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ANKARA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Turkey has warned that refugees who commit crimes would face deportation, amid increasing reports of clashes between Syrians and locals in parts of Turkey, local media Hurriyet Daily News reported Thursday.

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim stressed that those "who cross the line are punished as deserved before the law," adding that if necessary, "we will deport those (refugees) who commit crimes."

Yildirim's words came after a clash between local residents and refugees in Ankara's Yenimahalle district on July 2, in which an Iraqi Turkmen was injured and several workplaces were damaged.

Regarding the naturalization of Syrians in Turkey, Yildirim said whoever wants to get Turkish citizenship should show loyalty to the state and go under investigated in terms of national security and public order.

Meanwhile, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Veysi Kaynak called for de-escalation of tensions between local residents and refugees, saying that crime rate of Syrians is lower than that of Turkish citizens.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 17:30:02|Editor: Yamei

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TOKYO, July 6 (Xinhua) -- A number of Japanese companies including major nationwide delivery services had to shutter or suspend their operations Thursday as torrential rain continued to pound a wide swathe of southwestern Japan and disrupt transportation networks.

Automaker Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd., according to local reports, was forced to suspend operations at a plant in Nakatsu, Oita Prefecture that produces minicars.

The company was also forced to halt its engine-producing operations at its plant in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture, a day earlier.

Yamato Transport Co., Ltd., Japan's leading door-to-door delivery service, has said that its operations have been severely disrupted by the torrential rain causing heavy flooding in Fukuoka and Oita prefectures.

Meanwhile, Japan Post Co., Ltd. said its operations could be delayed for up to 24 hours, with deliveries of letters and parcels likely to be significantly delayed in Fukuoka and Oita, local media said.

Aeon Co., Ltd. a retail corporate group whose operations include running supermarkets, said that deliveries have been delayed to some of its stores in Oita Prefecture, although it said that its outlets would remain open during regular business hours.

Tokyo-headquartered Sapporo Breweries, Ltd., the producer of the oldest brand of beer in Japan, said that despite a leak at its plant in Hita City, Oita Prefecture, its overall operations have not been disrupted by the downpours.

Local media also reported that among some of Japan's bluechip, multinational corporations operating in the southwest, Honda Motor Co. Ltd., Canon Inc. and chipmaker Lt Electronics Corp. were continuing their operations on Thursday and had been largely unaffected by the inclement weather.

But major mobile phone carriers said that their services had been disrupted in some coverage areas in northern Kyushu.

Customers in northern Kyushu using the services of NTT Docomo Inc., KDDI Corp. and SoftBank Group Corp. have been left with no network service and no idea from the firms when they will be resumed as normal, media reports said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 17:50:26|Editor: Yamei

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TALLINN, July 6 (Xinhua) -- An informal meeting of justice and home affairs ministers of European Union (EU) member states opened here Thursday to focus on the security and safety of Europe.

Hosted by Estonian Interior Minister Andres Anvelt, the ministers were scheduled to discuss such issues as migration, Ukraine and the future of e-justice during the two-day meeting.

With security and safety being the main concerns of people today, the EU is expected to find the right balance between safeguarding people's rights and freedoms while ensuring their safety.

During the first-ever Estonian presidency of the Council of the EU from July 1 until Dec. 31 this year, over 260 different events have been arranged in Estonia, with up to 30,000 delegates attending.

During its presidency, Estonia aims to aid the building of a Europe with an open and innovative economy, keep Europe secure, promote digital solutions and free movement of data, and ensure that the activity of the EU is inclusive and sustainable.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 17:55:33|Editor: Yamei

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MOGADISHU, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Attacks on aid workers delivering supplies in Somalia resulted in the death of four staff between January and June, the UN humanitarian agency said on Thursday.

The UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said over 90 violent incidents impacted humanitarian personnel, facilities and assets leading to the injury of nine, arrests and temporary detention of six and abduction of 13.

"The upsurge is mainly due to an increase in targeted attacks against humanitarian organizations by nonstate armed actors, and increased violence at aid distribution sites," said OCHA in its June bulletin.

According to the UN, seven humanitarian workers have so far been expelled from Somalia by authorities within the first half of the year.

It also said there has also been an increase in the number of violent armed incidents associated with relief aid distributions.

"By the end of June, nearly 30 incidents that accounted for the death of 32 civilians and injury of 38 others had been recorded across the country, the majority of which were associated with food distribution conducted by local authorities," the UN said.

The Horn of Africa nation has been mired in conflict since civil war broke out in 1991 and is one of the most difficult countries for relief agencies to operate in.

The Islamist group, Al-Shabaab, which is fighting to topple the Western-backed government has been targeting humanitarian workers for political gain, sometimes demanding ransom in order to free the hostages.

According to OCHA, there are ongoing dialogue and advocacy efforts with relevant authorities and actors to put in place mitigation measures.

"The possibility of providing training to the security forces charged with safeguarding relief supplies and crowd control during distributions is also being explored," it said.

The UN humanitarian agency said rising road access challenges also continue to be reported along the Mogadishu-Afgooye route and access roads to Dinsoor, Xudur and Wajid.

During the second quarter of 2017, non-state armed actors intensified blockades on Dinsoor, Wajid and parts of Xudur, including seizure and destruction of donkey carts owned by civilians that served as the last link of supplies for some communities.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 17:55:34|Editor: Yang Yi

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President of the BRICS New Development Bank K.V. Kamath answers questions during a press conference in Shanghai, east China, July 6, 2017. The BRICS New Development Bank has seen good results in the last two years and has a strong pipeline for the future, bank president K.V. Kamath said Thursday. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

SHANGHAI, July 6 (Xinhua) -- The BRICS New Development Bank has seen good results in the last two years and has a strong pipeline for the future, bank president K.V. Kamath said Thursday.

"The last two years have been very satisfying to us. It has built a strong foundation for the bank," Kamath said.

The bank has 23 projects at various stages of preparation for 2017 to 2018, with a total lending amount of six billion U.S. dollars.

Among them, five projects, totaling 1.7 billion dollars, are in China. The remainder are made up of six projects in India, seven in Brazil, two in Russia, and three in South Africa.

In 2016, the bank granted 1.5 billion dollars in loans to seven projects. Most projects involved green energy or infrastructure, Kamath said.

The bank sold its first 3 billion yuan (437 million U.S. dollars) yuan-denominated bonds in China in July last year, to fund clean energy projects in member states.

It plans to issue rupee-denominated bonds this year and will also look for opportunities to issue bonds in Brazil and Russia, Kamath said.

The bank formally opened on July 21, 2015 in Shanghai.
File photo shows two suicide attacks hit Somalia's Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in the capital city of Mogadishu on July 31, 2016. (Xinhua/Faisal Isse)

MOGADISHU, July 6 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. military has confirmed its special forces conducted a successful collective self-defense strike operation against an Al-Shabaab troop concentration in Somalia on Sunday and vowed to dismantle the militants.

In a statement issued on Wednesday night, the U.S. Africa Command (Africom) vowed to intensify onslaught against Al-Shabaab militants in order to protect people including Americans and its allies.

"We continue to work in coordination with our Somali partners and allies to systematically dismantle Al-Shabaab, and help achieve stability and security throughout the region," Africom said.

Africom, which has in the past conducted counterterrorism airstrikes against the terror group in Somalia, said the Sunday airstrikes that targeted the militants occurred at about 480 km southwest of Mogadishu.

The statement comes after Somalia on Wednesday confirmed that 10 Al-Shabaab militants were killed in the joint attack by U.S. and Somali government forces.

Washington said the units and assets involved in the operation would not be identified to ensure operational security.

"We will continue to assess the results of the operation, and will provide additional information as appropriate. Specific details about the units involved and assets used will not be released in order to ensure operational security," Africom said.

"This strike was conducted within the parameters of our authority to engage in collective self-defense of our Somali partners," it added.

According to Africom, Al-Shabaab has pledged allegiance to Al-Qaida and is dedicated to providing safe haven for terrorist attacks throughout the world.

"Al-Shabaab has publicly committed to planning and conducting attacks against the U.S. and our allies," Africom said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 18:10:45|Editor: Yamei

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HOUSTON, July 5 (Xinhua) -- A university report released here Wednesday shows that there is an increase in dry eye symptoms among younger patients due to excessive use of digital devices.

Dr. Amber Gaume Giannoni, a local optometry specialist with the College of Optometry at the University of Houston, told Houston Public Media that the more children stare at a screen, the less they tend to blink, which results in dry eye symptoms, because blinking helps stimulate the glands used to moisturize the eyes.

A recent study also shows that children as young as eight can spend six hours a day in front of a screen.

Giannoni suggested parents set limits to their children's screen time and pay attention to such symptoms as forcefully blinking, eye rubbing and eye redness.

She recommended a method of 20-20-20 to decrease digital eye strain -- a 20-second break for every 20 minutes of staring at a digital device, and looking 20 feet (about six meters) away or somewhere off into the distance.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 18:20:55|Editor: Liangyu

U.S. Oregon State Governor Kate Brown (2nd R) presents the document to Ren Faqiang (2nd L), Chinese deputy Consul General to San Francisco in Salem, the United States, on July 5, 2017. U.S. Oregon State Governor Kate Brown signed a resolution on Wednesday to advance economic and trade ties with China. (Xinhua/Ma Dan)

SALEM, the United States, July 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Oregon State Governor Kate Brown signed a resolution on Wednesday to advance economic and trade ties with China.

While non-binding itself, the resolution makes Oregon the first U.S. state that encourages continued collaboration with China for trade and economic development.

Brown presented the document to Ren Faqiang, Chinese deputy Consul General to San Francisco, right after reading and signing the document in Salem, the state's capital.

The measure, known as House Current Resolution 39, was passed recently in unanimous vote by both House and Senate of the state Legislative Assembly.

The unanimously approved resolution shows the importance attached by both the government and legislature of Oregon State to economic and trade cooperation between Oregon and China, said Ren.

The resolution states that China is now Oregon's biggest trader partner, over 20,000 jobs in Oregon benefit from trade with China, and China is Oregon's No. 1 source of international visitors with more than 60,000 Chinese citizens visiting the state each year.

The U.S. west coast state benefits a lot from its exports to China, with products ranging from computers, agricultural goods, and chemicals.

Oregon has a trade surplus of 3.7 billion U.S. dollars with China in 2016, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. It is among one of eight U.S. states to have a trade surplus with the Asian giant.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 18:41:07|Editor: Yang Yi

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ZHENGZHOU, July 6 (Xinhua) -- A man was sentenced to death for ramming a car into a school, killing one student and injuring 11, according to a local court in central China's Henan Province.

Ma Gaochao was sentenced to death on the charge of endangering public safety, with compensation of 680,000 yuan (about 100,000 U.S. dollars) awarded to the plaintiff, according to the intermediate people's court of Nanyang city,

An investigation showed that Ma drove his car into a middle school in Nanyang around noon Feb. 29, 2016. He rammed the car into a crowd of students, injuring six students.

Later, he drove the car out of the school into a group students who were crossing the road, killing one instantly and injuring five others.

He was caught by police while driving away from the scene.

Ma was a retiree of the local procuratorate and committed the crime to vent anger against society after falling into business disputes, according to the court.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 19:16:59|Editor: Liangyu

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BEIJING, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Global aircraft giant Bell Helicopter is gearing up for China's burgeoning aviation market with one bulk order already in hand, company executives said.

"Bell Helicopter is extremely bullish about China's aviation market with both strong demand and government support," said Patrick Moulay, executive vice president for global sales and marketing.

"We will not only sell helicopters to the market, but also play a role in cultivating the surging market jointly with Chinese partners," he said in an interview with Xinhua.

BIG ORDER

Moulay confirmed that Bell and Shaanxi Helicopter Co. Ltd. (SHC), a subsidiary of Shaanxi Energy Group, have signed a purchase agreement for 100 Bell 407GXP single-engine helicopters, which were launched in 2015.

Deliveries will start this year.

Bell did not disclose the total value of the order. The list price of the 407GXP is around 3.2 million U.S. dollars.

The helicopters will be finalized in the Bell's U.S. plant, shipped to China and reassembled. Some will be configured for customers such as China's Emergency Medical Service (EMS), emergency rescue, fire fighting and law enforcement agencies.

Bell will support Shaanxi Helicopter to develop capabilities in reassembly and maintenance, as well as pilot and technician training.

Moulay said Bell has been developing its support and presence in China for several years. "The new order further establishes our commitment to the region."

Bell is a global leader in commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical-lift aircraft.

Since its founding in 1935, it has delivered more than 35,000 helicopters in about 120 countries and regions.

SURGING MARKET

The Bell Helicopter fleet in China is 110 and the company is excited about the vast potential of the market.

Bell has received orders for 60 Bell 505s from Beijing-based Reignwood Group, including 50 at the 2016 China Airshow in November. The deliveries will start in six months.

"We are very excited. And we are gearing up to triple the helicopter fleet in China by supporting our customers with training, maintenance and cultivating the market," said Jose Jacinto Monge, managing director of Bell in China.

By the end of 2016, China's rotary-wing aircraft fleet was around 800, compared with about 6,500 in the United States.

Helicopters play critical roles in public affairs, such as emergency services. The U.S. emergency services have about 1,200 helicopters. They are also fast transport for private and business use.

China is set to boost the development of its civil aviation industry to create a market that is expected to be worth more than a trillion yuan (147.2 billion U.S. dollars) by 2020.

It will build new civil airports, bringing the total to more than 500 by 2020, and support the opening of its low-altitude airspace.

Moulay forecast that China's helicopter fleet will double in five years.

"We have seen much more flexibility in the low-altitude space for general aviation operators. And it is the right time for the industry to think over its role in the amazing market," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 19:21:59|Editor: Liangyu

The second meeting of BRICS ministers of culture is held in Tianjin, north China, July 6, 2017. (Xinhua/Chen Xi)

TIANJIN, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Representatives from BRICS countries inked an action plan on cultural cooperation Thursday at a ministerial meeting in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin, pledging efforts to strengthen cultural exchanges.

The action plan, which covers a number of fields including cultural heritage and personnel training among BRICS countries, encourages museums, art galleries and libraries to enhance exchanges and mutual learning via exhibitions and sharing information.

In his keynote speech, Chinese Minister of Culture Luo Shugang said that it is the common wish of BRICS countries to seek common ground in cultural values while fully respecting cultural diversity.

Luo called for efforts to strengthen civil exchanges, enhance pragmatic cooperation and consolidate public opinion in BRICS countries.

Cultural resources should be mobilized to boost the sustainable development of society and the economy, the minister said.

Representatives form Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa also elaborated on future cooperation.

The first BRICS ministerial meeting on culture was held in Moscow in June 2015.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 19:22:00|Editor: Liangyu

Wang Zhidong, legal advisor to Zhang Yingying's family, speaks to reporters after a hearing in Urbana, the United States, July 5, 2017. U.S. Magistrate Judge Eric Long on Wednesday ordered the man accused of kidnapping University of Illinois' visiting Chinese scholar Zhang Yingying to be held in jail indefinitely until he goes on trial. (Xinhua/Wang Ping)

by Xinhua writers Xu Jing, Wang Ping, Miao Zhuang

CHICAGO, July 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Magistrate Judge Eric Long on Wednesday ordered the man accused of kidnapping University of Illinois' (UI) visiting Chinese scholar Zhang Yingying to be held in jail indefinitely until he goes on trial.

Brendt Christensen, 28, of Champaign, a former UI graduate student from Wisconsin, was making his second court appearance at the federal courthouse in Urbana on Wednesday afternoon. The suspect did not speak during the 20-minute-long hearing.

NEW EVIDENCE

Long made the ruling based on new evidence presented by assistant attorney Bryan Freres -- while under surveillance, Christensen was allegedly captured on a recording picking out other potential victims and talking about the "characteristics of an ideal victim" during a vigil for Zhang held at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) campus on June 29. Christensen has been confirmed to have attended the vigil.

Other evidence provided on Wednesday included an audio of Christensen describing how he kidnapped Zhang and how she "fought and resisted" when he brought her back to his apartment, and threatening the person to whom he provided the incriminating information.

Long said the evidence "seemed strong," and therefore ordered Christensen, whom he called a flight risk and a danger to the community, to be held without bond.

"The ruling is within our expectation," U.S. lawyer Wang Zhidong, who has been offering legal support to the Zhang family on a voluntary basis, said outside the court. "This is a comfort to the family of Yingying Zhang."

The preliminary hearing of the case is set for July 14. However, if the majority of the Grand Jury believes in the evidence submitted, the suspect may be indicted before the date and the preliminary hearing canceled.

"It is very likely that the Grand Jury will indict the suspect," Wang said.

Christensen's attorneys said "in a case like this, it's not unusual for bail to be denied." However, they are entitled to test the evidence and see "if it is reliable."

INSIDE THE COURT ROOM

Christensen, in gray striped prison clothes, entered the court room from a side door and took a seat beside his two lawyers, while Zhang's family was accompanied by Chinese consuls and volunteers.

During his 25-minute-long appearance, Christensen never looked at the family of the victim. He made his first court appearance on July 3.

Zhang Ronggao, Yingying's father, kept staring at the suspect the whole time. Occasionally, he lowered his head and rested it in his hands. During the whole process, he appeared quiet and calm.

JUSTICE SOUGHT FOR ZHANG YINGYING

Outside the courthouse, there were people holding banners reading "We the people are with Yingying," "Justice for Yingying, Where is She?" and "Justice to Yingying and her family."

Lu Ting, a UIUC teacher, said that Wednesday's ruling is the first step toward justice for Zhang. The legal procedure may last long, but it is taking the right direction, Lu said.

Chinese Deputy Consul General in Chicago Liu Jun said the Chinese Consulate in Chicago has been involved in the case from the beginning, and has kept in touch with local police, urging them to solve the case as quickly as possible and relaying to them reasonable requests from Zhang's family.

"The top priority at present is to locate the whereabouts of (Zhang) Yingying," he said.

Zhang Yingying, 26, was last seen on a security camera video entering a black Saturn Astra car on the edge of the UIUC campus at approximately 2 p.m. (1900 GMT) on June 9. She arrived at UIUC in late April this year, and was on her way to sign a lease when she went missing.

The FBI arrested Christensen, the owner of a black Saturn Astra, on June 30, accusing him of kidnapping Zhang. Based on facts uncovered during the investigation, law enforcement agents believe that Zhang is no longer alive.

UIUC has the largest number of Chinese students among all universities in the United States, with more than 5,600 Chinese students now studying there.
File photo shows Somali refugee Amina Ali feeds her kid beside her makeshift tent at the Dagahaley refugee camp in Dadaab, Kenya, on April 14, 2015. (Xinhua/Stephen Ingati)

MOGADISHU, July 6 (Xinhua) -- China has donated 1 million U.S. dollars through the UN migration agency to aid the displaced and vulnerable communities and returnees in Somalia.

The money, which was channeled to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), will help the agency fix migration crisis and shelter the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Somalia.

"This assistance is for internally displaced people, vulnerable communities and returnees in Somalia," IOM Chief Mission in Somalia Gerard Waite told journalists on Wednesday in Mogadishu.

"The impact of drought in Somalia still remains. This is a life-saving support and we are working with the Somali government and international partners to find long-term solution to this crisis," he said.

The Somali government officials thanked the Chinese government for providing assistance which they said came at very critical condition.

"China is one of the leading countries that assist Somalia," Mohamed Moalim, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Humanitarian and Disaster Management, said, adding that this assistance will target 2,500 families.

He added that half a million IDPs are in Mogadishu alone, mainly due to floods, droughts and conflicts.

Chinese Ambassador to Somalia Qin Jian said that the Chinese government is committed to supporting Somalia as the two nations enjoy long-term friendship.

He said that they are considering rebuilding the National Theater, the Benadir Hospital and the Mogadishu Stadium and promised to discuss these projects further with the Somali government.

"Chinese have carried out 89 projects before and would increase its support to Somalia," he added.

China offered 10 million dollars to Somalia through WFP in April.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 19:42:14|Editor: Yang Yi

U.S. President Donald Trump (L) and Polish President Andrzej Duda attend a joint press conference in Warsaw, Poland, July 6, 2017. (Xinhua/Chen Xu)

WARSAW, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Visiting U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday called Poland a "true ally and partner", saying U.S. alliance with Poland and NATO remains key element in avoidance of conflict.

"We have never been closer to Poland, Poland is not only a great friend of the United States but a true ally and partner," Trump told a joint press conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda.

"Our strong alliance with Poland and NATO remains a key element in the avoidance of conflict," he added.

The U.S. president also said Poland has become a UN Security Council member in a key moment and that it was time for all NATO countries to bear the right costs.

He praised Poland as one of the few countries fulfilling their financial obligations and commitments, and "even surpassing it."

Trump also said he strongly supported the Three Seas initiative and that America was ready to help Poland and other European countries to diversify their energy suppliers so that they would never "be held hostage and dependent on one supplier."

"President Donald Trump's visit highlights our ties and the high quality of the alliance between Poland and the United States," Polish President Andrzej Duda said, adding that both the United States and Trump thought very seriously about the security of Poland.

Duda said that among the topics raised during his face-to-face meeting with Trump are regional security, presence of American soldiers in Poland, tightening economic cooperation and U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) transports.

"I hope that a long-term contract for the supply of LNG will be signed soon and that this important raw material will be diversified," Duda said.

"Poland may become an LNG hub, and this concept will be also brought up within the framework of Three Seas Initiative," the Polish president said.

He also expressed hope that Poland would be able to implement cohesion policy in cooperation with the United States on a win-win basis, beneficially for the U.S. and for the countries of the Three Seas Initiative.

The morning meeting of presidents was followed by plenary talks of the Polish and U.S. delegations.

Further same day, Trump will attend the transatlantic session of the Three Seas summit. At 1:00 p.m. local time he will make a speech to the Polish people at Krasinskich Square in the Warsaw city center.

Trump arrived in Warsaw on Wednesday evening. On Thursday afternoon, the U.S. president will leave for Germany.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 19:42:17|Editor: Zhang Dongmiao

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MADRID, July 6 (Xinhua) -- The annual San Fermin festival, well-known for its bull runs and bullfighters, kicked off in Spain's northern town of Pamplona on Thursday.

The festival started at midday local time with the firing of a rocket into the sky from the Pamplona town hall in front of a packed main square.

The population of the city in the north of Navarra Province sharply rose from its usual 250,000 inhabitants to around a million for the week-long festival, which this year will be followed by 400 journalists from 130 media outlets from all over the world.

San Fermin was made famous by late writer Ernest Hemingway in his novel "Fiesta-The Sun Also Rises" in the 1920's in which Hemingway depicted the excitement of the traditional bull runs through the early morning streets, alongside those brave or foolish enough to show their courage against the bulls, which usually weigh around 600 kilograms each.

However, San Fermin is much more than bulls. The 2017 edition sees 425 official acts programmed for its eight-day festivities, including music, theater, puppet shows, fireworks and sporting events.

Although the municipal government spent around 2 million euros (2.26 million U.S. dollars) for the festival, the economic impact is expected to be around 150 million euros (170 million U.S. dollars), over 30 million of which will be spent in the city's bars and restaurants.

The 2017 San Fermines will also witness heavy security measures, with 3,500 members of local and regional police forces on duty along with members of the National Police and Civil Guards.

Several helicopters will also be operational with police, while concrete blocks and barriers have also been placed in areas expecting massive revelers in order to prevent any possible terrorist attacks using vehicles.

There are also 10 first aid stations set up in the city with 70 health workers on duty and 16 ambulances on standby.

This year's festival features a concerted campaign called, "Pamplona Free of Sexual Aggression" in order to stop the sexual assaults which have blighted the celebrations in recent years. The streets are filled with a red hand symbol signifying the rejection of such behavior.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 19:47:19|Editor: Zhang Dongmiao

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VILNIUS, July 6 (Xinhua) -- In the spirit of Lithuania's State Day on Thursday, President Dalia Grybauskaite called for confidence in the Baltic state and seeking unity, while giving a speech at Daukanto Square here.

"The State Day is a bridge leading from the long-ago Middle Ages -- the thirteenth century -- to the beginning of the twenty-first century. Time after time, we were deprived of statehood, but we always stood as a nation ready to rebuild and recreate," Grybauskaite underlined.

According to Grybauskaite, there were many "outstanding people in Lithuania who had had the strength and the courage to recreate a free and independent state from ashes and national devastation."

Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis also addressed the past hardships and victories of the Lithuanian people, saying, "Our country has overcome a long road of trials and survived, as strong, united and free state," he was quoted as saying in a statement.

The Lithuanian President was participating in the festive ceremony before leaving to Warsaw where a meeting between Eastern and Central European states' presidents and U.S. President Donald Trump was being held the same day.

The Statehood Day is an annual public holiday in Lithuania celebrated on July 6 to commemorate the coronation in 1253 of Mindaugas as the King of Lithuania.

In a separate interview with local broadcaster LRT, Grybauskaite stressed that Lithuania's voice currently is being heard not only in Europe, but also in the world.

The Baltic country currently has "the support that Lithuania has never had before," from "many good friends and reliable allies" the head of state added, referring to the deployment of the multinational NATO battalion in the country.

State Day has officially been celebrated in Lithuania since 1991. On the evening of celebration day, Lithuanians across the country and abroad have a tradition of singing the Lithuanian national anthem at the same time.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 19:52:26|Editor: Liangyu

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by Xinhua writers Liu Xin and Li Meng

BEIJING, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Each month, Japanese-funded Toshiba Medical Systems (China) Co., Ltd. (TMC) holds regular activities for its Chinese employees in Beijing who are also members of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

In their over 100-square-meter Party activity room, Party members often discuss their work and political study experiences.

Toshiba started business in China in 1972, and in 2007, it established its Party branch. There were originally about 30 Party members, according to Yue Changhai, the company's vice president. Now they have more than 40 Party members, most of whom are 30 to 40 years old

"Unlike state-owned enterprises and governmental organs, Party building is not the core of our daily work in foreign companies," Yue told Xinhua. "We don't have any full-time Party staff."

Being a Party member is not a requirement for promotion at TMC. "But 20 percent of the senior executives in our China office are Party members," said Yue, who joined the CPC in 1994.

He said that the Party members exhibit better performance and exceptional abilities in their everyday work.

"Foreign enterprises in China have gradually realized the importance of Party building," said Wen Qinshan, Party secretary at Beijing Foreign Enterprises Human Resources Service Co., Ltd. (FESCO). "It helps improve work efficiency and personnel management."

Previously, many foreign senior managers did not understand how grassroots Party branches can unite employees and help improve cohesion by organizing group activities, Wen said. Party building and business culture can co-exist well.

"Attracting talent and qualified personnel are crucial for foreign companies," Yue said. "Party building can play a unique role in retaining high quality talent."

"Furthermore, Party building can help foreign companies facilitate communication and exchanges with government organs," Wen added.

TMC Party members have combined their Party activities with social welfare projects. In 2003, when SARS swept the country, they sent engineers to maintain medical devices in hospitals. Earlier this month, they invited doctors and provided facilities to conduct free clinics in Pinggu District, a rural area in northeastern Beijing.

Yue said the TMC Party branch holds eight to ten activities each year.

"Almost all Party activities in foreign companies are undertaken outside of work hours," said Xu Zaibo, secretary of Party Committee Office of FESCO.

Party building in foreign companies is not as easy as in stated-owned enterprises, Wen explained. Foreign companies generally have a higher turnover of labor and younger Party members.

"Young people not only face economic pressure, they also have dreams and ambitions," Yue analyzed. "They long for a life full of positive energy which can be found in Party membership."

FESCO has over 20,000 business clients, including TMC. It looks after Party organizations for those working in the foreign companies.

Wen said there are about 189 Party branches consisting of more than 17,000 members among their business clients.

As of the end of 2016, China had a total of 89 million CPC members, up by 688,000 from 2015, the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee announced on June 30. The number of grassroots Party units was 4.5 million, 105,000 more than the previous year.

It is hard to confirm the exact number of the Party members in foreign companies, since they may also be members of central Party organizations at a local level, such as community groups, Wen Qinshan said.

According to the Constitution of the CPC, a branch should be established wherever there are more than three Party members.

In the late 1970s, China started its opening-up policy and began welcoming foreign companies. Since then, FESCO has undertaken the management of Party members who work for foreign companies. "We were not asked to do it by any higher department," Wen said.

FESCO cultivates 20 to 30 new Party members each year. "Employees who want to join the Party can submit applications to grassroots branches," Wen said. "We then inspect and evaluate them for over one year according to the requirements for new Party members."

FESCO also organizes Party activities, including annual training and study for the Party members in foreign companies. "We provide teachers and venues to support Party activities," Wen said, adding that FESCO also helps grassroots branches make work plans.

Every two years, FESCO selects outstanding Party members and grassroots Party organizations within foreign enterprises.

The TMC Party branch has received outstanding grassroots Party organization awards several times.

Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012, the CPC has been comprehensively enforcing strict Party discipline. FESCO set up an online information management system, as well as a mobile phone app to help Party building in foreign companies.

The app was launched in July 2016, Wen said. It includes updated information on Party building activities and currently has over 3,000 downloads.

"We hope grassroots Party building can follow the steps of comprehensively enforcing strict discipline within the Party," Wen said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 20:17:42|Editor: Zhang Dongmiao

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LAMU, Kenya, July 6 (Xinhua) -- A Kenyan police officer has been found alive after he went missing during Al-Shabaab attack in Pandanguo area in the Coastal town of Lamu on Wednesday.

Local police officers said the missing officer managed to trace his way back to the station on Thursday morning.

Three police officers were killed while another was seriously injured and air lifted to Manda military hospital for treatment.

Coast Regional police commander Akello Odhiambo says more 200 heavily Al-Shabaab members raided the camp that had 19 police officers and set it a blaze after the destroyed Safaricom mast.

The Kenya Defence Forces have also recovered the police vehicle that had been commandeered by the militants.

The Toyota Landcruiser was recovered by soldiers who were part of a contingent deployed to pursue the militants on Wednesday evening.

Odhiambo said security agents are on higher to avert any possible attacks in within the Lamu County. Police says several militants were killed during the seven hour gunfight by both KDF and police officers who responded swiftly.

The Al-Shabaab attacks have gone down drastically for almost four years in the coastal region since the 2014 Mpeketoni terrorist attacks where more than 100 people were killed.

Pandanguo village was also attacked after militants stormed a police station and killed at least four security agents.

Coast Regional Coordinator Nelson Marwa says they have deployed more security agents to the Boni forest. Marwa said the government is contemplating bombing the forest to flash out the Al-Qaida linked terror group.

The government launched Operation Linda Boni in 2015 to flush out Al-Shabaab from the forest.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 20:27:45|Editor: Liangyu

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NANCHANG, July 6 (Xinhua) -- More Chinese officials are to face audits of the environmental impact of their work, as the central government deepens reform to promote officials with strong environmental awareness.

The new reform was endorsed at the 36th meeting of the Central Leading Group for Deepening Overall Reform on June 26.

The regulation stated that if negative environmental impact was found in the audit, it would be taken into consideration even after officials leave their posts, as such audits would affect future promotions.

The assessment includes both environment and ecological damage and the local consumption of natural resources, which must be supervised within official duty.

Xinyu city, eastern China's Jiangxi Province, is among a few cities in China that have piloted the reform.

Zeng Changsheng, deputy head of the municipal auditing bureau, said since the reform started in March 2015, four officials had been audited for their work on the environment.

He said the assessment results were sent to the organization department of the city committee of the Communist Party of China, which is in charge of official appointments.

"We have set up a new department to explore the assessment method, which requires complicated work. We have adopted satellite remote sensing solutions and big data technology to obtain evidence for auditing," he said.

Zeng said the auditing of one official took auditors five-months work.

"It is difficult to obtain evidence linking to officials' direct obligations. Concerned departments lack records on real-time data reflecting natural resource quality and quantity," Zeng said.

According to the audit office, a head of a district government and the city's former environmental bureau chief were among those audited.

The auditors collected forest, water and soil monitoring data during their tenures, and trace their performance and local economic data to analyze how government actions and policies affect the data.

Zeng disclosed that the district government official was believed to be responsible for shrinking forest coverage and ineffective protection of good arable fields. There were also issues in his work approving businesses, which had negative impact such as on the use of water resources and environmental problems.

Zeng said auditors also widely listened to public tip-offs on such matters.

Zhang Liping, head of the administration committee of Xiannu Lake Scenic Area, was one of the four audited officials.

She said the auditing regulation has grabbed the attention of grassroots officials, enhanced their environmental awareness and pushed them to comply with the central government's call on green development.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 20:32:49|Editor: Yang Yi

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres takes part in a new round of the Conference on Cyprus under the auspices of the United Nations in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, July 6, 2017. (Xinhua/Xu Jinquan)

CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland, July 6 (Xinhua) -- United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived here on Thursday to participate in the ongoing Conference on Cyprus.

This is the second time in a week that Guterres has come to the Swiss alpine town in an effort to push forward the ongoing peace talks on the reunification of Cyprus.

The UN chief chaired a session of the conference on Thursday morning right after his arrival. He is also expected to hold several bilateral talks with both leaders of the conflicting Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides.

European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini was also present at Thursday morning's conference.

The new round of the Conference on Cyprus under the auspices of the UN started on June 28 here, which the UN official described as having "a constructive and good start."

UN Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide said after the opening of the conference that it provided the "best chance" for a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Participants of the conference include Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, Greek Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, as well as foreign ministers and senior representatives from Turkey, Greece, Britain and the EU.

The talks at Crans-Montana take place in two separate "tables", one dealing with the key issue of security and guarantees, which involve the guarantor countries, and the other tackling bi-communal issues like governance and power-sharing.

UN officials have said that among the six major chapters of negotiation, the security and guarantees is "where the positions are diametrically opposed," or "at least traditionally have been diametrically opposed."

The UN said that the four chapters, namely governance and power sharing, property, economy and the EU matters, had been largely been settled and the two sides had made unprecedented progress on the territory chapter.

The conference runs until July 7 but could end earlier or be extended if agreed on by all sides.

Cyprus was divided when Turkey mounted a military operation in 1974 in response to a Greek coup at the time, resulting in the occupation of 37 percent of the island's territory.
United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) staff members check the health condition of a boy inside the IDP camp in Doolow, a border town with Ethiopia, in Somalia, on March 20, 2017. One out of seven Somali children dies before its fifth birthday, and acute malnutrition weakens the immune system, which makes affected children more susceptible to disease such as measles, a UN spokesman told reporters earlier this month. In Somalia, drought conditions are threatening an already fragile population battered by decades of conflict. Almost half the population are facing acute food insecurity and in need of humanitarian assistance. Some 185,000 children are expected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition this year, and the figure may rise to 270,000 in the next few months, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said in February. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo)

MOGADISHU, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Attacks on aid workers delivering supplies in Somalia resulted in the death of four staff between January and June, the UN humanitarian agency said on Thursday.

The UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said over 90 violent incidents impacted humanitarian personnel, facilities and assets leading to the injury of nine, arrests and temporary detention of six and abduction of 13.

"The upsurge is mainly due to an increase in targeted attacks against humanitarian organizations by nonstate armed actors, and increased violence at aid distribution sites," said OCHA in its June bulletin.

According to the UN, seven humanitarian workers have so far been expelled from Somalia by authorities within the first half of the year.

It also said there has also been an increase in the number of violent armed incidents associated with relief aid distributions.

"By the end of June, nearly 30 incidents that accounted for the death of 32 civilians and injury of 38 others had been recorded across the country, the majority of which were associated with food distribution conducted by local authorities," the UN said.

The Horn of Africa nation has been mired in conflict since civil war broke out in 1991 and is one of the most difficult countries for relief agencies to operate in.

The Islamist group, Al-Shabaab, which is fighting to topple the Western-backed government has been targeting humanitarian workers for political gain, sometimes demanding ransom in order to free the hostages.

According to OCHA, there are ongoing dialogue and advocacy efforts with relevant authorities and actors to put in place mitigation measures.

"The possibility of providing training to the security forces charged with safeguarding relief supplies and crowd control during distributions is also being explored," it said.

The UN humanitarian agency said rising road access challenges also continue to be reported along the Mogadishu-Afgooye route and access roads to Dinsoor, Xudur and Wajid.

During the second quarter of 2017, non-state armed actors intensified blockades on Dinsoor, Wajid and parts of Xudur, including seizure and destruction of donkey carts owned by civilians that served as the last link of supplies for some communities.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 20:53:07|Editor: Zhang Dongmiao

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DAMASCUS, July 6 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian Foreign Ministry slammed Thursday what it called the "new Turkish aggression" in northern Syrian towns, according to state news agency SANA.

The ministry said in a statement that the Turkish army made a ground incursion into the towns of Azaz and Jibreen near the northern province of Aleppo.

It said the new infiltration attempts are part of Turkey's "ongoing policy of aggression and delusional expansion."

The Syrian government has for long complained to the UN about the Turkish infiltration to areas on the Syrian side of the Turkish-Syrian borders.

It said the Turkish action is a flagrant violation of the international legitimacy.

"The new Turkish aggression comes in the context of the destructive role played by Turkey in Syria and makes Turkey a key partner of terrorism," the ministry said.

Turkey has been beefing up military presence on the Syria side of the borders as part of preparations to strike the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to dislodge them from the border town of Afreen in northern Syria, as Ankara rejects any Kurdish influence near its borders.

Still, the statement comes at a time of heightening tension with Turkey, which was accused by the Syrian government of hindering the fifth round of the Syrian talks in Astana. The talks wrapped up its meetings on Wednesday with no results.

The latest round of talks was supposed to witness a consensus between Turkey, a main backer of the rebels, and Russia, Iran, both backers of the Syrian government, on the recently reached deal of de-escalation zones in Syria.

All were supposed to finalize the agreement on the creation of the four de-escalation zones in Syria, when Turkey said it needs more time before giving a decision.

Bashar al-Ja'afari, the leading negotiator of the Damascus government, said the Turkish stance in Astana was "negative and this negativity reflected the results of the meeting."

The three sides are set to meet again in August to reach a consensus on the agreement, which could see foreign troops manning the separation lines between the four de-escalation zones, in Idlib province, Homs, Daraa and Eastern Ghouta countryside of the capital Damascus.

"The Turkish delegation thwarted the meeting and practiced the policy of extortion. I can only say that the Turkish delegation, for the fifth time, tried to hinder reaching positive results that could serve the interests of the Syrian people," al-Ja'afari said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 21:03:18|Editor: Yamei

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Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang (Photo source: fmprc.gov.cn)

BEIJING, July 6 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday accused India of taking the protection of Bhutan as an excuse to legitimize its border incursion into China.

"India's intention is very clear, which is to use the so-called 'security concern' as well as protecting Bhutan as a pretext to cross the China-India boundary at the Sikkim section and enter the Chinese territory of Doklam," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang.

By creating disputes in Doklam, India intends to obstruct border negotiations between China and Bhutan, Geng told a routine press briefing.

Doklam is part of Chinese territory and there is no dispute over it, Geng said.

China and Bhutan started their border negotiations from the 1980s, and have held 24 rounds of talks so far.

Though the China-Bhutan boundary is not officially demarcated, both countries have a basic consensus on the practical condition and border line of their border region, Geng added.

"China observes relevant agreements with Bhutan, and China's activities in Doklam have not violated any bilateral agreement nor disrupted the status quo," he said.

India's Ministry of Externals Affairs has spoken of "serious security implications."

"China and India, two neighboring countries, should get along with each other," he said.

Branding China's road building with security implications is "ludicrous", said the spokesperson, adding that India has built lots of facilities in the China-India boundary at the Sikkim section over the past years, deployed troops, built fortifications on or across the border line, and changed the status quo of the border area.

China has the willingness to solve the issue in diplomatic ways and peaceful means once India withdraws its troops from Chinese soil, Geng said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 21:03:23|Editor: Zhang Dongmiao

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WARSAW, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Visiting U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday hailed the Three Seas summit as a breakthrough meeting, which is to open a new chapter for an open market of low-cost energy, bringing more security and prosperity to citizens.

While giving a speech at the second Three Seas Initiative Summit in Warsaw's Royal Castle, Trump underlined American support for Three Seas states, declaring more access to energy markets and fewer barriers.

Trump also expressed opinion that this initiative might rebuild the entire region and guarantee the countries remain sovereign, secure and free from coercion from outside.

Trump added that the United States supported the Three Seas initiative and congratulated Poland on receiving the first transport of liquefied natural gas (LNG) form the United States.

Polish President Andrzej Duda said the Three Seas Initiative would hopefully give Europe modernization, integration and unification.

Duda said he hoped the United States would support the Three Seas Initiative, thus enhancing the region, which was, in fact "one-third of the entire EU".

"The Tree Seas potential is huge; we want to build a gas corridor running from Poland's northwestern town of Swinoujscie to a gas terminal on the Krk island," Duda said.

This was meant to ensure energy security, so that no one could "blackmail" any of the countries of this part of Europe, he added.

The Three Seas Initiative is a joint idea of the presidents of Poland and Croatia, which seeks to strengthen ties among countries between the Black, Baltic and Adriatic Seas. It brings together 12 countries in Central and Eastern Europe as well as the Balkans, including Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Croatia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania and Austria.

Donald Trump arrived in Warsaw on Wednesday evening. Following the summit, Trump is supposed to address to the Polish people at Krasinskich Square. Afterwards, he will leave for Germany.

Meanwhile, there were demonstrations in Warsaw streets against Trump's decision to pull the United States out of the Paris Agreement.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 21:13:31|Editor: Liangyu

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BEIJING, July 6 (Xinhua) -- While "Buy American" sentiment might be picking up steam in Washington and corporate America, it is a quirky reality that celebrations of U.S. Independence Day depend on China.

On July 4, Americans celebrated the annual festivity with fireworks, flags and outdoor grills -- the lion's share made in China.

The U.S. Census Bureau has said that Americans imported more than 300 million U.S. dollars worth of fireworks last year, 96 percent of which came from, you guessed it, China.

"We buy some fireworks from Mexico, but they're not as good as the Chinese. They've [Chinese] been making them for so many thousands of years. China does such a fantastic job," said Don Lantis, president of the National Fireworks Association.

While Independence Day is the most popular time of the year for Americans to fly the Stars and Stripes and cook outdoors, a vast majority of their flags and grills are from China.

He might not like it, but while U.S. President Donald Trump begs people to "Buy American," even making it a national slogan, American consumers have decided that what matters most is getting good prices.

Trade with China helps each American family save 850 dollars every year, according to China's Ministry of Commerce. From lamps to birthday candles, from flip-flops to mouse traps, Americans would find life an ordeal if they had to live a day without "Made in China."

As China has become the largest trading partner of the United States, some U.S. politicians blame China for bringing about a large trade deficit at the cost of U.S. jobs. However, this is jingoistic nonsense, as the facts and figures clearly point the other way.

About 40 percent of China's trade surplus is generated by U.S. companies in China, while bilateral trade and mutual investment in 2015 created 2.6 million jobs for the United States.

It is structural issues that contribute to the trade imbalances between the two countries, according to Zhang Yuyan, director of the Institute of World Economics and Politics under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

"Tracking a 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 Washington-based think tank The Heritage Foundation.

Experts say that to address these imbalances, 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.

Meanwhile, China's current account has become more balanced in recent years. The share of its current account surplus to gross domestic product dropped below 2 percent in 2016, compared with about 9.9 percent in 2007.

To balance bilateral trade, the two countries agreed to take action to expand trade in beef and chicken, and increase access for U.S. financial firms, among steps as part of the initial result of a 100-day action plan.

At the end of June, China received the first shipment of U.S. beef after a 14-year ban, and with a rising middle class, industry insiders predict China will become a major importer of U.S. beef.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has said that this is tremendous news for the beef industry, cattle farmers and the U.S. economy in general.

In reciprocity, the United States has also greenlit imports of cooked poultry from China.

It is better for both sides to address economic differences such as trade imbalances 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," he said.

"We believe Sino-U.S. economic cooperation is the trend of the times. We will continue to move forward," said Chinese Vice Finance Minister Zhu Guangyao.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 21:18:40|Editor: Zhang Dongmiao

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STRASBOURG, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Members of European Parliament (MEPs) voted in a resolution here on Thursday to formally suspend European Union (EU) accession talks with Ankara if proposed constitutional reforms are implemented without amendment in Turkey.

Voting in a large majority of 477 in favor to 64 against, with 97 abstentions, MEPs voiced their concern that the reforms, approved during a constitutional referendum on April 16, and which would transform Turkey into a presidential republic, would not adequately protect the separation of powers and provide for a system of checks and balances between government branches.

The parliamentarians also criticized statements from Turkish President Recep Erdogan that he was in favor of reintroducing capital punishment. Such a move which would put in jeopardy Turkey's membership in the Council of Europe, a pan-European organization that includes the European Court of Human Rights and to which Ankara is one of six highest-level budgetary contributors. It would also bring about an immediate end to EU accession talks.

The resolution acknowledged recent difficulties faced by Turkey, including heavy migration flows from neighbouring Syria and an attempted coup-d'etat in July 2016, but criticized the measures undertaken in the state of emergency that has been in place since.

MEPs also recognized the importance of strong EU-Turkish relations in the fight against terrorism and in facing migration challenges. They supported upgrading the EU-Turkey Customs Union, but on the condition that agreements on rights and governance are met.

The European Parliament plans to send an ad-hoc delegation to Ankara in the autumn to relaunch parliamentary dialogue.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 21:23:43|Editor: Zhang Dongmiao

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CAIRO/DOHA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- The month-long standoff between Qatar and a bloc of Arab countries led by Saudi Arabia is to continue despite intensified diplomatic activity to resolve it.

After a meeting in Cairo Wednesday, foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt expressed regret over Qatar's "negative" response to their ultimatum issued two days ago.

They said the blockade imposed on Qatar would continue until Doha reverses its course, while indicating that they would take further steps in "a timely manner."

Analysts said that, despite the latest diplomatic efforts, the prospect for quickly resolving the crisis remains dim.

Though the Saudi-led alliance's response was milder than previously expected, the standoff could still escalate if the United States is unwilling to strongly get involved in meditating the crisis.

MILDER RESPONSE FROM SAUDI-LED BLOC

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry told a news conference in Cairo Wednesday after the four-nation foreign ministers' meeting that Qatar's response to their demands was "generally negative" as it lacks content.

Doha's response reflected its failure to realize the gravity of the situation, and does not provide a basis for Qatar to retreat from its policies, Shoukry said.

The Saudi-led alliance cut their diplomatic ties with Qatar in early June, accusing Doha of supporting terrorism, interfering in their domestic affairs and cultivating close ties with Iran, a Saudi rival. Doha has strongly denied the accusations.

Those countries also imposed sanctions on Qatar, by cutting off their air, sea and land links to the gas-rich tiny Gulf nation.

The four countries issued a list of 13 demands later last month to Qatar urging change of its policies, including closing Al-Jazeera TV, cutting diplomatic ties with Iran and ending its support to terrorism.

They gave Qatar another 48 hours to respond to their demands after a 10-day deadline expired on Sunday. Kuwait, which is not part of the bloc, relayed Qatar's response to the four countries on Tuesday, a day after Qatar's Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani visited Kuwait.

It was not disclosed what is in Qatar's response, but it was nearly impossible for it to fully comply with the 13 demands.

But the Saudi-led bloc's response was much milder than expected, as it refrained from raising the tone of criticism about Doha and making further threats to widen the blockade.

On Wednesday, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel concluded his three-nation tour to Qatar, UAE and Kuwait, in an attempt to mediate Doha's disputes with its neighbors.

Gabriel said there are sufficient possibilities to defuse the situation, while pressing for joint regional efforts against terror financing.

Analysts said that the Saudi-led bloc's restraint was based on two reasons. First, they need more time to further study Qatar's response and coordinate their position.

Second, the bloc needs to consult with the United States first, which hopes to calm down the situation, before making decisions on the next steps. The four foreign ministers agreed on Wednesday to hold another meeting in Bahrain soon.

Many believed that the measured response from the Saudi-led alliance was largely a result of pressure from the United States.

On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone talk with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, the host of the four-nation foreign ministerial meeting, to discuss the Qatari crisis.

Trump highlighted the need for "constructive negotiation" between Qatar and its Arab neighbors, while calling on all the countries to follow their commitments to stopping financing terrorists and discrediting extremist ideology.

Mohamed Hussein, a professor of political science at the Cairo University, said Trump has not toned down criticism of Qatar for financing terrorism, while calling for talks to resolve the crisis.

Washington, which has a military base in Qatar to launch counter-terrorism operations, intends to benefit from the division among Gulf nations, while hoping to contain the current standoff from worsening to damage its interests, Hussein said.

POSSIBLE TO TOUGHEN BLOCKADE ON QATAR

Though the four Arab nations did not announce new sanctions on Wednesday, still they could strengthen the blockade on Doha, politically and economically, analysts said.

Hussein said the measures that could be taken by the Saudi-led bloc include freezing Qatar's membership of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Arab League, two major organizations of Arab countries, and imposing sanctions on certain Qatari companies and individuals.

But tightening sanctions on Qatar could backfire politically and economically. Qatar could be pushed closer to Iran and Turkey, which have publicly sided with Doha in the latest standoff. But both Saudi Arabia and Egypt do not want to see Tehran and Ankara involved in Arab affairs.

Economically, as Qatar and its neighboring countries have close trade and economic relations, the Saudi-led alliance's blockade on Qatar would have negative repercussions on themselves. So they will be very careful in deciding on further economic sanctions on Doha.

Hussein also downplayed the possibility of resorting to the military option to resolve the crisis, citing Saudi Arabia and the UAE are deeply involved in the fighting in Yemen, while Egypt is facing increased threat of terrorism.

"As for a war, it is unlikely for several reasons. A war cannot start except through Egypt, and Egypt will not risk waging a war," he said.

QATAR'S POSSIBLE COUNTER MEASURES

Analysts said that three of the 13 demands put forward by the Saudi-led bloc would be very difficult for Qatar to accept, namely closing the Al-Jazeera TV station and affiliated channels, cutting off ties with the Taliban in Afghanistan and Hamas movement in Gaza Strip, and stopping financial support to extremists.

Hussein said those demands are "hasty, exaggerated, tough and provocative," so that Qatar will not back down because it is humiliating and even related to the issue of sovereignty.

He said these countries should detail their accusations against Qatar and hold talks to discuss them before making the decision to cut off diplomatic ties.

Learning a lesson from the crisis, Qatar could revise its grand goals of becoming a great nation in terms of influence in diplomacy, media and sports, which are regarded by many as unproportionate to its size and power.

But as a super-rich nation, Qatar has enough wealth and confidence to hold some of its ground, analysts said.

Owning the third largest natural gas reserve in the world, Qatar could use it to counter the pressure from Saudi Arabia. It has decided to increase sharply the natural gas production by 30 percent by 2024.

Abdullah Saleh Badr, professor of economics at the Qatar University, told Xinhua that Qatar's increased gas export could have huge impact on the global oil and gas market and heighten pressure on Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations, which have already reduced their output to contain a price slide.

As part of its counter measures, Doha could also forge closer ties with Iran, Iraq and Turkey to stand up to the Saudi-led bloc. It is also possible that Doha quits the GCC in protest.

Hussein criticized Western countries, including the U.S., Germany and Britain, for their role in the Qatari crisis.

"They play on both sides. They want the crisis to prolong so they can play the mediation-and-pressure role and make benefits," Hussein said.

"This is why the crisis does not seem to be resolved very soon," he added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 21:33:49|Editor: Yamei

File photo shows Lugou Bridge occupied by Japanese invaders in Beijing. China was the first nation to fight against fascist forces. The struggle started on September 18, 1931, when Japanese troops began their invasion of northeast China. It was intensified when Japan's full-scale invasion began after a crucial access point to Beijing, Lugou Bridge, also known as Marco Polo Bridge, was attacked by Japanese troops on July 7, 1937. (Xinhua)

BEIJING, July 6 (Xinhua) -- No nation may take its rightful place in the history until it levels a measured gaze on both past glories and historical disgraces.

Eighty years is more than enough for a country to learn to tell wrong from right, truth from lies, if that country has the will.

The Holocaust, the Spanish Inquisition, Slavery, Apartheid - all have sent nations to their knees in supplication of the world's forgiveness, and, in general, redemption has been granted.

The anniversary of the Lugou Bridge Incident invariably brings painful memories to the Chinese people. It was 80 years ago, on July 7, 1937, that Japanese soldiers attacked Chinese forces at the bridge, beginning eight years of war between the armies of the two nations and eight years of atrocities perpetrated by Japanese invaders on Chinese civilians, young and old, male and female.

Around 35 million Chinese had been killed or wounded by Japanese troops by 1945, with at least 300,000 raped and slaughtered in the Nanjing Massacre alone.

Eighty years have passed and there is still no shortage of misguided people in Japan who deny that tens of millions of innocent Chinese people lost their lives in the war.

Earlier this year, Japanese hotel chain APA Group, for reasons which remain somewhat opaque, took it upon themselves to put books in their rooms which deny the Nanjing Massacre ever took place and seem to claim that "comfort women" were merry volunteers, pleased to pleasure the invading aggressors.

It must be quite strange to be in a Tokyo hotel room looking for a guidebook to local nightlife, the room service menu or a Gideon's Bible, and find a book of lies, with no relevance whatsoever to one's stay in the hotel.

It turns out that the hotel's CEO, Toshio Motoya, is a prominent sponsor of Japan's right wing forces and cheerleader for a variety of right wing activities.

In April, Japan's government endorsed a controversial Imperial Rescript on Education, an ideological weapon that promotes militarism. We are probably not going very far down the road to redemption, forgiveness and reconciliation while one of the countries involved continues to pretend that nothing much went on.

There are, all over East and Southeast Asia, a number of victim countries and victim humans who would dearly love to restore good, normal, honest relations with Japan. However, as long as Japan continues lies about its history of aggression, what are the victims supposed to do?

Chinese people raised several thousand Japanese orphans as their parents slunk back to their archipelagic home after the war. The perpetrator of all this evil seems to have conveniently forgotten that the murder, rape, torture and maiming ever took place. Should the victims also simply forget?

There is no ambiguity, no doubt nor controversy, when it comes to the particular historical issues in question. Japanese invaders slaughtered millions of innocent Chinese people. Any German person today who denies or defends Germany's treatment of the Jews or Gypsies during WWII soon ends up in prison, and meets the widespread condemnation of the nation and the world at large.

Japanese apologists, who similarly deny their treatment of innocent people throughout the region, find themselves as CEOs of successful businesses.

China remembers the past. Honest, heartfelt reflection does not perpetuate hatred but gives us the chance to avoid repetition of such tragedies.

China observes all bilateral political documents and strongly advocates Sino-Japanese friendship. China wants peaceful development for all and an open attitude toward other countries, including Japan. Germany has taken full, unmitigated responsibility for its role in the war and won the respect of the world.

The Japanese government fully understands the benefits of friendly relations with China. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said last month he is willing to explore opportunities in the Belt and Road Initiative "under certain conditions."

China and Japan have common interests in globalization and trade liberalization. Both benefit from regional stability and development.

If only Japan would reflect honestly on its past! Are the understanding, respect and trust one's neighbors not the hallmarks of a nation of which its people can be rightly proud?

While Japan continues to hum and haw, to prevaricate and procrastinate, in the vague hope that the world will eventually forget its militarist past, China stands ready to forgive, but will never forget.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 21:43:47|Editor: Zhang Dongmiao

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LILONGWE, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Eight people, including five children, have been confirmed dead on Thursday in a stampede at Malawi's Independence celebrations in the capital, police said.

Spokesperson for Central Region Police, Superintendent Nolliettie Chihana, explained that among the dead is one woman and two men.

"Sixty-two have so far sustained injuries but the number is not yet conclusive as more casualties could still come in," said Chihana.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 21:43:49|Editor: An

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Online fraud suspects are escorted back from Cambodia to Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province, July 6, 2017. Chinese and Cambodian police have cracked a major online fraud case, and all the 74 suspects were brought back to China by a charted airplane Thursday afternoon. (Xinhua/Tan Chang)

BEIJING, July 6 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese and Cambodian police have cracked a major online fraud case, the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) announced Thursday.

Since February, a series of online racketeering cases were reported from Hunan Province. Police soon discovered more than 800 victims of the "naked chatting" scheme via popular instant messaging service WeChat.

The victims are encouraged to undress and conduct video chat with a "beautiful woman." The victims are recorded and blackmailed accordingly.

Many victims had paid up to the extent of an estimated total of more than 12 million yuan (about 1.8 million U.S. dollars).

Under the command of the MPS and assisted by Cambodian authorities, police from the provinces of Hunan, Sichuan and Henan, raided 12 dens in Cambodia, capturing 74 suspects and seizing 1.7 million yuan on the spot, along with bank cards and computers.

The suspects were all brought back to China on Thursday afternoon.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 22:04:03|Editor: Zhang Dongmiao

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PHNOM PENH, July 6 (Xinhua) -- In fear of arrest, about 4,000 Cambodians working in Thailand have returned home although the Thai government has delayed the full enforcement of a new labor law issued on June 23, Cambodian Labor Minister Ith Samheng said on Thursday.

"Around 4,000 Cambodian migrant workers have returned home from Thailand since June 23 till today (Thursday)," he told reporters at Phnom Penh International Airport after he returned from a working visit to Thailand.

The minister said currently, approximately 1.05 million Cambodians are working in Thailand, and about 300,000 of them are undocumented.

The Thai new labor law, which is aimed at tackling human trafficking and regulating foreign workers in Thailand, sparked panic and prompted more than 60,000 foreign workers to flee from the country, many of them from Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.

Under the law, employers, who hire unregistered foreign workers without permits, will be fined up to 23,557 U.S dollars and undocumented migrant workers can face fines of up to 3,000 U.S. dollars and five years of imprisonment.

According to Ith Samheng, the Thai government has delayed the implementation of the new labor law for 180 days.

The minister said Cambodia would launch a 100-day, large-scale campaign to provide passports to all undocumented migrant workers in Thailand.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 22:04:06|Editor: Zhang Dongmiao

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LILONGWE, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Eight people, including five children, have been confirmed dead on Thursday in a stampede at Malawi's Independence celebrations in the capital, police said.

Spokesperson for Central Region Police, Superintendent Nolliettie Chihana, explained that among the dead is one woman and two men.

"Sixty-two have so far sustained injuries but the number is not yet conclusive as more casualties could still come in," said Chihana.

Eyewitnesses at the scene explained that the stampede happened as a multitude struggled to squeeze through the gate into the 40,000 persons capacity Stadium, where the main event marking the celebrations was to take place with the country's President Peter Mutharika as Guest of Honour.

"Many People who were in the front fell to the ground as they struggled to get in and got stamped upon," explained an eyewitness, who further disclosed that the fracas forced the Security team at the scene to pop a teargas canister of in efforts to disperse the crowd.

As the scene calmed down, desperate mothers from around the areas in the vicinity of the stadium panicked as they feared for their children's lives. Some rushed to Kamuzu Central Hospital, the country's major referral hospital in the central region, where the casualties had been rushed in.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 22:24:16|Editor: Yang Yi

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CAIRO, July 6 (Xinhua) -- A batch of 15 Egyptian students have graduated from China's giant corporation Huawei's first Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Academy in Egypt, Huawei manager told Xinhua on Thursday.

Gao Jianbin, Huawei's Enterprise Business Marketing Manager for Northern Africa Region, said Huawei Authorized Information and Network Academy (HAINA) is a non-profit program that seeks to train ICT talents and promote the development and dissemination of ICT technologies.

The graduation ceremony was held at Badr University in Cairo (BUC) on Wednesday and the 15 Egyptian graduates received their HAINA certificates after successfully finishing the four-week training program.

BUC President Mostafa Kamal welcomed HAINA program and praised the efforts made by Huawei for training ICT talents at the university.

HAINA's target partners are mainly universities, colleges and schools that are interested in providing ICT talents to the Egyptian society and qualifying their graduates to meet the requirements of the ICT industry chain.

"It is just the start of Huawei HAINA plan in Egypt and there will be more and more students to benefit from this program from both the BUC and other universities in Egypt," Gao told Xinhua.

Headquartered in Shenzhen, Huawei is a global ICT solutions provider operating in over 170 countries.

Egypt is one of Huawei's most important markets and Huawei has been engaged in Egypt for over 18 years, Gao Jianbin said, adding that the number of their employees has reached 1,000.

Huawei has already built the Technical Assistance Center, Global Service Resource Center and Customer Solution Innovation & Integration Experience Center in Egypt and will build the Cairo OpenLab this year for the industry solution integration, innovation and partnership.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 22:39:17|Editor: yan

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TALLINN, July 6 (Xinhua) -- European Union (EU) ministers of interior Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to take urgent action by stepping up coordination to find the right balance between the principles of solidarity and responsibility on migration pressures.

At the first day of an informal meeting held here, the ministers of interior reached a common understanding on using all available tools of the comprehensive migration policy and, more specifically, on the need to accelerate the collective work in implementing priority actions with the aim to reduce the migratory pressure along the Central Mediterranean route and to step up support to Italy.

The measures include increasing engagement with Libya and other key third countries, reviewing and better coordinating maritime operations to save lives at sea and fight smugglers, and achieving tangible results regarding the return of irregular migrants.

The ministers also affirmed their full support to Italy in implementing an effective migration policy, reducing pull factors, securing 100 percent identification, registration and fingerprinting of all migrants.

They welcomed Italy's commitment to fully implementing the current asylum acquis and return policies and pledged to take all steps needed to guarantee that all those eligible from Italy are relocated.

Ministers stressed the need to continue the work with utmost priority on the legislative proposals under the reform of the Common European Asylum System.

The two-day informal meeting of justice and home affairs ministers of EU member states focuses on the security and safety of Europe.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 22:39:18|Editor: yan

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JOHANNESBURG, July 6 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's power utility Eskom signed a 1.5 billion U.S. dollars loan agreement with China Development Bank (CDB) on Thursday.

"We are pleased to see the continuation of the journey of cooperation that we started with our Chinese partners last year. The conclusion of this second loan agreement continues to demonstrate financial markets' confidence in Eskom and South Africa notwithstanding the challenging market conditions. We are confident that the agreement will cement Eskom's relationship with the CDB," Eskom's Interim Group Chief Executive Johnny Dladla said.

"This loan will also aide us in ensuring that we complete the Medupi project and ensure security of energy supply," Dladla added.

According to the power utility, the agreement with China Development Bank was a clear testimony of confidence in the power utility in particular and South Africa in general.

"This loan will also aid us in ensuring that we complete the Medupi project and ensure the security of energy supply," he told journalists in Johannesburg.

Eskom's chief financial officer, Anoj Singh said the loan "fulfills our intent to diversify Eskom's funding sources, to date Eskom has secured 77 percent of this fiscal year's funding requirement (including cash on hand)."

"We remain resolute that we will fully execute the required funding for the year. We are confident that our liquidity levels and financial profile will continue to improve and stabilize," Singh concluded.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 22:39:20|Editor: yan

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THE HAGUE, July 6 (Xinhua) -- The Netherlands will take part in the upcoming G20 summit for the first time since 2010 as Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has received a personal invitation from German chancellor Angela Merkel, the Dutch media reported on Thursday.

As the 18th largest economy of the world, the Netherlands is not a member of the G20. Only by invitation of other G20 countries can a Dutch delegation be present. The last time the Netherlands attended was in 2010, by invitation of the host country Canada.

Rutte will travel to Hamburg with his finance minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem and foreign affairs minister Bert Koenders. Rutte will take part in four sessions, regarding growth and trade, energy and climate, Africa and migration, and digitalization, said Dutch daily FD.

"Especially in view of the international developments, it is good that the Netherlands as a large economy is present again," Rutte told Dutch television NOS.

He listed free trade as one of the important issues on the agenda. "The Netherlands by tradition is a country that propagates free trade... But free trade should go hand in hand with not being naive: free and fair should go together."

The G20 consists of 19 individual countries plus the EU. Collectively, the G20 economies account for around 85 percent of global gross domestic product (GDP), 80 percent of world trade, and two-thirds of the world's population.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 22:44:22|Editor: yan

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RIYADH, July 6 (Xinhua) -- A Saudi security officer was killed and three others injured in fresh attack on Thursday in al-Masoura neighborhood in eastern province of Qatif, Al Arabiya local news reported.

The security officer was member of special forces who were on duty when a terrorist group targeted them to obstruct the arrival of equipment to Al Masoura construction project, which was the location of their hideouts, the report said.

Saudi interior ministry said a soldier was killed and three others injured in a rocket-propelled grenade attack in the same neighborhood two days ago.

Attacking police and military personnel is common in the region by violent youths who are members of minority Shiite community in the Sunni conservative state.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 22:59:37|Editor: An

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Delegates visit a photo exhibition of China-Laos cooperation in Vientiane, Laos, July 6, 2017. Trade and economic cooperation between China and Laos has continuously developed in the past 20 years, said Zhao Chenggang, Charge d'affaires of Chinese Embassy in Laos on Thursday. (Xinhua/Liu Ailun)

VIENTIANE, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Trade and economic cooperation between China and Laos has continuously developed in the past 20 years, said Zhao Chenggang, Charge d'affaires of Chinese Embassy in Laos on Thursday.

Under the support of leaders of the two countries as well as efforts of Laos-China Cooperation Commission, bilateral trade and economic cooperation has achieved great results, the official said at a ceremony commemorating the 20th anniversary of Laos-China Cooperation Commission.

China has now become the biggest foreign donor to Laos, biggest investor and the second largest trade partner of Laos, he said.

In 2016, bilateral trade revenue reached 2.34 billion U.S. dollars, Chinese investment to Laos reached 5.42 billion U.S. dollars. The assistance and investment of China have helped Laos realize its national development strategies and targets, said Zhao.

China-Laos railway, the first satellite of Laos, Laos-Cambodia border road and other projects with Chinese investment have helped promote connectivity between Laos and neighboring countries, thus contributing to Laos' turning from a "land-locked" to a "land-linked" country.

Bilateral cooperation in human resources has also gained fruitful achievement. Each year, China provided training for over 1,000 people from Laos in fields of agriculture, railway, healthcare, justice, customs, among others, he said.

China is willing to join hands with Laos to carry forward the traditional friendship, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, further deepen bilateral trade and economic cooperation under Belt and Road Initiative, thus bringing the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries to a new height.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 22:59:39|Editor: yan

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BEIRUT, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Minister of State for Human Rights Affairs, Ayman Choucair, called Thursday for a "transparent probe" into the arrest and death of four Syrian detainess.

The four were detained in a sweeping security raid last week in refugee settlements in and around the border town of Arsal that netted 355 Syrians.

"To preserve the army's image and to prevent any rumors that may be malicious, we ask the competent leadership and judiciary to open a transparent investigation into all the recently circulated pictures and news about the recent arrests in Arsal and the reasons that led to the death of a number of detainees," Minister Choucair said in a statement.

Choucair said that the government's decision to ask the army to investigate the death of detainees is to maintain transparency.

A Syrian opposition group and international and local human rights organizations on Wednesday also called for the investigation.

Army said they were met with a string of suicide attacks and grenades that left seven of them wounded and a Syrian child dead.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 23:09:43|Editor: yan

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RIYADH, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia accused on Thursday Qatar of running 23,000 hostile twitter accounts against the kingdom, Al Arabiya local news reported.

Adviser of the Saudi Royal Court, Saud al-Qahtani, disclosed "hostile schemes" by Qatari authorities, while saying that more than 23,000 fake twitter accounts were launched by Qatar to attack Saudi Arabia.

Qahtani tweeted that "the accounts in question use the same terms, one or more times in every six tweets."

"All terms are used to attack the leadership of Saudi Arabia by the so-called Saudi dissidents, who were used in the accounts that we examined," he said.

He added that a specialized team has studied the source of these accounts, and concluded that 32 percent comes from Qatar, 28 percent from Lebanon, 24 percent from Turkey and 12 percent from Iraq.

Saudi Arabia led a number of Arab countries in cutting diplomatic ties with Qatar after they accused the later of promoting terrorism and interfering in their local affairs.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 23:09:45|Editor: yan

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BRUSSELS, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Following an anti-terrorist investigation that uncovered weapons in the Anderlecht neighborhood of Brussels on Wednesday, the Belgian Federal Court is looking for one or several suspects whose terrorism preparations have gone quite far already, local media reported on Thursday.

A lot of weapons were found, but also police and security officers' uniforms, as well as detonation devices, after a series of searches in Anderlecht, one of the 19 municipalities of Brussels.

So far, four suspects have been arrested in Belgium and one in France, but investigators are still looking for one or more men who have ties with the suspects who were arrested Wednesday. They are two brothers who have links with the Brussels motorbike club Kamikaze Riders. This gang has some radicalized members; two of them have already been convicted for terrorism.

Security services fear that the behavior of the wanted suspects could be unpredictable.

The body analyzing the terrorist threat in Belgium, OCAD, has so far kept the alert level at three.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 23:19:48|Editor: yan

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BEIRUT, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Minister of State for Human Rights Affairs, Ayman Choucair, called Thursday for a "transparent probe" into the arrest and death of four Syrian detainess.

The four were detained in a sweeping security raid last week in refugee settlements in and around the border town of Arsal that netted 355 Syrians.

"To preserve the army's image and to prevent any rumors that may be malicious, we ask the competent leadership and judiciary to open a transparent investigation into all the recently circulated pictures and news about the recent arrests in Arsal and the reasons that led to the death of a number of detainees," Minister Choucair said in a statement.

Choucair said that the government's decision to ask the army to investigate the death of detainees is to maintain transparency.

Prime Minister Saad Hariri also raised the issue during Wednesday's cabinet session, noting that the army's announcement that four detainees had died due to chronic health problems has "raised question marks" in Lebanon and abroad, al-Hayat pan-Arab newspaper reported.

"Defense Minister Yacoub Sarraf would then brief cabinet on the outcome before announcing the results in a press conference," al-Hayat added.

A Syrian opposition group and international and local human rights organizations on Wednesday also called for the investigation.

Army said they were met with a string of suicide attacks and grenades that left seven of them wounded and a Syrian child dead.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 23:24:56|Editor: An

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Chinese Vice Minister of Finance Zhu Guangyao addresses a news briefing prior to G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, on July 6, 2017. China is expecting that the upcoming G20 Summit scheduled to kick off on Friday in northern Germany city of Hamburg can reach consensus on free trade, Chinese Vice Minister of Finance Zhu Guangyao said here Thursday. (Xinhua/Luo Huanhuan)

HAMBURG, Germany, July 6 (Xinhua) -- China is expecting that the upcoming G20 Summit scheduled to kick off on Friday in northern Germany city of Hamburg can reach consensus on free trade, Chinese Vice Minister of Finance Zhu Guangyao said here Thursday.

Addressing a news briefing here, Zhu said the summit is important for members to enhance coordination in macro policy, and use fiscal and monetary policies as well as structural reform to achieve a healthy and sustainable development of global economy.

He said during last year's Hangzhou summit, the G20 leaders established the principle of supporting a multilateral free trade regime that is transparent, rule-based, and with WTO as its core.

"Different countries benefit from the free trade at different stages. The important task for us right now is to balance the relationship between free trade and the principle of equality," he said.

"We are confident that important consensus can be reached after in-depth discussions at this year's summit," he added, noting that China has always been participating in, supporting and contributing to as well as benefiting from the current global trade system.

As a supporter for economic globalization, Zhu said China, through the Belt and Road Initiative and strengthened cooperation on building a community of shared future for all mankind, is ready to work with various parties in the international arena to bring more benefits to people around the world.

On climate change, Zhu said China will firmly promote its policies and taking measures to fight climate change.

"We should honor our commitments and take concrete actions. Our goal remains the same, that is to enhance the solidarity among us and make joint contribution for a better home for us," he said.

"We hope we can reach consensus at this year's summit, and this consensus should be made by all members," he added.

The Chinese official also hailed the efforts Germany has made to ensure the success of this year's summit.

He said in terms of finance, three important issues proposed by German finance ministry and central bank -- resilience of the economy, promotion of investment, especially in Africa, and digitalized economy -- are extensions of last year's Hangzhou summit, and are supported by China and other G20 members.

"China highly appreciates the efforts made by German government and Chancellor Merkel in preparation of this year's summit. We believe, with Germany's presidency, this year's summit will be a full success," he said.

Themed "Shaping an interconnected world," the Hamburg summit will focus on topics of economic, financial, trade, climate, and development policy. Other issues like digital technology, migration, and counter-terrorism will also be discussed.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 23:30:01|Editor: yan

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by Maria Vasileiou

THE HAGUE, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Britain's decision to terminate fishing rights enjoyed historically by vessels from five of its European neighbors sends an alarming political signal that the British government is heading for hard negotiations on fisheries, said Gerard van Balsfoort, chairman of the European Fisheries Alliance (EUFA).

The prospect was pointed out by British Environment Secretary Michael Gove last week when he announced his country's decision to trigger the two-year process of leaving the 1964 London Fisheries Convention. This means fishermen from Netherlands, France, Germany, Belgium and Ireland would no longer have access to within 6 to 12 nautical miles off the British coast.

Gove also stated that once Britain left the EU, it would be able to extend control of its waters to 200 miles, or to the median line between Britain and France or Britain and Ireland.

"What causes major concern is whether the British government opts for blocking access to EU vessels within 12 to 200 nautical miles of British shores," said Van Balsfoort, "Closure of the 12 mile zone is a modest loss, but any closure of the 200-mile zone would have a negative impact of a completely different order."

Agreements on the 200-mile zone are laid down in the EU Common Fisheries Policy, which is part of the Brexit negotiations. It entitles EU member states to fish in each other's national waters, while each country is given annual geographical quotas for the amount of every species allowed to fish, on the basis of scientific advice to ensure sustainability of fish stocks and protection of fishermen's jobs.

Britain's withdrawal from the EU means Britain can assert control over its 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and deny access to European boats within 12 to 200 nautical miles of British shores.

Britain's neighboring coastal countries rely heavily on access to its waters. EUFA, the Brussels-based coalition of national fishing organizations, represents 18,000 fishermen from these states.

Total catches of the EU fleet in the British 200-mile zone have averaged 647,000 tonnes a year, with a value of 548 million euros (624 million U.S. dollars) a year over the last ten years.

"If Britain indeed bans access to its EEZ, it would be the first time one country would claim sole authority over fisheries management in parts of the North Sea," the Dutch chairman of EUFA told Xinhua.

EUFA estimates that 42 percent of catches (in volume) were caught by EU vessels on average over the last ten years in what post Brexit will become British waters. Depending on specific species and specific fleets, this percentage rises to 60 percent or more. EUFA also warns that up to 6,100 jobs could be lost across the EU fisheries sector in case of a hard Brexit.

For their part, under the EU Common Fisheries Policy, British fishermen can cast their nets on, for example, the Dutch or German part of the North Sea. But British fishing fleet extracts only 20 percent of its fish from EU waters outside its own EEZ.

"The waters around the British islands in North Sea and Northeast Atlantic are rich fishing grounds," explained Van Balsfoort. "But you cannot draw a line in the sea as 90 percent of fish stocks shared among Britain, EU and Norway migrate."

He argued that European fleets have been fishing in UK waters for centuries long before the 1982 UN convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) set out the concept of 200 mile EEZ.

European countries and Britain worked together on fish stocks management long before the entry into force of both UNCLOS and the United Nations Fish Stock Agreement (UNFSA).

"The allocation of fish quotas between European coastal states was established in 1983, ten years after the accession of Britain to the EU after many years of negotiations and the basis for the distribution was the actual catches in the period between 1973 and 1978," added Visser.

But the British do not hold all cards on the Brexit bargaining as "their fishing industry depends heavily on the EU market with 60 percent of their fish catches exported to the bloc's countries," Van Balsfoort said.

He expected the need for continued trade in fish with the EU would balance British claims for full control over their territorial waters and help them stick to the status quo on access and quota shares.

In case Britain opts for a hard Brexit on fisheries and forces the EU to adopt new regulations, Van Balsfoort believed that it would lead to greater competition among EU fleets. "The bigger the stone you throw in the water the more ripples you get," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 23:30:04|Editor: yan

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TBILISI, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Around 31.5 million bottles of wine were exported in the first six months this year from Georgia to 44 countries worldwide, up 59 percent year on year, said Georgia's National Wine Agency (NWA) in a report on Thursday.

The first-half-year wine exports amounted to 70.5 million U.S. dollars, 51 percent more than that of the same period last year, said the NWA report.

From January to July, exports to the European Union, China, the United States and other traditional markets increased as a result of the collaboration and marketing activities of the NWA and the country's wine industry, according to Giorgi Samanishvili, head of the NWA.

He also stressed that wine exports to China contributed the most to this year's wine export boom.

According to the report, Russia, China and Ukraine were the top three importers of Georgian wine during the period, with 19.3 million bottles, 3.8 million bottles and 2.9 million bottles, respectively.

Local analysts said that China has become one of Georgia's most important wine importers in recent years. Last year, Georgia exported 5.3 million bottles of wine to China, while 5.8 million bottles to Ukraine.

Yet after just half a year, China has surpassed Ukraine to become the second largest wine importer of Georgia.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 23:30:06|Editor: yan

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SINGAPORE, July 6 (Xinhua) -- To the joy of her devotees, sea goddess Mazu from Meizhou, China is on a two-day visit to Singapore.

This is the second stop of her two-week Southeast Asia tour, which also took her to Kuala Lumpur and Malacca of Malaysia.

On her way, Mazu had received warm welcome and sincere worship from local prayers, many of them of Chinese origin. A grand praying ceremony was held Thursday at Singapore's Thian Hock Keng temple, which was joined by Khaw Boon Wan, Singapore's Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and the Minister for Transport.

On Wednesday afternoon upon arriving in Singapore, Mazu embarked on a 100-km-long tour, crossing by eight temples which stands for her worship, attracting hundreds of followers. Among them were old-aged people on wheelchairs and babies in the arms of their parents.

Mazu belief and customs was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 2009.

Mazu is the deified form of the historical Lin Mo, a shamaness who lived in the tenth century on Meizhou Island in southeast China's Fujian province.

Revered after her death as a patron of seafarers, including fishermen and sailors, her worship spread throughout China's coastal regions and Chinese communities throughout Southeast Asia.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-06 23:55:23|Editor: yan

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BRUSSELS, July 6 (Xinhua) -- On the eve of the G20 summit to be held in Hamburg, the European Union (EU) and Japan have agreed in principle to an Economic Partnership Agreement and a Strategic Partnership Agreement at the political level, it was announced in a Thursday press conference in Brussels.

European Council President Donald Tusk, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a press conference to announce the progress, paving the way for strengthening economic and strategic ties between the partners.

The EPA was described as "highly ambitious and comprehensive" in an official joint statement. The agreement address market access for goods, services and investment, procurement including railways, as well as issues related to non-tariff measures and the protection of geographical indications, and intellectual property rights.

Abe noted the economic significance of the EU-Japan partnership during the press conference: "The EU and Japan account for 30 percent of the GDP, 10 percent of the population and 40 percent of trade of the world, so this is the birth of the world's largest free advanced industrialized economic zone."

Juncker echoed the Japanese prime minister, but noted that, "The depth of the agreement goes far beyond trade, its impacts go far beyond our shores. It makes a statement about the future of open and fair trade in today's world."

All three leaders stressed the importance of the agreement for setting the standard for a rules-based world trade order, which would function on open and fair trade.

"Closing ourselves off from the world is not good for business, no for the economy, not for workers," said Juncker. "As far as we are concerned, there is no protection in protectionism," he added.

European Council President Donald Tusk stressed that in a political context after Brexit, in which certain commentators claimed it was easier to do business outside of the EU than within, the progress on EU-Japan free trade deal was proving the bloc's ability to trade: "The EU is more and more engaged globally."

He added that trade negotiations are also scheduled to be held with Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, and associated states), Mexico, New Zealand, Australia and others.

With the Hamburg G20 Summit to be held on Friday and Saturday, the timing of the EU-Japan agreement appeared to be intended to send a message to fellow world leaders. Worries of increased protectionism, particularly from the United States under Donald Trump, have been rising.

"Although some are saying that the time of isolationism and disintegration is coming again, we are demonstrating that this is not the case," said Tusk, adding, "That the world really doesn't need to go a hundred years back in time."

"Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Strategic Partnership between the EU and Japan as we celebrate the agreement in principle of the Economic Partnership Agreement(EPA) and the Strategic Partnership Agreement at political level," read a joint statement by the EU and Japanese leaders issued following the EU-Japan Summit.

"We tasked our respective negotiating teams with a rapid finalisation of the agreement that would allow for the internal procedures to start soon, both in the EU and in Japan," the statement said.

Japan is the EU's second biggest trading partner in Asia. Japan and the EU together account for more than a third of the world economy.

According to EU figures, the EU exports over 80 billion euro worth of goods and services to Japan every year and more than 600,000 jobs in the EU are tied to exports to Japan.

The two sides launched free trade talks in March 2013 and are expected to conclude the technical negotiations by the end of this year.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-07 00:35:56|Editor: yan

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TAIPEI, July 6 (Xinhua) -- A birthday party was held Thursday at Taipei Zoo as Yuan Zai, the first panda cub born in Taiwan turned four.

Numerous visitors and panda lovers waited in a long queue before the zoo opened to public at 9 a.m., hoping to send their best wishes to the female cub.

Sixty members from a local panda lovers' club joined the celebration by wearing T-shirts printed with images of "Yuan Zai". They handed out panda-shaped stickers and notebooks to visitors to mark the day.

"Our club has more than 1,000 members and we have taken turns to visit Yuan Zai since she was born," Chou Yu-Ru, a member of the club said. "We are so happy to see how she has grown from a little pink meatball."

Keepers prepared a birthday cake decorated with the panda's favorite food including bamboo shoots, pineapple, grapes and carrots.

Wong Yi-Man, chief of the Panda House at Taipei Zoo, said Yuan Zai is doing well and shows signs of maturity.

"We will work with the giant panda breeding center in Sichuan to find Yuan Zai a suitable mate when she is mature enough," Wong said, explaining six and twelve are the pandas prime years of reproduction.

Born on July 6, 2013, Yuan Zai was the first baby of giant pandas Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan, who were gifted to Taiwan by Chinese mainland in 2008.

The panda family are major attractions at Taipei Zoo. Around 8,000 to 10,000 people visit the pandas each day during holidays.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-07 01:11:20|Editor: An

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LANZHOU, July 6 (Xinhua) -- A senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Thursday called for the integration of culture and economic development.

Liu Qibao, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during a visit to northwest China's Gansu Province.

According to Liu, who is also head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, cultural development is crucial to economic development and poverty alleviation, and meets people's cultural needs.

More and better cultural service centers should be set up, Liu said.

Taking advantage of the Belt and Road Initiative, China should seek deeper international cultural exchanges, as well as showcase Chinese culture on the international stage, he continued.

The protection and utilization of cultural relics should be improved, Liu added.

Moreover, Liu stressed the significance of the socialist core values, suggesting setting some of more widely accepted moral values as legal norms.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-07 01:11:25|Editor: yan

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ATHENS, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Thursday that his country is expected to break through for first time the 30 million visitors barrier this year, said an e-mailed press release from his office.

Tourism, a traditional pillar of Greek economy, which withstood the debt crisis in the past seven years, is performing well and the aim is to extend the tourist season and increase tourism's added value, the Greek prime minister said in a meeting with the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE).

Chinese tourists arrivals, among the growing number of foreign visitors to Greece, are on the rise in recent years with prospects to further increase, according to the Greek-Chinese Economic Council.

Chinese tourists in Greece during 2017 will exceed 170,000, increasing by 10-15 percent compared to last year, the Council noted in an e-mailed press release, citing official data from Greek consulates in China and estimates by tourism industry representatives.

Since 2010 the number of visas issued in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou has grown six fold, the Greek-Chinese Economic Council noted.

The gradual increase of the number of flights from China by the end of this year and the new profile of Piraeus as a home port for cruise liners are highlighted among the factors which can help further increase the number of Chinese visitors to Greece up to 1.5 million annually within the next five years, the Council added.

An analysis of the data regarding visas issued in the past two years in China by Greek consulates showed that tourism is the top reason Chinese choose to visit Greece.

For example, out of the 23,903 Chinese who received a visa from Beijing in 2016 to travel to Greece, 20,618 opted to do so as tourists, while 2,515 visited Greece for business, the Greek-Chinese Economic Council stressed.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-07 01:31:32|Editor: yan

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ANKARA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- The Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said Thursday that the report calling on EU member states to suspend Turkey's accession talks was "null and void."

European Parliament on Thursday voted to accept a proposal of 2016 Commission Report, which is suggesting the suspension of accession talks with Turkey if constitutional changes endorsed in an April 16 referendum go ahead.

Ankara says the vote, which is not legally binding, is an attempt to "sabotage" the recent positivity surrounding talks between the EU bloc and Turkey.

Turkey cared about the decisions made by EU leaders, not about those made by the members of the European Parliament, Yildirim said in Ankara, state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

He also emphasized that Turkey was determined to be a member of the "EU family." However, he said, Ankara has alternatives, joining the bloc is not the country's sole option.

Omer Celik, Minister of EU Affairs, criticized the European Parliament's decision, describing it as "wrong call," while vowing that Turkey will return the report.

"Such demands can only be described as disrespect to the will of the Turkish nation," Celik said.

Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Huseyin Muftugolu said the decision was based on "false claims and allegations" and undermined the European Parliament's reputation.

The report, with voting 477 to 64 in favor, calls on member states to "formally suspend accession negotiations with Turkey without delay if the constitutional reform package is implemented without changes."

It is a reference to the collection of wide-ranging constitutional proposals approved by the Turkish electorate in April.

It also calls on EU institutions to suspend pre-accession funds if the negotiations are suspended.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-07 01:36:37|Editor: yan

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by Christine Lagat

NAIROBI, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Kenya will speed up implementating recommendations from a government appointed task-force to rescue retail chains that are struggling with debts and management hiccups, an official said on Thursday.

Kenya has the second most vibrant retail sector in sub-Saharan Africa after South Africa which contributes 8 percent to the GDP.

Principal Secretary in the State Department of Trade Chris Kiptoo said a raft of interventions that include capital injection, management overhaul and partnership with strategic investors are in the pipeline to prevent collapse of major retail outlets in the country.

"As a government, we are concerned about crisis that has bedeviled the retail sector in the country. We are proposing stringent regulations and cash bail-out to retail chains that are struggling with debts," Kiptoo told journalists in Nairobi.

He added that a government appointed taskforce comprising manufacturers lobby, suppliers and creditors has recommended a radical overhaul of key operations in the retail chains to avert their imminent collapse.

Kenya's leading retail outlets, including Uchumi Supermarket that is partly owned by the state and Nakumatt Supermarket have been grappling with under-performance linked to poor management and flawed expansion strategies.

Kiptoo regretted that Uchumi has been unable to pay workers and suppliers despite injection of capital by the national treasury.

"We have worked hard to keep Uchumi afloat. Both the creditors and suppliers agreed to be part of the rescue package to avert total closure of this strategic investment," said Kiptoo.

He revealed the Cabinet has approved a rescue package amounting to 100 million dollars to enable Uchumi to clear part of its outstanding debts.

The official however said the government will not inject capital to the privately owned Nakumatt that has also been experiencing operational hiccups linked to over-borrowing and poorly executed expansion strategy.

"Nakumatt is a big entity and we would like it to remain afloat but the government will not provide cash bailout and will only support other stakeholders exploring ways to rescue this retail giant," said Kiptoo.

Kiptoo said the government has borrowed international best practices in its bid to rescue the struggling retail chains that are a major source of employment and taxes.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-07 00:13:03|Editor: An

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Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Martin Schulz, chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) of Germany, in Berlin, Germany, July 6, 2017. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BERLIN, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping said Thursday that China is willing to make concerted efforts with Germany to continuously lift bilateral relations to new heights.

During a meeting with Martin Schulz, chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) of Germany, Xi said both China and Germany, as two major economies in the world and influential major countries in international affairs, have achieved significant development in bilateral relations since they established diplomatic ties 45 years ago.

The two countries have not only forged a comprehensive strategic partnership, but also remained at the forefront of China-Europe cooperation, he added.

Calling his visit a success with substantial results, he said a new development path has been mapped out for deepening the partnership, adding that China always regards and develops its relations with Germany from a strategic and long-term perspective.

Xi also spoke highly of the SPD's contribution to the development of China-Germany relations, noting the important and distinctive role played by party-to-party contacts in developing bilateral ties.

The Chinese president, also general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), said China is ready to strengthen dialogue and exchanges with the SPD at various levels, so as to jointly make contributions to deepening the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

For his part, Schulz said Germany attaches great importance to China's role in global affairs, adding that the SPD has been for decades committed to developing a good relationship with the CPC and boosting the two countries' friendly cooperation.

The SPD always sticks to the one-China policy, he said.

Schulz added that the SDP would like to intensify exchanges with the CPC under the new circumstances, so as to contribute to pushing forward the development of Germany-China relations.

Xi arrived in Berlin Tuesday for his second state visit to Germany, aiming to cement ties with this major country of Europe.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-07 01:46:41|Editor: yan

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DAR ES SALAAM, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian police said on Thursday they killed two more assailants suspected to be behind the spate of killings in Coast region, bringing to six the number of attackers killed by the police.

Liberatus Sabas, chief of special police operations, said the assailants were killed on Wednesday at 10 p.m. after they were shot in a forest at Ikwiriri.

"They died of excessive bleeding while they were being rushed to hospital," said Sabas, adding that police also seized a sub-machine gun and a shotgun from the assailants.

Last week, Tanzanian police said they killed four assailants during a four-hour fire exchange.

On Wednesday, Tanzanian police chief Simon Sirro revealed that foreign hands were behind the spate of killings in the East African nation's Coast region.

At least 40 people, including local leaders and police officers, have been killed by assailants in Kibiti, Mkuranga and Rufiji districts in Coast region since about two years ago, sending shockwaves among residents in the area.

Tanzanian President John Magufuli said recently that the ongoing insecurity in the Coast region could erode investors' confidence and stall the industrialization drive.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-07 01:51:50|Editor: yan

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HARBIN, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Atrocities committed by Japanese Army Unit 731, a germ warfare unit once stationed in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, have been further exposed in newly found historical documents.

The 24 documents collected in Japan were written by members of Unit 731, according to Yang Yanjun, associate researcher at the Unit 731 Research Center of Harbin Academy of Social Sciences.

Unit 731 was established in Harbin in 1935, during the Japanese army's occupation of northeast China.

Soldiers in the unit took photographs and wrote papers on the region's wetlands, geology, mountains, and water resources to prepare for germ warfare and provide references for Japanese immigrants.

Other documents include materials collected by the unit on epidemic prevention, geology, transport and laws of the Soviet Union. The documents were produced between March 1937 and November 1939, Yang said.

According to Jin Chengmin, curator of the Museum of Evidence of War Crimes by Japanese Army Unit 731, human experiments, production, experiments and use of germ weapons were the core of Unit 731 activity.

In 1941, a Chinese man named Li Pengge was detained after refusing to help Japanese Intelligence detect Soviet signals, Jin said. Li was sent to Unit 731 and met a gruesome death on an operating table aged 25.

Jin said more than 3,000 people died at Unit 731. The unit conducted experiments on at least 93 Soviet people during World War II. Among them were prisoners of war and civilians, including women and children.

The Japanese government continues to deny the crimes despite the evidence. No one involved with Unit 731 has ever been tried for war crimes.

Ordinary Japanese people feel sorry to war victims after knowing the truth. On this year's Tomb Sweeping Day, a Japanese delegation including three war orphans visited the exhibition in Harbin.

After the war, many fleeing Japanese left their children behind, who were then cared for by Chinese families. These children, many now at least in their seventies, are called war orphans.

According to the museum, Unit 731 produced around 300 kilograms of plague bacillus, 600 kg of anthrax bacteria, 800 to 900 kg of typhoid bacteria, and thousands of kilograms of other deadly pathogens each month.

Between 1937 and 1942, the unit manufactured more than 2,000 germ bombs, loaded with fleas infected with plague bacillus.

"If war had not ended in 1945 and Japan had begun large-scale germ warfare, that could lead to the disappearance of humans, given the production capacity of Unit 731," said Yang.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-07 02:06:57|Editor: yan

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by Osama Radi, Emad Drimly

GAZA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Following the first public speech by Islamic Hamas movement leader Ismail Haniya on Wednesday since he took office on May 6, Palestinian political experts have ruled out any breakthrough in the internal reconciliation between Hamas and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah Party.

They said Haniya didn't give any serious steps to defuse the tension with Fatah, despite a mention that the administrative committee that Hamas formed to run Gaza could be dissolved.

The internal Palestinian division began in 2007, when Hamas violently seized control of the Gaza Strip following weeks of fighting with Abbas' security forces.

All mediations to end Hamas-Fatah feuds have failed. A consensus government for Gaza and the West Bank, headed by Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, was formed in mid-2014, but Hamas accused Hamdallah's government of treating the Gaza Strip unfairly.

Two months ago, Abbas threatened to take unprecedented measures against Hamas in Gaza, to pressure it to dissolve the administrative committee and allow the consensus government to take over the coastal enclave.

"Haniya's speech did not contain anything new and would probably not lead to a breakthrough, but to deepen the division," Hani al-Masri, a political analyst and writer from the West Bank, told Xinhua.

Haniya's speech was "to reflect Hamas' big bet on the failure of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) with President Donald Trump and the new relationship with Egypt," said al-Masri.

"Hamas risks giving priority to relations with Egypt and improving relations with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, while maintaining relations with Qatar and Turkey and restoring old ties with Iran. This is the impossible combination of winter and summer on one roof," the expert explained.

Since its takeover of the Gaza Strip, Hamas has set up its own authority by appointing more than 40,000 civil and military employees and extending full control of the area.

In contrast, the PNA has continued to pay salaries to some 58,000 employees in Gaza although most of them were asked to stop working after Hamas took control of the enclave. PNA is also responsible for spending on other basic services such as electricity, water, health and education.

A few days ago, the Palestinian consensus government decided to transfer more than 6,000 PNA employees to early retirement, three months after it slashed the wages of all its employees in Gaza by 30 percent.

The PNA has also suspended funding for part of Israel's supply of electricity to Gaza as part of Abbas' announcement of his intention to take "unprecedented and difficult steps," which was interpreted as a halt to all the PNA's subsequent expenditure on the Gaza Strip.

George Juqman, head of the West Bank's Ramallah-based Institute for Democratic Studies, told Xinhua that the growing differences between Fatah and Hamas in recent months show the depth of the internal Palestinian division and the difficulty of solving it soon.

"The internal split has fragmented Palestinian reality between two authorities that govern individually in Gaza and the West Bank, both of which refuse to cede to the other party at a time when they have special interests tied to power and are opposed to the foundations of the partnership," he said.

According to Juqman, the Palestinian division over the past decade is not only a Palestinian will, but also results from the lack of a political horizon on an acceptable solution to the Palestinian issue with Israel.

The absence of a proper solution "prevents the existence of substantive negotiations on the sharing of roles and quotas between Fatah and Hamas," he noted.

Over the years of division, both Fatah and Hamas have been seeking to build alliances that strengthen its position at the expense of the other, the Palestinian expert said.

Hamas officials recently held meetings in Cairo with Mohammed Dahlan, a dismissed Fatah leader who has close ties to Egypt.

Hamza Abu Shanab, a political analyst from Gaza, told Xinhua that Hamas may move forward to expand its relationship with Abbas' rival Dahlan.

He also expects a "fundamental change in the development of relations between Hamas and Egypt," as "there are wide understandings between the two sides."

Haniya's speech showed Hamas' focus on the trend toward building relations with the world countries supporting the Palestinian cause, Shanab concluded.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-07 02:12:00|Editor: yan

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KIGALI, July 6 (Xinhua) -- African governments have been urged to ensure gender equality in science and technology education to promote inclusive development.

"Few African women are in science and technology career when compared with men across the continent. African culture encourages stereotypes that limit the potential of women in education," Mabel Imbuga, vice chancellor of Kenya's Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, said Thursday at a continental conference on enhancing quality tertiary education across Africa.

Rwanda hosted the meeting from July 5 to 6 dubbed: "Mobilizing African Intellectuals towards Quality Tertiary Education" It is organized under the auspices of the Sustainable Development Goals Center for Africa (SDGC/A).

The two-day meeting has attracted more than 300 intellectuals and scholars from all over Africa and beyond including heads of academic affairs, and other representatives of African academic networks, councils and research centers.

Imbuga urged African governments to monitor policies on gender issues in schools in order to promote the potential of both boys and girls in science and technologies.

At the meeting which ended Thursday, participants highlighted the importance of the consideration of the gender dimension in education for the achievement of Agenda 2063 aspirations.

According to Abel Idowu Olayinka, vice chancellor of University of Ibadan in Nigeria, equal participation in education will enable men and women to reach full intellectual potential, which is a boost to social and economic development of the continent.

The meeting also recommended African nations to provide a platform to African scholars with an interest in undertaking research on gender relations in African higher education especially in science and technology.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-07 02:17:06|Editor: yan

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WINDHOEK, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's Finance Minister Calle Schlettwein said the Namibian government retains the ability to honor its obligations and to implement the budget, despite the challenging economic environment.

The minister said this Thursday in Windhoek when addressing the country's economic issues as well as progress on government contractual obligations.

"The government is conscious of the hardship which the tight cash flow poses in the form of delayed payments to service providers, program implementation and related economy-wide impacts. Hence our resolve to front-load and accelerate settlement of especially the outstanding invoices," he said.

According to Schlettwein, in total more than 60 percent of the total outstanding invoices budgeted for have been honored within the first quarter of the budget year.

"It is the government's intention to accelerate and settle the remaining balance of the budgeted outstanding invoices over the course of July 2017, on the basis of the budget revenue and proceeds of the budget deficit financing," he added.

He said budgeted outstanding invoices for services rendered to the government will be prioritized to ease the cash flow burden of operators, support job retention and boost economic activity.

Furthermore he cautioned service providers who are found to defraud government of taxpayers and threatened to blacklist and discontinue their contracts.

Meanwhile the minister remains optimistic that growth prospects in the country will gain more traction as the year progresses, with increased activity in the mining, agriculture and tourism sectors anchoring the outlook.
Zhang Ronggao ( white shirt), father of visiting Chinese scholar Zhang Yingying, leaves the courtroom after a hearing in Urbana, the United States, July 5, 2017. U.S. Magistrate Judge Eric Long on Wednsday ordered the man accused of kidnapping University of Illinois' visiting Chinese scholar Zhang Yingying to be held in jail indefinitely until he goes on trial. (Xinhua Photo/Wang Ping)

By Xinhua writers Xu Jing, Wang Ping, Miao Zhuang

CHICAGO, July 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Magistrate Judge Eric Long on Wednesday ordered the man accused of kidnapping University of Illinois' (UI) visiting Chinese scholar Zhang Yingying to be held in jail indefinitely until he goes on trial.

Brendt Christensen, 28, of Champaign, a former UI graduate student from Wisconsin, was making his second court appearance at the federal courthouse in Urbana on Wednesday afternoon. The suspect did not speak during the 20-minute-long hearing.

NEW EVIDENCE

Long made the ruling based on new evidence presented by assistant attorney Bryan Freres -- while under surveillance, Christensen was allegedly captured on a recording picking out other potential victims and talking about the "characteristics of an ideal victim" during a vigil for Zhang held at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) campus on June 29. Christensen has been confirmed to have attended the vigil.

Other evidence provided on Wednesday included an audio of Christensen describing how he kidnapped Zhang and how she "fought and resisted" when he brought her back to his apartment, and threatening the person to whom he provided the incriminating information.

Long said the evidence "seemed strong," and therefore ordered Christensen, whom he called a flight risk and a danger to the community, to be held without bond.

"The ruling is within our expectation," U.S. lawyer Wang Zhidong, who has been offering legal support to the Zhang family on a voluntary basis, said outside the court. "This is a comfort to the family of Yingying Zhang."

The preliminary hearing of the case is set for July 14. However, if the majority of the Grand Jury believes in the evidence submitted, the suspect may be indicted before the date and the preliminary hearing canceled.

"It is very likely that the Grand Jury will indict the suspect," Wang said.

Christensen's attorneys said "in a case like this, it's not unusual for bail to be denied." However, they are entitled to test the evidence and see "if it is reliable."

INSIDE THE COURT ROOM

Christensen, in gray striped prison clothes, entered the court room from a side door and took a seat beside his two lawyers, while Zhang's family was accompanied by Chinese consuls and volunteers.

During his 25-minute-long appearance, Christensen never looked at the family of the victim. He made his first court appearance on July 3.

Zhang Ronggao, Yingying's father, kept staring at the suspect the whole time. Occasionally, he lowered his head and rested it in his hands. During the whole process, he appeared quiet and calm.

JUSTICE SOUGHT FOR ZHANG YINGYING

Outside the courthouse, there were people holding banners reading "We the people are with Yingying," "Justice for Yingying, Where is She?" and "Justice to Yingying and her family."

Lu Ting, a UIUC teacher, said that Wednesday's ruling is the first step toward justice for Zhang. The legal procedure may last long, but it is taking the right direction, Lu said.

Chinese Deputy Consul General in Chicago Liu Jun said the Chinese Consulate in Chicago has been involved in the case from the beginning, and has kept in touch with local police, urging them to solve the case as quickly as possible and relaying to them reasonable requests from Zhang's family.

"The top priority at present is to locate the whereabouts of (Zhang) Yingying," he said.

Zhang Yingying, 26, was last seen on a security camera video entering a black Saturn Astra car on the edge of the UIUC campus at approximately 2 p.m. (1900 GMT) on June 9. She arrived at UIUC in late April this year, and was on her way to sign a lease when she went missing.

The FBI arrested Christensen, the owner of a black Saturn Astra, on June 30, accusing him of kidnapping Zhang. Based on facts uncovered during the investigation, law enforcement agents believe that Zhang is no longer alive.

UIUC has the largest number of Chinese students among all universities in the United States, with more than 5,600 Chinese students now studying there.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-07 04:13:24|Editor: yan

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BAQUBA, Iraq, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Four people were killed and five policemen wounded on Thursday in separate bomb and gunfire attacks across the volatile province of Diyala in eastern Iraq, a provincial security source told Xinhua.

Gunmen shot dead a policeman near the town of Bani-Saad in southwest of the provincial capital city of Baquba, some 65 km northeast of Baghdad, the source said on condition of anonymity.

Two gunmen, suspected to be Islamic State (IS) militants, were killed when a roadside bomb detonated while they were planting it at a road at Himreen mountainous area in the northern part of Diyala province, the source said.

A government employee, who works for the provincial health department, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen while driving his car in south of Baquba, the source said.

In addition, in the province, five policemen were wounded when suspected IS gunmen opened fire on their outpost near the town of Maqdadiyah, some 40 km north of Baquba, the source added.

The incidents came as Iraqi security forces, backed by the anti-IS international coalition, were simultaneously conducting a major offensive to dislodge IS militants from their major stronghold in western Mosul in northern Iraq.

Many blame the current chronic instability, cycle of violence, and the emergence of extremist groups, such as the IS, on the U.S., which invaded and occupied Iraq in March 2003.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-07 05:24:22|Editor: yan

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by Burak Akinci

ANKARA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Recent incidents in Turkey between locals and Syrian refugees have made headlines revealing anti-Syrian sentiments and reflecting problems in integration schemes in a country that has done more for Syrian refugees than any other country.

Several brawls, sometimes brutal, erupted in different towns such as Samsun, in the northwest on the Black Sea coast, where a gang of people tried to lynch two Syrian man allegedly taking pictures of women sunbathing.

In the capital Ankara, things got even worse and police had to use water cannons and tear gas to break up the fight between Turkish and Syrian groups.

After the TV channels and newspaper run the news, authorities tried immediately to calm things down.

"Occasional tensions erupting between Syrian refugees in Turkey and locals have recently been distorted and conveyed in an exaggerating way that would create indignation among the public," the Turkish Interior Ministry stated on Thursday.

In a written statement on its website, the ministry said the issue had been attempted to be turned into an element of instigation and domestic politics, explaining how the delinquency rate was low among the Syrians.

"The average annual rate of incidents that involved Syrians in the total public security incidents in Turkey between 2014 and 2017 is 1.32 percent," it said, adding that a majority of those incidents had been caused by disagreements among Syrian refugees.

It added that there was a five percent decrease in Syrians committing crime in 2017 compared to figures in the first six months of last year.

The incidents caused outrage in social networks where some users clearly expressed their resentment against the refugees while others accused them of racism against people who are in Turkey after having fled their war-torn country.

According to official figures, there are exactly 3,138,157 registered Syrians in Turkey since the war broke out in neighbouring Syria in 2011. However, experts think that thousands of unregistered Syrians are roaming Turkey. Only 7.5 percent (240,000) Syrians are living in camps. The rest are scattered all over Turkey. 240,000 Syrian babies were born on Turkish soil.

Also there are some 200,000 displaced Iraqis in Turkey who fled their country from the exactions of the Islamic State (IS) group.

Turkey is struggling with its limited resources to address this major problem and has announced having spend 25 billion U.S. dollars for the needs of refugees without any substantial international assistance. But the question of a real integration for the Syrians that Turkish authority prefers to name "guests" rather than refugees remains very tricky if not infeasible.

"Turkey is very late on this issue of integration. For years officials thought that those people would eventually return home in a couple of years, but this is not the case," said to Xinhua Metin Corabatir, an expert on immigration issue.

"The concept of integration is fairly new. The council on immigration policymaking has finally for the first time organized two meetings this year to think of ways to address the issue, but we are still learning," explained Corabatir.

In face of the mounting tensions, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has warned that refugees who commit crimes will be deported from Turkey.

"Those who cross the line are punished as deserved before the law. If necessary we will even deport them," he told reporters on Thursday, calling also on Turkish citizens to avoid any altercations "that would cast a doubt on our hospitality."

Yildirim also dismissed rumors that an important number of Syrians will be granted citizenship, explaining that this privilege will be offered mostly to those having careers.

But the hospitality has also limits in some saturated neighbourhoods of Ankara where Syrians live in tens of thousands like the "little Aleppo" of the suburban and sensitive Yenimahalle district.

"Generally the mood here is peaceful but anytime there is the slightest tension between young people (Turkish and Syrians) on some trivial issue, things get out of hand," explained Murat, a Turkish young man, to Xinhua.

"The linguistic barrier is important. We do not speak Arabic and most of the Syrians don't learn Turkish. Maybe if we spoke the same language, there would be not so many fights," he said.

Experts think that for the past six years Turkish people and the government has done it at most in offering help and hospitality to the displaced Syrians, but that new measures are needed to prevent social conflicts.

"I think that minor incidents have been encountered in Turkey in regards to the Syrians. In any other country of the world, absorbing such big amounts of refugees in such short time would have been impossible," explained immigration expert and academic Murat Erdogan on CNNTurk news channel.

"Turkey is unfortunately taking this issue too lightly. There is still a lack of strategy towards the refugees. We should take these (social) incidents seriously and prepare a realistic strategy to address this question," said Murat Erdogan, pointing out that without a political resolution of the Syrian conflict, refugees are here to stay in Turkey and other countries where they went.

"The sacrifices made by Turkey and its people are very important, but we should not wait for Syrians to thank us for that every day. We should have a sound strategy to accommodate the Syrians in a rational manner giving them proper rights," he added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-07 05:24:27|Editor: yan

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HELSINKI, July 6 (Xinhua) -- The transport service provider Uber is suspending its UberPOP operations in Finland, the local branch of the company announced on Thursday.

Joel Jarvinen, the country manager of Uber in Finland, said in a press release that the company has decided to await new Finnish legislation that takes effect in July 2018.

Meanwhile, UberBLACK, available to licenced taxi drivers, will continue without interruption.

Uber began its operations in Finland two and a half years ago. It has been plagued with confrontations with the Finnish taxi cab legislation.

Last autumn, the Helsinki appeals court sentenced two Uber drivers to pay fines for offering taxi services without a licence. They were also asked to pay the government the revenue obtained through their work.

The cases are still pending after appeals were submitted to the Finnish Supreme Court.

Jarvinen noted in his blog that they want to make sure the drivers using the application and the employees of Uber "will not be susceptible to unneccesary nuisances" - particularly as a brighter future is ahead.

Last week, the Helsinki district court ordered some personal property of the country director to be confiscated. He is being suspected of "giving assistance to offering taxi services without licence", local media reported.

The Uber application has been downloaded in Finland some 150,000 times. Business daily Kauppalehti gave the number of drivers as "several hundread".

Uber has been available in the capital area only. It noted in the release on Thursday that expansions to other Finnish cities could be considered in 2018.

The new Finnish legislation on taxies liberalizes the system, but during the parliamentary process controls of the taxi driver permits were added, reflecting the concerns of the Finns Party.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-07 05:39:33|Editor: yan

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LOS ANGELES, July 6 (Xinhua) -- A Hawaii woman claimed that she was forced to hold her 27-month-old son on her lap for three and half hours after United Airlines gave the toddler's seat to a standby passenger.

According to Hawaii News Now reported Thursday, Shirley Yamauchi, who is working in Kapolei Middle School of Hawaii, said she took her 27-month-old son Taizo to Boston in east U.S. on June 29. When they boarded the flight after 5 hours layover in Houston, another passenger showed up, claiming the seat of the toddler as his.

Yamauchi complained to a flight attendant that she bought the seat for about 1,000 U.S. dollars three month ago, but the latter only shrugged and said the flight was full, then walked away.

Yamauchi later told Hawaii News Now she thought about the incident happened in April that an Asian passenger was dragged from United Airline's flight.

"I'm Asian. I'm scared and I felt uncomfortable. I didn't want those things to happen to me," she said.

Five days after the flight, the airline finally issued an apology.

A spokesman for the airline explained that because gate agents inaccurately scanned Taizo's boarding pass, their system showed him as not checked in, so his seat was released to another passenger.

"We are refunding their tickets and providing compensation as a goodwill gesture. We are also working with our employees to prevent this from happening again," the spokesman said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-07 05:39:38|Editor: yan

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RABAT, July 6 (Xinhua) -- The Moroccan government said on Thursday that 176 people have been detained over protests shaking the northeastern region since last October.

The figure was revealed by the government Spokesman Mustapha El Khalfi during a press conference following the weekly cabinet meeting.

El Khalfi said the 120 are set to face trial and 56 still under investigation.

In mid-June, a court in the city of Al Hoceima sentenced 25 demonstrators to 18 months in jail.

The protesters and rights groups call for the immediate release of the arrested, while the government insists on the independence of the justice.

The situation in Al Hoceima has been tense since October 2016, when fish vendor Mouhcine Fikri was crushed to death after climbing into a rubbish lorry to retrieve his swordfish confiscated by police.

The demand for justice for Fikri in the northeastern region has evolved into a major grassroots movement to request greater government investment to create more jobs.

Morocco has not witnessed any protests of this size since the pro-democracy demonstrations during the Arab spring in 2011.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-07 05:44:40|Editor: yan

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BANJUL, July 6 (Xinhua) -- The Gambia's government expressed Thursday its support for the African Union's (AU) reforms agenda on promoting good governance through the inclusion of young people of the continent.

Director of Press and Publication Relations of the Gambia Amie Bojang-Sissoho said the theme Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investments in the Youth was timely for tackling youth unemployment, a focus area for the Gambian government.

She said other issues, such as peace and security as well as providing a secure future for African youth through strategic interventions were also covered.

Gambian President Adama Barrow returned to Banjul Wednesday after attending the 29th Session of African Union Summit held in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-07 05:49:46|Editor: yan

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BERLIN, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has addressed the German public directly ahead of the G20 summit in Hamburg on Thursday, writing in an exclusive op-ed for the German newspaper Handelsblatt.

Putin stressed his belief in common ground shared by Moscow and Berlin in the areas such as climate change, and praised the G20 as a necessary and effective forum for resolving trans-national issues.

The G20 had been a successful "instrument of global crisis management" during the 2008 financial crisis and was needed more than ever in light of heightened geo-political and environmental risks in 2017, the Russian president wrote.

"(Russia)welcomes the widening of the G20's agenda. I hereby refer to...sustainable development, climate change, the fight against terrorism and corruption, as well as health-, migration- and refugee policy."

Putin congratulated German Chancellor Angela Merkel for Germany's efforts to host a constructive summit marked by mutual respect. He warned, however, that the tasks faced by the G20 were daunting.

"Older economic models are almost obsolete. Protectionism is becoming the norm. Politically-motivated and one-sided sanctions in areas such as investment, trade and technology transfers are another hidden form thereof. In our view, such sanctions do not just lack perspective, they contradict the principals of the G20 to work together towards the interests of all countries of the world."

The article went on to emphasize Russia's commitment to free trade and combating climate change.

He was convinced that "only trade based on open and uniform norms and standards" could promote global growth, Putin wrote.

The Russian president noted that his country was a reliable international partner when it came to climate change, which had more than fulfilled its commitments under the Kyoto Protocol and was dedicated to upholding the Paris agreement.

Lastly, Putin addressed the topic of cyber-security and information technology.

While Russia attached great value to granting individuals open access to information technology like the internet, states needed to balance security and freedom carefully to prevent the digital world from becoming a refuge for criminals.

He also called for the benefits of the digital economy to be spread more evenly between and within countries.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-07 05:54:50|Editor: Song Lifang

Members of security forces arrive at a prison after a clash among inmates in Acapulco, Mexico, on July 6, 2017. At least 28 people were killed in a prison riot on Thursday among suspected members of rival gangs in a prison in Acapulco, southern Mexican state of Guerrero, according to local authorities. (Xinhua/David Guzman)

MEXICO CITY, July 6 (Xinhua) -- At least 28 people were killed in a prison riot on Thursday between suspected members of rival gangs in a prison in southern Mexican state of Guerrero, according to local authorities.

The state government updated the death toll from original five to 28 as police searched the prison. Three other prisoners were lightly injured.

At a press conference, Guerrero's security spokesperson, Roberto Alvarez Heredia, said that the fight began around 4 a.m. in Las Cruces prison in Acapulco. The fighting took place within block 1, block 3 and in the yard.

No information has been given so far on the identity of the deceased but Heredia said the families would be notified first. He stated that the violence had been contained after the police took control of the prison and no detainees had escaped.

Heredia explained that "the incident began due to the permanent struggle of rival groups inside the prison."

Guerrero governor Hector Astudillo Flores has given an order to "get to the bottom of the events and to bring the full force of the law to bear on those responsible."

Heredia added that "the investigation will include all the public servants within the prison system."

This prison is the most crowded in Guerrero, with 2,100 prisoners, according to Mexican government statistics.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-07 06:30:08|Editor: yan

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WASHINGTON, July 6 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. State Department said on Thursday the United States is increasingly concerned that a dispute between Qatar and other Middle East countries was at an impasse.

"We remain very concerned about that ongoing situation involving Qatar and GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries," said U.S. State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert at a briefing.

"We've become increasingly concerned that that dispute is at an impasse at this point. We believe that this could potentially drag on for weeks, it could drag on for months. It could possibly even intensify," Nauert added.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut off diplomatic ties with Qatar on June 5 and imposed punitive measures, accusing Qatar of "supporting terrorism and interfering in their internal affairs."

The four Arab countries then issued a list of 13 demands to end rift with Doha, including closing Al-Jazeera television and cutting diplomatic ties with Iran.

The four countries announced Wednesday morning that they received the Qatari response through Kuwait, which has played as a mediator to reach a solution for the crisis.

However, speaking at a press conference after meeting his counterpart of Saudi Arabia, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said on Wednesday that Qatar's response to the demands of Egypt and Gulf countries was "very negative."
Man in court for FB post on PMs family

Mohammed of Libertville in Rio Claro, appeared before Magistrate Ava Vandenburg-Bailey in the Second Court who read out a charge that on June 30, at Belle View Industrial Estate in South Oropouche, Mohammed sent a grossly offensive message via telephone.

Mohammed, a driver who celebrates his 25th birthday today, pleaded not guilty to the charge laid by Cpl Badree of Fraud Squad (South). Investigations were led by Snr Supt Totaram Dookie and including ASP Ghisyawan and Legal officer Cpl Bassarath.

Court prosecutor Sgt Starr Jacob told the magistrate that the prosecution cited five witnesses, among them Mohammeds mother who attended the court hearing yesterday and who is the owner of the cellular phone from which the offensive message was allegedly sent.

The prosecutor requested that Mohammeds initial bail, which was granted at the San Fernando Police Station, be regularised.

He was granted $500 own bail on Tuesday night but the magistrate changed the amount yesterday to $15,000 with the accused mans father as the surety.

Attorney Hasine Shaikh, who represented Mohammed, told the court her client lives with his parents in Rio Claro. The attorney added that due to the allegations, Mohammed lost his job. She acknowledged that she received ten items of disclosure from the prosecutor who noted that a newspaper article remains outstanding.

After Magistrate Vandernburg- Bailey granted bail, she adjourned the matter to August 2. On Tuesday night, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions instructed members of the Fraud Squad to lay a charge in relation to a post on social media which stated, Someone should find Rowley daughter and wife and slit their throats n rape them. In a subsequent facebook post, an apology for the comment was made.

The maximum fine for the charge is $200 or a term of imprisonment of one month.

Speaking to media following the hearing yesterday attorney Shaikh said the alleged incident was a situation in which a person rose up against what is happening in the country and is now being penalized for this.

At the end of the day there are a number of persons on social media and on television and radio programmes who have lots of things to say and the reality is, its a lot of emotion. I think we have been distracted, the attorney said.

So, unfortunately Mr Mohammed may have found himself in a little bit of a sticky situation based on the content of what was said. But, at the end of the day, it was an emotional response and I think he has issued his own apology on that issue, the attorney said.
Suspect held for Malabar double murder

The suspect was held after police stopped a car he was a passenger in which was proceeding along Pinto Road in Arima.

The suspect was taken into custody by members of the Pinto Road Police Post and handed over to officers of the Region II Homicide Investigations Bureau.

Investigators said the suspects home will be searched as part of ongoing investigation into the double murder.

Police believe with the arrest, they could detain others linked to the crime. The suspect was expected to be fingerprinted yesterday so the prints could be examined with those found inside Mohammeds home to see if a match is made. Fingerprints were also found on the Mohammed familys vehicle which was stolen and found abandoned later in Wallerfield.

According to reports, police from the Northern Division received information that a person fitting the description of one of the suspects was seen in a vehicle at Pinto Road shortly after 10 am. They stopped the vehicle and detained the suspect.

On the weekend three suspects were detained but were later released pending further enquiries.

A Wallerfield man was seen by people driving off in Mohammeds husbands car last week Wednesday moments before the bodies were discovered inside Mohammeds Ajim Baksh Trace, Malabar home.

Autopsies confirmed that both Videsh and Mohammed were murdered by way of their throats being slit
Girl, 14, sexually abused

According to reports, the Form 2 student confided to her mother on Tuesday that on several occasions she accompanied the 21-year-old man to Macqueripe beach where they had sexual intercourse.

The girls mother took her to the Four Roads station where a report was made and officers of the Child Protection Unit were Called in.

The student was medically examined by a District Medical Officer who confirmed that she is sexually active. Officers of the Child Protection Unit yesterday carried out a search for the suspect who is reported to have gone into hiding.

Investigations are ongoing.
No Special Branch transfers

As a result of this, McDonald was fired three days later from the Cabinet by Dr Rowley who has assumed the role of Public Utilities Minister in addition to his normal prime ministerial duties.

Sources revealed that while the officers have been asked to submit individual reports to both President Carmona and seniors within Special Branch, no decision has been taken to remove any officer from duty at Presidents House. A report has also been requested from Aide de Camp Major Duane Edwards.

The internal enquiry at Presidents House began on Saturday and was ongoing up until yesterday.

Sources said President Carmona has expressed concern over the ability of a member of the public gaining access to Presidents House as easily as Cedric Burkie Burke did last week Friday.

Former Minister of National Security Gary Griffith yesterday said he was of the firm view that at no time was the Presidents life at risk because all guests are scanned when they enter the waiting room before they are allowed into the precincts of the house. I believe, as a former Aide-de-Camp, there was no negligence of security at the Presidents House, Griffith said.

There may have been a security breach, he added, but this is based on a government official being irresponsible in allowing guests into the Presidents House.

Unfortunately this has been a pattern for the past 15 years where police and army officials have seen government officials in meeting and knocking glasses with questionable elements.

The job of the Special Branch is to secure the President and that was done, Griffith said.

Griffith reiterated that Special Branch had no authority to stop Burke from entering the compound last Friday because he noted that the responsibility lies on the government official not to compromise security at the function.

Hence the reason why Griffith said he agrees with Rowleys decision to remove Mc- Donald as a Minister.
Knife-wielding man killed by cop

The man has been identified as Damian Downey of Don Miguel Road, San Juan.

According to reports, at about 8 pm, PCs La Rosa and Affoon received a report by 90-year-old Mary Etienne that she was being verbally and physically assaulted by Downey at her San Juan home.

When the police arrived at the house, they said they were met by Downey who allegedly had a knife which he waved at the police.

It is alleged that when he was asked to hand over the knife, he allegedly charged towards Affoon who fell to the ground. Affoon shot Downey once.

Additional police were called to the scene and Downey was taken to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex where he died.

Affoon was treated for minor injuries and relatives of the elderly woman were called to the scene to offer support to Etienne. Officers of the Barataria police station are continuing enquiries.
Defence Force seeks extension

On June 5 Maharaj, who is now retired, wrote to Pritchard querying statements in a letter sent to attorney and UNC senator Wayne Sturge.

He is contending that the statements by retired chief of defence staff Rodney Smart are erroneous and gave the impression that he acted unilaterally in extending an invitation to Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi and his children to Camp Cumuto last year.

The controversy began when Al-Rawis children were photographed with, what appeared to be, high-powered weapons allegedly belonging to the army.

Questions were raised about the legality of the children being allowed to hold the weapons.

Sturge applied under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to the Defence Force for information about who authorised the visit.

Maharaj is of the view that Smarts response was not a true picture of what occurred and he denied he was the one who gave the authorisation.

The deadline for the Defence Force to respond to Maharajs request for a copy of the report, produced by a board of inquiry set up to look into the matter, was yesterday. He has agreed, however, to grant the extension of time requested by Pritchard.

Contacted yesterday, Maharaj told Newsday, I agreed because at the end of the day I am not pursuing this matter with any personal acrimony and ill-will.

What I am seeking is a peaceful, mutual and respectful closure to this matter. I am still a member of the military community.
COP elections postponed

Three female candidates, former COP chairman Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan; Dr Sharon-Ann Gopaul- McNicol and Dyer-Griffith (also a former party chairman) have submitted their candidacy for the post of political leader.

The party, which has a membership of 43,000, was expected to vote for a new political leader on July 9.

However in a media release yesterday, Seepersad-Bachan expressed great disappointment that the election had been postponed without any prior notification to the respective candidates.

The party is yet to provide details as to the reasons which led to this decision. In the absence of such details, we are of the firm conviction that the constitutionally due elections should be allowed to proceed as scheduled for Sunday 9th July, she stated.

Our campaign manager Aleena Ali, is currently in the process of engaging the party with a view to convening a meeting with all candidates and affected parties, as we seek to arrive at a meaningful solution to the problem, she added.

However, in a brief telephone interview yesterday, COP general secretary Clyde Weatherhead confirmed the postponement saying, there was a legal issue and we sought to have it dealt within the party. He also confirmed that the issue surrounded Dyer-Griffiths eligibility to contest the election.

Yes, there has to be a meeting to decide another date, he said.
Tears of sorrow, joy at Rosary Boys and Girls

When Newsday visited, some students were crying in the courtyard while screams from the bathroom area could be heard. Many parents did not want to speak with reporters, opting instead to console and offer encouragement to their emotional children. This was not the case however, with Dalia Lutchman, 12, who passed for her first choice school, St Georges College.

Her parents Kumar and Martha Lutchman stood in shock as she revealed the results to them. We are shocked, but she is deserving of her results because she worked very hard.

We are very proud of her achievement as it is proof that hard work really pays off, Mrs Lutchman said.

At the Rosary Boys, the atmosphere was different with joy being the predominant emotion expressed by students. Principal Richard Gomez said his school did fairly well and he was surprised one of his students placed at Presentation College in San Fernando.

Contacted for comment, Clinical Therapist and Clinical Traumatologist Hanif Benjamin said that the SE A should not be an exam for children at such a young age due to the pressure this exam places on them.

He said children in their early teens should not be put through the wringer of such a rigorous exam, mentally and psychologically, because they are not prepared for the level of the exam.

What we need to find is a way of transitioning children into the secondary school. They need to find a different way of assessments. The pressure that is put on children by the schools and parents...by parents because of the status quo, they want their child to go to a prestigious or a good school, and by the schools they want their statistics and their numbers to look good and because we are a credentialed society. He continued, Where of course the first thing that came out of the news this morning is the schools that had the top performing students.

They took 200 students out of 18,000 and they reward them...they get to meet the Prime Minister and the President because they did well. I have no problem with students being rewarded for doing well but, what are we saying to the other students who have also done their best and are faced with challenges? He said there are many students in TT who could not afford extra lessons or have assessed different resources.

The playing field is not equal. When you say to children that we are putting you all to line up in one race and you have to run this race and we are going to pick the top 200 or 100, but yet only ten per cent of all who set the exam have the advantage. How does one reconcile that?  Benjamin said there is no doubt why some children were crying out in disbelief and was left heartbroken yesterday, because the pressure and the burden that would have been placed on them, they are now realising that they did not get their first or second choice.

We have to look out for students who did not do as well as they would have liked to because this is a time where we see a lot of suicidality, a lot of anxiety, a lot of stress, and a lot of worry from both parents and children because of the shame and embarrassment that goes along with it and that goes along with it because of the pressure we put on our children.
Specialist Learning Centre cops spelling bee

This years competition realized an increased number of schools with 16 primary schools (served by the Tunapuna Public library) participating in the preliminary round; up from last years five schools.

Parents, teachers, sponsors and specially invited guests all came out to show support to the students at this event which was filled with excitement, emotion and suspense.

In the end, Charlize Balkaran and Arun Ramnarine copped 1st place for Specialist Learning Centre; Justine Hosein and Shaedon Teelucksingh took home second place representing Curepe Presbyterian Primary School while third place went to Hannah James and Anna-Marie Mosan from Tunapuna Girls RC Primary School and placing fourth were Lana Narine and Ameer Ali representing St Joseph TML Primary School.

The Tunapuna Public Library, in a press release, extended a special thanks to its sponsors the Rotary Club of St Augustine West; Tunapuna MP Esmond Forde, Brian Manswell of Reliable Appliances, Blue Waters, Super Quality and Caribbean Bottlers.

The staff of Tunapuna Public Library look forward to hosting the fifth annual Tunapuna Public Library Spelling Bee next year as we remain firm on our commitment to the development of young minds and towards encouraging the love of reading and lifelong learning, the release ended.
Rowley: Time for serious action on CSME

This request was granted.

The implementation of the CSME was high on the agenda on the first day of heads three-day meeting which ends today in St Georges, Grenada. Speaking during the first plenary session, Rowley expressed his frustration with the lack of action on the matter.

I get the impression that all we are willing to do is talk this issue to death, he said. We cannot expect to get the benefits of medication if we refuse to swallow the medication. At last years Heads of Government regular meeting in Georgetown, Guyana, Rowley had requested the inclusion of the CSME on the Caricom agenda and it was.

The integration initiative had for some time been on the back burner.

He suggested that when the special meeting is held that the integration movement decide definitively whether it will move forward or not with the CSME initiative. He said that deciding to pause the process could prove dangerous to the overall development and progress of the region.

A review on the outstanding issues related to the implementation of the CSME was presented at yesterdays first plenary session. The review noted the need for clarification on the status of Haiti, Montserrat and the Bahamas, and the need for closer examination of the definition of a Caricom national.

During the meeting several heads reiterated their commitment to the CSME but raised several challenges that have impeded its full implementation. At the start of the meeting Rowley asked for Venezuela to be included on the agenda for discussion. Given ongoing developments in that country, he said, it was necessary for Caricom to reiterate its position on the matter.

Other decisions taken included an agreement that the region will develop a prospectus of transformative development projects and programmes for submission to the World Banks Small States Forum to be held in October, 2017, Singapore.

The heads also agreed to urgently expedite the selection of their National Implementing Entities (NIEs), to initiate the capacity building that would be required to get them accredited to the Green Climate Fund, and to appoint dedicated staff to their national designated authority so they could undertake the relevant readiness functions.
UNC: It is a distraction from Marlene

Alleging an irresponsible and premeditated action, the PNM said Persad-Bissessars claim was designed to cause unnecessary panic.

The UNCs continued fear mongering should be rejected by the population as they are on a destructive path as opposed to working towards being part of the solution. The PNM said the Police Service denied receiving any report of a kidnapping on Monday night. However, in a response yesterday, the UNC advised the PNM administration to focus on crime and not on text messages. In a statement, the UNC said it is clear that instead of dealing with the fundamental issues plaguing the country, the PNM led by Dr Keith Rowley has resorted to throwing out distractions to deflect from the recent revelations widely reported in the media that the PNM has been and is in bed with criminal elements. Instead of informing us that the killers of 13-year-old Vedesh Subar and 57-year-old Rose Mohammed have been caught or that any killer has been caught, instead of telling us of the steps taken to reduce escalating murders - now standing at more than 250, instead of telling us what strategies will be implemented to assist at-risk youth to lead them away from a life of crime, this Rowley PNM is now pre-occupied with a comment on a text message. Earlier yesterday, MP for Oropouche East Dr Roodal Moonilal accused the government of only condemning Persad- Bissessars story of a kidnapping to distract the population from the debacle surrounding the firing of Marlene McDonald as a minister.

In a telephone interview Moonilal said, The political leader when she spoke Monday said she had information that was not confirmed. It was not a definitive statement of the commission of an offence. I think people are making a mountain out of a molehill. Newsday, however, found no evidence of her saying the report was unconfirmed. She said, But on my phone I got a text telling me that the daughter of a businessman has been kidnapped. This is the news I have received on my phone. I will give no details on it. Cause we are back to where we are with the PNM. So why is it that every time that the PNM is in power, murder and kidnapping increase?
Womens League backs Marlene

A statement on Monday, in the name of the leagues chairman Camille Robinson-Regis, said the partys values, must and will always supersede any one individual and the greater good of country must be the deciding factor. It added that the league is confident that McDonald will continue to expend her energies in the service of citizens and the country.

The statement said the league views with concern the many disparaging personal attacks that McDonald suffered since she was removed from Cabinet 16 months ago and noted the dignity with which she bore these insults. It said if the incident shows anything at all it was the weakness of many of the systems in the country and the personal frailties of people, especially those who hold public office.

The league said it was disappointed over what has happened since Mc- Donalds reinstatement, noting that her advocacy on behalf of her constituents was well-known and there was great optimism with her reinstatement.

It ended by wishing her Gods abundance, particularly in her time of deep trial.
Ramadharsingh, Awong vex over Bret cheque distribution

Chairmen Dr Glen Ramadharsingh and Henry Awong claimed the ministry initially sent invitations to the corporations to be part of the distribution process but those invitations had been withdrawn at the last minute.

Ramadharsingh said his corporation was under the impression that the distribution would be rescheduled to a later date.

However, in a media release yesterday, the ministry said 68 households referred by the Siparia Regional Corporation, inclusive of communities within Siparia, Fyzabad, South Oropouche, Woodland and environs received grant funding for disaster relief in the aftermath of Tropical Bret.

The ministry said its minister, on Tuesday, distributed the cheques some of which were valued up to $10,000, during a brief ceremony at the ministrys district office in Siparia. Crichlow- Cockburn said the ministrys team worked tirelessly to ensure the grants were ready within the shortest possible time and reiterated Governments commitment to bringing immediate relief to those who were adversely affected.

A similar distribution is said to have also taken place at the ministrys district offices, on Tuesday, to households in the Diego Martin Regional Corporation (four), Sangre Grande Regional Corporation (149), Couva/Tabaquite/ Talparo Regional Corporation (71) and San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation (16).

Ramadharsingh said the corporation was unaware of the amount of people who were awarded grants or whether they were among those who had been most affected by the storm.

The Prime Minister Dr (Keith) Rowley, when I met him in the field he asked for one thing. That those grants be given to those who need it the most. How can we check and ensure that when we dont know who were given these grants? We are calling for a list of the names to ensure there is no discrimination, there is fairness and there is equity.

Meanwhile, Awong said he too could not say whether any grants had been distributed as the ministry had initially said the distribution would take place at the corporation only to call at the last minute to cancel the function.

Meanwhile, the ministry 27 households from the St. Helena, Kelly, El Carmen and Warrenville communities cheques based on recommendation of the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation on July 1. Additional cheques amounting to 141 were also scheduled for distribution at the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation yesterday.
MP asks, how many facing axe?

Addressing the UNCs Monday Night Forum meeting at the McBean Hindu primary school in Couva, Indarsingh also asked the labour movement to compare the number of negotiations that had been settled by the ruling PNM government since it took office in 2015. I want to ask the labour movement of Trinidad and Tobago, how many negotiations have been settled for the 2014-2016 period, Indarsingh said.

I want to ask them what is the governments position as it relates to the 2016- 2019 collective bargaining process, he said. I want to ask Minister (Colm) Imbert, how much workers will lose their jobs based on the coming of the Trinidad and Tobago Revenue Authority (TTRA), he said. I also want to ask the Minister of Energy and the new parliamentary secretary, based on the report of the restructuring committee, how many workers are destined to lose their jobs at Petrotrin in addition to the 25,000 who have already list their jobs, he said. There is a sense of hopelessness in Trinidad and Tobago, he said.

Indarsingh also observed that two weeks after the passage of Tropical Storm Bret, government had failed to deliver assistance to affected homeowners in south and central Trinidad. Also addressing the meeting was Couva North MP Ramona Ramdial who said the Ministry of Works and Transport had not done any maintenance works on rivers and watercourses in central Trinidad since 2015.

She however reserved her harshest criticism for the Minister of National Security, Edmund Dillion saying crime had been steadily increasing in central Trinidad due to an absence of leadership at the Ministry.

I can tell you that there is no 24 hour joint Army and Police patrols anywhere in central Trinidad, she said and wondered whether the recent murders of schoolboy Videsh Subar and his caretaker Hafeeza Rose Mohammed would be solved or would it be relegated to cold case status.

Meanwhile, Couva/ Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation (CTTRC) deputy chairman Allan Taxi Seepersad said his family had not yet come to terms with the murder of his brother Roopnarine Dar Seepersad in 2015.We cannot ketch we self yet, a sombre Seepersad said, adding, I does ask myself sometimes in the night why you gone boy and leave your wife and children.
Where is the world's most beautiful Starbucks? Japan, of course.

In Toyama city's Kansui Park is a shop that has won awards for it's design, but it's also the location that makes it beautiful. Those big windows overlook a lake in a park, the building resting upon grass, surrounded by sakura trees. The fresh air off the sea of Japan and the beautiful sunsets over the nearby Japanese Alps can't be forgotten. I could sip a hot cappuccino all day here.

But wait! Starbucks newest shop in Kyoto (Ninenzaka) is a traditional tea house that looks centuries old! It's hard to tell it's a Starbucks until you see the sign. Inside, it's like going back in time. You definitely feel Kyoto's historical vibe sitting on tatami sipping macha tea ... lattes. This may also be the world's most beautiful shop.

Hakodate in Hokkaido is home to what many consider to be the "coziest Starbucks in the world". It's got a fireplace, wide open rooms and stairs, natural hard wood floors and a beautiful deck that overlooks Hakodate Bay. It's super cozy!

Yeah, visiting Starbucks is certainly one attraction for many visitors because it seems more than just a chain coffee shop. To me, it a reflection of the world around us -- and a really good cup of coffee.
The Metropolitan Police Department on Wednesday arrested Yoshiyuki Kurita, 64, a former senior executive of Narita International Airport Corp., for allegedly receiving A600,000 in bribes in return for business favors.

The police searched the operator of Narita Airport in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, to obtain evidence of the violation of the companies law.

Katsunori Koshikawa, 47, president of a construction firm in Tako, Chiba Prefecture, and his wife, Minako, 46, were also arrested for allegedly giving bribes in violation of the law. The department has not disclosed whether the suspects have admitted the allegations.

According to the arrest warrant, Kurita, who lives in Yachiyo, Chiba Prefecture, is suspected of receiving around late January the cash paid as rewards for allowing Koshikawa's group to win goods supply orders from the airport operator.

Jul 06 () - aaaaacacYaaaaaaaaaeZaaaaaaaaaacaaSaaaaaa
Japan has one official holiday in July. Marine Day, or Umi no Hi as itas called in Japanese, is held on the third Monday of the month, and is a nice midsummer excuse to blow off work and head down to the beach.

There's another day of celebration during the month, though. On July 5 Bikini Day marks the date when the world's first bikini was unveiled back in 1946. Bikini Day may not be an exclusively Japanese observance, but given the country's unabashed love of sexy fashion, it's especially popular among models in Japan, particularly those in the gravure/gurabia genre who specialize in revealing outfits.

As such, July 5 say a flurry of bikini-related social media posts in Japan.
Japan is seen boosting subsidies and other assistance to dairy farmers after the country reached a broad accord on its envisioned economic partnership agreement with the European Union, informed sources have said.

The two sides struck the deal at bilateral ministerial talks in Brussels ended on Wednesday by resolving thorny issues including Japanese tariffs on cheese imports. The result will be announced after a bilateral summit on Thursday.

To ease the impact of expected cheese import growth, the government and the Liberal Democratic Party-led ruling bloc will consider increasing subsidies to dairy farmers to help stabilize their incomes, the sources said.

"We definitely need (support) measures for the domestic industry," Toru Nakaya, named the next president of Japan's Central Union of Agricultural Cooperatives, or JA-Zenchu, told a news conference Wednesday.
Japan's labor shortage has pushed the number of people changing jobs and employers during their career to its highest level since the global financial crisis, as companies scramble for workers with experience amid a rapidly-aging economy.

So-called job-hopping goes against the grain of Japan's work culture, where many companies hire graduates and employ them until they retire. But the jobs-for-life system is slowly giving way, as society shifts and firms curb labor costs.

Switching jobs for better conditions is no longer taboo within the tightening labor market, and the trend is being led by mid-career workers.

The number of job-changers rose for the seventh straight year in 2016 to 3.06 million, the highest since 2009, though it still accounts for just 4.8 percent of the labor market.

Older workers have more opportunities because of demographic factors: a fast-aging society, low birth rate and falling working-age population. The jobless rate has stood at a near two-decade low, while the jobs-to-applicants ratio is at a 43-year high.

Big firms say the labor market is at its tightest since 1992, according to the Bank of Japan's latest tankan survey published this week.

Though job turnover is still low relative to other major economies the change should be welcome news to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has been championing labor flexibility and merit-based pay --- with little success so far.

Enhancing labor mobility is expected to help raise low productivity and boost wages, allowing the economy to move past its deflationary rut.

Companies facing labor shortages are willing to pay for battle-tested workers who don't need as much training.
Japan and the United States at a U.N. Security Council emergency meeting on Wednesday called for tightening sanctions against North Korea, which claimed a successful test-firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile earlier this week.

Russia raised an objection, however, saying sanctions will not resolve the North Korean issue. China did not make clear its view about a new resolution on tougher sanctions against the reclusive state.

The United States reiterated its readiness to use the full range of its capabilities, including military forces, in order to stop North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

The Security Council meeting was convened at the request of Japan, South Korea and the United States. It was unusual that an emergency meeting on North Korea has been held with open doors.


The U.S. government's confirmation that the missile North Korea fired Tuesday was an intercontinental ballistic missile has suddenly made the prospect of a North Korean ICBM flying through the sky over Japan and toward the United States a more realistic possibility.

Although security-related legislation that came into force in March 2016 made it legally possible for Japan to intercept such a missile, such an operation can only be conducted under strict conditions, and high technological barriers also remain.

The legislation incorporates three new conditions on the use of force set forth by a Cabinet decision in July 2014 to reflect a change in the interpretation of the Constitution. These conditions are: an armed attack occurs and threatens Japan's survival; there are no other appropriate means to protect Japan's people; and use of force is restricted to the minimum necessary. Only if these three conditions are met would Japan be able to use force and shoot down a ballistic missile heading toward the United States.

If North Korea launched a ballistic missile aimed at Hawaii, home of the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Command, or at Guam, which the United States would use as a base for launching operations to respond to a contingency on the Korean Peninsula, it would fly over Japan. The government is unsure whether Japan could legally intercept this missile in such a scenario.

"It is difficult to answer, in general," Defense Ministry spokesman Hirofumi Takeda said.

However, if war broke out between North Korea on one side and the United States and South Korea on the other, and the government deemed that Japan's survival was in danger under the three conditions, such a missile could be intercepted as a self-defensive measure.

By contrast, Japan could not legally shoot down a North Korean ICBM suddenly launched toward the United States in peacetime.
It started in mid-September  Black Friday specials. I took the bait when I saw an email from a retailer offering sales that were way ahead of the traditional Friday after Thanksgiving Black Friday sales. Beat the rush! Get all the deals before anyone else offers them and you lose out! Get y
Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock Country Music Hall-of-Famer Kenny Rogers guests on Rural America Live on Thursday. You can catch the show at 10 p.m. ET on RFD-TV.

Rodney Atkins and his wife Rose Falcon are expecting their first baby together. Rodneys older son, Elijah, from his previous marriage, starred in the video for his 2006 hit, Watching You.

If you missed the Dixie Chicks on tour, you can check out their concert film Dixie Chicks -- DCX MMXVI -- In Concert at 7 p.m. local time on August 7. Close to 450 theaters across the country will screen the movie.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
The Daily News publishes death notices and obituaries on a daily basis for Norfolkans, area residents and former residents.

Death notices, which include information about when and where a person died, funeral services, burial and visitation for the deceased and memorial information, are published free of charge.

If families of the deceased desire to have an obituary printed, there is a fee charged for doing so. Because of that, families of the deceased can decide what information they want included in the obituary, as well as if they desire to have a photograph of the deceased published along with it. The Daily News reserves the right to edit.

Norfolk and area funeral homes have detailed information about placing an obituary in the Daily News. If individuals want to submit obituary information themselves, it can be emailed to funerals@norfolkdailynews.com or faxed to (402) 644-2080.

People needing additional information about death notices and obituaries can call the Daily News at 371-1020 or (877) 371-1020 and ask for the newsroom.
Growth expected in Moroccos agricultural output in 2017 after contracting due to a severe drought episode in 2016 will support the countrys economic activity, says an analysis published by Proshare, an African online business.

Sustained efforts to improve the business environment and political stability will continue to boost investor sentiment, which bodes well for the North African kingdoms ambitions to become a manufacturing and exporting hub between Europe and Africa, say the authors of the document.

We forecast real GDP growth to accelerate from 0.9 pc in 2016 to 4.3 pc in 2017 in Morocco, as the agricultural sector emerges from its 2016 slump caused by a severe drought, underline the experts.

In addition, we remain optimistic on the North African Kingdoms ability to become a manufacturing and exporting hub between Europe and Africa, as reforms to the business environment and policy continuity yield positive results on investor sentiment, say the analysts.

This will ensure Moroccos economic outperformance in the Middle East and North Africa region over the coming years.

The agricultural sector will experience a sharp recovery in 2017, benefiting from an improvement in weather conditions. Grain production fell by more than 70 pc in 2016 as the country experienced a severe drought, after a record harvest of 11.7mn tons in 2015.

Over the past decade, agriculture accounted for on average 13 pc of GDP and more than 40 pc of employment. As such, the sharp recovery in agricultural output will support private consumption growth in the country as well as exports.

Proshare analysts also say that continued reforms to the business environment and political stability will boost investor sentiment over the coming years, affirming that Morocco has gradually climbed in the World Banks Ease of Doing Business index over the past decade, from the 129th position globally in 2008 to the 68th position in the latest edition.

Investment promotion efforts by the government will underpin Moroccos gradual move towards higher-skilled manufacturing over the coming years. According to the Manufacturing Production Index, the auto and other transportation (which include aeronautics) sectors outperformed in 2016.

Foreign investment in the auto sector underpins this positive trajectory, with French manufacturer Renault increasingly using Morocco as a manufacturing base.

Improvements in the tourism sector are another positive factor for the Moroccan economy. In 2014-2015, the crucial tourism industry accounted for 18.5 pc of GDP and 16.6 pc of employment, including indirect effects.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the sector, which suffered from the regional security turmoil affecting the MENA region, has been showing signs of recovery over the past year and a half. Illustrating this trend, tourism receipts (in nominal local currency terms) have returned to positive growth, while the restaurant and hotel sector expanded by 9.6 pc in Q4 2016.
Algerian Authorities have locked up journalist fixer Said Chitour over espionage after he was arrested early last month at Algiers airport on his way back from a trip in Spain.

BBC correspondent Chitour is known by foreign English media and missions for helping arrange meetings between Algerian figures and foreign media in Algeria. He also serves as interpreter.

According to press reports, Chitour has been arrested on June 5 upon return from a trip to Spain, and charged for espionage and handover of secret documents to foreign powers for money. He has been, since then, locked up at El Harrach prison, in Algiers.

His arrest and imprisonment became public Monday during a dinner at the residence of the US ambassador to Algiers, el Watan reports.

The journalist reportedly told his brother that he has been on the radar for months and has been interrogated two times. He claimed his innocence and said that authorities had no evidence against him, he brother told media.

His lawyer Khaled Bourayou told local media, tsa-algerie.com, that the accusations are exaggerated and that his client routinely informs authorities on his activities.
Head of Libyan National Army (LNA) opposed to UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli Wednesday announced victory over militant groups and other fighters in the countrys second city of Benghazi, three year after launching fighting to liberate the cradle of the Libyan 2011 revolution.

Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar announced the liberation of the city after LNA forces cleared the last pockets of resistance, including the seafront district of Sabri. LNA forces armed with artillery entered Sabri to neutralize armed groups besieged from all sides.

Your armed forces declare to you the liberation of Benghazi from terrorism, a full liberation and a victory of dignity, Haftar said in a message broadcasted on TV.

Benghazi has entered into a new era of safety and peace, reconciliation and reconstruction, he said, hinting however that it is still not safe as they continue to clear it of mines and bombs.

Haftar forces launched Operation Dignity in Benghazi in May 2014 to weed out Islamists who took control of the city.

Fighting for the control of the city reportedly caused death of 5,000 forces on the LNA side.

Haftar relied on material support from the United Arab Emirates and on Egypts endorsement for the combat.

Russia also offered strong backing as well as medical assistance allowing injured forces to be airlifted for treatment on the Russian soil.

The head of LNA is opposed to the Government of National Accord (GNA), which he accused of harboring Islamists. In an open secret he indicated that he would bring the war against terror group to Tripoli.
Countries isolating Qatar Wednesday considered no further sanctions and called for more consultations after Doha dismissed the 13-demand list in a response handed to the quartet through Kuwait.

Meeting in Cairo to decide the next steps in the crisis which opposes them to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt, represented by their respective foreign ministers, rejected Dohas response and pointed out they will hold another meeting in Bahrain to decide the next step.

The quartet on June 5 severed ties with Qatar over terrorism funding charges, cutting sea, ground and air links with the tiny Gulf country.

The bloc June 22 issued a list of 13 demands as conditions to end the diplomatic spat. Doha has remained defiant arguing that charges are trumped and the list unrealistic and unenforceable.

Qatari foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani who Monday handed the response to mediator Kuwait noted that list demands were made to be rejected after he argued that they seek to deprive the country of its sovereignty.

Its not about terrorism, its talking about shutting down the freedom of speech, the foreign minister told reporters.

Saudi foreign minister Abdel al-Jubeir at the Cairo meeting said the blockades will remain in place until Qatar changes its policies for the better.

Host of the meeting, Sameh Shoukry noted that Qatars response was not serious and betrayed Qatars failure to realize the gravity of the situation.

We hope wisdom will prevail and Qatar will eventually make the right decisions, he added.

Last week, Emirati ambassador to Russia told The Guardian that if Qatar does not comply with the list, the bloc could move ahead with further sanctions including calling trading partners to choose between the bloc and the tiny emirate.
Morocco announced it will proceed to the delimitation of its territorial waters and its maritime borders with the Spanish Canary Islands in the Atlantic ocean.

In this regards, a draft law was approved on Thursday by the Government Council in a move that will further assert Moroccos sovereignty in the southern provinces.

This is a sovereign action in full compliance with the international law, said Spokesperson for the Moroccan government, Mustapha El Khalfi, in a statement to the press.

The demarcation of Moroccos maritime borders with Spain will put an end to the speculations concerning Moroccos sovereignty on its territorial waters to the South, he added.

He said the draft law is in compliance with the International Law of the Sea, designed to enable Morocco to better monitor the circulation of vessels and ships, ensure sailing safety in the area and protect the environment.
Clean up in aisle seven, ancient Iraqi artifacts. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

At first glance, the news that an American arts and crafts chain was fined for smuggling ancient clay cuneiform tablets may not compute, but it makes more sense when you learn the chain is Hobby Lobby, and the artifacts are related to the companys effort to amass a collection of biblical antiquities.

Federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York announced on Wednesday that Hobby Lobby has agreed to pay a $3 million fine and forfeit 5,500 Iraqi artifacts, including cuneiform tablets and bricks, clay bullae, and cylinder seals. Hobby Lobby purchased the items for $1.6 million in December 2010, about a year after company founder David Green and his family began collecting ancient artifacts.

Hobby Lobby has made various efforts to promote evangelical Christianity  most notably by successfully fighting a provision of the Affordable Care Act that would have forced companies to pay for insurance that covers birth control. As The Atlantic explained in a January 2016 report, the Green family has amassed the largest private collection of biblical antiquities  particularly ancient manuscripts that shed light on the origins of the Bible as its known today. The family is the major force behind the $500 million Museum of the Bible, which is set to open in Washington, D.C., this fall.

Theres debate about what these contradictory fragments say about the authority of Scripture. As The Atlantic reports, more recent nonprofit filings describe the museums mission as nonsectarian, but in its original 2010 filing the museum made its stance known, saying it exists to bring to life the living word of God, to tell its compelling story of preservation, and to inspire confidence in the absolute authority and reliability of the Bible.

Federal prosecutors say that in October 2010 an expert on cultural property law retained by Hobby Lobby warned the company that objects from Iraq were risky purchases, as many sites were illegally looted during the Iraq War and and the rise of ISIS. Nevertheless, a few months later, Hobby Lobby went forward with a purchase that was fraught with red flags, according to the prosecutors statement:

For example, Hobby Lobby received conflicting information where the Artifacts had been stored prior to the inspection in the UAE. Further, when the Artifacts were presented for inspection to Hobby Lobbys president and consultant in July 2010, they were displayed informally. In addition, Hobby Lobby representatives had not met or communicated with the dealer who purportedly owned the Artifacts, nor did they pay him for the Artifacts. Rather, following instructions from another dealer, Hobby Lobby wired payment for the Artifacts to seven personal bank accounts held in the names of other individuals.

Dealers in the United Arab Emirates and Israel falsely labeled the artifacts asceramic tiles or clay tiles (sample) and shipped them to three Hobby Lobby properties in Oklahoma in 2011.

Hobby Lobby issued a statement accepting responsibility, saying it was new to the world of purchasing antiquities and made regrettable mistakes while navigating the acquisitions process.

We should have exercised more oversight and carefully questioned how the acquisitions were handled, said Steve Green, the companys president and founder. Hobby Lobby has cooperated with the government throughout its investigation, and with the announcement of todays settlement agreement, is pleased the matter has been resolved.

The Justice Department said it will give then artifacts owners 60 days to submit claims to the pieces, and then the Iraqi government can submit its own claim to have the items returned.
Donald Trump appears before the media in Poland. Photo: Michal Fludra/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Lawyers have a concept called arguing in the alternative, in which a counsel makes a series of mutually exclusive defenses against the prosecutions case. (My client shot him in self-defense/The victim was never shot at all/Somebody else shot him.) The strategy can work in a court of law, where a prosecutor must establish proof beyond a reasonable doubt. It does not work so well in real-life situations where you are trying to appear believable. Unless youre Donald Trump, in which case  having long ago established your conviction that nothing you can do or say would alienate your core supporters (i.e., the Fifth Avenue Principle)  you can present alternative facts or alternative arguments without embarrassment.

In Europe today, Trump was asked about Russian meddling in the election. Trump surreally alternated between casting doubt on the certainty of Russian involvement, and flaying his predecessor for his failure to punish Russia:

Watch: Trump is asked if he believes Russia interfered in our election, instead attacks Obama and the media. https://t.co/IrfviRPwru  Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) July 6, 2017

Trump begins by casting doubt on whether Russia truly directed the hacks of Democratic emails:

I think it could have been other people and other countries. Could have been a lot of people interfered.

Then he pivots to his argument that, despite being given clear evidence of Russian involvement, Barack Obama failed to publish Russia swiftly enough:

Barack Obama found out about this, in terms of it it were Russia why did he do nothing about it? He was told it was Russia, by the CIA, as I understand it, and he did nothing about it. They say he choked  Thats the real question, why did he do nothing from August, all the way to November 8th.

Then he pivots back to insisting the evidence of Russian involvement is not that solid:

Mistakes have been made  Nobody really knows. Nobody really knows for sure. I remember when I was sitting back listening about Iraq, weapons of mass destruction  how everybody was 100 percent sure that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. Guess what? That led to one big mess. They were wrong and it led to a mess. And then, finally, Trump pivots back again to Obamas failure to act:

And then, finally, Trump pivots back again to Obamas failure to act:

But my big question is why did Obama do nothing about it from August all the way to November 8th.

To take the latter point first, Obamas tepid response to the Russian attack can certainly be questioned. Trump is referring to a lengthy Washington Post report, which includes the I feel like we sort of choked quote from an official. Trump goes on to (correctly) opine that Obama failed to act because he believed Hillary Clinton was going to win anyway.

But why else did Obama refuse to take more forceful action against Russia? Because Republicans clearly signaled they would treat any such action or statement by the administration as an illegitimate partisan effort to sway the election. The Republican leadership, briefed on the attack at the time, cast doubt on the intelligence and refused cooperation. Trump was publicly denying Russian involvement (it could have been some 400-pound guy on his bed, he insisted in September) while also publicly stating over and over that the election was going to be rigged.

So while Obama may have made the wrong decision, he didnt have any safe options. If he denounced the Russian attack or took stronger retaliatory action, and Clinton won (as most officials of both parties expected), he risked allowing the Republican Party to question his actions and delegitimize the election result. They would have called Obamas intelligence blaming Russia cooked. Like Trump is doing right now. Decisions are harder to make when you have to consider the legitimacy of an election being contested by partisan adversaries who are free to make alt-arguments.
Photo: Josh Williams/Twitter

Theres a tweet going around right now with a photograph of the inside of a bag full of Chipotle. The tweeter, who we are not calling out personally, but reserve the right to name at any time, had asked Chipotles staff to individually package all the ingredients for several orders of chicken tacos. Am I weird? Or Brilliant? he asked Twitter.

Started asking the folks at Chipotle to individually package my ingredients so I can assemble it all at home.



Am I weird? Or brilliant? pic.twitter.com/OUXbJH3c7g  Josh Williams  (@jw) July 3, 2017

My dude, you are neither weird nor brilliant. Asking a Chipotle employee to take the time to scoop out all your ingredients into separate containers isnt a hack. Its just rude. Forget all the plastic involved, imagine if every person who ordered tacos for two  the tweeter told BuzzFeed he was picking up tacos to bring home for himself and his wife, and they travel better unassembled  did this. Eat your tacos soggy! (Why are you even getting tacos. You should get a burrito. Theyre better.) Grocery shop and cook some dang tacos in your own kitchen! Ask for just the salsa in a separate container on the side to keep your tacos from disintegrating on the car ride home! If individually packaged ingredients mean so much to you, sign up for a meal-kit service! Just dont do this again, and dont go giving thousands of people on the internet the idea that its okay to do it, either. We the people at Chipotles everywhere  both in line and working at the restaurants  thank you.
Perfect first comment

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I felt so kewl~ when this song came out because I had both seven jeans and true religion

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Seven > TR tbh.

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Literally the first thing that popped into my head.

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I'm so happy this is the first comment.

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Right? My literal first thought was "7 jeans, true religion. I say no but they keep giving"

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this eternal bop

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tbh I only knew of True Religion from this song

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the good ol' days of being able to look at a guys ass </3

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lol mte

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Looking through pics on google and whoa they were kinda ugly for overpriced jeans

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juicy already went under even with that urban collab tbh

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diesel

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idk, I hope more don't go away

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I miss American Apparel already tbh

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i can't believe american eagle is still afloat

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Bebe and BCBG.

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Still wondering about Abercrombie.

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here's hoping abercrombie goes down. the schadenfreude of my 13 year old self that could never afford it will rejoice.

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kitson's gone



idk man. the world died in 2008 and we're all just ghosts who don't know we're stuck on a crazy ghost ship now.

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Pacsuns packing up I think

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They were IT in high school but it's been a while lol

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Don't understand how people can spend so much money on jeans.

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I worked for a marketing company that did some work for a luxury jeans company (like $200+ per pair) and the amount people would spend at once was insane. The average customer sale was $600.

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i spend a ton of money on jeans but they last forever

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Jeans are hard for me to buy, so I'll spend some $$$ on some (including multiple pairs) when I find a good fit.

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I used to work in a department store and there really isn't any difference between an $80 pair of jeans and a $200. People just want everyone else to know they have money

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I swear every time I put on a pair of my Levi's after not wearing them for a while, I get so many compliments. And I don't even think they're expensive.

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My sister is a jean snob and only buys jeans that are like $100+ a pair. She owns so many its insane. She threw a fit when 7s decided to make a cheaper version of their jeans. She didn't want to wear them anymore cause people would think she's wearing cheap jeans.

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jeans are so uncomfortable unless they're bf jeans

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If they fit perfectly and made me look amazing, I would consider saving up to buy one pair (up to $300).

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Same, mostly because I don't like wearing jeans. I love wearing dresses, skirts, and even leggings I'm guilty of spending too much on (but I love working out so I spend a lot of time wearing them, idc lol)

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I'll only pay good money if they were made in America tbh

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i'll go the maxxinista route and get designer jeans for $75, i can stomach that price a lot easier than $200

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I don't either... Kind of... I exclusively buy Buffalo jeans cause they're such amazing quality. Ever pair I've had has lasted 3-5 years, well worth the investment

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yeah the most I've ever spent was $80 on a pair and even then I felt like that was a lot because I bought like 6 pairs at once? I mean don't get me wrong I'll drop some cash on clothes but jeans just seem so arbitrary to me? I'd rather spend money on a purse or a great sweater or something

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Mte I only wear TopShop Jamie jeans. They fit unreal on me and cost 55-57.

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I'll gladly drop like 50-60 on a pair if they last forever, case in point my AE jeans

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i mean if they are well made and actual denim and not some weird stretchy polyester from hell, and if you can take care of them and not machine wash them to death, they can last for years and years and years and you don't need three pairs.



You can't buy a quality pair for new for 20 or 50 bucks especially if you want to walk away with a semi ok conscience. *



*needless to say i dont mean this kind of true religion abominations lol, high price doesn't tell u the truth either



Edited at 2017-07-06 06:09 am (UTC)

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I literally just picked up a quality pair for $35 (reduced from $100)

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APC and Acne are worth every peso/dollar/yen/euro

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I buy Uniqlo denim and it's never been over $40. I live in their heattech stuff in the Arctic.

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Good. They were an unholy abomination imho.

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I remember being soooo jealous of girls in my school who would wear these. Then I got taste.

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All I wore through middle-high school were hand me down Lucky Brand jeans, I loved every pair sfm 

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I love Lucky jeans. I even like a lot of their tops, too.

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I found a pair of Lucky jeans at TJ Maxx or Marshall's and it is truly the best pair I've ever owned. The zipper broke and I'm going to the dry cleaners (at some point) to get it fixed because they're too good to have sit around with no use.

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in retrospect my seven jeans with the bedazzled back pockets looked better than that!!

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Their stitching was ugly and I've never owned a pair, but this is inevitably going to lead to more retail stores closing/job loss, so it's not anything to celebrate.

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mte wrt job losses

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How are we supposed to bring 00s fashion back when all of the essential clothing retailers have shut down?

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collaborations, maybe? Opening Ceremony (Esprit) and Urban Outfitter (Juicy Couture) have done it w/brands that failed here

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I'm still pissed how they threw Kira to the sidelines. They could have done so much with her Kitsune powers!



Lydia's character got ruined, same crap everytime. Done with ha.



The writing for the female characters suck. Their solution to everything is more white boys.

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Yup. The fact that they brought back her parents was absolutely ridiculous. I have no idea what the staff have against her (I only remember Ian being a shit) but the fact that electricity was a major plot point was ridiculous.

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Airing on Sunday? In this economy?

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I thought this show was already over. I don't know anyone who is still watching it.

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I did too. I have like 12 eps on my DVR and thought they were the final eps.

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lmao same. everyone i talk to irl is like "oh it's still good it's still good!!" like im... sure

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they're lying. I still watch it but I watch it because it's trash

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I somehow defaulted to owner of the ONTD Teen Wolf comm over a year ago. It's been dead for a few seasons.

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Hold up, did I hallucinate this being already finished?



Was Scott and Stiles driving off in the jeep not the final scene of the series?!

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It should've been, but alas here we are lol.

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I was flat out convinced the show had actually finished and that WAS the final scene!!

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lol I thought it was already finished too

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I was just thinking of this mess.

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With O'Brien gone, maybe the last 10 episodes of Teen Wolf will actually be about the teen wolf.



Not holding my breath, tho.



Edited at 2017-07-06 06:09 pm (UTC)

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serious question @ people who actually like this wild ass show/are in the fandom



how come sterek is shat on for being kind of rapey because of derek's unconfirmed and constantly changing age, but the lydia/parrish crap is just peachy? just something i noticed b/c i follow some people who like the show and i feel like i've missed something

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Honestly, I think it's due more to the Sterek's fandom's obnoxiousness and shitty/racist attitude towards Scott and Posey than people being *that* outraged over the age difference.

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also something that was well noted. i've read lots of sterek fic (all aus b/c i watched season one of this show and literally fucking what</>) and opinions about scott range wildly. i don't think scott is nearly expanded enough on the show, so that could be part of it but yeah, out right racism is a huge part.

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I know shit about this show except that most liked fanfics on AO3 I think 80% of them are about Derek having sex with underage Styles, so.

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Wow I swear this show already ended

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so stiles is gone completely? can anyone summarize the final season for me? lol

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Guys on horses made people disappear (including Stiles) which made people forget about them.



But Lydia remembered Stiles, 'cause twoo wuv.



Seriously, the season was mainly spent shoving Stiles/Lydia down everyone's throats. Like, to the point where Lydia was made to be the closest person to Stiles, and not Scott. 'Cause fuck Scott. Again. Some more.



Um, Peter got a redemption arc.



Also, a Nazi alpha was there.



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wow i hate lydia/stiles so much omg

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The final scenes were Scott, Stiles, Lydia, and Malia graduating college.



Well, Malia had to do Summer school first.



Oh, and Stiles is going to be an FBI agent. Not on his own merits, though. Rafael (Scott's dad) pulled a couple favors to get him into FBI school. Isn't that swell?

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I just saw that Adelaide Kane is going to be on Once Upon a Time. I was hoping her career would go upwards after TW and Reign, but I guess she's going to bottom of the barrel now??

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CW shows have higher ratings and viewership than OUAT, oddly enough.

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They made this show too much about Stiles and now he's gone. ... how are they gonna explain that?

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I've been trying to catch up and it's such a chore.

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Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in Hello! Your entry got to top-25 of the most popular entries in LiveJournal!Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in FAQ

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Team nobody.

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CAUSE NOW WE GOT BAAAAAAD BLOOD.

IT USED TO BE MAAAD LOVE.

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the more likely story is that they all work in the same industry and are bound to run into each other, but dear god i hope they are turning on tayla - i'd love to see the snake fall.

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Keep dreaming babesssssss

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white girls looking like hatefuck clones.

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Just because she's friends with a racist doesn't mean she betrayed republican taylor swift

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Wait is she 'betraying their friendship' b/c it's with Kendall or b/c of the weird pose?

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ikr this must be how white women throw major shade

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mte i'm confused af up in here

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Greatest lyricist of our time

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http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/96136570.html

http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/96176090.html Reminds me of that Ellie Goulding Katy photo nonsense

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"Ohhh, I deleted...that because I looked bad in it. And I think I was a bit drunk. And I thought it wasn't a very good, um, um, example of myself. Um, that, no. That's so funny that um, that's even a thing...No, I delete things all the time!"

That part where she was trying very hard to think a lie was hilarious."Ohhh, I deleted...that because I looked bad in it. And I think I was a bit drunk. And I thought it wasn't a very good, um, um, example of myself. Um, that, no. That's so funny that um, that's even a thing...No, I delete things all the time!"

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lmao I 100% believe she got kicked out of the squad for this.



Her first album is amazing though.

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Yeah but Taylor is still friends with Ed Sheeran

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What's going on with Karlie's Kushner boyfriend? Are they still distancing themselves? I don't trust anyone connected to that family even slightly and I swear she was photographed with Ivanka after the election?

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Ew. Trash. Also this comment lol



jossiecabellolover: Never seen u kiss your bf on the lips...so I rather believe that you're gay

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wow he's normally kinda cute but that is NOT a good picture of him

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LMAO

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I don't get it. Is it because Kendall dated Harry Styles or am I missing something?

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No, Kim. Kendall was shady to Taylor during SnakeGate by liking a bunch of tweets supporting Kim exposing Taylor, so now she's seen as an ~enemy~

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Oh duh that makes more sense. I need more coffee.

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No, because she's related to Kim

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I had to think about it too bb LOL

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mte, this isn't shade but I wouldn't be surprised if Taylor thought it was.

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Katy's short hair looks so bad

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That Katy/Cara photo is creeping me out. Looking like 2 white robots.

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they r

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lol

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Bandaids don't fix bullet holes 

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Still pissed she stole that lyric from scaring.

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Shale gas is not a revolution. Its just another play with a somewhat higher cost structure but larger resource base than conventional gas.

The marginal cost of shale gas production is $4/mmBtu despite popular but incorrect narratives that it is lower. The average spot price of gas has been $3.77 since shale gas became the sustaining factor in U.S. supply (2009-2017). Medium-term prices should logically average about $4/mmBtu.

A crucial consideration going forward, however, will be the availability of capital. Credit markets have been willing to support unprofitable shale gas drilling since the 2008 Financial Collapse. If that support continues, medium-term prices for gas may be lower, perhaps in the $3.25/mmBtu range. The average spot price for the last 7 months has been $3.13.

Gas supply models over the last 50 years have been consistently wrong. Over that period, experts all agreed that existing conditions of abundance or scarcity would define the foreseeable future. That led to billions of dollars of wasted investment on LNG import facilities.

Today, most experts assume that gas abundance and low price will define the next several decades because of shale gas. This had led to massive investment in LNG export facilities. Both the assumption and its investment corollary should be carefully examined through the lens of history.

The Lens of History

The last 40 years have been characterized by two periods of normal gas supply, and two periods of gas-resource scarcity. Supply was tight from 1980 through 1986, and gas prices averaged $5.57/mmBtu (all values in this report are in April 2017 dollars) (Figure 1). Normal supply was restored from 1987 through 1999, and gas prices averaged $3.24/mmBtu.

(Click to enlarge)

Figure 1. Cost Structure of Shale Gas Plays Consistent With 40-Year Natural Gas Average. Source: EIA, U.S. Dept. of Labor Statistics and Labyrinth Consulting Services, Inc.

Scarcity returned from 2000 through 2008, and prices averaged $7.72/mmBtu. Shale gas production began with the Barnett Shale in the 1990s. Development of other shale gas plays culminating in the giant Marcellus completed the return to normal supply. Prices since 2009 have averaged $3.77/mmBtu.

Because prices fell about 50 percent with growth of shale gas production, many assume that shale gas is low-cost. That is only true compared with the preceding period of high prices that resulted from resource scarcity, but not compared with conventional gas prices during periods of normal supply.

The 40-year average gas price since 1976 has been $4.70/mmBtu. Excluding periods of resource scarcity, it has been $3.40. The average cost of conventional gas from 1987-2000 was $3.42/mmBtu. During the period of shale gas supply dominance (2009-2017), prices have averaged $3.77 (Figure 2).

(Click to enlarge)

Figure 2. Cost Structure of Shale Gas (2009-2017) Higher Than Conventional Gas 1987-2000. Source: EIA, U.S. Dept. of Labor Statistics and Labyrinth Consulting Services, Inc.

Gas Supply Models Consistently Wrong and LNG The Wrong Solution

The lesson from history is that U.S. gas supply is highly uncertain. Normal supply characterized 60 percent of the period since 1976, but scarcity characterized the remaining 40 percent. During each episode of either normal or tight supply, experts agreed that existing conditions would define the long-term. They were consistently wrong.

Cheap, regulated natural gas was abundant in the 1950s and 1960s, and most analysts believed that this would be the case for decades. Abundance and low price led to demand growth of 283 percent (45 bcf/d) between 1950 and 1972 (Figure 3).

(Click to enlarge)

Figure 3. U.S. Gas Models Have Been Consistently Wrong For 50 Years. Source: EIA, U.S. Dept. of Labor Statistics and Labyrinth Consulting Services, Inc.

Supply could not keep pace and there were acute shortages of gas during the winter of 1970. By 1977, shortages had grown to crisis proportions. Few saw this coming partly because of incorrect reserve estimates.

Experts agreed that scarcity would be the case for decades and that imported LNG was the only solution. Four LNG import terminals were built between 1971 and 1980. Limited gas supply led to a golden age of nuclear and coal-fired power plants that largely re-balanced the electricity market. Government subsidies and tax credits provided incentives to evaluate shale gas and coal-bed methane as alternative sources of natural gas.

The 1980s and 1990s were a period of great stability in natural gas prices. Increased pipeline imports from Canada gave the false impression that, once again, there was cheap and abundant natural gas for decades to come. All LNG plants were closed and some were used for gas storage.

Amendments to the Clean Air Act in 1990 caused many power plants to switch to natural gas to replace coal. Demand for natural gas increased 40 percent (15 bcf/d) but production did not keep pace with demand growth despite increased gas-directed drilling.

Canadian and U.S. gas production peaked in 2001 and by 2003, LNG import terminals were re-opened and capacity was expanded. More than 42 additional import facilities were proposed between 2001-2006. Seven were built. Experts agreed that LNG import was, once again, the only solution to the gas-supply problem.

The first long-lateral horizontal wells were drilled in the Barnett Shale in 2003. By late 2006, shale gas production in the Barnett, Fayetteville and other shale gas plays exceeded 4 bcf/d and confounded not only the U.S. LNG import market but also the global LNG industry that had planned on the U.S. being the market of last resort.

In every supply cycle, major investments in LNG were either undertaken or abandoned. Total installed LNG import capacity reached 18.7 bcf/d but imports averaged only 1.3 bcf/d from 2000-2008 and never exceeded 2.1 bcf/d. Thats an average utilization of 7 percent and a maximum of 11 percent. The original cost for the terminals was approximately $18 billion. How could industry analysts, company executives and investors get things so wrong?

Now, experts agree that, because of production from shale, gas will be abundant and cheap forever. LNG exports began in early 2016, and the U.S. became a net exporter of gas in April 2017. Seven previously failed import facilities are being converted for LNG export at an anticipated cost of approximately $48 billion. Three other export terminals have been approved by the Department of Energy (Figure 4) and applications for a total of 42 export terminals and capacity expansions have been approved.

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Figure 4. North American LNG Import/Export Terminals Approved. Source: FERC.

The total of approved export applications amounts to more than 54 bcf/d75 percent of U.S. dry gas production. Daily U.S. dry gas production in 2016 was 72 bcf/d. Are we repeating the mistakes of LNG import in reverse? Related: Largest EV Charging Network Just Landed A Huge Deal With GE

The Natural Gas Act (1938) states that the Department of Energy should approve an application unless the proposed exportation or importation will not be consistent with the public interest. It is, therefore, not a question of whether or not to regulate but rather, how to regulate in the public interest. Approving LNG export applications for 75 percent of U.S. production does not seem to be in the public interest from either a supply security or gas price standpoint.

Shale Gas Marginal Cost

Shale gas producers have been making exaggerated claims about low-cost supply for so long that markets now believe them. Sell-side analysts routinely gush about sub-$3 break-even prices despite corporate income statements and balance sheets that show otherwise. Marcellus leaders Cabot, Range and Antero spent an average of $1.43 for every dollar they earned in 2016; Chesapeake had negative earnings for the yearit couldnt even pay for operating expenses out of revenues before capital expenditures and other costs.

Rig count is a direct indicator of how oil and gas producers choose to allocate capital. It is, therefore, a simple way to judge marginal costs by how companies vote with their feet. Horizontal shale gas rig counts remained fairly flat in 2014 when gas prices fell from more than $6/mmBtu to $4 (Figure 5). Rig counts collapsed, however, when prices fell below $4.

(Click to enlarge)

Figure 5. Shale Gas Plays Have $4 Marginal Cost. Source: EIA, Baker Hughes and Labyrinth Consulting Services, Inc.

Gas prices reached a weekly average low price of $1.57/mmBtu in February 2016 and then, rose consistently through the end of 2016. Shale gas rig counts doubled on expectation of $4 gas prices but flattened when prices failed to reach that threshold. The implication is that the marginal cost of shale gas is approximately $4/mmBtu.

The Bearish Scenario

Most gas-market observers anticipate a supply glut and gas-price collapse beginning late in 2017 because of new pipeline take-away capacity from the Marcellus-Utica plays. Associated gas from tight oil playsthe Permian basin in particularis expected to extend this bearish view some years into the future.

Forward curves reflect this perspective. Their term structure is inverted meaning that near-term futures prices are higher than longer-term prices (Figure 6). Market traders are betting that winter gas prices will peak between $3.25 and $3.50/mmBtu and fall below $3 in early 2018. The volume of contracts beyond May 2018 approaches zero so the picture of worsening prices is speculative even a year into the future.

(Click to enlarge)

Figure 6. Henry Hub Forward Curves Are Currently in the $2.70 to $3.30/mmBtu Range. Source: CME and Labyrinth Consulting Services, Inc.

The bearish scenario will be disastrous for producers whose share prices have fallen nearly 30 percent already in 2017 (Figure 7). Although investors have been willing to fund the unprofitable efforts of these companies for many years, I suspect that their patience is wearing about as thin as it has lately for tight oil.

(Click to enlarge)

Figure 7. Natural Gas Equity Shares Have Fallen 29 percent Since January 2017. Source: Google Finance and Labyrinth Consulting Services, Inc.

Some analysts incorrectly believe that shale gas producers have already pushed costs so low through technology and efficiency innovation that sub-$3 gas prices will become the new normal. Although it is true that costs have fallen substantially, than because of deflationary pricing by the service industry and less because of technology and innovation.

In fact, the technology that enables unconventional oil and gas production resulted in a 4-fold increase in oil and gas drilling costs from 2003 to 2014 (Figure 8). Depressed demand since 2014 has resulted in a 45 percent reduction in drilling costs and this accounts for most savings.

(Click to enlarge)

Figure 8. The Cost of Drilling Oil and Gas Wells Fell 45 percent After The Oil-Price Collapse. Unconventional Plays Resulted in a 4-fold Increase in Drilling Costs. Source: U.S. Federal Reserve Bank, EIA and Labyrinth Consulting Services, Inc.

I have little doubt that there will be downward pressure on gas prices in the near term but do not see how sub-$3 prices can become the new normal. Producers have send-or-pay agreements with the pipelines that will carry new supply from the Marcellus and Utica plays. Some of these projects will probably deliver gas to Canada and LNG export markets having limited effect on domestic supply. Similarly, much future Permian basin gas will likely go to Mexico. New supply from the Marcellus and Utica plays will inevitably force gas from higher cost plays out of the market.

New volumes that enter the domestic market must first overcome the present supply deficit (Figure 9). Gas production fell more than 4 bcf/d from February 2016 to January 2017. EIA forecasts that production will increase 4.7 bcf/d in 2017 but only 1.9 bcf/d in 2018. EIA anticipates monthly average prices above $3.00 in 2018 ending the year at $3.66/mmBtu.

(Click to enlarge)

Figure 9. EIA Forecast: Supply Deficit & Prices Rising to $3.66 By December 2018. Source: EIA June 2017 STEO and Labyrinth Consulting Services, Inc.

This is only a forecast and certainly incorrect in its details but EIAs domestic gas forecasts have been notionally reliable over the past several years. Increased consumption and exports should keep supplies relatively tight, and prices reasonably strong.

Broadcast The Boom Boom Boom and Make 'Em All Dance To It

Since the early 2000s, producers and analysts have proclaimed that shale gas is a "game-changing," end of history-type phenomenon. From now on, natural gas will be abundant and cheap. The United States was running out of natural gas before 2009 but now can afford to export to the world. We were lost but now are found.

In late March, Morgan Stanley analysts wrote that Haynesville Shale "break-evens now sit comfortably below $3/MMBtu" and Marcellus-Utica "break-evens range from $1.50 to $2.50/MMBtu." Yet, with average gas prices above $3 for the last 7 months, none of that good news can be found in the balance sheets and income statements of the main producers in those plays.

Shale gas companies spent an average of $1.42 for every dollar they earned in the first quarter of 2017 (Figure 10). That average excludes Gulfport and Chesapeake whose capital expenditure-to-cash flow ratio was 10.7 and 5.4, respectively. Including those two operators, companies spent $2.12 for every dollar they earned. It doesn't seem like even $3 gas is working very well.

(Click to enlarge)

Figure 10. Shale Gas Companies Spent $1.42 For Every Dollar Earned in Q1 2017 Excluding Gulfport and Chesapeake; $2.12 for Every Dollar Including Gulfport and Chesapeake. Source: Google Finance and Labyrinth Consulting Services, Inc.

Bernstein Research published a report in May ("Inventory a plenty in Appalachia- we estimate at least 20 years of drilling remain") that predicted 19-37 years of Marcellus-Utica "inventory at a steady-state production profile of 36 Bcfd"---current production is about 24 bcf/d. I know of no other oil or gas field in the history of the world with a trajectory of increasing production for so long.

That's because Bernstein has made a technically recoverable resource estimate with quite optimistic spacing assumptions.* The report does not tell us anything about gas volumes that are commercial to produce at a some gas price.

To place this and other sell-side reports in context, I re-visited the Bureau of Economic Geology's (BEG) production forecast for the Barnett Shale published in 2013. The BEG study determined individual well reserves and economics for 15,000 Barnett wells at $4 gas prices.

Figure 11 shows that actual Barnett production (from Drilling Info) has fallen far short of the BEG forecast and will probably result in much-reduced ultimate recoveries. That is not because the BEG study was flawed but because gas prices have been lower than the $4/mmBtu price assumed in their forecast.

(Click to enlarge)

Figure 11. Comparison of Bureau of Economic Geology (BEG) Barnett Shale Production Forecast and Actual Barnett Production. Source: Bureau of Economic Geology, Drilling Info and Labyrinth Consulting Services, Inc.

If Barnett production varies so much from the BEG's scrupulous analysis and forecast, how can we have confidence in less rigorous analyst reports that call for decades of cheap, abundant shale-gas supply?

The Barnett and Fayetteville shale plays are dead at current prices because their core areas have been fully developed. Rig counts reflect this unavoidable reality (Figure 12). Considerable resources remain but not at sub-$4 gas prices. The Marcellus and Utica will inevitably meet the same fate--all fields do. Higher marginal cost of production outside the core will result in more supply but will also require higher gas prices to develop and produce.

(Click to enlarge)

Figure 12. Barnett & Fayetteville Have Much Higher Marginal Costs Than Marcellus, Utica or Haynesville: Barnett-Fayetteville Core Areas Are Fully Developed. Source: EIA, Baker Hughes and Labyrinth Consulting Services, Inc.

Few analysts seem to consider the economics of shale gas as a limiting factor to output and, therefore, to supply. Perhaps they actually believe the phony economics that lead to supposed break-even prices for the Marcellus and Utica in the $1.50 to $2.00 range.

But price matters and production growth lags price change by approximately 10 months. Gas prices fell below $4 in late 2014, and about 10 months later, production growth slowed from almost 7 percent to 1 percent (Figure 13). Gas supply is fairly tight today because year-over-year production growth has been negative for 14 consecutive months.

(Click to enlarge)

Figure 13. Production Response Lags Price Change by ~10 months. Source: EIA, U.S. Dept. of Labor Statistics and Labyrinth Consulting Services, Inc.

Gas production has increased since January, and the EIA forecasts that this will continue through 2018. Yet, EIA data also indicates continuing tight supply. That is because demand is increasing while pipeline and LNG exports are increasing.

Related: Corpus Christi Set To Become The Next Oil Export Hotspot

Most analysts believe that gas prices will collapse in early 2018 as new Marcellus and Utica pipelines bring new supply to market. That may be for the short term but evidence suggests that gas prices will recover and remain fairly strong over the medium term. After one of the mildest winters in history, gas prices remain in the $3.00/mmBtu range and comparative inventories have fallen for 3 consecutive weeks.

Production growth, rig count data and company balance sheets all indicate that the marginal cost of shale gas production is about $4/mmBtu. Yet, most analysts say it isn't so. Gas supply and price models have been consistently wrong for 5 decades. Yet, this time it will be different. LNG import terminals were investment fiascos but LNG export will be a great success.

All ruling theories falter and are replaced by new paradigms. It is unlikely that shale gas will be an exception.

There are wildcards that might prolong the shale gas phenomenon. Increased associated gas from tight oil plays particularly in the Permian basin might provide a few more years of proxy shale gas supply. Today, much of that gas is flared to avoid tie-in and processing expenses. Almost 40 percent of current Permian gas goes to Mexico, and it is reasonable that more future Permian gas will be exported than face gas-on-gas competition in other regions of the U.S. In addition, optimistic forecasts for Permian gas assume $60/barrel oil prices that now seem increasingly unlikely.

Credit markets are another wildcard. Investors have been willing to look pas t evidence that shale gas is unprofitable. This is based largely on the expectation that negative cash flow is normal during field development and that profits will come later. The problem with this is that shale gas decline rates average about 30 percent and capital expenditures never end.

The lens of history places shale gas in its proper perspective. The plays are not lower-cost than conventional gas plays. They are only low-cost compared with higher prices that resulted from depletion of conventional gas plays in the early 2000s.

Shale gas is not a revolution but it bought the U.S. a decade or so of normal supply before facing another period of gas scarcity.

The plays are large but finite, and price matters. The industry has abandoned the early shale gas plays---the Barnett and Fayetteville---because their core areas are fully developed, and the cost to develop marginal resources is higher than it is in the core areas of the Marcellus and Utica plays.

Those newer plays will follow the same pattern of growth, peak and slow decline as the Barnett and Fayetteville, as all plays have in the long history of the oil and gas industry. The idea that shale plays are somehow different defies the well-established laws of earth physics and depletion.

The shale gas story claims success based on resource size but not reserves. It emphasizes production volumes but not the cost of that production. Its champions focus on the technology that makes the plays possible but not the cost of that technology. Break-even prices are discussed rather than profits because the plays are not profitable. No smart investor puts his money in break-even projects anyway. When economics are addressed, analysts and industry exclude important expenses that we are told are sunk and can, therefore, be ignored.

The shale gas story is accepted because it paints a picture that fulfills aspirations of American energy independence, re-emerging political strength, and economic growth.

If the story is repeated enough, maybe it will become true.

Broadcast the boom, boom, boom and make 'em all dance to it.*

*Bernstein considers 100-acre spacing conservative. Assumed average-well EUR of 17 bcf suggests a much larger drainage area to me and, therefore, full development at a much lower well density than 100-acres per well.

*Lorde, "At The Louvre."

By Art Berman for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
The rally in oil prices over the past two weeks came to a halt on Wednesday on news that OPEC is actually exporting more oil than previously thought.

A month ago, oil prices appeared to be higher than they should have been, with weak demand, elevated inventories, and a recognition that the nine-month OPEC extension would be inadequate to balance the market. Oil sold off and dropped to the mid-$40s and below. Oil traders then bought on the dip, and bid prices back up over the past two weeks. Now, prices again look like they could be reaching an upper limit.

"The air is getting thin for oil prices. The price increase just ran out of steam, which is not very surprising, given the newsflow of rising OPEC supplies," Carsten Fritsch, senior commodity analyst at Commerzbank, told Reuters.

According to Reuters data, OPEC exports jumped again in June, the second consecutive month of rising exports. Everyone tends to pay attention to the production data, but the volume of exports is arguably much more important. Reuters says that OPECs oil exports rose to 25.92 million barrels per day (mb/d) in June, an increase of 450,000 bpd from May.

More importantly, OPECs exports are actually 1.9 mb/d higher today than they were a year ago, despite the highly-touted compliance rate with the collective production cuts. Reuters columnist Clyde Russell calls OPECs efforts to balance the oil market an exercise in self-deception. It appears that OPEC is exporting just as much oil as it was before the November deal was announced, according to a Reuters analysis of oil tanker data. The UAE, for example, exported 2.8 mb/d in the first six months of 2017, higher than the 2.52 mb/d the country averaged in the same period a year earlier. Iran too is exporting more than last year. Related: Underperforming Energy Sector May Soon See M&A Wave

Then, of course, there are the countries exempted from the deal  Libya and Nigeria  where exports are rising quickly. Libyas exports only averaged 243,000 bpd in the first half of 2016, a figure that doubled to 553,000 bpd this year. Libyas production recently topped 1 mb/d, so its exports are surely set to rise further.

Ultimately, this means that OPECs oil exports are not all that different from last years figures even though it has claimed success with the collective cuts.

That raises the question about whether or not OPEC should make deeper cuts, an approach that a growing number of analysts say is needed to balance the market.

And as Bloomberg recently noted, another cut would be consistent with OPECs own history. In the past, OPEC conducted multiple cuts over a short period of time, tweaking their output levels in order to achieve a targeted outcome. In the past if it didnt work, OPEC would adjust lower, Mike Wittner, head of oil market research at Societe Generale SA, told Bloomberg. Its a process. Thats what supply management means. It would be an outlier if this time they cut only once.

However, the one major reason why a follow-up cut would be more difficult is the presence of rapid-response U.S. shale. Shale drillers have already brought back a lot of production since last year, so deeper cuts could simply open up more room for them. While some analysts are pointing to the possibility of shale production starting to slow, that would support the notion that the industry responds very quickly to changing market dynamics. That responsiveness takes away some leverage from OPEC and undercuts the rationale for steeper cuts. Related: Whats Wrong With The U.S. Oil Export Boom

Moreover, it would be very difficult to get all participants on board for deeper reductions. Russia, a crucial non-OPEC producer that has leant weight to the deal, has poured cold water on speculation about the possibility of deeper cuts. Four Russian officials said they would oppose any proposal for more aggressive action.

The officials even argued that another cut so quickly after the group agreed to a nine-month extension could backfire. The hasty move would be viewed by the market as a panicked decision, a recognition that what they have been doing is wholly inadequate to balance the market. Oil traders might interpret an attempt to lower output as very bearish rather than bullish.

As a result, we will probably be stuck with the current trajectory  muddling through for another year or so with modest drawdowns in inventories, and oil prices stuck in its current range between $40 and $60.

By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
While the oil market is increasingly questioning if OPEC/non-OPECs production cuts have any effect, Russias Energy Minister Alexander Novak weighed in on Thursday, saying that the production cut pact was working to reduce global oversupply and price volatility, and there was no need to take immediate additional moves to lift the price of oil.

We believe that it is necessary to move within the framework of the agreed decisions and that new, snap decisions are not necessary, Novak told Reuters in an interview published on Thursday.



I think that the decisions that were taken, they were the right ones, according to the Russian minister. Any new moves to prop up oil prices would create more chaos in the market, Novak told Reuters.

The minister was echoing the words of four Russian government officials who told Bloomberg on Wednesday that Russia would oppose any attempts to deepen the oil production cuts currently in effect in OPEC and 11 other oil producers. One of the sources said that deepening the cuts would be unwise, giving the impression that OPEC and its partners in the deal are uncertain about its effectiveness in reducing global supplies.

While Novak was giving his opinion, he told Reuters I cant predict what the proposals could be from [other] ministers when the Joint OPEC-Non-OPEC Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) gathers for its next meeting in St. Petersburg, Russia, on July 24.

Some analysts have suggested that oil prices could plunge to US$30 a barrel in 2018 and maintain that low price for some two years, should OPEC fail to make steeper output cuts.

Although Irans Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh was quoted as saying last month that OPEC producers were holding discussions on potentially deepening the cuts, OPEC delegates and sources told Reuters last week that the cartel would not be hurrying to make steeper cuts.

Related: Corpus Christi Set To Become The Next Oil Export Hotspot

Referring to OPECsand its partnersexit from the cuts deal after March 2018, Russias Novak told Reuters today that we are not going - as we discussed with our colleagues - to all hike oil production on April 1 at once. By then inventories would have dropped to their normal levels and oil demand would be picking up in the second quarter next year, according to Novak.



The Russian minister believes that there is room for oil prices to rise from the current levels, and that the fair value is between US$50 and US$60 per barrel. At 9:07am EDT on Thursday, WTI Crude was trading up 1.51 percent at US$45.81, while Brent Crude was up 1.42 percent at US$48.47.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
The Philippines government said this week it is trying to repair its damaged mining sector. With officials stating they will review all policies implemented by former environment secretary Regina Lopez  who took a hardline stance against operations around the country.

But as that mining nation swings to the better, another key metals country has gone the other way. With the government implementing a raft of policies that may well decimate the entire sector here.

Tanzania.

As Ive discussed, the Tanzania government has gone to war with miners in recent months. Accusing companies like Acacia Mining of cheating on export duties  resulting in a complete ban on concentrate exports earlier this year.

And this week, officials took the fight to another level  passing several new laws that will make mining much more challenging in the country.

Heres whats happening.

The biggest change is a requirement for state interest in all mining projects. With a new law passed Tuesday requiring miners to give up 16 percent of their shares to the government  at no cost.

And it doesnt stop there. With the law further stating the government has the right to acquire up to 50 percent of the shares of any mining company.

The law states that such an increase in ownership will be commensurate with the total tax expenditures incurred by the government in favour of the mining company  a vague statement that could likely be invoked under a variety of situations.

The government also granted itself power to nullify any mining (and oil and gas) contracts, as it pleases. And stripped local miners of any right to international arbitration. Related: Has U.S. Shale Wrecked Its Own Recovery?

As a final stroke, officials also increased mining royalties  raising rates on precious metals and copper to 6 percent, from a former 4 percent. Uranium royalties will also rise to 6 percent, from 5 percent.

In-country firms like Acacia Mining immediately said they would seek arbitration over the new rules. But unless they can pull a rabbit from the hat, Tanzanias mining sector is going to be very subdued going forward  with the new fiscal terms unlikely to be palatable for most firms.

Watch for developments on legal challenges to the new laws, and for a big drop-off in project activity  potentially with some effects on gold supply.

Heres to self destructing.

By Dave Forest

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
On May 11, 2017, President Trump announced the formation of the Bipartisan Presidential Commission on Election Integrity. The makeup of the commission is as follows:

Mike Pence, Vice President of the United States & Chair (R)

Kris Kobach Secretary of State of Kansas & Vice Chair (R)

Connie Lawson, Secretary of State of Indiana (R)

Bill Gardner, Secretary of State of New Hampshire (D)

Matthew Dunlap, Secretary of State of Maine (D)

Ken Blackwell, Former Secretary of State of Ohio (R)

Christy McCormick, Commissioner, Election Assistance Commission (D)

Its important to note that Trump may add members to this commission in the future:

Additional Commission members will be named at a later time. It is expected the Commission will spend the next year completing its work and issue a report in 2018.

On June 28th, the highest-ranking election official for each state received a letter from Kobach. Each letter contianed a request for voter information. Here is the pertinant section from the letter to Dennis Richardson, Secretary of State of Oregon:

In addition, in order for the Commission to fully analyze vulnerabilities and issues related to voter registration and voting, I am requesting that you provide to the Commission the publicly-available voter roll data for Oregon, including, if publicly available under the laws of your state, the full first and last names of all registrants, middle names or initials if available, addresses, dates of birth, political party (if recorded in your state), last four digits of social

security number if available, voter history (elections voted in) from 2006 onward, active/inactive status, canceled status, information regarding any felony convictions, information regarding voter registration in another state, information regarding military status, and overseas citizen information.

(Here is the letter from the Commission to Secretary Richardson)

Its important to note that the letter appears to request only the publicly-available voter roll data and only the information that is publicly available under the laws of your state.

Strangely, the request was not interpreted this way by a number of states. Leading to number of responses, including this amazing line from Delbert Hosemann, Republican Secretary of State of Mississippi:

They can go jump in the Gulf of Mexico and Mississippi is a great State to launch from.

Even Kobach seemed to be confused about the request at first:

Kobach said Thursday that Kansas would provide all the information requested in the letter, but in a follow-up interview Friday, he said the state would not be sharing the Social Security information at this time.

In Kansas, the Social Security number is not publicly available.  Every state receives the same letter, but were not asking for it if its not publicly available, Kobach said.

Here in Oregon, Secretary of State Dennis Richardson is agree to release the same amount of information at Kobach (and a number of other states). On June 30th, Richardson sent a letter to Kobach with the following information:

Oregon policy prohibits disclosure of some of the information that you requested, such as social security numbers and drivers license numbers. Please see ORS 247.945(4) and ORS 247.955. It is my duty to follow these statutes. Oregon Law provides that any person may receive a statewide list of electors upon payment of $500. It is a violation of Oregon law for voter registration data to be used for commercial purposes.

Richardsons response is both consistent with the request from the commission and the response by the commissions vice chair, Kobach.

On July 5th, Kobach issued a statement that is likely a response to a story from CNN with the headline Forty-four states and DC have refused to give certain voter information to Trump commission. Kobachs statement issued by the White House:

On June 28, the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity issued a letter requesting that states provide publicly available voter data as permitted under their state laws. At present, 20 states have agreed to provide the publicly available information requested by the Commission and another 16 states are reviewing which information can be released under their state laws. In all, 36 states have either agreed or are considering participating with the Commissions work to ensure the integrity of the American electoral system.

While there are news reports that 44 states have refused to provide voter information to the Commission, these reports are patently false, more fake news. At present, only 14 states and the District of Columbia have refused the Commissions request for publicly available voter information. Despite media distortions and obstruction by a handful of state politicians, this bipartisan commission on election integrity will continue its work to gather the facts through public records requests to ensure the integrity of each Americans vote because the public has a right to know.

Kobachs statement refutes a narrative that doesnt appear to exist. The CNN headline is clear that 44 states have refused to provide social security numbers and drivers license numbers but not all of them have refused to hand over their public voter files.

Thus far the Commission is currently acting with no more authority than George Clooney would have if he requested the same information. In fact, theyre already doing something both the RNC and DNC did years ago: create a database of all U.S. voters based on publicly available information.

Kobach has suggested that the commission could partner with the Department of Justice in the future to obtain the additional information most states arent currently willing to disclose.

Kobach said Friday that the commission has no legal authority to compel states to hand over the information but that the Justice Department does possess such power. He said he could not say whether the department would become involved in the effort to obtain information from states. First, he said, the commission wants to see what information it receives from states.

If that happens this will become a much different story. At present, I think both sides are attempting to shoot some easy baskets to score a few political points.
If Pakistan does not stop supporting Haqqani network USA would change its bahaviour: John McCain 06 July, 2017



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Hand Wash and Toiletries in Pakistan And the Role of DUPAS in Reshaping the Industry

Woke Bingo WASHINGTON: US Senator John McCains warning that if Pakistan does not stop supporting the Haqqani network, the United States should change its behaviour towards the Pakistani nation reflects the changing mood in Washington towards a country once considered a close ally.



Senator McCain, who was in Islamabad recently before flying over to Kabul, said he had conveyed this message to Pakistans civilian and military leaders as well.



We have made it very clear that we expect they [Pakistan] will cooperate with us, particularly against the Haqqani network and against terrorist organisations, he said at a news briefing on Tuesday in Kabul.



If they dont change their behaviour, maybe we should change our behaviour towards Pakistan as a nation.



According to some Pakistani sources, the terse statement came even though during a briefing by top military officials Mr McCain and his team were repeatedly informed that Pakistan had severed its links with members of the Haqqani network. They added that if any militants were found inside Pakistan they would be arrested and prosecuted.



Meanwhile, it is not just the United States which talks about forcing Pakistan to change its Afghan policy. In a recent statement, Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg issued a sterner warning. It is absolutely unacceptable that a country provides sanctuary to terrorist groups which are responsible for terrorist attacks inside another country.



A recent Pentagon report  which describes Pakistan as the most influential external actor in Afghanistan  explains that this new emphasis on Pakistan stems from a realisation that there can neither be peace nor stability in Afghanistan if Islamabad does not support the efforts to do so.



Senator McCain, a former Republican presidential candidate who now heads the Senate Armed Services Committee, also underlined a point that is often missing from such statements: despite recent successes, the United States is not winning this war, at least not yet.



None of us would say that we are on a course to success here in Afghanistan, he said at a news briefing at Nato-coalition headquarters. That needs to change and quickly.



The Pentagon report  Enhancing security and stability in Afghanistan  was presented to Senator McCain and his fellow lawmakers before they flew to the Pak-Afghan region and it too blames Pakistan for this lack of success, at least partly.



Militant groups, including Taliban and Haqqani senior leadership, retained safe havens inside Pakistani territory. Sustained Pakistani efforts to disrupt active Haqqani network threats were not observed during the reporting period (Dec 1, 2016, through May 31, 2017), says the report.



The United States continues to be clear with Pakistan about steps it should take to improve the security environment and deny safe havens to terrorist and extremist groups, the report adds.



Senator McCain, who has always been friendly to Pakistan, also expressed his desire to stay engaged with Islamabad in his statements in Pakistan and Afghanistan, a point that was also stressed in the Pentagon report.



The United States, Mr McCain said, was counting on Pakistans support to eliminate militancy, in particular the Haqqani network.



The Pentagon report, however, also explains why Pakistan continues to support certain militant groups, arguing that concerns about Indias growing influence in Afghanistan prevents Pakistan from playing a positive role in that country.



Pakistan is the most influential external actor affecting Afghan stability and the outcome of both the US and Nato missions there, says the Pentagon study, which also acknowledges that during the reporting period, Pakistan contributed operational support to a combined US and Afghan operation to combat the Khorasan chapter of the militant Islamic State group.



The US and Nato-led operation Resolute Mission continues to facilitate meetings between Afghanistan and Pakistan through its Tripartite Joint Operations Centre, the report adds.



The Pentagon points out that Pakistan views the outcome of Afghanistan to be in its vital national interest and thus remains driven by its India-centric regional policy objectives. And because of this Afghan-oriented militant groups, including the Taliban and Haqqani network, retain freedom of action inside Pakistani territory and benefit from support from elements of the Pakistani government.



Diplomatic observers in Washington say that since President Donald Trump has given to his defence secretary the authority to decide the size of US military presence in Afghanistan, the Pentagon report will also influence the new Afghan strategy that the White House Security Council is working on.



The new policy, expected later this month, is likely to focus on the relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan and terrorist networks throughout the region.



Reports in the US media suggest that US National Security Adviser Gen H.R. McMaster and his team, tasked with making the new strategy, are also reviewing US-Pakistan relations and may suggest some radical changes.



The team may accept the Pentagons request for a more aggressive role in Afghanistan, such as once again authorising the military to target both Taliban and Haqqani network fighters. This may include authorising US aircraft to pursue fleeing militants into Pakistan.



Besides seeking more powers for the military, the Pentagon also wants Washington to use its relations with both Pakistan and Afghanistan to improve ties between the neighbours.



Attacks in Afghanistan attributed to Pakistan-based militant networks continue to erode the Afghanistan-Pakistan relationship. Militant groups, including the Taliban and Haqqani network, continued to utilise sanctuaries inside Pakistan, the report says.
Nawaz Sharif in Tajikistan

DUSHANBE: Pakistan and Tajikistan have expressed their resolve to multiply efforts to increase their bilateral cooperation in diverse fields.



In a joint press conference after talks in Dushanbe on Wednesday, the two leaders expressed their common desire to take bilateral relationship to new heights.



Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said the two sides expressed satisfaction over pace of cooperation in economy, investment, trade, commerce, energy, defence production and industry. They noted that work on the crucial project of CASA-1000 was progressing smoothly.



The prime minister expressed the confidence that more business and trade opportunities would be explored by the two sides during meeting of the Joint Business Council. He also announced the opening of Commercial Section in Pakistan Embassy in Dushanbe to boost bilateral trade.



The prime minister said the two countries have decided to strengthen their cooperation at the international and regional forums including the UN and ECO. He said the two sides have expressed satisfaction over bilateral defence and security cooperation, and added that the first meeting of Pakistan-Tajikistan Joint Working Group on counter-terrorism would meet this month in Dushanbe.



Pakistan and Tajikistan are tied by historical and cultural bonds. These bonds have been further strengthened by closer cooperation and regular exchange of high level visits since Tajikistans independence in 1991, he said.



Pakistan and Tajikistan have a common understanding on many issues. We believe that all regional and global issues must be resolved through dialogue and peaceful means within the framework of international law. We remain advocates of a peaceful neighborhood and peace for development. The courage to remain steadfast to the principles of peace, however, must never be mistaken for weakness, the prime minister said.



We discussed the importance of road, rail and air connectivity, which is crucial for regional integration and the promotion of bilateral trade, tourism and people-to-people contacts. We have, therefore, resolved to multiply our efforts to increase connectivity between our two countries. Views were also exchanged on our common vision of a more connected future through the use of Gwadar and Karachi port, he added. We have noted with satisfaction that our political and defence relations are on the rise. In our meetings, we have agreed to work towards improving our relations in the fields of economy, investment, trade and commerce, energy, defence production, agriculture, industry, education and culture, he said.



Our bilateral trade needs to be invigorated. In this regard, the second meeting of Joint Business Council between the two countries is being held on the sidelines of my visit. A Pakistan-Tajikistan Business Forum was also organized in Dushanbe last month where business persons from the two sides in the pharmaceuticals, textiles and construction sectors participated, he said.



Tajik President Emomali Rahmon said relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan were based on the principles of sovereign equality and respect for each other. He said the two countries were desirous of peace and stability, which was necessary for progress and development.



Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also held meeting with his Tajik counterpart Kokhir Rasulzodawhere the two leaders exchanged views on matters of bilateral interest.



Both the leaders stressed the need to explore new avenues of cooperation with a particular focus on expanding cooperation in trade and economy, agriculture and education sectors. They pointed the need to determine new traditional and non-traditional trading goods and services. In this regard, they directed the Joint Ministerial Commission to formulate a comprehensive framework. Both the sides also agreed on the need to hold exhibitions to promote their products. Prime Minister Qohir welcomed Pakistans inclusion into the SCO and hoped it would be beneficial for the security of the entire region. Both the leaders agreed that completion of CASA-1000 project by 2018 would be beneficial for the people of the region.



Prime Minister Sharif reiterated Pakistans offer to Tajikistan to utilise its ports for connectivity with the rest of the world to boost their exports. He said Gwadar was the gateway to other Central Asian countries and beyond.
Qamar Bajwa witnessed training launch of short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa witnessed the "training launch" of short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile 'Nasr' on Wednesday.



Nasr is a high-precision weapon system with the ability to be deployed quickly, the military said.



"Pakistan has successfully undertaken a series of training launches and tests and trials during the current week for validation of new technical parameters of 'Nasr' with enhanced range from 60 km to 70 km and flight maneuverability," the military's media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a tweet announcing the successful launch of the missile.



The ISPR said the weapon system will "augment credible deterrence against the prevailing threat spectrum" more effectively, including anti-missile defenses deployed by hostile forces.



"Nasr has put cold water on [the] Cold Start [doctrine]," Gen Bajwa said.



Bajwa was reported to have said that war must be avoided at all costs and that the Army's strategic capabilities were a "guarantee of peace" against a "highly militarised and increasingly belligerent neighbour".



"Pakistan will go to any length to ensure regional peace and stability," Gen Bajwa said. "We wholeheartedly support all government efforts at peace through dialogue. Our capability is only meant to ensure [peace]; no one thinks war remains an option," he assured.



The COAS was reported to have congratulated the scientists and engineers on the milestone.



He also expressed his complete confidence in "effective command, control, safety and security of all strategic assets and measures being taken to augment these."



"You are our real heroes  the unseen. We owe you our gratitude," the Army chief was quoted as saying.



Director General Strategic Plans Division Lt Gen Mazhar Jamil, Commander Army Strategic Force Command Lt Gen Mian Muhammad Hilal Hussain, NESCOM Chairman Dr Nabeel Hayat Malik, scientists and engineers of strategic organisations also witnessed the launch.



Cold Start doctrine is reportedly the name given to a limited-war strategy designed by India to seize Pakistani territory swiftly without, in theory, risking a nuclear conflict.



It presupposes that India can cross the international border, temporarily hold Pakistani territory and launch punitive military strikes against military and militancy targets without triggering a general conflict.



Officials and experts have repeatedly said that Pakistan views Indias cold start doctrine as a real threat to its security and is unwilling to give up the defensive mechanism it has built to counter this threat.



Indias Cold Start doctrine, and the tactical weapons that Pakistan has made to counter this threat, drew international attention last year when former US president Barack Obama mentioned them at a news conference following the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington.



President Obama had expressed concern over a rapid increase in small tactical nuclear weapons, which could be at greater risk of theft.



President Obama indirectly vindicated Pakistani position that Cold Start exists and it is a move in the wrong direction, said a Pakistani nuclear expert while responding to the US leaders statement.



India too possesses short-range tactical nuclear weapons like Prahaar and Pragati. Prahaar  with 150km range  was tested two months after Pakistan first developed Nasr.



Another Pakistani expert explained that the Cold Start doctrine or the proactive operations strategy, as India now preferred to call it, was not a putative or hypothetical theory.
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.
GRANVILLE  A Saratoga Springs man was arrested Thursday for an elaborate scam that police believe defrauded a national charity and the people who donated to it out of tens of thousands of dollars, police said.

State Police believe Deran Akullian Jr., 59, had placed hundreds of collection jars at businesses around upstate New York, Massachusetts and Vermont in recent years, with signs advertising that proceeds were to go to the National Children's Cancer Society.

He was charged with first-degree scheme to defraud, a felony that alleges he ripped off 10 or more people.

He initially turned over proceeds from at least some of the jars, but had not provided the charity with any money since 2015, despite the fact that he was picking up money from the jars periodically, police said. The jars had small pieces of candy with them, with donors often taking candy as they dropped money in. There was a $.25 cent suggested donation for each piece of candy.

State Police estimated he was taking in as much as $90,000 or so a year through the jars.

"This is hard to fathom, there is no question about it," said Mark Stolze, president and chief executive officer of the Missouri-based National Children's Cancer Society.

The investigation began earlier this year when State Police got a call from a Granville business whose staff had become suspicious of the collection effort, State Police Investigator Kevin Reppenhagen said.

Akullian hadn't been in to pick up money for months, and when someone from the business called the National Children's Cancer Society to inquire about a pickup, they were told that Akullian hadn't turned over money in years. He was required to turn over a minimum amount each month for each collection jar, keeping some of the funds to purchase candy and to reimburse his expenses.

"They were told he hadn't sent any money in since 2014," Reppenhagen said. "At some businesses he was coming in every week to collect the money."

State Police learned that Akullian was issued 335 stickers by the charity when he started putting collection jars in businesses, and that he apparently made more himself.

Troopers are looking to talk to businesses where Akullian had left jars to identify victims. Anyone with information was asked to call 642-9455.

"We know he had them in businesses around here in Granville, Fort Ann, Hebron and he told us Salem too," said Trooper Robert Van Anden.

They also have information he had put collection jars in Rensselaer County, western Massachusetts and southern Vermont, Reppenhagen said.

"It appears this has been an ongoing, systemic issue," Washington County Assistant District Attorney Joseph Frandino said at Akullian's arraignment Thursday.

The arrest is not Akullian's first for a charity-related scheme. He was also arrested in 2010 in Clinton County for a similar alleged scam, in which he set up collection jars for a regional food bank that indicated all of the proceeds went to charity when only a small portion did.

The disposition of the charge in that case could not be determined Thursday.

Akullian was arraigned before Fort Ann Justice Dane Clark and sent to Washington County Jail for lack of $20,000 cash bail or $40,000 bail bond.

He had no comment as he entered court, and his lawyer, Washington County Assistant Public Defender Scott Keller, said he also had no comment.

The National Children's Cancer Society provides financial assistance, educational resources and other support to families who have a child fighting cancer.

Stolze said fraud is rare, and that when a person who contracts to collect money through donations stops sending it to the organization, the company reaches out and eventually sends "cease and desist" letters before pursuing legal action when necessary.
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
The Illinois Small Business Development Center International Trade Center at Western Illinois University-Quad-Cities will sponsor a workshop on export compliance from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 25, in the Q-C Complex, Building B, Room 1102.

Export Compliance 201: Reduce Risk, Cut Costs and Increase Your Profits workshop will provide information on many U.S. export/import regulations.

The workshop is presented by Allocca Enterprises, a provider of on-site and web-based international trade compliance education and training.

Registration is required. Cost is $50 and includes all workshop materials, refreshments and lunch. Participants must register online at iira.org/event-registration.

The workshop will cover handling customs valuations on drop shipments, samples, warranties, repairs and replacements. Information on the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and Successor Liability also will be available.

For more information, contact Michelle Lewis at 309-762-3999 ext. 62228 or ma-lewis@wiu.edu, or visit wiusbdc.org.
Attention Iowa bow hunters:

In hopes of maintaining the deer population at Scott County Park, the Scott County Conservation Board is looking for 25 hunters to participate in its annual controlled hunt this fall.

The program, approved by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, will allow hunters to remove as many as 50 antlerless deer from the 1,280-acre park between Oct. 14, 2017, and Jan. 10, 2018. Hunting will not be allowed on Nov. 5, when a special event will be held at the park.

This marks the park's third consecutive archery-only hunt. A total of 12 deer were harvested during each of the past two seasons, according to county records.

Applications are available online at scottcountyiowa.com/conservation and from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily at the following locations:

 Scott County Park's main entrance on 270th Street.

 West Lake Park's campground office at Gate #5.

Completed applications must be mailed or delivered to the following address by 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1: Scott County Conservation Board, West Lake Park, Gate #3, 14910  110th Ave., Davenport, IA 52804. They also can be emailed to conservation@scottcountyiowa.com.

During the first week of August, the conservation board will conduct a drawing to select the 25 individuals needed for the hunt. Preferential consideration will be given to youth and disabled hunters during the selection process.

Last year, one youth hunter applied but was not chosen, and two out of three disabled hunters who applied were chosen, said Marc Miller, deputy director of the Scott County Conservation Board.

Youth hunters, residents 12-15 years of age, must hunt under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian or other adult with the consent of their parent or guardian.

Selected participants must attend a hunter safety session and pass a shooter's proficiency test on Saturday, Sept. 23, at Scott County Park's Old Nature Center, 19251 290th St., Long Grove.

From 20 yards out, hunters will be required to hit a 9-inch diameter target four out of five times.

Successful applicants then must purchase a special deer license from K&K True Value Hardware in Bettendorf.

For more information, contact the Scott County Conservation Board at 563-328-3280.
On Sunday, people were three-deep to order at the Cody Road Cocktail House bar at Mississippi River Distilling Co. in LeClaire. They were joined by guests gathered inside and outside to enjoy their beverages, crafted with the company's spirits.

Until Saturday, the distillery had not been able to sell its spirits by the glass. Nor could it charge for hourly tours and samples, accept tips, or sell more than two bottles of liquor per day to a customer.

We thought, 'Why cant we do what they're doing here in Iowa? Why cant we do what wineries and breweries do?' said Garrett Burchett, who owns the distillery and cocktail house with his brother, Ryan Burchett.

In 2012, two years after they opened the distillery, they started talking to legislators, shaking hands, and sharing the brand's story and inviting top officials to the distillery.

It took five years to convince lawmakers to update Prohibition-era regulations. After the bill became law in May, the Burchetts set about transforming their tasting room into a bar, with capacity for about 100 people, and an outdoor patio overlooking the Mississippi River. They crafted a menu that includes about 20 cocktails and a featured drink of the month.

The Burchetts opened Cody Road Cocktail House the first day they were legally able  July 1  making it the first in the state to be licensed to sell cocktails.

Bob and Beth Busch of Waverly, Iowa, visited Sunday after they came to the area for a wedding.

"It's been on our radar for a long time," Beth said, as they sipped their drinks indoors. Bob enjoyed a Purple Passion with bourbon, while Beth had a strawberry lemonade cocktail. "This is our first time in a distillery."

"We appreciate that the Iowa laws have changed to allow us to taste the product," Bob said.

"It's great," said Pat Ricketts of Blue Grass. She appreciated being able to have one drink and not have to buy a bottle. Her daughter Carrie Ricketts of Davenport, and sister-in-law Faith Pinault of Davenport, were with her at an outdoor table.

"It's only fair that the distilleries get the same equal treatment as breweries," Carrie Ricketts said. "It just makes sense."

Nearby was Jane Dunham of Clinton, who visited with her daughter Arian Sullivan of Cedar Falls, Iowa.

"I'm on a break from my job. We always look for something to do," Sullivan said as she sipped her Moscow Mule.

Being able to better serve their customers helps their brand, the Burchetts said.

Mississippi River Distilling Co. already distributed products in more than 30 states and at local bars and restaurants, but until the law went into effect, Garrett and Ryan Burchett felt like they were falling behind.

When we opened, we thought tourism was an important aspect, and thats why we opened in the location that we did, Garrett Burchett said. At the time, we thought that was enough.

But 60,000 people are visiting the distillery each year.

The result of that is we're giving away a lot of free samples, Garrett Burchett said. By law, we had to give that away."

Now that's changed. The Cocktail House "is an extension of our brand; we'll have old-fashioned cocktails made with local and homemade ingredients, Garrett Burchett said. We can only serve what we produce here.

Its like the business is starting over, Ryan Burchett said. Were changing everything we do in a way.

Free tours and tastings will continue, but patrons can also linger, if they choose. The cocktail houses hours will mirror its neighbor, Green Tree Brewery.

We were driving people to do tours and not get too comfortable," Ryann Burchett said. "Now, we want them to get comfortable and make it a regular stop.
The Iowa Court of Appeals on Thursday upheld the 2015 conviction of a Rock Island man who fatally stabbed a woman and seriously injured her husband in their Davenport apartment.

Gary Michael Fortune, 51, is serving life in prison without parole plus up to 75 years in the Sept. 8, 2014, death of Betty Simmons, 61, and the assault on Jack Simmons, 55.

He has 30 days to seek further review from the Iowa Supreme Court.

Scott County Attorney Mike Walton said in an email Thursday that "this is one of the most brutal and ruthless murders I've prosecuted in almost 30 years" and that he was glad that the prosecution succeeded "at this level."

Walton and Assistant Scott County Attorney Kimberly Shepherd argued at trial that Fortune broke into the Simmonses' apartment at 1207 E. 11th St., Davenport, about 10:50 p.m. and fatally stabbed Betty Simmons, the mother of his then-fiancee, Annette Aviles.

He also stabbed Jack Simmons multiple times. A surgeon testified at trial that Jack Simmons had a punctured lung and lacerated liver, among other wounds.

During the attack, Jack Simmons was able to barricade himself in a bathroom and then escape out of a window. Fortune lit an umbrella on fire on the other side of the door before Simmons was able to escape through the bathroom window, according to prosecutors.

Fortune testified at trial that he had been under the influence of alcohol and a prescription drug that day and remembered only snapshots of the day. He further testified that Jack Simmons had fatally stabbed his wife and that the two men scuffled when Fortune confronted him.

The jury rejected the claim and found Fortune guilty of first-degree murder, attempted murder, first-degree burglary and first-degree arson on Dec. 23, 2015.

Among the issues raised in the appeal, Fortune argued that presiding Judge Paul Macek should have granted his motion to suppress evidence because of his claim that he did not knowingly and voluntarily waive his Miranda rights when talking to police after his arrest.

Fortune's attorney, Thomas Gaul, argued prior to trial that his client was not in a condition to waive his rights, including his rights to remain silent and to have an attorney present, because he was intoxicated during the interview.

The Court of Appeals said in a written opinion Thursday that there is no basis for concluding that Fortune's waiver was not voluntary and noted that a videotape of his interview with police shows that he was coherent, deliberative, thoughtful and not in any way impaired.

Fortune ended the interview after approximately nine minutes of questioning and invoked his right to an attorney.

The Court of Appeals also rejected his claim that Gaul should have made a motion for acquittal with respect to the burglary charge on the grounds that Fortune lacked the intent to commit an assault upon entering the apartment.

"When the evidence is viewed in the light most favorable to the State, there was substantial evidence Fortune intended to commit an assault upon entering the apartment," according to the court's written opinion. "Fortunes testimony was not credible. In particular, his 'snapshot' recollection of exculpatory facts but inability to remember any inculpatory facts does not pass muster."
A Davenport man who pleaded guilty to taking 940 hydromorphone pills from a Walgreens pharmacy in January was given a deferred judgment and placed on two years of probation Wednesday.

Chad Morgan Fairchild, 23, must obtain substance abuse and mental health evaluations within the next 90 days and follow through with any recommended treatment and pay $515.12 in restitution under the terms of his probation, Judge Stuart Werling ordered.

A civil penalty of $1,000 also was assessed, and he must pay court-appointed attorney fees, according to court records.

If Fairchild successfully completes his probation, the conviction will not be entered on his record.

Fairchild pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary in March. In exchange for his plea, Scott County prosecutors dismissed an additional charge of first-degree theft.

Just before 5 a.m. Jan. 16, Davenport police responded to the Walgreens, 1525 E. Kimberly Road, for a report of a robbery at the pharmacy.

Police say Fairchild jumped over the pharmacy counter, demanded painkillers and ordered an employee not to walk away from him. The employee placed the pills into a plastic store bag, and Fairchild took it from her hand, according to police.

Officers who responded to the store spotted a person, later identified as Fairchild, matching the description of the suspect on the bike trail near Eastern Avenue, according to police.

He had approximately 940 pills of hydromorphone, an opioid pain medication, in his possession, according to police. Fairchild did not have a valid prescription for the painkillers, according to police.

Officers also recovered clothes worn during the incident.
A three-year, $13 million project to upgrade a 1960s-era residence hall on the Augustana College campus is in its final phase.

The Rock Island college is finishing up an almost complete renovation of the Westerlin Residence Hall, located just yards away from the PepsiCo Recreation Center, in an area called "up campus," according to Sam Schlouch, senior communications director at Augustana.

This area originally belonged to the Weyerhauser family, of the lumber business fame, and it's near the former Weyerhauser family home, called "House on the Hill."

The family gave Augustana the property in the 1950s, and the residence hall was completed in 1963.

It served students well for decades but became dated, said Schlouch, who is a graduate of Augustana and previously lived in Erickson Residence Center, another living choice adjacent to Westerlin.

This project originally started in 2015 in the Jenny Lind wing. It progressed to the Immanuel wing in 2016, and now, the Westerlin wing, named for J. Martin & Elsie Westerlin.

Brandon Wilkerson started school as a freshman in 2015. He lived in Westerlin but not the new wing.

"I had one of the bigger rooms I'd seen on college visits, but it was older. You could tell from the tile floor and dated windows," he said. "I did have a lot of fun, there, though."

Wilkerson noticed the difference from the renovation when he visited friends in that area.

"I saw the new floors, the new windows, and, especially, the air-conditioning," he said.

The 19-year-old from Stelle, Illinois, will be a junior this fall. He is majoring in math and secondary education, with the goal of being a high school math teacher.

Westerlin improvements began with a new roof over the entire structure, home to about 455 first-year Augustana students. There are new ceilings, a fire protection system and, importantly, air conditioning.

All windows are being replaced as well, Schlouch said, adding that after the halls opened in the early 1960s, not much renovation was completed over the years.

"It was time, certainly," he said.

The Westerlin wing renovated this year hosts about 100 students. The traditional setup is a hallway, with rooms alternately located off both sides.

Both freshman and sophomore students are encouraged to live in the halls, Schlouch said, as it's thought the style leads to a feeling of community.

Juniors, on the other hand, are invited to the suite-style structures on campus, which include kitchens.

The Westerlin hall is convenient to the College Hill district of Rock Island, but it also includes a convenience store inside, operated by Augustana. There's a spacious lounge and a new fitness center, AugiePlex, filled with cardio and weight equipment and space for dance.

The feedback has been positive from the student residents, Schlouch said. Completing this final phase will put all students in the same sort of living space, so should reduce any jealously, or envy, exhibited in previous years.

"These improvements are what students are accustomed to having these days," he said.
Illinois Rep. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, was one of a handful of lawmakers who shifted their votes Thursday, deciding to override Gov. Bruce Rauner's veto of a state income tax increase.

Halpin had voted against the increase on Sunday, saying it fell too heavily on the middle class. But as some Republicans who had voted for the tax increase decided to sustain Rauner's veto, there were shifts on the other side, too.

After the vote, Halpin said he had heard from constituents since Sunday, including representatives from area universities, and decided that it was time to get a budget approved.

"I decided that having any budget, even if not perfect, was better than no budget at all," Halpin said.

He added he was worried about rating agencies downgrading the state's credit rating, as well as the effect of an extended impasse on schools and human service agencies.
A hand blown apart, mortar fragments lodged in a body, burns to a childs arm from an errant rocket  all injuries that were treated recently by trauma officials who staff Quad-City hospital emergency departments.

The actual injuries remind Dr. John Hartman of a war zone. The U.S. Navy veteran explains that mortar shells, now legal in Iowa fireworks, include gunpowder.

Hartman is the trauma medical director at Genesis Health System and a surgeon with Davenport Surgical Group. He knows about the injuries the hospital treated the past few days and weeks.

"Typically, we'd see burn injuries," Hartman said of fireworks trauma cases before this year. "These were blast injuries."

That means a hand would be blown apart and shell fragments would pierce the body.

"Blast injuries we mostly see in wartime," he said, adding that they are challenging injuries to care for.

Hospital officials at both Genesis and UnityPoint Health Trinity both report increased use of the emergency departments on July 4 this year, in contrast to 2016.

In addition, multiple people were transferred out of Genesis to Iowa City hospitals for trauma care related to fireworks.

Increased firepower of devices means injuries are worse, but Hartman sees an up side: Local residents are better educated on actual effects of fireworks injuries.

Hartman used to work in Wisconsin, and residents there are more accustomed to powerful fireworks. Locally, it was something new, and the ramifications were not fully understood.

Its not always users who are hurt. This year, the doctor said an child was sitting in one area, and an errant firework went off and burned the child's arm.

In another case, one person threw a device at another individual, and it exploded when the second person tried to pick it up.

Davenport city staff noted that even before July 4, fireworks-related calls for service in May and June were up 39 percent from 2016 and 60 percent from 2015.

The Davenport Fire Department, as an example, dealt with two structure fires, a car fire, and five more outdoor fires, all due to fireworks.

"We had more incidents, certainly," Davenport Fire Marshall Mike Hayman said.

The big difference to firefighters is the time limit; now the fireworks can be sold in Iowa through Saturday, although the Davenport City Council decided on Wednesday night to reinforce a ban on the use of them in the city.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks were involved in an estimated 11,100 injuries treated in U.S. hospitals in 2016. Most of these were reported between June 18 and July 18.

The majority of victims, 61 percent, were males, and 39 percent were female. Most injuries were to the hands and fingers, as well as the head, face and ears, and less often, to legs, eyes and arms.

Burns were the most common injury reported to the commission.
CEDAR RAPIDS  Common sense tells him something must be done, but U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley is not as optimistic as he was a couple of weeks ago that Congress will approve health care reforms.

Compared to how optimistic I was the week before now ... Im very pessimistic, Grassley said in Mount Pleasant Thursday.

He said its obvious to him that the Affordable Care Act  Obamacare  isnt working the way it was proposed to Congress and the American public. Rather than seeing health insurance costs drop by $2,500 a year, Grassley said many people have seen increases of $3,000 or more and many have had to change doctors or lost the insurance coverage they had.

Despite the difficulties majority Republicans have had marshaling the votes to replace Obamacare, Grassley said he doesnt have a right to be pessimistic because we all know somethings got to be done.

Rather than repeal and replace, he told reporters after speaking to the Mount Pleasant Rotary Club, Congress may opt for repeal, then replace.

That would put pressure on Congress to do something instead of dancing around like were doing now, the Iowa Republican said. Youd still have Obamacare as it is for another year or two while Congress figures out what should replace it.

Questions from the Rotarians ranged from health care to regulations, energy, Social Security, North Korea and President Donald Trumps upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Whatever the United States does in response to North Korea aggression, it has got to be almost non-military, but we cant rule out military force, Grassley said. His concern with a military response is that it likely would give North Korean leader Kim Jong Un time to destroy Seoul, South Korea.

Grassley would prefer economic sanctions, including sanctions on Chinese banks that do business with North Korea.

I think the president is disappointed that China hasnt done more, but he warned against relying too heavily on China to intervene with its neighbor.

He doesnt have high expectations for the Trump-Putin meeting.

But I hope (Trump) says were sick and tired of (Putin) meddling in our elections, Grassley said. He also wishes Trump would quit saying there is some question about Russian attempts to interfere in the November 2016 election.

We have CIA reports ... that without a doubt says they were trying to interfere, he said. Grassley thinks the goal was not to elect one person or another but to sow doubts about the process and democracy itself.

Earlier Thursday, Grassley met with about 20 business owners and managers in Columbus Junction. They quizzed him about health care, immigration and a range of other issues.

Grassley continues his 99-county tour Friday when he meets with businesses and associations in southeast Iowa.
SIOUX FALLS | A former executive board member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribe has been sentenced to nearly two years in jail for embezzlement.

Federal authorities say 46-year-old Thomas Adams formed an agreement with others to steal money from the Old Agency District, a subdivision of the tribe. Adams and others allegedly wrote checks to themselves for payroll, stipends, assistance, travel and other miscellaneous reasons.

Adams said in his plea agreement that he and co-defendants stole more than $415,000 from the district between January 2011 and March 2013.

Adams was sentenced to 20 months in prison and ordered to pay back nearly $152,000. He must also serve three years of supervised release.

The tribe resides on the Lake Traverse Reservation in northeastern South Dakota and southeastern North Dakota.
When I think of farmers, veteran farmers in particular, I think of hard working and innovative men and women. I see their work in rows of fields covering the rural landscape, in rolling green pastures dotted with livestock, and on shelves in grocery stores.

Farming is a livelihood, not an occupation. Family and community are at the center of its culture. These qualities help make farming an especially meaningful pursuit for many of our nations veterans. The Center for Rural Affairs provides resources and education to help veteran farmers succeed.

The Center recently hosted a beginning veteran farmer conference, an experience where, as a member of the Air Force, I could connect with those whom I consider my brothers and sisters. We were in a setting that felt central to my being  both as a veteran and as a sixth generation Iowa farmer.

The day began with a great example of what it means to serve your country. Matt and Emely Hendl told us about their transition from a U.S. Navy career to living their dream as beginning farmers in Nebraska.

Their story is one of hard work, goal setting, partnership, mentorship, dedication, and innovation. It is an example of what it means to be a contributing member of society, which directly correlates to the skills, values, and ethics that Matt demonstrated in his military career.

Veteran farmers like Matt are keeping rural America vibrant, providing a safe place to raise our children, and securing the American dream. Their service isnt over  it continues on through their work in agriculture.

If you are a veteran farmer and would like more information, please contact me at 402.687.2100 x 1012 or coraf@cfra.org. For online resources, visit www.cfra.org/veteran_farmers_project.
State governments Department of Transportation received approval recently for four public meetings and one webinar on its plans for highway projects in 2018 throughout South Dakota.

The state Transportation Commission gave the green light last week to proceed with the meetings and webinar in the coming weeks. The schedule includes one meeting in Rapid City at 7 p.m. July 18 at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel. There will also be a webinar at 1:30 p.m. July 20.

To register for the presentation, email Dave.Voeltz@State.SD.US. The commission could approve the plan with any revisions at its July 27 meeting in Pierre.
U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem fended off a barrage of questions about health care during an often tense but civil town hall meeting Wednesday morning in the Pennington County administration building.

We have a 124 percent policy premium increase that has happened in South Dakota since Obamacare was signed into law, said Noem, who is also running for governor of South Dakota in 2018.

I cant ignore that, when people tell me that their average health care policy went from $240 a month to over $500 a month.

Noem said she wants to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act to control rising premiums and lessen the burden on taxpayers, an approach to reforming health care that many of the roughly 150 people in the audience appeared to find disagreeable, judging by their reactions.

The philosophical divide was perhaps most starkly on display after the congresswoman sounded alarms about the shrinking number of private health insurance providers in the state.

We used to have 17 health insurance companies in South Dakota. We have two today, Noem said, adding that, We are a year or two away from having government run health care.

In reaction to Noems apparent reference to a universal, or single-payer, health care system, many in the audience erupted in loud cheers and thunderous applause.

And that probably answers a lot of peoples questions, Noem said as the clapping died down. Because you know that I am not in favor of government-run health care. Were probably going to fundamentally disagree on that.

The scene at Noems town hall, and other appearances by national lawmakers over the weekend, comes amid growing concerns about the Republican plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

Soon after it reconvenes next week, the U.S. Senate is expected to vote on a Republican health care bill that the Congressional Budget Office says will cause 22 million Americans to lose their health insurance within the next 10 years.

No one at Wednesday's town hall expressed support for the bill.

After registering to vote for the first time at the county administration building on Wednesday, 18-year-old Brook Weber of Rapid City went downstairs to ask Noem why she voted for an earlier House bill that would take away insurance from millions of Americans and endanger coverage for people with pre-existing conditions.

I myself have two pre-existing conditions, Weber told Noem. I have generalized anxiety disorder and I also have type 1 diabetes. My mother here, she is a survivor of multiple sclerosis, and my uncle wouldnt be alive today if it werent for the Affordable Care Act.

How in your conscience, Weber continued, did you vote for that bill?

The bill that I voted for does not allow an insurance company to deny you for pre-existing conditions, Noem replied.

Noem voted on the Affordable Health Care Act, a replacement for President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act, which the U.S. House of Representatives approved in May. The bill being considered in the U.S. Senate is the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017, which is similar to but separate from the legislation Noem voted on.

To Noems point, both the House and Senate health care bills do indeed keep coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Its the quality and availability of that coverage that has been a subject of debate.

Critics point to other provisions in the House and Senate health care bills  such as the creation of high risk pools, deep cuts to Medicaid, and the erosion of essential health benefits  as factors that could make insurance for people with and without pre-existing conditions much more expensive than it is under the Affordable Care Act.

Thats part of the reason Weber said he was dissatisfied with Noems answer.

Im really concerned that shes willing to write off (millions of) Americans by saying 'Im going to give you access to it,' when the access is skyrocketing premiums and unaffordable health care, Weber said after the meeting. Its really problematic for me.

Noem said she also disagrees with the Congressional Budget Office's interpretation of its own report on the Senate health care bill, arguing that tens of millions of people wont lose their insurance so much as drop it on purpose.

The reason they wont have insurance coverage is because they chose not to, Noem said, drawing a chorus of boos and groans from the crowd. Its because the mandates will be removed and people wont be penalized, they wont be taxed for not having health insurance. That means they will take the option to not have it.

A small contingent of about 15 to 20 members of Indivisible Rapid City, the local chapter of a national grass-roots progressive group, occupied the seats near the center of the audience. But even they were surprised by how vocal the crowd was in their opposition to Noems stance on health care.

That was organic, said Indivisible spokesperson Lori Miller. That was not our doing.
Bitterroot Valley libraries are participating in the Build a Better World summer reading program.

The Darby Community Public Library has a number of family activities planned.

Building and Racing Rockets is a program by the Museum of the Rockies, with kits for fun activities at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 11.

Design Your Park is the family activity for designing and building a dream park in two sessions, with part one beginning at 2 p.m. on July 18 and part two at 2 p.m. on July 25.

The library is hosting two Kinder Camp sessions to help prepare children for kindergarten, from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesdays, July 19 through 26, or Aug. 2 through 9.

The Darby Community Public Library will participate in Rev-Up, the National Disability Voter Registration Week campaign, from 1 to 4 p.m., July 17 to 21. The library staff will assist patrons in one-on-one voter registration help open to everyone wanting to register to vote.

Bitterroot College will have a representative at the Darby Community Public Library from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Tuesday to answer any questions about college registration, costs, financial aid, courses and more.

Childrens Story Time is for infants through age 5 and their caregivers at 11 a.m. every Tuesday.

The Summer Reading Program, Build a Better World, provides patrons an opportunity to win prizes. Patrons may pick up a reading card at the library and get it punched whenever they read or attend a library event in July. Each completed punch card will be part of the Aug. 5 raffle drawing at noon.

For more information, contact the Darby Community Public Library at 406-821-4771 or online visit darbylibrary.net.

The Bitterroot Public Library also has Build a Better World for this years summer reading program theme.

Kids and families will have many opportunities to build a better world while maintaining their reading skills this summer, said Sally Blevins, youth librarian. We will have weekly building challenges available at the library, which allow kids to test their engineering skills.

Blevins said these activities may be enjoyed anytime the library is open.

Wild Wednesday programs take place at 1:30 p.m. on the lawn, or in the meeting room if it rains.

Hamilton High Jazz Band will play original compositions on July 12.

Chip and Cove Jasmin (music educators and performers), a father and son duo, returns on July 19.

Storytelling and music with Redtail takes place on July 26. Redtail lectures around the country and has been dancing, storytelling and doing bead work since age 6. Redtail has been mentored by native traditional people and will focus on the mid-1800s native cultural experience.

Wild Wednesdays continue in August.

Water Games making huge bubbles, designing boats for boat races, playing water games and sand and water play for little ones is on Aug. 2.

The Bitterroot Public Library has several programs to prepare for and celebrate the solar eclipse that occurs on Aug. 21. At each program safe eclipse viewing glasses will be distributed.

The library is hosting a Solar Eclipse Sun Party on Aug. 9, to make a cardboard eclipse viewer and learn how to get ready for the solar eclipse.

Library patrons can complete solar eclipse experiments and make a different viewer on Aug. 16. A box of eclipse experiments will be available at the library for those unable to attend.

The Countdown to Kindergarten Summer Camp is new at the library this year. Tots who will be attending kindergarten in the fall are invited to come to the library at 10 a.m. on July 27 and each Thursday morning in August, for an hour of activities designed to help them feel more successful when school begins.

The focus will be on familiarity with school routines and practicing academic skills, gross and fine motor skills, and enjoying a positive learning environment, Blevins said.

Other programming continues this summer. Story Times for children age 3 and older on Friday mornings includes some field trips; the baby and toddler story time on Wednesdays includes a couple of days of water and sand play. The Lego Club meets from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays, and Reading to Cats and Dogs happens at the shelter the second Wednesday of the month.

Schedules are available at the library as well as on line at bitterrootpubliclibrary.org.

The North Valley Public Library also has fun summer programs and activities.

Energy Independence, an introduction to solar energy, is a presentation by Dan Brandborg from Sustainable Building systems at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 13. Brandborg will talk about the advantages of solar powered energy, how to set up your own system, and the array of solar professionals in the Bitterroot Valley. This presentation will include a slideshow of different solar set ups, components, and energy saving charts.

SpectrUM Science Club will present the world of Nano technology, synthetic biology and other science topics from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Thursday through Aug. 17. The hands-on activities are suitable for ages 5-18 with younger siblings welcome.

Learn about fire preparedness for the fire season by attending a presentation by the U.S. Forest Service at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 20.

The NVPL has an Orion StarBlast 4.5 inch equatorial mount telescope available for patron use. It was purchased in part with funds from the forest service and set up by the Western Montana Astronomical Association. For more information on borrowing requirements and how to use the telescope, visit online northvalleylibrary.org.

Story times continue with Captain Hooked on Books from 9:30 to 10 a.m. on Tuesdays for children age 3-5 and from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays for toddlers and preschoolers. Siblings are welcome.

The librarys Summer Reading Challenge and Rubber Duck Reading Club ends Aug. 25. Reading can earn prizes and more reading equals bigger prizes.

For a full listing of all summer activities at the North Valley Public Library visit northvalleylibrary.org.
Bitterroot Valley residents can celebrate Independence Day with a variety of community activities.

Darby is the site for the Linda Lanier Concert at 2 p.m. on July 1 at the Junior High Gym. Veterans love this patriotic event, which focuses on their heroism and sacrifices.

Florence's annual Fourth of July celebration includes a community picnic and fireworks, hosted by the Florence Rural Fire District beginning at 5 p.m. on Florence Carlton Loop at Hideout Mountain.

Tom French, senior engineer officer with the Florence Rural Fire District, said he, his wife Rhoda and Bob Cross are running the show.

Its a big community deal, French said. Last year we had people from Missoula and tourists passing through from Wisconsin, Virginia and all over.

The firefighters are having a gun raffle and a television raffle. Tickets may be purchased at the event.

Trader Brothers gave us the gun at cost and will include a gun case, French said. Its a Ruger American in the winners choice of caliber. We have gift certificates from Bitterroot Trading Post, Stevensvilles Ammo and More to go with it, to get their ammunition. We got an $80 gift card from Sportsman so they can go get a scope. The winner of the gun will go do the registration at Trader Brothers.

The raffle television is a 45-inch flat screen.

The dinner is potluck and everyone can bring a dish to pass like salads, baked beans, desserts or whatever. We do the hot dogs, hamburgers, buns and condiments.

The dinner and community dinner is from 5 to 9 p.m., with no reservations required.

Everyone just comes, so come on out and have fun, French said. Bring lawn chairs a blanket and your citronella. Well have a DJ playing friendly family music and port-a-potties supported through Dale Brown.

After dinner, the Boy Scouts and American Legion will conduct a ceremony for retiring flags.

A young lady is coming from Hamilton to sing the National Anthem, French said. Well have exciting fireworks when it gets dark, around 10:15 p.m. These are brought to the community by donations in the fire boots located at businesses like Ace, IGA and Town Pump.

French said it is his second year to be in charge and the event is a thank you to the community.

The community supports us with getting new equipment and new trucks. Weve got a new Type One coming this fall, he said. This is our way of thanking the community for their support.

Hamilton will celebrate Independence Day with a free fireworks show beginning at dusk at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds at 100 Old Corvallis Road.

It is always pretty neat because it is right above you and can be seen from everywhere  pop, boom, bang and all that stuff, said Marvin Edstedt, who volunteers at the Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce.

In Stevensville, people can eat for free almost all day on the Fourth of July.

At noon is a community PIGnic and a free barbecue at the Lewis and Clark Park. The Stevensville Civic Club and the Stevensville Fire Department will provide pork, mushrooms, rolls, drinks and cutlery.

About a dozen firefighters prepare and wrap the pork roasts and mushrooms that are cooked on the barbecue in the morning, said Brandon Dewey with the Stevensville Fire Department. It is always delicious.

Bring a dish to share and a lawn chair.

Its been going on for years and years and is a great community draw, said Stacy Bartlett, clerk for the Town of Stevensville.

The Stevensville Skate Park is hosting a second free barbecue on the Fourth, compliments of the Living Centre, It runs from 4 to 8 p.m. at Lewis and Clark Park.

We are tying it to a canned food donation for our senior center and using it to help increase awareness so Hamilton can get their skate park, said Ray Smith, a skate park board member. We are trying to promote what is happening with Jeff Ament and Bill Watkins.

The free barbecue will have hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans and watermelon.

In the future we hope to host a fireworks show, Smith said. This year we are taking a small amount of fireworks to the Living Centre for the residents that cant get out.
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 Divided California Supreme Court decides Prop 47 did not alter rules for retroactivity of Prop 36 three-strikes reform | Main | Highlighting efforts to expand Miller (and Graham?) to older "kids" in Pennsylvania 

July 5, 2017

"How smart was Obama's 'Smart on Crime' initiative? Not very"

The title of this post is the headline of this new Fox News commentary authored by Lawrence Leiser (president of the National Association of Assistant United States Attorneys), Nathan Catura (president of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association), Bob Bushman (president of the National Narcotics Officers Associations Coalition), Al Regnery (chairman of the Law Enforcement Action Network), and Ron Hosko (president of the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund). The piece largely serves as a defense of the new Sessions charging/sentencing policies, and here is the bulk of what this impressive quintet have to say:

Department of Justice policies since the 1980s directed federal prosecutors to charge the most serious readily provable offense, unless justice required otherwise. Its undisputed that this charging practice, applied over the course of several Republican and Democratic administrations in recent decades, contributed to the reduction of violent crime by half between 1991 and 2014. The Obama administrations Smart on Crime initiative  touted by former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates in a recent oped in the Washington Post titled Making America scared again wont make us safer  undermined those hard-fought gains in public safety, and ushered in significant increases in violent crime. In 2015, violent crime rose 5.6 percent  the greatest increase since 1991  and included a shocking 10.8 percent increase in homicide rates. And, although the final numbers for 2016 have not been published, the preliminary data suggests another substantial increase in the violent crime rate. Among the policies championed by then Attorney General Eric Holder and Deputy Attorney General Yates was one that reversed long-standing charging policies and directed federal prosecutors to avoid minimum sentences against drug traffickers, as mandated by Congress, and instead pursue lesser charges. Despite the well-known and deadly violence associated with drug cartels, gangs and their networks, the Holder-Yates policies directed federal prosecutors in certain cases to under-charge drug trafficking cases and avoid triggering statutory minimum penalties by not pressing charges on the actual amount of drugs that traffickers distributed, such as heroin, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine. Changes in federal law enforcement policy can ripple through communities across the country and affect their safety. Smart on Crime was part of a larger policy shift within the Obama administration from drug abstinence and accountability to drug acceptance and victimization. Since its inception, correlative increases in drug abuse, overdose deaths and violent crime have had a devastating impact on every community, regardless of sex or demographics. The reduced charging and sentencing of thousands of drug traffickers and their early release from prison  all hallmarks of the Holder-Yates policies of the Obama years  have begun to leave their devastating mark downstream on the safety of communities across the nation. The surge in violent crime should not be surprising. Drug trafficking by its very nature, is a violent crime. Take the recent account of Michael Bell, a former federally-convicted methamphetamine dealer who, when facing new state charges in Tennessee for kidnapping and domestic assault, shot two sheriffs deputies during a court proceeding. Bell would have still been in federal prison had he not been released in 2015, three years earlier than scheduled, because of the across-the-board sentencing reductions prior administration leaders pushed the U.S. Sentencing Commission to impose. Not surprisingly, those former officials continue to use the term low level, non-violent offender to promote a sanitized narrative of drug trafficking for profit. Law enforcement professionals know that drug trafficking enterprises are comprised of integrated networks of street corner dealers, mid-level traffickers, distributors, producers and cartel leaders, whose collective efforts inherently rely on violence and have contributed to the deaths of over 50,000 Americans last year in drug overdoses alone. Despite the evocative second chance narrative that stirs support among sentencing reformers, law enforcement professionals also know that the people who end up in federal prison work hard to get there. Few offenders go to prison for their first offense, or even the second or third. Many of the people who end up in federal prison have committed violent crimes, are members of drug trafficking and criminal organizations or simply have chosen to continue to disregard our laws. Because the majority of criminals admit their guilt, plea bargaining involves the dismissal or reduction of related charges, which greatly reduces the criminal histories and sentences of countless criminals. That means the numbers and types of crimes for which many of them are arrested, but never charged or convicted, are incalculable. Criminals are committing thousands of crimes and violent acts against our citizens for which they are never held accountable. Seeking justice and keeping the peace, it is federal law enforcement agencies and their state and local partners who will strive to enforce the laws that Congress enacted to protect our country and its citizens. The surest way to preserve public safety is to honor the laws the people have passed and to enforce them to the fullest.

July 5, 2017 at 05:40 PM | Permalink

Comments

What a crock. Follow the money.

Posted by: Fat Bastard | Jul 5, 2017 6:51:16 PM

@Fat Bastard follows himself as he follows the money which raises the ancient philosophical question: Quis sheeple ipsos sheeples (who shall follow the followers)?

Posted by: Daniel | Jul 5, 2017 7:03:49 PM

Sessions gas hired an additional 20 ATF agents and several AUA to curb the crime in Chicago.

They shot in excess of 100 people over the 4th weekend.

jeffy my boy, hows this getting tough on crime working for ya.





Posted by: MidWestGuy | Jul 5, 2017 7:14:04 PM

"The surest way to preserve public safety is to honor the laws the people have passed and to enforce them to the fullest."

Zero tolerance or what? Good luck with the resources available.

Doesn't sound very smart. The rise in crime numbers warrants context and small print to discuss the details. That is, if one is smart. So, again, not very impressive. In an overall good way, at least.

Posted by: Joe | Jul 5, 2017 7:56:00 PM

Ah, Joe and his twittery . . . .

Instead of looking critically at what the author has to say, Joe seizes on a bit of puffery and sniffs that they aren't that smart. In actuality, the authors level devastating criticisms of Obama's policies.

Posted by: federalist | Jul 5, 2017 8:16:45 PM

No, the authors merely know which side of their bread is buttered. AUSAs don't want to actually have to try a case, so they want the "life plus cancer" sentencing option so that even factually innocent defendants will cut their losses and plead out to a lesser or with a cap. The cops, same difference. Cops love to bang the drum about high crime and job security; where else can 60 hours of community college education (or less) get you such a swell gig, with decent pay, a gun, badge and everything.

Posted by: Mark M. | Jul 5, 2017 10:05:10 PM

Mark, you are a buffoon---no one doubts that in the justice system that there are some cases of appalling injustice visited on people--but the reality, and surely you know this, is that those cases, particularly in the federal system are few and far between. What the amoral prig who has Secret Service protection for himself and his kids did was mouth a few platitudes that pass as wisdom to justify the wholesale release of some serious criminals. Yeah, some will have learned their lesson and never commit another serious crime again--many others will go back to their violent ways.

Posted by: federalist | Jul 6, 2017 1:50:30 AM

Lawrence Leiser and this guy, are they the same asshole?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1995/10/04/us-seeks-to-fire-prosecutor-in-va-for-alleged-misconduct-in-cult-kidnapping-case/51f5707c-f051-4c6e-bb2f-5113da6d857f/?utm_term=.1ea6f07d0038

I call for an investigation into the above organizations. First, they are collectively responsible for the utter failure of the criminal law to protect anybody. They are the ones slurping coffee, all day, and chatting up the secretaries, worthless, make work government workers. Trump should drain the swamp, and fire these fools, "You're fired."

I also demand to trace the funding of these organizations. I want to know if they are fully funded by drug cartels, to protect their high prices and monopoly powers.

Posted by: David Behar | Jul 6, 2017 2:16:56 AM

When you have the perception (reality) that the State cares nothing for you then it is unsurprising that some become disconnected from it - its values and aspirations. A society based on Self is inevitably selfish. A society based on Exclusivity is inevitably exclusive. Not everyone who fails membership has done so by choice.

"We know that we've truly become just a warehouse for inmates in Oklahoma. We don't really offer them any programs to rehabilitate them. We barely staff our facilities. Our facilities are crumbling and falling apart," said Sean Wallace, policy director for the Oklahoma Public Employees Association and the former head of a group that represented prison workers. "I doubt there's one person in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections who is very surprised that we rank high in the number of inmates who died in our prisons."



Posted by: peter | Jul 6, 2017 5:10:35 AM

They base their argument on 1) a couple of correlations with zero evidence of causation, 2) a single anecdote, and 3) a whole lot of bluster. These are smart people, and this is the best they can do. I guess we should thank them for underlining the weakness of their position.

Posted by: Stephen Hardwick | Jul 6, 2017 8:00:36 AM

Stephen, in other threads here, it has been pointed out that the Obama Administration dropped the prosecution of gun criminals significantly--that, I am sure, exerted plenty of upward pressure on gun violence plaguing cities like Chicago---couple that with Obama's coy support of the smearing of Darren Wilson, you can see the ideology-driven soft on crime policies. Is there proof that Obama's policies have led to increased crime--well, yes and no--there are anecdotes, and but there is no iron-clad proof--what we do have is years of experience in how criminals behave--most criminals are criminals--it's what they do. Thus, when they are taken off the street, the future crimes that many would commit are simply not committed.

And this Stephen is on top of three murders in Columbus by one of these early releases. Heck, even some of Obama's clemency grantees have gotten back in the game, so to speak.

Posted by: federalist | Jul 6, 2017 8:38:49 AM

Release of "serious" criminals, huh? I see on a daily basis what kind of "serious" criminals the Feds shackle up. I, for one, don't give a flying f*** about a bs conspiracy to distribute whatever where the bs relevant conduct leads to a base offense level of thirty effing eight due to make-believe quantities mentioned by the junkie in the next cell. The truth is, the alphabet soup of fed law enforcement is doing not thing more than waging war on Americans under the guise of protecting us us from the "scourge" of street drugs. This "protection" is many times worse than whatever is on the other side. I just saw a mother of two very young children get 265 months, because she sold meth to support her habit. That's just yesterday's story, there's another just like it coming today to a fed courthouse near you. I don't call that "justice," and I'm not the only one. Nothing good comes to pass when "We the People" develop a belief that the justice system no longer dispenses justice. So, who's the buffoon, now?

Posted by: Mark M. | Jul 6, 2017 8:50:07 AM

Fine Mark--publicize those cases--the meth-dealing mom who only dealt to support her habit . . . . but don't tell me that her story (if it is as you opine) is really emblematic of the federal prison population. Let's take drug mules crossing the border--should I feel upset that one of them gets 245 months in prison? Nope. I don't.

If you read what I post here (instead of caricaturing it), you'll note that I loathe government overreach probably as much as you do. But you lose all credibility when you fail to decry, for example, the outright smearing of Darren Wilson or fail to understand that many drug-dealers use violence or have a violent history.

What pray tell is your view of how we should punish pimps--particularly those who traffic in underage girls? What is your view of what we should do to an alien who is deported for some drug offense or something like burglary and then is found in the US after deportation? What is your view of the violence plaguing Chicago?

I am curious--have you read my posts on clemency? I have consistently assumed that Obama's clemencies were justified absent evidence to the contrary and have advocated a wait and see approach. I have criticized Obama's sophistry when it comes to justifying them--I find it unseemly, but the proof is in the pudding so to speak. A few have re-offended so far, but I continue to hope that those who have received his mercy will justify it by being productive citizens.

Posted by: federalist | Jul 6, 2017 9:56:31 AM

Opiate drugs kill a lot of people. Those drugs are made by legit drug companies. Many of the drugs used which kill were prescribed by doctors. Prosecute the doctors.

Posted by: Liberty1st | Jul 6, 2017 10:20:16 AM

Regarding drug overdose "victims". Do not "save them". Let em die.

Posted by: Liberty1st | Jul 6, 2017 10:21:07 AM

"265 months, because she sold meth to support her habit."

Somehow, methinks there's more to the story.

Posted by: justme | Jul 6, 2017 10:53:26 AM

I "critically" cited a couple things. Perhaps, if I called them "buffoons" it would be better. When I go into more detail, it's some other problem. My continual inability to have porridge just right for federalist troubles me dearly.

Posted by: Joe | Jul 6, 2017 1:13:20 PM

I love the image of federalist as Goldilocks (or as one of the Three Bears), Joe.

Posted by: Doug B. | Jul 6, 2017 1:37:23 PM

The feds over reach a lot on drug cases. This class of people are easy targets. Pretty messed up when arrested, no resources, usually relatives are at wits end, they are threatened with long sentences if they dont plead guilty. The 3 level drop for taking the guilty plea, normally gets it done. The perfect storm us going to trial for drugs against the feds.

Signing your life away.

Posted by: MidWestGuy | Jul 6, 2017 5:36:07 PM

Joe, you seized on some puffery, not the underlying factual criticisms---it's a shopworn tactic and weak beyond words.

The problem, Joe, is that, quite bluntly, you are an ankle-biter.

Posted by: federalist | Jul 6, 2017 6:58:37 PM

Arf arf.

Posted by: Joe | Jul 6, 2017 10:09:27 PM

Sorry. Saw a squirrel.

Joe, you seized on some puffery, not the underlying factual criticisms---it's a shopworn tactic and weak beyond words.

The problem, Joe, is that, quite bluntly, you are an ankle-biter.

The "underlining factual criticism" is that the crime data has to be seen in a nuanced way & this has been addressed in depth repeatedly. There is also general arguments, which is repeatedly what one critiques, like "enforce them to the fullest" that I addressed. Again, if I went into more detail, the porridge would probably not be right for you.

Maybe, I need more potshots (as compared to a dig based on the title of the blog post; that is where the "smart" came in), about "puffery," "shopworn," things "beyond words" and comparing arguments to small dogs nipping at ankles. Does that help with factual arguments? Sounds more like a small dog, but you know, I'm open to ideas.

Posted by: Joe | Jul 6, 2017 10:22:14 PM

Justme, the "more" to the story is the nature of federal conspiracy charges and their interplay with relevant conduct for sentencing. The mom was attributed with the drug weight that other conspirators claimed she had handled; nothing more. Such is close enough for government work when it comes to sentencing in fed court. "I saw Mrs. X with a quarter ounce sometime in the summer of 2014" is a near-quote from the presentence report. How do you prove a negative is only one question raised by such garbage. The drug weight from such nonsense goes up quickly when the junkies start racing to debrief.

Posted by: Mark M. | Jul 7, 2017 9:37:35 PM

@Mark M - I concur.

Posted by: MidWestGuy | Jul 7, 2017 10:12:44 PM

Thank you Mark M

Federal Conspiracy charges lurk underneath the swamp. When they began to amp up the charge - the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, 1994 said that conspiracy charges should be used for "budget conscious agencies" and of course "the offense does not depend on whether the subjects accomplished the conspiracy's objective - selling drugs

The same bulletin also said that law enforcement should work with prosecutors before they begin the investigation (read sting) so that together they an formulate a plan of attack.

"Prosecutors can tell law enforcement if judges will be receptive to conspiracy trials that lack drug evidence."

Posted by: beth | Jul 8, 2017 4:06:56 PM

Post a comment
 An amusing shout-out for the US Sentencing Commission's guideline simplification efforts | Main | Virginia Gov decides claim of delusional disorder does not justify halting scheduled execution of double murderer 

The title of this post is the title of this lengthy new Prison Policy Initiative posting about an important new part of the prison experience in a growing number of jurisdictions. I recommend the full piece, and here are excerpts from how it starts and concludes (with links from the original):

A recent Denver Post article reports that the Colorado state prison system has awarded a contract to prison communications giant GTL (formerly Global Tel*Link) for a tablet program that will eventually be deployed in all the states prisons.

The Colorado Department of Corrections (DOC) is somewhat of an early adopter of emerging communications technology. For several years it has offered electronic messaging, an email-like service that allows people in prison to send and receive messages using a proprietary, fee-based platform operated by a contractor. Colorado DOCs electronic messaging program isnt perfect, but its rollout was notable for giving people a new communication option. The tablet program, on the other hand, foreshadows a potential new paradigm in corrections, shifting numerous communications, educational, and recreational functions to a for-profit contractor; and, at the same time, making incarcerated people and their families pay for services, some of which are now commonly funded by the state.

What makes the Colorado/GTL contract especially frustrating is that it could have been an innovative step toward providing incarcerated people with useful technology. Experts who have studied government technology contracting warn that projects often fail because details are not sufficiently thought through. The Colorado DOC seems to have walked down this familiar path by focusing largely on its own financial interest without giving much thought to the user experience or the financial impact on incarcerated people and their families....

Historically, people in prison have communicated with the outside world using tools that were simultaneously specialized and universal. Specialized in the sense that letters and phone calls were subject to restrictions and monitoring for security. Universal in the sense that the actual communications networks were the same ones used by the population at large  namely the nations mail system and the network of Bell telephone companies. These networks charged reasonable, regulated rates for universal service. Emerging technologies for prison communication are taking a decidedly different approach: instead of applying security protocols to a general purpose network, prisons are relying on specialized providers that use proprietary systems and charge user fees far in excess of cost. The profits of this model are then divided among the prison systems and the private equity firms that own the providers.

New technologies have the potential to help incarcerated people. But the ways in which such systems are being implemented tend to focus on profits over people. The Colorado/GTL contract provides other jurisdictions with a case study in how new technologies can be implemented in ways that financially exploit incarcerated people and their support networks. Other jurisdictions should view the Colorado experience with caution, and strive to develop better, more humane models for bringing prison communications into the twenty-first century.
Candidates running for mayor of San Francisco in 2019 will not be running against Ed Lee, as Lee is termed out after this, his second full term. That means a large litter of candidates is likely to pursue the mayorship this time around (including possibly a full third of the current Board of Supervisors), and Matier & Ross report that the outside businessperson track candidate may be CEO Daniel Lurie, whose Tipping Point Community nonprofit is trying to raise $100 million to fight homelessness in San Francisco.

"Daniel Lurie, head of the Tipping Point Community charity, was spotted having lunch the other day at AT&T Parks Gotham Club with Giants President Larry Baer and a mutual friend, Hyatt Hotel heir John Pritzker  where they were overheard discussing Luries prospects for a 2019 mayoral run in San Francisco," Matier & Ross write.

Lurie himself did not comment for the Matier & Ross story, but had previously told the mustached newshounds that he wasnt going to run because has too much on my plate right now and I dont view myself as a politician.

It should be noted that Lurie himself did not donate $100 million to fight homelessness  but his Tipping Point Community is trying to raise that amount among donors, and at last count they were more than halfway to that goal. The Tipping Point Community is perhaps best known for their Punkd-style hidden camera videos that showed Nob Hill shoppers how much their groceries would cost if adjusted for a family living below the poverty line,

But before we go lionizing Lurie as a pure-hearted knight in shining armor fighting the good fight against homelessness, realize that Lurie was the chairman of the Super Bowl 50 host committee that saddled a less-than-outstanding deal on the city of San Francisco. Much of Luries wealth comes from an interest in Levi Strauss, as his mother Mimi Haas was the second wife of the late Levis CEO and president Peter Haas.

Former press secretary to Mayor Gavin Newsom Nathan Ballard told Matier & Ross that Its no secret that people do frequently ask Daniel if he will get involved in politics, because he is so committed to alleviating poverty and he is a charismatic public speaker, in kind words perhaps meant to get Ballard considered for a role in a potential Lurie campaign or administration.

For those keeping an informal scorecard on likely 2019 mayoral candidates, former state senator and onetime supervisor Mark Leno has already announced hes running. Other likely candidates include Board of Supervisors President London Breed and District 2 Supervisor Mark Farrell, and you can never count out District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin, though for now he's endorsed Leno and said he won't run. Journalist and Re/code co-founder Kara Swisher has also expressed interest in running for mayor of San Francisco, though has indicated she wouldnt run until 2023.

Related: Potential Successors To Mayor Ed Lee 'Saddling Up'
San Francisco tourists and locals alike have long suffered the slings, arrows, and shattered glass piles that come with car break-ins, with the thieves often smashing windows over items of negligible value. But one of the hairiest hotspots for car burglaries is the hairpin turns of the tourist trap Lombard Street. In the last week, more than two dozen car break-ins have been reported near the famed crooked block section of Lombard Street in Russian Hill, including a brazen broad-daylight break-in seen in the KRON 4 video below where the thief makes no attempt to conceal the fact that hes scoping a car for valuables and then smashing a window to loot the vehicle.

Its pretty brazen about looking in, and then smashing their window and grabbing something out of it, says Jose Leos, a neighborhood resident whose security camera footage is seen in the video. Ive been here for 20 years and noticed a difference in the last couple of years where Ive seen an increase in crime.

Tourists beware!! Spike in car burglaries at tourist spots in SF. Many cars still have bags and purses in back seat!!!! pic.twitter.com/GYwEy1kgZv  Vic Lee (@vicleeabc7) July 4, 2017

Automobile break-ins are being reported at record levels in San Francisco, leading to the installation of warning signs in some of the most affected neighborhoods. Despite this signage, these summer tourism months are inevitably going to be peak season for car robberies. There is usually an uptick of crime during the summer, SFPD spokesperson Grace Gatpandan told KRON 4. Were in the heart of summer right now. School is out. People are on vacation and coming to the city."

Even tinted windshields are no deterrent against car burglars! They're gone in six seconds with your valuables in the vehicle! pic.twitter.com/LEolx1LPSl  Vic Lee (@vicleeabc7) July 4, 2017

The rash of smash-and-grabs is causing spikes in robberies at other tourist attractions too. According to ABC 7s Vic Lee, the streets around the recently renovated and reopened Alamo Square Park, home to the Painted Ladies and mecca for tourists doing the Full House Hajj, is currently averaging six car break-ins per day.

As of press time, the thief in the brazen daytime Lombard robbery video has not been apprehended. But SF police captain Paul Yep told ABC 7 that In the last two months I can safely say they've made over 80 arrests in the [central] district alone. The central district includes Lombard Street and much of downtown San Francisco.

Related: Neighbors Fight Back After Tourist Hotspot Becomes Car Break-In Zone
There's a wonderfully weird week on the horizon. Buckle up for axe-throwing, an all-male comedy strip-tease revue, and a french fry eating contest.

THURSDAY, JULY 6

JAE WHITAKER REMEMBERS: The GLBT Historical Society presents "We Were Rebels: Jae Whitaker Remembers Janis Joplin." Whitaker was an African American lesbian musician who moved to San Francisco during the Beat movement and became lovers with Janis Joplin. She'll sit down with Joey Cain and talk about what it was like to be in the heart of the action during the 1967 Summer of Love, and presumably reveal some fascinating details about her relationship with the legendary rocker. The GLBT History Museum, 4127 18th Street, 7 p.m., $5 or free for members.

ALL MALE BURLESQUE SHOW: Take in a brand new all-male revue from the Baloney Boys, described by the dear Sister Roma as "San Francisco as f***!" This talented and near-naked team of gay hunks will present their signature blend of comedy, dance, theater, and camp striptease that takes the audience "from frat house to leather bar to outer space!" I don't know what that means exactly, but it sounds right up your alley. Oasis, 289 11th Street, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 p.m., $25 - $50.

THE MISSION POSITION: LOL with comedians Natasha Muse, Irene Tu, Andrew Orolfo, Joey Avery, Adrian McNair (plus special guests) at this four-year-old monthly comedy showcase, now at San Francisco's Alamo Drafthouse. There is no pesky comedy show drink minimum but word to the wise, the Drafthouse is one of the few places that serves Fresca. Alamo Drafthouse, 2550 Mission Street, 9 p.m., $15.

FRIDAY, JULY 7

DURAN DURAN: If you're hungry like the wolf, you might want to stop off for dinner before the Duran Duran show at the historic Fox Theater. Fans can also catch the 80s hit-makers on Saturday night at the Masonic Theater. Tickets are technically sold out but we're all adults here. We know how to get tickets. Fox Theater, 1807 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, 8 p.m., $140+.



THE MUSIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS: The San Francisco Symphony takes on film composer John Williams' greats in this two-night concert. Music from Star Wars, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Jurassic Park, and some song from the only good movie Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise made together, Far and Away. Fans should note that unlike other performances, these concerts will not be accompanied by film clips. San Francisco Symphony, Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave, Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., $39+.

SATURDAY, JULY 8

SCARY COW FILM FESTIVAL: Check out a new collection of short films created by Bay Area film makers at this audience-judged cinematic event. Makers of the best shorts - as voted by you - will receive money for future projects. Following the screenings, score a $25 festival pass and stick around for a reception to celebrate the awesome local movie-making community. Castro Theatre, 429 Castro Street, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., $10 - $25.





KING OF THE STREETS: The San Francisco Lowrider Council brings us the KiNG of the Streets 2017, a family-friendly parade of beautiful cars, a hopping contest, and a post-event cruise down Mission Street. Everyone follows the rules of this (completely awesome) event, including no attitudes and no alcohol - so come correct. Make sure you arrive in time for the HOP contest at 2 p.m. Fort Mason Pier, 2 Marina Blvd., 11 a.m., free.

FRENCH FRY FEST: Broke Ass Stuart brings us word of a French Fry Festival going down (your gullet) at SoMa StrEat Food Park. Enjoy fry-based specials from the park's numerous food vendors, a $35 all-you-can-drink beer bust from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., a French fry eating contest (!), and a DJ spinning fry-eating music all afternoon. SoMa StrEat Food Park, 428 11th Street, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., $5.

SUNDAY, JULY 9



BAD AXE THROWING: Ever wanted to toss an axe like a sexy Wild West ranch hand? Now's your chance as Bad Axe Throwing brings their open house to the back room of a Kung Fu academy. Bring your own food and drinks (really) to this free axe throwing lesson and throwing session held all weekend long. 30 Hill Street, Daly City, Friday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., free.



Queer Comics Expo (Image: Facebook)

2017 QUEER COMICS EXPO: This annual event and fundraiser for the Cartoon Art Museum celebrates queer culture and promotes diverse queer representation in comics, animation and beyond. Legend of Korra illustrator Irene Koh is the exposition's special guest and the First Annual Prism Awards to Recognize LGBTQAI+ Comics and Creators will be celebrated throughout the weekend. SOMArts, 934 Brannan Street, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., $10 - $25, kids under 12 are free.

MONDAY, JULY 10

FERMENTED PICKLE WORKSHOP: Pickles are delicious. Learn how to make them at this fun and informative workshop led by UC Master Food Preservers. The hour-long class (brought to us by the folks from the Dogpatch Center for Arts & Culture) will give students the basics of pickle-making along with a jar of pickles to ferment at home. This class is for pickle fans aged 13 and up. Spark Social SF, 601 Mission Bay Boulevard North, 7 p.m., $20.

THE MELVINS: Immediately following Friday's release of their double album, "A Walk With Love & Death", The Melvins bring their beloved punk-metal sound to San Francisco's Great American Music Hall. In the meantime, check out this super trippy trailer for the album. Spotlights open the show. Great American Music Hall, 859 O'Farrell Street, 8 p.m., $25+.
Millennials don't like staying home at night! That's the basic take-away from a new survey from a site called Bankrate and their fairly judgey-sounding Millennial blogger nicknamed The Cashelorette, and picked up by the San Francisco Business Times. According to the survey conducted last month, speaking to an undisclosed number of younger Millennials aged 21 to 26, 54 percent say they eat out "at least three times a week," and go out to a bar at least once a week. Add to that people's coffee habits, which among this group amounts to 30 percent buying brewed coffee from a retail outlet about three times a week.

Compare that to the average American who says they dine out only about once a week, as the Business Times notes. (And according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted in February, that number may in fact be dropping.)

The Cashelorette translates this data about her age cohort to "we're spending a lot of money on vices," even though food from a restaurant shouldn't really be called a vice, and her overall set of tips is great in theory for people trying to save money, but there is more to life than eating pasta at home, and cooking anything elaborate can often cost you more in ingredients than grabbing a quick burrito or slice of pizza, particularly if you're shopping at Whole Foods or Bi-Rite.

And nightlife in American cities is suffering enough at the hands of lazy, Netflix-watching, Tindr-using Millennials without scolds like this 24-year-old blogger telling everyone to conserve their cash for later and live a more sober life!

So, keep on living your lives, I say. Support your city's restaurants and bars and interact with the world outside your phones! A third of you (in the Bay Area) are still living off your parents anyway. You can start saving money next year.

Related: Does Anyone Go Out Anymore?: San Francisco Nightlife In The Age Of Netflix And Chill

31.5% Of Bay Area Millennials Live With Their Parents




A man who stored his computers in his garage is now without the devices, after a thief broke into his residence to steal the items.

Police say that the incident happened at some point between 11 p.m. on July 4 and 8 a.m. on July 5, on the 2100 block of 35th Avenue, which is between Quintara and Rivera Streets.

According to the San Francisco Police Department, the 52-year-old male victim had several computers stored in the garage of his residence. But after a thief broke into the victim's vehicle, which was parked outside, it was open season on the home: The victim had apparently left his automatic garage door opener in the vehicle, making it a snap for the wrongdoer to push a button and enter the garage.

Once inside the residence, police say that the suspect stole multiple computers the victim had stored in the garage.

Police did not have any information on any possible suspects, and confirmed that no arrests have been made in the case.

The SFPD, including their Taraval Station (the area in which the current crime occurred) has warned area residents for years not to keep their automatic garage door openers in their cars. In a blog post entitled "Crime Prevention Tips - Garage Safety" from 2015, the Taraval Station offered the following suggestions (more can be read here):


At least three people walking in the Tenderloin Wednesday were robbed of their jewlery, all within hours and just a few blocks.

According to the San Francisco Police Department, the first in the trio of muggings happened at 1:35 p.m. Wednesday, on the sidewalk near the intersection of Hyde and O'Farrell Streets.

Police say that a man in his 30s attacked a 63-year-old woman, throwing "her to the ground" and snatching the jewelry she was wearing.

The victim was transported to an area hospital for injuries police say are not life-threatening. The suspect fled on foot, and was last seen headed east on O'Farrell.

Just a few hours later, at 3:30, a second crime: This one near the intersection of Polk and Ellis Streets.

In that case, a man in his 30s snuck up behind his 57-year-old male victim, and "snatched his chain from his neck," police say.

The victim suffered minor injuries in the mugging, police say, but refused treatment. The suspect evaded police, and remains on the loose.

Just 15 minutes later, a third jewelry theft hit the area, this one on the 500 block of Leavenworth Street, which is between O'Farrell and Geary Streets.

In this case, two suspects, both males in their 30s, approached a 65-year-old woman who was walking on the sidewalk.

One of the men, police say, "grabbed [the victim's] purse off of her shoulder and the other ripped her necklace off of her neck."

All in all, the crime team got away with the woman's purse, sunglasses, necklace, and identification, as well the the necklace she'd been wearing.

The attack left the victim with injuries police say are not life-threatening, and she declined treatment. The suspects fled on foot, and are at large as of publication time.

Police have not confirmed if they believe the three cases to be related, but say that no arrests have been made in any of the thefts. They urge anyone with information on any of the crimes to contact their anonymous tip line at at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 with SFPD at the beginning of the message.

Related: Miscreant Stabs Man In Mission During Struggle Over Necklace
Tourism experts forecast that the service industry in Southeast Asia will get an extremely fast increase as its turnover was US$22 billion in 2015 and will be US$90 billion by 2025,



The Day focused on main themes related to online tourism, such as the development and an inevitable trend of online tourism, information exchange, experience and business sharing.

Vu Quoc Tri, Chief of Office of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), said that the development of IT revolution and social networking have made online tourism to grow strongly. With the result, enterprises must kick off quickly their online business to get access to a global market.

Vietnam welcomed more than 10 million international visitors in 2016, placing at the 5th position among ASEAN countries and accounting for one-third of Thailands total international arrivals.

The Politburo has issued Decree No.08 on developing tourism to become a key economic sector. The industry is expected to attract 17-20 million foreign tourists and 82 million domestic visitors, contributing 10 percent to the country's gross domestic product (GDP), earning US$35 billion and creating 1,6 jobs by 2020. The key economic sector is hoped to be listed at the top of ASEAN countries with a huge number of international arrivals by 2030.

By THI HONG  Translated by Kim Khanh
iStock/Thinkstock(LOGANVILLE, Ga.) -- A Georgia woman was arrested Thursday morning after police say she fatally stabbed her husband and four young children.



According to the Gwinnett County Police Department, responding officers found a man and four young children dead at a home in Loganville, a small town situated some 35 miles east of Atlanta. A fifth child was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.

A woman, whom police described as the "mom/wife," has been detained.

Homicide update: 1 adult male & 4 young children are deceased, 1 child transported to hospital with serious injuries. Mom/wife detained. pic.twitter.com/rlVJRJavCQ  Gwinnett Police Dept (@GwinnettPd) July 6, 2017

Cpl. Michele Pihera said in a press release that the specific ages of the children or a motive for the "horrendous crime" remains unknown.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
 Expand Photo via westown.org

On Tuesday, July 11 at 12 p.m., Downtown Milwaukee BID #21 will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to reveal the Wisconsin Avenue utility box murals. Created by Chicago-born artist, Mauricio Ramirez, the Wisconsin Avenue utility box murals will capture the history and progress of the avenue.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be located at the site of two murals, 411 E. Wisconsin Ave, and will include remarks from Mayor Tom Barrett, Beth Weirick, CEO of Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21, and others involved in the project. There will also be live performances by DJ Shawna and Lex Allen, as well as lunch from local food truck vendors.

The Wisconsin Avenue utility box mural project includes 10 utility boxes that have been transformed across Wisconsin Avenue and nearby streets. The project is one of several artistic initiatives working to transform Wisconsin Avenue. Others include the current Sculpture Milwaukee project and the upcoming Lighting the Avenue.

For more information on the ceremony visit http://www.milwaukeedowntown.com/
MOVILLE, Iowa | A Hornick, Iowa motorist died at Mercy Medical Center Wednesday night after a single-vehicle accident.

Robert Karl Schantz, 65, was traveling Westbound on Highway 20 when his vehicle entered the median and hit a crossover at Humboldt Avenue.

The Woodbury County Sheriff's Office was dispatched to the scene at 6:18 p.m. The Moville ambulance and Woodbury County Emergency Services treated Schantz at the scene, and he was later airlifted to Mercy.

An investigation into the crash by the Woodbury County Sheriff's Office is ongoing.

PREVIOUS STORY:

MOVILLE, Iowa | A male has sustained serious injuries in a single-vehicle accident in Woodbury County Wednesday evening.

Major Todd Wieck, with the county sheriff's office, said the accident took place in the 2800 block of Highway 20 near Moville after 6 p.m.

Wieck said the male driver left the roadway and rolled. The serious injuries he sustained in the crash caused him to be flown to Mercy Medical Center -- Sioux City.

The unidentified male was the lone passenger in the vehicle.

Traffic was restricted while multiple agencies responded.

The sheriff's office and the Iowa State Patrol is investigating what caused the accident, Wieck said.
SIOUX CITY | A celebrated Miami restaurateur will mingle with guests at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on July 14-15, when he visits and does a "restaurant takeover" of the Main + Abbey restaurant.

Sean Brasel, founder of the popular Miami steakhouse Meat Market, also will be at the Hard Rock's new Wine Bar to talk with guests about his take on the tapas menu offered at the bar.

Brasel will prepare special dishes during his Main + Abbey restaurant takeover on July 15, including Prime Rib Carpaccio and Char Roasted Oyster Rockefeller.

Its very exciting for us to be able to host Chef Brasel at Main + Abbey, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino General Manager Todd Moyer said. His style of cooking and culinary techniques closely align with the offerings at Main + Abbey. Im confident our guests will enjoy this special menu he has prepared.
BATTLE CREEK, Iowa | Mark Twain's leap to fame is traced to a tall tale about a jumping frog.

"The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," published 150 years ago, springs to mind as I vault to Ida County on Tuesday for Battle Creek's 38th annual Fourth of July Frog Jumping Contest.

It's not merely a day for celebrating green leapers under blue skies. There's the July 4 parade through town, showing people still MAKE floats, a bit of a lost art, really. There's also a friendly softball tournament featuring players in jeans, sweats, and a few silly outfits, as well as inflatable games, corn hole contests and more.

St. John's Lutheran Church has two groups, among others, serving food outside the school. The Battle Creek Fire Department shoots fireworks at dusk, thrilling hundreds who collect on the hillside west of the ball fields.

"People bring their trucks the night before and park them so they have a good spot to watch fireworks," Tamie Blackmore, of Battle Creek, tells me.

Five years ago I trekked to Battle Creek on an early July night, around 11 p.m., to find frog foragers Don Bremer and Adam Swanger directing a band of pals to ponds and creek beds in search of frogs locals would "rent" for a $1 as they participated in the July 4 contest. I knew I'd return someday to watch the action unfold.

New York City has a July 4 hot dog eating contest covered by ESPN. Battle Creek has frogs and your Sioux City Journal scribe.

"This was a good year for frogs," Bremer says from his press-box perch over the OA-BCIG High School softball diamond. "I don't know if it was the weather or what, but we really had an easy time finding frogs this year. And the frogs are bigger this year."

As a boy, Bremer participated in this contest, one founded by the Maple River Riders, a local saddle club, in 1981. When interest from club members waned a few years back, Bremer, a pilot who resides in Sioux City, joined Battle Creek buddies Swanger and Troy Wingert in seeing the tradition continue.

Eighty-six enter the contest this year, most of them opting to rent a frog from a cage beyond the third-base dugout. The $1 rental fee helps pay for prizes and trophies. "If you rent a frog, just return it and we'll get them back in their ponds," Bremer advises.

Caitlin Mumm, of nearby Odebolt, Iowa, escorts her daughter to home plate, which is covered by a green mat of artificial turf. There's a circle at one end of the mat and Wingert advises Mumm's daughter, Gwen Mumm, age 3, to place her frog in the circle. He and Swanger will measure how far the frog has gone after three leaps. Contestants have up to 45 seconds to encourage their frog to burst forth from the circle. They do so by shouting, stomping their feet, or blowing on the back of the amphibian.

Mumm's frog needs no encouragement. He (or she) jumps 51 inches, immediately.

"I've been doing this since I was her (Gwen's) age," says Caitlin Mumm, a Battle Creek native.

Adam Snyder, also of Odebolt, carries son Jordan Snyder, 23 months, to the mat. Jordan's eyes widen as his frog bounces down the first-base line. Adam grabs Jordan and jumps, mimicking the frog, three lords a leapin'.

"I dated and then married into this," Adam Snyder says as he joins his wife, Jodie Snyder, near the on-deck circle for a post-jump Q&A.

Jodie, you see, is Don Bremer's sister. She won this contest when she was a girl, following in her brothers' footsteps, past champs all.

"My brothers have trophies shaped like a frog," she says. "My trophy is bigger, but it isn't frog-shaped. We used to have the trophy upstairs, but it's in the basement now."

"She's so proud of that darn trophy," Adam says, shaking his head, mildly bewildered.

The couple's 3-year-old, son Jackson, also competes this day, a day of parade floats, frogs and fireworks. Who could ask for more?

"I remember coming to Battle Creek for the fireworks, but I'd never done the Frog Jumping Contest before we started dating in 2006," Adam says, smiling while surrounded by Bremer family members and all manner of excitable frogs.

When the dust settles on this tradition, Don Bremer lauds winners as volunteers distribute trophies and prizes. And while 86 have come to compete, some stomping their feet, others wincing away, the all-time record, set in 2015, still stands, a 182-inch standard belonging to Jason Bremer and the frog he snared for a July 4 staple down Battle Creek way.
SIOUX CITY | A Sioux City man was sentenced to 20 years in prison Thursday for having sexual contact with a young girl.

Trent Warner, 27, pleaded guilty in Woodbury County District Court to two counts of lascivious acts with a child.

In addition to the prison sentence, District Judge Duane Hoffmeyer ordered Warner to register with the Iowa Sex Offender Registry for life and also serve a special sex offender sentence in which he will be on lifetime parole after completing his prison sentence. If he were to violate terms of the special sentence, he could be sent to prison.

Warner admitted that on April 3, he had sexual contact with the girl, who is under age 10, while they were parked in his vehicle in the 1000 block of Nebraska Street. He also pleaded guilty to having sexual contact with the girl on another occasion between Feb. 1 and April 11 in a trailer home in Sioux City.
SIOUX CITY | A Sioux City man has been sentenced to 90 days in jail for punching a woman in the face and breaking her nose.

Jeremy Sabatka, 32, pleaded guilty Monday in Woodbury County District Court to one count of domestic abuse assault.

The remainder of Sabatka's two-year prison sentence was suspended. He was credited for 53 days already spent in jail. District Judge Duane Hoffmeyer also placed Sabatka on two years probation.

According to court documents, Sabatka was arguing with the mother of his child on Dec. 31 at a home in the 2200 block of Hanford Street when he became upset and punched and elbowed the woman in the face, breaking her nose and giving her two black eyes.

Sabatka also put his hands around the woman's throat and left marks on her neck, court documents said.
WEST POINT, Neb. | A father and son charged in the stabbing death of a Rosalie, Nebraska, man claim in new court filings that there is insufficient evidence to support the charges against them.

A third person also has been charged in connection with the death.

Derek Olson, 27, of Oakland, Nebraska, has filed a plea in abatement and motion to quash charges filed in connection with the death of Ernest Warnock, 64, whose body was found inside the burned rubble of his rural Rosalie home on March 11. Olson is charged with second-degree murder, accessory to a felony, use of a weapon to commit a felony, first-degree arson and cruelty to an animal.

Olson's father, Jody Olson, 47, also of Oakland, has filed a plea in abatement in relation to his charges of second-degree murder, accessory to a felony, use of a weapon to commit a felony and first-degree arson.

Both men were scheduled to be arraigned Thursday, but those hearings were continued until a judge can rule on the new motions. Hearings on those motions were scheduled for July 18.

Derek Olson's attorney, Thomas Donner, of West Point, said in a plea for abatement filed Wednesday that there is insufficient evidence to support the accessory and murder charges filed against him. In his motion to quash, also filed Wednesday, Donner asks that the charging document filed in the case be dismissed because those two offenses are "conflicting, contradictory, incompatible and irreconcilable."

Jody Olson's plea in abatement, filed Monday by his attorney, Douglas Stratton, of Norfolk, Nebraska, seeks the dismissal of the charges against him because of a "lack of sufficient evidence that the crime has been committed and there is a lack of probable cause to believe that this defendant committed that crime."

According to court documents, Nebraska State Patrol troopers determined that Olson and his father, Jody Olson, had been at Warnock's home before they had been pulled over in a traffic stop in Dakota County the same day the fire at Warnock's home was reported.

Derek Olson is accused of stabbing Warnock several times during an altercation at Warnock's home. An autopsy showed that Warnock was dead before his home was set on fire.

On Wednesday, authorities arrested Becky Weitzenkamp, 41, of Oakland, on charges of accessory to a felony and first-degree arson. A complaint filed in her case said that Weitzenkamp had been at Warnock's home with Derek and Jody Olson and that she bought a can of lighter fluid at a Bancroft, Nebraska, convenience store and drove Derek Olson back to Warnock's home to set the fire.

Weitzenkamp is scheduled to appear Wednesday in Cuming County Court.
CHEROKEE, Iowa | The new director of the Iowa Department of Human Services took his first tour of the Cherokee Mental Health Institute Wednesday morning.

Jerry Foxhoven, appointed by Gov. Kim Reynolds earlier this month to succeed veteran director Chuck Palmer, came away impressed with the sprawling 115-year-old campus on the west side of the Cherokee County seat.

"I'm very impressed with the work they do," Foxhoven said.

The Cherokee Mental Health Institute is one of two surviving mental hospitals in the state, along with the Independence Mental Health Institute in Independence, Iowa. They were spared the axe in 2015, when two other mental hospitals -- in Clarinda and Mount Pleasant - were shuttered by the state.

The closures came as then-Gov. Terry Brandstad pushed the state to transition from from institution-based to community-based treatment.

That trend, along with a tight state budget, left Cherokee leaders worried about the future of the Mental Health Institute, one of the county's largest employers with more than 170 jobs.

The Cherokee Mental Health Institute is expected to admit about 180 adults and 320 children and adolescents in 2017, according to a state report.

The campus also houses the state's only Civil Commitment Unit for Sexual Offenders, and generally handles cases too difficult for local hospitals to handle.

"Certainly, I think there's a need for it here," Foxhoven said of the Cherokee facility.

Iowa Department of Human Services spokeswoman Amy McCoy said the role of state hospitals like Cherokee's has changed a lot in the past century.

In 1902, when the hospital opened, there were few practical options to treat any mental illness, so patients were more often sent to institutions like Cherokee. The hospital's peak population was in 1949, when it held roughly 1,300 patients.

Today, advanced psychotropic medications mean that many patients who would have gone to Cherokee in the 20th century can be treated at a local hospital, and can more easily live at home without incident.

"Most people will never need (mental) hospital-level care," McCoy said.

Patients sent to state institutions today, she said, tend to be more-severe cases -- and even they won't live there forever. The average adult patient stays for 42 days, while the average youth stays for eight days.

"We see this as really the highest level of care someone may need in a psychiatric break or crisis," McCoy said.
STORM LAKE, Iowa | Around 9 p.m. Wednesday night, the Storm Lake Police Department responded to an altercation at the intersection of West 10th Street and Ontario Street in Storm Lake. Ten or more people were involved in the fight, according to a press release from the department.

Upon arrival, police found and detained several people. Prior to their arrival, the group had ganged up on one individual, who fled, according to the release.

The 16-year-old male victim was found several blocks away, but declined to cooperate with police.

One of the detained group, a 15-year-old male, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, and released to a parent.
Todays top picks from our online calendar. Find more events at siouxcityjournal.com/calendar.

Downtown Live

Grab your friends and a lawn chair and head to the front lawn of the Sioux City Public Museum tonight from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to hear some live music. Chill out with food, beverages and a different live band Thursday night. Admission is $3. The party starts right after work, so get there quick...you wont want to miss a beat!

Building Bridges to Better Lives

An exhibit focusing on the East Bottoms beginning of the almost century-old Mary J. Treglia Community House is on display at the Betty Strong Encounter Center. The Encounter Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. For more information, call 712-224-5242.

Hidden Works of Jay 'Ding' Darling

A traveling exhibit featuring the works and personal artifacts of the pioneering conservationist, creator of the Duck Stamp and two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist who grew up in Sioux City and started his career at the Sioux City Journal. Visit siouxcitymuseum.org for hours of operation.
The Nebraska-born mountain lion rolled into its new Indiana home Friday afternoon like a rock star  with an entourage. In early October, it had crossed the Missouri River, walked across most of Iowa and was nearing the Mississippi River.
With the first Fourth of July holiday since the Legislature legalized fireworks in Iowa and the City Council adopted a fireworks ordinance for Sioux City having passed, it's time for a review by local leaders.

Based on what we saw and heard ourselves and heard from other city residents, we believe changes are warranted.

Our thoughts?

1) The City Council should significantly shorten the window of days during which residents can shoot off fireworks for the July 4 observance.

Ten days strikes us as far too many days to force residents who like fireworks to tolerate those who don't. America isn't celebrating its independence on June 25.

One suggestion: Two days of fireworks - July 3 and 4.

2) Police should beef up enforcement of the local ordinance. By beefed-up enforcement, we mean a no-tolerance policy toward fireworks offenders. In other words, no warnings; you violate the fireworks ordinance, you get a citation and fine.

The police department should publicize its get-tougher approach. Sometimes, the simple act by law enforcement of telling the public it intends to crack down harder on something can have a positive impact.

Finally, the police department should consider providing a hotline to make it easier for residents to report fireworks violations.

3) Individual citizens must exercise greater personal responsibility. That includes communicating with and extending courtesy to neighbors, practicing safety, not discharging fireworks on public property, only discharging fireworks during the time frame allowed by the local ordinance and cleaning up. No one possesses a constitutional right to shoot off fireworks. It's a privilege city leaders can and should rescind if widespread abuses continue.

As we have said before in this space, our view of legalized fireworks in Iowa is mixed. We understand both sides of this discussion.

We acknowledge majority support for fireworks among Iowans and appreciate the economic benefits of capturing part of a business Iowa loses to border states (including Nebraska and South Dakota) each year, but we sympathize with residents who want their neighborhoods free of them.

As a community, we should strive to strike a better local balance between supporters and opponents of fireworks before our country marks its next birthday.
THE MINI: My parents always told me that one is judged by the company they keep. perhaps Governor Reynolds and Senator Grassley should think about that before they appear along side of Donald Trump. --James Weber, Westfield, Iowa
SIOUX CITY | P is for Palmer Candy.

It can also stand for "Perfect place."

That's the kind of description you get from Jim and Joyce Young, of Monroe, Michigan, who make a pit-stop (the letter "P" you see) at Palmer's Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe every time they return to Sioux City.

"You can't get Twin Bings in Michigan," Joyce said. "Maybe writing a story about this will help."

The Youngs, like tens of thousands of other current and former Sioux City residents, make sweet tracks to the shop at Wesley Parkway, an 11-year-old facility that features a sales floor, museum/video wing, landing area and specialty shop. Rows and rows of chocolate-covered everything bring smiles to shoppers from all over the country, if not the world.

Former President Bill Clinton visited and satisfied his sweet-tooth after a November 2016 campaign stop in Sioux City.

On a recent June morning, Jon Sadler, manager at Palmer's Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe, shook his head in disbelief at the dozens of customers roaming the sales floor.

"When it's 90 degrees outside, we should not be this busy," Sadler said, echoing comments he's heard from those who work in his line of business. "And yet, we've got 72 people stopping here today at 4 p.m."

Sadler said the modern standard at Palmer's took place when 150 customers showed up at the same time. Sadler did what he could to keep everyone happy; part of the group watched a 12-minute video detailing the history of the Palmer Candy Company, which was founded in 1878. The other half roamed the aisles, relaxed in the landing area (near antique chocolate-making machines) or browsed selections in the specialty shop.

"There are times when the parking lot is full and there's not one Woodbury County license plate represented," Sadler said.

This site, he contended, rates tops in Sioux City for hometown tourists.

The Youngs would agree. It's a must for them to stop every time they return to their hometown. Other family members, they said, make that part of their standard operating procedure as well.

The Palmer Candy Company began in 1878 when a fire destroyed the dry good store of Edward Cook Palmer in St. Joseph, Michigan. Rather than rebuilding, Palmer packed up his family and moved to the blossoming frontier town of Sioux City, Iowa. Palmer bought a wholesale grocery operation and with it came a fruit and confections line.

Palmer expanded the candy manufacturing end and began selling bulk and hard candy out of wooden containers in the back of their fruit house. In 1900, the company established a new location at 209 Douglas St.

The firm reached a new level in 1923 with the introduction of Palmer Candy's Bing candy bar, still a Midwest favorite.

Other expansions would follow resulting in production in two Sioux City factories and, in 2007, the relocation of Palmer's Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe to a 1931 Art Deco building at 405 Wesley Parkway.
Waterpark bandit

STORM LAKE, Iowa | Like a waterpark Peter Pan, steal from the rich and give to the dry.

Police charged a 17-year-old girl with first-degree theft after they say she stole more than 1,100 waterpark wristbands from King's Pointe Resort in Storm Lake last month.

In total, the wristbands carried a value of more than $17,600.

According to a news release, resort staff reported the theft June 26, alleging that the 17-year-old girl, of Storm Lake, had taken a large number of wristbands that provide entrance to the park on June 21.

Someone had reportedly seen her handing out the wristbands at the Snack Shack in Awaysis Park, 1409 E Lakeshore Drive, and staff confronted her and recovered 1,178 wristbands valued at $17,670, the release said.

The release said police investigated the incident and believe the girl stole the wristbands with the intent to give them to friends and sell them. Police arrested her Tuesday afternoon and charged her with first-degree theft.

The girl has been released to a parent pending a court date. The case has been forwarded to the juvenile court authority.

That's a lot

SPENCER, Iowa | Wowza.

A Greenville, Iowa, man faces felony charges after police say he was in possession of more than 532 grams of different illegal drugs.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office said on June 12 a search warrant was executed on Justin Ries, 48, and his 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee in an alley in Spencer, Iowa.

The search led them to a property at 1108 Main St. in Greenville. A short time later, the H.E.A.T Tactical Team, sheriff's office, and Spencer Police Department made entry into the Greenville property.

As a result of the search, Ries was found to be in possession of 361.65 grams of pure methamphetamine, 169.76 grams of marijuana, 0.51 grams of a fentanyl/heroin mixture, drug paraphernalia and $24,874 cash, the release said.

Ries was charged with possession with the intent to deliver over five grams of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and failure to affix a drug tax stamp. All are class D felonies.

He was booked into the Clay County Jail and held on a $25,000 cash only bond.

The release said the investigation is ongoing and additional arrest are expected.
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.
BepiColombo to Uncover Mercury's Mysteries. Airbus Defence and Space

Mercury remains the most mysterious planet of our inner Solar System. BepiColombo, Europes first mission to Mercury, will set off in October 2018 on a journey to the smallest and least explored rocky planet in our Solar System.

The European Space Agency (ESA), the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Airbus  the industrial prime contractor leading a consortium of 83 companies from

16 countries  laid out the scientific goals of the mission and presented the impressive four element spacecraft, in a final viewing before its launch next year. Piled up in a 6.4 metre high stack, the 4 tonne BepiColombo spacecraft is close to finishing its test campaign. It will be shipped to Europes spaceport Kourou in French Guiana in March 2018.

The Suns glare makes it impossible to study Mercury in detail using telescopes and the extreme heat and proximity to the Sun make it hard to reach. So far, only two NASA missions have visited Mercury: Mariner 10 in the 1970s and Messenger, which orbited the planet from 2011 until it ran out of fuel in April 2015.

ESA and JAXA have teamed up for the mission BepiColombo. Named after the Italian professor Giuseppe Bepi Colombo, who was instrumental in making the Mariner 10 mission such a success, the mission is made up of two separate orbiters, the Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO supplied by ESA) and the Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (MMO supplied by JAXA).

The BepiColombo mission will examine the peculiarities of Mercurys internal structure and magnetic field generation, and how it interacts with the Sun and solar wind. It will investigate surface features and chemistry, such as the ice in permanently shadowed craters at the poles. The missions science will significantly improve our understanding of the formation of our Solar System, and the evolution of planets close to their parent stars.

Today is the last time that the complete stack will be on view in Europe. After testing the connection and separation systems with the Launch Vehicle Payload Adaptor System from Arianespace in late July the spacecraft will be disassembled by testing its module separation systems. Additional functional and performance checks will follow the mechanical test programme and then a final thermal test of the Transfer Module will be performed in November. At the end of March 2018, the spacecraft will be shipped to Kourou. Once in French Guiana, the team will reassemble the stack and install it on the Ariane 5 launch vehicle, with launch scheduled for October 2018. After a seven-year cruise, the Transfer Module will be ejected and the remaining modules will reach Mercury in December 2025.

Additional Information for Editors

The BepiColombo Spacecraft

As prime contractor for ESA, Airbus is responsible for designing and building the Mercury Planetary Orbiter and all other European spacecraft hardware. Engineers have created a stacked spacecraft, so that both orbiters can travel to Mercury as one unit, served by a dedicated propulsion module for the transfer, the Mercury Transfer Module (MTM), also designed and built by Airbus.

To travel from Earth to Mercury involves slowing the spacecraft and allowing the Suns gravity to pull the spacecraft towards it  thereby reducing the size of the orbit. To arrive at the correct speed to be captured into orbit by Mercurys gravity, the spacecraft must slow by 7 km/s  this is seven times the thrust needed to reach Mars. BepiColombo achieves this braking by means of nine planetary fly-bys (1 x Earth, 2 x Venus, 6 x Mercury) and the use of an Electric Propulsion System (especially developed for the mission) to provide 4 km/s of the braking.

After seven years of travel, and 18 orbits around the Sun to enter Mercurys orbit, the MTM will be ejected and the Mercury Planetary Orbiter will take over propulsion tasks. By means of a free gravity capture the stack will swing into orbit around Mercury and then descend successively to the scientific orbits. The Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter will be spin ejected in its orbit before the sunshield is ejected and the Mercury Planetary Orbiter descends further to its target orbit. The orbiters will then conduct the most thorough examination of Mercury yet undertaken.

Cool(ing) solutions for hot stuff

As it is only 58 million kilometres from the Sun, Mercury presents a special challenge to visiting spacecraft. During the day, the planets surface is baked to temperatures of 450 Celsius or more, hot enough to melt some metals. So spacecraft in orbit not only have to cope with the immense heat of the Sun, but also with the infrared radiation emitted by the hot planet.

In consequence, Airbus engineers have covered every external surface of ESAs Mercury Planetary Orbiter, except for the single radiator side, with high temperature multi-layered insulation. The material, made up of 50 layers of ceramics and aluminium, was especially designed for the BepiColombo mission. The antennas are made of heat-resistant titanium, covered by a newly developed coating. As the MPOs mission is to investigate Mercurys surface, one side will always be facing the planet, so that the instruments can monitor the surface at all times, whilst the radiator faces away from the planet into deep space to reject heat.

Airbus Involvement

The prime contractor is Airbus in Friedrichshafen, Germany, with responsibility for the system design and realization, functional verification and the overall project management. The Stevenage, UK, team provided the structure and thermal systems for the MPO, and was responsible for the design and build of the MTM. Airbus in Madrid-Barajas, Spain, supplied the MTM structure.

The Electric Propulsion System employs 2 PPUs (Power Processing Units) developed by Airbus in Tres Cantos, Spain. These 48 kg units process 5 kW power each with which to drive the ion engines of the Electric Propulsion System. The PPUs are designed such that the 2 units can operate simultaneously any 2 of the 4 ion thrusters with which the propulsion module is equipped.

The MPO Solar Array, provided by Airbus in Ottobrunn, Germany, is a high temperature design operating at maximum 190C, with specially developed components designed to be compatible with the thermal conditions. The solar array can deliver 2 kW. The thermal control of the array is achieved by a unique design involving a mix of cells and OSRs (glass mirrors) which occupy 17 percent of the panel area. The solar array is kept in a safe temperature range by controlling the tilt and continuously rotating the array as the spacecraft orbits Mercury.

The MTM Solar Arrays, provided by Airbus in Leiden, The Netherlands, are also of high temperature design operating at maximum 190C and use the same technologies as the MPO. Whilst approaching the sun the solar array output increases, accompanied by an increase of temperature. Once the array temperature has reached 190C (at about 0.5 AU) the array must be tilted, thereby reducing its projected area and limiting its output. The two wings total 40 m2 and have a mass of 290 kg.

Notes for editors: You can download photos, videos, footage, infographics and interviews at:

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Six $40,000 Ohio Sires Stakes divisions for freshman filly pacers were contested on a humid Wednesday evening (July 5) at Scioto Downs.

Prsntpretynperfect surprised both the fans and her trainer as she paced to a steady 1:55.4 mile in the first sires stakes contest with Chris Page at the lines. The daughter of Big Bad John is owned by Jennifer Brown and conditioned by her husband, Brian. The brash filly had a pair of satisfactory qualifiers over Delawares half-mile oval prior to her pari-mutuel debut at Scioto.

Jenny bought this filly at the Sunbury sale for $7,000, Brian offered. She wasnt a real big filly and she still isnt that big of a horse, but shes been a good horse from Day One. She wasnt the type that stood out but she did everything rightshe trained down well, is easy to take care of and very professional on the racetrack.

Bred by Carl Howard, Prsntpretynperfect was sent off at 19-1 odds and returned $40.60 on a two-dollar win ticket, and finished three-quarters of a length ahead of 7-1 Tenwillgetutwenty (driven by Jason Brewer). The 5-1 Tur Lura Lural notched third for driver Kayne Kauffman.

The great thing about this filly is theres simply no quit in her, Brown added.

Prsntpretynperfect is out of the Towners Big Guy mare Wildfire Princess and is a full sister to Prince Giovanni p, 3, 1:54.4h ($60,954) and to Banderbear p, 3, 1:53.3f ($23,075).



Prsntpretynperfect, pictured victorious during sires stakes action at Scioto Downs on July 5, 2017 (Conrad Photo)

Ryan and Nichole Stahls Lucille Amarone captured the second sires stakes division in 1:55.2. Kent Sherman trains the chestnut daughter by The Panderosa, who scored her first career victory in as many tries. Leaving the gate at 7-1 odds, Lucille Amarone bested 7-5 Tiffany Rock AS (Chris Page) by a length, with 5-1 Lily Grace third (Tyler Smith).

After we bought this filly last year, I didnt have anything to train her with, in terms of company, so I gave her to Kent (trainer Sherman) and hes done a great job of getting her to the races, Stahl, the fillys driver, explained.

Lucille Amarone is the ninth foal out of the Pacific Rocket mare Pacific Bay p,4,1:53.3f ($179,035) and is a half-sister to Million Dollar Bay (Million Dollar Cam) p,4,1:55.1f ($218,236), Smithers (Sand Shooter) p,5,1:53.f ($92,088) and Ralph (Sand Shooter) p, 3, 1:54s ($32,583), etc.

John Poppes JP Silver stormed to a commanding 1:55.4, near five-length triumph in the third sires stakes event. Driven by Jeff Nisonger for trainer Chris Hope, the homebred grey McArdle lass upped her career earnings to $22,004 with her second lifetime victory in as many starts. Missplacedrock (Jason Brewer, 9-2) was second, while 7-5 Checks On The Way was third for Jeremy Smith.

Shes been phenomenal since Day One, Poppe, a resident of Wapakoneta, OH, stated. Jeff gave her a perfect trip and didnt abuse her. She was just cruising in the lane.

JP Silver, the 3-1 choice, is the eighth foal out the Jeg Laag mare Wings Of Silver p,3,1:57.3h ($20,513) and is a half-sister to Silver River (Red River Hanover) p,7,1:54.3f ($70,398) and to JP Oscar (Stand Forever) p,2,1:54.2s ($37,033).

Kay Again rewarded her backers at 5-2 as she swept to victory for Chris Page and trainer Mike Roth. The homebred Dragon Again filly is owned and was bred by Alan Keith of Pataskala, OH and stopped the timer in 1:53.4 in her first triumph in two tries.

Kay Again finished three-quarters of a length in front of 7-2 Believe In Waco (Art McIlmurray), who had led throughout most of the mile before being caught by the winner. Grimalkin, a 37-1 longshot, finished eight and half lengths back for Josh Sutton.

As the fourth foal out of the Real Desire mare Warrawee Kay, Kay Again is a full sister to Kays Dragon Lady p,3,1:54f ($187,215) and has half-siblings in: Kays Delight (Bettors Delight) p,2,1:54.4f ($51,392) and Challenge Accepted (Somebeachsomewhere) p,3,1:53.2f ($26,990).

Danny Noble guided Bad Girls Rule to a 1:54, wire-to-wire clocking for the 3rd Floor Stables of Springboro, OH in the fifth sires stakes event. Trained by Jim Dailey, the daughter by World Of Rocknroll picked up her second straight victory as she had previously won a Scioto Downs overnight on June 21 in 1:57. Her career earnings now stand at $24,750.

Bad Girls Rule, at 3-1 odds, finished one and a half lengths in front of 9-2 Shadows On Time (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.), while 2-1 Thrill Seeker got up for third with Mike Wilder in the sulky. Bad Girls Rule is the second foal out of the unraced Allamerican Native mare Bad Girls Club and is a half-sister to Light One Up (Woodstock) p,3,Q1:58f ($22,688).

Big Bad Goldie got a perfect trip to emerge victorious for Chris Page and trainer Tye Loy in 1:55.1 in the final sires stakes test, holding off 9-2 Shakewhatmamagaveu (Ronnie Wrenn, Jr.) gamely by a head. Merciless finished a solid third at odds of 6-1 for driver Tyler Smith.

The 9-1 mild longshot, a Big Bad John filly bred by Midland Acres, is owned by the Ohio-trio of David Wills, Richard Coad and Doug Gregory. She is the third foal out of the tough Camluck mare, Goldies Cam p, 4, 1:54.1h ($155,915) and has half-sisters in Goldies Mach (Mach Three) p,3, 1:53.3s ($160,767) and Goldies Bad Girl (Badlands Hanover) p,5,1:55.1s ($58,309).

(OSDF)
Global Mission for Children Launches an Innovative Christian Crowdfunding Platform

Contact: James Miller, Founder/Volunteer, Global Mission for Children / Take Care of Others , 941-920-0149WAUCHULA, Fla., July 6, 2017 / Standard Newswire / -- Global Mission for Children, a Christian mission serving in Africa & Asia is pleased to announce the launch of their Crowdfunding site Take Care of Others . Their listing fee is just 4% (plus normal PayPal processing fees) and 50% (2%) of the listing fee is donated directly to the mission fields which greatly differentiates them from other platforms.GMFC was launched by James Miller and his wife Michelle in May 2012 and has spiritually and financially supported indigenous missionaries in Kenya, Bangladesh and beyond on a volunteer basis since their inception. Being a smaller ministry, they were looking for innovative ways to help others while raising much needed funds to support their mission. Hence, Take Care of Others is formed.James Miller, the founder and webmaster states "one of the hardest things we found was to raise money in the traditional fashion, so, we birthed a crowdfunding platform unlike any other available today. It's a win-win for the Christian community knowing that 50% of the listing fee is used for the Kingdom of God." He continued "the ability to host pre-screened, moral causes is a blessing as it will directly benefit many lives worldwide. We will be promoters of the fundraisers too as their success helps us fund our dear indigenous missionaries who share the Gospel day and night."The similarities to other popular crowdfunding platforms include hosting individuals and organizations fundraising needs online and a feature-rich back office which tracks donations, tools to share over social media, email, etc. The front end displays their fundraiser which they can share with a unique URL. They can choose the amount they want to raise, a date to end the fundraiser, etc. They also pay the owner of the fundraiser immediately as donors give (some platforms only pay when/if the fundraiser hit's it's stated financial goal).Since it's inception in May 2012, GMFC has and continues to support indigenous missionaries around the world concentrating on Africa and Asia where they have established mission fields. They have funded and built churches, schools, orphanages, and support widows and brethren on an ongoing basis. They have recently started farms to help the communities they serve become self-sufficient all for the glory of Jesus.
Kari Goodman has a doctorate in evolutionary biology and has been a consultant for the Department of Defense. But now the Longview native studies pet poop  an endeavor that could improve the health of 9 million dogs and cats across the nation.

Over the course of her career, the 1994 Mark Morris High School graduate has tracked endangered species, studied Hawaiian insects that evolved into different species and picked up the complicated programming language Python. And yet, she didnt initially plan on studying any type of science.

I went to college at the University of Montana not even knowing I was a scientist, Goodman said. I didnt have any scientists in my family, so I had never really been exposed to them.

Goodman discovered that she enjoyed ecology and biology, so when she graduated she moved to San Diego to be a consulting ecologist for Tierra Data Inc. After three years surveying the habitats of endangered species, Goodman felt that she had reached the limit of her skills and decided to continue her studies.

Goodman went on to earn a PhD in environmental science, policy and management from the University of California-Berkeley. Her postdoctoral research focused on evolutionary biology and genetics.

What you can do with DNA sequence data and the patterns that you can understand from that are so interesting, Goodman said. I really fell for it.

Goodman was on track to become a university professor, but she decided to switch to the private sector so she wouldnt have to move her two small children out of the Bay Area.

At about the same time last fall, a friend from her time at UC-Berkeley, Holly Ganz, was starting up AnimalBiome. Ganz, a microbial ecologist, started KittyBiome years earlier to address digestive disorders in house cats by examining fecal matter to look for known disorders.

Through her research, Ganz discovered that about 9 million cats and dogs live with chronic digestive disorders. There is not a lot of information about the microbial makeup of animal guts, even though pet owners spend $4.5 billion annually on medications for their animals, according to Ganz.

Goodman joined AnimalBiome last December as chief data scientist and uses her skills to find DNA sequences in the microbiomes that are known and those that have not been discovered yet.

A microbiome is the community of all the little things that live on and in us, Goodman said. The gut microbiome helps digest food, so microbial imbalances can lead to health imbalances.

AnimalBiome collects these microbiome samples through pet owners who use a $99 test kit to send in a sample of their animals stool.

After the DNA is extracted from the stool and sent to a sequencing facility, Goodman cleans up the information and matches it with known organisms. This information is then sent back to the customer.

As a result, AnimalBiome builds a database to monitor trends and the customer gets to see the microbial makeup of their puppy or kitty.

Goodman puts it more simply: When people send in (dog or cat) poop, we find out whats living in it and then provide access to their data.

One solution AnimalBiome offers for low diversity microbiomes is a fecal transplant pill that reintroduces healthy bacteria into the microbiome of a sickly animal.

Some people spend no money on their pets, but there are some people that do really consider a pet part of their family, Goodman said. (They) want them to be healthy and will treat them accordingly. I know those people are out there.

Pets dont have to be sick to participate.

In fact, were hoping to get lots of different kinds of animals but hopefully lots of healthy animals, too, Goodman said. Its really important to us to see whats living in healthy animals.

Healthy microbiome samples help Goodman compare what should be in pet guts and what might be causing problems.

Theres a lot of undiscovered microbial matter out there, Goodman said. Using DNA sequencing technology and computational power, were able to look at these things for the first time.

Next AnimalBiome hopes to grow the healthy bacteria that they have identified and create targeted probiotics to market to veterinarians.

Discovering new organisms and tracing how they evolved is thrilling for Goodman and gives her a chance to be on the cutting edge of evolutionary biology.

As someone into biodiversity, I love this.
With more than five years of experience as an emergency room nurse, Phaedra Crane has seen her fair share of firework-related injuries at St. John Medical Center.

Some of Cranes war stories are hard not to find humorous, like when a man she saw last year who had to be sent to the Oregon Burn Center after inserting a Roman candle between his buttocks.

Others are tragic, like the 19-year-old she treated a few years ago who blew both of his hands off with an M-80 explosive.

Its officially burn season again at PeaceHealth, when the hospital braces for a spate of firework-related injuries as Cowlitz County celebrates the Fourth of July with legal and illegal explosives  and alcohol  often in some combination.

Probably for about five days each side of the Fourth is when we really see most of them, Crane said.

Last year the hospital said it treated seven people for burns from fireworks. But the real number of firework-related injuries is probably much higher, as many people injured by fireworks treat themselves at home.

According to the Washington State Fire Marshal, there were 226 fireworks-related injuries across the state last year  a 40 percent increase from the previous year. Nationwide, fireworks were involved in an estimated 11,100 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2016, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commissions annual firework report, released last month.

Crane is one of six PeaceHealth St. John emergency nurses to have recently completed advanced training at the Oregon Burn Center as part of a partnership between the two medical centers. The facilities collaborate by using a system that transmits photos of burn injuries, which allows the burn centers doctors to give PeaceHealth an immediate opinion on an injury. Depending on the diagnosis, patients are then treated in Longview or transported to the burn center.

The vast majority of injuries are burns, primarily to the hands, fingers, head, face, eyes and ears, according to CPSC.

While they may seem harmless enough, sparklers and firecrackers account for nearly 40 percent of all firework-related injuries.

Crane said shes seen a number of injuries resulting from people placing bottle rockets in their mouths.

She said a coworker at another hospital even had a patient die after sustaining fatal injuries from a sparkler bomb he made by taping 1,000 sparklers together.

CPSC says there were an average of 7.1 fireworks-related deaths per year between 2001 and 2016.

With some of these things, they think because its being sold to them or its just a sparkler, it cant do anything bad, she said. Sparklers have magnesium in them, so when theyre all bunched together its a bomb, she said.

Crane said that while burns can be extremely painful, infection is actually the biggest threat because burns destroy skin, which serves as the bodys layer of protection.

And its not just firework-related burns PeaceHealth sees during around this time of year.

Crane said theres also an increase in campfire burns as people flock to state and national parks during the summer months.

People even visit the emergency room seeking treatment for first- and second-degree sunburns, she said.

Most of the second-degree burns are sustained by children who are outside playing without sunscreen, she said. With adults, its usually been someone whos dozed off after drinking too much alcohol.

Crane said the best way to treat a burn at home is to immediately place the affected area in water, which will help stop the burn and soothe the pain. But if the burn seems serious, she said its always best to seek medical attention.
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tech2 News Staff

A cyber attack on email accounts of British lawmakers last month is likely to have been by amateur or private hackers rather than state-sponsored, European government sources said.

The private email accounts of up to 90 of the 650 members of Britain's House of Commons were targeted in late June, with some news reports suggesting that the attack was carried out by a foreign government, such as Russia.

However, cyber security experts had found that the hackers only managed to access accounts of lawmakers who used primitive and easily discovered passwords, the sources, who are familiar with the investigations into the attacks, said.

It remains unclear who did carry out the attack, they added. Investigators hope the hack will convince politicians and other public figures to use more sophisticated passwords for their email and other online activities.

British authorities are not commenting publicly on the progress of investigations, but an official cautioned after the hack was discovered that "cyber threats to the UK come from criminals, terrorists, hacktivists as well as nation states."

This report comes after Ukraines state security service (SBU) said on 1 July that the Russian security services were involved in a recent cyber-attack that hit Ukraine, saying the aim was to destroy important data and spread panic.

With inputs from Reuters
hidden

Danish shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk expects container shipments to be back to normal early next week, it said on 6 July, 2017, as the impact of last week's cyber attack extends into its third week.

Maersk, which handles one in seven containers shipped globally, said this week it had restored its major IT systems, but was still handling a backlog of orders and was working to bring operations at its ports back to normal.

"Where we are pleased with the progress we have made to be able to serve customers well on exports, we are very aware that the import experience has not yet been fully brought up to the level it should be," Maersk said in a statement.

"We have a tight and ambitious plan that would lead us to be fully up to as close to normal business on serving imports by early next week," it said.

It also said customers would still experience a slower response than normal as it catches up with a continued backlog of orders, while customers' ability to track shipments handled by Maersk was still unavailable.

Reuters
30 RMG workers injured in road accident

BSS, Chittagong :



At least 30 garments workers were injured in a road accident in Shantirhat area on Chittagong-Cox's Bazar highway under Patiya Upazila of the district on Wednesday morning.

Of the injured persons, 23 were rushed to Chittagong Medical College and Hospital (CMCH), said Amir Hossain, Nayek of CMCH police outpost. The condition of two female workers is stated to be critical, hospital sources said. Police said the accident occurred in the area at about 8 am when a Patiya- bound bus carrying RMG workers fell into a roadside ditch as its driver lost control over the wheel, leaving 30 passengers injured. Locals and police rescued the wounded people and sent them to CMCH. Police seized the bus but its driver and helper managed to escape.
Teenage boy chopped to death in Comilla

BSS, Comilla :

A teenage boy was chopped to death and two others injured by one of his friend over previous enmity at Lalchandpur village under Monohorganj upazila of the district on Tuesday night.

The deceased was identified as Yusuf Kazi, 14, son of Wazed Kazi resident of the area.

Police said on Tuesday night around 9 pm Yusuf and Rahmat along with Neyamat and Sohel, residents of the same village, were having chats among themselves over the previous enmity.

At one stage, Rahmat chopped Yusuf, Neyamat and Sohel with a sharp weapon, leaving the trio critically injured.

Later, the injured were admitted to a local hospital while Yusuf succumbed to his injuries, said officer-in-charge (OC) Shamsuzzaman of Monohorganj Police Station.
Britain's FM wants to tweet like Trump

Reuters, Edinburgh :

Donald Trump's approach to politics "has gripped the imagination of people around the world", British foreign minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday, joking that he would like to be allowed to tweet as much as the U.S. president.

Johnson, famous for his gaffe-prone diplomacy, laughed off a question from the BBC that Trump was not "pretty unpredictable and a bit scary".

"I think actually that Donald Trump's approach to politics has been something that has gripped the imagination of people around the world," Johnson said.

"(Trump) has engaged people in politics in a way we haven't seen for a long time with his tweets and all the rest of it. I certainly wouldn't be allowed to tweet in a way that he does much as I might like to," he said.

"I can see my Foreign Office minders here looking extremely apprehensive."

UK's Boris Johnson Says China Must Put Pressure On North Korea - Report

The United States said on Wednesday that it was ready to use force if necessary after Pyongyang test-launched a ballistic missile.
US prepared to use force on North Korea `if we must`: UN envoy

US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley speaks during a Security Council meeting on North Korea at the UN headquarters in New York on Wednesday.

Reuters, United Nations :

The United States cautioned on Wednesday it was ready to use force if need be to stop North Korea's nuclear missile program but said it preferred global diplomatic action against Pyongyang for defying world powers by test launching a ballistic missile that could hit Alaska.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told a meeting of the U.N. Security Council that North Korea's actions were "quickly closing off the possibility of a diplomatic solution" and the United States was prepared to defend itself and its allies.

"One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces. We will use them if we must, but we prefer not to have to go in that direction," Haley said. She urged China, North Korea's only major ally, to do more to rein in Pyongyang.

Taking a major step in its missile program, North Korea on Tuesday test launched an intercontinental ballistic missile that some experts believe has the range to reach the U.S. states of Alaska and Hawaii and perhaps the U.S. Pacific Northwest.

North Korea says the missile could carry a large nuclear warhead.

The missile test is a direct challenge to U.S. President Donald Trump, who has vowed to prevent North Korea from being able to hit the United States with a nuclear missile.

He has frequently urged China to press the isolated country's leadership to give up its nuclear program.

Haley said the United States would propose new U.N. sanctions on North Korea in coming days and warned that

if Russia and China did not support the move, then "we will go our own path." She did not give details on what sanctions would be proposed, but outlined possible options.

"The international community can cut off the major sources of hard currency to the North Korean regime. We can restrict the flow of oil to their military and their weapons programs. We can increase air and maritime restrictions. We can hold senior regime officials accountable," Haley said.

Diplomats say Beijing has not been fully enforcing existing international sanctions on its neighbor and has resisted tougher measures, such as an oil embargo, bans on the North Korean airline and guest workers, and measures against Chinese banks and other firms doing business with the North.

"Much of the burden of enforcing U.N. sanctions rests with China," Haley said.

The United States might seek to take unilateral action and sanction more Chinese companies that do business with North Korea, especially banks, U.S. officials have said.

China's U.N. ambassador, Liu Jieyi, told the Security Council meeting that the missile launch was a "flagrant violation" of U.N. resolutions and "unacceptable."

"We call on all the parties concerned to exercise restraint, avoid provocative actions and belligerent rhetoric, demonstrate the will for unconditional dialogue and work actively together to defuse the tension," Liu said.

The United States has remained technically at war with North Korea since the 1950-53 Korean conflict ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty and the past six decades have been punctuated by periodic rises in antagonism and rhetoric that have always stopped short of a resumption of active hostilities.

Tensions have risen sharply after North Korea conducted two nuclear weapons tests last year and carried out a steady stream of ballistic missile tests

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said the ICBM test completed his country's strategic weapons capability that includes atomic and hydrogen bombs, the state KCNA news agency said.

Pyongyang will not negotiate with the United States to give up those weapons until Washington abandons its hostile policy against the North, KCNA quoted Kim as saying.
Atiur joins CUB as Professor Emeritus

Dr. Atiur Rahman, former Governor, Bangladesh Bank joined at Canadian University of Bangladesh (CUB) on Wednesday last as Professor Emeritus & Virtual Dean, School of Business. It is to be mentioned that he is also an honorary adviser to the Board of Trustees, Canadian University of Bangladesh.

Dr. Atiur Rahman was welcomed by Dr. Chowdhury Nafeez Sarafat, Founder & Chairman, BoT, Canadian University of Bangladesh and Professor William H. Derrenger, Vice-Chancellor, Canadian University of Bangladesh. Among others, S. M. Arifuzzaman, Associate Professor and Head, Business School and Md. Latiful Khabir, Assistant Professor, School of Business, Canadian University of Bangladesh were also present on the occasion.


Are robots replacing humans in finance jobs?

Nafis Alam and Graham Kendall :

The year is 2030. You're in a business school lecture hall, where just a handful of students are attending a finance class.

The dismal turnout has nothing to with professorial style, school ranking or subject matter. Students simply aren't enrolled, because there are no jobs out there for finance majors.

Today, finance, accounting, management and economics are among universities' most popular subjects worldwide, particularly at graduate level, due to high employability. But that's changing.

According to consulting firm Opimas, in years to come it will become harder and harder for universities to sell their business-related degrees. Research shows that 230,000 jobs in the sector could disappear by 2025, filled by "artificial intelligence agents".

So, are robo-advisers the future of finance? Many market analysts believe so.

Investments in automated portfolios rose 210 per cent between 2014 and 2015, according to the research firm Aite Group.

Robots have already taken over Wall Street, as hundreds of financial analysts are being replaced with software or robo-advisors.

In the US, claims a 2013 paper by two Oxford academics, 47 per cent of jobs are at "high risk" of being automated within 20 years - 54 per cent of lost jobs will be in finance. This is not just an American phenomenon. Indian banks, too, have reported a 7 per cent decline in head count for two quarters in a row due to the introduction of robots in the workplace.

Now, banks and financial institutions are rapidly adopting a new generation of Artificial Intelligence-enabled technology (AI) to automate financial tasks usually carried out by humans, like operations, wealth management, algorithmic trading and risk management.

Such is the growing dominance of AI in the banking sector that, Accenture predicts, within the next three years it will become the primary way banks interact with their customers. AI would enable more simple user interfaces, their 2017 report notes, which would help banks create a more human-like customer experience.

Customers at Royal Bank of Scotland and NatWest, may soon be interacting with customers with the help of a virtual chatbot named Luvo. Luvo, which was designed using IBM Watson technology, can understand and learn from human interactions, ultimately making the flesh-and-blood workforce redundant.

Meanwhile, HDFC, one of India's largest private-sector banks, launched Eva. India's first AI-based banking chatbot can assimilate knowledge from thousands of sources and provide answers in simple language in less than 0.4 seconds. At HFDC Eva joins Ira, the bank's first humanoid branch assistant.

Similarly, Emirates NBD in the UAE recently introduced EVA, the bank's Virtual Assistant to assist the customer both via Phone Banking and Facebook Messenger. She is the first in the Mena Region and one of the few in the world who can converse with the customer naturally as voice during phone banking.

AI has also made inroads in the investment industry, where, many financial analysts say, a sophisticated trading machine capable of learning and thinking will eventually make today's most advanced and complex investment algorithms look primitive.

Goodbye, human fund managers.

Universities are now revising their educational blueprint to adapt to this technological disruption in the finance job market. Both Standford University and Georgetown University business schools are planning to offer so-called "fintech" in their MBA programs, hoping to teach students how to become masters of financial technology. And the Wales-based Wrexham Glyndwr University has announced the launch of the UK's first undergraduate degree in fintech.

Still, it is not clear that AI and automation will actually prove advantageous for banks. Too much reliance on AI could backfire if financial institutions lose the human touch most customers favour.

There are other risks, too. Robo-advisers are cheap and save time when creating a simple investment portfolio, but they may struggle to take the correct precautionary measures when markets become volatile, especially when thousands, maybe millions, of machines are all trying to do the same thing while operating at great speed.

High expectations for the performance of these well-programed robo-traders could also cause chaos in the key trading centres around the world.

There is no single algorithm that can combine multiple volatile variables with a multidimensional economic forecasting model that works for all investors. Expecting that could prove a potentially fatal error for financial markets.

And how will investors be protected when robots make the wrong decision? The SEC's rules, created to protect investors, require that advisers adhere to a fiduciary standard by which they unconditionally put the client's best interests ahead of their own. US regulators have asked whether it is practical for robots to follow rules when their decisions are generated not by ratiocination but by algorithms.

This conundrum demonstrates one fact clearly: it is hard to completely replace humans. There will always be demand for a real live person to act as check when and if our robots go rogue.

(Nafis Alam is Professor of Finance, Sunway University and Graham Kendall is Professor of Computer Science and Provost/CEO/PVC, University of Nottingham. Courtesy: The Conversation)
Trump has made America lose world leadership and the world unsafe

THE world never seemed as bitterly divided as during the pre- hours leading to the G-20 summit to be held in Germany's Hamburg today. From the apparent disagreements and disruptions from one president - it also looks the world is going through a serious leadership crisis. The world order is suddenly off the hinges. Though the German Chancellor Angela Merkel has stated, she wants the summit to focus on key international issues such as climate change, free trade and an unfettered press - in short, all the key topics standing dead-against Mr. Trump.



Nevertheless, it is more than surprising, that after all domestic and international disruptions followed by a spree of hate speeches full of rhetorical threats and populist emotions - the 19 members of the G-20 are still optimistic about the summit's outcome. They seemed to be living in a fool's paradise.



The point, however, the new US president by now has clearly put divisions by sowing the seed of mistrust and resentment throughout many parts of the globe. Ranging from the Middle East to the shores of the Korean peninsula now seems like almost on the verge of a massive military confrontation. Muslim unity in the Gulf is seriously at stake. Futures of crucially important topics like Climate Change and continental and international trade agreements have become seriously uncertain. It's all continuing since the majority of world leaders continue to cater to the perilous and whimsical views of one man while ignoring the danger which is fast affecting the global order and peace.



We fear, if the major 19 powers of the world do not unite and stand against the tyrant in today's G-20 summit, Mr. Trump would aim for even more unwarranted resentment and chaos.



We understand that the selected topics for the summit are important, but even more important would have been - if the leaders could have stopped the new man in the White House from creating further global anarchy. Take for instance what's happening surrounding the fate of the oil-rich small state of Qatar. It is not only the sad tale of a group of Arab powers standing against one of their neighbour influenced by Trump's ill-boding of Muslims, but the boycotting of Qatar will likely lead to more regional disruptions.



Moreover, all of a sudden America's relations with its key allies - many of them are in the G-19 team - are now standing at an all time low. It will not be surprising to see the global leadership to be suddenly replaced by either Germany or China.



If the key players in the summit continue to ignore and avoid the stated ominous realities they will be directly fuelling all the blatant and irrational massively corrupt attempts of a tyrant.



Yes it's true, in terms of economic strength and military might America tops the world. That supremacy, however, doesn't give the carte blanche to its president to indulge in global and self-destructive schemes. We call for the world leaders to make the president realise - the world is not the United States of America and the collective strength of the 19 major powers supersedes the total American strength - in all aspects.



American people have to do something about stopping President Trump who has no idea of leadership for the free world. He is not only undermining world leadership role of America, he is contributing to making the world unsafe. Brutal undemocratic forces, even a country like North Korea is defying America and world peace and Trump is sitting alone.






GCC Mayor Mannan suspended for 3rd time

Staff Reporter :

The government on Thursday suspended for the third time Gazipur City Corporation Mayor MA Mannan.

Following an order of the Supreme Court, Mayor Mannan resumed his office on June 18 after 28 months of suspension.

The Gazipur Mayor was first suspended on August 19, 2015 and then on April 18 last year.

The Local Government Division on Thursday issued a notification in this regard as a lower court accepted charges against Mannan in a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for misusing power and embezzling state money, said Zakir Hossain, Public Relations Officer of the LGRD and Cooperatives Ministry.

Mannan was being removed because of a charge sheet submitted against him by the Anti-Corruption Commission, the circular said.

He was arrested on February 11 in 2015 from his residence at Baridhara in Dhaka in a case filed in connection with petrol bomb attack on a passenger bus.

The Mayor rejoined his office as the High Court stayed the government's order on his suspension. The government later submitted leave-to-appeal petition, but the Supreme Court dismissed it.
No initiative to recover ill-gotten money

The government will go for legal action over the illegal money depositing by some Bangladeshi nationals with the Swiss banks, if the Bangladesh Bank (BB) shows interest about the matter.

"Only the Financial Intelligence Unit [FIU] of the central bank has the authority to initiate an investigation over the siphoning off money. So, if the BB wants, the government will take initiatives for legal step in this regard," Attorney General Mahabubey Alam said on Thursday.

The statement of State's Chief Law Officer came at a time when the ruling Awami League government has been facing widespread criticism at home and abroad over the large-scale money laundering by the local billionaires with the Swiss banks.

Quoting the latest data of the central bank of Switzerland, a report recently carried out by local and international media, said the amount of money deposited by Bangladeshi nationals with the Swiss banks has increased by 10 per cent in 2015.

The report said total funds held by the Bangladeshis with the Swiss banks stood at CHF [Swiss francs] 559.25 million or US$ 571 million last year. That means, the amount is almost double to the annual budget of some ministries, including Food Ministry for 2017-18.

In an instant reaction, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia had accused the ruling party men of siphoning off their ill-gotten huge money and demanded the government to disclose the names of those Bangladeshis who deposited the money with the Swiss banks.

The BNP Chief said: "Around taka five thousand five hundred crore has been siphoned off this year. Newspapers ran reports that many Bangladeshis have deposited huge money with the Swiss banks. We want to know the identities of those who did it and the amount of their money."

Although the Attorney General has shifted the responsibility of investigation on the shoulder of FIU of BB, the High Court in a verdict given in last June categorically said that Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) could conduct inquiry over any alleged money laundering.

Earlier, the ACC had lost authority to conduct investigation over money laundering in line with the 'Money Laundering [Amendment] Act, 2015' which was passed in 2015. According to the amended Act, the authority of investigation was awarded to BB's FIU and Criminal Investigation Department [CID] of Police.

Significantly, neither the Financial Intelligence Unit, nor the CID could dispose off any one of the cases since the formulation of the law for the reasons best known to them.

The ACC, however, regained its authority to conduct investigation into money laundering case following a HC verdict given by a two-member bench led by Justice Enayetur Rahim on June 20. The BB, earlier, claimed that initiatives had been taken to bring back money from the Swiss banks, but the latest data showed that nothing was done in this regard. Not only that, it (BB) also failed to make any correspondence with SNB, its counterpart in Zurich, till date.

According to the data provided by SNB, the total money held in the Swiss banks by all their foreign clients from across the world dropped by nearly four per cent or over CHF 58 billion to CHF 1.41 trillion. But deposit by Bangladeshis has increased by 10 per cent.


Ctg going under ocean!

Water-logging turns worse, prices of essentials hiked: Humanitarian crises feared

Flood situation takes a serious turn as 900 villages went under the flood waters and incessant rains. This photo was taken from Cox\'s Bazar -Teknaf Road on Thursday.

Badrul Ahsan with Sarwaruddin, Chittagong Bureau :

Civic life of the port city Chittagong mostly paralysed following the month-long incessant monsoon rains coupled with excessive release of preserved water from Kaptai Hydro Electric project dam and high tide in the sea due to global warming.

Besides, poor quality of capital dredging in the rivers and cannels and absence of sluice gates in the origin points of cannels also blamed for the deteriorating situation.

Although the situation worsens during the rainy season, most parts of the city also stay under water for hours every day even in dry season due to tidal effect of the sea and in absence of any preventive measures by the government to manage the water.

According to victims of different residential and commercial areas like Khatungonj, Bahaddar Hatt, Chandgaon, Chaktai, Pathar Ghata, Bakulia, Halis Sahar and Agrabad stay under water for hours almost every day during tide in the sea.

They also said that new areas of the city being added to the situation gradually.

The worsening situation has long been seriously hampering business, education and other regular activities of people in the port city.

Businesses and residents of the city said rising of water level in the sea and absence of capital dredging of rivers and cannels are the main reasons behind the situation.

"Khatungonj is the main business centre of Chittagong but now-a-days it remains under ankle-deep to waist deep water for three to five hours every day. Can you say how we can continue our business in such a situation," Delip Kumar, a hole-seller of the area told The New Nation on Thursday.

"If the government would take step for capital dredging and build sluice gate in different origin points of cannels then the situation could be brought under control. But it seems that there is none to look after the sorrows of the city dwellers," he added.

"If the government doesn't take steps to bring the situation under control than the whole city might be paralysed within the next five years," he cautioned.

"Most of the parts of the city go under water and people of the areas remain stranded for several hours even in the dry season. Our regular activities have been seriously hampered," Sultana Sahida Akhter, a mistress of Naw Bahini Govt. Primary School at Bandar Tilla said. "The situation has been worsening gradually. We have heard about tidal water in other parts of the city four to five years back.

But now it has become our own reality," she added.

"Besides, poor drainage system also linger the water logging even after a long period of tide," Sahida opined, adding even we can not go outside our residences to purchase essential commodities due to water-logging.

However, AZM Nasir Uddin, Mayor of Chittagong City Corporation could not be reached despite attempts on several times for his comment on the issue

A high official of the corporation preferring anonymity said the office keeps a big chunk of money every year's budget for dredging but the situation is worsening only due to mishandling of the fund.

"It is clear that if we could utilize the fund properly, then the situation would surely improve," he added.

"The weak point of dredging is that general people cannot assume anything about the activity. Only stake holders can know whether the work has been done accordingly or not. But you know better about our weakness about evolution of any government work," he said.

The official said the rise of sea water level is due to the global warming that is difficult to tackle on the part of Bangladesh alone. Meanwhile, the official said a MOU has been signed in this connection with a Chinese construction firm.

About 900 villages in the district have reportedly gone under flood water due to the nearly month-long monsoon rains. Meanwhile, the port city witnessed incessant rain for the last three days which almost paralysed the normal activity of the city dwellers. And the Sea became rough.

Lightering of cargo remained suspended at outer berth of Chittagong Port. Ship congestions feared in the port as unloading activities in port hampered due to incessant rain. Besides, several flights have been cancelled at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong and could not land three international flights here due to inclement weather.

The Meteorological Department has recorded 145mm rainfall till 3:00pm in the last 24 hours. Specifically, flow of water, high sea time and rise of water level in rivers of Karnaphuli and Halda witnessed flowing above danger level which caused severe water-logging since Monday.

The low- lying areas of the port city, including ground floors of the building, shops and business houses, badly damaged by the rain water accompanied with high tide of the sea. Most of the areas inundated with knee-deep to waist-deep water in the city's main business hub of Agrabad and the low-lying areas of the city and outskirts of city. Plying of city buses, public transports except paddle run rickshaws remained stranded in the submerged areas.

Meanwhile, capitalizing the situation, a section of traders and whole-sellers increased prices of the vegetables, essential commodities instantly in the kitchen markets.

The unscrupulous venders, whole-sellers and retainers are taking advantages of maximum benefits centering the sudden natural calamities.

District Agri Officer Aminul Hoque Chowdhury told The New Nation that the major vegetable produces in Chandanaish, Dohazari, Satkania, Banskhali, Sitakunda,Raozan, Rangunia , Fatikchari and the vegetable fields in these area damaged badly by incessant rain and hence the scarcity of vegetable will be witnessed this year.

Conscious circles observed that the government should provide commodity items like rice, wheat, flour, onion, garlic, sugar in the affected areas with fair price sale for certain period to relieve their miseries.


Saima Wazed made WHO Goodwill Ambassador

UNB, Dhaka :

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's daughter Saima Wazed Hossain has been appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador for World Health Organization (WHO) for Autism in South-East Asia region for a two-year period.

As WHO Goodwill Ambassador, Saima will be promoting the Thimphu Declaration which also emphasises integrating the needs of autism-affected people into national health and socioeconomic development plans, said Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia.

"With Ms Hossain's efforts and support, WHO aims to put autism high on the health agenda of countries in the region to address this public health challenge," she added.

In the last one year, championing for the cause of autism for WHO, Saima facilitated the 'Thimphu Declaration' on autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders in an international conference in Bhutan in April last.

The declaration calls for a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach, with a focus on strengthening national capacities in health, education and social care sectors to provide effective services and support to people with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Earlier, in recognition of Saima Wazed's work for advancing autism in Bangladesh, WHO South-East Asia Regional Office honoured her with the Excellence in Public Health Award in September 2014.

She was designated as WHO Regional Champion for Autism in May 2016.




Arab states` demands unacceptable, Erdogen

REUTERS, PARIS :

President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday reaffirmed Turkey's support for Qatar in its dispute with four other Arab states, saying their demands against the tiny Gulf nation were unacceptable.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt accuse Qatar of supporting terrorism and allying with regional foe Iran, charges Doha denies, and have cut diplomatic and commercial ties.

At a meeting in Cairo on Wednesday the four nations' foreign ministers refrained from slapping further sanctions on Qatar but voiced disappointment at Doha's failure to comply with their 13 demands after the expiry of the deadline. "When it comes to this list of 13 items ... it's not acceptable under any circumstances," Erdogan said in an interview with France 24 television. Some of the terms were tantamount to "stripping" Qatar of its statehood, he added. Among their demands is for Qatar to end an accord under which Turkey maintains a military base in the Gulf state. "We remain loyal to our agreement with Qatar. If it requests us to leave, we will not stay where we are not wanted," he said through an interpreter, adding there had been no such request.

Turkey, the most powerful regional country to stand by Qatar, has sent 100 cargo planes with supplies since its neighbors cut air and sea links. It has also rushed through legislation to send more troops to the military base in Doha. Two contingents of Turkish troops with columns of armored vehicles have arrived since the crisis erupted on June 5. Erdogan, who was speaking ahead of the G20 leaders summit in Hamburg later this week, also took a swipe at the United States saying its arming of "terrorist" Kurdish groups would backfire and that it would be impossible for Washington to recover heavy weapons as it has promised to do so.

He also said Ankara was ready to carry out ground operations in northern Syria against Kurdish forces if it felt threatened. The head of the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia said on Wednesday that Turkish military deployments near Kurdish-held areas of northwestern Syria amounted to a "declaration of war" which could trigger clashes within days. "If there is a threat against us, our troops will conduct any operations with the Free Syria Army on the ground," Erdogan said when asked whether Turkey was prepared to intervene against the Kurds.

Elsewhere in Syria, Erdogan said he was optimistic on the implementation of de-escalation zones that are under discussion in the Kazakh capital Astana with Russia and Iran. He said he would discuss the next steps with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the G20 summit in Germany.

Erdogan added that he hoped the Astana talks would pave the way for political negotiations under U.N. auspices in Geneva, but said Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had no future in the country. Russia and Iran are both allies of Assad. "Of course he has to leave," Erdogan said. "Those who want Assad to remain are still going after their interests in Syria."




An Iraqi woman carries a child while fleeing from the Old City of Mosul during the Iraqi government\'s offensive to retake the city from Islamic State fighters.
Demonstrators descend on east London against acid attacks and Islamophobia

The Evening Standard :

Scores of demonstrators gathered to protest against recent acid attacks and Islamophobia in east London.

Protesters carrying banners that read: 'stop racist attacks' and 'no racism' descended in their numbers on Stratford train station on Wednesday evening.

A minute's silence was held in solidarity with the victims of several recent acid attacks on Muslims in the capital, with demonstrators calling for change.

The demo came after police confirmed a horrific substance attack on an aspiring young model and her cousin in Newham was being treated as a hate crime.

Resham Khan and Jameel Muhktar, 37, were attacked by a man throwing acid through their car window on Ms Khan's 21st birthday in Beckton on June 21.

Bothwere left with life-changing injuries after the horrific attack, which Mr

Muhktar said he believes was "something to do with Islamophobia."

Speaking for the first time after the incident, he said: "Maybe he's got it in for Muslims because of the things that have been going on lately. I don't know if people are trying to retaliate. We're innocent people. We didn't deserve that.

"I've never seen this guy in my life. I don't have any problems with anybody. My cousin is 21, she's a business student. Why would anyone do that to us?"
Qatar cannot be blamed for rejecting impossible conditions

Editorial Desk :

The Gulf crisis involving Qatar is set to further widen to show that Arab countries are enough to destroy them while their enemies will look on. They know how best they can harm each other when they are enjoying peace and prosperity only at a small distance from a bunch of other countries in the region fighting long civil wars.

The chance for ending the crisis missed again on Wednesday when the Foreign Ministers of four Arab states --Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE and Egypt vowed in Cairo to continue the boycott blocking Qatar's access to outside world by land, air and sea. Doha blamed the 13-point demands as an aggression and insult on its sovereignty. In fact no country can accept such demands and we believe all Muslim

countries together must take a move to end the crisis before it further escalates.

We believe demand like closure of Al-Jazeera TV network cannot be in the interest of Muslim countries. Qatar has set up an international broadcasting network that no other Muslim country was able to put into service to highlight Islamic world. We suggest that the quartet must agree to dialogue that Qatar offers to end the crisis.

Qatar is an independent country; which has every right to run its foreign policy and intuitions. So it should also have the right to maintain good relation with any other country including Iran. In fact Iranian businessmen had also used Dubai as their conduit to outside world when Iran was languishing under international sanctions. The fact is that as many believe the recent visit by US President Donald Trump to Saudi Arabia has encouraged the regional allies to open new front blaming Qatar for funding terrorism. Many fear that the regional countries have stepped into the trap that the US has created and it may bring them further disaster at the end.

What is true is that Qatar has been funding a rebel group in Syria but Saudi Arabia is also funding another group like Turkey and the USA lending material support to their own rebel groups fighting Assad regime. Meanwhile, disclosure of a British think tank on Wednesday that blamed Saudi Arabia for funding terrorism in the UK made the blame game within Arab camps more harmful to each other. Riyadh has immediately turned down the accusation as baseless but the fact is that their mutual fighting has opened door to others to bring further harm to them if the feud continues.

The presence of the leaders of some political outfit groups of the region in Qatar like Hamas, fighting Israel for independence is agitating the four on their internal security ground. But once they had also sheltered them and their ouster now will make Israel more happy.

CNN quoted a Professor of Georgetown University early this week as saying that there are 'more reasons behind the reason' that prompted Qatar's neighbours to put the siege. The fact is that Qatar's success in international forum is irritating them.

The Arab countries are fighting over Qatar which they should resolve among themselves by being reasonable. They have been instigated by Donald Trump who should not be taken seriously as well-wisher of Muslims.


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T3 Magazine/Getty Images (TIJERAS, N.M.) -- A smart home device alerted authorities to an alleged assault at a residence in New Mexico earlier this week.



Eduardo Barros was house-sitting with his girlfriend and her daughter Sunday night at a residence in Tijeras, some 15 miles east of Albuquerque. The couple got into an argument and the altercation became physical, according to the Bernalillo County Sheriff Department's spokesperson, Deputy Felicia Romero.



Barros allegedly wielded a firearm and threatened to kill his girlfriend, asking her: "Did you call the sheriffs?" A smart speaker, which was hooked up to a surround sound system inside the home, recognized that as a voice command and called 911, Romero said.



The sheriff's department said deputies arrived on scene and were able to remove the woman and her daughter from the residence. The woman sustained injuries from the altercation but was not taken to a hospital. Her daughter was unharmed, according to Romero.



A crisis negotiation team, as well as a SWAT team, were deployed to the home and were able to take Barros into custody after an hours-long stand-off, Romero said.



Authorities said the smart device potentially played a life-saving role in the incident.



The unexpected use of this new technology to contact emergency services has possibly helped save a life. This amazing technology definitely helped save a mother and her child from a very violent situation," Bernalillo County Sheriff Manuel Gonzales III said in a statement to ABC News.



According to court documents obtained by ABC News, Barros is facing charges of possession of a firearm or destructive device by a felon, aggravated battery against a household member, aggravated assault against a household member and false imprisonment.



Barros appeared Wednesday in the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court in Albuquerque, where a judge determined there was probable cause for his arrest, according to court spokeswoman Camille Baca.



Prosecutors also filed a motion for preventative detention, and Barros will be held without bond until a hearing date is set for him to appear in the Second Judicial District Court in Albuquerque, Baca said.



Barros is being represented by a public defender and has not yet entered a plea, the court said.



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The new Sultan Recep Tayyip Erdogan attempts to turn Turkey into a poor imitation of the Ottoman Empire.





Almost weekly lately the news from Turkey is dispiriting as the new sultan Recep Tayyip Erdogan attempts to turn one of the very few secular states in the Islamic world into a poor imitation of the Ottoman empire.



Last week his government announced evolution would no longer be teached in Turkish secondary schools as part of new national curriculum which was being introduced. An education ministry official said students were too young to understand such a 'controversial subject.'



Controversial for whom one might ask?



There is little doubt Erdogan's fingerprints are all over this reactionary step.



The head of the education ministrys curriculum board, Alpaslan Durmus, said a section on Darwinism would also be cut from biology classes from 2019:





"We have excluded controversial subjects for students at an age unable yet to understand the issues scientific background, he told a seminar in Ankara.

As the students at ninth grade are not endowed with antecedents to discuss the Origin of Life and Evolution section in biology classes, this section will be delayed until undergraduate study.

Pupils at elementary schools would still be given an evolutionary point of view and learn evolutionary biology from year five.

The curriculum was being simplified, the government was attempting to educate children in line with local and national values.





Later in the week almost certainly acting on Erdogan's orders for the third year running the authorities in Istanbul have banned the Gay Pride Parade organised by the local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.



Like all satraps they blame the victims for their wretched behavior by claiming the banning of the parade was done in the best interest of its participants.



Istanbul Gay Pride Week has been organised since 1993, ending with a march on Istiklal Street since 2003. The week consists of various events, such as discussion panels, workshops, social gatherings and art courses. Organisers say the parade attracted tens of thousands of people making it the largest pride march in a Muslim majority country.



Due to the personal ambition of one man the Turkish republic is on a slippery slope to becoming an Islamic dictatorship. As Mustafa Akyol, a Turkish journalist wrote:





Erdogan has been undermining Turkeys democratic and secular foundations of the turkish republic with an increasingly autocratic and religious agenda, imposing restrictions on alcohol, building new mosques and reintroducing state religious education.





If anyone still doubts the scale of the new Sultan's ambitions, it was also announced during last week, the life of Mustafa Kemal, aka Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic and the main architect the secular state is to be given far less "focus." One does not need a crystal ball to know whose statue will replace those of Ataturk who was one of the true giants of the first half of the 20th century.


"Tracy and I can't thank the people of Southern Illinois enough for their support and their prayers. Our victory tonight sends a powerful message to out-of-touch politicians everywhere that we're unified and unyielding in the fight for our conservative values. Joe Biden's going to be held accountable for destroying the economy, ignoring the border crisis, and taking us from America First to America Last in two years flat. But none of this would be possible without the trust of voters from across our vast 12th District. Serving you is truly the honor of a lifetime."
HARRISBURG  Saline County Sheriff Keith Brown will head back to the fiscal drawing board after officials met Wednesday in Harrisburg to try to stop impending Sheriff's Office layoffs from occurring.

Members of the Saline County Board, the Saline County Sheriffs Office, the Fraternal Order of Police and community members held an hour-long discussion to address the layoff of six deputies and nine part-time employees slated to occur July 15.

Saline County Sheriff's department facing layoffs HARRISBURG  In mid-July, six Saline County Sheriff's Deputies and all part-time Sheriff's D

The proposed layoffs were a result of budgetary issues after Brown had his departments budget cut by the board by approximately $51,000.

Browns department entered the new budget year with a $19,000 deficit, making the total shortfall for his department $70,000.

A miscommunication between the two entities, however, led to some positive news for the sheriffs office. Not included in the budget for the year was $42,000 reserved by the board to cover possible raises.

Board member Stephen Karnes said, We knew that all the contracts were due, and that money had to be found to cover both raises and severance, which you need every time someone dies or moves away, and so in anticipation of that we set aside money, and that is where that $42,000 comes from.

Brown said until Wednesday he had not been not aware that money existed.

Additionally, Brown said, the department has had two retirements and one resignation since rumors of the layoffs first surfaced.

And while the sheriffs office must still face funding severance packages for the employees leaving the department, the influx of this money, plus the money allocated to this years budget for the retiring employees, may lead to a possible reprieve for those scheduled to be laid off.

Joe Jackson, budget committee chairman for the county board, said, I want to make it clear. The money for salaries, pensions, benefits and insurance for those employees who are retiring or leaving are still budgeted for this year. 

FOP staff attorney Amy Rose said, It seems like simple math to me. If at the beginning of the meeting we were told the department was $70,000 behind in their budget, and then we learned there was $42,000 they didnt know about, that would reduce their deficit to $28,000.

Rose said the County Board had made it clear that they had the funds to cover the severance pay for the employees leaving the department.

"So wouldnt the money saved by what is not paid in salary to those people more than cover the shortfall in question, she said.

Brown said everything covered in Wednesdays meeting would impact the current situation, but unfortunately, the math was not that simple.

This years more than $50,000 budget cut for their department had required some serious changes to line items, and those would also be impacted by the new financial picture.

Jackson reminded Brown that in previous years the jail had been able to make extra money by holding prisoners for additional counties, and suggested the department might want to look there for additional revenue.

Brown said that they are restricted in the number of prisoners they can house to 110, after which there is not any liability coverage for the county.

In addition, department costs for labor, and for the jail to house and maintain prisoners, are rising, Brown said.

It costs us $10,000 a month to feed the inmates we house. And labor costs for the department are impacted by the number of days off the deputies get as part of their contract.

Brown said his deputies are working with one another to cover their time off so that liabilities dont increase.

They are working half shifts, or covering a few hours here or there so that everyone can have allocated time off.

According to officials at the meeting, the current contract with the FOP union stipulates that part-time deputies and jail employees must be laid off if full-time employees are laid off.

Rose said that these layoffs would have their own financial effect as full-time staff would be required to be paid overtime to cover shifts previously covered by part-timers.

Jackson weighed in, saying he wanted people to know that Saline County is not alone in facing this issue.

This problem is happening in other counties and in other departments all across the state. We didnt anticipate the sheriff would need to lay people off when we made this budget. We just had X amount of dollars to work with.

Jackson added he apologized if the department did not know about the money held back for raises.

Board member Roger Craig said if the board had known the sheriffs office were facing this problem at the beginning, this conflict could probably have been avoided.

Now we just need to get this resolved and take care of our people and the citizens of this county, he said.

Brown said he would start crunching numbers immediately following the meeting and address rescinding the layoffs as soon as he was able to get a clear picture of where the office stood after Wednesday's revelations.
An Illinois State Board of Elections spokesman says the board will decide next month whether to provide some information about voters to President Donald Trump's voting commission.

But Ken Menzel said Wednesday that state law prohibits certain information from being released, such as voters' Social Security and driver's license numbers.

The commission, which was formed to investigate allegations of voter fraud in the 2016 elections, has asked every state for voter information. Critics say the panel is looking for ways to suppress the vote and that the requests are an invasion of privacy.

Illinois election officials don't maintain some information the commission is seeking, such as party affiliation. State law also limits the type of entities that may receive voter data.

The board will consider the request Aug. 22.

 Associated Press
An Orangeburg County man is accused of shooting a man in Calhoun County. Authorities claim another man accompanied him to the scene of the crime.

The Calhoun County Sheriffs Office is looking for both men.

Virgil Dontrice Haggood, 30, of 200 Forest Brook Drive, Neeses, is wanted on charges of attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime and possession of a weapon by a felon convicted of a violent crime, according to Lt. Matt Trentham of the Calhoun County Sheriffs Office.

Charles Leroy Cleckley, 30, of 2958 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, is being sought on charges of misprision of a felony for allegedly neglecting to report a crime.

The shooting incident took place on June 17 on Speedway Court in St. Matthews.

Warrants accuse Haggood of shooting a 22-year-old man seven times at a close range.

A warrant accuses Cleckley of accompanying Haggood and then leaving the scene with him. Eyewitness reports and video evidence allegedly show Cleckley at the scene with Haggood.

Cleckley has not yet made any report or contact with law enforcement, the warrant states.

Haggood is known to frequent Orangeburg and Richland counties and should be considered armed and dangerous, according to Crimestoppers.

Authorities are seeking the publics help finding the suspects. Information can be provided anonymously. Up to $1,000 could be provided for a tip leading to Haggoods arrest.

Tips may be provided by calling Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC (1-888-274-6372), visiting www.midlandscrimestoppers.com or texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the text with TIPSC.

Information can also be provided directly to Calhoun County Sgt. J. Orso at 803-687-4560.
There is nothing new or untoward in American and Russian leaders talking. President Franklin Roosevelt met Joseph Stalin at Yalta and referred to him as Uncle Joe. President Dwight Eisenhower entertained Premier Nikita Khrushchev during his whirlwind tour of America in the summer of 1959. Khrushchev withdrew Eisenhowers invitation for a reciprocal visit the next summer after the Soviets downed a U-2 spy plane passing over Sverdlovsk, an industrial center 1,000 miles deep in the motherlands Ural Mountains. Eisenhowers story about an off-course weather reconnaissance plane evaporated when Khrushchev produced a live pilot and highly classified aerial cameras. Two years later, the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962 pushed the two countries to the brink of nuclear Armageddon.

Khrushchev met President John F. Kennedy once, in Vienna on June 4, 1961. The seemingly crude Soviet politician, one of few in Stalins inner circle to survive his purges, misjudged Kennedys resolve based on foreign policy blunders like the Bay of Pigs fiasco in April 1961 and the ineptness in U.S. policy in Laos. Sensing weakness, in late summer 1962, Khrushchev began deploying intermediate-range ballistic missiles and a few IL-28 light bombers to Cuba. He hoped to reduce the unfavorable gap in nuclear strength between the two countries. Khrushchev failed to understand JFK and the fact that the Democrats desperately needed a foreign policy win before the November 1962 midterm elections.

As the crisis developed, Khrushchev, urged by politburo and military hardliners, seemed determined to proceed even after Kennedy ordered a naval blockade. Kennedys Joint Chiefs urged strong measures, to include massive air attacks on Cuban-based Soviet missile sites followed by a ground invasion to depose Fidel Castros communist regime. War seemed imminent.

Kennedy raised the normal defensive condition to DEFCON-3, a higher state of readiness. Because the Strategic Air Command normally operated at DEFCON-3, SAC went to DEFCON-2. At that level, one short of war, the SAC command post encased in concrete three stories beneath Offutt Air Force Base outside Omaha, Nebraska, closed and sealed its massive steel doors. Nuclear bombs were loaded into more than 1,200 SAC bombers, with crews on board ready to start their engines. Some B-52s orbited at failsafe points, an hour or two from the USSR. Once initiated, the Single Integrated Operational Plan called for strikes against bases and cities across Eastern Europe and throughout the Soviet Union. Newly activated Minuteman missile sites with solid-fuel ICBMs protected in underground silos were on full alert. Those missiles would launch within minutes of getting the order. Twenty to thirty minutes later nuclear warheads would detonate on Soviet bomber bases and missile sites, eliminating 80 to 90 percent of the Soviet nuclear deterrent.

Five minutes after receiving the go order, the first B-52s and B-47s, stationed globally, would be airborne. It took about 15 minutes to launch the bomber force. B-52s at failsafe points would reach their first targets within two hours, meeting little opposition from Soviet and Warsaw Pact defensive fighters because missiles created irradiated air corridors and almost unopposed access to Leningrad, Moscow, Volgograd, Sverdlovsk in the west and Vladivostok, Irkutsk, Novosibirsk in the east.

But alas, it didnt happen because Americans and Russians talked.

ABC News reporter John Scali was socially acquainted with Washington-assigned Russian journalist Alexander Fomin, the senior KGB officer at the Soviet embassy. As such, Fomin had access to Khrushchev. Scali arranged a meeting between newly arrived Soviet Ambassador Anatoly Dobrynin and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. The art of this deal involved withdrawing America intermediate-range Jupiter missiles from Turkey, provided the Russians stopped their strategic weapons deployments to Cuba and dismantled existing missile sites.

Communication put Armageddon on hold. Withdrawal of U.S. missiles from Turkey allowed Khrushchev to save face and keep his job. Two years later, Politburo hardliners deposed Khrushchev then initiated a massive nuclear buildup.

Democrats should recognize the strategic criticality of communicating with the Russians. Roosevelt invented it, Eisenhower tried it, Kennedy used it, and Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev talked their way out of the Cold War. Its time for President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin to talk, as Armageddon is only on hold.
NORTH -- I don't know whose idea it was to have this celebration, but I think it's a real good idea, Eddie Perry Sr. said at North's Fourth of July event on Tuesday. It's nice to do a little something in North. Small things like this help to bring North together.

The North 4th of July celebration and fireworks display was the brainchild of Police Chief Lin Shirer.

We want people to enjoy the evening and be safe viewing the fireworks, Shirer said.

Public Works employee and volunteer fireman Angel Sackel added, The North Fire Department is here and is taking every precaution to make certain the display is conducted in a safe manner."

Mayor Patty Carson said the celebration was aimed at getting every citizen to celebrate the Fourth and the freedoms enjoyed in this country. Proceeds from the donations for the chips, cold drinks, hot dogs and ice cream that were served will benefit the Cooperative Ministries of North, the mayor said.

I want to thank everyone who helped make tonight possible, Carson said. Police Chief Lin Shirer actually came up with the idea, and the police department is in charge of shooting the fireworks. I also want to thank our sponsors: Aiken Co-op, Waste Management, Quick Pantry, Access Analytical and our Orangeburg County Councilman Heyward Livingston and the Orangeburg County Council."

The mayor said 200 to 300 people were expected for the celebration, noting there was already a large crowd on hand.

"I think that is great for a first event, and I am hoping that the 4th of July celebration will become an annual affair, she said.

The evening was filled with laughter and fellowship as residents celebrated the birth, freedoms and independence of America and the community spirit of the town of North.
Moody's Investors Service has downgraded the long-term ratings of nine banks in Qatar from stable to negative. The ratings agency also affirmed the banks' baseline credit assessments (BCA), adjusted BCAs and Counterparty Risk Assessments (CRA)s.



The nine affected banks are Qatar National Bank (QNB), Doha Bank, al khaliji, Ahli Bank, Barwa, International Bank of Qatar, Masraf Al Rayan, Qatar International Islamic Bank and Qatar Islamic Bank.



A key driver of the negative outlook for Qatari banks' ratings is the downside risk that a prolongation of the ongoing dispute between Qatar and a group of peer countries, including its fellow GCC neighbours Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, could trigger some outflows of external funding (which represents around 36 per cent of total banking system liabilities as of May 2017) and a generalised increase in the cost of funding, according to Moodys.



As a result, the banks' liquidity buffers would likely reduce, as domestic funding sources remain tight due to current oil prices. This could negatively impact the supply of credit and weaken economic growth, stated the ratings agency.



Consequently, this could increase asset quality pressures and provisioning charges on the banks over the coming quarters. A combination of these factors, could result in lower profits for Qatari banks. Moody's has captured these risks by lowering its macro profile for Qatar to Moderate+ from Strong-, it added.



The rating actions were driven by two key factors:



*The weakening domestic operating environment, particularly for banking funding, resulting in the rating agency lowering the Macro Profile it assigns to Qatar to Moderate+ from Strong

*The weakening capacity of the Qatar government to support the country's banks, as indicated by Moody's change in outlook for the Qatari government's Aa3 government bond rating to negative from stable.



While all these nine got a ratings downgrade, Moody's maintained negative outlook on long-term deposit ratings of The Commercial Bank mainly driven by its expectation of pressures on the bank's solvency arising from asset quality deterioration and the weakening of profitability owing to higher loan loss charges and a lower contribution from the bank's Turkish unit and UAE-based associate.



Additional pressure is now exerted on the The Commercial Bank's ratings due to the challenges in the operating environment and the negative outlook for the Qatar government rating, it added.



Moody's pointed out that its decision to affirm the ratings of all 10 banks reflects the resilience in their financial performance underpinned by continued strong asset quality and capital buffers.



Despite challenges emerging from the ongoing GCC dispute, the banks' liquidity buffers now remain solid. However, Moody's expects funding costs to rise, dampening banks' profitability.



Additionally, the negative outlook also captures the weakening capacity of the government of Qatar to provide support in case of need, as implied by the negative outlook on the Aa3 government bond rating.



Although Moody's continues to incorporate a very high probability of government support for the long-term issuer and deposit ratings of the Qatari banks, the change in their outlook is also driven by the change in outlook to negative from stable on the Aa3 Qatar government bond rating.



This reflects the potential weakening of the government's capacity to provide support to banks in case of need. Moody's very high probability of support for the banks in Qatar is driven by the government's shareholding in the banks, the importance of the banking system to the country's economy and past track record of pre-emptively supporting banks in 2009-2010.-TradeArabia News Service


The UAE has completed preparations for its candidacy to become a member of the Executive Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)-gearing up for the competition in Category B along with 11 leading countries.



The decision to run for the second category falls in line with the UAE's role as a major player in the international maritime sector, backed by its leading position on ports management.



Dr Abdullah Bin Mohammed Balheif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development and chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Transport Authority for Land and Maritime, said that the UAE has strong competitive advantages to compete with the developed countries in the marine industry, pointing out that advanced infrastructure is at the forefront of the factors that make the country a strong competitor.



Al Nuaimi also noted that the UAE leads the sector among the Arab countries--ranking within the top three worldwide in the quality of ports and sixth in international port infrastructure in the World Competitiveness Report of the World Economic Forum for 2016.



"The UAE has built itself a position within the maritime transport sector, based on its plans to develop world-class seaports and berths, and to ensure the operation, maintenance and construction of vessels, dry basins, finance and insurance in line with the highest global safety standards. In line with this, it comes as no surprise for the UAE to become a member of the search process of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), he said.



With the completion of the file, mechanisms and procedures required, the UAE today strongly enters the bid for membership in Category B, with the determination to continue in supporting the Organization's efforts to develop, and implement the provisions of maritime transport policy in line with the requirements of the 21st century."



A team has been set up to support the nomination of the UAE to the IMO Executive Council. The members are scheduled to be elected at the 30th Ordinary General Meeting between November 24 and December 5.  TradeArabia News Service


Saudi Aramco achieved a record high crude oil production of 10.5 million barrels per day in 2016, the world's leading integrated energy company said in its 2016 Annual Review.



Amin H Nasser, president and CEO of Saudi Aramco said: Driven by operational efficiency and fiscal discipline, we continued to build and deliver on our strategic goals in 2016 despite the backdrop of a challenging environment. The company crossed a threshold in its transformative journey to optimize its operations and maximize delivery across all of its capabilities. At the same time, we remained true to our commitments of value creation, technology delivery, and human capital development.



Saudi Aramco continued to deliver significant achievements to progress its long-term, integrated strategy despite persistently low oil prices and weak growth in the global market. The Companys upstream business has a resilient low cost position which will endure based on premium reservoir characteristics and Saudi Aramcos unwavering focus on operational excellence and project management.



Upstream



In 2016, Saudi Aramco continued to achieve milestones in exploration and capacity expansion. The Company discovered two new oil fields and one new gas field; added 250,000 barrels of crude oil production per day to its Shaybah facility where it also started a second natural gas liquids processing train; and reached full operational feed capacity of 2.5 Bscfd at the Wasit Gas Plant.



Downstream



Saudi Aramco strengthened its downstream strategy, taking further steps to expand and integrate its domestic and global portfolio. In-Kingdom, the Sadara joint venture with The Dow Chemical Company, with a production capacity of 3 million tons of performance plastics, started commissioning of the regions first mixed feed cracker.; the Phase II Petro Rabigh ethane cracking project with Japans Sumitomo Chemical Co. achieved full operation; and the company's 400,000 bpd Jazan refinery reached 55 per cent completion.



Internationally, in the US, Saudi Aramco signed an agreement with Shell to separate the assets of Motiva Enterprises, paving the way for further downstream expansion. In the Netherlands, Saudi Aramco launched Arlanxeo, a specialty chemicals joint venture with LANXESS. The company also began volume exports of aramcoDura  a new base oil product brand. Further advancing the companys environmental commitment, Saudi Aramco acquired Converge  a breakthrough technology that converts CO2 into cleaner, high-value end products with significant performance, cost, and carbon footprint improvements.



Technology R&D



Saudi Aramco continued to focus its research and development on high impact technologies with the potential to create significant competitive advantage. The companys R&D commitment resulted in 285 new patents filed and 175 new patents awarded. Saudi Aramco also achieved breakthroughs, such as the industrys first trillion-cell simulation and hydrocarbon migration algorithm, making it possible to model the physics of hydrocarbon reservoirs from their original generation to their final production. The Company also signed a Heads of Agreement with Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (SABIC) to conduct a feasibility study on the development of a fully integrated crude oil-to-chemicals complex. Phase 1 of the study was completed in 2016.



Climate Initiatives



Sustainability remained a major innovation focus. In 2016, the level of flared gas per raw gas production continued at less than 1 per cent and is set to decline further. The company recovered more than 9 Bscf of gas through its zero discharge technology. Saudi Aramco also collaborated with GE to install the Kingdom's first wind turbine at the Turaif Bulk Plant; progressed partnerships on fuel and engine research with U.S. and European automakers; and alongside the member companies of the Oil and Gas Climate Investments Initiative, pledged an investment of $100 million to develop and accelerate the commercial deployment of innovative, low-emission technologies.



Localization of Goods and Services



Saudi Aramcos In-Kingdom Total Value Add (IKTVA) program enables a thriving commercial ecosystem that benefits our business and the country. In 2016, the Company increased its value of material procurement from local manufacturers by $800 million to $2.9 billion, reaching the highest level of locally sourced content in the companys history. Saudi Aramco also signed numerous joint ventures throughout the year in connection to the IKTVA program, including with GE, Schlumberger, Nabors Industries and Rowan Companies.



Talent Development



More than 6,800 participants attended training at Saudi Aramcos Upstream Professional Development Center; nearly 4,000 Saudi nationals graduated from the Apprentice Program and joined the companys workforce; and more than 2,000 students were sponsored and enrolled in global universities. Consistent with Saudi Vision 2030s drive to build a knowledge economy, Saudi Aramco invested in youth programs focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills. It delivered the STEMania program, which seeks to increase the number of women entering STEM fields to 300 students in the Eastern Province.



CEO Amin Nasser commented, I want to thank our people for the many significant contributions they made in 2016. Their inspiration and dedication have once again shown that, despite short-term strains, we remain dedicated to turning potential into opportunity and generating more value.



Citizenship & Kingdom



The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman ibn Abd Al-Aziz Al Saud, inaugurated the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, the companys initiative to drive the countrys creativity and culture. Moreover, Saudi Aramco will continue investing in innovative technology, supporting the countrys energy future through a shift to clean gas for utilities.



Future



Looking ahead to the future, CEO Amin Nasser said: We are determined to create additional value for the company. We will maintain our focus on reliable energy supply to customers around the world, and envision pursuing ultra-clean sustainable oil, doubling our gas supplies, establishing a leading position in renewables, and becoming a global powerhouse in refining chemicals and marketing, all enabled by the finest technologies and most talented employees in the world.  TradeArabia News Service
Christies will be the auctioneer of choice for Only Watch 2017, organized by LAssociation Monegasque contre les Myopathies, offering 49 timepieces on November 11 at the Four Seasons  Hotel des Bergues in Geneva.



All 49 watches are now revealed and can be consulted under www.onlywatch.com



Participating brands include Andersen Geneve, Armin Strom, Arnold & Son, Audemars Piguet, Barbier Mueller, Bell & Ross and Blancpain, among many others.



Only Watch is bringing together the most renowned houses as well as independent brands expressing, through variations of exceptional timepieces, their creativity and willingness to help and support a very good cause. In 2017, a new emphasis will be placed on unique experiences and collaborations offered by some of the brands alongside their watches.



Under the patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, and at the initiative of Luc Pettavino, President of LAssociation Monegasque contre les Myopathies, Only Watch is the worlds foremost charity auction entirely devoted to the research of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Since 2005, more than 26 million ($29.4 million) have been raised to finance research in this field.



"Only Watch 2017 is a time for all parts of the watch world to come together and celebrate all that is good about the modern watch industry: innovation, technical know-how, creativity, and most importantly the desire to give back to the global community in this exceptional charity event. Christie's is honored to be a partner in this monumental auction and looks forward to providing a globe stage to exhibit and present Only Watch 2017", said John Reardon, International head of Christies Watch department.



Ahead of the auction in November, the 49 pieces will be exhibited throughout the world. The tour kicks off at the Monaco Yacht Show from September 27 until 30, followed by:



Bangkok October 02-03

Singapore October 05-06

Dubai October 09-11

Hong Kong October 23-24

Taipei October 26-27

New York October 29-30

Los Angeles November 01-02

Geneva November 09-11



All proceeds of the auction will be entirely donated to scientific and medical research on neuromuscular diseases in general and on Duchenne muscular dystrophy in particular. Thanks to many loyal partners, who graciously bring their know-how and support towards Only Watch, all auction proceeds will be submitted for research matters. - TradeArabia News Service
Tonic International, a leading independent creative agency based in Dubai, UAE, has appointed Shueb Chowdhury as its branding creative director.



In his new role, Chowdhury will specialise in design and branding, and with his extensive experience and knowledge he will cover ideation and direction for motion graphics and interactive, said a statement from the company.



With more than 13 years of experience in the creative industry, he carries immense experiential talent with two separate three year stints in the UK and seven years in Dubai.



Starting his career in London, Chowdhury held positions at Me Company, a boutique design agency specialising in an influential group of clients; and Iris, a global creative agency.



As he embarked on his career venture to the UAE, Chowdhury has worked on some of Dubais most prominent brands including Burj Khalifa, Emaar, Sega Republic and Dnata.



Speaking on his new role, Chowdury said: Im thrilled to have joined such a reputable company, and my aim is to move branding forward through intelligence, simplicity and pure design.



As a senior component to the business, I aim to help our company in becoming the number one agency in the Middle East for branding and design, he added.  TradeArabia News Service
US-based Dow Chemical Company has announced plans to construct a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility to produce a range of polymers for coatings and water-treatment applications in Saudi Arabia at an investment of over $100 million.



Located in the PlasChem Park in Jubail, the coatings facility will service the needs of the Saudi market with an innovative range of acrylic-based polymers for industrial and architectural coatings and water-treatment and detergent applications.



The investment will create approximately 1,000 jobs during peak construction and approximately 100 high-skilled, full-time operations jobs in the kingdom, ultimately growing local manufacturing and sustainable economic growth.



The new coatings facility will complement Dows existing coatings capabilities in the Middle East, which include an existing facility at Jebel Ali, in Dubai, UAE.



Apart from the waterborne polymer facility, the company has also signed an agreement for a feasibility study related to a proposed investment in the companys Performance Silicones franchise.



Dow has been a long-term strategic partner in Saudi Arabia for nearly four decades and is the largest foreign investor in the country, remarked Andrew Liveris, Dows chairman and chief executive officer, after signing the agreements at a recent event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.



Through our global and regional experience and expertise, we have unmatched capabilities to deliver high value, innovative solutions that support the kingdom in key growth areas that help advance the Saudis Vision 2030 plan designed to create a vibrant society and a thriving diversified economy, he added.



According to him, the proposed silicones investment will include constructing a fully-integrated, world-scale siloxanes and high-performance silicones complex geared towards markets and industries such as home and personal care, automotive, high-performance building and construction, solar energy, medical devices, and oil and gas.



When complete the complex will support the economic impact of Saudi Arabia through the creation of approximately 350 full-time, technology-skilled jobs.-TradeArabia News Service
Staying at Best Westerns collection of hotels and resorts in Asia will be even more rewarding this summer, following the launch of the exciting new Double Points promotion.



From July 1 through September 30, Best Western Rewards (BWR) members will earn twice as many reward points when they book a stay at any participating Best Western hotel in Asia. Bookings must be made either directly with the hotel or via the website, www.bestwesternhotelasia.com.



This promotion covers some of Asias most desirable destinations, from mega-cities such as Tokyo, Bangkok, Manila and Jakarta to world-class beach resorts including Bali, Boracay, Phuket and Okinawa. Alternatively, guests seeking a true taste of Asian culture can choose to explore destinations like Mandalay, Vientiane, Buriram or Malang.



There is no better time to visit Asia than in the summer months, said Olivier Berrivin, Best Western Hotels & Resorts managing director of International Operations - Asia. In countries like Japan, the weather is warm and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor exploration. Meanwhile in many Southeast Asian destinations it is "green season," allowing guests to enjoy the lush scenery and cultural heritage away from the peak season crowds.



Best Western is now making summer travel in Asia even more rewarding with the launch of our generous Double Points offer. Guests can stay at hotels across the region and earn twice as many Best Western Rewards points, which could then be redeemed for even more room nights and other benefits in future. Now is a great time to sign up so don't delay, become a Best Western Rewards member today!" Berrivin added.



All guests booking stays at Best Westerns hotels and resorts in Asia this summer will also be guaranteed complimentary in-room wi-fi.



For more information about Best Western's Double Points offer in Asia, visit the hotels website. - TradeArabia News Service
Cameco Resources, the Casper-based operator of a uranium mines in Converse and Campbell counties, will not be fined for violations that ended with two toxic sludge leaks.

The spills, one in August 2015 and a second the following March, occurred while Cameco was transporting waste from uranium mining at its facility north of Glenrock to a disposal site in Utah. The company that received the waste noticed leaking containers and notified federal regulators.

After an investigation of the incidents and Camecos transportation program, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission identified nine violations, including lack of appropriate testing, documentation of hazardous materials and training that led the company to use improper containers to transport barium sulfate sludge.

Given the seriousness of some of the violations, the company could have faced a $35,000 fine, but federal regulators will waive those fees, in accordance with their rules of enforcement, because Cameco is correcting the source of the problem, according to an NRC letter to Cameco on June 29.

Cameco also passed the last two inspections by nuclear regulators without serious violations, according to the letter.

The company will have to implement a series of safety measures including holding an annual meeting for management on complying with federal regulations, increasing new and existing employee training opportunities and providing a qualified staffer on site when equipment is moved from restricted to non-restricted areas.

Steps that were put in place to guard against future violations following the first spill were found insufficient last year, leading to the increased measures in the current deal.

After notifying the Nuclear Regulatory Commission that the new operations are in place, regulators will conduct another inspection to assure compliance, a spokesman for the commission said.

A spokesman for Cameco could not be reached by press time.

Cameco has faced penalties in Wyoming before, including a $500,000 fine levied by the states Department of Environmental Quality in 2008. At the time, the DEQ noted routine spills at Camecos Smith Ranch-Highland facility, the largest uranium mine in the country.

After the spills, questions surfaced about whether personnel were keeping radiation surveys. The NRC mistakenly believed that a former supervisor at Camecos satellite facility in Campbell County had falsified surveys in 2013, potentially exposing two workers to radioactive material.

Federal regulators chose in October not to levy a fine against Cameco for the potential violation. Instead Cameco would institute corrective actions and appropriate training. The NRC later found that the surveys were not falsified. In fact, they were never completed in the first place.

The NRC has not set a timeline for Cameco to institute new measures to prevent spills or other violations in the future, said Victor Dricks, regional spokesman for the federal agency. A neutral mediator was enlisted to arbitrate between federal regulators and representatives for Cameco during a meeting in May that resulted in the no-fine deal to correct faults in Camecos Wyoming operations.
Three more people accused of selling painkillers purchased from a former Casper doctor appeared Wednesday in Natrona County District Court to hear the charges against them.

Wilemina Longtine, Dustin Big Medicine and Martha Zitterkopf all pleaded not guilty to felony charges that allege they were part of a network of people who sold prescription painkillers obtained from Dr. Shakeel Kahn. Five others charged in the same case previously pleaded not guilty during their respective arraignments two weeks ago.

In total, prosecutors charged 10 people with a variety of felonies after agents with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation alleged they were part of the drug network.

Each person is suspected of selling painkillers obtained from Kahn, who was arrested in December for allegedly selling prescriptions to patients. The case against Kahn and his wife, Lyn, continues in federal court.

Court documents outline some of the details of the DCI investigation, including how agents used phone taps, surveillance and informants to obtain information. Agents allege that the accused sold a variety of drugs, including Xanax and oxycodone.

Zitterkopf, who appeared in court Wednesday, told investigators that the new doctor is the biggest drug dealer in her opinion.

Zitterkopf and Big Medicine each face two charges of conspiring to deliver controlled substances. Longtine faces three charges of conspiring to deliver controlled substances, including one count alleging she conspired to deliver heroin.

Big Medicine remained in custody Wednesday. Both Zitterkopf and Longtine were released on bond.
Editor

Joshua Wolfson joined the Star-Tribune in 2007, covering crime and health before taking over the arts section in 2013. He also served as managing editor before being named editor in June 2017. He lives in Casper with his wife and their two kids.
JACKSON  Bail has been set at $500,000 for an Idaho man charged with aggravated vehicular homicide for a fatal crash in Wyoming.

Judge James Radda told 41-year-old Rudy Isla-Mejico that if he posted bond, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents would detain him because he also faces an immigration hearing. Isla-Mejico did not enter a plea on Monday.

Court records say Isla-Mejico has two DUI convictions in Blaine County, Idaho, along with misdemeanor convictions for speeding and driving without a license or insurance.

Charging documents say Isla-Mejico's pickup was traveling in the wrong lane of Wyoming Highway 22 with its lights off on Friday night when it struck a car driven by 53-year-old Robert Arndt of Jackson. Arndt died, and his wife was injured.
A fire burning in Medicine Bow National Forest that has forced evacuations in the area expanded to more than 1,300 acres between Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

The fire, which has not yet been contained, was estimated at 376 acres Wednesday afternoon. The National Forest tweeted Thursday morning that it grew substantially since then.

The national forest officially closed a section of the forest Wednesday due to the fire. Violating the closure is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $5,000 fine.

An official said it will be a long-duration fire. Authorities flew an infrared camera above the fire Wednesday night that allowed firefighters to see where it is hottest. That information allows fire personnel to decide where to dispatch resources.

Authorities believe the fire, located near the Rob Roy Reservoir and the town of Keystone, began Monday afternoon. Its cause remains unknown. Albany County has evacuated the towns of Keystone, Rambler and Lake Creek as well as campsites in the area.

Two Wyoming Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopters began assisting in the firefighting effort on Thursday. Its been roughly five years since Gov. Matt Mead authorized the national guard helicopters to drop water on fires in Wyoming.
Community colleges influence students  and state economies  in a number of positive ways.

When researching Wyomings two-year colleges I came across the contributions of the Bailey and Scully families to Casper College, I decided to get to know Marlan Scully and Judith Bailey Scully in person.

Little did I imagine my encounters with the Scullys would happen in Texas; much less did I anticipate they would entail a crash course in quantum science.

Yet this is what happened when, in February 2017, Marlan Scully, quantum physicist, passed me couple of books on his field of interest. One of these was by Jim Baggott; the other, hed co-authored with son Robert Scully.

Marlan and Judith married after graduating from Casper College and before moving on to the University of Wyoming, after which husband Marlan joined Yale for doctoral studies. Since then he has become internationally renowned. Laser science, that offspring of quantum insights, has produced anything from the scanners at check-out counters to optical devices.

I am particularly interested in the interplay between fundamental and applied quantum physics, he said at the familys research farm in southeast Texas. Theres nothing so useful as a good theory.

At Casper College, Scully sponsors an annual midsummer symposium on quantum science that draws researchers from around the world. Last years event began with a talk I would have loved to have heard, Einstein as Student. In his modest beginnings, Albert Einstein advanced by the support and help of his spouse Mileva Maric, the first woman admitted into the discipline in a European university.

Marlan Scully is hands-down the most eminent scientist ever to come out of Wyoming, said my son. One or two professors at UW may have been inducted into the National Academy of Sciences, but they would not have been born in Wyoming.

By then I knew that Scully holds distinguished professorships at Princeton, Baylor and Texas A&M University and that the Chinese named him their Einstein professor.

My best friend and collaborator is my wife, Scully has said. Consequently, in 2005 he established the Judith Bailey Scully Teaching Award at Casper College. Talking with recipients convinced me this distinction not only acknowledges but also promotes faculty excellence.

The award honors faculty who demonstrate academic excellence, as characterized by Judiths outstanding accomplishments as a Casper College and University of Wyoming student, said Paulann Doane, director of the colleges foundation. Judith Bailey won honors while attending our college. She took her degree from University of Wyoming only three years after graduating from Natrona County High School.

Gretchen Wheeler, communications instructor and director of the colleges Center for Learning Through Service, was last years honoree.

I was humbled to receive this award for my work in service-learning, Wheeler said by email. I believe deeply in this approach to learning and have been blessed to witness our advancements in learning.

As a result of their training, she said, hundreds of students have become active in their communities and on campus. Further, through the centers Alternative Spring Break trips, students travel around the nation, where they not only study but also mitigate the impact of poverty.

Gretchen was chosen because of her longtime commitment to excellence in teaching, her invigoration of student learning through service projects, her mentoring of new faculty over the years, her efforts to build up the forensics program, and a myriad of other positives, said Erich Frankland, the 2010 Scully winner.

I also touched base with Dale Anderson, the recipient from 2013.

Dale Anderson is one of our illustrious recipients of the Judith Bailey Scully Teaching Award, foundation director Doane said. He is an outstanding teacher and colleague.

Anderson wrote that he was surprised to have been chosen, for there are so many deserving educators on Casper College Campus. He described the talent level at CC as outstanding, saying, I feel honored that my peers felt I deserved this distinguished award.

On another occasion, when I learned that an early student housing complex bore the name Bailey, Doane addressed my interest in the Bailey familys contributions. The Jim and Audrey Bailey Foundation provides significant scholarship funding for non-traditional students, she explained. The family also supported the colleges early beginnings.

Both families have done good things for Wyoming students, for the city of Casper and for this state. Meanwhile I am still working my way through Baggotts 470-page Quantum Story. That, too, is a small good thing. As we age, its a blessing to learn, though it be a demanding task.
Evidence of bribery against a former elected Arizona utility regulator was discovered during a larger, unrelated federal investigation, a prosecutor said in an email filed in court.

The email confirmed speculation within Arizona political circles that the bribery allegations against former Corporation Commissioner Gary Pierce had surfaced during a broader investigation, though prosecutor Fred Battista didnt reveal the focus of the larger probe.

Pierce, his wife Sherry, lobbyist Jim Norton and water company owner George Johnson were indicted in May in what prosecutors say was an influence-peddling scheme aimed at benefiting Johnson. The four have pleaded not guilty to fraud and bribery charges.

Battista said in a June 22 email to defense attorneys that Gary Pierce, Norton and other people were interviewed by FBI agents during the broader investigation.

Cosme Lopez, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorneys Office, which is prosecuting Pierce, couldnt immediately comment Wednesday on the broader investigation.

In the bribery case, Johnson is accused of funneling $31,000 through Norton to Pierce and his wife for favorable treatment in a rate case before the commission.

The indictment said Gary Pierce voted in 2011 to let Johnsons water company request that Johnsons personal income taxes be covered by the utilitys customers.

Prosecutors also said Pierce was the intended recipient of a $350,000 property that was supposed to be paid for by Johnson, though its unknown if the real estate deal was completed.

Pierce, who left the commission in early 2015 because of term limits, acknowledged last year that he was questioned by FBI agents investigating the 2014 commission election. The parent company of electric utility Arizona Public Service Co. was widely believed to have spent $3.2 million backing Republicans for the utility commission.

In that same election, Pierces son Justin was running for secretary of state.

The parent company, Pinnacle West Capital Corp., disclosed in public filings in August 2016 that it had received federal grand jury subpoenas seeking information on the elections involving the commission and secretary of state.

The FBI said at the time that it was conducting a long-term investigation related to the financing of certain statewide elections in 2014, but it has not named Arizona Public Service.

Battistas email in the bribery case against Pierce was filed Monday as defense attorneys opposed a request by prosecutors to bar public release of FBI reports, interview and grand jury transcripts and audio recordings of witness interviews.

Battista said prosecutors will hand over records of interviews with Pierce, Norton and others, but want to avoid the release of information unrelated to the bribery case.

We do not want persons who are unrelated to this case getting their hands on evidence that the FBI has gathered in an ongoing investigation, Battista wrote, adding that releasing such information could have serious negative effects on the bribery case and the larger investigation.

Ashley Adams, an attorney for Sherry Pierce, wrote in a June 22 email that the proposed court order sought by prosecutors is overly broad.
We've collected a few front pages from newspapers.com to give you a look at some July 6 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.
Pima Animal Care Center has hired a new director who will bring her expertise to the shelter starting July 10. Kristen Auerbach, former deputy chief animal services officer at the Austin (Texas) Animal Center, was part of a team that led the nation as the largest no-kill shelter.

The Star spoke to Auerbach about her experience working with other animal shelters, why she decided to come to PACC and what shes hoping to bring to her new position.

Q: How did your interest and care for animals begin?

A: I started working in animal welfare in a shelter in Ohio in the late 1990s. I began my career as a dispatcher and I worked there for about six months. And I got to work as a cruelty officer going out and rescuing animals from neglect situations. What I found was that every animal that I was rescuing and bringing back was being euthanized and these were treatable, healthy animals. But there were no resources to save them, it was a really different time in animal welfare and I ended up quitting. I didnt want to spend my life saving animals only to have them be euthanized.

In 2012, I was working for the Fairfax County Park Authority in Fairfax, Virginia. My boss approached me and said she was going to work at the animal shelter in Fairfax County and she let me know she was going to have a couple positions open, one being her assistant director and I said Id never want to do that work again; I dont what to spend my career having to kill healthy animals.

She said if you come and accept a position there you would get to save them, you wouldnt have to just euthanize them. And so that was sort of where the story began, I went to work for her as the assistant director, spent several years there and then went to Austin. Austin has the highest life-saving rate of any large city in the country and I wanted to learn how they were doing it.

Q: How have your previous jobs prepared you for your position with PACC?

A: Im really proud of the accomplishments we had in Fairfax County. We brought the animal center to a 90 percent save rate. We overturned pitbull adoption restrictions; when I got to Fairfax County there were still strict adoption restrictions. So we got that overturned so that all animals were treated equally and we started a vast array of programs for students, for community groups and we built our volunteer and foster program.

I wanted to come to Austin because its a very large city, the intake is about 18,000 and yet there saving more than 95 percent of the animals that come into the shelter. Thats a pretty big number and I went there and we not only brought that save rate even higher to what it is today which is about 98 percent of 18,000 animals but we really built up the community partnerships that helped us do that.

In Austin theres a variety of rescue groups and when we got there they were all working really hard but they werent necessarily working together. One of the things I did in my time in Austin was bring those community groups together, the rescue groups, the volunteers, the fosters, the other partners, bringing them together so that were all working to achieve the same goals.

Q: What accomplishments are you most proud?

A: I think what Im most proud of is that we turned both of those communities into national models, working with my director and my colleagues, both of those communities became national models in life saving.

Q: What ideas are you excited to try or implement here at PACC?

A: I was really drawn to Tucson because, like Austin, the people who live here have shown how much they value animals and how much they understand the health of a community can really be shown in the health of the pets and the people in the community. So it was a place I wanted to come and the lifesaving rates theyre already achieving is really extraordinary. PACC nearly takes in 20,000 animals a year and theyre saving almost every one of them, theyre saving a really high number of animals so I was exited to come here for that reason.

I think what I bring is a strong background in building programs to tackle groups of animals still at risk, so whether theyre neonatal kittens who arent thriving in the shelter environment or adult dogs who are declining over time in the shelter environment, I have a proven track record of building programs to save those groups of animals and get them out through live outcomes out of the shelter.

Q: What is your favorite success story from your career?

A: We always challenged this idea of what does adoptable mean, you hear a lot about adoptable animals and we were always pushing the boundaries of what that means. One of the things that happened in Austin is we had a group of roosters come in, 27 roosters from a cockfighting ring. Those animals have long been considered unadoptable because theyre considered not friendly, not able to live with other roosters and so we really decided to challenge that assumption.

One of things people dont really realize is that if roosters spurs are cut off they dont have the sharp nails that allow them to harm other animals. In place of where that spur is the people that fight them attach a little blade and once that blade is taken off, roosters are essentially harmless. We knew that they couldnt exactly hurt other birds in the way that people feared so we tried to adopt them out and we worked with a rescue group who had been placing fighting roosters. We decided to advertise them and we said if one person comes in thats one of the 26, at least we achieved an accomplishment. To our surprise within five hours of opening on the day they became available  all 27 of them were adopted.

We microchipped them all so we knew where they went and their adopters still send us pictures of them today, happily living in flocks, living outside as pets with families. So that was a really exciting moment for us to realize that theres so many ways to challenge this idea of adoptable and the vast majority of animals in our community can find homes.
Marana police said in court documents that a man's fatal shooting at a shopping plaza last week stemmed from a traffic dispute between two drivers.

Shortly after 2 p.m. Friday, police responded to the Arizona Pavilions shopping center parking lot, which is west of Interstate 10 and North Cortaro Road, according to an interim complaint filed in Pima County Justice Court.

Police found 40-year-old Martin Padilla dead on the ground with two gunshot wounds to the torso area, according to the complaint.

The investigation revealed that 26-year-old Marcus Dickson  who was arrested on a manslaughter charge in connection with the incident  was following Padilla's vehicle at the intersection of Cortaro and Arizona Pavilions, when Padilla failed to go through the green arrow.

Dickson began honking at him to move and stayed behind his car while they turned into the Walmart parking lot, the complaint said.

Padilla pulled his car to the side to allow Dickson to pass, after which Dickson pulled into front of Padilla and blocked his car in. Both men got out of their cars and started arguing before they began pushing and throwing punches, the complaint said.

Padilla was able to get Dickson to the ground and tried to subdue him by sitting on top of him while they continued to fight. Dickson  who is described in the documents as being 6-foot-5-inches tall and weighing 300 pounds  told police he was unable to get the 5-foot-11-inch, 215-pound Padilla off of him, so he pulled out his gun and shot him in the torso.

As Dickson started to get up, Padilla leaned forward and Dickson shot him again to stop him from getting off the ground, Dickson told police.

Dickson told police that after he shot Padilla, he attempted to flag down officers and called 911, the complaint said.
America is exceptional. For those who may not believe so or may have forgotten, it is the job of the rest of us to show them the way.
Hollywood headlines this week have been dominated by the news that Asian-American actors Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park were exiting Hawaii Five-0, unable to achieve pay parity with the series lead actors, Alex OLoughlin and Scott Caan.

Daniel Dae Kim wrote on Facebook: that the path to equality was rarely easy.

Daniel and Grace have been important and valued members of Hawaii Five-0 for seven seasons, CBS said in a statement. We did not want to lose them and tried very hard to keep them with offers for large and significant salary increases. While we could not reach an agreement, we part ways with tremendous respect for their talents on screen, as well as their roles as ambassadors for the show off screen, and with hopes to work with them again in the near future.

Earlier Daniel Dae Kim wrote: By now many of you have heard the news, and Im sad to say it is true. I will not be returning to Hawaii Five-0 when production starts next week.

Though I made myself available to come back, CBS and I werent able to agree to terms on a new contract, so I made the difficult choice not to continue.

As an Asian American actor, I know first-hand how difficult it is to find opportunities at all, let alone play a well developed, three dimensional character like Chin Ho. I will miss him sincerely, he wrote. What made him even more special is that he was a representative of a place my family and I so dearly love. It has been nothing short of an honor to be able to showcase the beauty and people of Hawaii every week, and I couldnt be prouder to call these islands home. To my local community, mahalo nui loa.

According to Variety, industry sources said OLoughlin and Caan are making about $US200,000 per episode apiece for the upcoming eighth season. A source close to the situation said CBS last per-episode salary offer to Kim was about $US5,000 apart from the two lead actors, and CBS offered to set a new overall deal with Kims 3AD production banner. However, sources close to Kim said the differential was more significant.

Park, meanwhile, was said to have sought a deal for less than half of a full seasons worth of episodes, which would have been a financially challenging prospect for the network at the salary that she sought. Hawaii Five-0 delivered some 25 episodes in its most recent season.

Sources close to the situation noted that Kim and Park did not negotiate as a unit in their discussions with CBS. The final offer for Park was lower than that for Kim, according to a source.

Source: Deadline
Help India!

By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter

Narendra Modis government faced the first stain of lynching when Mohsin Sadiq Shaikh, a Pune-based techie was killed in May 2014 by goons when he was coming out of the mosque after prayers. Since then, India has recorded several incidents of lynching and mob killing where almost all the victims were either Muslims or Dalits.

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Protesting against these barbaric events, around 150 people were gathered today in Latur district of Maharashtra demanding the government to ensure the safety of Muslims and other targeted marginalised communities of the Indian society.

The protest which was held under the banner of Swabhimani Muslim Vikas Parishad also had a unique way to address the inactivity of the government over such events. The protest site had four beds marked Minority Commissions, State Governments, Central Government and Opposition at states and the centre. People lying in the beds represented the inactivity and non-cooperation of these bodies when it comes to lynching and killing.

Protest organisers had only called selected intellectuals from the city to avoid any kind of trouble to traffic and management. Organisers informed that they didnt want it to be an event where people could shout slogans and real issues could get suppressed.

Talking to TwoCircles.net Mohsin Khan, one of the organisers said, Many people wanted to join, but we thought to not to make it too crowded. Although we are very grateful to those who have extended support to us.

Not only the ruling parties and their representatives are silent, but what is shocking that opposition is silent and only wakes up if it sees political gain in such cases, added Khan.

The organisers expressed their thanks to the district administration and the police for their support in the protest.

The event saw the public speaking by the activists Madhukar Munde, Govind Salsad, Murtaza Khan, RZ Hashmi and Mohsin Khan demanding governments and their bodies to provide enough security and peace to marginalised sections of the society.
Help India!

By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter

The mob violence in Baduria, North Parganas and the subsequent damage to public property and shops once again exposed the fragile nature of Hindu-Muslim relations in West Bengal. It is important to point out that in the past six months, West Bengal has seen several such skirmishes in Dhaulagarh, Kidderpore and other regions surrounding Kolkata. However, it is also clear that the peace-loving community of the state and especially Kolkata are not lying down and are instead taking all necessary steps to ensure communal harmony in the state.

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On Wednesday, a procession of about 250 people, consisting of many intellectuals, painters, essayists, Professors, journalists, film-maker and common people assembled at the Barasat railway station to protest against the communal tension that broke out at Baduria. The procession covered a long 5 km road show from the station to the main bazaar of Barasat like Chapadali More, Dakbanglo road and Colony More.

The program started at around 5.15 p.m with the recitation of a revolutionary poem, followed by a song by Lalan Fakir and continued till 8 p.m. The slogans were dont heed to rumours, we want bread, not skirmish over temple and mosque,  go away peace destroyer, let live us with our neighbours peacefully.

On July 2, a 17-year-old boy from Hindu community posted an objectionable photo related to Islam, following which a number of Muslims came out to protest. Subsequently, the protests got ugly and a number of shops were burnt down. Thankfully, no one was killed.

There were many personalities from organizations participated in this program, like Sarmistha Duttagupta from the recent # Not in my Name protests, Aditi Bose of Maitrian organization that works for violence against women and communal tension, Nitish Ray, Babuni Majumder from Gana Sanskriti Parishad, Nirmal Ghosh, Jayatu Deshmukh of AIPF(All India Peoples Forum ), APDR (Association for Protection of Democratic Rights) persons of North 24 Parganas, Debashis Aich of PUCL(Peoples Union for Civil Liberties), Pramod from #OccupyCollegeStreet# and Anirban Das of Jessore Road Save Trees.

Robin Das, one of the conveners of this program, said at first we 4-5 people took decision for a road show against the Baduria incident and we shared our plan in social media asking civil society to join in this communal harmony march. We are satisfied with the response. There are many organisations that have stood by us.

Aditi Bose, a member of Maitri, said,  those who are involved in rioting must be punished. Politics of colour must be left behind for a peaceful coexistence. Bose also said that the chief minister Mamata Banerjee should ensure safety to each and every citizen by enforcing law and order abruptly especially in sensitive places.

Puspal Bhattacharya, a painter and also a resident of Barasat, said  we celebrate Eid, Durga Puja with our fellow Muslim brothers for many times. My Muslim neighbours come my home and I too go theirs, why should we let an evil force destroy this bonding? he added that there are many mosques in his colony and they never felt any disturbances caused by the sound of the mike.

Besides these, there were many other civil persons who joined in this march. There were Suman Sengupta, Assistant Professor at Calcutta University, Emanul Haque, Bengali Professor at Bidhannagar Government College, Ashoke Chatterjee, an essayist from Bashirhat, Biswajit Roy, a senior journalist etc.
Help India!

By Siddhant Mohan, TwoCircles.net

The Ram Janmabhoomi at Ayodhya has always been under a critical phase due to the continuous demand to build Ram Temple at the disputed site, even without the nod of the Supreme Court. This demand had gathered pace after BJP formed a government in the centre and turned it into a mass movement when Yogi Adityanath took charge as Chief Minister of the state.

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This time, a fresh consignment of stones for Ram Temple at Ayodhya has given a boost to this demand and a kick to the controversy.

The consignment reached a week before and the stones are stored at Ramsevak Puram of Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas. The 18 large pieces of sandstones reached Ayodhya in three large trucks from Bharatpur of Rajasthan.

Vishva Hindu Parishad, which is overseeing the whole operation has also informed that around hundred trucks of stones are yet to arrive in the state in following few weeks.

A VHP source from Lucknow told TwoCircles.net, We are told to remain discreet about this because the incoming stones have increased since last month and it is likely to increase further in the coming months.

Another consignment of stone had reached during last month of June, which created an environment of fresh Ram Temple movement in the region.

Previous Akhilesh Yadav government in Uttar Pradesh had stopped Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas to bring more stones into the state citing the Supreme Courts status quo at the disputed site.

But this time, the VHP and other Hindutva organisations have got support since Yogi Adityanath came into the power in the state. Various meetings and seminars were organised in past three months only over the construction of Ram Mandir temple.

On July 3, members of Muslim Karsevak Manch, an RSS-backed nationalist Muslim outfit, shouted slogans Jai Shriram in Deva Sharif, a Sufi dargah situated in Barabanki. Moreover, many outfits associated with RSS and VHP are conducting local level campaigns in support of Ram Mandir.

While the stone consignment has raised many questions, the district administration is giving absurd reasons for the same. Faizabad divisional commissioner Manoj Mishra told Times of India, Bringing stones to Ayodhya has not been banned by any court or authority, and the VHP is storing them in their private premises.
Help India!

Bhopal, (IANS): The Kisan Mukti Yatra, taken out on Thursday to pay homage to the six protesting farmers killed in police firing in Madhya Pradeshs Mandsaur district, has been halted by the police and as many as 300 persons arrested.

The people involved in the Yatra have been arrested on the allegation of disrupting peace. Till now, as many as 300 persons have been arrested, Superintendent of Police Manoj Singh told IANS.

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Communist Party of India-Marxist state unit chief Badal Saroj told IANS: The Yatra, which began from Bhudha village, has been halted at Guddeli village. These people were going to Peepli Mandi where farmers were killed in police firing.

The marchers included Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan convenor V.M. Singh, Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Sabha General Secretary Hannan Mollah, CPI-M leader Subhashini Ali, Swaraj Indias Yogendra Yadav, social activist Medha Patkar, Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghathans founder Raju Shetti, farmers and women.

The Yatra, which began under the leadership of the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee, has representatives of more than 100 groups of farmers from all over the country. Their demands include loan waivers and fixing the maximum support price of the crop yield based on recommendations by the M.S. Swaminathan Committee.

All of them have lifted ploughs on their shoulder while the farmers are waiving green flags, AIKSC state chief Jaswinder Singh said.

From Madhya Pradesh, this Yatra will go through Maharashtra and Gujarat to reach New Delhi on July 18, where a tribute will be paid to the six farmers killed in Mandsaur, he added.

Tight security arrangements have been made for the Yatra and police forces have been deployed at many places.

The 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 five farmers were killed in police firing in Mandsaur.
Help India!

By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter

The leader of Bhim Army, Chandrashekhar Ravan may be in jail, but if you believe that this will lead to the demise of Bhim Army, you would be wrong. Extremely wrong. In fact, thanks to a letter written by Chandrashekar from jail, his and the Armys popularity is reaching new heights and the Dalit youth, who are his biggest fans, are comparing him to Bhagat Singh and his famous letter from prison.

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The letter, titled A message from jail to my Bahujan friends and Bhim Army members from their brother Chandrashekhar, has been circulated among millions and is proving to be a catalyst in increasing Bhim Armys popularity not only in Uttar Pradesh but beyond it also.

What I wish to convey through this letter is very important. I am grateful: to people who came to Delhi twice to show our strength to the entire world, to the people who offered help. To all these people, I welcome and thank from the bottom of my heart. You showed to the world that a community that has been divided for so many centuries can get together to fight for justice and self respectour unity is causing a lot of discomfort to a lot of peopleto people who have a cheap mentality; ones who wish to treat humans as animals, he says in his letter.

Continuing in his letter, Chandrashekhar made it clear that the Bhim Army was neither against a person nor a religion. Our fight to against people who practice untouchability and casteism. To them, I say Change your mentality soon as Babasaheb Ambedkar had told Mr Gandhi that the 20th century might belong to him (Gandhi) but the 21st century will be a time for our ideology. With your support, I am confident we can implement Babasahebs vision. A lot of people will try to break our unity by making allegations, but we must stay together, he says.

Explaining why the Bhim Armys national-level committee was dismissed, Chandrashekhar said, Because of the selfish nature of some people, the sacrifices and sufferings of some people were underestimated. You are all my family now; we do not need any committee and I will never let you down again. I remember you all and the love I have got in UP, Uttarakhand and Punjab.

In the postscript, Chandrashekhar added a word of caution and confidence to his readers, especially youth. In my absence, I expect you to understand your responsibilities and fight for justice in all constitutional ways possible, he added.

Chandrashekhar is currently in jail with over 12 charges against him and over the past month, the UP government has tried to tarnish
Help India!

Kolkata, (IANS): Supporters of West Bengals ruling Trinamool Congress and BJP-RSS activists clashed outside a state-run hospital here on Thursday after a man allegedly injured in the Basirhat communal violence died in the hospital.

The BJP and RSS leadership went to the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital premises, claiming the deceased Kartik Ghosh  an active worker of their party  was killed in Tuesdays communal clash in Basirhat sub-division of North 24 Parganas district.

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The police said Ghosh hailed from Basirhat and died of multiple stab injuries.

However, they did not confirm whether his death was linked to the communal violence.

He was associated with the Sangh and had been an active worker of BJP for a long time. He was stabbed several times with sharp weapons during the clash in Basirhat area. His family members brought him to R.G. Kar Hospital, the RSS South Bengal General Secretary Jishnu Basu told IANS.

The ruckus started on Thursday morning when some BJP leaders including actor-turned-politician Locket Chatterjee were stopped by a mob from entering the hospital to meet the family of the deceased.

Later in the day, a mob surrounded the cars of state BJP president Dilip Ghosh and partys national General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya and demanded they go back.

Claiming the agitators were Trinamool Congress-backed hooligans, Ghosh said they were being forcibly stopped from meeting the deceaseds family members.

The state BJP chief also complained that some of their activists were severely beaten up by TMC activists.

The police said there was a scuffle between the Trinamool and BJP-RSS activists. The car of former BJP MLA Shamik Bhattacharya was vandalised. No case has been lodged yet. No one has been detained, said the police officer.
Large numbers of Migrants are coming across the Mediterranean again this year with 2000 of them drowning at sea recently. As usual, NGOs and others are picking up these people who are escaping wars, famine, and other disasters but a large number of them are coming to Europe for a better life to escape the poverty of Africa and Asia. The mounting numbers are a huge problem for italy which is becoming swamped. Italy has had to ask the EU for help.

Italy has threatened to close its ports if other nations continue to allow this tide of humanity to land on its shores.

According to BBC1's, 'Newsnight' Italians who have shown nothing but kindness to these people are gradually running out of patience. The film shown by 'Newsnight' showed various towns where many of these migrants have landed up, and many of the Italian's were saying 'saying enough is enough.'

The far right benefiting from the arrivals

Parties like the Northern League are making political capital out of this as are groups like the AFD in Germany. Likewise, UKIP in the UK and other right-wing groups such as Britain First are also making this an issue. With many European countries bearing the weight of austerity it is understandable why many Europeans would turn to these parties.

Austria for example who came very near to having a far right president is going to start to station troops on their border.

Even though many migrants have left Italy and gone on to places like Germany, a large residual group of migrants are for now staying behind.

Many of the migrants appear to be mostly young men from the main sub-Saharan African Continent. Having said that there are also Syrians, Iraqis, Afghans, and others arriving from Libya who are often at the mercy of criminals.

Indeed it was suggested on 'Newsnight' that because many of the migrants are just coming to Europe for a better life the NGO ships picking them up could be breaking the law.

Is it time to adopt a 'turn back the boats policy' as Australia did?

It has been suggested that the Navy's of the EU should intercept these migrant boats and tow them back.

This may seem a harsh policy but it appears to have worked in Australia who until recently also had a huge migrant problem.

The idea was to use the Australian Navy to meet these people at sea and tow them to Papua New Guinea where they could Seek Asylum. Many of these migrants are housed in camps until they are ready to be assessed by PNG immigration officers. It is to be assumed that PNG is not doing this for nothing and will be receiving some financial aid from Australia.

This policy seems to have worked in Australia with less migrant boats appearing in Australian territorial waters. Is it time Europe adopted the same policy with the agreement perhaps, of North African countries where these migrants can seek asylum as in PNG.

If the news got through that Europe was taking a tough line with migrants coming via the sea, less would come -- in theory. A direct effect would be that the right wing would see a drop in their support and people smugglers would less be able to exploit the migrants.

Surely this is an idea whose time has come as Europe is gearing up for yet another surge of migrants.
Conservative Party members are angry at a former Tory MP's suggestion there will be a second EU referendum in the near future.

Ben Howlett, who lost his Bath seat to the Liberal Democrats last June, said the issue about Britain rejoining the European Union may be put to a vote to satisfy the youth movement and their anti-Brexit views.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4's World at One programme, Mr. Howlett said Brexit is a big concern to many younger people, including the former Bath MP himself who campaigned for the UK to stay in the EU. He said if younger voters are not pleased with the final deal, then they could force the Government to legislate for a second vote to settle the question once and for all.

But Mr. Howlett, who himself served as chairman of Conservative Future, the youth wing of the Conservative Party, in between 2010-13, has encountered a flurry of criticism from young Tories who he represented during his time as chairman.

'The term "sour grapes" comes to mind.'

Harmeet Singh Brar, a Conservative councillor for Wellow, Somerset, said: 'As a Remain voter, I do not think a second referendum is fair or in any way justified. Where do you draw the line after the second one? Should we have a third one too? I believe the choice was clear and that people had an understanding of what they were voting on and we must all respect that outcome.'

'Ben Howlett goes on to say that many young people are not happy that we are leaving the EU.

I would say to all of us political activists who have been encouraging young people to vote: we all had the chance to share our views and they should have voted. The term "sour grapes" comes to mind.'

Cameron Winstanley, an active CF member at Essex University, said: 'There was a turnout of 72.2% which we can be very proud of.

This could jeopardise the future credibility of referendum turnouts and damage trust in Politics further. We owe it to voters and future generations to get on with the job of leaving the EU. We can't keep crawling back and expect relations to be the same for us as they were prior to the referendum.'

'Thank God he lost his seat.'

According to one poll, 85 per cent of 18-24-year-olds want to retain their EU citizenship, in addition to their British rights.

The research, led by the London School of Economics, discovered more than 2,000 participants would pay to keep their status as an EU citizen. The average sum among this category of voters, including those who oppose the idea, was 400.

Mr. Howlett said the influence of young voters needs to be addressed by the Conservatives, as this could result in demands for a second referendum becoming a reality. The former MP criticised his party for missing the point during the last general election while trying to convince younger electors they should vote for the Tories. He blamed this failure on losing his Bath seat.

However, Ben Walker, an active CF member in Worcester, said: 'Thank God he lost his seat.

If we are going to have a second referendum, why not a third, fourth and fifth? The only reason you would hold a second is because you don't like the decision of the first. He's probably just doing it because Bath is a big Remain seat.'

CF activist Adam Lawless said another referendum is going against the will of the people. He added: 'This election showed a considerable majority in favour of pro-Brexit parties. Ultimately, I feel people's will is lost if there is another.'

'An absolute disgrace.'

Another CF source said his comments are an 'absolute disgrace.'

Mr. Howlett joined the Conservative Party in 2004, working for former Tory MP Douglas Carswell and London MEP Syed Kamall in 2007-2010. He has also served as leader of the Conservative group on Harwich Town Council.

In November 2015, following the suicide of Conservative activist Elliott Johnson, he told BBC's Newsnight that 'institutionalised bullying' in Conservative Future had been 'swept under the carpet' to prevent the Tories from losing the 2015 General Election.

Following last year's referendum result, Mr. Howlett argued Britain should retain its membership of the EU's Single Market. In October 2016, he asked Universities Secretary Jo Johnson to leave international students out of immigration figures in order to attract overseas students to study at British universities.
U.S. Congress(WASHINGTON) -- The Louisiana congressman who was widely criticized for recording a video inside a gas chamber at the notorious Auschwitz Nazi concentration camp in Poland has taken down the video and apologized.

Republican Rep. Clay Higgins, who serves on the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee, recorded himself in a selfie video inside a former gas chamber where Jewish prisoners were systematically murdered during World War II.

I filmed the Auschwitz message with great humility. My intent was to offer a reverent homage to those who were murdered in Auschwitz and to remind the world that evil exists, that free nations must remember, and stand strong," Higgins said in a statement issued Wednesday.

"However, my message has caused pain to some whom I love and respect," the statement continues. "For that, my own heart feels sorrow. Out of respect to any who may feel that my video posting was wrong or caused pain, I have retracted my video."

In the five-minute video, posted on YouTube July 1, Higgins declared, "Man's inhumanity to man can be quite shocking," and noted in part that Auschwitz serves as a reminder " to make damn sure that the United States of America is protected from the evils of the world."

It's not Higgins' message, however, but rather his decision to record it inside the gas chamber, that was criticized. The official Auschwitz Memorial Twitter account tweeted, "Everyone has the right to personal reflections. However, inside a former gas chamber, there should be mournful silence. It's not a stage."

Everyone has the right to personal reflections. However, inside a former gas chamber, there should be mournful silence. It's not a stage. https://t.co/AN5aA1bYEU  Auschwitz Memorial (@AuschwitzMuseum) July 4, 2017

That comment was followed by a photo, captioned, "This is what all visitors see at the entrance to the building where first homicidal gas chambers of Auschwitz was created by the SS." The photo is of an engraved stone sign that reads: "You are in a building where the SS murdered thousands of people. Please maintain silence here: remember their suffering and show respect for their memory."

This is what all visitors see at the entrance to the building where first homicidal gas chambers of Auschwitz was created by the SS. pic.twitter.com/6Mm5gTkfSl  Auschwitz Memorial (@AuschwitzMuseum) July 4, 2017

"I have always stood with Israel and all Jewish people, and I always will. We live in a dangerous world, and massive forces of evil do indeed yet exist," Higgins' statement ends. "We must all stand united against those evils. My Auschwitz video has been removed, and my sincere apology for any unintended pain is extended.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
BroadSoft Joins Forces with C3ntro Telecom

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By Alicia Young

Web Editor By Alicia YoungWeb Editor

BroadSoft (News - Alert), Inc., an Htek partner and a provider of cloud business software for unified communication, collaboration and contact centers, recently teamed up with C3ntro Telecom, a telecommunications and information technology company. The companies would like to strengthen their technology relationship through C3ntro Telecoms offer to the Mexican market named Unified Communications (News - Alert).





According to the announcement, Using the BroadSoft Business UC-One application, an application that includes voice, video, instant messaging, presence monitoring, call recording, mobility and collaboration, businesses can now have all the necessary tools to optimize their workplace communications.

As the announcement points out, Mexico has 59 million smartphone users, giving it the highest mobile penetration rate in Latin America. That number presents great opportunity for cloud businesses, allowing them to integrate mobile devices with enterprise communication. The platform is hosted by C3ntro Telecoms data centers, enabling the availability of the service due to its geographical redundancy and highest standards of security. Unified Communication customers can also benefit from reduced costs, increased performance, scalability, mobility and quick deployment.

This solution was developed for companies that need to implement cutting-edge technology incorporating effective communication tools for remote and mobile workers. Unified Communications by C3ntro Telecom, allows users access from any fixed or mobile device to corporate communication services, said Elit Sitt, C3ntro Telecom's Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

This strengthened partnership is obviously beneficial for users, in that the offering provides an intuitive, fast-access interface that integrates a worker's preferred communication applications into a single application. That can then be downloaded to all mobile devices - personal computers, smartphones or tablets - giving users the ability to communicate and collaborate anywhere in real time.

However, the partnership has also proven the be successful for C3ntro Telecom, as it now has access to BroadSofts digital assets, such as eBooks, eGuides and whitepapers. The resources are valuable tools to teach C3ntro Telecom how to enhance the ways its customers adopt, use, and benefit from unified communications services.

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Edited by Maurice Nagle
In the days since the recent Islamic terrorist attack on the London Bridge, Donald Trump has come under fire for using the opportunity to promote his controversial travel ban. After tweeting about the issue once again, the president faced instant backlash.

Trump's travel ban

When Donald Trump announced his plan to run for president back in June 2015, one of the first issues that he focused on was immigration. While the former host of "The Apprentice" initially focused on illegal immigration from Mexico, his message quickly expanded to include dealing with Islamic terrorism spreading into the West.

As part of his plan to prevent religious extremism in the Middle East from becoming prevalent in the United States, Trump proposed a ban on Muslim immigration, while also calling on the mass deportation of at least 11 million illegal immigrants in the country. As expected, Trump's policy proposals caused controversy and a partisan divide in response. Liberals and Democrats took a hard-line approach in opposition to Trump, with many referring to him as a "racist," "bigot," Islamophobe," and other terms. On the flip side, conservatives and supporters of the president cheered his agenda, praising the billionaire real estate mogul for refusing to be politically correct. After sending out several tweets on the matter in the last 72 hours, Trump returned to Twitter on June 5 to elaborate further.

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!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 6, 2017

Taking to his Twitter account on Monday night was Donald Trump and the commander in chief didn't hold back his feelings on the issue at hand.

"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. The latest tweet comes after an earlier social media messages where Trump also called for his travel ban to be put into place, while taking time to attack the mayor of London for how he has handled the aftermath of the incident.

Moments ago, @POTUS tweeted about his executive order on extreme vetting, doubling down on the term "travel ban." https://t.co/Gg24SfUCry pic.twitter.com/83CxzXYUzj  Fox News (@FoxNews) June 6, 2017

Twitter reacts

Responding to Donald Trump's tweet regarding his push for a travel ban and opposition to political correctness, social media users ripped into the president. "Trump has no chill. Back for his 2nd serving of all-caps TRAVEL BAN like it was two scoops of ice cream," director Adam Best wrote on his Twitter account, before adding, "Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia Trump is pretty friendly with some DANGEROUS countries."

I still think SCOTUS will uphold your right to issue the ban. The law seems pretty clear. But the language you and your surrogates...  Nick Pappas (@NickAPappas) June 6, 2017

We're not giving you a goddamn inch, and thankfully neither have the courts.



YOU'RE TOO STUPID TO REALIZE THAT WE'RE SMARTER THAN YOU!  Jules Suzdaltsev (@jules_su) June 6, 2017

"Oh, dear God, please SHUT UP," songwriter Holly O'Reilly tweeted out.

"Sure, this MUSLIM BAN only covers 9 countries, but how long until you say "Islam is a dangerous ideology not restricted to a few countries?" Jules Suzdaltsev also added.

Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia Trump is pretty friendly with some DANGEROUS countries.  Adam Best (@adamcbest) June 6, 2017

Everything is higher than your approval rating.

Even the number of people who want you impeached.

Let that sink in. pic.twitter.com/6khLwwrxka  Holly O'Reilly (@AynRandPaulRyan) June 6, 2017

"The problem is, it might stop you from winning your court case," Nick Pappas added. The negative reactions continued to pour in as the backlash to the president and his agenda was put on display for all to see.
"Whatever happened to Amelia Earhart?" So a popular song asks. Well, the general belief is that the pilot died in a crash, in one of the most famous cases of aircraft disappearance in history. Now, experts have unearthed new evidence that Earhart not only did not die in a crash, but she survived and was captured by Japanese authorities.

A mysterious disappearance

Amelia Earhart was the first woman to attempt to fly around the world. She was important in that regard itself, but what made her even more famous in history and popular culture was her mysterious disappearance.

Her plane vanished while it was traversing the skies above the Pacific Ocean in 1937.

There were many theories surrounding the disappearance, most of them speculation that could not be backed up by solid evidence (though not for lack of trying to find clues). One of the most widely-accepted theories is that her plane crashed.

Yet another one of these theories is that she and her navigator Fred Noonan were captured by the Japanese. This, as with most of the other theories, used to have no evidence in support. But now, investigators think that they have found the photograph that will give this theory more credibility.

According to the Washington Post, investigators have unearthed a photograph from the National Archives that they believe depicts Earhart, Noonan, and their aircraft on the docks of an atoll somewhere in the Marshall Islands.

New evidence from 'mislabeled' file in the National Archives

A former U.S.

Treasury Agent named Les Kinney happened upon the photo as a mislabeled file at the National Archives. Kinney is retired; he began investigating the disappearance of Earhart after his retirement.

The 8"x10" black-and-white photo went unnoticed for many years until Kinney took it and went for a closer look. He said that what he saw was Earhart facing away from the camera.

He believed that the figure's haircut and body type fits the pilot. On the left of the photograph, a man he believed to be Fred Noonan was present, as well, and on the far right is the aircraft.

At least two photo experts have analyzed the said photo and both of them declare that it was not manipulated in any way.

Of course, the new evidence was not warmly received immediately.

Even former FBI assistant executive director Shawn Henry was skeptical at first. Still, he said that the fact that the photo came from the National Archives gives it more credibility (as opposed to it coming from "somebody's basement or garage somewhere.")

A new History Channel documentary called "Amelia Earhart: The Lost Evidence" will be airing on July 9. The documentary aims to take a closer look at the new photographic evidence, as well as shed some more light regarding the current status of the Amelia Earhart investigation.
Even as the United States was preparing to celebrate the Fourth of July, North Korea announced successful testing of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that, in the opinion of US experts, had the range to reach Alaska. The exercise was supervised by its leader Kim Jong Un.

Reacting to this, President Donald Trump has impressed on China the need to use its clout to ensure that North Korea stops such activities. The country has plans to develop a rocket that could target America with a nuclear-tipped weapon and, the latest test of an ICBM can be interpreted as another step towards its objective.

Observation of specialists

Daily Mail UK reports that one of the specialists admitted that the weapon was indeed an ICBM with a range that could reach Anchorage but not San Francisco. Another expert has calculated the possible range to be around 6700-Km which would not affect large portions of the United States but could reach Alaska.

The state Korean Central Television provided details about this latest missile of North Korea  it was a Hwasong missile and attained an altitude of over 2,800-Km, was airborne for a distance of nearly 1000-Km and the duration of the flight was around 40 minutes. The news went on to add that it was launched at such a trajectory that there was no danger to neighboring countries.

Confusion about the test

The claims of North Korea do not match with observations of South Korea and the United States who had initially concluded that it was not an ICBM but one of medium range. This was in line with the views expressed by Russia who has indicated a number of relevant parameters that fall far short of the claims.

Russia has confirmed that such a missile does not pose any threat to it.

From all appearance, the action is a political warning to the United States and its allies in the region while Pyongyang continues to proceed with the development program of its weapons.

North Korea is intent on keeping the tension in the Korean peninsula alive, and its activities are directed towards that objective.

It is already bound by sanctions, but it has devised methods to circumvent them and carry on with its nuclear programs.

China is its main ally, and President Donald Trump felt it could persuade Pyongyang to stop its activities. Trump wanted Xi Jinping, the President of China, to take necessary action to thwart the designs of North Korea. However, even if China has taken any action, its effects on North Korea are still not visible.

China is its main ally, and President Donald Trump felt it could persuade Pyongyang to stop its activities. Trump wanted Xi Jinping, the President of China, to take necessary action to thwart the designs of North Korea. However, even if China has taken any action, its effects on North Korea are still not visible.

On its part, the United States has positioned its warships in the region as an assurance to its allies, and there are possibilities of carrying out a preventive strike if the situation so demands.
All parties involved in the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue should exercise restraint and not speak or behave in away that escalates tensions, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular news conference in Beijing on Wednesday.

Tensions have soared this week after the Democratic People's Republic of Korea declared that it had successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile earlier on Tuesday.

Less than 24 hours afterward, armed forces of the Republic of Korea and the United States launched short-range ballistic missiles of their own from the peninsula into the Sea of Japan on Wednesday.

DPRK leader Kim Jong-un said on Wednesday that his nation will "demonstrate its mettle to the US" and never put its weapons programs up for negotiations, the Associated Press reported.

Geng said the situation on the peninsula is complicated and sensitive, but China's position is clear, and the other parties involved are aware of that.

The United Nations Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting about the situation on Wednesday in New York.

When asked about China's message to be delivered at the meeting, Geng said it is hoped that the discussions push the nuclear issue closer to dialogue, consultations and a peaceful resolution.

Between the two missile launches, the foreign ministries of China and Russia issued a joint statement on the peninsula issue, stating "serious concerns" about the situation.

The escalating political and military tensions in the region could trigger armed conflict, and the international community should take collective measures to peacefully resolve this through consultation, the statement said.

China and Russia proposed that the DPRK voluntarily make political decisions and announce the suspension of its nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches, and that the US and the ROK accordingly suspend their large-scale joint military drill.

On Wednesday, Geng added that the joint statement showcases voices from the international community calling for dialogue and the easing of tensions.

The statement aims to address the root causes and symptoms, and the proposed solution is objective, fair, reasonable, realistic and viable, he said.

zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn
Liu Xiangrui speaks with a member of a Miao embroidery and dress cooperative in Huayan, Hunan province. Wu Hongyan / For 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 in poor villages for a month to see how China's poverty eradication plan is improving people's lives. Three of those stories were published on Wednesday, so these are the final three personal accounts of life in some of the nation's poorest regions.

My month in the countryside was a rare opportunity to spend an extended period observing and experiencing the lives of the residents of a remote village that is home to people from the Miao ethnic group.

Before I arrived in Shibadong, in Huayuan, Hunan province, I was expecting to find a stereotypical ramshackle village. At least, that's what my knowledge and impressions of villages in other poor, mountainous regions had led me to believe.

However, during my interviews with villagers, I learned that Shibadong was indeed once run-down, but that was several years ago.

Present-day Shibadong is totally different, and it offered surprises from the beginning of my trip to the end.

The road to the village is a well-built blacktop which zigzags along the mountainside and overlooks a valley. The village is clean and tidy, and the traditional-style wooden houses are well maintained. Located at the top of the mountain, the superb views, lush greenery and clean air make the village a popular destination for tourists.

However, you have to learn from the villagers' own mouths how they and their ancestors suffered from a lack of arable land, inconvenient transportation links and a dearth of clean drinking water - the main causes of poverty.

That was before the changes that have happened in the past few years.

The first road capable of being used by motorized vehicles was built in 2001 by mobilizing the entire village under the guidance of the old village chief Yang Wuyu. Before that, only narrow mountain paths existed.

"We dug the road hoe by hoe, and it took three years to complete," recalled Yang, adding that many senior villagers used crutches to attend the completion ceremony, where they saw a car for the first time.

At the time, the village was still very isolated. When President Xi Jinping paid a visit in 2013, he passed by the home of villager Shi Basan and stopped to shake her hand. However, the villager, 64 at the time, didn't recognize him and asked "How should I address you?" Her comment aroused surprise among bystanders.

During his visit, Xi stressed the importance of "precision" in eradicating poverty, saying that poverty alleviation should be based on real situations, must be targeted at the right people and industries, and appropriate methods should be used.

Since then, the local government has endeavored to explore new methods and develop suitable industries to eliminate poverty in areas such as Shibadong.

One of the biggest projects is a collectively owned kiwi fruit plantation, which was started in 2015 when the villagers pooled the relief funds provided by the government - about 6,000 yuan ($884) per person - some of the villagers' own money and investment from an agricultural company.

Without enough farmland, they creatively transferred land and rented about 67 hectares from another village. They then mortgaged the land management rights to secure a bank loan of about 10 million yuan so they could farm the extra hectares. The kiwi trees will start bearing fruit this year, and the plantation is eventually expected to bring each villager about 10,000 yuan every year.

As a reult of the growing number of tourists, many cooperatives, such as one for raising pigs and another to cultivate honeybees, are flourishing, as are family-based businesses, such as home restaurants.

In 2014, the original road was upgraded and widened to 6 meters, thanks to money from a special poverty alleviation fund. The village infrastructure and people's homes have also been renovated via a joint program between the local government and the villagers themselves.

The greatest change, in addition to the financial improvement, has taken place in the villagers' minds, according to members of the poverty alleviation team who live in Shibadong.

Encouraged by the improvements in the past few years, the villagers are now confident and optimistic, and they all aspire to a better life through hard work.

"The villagers are more cooperative and have a strong sense of participation because they can see the blueprints we promised several years ago gradually becoming a reality," said Shi Denggao, Party chief of the village.

The villagers also have a strong sense of collective honor. For example, they are willing to sacrifice personal or family interests to benefit the whole village - one family gave up their farmland to make way for public projects, including a public parking lot and the new road.

Contact the writer at liuxiangrui@chinadaily.com.cn
Guo Weimin (left), vice-minister of the State Council Information Office, and Huang Kunming (second left), executive vice-minister of the CPC Central Committee's Publicity Department, attend the Third China-Russia Media Forum in Moscow on Tuesday.Ren Qi / China Daily

Technology development, mutual trust have driven cooperation

China and Russia have maintained close cooperation in mainstream media in the past year, a senior Chinese official said during the Third China-Russia Media Forum on Tuesday in Moscow.

More than 120 representatives of 75 media agencies from China and Russia participated in the forum and discussed new trends of media development and future cooperation.

Huang Kunming, the executive vice-minister of the CPC Central Committee's Publicity Department, said Chinese and Russian media have cooperated closely and documented Sino-Russian relations.

He said there have been changes in international relations in recent years, and there has been significant development of media technology.

"Media from both countries have the common task of dealing with the relationship between traditional and new media to increase innovation and enhance international communications," Huang said.

He added that Sino-Russian relations are the strongest they have ever been, which provides a solid platform for cooperation.

Alexei Gromov, first deputy chief of staff of the Russian Presidential Executive Office, said the China-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination covers various fields of interaction, including deep media cooperation.

The two countries have established a deep mutual trust, allowing media exchanges to develop rapidly, Gromov said.

"The media forum is a perfect example of our fine relations," he said.

Sun Shangwu, deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily, signed an agreement with Pavel Negoitsa, publisher of Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

The two newspapers will continue to work on the Russian edition of China Watch - a multilingual news product of China Daily - and cooperate in other areas.

Pavel Stepanov, general manager of Russian media company Partner Center, said the hosting of the media forum and other similar communications played an important role in boosting the mutual understanding of Chinese and Russian people.

Partner Center has cooperated with Chinese media for many years, and has made documentaries about China.

Stepanov said cooperation among media companies to broadcast positive stories about each other's country will help to promote bilateral ties in other industries.

Evgeni Shubin, general manager of Russian Ostantino Television Center, praised the highly developed media technology in China. Shubin said Russian media desires to have more exchanges about television technology with Chinese media companies, and to make progress together.

renqi@chinadaily.com.cn
Chinese suspects arrive in Hunan province from Cambodia on Thursday. ZHANG ZHENG / FOR CHINA DAILY

PHNOM PENH  Cambodia deported 74 Chinese nationals suspected of involvement in telecom fraud, and they were taken to Hunan province on Thursday afternoon, a senior Cambodian police official said.

"The Chinese police sent a plane to pick them up after we decided to deport them," said Major General Ouk Hai Seila, chief of the investigation and procedure department at the General Department of Immigration, in an interview with Xinhua News Agency.

The deportees, including 21 women, were arrested on Saturday by Cambodian authorities in simultaneous raids on 12 locations in the capital, Phnom Penh, and Kandal and Kampot provinces, he said, adding that they would face legal action in China.

The 74 were suspected of using internet phones from Cambodia to extort money from victims in China, he said, adding that a number of phones and laptops were seized.

Seila said the raids came at the request of the Chinese embassy.

Scammers often use overseas internet servers to make scam calls to their victims, claiming to be court or police officials. They typically tell their targets that their bank accounts have been breached, so they need to transfer the money to a separate safe account, which is provided to the victim.

Xinhua
Smoking and cancer are often linked, and alarmingly, that seems to be the case for Chinese New Yorkers.

Cancer was the leading cause of death among Chinese New Yorkers in 2014, who had a significantly higher mortality rate from the disease compared with city residents overall, according to a recent city government report.

Cancer was the cause of death of 33 percent of Chinese Americans in the city in 2014, while 25 percent of New Yorkers across all racial and ethnic groups died of cancer that year.

Fatal diagnoses of lung cancer among Chinese New Yorkers run counter - in the wrong direction - to a citywide trend, too.

While lung cancer deaths declined by 16.4 percent in New York City between 2010 and 2014, they increased 70 percent among Chinese residents, according to the report.

The health report, released last week, is part of a city Department of Health and Mental Hygeine initiative to increase local in areas affected by public health epidemics.

"The smoking rate for Asian-American men in New York City was 25.4 percent in 2015, the highest rate for all major race and ethnic groups in New York City," Dr. Warren Chin, the executive director of the New York-based Chinese American Medical Society (CAMS), told patch.com.

"All of us - physicians, hospitals, health clinics, the health department, community leaders and our elected officials - need to work together to reduce tobacco use in the community."

CAMS is a non-profit, charitable, educational and scientific organization committed to education and community service. Established in 1964, it is the oldest Chinese-American medical society in North America with more than 1,300 members.

The officers and trustees of the governing board are made of up physicians in the New York metropolitan area who volunteer their services.

"The city's new report highlights the pressing need for a culturally competent public health strategy," City Council Member Margaret Chin told China Daily.

"I pledge to work with (New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett) to promote wellness and prevention strategies, in addition to fighting for quality-of- life improvements that help our immigrant communities live longer, healthier lives."

The city government also is working to spread an anti-smoking message in Chinese-language media outlets.

"We need more data like this out there, so we can increase awareness around these major health concerns, and then work together to provide the resources to communities where they are most needed," Assemblywoman Yuh-Line Niou, whose district includes Manhattan Chinatown, said in a statement.

"I will be sharing the data collected in this report with my colleagues in the state's Asian Pacific American Legislative Task Force so that we can examine the best way to improve the overall health of Chinese-American New Yorkers."

Heart disease (31.1 percent) was the leading cause of death for city dwellers overall and was the second-leading cause of death for Chinese New Yorkers, at 23.9 percent.

Stroke was the third-leading cause of death among New York's Chinese, but the sixth leading cause in the city overall.

Contact the writer at williamhennelly@chinadailyusa.com
President Xi Jinping (2nd L) and his wife Peng Liyuan (1st L) are greeted by German Chancellor Angela Merkel (2nd R) and her husband Joachim Sauer (1st R) at the Max Liebermann Haus (Max Liebermann House) nearby Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, July 4, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

President, German leader find many points of consensus during visit

China and Germany signed a number of documents on Wednesday to boost cooperation in such areas as investment, trade, aerospace and panda protection during President Xi Jinping's second state visit to the European country.

Meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Xi said that as the world's second- and fourth-largest economies, China and Germany are two great forces with significant influence on the stability of Eurasia.

The conversation with Merkel was productive, Xi told reporters afterward, noting that he had reached many new points of agreement with the German leader on such issues as enhancing political trust, boosting pragmatic cooperation and strengthening collaboration on global affairs.

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues, including Syria and the Korean Peninsula, Xi said.

Xi arrived in Berlin on Tuesday for his second state visit to Germany. The first was in March 2014. It is the second stop of Xi's European tour, which also took him to Russia. While in Germany, he will travel to Hamburg to attend the G20 Summit.

The president said that China and Germany will make joint efforts to push projects forward under the Belt and Road Initiative and explore third-party markets, since the interconnection of Eurasia will bring major opportunities.

In an early signal, major European aircraft manufacturer Airbus announced on Wednesday that it had signed a deal with China Aviation Supplies Holding Co to supply 100 A320 and 40 A350 aircraft. The deal was valued at about $22.8 billion.

Noting that the two countries had signed a document to cooperate on a hydropower project in Angola, Merkel said Germany is willing to participate in such projects under the Belt and Road framework.

She also said Germany supported pushing forward negotiations toward an EU-China investment treaty and will continue to contribute to deepening EU-China cooperative ties.

Merkel also expressed gratitude for China's support of the G20 Summit in Hamburg.

Economic and trade relations between Germany and China have reached a high level, not only with respect to goods but in technology exchange, she added.
Brendt Christensen, charged with kidnapping a visiting Chinese scholar, was ordered held without bail on Wednesday by a US federal judge in Urbana, Illinois.

During a hearing in the District Court for the Central District of Illinois, US Magistrate Eric Long said that Christensen, 28, presented a danger to the community and was a flight risk.

Christensen, who has a master's degree in physics from the University of Illinois, was arrested on June 30 on a charge of kidnapping Zhang Yingying, a 26-year-old student at the same school.

Zhang has not been found, and police believe she is dead. Sunday will mark one month since her June 9 disappearance, when she got in a car allegedly driven by the defendant.

According to the criminal complaint made public at the hearing, Christensen made statements about the characteristics of the ideal victim while he was under surveillance at a vigil for Zhang on June 29; there's audio of him describing how Zhang fought and resisted after he brought her back to his Champaign apartment; and he threatened another person to whom he made the incriminating statements.

"The facts speak to the very danger the defendant presents to the community," said Assistant US Attorney Bryan Freres. "The circumstances of the case indicate the defendant used violence."

Liu Jun, acting consul general in Chicago, said he had spoken to the FBI after the hearing on Wednesday and requested the bureau step up efforts to find Zhang as soon as possible.

"This is the most urgent thing at the moment," Liu said. "They have put in the best detective experts and have been working on the case around the clock."

The University of Illinois Police Department, the Illinois State Police and local police also are investigating.

"In a case like this, it's not unusual for bail to be denied," Evan Bruno, Christensen's attorney, said outside the courthouse.

In arguing for bail, Christensen's attorneys said that keeping their client in the Macon County Jail, which is about an hour away, disadvantaged his defense.

"We just wanted the judge to take that into consideration when determining whether this defendant would have the ability to meet with us and work on his case," said Tom Bruno, also an attorney for Christensen.

"It's not real evidence at all yet," said Tom Bruno when asked about the case against Christensen. "One of the founding principles of the American system of justice is the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses against you. We're entitled to test that evidence to see if it's reliable."

Members of Zhang's family attended the hearing on Wednesday and an initial hearing on Monday. Christensen, in a jail jumpsuit, remained silent during the proceedings.

A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for July 14, but that could be waived if the grand jury returns an indictment before then.

Wang Zhidong, an attorney representing Zhang's family members, said the ruling on Wednesday was what the family had expected.

"I believe the judge made the right decision, which also comforted the family," Wang said.

Mike Judge, 63, a local Uber driver, said the kidnapping has raised a lot of concern in the community.

He said some of his customers who are Chinese students, along with other students, mention it every day.

"I know lots of people really who are so worried about it. It makes people really nervous about getting in a car," Judge said.

"It's extremely sad," he said. "It's really kind of rare that things like this happen here. It makes everybody who lives in the whole area disgusted. I think everybody still hopes this girl is still out there somewhere, and they can at least find her," he said.

Kathleen Hu, a Chinese-Canadian engineering student at Illinois, said she and her friends have talked a lot about the case.

"It's a big deal, because usually we think the campus is a safe place, but things like this happening ... cannot easily be foreseen," said Hu, who was born in Chengdu and is in her fourth year at the university.

Hu said her parents were "a lot more worried. They tell me to be more careful, come home earlier," she said, adding though that she hasn't changed her routine much.

Hu believes the case will influence international students attending the university "because parents will be more afraid of this situation".

The university is the top destination in the US for overseas Chinese students.

Kevin Li, 25, a computer science student from Wuhan, Hubei province, said that Chinese students should not skip campus safety orientation meetings.

"Most Chinese students don't attend orientation, but it's necessary," he said.

Contact the writer at wanglinyan@chinadailyusa.com
A cautionary tale about a young Chinese girl and laughing gas has gone viral, and it's anything but a laughing matter.

Overseas student Lin Na's recent return to China from Seattle caught widespread attention among Chinese netizens and students studying in the US.

She posted her personal story on a WeChat public platform called "JK Chicken Soup", and it garnered more than 100,000 clicks within 24 hours.

Lin said she started to try the "legal and funny gas", which is also known as Hippy crack, laughing gas, sweet air and, to the scientific community, as nitrous oxide (N2O).

It's also used in internal combustion engines, as an aerosol propellant and an analgesic for dental surgery.

Its effect is to get you euphoric and "high", which is what happened with Lin.

The recreational use of nitrous oxide dates back to 1799, when the British upper class would throw "laughing gas parties".

The gas grew in popularity in the 1970s across North America and remains popular with users worldwide, including some Chinese students studying abroad in the US.

The euphoric "high" Lin had never experienced before soon led to a nightmarish addiction. After days of heavy abuse, she began to suffer from insomnia and an increased heart rate, according to her post.

As the addiction completely enslaved her, she became suspicious and paranoid. She was afraid of being hit by cars or getting eaten up by her dog or poisoned to death by drinking water.

Physical indications of her decaying health appeared: red patches on her body and the skin on her hands began peeling, but she paid no attention.

Worried friends persuaded her to go outdoors for a while, but it wasn't long before she fell to the ground and realized she could no longer walk.

A visiting friend panicked seeing the dump-ike condition of her bedroom and called for help. She was taken away by an ambulance, her clothes soiled with feces and urine.

Lin finally made it home to China in a wheelchair, met by her heartbroken parents at the airport.

"Lin is typical among Chinese students who come to study in the US at a very young age but without the company and supervision of their parents," said Ron Chow, a representative of the Chinese consulate in San Francisco.

"They feel lonely and empty, especially when they struggle to fit in to the study and life in the US. I would not recommend parents continue to send their kids to the US if they cannot spend time with them," Chow said. "Some are still too young to handle the difficulties and risks."

Nitrous oxide is the second-most popular recreational drug after cannabis among partygoers. It is sold in small cartridges intended for use in making whipped cream and widely available on the internet, as well as on the street.

Heavy, regular use of the drug can cause a deficiency of vitamin B12 and a form of anemia. Severe Vitamin B deficiency can cause serious nerve damage. In extreme cases like Lin's, addicts can lose the ability to walk.

lindadeng@chinadailyusa.com
ROK's president praises China's handling of DPRK nuclear issue

President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that China continues to support the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and seeks to resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation.

Xi made the remark in his first meeting with Republic of Korea President Moon Jae-in in Berlin. Both presidents will travel to Hamburg to attend the G20 Summit on Friday and Saturday.

Xi said China insists on maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula, and said all sides should strictly abide by UN Security Council resolutions.

China supports the new ROK government's positive efforts toward restarting talks with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to improve relations, he said, adding that the international community should make joint efforts to play a positive role in easing the current tension.

Moon spoke highly of China's handling of the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, saying the ROK hopes to enhance coordination and cooperation with China to achieve denuclearization and safeguard the region's peace and stability.

Xi also called on the ROK to attach importance to China's concerns and properly handle relevant issues. The China-ROK relationship has run into unwelcome difficulties recently, he said.

China has repeatedly expressed opposition to the US deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system in the ROK, saying it gravely harms the strategic security interests of China, Russia and other countries in the region.

China has not changed its stance dedicated to the development of China-ROK relations, Xi said, adding that the two countries should have a long-term perspective and respect each other's core interests and major concerns. He called on the ROK to sweep away the obstacles hindering the improvement of ties.

China would like to seize the opportunity brought by the 25th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations to review the experiences and lessons of the past quarter-century and put the relationship back on the right track of healthy and stable development, Xi said.

During the talks, Xi mentioned his telephone call with Moon in May immediately after Moon won the presidential election. They exchanged views on issues of common concern in a candid manner through the phone call, he recalled.

Xi said he appreciated Moon's sending Lee Hae-chan as a special envoy to China in May to express the ROK's willingness to improve and develop relations. He also noted that Moon sent a government delegation to attend the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in Beijing in May.

Moon said he fully understands China's concerns, and is willing to have intensive communications.

"The two countries have had good interactions since I became president," he said, adding that China and the ROK, with their long history of exchanges and wide common interests, have become important partners.

Ruan Zongze, executive vice-president of the China Institute of International Studies, called the first meeting between the two heads of state "very important and timely", as the Korean Peninsula's situation has seen new developments with the latest missile launch by the DPRK.

The meeting showed that both sides have reached "basic consensus" over how to solve the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, which is through dialogue and consultation, Ruan said.

It also showed that "both sides hope to improve China-ROK ties and step out of the impasse", he said, adding that the key to improving ties is in the hands of the ROK.

Wang Qingyun contributed to this story.
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Vietnamese mobile service operators are racing to reduce the charges for roaming services after the Ministry of Information and Communications allowed mobile operators to negotiate with foreign partners about international roaming services since June 1. Photo infomoney.vn

HA NOI  Vietnamese mobile service operators are racing to reduce the charges for roaming services after the Ministry of Information and Communications allowed mobile operators to negotiate with foreign partners about international roaming services since June 1.

Military-run telecom group Viettel announced that all its pre-paid and post-paid subscribers would be offered preferential international data roaming service rates when travelling to Japan, South Korea and Australia up to September 15.

Especially, when using the data roaming services of South Korean SKT and KTF, Japanese Softbank and NTT Domoco and Australian Telstra, Viettel customers would only have to pay 22 ong/10 KB.

Compared to the current data fees at VN2,363 ong/10KB (for pre-paid subscription), the new rates have been decreased by up to 99 per cent.

Previously, with the advantages of owning mobile networks in three countries in Indochina that include Viettel (Viet Nam), Metfone (Cambodia) and Unitel (Laos), the operator no longer collected roaming fees from subscribers in the three countries.

With a larger coverage than Viettels, VinaPhone has also announced data roaming fee reduction by 20 per cent to 80 per cent, which is applicable in countries having VinaPhone partners.

According to the new rates, VinaPhone will only have a rate of VN1,000/10KB instead of having different rates for the five areas.

The Tuoi tre (Youth) newspaper quoted a MobiFone representative as saying that the operator had not yet announced a new roaming fees, but it was negotiating for competitive roaming fees.

Pressure from OTT

The reduction of data roaming charges started from the new regulation on roaming charges, however, according to many experts, this is the consequence of the popularity of Over-The-Top (OTT) applications, such as Facebook Messenger, Viber or Zalo, which allow users to make free calls or send free text messages only through an internet connection.

Vu Hoang Lien, Chairman of Viet Nam Internet Association, said that as the cost of international roaming was high, travellers ultilised free WiFi or purchased SIMs from foreign operators to use OTT services to call home, instead of using the roaming service.

Commenting on the race for data fee reduction, the chairman said that the purpose of this was to ensure subscribers used the roaming service, and the carriers could earn revenue from data services when customers use the internet on domestic 3G and 4G SIMs.

Huynh Thanh Phi, a marketing expert, said that the only way for operators to compete with OTTs is to reduce calling and SMS rates.

However, this was not a good solution as free WiFi in Viet Nam had been too popular and using OTT had become a habit with Vietnamese users, he added.

Phi said that carriers would have to bring call and message closer to zero in the future and earn money from data services.  VNS
Customs officials at all airports and seaports in the country will strengthen supervision and inspection of all goods, luggage and cargo transported via the ports.  Photo customs.gov.vn

HA NOI  Customs officials at all airports and seaports in the country will strengthen supervision and inspection of all goods, luggage and cargo transported via the ports, an official said.

Deputy director of Viet Nams General Department of Customs (GDC) Nguyen Cong Binh told a seminar held in Ha Noi on Tuesday that there would be a specific scheme to closely monitor goods at airports, helping to shorten the luggage-handling process and combat smuggling.

The implementation of the scheme is one of the customs sectors new solutions, aimed at applying a modern international-standard management system to ensure aviation security and simplifying and harmonising customs procedures and warehousing services provided by logistic firms at seaports and airports, Binh said.

Under the scheme, custom forces would co-operate with logistic firms to upgrade their management and supervision systems on passengers luggage and goods, applying modern technology to integrate their systems and connect with each other to exchange and update the latest information with the aim of tightening the monitoring of the luggage-handling process.

As projected, the scheme will be piloted by the Ha Noi Customs Department from October this year.

Binh said, currently, the connection between customs agencies and logistic companies was not tight enough, leading to slow, inaccurate and troublesome procedures, creating many loopholes and vulnerabilities for goods and luggage delivery and handling process.

He indicated that since the beginning of 2017, custom officials at Noi Bai airport had discovered 250 expired shipments, without any individuals, organisations or businesses receiving them.

Nguyen Manh Tung, director of the Customs Department of IT and Statistics under the GDC, said co-operation between customs forces and warehousing businesses would create smooth information flow, helping minimise time, cost and effort, contributing to the reform of administrative procedures and preventing trade fraud and loss in State budget revenue.  VNS
HCM CITY  Vietnamese companies exporting seafood to Japan need to carefully study the latters food safety and hygiene regulations to boost exports, a seminar heard in HCM City yesterday.

Nguyen Hoai Nam, deputy general secretary of the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, said Japan is among the countrys three largest seafood export markets, with shipments worth US$590 million in the first half of the year.

A significant improvement in quality and appreciation of the Japanese yen have been key reasons for a big rise in Vietnamese seafood exports to the market, he said.

Japan has always had stringent quality and food safety and hygiene regulations, especially antibiotics norms, posing a challenge for seafood exporters, including from Viet Nam, he said.

Le Anh Ngoc, deputy head of the seafood quality management office at the National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department, said Japan, unlike the US, EU, China and South Korea, does not require exporting countries to furnish a list of companies eligible to export to it.

Instead it directly inspects export consignments at the port of entry, he said.

There are three inspection regimes at the port of entry  guidance inspections, monitoring inspections and inspection orders  he said.

In the guidance inspections, Japanese quarantine agencies test random samples from import consignments.

The monitoring inspections are carried out by authorised agencies based on its annual imported food monitoring plan, which also includes extensive inspections when a violation is identified.

Imports that are likely to cause harm to health or products from the same country or manufacturer or processor found to have committed violations in the monitoring inspection are immediately subject to an inspection order, with all imported food consignments inspected.

Japan announces its annual imported food monitoring plan by March 31, which is applied for April 1 to March 31 the next year.

According to this years plan for the seafood imported from Viet Nam, most products are subject to guidance inspections, but some, including squid, shrimp, filefish and their simple processed products are subject to inspection of all consignments for certain antibiotics like Chloramphenicol, Enrofloxacine, and Sulfadiazine.

Prof Fumio Sakamoto of Kagoshima University said in some cases violations are not intentional and caused by the use of chemicals in neighbouring areas, which contaminate products in some aquaculture breeding areas in rivers and seas.

Management of the water environment and improvement in the social responsibility of businesses and communities in aquaculture breeding areas are very important for addressing this problem, he said.

Viet Nams many shrimp processing facilities should comply with Japanese regulations to increase their exports to that market, he said.

Talking about the Japanese seafood market and consumers tastes there, Taro Miyahara, market sales director of Uoichi Co Ltd, said if businesses focus only on providing cheap products, they would find it hard to attract consumers. They need to pay attention to product quality, he said.

A reduction in the birth rate and an increase in the rate of older people have resulted in a change in consumers tastes and demand, and so businesses should do research to come up with suitable products for the market, he said.  VNS
QUANG NAM  A group of 25 volunteers from the University of Science and Technology, under the University of a Nang, and other colleges have begun their efforts to transform a fishing village of Tam Hai Island into an art space for tourism development.

Volunteer team leader Pham Van Thien told Viet Nam News that the team will create nearly 20 colourful murals on moss-covered walls of household in the Dua (coconut palm) village over the next two weeks.

A motorbike carrying coconuts covers an old wall in a fishing village of Tam Hai Island.  VNS Photo Pham Van Thien

Thien said the voluntary programme aims to raise awareness among local residents on environment and beach protection on the island.

He said local villagers continue to release rubbish on the beach, due to a lack of garbage treatment plants in the area.

Paintings showcasing on marine species and fishing lifestyle of the island will go on display from next week.

The island, home to 8,000 population, hosts 700 visitors on an average weekend.

Voluntary team start a decorated project in Tam Hai Island.  VNS Photo Pham Van Thien

Visitors can easily reach the island via a five-minute boat trip from Nui Thanh District, 20km south of Quang Nam Provinces Tam Ky City.

Last year, Tam Thanh fishing village in Tam Ky City of Quang Nam Province was the first village in Viet Nam to introduce a community-based art space for tourism development.

Quang Nam Province has launched a sea route tour in connection of the Cham Island, off the coast of Hoi An, and Ly Son Island in Quang Ngai Province as a new tour service.

A volunteer paints a fishing painting on the wall in a village of Tam Hai Island commune in Quang Nam Province.  VNS Photo Pham Van Thien

In 2015, the French-influenced Le Domaine De Tam Hai Resort on the Island was given the 2015 Certificate of Excellence by the travel website TripAdvisor.

The 10ha romantic resort has 11 identical villas scattered between coconut palms, each with a private terrace and a view of the sea.  VNS
HA NOI  The noble sacrifices of Vietnamese wars heroes and martyrs, who shed blood for national freedom and independence, are being honoured at an exhibition that recently opened at Hoa Lo Prison Museum in downtown Ha Noi.

Titled Thep Noi Nguc Lua (Steel in Prison), the exhibition is hosted by the museum to celebrate the 70th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day on July 27.

It is divided into sub-sections, displaying precious photos, historical documents and replica of prisons, which have been of significance during different phases of the country, as along with presenting the lifelong struggle of many revolutionary soldiers for freedom.

Intrigued: The exhibition gathers lots of foreigners.  VNS Photo oan Tung

In particular, photos that delved into history and used to shake the whole Indochina are being exhibited in a replica of a prison within the sub-section Khat Vong Tu Do (Desire for Freedom), showcasing the incredible consistency and strong will of the revolutionary soldiers in the two wars against French and American invaders.

Another highlight of the exhibition is the introduction of many Vietnamese heroic soldiers and leaders such as Nguyen uc Canh, Tran Phu and Nguyen Van Cu. Despite being captured and tortured in prisons that were called hell on earth, they still remained loyal to the revolutionary ideology under all circumstances.

It helps the young generations have a better understanding about their predecessors, who lost their lives during the fight for the nations freedom and independence, major-general Huynh ac Huong, a representative of soldiers who were captured in prisons during the wars in Ha Noi, said.

The exhibition also reminded me of the olden days when I was fighting in the war and reinforces my belief that the revolution by soldiers like me was righteous, he continued.

Strife: Objects, which used to belong to a Vietnamese soldier, are displayed at the exhibition.  VNS Photo oan TungTruong Minh Tien, vice director of Ha Nois Department of Culture and Sports, confirmed that the event also helped Vietnamese visitors treasure and take pride in the nations freedom and independence, which had come at the expense of the flesh and blood of so many predecessors.

Young generations today, therefore, need to preserve that strong determination and enthusiasm and remember the history of the country with pride in the new era, he added.

Struggle: Objects displayed at the exhibition.  VNS Photo oan Tung

The Steel in Prison exhibition will run until the end of September.

Hoa Lo Prison, located on No 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem District, was constructed by French colonialists in Ha Noi in 1896 to incarcerate opponents to French rule in Indochina. Many inmates died due to illness and maltreatment.

The relic site welcomes more than 100,000 visitors each year, with 70 per cent coming from outside Viet Nam.  VNS
HCM CITY  Effective management of social networks and promotion of digital marketing are both essential to fully tap the potential of online tourism in Viet Nam, experts have said.

Innovative tourism models and increased competitiveness would also help travel firms realise opportunities in the tourism sector, they said.

Asia is a fast-growing region in e-commerce development, Pham Thanh Cong, senior manager of Retailer Vertical at Nielsen Vietnam.

The service industry has had strong growth in the last five to seven years, Cong said at a meeting celebrating Online Tourism Day held yesterday (July 5) in HCM City.

Digitally connected spenders are a fast-growing new segment of consumers, as they have discretionary income and are avid shoppers who punch above their income class in spending.

There are currently 23 million digitally connected spenders in Viet Nam and the number is expected to jump to 40 million by 2025.

By 2025, connected spenders annual spending is expected to rise to US$99 billion from the current $50 billion.

Connected spenders provide business with a new approach to capturing market share, replacing traditional income-focused metrics that cater to a generic middle class.

Connected spenders also tend to be younger, confident city dwellers.

Nearly 50 per cent of Vietnamese consumers spend their spare cash on holidays, he said.

Respondents in the online study say they had purchased fashion products (64 per cent), travel products and services (47 per cent), and books, music or stationery (51 per cent).

Tu Le, industry head of travel and retail at Google Asia Pacific, said the mobile share of OTA (online travel agents) bookings was on the rise across the Asia-Pacific region where most of the growth in tourists to Viet Nam originates.

Smartphone adoption in Viet Nam has reached 72 per cent of the population and is the same as in the US, but a higher proportion of mobile travelers in Viet Nam use smartphones to search for travel-related products and services, according to Googles Consumer Barometer in 2016.

Forty-eight per cent of Vietnamese smartphone users search for hotel destinations compared to 18 per cent in the US.

The rates for ground travel and flights in Viet Nam were 42 per cent and 37 per cent, respectively, compared to 25 per cent and 18 per cent in the US.

According to the World Tourism Organisation, Asia Pacific has seen unprecedented growth in tourism, far above the world average, with technological revolution and the influence of the social media being the major factors in the growth.

The rise of the free and independent travelers who use online travel agents instead of traditional package tour operators has changed the marketplace, it said.

The Southeast Asian online travel market is forecast to jump to US$90 billion by 2025 from $22 billion in 2015, according to a study by Google.

Ngo Minh uc, chairman of Gotadi.com, a local OTA, said that local OTAs were facing fierce competition with foreign-based OTAs who have advantages of innovative technologies and well-established brands and have been familiar with the online market for many years.

Established in 2014, the company is partnering with three domestic airlines and works with 50 airlines with flights to Viet Nam as well as 900 airlines around the world and 400,000 hotels.

The company is upgrading its platform to create new experience for customers, he said.

In June, the National Assembly approved amendments to the Law on Tourism in an effort to create favorable legal conditions for tourism development in the future, said Vu Quoc Tri, chief of office at the Viet Nam Administration of Tourism.

In early 2017, the Politburo issued Resolution No. 08-NQ/TW with an aim to develop tourism into a spearhead economic industry by 2020.

The Tourism adminstration office has proposed to the Government several solutions to achieve a tourism growth rate of 30 per cent this year, including expanding promotion and marketing programmes and increasing the number of countries which enjoy the e-visa programme.

These two major solutions are related to the application of information technology and communication.

In the first half of the year, the number of foreign tourists visiting Viet Nam reached 6.2 million, a year-on-year increase of 30 per cent.  VNS
Thu Van

Earlier this month, the Environment Minister said we cant dump waste into the sea.

More than understandable, given all the facts and dire warnings that were brought to the fore on World Oceans Day (June 8).

And no Vietnamese will ever forget what happened in April last year when steel maker Formosa discharged untreated effluents into the sea, killing millions of fish and disrupting, if not destroying, the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people living on the countrys central coast.

We can safely say we have had direct experience of sea pollution and its impacts.

Then what are we to make of the environment ministry approving last week a proposal by the Vinh Tan Thermal Power Plant to dump nearly one million cubic meters of industrial waste into the sea off southern Binh Thuan Province?

The approval came seven months after the proposal was made in November last year. It also came in the face of protests by many experts and environmental scientists.

What gives? Is the ministry not listening to the minister?

Wasnt it the minister who substantiated his anti-dumping statement by saying that after a series of environmental incidents, aka disasters in Viet Nam, our environments endurance has come to its limit?

Maybe theres something we dont know.

The Vinh Tan management board claims this industrial waste is just natural sediment excavated from the surrounding seabed to make room for large cargo ships to bring in coal.

The waste cannot be treated on land because there would not be enough space, and there are concerns it could cause saline intrusion, it says.

According to the plan, the waste that does not contain toxic or radioactive substances exceeding Vietnamese standards will be transported in barges and dumped into a 30-hectare sea area in Vinh Tan Commune, 8km away from Hon Cau Marine Protected Area (MPA).

However, scientists, local residents and officials of the protected area have said the dumping of dredged material will degrade the precious marine ecosystems of Hon Cau MPA.

Hon Cau MPA comprises 12,500 hectares that are home to 234 coral species, 324 fish species, 119 molluscs, 32 echinoderms and 46 crustaceans and reptiles, many of which have important economic values like the ornate spiny lobster, green sea turtles and hawksbill sea turtles.

The area also has an abundant, diverse marine plant system, especially sea-grass and algae, and provides beaches for sea turtles to nest during their breeding season.

Nguyen Tac An, vice chairman of the Vietnam Association of Marine Science and Technology and former director of Nha Trang Oceanography Institute, said the damage will be hard to measure.

Scientifically, the dumping of a tonne of waste into the sea would affect a large area  even if the waste is non-toxic, he said.

Creatures that rely on sight to survive could die if the water is disturbed, and though they might be very tiny, they play a very important role in the ecosystem, An said.

The consequences would be forever, not just a few decades, he stressed.

On Tuesday, Deputy Environment Minister Nguyen Linh Ngoc told the media that the dumping would not affect the marine ecosystem at all, because the sea area where the waste would be dumped had nothing but sand.

However, he also admitted that there is no certainty that the dumping will be a risk-free process. It will have to be supervised and the Vinh Tan Plant would have to pay compensation for any damage caused, he said.

An rejected the nothing-but-sand claim, saying that any seabed area will have living creatures, and once they are disturbed, it would seriously affect the whole ecosystem.

When both officials and experts have repeatedly said that most environmental penalties in Viet Nam are not strong enough to act as deterrents, the management board of the plant is unlikely to lose sleep over the threat of having to compensate for damages caused.

If this approval holds, it stands to reason that more such dumping would follow.

Ongoing damage

The development of coal power in Binh Thuan Province is already posing a serious threat to the Hon Cau ecosystem by the transportation activities and waste discharge of the Vinh Tan 2 Plant, the dredging plan for Vinh Tan 1 Plant, and the future impacts of the entire five-plant complex are not likely to be mild, to put it mildly.

In April 2015, thousands of people had blockaded National Highway No 1A for many hours, stopping traffic, to complain about coal dust and cinder from the power complex, especially from the Vinh Tan No 2.

In December 2015, the coal dust spread to other plants under construction. Soil dumped along National Highway 1A has reportedly disrupted locals lives.

The Binh Thuan Department of Natural Resources and Environment has warned that the amount of cinder and ash will increase when Vinh Tan power plants 1, 3 and 4 are put into operation.

A brief review is in order here. The Binh Thuan Provinces Peoples Committee, in a document sent to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) in 2015, admitted that the projects of the Vinh Tan Power Complex would encroach the Hon Cau MPA by as much as 1,000 hectares.

The committee proposed that MARD reduces the MPA by 1,000 hectares. The agriculture ministry rejected the proposal, saying Hon Cau contains tropical marine ecosystems with high biodiversity, and shrinking it would seriously affect the coral population which survives on a two kilometers long area with nearly 234 types of coral, sea-grass and other rare animals and plants.

But, surprisingly, in February this year, it was announced that up to 10,000 clusters or blocks of corals had been relocated to the Hon Cau Marine Protected Area to facilitate the dredging of passages for building the plant.

Although it has been reported that the corals were growing well in the new environment, marine experts are not convinced.

They say the relocation of corals will lead to serious impacts on the marine environment, reduce the reproduction of marine creatures in the area and affect fishing.

Many high-ranking officials have repeatedly said that economic development will no longer be pursued at the expense of the natural environment.

Such statements cannot be deployed as rhetorical screen to cover environmentally unsustainable actions, now and in the future.

Last year, the Binh Thuan provincial Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, anticipating the serious impact on the Hon Cau MPA caused by the waste discharge, asked the investor to find another solution.

Is it too late now?

Is praying all we can do, or dont we have a prayer?
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh meets Indian President Pranab Mukherjee at a meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday.  VNA/VNS Photo Huy Binh

NEW DELHI  Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh affirmed to Indian President Pranab Mukherjee at a meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday that Viet Nam wants to step up the comprehensive strategic partnership with India.

Minh, who is on an official visit to India, said the two countries should increase multilateral co-operation, consultation and co-ordination in addressing international issues of mutual concern to better respond to changes in international and regional situations.

The Deputy PM congratulated India on its accomplishments in economics, science and technology and expressed his belief that India will soon become one of the biggest economies in the world.

President Pranab Mukherjee expressed his satisfaction at the development in the friendship between Viet Nam and India.

He said establishing the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership in 2016 opened up a new chapter in the two countries co-operation and deepened relations.

The President pledged to support bilateral solidarity and friendship in any position.

The same day, Minh met with Indias Minister of Defence and Minister of Finance Arun Jaitley.

The two sides agreed to maintain co-operation in security-defence, especially training and exchanges at relevant forums.

Jaitley said India will continue providing Viet Nam with preferential credit packages to help the country realise its ambition of modernisation and industrialisation.

Minh said the two nations have numerous investment co-operation opportunities, so the governments should create the best conditions for businesses to expand win-win partnerships.

Delhi Dialogue

Also on Tuesday, Deputy PM Minh delivered a speech at the opening session of the ninth Delhi Dialogue.

The Deputy PM said the Asian-Pacific region is witnessing a strong shift in geopolitics and geo-economy toward the formation of a multi-polar order.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and India share major political and socio-economic interests in Asia-Pacific, he said, proposing the two sides play a greater role in maintaining regional peace, stability and development.

ASEAN and India will create a dynamic economic development space based on their close infrastructure, digital and navigation connectivity, as well as trade links, investment ties and people-to-people exchanges, he said.

Both sides will work to build an open and balanced regional architecture based on the rule of law, Minh said, adding that ASEAN-India bilateral co-operation will be important driver in the success story of the Asia-Pacific Century.

As the co-ordinator for ASEAN-India relations in 2015-2018, Viet Nam vows to work with countries to realise the vision of the bilateral strategic partnership, and connect the implementation of the ASEAN Vision 2025 with the Act East Policy of India, focusing on three pillars: politics-security, economy and culture-society.

In terms of politics-security, ASEAN supports India to play a bigger role as a leading power in Asia-Pacific and beyond, and hopes to enhance co-ordination with the country to deal with emerging challenges and to build a rule-based regional architecture.

The bloc also welcomes Indias efforts to maintain regional peace, stability and development.

In economic terms, ASEAN and India share important interests in promoting liberalisation of trade and investment.

Unprecedented opportunities await ASEAN and Indian investors and consumers when the two sides establish a 1.8 billion-strong market with total gross domestic product of US$4 trillion, Minh noted.

Indian businesses could access a united ASEAN market with a population of nearly 650 million, connected with regional leading economies via free trade agreements, he said.

Minh called on ASEAN and India to optimise their potential to create regional value chains and become a driving force for regional economic integration, while actively involving in the overall plan for ASEAN connectivity and implementing highway and seaport projects and soon completing agreements on marine transport and aviation.

He also suggested increasing ASEAN-India co-operation in education, tourism, culture and people-to-people exchanges, especially among youngsters, on the basis of their historical and cultural links.  VNS
MoFA spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang.  VNA/VNS Photo

HA NOI  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and Embassy of Viet Nam in the Philippines have asked Philippine authorities to verify press reports that say two Vietnamese sailors were beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group, said MoFA spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang.

Hang made the statement yesterday while answering reporters queries about the reported killings.

Regarding press reports about the killing of two Vietnamese sailors by the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassy of Viet Nam in the Philippines have requested Philippine authorities to verify such information and provide necessary assistance at the earliest, she said.

Viet Nam strongly condemns all barbarous, inhuman kidnapping and assassination acts. Such acts must be punished properly, Hang added.  VNS
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) meets with Minister-President of Hessen state Volker Bouffier yesterday.  VNA/VNS Photo Thong Nhat

HA NOI  Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc hailed the important roles played by the states of Hessen and Rheinland-Pfalz in developing Viet Nam-Germany ties during meetings with leaders of the states yesterday.

During a working session with Minister-President of Hessen state Volker Bouffier, the PM asked the states authorities to continue encouraging local firms to do long-term business in Viet Nam and provide support for Vietnamese enterprises operating in Hessen such as Vietinbank and FPT.

The Vietnamese government always supports and creates favourable conditions for firms from Germany in general and Hessen in particular to invest and do long-term business in the country, he said.

On education-training, the Vietnamese leader spoke highly of the Viet Nam-Germany University (VGU) project and urged Hessen to assist Viet Nam in implementing the next stages of the project, especially in providing curricula to train Vietnamese lecturers for the university.

Bouffier, for his part, described the VGU project as a typical model of the strategic partnership between Viet Nam and Germany. He praised academic results of Vietnamese students, believing that they would contribute to Viet Nams development and global integration.

The Minister-President expressed his wish to work closely with Viet Nam in the fields of the states strength such as education-training, chemicals and mechanical engineering.

In a meeting with Speaker of the Parliament of Hessen state Norbert Kartmann, PM Phuc appreciated the support of the states leaders and parliamentarians in developing relations between Viet Nam and Germany in general, and between Viet Nam and Hessen state in particular.

He asked the leaders and parliamentarians of Hessen to strengthen cooperation between the State Parliament, the Vietnamese National Assembly and Peoples Councils of major cities such as Ha Noi, HCM City and central a Nang City, in sharing experience in building a State of law, making laws, managing public investment, public-private partnership, e-commerce and urban management.

Kartmann said there is great potential for enterprises of Hessen to invest in Viet Nam, revealing that a number of Hessen companies have effectively operated in Viet Nam.

Hessen would further contribute to promoting the Strategic Partnership between the two nations, he affirmed.

Located in central Germany, Hessen state is one of the countrys largest economic hubs and Europes strong development areas. The state is known for chemical, and pharmaceutical industries, manufacturing, auto production and engineering. Frankfurt, the states largest city and financial hub, is home to headquarters of the European Central Bank, Germany central bank  Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, and branches of over 400 foreign banks.



Earlier, on the same day, during a working session with Minister-President of Rheinland-Pfalz state Malu Dreyer in Mainz City yesterday, the PM urged the German parliament to support the establishment of the Germany-Viet Nam Friendship Parliamentarians Group to strengthen friendship and co-operation between the two legislatures.

He lauded the states economic strengths in tourism, information technology, chemicals and wine production, and suggested exploring collaboration in workforce development, particularly training Vietnamese nurses in hospitals and medical stations in the state.

Dreyer, also President of the German Federal Council, hoped that new business opportunities would open up via the visit.

During a working session with Rheinland-Pfalz state Deputy Minister-President and Minister for Economic Affairs, Transportation, Agriculture and Viniculture Volker Wissing, Phuc affirmed that economic links were a pillar in bilateral ties and there remains room for bilateral economic, trade and investment ties being enhanced.

The Vietnamese Government was ready to offer favourable conditions to German firms in Viet Nam, contributing to deepening the bilateral strategic partnership, he said.

German corporations such as Boehringer Ingelheim, BASF and Hornbach also expressed interest in doing business in Viet Nam.

Rheinland-Pfalz is home to more than 4 million people. Its major economies include tourism, industry, agriculture and forestry. With six viniculture areas, the state is also the leading wine producer in the country.

Later on the same day, PM Phuc left Hessen for Berlin, continuing activities within the framework of his four-day visit to Germany.  VNS
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has green lighted HCM Citys proposal to spend VN67 trillion (US$3 billion) raised from equitisation of State-owned companies and sale of their stakes in non-core business for social development.  Photo kinhtedoisong.vn

HCM CITY  Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has green lighted HCM Citys proposal to spend VN67 trillion (US$3 billion) raised from equitisation of State-owned companies and sale of their stakes in non-core business for social development.

HCM City plans to spend the money on medium- and long-term public infrastructure and social projects in 2016 20, Pham Phu Quoc, general director of the HCM City Financial and Investment State-owned company (HFIC), told the Government website baochinhphu.vn.

During the period the city is expected to need VN850 trillion ($38 billion) for social development, but is prohibited from mobilising funds for fear of breaching the permitted public debt limit.

With the current debt level, the city can only mobilise another 70 per cent of this years budget from issuance of bonds and the like.

The money is small compared with the need, Quoc said.

Therefore, the VN67 trillion ($3 billion) package has much significance for the citys development.

The Prime Minister has also permitted the HFIC to represent the city in businesses where it owns stakes.

But questions have been asked if money raised from equitisation should not go into the Business Development and Support Fund first and about the legality of appointing the HFIC to manage the money and represent the city on the boards of companies.

Quoc dismissed these concerns, saying, It is in line with article No 13 in the 2015 State Budget Law.

The law says Local money, which is recouped from economic organisations, shall remain at the local level.

This model has been run on a pilot basis since 2010 and is considered a success.

HCM City has sent a report to the Prime Minister about the model and confirmed that HFIC has successfully completed its task of safeguarding and developing State capital resources, Quoc said.

Tran Vinh Tuyen, deputy chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee, said: Leaders and experts spent a lot of time to establish the HFIC. The corporation operates as a business and the HCM City Peoples Committee directly manages it.

The strength of the model lies in professionalising the role of the representative of State capital in businesses by applying international governance standards, he added.  VNS
HA NOI  The level of fluoride residue found in water used for kidney dialysis in Hoa Binh General Hospital, where eight patients died recently, was high enough to cause fatalities, said medical experts.

The fluoride potency in the Hoa Binh machines was strong enough to kill the patients instantly, said Professor Nguyen Gia Binh, head of the Intensive Care Department of the capital citys Bach Mai Hospital and a member of the panel of health sector experts responsible for determining the cause of the calamity.

Sample analysis results from the Ministry of Public Securitys Criminal Science Institute show that the fluoride level in two kidney dialysis machines at the hospital was roughly 200 times higher than the permissible limit of the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). The other dialysis machines tested also had higher fluoride levels than permitted.

The high fluoride levels were caused by a failing RO filter system purification process, Bach Mai Hospital experts said.

Investigations revealed that Bui Manh Quoc, director of Tram Anh Water Treatment Co Ltd -- the firm responsible for maintaining the dialysis machines RO filter system--used hydrochloric acid (HCI) and hydrofluoric acid (HF) to purify the system but forgot to clean the machines tubes, leaving chemical residues.

Quoc, together with two other suspects, including Doctor Hoang Cong Luong from Hoa Binh hospitals Department of Intensive care, were arresred for investigation.

Doctor Luong is under investigated for medical violations after allowing dialysis treatment without receiving the machines maintenance report beforehand.

However, Luong was released on bail yesterday afternoon following calls from the Ministry of Health, the medical community as well as relatives of the ill-fated patients in the case.

They argue that he would not do harm to society and a detention during investigation is not neccessary.

On May 29, seven out of eighteen patients undergoing kidney dialysis at the Hoa Binh General Hospital displayed symptoms of anaphylactic shock and died soon after. Another patient from the same group died on June 4 after multiple organ failure, raising the death count to eight.  VNS
HA NOI  Vehicle owners in Viet Nam will soon be able to buy their favourite registration plates via auctions, with a pilot programme launching in five major cities.

The major cities include Ha Noi, HCM City, a Nang, Hai Phong and Can Tho.

The Ministry of Public Security was assigned to run the programme last month by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

Colonel Tran Quoc Trung, deputy head of the ministrys Traffic Police Department said apart from the five selected cities, the ministry would consider other localities if they met standards and were willing to run the pilot the programme, reported Tuoi tre (Youth) newspaper.

The ministry plans to offer licence plate numbers which are believed to bring luck owners up for auction. Other number plates will also be chosen at random.

A detailed roadmap for the auction is awaiting approval from the Government, he said.

Colonel Le Xuan uc, deputy director of the department, said there were two methods to select registration plates for auction. First, five numbers which are the same such as 88888 will be selected. Second, registration plates with the two last numbers 68, 86 would be picked up.

In Vietnamese, an alternative way to say the number six (luc) deriving from Chinese sounds like loc meaning a windfall of money, and eight (bat), also a Chinese spelling, sounds like phat, meaning progress. Hence, the numbers 68 and 86 are very lucky. People also like the number nine as the Chinese version has the same pronunciation as cuu meaning everlasting.

According to uc, the Peoples Committee of each locality will set its own starting prices for the auctions.

The auctions will be conducted publicly and transparently aiming to limit bribery for the issuance of plate numbers and to increase the States income, uc said.

Additionally, the auctions aims to serve the demand of rich people who want licence plates they thing will bring them luck, he added.

The ministry said the auction was expected to be widely operated across the country after the pilot programme ends and the ministry conducts an assessment of it.

Responses

A representative from the Ministry of Finances Public Asset Management Department said it approved of the auctions.

Tran Quang Thang, president of HCM Citys Institute of Economics and Management said he applauded the movement.

Thang said the money gained from the auctions should be added to public funds to upgrade public works as hospitals, schools and roads.

In the past, several people, including businessmen, paid an amount of money to individuals to get their favourite vehicle registration plates, he said.

This could result in corruption and extravagance, he added.

Now that vehicle registration plates are being auctioned, the money would be added to the States coffers, he said.

Nguyen Binh, a businessman in HCM Citys District 3 said the move aimed to kill two birds with one stone.

People got their favourite vehicle registration plates while the State could earn more money to spend on public works, he said.

Ton That Minh, a resident of HCM Citys District 1, said both the poor and the rich could benefit from the programme.

The rich could get their favourite plates and the poor would benefit from upgraded public services through money gained at the auctions, he said.

However, Phan Thi Bich, a resident living in Binh Thanh District said, Its unfair because only rich people can buy them.

Some people asked if plate owners could sell their lucky plates to others.

In response to the question, Colonel Le Xuan uc said each vehicle had only one plate, the owner could only a plate with the vehicle, not individually..

Major General Tran The Quan deputy chief of the ministrys Legal and Judicial Administrative Reforms Department said under the revised Law on Management and Use of Public Assets, adopted by the National Assembly in June, a person who buys vehicle registration plates via an auction cant sell the plates to someone without a vehicle.

It is estimated that the State could earn VN5 trillion (US$222.2 million) a year from auctioning vehicle registration plates. VNS
UNITED NATIONS, United States  The United States led a push at the UN Security Council Wednesday for tougher sanctions on North Korea, while warning the countrys launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile had drastically narrowed the path for diplomacy.

In a hard-hitting address to the council, US Ambassador Nikki Haley said Tuesdays ICBM test had made "the world a more dangerous place," and that Washington was ready to use force if need be to deal with the threat of a nuclear-armed Pyongyang.

But after US and South Korean forces fired off missiles simulating a precision strike against North Koreas leadership, Haley also made clear Washington would exhaust diplomatic avenues before it resorts to confrontation, promising to submit a new draft sanctions resolution within days.

"Make no mistake, North Koreas launch of an ICBM is a clear and sharp military escalation," Haley warned in a full-throated denunciation of a missile test Kim Jong-un styled as a gift to "American bastards."

"The United States is prepared to use the full range of our capabilities to defend ourselves and our allies," she said. "One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces. We will use them if we must. But we prefer not to have to go in that direction."

While Pyongyangs actions were "quickly closing off the possibility of a diplomatic solution," Haley said "there remains more that the international community can and must do, diplomatically and economically."

The US focus, she told the council, was on how to push through tighter sanctions, which could target countries that continue to trade with North Korea, curb oil exports to the isolated country, tighten air and maritime restrictions and impose travel bans on its officials.

And she singled out China -- increasingly in the crosshairs of the US administration as the Norths sole major ally and economic lifeline -- as key to any diplomatic solution.

"We will work with China -- we will work with any and every country that believes in peace -- but we will not repeat the inadequate approaches of the past that have brought us to this dark day."

China, Russia sceptical

Tuesdays launch marked a milestone in Pyongyangs decades-long drive for the capability to threaten the US mainland with a nuclear strike, and poses a stark foreign policy challenge for Donald Trump.

The US president had dismissed the idea of the North possessing a working ICBM, vowing it "wont happen", but experts said the missile could reach Alaska or even further towards the continental US.

Amid international condemnation of the test, South Korean and US military forces launched short-range ballistic missiles of their own into the Sea of Japan less than 24 hours after.

While the new US sanctions push won backing from France, it raised immediate protests from fellow permanent Security Council member Russia whose Deputy Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov warned that "sanctions will not resolve the issue."

China did not immediately address the call for sanctions, but its Ambassador Liu Jieyi once more pushed Beijings alternative proposal for talks based on a freeze of North Koreas missile and nuclear tests, in exchange for a halt to US-South Korean military drills.

"China has always been firmly opposed to chaos and conflict on the Korean peninsula. Military means must not be an option in this regard," Liu said.

The Souths new President Moon Jae-in, who backs bringing Pyongyang to the negotiating table, said the international community would look at "ramping up sanctions" in response to its latest "serious provocation."

The US and South Korea are in a security alliance, with 28,500 US troops stationed in the South to protect it.

Pyongyang says it needs nuclear weapons to defend itself against the threat of invasion and multiple sets of UN sanctions have failed to halt its atomic and missile programmes.

Questions however remain over the precise capabilities of the Hwasong-14 missile.

The missile only travelled little more than 900 kilometres to come down in the Sea of Japan, but the altitude it reached -- more than 2,800 kilometres according to Pyongyang -- demonstrated it can travel far further.

South Koreas Defence Minister Han Min-koo put its range at 7,000 to 8,000 kilometres -- far enough to put US Pacific Command in Hawaii within reach.  AFP
The new FX series Snowfall opens on a neighborhood block in South Central Los Angeles in the summer of 1983. The afternoon sun shimmers through the palm trees. Sprinklers hiss on green lawns. Children congregate around an ice cream truck. And through it all, the infectious groove of Ronnie Hudson and the Street Peoples funk single West Coast Poplock floods the soundtrack, hailing the party vibe of Compton and good old Watts. The sequence ends with a crane shot that extends above the trees, peering down on a community that teems with vitality.

Consider that the before photo. The series is about getting to the after photo, following a crack epidemic that ravaged the streets in short order. For co-creator John Singleton, it was important for viewers to understand that South Central underwent a dramatic transition from the place where he came of age.

The opening of the show is the hood the way I remember it, says Singleton. South Central has parts of the ghetto, but its beautiful. Its Los Angeles. There are palm trees. The colors are very vibrant. There are always kids playing in the streets, especially in the spring and summertime. I remember those times as being some of the best times of my life.

Singleton also recalls the perils of his youth, and how he learned to stay within certain unmarked borders for fear of stepping into the line of fire. These were very dangerous times for me as a teenager, because they were my formative years, he says. You had people who were just coming into adolescence that were trying to make money and had access to guns. People were very impulsive at the time. The juxtaposition between the beauty and the pathos of the neighborhood is something I wanted (Snowfall) to show.

Snowfall represents a homecoming for Singleton, returning to the site of his electrifying 1991 debut feature, Boyz N The Hood, which he made shortly after graduating from film school at the University of Southern California. At age 24, Singleton was both the youngest person and the first African-American ever nominated for the best-director Oscar, and the film touched off a wave of black filmmakers who shined a light on urban neighborhoods that were either little seen or woefully misunderstood.

Among Snowfalls diverse cross section of players in the drug trade, Franklin Saint (Damson Idris) could be a character out of Boyz N The Hood, a 19-year-old pot dealer who seizes the opportunity to expand his business but slides down a slippery slope. In the early episodes, Franklin offers himself as the middle man between a cocaine supplier and an eager distributor, but circumstances challenge his essential decency and distaste for violence.

The coarsening of Franklins soul gives Snowfall a compelling moral center, but the show expands into other intersecting worlds, too, including a Mexican-American crime family in East L.A. and a CIA operative (Carter Hudson) who is trying to use the cocaine trade to funnel money and weapons to the Nicaraguan contras.

For his part, showrunner Dave Andron likens the crack epidemic to a bomb being dropped. I was very surprised to learn that even in 1983, (South Central) was still just a working-class neighborhood. Everybody Ive talked to, including John, can attest that things were still relatively OK. By the summer of 84, by the time the Olympics showed up one year later, it was a war zone. How did something turn that violent, that ugly, that quickly?

Snowfall explores the many facets of that central issue, from the malice and fecklessness of politicians and police to the families and individuals ripped apart by addiction and violence. For Singleton and Andron, it all feeds into a historic continuum of assaults on the black community, of a piece with slavery and Jim Crow laws. Cocaine doesnt come from Los Angeles, after all, and even in those early episodes, external forces are bearing down on the characters.

Had crack not landed, what would have happened? wonders Andron. Would that next generation have been more educated, have broken down more barriers? Instead, what we had was the complete opposite, where literally a plague was unleashed on a neighborhood that probably set that community and others like it around the country back maybe generations. Thats something that was really shattering to me and difficult to get my head around.

Crack was kind of like the hammer on the anvil, Singleton says. They say crack is the only drug that could make a black woman leave her children.

Then (the government) created unjust laws to punish small amounts of crack cocaine, as opposed to powder cocaine, he adds. Were not straight pointing the finger at the CIA on the show, but we are saying they looked the other way. It wasnt like a diabolical plot to destroy the black community, but we know that was the aftereffect.

The general feeling of exploitation  of profits being made off the suffering of the most vulnerable people  is a driving force on the show.

Whatever debate there may be about crack and its origins, says Andron, I think you cant debate that it affected people in poor, more urban areas more than it affected folks in, say, Beverly Hills.

To that end, Andron makes one broad connection among the various characters and groups that intersect on Snowfall: Id like to believe that if any of these people knew what crack ultimately would do, they would choose a different path to better their life. But obviously they, like real people at the time, had no idea whats coming.
WATERLOO  The entire block where Waterloos convention center is located will be named for Waterloos five Sullivan brothers killed during World War II.

The city of Waterloo and prospective buyers Leslie Hospitality Co. of Omaha, Neb., announced Thursday the block will be dedicated as Sullivan Brothers Plaza and incorporated into the convention centers new name: Waterloo Convention Center at Sullivan Brothers Plaza.

The compromise was reached after meetings last week and Wednesday between officials from the city, Leslie Hospitality and members of the Sullivan family. There was initial discussion of dropping the Sullivan Brothers name from the building.

Were at a win-win right now, said Kelly Sullivan of Cedar Falls, granddaughter and grandniece of the five brothers and a family spokesperson. We are pleased we can continue to honor the five Sullivan brothers as well as all veterans of our armed forces.

Leslie Hospitality and Mayor Hart have done everything possible to accommodate our requests, Sullivan said. She thanked the Waterloo-Cedar Falls community and people from throughout the country for their support, including current and former military personnel who contacted city officials.

Were where we should have been months ago, she said. The family was not initially consulted about the proposal to revitalize the convention center. The plan initially excluded the Sullivan name to give the facility a fresh identity as well as a new look. It did include a tribute to the brothers at the site.

Now I feel theres a synergy and that theyre working with us as a team. My goal is to be a voice for the veterans and the Sullivan family. Im glad theyre doing some things to continue to honor the Sullivans and all veterans.

Sullivan said she became a little emotional as officials from the city and Leslie Hospitality discussed some of the concepts proposed to honor the Sullivans. They could involve a statuary memorial similar to one at the nearby Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum. A dedication was discussed, possibly in conjunction with the 75th anniversary of the brothers deaths later this year.

Wednesdays meeting included Mayor Quentin Hart, Edwin Leslie, president and CEO of Leslie Hospitality, and representatives of the Sullivan family, including Kelly Sullivan and former Mayor John Rooff, a Sullivan family cousin.

That followed conversations last week also involving Kellys father, Jim Sullivan, a retired city employee, Navy veteran and son of Albert Sullivan. Albert and brothers George, Francis, Joseph and Madison died after the cruiser USS Juneau was torpedoed and sunk by a Japanese submarine Nov. 13, 1942.

Their deaths are generally considered the greatest combat-related loss of life by one family at one time in U.S. military history.

Kelly Sullivan said the deal is supported by her brother, John, and cousins Tom and Murray Davidson, sons of Genevieve Sullivan Davidson, the five brothers sister.

The purpose of Wednesdays meeting was to assure the family and supporters a tribute to the brothers would continue after the change in ownership. Hart had received messages from around the country supporting retaining the Sullivan name.

Designating the grounds of the convention center Sullivan Brothers Plaza will ensure that the property will always honor the sacrifice of the Sullivan brothers and their families, Hart said in a prepared statement. The Waterloo Convention Center at Sullivan Brothers Plaza will honor the Sullivans and be a living monument to all the brave men and women who valiantly defend our country.

Leslie Hospitality has demonstrated their commitment to be a community partner, Hart said.

Leslie Hospitality has a $20 million plan to renovate the 42-year-old convention center and adjoining Ramada hotel. The plan hinges on City Council members approving the sale and economic development incentives at a July 17 public hearing.

We hope to start immediately by making initial improvements to the buildings exterior and technology, and by delivering exceptional customer service through a passionate and highly-trained staff, said Edwin Leslie. Renovated facilities and our intensive marketing efforts will increase the awareness of the Sullivan family as well as the city of Waterloo. Its a win-win for all involved.

Kelly Sullivan credited Hart with taking the responsibility to resolve the initial miscommunication and bring the parties together.

They get it, Sullivan said. They get that the Sullivan name is not about one family who lost five boys, but all veterans who served and continue to serve.
INDEPENDENCE  An Aurora man charged in an October armed standoff with police said he wasnt trying to harm police and never considered his wife a hostage.

Dennis Edgar Chamberlain said he had planned to take his own life, wasnt thinking about scaring his wife and hadnt thought about authorities coming to his mobile home.

I just wanted answers, and in my frustration I just took it out through the gun instead of her. Ive never abused my wife, Chamberlain said.

Prosecutors allege Chamberlain, 55, fired two shots in the bedroom of his mobile home while his wife, Robin Olsen, was present and then fired other shots when Buchanan County sheriffs deputies and state troopers arrived. Authorities said eight shots were fired, and one of the rounds passed through his front door at chest height. Prosecutors allege this bullet came while a deputy was nearby trying to get Chamberlain to come to the door.

Trial resumed Wednesday with Chamberlain taking the stand in his own defense.

Chamberlain said problems started earlier in the day when Olsens mother wanted him to take a drug test because she thought he was acting strange and had seen him stumbling. The drug test came back negative, and defense attorney Jeremiah White said the stumbling was because of neuropathy and back surgeries that Chamberlain underwent.

Chamberlain, who walks with a cane and takes medication for pain and anxiety, said the argument drifted into the subject of a debt over property Olsen had purchased from her father, and after his mother-in-law left, he walked to a tavern where he had several double shots of Southern Comfort chased with Busch Light beer. He said he and his wife argued when he returned home, and he took out his handgun because he wanted to use it on himself, momentarily placing the muzzle to his temple. He said he then went into the bedroom to question his wife, and he fired into the ceiling and a closet door when she wouldnt respond.

I just wanted her to answer me, to give me answers to why she kept tormenting me, Chamberlain said.

Chamberlain, who said he was intoxicated, said he fired the chest-high hole into the front door before deputies arrived.

He admitted to firing shots after officers were on the scene, but he said he didnt fire in the direction of officers.

I didnt want to hurt anybody, Chamberlain said.

He said he told officers to stay back because he feared they would come in shooting, and he was concerned for his wifes safety.

He denied ever referring to her as a hostage, despite prosecutors playing a 911 recording where he told a 911 dispatcher Its a hostage situation, and he said his wife could have left at any time.

If she told me she was leaving, I would have let her go, he said.

Why do you think that she didnt do that? White asked.

She was probably scared. I would be, too, I guess, Chamberlain said.

Earlier on Wednesday, a negotiator with the Iowa State Patrol testified that Chamberlain refused to surrender and refused to release his wife at a few points in their conversations.

I said, Listen, theres nobody thats going to get hurt here, and at this point we dont have any idea what charges youre facing. And his response immediately was Dont bull (expletive deleted) me. I know that Im going to prison if I come out. And one thing he said very clearly was After holding my wife hostage and after firing rounds, I believe my fate has been sealed, Trooper Stephen Dudak said. Dudak said with the help of Chamberlains son, he was able to talk Chamberlain into first releasing his wife and then into surrendering to authorities.

Trial is scheduled to resume today in Buchanan County District Court.
CHARLES CITY  A man wanted in connection with the June 30 slaying in Charles City has been detained in Chicago.

Chicago police arrested Antoine Williams, 36, on Wednesday night on a warrant for first-degree murder out of Floyd County, according to the Charles City Police Department.

Police said Williams is suspected in the death of 36-year-old Nathaniel Fleming, who was shot in the 2100 block of Clarkview Drive.

A 2006 Chevy Equinox Williams was driving was found in the 900 block of Oneida Street in Waterloo on Monday morning.
CHARLES CITY  Authorities have identified the man who was fatally shot Friday night in Charles City.

Nathaniel Fleming, 36, died after a shooting just after 10 p.m. Friday at the Casa Apartments in the 2100 block of Clarkview Drive, according to police. He was taken to a Charles City hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Flemings last known address was in Mason City, according to a news release from the Charles City Police Department.

A red 2006 Chevy Equinox he is believed to have been driving was found in the 900 block of Oneida Street in Waterloo, according to authorities.

Police have issued an arrest warrant for 36-year-old Antoine Williams charging him with first-degree murder. He is described as a black male, who is 6 feet, 7 inches tall and weighs 250 pounds.

Police say Williams is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached by the public. The Charles City Police Department has contacted several agencies requesting their assistance in locating Williams and continues to work closely with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
SHEFFIELD  Police have cited recent changes to the law in refusing to release details on a school-related incident in Sheffield this spring.

At least one high school student was referred to juvenile court in what law enforcement officials called a threat to West Fork Schools in early May.

School officials and police would not say what the threat involved, but said in a news release it included inappropriate social media posts and statements targeting the school system as a whole.

It is not known what the court referral was for, as juvenile court records are now confidential unless they involve a forcible felony such as murder, kidnapping or robbery. The law went into effect in July 2016.

However, police are allowed to provide non-identifying, basic information, which includes criminal charges and the age of the juvenile.

The Mason City Globe Gazette filed two open records requests with the Sheffield Police Department seeking the criminal charges and ages of those involved. The department denied both requests, citing the new law.

Sheffield Police Chief Sam Cain said via email June 21 the investigation is still not complete, but the majority of the matter now lies with the juvenile courts.

According to what the juvenile courts have told me and what I have read from the law that weve discussed, Im still not at liberty to discuss the matters up to this point, Cain wrote.

The Iowa Public Information Board, which handles violations of open meetings and public records laws, has been working with the Iowa Attorney Generals Office to determine how to interpret the changes and what impact they might have on Chapter 22.7(5), Interim Executive Director Margaret Johnson said via email May 18.

The law Johnson referenced deals with confidential records, specifically investigative reports compiled by law enforcement.
At the Unleashing American Energy event last week, Donald Trump renewed his promise of an era of American global energy dominance. He said this energy superpower status would be gained by using all of our energy resources. He also noted in just six months, weve reduced the petroleum share of the trade deficit by 5 percent. What a welcome change from Barack Obama, whose administration took every possible step to stop American fossil fuel development.

Trump recognizes what almost all his critics choose to ignore: We are entering an age of American energy renaissance that will last many decades. While the left keeps placing bad bets on expensive and unreliable green energy, Trump has a more robust and realistic strategy: Make the United States the 21st centurys Saudi Arabia. We are well on our way, given the continuing story of the shale oil and gas explosion.

Since 2007 America has increased its oil and gas output by 75 percent, with most of it coming from North Dakota, Texas, Oklahoma, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Since 2015, when Republicans in Congress passed a law ending the ban on oil and gas exports, the U.S. has exported more than 150 million barrels of crude.

At the moment, natural gas is the disruptive energy source that is blowing away the competition. This is good news for America because we have far more natural gas than anyone, with perhaps the exception of Saudi Arabia. The U.S. has by far the cheapest natural gas and is capable of replacing the Middle East and Russia as primary suppliers to Europe and Asia.

Thanks in part to Trumps energy vision, we are now building liquefied gas terminals that will lead to sharp increases in exports of our abundant natural gas. Bloomberg reports, Since starting up last year, Cheniere Energy Inc.s Sabine Pass terminal in Louisiana  the first major facility sending shale gas overseas  has shipped more than 100 cargoes of LNG overseas.

Pipelines are necessary to make this energy future possible, and Trump is already greenlighting such projects that were delayed or killed by Barack Obama.

If we are to sprint ahead of the rest of the world when it comes to energy production, we need to allow drilling on federal lands. We are talking about unlocking some $50 trillion of energy assets lying underneath us. Just the royalties, leases and income taxes generated from all of this energy treasure would raise about $2 trillion for the federal treasury.

Coal production this year is up about 15 percent, according to The Wall Street Journal, and mining jobs are back as well. Thats thanks to Trumps reversal of Obama-era regulations meant to bankrupt coal. We need cheap coal to produce steel and other manufactured goods in America, so coal production is basic to keeping blue-collar and hard-hat jobs here at home in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia. Out of necessity, Big Coal is learning how to produce cleaner and cheaper coal every day, as the industry that still supplies nearly one-third of our electricity competes with natural gas.

Instead of importing $200 billion of energy every year, the U.S. and Canada could soon easily be exporting that amount. Of course, the current low global price of oil  below $50 a barrel  has all producers struggling mightily as the world absorbs a wonderful glut of cheap energy. But the amazing American frackers are discovering new ways of producing more and more energy at lower and lower costs.

The industry that has gotten most financially flattened by low natural gas prices is green energy. As long as natural gas prices stay below $3 per million cubic feet, wind and solar are as viable as cold fusion for years to come.

Without billions upon billions of government mandates, tax credits, production subsidies and other tax giveaways, there would be virtually no wind and solar industry today in the U.S. What other industry couldnt create jobs if the government kept showering it with billions of dollars of free money? Weve been doing this since the 1970s. Perhaps there will be breakthroughs that make green energy viable, but weve heard those unfulfilled promises now for 40 years.

No one knows where the future will take us with energy technology, but for now, no nation is better poised to exploit the new global age of shale energy. Better still, this is a fortuitous outcome that wont cost the government money but instead will raise trillions of new tax dollars to fund public programs.

Its a testament to Trumps vision and gut instincts that a real estate developer from the Northeast gets that when so many so-called energy experts, including Obama, dont.
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The first time I met Natalie, the owner of La Madone, was at the flea market in Marseille. We were setting up stands opposite each other. Natalie came over, stood in front of my stand and stomped her foot three times. Then said, "Jealous, I am jealous!" as she waved her hand she continued, "How do you do what you do?" As I didn't speak French very well, I shrugged my shoulders. Then I looked over at her stand, my mouth fell wide open! I pointed to her stand, and teasingly said, "Shut up."

We have been friends ever since.

Camy and John I met through blogging. Years ago they were in Jean and Nathalie's antique shop in Lourmarin when Nathalie showed them a magazine in which their B&B was featured.

When Camy returned to the States she searched the net for Jean and Nathalie's B&B, instead of finding Nathalie's, Camy stumbled upon my blog.





For years Camy and John have been coming to France and staying in Jean and Nathalie's B&B " La Renaissance. Over the years our friendship has grown closer. A year ago Camy and John started the process of moving to France. With French Husband's professional guidance they made a smooth transition. Today they officially bought Jean and Nathalie's La Renaissance.

I asked Nathalie if she was somewhat sad to let it go, and she replied graciously, "It is as if we are keeping it in the family."









After the final signature we went back to Jean and Nathalie's house and had champagne, later lunch and throughout it all I marvelled at the lovely chance I have had to met and know them all.

In the first photo it looks like Jean is kissing French Husband's neck, he was actually biting it, as the two of them were hamming it up.





Friends living in France, three Frenchies, three Americans.

xxx
A startup needs to test an idea quickly. For this, an MVP is created. MVP, Minimal Viable Product  a test version of a product or service with a minimum set of functions (up to one or two), which allows you to see the product's value for consumers and the market. MVP is created to test hypotheses and check the viability of the intended product: is it worth developing the project further, what changes should be made? The sooner a startup brings its MVP to market and tests the idea, the better. This article will look at how no-code technology can help founders achieve their business goals.

This article will try to cover everything that a founder needs to know about no-code at the initial stage of creating a startup.

What is no-code?

No-code, zero-code platform is a tool for creating websites, applications, chatbots, and other programs without the need for direct code writing by programmers. No-code is a valuable alternative to traditional development.

No-code is confused with low-code, but there is a difference in these terms. Low-code includes no-code and the ability to "finish code", add parts of code and the functionality.

A user of a no-code platform usually does not need to know layout, programming languages, or hire a team of programmers. The user of the no-code tool creates an application using a visual block constructor, which he fills with the necessary content and functions, and the no-code platform itself does the processing of requests, compiling the application and other "magic." It generates code using AI and/or contains blocks of code pre-written by programmers.

No-code allows the startup founder to create an MVP himself, entrust it to his employee with basic technical literacy and understanding of the project, or hire a no-code developer. Even in the case of hiring a no-code developer, the cost of creating an MVP will be significantly lower than with classical development with programmers. For example, you can read the interview of a startup and no-code developer on our website, who initially worked as a Product Manager and was able to master no-code for his project himself.

Benefits of no-code for a startup founder

There are the following key advantages for a startup founder in using no-code technology:

a large selection of no-code tools, platforms, and their integrations at the moment  already in 2022, there are many tools and platforms for creating an MVP, a larger project, or even a finished product on no-code, but few people still know about them, and others are far from all startups and founders use their potential;

cost  no-code development saves the money by speeding up the development process, not hiring professional programmers or no need to maintain a developer department, monitoring functions and quick bug fixes, avoiding or reducing the growth of technical debt;

speed is the main advantage over classical development  no-code allows you to build a simple application in a weekend, and a more complex one can be built in a month. In this way, you can test an MVP and even several versions of an MVP very quickly;

low entry threshold  to master a no-code platform, you often do not need technical education at all, but only an understanding of a company's business processes or product from the inside. In the case of pro-level no-code platforms, technical education is required, but you can get used to it hundreds of times faster than with any programming language. This makes no-code available to almost everyone who wants to work with technology;

ease of use  no need to write hundreds of code lines  just move the blocks and assign links between them. Work on a project can be entrusted to your employee without communicating with a team of third-party developers. You can speak "in your language" without the need to understand the "inner kitchen" of developers;

flexibility  with the help of no-code, it is easy for a startup founder to add new functionality and new features right during a project or a MVP testing without a significant increase in development costs.

Possible disadvantages of no-code for a startup founder

As often, any property can be, under certain conditions, both a disadvantage and an advantage. In no-code, many of the benefits with the wrong choice of tool can turn into disadvantages:

no-code is not always a budget solution for a project. Sometimes in a no-code development package, you get unnecessary functions and additions (on AppMaster.io you can separately connect the frontend and pay only for the backend or only for those functions that you are using); if you do not understand the needs of your project, then you can make a mistake with the choice of a no-code tool and not be able to implement the necessary functions on it, or it will be too difficult to implement them; often, no-code tools fail to ensure proper data security and contribute to data leakage (but AppMaster.io allows you to host a finished application on any server); no-code tools often do not provide the ability to upload source code or provide uploading in an inconvenient format, which makes it difficult to move to another tool or to your development. You have to choose a no-code tool "once and forever immediately" (AppMaster. io gives you the ability to download the source code. Also, we generate human-readable code and you will not have any difficulties with its transportation); most no-code tools on the market are not suitable for creating a finished product, and there are significant difficulties with scaling the project if the MVP is successful (AppMaster.io is a professional no-code platform and our capabilities allow us to implement and support the finished product and scale it in the future).

Forewarned is forearmed. Choose your no-code tool wisely and take full advantage of your choice.

Types of no-code platforms

Conventionally, all no-code tools can be divided into several types: no-code devices with a low entry threshold (you can create frontend and not very powerful backend on them), integrators that help connect applications and services, and professional no-code platforms (they strive to replace the code completely, provide the ability to create a robust backend and high bandwidth).

The basic principle of operation of your MVP and the choice of a no-code platform depend on such a conditional division into types. For example, if you make a simple application like a diary, you can limit yourself to a no-code tool with a low entry threshold and a beautiful design.

If your application has powerful potential, high bandwidth, multi-user interface, and works with large amounts of data or real-time data, it is better to choose a professional no-code platform like AppMaster.io or Direcual.

If you use several services at once, link them on integrators like Integromat and Zapier.

Adalo

An easy-to-learn designer with a relatively user-friendly interface. The free version is helpful for learning. The free version contains Adalo watermarks and does not allow you to upload your applications to GooglePlayMarket and AppStore. Beginners often choose this no-code platform to create their first applications with simple logic.

Bubble

It will take more time to learn Bubble , but the platform allows you to work with the backend, databases, business processes, and layout. There are many plugins. The free plan allows you to master the tool, and you can start developing at the middle rate. The price increase is due to the rise in the number of users.

Integromat

It is an integrator. Experts talk about it as a simple and affordable platform for linking applications and services. Scenarios can be created personally, or you can use templates. If you need to connect an application with a service not from the Integromat database, fill out the form and connect to its API via HTTP.

Zapier

This is an integrator for linking applications with each other or with other external services. You can transfer data between thousands of applications. There is a script constructor (one event starts a chain of necessary actions).

Directual

The no-code platform positions itself for creating MVP applications (Minimal Viable Product, minimum viable product) and full-fledged applications of finished products. Scenarios are the backbone of the platform. Using scripts, you can automate the backend logic of the application, create and combine workflows. The Directual catalog includes out-of-the-box connectors, HTTP requests, webhooks, database listeners, and integration with popular services.

AppMaster.io

No-code next-generation platform for creating native and web applications on a real backend. Visual drag-and-drop designer, user-friendly business process designer, one-click app publishing to AppMaster Cloud, or integration with any cloud platform. Push notifications, authorization using social networks. Networks, email, and more. Connect applications to hundreds of services or programmatically access them using APIs. The ability to upload source code and documentation in a human-readable format and transfer it to your servers. Documentation auto-generation. Modern and fast language GoLang at the core.

No-code perspectives for startups

No-code development is gradually gaining popularity around the world. There are already more than 500 no-code tools for creating websites and various types of applications.

According to the forecasts of IT world experts, no-code will develop more and more actively and capture parts of the market responsible for medicine, small online business, small business, and all niches where it is possibly necessary to optimize and automate development processes.

The mass shift of businesses and their customers online and to gadgets has increased the demand for the fast and inexpensive creation of mobile applications that would work according to a single quality standard and have a simple, understandable, user-friendly interface.

Conclusion

No-code is visual programming in the form of a constructor without directly writing code. Usually, basic knowledge in development is enough to build applications on no-code.

The logic of no-code constructors is intuitive: the application interface is assembled from blocks, icons, buttons, and text which are connected to the database. Usually, you can choose a suitable template or do everything from scratch. Speed and economy are the main advantages of no-code tools.

No-code is suitable for creating an MVP, testing an idea or new features in a product, saving time for solving standard tasks. PRO level no-code platforms can provide you with a finished product, an application.

If you don't have an account on AppMaster.io yet, join us. After registration, you will be given a free trial period for 14 days, in which all the basic functionality of the platform is available. It will allow you to learn the intricacies of working with a professional-level no-code platform and understand its potential.
First-term Democratic congresswoman Jacky Rosen has formally announced her candidacy for U.S. Senate in 2018. Assuming she secures the nomination, she will take on Republican incumbent Dean Heller, who will be seeking reelection to a 2nd term in the Senate from Nevada. Rosen currently represents that state's 3rd congressional district, which encompasses most of the state south of Las Vegas.

A late June poll from Public Policy Polling showed Rosen and Heller virtually tied, with Rosen ahead 42% to 41%. This will be one of the most watched races of 2018 as it is one of the few realistic opportunities for a Democratic pick-up on a difficult map. Of the 34 seats to be contested in 2018*, 25 of them are already held by Democrats**. Of the nine Republican-held seats, Nevada is the only one in a state not won by Donald Trump in 2016. Aside from Nevada, of the ten races currently seen as most competitive for next year (tan on map below), only Arizona is currently in Republican hands.

To win control of the Senate, Democrats need a net gain of three seats. To do that, they would need to defend all 25 of their seats, win the two competitive Republican-held seats (Nevada & Arizona), and find one other pick-up in a deep red state. Click or tap the map above to create and share your own 2018 Senate forecast.

* Includes Alabama special election to be held on December 12, 2017

** Including two independents (Bernie Sanders, Angus King) that caucus with the Democratic Party
Jul 6, 2017 | By Tess

The Camera Culture group from MITs Media Lab has been able to successfully capture a high-res 3D scan of a five-foot-long tyrannosaurus rex skull using a Microsoft Kinect. The MIT group came on board for the project after a team of forensic dentists was unable to capture a digital scan of the large-scale dinosaur skull with its own scanning technology.

The project all started last year, when a team of forensic dentists were invited to 3D scan the massive T. rex skull at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. The skull, they noticed, possessed some mysterious holes in the jawbone, which they wanted to find out more about.

Using high-resolution dental 3D scanners, the team set about scanning the dinosaurs jaw, but was ultimately unable to capture a full scan of sufficient quality. Thats when they reached out to Camera Culture, a group from MITs Media Lab who had been developing a high-res 3D scanning system.

Even that scanning system wasnt equipped for the large-scale task at hand, however, so the Camera Culture team got to work improvising a system that would work with the skull. Using only $150 worth of hardware and a free software program, the team was able to construct a 3D scanning system that was capable of scanning the giant skull.

The scanning system they used consisted of a Microsoft Kinect, a depth-sensing camera used primarily for gaming purposes, and MeshLab software. The Kinect was used to produce a point cloud of an object (a 3D map made up of points), while MeshLab was used to analyze those points to generate a 3D shape of the scanned object.

Compared to most high-end scanning systems that are on the market, which cost up to tens of thousands of dollars, the much more affordable (were talking under $200) Kinect system is still perfectly viable. The discrepancy is the level of resolution, as the Kinects resolution is only about 500 micrometers, compared to 50 to 100 micrometer resolution that top-of-the-line scanners have. Still, for most applications, the Kinect can be useful.

A lot of people will be able to start using this, said Camera Culture researcher Anshuman Das, the first author of the projects study. Thats the message I want to send out to people who would generally be cut off from using technologyfor example, paleontologists or museums that are on a very tight budget. There are so many other fields that could benefit from this.

The T. rex skull that was 3D scanned is also worth mentioning, as it is, to date, the largest and most complete T. rex skull that has been found. The mysterious holes in its jaw that incited the whole 3D scanning project were long believed to be teeth marks from an attack, though more recent discoveries showed that the holes spacing was inconsistent with bite patterns.

(Images: Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago / MIT News)

A more recent theory suggested that the holes were from a protozoal infection caused by infected prey. Now, however, with insight gained from the 3D scan of the skull, both these theories are cast in doubt. (The scan revealed that the holes taper from the outside in, which would not be the case for a mouth infection.)

With the 3D scan of the T. rexs skull, researchers from all over can now consult and examine the strange holes. In fact, 3D printing could even be used to help research teams recreate the skull for physical examinationa task which was demonstrated by the Camera Culture team, which 3D printed a few one-eighth scale 3D printed models of the skull.

Three-dimensional scanning has really revolutionized paleontology, said Peter Mackovicky, associate chair of paleontology at the Field Museum. Were able to ask and answer a lot of quantitative questions. But in general we are a pretty underfunded field, and for a lot of folks, off-the-shelf scanning systems are still out of the usual reach of a research budget. Having something that is very cheap, versatile, and relatively fast is certainly useful. And one nice thing about [the new] system is that your results are immediate. You can see in real time whether youre capturing the data you need, which is a great benefit.

Posted in 3D Scanning

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Jul 6, 2017 | By Benedict

Researchers at Taiwans Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) have used 3D printing to create Chinese skin. The synthetic skin could be used to test cosmetics, drugs, and medical equipment for the Chinese market.

In 2013, the European Union made the historic decision to ban the sale of cosmetics tested on animals. This meant that, with a few exceptions and technicalities, any non-medical beauty products and toiletries would have to be tested using other, less harmful means. That measure caused a shakeup in Europe, and ethically forward-thinking countries around the world have begun to follow suit.

As on 2016, Taiwan is one country to have also gone cruelty-free with its regulation on cosmetics testing, causing makeup and beauty companies to seek other means of testing their products. The ruling is great for animals, but it causes something of a headache for cosmetics companies. How do you fully test the safety of a product without animals?

In one sense, you can just use humans. After all, tests on human skin are the best indication of how a product will affect the skin of the general consumer. But there are obvious risks associated with human trials: harming your subjects, having to pay them to participate, and the looming specter of potential lawsuits when things go wrong.

For Taiwans ITRI, the solution is close to traditional human testingbut not quite. Researchers from the institutes health and laser departments have joined forces to develop EPITRI, a stable and high-quality artificial epidermal tissue that can be used to test cosmetics products. ITRI has, in other words, created 3D printed artificial skin.

According to ITRI, its creation has the correct epidermal tissue, as well as differentiation between layers, including the basal layer, spine layer, granular layer, and cuticle. The 3D printed skin also has realistic barrier function and lipid composition. A test run of the skin has been produced, with around 85% of the output being suitable for testing.

ITRI says its 3D printed skin could be used to test new drugs and medical equipment as well as cosmetics. This would potentially make it an attractive proposition for several Chinese industriesChinese specifically, because the 3D printed skin is supposed to effectively mimic the composition of Chinese skin.

Skin isnt something you see 3D printed every day, but the Taiwan-based researchers say they used a high-precision 3D printing technology that can print bionic skin at a temperature of just 4C. The machine has three print heads, allowing operators to diversify the skin as it is being printed, while the temperature of the printer needs to be strictly controlled to ensure the survival of cells.

Li Chang Zhou, an engineer at ITRIs laser center, said the EPITRI project was the first time that his department had used 3D printing for health and medical reasons. ITRI intends to build upon this research to explore new possibilities in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and pharmaceuticals.

ITRI isnt the only organization to create 3D printed skin for cosmetics testing. Earlier this year, Chinese company Jala Group claimed to have performed a similar feat.

Posted in 3D Printing Technology

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'That's madam governor to you': Record 12 women elected to serve in 2023
mizoula/iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) -- The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations warned that her country will take military action against North Korea if necessary and called on China and Russia to do more to implement existing sanctions.



The strong statement from Amb. Nikki Haley came at an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council one day after North Korea tested its first intercontinental ballistic missile, the latest provocation from the regime of Kim Jong-un.



China and Russia expressed concern about the launch, but urged dialogue with North Korea and criticized the U.S. for strong rhetoric and the deployment of a missile defense system in South Korea.



Today is a dark day, said Haley. It is a dark day because yesterdays actions by North Korea made the world a more dangerous place. Their illegal missile launch was not only dangerous, but reckless and irresponsible, she added, later calling it a clear and sharp military escalation.



Their actions are quickly closing off the possibility of a diplomatic solution, she continued, noting America has considerable military forces. We will use them if we must. But we prefer not to have to go in that direction.



Instead, she discussed using trade to pressure others to fully implement existing U.N. sanctions, saying she and President Donald Trump spoke at length this morning about doing that.



There are countries that are allowing, even encouraging, trade with North Korea in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, she said. Such countries would also like to continue their trade arrangements with the United States. That's not going to happen.



The U.S. will also introduce a new resolution that raises the international response in a way that is proportionate to North Korea's new escalation, she said, but declined to give details today.



Haley was joined by the ambassadors from the U.K., France, Japan, South Korea and others in condemning the missile launch and calling for stricter enforcement of sanctions or new sanctions targets.



But it's the response from North Korea's largest trading partners -- China and Russia, both of whom have veto power on the U.N. Security Council -- that mattered most, and they were critical of the U.S. and did not express support for new sanctions.



Attempts to economically strangle North Korea are equally unacceptable as millions of people are in great humanitarian need, said Vladimir Safronkov, Russias deputy envoy to the U.N. Sanctions will not resolve the issue.



He called on all nations to act with restraint rather than provocation and war-mongering -- seemingly a reference to Haley's strong remarks -- and repeated his country's joint proposal with China for a halt to North Korea's ballistic and nuclear programs in exchange for a halt to U.S.-South Korean military exercises. China also reiterated the idea, calling it objective, fair, reasonable, and feasible.



That idea has been rejected by the U.S. and South Korea in the past, who say halting their legal defensive military exercises in exchange for a freeze on North Korea's illegal aggressive missile and nuclear programs is a false equivalence.



Russia and China also went further, demanding that the U.S. and South Korea halt and cancel the deployment of THAAD, a missile defense system meant to protect South Korea from an attack by North Korea.



The deployment of THAAD anti-missile system in Northeast Asia seriously undermines the strategic security interests of regional countries including China. As such, it is not conducive to the realization of the denuclearization of the Peninsula and of the regional peace and stability, said Chinese ambassador to the U.N. Liu Jieyi. Safronkov from Russia said something nearly identical -- a sign of the two countries' close coordination on this issue, despite U.S. efforts to work with them on pressuring the regime in Pyongyang.



China and Russia still have economic ties to North Korea, with China accounting for up to 90 percent of North Korea's total trade volume. While at times expressing confidence that China was taking steps to rein in North Korea, the Trump administration has also threatened to sanction Chinese businesses trading with North Korea if China won't do more to curtail them.



Haley pressed both countries to take action, saying North Korea was not listening to their calls for dialogue.



They have not listened to anything that youve said, they are not going to listen to anything that you say, and so its time that we stand together and say that we will not put up with this action, she said, adding, To sit there and oppose sanctions or to sit there and go in defiance of a new resolution, means youre holding the hands of Kim Jong-un.



In June, the U.S. managed to get a new round of sanctions on North Korea passed by the U.N. Security Council, including a rare yes vote from China, but it's unclear if China or Russia would support any further steps without some sort of concession from the U.S.



The emergency meeting was requested by Japan, the United States and South Korea, the latter two of which fired off short-range ballistic missiles during joint military exercises in response to the North's ICBM launch.



North Korea's young leader, Kim Jong-un, was seen photographed inspecting the missile before launch, saying the launch was a gift for the U.S. on its Independence Day.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Martin-Baker Australia and Pilatus Aircraft have today signed a Letter of Intent for Martin-Baker Australia to provide Ejection Seat Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul for the Royal Australian Air Force PC-21 aircraft.





The agreement proposes a seven year firm fixed price solution with rolling Contract Change Proposals out to 20 years.



Andrew Eden, Martin-Baker Australia Managing Director said: This arrangement makes sense under a performance based contract, we are best able to provide this service efficiently and manage and control the risk and liability associated with our product and this proposal flows that down to us. It represents the same partnership with Pilatus for through-life support and sustainment that we have during design, development and production.



ISO9001:2015 certification of the Martin-Baker Integrated Management System (IMS) was granted last week by Southpac Aerospace. This IMS covers both Quality and Safety Management within the company and provides the foundation for the future DASA Part 145 Maintenance Organisation Exposition.



Andrew Martin, Martin-Baker Aircraft Companys Director of Business Development said: The services covered by this agreement are the reason we formed Martin-Baker Australia. To provide the best possible sustainment solutions to our end users at the best possible price. To take this from the idea in our board room to potentially a Life of Type agreement on a large fleet of aircraft like the RAAF PC-21 is a great achievement.



Rob Oliver, Pilatus Director Defence Australia , said: Were looking forward to this partnership and are pleased to continue our long relationship with Martin Baker; a comprehensive service arrangement for the Egress Systems with the OEM of the ejection seats is a robust and elegant solution. This also increases our commitment to a new in-country Australian industry capability supporting the PC-21.



The first maintenance under the agreement will be due in mid-2018, ramping up to full capacity within two years.
The Delhi Police has registered a case against three Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) MLAs for allegedly manhandling and abusing a woman in the assembly premises recently.

In her complaint, the woman has accused Okhla AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, Malviya Nagar MLA Somnath Bharti and Tilak Nagar MLA Jarnail Singh of abusing and thrashing her on June 28, the police said.

I had gone to see the proceedings of the House, but could not get the pass for the Visitors Gallery. And, while I was standing outside the building, a group of men, who were engaged in a scuffle, came towards me.

I was peacefully standing when Jarnail Singh and Amanatullah Khan came outside and cornered me into a room where two people were already being beaten up. Later Somnath Bharti also joined, she wrote.

Based on the womans complaint, the police have registered a case against the three. FIR under section 323/342/354/ 354A(1)/509/34 IPC was registered at Civil Lines police station on the complaint of a lady against 3 MLAs about the incident of June 28 Investigation is in progress, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Jatin Narwal.

Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel said that the complaint had not reached his office and that the police cannot lodge any FIR pertaining to an incident within Vidhan Sabha premises on their own.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh, however, called the development vendetta politics.

This is vendetta politics by the Centre. We are surprised that the police has arrested only 15 of our MLAs (since coming to power), he said.
In a shocking incident, an Indian Army soldier went missing on Thursday from north Kashmirs Baramulla district, police said.



Zahoor Ahmad Thakur, with the 173 Territorial Army, was reported missing from his camp in Gantmulla area along with an AK-47 rifle.

The arms and ammunition held by the Army man, who hails from Pulwama, are also missing and police have launched a manhunt to track him.

There are apprehensions that the said army man may have fled with militants but police have not confirmed this so far.

Thakur deserted the army on the intervening night of July 5-6. He has ran away with the service assault rifle and three magazines, said the official.

The police has issued a major alert in the Valley. All field formations are alerted, according to an official communique.

The separatists have called a week-long protest to mark the first death anniversary of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.

Wani was killed in a gunfight in Kokarnag area of Anantnag district on July 8, 2016. Hizbul Mujahideen is planning to commemorate the death anniversary of Wani.

The Hizbul militants death triggered a summer of discontent and months of violence in Kashmir that left nearly a hundred people dead.

Wani was the architect of the social-media driven psychological warfare in Kashmir.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration is already on the edge following reports that a large number of Kashmiris are planning to commemorate Wanis death anniversary.
Fresh violence was reported in Basirhat after section 144 was imposed in the area and protesters have blocked the road. Tear gas shells were used to disperse the crowd. The clashes had erupted on Tuesday.

BJP President Amit Shah on Thursday constituted a team comprising Om Mathur, Meenakshi Lekhi, Satyapal Singh, Kailash Vijayvargiya. The team will visit the affected area and submit report to Shah.

Not a soul in sight near the carcass of the motorcycle, finally a man peeked out from over his balcony wall and whispered that the bike was burnt just one hour ago. Suman Ganguly said, Hindu and Muslim boys clashed and set this bike on fire.

Late last week, a Hindu teenager posted an offensive post about the Prophet Mohammed on Facebook. He has been arrested, but served as the trigger for a long cycle of arson and violence.

Soon after the arrest, large groups came out on the streets in various parts of Bashirhat and Barasat sub-division of the district, protesting against the Facebook post and demanding death sentence for the teenager.

The anger in the people seemed to be about the police intervention in the matter and why the matter was not left in the hands of the mob who would have given instant justice.

The government has already deployed 400 paramilitary personnel in the riots-hit town.

Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry has sought a report from the West Bengal government over the communal clashes.

Jishnu Basu, RSSs General Secretary in South Bengal, said, It is a very unfortunate incident and we are in a state of shock over the clashes which are taking place in Basirhat . We strongly condemn this incident.

The murder took place hours after West Bengal Chief Minister urged people to maintain peace in the areas.

While condemning the clashes, she said, Somebody posted a picture on Facebook and police arrested that youth. Then, where is the problem? I would like to warn those involved in the clashes not to play with fire.

Mamata claimed that there were some religious leaders from both Muslim and Hindu community behind the clashes. I am sorry to say that some religious leaders are doing this in exchange for money. This is shocking. Please dont try to judge my patience limit. I am not in favour of any particular community, she said.

Trouble started a few days ago after Saurav Sarkar, a class 12 student, uploaded an objectionable post on Facebook at Baduria in North 24 Parganas. After receiving a complaint, the police immediately arrested Saurav.
With the Dahi Handi festival just round the corner the Fadnavis government is planning to bring a notification to overturn the ban imposed by Bombay High Court restricting the height of human pyramids to 20 feet. The question which arises here is why did the government fail to act earlier? Why has the government suddenly brought this issue on the forefront? Thus Dahi Handi festival celebrations is likely to be low key this year too due to lack of enthusiasm among participants due to the court order. The Bombay High Court had already issued an order restraining the use of loudspeakers in silence zone areas of the city which is likely to affect Dahi Handi and Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Last year, noise pollution had exceeded above the permissible limits in the city according to activists. Already 50 violations of noise pollution were recorded during last year.

A meeting was held under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to discuss about various issues that may prove to be a hindrance in the celebration of Dahi Handi festival. Even restrictions imposed on loudspeakers during Ganesh festival also were discussed.

Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar said, The government will soon issue a notification pertaining to the relaxation in rules of Dahi Handi celebrations.

The government will take a proactive step so that the festival spirit is not dampened due to stringent rules. Traditional festivals will continue to be celebrated in the manner they have been done in the past and nobody can create disruptions. We will also seek various permissions required from the court.

Noise pollution norms should not be violated but it is necessary that the citizens should be able to celebrate festivals, he added.

The government will appoint lawyer Tushar Mehta to file a petition before the court regarding relaxation of rules for celebrating Dahi Handi festival. A proposal has been forwarded to the centre in this regard.

According to political activists, Often Shiv Sena has remained in the forefront when it comes to raising issues affecting festival celebrations. This time BJP too has come forward to raise this issue. By doing so the party is only trying to derive political mileage out of this issue and lure voters.

Both Shiv Sena and BJP have been at loggerheads over the festival celebration issue since last two years. BJP has reaped huge political dividends out of this issue since last two years.
A young facebook user who is staunch Hindu and right wing supporter, made a post on Prophet Muhammad. The post went viral as shops and homes of Hindus in Swarupnagar and Baduria were destroyed and torched by mobs. Nearly 400 paramilitary personnel have been deployed in Bashirhat, Swarupnagar, Baduria and Devganga areas to assist the state police in containing the situation.

The events triggered an ugly spat between the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, with the former accusing the governor of bullying her over phone and talking dig on the law and order situation prevailing in the state. She also accused the governor of siding with the BJP stating that he was acting like a BJP block President. Peoples life is at stake but BJP and state government are baking their politics on ferocity.

The agitators blocked roads and used tear gas while protesting. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah constituted a team comprising Om Mathur, Meenakshi Lekhi, Satyapal Singh and Kailash Vijayvargiya, who will visit the affected area and submit a report to Shah on the issue. The situation in West Bengals riot-torn Baduria in North 24 Parganas district remained tense for more than one week. This is the most sensitive area and communal riots between two religious groups are very much common here. Politicians, take it as an opportunity to propagate hatred between two communities.

Schools, shops, markets and business establishments remained shut in and around Baduria, including Keosha market, Banshtala, Ramchandrapur and Tentulia, where prohibitory orders are in force. Four companies of BSF personnel (about 400 personnel) have been rushed to Baduria and adjoining areas of Basirhat, Swarupnagar and Deganga to assist the local administration. Rail blockades at three places on the Barasat-Bongaon and Barasat-Basirhat sections inconvenienced daily commuters. Violence had erupted between Hindu Muslims over a Facebook post, following which a young man was arrested. But so far, no one knows who instigated the young boy to make such post, what was his intention behind it.

Amid the continuing spat between Mamata and her party colleagues and the governor, the BJP demanded that the Centre impose Presidents rule in West Bengal and send central observers to assess worsening law and order in the state. Banerjee has criticised the religious leaders of both the communities of that area and warned them of strict action. The BJP alleged that over 2000 Muslims attacked Hindu families in the North 24 Parganas district.

The point to be noted here is 2000 Muslim attacked people who had nothing to do with the Facebook post. Moreover, media tried to conceal the truths in phrases like clash between two communities without mentioning riot perpetrators agenda and religion.

Being a border state, West Bengal has a sizeable proportion of Muslim population. Thus, riots are only being expected given the longstanding deep-rooted animosity between the Hindus and Muslims, often fanned by political parties to take forward their agendas. Illegal Bangladeshi immigrants have been made a popular scapegoat in this incident. However, I believe, and there are some statistics to show that the numbers of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants have gone down very significantly over the last 10 years or so.

The clashes, ransacking of shops, looting and burning down of houses continued for three to four more days, and hundred houses and shops were ransacked, and completely or partially damaged or gutted.

The rise in Muslim population along with infiltration of Bangladesh, rioting is a fun activity for some communities after reaching/gaining sufficient strength in any region. Government is not doing anything to stop it so that they can gain Muslim votes and is allowing them to riot at will. Secularism is an alien concept to Islam. Intolerance to non-Muslims is a fundamental concept in Islam. The phenomenon is nothing but height of competitive pseudo- secularism. The competitors are: (a) Trinamool Congress (b) CPI(M) and other left parties, and (c) Congress. The sufferers are Bengali Hindus who are still in majority in the state (but the status may change in another 20 years). There is a definite possibility that Bengali Hindus will again become refugees in their own land. On top of all this, BJP and right wing organizations are trying their best to create unrest.

According to my opinion all Muslims are not intolerant. There can be good Muslims who do not literally follow Islam word by word but a large majority of them are unable to think beyond religion because of some misplaced sense of Muslim identity. It is responsibility of the respective governments to bring people to task and prevent religious fundamentalism (Muslim/Non-Muslim whatever) of any kind from taking an ugly shape if we want India to remain the way it is.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@afternoonvoice.com)
Women rights activist Trupti Desai was booked under the Prevention of Atrocities Act for allegedly assaulting a 33-year-old former member of her organisation on June 27 near Balewadi stadium in Pune, the police said.

The complainant, Vijay Makasare, a doctor from neighbouring Amhednagar district, had alleged that Desai, who heads the Bhumata Ranragini Brigade, her husband Prashant and two other persons thrashed him after he fell out with Desai.

Other persons named in the complaint lodged with the Hinjewadi police station are identified as Satish Desai, Kantilal Gaware and two unidentified persons.

Makasare stated that he was approached by Desai a few months ago and asked him to join her organisation.

I accepted her request and joined the organisation as I wanted to work for the society. However, later I realised that the functioning of the outfit was not transparent and the intentions to run the organisation was malafied, so I decided to part my ways, which irked Desai, Makasare said in his complaint.

Quoting the complaint, a police official said Desai asked Makasare to take her to Mumbai in his car for some important work on June 27.

My car was waylaid by Desais husband Prashant and four others near Balewadi stadium on Pune-Mumbai Highway. Desai snatched my two phones saying they contained a crucial evidence against her, Makasare stated in his complaint.

He alleged Desai, Prashant and others thrashed him and snatched his gold chain worth Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 27,000 in cash he was carrying with him.

Makasare also accused Desai of passing derogatory remarks regarding his caste and threatening him of dire consequences if he dared to raise his voice against her outfit.

We have registered a case against Desai, her husband and four others under section 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 394 (robbery), 341 (wrongful restraint), 506 (criminal intimidation) and relevant sections of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, the Hinjawadi police station official said.

He said the Desai couple and others will be summoned for recording their statements.

When contacted, the activist refuted the allegations, saying Makasare was trying to malign her image.

It was Makasare who approached me requesting membership to my outfit. However, we denied him the membership after knowing about his character. He is now trying to malign my image by levelling such baseless allegations. He filed the case out of a grudge over his non-induction into the organisation, she said.

Desai was instrumental in leading an agitation of women in November 2015 for gaining the entry to the core area of famous Lord Shani shrine in Ahmednagar district.

She subsequently led similar protests at the Mahalakshmi temple in Kolhapur and later at Lord Shiva temple in Trimbakeshwar near Nashik.

Last year, Desai made an attempt to enter the Haji Ali dargah in Mumbai, but beat a retreat after an angry mob prevented her from proceeding further. On May 12, 2016, she made a successful second attempt and entered the dargah under tight security but not in the inner sanctum where women are not allowed.
United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has dubbed North Koreas intercontinental ballistic missile launch test as a clear and sharp military escalation and warned of a possible US military retaliation.

Haley also warned that the US could cut its trade ties with China and other countries if they do not stop aiding the Kim Jong-un regime.

The US is prepared to use the full range of our capabilities to defend ourselves and our allies. One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces. We will use them if we must, but we prefer not to have to go in that direction, CNN quoted Haley as saying.

At the United Security Council meeting, Hailey called for an escalated diplomatic and economic response against North Korea and warned other countries to refrain from watering down resolutions against North Korea.

Calling out China, Haley said, There are countries that are allowing, even encouraging, trade with North Korea in violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Such countries would also like to continue their trade arrangements with the United States. Thats not going to happen.

Much of the burden of enforcing UN sanctions rests with China. We will work with China  but we will not repeat the inadequate approaches of the past that have brought us to this dark day, Haley added.

Earlier, United States President Donald Trump attacked China over its increasing trade with Pyongyang.

Trump took to his Twitter handle to express his concerns over China, which he has been hoping that the country would help the US to rein in North Korea over Nuclear programme.
Amidst the ongoing tension between India and China over the Sikkim border issue, the Political Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in India, Li Ya, has suggested India to withdraw its troops back to Indian side of the boundary, before peace talks between the two sides.

As far as solution is concerned, the Indian troops must pull back to Indian side of the boundary unconditionally and immediately. This is the precondition for any meaningful dialogue between China and India, said Li, in a video issued by the Chinese Embassy, over the border standoff between the two sides.

He claimed there was no support to Indias claim that the Doklam area belong to Bhutan, adding that China has strong evidence to prove that Doklam belongs to them.

We have strong evidence to prove that Doklam belongs to China. Doklam has always been the traditional pasture for Chinese border inhabitants. Archives of Xi Zang Autonomous Region still retain some receipts of the grass tax paid by Bhutanese herdsmen. Today the Chinese border troops still patrol there and the herdsmen graze their livestock there, and production and living facilities have been built there, he explained.

As to changing status quo, since Doklam is part of Chinese territory, activities conducted by China in Doklam are within Chinas sovereignty, he added.

Li alleged that it was the Indian side that had trespassed into Chinese territory on June 18 and changed the status quo, triggering a close range face-off.

He further said that this section, along the border, is delimited by the convention between China and Great Britain relating to Tibet and Sikkim in 1890.

In essence, Chinas territorial sovereignty has been undermined by the Indian border troops. After the incident, the Indian side claims that Doklam belongs to Bhutan, Chinese side changed the status quo and India has security concern, he said.

The present standoff between India and China emerged after New Delhi expressed its apprehension over Beijings road construction in the Sikkim sector of the border.

While India claims Sikkim border as part of its territory, China has said that the area falls on their side as per the 1890 treaty signed between British and China.

Consequently, China suspended the annual Kailash Manasarovar yatra and conceded that the decision to suspend the pilgrimage was due to the border scuffle. It also alleged that the Indian troops had crossed the Sikkim section of the Indo- China border.








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Indian PM Modi is in Israel for striking deals in terror goods, including terror drones.

Help India please

While President Trump said he would make USA great again, PM Modi said he would make India a super power and began to work for a make in India theme by wasting lot of money (maybe not black) the keeps touring western nations for help. India pays hugely for Modis extempore foreign torus.

When Indian PM Modi on his arrival at Tel Aviv hugged so tightly the Zionist president and Israeli criminal PM Netanyahu, his facial expression betrayed: please help me, please help my party and government, pl help the Hindutva India which is a natural ally of Zionism..Please ask Trump to support me and India..PleaseMr. President. You know sir.. USA, Israel and India are terror victims, you know..We must cooperate on terrorism and counter terrorism and Islamic fundamentalism, etc.. .. PM Modi may not have said or meant to say this to Israeli leaders but that is the impression his tight hug gave to the world.

So pathetic!...Indian PM with a rising economy should not have stooped down so deeply before the enemies of humanity, thereby bringing insult to a great nation called India.

Of course, there is nothing strange or abnormal in Indian PM Modi visiting Israel against the wishes of Palestinians or Arabs or entire humanity. The ruler of one colonialist nation India visiting similar colonialist and apartheid nation Israel has nothing to hide from one another and form the world. Both India and Israel operate as allies of imperialist forces led by USA, also pursue fascist polices with regard to the occupied nations, viz Kashmir and Palestine as they are occupying neighboring nations and enjoy terror attacks on those people with blessings from USA and UNSC.

As Israel kills Palestinians, including children, on a regular basis in order to confiscate their lands after killing the besieged Palestinians, its strategic military partner India also keeps attacking Kashmiris in a sustained manner so that they do not ask for sovereignty back from New Delhi.

Today, Israel has emerged one of the largest sellers of terror goods and technology to India whose hunger for foreign terror goods to deal with Kashmiris and those low caste Hindus that seek justice from the rulers and their class, has been amazingly huge.

India did not support the 1947 UN resolution to divide Palestine and create Israel but when the USA, UK and other big powers of the day did crate Israel by forcefully dividing Palestine and chasing away or killing Palestinians from New Israel, India did not approve of the Zionist criminal regime. When India led the Non-aligned nations, it continued to support the Arab nations and Palestinians and opposed Israeli.

After delaying recognition of Israel as a soverign nation for about two years, India recognized Israel on September 18, 1950 but then the bilateral relations have remained at low ebb until recently. That is because people of India cannot digest any links with a fascist fanatic Israel wedded to criminal operations.

Diplomatic ties between India and Israel were formally established by the Congress partys government in 1992 led by Narasimha Rao who, inspired by Hindutva ideology, very skillfully helped the Hindutva forces led by RSS-BJP destroy the historic Babri Mosque in Uttar Pradesh and quench their fanatic thirst.

By using the post-Independence tensions between India and Pakistan, Jewish Israel was persisting for close links with anti-Islamic India which began promoting RSS and Hindutva ideology anti-Muslim and anti-Mosque themes in media. Many Hindu leaders generated anti-Muslimism in the country by arguing that India is a Hindu nation and Muslims cannot enjoy equal rights. Indian regime just encouraged all this because it wanted to fix Muslims in Hindu India.

Israel successfully pushed its agenda in New Delhi. In May 1992 Israel opened its embassy in New Delhi and India opened its embassy in Tel Aviv. In 1996, India acquired from Israel, 32 IAI Searcher unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs. December 1997: Israeli President Ezer Weizman led a 24-member business delegation to India. Weizman was the first Israeli head of state to visit India. He finalized a weapons deal involving the purchase of the Barak-1 vertically-launched surface-to-air missiles. In 2000: BJP leader Jaswant Singh became the first Indian foreign minister to visit Israel. India and Israel set up a joint anti-terror commission. 2003: Ariel Sharon became the first Israeli PM to visit India; November 2016: Israeli President Reuven Rivlin visited India for six days; and now Indian PM Modi visits Israel on July 04.

But today, the poisonous greed to kill Kashmiris and to somehow become a veto power to challenge both super powers USA and Russia, India has to kneel down to Zionist boots.

And PM Modi and his capitalist and military associates did that rather religiously.

India and Israel are almost strategic partners jointly looking to Washington for ideas and support. PM Modi has gone to Israel to finalize the purchase of huge drone arsenals and the licence to manufacture drones in India. . Since 1992, Israel has emerged as an important partner for India on many fronts. Science and technology cooperation is a major growth area, and the India-Israel Initiative for Industrial R&D focuses on nanotechnology, biotechnology, space, water management and non-conventional energy sources.

Israel - India nexus through the years

In order to gain access to White House, India planed a series measures, among them coming closer to Israel with arms deals was the beginning. Israel is the closest military-terror ally of USA and decides the foreign policy for the superpower.

At one point Israeli leaders scolded Indian official visitors not to misuse Israel to gain access to Washington and that India and other could approach USA directly. India went for elaborate deals in terror goods that made Israel happy. Israel may have introduced India to USA as an innocent nation and a terror victim like Israel and USA.

That worked and led to strategic partnerships but with conditions. Indian money bags could make Americans happy only to some extent. USA cannot ignore its global interests for sake of strategic partnership with India which in fact means nothing to U Washington. Sept-11 hoax helped India move fast with USA and behind it.



Essentially India forged a military relationship with Israel and began purchasing the Zionist terror goods. India reportedly purchased arms and ammunition from Israel both after the Sino-Indian War of 1962 and the India-Pakistan Wars of 1965 and 1971. Israel was ready to sell the weapons to India amid embargoes in the UK, the USA and France. Indias security agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and Israel's spy agency Mossad have been tacitly collaborating since the 1960s.



India acquired drones, electronic support measure sensors, air combat maneuvering instrumentation simulator system. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has worked on several large contracts with the Indian Air Force, including upgrading MiG-21 ground attack aircraft.

Recent growth in military engagement between India and Israel to the tune of billions of US dollars in terror goods and technology was not shocking because India was using Israel to strike a nuclear deal with USA. In fact, it has been an international practice to woo Israel in order to have the official US links. Israel connects USA with its arms purchasers. India is one of those beneficiaries of links with Israel. In fact any third world nation seeking US aid or cheap arms needs to purchase terror goods from Israel first. The Zionist recommendation is an important asset for any nation to come closer to USA.

India used Israel to be in the good books of America. Money helps India to win points in foreign policy.



Gradually, trade has diversified into several sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, IT and telecom, and homeland security in recent years. The greatest success has been in the diamond industry which accounts for 50% of India-Israel non-defence trade. The bilateral trade between the two countries is pegged at around $4.5 billion.

Ahead of the visit, both countries have prepared a roadmap of joint economic undertakings, The Haaretz reported on June 29, 2017. The Israeli cabinet approved a 23-page document continuing scores of bilateral measures and a budget of 280 million shekels (about $79.6 million or Rs 514 crore)  a bigger sum than Israel has ever set aside for China, Africa and Latin America combined. No fewer than 11 ministries were involved in preparing the program.

Economy of India-Israel relationship

India is Israels top destination for arms exports, buying 41% of Israels arms export between 2012 and 2016, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, an independent global conflict and arms-research institute. Israel is Indias third-largest source of arms, with a 7.2% share of imports between 2012 and 2016, next to the USA (14%) and Russia (68%). The earliest signs of collaboration came during the 1962 Sino-Indian war, when Israel provided India military aid. Israel also assisted India during two wars with Pakistan in 1965 and 1971, according to this 2009 article in the Stanford Journal of International Relations.

India reciprocated during the six-day war in 1967 by providing Israel with spare parts for French-made Mystere and Ouragan aircraft as well as AX-13 tanks (also French-made), the Stanford report said. The highlight of the partnership was Israels supply of artillery shells during the Kargil war in 1999 when India faced a shortage. In the late 1990s, a crucial defence deal was the Indian purchase of Barak 1, an air-defence missile, bought specifically for its capability to intercept US-made Harpoon missiles deployed by Pakistan.

Indias imports of unarmed vehicles (UAVs) have almost all been from Israel. Of 176 UAVs purchased from Israel, 108 are Searcher UAVs and 68 are Heron UAVs, IndiaSpend reported in May 2015. In September 2016, tests were conducted of the jointly developed Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile with a range of 70 km, intended to equip three guided-missile destroyers of the Indian Navy. India successfully tested the Israeli-made SPYDER quick-reaction surface-to-air missile in May this year. The Indian Air Force is planning to deploy this system on its western border, India Today reported on February 28, 2017. India and Israel also closely cooperate on counter-terrorism issues through a joint working group on counter-terrorism.

In April 2017, India and Israel signed a $2 billion (Rs 12,878 crore) deal for advanced medium-range surface-to-air missile system, which will provide the Indian army the capability to shoot down aircraft, missiles and drones at ranges of up to 70 km.

An Indo-Israel agriculture action plan for 2015-18 is operational, and 15 of the proposed 26 centers of excellence in agriculture are being developed in India with Israels help to showcase the latest technology to Indian farmers. India has benefited from Israeli technologies in horticulture mechanization, protected cultivation, orchard and canopy management, nursery management, micro-irrigation and post-harvest management, particularly in Haryana and Maharashtra. There was a five-to 10-fold increase in crop yields with an accompanying 65% reduction in use of water and noticeable decrease in the use of pesticides and fertilizers, according to this December 2014 report on the Indo-Israel Agriculture Project.

Latest

Several ministerial and high-level official visits to Israel precede Modis tour. These include visits by LK Advani, former home minister, in 2000, former President APJ Abdul Kalam in February 2008, home minister Rajnath Singh in November 2014, President Pranab Mukherjee in October 2015 and external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj in January 2016. Three Indian naval ships, destroyer INS Mumbai, frigate INS Trishul and tanker INS Aditya, made a goodwill visit at the Haifa port in May 2017 to mark 25 years of full diplomatic relations between the two countries.

On January 9, 2017 Israel and India celebrated 25 years of diplomatic relations, and both wanted the relationship between continues to develop and grow further into joint military exercises. As Israel and India celebrate 20 years of diplomatic relations five years ago, the relationship between the two countries continued to grow.

Since 1992, Israel has emerged as an important partner for India on many fronts. Science and technology cooperation is a major growth area, and the India-Israel Initiative for Industrial R&D focuses on nanotechnology, biotechnology, space, water management and non-conventional energy sources.

New Delhi clanged on to Tel Aviv as a big historic opportunity. Indias Space Research Organization (ISRO) has launched Israeli satellites, and there are important opportunities for Israeli companies in Indias growing water management sector. The Agriculture Work Plan program, launched in 2006, is also expanding with Israeli assistance. It helps bring Israeli agricultural technologies to Indian agriculture. Subsequently, an Action Plan 2012-2015 was adopted to implement concrete projects including setting up of centers of excellence in several Indian states. The fourth meeting of India-IsraelForum, an annual event organized by Tel Aviv and Confederation of Indian Industry, was held in Tel Aviv in August 2011.



Hinged on defence, intelligence-sharing, counter-terrorism on one side and cooperation in water harvesting and agriculture on the other, there are a number of avenues in which India-Israel ties would be key to the emerging global order, however, terrorism is the key point of convergence.

Palestine and Kashmir

Israel hates the Palestinians for objecting to the Zionist genocides and expansionism. Similarly, India hates Kashmiris for seeking sovereignty back from Indian government with a strong military and nukes and fighting for sovereignty notwithstanding the fact that Indian military guys have murdered over 1000,000 Kashmiri Muslims.

India has always been in favour of the creation of the independent state of Palestine, and since 1992, when formal bilateral relations with Israel were established, the political parties and the successive governments have tried to walk the tightrope on furthering India-Israel ties, while also backing creation of Palestine and the struggle for freedom.

Moreover, in the international press, the increasing clamour for equating Palestine with Kashmir is also pushing India under Modi to become slightly more tightlipped about the former. In 2016, though India voted against Israel at a UNHRC session, it abstained from the one sponsored by Palestine designating Israels indiscretions and expanding Israeli settlements in Gaza and West Bank as war crimes. That said, PM Modi has also hosted Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas in May 2017, just ahead of his Israel visit, in an effort to hush the whispers in the international circles that India would be abandoning the Palestinian cause altogether. India and Palestine signed five pacts to boost cooperation in various sectors, including IT, health, agriculture, etc.

The visit is likely to be more of a balancing act from New Delhi, despite heightened strategic ties. Defence, agriculture, trade, diplomacy and water management will dominate talks when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Israel from July 4-6 at the invitation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the Jewish homeland.

Modi is also expected to meet Moshe Holtzberg, a survivor of the 2008 Mumbai 26/11 terrorist attack. Moshe was two years old when the Indian hoax happened. 

Zionism, Hindutva, criminalization of politics and fanaticism

There have been many in the Indian public sphere who have openly supported the Zionist state of Israel and seen in it a model state for India under Modi. Those dreaming of a Hindu Rashtra are enamoured of Israels sway on international relations, on the question of Palestine, as well as its suppression of political insurgency with clinical precision. There are vocal supporters of India-Israel ties who find that Tel Aviv and its unabashedly state-driven identity politics is a counter measure for Indias own weakened secularism. That said, India is home to a major population of Jewish expats, who are happy in this land of multiculturalism and multiple religions. Modi is slated to visit little Moshe, the infant survivor of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks at Cafe Leopold, whose parents perished in the terrorist ambush.

Anti-Islamism, Military deals and terrorism are pillars of these South-West Asian bilateral ties and they remains so for years to come. Anti-Arabism might be co-opted by them to steady their military ties.

Terrorism and counter terrorism

Indian PM Narendra Modis 3 day visit to terrorist Israel comes at a time when the country has become one of Indias key weapons suppliers after Russia and the USA. India can learn counter-terrorism strategies from Israel and it can give a boost to agricultural, water technologies and start-ups.

The dirty palms of both Netanyahu and Modi are painted with Muslim blood - Gujarati and Palestinian.. Modis BJP-RSS kill Muslims for eating or selling beef but what would Isreali Jews would have served Mod and associates - beef or pork which is favorite Jewish meat? That wont be revealed to the media. Secret!

Secrecy is the backbone of Zionism and Hindutva and the electoral success of ultra fanatics.

PM Modi proudly said in Tel Aviv that he is the first Indian prime minister to make an official visit to Israel. Starting July 4, a new chapter in the two decades of diplomatic and military ties between the two countries will be opened, and its something thats being celebrated among the consular and media circuits as a major achievement. Although PM Modi has been slated to visit Israel ever since he took office in May 2014, the official visit is finally happening only now.

Israel expects huge money bags from New Delhi. With Zionist fanatic and criminal PM, B. Netanyahu, the Israeli PM, calling Modi as one of the most important leader, and Israeli dailies churning out op-eds in favour of the great Modi visit, its obvious that the Indian media lords see a lot benefits time is opportune for a more comely India-Israel bilateral ties. There has been mutual praising admiration echoed officials and commentariat of both the countries promoting hatred as main policy.

The thorny issue of Palestine, whose independence India has been traditionally in favour of is now under the Modi regime, is irrelevant diplomatically.

The shifting grounds in the West Asia and a new overtly pro-Israel establishment in the USA means that India under Modi might steer clear of the thorny question of Palestine now, and veer more towards Israel. This will be cemented by Narendra Modis official visit, of course.

President Trump during his recent first ever visit to Israel also visited Palestine but Modi refused to go to Palestine.

Zionism controls Hindutva. Israel controls Indian policies as well. India allow that religiously.

India and Modi prefer to be a solder and an agent, rather than a credible leader with a clear vision.
Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

A shower is possible early. Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low near 60F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

A shower is possible early. Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low near 60F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph.
Is It Still a 'Muslim Ban' If Christian Refugees Are Punished?

( Safin Hamed/AFP/Getty Images) The scene in Detroit's U.S. District Court on June 21 was buzzing with anger and anxiety. Dozens of Iraqi nationals waited to hear whether their detained relatives, and other members of their Detroit community, would be deported back to Iraq. A rally outside the courtroom brought together hundreds of supporters, who came out with signs that read "Trump/Pence hear us, we voted for you" and "Deporting Christians to Iraq is genocide." Earlier in June, one of the largest Iraqi Christian populations in the world outside of Iraq was ambushed by raids conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Officials knocked on front doors, disrupting Sunday breakfasts and preparations to attend church, to arrest approximately 114 people in the greater Detroit area. Some of those arrested are Muslim, but the vast majority belong to Christian communities of either Chaldean or Assyrian ancestry. All those arrested were taken to jail and slated to board the next available flight back to their native Iraq -- a country from which they once escaped. According to immigration officials, ICE officers were simply processing a backlog of some 1,444 Iraqi nationals living in the United States who had at some point in their lives committed a crime. The ICE Detroit field office said each detainee already faced a final removal order from an immigration judge. By executing their deportation, ICE was addressing a security threat. But the 121,000-strong Chaldean community in Detroit was shocked and outraged. Christians have long been a minority group in Iraq, often brutally persecuted for their religious beliefs. They first arrived in Detroit in the early 20th century due to the appeal of auto industry jobs. The population continued to grow as refugees fled Iraq after the first Gulf War and during Saddam Hussein's rule. Since 2014 and the rise of the Islamic State, Christians have fled in even greater numbers. Former Secretary of State John Kerry said last year that the Islamic State was engaging in genocide against Christians, and in January, President Donald Trump promised to prioritize the resettlement of Christian refugees from the Middle East. Trump's assurances of the security of their co-religionists caused many members of the Chaldean community in Detroit to vote for him last November. Many are now wondering why the Trump administration is suddenly targeting Iraqi Christians for deportation. Most of the detainees were subject to final orders of removal, but the government permitted them to reside in the community under ICE supervision for years, even decades. Many of the detainees were considered to be rehabilitated for their past crimes and productive members of society -- so why the sudden change? One theory is that the White House is deliberately targeting Christians in order to gain an advantage in the upcoming judicial review of President Trump's most recent executive order known as the "travel ban" or "Muslim ban," which suspended the entry of foreign nationals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen into the country because of heightened terrorism risks. Considering the discriminatory statements made by President Trump during his presidential campaign and the predominately Muslim character of the designated countries listed, several federal courts granted injunctions and temporarily halted the execution of the travel ban. On June 26, however, the Supreme Court announced that it will hear oral arguments on the case in October. In the meantime, the justices revived parts of the ban barring people from the six listed countries who have no relationship to an American person or entity. But the Trump administration requested a Supreme Court review of the case back in March and anticipated a thorough examination of any possible anti-Muslim priorities. Targeting Iraqi Christians with prior removal orders would help the travel ban pass constitutional muster, showing that there was no discriminatory intent against Muslims. "ICE was intentionally targeting our community," said Nathan Kalasho, an advocate in Detroit helping the detained Chaldeans obtain legal representation. "The Trump administration is trying to stick to their guns that their roundups of immigrants are based on criminal records and previous deportation orders. But the revised travel ban is tied up in courts, and Christian Iraqis are now collateral damage at another attempt to legitimize the travel ban." Kalasho said it's no coincidence the raids occurred on a Sunday -- when ICE officials knew many people could be found in church. One bitter irony of the raids is that if it weren't for recent political negotiations between Baghdad and Washington, Iraqi nationals in the country would not be at risk of deportation. Iraq only recently agreed to repatriate citizens. In exchange, the administration dropped Iraq from the original list of countries banned by Trump's executive order. Previously, Iraq refused to issue travel documents to deported Iraqis, and therefore ICE was not able to execute removal orders. The other side of the argument is that Trump had no intention to specifically go after Iraqi Christians, but sending people back to a hostile home country is the result of the president's pledge to curb illegal immigration. In February, the Department of Homeland Security broadened the criteria for who is considered a priority for deportation. Previously, ICE could only target undocumented immigrants who had been convicted of a crime. Now, individuals who have "committed acts that constitute a chargeable criminal offense" are deportable. In this specific incident, all of the detainees were ordered removed to Iraq years ago, but not all have a criminal background -- some simply overstayed their visas. ICE is under pressure not only to arrest more people but also to report the statistics of increased enforcement to the American public. In an official announcement, ICE stated that since January, more than 41,000 individuals were arrested -- a 37.6 percent increase over the same period in 2016. The arrests of undocumented immigrants with no criminal record also more than doubled in this same time period. There are currently 1,444 Iraqis who have received their final deportation orders -- an easy way for ICE to boost its numbers further. Many of these Iraqis are now in hiding, too scared to even show up to work because ICE agents might be waiting for them. ICE argues that the detainees are hardened criminals. However, attorneys for the Iraqi nationals -- a team of lawyers from the American Civil Liberties Union, CODE Legal Aid, and the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MIRC) -- say the crimes are relatively minor and took place years ago, followed by years, and in some cases decades, of law-abiding behavior. One of the petitioners subject to deportation is Jihan Asker, a 41-year-old mother of three children, all U.S. citizens. She has lived in the United States since she was 5. She pled under advisement to misdemeanor fraud in 2003, paid a fine of $150, and served six months' probation. She has lived in the community -- complying with an order of supervision with ICE -- since 2008. The lawyers added that even for the petitioners with more serious criminal histories, the conditions in Iraq toward Christians counsel against haste in removing them. U.S. District Judge Mark Goldsmith in Detroit issued a stay of removal for the 114 Iraqis until July 6. The judge wrote in his opinion that if the deportation orders were carried out, the petitioners would suffer "irreparable harm" and a "significant chance of loss of life." This hold also extends to the 1,444 Iraqis nationwide, including people who have not yet been detained but are at risk. By July 6, the judge will decide whether or not the federal court has jurisdiction to hear the case and if the government can pursue deportations of all 1,444 Iraqis at risk nationwide. Ruby Robinson, an attorney with MIRC, explained that there are several tracks attorneys and advocates are pursuing to protect those at risk of deportation. "The stay order bought the petitioners some time to file motions to reopen their cases in immigration court, where an immigration judge will decide on the validity of an individual's persecution claim," he said. Most of the outstanding removal orders are decades old and do not take into account changed circumstances in Iraq, including the rise of militant Islamist groups. These recent developments give those detained and slated for deportation a new basis for asylum in the United States. Without giving them the right to present their fears to a judge, the U.S. government is prohibited from removing them to a country where they are more likely than not to face persecution Motions to reopen removal cases are time- and resource-intensive applications, Robinson explained. "We are encouraging people to seek their own counsel to file these motions while we wait to see how the federal judge will proceed with the class action lawsuit," he said. There's also a political track -- one that involves speaking with policymakers and working with officials in Washington to get some kind of pardon for the Iraqis. The Chaldean Community Foundation has reached out to congressional leaders, and several members of Congress have signed letters to DHS Secretary John Kelly requesting a halt to the deportations. Attorneys also appealed to Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder to consider pardons for those with state felonies. No matter the government's intention, the enforcement of Iraqi deportation orders reflects the consequences of Trump's policies on immigration. The United States is not only under an obligation to halt any deportations of people who will return to a high likelihood of persecution -- the zeal to bolster arrest numbers is straining an already overburdened immigration court system. Much like the travel ban, there has been far too much time spent litigating misguided orders. The administration would be better off hiring more judges to tackle the nearly 600,000 cases pending in immigration courts rather than turning its back on longtime American residents.
Need for Christian Renaissance in Iraq Urgent

An Assyrian militiaman stands guard during Easter mass in Qaraqosh, Iraq, Sunday, April 16 2017. The town was gutted by Islamic State militants. Even under government control, residents did not return. ( Maya Alleruzzo/AP) With the ousting of ISIS from the Nineveh Plains -- located northeast of Mosul in Iraq -- its Christian communities, after spending nearly three years as Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in Kurdistan -- are hopeful about returning to their ancient homeland. However, the road ahead is difficult. While the Kurds played host, providing asylum to the IDPs, the Kurds also hold the key to Christians reclaiming their homes and property in nearly half of the Nineveh Plains. Since the rise of ISIS, there have been consistent expressions of support for Iraq's embattled Christians at the highest levels of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). Affording protection to the IDPs has played well in the West and it was based on a reality on the ground: Chaldean Archbishop Bashar Warda of Erbil, Kurdistan was given land to house the IDPs, for which the KRG ensured a measure of protection. As one Christian source put it, "The Kurds leave us alone." But a history of persecution at the hands of the Kurds has not receded from Christian memory. There is not much genuine trust. There remains, for instance, the bitter memory among the Nineveh exiles that KRG forces, the vaunted Peshmerga, abandoned Christian towns to ISIS after dismantling the Christians' own security infrastructure. And reports of the looting of Christian properties by Kurdish fighters after the recent defeat of ISIS have not helped matters. More worrisome -- despite protestations to the contrary by Kurdish leaders -- are rumblings that the Kurds may want to claim possession of some of the land because the Peshmerga shed blood to help recapture Nineveh. Finally, there are reports that returning Christian security officials are being prevented by the Peshmerga from resuming their duties. This is the loaded backdrop for what in other respects is a favorable situation for Christians eyeing a return to land and property under Kurdish control. Concerns remain concerning other parts of the Nineveh Plains where the balance of power has yet to be settled as competing forces are vying for control and dominance. The Nineveh Plains town of Teleskuf is a good example. Close to 650 families have already returned to the largely Chaldean community. While the KRG does not provide any reconstruction assistance, it does provide law and order. In contrast, Qaraqosh, in the Baghdad "zone" of the Nineveh Plains, there is chaos, as Iranian-backed militia are struggling with Shiite forces as well as government troops for control of the city. Ignoring the opposition to such a plan by Chaldean Patriarch Louis Sako and Archbishop Warda, the call by expatriate activists and local church leaders for the creation of a Christian militia to protect Christian safe havens, makes little sense, for such a force would be no match for the bigger players -- Bagdad, the KRG, Iran, Turkey -- not to mention ISIS remnants roaming the territory. The best solution for Nineveh's Christians, cooler heads insist, is for Western governments -- and the U.S. in particular -- to leverage their power and influence in order to get both Baghdad and the KRG to integrate Christians into a sovereign state that fully respects life, property rights and equal citizenship for all regardless of religions. So far, the Europeans have shown little interest supporting such a plan, but hopes are higher for action by the Trump administration. But time is not on the side of the Christians. Ahead of harsh winter weather, Christians must re-occupy the Nineveh Plains straightaway to plant crops and to rebuild their homes, businesses, and schools. The West must act now. For if a significant number of Christians do not return to Nineveh this summer, and the power vacuum persists into 2018, the hopes for an enduring renaissance of Christianity in Iraq may be dashed forever.
Turkey Says it Cancelled Decision to Seize Assyrian Churches and Monasteries

The Assyrian St. Gabriel Monastery in Mardin, Turkey, established in 397 A.D. (AINA) -- The Dogan News Agency reported yesterday that Turkey has cancelled its decision to transfer the ownership of 50 Assyrian churches and monasteries to the diyanet, the Turkish Directorate of Religious Affairs. The Mardin governor's office said the issue must be legally resolved, and until it is the properties in question will not be turned over to the diyanet. But the properties will still be registered with the Treasury, and it is not clear what the implication of that is.

Kuryakos Ergun, the Assyrian spokesman for the St. Gabriel Monastery, one of the affected properties, said the issue is still not resolved, and the final solution must be the transfer of the deed of ownership to the St, Gabriel Monastery Foundation, and the transfer of the deeds of all the other properties to their respective owners.

The property seizures generated intense criticism and backlash from Assyrians and governments around the world.

The Assyrian Confederation of Europe issued a statement today condemning the confiscations. Here is the full statement:
July 5, 2017

Following the re-election of Hassan Rouhani in the May 19 presidential elections, talk of establishing of a shadow government has been floating around Iranian political circles. Some Principlists have proposed the idea, although not everyone in their camp has welcomed it.

In a statement released on May 20, Saeed Jalili, a conservative politician who unsuccessfully ran in the 2013 presidential elections, unveiled the idea, which is perhaps most prominent in the British political system. In his statement, Jalili called for the formation of a shadow government in an effort to help the sitting government and make up for its shortcomings and inefficiencies.

However, the timing of his proposal  which coincided with the announcement of the election results  led to its not receiving much media attention. But in the ensuing days  given Jalilis further explanations and emphasis on the idea  the initiative gradually found its way into the headlines.

On May 21, the former head of the Iranian state broadcaster, Ezzatollah Zarghami  who was a potential Principlist candidate for the May 19 vote but failed to win the support of the camp  wrote on his Telegram channel, Having secured 16 million votes, [conservative candidate] Mr. [Ebrahim] Raisi can have a supervisory status and be a strong alternative for the government in pursuing the demands of the people and making sure that [its] promises are implemented, thus playing a historic role. On the same day, Tehran Mayor Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, another Principlist candidate who withdrew in favor of Raisi, said, We pledge to follow up on the administrations promises until they are implemented and will take any measure needed in pursuing national goals as well as the rights of the poor and underprivileged.

Jalili, who acted as Raisis foreign policy adviser during the campaign, explained his proposal in more detail May 30. He said, A shadow government is a voice for the people to make demands from the sitting government in order to achieve a suitable situation and not to stand against the people.

But what precisely is a shadow government, and in what kind of political system is it effective? The concept is generally prevalent in parliamentary systems where the largest party that has lost an election acts to oversee the governments performance, and when necessary, opposes its decisions in an organized fashion. This usually applies to political systems that have two main parties. The Islamic Republic, however, is neither a parliamentary political system nor does it have formal political parties. Rather, there are political groups that operate within the framework of mainly Principlist and Reformist factions, with "moderate" groupings attracting support from the Principlists and Reformists.

Contrary to Jalili and Ghalibaf, Raisi himself did not seem to have much of a desire to enter the political stage after the May 19 vote. Indeed, the few comments he did make following the announcement of the election results only showed his objection to the electoral process and potential voting violations.

Nonetheless, part of the Principlist movement has welcomed the idea of a shadow government.

In a May 25 report, Jahannews, a website affiliated with hard-liners, noted the need to pay greater attention to Raisis 16 million votes. It said, Although Raisi was not able to win the presidency, he was able to win 40% of the votes, which should not be easily overlooked. The Principlist movement can continue its work as an alternative to the governing movement.

However, there has also been criticism of the proposal. Sadegh Zibakalam, a prominent professor of political science at Tehran University, told Al-Monitor, You cant just take and copy a name from somewhere else without planning or giving it thought or having an idea behind it. The main issue is that Irans Principlists have still not accepted the reason for their consecutive [electoral] defeats and seek to justify these problems through sectional and unplanned measures. A shadow government is formed in a situation where its prerequisites exist; otherwise, nothing will happen just because you use [such] wording.

Indeed, those close to the Rouhani administration have not viewed Jalilis suggestion very positively. Mohammad Shariatmadari, who acted as campaign chairman for Rouhani during the elections, sarcastically said May 24, All political movements should learn about sitting in the shadow for a while. The idea of forming a shadow government will not succeed, but at least they will learn how to sit in the shadow. On the same day, Hesam al-Din Ashna, Rouhanis cultural adviser, said, I suggest to Jalili that instead of forming a shadow government he create a powerful party so there will be no need to form a headquarters or a front or JAMNA [the Principlist coalition set up ahead of the May 19 vote and tasked with finding consensus candidate] every two years." He suggested that the idea of a shadow government be pursued with the funding "help of your own allies and supporters. Furthermore, in an interview with Khabaronline news website June 2, Masoumeh Ebtekar, vice president and head of the Environmental Protection Organization, said, It is good if rival parties want to oversee the governments performance," but for this to involve observation and not direct political action.

As criticisms of his initiative grew, Jalili  who is also a member of the Supreme National Security Council  announced June 23, We would have formed a shadow government even if Raisi had won in the elections, because this is a religious duty and legal right of our society to be able to oversee the affairs of the country.

Of note, the Kayhan daily, the main conservative media outlet, has not given much coverage to the idea of a shadow government. Mohammad Reza Bahonar, a theoretician of the conservative movement who played a key role in JAMNA and its selection of a consensus Principlist candidate, has also remained silent on the issue. This could be seen as a new attempt by a portion of the Principlist camp to appear as independent from the existing setup. It should be noted that Jalili was against the Principlist initiative to introduce a consensus candidate for the elections and did not accept the conditions set by JAMNA for nominees. Ultimately, he was removed from JAMNAs final list of candidates.

Thus, can the idea of a shadow government, proposed by only a part of the conservative camp, be taken seriously? Zibakalam told Al-Monitor, I think just like the Principlists other temporary plans, this will remain a hot topic for a while but then be forgotten.
July 5, 2017

The winds of change blowing through the Labor Party can be deceptive, even though Knesset members Amir Peretz and Avi Gabbay just advanced to the second round in the party's leadership primaries. Regardless of whether the party members elect Gabbay, a political novice, who only joined the party eight months ago, or a more experienced politician such as Peretz, who once served as defense minister, neither of them will be the dark horse of the next election. Assuming that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is, once again, the Likud's candidate for prime minister in the next election, there is no reason for him to worry about the Labor's turnabout.

First of all, the party failed to recruit a new candidate with real public and security standing, such as former Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, to defeat the right and win power. Furthermore, there already is a large and powerful centrist party (Yesh Atid) headed by Yair Lapid, who has proved his mettle as a fairly talented survivor. Given these conditions, Peretz or Gabbay will have to transform the Labor Party into the largest platform in the center-left bloc, and this is no simple task.

In 2002, Amram Mitzna, a major general in the reserves, took the party by storm. Yet he walked away from the January 2003 election with just 19 seats. At the time, 15 seats in the center-left bloc preferred the centrist Shinui Party, headed by Tommy Lapid. In the ensuing elections, the Labor Party failed to take power again and again. It fell into a deep crisis of identity, set off in search of itself, and lost entire communities of voters along the way. When it brought back former Prime Minister Ehud Barak as leader in 2009, it actually reached the lowest point in its entire history, winning just 13 seats. In contrast, Tzipi Livni of the centrist Kadima Party (now defunct) overwhelmed the center-left bloc by winning 28 of its seats.

Shelly Yachimovich also failed to prove herself to be the party's savior in 2013, even though she offered a refreshing new brand. In that election, a new centrist party (Yesh Atid) headed by Tommy Lapid's son Yair swept up 19 seats. In the last election, in 2015, Isaac Herzog as the Labor Party leader and a strategic merger with Livni was not enough either. Even though Lapid's party showed some decline, it still managed to win 11 of the center-left bloc's seats.

In other words, as long as it is not clear who the leader of the camp opposing the right really is and the sum of its votes divided between two dominant parties, the chances for a center-left turnover are reduced considerably.

Peretz and Gabbay will face off in the next round of voting for the Labor's leadership July 10. This will be followed by the big battle that will take place within the center-left bloc. The one person who will apparently benefit from this will be the leader of the right, Netanyahu. He will stand off to the side to watch the squabbling in the opposing camp in a process, which long earned itself the moniker, "the cannibalism of the center-left." Several parties will be competing for the same restricted pool of voters, without being able to unite around a single candidate.

The Labor primaries created quite a few headlines and interesting political moments due to the large number of candidates and Erel Margalit's particularly aggressive campaign. In the end, the miracle that the current head of the party, Herzog, had been hoping for never happened. He was deposed as leader of the party and the opposition. But that should come as no surprise, considering the party's longstanding tradition of removing its chair after failing to win an election.

As far as party members were concerned, Herzog lost not only at the ballot box in the 2015 elections but also in his opposition gamesmanship against Lapid. His flirtation with Netanyahu over the possibility of joining the government was both long and damaging and ultimately proved lethal, with opinion polls indicating that Labor could shrink to as few as 11-13 seats. Meanwhile, Lapid's centrist platform steered clear of the left. It gained momentum as he crisscrossed the country and set off to distant continents as a stalwart opponent of the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against Israel.

Polls showed the Labor Party's seats switching allegiance to Lapid like two connected containers of fluid. As one empties the other one fills up, but the volume remains the same. The climax came several months ago, when Lapid surpassed Netanyahu and the Likud in the polls and was named the head of country's largest party in terms of voter preferences at the moment. Lapid has declined in the polls since, but as an outstanding campaigner, who heads a well-organized party with a network that extends across the entire country, and as someone who can appeal to the soft right at a time when the country is trending right, Lapid remains the most relevant player facing Netanyahu.

Nevertheless, both Gabbay and Peretz claim that they know how to expand their base by winning the support of Likud voters. Peretz, who was born in Morocco and lives in the periphery southern town of Sderot, already proved he could do that as head of the Labor Party in the 2006 election, by bringing in new voters from the periphery. Meanwhile, Gabbay boasts that he is the "new thing." As the son of Moroccan immigrants and as a person who grew up in a periphery town and made good, he claims that he can win the support of the periphery even better than Peretz.

In the Labor's history, the fact that two Mizrahim (of Middle Eastern origin) are competing over the leadership position signifies that internal changes are taking place in a party that is still searching for its identity. But the fact that two Mizrahim now stand at the head of the predominantly Ashkenazi Mapai Party (mother party of Labor) is not the main point here. It is, of course, symbolic and indicative of a new spirit in the party. On the other hand, considering Mizrahi voters as monolithic is a mistake, and even rather patronizing.

In the next election, with the public asked to decide between alternatives to lead the country, the decisive factor will be security. The Mizrahi issue does not have what it takes to stand alone. Gabbay will have to prove that despite his very limited experience in politics and his lack of experience in dealing with national issues, he could still head a country such as Israel. But how, in fact, is he really better than Lapid or Netanyahu? Being Mizrahi is not a viable claim. Peretz, on the other hand, will have to convince the public that he deserves a second chance. His advantage is that he has proven experience at the national level. The fact that he is Mizrahi is not the main point for him either.

Regardless of which of these two men is elected, the winner will first have to compete against Lapid in a kind of undeclared primary, which will inevitably be expressed in their respective poll numbers. If he is elected, Gabbay will be unable to serve as leader of the opposition because he is not a member of Knesset. This presents a new political situation, which could hurt him.

The situation within the party will become much clearer by July 10. The various Knesset members, including those who competed for the leadership, will form their own alliances. If elected, Gabbay would have the role of opposition chairperson to trade, and he might even offer it to Herzog or Yachimovich. "Netanyahu has reason to be worried," Peretz said the day after he finished first in the vote, with 32.7% to Gabbay's 27.1%. However, it is actually Peretz who has cause for worry. As interesting as it may be, the fight over the Labor leadership did not shake up a thing, whether Netanyahu's grip on power or the political system at large.
July 3, 2017

CAIRO  Despite a recent news report, the Coptic Church of Egypt has no intention of arming or training its parishioners to fight, according to Bishop Anba Makarios, the top Coptic Orthodox cleric in Minya governorate.

Terrorist attacks on St. Mark Church in Alexandria, St. George Church in Tanta and St. Peter and St. Paul Church in Cairo have led to widespread fears of recurring violence. In a society highly sensitive to the dangers posed by militias, controversy flared after Al-Dostor reported June 20, Well-informed church sources revealed that the Egyptian Interior Ministry denied a request from Coptic Church leaders to provide church scouts with military training and training on carrying weapons following the attacks on Copts in Minya last month.

Observers said it's possible that some individuals, even individual clergymen, in the church called for arming groups of Christian young people after the attack, but if they did so, it was without the church's permission. These young people are members of the church scouts  known as kashaafa in Arabic  a youth group designed to build character by providing training in social skills, creativity and self-reliance.

Church leaders have stressed their opposition to having scouts carry weapons, undergo military training or play any formal security role.

The Interior Ministry did indeed extend to the church leadership an offer, which was rejected, to provide military training to members of the scouts, who provide assistance to church members and visitors. After the terror attacks, Egyptian police began closely screening attendees at some churches before services. The scouts help streamline the process by identifying regular parishioners, who are then subject to less scrutiny. Sometimes scouts might also help search bags and keep their eyes open for anything unusual.

In a June 17 statement, Makarios said the church had turned down an offer from the Minya Security Directorate to select a group of church scouts to be trained at the Interior Ministry's Department of Civil Protection in responsee to attacks on churches.

Makarios said the church fears that sick-minded people might interpret such training as an attempt by the church to form an armed military wing, something the church categorically rejects.

Some had previously accused the church of storing weapons, but the destruction of dozens of churches in different governorates across the country" in recent years "has proven conclusively that this is not true," Makarios said. "Terrorists did not find any weapons, or they would have immediately revealed them. If churches had weapons stored on their premises, logically they would have used them to defend themselves during attacks."

Makarios went on, Scouts do not assume the role of police, whether inside or outside church premises.  Securing church premises is the responsibility of police, while young scouts assist internally and distinguish between the church community members and outsiders."

The Rev. Boulos Halim, a spokesman for the Orthodox Church, also denied the claims by Al-Dostor about church leaders asking the ministry to arm the scouts.

He told Al-Monitor, The bishop of Minya turned down the offer to train church scouts and denied any accusations and allegations that the church is seeking to obtain weapons. This is the stance of the entire Orthodox Church. He said it doesn't make sense for church leaders to decline training and then three days later demand that the Interior Ministry provide scouts with weapons.

Any training the scouts receive relates to organizational matters, such as how to escort guests on church visits and identifying strangers or suspicious persons  it is not security training. Organizational training relates to identifying and reporting dangers, while security training involves repelling and dealing with these dangers. The latter is the job of the police, so we are opposed to training [scouts] in these matters, he added.

A source close to the church told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, Some church leaders may have separately demanded that the ministry arm scouts, but this does not reflect the opinion of the Orthodox Church leadership, which would never make such a request.

Retired Col. Khaled Okasha, director of the National Center for Security Studies, told Al-Monitor the churches are vulnerable because security is disorganized. Terrorists were able to enter churches through the security gaps created by tasking numerous parties with protecting and securing church premises, such as the Interior Ministry, church scouts and church administrative security. Reorganization is needed and security services and tasks should be entrusted only to the Interior Ministry to avoid any confusion," he said.

Mustafa Alawi, a political science professor at Cairo University, also denied that church scouts are forming militias. I think the military training offer was limited to the basics of ensuring security and protection of facilities, such as how to deal with suspected explosives or use electronic devices to detect weapons, metals and explosive materials, he said.

Like Okasha, Alawi said it would be best for the Interior Ministry and church leaders to change how church premises are secured by making the ministry responsible for this task inside and outside churches, so as not to burden scouts with a responsibility that they are not prepared for, putting their lives at risk.
July 6, 2017

Business is increasingly intermixed with politics in Irans relations with the world  to the potential detriment to both. For instance, recent developments in bilateral ties indicate that Irans longtime economic partner Germany is keen to take advantage of the opening provided by the nuclear deal. At a June 27 meeting with his Iranian counterpart in Berlin, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said his country is eager to bring investment into Iran. However, Gabriel made the latter conditional on further efforts by Tehran to help end regional political crises. The strongest European economy is thus in effect offering the investment Iran needs to create jobs in exchange for the country's playing a constructive role in the Syria, Yemen and Lebanon crises.

These types of demands for change in Irans regional policies have escalated in recent months. Some of them are considered in Tehran as violating the spirit of the nuclear deal. Nonetheless, the fact of the matter is that the Islamic Republic is not in a good bargaining position on the global political stage. This is particularly the case since the Iranian economy remains in bad shape. Although there is a fragile recovery, there is a need for major foreign investment to be able to create a million jobs per year through 2022, as projected in the countrys sixth five-year development plan.

Iranian officials say the country needs to attract $50 billion in foreign direct investment annually; this would be 11.7% of gross domestic product. In comparison, this figure was 1.9% in 2003, when no nuclear-related sanctions against Iran were in place. As such, it is clear that expectations dwarf the real investment Iran has so far attracted in the post-sanctions era. In the last Iranian year, which ended March 20, the administration of President Hassan Rouhani managed to approve $9.1 billion worth of foreign investment proposals. However, only $3.1 billion of the amount was actually transferred to the country in the same year, the official Islamic Republic News Agency reported May 15, citing Mohammad Khazaei, head of the Organization for Investment, Economic and Technical Assistance. This trend has been apparent since the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Between January 2016 and June 2017, the Iranian government approved over $13 billion in investment agreements with foreign partners. Although the majority of the amount has not yet been transferred into the country, incumbent moderates see it as an unprecedented achievement that can fund some of the 165 projects the government has put forward for foreign investment.

Irans mining industry is widely believed to be one of the key potential fields for investment. Most recently, the deputy minister of industries, mines and trade, Mehdi Karbasian, announced that the ministry plans to attract $30 billion in foreign investment  nearly $3.5 billion per year on average  for the development of the mining sector by 2025. The figure, however, is almost twice the average total annual foreign investment trickling into Iran  $2 billion  in the past two decades. To make the impossible possible, administration officials appear to have realized that they need to consider the political concerns of the West as a prerequisite for the expansion of economic ties with the world  although domestic hard-liners still remain a major obstacle to such a reconciliation. Karbasian acknowledged that attracting foreign investment would be possible only after engagement with the world, as quoted by the Iranian Students' News Agency on June 28.

Political flexibility has to some extent worked out for Iran, bringing the Islamic Republic out of isolation. For instance, Spain and Germany have surpassed China as top investors in the country in the post-sanctions era, indicating that the Europeans appear to be moving to gain a fair share of the Iranian market. The major remaining obstacle thus appears to be outstanding political disputes between Iran and Europe. Given that many of these disputes have roots in geopolitical conflicts of interest, no permanent solution is on the horizon. Germany and other European giants are well aware of the latter. Yet their rhetoric suggests that they are attempting to use Irans weak economic standing to press for Tehran to abandon some of its foreign policy posturing.

Conditioning of trade and investment will not necessarily lead to the desired foreign policy adjustments. Indeed, European leaders should not overlook that Rouhanis authority is limited. Pushing through the nuclear deal and the softer approaches toward the West cost the Iranian president a major portion of his political capital, and the relatively meager dividends so far have not reinforced his position. Given that Rouhani will clearly not be an eternal opportunity, Western states ought to make better use of the remainder of his tenure.

If they fail to convince the Iranian public and political groups that their approach is capable of sustainably reviving the economy, the incumbent moderates might be replaced by politicians who do not favor rapprochement with the West. Of note, in the days before the May 19 presidential election, there was a discernible sentiment among voters that Rouhanis main hard-line rival would reverse the incumbents foreign policy achievements if elected. As such, unless Rouhani seriously revives the economy during his second term, there is a danger of a bitter setback for both the country and the world.

The Iranian government is actively seeking to expand trade and economic relations with Europe, but it expects its European partners to maintain a reasonable balance between pressure and incentives. Foreign investment in Irans petrochemical, green energy, environment, transportation and automotive sectors is seen by many Iranians as not only a win-win proposition, but also a potential crutch for the countrys fragile young democracy. In other words, more than ever, European leaders ought to recalibrate their approach to doing business with Iran, adopting a longer term vision that looks beyond the immediate policy changes that are sought and focuses on the fruits of entrenched moderation within the Iranian political system. Perhaps more importantly, European leaders should also consider how their actions might affect who is selected as Rouhani's successor, should their pressure for change in Irans foreign policy behavior not square up with offered incentives, thus undermining the president.
July 6, 2017

Nearly a month after the Islamic States simultaneous attacks on Irans parliamentary building and the shrine of the founder of the Islamic Republic, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has made personnel changes for security and intelligence in Tehran.

On July 4, IRGC commander Mohammad Ali Jafari appointed Brig. Gen. Mohammad Reza Yazdi as commander of Greater Tehrans Mohammad Rasulallah Guard Corps. Yazdi replaces Brig. Gen. Mohsen Kazemini, who held the position since 2012.

The Mohammad Rasulallah Guard Corps is responsible for coordinating activities in Tehran for both the IRGC and the Basij organization.

Kazemini was also the deputy commander of Sarallah Headquarters, which is responsible for security in Tehran. However, he was recently removed from his position. Ismail Kowsari, a former Iranian parliamentarian, was appointed the new deputy commander. As commander of the IRGC, Jafari is also the commander of Sarallah Headquarters.

At the announcement ceremony for Yazdi, Jafari said his term as IRGC commander has been extended by three years. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is commander in chief of the armed forces, makes the appointments for the IRGC. His office has not yet announced this news, but a number of conservative websites affiliated with the IRGC reported the news.

At the ceremony, Jafari referenced the United States, saying, We are facing an enemy that only understands the language of force. Therefore, we cannot speak in another language with such an enemy. To his domestic critics, in particular the Hassan Rouhani administration, Jafari said, Some want to say that we are opposed to cooperation and are pursuing war. With a loud voice I say that the IRGC is after peace, but peace can only be realized when the enemy, at the beginning of a war, is afraid of us and fears the consequences of a war. He continued, Peace cannot come merely through negotiations. If one understands the reality of the dominant powers, they will understand this.

The IRGCs economic and political clout in the country has been caught up in partisan politics since the May re-election of Rouhani. Qasem Soleimani, commander of the IRGCs Quds Force, who rarely enters domestic political fights, spoke up recently in defense of the IRGC. No one should weaken the IRGC and make it the subject of various attacks, Soleimani told a gathering of Iran-Iraq War veterans and commanders.

He said, Without the IRGC there would be no country. To those who have issues with the way the IRGC is run, Soleimani insisted that their attacks be on the person rather than the institution. Do not treat the IRGC the way you would treat me, who has faults. The focus should be on me, not the IRGC, he said.

While Rouhanis criticisms of the IRGCs influence were indirect, the response from both Jafari and Soleimani shows they are sensitive to such public criticism. Once Rouhanis second term begins  the inauguration is Aug. 5  he will possibly have more ability to take larger steps against the IRGCs influence, perhaps especially economically. Iranian parliamentarian Elyas Hazrati tweeted July 2 that Rouhani will appoint a new defense minister from among commanders of the army, rather than the IRGC. The current defense minister, Hossein Dehghan, is a former IRGC air force officer.
July 6, 2017

Upon his arrival in Israel on July 4, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded an honor generally reserved for American presidents; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed him in person the moment he set foot on Israeli soil and did not leave Modi's side until he boarded his plane  and for a good reason. Unlike US President Donald Trump and most leaders visiting Jerusalem, Modi did not take the opportunity to hop over to the neighboring city of Ramallah, headquarters of the Palestinian Authority, in the West Bank. It is unusual, to say the least, for such VIPs visiting Israel to identify so fully with Netanyahus disregard for the Palestinian neighbors living for half a century under Israeli domination. Israel need not worry that the Indian Foreign Ministry will condemn the Netanyahu governments harassment of human rights organizations, as the German Foreign Ministry did last month.

Standing beside his guest at Ben-Gurion Airport, Netanyahu said Modis visit would deepen bilateral cooperation on issues of security, agriculture, water and energy. One other area  peacemaking  did not even rate the type of lip service customary on such occasions. Why spoil a festive visit with such pesky trifles? Let's enjoy celebrating the 25th anniversary of full diplomatic relations between the worlds biggest democracy and a small state that boasts about being the only democracy in the Middle East.

Two events paved the way for the historic change in Israels ties with India, as with several other important states, foremost among them Russia, China, Japan and South Korea. The first breakthrough occurred at the international Middle East peace conference convened in Madrid in October 1991, attended by high-ranking delegations from Israel, the leadership of the PLO and Arab states. The second event was the signing of the Oslo Accord between Israel and the Palestinians two years later, in September 1993. The peace process that was meant to free the Palestinian people of Israels occupation and to shut down the Israeli settlement enterprise in the West Bank only resulted in freeing foreign states from the primary and secondary boycott imposed on them by the Arab League for trading with Israel. The ensuing Israeli-Palestinian negotiations did not hasten the end of the occupation, nor did it slow the pace of settlement construction. But even though the peace process came to a halt after the Oslo Accord and settlements were  and are  still being constructed, the Israeli embassies in New Delhi, Moscow, Beijing and Seoul remained open.

These embassies were soon staffed by military and economic attaches. At the same time, arms dealers and counterterrorism experts popped up like mushrooms after the rain. India became the biggest client of Israels Military Industries, with a shopping list that included missiles, drones and cyberwarfare technologies, to name a few. In light of these developments, one has to wonder what Netanyahu meant when he spoke at the reception for Modi of our common quest to provide a better future for our peoples and for our world. Does the quest for perpetuating the Israeli apartheid regime in the Palestinian territories ensure a better future for the people of Israel? How does a huge contribution to the arms race between two hostile nuclear powers  India and Pakistan  benefit the future of humanity?

Modi responded in a similar vein, saying that the partnership between the two countries is based on democratic principles. Modi seems not to have heard of the systematic, ongoing violation of Palestinian human rights by Israel and the abuse of organizations dedicated to protecting those rights. He doesnt know about Netanyahus incitement against minorities and the use of excessive force against civilians. Indeed, India is a huge country facing many challenges, but it is hard to believe Modi is unaware of the latest US State Department report on human rights practices around the world in 2016. The chapter devoted to India says the most significant human rights problems involved instances of police and security forces abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture and rape; corruption, which remained widespread.  The report indicates that Netanyahu could learn a thing or two from Modi about ways to ban foreign state donations to civil society organizations, which according to both of them damage the public interest.

The next high-ranking visitor due in Israel, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who arrives July 8, could teach Netanyahu more than a thing or two about suppressing human rights and democracy. With a grim history of wars and a later work of ethnic reconciliation, still, Kagame too was honored with a grim chapter in the US report. Also, his military provides gainful employment for Israels defense industries and experts. Kagame was re-elected in 2010 with 93% of the vote, but the three opposition parties were not allowed to participate in the elections. Two of their leaders were thrown in jail and the third was detained and later went into exile, while his deputy was assassinated. Several journalists were kidnapped, and Scotland Yard warned two Rwandan civilians residing in Britain that the Rwandan government poses an imminent threat to your life." Israel nonetheless trains Kagames people and even boasts of doing so. In a video clip posted in April on its Facebook page, the Israel Border Police is shown training Rwandan police in fighting techniques, targeted shooting, fast weapons discharge and making arrests, among other things.

So who says half a century of occupying another people isolates Israel in the international arena? Israels comrades in arms are multiplying  from India to Africa  joining Israels veteran conservative friends on Capitol Hill. They all ostensibly prove that there is no foundation for the criticism of the governments foreign policy. Netanyahu is successful in convincing Israelis that Israel can manage quite well without the friends of the Palestinians in the West. The emerging states of Asia and the fractious African continent are slowly taking the place reserved in the hearts of Israelis for Europe.

How long will this work? Until the friends in Paris, Berlin and Madrid decide to change their priorities: start with a photo-op with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah and then, if time permits, pop over to Jerusalem to ask Netanyahu how goes his quest for a better future for our peoples and the world.
July 6, 2017

Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas' political bureau, delivered his maiden speech July 5 in the Gaza Strip  the first speech he has made since he was elected to the position about two months ago. Israels security apparatus followed the speech carefully in an effort to understand where the Hamas movement will be heading under the leadership of Haniyeh and Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip Yahya Sinwar. In the background hovers President Mahmoud Abbas recent disengagement from Gaza.

For one hour and 20 minutes, Haniyeh delivered a prepared speech in which he presented the main principles of his policies and his goals as the leader of the movement. Of course, his speech also served as a vehicle for transmitting messages and signals to his audience outside Gaza in an attempt to extricate Hamas from its current existential crisis.

An Israeli security source who listened closely to Haniyehs speech told Al-Monitor that the Hamas leader  formerly viewed as pragmatic  now embraces the most radical policies of the movement. Even more than that: Haniyeh has fallen captive to Hamas military wing only so that he can survive as the movements leader.

Haniyeh assumed his new role at a time when Hamas is losing the support of its primary backer, Qatar.

Qatar announced July 5 that it is halting its funding of electricity to the Gaza Strip until a solution is found to the crisis between Gaza and Ramallah. Haniyeh himself hoped to live in the Emirates during his term of office, but due to the crisis between Qatar and the Arab world, he is forced to remain in Gaza. At this point he is imprisoned there without being able to leave, except if and when Egypt is gracious enough to allow him to exit and enter via the Rafah border crossing.

Haniyeh thanked Qatar effusively, despite the fact that Qatar has turned its back on Hamas; he did this to leave a window open for better days in the future. But simultaneously he sent clear messages to Iran in an attempt to appease the only guardian that the movement has in the world, said the security source on condition of anonymity. To mollify the Iranians, Haniyeh even declared that the Jerusalem Western Wall is actually a wall of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and that the Jews have no rights in Jerusalem. These words were not uttered out of the religious passion or vehemence of a diplomatic maiden speech. Instead, they were aimed at external listeners to signal that Hamas has no intentions of reaching any kind of compromise with the Zionists in his term of office.

Haniyeh even stated explicitly that any diplomatic arrangement that US President Donald Trumps administration is trying to achieve with Abbas would constitute an infringement on the legitimate rights of the Palestinian nation. He insisted that Hamas would stand firm in its efforts to halt any such arrangement.

An important reminder of relevant past events: In January 1996, Haniyeh attempted to run in the elections held for the Palestinian Authoritys (PA) Legislative Council. The only reason he removed himself from the list was the strong opposition expressed by Hamas political bureau, which viewed his rebellious behavior as akin to mutiny.

Before his anticipated election to the role of political bureau head, Haniyeh initiated an amendment to the Hamas charter together with former bureau head Khaled Meshaal. A week before the end of his term of office (May 1), Meshaal even announced that Hamas would be willing to recognize a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders. As reported by Al-Monitor in May, he uttered these words to convey a more pragmatic outlook to his successor. Only two months into his new role, Haniyeh used his first speech to block the path that Meshaal had paved for him.

Haniyehs speech provides much material for thought on the path that the movement will adopt from now on. We learn much from the speech content not only about future policy on such fateful issues as Hamas relations with the PA and jihad vis-a-vis Israel, but also about the power struggles within the movement itself. Israels security people initially thought that Sinwar would push to iron out the difficulties with Iran so Hamas could become its protege. But now, in contrast, security experts feel that Sinwar closed a deal with Egypt behind Haniyehs back  a deal involving former Fatah senior Mohammed Dahlan.

According to the Israeli source, Haniyeh does not trust Egypt and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who does not allow him free access to the Rafah border crossing. Instead, he prefers Iran. According to the source, Haniyeh thinks that Iran will support Hamas goals unconditionally and that, in the long term, it will be worth their while. In Haniyehs view, should Hamas remain under Egypt, it will remain a dying movement. Any oxygen  namely opening crossing points, providing electricity or finances  Hamas receives from Egypt will be carefully doled out to enable Hamas to survive, but never thrive.

What kind of future does Haniyeh promise the Gaza residents? The man who was born and grew up in Shati refugee camp, cut from the same Hamas cloth as the others, a leader whose acquaintances sing his praises as a "man of the people" who emerged from the grassroots, now makes a speech that deprives them of all hope. Only a continuation of the armed conflict, without promises of food and health care.

He is like any sophisticated politician, said the Israeli security source. He is more concerned about himself and retaining his leadership. What Haniyeh wants  first and foremost  is the support of Hamas military wing, which dictates policy to its leaders. Then he wants to find a guardian to replace those who have abandoned the movement.

In other words, he noted, Hamas in the era of Haniyeh and Sinwar have abandoned their people and are thinking only of themselves. Instead of understanding the impossible conditions [in Gaza] under which the movement is supposed to rule, Hamas has radicalized its approach and viewpoint, he said. This is a lack of awareness for which there is no rational explanation. And we have already learned in the past that [Hamas'] decisions are not always rational. Instead of trying to reach understandings with Abbas, who can still save Hamas from complete collapse, Haniyeh issues a writ of divorce to the PA. Abbas says that he isnt willing to retreat and capitulate; he wont dismantle the civil committee established by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which serves as the government of Gaza for all intents and purposes. Instead, Haniyeh warmly thanked Iran for the assistance it granted to Hamas, and mainly the Hamas Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades for their boundless support of the armed struggle. This lit a very large red light in Cairo as well.
The long anticipated Elyton Hotel will open next week in one of Birmingham's most iconic historic buildings.

The 1909 Empire Building will gain new life on Wednesday, July 12 as the Elyton Hotel, a 111-room luxury hotel that will be part of Marriott's Autograph Collection.

The 16-floor building has sat vacant at the corner of First Avenue North and 20th Street North since 2009 when Colonial Bank moved out of the building. As new tenants began moving into vacant buildings in downtown Birmingham, Buford, Georgia-based Ascent Hospitality snatched up the Empire Building in 2015 along with two neighboring buildings it planned to turn into two Marriott hotels, a restaurant, event space and a rooftop bar in a $45 million overhaul.

"Elyton Hotel is a celebration of the vibrant spirit of the new Birmingham," Ascent's President John Tampa said in a press release. "It's one that continues to inspire the city it epitomizes. The new hotel draws on a storied heritage and a vivid present to create an experience that is wonderfully authentic, richly textured and deeply individual."

Elyton's restaurant, The Yard, as well as its rooftop bar Moon Shine, will open on Wednesday, July 19.

Each room has a 49-inch high definition flat screen TV and complimentary wifi. Each also has a "smart fridge" - meaning the fridges won't use full power to refrigerate until something is put inside it, saving energy. It'll also have a 710-square-foot gym and 4,000 square feet of event space. Fifty people will work in the Eltyon.

Haller Magee, formerly the head chef at Satterfield's Restaurant and at Sky Castle,will be the executive chef of the Yard and Moon Shine. The Yard will serve Southern progressive food with global influences and use local and seasonal ingredients. The main entrance will be on 20th street and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The building was originally planned to be called the Empire Hotel. It rebranded as the Elyton this spring, honoring the former town of Elyton, a center for trade and government in central Alabama until the county seat until 1873.

The only other Autograph hotel in the area is Mountain Brook's Grand Bohemian Hotel in Lane Parke. There are more than 100 autograph hotels wordwide, and the concept is that each hotel will be different from each other and from other hotels.
Thomas and LeAndra Poux were living and raising their son in a small town outside Austin, Texas, when they left their home to run a food truck in Huntsville.

In a few months, they'll expand their business, Fire & Spice, to a brick-and-mortar restaurant called Fire & Spice Tex-Mex Smokehouse in the former Bandito Southside facility on 11220 Memorial Parkway S.W.

Opening a restaurant was always part of their plan, but LeAndra Poux said they never dreamed it would happen so soon. The couple plans to put as much love and effort into the restaurant as they have the truck, which will continue to cater weddings, businesses, and events around town.

"We always make these crazy life goals for ourselves," LeAndra said. "By 35 I want my helicopter license, (and) by 40 I want to own a restaurant. During around Christmas of last year Thomas looked at me and said, 'Let's really give it a try.' It was one of those, if it works, great, but if it doesn't, that's OK too."

Fire & Spice Tex-Mex Smokehouse's menu will be a combination of flavors, with recipes and ingredients from across New Mexico, South Texas, Austin and beyond. Local and Texas craft beer will be a fixture at the restaurant, which will specialize in barbecue plates, taco, burritos, rice bowls, brunch and more.

Poux said Fire & Spice will only use the restaurant side of the old Bandito space and slowly grow into the bar side a couple of years down the road. Besides a good cleaning and a new modern feel, she said the shape of the facility will stay the same.

"The bar area will now be raised into a seated bar area where patrons can sit and interact with an open kitchen," she said. "We will have two walk-in coolers and no freezer. Nothing is frozen and everything is cooked fresh in house, from our famous salsa verde to the pico de gallo, to our new Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce, so no freezer needed."

Fire & Spice plans to host a competition for artists to develop a mural for the restaurant that highlights the couple's love of the Rocket City and the Lone Star State, where Thomas was working as a restaurant manager before coming to Huntsville.

The contest will be open to all local artists, regardless of age or profession.

"The reward is pretty cool," Poux said. "Not only do they get to personally paint their work on our restaurant wall, but they also get free tacos for a year. The local artists around Huntsville are incredible and we just want to highly them in a neat kind of way."

The Pouxs first learned about Fire & Spice from an ad on Craigslist. After talking to former co-owner Stan Stinson about operating the truck, Poux said they left their house and everything they owned in Texas to follow their dream.

Stinson and his business partner, Tina Ford, hardly had time to run Fire & Spice since they were opening Earth and Stone Wood Fired Pizza at Campus No. 805.

"It basically was a perfect match once we moved up to operate it," Poux said. "Two young, eager people coming from Texas to operate a food truck that focused on tacos ... winner."

After they purchased the business in late 2015, the couple changed everything, from the truck itself to a fresh menu and logo that better reflected their vision for Fire & Spice. As time went on, Poux said her husband began to focus on true Texas flavors, which will be the centerpiece of the brick-and-mortar space.

"We give Stan and Tina a lot of credit, truly, because without them we would have never been given the opportunity to run or even own a food truck, and we really do love them and appreciate them," Poux said. "I'm not sure if I could have allowed a stranger from Texas to just take over a business and trust them as much as they did us."

Earth and Stone, which also started as a food truck, is in the process of opening its second brick-and-mortar restaurant in a 2,500-square-foot suite formerly home to Pizza 120 on 107 Brookridge Drive in Madison.

Ford said they are excited to see LeAndra and Thomas reach their own milestone.

"The quality of food and level of customer service that they provide on the food truck will ensure their success," she said. "We are very proud of their commitment and success."

Fire & Spice Tex-Mex Smokehouse is slated to open in September. Visit their website for updates.
A drug raid in Northport led to the discovery of 41 pounds of marijuana and nearly 3 pounds of cocaine.

The West Alabama Narcotics Task Force on Thursday announced the arrest of Christopher Williams. He is 43, and lives in Demopolis.

Tuscaloosa police Lt. Teena Richardson said Williams' arrest capped a two-month investigation into illegal drug trafficking in the Tuscaloosa County area. Task force agents carried out a search warrant Wednesday at a home in the 300 block of 29th Street, where they found a haul of drugs and cash.

Agents seized: 41 pounds of marijuana with a street value of $260,000; 2.7 pounds of cocaine with a street value of $110,000 and $18,173 in cash. They also confiscated a handgun, a 2006 BMW 750 and a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer.

Williams is charged with trafficking in cocaine and trafficking in marijuana. He is being held in the Tuscaloosa County Jail pending a probation revocation hearing on a previous conviction.
Israel has used the last 50 years of occupation to shape the Palestinian economy to suit its own interests.

Though it is rumoured that US President Donald Trump may withdraw from Israeli-Palestinian peace talks after White House Senior Adviser Jared Kushners fruitless meetings in Jerusalem and Ramallah, certain policies touted by Trump are likely to continue regardless. For instance, Trump recently declared that he welcomed measures to unlock the Palestinian economy.

These measures, approved by Israel, include facilitating the travel of Palestinians between Jordan and the West Bank; zoning Israeli-occupied land in the West Bank for Palestinian residential, agricultural, and industrial use; developing two industrial zones; and expanding hours of operation at checkpoints between the West Bank and Israel to ease movement for Palestinians.

In the meantime, Israel continues to place the Gaza Strip in an economic stranglehold. It is currently suffering from a debilitating electricity crisis.

Such economic measures, at least in regard to the West Bank, are based on the assumption that a lack of Palestinian prosperity is the main cause of the conflict.The claim goes that economic success and joint economic projects between Israelis and Palestinians will improve the lives of Palestinians and pave the way for peace.

Since the 1970s, Israeli officials, as well as US and other world leaders that have led negotiations, have favoured such an economic peace approach.

Benjamin Netanyahu, then in opposition as leader of the Likud party, strongly advocated for it in 2008, and since then, the international community has increasingly promoted the notion that there is an economic antidote to the impasse.

But viewing economic development as the horse and a just peace as the cart only exacerbates the political deadlock, since the symptom  economic deprivation  is mistaken for the cause: Israels occupation and military rule.

Moreover, this approach disconnects the economy from its historical context and obscures the fact that the Palestinian economy is a political construct embedded in Israels occupation policies, which aim to expropriate Palestinian land and expand a Jewish state  while dominating the Palestinian economy in the process.

INTERACTIVE: Gaza  A life under occupation

June 5 marked 50 years of Israeli occupation. The past five decades provide ample evidence of Israels use of the economy as a tool of domination over the occupied territory, in line with Israels political and strategic interests.

Following the occupation of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip in 1967, Israel sought to incorporate the occupied territories economy into its own, while allowing for maximum expropriation of land.

Israel controlled trade to serve its interests by, for instance, ensuring that its products had free access to the Palestinian market, while Palestinian goods had little access to the Israeli market.

The Palestinian market became a captive one for Israeli products. By 1984, Israeli products made up 89.3 percent of West Bank imports.

Israel also integrated the occupied territories economy into its own through labour. Between 1967 and 1990, 35-40 percent of Palestinian labourers worked in Israel.

While they contributed to the doubling of Palestinian per capita income between 1970 and 1987, this increase was accompanied by a decline in the occupied territories economys productivity.

While the income rose, industrial production stalled, agriculture declined, and Israel-imposed restrictions on the development of Palestinian enterprises that might compete with its own increased.

The result? Any growth in the occupied territories economy was skewed, as it was linked to Israeli rather than Palestinian supply and demand, and the economy only functioned by way of access to the Israeli labour market and other external sources of income.

Israeli-imposed restrictions on Palestinians access to natural resources exacerbated this problem, especially with Israels expansion of illegal settlements built on occupied Palestinian land, which violates long-standing official US policy and international law.

By 1993, the occupied territories economy was structurally weak, imbalanced, and heavily dependent on Israel.

The Oslo negotiations solidified Israels political interests and territorial ambitions and further shaped economic arrangements.

The 1994 Paris Economic Protocol systematised financial and economic relations between the Palestinian Authority and Israel. It deepened Palestinian dependency on Israeli trade as well as monetary and fiscal policies, and gave Israel control over the movement of Palestinian labour and revenue.

At the same time, it conditioned Palestinian economic development on Israels security and territorial requirements.

READ MORE: Palestinians in Gaza reflect on 10 years of siege

For example, the Protocol stipulated a customs union relationship between the Palestinians and the Israelis, rather than the free trade area requested by the Palestinians.This arrangement allows Israel to postpone the issue of borders, and thus sidestep the question of whether to integrate or separate from the occupied territories.

In fact, a customs union entails neither the demarcation of internal borders  and thus the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian economic and political entity  nor the total elimination of borders, enabling Israel to continue the status quo, and effectively pursue a no-state solution.

Palestinian acceptance of this arrangement was a precondition for the continuation of Palestinian labour flows into Israel.

The customs union has also perpetuated the unrestricted flow of Israeli goods into the Palestinian market, while severe restrictions are imposed on the movement of Palestinian goods between the occupied territories and Israel and within the occupied territories.

The Palestinian market consequently remains captive to Israeli goods. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, Israeli products accounted for more than 70 percent of Palestinian imports and absorbed more than 85 percent of Palestinian exports in 2015.

Israels post-Oslo attempts to redefine its territorial and economic borders with the West Bank and Gaza Strip have also affected labour arrangements.

In the occupied West Bank, Palestinians still have access to the Israeli labour market, which reflects Israels strategy of incorporating parts of the West Bank into Israel while avoiding a demarcation of borders.

In contrast, Israel has restricted labour flows from the Gaza Strip, which it has placed under blockade for the past decade, suggesting a move towards separation between the Israeli and Gaza economies.

Such a history demonstrates the misguided nature of the claim that economic development can lead to peace.

The Palestinian economy is a political construct, shaped to serve the more powerful player: Israel.

Any economic shifts that do not challenge the biased power structure underpinning this system serve as window dressing, obfuscating the deep-seated power differential in which Palestinians and their economy are at the mercy of Israeli interests.

Nur Arafeh is a Palestine-based Policy Fellow of Al-Shabaka: The Palestinian Policy Network. She will start her PhD studies as a Rhodes scholar at the University of Oxford in October 2017.
Thousands of refugees continue to risk their lives on the Mediterranean to reach the safe shores of Europe.

The Mediterranean Sea is still one of the most dangerous places for refugees from Africa and the Middle East who try to reach Europe. In shoddy boats, thousands of people try to get to Spain, Italy or Greece.

Most refugees either travel from Libya to Italy, or from Turkey to Greece.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has recently said that hundreds of African refugees and migrants passing through Libya have been bought and sold in modern-day slave markets before being held for ransom, used as forced labour, or for sexual exploitation.

READ MORE: Checkpoints & roadblocks  Stuck on the refugee trail

Debate over dealing with the refugee influx is becoming increasingly bitter in Italy, whose economy is lagging behind its European peers  an increasingly important issue as the country prepares for national elections next year.

More than 101,000 refugee and migrants arrived in Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Spain via the Mediterranean this year, according to the IOM.

In Italy, more than 85,000 people arrived by sea between January and July 3. That is up more than 13,000 people when compared to the same period last year.

READ MORE: Where are the Syrian refugees?

In total, at least 2,247 people have died or are missing after trying to cross the sea into Europe, the IOM also said.
Muslims across India marked Eid al-Fitr this year wearing black bands. Jamiat Ulama-i Hind, a leading Muslim religious body, cancelled its annual Eid celebration, a much-awaited event for the whos who in New Delhi. The Jamiat and other organisations also called for Muslims to wear black bands during their Eid prayers.

This was the first major show of protest by the Muslims of India to express their anguish and anger at the continuing violent attacks on members of the their community across India. The day before Eid, 15-year-old Junaid Khan lost his life after being attacked by fellow passengers on a train. He was mocked for being Muslim and a beef-eater and was knifed to death.





Mob violence has threatened not just the Muslim community but also other minorities. In 2016, seven members of a Dalit family were attacked by cow vigilantes in the state of Gujarat, which led to mass protests by the Dalit community. Attacks on Christians remain under-reported, but incidents involving churches and priests accused of converting Hindus to Christianity continue.

The media has come to call these incidents mob lynching, a term that misrepresents what is really going on in India. The spate of violent attacks are in no way spontaneous expressions of mob anger. They are the product of systematic incitement to violence by Hindu nationalists.

Cow protectors and cow eaters

One of the first major cases to be prominently covered by the media in recent years was the 2015 murder of 52-year-old Mohammad Akhlaq. An angry mob accusing Akhlaq of eating beef dragged him out of his home in Bishara, a village near the city of Dadri in the state of Uttar Pradesh, and beat him to death. The attack happened after the local Hindu temple announced on its public address system that a cow had been slaughtered.

The killing of Akhlaq attracted media attention and widespread condemnation from political parties except for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). For more than a week Prime Minister Narendra Modi kept silent over the incident and even after he spoke about it, he did not condemn it outright. BJP officials kept calling it an accident and a result of the genuine anger of the Hindus over the slaughtering of a cow.

READ MORE: Indian mob kills man over beef eating rumour

Since the murder of Alkhlaq, attacks on Muslims related to cow slaughter or smuggling rumours have increased. In October 2015, amid protests spurred by rumours of cow slaughtering, a truck was attacked with a petrol bomb, killing one Muslim man in Jammu and Kashmir state. In March 2016, two Muslims were killed and hanged in in the tribal state of Jharkahnd after being accused of smuggling cows.

This year, The Indian Express, an English-language daily, identified seven other incidents between March and May involving lynching of a member of a minority group, four of them instigated by cow vigilantes.

On June 22, three Muslims were killed in West Bengal state after being accused of cow smuggling. On June 27, a Muslim dairy owner in the state of Jharkhand was attacked by a mob after being accused of killing a cow; the man was rushed to a hospital in critical condition after the police managed to save him from his attackers.

Organised hate campaigns

When I say that mob lynching is not an apt description of such violence, I seek to underline the organisation behind most of these incidents. They usually appear to be sporadic in nature and often a spontaneous reaction of Hindus who are generally angry over the reports of cow smuggling and slaughter.

But these cases would not have been so frequent if it werent for the atmosphere of hate and suspicion against Muslims, created through a sustained political campaign. Engaging in meat politics and calling for cow protection have been a favourite tool for many Hindu nationalist politicians. Even PM Narendra Modi has indulged in its use.

This atmosphere of sustained hatred against Muslims makes attacks on them seem spontaneous and the product of mob anger. But few question why the mob is angry in the first place. by

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organisation affiliated with the BJP, has also had a role to play in whipping up nationalist Hindu sentiments and encouraging, even if indirectly, cow vigilantism. Other Hindu nationalist organisations such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), loosely associated with the RSS, have gone further and declared: Cow protectors are protectors. How can they be killers? Killers cannot be protectors. The RSS never condemns or distances itself from the VHP; neither does the BJP.

Hinduisation of public spaces also helps to mobilise solidarity for groups targeting minority communities. Small groups signing religious or devotional songs or distributing religious pamphlets can be increasingly seen in local trains, parks and other public spaces. They often propagate anti-minority rumours and sentiments. Within Hindu communities, the formation of cow protection groups has intensified in recent years and has also contributed to the spread of rumours and hate speech.

These groups encourage various hateful beliefs about Muslims: that they are cow eaters, a threat to Hindu women, and members of terror sleeper cells. They spread ludicrous fears that the Muslim population is growing and will outnumber Hindus in India. This atmosphere of sustained hatred against Muslims makes attacks on them seem spontaneous and the product of mob anger. But few question why the mob is angry in the first place.

In addition, the general perception of the justice system as slow and ineffective is making popular the idea that the people should take justice into their own hands. The culture of acceptance of summary justice is harnessed by the Hindu nationalist groups to justify punishments for perceived crimes committed by Muslims.

The silence of the political class

The media and some observers, including as cautious a political analyst as Pratap Bhanu Mehta, feel that the current spate of mob lynching is qualitatively different and is setting a new benchmark.

They see clear complicity of the people at the helm of power in the violence. When you have a prime minister who as the chief minister of Gujarat had himself advocated extrajudicial encounters and a man as chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, who has built his political career propagating violence against minorities, the mobs feel empowered. They also know that they enjoy impunity and patronage from the power.





Minorities no longer expect the ruling BJP to condemn the mob lynchings. What is more worrying is that other political parties are also not too forthcoming. Other than in one or two tweets and customary condemnation, they have refrained from visiting the victims or their surviving families. An imaginary Hindu fear seems to have overpowered the political class and rendered them paralysed. Their failure to come forward in support of Muslims and Christians shows that the secular resolve in the Indian body politic has weakened.

The decision of the Muslim community to use its most important festival of Eid to lodge its protest against the continued attacks and lynchings should serve as a wake-up call to the governments and the political class in general. Muslims are telling them that they will not take it lying down anymore. It is high time liberal Hindus and the political parties get their act together, or it may be too late for India.

Apoorvanand teaches Hindi at the University of Delhi. He writes literary and cultural criticism.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
On Tuesday, North Korea successfully tested an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). Owing to the manner of the test, the missile did not fly all that far, but projections indicate that the North may now have a device which could hit the United States.

Questions remain about whether North Korean engineers can miniaturise a nuclear warhead and attach it to a working delivery vehicle. But if they manage to do this, thus posing a credible threat to the US, the clamour in the Beltway and within the White House to hit North Korea may grow unstoppable.

US President Donald Trump has already declared that he plans pretty sever things in response to North Koreas latest test. US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has said that military action against Pyongyang is still on the table.





Amid these rising tensions, South Koreas President Moon Jae-in called for more sanctions against the North and for a peaceful resolution. Unlike Trumps administration, Moons government cannot afford to provoke a military escalation on the Peninsula. It stands to lose a lot.

South Korea has lived with the threat of North Korean artillery and more recently shorter-range ballistic missiles hitting (and destroying) Seoul for much of its history. A US strike on North Korea is not in South Koreas interests, since such an attack would provoke a counterstrike on Seoul  one that has the potential to kill hundreds of thousands.

Chinese involvement

China will not support a strike on North Korea, because it knows that such a strike would destabilise the North Korean government and provoke a war on the Korean peninsula. The last thing China wants is a war in its backyard. If Kim Jong-un were to respond with a counterstrike, then war would begin immediately.

If the US decides to strike North Korea, its first target will be nuclear and/or missile production facilities. Only after knocking out artillery positions in the North, Washington will make a decision about sending troops to Pyongyang.

READ MORE: US  Ready to use force in North Korea if we must

However, Kim Jong-un has presented himself a hothead in the past, especially during the crisis of 2013, so there is a good chance that he will order a general mobilisation of the North Korean military following the very first strike. He can even order the use of his militarys ballistic missile capabilities before the US forces in South Korea are able to persuade their South Korean counterparts that its time to march north.

How will China respond to all this? Probably not as they did during the first Korean War, but they are unlikely to welcome US forces crossing the demilitarised zone. Indeed, they may well begin supplying their North Korean allies with intelligence, satellite imagery, radar data and radio intercepts in order to prolong the conflict and perhaps prevent the final collapse of the North Korean regime on American terms. We do not know how Beijing will respond, but hedging and some assistance to Pyongyang absolutely remain distinct possibilities.

North Korean response

May North Korea be persuaded not to overreact in the face of US strikes? Might they be threatened into silence? As US policymakers are well aware, the North Koreans are likely to retaliate, and they may very well decide to do so even if faced with the threat of decapitation strikes and a general war.

OPINION: Is North Korea really a hollowed-out state?

As the American journalist and professor Brian Myers has been saying for years, military power and aggressive nationalism are the bedrock of regime ideology in the North, and allowing the US to get away with hitting its military installations could destabilise the internal cohesion of the regime. Given the unpredictability of the North Korean regime, and whats more, the potential precariousness of its popular support should it show weakness, a strike on the North comes with the ever-present threat of a massive retaliation and escalation.

Washington seems to still hold out the vague hope that China can be persuaded to heavily sanction North Korea and thus force Pyongyang back to the bargaining table on the nuclear question. by

Either way, a US strike on North Korea without the prior approval of South Korea was opposed by all the candidates in the recent South Korean presidential elections, and it seems unlikely that the Moon administration would approve such a move.

A bloody, unpredictable mess

So for all these reasons, and mainly because the US does not want the bloody mayhem that is likely to ensue in the event of strikes, the Trump administration should not hit North Korea. There is still the vague hope that China can be persuaded to heavily sanction North Korea and thus force Pyongyang back to the negotiating table on the nuclear question. Also, China and Russia do not support and are unlikely to ever support US strikes on North Korea.

Saner voices see denuclearisation now as a pipe dream. Given this, we need to find a way to live with a nuclear North Korea.

How can this be possible?

There is increasing talk on the Chinese and Russian side of a freeze in North Korean missile and nuclear tests in exchange for a scaling-down or halt of US-South Korea military exercises. This looks like it will be unacceptable to Washington, given that it looks like rewarding aggressive behaviour.

Now that the North Koreans seemingly have a working ICBM, however, do they really need to engage in additional tests? Perhaps a lull for several months in the frequent test schedule will give the Moon administration the time and breathing space to begin what appears to be their preferred policy of measured, careful engagement. This seems to be where we are headed, unless President Trump decides to throw this region into bloody chaos.

Peter Ward is a researcher at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul. His work has been published in NKNews, SinoNK, and numerous other outlets.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Mexico is experiencing its highest murder rate in at least 20 years as splintered drug cartels battle over territory.

A series of raging gun battles between two drug gangs left at least 14 people dead on Wednesday in the mountains of the northern Mexico state of Chihuahua.

Authorities said the number of dead could rise. Initial reports from the relatively isolated region had put the death toll as high as 26 but officials said later that only 14 bodies had been recovered.

Oscar Alberto Aparicio, the Chihuahua state security commissioner, said security forces came under fire when they arrived at the scene of the clash in Las Varas, a town about 300 kilometres northwest of the state capital.

Soldiers and police were met with gunfire, but they managed to beat back the attack and only one patrol vehicle was hit by gunfire, Aparicio said.

READ MORE: Juarez is waiting for you  Violent city tries tourism

Aparicio said gunfights were continuing as police and soldiers chased gang members through the mountains. Authorities called in a Black Hawk helicopter to help in the search in the area, which is in a region known for cannabis and opium poppy production.

Felix Gonzalez, a spokesman for Chihuahua state prosecutors, told local media the initial confrontation pitted members the La Linea gang, based in the border city of Ciudad Juarez, against a faction of the Sinaloa cartel.





Another state prosecutors spokesman, Eduardo Esparza, confirmed 14 bodies had been found, but added that there could be more. He said all the dead were adult males. Twenty rifles were found at the scene, along with grenades and grenade launchers.

Gonzalez had initially reported 26 died, but later told Milenio television that the higher toll had mistakenly included some wounded.

Aparicio said the gangs had apparently killed two state police officers who went up into the area to investigate about 10 days ago.

These criminals were the ones who killed in a cowardly way two of our agents a week ago, Aparicio said, noting there were about 50 gunmen in one of the gangs.

It was the latest in a series of deadly clashes between police, rival drug gangs and warring factions within the Sinaloa cartel, which has been in turmoil since its kingpin, Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, was extradited to the US in January.

Last Friday, 19 gunmen were killed in a spectacular shoot-out with police on a highway in Sinaloa, the northwestern state that is the Guzman cartels home base.

OPINION: Fear and loathing on the border

Mexico is experiencing its highest homicide total in at least 20 years as splintered drug cartels battle over territory.

May was the deadliest month in Mexico since the government began keeping track in 1997, with 2,186 homicides.

The Sinaloa region is hotly disputed territory for Mexicos drug cartels because its mountainous terrain and proximity to the border make it a strategic corridor for shipping drugs to the United States.
Khalid bin Ahmed al-Khalifa says anyone who supports or is affiliated with MB will be tried on terrorism-related crimes.

Bahrains Foreign Minister Khalid bin Ahmed al-Khalifa has called the Muslim Brotherhood movement a terrorist group, amid an ongoing Gulf diplomatic crisis in which four countries severed diplomatic ties with Qatar.

Last month Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt cut ties with Qatar  accusing it of supporting the Muslim Brotherhood and harbouring terrorism in the region. Qatar has strongly denied the charges.

The foreign ministers of the four states convened in Cairo on Wednesday after receiving Dohas response to the list of demands earlier this week.

Speaking at the news conference after the meeting, Khalid bin Ahmed said that the Muslim Brotherhood movement shed the blood of Egyptian people and had conspired against our states.

We consider the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group and anyone who shows sympathy with them will be tried on this basis, Khalid bin Ahmed said.

READ MORE: Can Qatar-Gulf rift be repaired?

A Muslim Brotherhood newspaper based in Bahrain rejected the ministers statement on the group.

The weekly al-Nabaa paper said: Nations are only concerned with inciting segments of society, and describing them in an unacceptable way.

Allowing them to attack, provoke, and undermine society under these circumstances is very strange, and serves only the enemies of the country who do not have its best interest at heart. The attacks refer to patriotic segments of the Bahraini society.

How can such disrespect and slander be allowed to continue under delicate and sensitive circumstances engulfing the region, it added, without explicitly referring to the Gulf crisis.

The paper went on to emphasise its support for the Bahraini ruling family, and asserted its willingness to back it up in the face of a popular uprising.





The foreign ministers words are a far cry from his previous statements on the Muslim Brotherhood movement.

After the Saudi decision to classify the group as a terrorist one, Khalid bin Ahmed stated that the Muslim Brotherhood branch in Bahrain enjoyed a special status unlike the state of its peers in Egypt and other Gulf countries, and praised the role of the group in the preservation of civil peace.

Members of the Muslim Brotherhood in Bahrain hold various positions of power in parliament, security services, and judicial bodies, for which Bahrain has been widely criticised.

Twitter users across the region were quick to respond to Khalid bin Ahmeds remarks.

https://twitter.com/Salmarri02/status/882949023115685889

Translation: The Bahraini foreign minister says that anyone who symphathises with the Muslim Brotherhood will be charged with terrorism. I dont know how some members of his countrys parliament will be tried since they are MB.

https://twitter.com/Kuwait_okk/status/882636002178637825

Translation: Bahraini FM: The Muslim Brotherhood are a terrorist group and whoever is affiliated with them will be charged. 60% of your population is Shia, 20% are MB  are you demented????

And a Bahrain-based user questioned the motives behind Khalid bin Ahmeds speech.

              

     pic.twitter.com/n84v4XmjnI    (@ALMADINI2012) July 5, 2017

Translation: Will be there legal ramifications against the Muslim Brotherhood in Bahrain and all those who support them? Or is this just a speech for media?

In a joint statement made on Wednesday at a news conference in Egypts capital, the boycotting nations said that Qatars response to their 13-point list of demands was not serious.

The demands included Doha ending its support for the Muslim Brotherhood, and severing ties with Saudi Arabias rival, Iran.

Qatars Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has accused the boycotting states of undermining the countrys sovereignty.
Rights body accuses security forces of committing egregious rights violation but the government terms them baseless.

Security forces in Bangladesh have been accused of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and secret detentions, including of members of the political opposition, according to a report released by Human Rights Watch on Thursday.

People are almost always worried that they are going to disappear, they are going to be killed, and no one will know what exactly happened to them, Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia Director of Human Rights Watch, told Al Jazeera.

Therefore, an environment of fear, particularly among the people in political opposition and known government critics, has become intense.

The government really needs to look into this instead of denying that things happened, she told Al Jazeera.

The New York-based rights body urged the Bangladesh government to launch an independent investigation into these allegations and prosecute security forces responsible for such egregious rights violations.

OPINION: Divisive politics set the stage for Dhaka attack

At least 90 people have been victims of enforced disappearance last year alone, according to the 82-page report: We Dont Have Him: Secret Detentions and Enforced Disappearances in Bangladesh.

At least 21 detainees were later reportedly killed, the report documented.

In the first five months of this year, 48 people have already been reported missing, but the government has so far denied the involvement of security forces.

The disappearances are well-documented and reported, yet the government persists in this abhorrent practice with no regard for the rule of law, said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

Bangladesh security forces appear to have a free hand in detaining people, deciding on their guilt or innocence, and determining their punishment, including whether they have the right to be alive.

The South Asian countrys Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan has denied his forces committed abuse.

The government respects basic human rights as per the Bangladeshi constitution. We do not believe in enforce disappearances, secret detention and extra judicial killings, he said.

Dubbing the HRW report as baseless Khan said that in many cases disappeared people went into hiding because of family feud, and many disappeared persons have already returned to their family.

He also added that Bangladesh was an affiliated country of the UNHRC and strictly obeyed its norms and conditions.

The director of the media and legal wing of the police unit, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), could not be reached despite repeated attempts.

They betrayed us

More than 100 people, including family members and witnesses, were interviewed to document these cases.

Eyewitnesses and victims families accused the RAB or the Detective Branch of the police (DB), for committing most of the abuses. The RAB has a long-recorded history of abuse.

In a report released in March, the United Nations Human Rights Committee criticised Bangladeshs government for a high rate of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.





A month earlier, the United Nations Working Group on Involuntary and Enforced Disappearances called on the government to immediately reveal the whereabouts of three sons of opposition leaders it said were kidnapped six months earlier.

Ruhul Amin Chowdhury, who saw RAB take away his son, Adnan Chowdhury, on December 5, 2013, told HRW that he had trusted RAB to release his son the next day. They said, We are taking him. We will bring him back,' he said. They betrayed us.

Since the current Awami League government came to power in 2009, human rights organisations have identified more than 1,300 alleged extrajudicial killings and 325 enforced disappearances.

Leading up to the 2014 general elections hundreds of people, including opposition activists, were illegally detained and held in secret detention centres, the report said.

Since 2013 we saw a new trend: supporters of opposition political parties have been targeted, basically members of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami have been targeted, said HRWs Ganguly.

Some Jamaat members were picked up and shot in the knees.

Nineteen members of the opposition BNP detained by the security forces weeks before the 2014 general elections continue to remain disappeared, the report says.

READ MORE: A fight to survive for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh

Adilur Rahman Khan, a leading human rights activist, has faced harassment at the hands of government agencies after his organisation Odhikar accused security forces of extrajudicial killings in 2013. In January this year, he was charged by a local court.

Moin Khan, former minister and a senior BNP leader told Al Jazeera that there was a gross violation of human rights in Bangladesh.

The government just wants to cling on to power and that is why it is targeting the opposition, he said.

Democratic norms and principles have been violated by this government. It is the lack of democratic environment that is leading to these things.

Even the last election was not free and fair

Bangladesh is heading for another election in less than two years time, but the current environment strikes little confidence in the opposition ranks as well as rights organisations.

Moin Khan complained that opposition has not been allowed public association, a democratic right enshrined in the constitution.

Even the last election was not free and fair.

Ganguly from the HRW says that for free and fair elections to happen, targeting of political opposition must stop.

If indeed the world wants to ensure that Bangladesh continues as a democracy where people have a voice in selecting their leaders, then the next elections should at least be held in an environment where all political parties participate.

She rued that the government was failing to acknowledge that abuses are occurring.

We are very worried that a government which came to office promising zero tolerance for human rights violations is now enabling its security forces to commit these abuses.
ExxonMobil, Shell and Total express interest in helping Qatar increase LNG output by 30 percent, sources tell Reuters.

Three of the Wests biggest energy corporations are lobbying Qatar to take part in a huge expansion of its gas production, handing Doha an unintended but timely boost in the Gulf dispute.

The chief executives of ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell and Frances Total all met Qatars Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha before it announced a plan on Tuesday to raise output of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by 30 percent.

Company and industry sources told Reuters news agency that the CEOs had expressed interest in helping Qatar, the worlds largest LNG supplier, with its ambition to produce 100 million tonnes of LNG annually  equivalent to a third of current global supplies  in the next five to seven years.

READ MORE: Qatar to increase gas production by 30 percent

The companies already have large investments in countries on both sides of the Gulf dispute, and are keen to remain neutral after Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed ties with Doha on June 5.

Spokespeople from all three firms declined to comment. However, a top executive from one energy major looking into expanding in Qatar said the huge business opportunity was worth the considerable political risk.

There is only one policy here  you have to behave like a commercial corporation, the executive told Reuters. You have to make your choices purely economically and be Qatari in Qatar, Emirati in the Emirates.

Economic muscle

Energy sales have powered Qatars rapid rise as a regional player since the late 1990s, and the oil majors interest in the LNG expansion underline its longer-term economic muscle during the row with its neighbours.

Qatars LNG capacity could be boosted by up to 10 million tonnes per year relatively quickly and cheaply by optimising existing facilities and upgrading a small number of units, a process known as debottlenecking, according to a senior industry source.

Beyond that, the expansion would require building new liquefaction terminals, involving significant investments, which the energy giants can offer.

Shells CEO, Ben van Beurden, was among the first foreign company leaders to visit Qatar after the crisis broke out, meeting the Emir on June 14.

The visit was followed several days later by a new deal under which Qatar will supply Shell, the worlds largest LNG trader, with 1.1 million tonnes annually for five years, starting in 2019.

Shells operations in Qatar include Pearl GTL, the worlds largest gas liquefaction plant. Its overall investments in the state represent around 6 percent of its global portfolio.

Darren Woods, chief executive of Exxon, met the Emir on June 26, discussing cooperation with Qatar, according to a statement carried by Qatars state news agency.

Industry sources close to the talks said that the Exxon CEO was very keen to join the new gas capacity expansion and expressed willingness to invest.

Exxon will be the largest foreign investor in Qatar in 2017, with most money going into LNG facilities, representing about 7 percent of its global portfolio, according to consultancy Wood Mackenzie.

Total chief Patrick Pouyanne has also visited Doha in recent weeks.

He discussed new opportunities in the LNG sector as well as the companys plans to develop Qatars Al-Shaheen oilfield on his trip to Doha, according to a senior source.
US says it wants to discuss use of ceasefire observers and coordinated delivery of aid to Syrians with Russia.

The United States is prepared to discuss with Russia joint efforts to stabilise war-torn Syria, including no-fly zones, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said.

He added the US wanted to discuss with Russia the use of on-the-ground ceasefire observers and the coordinated delivery of humanitarian aid to Syrians.

If our two countries work together to establish stability on the ground, it will lay a foundation for progress on the settlement of Syrias political future, Tillerson said in a statement on Wednesday before this weeks Group of 20 summit in Germany.

The statement made no mention of Syrian President Bashar al-Assads future. The US largely blames Assad for the six years of civil war and has called on him to step down.

OPINION: Russia is at a dead-end in Syria

Tillerson also said Russia had an obligation to prevent the use of chemical weapons by Assads government.

Washington hit a Syrian airbase with a missile attack in April after accusing the Assad government of killing dozens of civilians in a chemical attack.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to meet on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Hamburg this week, and Tillerson said Syria would be a topic of discussion.





Russia is Assads major ally and Moscows military support has helped the Syrian government turn the tide in a multi-sided war against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) and Syrian rebels.

As the fight against ISIL winds down, Tillerson said Russia has a special responsibility to ensure Syrias stability.

He said Moscow needs to make sure no faction in Syria illegitimately re-takes or occupies areas liberated from ISIL or other groups.

US-backed forces have surrounded the city of Raqqa, ISILs stronghold in Syria.

Tillerson added that Russia has an obligation to prevent any further use of chemical weapons of any kind by the Assad regime.

Tillerson lauded US and Russia cooperation in establishing de-confliction zones in Syria and said it was evidence that our two nations are capable of further progress.

Speaking to Al Jazeera from the US state of Virginia, Wael Alzayat, a former adviser to Samantha Power  the former US ambassador to the UN  said there was no new development coming out of the latest rounds of talks.

This is really more of the same of what has been tried under the previous administration in terms of dangling the prospect of further cooperation, perhaps against ISIL or now to administer areas after ISIL has been defeated, in exchange of the need for de-escalation and ultimately a sort of a political resolution, Alzayat said.

What is not there is the need to have a political transition in Syria  preferably one that includes Assad leaving power, he said.

Trump came into office in January seeking to improve ties with Russia that had soured during the Obama administration.

But Trump is under pressure at home to take a hard line with Putin due allegations that Russians meddled in the US election and possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia.
At least 76 police officers and dozens of protesters have been injured in clashes in Hamburg ahead of the G20 summit, officials said.

Police used water cannon, pepper spray and batons to disperse marchers after some attacked them with bottles and other objects on Thursday.

The skirmishes came hours before the two-day gathering of the worlds top economic powers gets under way on Friday morning in Germanys second-biggest city.

Its host, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, said she hoped the leaders would be able to find compromises and answers on a wide range of issues  although the prospects of finding common ground on climate change and trade were uncertain.

Thursdays protest, as the G20 leaders arrived in Hamburg, was titled G20: Welcome to Hell, and a standoff between hardcore anti-capitalist protesters and police developed before the march itself really got going.

OPINION: Its time for G20 leaders to embrace civil society

Police said they repeatedly asked some demonstrators to remove their masks, to no avail. They then decided to separate the group from the rest of the march, which they estimated at 12,000 people in total.

Black-hooded protesters attacked a police vehicle with bottles and bricks, breaking its window.

Al Jazeeras David Chater said that these protesters want to be heard and make an impact.

There are so many issues involved politically in the G20 summit. Every anarchist who is going to take part in this march has got some point they want to raise, he said.

They are against the globalist capitalist system, they are against Trumps attempts to pull out of the climate change accords. Theyre essentially protesting every single issue thats going to be raised in this G20 summit.

Organisers quickly called an end to the march after the violence broke out, police said. Skirmishes continued, with police advancing down the street with two water cannons while being pelted with bottles by a group of black-clad people.

A nearby building was plastered with the slogan Borderless solidarity instead of nationalism: attack the G20. A small group on the roof set off fireworks. Police said windows at a furniture store and a bank were damaged. There was no immediate word on a number of arrests or injuries.

At least 76 police officers and dozens of protesters have been injured in clashes in Hamburg ahead of the G20 summit https://t.co/DjdzCjR6rL pic.twitter.com/Buehftfurg  Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) July 7, 2017

Protests to continue

Many other groups are calling for peaceful protests and are pushing the G20 leaders for action to fight climate change and address economic disparities in the world. Some are even calling for the dissolution of the G20 itself so the United Nations becomes the platform for such discussions.

In all, more than 100,000 protesters are expected in Hamburg for the summit, with some 8,000 considered part of Europes violent left-wing scene, according to police.

The northern port city has boosted its police with reinforcements from around the country and has 20,000 officers on hand to patrol Hamburgs streets, skies and waterways.

Merkel is also hoping to keep things under control inside the city congress centre where the summit is being held. With guests including US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the search for compromises is expected to be challenging.

Merkel said leaders would address regulating financial markets, fighting terrorism and pandemics and combating climate change, among other issues. She said free, rule-based and fair trade will be an important issue.

You can imagine that there will be discussions that will not be easy, she said. Globalisation can be a win-win situation. It must not always be that there are winners and losers.

In the wake of Trumps recent decision to pull out of the Paris deal fighting climate change, the battle against global warming promises to feature prominently in discussions at the summit.

Merkel has rejected calls from some to push for a strong G19 statement  without the US  on climate change. That is something that Zhu Guangyao, a Chinese deputy finance minister, told reporters on Thursday that Beijing also did not support.

The policies produced by the G20 should be by the consensus of all member states, he said. No one should be excluded.

Still, he added, China will firmly promote its policies taking more measures against climate change.
Foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel says he no longer sees the risk of military escalation in the Qatar-Gulf standoff.

Germanys foreign minister said he no longer sees the risk of military escalation in the Gulf standoff, despite an angry reaction from four Arab nations to Qatars response to the crisis.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, who have have imposed a blockade on Qatar for its alleged support for terrorism, issued a statement in Cairo on Wednesday, saying that Dohas response to their demands to end the crisis was not serious.

Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said that, while the reaction sounded harsh, many demands that were initially made were no longer mentioned.

Gabriel visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar and mediator Kuwait this week as the Saudis and others seek to isolate Qatar over its alleged support for extremists.

READ MORE: All the latest updates on the Qatar-Gulf crisis

He said Germanys intelligence service would participate in efforts to clear up the accusations by Qatars neighbours.

Gabriel told Deutschlandfunk radio on Thursday that there was an agreement for Qatar to open all its books to Germanys intelligence service if we have questions about certain people or structures.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt announced on June 5 they were severing ties with Qatar for supporting terrorism and later put forward a list of 13 demands. Qatar denies the allegations.

Isolation, incremental measures

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said at the news conference in the Egyptian capital that the boycott [against Qatar] will remain.

The four Arab states stopped short of announcing new sanctions but Jubeir said they would take steps at the appropriate time.

The UAE state minister for foreign affairs, Anwar Gargash, on Twitter predicted more isolation for Qatar.

Next greater isolation, incremental measures & reputational damage stemming from Doha's continued support for extremism & terrorism.  .   (@AnwarGargash) July 5, 2017

The demands include Doha ending support for the Muslim Brotherhood and closing Al Jazeera.

Saudi Arabia and its allies have not said what steps they could take next, but there are fears of a wider embargo that would hurt the Qatari economy. Credit ratings agency Moodys announced it was changing Qatars outlook to negative over the crisis.








Khalifa Haftars self-styled Libyan National Army has been fighting for control of Libyas second city for three years.

Libyas eastern commander Khalifa Haftar said on Wednesday his forces had taken full control of Libyas second city Benghazi from rival armed groups after a three-year campaign.

The battle for Benghazi between Haftars self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) and an array of rival armed groups has been part of a broader conflict since Libya slipped into turmoil following the 2011 fall of strongman Muammar Gaddafi.

Victory would mark a major advance for the one-time commander in Gaddafis army, who has slowly gained ground in eastern and southern Libya in defiance of a UN-backed government that is struggling to extend its influence from the capital, Tripoli.

OPINION: Qatar, the UAE and the Libya connection

Your armed forces declare to you the liberation of Benghazi from terrorism, a full liberation and a victory of dignity, Haftar said, wearing a white uniform in a televised speech.

Benghazi has entered into a new era of safety and peace.

Before he spoke, LNA forces made rapid progress through the seafront district of Sabri, using heavy artillery to blast their way through some of the final pockets of resistance.





As they have after past retreats in the battle for the city, rival armed groups may fall back on using guerrilla tactics against Haftars forces.

Haftar launched his Operation Dignity in Benghazi in May 2014, promising to crush armed groups blamed for a wave of assassinations and bombings.

Over three years his forces have clashed with rival armed groups as well as with former anti-Gaddafi rebels resisting what they saw as an attempt to reimpose autocratic rule. The LNA suffered heavy losses, which its own officials put at more than 5,000 men.

Haftars critics accuse him of dragging Benghazi into a war that he has used to establish military control over much of eastern Libya. Parts of Benghazi have been wrecked by heavy shelling and aerial bombardment.

In Sabri, where the LNA advanced on Wednesday, deserted streets were littered with debris and the shells of rusting cars. Some buildings have been destroyed and others peppered with holes from bullets and shrapnel.

Having seized a string of key oil ports and southern air bases since last year, Haftar has made little secret of ambitions to enter Tripoli, where he portrays his rivals as beholden to militia rule.

He has backing from foreign powers including Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, and has cultivated closer ties with Moscow. The LNA has gradually grown bigger and become better equipped, but is still heavily dependent on alliances with local brigades and tribes.

READ MORE: UN report  UAE violates Libya arms embargo

Though weak, the UN-backed government in Tripoli retains the formal support of most Western powers.

Haftar does not recognise the authority of the UN-backed Government of National Accord in Tripoli and instead backs a rival parliament based in the countrys far east.

In May, the Libyan foreign minister said Haftar must accept civilian rule in order to play a role in the future of the North African country.

Haftar must first accept to work under a civilian authority and officially approve the political deal that gave rise to the power-sharing authority, Mohamed al-Taher Siala told AFP news agency.
Pro-democracy leader of the Umbrella Movement to not fight charge of obstructing justice in 2014 demonstrations.

Pro-democracy Hong Kong student leader Joshua Wong has said he would not fight a charge related to the 2014 Umbrella Movement protests in the spirit of civil disobedience.

The student activist, who helped lead the months-long movement in 2014 demanding full democracy appeared in court on Thursday for a pre-trial hearing, which was adjourned for 45 days.

Wong is among 20 defendants charged with contempt of court after refusing to obey a court order to clear the protest zone in December 2014.

OPINION: Hong Kong and China  A special relationship

The demonstrators, who had demanded democratic elections for Hong Kongs chief executive, were arrested last year.





I choose to plead guilty in this case to show, as an organiser of civil disobedience, I am willing to bear legal responsibility, the 20-year-old Wong said outside the High Court, flanked by a few supporters.

Although theres a chance I might be put in jail, I have no regrets.

In written statements to the court, Wong and several respondents, including another student leader Lester Shum, admitted liability, rather than explicitly pleading guilty, as is the case in a civil, rather than criminal, lawsuit.

Wong will now find out his fate at the end of the 45-day hearing of the trial in August. The judge will call in 33 more witnesses.

Al Jazeeras Sarah Clarke, reporting from outside the court, said: We had expected a quick turnaround in the next day or two on the sentences for those pleading guilty, but the judge has announced that he wants to hear all of the cases.

One of the student politicians has already been sentenced to three months of jail time for the same charge after the judge said he showed no remorse.

Wong said hes proud to be standing up for democracy, which means serving time behind bars and thats fine by him, said Al Jazeeras Clarke.

Wong has previously been found guilty of unlawful assembly on a charge also related to the 2014 protests, but he avoided jail time.
Pretoria went against Rome Statute in 2015 by preventing prosecution of Sudans leader for war crimes, ICC says.

War crimes judges have ruled that South Africa flouted its duties to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2015 by failing to arrest visiting Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir.

Cuno Tarfusser, the presiding judge, said on Thursday that Pretorias inaction was contrary to the courts guiding Rome Statute and prevented it from prosecuting Bashir on 10 charges of war crimes, including three of genocide, in Sudans western Darfur region.





But the judges stopped short of referring the matter to the UN Security Council for further action. Tarfusser sharply criticised the world body, saying such a move would be effectively futile since the council had failed to act in six previous referrals over the Bashir case.

Rights groups welcomed Thursdays ruling, saying it sent a warning to other nations.

It was a victory for international justice, said Arnold Tsunga, Africa regional director for the International Commission of Jurists.

It is an extremely important step toward tackling impunity in Sudan and worldwide, he said.

Amnesty Internationals Netsanet Belay said it was shocking that other states parties such as Jordan are also failing in their obligations to arrest Al-Bashir and this decision makes it clear that they do so in flagrant violation of international law.

Bashir at large

Despite two international arrest warrants issued in 2009 and 2010, Bashir remains at large and in office as conflict continues to rage in Darfur.

In June 2015, he attended an African Union summit in Johannesburg and, despite frantic consultations between ICC and South African officials, later flew out of the country unimpeded.

Pretorias lawyers had argued at an April ICC hearing that there was no duty under international law on South Africa to arrest Bashir, arguing there was nothing at all in the UN resolution to waive his diplomatic immunity.

But ICC prosecutor Julian Nicholls shot back that South Africa had the ability to arrest and surrender him and it chose not to do so.

Judges agreed in Thursdays ruling that international obligations cannot simply be put aside if a country disagrees with them, and ruled that in this case Bashir did not enjoy immunity.

WATCH: Sudans FM  ICC is a court built to indict Africans

The Security Council asked the ICC in 2005 to probe the crimes in Darfur, where at least 300,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million displaced since ethnic minorities took up arms against Bashirs Arab-dominated government in 2003, according to UN figures.

Bashir, who has been president of Sudan since 1993, has denied all the charges and continues to travel.

Based in The Hague, the ICC does not have its own police or enforcement body and relies on other countries to arrest or surrender suspects.

And while 124 nations have signed the Rome Statute which underpins the court, it has struggled to shore up its legitimacy at times, faced last year with unprecedented withdrawals.
Heavy rains have displaced thousands in northeastern Assam state, with no letup in the deluge, officials say.

The death toll from worsening monsoon floods in Indias Assam state has hit 18, with hundreds of thousands in makeshift camps and no letup in the deluge, officials said.

Monsoons are still ongoing. There are fresh developments every hour, Rajib Prakash Barua, a senior Assam State Disaster Management Authority official, told AFP news agency on Thursday.

The 18 people have died since the monsoons started in the northeastern state in April, said Barua, speaking from the states main city, Guwahati.

One person died yesterday, taking the overall death toll in the last week to five. Most people died either because of flooding or electrocution, he added.

Officials say about 395,000 people have so far been affected in 863 villages across Assams 15 districts.

Many people have moved to makeshift camps set up by authorities on higher ground.

Jorhat and Sonitpur, around 300km and 190km from Guwahati, are among the worst affected districts in the state. More storms were predicted for Friday and coming days.

On Tuesday, the authority said it evacuated 400 students after their school campus was flooded in western Nalbari district, 90 kilometres west of Gauhati.

In neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh state, roads to several districts have been cut off due to the heavy rain and landslides.

Also on Tuesday, an Indian air force helicopter flying food supplies to remote areas went missing in the state in bad weather. Its wreckage was found a day later near the countrys border with China.
Main presidential candidates back out of two debates in lead up to the August vote, citing format issues.

Kenyas President Uhuru Kenyatta and his main rival Raila Odinga have pulled out of two televised presidential debates ahead of the August 8 elections, their parties said.

Initially, the two frontrunners were to go head to head, while six smaller candidates would hold a separate match on Monday, with a second debate on July 24.

However, officials in both parties said Kenyatta and Odinga decided to pull out after they got wind of plans to change the format, pitting all eight candidates against each other.

President Uhuru Kenyatta will not participate in the presidential debates, David Murathe, vice chairman of the ruling Jubilee Party, said on Wednesday, citing insufficient consultation and format issues.

READ MORE: Kenyas Ogiek win land case against government

A party official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Jubilee had a problem with the president debating alongside small candidates.

We cannot subject the president to such kind of debate, but if it is him and Raila it is fine. But for now it is a no from us, the official said.





Odingas team also said he would not take part because of the new format.

How do you really get into the meat of things in just two minutes each, said Odingas top adviser Salim Lone. It would be impossible to have a substantive debate.

Kenya held its first ever televised presidential debate in 2013, including both Kenyatta and Odinga. Afterwards, Kenyatta complained that he had been unfairly targeted by moderators.

Kenyans go to the polls next month in national elections choosing from 14,500 candidates contesting in a series of races for president, governor, parliament and county assembly seats.

The vote comes a decade after the worst electoral clashes in Kenyan history when more than 1,100 people were killed in politically motivated ethnic violence.

The presidential race is predicted to be close, with Odinga heading an unprecedented opposition alliance in the hope of winning in his fourth run for the top job.

The election could swing either way, with five million new voters among the 19 million registered compared with the 2013 presidential polls.

On Monday, the European Union warned against possible violence in the forthcoming elections, while advocacy group Human Rights Watch said it had documented cases of intimidation and threats.
Iraqs Kurdish leader said that there was no turning back on a bid to achieve an independent Kurdish state, but he would pursue it through dialogue with Baghdad and regional powers to avoid conflict.

Masoud Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), told Reuters in an interview on Thursday that the timetable for independence after a September 25 vote on the issue was flexible but not open-ended. He expected a yes vote.

The vote could turn into another regional flashpoint, with states with sizable Kurdish populations (Turkey, Iran and Syria, along with Iraq) all resolutely opposed to an independent Kurdistan in northern Iraq. But Barzani played down such fears.

Within Iraqs borders, there is growing concern that the real purpose of the referendum is not secession, but to strengthen Kurdish claims over hotly disputed territory adjoining recognised KRG boundaries, such as the oil-rich region and city of Kirkuk, whose future has been in play for more than a decade.

READ MORE: Iraqi Kurds set date for independence referendum

At his palace in the hillside village of Salahaddin, Barzani said the vote would decide the fate of Kirkuk, which Kurdish Peshmerga forces prevented ISIL, also known as ISIS, from capturing in 2014.

Whatever the people of Kirkuk decide within the referendum, that decision should be respected, said a relaxed Barzani.

Barzani, a Kurdish nationalist who has long championed the rights of his people, said negotiations with Baghdad, neighbours and international powers would start immediately after the vote in order to reach an amicable agreement.

Our main goal is to implement and achieve the decision of our people through peace and dialogue, he said, wearing his traditional Peshmerga uniform.

Historic bid

Barzani accused the Shia-led Iraqi government, backed by Iran, of not sticking to a constitutional agreement of allowing the Kurds to have greater powers under a federal state set up after the US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003.

For 14 years we have been waiting and we have been discussing this partnership but we have always been told its not a good time and its not acceptable timing so my question is, when is the right time?

The Kurds have been seeking an independent state since at least the end of World War I, when colonial powers divided up the Middle East, but their territory ended up split between modern-day Iraq, Syria, Turkey and Iran.

READ MORE: Iraqi government rejects Kurdish move for independence

Saddams government waged the Anfal campaign against them in the 1980s, killing tens of thousands with poison gas in the city of Halabja.

Barzani said he was ready to allay the security concerns of Iraq, Turkey and Iran, saying that postponing independence would actually lead to greater instability.

We have proved that we are factors of stability, he said. So what we do through a referendum is prevent that upcoming instability. We want to cut any possibility of bloodshed in the future.

After Mosul

As the battle to recapture the Iraqi city of Mosul draws to a close, Barzani said victory is incomplete without a political reconciliation plan.

He accused the Iraqi government of failing to prepare a post-battle political, security and governance plan.

I warned if you are not going to have this political plan, the situation will reverse.

He said a high-level committee formed by the Kurdish region, the Baghdad government and a US-led military coalition to help Mosul leaders rebuild the city had never convened.

I have big concerns about the situation in Mosul and about post-liberation, because the end of ISIL in Mosul doesnt mean the end of ISIL. Those factors, the environment that brought it into Mosul, have not [changed].

I have a big concern about the future of the area. I hope I will be wrong.
Monitoring group says 38 children among the civilian victims of US-led coalition air raid since June 6.

At least 224 civilians have been killed in US-led coalition air strikes since the Syrian forces it backs entered ISILs stronghold of Raqqa a month ago, a monitoring group said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said on Thursday that at least 38 children and 28 women were among the air raid victims, adding that it did not have a toll for civilians killed in other ways, including by other military operations, mines, or while trying to flee the city.

Arab and Kurdish fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) broke into Raqqa on June 6 after a months-long operation to encircle the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group in the northern city.

SOHR said clashes and air strikes in Raqqa had killed 311 ISIL fighters and 106 SDF fighters since June 6.

WATCH: Inside Syrias Civil War  Arms and Resistance in Jobar

Tens of thousands of civilians are believed to be trapped inside Raqqa, with warnings that the armed group is using them as human shields.

Many Raqqa residents who have managed to escape said ISIL snipers are targeting anyone trying to leave the city.

The US-backed coalition is providing the SDFs campaign on Raqqa with heavy air support, as well as special forces advisers, weapons, and equipment.

Since ISIL captured Raqqa in early 2014, it has served as the de facto capital of the armed groups Syrian territory.
Airline CEO wants Airbus to deliver aircraft faster but media reports state order of four A350s has been cancelled.

Qatar Airways will not cancel its remaining Airbus A350 order over delays with the delivery of the long-haul jets, its chief executive said.

But the delays with the delivery of the long-haul jets are down to the manufacturers, according to Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al-Baker.

We are asking Airbus to deliver it faster, al-Baker said at a Dublin news conference on Thursday. The delay is from Airbus.





When asked whether he was scrapping orders, he responded: They have all our orders. They only need to deliver them to us.

Qatar Airways previously said delivery delays by Airbus forced to it push back expansion plans.

I have to scream at Airbus to get my planes faster. I am nearly eight destinations behind schedule because of delays in aircraft deliveries. I hope this will be resolved during this year, al-Baker said at the ITB travel fair in Berlin in March.

The Doha-based airline also recently ordered two Boeing 747-8 freighters, al-Baker said.

Later, Reuters news agency reported, citing an Airbus spokesman, that Qatar Airways cancelled orders for four A350s, worth $311m each, because of the delivery delays.

We confirm that Qatar Airways has cancelled four of their contractual A350 delivery slots, Reuters quoted the Airbus spokesman as saying. The decision was related to known supply chain issues.

Asked what would happen to the undelivered 283-seat jets, he said, they will be reallocated.

Meanwhile, Qatar Airways is to press on with plans to build a stake of up to 4.75 percent in American Airlines in the near future, al-Baker said.

The state-owned carrier notified American Airlines last month that it was interested in buying up to 10 percent of its shares but would not exceed 4.75 percent without the approval of Americans board.

We will be able to start buying shares in the open market soon, depending of course on what is the share value, he said, adding that the share purchases will start as soon as Qatar receives regulatory approval.
National carrier joins other Gulf airlines in allowing passengers to carry electronic devices on board to the US.

Qatar Airways has joined two other major long-haul carriers in the Gulf in getting off a US laptop ban list.

The airline on Thursday said that with immediate effect, all personal electronic devices can be carried on board all departures from Hamad International Airport to destinations in the United States.

Hamad International Airport in Doha is the hub of Qatar Airways.

Important update on carrying personal electronic items on flights to the U.S.A. Please visit https://t.co/tOPhlj6TiQ for more details.  Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) July 6, 2017

Qatars national carrier said it met all requirements of the US Department of Homeland Securitys new security guidelines.

The airline did not discuss specifics about what it did to appease US officials.

READ MORE: Emirates, Turkish Airlines say US laptop ban lifted

In March, the United States imposed the ban on flights originating at 10 airports in eight countries  Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Turkey  to address fears that bombs could be concealed in electronic devices taken aboard aircraft.





Qatar Airways joins Abu Dhabi-based Etihad, Dubai-based Emirates and Istanbul-based Turkish Airlines in getting off the list.

While the Gulf airlines have not commented on security procedures, Turkish officials said they now use CT scanners to examine passengers electronics.

There was no immediate comment available from US officials on the lifting of the ban on the named carriers.

The US laptop ban still applies to nonstop US-bound flights from six airports in Amman, Kuwait City, Cairo, Jeddah, Riyadh and Casablanca.

Saudi Arabian Airlines has said it hopes to be off the ban list on or before July 19.

Royal Air Maroc also expects the ban to be lifted by July 19, a senior official from the state-owned company said on Thursday.

Negotiations with the US authorities are under way and we expect the ban to end by July 19 at the latest, the official said.
US vows to defend itself and allies against North Koreas missile threat if necessary, but prefers to use trade clout.

The United States vowed to use military force to defend the country and its allies against North Korea if necessary but said it prefers to use its clout in international trade to address the growing threat.

In a hard-hitting speech at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council after Pyongyangs successful launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), US Ambassador Nikki Haley on Wednesday said that the world has become a more dangerous place and China has a key role in promoting peace.

China is responsible for 90 percent of trade with North Korea and Haley warned that Beijing risks its massive trade with the US if its business dealings with Pyongyang violate UN sanctions.

OPINION: Is war coming to North Korea?

She said the US does nott seek conflict  in fact, we seek to avoid it.

But she said the launch of an ICBM is a clear and sharp military escalation and the US is prepared to use its considerable military forces to defend itself and its allies if we must.

But Haley said the Trump administration prefers not to go in that direction but to use its great capabilities in the area of trade to address those who threaten us and  those who supply the threats.

Another resolution

Until recently, American officials had been describing China as a partner in their strategy to prevent North Korea from developing the ability to attack the US mainland with nuclear weapons.

But US President Donald Trump has expressed growing irritation at Beijings reluctance to tighten the screw on Pyongyang over its nuclear and missile programmes.

There are countries that are allowing, even encouraging trade with North Korea, in violation of UN Security Council resolutions, Haley said.

Such countries would also like to continue their trade arrangements with the United States, she said.





Thats not going to happen. Our attitude on trade changes when countries do not take international security threats seriously.

Haley said the seven UN sanctions resolutions havent gotten North Korea to change its destructive course, and she stressed that much of the burden of enforcing the resolutions rests with China because of its overwhelming trade with its neighbour.

Declaring that it is time to do more, Haley announced that the US will put forward a new Security Council resolution in the coming days that raises the international response in a way that is proportionate to North Koreas escalation.

She gave no details but said that if the council is united the international community can cut off major sources of hard currency to North Korea, restrict oil to their military and weapons programmes, increase aerial and maritime restrictions, and hold senior officials accountable.

Al Jazeeras Gabriel Elizondo, reporting from the United Nations in New York, said that the Security Council has tried to curtail North Koreas nuclear programme for nearly a decade.

But its clear that after this latest missile launch, that continued pressure doesnt seem to have deterred North Korea.

But the US also said if the council can not reach agreement, the US is prepared to go its own way  what that could entail nobody knows, but it certainly would raise the chances of an end to a diplomatic solution.

The China-Russia proposal

China and Russia  whose presidents met in Moscow on Tuesday and will be attending the G20 summit with Trump in Hamburg, Germany, later this week where North Korea is certain to be a key issue  proposed a plan for defusing tensions on the Korean Peninsula that their ambassadors reiterated to the council.

The China-Russia plan includes a suspension-for-suspension  a North Korea moratorium on nuclear and missile tests while the US and South Korea refrain from large-scale military exercises  and a plan towards peace and denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

We call on all parties concerned to exercise restraint, avoid provocative actions and belligerent rhetoric, demonstrate the will for unconditional dialogue and work actively together to defuse the tension, said Chinas UN ambassador, Liu Jieyi.

READ MORE: North Korea threat boosts bomb shelter sales in Japan

China is firmly opposed to chaos and confrontation on the peninsula. Military means must not be an option in this regard.

Russian Deputy Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov echoed the call for restraint rather than provocation and war mongering. He stressed that any attempts to justify a military solution are inadmissible and will lead to unpredictable consequences for the region.

Attempts to economically strangle North Korea are equally unacceptable as millions of people are in great humanitarian need, Safronkov said.

He also signalled that the US will likely have a tough time getting Security Council approval for a new sanctions resolution.

All must acknowledge that sanctions will not resolve the issue, Safronkov said. In that manner, we simply rush towards a stalemate.
Russian defence ministry believes missile tested on Tuesday was of medium range and wants the US to amend its statement.

Russia has blocked a UN Security Council statement calling for significant measures in response to North Koreas test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, arguing that the missile was in fact of medium range.

The United States circulated the statement for adoption by the 15-member council after announcing plans for a new sanctions resolution, but Russia raised objections, UN diplomats said.





The draft statement recalled that the council agreed to take further significant measures in the event of another nuclear test or missile launch and that the top UN body would begin to work immediately on such measures.

Russia, though, contested the statements reference to an intercontinental missile launched by North Korea, diplomats said.

The Russian mission to the United Nations insisted it had not blocked the statement but rather suggested that the United States make appropriate amendments to it.

The Russian delegation could not agree to define the launch as an intercontinental ballistic missile test, the mission said, adding that the Russian defence ministry believed, based on its tracking systems, that the missile was of medium range.

The United States refused to drop the reference to the intercontinental missile and negotiations on the proposed text ended, diplomats said.

The United States and the United Nations have said the Hwasong-14 launched on Tuesday was of intercontinental range.

The draft statement included a strong condemnation of the launch, setting the stage for a draft resolution on tougher sanctions that the United States said it planned to present in the coming days.

INFOGRAPHIC: What is the reach of North Koreas missiles?

Addressing an emergency council meeting on Wednesday, Russian Deputy Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov said Moscow opposed the move, arguing that sanctions will not resolve the issue.

US Ambassador Nikki Haley called the launch a clear and sharp military escalation and warned that Washington was ready to use military force but we prefer not to have to go in that direction.

The launch, described by leader Kim Jong-Un as a gift to Americans as they prepared to celebrate Independence Day, marked a milestone in Pyongyangs decades-long drive for the capability to threaten the US mainland with a nuclear strike.

US President Donald Trump said he was considering some very severe things to respond to North Koreas test launch, calling the countrys behaviour a shame.

He said North Korea was behaving in a very, very dangerous manner and that something would have to be done about it.
Dozens more injured as the heavily-loaded truck crashed outside the town of Bambari on its way to a weekly market.

At least 78 people were killed and dozens more were injured when a truck heavily loaded with goods and passengers crashed in the Central African Republic, a doctor said on Wednesday.

The accident occurred on Tuesday around 10 kilometres outside the town of Bambari, around 300km northeast of the capital Bangui, as the truck was travelling to a weekly market day in the village of Maloum.

At the moment, we have counted 78 dead and 72 wounded. Some wounded were taken directly to their homes from the accident scene and died there sometime after, but most died here, said Chamberlain Bama, chief doctor at the university hospital in Bambari, according to Reuters news agency.

A member of parliament from Bambari said the truck was overloaded and travelling faster than normal.

OPINION: Worlds most neglected conflict rages on in the CAR

They were driving fast to make it to the market on time. Thats what probably caused the accident, Amaseka Topi told Reuters.

Most of the people killed were travelling on the back of the truck, local trader Oumar Tidjani told the DPA news agency.





Decades of neglect have left the landlocked countrys road system in ruins and safety regulations are rarely enforced.

Due to lack of other transportation, people in the Central African Republic regularly resort to travelling in overloaded trucks, which are often in a poor condition.

Local resident Hubert Tchenebou told AFP news agency it was not the first time an accident involving an overloaded truck had happened in the area.

There are police and UN forces (in the area), but they let vehicles pass on which people are perched like birds, said Tchenebou, reached by telephone.

The CAR is racked by violence unleashed after mainly Muslim rebels ousted President Francois Bozize in 2013, provoking a backlash from Christian militias.

Thousands have died and a fifth of Central Africans have fled their homes.
US president says North Korea missile tests are very, very dangerous, warning something has to be done about it.

President Donald Trump says he is considering some very severe things to respond to North Koreas test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile.

But he added that that does not mean he would follow through on them.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda in Warsaw on Thursday, Trump said he wanted to look at what happens over the coming weeks and months and called North Koreas behaviour a shame.

He said North Korea was behaving in a very, very dangerous manner and that something would have to be done about it.

READ MORE: US  Ready to use force in North Korea if we must

North Korea launched the missile earlier this week.

Al Jazeeras James Bays, reporting from Warsaw, said the issue shall be a topic of discussion when Trump meets with world leaders in Germany later this week.

Expect a bit of a difficult meeting with Chinas President Xi Jinping because President Trump had put a lot of his eggs in the China basket in dealing with North Korea.

Trump hosted Xi at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida in April, where relations between the two countries looked good.

Trump even talked about serving Xi a wonderful chocolate cake. Well, the chocolate cake clearly didnt get the results that President Trump hoped because he certainly has been tweeting that China has not been doing enough to pressure North Korea, Bays said.

On Wednesday, Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the UN, said the US may use military force to defend the country and its allies against North Korea if necessary, but said it prefers to use its clout in international trade to address what she said was a growing threat.

In a hard-hitting speech at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council after Pyongyangs successful launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), Haley said that the world has become a more dangerous place and China has a key role in promoting peace.

China is responsible for 90 percent of trade with North Korea and Haley warned that Beijing risks its massive trade with the US if its business dealings with Pyongyang violate UN sanctions.

She said the US doesnt seek conflict  in fact we seek to avoid it.

But she said the launch of an ICBM is a clear and sharp military escalation and the US is prepared to use its considerable military forces to defend itself and its allies if we must.

But Haley said the Trump administration prefers not to go in that direction but to use its great capabilities in the area of trade to address those who threaten us and  those who supply the threats.
Most children in Yemen lack medical care, adequate nutrition, fresh water, sanitation and education, UN body says.

About 10 million children in Yemen are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, according to UNICEF, as the country copes with the war between the Saudi-backed government forces and the Houthi rebels.

In a statement posted on its official Facebook page on Thursday, UNICEFs Yemen office said that most children in Yemen lacked basic medical care, adequate nutrition, fresh drinking water, suitable sanitation and education.





The World Food Programme said more than 17 million Yemenis do not know where their next meal will come from.

Also on Thursday, Jamie McGoldrick, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Yemen, said at a news conference in the capital, Sanaa, that aid groups in Yemen have pulled resources from the fight against malnutrition to battle the cholera outbreak in the country, raising risk of famine as they struggle to find funds.

Were trying to do our best, but its very much beyond what we can cope with, he said.

Cholera outbreak

On Wednesday, Stephane Dujarric, the UN spokesman, said the cholera outbreak that started in April has spread to Yemens all 21 governorates.

There have been 270,000 suspected cases of cholera in Yemen and more than 1,600 deaths from the disease since late April, he said.

He said the World Health Organisation and its partners received 400 tonnes of medical supplies and equipment on Tuesday, including 30 ambulances and kits to treat 10,000 people in Aden and Hodeida.

Dujarric told reporters on Wednesday that WHOs partners will set up 2,350 beds at 600 points throughout Yemen to treat cholera victims with oral rehydration.

A two-year Saudi-led campaign against Houthi rebels in Yemen has damaged infrastructure and caused medicine shortages in the Arab worlds poorest country.

According to UN officials, more than 10,000 people have been killed in the war, while more than 11 percent of the population has been displaced as a direct result of the conflict.
Counting is under way in Papua New Guineas sprawling elections, officials said, but voting has been marred by claims of rigging, electoral roll flaws and ballot paper shortages.

The last polling stations are due to close on Saturday after two weeks of voting for the 111-seat parliament across the vast and remote country where previous elections have been tarnished by violence.

The Pacific nations leader, Peter ONeill of the Peoples National Congress (PNC), has hailed this years poll as calm and peaceful, even as some voters complained that their names had vanished from the electoral roll.

Cash allowance

Students in the second largest city, Lae, burnt ballot papers after complaining that an insufficient amount was allocated to their university, while election officials were found carrying US$57,000 in cash, media reported.

The electoral commission later reportedly said the money was an allowance for polling staff.

Meanwhile voting in the capital, Port Moresby, was delayed for several days after polling officials went on strike over unpaid allowances.

Polling and now counting is a success. We should be proud that this election we have managed [to] see it through, Electoral Commissioner Patilius Gamato told Thursdays Post-Courier, adding he would not declare the poll a failure.

ONeill on Wednesday slammed opposition politicians for questioning the commissions integrity after they called for results in his Ialibu-Pangia seat not to be declared first as it could give the PNC an advantage.

Let the electoral commission get on with its job, and in that process, these failed leaders of the past must stop trying to tarnish constitutional office holders, ONeill said in a statement.

There is no opinion polling in PNG, so it is unclear who holds the advantage. But no party has ever won a majority, meaning a coalition is likely, held together by strategic political appointments.

ONeills main threat is seen as Don Polyes Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party.

Polye on Monday claimed leaders in Hela electorate had been deliberately and openly rigging the election, calling on Gamato to declare the vote in the province as failed, the Post-Courier said.

Former New Zealand governor-general Sir Anand Satyanand, who heads the Commonwealth Observer Group monitoring the elections, said it was too early to declare any failure.

Election officials  have got a week to put measures in a better place than they are at the moment, he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Monday.

I would not responsibly use the word failed.

Whether it reaches a pass mark is for this week to establish.
A dispute between Qatar and other Arab states is at an impasse and could even intensify, the US state department says.

The US state department has warned that the Gulf crisis between Qatar and its neighbours is at an impasse and could potentially drag on for weeks or even months.

The US believes the crisis could possibly even intensify, Heather Nauert, the spokeswoman for the state department, said on Thursday.

Nauert did not specify what type of escalation the US fears, but she said Secretary of State Rex Tillerson remains in close contact with the countries involved.

We remain very concerned about that ongoing situation between Qatar and GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries, she said.

Weve become increasingly concerned that that dispute is at an impasse at this point. We believe that this could potentially drag on for weeks. It could drag on for months.

Later on Thursday, a State Department statement said Tillerson would be travelling to Kuwait on Monday to discuss efforts to resolve the Gulf crisis.

READ MORE: All the latest updates about the Gulf crisis

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt cut ties to Qatar a month ago, accusing it of funding terrorism and spreading unrest.

Qatar has denied allegations and refused to comply in whole with a list of demands.

The White House on Thursday confirmed that President Donald Trump discussed the Qatar-Gulf crisis with German Chancellor Angela Merkel ahead of the G20 summit that starts on Friday.

In a phone conversation with Russias Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday, Egypts top diplomat Sameh Shoukry reiterated the four Arab states position of rejecting Qatars support for terrorism and extremism.

Also on Thursday, Saudi Arabia accused Doha of being behind more than 23,000 Twitter accounts it blames for trying to stoke dissent in Saudi Arabia.

We found over 23,000 Twitter accounts driven by Qatar, some of them linked to accounts calling for revolution in Saudi Arabia, Saudi Information Minister Awwad Saleh al-Awwad told AFP news agency during a visit to the French capital, Paris.
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Bold, fearless and tearing up tracks across the West Bank: meet the first all-female racing car team in the Middle East.

Editors note: This film is no longer available to view online.

Despite a tangle of roadblocks and checkpoints, a thriving street car racing scene has emerged in the occupied West Bank. Held at improvised tracks, the races offer a release from the pressures and uncertainties of life under military occupation.

Brought together by a common desire to live life on their own terms, the Speed Sisters have joined the ranks of dozens of male drivers competing against each other for the title, for bragging rights for their hometown, and to prove that women can go head-to-head with the guys.

Weaving together their lives on and off the track, Speed Sisters sheds light on the rivalries within the team, the pressures the women feel from their communities, and their drive to go further and faster than anyone thought they could.

FILMMAKERS VIEW

By Amber Fares

Post-9/11, I felt that I needed to better understand my Arab heritage in order to make sense of what was going on in the country where I was born, Canada.

The reaction in Canada was very similar to the one in the United States. I suddenly felt like I went from being a citizen to a suspect in a blink of an eye.

In 2002, I packed my bags and went to Lebanon for four months to work with Palestinian refugees. This started my fascination with the Middle East and my desire to use film as a way to humanise one of todays most talked-about, yet misrepresented others in the media.

After some years, I found myself in Palestine, where I had been introduced to some female racing car drivers. We became friends and they invited me to join them at a race in Jenin. I had never been to Jenin before, but I did know that it had a reputation for being a tough place with a lot of tough guys who were proud of their fierce freedom fighters during the First and Second Intifadas.

Following one of the women around as she searched for a car to race with, I eventually found myself on a side street in Jenin. While she was test-driving a car by pulling doughnuts in the middle of the street with several dozen young men watching her and cheering her on, I was struck by both the fact that there are women racing car drivers in Palestine and by the amount of support they were receiving.

Here began my journey with the Speed Sisters, the Middle Easts first all-female racing car driving team.

I spent four years with the Speed Sisters, forging a very personal relationship with each of them and their families. They each took me on a ride through Palestine that I will never forget.

They also taught me how important it was to push boundaries while being respectful to your community. Each one of them deeply loved their community and culture and wanted to do what they loved to do with the support of their community. They taught me about resistance, not giving up and being true to yourself.

ALSO READ: Palestines fast and furious females

I always thought this story would break many stereotypes about Arab women, even among Arab women themselves. But what I didnt expect is that it would also have me questioning my own stereotypes with regards to Middle Eastern society and Arab men.

It would have been easy to fall into the trap of fulfilling outside expectations and crafting a story on the fight against oppression by men. But in doing so I would only be reinforcing outside stereotypes of Arab men, and global stereotypes of the distinction between men and women.

Maybe worse, the film would have overlooked and done an injustice to all those guys who have supported the Speed Sisters.

The head of the federation created a space for the women to race, the other male racers were incredibly supportive and helped their female counterparts whenever they could  and Marahs father was as supportive as anyone could be.

By making their support a part of the story and sharing these mens perspectives, I hoped to provide some counterbalance to the Western narrative of the Arab male, as well as providing positive role models for gender attitudes for other men.

On the surface, Speed Sisters is about a team of female racing car drivers from Palestine. But more importantly, it is a film about the human drive to break through the obstacles in our lives in order to be true to ourselves  and our dreams. I believe that the story of the Speed Sisters can open up worlds of possibility in the imaginations of men and women, girls and boys in the Middle East and around the world.
Five days after warning her father about her safety, Eukelia Tershell Davis was found dead with three gunshot wounds on her boyfriends bedroom floor.

If something ever happens to me. Pablo J Johnson September 3 1965 did it! I love u, Davis wrote in a text message to her father June 24, according to a Gainesville Police arrest report.

GPD found Davis body June 29 in her boyfriends apartment, at 2841 SW 37th Place, with a gunshot wound in her left bicep, right forearm and the center of her back, according to the report. Officers said the two shots in her arms were likely the result of her raising them in a defensive position.

Police arrested Davis boyfriend, 51-year-old Pablo Jermaris Johnson, at the Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Center last week after an employee called to tell police about Johnsons strange behavior, according to the report.

According to the report, the employee told police Johnson told her he messed up real bad and thinks he might go to prison, describing how he got into a fight with a woman on the night of June 28  and that she wasnt breathing.

GPDs records showed that May 3, 2016, Davis told police that Johnson had threatened to shoot her and punch her in the nose.

Nearby residents told police they heard taps at about 5:30 a.m. June 29 that they believed to be gunshots, according the report.

Johnson told police that he and Davis had been dating for four years and that the relationship had become increasingly violent over time. He told police the couple fought the night of June 28 and that Davis struck him on his left eyebrow. According to the report, Johnson told police he asked Davis to leave his apartment when she then grabbed his bag.

According to the report, during his interview with police, Johnson shook his head and said, It happened so fast  it just happened so fast.

Police said at no time did Johnson say or tell others that he acted in self-defense against Davis, according to the report.

As of Wednesday evening, Johnson is being held in the Alachua County Jail without bond.

He faces a charge of premeditated murder of the first degree.

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Democrats have been criticized from within their own ranks for focusing on the issue of Russian interference in the 2016 election when an economic message could be more effective against Republicans, who are in the middle of pushing an extremely unpopular health care bill through Congress. In his testimony to the Senate Intelligence Committee earlier last month, former FBI Director James Comey insisted that all Americans should be concerned about the prospect of a foreign power influencing the outcome of a Democratic election. He told the committee, Its not about Republicans or Democrats. Theyre coming after America, which I hope we all love equally. They want to undermine our credibility in the face of the world.

But theres no denying that the issue can feel remote; it only directly concerns officials at the highest levels of the Russian and American governments, along with anonymous computer hackers on the other side of the world. The principal victims were Hillary Clinton and high-ranking members of her campaign, hardly avatars for the average American. And, oh yeah, it all happened seven months ago  theres a great temptation, especially if you support the president, to believe the past is in the past, and Democrats should move on.

The trouble with that line of thinking is that Russias interference operation is not in the past. Former CIA director John Brennan said in May that Russia could try to interfere in the 2018 midterm elections in the U.S. Such an operation would broadly differ from the 2016 attacks in two ways: First, Russia could intervene on behalf of candidates from both parties, depending on who would best serve their interests, and second, the attacks could have a deeper impact at the local and state level.

This serves to underscore the continued importance of the Russia issue to the American voter. Vladimir Putins campaign to undermine American democracy did not end in 2016: It is ongoing, and some Republicans may soon find themselves in the same position Democrats were in last year.

Moreover, the more involved Russia becomes in state and local elections, the greater the chance that this issue will have a tangible effect on ordinary citizens. Russias actions arent just a threat to some abstract notion of democratic choice or electoral integrity  when these hackers get into voter rolls, they gain access to voters personal information.

Particularly troubling were the reports Thursday that Russian hackers were able to access and alter state and local election databases in 2016, in some cases stealing voters driver's license and Social Security numbers. Additionally, it emerged last week that the Russians targeted Dallas County voter registration rolls during the election last year  so this is an issue that should matter to Texans, specifically. If they can do this in Dallas, they can do it in Austin, Houston, San Antonio and more.

Russia intervened in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. That much has been concluded with high confidence by the intelligence community, and even begrudgingly admitted by the president himself, on whose behalf the Russians intervened. But its not enough to acknowledge this fact: local, state and federal officials should be doing everything they can to prepare for future attempts at interference, by Russia or by any other foreign agent. As Comey himself warned in his testimony, they will be back.

A version of this column by Sam Groves originally ran in the Daily Texan.

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As President Donald Trump gained popularity, the informational canal politicians use to reach the American people changed. Instead of news briefings, professional interviews and dignified speeches, politicians have turned to Twitter as their main form of communication with their constituents.

At first glance, using social media to communicate with the country seems like a genius idea. Almost everyone is on it, and reading 140 characters is easier than watching a 30-minute newscast or reading a 500-word article. The problem, however, is that politicians are losing their professionalism when they rely on Twitter to relay information.

On July 4, Nikki Haley, the current U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, tweeted out something less than patriotic. The tweet stated, Spending my 4th in meetings all day. #ThanksNorthKorea. The sarcastic and disrespectful complaint left us in disbelief. On a day meant to celebrate our nation, Haley had the audacity to complain about her job serving the American people. She showed little respect for our nation within 54 characters.

Never have we seen politicians be so blatantly honest about the discontent they feel for their job. Then again, never have politicians been encouraged to use social media to connect with the public.

In the past, politicians have used social media purely for promotional reasons, their accounts controlled by someone in a communications or public relations department. This ensured a level of professionalism for their social media posts that most people would not have. As a result, it was easy to tell the difference between a tweet from the president about foreign diplomacy and a tweet from your best friend Becky about a fight she had with her boyfriend.

Nowadays, the tweets might as well be identical.

Trump regularly uses Twitter to comment on issues that someone of his position should be paying little attention to. He calls out celebrities and pokes fun at other politicians. He publishes statements without confirming their validity. He attacks those who dont support him. He shares every thought that runs through his mind.

Tweeting these types of things is fine, of course, for someone who is not the president.

Even college students are able to understand the importance of their presence on social media. Many of us have separate professional and personal accounts. Occasionally we post things we wouldnt want a boss to see. The difference? We have the common sense to control who views our content and the decency to filter what we post.

Haleys recent blunder is just one example of Trump-era politicians following suit with the immaturity our president has shown on social media. Its important to note this issue is not one of liberals versus conservatives. Both Democrats and Republicans are guilty of representing themselves poorly on social media.

We realize these politicians probably think they are doing America a favor. Unfortunately their thought process is vastly flawed. While they want to appear more relatable to their constituents, we simply need distance from politicians. We dont elect them to be our friends, we elect them to represent our nation in an honorable way. When they act out on social media, they fail us. Politicians need to uphold a higher level of professionalism, and they need to express a level of respect for all of their constituents, not just their supporters.

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A Gainesville record label will be releasing an album by a newly-signed pop duo from Paris this summer.

The artists, Joachim Polack and Juliette Davis, met when they were 14 years old as they were growing up in Paris. They followed their shared love of music to Gainesville, Polack said.

Polack and Davis both received their masters degree in music and musicology from Paris-Sorbonne University. After they graduated, Polack realized he was not ready to stop his musical education, he said.

The two realized their passion for Brazilian music at the age of 17, and Polack always had a dream to study the genre, he said.

Polack discovered that UFs doctoral program in music has a specialization in Brazilian music and studies, so two years ago he moved to Gainesville and began working toward his Ph.D., he said.

Polack said the Brazilian bossa nova music of the 60s attempted to achieve a young, fresh sound that incorporated jazz harmonies and classical music with Brazilian folkloric harmonies. This attention to composition is something he said he channels in his own music.

To a lot of people it now sounds like elevator music, bossa nova, but to me its like the most beautiful thing in the world, he said.

Davis said a year after Polack moved to Gainesville, she followed him, and the two started their band, Pearl & The Oysters.

Davis said, When he told me he was going to the states, I was like OK, why not?

Not long after Davis came to Gainesville, she and Polack were picked up by Elestial Sound, a Gainesville-based record label, she said.

Rob Kowalski, the label manager for Elestial Sound, said when the label found Davis and Polack, they knew they had something special, and they helped to connect them with other Gainesville musicians so they could start their band.

Its a very nostalgic, pop type of thing that makes you think of Stereolab or broadcast, Kowalski said. Its cute and idiosyncratic, and it doesnt take itself too seriously, which is why Im a big fan.

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Elestial Sound was established in 2011 with the simple intention of putting out friends music in Gainesville, Kowalski said.

Today it has grown to include about 50 active graphic designers, visual artists and musicians throughout the years, he said.

Elestial Sound describes itself as a cooperatively owned record label for future art that specializes in large-scale multimedia installations and immersive performance environments, Kowalski said.

The label broke ground on a multimillion-dollar headquarters this May, which will include two professional recording studios, a fabrication studio for installations, a few artist apartments and art studios, he said.

Joining our label is turning a key to artist development, Kowalski said. Its really nurturing, and there is a community of people who are there to engage with the musician. Its not about the notoriety or fame or money either, its purely about nurturing the artist community.

When the art community received wind of Pearl & The Oysters, they were booked as headliners for a fundraiser performance that occurred in April for the Gainesville Underground Theatre Festival, said Tyler Francischine, the director of marketing and communications for the festival.

I think theyre absolutely incredible, and thats coming from someone whos spent 10 years in Gainesville with this music scene, Francischine said.

For Polack and Davis, their performance at the fundraiser was their first live show in the U.S. They had performed with bands in Paris, but never in Gainesville, Polack said.

He said there is a sense of spontaneity and collaboration in Gainesville that he never felt growing up in Paris.

People are willing to give time and put out the best of themselves and their creativity, in Paris it was harder to be taken seriously if your art wasnt dark and mysterious, he said.

Polack said he and Davis began recording their new album in Paris and finished it upon arriving in Gainesville.

The album coming out this summer is like a geographical fantasy world that we made up in a very transitional moment in our lives because we were moving, he said. I was fantasizing about what Florida would be like from old ads and movies. The whole premise behind the album was to kind of reconcile this weird geographical paradox.

One of the singles from the album, Vitamin D, was released in late June on a 17-track compilation of Elestial Sound artists, with the rest of their album, titled w/ Pearl & The Oysters, set to be released Sept. 15.

Polack said they didnt expect anything when they moved to Gainesville.

Actually, thats a lie, Davis said. We looked on Wikipedia before we came here. It said Gainesville was the No. 1 place to start a band in America, so I knew wed be alright.
Silk Way West Airlines, a growing cargo operator based in Azerbaijan, and Alaska Airlines on Thursday signed contracts with Boeing for two freighters apiece  but that is where the similarities ended. Silk Way West said it will take two 777-8s, the largest plane available from Boeing (NYSE: BA) and one so modern it isnt []
Of all of his many remarkable tweets, President Trumps infamous one from last Thursday mocking Mika Brzezinski now has the distinction of being the most viewed and covered. Much of the coverage has been decidedly negative and, as one would expect, most of those offended are either Democrats, establishment Republicans, or media figures. But this weekend Alan West weighed in against President Trump.

As you probably know, Lieutenant Colonel West served in the House of Representatives as a Republican from Florida. And hes certainly no flailing old woman of the nominal right. Before his time in Congress, he saw combat in the Army during both Iraq wars, and youd be hard pressed to find any public figure whos been more consistently, comprehensively, and unflinchingly conservative. So, what exactly is his beef?

Well, surprisingly, some of his complaints are typical of those who have a visceral distaste for the Presidents style. In an opening aside, he tells us that defending the Presidents tweets would be no different from liberal progressives who were able to excuse the abhorrent actions of President Bill Clinton in the Oval Office with a young intern.

Its hard to know what to make of this criticism, because its almost impossible to believe that Lt. Colonel West doesnt see the difference in scale between President Trumps insulting words and President Clintons reprehensible actions. But West goes on to criticize the former on purely tactical grounds, so its here that his real complaint surely must lie. West garnered the lifelong esteem of all hardcore conservatives when he famously fired his gun close to a prisoners head during an interrogation in Iraq. Wests bold move was a success -- the prisoner talked  and West later justified his action as follows: "I know the method I used was not right, but I wanted to take care of my soldiers." So, he clearly wouldnt engage in this silly and out of proportion moral fussiness if he thought President Trumps tweets made tactical sense.

But Wests critique of the Presidents tactics depends upon misunderstanding the circumstances, the man, what hes doing and, oddly enough, Wests own political history. He advises the President:

So what if folks are over-the-top critical of you and speaking of you in demeaning, disparaging and denigrating terms? Hey, welcome to the world of being a black conservative. The professional and adult response is not to respond at all; never punch down Mr. President. You must maintain the moral high ground If you continue to show yourself as being so very thin-skinned, well, this little Pavlovian experiment will continue. The liberal progressive media is truly unhinged. You should not continue to take the bait or be an accomplice and follow them over the edge. The first course of action is to ignore the left, and realize that you won. You are the president. The left and their media are not required to legitimize you, but you must stop giving them legitimate reasons for their assessments. They want a reaction. Stop giving them one. When you willingly provide them a reaction, you lower yourself to their level. I know Mr. President, youre from New York and pride yourself as some kind of street fighter. But toughness isnt measured by blindly swinging and wasting energy at every single affront. You sir must learn to fight smarter, not harder. Theres no honor in what you did and how you responded. I know theres many a sycophant telling you to go git em, and youre really showing them up? Really? You want to show up the left? Defeat them ideologically, as you have the worlds greatest platform, the bully pulpit, so theres no need to just be a bully on Twitter. How about this Mr. President, tweet out why Medicaid for everyone is a really stupid idea. Stay on a disciplined policy message, and dont allow yourself to be like a dog seeing a squirrel and completely losing focus.

In comparing the President to a dog seeing a squirrel and describing his responses as Pavlovian, West makes the same mistakes that Trumps enemies make. He cant understand President Trumps responses in any other terms except as indicating someone out of control and blindly giving in to impulse. The Presidents critics very likely make this mistaken assumption because its the only way they could imagine themselves responding as he does.

But, if weve learned anything over the past few years, its that President Trump isnt like everyone else. And upon reflection, it really ought to be impossible for any unbiased observer to believe that President Trump has succeeded as a developer, television star, and in so many other walks of life, with the impulse control of a five-year-old. The Presidents wife not only knows him better than his critics, she also gave a much more plausible account of whats going on. President Trump acts on a principle: when attacked, counter attack 10 times harder. And someone as successful as President Trump almost certainly acts on this principle because he believes it makes strategic sense.

Thomas Lifson and Keith Koffler have each explained that the Presidents strategy is, in fact, well grounded in human psychology. To quote Koffler:

Trumps calculation is this: By baiting the media with his Twitter account, Trump is both revealing and provoking their instinctive liberal bias, helping undermine their legitimacy. And he is maintaining the energy and commitment of his voter base, which reviles the mainstream press.

And Gregory Winkeleer has pointed out that the Presidents tweets serve the further purpose of distracting his media opponents from other news, like the House passing Kates Law, that would have otherwise generated a lot of melodramatic and misleading negative coverage. And Winkeleer appears to be right on target here. If you google Kates Law youll get many results like this: 'Kate's Law' would usher anti-immigration policies in the U.S But they are all from June 29th, the day of the infamous tweet, or earlier. And its hard to believe that absent that tweet, these stories wouldnt have continued for days.

Wests suggestion that the President should have tweeted on policy matters instead also makes no sense. President Trump sent out 13 tweets on July 29th, 11 of which touted policy successes. But the media focused entirely on the two insulting tweets directed at Mika Brzezinski. A brief perusal of the Presidents twitter feed shows that hes constantly tweeting about policy but that these tweets are virtually never covered. And its ridiculous to suppose that the hostile media would cover them if only hed stop with the few and far between insulting ones.

So, contrary to Allen West and the Presidents enemies, the President very likely knows exactly what hes doing. But West was an early Never Trumper. And, though he changed his mind and declared his willingness to support the President as soon as it became clear that hed clinched the nomination, its perhaps not surprising that he still doesnt quite get Donald Trump.

But what is surprising is that Wests advice to the President seems to misconstrue his own political history. As West says, being a black conservative means he knows exactly what its like to be attacked unfairly. In his 2012 race to retain his congressional seat, his opponent ran an ad in which West was depicted as repeatedly punching a white woman in the face. West did exactly what hes now advising the President to do. He took the moral high ground, responding that the ad played on stereotypes and reflected the sad state of politics in our Republic. But, unfortunately for both the Lt. Colonel and our Republic, he lost his bid for re-election and thereafter abandoned politics. This was Wests third campaign and his second loss, this time as an incumbent. One can only wonder what the results would have been had he adopted the Presidents strategies rather than his own.

Taking the high road in the face of offensive attacks certainly allows one to feel morally superior. But it also lends credence to your opponents attacks and de-energizes your base. Im sure Im not alone in remembering how demoralizing it was to watch President W. Bush take the vilest insults without responding or breaking that good-natured smile.

Donald Trumps intuitive understanding of human psychology allowed him to win the Presidency in his very first run at public office. Moreover, he did so with virtually all the media, both left and right, and even much of his own party against him. He also buried both the Bush and Clinton political dynasties and he did so spending a fraction of the money they did. These accomplishments are remarkable but its perhaps more remarkable how little his opponents, and even some friends like Allen West, appreciate them and give him the credit he so obviously deserves. Whether one likes his style or not, the President has a record of winning that should command respect from any clear eyed and rational person.

Michael Thau works as a freelance ghostwriter and content marketer. He can be reached at thauwordsmith@gmail.com.
Next weeks G-20 meeting in Hamburg promises to be more interesting than usual. The expected unhinged leftist crowds are already much in evidence and could be counted on for a dose of violence and turmoil. More seriously, this time the fireworks are more likely to come from inside the conference rooms than outside. In preparation for the event, the German chancellor Angela Merkel has already accused Trump of Abshottung (door closure or foreclosure) and promised to challenge him directly on a number of issues. Whether she already feels like the leader of the free world (as many pundits are trying to convince her that she actually is), or not is unclear, but she obviously has Trump in mind when she argues that abshottung from climate change, terrorism and migration is a huge mistake, or when she promises to conduct negotiations so that they serve the Paris Agreements. No wonder her partys election platform for the first time does not mention America as Germanys key ally and friend.

If there was any surprise in this, it came earlier when the German chancellor openly sided with a blatantly pro-Russian project called Nord Stream 2 that could seriously damage the European Union. Like Nord Stream 1, Nord Stream 2 is a Russian diversionary pipeline designed to bypass Ukraine and Eastern Europe, damage them financially, and enhance Putins political clout and the dependence of Western Europe on Gazprom. This was clearly seen as a provocation by the U.S. Senate, which voted 97 to 2 to impose sanctions on any company participating in this scheme. Yet, Angela Merkel and her socialist coalition partners, whose former party boss and current Putin lackey, Gerhard Schroeder, is the president of Nord Stream 2, promptly warned the U.S. to mind its own business. In doing that, Merkel, disregarded the vigorous protests of 13 Eastern European countries and those of the European Energy Union, which clearly cannot coexist with Nord Stream 2. This is yet another disturbing case where the dominant power in the EU has disregarded the interests of its EU partners to curry favor with Putin. Perhaps, somebody should have told Mrs. Merkel that blatantly disregarding the bipartisan will of the American Senate is never a smart idea on the part of somebody who still depends on the United States for its security.

Whatever the case, President Trump needs to be prepared for a hostile reception. It will help him to know a bit more about who Frau Merkel is as a politician and what exactly she stands for. So far, he has challenged her on Germanys huge trade surplus with the United States, which is not smart and makes him look like a petty mercantilist. The reason for that is that while Germany does have a huge trade surplus with us, it is a relatively underdeveloped country in information technology, high tech, and financial services, where the U.S. can and does run circles around it. It could easily be proven, for instance, that when digital and financial services, licensing revenues, and investment returns are emphasized, the U.S. runs a much bigger surplus than the Germans do in trade.

The fact is that while Trump may not be quite right on the German trade surplus and its causes, Merkels 12-year rule in Germany has, for the most part, been unsuccessful, not to say disastrous. To start with, it was under Merkels leadership that Germany abruptly decided to ban nuclear power on the absurd assumption that the Fukushima disaster could repeat itself in Germany, a country that has never had a tsunami or an earthquake larger than 5 on the Richter scale. This irrational decision by the chancellor to do away with a legitimate industry that produced 25% of the countrys clean and inexpensive energy, apart from its dubious legality and lack of scientific and economic rationale, led to greater dependence on Russian gas and made inevitable the energy transition (Energiewende) to renewable energy, whose disastrous consequences are only now coming into focus. Suffice it to say that the Germans already pay three times more than Americans (twice as much as the French) for their electricity, including a surcharge that is twice the market price of a kilowatt hour.

Bad as Merkels renewable folly is, it pales in comparison with her migrants debacle. Having opened the gates of Europe to unlimited immigration by mindlessly claiming that asylum has no upper limit and just as mindlessly repeating the mantra we can do it, Merkel created a fait accompli and expectations that could not possibly be met. More than that, by inviting and accepting what were essentially economic refugees seeking a better life as asylum seekers i.e. people traditionally persecuted for political or religious reasons, she de facto created a new right, the right to a better life, which has never existed in international law before.

This, in turn, guarantees that low-fertility Europe will be swamped by millions of rent-seeking Africans and Asians, who are mostly young and mostly male. The available statistics bear this out already. Asylum applications in the EU in 2015 and 2016 run some 1.3 million per year and there are additionally hundreds of thousands who do not bother to register. Moreover, even though very few of these migrants qualify for asylum, European authorities appear eager to recognize them as such. In 2016, 61% of the asylum requesters received refugee status or a subsidiary protection status. It is also the case that very few of those whose applications are turned down are deported. Once you make it to Europe, your chances of staying there are excellent, which means that the migrant wave is unlikely to subside soon.

There is yet another side to the migrants saga that receives little coverage in the politically-correct German media. After the initial euphoria of left-wing economists predicting a new Wirtschaftswunder (economic miracle) on account of the refugees, a sobering reality has set in.

The vast majority of migrants have neither work skills nor any German knowledge, which promises them long-term unemployment and welfare support for years. A year after the huge migrants wave hit Germany, industry had managed to hire only 54 migrants, while the cost of taking care of them is 20 billion euro per annum for as long as one can see. Add to this a 52.7% increase in migrant crime in 2016 vs 2015 and an ongoing epidemic of rapes and sexual assaults and Frau Merkel does not have all that much to be proud of. Mr. Trump may want to remind her of that too.

Alex Alexiev is chairman of the Center for Balkan and Black Sea Studies (cbbss.org) and editor of bulgariaanalytica.org. He tweets on national security at twitter.com/alexieff and could be reached at alexievalex4@gmail.com
Is YouTube a training site for terrorists? Gordon Rayner, political editor for the UK Daily Telegraph has discovered that British "counter-terrorism officers secretly recorded an alleged ISIL-inspired terror cell . . . discussing how to use YouTube to plot a van and knife attack in London."

In June 2017, Ruthie Blum at Gatestone Institute asserts that both "YouTube and Google, are effectively being accessories to murder. They are also inviting class-action lawsuits from families and individuals victimized by terrorism. They need to be held criminally liable for aiding and abetting mass murder." And while Google announced that it would "fight terrorism online," Blum asserts that Google and YouTube are "getting away with promoting jihad for a profit while disingenuously hiding behind the banner of free speech."

In 2015, The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) "researched and flagged YouTube videos of support for jihadi fighters and 'martyrs' and 'martyrdom,' to test the platform's 'Promotes Terrorism' flaggng feature." As a result of the research, "by mid March 2017, major companies began halting or reducing advertising deals with YouTube owner Google because Google had allowed their brands to become intertwined with terrorist and extremist content on YouTube. These companies have, so far, included AT&T, Verizon, Johnson & Johnson, the car rental company Enterprise Holdings, and drug manufacturer GSK. According to media reports, ordinary ads have been appearing alongside user-uploaded YouTube videos promoting hatred and extremism." Nonetheless, Steve Stalinsky, Executive Director of MEMRI explains that "You Tube's removal of jihadi content is spotty" and inconsistent. In fact, ". . . , 69 out of 115 videos remain active, highlighting the failure of YouTube's flagging system."

In 2016, npr.org asserted that "Zuckerberg didn't sign up to head a media company -- . . . that has to make editorial judgments." Thus, "[h]e and his team have made a very complex set of contradictory rules  a bias toward restricted speech for regular users, and toward free speech for 'news' (real or fake)."

At Foreign Policy, author Nanjala Nyabola in October 2016 maintained that ". . . theres a dark side to [Facebook's] Free Basics that has the potential to do more harm than good [.] The app is . . . a version of the internet that gives Facebook  and by extension the corporations and governments that partner with Facebook  total control over what its users can access." It is important to note that "in many African countries, traditional media has been co-opted by the state [.]" Thus, Nyabola asserts that "this record of collaborating with governments should make us wary of Free Basics. The app is only worth the gamble if one believes that governments where its been rolled out have the best interests of their citizens at heart  a presumption that is unwarranted in much of Africa."

In November 2016 Aaron M. Renn wrote that "[i]ts long been known that social-media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube (owned by Google) delete significant amounts of user-posted content. Some of what gets removed is in clear violation of legitimate standards governing pornography and pirated content. But a lot of what gets pulled down is neither offensive nor illegal. Rather, it is content whose message these platforms disagree with."

Consequently, "[t]he practice has affected a lot of conservatives  like Milo Yiannopoulos, banned for life from Twitter  but is hardly limited to them. Even hardcore leftist feminist groups have fallen afoul of the corporate censors" as has Prager University's five minute videos which have been restricted by You Tube. Often "public complaint is . . . . enough to force a platform to restore deleted posts or accounts. Recently, however, the social media giants have begun refusing to reverse their censorious decisions, even in the face of significant bad press."

Moreover, in 2016 Kyle Shideler highlighted the fact that Twitter verified @Ikhwanweb, the official twitter handle of the Muslim Brotherhood which has spawned numerous terrorist organizations.

In addition, Facebook's Little Ethics Problem reveals that "Facebook has been aiding abusers of human-rights -- such as China, Turkey, Russia and Pakistan -- to curb the freedom of expression of their people."

Moreover, "religious extremists bent on silencing such 'blasphemers' and 'apostates' [i.e., Ex-Muslims of North America] troll social media and abuse Facebook's complaint system" thus demanding the "censorship of atheists and secularists."

Clearly there is a double standard at Facebook when "the 'Stop Palestinians' page that incited against Palestinians was removed by Facebook . . . for 'containing credible threat[s] of violence which violated [their] community standards' but the 'Stop Israelis' page that incited against Israelis, was not removed." When initially asked, Facebook responded that the latter page "was 'not in violation of Facebook's rules.'"

Darshan-Leitner, head of the Israel Law Center states that "Facebook's insistence that it cannot control all the content on its pages is disingenuous, if not an outright lie. After all, its algorithms are perfectly accurate when it comes to detecting users' shopping habits." It was only after a "huge outcry in the Hebrew press and on social media, that Facebook changed its initial judgment and removed the anti-Semitic page." Despite this, Darshan-Leitner "does not consider Facebook guilty of incitement."

Daniel Greenfield writes about an additional threat when he highlights the intrusion of radical leftwing groups into alleged fact checking. Thus, "[t]hanks to $1.3 million in grant funding from the Omidyar Network and the Open Society Foundations, the International Fact Checking Network (IFCN) can now expand its work . . . to reward new formats and business models for fact-checking [.]"

Yet, Open Society Foundations is George Soros' brainchild and Omidyar Network is an Iranian pro-terror site established by Pierre Omidyar who is also the founder of the online auction site eBay. According to Greenfield, Omidyar has "financed a war on national security and Israel through anti-American sites such as 'The Intercept.'"

Greenfield maintains that "Facebook and Google's embedding of partisan left-wing 'fact checking' sites is one of the greatest assaults on freedom of expression on the internet. And now the partisan sites are about to fall further into the fever swamps of left-wing extremism. He believes that Congressional Republicans should call out Google and Facebook for their double standard in advocating Net Neutrality while pushing Opinion Bias."

Soeren Kern explains that "[t]he European Union (EU), in partnership with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Microsoft, has unveiled a 'code of conduct' to combat the spread of 'illegal hate speech' online in Europe. Proponents of the initiative argue that in the aftermath of the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and Brussels, a crackdown on 'hate speech' is necessary to counter jihadist propaganda online." Germany will punish social media giants with fines of up to 50 million euros ($57 million dollars) if they fail to remove what Germany decides is "illegal hate speech" which is any criticism of Islam or illegal alien Muslims."

But "[o]pponents counter that the initiative amounts to an assault on free speech in Europe. They say that the EU's definition of 'hate speech' and 'incitement to violence' is so vague that it could include virtually anything deemed politically incorrect by European authorities, including criticism of mass migration, Islam or even the European Union itself."

And, in fact, Douglas Murray asserts that "[b]y deciding that 'xenophobic' comment in reaction to the [immigrant] crisis is also 'racist,' Facebook has made the view of the majority of the European people . . . into 'racist' views, and so is condemning the majority of Europeans as 'racist.'"

On June 29, 2017, A.Z. Mohamed recounted how "some disembodied entity at Google apparently decided . . . to censor all the contents from historically accurate think tank postings" critiquing the ideas of the "founders of political Islam Sayyed Qutb and Hassan al-Banna, who openly explained that Islam wishes to destroy all states and governments." This gives protective camouflage to Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf and others who falsely claim that sharia law and the United States Constitution share the same values.

Mark Grabowski, a contributor to the Washington Times, discusses what constitutes a public forum where people are free to speak their minds but explains that "if Twitter continues down its censorious path [of banning controversial right-wing pundits] --, it might find itself in court -- and lose." In essence, "Twitter's censorship may be unconstitutional."

Yet, "speech on social media can be censored because private companies own those cyber spaces." In fact, George Khoury explains that "the First Amendment only protects people from the government restricting their speech unreasonably." Thus, "[s]ince websites are privately owned, websites are free to develop their own policies regarding what is or isn't allowed." Khoury asserts, however, that if a person posts "something online that is not true, is deceptive or fraudulent, or is viewed as a credible threat of violence or a criminal act" the First Amendment does not apply. Additionally , there is the "legal liability a person can face for posting untrue speech." Also, "credible criminal threats, even those made anonymously online, can land [someone] in jail." But the CDA 230 "safe harbor" provision of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act maintains that "social media platforms aren't responsible for the content that their users produce."

Kalev Leetaru at Forbes ponders the implications of the internet "evolving away from freedom of speech" when he writes that "Twitters chronology of rules vividly illustrates [an] increasing transition of the web from a blind and neutral conduit of information and ideas that allowed any idea to flourish and spread across the web to an era of active moderation and censorship." In 2015 "when the US Congress wrote Twitter CEO Dick Costolo last year demanding that the company take action to reduce ISIS propaganda being disseminated on the platform, Twitters general counsel instead promised to uphold 'the ability of users to share freely their views  including views that many people may disagree with or find abhorrent.' Yet, after further public outcry, the company silently reversed course and began to suspend reported ISIS supporter accounts."

Consequently, these online platforms are beginning to "assume some of the same functions and responsibilities as a government and court system, only without the infrastructure of access, appeals, representation, and due process."

And so the conundrum continues. What actual responsibility do social media sites have that differ, for example, from a publisher of books such as Mein Kampf? Are words and pictures incitement to violence? Do groups advocating terror fall into a different designation? As groups bent on destroying Western civilization claim hate speech for just about anything, are they abusing these freedoms in an effort to undermine them altogether? On the other hand, is the way to fight hate to publicly expose it and debunk it with facts -- thus engaging in the counterspeech doctrine wherein ". . . the remedy to be applied is more speech, not enforced silence." Or will censorship ultimately come at great potential cost?

Eileen can be reached at middlemarch18@gmail.com
On the political spectrum, I land just to the right of Moses. As Ive pointed out before, my political positions are the result of my Christian faith. So yes, Im a bit bothered by how President Trump -- for whom I voted, and given the same circumstances, would gladly do so again -- chooses to fight back against the progressive press. However, Im glad he is fighting back against the relentless tide of hate-filled rhetoric and lies that are a daily part of the discourse spewed by liberals in the mainstream media and the Democrats.

One of the frequent talking points of those on the left today is that because of the way Trump has dealt with the media -- especially through Twitter -- and others with whom he disagrees, he is vile, vulgar, trashy, undignified, unpresidential, piggish, childish, and as Jay Bookman of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution put it, with all the self-control and discipline of a spoiled four-year-old throwing a temper tantrum at the grocery store. Yeah, well, at least hes not a liberal -- or, better put, at least hes not beholden to a liberal agenda.

Im afraid much of what we read and hear from the President that is undesirable is the result of living most of his life under significant liberal influence. As even Rush Limbaugh himself pointed out less than two months prior to the election last year, Donald Trump is not a conservative -- at least not in the sense that most define real conservatism. But as Rush also pointed out, strong conservatism hasnt been at the top of the GOP ticket since 1984. What Donald Trump is, and what he can continue to be, is a great ally in the battle against liberalism and the radical, perverse agenda of the modern left.

President Trump has proven this many times over since his inauguration on January 20. From (most of) his cabinet appointments, to his Supreme Court appointment, his lower court appointments, his executive orders, and so on, President Trump has gotten much done to aid the cause of conservatism and hinder the cause of liberalism. Of course, liberals are not blind to this, and thus the continuous nasty attacks from the left.

And nasty is as nasty does. The left simply cant help itself, because, for the most part, it is simply who they are. In addition to their dishonest attempts to undermine President Trump and the GOPs agenda, time and again, liberals have left nearly no insult unturned as they have sought to ridicule and insult President Trump and his family. Along with the countless vile attacks on the President, Ivanka (see here, here, and here), Melania, (see here, here, and here), and even 11 year-old Barron Trump (see here, here, and here) have suffered the evil ire of the modern left.

Yet President Trump is supposed to remain dignified and presidential? He is probably doing well to respond only in the manner he has. Im not sure there is a husband and father the world over who has been forced to endure such attacks on himself and his family as has Donald Trump.

The vulgar and crazy attacks against Trump and the GOP arent only from the liberal media. Many Democratic politicians have not only remained silentand thus given tacit support to their cohorts in the media -- but theyve joined in the abhorrent attacks against Republicans of every stripe. Whether publicly dropping f-bombs -- as did two Democratic senators (so much for the dignity of the worlds greatest deliberative body) recently in attacking the GOP and President Trump -- or comparing the Trump camp to Nazis, Democrats across the U.S. are unhinged in their rhetoric.

In late March, no less than the newly elected chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Tom Perez, ignorantly and defiantly declared that Mr. Trump did not win the election. He colorfully followed that up with the all too common democrat refrain Republicans dont give a sh*t about people.

Just where are the cries for dignity and decent behavior for those on the left? Where are the high expectations for those of the esteemed Fourth Estate? Shouldnt we demand honest and upright behavior from those worthy of specific protection in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

Alas, whether elected officials, members of the press, entertainers, educators, and even those devoted to ministry, liberalism corrupts. And liberals still wonder how -- just how any self-respecting person could support Donald Trump. Maybe those devoted to killing children in the womb, killing the family, killing capitalism, redefining the oldest institution in the history of humanity, redefining gender, redefining the Second Amendment, defending and promoting pornography (and virtually any other sexual perversion imaginable), defending and promoting socialism, defending and promoting the myth of global warming, and so on, should consider how vile and vulgar many Americans find the tenets of modern liberalism.

In other words, if modern liberals want to see something really revolting, most of them need to examine their own politics and policies.

Trevor Grant Thomas

At the Intersection of Politics, Science, Faith, and Reason.

www.trevorgrantthomas.com

Trevor is the author of the The Miracle and Magnificence of America

tthomas@trevorgrantthomas.com
Microsoft chairman Bill Gates has been known for his strong advocacy for open borders in Europe and for the U.S. to admit more Syrian refugees.

But on Europe, Mr. Gates appears to have had a change of heart. He now wants the E.U. to make it "more difficult" for migrants to reach western Europe. He believes that sending more foreign aid to African and Middle Eastern countries will help stem the flow of refugees.

Daily Express:

He had previously called on countries to take in more migrants but now appears to have completely reversed his view. The Microsoft chief said instead of opening the European Union borders, Brussels should fix the push-factors at the source by sending more foreign aid. He said: "On the one hand you want to demonstrate generosity and take in refugees, but the more generous you are, the more word gets around about this  which in turn motivates more people to leave Africa. "[Germany cannot] take in the huge, massive number of people who are wanting to make their way to Europe." He said instead the EU must make it "more difficult for Africans to reach the continent via the current transit routes" while also relieving "enormous pressure" by sending foreign aid. The 61-year-old said it was "phenomenal" German Chancellor Angela Merkel is currently spending 0.7 per cent of the country's GDP on foreign aid and urged others to follow its example. Last year Mr Gates, who is worth an estimated 60 billion pounds, called on America to open its doors to Syrian migrants. And he said Germany and Sweden were "to be congratulated" for opening its doors during the migrant crisis. He said the USA "had the capacity" to follow suit, claiming: "The total number of refugees is not a world record."

While it's laudable that Mr. Gates recognizes some of the problems with E.U. migration, his "solution" is delusional. How will more foreign aid end the numerous wars that are feeding the tidal wave of refugees fleeing the conflict zones? He may also want to look closely at where a lot of that foreign aid ends up: in the pockets of corrupt government officials.

The voter backlash against the refugee policies of European government officials from several countries has initiated a sea change in resettlement policies. Germany and Scandinavian nations have now decided to restrict the number of refugees entering their countries and are a lot stricter about granting asylum to economic refugees.

This has put a lot of pressure on southern European countries like Greece and Italy that serve as an entry point for most refugees. Austria may take steps to militarize its long border with Italy to keep the refugees out. This provoked a strong Italian reaction against putting Austrian troops on their border  just one sign of cracks in E.U. unity about the migrants.

President Trump is in Poland today, basking in the glow of approval from both the Polish government and the Polish people over his immigration policies. And while the refugee issue is still divisive and may yet lead to a split-up of the E.U., northern European countries are adjusting their policies to more closely resemble those of eastern and central Europe.

The Gates about-face is only the latest sign that elites are starting to rethink open-door policies that have roiled the continent for more than two years.
"As far as I'm concerned it's a damned shame that a field as potentially dynamic and vital as journalism should be overrun with dullards, bums, and hacks, hag-ridden with myopia, apathy, and complacence, and generally stuck in a bog of stagnant mediocrity." Hunter S. Thompson, 1958

We can probably safely assume that Hunter Thompson would have loathed Donald Trump as much as he did Richard Nixon, but his comment on the state of journalism, from his cover letter for a job application in 1958, is remarkably descriptive of the state of journalism today. Thompson later invented the term "gonzo journalism" (1970) to describe his own preferred style, a style without objectivity and in which the reporter is often part of the story. If he were alive today, he would likely be shocked, maybe even pleased, at how gonzo journalism, in one form or another, is the order of the day, especially at CNN. The cable network spends most of its twenty-four hours on the air smearing President Trump in every way conceivable. MSNBC does the same. But CNN has jumped the shark to pure gonzo reporting. These past few days, CNN talked about CNN all day long.

So offended by the seconds-long GIF showing Trump beating on a man whose head is a CNN logo, the left, not only those at CNN, lost their minds. The GIF was and remains funny  a simple, obvious attempt at humor by some anonymous person who, like millions of others, spends his days creating clever posts for one purpose or another. This one took a bit of ten-year-old video at a WWE event (which everyone knows is staged) and superimposed the CNN logo on Vince McMahon's head. Suddenly, the same people who were not bothered by Kathy Griffin's beheaded Trump stunt, the nightly assassination of Trump at Shakespeare in the Park, the near assassination of a Republican congressman by a radicalized Bernie Sanders supporter, and the constant stream of venom hurled at Trump all day every day on or in nearly every news outlet are shocked and horrified at the GIF's "call for violence against reporters"! Trump did not create the GIF  he just retweeted it  but at CNN, this is cause for impeachment, a sign of his mental instability. These pathetic creampuffs seem to actually be afraid for their lives! On this score, Hunter Thompson might have leapt to Trump's defense; he would have appreciated his renegade style, his tweets. Thompson never had any respect for mainstream journalists.

Then Andrew Kaczynski, the CNN person in charge of Republican oppo research, tracked down the person who seemed to have created the GIF. One can only imagine what tactics were employed to badger the person into a long online servile apology. CNN patted itself on the back for not revealing his identify but threatened to do so if the person ever went after CNN again. Even Hunter Thompson would not have considered threatening or blackmailing a critic, but he was just one guy; CNN is a major news corporation behaving like some sort of mafia don. Their anchors and panel guests spent the day all atwitter, congratulating themselves on their find and their good moral sense in protecting his identity. They were positively gleeful. This is how absolutely clueless these "dullards, these people hag-ridden with myopia" are. They actually have no moral sense, no journalistic ethics.

There actually is a code of ethics that journalists are supposed to live by: seek the truth and report it, minimize harm, act independently, and be accountable and transparent. Consider the track record of CNN, MSNBC, CBS, ABC, NBC, NYT, WaPo, LAT, etc. throughout the Bush and Obama administrations. They attacked Bush relentlessly, failed to report on Obama's many scandals and breaches of the Constitution. They did everything in their power not to report the many crimes of the Clintons while they were in the White House or their selling access for millions of dollars while Hillary was secretary of state. So insulated in their Beltway of intolerance, it never occurred to them that Trump could or would win. Since he did, they have lost their senses and are behaving like the narcissists they are. As Mika Brezenski opined one day, "it's our job to control exactly what people think." Their job, indeed! No wonder they were all so shocked when Trump won. They actually believe firmly in the vastly inflated sense of their own power to manipulate the public. That they failed to secure Hillary's victory of which they were so certain has produced among them paroxysms of rage. They have not been objective for years and years; not one member of the current White House press corps is a Republican.

CNN does not employ journalists at all. It employs hacks all too willing to do work for the cause: taking Trump down. Marshall McLuhan said many years ago that "all media exist to invest our lives with artificial perceptions and arbitrary values." That they do.
For a political party accusing the president of the United States of treason, the Democrats are being very reluctant to have authorities prove it.

The email server that the Democratic National Committee say was hacked by the Russians is so far being kept out of reach of federal investigators looking into the issue. The only people who have examined the server are employees of the private cyber-security company the DNC hired to find out who hacked them.

Washington Times:

"I want to find out from the company [that] did the forensics what their full findings were," Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican who is leading the Judiciary Committee's inquiry, told The Washington Times. Scrutinizing the DNC server hack and CrowdStrike's analysis has not factored heavily in multiple probes exploring the Russia issue. But behind the scenes, discussions are growing louder, congressional sources say. President Trump will hold an official bilateral meeting on Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of a Group of 20 summit in Germany, although it's unclear how big the Russian election hacking scandal will loom in their private talk. In recent days, questions about the server have taken on more importance as attention has focused on an email suggesting that the DNC and the Obama administration's Justice Department were trying to limit the scope of the FBI's investigation into Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's secret email account. Mentioned in recent reporting and testimony from fired FBI Director James B. Comey, the correspondence reportedly shows Obama-era Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch privately assuring "someone in the Clinton campaign that the email investigation would not push too deeply into the matter." Some observers have wondered whether the information is real or is Russian disinformation. The hacked server was last photographed in the basement of the DNC's Washington headquarters near a file cabinet dating from the 1972 break-in of the DNC headquarters at the Watergate Hotel. Both Republicans and Democrats say the DNC's reaction to the hacking is troubling. Jeh Johnson, who served as homeland security secretary under President Obama, told the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence last month that his department offered to assist the DNC during the campaign to determine what was happening, but Mr. Johnson said he was rebuffed. "The DNC," Mr. Johnson said at the time, "did not feel it needed DHS' assistance at that time. I was anxious to know whether or not our folks were in there, and the response I got was the FBI had spoken to them, they don't want our help, they have CrowdStrike."

What is going on? Withholding access to the server raises troubling questions the DNC refuse to answer. Why did they refuse the assistance of DHS? Why are they not cooperating with Congress or the FBI?

Just what is it they are trying to hide?

"As a general point, there is no question that we need to look into everything in terms of who did what, what was invasive about hacking, and what they gained from it and why," Ms. Harris told The Times. "Not only so we can establish what happened, but so it can teach us what is frankly inevitable about the next election cycle if we don't figure out what happened." The White House has highlighted what it says is the DNC's reluctance to accept help dealing with the server hack. President Trump, in a May 7 tweet, wondered: "When will the Fake Media ask about the Dems dealings with Russia & why the DNC wouldn't allow the FBI to check their server or investigate?"

The DNC claimed they had everything figured out about the hack, so they didn't need to call in the experts from DHS. That is surely a load of crap. It could be that there are emails on that server that were written after the hack was discovered that the DNC doesn't want anyone  Republicans or law enforcement officials  to see.

That's very speculative, of course, but the speculation would stop immediately if the DNC handed over the server to investigators.
When the "new nation" was founded, it was a given that former British citizens would be transmogrified into Americans after the umbilical cord with Britain was cut. This was simple assimilation.

With the building of the Erie Canal in 1817, Irish immigrants were invited to assist with the construction. This was to be the first time an "alien" group in large numbers entered American shores. Assimilation was difficult. The Irish were Catholic in a Protestant nation. Many were often callous and prone to violence. Yet, remarkably, they were integrated into American life and fought in greater number than any ethnic group in the Civil War.

Recognizing the difficulty of assimilating large number of aliens  e.g., the Germans in the 1850s and Scandinavians in the 1870s  a cultural accommodation was achieved through hyphenated loyalty. The assumption was made that an Irishman, to cite one example, could love his motherland as much as his adopted home and would be in a harmonious relationship with both.

This wasn't exactly the melting pot, but there was enough melting to maintain modest tranquility. By mid-twentieth century, this modus vivendi began to unravel. When Glazer and Moynihan wrote Beyond the Melting Pot, cultural pluralism was gaining ground. Rather than discuss hyphenated loyalty, the emphasis was put on one's origin. Culture was seen through the prism of a unique experience different from the former expectations in America. The immigrant was not part of a cultural amalgam, but was instead tied to group loyalty. America might be valued, but certainly not in the same way as one's cultural past.

This position has evolved into a condition far more extreme and clearly inconsistent with previous American patterns. Today, most immigrants have been misled into believing that assimilation is not desirable. In fact, in the age of identity politics, each ethnic and national group is inserted metaphorically into silos.

Howard Zinn's People's History of the United States confirms that the vision that assimilation is in effect cooperation with a colonial power whose history is one of exploitation. The flaws in America's past become the basis for separation, despite the obvious fact that most immigrant groups prospered in America.

Gilding the lily of this proposition is the attempt to mischaracterize current events by making them out to be systematic oppression of minority groups. The events in Ferguson, Missouri, for example, were caricatured by militants on the scene leading to the Black Lives Matter organization, a group formed on a false premise and with a distinctly hostile attitude to the nation.

As a consequence, America has gone from assimilation to integration and hyphenated loyalty to cultural pluralism to identity politics to silo-driven ethnicity and hostility to the nation. The question is whether the nation can restore its bearings. An America turning on itself cannot survive. A politics of hatred must end badly; a nation torn by warring ethnic groups can never know order.

At the moment, the signs aren't hopeful. But the prospects remain unknown. Hate, as a movement, doesn't secure adherents in America for long. Yet it is also true that this nation of immigrants cannot open its doors when the hope for assimilation has languished. The only real hope is the truth  a story of ringing success and remarkable achievement for immigrants in a land that is usually welcoming. Unfortunately, truth is a casualty in an atmosphere of hostility and monomania.

Herbert London is president of the London Center for Policy Research.
North Korea successfully tested a multi-stage ICBM that many experts believe has the range to hit Alaska and perhaps even major population centers on the west coast of the U.S.

The missile, Hwasong-14, flew 580 miles, reaching an altitude of 1,741 miles in its 39 minutes of flight. The flight profile suggested that the missile had a range of about 5,000 miles and perhaps as much as 7,100 miles.

Alarm bells went off all over the world when the test became public. The planet's most paranoid, unstable regime is now in possession of a weapon that, once the technological hurdles of marrying a nuclear warhead to the missile are overcome, threatens tens of millions of lives.

Without exaggeration, the test is a game-changer.

Reuters:

The U.N. Security Council, currently chaired by China, will hold an emergency meeting on the matter at 3 p.m. EDT (1900 GMT) on Wednesday, following a request by the United States, Japan and South Korea. Diplomats say Beijing has not been fully enforcing existing international sanctions on its neighbor, and has resisted tougher measures, such as an oil embargo, bans on the North Korean airline and guest workers, and measures against Chinese banks and other firms doing business with the North. A 2015 U.N. document estimated that more than 50,000 North Korean workers were overseas earning currencies for the regime, with the vast majority in China and Russia. North Korea appeared to have used a Chinese truck, originally sold for hauling timber, but later converted for military use, to transport and erect the missile on Tuesday. Trump has indicated he is running out of patience with Beijing's efforts to rein in North Korea. His administration has said all options are on the table, military included, but suggested those would be a last resort and that sanctions and diplomatic pressure were its preferred course. Trump is due to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the G20 meeting in Germany this week. Russia and China joined diplomatic forces on Tuesday and called for North Korea to suspend its ballistic missile program in return for a moratorium on large-scale military exercises by the United States and South Korea. In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the joint statement showed the international community wanted dialogue and not antagonistic voices, as he also urged North Korea not to violate U.N. Security Council resolutions. "We hope relevant counties can maintain calm and restraint, and not take steps that might worsen tensions on the peninsula," Geng told a daily briefing. The U.S. and South Korean militaries conducted a ballistic missile test early on Wednesday in a show of force on the east coast of the Korean peninsula. The South said the drill aimed to showcase the ability to strike at the North's leadership if necessary. "It's discouraging that the Chinese (and Russians) are still calling for 'restraint by all sides', despite the fact that their client state, North Korea, has cast aside all restraint and is sprinting for the finish line in demonstrating a nuclear-armed ICBM capability," said Daniel Russel, formerly Washingtons top East Asia diplomat, now a diplomat in residence at the Asia Society Policy Institute.

North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, is impervious to the pressures the world would normally place on a rogue nation. The North is already sanctioned to the hilt  the U.S. and South Korea have no more cards to play in that game. Better enforcement of existing sanctions, including penalizing countries that allow North Korean citizens to work in their countries, would hardly cause a ripple.

Nothing, it seems, will deter the North from developing its nuclear program. That includes pressure by China.

Experts agreed that Beijing has been reluctant to apply harsh economic pressure on North Korea because they fear it could destabilize the region. If the current Pyongyang regime were to fall, it could have several effects that might unsettle China, the experts told CNBC on Wednesday. Josef Jelinek, senior China analyst at the Frontier Strategy Group, told "The Rundown" that "the last thing China wants is an unified Korean Peninsula friendly to the U.S." He added it could potentially mean U.S. troops at its borders with North Korea. At the same time, a regime collapse could lead to the "potential chaos of refugees destabilizing its own region." Jelinek said some parties may have 'miscalculated' what China was prepared to do to stop Pyongyang. "What we've actually seen was a toning down of rhetoric over the last few months," Jelinek said. "President Trump genuinely believed that Xi Jinping would be able to do something to rein in North Korea and I think what's happened is there's been a miscalculation."

I think the time has come to starve North Korea into submission. Currently, the U.S. allows food aid to North Korea, and China is the largest exporter of food to the Kim regime. Would it be too cruel to deliberately starve the North Korean population? As you would imagine, a cutoff in food aid would not inconvenience the elites of the regime. But many of the North Korean people are already thought to be on the cusp of starvation.

Unfortunately, China sells North Korea food not only because of the cash it brings in. It is in the best interest of the Chinese to keep the North Koreans from starving. Otherwise, a massive flood of hungry refugees will stream over the border, severely complicating Chinese control.

But a cutoff of all food aid from the West would certainly put unwanted pressure on Kim to come to the negotiating table. Would that do any good? Before we took military action to take out Kim's nuclear and ICBM program, a last-gasp effort to resolve the issues peacefully would engender support for the military option if it came down to it.

It's a thin hope that talks coupled with the pressure of a loss of food assistance would alter the North's nuclear policies. But right now, it's the least bad of all the options on the table for the president.
Last week marked one year since 13-year-old Hallel Ariel was stabbed to death by an Arab terrorist while she slept in her bedroom. Hallel's parents, Amichai and Rina, marked the date of their daughter's murder by ascending the Temple Mount, along with many other Jews, including two Knesset members (who accompanied the family to the Temple Mount entrance but were prohibited by the Israeli government from entering due to the Arabs considering Jewish Knesset members on the Temple Mount as incitement.)

Besides being a beautiful memorial to Hallel, the Jewish gathering on the Temple Mount was momentous for other reasons. According to The Temple Institute, an activist group for non-Muslim rights on the Temple Mount, the Israeli police, who accompanied the Ariels and posed for pictures with them, showed great respect to the Jewish group and even allowed members of the group to pray quietly, to make blessings, and to use a microphone. This was a break from the police's modus operandi. For the past several years, such actions, including Jews moving their lips in what appeared to be prayer, have resulted in the arrest of Jews due to Arabs considering such acts provocative.

Also, Rabbi Yisrael Ariel, who accompanied the group, was not only allowed to ascend the Temple Mount, but also to speak to the group. Rabbi Ariel was one of the paratroopers who liberated the Mount during the Six-Day War. On a previous visit to the Temple Mount, he was arrested and temporarily banned for allegedly bowing down and for saying a prayer and blessing out loud commemorating his fallen comrades.

While many consider it a positive advancement of inclusion that the Jews were allowed to congregate, pray, and speak blessings while on the Temple Mount, the Palestinian Authority did not. Because the Israeli police closed the Temple Mount to Muslims during the memorial for Hallel, the P.A. responded by stating that the closure was "an inhuman and immoral act ... incompatible with human and moral values." The P.A. also complained that the closure was in violation of international law. Never mind that the Temple Mount was closed to Jews for nine days recently during Ramadan and that Jews have limited access to the Temple Mount or have no access at all on a regular basis.

The P.A. implored the international community to "take immediate action and deterrent measures to stop the occupation regime and prevent them from continuing to commit further crimes against our people and to harm the holy sites of Islam and Christianity."

So in case you, as a member of the "international community," were confused, you are expected to be incensed not by acts of terrorism, such as a 13-year-old girl being stabbed to death, but by Muslims being inconvenienced for a few hours so that the parents of a victim of Arab terrorism could show honor to their daughter without having to worry that Arabs would scream Allah akbar or throw rocks at them, which routinely happens to Jews when visiting the Temple Mount.

Perhaps I didn't search long or hard enough, but I couldn't find evidence of the P.A. condemning the murder of Hallel last year as "an inhuman and immoral act, incompatible with human and moral values." Nor did I find examples of Abbas taking deterrent measures to stop his people from committing real crimes against Jews. What I did find is that the murderer, who was a 17-year-old Arab, was honored by Fatah and by the official P.A. news agency as a shahid (martyr) and that the family of the murderer has been receiving a monthly stipend from the P.A., as all families of "martyrs" do.

I also did not find evidence that the incitement by former Abbas adviser, Sultan Abu Al-Einein, a week before Hallel's murder was condemned by the P.A. as "inhuman or immoral." Abu Al-Einein had said, "Every place you find an Israeli, slit his throat."

Although Abbas is under pressure to cut off the monthly stipends to Palestinian prisoners, terrorists, and their families, he has, as recently as Sunday, said, "Even if I will have to leave my position, I will not compromise on the rawatib (salary) of a shahid or a prisoner, as I am the president of the entire Palestinian people, including the prisoners, the shahids, the injured, the expelled, and the uprooted." He often assures would-be "martyrs" that they will have a place in Paradise.

Perhaps the actions of the Israeli government and police who allowed an uninterrupted memorial on the Temple Mount for a victim of Arab terrorism, rather than placating those who continually support, enable, or call for terrorism against Jews, indicate a movement away from appeasement. And perhaps Arab leaders, whom the Israeli government are expected to negotiate with and make peace with, will begin to use words such as "inhuman," "immoral," and "crimes" to describe Arabs murdering Jews.

The feet of Jews on the Temple Mount have been described by Abbas as "filthy feet." But the feet of all of those honoring Hallel on the Temple Mount were anything but filthy, and it is refreshing to see the Israeli government and police show respect to their own people at such a hallowed place.
The very same human being reviled by his political enemies as mentally unfit to serve under the 25th Amendment was wildly cheered by a huge crowd in Warsaw, chanting, "USA! USA!" and "Donald Trump! Donald Trump!" His speech delighted them, highlighting Poland's courage, endurance, and faith as a mainstay in defending our civilization, historically and now. It was one of his best speeches ever.

He was introduced by First Lady Melania Trump, who looked more comfortable and in command as a public speaker than ever before. Perhaps living in the White House is solidifying her command of her role, or maybe being in a Slavic land made her relax. But she sounded splendid introducing her husband and is an obvious asset to his presidency. Shortly after the speech, this was announced:

The office of Slovenia's president says U.S. President Donald Trump has accepted an invitation to visit the small central European nation that is the homeland of his wife Melania. Borut Pahor's office said in a statement Thursday that the Slovenian president extended the invitation on the sidelines of the Three Seas summit, a meeting of countries all bordered by the Baltic, Adriatic and Black seas. It was not immediately clear when the visit could take place.

We can expect the broadcast and cable news nets to minimize this very visible triumph in Warsaw for the president, one that contradicts the narrative of him being a disaster. They will solidify their irrelevance to the extent they downplay or ignore this important story. A lot of markers were laid down for the coming meetings in Hamburg.

It will be tricky making Trump look bad, but there will be no shortage of people trying. And, based on experience, we can expect some of the efforts to boomerang, because so many people in the media have been driven mad.
As Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro attended a military parade marking the country's independence day, pro-government militias gathered outside the national assembly building. Armed with wooden clubs and metal rods, they broke into the building, where lawmakers were in the middle of a ceremony also commemorating Venezuela's independence day.

In full view of national guardsmen who were assigned to protect the building, the mob of Maduro thugs attacked opposition lawmakers, several of whom were injured. It's just the latest outrage to roil the politics of Venezuela as the beleaguered president seeks to stifle growing opposition protests and prevent a referendum on his presidency from going forward.

CNN:

The Independence Day clashes in the opposition-controlled chamber were the latest outbreak of violence in a country struggling with a deepening economic crisis and sometimes bloody street protests calling for a change of government. Video and images from the scene showed government supporters  some wearing bandanas and carrying Venezuela's tricolor flag  storming the assembly building and pushing open its massive wooden doors. Inside, blood stained the floors and walls of the assembly hall as wounded lawmakers were tended to by colleagues. Opposition lawmaker Americo De Grazia is led away by bodyguards and a National Assembly employee after he was injured by government supporters. At least seven legislative employees and five lawmakers were injured, according to National Assembly President Julio Borges. Journalists inside the assembly building said they had also been assaulted. The US State Department issued a statement Wednesday night calling the clash "an assault on the democratic principles cherished by the men and women who struggled for Venezuela's independence 206 years ago today." The statement called on the Venezuelan government "to immediately provide for the protection of the National Assembly, ensure those injured in today's attack are able to receive medical attention, and bring the attackers to justice." Opposition deputy Armando Armas is assisted after being injured by supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Before ending a military parade on the 206th anniversary of the signing of the declaration of independence, Maduro condemned the violence and said "strange facts always occur with the opposition." He also ordered an investigation. "I will never be complicit to any act of violence," he said. "I want peace for Venezuela. I do not accept violence from anyone."

Of course, no one believes that. These were militias created by Maduro, funded and armed by his government. Does anyone really believe they aren't under his control?

Maduro is going ahead with his plan to change the constitution by calling together a "constituent assembly" to rewrite it. The opposition fear that they will be frozen out of the process and Maduro will alter election rules to guarantee his survival. Intimidating the opposition into acquiescing to the changes is certainly part of the plan.

But judging by the reaction of opposition lawmakers to the attack, Maduro's bully-boy tactics may have backfired. They plan to mount an unofficial referendum on Maduro's rule, which they feel will further delegitimize the regime.

But it won't get the country any closer to ridding itself of this incompetent thug.
(ANSA) - Tallinn, July 6 - German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said Thursday that Berlin was against the Italian proposal of taking asylum seekers saved in the Mediterranean to the ports of other EU states to share the burden. "We do not support the so-called regionalization of the rescue operations," de Maiziere said as he arrived at a meeting of EU interior ministers in Tallinn.

Italy is demanding more help from its EU partners with the asylum-seeker crisis, saying its capacity to cope is at the limit. Over 85,000 migrants have arrived in Italy via sea so far this year, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Interior Minister Marco Minniti said Thursday that Italy will present its case with "the necessary firmness" when it comes to a proposal for asylum seekers to be taken to other EU ports to share the burden. He added that the issue was not set to be discussed at Thursday's informal meeting of EU interior ministers in Tallinn because "it was not the right venue". "We have sent a letter to the formal forum for it to be discussed, which is Frontex," he added. "We will talk at that venue next week. It is evident that there are contrasting positions on this. "Italy has its point of view, others have theirs. "We will debate, legitimately, and also with the necessary firmness".

Belgian Asylum and Migratory Policies Minister Theo Francken said Thursday that "I don't think that Belgium will open its ports" to migrants saved in the Mediterranean as he arrived at the informal meeting. France and Spain have also said they will not open their ports to migrants attempting the crossing from Libya to Italy.

European Migration and Home Affairs Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos said Thursday that, while the mandate of the Triton EU security and rescue operation in the Mediterranean was clear, Italy still needed help in coping with the arrival of asylum seekers. "The objective of Triton as it is at the moment is clear," Avramopoulos said. "But it is necessary to work more within the EU, and with our North African neighbours, to share the burden and ensure that Italy is not left alone.

"The EU border agency will have a discussion with the authorities in Italy and the other member States involved on the operational level next week".


(ANSA) - Tallinn, July 6 - Interior Minister Marco Minniti said Thursday that Italy will present its case with "the necessary firmness" when it comes to a proposal for asylum seekers to be taken to other EU ports to share the burden. He added that the issue was not set to be discussed at Thursday's informal meeting of EU interior ministers in Tallinn because "it was not the right venue". Italy is demanding more help from its EU partners with the asylum-seeker crisis, saying its capacity to cope is at the limit. Over 85,000 migrants have arrived in Italy via sea so far this year, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

"We have sent a letter to the formal forum for it to be discussed, which is Frontex," he added. "We will talk at that venue next week. It is evident that there are contrasting positions on this. "Italy has its point of view, others have theirs. "We will debate, legitimately, and also with the necessary firmness". Earlier on Thursday German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said that Berlin was against the Italian proposal of taking asylum seekers saved in the Mediterranean to the ports of other EU states to share the burden. "We do not support the so-called regionalization of the rescue operations," de Maiziere said as he arrived at a meeting of EU interior ministers in Tallinn. Belgian Asylum and Migratory Policies Minister Theo Francken said Thursday that "I don't think that Belgium will open its ports" to migrants.

France and Spain have also said they will not open their ports to migrants attempting the crossing from Libya to Italy.

European Migration and Home Affairs Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos said Thursday that, while the mandate of the Triton EU security and rescue operation in the Mediterranean was clear, Italy still needed help in coping with the arrival of asylum seekers. "The objective of Triton as it is at the moment is clear," Avramopoulos said. "But it is necessary to work more within the EU, and with our North African neighbours, to share the burden and ensure that Italy is not left alone. "The EU border agency will have a discussion with the authorities in Italy and the other member States involved on the operational level next week".


(ANSA) - Tallinn, July 6 - Interior Minister Marco Minniti said Thursday that Italy will present its case with "the necessary firmness" when it comes to a proposal for asylum seekers to be taken to other EU ports to share the burden. He added that the issue was not set to be discussed at Thursday's informal meeting of EU interior ministers in Tallinn because "it was not the right venue". Italy is demanding more help from its EU partners with the asylum-seeker crisis, saying its capacity to cope is at the limit. Over 85,000 migrants have arrived in Italy via sea so far this year, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

"We have sent a letter to the formal forum for it to be discussed, which is Frontex," he added. "We will talk at that venue next week. It is evident that there are contrasting positions on this. "Italy has its point of view, others have theirs. "We will debate, legitimately, and also with the necessary firmness". Earlier on Thursday German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said that Berlin was against the Italian proposal of taking asylum seekers saved in the Mediterranean to the ports of other EU states to share the burden. "We do not support the so-called regionalization of the rescue operations," de Maiziere said as he arrived at a meeting of EU interior ministers in Tallinn. Belgian Asylum and Migratory Policies Minister Theo Francken said Thursday that "I don't think that Belgium will open its ports" to migrants.

France and Spain have also said they will not open their ports to migrants attempting the crossing from Libya to Italy.

European Migration and Home Affairs Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos said Thursday that, while the mandate of the Triton EU security and rescue operation in the Mediterranean was clear, Italy still needed help in coping with the arrival of asylum seekers. "The objective of Triton as it is at the moment is clear," Avramopoulos said. "But it is necessary to work more within the EU, and with our North African neighbours, to share the burden and ensure that Italy is not left alone. "The EU border agency will have a discussion with the authorities in Italy and the other member States involved on the operational level next week".

Ruling centre-left Democratic Party (PD) leader and former premier Matteo Renzi told the PD directorate Thursday that "if they close the ports, we'll turn off the money taps".


(ANSA) - Rome, July 5 - Austria on Wednesday rethought its threat to deploy troops and armoured personnel carriers to guard against migrant crossings at its border with Italy.

Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern said Vienna would not deploy anti-migrant troops at the Brenner Pass border with Italy. "Austria will not carry out any controls on the Brenner borders at the moment and it is not set to resort to using the army in the immediate future," he said.

Sources at the premier's office in Rome said they welcomed the Austrian government's rethink. The collaboration between the two police forces, the sources stressed, is producing excellent fruit and is based on both sides' respect for European rules, without any need for troops or military vehicles. Premier Paolo Gentiloni phoned Kern on the issue earlier Wednesday.

Austrian armored vehicles remained in their barracks Wednesday after Vienna threatened to deploy four of them and over 700 troops to the Brenner Pass border with Italy to guard against migrant crossings. "It's a matter of being ready" said Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz.

Austrian Interior Minister Wolfgang Sobotka is set to meet Italian counterpart Marco Minniti in Rome on Wednesday, when the case will be top of the agenda.

Minniti and Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano on Wednesday were set to brief parliament ahead of tomorrow's informal EU interior ministers' meeting in Tallinn.

That meeting will discuss Rome's calls for greater burden sharing and for a code of conduct for NGOs picking up migrants off Libya, and the possibility - already ruled out by France and Spain - of foreign rescue ships docking in ports outside Italy.

It will also discuss an EU proposal for a migrant coordination centre in Libya.

Austria's ambassador to Rome Rene Pollitzer said Wednesday the anti-migrant measures mooted at the Brenner Pass including the deployment of four armoured vehicles and 750 troops would only be taken "in the event of an emergency." Pollitzer was summoned to the Italian foreign ministry on Tuesday. An Austrian foreign ministry spokesman said Wednesday Rome had voiced "disappointment at Vienna's initiatives".

Meanwhile the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) said in its annual report Wednesday that Italy received almost 123,000 asylum applications in 2016, a 47% gain on 2015.

The 122,960 applications make up 9.5% of the European Union total. Most, 22%, of asylum seekers in Italy are Nigerian, EASO said. Germany topped the rankings again with 745,155 applications, a 58% rise on the previous year and accounting for 58% of all European asylum requests. EASO also said 2016 was a record year for migrant crossings on the central Mediterranean route, up 18% to 181,459 migrants. It was the main access route to Europe and Italy was the "main point of entry", EASO said.


(ANSA) - Rome, July 6 - The Senate on Thursday approved the reform of the Antimafia Code with 129 votes in favour, 56 against and 30 abstentions.

As a result, the bill returns to the Lower House after many rows and much controversy.

The centrist AP group, a junior partner in the ruling coalition, gave its lawmakers freedom to vote as they deemed best, while the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement announced it was abstaining. The Northern League voted against. "I think the conditions are there to take the reform all the way," said Justice Minister Andrea Orlando.

"There are diverse opinions (regarding amendments). We will verify if the assessments have grounds. "In this case we will conduct a serene reconnaissance operation and introduce amendments if and where necessary".


ROME - Many foreign nationals who arrive in Libya expecting to find work decide to leave for Europe due to harsh situations they find in the country, according to a study commissioned by the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR.



The report, which was a study of mixed refugee and migrant flows, said "around half of those travelling to Libya do so believing they can find jobs there, but end up fleeing onwards to Europe to escape life-threatening insecurity, instability, difficult economic conditions plus widespread exploitation and abuse".



UNHCR defined mixed migration flows as "refugees, asylum seekers, economic migrants, unaccompanied minors, environmental migrants, victims of trafficking and stranded migrants, among others".



It said these foreign nationals are "people with different backgrounds and motivations (who) travel together along the same routes, often with the help of ruthless people smugglers and criminal gangs".



The report said Libya has become the most-used migration route of the three main routes used by migrants (Western, Central, and Eastern Mediterreanean) to reach Europe, as well as the "deadliest".



Migrants from West Africa now represent "well over half" of all arrivals to Europe coming through the Central Mediterranean route (from Libya to Italy), citing "over 100,000 arrivals in 2016", it said.



This is a change from past years when there were more people from East Africa, the study said.



In terms of demographics, the study said 80% of the migrants and refugees who travel to Libya are young men with an average age of 22, and that 72% of them are travelling alone.



Women are often victims of human trafficking, in particular those from West and Central Africa, and the number of unaccompanied minors continues to rise, the study said.



The majority of separated children travelling alone come from Eritrea, The Gambia and Nigeria, and now make up 14% of all arrivals to Europe that come through the Central Mediterranean route, according to the report.



It said the current situation of "conflict and instability" in Libya has created conditions that facilitate increased human smuggling and criminal activity.



It highlighted that "the collapse of the justice system and reigning impunity" have resulted in increased exploitation of migrants.
(ANSAmed) - BARCELONA, JULY 6 - Maltese President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca on Thursday visited the Secretariat of the Union for the Mediterranean at its headquarters in Barcelona, highlighting the active role that Malta plays in the UfM framework.



The Union for the Mediterranean is an intergovernmental organisation whose scope is to "enhance regional cooperation, dialogue and implementation of concrete projects and initiatives" among all 28 countries of the European Union and 15 countries of the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean.



Malta held the presidency of the Council of the European Union from January to June 30 of this year. "Malta plays a key role in the Union for the Mediterranean," said UfM Secretary General Fathallah Sijilmassi.



"It successfully put Euro-Mediterranean cooperation at the heart of the international agenda during the Maltese presidency of the Council of the EU," he said, adding that the UfM Secretariat is "committed to working closely with Malta with the aim of fostering regional dialogue and strengthening regional cooperation in the Mediterranean".



Coliero Preca talked about the newly implemented Mediterranean Tourism Forum, which is aimed at connecting public and private sector stakeholders in Mediterranean-region tourism.



Malta and the UfM are examining potential joint projects in line with the new UfM Roadmap for Action.



The Roadmap focuses on the economic importance of tourism as well as its potential for creating jobs and cultural understanding within countries in the Mediterranean region, and is backed by the foreign ministers of UfM member states. Malta hosted various UfM meetings during its presidency of the Council of the EU, including ministerial conferences on water and research and innovation, an informal high level meeting on energy efficiency in the Mediterranean, the BlueMed stakeholder conference, and the first UfM senior officials meeting of 2017.(ANSAmed).


Tillerson says US ready for Syria no-fly zone with Russia Russia has 'special responsibility', ISIS on verge of defeat

(ANSAmed) - WASHINGTON, JULY 6 - US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, ahead of the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit, said the US is willing to work with Russia in Syria.



"The United States is prepared to explore the possibility of establishing with Russia joint mechanisms for ensuring stability, including no-fly zones, on the ground cease-fire observers, and coordinated delivery of humanitarian assistance," said Tillerson. "If our two countries work together to establish stability on the ground, it will lay a foundation for progress on the settlement of Syria's political future," he said.



Tillerson said the US and Russia have "unresolved differences" on various issues, but also the potential for cooperation. He said that Russia, "as a guarantor of the Assad regime", has a "special responsibility" to "ensure that the needs of the Syrian people are met, that no faction in Syria illegitimately retakes or occupies areas liberated from ISIS' or other terrorist groups' control, and prevent further use of chemical weapons of any kind by the Assad regime".



"With the liberation of Raqqa now underway, ISIS has been badly wounded, and is could be on the brink of complete defeat in Syria if all parties focus on this objective," Tillerson said. "In order to complete the mission, the international community, and especially Russia, must remove obstacles to the defeat of ISIS and help provide stability that prevents ISIS from rising anew from the ashes of their failed and fraudulent caliphate".



Meanwhile on Thursday, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Syria's Aleppo province has been completely liberated from ISIS.



She said a joint operation by Syrian government forces and the Russian air force quashed the last pockets of resistance.



She said the governments "drove terrorists out from the Khanasir area", forcing them to "flee into open territory, in the desert" where they were eliminated by Russian airstrikes, Russia's TASS news agency reported. (ANSAmed).




Eit. Pronounced like eight in English and signifies a lot of things that pertain to the number eight. In fact, Eit was born out of that number. Pino Cau of Hotel Rex, along with Chef Luigi Nastri, the one Michelin star chef of Formerly another Michelin star restaurant inside Hotel Rex, Eit took over its compact space with eight tables for its diners with a new concept of approaching fine dining. In fact, Eit was born out of that number. Pino Cau of Hotel Rex, along with Chef Luigi Nastri, the one Michelin star chef of Stazione di Posta in Rome embarked on a new gastronomic adventure by opening another restaurant in the capital.

Putting his culinary inspiration at its best, Luigi takes the number eight to a different level. His dishes underline eight flavors and tastes, the principals of which are salty, sweet, sour and bitter. And then there are the others which are spicy, fat, umami which originates from Asia, a rather sapid flavor that corresponds to the flavors of glutamates. Finally, to close the circle of eight tastes, the aesthetics which is essential and mental.

The ingredients are the protagonists in the kitchen where they are presented in a very minimalist menu. Instead of dishes to choose from, there are eight ingredients that pertain to eight half seasons (four seasons divided into half each). Luigi divided each season to half because sometimes it is hard to find ingredients with constant quality for four straight months. At Eit, you will have to leave everything to the chef's creativity with your choice of ingredients (one for each dish). Seasons change along with the ingredients and with these, Luigi adapts his original dishes which constantly change too.







There are also eight grape varieties of the wines that you can pair the dishes with. Sommelier Claudio Gargiulo will make sure that you can have the best wines that go with your dishes. You can choose three kinds of degustations or tastings with or without the wine pairing. You can also just opt for a dish or two with a preferred bottle of wine to go with it.

The tasting dinner of six dishes was composed of:

(The tasting menus change every half season)

First course : Shrimp, green tomatoes, tomato powder and caprino cheese from Abruzzo that was paired with a glass of Chateau Miraval C otes de Provence Rose, Grenache and Cinsault.

Second course : Ravioli with artichokes from Sardegna, vanilla and mussels paired with a glass of Passopisciaro Passobianco Terre Siciliane IGT Chadonnay 2015.

Third

course : Cuttlefish, rhubarb and cacio e pepe that was paired with a glass of Castelfeder Tecum Pinot Bianco.





Fourth course : Beef alla pizzaiola cooked on burnt leeks, marinated lettuce, oregano paired with a glass of Vietti Perbacco Nebbiolo 2014.

Fifth course : Spaghetti with black garlic, almond foam, anemone and cuttlefish ink paired with a glass of Ettore Germano Herzu Langhe DOC Riesling 2015.

Sixth course: Ravioli with ricotta di bufala in honey and elderflower emulsion.





When you order the plate, you choose the ingredients in the menu:

1 ingredient: 25

2 ingredients with one wine pairing: 38 (available only for lunch, for booking)

4 ingredients: 70 / with wine pairing 95

6 ingredients: 90 / with wine pairing 125

8 ingredients: 120 / with wine pairing 160









EIT means:



Eleganza (elegance), Estro (inspiration).

Ingredienti (ingredients), Imprudenza (imprudence).

Trasparenza (transparency).

These are the words in order.

- Eit Restaurant

Via Torino, 149

00184 Rome, Italy

Tel.: +39 064815702

Email: eit@eitroma.com / booking@eitroma.com

Open for dinner from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 19:00 to 23:00




BarcelonaThe Catalan government, Junts pel Si, and the CUP put an end yesterday to months of speculation and presented a part of the legal mechanism for the October 1 (1-O) referendum --the law governing a self-determination referendum. While the law does not resolve all doubts --still to come is the second piece of legislation, the law of transitoriness, and logistical elements such as the electoral roll and the purchase of ballot boxes--, it does reveal the legal architecture for the referendum. One day after the removal of Jordi Baiget from office, the Government displayed unity, determination and guarantees, a message intended to soothe any doubts surrounding the secrecy surrounding the preparations for the vote.

The presentation was divided into two events --one led by the political parties in the morning, the other by the Government in the evening and was designed to send several messages: the referendum will happen, it will be a vote with maximum guarantees, and it will be binding. "On 1-O the vote will decide", summarized President Carles Puigdemont before a thousand people who filled Barcelonas TNC (Teatre Nacional de Catalunya).

How will this fit in the law? As revealed by ARA yesterday, article 4 of the bill provides for a proclamation of independence "within two days" of the confirmation of the votes results in the event of a Yes win. The guarantees will be determined by an Electoral Board, which will report to Parliament, whose job is to carry out the functions normally assigned to an Electoral Committee, by the international observers who will be sought by the Electoral Board, and by the 34 articles of a regulation that will draw on aspects of Spanish electoral law and the Law on Consultations approved by the government of Jose Montilla, in force until annulled by the Constitutional Court a few months ago.

All of this with a single objective: for the people to feel that the vote will happen "as it always has"-- this was the slogan used for the evening presentation-- and that this will encourage participation: "It will be a referendum with voting stations, ballot boxes and ballot slips; it will be a referendum like any other, but with some additional guarantees", noted Vice-president Oriol Junqueras.

The Government and the political parties made an effort to stress the lawfulness of the new bill: the referendum they insisted is guaranteed by the right to self-determination, as contained in international treaties signed by the Spanish government. However, when the day of the clash with the Spanish government comes Spanish VP Soraya Saenz de Santamaria has already warned that the law could be struck down "in 24 hours"--, what will prevail is the response from the people: "The turnout and the result do not depend on any law, they only depend on us, on the people. No action by the Spanish state will be able to paralyze the people ... the people will make victory possible", emphasized Puigdemont.

The Catalan government and the parties will now begin a campaign with two hundred events to explain the law --which can all be found in the website www.garanties.cat, but have left some unknowns to be resolved. The first, the Law of Transitoriness, will establish the mechanism for the disconnection from Spain and will be made public at the end of the month. There is still a debate within the parties as to whether this must approved before 1-O --with a section that will be triggered by a Yes victory-- or it can be left for after the vote, coinciding with a proclamation of independence.

The other procedure which is still to be resolved is the purchase of ballot boxes. On www.garanties.cat the administration claims that it is "beginning the process of direct purchase". What is certain, however, is that there is still a debate over the correct formula for acquiring the ballot boxes after the invitation for bids came up empty-handed. According to sources, one thing is clear: after the controversy over who will sign the order, the purchase will be done collectively.

The third unknown that remains to be resolved is the electoral roll. The Catalan government has the data from the Spanish Census  provided by the central government to IDESCAT--, as explained by this newspaper. Nevertheless, the administration remains tight-lipped over the source of the electoral roll so as to protect it from actions by Madrid. In any case, stressed Marta Rovira and Jordi Turull, citizens will receive a census card to vote, as in any other electoral process.

"Being a deserter carries a very high price"

The Spanish states opposition loomed over the presentation of the guarantees for the referendum. Puigdemont accepted that the road to 1-O carries "risks" for the Government. According to the president, this feeling, however, will not make the administration step back even a millimeter: "To desert democracy, to give up, to resign, has an even higher, long-lasting, price", he declared.

Yesterday Puigdemont and Junqueras wanted to allay all doubts about the referendum. Not only related to the legal framework, but also the Government's political determination to move the process forward, after days filled with tension --caused by the secrecy surrounding the preparations for 1-O and logistical questions such as how to manage the vote by Catalans abroad, and the purchase of ballot boxes culminating with the removal from office of Minister Jordi Baiget, absent from yesterday's event. The President of the Generalitat not only has the challenge of convincing the people -- and the leaders who still do not know the details of the law-- that the referendum will have guarantees. He also must smooth over the bad blood in PDECat over the removal of Baiget from office. To achieve this, Puigdemont gave explanations at the executive council meeting and to the parliamentary group for Junts pel Si, in the afternoon. According to various sources, in both meetings he admitted that he felt "very bad" having to remove an "exemplary" minister, but that it was necessary due to "the loss of trust (1). Puigdemont spoke in private with Marta Pascal, General Coordinator of the PDECat, who had stated that Baiget would be "Minister until 1-O just before he was sacked. The gestures to the party could be seen in the naming of the substitute in Culture: Lluis Puig, who had been the chief person in charge of this area for the PDECat.

Puigdemont's movements and the explanation of the guarantees for the referendum appeased the ruffled feathers and convinced some of the reticent people involved. Others, both within and without the administration, still doubt the viability of 1-O. But various sources consulted assured that, with this law now in place, nobody will be left behind, and that the governmental crisis is now finished with the removal of Baiget.

The administration has various tests to pass in the 88 days remaining before the referendum. The first one (explaining the law that will protect the vote) has now been passed.

_________

Translators notes:

(1) Former Catalan Minister for Business Jordi Baiget was sacked on Monday following a newspaper interview in which he expressed doubts as to whether an independence vote would actually be held.
Called 1000 GESTALTEN, which translates in English as 1,000 figures, it was a performance in which actors covered in grey, crusty clay moved silently and steadily through the city in a transfixed state. For the days leading up to July 5, these figures started appearing all over Hamburg, slowly growing in numbers until culminating yesterday in a giant formation in which a transformation took place, the actors breaking free from their clay shells.
Germany's Industry 4.0 strategy will push Chinese companies in many emerging as well as traditional sectors to adopt trends in digital, intelligent, service-oriented and platform-based development to compete with global rivals, business leaders said.

Many of China's manufacturers, however, are transitioning from the 2.0 to the 3.0 level of industrial development.

So, carrying out the integration and application of those global trends-and the resulting innovationneeds to be done within the context of China's situation, according to Feng Yaoxiang, spokesman for the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade in Beijing.

China has been implementing its Made in China 2025 plan to modernize manufacturing and boost growth through technological upgrades, knowledge-based industries and environmentally friendly development.

The German industrial giant Robert Bosch GmbH has been seeking partnerships in China to drive strategy and build projects in support of Made in China 2025 and China's Internet Plus strategy to integrate the internet and traditional industries, said Peter Tyroller, a Bosch board member responsible for the Asia Pacific.

"China's growing demand for high-value-added products and services, especially for its automobiles, home-related service businesses and manufacturing projects, offers many growth points," Tyroller said.

Bosch and the Chinese search engine company Baidu have signed a strategic cooperation agreement on smart mobility in China. Bosch will be involved in Baidu's Apollo project, which aims to provide open, comprehensive and reliable software for the development of automated vehicles.

Bosch will contribute sensors and its Bosch Road Signature mapping service for vehicle localization. Both companies will provide technical expertise to support the drafting of legislation relating to automated driving in China.

"Investment in technology-based services and trade in high-end productssuch as cloud systems, smart manufacturing projects and sensors, and industrial automation goodsis set to account for an even greater proportion of bilateral business ties," said Fang Jian, managing partner for China of global law firm Linklaters LLP.

Chinese companies pumped more than $12.56 billion into Germany last year, investing in 281 projects and creating over 3,900 jobs in the country. Such investment has started to focus more on acquiring high-tech companies such as leading robotics manufacturer Kuka AG, which received a takeover offer from Chinese consumer products company Midea Group in 2016.

Joe Kaeser, chief executive officer of Siemens AG, said China is making progress on the path to becoming an advanced and competitive economy, but it will take time for these changes to have an impact. Patience and consistency will be required, as well as continuous reforms along the way, he said.
Genghis Khan, founder of the Mongol empire was a military genius, a notorious tyrant who used psychological warfare to win battles.

When I decided to review The Gory Story of Genghis Khan by Nayanika Mahtani I expected a lot from the book, going by the blurb. But the book was a big letdown. Maybe my expectations were too high, but after I finished reading it, I let out a huge sigh of disappointment for what was done with the story and to the story.

I opened the book, happy that I was getting a close look at one of the most feared characters of history, but all Ms Mahtani has done is make Genghis Khan look like a buffoon. Im not saying that she should have put him on a pedestal, far from it, but my main grouse is the irreverent, often flippant way the entire slice of history that Genghis Khan and the Mongol empire stands for, is treated with. Im sure she could have kept the tone of the book light-hearted without lampooning everything.

Genghis Khan, founder of the Mongol empire was a military genius, a notorious tyrant who used psychological warfare to win battles. He created an empire that covered one sixth of the Earths total land area. In just 25 years he conquered more land than the Romans did in 400 years. The Mongol empire extended from the Pacific Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, Genghis Khan cut a ruthless path through Asia and Europe leaving almost 400 million people dead, wiping out about 11 per cent of the Worlds entire population at the time.

Granted that Ms Mahtani has dug out a treasure trove of information that would otherwise have been gathering dust inside the covers of thick history books: like Genghis Khan gave the world its first postal system, set up the most sophisticated spy network of its time, revived the Silk Road (ancient trade routes that connected Asia with Europe, Middle East and Africa), popularised the use of paper money, gun powder and compasses in the West.

He is believed to have fathered so many sons that 0.5 per cent of the worlds men (roughly 16 million men) can claim him as an ancestor. Born as Temujin in 1162 CE, holding a blood clot in his hand, this illiterate boy adopted the name of Genghis Khan (which means ultimate ruler of the universe) a name given to him by the wise tribe elder  Mongopedia. At the age of nine, Temujin is dropped off by his father (like all Mongol boys of that age) to live in the house of his prospective bride Borte whom he would marry when he turned 12. While returning home, his father is killed by the leader of the Tatar tribe. Temujin returns home to take his rightful place in the Borjigin clan, but the elders throw his family out.

When he turns 16, he marries Borte. Soon after his marriage his bride is kidnapped by a rival tribe. Temujin gathers a small army and goes on a rampage to rescue his bride. He also becomes a hero by uniting all the warring tribes of Mongolia. He later decides to conquer more regions by throwing a dart at a map of the world from between his legs (this act was a huge turnoff for me), this dart lands on China. When he comes to know that the Chinese emperor has hired mercenaries as soldiers, he bribes them to switch sides.

But when he reaches the walled city of China, he realises that his horses wont be able to get past these walls. He blackmails the Chinese engineers to build him catapults and siege towers to overcome the walls. He later goes on to conquer Khwarezm (a name he pronounces every which way) empire-a major power in western Asia which included parts of present day Iran, Uzbekistan, Afganistan and Turkey.

The book is narrated by Yakkety Yak (a yak), a tireless time traveller who considers himself witty, interspersed with the yakking I mean narrating, is the updates by Yuherdit Hearfurst (you heard it here first), a reporter hosting the Steppe on It programme and there is Genghis Khans conversation with his family, friends and later his troops, in italics. This part grated on my nerves, especially the lame jokes and puns. I disliked the way he called his soldiers nonsensical nincompoops, muddle-headed morons and blockheads, asking them to do wheelies on horses or ended his talk with Mwah ha ha. All this came across as incongruous.

I appreciate the research Mahtani has done, but I am cheesed off with the fact that to appeal to the current generation of readers she has tried to be too cool; the story makes lots of references to popular culture and things like Harry Potter, Yakoo (Yahoo), YakDonalds (MacDonalds), Mongolias Got Talent (Indias Got Talent), Master Chef, Jafar (James) Bond, Mongopedia (Wikipedia and Hacking, for me that is the books biggest failing.

These references didnt enhance the story, in fact, they made the story come across as a hotchpotch, a potpourri of ideas with none of them making an impression on the readers mind except for comic gratification. I must have chipped off a couple of my teeth in frustration every time Genghis Khans troops started rapping. The least Mahtani could have done was to be authentic to that time frame. The illustrations though were nice.

The book would have been wonderful if Ms Mahtani had stuck to telling a simple story without all the unnecessary ingredients that she added into it, because all said and done, she has a nice way of writing, which in this case somehow got lost in trying to be too smart and too funny.

Rachna Chhabria is a Bengaluru based childrens author and a freelance writer
The special TADA court in June convicted Tahir Merchant, extradited gangster Abu Salem and four others in the case.

Mumbai: Tahir Merchant, convicted in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case in June, did not attend any of the conspiracy meetings, his lawyer on Wednesday argued before the TADA Court in Mumbai and sought leniency for him.

The special court for Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) cases in June convicted Merchant, extradited gangster Abu Salem and four others in the case.

The defence lawyers on Wednesday began their arguments on the quantum of sentence. The TADA court judge G A Sanap, while convicting Merchant, had held that he was one of the conspirators. The CBI has sought death penalty for him.

Merchant's lawyer Sudeep Passbola said his client did not attend the conspiracy meetings which preceded the March 1993 blasts and there was no evidence to show that he was aware of RDX being smuggled into the city.

Passbola also said that people were sent to Pakistan for arms training to deal with a 1992-like situation (when riots erupted in Mumbai following the demolition of Babri Masjid), and it was only after their return that Tiger Memon, the absconding mastermind of the conspiracy, decided to use them for carrying out blasts.

Among other things, Merchant was accused of sending people to Pakistan for arms training. Passbola also refuted the CBI's claim that Merchant had good relations with Pakistani Army and the country's intelligence agency, ISI. He was acting at somebody else's instructions and was not in commanding position, the lawyer said. The arguments would continue on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the court issued a notice to Delhi police on Wednesday, seeking their reply, as the case for which they are seeking the custody of Abu Salem is not covered by the extradition agreement between Portugal and India.

Delhi police have approached the court seeking Salem's custody for a case registered in the national capital. However, as per the agreement with Portugal under which Salem was extradited in 2005, he can be tried in only nine cases (including the 1993 blasts case). The Delhi case is not a part of the list.
Search is on for the fourth air force officer who was on board the chopper.

The bodies of two IAF officers and an IRB jawan were recovered from the spot where the IAF chopper crashed two days ago during flood rescue sorties. (Photo: AFP)

Itanagar: The bodies of two Indian Air Force (IAF) officers and an India Reserve Battalion (IRB) jawan were recovered from the spot where an IAF chopper crashed two days ago during flood rescue sorties, police said on Thursday.

Search is on for the fourth air force officer who was on board the chopper.

The police had initially said there were three people on board the helicopterWing Commander MS Dhillon, the pilot, Flight Lieutenant PK Singh and Flight Engineer Sergeant Gujjar.

It was later confirmed that an IRB jawan was also with them to help evacuate people stranded in Sagalee and Dambuk following massive landslides caused by heavy rains.

The IRB jawan was identified as Nada Umbing from Hija village of Lower Subansiri district, director general of police (DGP) Sandeep Goel said.

The search team comprised personnel from the state police, the National Disaster Response Force, the army and the IAF. They were assisted by a medical team, the DGP said.

The helicopter had taken off on Tuesday from Pilputu helipad near Sagalee in Papum Pare district, around 30km from the Arunachal Pradesh capital.

It lost contact with the ground staff within minutes of take-off at 3:48pm.
The JD(U) had broken ranks with the Opposition and supported the National Democratic Alliance presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind.

It is not clear yet whether Bihar CM Nitish Kumar would himself attend the meeting. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: After their consensual nomination for presidential polls, the Opposition parties now plan to field a common candidate for the position of vice-president and are likely to meet early next week to decide on a name. The meeting will also be attended by Janata Dal (United).

The JD(U) had broken ranks with the Opposition and supported the National Democratic Alliance presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind.

Senior Congress leader and political secretary to party president Sonia Gandhi, Ahmed Patel is coordinating the Opposition meeting and has started calling up the leaders of all the 17 parties, which had come together for the presidential polls.

The meeting is likely to be held either on July 10 or 11, a senior leader told this newspaper.

As of now, things are fine. We will definitely attend the meeting if invited, JD(U) national secretary K.C. Tyagi told this newspaper.

It is not clear yet whether Bihar CM Nitish Kumar would himself attend the meeting. The vice-presidential elections will be held on August 5.

Sources in the JD(U) said that the Congress had sent emissaries to placate Mr Kumar, who had taken umbrage at some adverse comments made by Congressmen, including senior leader Ghulam Nabi Azad.

He said that the 17 parties need to get together for taking up issues like lynching in the name of Gau Raksha, farmers issues and also the role of governors in the light of recent developments in West Bengal.

We will take up these issues together in Parliament as well, Mr Tyagi said.

The Opposition parties, including the Congress, Left parties, Trinamul Congress, SP, BSP and RJD and JD(U), had come together to field a common presidential candidate to counter the Modi government. However, before the name of the former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar was announced, the JD(U) decided to back Mr Kovind.
The killing and resulting turbulence proved a huge catalyst for the Hizb to attract local youths.

Srinagar: The security forces combating a nearly three-decade-old militancy in Jammu and Kashmir have been asked to take an aggressive stand to prevent people from joining militant groups.

Also, a tough campaign has been launched against alleged overground workers of militant outfits and locals who often turn up in large numbers near encounter sites during cordon-and-search operations and make conscious attempts to help militants break the security forces dragnet and escape.

Officials admit scores of Kashmiri youth have joined Hizb-ul-Mujahedin and Lashkar-e-Taiba groups after the killing of popular Hizb commander Burhan Wani by security forces a year ago.

The killing and resulting turbulence proved a huge catalyst for the Hizb to attract local youths. Over the past one year, the outfit is recruiting heavily in the Valley, particularly in southern districts of Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama and Shopian.

This set off alarm bells in the corridors of power in Srinagar and New Delhi. However, about two dozen militants were killed in stepped up military campaign during the past two months. Also, security forces have come down heavily on locals accused of supporting or shielding militants.

Acknowledging the trend, a senior Army commander said recently Everyone is worried, be it the central government, the state government, the security forces or Army. He added, There are no easy answers that we will do this or that which will stop it.

Also the security forces including Army have come down heavily on residents accused of supporting or shielding militants. During a series of cordon-and-search operations launched mainly in southern parts of the Valley during past couple of weeks, the security forces torched or blew up several residential houses being used as hideouts by militants or where from they came under militant fire during these operations. Also in past one year as many 21 civilians including two women were shot dead during protests held around the encounter sites. However, the authorities say that some of the civilian deaths took place in crossfire between militants and security forces.

The latest incident in which five residential houses were destroyed during an encounter took place in Bamnoo area of Pulwama earlier this week. Three militants had died a fire fight spread over two days in the village.

The authorities including Defence Minister, Arun Jaitley, have in the past while asking the security forces to go tough against militants also instructed them to avoid collateral damage during counterinsurgency operations and ensure safety of the innocent people while dealing firmly with the inimical elements and step up people-friendly initiatives under its Sadhbhavana (goodwill) campaign.

However, the extent of damage caused to properties during the recent encounters with militants proves otherwise. Rajesh Yadav, the spokesman of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) which is in the forefront of the tough campaign launched against militants and separatists said that the security forces even now take utmost care and show maximum possible restraint during the armed clashes with the militants to avoid collateral damage. An Army official who spoke on the condition of anonymity added, When a cordon and search operation is launched militants do take positions in more than one residential house and keep firing their automatic weapons and hurling grenades at the security forces. In order to minimize casualties among the security forces, we go in for tough measures.

Many people have, however, complained that the security forces have let lose a reign of terror in south Kashmir villages. They break-in the residential houses in the dead of night, abuse and even beat up inmates and damage properties, said a villager of Pulwama.
BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya said the anti-social elements are working as Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers in the state.

Using the opportunity to target West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee over her remarks against state Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, Vijayvargiya said she is making such comments out of frustration. (Photo: PTI)

Kolkata: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is unable to administer the law and order situation in the state, and therefore, they would demand her resignation.

BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya said the anti-social elements are working as Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers in the state and creating chaos, especially in the Hindu-dominated areas.

"They are trying to make them vacate their houses at low prices and that is why they are purposely creating violence there. What is unfortunate is that the State Government is supporting them," Vijayvargiya told ANI.

Also Read: Fresh clash in Basirhat after 1 dies; Amit Shah constitutes panel, seeks report

Using the opportunity to target Mamata over her remarks against state Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, Vijayvargiya said she is making such comments out of frustration.

"Due to frustration she is making such comments. With all this, she does not deserve to be in power. We will definitely demand her resignation," he said.

Mamata had earlier alleged the state governor of abusing and threatening her.

She also said that the Governor's office was behaving like a ' Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office.'

Meanwhile, BJP president Amit Shah has constituted a team comprising party leaders Om Mathur, Meenakshi Lekhi, Satyapal Singh and Kailash Vijayvargiya, who will visit the violence-affected areas and will submit a report to him.

West Bengal, in the recent few days, has witnessed violence and serious clashes either taking place between two religious groups or between people and the administration.

The boiling pot of it is the Darjeeling unrest, with the Gorkhas, under the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM), demanding a separate Gorkhaland for themselves.

The Gorkhas have demanded for a separate land with the claim that they should get what was promised to them i.e. a separate land.

The situation is still intense in the region with the widespread shutdown entering the 22nd day today.

Another incident of violence which erupted was in the North 24 Parganas area on Monday.

Communal violence broke out in its Baduria and Basirhat areas over a Facebook post.

Earlier, Mamata had appealed the warring groups to maintain peace and communal harmony in the area. She also held the local police responsible for failing to block Facebook in the beginning only.
The Election Commission has fixed July 18 as the last date for making nominations.

The poll, if necessary, will be conducted on August 5 and the counting will also take place on the same day. (Photo: PTI/Representational)

New Delhi: The Opposition parties will meet on July 11 to discuss the upcoming Vice-Presidential elections.

The Election Commission, earlier on July 4, issued a notification to file nominations for the upcoming Vice-Presidential elections, slated to be held on August 6.

The Election Commission has fixed July 18 as the last date for making nominations, while July 19 will be the date for the security of nominations.

The last date for the withdrawal of candidates is July 21.

The poll, if necessary, will be conducted on August 5 and the counting will also take place on the same day.

As of now, neither the ruling NDA nor the Opposition has announced their Vice-Presidential nominee.

The term of Vice-President Hamid Ansari, who has held the post for two consecutive terms, will expire on August 10.

Secretary General of Rajya Sabha Shumsher K Sheriff is the returning officer for the elections.
China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan tri-junction for the past 19.

Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region. (Representational)

New Delhi: The border standoff between armies of India and China at the Sikkim sector can be resolved diplomatically and Chinese soldiers should leave the Bhutanese territory to reduce tension in the area, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said on Wednesday.

"I think the issue can be resolved at the diplomatic level. Chinese troops should stay where they were earlier. China is approaching towards Bhutanese territory. We want them not to come forward.

"This is our security concern and this is our stand. Bhutan's King had yesterday given a statement that Chinese (troops) are entering into its territory. This tension can be resolved at the diplomatic level. Across the table we can solve all the problems," Bhamre said.

Read: China accuses India of misleading public about Sikkim standoff

Bhamre's comments came a day after China accused India of "trampling" on the principles of the Panchsheel pact and demanded that India "correct its mistakes" by pulling back its troops immediately.

Chinese envoy to India Luo Zhaohui had on Tuesday said China had ruled out a compromise in the military standoff with India and put the onus on New Delhi to resolve the "grave" situation.

China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan tri-junction for the past 19 days after a Chinese army's construction party came to build a road.

Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.

China and Bhutan are engaged in talks over the resolution of the area. Bhutan, however, has no diplomatic ties with China and it is supported militarily and diplomatically by India.

On the standoff, the Ministry of External Affairs had said India was "deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India".
Kolkata: West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi has written to President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday giving details about the phone conversation between him and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in context of the communal riots in Baduria in North 24 Parganas district.

According to Raj Bhavan sources, Tripathi, in his letter to the President mentioned why he had called Banerjee on Tuesday afternoon and details of the conversation.

Trinamool Congress had on Tuesday written to the president claiming that the governor had "insulted" and "humiliated" Banerjee during their phone conversation.

"Tripathi, in the letter to Mukherjee mentioned every minute details of why he had called up the chief minister and what exactly he had spoken to her during the phone call," the source told PTI on condition of anonymity.

The governor has also written that he wanted to speak to the state DGP and when he was told that the police officer was unavailable, he had called up the chief minister.

Tripathi's letter also mentioned that he had never said anything to Banerjee which could have "humiliated" or "insulted" or "threatened" her.

In fact, the governor had suggested to the chief minister for seeking forces from the Centre, it said.

Tripathi has also mentioned TMC secretary-general Partha Chatterjee's statements on Wednesday morning calling him a "BJP cadre" and described it as partisan behaviour from a senior leader.

The source said the governor's statement circulated to the media in response to the current situation in the state has also been attached with his letter to the president.
China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan tri-junction for past 19 days.

New Delhi: After China cancelled the meet between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president at the G20 Summit in Germany on Friday, India has negated the comment by saying that it did not request for a meeting in the first place.

According to a Hindustan Times report, an Indian official, who is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modis part of delegation in Israel, on condition of anonymity said, But we did not ask for any meeting, so where is the question of atmosphere being conducive or not.

Adding further, the Indian official said, there was no meeting planned between Modi and Xi and the two countries were likely to allow their armies to resolve the Doklam stand-off.

Read: Atmosphere not right: China rules out Modi-Xi Jinping meet at G20 Summit

Earlier, there had been reports that Modi and Xi Jinping may meet on the sidelines of G20 Summit to resolve the standoff. However, Chinese Foreign Ministry had said that the atmosphere is not right for bilateral meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi.

According to official itinerary, Modi will hold bilateral meetings with the leaders of Argentina, Canada, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, United Kingdom and Vietnam on sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany.

There was no mention of a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping as was being speculated.

The spokesperson said Modi will also participate in the BRICS leaders' meeting.

Read: What is G20? All you need to know about leading powers' annual summit

China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan tri-junction for past 19 days after a Chinese Army's construction party attempted to build a road.

Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.

Earlier on Thursday, Chinese media also accused New Delhi of oppressing Bhutan and said that Beijing will support and fuel pro-independence appeals in Sikkim to rewrite the Himalayan geopolitics.
The communal clashes that erupted at Baduria in Basirhat subdivision of the district.

Kolkata/New Delhi: Amid the unprecedented public spat between West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, the state government informed New Delhi on Thursday that it does not need an extra 400 Central troops for deployment in the riot-hit areas of North 24-Parganas district.

We have sent eight companies of paramilitary forces (of 100 personnel each) to West Bengal to deploy in the communal violence-affected areas. However, the West Bengal government has conveyed it does not require four of the eight companies, a Union home ministry spokesman told the media in New Delhi. The state government hasnt given any reason for this.

The communal clashes that erupted at Baduria in Basirhat subdivision of the district on Monday, after an objectionable Facebook post, claimed its first victim on Thursday. A 65-year-old died of stab wounds. The situation in the violence-hit areas was, meanwhile, returning to normal with no fresh incidents of violence reported, a senior official said.

After the death on Thursday, a scuffle broke out between BJP workers and Trinamul supporters in front of Kolkatas

R.G. Kar Hospital with senior BJP leaders like Kailash Vijayvargiya and Dilip Ghosh trying to enter the premises, claiming to stand by the family of the deceased. Trinamul workers blocked the vehicles of Mr Vijayvargiya and Mr Ghosh.

A team of three BJP MPs  Meenakshi Lekhi, Satpal Singh and Om Mathur  will visit Basirhat on Friday for an on-the-spot probe, after which they will submit a report to BJP president Amit Shah, party sources said.

In the wake of the spat between the governor and the chief minister, BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha meanwhile added to the controversy on Thursday by calling the governor a a soldier of the Modi brigade, which the Trinamul Congress immediately latched on to, with TMC secretary Partha Chatterjee saying the cat was out of the bag.

Mr Vijayvargiya, the BJP general secretary in charge of West Bengal, tried to do damage control by saying he didnt endorse Mr Sinhas statement, reiterating that the governors post was a constitutional and impartial one. When asked about the spat between Ms Banerjee and Mr Tripathi, Mr Sinha said: The Trinamul Congress is under the illusion that the governor can be silenced by hurling such derogatory language at him. But they have forgotten that Keshari Nath Tripathi is a soldier of the Modi brigade. The governors recent statement makes it cleat he is not afraid of the Trinamul Congress and cant be stopped from performing his duty.

TMC secretary general Partha Chatterjee said: Now the cat is out of the bag. What we have been saying for the last few days has proved to be true from Mr Sinhas statement. The BJP is trying to turn the governors house into a party office and the governor is also supporting it by making such statements.

Mr Vijayvargiya, in a bid to contain the damage, said at a press conference: I have not heard what Mr Sinha said. But if he did, we do not endorse his statement. The governors post is constitutional and impartial, and he has always given dignity to his post. He also attacked the Trinamul Congress for targeting the governor. Those who will be landing in jail in the chit fund cases are making such statements against the governor. I would want to inform them that in the days to come, they will have to go to jail for the way they have looted the money of people in the chit fund scam, he added.
China has been objecting to Indias oil exploration projects in maritime areas offered by Vietnam in the SCS.

Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Defence Shri Arun Jaitley meeting the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Vietnam Pham Binh Minh in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: Amid Chinas aggressive posturing in the Asia-Pacific region and South China Sea (SCS), India and Vietnam discussed concrete and feasible steps to protect their interests and sought to bolster their strategic bilateral ties.

Deputy prime minister and foreign minister of Vietnam Pham Binh Minh who concluded his four-day visit to India on Thursday said the two sides discussed the progress of implementation of high-level agreements for a stable and facilitating framework to help their relations grow substantively.

The Vietnamese leader said many of Indias major corporations were investing in projects in Vietnam, like the Tatas in Long Phu II thermal power plant in Soc Trang and ONGC Videsh in oil and gas exploration on Vietnams continental shelf.

China has been objecting to Indias oil exploration projects in maritime areas offered by Vietnam in the SCS.

However, India has been dismissive of Chinese objections, insisting its cooperation with Vietnam was as per international laws and that it would like the cooperation to grow.
On July 3, the mother of the boy lodged a missing complaint with the police.

The boy told the police that he had wandered away while playing outside his house and eventually, arrived at the fair. (Photo: PTI/Representational)

New Delhi: A six-year-old boy, who was missing from his house at north-east Delhi's Seelampur, was found after a day from an Eid fair in the locality, the police said on Wednesday.

On July 3, the mother of the boy lodged a missing complaint with the police. She said the boy had gone to play outside their house at around 11 am on July 2 and had not returned since then, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (North-east) A K Singla.

The complainant suspected that her son was kidnapped.

A case was registered on the basis of her complaint, said the police, adding that photographs of the boy were circulated among the beat constables and nearby police stations.

The police launched a hunt for the boy, who was found from an Eid fair near the Seelampur fish farm within seven hours of her mother filing the complaint, said Singla.

The boy told the police that he had wandered away while playing outside his house and eventually, arrived at the fair.
Although the incident was not captured on CCTV, a footage shows that the accused and the victim were talking to each other, the police said.

Meanwhile, the victim's family was unable to share details as to why Adil could have attacked their daughter. (Photo: File/Representational)

New Delhi: A 21-year-old aspiring air-hostess was critically injured on Wednesday after she was allegedly stabbed multiple times by a man in full public view in Mansarovar Park area of Shahdara, police said.

The woman is currently undergoing treatment at a city hospital, where her condition is stated to be critical, they said, adding that the 22-year-old accused, Adil is absconding and a manhunt has been launched to arrest him.

The incident took place in a busy market area where there were many shops. Even though the incident has not been captured on the CCTV, a footage shows that the accused and the victim were talking to each other, the police said.

It is suspected that they had an argument and he stabbed her multiple times, they added.

Meanwhile, the victim's family was unable to share details as to why Adil could have attacked their daughter.

However, it is suspected that Adil might be harassing the woman, police said. Locals informed the police and rushed her to a hospital. The call detail records of the victim is being scanned to get any clue about the accused.
Sri Lanka is eyeing a 26 per cent growth in the footfall of tourists from India in the year 2017.

Kolkata: Sri Lanka is eyeing a 26 per cent growth in the footfall of tourists from India in the year 2017. We had 3,56,000 tourists from India in the year 2016. This year we are aiming at 4,50,000 travellers from the country, a growth of 26 per cent, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, (SLTPB) assistant director marketing, India, Viranga Bandara said.

The SLTPB organised its first ever roadshow in Kolkata. We will be participating for the first time in the Travel & Tourism Fair in Kolkata that kicks off from Saturday. We are promoting Sri Lanka as a wedding tourism spot, for Ramayana trail and have identified film tourism as well, Mr Bandara said, adding that India is maintaining number one position position for Srilanka tourism. SLTPB is investing in digital marketing campaign to lure Indians to experience the countrys seductive beaches, water sports, mountains among other spots.

We are planning to give a major boost to film tourism as there is a demand in shooting Indian films in our country. But carrying shooting equipments is a problem. We will be facilitating logistical arrangements and approvals and hence we are working on a single window clearance and our process of approvals is without any delay, Mr Bandara said.

Srilanka is gradually emerging as a favourite destination for marriages. In the last few years people particularly from Maharashtra have travelled to our country for holding marriages. The eastern India is also picking up, SriLankan Airlines area manager, Kolkata, Lalith Peiris said.

The carrier operates more than 100 flights a week from India and three from Kolkata. We are soon launching operations from Hyderabad, Coimbatore and Vishakhapatnam, Mr Peiris said.
The state will wait till the Dahi handi festival as it is expecting some directions from the Supreme Court in this regard.

Mumbai: Once again, noise pollution control rules are likely to go for a toss with the government having bent over backwards to accommodate religious groups and political parties. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured that if necessary, an ordinance will be brought to facilitate Dahi handi and Ganesh festival celebrations as usual.

The state will wait till the Dahi handi festival as it is expecting some directions from the Supreme Court in this regard. The CM on Thursday assured the coordination committee that the state would issue an ordinance if the Supreme Court does not pass any order till such time.

Mr Fadnavis held a meeting with members of the coordination committee and senior officers. The committee had various issues regarding restrictions on the festivals imposed by the high court with a view to ensure peoples safety and curb noise pollution. The Jai Jawan dahi handi committee has already filed an appeal in the apex court for relief from the HC order.

The meeting was held at the initiative of Mumbai Bharatiya Janata Party chief Ashish Shelar. During the meeting, the CM assured committee members of all possible legal help. We will bring an ordinance if the SC does not pass any order till Dahi handi, he said. The CM also assured the committee that the government would appoint lawyer Tushar Mehta to present their side firmly in the SC.

After the meeting, Jayendra Salgaonkar, president of the Maharashtra Ganeshotsav Mahasangh, said, We welcome Mr Fadnaviss approach. We are sure that this 125-years-old tradition will be protected. CMs assurance of an ordinance has cleared the air.

Interestingly, the CM held the meeting a day after Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray warned against restrictions on Hindu festivals, particularly the Ganesh festival and Dahi handi.

On Thursday morning, a Sena delegation led by MLC Anil Parab held a meeting with the CM asking to relax conditions for designating silence zones in the city. Mr Parab said, If all conditions are followed, 80 per cent Ganesh mandals will fall under silence zones.

Political tug of war

It appears that the issue is being politicised between the BJP and Sena. Till now, Sena has had a hold over festival committees of Mumbai and Thane. A large number of youth is attached with the Sena through these mandals. Since the past two to three years, however, BJP has been trying to take over the scene. Mr Shelars initiative hints at the same while the Senas aggressive stand is a reflection of its protective attitude towards these mandals.
Waiters spill details of fraud and list of 1,000 card numbers that were skimmed.

You must always make sure that your card is swiped on the machine in front of you.

Mumbai: Three city restaurants and one from Thane have come under the scanner of the Bandra police for a credit/debit card skimming fraud following the arrest of eight people, including six waiters from a Bandra restaurant, for the same crime. Meanwhile, the cyber police has warned consumers not to reveal their pin number or CVV (Card Verification Value) number to anyone.

On interrogation, the accused revealed that there were other waiters who were involved in this cloning/skimming scam and named three restaurants in Mumbai and one in Thane where the scam was taking place. The cops also recovered a list from the men, which included more than 1,000 credit and debit card numbers.

When The Asian Age asked about the restaurants that have been put under the scanner, the investigating officer of this case, Inspector Gaik-wad said, The investigation is underway and the information is confidential as we want catch the other accused red handed. However, once the arrests are made, we will make the information public and reveal the other aspects of this scam.

During interrogation, the accused revealed that they had been trained to clone the cards on the cloning machines, which had been manufactured by the main accused in the case. The accused waiters cloned these cards when the customers handed them over for payments in restaurants. The card details were then transferred into a blank card.

Speaking to The Asian Age, the Mumbai police spokesperson DCP (Operations) Rashmi Karandikar said, People should be cautious about sharing their personal information over the phone and replying to spam emails. Also make sure that you do not hand over your card to anybody to use in your absence.

The modus operandi

The waiters would take the cards from the customers and make up an excuse to swipe it in their absence, cloning it on the specially made machines and then ask for their PIN number and if the customers insisted on putting in the PIN number themselves, they would observed the hand movements minutely and guess the numbers accordingly.
It all started when she bled from her nose due to pneumonia and doctors dismissed it as fever.

She hasn't been able to go to play or school since two months (Photo: YouTube)

Hyderabad: There are several lesser known medical conditions which medics are finding answers to, but while some cause physical deformities, many make life a daily ordeal for children who are born with them. Bleeding can leave people in a terrible state, and the suffering caused by bleeding daily despite no injuries is unimaginable.

A toddler in Hyderabad has been battling with this pain everyday for the past two years when she started bleeding from her eyes, ears, nose and mouth. The three year old bleeds everyday despite no wounds on her body and is left exhausted due to losing so much blood. It started when she bled from her nose due to pneumonia which doctors dismissed as high fever.

Ahana Afzals parents have spent a large amount on tests but there has not been any breakthrough regarding an effective diagnosis for the child. Doctors are speculating that Ahana suffers from hematodrosis, which is a condition that causes patients to sweat blood from different parts of the body.

Her mother Nazima Begum says that she is helpless when her child asks her why she keeps bleeding from her ears, eyes and mouth. The child used to go out to play and attend school till two months back after which she was forced to stay home due to the severity of her disease.

The parents said that the tests on Ahana require lakhs and they are clueless about raising funds, as of now they have turned to crowd-funding for financial assistance. Ahana also needs multiple blood transfusions and frequent admissions due to bleeding.

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The sadness of America, the hopelessness of America, will in this way spread its wings and tentacles.

Americas first birthday under the administration of President Donald Trump was forecast to be a soggy one. The prediction largely matched the mood of the country, beset with problems and lacking any idea on how to solve them.

Over the long Fourth of July weekend (Americans like to attach weekends to nearly all holidays), the President did what he does each time he is bored; he tweeted a video, this time attacking CNN. In response, CNN, for which the Presidents taunting tweets are a staple, dissected it and discussed its crude dimensions in detail and at length.

It is a dismal spectacle, one that  as in the movie Groundhog Day where the protagonist wakes up sentenced to living the same day everyday  imprisons an entire country. Half of America remains aghast at what is happening, the other silently (or very loudly) takes pleasure in the fact that the misery that hung over them now engulfs everyone all across the United States.

Gloating over the misfortunes of others is not the same as being happy, and it is happiness that now eludes America. One hundred and fifty days into his presidency, Trump may have made his opponents miserable but he has also failed to make his own supporters happy.

The reason is simple: Trump supporters, while momentarily whetted by their leaders visible Islamophobia, racism and woman-hating statements, literally expect changes in their lives; they expect factories to open, coal mines restarted, imports banned, all to deliver the elusive easy life that they feel they deserve. It has not yet arrived.

In one illustrative example, Carrier, the air conditioner manufacturer whose decision to shut down a plant in the American Midwest Trump had criticised from his campaign podium, announced last week that it would be moving to Mexico after all. With it would go the hundreds of jobs that Trump had promised would stay in the US.

What Carrier has done, others have as well. None of the large manufacturers that have recently closed shop in this or that rural town in America are changing their minds, reopening their factories and delivering the better life that Trump promised.

The reason is simple. While it may have been politically popular to blame migrants and bad trade policies for declines and closures, the reality is that many factory jobs have been lost not to other people but to machines.

You can ban and deport foreigners, assault and intimidate racial and religious minorities, but you cannot get rid of machines. Whatever the low-skilled but overfed rural American can do on the assembly line, a robot can do better.

The answer to this should worry the world. Rural America that has lost the battle against machines needs some place to put low-skilled but highly entitled people, and it is going to put them to war. A glib Trump administration knows it cannot deliver on the lovely-life-for-everyone promise with which it wheedled voters who want to keep their SUVs, want the jobs to come to them (instead, and unlike, the rest of the world, which goes to the jobs) and imagines Trump as a grandmaster magician who can deliver all.

To cover up the fact that the factories will never come back, the workers will be sent to war. Soon after he took office, and ever since, President Trump announced a massive increase in military spending, just the sort of expenditure that delights the Republican-controlled House and Senate. Next he installed known neoconservatives, champions of all the imperial adventurism of the Bush years, in crucial positions in the defence department and the national security administration. Busy tweeting himself, he gave them licence for the conduct of wars abroad.

The results are visible, if not as widely discussed, as Trumps Twitter feed. Fresh troops have been committed for Afghanistan, where the war was supposed to have been long over and where troops were supposed to have been withdrawing. One can add to this the only piece of good news in American newspapers that the Syrian city of Tabqa had been retaken from the militant Islamic State group by an alliance of Kurdish militias and by American airstrikes. The Washington Posts David Ignatius declared that hope could now be seen in peoples faces and that a new era (yes, yet another one) looked imminent.

The post-ISIS plan is to use local ground forces but with the assistance of American artillery, American special forces and American advisers. The days of American intervention were never quite over and they will stay for the near future.

The Trump administrations plan for jobs is simple: for those low-skilled Americans living in communities wracked by joblessness and opiate addictions and general despair, a job is available in the US military. All through rural America, the song is being sung by guidance counsellors in high schools and recruiters in strip malls; the military wants you and the military will pay you. It may be too late for the middle aged and the laid off, but for the young who are not addicted to drugs, who want to get out, who can risk losing a limb or a life, the American war machine is the best bet in the war against machines.

The sadness of America, the hopelessness of America, will in this way spread its wings and tentacles. The wars may not be the wars of alliance, fought arm in arm with European allies, or even the nation-building kind, but they will be wars nevertheless. A sad America, its military ranks filled with the hopeless and hapless, will be crueller, more brutal and even more aggressive, the despair and desolation of its fighters fitted into bombs and bullets, fired and flung at other lands.

By arrangement with Dawn
The battle to recapture Mosul, Iraqs second city and ISIS capital, began in October last year.

On Thursday, June 29, Iraqi forces captured the ruined 850-year-old al-Nuri mosque in Mosul and declared that the caliphate, announced from the pulpit of this mosque three years ago, had now been ended. Islamic State of Iraq and Syria fighters still in Mosul number about 350 and are fighting a fierce rearguard action, though ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is thought to have fled to Syria.

The battle to recapture Mosul, Iraqs second city and ISIS capital, began in October last year. The Iraqi forces, numbering about 100,000, consist of the elite counter-terrorism service (CTS) forces, Army and police elements, Kurdish fighters and members of the largely Shia Popular Mobilisation Units (PMU). These are backed by US special forces, while Turkish forces lurk in the vicinity.

ISIS is similarly under pressure in Syria: its capital, Raqqa, is now under siege by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), made up largely of Kurdish militia with some token Arab fighters as well, backed by US special forces and aircraft. As at Mosul, there are Turkish forces in the region as well.

The very nature of forces ranged against ISIS should alert us to the problems that are likely to arise shortly after it loses its territorial bases, since its opponents have very different, indeed, competing agendas.

For the Kurds in both Iraq and Syria, this is the cherished moment they have awaited when they can have their own self-governing space, possibly even a sovereign entity. In anticipation of the takeover of Mosul, the Kurds in Iraq have announced a referendum on independence on September 25.

Any prospect of Kurdish independence will be opposed by the government in Baghdad, as also by Turkey and Iran, with their own restive Kurdish populations and have forces deployed in the region to prevent such an initiative.

In Syria, Turkey is particularly concerned about Kurdish territorial consolidation at its border due to the close affinity of the Syrian Kurds with its own disgruntled Kurds from the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK), and the possibility that this Kurdish territory in Syria will provide the training ground and sanctuary for its dissidents. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that his country and its armed forces will deploy all available resources to prevent the establishment of a Kurdish state in northern Syria.

Kurdish territorial gains in Syria will also be opposed by the Iran-backed Bashar al-Assad government whose forces are racing to Raqqa and will claim control when the city falls. They will be backed by both Turkey and Iran, who have joined Russia to promote a peace process that does not call for Mr Assads ouster.

Iran has broader geopolitical interests in the region. These relate to maintaining its influence in both Iraq and Syria, and specifically control of the land route from Tehran to Beirut via Baghdad and Damascus, while thwarting Kurdish gains in the north of Iraq.

The Trump administration has made it clear that it will pursue US interests in both Iraq and Syria that include the promotion of Kurdish interests and a confrontation with Iran to reduce its regional influence. Despite strong Turkish insistence, the US has refused to abandon the Kurdish forces and has also continued to supply the Kurdish forces with quality American weapons.

Several American writers have postulated that the US could be gearing up to go to war with Iran, promoted robustly by extremist pro-Israel lobbies, the visceral animosity for Iran within the Republican Party, and the old desire to promote regime change in Tehran, which secretary of state Rex W. Tillerson spoke of approvingly in recent congressional testimony.

However, Iran, Iraq and Turkey have also made it clear that they will not abandon their crucial interests in the region. Iran has fired missiles from its territory on ISIS strongholds in Syria, even as forces backed by it are well-represented in the fight for Mosul. Turkey has also boosted its military presence in Kurdish areas in northern Syria.

Thus, the fall of Mosul and Raqqa unleashing a variety of conflicts among internal and regional players can only redound to the advantage of ISIS and other jihadi forces in the region. Already, though beleaguered in its home territories, ISIS has exhibited extraordinary reach: militants claiming loyalty to ISIS have recently attacked Istanbul, Manchester, Baghdad, Kabul, London, Karbala and Marawi in the Philippines, and even penetrated Irans security cordons to attack two iconic monuments in Tehran. The political chaos and the virulent sectarian and ethnic divides in both Iraq and Syria will ensure that extremist violence will continue to be a viable option for the marginalised and mistreated youth across the region.

Thus, it can be safely predicted that loss of its capitals will not diminish the lethal power Daesh can mobilise against its targets worldwide, particularly through lone-wolf activists in West Asia, Europe, the US and even Southeast Asia.

Even if it is evicted from home bases, ISIS may be expected to exhibit nimbleness and adaptability when it launches attacks from its peripheral spaces in Afghanistan, Yemen, Libya and Nigeria. This will be backed by a powerful online presence, giving greater attention to militancy and war rather than on the idyllic life it had portrayed in its earlier videos to lure young warriors to its state.

Finally, even if Daesh withers away, other localised extremist groups may be expected to take its place. They may be without its centralised structure or its human, military and financial resources, but they will not lack in commitment or ferocity.

Thus, the principal challenges for leaders in West Asia will emerge after the fall of Mosul and Raqqa, when they will need to restore unity and security at home and adopt policies to shape and consolidate accommodative and multi-cultural societies so that their states truly become nations.
India no longer needs a state-owned national airline.

State has taken a toll on Air India: Jitender Bhargava

The concept of a national carrier perhaps came in when there was only one airline existing in a country; that too, largely government-owned. Globally, that particular airline was equated with the country because its name included that of the country  Air India, Air France, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, etc. Since that era, not only have many government airlines across the world been divested, private airlines have also come up in all countries, including India. The concept of one carrier enjoying an edge over others by virtue of being designated as national carrier is thus no longer valid.

No one had ever contested Air India being a national carrier till a few years ago because Air India had been a symbol of national pride worldwide. However, with its increasing marginalisation, and huge losses largely on account of flawed decisions taken by the government as its owner, much of the sheen has worn off; the esteem in which people held the airline has also eroded, making people question the relevance of a national carrier.

It is generally believed that Air India has been a huge beneficiary of government ownership, whereas government ownership has taken a very heavy toll on the airline too. The government-appointed corporate stalwarts on the AI board of directors have failed to provide strategic leadership. The government also appointed and dismissed CMDs at will affecting continuity. As a PSU, it has to embrace an unproductive work ethic and employ far more people than private airlines. Air India also has to follow government-stipulated payscales, recruitment and promotion policies. Under the given structure, the airline pays its employees at junior levels salaries that are higher than their counterparts in private airlines, and its senior employees get emoluments less than their counterparts. But more importantly, as a government airline, Air India is forced to work within a bureaucratic operational framework, and the decision-making is so slow that it impacts the airlines ability to promptly counter adverse marketing conditions.

The government ownership also lends an erroneous impression among politicians and bureaucrats that they can treat it as part of their personal fiefdom such as the desire for being treated as a VVIP or seeking extra benefits like free upgrades to business/first class.

Most people also believe that one of the functions of the national carrier is to carry out evacuations during national emergencies, be available to the government for flight operations at will. My belief is that the government asks Air India to execute these functions because it owns it and therefore believes it has the right to make Air India undertake flights at short notice since no pre-negotiations on fares and payments need to be made in advance.

However, as we have seen on some occasions, whenever flights have to be operated to evacuate Indians or provide relief to a foreign country on behalf of the Union government, as in the case of Nepal in the wake of the earthquake there, all Indian private carriers too operated flights. There is also a mistaken notion between government-ownership and a national carrier.

A differentiation is needed because government ownership cannot automatically make an airline a national carrier and a national carrier, if designated as such, need not necessarily be government-owned.

Jitender Bhargava is a civil aviation expert and a former Air India executive director

How will the govt dispose of its assets?

D. Raja

The decision to disinvest Air India is wrong. It is a government carrier that has immense strength as far as personnel is concerned. It has huge properties, which could have been handled better.

The main problem with the carrier is that it has management issues. The fact is that the Central government wants to finish off the public sector in this country. The decision to sell off the Maharaja is in line with this thought process.

It just shows the governments orientation towards privatisation. They are just keen on selling off everything. It is even trying to privatise certain parts of the Railways and ports.

The government has already disbanded the Planning Commission and has formed the Niti Aayog, whose sole prerogative is to privatise. The privatisation of Air India is a hugely wrong decision. It has been proved time and again that private airlines have never been successful in India.

Public sector companies like Air India manage to stay afloat despite all efforts by successive governments and managements to run them down; take the examples of Kingfisher Airlines and East-West Airlines. Also, dont forget the case of Air Deccan and Damania Airways. As far as Kingfisher Airlines is concerned, its promoter Vijay Mallya ran away with the salaries of his airlines employees and seems to be thoroughly enjoying himself in the United Kingdom.

The government must tell us what benefit it will get by privatising Air India. What happens to the huge staff and how will the government dispose of its huge assets? The airline possesses land and buildings in the heart of almost all major cities, and also some cities abroad, which are together worth thousands of crores of rupees.

We need to first explore whether Air India should be privatised or efforts should be made to restore some degree of its health to make it more competitive.

Perhaps the best option would be to revamp only the management at this stage to retain its public sector character.

The belief that the private sector knows how to run airlines is incorrect. It is true that the UPA governments decision to merge Air India and Indian Airlines did not yield the desired results, but for this we cant let the employees suffer.

If this government is at all serious about turning around Air India, then it should write off the airlines debt once and for all. Banks should be ready to forgo a substantive part of their loans to the airline.

Following this, the government should ask financial institutions to pick up equity in Air India and form a specialised board to manage it. With 140 planes, Air India has the largest fleet of planes in India.

We will raise the issue in Parliament when the Monsoon Session begins on July 17. I will reiterate that divesting Air India will be detrimental to the national interest.

Our party will insist that the reason behind Air Indias huge debt is because of the wrong decisions taken by the government, and for that it cannot penalise a commercial organisation.

Air India has many other responsibilities, other than mere profit generation, which no other private airline does in our country. Whenever there are natural disasters or state visits, Air India is there.

D. Raja is national secretary of the CPI and a Rajya Sabha member
New Nokias promise of delivering timely security updates to its customers beats that of Googles promise for the Pixel flagship.

It should be noted that Nokia has rolled out the July security update only for its customers in Hong Kong and Taiwan as of now, with the imminent release of the same for Nokia 6 users across the world.

The new Nokia under HMD Globals umbrella has gone for a different approach for providing mobile telephony solutions. Nokias decision to go for the widely accepted Googles Android operating system for its new smartphones has paid off well, with millions getting a well-built Android smartphone for a relatively lesser price than the competition. To stand true to their promise of providing the best smartphone experience, Nokia has delivered the latest security patch for Android to its Nokia 6 handset.

While it may seem absolutely normal for any manufacturer to roll out security updates, the interesting bit in Nokias rollout is that they have released the July security patch to Nokia 6 handsets before the same had been done by Google for its Pixel smartphones. In the world of Android, Googles own Pixel line-up gets the latest version of Android followed by other manufacturers. Since Nokia utilises the stock Android interface, it doesnt have to deal with any pesky process of making newer update patches work with custom interfaces. The result is faster update delivery to its consumers.

It should be noted that Nokia has rolled out the July security update only for its customers in Hong Kong and Taiwan as of now, with the imminent release of the same for Nokia 6 users across the world. However, this makes things pretty positive for Nokia, with the only OEM to compete with Google in terms of releasing updates.

(Source)
"He committed no crime," said his lawyer Antonio Claudio Mariz de Oliveira after filing the written defense.

Brasilia: Lawyers for Brazil's President Michel Temer presented their defense Wednesday against corruption charges that threaten to drive him from office, denying allegations that he took a $150,000 bribe.

They filed a written defense to a committee in Congress tasked with drawing up a recommendation on whether he should face trial over the allegations.

Temer faces a series of hearings before lawmakers vote on whether he should face a criminal trial over claims he accepted the bribe from a meatpacking firm.

He has denied the accusation, which has made him the first sitting Brazilian president to face formal criminal charges.

"He committed no crime," said his lawyer Antonio Claudio Mariz de Oliveira after filing the written defense.

"This accusation is not against an ordinary citizen. It is against the president of the republic and against Brazil."

Police arrested an adviser of Temer's with a suitcase full of money, which prosecutors allege was destined for Temer as a bribe.

A video has also emerged of Temer apparently approving the payment of hush money to a jailed ally. Temer's lawyer said Wednesday that video was "technically doubtful."

Former vice-president Temer took over as president last year after his leftist predecessor Dilma Rousseff was impeached on charges of budgetary wrongdoing which she branded a "coup."

Temer is trying to push through reforms to save Brazil from recession. But his time in office has been blighted by the resignations of ministers and corruption claims creeping ever closer to his door.

Left-wing deputy Alessandro Molon told reporters Wednesday the government wanted to hurry up the procedures in congress. But he estimated that the full final vote may not take place until August.

The charges come against the backdrop of a sweeping graft investigation which has uncovered systemic corruption in the political and business elite in Latin America's biggest country.
The paper, known for its aggressive rhetoric, said that China should reconsider its stance over Sikkim.

The tabloid daily of the ruling Communist Party of China also accused India of exerting startling control and oppression over Bhutan. (Photo: AFP/Representational)

Beijing: Ratcheting up its rhetoric against India, a state-run Chinese daily on Thursday warned that Beijing might support pro-independence appeals in Sikkim if New Delhi didnt stop pursuing regional hegemony through the border face-off.

In the past, China was wary of India playing the Dalai Lama card, but this card is already overplayed and will exert no additional effect on the Tibet question. But if Beijing adjusts its stance on India-sensitive issues, it could be a powerful card to deal with New Delhi, state-run Global Times said. The paper, known for its aggressive rhetoric, said that China should reconsider its stance over Sikkim.

Although China recognised Indias annexation of Sikkim in 2003, it can readjust its stance on the matter, the daily said.

There are those in Sikkim that cherish its history as a separate state, and they are sensitive to how the outside world views the Sikkim issue. As long as there are voices in Chinese society supporting Sikkims independence, the voices will spread and fuel pro-independence appeals in Sikkim, it added.

The tabloid daily of the ruling Communist Party of China also accused India of exerting startling control and oppression over Bhutan.

As a result, Bhutan has not established diplomatic ties with China or any other permanent member of the UN Security Council. Through unequal treaties, India has severely jeopardised Bhutans diplomatic sovereignty and controls its national defence, it said.

It also accused India of imposing a similar coercive policy on Sikkim before.

The small neighbours revolts over sovereignty in the 1960s and 1970s were brutally cracked down on by the Indian military. New Delhi deposed the King of Sikkim in 1975 and manipulated the countrys Parliament into a referendum to make Sikkim a state of India. The annexation of Sikkim is like a nightmare haunting Bhutan, and the small kingdom is forced to be submissive to Indias bullying, it said.

The daily said that India after its independence inherited the brutal colonial policies of Britain and pursued regional hegemony at the sacrifice of tiny Himalayan nations.
PM to meet many other leaders in Hamburg, no Xi talks planned; China again urged to withdraw troops.

New Delhi/Beijing: India on Thursday said the military standoff on the border with China could be resolved diplomatically and Chinese soldiers should leave Bhutans territory to reduce tensions in the area, while China said that the atmosphere was not right for a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinas President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G-20 summit that begins in Hamburg, Germany, today.

In response, New Delhi made it clear that no bilateral meeting had been either sought or scheduled with the Chinese President on the G-20 summits sidelines. New Delhi said bilateral meetings were planned on the sidelines of the summit between Mr Modi and the leaders of Argentina, Britain, Canada, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea and Vietnam. Mr Modi will, however, attend the meeting of the leaders of Brics, of which China is a part.

While India said there is no change in the Prime Ministers schedule, it remains to be seen if there could be an impromptu meeting between Mr Modi and President Xi sometime during the Brics meeting. China, meanwhile, strongly urged India to pull back to avoid the situation from getting worse and lead to some more serious consequences.

Minister of state for defence Subhash Bhamre was quoted by PTI as saying: I think the issue can be resolved at the diplomatic level. The Chinese troops should stay where they were earlier. China is approaching Bhutanese territory. We want them not to come forward. This is our security concern, and this is our stand. Bhutans King gave a statement yesterday that Chinese (troops) are entering its territory. This tension can be resolved at the diplomatic level. Across the table we can solve all the problems.

As a Chinese foreign ministry official said in Beijing, on condition of anonymity, that the atmosphere is not right for a bilateral meeting between President Xi and Mr Modi, the external affairs ministry said in response to a query on the Prime Ministers schedule in Hamburg: The (MEA) official spokesperson said that as mentioned earlier, the Prime Minister is visiting Hamburg from 6-8 July for G-20 Summit. His pre-planned bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the

Summit are with Argentina, Canada, Italy, Japan, Mexico, ROK, UK and Vietnam. In addition, he will also participate in the Brics Leaders Meeting. There is no change in the Prime Ministers schedule.

On June 16, a Chinese PLA construction party entered the Doklam area (of Bhutan) and attempted to build a road. After Bhutan took up the matter with India, the Indian Army intervened on behalf of the Bhutanese and physically obstructed the Chinese PLA from building the road in Doklam and preventing China from changing the status quo. This made the Chinese furious.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang expressed hope in Beijing that India can immediately withdraw the border troops to the Indian side of the boundary to uphold the peace (and) tranquillity of the China and India border areas, and said: I think this is the precondition for any meaningful peace talks between the two sides.

Asked about Mr Bhamres remark that the standoff could be resolved diplomatically and that Chinese soldiers should leave Bhutans territory to reduce the tensions in the area, Mr Geng said: We have noted the statement. He went on to add: We have said many times the illegal entry of Indian border troops at the defined section and mutually recognised boundary is different in nature from previous frictions at the undefined part of the boundary.

Beijing, meanwhile, further stepped up its rhetoric, with the Chinese embassys political counsellor Li Ya saying in a video put up on the social media that since Doklam is part of Chinese territory, activities conducted by China in Doklam are within Chinas sovereignty.
The term agent is described as a top functionary of the government who leads the delegation to represent a country.

Islamabad: Pakistans attorney general Ashtar Ausaf will represent the country against India at the International Court of Justice in the case involving Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court.

The ministry of foreign affairs has informed the ICJ registrar at Peace Palace in The Hague that Ausaf would be the agent for Pakistan in the case whereas foreign affairs director general Dr Mohammad Faisal would continue to act as the co-agent.

The term agent is described as a top functionary of the government who leads the delegation to represent a country and usually opens arguments or presents a framework followed by the legal team in the ICJ.

This also means that all future exchanges or information between Pakistan and the ICJ will be made through the attorney-generals office.
US President Donald Trump also added that there could be other countries that were involved.

Warsaw: On the eve of his first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Donald Trump questioned the veracity of American intelligence about foreign meddling in the US election, arguing Thursday that Russia wasn't the only country that may have interfered.

"Nobody really knows for sure," Trump said. Opening his second overseas trip as president, Trump also warned North Korea that he's considering "some pretty severe things" in response to the isolated nation's unprecedented launch of a missile capable of reaching the US Though he declined to offer specifics on the US response, he called on all nations to confront the North's "very, very bad behaviour."

As US investigations into Russia's meddling move ahead, Donald Trump is under intense scrutiny for how he handles his first face-to-face session with Putin. US intelligence officials say the unpredictable Russia leader ordered interference in the election that brought Trump to the White House.

Trump and Putin plan to sit down on Friday in Hamburg, Germany, on the sidelines of an international summit.

Read: CIA knew in August that Russian President sought to boost Trump

Loathe to cast a shadow on his election victory, Trump has avoided firmly blaming Moscow for campaign hacking in the past, and on Thursday, he was similarly elusive. He argued variably that it could have been Russia, probably was Russia and indeed was Russia, while insisting it could have been other countries, too, and adding: "I won't be specific."

"A lot of people interfere. It's been happening for a long time," Trump said in Poland. He did not specifically say whether he planned to discuss the issue with Putin.

The president sought to redirect any scrutiny toward his predecessor, Barack Obama, accusing him of allowing Moscow to meddle on his watch. Though the Obama administration warned Russia publicly and privately before Election Day to stop interfering, questions have since been raised about whether he acted aggressively enough to stop the threat.

"They say he choked. Well, I don't think he choked," Trump said. "I think he thought Hillary Clinton was going to win the election, and he said, 'Let's not do anything about it.'"

Read: Despite hacking charges, US tech industry fought to keep ties to Russia spy service

Trump said the CIA had informed Obama about the hacking months before the election but added that "mistakes have been made." Though Trump has made similar statements before, it was an extraordinary public expression of doubt about US intelligence capabilities by a president while standing on foreign soil.

In his first public comments since North Korea tested an intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time this week, Trump declined to offer specifics about what a US response might entail, though he called it a "threat" and said the US would "confront it very strongly." Trump said it wasn't certain he'd follow through on the severe steps he was weighing, adding that he does "not draw red lines."

"It's a shame that they're behaving this way," Trump said of North Korea's leaders. "But they are behaving in a very, very dangerous manner, and something will have to be done about it."

The US has been considering a range of possible sanctions, economic measures and other steps in response to Pyongyang. The test of an ICBM marked a major technological advancement for North Korea that US officials have described as intensifying the threat against the US by bringing the North closer to being able to mount a nuclear warhead atop a missile that could hit American soil.

Read: Russian hackers targeted 21 systems in 2016 presidential polls: US official

Trump's comments came as he opened his second visit to Europe, a trip that will also take him to Germany for the Group of 20 economic summit, where he'll meet with Putin.

Later on Thursday, Trump planned to deliver a speech from Krasinski Square, the site of a monument commemorating the 1944 Warsaw Uprising against Nazi occupation.

Polish media reports said the government, as part of its invitation to Trump, promised the White House a reception of cheering crowds. Plans call for ruling party lawmakers and pro-government activists to bus in groups of people from outlying provinces for the speech.

In his speech, Trump planned to call on Poland and all of America's European allies to stand united against extremism and other "shared enemies" that pose a threat to freedom and sovereignty - whether "from the South or the East," according to excerpts of his speech released by the White House in advance.

Trump started his first day in Europe at the Royal Castle, welcomed by President Andrzej Duda and a vigorous handshake in front of a white marble bust of Stanislaw August Poniatowski, the last king of Poland. The leaders then retreated to a room decorated with red walls for their private talks.
Being hosted by Germany, the theme of the G-20 Summit this year is 'Shaping an Interconnected World'.

Modi, who became the first Indian prime minister to visit the Jewish nation, signed seven agreements to boost bilateral cooperation in key areas like science and technology, water, research and space. (Photo: AP)

Tel Aviv: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday left for the German city of Hamburg to attend the G20 Summit after wrapping up his historic three-day visit to Israel during which he discussed key issues like terrorism and economic cooperation with the top Israeli leadership.

"I thank the people and Government of Israel for their hospitality. This successful visit will add more energy to India-Israel relations," Modi said in a tweet.

"A historic visit, filled with many firsts and the promise of future ends as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu goes beyond protocol again to bid farewell to Prime Minister (Narendra Modi)," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Gopal Baglay said in a tweet.

"As journey concludes, voyage begins. With sea of opportunities ahead, Prime Minister Narendra Modi completes ground-breaking visit. #IndiaIsraelFriendship," he said in another tweet.

Modi, who became the first Indian prime minister to visit the Jewish nation, signed seven agreements to boost bilateral cooperation in key areas like science and technology, water, research and space.

The historic visit saw India and Israel elevate their ties to the strategic partnership level with both vowing to do "much more together" to combat growing radicalisation and terrorism while pitching for strong action against those financing and providing sanctuaries to terror groups.

During the visit, Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and underlined the need for the establishment of a just and durable peace in the region that has been marred by years of conflict.

This year, India and Israel are marking 25 years of their diplomatic relations. Modi will attend the G-20 Summit being hosted by Germany on July 7-8 in Hamburg.

The theme chosen for this year is 'Shaping an Interconnected World'.
Indian side said that Doklam is located within the tri-junction of the three countries, that is misleading the public, said Geng.

Beijing: China on Wednesday accused India of "misleading the public" by saying that Chinese troops are building a road close to the Chicken's Neck in the Sikkim sector which could endanger India's access to the north-eastern states.

"In disregard of the 1890 Sino-Britain convention, the Indian side said that Doklam is located within the tri-junction of the three countries, that is misleading the public," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Gen Shuang said.

Read: Sikkim standoff: No compromise with India, situation grave, says China

"The 1890 convention said that the Sikkim section of the boundary commences from East mountain and the incident (of road building) took place about 2,000 meters away from Mount Gipmochi," Geng asserted.

He claimed that the incident has nothing to do with the tri-junction between China, India and Bhutan.

Read: Sikkim standoff continues, China's warship detected in Indian Ocean region

"The Indian side is actually misleading the public by saying that the incident took place at the tri-junction point," Geng said defending China's road building which India and Bhutan have objected to.

India has expressed concern over the road building, apprehending that it may allow Chinese troops to cut India's access to its north-eastern states.
China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan tri-junction for past 19 days.

Beijing: China on Thiursday said the "atmosphere" was "not right" for a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, amidst a standoff between the armies of the two countries in the Sikkim section.

Read: Sikkim standoff: No compromise with India, situation grave, says China

"The atmosphere is not right for a bilateral meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi," a Chinese Foreign Ministry official said ahead of the G20 Summit in the German city of Hamburg from tomorrow.

China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan tri-junction for past 19 days after a Chinese Army's construction party attempted to build a road. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.

There were reports that Modi and Xi may meet on the sidelines of the G20 Summit to resolve the standoff.

Read: Sikkim standoff continues, China's warship detected in Indian Ocean region

China's state-run media on Wednesday had quoted Chinese analysts as saying that Beijing would be forced to use a "military way" to end the standoff in the Sikkim sector if

India refuses to listen to the "historical lessons" being offered by it.
The editorial suggested Beijing to adjust its stance on India-sensitive issues that could be a powerful card to deal with New Delhi.

Foreign policy observers feel that China is accusing India of disturbing the peace at the Sikkim border to hide the Chinese unilateral aggression. (Photo: AFP/Representational)

Beijing: Even as China and India are engaged in a standoff over Sikkim border, Chinese media on Thursday accused New Delhi of oppressing Bhutan and said that Beijing will support and fuel pro-independence appeals in Sikkim to rewrite the Himalayan geopolitics.

Chinese state-run tabloid, Global Times, in an editorial piece said, New Delhi imposed a similar coercive policy on Sikkim, as they are doing with Bhutan -- deposed the king of Sikkim in 1975 and manipulated the country's parliament into a referendum to make Sikkim a state of India.

Comparing Sikkims history with Bhutan, Global Times said, The annexation of Sikkim is like a nightmare haunting Bhutan, and the small kingdom is forced to be submissive to India's bullying.

Read: China accuses India of misleading public about Sikkim standoff

The editorial further said, India has control and oppression over Bhutan, due to which the Himalayan country has never established diplomatic ties with its neighbour China or with any of the country from international community.

Stating that New Delhi's regional hegemony is swelling to a tipping point, the editorial said, China needs to put more efforts into establishing diplomatic ties with Bhutan at an earlier date as well.

Global Times maintained that India on pretext of helping Bhutan protect sovereignty is blocking Chinas road construction project in the Sikkim area as India is suspicious that China is building the road to cut off the Siliguri Corridor.

Chinese daily also urged, Beijing to reconsider its stance over the Sikkim issue. It said, As long as there are voices in Chinese society supporting Sikkim's independence, the voices will spread and fuel pro-independence appeals in Sikkim.

Mentioning the way to overpower India, the editorial suggested Beijing to adjust its stance on India-sensitive issues that could be a powerful card to deal with New Delhi.

Read: Sikkim standoff continues, China's warship detected in Indian Ocean region

However, with certain conditions, Bhutan and Sikkim will see strong anti-India movements, which will negatively affect India's already turbulent northeast area and rewrite southern Himalayan geopolitics, the editorial said.

Warning that India has to pay for its provocations, the Chinese government mouthpiece, said, Beijing is more powerful yet unwilling to face a confrontation with New Delhi. However, we must have enough tools to deter India from provocations.

China has incessantly asked India to withdraw its troops from the tri-junction disputed area between India-Bhutan-China, allegedly claimed by China as their territory.
Hospitality industry drops by 90 per cent. Bookings are cancelled for fear of other terrorist attacks. Bangladesh is on the list of high-risk countries. For tour operators, the government should work to recover foreigners trust.

Dhaka (AsiaNews)  The Dhaka massacre on 1 July 2016 has reduced Bangladeshs tourist sector by at least 80 per cent.

In the capital, the crisis has hit hard restaurants, hotels and bars, with losses of up to 90 per cent, this according to figures published by the Dhaka Tribune, one of Bangladeshs main English-language newspapers.

The paper found that the fall in arrivals from foreign countries - especially Japan and Italy - and the continuing fear of tourists and local customers of new terrorist attacks have devastated the tourist sector. For some tour operators, the government should work to rebuild foreigners trust.

For Mishal Karim, owner of Chows, an upscale Cantonese restaurant in Banani, The attack on Holey was a tragedy that affected everyone, especially the restaurant business. Even though operations have somewhat returned to normal, everything is a little different. The fear is always there.

Prior to the attack, many Japanese tourists came to the country in great numbers, 5,000 to 6,000, each year. Over the past year, only 1,000 tourists came to Bangladesh, said Masud Hossain, the executive director of Bengal Tours Limited.

As the arrivals from Japan declined, 16 tour guides who would have handled the Japanese tourists, have quit. The overall slump in tourism has caused a total of 15 tour guides adept in other languages to also quit, he added.

With respect to Italian tourists, only five came to Bangladesh this year, whereas the yearly arrival from Italy was around 600 in the recent past.

The 1st July massacre had a major impact but a first setback occurred earlier with the killing of two foreign residents, Italian aid worker Cesare Tavella and Japanese Hoshi Kunio.

After the terrorist attack, Japan and Italy out Bangladesh on their list of high-risk countries, with an advisory against travel.

To get bookings from foreign tourists, Bangladesh will have to work relentlessly to have the red alert on Bangladesh removed, said Bengal Tours Masud Hossain.

Gulshan and Banani, two of Dhakas most exclusive districts with embassies and diplomatic representations, have obviously been affected by the crisis.

The number of customers dropped by about 90 per cent just after the terror attack in Gulshan against the bar frequented by foreigners that left 20 dead, including nine Italians.

Although security measures around the area have been stepped up with 12 police check posts, the numbers are still low in comparison to what it used to be.

Foreigners are still panicking. This is why they are not coming to the area. It will take more time for the situation to stabilise, said Soi 71 restaurant manager Awolad.

Even though some new customers have begun dropping by after we reopened, all the known faces have yet to show up, said Sayeed, a sales executive at the Holey Artisan Bakery.

According to the Hotel, Guesthouse and Restaurant Owners Association of Bangladesh and the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh, some 500 budget hotels, guest houses and restaurants are operating in Dhaka, some 350 residential hotels, guest houses and restaurants in Gulshan and Banani alone.

Investment in the local hospitality industry stands at around 50 billion takas (US$ 620 million) employing 100,000 people.
by Christopher Sharma

Saptari is the most affected district in southern Nepal. Floods were made worse by an embankment on the Indian side of the border. Caritas hands out food, clothing and medicines. There is a danger of disease outbreaks.

Kathmandu (AsiaNews)  Like every year, Nepal has been pummelled by heavy monsoon rains. This year, at least 15 people have died in southern Nepal and thousands more have been displaced due to flooding and landslides.

The ground cannot absorb all the water due to an embankment built by India near the border (with Nepal), which prevents flooding on its side of the border, said Krishna Bahadur Katuwal, chief district officer in Saptari, the most affected area.

In view of the emergency, Caritas set off immediately to bring relief to victims without distinction of belief. "We are giving support to people in need without discrimination. We are helping people of every faith, said Caritas Nepal director Fr Silas Bogati.

Katuwal noted that "many densely populated areas, including Bhediya and Mayanakaredi, are completely underwater. Small cottages and goods are floating on the water. More than a hundred families have been displaced. Cattle has been swept away and people no longer have food and clothes."

We will continue to bring relief to the victims according to our resources and availability," Fr Bogati explained. At present, "we are distributing food, clothes and medicines, said Prakash Khadka, a volunteer.

Given the nature of the land, the water coming from the mountains should flow into the flatlands of southern Nepal, where they would be absorbed in the ground. This is not the case however because of an embankment built by India. So, the water ends up accumulating and submerging houses.

"I have three children and my wife is pregnant, said Ram Jivan Yadav, one of the survivors. We have not had a normal meal for the past five days. We survive only through the support of rescue organisations. We are Hindu, but Christians are giving us protection."

Another victim, Kusuni Devi, said "I lost all my belongings and my home was flooded. I escaped and now many of us are afraid of diseases that might break out."

In fact, the most vulnerable groups of the population  small children, pregnant women and the elderly  are already starting to get sick.

The problem is across the country, said Central Disaster Management director Binod Parajuli. We have a very limited capacity. Christian and non-governmental organisations are helping us. We have also asked the government to intervene with India to minimise losses."
by Santosh Digal

AYD will take place in Yogyakarta (archdiocese of Semarang) from 30 July to 6 August. Thousands of young Catholics are expected from all over Asia. The delegates of each country will spend a couple of days in different dioceses in Indonesia. For Stephen Borja of the Episcopal Commission on Youth of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, The AYD is a fitting chance for all to experience the inter-cultural realities of Asia.

Manila (AsiaNews)  The forthcoming 7th Asian Youth Day (AYD) in Indonesia will be a wonderful occasion for Filipino Catholic youth to know how their counterparts live their faith in a Muslim-majority country.

Our Catholic youth from the Philippines, where Christianity is the majority religion, may sometimes tend to take their faith for granted, said Stephen Borja, an official of the Episcopal Commission on Youth of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), speaking with AsiaNews.

Now, Some 85 delegates bound for AYD from the Philippines will have a good opportunity to feel, know and experience how Catholics in Asia live their faith in an inter-faith context, he added.

Organised by the Youth Desk of the Federation of the Asian Catholic Bishops Conferences (FABC), the AYD is set to take place in Yogyakarta, Semarang Archdiocese, from 30 July to 6 August.

Thousands of young Catholics from across Asia, accompanied by youth counsellors, priests, nuns and bishops, will participate in the much-anticipated youth event, which is held every three or four years in Asia.

Prior to the main event in Yogyakarta, delegates from each country will spend a couple of days in different dioceses across Indonesia in order to understand life in the local church in a concrete situation and interact with various groups of faith communities and cultures. Filipino delegates were assigned Jakarta Archdiocese and Bogor diocese.

We are hopeful, Borja said, that our Filipino youth will have a joyful occasion to enrich their personal faith in Jesus as they encounter youth across Asia, and the Church in Indonesia and its varied cultures, so that they can find new ways to strengthen and sustain their faith experience to serve God and the Church.

The AYD is a fitting chance for all to experience the inter-cultural realities of Asia and respond and engage in meaningful dialogue with the pluralities of cultures, keeping in mind the theme of the event, the joy of the Gospel in this multi-cultural context.

Since a vast majority of youth from the Philippines is unable to attend the AYD personally, the CBCPs Episcopal Commission on Youth organised a series of events and activities nationwide, based on the modules of the AYD theme provided by the AYD organising committee in Indonesia.

The purpose is that those youth who will not be present at the AYD in Indonesia, in a way, will have the opportunity to capture the essential aspects of AYD in their respective dioceses or parishes, Borja said.
Some have lived in the city for decades. Some have criminal records. But for the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, it is neither just nor humane to deport people who have paid their debt to society and risk persecution if they are sent back. For Father Ghezzi, deportations split families.

Detroit (AsiaNews)  President Donald Trump's hard line on immigration has put more than 100 Chaldean Iraqis at risk of repatriation.

In Iraq, their life would be in danger, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) says in a letter sent to Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly. Fr Giancarlo Ghezzi, a PIME missionary and pastor at Detroits All Saints Church, agrees. Speaking to AsiaNews, he said that many groups are paying for Trump's policy.

In February, the Department of Homeland Security made more groups subject to deportation. Previously, only undocumented migrants with a criminal record were affected; now anyone who has committed acts that constitute a chargeable criminal offense is deportable.

On 11 June, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained 114 Iraqis who had a standing expulsion order. According to Foreign Policy all of the detainees were ordered removed to Iraq years ago, but not all have a criminal background  some simply overstayed their visas.

In the past, they were not deported because Iraq had refused to issue travel documents. Baghdad only recently agreed to repatriate its citizens. In exchange, the administration dropped Iraq from the original list of countries banned under Trumps executive order.

In late January 2017, the Trump administration issued the first ban on nationals from seven Muslim majority states. In the second version in March, Iraq was excluded, leaving Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen on the list.

According to ICE, the detainees are hardened criminals. The New York Times notes that their convictions range from theft to murder. For defence attorneys, the crimes are relatively minor and took place years ago, followed by years, and in some cases decades, of law-abiding behaviour.

One of the petitioners subject to deportation is Jihan Asker, a 41-year-old mother of three children who pled guilty under advisement to a misdemeanour fraud in 2003, paid a fine of 0, and served six months probation.

On 19 June, on behalf of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Migration and Committee on International Justice and Peace wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Kelly asking him to postpone the expulsion of Iraqis until the situation in Iraq stabilizes and its government proves capable of protecting the rights of religious minorities.

The bishops do not minimize the serious criminal offenses of which some of these individuals have been convicted; it is entirely appropriate that they be punished for their offenses. After serving their sentences, however, we believe it would not be just or humane to deport a person who has integrated into American life and poses no evident risk to the local community.

What is more, they have a significant risk of experiencing persecution and even possible bodily harm because of their faith. Many of these Chaldeans do not know Arabic and have Christian symbols tattooed on the body.

US District Judge Mark Goldsmith in Detroit issued a stay of removal for the 114 Iraqis until today. In his opinion, he wrote that if the deportation orders were carried out, the petitioners would suffer irreparable harm and a significant chance of loss of life.

Deportations do not affect only the Iraqi community. Fr Ghezzi told AsiaNews that the same thing is happening to his parishioners, who are mostly from Mexico, Costa Rica and El Salvador.

The latter have started coming less to church for fear of being stopped by police or the ICE. The number of those coming to the Caritas cafeteria has also dropped.

They are not coming because they are afraid that they might be stopped when they leave home, he explained. They do not move, they do not take risks, even to look for help."

"The problem of expulsions, he added, is that they destroy families. Husbands are sent back to the country of origin, and wives and children remain, or vice versa. Families are broken."
Political and personal issues clash in two "visions" of the Middle East. Doha wants reform and greater freedom. For Riyadh and Abu Dhabi sees threats to monarchies and their domination. Qatar rejects Saudi demands and prepares for new sanctions. The escalation of the dispute undermines diplomatic and international relations.

Doha (AsiaNews)  The crisis between Arab Gulf states is due to political and personal" issues that separate two "different visions" about the Middle East and the Arab world, this according to Jamal Elshayyal, a British journalist who has worked for Al Jazeera English covering the main topics for the past five years, from the Freedom flotilla and the so-called Arab springs in Egypt, Libya, Syria and Yemen to the military coup in Cairo in 2013 and the failed coup in Turkey last year.

For him, Qatar "believes in greater reforms and liberties whilst Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (EAU) consider the pro-democracy movements that emerged in recent years "a threat to monarchies and their domination" of the region. "A crisis could threaten the stability and security in the last peaceful area of the Middle East, the Gulf, amid international inaction," he said.

According to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Qatar supports violent Islamist extremist movements in the Middle East and the West; above all, it maintains diplomatic and trade ties with Iran, the Saudis main enemy. For some analysts, the ongoing row is the final battle between Wahhabis and the Muslim Brotherhood for dominance in the Islamic world.

A month after the row began, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE and Egypt met in Cairo yesterday and voted to extend diplomatic and trade "restrictions" on Qatar. This follows Qatars rejection of the ultimatum of its Arab neighbours. The latter includes 13 demands, such as closing Al Jazeera, which Doha deems unrealistic and impractical.

For the foreign ministers, Qatar does not understand "the seriousness and gravity of the situation." The Saudi foreign minister said further steps would be taken against Qatar at the appropriate time.

"We're not doing this because we want to hurt Qatar, we're doing this to help Qatar," Adel bin Ahmed al-Jubeir said. Qatars response was swift, accusing its neighbours of aggression and of insulting the leaders and people of Qatar.

Al Jazeera is currently promoting a press freedom campaign. From the broadcasters headquarters Jamal Elshayyal spoke to AsiaNews, noting that Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been marching along different paths for a while.

Their policies show a "profound difference". Although the gap seemed to be declining with Riyadh "following King Salmans rise to throne, it remained unchanged with Abu Dhabi."

"Of course, the severity and depth of the crisis may have caused surprise and amazement, said the journalist (pictured in Makkah), because only two days before the crisis a Saudi minister was received in Doha with full honour for a forum. But what strikes the most is the rapid escalation, an unstoppable collapse that has not followed the timing and ways usually practiced in diplomatic circles and in the context of international relations."

The visit by the US President Donald Trump and the renewed alliance between Riyadh and Washington, after the difficulties with Obama, is one factor in reviving Saudi leadership claims in the region, another is the rise of a new gung-ho generation of Saudi leaders.

The demands imposed on Qatar, including shutting down the satellite channel, "surprised us and we strongly reject it as far we are concerned, Jamal Elshayyal. "It is surprising that in the 21st century a government asks for the removal of a TV channel, actually a satellite network that was the first to talk about many facts about the region and the world. It almost makes me laugh that such censorship comes from a country that does not even allow women to drive."

"We have received the solidarity of many colleagues and media from all over the world, he added. Many have joined our campaign for freedom of the press and freedom of thought. We are not political. we provide information.

We regret the fact that there has been little support from governments, even in the West, and the international community. We expected more attention from America and Europe against these draconian and outrageous demands . . . but nothing has been done to counteract or criticise them."

The issue revolves around the different visions Qatar and Saudi Arabia (along with the Emirates) have about the regions grassroots movements, which have been calling for a while for reforms, modernity, greater democracy and freedom.

"In Doha, we are interested in following these currents and give them room without repressing them. The idea is to find a way to favour a democratic model for the Arab world, different from the one recognised in the West. This path requires small steps. By contrast, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh view this as a threat, hence the repression, which also struck us, guilty of giving voice to those who have no voice."

Until now, the diplomatic and trade crisis has not had a big impact on the emirate, with the exception of a certain rise (15%) in prices of some basic foods, like milk and eggs.

"Qatars gross domestic product is among the first in the world and is able to absorb the hit, Elshayyal said. In addition, people have rallied in the country, not only Qatari citizens, who are a small part, but also foreign workers. More and more people have put a sticker on the back of their car with the hashtag #weareallqatar. The same is going on in social media.

Oil and gas giants continue to do business as before, so the economy will not feel any repercussions, whilst Turkey has taken the Saudi place in supplying food and basic necessities at a slightly higher price."

"The real risk is the threat against one of the few stable places of the region. I think it is in everyones interest, including the governments of Rome, London, Tehran and the Arab countries, to ensure that this crisis is solved as soon as possible to ward off another conflict like those in Libya, Iraq and Syria." (DS)
Sweden Will Have A Man-Free Music Festival Because Of Too Many Sexual Assaults

Trending News: A Rock Festival Is Going 'Man-Free' Because Dudes Can't Behave

Long Story Short

In response to a shocking number of sexual assaults at a Swedish music festival, a comedian has proposed a women-only rock festival for 2018.

Long Story

This year's Bravalla music festival in Sweden sold 45,000 tickets and had a sick lineup including The Killers, Linkin Park, System of a Down and Mac Miller, but organizers announced that the 2018 festival will be canceled.

The reason is due to the fact that police received reports of four rapes and 23 sexual assaults, according to The Guardian.

Certain men  apparently cannot behave. Its a shame. We have therefore decided to cancel Bravalla 2018, the festivals organizers said.

The chief police investigator said the descriptions of the culprits are "weak," so there's no reason to believe that just men from one race, ethnicity or culture are involved, as many have (unsurprisingly) insinuated on Twitter. I mean, a white guy has never raped anyone, riiight!? (Sarcasm people, sarcasm).

In response to the festival's cancellation, Swedish comedian and radio host Emma Knyckare proposed an alternative festival that will exclude all men.

"What do you think about putting together a really cool festival where only non-men are welcome, that we'll run until ALL men have learned how to behave themselves?"

Vad tror ni om att vi styr ihop en asfet festival dit bara icke man ar valkomna som vi kor tills ALLA man har lart sig hur en beter sig?  Emma Knyckare (@Knyckare) July 2, 2017

The post appears to have gained traction as Knyckare said plans for a festival in the summer of 2018 are in full swing.

"Sweden's first man-free rock festival will see the light next summer," she said on Instagram, according to The Independent (because I can't read Swedish).

This isn't the first we've heard lately of an effort to exclude men from an event. There was that Wonder Woman screening where only women were invited, which inspired widespread controversy online. This story will presumably ignite the same fury  but not from me.

Of course, it would be great if men and women (and everyone else in society) could go to the same parties and festivals. And 99.9% of the time it is like that. What this headline-grabbing man-ban does is it draws attention to the fact that sexual assaults happen at an alarming rate, particularly at festivals. Don't worry, festivals aren't going to go all woman-only anytime soon, this is just an important statement to be made. And maybe, just maybe, some guys will think twice before they do anything to a woman without her consent.

Own The Conversation

Ask The Big Question

Will the woman-only festival even end up happening?

Drop This Fact

Out of all U.S. college students, 11.2% experience rape or sexual assault through physical force, violence, or incapacitation, according to a 2015 report from Association of American Universities.
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Tampa's Florida Aquarium announced on July 5 they had released five sea turtle hatchlings back into the Gulf of Mexico after an 8-month stay at the facility.

'Washbacks' came from Florida Panhandle, arrived on Nov. 9, 2016

Turtles cared for at Aquarium until they were deemed strong enough to swim seaward

4 green turtles, 1 loggerhead released

According to a media release, the sea turtles -- four green turtles, one loggerhead -- were released from an FWC water craft a couple of miles offshore.

They originally arrived at the Florida Aquarium on Nov. 9, 2016, after being being washed back onto a beach in the Florida Panhandle. The term "washback", according to the Aquarium, 'refers to the action of baby sea turtles being washed back onto the beach after failed attempts to swim past the crashing waves."

Upon their arrival, the hatchlings were given temporary housing and care, with the hope that they would be released back into the wild once they grew large and strong enough to swim seaward.

Grow they did -- in fact, the loggerhead turtle went from just 39 grams in weight to more than 480 during its stay. The other turtles experienced similar growth under the Aquarium's care.



In ideal conditions, hatchlings make their way past the surf a couple of miles offshore where they find a seaweed patch, and they live up to a couple of years in the weed line that serves as a refuge and supplies food until theyre big enough to head further out to sea, said The Florida Aquariums Associate Veterinarian Dr. Ari Fustukjian.

The hatchlings were released along with a juvenile Kemp's ridley sea turtle which stayed at the Aquarium overnight before being released.

Prior to their release, the Aquarium located a seaweed patch that the Aquarium deemed viable enough to provide the hatchlings and the Kemp's ridley with the best chance of survival.

Green and Kemp's ridley sea turtles are classified as "endangered." Loggerhead turtles are currently classified as "threatened."

Theyll travel with these floating nurseries for a few years before getting big enough to start striking out on their own, Fustukjian added.
Tampa Police Chief Eric Ward, 50, is retiring.

Tampa Police Chief Eric Ward stepping down

Ward, who became chief in May 2015, served on force for 29 years

Assistant Chief Brian Dugan will serve as interim chief

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn made the announcement Thursday morning that Ward would be leaving the force "after 29 years of dedicated service."

Ward was sworn in as chief in May 2015, replacing longtime Chief Jane Castor.

"The department is in good hands," Ward said Thursday. "Thanks to all the men and women who work tirelessly to keep the city of Tampa safe."

Ward said the decision to retire was based primarily on two factors: he has accomplished the goals he set for himself as chief, and the new position represented a unique opportunity that he could not pass up.

Ward, a 1984 graduate of Hillsborough High School in Tampa, is rumored to be a candidate for a private sector security position with Coca-Cola Florida.

"This has been an extremely difficult decision," Ward said. "I have spent virtually my entire adult life at the Tampa Police Department. This department and the people here have made me the person that I am today. I will always be grateful to Mayor Bob Buckhorn for the experiences and opportunities to serve the Tampa community as their Chief of Police."

When he was sworn in as Chief of Police in May 2015, Chief Ward identified three goals that would provide direction for his tenure: reducing violent crime, provide relevant training of the officers, and a focus on Tampa's youth.

At a time when many major cities around the nation have seen recent spikes in crime, Tampa has prevented this disturbing trend during Ward's tenure. From 2015 to 2016, violent crime fell 16.5 percent citywide, and property crime decreased 6.8 percent. These decreases were reflected in each of the city's three districts.

"From his time as a young officer to the leadership he's provided to Tampa's finest, I can certainly speak for the entire City of Tampa staff when I say Eric's presence will be sorely missed," said Mayor Bob Buckhorn. "His career and service to the City of Tampa has been impeccable at every turn and I am grateful for his years of service to the community and department he loves. The Tampa Police Department is better for his leadership and ready for its next chapter. We wish him all the best in his next endeavor."

Assistant Chief Brian Dugan will serve as interim chief while a national search takes place.
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A Central Texas restaurant is serving something deadly.

The lionfish, a bothersome and sometimes even deadly fish currently invading the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, is being served by the Downtowner, an American Southern cuisine eatery in New Braunfels.

"The fish is pretty gnarly," Joe Ortega, chef at the Downtowner, told mySA.com.

READ ALSO: New treats on the S.A. foodie, bar scenes that are as cool to eat as they are to Instagram

According to the National Ocean Service, the invasive lionfish is "capable of causing extinctions of native plants and animals, reducing biodiversity, competing with native organisms for limited resources and altering habitats."

But as problematic as the species is, Ortega said the fish is actually delicious.

Upon being introduced to the product by a man who sells them local honey, Ortega said they decided they wanted to try putting it on the menu.

RELATED: First look at the dishes and the inside of The Pearl's new food hall

The Downtowner serves up lionfish whole, either fried, grilled or blackened, as a po'boy or served strip style with dipping sauces.

The new dish has been so popular that the restaurant sold out of 50 lionfish between Thursday and Sunday of last week, Ortega said.

The Downtowner is located at 208 S. Castell Avenue and is open Tuesday through Sunday.

jthorpe@express-news.net

@jerilynnthorpe
SHANGHAI  A set of industry standards were released Wednesday to regulate China's booming bike-sharing industry.

Bicycle associations in Shanghai and Tianjin drafted the regulations, which will take effect on Oct 1, after soliciting advice from major bicycle manufacturers and bike-sharing operators.

More than 10 bike-sharing companies, including Mobike and Ofo, promised to abide by the regulations that comprise standards on the production, operation, and maintenance of shared bikes, according to Guo Jianrong, secretary-general of the Shanghai association.

The regulations specify a service life of three years for all such bikes and demand companies hire at least one maintenance employee for every 200 bikes.

They also regulate the management of deposits, handling of customer complaints, and compensation for users.

More than 10 million shared bikes are on the streets of Chinese cities, operated by over 30 companies. Industry insiders estimated that Mobike and Ofo take up more than 90 percent of China's bike-sharing market.
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A video intended to give people a laugh has instead resulted in death threats for a 21-year-old Central Texas woman.

While fishing with her boyfriend in the Bosque River near Waco, Ashley Hoehn asked her boyfriend to record her unique technique for baiting her hook with a small shad fish.

SURPRISE CATCH: Texas boy reels in catfish with snake latched onto its head

In the Facebook video, she is seen biting the head off of the shad fish before threading the animal onto the hook. "And that's how you do it," Hoehn says with a smile, fish guts clearly seen on her teeth.

The post has garnered more than 650 shares and 475 comments since being shared June 25.

WARNING: The video below may be disturbing for some.

"No one necessarily taught me to bait a hook like 'that' - just the silly side of me thought it was funny to bite the head of a shad to give some people a good laugh," Hoehn told Chron.com.

MONSTER CATCHES: Anglers snare sharks, other big catches at Galveston

While the video was intended to bring a laugh, Hoehn tells Chron.com that people were quick to get angry.

"Never did I think a video of me being me would go so crazy," the Central Texas resident told Chron.com. "Yes, I have received endless messages about how much people love my passion, outgoingness, and that women can be just as awesome as men in the outdoors, but it has really opened my eyes to how cruel this world is."

Hoehn continued to explain that she has received derogatory, brutal and hateful private messages since she posted the video on her fishing Facebook page "Outdoors Blondie." She even said that she received death threats from come people online.

Despite online critics, Hoehn has no intention of stopping her posts about her fishing and outdoor adventures.

NOODLING TECHNIQUE: Texas man catches 55.5-pound blue catfish by noodling
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A former Texas City police officer is facing criminal charges and a federal civil rights lawsuit after a Galveston County woman said the officer stole thousands of dollars meant for Christmas presents from the pocket of her dead or dying husband. The charges and suit come almost 50 years after the officer's grandfather was involved in a Christmas theft that led to his own firing from the same police department, according to records in the lawsuit.

In the suit filed Wednesday against the city and the Texas City police officer, identified as Linnard R. Crouch Jr., Linda Mabe said at least $2,400 was taken Dec. 19, from her 74-year-old husband, James Mabe, after he was found unresponsive in his pickup truck in the coastal city of 50,000 near Galveston.

According to the suit, only a "few hundred dollars" was returned to her at the hospital after James Mabe was pronounced dead.

The couple's son filed a complaint with the police department by the end of the year. The son, attorney Michael Mabe, said in a February letter to the police chief that Crouch approached the widow "moments" after she was told that her husband of 46 years had died.

Crouch handed her a clear baggie with a wad of cash that had a $100 bill on top, Michael Mabe wrote. However, when they opened the baggie later, they found the wad of many $1 bills.

"Mr. Mabe was well known by all that knew him to never carry $1.00 bills in his pockets," the attorney son wrote. "Instead, he collected them in the console of (his) truck for his soon-to-be-born granddaughter. He was known to suggest he was starting her college fund."

Michael Mabe asserted that Crouch was the only person with access to both the wad of $100 bills in James Mabe's pocket as well as the wad of $1 bills in the truck's console, suggesting Crouch intentionally stuffed the $1 bill to make the wad look fatter despite missing thousands of dollars.

A supervisor who responded to Michael Mabe's first phone calls said on Jan. 3 that they found no evidence of wrongdoing and that, besides, no officer would "risk his career for such a small amount of money," the attorney wrote.

The deceased man's widow and son spoke Thursday afternoon at a news conference with their attorney.

"What happened to Jim haunts me daily," Linda Mabe said, her voice cracking. "I cannot accept it."

Michael Mabe said he wanted to take their experience public so other families wouldn't go through similar experiences and also be told by police that nothing happened.

"A very important point to my family is that this doesn't happen to anyone else in the community," he said, adding that other without lawyers in the family might be afraid to question law enforcement.

Texas City police officials said Thursday that Crouch, a 40-year-old man on the city's police force since 2005, resigned Jan. 30 when faced with the allegations and told he would be fired if he did not resign.

Two weeks earlier an assistant wrote in a memo to the Texas City police chief that Crouch's body camera video footage showed the officer "removed money from Mr. Mabe's right front pocket he appears not to have reported." The memo and the rest of Crouch's personnel file was obtained by the Mabe family's attorney.

Crouch now faces criminal charges of theft and possession of a controlled substance due to the investigation launched after the Mabes' complaint, according to Texas City Police Department spokesman Sgt. Kenneth Brown.

"These charges have been presented to the Galveston County District Attorney's Office and will be presented to a grand jury upon completion of the investigation," the department said in a news release. A grand jury will decide whether to indict the ex-officer.

Crouch faced a variety of unsatisfactory performance reviews over his decade on the force, personnel records show.

In 2011 he got several "unsatisfactory" ratings in supervisors' annual performance review.

"Officer Crouch has made poor decisions throughout this year that has (sic) caused his supervisors to loss (sic) confidence in his quality of work output," the supervisors wrote. "Officer Crouch hung up on, yelled at, and pointed his finger at a sergeant of this Department. Inexcuseable! (sic)"

On that evaluation, Crouch acknowledged that he "had a bad year," which he attributed to going through five surgeries and a divorce. He added, "Thanks to all for standing beside me and allowing me to keep my job. I need it for myself and my family. Thank again. (sic)"

Most recently, Crouch was reprimanded and suspended last year due to a "pattern of dereliction by Cpl. Crouch in not completing reports" and other incompetence, including the failure to properly investigate a Sept. 9, 2016, car crash that left a 6-year-old child with life-threatening injuries.

A sergeant's review of that incident concludes, "Not only did Corporal Crouch violate several TCPD policies, his incompetent police work may have jeopardized this criminal case by not documenting what was reported to him."

Crouch replied on Oct. 18, that the report wasn't submitted because his computer turned off. He ended his three-page letter, "I am asking for your help (due to) loss of money due to having an increases (sic) in child support. It takes almost everything I am making to support my kids and myself."

Someone with Crouch's rank and tenure makes about $71,000 a year, according to a published Texas City Police Department payscale.

Crouch was not the first member of his family to leave the Texas City Police Department under a cloud.

His grandfather, Clarence L. Crouch, was fired from the department after an incident on Nov. 29, 1966, according to civil service commission records obtained by the Mabes' attorney.

Crouch and his partner were on patrol when they found a door ajar at a business, which they entered, according to the commission records. Crouch "removed several transistor radios without the owner's permission (and) stated to the officer accompanying him that the radios would make good Christmas gifts."

In Linnard R. Crouch Jr.'s poor job evaluation for 2011, the police chief wrote a note in neat cursive:"You have what it takes! ... Being a 3rd generation cop comes with a lot of responsibilities and expectations. The ball is in your court."

It is not clear whether Chief Robert Burby was aware of his grandfather's November 1966 incident, which happened almost exactly a half-century before the December 2016 incident that led Burby to accept the grandson's resignation.

No one returned messages left Thursday at phone numbers listed for Crouch or his parents, and he does not yet have an attorney listed who could be called for comment.

On Thursday, Houston attorney Randall Kallinen will hold a 1:30 p.m. news conference at his office at 511 Broadway to discuss the case.

The lawsuit claims Fourth Amendment violations and argues that Texas City failed to train, supervise and discipline its officers and permitted a "code of silence." The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and punitive damages.
To commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Dallas shooting that killed five peace officers, the Beaumont Police Department will be participating in a statewide initative to honor law enforcement. Gov. Greg Abbott announced in a news release for a statewide initative to honor law enforcement, especially those killed in the line of duty. At 10 a.m. on Friday, the Beaumont Police Department will have marked patrol cars with lights on in front of the police station. Patrol cars will also line the drive in front of the Capitol building in Austin.
The Central Texas father who lost both his legs attempting to save his daughter from a boating accident, has died.

Patrick Oliver, 37, died with his family by his side, according to the Temple Daily Telegram.
The revenue cycle management process is becoming increasingly more complicated as CMS adds codes to reflect the industry's transition into a value-based arena.

Four industry experts spoke on how to improve revenue cycle for ambulatory surgery centers at Becker's 15th Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference + The Future of Spine on June 23 in Chicago.

Panelists included:

 Mihir Patel, MD, orthopedic surgeon, treasurer and board member at Indianapolis-based OrthoIndy

 Samir Sharma, MD, co-founder of Chicago-based Pain & Spine Institute

 Lisa Rock, president of St. Louis-based National Medical Billing Services

 Jocelyn Gaddie, vice president of development at Overland, Kan.-based in2itive Business Solutions

Low-hanging fruit in coding and billing

To stay ahead of the value curve, ASCs should ensure they are evaluating their entire RCM process for inefficiencies and trouble points.

"The first and the simplest thing, is looking at the beginning [of the RCM process]," said Ms. Gaddie. "In terms of verification, you really want to make sure you have a robust process in place for your revenue cycle."

To establish a sound insurance verification process, first ensure providers are entering patient information correctly every time. Additionally, inform patients of the payment due at time of service.

"In your surgery center, you want to have strict policies in place of what that financial responsibility is and that you're providing that [information] to the patients in a timely, manner," added Ms. Gaddie. "It's so much easier to collect the money on the frontend than having to chase it on the backend."

Ms. Rock agreed that ASCs should first focus on insurance verification, identifying who is paying the claim at time of insurance verification. Many organizations run into issues because no one knows who is paying.

"This is what you need to know. If you arm yourself with knowledge on the frontend, then you are going to have fewer problems on the backend," said Ms. Rock.

From a physician standpoint, Dr. Sharma said he and his colleagues learned about their practice's costs, including every cost from the front office to the procedural setting.

"You have to understand where costs can be contained, so we learned to run a very effective, cost-containing [practice]," said Dr. Sharma.

For Dr. Patel's group, the main focus revolves around getting the bill out. OrthoIndy implemented a creative incentive to push quick dictations  a 24-hour dictation rule for physicians equipped with a $50 fine if missed.

In addition to the fine, OrthoIndy established journal clubs for quarterly coding and billing presentations highlighting specific codes.

This physician education is especially important to improve a RCM process. Ms. Gaddie said in2itive holds sessions with coders and physicians to bridge the gap between action in the OR and documentation for billing.

Balanced billing

Balanced billing allows a physician to bill a patient for an outstanding balance after the payer submits its portion of the bill.

In the spine field, patients are often not cured, but rather require treatment throughout their lives. Therefore, Dr. Sharma noted his practice tries to be fiscally cognizant of patients' situations.

"Medical procedures can be a big financial hit to patients," explained Dr. Sharma. "We tend to take a more conservative approach in terms of up-front collections."

OrthoIndy providers offer a preop cost estimate. The group also employs a billing and coding team who discuss costs with patients.

Health IT and data

The revenue cycle field is increasingly leveraging IT solutions to improve accuracy and efficiency.

"Billers are hard to find and it's labor intensive," explained Ms. Gaddie. "And there's human error." She suggested ASCs consider automation any time an opportunity arises.

Dr. Sharma's practice has an in-house billing team. By leveraging data, the practice is able to control costs and see exactly when they should switch gears for improvement areas.

Via an EMR, Dr. Sharma's practice gathers outcomes data  follow-ups, outcomes, hospital admissions, etc.  and proves to payers they are a less-expensive alternative to hospitals.

Ms. Rock recommends surgery centers with at least 200 cases use an ASC-specific RCM software system. National Medical Billing Services is currently collecting data to pinpoint who is paying the claim.

"Upfront, we are trying to figure out a way to capture the employer name, and figure out how the employers are paying their claims," explained Ms. Rock. "Projecting that revenue today is critical for surgery centers."

National Medical Billing Services pulls robust data from systems and reviews it all daily, including cash, electronic data interchange and weekly reports with missing information. Additionally, at the end of the month the company identifies payer and cash trends.

RCM take-home points for ASCs

The panelists left the audience with four key takeaways:

1. Establish RCM processes. Whether an ASC keeps RCM in-house or outsources it, Ms. Gaddie urged practices to create strict processes with defined roles.

2. Outpatient has arrived. The shift from hospital to outpatient is in full swing, and Dr. Sharma suggested ASCs be ahead of the curve. Physicians are ultimately responsible for accurate coding because if coding is incorrect, the ASC won't receive adequate reimbursements.

3. Accountability. To successfully manage the RCM process, Dr. Patel believes accountability is a must from the front staff to physicians. Everyone is responsible for coding and billing and the potential mistakes, so he suggested engraining accountability into an ASC's culture.

4. Manage handoffs effectively. Saddled with a multitude of handoffs, the revenue cycle involves a variety of people, from physicians to the front office staff. Because of so many RCM handoffs, ample opportunity exists for mistakes. Ms. Rock recommended ASCs analyze each individual function and ensure efficiency and accuracy at each step.
CMS recently released its Open Payments data for 2016, which detailed the payment amounts companies made to physicians and teaching hospitals in 2016.

Here are five statistics to note:

1. Companies made $8.18 billion in payments to physicians and teaching hospitals.

2. Last year, 1,481 companies made payments.

3. Approximately 631,000 physicians had payment records.

4. Comparatively, 1,146 teaching hospitals had payment records.

5. Open Payments published 11.96 million records.
With extensive experience in the ASC industry, Jon Vick is a partner at ASCs Inc., a company providing consulting services for physician-owned ASCs and other practices. Mr. Vick has consulted on more than 500 transactions for physician-owned ASCs as well as gastroenterology centers, heart centers, surgical hospitals and associated real estate.

In 1984, he founded and was a principal shareholder of SurgiCenter Development Corp. as well as Endoscopy Center Affiliates in 1992. He was also a general partner for a network of Medicare-certified surgery and endoscopy centers, which he later sold to a national company.

Mr. Vick is among the key speakers at Becker's ASC 24th Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs in October. Learn more about the event here.
The U.K. Information Commissioner's Office  a nondepartmental public body that reports to the Parliament  ruled London-based Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust failed to comply with the U.K. Data Protection Act when it provided patient information to Google DeepMind.

Here are four things to know about the Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust and Google DeepMind incident.

1. In 2016, Google's artificial intelligence arm DeepMind launched a large-scale health project with Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust which allowed the organization to share more than 1 million patient records with DeepMind. The goal of the partnership was to build an app, called Streams, to help physicians manage acute kidney injury.

2. The deal has faced public scrutiny in recent months due to concerns about the organizations' lack of transparency with patients. The ICO, which upholds data privacy and information rights for individuals in the United Kingdom, conducted an investigation into the Streams app that found "several shortcomings" in how data was handled, according to a notice published July 3.

3. The ICO concluded Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust provided Google DeepMind with personal data for roughly 1.6 million patients as part of the trial to test an alert, diagnosis and detection system for acute kidney injury. However, hospital patients were not adequately informed that their data would be used as part of the test.

4. The ICO asked Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust to sign a letter detailing the conclusion of the office's investigation. It also asked the organization to commit to changes that would bring the project in line with the Data Protection Act, such as completing a privacy impact assessment and commissioning an audit of the trial.

"Patients would not have reasonably expected their information to have been used in this way, and the Trust could and should have been far more transparent with patients as to what was happening," Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham said. "There's no doubt the huge potential that creative use of data could have on patient care and clinical improvements, but the price of innovation does not need to be the erosion of fundamental privacy rights."
As part of its national commitment to boost technology innovation in America, Infosys, a global consulting and technology services company, will open a technology and innovation hub in North Carolina, creating 2,000 local technology jobs.

The North Carolina hub is the second of four technology and innovation hubs Infosys committed to in May, as part of its strategy to drive American innovation and hire 10,000 American technology workers. The first hub will open in Indiana.

The Infosys hubs will focus on technological areas like artificial intelligence, cloud computing and big data.

The company plans to hire the first 500 of 2,000 workers in North Carolina within two years. Infosys will hire the remainder by 2021. The company will recruit local professionals and recent graduates from the state's colleges and universities.

Infosys will also partner with the North Carolina community college system to create a workforce training program, which the state has contributed a $3 million grant towards.

"North Carolina's central role in technology innovation makes our state a perfect fit for Infosys," said North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper. "Our world-class universities and our high-tech workers drive growth and attract companies from around the world that are looking to innovate."

More articles on health IT:

DOD stays on schedule, plans to implement EHR on base later this month

Viewpoint: Nashville should be doing more to become a health IT hub

5 things to know about the text messaging scam 'smishing'
Jenny Barnett-Sarpalius, senior vice president and CFO of the CHI Texas Division at Houston-based CHI St. Luke's Health, will leave her position Friday, according to the Houston Chronicle.

The news, announced in an internal email Wednesday, came one week after St. Luke's CEO Michael Covert submitted his resignation, effective Aug. 31. He will also step down as senior vice president of operations for Englewood, Colo.-based Catholic Health Initiatives, which is St. Luke's parent system.

Ms. Barnett-Sarpalius has 30 years of accounting and finance experience. Before joining CHI St. Luke's in 2015, she worked for Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston, Christus Health in Irving, Texas, and Catholic Health East in Newtown Square, Pa.

More articles on executive moves:

Sparks Health System appoints Brandon Bullard CFO

Catawba Valley Medical Center CFO to retire after 33 years: 5 notes

St. Vincent's HealthCare appoints Tom VanOsdol CEO permanently
Houston-based Memorial Hermann Health System named Charles D. Stokes, BSN, RN, its permanent president and CEO, effective immediately. He has been serving as interim leader, following the unexpected departure of Benjamin K. Chu, MD, in June.

Mr. Stokes most recently served as executive vice president and COO of the 17-hospital health system. He joined Memorial Hermann in 2008, prior to which he was president of North Mississippi Medical Center, in Tupelo. He also previously served as COO for three other health systems and as vice president of operations for St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital/Texas Heart Institute in Houston.

Mr. Stokes is the chairman of the American College of Healthcare Executives' board of governors. He served as an ACHE faculty member for 10 years. He is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Mr. Stokes holds a master's degree in hospital and health administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Patrick Soon-Shiong, MD, is said to be the nation's wealthiest physician. The multibillionaire of Los Angeles is a surgeon, scientist, entrepreneur and philanthropist, with a medical empire that spans biotechnology companies, cancer centers and acute care hospitals.

Most recently, Dr. Soon-Shiong made headlines after his biotechnology firm NantWorks acquired a majority stake in Integrity Healthcare. Through the deal, NantWorks, for which Dr. Soon-Shiong serves as CEO and chairman of the board of directors, will assume operations of Verity Health, a five-hospital system in Redwood, Calif., as well as a physician network and the Verity Medical Foundation.

Here are seven more things to know about Dr. Soon-Shiong.

1. He has held the top seat at NantWorks since July 2010. In 2015, he earned $147.6 million, or 14 times the median amount CEOs in 400 of the U.S.'s largest companies were paid that year. The South African native, now 64, is worth an estimated $9 billion, according to Politico.

2. Dr. Soon-Shiong is credited with helping create the cancer drug Abraxane, which oncologists said is an incremental improvement over previous therapies. It is used to treat certain forms of lung and prostate cancer. Abraxis, the company he created to sell the drug, was bought by Celgene in 2010 for an estimated $3 billion, according to Politico. Two years prior, he sold another company, American Pharmaceutical Partners, to Fresenius, for about $4.6 billion. The billionaire's wealth and pledge to eradicate cancer has positioned him to lead numerous cancer-fighting efforts.

3. Highly critical of America's current approach on fighting cancer, Dr. Soon-Shiong created the Cancer MoonShot 2020 initiative in early 2016. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center filed a lawsuit in October 2016 over the rights of the name, as the Houston-based health system had been using the tagline since August 2012. Dr. Soon-Shiong's initiative aims to combine health information technology with genomic testing to transform cancer into a manageable condition. In January, Dr. Soon-Shiong changed its name to Cancer Breakthroughs 2020.

4. Despite its goals, investigations led by STAT and Politico found Dr. Soon-Shiong's initiative may not be making much progress. STAT reviewed hours of video, poured over scientific presentations and consulted a number of scientists and found the initiative has made "very little scientific progress" and likened it to an "elaborate marketing tool." Politico's investigation revealed the majority of NantHealth Foundation's expenditures are channeled directly into business and nonprofits controlled by Dr. Soon-Shiong, and the majority of its grants have gone to organizations that have business deals with his for-profit companies.

5. In response to questions from Politico, Dr. Soon-Shiong defended his philanthropies. "All of these endeavors, including my charitable endeavors, are primarily done so with the hope that my efforts and my funds will work to reduce and even prevent the deadly consequences of multiple forms of cancer, as well as other debilitating and deadly conditions or diseases," Dr. Soon-Shiong said, according to the report.

6. Dr. Soon-Shiong's business troubles don't end there. Two of his cancer-fighting start-ups that he took public in the past two years have each garnered major losses, according to The Los Angeles Times. Both companies' stocks have descended more than 70 percent from their highs. The companies are also both being sued by stakeholders who allege management inflated results to mislead investors. Dr. Soon-Shiong has denied these claims.

7. Dr. Soon-Shiong recently announced another plan to bolster cancer care, this time by building a world-class cancer center in Los Angeles. At the Business Journal's Icons event in May, he announced he will open a new cancer center this summer. However, he will not own the clinic, nor will he have any financial interest in it, according to STAT. The cancer center will be set up by an unnamed group of physicians, while Dr. Soon-Shiong will be on staff in a standalone oncology clinic, where private practitioners will treat patients and conduct research. The facility will not be affiliated with any of his biotech companies.

Editor's note: This article was updated July 6. A previous version misstated Integrity Healthcare's headquarters.
A medical biller in the Detroit area was sentenced June 30 to 50 months in prison for her role in a $7.3 million healthcare fraud scheme, according to the Department of Justice.

In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Sean F. Cox of the Eastern District of Michigan ordered 56-year-old Dawn Bentley and her co-defendants to pay $3.25 million in restitution.

In January, Ms. Bentley was convicted of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, wire fraud and mail fraud, as well as one count of mail fraud. According to evidence presented at trial, she submitted fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicaid for services she knew had not been provided.

Ms. Bentley submitted the claims on behalf of a co-conspirator physician and, in exchange for her services, was paid 6 percent of the amount Medicare reimbursed the physician for the fraudulent claims.

More articles on legal and regulatory issues:

Ex-health insurance CFO gets prison time for embezzling $631k

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Nearly 118,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for organ transplants, and an estimated 8,000 of them will not live long enough to receive a transplant, according to STAT.

As they search for solutions to the organ shortage, scientists are looking for ways to preserve donated organs longer. Some researchers have suggested increasing the organ supply through financial compensation for donors or lessening standards for donated organs, according to the report.

One controversial solution that has already been implemented in 25 European countries  including Spain, Belgium and France  is opt-out organ donation, or "presumed consent," according to the report. Under such policies, every resident is automatically an organ donor unless they remove themselves from the list.

A 2012 study cited by STAT found opt-out policies can be extremely effective. Organ donation rates in countries with those policies exceed 90 percent, compared to non-opt-out countries, where organ donation rates are usually under 15 percent.

So far though, presumed consent policies have not gained traction in the U.S. And while the majority of Americans support organ donation, only about half are registered as donors. Connecticut and Texas introduced opt-out policies this year, but both states' bills died. Colorado and Pennsylvania considered similar legislations in 2011 and 2014, respectively, but neither ended up implementing them.

However, some experts are doubtful opt-out policies would be very successful in the U.S. New England Donor Services President and CEO Alexandra Glazier said they could even cause the number of organ donations to drop, such as in Brazil and Sweden, where opt-out policies faced backlash.

"Although it's well-intentioned, we think it could backfire," Ms. Glazier said. "People might be put off and would opt out, not because they're against donation but because they're against government control of their bodies. There's the potential for large numbers of people to opt out."
Novo Nordisk voluntarily recalled five batches of insulin cartridge holders used in some of its NovoPen Echo devices over quality issues.

The drugmaker launched the recall after discovering the cartridge holders can crack or break when exposed to certain chemicals, including some cleaning agents.

A broken cartridge holder may cause the insulin pen to administer a reduced medication dose, which could cause high blood sugar in patients. Novo Nordisk said the risk of such an occurrence is low.

The drugmaker shipped the affected devices to distributors, sales representatives and replacement programs between August 1, 2016 and June 22, 2017.

Novo Nordisk is informing these entities of the recall and arranging to replace the insulin pens. The drugmaker encourages patients with an affected device to check their blood sugar levels more often than usual until receiving a new cartridge holder.

More articles on supply chain:

FDA halts Merck blood cancer clinical trials after patient deaths

Britain looks to work with EU on drug regulation post-Brexit

St. Francis Medical Center receives Premier's Supply Chain Excellence Award
The Department of Veterans Affairs Midwest Health Care Network will share its remote intensive care unit capabilities with the Air Force Medical Operations Agency.

Under the agreement, Air Force patients at five military treatment facilities will have access to the VA's teleICU physicians and critical care nurses based out of the centralized support center in Minneapolis. The teleICU enables physicians to prescribe medications, order procedures and make diagnoses through live electronic monitoring, remote consultations and audio and video feeds.

The teleICU agreement  which includes Air Force patients in Las Vegas; Hampton, Virginia; Biloxi, Mississippi; Dayton, Ohio; and Anchorage, Alaska  is part of the 2015 DOD-VA Health Care Sharing Incentive Fund. The fund aims to increase healthcare resource sharing between the two organizations.

"This cooperation between the Air Force and VA reflects our shared commitment to caring for those who serve in our nation's military, both during their service and beyond," said Poonam Alaigh, MD, acting under secretary for health of the VA.
One-third of women and one-sixth of men in the U.S. experience at least one incident of sexual violence during their lifetime, according to an April 2017 report out of the CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. These victims often need specialized medical attention, especially if they plan to move forward with a criminal investigation.

However, accessing this care often proves challenging  particularly for those in underserved, rural areas. A research team at Pennsylvania State University hopes to improve this disparity through a telehealth project called the Sexual Assault Forensic Examination and Training  or SAFE-T  Center.

Penn State launched the project  which accepts adult and adolescent patients  in December 2016 under a $1.1 million, 15-month planning grant from the Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime. The SAFE-T Center will use video technology to connect trained Penn State nurses with less experienced nurses at critical access hospitals for live forensic exam guidance and peer review.

What is a forensic exam?

A forensic exam  colloquially known as a "rape kit"  is a collection method trained nurses use to preserve evidence following a violent crime, such as an incident of sexual assault or intimate-partner violence. A patient relays details of the incident to a nurse examiner, who uses this history to inform a head-to-toe examination.

During the examination, a nurse may photograph injuries, swab for DNA and collect foreign materials. The goal is to document relevant evidence that may corroborate a patient's testimony during a criminal investigation.

"This is a really technically difficult exam to conduct," explains Sheridan Miyamoto, PhD, RN, assistant professor in the Penn State University College of Nursing. Dr. Miyamoto spearheads the SAFE-T Center's launch with Janice Penrod, PhD, RN, professor of nursing, and Lorah Dorn, PhD, professor of nursing and pediatrics.

"It's high-intensity work," Dr. Miyamoto adds, noting a typical exam takes a nurse between two and five hours to complete. "It's documenting, packaging and reviewing evidence. Because, if you see the entire incident through, you will ultimately end up in a courtroom defending the work you've done."

The struggle for rural providers

Dr. Miyamoto emphasizes forensic exams are difficult for all providers, regardless of location. "There's a lot of pressure on forensic nurses," she says. "You have to try to provide that compassionate, responsive care in the context of needing to ensure quality evidence collection, usually really soon after the patient's experienced a trauma."

However, these challenges are heightened at critical access hospitals, which often lack specialized clinicians. Even if a nurse volunteers to receive forensic training, a rural hospital may not have the finances to provide the same quality and quantity of training a nurse would receive at an academic medical center, according to Dr. Miyamoto.

"If you're a full-time emergency room nurse in a rural community, you may only see four patients a year if you're in a remote area," she explains. "It's just impossible to attain or maintain the expertise needed to deliver high-quality care."

For example, photographing minute injuries on a patient is an important part of a forensic exam. However, taking a clear image that enables other individuals  such as law enforcement  to differentiate between similar conditions takes practice. "You need to do it on a regular basis to really get proficient at it," Dr. Miyamoto says.

How telehealth addresses geographic disparities

The research team hopes a partnership between the SAFE-T Center and nearby critical access hospitals will improve the quality of forensic exams across the state. In particular, Dr. Miyamoto says the team will study whether telehealth consultations create a more "forensically-defensible exam" that holds up in a courtroom.

The SAFE-T Center builds on an eight-year study Dr. Miyamoto completed with colleagues at UC Davis, which evaluated the use of similar telehealth consultations when examining children and adolescents for signs of sexual abuse. When comparing exams conducted with telehealth to those at separate rural hospitals that did not use the virtual service, an outside sexual abuse expert determined telehealth led to higher-quality exams, according to Dr. Miyamoto.

"We asked the expert to rate the quality of the exams, in terms of evidence collection, proper documentation, clear photographs and whether the exam was thorough and complete," she says. "For every aspect of quality, there were significant improvements in the group that had access to telehealth."

Dr. Miyamoto hopes to conduct another study at the SAFE-T Center once the first pilot sites go live. The study will also consider patient attitudes toward the technology. "My anecdotal experience from the California project is patients were very comfortable with the technology, and often rated their provider high in satisfaction after accessing telehealth," Dr. Miyamoto says.

Next steps for the SAFE-T Center

The SAFE-T Center team is laying the groundwork for the telehealth program, which it hopes to deploy at four pilot hospitals in March. Two of the foundational steps include developing cost-effective telehealth technology and visiting critical access hospitals in Pennsylvania to evaluate the projected need for these services.

Another step involves recruiting experienced forensic nurses for the center's remote team. "We're in the process of hiring about 10 expert nurses," Dr. Miyamoto says. "These will be Penn State nurses that can practice from secure and private remote locations wherever they are located in the state."

If successful, Dr. Miyamoto says this expansive clinical team will also serve as a support network for participating nurses. "When a nurse is working in a remote area, it's emotionally burdensome because they don't have colleagues to share and debrief with," she says.

"My passion is in ensuring that people who have experienced sexual assault receive the highest quality care," she adds. "We can utilize technology to bring the right services out into the communities where they're needed."
Orthopedic and spine surgeons around the country are beginning to perform outpatient procedures, including total joints and spinal fusions, and many of these procedures can be performed in an ambulatory surgery center. This concept is new for many surgeons, but a few industry pioneers gathered last week in Chicago have decades of experience.

At the 15th Annual Becker's Spine, Orthopedic & Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference + The Future of Spine event, a panel of experts spoke on "ASCs, Orthopedics and Spine: The Next Five Years." The panel included Founder of Mesa, Ariz.-based Desert Institute of Spine Care Anthony Yeung, MD; Founder of the Minimally Invasive Spine Institute at Rush in Chicago Frank Phillips, MD; Founder and President of Puyallup, Wash.-based NeoSpine Richard Wohns, MD; Founder and Chairman of Reno, Nev.-based SpineNevada James Lynch, MD; and Senior Vice President of Strategy and Payment Innovation of Surgical Care Affiliates Brian Mathis.

The panel discussed the following eight trends:

1. Surgical and pain management technique development makes outpatient orthopedic and spine surgery possible, but the economics hold some ASCs back. "It will take a combination of insurance companies, device manufacturers and supply chain vendors getting together to make these procedures possible," said Dr. Phillips.

2. Surgeons are taking older patients into the ASC setting. Medicare now has codes for some spine procedures in ASCs, and MedPAC is considering total joint replacements. "Just because someone is 65 doesn't mean they have to have their procedure done in a hospital," said Dr. Wohns. "If you take a spine practice that is 50 percent outpatient and 50 percent inpatient, consider increasing your goal in the outpatient arena by 5 to 10 percent annually."

3. Take control over the entire episode of care. ASCs are now partnering with physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists to ensure their patients receive the right care after surgery to optimize outcomes. Then surgeons can gather the data and develop bundled payments. "We had a multispecialty ASC in Reno for 11 years and built bundles working together and leveraging physical therapy," said Dr. Lynch. "We can bring down the cost of care and bring up quality."

Dr. Phillips also participates in bundled payments and found the ASC an ideal environment for controlling care. "Unpredictability and variability in cost  those are two things that make spine a mess," he said. "We are seeing more employers approach us about bundled arrangements."

4. Surgeons that provide high quality care will always have patients, regardless of regulations and insurance. "All I know is what I'm good at, and if I'm good at it, there are enough people who are concerned about their back pain that they will pay," said Dr. Yeung. "Patients have a choice in determining who to go to. I focus on the resultFocus on the patient, guarantee the result and everything else will work out."

5. There are advantages to both small independent groups and large chain affiliations, and both will find a niche going forward. "I think a smaller group has a better chance of surviving. They can do deals and go directly to the employers and self-insured groups," said Dr. Wohns. "Smaller groups could control their costs and be more cost-efficient than the larger group."

On the other hand, as healthcare becomes more integrated and data dependent, it could be more challenging for small groups to contract with payers and meet federal regulations. To avoid hospital employment, surgeons may decide to join a chain. "Payers can tap into networks of independent surgeons," said Mr. Mathis. "Bringing them to scale is something I'm excited about."

6. ASCs will need to distinguish themselves using data to prove their outcomes are better and adding ancillary services to improve leverage in payer contract negotiations. "If you have a novel imaging center and the hospital doesn't you can negotiate better contracts," said Dr. Lynch. Ancillaries are also a critical aspect of Dr. Wohns' business, including imaging, durable medical equipment, physical therapy and pain management. "If you are a single solo provider and think about the number of referrals you make outside the practice, you can support them within the practice," he said. "You don't have to add infrastructure for most of them."

7. Reputation management is becoming increasingly important as patients seek information online and travel for second and third opinions. "You need to be constantly changing and upgrading your services to the Nordstrum level of service," said Dr. Wohns. "You have to be there for your patient."

Patient education goes hand-in-hand with reputation management. Many patients come into the practice thinking they know what the best treatment is after searching the internet. "It's incumbent for you to choose what you know is right," said Dr. Lynch. "It's all about creating that environment in your office."

8. Primary care physicians want to make sure they're sending patients to a dependable surgeon, especially if they're assuming risk in value-based arrangements. "They want to know what happened when you were with the patient," said Mr. Mathis. "That can bring a ton of benefit to the patient and make sure they are cared for in a comprehensive way. It can be great for the surgeon to educate and screen patients and make sure you are seeing the people who need to see you."
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Employers are having to increase pay for skilled workers because fewer people are looking for jobs, according to a study.

Research by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) found placements into permanent jobs continued to increase "sharply" last month.

Starting salaries increased at the fastest pace for 19 months, while the number of candidates for full-time and temporary jobs fell.

Recruitment agencies said there was a particular increase in demand for engineers, accountants and for temporary jobs in nursing, hotel and catering.

Tom Hadley, REC's director of policy said: " With fewer people currently looking for jobs, employers are having to increase starting salaries to secure the talent they need.

"This is creating great opportunities for people with in-demand skills who are prepared to change jobs, but it's also putting unsustainable pressure on many businesses.

"Existing skills shortages are being exacerbated by Brexit.

"For example, demand for accountants and other financial roles has increased recently as organisations try to protect themselves against economic uncertainty.

"London alone employs almost 200,000 EU nationals in these roles.

"Policies which make it more difficult to recruit and retain these people will put business growth at risk."
Sinn Fein MLA Alex Maskey has branded a potential cut to uniform grants for those on low incomes as an attack on families and children.

The Education Authority has said the Department of Education has told it to to cut funding for uniforms by 3million.

Almost 5million was spent in the past financial year, whereas if this cut goes ahead there will be just under 2million for families to clothe their children for school. It's thought all those eligible for the money would still receive the cash, but a substantially reduced amount for what they need.

Almost 100,000 children are eligible for the funding.

Read More

Extended schools funding, which provides resources for homework clubs, summer schemes and breakfast clubs, is also facing a cut of around 1m. The entitlement framework, which sets out the number of courses schools offer, is also facing a cut although there has been no decision as yet on how much.

The Department of Education has said it has to work within the budget laid out by the Secretary of State, brought about by the current political impasse.

West Belfast MLA Alex Maskey blamed Tory austerity.

"This proposed reduction is an attack on children and families from deprived communities and a further result of Tory austerity cuts," he said.

"Since the Tories came into power we have seen over a billion cut from the north's block grant.

"The DUP in their support for Theresa May's Tory government has handed them a blank cheque for their cuts and a Tory Brexit.

"I have asked for urgent meetings with both the Education Authority and the Department and will be calling on them to reverse this cut immediately."

A spokeswoman for the Department of Education said: As a consequence of the indicative budget for the Department of Education announced by the Secretary of State on 24th April, the department faces major financial pressures in 2017-18 if it is to operate within its budget.

"Consequently options to reduce spending across all programme areas are being explored, including the clothing allowance (uniform grants), extended schools and the entitlement framework.

"Final decisions on the scale of the budget reductions have not been taken on all areas and will depend on the departments final budget allocation. Those decisions that have been made have been communicated to the relevant organisations.

The Education Authority added: "In its recent Resource Budget Allocation letter, the Department of Education (DE) has instructed the Education Authority (EA) to make certain spending cuts to achieve budget savings. These include a reduction in 3million for school uniform grants.
Concerns have been raised about the number of killers being allowed back on to the streets of Northern Ireland.

Around 85 convicted murderers are granted temporary release from prison each year on average.

Less than one in 10 requests for leave are turned down, figures reveal.

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The details emerged days after one of Northern Ireland's most notorious killers was spotted walking the streets while on temporary release.

Stephen Scott, who murdered pregnant teenager Sylvia Fleming in 1998, was photographed at his mother's house in Warrenpoint. He was sentenced to life, but has been taking part in a pre-release scheme.

Now it has emerged that dozens of other killers are granted short-term freedom each year.

Department of Justice figures reveal 87 convicted murderers were granted temporary release in 2015, with just nine requests dismissed.

An identical number were approved and rejected in 2014. Some 93 murderers were temporarily released in 2013, 79 in 2012 and 83 in 2011.

On average, this equates to 85 successful applications for release each year - or one every four days. It is likely the same individuals are included in more than one year's total.

The details were released by the Department of Justice after a Freedom of Information request by this newspaper.

SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan, who represents the West Tyrone area, said he would raise the issue with PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton.

"The number of murderers granted temporary release in the north is extremely concerning - especially when considering the gravity and brutal nature of the crimes perpetrated," he said.

"Communities where these killers are released into are right to be concerned about their own safety and the safety of their families.

"Indeed, the people of Omagh have contacted me raising concern over the release of Stephen Scott, who brutally murdered and dismembered a teenage girl in Omagh. No family should be put through the stress and anxiety of seeing the person who murdered their loved ones.

"I will be raising concern over these statistics and the case of Stephen Scott with the Chief Constable, where I will be demanding the risk assessments conducted and details of the levels of supervision involving these killers."

TUV MLA Jim Allister said the disclosure raised further concerns on the back of the Sylvia Fleming case.

"No doubt this is very distressing for the victim's family and clearly the episode was poorly managed, adding unnecessary distress," he said.

"In Northern Ireland, of course, such prioritising of prisoners is only too common." Prisoners may be granted temporary leave under a variety of schemes.

These include the compassionate temporary release scheme, home visits scheme and pre-release home and resettlement leave. Home leave can also be granted at Christmas, along with temporary release for medical purposes.

All sentenced prisoners may apply for compassionate release in the case of the critical illness or death of an immediate family member.

Pre-release home and resettlement leave is aimed at helping an offender readjust to life outside prison.

Examples include 'Black Widow' Julie McGinley, who in 2015 was photographed outside a Belfast supermarket while on phased release.

McGinley had been serving a minimum 15-year sentence for killing her husband Gerry.

He was beaten to death by her then lover, Michael Monaghan, at the McGinleys' home in Coa, Co Fermanagh, in August 2000. McGinley and Monaghan had previously tried to hire a hitman to kill her 34-year-old husband.

And earlier this week the family of Sylvia hit out after Scott was pictured in Warrenpoint.

The Seventeen-year-old was pregnant when she was murdered in Omagh in 1998.

Her body parts were found under the foundations of a partially-built house.

Scott, described by a judge as "thoroughly evil", was sentenced to life, but has been taking part in a pre-release scheme.

Sylvia's sister Josie said she believes Scott is "capable of anything" and should never be freed.

No one from the Department of Justice was available for comment about the number of killers being released.

However, its website states: "The range of temporary release schemes has been developed to provide both determinate and life sentence prisoners with structured and planned releases towards the end of their sentences.

"The schemes also allow the Prison Service to respond swiftly and sympathetically to bereavement and very serious illness and to long-term infirmity or disability which prevent prisoners' close relatives from visiting."
Sinn Fein has expressed disappointment after a bid to give Northern Ireland special EU status following Brexit failed to secure European Parliament support.

The republican party accused the DUP of voting against the democratic will after it helped defeat the measure.

A bloc of left-wing parliamentarians, of which Sinn Fein is a part, proposed the measure in Strasbourg on Wednesday.

It was rejected by MEPs by 374 votes to 66.

A Sinn Fein statement said: "The outcome of (Wednesday's) vote in the European Parliament in Strasbourg is disappointing. This amendment was not put forward by Sinn Fein.

"It is equally disappointing that both the DUP and Fine Gael MEPs voted against the democratically expressed will of the people of the north and Dail Eireann.

"Sinn Fein is continuing to build support for the case for the north to secure designated special status within the EU."

DUP MEP Diane Dodds said Sinn Fein's Brexit charm offensive has failed miserably.

The republican party's demand for special designated EU status for Northern Ireland post-Brexit has raised unionist concerns that their real motive was to drive a wedge between the region and the rest of the UK.

The fact that Brexit has now been caught up in a reignited debate about a united Ireland has also polarised the issue.

Sinn Fein added: "We have already ensured that the European Parliament is in agreement that the Good Friday Agreement should be protected in all its parts.

"Moreover, the European Council's negotiation guidelines support the need to protect the Good Friday Agreement and recognise the unique circumstances on the island of Ireland and the need for flexible and imaginative solutions.

"We are engaging with hundreds of political representatives and officials from across Europe in order to gather further support for special status for the north within the EU and will continue to do so."

The amendment to legislation in the European Parliament said the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which largely ended the violence and subsequent agreements, should be fully upheld in the withdrawal agreement.

It said special EU status would also ensure membership of the customs union, single market and the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice.

It also called for freedom of movement of goods, people and services on the island of Ireland.

Mrs Dodds said the proposals would have prevented Northern Ireland, as an integral part of the UK, from harnessing new opportunities which flow from Brexit.
A Co Antrim woman who was to marry in just a fortnight is in mourning after her fiance died following a fall during his stag do in Greece.

Emily Russ (31) from Carrickfergus flew to Athens to be at the hospital bedside of Ben Davies (32), a Conservative aide in the Welsh Assembly, but he passed away at the weekend.

Mr Davies had travelled to the party island of Mykonos with six friends for the stag week but was left in a coma after suffering a head injury in a fall, and was transferred to intensive care in a hospital in the Greek capital.

East Antrim MLA John Stewart, who had been invited to the wedding in Cardiff later this month, described Mr Davies as a down-to-earth person who took a keen interest in Northern Ireland politics.

"He was a very, very nice guy. He had been over here and I had met him a few times," he said.

"He was highly articulate and intelligent - he was a political operative for the Conservative Party and I think he was also a member.

"He had a lot of questions about Northern Ireland politics and took a lot of interest. He was just a down-to-earth kind of guy, a nice guy.

"He was in a coma when he was transferred to Athens for treatment, but they were not able to revive him. I believe that when they tried to bring him out of the coma they couldn't resuscitate him."

Mr Davies had recently bought his first home in the Welsh capital ahead of his marriage.

During her vigil at his bedside, Emily posted on her Facebook page: "Positivity is the way forward! The boy is a fighter! Probably one of the main reasons why I love him so much!"

A friend of the couple said: "It's heartbreaking, they were meant for each other and were getting married in two weeks' time. It was all arranged, now they are making plans to bring him back for a funeral.

"He was a special man, very bright and funny with a big future ahead of him."

Mr Davies was deputy chief of staff for the Conservative group sitting in the Welsh Assembly.

He had studied history at the London School of Economics before going on to get an MSc in Russian and European Studies at Oxford.

Mr Davies worked as an adviser for the Liberal Democrats in the 2010 general election, helping Duncan Hames get elected as Wiltshire's first Liberal MP in 86 years. He later volunteered for the Conservatives in London before beginning a job with the party in the Welsh Assembly.

Party director Richard Minshull sent an email to Welsh Conservatives confirming his tragic death and paying tribute to him.

Mr Davies's colleague and friend Vincent Bailey said it was always an adventure being around him.

"I don't think any of us know how to cope with this, but my heart breaks for his fiancee Emily," he said.

"Ben was incredibly bright and such a big character - he will be impossible to forget, or replace.

"It's a huge shock because he was a good friend and so young. It's just terribly sad for everyone."

His friend Dex Torricke-Barton, a former speechwriter for Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg, was due to be an usher at the wedding but couldn't attend the stag do because of work commitments. He said Ben was looking forward to the wedding as Emily "made him truly happy for the first time".

Cardiff Conservative councillor Jayne Cowan said they campaigned together when she ran as a candidate for the Assembly.

"He was so bright and he had this fascinating sense of humour. You remembered when you're in his presence even if there's 10 other people there. He was special," she said.
A controversial east Belfast bonfire set alight in the early hours of yesterday morning is to be rebuilt.

The Walkway pyre hit the headlines when it emerged that Belfast City Council agreed to store pallets for it.

The pallets were then stolen from a council storage depot. Bonfire organisers were angered when the City Hall said it would not replace them.

And there was more bad news for them yesterday morning when collected wood was torched early. However, they have vowed to rebuild it to ensure the bonfire is ready for the Eleventh Night.

Firefighters attended the blaze, just off the Newtownards Road, for almost 12 hours from just after midnight on Wednesday.

The Fire Service said three fire engines and an aerial appliance dealt with the blaze until almost 5am, and remained on the scene until just after 11am.

"This is a deep-seated fire which has required firefighters to return this morning at 5.30am and 6.50am and they remained at the scene until 11.13am," it said.

"The fire continues to smoulder. There is no risk to life or property in the area."

A community source told the Belfast Telegraph that "significant efforts" were being made, and will continue to be made, to rebuild the bonfire.

They added that the young people involved with building it felt "betrayed by the council" after it said it wouldn't replace the stolen pallets.

Inspector Keith Hutchinson of the PSNI said: "Around 12.40am police attended a bonfire in Ravenscroft Street in east Belfast which had been set alight.

"Officers alerted the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service which subsequently attended the scene.

"We are continuing to liaise with our partner agencies on this matter."

The cause of the blaze is not yet known.

Ulster Unionist Jim Rodgers had hit out at the size of the Walkway bonfire this year.

The veteran Belfast councillor described it as "much bigger than the previous number of years".

He praised the "magnificent work of the Fire Service risking life and limb to make sure there was no damage to property or anyone's health was going to suffer".

The bonfire, built close to the new Connswater Greenway and also near to a number of homes on Chobham Street, has sparked controversy before. This year it hit the headlines when it was revealed the council agreed to take 3,000 pallets into "safe storage" until the Eleventh Night.

Council officials took the decision after they had been dumped in a public car park, blocking spaces.

The pallets were subsequently stolen from the ratepayer owned storage facility. An investigation into why Belfast City Council agreed to store the pallets is currently under way by officials at the City Hall.
A Sinn Fein MEP has said she wouldn't describe the IRA's activities as "terrorism" but would use the word to refer to Islamic State, citing "different levels of terrorism".

In a controversial interview with Hot Press, Liadh Ni Riada, the daughter of renowned composer and musician Sean O'Riada, also said DUP leader Arlene Foster had taken an "insensitive and stupid approach" when she described Sinn Fein Stormont leader Michelle O'Neill as "blonde".

Ms Ni Riada said she was "uncomfortable with the use of the word terrorism, because it's a blanket description of what atrocities there were".

"I don't think you can have a blanket word like 'terrorist' to describe every conflict situation in the world, because you're almost automatically then putting, say, the IRA, for instance, as the one who created this terror, created this conflict," she said.

"I think that's a very simplified view to have."

She said she disagreed with describing IRA atrocities such as Bloody Friday, Aldershot, Warrington or the Birmingham pub bombings as terrorist attacks, saying she didn't "think you can be as black and white as that about it".

While the mother-of-three said that she did not "condone such scales of violence", she stopped short of describing the UVF Miami Showband massacre and IRA Aldershot bombing as "terrorist attacks", instead calling them "attacks" or "terrible acts of violence".

"It was a terrible time of conflict," she said. "But there is no conflict without a reason."

However, Ms Riada, who worked as a producer and director at RTE and TG4 for more than 20 years, said she would describe Islamic State as terrorists "because that's what they do".

Acknowledging that Sinn Fein had condemned the Manchester Arena attack, in which 22 were killed by a suicide bomber, Ms Riada admitted she could be accused of hypocrisy.

"It's a conflict. It's an eternal struggle to try and find some way of resolving that, because we absolutely condemn what happened in Manchester. And there's no way you could justify that on any grounds. There are different levels of terrorism.

"Maybe that softens it slightly, or maybe allows you to identify what constitutes an act of terrorism, and the different degrees or the different levels of terrorism, you know? I could live with that."

Ms Riada also slammed Mrs Foster's description of the Sinn Fein northern leader as "blonde" in a May interview as "doing a disservice to women". "It wouldn't be accepted for a man to say it because you'd say it's utter sexism. It showed her insensitive and stupid approach by categorising Michelle O'Neill as a blonde."

The full interview is in the new Hot Press magazine.

by victoria leonard
The Prince of Wales has talked about the pride and concern he felt when Prince Harry trained and flew operations with the Army Air Corps (AAC) as he celebrated the units Diamond Jubilee.

Speaking at a parade, where he presented a new Guidon or military colour to the AAC, Charles described how the unfaltering support of families back home allowed the UKs soldiers to perform so well when the going gets tough.

The heir to the throne has been the Corps Colonel-in-Chief for 25 years and he praised the Armys soldiers in the air for their decisive contribution in recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

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Addressing officers and men of the ACC, their families and veterans in the grounds of Salisbury Cathedral, he said: As the father of a former Army Air Corps pilot myself, I am very much aware of the mixed emotions of pride and concern involved in your children embarking on helicopter training and operations.

I have no doubt that it is the unfaltering support, provided by those at home, that allows our soldiers to manage so well when the going gets tough.

In February 2012, Harry became a a fully operational Apache helicopter pilot with the ACC after completing 18 months of intensive training and by the end of that year was deployed to Afghanistan where he flew the deadly aircraft.

Expand Close The Prince of Wales in battle dress. (Ben Birchall/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Charles, who wore his tropical service dress and AAC blue beret, highlighted the work of the Corps that not only flies the Apache but the Wildcat battlefield reconnaissance helicopter.

He said: Army aviation has evolved continuously and has played a vital role in many of the key operations world-wide.

The campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan have demonstrated the decisive contribution that soldiers in the air can make to the outcome of the land-air battle.

These recent exploits have furthered the reputation of the Corps, built up over 60 years of operating around the Globe.
File photo dated 18/03/16 of a Starbucks coffee cup, as the US firm has blamed Brexit and a slowing economy for a dive in UK profits, while pointing to weakening consumer confidence as sales sagged.

Muslim groups in Malaysia and Indonesia have called for a boycott of Starbucks because of the coffee chain's support for LGBT rights.

Malaysian group Perkasa called on its more than 500,000 members to stay away from Starbucks shops, and leaders of Indonesia's second largest Muslim group, Muhammadiyah, with about 29 million members, also denounced the chain.

The groups are apparently reacting to comments made several years ago by former chief executive Howard Schultz in support of gay rights that drew renewed attention amid an increasingly anti-LGBT climate in both countries.

Shares of the company that operates Starbucks in Indonesia fell this week but its stores in the capital Jakarta appeared as popular as ever.

Perkasa said in a statement that the Malaysian government should revoke the trading licence given to Starbucks and other companies such as Microsoft and Apple that support LGBT rights and same-sex marriage.

Amini Amir Abdullah, who heads Perkasa's Islamic affairs bureau, said Muslims should stay away from Starbucks because its pro-gay rights policy is against Islam and Malaysia's constitution.

Sodomy is illegal in Malaysia and punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Homosexuality is not illegal in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, but a case before the Constitutional Court is seeking to criminalise gay sex and sex outside marriage.

Gavin Bowring, a Malaysia analyst at risk consulting company Eurasia Group, said the boycott was unlikely to amount to much but reflected "a growing tendency toward conservatism and strict adherence to Islamic principles".

AP
Officials at the Stormont parliament where he served as an MP admired David Bleakley for having been in a "proper job" - working as an electrician at Harland & Wolff shipyard - and he was inspired to enter politics, like so many, by the sweeping changes enacted by the post-war Labour government of 1945 to 1951: still the most Left-wing of all British governments.

Not so well understood is that Bleakley was an Anglican who blended the Methodist roots of British Labour with the Moral Re-Armament movement, which had originated in Oxford in the 1930s and compelled people to become involved in society along progressive political lines.

He personified a strain of Christian socialism long departed: economically socialist and socially-conservative, though this combination is still present in today's politics in a different form.

Initially part of a new intake of Northern Ireland Labour Party (NILP) politicians, including Sam Napier and Charlie Brett, Bleakley eventually became the party's deputy leader (though many within saw him as their leader).

He won the East Belfast Victoria seat at the third time of trying in 1958 - one of four MPs the NILP gained at Stormont that year, when it was also made the official Opposition.

In the following 1962 election, all NILP representatives increased their majorities and the party received 26% of the entire vote, almost outpolling the Official Unionist Party in Belfast.

However, Bleakley lost Victoria in the 1965 election when Unionist Prime Minister Terence O'Neill set out to halt the Labour advance.

O'Neill lifted the NILP's clothes through a modernisation programme and urged unionist maverick Roy Bradford to contest East Belfast specifically to damage the Labour vote.

O'Neill was unconvinced that Bradford could win, but he did and Bleakley never forgot, writing during the height of the Troubles that the 1965 election had "stopped the momentum of change and released most unfortunate forces in our community which have so far not been contained".

By this time, Bleakley's formidable persona combined a cultured intellect with the tough snap of Belfast street politics.

He recovered to gain the NILP's only seat of Belfast East in the 1973 Assembly and the 1975 Constitutional Convention.

He opposed the Ulster Workers' Council strike of May 1974, bravely joining a much-derided "back-to-work" march organised by the Trades Union Congress's Len Murray, and he pointed out that power-sharing was still widely-supported and could work if Sunningdale dropped its Council of Ireland pledge.

The latter gave the Irish government a consultative role in northern affairs and sealed unionist and loyalist rejection of the whole Sunningdale accord. His counsel fell on deaf ears and the power-sharing Executive collapsed.

It was telling, that during January 1974, as nationalists and unionists fought tooth and nail over the constitutional particulars of Sunningdale, that Bleakley could be found spearheading a motion in the new Assembly criticising the low level of student grants, calling on the British Government to guarantee a regular cost of living review to help undergraduates.

The impoverished conditions many students lived under, Bleakley believed, jeopardised "the national need for a highly-trained labour force".

Like the NILP generally, Bleakley's focus was always on bread-and-butter issues: education, health, transport and employment.

This was at a time when unionist politicians like William Fitzsimmons cheerfully denied "that it is the duty of the Government to provide jobs. We differ from socialists on that point": an attitude Bleakley and the NILP battled at all stages.

All four NILP MPs - Bleakley, Billy Boyd, Tom Boyd and Vivian Simpson - were prominent in the "Save Shorts" campaign and it was largely thanks to the same representatives that Harland & Wolff secured the Belfast dry dock area, which enabled ships to be repaired.

It was one of the five largest in the world and a check on rising levels of unemployment.

In later interviews, Bleakley correctly pointed out that the NILP had pushed for civil rights reforms before the advent of the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association in 1967.

At the time, however, he was mindful of his Protestant working-class constituents and so was far more cautious on the demands.

Nonetheless, he was made Minister of Community Relations by Prime Minister Brian Faulkner in 1971, the first time a non-unionist had held a cabinet post, before resigning in part over the introduction of internment without trial.

Bleakley left the NILP in the late-1970s, polling over 9,000 votes as a United Community candidate in the 1979 European election, and he would later join the Alliance Party and advise them during all-party talks from 1996-98.

He would be unimpressed by Alliance's current economic and social liberalism: the reverse of his own position on both fronts.

The other side of Bleakley, what some call a politician's "hinterland", was his cultural and literary interests.

Following his time at Harland & Wolff, he studied politics and economics at Ruskin College, Oxford, where he struck up a personal friendship with another east Belfast native, C S Lewis (both grew up in Strandtown).

Bleakley wrote prolifically throughout his life, everything from pamphlets to biographies of figures including Lewis, legendary peace activist Saidie Patterson and Brian Faulkner.

He was remembered with affection from his days as a teacher at Methodist College and believed in the regenerative power of education and culture.

This was connected to his campaigns to improve public spaces and buildings, lifting citizens with civic plans and urban greenery.

One final detail.

An assistant clerk of the old Stormont parliament once told the present author that Bleakley won the respect of all the workers at Parliament Buildings on "the Hill" for his complete frugality.

The accounts of all MPs went through this official and the man noted that, despite the poor salaries of Northern Ireland MPs in the 1950s and 1960s, Bleakley and the other NILP representatives were limited and humble in their financial expenses.

This is an example today's politicians, who refuse to come to agreement while taking enormous salaries, would do well to consider.

But, then, things were different: in those days, politicians like Bleakley focused on combating unemployment, and Labour looked as if it might take Belfast.

Dr Connal Parr is a Research Fellow in the Humanities at Northumbria University. His first book, on Ulster Protestant politics and culture, is published by Oxford University Press next month.
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Clergy and representatives of various religious and spiritual traditions were invited to participate in a focus group on Wednesday, May 10th, 2017. This event was facilitated by Dr. John K Graham, M.D., D. Min., President / CEO of Institute of Spirituality and Health at the Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas. Participants were from various Christian denominations, Zen Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism and Islam. Anjana Chatterjee and Dr. Deepak Kotecha discussed Hinduisms view on infertility.

Dr. Stephen C. Collins and Dr. Lydia Dugdale, from Yale School of Medicine, have undertaken a study of Clergy Counseling and the Experience of Infertility. Dr. Collins MD, PhD is from Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Dr. Dugdale, MD is from Department of Internal Medicine and Program for Biomedical Ethics. The aim of the study is to better understand how clergy counsel their infertile congregants to allow for better medical care of infertility in a religiously sensitive manner. The following are some key points from the focus group.

Hinduism, being a pluralistic belief system, allows for varied responses. However, sanctity of life is a key principle in Hinduism along with karma. In traditional Hindu belief, having children is viewed as one of the most important aspects of marriage. Conception is seen as a Divine act.

Infertility is sometimes seen as a result of karmic factor and women often go through social, psychological and physical sufferings in varied degrees due to it. Infertility is understandably very difficult to live within day-to-day life. In addition to pride, joy and self-esteem or self-worth, there can be expectations and pressure from family or society, especially in Hinduism. It is almost equally difficult to deal with emotionally by both parents, but the familial and social stigmata in Hinduism are higher for the female, even in modern times.

There are legitimate medical conditions in either parent that could be a possible cause. Emotional and mental factors, such as excessive pressure from family or social status for example, could also be a contributing cause. Or, it simply may be brought about by nature, being both divine and karmic. Once medical and emotional contributors are mitigated, persistent sterility is viewed by Hinduism as karmic or divine. Hinduism understands and accepts divine and karmic influence in all aspects of life.

There are some common ways infertility issue is dealt by Hindus.

It is popular to worship in temples to receive blessings for removing infertility in women/couples. We find from ancient literature that childless couples, be it Sages or Kings, resorted to praying and doing Tapasya to overcome conditions of infertility. For example, Maharaja Harischandra on the advice of Narada prays to Varuna for a son. Below are few temples:

Maa Simsa Temple in Himachal Pradesh

Devi Kamahkya in Assam

Lord Muruga in Chennimalai

Religious rituals for neutralizing negative karmic factors, like Putrakameshti Yagna, also might be undertaken, but is mainly by the wealthy as this is expensive. As an example, King Dashrath performed Putrakameshti Yagna in ancient times (Ramayana) and the same Yagna was performed in recent times during 1992 in Kerala.

Ayurveda, the Indian traditional medicine system, defines infertility as a medical condition for which various treatments are prescribed, and these are available through many Ayurvedic clinics across the world.

Hinduism accepts scientific methods for assistive reproductive technologies. Infertility treatments are acceptable usually within certain guidelines, most important being the sperm is from either the husband or a close relative. Similarly, in vitro fertilization may be considered acceptable if the sperm and egg are preferably not donated. However, modern Hindus might be more open to anonymous donors.

Even though surrogacy is seen as a medical treatment, Hindus do not use it commonly as an option to treat infertility. If used, it is more likely to be used within the family circle rather than using an outsider.

Infertility, both as a condition and as diagnosis, needs to be explored in-depth, in that the underlying cause should be attempted to be understood as much as possible. Having understood a cause would lead us closer to resolution. Hopefully, Hindus will continue to explore more about the causes and find solutions that are relevant to them for current times.

Anjana Chatterjee, MBA is a retired Business Manager, Business Professor, and practicing Hindu and student of Dharmic traditions. Dr. Deepak Kotecha, O.D. is an optometric Glaucoma Specialist, Pediatric & Adult Eye Care, practicing Hindu, author of Hindus Awake! Book 1: The Foundation & Hindus Awake! Book 2: The Devotion
Police escort government critic Farhad Mazhar (center) who was found about 18 hours after he was reported missing, July 4, 2017.

Nearly 150 Bangladeshis were victims of forced disappearances at the hands of police since the start of 2016, Human Rights Watch alleged in a new report published on Thursday, adding that some were tortured or mistreated while in secret custody.

The New York-based rights watchdog said it had documented at least 320 such cases in Bangladesh since 2009, when the Awami League took power amid a promise of adopting a zero-tolerance policy toward human rights violations.

The disappearances are well-documented and reported, yet the government persists in this abhorrent practice with no regard for the rule of law, Human Rights Watch (HRW) Asia Director Brad Adams said in a news release accompanying the 82-page report, titled We Dont Have Him: Secret Detentions and Enforced Disappearances in Bangladesh.

At least 90 people were victims of secret detentions in 2016 and another 48 were reported in the first five months of 2017, according to Human Rights Watch.

Bangladesh security forces appear to have a free hand in detaining people, deciding on their guilt or innocence, and determining their punishment, including whether they have the right to be alive, Adams said.

Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal refuted the reports findings.

The HRW operated a negative campaign (against us) during the trials of war criminals. This new report is a part of that campaign, he told reporters on Thursday.

HRW released its reports a few days after a prominent government critic, who was said to be missing following reports that he had been abducted, was found alive hours later. Police said they located Farhad Mazhar about 200 km (120 miles) from his home in Dhaka, about 18 hours after he was reported missing.

Police dont violate the law

In documenting cases of forced disappearance, HRW said it based its report on interviews with more than 100 people, including victims relatives and witnesses. The watchdog blamed the Bangladeshi polices Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and detective branch (DB) for many of the abductions.

Police officials who spoke to BenarNews challenged the complaints against RAB and DB.

Sometimes criminals use our name for kidnapping people. If someone identifies himself as law enforcement agency personnel, it should be challenged and the victim should contact us immediately, said Mufti Mahmud Khan, the director of RABs legal and media wing.

As a law enforcement agency, police dont violate the law, Dhaka Metropolitan Police spokesman Masdur Rahman said.

Not all abductees have been freed, according to the report. Many are still in custody while others have died in secret detention, with as many as 50 being killed over the years, HRW said.

[T]here is an alarming trend of deaths occurring in secret detention of state authorities. In one such case, on June 13, 2016, Shahid Al Mahmud, a student activist of the Jamaat-e-Islami party, was dragged outside [his house] and taken into a black microbus, his father, Rajab Ali, told Human Rights Watch. Rajab Ali said that police officers were present during the arrest, although they later denied they were holding his son, HRW said.

Two weeks later, on July 1, police said they found Shahids body after a gunfight with criminals. Shahids father told Human Rights Watch that the police are lying: The police abducted my son and staged a gunfight drama to justify the killing.

A senior lawyer at Supreme told BenarNews that he had not read the report but was familiar with its allegations.

The volume of missing, disappearances, murders and kidnappings we are hearing about is alarming. In order to bring the confidence back to the law enforcement agencies, each of these cases should be investigated, because the law enforcement agencies are directly being accused for these crimes, Shahdeen Malik said.

Recommendations

A key recommendation from the report is to invite the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances and other relevant organizations, to visit Bangladesh to investigate and make appropriate recommendations to ensure justice and accountability.

The report calls for the government to investigate allegations of deaths in so-called crossfire or gunfights after they were already in security force custody, and to comply with the law that all detained people must appear in court within 24 hours.

HRW also recommends that the government promptly investigate existing allegations of enforced disappearances, locate and release those held by security forces and prosecute the perpetrators.

Home Minister Khan said police have always presented suspects before a judge within 24 hours of their arrests. There are examples of taking law enforcement agency personnel to justice if found involved in crime, he said, responding to HRWs recommendations.

But a former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission said each complaint should be investigated.

Ensuring citizens security is the main responsibility of the state, Mizanur Rahman told BenarNews. Citizens lose their confidence in law enforcement agencies if they dont get any information about a missing person after filing a case.
Thai police on Wednesday announced the confiscation illegal drugs valued at more than 700 million baht (U.S. $20 million) during nationwide operations last week that led to the arrests of 16 suspected narcotics traffickers, including a Laotian woman.

Police seized 3.5 million methamphetamine pills, known locally as yaba or crazy pills, 42 kilograms (19 pounds) of crystal meth or ice, and 525 kilograms (238 pounds) of marijuana, which the suspects intended to distribute in southern Thailand and foreign markets, Deputy National Police Chief Gen. Chalermkiat Sriworakhan told a news conference in Bangkok.

The Narcotics Suppression Bureau coordinated with other agencies to make five raids last week, netting 16 traffickers, Chalermkiat said, adding that the operations took place in the provinces of Nakhaon Sawan, Khon Khaen and Chumporn and in Bangkoks Saimai and Bangna districts.

A yaba pill is priced at 200 baht ($5.75) and crystal meth is 2 million to 5 million baht (U.S. $57,504 to $143,760) per kilo (2.2 pounds), while marijuana sells for about 10,000 to 15,000 baht ($290 to $430) per kilo in the domestic market, officials said.

The price would increase five to 10 times if it reached foreign markets, such as Malaysia, Australia and European countries where much of it was destined to be sent, they said.

Maj. Gen. Thanai Apichartsenee, a commander at the narcotics suppression bureau, who was also at the news conference, identified a Laotian suspect as Champa Sudlaew, 39. She was arrested while preparing to trade a kilo of crystal meth in Bangkoks Bangna district, Thanai said. The 15 suspects are Thai citizens and ethnic Hmong, he said.

Thanai said the Laotian suspect was not linked to Xaysana Keopimpha  a Laotian dubbed the ASEAN drug lord  who is facing drug-related charges in Thailand. Xaysana was arrested at a Bangkok airport as he arrived from a holiday in Phuket in January. He could face the death penalty if convicted.

Thai authorities confiscated more than 40.4 million yaba pills, 584 crystal meth, 56 kilograms of heroin and 4.4 tons of marijuana in 2015, according to official statistics.

In 2016, police seized 28.8 million yaba pills, 632 kilograms of crystal meth, 43 kilos of heroin and 917 kilos of marijuana. So far this year, 14 million yaba pills, 959 kilos of ice, 69 kilos of heroin and 369 kilos of marijuana had been confiscated, officials said.

In the past years, we successfully cracked down on many drugs cartel networks. We disrupted cash flow that supports production of drugs, cutting purchasing power, particularly the networks in northeastern Thailand. We saw less supplies of yaba, Chalermkiat told reporters.

Up in smoke

Last week, Thailand and Myanmar marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse by burning narcotics valued at almost $1 billion.

On the outskirts of Bangkok on June 26, Thai authorities torched drugs valued at almost $500 million, including thousands of kilos of yaba pills and meth. During the same day in three official ceremonies, Myanmar burned seized drugs valued at $385 million, mostly opium, heroin, meth tablets and cocaine.

Police have reported an upsurge in drug seizures across Southeast Asia in recent years, as armed gangs reportedly churn out vast quantities of meth, opium and heroin in a remote border region known as the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime said in its 2016 report the production of synthetic drugs such as meth, had increased in the Golden Triangle region. The report said 287 million meth pills were seized in East and Southeast Asia in 2015. Thats more than twice the number of pills seized in 2011.

Thai police officials said the vast amount of seizures indicated they were making inroads into their campaign to eradicate narcotics in the country.

But in May, Lt. Gen. Sommai Kongvisaisuk, the head of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, told reporters, without elaborating, that there were 400 million to 500 million yaba pills stockpiled on the other side of Thailand border.

I am losing sleep because of it, he said.
After an 18-year run in Goose Creek and unforeseen challenges presented by COVID-19, Dreamalot Books has gradually  but decidedly  gained a steady foothold in the Moncks Corner community as a welcoming haven of second-hand books for both area bibliophiles and those traveling in from Myrtle Read moreThe 'happy place' for used books: Dreamalot Books emerging as a go-to hot spot in Moncks Corner
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In todays quickly changing, highly competitive world of air travel, communities and even major airports must vie to get and keep passenger routes. A new Bowling Green State University study aims to provide information and guidance to help them be successful. The project will focus on developing research into the use of incentives by airports and communities to attract and retain air service.

A BGSU team has been awarded an 18-month, $325,000 grant from the Transportation Research Boards Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP). The team members are Dr. Russell Mills, an associate professor of aviation studies and political science and Center for Regional Development (CRD) research fellow; William Burns, interim director of the CRD, and Dr. Justin Rex, an assistant professor of political science and CRD research fellow.

They are partnering with GRA, Inc., a leading aviation consulting firm from Philadelphia, and Atlanta Analytics, a consulting firm with airline route-planning experience, on the project.

We want to level the playing field by providing them with information through a new guidebook, Mills said. I would have assumed every community out there knew all about incentives, but many of them dont. And its not really that easy to find the information. Often, communities and airlines that have successfully attracted air service dont want to share what theyre doing because its so competitive.

Everybodys in the same boat.

The BGSU team is beginning its study by researching 350 airports to identify what incentives they offer to air carriers. Mills, Rex and CRD graduate assistant Kaitlyn Trent, a recent graduate of the Master of Public Administration program, are conducting extensive detective work to find information, sifting through news releases, board minutes and public records requests for clues.

They will combine their findings into a GIS database so users can click on every airport in the United States and see what incentives theyve offered. The team will also identify eight to 10 representative, large and small airports for more intensive research, and visit them this fall and winter to create case studies on each for more in-depth research.

Rex will contribute his expertise in focus groups to help build these informative case studies.

The study is a much larger effort than a previous project carried out by Mills and Burns in which they primarily studied community-based incentives at small airports. The current study will also focus on larger airports looking to attract service to international destinations.

The world of aviation has changed drastically in recent years. With the ongoing consolidation of airlines and the increased emphasis on efficiency and profit, there are many fewer planes available, and fewer flights to any destination, said Mills, who before joining the University was a policy analyst with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

With their new operational efficiencies, they dont need as many routes. They combine routes, get rid of airplanes and reduce frequencies, he said.

Even having enough crew members has become a problem, despite the reduced number of flights.

Theres a massive shortage of pilots, Mills said. The FAA recently significantly raised the number of flying hours required for licensure, and with the cost of education and relatively low salary of pilots, interest in the profession (or ability to pursue it) has dropped, he said.

Compounding the problem for small communities is the fact that the airlines aging fleet of the smaller 30-50 seat airplanes that serve them is not fuel-efficient or profitable and is not being replaced, leaving many towns without any air service at all. This has a harmful effect on local economies, in part because it deters businesses from locating in areas without a regional airport.

A lot of communities can fill a 50-seat jet, but far fewer can fill a 100-seat plane, said Mills, who recently served on the U.S. Department of Transportations Working Group on Improving Small Community Air Service. The group has recently issued its report.



A new development is that in the current environment, even the larger airports must compete for international routes. In addition to there being fewer airlines today, now a new type of highly fuel-efficient aircraft that can fly long distances, such as the Boeing 787, has come onto the scene. They make low-cost international flights possible for smaller communities with less daily demand.

Providence (Rhode Island) has eight international flights, and Hartford (Connecticut) now offers flights to Europe, Mills said. Theres lots of competition from smaller and medium airports for these international flights.

The BGSU project will educate communities about what kind of incentives exist and what seems to be most successful.

There are two types of incentives that may be used to entice airlines to offer air service or particular flights: community-based or airport-based. Airport-based incentives are regulated by the FAA.

Allowable incentives for airports include such things as fee waivers, terminal rent waivers, baggage handling services and marketing of new flights.

Communities, on the other hand, have more leeway in what they can offer. They can pool resources to provide a minimum revenue guarantee, in which a promised number of reservations is determined and if that number is not met, the community will pay the difference to the airline, mitigating its financial risk. There is also a federal program that provides some funds to assist small communities to recruit and keep air service.

In addition, chambers of commerce, convention centers, economic development corporations and visitors bureaus can offer advertising and promotion of new flights.

Large companies in a community may also contribute to incentives to get or keep air service, to allow executives and visitors easy access.

Air service is not inconsequential to these big companies, Mills said. Its not uncommon for one or two big companies to help give financial incentives to airlines. These flights are gold to them.

When deciding whether to add a new route, airports often survey the ZIP codes of passengers to see where they come from and where theyre going to determine demand. Its completely up to the airlines to set the airfares. The airlines determine in advance what people in a region are willing to pay for the convenience of flying from a local airport.

A local example is the new American Airlines flight to Charlotte, North Carolina, from Toledo Express Airport. Charlotte is a hub for American and thus can connect passengers to a number of other cities.

Burns and Mills are doing a study of the economic impact on Toledo of the new Charlotte flight, which will begin in August and was supported by over $1 million in revenue guarantees from the federal government and the Port Authority of Lucas County.
For Immediate Release, July 5, 2017 Contact: Ileene Anderson, (323) 654-5943, ianderson@biologicaldiversity.org California Bill Could Block Cadiz Project Safeguards Would Protect Mojave Desert Groundwater SACRAMENTO, Calif. California Assemblywoman Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) today introduced legislation to prohibit groundwater pumping near protected lands that would harm natural or cultural resources or wildlife habitat. Assembly Bill 1000 could prevent projects such as Cadiz Inc., which would pump 16 billion gallons a year from a desert aquifer, draining precious groundwater vital to Mojave National Preserve and other irreplaceable public lands and wildlife. The Trump administration has put the Cadiz money-making scheme at the top of its infrastructure priority list. California legislators can stop it, said Ileene Anderson, senior scientist with the Center for Biological Diversity. We know California lawmakers have the courage and foresight to stand up for the state's residents, wildlife, public lands and precious water. The Cadiz project, which would drain groundwater from the Mojave Desert and send it to southern Orange County to fuel sprawling development, is opposed by Orange County ratepayers, who will pay exorbitant prices for the water. Also opposing Cadiz are San Bernardino County desert residents, state and federal public agencies, and a local mining company. San Bernardino County supervisors approved the project despite the fact that it would violate the county's own groundwater ordinance, created a decade ago to thwart a similar Cadiz project. The latest Cadiz project threatens to dry up life-sustaining desert springs in the Mojave National Preserve, the surrounding Mojave Trails National Monument, and adjacent wilderness areas. Loss of the springs would kill vegetation and destroy key habitat for a host of desert wildlife, including desert tortoises , bighorn sheep, Mojave fringe-toed lizards and kit foxes. It's mind-boggling that any elected official would approve unsustainable groundwater mining to fuel further urban sprawl, Anderson said. Kudos to Assemblywoman Friedman for not kowtowing to the Trump administration and corporate lobbyists. Hopefully this legislation will be adopted quickly and sent to Governor Brown for his signature. Larger Southern California water districts, including the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, have rejected similar proposals from the Cadiz company over the past decade. Government hydrologists from the U.S. Geological Survey have determined that the project is unsustainable and that the company's privately funded study vastly overstates the aquifer's recharge rate.
For Immediate Release, July 5, 2017 Contact: Brett Hartl, (202) 817-8121, bhartl@biologicaldiversity.org House Republicans Introduce Legislation Targeting Citizen Lawsuits Over Endangered Species Bill Would Hamper Ordinary Citizens in Enforcing Endangered Species Act WASHINGTON Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.) has introduced legislation that would impede citizens across the political spectrum from taking the government to court when it fails to fully meet the legal requirements of the Endangered Species Act. The bill would significantly reduce attorneys' fees paid when a private party prevails in court, making it harder for ordinary citizens, conservationists, industry groups and even state and local governments to ensure the federal government is following the law. Rep. Huizenga introduced similar legislation in the previous two Congresses. Being able to hold the government accountable when it breaks the law is a fundamental right that's been around since the beginning of this country's history, said Brett Hartl, government affairs director at the Center for Biological Diversity. Like the dozens of other Republican bills attacking the Endangered Species Act, this legislation would end in disaster by making it harder for citizens to ensure endangered species get the protection they need to survive in a timely manner. The ability of citizens to go to court has been critical to implementation of the Endangered Species Act. A majority of species protected under the Act only received such protection because of citizen suits and petitions. Scientific research demonstrates that citizens both identified species at greater risk of extinction and sped protections for species stuck in the listing process. That research also found that litigated species were more threatened than non-litigated species, highlighting the crucial role citizens play in identifying those animals and plants in need of the Act's protections. The bill would hamper this process by raising the bar on when citizens are entitled to recover fees and by capping those fees below market rate. Citizen lawsuits under the Endangered Species Act have resulted in protections for numerous species that would have otherwise gone extinct waiting for the government to step in and save them, said Hartl. The polar bear, the spotted owl and hundreds of other animals and plants would never have received federal protection if not for the citizen suit provision and our ability to challenge our government. Congress has long recognized the importance of citizen suits as a means to hold executive agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or Environmental Protection Agency accountable. Under the Equal Access to Justice Act, Endangered Species Act and other environmental statutes, citizens are allowed to recover attorneys' fees at market rates when winning a case against the government or compelling it to take a required action, such as protecting a species as threatened or endangered. Sen. Dennis DeConcini (D-Ariz.), one of the original sponsors of the Equal Access to Justice Act, characterized these provisions as leveling the playing field against the unlimited resources and legal expertise of the Federal Government.



Deep-pocketed corporate polluters will always have the money to go to court and fight protections for wildlife, land or water, but you and I won't, said Brett Hartl. This bill would put a thumb on the scale in favor of wealthy campaign contributors and against the majority of Americans. Since January congressional Republicans have introduced 34 attacks against the Endangered Species Act or particular endangered species. Since the Republican takeover of the House of Representatives in 2011, more than 271 attacks have been launched. These attacks continue despite the fact that 9 out of 10 Americans support the Endangered Species Act and want it either strengthened or left unchanged by Congress, according to a 2015 poll.
For Immediate Release, July 5, 2017 Contact: Brett Hartl, (202) 817-8121, bhartl@biologicaldiversity.org EPA Continues to Withhold Information on Pruitt's 'Sue and Settle' Directive Agency Claims It Has No Records; Pruitt Insists Directive Exists WASHINGTON The Center for Biological Diversity sent a formal appeal today to the Environmental Protection Agency seeking records regarding a directive by Administrator Scott Pruitt regarding sue and settle agreements by his agency. Speaking at an environmental policy conference on May 24, Pruitt boasted that I have actually sent out a directive across the agency that the days of ruling by consent order, the days of ruling by litigation in the judicial system are over. The Center filed a Freedom of Information Act request to learn about that directive. On July 3 the EPA responded that it had no records regarding a directive relating to sue and settle agreements. The Center is appealing that determination today. How can the head of an agency send out a directive without any documentation? Scott Pruitt is turning the EPA into one of the least transparent agencies in the federal government, said Brett Hartl, government affairs director at the Center. He may think that he can do all of the EPA's business in the shadows while cozying up to industry, but he's dead wrong. It's illegal, and the American people won't stand for it. In addition to the Center, two media organizations and the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce also requested documentation relating to this directive. The EPA responded to Energy & Environment News by stating that Scott Pruitt had sent an oral directive rather than a written one. The Center is now seeking documentation relating to this oral directive. The public has every right to know how and why Trump's administration is deciding on policy changes, especially at an agency in charge of protecting us from pollution, Hartl said. It's disturbing to see Pruitt scurrying to keep his decisions out of the public light of day. Bad things happen when the government is allowed to operate in the shadows.
For Immediate Release, July 6, 2017 Contact: Andrea Santarsiere, (303) 854-7748, asantarsiere@biologicaldiversity.org Idaho Proposes Baiting, Killing of Wolves VICTOR, Idaho As part of its ongoing effort to kill ever more wolves, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is now proposing a rule that would permit hunters to bait and kill wolves throughout the state. If the rule goes into effect, Idaho would be the only state in the country to permit wolf baiting. Since wolves lost Endangered Species Act protection, Idaho has grown increasingly aggressive in how and where it permits their hunting and trapping, said Andrea Santarsiere, a senior attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity. Idaho's proposal to become the only state in the United States to allow baiting of wolves is shameful and unethical. The Center and allies long opposed removal of endangered species protections for wolves in part because of the hostility of states like Idaho toward the animals. Protections in Idaho were removed in 2011 through a congressional rider on a must-pass spending bill. Since that time Idaho has continuously sought more ways to kill wolves, including sending trappers into wilderness, creating a wolf control board and annually appropriating $400,000 for killing of wolves, aerially gunning them down from helicopters and now baiting. Between 2011 and 2015, at least 1,397 wolves were killed in Idaho in sanctioned hunts. Wolves are also regularly killed by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game or Wildlife Services in connection with livestock depredations. All of this killing has at the very least halted growth of the population and very likely is leading to declines, but it's hard to tell because Idaho has scaled back counting of wolves and has not yet released a population estimate for 2016. It's so sad to see Idaho aggressively working to reverse wolf recovery, especially when that recovery is something most Americans support, said Santarsiere. In the absence of federal oversight, Idaho is doing everything it can to decimate Idaho's wolf population. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is accepting comments on the proposal until July 26. The public can visit the following website for more information: https://idfg.idaho.gov/idfg-rulemaking/consider-allowing-bait-hunting-gray-wolf-during-specific-seasons.
The aim is to generate derivatives which show drug-like properties without compromising the bacteriocin's original potent bacteria-killing abilities.

A consortium of scientists from Ingenza Ltd (Edinburgh), the National Physical Laboratory (NPL, London) and the University of Plymouth has received funding of 933k from Innovate UK to develop a design and manufacturing platform for the production of a new family of antibiotics. The funding will be for three years.

Ingenza is the UK's premier industrial biotechnology company and will engineer systems for production of the new antibiotics. NPL (the UK's National Measurement Institute) will apply its expertise in the design and measurement of antibiotics that selectively attack microbial cells, and contribute artificial intelligence approaches for antimicrobial discovery developed in collaboration with IBM and the Science and Technology Facilities Council's (STFC) Hartree Centre. Staff at the University of Plymouth are internationally recognised for the discovery and development of novel antibiotics. No such combined capability currently exists in the development of new antibiotics and antimicrobials.

The consortium will develop new antibiotics/antimicrobials, which have similar capabilities. The team will work with bacteriocins, potent toxins produced by bacteria to kill other, closely-related strains. Bacteriocins are naturally active in the human body but have not evolved to function as effective drugs in the clinic.

The aim is to generate derivatives which show drug-like properties without compromising the bacteriocin's original potent bacteria-killing abilities. The manufacture of the derivatives will then be scaled-up into commercially attractive production systems.
Jem's Birding & Ringing Exploits in the Eastern Province and elsewhere in Saudi Arabia
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LAGOS, Nigeria: Twenty-eight young Nigerian entrepreneurs have graduated from the latest GE Lagos Garage. The programme provided participants with the opportunity to directly interact with the latest manufacturing technologies, including 3D printers and laser cutters that enable innovation through rapid prototyping.

 jordi Clave Garsot via 123RF

The Lagos Garage is a hub for advanced manufacturing-based innovation, strategy development, idea generation and collaboration.

The new graduates who joined the programme in the first week of June, following a rigorous selection process, received four weeks of training on advanced manufacturing technology and business development. Participants learnt how to design and create products which will help position them as vital players in the advanced manufacturing and innovation ecosystem.

The programme provided participants with the opportunity to directly interact with the latest manufacturing technologies, including 3D printers and laser cutters that enable innovation through rapid prototyping. Participants were also exposed to a variety of world-class instructors and technical experts who not only provided mentorship but support on developing their business ideas.

Created to build Nigerian knowledge and capability

Speaking during a media tour of the Garage in Lagos, the director, communications and public affairs, GE Africa, Patricia Obozuwa, said that the GE Lagos Garage initiative was created to build Nigerian knowledge and capability which will ultimately lead to the creation of more businesses and jobs.

Obozuwa expressed the belief that the GE Lagos Garage programme will create new innovators who will lead and drive Nigerias manufacturing sector in the near future.

She re-emphasised GEs commitment to skills development, saying, We are very passionate about skills development in Nigeria and as such, are proud to have trained 95 young Nigerian entrepreneurs till date, since the launch of the Lagos Garage hub in November 2016. The Garage graduates have been empowered to transform their ideas into practical business models which in little time will have a positive impact on the Nigerian economy by empowering people to create jobs for themselves.

GE created the Garages experience in March 2012 to reinvigorate Americas interest in invention, innovation, and manufacturing. In 2014, Garages went global with its first international exhibition in Lagos, Nigeria. Given the success of the 2014 pilot programme, in November 2016, GE launched the permanent installation of The Lagos Garage in alignment with the Federal Governments focus on driving localisation and job creation.
Clothing retailer The Foschini Group (TFG) is the latest of a number of retailers to come under the spotlight of the National Credit Regulator (NCR) for allegedly charging a club fee on its credit agreements with the group having been referred to the National Consumer Tribunal.

Image credit: Sunday Times

This follows a systematic probe by the regulator into the club charges imposed by retailers, which led to Edcon, Mr Price and Lewis Stores being referred to the tribunal. The NCR has also taken action against the sale of credit insurance to certain consumers by furniture retailers such as Lewis Stores and JD Group and food retailer Shoprite.

TFG said the regulator's finding was incorrect and it would oppose its referral to the tribunal on the grounds that its club offerings were allowed by the National Credit Act.

"The National Credit Act does not limit which products retailers may sell to its customers on their credit accounts. This was also recently confirmed by the National Consumer Tribunal in the Lewis case."

TFG said its club products were optional fashion, beauty and lifestyle publications, which included a number of bundled benefits such as credit life insurance, death insurance, bursaries and competitions.

"Club products can be subscribed to at application stage or later via telemarketing. These subscriptions can be cancelled by customers at any time, without penalty."

The NCR, however, said the charges for TFG's Club and Superclub subscriptions were illegal in terms of the act and it asked the tribunal to order the group to refund the affected consumers the club fees charged; to conduct an independent audit into its loan book to determine the number of consumers to be refunded; to interdict TFG from charging consumers a club fee on credit agreements; and to impose an appropriate administrative fine on TFG.

NCR manager for investigations and enforcement Jacqueline Peters said the regulator would continue to conduct industrywide investigations on the cost of credit "to root out illegal charges and fees that consumers are charged".

NCR spokeswoman Lebogang Selibi said that "any fee, charge or interest charged by a credit provider that is not specifically provided for or that is exceeding the prescribed amount allowed, is in contravention of the act and therefore a prohibited charge".

"The fee/charge must not form part of the credit agreement or credit process, otherwise it is prohibited. If any of the retailers want to sell a club membership product that has to be done in complete independence from the credit process and agreement," Selibi said.

The tribunal's rulings in previous cases have clarified that the issue at stake is whether the club fees form part of the credit agreement or are charged separately.

In June the tribunal gave the club fees charged by Lewis Stores the green light on the grounds that these were accounted for separately from the credit agreements and were a charge for a separate service. The regulator is appealing against the Lewis Stores ruling.

The tribunal ruled against Edcon in May finding that its club and membership fees were part and parcel of the process of applying for a store card.

Source: Business Day
A new chicken has come to roost in the richest square mile in Africa. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is set to open its doors in Sandton next week, but feathers are set to fly as the New Orleans-based brand muscles in on territory ruled by KFC and Chicken Licken.

Jonathan Weiss via 123RF

Siyaghopa Trading Group acquired the licence and will open the first store on 13 July. Group CEO Jaye Sinclair said there was more than enough interest from consumers to sustain another fried-chicken brand in the country.

"The quick-service restaurant market is showing positive growth. Chicken makes more than 50% of the QSR [quick-service restaurant] market, so there is scope for Popeyes to enter. Popeyes is also the second-largest chicken player in the world. From a brand perspective, it has a strong and proven record," he said.

The latest available data from Statistics SA shows a decline in income from take-away and fast-food outlets. The Food and Beverages April edition showed income from that segment fell 0.2% in that month after a 0.3% decline in March. Since the start of 2017, takeaway and fast-food outlets have not recorded positive growth.

KFC had the biggest footprint in the fried-chicken, fast-food segment as of May, with 840 stores, while Chicken Licken had 240 stores. Vunani Securities analyst Anthony Clark said it was ambitious of Siyaghopa to enter a competitive market such as fast-food especially because the segment was "starting to buckle".

"No one seems to know who this company is, but whoever is behind it needs to have really deep pockets. If Famous Brands - the 800-pound gorilla in the segment - couldn't make it work, the prospects aren't promising," Clark said.

Convincing the South African consumer to switch from wellknown brands such as KFC, Nando's and Chicken Licken would be a feat. "If someone asked me to bring Popeyes to SA, I wouldn't dream of it unless they gave me a billion rand and perhaps five years. Siyaghopa will need to spend a lot of money raising awareness and perception of the brand. They will need to roll out stores very fast," he said.

In the early 2000s, Famous Brands acquired the licence to roll out Church's Chicken, but the offering did not appeal to local consumers. With weak demand for the product, targets to open stores were hard to meet. Equally challenging was that royalties had to be paid in dollars, exposing the business to currency risk. A year after signing, Famous Brands exited the deal.

Sinclair said Popeyes had its own selling points. "We only use fresh chicken and we hand-batter it. We tested our spicy chicken in the market before launch and we received a 98% approval rating. It all boils down to our unique flavours," Sinclair said.

Popeyes stores would be opened "in a responsible manner", he said, keeping in mind the demands of the supply chain. With a living standards measure target of six to 10, Sinclair said three to four more chains would be opened in Gauteng in 2017.

"We had a very good negotiation with Popeyes and I think all parties were happy with the terms. Our entire supply chain will be local. We will be very competitive in pricing and customers will get value for their money," Sinclair said.

Source: Business Day
Alliance with Kilowatt Audio Visual, South Africa

Dillon Jearey, CEO Pixel Global South Africa

Pixel Global (AV) Limited, the international audiovisual and integrated technology specialist company, has announced its Global Partnership Programme.

Pixel Global AV has joined forces with Kilowatt Audio Visual (Pty) Limited, to launch Pixel Global AV South Africa.

The Partnership Programme is part of the companys plan to ensure that clients get a consistent service globally by working with regional offices, offering local support in a local language and local time zone.

Dillon Jearey, CEO, Pixel Global AV South Africa, said, I believe that collaborative communication solutions are saving people time and reducing corporate carbon footprints. We are excited to now offer our clients international support and product expertise as we move into a more connected world, with video conferencing becoming a standard in corporate communication. This partnership opportunity fits strategically into our accelerated growth program for Kilowatt AV.

Tim Darwell-Taylor, Pixel Global AV, Global CEO, said: Having conducted work for clients in Africa from the UK, we understood the need to find a partner who can support clients locally. Kilowatt is an established AV provider in Africa and its strong client base, creativity, technical expertise and delivery strength made them a natural business partner for us.

Business spending in Africa is expected to grow to $3.5tn by 2025* and this collaboration will help differentiate Pixel Global AV in this key region, added Darwell-Taylor.

The Partnership announcement marks the first for Pixel Global AV with plans to roll out more during the year.

*Source: Harvard Business Review, 2016

About Pixel Global AV

Pixel Global AV is an international, integrated technology and audiovisual specialist organisation that uses the latest technologies to provide solutions for clients across the globe. Pixel Global AV provides a full service from consultancy and design, to installation and systems maintenance and ongoing support. With offices in seven countries currently, it is well positioned to address the co-ordination aspects associated with global projects.

Pixel Global AV has successfully implemented projects worldwide for many leading blue-chip brands.

To find out more please visit: www.pixelglobalav.com

Pixel Global AV South Africa

Pixel Global AV SA is part owned by The Gamiro Investment Group, a Level 1 B-BBEE Contributor and regarded as an organisation that is a catalyst for business transformation and growth. Pixel Global AV SA is an established, leading high-end technical equipment specialist company with service delivery at its core. With a broad range of clients across multiple industries throughout Africa; the company has the infrastructure, expertise and capability to provide a full audiovisual service offering from basic equipment rental, to large-scale bespoke event productions.

To find out more please visit: www.pixelglobalav.co.za




As part of its annual Franchise Business Festival, the Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA) recently held its Awards for Excellence in Franchising, sponsored by Sanlam.

According to Vera Valasis, FASAs executive director, the Awards are the industrys way of acknowledging the franchisors and franchisees that are still climbing the ladder of franchise success and aspire to reach the heights of the icons in the industry. They serve as examples to those that are still growing their brands.

This years franchise entrants reflect the pockets of excellence that we find in a range of business categories  even in tough economic times, says Valasis. There are always businesses that do well in tough times or are able to find a niche that sets them apart and those who, by default, thrive on the back of challenging conditions.

Winners list

 Franchisor of the Year - Car Service City is proof that the automotive services industry has benefited from motorists repairing rather than replacing cars. The growth of its brand is reflected in its reputation and accountability to customers, franchisees and employees. Runners up were Kauai and Sorbet.

 Franchisee of the Year - Madelein Van Staden of Placecol Skin Care Clinic in Pretoria. Runners up were Jaco Uys of Romans Pizza, Groblersdal and Kalai Moodley of Perfect 10, Ballito.

 Newcomer Franchisor of the Year - Body20 helps time-strapped people get the equivalent of five conventional weight-training sessions in just 20 minutes with its EMS fitness system. Runners up were Sherpa Kids and Rocomamas.

 Franchisor: Leading Developer of Emerging Entrepreneurs - Hot Dog Cafe, a pioneer in developing government funding programmes that nurture entrepreneurial ownership, skills transfer and job creation. Runners up were Choprop and Sherpa Kids.

 Job Creator of the Year Award - Sorbet, the beauty salon group that employs 2,400 people in its 177 outlets  many of whom are trained through the Sorbet Empowerment Foundation, an upliftment programme committed to building skills and job creation. Runners up were Car Service City and Hot Dog Cafe.

 Brand Builder Of The Year - Kauai hit the target with stores in 93 Virgin Active Health Clubs and partnering with Discovery Vitality and Discovery Insure through rewards programmes, apps and newsletters. Runners up were Perfect 10 and Placecol.

 Best Field Service Consultant - Nanou Nsa of Hot Dog Cafe wins this award and a trip to the US International Franchise Associations Convention and Exhibition in 2018. Runners up were Navin Sawnarain of John Dorys and Eric McDermott of Rocomamas.

Entrepreneurial, flexible business model

Commenting on the finalists and winners in the categories, Tony Da Fonseca, FASAs chairman for 2017/8 and MD of the OBC Group, believes that the industrys saving grace is that franchising is entrepreneurial, flexible and forward-thinking. Despite the on-going recession that is impacting heavily on small businesses, the franchise sector continues to be resilient and offers its franchisees a better chance of surviving the ups and downs  largely due to the strong business format and support system inherent in franchising.

According to FASA, franchising has proved to be a much lower risk investment than starting a new business, with the company's survey, sponsored by Sanlam, showing that whereas 93% of new small businesses fail within two years of start-up, only between 5 and 7% of franchised businesses fail.

"The business model of franchising is globally one of the soundest business methods and in South Africa has grown to 757 franchise systems with a network of 31,111 franchisees, employing close to 400,000 people and contributing 11.6% to South Africas GDP," said the company.
BEIJING - Chinese companies are planning or constructing hundreds of coal-fired power projects around the world, data show, even as Beijing talks up its commitment to fighting climate change.

The report by German environmental lobby group Urgewald comes as China seeks to fill a vacuum left by the United States following President Donald Trump's decision to exit the Paris climate agreement.

Urgewald estimates about 250 Chinese companies are involved in nearly half of the 1,600 new coal power projects planned or being built worldwide.

They include state-owned energy giants China Datang Corporation, China Huaneng Group, and SPIC.

Urgewald bases its figures on publicly available company information and the Global Coal Plant Tracker published by San Francisco-based research platform CoalSwarm.

It estimates more than 840,000 megawatts will be added to the world's coal-fired power capacity if the 1,600 projects are completed.

Just 120 major coal plant developers -- including 26 Chinese companies -- are responsible for about two-thirds of the planned expansion.

The projects are in 62 countries, including 14 which have no existing coal-fired power capacity.

China-backed projects are planned or under way in several nations including China, Pakistan, Malawi, Egypt and Jamaica, Urgewald said in the report published on June 29.

"If the Chinese government truly wants to position itself as a global climate leader, it needs to rein in its state-owned companies that are flooding the world with new coal power plants," Trusha Reddy, coordinator of the International Coal Network at Earthlife Africa, was quoted by Urgewald as saying.

China's National Energy Administration did not respond to a request for comment.

Urgewald said the top 120 companies were "paving the road towards climate chaos".

"The companies pushing forward this glut of new coal infrastructure pose a threat to us all, as their projects would bury our chances of keeping global warming well below two degrees Celsius," Urgewald director Heffa Schuecking said.

China, the world's biggest polluter but also its biggest investor in renewable energy, has repeatedly vowed to stay the course on reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.

Earlier this year it reportedly cancelled more than 100 carbon-belching coal power projects.

But although China's own coal consumption has fallen for the past three years, reducing the fossil fuel's share of its energy use to 62 percent, it has also been investing heavily in coal projects abroad as part of its Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.
Developing and commercial farmers, local agricultural stakeholders, and businesses from the greater Mooi-Mpofana farming area in the KZN Midlands are leading the charge in the province's quest for rapid agricultural transformation, with the support of the Mpofana Municipality. The Upper Midlands Agricultural Transformation Initiative (uMATI) - with the agenda to facilitate meaningful change from the ground up - is a non-profit organisation initially established in 2015 out of a need to create a sustainable water supply for the community in the area.

uMATI project manager, Graham Armstrong with Mayor of Mpofana, Xolani Duma, who has offered his full support to the initiative.

Then called the Mpofana Irrigation Project, the issue of water for all soon highlighted the need for significant improvements to social, agricultural and environmental issues in the area with the common goal of driving transformation and working together. It was out of this that uMATI was born.

A focus on transformation on all levels

Agricultural projects making up the core of uMATI include mentorship programmes to assist emerging farmers in the area, managing the provision of a secure and constant water supply to farmers and the wider community as well as mediation to resolve disputes in the farming community in a fair way for all.

Education is also a key focus of uMATI. At present, six students at Weston Agricultural College in Mooi River are funded through donations from members of uMATI and other local corporate stakeholders. Regular farm visits, organised by uMATI, give children at the primary school in Bruntville in Mooi River the chance to see first-hand how a farm works and opens them up to future opportunities that exist within agriculture.

uMATI also focuses on nurturing relationships within the community and assists with fundraising and sponsoring events as well as other community needs such as securing funds to build a local church and facilitating a dog sterilisation project in Bruntville.

With a strong environmental ethos, uMATI has engaged with the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) to focus on efficient energy and water utilisation and encourages farmers to adopt resilient and sustainable agricultural practices.

It is the focus on transformation at all levels that has attracted the wholehearted support from Mayor of Mpofana Municipality, Xolani Duma. I am very proud of uMATI, said Mayor Duma, adding: For me, the local community working together like this is a translation of the Freedom Charter.

Agricultural revitalisation creates jobs and industries for the general upliftment of the entire community, he said.

Run by people, for the people

Its about creating opportunities instead of waiting for things to happen, enthuses uMATI project manager, Graham Armstrong. It is this energy that Armstrong, and other uMATI members, channel into the project, adding: Its not about taking away what people have got, its about sharing skills and making sure everyone in the community benefits.

The uMATI project has also received the full backing if KZN Agricultural Union, Kwanalu. It is initiatives like these, run by the people, for the people, that really can make a difference to local communities all over KZN, said Kwanalu CEO, Sandy La Marque. Kwanalu is proud to support uMATI and encourages farming communities all over KZN to use this as an example of how to effect positive change and make a real difference to the lives of those around you, she said.
eCOIDA is an online insurance technology platform; a central database that connects all role players in real-time, creating an accurate workflow, fraud-free, paperless claims processing platform. A division of an 18-year-old company, we find out how the Barclays Accelerator is helping it to venture into the short-term insurance industry...

Tell us about your startup business. How did you come about the idea?

eCOIDA, a division of Compensation Solutions (CompSol), was founded in 1999 by Fritz Luttich and Trevor Allnutt. Before CompSol was founded, both Fritz and Trevor were involved from the mid-1980s as medical practice managers for large South African diagnostic radiology practices.

It provides medical service providers, injured employees, and employers with a software solution which allows for all role-players to be connected in real-time on a centralised database platform. The central online software platform ensures the prompt processing, administration of disability benefits and medical accounts as well as the pre-funded payment of injury on duty (IOD) claims of medical service providers in South Africa.

The eCOIDA business opportunity, which included the development of a centralised database, arose from systemic (manual and automated) issues faced by the Compensation Fund, which in turn resulted in protracted delivery of social security services to injured employees and as well as the delayed payment by the Compensation Fund of medical accounts rendered by medical service providers.

This protracted service delivery by the Compensation Fund affected (and still affects) the willingness of many medical service providers to treat IOD patients, and without the eCOIDA product offering, many medical service providers would have opted not to treat injured workers due to the concern of having to personally fund the lengthy process of collecting outstanding claims.

Fritz Luttich

How did you hear about, and what motivated you to apply for the Barclays Accelerator programme?

We got introduced to the concept of an accelerator programme by a company that approached us with the possibility of making use of the eCOIDA software platform for their service offering.

We saw an opportunity to pursue the possibility, via an accelerator programme, to venture into the short-term insurance industry, given the similarities that existed between the medical insurance and short-term insurance industries. The possibility of expanding the companys current product offering into different international geographical areas remains a high priority as well.

As a result, an accelerator program was identified that could assist us in exploring these opportunities by providing the company with the introduction to the relevant role-players and markets.

What is the long-term vision for your company?

The groups long-term vision is to add new sustainable products in multiple markets i.e. Africa and internationally while maintaining the business principles and ethics applied over the past 18 years.

Trevor Allnutt

By investigating the possibility of entering different geographical areas and diversifying the current product lines, the group seeks to safeguard a sustainable business environment for its owners and employees.

What do you hope to gain/learn from this programme?

We hope to harness the benefits from the introductions to industry role-players as well as the input from the skilled individuals that the Accelerator programme offers. Combining the benefits of the programme with the lessons learnt over the past 18 years will allow us to make informed decisions with regards to expanding our existing product offerings and gaining the benefits of these diversified product offerings in new geographical areas.

All of this can be achieved by using newly acquired knowledge, learning from past experiences and developing a clear business vision for any new business ventures.

What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming 13 weeks of the programme?

We are determined to obtain a clear road map for our product offering and conceptualising our target markets. In the process, we look forward to building a comprehensive software platform while building business relationships with key stakeholders in the insurance (medical and short-term) market.

What are you most unsure/nervous about?

We are unsure as to the extent of market penetration that the Barclays Accelerator programme will bring about. We do expect that we will have a greater understanding after completing Mentor Madness.

How do you define the word "success"?

Success to eCOIDA is not merely achieving goals but it is the process of turning a business idea into reality. To achieve goals without having built a sustainable business that can benefit more than merely the shareholders is not success.

We pride ourselves on the positive feedback we receive from our customers, the loyalty of our employees and the personal difference we can make to injured employees' lives.
Ethiopian Aviation Academy has graduated 81 aviation maintenance technicians, 186 cabin crew and catering professionals, and 70 commercial and ground service professionals.

Ato Busera Awel, chief commercial officer at Ethiopian, remarked: Seven years of successful execution of our vision 2025 has made us the largest and the best airline in the continent of Africa. Our sharp focus on the four Pillars of Vision 2025; fleet, HRD, infrastructure, and systems is one of the most important success factors. Our Aviation Academy is the foundation of our HRD and our business is all about people.

Operating successfully since its establishment in 1956, Ethiopian Aviation Academy has significantly contributed towards alleviating the critical shortage of skilled aviation professionals. Currently, the academy trains 1,500 youths per annum and it envisages to enhance its intake capacity to 4,000 by 2025. Ethiopian Aviation Academy is a full ICAO TRAINAIR Plus Member and IATAs authorised global training centre and Accredited Training School.
DUBAI, UAE - Emirates and Turkish Airlines announced on Wednesday that they had won exemption from a US ban on passengers taking laptops and tablet computers on flights from their Dubai and Istanbul hubs. They are the latest carriers after Abu Dhabi's Etihad to win a reprieve after Washington imposed new rules in March on direct flights from 10 airports in Turkey, the Middle East and North Africa.

"The ban on electronic devices has been lifted with immediate effect for flights to destinations in the United States," an Emirates spokesman told AFP.

He said the airline had won the exemption after implementing new security measures demanded by Washington when intelligence officials learned of efforts by the Islamic State group to produce a bomb that could be hidden inside electronic devices. They required the installation of sophisticated imaging technology for X-ray and ultrasound screening of carry-on devices. All other electronic devices larger than a mobile phone had to be transported only in checked luggage.

WikimediaImages via pixabay

The laptop ban triggered a fall in demand for Emirates' US-bound flights and in May the airline reduced services on five of the 12 US airports it serves.

Please fasten your seatbelts and enjoy your own electronic devices

Istanbul's Ataturk International Airport, the only airport in Turkey with direct flights to the United States, introduced the same new screening procedures to earn the country's flag carrier an exemption.

"Dear Passengers, #WelcomeOnBoard to our US-bound flight. Please fasten your seatbelts and enjoy your own electronic devices," Turkish Airlines said on Twitter late on Tuesday.

NTavia via pixabay TA

Its first flight to benefit from the new exemption was its 6.45 am (0345 GMT) service to New York's John F Kennedy International Airport on Wednesday, the Dogan news agency reported.

Etihad was the first airline to meet the new US security requirements, with its exemption starting on Sunday. It earned praise from the US Department of Homeland Security for its swift action.

Britain announced a similar ban on personal electronic devices for flights originating from six countries, including Turkey but not the United Arab Emirates. Turkish Airlines chief executive Bilal Eksi said on Wednesday that he expected Britain to lift its ban on the airline's flights "shortly".

Source: AFP
It is a known fact that tourism is an important industry in Namibia. It currently contributes significantly towards the Gross Domestic Product, making it a valuable sector within the country. Unlike other segments which have not been spared by the tough economic challenges the country is going through, the tourism industry has witnessed a tremendous boost over the past two years.

SimoneD via pixabay

This tells us of the resilience within the industry, and the key role it can play towards the attainment of the Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP), fifth National Development Plan (NDP5) and the ultimate success of Vision 2030.

Even during the weakening of the Namibia dollar against other major currencies, the industry has seen a boost in visitors, along with increased revenue, due to the affordability experienced by international tourists travelling to Namibia.

However, credit must also be given to the exceptional work that has been done by the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) in marketing Namibia as a destination of choice, along with Air Namibia, in getting foreign tourists into the country, especially from Namibia's biggest source market - Germany.

Continued investment needed

It is for this reason that, as government continues to tighten its belt, it should not reach a point where the country reduces its expenditure within the industry which will result in a loss of momentum that has been created over the past few years. What could be of assistance is to continue investing in the sector, as this not only gives the country an opportunity to expose itself to the world, but Namibia also benefits from the direct foreign exchange that comes with international tourists.

A recent Facebook post by Strive Masiyiwa, a well-known Zimbabwean business person who travelled to Mauritius on holiday a few years ago, illustrates how further investments into the country can come from tourists. While in Mauritius, Masiyiwa was pleasantly surprised at how knowledgeable the taxi driver assigned to him was about the tourism industry and investment opportunities within his country.

This interaction with the taxi driver and the hotel manager where he stayed later resulted in him going back to invest in that country.

First impression, lasting impressions

It is for this reason that we need to invest heavily in customer service and product knowledge. This is not only at the tourism establishments but at the different points of entry as well. To put it simply, the first impression of any guest is how they are welcomed when they arrive at the airports or any of the border posts.

This experience creates a lasting impression on how they will perceive Namibia, and later inform their family and friends about their experience within the country. It is also important that we ensure the safety of the tourists while in the country so that they do not suffer any criminal activities during their stay here.

The future looks bright for the industry. What is critical is for each one of us to keep building on what we have in order to leave a solid foundation for future generations. It would be sad to get to a time when all the beauty we have is destroyed. That is why we should continue to guard against individuals who want to tamper with this. Lastly, the Namibian government deserves credit for its current and future efforts to safeguard our wild animals and environment.
DOHA, Qatar - Qatar Airways announced on Thursday that it had won exemption from a US ban on passengers taking laptops and tablet computers on flights from its Doha hub.

Jordan Tan via 123RF

It is the latest carrier after Abu Dhabi's Etihad, Dubai's Emirates and Turkish Airlines to meet new rules imposed by Washington in March for direct flights from 10 airports in Turkey, the Middle East and North Africa.

"Qatar Airways is pleased to confirm that with immediate effect, all personal electronic devices can be carried on board all departures from Hamad International Airport to the United States," the airline said.

"Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport have met with all requirements of the US Department of Homeland Security's new security guidelines."

Washington drew up the new guidelines after intelligence officials learned of efforts by the Islamic State group to produce a bomb that could be hidden inside electronic devices. They required the installation of sophisticated imaging technology for X-ray and ultrasound screening of carry-on devices. All other electronic devices larger than a mobile phone had to be transported only in checked luggage.

Etihad was the first airline to meet the new requirements, with its exemption starting on Sunday. It was followed by Turkish Airlines and Emirates on Wednesday.

Source: AFP
Not only did thousands of companies suffer from a severe Petya ransomware attack last week, but closer to home was the hacking of South Africa's Department of Education's system. Is your company prepared for what could still come?

Damian Michael

Ransomware: a brief history

Ransomware and fake-antivirus have been around for many years, relying on social engineering to trick computer users into paying the cybercriminals, so their phoney warnings claim, to avoid fines from police for supposed crimes, or to clean up viruses on their computers that dont actually exist.

But CryptoLocker and CryptoWall  variations of the malware called crypto-ransomware or cryptoware  dont bother with that sort of trickery. The attackers tell victims upfront that their files have been encrypted by ransomware. Unless you pay for the encryption key held by the attackers, the crooks destroy the private encryption key, making it impossible to recover your files.

Examples of ransomware wreaking havoc around the world

Petya

The initial Petya ransomware was made by Janus Cybercrime Solutions Professionals and they distributed the source code as a ransomware-as-a-service over the darknet.

The recent outbreak dubbed NotPetya is a modified version of the Petya source code acting as a wiper or a phlashdancer. It is meant to destroy data from the victim's computer and professionals believe the cyber-criminals behind this kind of attack created the ransomware not to profit from it but to cause havoc.

WannaCry

This family of ransomware has many names such as Wanna-Wana, Cryptor-Crypt0r, Cryptor-Decryptor, etc. WannaCry propagates using EternalBlue, an exploit of Windows' Server Message Block (SMB) protocol.

Much of the attention and comment around the event was occasioned by the fact that the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) had already discovered the vulnerability, but used it to create an exploit for its own offensive work, rather than report it to Microsoft. The payload works in the same fashion as most modern ransomware: it finds and encrypts a range of data files, then displays a ransom note informing the user and demanding a payment in bitcoin. It is considered a network worm because it also includes a transport mechanism to automatically spread itself. This transport code scans for vulnerable systems, then uses the EternalBlue exploit to gain access, and the DoublePulsar tool to install and execute a copy of itself.

How it works

A ransomware attack goes through five stages from the time it installs on your computer to the appearance of the ransom warning on your screen.

Crypro-ransomware usually attacks in five stages:

Installation After a victims computer is infected, the crypto-ransomware installs itself and sets keys in the Windows Registry to start automatically every time your computer boots up. Contacting headquarters Before crypto-ransomware can attack you, it contacts a server operated by the criminal gang that owns it. Handshake and keys The ransomware client and server identify each other through a carefully arranged handshake, and the server generates two cryptographic keys. One key is kept on your computer, the second key is stored securely on the criminals server. Encryption With the cryptographic keys established, the ransomware on your computer starts encrypting every file it finds with any of dozens of common file extensions, from Microsoft Office documents to .JPG images and more. Extortion The ransomware displays a screen giving you a time limit to pay up before the criminals destroy the key to decrypt your files. The typical price, $300 to $500, must be paid in untraceable bitcoins or other electronic payments.

How was Department of Education attacked?

These are some of the possible ways the department of education was attacked through ransomware. These could be the vulnerabilities:

No firewall or misconfigured firewall rules.



No endpoint protection in place or outdated signatures.



No anti-spam protection in place for emails and attachments.



No sandbox or containment technology for emails originating outside the trusted domain.



Internal policies to regulate the use of technology within the work area.



Advanced malware protection with updated malware signatures.



Lack of education or proper training to information handling and technology use.



No honeypots in place to block network calls of the ransomware to its headquarters.



Use of unregistered devices on the network  jailbroken, rooted devices etc.



Use of external hardware such as USB sticks for movies and music downloads etc.

Peoples susceptibilities to manipulation and influence are the biggest security risks to businesses.

Staying safe from Ransomware attacks

Restrict write permissions on file servers as much as possible.



Educate users to contact IT if they encounter suspicious pop-ups.



Use advanced endpoint protection that can identify new malware variants and detect malicious traffic.



Make time for regular offline backups; test backups to ensure they can be restored from reliably.



Use web and email protection to block access to malicious websites and scan all downloads.



Disconnect from networks immediately if you suspect infection.

Ransomware protection, prevention, and mitigation

If you suspect youve been compromised by ransomware, you can remove the malware using some free decryption tools available online. Sadly, theres not much you can do to get your files back except to pay the ransom because the encryption is too strong to crack.



Paying the ransom isn't the best idea because theres no guarantee the criminals wont up the ante, or that theyll actually follow through on their promise to send you the keys to decrypt your files. And paying the ransom also supports a cybercriminal enterprise that will ensnare more victims.



But its easy to understand why so many people do pay the ransom, especially if youve lost invaluable corporate or personal data.



The best defence is a proactive one: always back up all your files, and use anti-malware to protect your devices and anti-spam protections for email.

The reasons why you need a security expert
KIEV, Ukraine: Ukraine claims that it had thwarted a fresh cyberattack that was to be carried out via a programme blamed for spreading a virus that caused disruption across the globe last week.

 Eugene Sergeev via 123RF

Interior minister Arsen Avakov said that Ukraine's cyber police on Tuesday stopped a second wave of attacks from spreading via the M.E.Doc accounting software system and confiscated the servers of the company behind the programme.

"The peak of the attack was scheduled at 4pm (1300 GMT)," Avakov wrote on his Facebook page.

"Cyberpolice blocked the mailing and activation of the virus from the servers of the information system M.E.Doc," he added.

Ukrainian police confirmed the seizure of the servers and said that M.E.Doc was informed about vulnerabilities in their system, but that it had ignored the warning.

Responsible source

The M.E.Doc programme has been singled out by authorities as the source responsible for spreading the virus that locked up computers around the planet last week after first hitting Ukraine.

The company has denied it was to blame.

The virus, which demanded a payment of $300 as it locked up files at claims and government agencies including the Chernobyl nuclear site, spread from Ukraine to a raft of other countries.

Computer experts are still scrambling to find the culprits for the attack but Ukraine has been quick to point the finger at Russia.

Ukraine and Russia are locked in a bitter feud over a Kremlin-backed rebellion and the seizure of the Crimea region, and Kiev has accused Moscow of previous crippling hacking attacks.

The 27 June 2017 attack was reminiscent of the WannaCry ransomware that hit computers worldwide in May, but some experts suggested the second attack was more sophisticated and designed to wipe data rather than extort money.

Source: AFP
Over the years South Africa has shown immense promise and has set a shining example of growth in terms of the economy. While various industries, right from food to tourism, has been blossoming, the online marketing industry shows exceptional potential.

Here are some things to note from the recent trends in the field of digital marketing of South Africa.

Online marketing is a growing field

Owing to the late penetration of the internet, the country still has a sporadic data flow. The average number of internet users in the country is still lower than that of countries in America or Europe but it is rapidly growing. Over the past few years the number of people who use the internet has grown exponentially. As a result, online marketing is gaining immense popularity. A decade ago, South Africa was still taking baby steps but today it is carving itself a niche in the international online marketing world.

Mobile devices rule the market

Gone are the days when big old desktops were the only way someone could surf the internet. With the advent of handheld devices like smartphones and tablets, computers and laptops have taken a back seat. More than half of the European and American internet users are online from their mobiles and Africa is not behind either. Majority of the South African Netizens access the internet using their mobile devices. Therefore, online marketing campaigns are now created keeping this in mind. With responsive web designs, it is much easier to reach out to a wider range of people.

Target demographic is expanding

Unlike a decade ago, today internet is not a thing which is used only by the affluent and primarily younger crowd. Owing to affordable smartphones and data packs, it has reached out to a wider crowd, breaking the barriers of age, educational or social background, economic status etc. Hence online marketing has expanded its target demographic to create campaigns which focus on a larger group. It is not targeted at the younger crowd only and as a result, it has gained a more universal feel.

Great career options

With the growing online marketing field, there are many jobs being created. The industry, right now, is in dire need of fresh and effective talent and it is open to paying big bucks for good work. Digital marketing is one of the largest growing industries of South Africa which makes it a golden career opportunity. It is anticipated that efficient skills will be rewarded richly and hence it is only advisable to develop digital marketing skills to grab this amazing opportunity. Digital marketing as a career is growing rapidly to the point that it is now an acceptable full-time job. Clients, right now, are ready to pay higher than ever, for great results when it comes to high SEO, conversion rate, etc.

Use of pay-per-click marketing is at a rise

Even though there is a lot of confusion out there about the use of keywords for pay-per-click marketing, many people tend to waste a lot of money through a process of trial and error that doesnt produce superior results. Considering that, the information on Google AdWords will help to set the record straight once and for all. Bidding for the wrong keywords could mean you never manage to attract relevant traffic to your website or blog.

Increase in clientele

A few years ago, the number of companies engaging in e-commerce and online marketing was indeed, a handful. The recent years have seen a steady growth in the number of companies which are adopting digital marketing as their chosen mode of advertisement. Companies have come to realize that online marketing is actually cheaper as well. In fact, many clients are picking online marketing over the traditional modes of marketing campaign, as the former has a greater chance of reaching out to a large number of people with minimal effort and expense. It has even helped some companies reach out to countries outside South Africa as well, leading them to global acclaim.

Digital marketing is one of the fastest growing industry in South Africa and with the right kind of effort and work, it is an untapped gold mine of opportunities, ready to be explored.
Brave teenagers change their world by making a zombie film in the superb Afrikaans drama, Nul Is Nie Niks Nie; in Spider-Man: Homecoming Peter puts his powers to the test when the evil Vulture emerges to threaten everything that he holds dear; Britain's iconic Prime Minister Winston Churchill suffers physical and mental collapse in Churchill; a couple start an underground casino in the basement of their house to pay for their daughter's school fees in the comedy The House; and the National Theatre stage production Peter Pan follows the adventures of the leader of the Lost Boys who loses his shadow.

Nul Is Nie Niks Nie

The impressive Afrikaans film, Nul Is Nie Niks Nie is a heart-warming coming-of-age story about life, death and everything in between. The film tells a heart-warming and darkly amusing new film about life, death and everything in between, the story of three friends living in a sleepy town  Martin Hoender (Jaden van der Merwe), Drikus (Pieter Louw), and Chris (Daniah de Villiers)  who set out to make Drikus dying wish come true  to make a zombie movie.

During their filmmaking process Hoender starts to deal with the loss of his father, he makes new friends, works on his self-confidence and realises that he has a lot to offer. Drikus love of life and determination brings the surrounding lifeless community together and gives them a new lease on life.

Lize Vosloo wrote the screenplay for this film, inspired by the youth drama, Oor n motorfiets, n zombiefiek en lang getalle wat deur elf gedeel kan word by Jaco Jacobs.

''My vision is for the film to become a piece of cinema that will have a long life because of its theme of life and death, which is central to the story, says director Morne du Toit. ''We were loyal to the theme from the beginning and I hope the film reaches a broad audience that will find it inspiring to watch. I believe that stories have the ability to change lives, to bring hope where there was none, and life to where there was none.''

Spider-Man: Homecoming

Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, young Peter Parker (Tom Holland) returns home to live with his Aunt May in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Under the watchful eye of mentor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), Parker starts to embrace his newfound identity as Spider-Man. He also tries to return to his normal daily routine  distracted by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just a friendly neighbourhood superhero. Peter must soon put his powers to the test when the evil Vulture (Michael Keaton) emerges to threaten everything that he holds dear. His moment has arrived as he is challenged to become the hero he is meant to be.

It is the second reboot of the Spider-Man film franchise and the sixteenth film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film is directed by Jon Watts (Clown, Cop Car), with a screenplay by the writing teams of Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley, Watts and Christopher Ford, and Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers.

For producer and Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, bringing the character into the Marvel Cinematic Universe in an original way that film audiences have never seen before was a top priority. Over the past 15 years, we have built the Marvel Cinematic Universe with so many characters and movies, and now we have the opportunity to introduce Peter Parker and the Spider-Man franchise into that universe for the first time, says Feige. Its exciting because thats how he truly was in the comics, from the very beginning  he didnt enter the comics as the only hero; he entered a world in which Tony Stark, Captain America and the Avengers all were there. And now, for the first time, we get that in an entire film, which makes it fresh and new.

Churchill

Churchill follows Britains iconic Prime Minister Winston Churchill (Brian Cox) in the days before the infamous DDay landings in June 1944. As allied forces stand on the south coast of Britain, poised to invade Nazi occupied Europe, they await Churchills decision on whether the invasion will actually move ahead. Fearful of repeating his mistakes from World War I on the beaches of Gallipoli, exhausted by years of war, plagued by depression and obsessed with fulfilling historical greatness, Churchill is also faced with constant criticism from his political opponents; General Eisenhower and Field Marshal Montgomery.

Only the unflinching support of Churchills brilliant, unflappable wife Clementine (Miranda Richardsonn) can halt the Prime Ministers physical and mental collapse and help lead him to greatness.

The untold story of Britains most celebrated leader, uncovering the true nature of his herculean wartime status and revealing the strength of his wife, Clemmie  his backbone and total confidant the love that inspired him to greatness.

Churchill is directed by Jonathan Teplitzky (The Railway Man, Marcella) from an original screenplay by British historian Alex von Tunzelmann (Medici: Masters of Florence) in her feature debut.

The House

When Scott and Kate Johansens daughter gets into the college of her dreams its cause for celebration. That is, until Scott and Kate (Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler) learn that the scholarship they were counting on didnt come through, and theyre now on the hook for tuition they cant begin to afford.

With the help of their friend and neighbour Frank (Jason Mantzoukas)also in need of a major paydaythey decide to open an illegal casino in his suburban house, risking everything together on a Vegas-style bacchanal where money flows, inhibitions are checked at the door, and all bets are off.

Andrew Jay Cohen makes his feature film directorial debut with The House. The script was written by Brendan OBrien and Cohen, whose previous collaborations include the hit comedy Neighbors.

I always wanted to make a movie about high school kids who start a casino in their parents basement, Cohen recounts. By making them adults, making them the ones who were impulsive and out of control rather than their college-bound kid, it becomes a whole different experience and discovery. The Scott and Kate in the beginning of the story who are facing their biggest failure as parents commit to taking the biggest risk of their lives. They find a way to turn things around and in the process, find out things about themselves they never dreamed existed. Still, he cautions, Dont try this at home.

Peter Pan

Recorded live during its sell-out UK run at the National Theatre, Peter Pan follows the adventures of the leader of the Lost Boys who loses his shadow but finds strong-willed Wendy, who helps him reattach it. In exchange, she is invited to Neverland, where Tinker Bell the fairy, Tiger Lily and the evil Captain Hook (Olivier Award-winning Anna Francolini) await and a riot of magic, music and make-believe follows.

It releases on Saturday, 8 July 2017, for four screenings only: on 8, 12 and 13 July at 19:30 and on 9 July at 14:30 at Ster-Kinekors Nouveau cinemas in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town, and at Ster-Kinekor Gateway in Durban. The running time is approximately 3 hours, including a 20-min interval.

Read more about the latest film releases by clicking here.
BERLIN, Germany: German car giant Volkswagen said it was returning to the Iranian market for the first time in 17 years due to the lifting of economic sanctions.

 renehesse via 123RF

The company, maker of brands including VW, Porsche, Skoda, and Seat, said it would resume selling cars in Iran from August after signing a deal with local importer Mammut Khodro.

"By returning to Iran, the Volkswagen brand is filling in another blank spot on the global automotive map," said Anders Sundt Jensen, project manager for the Iranian market at Volkswagen.

The deal will initially cover VW's Tiguan and Passat models "to gain an insight into current market needs, establish the Volkswagen brand in Iran, and offer Iranians modern technologies 'made in Germany'," the company said.

Pulled out in 2000

VW first started selling cars in Iran in the 1950s but pulled out of the market in 2000 due to the levelling of international sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

It cited Iranian government estimates that there will be some three million new registrations in the overall passenger car market per year in the medium to long term, up from about one million currently.

European firms have been hungrily eyeing opportunities in Iran since a nuclear deal with world powers came into force in January 2016, lifting many sanctions in exchange for tight controls on the country's atomic programme.

VW's announcement comes one day after French energy giant Total defied US pressure by signing a multi-billion-dollar gas deal with Iran, the first by a European firm in more than a decade.

Source: AFP
Mpumi was born in Barberton and grew up in eMalahleni in Mpumalanga and after a successful career in TV, presenting Seskhona and Zoned and also hosting Identity, she returned to the province three years ago to work on both the drive and breakfast shows of the local public broadcaster. Its time to spread my wings now, said Mpumi, and Im seriously looking forward to working in the dynamic environment of Mpumalangas only commercial radio station.

Rise FMs Acting Station Manager, Tony Murrell, says, We are very happy to welcome Mpumi to the team. We have been looking to ensure that the Rise FM Breakfast Show is relevant to the province and its wonderful people and with Mpumi joining us it adds to an already settled and experienced on-air team who are more than capable of further reinforcing our provincial footprint and expanding our brand. I am confident that Cheese and Mpumi will click well together, and will soon cement themselves as everyones favourite choice in the morning.

Times Medias Head of Radio, Vernon Matzopoulos, thanked previous host DJ Sbu for his contribution to Rise FM and sister station Vuma FM over the past twelve months and wished him well with his future endeavours. DJ Sbu continues on Massiv Metro, a new online station targeting taxi commuters in Gauteng.

You can catch "Cheese & Mpumi in the Morning" every weekday on the Rise FM Breakfast Show between 06h00 and 09h00 from Monday, 3 July 2017.




A few years ago, a string of opinions and articles written by the so-called social media experts surfaced proclaiming that organisational social media platforms should be managed by those under the age of 25 as they were the only ones that truly understood these platforms. That might very well have been true back then, however social media platforms have matured and so have the target audience. So why are brands still falling into reputational ditches.

 Wavebreak Media Ltd 123RF.com

The most recent example is that of Outsurance, where Peter Cronje, Head of the insurance companys marketing division blamed a junior staff member after the 'white' Fathers Day advert saga.

The real problem is that, once again, a brand blamed a junior employee, as is almost always the case when social media turns ugly. And each time such things happen, we, reputation managers and public relations professionals scratch our heads in wonder. We ask ourselves, why are junior employee being continuously put in charge of organisations biggest reputation channel?

Yes, perhaps a few years ago companies needed those under 25 to understand the channels, but now that social media channels are well understood by most companies, is it not about time to ensure that these channels are managed by mature employees who understand not only the company strategy but the social context of the market that the company operates in?

In a nutshell, I am going against the grain, saying that social media managers should definitely not be under 25 and there is research to back me up. Numerous research findings state that, when faced with a crisis, many under 25s are mostly likely to respond impulsively and may not be fully immersed in the brand they are representing. The real question is will most under 25s understand the socio-economic and political landscape, and know how to navigate it successfully without damaging the brand's reputation?

Yes, there are some under 25s that are mature and know more about social media than most of us could ever dream, but the point is that being under 25 should no longer be a qualifier to being a social media manager (communicator for a million-dollar brand).

Organisations, therefore, need to make sure that whoever manages their social media account is part of the companys PR team, or works closely with them They already have the companys communication strategy and key messages, among others, and will be able to provide context to the social media manager.
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252 female candidates were nominated for Inspiring Fifty South Africa. The initiative aims to prove the philosophy that if she can see it, she can be it.

The nominees are showcasing a broad spectrum of skills:

29 are academics (including school teachers)



76 hold C-Level positions



87 are founders of technology or innovation organisations



Three are in government/politicians



Two are analysts



37 are key influencers



18 hold other roles in the relevant sectors.

Inspiring Fifty was initiated by Janneke Niessen and Joelle Frijters from the Netherlands and has since been realised in the Netherlands, Europe, France, and the Nordics.

Says Niessen: The response to the call for nominations has been overwhelming when considering the numbers from previous programs. Europes first Inspiring Fifty yielded a selection of just over 500 women, so we are more than pleased with the South African pool.

We are excited about all these women who have been given the opportunity to create awareness of their roles in the technology and innovation sectors and encourage more women to join the force.
It's an incredibly proud moment for me to clackety clack away at the keyboard and complete the sentence (and realisation) that Retroviral is seven (VII) years old.

I recently gave a talk to a group that comprised mainly students. I provided an elevator pitch of my entrepreneurial Odyssey and a highlights' package of my key takeouts. There is so much talent in South Africa. When I'm big, I want to help more young people to start businesses and advise them on navigating the stormy, entrepreneurial, seas.

Storytelling is humanity's greatest invention. These are seven stories that have helped shape our agency. This is why I get out of bed. Every. Damn. Day...

The first retrospective

At the end of 2011, I sat with an incredibly talented filmmaker friend of mine  Fausto Becatti  to make this in my dad's home office. I had scripted the first of what would later become known as the retrospective; an opportunity for me to creatively humblebrag about all the amazing $#!t we had achieved, over the previous 12 months. This film was PR gold for our challenger brand. It made potential clients, journalists, and agencies sit up and take notice of this new, hybrid kid on the block. IMHO.

Last Dictator Standing

I am eternally grateful to Gia Callinicos for introducing me to the Black River FC ad agency. Ahmed, Janine and the rest of the team I had the privilege of working with. It was right place, right time, universal alignment. On two previous occasions we had demonstrated scientific capabilities of 'viral' engineering but it was as if our agency was destined to work on this campaign. This Cannes Bronze, Prism Gold, Loeries Grand Prix remarkable BRFC concept, certainly placed our seeding skills, firmly on the map. 1,000,000 views  organically  in 6 days.

Yawn for a coffee!

We set a precedent and became known as the 'make $#!t go viral' guys. We did it again. We made lightning strike twice, with Joe Public's Yawn-activated vending machine. 530K views, from pure, $#!t-hot, digital PR. No media spend, just DHs, hey Kirsty Sharman.

Experiences are tangible, brand currency

We've always spoken about the holy trinity of marketing  activation, digital and PR, but it was only when we worked with Cederdog, We Are Awesome, Seed and a host of other total badasses, that I realised the impact of the experience. The below video is more than eight minutes long so you may not get to watch it on the clock but this piece  to me  epitomises the rock 'n roll, entrepreneurial lifestyle:

Jozi Jockeys

Man, I love this one. It has such a special place in my heart because it has so many parallels with the hustle. Convincing a conservative client to agree to this idea: 'What do you mean you want to compare a R2m blerrie horse to a taxi, soutie?' Guerilla shooting methods. Liesl, Mark Stry, and the Spitfire gang, you gave our idea such an incredible soul.

The Kreepy Krauly Wrangler

This became a local, internet cult classic. Because: Team Best.

One of the most stressful jobs of our existence, but the juice was most definitely worth the squeeze. Brexit  'make London look less like London', outdoor activation  non-stop rain. A crew of eight Saffas  art department, production, and agency  battling the elements to achieve remarkable-content status. Massive shoutout to Tazzle on this one, and thanks to Darren and 10th Street Media, Keenan and Shaun for bringing this to life and earning us an Ad of the Week.

F*ck yeah!

A recent campaign of the year winner at the SA PR Awards (Prisms) and a career highlight. Once again, we couldn't have done this without Tazzle and Jen.

To every single one of you who have walked through our doors over the past seven years to work, play, debate, donate  I value you and the lessons you have imparted on me. Thank you for your belief and your bravery.

Life is short. Play naked!

Thanks to Tazzle, Murray, Kirsty, Melissa, Wendy, Dan, Marco, Asta, Cherry, Bouch, Michaella, Renate, Lesha, Jason, Owethu, S-J, Leigh, Ladonna, Didi, Greg, Kath, Bin, Rachael, Daryn, Darren, Patson, Mike P, Bus, Grant, Zel, Duncan.
UNESCO said on Tuesday, 4 July, that it had decided to remove Ivory Coast's Comoe National Park from its list of endangered world heritage sites after more than a decade of conservation efforts.

The World Heritage Committee of the UN's scientific and cultural agency made the announcement during its annual meeting, held this year in the southern Polish city of Krakow from 2-12 July.

"Populations of iconic species such as elephants and chimpanzees that were thought to have disappeared from the site are reproducing again and... the state of conservation of habitats is now very positive," UNESCO said in a statement.

"Targets for fauna conservation have in fact been met and even surpassed," it added, while also lauding the Ivory Coast for its work to fight poaching.

A world heritage site since 1983, the park is one of the largest protected areas in west Africa and is known for its diverse plant life.

UNESCO cited poaching, fires and overgrazing as causes for concern when it listed the park as endangered in 2003, adding that months of conflict in the Ivory Coast - the world's largest cocoa producer - had also threatened the site in the country's north.

Peace returned to the Ivory Coast in 2011 following a decade-long war that had split the country in two.

Of the 1,052 UNESCO heritage sites around the world, more than 50 are in danger, including several national parks, archeological remains in Afghanistan and ancient cities and villages in Syria.

Source: AFP
Advertising Week, the world's largest annual gathering of marketing, media, and technology leaders, makes its long-anticipated debut in Africa on 14-19 February 2023, after the planned launch was delayed by the global pandemic.
Authorities claim Mr Tennent was deported due to blatant abuse of his special exemption/religious worker visa after engaging in sensitive landowner issues in East New Britain Province.

Archbishop Panfilos call comes after Mr Tennent, who had been working as an administrator for the Archdiocese of Rabaul since June 2014, was deported on 12 June 2017, over an alleged breach of visa conditions.

I want to inform all [sitting] candidates and aspiring candidates for national elections that neither the Archdiocese of Rabaul nor the Catholic Bishops Conference will take this matter lightly, as it seems to imply that to work for justice is outside of a religious worker status.

RABAUL Archbishop Francesco Panfilo has said the deportation of New Zealand missionary Douglas Tennent remains an issue whichever government is in power in Papua New Guinea.

However, both Mr Tennent and Archbishop Panfilo hold firm to the belief that Mr Tennent was just doing his job.

Mr Tennent was deported after some landowners lodged a complaint regarding his involvement in sensitive landowner issues.

It is believed the complaint was related to Mr Tennents involvement in remedying a special agricultural business lease regarding Malaysian multinational Rimbunan Hijaus Sigite Mukus oil palm project in West Pomio.

Archbishop Panfilo stated Mr Tennent is only involved in settling these disputes on his, the archbishops, behalf.

Mr Tennent was providing legal advice to the archbishop, who was asked by the people of West Pomio to speak up for them, he said.

The actions of immigration authorities  foreign affairs minister Rimbink Pato and acting chief migration officer Solomon Kantha  have also raised questions about the position of prime minister Peter ONeills government in the matter.

Any ordinary person knows that orders of this kind cannot be given unless there are powerful and wealthy institutions and personalities behind [them], Archbishop Panfilo said.

For the sake of the ordinary and innocent people of Papua New Guinea, we ask the government to come clear once and for all.

Let us pray that the national elections may give us leaders who are committed to the achievement of a just and peaceful society, he said.

Mr Tennent told NZ Catholic in its latest edition on Sunday that his deportation had pitted Papua New Guineas government against the Catholic Church.

I think they didnt realise when they did the deportation that it wasnt about me. It was about the whole role of religious workers, he said.

This was echoed by Archbishop Panfilo.

To advocate for the vulnerable and powerless, which is the situation of the people of West Pomio, is a gospel mandate, just as it is to educate and care for sick people.

It is the duty of any religious worker and of any Christian for that matter, to give effect to the teachings of Christ in word and action. One wonders why those who expose these evil practices should be deported and not the ones who commit them, he said.

Mr Tennent remains in New Zealand, anxiously awaiting news from authorities in Papua New Guinea about whether he can return.

He is currently in the process of applying for a new visa and is planning court action against the government.
Thousands of migrant workers began streaming out the country amid panic induced by a June 20 announcement that included a slate of new and expensive rules.

After more than 60,000 Myanmar workers exited the country for fear of an upcoming crackdown, employers demanded the government do something to intervene. Around 1,000 people, including Thai government officials, entrepreneurs, company owners, employment agencies, labor right activists, and non-governmental organizations attended a seminar at the Thai Ministry of Labor office on July 5.

I attended the Thai governments meeting [on June 5]. They agreed to relax some points. For example, workers no longer need a recommendation from their previous employers if they want to change their workplace and employers name, said Min Kyaw Thiha, owner of Siam Hongsar & AEC Co. Ltd, which employs Myanmar workers.

Undocumented workers can apply for the required documents in Thailand without having to first go back to Myanmar, he added. [The law] has been postponed for six months to allow time for the workers to obtain these documents.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the Thai government will not abolish or amend the new labor regulations, but told the Bangkok Post that they will not be enforced until the grace period ends in December.

In a press conference held in Nay Pyi Daw on July 5, Myanmars Minister of Labor, Immigration, and Population U Thein Swe said certificate of identify (CI) will be issued to Myanmar migrant workers whose temporary passports have expired.

For workers who live far from the issuing centers and are unable to go there, we will arrange mobile teams to go to their residential areas at convenient time for them, he said. Some of the workers holding expired temporary passports in Thailand are worried. They dont need to worry. We are working as quickly as possible to change their [expired documents to] CI cards so that they can get official recognition and live safely.

Although the minister said 34,069 workers have returned to Myanmar up to the morning of July 5, labor activists have put the count at upwards of 70,000 workers, about half of whom crossed back through the Mae Sot-Myawaddy border.

The new regulations impose a series of fines for workers without the correct paperwork, and, according to labor activists, make it more difficult for the workers to change employers.

According to the new regulations, workers who cannot show their permit during an inspection can be fined 10,000 baht. If the employer or job listed on the work permit is incorrect, the workers can be fined 100,000 baht, while employers who hire unregistered workers or those with a permit from another employer can face a fine between 400,000 and 800,000 baht.

This new law will not bring any benefit to Thai employers and Mon and Bamar workers. The workers will only lose all their money to brokers and agents while they apply for documents from the respective government departments, said Nai Sunthorn Sripanngern, a Mon-Thai citizen.
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PR Newswire

NEW YORK, July 5, 2017

NEW YORK, July 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Europe Peat Market: OverviewPeat is also known as turf is a heterogeneous mixture made of incompletely decomposed plant remains, mainly sedges, grasses, reeds and mosses, formed when waterlogging and the exclusion of oxygen affect the natural processes of decay. It is a slow process, with the layer of peat increasing by an average rate calculated to be no more than 1mm (1/16in) depth per year. The peat land ecosystem is the most efficient carbon sink on the planet because peat land plants capture the CO2 which is naturally released from the peat.Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04977661/Peat-Market-Europe-Industry-Analysis-Size-Share-Growth-Trends-and-Forecast.htmlDemand for Peat is projected to have a sluggish growth in coming years considering the extensive concern over environmental issue, growth in renewables on a large scale and use of alternative substitutes such as wood fiber, coir, land fill biomass and green compost. Europe remains dominant in Peat market in terms of production and demand. Countries such as Ireland, Finland and Sweden are expected to be the key consumers of Peat. Peat is also used as a major constituent for horticulture industry. Governmental regulations and environmental concerns has remarkably affected the Peat market. This trend is anticipated to continue during the forecast period, and is therefore expected to unfavorably affect the market growth.Europe Peat Market: Scope of the ReportThis report analyzes and forecasts the market for Peat at Europe level. The market has been forecast based on revenue (US$ Mn) from 2016 to 2024, considering 2015 as the base year. The study includes drivers and restraints of the Europe Peat market. It also covers impact of these drivers and restraints on demand for Peat during the forecast period. The report also highlights opportunities in the Peat market in Europe.The report includes detailed value chain analysis, which provides a comprehensive view of the Europe Peat market. Porter's Five Forces model for the Peat market has also been included to help understand the competitive landscape in the market. The study encompasses market attractiveness analysis, wherein end-users are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate, and general attractiveness.Europe Peat Market: SegmentationThe study provides a decisive view of the Europe Peat market by segmenting it in terms of product type (Sapric, Hemic and Fibric) and applications such as power generation, agriculture, freshwater aquaria, water filtration, heating, horticulture and more). These segments have been analyzed based on present and future trends. Segmentation includes current and forecast demand for Peat in Europe.The report provides the actual market size of Peat for 2015 and estimated market size for 2016 with forecast for the next eight years. The Europe market size of Peat has been provided in terms of volume and revenue. Market volume has been defined in Thousand Metric Tons, while market revenue is in US$ Mn. Market numbers have been estimated based on product type and key applications of Peat. Market size and forecast for numerous end-users have been provided in terms of global, regional, and country level markets.Europe Peat Market: Research MethodologyIn order to compile the research report, we conducted in-depth interviews and discussions with a number of key industry participants and opinion leaders. Primary research represented the bulk of research efforts, supplemented by extensive secondary research. We reviewed key players' product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents for competitive analysis and market understanding. Secondary research includes a search of recent trade, technical writing, Internet sources, and statistical data from government websites, trade associations, and agencies. This has proven to be the most reliable, effective, and successful approach for obtaining precise market data, capturing industry participants' insights, and recognizing business opportunities.Secondary research sources that are typically referred to include, but are not limited to company websites, annual reports, financial reports, investor presentations, SEC filings, CSA Global, Government database, internal and external proprietary databases, and relevant patent and regulatory databases such as ICIS, Hoover's, oneSOURCE, Factiva and Bloomberg, national government documents, statistical databases, trade journals, market reports, news articles, press releases, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market.We conduct primary interviews on an ongoing basis with industry participants and commentators to validate data and analysis. These help validate and strengthen secondary research findings. These also help develop the analysis team's expertise and market understanding.The report comprises profiles of major companies operating in the Europe Peat market. The Europe Peat market is partially consolidated. Key players include Bord na Mona, Klassmann Dielmann, Vapo Oy, Oulun Energia, Neova Ab etc. Market players have been profiled in terms of attributes such as company overview, overall revenue, business strategies, and recent developments.The Europe Peat market has been segmented as follows:By Material TypeSapricHemicFibricBy End-UsePower GenerationAgricultureFreshwater AquariaWater FiltrationOthersBy CountryGermanyFranceIrelandFinlandLatviaLithuaniaEstoniaSwedenRead the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04977661/Peat-Market-Europe-Industry-Analysis-Size-Share-Growth-Trends-and-Forecast.htmlAbout Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.http://www.reportlinker.com__________________________Contact Clare: [email protected]: (339)-368-6001Intl: +1 339-368-6001

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/peat-market---europe-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2016---2024-300483840.html

SOURCE Reportlinker
The Auburn Transmission Project, a 14.5-mile, multi-million dollar power line that runs from Auburn to Elbridge, is on schedule to be completed later this month.

Planning and preparation has been in the works for this project, which connects the NYSEG-owned Auburn State Street substation with the National Grid-owned Elbridge substation and runs through Throop, Brutus and Sennett, since 2012. But shovels didn't hit the ground until October, after the state Public Service Commission approved the project in February 2016.

The project is going to "reinforce reliability" of services for residents in Cayuga and Onondaga counties, New York State Energy and Gas Corporate Communications Manager Juanita Washington said last week.

"The electric system upgrades provide an alternate source of supply and potentially limits the possibility of service interruption at a reasonable and relatively low cost," Washington said, adding the project is also expected to relieve load issues to commercial and residential customers.

When it was approved by the PSC, the estimated cost for the project was $23.3 million. Washington said a final cost was not yet available. And although the lines will go live this month, a specific date has not been established.

In addition to adding 14.5 miles of new lines, Washington said 5.6 miles of existing power lines were rebuilt on NYSEG's right of way. Most of the construction was completed by NYSEG and its contractors, but the project was done in partnership with National Grid as well.

The new power lines will carry 115 kilovolts of electricity and were installed next to existing lines. The older lines will continue to transmit power, too.

The new poles are made of weathered steel. Most are silver-colored, but some of the poles are copper-colored, in order to "blend in with the surrounding environment," said Alex Roth, a senior public involvement specialist with Burns and McDonnell, a construction engineering company that has worked with NYSEG and National Grid on the project. The copper poles can be seen near the State Street substation.

The transmission project was met with resistance by some landowners who were opposed to NYSEG expanding its right of way.

NYSEG continues to work closely with affected landowners, Washington said.

"The company regularly reached out to neighbors, community leaders and lawmakers throughout the process," Washington said. "Landowners were provided updates leading up to and throughout the construction of the project."

More information about the project, including maps, site plans and visualizations, can be found at www.auburntransmissionproject.com.
Is a donkey on the Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZT) newsworthy? I don't know, but it sure is fun. Just ask Jasmine, the AZT donkey. Jasmine is a show stopper and that's a fact. You can check this claim by viewing page 66 of the Arizona National Scenic Trail Guidebook: there's Jasmine, in living color. It's worth buying the book just for Jasmine's picture!

Jasmine and I met in Gallup, New Mexico, in 2007. Her owner and I agreed to a swap: my mule for her donkey. Struggling to load an uncooperative Jasmine into my trailer was just the beginning of my education in understanding the heart and mind of a donkey.

Donkeys were domesticated in Egypt around 4000 BC. They are members of the equine family, but receive insufficient glory in the equine world. People have too often mistreated or abused donkeys. All these years we have been interacting with donkeys and we still dont understand them. Makes you wonder who is the slow learner?

I discovered early on that Jasmine doesn't work for treats. Though she loves carrots, they don't tempt her to do anything, good or bad. Jasmine has taught me that leadership begins with trust. If she trusts you, she is faithful, thoughtful, and a willing companion. She has gone the extra mile for me time and again as we have walked nearly 500 miles of the AZT and countless more as trail patrol partners at Saguaro National Park near Tucson.

Personally, I would not be able to do the AZT without Jasmine. Weighing in at 300 pounds and 36 inches tall at the withers, Jasmine packs all my gear on the trail. She is saddled with a custom-fit sawbuck pack saddle and britchen. She can easily pack up to 75 pounds.

She walks freely behind me, jingling her bells (Donkeybelles: get it?) and grazing as she goes. She tolerates extreme temperatures and reduced amounts of food and water. Her small shoeless hooves handle rocky terrain that would make most horses lame. She is and always will be a wise and loving companion. Donkeys teach one patience, kindness and forgiveness. And as an added bonus, their hee-haw bray will put a smile on your face and bring laughter to your soul.

Jasmines fame has even spread beyond the hiking community. A couple of years back she dazzled Border Patrol agents in the median of I-10. We were temporarily parked there after a near-rollover when our truck blew a front tire driving home to Tucson from Flagstaff. The Border Patrol agents saw the whole thing and stopped to assist us.

Jasmine was in the trailer and they could not believe she was OK. She has been on many a rough road, but those 15 seconds bouncing through the median had to be the roughest. Jasmine went temporarily airborne!

The agents were so kind to us and made sure we were all right. About a week later, I saw one of my new agent friends in the hiking store: he was buying the AZT Guidebook with Jasmines picture! A picture of a donkey who can fly: priceless!

I am proud to live in Arizona for many reasons, my favorite being that our state honors a donkey. You are probably familiar with Brighty the burro who lived in the Grand Canyon from 1892 to 1922. "Burro" is simply the Spanish word for "donkey", and Bright Angel (aka Brighty) carried water from Thunder Spring below the rim to tourists on the North Rim.

He also helped in the construction of the black bridge across the river near Phantom Ranch, and was the first to cross the bridge. And he accompanied President Theodore Roosevelt on hunting trips for mountain lions near the Canyon.

Brighty's statue once stood at the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park; today it's in the lobby of Grand Canyon Lodge, on the North Rim. There are no wild donkeys in the Grand Canyon anymore: they were removed by the Park Service. Jasmine will be the first donkey in years to walk on Grand Canyon trails when we commence that AZT passage sometime this year.

I hope we meet sometime on the AZT. You can't miss Jasmine!
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 06/07/2017 (1954 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Access to medical care, healthy population growth, and city walkability were three factors that helped Brandon bounce back in this years nationwide MoneySense ranking.

The online investment and lifestyle magazine released Canadas Best Places to Live this week, which ranked the Wheat City No. 50 out of 417 cities and towns across the country.

The fact that (Brandon) moved up to 50 is actually even more impressive this year because we did add 200 cities into the mix, said Mark Brown, MoneySense senior editor.

File Brandon is ranked No. 50 out of 417 cities and towns across the country in MoneySenses latest ranking of the best places to live in Canada. Thats a 32-spot improvement over last years list, an achievement made even more impressive by the fact nearly 200 additional locations are included in these years expanded ranking from the online investment and lifestyle magazine.

Last years list had Brandon in the No. 82 spot, out of 219 cities.

MoneySense ranked each community across 36 separate categories, and were able to expand the list significantly this year.

We thought it was a great opportunity to finally expand it to almost the entire country, Brown said. Basically every community, down to a population of 9,000 is now included in our list.

Another key factor in Brandons rise is an improvement to our unemployment rate. MoneySense estimates it is now 7.7 per cent, down from last years 10.2 per cent.

Thats one thing that certainly helped the city, Brown said. Its still a little on the high side, relative to all the communities were looking at (its 315th), but last year it was close to the bottom of our list.

Brandons population increased by 6.2 per cent since 2012, exceeding both the national and provincial growth rates. Brown explained that an ideal number is 1.7 per cent per year, and Brandon is at roughly 1.5 per cent annually.

We look to population growth because it gives us an indication that the city is attracting people, theres a reason people are moving to this city  theres something that people are gravitating to, Brown said. If a citys shrinking, thats usually a negative sign, that people just cant find jobs, or theres nothing keeping people in the city.

When it comes to accessing health care, Brandon is in the top 25th percentile. There are two doctors per 1,000 people in Brandon. In addition, 7.8 per cent of the population is employed in the health-care field.

Thats good enough for ninth in the country, Brown said. Thats a really high mark, so that tells us that there is good health care in that particular part of the country.

File Mohamed Masri, right, originally from Aleppo, Syria, shows Trish Toth and Mary Wardle how to skewer marinated chicken pieces while making shish tawook during a cooking class on Arabic cuisine put on by Westman Immigrant Services at the Global Market Community Kitchen in January. MoneySense ranks Brandon the fifth-best community for new Canadians in the country.

Brandon did well in the walkability category as well, which includes biking and transit. The number of people taking public transit to work is just under three per cent, while the number of people who bike to work is just under one per cent. More than five per cent of Brandonites walk to work.

That tells us that the city is fairly easy to get around, Brown said. Its a walkable city, its a city that you dont feel like you have to jump in the car to do anything.

In addition to the full ranking of 417 communities, MoneySense also analyzed cities for various Top 100 lists.

Brandon came in at No. 5 in the Top 100 Places for New Canadians. Brown said part of the analysis looks at how many residents speak a different language, other than French or English. In Brandon, that is 20 per cent of the community.

Thats good enough for 62nd rank overall in the country, he said. The more diverse a community is, the more likely theyll find a social network.

Other factors for this list were health care, crime rates, rental rates, etc.

We want communities that offer strong economies so that if someones locating there, they have a better chance of finding a job, Brown said.

Mayor Rick Chrest said he was pleased to see the citys high ranking in the top places for new Canadians.

Brandon has become quite a lot more multicultural over the last decade or so, and we feel were very open and welcoming, he said.

File Joe Parsons and Susan Hawkins, along with their dogs Byron and Rosie, take a stroll along the 34th Street path in September 2015. Walkability was one of the factors that helped Brandon bounce back in this years ranking of the best places to live in Canada.

Brandon ranked No. 25 on the Top 100 Places to Retire  one spot ahead of Kelowna, B.C. Once again, access to health care is considered, as well as tax rates and walkability. They also look at access to an airport and weather.

Sandy Trudel, the citys director of economic development, said the annual report reinforces what Brandon residents already know.

Westman has always used Brandon as a retirement area, she said, which brings with it necessary services such as health care and a variety of housing options.

The positive attributes mentioned by MoneySense are what Brandonites experience every day, Trudel said, adding they are the exact features that the city sells when they are marketing the community to new residents.

Both Trudel and Chrest say they take any sort of ranking with a grain of salt.

I dont get overly excited when the rankings are high, and conversely I dont get overly excited when theyre low, Trudel said. Its difficult to do an annual comparison when the criteria and the cities and everything keep changing.

Trudel said she was not surprised at Brandons No. 5 ranking for new Canadians, and noted the city has welcomed close to 7,000 newcomers over the past decade.

That speaks to a lot of the openness and the willingness of Brandon to embrace newcomers, she said. But it also speaks partly to the fact that weve developed a very strong service orientation that allows newcomers to successfully, not only settle, but stay.

Chrest said there is always room for improvement, and they will continue to work for the betterment of the community.

Were always trying to just have the most livable city that we can, trying to keep taxes in line, trying to keep services as high as we can, trying to maintain the city, provide lots of things for people to do of all ages, he said. It would be my belief that if you do that, then youre likely going to score reasonably well on lots of things that come along.

Ottawa was ranked No. 1 overall, followed by Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Que., Oak Bay, B.C., North Saanich, B.C., and Weyburn, Sask. Elsewhere in Manitoba, Winnipeg came in at No. 45, while Portage la Prairie ranked No. 273 and Thompson at

No. 337. <t$>

 jaustin@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @jillianaustin
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 06/07/2017 (1954 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A man charged in connection with a home invasion, which appears to be linked to a shooting minutes later, has been released after breaching his bail order.

Jeremy Roy Hobson was charged in connection with a Sept. 25 home invasion, but was back in custody after he was found breaching his curfew in Winnipeg earlier this year.

He was previously convicted of that breach but, with his bail revoked, he had to apply for bail to be released a second time on the still-pending home invasion allegations.

During the bail hearing on Tuesday, Crown attorney Kaley Tschetter reviewed the events surrounding the home invasion.

She said three masked men kicked in the back door to a home in the 200 block of Park Street. One was armed with a handgun, and another with an assault rifle. Meanwhile, two other people unsuccessfully tried to get in through the front door.

At home at the time was a man, woman and baby. (It was later learned that the home may have been targeted by mistake.)

The intruders threatened to shoot the residents if they didnt lie on the floor, but no one was injured.

After the incident, the three masked men whod entered through the back fled in a black car. The two men whod tried to get in through the front fled in a white SUV.

Police were still investigating the home invasion when they heard numerous gunshots in the area.

They spotted a white SUV speed away, and managed to stop it behind homes on the 200 block of Russell Street.

The driver was arrested immediately, while a second man who ran from the vehicle was arrested downtown. Hobson is allegedly the man who was stopped after running from the vehicle, although the charges against him havent been proven and hes presumed innocent.

Defence lawyer Ryan Amy told court that Hobson was arrested downtown based on what he was wearing, and his identification as a suspect may be an issue at trial.

A .22-calibre handgun and a .223-calibre M4 carbine (also described as an assault rifle) were found in a vacant lot near where the SUV was stopped. The rifle had been reported as stolen from Dauphin.

A loaded magazine for the rifle was found in the SUV with a knife and an extendable baton.

Police learned that a house in the 200 block of Lorne Avenue East had been shot repeatedly with a handgun and rifle. One person was in the home at the time, but wasnt hurt. It appeared the door to that home had been forced open, too.

Witnesses said a white SUV, of the same model seen at the earlier home invasion and later stopped, had been seen leaving the area after the shots.

They also told police the SUV had been seen in the area earlier that day, and a number of people had been seen coming and going from an unoccupied home that stands on a property beside the one where the house was shot.

Hobson isnt charged in relation to the guns or shooting, just in connection with the prior home invasion on Russell Street for which he is charged with breaking into a home to commit crime, disguise with intent to commit crime and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

He was released on Oct. 17 on bail to live in Portage la Prairie under a 24-hour curfew. However, in February, he was found in breach of that curfew at a Winnipeg address.

In opposing release, Tschetter pointed to the fact that the home invasion came in the midst of a series of shootings in Brandon.

However, Judge John Combs agreed on Tuesday to release Hobson, who will be under a John Howard Society supervision program and required to live in Winnipeg.

 ihitchen@brandonsun.com
Qatar Airways have launched new daily direct flights from Doha to Dublin which will boost regional tourism in Ireland.

The new direct flights will also provide airline customers 80 tonnes of belly-hold capacity as well as access to more than 150 destinations.
Amnesty International is warning that 2017 will be the deadliest year yet for the world's most lethal migration route.

It says the abuses faced by thousands of refugees fleeing Libyan detention centres are clearly linked to 'failing EU policies'.
A man from west Belfast has been sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to a number of terrorism-related offences.

46-year-old Kevin Nolan was also handed a 15 year notification order at Laganside Crown Court.
A father who recently served time in prison has claimed his former partner had brainwashed their two sons into not wanting to see him.

The father told the Dublin District Family Court in Dolphin House, Temple Bar, Dublin that he wanted joint custody and guardianship for the boys so that he could go to their house without being arrested if their mother was drunk.

The father, who spent two months earlier this year in prison, said he also wanted to visit his sons.

All I want to be able to do, if theres an emergency in the house and [the mother] is drunk, I can go to the house and not get arrested, he said. In over a year, I havent seen the children. She wont let me see them.

Judge Gerard Furlong said that under the law the views of the two schoolboys in relation to the matters must be ascertained. He asked counsellor Mary Murtagh, who was present in court, whether she might be able to do this.

Ms Murtagh told the court she had seen one boy since 2015 and the other since 2016. She said the boys were referred to her because they were suffering from anxiety and anger issues.

They came to me full of anxiety and worry and up to May of this year that anxiety has not gone away, Ms Murtagh said.

She said her counselling had not been effective because its been interrupted regularly by experiences of domestic violence.

They presented with high anxiety and fear, and huge anxiety around their dad.

She said one of the boys was currently too traumatised to see the father, while the other boy would be open to visits with him, if an independent supervisor was present.

But the father interjected: I can tell you exactly why they feel that way. I used to go to work and shed be drunk when I came home. Them (sic) kids are brainwashed from her.

Referring to the counsellor, he continued: That ladys not qualified because theyre going in brainwashed.

Referring then to the mother of his children, the man said: I have a text that says shed rather buy drugs than shopping. She gives the kids pizza off the floor.

Judge Furlong adjourned all matters in the case until October, and advised the father that if he had concerns about the welfare of the children, he could contact Tusla.
Gardai have launched a murder investigation following the disappearance of a man in the West of Ireland six years ago.

48-year-old Patrick Heeran was last seen in the Leitrim town of Mohill at 4.20pm on October 3, 2011.
A leading healthcare agency has called on the Government to lift prescription charges for homeless people.

Safetynet Primary Care, a charity which runs 20 clinics in Dublin, Limerick and Cork, said the benefit would be a "quick fix" to some of the health problems for people in emergency accommodation and hostels.

Dr Fiona O'Reilly, Safetynet general manager, told the Oireachtas Health Committee that asking homeless people to pay for medication was a barrier to care.

The committee also heard calls for the Government to speed up the opening of "fix rooms" in Dublin for heroin-users to inject under medical supervision.

And Safetynet also questioned why GPs were not tasked by the Department of Health with providing methadone therapy as a basic service.

There are more than 7,000 people classed as homeless, including more than 2,000 children.

Dr O'Reilly warned about people who had been forced to live in emergency accommodation in B&Bs, hotels and new family hubs then being given homeless-specific healthcare.

"As much as people should be kept out of homelessness, they should be kept out of homeless-specific services," she said.

"We have failed again if another cohort comes into homeless services."

Dr O'Reilly also told the committee that Ken Loach's critically acclaimed film I, Daniel Blake, which won the Palm d'Or in Cannes, should be mandatory viewing for anyone working in public services.

"It really shows how the state helps people into homelessness," she said.

The committee was told of studies which found two-thirds of homeless people suffered chronic health issues and more than half had mental health conditions.

It heard that Safetynet reached more than 50% of the homeless population with primary care services.

Dr Austin O'Carroll, medical director of Safetynet and director of the North Dublin City GP Training Programme, said two of his patients had died in the last six months while waiting to get methadone treatment.

He cited the tragic death of a young mother from the Midlands who was forced to travel to Dublin to access the therapy.

Dr O'Carroll said that despite doing well on the treatment she was forced to return to the capital for a prescription but was violently assaulted when she stayed in a hostel and ended up back on the streets.

She died three weeks later from an overdose.

"I think if she had got treated down the country she would not be dead," he told the committee.

"People don't realise but more people die from drug related death than from suicide or car accidents combined. It's the biggest killer of young people."

Safetynet also warned that outpatient services for homeless people was a waste of money because so many people did not attend.

Dr O'Carroll warned that more than half of the 40 Hepatitis C patients he referred to hospital for potentially lifesaving treatment did not turn up for appointments.

"I told them all it was lifesaving," he said.

"Twenty-six missed their appointments and did not turn up."
By David Raleigh

Update 8.45pm: An army bomb disposal have made safe an explosive device found underneath Thomond Bridge, in Limerick, earlier today.

The device is believed to be a First World War grenade, sources said.

It was retrieved from the River Shannon by a member of a Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance (EOD) unit at low tide, around 8pm.

Two EOD personnel were escorted by members of Limerick Marine Search and Rescue Service (LMSRS) on board their boat, flanked by another member on one of their jet skis, to the location where the grenade was earlier discovered underneath one of the bridge's archways.

The grenade was then transported from the scene by the EOD team to a secret location where a controlled explosion was to be carried out.

LMSRS Coxsain Officer, Karen Keehan said: "It was a successful job. We met the army bomb disposal team at 7.30pm and brought two of them to the grenade's location. They believe it's World War I era. It's a hand grenade."

"Everything was still intact. When the tide subsided they wee able to get it quiet easily before securing it in the boat."

"We then brought it back to our floating pontoon at Poor Man's Kilkee and the army unit brought it from there, by Garda escort, to detonate it."

A number of old cannon balls were also discovered at the bridge in recent days, where maintenance works to reinforce the bridge's structure are continuing.

Thomond Bridge has reopened to traffic and pedestrians.

Update - 5.16pm: AA Roadwatch are reporting that Thomond Bridge will remain closed until 7am Thursday.

Defence Forces personnel have been joined by divers attached to Limerick Marine Search and Rescue Service to survey the area where the device was found earlier today.

Earlier: Thomond Bridge in Limerick has been closed after a suspicious device, believed to be an old grenade, was discovered in the River Shannon underneath the bridge this lunchtime.

The object was found by a worker who was surveying archways underneath the 181-year-old bridge as part of ongoing maintenance bridge works.

The seven-arch rock-faced limestone road bridge, which spans the River Shannon was built in 1836.

A worker carrying out maintenance works on the bridge saw the object in the water around 1pm during low tide, and picked it up before realising it may pose a danger, sources at the scene said.

Gardai were immediately alerted and have closed the bridge, with diversions in place.

Superintendent Derek Smart, Henry Street, said an Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit attached to the Defence Forces, based in Cork, have been contacted, and are currently traveling to the scene "as a precaution".

"One of the workers was at the foot of the bridge when they came upon a suspicious object. We are not sure what it is as yet but it looks like it may be an old grenade," he said.

"It's badly rusted," he added.

An eye witness, who was at the bridge at the time the object was discovered, said: "The worker was standing under an archway and they picked it up out of the water thinking it was a rock."

"There was a load of commotion then, when they realised it might be something dangerous. They contacted the gardai and there was (workers) running up and down the bridge in a panic."

"The gardai arrived and closed the bridge so they're waiting for the Army to come now," they added.
The Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon, today appeared before the Seanad Consultation Committee on Childrens Mental Health Services.

Dr Niall Muldoon outlined the need to overhaul mental health services, putting childrens needs first and foremost.

At the moment the mental health services a child receives very much depends on what the system can offer, rather than what the child needs. The child must make do with what is available," he said.

The services children receive depend on the area where they live, the primary care supports available there, whether or not there is a psychiatrist working in the area and a range of other factors. The last thing on the list seems to be the child, and their individual and immediate needs. The children do all the adapting and compromising because the system never will. That must change.

Childrens mental health services should provide for the children who need them, when they need them and in the way they need them.

Children should not have to wait until they reach the point of self-harm or suicide attempts, so there is a physical manifestation of their mental ill health, before supports are made available.

Children have a right to be heard, and in the area of metal health where the feeling of not being understood, or feeling that they dont matter is often at the very core of their illness, this move is even more important. We need to talk to young people, consult with them and get their views. A new, standalone Children's Vision for Change, which includes a time-framed implementation plan, is needed.

Communication and collaboration between agencies interacting in the area of mental health for young people is not good enough at present. We have had numerous complaints about Child and Adult Mental Health Services (CAMHS) teams refusing to take referrals when a child moves house  that is a systems issue. We have also had complaints about children being referred by one psychiatrist to an adolescent bed but being sent back because the residential service psychiatrist disagrees with the referral  that is a systems issue.

I know that there are at least 15 so called unfillable psychiatrist positions around the country. Any proposed legislation or new policy ideas that may come out of this consultation must, in my view, take on this issue and we must think creatively about how to overcome this problem.

Young people are thankfully now talking more about their mental health, but are we calling them out of the shadows only to leave them exposed in the sunlight because the services to support their needs simply arent there?

As a psychologist I am acutely aware of the importance of appropriate early intervention. This is a vital ingredient in a well working mental health service for children. Universal, accessible and evidence-based prevention and early intervention mental health services are needed at primary care level across all communities.

As a nation we committed to protect and promote childrens rights when we signed up to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1992, and we built on that commitment when we passed the Childrens Referendum in 2012. The Irish State therefore has a duty to fulfil the right to health of all of our children as per Article 24 of the UNCRC.

Nelson Mandela said there can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children. This should be our mantra in all the work that we do, especially for some of the most vulnerable young people suffering from mental health issues.

Update 4.30pm: A psychiatrist has told the Seanad there is a 'postcode lottery' when it comes to mental health services for young people.

The Seanad is hearing calls for the improvement of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, or CAMHS.

More than a quarter of the country is lacking an out-of-hours service.

For its part, the HSE says it is proving extremely difficult to recruit nurses and doctors, despite best efforts at home and abroad.

Consultant psychiatrist Matthew Sadlier says the Irish Medical Organisation has identified deficiencies nationwide.

"With specific problems identified in the CAMHS teams in Mayo, Roscommon and Wexford. Many CAMHS teams work with as little as one third of the compliment of staff required under [strategy document] 'A Vision for Change'," he said.

"Often teams nationwide share staff members, thus rendering the full extent of understaffing ambiguous. This is creating a virtual postcode lottery in the country, whereby services dependant upon the patient's address rather than need."

Earlier: The founder of Pieta House has made an impassioned plea for better services for young people with mental health difficulties.

The Seanad Public Consultation Committee on Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services is hearing from medical, therapeutic and children's rights experts this afternoon.

One issue which is regularly raised is the admission of young people to adult mental health services.

Senator Joan Freeman appealed to her colleagues for help.

"If I could describe us as a body, and you are the doctor, and we're dying. We're dying, but it doesn't seem to matter," she said.

"Not that it doesn't matter to you on a personal level, but you don't seem to hear us. Mental health services is dying."
Some 28 inmates have been killed and three wounded after rival gangs fought inside a prison in the Mexican resort of Acapulco.

Officials initially gave a death toll of five but later raised the figure after more bodies were found scattered throughout the state prison.

Guerrero state security spokesman Roberto Alvarez Heredia said the fighting broke out at around 4am. He said security forces regained control and slowly began discovering the bodies.

State police said the prison population is more than 2,000.

Guerrero has been one of Mexicos most violent states and the once-glamorous resort of Acapulco has struggled with a high number of killings.

"The incident began because of the constant dispute between rival groups inside the prison," Mr Alvarez said.

A brawl between rival drug gangs at an overcrowded penitentiary in northern Mexico in February resulted in 49 inmates being killed, Mexicos deadliest prison melee in years. That clash was between inmates aligned with the Zetas and Gulf drug cartels.

In June, Mexicos governmental rights agency issued a report that said many of the countrys prisons are unsafe, overcrowded and understaffed. The report warned of insufficient staff, unsafe procedures and poor medical care at many facilities.

The National Human Rights Commission said it surveyed conditions at over 190 state, local and federal jails. It found that inmates often controlled some areas of prisons or had contraband inside.
A 17-year-old boy has been charged with two terrorism offences, police said.

The teenager, from the Rhondda Cynon Taff area of South Wales, has been charged with one offence under section five of the Terrorism Act - concerned with the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism.

South Wales Police said he also faces a charge under section one of the same Act - concerned with the encouragement of terrorism.

The teenager, who has not been identified, will appear before Westminster Magistrates Court in London on Friday.

He was arrested last week by officers from Wales Extremism Counter Terrorism Unit (WECTU) who have worked jointly with West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit and MI5.

Acting Detective Superintendent James Hall, of WECTU, said: "This was an intelligence led investigation that prevented further offences being committed.

"We work closely with partners to try and divert people from engaging in unlawful activity by use of the Prevent programme. I would urge anyone with concerns to contact the police in confidence on 0800 789 321."
The head of the inquiry into the fatal Grenfell Tower fire was heckled by residents and survivors of the disaster as he met them for the first time.

Retired appeal court judge Sir Martin Moore-Bick said he would look into the matter to the "very best" of his ability at a meeting in a centre overlooked by the burnt-out high-rise block in west London.

A short video shows Sir Martin being heckled, as well as him telling the meeting: "I cant do more than assure you that I know what it is to be impartial.

"Ive been a judge for 20 years, and I give you my word that I will look into this matter to the very best of my ability and find the facts as I see them from the evidence.

"Thats my job, thats my training, and thats what I intend to do. Now if I cant satisfy you because you have some preconception about me as a person thats up to you."

Sir Martin has already faced calls to resign amid criticism and frustration from survivors that the apparent remit of his inquiry may be too narrow.

After the meeting, local resident Melvyn Akins, 30, who was brought up in the area, said there was "frustration, anger and confusion" in the meeting and people were left with "a lot more questions" about their futures.

Concerns about the health of people living near the blaze, the air quality, evacuation procedures, the condition of the block and the inquirys terms of reference were among the wide-ranging questions posed in the meeting.

Sir Martin told the residents that he was keen to have the terms of reference sorted before Parliament goes into recess saying he could not start his work until the terms of reference are in, according to Mr Akins.

He said: "It is going to be an uphill struggle. People feel abandoned. Now you have got somebody coming in (Sir Martin) and saying I am going to look into it all thoroughly and it is not good enough.

"People firmly believe that arrests should be made as a result of the outcome of all of this. If arrests are not made, people are going to feel justice may not be being done."

As he entered the centre, Sir Martin told reporters: "I have been invited by the Lancaster West Residents Association.

"They are all waiting for me so I am not going to give you any comment about credibility."

Sir Martin left at 9.47pm - almost three hours after he arrived at around 7pm - and described it as a "very useful meeting" before getting into a waiting car.

Resident Jacqui Haynes said she was more angry and frustrated after she came out of the meeting than when she went in.

She said of the retired judge: "He is trying to rush us so they can give us this document where the devil is in the detail and we will have one week to deal with it.

"Us residents who dont have their expertise, who dont have their professionalism and resources have had to fight...

"This is going to be a long fight and we have to persevere. They are relying on us giving up, being tired and becoming overwhelmed."

She said she told the meeting that the official figureheads there, apart from the residents association and including Sir Martin, had been "commissioned by the Government or the council in some way".

She said: "I gave them the message that all the people who were supposed to care about us before, did not.

"With respect, we do not have that much confidence (in them) because they are being paid a hell of a lot of money to trouble shoot this stuff.

"We know they have their own concerns and their own motives for doing these things."

An official start date for the inquiry has yet to be set.
A ground-breaking trade deal to open up the Japanese market to Europe has been agreed in principal.

The so-called 'Economic Partnership Agreement' should remove the vast majority of duties paid by EU companies who do business with Japan.
Donald Trump has questioned American intelligence about foreign meddling in the US election, claiming Russia was not the only country that might have interfered.

"Nobody really knows for sure," the president said, on the eve of his first meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

As US investigations into Russian meddling move ahead, Mr Trump is under intense scrutiny for how he handles his first face-to-face session with Mr Putin.

US intelligence officials say the unpredictable Russian president ordered interference in the election that took Mr Trump to the White House.

The pair plan to sit down on Friday in Hamburg, Germany, on the sidelines of an international summit.

Loath to cast a shadow on his election victory, Mr Trump has avoided firmly blaming Moscow for campaign hacking in the past, and on Thursday, he was similarly elusive.

He argued variously that it could have been Russia, probably was Russia and indeed was Russia, while insisting it could have been other countries, too, adding: "I won't be specific."

"A lot of people interfere. It's been happening for a long time," Mr Trump said. He did not say whether he planned to discuss the issue with Mr Putin.

The president sought to redirect any scrutiny toward his predecessor, Barack Obama, accusing him of allowing Moscow to meddle on his watch.

Though the Obama administration warned Russia publicly and privately before Election Day to stop interfering, questions have since been raised about whether he acted firmly enough to stop the threat.

"They say he choked. Well, I don't think he choked," Mr Trump said. "I think he thought Hillary Clinton was going to win the election, and he said, 'Let's not do anything about it'."

Mr Trump said the CIA had informed Mr Obama about the hacking months before the election but added that "mistakes have been made".

AP
The Paris Climate Change Agreement could fall apart because of Brexit, according to a report published by the Institute of International and European Affairs.

The IIEA claim the UK has been a leader on climate change within the EU, and their loss may make the union less ambitious on reaching its targets.
In Wag the Dog, a 1997 movie, an invasion of Grenada is fabricated in order to cover up a US presidents sex scandal. It is a perfect example of how easy it is to whip up patriotic frenzy, and how dubious the motives sometimes are.

Imagine a scenario as preposterous happening in Egypt. Imagine the western world suddenly ganging up on Egypt and deciding, amongst itself, that, for one bizarre reason or another, Egypt erred big time, and deserves intense retribution.

It then attacks Egypt.

Stop for a moment. Didnt the western world attack and destroy Iraq over fake, fabricated conjectures in 2003?

So, play along. It gets better.

As the western world bombs Egypts infrastructure, army facilities along its, until then, tightly secured borders, and strategic bridges and thoroughfares in Cairo, the world at large, in particular the western one, watches unconcerned and unperturbed. Even more freaky, as some nations ignore the attack altogether, others deem it a necessary and deserving move.

The reason behind such a reaction would be what western media at large, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch included, have paved the way for in their reports on Egypt for the last six years. These publications, by virtue of their misleading tactics, wouldve convinced the world that the attack is due process.

You see, if you are a layperson who doesnt know much about the goings and comings in Egypt, but is an avid reader of western publications, you would, most certainly, believe that Egypt is under a repressive dictatorship and that soon Egypt will implode upon itself; hence, the West must intervene.

You will have heard of harsh death penalties but not why these criminals received such drastic sentences; you will have heard of limitations on freedom of speech, but you wouldnt have been exposed to the incitement flagrantly bellowed on social media, and you will have been told that the traitors, aka Egypts leaders, are giving away their land to the highest bidder, and you will accept it all as a given. Who would think otherwise? Does western media lie, twist facts, or mislead? Heavens, no!

You will have read of a Qatar embargo and severe sanctions inflicted on a ganged-upon, minuscule emirate but not why there is an embargo: ruthless interference in other countries affairs and becoming an open playground for terrorists; you will have read of torture in Egyptian prisons, but you won't have heard of the torture that Guantanamo prisoners suffer from, detained for over 16 years and most probably never to see freedom again.

You will have been told that the poor are getting poorer, that prices are skyrocketing, and that the subsidies on fuel and power are being removed; you will have never perused an article discussing the efforts to create power, build an expansive road network, cure millions of the debilitating disease, Hepatitis C, and support those in need by providing extensive subsidies.

According to western media, Egypt will have deserved this powerful reaction by virtue of the image projected prior to the fictitious attack. According to that image, Egypt may well be deserving a retribution equivalent to attacks such as those that hit Libya, Syria, and Iraq.

Lets consider what the media of the democratic world concocts.

It didnt take western media long to decide that June 30th was a coup that went against the legitimately elected Brotherhood regime disregarding the millions that called for the regime's downfall and neglecting to mention the euphoria that swept Egypt immediately afterwards.

Since then, western media exerts every effort to downplay accomplishments and overstate defeats. Every issue on Egypt in The NY Times, The Guardian, The Telegraph, and many more, is presented with headlines and content that twists facts, alludes to failures, and scrutinizes even the biggest of successes.

After June 30th, the headlines of western media read, Morsi is the Arab Worlds Mandela, Does Egypt even matter? The military coup is a cancer eating away at Egypt, and How Sisi plotted to save army rule even while Hosni Mubarak was in power.

According to The Telegraph, El Sisi plotted a military takeover even while Hosni Mubarak was still in power. By the way, Egyptians had not heard of El Sisi before 2012, and for him to predict Mubaraks downfall and scheme a takeover when it occurs is ludicrous.

And yet, a Google search proves that, in 2014, Egypts most capturing story was not even mentioned. In confidence with the new leadership, in eight days, Egyptians came up with the 64 billion Egyptian pounds needed to build the Suez Canal Extension, and yet western media did not find such a feat worth writing about.

In 2015, Human Rights Watch report, titled, Look for Another Homeland, condemned Egypts human rights record in Sinai. While focusing on the dismantling of thousands of homes in Rafah and Sheikh Zeweid, the overall tone of the report discredited Egyptian authorities, and it considered the authorities demolishment of the tunnels across the border between Egypt and Gaza reasonless. The report doesnt even take into account that Egypts right to protect its borders was being violated.

And so in another opinion piece in The Guardian, Egypts new masters are wrecking its long tradition of religious freedom was mystifying. The sub headline says, Sisi is trying to remake the peoples identity by exploiting division.

Both concepts, remaking peoples identity and exploiting division are erroneous to the core. El Sisi cannot remake peoples identity even if he tried, and in no way is he exploiting division.

The Financial Times is no better. Dark days for Egypts amateur vice squad draws its conclusions from speaking to one single Egyptiana bawab, or doorman. It builds a dismal portrait of a country in disarray from the views of this single person.

The subheading reads, Egyptians used to laugh and smile, but not any more, and I beg to differ; Egyptians laugh and smile more now than they used to while ex-President Morsi was in power. And, because it is in their nature, they will continue to laugh, smile, and enjoy what life gives them because it is innate in them, despite what The Financial Times alludes to.

On March 31, as President El Sisi was about to head to Washington, Human Rights published an article titled, Sisis Egypt is a Poor Partner for the United States in the Fight Against Terrorism. It warns President Trump against amending ties with Egypt, concluding that Hosting Egypts repressive president sends the wrong message to the world on how to overcome the scourge of violent extremism and terrorism.

And today, with the Qatari embargo, the NY Times calls Qatar "a welcome-all attitude," opening its doors to Taliban, Hamas, and fugitive Qaradawi of the Muslim Brotherhood. "In Doha, wealthy Qataris and Western expatriates mingle with Syrian exiles, Sudanese commanders and Libyan Islamists, many of them funded by the Qatari state." And then Kenneth Roth, of Human Rights Watch retweets the article considering those ending up in Qatar as "dissident."

Now, after all this, if you were a westerner, wouldnt you say that Egypt deserved the heavy handed retaliation?

Need I say more?

Just that Egyptians must view all what is written in western media with skepticism, heed the efforts exerted to thwart Egypt's progress, and utilize every opportunity to tell the world the truth.
A man who packed Viagra and condoms for an overnight stay in Canberra with a woman he'd met online was hoping to get lucky, not rape her, his defence barrister has told a jury.

Juswan Mokmargana, 46, was charged with attempted rape after the woman became suspicious of her drink at the bar that night and police found the Viagra and condoms, as well as sleeping drugs, in his suitcase.

Prosecutors contend he spiked the woman's drink intending to have sex with her without her consent.

But his defence barrister argued the man was himself taking the sleeping drug, and had packed a "hopefulness kit" not "rape kit".

"The presence of [Viagra and condoms] in your forties is not a rape kit," the barrister James Stewart said.
The British billionaire leading the group set to buy Australian steel maker and mining group Arrium has floated a radical suggestion on how to generate power using empty mines.

Sanjeev Gupta said empty mine pits could be flooded with water, which could then be used to generate electricity.

Sanjeev Gupta, executive chairman of the GFG Alliance.

"One great opportunity for Whyalla in particular is pumped storage, because the mine pits which are now empty can be used to store water. And that can be used to generate energy when there is a lack of energy," he said, in an interview with ABC radio on Thursday.

He also expressed an interest in making investments in renewable energy in Australia, via the group's energy division.
The new study uses a statistical method to separate "fast" and "slow" climate modes in the models. According to Proistosescu, when greenhouse gases are emitted into the atmosphere, a "fast" warming effect begins to take place almost immediately in certain parts of the planet, mainly over the land masses in the Northern Hemisphere. Indeed, these are the parts of Earth where the most rapid warming has been observed since the industrial revolution.

On the other hand, he said, other parts of the planet - namely, the Southern Ocean and the eastern Pacific - respond much more slowly, in part because they're just so deep and cold to begin with. But as they absorb more heat and finally start to warm up, they may produce a variety of climate feedback effects that actually enhance the global warming that's already occurring. For instance, changes in ocean temperatures can alter atmospheric patterns around the world. The models suggest that these warming ocean regions may lead to a decrease in reflective cloud cover in the future, allowing more solar radiation to make it through the atmosphere to Earth's surface.

While the impact of these processes may be profound, they can also take long periods of time to unfold, Proistosescu said - potentially up to 300 years or so. Through their statistical parsing, the researchers found that the models suggest the effects of this slow climate mode only account for about 3 per cent of the human-caused warming we've seen so far. But in the future, under a scenario in which atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations double, it could account for up to half of all warming that occurs.

Since they were able to separate the fast and slow climate modes, the researchers also conducted a test to see what would happen if they only applied fast climate warming in the models. When they did so, the model predictions suddenly fell in line with the historical record - suggesting that the still-developing slow mode is the reason the two have failed to match so far.

That said, the study does beg the question of how we can be so sure the slow climate mode will actually develop as it does in the model, since humans have yet to really observe it in nature. According to Piers Forster, a University of Leeds climate scientist who has also studied climate sensitivity, the models tend to rely on certain assumptions that have not yet unfolded in real life - for instance, that the eastern Pacific will eventually warm to a greater extent than the western Pacific.
The Great Barrier Reef has again avoided being listed as "in danger" by the United Nations' World Heritage Committee, a decision Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg declared a success for Australia and the Turnbull government.

Announcing its decision overnight, the UNESCO committee welcomed Australia's progress in conserving the world's largest reef, but noted "with serious concern" the mass bleaching events that have taken place two years in a row.

It said Australia must boost its efforts to safeguard the reef if longer-term targets were to be met.
Acting Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has said Australia has "sympathy" for trade sanctions against China in response to North Korea's latest threat, as the international community grapples with the rogue nation's nuclear missile defence program.

As Labor branded the remarks "irresponsible", senior Turnbull government ministers have been forced to clarify, saying there were no plans to impose sanctions on the Chinese state and that Mr Joyce was referring to existing arrangements surrounding businesses and organisations dealing with North Korea.



In the wake of an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council overnight, where the United States also warned a military response was possible, Mr Joyce said the "key person" who could affect the intensifying situation was China.

"China has more cards on the table on this than most and should be dealing with this promptly," Mr Joyce told ABC's Radio National.
The prospect that North Korea now has an inter-continental ballistic missile capable of reaching northern Australia raises a ticklish question.

Bombed by the Japanese in World War II, blown away by Cyclone Tracy on Christmas Eve, 1974, and forever harassed, according to its local newspaper, by person-eating crocodiles, it now has to be concerned about a missile-obsessed Kim Jong-un of North Korea.

Why would Kim Jong-un bother to lob one of his missiles, possibly equipped with a nuclear warhead, on Darwin?

The US China is preparing new sanctions on Chinese companies with ties to North Korea. Credit:AP

It is, of course, the capital city of the Northern Territory and by far the territory's biggest town.

Even so, its population is only a shade over 142,000, which puts it at number 15 on Australia's list of largest cities, below both Townsville and Cairns.

Would Kim Jong-un, a giggling gnome in a bowl haircut, have reason to even know Darwin exists, what with his concentration on firming up his position by murdering an uncle here and allegedly ordering the murder of a brother there?
Declaring one's principles is often quite easy; living them out, however, can be another challenge entirely, as Taylor Schilling is discovering. "I would always say, 'The real me is who I am on the inside.' " The actor shoots me an exaggerated eye roll. "But that's me talking the talk. I am finding it is so much harder to walk the walk. I am finding that I actually had a real attachment to being a certain size and shape, to being a thin person."

The star of Orange Is the New Black has just wrapped filming on Fam-i-ly, an independent comedy-drama in which she plays the emotionally stunted aunt of a 13-year-old girl. Schilling's character Kate has "some food issues", which required the actor, ordinarily Hollywood-issue-slim and yoga-toned, to gain nearly seven kilograms.

Taylor Schilling arrives at the 67th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards. Credit:Gregg DeGuire

That wasn't, she reports, the tricky bit. "Are you kidding me? I'm a 32-year-old woman. I just had a lot of dessert," she says, laughing. Leaving her new eating habits was harder. It took almost two weeks for the sugar cravings to stop and her pants still don't fit. The result has been some radical rethinking of her self-image.

"It's been really powerful to walk around being a different size," she says. "I feel liberated. I've realised that my body was one standard I held on to, thinking I was always going to be this little size. And that's about being 'f...able'. But I don't make career choices based on that. When you start caring about vanity, you are inhibiting yourself."
Former US Senator and political advisor Daniel Patrick Moynihan famously once wrote that "everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts". It remains an unwavering truth in a world where opinions are increasingly viewed as equal to facts, even when those opinions have little more than a suspicion or feeling to back them up.

More recently than that, Ruby Hamad wrote: "We may all have the right to an opinion but that does not make our opinion right  or even worthy of a place in a debate." Hamad was responding to a planned televised 'debate' in which eight people would ponder the question, "Is male privilege bullshit?" before a live audience. In her piece, she elegantly outlined how and why the pursuit of 'balance' has been manipulated to the detriment of journalistic inquiry. But more on that televised debate in a minute.

Clem Ford appeared on the Hack Live debate over whether male privilege is "BS".

The science behind vaccinations is a good example of this false balance. Vaccines have saved millions of lives over the past century but sceptics continue to spread their dangerous paranoia across the landscape of the internet, revelling in the phenomenal privilege they get to enjoy from living in countries where herd immunity protects their "free-range" tribe.

But press them on their qualifications to counter decades worth of scientific research and you'll hear about how "Big Pharma" is invested in turning us all into robots.
Gary Bigeni will have up to 80 per cent off current and past ranges. Credit:Gary Bigeni With their eye-catching silhouettes and treatments, the Australian shoe brand Senso sale isn't one to miss. The one-day sale will feature past summer and winter ranges with the brand's signature block heels, stilettos, lace-up sandals and sleek pumps on offer at a fraction of the cost Basement of 20 Hutchinson Street, Surry Hills, Sydney. Thursday 6 5pm-9pm. Xeno Cashmere is the perfect millennial pink shoe. Mark your diaries, in two weeks Paddington will once again play host to the cult designer clearance event, Big Fashion Sale. There will be up to 80 per cent off on 20 local and international luxury brands offering clothing, jewellery, footwear and handbags. Designers to look out for include Lanvin, Christopher Kane, Stella McCartney, Alexander Wang, Studio Elke, rag & bone and many more.

17 Oxford St, Paddington. Thursday 20 8am-8pm, Friday 21 8am-7pm, Saturday 22 9am-6pm, Sunday 23 10am-5pm. Mark your diaries, Sydney is lucky enough to get the another Big Fashion sale this year. In case you missed it last week, accessory brand Sunday Somewhere is having an end of financial year sale. Worn by Anne Hathaway, Cara Delevingne, Margot Robbie and Gigi Hadid, they are offering 50 per cent off selected styles for a limited-time only. Online Only. Till July 10. Sunday Somewhere has gained international success through a strong celebrity following.

Jeanswest is holding several sales in-store this week including 2 for $70 men's long sleeve tops, 2 for $50 men's shorts sleeve tops and save $30 when you send $100 or more on full priced items in one transaction. Instore. Limited time only. The sales for both men and women will continue into next week. Just Launched Sisters Bianca and Bridgett Roccisano, the creative duo behind Melbourne Stylists, have moved into design with the launch of their label, Bianca and Bridgett.

Having worked with top designers to create one-off couture pieces for theircelebrity clientele since 2011, the pair decided to venture into creating their own collection of "extremely unique designs, sophisticated yet artistic silhouettes made from deluxe fabrics with a neutral black colour palette, letting the designs speak for themselves." The locally made dresses and jumpsuits echo their own personal style as well as current runway trends. The AW17 collection is made up of 10 pieces that range from $300-$360. The sister-duo have so far released 10 black toned pieces as part of the collection. For more than a decade, fashion 'it-girl' Alexa Chung has been the one to watch at every fashion week and has collaborated with numerous magazines and brands including Vogue, Tommy Hilfiger and even UGG. Now she has finally created her own eponymous fashion label. And in true Chung style, the modelhas created a collection that pays homage to her style icons, including David Bowie and Jane Birkin. "I just really like making clothes and dreaming up new outfits," says Chung in an official statement.

"Anyone who is authentic and true to themselves, and original in being so bold as to follow their heart, I find inspiring because it reminds me to pay attention to instinct and expression." The debut collection reflects Chung's eclectic vibrancy andwit. Think Bowie-esque millennial pink pin-stripe suits, s disco glitter platforms and classic vintage slogan tees. The good news is that you can shop the collection in Australia from the official site site, but if trying on pieces is more your style, Bondi's Tuchuzy store is the only Australian retailer stocking the collection at this point. The products have been flying off the shelves, but the store will be receiving more stock in coming weeks. #inthecart If the street style of Haute Couture Paris Fashion Week is anything to go by, floral, crystal and motif embellishments and embroidery are here to stay and are becoming versatile for both day and night. But as the runway shows proved, it's best to layer embellished pieces over neutral or block colours and keep texture and patterns minimal to ensure your look doesn't become a touch over-the-top.
One of Sydney's largest private schools will have about $6.5 million in federal funding restored to it after a Federal Court judge found it would have to close without the money, affecting thousands of students.

Malek Fahd Islamic School in Sydney's west, which has about 2400 students and 250 staff, would have had to go into administration without the funds, which the federal Department of Education has been withholding since April, the judge found.

Malek Fahd Islamic School in Greenacre. Credit:Nic Walker

"We're very, very happy with the outcome," the chairman of the school's board, Dr John Bennett, said. "The school is now in a position to operate as normal in term three."

The department decided to delay the school's funding while it waits for the outcome of a separate legal case to revoke its approval, after an investigation found the school was operating for profit and handing millions of dollars to the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) in inflated rent payments.
Tony Martino Campa cast an image of a successful and cashed-up professional with his brand new Audi cars and talk of exclusive guest lists.

But behind the code talk and flash fleet, Campa, 38, from Bondi Junction, was a car salesman and a drug dealer.

Police surveillance photographs capture Tony Martino Campa in the Sydney CBD. Credit:NSW Police

His operation, in which he used cars from a north shore Audi dealership to drop off drugs, including cocaine, around Sydney's CBD, came to a dramatic halt last year.

Campa was unwittingly dealing some of the drugs to an undercover police officer as part of a protracted NSW Drug Squad investigation.
About 5000 workers could move into Fortitude Valley if a proposed 26-storey commercial tower gets the tick of approval.

A development application for the tower at 801 Ann Street was lodged to the Brisbane City Council by developer Walker Corporation on Wednesday in a move the developer said was to establish the Valley as one of Brisbane's most desirable places to work.

A design image submitted as part of a development application for 801 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

The tower was planned to replace the Austral Motors Site that sold Jaguars, Land Rovers and Volvos.

In December 2014 Walker submitted a development application for two residential towers (19 and 23 storeys) with a total of 433 apartments.
Brisbane's 141-year old Coorparoo State School has been added to Queensland Heritage Register.

The suburb's name was only officially chosen by the new settlement's authorities in 1875, the year before the school opened, when it was adopted from the Aboriginal name for nearby Norman Creek, Koolpuroom.

Coorparoo State School has been added to Queensland's Heritage Register.

Koolpuroom refers either to a place of mosquitoes or to the sound of a dove, depending on the local indigenous historian.

Before Coorparoo was chosen as the suburb's name it was known simply as Four Mile Camp and was home to the Coorparoo Clan of the Turrbul people.
A woman has fallen to her death on a mountain on the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Police confirmed the woman had been found dead after emergency crews were called to Mount Ngungun, in the Glass House Mountains, about 10am on Thursday.

Emergency crews rushed to Mount Ngungun, in the Glass House Mountains. Credit:Simon Nicols - Seven News Queensland

Police, fire and ambulance crews were on the scene, with police saying it appeared the woman had fallen.

She had been walking the summit track and it had been difficult for emergency crews to reach her.
An acting Queensland magistrate's decision to release a man charged over a violent armed assault instead of extraditing him to New Zealand has been overturned.

The dual Australia-New Zealand citizen had asked to be allowed to return home "under his own steam", after he was arrested earlier this year.

The man appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court in January. Credit:Louie Douvis

Ryan Youngman Templeton, 41, is accused of chasing a man out of his Auckland home and onto the driveway before bashing him with a wooden bat in January 2015.

He and his co-accused, who has already been sentenced to three years and four months in prison after pleading guilty, allegedly confronted the man while he was sitting at the computer desk.
A second man has been charged after taking a six-year-old girl from a home north of Brisbane, sparking an Amber Alert.

The girl was seen being put into a car by her mother and two men about 9am on Tuesday.

Police have laid charges after an Amber Alert. Credit:Glenn Hunt

All three have been charged with burglary, relating to entering another person's home without permission.

No kidnapping charges were laid.
American Express is cutting the fees it charges small businesses by up to 1 percentage point under an aggressive expansion plan aimed at doubling its Australian footprint in two years.

As it navigates major shifts in the payment landscape and competition with other providers, the credit card giant is eyeing its biggest roll-out in Australia since it arrived here in 1954.

Sorry, we don't take Amex? You may not hear this so much anymore after the company has cut its fees for small merchants. Credit:AP

The move is aimed at getting more small businesses to accept Amex payments, which typically cost business owners more, leading many shops to impose higher credit card surcharges on Amex payments or to not accept them at all.

Katrina Konstas, who looks after the small merchants' business at American Express, said the credit card giant wanted to double the number of Australian small businesses that accepted Amex in the next two years.
A 26-year-old man is blind in one eye after he was knocked to the ground and punched in the head in a vicious attack at a Brunswick nightclub.

Police believe three men were involved in the alleged assault on May 26 at The Phoenix nightclub.

One of the men police would like to speak to about the Brunswick assault. Credit:Victoria Police

The victim, from Rosebud, was involved in an argument with the men outside the Sydney Road club about 10pm, but he entered the club and the men walked away.

Police said the men approached the victim inside the club just before midnight, pushing and shoving him until security guards broke up the fight.
Hundreds of residents in Southbank have been evacuated after a large fire broke out at a disused factory.

Firefighters were called to the Hancock Street building just after 6.30am, after smoke was seen coming from the building.

No one was inside the factory, but hundreds of residents from nearby apartments have been evacuated.

It is the second fire at the single-storey, red-brick factory in as many weeks.
Two Wonthaggi men have been charged over an assault that blinded 26-year-old Elliott Harvey in one eye at a club in Melbourne's north.

On May 26 Mr Harvey said he was walking into Rubix Warehouse on Pheonix Street in Brunswick to watch some live music with his friends, when three men approached him out the front of the building.

Elliott Harvey lost vision in his right eye after the attack.

After a brief argument, the Rosebud man said he walked into the venue.

About two hours later, just after midnight, the men approached Mr Harvey inside the club and they allegedly punched him to the ground and then continued punching him in the head and right eye.
An elderly man who went missing from his retirement village on Wednesday night has been found in bushland after enduring a near-freezing night in the elements.

State Emergency Services officers found Raymond Chapple on Thursday morning in bushland a few hundred metres from his Yanchep retirement village.

Raymond Chapple was last seen around 9.30pm. Credit:WA Police

Nine News Perth reporter Nathan Brooks was at the scene when Mr Chapple was found.

"He spent the whole night out in the cold and wet conditions here in Yanchep, temperatures dropped between two and five degrees here last night," he said.
Mr Burke lodged a complaint accusing CCC officers of misconduct for launching criminal proceedings against him related to his time as a political lobbyist.

That followed an assault case against a WA police officer being thrown out of court because the Corruption and Crime Commission was found not to have the authority to prosecute it.

Former WA Premier Brian Burke has failed to get a finding of misconduct made against the state corruption watchdog over its past criminal prosecutions of him.

The prosecutions led to him standing trial three separate times accused of corrupt activities as a lobbyist dealing with politicians and developers, including charges of lying to a CCC inquiry and procuring state secrets.

However, he was found not guilty of all charges except one of five of lying to the CCC, and was fined $25,000.

He was previously jailed for rorting his travel expenses as premier.

Mr Murray, who was a judge in one of those trials, disagreed with Mr Burke's accusations of misconduct, saying there was no evidence that the CCC officers had not done the job they were supposed to do or not been honest or impartial.

"Their conduct was not, in my view, such as to constitute a disciplinary offence providing reasonable grounds for their dismissal from office," he said.
Police have arrested a 19-year-old man in connection with an alleged attack on a man in Claremont earlier this month.

Wembley Detectives charged the Swan View man on Thursday, after an extensive search led police to release vision of the confrontation in order to help identify the attacker.

The vision showed the two men approach the 17-year-old victim on St Quentin's Avenue at around 12.30am on Monday June 5.

After a brief conversation, the attacker is alleged to have lunged at the victim and punched him hard in the head.
The man accused of ramming a Fremantle parking inspector with his car has been tackled by security guards after trying to escape custody in court on Thursday morning.

According to Nine News Perth reporter Hannah Sinclair, Christopher Lee had to be restrained by three security guards after trying to jump the glass partition at Fremantle Magistrates Court.

The car allegedly involved in the hit and run was driver erratically around Fremantle after the incident. Credit:Nine News Perth

The 42-year-old is accused of ramming a parking inspector with his Mercedes Benz after he was asked to move his illegally parked vehicle.
Caracas: Pipe-wielding government supporters burst into Venezuela's opposition-controlled congress on Wednesday, witnesses said, attacking MPs and journalists in the latest flare-up of violence in the nation's political crisis.

By late afternoon, a crowd of roughly 100 people was still besieging the building. Some of those outside brandished pistols and shouted they would cut water and power supplies.

The crowd had gathered from early morning outside the National Assembly building in downtown Caracas, chanting in support of President Nicolas Maduro. Suddenly, several dozen people ran past the gates with pipes, sticks and stones and went on the attack.

They injured at least three opposition MPs, who stumbled bloodied and dazed around the assembly's corridors, witnesses said. Some journalists were reportedly robbed.
Specialist commercial lender Private Mortgages Australia (PMA) has celebrated three years in business by doubling its volume of newly settled loans over the past financial year.PMA managing director Tony Barbone said the firms success was a result of an increase in small-to-medium businesses needing alternatives to the banks.Weve had so many brokers and referrers come to us with clients who have been turned down by the banks. While serviceability is the greatest concern for banks, we are primarily focussed on securing the loan using property equity which allows us to be a lot more flexible.While Barbone was reluctant to mention the specific size of PMAs loan book, it had increased by 151% in its second year and then a further 115% in its third, most recent year, he told Australian Broker. PMA was first established in 2014.Were so impressed that weve been able to maintain this growth and double our loan volume year on year. We definitely have our brokers and referrers to thank for this.Barbone said he had also noticed an increase in the number of brokers diversifying into the commercial lending sector.Its great that brokers are starting to see the benefits of working with small-to-medium businesses as there are so many who struggle to access funding when it is readily available from non-bank lenders.PMA currently has over 3,000 brokers in its database with an increasing number referring commercial loans to the lender, Barbone said.Weve found that educating brokers about commercial loans via our regular webinars has helped us continually grow the number of referrers that come us.The directors of PMA expect a further 50% increase in the number of settled loans in the coming financial year.The firm has recently focused on reducing channel conflict by bringing in subsequent referral fees to referrer clients who approach PMA directly for additional loans. The firm has also amended its Referrer Rewards Program to make obtaining rewards simpler when referrers introduce clients to the lender.We have now become channel agnostic whereby a borrower pays the same approval fee if they come direct to us or through a broker. We also allow our brokers to add a service fee or mandate, Barbone said.We have also added a new policy whereby if a broker sends us a client, that client takes out a loan and then that same client comes back to us directly for another loan we will still pay the broker a referral fee.Its important to respect the fact that these individuals are all broker clients, he added, especially since more than 90% of PMAs loans come from the third party channel.
Biggest gap between mortgages and rents is in Perth units, report shows
Over 1,200 mail-in votes added to Montco totals; Bucks still in limbo

Two of Montgomery County's three commissioners said they did not support disenfranchising more than 1,200 voters because of a handful of rule breakers
The Beatrice Police Department and Fire and Rescue squads had their hands full as they responded to a variety of calls throughout the holiday weekend.

Only one fireworks-related injury was called in, with just two small fires reported over the weekend, Beatrice Fire and Rescue chief Brian Daake said.

At about 9:45 p.m. on July 4, Beatrice Fire and Rescue responded to a call of someone injured by an explosive, Daake said, but he was taken to Beatrice Community Hospital by family members, opting not to ride in an ambulance.

The first fireworks fire the department responded to was on July 3 at about 11:30 p.m. in the area of 17th and Grant streets, Daake said, with fireworks debris in the street catching fire. That fire didnt spread.

At 12:30 a.m. on the Fourth, firefighters responded to a porch fire on Ella Street, Daake said.

Firework debris ended up getting underneath there and caught the leaves on fire, he said. There was about $250 worth of damage.

The fact that the Fourth of July fell on a Tuesday might have had something to do with the lack of injuries and fires, Daake said, because a lot of people had to go to work the next morning.

I was kind of surprised by that too, with past experiences. It just seemed the Fourth itself wasn't quite as busy, so that's fine, too.

Meanwhile, the police responded to noise complaints as residents were setting off fireworks well after the 10 p.m. cutoff time. Police were also busy responding to a variety of calls, many of which were alcohol-related, said BPD Captain Gerald Lamkin.

There was one DUI arrest on the Fourth.

Its hard to tell if some calls are related to the Fourth of July, or if its just drinking thats gotten out of hand, Lamkin said, but there were quite a few calls.

It was busy for them, he said. We have normal calls, as far as noise and stuff, but it just seemed like more people were engaging in alcoholic beverages and that led to disturbances.

Getting people to comply with the 10 p.m. cutoff for fireworks is an issue as well, he said, with several noise complaint calls coming in over the weekend. The fireworks continued late into the evening, he said, as did the alcohol-related disturbances.

It's frustrating sometimes, Lamkin said. Can't get adults to act like adults, but that's the way it is.
State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) presented a check to Yardley Borough Police Chief Joseph Kelly for $68,600 for the purchase of a new police vehicle and motorcycle during a visit to the station. Our police put themselves on the line every day to keep our community safe, said Sen. Santarsiero. Dating back to when I was a Lower Makefield Township Supervisor more than...
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October 31, 2022

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Disclosure: We were provided with complementary food and drinks for our honest review.

Brunch has become an every weekend thing for a lot of people. It is usually more than a meal; its friends, family, drinks, gossip, relaxing and all of that topped with good food! Maggianos Little Italy , a well known Italian restaurant has decided to add brunch to their menu and you should be thankful for that because YUM!

Last week, Jeremy and I had the opportunity to attend an event welcoming the brunch menu to Denver. Now, the food was fantastic but we also learned something incredible about brunch at Maggianos

Maggianos Little Italy longstanding partnership with Make-A-Wish is now also being fueled by Brunching. Brunching with a Purpose! Maggianos Little Italy has been a proud supporter of Make-A-Wish for 14 years and they have raised more than $7 million dollars! This equals out to more than 900 granted wishes for children with life threatening medical conditions. That is pretty incredible.

It was such a fun event to attend. I enjoyed meeting a Make-A-Wish family from Denver who has a very difficult situation in life. Currently, the family has three children waiting for their wishes. THREE! This family was so amazing. They were strong, happy and so thankful for the gifts they had been given. Seeing this family made me even more excited to learn more about Brunching with a Purpose. If you are going to enjoy a nice brunch with your friends, why not have some of the proceeds go to a Make-A-Wish family?

For each brunch entree ordered $1 will be donated to Make-A-Wish! That is fantastic. We had the opportunity to taste a few of the brunch items and goodness, I cannot wait to go again for this yummy meal.

Our Menu Included:

Starter  Orange Streusel Cake

Benedicts  The Meatball and Crab Cake

Breakfast Classics  Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Vegetable Frittata and Creme Brulee French Toast

Our Review:

The Orange Streusel Cake was so good. Each brunch is served with this delight. Think of it as the side of bread you normally get while dining. I love the light orange flavor, the cake was a bit heavy but very good.

I have never been a fan of runny eggs. Just was never brought up on them. So I had never enjoyed a Benedict before. I know, that is weird, right? Well now that I have tried one from Maggianos I am not sure any other benedicts will ever taste as great. We got to try two, The Meatball and Crab Cake. I love Crab Cakes so I knew I would enjoy that one but the Meatball was the one I was a bit indifferent about before I tried it. It is a Maggianos signature and oh my, so good! Between the two, I think I liked the Meatball the best. When dining for brunch you will have 8 benedicts to choose from. YUM!

Okay, and now on to the sweets. The Creme Brulee French Toast was Jeremys favorite dish of the night. Topped with fresh creme and strawberries. So good. The Lemon Ricotta Pancakes were fantastic and we even got to see how they are made fresh with every order! The lemon zest adds so much flavor to these pancakes. When we dine at Maggianos for brunch again, I will be ordering the pancakes for sure! YUMMY!

The youngest sibling of the Make-A-Wish family helped prepare a few batches of the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes for us. She had a great time helping the Master Chef.

We really enjoyed our time at this event and just like always, Maggianos treated us well and provided amazing food. I cannot wait to go back for Brunch and know that I am doing something great while enjoying our time brunching.





Have you enjoyed Brunch at Maggianos yet?




Teen visits South Jersey in 50-state Flowers and Flags tribute to vets

Preston Sharp of Calif. visits veterans graves in Cinnaminson cemetery in South Jersey on 50-state Flowers and Flags tribute to their sacrifices
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BBCs Question Time is preparing to kick off at Burton Town Hall. It was announced at the end of last week's episode that the popular political show would be filmed in Burton this week.

While the BBC has refused to release any details about where the show was to be held, Burton Town Hall, in King Edward Place, has posted photos of the team setting up on its social media pages.

The broadcaster has since confirmed on social media the panel for tonights show, where host David Dimbleby will be joined by former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas, Labour MP Richard Burgon and Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg.

Mirror columnist Susie Boniface and David Camerons former head of communication, Craig Oliver, will also join the panel.

The show will be broadcast on BBC One at 10.45pm.
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A gang of criminals have been locked up for a total of almost 30 years after carrying out a series of terrifying raids at businesses across Burton and South Derbyshire.

Michael Ahearne, Robert Duffey, Kyle Allison and Neil Wakelam all appeared at Stafford Crown Court today, Thursday, July 6, to be sentenced for their part in five armed raids and burglaries over the last two years.

A fifth man, James Harvey, was sentenced last year for his part in the raids.

Ahearne, now 33, of Blakeholme Court, Burton, was sentenced to 14 years after being convicted of carrying out armed robberies at the Tesco Express, in Stanton Road, Stapenhill, and at the post office in Draycott in the Clay. The raids happened on two consecutive days last year.

His co-accused, Duffey, 28, has been sentenced to nine years following their joint trial. They were convicted of robbery and possession of a firearm. A third man, James Harvey, was sentenced to 56 months after pleading guilty to these offences last year.

The court heard that while Ahearne was on bail for these offences he walked into the Overseal post office, in Lullington Road, Overseal, on May 16, this year, along with 24-year-old Kyle Allison, of Belvedere Road, Burton.

They used two large machetes to threaten staff who had barricaded themselves in a separate room during the raid. They escaped with 1,100 in cash but dropped 300 in the street.

They both admitted this robbery and possession of the machetes. Allison has been jailed for four years.

Then, on June 15, this year, Ahearne returned to the same Draycott Post Office he hit the previous year and threatened staff with a knife before being chased out and detained by members of the public.

The court heard he had an accomplice but has never revealed his identity. He pleaded guilty to this offence of robbery and possession of a knife.

During the same court hearing, Duffey also appeared alongside 41-year-old Wakelam, of Uxbridge Street, Burton, after they both had pleaded guilty to theft and burglary at a farm, in Rolleston Lane, Tutbury, on November 16, 2015.

Judge Michael Chambers called Ahearne callous for returning to the same Draycott Post Office, whose staff provided victim impact statements read out in court.

The victims described in detail the detrimental psychological effect on themselves, and financial impact on their business, which they are now considering selling.

Defending for Ahearne, Jane Sarginson said: He was convicted of six armed robberies seven years ago, and not with firearms.

He pleaded guilty to two of these robberies [the robbery in Overseal and the second Draycott robbery]. He carried out the other two in quick succession and was bailed. He did not call any witnesses during his trial.



The barrister added that Ahearne has a 12-year-old son who he wants to see grow up and hopes he does not get into trouble like his father.

The court also heard at the time of the offences he had been addicted to crack cocaine but is now off this drug and this has clarified his mind.

Darron Whitehead, for Duffey, said he was realistic about the amount of time he will spend in prison and wanted to use that time to reflect on his past and make use of the facilities and courses in jail.

For Allison, Adrian Moore said his client admitted his offences at the first opportunity and did not apply for bail. He is addicted to valium. He also said: Fortunately there were no physical consequences to his involvement.

For Wakelam, Steve Hennessy, admitted his clients record makes for unattractive reading but that his last conviction for burglary was in 2005.

He added that his client was addicted to heroin but that he had had a daughter last year and is anxious to raise her.

Wakelam was sentenced to 27 months for his offences.
Suitors of Air India may not be able to bid for the vast plots of land and real estate the national carrier holds in prime locations. The government is likely to hive off the non-core assets of the airline, including real estate, land parcels and art treasures, into a separate company before calling a formal bid.

What will be up for sale as part of initial disinvestment are the aircraft, the airlines prized slots at airports across the world, the bilateral rights and its pool of human resource, a senior civil aviation ministry official who is involved with the disinvestment process said.

According to the official, such a process will help speed up the process of disinvestment, as locating and registering Air Indias vast land pool and real estate would have taken much longer. The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management, the administrative wing for any disinvestment, has suggested a time line of around 10 months for the process, it is learnt.

If everything goes as suggested and there is no glitch or court case, we expect the process to be over in 10 months, the official said.

But, the buyer of Air India will have to take over a certain portion of the working capital debt of the company, another source said. Its not possible for the new owner of Air India to generate working capital from Day One. Hence, a certain portion will be left behind, he said.

Of Air Indias total debt of Rs 46,500 crore, around Rs 30,500 crore is on account of working capital; the rest is aircraft loans.

It makes sense for Air India not to club real estate in the proposed deal because many of its land parcels are involved in litigation across various courts, mainly due to irregularity of title deeds, analysts said. In the most recent instance, the City Industrial Development Corporation has refused to hand over 9.50 hectares of land plot allotted to Indian Airlines in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, to Air India since it was left unused.

It may not be easy for Air India to sell its assets because they have a mixed bag, including apartments, and not all are clear land parcels. While there is demand for clean titled land parcels, there may not be many takers for other kinds of properties in a slow-down scenario, said a property consultant.

A practical option is to create an SPV (special purpose vehicle) to which aviation assets of Air India  aircraft, slots, brand, market share, staff  can be leased, said Amber Dubey, head of aerospace and defence, at global consultancy firm KPMG. Around 74-100 per cent of the equity in the SPV can be sold to a private bidder quoting the highest bid.

The lease rental paid by the SPV can be used to retire past debt and pay for the Voluntary Retirement Scheme of excess staff, added Dubey.

Air India disinvestment may well be modelled on privatisation of Delhi and Mumbai airports. The high-lease rentals paid by the SPVs - Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport and Mumbai International Airport are used to compensate the huge losses suffered by Airports Authority of India (AAI) at its smaller airports.

Everyones happy, especially AAI, with profits far larger than when they were operating Delhi and Mumbai airports, he said.

Responding to private airline IndiGos interest in acquiring Air India, market analysts have underscored the importance of a faster sale process. While there is a veritable chance of delay for any final decision to emerge, the value proposition of Air India will dilute with time, ICICI Securities noted in a research report.




Harrow Investment Holdings Ltd, a promoter of Redington (India), which distributes Apple products in India, has sold almost 61 per cent of its shares in the company for Rs 250 crore. The shares have been acquired by Norwegian government pension fund and Reliance Mutual Fund.
The Ashok Punj-owned PSL Limited, the largest manufacturer of pipes in India, has filed for insolvency under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016. It owes Rs 4,000 crore to 24 banks and other institutions, including foreign lenders, according to a person in the know of the matter.
SAIC Motor Corporation, the first Chinese automobile major to have a manufacturing plant in India, is looking at acquiring only select assets of the Halol plant of General Motors India.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected Sahara chief Subrata Roy's plea to grant him more time to pay the dues to Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) and warned that if Rs 552 crore was not paid by July 15, appropriate consequences would follow.
With multiple tailwinds helping them, tractor makers Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) and Escorts are set to post strong sales in FY18. Reduction in goods and services tax (GST) rate for tractor parts and fertilisers, normal monsoons, farm loan waivers and steps to boost the rural economy would translate to higher demand for tractors. The sector, which posted an 18 per cent growth in FY17 to 5.82 lakh units, would need to grow at 9 per cent to overcome the record of 6.34 lakh units in FY14. On the back of a 12 per cent growth, Credit Suisse analysts, Jatin Chawla and Vaibhav Jain, expect the sector to cross the peak industry sales of FY14 in the current fiscal. While M&M has forecast a tractor volume growth of 10-12 per cent for the sector, ICRA expects the sector to grow at 9-10 per cent in FY18.
pioneered an online flash-sales model that lifted it to dizzying heights and made it Asias most valuable start-up, but its since fallen on hard times. Now its counting on old-fashioned retail to make a comeback, and thats proving a much stiffer challenge.
A search and rescue team of the Arunachal Police on Wednesday said it has found the wreckage of the missing IAF helicopter and two mutilated bodies near it. The IAF however said it was not certain if the debris was of its missing Advanced Light Helicopter.

An official of the Papua Pare district sent a radio message to state Chief Secretary Shakuntala Gamlin and other officials in Itanagar, saying that the wreckage of the Indian Air Force helicopter had been spotted at an inaccessible deep gorge at Sopo Yuha about 3 p.m.

The crash site is near Hostalam village, about 30 km from Itanagar.

"We have located the wreckage and two mutilated bodies of the crew members in a deep gorge near the waterfalls," said Inspector General of Police, Law and Order, Nabin Payeng.

Although, the wreckage has been spotted by IAF team aerial survey, the IAF ground party are yet to reach the wreckage site to ascertain it.

IAF officials in New Delhi said it was not certain if it was of the helicopter that went missing on Tuesday while engaged in flood evacuation.

"The search is continuing. Certain leads that the ground parties obtained will be intensively searched once the weather clears tomorrow," an IAF official said.

In Tezpur, defence spokesperson, Lt Col Sombit Ghosh said that the IAF which conducted an aerial survey had "spotted something" which could be of the helicopter.

"We cannot confirm anything to you as yet. Let the IAF search and rescue operation team in the ground reach the spot and ascertain what it is," Ghosh told IANS.

"We have not issue any official photographs of the wreckage. We are not aware of the source of the photograph that has been flashed in the social media and media," he said.

The chopper went missing on Tuesday at 3.50 p.m. after it took off from Pilputu Helipad near Sagalee for the Naharlagun heliport.

The helicopter was evacuating people stranded in Sagalee and Dambuk due to massive landslides caused by heavy rains.

Papum Pare district official J.Pertin said the helicopter, used to evacuate people stranded due to floods in Sagalee, had made five sorties since it arrived there at around 10.30 a.m. on Tuesday.

"In the sixth sortie to Naharlagun, for unknown reason, the crew did not take the last batch of nine civilians and took off from Sagalee with just one policeman, who was deployed to help the two crew members and then went missing," Pertin told IANS.

On Tuesday, Chief Minister Pema Khandu tweeted that 169 persons had been evacuated from Sagalee and Dambuk by the Indian Air Force during the day till then.

Sagalee is just north of Itanagar while Dambuk in Lower Dibang Valley is about 350 km east of the state capital.
With the government machinery busy in rolling out the GST regime in the country, the Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley has hinted at what his governments next big focus area is going to be.
Tata Finance's dismissed managing director Dilip Pendse allegedly committed suicide at his office here today, police said.

The body of Pendse (61), who was fired by the Tatas in 2001 after his name cropped up in some illegal transactions, was found hanging from a ceiling fan at his private office on the first floor of Royal Grace Building in Dadar East this afternoon.

The body was sent for autopsy at Sion Hospital, said DCP Rashmi Karandikar, Mumbai police spokesperson.

The Matunga police have registered an 'accidental death report' and a probe is on, she said.

Earlier, Tata Motors chief executive Karl Slym and an ex-spokesperson of Tata Steel Charu Deshpande had committed suicide in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

While Slym, a US citizen, was the MD and CEO of Tata Motors at the time of his death, Deshpande was no longer associated with Tata Steel when he ended his life.

Slym jumped out of a posh Bangkok hotel window in January 2014. Thai investigators blamed the suicide on domestic issues, saying he had had a fight with his wife.

The 58-year-old Deshpande, a former journalist who had worked with The Daily, Indian Express, Economic Times and Business & Political Observer before moving to corporate communications at ICICI Bank and Tata Steel, was found hanging from the ceiling fan of his Vasai home on June 28, 2013.

He had worked with Tata Steel till April 2013. The case related to his suicide is being probed by the CBI.

In February 2003, Pendse, who was with for long, was arrested by the Delhi Police for alleged involvement in misappropriation of Rs 2 crore.

A complaint had been filed on behalf of Inshaallah Investment, a subsidiary, alleging that Pendse issued cheques for Rs 2 crore to brokers for payment of personal transactions of a former company director.

In October 2014, the markets watchdog Sebi had found Pendse guilty of illegal trades and banned him from accessing capital markets for two years.

Pendse was dismissed from in 2001 after the company arm ran huge losses and the group filed criminal charges against him.
A special PMLA court on Wednesday issued a fresh non-bailable arrest warrant (NBW) against fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya in connection with a case being probed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for alleged bank loan fraud.

"The court has taken cognisance of the ED charge sheet filed on June 14, 2017 and issued a NBW against Mallya," Special ED counsel Hiten Venegoankar said.

The ED had filed its charge sheet against Mallya and eight others in connection with its probe into the about Rs 900 crore IDBI-KFA bank loan case.

The court issued the fresh NBW at ED's request after the anti- agency submitted that Mallya is in the UK and has failed to appear before it on previous occasions too.

The 57-page charge sheet or prosecution complaint by the ED, with voluminous annexures, was filed under various sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

A total of nine accused have been named in the charge sheet including Mallya, Kingfisher Airlines (KFA), United Breweries (Holding) Limited, senior employees and executives of the now defunct airline and the IDBI bank.

The agency, in the charge sheet, had called Mallya the "prime mover of the entire plot" and described how funds obtained from the bank as loan were allegedly diverted by the beleaguered businessman to the Formula-1 car racing event abroad. Mallya owns Formula 1 team named Force India.

It had also mentioned the role of other officials and executives of KFA and IDBI bank in this deal. The agency also had described how over Rs 400 crore was moved abroad in alleged violation of rules.

The investigations conducted by the ED, it said, had found that Mallya, KFA along with IDBI bank officials "criminally conspired to obtain funds to the tune of Rs 860.92 crore despite weak financials, negative net worth, non- compliance of corporate credit policy of new client, non- quality collateral security and low credit rating of the borrower."



It said Rs 807.82 crore of the principal amount remains unpaid.

The Enforcement Directorate had registered a criminal case last year under the PMLA.

The ED had said its "money trail analysis revealed that out of the total loan of Rs 860.92 crore sanctioned and disbursed by IDBI, Rs 423 crore was remitted out of India. The said payments were shown to be made towards aircraft rental leasing and maintenance, servicing and spare parts."



The agency is expected to soon file a supplementary charge sheet in this case.

Mallya (61) has been in the UK since March 2016 and was arrested by the Scotland Yard on an extradition warrant on April 18.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) too is probing this case.

(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.)
India has presented 2,030 pages of what it claims to be evidence against 61-year-old businessman Vijay Mallya to extradite him to India. This was confirmed at a case management hearing at the Westminster Magistrates Court in central London on Thursday. The government of India was nearly two months late in giving details to support its original application in January, without which the matter could not progress.
Things change. In 2015, this very government, led by Narendra Modi, argued before the Supreme Court that was caught in the throes of a conflict of interest and must be removed as the lawyer for the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). And today, Venugopal has been appointed the Attorney General of India, the senior-most law officer of the government.
The vice-chancellor of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU) has directed women staff not to stay in their offices on the campus beyond 6 pm as "the university is situated on the outskirts of the city".

"The order to this effect has been issued taking into account the security concerns of the women employees as the university is situated on the outskirts of the city," VC of the central university, R C Sobti said on Wednesday.

He said if any woman staff member has to remain on the campus for work beyond 6 pm, she would have to inform the university administration so that proper arrangements could be made to drop her home.

There are a total of 4500 students in the university, of whom 2200 are girls, he said, adding that since the students reside in the girls' hostel on the campus, the order does not concern them.

The VC said that there are about three dozen women employees in the university.

University spokesperson Govind Pandey said, "In recent times, there have been a number of untoward incidents, and it is to avoid such episodes that the vice-chancellor has asked women employees not to stay in office beyond 6 pm."



Pandey said the head of the departments have been asked to inform the authorities if a woman student is scheduled to work in the laboratories beyond 6 pm.

Meanwhile, reacting to the university order, the state Congress said this indicated the "actual state of affairs" in UP.

"This is the reality of security of women in the state and also proves the failure of the government on this front," Congress spokesman Sanjay Bajpai said.

(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.)
China on Wednesday said that it was forced to halt the entry of Indian pilgrims to Kailash Mansarovar through the Nathu La pass after Indian troops "crossed into Chinese territory" and that it is willing to discuss the possibility of alternative arrangements through other routes for Indian yatris.

In a statement, Chinese Embassy spokesperson Xie Liyan said the Indian yatra to Kailash and Mansarovar is an important part of China-India people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

"China consistently respects the Indian people's religious sentiments and attaches importance to Indian Yatra to Kailash and Mansarovar in Xizang.

"Up to now, the official yatra through Lipuleku Pass and non-official yatra through Lhasa and Purang are still on the rails.

"We are willing to discuss the possibility of alternative arrangements through other routes for Indian official yatris who had planned to visit Kailash and Mansarovar via Nathu La Pass," he said.

The statement said that since the 1980s, in accordance with arrangements agreed between the two countries, China has "made great efforts to improve accommodation and logistical facilities and related plans for ensuring safe and smooth Indian yatras".

China announced the opening of a new yatra route for Indian yatris via Nathu La Pass in 2014 when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited India, and the route was opened in 2015.

According to statistics of Xizang authority, the Chinese side received about 1,000 official yatris and more than 10,000 non-official yatris every year. The Indian government and people from all walks of life have expressed appreciation and gratitude to the efforts by China, it said.

"The two sides agreed that a total of 350 yatris in seven batches would take part in yatras to Xizang through Nathu La Pass this year. The first batch would have entered Xizang on June 20, with visas already issued by Chinese embassy and preparation ready in Xizang.

"However, days before the departure of the yatris, the Indian border troops crossed into Chinese territory and obstructed the Chinese border troops' normal activities in Doklam.

"To ensure the safe and smooth visit of Indian yatris, China has to halt their entry into Xizang through Nathu La Pass. The Chinese side had notified the Indian side through diplomatic channel," said the statement.

Bilateral relations have soured over the stand-off between the armies of the two sides in Doklam area, known as Donglong in China, in the Sikkim sector.
Kim Vodicka

When I ask poet Kim Vodicka what the poems she's written for her collaborative project, Psychic Privates, are, she demures. Well, not exactly, that doesn't seem to much be in Vodicka's vocabulary, but she doesn't like the question. What she can do, though, is pin down some themes that run through the work of Psychic Privatesa spoken word project with a sonic component that currently consists of Vodicka and revolving musical collaborators. There's clearly a lot of wounded feminine rage, she said. And I never skimp on the sex, death and bodily fluids. I seem to never be able to stop writing poems about that. There's an interval of laughter before she added, Yeah, that's a good, succinct way to put it.

Those elements certainly surface in Vodicka's poetry, but there's something else at work here, too. Her work strikes chords in the listener that don't entirely make sense. Guided by her abstractions, very real emotions bubble over. Things that make me feel weird and kind of uncomfortable are the things that are usually most interesting to me.  Even a feeling of repulsion is interesting to me, she said by way of explanation. I find that in the process of investigating whatever that reaction might be, it usually makes me fall deeply in love with whatever I've experienced. And there's a dissonance in that, too, for those who experience Vodicka's poetry. It all has to do with the poet's deep attraction to the uncanny. It's really all about layering  Layering mood upon moods. And moods that don't necessarily go together. There's always something familiar to cling to, but at the same time you're having a totally unique experience with words and sound, she said. It's familiar, you recognize it, but at the same time, it's not at all what you expect it to be.

The sound element is an essential component to creating the vibes that are endemic to all that is Psychic Privates. I consider myself to be a deeply repressed musician, Vodicka explained about the deliberate choice to craft her poems as sound collages. I think I intuitively started writing things that had a sort of built-in musicality. Working alongside that innate tunefulness was a desire to make her poetry something other than what she had experienced in the literary world. I'm not trying to knock the traditional poetry reading at all, but I always found that I was wanting something more to happen.  Or it seemed like something exciting wanted to happen but rarely did. In 2012 she began experimenting with musician Randy Faucheux and by April 2017 they had a full blown poetry chapbook on 7 vinyl.

Josh Wascome

From inception to the time we raised the money and recorded, it was about five years. Which seems like an absurdly long time to release a three track record, Vodicka said, again, laughing. Though, it really is an unprecedented, highly customized medium for a poetry collection to take, a chapbook EP, as Vodicka put it. We recorded it all from home, in a bedroom in a janky little apartment in Baton Rouge, Vodicka, who now lives in Memphis, remembered. Tende Rloin Press in Ohio snatched it up, and now Psychic Privates is gearing up for a tour with the limited pressings of the work, though this particular outing features Josh Stevens on instrumentation. The tour will take Psychic Privates westward, all the way to San Diego, with two dates in New Mexico, on July 12, in Santa Fe at The Underground at Evangelo's (200 W. San Francisco) and in Albuquerque on July 13, at Tortuga (901 Edith SE) at 9pm ($5 suggested donation). Though, Vodicka points out, the performance is not for the faint of heart.

Content-wise, it's pretty explicit, she warned, rating different elements of the set anywhere from PG-13 to XXX on a loose interpretive scale. So, you know, maybe keep the toddlers at home for the evening. I like to describe it as a gorgeously profane experience, Vodicka said. And in that, Vodicka seems to cut to the heart of the thing in her particular poetic way.
Prime Minister on Wednesday announced to start a new flight service connecting Delhi, Mumbai and Tel Aviv.

"Now a Delhi-Mumbai-Tel Aviv air service will be initiated. And so I invite youth of to visit India," Modi announced amid thunderous applause.

Modi made the announcement while addressing the Indian Diaspora in Tel Aviv's Convention Center.

Air India had earlier announced to start direct flight between Delhi and Tel Aviv. The flight service was to start in May but the launch was delayed as several countries, which fall in the selected route, denied the overflight permission.

Air India used to operate directs flights to from Delhi until mid-1990s and Mumbai until early 2000. The flights were withdrawn for commercial reasons.

(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.)
Amid the Sikkim standoff, the Chinese Army is carrying out exercises simulating real battle scenarios at high-altitude areas in Tibet, testing new equipment, including a light battle tank.

The exercises were being carried at an altitude of 5,100 metres, the Chinese language service of the state-run Xinhua news agency reported from the Tibetan capital Lhasa.

Besides testing the new equipment, the exercises involve conducting live firing exercises.

The exercises also involve combat operations command, combat synergies, live fire shooting training, and comprehensive inspection of arms integration, the report said.

The simulation also involves offensive and defensive training.

Last week, Chinese Defence spokesman Colonel Wu Qin told the media here that the trials of the tank, reportedly weighing about 35 tonnes, were taking place during military exercises.

Xinhua has also released photos of the exercises on its website.

The exercises were being held in the backdrop of heightened India-China tensions at Dokalam area in the Sikkim sector.

China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan tri-junction for the past three weeks after a construction party of the Chinese Army attempted to build a road. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.

(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.)
Amid China's aggressive posturing in the Asiatic region, India and Vietnam discussed "concrete and feasible" steps to protect their interests while seeking to bolster their strategic bilateral ties.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Vietnam Pham Binh Minh, who concluded his four-day visit to India today, told PTI in an interview that the two sides also discussed the progress of implementation of the high-level agreements between them for creating a stable and facilitating framework to help their relations grow more "substantively".

The Vietnamese leader's visit comes in the midst of growing maritime aggression of China in the South China Sea as also its military standoff with India in the Sikkim sector.

Vietnam and several other countries, including Brunei and the Philippines, are involved in a territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea, seen as a potentially explosive diplomatic issue in East Asia.

China has also been objecting to India's oil exploration projects in maritime areas offered by Vietnam in the South China Sea, claiming that it enjoys indisputable sovereignty there. However, India has been dismissive of Chinese objections, insisting its cooperation with Vietnam was as per international laws and that it would like the cooperation to grow.

Talking about the economic ties between the two countries, the Vietnamese leader said many of India's major corporations are investing in various projects in Vietnam such as the Tatas in Long Phu II thermal power plant in Soc Trang and ONGC Videsh in oil and gas exploration on Vietnam's continental shelf."



During his visit, apart from participating in the India- ASEAN ministerial meet on July 4, he held bilateral meetings with Indian leadership, including President Pranab Mukherjee and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

After the meeting with Swaraj, the MEA issued a statement saying both sides reiterated their support for peace, stability, security, safety, freedom of navigation and over flight, and unimpeded commerce based on the principles of international law, as reflected notably in the UNCLOS.

The reiteration of their stand came as the two sides noted the order issued by the Arbitral Tribunal, constituted under the UN Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS), on the dispute between China and the Philippines which said Beijing did not have sovereign ownership over several disputed islands in the South China Sea. China had rejected the order.

Noting that many issues pertinent to bilateral relations were discussed during his talks here, the Vietnamese leader said they exhanged views on "concrete and feasible measures appropriate to the situation of each country as well as the international and regional state of affairs in order to substantively and effectively implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2016".

In the interview, the Vietnamese deputy prime minister also talked about cooperation in the areas of trade, defence and security.

"The establishment of the Strategic Partnership in 2007, which was upgraded to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September 2016, has created an important framework for our bilateral cooperation to expand and deepen in all areas: politics and diplomacy, defense and security, economy and trade, science and technology, and education and training, among many others," he said.

Economically, India is among Vietnam's top ten trade partners, with a bilateral trade turnover of USD 7 billion, he said, adding by the end of May 2017, India's total registered FDI in Vietnam stood at USD 772 million, with 145 investment projects.

(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.)
Sunday is Guru Purnima, the festival when students pay respects and gratitude to their teachers. Under Prakash Javadekar, the Human Resource Development (HRD) ministry will felicitate some of the topmost educationists of India on that day, and also President Pranab Mukherjee.
The Birmingham City Council has been forced to withdraw permission granted to the organisers of a rally titled "Burhan Wani Day" to mark the first death anniversary of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen militant/terrorist Burhan Wani here after India lodged a strong protest over the same.

Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter with Indian security forces in the Tral region of Jammu and Kashmir on July 8, 2016.

The United Kingdom has a long memory of terror attacks. For more than 30 years from the early 1970s, the Irish Republican Army (IRA), a paramilitary group, carried out multiple attacks across the UK.

The deadliest were the Birmingham pub bombings of 1974, when 21 were killed. In 1996, the IRA detonated a massive 1500-kilogram (3300-pound) bomb in a Manchester shopping center that injured more than 200 and was not far from this year's terror attack in the Manchester Arena that claimed the lives of 23 adults and children and left 250 injured, 59 of whom were taken to hospital. Twenty three of these 59 had to be classified as critically injured.

For more than a decade, Islamist terrorism has overtaken Irish Republicanism as the key threat for British security services. On July 7 2005, a cell of four British Muslim suicide bombers inspired by al Qaeda detonated devices on the London transit network, killing 52.

Since 2005, successive British governments have warned the public to be on alert for terror attacks, elevating the threat level to "severe", the second highest alert.

The UK's MI5 has thwarted dozens of terrorist plots, mainly involving British-born would-be attackers, the latest of which took place on March 22, 2017 in the vicinity of the Palace of Westminster in London, seat of the British Parliament.

In that incident, the attacker, Khalid Masood, drove a car into pedestrians on the pavement along the south side of Westminster Bridge and Bridge Street, killing four and injuring more than 50 others. After his car crashed into the perimeter fence of the Palace grounds, Masood abandoned it and ran into New Palace Yard where he fatally stabbed an unarmed police officer. He was then shot dead by an armed police officer.

In the case of the "Burhan Wani Day", the Birmingham City Council had initially given permission for the memorial rally to be held on his first death anniversary at Victoria Square on Saturday.

Various posters were being circulated on social media advertising the event. One of them even carried a picture of the slain militant, and said: "We will take back what is ours forcefully. We will not rest until Kashmir is free from Kuffars and hoist the flag of Islamic Ummah."

The Indian Government flagged its concerns with the British Government, which led to the Birmingham City Council cancelling the event.

"We took a booking for a peaceful rally highlighting the human rights abuse in Kashmir. However, we are now aware of concerns raised about the promotional leaflet and, having assessed the material, have not given permission for the use of Victoria Square," a Birmingham Council spokesman was quoted, as saying by the Birmingham Mail.

It was reported that Deputy High Commissioner of India to the UK Dinesh Patnaik lodged a formal complaint with the Foreign and commonwealth Office (FCO), wherein he said that "allowing anti-India elements to flourish here in the name of democracy will not do".

(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.)
To help flood victims in Northeast, telecom major Vodafone on Thursday said it is offering a 50-minute free talk-time to its customers to contact anyone in case of emergencies.

"With monsoons in full force in Northeast, many areas are flood affected. To help people, we are offering 50 minutes free talk-time to all our customers in the affected areas in the region," Business Head (Assam & Northeast) Nidhi Lauria said.

The one-time service is being offered in affected regions like Kamrup, Karimganj and Bongaigaon in Assam, Ukhrool and Bishnupur in Manipur, and in North Tripura at present, she added.

"This service will continue till the end of monsoon season. The areas are expanding to cover more people as and when required," Lauria said, adding around 15,000 people have been covered under the scheme so far.

The company said the free talk-time offer depends on cell site data of flood affected regions and applies only to local calls.

The official further said that in association with Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), Vodafone is sending out constant SMS alerts on flood situation and precautions that one needs to take.

"We are keeping a close watch on flood situation so that we can help our esteemed customers in every possible way. We will also take measures to take care of citizens' health safety and well-being," Lauria added.

Vodafone began its services in Northeast in 2008 and covers over 19,800 towns and villages across the region.

According to ASDMA, 18 persons have lost their lives in Assam so far in this year's flood and nearly four lakh are affected at present in the state.

Many Northeastern states are hit by flash flood, landslide and other rain-related natural calamities and many people have died in these incidents.

(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.)
Women rights activist was on Thursday booked under the Prevention of Atrocities Act for allegedly assaulting a 33-year-old 'former member' of her organisation on June 27 near Balewadi stadium, the police said.

The complainant, Vijay Makasare, a doctor from neighbouring Amhednagar district, had alleged that Desai, who heads the 'Bhumata Ranragini Brigade', her husband Prashant and two other persons thrashed him after he fell out with Desai.

Other people named in the complaint lodged with the Hinjewadi police station are identified as Satish Desai, Kantilal Gaware and two unidentified persons.

Makasare stated that he was approached by Desai a few months ago and asked him to join her organisation.

"I accepted her request and joined the organisation as I wanted to work for the society. However, later I realised that the functioning of the outfit was not transparent and the intentions to run the organisation was malafied, so I decided to part my ways, which irked Desai," Makasare said in his complaint.

Quoting the complaint, a police official said Desai asked Makasare to take her to Mumbai in his car for some "important work" on June 27.

"My car was waylaid by Desai's husband Prashant and four others near Balewadi stadium on Pune-Mumbai Highway. Desai snatched my two phones saying they contained a crucial evidence against her," Makasare stated in his complaint.

He alleged Desai, Prashant and others thrashed him and snatched his gold chain worth Rs 15,000 and Rs 27,000 in cash he was carrying with him.

Makasare also accused Desai of passing derogatory remarks regarding his caste and threatening him of dire consequences if he dared to raise his voice against her outfit.

"We have registered a case against Desai, her husband and four others under section 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 394 (robbery), 341 (wrongful restraint), 506 (criminal intimidation) and relevant sections of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989," the Hinjawadi police station official said.

He said the Desai couple and others will be summoned for recording their statements.

When contacted, the activist refuted the allegations, saying Makasare was trying to malign her image.

"It was Makasare who approached me requesting membership to my outfit. However, we denied him the membership after knowing about his character. He is now trying to malign my image by levelling such baseless allegations. He filed the case out of a grudge over his non-induction into the organisation," she said.

Desai was instrumental in leading an agitation of women in November 2015 for gaining the entry to the core area of famous Lord Shani shrine in Ahmednagar district.

She subsequently led similar protests at the Mahalakshmi temple in Kolhapur and later at Lord Shiva temple in Trimbakeshwar near Nashik.

Last year, Desai made an attempt to enter the Haji Ali dargah in Mumbai, but beat a retreat after an angry mob prevented her from proceeding further. On May 12, 2016, she made a successful second attempt and entered the dargah under tight security but not in the inner sanctum where women are not allowed.

(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.)
An Air India employees' union plans to take up the issue of revised basic pay for the cabin crew with the airline's chief Ashwani Lohani.

The Air Corporations Employees Union (ACEU) is a grouping of non-technical staff, comprising nearly 8,000 of the total 21,137 employees at the airline.

The union has been demanding implementation of the Justice Dharmadhikari report on revised basic pay for the cabin crew.

In a communication to its members, ACEU General Secretary J B Kadian said the union is planning to have a meeting with Air India Chairman and Managing Director to "break the impasse" on the issue of revised basic pay for the cabin crew.

"We in the ACEU are meeting to review the situation of the adamant stand of the management and to chalk out the future course of action," the communication, dated July 3, said.

The union has also opposed the proposed disinvestment of Air India, saying such a move would affect the employees in general and cabin crew in particular.

To revive the loss-making airline, the Cabinet has given its in-principle approval for divesting stake in Air India.

The national airline, which is surviving on taxpayers' money, has a debt burden of over Rs 52,000 crore.

(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 half of the 100,000 corporate entities found dormant or defunct and struck off the list by registrars of companies (RoCs) in the recent past came from eight states and two Union Territories.
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Police arrested a man Tuesday for driving drunk with a 1-year-old on his lap after abusing the child's mother.

Haze David Old Elk, 22, was charged with felony criminal endangerment and partner or family member assault in Yellowstone County Justice Court on Wednesday.

According to court documents, Old Elk's girlfriend was riding in a vehicle with him when he hit her in the face, pulled her hair and slammed her head against the head rest. Police found Old Elk in a vehicle nearby with the child sitting unrestrained on his lap.

Old Elk told police he was attempting to calm the child and denied hitting his girlfriend, but had bleeding cuts on his hand. He admitted that he shouldn't be driving and registered a blood alcohol content of 0.08 on a breath test, documents say.

Justice of the Peace Pedro Hernandez set bond at $2,500 and ordered him to appear on district court July 12.
During the second day of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's three-day visit, India and on Wednesday elevated their ties to the "strategic partnership" level with a vow to do "much more together" to combat growing radicalisation and terrorism.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today arrived in the German city Hamburg to attend the G20 Summit, after wrapping up his historic three-day visit to Israel.

He will attend the summit hosted by Germany on July 7-8.

The theme of the summit this year is 'Shaping an Inter- connected World'.

"PM @narendramodi reaches Hamburg for the G20 Summit. Key multilateral and bilateral engagements will take place through the summit," the Prime Minister's Office tweeted.

On the sidelines of the summit, Modi is to participate in a meeting of leaders of the BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - grouping tomorrow. He is also set to hold bilateral meetings with some of the world leaders there.

The G20, founded in 1999, comprises a mix of the world's largest and emerging economies, representing about two-thirds of the world's population, 85 per cent of global gross domestic product and over 75 per cent of global trade.

The members are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the US, and the European Union.
The four-day-old strike by more than 1,000 cinema halls in Tamil Nadu protesting levy of 30 per cent local body tax in addition to GST was today called off after the state government proposed setting up of a bipartite committee to resolve the issue.

The theatres will start functioning from tomorrow with the ticket prices set to go up from the present maximum of Rs 120 with the addition of 28 per cent of Goods and Services Tax.

The decision to set up the committee comprising government and industry representatives was taken at a meeting between senior ministers and office-bearers of Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners and Distributors Association (TNTODA) and other stakeholders here this afternoon.

Emerging from the meeting which lasted for more than an hour, TNTODA president Abirami Ramanathan said the theatres would begin functioning from tomorrow as usual.

Top functionaries of Film Producers Council and South Indian Artistes' Association also participated in the meeting held at the state secretariat.

Going ahead with their strike announced on June 30 on the eve of GST rollout, the exhibitors shut their halls since July 3 citing their 'inability' to pay both taxes.

Opposition parties and prominent industry players, including superstar Rajinikanth, had appealed to the government to step in to resolve the issue, saying the livelihood of lakhs of people dependent on the film industry was at stake.

Today's meeting came in the backdrop of the issue also figuring in the state assembly where the government said steps were being taken to find a solution.

"We have decided to call off the strike which has been going on the for the last four days. More than 1,000 theatres were shut across Tamil Nadu. The daily loss (incurred due to closure of theatres) was estimated to be Rs 20 crore," Ramanathan told reporters.

When asked how much one has to pay for a movie ticket with theatres set to resume operations, he said, "similar to other products and services, along with the existing capped rate of Rs 120 per ticket, 28 per cent will be levied under GST".

This means movie goers might have to shell out a maximum of around Rs 153 per ticket as against existing Rs 120.

Ramanathan thanked Finance Minister D Jayakumar, Commercial Taxes Minister Veeramani, Municipal Administration Minister S P Velumani and Information and Publicity Minister Kadambur Raju for taking steps to break the impasse.

He said the proposed committee would have eight members from the film industry. "I do not know how many members will be representing the government," he said.

The association had been demanding the withdrawal of the local body tax of 30 per cent, saying theatre owners would not be able to pay both GST and the local tax.

"We hope the committee's decision will be in favour of us. We have been demanding removal of the local body tax," he said.

Earlier in the day, the issue of closure of the theatres echoed in the assembly for the second time this week with the opposition raising it.

Leader of the Opposition and DMK Working President M K Stalin raised the issue, saying imposing of the local body tax amounted to double taxation since the GST has been rolled out.

Besides Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan had also extended support to the strike by the association.

Rajinikanth, who is currently in the US for a health checkup, had yesterday requested the government to consider the film industry's plea. Kamal Haasan expressed his gratitude to the "Kabali" star for taking up the issue.

(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.)
Narendra Modi became the first Indian prime minister to visit Israel when he landed in Tel Aviv on Sunday. Besides the warm welcome, also on display was the camaraderie between Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. And a slew of deals were signed. Coinciding with the historic visit of the PM, Business Standard looked at some of the joint initiatives of the two countries across India and their impact.
The home ministry has given security clearance to the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN), the information technology (IT) backbone of the regime, paving the way for its operationalisation soon.

Security clearance to the GSTN, a not-for-profit private limited company, was delayed as the home ministry was examining threat perception to national security from any of the stakeholders, a ministry official said.

GST, which replaces a host of taxes levied by the central and state governments, has come into force from July 1.

In the GSTN, five private institutions have 51 per cent equity  HDFC Bank (10 per cent), HDFC (10 per cent), ICICI Bank (10 per cent), NSE Strategic Investment Corporation (10 per cent) and LIC Housing Finance (11 per cent).

The central government has 24.5 per cent equity in the GSTN, whereas state governments, two Union territories and the empowered committee of state finance ministers together hold another 24.5 per cent stake in it.

The procedure for granting security clearance to the GSTN involved background checking of its office-bearers and others concerned.

The GSTN has been working overtime to ensure a smooth registration, and all the tax assessees have been given a provisional ID, using which they can start transacting business with the implementation of the .

When a business entity registers under GST, it is given a provisional Identification Number (GSTIN). After that, in the second stage, the entity has to log in to the GSTN portal and give details of its business such as the main place of business, additional place, directors and bank account details.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Subramanian Swamy had earlier opposed the majority stake for private entities in the GSTN and written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in this regard.
A philosophical Rakesh Gangwal  a veteran at running international airlines -- invoked Shakespeare, cited example of five international carriers to justify the case of acquiring Air Indias international business through which wants to foray into long-haul, low-cost operations.
The goods and services tax (GST) regime rolled out by the Narendra Modi government on July 1, with its seven or more rates, is a mockery of the that was originally planned, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said on Thursday.
Jagdeep Chhokar, founder-member of the Association for Democratic Reforms and former professor at Indian Institute of Management, says there should be a law to regulate the functioning of political parties. In an interview to Sahil Makkar, he says the government must scrap the idea of floating electoral bonds as it reduces transparency in political funding. Edited excerpts:
Upping the ante over its border stand-off with India and Bhutan in the Doklam area near Sikkim, China on Thursday said the atmosphere was not right for a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany.

India, however, retorted by saying such a meeting had neither been sought nor planned. Modis preplanned meetings, on the sidelines of the two-day summit beginning Friday, are with Argentina, Canada, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, the UK and Vietnam, said the spokesperson for the ministry of external affairs.

In addition, the PM will participate in the BRICS leaders meeting. There is no change in the PMs schedule, the spokesperson said.

BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It was earlier speculated that Modi and Xi might have a pull-aside meeting at the BRICS leaders event on Friday.

It is not unusual for leaders to have informal, unstructured discussions on the sidelines of structured meetings. A Modi-Xi pull-aside, despite denials from the two sides, remains possible. The Chinese president is also slated to have bilateral meetings with other heads of government.

China and India have been engaged in a stand-off in Doklam, near the Bhutan tri-junction, for the past three weeks after a Chinese Army's construction party attempted to build a road. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Doklam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Geng Shuang expressed hope that India can immediately withdraw the border troops to the Indian side of the boundary to uphold the peace tranquillity of the China and India border areas.

I think this is the precondition for any meaningful peace talks between the two sides, he told a media briefing, when asked about the meeting between Modi and Xi on the sidelines of the G20 summit. Geng confirmed that Xi would be attending the BRICS leaders meeting.

India said it was deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India.

Amid Chinas aggressive posturing in the Asiatic region, India and Vietnam discussed concrete and feasible steps to protect their interests while seeking to bolster their strategic bilateral ties. Vietnam and several other countries are involved in territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea. China has also been objecting to India's oil exploration projects in maritime areas offered by Vietnam in the South China Sea.

Chinese Army conducting drills simulating battle scenarios



Amid the Sikkim stand-off, the Chinese Army is carrying out exercises simulating real battle scenarios at high-altitude areas in Tibet, testing new equipment, including a light battle tank.

The exercises were being carried at an altitude of 5,100 metres, the Chinese language service of the state-run Xinhua agency reported from the Tibetan capital Lhasa.

Besides testing the new equipment, the exercises involve conducting live firing exercises. The exercises also involve combat operations command, combat synergies, live fire shooting training, and comprehensive inspection of arms integration, the report said. PTI


The border standoff between armies of India and China at the Sikkim sector can be resolved diplomatically and Chinese soldiers should leave the Bhutanese territory to reduce tension in the area, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said on Wednesday.

"I think the issue can be resolved at the diplomatic level. The Chinese troops should stay where they were earlier. China is approaching towards Bhutanese territory. We want them not to come forward.

"This is our security concern and this is our stand. Bhutan's King had yesterday given a statement that Chinese (troops) are entering into its territory. This tension can be resolved at the diplomatic level. Across the table we can solve all the problems," Bhamre said.

Bhamre's comments came on a day China accused India of "trampling" on the principles of the Panchsheel pact and demanded that India "correct its mistakes" by pulling back its troops immediately.

Chinese envoy to India Luo Zhaohui had yesterday said China had ruled out a compromise in the military standoff with India and put the onus on New Delhi to resolve the "grave" situation.

China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan trijunction for the past 19 days after a Chinese army's construction party came to build a road.

Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.

China and Bhutan are engaged in talks over the resolution of the area. Bhutan, however, has no diplomatic ties with China and it is supported militarily and diplomatically by India.

On the standoff, the Ministry of External Affairs had said India was "deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India".

(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.)
India and on Wednesday elevated their ties to the strategic partnership level with a vow to do much more together to combat growing radicalisation and terrorism and pitched for strong measures against those financing and providing sanctuaries to terror groups.
The Rajasthan Subordinate and Ministerial Services Selection Board (RSMSSB) finally announced the much awaited 2017 results for the Rajasthan Gram Sevak Exam. The exam was conducted in December 2016 on 18th (Sunday) and the results for the same were going to be declared in February 2017 but postponed until July. The Board finally declared the results with the answer key on Tuesday. Students can access the results through the Boards official site and check out their score by providing Roll Number and Date of Birth. The results page also provides the official Rajasthan Gram Sevak cut off marks 2017 for each category such as GEN- 50 %, OBC- 48 %, SC- 42 % and ST- 40 %.
6.22 lakh households in Delhi to be given water taps in next two years under Atal Mission

East and South MCDs to become Open Defecation Free by October this year; North MCD by December; All seven UTs by March, 2018

Shri Venkaiah Naidu thanks LG for ensuring focus on sanitation in and development of Delhi

Chandigarh becomes first city to ensure water taps to all households

50 kms of cycle tracks laid in Chandigarh under smart city plan; To begin retrofitting of Sector -43 at a cost of Rs.4,500 cr by the end of this financial year

NDMC asked to speed up execution of smart city plan

Progress of urban missions in 7 UTs reviewed; capacity constraints of smaller UTs to be addressed

All the seven Union Territories accounting for 16 Urban Local Bodies including the three Municipal Corporations of Delhi will become Open Defecation Free (ODF) by March next year. Respective Governments have committed to this effect during a two day review of progress of new urban missions that concluded here today.

The high level review held today was chaired by the Minister of Urban Development and Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu. Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Shri Anil Baijal, of Andaman & Nicobar Islands Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, Chief Minister of Puducherry Shri V. Narayanasamy, Urban Development Minister of Puducherry Shri M. Krishna Rao and Urban Development Minister of Delhi Shri Satyendra Jain attended the high level review. Chandigarh, Daman & Diu, Dadra Nagar Haveli and Lakshadweep were represented by senior officials.

Shri Venkaiah Naidu urged all the seven UTs to speed up implementation of various urban missions meant for improving infrastructure relating to sanitation, water supply and sewerage and affordable housing. He assured that all support will be provided to address capacity constraints of smaller UTs to help them pick up momentum.

During the review Delhi Government officials informed that 6.22 lakh households in Delhi will be provided with water taps over the next two years under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT). At present 23.78 lakh households accounting for 58% of the total 41 lakh households have water connections and this will be increased to 73% under AMRUT. Sewerage connectivity will be increased from the present 57% to 65% under AMRUT. Shri Naidu requested LG of Delhi to sort out issues related to forest and ridge lands and unauthorized colonies to ensure full coverage under water supply.

Progress of works under AMRUT in Delhi for which the Ministry of Urban Development approved an investment of Rs.802 cr for the five year period 2015-20 has been reviewed in detail.

Noting sanitation as a major area of concern in Delhi, Shri Naidu asked the Delhi Government and municipal bodies to focus on solid waste management and segregation of municipal waste at source.

It was assured that South and East MCDs will become Open Defecation Free by October this year while North MCD will do so by December this year. Only three of 201 individual household toilets for which demand has so far been received have been so far built besides 11,138 of the 22,891 community and public toilet seats required.

Of the 16 urban local bodies in the UTs, only three viz., New Delhi Municipal Council, Chandigarh and Mahe in Puducherry have become ODF so far.

During the review, respective governments committed to make other 13 ULBs ODF by March next year.

Concern was also expressed over the three MCDs of Delhi not so far initiating work relating to Credit Rating and replacing old water pumpsets by energy efficient ones. It was assured that MoU in this regard will be signed with EESL by September this year.

Noting that an affordable housing need of over three lakh units in Delhi has been indicated based on earlier surveys, Shri Naidu urged DDA and Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board to act fast and in tandem and send all proposals at the earliest so that construction of houses can be completed by 2022.

NDMC has been asked to speed up execution of its smart city plan with focus on impactful projects like smart roads and smart parking, pedestrianisation of Connaught Place etc.

Shri Venkaiah Naidu thanked LG of Delhi Shri Anil Baijal for ensuring focus on sanitation in and overall development of Delhi since he assumed office and said that his experience and wisdom will help the cause of national capital.

Shri Naidu complimented Chandigarh for being the first city to ensure water taps to all the households under AMRUT. City officials informed that over 1,600 households have been provided with water taps further to which all the 2.10 lakh households now have taps.

Under the smart city plan of Chandigarh, 50 kms of cycle tracks have already been laid and work in respect of another 40 kms is in progress at a total cost of Rs.18 cr. Smart parking is being developed at 25 locations to accommodate over 50,000 vehicles. City officials also informed that work on retrofitting of Sector -43 at a cost of Rs.4,500 cr will begin by the end of current financial year. Chandigarhs smart city plan has been approved at a cost of Rs.6,272 cr, the highest of the 90 smart cities so far approved.

Shri Venkaiah Naidu stressed on the importance of quality urban infrastructure in UTs. He said that Delhi being the national capital is the point of convergence of hopes and aspirations of the people o0f the country leading to rising migrant population while Chandigarh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and other smaller UTs are major tourist destinations.

He urged the Ministry officials to ensure necessary support to and hand holding of smaller UTs to speed up implementation of projects under the newly launched urban missions.

Reacting to the suggestion of taking up sweeping during night time, LG of Delhi Shri Anil Baijal asked municipal bodies to introduce mechanized sweeping during night time in identified areas to start with. He stressed on the need to look at the staffing norms and quality standards to enhance the capacities of municipal bodies in the context of new urban planning and execution approaches being introduced under Smart City Mission and other initiatives.

LG of Andaman & Nicobar Islands Prof. Jagdish Mukhi suggested deployment of Project Management Units to smaller UTs for two years to address constraints in this regard besides strengthening broadband connectivity.

Puducherry Chief Minister Shri V. Narayanasamy referred to the problem of sand availability in the UT and the efforts being made to ensure toilet construction in time. He assured that LED lighting will be completed at the earliest.

Urban Development Minister of Delhi Shri Satyendra Jain stated that the focus in the national capital is on building community and public toilet seats since those who have land built individual household toilets. He suggested changes in Master Plan of Delhi so that government hospitals and other institutions are not required to meet parking norms at par with private entities.

With this review, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has completed review of progress of urban missions in 29 States and UTs so far.

AAR/KM

July 6, 2017
Defence Minister releases Booklet highlighting efforts to achieve Self-Reliance in Defence Production

Defence Minister Shri Arun Jaitley released a booklet here today highlighting efforts made by Department of Defence Production in the last three years in pursuance of self-reliance in defence sector. It is a compilation of the achievements of the Department of Defence Production in the field of indigenous production of weapon systems/platforms and policy initiatives undertaken in the past three years.

Ever since the launch of Make in India initiative in September 2014, the focus has been to improve the business environment by easing processes to do business, encourage participation of Indian public and private sectors in defence production and promote innovation and indigenous development of equipment and weapon platforms.

The booklet mentions a number of policy initiatives which have been taken by the Department of Defence Production. These are relaxation in Foreign Direct Investment policy, providing exchange rate variation protection to domestic industry, level-playing field to private sector in terms of excise duty/custom duty at par with public sector, liberalising licensing policy and extending the validity of industrial licensing to 15 years, streamlining defence offset guidelines and restoring services as an avenue for discharge of offsets.

It also includes facilitating exports by issuing NOC online, hosting procedure for issue of NOC and list of military stores in public domain besides doing away with end-user certificate, revising make procedure to promote design and development, promulgating green channel policy, categorising certain Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) products as non-core, aligning payment terms of Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), etc. It also mentions about Make in India portal for defence production which is a very industry-friendly website covering all policy procedural issues.

The booklet also mentions that Ordnance Factories and DPSUs, working under the administrative control of Department of Defence Production, have not only enhanced their production from ? 44,000/- crore to ? 56,000/- crore but have also delivered many state-of-the-art platforms to the Armed Forces, including Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Surface to Air Missile System Akash . During the last three years, 128 industrial licences have been issued.

Other highlights are, all naval ships and submarines on order are being constructed in Indian shipyards and percentage of capital procurement from Indian vendors has gone up from 47 to 61 in the last three years.

A number of steps are being taken to augment production capacity by DPSUs, such as infrastructure building for Mine Counter Measure Vessel at Goa Shipyard Ltd., new helicopter manufacturing facility at Tumakuru, second production line for Dhruv at Kanpur, manufacturing capacity for T-90 and PINAKA Rockets and manufacturing facilities for Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) at Ibrahimpatnam, Hyderabad.

NAo/Nampi/DK/RAJ
Dr Mahesh Sharma participates in Second Meeting of BRICS Culture Ministers in Tianjin, China

Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (Independent charge) for Culture and Tourism has said that India attaches importance to its engagements with BRICS which has emerged as a valuable forum for consultation, coordination and cooperation on contemporary global issues of mutual interest and has helped promote mutual understanding. Addressing at the Second Meeting of BRICS Culture Ministers" in Tianjin, China today, he said that India held the BRICS Chairmanship in 2016 and hosted the 8th BRIGS Summit on 15-16 October, 2016 in Goa under the theme Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective Solutions. Each of the BRICS country possesses rich cultural heritage and traditions and we share goodwill, understanding, respect and interest for each other's cultural heritage. This respect and interest will in times to come contribute towards developing even stronger bonds of friendship, empathy and cooperation.

Dr Sharma said that India will work with China and other BRICS countries on Chair's priority areas, viz Global economic partnership, global governance, people-to-people exchanges, macroeconomic coordination, Agenda 2030, International peace and stability, open world economy, IMF reform, media, sports, education, traditional medicines, and exchanges among students and scholars and culture. India has bilateral cultural agreements and specific cultural exchange programmes with each of the BRIGS countries. We have been showcasing our rich cultural heritage through Festivals of India organized in China and South Africa already.

Preparations are afoot to organize a similar festival in Brazil in September this year and in Russia in the early next year.

The Minister said that today we are in the midst of a tremendous shift in the way of growth and modernization, but Libraries continue to play a central role in providing open and free access to information and ideas. As gateways to knowledge and culture, libraries play a fundamental role in society. The resources and services they offer, create opportunities for learning, support literacy and education, and help shape the new ideas and perspectives that are central to a creative and innovative society.

He said that the museum, as an institution tells the story of man the world over and how humanity has survived in its environment over the years. It houses things created by nature and by man and in our modem society, it houses the cultural soul of the nation. It holds the cultural wealth of the nation in trust for all generations and by its function and unique position, it has become the cultural conscience of the nation. The National Museum of India has since been organizing exhibitions overseas. Presently, an exhibition on Across the Silk Road: Gupta Sculptures and their Chinese Counterparts during 400-700 AD" is on show in various Museums of China since September, 2016.

Dr Sharma said that under Cultural Mapping of India Scheme, a web portal has been developed for collection of online data from artistes for cultural mapping, which will serve as an artist repository. A sub scheme as a National Mission on Cultural Mapping and Roadmap with a Financial Outlay of Rs 469.40 crore for 2017-2018, 2018-2019 & 2019-2020 has been approved under the umbrella of "Kala Sanskrit! Vikas Yojna".

He said that he looks forward to ideas and initiatives to take forward cultural cooperation among BRICS countries through the BRIGS Alliances and believes that today's meeting will be a game changer.
Health Ministry holds 4th National Summit on Good, Replicable Practices and Innovations in Public Health Care Systems

Smt. Sumitra Mahajan, Speaker of the 16th Lok Sabha today inaugurated the 4th National Summit on Good, Replicable Practices and Innovations in Public Health Care Systems at Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste, Smt Anupriya Patel, Ministers of State for Health and Family Welfare and Shri Rustam Singh, Health Minister (MP), also graced the occasion.In her address, Smt Sumitra Mahajan highlighted the importance of hospital management. We are taking various steps to ensure that we are meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)," Smt Mahajan said. She further said that National Health Policy, 2017 is a landmark step as it commits to comprehensive primary healthcare, effective regulatory framework and best infrastructure.Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare urged all the states to learn from the effective endeavours of the other States to address the challenges in healthcare delivery. Shri Kulaste added that this summit is a good platform to share experiences and collectively strategize on how to improve health services in the countryAddressing the gathering, Smt Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare said that the summit gives a unique platform to share those steps that have helped to make a difference in healthcare delivery. These are also helpful in drawing up a roadmap for meeting goals of SDGs and National Health Policy, 2017 which speaks about a comprehensive healthcare delivery framework," Smt Anupriya Patel said. She further stated that if states can weave in the social determinants into module of healthcare provisioning then we can grow and strengthen our healthcare system together.Shri Rustam Singh, Health Minister (MP), highlighted various people-centered innovative approaches taken by state to ensure effective healthcare delivery.Shri C K Mishra, Secretary (Health) emphasised on the need of sharing best practices in healthcare systems as it gives states an opportunity to learn from each other. We are meeting in the backdrop of two important events. One, shifting of goals from Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the other is announcement of National Health Policy, 2017. The summit will guide us towards meeting goals set by both," Shri Mishra said.

He further stated that it is important to innovate to meet the targets. The Secretary further added that many exemplary practices have been undertaken in many states to meet healthcare goals and the centre stands committed to supporting the state/ UTs in their innovative endeavours. He urged the states to align their goals to national and global targets in healthcare delivery. Dr Saumya Swaminathan, Secretary (DHR) and DG (ICMR) highlighted the importance of research in healthcare. The Health Ministry also gave away awards to the states on the basis of Health Indicators and Service Delivery. The award for best performing States in the category of indoor services (based on change of IPD/1000 population from 2015-16 to 2016-17-HMIS) was given to Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat. Daman and Diu got the award among the Union Territories (UTs). For the best out-patient services, the award was given to Gujarat, Punjab and Jharkhand whereas Dadra and Nagar Haveli got the award amongst the Union Territories. For, average out of pocket expenditure per delivery in public health facility, the award was given to Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. Among the UTs, the award was given to Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The award for decline in IMR was given to Jammu and Kashmir and West Bengal among the bigger states, Manipur received it amongst the smaller states and Puducherry amongst the UTs. Best Performance in Revised National TB Control Programmme was given to Assam and Himachal Pradesh. Also present at the function were Shri R K Vats AS & MD (NHM) Smt. Vandana Gurnani, Joint Secretary (RCH, IEC), Principal Secretaries and Mission Directors from the States along with the other senior officers of the Health Ministry and Madhya Pradesh Government.
JIGYASA" - Student-Scientist connect programme launched

Signing of MoU between CSIR & KVS

Student-Scientist connect programme JIGYASA.

1151 Kendriya Vidyalayas connect with 38 CSIR Laboratories targeting one lakh students and nearly 1000 teachers annually

Jigyasa, a student- scientist connect programme was officially launched in the national capital today. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has joined hands with Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) to implement this programme. The focus is on connecting school students and scientists so as to extend students classroom learning with that of a very well planned research laboratory based learning.

Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony was held in the presence of Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister of Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, Environment, Forests and Climate Change and Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister of Human Resource Development.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister for Science & Technology, Dr Harshvardhan said, that the Jigyasa programme was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of a new India and Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR) of scientific community and institutions. It is a historic day when two ministries are collaborating on the Youth who are the future of the nation. The day also coincides with the birthday of Shri Shyama Prasad Mukherjee who is an inspirational figure and a role model for all Indians.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of Human Resource Development Shri Prakash Javadekar said that to inculcate scientific temper among the students we have to make them aware about the impact of science on the society. Science has played a very important role in changing our lives. Thanking Dr Harshvardhan and CSIR, Shri Javadekar further said that access to these premier institutions is only the beginning.

CSIR will also talent hunt among the visiting students for furthering the cause of scientific development. The Minister also informed that he will personally review the status periodically.

CSIR has been contributing for several decades for socio-economic development in the country. It has been through development and deployment of knowledge base focused at Technology and Innovation. CSIR has also been playing a key role in human resource development, in particular training of the young researchers through Ph. D. programmes in diverse fields.

The JIGYASA would inculcate the culture of inquisitiveness on one hand and scientific temper on the other, amongst the school students and their teachers. The Programme is expected to connect 1151 Kendriya Vidyalayas with 38 National Laboratories of CSIR targeting 100,000 students and nearly 1000 teachers annually.

The program will also enable the students and teachers to practically live the theoretical concepts taught in science by visiting CSIR laboratories and by participating in mini-science projects. The model of engagement includes:

Student Residential Programmes;

Scientists as Teachers and Teachers as Scientists;

Lab specific activities / Onsite Experiments;

Visits of Scientists to Schools/Outreach Programmes;

Science and Maths Clubs;

Popular Lecture Series/ demonstration programme at Schools;

Student Apprenticeship Programmes;

Science Exhibitions;

Projects of National Childrens Science Congress;

Teacher Workshops; and

Tinkering Laboratories.

JIGYASA is one of the major initiative taken up by CSIR at national level, during its Platinum Jubilee Celebration Year. CSIR is widening and deepening its Scientific Social Responsibility further with the programme.
Modern Lifestyle is The Reason for The Condition of Our Forests, Rivers, Air and Land": Dr Harsh Vardhan

The condition of our forests, rivers, air and land is a matter of serious concern for us. The reason for this is the modern lifestyle adopted by us, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has said. Leading the plantation drive at District Park, Paschim Vihar to mark Van Mahotsav celebrations here today, the Minister said, Plants are another form of God, they give us free oxygen and absorb carbon-dioxide. He added that climate change and global warming are burning issues of the world and attempts are being made at various levels to resolve these issues. Dr. Harsh Vardhan pointed out that in this fight against global warming and climate change, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi figures among the prominent leaders of the world. He also said that the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was established at the initiative of Shri Narendra Modi and with the cooperation of France, ISAs office was established in Gurugram and funds have been made available.

Environment protection is connected to our culture, but we have forgotten this cultural heritage, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said. He also emphasised that had we continued with this heritage of protection of environment, today we could have presented a big example before the world.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan also paid rich tributes to Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. He said that today is the birth anniversary of one of the great sons of India. His life was full of sacrifice, he devoted his life and gave a new direction to politics, the Minister said.

Dr Harsh Vardhan also recalled the contribution of former Environment Minister, Shri Anil Madhav Dave, to environmental issues. He said that today is Dave jis birth anniversary and also reminisced that Dave ji used to say that if one wants to remember him, one should plant saplings.
Shri J P Nadda addresses BRICS Health Ministers Meeting at China; highlights the achievements of India in the health sector Strengthening of health systems is critical to achieving SDGs: J P Nadda India has prioritized strengthening health systems as a non-negotiable strategy: J P Nadda

Strengthening of health systems is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). India has prioritized strengthening health systems as a non-negotiable strategy towards achieving SDGs." This was stated by Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare during his addresses at the BRICS Health Ministers Meeting at Tianjin, China, today. The Union Health Minister spoke on the theme Strengthen Health System and Achieve Health-Related SDGs.

In his address, Shri Nadda stressed on the importance of building strong and resilient health systems and said that the case for strengthening health systems stems from the basic realization that even the most well-crafted or well-designed health interventions cannot succeed without a strengthened health system that encompasses improvements in healthcare service provision, utilization, quality and efficiency of healthcare services delivered including adoption of healthy behaviours and practices. The Health Minister further stated that the health sector adds direct economic value by expanding the number of jobs, investing in infrastructure projects and purchasing supplies needed for health-care delivery.

Shri Nadda informed the participants that the National Health Policy, 2017 adopted by India is well aligned with the SDG-3 targets.

The new policy enunciates health in all policies, comprehensive primary healthcare, organisation of public healthcare delivery, improving vaccines and drug security and progressive movement towards universal health coverage," Shri Nadda stated. Shri Nadda further added that the National Health Mission (NHM), one of the largest health programmes in the world, represents the prime vehicle to achieve the SDG-3, and in its next phase is aligning its goals with the National Health Policy 2017 and the SDG-3.

Highlighting the achievements of India in the health sector, Shri Nadda stated that India has expanded the number of vaccines under Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) and launched Mission Indradhanush aimed at expanding coverage by reaching the unreached. India has taken various measures to augment both number, quality and skill mix and geographical distribution to address shortage of critical health human resource such as increasing medical seats, upgradation of District Hospitals to Medical colleges in underserved areas, establishing new AIIMS, Shri Nadda elaborated.

The Health Minister further informed that free dialysis services are provided free of cost to the poor under the recently launched Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme which is on Public Private Partnership mode. The proposed National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS) envisages inclusion of preventive care, robust IT platform, strong grievance redressal mechanism in addition to expanding both population and benefit coverage and providing an additional coverage to senior citizens, Shri Nadda said.

Shri Nadda also stated that to address the growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) on account of premature mortality and morbidity, India has launched a universal population-based free screening, control and management programme for five common NCDs that is envisaged to translate into one of the largest population based screening and management programmes in the world in next few years.

Reiterating the commitment of the Government of India, the Health Minister said that India stands unwavering in its commitment towards synergizing collaboration with BRICS countries especially through the BRICS Framework for Collaboration on Strategic Projects in Health
Two-day Regional Conference on Good Governance and Replication of Best Practices in Governance begins in Nainital tomorrow

A 2-day Regional Conference on Good Governance and Replication of Best Practices will begin in Nainital, Uttarakhand tomorrow. Organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Government of India in collaboration with Government of Uttarakhand, the Conference will be inaugurated by Secretary, DARPG, Shri C. Viswanath. The Conference is an effort to create a common platform to share experiences in the formulation and implementation of citizen centric governance, improved public service delivery through e-Governance, transparent, accountable and citizen-friendly effective administration. Delegates from 12 States and four UTs of Northern, Western and Central Region will be participating in the conference. The Chief Minister, Uttarakhand, Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh will be addressing the participants during the Valedictory Session on Saturday, July 8, 2017. As per the programme schedule, three sessions will be held during the conference. In the first session on July 7,

2017,

two presentations will be made: one on the Paperless Himachal Legislative Assembly and another on Good Governance Index. This will be followed by a panel discussion in the second session on July 8

, 2017

on Good Governance Index. Two presentations will also be made on the day on: Startup India (T-Hub) and Innovations on Rural Solid Waste Management. In the third session, there will be two presentations on: Stand-Up India and e-National Agriculture Market.

A brief presentation on Exemplary Initiatives in the state of Uttarakhand will be made in the Inaugural Session.

The DARPG has so far organised 25 such regional conferences to share experiences in the formulation and successful implementation of good governance practices and to facilitate speedy and efficient delivery of public services. The event brings together national and state level organisations along with other stakeholders including intelligentsia and media on the same platform.
Airbus has signed an agreement to sell 140 aircraft to China, it said on Wednesday, in a deal worth almost $23 billion at list prices.

The agreement, signed during a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Germany, is for 100 A320 family aircraft and 40 A350 planes, Airbus said.

"It's one of the biggest deals that we've signed in a long time," Airbus Group Chief Executive Tom Enders told journalists after signing the deal in Berlin.

The planes will be purchased by state-owned China Aviation Supplies Holding Company, which will then allocate them to Chinese airlines.

The A320 planes will be a mixture of the older CEO and the new NEO version with revamped engines, while the majority of the A350 orders are for the -900 model. The deal is flexible pending negotiations with the airlines.

Enders said he expected up to 50 per cent of the A320 family planes would come from the Airbus final assembly line in China.

Enders was making his first public appearance since Airbus rolled out a new structure, completing a recent merger between its parent company and its dominant planemaking arm, changes which included a shift in the reporting line for its commercial sales team to Enders.

Enders said the shift in reporting lines for the sales team reflected the fact that commercial aircraft head Fabrice Bregier had been given more tasks in his new role as group-wide chief operating officer.

With orders slowing and the focus shifting to the backlog, Enders said the shake-up allows Bregier to concentrate on deliveries.

"This is merely a burden sharing mechanism because the focus should be on execution and this is what it's all about," Enders said.

"We have plenty of challenges on the execution side, be it the transition to the NEO, the ramp-up of the A320 family, the 350 family, not to mention the A400M, which is not entirely solved," he said.

Enders also said the group was in talks with the Chinese over the A380 superjumbo, which has suffered slow sales.

"It won't happen overnight. It has to be intensively discussed," he said.
Four Arab states refrained on Wednesday from slapping further sanctions on Qatar but voiced disappointment at its "negative" response to their demands and said their boycott of the tiny Gulf nation would continue.
firms should not be forced by regulators to change location after Britain leaves the European Union in 2019, Andrew Bailey, chief executive of the UK's Financial Conduct Authority said on Thursday. Banks, insurers and asset managers based in Britain are already making contingency plans to shift some operations to continental Europe after Brexit takes effect in case access to the EU single market is closed off. But Bailey said Britain and the EU are in a position to preserve free trade for financial services, meaning such moves need not happen. "Firms should be able to take their own decisions on where they locate, subject to appropriate regulatory arrangements being in place which preserve the public interest," Bailey said, in his first major speech on Brexit since Britain triggered the formal EU divorce proceedings in March.
The West's three biggest energy corporations are lobbying Qatar to take part in a huge expansion of its gas production, handing Doha an unintended but timely boost in its bitter dispute with Gulf Arab neighbours.

ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell and Total already have large investments in countries on both sides of the dispute and are keen not to take sides after Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed ties with Doha on June 5.

Here are some facts about oil which operate in the Gulf countries involved in the rift:

EXXONMOBIL

Qatar

The US oil major's relationship with Qatar goes back to 1935 when it was known as Socony-Vacuum, and later Mobil.

It helped to develop the North Field, the world's biggest gas field, and supplied Qatar with technology to make it the top competitor in the LNG market.

Qatar's LNG production is divided between two companies, Qatargas and Rasgas. State oil company Qatar Petroleum (QP) owns a majority stake in both.

RasGas is 70 per cent-owned by QP and 30 per cent-owned by ExxonMobil, while Qatargas is owned by a consortium including QP, ExxonMobil, Total, Mitsui, Marubeni, ConocoPhillips and Royal Dutch Shell.

ExxonMobil is also the only foreign participant in two domestic gas projects, Al-Khaleej Gas and Barzan Gas.



Saudi Arabia

ExxonMobil is one of the largest foreign investors in Saudi Arabia, with more than 3,000 Saudi nationals working in the joint ventures in which the U.S. oil major participates. These range from petrochemicals manufacturing to petroleum refining.

The company began working with Saudi Arabia in 1927 and owned a stake in the state oil giant Saudi Aramco before it was fully nationalised in the 1980s.

ExxonMobil has been a partner with Aramco in several major projects over the years including building the East-West Pipeline (Petroline) linking the Eastern Province fields with Yanbu on the Red Sea and the SAMREF refinery in Yanbu, which is equally-owned by Aramco and a subsidiary of Exxon.

It is also a partner with SABIC in two petrochemical joint ventures - Saudi Yanbu Petrochemical Company (YANPET), and Al-Jubail Petrochemical Company (KEMYA).

The UAE

ExxonMobil was awarded the first oil concession in Abu Dhabi, now the capital of the UAE, in 1939.

Exxon is now developing the Upper Zakum offshore oilfield through a joint venture, Zakum Development Company (ZADCO), with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. ADNOC has a 60 percent stake, while Exxon owns 28 percent and Japan's Jodco 12 percent.

The US company also markets lubricants and petrochemicals for the Middle East and North Africa region out of its office in Dubai.

TOTAL

Qatar

The French oil major has been working with Qatar since 1936 through cooperation with Qatar Petroleum in developing LNG, refining and petrochemicals projects.

Total is one of the main partners of Qatargas, the world's largest LNG producer, owning stakes in Qatargas 1 and Qatargas 2. It is a main shareholder in the Dolphin Energy pipeline which transfers natural gas from Qatar to the UAE and Oman.

It has joint ventures with Qatar Petroleum to develop the Al-Khalij and Al-Shaheen oil fields. Total Refining & Petrochemicals has stakes in both Qatar Petrochemicals Company (QAPCO), operating a petrochemical complex manufacturing ethylene and low-density polyethylene, and QATOFIN. Total is a partner in the Ras Laffan refinery and also sells lubricants.

Saudi Arabia

Total has been present in Saudi Arabia for almost 40 years and is a main player in the downstream sector. The French company has a 51 percent stake in the Saudi Total Petroleum Products joint venture, which manufactures and retails lubricants and specialty products.

It owns a 37.5 per cent stake in the SATORP joint venture  a 400,000 barrels per day refining and petrochemicals complex in Jubail  with Saudi Aramco owning the remaining 62.5 per cent.

The UAE

Since 1939, Total has been working with the majority of Abu Dhabi's oil and gas operating and other energy firms: ADCO, ADMA-OPCO, ADGAS, GASCO, FERTIL, Taweelah A1, Shams 1 and Dolphin Energy.

It has a 10 per cent stake in a 40-year onshore concession to help develop Abu Dhabi's biggest oilfields.



Iran

Total signed a 20-year contract with Iran this week to develop the giant South Pars gas field, which it shares with Qatar. The deal is the first major Western energy investment since sanctions against Tehran were lifted.

Total will be the operator with a 50.1 per cent stake in South Pars. The first stage will cost around $2 billion.

SHELL

Qatar

Shell said it is the biggest investor in Qatar, surpassing Exxon. It is in partnership with Qatar Petroleum in projects covering LNG production, gas to liquids (GTL), shipping, exploration and petrochemicals.

One of Shell's main investments in Qatar is Pearl Gas-to-Liquids in Ras Laffan, the largest GTL plant in the world.

The company also own a 30 percent stake in Qatargas 4, an integrated LNG production facility together with Qatar Petroleum, and is the shipping and maritime services provider for QatarGas Transport Company (Nakilat).

Saudi Arabia

Shell has a diverse business with Saudi Arabia. It has a stake in SASREF, a 50:50 joint venture refinery at Jubail with a crude oil refining capacity of 305,000 bpd, and a partnership with SABIC through its SADAF joint venture.

It also has a joint venture that markets and sells Shell lubricants and another that handles aviation re-fueling operations in the kingdom.

The UAE

Shell currently does not own a direct stake in UAE's oil or gas fields as talks with ADNOC to renew its 40-year oil concession stalled. However, the company has its regional headquarters in Dubai, through which it manages its businesses in the Middle East.

* Other foreign such as Occidental have operations in both Qatar and the UAE, while ConocoPhillips also owns interests in Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

* Trading houses including the world's biggest names such as Vitol, Trafigura and Glencore also have business interests with all the countries locked in the political crisis.

* Asian countries such as China, India, South Korea and Japan are major buyers of crude, condensate and LNG from the Middle East producers.

(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.)
Massive German police forces were deployed in Hamburg as protest against G20 summit resulted in clashes with security forces on Thursday, on the eve of the G20 summit in Hamburg.

The "Welcome to Hell" rally kicked off on Thursday afternoon, Xinhua news agency reported.

Police had to use water cannon, pepper sprays and batons to disperse the demonstrators.

Hamburg police said on its Twitter account that the number of protesters rose to 12,000 in the evening. Police called on all peaceful demonstrators to distance themselves from these violent protesters.

"Violent men equip themselves with scaffolds and stones. We are appalled at the obvious violence," the Hamburg police said. A burning car was reported.

In various places in Altona and St. Pauli in Hamburg, attacks on police forces and property damage were reported, Hamburg police said on Twitter, adding the figure of the injured is not yet known.
Arab nations isolating Qatar met in Egypt on Wednesday to discussed how to go forward. On the day of a critical deadline, there was no sign of compromise from either side. The bloc had demanded that Qatar yield to 13 demands. The Qatari response hasnt been publicised, but Saudi Arabia and its allies arent likely to accept it, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said on Tuesday. Qatar has said the conditions to end the standoff were deliberately framed to be unacceptable, and Saudi Arabia has called them non-negotiable. The isolation is hurting Qatar and has created a new source of tension in a region already convulsed by conflict. Qatars stock market has lost about $15 billion in market value, or 10 per cent, since June 5. Here is a look at how the isolation is hurting Qatar:








AG is preparing to move large parts of the trading and investment-banking assets it currently books in London to its hometown of Frankfurt in response to Britains exit from the European Union, people familiar with the matter said.
Margaret Atwoods novel The Handmaids Tale has remained popular since its publication in 1985. It has been translated into dozens of languages, made into a film in 1990, and even became a ballet and an opera. It is read in schools the world over. Most recently, there has been a new wave of interest in the dystopian story thanks to the TV adaptation by MGM and Hulu.
More than 500 civilians were evacuated in the last 24 hours from Western Mosul amidst clashes between Islamic State terrorists and the Iraqi Army.

Many of the civilians also suffered serious injuries while fleeing the Old City district, Anadolu quoted Colonel Ahmad Hashim as saying on Thursday.

On Wednesday, the Iraqi army recaptured two more neighborhoods in western Mosul from the ISIS terrorist group.

However, the terrorist group still controls a number of neighborhoods where lakhs of civilians are still stuck in residences.

The Iraqi military remains engaged in a wide-ranging campaign, which began last October, to recapture Mosul.

In mid-2014, ISIS overran the city, which now represents the embattled terrorist group's last stronghold in northern Iraq.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Our childhood always remains with us; even the changing dates and calendars of time cannot wash off those memories.

Director Anurag Basu, with his upcoming release, proves this fact, while explaining the inspiration behind the creation of 'Jagga Jasoos.'

Basu shares that during his childhood, 'The adventures of Tintin' had always been his favourite comic. He says, "When I was a child, I had stacks of Tintin's comics in my room".

The noticed similarities between the comic character Tintin and Ranbir's 'Jagga Jasoos' look created an upsurge among the fans and media.

When asked about Ranbir's peculiar look in the movie, Basu stated, "I wanted to give Ranbir a unique hairdo. This look wasn't my first choice.

When we started trying out different looks, there was one we liked, but it did not make him look very child-like, which was an essential. No other look, apart from this one, matched our narrative. It's a coincidence that it is the same as that of Tintin".

Adding, "I used to love adventure stories when I was a kid. The setting and details of such stories often stay at the back of your mind and resurface when you are creating something of your own. Jagga Jasoos is my childhood playing on the screen".

Disney and Pictures shuru Production's 'Jagga Jasoos,' directed by Anurag Basu, is all set to release on July 14, 2017.

According to the director, a story like 'Jagga Jasoos' was an essential for Bollywood, he says, "During my children's vacation, I am compelled to show them Hollywood films that cater to children, because Bollywood doesn't produce sufficient films for them. So, I wanted to make a film that children can enjoy, one that the entire family can watch and enjoy together. I sincerely believe we should make films that cater to all. It's tough, but we should try".

The released trailers of the film and the songs have already aroused a place in the hearts of the audience, creating a spur of excitement among the people.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Lame Deer man accused of sexually assaulting a person admitted federal charges on Wednesday.

Drew Dudley John Fisher, 19, pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual abuse as charged in an indictment in U.S. District Court in Billings. The prosecution did not offer a plea agreement.

The abuse happened on Dec. 1, 2015, in Lame Deer, the prosecution said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Chad Spraker said the victim had fallen asleep in Fishers bedroom after having a cup of beer and awoke to Fisher pinning her arms, trying to pull down her pants and choking her until she passed out.

The next thing the victim remembered was Fisher having sex with her, Spraker said. Fisher then left the room and the victim left the residence, he said.

When interviewed by law enforcement in February 2016, Fisher initially denied having sex with the victim but later admitted he did and claimed the sex was consensual. He later admitted the sex was not consensual, Spraker said.

Fisher faces a maximum of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.

U.S. District Judge Susan Watters set sentencing for Oct. 12. Fisher remains in custody.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has integrated the country by bringing the states together and instilling uniformity in the taxation system.

The Finance Minister, who also paid his tribute to Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee on his birth anniversary, lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of integrating the country financially through the introduction of the .

"The nation was integrated politically, not economically. With the GST, the states have come together and there is now a tax uniformity across the states. Moving from one tax authority to another is also a form of harassment of taxpayers. With the new tax regime, things will be simplified," he said, while addressing the GST-Delhi Sambodhan event here.

Jaitley also asserted that the GST, which is being discussed worldwide, will also help in curtailing corruption and ensure greater tax compliance.

"All states and union territories complied with the GST, except Jammu and Kashmir. The States and the Centre made their norms and powers respectively. However, in the council meetings, it was decided that the governance will be done jointly, so that the cooperation between the two would increase," he said.

"I had written to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and told her that she will have to face the consequences of not complying with the . It is better if they understand the importance of financial integration. I had told her that taxes would be levied on all products, and therefore, goods would become more expensive. Therefore, I asked her to think of whether she wants to deny compliance or help her natives," Jaitley added.

He also added that with the new tax regime, India has now been integrated into a single-tax market. Taxpayers will also not have to approach multiple tax authorities to file returns, since only one tax filing has to be taken up. Taxpayers who comply with the norms will also be given their assessment forms online itself, thus reducing their direct contact with tax authorities.

Talking about the production of commodities, Jaitley asserted that the price of raw materials come built into the price of the finished product, and if a tax is paid on the same, one can avail returns on it, thus reducing the chances of double taxation.

This, according to Jaitley, will make commodities cheaper.

"A tax on a commodity is levied including input credit. However, a percentage of it is reduced, which is then reimbursed as returns," added Jaitley.

Launching an attack on the Congress, Jaitley said although they supported the entire journey of the GST, they were 'nervous' towards the end of the outcome.

"The Congress supported us throughout the journey and attended all council meetings. But towards the end, they got nervous. Somewhere, they felt that this would not be successful," he said, adding that the success would not be possible without the backing of the Prime Minister Modi.

The Finance Minister also said any problems with the implementation should be immediately raised so that they are rectified.

(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.)
A team of Chinese experts will arrive in Pakistan in a few days to shape up their country's investment plans for Special Economic Zones (SEZs) of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

A preparatory meeting chaired by Pakistan's Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday reviewed the availability of land and infrastructure and the investment plans for the SEZs of the CPEC.

The meeting was attended by representatives from PoK (Pakistan occupied Kashmir), Gilgit-Baltistan, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Board of Investment Chairman Miftah Ismail.

Citing sources, the Dawn reported that the minister was not impressed with the presentations made by the provincial governments to attract Chinese investment.

Iqbal asked the representatives to come up with detailed and profitable schemes for the zones to make it look more attractive to investors.

The representatives of the provinces gave presentation regarding the prospective zones and the updated availability of facilities in the their region during the meeting.

According the report, the meeting was informed that nine SEZs would be set up in all the provinces and other regions.

The two SEZs, including the development of an industrial park on Pakistan Steel Mills land at Port Qasim, near Karachi will be setup by the Pakistan government itself.

The Chinese experts, who are the part of Joint Industrial Working Group, would discuss the incentives for the investors and the feasibility of the SEZ sites during their Pakistan visit.

"Chinese investment will augment our industrial capacity through state-of-the-art technology and expertise, enabling our productivity" the Dawn quoted Iqbal as saying.

He urged local businessmen to engage with their Chinese counterparts and develop joint ventures that would provide opportunities of transfer of knowledge and experience.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
After Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a "weak PM" for not raising the issue of H-1B visas with United States, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday lashed out at the former asserting that the Congress Party can never win because of their negative tactics.

Speaking to ANI, saffron party leader G.V.L. Narsimha Rao said, "The problem is with Congress Party and their negative tactics. Whether you pick Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Robert Vadra or Sonia Gandhi the defeat of this Congress led opposition is certain. They will continue to lose polls in the future, because on one hand we have Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is conquering the world and establishing new frontiers for the country. While, the Opposition is running a completely negative agenda just to derail the government. Rahul or no Rahul.the defeat of the Congress is certain".

Yesterday, Rahul Gandhi called Narendra Modi a weak PM for not raising the issue of H-1B visas with United States President Donald Trump and not acting against the usage of the term Indian- administered Kashmir by the US.

Rahul Gandhi took to twitter and said 'H-1B didn't figure in Modi-Trump talks' and 'MEA accepts US use of 'administered Kashmir'.

Later in the day, the Congress also criticised PM Modi's US visit, saying it was merely a photo opportunity and the main issues were bypassed.

The Congress today tweeted, "While it was a great photo opportunity, the main issues were bypassed on Narendra Modi's trip to the United States. #Unfruitful #WeakModi." It also posted a picture captioned 'no priority for Indian interests' along with the tweet.

"PM Modi should have made an effort to ensure that issues of visas and the tech industry were discussed," it tweeted.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Union Health Minister J.P.Nadda on Thursday while addressing the audience at (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) BRICS meet said that cooperation between countries for traditional medicine will strengthen the friendship amongst the nations of the group.

Nadda said that cooperation between BRICS nations in medicine will promote health of people of all countries.

"Cooperation among BRICS nations for traditional medicine will promote friendship among the nations and promote health of all our people," said Nadda.

Leaders of the BRICS will also hold informal talks on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit next week in Hamburg.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit on July 7 in Hamburg, Germany, amid escalating tensions between both nations.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, and Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan on Thursday signed a "political agreement" in Brussels where they agreed to a free trade pact ahead of the G-20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany.

The leaders met in Brussels on Thursday for the 24th Summit between the European Union (EU) and Japan and issued a statement.

"The highly ambitious and comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement will consolidate our solid and evolving trade and economic partnership and pave the way for the future. It will bring our two economies closer by addressing issues related to market access for goods, services and investment, procurement including railways, as well as those related to non-tariff measures and the protection of geographical indications as well as intellectual property rights," the statement read.

The accord will allow E.U. and Japan to renew and strengthen their joint commitment to international standards for an even closer cooperation in the future. "At the same time, with this agreement in principle of the Economic Partnership Agreement, Europe and Japan demonstrate to the - and to our citizens - that free trade, with clear and transparent rules fully respecting and enhancing our values, remains an important tool to promote prosperity in our societies. The EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement will constitute the basis for a strategic partnership for free and fair trade, against protectionism," the agreement said.

The leaders of the EU and Japan met in Brussels to reaffirm the strength of their Strategic Partnership and will demonstrate their resolve to work together for peace, prosperity and a rules-based international order. "We remain united by our common values of democracy and the rule of law and by our determination to promote together an open and fair global economy that benefits everyone. These are the foundations of our political and economic Strategic Partnership for peace, prosperity and a rules-based international order - serving to unite us bilaterally and also to make us stronger internationally." the accord further said.

Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Strategic Partnership between the EU and Japan as we celebrate the agreement in principle of the Economic Partnership Agreement and the Strategic Partnership Agreement at political level.

"We tasked our respective negotiating teams with a rapid finalisation of the agreement that would allow for the internal procedures to start soon, both in the EU and in Japan.With shared responsibility for achieving peace, stability and prosperity of the world, Japan and the EU also reached agreement in principle of the Strategic Partnership Agreement. This will provide a framework for an even deeper and more strategic EU-Japan cooperation that enables our partnership to grow and to face new types of challenges.At a time where the rules-based international order is under increasing pressure, the Economic Partnership Agreement and the Strategic Partnership Agreement recapture the shared values and common principles that form the foundation of the EU-Japan partnership, including human rights, democracy and the rule of law," The joint statement of E.U and Japan stated.

The leaders stated that they took the opportunity before attending the G20 Hamburg Summit tomorrow to discuss their cooperation in other important areas, including on their joint efforts to address the global threat of climate change and other international challenges.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
To revitalize and steer Indo-Israel economic and investment relations, the first formal meeting of India-Israel CEOs forum was organized here on Thursday to coincide with the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel.

Pankaj Patel, President, FICCI and Chairman, Zydus-Cadila Healthcare Ltd and Indian Co-Chair of the Forum, led a 16-member delegation of Indian CEOs to participate in the CEOs forum meeting.

Patel said, "The India-Israel CEOs Forum has been constituted at the time when we are commemorating 25 years of our relationship to extend an institutionalized platform to harness the economic complementarities of our vibrant economies for collectively staking claim to global and investment opportunities. The presence of top CEOs from both the countries as Forum members would add needed operational vision for them to undertake harmonized efforts for realizing cooperation in developing new and innovative areas of collaboration".

It is a very exhilarating for me to share that during this historic visit of our Prime Minister to Israel, 12 MoUs are signed between Indian and Israeli companies. The most of these Indian companies signing MOUs are also their CEOs as part of the India Israel CEOs Forum."

Shraga Brosh, President of Manufacturers Association of Israel and Chairman, Presidium of Organization and Co-Chair from the Forum from Israeli side, said: "We have identified great opportunities for Israeli companies in India in sectors such as transport infrastructure, including roads, railways, civil aviation and traffic management systems, smart cities, renewable energies, water and environment, automotive, food, naval and aerospace industries, and defense. In all these sectors, identified as a priority by the Indian government, we count on leading companies at global level that will be able to contribute to the economic development of India."

During the Forum meeting, Invest India which is India's National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency and promoted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, shared that a dedicated desk has been set-up in their organization to promote Israeli investments into India and partnerships between India and Israel. It will act as a single window agency providing comprehensive services for all Indo- Israel ventures.

Post the meeting, the CEOs Forum members called on Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu, and Co-Chair from both sides submitted a brief meeting outcome report to them for developing future course of economic engagements.

The forum identified and stressed on the need to realize opportunities in focus sectors identified during the first meeting of CEO's Forum. There was a consensus that the current trade volume amounting to just over USD 4 billion, has the potential to reach USD 20 billion in the next five years. To realize this goal, the Forum underlined key recommendations to two Head of States.

Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) from India and Manufacturers' Association of Israel (MAOI) have been mandated to be the technical secretariat for the India-Israel CEO's Forum.

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India and Israel have committed to increase the amount of trade volume from existing USD 4 billion to USD 20 billion over the next five years. To realize this goal, the CEO's Forum of both countries signed 12 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the field of pharma, life-sciences, digital technologies, IT & ITES, start-ups and innovation, defence and homeland security.

"It is a very exhilarating for me to share that during this historic visit of our Prime Minister to Israel, 12 MoUs are signed between Indian and Israeli companies. The most of these Indian companies signing MOUs are also their CEOs as part of the India Israel CEOs Forum," said Pankaj Patel, President, FICCI and Chairman, Zydus-Cadila Healthcare Ltd and Indian Co-Chair of the Forum who led a 16-member delegation of Indian CEOs to participate in the CEOs Forum Meeting.

Shraga Brosh, President of Manufacturers Association of Israel and Chairman, Presidium of Organization and Co-Chair from the Forum from Israeli side, said: "We have identified great opportunities for Israeli companies in India in sectors such as transport infrastructure, including roads, railways, civil aviation and traffic management systems, smart cities, renewable energies, water and environment, automotive, food, naval and aerospace industries, and defense. In all these sectors, identified as a priority by the Indian government, we count on leading companies at global level that will be able to contribute to the economic development of India."

To revitalize and steer Indo- Israel economic and investment relations, the first formal meeting of India-Israel CEOs forum was organized on July 6, 2017 in Tel-Aviv coinciding with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel. The most of the companies who have signed MOUs are also part of the India Israel CEOs Forum.

"The India-Israel CEOs Forum has been constituted at the time when we are commemorating 25 years of our relationship to extend an institutionalized platform to harness the economic complementarities of our vibrant economies for collectively staking claim to global and investment opportunities. The presence of top CEOs from both the countries as Forum members would add needed operational vision for them to undertake harmonized efforts for realizing cooperation in developing new and innovative areas of collaboration," said Patel.

During the Forum meeting, Invest India which is India's National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency and promoted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, shared that a dedicated desk has been set-up in their organization to promote Israeli investments into India and partnerships between India and Israel. It will act as a single window agency providing comprehensive services for all Indo- Israel ventures.

Post the meeting, the CEOs Forum members called on Indian PM Narendra Modi and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Co-Chair from both sides submitted a brief meeting outcome report to them for developing future course of economic engagements.

Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) from India and Manufacturers' Association of Israel (MAOI) have been mandated to be the technical secretariat for the India-Israel CEO's Forum. The Forum identified and stressed on the need to realize opportunities in focus sectors identified during the first meeting of CEO's Forum.

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After China alleged that India is misleading the public over the Sikkim standoff, defence experts on Thursday stated that Beijing was stopped by New Delhi for making a road, which clearly poses a threat to the country.

Speaking to ANI, defence expert P.K. Saighal said, "China now clearly realizes that it has dug itself into a groove. It's very embarrassing situation where they have landed themselves.India will no way allow them to build the road at all cost. China cannot be allowed to get out of it, but can only pull back them for safety. India has no other option but to see that China does not built this road".

Echoing similar views, another expert Praful Bakshi said, "It is admitted that China is building the road in the Bhutan territory and both the countries have an understanding that they will stand by each other in case there is an encroachment in its territories. China at the most seems to be very serious and is stating to the world that India is misleading and not them."

Yesterday, China accused India of misleading the public by saying that Chinese troops are building a road in the Sikkim sector, which could endanger India's access to the north- eastern states.

India has expressed concern over the road building, apprehending that it may allow Chinese troops to cut India's access to its northeastern states.

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Japan is looking to explore market potential in South-East Asia.

The Prime Minister of Japan along with its Vietnamese counterpart participated in the Japan-Vietnam Investment conference, titled "Toward a New Era of Japan and Vietnam Economic Relations."

In addition, the AEON World Festival Vietnam Fair was held, for the third time, at the AEON Mall in Japan.

AEON, which has been actively expanding its in Vietnam, signed a memorandum of investment and promotion with the Hanoi city government.

At the fair, all kinds of Vietnamese products were displayed. Exchanges between Vietnamese staff and the local populace attending the fair were a success.

Yasuo Nishitohge, General Director, AEON Vietnam Co., Ltd., said, "The city of Hanoi and AEON have signed a memorandum of understanding to become partners in the promotion of imports and exports to both countries."

Nishitohge further added that "we would like to import these wonderful products of Hanoi to Japan and provide these products to Japanese through AEON. Our AEON group has been setting up stores throughout each Asian country. I appreciate that we have lots of customers who visit and support our stores. In the future, we aim to create a shopping experience that pleases our customers".

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Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Israel visit, saying that forming an 'anti-terrorism ally with a terrorist state' is not a fun thing to do.

In a Facebook post, Vijayan said that the Indians have always supported the Palestinians, who have been always suppressed by Israel.

"India's mind is against the Israeli outrage that is branded as a threat to the Palestinian people's struggle to survive in their own soil. Zionist aims not only to build the Jews of the Jews but also to completely eliminate Palestine. Recognizing this, the Indian people have always supported Palestine resistance," his Facebook post read.

Linking the 'Sangh's' ideology with that of Israel, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) leader said the unity of despotism, hatred and civil liberties have become unanimous.

"It is because of the mood of the Sangh Parivar that we live in front of the gunfire of the Israeli Army, Unity in the Modi-Netanyahu joint statement is unity between the Sangh Parivar and Zionism ideologies. The unity of despotism, hatred and civil liberties became unanimous," it read.

Here is a translation of Vijayan's Facebook post:

It is not fun to use a "anti-terrorist" ally with a terrorist state that is killing innocent people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel has been transformed into a strategic partnership with Israel's global advisers Israel and transformed the US-Israeli-India axis into a strategic partnership.

India's mind is against the Israeli outrage that is branded as a threat to the Palestinian people's struggle to survive in their own soil. Zionist aims not only to build the Jews of the Jews but also to completely eliminate Palestine. Recognizing this, the Indian people have always supported Palestine resistance.

India is also the opposite of a non-aligned nation, with the Israeli policy of denying citizenship to the Palestinians and continuing to pursue the racist lounges without considering UN resolutions and internationally. From this point of view, the slogan of the Narendra Modi has changed.

It is because of the mood of the Sangh Parivar that we live in front of the gunfire of the Israeli army, Unity in the Modi-Netanyahu joint statement is unity between the Sangh Parivar and Zionism ideologies. The unity of despotism, hatred and civil liberties became unanimous.

Modi's visit to Israel is a huge celebration in the background of democratic states ignoring the invasion of Israel in close proximity to Israel. The Zionist sympathetic attitude of Narendra Modi without visiting Ramadama, the head of the Palestine Authority, continued to support Israel from indirectly supporting Israeli UN resolutions condemning Israel's human rights violation.

India, living in different religions, can never accept the path of Zionism.

The decline of the Zionist nation and cruelty can be seen as a blind way for the RSS's communal agenda to gain acceptability.

Israel has now become the leading nation in the world after India.

The profit from arms sales is being used to suppress the Palestinian people. It is a dangerous indication that helplessness for colonizing the occupying forces is a signal. In the name of food and religion, these are the politics of hatred which points to the way out of the country. People have a strong emotion towards this tendency.

After concluding his three-day visit to Israel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi headed to Germany to attend the G-20 Summit.

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American television personality Lauren Conrad welcomed his baby boy, Liam James, with husband William Tell.

'The Hills' star confirmed the news by posting an embroidered image of her new family, including the couple's two dogs on her Instagram account.

The image was captioned as, "He's here! We're so excited to welcome Liam James Tell into the world!"

He's here! We're so excited to welcome Liam James Tell into the world! A post shared by Lauren Conrad (@laurenconrad) on Jul 5, 2017 at 6:09pm PDT

This is the first child for Conrad and Tell, who got married on September 13, 2014 in California.

On January 1, the fashion designer announced via her Instagram account, stating that she and her husband were expecting a baby.

Conrad got her start on MTV's "Laguna Beach" before getting her own reality show, "The Hills," which ran from 2006 to 2010.

She now runs a lifestyle and fashion website.

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Liquor baron Vijay Mallya on Thursday, when asked why he ran away from the Indian judiciary, remained defiant on his decamping to the U.K., and responded by saying he has "been living in England since 1992."

On being urged further to answer the questions posed, Mallya said, "I came to the court for the same."

The Westminster Magistrates' Court in London today heard the extradition case of absconding businessman Vijay Mallya.

Next hearing in the case is to be held on September 14 at 2 p.m.

A special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court yesterday issued a fresh non-bailable warrant against Mallya, as it took cognizance of the complaint filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

ED had filed the first charge sheet against the liquor baron and others in the IDBI-KFA bank loan money laundering case.

Earlier, in March 2016, the ED had a filed a complaint under the PMLA.

Earlier, a London court had granted Mallya bail and after coming out of the court, an embattled Mallya said "You can keep dreaming about the billion pounds, but there's no proof."

"Do you have the facts? You cannot prove anything without facts," he added.

Speaking to media before his extradition hearing, Mallya had said, "I deny all allegations, I have enough evidence to prove my case in court."

Britain's Crown Prosecution Service argued the extradition case on India's behalf. A joint CBI-ED team went to London in June with documents to bolster the Crown's case.

Mallya owes as much as Rs. 9,000 crore to Indian banks. He was declared arrested in absentia on April 18 after India made a formal extradition request for him on February 8.

The 61-year-old chief of the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines fled India on March 2, 2016, has been living in Britain, mostly, since then.

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Manchester United had agreed a deal to sign Everton striker Romelu Lukaku for a fee of 75 million pound.

The Reds are confident of pushing through the deal before the weekend so that Lukaku can fly out with the rest of the team to the United States on Sunday.

The 24-year-old Belgium striker scored 25 goals last season in the Premier League.

He will be United's second summer signing after the arrival of Benfica's Swedish centre-back Victor Lindelof for 31 million pound, reports the Guardian.

The move, if pushed through, can be a massive blow for the Blues whose manager, Antonio Conte, had identified Lukaku early on as his main reinforcement up front.

As per reports, Conte has spoken to Lukaku over recent weeks. The Belgian has become one of the Premier League's most prolific strikers in his three seasons at Goodison Park, scoring 71 goals in 133 games.

The Premier League champions were keeping close tabs on Andrea Belotti earlier this summer and supporters are keen for Antonio Conte to step up his interest in the Torino hitman once again.

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The minority Hindu community in Pakistan, it seems, continues to face discrimination, prejudice and intolerance.

Recently, dozens of Hindu families living in Haroonabad area of Bahawalnagar district in Pakistan's Punjab province were asked to vacate their homes by June 28.

According to a report in The Nation, a notification was forwarded to residents of Chak 72/4R, asking them to vacate their homes immediately.

".You people have been living here at Jarnali Sarak (The Grand Trunk Road) illegally for a long time and it has been notified on June 13, 2017 that these houses will be vacated because you are illegal occupants of this property," The Nation quoted the notification, as saying.

"In other case the government property will be vacated with government's force," the notification further said.

Minority Hindus make up more than one per cent of Pakistan's 180 million-strong population, and have been facing discrimination in an Islamic-dominant Pakistan since the partition of the Indian subcontinent in August 1947.

It is alleged that this coercive removal of Hindus is being done under pressure from the owners of a housing scheme who want to build the front gate by demolishing the houses of Hindus, who have been living there for the last three decades.

Protest demonstrations against the notification and the local administration have been going on. The Punjab government has been asked to stop the local administration from getting the houses vacated.

Residents have claimed that there is an under hand agreement between the local administration and the owners of the housing society on this matter.

Pakistan Muslim League (Zia) and Bahawalnagar-IV MNA Ijaz-ul-Haq has said he will look into the matter and provide complete assistance to people.

Society of Hindu Balmiki Mandar (SHBM) president (Haroonabad) Harbans Lal Sultani said 69 Hindu families have been living on government designated land called 'Jurnaili Murabba' since 1987 on the written orders of the then Bahawalnagar commissioner.

He added that allotment of five marlas to each Hindu family was completed when the Pakistan People's Party was in power 1995.

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The Conference on Thursday asserted that the 'vague, ambiguous and anti-people resolution passed by the State legislature to extend the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to Jammu and Kashmir' was an unequivocal compromise with the special status of the state and amounts to a surrender of the fiscal autonomy of the state as guaranteed by the Constitution of India.

With this, the party decided to boycott the remaining part of the legislative session as a protest against the Government's machinations to trample the aspirations of the people by demolishing the State's special status.

In a meeting of the party's core group chaired by party president Farooq Abdullah, the Conference apex political forum observed that the statement of the State Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu on the floor of the house terming the Article 370 of the Constitution of India as an obstruction to the development and progress of the state, "reflects the machinations of the ruling dispensation against the special political and constitutional identity of Jammu and Kashmir."

The party said it is evident that the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has committed its total support to the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) ideological design to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution of India.

The Conference (NC) warned the PDP-BJP Government that this misadventure is going to have wider ramifications and dangerous consequences.

"In the garb of evolving a 'consensus', the State Government called a special session of the legislature to commit a monumental fraud on the people of Jammu and Kashmir by not explaining the contours of the safeguards in the GST regime that they have been repeatedly talking about over the last more than a month. The ruling alliance has used their majority in the legislature to muzzle the voice that reflected the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir on this crucial and sensitive issue", the party said.

The party dubbed the BJP state chief Sat Sharma's statement on the floor of the House that the GST implementation was "the biggest slap on the face of the separatists", as a glaring contradiction of earlier assertions made by the PDP-BJP alliance claiming that the extension of GST to the state was purely a taxation matter and had nothing to do with the politics and the identity of the state.

"The party feels that the PDP has yet again exposed the hollowness of its deceitful, much-touted political agenda of 'Self Rule' with the sole objective of remaining glued to political power. However, the Core Group reiterated that National Conference would continue to fight for the rights and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The party further said that it has always stood for the 'Idea of Jammu and Kashmir' as perceived and conceived by the founders of the party and would go to any extent to preserve it", the party said.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed a ruckus as the discussions over implementing the GST began.

The discussion was disrupted by the Opposition MLAs, who said that the GST would infringe on the special status of the state.

Due to this, Speaker Kavinder Gupta was forced to adjourn the House twice.

Jammu and Kashmir is the only state where the GST has not been implemented yet. Meanwhile, in the entire country, the GST was implemented on July 1.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold bilateral meetings with the leaders of Argentina, Canada, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, United Kingdom and Vietnam on sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany.

There was no mention of a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping as was being speculated.

In response to a query regarding Prime Minister's schedule in Hamburg, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that as mentioned earlier, the Prime Minister is visiting Hamburg from July 6-8 for the G-20 Summit and his pre-planned bilateral meetings on the sidelines are with Argentina, Canada, Italy, Japan, Mexico, R.O.K., U.K. and Vietnam.

The spokesperson said that in addition, Prime Minister Modi will also participate in the BRICS leaders' meeting.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry official, ahead of the G-20 Summit, said, "The atmosphere is not right for a bilateral meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi."

The statement came amid a lengthy standoff between the Indian and Chinese Armies on Line of Actual control (LAC) adjoining Sikkim on India's eastern border.

New Delhi has expressed its serious apprehensions over Beijing constructing a road in the Sikkim sector of the LAC.

India claims Sikkim border as part of its territory, China has said that the area falls on their side as per the 1890 treaty signed between British and China.

Consequently, China suspended the annual Kailash Manasarovar yatra and conceded that the decision to suspend the pilgrimage was due to the border scuffle.

It also alleged that the Indian troops had crossed the Sikkim sector of the Indo-China border. Beijing has accused New Delhi of violating a convention signed in 1890 between Britain and China relating to Sikkim and Tibet.

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There will be no bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Hamburg as Beijing has said that "the atmosphere is not right" for a formal or bilateral meeting between both the leaders

The statement comes amid a lengthy standoff between the armies of the two countries on Line of Actual control adjoining Sikkim on India's eastern border.

"The atmosphere is not right for a bilateral meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi," Chinese Foreign Ministry official said ahead of the G-20 Summit in the German city of Hamburg starting from Friday.

New Delhi has expressed its serious apprehensions over Beijing constructing a road in the Sikkim sector of the LAC. The two leaders had met last month at the SCO Summit in Astana.

India claims Sikkim border as part of its territory, China has said that the area falls on their side as per the 1890 treaty signed between British and China.

Consequently, China suspended the annual Kailash Manasarovar yatra and conceded that the decision to suspend the pilgrimage was due to the border scuffle.

It also alleged that the Indian troops had crossed the Sikkim sector of the Indo-China border. Beijing has accused New Delhi of violating a convention signed in 1890 between Britain and China relating to Sikkim and Tibet.

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Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday hailed the Centre's decision to implement Goods and Services Tax (GST), saying that it is in public and interest.

"Every time GST was discussed in the cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister asked, 'Is it in public and interest? If it is, then the time is now," Goyal said.

Earlier today, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the rollout of the GST has integrated the country by bringing the states together and instilling uniformity in the taxation system.

The Finance Minister, who also paid his tribute to Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee on his birth anniversary, lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of integrating the country financially through the introduction of the GST.

"The nation was integrated politically, not economically. With the GST, the states have come together and there is now a tax uniformity across the states. Moving from one tax authority to another is also a form of harassment of taxpayers. With the new tax regime, things will be simplified," he said, while addressing the GST-Delhi Sambodhan event here.

Jaitley also asserted that the GST, which is being discussed worldwide, will also help in curtailing corruption and ensure greater tax compliance.

"All states and union territories complied with the GST, except Jammu and Kashmir. The States and the Centre made their norms and powers respectively. However, in the GST council meetings, it was decided that the governance will be done jointly, so that the cooperation between the two would increase," he said.

The GST was implemented all over India, except Jammu and Kashmir, on July 1.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reached Hamburg to attend the G-20 Summit.

The Prime Minister will hold bilateral meetings with the leaders of Argentina, Canada, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, United Kingdom and Vietnam on sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany.

In response to a query regarding Prime Minister's schedule in Hamburg, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that as mentioned earlier, the Prime Minister is visiting Hamburg from July 6-8 for the G-20 Summit and his pre-planned bilateral meetings on the sidelines are with Argentina, Canada, Italy, Japan, Mexico, R.O.K., U.K. and Vietnam.

The spokesperson said that in addition, Prime Minister Modi will also participate in the BRICS leaders' meeting.

The Indian leader flew to Germany from Israel after a three-day-long state visit, a first by any Indian Prime Minister.

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Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a bonus of Rs. 100 per quintal on Paddy, in addition to its Minimum Support Price (MSP) to check stubble burning.

The Chief Minister said it can act as an incentive to dissuade farmers from burning paddy crop residue.

In his letter, the Chief Minister said the bonus would be given only to those farmers, who manage the paddy residue/stubble without burning.

Captain Amarinder pointed out in his letter that he had made this request even earlier as a measure to compensate the farmers for the additional burden of managing paddy residue.

"Though the MSP for paddy had been increased by Rs. 80 per quintal for Kharif-2017, this hike was not adequate even to meet the additional cost of cultivation in terms of seeds and fertilisers, leave alone the extra expense of residue management," he said.

Stubble burning is a major issue in the Paddy cultivating regions and is currently under adjudication in the Green Tribunal, the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court of India.

"Acting upon the various directives issued by the courts, the Punjab government has already initiated several steps to check stubble burning, including grant of subsidy on purchase of agriculture machinery for crop residue management. The use of this machinery puts an additional burden of around Rs. 3000 crore per acre on the farmers," read the letter.

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Sericulture weaving leads way to untapped potential of handlooms in Meghalaya.

With favorable climatic conditions,Meghalaya is booming with great heights in the sericulture

Sericulture farming in the state has taken a toll and weaving comes along with it and almost every household of the state has been inclined towards handloom weaving producing wide varieties of hand woven silk fabrics of ethic designs.

Silk cultivation, rearing silkworms and sericulture weaving is the most important cottage based eco-friendly industry among the farmers of Meghalaya.

Over the years sericulture and handloom weaving out of silk has remain a sustainable source of income for the village inhabitants.

It portrays the cultural ethos and rich heritage of the people of the state.

Women folk in far flung areas especially in the mawlong village in the Ribhoi district of the state have been involved in handloom activities and earning their livelihood since many decades.

A weaver, Trenice, said she was privileged to have participated the training in the sericulture institute in Ummulong and that they received important and educative notes from the training.

However, to encourage more women sericulturist of the region and to tap the handloom potential of the state various training programmes on improved method and technology of silk rearing and weaving is organized under the Intensive bivoltine sericulture development project.

Research Extension centre central silk board of India, Shillong in collaboration with the District Sericulture office, West Jaintia Hills Jowai conduct the progarmme every year to mould the skills of the local weavers.

Dr. Collen Z Ryngkhlei of Central silk board of India, Shillong, said under the scheme many components are covered by the ministry of textile central silk board. And the most crucial part was that the CHOKI rearing centre that has been set up for almost two years and in the centre and they can rear upto 5000 perp (DFL's) to be distributed to the farmers of the region.

Under the project thousands of beneficiaries, including women are undergoing training facilities and they are working towards enhancing the growth of increase production of hand woven fabrics of ethnic designs in the state through their efficiency in weaving.

Meghalaya is blessed with four different silkworm cultures such including Mulberry, Eri, Muga and Oak Tasar which can all be harvested successfully in the State.

Moreover, various need based schemes such as Integrated Eri, Mulberry and Muga Development Program has been implemented under the initiative of Sericulture department of the state to boost the production of best quality handloom fabrics so as to promote the socio-economic upliftment of the local weavers.

Such undertaking generates employment opportunities for the local weavers as well as upholds the silk tradition of the state.

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Four Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, have said that they would continue their diplomatic and economic blockade of Qatar after the nation gave a "negative" response to their list of demands.

On June 5, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt and Bahrain severed their ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism.

On 22 June, the four nations put forth a 13-point list of demands - including ending support for the Muslim Brotherhood, closing of al-Jazeera, a reduction in diplomatic ties with Iran, and the halting of a Turkish military base in Qatar -and gave Qatar 10 days to comply.

That deadline was extended by 48 hours on Sunday, when Qatar responded to their demands.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said Qatar's answers were "overall negative and lacked any substance."

"This position shows the lack of awareness of how dangerous the situation is," CNN quoted Shoukry as saying.

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said the four nations would consult and soon decide on the future steps at the right time

Qatar's foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said his nation won't comply with any demands that it considers a violation of international law.

"If you are looking at the demands -- there are accusations that Qatar is supporting terrorism -- they are shutting free speech, shutting the media outlets, expelling people. ... So there are a lot of demands which are against the international law," CNN quoted as saying.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a special souvenir to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the form of a signed a photograph of the two saying, "To Prime Minister Narendra Modi with deepest friendship on your historic visit to Israel," as the latter emplaned for Hamburg, Germany.

The signed photograph was of the two leaders standing at the Olga beach.

The Indian Prime Minister thanked his Israeli counterpart for the hospitality as he tweeted, "Thank you my friend, PM @netanyahu for the signed photo, your kind words, amazing hospitality & passion towards #IndiaIsraelFriendship.(sic)"

Earlier today, the leaders visited Haifa Cemetery to honour fallen Indian soldiers during World War I.

They then visited the beach where Prime Minister Modi was given a demonstration of Gal-Mobile, a mobile seawater desalination unit.

Later in Tel Aviv, the two Prime Ministers established an innovation bridge between start ups and innovators followed by a CEO forum meeting.

The CEOs of Indian and Israeli businesses signed MoUs worth over USD 5 bn on the sidelines of the visit.

The Forum also set up six Joint Committees covering startups, pharma and life sciences, homeland security, agriculture, energy and water sectors.

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Israel was a first ever by any Indian Prime Minister. He is now headed to Germany to attend the G-20 Summit.

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned Germany that it is committing "political suicide" by repeatedly blocking his meetings with Turkish immigrants in the country.

Erdogan said that Turkey wanted to enhance its relations with Germany, but is increasingly frustrated by the "negative stance" of the German authorities toward Turkey.

"Now we will be travelling to Hamburg for the G20 meeting, and we are considering to meet with our citizens there. But German authorities are sending directives to everyone and telling that you will not allow Erdogan to speak," Anadolu quoted Erdogan's interview with German weekly Die Zeit as saying.

"That is so ugly. I have never seen something like that. Germany is committing suicide, this is a political suicide," he added.

Representatives of Germany's three million Turkish community planned to host Erdogan at a public event on the sidelines of the G20 summit July 7-8 in Hamburg.

However, German Chancellor Angela Merkel's government has ruled out such a meeting ahead of general elections in September.

Last week, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said that such a meeting would not be appropriate at this point because of recent tensions between Berlin and Ankara.

The government also adopted new controversial measures to restrict political meetings of Turkish politicians with Turks in Germany.

Erdogan, who has been a vocal critic of Germany, sharply criticized the restrictions and recalled that German authorities had recently blocked several other planned meetings.

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Two terror attacks - one by Daesh fighters and another by forces led by commander Khalifa Haftar were repulsed by the forces loyal to Libya's Tripoli-based UN-backed unity government in the north-central city of Sirte.

"Our forces are fully prepared to meet any additional attacks by Daesh remnants or Al-Karama militiamen [pro-Haftar forces]," Anadolu News Agency quoted statement of forces affiliated with the unity government.

According to the same statement, the two attacks in Sirte that occurred on Wednesday evening were aimed at "destabilizing the city and threatening its security".

While pro-government forces were engaged in confronting an assault by Daesh terrorists south of Sirte, they had come under attack by pro-Haftar forces from the nearby Al-Heniwah and Abu Hadi districts on the city's outskirts.

Al-Karama militiamen [pro-Haftar forces] belongs to Field Marshal Khalifa Belqasim Haftar, who is a Libyan military officer and the head of the Libyan National Army, currently engaged in the Second Libyan Civil War. Haftar has been described as "Libya's most potent warlord," having fought "with and against nearly every significant faction" in Libya's conflicts.

"But our forces managed to repulse both attacks," the statement read, adding that no casualties had been sustained in the melee.

Libya has been locked in a state of violence since it slipped into turmoil following the 2011 ouster and death of former President Muammar Gaddafi.

After Gaddafi's death, the country's political divisions has created two rival seats of government one in Tobruk and another in Tripoli and numerous armed groups.

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A two-day police conference that saw the participation of police and paramilitary chiefs from the northeastern states and the Centre in Assam's Khanapara area focused on infiltration and border related issues in the north eastern region.

The convention was the 24th police conference of the North Eastern police officials.

They discussed work and ways along the lines of Interpol, in order to keep track of militancy and criminal activities, while respecting the inter-state boundaries.

The meet was organized by the Intelligence Bureau and was hosted by Assam police at Assam Administrative Staff College.

The Director General of Police (DGP) Assam Mukesh Sahay said that the north eastern region is facing problems like militancy, syndicated, organized crimes, trafficking cyber crimes etc.

The DGP asserted that the main motto of the conference is to deal together on these issues, keeping in mind the sanctity of the state police and its boundaries.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who was the chief guest of the event, said that in a region like northeast India, inhabited by diverse ethnic, linguistic and religious groups, it is the police forces which provide a sense of confidence to the people and allay their fears over security.

The chief minister thanked the Intelligence Bureau for bringing all the north eastern states together for fighting against militancy.

He even saluted all the martyrs who laid their lives for the nation.

Joint Secretary, Northeast (MHA) Satyendra Garg along with other dignitaries graced the conference and held talks.

During the conference, Assam government also advocated setting up of a Northeast Police Force for better coordination to tackle crime in the region.

The joint force has also been proposed for a better security mechanism at inter-state borders for reducing crimes like arms and drugs trafficking and insurgent movements.

It was suggested that police forces must come together with better ideas and access to work seamlessly across the interstate borders to tackle problems like trafficking, drugs, online frauds more efficiently despite the existing challenges.

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The Congress on Thursday said that it was "unfortunate" that Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi administered the oath of three MLAs without inviting Chief Minister V Narayanasamy and rued the fact that the protocol was not followed during the process.

"It is really unfortunate that protocol has not been followed. Whenever any MLAs or MLCs are sown to the House, it is the Chief Minister, who is the leader of the house, must be invited in this process," Congress leader Ashok Chavan told ANI.

On Tuesday night, three BJP nominated MLAs V. Saminathan, K.G. Shankar and S Selva Ganapathy were administered the oath of office even as a PIL seeking a stay on the appointment of the three MLAs is reportedly pending before the Madras High Court.

Usually the Speaker administers oath of office but in this case, it was administered by the LG on the instructions of the Union Home Ministry.

Several parties, including DMK, have called for a shutdown on July 8.

Lt. Governor Bedi issued a statement that said, "According to the Union Territories Act the nomination of three MLAs to Puducherry Legislative Assembly is to be done by Central the Government and it only says this nothing more."

She further said it is the Ministry of Home Affairs that sends the name to the Puducherry Government, who then notify it, as was done in this case.

"The oath is and can be administered by Administrator. Hence the nomination and the oath is/was laid down under the UT Act," she added.

She further said that those who want to be explained the legal position as per the law may read the act.

This is not the first time an incident of this nature has happened. In 1990, Chandravathi, administered oath of office and secrecy to three nominated MLAs belonging to the DMK when the DMK-Janta Dal coalition was in office.

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Vietnam wants India to balance power and be part of the force that is trying to counter China.

The Vietnam position was articulated by Prof. Nguyen Thai Yen Huong, a Senior Research Fellow and Vice-President , Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, at the 'Concluding Plenary: Looking Ahead' of the Delhi Dialogue IX, organised by the Ministry of External Affairs along with Observer Research Foundation and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce.

Prof. Huong said there is a need for both ASEAN and India to uphold the rule of law and make use of emerging regional powers. She said both sides must be a top priority for each other in their respective foreign policies.

Prof. Huong said India should look into the better implementation of its Act East Policy and also engage in more trade and investment with Vietnam and ASEAN while the ASEAN nations should work towards constructive competition.

She also noted that it is time for India to push for membership of APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation).

Mr.Jayant Prasad, Director General, IDSA and a former ambassador, said India must play the role anchors for the communities in Asia Pacific while emphasising that equal importance needs to be paid to the geo-politics in Asia.

He also impressed upon the need to connectivity through rails, air and waterways besides roads.

Mr Biren Nanda, Senior Fellow, Delhi Policy Group and a former ambassador, suggested creation of a common security paradigm by India and ASEAN.

He also emphasised on identifying and focussing on managing risks like climate change.

Ms Naina Lal Kidwai, former president of the FICCI, impressed on the need to improve cooperation on maritime as it is important for business opportunities with respect to fisheries, defence, security, etc.

She also stressed on the development of blue economy, besides saying entrepreneurs must be made aware of what they can do in business.

Mr George Barcelon, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce, said India can be of real benefit to ASEAN nations in space industry, technology in trade, commerce and education, SMEs growth etc.

Political leaders, policy makers, senior officials, diplomats, business leaders, think tanks and academicians from both India and ASEAN participated in the discussions.

The 10-member Committee of Permanent Representatives of ASEAN countries and 15 senior media personnel from ASEAN are attending the event.

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Section 144 continues to remain imposed in all the affected areas, including Baduria and Basirhat areas of West Bengal's North 24 Parganas.

The internet services also continue to remain suspended in North 24 Parganas.

Section 144 was imposed in Baduria and Basirhat on Wednesday, following a violent clash broke out in state's North 24 Parganas over a Facebook post.

As a precautionary measure, the government also suspended internet services in the area.

Communal violence broke out in North 24 Parganas district on Monday over the controversial Facebook post, following which several shops were torched and houses ransacked in Baduria, Tentulia and Golabari.

On Monday night, the Baduria Police Station was attacked and set ablaze.

The main accused, who allegedly posted objectionable material on Facebook, was arrested on Monday morning and remanded in four-day police custody.

However, this didn't calm down the members of the protesting community and they resorted to violence and torched the home of the accused.

On Tuesday evening, protesters torched police and government vehicles.

Superintendent of Police (North 24 Parganas) Bhaskar Mukherjee was also injured when an angry mob attacked him and torched his vehicle.

Taking cognizance of the matter, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sought a detailed report from the Mamata Banerjee-led Government over the violence.

Four companies of the Border Security Force (BSF) and 400 paramilitary personnel were also deployed in the violence hit areas.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appealed the warring groups to maintain peace and communal harmony in the area. She also held the local police responsible for failing to block Facebook in the very beginning.

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Amidst the ongoing tension between India and China over the Sikkim border issue, the Political Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in India, Li Ya, has suggested India to withdraw its troops back to Indian side of the boundary, before peace talks between the two sides.

"As far as solution is concerned, the Indian troops must pull back to Indian side of the boundary unconditionally and immediately. This is the precondition for any meaningful dialogue between China and India," said Li, in a video issued by the Chinese Embassy, over the border standoff between the two sides.

He claimed there was no support to India's claim that the Doklam area belong to Bhutan, adding that China has strong evidence to prove that Doklam belongs to them.

"We have strong evidence to prove that Doklam belongs to China. Doklam has always been the traditional pasture for Chinese border inhabitants. Archives of Xi Zang Autonomous Region still retain some receipts of the grass tax paid by Bhutanese herdsmen. Today the Chinese border troops still patrol there and the herdsmen graze their livestock there, and production and living facilities have been built there," he explained.

"As to changing status quo, since Doklam is part of Chinese territory, activities conducted by China in Doklam are within China's sovereignty," he added.

Li alleged that it was the Indian side that had trespassed into Chinese territory on June 18 and changed the status quo, triggering a close range face-off.

He further said that this section, along the border, is delimited by the convention between China and Great Britain relating to Tibet and Sikkim in 1890.

"In essence, China's territorial sovereignty has been undermined by the Indian border troops. After the incident, the Indian side claims that Doklam belongs to Bhutan, Chinese side changed the status quo and India has security concern," he said.

The present standoff between India and China emerged after New Delhi expressed its apprehension over Beijing's road construction in the Sikkim sector of the border.

While India claims Sikkim border as part of its territory, China has said that the area falls on their side as per the 1890 treaty signed between British and China.

Consequently, China suspended the annual Kailash Manasarovar yatra and conceded that the decision to suspend the pilgrimage was due to the border scuffle. It also alleged that the Indian troops had crossed the Sikkim section of the Indo- China border.

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At meeting held on 06 July 2017

The Board of Bannari Amman Spinning Mills at its meeting held on 06 July 2017 has approved the proposal to invest in its joint venture company - Young Brand Apparel. On completion of this proposed investment in additional 18% stake, the total investment will increase to 51.33%, thus making Young Brand Apparel a subsidiary of the Company.

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IRB Infrastructure Developers said that its special purpose vehicle (SPV) has successfully achieved financial closure for its Udaipur-Gujarat Border 6 Laning BOT (build-operate-transfer) project. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 5 July 2017.

NBCC (India) said it secured total business worth approximately Rs 630 crore in June 2017. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 5 July 2017.

Cadila Healthcare announced its intention to enter into a long-term arrangement with Phibro Animal Health Corporation to license Phibro's innovative poultry vaccine technologies and know-how to a new vaccine manufacturing facility to be built by Zydus Cadila to serve the fast growing poultry market in India. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 5 July 2017.

Sobha said it achieved new sales volume of 815,230 square feet (sq ft) in Q1 June 2017 valued at Rs 623.40 crore with an average realisation of Rs 7647 per sq ft. The company in its real estate operational update for Q1 said its share of sales value is Rs 562.70 crore with an average realisation of Rs 6903 per sq ft. The sales volume and total sales value are up by 12.7% and 11.9%, respectively, compared with Q4 March 2017. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 5 July 2017.

Om Metals Infraprojects said it sold its cineplex division, Om Cineplex Commercial Complex, for Rs 18 crore to Princess Infra and Development. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 5 July 2017.

Shriram EPC said it bagged order worth Rs 71 crore from Palani Temple in Tamil Nadu marking the company's foray into the transportation business. The scope of this project includes design, manufacture, supply, erection, testing, commissioning, operating and maintenance of the second ropeway to the temple that will serve 1,200 people per hour. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 5 July 2017.

Tanla Solutions said its board of directors, through resolution passed by circulation approved allotment of 14.83 lakh equity shares of the company, fully paid up, pursuant to conversion of warrants into equity to D. Uday Kumar Reddy, the promoter of the company. With this allotment, D. Uday Kumar Reddy has subscribed and was allotted 50 lakh equity shares upon conversion of preferential warrants. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 5 July 2017.

Cyient announced that it has signed a non-exclusive business alliance agreement with Kii Corporation, a leading Internet of Things (IoT) solutions enablement platform provider, to explore, bid and address business opportunities around smart city deployments. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 5 July 2017.

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At least 28 prisoners were killed in a riot between the suspected members of rival gangs in a prison in Mexican state of Guerrero, officials said.

Guerrero government on Thursday updated the toll from original five to 28 as police searched the prison. Three other prisoners sustained mild injuries, Xinhua news agency reported.

At a press conference, Guerrero's security spokesperson, Roberto Alvarez Heredia, said that the fight began around 4 a.m. in Las Cruces prison in Acupalco.

The prison, where the riot broke out, is the most crowded in Guerrero, with 2,100 prisoners, according to Mexican government statistics.

--IANS

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Setting up a close fight with Rs 32,999 OnePlus 5 (6GB RAM/64GB), Chinese smartphone major Huawei's much-awaited 6GB 'Honor 8 Pro' with fourth generation 12MP dual-lens camera system on Thursday arrived in India at Rs 29,999.

'Honor 8 Pro' will be exclusively available to Prime members on Amazon Prime Day, starting 6 p.m. on July 10.

The 5.7-inch smartphone with 128GB internal storage, which can be expanded up to 256GB, comes with 2K quad HD display and houses 4000mAh battery.

The device runs on the latest premium flagship Kirin 960 processor and an all-new EMUI 5.1 software.

'Honor 8 Pro' has been designed under the partnership with Amazon, Gameloft, GoPro, Jaunt VR and Deep Silver Fishlabs.

"The 'Honor 8 Pro' offers market-leading specifications by pushing the boundary of smartphone design, providing 2K display, extra-long battery life and dual camera setup," P. Sanjeev, Vice President, Sales, Huawei India-Consumer Business Group, told reporters here.

The smartphone will be bundled in a box that can also be used as a virtual reality headset. The device will be available in midnight black and navy blue colour options.

The duel-SIM smartphone that runs Android 7.0 Nougat-based EMUI 5 comes with 8MP selfie camera.

The company has also partnered with Gameloft and GoPro for in-built apps and is in talks with major e-tailers for exclusive online release.

The camera's wide aperture range delivers DSLR-like depth of field effects for both photo and video shooting.

The company also showcased a new 'Honor Band 3' with intelligent tracking features like heart rate monitoring, walking/running and sleep tracking.

'Honor Band 3' is also the first device of its kind to feature 50-metre water resistance and 30 days battery life on a single charge.

Globally, Huawei witnessed 35 per cent growth (YOY) in revenue in 2016, with 139 million smartphone shipments. In the first quarter of 2017, the company shipped 34.55 million units in 74 countries.

--IANS

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Pakistan's Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf Ali will lead in the case relating to Kulbhushan Jadhav -- who Pakistan claims is an Indian spy -- at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the world court has been informed.

The country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has communicated to the ICJ registrar at The Hague that Ausaf would be the agent for Pakistan in the case and Foreign Affairs Director General Mohammad Faisal would continue to act as co-agent, Dawn online reported on Thursday.

The term "agent" is described as a top functionary of the government who leads a delegation to represent Pakistan and usually opens arguments or presents a framework followed by the legal team in the ICJ.

After a meeting between ICJ President Ronny Abraham and delegations of Pakistan and India on June 8 in the Netherlands, Ausaf had informed the world court about Islamabad's intention of appointing an ad hoc judge to the ICJ bench for all proceedings, including the substantive hearing in the Jadhav case.

All future exchanges or information between Pakistan and the ICJ will also be made through the AG's office, Dawn said.

The world court had on May 18 through an interim ruling stayed the execution of Jadhav, who has been charged with espionage and waging war against Pakistan, until the final order arrives.

Pakistan said Jadhav, who was sentenced to death by the country's Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa on April 10, was captured from Balochistan in March 2016, and had confessed to his association with the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) -- India's primary foreign intelligence agency.

In videos released by the Pakistani side, Jadhav admitted to being involved in espionage and fomenting terrorism in Pakistan.

The military court of appeal has already rejected Jadhav's appeal against the death penalty. He later filed a mercy petition with the army chief which is under consideration.

The Foreign Office also informed the ICJ that the Pakistan government had already instructed the relevant departments to put into effect the world court's May 18 order.

--IANS

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All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC) on Thursday condemned Madhya Pradesh government's action in arresting its leaders, who were leading a march to Pipaliya market to protest the Mandsaur killings, in which six farmers lost their lives last month.

The march -- Rashtriya Kisan Yatra -- was organised by scores of political parties and farmers' unions.

Swaraj Abhiyan said the police arrested its leader Yogendra Yadav, Medha Patkar of Narmada Bachao Andolan, MP Raju Shetty of the Swabhimani Shetkari Saghatana, Hannan Mollah of All India Kisan Sabha leader, among others.

The committee said the Madhya Pradesh government was shaken after a huge number of farmers participated in the march. They took a dig at the central government for anti-farmer policies.

"The central government, which won the elections in the name of farmers, has proven to be the biggest anti-farmer government in the history of this country," a release quoted Patkar as saying.

Yadav said the committee has decided to go ahead with the march as planned and fight for the rights of the farmers.

"We are not going to give ay kind of bond or file for any bail. Let the police arrest us, we will continue our protest in jail till the demands of farmers are not accepted," the release quoted Yadav as saying.

Meanwhile, Rastriya Kisan Mahashangha -- an umbrella organisation of 62 farmers' unions -- said it was not the part of the march and called the organisers "self-acclaimed farmer leaders who use the march as a political weapon".

However, it has decided to continue its indefinite protest at Jantar Mantar against the farmers' killing in Madhya Pradesh and to press for its demand of adequate compensation and loan waiver.

--IANS

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The People's Party of Arunachal (PPA) -- which has nine legislators in the state assembly -- on Thursday extended support to National Democratic Alliance Presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind.

"We have decided to support the NDA candidate as we are part of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA)," PPA President Kameng Ringu told IANS after a meeting with Kovind, who had come here to drum up support ahead of the July 17 Presidential election.

NEDA is a conglomeration of non-Congress parties led by the Bharatiya Janata Party. Assam Minister Himata Biswa Sarma is the NEDA Convener.

Kovind, who was accompanied by Union Ministers Raj Narendra Singh Tomar and Kiren Rijiju, Assam Minister Sarma, and BJP leader Ram Madhav, held a meeting with PPA leaders and legislators.

In the 60-member Arunachal Pradesh assembly, the ruling BJP has 47 members, while two are Independents. Former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki is the lone Congress MLA.

Earlier, addressing BJP legislators in the presence of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Kovind said his dream is of a developed India and equitable development for all sections of people and regions.

"Equality among states and people should be the mantra so that the country develops," he said.

--IANS

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A 21-year-old aspiring airhostess died here on Thursday, a day after she was stabbed multiple times by a stalker, police said.

Riya Gautam was stabbed barely 100 meters from her house in Ramnagar area of Shahdara in east Delhi around 5.30 p.m. on Wednesday. She had earlier complained to police that the accused, Adil, 22, had been stalking her.

The murderous attack was captured on CCTV.

Gautam had completed her air hostess training and was also pursuing a graduation course through distance mode from Delhi University.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Nupur Sharma said the accused, who lives in east Delhi's Shahdara, was absconding. "We are keep a watch on the houses of Adil's relatives and are examining CCTV footage of railway stations and bus depots to see if he has fled the city," Sharma told IANS.

Sharma said that Adil has a criminal record and has three-four cases of auto lifting registered against him.

The victim's father Girwan Singh, 50, told IANS that she had gone to buy Maggi noodles from a nearby bakery when she was attacked.

Singh said Adil stabbed his daughter six or seven times before fleeing from the spot.

A neighbour, Piyush Sharma, 12, said he saw Adil attacking the woman. "She was coming back with Maggi when he came from behind and stabbed her in the neck," said Sharma, who had come out to fly kites with two of his friends at the time.

He said the woman ran into a nearby photo studio for help but there was no one inside and Adil followed her into the shop. "We ran to help her and saw the attacker running past us in the opposite direction," the neighbour said. "He had a big knife and his hands were drenched in blood."

He said the victim's fingers were cut as she tried to save herself from the attacker.

She was taken to Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital where she died early on Thursday.

The father said Adil used to follow his daughter and they had complained to the police three months ago. He said Adil had suddenly disappeared after they complained to the police.

"As we didn't see him for three months we thought he won't disturb our daughter anymore," he said.

Singh said police told them that Adil had gone to Gujarat after they filed a complaint.

"Police should find him fast and he should get the death sentence," said Singh, who works in the Maulana Azad Medical College.

--IANS

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Australian police badges are being sold on the dark web, authorities revealed on Thursday.

The website, which has not been identified, is offering two "genuine" Tasmanian police badges for $1,500 each, reports Xinhua news agency.

The discovery of the badges for sale come days after the healthcare details of millions of Australians were found for sale on a similar website.

The listing of the badges were described as "Tasmania Police identification (ID) wallet and badge. Genuine. As photographed".

Potential buyers of the badges were asked by the vendor to provide the name, photo and desire rank they want to be placed on the ID card.

A police spokesperson told the media on Thursday that "the item on the website does appear to be a very similar likeness to the Tasmania Police badge".

"Anyone who suspects a person of impersonating a police officer should ask to see their warrant card which contains photographic identification," the spokesperson said.

While neither of the Tasmanian badges have been sold, reviews on the vendor's profile revealed they had previously sold a Victoria Police badge and ID wallet for $1,509 and an Australian Federal Police (AFP) ID card for $250.

"Good quality, going to order more," the buyer of the AFP card wrote as feedback.

--IANS

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Stating that no one should doubt West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi's potential and scholarship, BJP's National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya on Thursday accused the state government of attacking the Governor to divert people's attention from its administrative failure to maintain law and order.

"The state administration is attacking the Governor to divert people's attention from their own failure in maintaining law and order in the state. We strongly condemn this," Vijayvargiya told reporters here.

"He has been a minister in Uttar Pradesh and the Speaker of the legislative assembly there. His rulings in the Vidhan Sabha during his tenure were appreciated by the High Court and the Supreme Court. There can be no questions about his scholarship," he said.

Claiming that law and order in the state was in tatters, the Bharatiya Janata Party leader accused the Mamata Banerjee government of attempting to fire from the Governor's shoulder out of their disdain and desperation to hide the failure.

"The state government is doing this out of disdain and desperation. The law and order situation in the state is completely in tatters. I think they are trying to fire the gun from the Governor's shoulder to hide their failure," he added.

The clash between the Governor and the state's ruling Trinamool Congress came to the fore after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday accused Tripathi of threatening and humiliating her during a telephonic conversation while her party leaders termed him as "BJP cadre".

Tripathi, however, maintained there was nothing threatening or humiliating in whatever he told the Chief Minister.

On Wednesday, Trinamool leader and state Rural Development Minister Subrata Mukherjee strongly criticised the Governor's role in the whole controversy and called him "BJP's parrot".

--IANS

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Amid the BJP's worsening ties with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, party chief Amit Shah on Thursday formed a three-member delegation of MPs to look into incidents of communal violence in the eastern state.

The delegation, headed by senior party leader Om Mathur, and comprising New Delhi MP Meenakshi Lekhi and Baghpat MP Satyapal Singh, will visit violence hit areas of West Bengal to take stock of the ground situation. The delegation will submit its report to Shah.

The members will coordinate with BJP General Secretary and incharge of West Bengal Kailash Vijayvargiya and state BJP Chief Dilip Ghosh, an official statement of the party said.

The visit comes in the wake of communal clashes in Basirhat sub-division of North 24 Parganas district on Tuesday night over an objectionable Facebook post. Several shops were vandalised, police vehicles torched and roads were blocked by mobs as violence erupted.

Ghosh has demanded imposition of President's rule in the state and to send central observers to assess the "deteriorating" law and order situation in the state.

The Chief Minister has accused the BJP of misusing social media to spread rumours leading to communal riots.

--IANS

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The CBI on Thursday filed a chargesheet before a special court in Mumbai against a Gujarat-based private telecom company and several officials of different banks in a scam that caused losses to the tune of around Rs 126.40 crore.

The prime accused, Sunil S. Kakkad, Director of Messrs Click Telecom Pvt Ltd, and others were booked following a complaint from a consortium of banks.

Investigations revealed that the company was sanctioned several credit facilities, including cash, term loans and non-fund based limits to the tune of Rs 126 crore, by the State Bank of India, Vijaya Bank and the Canara Bank.

Kakkad, who had taken over Messrs Click Telecom Pvt Ltd from its earlier promoters, was arrested on May 12 following investigations into the case.

Later, the company bagged bids for launching BSNL's Voice & Video Over Broad Band (VVOBB) project in southern and eastern zones of India.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said that Kakkad had inflated the project cost to obtain huge funds from the consortium of banks. No machinery was actually supplied and Letters of Credit (LCs) were opened favouring associate companies.

Later, these LCs were discounted and the funds siphoned off, causing losses to the consortium of banks, it said.

The CBI investigated the matter and filed the chargesheet naming Kakkad and several bank officials, including a senior woman officer, as accused in the case.

Other bank officials include former SBI - Ahmedabad's regional head Kaushik Bagchi; former Deputy General Manager in Baroda Rajeev Sadashiv Dahat; former member of SBI - Ahmedabad's Mid Corporate Credit Committee member Sanjiva K. Prasad; and senior credit analyst at SBI-Ahmedabad's Overseas Branch Deepa Juthani.

Besides, the chargesheet also named Vinod Kumar Sharma, former CEO, Gujarat Info Petro Ltd, and three more -- N.K. Goyal, Dinesh P. Jani and Bharat P. Gajjar -- as the other accused in the case.

--IANS

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Thousands of Tibetans on Thursday morning joined in the 82nd birthday celebrations of their spiritual leader the Dalai Lama here.

Large crowds donning traditional dresses began to assemble since morning at the Shiwatsel Phodrang complex on the outskirts of Leh for the birthday celebrations.

"Special prayer sessions were held for the long life of His Holiness," a Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) spokesperson told IANS.

The Dalai Lama, revered by the Tibetans as a "living god", attended the prayers and blessed the gathering.

Tibetan Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay also attended the celebrations here.

Officials of the Dalai Lama's office said the spiritual leader would stay in Shiwatsel Phodrang till July 30.

During his visit, he would participate in religious ceremonies, conduct meditational retreat and deliver teachings at Diskit Monastery in the Nubra Valley, Padum in Zanskar area and the Shiwatsel teaching ground in Leh.

The Dalai Lama's sermons on ethics, non-violence, peace and religious harmony have made him one of the 20th century's most revered spiritual leaders.

Born on July 6, 1935, at Taktser hamlet in northeastern Tibet, the Dalai Lama was recognised at the age of two as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso.

He fled Tibet after a failed uprising against the Chinese rule in 1959.

The Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his non-violent campaign for democracy and freedom in his homeland. Since fleeing to India, he has spent his time in exile pushing for autonomy for Tibet.

India is home to around 100,000 Tibetans.

--IANS

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The Chenani-Nashri Tunnel on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway was on Thursday closed due to a technical snag, leading to long traffic jams on the key route.

"Traffic was diverted through Patnitop-Batote link today because the tunnel was closed due to a technical snag in one of the tubes of the tunnel," said a Traffic Department official.

The 9.2-km-long state of the art tunnel was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 2.

--IANS

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China could stoke unrest and aid "anti-India movements" in Sikkim to help it secede from India, an influential Chinese daily has warned in an unusually strong editorial, amid a soaring border row between New Delhi and Beijing.

Taking the anti-India rhetoric to a completely different level, the state-run Global Times, which on Wednesday virtually called for war over the stand-off in Doklam area, said: "Bhutan will also witness anti-India stir, which will negatively affect India's already turbulent northeast area and rewrite southern Himalayan geopolitics".

The daily said creating trouble for India in Sikkim and neighbouring Bhutan was one of the "tools" to deter New Delhi from "provocations".

The newspaper said Beijing was not afraid of India using the Dalai Lama card which has been "overplayed".

"Beijing should reconsider its stance over the Sikkim issue. Although China recognized India's annexation of Sikkim in 2003, it can readjust its stance on the matter," the editorial warned.

"There are those in Sikkim that cherish its history as a separate state, and they are sensitive to how the outside world views the Sikkim issue. As long as there are voices in Chinese society supporting Sikkim's independence, the voices will spread and fuel pro-independence appeals in Sikkim."

Sikkim was a kingdom until 1975 and became India's 22nd state. It is one of five Indian states that share border with China.

The latest stand-off between India and China has occurred in the Sikkim sector over the Doklam region, which is disputed between Beijing and Thimphu.

The ownership of the area at the tri-junction of Bhutan, India and China is yet to be decided. The Chinese were building a road there which was protested by Thimphu and the Indian Army stepped in to stop the road construction.

"With certain conditions, Bhutan and Sikkim will see strong anti-India movements, which will negatively affect India's already turbulent northeast area and rewrite southern Himalayan geopolitics," it said.

"New Delhi's regional hegemony is boldly shown by the border face-off this time. Using the excuse of 'helping Bhutan protect its sovereignty', India brazenly obstructs China's road construction in Chinese territory."

The daily said India "oppresses" Bhutan and "has startling control over" it.

"Through unequal treaties, India has severely jeopardized Bhutan's diplomatic sovereignty and controls its national defence."

It said it was because of India that "Bhutan has not established diplomatic ties with its neighbour China or any other permanent member of the UN Security Council".

"India imposed a similar coercive policy on Sikkim before. The small neighbour's revolts over sovereignty in the 1960s and 1970s were brutally crushed by the Indian military."

"New Delhi deposed the king of Sikkim in 1975 and manipulated the country's parliament into a referendum to make Sikkim a state of India. The annexation of Sikkim is like a nightmare haunting Bhutan, and the small kingdom is forced to be submissive to India's bullying."

"After independence, New Delhi inherited the brutal colonial policies of Britain and pursues regional hegemony at the sacrifice of tiny Himalayan nations," it continued.

"New Delhi's regional hegemony is swelling to a tipping point. The country has to pay for its provocations."

"The world should pay attention to New Delhi's bullying of tiny Himalayan countries. The international community must be aware of Bhutan's dilemma and prevent India from oppressing this small kingdom."

"China should lead the international community in restoring Bhutan's diplomatic and defence sovereignty. Unfair treaties between India and Bhutan that severely violate the will of the Bhutanese people should be abolished. China needs to put more efforts into establishing diplomatic ties with Bhutan at an earlier date as well."

"In the past, China was wary of India playing the Dalai Lama card, but this card is already overplayed and will exert no additional effect on the Tibet question. But if Beijing adjusts its stance on India-sensitive issues, it could be a powerful card to deal with New Delhi."

"The Sino-Indian relationship is complicated. Beijing is more powerful yet unwilling to face a confrontation with New Delhi. But meanwhile, we must have enough tools to deter India from provocations."

The editorial comes a day after Beijing accused India of "misleading" its public about the proximity of Doklam to India.

The Foreign Ministry maintained that Doklam, which the Chinese refer to as Donglong, is not at the tri-junction of India, China and Bhutan as claimed by New Delhi. China has also said that the present stand-off could hit border talks with India.

(Gaurav Sharma is the Beijing-based correspondent of IANS. He can be contacted at sharmagaurav71@gmail.com and gauravians@yahoo.com)

--IANS

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China is preparing to start a freight train service to Pakistan -- the second such link in South Asia.

The new line will start from Lanzhou, capital of China's northwest Gansu province, and travel through Uygur region to the Gwadar Port in Pakistan, Xinhua news agency reported on Thursday.

Xu Chunhua, Director of Lanzhou International Trade and Logistic Park, made the announcement at the China Lanzhou Investment and Trade Fair.

In May 2016, a rail and road cargo service opened between Lanzhou and Kathmandu.

Xu said the cargo service had been welcomed by South Asian countries.

In 2016, bilateral trade between China and Nepal was over 3 billion yuan (about $440 million) and the volume is forecast to hit 10 billion yuan this year.

--IANS

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Thousands of Tibetans on Thursday morning joined in the 82nd birthday celebrations of their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama here. On this occasion, the Tibetan cabinet urged US President Donald Trump to initiate steps to restart dialogue on Tibet's future.

Large crowds donning traditional dresses began to assemble since morning at the Shiwatsel Phodrang complex on the city's outskirts for the birthday celebrations.

"Special prayer sessions were held for the long life of His Holiness," a Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) spokesperson told IANS.

The Dalai Lama, revered by the Tibetans as a "living god", attended the prayers and blessed the gathering.

Tibetan Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay also attended the celebrations, while his cabinet urged Trump to initiate steps for restarting the dialogue process on the future of Tibet.

"We also urge President Trump to support the middle-way approach and dialogue between the envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the representatives of the Chinese government," said the cabinet in a statement.

Expressing gratitude to US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson for his support for dialogue, it said: "We also thank Terry Branstad, the US Ambassador to China, for calling on China to provide meaningful autonomy for Tibetans."

The cabinet reiterated its commitment to "middle-way" approach as the mutually beneficial solution to resolving the long-standing issue of Tibet.

Meanwhile, officials of the Dalai Lama's office said the spiritual leader would stay in Shiwatsel Phodrang in Leh till July 30.

During his visit, he would participate in religious ceremonies, conduct meditational retreat and deliver teachings at Diskit Monastery in the Nubra Valley, Padum in Zanskar area and the Shiwatsel teaching ground here.

The Dalai Lama's sermons on ethics, non-violence, peace and religious harmony have made him one of the 20th century's most revered spiritual leaders.

Born on July 6, 1935, at Taktser hamlet in northeastern Tibet, the Dalai Lama was recognised at the age of two as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso.

He fled Tibet after a failed uprising against the Chinese rule in 1959 and has been based in India since then.

The Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his non-violent campaign for democracy and freedom in his homeland.

However, the Chinese view him as a hostile element bent on splitting Tibet from China.

India is home to around 100,000 Tibetans. The Tibetan government-in-exile is not recognised by any country.

--IANS

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Bolstering an open and fair rules-based multilateral trading system and harnessing globalization should be at the top agenda of the Group of Twenty (G20), the chiefs of the European Union said in a joint letter ahead of the G20 Hamburg summit.

European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, representing the EU, are set to attend the summit on Friday and Saturday, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Europe's role in the world and our responsibility at the international level in these turbulent times are growing," the two chiefs wrote in the opening salvo of a three-page joint letter issued on Wednesday.

More than ever, the EU had become a global point of reference for supporting free and fair trade or concrete actions in facing global challenges, they said.

"Concerns about job losses and erosion of standards attributed to trade will be at the top of the agenda. These concerns must be addressed, not by erecting protectionist barriers, but by making trade and investment both free and fair," they said.

"First, the G20 must adhere to its anti-protectionism pledge and strengthen the rules-based multilateral trading system anchored in the World Trade Organization (WTO), which is our best chance for a global level playing field," they said.

"This means filling gaps in the rulebook. We will urge G20 members to contribute to concrete results at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires in December, including on e-commerce and subsidies," they added. "All parties must implement agreed rules.

"We will be clear that the EU will defend its industry robustly when other countries refuse to abide by the rules," they said.

Conceding that many people in Europe and elsewhere still feel left behind by the economic recovery and were apprehensive about globalization, the two chiefs highlighted that the G20 should play a key role in making the global economy work for all.

"We need to engage in an honest, fact-based conversation with citizens to take stock of globalization and its effects on producers and consumers.

"We will also underline the responsibilities of the private sector to address concerns about globalization, and will welcome collaborative efforts to improve labour, social and environmental standards in global supply chains, as a contribution to a level playing field."

Created in 1999, the G20 is a central forum for international cooperation on financial and economic issues. It comprises 19 countries plus the EU.

The group, home to almost two-thirds of the world's population, accounts for more than 80 percent of the gross world product and 75 percent of global trade.

--IANS

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Actor Gerard Butler, 47, reportedly got rejected by a young woman he met at a restaurant here due to his age.

She felt he was way too old for her, reported aceshowbiz.com.

"Gerard tried to make a move on a gorgeous 20-something, but he was quickly shot down," a source told Life & Style magazine.

"The young woman then turned to her friends and said, 'Eww, that guy was old enough to be my grandpa. His buddies teased Gerard mercilessly and suggested he may need to change up his strategy," the source added.

However, Butler has now rekindled his relationship with his former girlfriend Morgan Brown. The couple was spotted spending time together at a beach in Mexico over the weekend.

--IANS

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Gujarat BJP leader Devraj Sakhiya and eight others have been booked on charges of criminal intimidation, extortion and abetment to suicide of a factory owner, police said on Thursday. The BJP leader claimed innocence.

The case was registered on Wednesday following a police complaint filed by Jigna, the widow of Ramesh Gamdha, 43, who consumed poison in Chhapra village in Lodhikha tehsil.

She alleged that her husband was driven to suicide by continuous harassment at the hands of Rajkot district Bharatiya Janata Party President Sakhiya -- from Chief Minister Vijay Rupani's home district Rajkot -- and others though he had repaid a loan of Rs 51.15 crore he took from them.

She filed her police complaint in the presence of Rajkot (Rural) Superintendent of Police Antrip Sood.

Ramesh, who owned a cotton ginning factory and an oil mill in Lodhikha, allegedly consumed a poisonous substance and was admitted to hospital, where he died on Monday. His wife refused to accept his body till a case was registered.

The accused had allegedly forced the factory owner to sign sale agreements for land he and his family owned, including houses and shops. They also allegedly forced him to sign blank cheques, promissory notes and blank stamp papers.

The accused also allegedly took away one kg gold from Gamdha's family and threatened to kill his two nephews if he did not shell out more money, the complaint reads.

Though the family is demanding the arrest of all accused, police said they will first investigate. "Before making any arrest, we shall have to do some investigation," Lodhika Sub-Inspector Mahendrasinh Rana told reporters.

Based on her complaint, Lodhika police booked Sakhiya and others under Sections 306 (abetment to suicide), 387 (putting person in fear of death in order to extort money), 384 (punishment for extortion), 504 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace), 506 (2) (criminal intimidation) and 114 (common intent) of the Indian Penal Code.

Sakhiya denied he had anything to do with Ramesh or that he was associated with a finance firm. He alleged it was a ploy by his political opponents to defame him.

--IANS

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The Delhi High Court on Thursday sought a response from the CBI on a plea filed by NDTV seeking the quashing of a FIR registered against the channel and its founder over allegations of defrauding a bank.

Justice Vinod Goel asked the Central Bureau of Investigation to file its response by September 21.

The agency named NDTV founder Prannoy Roy, his wife Radhika and a private company linked to NDTV among others in a criminal case on charges of causing losses to the ICICI Bank.

The CBI searched the offices and houses of Roy over the allegations, a move the broadcaster denounced as a "witch-hunt" to muzzle free speech.

--IANS

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India will be deploying some of its largest warships, including aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya and a submarine, for the Malabar naval exercise with the US and Japan in the Bay of Bengal, Navy sources said on Thursday.

India will altogether have seven ships, a submarine and aircraft for the exercise, that kicks off on Friday amid China's growing footprint in the Indian Ocean Region.

The exercise, which will take place from July 7-17, will have anti-submarine warfare as a major focus, according to officials from the Indian and US Navies.

Besides a P8I maritime surveillance aircraft, India will also deploy two Kamorta class anti-submarine warfare corvettes - the first anti-submarine warfare stealth corvettes built in India.

Also participating from the Indian Navy will be two Shivalik class frigates - the first stealth warships built in India, two destroyers, a Kora class 1,350-ton guided missile corvette, and tanker INS Jyoti.

Malabar is a joint exercise between India and US, which now has Japan as a permanent partner.

In 2007, Australia was included along with Japan in the exercise. However, it withdrew following concerns expressed by China.

Australia has expressed interest in participating in the Malabar 2017 exercise, seeking an observers role this time.

--IANS

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A man in Jharkhand's East Singhbhum district on Thursday has been arrested for killing his brother, sister-in-law and a niece, and injuring his nephew, the police said.

According to the police, Sudarsan Mahakud killed his 45-year-old brother Gurucharan Mahakud, sister-in-law Bimla and niece Alochana, seriously injuring his nephew Rajesh.

According to one version, the reason behind the murder was a property dispute as both brothers were living in neighbouring houses. However, according to police sources, another angle could be that Sudarsan attempted to rape his niece.

A drunk Sudarsan entered his brother's house and attempted to rape his 13-year-old niece. When she resisted, he killed her. As his brother Gurucharan attacked him, Sudarsan axed him too to death.

--IANS

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Union Labour and Employment Minister Bandaru Dattatreya on Thursday said that the government plans to amalgamate, simplify and rationalise the 44 labour laws.

"Out of 44 labour laws, we are going to amalgamate, simplify and rationalise them into four...," he said while addressing an ASSOCHAM summit on 'Second Auto Forum and Awards 2017' here.

Dattatreya also said that the government plans to create 65 million jobs by 2026.

He further said the government recognises the importance of skilling the workforce, and it has has allocated Rs 16,000 crore for skill development.

Dattatreya further said that industry should focus more on social security of employees to increase productivity.

--IANS

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The 'Kisan Mukti Yatra', taken out on Thursday to pay homage to the six protesting farmers killed in police firing in Madhya Pradesh's Mandsaur district, has been halted by the police and as many as 300 persons arrested.

"The people involved in the Yatra have been arrested on the allegation of disrupting peace. Till now, as many as 300 persons have been arrested," Superintendent of Police Manoj Singh told IANS.

Communist Party of India-Marxist state unit chief Badal Saroj told IANS: "The Yatra, which began from Bhudha village, has been halted at Guddeli village. These people were going to Peepli Mandi where farmers were killed in police firing."

The marchers included Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan convenor V.M. Singh, Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Sabha General Secretary Hannan Mollah, CPI-M leader Subhashini Ali, Swaraj India's Yogendra Yadav, social activist Medha Patkar, Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghathan's founder Raju Shetti, farmers and women.

The Yatra, which began under the leadership of the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee, has representatives of more than 100 groups of farmers from all over the country. Their demands include loan waivers and fixing the maximum support price of the crop yield based on recommendations by the M.S. Swaminathan Committee.

"All of them have lifted ploughs on their shoulder while the farmers are waiving green flags," AIKSC state chief Jaswinder Singh said.

"From Madhya Pradesh, this Yatra will go through Maharashtra and Gujarat to reach New Delhi on July 18, where a tribute will be paid to the six farmers killed in Mandsaur," he added.

Tight security arrangements have been made for the Yatra and police forces have been deployed at many places.

The 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 five farmers were killed in police firing in Mandsaur.

--IANS

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The IAF on Thursday saw another accident - of a MiG-23 UB trainer that crashed in Rajasthan, even as the wreckage and bodies of three personnel from an IAF chopper that crashed in Arunachal Pradesh were recovered.

The two pilots in the MiG-23 trainer ejected safely as the aircraft crashed near Balesar village in Rajasthan's Jodhpur district around 11.30 a.m, official sources said.

The Advanced Light Helicopter which crashed on Tuesday in Arunachal Pradesh was a part of flood relief operations and went missing at 3.50 p.m. that day after it took off from Pilputu Helipad near Sagalee for Naharlagun heliport.

A defence statement said the Arunachal Pradesh Police team spotted the wreckage on Wednesday evening during the search by a joint rescue team of Army, the National Disaster Response Force, police and the Indian Air Force.

On Thursday morning, rescue parties comprising IAF's Garud commandos and a medical team, Army, NDRF were able to reach the crash site along with an Arunachal Pradesh Police team that had sighted the wreckage.

"The bodies of three personnel have been recovered so far," said the statement.

A court of Inquiry has been ordered in both incidents.

On May 23, an Indian Air Force Su-30 jet had crashed about 172 km from the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh. The wreckage could be found only after a week, and the two pilots who were on board were declared dead on May 31.

--IANS

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Authorities in Jammu and on Thursday decided to suspend mobile internet services in the Valley to prevent misuse of social networking sites by anti-social elements ahead of the death anniversary of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.

As a preventive measure to strengthen security across the Valley as separatists prepare to observe Wani's death anniversary, sources said service providers have been asked by authorities to suspend m obile Internet services indefinitely from 10 p.m. onwards on Thursday.

Separatists have announced a Valley-wide protest shutdown on July 8 to observe the death anniversary of Wani, who was killed on the same day last year, following which the Valley remained shut for 53 days.

As many as 94 civilian protesters were killed and over 200 others lost their vision either partially or completely because of pellets fired by the security forces during mob control last year.

Security challenges for the authorities have been compounded this time because of the ongoing Amarnath Yatra.

The Union Home Ministry has provided additional 20,000 paramilitary personnel to the state government to ensure security in the Valley, sources said.

--IANS

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Ghaziabad Police has arrested mobile thieves, who would sell mobile phones after changing their IEMI numbers, and recovered 146 phones of reputed brands from them, police said on Thursday.

According to the crime branch of Ghaziabad Police, latest mobile phones of well-known brands like Samsung, Oppo, iPhone and Nokia were recovered from the accused, identified as Gulfam, Abid, Nasir and Amir.

Sophisticated tools required to change configuration of phones, computer, data cables, hard disks, chargers and seven mobile phones with tampered IMEI numbers were recovered from them.

The gang used to operate from a mobile phone shop -- Arman Communication -- in Golden Plaza commercial complex of the city, police said.

In another incident, Ghaziabad Police arrested on Thursday a drug peddler and recovered five kilogram cannabis from his possession.

Police arrested him from the GT Road Industrial area falling under the Vijay Police Station limits of the city.

They said during a drive against drug abuse in the city, police nabbed the drug peddler, Aslam, of Rosy Colony of Ghaziabad.

Aslam was booked under the NDPS Act, according to SP (City) Akash Tomar.

--IANS

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A new chapter has opened in Indo-Israeli relations driven by the desire to improve the lives of both peoples, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday, addressing the first joint meeting of CEOs, who, among themselves, signed MoUs worth $5 billion on the sidelines of Modi's Israel visit.

"New chapter has been opened in India-Israel relations. The driving force is opportunities for betterment of lives of people," Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesman Gopal Baglay tweeted, citing Modi's address to chief executives from both countries.

Modi arrived here on Tuesday in the first ever Indian Prime Ministerial visit to Israel.

"PM says CEOs and talents of India and Israel together sow seeds of miracles for betterment of world," the spokesperson said in a separate tweet.

Baglay said that Indian and Israeli CEOs signed MoUs worth over $5 billion on the sidelines of the visit.

The CEOs Forum set a target of increasing bilateral trade from the current $5 billion to $20 billion within five years. The Forum also set up six joint committees covering the start-up, pharma and life sciences, homeland security, agriculture, energy and water sectors.

Modi informed Israel's corporate leaders about India having resolved many regulatory and policy issues that were being faced by businesses and companies.

"GST by far biggest business and economic reform of India. Now, we're moving towards modern tax regime, which is transparent, stable and predictable," Baglay tweeted Modi as saying.

Modi lauded Israel's reputation as a "start-up nation."

"It has a unique sense and ecosystem of innovation and incubation. Credit must go to the Israeli entrepreneurs."

"There is lot of potential for India-Israel partnership in Start-up India. I am happy that India-Israel start-up bridge has been formally launched today," he added.

Modi, along with Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday launched an India-Israel Innovation Bridge designed to link start-up companies and innovators of the two countries.

The bridge is aimed at benefitting Israeli companies and India in areas like agricultural technology, water technology and digital healthcare.

Indian industrialists at the meeting included Zydus Cadila Chairman Pankaj Patel, Ambuja Neotia Group Chairman Harshavardhan Neotia, Bharat Forge Chairman Baba Kalyani, L&T Director Jayant D. Patil, Invest India MD Deepak Bagla and Sun Pharma MD Dilip Shanghvi.

Among Israeli companies present at the meeting were Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Mekorot Water Company, Check Point Software, Israel Electric Company, Aqwiss, Israel Chemicals Ltd, RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries.

--IANS

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PLEASE NOTE!

Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate!

All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited!

(One day some of these events will be rescheduled or will resume, but they are not happening now!)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here on Thursday from Israel to attend this year's G20 Summit on July 7-8.

On Friday, Modi will attend the leaders' retreat where heads of state and government of the G20 countries will interact with each other informally.

On the sidelines of the Summit, he will attend a meeting of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) leaders.

A series of bilateral meetings between Modi and the leaders of Argentina, Canada, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Britain and Vietnam have also been lined up in Hamburg.

--IANS

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday laid floral wreaths at the Haifa Indian Cemetery that contains the graves of 49 Commonwealth servicemen killed in World War I.

Haifa was captured by the Mysore and Jodhpur Lancers from Turkish and German forces on September 23, 1918.

In a highly sombre atmosphere, Modi and Netanyahu also jointly unveiled a plaque commemorating Major Dalpat Singh, who led the Jodhpur Lancers.

"Hailing the hero of Haifa. The leaders unveil plaque commemorating Major Dalpat Singh whose bravery in this battle is folklore," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted.

Blue Berets, as the UN peacekeeping forces are better known, from India were present on the occasion. The two leaders also wrote on the visitors' book at the cemetery.

On the third and last day of his visit to Israel, Modi, accompanied by Netanyahu, arrived here by helicopter.

Later, on their way to Tel Aviv, they will stop at a beach where Modi will be given a demonstration of a mobile water filtration plant.

The two leaders will also address a CEOs' round table in Tel Aviv after which Modi will interact with Indian students in Israel.

On Wednesday, India and Israel upgraded their relationship to that of a strategic partnership and signed seven agreements, including on space cooperation, water management and agriculture.

--IANS

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Concluding a historic visit to Israel, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday left for Hamburg, Germany, to attend the G20 Summit.

Breaking protocol, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saw Modi off at the airport.

"A historic visit, filled with many firsts and the promise of future ends as PM Netanyahu goes beyond protocol again to bid farewell to PM," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted.

In Hamburg, Modi will attend a leaders' retreat on Friday in which heads of state and government of G20 countries will informally meet each other.

On the sidelines of the Summit, Modi will attend a meeting of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) leaders.

Bilateral meetings between Modi and leaders of Argentina, Canada, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Britain and Vietnam have also been lined up in Hamburg.

--IANS

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In the last engagement of his historic visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met a group of Indian students pursuing higher studies in Israel.

"It was great to meet Indian students," Modi tweeted later.

In recent years, an increasing number of students from India have been going to Israel for postgraduate studies.

Ahead of this meeting, Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended an India-Israel CEO's Round Table.

They started the day by paying homage at the Haifa Indian Cemetery that has the graves of 44 Indian soldiers who died during World War I.

And on their way to Tel Aviv, Modi and Netanyahu viewed a demonstration of a mobile sea water desalination plant at a beach.

Modi arrived here on Tuesday in the first visit to Israel by an Indian Prime Minister.

--IANS

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a series of bilaterals, including with the Prime Ministers of Britain, Japan and Canada, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, a senior official said on Thursday.

The comments came after China said there will be no meeting at Harmburg between Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Indian leader.

"The Prime Minister is visiting Hamburg from July 6 to 8 for G20 Summit," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said in response to a query.

"His pre-planned bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit are with Argentina, Canada, Italy, Japan, Mexico, ROK (South Korea), the UK and Vietnam, Baglay said. "There is no change in the Prime Minister's schedule."

Earlier, a Chinese Foreign Ministry official said President Xi and Prime Minister Modi were unlikely to meet on the sidelines of the summit as "the atmosphere is not right" due to their border stand-off.

--IANS

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on Thursday slammed Japan for trying to lay claim to the Tok Islets by presenting them as Japanese territory in teaching materials for schools.

According to Xinhua news agency, the official daily Rodong Sinmun said in a commentary that such acts are being committed by "Japanese reactionaries with robber-like intention".

"The Japanese reactionaries persistently assert that the Tok Islets are inviolable parts of their territory and imbue rising generations with ambition for the Tok Islets. Their purpose is to use their youngsters as a shock brigade for grabbing the Tok Islets and re-invading Korea in the future," said the newspaper of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea.

It also accused Japan of frequently staging combat drills for capturing the islets by mobilising the Self-Defence Forces and preparing the country for a state of war.

"No matter how desperately Japan may assert the Tok Islets belong to its territory, it can convince no one. Japan's bid to grab the Tok Islets is a foolish daydream," it said.

The Japanese government decided to write into official school textbooks that the Tok Islets are part of Japan, a claim denounced by both Pyongyang and Seoul.

(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.)
Actor Rana Daggubati feels Nivetha Thomas, whose film "Ninnu Kori" is slated to hit the screens worldwide on Friday, is Telugu cinemas best find in recent times.

Rana attended a special screening of the film on Wednesday night.

Post the screening, he tweeted: "Saw a beautiful film with some exceptional performers. 'Ninnu Kori'. So happy and proud that I'm working in a time of such brilliant people."

Directed by Shiva Nirvana, "Ninnu Kori" also stars Nani and Aadi Pinisetty.

Rana went on to add, "Nivetha, you are Telugu cinema's best find in recent times".

On the career front, Rana awaits the release of Telugu political drama "Nene Raju, Nene Mantri".

Last month, he made his television debut with the show, "No.1 Yaari with Rana", and it has been well received so far.

--IANS

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A Pakistani party leader was killed when unidentified gunmen opened fire at his vehicle in Quetta city of Balochistan province on Thursday afternoon, the police said.

Balochistan National Party (BNP) leader Malik Naveed Dehwar was killed and his guard Haji Essa was injured in the attack, Dawn online reported.

The assailants escaped after spraying bullets at Dehwar's car, killing him on the spot.

The injured guard was rushed to Quetta Civil Hospital's trauma centre for treatment.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.

The BNP has strongly condemned Dehwar's killing and urged the government to arrest the killers.

Dehwar was a local leader of the BNP, which is led by Sardar Akhtar Mengal, former Chief Minister of Balochistan.

Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri also condemned the attack and directed the police to arrest the culprits.

The incident came hours after unidentified assailants attacked the convoy of Balochistan Health Minister Rehmat Saleh Baloch in Panjgur area. The minister and his aides, however, were uninjured in the attack.

Balochistan has been experiencing incidents of violence and targeted killings for over a decade.

The largest province of the country by area, it is home to a low-level insurgency by ethnic Baloch separatists.

Al Qaeda-linked and sectarian militants also operate in the region. The province shares borders with Afghanistan and Iran.

--IANS

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Political dialogue must precede peace and not follow it, a group of eminent personalities said on Thursday and urged the Centre to initiate dialogue with various stakeholders to restore peace in Jammu and Kashmir.

Their stand was voiced when over 30 eminent persons, including former Union Ministers Yashwant Sinha and Manish Tewari, former Chief Information Commissioner Wajahat Habibullah, journalists H.K. Dua and Bharat Bhushan, participated in a round table discussion on the Kashmir situation organised by the Delhi-based Institute of Social Sciences.

They said a group of concerned citizens will go to Jammu and Kashmir and meet various stakeholders again to help resolve the current impasse to ensure in peace in the Kashmir Valley.

The group said in a statement here that as violence shows no signs of abating in Kashmir, people are getting disillusioned and conventional in the state is "gasping for breath".

"A sense of fear, utter helplessness and alienation from the national mainstream is prevailing in the absence of political engagement. Militarisation of public and policy discourse is worrying. The Pakistan constituency and radicalisation among the youth is growing," the statement read.

"Confidence in state institutions has never been so low. How the situation in Jammu and Kashmir has turned so ugly and brutal is unthinkable. Before the unthinkable becomes irreversible, civil society and concerned citizens must act," it said.

The statement said that violence can never be a way forward but dialogue can be.

"If the government is reluctant to enter into a dialogue, the concerned citizens must engage with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. People-to-people contacts were never so needed as they are now," it said.

Other participants included Kapil Kak, K.C. Singh, Shujaat Bukhari, Rahul Jalali, Vinod Sharma, Maya Mirchandani, Anand Sahay, Saba Naqvi, Shushobha Barve, Tapan Bose, Sanjoy Hazarika, Humra Quraishi, Sumit Chakravarttty, Pankaj Pachauri, M.K. Tikku, Ash Narain Roy, George Mathew, and Rekha Saxena.

--IANS

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The attempt to launch legal proceedings by relevant governments with regards to the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 can help establish truth and seek justice, Malaysia's Transport Minister said on Wednesday.

Liow Tiong Lai made the remarks after it was reported that those responsible for shooting down MH17 nearly three years ago in eastern Ukraine may face prosecution in the Netherlands, where the majority of the 283 passengers on board the flight were coming from, Xinhua news agency reported.

The decision was jointly made by the governments of Australia, Belgium, Malaysia, Ukraine and the Netherlands.

"We are also pleased to note that the Dutch Public Prosecution Service will make the necessary decisions concerning prosecution at the appropriate time given the criminal investigation is still ongoing," Liow was quoted as saying.

The minister noted that cooperation between the investigative authorities will also continue in the prosecution phase.

"With this milestone, Malaysia is ever more resolute to seek justice," he said.

In the tragic accident on July 17, 2014, all 298 on board the plane lost their lives that was en-route to Kuala Lumpur from Amsterdam.

The Dutch authorities concluded in a investigative report in 2015 that the passenger jet, a Boeing 777, was shot down by a Russian-made ground-to-air rocket.

--IANS

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President Donald Trump, coming off a short visit to Poland, was greeted here in Germany on Thursday by the complex reality of foreign relations in the form of a pre-G20 meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The two met at the Hotel Atlantic Kempinski Hamburg, where they shared a handshake and brief conversation before the two world leaders left reporters.

It was an instant contrast to the optics of their first meeting in March, which signaled a strained relationship.

Trump did not shake Merkel's hand before cameras in the Oval Office, although they did at other times of her White House visit. And at a news conference later in the day, much to Merkel's chagrin, Trump make a joke about American spying practices that were found to have swept up the German chancellor's conversations during President Barack Obama's administration.

"As far as wiretapping I guess by this past administration, at least we have something in common, perhaps," Trump said, turning to Merkel, who didn't smile.

Merkel, playing host to the international G20 conference on Friday and Saturday in her hometown of Hamburg, has seemingly ensured the conference will be full of prickly issues for Trump, whose relationship with the powerful German leader has so far been frosty.

The priorities of this meeting of the G20 include climate change, immigration and trade, all topics where Trump is at odds with the bulk of European leaders. And Merkel further set up a conflict with Trump in a speech to Parliament in June.

"Whoever believes the problems of this work can be solved by isolationism and protectionism is making a tremendous error," Merkel said, a not-so-thinly veiled swipe at Trump, who ran for president by promising nationalism, tightened borders, stricter trade deals and has since pulled out of the Paris climate accord.

The two world leaders are meeting Thursday evening before both taking part in broader conversations during the G20.

Trump's relationship with Merkel has been icy ever since the campaign, when Trump questioned the German leader's immigration policy.

"What's happening in Germany, I always thought Merkel was like this great leader. What she's done in Germany is insane. It is insane. They're having all sorts of attacks," Trump said in an October 2015 interview.

German policy towards Trump

Merkel, who is in the midst of running for her fourth term as chancellor of Germany, has taken a forceful posture on the United States and Trump ever since that visit, a departure from the close relationship she had with former President Barack Obama.

She even told voters at a beer hall in Bavaria in May that the United States could no longer be seen as a "reliable" ally for Europe.

Thursday afternoon's meeting will likely foretell a difficult two days for Trump, who is coming off a near euphoric visit to Poland, where the President was showered with praise from the conservative Polish government.

Trump has so far had an array of results on foreign trips.

Though Trump was heralded when he visited Saudi Arabia and Israel on his first foreign trip, European diplomats bristled at Trump's rhetoric about Article 5, the principle of common defense, during a speech on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. And Trump, according to people who traveled with the President, later felt ridiculed during a meeting of the G7 in Italy when leaders implored him to stay in the Paris climate agreement.

Merkel's meeting may not even be close to the most difficult for Trump during his three day Trip to Germany, though, when he comes face to face with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday.

CNN's Kevin Liptak and Allie Malloy contributed to this report.
The controversy over nomination of three MLAs in Puducherry snowballed on Thursday with Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy scheduled to meet President Pranab Mukherjee over the "illegal" action, as state Lt. Governor Kiran Bedi strongly defended her move.

Naryanasamy, who is in Delhi, said the nomination of three MLAs "by the central government" was not in accordance with the provisions of the Union Territories Act, 1963, and the rules of business.

"There is a provision to nominate three people but it has to be done by the state government and not by the central government directly," Narayanasamy said.

"We will be submitting a memorandum to the President on this issue, saying that the nomination itself is illegal. The central government cannot usurp the powers of the state. There are also criminal records against two of those nominated," he added.

Narayanasamy said he will also meet Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi on Friday.

Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said in New Delhi that Bedi has been at loggerheads with V. Narayanasamy and the elected Congress government from the beginning.

He said the appointment of three MLAs -- V. Saminathan, President of the Puducherry BJP unit, party Treasurer K.G. Shankar and educationist S. Selva Ganapathy -- has been done without consulting the Chief Minister.

Even in Parliament the President nominates members on the basis of the recommendation by the central government, he said.

Bedi took to Twitter to justify her action and cited provisions of the Government of Union Territories Act in this regard.

"Here is the Law under which 3 MLAs were nominated by GOI (Government of India) and I as an LG (Lt. Governor) administered the Oath," Bedi said in a tweet.

One of the provisions cited by her said that three members can take oath before the LG or a person appointed by him/her for the purpose.

"Since when is application of Law a 'murder of democracy'?

"See the law. Central government has the power to Nominate and LG has the power of oath giving..!," Bedi added.

"I am an agent of law, I am working according to that. Cabinet came to me asking why are you meeting people? Why solving civic problems? They said you are supposed to be a rubber stamp," she told reporters.

--IANS

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Laying out norms for limiting customer liability in online banking frauds, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday directed banks to credit the amount involved in the unauthorised electronic transaction within 10 working days to the account holder.

"With the increased thrust on financial inclusion and customer protection and considering the recent surge in customer grievances relating to unauthorised transactions resulting in debits to their accounts/cards, the criteria for determining the customer liability in these circumstances have been reviewed," RBI said in a notification here.

In cases of zero and limited liability of the customer "on being notified by the customer, the bank shall credit the amount involved in the unauthorised electronic transaction to the customer's account within 10 working days from the date of such notification by the customer (without waiting for settlement of insurance claim, if any)", it said.

Banks may also at their discretion decide to waive off any customer liability in case of unauthorised electronic banking transactions even in cases of customer negligence, the notification said.

RBI also said that banks need to ask their customers to mandatorily register for SMS alerts and e-mail alerts for electronic banking transactions.

"The SMS alerts shall mandatorily be sent to the customers, while email alerts may be sent, wherever registered. The customers must be advised to notify their bank of any unauthorised electronic banking transaction at the earliest after the occurrence of such transaction, and informed that the longer the time taken to notify the bank, the higher will be the risk of loss to the bank/customer," it said.

Further, banks shall ensure that the resolution of a customer complaint does not exceed 90 days from the date of receipt of the complaint, and the customer is compensated as per provisions.

"In case of debit card/bank account, the customer does not suffer loss of interest, and in case of credit card, the customer does not bear any additional burden of interest," it said.

RBI also noted that the customer should not delay in reporting of the fraud beyond seven days. "If the delay in reporting is beyond seven working days, the customer liability shall be determined as per the bank's Board approved policy."

Zero Liability of a Customer:

A customer's entitlement to zero liability shall arise where the unauthorised transaction occurs due to negligence/deficiency on the part of the bank (irrespective of whether or not the transaction is reported by the customer).

Third party breach where the deficiency lies neither with the bank nor with the customer but lies elsewhere in the system, and the customer notifies the bank within three working days of receiving the communication from the bank regarding the unauthorised transaction.

Limited Liability of a Customer:

A customer shall be liable for the loss occurring due to unauthorised transactions in cases where the loss is due to negligence by a customer, such as where he has shared the payment credentials, the customer will bear the entire loss until he reports the unauthorised transaction to the bank.

"Any loss occurring after the reporting of the unauthorised transaction shall be borne by the bank.

"In cases where the responsibility for the unauthorised electronic banking transaction lies neither with the bank nor with the customer, but lies elsewhere in the system and when there is a delay (of four to seven working days after receiving the communication from the bank) on the part of the customer in notifying the bank of such a transaction, the per transaction liability of the customer shall be limited to the transaction value or the amount mentioned, whichever is lower," it said.

--IANS

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Samsung India has partnered with the Tamil Nadu government to offer healthcare solutions with the effective use of technology to patients from the economically and socially weaker sections of society, the company said in a statement on Thursday.

As part of its "Smart Healthcare" programme, Samsung will provide advanced and innovative healthcare equipments such as ultrasound and digital radiology (x-ray) manufactured to select government hospitals in Kanchipuram and its adjoining areas.

"Samsung believes in transforming communities and creating a better life for people. Through this collaboration, we aspire to provide many more people easy access to advanced healthcare facilities. Samsung Smart Healthcare combines good infrastructure, latest technology and the best available medical expertise," said Deepak Bhardwaj, Vice President, Samsung India.

Since 2015, Samsung has collaborated with 16 government hospitals across the country to provide innovative products such as ultrasound, digital radiology and accessories that facilitate healthcare intervention to benefit communities with limited access to quality healthcare.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Ravi Udyawar, who is making his debut with Sridevis "Mom", says the veteran actress elder daughter Jhanvi suggested Pakistani actor Adnan Siddiquis name for the role of a father in the film.

"Jhanvi is the one who recommended Adnan Siddiqui's name while we were casting. We were looking for somebody for a father's role and Jhanvi said, 'I've seen this actor called Adnan Siddiqui, who has done 'A Mighty Heart' with Angelina Jolie. I had also watched that film, so I looked up for him and we cast him in the film," Udyawar told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

Besides Adnan, "Mom" also features Pakistani actress Sajal Ali as Sridevi's daughter in the film.

"It was amazing working with them (Adnan and Sajal), they are fine actors. It was important to cast the daughter as she had to connect well with Sridevi's character. So, they have done a brilliant job," said Udyawar, who has previously worked as an art director, producer-director on television entertainers and has also directed commercials and music videos.

Besides them, "Mom", releasing on Friday, also features Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Akshaye Khanna.

Udyawar says the idea behind making "Mom" was to "explore mother-daughter bond and put conflict into that".

"I really love the intricacies of relations where things are not spoken, but you can feel the problems in it. I am trying to give an answer to the question, 'What it really means to be a mother?' It's a fictional story, but a relevant story in today's times," he said.

The process of the film's making started in 2014 when Udyawar met Sridevi's husband producer Boney Kapoor.

"We discussed some ideas and I liked one of them which talked about a mother and her daughter. I always wanted Sridevi ma'am as the protagonist and he said, 'You have to pitch it to her and if she likes it then we will make it.'

"I showed the script to ma'am and she loved the idea and we started shooting," Udyawar recalled.

How was it working with Sridevi?

"As it was her 300th film and my first one, there was a lot of responsibility looking at the kind of work that she has done. Yes, there was pressure on me, but working with her is amazing," he said.

"After all these years, even now when she comes on set, she is like a newcomer -- as if she is starting it again. She is really excited and enthusiastic about scenes and tries to push her limits as an actress. That's something that we can learn from her.

"She herself is a mother, so I am sure people will connect with her when they will see her. Although it's not her own story, she must have added some personal touch to her character," he added.

Udyawar considers himself "lucky" to have got a chance to work with Sridevi, Nawazuddin and Akshaye in his debut film. He has already started thinking about his next project,

"If given a chance I would love to direct her (Sridevi) again. I will like it if she acts in a comedy film directed by me. That would be great. She has done amazing work earlier in comedy. She is still the same. She is fantastic while doing that," Udyawar concluded.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
American fashion brand Steve Madden jewellery has announced the launch of an exquisite line in India in association with an e-commerce brand.

The brand announced the launch of the line, that has close to 200 styles, with Amazon Fashion.

The range has earrings, bracelets, necklace, chokers, chain, keychains, pendants, rings and charms.

"Jewellery has always been close to the heart of Indians. And a brand like Steve Madden has always allured the crowd with its varied offerings," Ujjval Saraf, Director of Brandzstorm India Marketing, the Indian distributor of the brand, said in a statement.

"The exclusive launch of jewellery in India on Amazon Fashion not only helps us leverage high virtual footfalls but also gives our customers across the country an easy access to a premium line of jewellery from an iconic brand," added Saraf.

Steve Madden revolutionised the fashion industry with footwear and other accessories and consistently continues to set trends, merging many years of experience with unique and creative designs.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Authorities here have asked as many as 27 colleges and 26 schools to take steps to check use of drugs by their students after a probe found that over 1,000 students, some of them as young as 13 are using 'high-end' drugs like LSD and MDMA, an official said on Wednesday.

Advisories were sent to the educational institutions including prestigious international schools and engineering colleges following sensational finding by the Prohibition and Excise Department.

Announcing the arrest of eighth accused in the drug racket, Enforcement Director Akun Sabharwal told reporters that letters were sent to the heads of educational institutions, having sizeable number of users.

Without naming the students addicted to drugs, the letters have asked the principals to keep an eye on erratic/deviant behaviour of the students. They were also advised to monitor the areas around the school as some shops were being used for selling the drugs.

The managements of schools and colleges were also asked to counsel the students on the dangers of using drugs. As children of the rich and influential were found to be spending big money on buying the narcotic substance, parents and teachers have been advised to keep a watch on use of money and credit/debit cards by their wards.

The investigators found that students of even classes eight and nine were using drugs. As they were also found to be communicating with drug peddlers and suppliers, parents and teachers were asked to monitor their use of mobile phones.

The investigations also revealed that students including girls are in touch with peddlers through social media apps. In one of the messages sent through WhatsApp, a girl informed the supplier how the drug gave her a high and sought more of it.

Sabharwal announced the arrest of Brendon Ben, who was taken into custody on Wednesday morning. A graduate in hotel management, he was working with an event management company.

All accused arrested so far were peddlers and all of them were well educated. People from film industry, hospitality, and MNCs were allegedly involved in the racket.

Calvin Mascarenhas, who was the first to be arrested, is a musician and former bank employee. Another accused Abdul Quddus, who did his MBA in Australia, was working with an MNC. A start-up owner V. Nikhil Shetty and yoga instructor V. Ravi Kiran were among the other accused.

"The department has not arrested anyone who is a user or consumer, although a legal offence under Section 22 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act is made out," said Sabharwal.

He proposes to hold a meeting with principals/correspondents of almost 80 schools of Hyderabad on July 14. A similar meeting is proposed with colleges.

The department has also set up a toll free number(1800 425 2523) so that citizens/parents/ teachers/students who have any information regarding drugs can pass it on. It promised to keep their identities confidential.

Sabhrwal said the department was also making efforts to extend the fight against drugs from enforcement to education or awareness. "Awareness videos are being produced which would be circulated in media, on WhatsApp/Telegram groups and sent to schools & colleges for use," he added.

--IANS

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The health of dissident and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo, who has terminal stage liver cancer, has worsened, according to the hospital where he is being treated.

Liu's abdominal swelling has deteriorated due to an accumulation of liquid. A medical team led by liver cancer specialist Mao Yilei has been sent to examine him and decide the further course of treatment, EFE news cited a hospital statement as saying.

Authorities have asked Liu's family to be available around the clock in case his condition deteriorates further, family friend Ye Du said.

Mao is a professor at Peking Union Medical College Hospital's liver surgery department. Official media said he is also the deputy director of the Chinese Medical Association's liver surgery committee.

Activist and dissident Hu Jia on Thursday accused China's Communist Party of denying Liu his freedom, which he said would be the best possible treatment.

Authorities insist Liu is receiving the best treatment possible, while keeping the dissident under strict surveillance, refusing to allow him to leave the country to seek treatment abroad as his family wishes.

Liu, 61, was imprisoned in 2009 for 11 years on subversion charges.

He has been treated in hospital since being released on medical parole between late May and early June when he was diagnosed with terminal-stage liver cancer.

Several international institutions and governments, including the US and the European Union, have increased pressure on China to release Liu and his wife Liu Xia, who was recently united with her husband after spending seven years under house arrest.

Amid growing pressure from the international community, Beijing on Wednesday said it would allow doctors from the US and Germany to assist the Chinese medical team treating Liu.

It is not yet known who these doctors are or when they will arrive, but sources close to the case told EFE they will have to work under the supervision of the authorities.

--IANS

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold bilateral meetings with the top leadership of eight countries, including Britain, Japan and Canada, and also participate in a BRICS leaders meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, a senior official said on Thursday.

The comments came after China said there will be no meeting at Hamburg between Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Indian leader in the wake of a stand-off between the troops of both sides in Doklam area in the Sikkim sector.

"The Prime Minister is visiting Hamburg from July 6 to 8 for G20 Summit," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said in response to a query.

"His pre-planned bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit are with Argentina, Canada, Italy, Japan, Mexico, ROK (South Korea), the UK and Vietnam.

"In addition, he will also participate in the BRICS Leaders' meeting. There is no change in the Prime Minister's schedule," he added.

Earlier, a Chinese Foreign Ministry official said President Xi and Prime Minister Modi were unlikely to meet on the sidelines of the summit as "the atmosphere is not right" due to their border stand-off.

While the Indian Foreign Ministry has not indicated whether Modi and Xi will hold a bilateral meeting, there is every likelihood of their meeting, even in passing, during the five-nation Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa leaders' meeting, which is traditionally held on the sidelines of a G20 summit.

Modi and Xi will be in the same room and sitting around the same table at the BRICS leaders meeting, a close group meeting during which leaders of the five countries set the agenda for the way forward.

While the cold vibes between the two sides are in full display over the Doklam stand-off, with China markedly ratcheting up the rhetoric -- both in Beijing and their embassy in New Delhi -- a meeting between the two leaders would help bring down temperatures.

Even as bilateral tensions are at a high, Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar is in Beijing to participate in a BRICS Education Ministers meet. He held "good discussions" with his Chinese counterpart Chen Baosheng and also met "with an old friend" Chinese Special Envoy on climate change Xie Zhenhua, the Indian Embassy in Beijing tweeted.

--IANS

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Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy was shown black flag by Trinamool Congress activists on Thursday after he backed his West Bengal counterpart in the latter's stand-off with the Mamata Banerjee government.

Roy accused the Mamata Banerjee regime of hushing up the news of communal violence in Basirhat sub-division in Bengal.

Iterating that Bengal Governor Keshri Nath Tripathi was right in questioning the Trinamool government on the Basirhat violence, Roy said: "The Governor is well within his rights to ask questions. If the need be, he can also give suggestions (to the state government). There is nothing wrong in this."

During a telephonic conversation with Chief Minister Banerjee on Tuesday, Tripathi had reportedly expressed his annoyance over the state police and administration not doing their bit to control the violence and suggested the state government ask for central forces.

Soon after his discussions with Tripathi, Banerjee alleged that he had "threatened and humiliated her".

But Roy refused to go by Banerjee's version. "So far as I know him (Tripathi), he is not the sort of person to humiliate or threaten somebody," he said on the sidelines of a programme marking the 116th birth anniversary celebrations of Syama Prasad Mookerjee.

Roy said he had been witness to riots during the 34-year Left Front rule as also during the incumbent Trinamool regime. "I have seen that this government always tries to hush up news of riots."

He said even the state media earlier did not report on riots.

Roy said the malady could not be cured by hiding the facts.

"You need to administer the right medicine and treatment to cure the malady. You need to take action," he said at the programme organised at Calcutta University's College Street campus.

As Roy came out of the auditorium after the programme, members of the Trinamool Congress students' wing staged a black flag protest against him. They also raised slogans demanding Tripathi be removed from the post of state governor.

--IANS

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Turkish police on Thursday arrested eight leading human rights activists in Istanbul including Amnesty International's Turkey director Idil Eser, the media reported.

Two trainers -- from Germany and Sweden -- were also arrested in the raid on a digital security workshop run by Amnesty at a hotel in Buyukada, reports the BBC.

The police raid was "blatantly without cause", an Amnesty statement said.

The activists' whereabouts were yet not known.

The police action "is a grotesque abuse of power and highlights the precarious situation facing human rights activists in the country", said Salil Shetty, Amnesty International's Secretary General.

"Idil Eser and those detained with her must be immediately and unconditionally released," the BBC quoted Shetty as saying.

Police have jailed more than 50,000 people across Turkey since a coup plot a year ago.

--IANS

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BJP President Amit Shah on Thursday exhorted his party leaders and workers to ensure the party's victory in the 2019 assembly elections in Odisha.

Shah addressed party members here and told them not to rest till the Bharatiya Janata Party captured political power in the eastern state.

"I have travelled to various places in Odisha. It was not like an aerial visit by (Chief Minister) Naveen Patnaik. I sensed the mood of Odisha's people in favour of BJP by travelling more than 400 km by road in three days," Shah said.

"There will be no development in the state till the BJD is in power. We should work to uproot the BJD government and bring the BJP to power."

Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the BJP President presented a road map for ousting the BJD government in the 2019 polls.

"He presented an elaborate road map on this and assigned specific roles and responsibility to each and every karyakarta (worker)," tweeted Pradhan.

On the last day of his three-visit tour of Odisha, Shah visited Basantpur village in Ekamra assembly constituency on the state capital's outskirts where he was given a traditional welcome.

Shah earlier visited Ganjam district, the home turf of Naveen Patnaik, and Jajpur district.

--IANS

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Dubbing it as "extraordinarily irresponsible", a section of Nobel laureates has strongly criticised US President Donald Trump's decision to exit the Paris accord, urging young scientists to join in the effort to combat global challenges.

Their opinions come ahead of the Hamburg G20 summit, where, according to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, tackling climate change will be in focus, following the US withdrawal from the Paris climate pact.

Gathering at the 67th edition of the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, they pointed out that though climate sceptics and deniers have President Trump's ear, a lot can be changed if nations, especially developing and least-developed ones, which are facing the heat of changing climate, come together, much as they did on the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

Among them, Steven Chu, the 1997 Physics Nobel winner and former US Secretary of Energy (2009-13) under Trump's predecessor Barack Obama, highlighted that "changing climate does not respect national boundaries".

"Key members of the current US Administration doubt the scientific evidence of climate change. The proposed Presidential federal budget calls for stopping federal support of climate research including the cancellation of future satellite missions to monitor climate change," Chu said in a speech that was delivered by Nobel laureate William E. Moerner, in his absence, at the meeting.

"Perhaps they believe if we don't measure changes in the climate, it is not happening," said Chu.

Moerner opined that it is "wrong" to argue whether climate change is happening or not.

"I am very concerned (about Trump's policy on climate change) because it reflects lack of respect for the scientific method. We should not be arguing if it's happening or not or whether we are the cause of it; it's simply wrong," he said.

Laureate Mario Jose Molina, a Mexican-born American chemist, noted for his pioneering work on the depletion of the ozone layer, dubbed Trump's attitude as "extraordinarily irresponsible and irrational".

"Fortunately, we have one example of a global issue that has been solved -- the depletion of the ozone layer -- and without this international agreement, the Montreal Protocol, we would be in very big trouble today; but fortunately, all countries on the planet accepted the agreement. So I know, it can be done, we can all work together and avoid these irresponsibilities, Molina said.

Talking to IANS separately, Molina said India should take advantage of "creative technologies" to reduce dependency on coal.

"The problem in India is, it is so cheap to burn local coal; so it's very hard to compete with that. For India it is a huge challenge as the economy develops, the emissions increase," he said, adding scientists from countries like India and Mexico should not work in silos but speak up in unison on global challenges.

Outlining the scientific community's responsibilities, Bernard L. Feringa, 2016 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, said chemists are in a unique position to advance renewable fuels and chemicals.

He encouraged young scientists to contribute to the field even though their inputs may only be a "small step".

"It is our duty to society," he said.

"Now more than ever, we need talented young scientists and engineers to create the innovations needed for a prosperous and sustainable future. We also need young economists and political scientists to work with the technologists to create better policy options, and future business leaders that will make sustainability an integral part of their business," Chu added.

(Sahana Ghosh was in Germany at the invitation of the Council for the 67th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings. She can be reached at sahana.g@ians.in)

--IANS

sgh/ssp/vm

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are unlikely to have a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit due to the worsening border dispute, Beijing on Thursday hinted, saying the "atmosphere was not right".

Beijing said the "trespass" by Indian troops into the Chinese territory "had damaged the political foundations of bilateral relations between China and India".

The two leaders were expected to meet at the Hamburg Summit in a bid to resolve the simmering border row in the mountainous Sikkim sector. The G20 summit begins on Friday.

Modi and Xi had a "positive" meeting at the Shanghai Corporation meeting last month in Astana.

A Chinese government official said: "The atmosphere was not right for a bilateral meet."

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said: "As for the arrangement of the bilateral meeting (at G20) between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi, I have to point out that recently Indian troops trespassed into China and obstructed normal activities of Chinese troops in Doklam region.

"This endangers China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and damaged the political foundations of bilateral relations between China and India."

Geng made clear that any "meaningful dialogue" between New Delhi and Beijing was possible only after the withdrawal of Indian troops from Doklam in Sikkim sector where troops of both countries have been engaged in a stand-off.

"We hope India can immediately withdraw the border troops to the Indian side of the boundary and uphold peace and tranquillity on the China-India border areas. This is the pre-condition for any meaningful peace talks."

And Geng warned that India would face "serious consequences" if it didn't withdraw its troops.

The genesis of the ensuing feud lies in Doklam at the tri-junction of India, Bhutan and China.

Beijing and Thimpu claim Doklam, where the Chinese were stopped by the Indian Army from building a road.

New Delhi's objection to the road in Doklam, a strategic point near to India's crucial Siliguri corridor, is due to the pending ownership of the place.

Beijing calls the road construction "just," saying Doklam belongs to China.

"I don't understand why the building of a road by China can bring risk to India? China builds road on its own territory and it is a justified action by a sovereign state," Geng said.

"Anyone who knows basic rules of international relations knows that so-called security concerns of India is to transgress defined boundary to enter the territory of neighbouring countries.

"This kind of protests is ridiculous during the past few decades it is India that has built many factories and deployed forces along the line, even crossing the line, constantly changing status quo of border area.

"Under the pretext of protecting Bhutan, India has illegally entered China's territory hindering negotiation process between China and Bhutan."

The Chinese media was relentless in adding to the tensions.

A day after virtually calling for war with India, the state-run Global Times said China could fuel anti-India movements in Sikkim and help it secede from India.

"Beijing should reconsider its stance over the Sikkim issue. Although China recognized India's annexation of Sikkim in 2003, it can readjust its stance on the matter," an editorial in the newspaper warned.

"There are those in Sikkim that cherish its history as a separate state and they are sensitive to how the outside world views the Sikkim issue. As long as there are voices in Chinese society supporting Sikkim's independence, the voices will spread and fuel pro-independence appeals in Sikkim."

India and China, which fought a war in 1962, share over 200 km of border in the Sikkim sector.

--IANS

gsh/mr

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By all accounts, Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to has been a success.The optics were filled with bonhomie and promises of everlasting friendship and did justice to the first-ever visit by an Indian prime minister to . Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, hugged Mr Modi, called him a "kindred spirit", greeted him in Hindi -- "Aapka swagat hai, mere dost" (I welcome you, my friend) -- claimed that the partnership betweeen the two nations was a marriage made in heaven, and said that the Israelis had been waiting for this moment for almost 70 years. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin broke protocol to receive Mr Modi, and the Israeli agriculture minister named a new strain of white chrysanthemum after the Indian prime minister. Mr Modi looked predictably chuffed and was equally generous in his praise for his hosts. India admires the success of your people in overcoming adversity to flourish against all odds, said Mr Modi. By the time the joint statement was framed, it was clear that these phrases were not mere pleasantries: The two leaders had decided to raise bilateral ties to a strategic partnership.
Stray cattle are a common sight on Odishas newly built highways. It is also not uncommon to see them hit by speeding vehicles. Biju Janata Dal member of Parliament Tathagata Satpathy gave the Opposition some fodder on Twitter when he tweeted about Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah, who is touring the state. Amit Shahs carcade hits a cow at Barchana, Orissa. Animal badly hurt. Holy cow! - TS, Satpathy posted on his account @SatpathyLive. BJP baiters had a field day discussing if gaurakshaks would attack Shah now while others added details of how multiple vehicles hit the cow. Yet others discussed the semantics of carcade, saying it should be cavalcade.
The opens Friday to a melancholic backdrop. Discontent about stagnant incomes and anxieties over the economic future will bring leaders from outside the traditional political establishment to Hamburg, who do not automatically support an international order based on market principles and open economies. Brazil will not even send its leader; India and China face serious military tension. Russia is viewed suspiciously as interfering in political outcomes in advanced economies. Turkey, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Australia and South Korea are beleaguered by domestic and regional challenges. The US has rejected the Paris Climate Accord. The UK is caught in a Brexit-ignited swirl of disorder and discontent.
The Supreme Court wants the government to allow the public to exchange banned Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes one more time. There are a significant number of citizens who could not or did not exchange the banned notes before December 30, 2016.
After the eventful completion of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths maiden 100 days in office, July brings some hope in terms of regaining lost ground for the Yogi regime, which has been facing criticism over the states poor law and order situation.
The row between West Bengal Governor and the government escalated on Wednesday, with senior ministers tearing into Keshri Nathi Tripathi, and the Raj Bhavan hitting back by dubbing the accusations as "attempts to cover lapses" and "divert attention from the main issue of law and order".

A day after accusing Governor Tripathi of "threatening and humiliating" her during a telephonic conversation over a communal disturbance in North 24 Parganas district, Banerjee refused to talk on the issue, but fielded two of her senior ministers Partha Chatterjee and Subrata Mukherjee to wage the battle on her behalf.

While Education minister and Trinamool Congress Secretary General Chatterjee accused Tripathi of behaving like a "BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) cadre", Rural Development Minister Mukherjee called the governor "BJP's parrot".

Chatterjee alleged that Raj Bhavan was "inciting and helping" those trying to engineer riots in various parts of the state, and warned him that his party would not remain silent if Banerjee was attacked.

"He is behaving like a BJP cadre... We condemn strongly the tone and tenor of the words he used while speaking to the chief minister, and threatened her. He caused her immense pain."

Chatterjee said the Trinamool has already written to President Pranab Mukherjee and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the issue.

"The Trinamool and the Trinamool legislative party want to remind the governor that Raj Bhavan cannot be a BJP den."

On the other hand, Mukherjee held that Tripathi himself drafted all the complaint letters from the BJP before passing them to the state government.

"We feel he is BJP's parrot. We have received many letters of complaint from BJP through him. He takes those letters from BJP leadership, drafts them himself and sends them to us. This is not the job of a governor," he said.

He also took a swipe at the governor for stating that he also has certain administrative powers like the Chief Minister.

Mukherjee claimed that Tripathi is going all out to back the BJP as he is unsure about retaining his post after the new President is sworn in.

Soon after Chatterjee's media interaction, the Raj Bhavan came up with a press release articulating Tripathi's "observations".

In the release, more hard-hitting than the one issued a day back, the Governor advised Banerjee and her ministerial colleagues to "direct their attention to maintain peace and law and order in the state without making any distinction on the basis of caste, creed or community", instead of making accusations against him.

It also termed as "baseless" the Chief Minister's allegations against Tripathi, and said these amounted to "insulting and humiliating the Governor and his office" and were "meant only to emotionally blackmail the people of West Bengal".

The Raj Bhavan said the Governor was aware of his constitutional obligations and needed no lesson from anyone on the subject.

"The Governor has been apprised of the statement of Partha Chatterjee, Education Minister, and regrets to say that this is an attempt to cover the lapses of the state government and divert the attention from the main issue of law and order."

The release held it was wrong to say "that Raj Bhavan has become the office of the BJP or the RSS (Rashtriya Swyamsevak Sangh)."

It said that Raj Bhavan was not expected to "tear off or throw in the wastepaper basket" the representations received by the Governor or his office from any person.

"Whenever any such representation is received from anyone, the same is forwarded to the state government for appropriate action."

Amid the stand-off, the state BJP demanded Banerjee's resignation and urged the Centre to immediately impose President's rule, saying law and order has collapsed and there were frequent Incidents of communal tension.

State BJP president Dilip Ghosh also termed Banerjee's allegations against Tripathi as against constitutional propriety.

The CPI-M rapped Banerjee for trying to make a big issue out of her telephonic talks with Tripathi.

"People of the state are not interested in the fake quarrel between the Governor and the Chief Minister. At a time when the state is going to dogs, she is pre-occupied with her personal issues", said party politburo member Mohammad Salim.

--IANS

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Controversial arms dealer Abhishek Verma, a witness in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case allegedly involving Congress leader Jagdish Tytler, today told a Delhi court that he was ready to undergo a lie-detector test if he and his family are provided round-the-clock security.

Verma, who was present during the hearing, said while Tytler had Z-plus security, he was getting protection only on the days of court hearing and he apprehended serious threat to his life as well as that of his wife and mother.

He, however, agreed to the suggestion given by the counsel for the victims in the court that he should be provided 24 hours security till the time he undergoes the polygraph test.

"Here is a witness who is willing to depose against Tytler. Witness protection is very important. Till the time his statement is recorded or lie detection test is conducted on him, he be given security round-the-clock so that he has no apprehension of grave danger to his life.

"After conducting the test, the threat perception could be re-assessed," advocate Kamna Vohra and Prabhsahay Kaur, who represented riot victims, said.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Shivali Sharma said she wanted to know the stand of the CBI's investigating officer (IO) on this issue and listed the matter for July 18 as he was not present today.

CBI prosecutor told the court that the IO has gone for a training session and would be available after two weeks.

The court also asked Verma to give it in writing that he was willing to undergo the test if round-the-clock security is provided to him till the test was carried out and his threat perception be re-assessed after that.

Besides Verma, CBI has also sought Tytler's consent to undergo lie-detection test, which he has refused.

The court had on May 9 directed Tytler, who has been given clean chit by the CBI on three occasions, and Verma to give an "unambiguous" reply on whether they wanted to undergo lie detection test. It had held that the CBI's plea for obtaining their consent for the test was maintainable.

It had said if there were any conditions attached to the consent, Tytler and Verma should appear in person for clarification.

The CBI's move seeking permission to conduct polygraph test on Tytler and Verma came in pursuance to the court's December 4, 2015 order in which it was mentioned that the lie-detection test may be conducted, if required.

The case pertains to the riots at Gurudwara Pulbangash in North Delhi where three people were killed on November 1, 1984, a day after the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Tytler, who has denied any role in the riots, was given clean chit by the CBI thrice in the case, but the agency was directed by the court to further investigate the matter. The victims had filed a protest petition challenging the CBI's closure reports in the case.

The court had in December 2015 directed the CBI to further investigate the matter and decided to monitor it every two months to ensure that no aspect is left uninvestigated.

The agency had reinvestigated the case of killing of Badal Singh, Thakur Singh and Gurcharan Singh near the gurudwara after a court in December 2007 refused to accept its closure report. The CBI has filed three closure reports in the case.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
BJP President Amit Shah today formed a three-member committee which would visit the riot- affected parts of North 24-Parganas district in West Bengal and submit a report on communal violence in the region.

The committee includes O P Mathur, Satyapal Singh and Meenakashi Lekhi, all Members of Parliament.

The formation of the committee is seen as an attempt on the part of the BJP to corner the ruling Trinamool Congress which it has accused of practising "Muslim appeasement politics", leading to communal violence.

A party statement said it would coordinate with state BJP chief Dilip Ghosh and national general secretary in charge of the state, Kailash Vijayvargiya.

Seeking the central government's intervention, Vijayvargiya had written to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, saying Hindus had been attacked and the state police was unable to control the situation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Five persons, including three members of a family from Nepal, were killed and two others injured today when a boulder fell on their car in the district.

The mishap took place around 1 am when the car was going to Dharchula from Tawaghat, SDM (Dharchula) Rajkumar Pandey said.

Three of those killed were residents of Nepal's Darchula district and two were from Dharchula sub-division's Jumna village in Uttarakhand, he said.

Om Prakash (45), his wife Hira Devi (42) and their 12- year-old daughter Priyanka from Nepal were killed in the accident, Pandey said.

The injured have been admitted to the Dharchula hospital, the official said.

"The sudden fall of the boulder could have been caused by the incessant rains lashing the area for the last 24 hours," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Jalandhar police have arrested five people from different parts of the city and seized 1.6 kg of narcotics and other intoxicants from them.

According to SSP Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, in Goraya area of the city, a person was stopped by the police for his involvement in suspicious activities and during the search 1.6 kg of opium was seized from him.

The person has been identified as Rajveer Singh, a resident of Ludhiana, he said.

In another incident, Bhullar said, four people were arrested by the police, seized a large quatity of intoxicant capsules from them.

Cases have been filed against all the accused and they are being interrogated, he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A powerful 6.5-magnitude earthquake rattled the central Philippines today, US seismologists said, revising an earlier figure of 6.9.

The quake hit at a depth of around six kilometers (four miles), on the central island of Leyte, the US Geological Survey said.

There was no immediate warning of a tsunami, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.

Marlon Tano, a Leyte farmer and journalist, told AFP the quake knocked him off his feet at his eggplant farm in Borauen, a town near the quake's epicentre.

"It was so strong that I fell," Tano said.

"I saw buses and motorcyles stopping on the highway and people getting off them," he added.

Large parts of the island of Leyte were devastated by super typhoon Haiyan in November 2013.

Huge tsunami-like waves smashed the city of Tacloban and nearby areas, leaving 7,350 people dead or missing.

In February, a 6.5-magnitude quake killed eight people and left more than 250 injured outside the southern city of Surigao.

The following month a 5.9-magnitude tremor killed one person there in March.

Before the Surigao quakes, the last lethal earthquake to hit the country was a 7.1-magnitude tremor that left more than 220 people dead and destroyed historic churches when it struck the central islands in October 2013.

The Philippines lies on the so-called Ring of Fire, a vast Pacific Ocean region where many of Earth's quakes and volcanic eruptions occur.

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Tension prevailed here after Hindu Yuva Vahini and Hindu Mahasabha activists threatened protest demanding arrest of former Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Azam Khan for allegedly building his Mohammad Ali Jauhar University on encroached land.

The activists had announced their demonstration yesterday, prompting Samajwadi Party workers to assemble at the varsity , even as police and administration officials reached there to control the situation.

Khan, along with his MLA son AbdullahAzam, also reached the university.

Superintendent of Police, Rampur, Vipin Tada deployed force at the university and at Dr B R Ambedkar Park, from where the procession of the activists had to begin.

The police later pacified the activists and a possible confrontation was averted, sources said.

Later, the SP leader and his supporters alleged that the university was being targeted since the installation of the BJP government in the state.

"We are prepared to shed our blood to ensure safety of the university," Khan's supporters claimed.

Meanwhile, a delegation, led by the chairman of the industries association here, Akash Saxena, handed over a memorandum to the chief minister alleging the university occupied some land which belonged to custodian of India.

In May, a probe was ordered against Khan on a complaint alleging that he had encroached upon an enemy property for setting up Jauhar university.

It was alleged that Khan had encroached on 60 'bighas' of land, which was enemy property in 2006, while setting up the university.

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State-owned Air India tonight launched its first flight to Washington DC from New Delhi, thereby adding its fifth destination in the US.

Air India has deployed its 238-seater Boeing 777-200 LR aircraft to cater to the new direct service to the US. The plane offers eight seats in first class, 35 in business and 195 in economy class.

The launch took place at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport here in the presence of Charge de Affairs of US Embassy Marykay Loss Carlson, Air India Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani, Commercial Director of Air India Pankaj Shrivastava, among other airline officials.

Indian Ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna, Lohani and Srivastava are also flying to Washington.

The occupancy on flights to Washington is at 90 per cent for the month of July, according to the airline spokesperson.

The airline will operate a bigger 321-seater Boeing 777- 300ER aircraft between July 9 and 17, he said.

Washington is the the fifth destination for Air India. The service to the US capital will be offered three times a week.

Apart from Washington, Air India flies to four US airports - New York, Newark, Chicago and San Francisco.

There are daily flights to Newark, New York and Chicago. However, its Delhi-San Francisco flight is operated six times a week.

The national carrier also plans to fly to other destinations in the US, such as Los Angeles and Houston among others.

Air India's operations to the US account for 20 per cent of the total revenue of the national carrier. In the last fiscal, the state-owned carrier mopped up an estimated Rs 3,200 crore revenue, which is an increase of 17 per cent over FY 2014-2015, from its US operations alone.

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The AIADMK (Amma) faction here today urged chief minister V Narayanasamy to lead a joint delegation of all party MLAs to meet the Union Home Minister to draw his attention to the 'undemocratic' style of functioning of the Lt Governor Kiran Bedi.

AIADMK (Amma) legistlature wing leader A Anbalagan said induction of three nominated legislators by Bedi on the night of Tuesday at Raj Nivas "is a clear violation of all democratic norms and conventions."



He said the very appointment of the three nominated members by the Centre without knowledge of the elected government "is also a breach of the constitutional procedures."



He alleged that all along the Lt Governor had been encroaching on the rights of the elected government.

The chief minister should lead a joint delegation of all party mlas to meet the Home Minister to highlight the 'undemocratic' style of functioning of the Lt Governor, he said.

He blamed the chief minister for the "current mess in the Centre finalising the list of nominated legislators and their subsequent induction by the Lt Governor."



"It is difficult to understand why the Chief Minister had kept mum without recommending on his part the names of nominated legislators," the leader added.

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A total of 15 judges were today appointed to the Allahabad and Punjab and Haryana high courts.

The fresh appointments came days after Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad made it clear that non-finalisation of memorandum of procedure -- a document which will guide future appointments and transfers of judges -- will not have an impact on fresh appointments.

While nine additional judges were appointed to the Allahabad High Court, six were appointed to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, according to separate notifications.

The MoP is pending finalisation for over a year now as the



judiciary and the executive continue to have differences over key clauses of the document.

Recently, 11 judges to three high courts were appointed.

As on 1 May, the 24 high courts had 450 vacancies. While the sanctioned strength is 1,079, the working strength is 629 judges.

Over the past several months, the Supreme Court collegium had recommended 29 names in two sets of 10 and 19 to the government for elevation as judges of the Allahabad high court.

Recently, the collegium had recalled one name after Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Dilip B Bhosale acted on an Intelligence Bureau inquiry report which had claimed that the district judge based in Lucknow had allegedly received large bribes to grant bail to former Uttar Pradesh minister Gayatri Prajapati.

In another case, the collegium had asked the government to put on hold the process of appointing an Uttar Pradesh lawyer as a judge of the Allahabad High Court after it found that the candidate is facing a criminal case.

In the case of Punjab and Haryana High Court, while six out of seven names recommended by the collegium were appointed today, one name is learnt to have been put on hold by the government.

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The death toll in the ongoing Amarnath pilgrimage went up to nine today with three more pilgrims dying of various reasons, police said.

Banki Lal (59), hailing from Uttar Pradesh, died at the Baltal base camp in central Kashmir, a police official said.

He said Lal fell ill yesterday morning and was admitted to the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences in Soura here.

Lal was later discharged from the hospital and brought back to Baltal by his companions, the official said.

However, at about 10:30 last night, Lal again complained of ill health and was brought to the Baltal Base Hospital, where he died.

Susheel Kumar Baige (22), a resident of Madhya Pradesh, fell unconscious at the holy cave today, the official said.

He said Baige was brought to a nearby medical camp where doctors declared him brought dead.

Another Amarnath pilgrim, hailing from Andhra Pradesh, was killed when a cooking gas cylinder exploded in his bus in South Kashmir's Kulgam district today.

With these three deaths, the toll in the ongoing yatra has gone up to nine -- eight pilgrims and an assistant-sub inspector of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

The ITBP officer died at Brarimarg on June 28.

The 40-day yatra is scheduled to end on August 7, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.

The yatra has been going on smoothly from the two routes -- the traditional Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and Baltal.

On the eighth day of the yatra today, 15,335 yatris paid obeisance at the cave shrine.

Since the beginning of the pilgrimage on June 29, as many as 1,05,380 yatris have paid obeisance at the naturally-formed Ice Shiva Lingam inside the cave shrine.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu today said people who speak against the "national ethos, values and culture" and impose their views on others must be avoided.

Naidu, whose statement comes two days after a Jammu and Kashmir minister told a National Conference leader in the assembly that he could lynch him, also spoke of the late Syama Prasad Mookerjee, founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the precursor to the BJP.

He fought for the unity of country and sacrificed his life for the integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India, Naidu said.

"We should take inspiration from him about the need for national integration. We must avoid, ignore people who make noises, speak against the national ethos, values and culture, and then try to dictate their views on us. No, this is not acceptable."



He was addressing a conference of Prasar Bharati's Regional Unit.

"India is a free country, and everybody has got freedom, but this is constitutional limit and others have no right to take their freedom also...Including their language, culture, food habits. No other person has the right to dictate to them.

"This is very clear and that is the government's policy and no human being can call himself great by hurting or hitting the other human being," the Information and Broadcasting minister added.

Naidu also asserted that what is happening in certain parts of the country should be "isolated" and "condemned". They should not be "highlighted" to defame the country and the society.

The BJP is an alliance partner in the PDP-led government in Jammu and Kashmir.

"I can lynch you here," state minister Imran Ansari had told National Conference leader Devender Rana in the legislative assembly during a discussion on implementation of GST.

Naidu also told the conference that more emphasis should be given to regional languages and dialects in the process of disseminating .

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
British Prime Minister Theresa May will hold talks with Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Hamburg, a UK government official told AFP.

The bilateral meeting tomorrow comes as both leaders face tough challenges on the world stage, with May stumbling through the Brexit process and several of Trump's aides under investigation for possible ties with Russia.

The G20 in Germany will likely be dominated by North Korea's testing of an intercontinental ballistic missile which could reach the US, prompting Trump to declare he had run out of "patience" with the Pyongyang regime.

On the eve of the summit he will meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, while Friday will see Trump hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The US president touched down in Europe yesterday evening, starting his four-day trip in Warsaw where he will be hosted by Polish President Andrzej Duda.

Trump's second foreign tour follows his visit to Italy in May for the G7 summit, during which he clashed with other leaders on climate change.

He has found a cautious ally in Britain's leader, who hotfooted to Washington just days after Trump was elected in the hope she could secure the promise of future trade ties once the UK leaves the European Union.

But the visit received huge criticism at home, with a petition against May's offer to Trump of a state visit to London attracting more than 1.8 million signatures.

The prime minister's office said it is not aware of plans for Trump to visit the UK in the next few weeks, following reports that the US president could arrive at short notice in a bid to avoid mass protests.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The BSF will soon partner with IIT Bombay to find technology solutions for introducing laser fencing and detecting tunnels to secure Indian borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The country's largest border guarding force is implementing a Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) to effectively seal the Indo-Pak border on the western front and the Indo-Bangla border on the eastern flank against attempts of illegal infiltration by terrorists and smuggling of various kinds.

"The force will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the IIT Bombay on July 8 here.

"The aim is to take the help of the experts of the premier technology institute in preparing the correct qualitative requirements for procuring the required gadgets that the force can deploy on the difficult borders and other areas that it guards and secures," a senior official said.

The force, which is adapting technology in a "big way", guards the two borders which are marred by deserts, swamps, snow-bound heights, riverine locations, dense forests and other inhospitable terrain.

A number of tunnels have been detected along the Indo-Pak International Border (IB) while one was spotted by the BSF along the Bangla border sometime back.

Experts from the Excellence in Technology for Internal Security (NCEITS) of the Powai-based IIT in Mumbai will also travel to the forward locations with the BSF officials in order to get first-hand knowledge of the terrain and the security gadgets and solutions required to plug the gaps there.

The official said the force is looking forward to a "dynamic combination" of various integrated technologies to strengthen the border security grid and other deployments in internal security domains like anti-Naxal operations.

"The BSF is inducting technology in a big way to make its responses more efficient as well as effective, be it CIBMS, communication platforms, infrastructure upgradation or health care.

"The organisation is working towards inducting not technology but also augmenting human capacity to optimise its uses," the force said.

The decision to install these laser walls was taken by the BSF two years ago keeping in mind the vulnerability of the border in these areas as barbed wire fencing could not be installed in many infiltration prone areas due to treacherous terrain or marshy riverine topography.

After the Pathankot terror attack last year, where it is suspected that terrorists crossed over from Pakistan by breaching the border in Punjab, Union home ministry and the BSF sped up the deployment and activation of these walls along the long and winding border.

The MoU will be signed by BSF Director General K K Sharma and IIT Bombay Director Devang V Khakhar.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Private life insurer Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life today said it has entered into a bancassurance alliance with Dhanlaxmi Bank.

With this partnership, all the life insurance products of Canara HSBC OBC Life would be available to customers of Dhanlaxmi Bank, the private insurer said in a release.

"We are a pure bancassurance company and our alliance with Dhanlaxmi Bank give us an opportunity to further expand and grow this channel. We continue to focus on meeting customer needs first and ensure that the life insurance solutions are made available to all segments of the population," Canara HSBC OBC Life Chief Executive Officer Anuj Mathur said.

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Himalaya launches total care baby pants



Herbal wellness major Himalaya Drug Company today said it has launched Himalaya Total Care baby pants.

"The Indian diaper market is growing at a rate of 20 per cent CAGR over the past few years. Pant style diapers are becoming popular as a large segment of Indian parents are looking for convenient diaper solutions. While we already have launched regular diapers, Total Care baby pants offer different comfort options that cater to the necessities of baby," Himalaya BabyCare General Manager N V Chakravarthi said in a statement.

Initially, the company will be targeting all the key metros.

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The Jammu and Kashmir Police today said it had cracked the case of lynching of a police officer here last month by arresting "three to four" persons.

Other accused have also been identified and will be arrested soon, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Munir Ahmad Khan said here.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Ayub Pandith was stripped and lynched by a mob outside Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta area of old Srinagar on the night of Shab-e-Qadar on June 22, triggering an outrage in Kashmir.

"We have been able to identify the real persons involved in that case and we have arrested three-to-four persons. We will be arresting others also," Khan said.

"We have been able to recover the belongings (of the DySP) such as the identity card and the pistol," the IGP added.

He said the investigation was going in the right direction.

"I can say 60 per cent of the investigation we have completed and we have cracked the case. I will be holding a separate press conference after a couple of days once I complete around 90 per cent of the investigation," he said.

Pandith was killed after he allegedly opened fire at a group of people who had caught him clicking pictures near the mosque.

The DSP was posted at the access control of the mosque to prevent miscreants from vitiating the atmosphere so that people can offer prayers in peace.

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China is planning to launch a road and rail freight service to Pakistan through the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a move which could raise concerns in India.

The new line will start from Lanzhou, capital of northwestern China's Gansu Province, travelling through Kashgar in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to the Gwadar Port of Pakistan, Xu Chunhua, director of Lanzhou International Trade and Logistic Park, was quoted as saying by state-run Xinhua agency.

However, it has not been specified when the service will be launched.

In May last year, a rail and road cargo service opened between Lanzhou and Kathmandu.

Xu said the cargo service has been welcomed by south Asian countries.

In 2016, bilateral trade between China and Nepal was over 3 billion yuan (about USD 440 million), and the volume is forecast to hit 10 billion yuan this year.

Last November, China launched the first trade convoy carrying Chinese goods for export through the western route of the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and shipped it through Gwadar port.

The CPEC plan included a train service connecting both the countries in addition to the road connectivity.

The goods were brought by train till Xinjiang and then taken by trucks through the Karakoram mountains. The goods will be exported to countries in the Middle East and Africa.

India has objected to the USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, (CPEC) which is part of the Silk Road.

Pakistan's Gwadar forms the southern Pakistan hub of a USD 57 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) of infrastructure and energy projects Beijing announced in 2014.

Last year, Pakistan welcomed the first large shipment of Chinese goods at Gwadar, where the China Overseas Port Holding Company took over operations in 2013. It plans to eventually handle 300 million to 400 million tonnes of cargo a year.

The route through Gwadar offers China its shortest path to the oil-rich Middle East, Africa, and most of the Western hemisphere, besides promising to open up remote, landlocked Xinjiang.

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Fears about the health of China's cancer-stricken Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo rose tos as the hospital treating him said the liver function of the country's most prominent democracy advocate had deteriorated.

Friends voiced concerns that Liu, 61, is now near death after it emerged last month that he had been transferred from prison to a hospital due to terminal liver cancer.

Liu was sentenced to 11 years in prison in December 2009 for "subversion" after calling for democratic reform. He was awarded the Nobel in 2010, with an empty chair representing him at the ceremony in Oslo.

Beijing has come under fire from human rights groups over its treatment of Liu and for waiting until he became so ill to take him out of prison, but authorities insist he has been afforded top medical care from renowned doctors.

China has faced calls to let Liu get treatment abroad, with the US ambassador saying he would like for him to be given that option. Earlier this week, authorities said the hospital had invited US and German cancer experts to come to the country to help treat Liu at the family's request.

China Medical University No 1 Hospital, located in the northeastern city of Shenyang, said on its website that Liu's liver function "has deteriorated" and it suspects that he has a blood clot in a calf muscle.

A team of doctors led by a reputed liver cancer specialist "informed Liu's family of the latest development and Liu's family said they understood", the hospital said.

Authorities said this week Liu has received chemotherapy and traditional Chinese medicine.

Hu Jia, a prominent activist and friend of Liu, told AFP the Nobel laureate has shown new symptoms, including vomiting, kidney malfunction and the accumulation of fluids in his abdomen.

Hu still voiced hope that the authorities would let Liu go abroad, but feared they were purposefully dragging their feet out of fear he might have a chance to speak his mind before passing.

"They want to delay things until he can no longer express himself. Their greatest fear is that he'll speak," he said.

"The best medicine for Liu Xiaobo is freedom."



Friends of Liu Xiaobo and his wife, the poet Liu Xia, released an open letter requesting to be allowed to visit him on a "humanitarian basis".

"We were surprised to hear today that Liu Xiaobo's medical condition has worsened," says the letter signed by 44 scholars, writers and activists.

"We feel this is deeply tragic and realise that Liu Xiaobo has few days left and fear he is near death," it says.

"At this moment, we urgently need to go to visit him to bring to Liu Xiaobo and Liu Xia their friends' care and well wishes."



Liu's treatment has put a spotlight on China's most recent crackdown on activists, which has intensified since President Xi Jinping took office in 2013.

The deterioration of Liu's health could haunt Xi's trip to Germany, where he arrived this week to participate in a G20 summit on Friday and Saturday.

Asked about Liu's health and whether foreign doctors had arrived, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters that other nations should "refrain from interfering in China's judicial sovereignty under the pretext of individual cases".

Liu was arrested in 2008 after co-writing Charter 08, a bold petition that called for the protection of basic human rights and reform of China's one-party Communist system.

He is also known for his efforts to help negotiate the safe exit from Tiananmen Square of thousands of student demonstrators on the night of June 3-4, 1989 when the military violently suppressed six weeks of protests in the heart of Beijing.

Describing the Chinese government's treatment of Liu as "inhuman", Amnesty International's China researcher Patrick Poon said the Nobel laureate had "less and less hope of receiving better medical treatment".

"All this is suggesting that he seems to be in his last days now," Poon, who has spoken to friends of Liu, told AFP. "The Chinese government wants him to die in China."



Human Rights Watch's China director, Sophie Richardson, voiced concern about what will happen to Liu Xia after he husband dies.

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Former Coal Secretary H C Gupta has challenged before the Delhi high court his conviction and two-year jail term awarded by a special court in a coal scam case.

Gupta, who was the Coal Secretary from December 31, 2005 to November 2008, also sought regular bail from the high court in the matter since the interim relief granted by the trial court, in order to enable him to file an appeal against his conviction and jail term, comes to an end on July 20.

A high court bench of Justice Vinod Goel today admitted the appeal and issued notice to the CBI which was accepted by agency's counsel Tarannum Cheema.

The court tagged his application with the similar plea of another accused, Pawan Kumar Ahluwalia, the Managing Director of convicted firm Kamal Sponge Steel and Power Ltd (KSSPL) -- in the case which will come up for hearing on July 10.

Advocate B S Mathur, appearing for Gupta, sought setting aside trial court's May 22 judgement, awarding him jail term for irregularities in the allocation of Madhya Pradesh based Thesgora-B/Rudrapuri coal block to KSSPL.

He claimed that the trial court was wrong in convicting and sending him to jail in the case.

The trial court had awarded Gupta and two serving senior officials two-year imprisonment in the case, besides imposing a fine of Rs one crore on KSSPL.

Ahluwalia was awarded three-year jail term by the court for misrepresenting facts in its application before the Ministry of Coal (MOC) which was then headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Besides Gupta, then joint secretary K S Kropha and then director K C Samaria in the MOC were handed down punishment for cheating, criminal conspiracy and corruption.

They became the first public servants to be convicted and sentenced for the coal block allocation scam, unearthed during the previous UPA regime.

Besides the jail term, the trial court had also imposed a fine of Rs one lakh each on the three bureaucrats in the case. Ahluwalia was also directed to pay a fine of Rs 30 lakh.

While holding them guilty of multiple offences, the court said Gupta, Kropha and Samria had entered into a "criminal conspiracy" with KSSPL and Ahluwalia to commit "criminal misconduct



" for procuring coal block allotment for KSSPL.

All the convicts were, however, granted bail on a personal bond of Rs one lakh and one surety of like amount soon after the sentence was announced, to enable them move the high court challenging the trial court verdict.

CBI had in October 2012 lodged an FIR in the matter, but on March 27, 2014, it had filed a closure report in the case. The court had rejected the closure report on October 13, 2014 and summoned Gupta and others as accused.

The CBI had alleged that the firm had misrepresented its net worth and the existing capacity, adding that the state government had also not recommended the firm for the allocation of any coal block.

The court had on October 14 last year framed charges against the accused.

As many as ten more coal cases are pending against Gupta and the proceedings are going on individually. The Supreme Court had last year dismissed his plea seeking a joint trial in all these cases.

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With the government indicating that major steps to cleanse political funding are in the offing, the CPI-M has pitched for state funding of elections and spoken out strongly against bringing parties under the ambit of RTI.

CPI-M politburo member Brinda Karat today said there should be state-funding of elections -- not in cash but in kind, like (government footing the bill for) time on television channels, advertisements and campaign material.

"It will provide a level-playing field (to political parties in elections)," she told PTI.

Karat noted that at present the assessment of political parties' expenditure during elections is kept outside that of candidates.

As a result, the ruling party in particular has a huge advantage because it has funds at its disposal and it can spend any amount, she said.

"For example, television advertisements, newspaper advertisements, the use of helicopters, huge trucking in of thousands of people to huge rallies. None of these is accounted as part of the expenditure of candidates, and we believe this is a major source of dishonesty," Karat said.

Such expenses should be included in the expenditure of candidates, she said, adding that there must also be a ceiling on the expenditure of political parties in elections.

After rolling out the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the government will take up "cleansing" of political funding as its top priority, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said yesterday.

Karat said that while it's absolutely essential to clean up political funding, Jaitley's statement is actually a "reflection of political dishonesty of this government".

"On the one hand, it (the government) talks about cleaning up political funding and on the other, it starts a completely non-transparent mechanism of electoral bonds (as a form of making donations to political parties instead of cash) in which the name of corporate donor is kept secret," she said.

"Secondly, it (the government) also removed 7.5 per cent ceiling which was there as part of the profit of donations by the corporate India.

"So, both these make it very clear that the government and the ruling party are looking to protect their own sources of funds which are from corporates, and they want to make it easier to ensure this can happen without revealing quid-pro- quo in money and policy," Karat alleged.

She said it's a "dichotomic situation" as, on one hand, "all big money is going to be done through electoral bonds and name need not be disclosed, but for funds even below Rs 2,000... (name of donor is to be revealed). Absolutely ridiculous and absurd position to take."



"We are totally against it," Karat said when asked if political parties should be brought under the ambit of Right to Information (RTI).

As far as accounting and funds are concerned, her party is fully in favour of utmost transparency.

"But asking political parties, under RTI, allowing questions as far as our own internal discussions are concerned, are completely wrong. And it is a direct attack on democracy," Karat said.

According to her, allowing questions under RTI on internal discussions of political parties and how they arrived at decisions amount to spying.

"It's nothing but spying into our internal affairs. How can anybody ask how we have reached a decision and why we took the decision, and who took what position within our own meeting, it's completely wrong. It will give an instrument to ruling party," Karat said.

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Crime rate in Tamil Nadu has come down to 230.79 (per 1,00,000 population) in 2016 as against 244.38 in 2015, Chief Minister K Palaniswami told the state assembly today.

In the policy note of Police department, he said the crime rate stood at 255.66 in 2014.

Giving a detailed account of IPC cases headwise, he said the total number of cases in 2016 stood at 1,79,893 against 1,87,558 in the previous year. In 2014, the number of IPC cases was 1,93,197.

While murder cases were 1,678 in 2014, it was 1,641 in 2015 and last year it was 1,511.

As regards riots, the number of cases came down to 2002 in 2016 compared to 2,648 in 2015 and 2,784 in 2014.

In respect of crimes against women, there were 471 cases of rape in 2014, 450 in 2015 and 336 last year.

In 2014 there were 95 dowry death cases, 65 in 2015 and last year it was 58, he said.

Also, there was a decline in cases in the category of 'cruelty' by husband and relatives against a woman. In 2014, it was 2103, and in 2015 it was 1,900 and last year it was 1,256.

Cases related to molestation were 1,102 (2014), 1,163 (2015) and 854 (2016). Total number of cases against women were 3,771 (2014), 3,578 (2015), 2,504 (2016), he noted.

However, the state witnessed a rise in the number of traffic accident cases with a total of 71,431 mishpas being registered in 2016 compared to 69,059 in 2016 and 67,250 in 2014.

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The Czech Republic has evinced keen interest to invest in aerospace, defence and auto manufacturing sectors in Haryana.

Ambassador of Czech Republic to India, Milan Hovorka called on Haryana Industries and Commerce Minister Vipul Goel here today to discuss possibilities for cooperation in various sectors, including aerospace, defence and auto manufacturing, an official spokesman said.

During the meeting, it was discussed that industries in the Czech Republic could be invited for setting up aerospace and defence facilities in the upcoming integrated aviation hub at Hisar, he said.

As Haryana has three flying clubs, world-class flying training facilities could be developed in collaboration with Czech institutions imparting such training, he said.

Presently, trainee pilots have to travel to Prague for such training.

Discussion was also held regarding the possibility of inviting Czech companies to set up auto and auto-ancillary units in Haryana, he said.

Czech automobile giant Skoda presently has two plants at Pune and Aurangabad.

As a cultural exchange initiative, Haryana may also host the Czech philharmonic orchestra for one performance in Chandigarh during their tour to India in January 2018, the spokesperson said.

Hovorka also invited the state industries minister to visit Czech Republic in October 2017 for the industries fair, scheduled to be held there.

India is a partner state in this trade fair.

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The implementation of the GST in Jammu and Kashmir should not be turned into a "matter of acrimony" between the Centre and the state government, former Finance Minister P Chidambaram said today.

The senior Congress leader appealed to the Centre to address the issue through discussion with the state.

Terming the matter as "complex", he said the Centre has to impress upon the state government to implement of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) without diluting Article 370 of the Constitution, which gives special powers to Jammu and Kashmir.

"I think the (central) government has to work with the J&K government and impress upon it that without diluting Article 370, it is possible to implement GST in Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

"Don't make this a matter of acrimony between J&K and the Government of India," he added.

The senior Congress leader said, "I think this requires discussion rather than acrimony."



The Jammu and Kashmir assembly had yesterday passed a resolution on implementing the GST in the state while safeguarding its special status.

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The recent move by the government to ask doctors to prescribe drug generic name may lead to 5-10 per cent drop in value of the Indian pharma market (IPM) and dent profitability of companies, rating ICRA said today.

The government recently announced that doctors will have to compulsorily prescribe drug generic names with branded generic prescription being optional. The move will have long term ramification for the domestic pharma industry, it said.

In ICRA's view, the prices of branded generics are 30- 50 per cent cheaper than branded generic segment and can lead to a loss of value for the Rs 1.15 trillion IPM.

While it will not be possible to completely eliminate branded drugs, even 20 per cent replacement in the medium to long term can lead to 5-10 per cent reduction in value of IPM as well as dent the profitability of Indian pharma companies.

The government's intent is to curb medicine prices initially through price control on 376 drugs under NLEM, proposed ban on fixed drug combinations (FDCs), capping stent prices followed by prescription of drug generic names.

However, with operational issues revolving around its successful implementation, the near term impact is not expected to be significant, it said.

Over the last few years, the Centre has made various steps to bring down the cost of healthcare with a slew of measures. In May 2016, the government banned 344 FDCs (fixed drug combinations), with companies successfully challenging the same in the High Court though the final decision is pending with the Supreme Court.

Subsequently, amendments were made to the Drug and Cosmetic Rules, 1945 making mandatory for doctors to prescribe generic name two font larger than trade name.

However, these notifications do not restrict doctors from prescribing branded drug name along with generic name.

Due to compulsory prescribing drug generic name, the influencing power will shift from the doctor to the pharmacist with the latter dispensing medicines which yields maximum profit to him, the rating outfit said.

The pharma firms' promotional budgets will also get more directed towards pharmacists in the form of volume of discounts as compared to existing practice of promoting primarily to doctors. The companies will try to compensate for value loss through volume gains, ICRA said.

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The ED has registered separate money laundering cases against two Uttar Pradesh government officials after they were charged for "corruption" by the state.

In the first instance, the central probe agency filed a criminal case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against the suspended assistant regional transport officer (ARTO) of Chandauli district-- R S Yadav and others.

A senior official said Yadav and his associates have been alleged to have acquired illegal assets to the tune of over Rs 100 crore.

In the second case, a similar FIR has been filed against former district inspector of schools in Lucknow, U K Tripathi.

He is, as per officials, alleged to have earned disproportionate assets worth crores.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), they said, took cognisance of the state Lokayukta or anti-corruption bureau FIRs filed against the officials to book its PMLA cases.

The agency will now probe the alleged proceeds of crime generated by the two, record their statements and also attach their assets under the PMLA, they said.

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East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) today moved the National Green Tribunal seeking allotment of land to develop sanitary landfills to handle 2300 metric tonnes of municipal solid waste daily.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar issued notices to the all the parties in the case and asked the Environment Ministry to clarify its stand before July 24, the next date of hearing.

The NGT had last year asked the EDMC to approach a high- powered expert committee, set up to look into the working of the waste-to-energy plants in Delhi, for allotment of land.

The plea, filed through advocate Balendu Shekhar, said that as per NGT's last year direction, the civic body had approached the expert committee for allotment of land.

However, the committee was of the view that a Principle Committee, constituted by NGT, was the appropriate forum and had specific mandate regarding matters related to construction on Yamuna floodplains, it said.

"Being aggrieved due to decision of High Level Committee, a letter was written to the Secretary of Ministry of Water Resources by the Commissioner EDMC for consideration to the proposal.

"After discussion by Commissioner EDMC, Chairman of the Principle Committee fixed a meeting. However, he later cancelled the meeting telephonically and directed to seek specific orders from NGT," the plea said.

In its plea filed in NGT, the EDMC said there was an immediate requirement of alternate land as the Ghazipur landfill site which handles 13 million tonnes (MT) of waste has outlived its normal life span.

"Due to non-availability of alternate land, garbage is continuously being added there though the same has already become 45 metres high i.E. Double than the desired height of 20 metres.

"To avert the existing crisis, EDMC has been relentlessly pursuing all authorities concerned as well as courts of law for several decades asking them to hand over any suitable site for developing it as Sanitary Landfill site," it said.

The EDMC lawyer said the Ghazipur site has "alarmingly" exceeded the saturation limit and the gases emanating from the garbage site was continuously degrading air quality and causing harm to the residents living around the area.

"The closure of the existing Ghazipur site is an earnest need of the hour and that can only happen if any other alternative site is developed as new SLF site in accordance with Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 and other MSW processing facilities," he said.

The plea said that Supreme Court and Delhi High Court had earlier issued direction to various authorities to hand over suitable site for the purpose of developing "Sanitary Land Fill" site as well as "Compost/Processing Plants" of municipal solid waste generated in the capital.

"That after the incessant pursuance and follow-up by EDMC and two other corporations, Delhi Development Authority has intended to offer 150 acres of land for developing SLF and other MSW processing facilities. The said land falls along Pushta Road from Shastri Park crossing to Khajoori Khas crossing," it said while seeking land.

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Chinese students from the Uighur ethnic minority have been detained in Egypt in a broad police sweep that has shaken the country's sizeable Uighur student and expatriate community, activists said today.

Egyptian police have detained scores of Uighur students, including 20 from Cairo's Al-Azhar University who were stopped in the city of Alexandria on their way out of the country late yesterday and told they would be deported to China, said Abduweli Ayup, a Uighur activist in Turkey. Ayup said he had heard directly from some of the detainees and their relatives.

The detentions come amid reports that authorities in the Uighur homeland of Xinjiang in western China are seeking the immediate return of Uighurs studying abroad. Authorities in Xinjiang have significantly tightened security measures in the past year, as well as controls on religious expression, in what officials characterize as an "unyielding" campaign against Islamic extremism brewing in the region.

Overseas Uighurs and human rights groups say the measures have turned Xinjiang into a police state with widespread arbitrary detentions and invasive surveillance.

The detentions in Egypt, a popular destination for religious study among China's Muslims, were seen by activists as a possible sign that China's security crackdown in Xinjiang is extending its reach overseas.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman appeared to acknowledge today that Chinese citizens had been detained in Egypt, saying at a regular briefing that consular officials would visit them. He gave no further details. Another activist, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, said overseas groups had managed to move 60 Uighur students out of Egypt to safety in Turkey this week but 20 were held while trying to fly to Dubai.

Unverified videos shared on social media purportedly showed more than 70 Uighurs sitting on a floor in a government building and others being driven in a truck in handcuffs. Abdullah, an Asian student of Islam at Al-Azhar university, said Uighurs were being detained in the Hay el Sabia area of Cairo's Nasr City district. He gave only his first name for fear of reprisals.

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Amid fears expressed by Shiv Sena that abolition of octroi after the GST rollout may pose a threat to Mumbai's security as vehicles entering the city will not face checks, party MLC Neelam Gorhe today met Maharashtra Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sudhir Shrivastav to take stock of the situation.

During the meeting, Shrivastav allayed the Sena legislator's apprehensions over the security and informed her about the steps being undertaken by the government.

"Already, there are police check posts in place of the erstwhile octroi check posts. After the octroi abolishment, police personnel have stepped up scrutiny of the vehicles entering the city," Shrivastav told PTI.

He said city Police Commissioner Dattatray Padsalgikar has already written a letter to him, seeking control of the land parcels that were freed after the octroi nakas were rendered obsolete due to the GST.

"The police commissioner is already on the job of putting in place more security. As far as the allotment of land is concerned, they could be put to some other use as well, which we are considering. We will see how we can fit in the CP's request," Shrivastav said.

Meanwhile, in a statement issued here, Gorhe said that among other demands, she sought an impartial probe against those responsible for the "killing" of Byculla prison inmate Manju Shette.

"I have been promised strict action against those responsible," she said.

The Shiv Sena had earlier said that the removal of octroi check posts in Mumbai after the implementation of the GST has left the city "vulnerable".

Sena MP Sanjay Raut had said, "The GST Bill was passed in Parliament with our support. But we are concerned about the safety of Mumbai as when octroi was collected, the vehicles used to be scanned.

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Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu today called for effective implementation of laws to restrict broadcast of "unauthorised" channels and "objectionable" content.

The information and broadcasting minister said All India Radio would commission two new digital transmitters of 100 kW power each for dissemination of content across the border for Afghanistan-Pakistan region by the end of next month.

The minister was addressing a meeting here to review the functioning of the media units under his ministry in the union territories (UTs).

The minister urged the UTs to appoint nodal officers who can assist the district magistrates to curb broadcast of unauthorised channels.

"Naidu stressed upon the need to ensure effective implementation of Cable TV Act in order to restrict airing of objectionable content and unauthorised channels," an official release said.

However, he did not elaborate on what constitutes objectionable content.

With regard to unauthorised channels, the comments come in the backdrop of reports of Pakistani channels being aired illegally in Jammu and Kashmir in May.

Naidu had then asked the state government to stop their transmission.

Addressing the meeting, the minister also pitched for identifying publications which do not publish anything but submit official documents only for availing government advertisements.

Out of 16,132 registered publications in Delhi, only 3,704 publications has submitted their annual returns in the last five years, the release said.

Naidu said a new FM transmitter would be installed in Car Nicobar by the end of the financial year, besides replacing the existing transmitters in Daman and Karaikal (Puducherry) with higher power transmitters to enhance outreach.

Highlighting the importance of communication in local dialects, Naidu urged the UTs to give emphasis to setting up of community radio stations.

Earlier in the day addressing a conference of Prasar Bharati's Regional Unit, the minister emphasised that the focus must be on Indian languages spoken in a particular region.

"There is no question of thrusting any language on anybody. Focus should be on the mother tongue because you can convey and understand better in your mother tongue.

"Some people say don't impose Hindi at all. We never impose anything and the government does not believe in that.

"We are only proposing that along with your mother tongue, learn other languages as well. Proposing is different from imposing," Naidu said.

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EU interior ministers today were consideringplans to ease pressure on Italy, grappling with a rising wave of migrants crossing the Mediterranean from North Africa.

Ministers from across the bloc gathered in the Estonian capital Tallinn after Italy, which has accepted around 85,000 of the 100,000 people who have arrived this year, appealed desperately for help.

The influx has revived fears of a return to the European Union's migrant crisis of 2015, when hundreds of thousands of people flooded into the continent in search of a better life.

On the table is a European Commission plan which earmarks 35 million euros in aid for Rome as well as proposals for working with Libya and other countries to stem the flow of migrants at source.

Most of those landing in Italy are sub-Saharan Africans who have crossed by sea from Libya, a journey that has so far claimed more than 2,200 lives this year, UN figures show.

The influx has exacerbated tensions between Italy and neighbouring Austria, which this week threatened to send troops to the border to stop migrants entering.

"This meeting today will be very ambitious, even if it is informal," said Estonian Interior Minister Andres Anvelt, whose country has just taken over the rotating presidency of the European Union.

"We will discuss and work towards a solution and an action plan for Italy."



Meanwhile in Rome, top diplomats from the EU and Africa were gathering with officials from the United Nations and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for parallel talks on ways to alleviate the ongoing crisis in the Mediterranean.

Foreign ministers from Libya, Niger, Tunisia, Egypt, Chad, Ethiopia and Sudan were meeting with their counterparts from Germany, Austria, Spain, France, The Netherlands, Malta and Estonia, with the group expected to ink a joint declaration on proposals focused on security and solidarity.

"The meetings this week (in Rome and Tallinn) should put us in a position to come up with a list of European responses," said French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian after talks with his Italian counterpart Angelino Alfano ahead of the meeting.

"Our action must focus first and foremost on Libya," he said. "The priority must be finding a solution to the crisis in this key country, one which can be reached on a pragmatic basis."



With the countries south of Libya, "our approach must be to provide an incentive (through aid and investment). We must, by necessity, demonstrate great firmness, above all in stressing the link between the policy of issuing visas and the policy of return.

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The National Green Tribunal has directed the Delhi government to explore the feasibility of laying a dedicated pipeline to supply recycled water in South Delhi.

A bench headed by Justice Jawad Rahim ordered the Environment Secretary of the Delhi government to chair a meeting to be attended by Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC).

"The authorities shall also apprise the tribunal as to who would bear the cost of laying the pipeline," the bench, also comprising expert member Ranjan Chatterjee, said.

It directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to ensure that the quality of water, which will be provided through the pipeline, was within the prescribed parameters.

During the hearing, the DJB counsel told the bench that the Jal Board was ready to lay the pipeline if the cost is borne either by the SDMC or the DDA.

The direction came during the hearing of a plea filed by Mahesh Chandra Saxena, who claims to be associated with an NGO working in the field of ground water conservation.

He has sought directions to the SDMC to stop construction of rain water harvesting system in a nearby park near the Chhattarpur temple in South Delhi and restriction on ground water usage through borewells.

The petitioner has also sought directions for the use of recycled treated water from DJB's sewage treatment plant at Qutub Metro Station to avoid wastage of water.

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The Indore bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court today sought response from senior state government officials to a petition seeking an SIT probe into the death of six farmers in police action in Mandsaur district last month.

A division bench of Justices P K Jaiswal and Rajiv Kumar Dubey issued notices to the secretary, home department, superintendent of police, Mandsaur, and some other officers.

The PIL has been filed by activists Kamlesh Patidar and Shankerlal Patidar.

Five farmers were killed in police firing in Mandsaur district during a peasants' agitation for better prices and loan waiver. Another man had died allegedly after he was beaten up by police.

Ajay Bagadia, the petitioners' lawyer, said they were demanding that the police officers responsible for these deaths should be booked, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by a superintendent of police-level officer, should probe the matter.

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Five naxals were today arrested from two places in insurgency-hit Bastar division of Chhattisgarh, police said.

While three cadres were arrested from Dantewada district, two others were held from Narayanpur district, a senior police official told PTI.

"Based on a specific tip-off, the ultras identified as Budhram Mandavi (45), Hunga Atra (20) and Laxman Atra (26) were held from Ghadi chowk area of Bacheli town in Dantewada when they arrived there for procuring daily use material," he said.

Ration items, including rice and oil, besides a cache of torches and batteries were recovered from their possession, he added.

They were allegedly involved in the attack in Bacheli mining area of the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) in Dantewda in February this year, wherein around 90 kg explosives, 1,550 meters wire, 149 detonators, two walkie-talkies were looted, the official said.

The trio had been acting as lower-rung cadres since the past five years and tasked with supply of ration material, cutting roads and damaging government property, he said.

In another incident, two rebels- Somaru Gavde (35) and Sonaru Gavde (26), were arrested from Bagjhar village under Benoor police station limits of Narayanpur.

Somaru was active as head of Jantana Sarkar squad of Maoist in Chhinari area, whereas Sonaru was a CNM (Chetna Natya Manch- a cultural outfit of Maoist) member, he said.

Based on the statement of Sonaru, one .315 bore country-made revolver and its cartridges were recovered near his house in Bagjhar, he added.

According to the officer, the duo was involved in various kinds of Naxal-related incidents like damaging roads, firing on police camps, arson and similar others.

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The family of Flight Lt S Achudev, one of the two IAF pilots killed in the May 23 crash of their Sukhoi-30 fighter jet in Arunachal Pradesh, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a high- level probe into the tragedy.

Late Flight Lt Achudev's father Sahadevan VP wrote the letter seeking the probe either by CBI or NIA or RAW or IB to "unfold the mystery and reveal the truth" behind the crash.

"As much as we are proud that he served the IAF away from us, he is my family's greatest asset. With his inconsolable mother awaiting Achudev's return, I sincerely request with the highest faith to initiate an all possible effort to trace my son at the earliest," he said in the letter sent through Attingal MP Dr A Sampath.

Similar letters have also been sent to the defence minister and the IAF chief.

In a letter to Sampath on July 3, Sahadevan had said the IAF had sent a "symbolic coffin which did not contain any remains" of his son.

Among the articles recovered from the site of the mishap was only a burnt piece of his son's wallet, a shoe of the other pilot and a hand glove. Their remains have to be found, he said.

So far police has not registered a case and held inquries, he said.

Achudev had gone missing on May 23 this year along with Squadron Leader Pankaj while on a regular flying duty at Tezpur Air Force station.

In the letter dated June 26, a copy of which was released to the media here, Sahadevan said in the absence of any consistent, corroborative and conclusive material evidence of the bodily remains, his family was unable to accept the demise of their only son.

"We still believe that he is missing," he said.

Sahadevan has said he has "every privilege to know if my son is alive, where is he. If the IAF confirms otherwise, where is the remains of his body, which can rationally confirm this. Else, on what basis the air force has reached this conclusion?" he asked.

The family has also asked if the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit voice recorder of Sukhoi had been retrieved and if so, the details of the last recorded voice conversation between the control/commanding centre and the pilots.

Sahadevan, a former scientist with ISRO, has also asked why no further search and rescue operations had taken place based on the FDR/CVR data findings which should have revealed further details of the incident.

He also wanted to know if there was any material evidence to conclude that both the pilots could not initiate ejection as stated by the ministry of defence and if ISRO's technology and the aid of foreign satellite imagery was utilised for search and rescue operations.

The fighter jet had gone missing during a routine training mission on May 23 in Doulasang area of Arunachal Pradesh.

The plane's wreckage was detected on 26 May and the IAF had later declared the pilots dead. Achudev's funeral was held on June 3 at his ancestral home at Kozhikode.

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The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) has blamed the AICC general secretary Digvijaya Singh for the party's failure to form government in the coastal state though it had emerged as the single largest party in the assembly elections held earlier this year.

In its official newsletter, copies of which were issued to the media today, the GPCC narrated the sequence of events of March 12, a day before the BJP, which had finished second behind the Congress, staked its claim to form government.

"Digvijaya Singh (who is incharge of the Congress affairs in Goa) advised that the Congress should not submit the letter staking its claim to form the government," it stated.

As per the bulletin, Singh decided against submitting the Congress' letter to Governor Mridula Sinha staking claim to form government.

"As the Congress MLAs met and unanimously resolved to stake claim with the governor, Singh decided that since it was the single largest party, the Congress need not submit the letter staking its claim, but should instead wait for the governor's invite," it stated.

As the Congress party waited "expectantly" to hear from the governor on Singh's advice, four mentors of the Goa Forward Party (GFP) remained engaged in discussions with the Congress in regard to offering their support, the newsletter said.

"Ironically, just as the Congress was sealing an agreement with the Goa Forward's mentorson the modalities of extending support, the GFP mentors expressed intense shock and embarrassment to learn that at that very moment, the MLAs of GFP and MGP (Maharashtravadi Gomantak Party) were already at the door of the governor to extend their support to the BJP government," it stated.

Neither did the governor call as Singh had insisted she would, nor was the promise of the GFP honoured, it said.

In the assembly polls held on 40 seats in February this year, the BJP won 13 seats, the Congress 17, the MGP and the GFP three each, Independents 3 and NCP 1.

Though the Congress had emerged as the single largest party, the BJP went on to form the coalition government with the support of the MGP (3), the GFP (3), and three Independents.

"While leaving Goa, Singh articulated his distress at the untrustworthiness of the Goan politicians and echoed what the Goa Congress and its blocks had been saying all along, admitting that a 'gathbandhan' (alliance) should not have been considered at all," according to the newsletter.

It stated that the AICC and GPCC should work together with a greater synergy and co-ordination in future.

"The Congress party's internal democracy should be respected at all levels in the decision-making process," it stated.

In the aftermath of the Goa fiasco, some Congress legislators, including Vishwajeet Rane, Jeniffer Monserratte, Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco to name a few, had blamed the party leadership for frittering away the opportunity to form government.

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The Allahabad High Court has expressed serious concern over poor traffic condition in the Uttar Pradesh capital, especially near its new building in Gomtinagar.

The court yesterday had directed the state government to immediately deploy adequate police personnel and install traffic signal systems at polytechnic crossing and Shahid Path end near the High Court building in order to remove traffic congestion.

A bench comprising justices A P Sahi and Vivek Chaudhary further directed the government to constitute a committee of secretaries of the departments concerned to chalk out a plan to curb the traffic menace in each corner of the city.

The panel, which will be constituted over the next seven days, would formulate a plan in a week. It would be implemented in six weeks, it said.

The court had expressed dissatisfaction over the measures taken by the National Highway Authority of India, the state government, the civic body, the Lucknow Development Authority, UP Road Transport Corporation and the PWD to ease traffic problems in the city.

Hearing a PIL by the name of Oudh Bar Association, which was suo-motu registered by the court, the bench illustrated the traffic problem at the polytechnic crossing.

It directed the authorities to complete the undergoing construction and repair work of Gomti barrage, Kukrail bridge and Polytechnic flyover.

The court directed the authorities to place the status report before it on July 27.

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The Delhi High Court has dismissed a plea seeking a probe by an independent agency into the "cash for contract" corruption issue in the Assam Rifles exposed by a sting operation in 2014 carried out by a media house.

Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva said that as per the records, the paramilitary force has taken appropriate steps to conduct a fair and independent inquiry into the allegations made in the sting operation.

The court said the steps taken by Assam Rifles, the oldest paramilitary force of India, was with the "active involvement" and "under instruction" of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

It noted that the petitioner, an ex-serviceman who claimed to be the Vice-President of Assam Rifles Ex-Serviceman Welfare Association, has placed nothing on record to show there was any infirmity in the action taken or the directions issued by the MHA.

The petitioner, Rampat Singh, had sought quashing of the departmental inquiry ordered by the Director General of the Assam Rifles and appointment of an independent probe agency, saying that the sting operation had alleged there was active involvement of the senior officer.

The sting operation was carried out and published by the media house in 2014 and based on it, a departmental inquiry was initiated by the Vigilance Wing of the Assam Rifles.

The Centre, during the proceedings, had opposed the plea saying the petition was a proxy litigation initiated at the behest of a blacklisted ex-contractor of the paramilitary force or those indicted by the inquiry.

Assam Rifles had told the court that the progress in the inquiry was being regularly communicated to the MHA and the ministry was actively involved in all the decisions taken by the force.

The force had also claimed that the court of inquiry held by it had established cogent evidence against certain persons involved and accordingly, disciplinary action was directed against all the Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and four Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs).

"Administrative action against one officer and one other rank was also directed," Assam Rifles had told the court.

Accepting the contentions of the government and the paramilitary force, the court dismissed the plea saying it lacked merit.

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Taking a serious note of the 'flawed' security arrangements at the Mumbai airport, the Bombay High Court today asked the Centre to spell out its steps to foil possible terror attacks and avoid security breaches at the airport.

A bench of justices R M Savant and Sadhana Jadhav ordered the Centre to file an affidavit detailing its steps taken to regulate entry to the airport and access to its vicinity.

The court gave the direction while hearing a plea by city resident Yashwant Shenoy, alleging lax security arrangements in and around the domestic and international terminals of the airport here.

The petitioner claimed that the airport authorities had issued faulty passes to third-party contract labourers hired by CISF to load and unload cargo.

The plea also claimed the government and the airport authorities were grossly unprepared to tackle potential security breaches and avert terror attacks.

Apart from the Union government, the court also directed the Airport Authority of India (AAI), Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and CISF to submit details of the number of labourers appointed at the airport on contract basis.

"This is a serious issue. Do the authorities check the credentials of each and every contract labourer employed in and around the airport?" Justice Savant asked, while slating the petition for further hearing after four weeks.

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All parties of Darjeeling hills today decided to continue with the indefinite shutdown, which entered its 22nd day, saying the people want it to go on till their dream of a separate Gorkhaland state is achieved.

A five-hour-long meeting witnessed an intense debate on whether to continue the bandh, which started on June 15 for a separate Gorkhaland state, before deciding to carry on with it.

"There was intense debate on whether to continue the shutdown or not. But most of the members of the GMCC were in favour of continuing the shutdown. People of the hills want this to continue till the dream of Gorkhaland is achieved," Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh president Sukhman Moktan told PTI.

The all-party meeting saw the first assembly of the newly-formed Gorkhaland Movement Coordination Committee (GMCC). It has 30 members who are representatives of all the hill based parties like the GJM, the GNLF, the JAP and the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh.

The next all-party meeting will be held on July 18.

Moktan said a resolution was passed condemning the "police provocation" in Kalimpong yesterday. Several GJM supporters and police personnel were injured yesterday during clashes between them.

"We also condemned the way Trinamool Congress workers and police are stopping supply trucks from coming to the hills. But such tricks will not stop us from continuing our strike in the hills," he said.

According to a GMCC member, Harka Bhadur Chetri's Jan Andolan Party (JAP) and Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) were in favour of withdrawing the shutdown as it is leading to a food crisis in the hills.

"But GJM and other parties were in favour of continuing the strike. They feel it the only way to have their demands being accepted by the government," said the GMCC member on condition of anonymity.

Besides, GJM chief Bimal Gurung's statement two days ago that the party would continue the shutdown has put an added pressure on the members of the GMCC, he said.

Today's meeting, the third in 22 days, started at 1 pm and lasted till 6 pm. The first two all-party meetings were held on June 20 and June 29.

Meanwhile, GJM activists today took out rallies demanding Gorkhaland in various parts of the hills. Except pharmacies, all the shops, schools and colleges remained closed.

While Internet service remained suspended for the 19th day in a row, the police and security forces patrolled the streets and kept tight vigil at the entry and exit routes.

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Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling today said that the direct impact of Gorkhaland agitation on life of the people of Sikkim must be looked into with utmost seriousness.

"Given the inter-state ramifications of the Gorkhaland agitation and treating it as merely a West Bengal issue is not adequate," he said in a statement today.

He alleged that trucks carrying essential goods, commodities and petroleum products were being ransacked right in the presence of the West Bengal police.

"In some cases, it has been learnt that West Bengal police itself is overseeing unloading of petroleum products and other goods meant for Sikkim," he said.

In the statement issued, Chamling said Sikkim borders three countries and the potential threat to national security is a matter of supreme importance.

Indian and China are having stand off near the northern border of the state.

"The only access to the rest of the country is through the state of West Bengal. Due to the agitation and prevailing law and order situation, Sikkim is sandwiched between these constraints for the need and requirement of Sikkimese people and the State's economic development," he said clarifying about his reported statements where he was quoted as saying that Sikkim did not chose India to become sandwich between China and West Bengal.

"Any conspiracy to misquote me so as to imply any anti- national comment is utterly abominable and strongly condemned," he said.

The government of India and all the concerned authorities should safeguard the interest of Sikkim from these hazards and constraints, he said.

"As far as the national security is concerned, the Government of India is appropriately handling the matter. We fully support its efforts, which is addressing the national security concerns in the best interest of our country," he said.

He also said that the state has already borne a loss of over Rs 60,000 crore because of three-decade old agitation in neighbouring state (West Bengal).

He said that in the agitation related violence on NH10, Sikkim's only road link with the rest of the nation, over 5,000 vehicles have been vandalised and more than 50 people (drivers and passengers) have been killed during the period.

"The persistent unrest, consequential uncertainty and constant threat to life have been faced by the Sikkimese people all these years," he said.

Chamling said that this callousness towards the people of Sikkim is a huge insult to their human dignity and national pride.

"Sikkim's allegiance to the Nation is unexampled and unquestionable, as the Sikkimese people chose to become Indians through a resoundingly pro-India verdict in a historic referendum and thereafter Sikkim became 22nd State of the Union of India," he said.

Chamling said the people of Sikkim are proud to be Indian citizens and they have proven their loyalty to their beloved country through unquestionable commitment towards nation building ever since the merger.

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The Jerusalem municipality has said it plans to approve 800 new homes in Jewish-populated areas of east Jerusalem in the coming month, a move that could complicate President Donald Trump's attempt to restart peace talks.

The housing would be the first approved in east Jerusalem since Trump called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to curb settlement construction in February.

Trump's son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner arrived in Israel last month and sat down with Israeli and Palestinian leaders in an effort to help kick-start long-dormant negotiations.

Kushner discussed potential actions to make progress toward "a genuine and lasting peace" between Israelis and Palestinians during his meeting with Netanyahu. But amid deep disagreements between the sides, he has not yet said how he plans to proceed.

After the Israeli announcement, the White House issued a statement saying: "President Trump has publicly and privately expressed his concerns regarding settlements, and the administration has made clear that unrestrained settlement activity does not advance the prospect for peace. At the same time, the administration recognizes that past demands for a settlement freeze have not helped advance peace talks."



"As we have demonstrated in recent trips and conversations with the parties, the Trump Administration is committed to and focused on doing everything possible to advance the prospects of a historic, conflict-ending agreement between Israelis and Palestinians," the statement added.

City Hall said it will approve the 800 units in an upcoming planning committee meeting, along with 114 units in Arab neighborhoods.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat said in a statement that construction in Jerusalem is "essential, important and will continue full force."



Israel captured east Jerusalem during the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it, but the international community doesn't recognize Israeli sovereignty. Palestinians hope to establish their capital of a future state in east Jerusalem.

Senior Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said Israel's move constituted "deliberate sabotage" of Trump's efforts to restart peace talks.

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India has prioritised strengthening its system as a "non-negotiable" strategy to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, Union Minister J P Nadda said today.

India stands "unwavering" in its commitment towards synergising collaboration with BRICS countries in the sector, said Nadda at a meeting of the health ministers of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries in Tianjin city.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a set of 17 "Global Goals" with 169 targets covering various sectors like health, education and climate change among others.

"Strengthening of the health system is critical to achieving the SDGs. India has prioritised strengthening health systems as a non-negotiable strategy towards achieving SDGs," he said at the meeting on the 'Strengthen Health System and Achieve Health-Related SDGs' theme.

Nadda stressed on the importance of building strong and resilient health system.

The case for strengthening health system stems from the basic realisation that even the most well-crafted or well- designed health interventions cannot succeed without a strengthened health system that encompasses improvements in healthcare service provision, utilisation among others.

The health minister said that the health sector adds direct economic value by expanding the number of jobs, investing in infrastructure projects and purchasing supplies needed for health-care delivery.

Reiterating the commitment of the Indian government, he said that "India stands unwavering in its commitment towards synergising collaboration with BRICS countries especially through the 'BRICS Framework for Collaboration on Strategic Projects in Health'".

Nadda elaborated that the National Health Policy, 2017 adopted by India is aligned with the SDG-3 targets.

"The new policy enunciates health in all policies, comprehensive primary healthcare, organisation of public healthcare delivery, improving vaccines and drug security and progressive movement towards universal health coverage," the health minister said.

Noting that the National Health Mission (NHM) is one of the largest health programmes in the world, Nadda said the mission represents the prime vehicle to achieve the SDG-3 and, in its next phase, will align its goals with the National Health Policy 2017 and the SDG-3.

India has expanded the number of vaccines under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) and launched Mission Indradhanush aimed at expanding coverage by reaching the unreached, he said.

"India has taken various measures to augment number, quality and skill mix and geographical distribution to address the shortage of critical health human resource such as increasing medical seats, upgradation of district hospitals to medical colleges in underserved areas, establishing new AIIMS," Nadda said.

The proposed National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS) envisages inclusion of preventive care, robust IT platform, strong grievance redressal mechanism in addition to expanding both population and benefit coverage and providing an additional coverage to senior citizens, he said, noting that there is a growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) on account of premature mortality and morbidity.

India has launched a universal population-based free screening, control and management programme for five common NCDs that is envisaged to translate into one of the largest population-based screening and management programmes in the world in the next a few years, Nadda added.

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Indians in Israel, specially Jews, have expressed "joy" with Prime Minister Narendra Modi "surpassing" their expectations in addressing some of their key concerns and making them feel proud of their roots.

"I was almost in tears. We knew that Prime Minister Modi has tried to invigorate the Indian diaspora across the world and make them feel proud of their roots. He has connected so well with them everywhere he has gone and has not forgotten to reach out to them," Yona Maliker, who immigrated from Seoni, a place near Nagpur, 33 years ago, said.

"It was joy beyond belief to hear at the way he passionately talked about our connection with our motherland. It is a historic visit the Indian Jews will remember for a long time," Maliker said.

Modi "touched the nerve" of all Indian communities living in Israel by bringing up stories that they could relate to.

"He had something cheerful to say about the Bene Israel, the Cochinis, the Baghdadis, the Bnei Menashe but also did not disappoint Indian students and a small group of caregivers who work in Israel," Brajesh, a student from Bihar at the Hebrew University noted.

"Extending the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards to all Indians in Israel, irrespective of their army service, is the 'biggest gift' I think he could give us and he didn't disappoint," Sybil Ezekiel, who immigrated to Israel from Kolkata in 1970 where she studied at Jewish Girls School, he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced yesterday that people of Indian origin in Israel will get the OCI cards even if they have undergone the compulsory army service in the country.

"I want my children and my nephews and nieces, who all take pride in their Indian descent to stay connected to our roots. Everybody in Israel has to serve in the army and that cannot be the reason for denying them OCI. The prime minister touched our hearts with the words he used while extending us this gift," she said.

Sam Satamkar, a 70-year-old Indian Jew of Bene Israel, who came all the way from Beersheva in southern Israel said that the Indian Premier "surpassed" all expectations by even going ahead to make an announcement regarding opening of an Indian Cultural Centre in Israel.

Noah Massil, who was the founder President of Organisation of Indian Jews in Israel and the editor of a Marathi journal, Maiboli, a magazine that was referred by Modi in his speech, was "overwhelmed" at the announcement regarding the Indian cultural centre.

"We have reached out to Indian and Israeli authorities regarding the creation of such a thing and pursued it for many years. Prime Minister Modi has fulfilled a long cherished dream which will help keep our next generation engaged with our motherland," Massil said.

A lot of Indian Jews, who attended Prime Minister Modi's event yesterday, said the way the Indian premier went around talking about the Indian Jews has helped "raise their stature" and "made them feel proud".

"We always took pride in our roots. We always tried to tell everybody that ours was the only country that never discriminated against the Jews. Our ancestors lived there in harmony with respect," David Nagani, a bus driver in Jerusalem from the Bene Israel community, said



"But people hardly listened to us because India never came out in the open so strongly regarding its ties with Israel and the diplomatic relations were established so late," he said.

"Suddenly, Prime Minister Modi comes here. Our PM Benjamin Netanyahu extends him the welcome never given to any world leader. And everybody seems to hear us," he said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who also accompanied Modi during his meeting with the Indian community, said, "Prime Minister, these are the Jews of India. They love India, they love Israel. They love our friendship."



"There was a time, a few decades ago and a few years ago, when this natural partnership was somehow frozen. There was a young woman, her name was Tzipora Meir, a young Jewish woman in Cochin. She wrote an essay 50 years ago, just before the Six Day War, and the essay was the deep desire she had to see the partnership between India and Israel," Netanyahu said.

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Ivanka Trump today visited the Warsaw ghetto memorial, a day after Polish Jews condemned her father, US President Donald Trump, for leaving the monument off his to-do list while in the Polish capital.

The 35-year-old businesswoman and Trump advisor, who converted to Judaism before marrying a grandson of Holocaust survivors, laid flowers with the message "From the United States" at the monument dedicated to the victims of the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.

She then recited the Kaddish prayer with Poland's chief rabbi Michael Schudrich before touring the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews located next to the memorial.

Ivanka was accompanying her father on his trip to the Polish capital to meet with regional leaders and deliver a speech at Krasinski Square before continuing on to his first G20 summit in Hamburg.

Schudrich called Ivanka's presence at the memorial "very, very important... Not only because she's a Jew, because her grandparents-in-law are survivors of the Holocaust, but also as a human being it's important."



"But it's sad because her father President Trump is the first US president in 25 years not to visit the Warsaw Ghetto Heroes Monument," he told AFP.

Schudrich released a joint statement with other Jewish community leaders on Wednesday saying they "deeply regret that President Donald Trump, though speaking in public barely a mile away from the Monument, chose to break with that laudable tradition, alongside so many other ones."



"We trust that this slight does not reflect the attitudes and feelings of the American people," said the statement co- signed by Leslaw Piszewski, president of the Union of Jewish Communities of Poland, and Jewish Community of Warsaw president Anna Chipczynska.

POLIN spokeswoman Zaneta Czyzniewska told AFP that the museum only "found out today" that Ivanka Trump would be visiting the monument dedicated to the Jewish partisans who took up arms against Nazi German forces in a doomed revolt.

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Eminent artist and Padma Bhushan awardee Jatin Das claimed that one of his paintings commissioned by Air India had gone missing and was available on the open market, which, he said, could be a result of "indifference, negligence and theft".

The national carrier, in a statement, said, "The matter is being inquired into."



Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha said the government was aware of the matter and was looking into it.

Das said he came to know about the missing painting when an art curator called him to authenticate the piece of art.

"She sent me the image and I realised that this was a painting I had done for Air India," Das told PTI over the phone.

The horizontal oil painting is titled 'Flying Apsara'. It was commissioned in 1991 by Air India.

On how the artwork reached the open market, Das said, "Indifference, negligence and theft. How else will it reach the market?"



Das has also written a letter, dated June 24, to Air India Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani, requesting "high resolution images of all my paintings for my archive".

The carrier has been compiling details of Das's paintings as requested by him.

The painter refused to attach a value to the missing piece of art, but said that it was paid for by the airline.

Paintings such as this that are with Air India, a public institution, are commissioned using public money and are "bought for permanent collection and for posterity", he said.

He rued that this was not just a personal matter, but a larger issue of apathy towards art.

"Many of the art works of India are stolen from temples and many sculptures have gone outside the country. The country as a whole, the people, government and societies are not concerned about its historicity. If we were concerned, this would not have happened," the artist added.

Das said he did not know the exact number of artworks commissioned by Air India and the erstwhile Indian Airlines, merely saying that there were "several".

The artist wondered if more of his works had gone missing.

"In 1985, six paintings were commissioned to me by Indian Airlines. They later reproduced it in the form of a calendar. I don't know where those paintings are. Maybe, they are with Air India," Das said.

Air India owns artworks of some of the country's most renowned artists such as Arpana Caur, Anjolie Ela Menon, K A Ara, M F Husain and V S Gaitonde.

However, an exact inventory is not available and the value of the entire collection is not known.

"The airline is also planning to have a museum to display all its arts and crafts for which preparations are underway," the statement said.

An audit of its collection has been going on and is expected to be completed by September.

The allegation of missing artworks against the national carrier come at a time the Cabinet has given an in-principle approval for disinvestment of Air India, which is under a debt of Rs 52,000 crore.

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Two militants including a juvenile belonging to separate proscribed outfits and four overground workers were arrested from different part of Manipur, police said today.

A 15-year-old worker of Kangleipak Communist Party (Noyon Group) was arrested from Sagoltongba area in Imphal West district.

He was accused of extortion and delivering cash to his commander based in Moreh.

A self-styled sergeant of the banned United National Liberation Front (UNLF) was apprehended from Thoubal Wangmataba area in Thoubal district, police said.

Police also took into custody four persons, who allegedly worked as overground activist of a militant group from the Indo-Myanmar border town of Moreh.

All the arrests were made yesterday.

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Nuclear scientist Anil Kakodkar may soon head IIT-Roorkee, two years after he resigned as chairman of the Board of Governors (BoG) of IIT-Mumbai following alleged differences with former HRD minister Smriti Irani.

The ministry under Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar has recommended his name to President Pranab Mukherjee and is awaiting approval.

Seventy-three-year-old Kakokdar had resigned in 2015 after a disagreement with Irani over the choice of an IIT director.

"Kakodkar's name has been recommended for the post of chairman of Board of Governors at IIT-Roorkee. His consent has also been taken in the process," a source said.

If the president approves his name, Kakodkar will succeed current chairman Ashok Mishra.

While Irani had denied any differences with Kakodkar saying he had resigned due to personal differences, the latter had commented after quitting that he "cannot be a party to any wrongdoing".

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Kerala PWD minister G Sudhakaran today expressed regret and apologised to a senior World Bank official against whom he had recently made a racist remark.

In a letter to Bernard Aritua, the World Bank's senior infrastructure specialist associated with the Kerala State Transport Project, Sudhakaran said his intent was not racial and it was not to insult him.

"I express regret and apologise for the old African Anthropological word in my speech at Kasaragod... Kindly accept my regret," the minister said.

Addressing a function at Kasaragod recently, the minister had criticised the official, calling him by the objectionable word to describe a Black person.

He had reportedly said the official was from the African-American race to which former US President Barrack Obama also belonged.

"... World Bank means Amercia. Before America was born, Kerala had existed. There is no need to scare us saying the World Bank loan will be withheld for Kerala State Transport Project, which was going at a slow pace due to alleged corruption.

"Officials of the World Bank are responsible for the tardy pace of the project. World Bank team leader is an African-American and belongs to the race of former US President Barrack Obama," he had said.

After the state government reportedly received a communication from the World Bank official objecting to the use of that word, the embarrassed minister said he was "not aware" that it was banned in the US.

"...Sincerely, I did not know if it is not to be used. We use it in the assembly also and I express my unconditional apology," the minister told television channels.

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Vijay Mallya, the fugitive liquor baron sought by India for defaulting on several bank loans amounting to nearly Rs 9,000 crore, today appeared before the Westminster Magistrates Court in London for the hearing in his extradition case.

"I do as my lawyers advise," the 61-year-old former chief of erstwhile Kingfisher airlines said when asked about his appearance at court despite being exempt from appearing by the Judge at the last hearing on June 13.

Mallya, who is wanted in India for Kingfisher Airlines' default on loans worth nearly Rs 9,000 crores, has been in the UK since March 2016 and was arrested by Scotland Yard on an extradition warrant on April 18.

He had 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.

If the District Judge rules in favour of extradition at the end of the trial, the UK home secretary must order Mallya's extradition within two months of the appropriate day. However, the case can go through a series of appeals before arriving at a conclusion.

India and the UK have an Extradition Treaty, signed in 1992, but so far only one extradition has taken place under the arrangement - Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel, who was sent back to India last October to face trial in connection with his involvement in the post-Godhra riots of 2002.

However, unlike Mallya, he had submitted to the extradition order without legal challenge.

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A 49-year-old man, suspected to be the kingpin of minting counterfeit coins, has been arrested and seized fake coins having face value of over Rs 8,000 from him, police said today.

Acting on a tip-off, Upkar Luthra was arrested from a hotel in Kondli in Haryana on July 4. The police had seized counterfeit coins in denomination of Rs five worth Rs 8,500 from him, they said.

The accused was carrying a reward of Rs one lakh on his head by the Delhi Police.

Upkar was wanted in several criminal cases, including a case of alleged killing of his business partner.

"His brother Sweekar Luthra was arrested in December last year. After his brother's arrest, he had been monitoring the trade of counterfeit coins from Nepal," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Sanjeev Kumar Yadav said.

In October last year, Delhi Police had arrested a 42-year -old man from Rohini in outer Delhi and seized fake coins of Rs 40,000 face value from him.

A few days later, the Special Cell claimed to have busted an inter-state fake currency racket with the arrest of two persons with counterfeit coins of Rs 5 and Rs 10 denomination worth Rs 5.85 lakh during raids at their hideouts in Delhi, Rajasthan and Haryana.

Accused Gulshan Kumar and his nephew Sachin were arrested from Shiv Vihar, Nilothi extension. The kingpins of the racket were identified as Sweekar Luthra and Upkar Luthra.

After the arrest of his brother, Upkar went to Nepal and remained engaged in his illegal activities of counterfeiting coins.

The brothers learnt to make dyes of counterfeit coins from one Gulshan Gambhir, who died few years back. He arranged the metallic sheets from Mayapuri and Tilak Nagar.

From these sheets, the shape of coins were carved out at machines. After that, with the help of heating and hydraulic machines, the counterfeited coins were prepared, the police said.

Anti-rust spray was sprayed on the counterfeit coins for final finishing. The manufactured counterfeit coins were then circulated in toll tax centres, weekly markets and small shop keepers in various parts of Delhi, Rajasthan and Haryana.

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A kangaroo court in Angul district allegedly forced a panchayat ward member's husband to go around the village beating a gong as punishment for not voting for a candidate.

The incident took place in Badakera panchayat under Bantala police station jurisdiction yesterday after the villagers pronounced the punishment for Dusmant Sahu, husband of a ward member, for not voting in favour of a candidate.

Sahu was ordered to pay Rs 50,000 as penalty or go around the village beating a gong as punishment. Sahu said he agreed to go around the village beating a gong as he was not in a position to pay the fine money.

The incident evoked sharp reaction from other ward members who described the act as inhuman.

Naib sarpanch Bidyadhara Prusty said issues related to the rural elections had been sorted out, but during a meeting held yesterday the villagers asked Sahu either to pay fine or beat gong as punishment. Action needs to be taken against the villagers who resorted to the method in order to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

Inspector In-Charge of Bantala Police station, Nirmala Gochhayat said the husband of the ward member was rescued by police and asked not to follow any punishment given by the villagers.

While no complaint has so far been lodged by the victim with the police, a close watch was being kept on the situation, she said.

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Feeling guilty of securing his BE degree through unfair means, a 26-year-old man moved the Bombay High Court to get his engineering degree revoked, but was told instead to forget the episode and "move on" with life.

A bench of justices S M Kemkar and M S Karnik rejected a guilt-conscious Vaibhav Patil's plea today once again after doing the same in October 2016 when it had dismissed his same plea simply because there was no law to scrap an educational qualification for securing it through unfair means.

Patil had sought directions to the University of Mumbai to cancel his Bachelor of Engineering (BE) degree on the ground that he had resorted to cheating in his examinations.

But the high court had on October 4, 2016, had rejected Patil's petition, concluding that there was no provision in the University Act which allowed such cancellations.

Patil then filed a review application which came up for hearing before the same bench.

"We have full sympathy with you. Try to forget all this and move on with your life. You committed a mistake so many years ago and continued with it till now. What problem do you face now?" asked an exasperated Justice Kemkar.

Patil told the court that he was not able to get over the guilt. "I have not even taken up a job since then. I approached the University in 2012 itself requesting them to revoke my graduation degree but they did not accept," Patil said.

He added he even met several psychiatrists who just gave him medicines and ask him to not come back.

The court, however, said its hands were tied legally and said if Patil wants, he can approach the Supreme Court to challenge their order.

Patil, who hails from Jalgaon, completed his engineering course with IT specialisation in 2011. He had flunked his Maths II paper in the first year, and on his friend's advice, he allegedly paid an agent around Rs 20,000 to clear the subject.

The court also asked Patil today that if he wishes so, he could give details of the agent, examiner or officials, who helped him pass the examination, to the university to enquire into the matter.

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Opposition presidential candidate Meira Kumar today arrived in her home state Bihar where she interacted with Congress and RJD legislators.

"I am the daughter of Bihar and Bihar lives in my heart," she said at the airport here.

While she had no appointment with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, any chance meeting between them also ended as he left for Rajgir, citing health reasons.

The JD(U) president has announced support for the NDA's presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind.

The JD(U) along with the RJD and the Congress forms the ruling coalition in Bihar.

Meira arrived in Patna in the evening and held an interactive session with Congress and RJD legislators at a hotel here.

RJD president Lalu Prasad was not present at the session as he has gone to Ranchi where he as to appear in a court tomorrow in connection with the fodder scam case.

Congress general secretary and in-charge of Bihar C P Joshi also came here to mobilise support for her.

Meira told reporters at Patna airport that "more than numbers, the fight of ideology will triumph in the end."



She will be in the state till July 8.

She would go to her native Chandawa village in Bhojpur district tomorrow. On July 8, she would address mediapersons at Sadaquat Ashram before leaving in the afternoon.

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Contribution of the country's smaller towns - beyond top-15 cities (B15) in industry parlance - to mutual funds' asset base surged 47 per cent to Rs 3.41 lakh crore by May-end due to investor-friendly initiatives by Sebi.

Mutual funds' assets under management (AUM) from B15 locations grew from Rs 2.32 lakh crore in May 2016 to Rs 3.41 lakh crore at the end of May 2017, according to latest data available with the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI).

"Steps taken by markets regulator Sebi to increase penetration of mutual funds in smaller cities is paying dividend. Sebi allowed up to 30 basis points of extra expenses to be charged to a fund to incentives distribution of funds in B15 (beyond top 15 cities).

"This coupled with the increasing investor education programmes has resulted in increasing investor awareness and many first time investors from smaller cities are investing into mutual funds," Director of Fund Research at Morningstar Kaustubh Belapurkar said.

Currently, B15 accounts for 18 per cent of the total assets of the industry. Besides, these locations have a better balance of equity and non-equity assets.

Moreover, a large proportion of direct investments were in non-equity oriented schemes where institutional investors dominate.

B15 cities are those which are beyond these top 15 cities - New Delhi (including NCR), Mumbai (including Thane and Navi Mumbai), Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Baroda, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kanpur, Lucknow, Panjim, Pune and Surat.

About 54 per cent of the assets from B15 locations is in equity schemes, while the same is 31 per cent for T15 assets.

About 26 per cent of assets held by individual investors is from B15 locations and 10 per cent of institutional assets come from such places.

On the other hand, institutional assets are concentrated in T15 locations, accounting for a little over 90 per cent of the total.

Further, about 9 per cent of the retail investors chose to invest directly, while over 17 per cent of HNI assets were invested directly.

"About 41.4 per cent of the assets of the mutual fund industry came directly. A large proportion of direct investments were in non-equity oriented schemes where institutional investors dominate," AMFI noted.

Together, all 42 mutual fund houses managed assets worth Rs 19.04 lakh crore at the end of May 31, 2017. This was 38 per cent higher from Rs 13.82 lakh crore managed by the industry in May last year.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met with a group of Indian students pursuing higher education in Israel.

"It was great to meet Indian students studying in Israel," Modi said in a tweet.

The meeting, which took place at Dan Hotel, was the last programme scheduled during the prime minister's historic three-day visit to the Jewish nation.

Addressing the Indian diaspora here at an event which was also attended by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi yesterday said that almost 600 students from India are studying in different subjects in Israel and some of them are present here.

"My young colleagues, you are like the bridge of technology and innovation between India and Israel. My friend Netanyahu and I believe.... That science, innovation and technology will be the main base for the future relations between India and Israel. That is why whatever you are learning here, will help strengthen India," he had said.

This year, India and Israel are marking 25 years of their diplomatic relations.

Modi, who became the first Indian prime minister to visit Israel, signed seven agreements to boost bilateral cooperation in key areas like science and technology, water, research and space.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu today made waves online with their camaraderie as a barefoot stroll on the beach, a discussion in ankle deep water and a toast to life with desalinated water reflected the warmth in their relationship.

The bonhomie between the two leaders was on ample display as they witnessed the demonstration of sea water purification technology pioneered by Israel at a water desalination unit on the Olga Beach in north Israel.

The two leaders spent some time on the beach and had a long chat standing ankle deep in the waters with waves hitting their feet.

Modi had his trousers folded up as he entered the waters while Netanyahu came smartly dressed in casuals with a polo shirt.

The two leaders later drove together in the mobile water desalination unit, which looked like a dune buggy, and sipped desalinated water from wine glasses, raising a toast saying -- lehaim (to life) -- with desalinated water.

They took a barefoot stroll along the Mediterranean shore with Netanyahu later tweeting, "There's nothing like going to the beach with friends!"



Later, Netanyahu also gifted Modi a signed picture of them strolling barefoot at the Olga beach in northern Israel with a message hailing their friendship.

"To Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with deepest friendship on your historic visit to Israel," Modi tweeted the picture gifted to him by his Israeli counterpart.

Modi and Netanyahu's camaraderie created waves online with many discussing their "budding bromance".

The Israeli premier accompanied Modi almost like a shadow since Modi landed here on the first visit by an Indian premier to the Jewish state, with both of them hugging each other at every possible opportunity.

The two leaders also constantly referred to each other as "my friend" and used superlatives while appreciating each other.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today invited the Israeli industry to participate in 'Startup India' initiative, saying his government has done a lot to improve the ease of doing business and is positioning the country as a global manufacturing hub.

"We have resolved number of regulatory and policy issues facing businesses and companies. We've worked very sincerely for ease of doing business," Modi said at the launch of India- Israel CEO's Forum here.

Memorandums of Understanding worth over USD 5 billion were signed during the Prime Minister's visit.

Referring to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Modi said it is by far the biggest business and economic reform of India.

"Now, we are moving towards modern tax regime, which is transparent, stable and predictable," he said.

Modi, who is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel, further said his government was "positioning" India as a global manufacturing hub with a view to take advantage of the young population. He also talked about country's flagship programme 'Make In India'.

Observing that Israel is known as 'start-up nation', he said "it has a unique sense and ecosystem for innovation and incubation. Credit must go to the Israeli entrepreneurs".

"There is lot of potential for #IndiaIsrael partnership in @startupindia. I am happy that India-Israel start-up bridge has been formally launched today," India's External Affairs Ministry said in a tweet quoting Modi.

Modi, along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, also established an innovation bridge between start-ups and innovators of Israel and India for a better world.

Speaking at the event, Netanyahu said together the two countries have tremendous potential.

"...Potential not only in markets but in creating new possibilities, new opportunities. We just saw this in crop protection or in water, the cleaning of water, or in energy, or in any field, in any field," said the Israeli Prime Minister.

He added that the Israeli side in the forum comprises people who run some of the most important companies, "and they do so with great talent and with great skill. You have brought similar people from India".

"We are making a partnership here, a real one, to excel in innovation for both our peoples and for the entire world," he said.

India-Israel CEO Forum, which met for the first time today, set a target to increase the bilateral trade from the current USD 4.13 billion to USD 20 billion within five years.

The forum also set up six joint committees covering start-ups, pharma and life sciences, homeland security, agriculture, energy and water management.

The India-Israel start-up bridge was launched to encourage start-ups of the two nations to work together and come up with innovative solutions to tackle challenges in the agriculture, water and healthcare sectors.

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Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan today termed the recently adopted National Health Policy as a "landmark" step which commits to comprehensive primary healthcare and effective regulatory framework.

"India was taking various steps to ensure that it meets the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations," she said inaugurating the fourth National Summit on Good, Replicable Practices and Innovations in Public Health Care Systems here.

She also stressed on the importance of hospital management.

Minister of State for Health Faggan Singh Kulaste, who was also present, urged all the states to learn from the effective endeavours of the other states to address the challenges in healthcare delivery.

He said that the summit is a good platform to share experiences and collectively strategise on how to improve health services in the country.

Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel said that the summit gives a unique platform to share those steps that have helped to make a difference in healthcare delivery.

"These are also helpful in drawing up a roadmap for meeting goals of SDGs and National Health Policy, 2017 which speaks about a comprehensive healthcare delivery framework," she said.

She further added that if states can weave in the social determinants into module of healthcare provisioning then "we can grow and strengthen our healthcare system together".

Madhya Pradesh Health minister Rustam Singh highlighted various people-centered innovative approaches taken by the state to ensure effective healthcare delivery.

The Health Ministry also gave away awards to the states on the basis of Health Indicators and Service Delivery.

The award for best performing states in the category of indoor services (based on change of In Patient Facilities IPD/1000 population from 2015-16 to 2016-17-HMIS) was given to Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat.Daman and Diu got the award among the Union Territories (UTs).

For the best out-patient services, the award was given to Gujarat, Punjab and Jharkhand whereas Dadra and Nagar Haveli got the award amongst the Union Territories.

For, average out of pocket expenditure per delivery in public health facility, the award was given to Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. Among the UTs, the award was given to Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

The award for decline in Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) was given to Jammu and Kashmir and West Bengal among the bigger states, while Manipur received it among the smaller states and Puducherry in the UT category.

Best Performance in Revised National TB Control Programme was given to Assam and Himachal Pradesh.

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The National Conference (NC) today decided to boycott the remaining session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly in protest against the House adopting a resolution to implement the GST in the state.

The opposition party claimed it is a plot to trample the aspirations of the people by demolishing the state's special status.

Amid protests by the NC and the Congress, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly yesterday adopted a resolution for implementing the GST in the state.

The boycott decision was taken at a meeting of the NC's core-group chaired by the party chief Farooq Abdullah, a spokesman said here.

He said the "anti-people resolution" is an unequivocal compromise with the special status of the state.

The NC core-group observed that the statement of Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu on the floor of the House terming the Article 370 of the Constitution as an obstruction to the development and progress of the state reflects the intentions of the ruling dispensation against the special political and constitutional identity of Jammu and Kashmir, the spokesman said.

The party called adoption of the resolution on GST a "misadventure" and warned the PDP-BJP government that it is going to have wider ramifications and dangerous consequences.

Talking about state BJP chief Sat Sharma's statement in the House that the GST implementation was the biggest slap on the face of the separatists, the NC said it is a glaring contradiction of earlier misleading assertions made by the PDP-BJP alliance claiming that the extension of GST to the state was purely a taxation matter and had nothing to do with the politics and the identity of the state.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today gifted Prime Minister Narendra Modi a signed picture of them strolling barefoot together at Olga beach in northern Israel with a message hailing their friendship.

"To Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with deepest friendship on your historic visit to Israel," Modi tweeted the picture gifted to him by his Israeli counterpart.

The picture, signed by the Israeli Prime Minister, shows Modi and Netanyahu strolling barefoot together at Olga beach in northern Israel.

Prime Minister Modi, who wrapped up his three-day visit to Israel today, thanked Netanyahu after recieving the photograph.

"Thank you my friend, Prime Minister Netanyahu for the signed photo, your kind words, amazing hospitality & passion towards #IndiaIsraelFriendship," Modi tweeted.

India and Israel signed seven agreements to boost cooperation in key areas like science and technology, water, research and space during Modi's visit to the Jewish nation, the first by an Indian prime minister.

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A National Telecom Policy is currently under formulation and will be made public "soon" for stakeholder consultation, Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha has said.

The upcoming policy will look at areas like technology innovation and security as well as plug "loopholes", the minister promised but did not elaborate on the specifics.

"We are framing National Telecom policy...We have done a lot of work on this. Once it is formulated, we will put in on the website for comments of general public, academia, industry and then we will go to Parliament," the minister told PTI in an interview.

He said that at a broad level, the policy will be driven by technology innovations, among other aspects.

"There are many things which change with time...We will take all that into consideration," he said, adding it will also address "loopholes".

He was responding to a question on gaps that the new policy will seek to address over the National Telecom Policy (NTP) 2012.

Asked about the timeframe for finalising the new policy, Sinha said he expected it "soon".

"I am hopeful that it will come soon. First, we will initiate a consultation...Maybe the implementation will take some time but we will soon put in on the website so we can seek people's opinion," he pointed out.

Sinha vowed that reforms, especially consumer-centric ones, will continue in the telecom sector and hinted that some announcements were in the offing.

"Reforms will continue...Yes, it will move, and move swiftly...You will soon see some things...In the coming days, there will be some regarding reforms, and it will be consumer-centric," he said but declined to divulge details.

The Telecom Ministry has issued technology neutral telecom licences under the NTP 2012 which was delinked from spectrum. Other reforms that have been undertaken include finalisation of spectrum trading and sharing rules, full mobile number portability, increasing spectrum supply for the industry, Right of Way norms and eKYC.

However, it is yet to meet certain targets like 2 megabits per second broadband speed for consumers and formation of the National Mobile Property Registry.

Also, the new policy formulation comes at a time when the sector is confronting financial difficulties. Revenue and profitability of both large and small operators have come under severe pressure after the entry of aggressive newcomer Reliance Jio and the subsequent advent of free data and voice offerings.

The telecom industry's debt has touched Rs 4.6 lakh crore, and a latest report by ICRA has warned that industry revenue will plunge by another 6 per cent in the current financial year due to competition and pricing pressure.

Last month, an inter-ministerial group held extensive dialogue with all telecom players as well as large banks to discuss the industry's financial stress and look for remedial measures.

Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and Idea Cellular as well as other telcos are making an aggressive pitch for reduction in levies (like licence fee, spectrum usage charge) and are also seeking an extension in the deferred payment liability for radiowaves.

Jio, on the other hand, has ascribed the financial stress in the telecom sector to existing operators like Airtel and Idea running businesses on debt and investing heavily in unrelated sectors.

Jio has also alleged that the incumbent operators had been reluctant in infusing equity and hence the financial stress is their own creation -- a charge the incumbent operators have outrightly rejected.

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Niger's army has killed 14 displaced people who were mistaken for jihadists in the restive southeast where Boko Haram Islamists have staged regular attacks, a local official said today.

"It's an error by the military that cost the lives of 14 civilians... Refugees and displaced people," the official from the Diffa region, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP.

A local journalist, also speaking anonymously, confirmed his account. "The soldiers mistook them for Boko Haram fighters. The army has been on edge after the last two attacks in this area," he said.

Civil and military authorities in Diffa were not immediately reachable for comment.

The regional official said the civilians had been returning to their village in the Abadam area -- which they had fled due to Boko Haram violence -- in order to tend to their fields.

"They had not warned the authorities" that they were going back, he said.

The village lies within a no-go zone which is only accessible with prior authorisation, near the Komadougou river which serves as a natural border between Niger and Nigeria.

Niger authorities evacuated civilians from the border zone in May 2015 as military operations against the Nigeria- based Boko Haram gained pace.

The decision was unpopular with many villagers who were forced into camps for displaced people. Some of them have been returning to tend to their crops, despite the entry ban.

of the civilian deaths came just two days after Diffa authorities said Boko Haram had kidnapped 37 children and slit the throats of nine other people in the village of Ngalewa, near the Nigerian border.

On June 29, a suicide bombing carried out by two women in the nearby village of Kabalewa killed two people.

Diffa, which has a population of around 600,000 people, has suffered a string of Boko Haram attacks since 2015 against both military targets and civilians.

Around 300,000 people displaced by jihadist attacks have taken refuge in the region, which already grapples with grinding poverty.

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The ED today filed its first charge sheet in the alleged Rs 3,700 crore ponzi scam perpetrated by a Noida-based firm which had promised money for 'likes' on social media to lakhs of gullible investors.

The central probe agency filed the voluminous prosecution complaint (charge sheet), of which the operational part is a 50-page report, before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court here.

ED Joint Director Rajeshwar Singh said the charge sheet has been filed after over four months of investigation into the case where over Rs 654 crore assets have been attached by the agency.

The case involves a firm named Ablaze Info Solution Private Limited and it is owned by the alleged kingpin of this alleged Ponzi scam case -- Anubhav Mittal.

He was also arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in this case.

A supplementary charge sheet, officials said, is soon expected to be filed in this case.

Mittal, the agency had said, had collected "several thousand crore of rupees from the customers of his company by false inducements and later syphoned off the same by means of generating false or bogus bills/invoices with the assistance of various persons who are under scrutiny."



The ED had on January 5 registered a criminal case under the PMLA based on an FIR of the Uttar Pradesh Police's Special Task Force (STF) which had first unearthed the alleged illegal ponzi or multi-level marketing scam.

The agency later filed a second FIR in the case, also known as the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR).

"The modus operandi of the accused according to their business scheme as alleged was that through their web portal they promoted a scheme where by liking the webpage, which were fictitiously shown associated to international social media groups like Google and Facebook, the users will earn money.

"The accused persons propagated a false story that the promotional web pages linked on these international social media portals pay Rs 6 per likes out of which they pay Rs 5 to the investment/user," the agency had said.

The probe agency had said the fraudsters allegedly cheated about 6.5 lakh gullible investors of an estimated Rs 3,700 crore, a fraud bigger in value than the infamous Saradha chit fund scam of West Bengal and Assam which is pegged at Rs 2,500 crore.

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THe Odisha police today told the Chhattisgarh High Court here that two men from the coastal state were 'abducted' by police from Chhattisgarh's Bastar district for allegedly being Naxals.

The accusation came in response to a petition filed by the relative of two men before the HC seeking enquiry, the petitioners' lawyer Satish Chandra Verma said.

The Odisha police said in their affidavit filed today that Niranjan Dash and Durjoti Mahankudo were picked up illegally from Kotpad police station area in Koraput district by a team of police from Nagarnar in Bastar on June 26, 2016.

The affidavit has been signed by Nirod Kumar Nayak, a police officer attached to Kotpad police station.

Chhattisgarh police entered Koraput district without giving any intimation to local cops, and arrested the two men after accusing them of being Naxals, the reply said.

When their family members approached a court in Koraput, it directed the Odisha police to probe the matter.

The relatives of the two men also moved the Supreme Court, which asked them to approach the Chhattisgarh High Court.

During an earlier hearing, the HC had sought reply from the Odisha police.

The Odisha police also said in the reply that the matter should be handed over to the CBI or the National Investigation Agency for a free and fair probe.

The next hearing would take place after two weeks.

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Cab aggregator Ola today said it will expand its 'Ola Play' offering to three more Indian cities -- Chennai, Pune, and Kolkata.

Ola Play is powered by proprietary in-car and cloud technologies, bringing advance car controls, choice of personalised content and a fully connected interactive experience for users.

It is currently available in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad.

"Ola Play grew over 200 per cent quarter on quarter in terms of the number of rides, and is now installed in over 50,000 Prime Play cars," Ola said in a statement.

It added that while the service is now being piloted in Chennai, Pune and Kolkata, Ola Play will be expanded to 10 more cities by end of 2017.

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Moglix raises $12 mn from IFC, others



* Moglix, a B2B e-commercestart-up, has raised USD 12 million in funding from International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group and Rocketship.

Moglix's existing investors Accel Partners,Jungle Ventures, Shailesh Rao (former senior leader at Twitter and Google) and Venture Highway also participated in the series B round, it said in a statement today.

Founded in 2015,Moglix has previously USD 6 million in funding in two rounds.

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Micromax offers 100-day replacement warranty for feature phns * Homegrown handset maker Micromax today said it will offer a 100-day replacement for all its feature phones.

Micromax will replace failing feature phone with the same/equivalent model in the first 100 days from the date of activation of the device (which is a part of the 1 year total warranty period), it said in a statement.

"We have a large base of feature phone users... Taking our promise a step ahead, we are now bringing a care free user experience for all the feature phone customers offering them full replacement within 100 days of purchase, if any problem arises," Micromax Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer Shubhodip Pal said.

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Nokia smartphones to feature ZEISS optics * HMD Global, which holds the licence for Nokia brand, today said it has partnered imaging company, ZEISS.

The partnership will see ZEISS and HMD Global co-develop standard-defining imaging capabilities and will bring the ZEISS brand back to Nokia smartphones, a statement said.

The past collaboration saw ZEISS and Nokia phones driving technology innovations such as the world's first multi- megapixel mobile phone.

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Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi, who has drawn flak for swearing in three members nominated to the Assembly, today said she acted according to the law and there was "no conflict" in it.

"Under the Union Territory bylaws, the Government of India is entitled to nominate three members to the Legislative Assembly. The section further states that the oath of office can be administered by anybody who has the power. That is what I did," she told reporters at the airport here.

Bedi said the Union government nominated three people under the Union Territory bylaws and they were administered the oath of office under it.

Noting that the three MLAs had given to her in writing that they had not received a timeframe on when the swearing-in would take place, she said it was due to these reasons that the ceremony was conducted in her chambers in Raj Nivas.

"Legal rights have been exercised by the Government of India and the legal responsibility has been fulfilled by the Lieutenant Governor," Bedi said.

On a Congress MLA filing a plea in the Madras High Court seeking that the notification nominating the three members be quashed, she said, "Anybody can approach the court but that does not take (away) the power of the Central government to nominate three MLAs".

"There is no confusion. There is no conflict," she said, adding, "What wrong have I done? They have been nominated under the law."



BJP Puducherry unit president V Saminathan, party treasurer K G Shankar and educationist S Selvaganapathy were recently nominated to the Assembly by the Union Home ministry.

They were sworn in by Bedi on July 4.

Chief Minister V Narayanasamy termed her action a "murder of democracy" and accused her of working like a "BJP agent."



Puducherry has 30 elected members in the Assembly.

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A top leader of a prominent political party in Balochistan was today shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the capital of the restive Pakistani province.

Malik Naveed Dehwar, a leader of Balochistan National Party (BNP), and his guard were shot dead in Quetta city, police said.

Some unidentified gunmen opened fire at Dehwar's vehicle and fled from the spot.

Police said Dehwar died at the spot while his guard succumed to his injuries later in the hospital. Another person was also injured in the firing and was admitted to a hospital.

"No group has claimed responsibility for the target killings as yet," a police official said.

The BNP central leadership condemned the attack and said it highlighted the law and order situation in the province.

The party is headed by Sardar Akhtar Mangal, a former chief minister of Balochistan.

Earlier in the day, the health minister of Pakistan's restive Balochistan province survived a rocket attack when unidentified assailants targeted his convoy.

The law enforcement personnel have cordoned off the area for investigation.

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A Pakistani man has been executed after being convicted of sodomising and killing a seven-year- old boy in eastern Punjab province.

Convict Qasir Shah was hanged in the central jail Gujranwala yesterday.

Shah had murdered seven-year-old boy after subjecting him to rape at Walgan Sagyan village in Sukhayki area of Hafizabad district in 2006, Jail Superintendent Chaudhry Asghar was quoted as saying by the Dawn .

According to the prosecution, Shah lured the minor, who was playing outside his house, to fields, where he sodomised and then killed him.

The victim's parents, after failing to find the boy, lodged a case with police.

Later, the body of the minor was found in a pond near the village.

The police took Shah into custody on suspicion who during interrogation confessed to have committed the heinous crime.

District and Sessions Judge Ashtar Abbas handed down death sentence to the culprit who was hanged in the central jail.

Pakistan lifted moratorium on execution in 2014 after Peshawar school attack and since then have hanged at least 471 convicts, according to independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.

So far 44 death row prisoners have been executed this year.

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The Health Minister of Pakistan's restive Balochistan province today survived a rocket attack when unidentified assailants targeted his convoy, a media report said.

Unidentified assailants attacked the convoy of Balochistan Health Minister Rehmat Saleh Baloch in Panjgur town today, officials said.

The minister and his aides remained unharmed in the incident, they sad.

The minister's convoy was targeted while he was travelling to Prom area from Panjgur, Assistant Commissioner Panjgur Abdul Jabbar was quoted as saying by the Dawn .

The militants used various weapons, including rockets in the attack. However, the assailants escaped the scene when security personnel opened retaliatory fire.

Upon receiving reports of the incident, security personnel and Frontier Corps (FC) officials sealed the area and started a search operation.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as yet, the report said.

Rehmat Saleh Baloch, who belongs to National Party, was elected a member of Balochistan Assembly in the general elections of 2013.

Balochistan has been experiencing incidents of violence and targeted killings for over a decade.

The largest province of the country by area, it is home to a low-level insurgency by ethnic Baloch separatists. Al Qaeda-linked and sectarian militants also operate in the region. The province shares borders with Afghanistan and Iran.

In May, 28 people were killed when a suicide bomber targeted the convoy of Senate Deputy Chairman Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri in Balochistan's Mastung area.

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When Captain Kirk uttered his speech about the US Constitutionsome say its his best episode-ending soliloquy ever; it sure does rock for its earnest gravitasits to a ragtag bunch of warring post-nuclear types, some brown, some white.

At least one of the devolved, bear-skin-clad bunch is shocked to hear Kirk knows one of their most holy words. The word is freedom. It comes into spectacular usage, Kirk pontificates, in a sacred document meant for all people of all classes and colors and kinds.

Thats the future my generation imagined, a world where the triumph of our species, reaching out into interstellar space, would be dependent on the spread and acceptance of progressive, democratic principles.

Instead, and only about a quarter of the way to a world nuanced by faster-than-light speed travel, teleportation and food synthesizers, we made a sharp turn to the right.

In 2017, 49 years after Gene Roddenberry filled the mouth of his ships captain avatar with the glories of universal democracy and its profound consequences, we the people elected Donald Trump to be the 45th president of the United States.

Trumps nationalist agenda is filled with glaring instances of defiance against the democratic advances that many a generation of Americansfrom boomers to millennialssaw as a done deal.

Among the most flagrant reversals, the notion of what it means to be an immigrant in America has come into question. Globalization changed the economic dynamics of this nation. Those left behind in former manufacturing centers and their adjacent rural communitiesthe non-college educated, mostly white, working class who had achieved parity with the their degreed bourgeois counterparts after the second World Warturned their anger and frustration outward. Who were these other people from other places coming for their jobs, for their place in line, for their world?

And so some of them came to see immigrants as the enemy. In particular those who came from the south (a holy land in the mythology we all share en Nuevo Mexico, a place where the year may still be called Xihuitl) were marked as criminals, rapists and usurpers by a presidential candidate whose ability to absorb and reflect the seething resentments of a declining class of Americans became the hallmark of a campaign designed to make America Great Again.

Trump called for a wall to be built in the South, called for mass deportations and a return to dependence on industries already made obsolete by globalization and the relentless advance of technology. In a sign of a worsening crisis, the House passed a bill this week that may lead to stricter enforcement and is designed to deny federal law enforcement funding to sanctuary cities.

Lately, the madness the man inspired has come home to roost in the American Southwest. This hub of immigration, economic and cultural exchange between the United States and Latin America, this area that naturally includes New Mexico and Albuquerque.

At local and state governmental levels, discussion began on how to meet aggressive attempts at enforcement by federal agents with legislation designed to shelter, protect and affirm the worthiness of immigrant communities here and across the state. Although affirmative resolutions made their way through local governing bodies, city police procedures enacted by the Berry administration in 2012 remain in place.

But those efforts havent done much to quell the growing anxiety and fear in those communities. Stopping the relentless tactics being used by federal agents under the thrall of our great leader will require a committed and sustained effort, say local activists.

Worried that longtime residents will be torn asunder from careers, family and friends, many local immigrants have turned to organizations like Burques El Centro de Igualdad y Derechos for clarity, guidance and support as they seek to find out what the word freedom really means.

In an effort to understand this developing phenomenon, Weekly Alibi reached out to El Centro and spoke with an organizer to grok her thoughts on how the immigration policies of an isolationist, nationalist rube, borne on the wings of los federales, may continue to play havoc with local culture, custom and law.

Weekly Alibi: As an organizer at El Centro  tell me what you do and how that involves the Albuquerque community.

Marian Mendez-Cera: Im a civil rights and labor rights organizer. El Centro de Igualdad y Derechos is an immigrant justice organization with at least 4,000 members. We currently administer two programs, a labor defense program and a civil rights program as well. We develop strategies to create support in Albuquerques immigrant communities. We fight for our communities rights through policy  at the city level, at the state level, even through our association with Albuquerque Public Schools. We want to work collectively to engage and grow consciousness [about the immigrant issue].

What are some of the current issues affecting Albuquerque immigrant communities?

Given the current reality, under this administration, its obvious that the target[ing] and persecution are real. Local immigrants know this. They are aware of the impact it has on families. We are trying to work on creating something better. Our organization is interested in something better, programs that will integrate immigrants into this society. The way we are working on that is by working at many different levels in the Albuquerque community.

Specifically?

Were working with APS to enhance and clarify current policy toward immigrants [to prevent sudden deportation], were working at the city level, reaffirming Albuquerque status as an immigrant-friendly city, we worked with the County Commission, so that they would confirm their commitment to being an immigrant-friendly county. Were working to make sure our local governments arent working in collaboration with forces that would implement massive deportation programs.

You mentioned the current reality under Trump. As you see it, what is that reality?

At the moment, I will say that the current administration stripped away the enforcement priorities that were implemented by the Obama administration. Instead of targeting individuals with felonies for deportation as their main duty, its changed  basically what it is right now is that anyone whos not a citizen, who is not considered a legal resident, its a priority to deport them. That is why the tactics that are being used have had such a dramatic effect on local culture. People are less likely to report crimes in this current situation, theyre afraid of the police.

What sort of tactics have you seen ICE agents using in Albuquerque?

Another difference between this and the previous administration are the tactics being used. Actions that impact families and family safety are definitely something were looking closely at, to ensure that there are no human rights violations being committed, that due process is followed.

Ive read about ICE agents appearing at the county courthouse to arrest immigrants who might be there for any number of other reasons, from minor traffic infractions to felony appearances. Whats that about?

We have heard there are a minimal amount of cases where ICE has targeted people at the court. Weve also heard of collateral damage from these activities. Basically, what that means is that even if they say theyre going after someone specific, they sweep away anyone else who is nearby.

How is your organization going to halt the implementation of the policies and tactics youve described?

The way you go about this is that you advocate for policies that work on constructively integrating immigrants into mainstream society, but also offer stability and safety, during which they can achieve their goals and become citizens. As many others have said and I will reiterate: Their contribution will mean a stronger economy. There will be less crime. We know that were able to create justice for our communities; we will be freestronger and better able to work with other communities here in Albuquerque.
A passenger on-board the Janata Express was shot at by unidentified men near Hajipur railway station in Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh, police said.

The 38-year-old victim, a resident of Shamli district, has been admitted to a hospital in Delhi in a critical condition, SHO, Baghpat GRP station, Randhir Singh said.

The incident took place last evening when the victim was travelling from Delhi to his native village in Shamli district. He had gone to Delhi for treatment.

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Redington (India) promoter Harrow Investment Holding today offloaded five per cent stake in the firm for Rs 250 crore through an open market transaction.

According to the website of Redington (India), the firm has alliances with brands like Apple, Samsung, LG and Panasonic, among others.

Harrow Investment Holding sold 1.99 crore shares or 4.98 per cent stake in Redington (India), as per the bulk deal data available with BSE.

The shares were disposed of at an average price of Rs 125, valuing the transaction at Rs 249.37 crore, as per the data.

As of March quarter, Harrow held 8.2 per cent stake in Redington (India).

Among the buyers of the shares are Norges Bank on Account of the Government Pension Fund Global, which bought 1.19 crore shares, and Reliance Mutual Fund, which purchased 70 lakh shares of the firm.

Shares of Redington (India) ended 6.89 per cent higher at Rs 135.75 apiece on BSE today.

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For Russian President Vladimir Putin, a meeting with US counterpart Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Germany offers a long-sought opportunity to negotiate a rapprochement with Washington.

But controversy over the Trump campaign's ties with Russia will loom over the talks, making any agreements unlikely.

Rarely in recent history has a meeting of two heads of state generated so much excitement, anxiety and hope.

The Kremlin views tomorrow's encounter as a watershed moment that could ease Russia-West tensions.

Some in the US, meanwhile, worry that Trump could make unjustified concessions to Russia.

Amid investigations into possible collusion with Moscow by Trump's campaign, any deal with Putin would expose Trump to more criticism.

And if the two fail to get along, that would further exacerbate tensions between Moscow and Washington and put them on a collision course in regions around the world.

"If Putin comes to the conclusion that even if Russia and the US reach agreement, Trump would be unable to implement it for domestic policy reasons, he would lose interest in seeking an agreement," said Dmitri Trenin, the director of the Carnegie Moscow Center.

Putin, a KGB veteran who once described himself as an "expert in personal communications," always focuses closely on trying to establish warm ties with his counterparts. Kremlin- watchers say Putin meticulously prepares for meetings with foreign leaders, studying their track records and personal habits.

"He believes that personalities not states, armies or companies determine the course of global events," Trenin said.

Fyodor Lukyanov, the head of the Council for Foreign and Defense Policies, said even if Putin and Trump develop a good rapport, Trump's ability to deliver on his promises will be a key factor for the Russian leader.

"If Putin has a positive view, as a minimum he will give (Trump) more time to sort things out," he said. "But he could possibly conclude that he (Trump) may not succeed in sorting things out and, moreover, doesn't really want an honest deal. If Putin decides it's not going to work, he will drop all constraints."



The tense environment for the Trump-Putin meeting contrasts with the Kremlin's early expectations.

The Kremlin was very pleased with Trump's presidential victory, since he promised to improve ties with Russia and praised Putin during the campaign. It had hoped for a quick meeting after Trump's inauguration in January, but US congressional and FBI investigations into links between Trump campaign aides and Russia blocked an early encounter.

In the last few months, Moscow's hopes that Trump could act to lift the sanctions imposed on Russia over the Ukrainian crisis have withered. Putin and his lieutenants have also become increasingly impatient about US-Russia ties remaining at a freezing point.

"We realise that the situation is difficult and relations with Russia have become hostage to the US political infighting, but so what?" Putin foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov said this week. "We have difficulties of our own."



Russia and the US have struggled to even set a specific time for tomorrow's meeting and the White House says there's "no specific agenda" for it.

When the two presidents finally sit down for a talk, sharp differences remain on a wide range of issues, from Syria and the Ukrainian crisis to nuclear arms control.

While Trump has said the US and Russia could pool efforts to fight the Islamic State group in Syria, Moscow's firm support for Syrian President Bashar Assad makes any agreement unlikely.

Moscow responded angrily when Trump ordered a missile strike on a Syrian base in April after a chemical attack blamed on Assad's forces, and was also vexed by the US downing of a Syrian warplane in June. After last month's incident, the Russian military suspended a hotline with the US to prevent mid-air incidents and warned that it would track US-led coalition aircraft as potential targets over Syria.

And when the White House warned last week that Assad was preparing for another chemical attack and would "pay a heavy price" if he launches it, Russia responded by offering the Syrian ruler a tour of its air base.

Even though the Russian and US militaries in Syria have worked out a way to avoid collisions, the situation could grow more unstable if Putin and Trump fail to get along, Trenin warned.

Bitter differences over Ukraine haven't been resolved. Some US lawmakers have been pushing the White House to approve the delivery of weapons to the Ukrainian military in response to Moscow's support for separatists in eastern Ukraine a move that would cross a red line for the Kremlin.

Also clouding tomorrow's meeting are Washington's concerns about Russian violations of a landmark Cold-War era nuclear arms deal. Moscow has rejected those claims and instead accused the US of breaching the pact.

The only issue where observers think a deal could be made is President Barack Obama's decision in December to shut down Russian Embassy compounds in Maryland and on Long Island, New York. The Kremlin emphasized this week that it has shown remarkable restraint by failing to respond tit-for-tat and warned that its patience is running out.

US officials have indicated that Washington expects Moscow to make some trade-offs in exchange for the two properties, but analysts in Moscow say the Kremlin isn't prepared to bargain on this.

"I would be surprised if Vladimir Putin offers any concessions in exchange for restoring what Russia sees as its inalienable rights," Trenin said. "If no agreement is reached, Russia will take retaliatory measures, which could trigger new US moves.

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Beleaguered Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif should resign and face the corruption cases against him "like a lion", former president Asif Ali Zardari demanded today.

Sharif and his family have appeared before a Supreme Court-appointed joint investigating team (JIT) probing the family's offshore assets as revealed in the Panama Papers.

"The rulers have a problem with the JIT. But if you have an issue [completing the term] then you [Nawaz Sharif] may have the prime minister changed and bring in a new one as the [PML-N] enjoys electoral majority," Zardari told a public gathering in Khipro, Sanghar.

"You [Nawaz Sharif] can then continue to face cases," the PPP-Co chairman said and asked, "why should there be any issue [in doing so]," The Express Tribune quoted Zardari as saying.

Sharif has rejected corruption allegations and said that the overseas properties were bought with the money invested by his late father in the Gulf states.

Zardari, who was the president of Pakistan from 2008 to 2013, went on to ask the premier to "be like a lion" if he claims to be represented by one in his election symbol.

"I ask mian sahib to be [brave] like a lion as he has chosen the symbol of a lion to represent themselves [in the elections]."



Zardari's comments came a day after Prime Minister Sharif's daughter Maryam Sharif appeared for the first time before the JIT.

Maryam, 43, who is carefully being groomed by her father as his political heir.

She is the eighth member of the Sharif family to be summoned by the JIT.

The JIT has repeatedly questioned her brothers Hussain and Hassan, while it has also recorded the statements of Prime Minister Sharif, his brother Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the prime minister's son-in-law (retd) Captain Mohammad Safdar, the prime minister's cousin Tariq Shafi, and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar - the father-in-law of the prime minister's younger daughter.

The JIT is expected to complete the report by July 10.

Maryam's name was in the Panama Papers with her brothers as the beneficial owner of the offshore companies - Neilsen Enterprises and Nescoll Ltd - which owned the four Park Lane apartments. These properties are at the center of controversy.

Sharif's critics and opposition parties allege that the property was bought through ill-gotten money in 1990s when Sharif served twice as prime minister.

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The water level in the Ganga and Yumana rivers surged at several places in Uttar Pradesh as heavy rains pounded parts of the state, even as five persons, including three from Nepal, were killed in a rain-related accident in Uttarakhand.

Weathermen predicted more showers in the two states tomorrow as also in Assam, where over 4 lakh people in 13 districts are bearing the brunt of floods.

Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur, which witnessed a series of landslides over the last fortnight, may also get more rains.

Five persons, including three members of a family from Nepal, were killed and two others injured when a boulder fell on their car in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district.

State government officials said the incident may have occurred due to incessant rains in the region since yesterday.

Meanwhile, continuous rains over the last 24 hours led to a rise in the water level of the Ganga between Kannauj and Ballia in Uttar Pradesh.

Light to moderate rain and thundershowers occurred at most places over the state's eastern regions and at a few places in western parts. Heavy to very heavy rains were recorded at isolated places, the MeT office said.

The level of the Yamuna is also rising between Hamirpur, and Naini in Allahabad. The Sharda river continued to flow one metre above the danger mark in Palia Kalan in Kheri.

Though rainfall brought much needed respite from the heat, it led to land erosion at river banks and water-logging in several areas.

In some parts where rains have been occurring over the last five days, there have been reports of trees getting uprooted, water entering residential areas and flooding of low lying areas.

Light to moderate rains lashed many places of Punjab and Haryana bringing down the mercury.

Though the maximum temperature was recorded within normal levels in the national capital, high humidity levels troubled the residents.

The city had a high of 35.8 degrees Celsius and a low of 27.4 degrees Celsius. A shower overnight may provide some relief to Delhiites, the MeT office said.

The maximum temperature dropped by one to two notches due to intermittent rains in parts of Himachal Pradesh.

Gohar, which received 55 mm of rain since yesterday, was the wettest in the region, followed by Kasauli 30 mm, Jogindernagar 29 mm, Bijahi 28 mm, Dharamshala and Una both 21 mm, Baijnath 20 mm, Gaggal 15 mm and Sunni Bajji 13 mm of precipitation.

The weatherman predicted a wet spell in the region for the next six days and heavy rains at isolated places in the mid and lower hills on July 10.

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Actress Rakhi Sawant was today granted bail by a Ludhiana court in a case related to alleged "objectionable" remarks made by her against Valmiki, the author of the epic Ramayana.

Judicial Magistrate Vishav Gupta granted bail to Sawant after she surrendered.

On June two, the court while issuing a non-bailable warrant against her had asked the police commissioner of Ludhiana to ensure that she was produced before the court on July 7.

To escape public attention, Sawant appeared in the court wearing a burkha, a day ahead of the expiry of the warrant against her.

The court granted her bail on two bonds of Rs one lakh each. She later left for Mumbai.

The actress had tendered "an unconditional apology" to the Valmiki community after its members voiced outrage over her alleged remarks.

A local advocate, Narinder Adiya, had filed a complaint against Sawant on July 9 last year, claiming her comments - allegedly made on a private television channel- had hurt the sentiments of the Valmiki community.

The Judicial Magistrate's court had issued an arrest warrant against her on March 9.

Under instructions from the court, a two-member team of Ludhiana police had left for Mumbai with the arrest warrant in April, but returned empty handed.

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Teachers of Delhi University's Ramjas College launched an indefinite sit-in on the campus today to protest against a delay in salary disbursal for the second consecutive month.

"The disbursal of salaries for July has been delayed without any notice. Last month too, it was delayed for eight days," Professor of Statistics S K Jha said, adding t hat the



non-teaching staff too would join the protest.

"Usually, the salaries are credited to our respective bank accounts on the 1st of every month," Jha said.

Principal P C Tulsian attributed the delay to the University Grants Commission's inability to release funds on time.

"We have not received funds from the UGC...We are trying our level best to get the funds from the UGC. The commission has not given any reason yet for the delay," Tulsian said.

In 2012, a similar issue arose forcing a section of teachers of the college on the university's North Campus to stage protests demanding a timely disbursal of salaries.

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The Goa government today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Union health ministry to set up a regional cancer centre in the state.

"The centre would be set up in the premises of the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) near here and its infrastructure would be ready within six months," Health Minister Vishwajit Rane told reporters here.

The MoU between the Union and state governments was signed in New Delhi, he said.

The cancer centre, to be funded by the Union government, would be the first such facility in Goa and the Konkan region, he said.

Rane said the Union government has already sanctioned Rs 45 crore for the project, the infrastructure for which would be created by the Goa Infrastructure Development Corporation.

The minister said specialised staff would be posted at the centre.

The Goa government has constituted a three-member team to oversee implementation of the project. The team members include Goa health secretary and the dean of GMCH.

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Tenets of Vaishnavism are relevant in the modern-day world as they offer solution to problems such as stress, corruption, crime, war and pollution, speakers at a conference said today.

Researchers, educationists and religious scholars from within India and abroad took part in an international conference on Vaishnavism, a major tradition within Hinduism.

They said the ancient tradition, in which Lord Vishnu or one of his incarnations (usually Krishna or Ram), is worshipped as the supreme God, continues to be relevant in the 21st century.

"India in general, and Maharashtra in particular, has been a land of saints and philosophers. It is here that many religions have flourished and so has Vaishnavism and studies related to it," said Sanjay Deshmukh, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mumbai.

He was speaking after inaugurating the one-day meet on "Relevance, Role and Resurgence of Vaishnavism Studies in the 21st Century" held at the varsity's Kalina campus here.

"Accepting the will of God is Vaishnavism. Ethos and practices of Vaishnavism have had a deep influence on all spheres of India's tradition and culture with 642 million people following it.

"This is evident from festivals such as Diwali, Holi and Onam as well as various dance forms such as Kuchipudi, Odissi and Manipuri," said Gauranga Das, Chairman of Govardhan Eco Village at Wada near here.

The village has been founded by Radhanath Swami Maharaj of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).

"The influence of Vaishnavism can also be seen in the variety of temples. It has roots in the holy scriptures like Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagwad Gita," Das said.

The three big problems confronting the world today are violence, terrorism and environmental degradation. These issues can be easily tackled through Vaishnavism which teaches people to establish a direct relationship with the supreme God, Das said.

Ferdinando Sardella, Associate Professor at Stockholm University, said, "Vaishnavism is being followed by nearly 70 per cent of Hindus in India. Over a period of years, Vaishnavism has developed further rather than decaying from a pure ancient state."



S Makbul Islam, a professor at St Paul College in Kolkata, said, "Vaishnavism and Islam speak of just one God and both are close to each other in many ways. The name of 17th century born Sala Beg, a Muslim devotional poet, was an ardent devotee of Lord Jagannath and lived a pious life like dedicated Vaishnavs lead."



The conference concluded with a panel discussion on "How to develop Vaishnavism in India".

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The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) today alleged that the Chandigarh Administration was denying official language status to Punjabi and not implementing Punjab quota in the union territory.

A delegation of the SAD led by party MP Prem Singh Chandumajra met Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator V P Singh Badnore.

The delegation told the Governor that despite the fact that Chandigarh was planned as a capital of Punjab, grave injustice was done to it by denying official language status to Punjabi.

The SAD MP said that the Chandigarh was the only UT in the country where the regional language had not been given official status and demanded that this anomaly be corrected immediately.

The delegation members, including former minister Daljit Singh Cheema, alleged that over the years a concerted effort had been made to change the Punjabi character of the city.

Cheema said it started with removal of Punjabi sign boards and today the offices in the city does not correspondence in Punjabi.

Cheema said the city's department of education was adopting a discriminatory attitude towards teachers from Punjab, who are serving on deputation.

He said as per the provisions of Punjab Reorganisation Act, the employees of Punjab and Haryana states were entitled to be taken on deputation with Chandigarh administration in the ratio of 60:40.

He alleged that the education department was not adhering to these mandatory provisions and filling vacant posts with its own cadre without consulting the states.

"In these circumstances, the teachers and other employees hesitate to apply or join Chandigarh administration on deputation, keeping in view the uncertainty about their repatriation on flimsy grounds," he added.

Badnore assured the delegation that a high level committee would look into all such issues.

He also said once the committee, which would have representatives of Punjab and Haryana, gave its report the same would be sent to the Centre for necessary action, said party release.

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Korean electronics major Samsung today launched in Tamil Nadu its 'Smart Healthcare programme' under which advanced equipment manufactured by it are offered free of cost to select government hospitals.

Under the programme, aimed at providing affordable and quality healthcare service, patients from economically and socially weaker sections visiting government hospital in Kancheepuram near here can avail the service, a company statement said.

"Samsung provides advanced and innovative healthcare equipment such as ultrasound and digital radiology (x-ray) manufactured by the company free to select government hospitals across the country", it said.

Kancheepuram District Collector, P Ponniah who inaugurated the facility, was quoted as having said, "the government is working towards creating better medical facilities for the public and to fulfil this vision, this collaboration with Samsung for Smart Healthcare programme has been set up".

The Smart Healthcare programme aims to benefit communities with limited access to quality healthcare.

Samsung has collaborated with 16 government hospitals across the country for the programme, it added.

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BJP President Amit Shah today slammed Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik over poverty and backwardness in the state, asserting that the Centre had contributed generously for its development.

On the last day of his three-visit tour to the eastern state, Shah toured the Basantpur village of the Ekamra Assembly constituency where he was given a traditional welcome.

Odisha is a priority state in the BJP chief's roadmap for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

A statement said he went to many homes, where he met people from different social and economic strata, and urged them to support the BJP.

Accompanied by Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan, state party chief Basant Banda and party general secretary Arun Singh, who is also the BJP's state in-charge, Shah put up party stickers as part of his campaign to strengthen the BJP.

Odisha is the 14th state where the BJP chief has toured as part of a 115-day programme across the country to strengthen the organisation.

He will be visiting Gujarat from July 10-12.

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Upping the ante on the Sikkim standoff, China on Wednesday accused India of "trampling" on the Panchsheel principles and asked New Delhi to "correct its mistakes" as soon as possible by pulling back troops.

China also claimed that India was "misleading the public" by saying that Chinese troops are building a road close to the Chicken's Neck in the Sikkim sector which could endanger India's access to its north-eastern states.

"I want to point that the relevant actions by the Indian side violated the purposes and principles of the UN Charter in defiance of the international law and international norms. As we all know in 1950s China, India and Myanmar proposed the five principles (Panchsheel) of co-existence," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Gen Shuang told reporters here.

"However to the surprise of everyone, the Indian side trampled on the basic norms governing the international relations proposed by itself by illegally crossing into other country's territory," he said.

The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, known as the Panchsheel, are a series of principles which have formed the bedrock of the relationship between India and China. Their first formal codification in treaty form was in an agreement between China and India in 1954.

Geng said this time the Indian troops crossed the delineated boundary into the Chinese side and nature of the incident was "very serious".

"China and India have been in contact through the special representatives mechanism to solve the boundary question but this incident, I believe, violates the spirit upheld by the Special Representatives mechanism and goes in contrast to the efforts made by the two countries," he said.

China has already lodged a protest with India on this, Geng said.

"Indian border troops are still staying on the Chinese territory," he said.

The situation is yet to be resolved and "India should pull back the troops that is precondition to avoid worsening of the situation", Geng said.

"Troops should be pulled back as soon as possible to demonstrate the sincerity to improve bilateral ties so as create conditions for the normal development of bilateral relations," he said.

"If the Indian side refuses to correct its mistakes in a timely fashion, how it proposes to win the trust of its neighbours and how it is supposed to play a bigger role in the international affairs," he said.

"We once again urge the Indian side to abide by the boundary convention and respect the Chinese sovereignty and immediately withdraw the border troops and properly deal with the incident in a timely fashion," Geng said.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson claimed that the incident has nothing to do with the tri-junction between China, India and Bhutan.

"In disregard of the 1890 Sino-Britain convention, the Indian side said that Doklam is located within the tri- junction of the three countries, that is misleading the public," he said.

"The 1890 convention said that the Sikkim section of the boundary commences from East mountain and the incident (of road building) took place about 2,000 meters away from Mount Gipmochi," Geng asserted.

The Indian side is actually misleading the public by saying that the incident took place at the tri-junction point, Geng said, defending China's road building which India and Bhutan have objected to.

India has expressed concern over the road building, apprehending that it may allow Chinese troops to cut India's access to its northeastern states.

Geng also said that besides former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru endorsing the 1890 Sino-British convention on Sikkim in a letter to his Chinese counterpart Zhou Enlai in 1959, the Indian Embassy in a note to the Chinese government in February, 1960, also endorsed it.

"The note said that the boundary between Sikkim and China's Tibet has already been delineated and there is no dispute about that in the map and in practice," he said.

Quoting the note, Geng said, "The Indian government would like to add one more thing that the boundary has already been demarcated as well on the ground."



"The above mentioned was written in black and white in the note from India," Geng said.

Asked about Nehru, in his letter to Zhou, pointing out that Chinese maps showed Bhutanese territory as part of Chin, Geng said, "there is no such consent as you mentioned".

The former prime minister had pointed out to China that it was claiming sizable part of Bhutan's territory.

"It is not clear to us what exactly is the implication of your statement that the boundaries of Sikkim and Bhutan do not fall within the scope of the present discussion," Nehru wrote in the letter to Zhou.

"In fact, Chinese maps show sizable areas of Bhutan as part of Tibet," Nehru had said.

Geng said, "Since the illegal trespass of the border troops, both sides have expressed stern position. The fact is that the Sikkim section of the China India boundary has already been delineated."



Since India's independence, the Indian government has repeatedly affirmed the fact that the Sikkim section has been delineated by this convention, he said.

Geng's remarks come a day after, in unusually blunt remarks, China's Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui said "the ball is in India's court" and it was for the Indian government to decide what options could be on the table to resolve the standoff.

Asked about remarks by official Chinese media and think- tanks that the conflict can lead to a "war" if not handled properly, the ambassador had said ,"There has been talk about this option, that option. It is up to your government policy (whether to exercise military option)."



Asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comments that not a bullet has been fired at the India-China boundary for two decades, Geng said, "I want to point settlement of the boundary serves the fundamental interests of the two sides."



"It is also a strategic target, two sides are working to achieve. We have been trying to explore ways to resolve the boundary question with in the Special Representatives mechanism and we have jointly taken measure to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas," Geng said.

"What is shocking is that the India border troops entered into the Chinese side of the delineated border in the Sikkim section which is serious in nature," he sad.
The assurance of a pay hike has cut no ice with a section of Delhi's anganwadi staffers, who have been striking work for a week, prompting the government to reiterate that it will stick to its "commitment".

Atishi Marlena, adviser to Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, wondered what purpose was being served by continuing the agitation when the government had made it "abundantly clear" that the new allowances would be set in accordance with the prevailing minimum wages.

The decision of a section of the staffers to continue the agitation has also created rift within various unions.

Accusing the government of making "false promises", a section of the anganwadi workers and helpers intensified their agitation, with a few resorting to a relay hunger strike near the residence of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

"Kejriwal had assured us of a pay hike way back in 2015. Even then workers were being paid Rs 5,000 per month and helpers Rs 2,500. There has not been any raise as promised," Yogesh Swami of the Delhi Anganwadi Worker-Helper Association said.

Marlena said that the situation had changed after the minimum wages were notified in the city. Back then, the proposal of the government to hike the minimum wages were held back by the Lt Governor's office.

"Now it has been notified. Plus we are also past the Model Code of Conduct that was in force during the MCD polls. So the government is actively pursuing the matter and the hikes will be effected soon," she said.

A government official, on condition of anonymity, said that action might be taken against the striking workers as the agitation had affected the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme in the city, under which the anganwadis fall.

Yesterday, following a meeting with a delegation of the association, Sisodia had announced that the government would soon hike the allowances of the workers and helpers.

But the agitators claimed that delegation did not "represent" them and that it was a "ploy" to create a wrong perception about the strike.

There are around 11,000 anganwadi centres in Delhi, while workers and helpers collectively number around 22,000.

A senior police official said around 1,000 anganwadi workers gathered at the protest near Kejriwal's Flag Staff Road residence today.

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The Grammy award-winning DJ duo The Chainsmokers is all set to make its long-awaited foray in India.

The team of Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall will head to Mumbai and New Delhi, on September 7 and 8, respectively as they bring two Road To ULTRA Shows to the subcontinent.

The Chainsmokers are expected to perform their multiple chart-topping hits including "Closer", "Don't Let Me Down", "Paris", "Roses", "All We Know", along with their debut album, 'Memories... Do Not Open'.

The maiden album charted at the numero uno spot on the US Billboard 200, US Top Dance/Electronic Album and UK Dance Albums (OCC).

The Chainsmokers will be accompanied by a plethora of dance music stars including, DJs Slushii, Rezz, Getter, Sam Feldt, Lost Kings and Mykris.

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The indefinite strike by theatre owners and distributors in Tamil Nadu demanding withdrawal of 30 per cent local body tax on movie tickets entered the fourth day today.

Since new films are traditionally released on Friday, considered auspicious in the film fraternity, industry sources are hoping the situation gets resolved after talks with government scheduled later in the day.

Nearly 1,000 cinema halls in the state have been shut since July 3 to protest the imposition of 30 per cent local body tax in addition to GST on movie tickets.

Besides the local body tax, a GST of 18 per cent has been fixed for tickets priced below Rs 100 and 28 per cent for those above Rs 100.

Members of the Tamil Film Producers Council, the South Indian Artistes Association, along with the theatre owners and distributors, had met Chief Minister K Palaniswami on Monday. But they decided to continue the protest as the meeting did not yield any positive result.

The issue also echoed in the ongoing Assembly session with opposition parties DMK and Congress raising it.

Municipal Administration Minister S P Velumani informed the members that the government would give due consideration to the problems of all sections of people.

The government, he said, was committed to solving the problem.

Superstars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan have already extended their support to the strike.

Rajinikanth, who is currently in the US for a health checkup, had yesterday requested the government to consider the film industry's plea.

"Keeping in mind the livelihood of lakhs of people in the Tamil film industry, I sincerely request the Tamil Nadu government to seriously consider our plea," he said in a tweet.

Kamal Haasan expressed his gratitude to the "Kabali" star.

"Thanks Rajini avargalay for voicing your concern. Lets request first as gentlemen should. Then we shall see. @superstarrajini & TN Govt," he tweeted.

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Having lost patience with China, the Trump administration is studying new steps to starve North Korea of cash for its nuclear program.

The options include one that would infuriate Beijing: sanctions on Chinese companies that help keep the North's economy afloat.

It's an approach that's paid off for the US in the past, including with Iran. So-called secondary sanctions upped the economic pressure on Tehran and helped drive it to the nuclear negotiating table.

There are significant risks, too, however. They include opening a new rift with Beijing that could complicate other US diplomatic efforts.

Washington already has sanctions on North Korean companies and people accused of illicit dealings with the North. Secondary sanctions would target banks and companies that do legitimate business with North Korea.

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One tourist was killed and nine others were injured when a cooking gas cylinder exploded in their bus in South Kashmir's Anantnag district today.

Police said the incident took place in Veesu in Anantnag when the bus, registered in Uttar Pradesh, was going to Jammu from Srinagar.

Further details were awaited, police added.

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BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha today termed West Bengal Governor K N Tripathi "a soldier of Modi brigade", a remark the ruling Trinamool Congress was prompt to latch on to saying "the cat is out of the bag".

Referring to the spat between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Tripathi, Sinha said, "The Trinamool Congress is under the illusion that it can silence K N Tripathi by making hollow remarks and attacking the office of the governor."



"But they have forgotten one thing - K N Tripathi is a soldier of the Modi brigade. He cannot be stopped from performing his duty," he told reporters here.

Sinha said the governor's recent statement has proved that he is "not afraid" of the TMC.

Tripathi had yesterday said it was wrong to say the Raj Bhavan has become the office of BJP or RSS.

"The Raj Bhavan is not a department of the state government and is open to every citizen for redressal of his or her grievances," he had said.

TMC secretary general Partha Chatterjee said, "We have been saying this for a long time that the Governor is working on behalf of BJP and RSS and now Sinha's comment has proved that we are right."



"Now the cat is out of the bag," he said.

The BJP thinks it would advance to capture power in the state by turning the Raj Bhavan into its party office, he added.

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Entrepreneurs face a daunting task anywhere in the world. But in the European Union, a unique obstacle blocks the path to increasing production and furthering human flourishing. EU funding is closing European businesses, writes Marcin Rzegocki in a new essay for Religion & Liberty Transatlantic.

The EU Structural Funds program redistributes funds from wealthier nations to poorer EU member states. The program is intended to spur economic growth and dynamism by giving entrepreneurs start-up money and expertise. Instead, the good intentions of the EU have inflicted real harm through short-sightedness and central planning. Rzegocki writes:

Ironically, the worst casualties of the EU program have been their intended beneficiaries: entrepreneurs in Central and Eastern Europe. It is an open secret among Polish economists that the EU structural funds intended to support start-ups in Poland have caused the extinction of entire sectors of the Polish economy. How did this come about? The unintended consequences should have been apparent from the outset.

In brief, EU benefits allowed preferred firms to sell their products at less than market price.

Since this artificially interfered with the price structure, competitors in the same sector of the same territory could not compete against the EU-subsidized firms. In the end, many declared bankruptcy. But their loss was not to be their rivals gain. When the period of EU support ended, the managers had not learned how to do business under normal market conditions. They could not operate without the protection and guidance of the state and eventually, the new businesses went bankrupt as well. Economists observed this pattern in the research and development sectors in northwestern Poland, but the problem is systematic. The same mechanisms are at work in other regions that benefit from similar European programs.

This self-defeating outcome is but one of the problems with this EU funding program that Rzegocki outlines in detail. EU funding, he notes, fuels cronyism. It increases member states national debt, through a process that will be all-too-familiar to American advocates of federalism. More chillingly, the funds subtly transform the character of the nations voters, as Tocqueville warned in Democracy in America.

Catholic social teaching has addressed these concerns with warnings and prescriptions that Brussels would do well to take to heart, Rzegocki writes before detailing that teaching.

The EU Structural Funds program proves that praiseworthy design cannot substitute for effective execution, government intervention cannot simulate the free market, and human ingenuity is not always in sync with the wisdom of the Creator.

You can read his full article here.

(Photo credit: Reuben G. Brewer. This photo has been cropped and modified for size. CC BY-SA 3.0.)
US President Donald Trump insisted today that ties between Europe and the United States have never been stronger, during a landmark speech in the Polish capital.

Brushing aside a surfeit of transatlantic spats that have erupted since Trump took office in January, the US leader insisted that the alliance is in rude health.

"The transatlantic bond between the United States and Europe is as strong as ever, and maybe in many ways, even stronger," he told a large crowd in Warsaw.

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The UK has begun moving its most extremist prisoners, including those who have been involved in planning terrorism, to special cells dubbed "jihadi jails" to tackle growing radicalisation within the country's prison system.

The first such specialist centre has been set up at HMP Frankland near Durham in north-east England.

Two other centres, which are expected to be at HMP Full Sutton near York and at HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire, are due to open in the coming months and the three centres together will hold up to 28 of the most subversive extremist prisoners.

"Any form of extremism must be defeated wherever it is found, and it is right that we separate those who pose the greatest risk in order to limit their influence over other prisoners," said UK's Prison Minister Sam Gyimah.

"These centres are a crucial part of our wider strategy to help tackle extremism in prisons and ensure the safety and security of both our prisons and the wider public," he said.

The mental health of the inmates being considered for referral to the units must be examined and each will have a care and management plan, and their placement will be reviewed every three months.

The UK's Ministry of Justice (MOJ) said those selected for separation in the specialist centres include those who have been involved in planning terrorism or are considered to pose a risk to national security.

Those seeking to influence to commit terrorist crimes, or whose extremist views are purposely undermining good order and security in the prison estate, may also be sent to the centres.

The creation of the separate specialist units - dubbed or jails within jails - marks a break with the long-standing policy of dispersing convicted terrorist prisoners throughout the eight top security jails that make up the high-security prison estate in England and Wales.

The decision to isolate the most dangerous subversives to prevent them from influencing follows the Acheson reviewinto Islamist extremism in prisons.

It had recommended such prisoners be removed from the general prison population and be given effective de- radicalisation interventions.

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UN chief Antonio Guterres arrived in Switzerland today in an apparent bid to unblock stalled talks on ending the decades-old conflict on Cyprus.

The secretary general arrived in Crans-Montana shortly after 9:00 am to rejoin the talks, which have been going on in the Swiss Alpine resort for more than a week, the UN said.

President Nicos Anastasiades, the Greek-Cypriot leader, and his Turkish-Cypriot counterpart Mustafa Akinci had asked Guterres to return to the table, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Wednesday.

The UN-backed talks have been billed as the best chance to end one of the world's longest-running political crises.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and later occupied its northern third in response to an Athens-inspired putsch seeking union with Greece.

Guterres spent a day at the talks last Friday, hailing them as "a historic opportunity to reach a comprehensive settlement."



But the negotiations have run into hurdles over security guarantees and the withdrawal of Turkish troops.

There had also been talk of the prime ministers from Cyprus's so-called guarantor powers, Greece, Turkey and Britain, joining the negotiations Thursday, in what would have been seen as a sign of progress.

But Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias acknowledged to reporters in Crans-Montana Wednesday that "we have not made enough progress."



"A lot of time has been wasted and that is why the prime ministers are not coming," he was quoted by Greek media as saying.

Kotzias, who earlier in the week demonstrated the souring tone at the talks when he called for the withdrawal of Turkey's "occupying troops", said he hoped the negotiations would with Guterres's help move forward on such "substantive" issues.

Turkey maintains more than 35,000 troops there, and any prospects of reunification largely hinge on a drastic reduction of Ankara's military presence.

Several previous peace drives have stumbled over the issue, with Greek Cypriots demanding a total withdrawal of what they say is an occupying force and minority Turkish- speakers fearful of ethnic violence in the event of a pullout.

A diplomatic source told AFP before the talks began that Ankara was prepared to slash its troop numbers by as much as 80 per cent, but Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu flatly denied that any such withdrawal was planned.

Cyprus's 1960 constitution provided for 950 Greek and 650 Turkish troops remaining on the island.

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An Asian-origin teacher was forced to hold her two-year-old son on her lap for over three hours on a flight until her leg and arm went numb after United Airlines gave away the toddler's seat to a standby passenger, prompting the beleaguered American airline to apologise.

Shirley Yamauchi, from Hawaii, told Hawaii Now that she bought the airline tickets for a teachers' conference in Boston. As children over the age of two years are required to have their own seat, she purchased a ticket for her son, Taizo -- paying almost USD 1,000 each ticket.

The first leg of her last Thursday's trip - Hawaii to Houston - went fine along with the layover.

However, the Kapolei Middle School teacher said they were sitting on the plane in Houston when a flight attendant came to check if Taizo was present.

Yamauchi said her son was clearly in his seat, but another passenger still showed up, claiming the seat was his.

"I told him that I bought both of these tickets and he tells me that he got the ticket on standby. Then he proceeds to sit in the center," she was quoted as saying.

Yamauchi said she told the flight attendant about the problem, but the woman just shrugged, saying the flight was full, and walked away.

"I had to move my son onto my lap. He's 25 pounds. He's half my height. I was very uncomfortable. My hand, my left arm was smashed up against the wall. I lost feeling in my legs and left arm," she said.

Yamauchi said she wanted to speak up, but was afraid of retaliation.

"I started remembering all those incidents with United on the . The violence. Teeth getting knocked out. I'm Asian. I'm scared and I felt uncomfortable. I didn't want those things to happen to me," she said.

A United spokesman told The Washington Post that Taizo's boarding pass had been improperly scanned and that because the toddler was not logged in to the system, his seat was released to a standby passenger.

Five days after the flight, the airline issued an apology.

"We deeply apologise to Ms Yamauchi and her son for this experience. We are refunding her son's ticket and providing a travel voucher. We are also working with our gate staff to prevent this from happening again," the airline said.

The mother's ordeal during the flight comes following a slew of incidents in which United has been accused by passengers of insensitive behaviour.

In April, a passenger named David Dao refused to give up his seat on a United flight and was dragged, battered and bloodied down the plane aisle by police.

Navang Oza, an Indian-origin man in the US, claimed that the United Airlines cancelled his flight reservation because he filmed an employee during an altercation.

A giant rabbit, who was expected to outgrow his father to become the world's biggest bunny, also died under the care of United Airlines earlier this year.

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Passengers on Qatar Airways flights to the US can now carry laptops and other electronic devices on board as the US authorities have lifted the restrictions on the Doha-based airline.

Qatar Airways is the fourth airline on which the restrictions have been eased by the US. During this week, the curbs on Emirates, Etihad Airways and Turkish Airlines were lifted.

In May, the US had banned large electronic devices like laptops and cameras as cabin baggage on US-bound planes from 10 foreign destinations, mostly in Muslim-majority countries.

Qatar Airways today said all personal electronic devices can be carried on board all departures from Doha's Hamad International Airport to destinations in the US.

"Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport have met with all requirements of the US Department of Homeland Security's new security guidelines," it said in a statement.

Passengers travelling to the US from 10 airports, were barred in March from carrying large electronic devices as cabin baggage. The airports included those at Doha, Dubai and Istanbul.

On Wednesday, Emirates said the electronics ban has been lifted on its flights from Dubai International Airport to the USA.

"...If you are travelling to the US from Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, you can carry all your electronic devices on board," Turkish Airlines said on Wednesday.

Earlier this week, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways said passengers on its flights to the US from Abu Dhabi airport can carry electronic devices on board.

Tour and travel firm Cox & Kings said lifting of the ban is a boon for both business and leisure travellers.

"The Gulf carriers have the widest connections within India and in the USA and these carriers were most preferred by Indian customers. We expect demand to pick up now that the ban has been lifted," John Nair, Head (Business Travel) at Cox & Kings said.

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The United States is warning that the Persian Gulf crisis between Qatar and its neighbors is at an impasse and may not be quickly resolved.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert says the US believes the crisis could potentially drag on for weeks or even months. She says it could "possibly even intensify." Nauert isn't specifying what type of escalation the US fears. But she says Secretary of State Rex Tillerson remains in close contact with the countries involved. The US is praising Kuwait for trying to mediate a resolution.

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt cut diplomatic ties to Qatar a month ago while accusing it of funding terrorism and spreading unrest. Qatar has refused to comply in whole with a list of demands from its neighbors.

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The US today warned of using military force in response to North Korea's "reckless" launch of a ballistic missile and blasted China and Russia for "holding the hands" of the reclusive nation's "vicious dictator" Kim Jong Un.

"It is a dark day because yesterday's actions by North Korea made the world a more dangerous place. Their illegal missile launch was not only dangerous, but reckless and irresponsible. It showed that North Korea does not want to be part of a peaceful world," US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said at an emergency Security Council meeting here yesterday following the launch of the intercontinental ballistic missile by North Korea.

The device, launched yesterday, was capable of reaching Alaska, and the Korean Central Agency quoted leader Kim Jong-Un as saying the confrontation with the US had entered the "final stage".

Indian-American Haley warned that the US "is prepared to use the full range of our capabilities" to defend itself and its allies.

"One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces. We will use them if we must, but we prefer not to have to go in that direction. We have other methods of addressing those who threaten us and of addressing those who supply the threats. We have great capabilities in the area of trade," she said, adding that she had spoken with President Donald Trump about the issue.

Calling out on China, Haley said much of the burden of enforcing UN sanctions against North Korea rests with Beijing as 90 per cent of trade with North Korea is from China.

While she said the US will work with China, at the same time she warned that some countries are allowing and "even encouraging" trade with North Korea in violation of UN Security Council resolutions.

"Such countries would also like to continue their trade arrangements with the United States. That's not going to happen. Our attitude on trade changes when countries do not take international security threats seriously," she said.

Haley also blasted China and Russia for not joining hands with the international community in their efforts to combat the North Korean threat, saying the regime of Kim Jong Un has not and will not listen to anything Beijing and Moscow will say.

"And so it's time that we all stand together and say we will not put up with this action. To sit there and oppose sanctions, or to sit there and go in defiance of a new resolution means you're holding the hands of Kim Jong Un," she added.

Haley also warned that in the coming days, the US will bring before the Security Council a resolution that raises the international response in a way that is "proportionate" to North Korea's "new escalation".

Without giving details of the resolution, Haley said if the international community is unified, it can cut off the major sources of hard currency to the North Korean regime.

"We can restrict the flow of oil to their military and their weapons programmes. We can increase air and maritime restrictions. We can hold senior regime officials accountable," she said, warning that the US will take action not just against North Korea but "will look at any country that chooses to do business with this outlaw regime. We will not have patience for stalling or talking our way down to a watered-down resolution".

Briefing the emergency meeting of the Security Council convened following the launch by North Korea of a ballistic missile of intercontinental range, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Miroslav Jenca said that the country must stop any actions that are a violation of Security Council resolutions and allow space for the resumption of sincere dialogue.

"All parties must work to reopen communications channels, particularly military to military, to lower the risk of miscalculation or misunderstanding," he said.

The Hwasong-14 ballistic missile covered a distance of 933 kilometres during its 39-minute flight and reached an altitude of 2,802 kilometres before impacting into the sea.

According to these parameters the missile would have a range of roughly 6,700 kilometres if launched on a more typical trajectory, making it an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), according to widely used definitions, he said.

As Haley warned that North Korea's actions "are quickly closing off the possibility of a diplomatic solution", Russia's deputy envoy to the UN Vladimir Safronkov said Moscow objected to any action that could lead to a hardening of antagonisms and opposed imposition of sanctions on the country.

He pressed Pyongyang to declare a moratorium on nuclear and ballistic-missile testing, and the United States and South Korea to refrain from conducting full joint military exercises adding that discussions could reaffirm the principles of non- use of force, peaceful coexistence and denuclearization of the Peninsula.

He said Moscow also objected to the presence of some military forces in North-East Asia under the pretext of countering Pyongyang's military programmes.

Calling for measures that would strike a strategic balance in the region, he warned that any attempt to justify a military solution were be "inadmissible", as were attempts to strangle the North Korea economically.

Humanitarian efforts must be depoliticised, he added, underlining that sanctions would not resolve the issues.

China's envoy to the UN Liu Jieyi, Council President for the month, described the launch as a flagrant and unacceptable violation of Council resolutions but called upon all concerned to avoid provocative actions, demonstrate willingness to enter into unconditional dialogue, and work together to defuse tensions.

He said China had always insisted on denuclearisation through dialogue and consultation, adding that his country opposed chaos and that military means must not be an option.

Deploying the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence antimissile system in North-East Asia undermined regional security interests, including those of China, and was not conducive to regional peace and stability, he emphasised, urging the countries concerned to cancel its deployment.

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All seven Union territories with a total of 16 urban local bodies (ULBs), including the three civic bodies of Delhi, have committed to becoming open defecation-free (ODF) by March next year.

The UT governments pledged this during a two-day conference to review the progress of various urban schemes that concluded here today.

Of the 16 urban local bodies in the UTs, only three--New Delhi Municipal Council, Chandigarh and Mahe in Puducherry-- have become ODF so far.

The meeting was chaired by Urban Development and Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation M Venkaiah Naidu.

During the meeting, Delhi government officials said that 6.22 lakh households in the national capital will be provided with tap water over the next two years under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme.

At present 23.78 lakh households--58 per cent of the total 41 lakh households--have water connections and this will be increased to 73 per cent over next two years.

Sewerage connectivity will be increased from the present 57 per cent to 65 per cent under the AMRUT scheme.

The Ministry of Urban Development has approved an investment of Rs 802 crore for the five year period 2015-20 under the scheme for Delhi.

Naidu also requested the Delhi Lt Governor to sort out issues related to forest and ridge lands and unauthorised colonies to ensure full coverage of water supply.

During the meeting, it was assured that south and east municipal corporations of Delhi will become open defecation- free by October, while the north civic body will do so by December.

Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, only three individual household toilets were built so far, out of 201 for which the ministry has received the demand.

The meeting was informed that 11,138 of the 22,891 community and public toilet seats required have also been constructed.

Noting that an affordable housing need of over three lakh units in Delhi has been indicated, Naidu urged the authorities concerned to speed up to send proposals at the earliest so that construction of houses can be completed by 2022.

By 2022, the ministry targets to provide housing to all urban poor in the country.

The NDMC was asked to speed up execution of its smart city plan with focus on impactful projects like smart roads and smart parking and pedestrianisation of Connaught Place.

Lt Governor of Delhi, Anil Baijal, LG of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jagdish Mukhi, Chief Minister of Puducherry, V Narayanasamy, and Urban Development Minister of Delhi, Satyendra Jain, among others, attended the meeting.

Naidu complimented Chandigarh for being the first city to ensure water taps to all households under AMRUT.

Satyendra Jain also suggested changes in the master plan of Delhi so that government hospitals and other institutions are not required to meet parking norms at par with private entities.

With this review, Naidu has completed review of progress of urban missions in 29 states and UTs so far, an official release said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Ritu Mallya, step mother of Vijay Mallya, has resigned as non-executive director from the board of Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilisers Ltd (MCFL).

MCFL, which is now controlled by Saroj Poddar-led Zuari Group, informed this in a BSE filing.

"Ritu Mallya, non-executive director has resigned from the board of directors of the company with effect from July 6," the filing said.

Ritu Mallya had joined as Director in the company's board in 2014 days after her son resigned.

While Zuari Group holds 53 per cent stake in MCFL, Vijay Mallya-led UB Group has about 22 per cent stake in the company.

Meanwhile, Vijay Mallya -- the fugitive liquor baron sought by India for defaulting on several bank loans amounting to nearly Rs 9,000 crore -- today appeared before the Westminster Magistrates Court in London for the hearing in his extradition case.

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Political strategist Prashant Kishor, who had helped the successful campaign of BJP, JD(U)-RJD combine in Bihar and the Congress in Punjab in different elections, has now been roped in by the YSR Congress.

YSR Congress president and Opposition leader in Andhra Pradesh Y S Jaganmohan Reddy has held a meeting with party leaders here in which Kishor was present.

"Prashant Kishor, whom we taken on board as a consultant, was introduced (to party leaders) in the meeting (in Hyderabad yesterday)," YSR Congress MP P Mithun Reddy said here.

Kishor is expected to give inputs to YSRC on strengthening the party organisation besides preparing strategies to take on the ruling TDP headed by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

Having failed to gain power in AP in the 2014 elections soon after the bifurcation of undivided AP, the YSR Congress is determined to wrest power in 2019.

Besides helping BJP in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Kishor was reportedly successful in offering a sound strategy to the 'Mahagathbandhan' in the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections.

He was also reportedly the brain behind incumbent Chief Minister Amarinder Singh's strategy in Punjab assembly polls, though he faced flak from a section of Congress workers in Uttar Pradesh.

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Berkshire Hathaway Energy's deal for Dallas-based Oncor would come after the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) rejected NextEra Energy Inc's previous deal to buy Oncor.

Berkshire Hathaway's deal, which could be announced by Friday, would value Oncor at slightly less than NextEra's previous $18.4 billion bid, two people said. The Wall Street Journal, which reported on the deal earlier, said it could be valued at more than $17.5 billion.

The sources asked not to be identified because the deliberations are confidential. The PUCT and Oncor did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Berkshire declined to comment.

Berkshire Hathaway had been among the leading bidders for Energy Future Holding Corp's Oncor Electric Delivery in earlier auctions for the bankrupt utility, according to the sources.

Energy Future had filed for Chapter 11 in April 2014 after it failed to meet its debt obligations as electricity prices weakened.

(Reporting by David French and Greg Roumeliotis in New York; additional reporting by Jonathan Stempel and Jessica DiNapoli in New York and Aparajita Saxena in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta and Lisa Shumaker)

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By Alastair Macdonald and Robert-Jan Bartunek

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Japan and the European Union agreed a free trade pact on Thursday to create the world's biggest open economic area and signal resistance to what they see as U.S. President Donald Trump's protectionist turn.

Concluded in Brussels on the eve of meetings with Trump at a summit in Hamburg, the "political agreement" between two economies accounting for a third of global GDP is heavy with symbolism.

It leaves some areas of negotiation still to be finished, although officials insist the key snags have been overcome.

"Ahead of the G20 summit tomorrow, I believe Japan and the EU are demonstrating our strong political will to fly the flag for free trade against a shift toward protectionism," Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told a joint conference with EU institutional chiefs Donald Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker.

The "win-win" deal was, Abe said, "a strong message to the world".

In the works for four years, it has been pushed over the line towards a final treaty signature in the coming months by the election of Trump and his moves to ditch a Pacific trade pact that included Japan and leave talks with the EU in limbo.

"Although some are saying that the time of isolationism and disintegration is coming again, we are demonstrating that this is not the case," European Council President Tusk said.

Juncker, president of the executive European Commission, played down prospects of any further negotiating problems and said he hoped the treaty could go into effect early in 2019.

ALARM OVER "AMERICA FIRST"

Fears of cheaper import competition for European carmakers and Japanese dairy producers were among the thorniest issues, but officials said the two sides were driven by a shared alarm at Trump's apparent shift away from multilateral open trading systems towards an aggressive "America First" policy.

Tariffs on much of their bilateral trade -- which Abe noted accounts for some 40 percent of total international commerce -- will be phased out over some years, and other economic areas, such as Japan's public tender system, will be opened up.

European farm lobby Copa-Cogeca called it "good news". Wine exporters alone should save 134 million euros a year in duty and no longer be a big disadvantage to U.S. and Australian wineries.

The Japan Business Council in Europe, representing Japanese firms in the EU, said it would create "mutual prosperity". The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association also welcomed it.

Both the EU and Japan, which are also forging a parallel cooperation pact on broader political issues such as security, crisis aid and climate change, forecast that the trade deal will boost economic growth and employment in Japan and in Europe.

One detail to be ironed out is how complaints from business over how authorities apply the treaty will be dealt with. That is a touchy subject in Europe due to concerns that trade pacts give too much power to big multinationals. European parliaments nearly blocked a deal with Canada last year over such issues.

Juncker stressed the EU would not accept "private tribunals" ruling between business and states. But Greens in the European Parliament, which must ratify the treaty, were not impressed, complaining of a "rushed procedure" that was "not serious".

Much remained unclear or unresolved, their leader Ska Keller said, calling also for it to do more to stop Japanese whaling.

CARS, CHEESE AND BREXIT

EU tariffs of up to 10 percent on Japanese cars will be phased out over seven years. Most EU food exports, including chocolate and biscuits, will see tariffs end over time. Duty of up to 29 percent on hard cheeses like Parmesan will fall to zero over 15 years. Quotas on soft cheeses like feta and mozzarella will still protect Japan's culturally sensitive dairy sector.

Japan will respect over 200 EU geographic protections on product names, like Parma ham or Polish wodka. Scotch whisky might not benefit, however, as Britain leaves the EU in 2019.

Tusk took the opportunity to scoff at arguments in Britain for Brexit on the grounds that London could cut itself better trade deals without the EU's economic weight behind it.

In an ironic nod to Brexit supporters' rallying cry of "Global Britain", Tusk, a former Polish premier, signed off a tweet confirming the Japan deal with the words "Global Europe!"

(Additional reporting by Elizabeth Miles and Foo Yun Chee in Brussels and Kaori Kaneko in Tokyo; Editing by Gareth Jones)

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U.S. District Judge Paul Oetken in Manhattan dismissed McAfee's September 2016 lawsuit and a countersuit by Intel on Wednesday, five days after a settlement agreement was signed.

McAfee said he sued after Intel warned him that using his name, including by renaming his digital gaming and cybersecurity company MGT Capital Investments Inc as "John McAfee Global Technologies Inc," would infringe its trademarks.

Intel countered by accusing McAfee of trademark infringement and unfair competition, and sought unspecified damages.

Under the settlement, McAfee agreed not to use his name, trademark his name or the phrase "John McAfee Privacy Phone," or use "John McAfee Global Technologies" in connection with cybersecurity- and security-related products and services.

He retained the right in other contexts to use his name in advertising, promotions and presentations, including with regard to his role at McAfee Associates, which he sold to Intel for $7.7 billion in 2010.

Neither McAfee nor Intel admitted wrongdoing in agreeing to the settlement, which was amicable, according to court papers.

McAfee's lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A spokesman for Intel said the Santa Clara, California-based company was pleased to settle.

Intel spun off its cybersecurity division, now called McAfee LLC, in April, after agreeing to sell a 51 percent stake to private investment firm TPG Capital [TPG.UL].

TPG later accepted a minority investment in the business from private equity firm Thoma Bravo.

Intel retained a 49 percent stake in McAfee, which the spinoff valued at $4.2 billion including debt.

John McAfee unsuccessfully sought the Libertarian Party's nomination for the U.S. presidency last year.

The case is McAfee et al v Intel Corp et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 16-06934.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; editing by Grant McCool)

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By Brendan Pierson

(Reuters) - One of the investors former drug company executive Martin Shkreli is accused of defrauding testified on Wednesday that Shkreli lied to him repeatedly, although he eventually made millions of dollars from the investment.

Darren Blanton, a Dallas-based biotechnology investor who appeared in Brooklyn federal court as a witness for U.S. prosecutors, told jurors he invested in Shkreli's hedge fund MSMB Capital after being told the fund was managing $35 million in assets and had an independent auditor.

He said he later learned both of those claims were false and found Shkreli evasive when he tried to get some of his money back. Blanton said he eventually filed a whistleblower complaint with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Under cross-examination by Shkreli's lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, Blanton conceded that despite his misgivings, his $1.25 million investment with Shkreli paid off, largely through an agreement in which Shkreli gave him shares in his drug company Retrophin Inc.

Blanton said he still holds 150,000 shares of Retrophin, worth nearly $3 million at Wednesday's closing price of $19.83 per share, and previously sold shares worth $2.4 million. He also said he received a cash payment of $200,000.

Prosecutors have claimed the agreement between Blanton and Shkreli, termed a consulting agreement, was a sham.

Blanton said Shkreli founded Retrophin after learning that a friend of Blanton's had lost a son to a rare disease, myotubular myopathy, and vowed to find a cure.

Brafman's cross-examination is expected to continue on Thursday.

The testimony came after U.S. District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto ordered Shkreli to stop talking about his case in or around the Brooklyn courthouse where the trial is taking place. Five days earlier Shkreli had burst into a room full of spectators and attacked the credibility of a government witness.

Shkreli, 34, gained notoriety in 2015 when he raised the price of a life-saving drug by 5,000 percent as CEO of Turing Pharmaceuticals, sparking outrage among patients and U.S. lawmakers. He at times revelled in the negative publicity as he came to be known as "pharma bro" and his Twitter harassment of a journalist led to him being banned from the social media platform.

The charges he now faces stem not from his time at Turing, but from his management of MSMB Capital, another fund called MSMB Healthcare and Retrophin between 2009 and 2014. Prosecutors say he deceived investors in the funds and eventually repaid them with money stolen from Retrophin.

(Reporting By Brendan Pierson in New York; Editing by David Gregorio and Bill Trott)

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By Alastair Macdonald and Elizabeth Miles

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier warned British ministers and businesses who are calling for "frictionless trade" with the EU after Britain leaves that that is "not possible".

Addressing the EU's EESC business and trade union forum in Brussels on Thursday, Barnier said London's "red lines" for a future trade relationship meant Britain was definitely leaving the single market and the customs union, and only membership of both allowed "frictionless" trading arrangements.

Prime Minister Theresa May is still hoping for trade that is "as frictionless as possible", her spokesman said in response.

Barnier said he was unsure the EU's insistence on preserving its own rules "have been fully understood across the Channel".

"I have heard some people in the UK argue that one can leave the single market and keep all of its benefits - that is not possible," he said. "I have heard some people in the UK argue that one can leave the single market and build a customs union to achieve 'frictionless trade' - that is not possible."

Stressing time is tight for a deal before Britain leaves the bloc on March 30, 2019, Barnier said he was ready for a failure of talks and "no deal" but that would be damaging, especially to Britain, and he saw "no reasonable justification".

"A fair deal is far better than no deal," he said, turning around May's argument that no deal is better than a bad deal.

He called for rapid agreement on priority issues in talks begun last month to build a "climate of trust" so that trade negotiations could begin as soon as possible. But in urging businesses to prepare for Brexit now, he stressed that whatever deal was done would carry "significant consequences".

"A trading relationship with a country that does not belong to the European Union obviously involves friction," Barnier said. He cited disruption to cross-border traders processing value-added tax (VAT) and a need for all EU imports of animals and animal products to be tested at borders.

Those issues are of particular concern in Ireland, where farming businesses on either side of the new UK-EU border on the island fear disruption. Barnier repeated EU willingness to make a priority of agreeing border issues on Ireland, where leaders on all sides fear a "hard" frontier could also undermine the fragile peace in the British province of Northern Ireland.

Pressed by British and Irish delegates about the Irish border issue, Barnier said he understood Ireland was a special case but that the EU would also protect its own market.

An EU free trade deal with Japan on Thursday was hailed by EU leaders as a sign of what the combined economic power of the bloc can achieve - and of what Britain will miss when it leaves.

"In the context of the discussion about Brexit, we have heard statements claiming that it isn't worth being in the European Union, as it is easier to do global trade outside of the EU," European Council President Donald Tusk told reporters.

"Today we have shown that this is not true."

EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan said the deal, which should boost European food and drink exports, "shows the importance of size in global trade negotiations".

"No individual member state could ever hope to achieve what the EU can achieve together," Hogan said in a statement.

London, where Trade Secretary Liam Fox welcomed the EU-Japan deal, may seek to emulate the Japan-EU deal's benefits.

(Additional reporting by Elizabeth Piper in London; Editing by Louise Ireland)

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By David Gaffen

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil futures rose on Thursday, but were off the day's highs, despite a sharper-than-expected decline in crude oil and gasoline stocks.

Oil has not sustained gains for more than a couple of weeks since investors became increasingly concerned about the overhang of supply. Those concerns have steadily taken markets lower even as inventories have declined more dramatically in recent weeks.

U.S. crude stocks fell 6.3 million barrels, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said, citing stronger refining activity and reduced imports. That was much more than the draw of about 2.3 million barrels analysts had forecast, and it took total crude inventories to 502.9 million barrels, the lowest since January.

However, crude prices gave back gains in the early afternoon. After hitting a high of $46.53 a barrel, U.S. futures were up 25 cents to $45.38 a barrel as of 2:04 p.m. EDT (1804 GMT). Brent futures hit a high of $49.18 a barrel after the figures were released, but were up just 20 cents to $47.99 a barrel.

"There's a lot of bearishness out there now," said Phil Flynn, analyst at Price Futures Group in Chicago. "The market is still believing supplies are not going to be in balance globally."

Investors believe the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries will need to make further output cuts to offset thriving shale production in the United States.

U.S. gasoline stocks dropped 3.7 million barrels in the most recent week, far exceeding the expected drop of 1.1 million barrels. Still, gasoline inventories remain about 6 percent above seasonal averages, so investors will watch for July data to see if demand is strong enough to whittle down stocks.

The price of oil has tumbled from one-month highs just below $50 on increased production from OPEC, even as the group has pledged to cut output.

A number of investment banks in the last two weeks have reduced price outlooks, with Bank of America Merrill Lynch cutting its average Brent forecasts to $50 this year and $52 per barrel in 2018, from $54 and $56 before. [nL1N1JR09A

Bernstein Research reduced its average Brent forecasts for 2017 and 2018 to $50 per barrel, from $60 and $70 previously.

Saxo Bank said oil prices could rise towards $55 in coming months, but it expected lower prices at year-end and into 2018.

(Additional reporting by Amanda Cooper in London, Henning Gloystein in Singapore and Scott DiSavino in New York; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)

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In a request that would broaden its legal battle with Apple, San Diego-based Qualcomm said it will ask the U.S. ITC to ban imports of the infringing Apple devices. A related lawsuit was filed in federal court in California on Thursday to request monetary damages.

Qualcomm, which also supplies chips to Apple, said the six patents help devices perform well without draining the battery.

Apple referred reporters to its earlier comments on the dispute with Qualcomm, which accuse Qualcomm of unfairly imposing what Apple calls a "tax" on Apple devices using Qualcomm chips.

In its complaint to the ITC, Qualcomm asked the body to ban "iPhones that use cellular baseband processors other than those supplied by Qualcomm's affiliates." Qualcomm did not name Intel, but Intel began supplying chips for some iPhones starting with the iPhone 7.

Qualcomm has not alleged that Intel chips violate its patents but claims that the way Apple implements them in the iPhone does. Intel declined comment.

Stacy Rasgon, an analyst with Bernstein, said ITC cases typically take 16 months to conclude and the case was unlikely to affect Apple's 10th anniversary iPhone launch expected this fall. "I doubt this puts a lot of immediate pressure on Apple," Rasgon said.

There has been long-running tension between Qualcomm and Apple over Qualcomm's practise of taking a cut of the total price of the phone in exchange for "modem" chips that help phones use wireless networks data plans.

The ITC is a popular venue for patent disputes because it handles cases relatively quickly and can more easily bar an infringing product from the U.S. market than federal courts.

Animosity between the two companies burst into the open in January, when the U.S. Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit against Qualcomm and accused it of using "anticompetitive" tactics to maintain its monopoly on a key semiconductor used in mobile phones.

The FTC, which enforces antitrust law along with the Justice Department, said that Qualcomm used its dominant position as a supplier of certain chips to impose "onerous" supply and licensing terms on cellphone manufacturers and to weaken competitors.

Days later, Apple sued Qualcomm for $1 billion, accusing it of overcharging for chips and withholding promised rebates because of Apple's discussions with South Korea's antitrust regulators in their probe of Qualcomm.

Separately from this dispute, Qualcomm is a major supplier to both Apple and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd <005930.KS> for modem chips that connect phones to wireless networks.

(Reporting by Diane Bartz; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and Bill Rigby)

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Eric Auchard

GOULT, France (Reuters) - Felix Capital, an early investor in firms ranging from luxury retailer Farfetch to Gwyneth Paltrow's lifestyle company Goop, has closed its second fund of $150 million, which it will invest in tech savvy companies in the luxury industry.

With $300 million in total capital, Felix, set up two years ago by venture capitalist Frederick Court, says it will take stakes in emerging digital fashion brands and the technologies to enable them to compete.

Court was the earliest investor in Farfetch, one of the hottest venture backed online luxury companies in the world, which reported a 70 percent rise in gross sales last year to $800 million and has overtaken Net-A-Porter in website traffic, though it has yet to turn in a profit.

Farfetch announced two weeks ago it had raised $397 million from No. 2 Chinese ecommerce player JD.com to expand further into China from its base in Europe and the U.S.

"For the luxury industry, digital and China are the two topics in fashion today. For most brands, this is where the growth is happening," Court, a native of France now based in Britain, said in an interview.

He declined to comment on reports that Farfetch could be considering a stock market listing later this year or in 2018. The company has said it is not under any pressure to do so.

Felix also holds a stake in The Business of Fashion, a blog-turned media company that competes with WWD.com (Women's Wear Daily) for fashion industry insiders, and Mirakl, a Paris-based supplier of software for managing online marketplaces.

Felix Capital sold one of its investments, Olapic, to Monotype last year for $130 million.

It is also backing Goop to help it expand into online commerce, an expansion move that is helping it close the gap with rivals such as far larger lifestyle site MarthaStewart.com.

Felix relies on a board of a dozen advisors made up of entrepreneurs from the retail and media industries, with whom it co-invests.

Those advisors include Grita Loebsack, the former chief executive of Gucci's holding company, Kering SA, David Marcus, vice president of Facebook's messaging business and Sebastian Picardo, ex-Net-A-Porter chief financial officer.

Jon Kamaluddin, an existing advisor, has joined Felix full-time as operating partner. The former chief financial officer of online retailer ASOS now sits on the board of Farfetch.

(Reporting By Eric Auchard; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)

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By Mai Nguyen, Nidhi Verma and Sanjeev Miglani

HANOI/NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Vietnam has extended an Indian oil concession in the South China Sea and begun drilling in another area it disputes with China in moves that could heighten tensions over who owns what in the vital maritime region.

The moves come at a delicate time in Beijing's relations with Vietnam, which claims parts of the sea, and India, which recently sent warships to monitor the Malacca Straits, through which most of China's energy supplies and trade passes.

Vietnam granted Indian oil firm ONGC Videsh a two-year extension to explore oil block 128 in a letter that arrived earlier this week, the state-run company's managing director Narendra K. Verma told .

Part of that block is in the U-shaped 'nine-dash line' which marks the vast area that China claims in the sea, a route for more than $5 trillion in trade each year in which the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan also have claims.

A senior official of ONGC Videsh, who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter, said interest in the block was strategic rather than commercial, given that oil development there was seen as high-risk with only moderate potential.

"Vietnam also wants us to be there because of China's interventions in the South China Sea," the official said.

Vietnam's state-run PetroVietnam declined to comment on the concession, which was first granted to India in 2006 but had been due to expire in mid-June.

Conflicting territorial claims over the sea stretch back many decades but have intensified in recent years as China and its rivals have reinforced their positions on the rocks and reefs they hold.

Far to the south of block 128, drilling has begun in a block owned jointly by Vietnam's state oil firm, Spain's Repsol and Mubadala Development Co of the United Arab Emirates.

Deepsea Metro I, operated by Odfjell Drilling Ltd., has been drilling in the region since the middle of last month on behalf of Spain's Repsol SA, which also has rights to neighbouring block 07/03, Odfjell said.

Odfjell declined to comment on the specific location of its vessel, but shipping data from Thomson Eikon showed it was in oil block 136/3, which also overlaps China's claims. Odfjell's Eirik Knudsen, V?ice President for Corporate Finance and Investor Relations, referred further queries to Repsol, which declined to comment. PetroVietnam made no comment.

COMPETING MARITIME CLAIMS

When asked about the activity, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China opposes anyone "carrying out unilateral, illegal oil and gas activities in waters China has jurisdiction over".

"We hope the relevant country can act on the basis of maintaining regional peace and stability and not do anything to complicate the situation," he told a briefing in Beijing.

Chinese General Fan Changlong cut short a visit to Vietnam and a friendship meeting at the China-Vietnam border was cancelled around the time the drilling began.

The centuries-old mistrust between China and Vietnam is nowhere more evident than in their competing maritime claims, despite their shared communist ideology and growing trade.

Asked about the most recent drilling, Vietnamese officials said their Chinese counterparts have started raising concerns about cooperation with both Repsol and ExxonMobil Corp. of the United States, which is developing the $10 billion "Blue Whale" gas concession off central Vietnam.

They said Chinese officials also expressed concern at Vietnam's evolving security relationships with the United States and Japan, both of which have offered moral support for its South China Sea claims and help for Vietnam's coastguard.

Tensions with China were being contained, however, and had not yet reached crisis proportions, they said.

"We know they are unhappy again, but we are resisting the pressure - it is a traditional part of our relations with Beijing," one official said privately. "Other parts of the relationship remain strong."

Underlining the relationship between India and Vietnam, Vietnamese deputy prime minister Pham Binh Minh told a forum in New Delhi this week that India was welcome to play a bigger role in Southeast Asia - and specifically the South China Sea.

Hanoi's growing defence and commercial ties with India are part of its strategy of seeking many partnerships with big powers while avoiding formal military alliances.

The pace has picked up since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration took office in 2014 and sought to push back against China's expanding presence in South Asia by raising its diplomatic and military engagement in Southeast Asia.

India is providing naval patrol boats, satellite cover to monitor Vietnam's waters and training for its submarines and fighter pilots - more military support than it is giving to any other Southeast Asian country.

On the agenda are transfers of naval vessels and missiles under a $500 million defence credit line announced last year.

Next week, the navies of India, the United States and Japan will hold their largest joint exercises in the Bay of Bengal.

(Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in Beijing, Greg Torode in Hong Kong; Writing by Matthew Tostevin; Editing by Sonya Hepinstall)

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GENEVA (Reuters) - The heads of the World Trade Organization, World Bank and International Monetary Fund called on Thursday for G20 leaders to agree actions to reinvigorate trade and support workers.

"The economic wellbeing of billions of people depends on trade. Deeper trade integration twinned with supportive domestic policies can help boost incomes and accelerate global growth. This calls for decisive actions by world leaders gathering for the G-20 Summit this week," they said in a joint statement.

(Reporting by Tom Miles, editing by Larry King)

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The American Museum of Natural History selected two unique sets of material to digitize for the CLIR BHL Field Notes Project: field books from the Whitney South Sea Expedition and the Archbold Expeditions. These were two long-running undertakings to systematically explore and collect the flora and fauna of Oceania. Both contributed invaluable specimens to the scientific research and exhibition collections at AMNH. We recently completed digitization of the Whitney South Sea Expedition field notes and are thrilled to have commenced work on the Archbold material. Arguably, the most rewarding aspect of participating in this project is raising awareness of some rather remarkable individuals and expeditions. One example is the 2nd Archbold Expedition to New Guinea. We recently digitized leader Richard Archbolds journal from that journey, which helps shine a light on this particularly fascinating story.

Archbold Expeditions is a corporation originally founded and led by Richard Archbold. It funded a research collection and staff at the AMNH Department of Mammalogy and sponsored a series of scientific collecting journeys to New Guinea and northern Australia. Heir to a substantial fortune, Archbold was a collector, explorer, ecologist, photographer, mountaineer, and pilot. As a youth he developed a love of nature and technology which carried over into all his future endeavors. He was a Research Associate at AMNH since his participation as photographer and mammalogist in the Mission zoologique franco-anglo-americaine a Madagascar, an experience which would directly inspire him to continue exploration work. He led the first three of the Archbold New Guinea Expeditions himself, and in 1940 founded the Archbold Biological Station in Florida. This research station and Archbold Expeditions were associated with AMNH until the 1980s. The Archbold Biological Station is still vitally active today.

Archbold excelled at organization and planning, recognizing needs and filling them. He regularly made use of and adapted the most current technology and also sought after the best scientists and personnel for his expeditions.

Some of the 2nd Archbold Expedition participants, including scientific party Austin Rand, G. H. H. Tate and Leonard Brass. All three participated in multiple Archbold Expeditions.

WH2; Papua, Oroville Camp; Juhlstedt, Rand, Tate, Archbold, Burke, Healy, Brass. Archbold Expeditions Collection, Department of Mammalogy, AMNH.

This ability to recognize needs and adapt is never more evident than in the 2nd Archbold Expedition, which took place between 1936 and 1937. There were seven numbered Archbold Expeditions to New Guinea, reaching all areas of the region. The focus for this journey was the largely uncharted area of the Western Province of Papua New Guinea from Daru up the Fly River. After the success of the first expedition to New Guinea between 1933 and 1934, Richard Archbold hoped to continue the systematic exploration of Papua New Guinea, but he recognized that one of the main challenges to exploration in this region was in the effective provision and transportation of supplies overland in this mountainous terrain. Describing it as the biggest bugbear of former travel in New Guinea, (1) the lack of local food availability resulted in a need for a continuously moving food relay transport system manned with native assistants.

Demonstrating the above-mentioned practical planning and technological skills, Archbold and crew proposed and designed an innovative system of communication, transportation and delivery using aircraft, radio, and parachutes to utilize in the next trek. In addition to Archbold, the scientific party included ornithologist and assistant leader Austin Rand, botanist Leonard Brass, and mammalogist G. H. H. Tate.

Archbold is walking toward the front of the craft. Note the triangular Archbold Expeditions insignia on the plane.

90-43; Papua, W.D., Daru: Kono on ramp after return from Lake Marguerita. Archbold Expeditions Collection, Department of Mammalogy, AMNH.

Archbold purchased a Fairchild Amphibian seaplane which he named the Kono, to be used to deliver supplies to the remote areas by parachute. The combination of air transport, along with a system of radio communications proved to be highly successful in practice. The use of the radios allowed the various divisions of the expedition (advance land party, collecting group and plane) to keep in contact and coordinate supply drops and pickups from remote areas, communication on which they were dependent.

Besides collecting mammals, Tate acted as a radio operator.

210-18; Papua, Western Division, Fly River, 528 mi. camp: Willis, Rogers, Tate & Healy Archbold Expeditions Collection, Department of Mammalogy, AMNH.

Besides transportation, the aircraft was also used for a series of reconnaissance flights to determine mountain camp sites and possible landing areas. In Archbolds journal we see multiple lists of observations from these flights. They note the time, the participant making the observation, and even where they were seated, an evident effort to fully survey the viewed areas.

Reconnaissance flight observations.

Richard Archbolds journal : Second Archbold Expedition to New Guinea, p. [19]; http://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/53611788

Initial plans called for the group to travel up to high elevations in the mountains but in July of 1936, only a few months into their endeavor, the Kono was tragically capsized in a sudden storm. Although no one was harmed, the devastation of this loss is clearly conveyed in a series of radio messages: Our plane sunk. In Tates expedition journal, which will soon be digitized for this project, he relates receiving the message, stating What a calamity for Archbold!(2)

Messages to Tate and Rand announcing the wreck of the Kono.

Richard Archbolds journal : Second Archbold Expedition to New Guinea, p. [101]; http://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/53611844

Besides the obvious financial setback of this loss, the team was forced to quickly adapt their plans, arranging for alternate means to transport the collections. The scientific staff and the carriers built a flotilla of rafts to move the specimens and supplies down the Fly River. According to Rand, Tate had his rats on his rafts, Brass his plants on his, and I had my birds on mine. (3) Not to be deterred, they simply moved forward and continued collecting in the lowlands, a resilience I find enviable. This is not to say that the irony of the situation was lost on the participants. In an article for Natural History magazine, Rand and Archbold noted that during the expedition both the most current and the most primitive methods of transportation were used: planes, ships, homemade rafts, and foot. (4)

After having to abandon plans to continue to higher altitudes, the team crafted a series of rafts to float material down the Fly River.

258-20; Papua, W.D., Fly R., No. 2 base: Rafts being loadedclose up. Photo by Brass Archbold Expeditions Collection, Department of Mammalogy, AMNH.

It is important to note the very practical advantage and benefit of their radio system at this juncture. It not only allowed easy communication, remote organization and project direction across the region, but also contact with New York. A copy of a radiogram received at AMNH on July 16, 1936 from Archbold at Daru reassures the safety of all parties. Absolutely no cause for alarm stop Rogers dropped more food advance party in Guinea Airways plane stop in constant radio communication advance party stop they advise absolutely no danger. (5)

Archbold immediately began planning for the next expedition, even looking to purchase a replacement plane. A copy of a radio message from his mother shows her practical opposition to such an expense so soon. Archbold remained single-minded, however. Though we had failed to reach the mountains our large collections from the Upper Fly were extremely valuable and our new methods of transport had proved so feasible that we plan to use the same system in collecting at the highest altitudes in the little known Snow Mountains of Dutch New Guinea early next year. (6) That expedition also used the combination of seaplane delivery and radio with great success, incidentally also managing to set world aeronautic records! Amusingly, Archbold named this next plane the Guba, which is the local dialectic term for the type of storm that downed the Kono.

A page from Archbolds journal. Note the message from his mother.

Richard Archbolds journal : Second Archbold Expedition to New Guinea, p. [113];

For context, it is interesting to place these expeditions in the overarching history of biodiversity exploration and collection in the region. In 2015, AMNH scientists participated in a collaborative Explore21 expedition to Papua New Guinea. Department of Ornithology Collections Manager Paul Sweet noted their place in the legacy of exploration in New Guinea, notably with the use of now modern technology: Papua New Guinea is well known as a biodiversity hotspot, but its still not fully explored. The Museum has a long history of making expeditions to the island of New Guinea [the eastern half is part of the nation of Papua New Guinea; the western half is governed by Indonesia], so we were following in the tradition of naturalist explorers like Ernst Mayr, Richard Archbold, and E. Thomas Gilliard. And thats really the thrust of these Explore21 expeditions. Its a great way to continue the tradition of scientific collecting expeditions alongside cutting edge 21-century methods like genomics. (7)

Hmm, cutting-edge technology and expeditionssound familiar?

References:

(1) Archbold, Richard and Rand, A.L., With plane and radio in stone age New Guinea, Natural History 40, no. 3 (1937): 568.

(2) Tate, G. H. H., Field journal : Archbold 1936 New Guinea Exp. February 27, 1936 to July 8, 1937. AMNH Department of Mammalogy Archive.

(3) Morse, Roger A., Richard Archbold and the Archbold Biological Station. (Gainesville, FL: University Press of Florida, 2000), 18.

(4) Archbold, Richard and Rand, A.L., With plane and radio in stone age New Guinea, Natural History 40, no. 3 (1937)

(5) Radiogram transcript, 1936, Archbold Expeditions Collection, AMNH Department of Mammalogy Archive.

(6) Archbold and Rand, 576.

(7) AMNH, SciCafe Goes to Papua New Guinea [blog post], (2/27/15), accessed at http://www.amnh.org/explore/news-blogs/q-as/scicafe-goes-to-papua-new-guinea

The BHL Field Notes Project is funded by the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR).
As the world marks 20 years of the 1997 Asian financial crisis, it is pertinent to look back at the time when several rising East Asian Tiger Economies were thrown into disarray due to a host of reasons. Till date, economists and observers have been cautious about blaming the crisis, triggered by the devaluation of the Thai baht, on any single economic factor.
The 23-year-old who saved the world from a devastating cyberattack in May was asleep in his bed in the English seaside town of Ilfracombe last week after a night of partying when another online extortion campaign spread across the globe.
France-based MNC Capgemini plans to hire over 20,000 people in India this year.

The firm has already provided necessary training to 45,000 employees until May in a leap towards automation.

The IT services consultant had hired 33,000 last year and re-skilled 51,000 employees. The firm has about 1 lakh employees in India operations, according to a report in The Economic Times.

Christopher Stancombe, head, industrialisation and automation, Capgemini told ET the firm is investing a lot of money in the development of training programmes due to automation.

The integration of automation is leading to a lot of opportunity for the workforce. The firm is witnessing an increase in demand and automation is helping employees become more productive, Stancombe added.

IT services major Infosys on June 2, 2017 said it would hire 20,000 people this year. Infosys employee force stood at 2,00,364 as of March 31, 2017 versus 1,94,044 a year ago -a mere 3% increase.

In its annual report, Infosys said it eliminated around 11,000 full-time employees via automation and reassigned those people into more "valuable and rewarding" tasks.

India's largest IT firm TCS said it offered jobs to close to 20,000 and skilled 200,000 employees across 600,000 competencies. The Mumbai-based firm had 3,87,223 employees at March end, against 3,53,843 a year ago -a jump of 9.5%.


Tata Sons on Wednesday rejected its former chairman Cyrus P Mistry's damning allegation that Tata Trusts' R Venkataramanan was involved in financial wrongdoings at Air Asia India.

Cyrus Mistry after his removal as the group chairman wrote an email in which he said that fraudulent transactions worth Rs 22 crore had taken place at the groups aviation venture.

He also said that Venkatramanan who was Trustee at Tata Trusts' wanted to cover up the murky transactions.

Tata Sons yesterday denied the charges and said: "Tata Sons strongly rejects the statement from Cyrus P Mistry which seeks to insinuate wrongdoing in the affairs of Air Asia India by R Venkataramanan."

The Group further said that Air Asia India with the support of Tata Sons has taken definitive steps both in civil and criminal courts which have cleared the air in relation to the mischievous allegations.

Tata Sons termed the allegation as 'frivolous' and said Mistry's charges could be 'value destructive'. "Tata Sons continues to evaluate its legal options in this regard as we have the highest respect for the judiciary and has never resorted to muzzle and interfere with legal proceedings as alleged by Mistry," the press statement said.

After his allegation, Venkataramanan filed a Rs 500 defamation case against Mistry. However, when a local court asked Mistry to appear before it, he accused the Tatas of subverting the legal system and warned that they could not muzzle him in with defamation suits.

He said: "The attempt to initiate criminal prosecution for alleged defamation is an ill-advised and immature proxy battle through Venkataraman whose role in Air Asia India is a subject matter of several investigations by law enforcement agencies."

"The move by the Tata trustees to attempt to muzzle and interfere with legal proceedings will be effectively and appropriately dealt with. We believe in the legal system and know such subversion of justice systems will meet its fate," Mistry had said.
Customers will not suffer any loss if unauthorised electronic banking transactions are reported within three days and the amount involved will be credited in the accounts concerned within 10-days, the Reserve Bank of India said on Thursday.

In case the third party fraud is reported with a delay of four to seven working days, a customer will face liability of up to Rs 25,000.

However, in cases where the loss is due to negligence by the account holder (such as sharing of payment credentials), the customer will bear the entire loss until the unauthorised transaction is reported to the bank.

Any loss occurring after reporting of the unauthorised transaction will be borne by the bank, RBI said while issuing revised directions on 'Customer Protection Limiting Liability of Customers in Unauthorised Electronic Banking Transactions'.

RBI said the revised directions are being issued amidst recent surge in customer grievances relating to unauthorised transactions resulting in debits to their accounts/cards.

There will be "zero liability of a customer" in case of third party breach where the deficiency lies "neither with the bank nor with the customer but lies elsewhere in the system".

However, the customer will have to notify the bank within three working days of receiving the communication from the bank regarding the unauthorised transaction.

A customer's entitlement to zero liability will also arise where the unauthorised transaction occurs due to "contributory fraud/negligence/deficiency on the part of the bank (irrespective of whether or not the transaction is reported by the customer)", RBI said.

The maximum liability of a customer will be Rs 25,000 in cases where the responsibility for the unauthorised electronic banking transaction lies neither with the bank nor with the customer, but lies elsewhere in the system and when there is a delay of four to seven working days.

If the fraud is report after seven days, the customer liability will be determined as per the bank s Board approved policy.

The maximum liability of a savings bank account customer will be Rs 10,000 in such cases.

Referring to reversal timeline for Zero Liability/ Limited Liability of customer, RBI said the bank should credit (shadow reversal) the amount involved in the unauthorised electronic transaction to the customer s account within 10 working days of reporting of the fraud.

This has to be done without waiting for settlement of insurance claim, if any, RBI added.

RBI further said that banks must ask their customers to mandatorily register for SMS alerts and wherever available register for e-mail alerts, for electronic banking transactions.

"The SMS alerts shall mandatorily be sent to the customers, while email alerts may be sent, wherever registered," it added.
Students in Delhi University will now have to wrap their heads around the historic goods and services tax (GST) that has flustered many across the country since its unveiling on July 1.

GST, hailed as the country's biggest tax reform since Independence, replaced a thicket of federal and state levies while transforming Asia's third-largest economy into a single market. In a meeting this week, the varsity's academic council approved the inclusion of GST in the curriculum of commerce programmes such as B Com (Hons), B Com (Prog) and BA (Prog). It has also recommended this to the university's executive council.

The move aims to help commerce students comprehend the newly introduced tax reform. The "one nation one tax" section will be taught from this academic session as the council wants changes in the course contents of B Com (Hons) in accordance with recent developments on GST.

The attempt has also brought the top colleges in agreement. "So far, goods and services tax was not included in the curriculum. Going by the status quo, it is important that students understand the tax well. We are awaiting a formal notification from the university and will include it in the curriculum for this academic year," said Reena Chadha, professor at Shri Ram College of Commerce.

The university is the first in line to include the tax in the curriculum as Rajesh Jha, professor at Rajdhani College and an academic council member, pointed out that the executive is most likely to sanction the inclusion.

Experts say GST should help widen the country's tiny tax base, free up internal trade, make it easier to do business and reduce the clout middlemen wield at state borders. Governments had been trying to introduce the reform for at least 10 years, but had failed to get the support of Parliament.

The tax will be taught to students in B Com (Hons) in third and fifth semesters while B Com (Prog) students of fifth and sixth semester will have a paper on GST and Customs law. If approved by the executive council, it will also be taught to BA (Prog) students in the third and fourth semester. In a meeting concluded last week, the academic council accepted the recommendations made by the faculty of commerce and business.

Students will be taught the constitutional framework of indirect taxes before GST, which include taxation powers of union and state governments, the concept of VAT, rationale and structure of GST, GST council, GST network, state compensation mechanism and registration, etc. The curriculum is also expected to include levy and collection of GST, which will cover taxable events like supply of goods and services, places of supply like within state, interstate, import and export, time of supply, valuation rules, taxability of reimbursement of expenses, and exemption from GST.

"Tax has now been simplified for our country with GST. Revenue generated from GST will be generated in a manner that will benefit India. Economists are already expecting the tax revenue to reach 2 trillion from 1 billion so students should be apprised with the times they will have to work in," said Dr Bhibhu Pratap Sahu, an assistant professor at Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Khalsa College.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel has rung alarm bells in Pakistan for many top government officials, defence analysts and politicians there believe both Modi and Netanyahu must be conspiring against Islamabad.

"Israel and India has long been involved in causing unrest in Pakistan. Modi's visit to Israel and signing of defence deals is something Pakistan must be worry about," said a senior official in Pakistan's foreign office.

On Tuesday, the power corridors of Islamabad were abuzz with speculations that the India-Israel nexus would turn out to be a major threat to Pakistan's existence.

"They (India and Israel) must be conspiring against Pakistan," Asif Kirmani, special advisor to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told reporters on Tuesday. Aamir Ghauri, London-based analyst and founder of South Asia Future Forum, said Modi's visit to Israel after his bear hugs with US President Donald Trump in Washington define the contour of India's global, regional and local foreign policy.

"He seems to be playing his cards pretty deftly vis-a-vis the Middle East by being overtly pro-US as the cold war between Riyadh and Tehran heats up once again. It, however, remains to be seen if his slant towards the US delivers as the US and its allies have a history of ditching partners in need. India may be an exception," Ghauri told MAIL TODAY.

Ahead of Modi's visit to Israel, India and the Jewish state had signed USD 1.6 billion (Rs 10,400 crore) mega defence deals that raised several eyebrows in Pakistan. Prime Ministers of India and Israel not only endorsed the deal during Modi's visit to Israel but also inked various other deals in the fields of agriculture and space technology that has irked several analysts in Pakistan.

However, the defence deal between India and Israel is the major issue that has rung alarms bells in Pakistan. As per reports, state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will supply advanced mediumrange surface-to-air missile (MRSAM) systems to New Delhi, which are designed to destroy hostile aircraft, missiles and drones at a range of 70-km.

Israel has long been a major supplier of arms to India but those deals have deliberately been kept secret by both.


The government's 'Give-It-Up' campaign would soon be applicable to another category of essential facility: Railway travel.

After success of the campaign on cooking gas subsidy, the government plans to persuade passengers to forgo subsidy on railway fares.

The Railway Ministry plans to launch the scheme in August, according to a report in The Times of India.

According to the report, Railways will offer two "slabs" of subsidy surrender - 50% and 100% of the subsidy amount.

Indian Railways incurs a loss of Rs 30,000 crore every year after bearing 43 percent of the cost of rail fares.

In September, Railways adopted the flexi-fare system. Under it, the prices of three express trains Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto rise as soon as 10 per cent of the tickets are sold.

The fares increase 10 per cent with every 10 per cent of berths that get booked. This means that if 30 per cent of the tickets are sold then the tickets will also cost 30 per cent more
A defiant Vijay Mallya, the fugitive liquor baron sought by India for defaulting on several bank loans amounting to nearly Rs 9,000 crore, today appeared before the Westminster Magistrates Court in London for the hearing in his extradition case.

"I do as my lawyers advise," the 61-year-old former chief of erstwhile Kingfisher airlines said when asked about his appearance despite being granted an exemption by Chief Magistrate Emma Louise Arbuthnot at last hearing on June 13.

"This is a court. Let them present what evidence they have and we will present our case," he told reporters outside the court house before the start of his hearing.

Mallya was arrested by Scotland Yard in April and has been out on bail until December 4, the date tentatively fixed as the final hearing in the case.

The Indian authorities believe their case is on a strong footing and all the evidence has been presented to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to argue India's case for his extradition.

"All documents and witness statements have been presented from the Indian side and the CPS is very happy with it. They are confident that all the evidence is in good order. So we are in good situation and all we hope is that the other side stop delaying," official sources told PTI.

Mallya had been exempted from attending today's hearing after his defence team claimed he was "swarmed by media cameras" on his entry to the court last month.

Barrister Ben Watson had urged the judge to impose barriers for the media outside the court for future hearings, to which the judge responded by excusing Mallya from the next court appearance while she looked into her authority to impose such barriers.

CPS, represented by Aaron Watkins, had presented the case in court on behalf of the Indian authorities.

Mallya's defence wanted a final hearing date in March or April 2018, claiming they are yet to receive the "final evidence" from the Indian authorities and also believe a second extradition request is coming.

The second request is believed to relate to the Enforcement Directorate s (ED) case against Mallya.

CPS had argued that the government of India will deal responsibly with any future extradition request and that a conclusion of the current case by December was preferable.

The CPS had met a joint team of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials in London in May to thrash out details of the case.

Mallya, who is wanted in India for Kingfisher Airlines' default on loans worth nearly Rs 9,000 crores, has been in the UK since March 2016 and was arrested by Scotland Yard on an extradition warrant on April 18.

"I don't make statements to the media because anything I say is twisted. There is enough evidence, that will speak," Mallya had said in court last month.

He had 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.

If the Chief Magistrate rules in favour of extradition at the end of the trial, the UK home secretary must order Mallya's extradition within two months of the appropriate day.

However, the case can go through a series of appeals before arriving at a conclusion.

India and the UK have an Extradition Treaty, signed in 1992, but so far only one extradition has taken place under the arrangement Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel, who was sent back to India last October to face trial in connection with his involvement in the post-Godhra riots of 2002.

However, unlike Mallya, he had submitted to the extradition order without legal challenge.
 Washington Post Book Review Eviscerates Anti-Israel Writers | Main | Hamas: We Salute and Support BDS 

July 06, 2017

AFP's Double Standard on Hebron Massacres: 1929 vs. 1994

Members of the Slonim family, murdered in the 1929 Hebron massacre

When it comes to two brutal massacres in Hebron, one in 1929 and the other in 1994, Agence France Presse coverage displays an egregious double standard.

Today's article, "Palestinians, Israelis square off on UNESCO vote on Hebron," fails to give even the most basic information about the 1929 massacre, stating only:

There had been a Jewish community there for decades earlier, but they were forced out by attacks in British mandatory Palestine.

AFP fails to note who carried out the attacks (local Arabs). It fails to note the outcome of the attack: 67 murdered Jews and 60 wounded. And it fails to note the nature of the attack: an enraged Arab mob wielding knives, axes and iron bars killed all of the Jewish students in the local yeshiva and the mob slaughtered a delegation of Jewish residents on their way to the police station. The mob also broke into the home of Rabbi Ya'akov Slonim, where Jews were seeking refuges, and murdered him, his family and all those sheltering there. Dutch-Canadian journalist Pierre Van Passen described the scene at Rabbi Slonim's house:

we found the twelve-foot-high ceiling splashed with blood. The rooms looked like a slaughterhouse . . . I intended to gather up the severed sexual organs and the cut-off women's breasts we had seen lying scattered over the floor and in the beds.

Regarding the 1994 Hebron massacre, on the other hand, AFP provides all of the critical information, identifying the perpetrator ("Israeli-American Baruch Goldstein"), the outcome ("killing 29") and the means "opened fire on Muslims praying at the site." AFP reports:

In 1994, Israeli-American Baruch Goldstein opened fire on Muslims praying at the site, killing 29, before being beaten to death by survivors.

Why does AFP fail to note how many Jews were killed in the 1929 massacre? Indeed, the article doesn't even indicate that there were any fatalities in the "attacks." Why does it fail to identify the perpetrators (Arabs from Hebron) and their means of murder (knives, axes and iron bars used to kill and mutilate), while the key facts do appear with respect to the 1994 massacre?

In addition, in a separate problem in the very same sentence, the AFP inaccurately reported that there had been a Jewish community in Hebron "for decades" before the 1929 "attacks." In fact, Jews had been living consistently in the city for centuries before the massacre. Jews who survived the murderous rampages of the Ottoman Turks in 1517 fled to Beirut, but returned to Hebron in 1533 and the Jewish presence in the city remained unbroken from that time until the 1929 massacre.

This post was updated on July 9 to note that Jews lived in Hebron for centuries prior to 1929, not decades, as AFP had reported.

July 9 Update: Subsequent Article Includes Key Info on 1929 Massacre

A July 7 AFP article ("What is the Hebron row?) included key information about the 1929 massacre that had been omitted from the July 6 article. The more recent article noted:

Jews had been living in Hebron decades before 1967 but were forced out after violent attacks by Palestinians during the British Mandate - the most violent of which saw 67 Jews killed in a 1929 massacre.

Notably, AFP uses the passive voice for the 1929 attacks ("violent attacks by Palestinians . . saw 67 Jews killed") versus the active voice in which Israeli-American Baruch Goldstein "opened fire . . .killing 29," but the very fact that the news agency included the information at all is a step forward.

Posted by TS at July 6, 2017 06:37 AM

AFP stands for Arab Fiction Press.

Good article about this.

Time to play "Spot the Bias!" - AFP edition (UPDATE: Video)

Time to play Spot the Bias, courtesy of AFP:

http://elderofziyon.blogspot.com/2014/10/time-to-play-spot-bias-afp-edition.html#.VEkLu_nF-XY

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Posted by: Barry Meridian at July 8, 2017 02:15 AM

Guidelines for posting

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The past few days have been a mixed bag for the Indian pharma industry. There have been fresh concerns related to the transition to a Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. Then, the industry lost one of its leaders - Desh Bandhu Gupta, the 79-year-old founder and chairman of Lupin.

There was also renewed interest on the implications for pharma from the visit to US by the Indian Prime Minister and the questions that might come up in the discussions at the meeting between Donald Trump and Narendra Modi. The industry was focusing on the extent to which the two leaders would go beyond the larger issues around climate change, terrorism or may be defence procurement and look at industry specific issues that have implications for pharmaceuticals - be it on pricing or intellectual property.

However, there is another development that the Indian pharma industry may want to track closely. It would be the follow up to the views of the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) Commissioner, Scott Gottlieb, shared recently. In his observations on the USFDA blog, titled "FDA Working To Lift Barriers To Generic Drug Competition", he makes two significant comments for the generic drug industry. One, he says: "We're working on a Drug Competition Action Plan.

As part of this effort intent to hold a public meeting on July 18, 2017, to solicit input on places where FDA's rules - including the standards and procedures related to generic drug approvals - are being used in ways that may create obstacles to generic access, instead of ensuring the vigorous competition Congress intended." The second observation that many, within the industry feel is reflective of his understanding that other than competition, there are several other factors as well which are very significant for drug pricing.

For instance, he says, "We're also going to be looking hard at how best to coordinate with the Federal Trade Commission in identifying and publicizing practices that the FTC finds to be anti-competitive.

FDA is not the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). It is the FTC's responsibility to prevent anticompetitive business practices." Most pharma companies for instance talk of the changing landscape of wholesale buyer market in the US and that would also be a factor in deciding the pricing of generic medicines. For instance, there has been a consolidation among the wholesale buyers of generic drugs in the US. There are today about four large wholesaler chains that source generic drugs compared to about a dozen four years ago. One may know more once details are available on the public comments that are being sought by the regulator.


Nothing's going right for the national carrier Air India. Soon after the Indian government made its intention clear to sell the loss-making airline, it has now emerged that paintings worth Rs 200 crore have gone missing from Air India's headquarters in Mumbai. The paintings included work by prominent artists such as MF Husain and Jatin Das. The fact that the paintings had gone missing came to light after Jatin Das was contacted to verify a piece of work he had painted for Air India prior to its sale.

The paintings were reportedly kept in a hall in the Air India headquarters. The airline apparently wanted to to open a public museum where the paintings would be showcased. The collections included works by the biggest names of Indian art including Arpana Caur, Anjolie Ela Menon, B Prabha, KA Ara, MF Husain and V S Gaitonde.

The situation is an embarrassment to the debt-laden Air India which is going through troubled times. Union Minister Jayant Sinha has meanwhile assured that authorities are looking into the matter. "We are monitoring the media reports very closely. Air India has been keeping quite meticulous records over the years and making sure that all of the inventory is properly accounted for," the Minister of State for Civil Aviation told reporters.

Air India has also set up an internal inquiry into the missing paintings issue, according to Ashwani Lohani, the chairman and managing director of Air India.

Apart from being a loss making enterprise, the national carrier has been in news for all the wrong reasons. Just a few days ago, an Air India flight, 880 that took off from Bagdogra airport left its passengers breathless as the air condition stopped working due to some technical glitch.

Passengers said they discovered even before take off that the AC wasn't functioning. But when they brought this to the notice of the Air India staff, they were told that the system would work just fine after the flight takes off.

The finance minister Arun Jaitley recently announced that the cabinet had given in-principle approval for disinvestment in AI, and a group of ministers (GoM) would be formed to look into the divestment process. Air India has a debt of more than Rs 52,000 crore.
LOGAN  The recent retirement and other staff changes at the Cache County Jail have left the facility without any full-time medical staff. The shortage has reportedly caused problems for some inmates, who claim there have been mistakes in the medications they are supposed to take.

Sheriff Chad Jensen said the Sheriffs Administration is in the process of contracting its medical services for the jail. Several companies have already expressed interest and will be making presentations in the next few weeks. His hope is to have a new provider in place by September 1.

Medical care of our housed inmates is of the up most importance to our staff and facility, said Jensen.

Jensen explained that this was a change that he has been expecting for the past year and will improve the functionality of the jail. This will give us full-time medical personnel, who have training and expertise treating inmates. They will work with our existing deputies who are trained in law enforcement.

The nursing shortage recently came up during a court hearing for Heidi Rutchey, who had been receiving treatment at the Utah State Hospital, until being transferred back to the jail. She told Judge Thomas Willmore that deputies were administering medications to her but had made multiple mistakes in the past week.

Jensen explained that all medications come pre-packaged and labeled for each inmate either from the pharmacy, or in Rutcheys case, the State Hospital. Before being administered, a deputy will verify the inmates name, open the package and make sure the inmate takes the medication correctly.

Every pill is accounted for, said Jensen. The last thing we want is to have an inmate not taking their pills or stockpiling them.

Jensen described that until a full-time provider is hired, several part-time nurses will be in the jail on a regular basis. Bear River Health Departments nursing staff will also be in the facility three-times-a-week, assisting with nursing and administering TB tests to inmates and detainees.

Doctor Ed Redd is the head physician at the jail. Jensen said Dr. Redd will continue doing clinics inside the jail at least twice weekly. The pharmacy will also be helping with administering required medication to inmates.

Jensen explained arrangements have been made with other county jails to house inmates who have special medical needs. Those needing to be transferred to a hospital or other correctional facility will be made urgently to assist in the inmates prompt care.

<hr /><p style=text-align: center;>will@cvradio.com
At the Ka'ena Point Natural Area Reserve in Hawaii, 15 Laysan albatrosses, like the one pictured above, were slaughtered using a bat, a machete, and a pellet gun. The perpetrators also smashed the eggs of the large, rare, and federally protected birds. Photo by Marco Garcia/For The HSUS

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In late December 2015, Hawaii conservation officers found a dead bird the size of a small child buried in a nest on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, and a stick next to the nest. Sadly, that marker was a faint indicator of a crime committed by a group of young men. Officers would later determine that several alleged perpetrators battered and even dismembered at least 15 Laysan albatrosses with a bat, a machete, and a pellet gun. They also smashed the eggs of the large, rare, and federally protected birds. The scene of the crime was the Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve, the site of a 26-year-long conservation effort to protect the birds. In one violent spree, the perpetrators had unwound the work of government agency staff and volunteers to restore these birds to an extraordinarily beautiful and fragile ecosystem, and turned a refuge for these wild animals into a killing ground.

The investigative trail led authorities to six students who attended a prestigious Honolulu prep school, three of whom were eventually charged  one as an adult. The conservation officers report that the boys severed the birds feet to collect their I.D. bands as souvenirs, and posted the photos of the mutilated birds on social media, according to reporting by the Washington Post.

While leaders of the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources are calling for stiff penalties, including jail time, for the perpetrators, there is a brouhaha brewing now because the slowly churning justice system may instead give the boys just a slap on the wrist, reducing the number of charges and offering them leniency as first offenders. Thats deeply distressing, given the heinous, premeditated nature of the crimes, and also knowing that this sort of behavior is often predictive of other extreme anti-social behavior and violent conduct.

Theres a body of evidence to show that people who do this sort of thing in childhood often repeat that behavior later in life. Our justice system has been properly recalibrated to mete out meaningful penalties so that perpetrators learn never to behave in this manner again toward animals. Many state anti-cruelty laws also have provisions that call for counseling of young people who demonstrate malice toward animals, since theres an obvious mental pathology at work.

Hawaii has taken important steps to protect wildlife as a matter of policy. Last year Hawaii enacted one of the nations most comprehensive laws to protect imperiled wild animals, such as elephants and rhinos, from the illegal trade in their parts. The law took effect just a few days ago  on June 30th. This law will deal a heavy blow to unscrupulous wildlife dealers, considering that previous surveys found 89 percent of elephant ivory items for sale in the state were from illegal or unknown origins and that Hawaii was the nations third largest ivory market.

Clearly, these young men were not involved in wildlife trafficking. But they were involved in cruelty to wildlife, and the law must speak when it comes to their behavior. It was not that long ago that The HSUS launched a national campaign to strengthen all of our nations anti-cruelty laws. In the mid-1980s, malicious cruelty was a felony in only four states. In 2014, we completed the effort to make animal cruelty a felony in every state, and just last week, Pennsylvania governor Tom Wolf held a signing ceremony, the likes of which we rarely see, for legislation that makes extreme cruelty a first-offense felony (only two other states, Mississippi and Iowa, allow felony penalties for a second or subsequent offense only).

A bill introduced in the Hawaii legislature this year seeks to make the torture, mutilation, or poisoning of Hawaiis indigenous birds a felony. The legislature should take up the bill when its biennial session resumes in 2018, and pass it into law.

But there must be a closely correlated campaign to help strengthen state laws to protect wildlife from poaching and extreme acts of cruelty. Our anti-cruelty policy work will be closer to completion when that happens.

While the correlation between animal cruelty and other extreme and violent behavior may seem self-evident to those of us steeped in this cause, many law enforcement agents are still learning about the predictive aspect of violence against animals. Through our Law Enforcement Training Center, we partner with enforcement agencies, prosecutors associations, and domestic violence groups nationwide to address this relationship and how a multidisciplinary approach to animal abuse and domestic violence keeps our communities safer. Cases like the one in Hawaii remind us whats at stake and how leniency is not warranted when people do really awful things to animals.
| BY Ricki Green |

For the first time in its ten year history, The Eye Surgeons Foundation will be hosting the EYECon Night Walk at the culmination of JulEYE on 29 July to raise vital funds for medical research. JulEYE ambassador and INXS band member Kirk Pengilly will lead out the Sydney EYECon Night Walk.

The Eye Surgeons Foundation is the official charity of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) and The Ophthalmic Research Institute of Australia (ORIA), and each year dedicates the month of JulEYE to raising awareness of eye health and vital funds for ground-breaking medical eye research.

Says Lisa Cheng, CEO, The Eye Surgeons Foundation: Visual impairment is not just a problem for the ageing. Losing your sight to eye disease such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and other rare diseases is a life sentence, and one that affects more than 435,000 Australians. We need to find answers and the only way to achieve this is through medical eye research.

This year we have worked with Parachute Digital to develop a digital fundraising campaign for the EYECon Night Walk with morey media providing overarching PR support for JulEYE. Modified versions of the TV and radio CSAs featuring Kirk Pengilly have been created and are currently running across the Seven Network, WIN, Prime 7, ABC as well as the Macquarie Radio Network in metropolitan and regional markets.

Shopper Media Group have agreed to feature ads promoting EYECon in metropolitan markets, and JulEYE in the regional markets in their new SmartLite digital advertising panels in over 100 shopping centres across the country. The companys research division, Shopper Data Group also undertook key research and found Australians believe blindness is the most difficult health condition to live with even over that of cancer and loss of mobility. This confirmed the importance of the JulEYE campaign, and we cannot thank the individual media outlets enough for their philanthropic support in getting our fundraising message out to Australians.

The first ever EYECon Night Walk will start at Barangaroo Reserve at 6pm on July 29. The 5km walk will take in some of Sydneys most famous EYECons  Anzac Bridge, Sydney Harbour, Circular Quay and Overseas Passenger Terminal  from different vantage points. The walk will be led by JulEYE ambassador and INXS band member Kirk Pengilly, who was in his 20s and touring with INXS when he almost lost his sight to severe glaucoma and shares his story in the TV and radio CSAs.

Those who dont live in Sydney are encouraged to register for the EYECon Night Walk in their town and download custom EYECon walking maps for Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, so they can host their own fundraising event with family and friends.

During the month of July, The Eye Surgeons Foundation invites everyone to appreciate the sight they have. Register for JulEYE for $35, celebrate your vision, and help raise vital funds to help end blindness. Then join the foundation for the EYECon Night Walk in Sydney on 29 July 2017 and raise much-needed funds for visionary medical research.

To find out more about JulEYE, sign up for the EYEcon Night Walk or fundraise for much-needed medical research to help end preventable blindness, visit Juleye.com.au.

Production Company: Brightworks

Producer/Director: Cameron DArcy

Producer: Stef Puskar

DOP: Kieran Fowler
| BY Ricki Green |

Mike Spirkovski, national chief creative officer at Saatchi & Saatchi Australia, has been appointed chair of the Australasian Writers and Art Directors Association (AWARD), taking on the role from Wilf Sweetland who steps down after seven years on the Committee with the last two as chair.

Says Spirkovski, (pictured left), an AWARD Awards judge and Committee member since 2016: It is an honour to be named chair, and I look forward to continuing the work of AWARD  an initiative that has been nurturing the careers of aspiring creatives for 38 years and counting.

Id also like to thank Wilf for his ongoing contribution and commitment to the industry  it has been a privilege to work with him and I have learned a great deal under his leadership.

Powered by The Communications Council, AWARD is a non-political, non-profit organisation that aims to set standards of creative excellence, to promote creativity in the business arena, and to educate and inspire the next creative generation.

AWARD School, in particular, is a life-changing platform and starting block for many aspiring creatives, with latest industry data revealing that more than 50 per cent of current Australian CDs and ECDs have graduated from the course at some point in their career.

Says Sweetland (left): It has been an honour to steer the much-loved and respected AWARD organisation during such an exciting time. I am very proud to look back on the Committees achievements over the last two years, notably, moving AWARD Award to Semi-Permanent, launching the Emerging Creative Directors course, addressing gender diversity in AWARD School judging and setting the groundwork for reintroducing the popular AWARD Craft courses.

In thanking the Committee, he added: I have had the privilege of leading this organisation for two years and working with so many generous, fantastic minds on the Committee. It has been very humbling to see so many talented people give so much of their time and resources for AWARD. I would like in particular to thank current and past Committee members, Cam Blackley, Esther Clerehan, Niccola Phillips, Brendan Willenberg, Jane Burhop and Julie Faktor, for their support and encouragement during my time. I would also like to thank Jo Libline and all The Communications Council staff and Tony Hale for his support and guidance.

Adds Spirkovski: I am looking forward to continuing Wilfs and the Committees good work and taking AWARD to the next level  for the next generation of creative talent, in particular.

AWARD counts some of the finest creative minds from Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia amongst its members. Since 1983, AWARD School has been recognised as the pre-eminent training programme for aspiring creatives and its alumni reads like a whos who of the Australian advertising industry  including founder and creative chairman of renowned agency Droga5, David Droga, who still has his original AWARD School entry submission and winning book from 1987.

Says Tony Hale, CEO, The Communications Council CEO: We are delighted to welcome Mike as our new AWARD chair. He is a highly respected and awarded leader who is recognised in the industry for both his creativity and effectiveness, and he is a fantastic mentor for up-and-coming creatives.

Id also like to take this opportunity to thank Wilf for continuing the AWARD culture of cultivating and mentoring our industrys very best. Also, for moving AWARD into a contemporary direction via initiatives such as the establishment of the AWARD Emerging Creative Directors Residential  which helps address a significant gap in providing the right learning pathways to build effective creative careers.

Spirkovskis career spans 17 years, having led agencies such as Clemenger BBDO, Droga5 and Leo Burnett, before taking the top job as chief creative officer at Saatchi & Saatchi Australia in April 2017. He also sits on the Saatchi & Saatchi Worldwide Creative Board and the Worldwide Toyota Creative Leadership Team.

The full list of AWARD Committee members is as follows:

Mike Spirkovski  chief creative officer, Saatchi & Saatchi (chair)

Cam Blackley  executive creative director, BMF Advertising

Loren Bradley  executive producer, The Sweet Shop

Jane Burhop  creative co-founder, Common Ventures

Esther Clerehan  CEO/creative recruiter, Clerehan Pty Ltd

Peter Galmes  creative, YourPALs

Barbara Humphries  creative director, The Monkeys

Niccola Phillips (AWARD School Head)  head of art, M&C Saatchi
| BY Ricki Green |

Oporto has launched a new multi channel campaign via creative agency Host Sydney, which sets out to give its iconic Bondi Burger a personality as spicy as its legendary Original Chilli Sauce.

With a rollout that focuses on everything from targeted local insights to consumer idiosyncrasies, the campaign It Bites Back delivers light hearted and cheeky burns across contextual OOH, radio, social and instore placements.

Says Vanessa Rowed, marketing director, Oporto: In order to drive reappraisal of Oporto and the much loved Bondi Burger, we wanted a campaign with an edge; a campaign that captured the sassy, spicy spirit inherent in both our food offering and our brand. We were thrilled that our partners Host were up for the challenge, delivering us an idea with attitude, which had us laughing from the get go.

Says Jon Austin, creative director, Host Sydney: Its not every day you get the opportunity to work on Australias most iconic burger. Its even more rare that you get to put burning the good people of Australia on your time sheets. This campaign allowed us to do both. It Bites Back was a hugely fun project, and we look forward to creating even spicier work together with Vanessa and the Oporto team in the future.
| BY Kim Shaw |

Campaign Brief Exclusive  After a magnificent award-winning ten years, Campaign Brief can reveal that chief creative officer Ant Keogh is departing Clemenger BBDO Melbourne.

In that time, Clemenger BBDO Melbourne won Campaign Brief Agency of the Year a record seven times and just won Cannes Agency of The Year 2017 and D&AD Agency of the Year 2017.

Last month, Adweek named him one of 10 Global Creative Leaders that are Reinventing the Advertising Industry.

Campaign Brief Australia has ranked him the #1 Creative Director in Australia for the past several years, and he has headed the Bestads Australian Creative Rankings for the last decade.

Says Keogh: Im leaving the agency at a time when weve just produced some of our best work and had wonderful success at Cannes (Agency of The year, 50+ Lions). On one hand, its a crazy time to leave but if you think about leaving on a high, it makes sense.

Clemenger Melbourne and the BBDO network in general is a great place, full of clever people who I was very fortunate to work with and whom I learnt a lot from. Ill miss many of them and, although Im excited by whats ahead, Im also sad to be leaving, especially since Ive enjoyed long creative relationships with James McGrath in particular (17 years or so), many of the other CDs, planners and staff in general.

At Clemenger we always took pride in creating real work that real people saw. If the work won awards, that was a bonus. I plan to continue that ethic. (Its weird to even have to make that distinction but, as we all know, the industry can lose sight of itself sometimes.) Ive always been interested in creating long-term brand platforms, big integrated campaigns and, at best, ideas that transcend advertising and reach popular culture.

In the very short term, Im taking some time out for personal creative projects while I think about the next steps.

In the future Id like to work a bit more flexibly. I have lots of ideas for digital content in mind  Im fascinated by YouTube and other online Creator platforms, especially as film re-emerges as the language of the web, with everyday tools like Instagram Stories, Facebook Live, Snapchat, and innovations like 360 film, V.R. and A.R. Its a very interesting space. 360, especially, is still in its infancy, its Charlie Chaplin phase. Theres so much ahead

My next move  I could do it in a smaller way, even out on my own (Ive been at huge agencies for 20 years or so) or perhaps Ill just find another great creative network in which to make a home. Either way, its an exciting prospect to be able to shape my own creative working environment. Whatever it looks like, Id like it to be high on effect / low on nonsense.

At times, the marketing industry can make things way more complicated than they need to be. It is a complicated media landscape we live in; very, very difficult to get a proper perspective on, so we shouldnt make it more difficult by over-complicating the simple bits.

Says James McGrath, creative chairman, Clemenger BBDO Australia: After 18 years of working together, eight years at GPYR and ten at Clemenger BBDO, Ant with a mind full of new projects and reflecting-on his next creative decade, has decided to leave us, to best pursue the next chapter with openness and independence.

He leaves on the world-beating high of Agency of the Year at Cannes, a testament to his creative leadership and extraordinary ability.

I cannot express enough the absolute privilege of working with Ant, he has made my working life an extraordinary joy and obviously marked it with brilliant productivity of the highest quality.

No doubt our collective paths will crisscross as he works in his various capacities as a creator extraordinaire.

As a copywriter, his most famous work was writing the on-going Carlton Draught Made from Beer campaign (first created in 2004), ads including Flashbeer and Big Ad which was recently voted No.1 Beer Ad of the Last 15 Years by One Show and included in the Sydney Power House Museums Top 10 Greatest Australian Ads and AdNews Top Ten Australian Ads of All Time.
| BY Lynchy |

McCann Worldgroup has appointed Jason Chia as its new Digital Tech Lead for Malaysia. Chia moves from Splash Interactive, where he held the role of Technical Lead. Chia will be based in Kuala Lumpur and is responsible for driving innovative solutions across all disciplines and clients. He will report directly to Ng Heok Seong, CCO of McCann Worldgroup Malaysia.

Chia joins McCann Worldgroup Malaysia with 10 years of digital experience. He is well equipped with programming language like VB6, PHP, Xcode iOS apps development, XML, HTML, AJAX, and Javascript, just to name a few. In 2016, Chia has also been certified as Sitefinity Business Solution Provider.

In his most recent post, he led the website development projects for 6ixty8ight e-commerce in Hong Kong, Porsche Cup in China, Citibank in Singapore and Malaysia and Costa Coffee in Singapore. Over the course of his career, Chia has also worked with many renowned local brands ranging from University of Malaya, Sunway Property, ETIKA to Media Prima.

Were very pleased to have Jason join us. His years of experience and extensive knowledge in digital will be invaluable to our agency and clients, Sean Sim, CEO, McCann Worldgroup Malaysia, said. Chia has a strong background that encompasses both local and global insights and perspective, which will allow us to create more innovative and meaningful work. The fact that Jason moonlights in a rock band just adds extra colour to the agency!
Is it OK to say 'Happy Veterans Day'? What to know about the holiday
There are the weekly assortment of summer concerts and movie nights scheduled at wineries around the region, but overall this coming weekend is on the slow side for blockbuster events. Of course, at busy venues such as Spring Gate Vineyard outside Harrisburg, Pa., and Crossing Vineyards & Winery north of Philly, there's always something going on.

Here's a look at nine events to consider.

The featured events



One of Armstrong Valley Vineyard's biggest events of the year is its SummerFest, scheduled on the winery grounds in Halifax, Dauphin County. It's what I'd call a destination winery with plenty to see, including a courtyard and enclosed patio and large events building scattered across a property that was first established in 1769. The owners also recently moved and upgraded the tasting room in one area of the 200-year-old barn that also houses the production area. SummerFest runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and includes crafters, vendors, food trucks, music and vineyard and cellar tours. Olivero's and Juniata Valley wineries also will have their wines available for tasting in addition to the home winery. You can find out more details on Armstrong Valley's Facebook page. Free admission.

Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve, located in Fairfield, Pa. (8 miles west of Gettysburg), will put on the first "Mount Hope Uncorked" event from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday. It's called a celebration of art and nature, and will feature local artisans - including a blacksmith, spinner, potter, plein air painters and more - who will demonstrate their cultural skills while wandering musicians stroll through the event. Artisans will also have some of their handmade products available for purchase. Additional stations will feature locally/sustainably made products, such as honey and mead kits, outdoor accessories, and packaged goods. Light lunch is provided by Ragged Edge Catering, included in ticket. For attendees age 21 and over, one complementary glass of wine is included with ticket. Hauser Estate Winery and Halbrendt Vineyard & Winery will be on hand for wine sales by the glass and bottle. ID required, no exceptions.The evening will conclude with a campfire, s'mores, and story tellers. This event will be held rain or shine. Tickets ($25 and $10 for children 12 and under) are available at StrawberryHill.org.

The others

Boordy Vineyards in Hydes, Baltimore County (Md.), stages what it calls a Good Life Farmers Market from 3 to 7 p.m. every Thursday from May to September. A free event, it features local music, local vendors and its top-notch wines that run from bone dry to sweet. Jay & Todd will provide the music this week, and the caterers include Brick'N'Fire Pizza Company and Lib's Grill.

One of the unique events of the weekend is the Summer Flights with Bites set from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday through Tuesday at Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery's home base in Breinigsville, Lehigh County. Its four wines will be paired with what the winery calls "four bites of summertime goodness." You will have the option to experience either the sweet or dry flight. Tickets are required and are in limited supply for this fun yet educational experience. Tickets are $12/person. Call 610.395.2468 or simply show up at the winery. For more details on what's being served, click here.

Chaddsford Winery outside Philly will hold its Wine Slushie Weekend from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Pick a featured flavor, or sample all four with a Slushie Flight. Single servings are $8 each for 10 ounces, and flights are $12 each for four 3.25-ounce samples. Live music and food. Click here for more.

Among the long-running summer concerts is the one at Naylor Wine Cellars in Stewartstown, York County. Summer Sounds will feature the popular group Mood Swings on Saturday, with gates opening at 5:30 and the event continuing until 10:30. Tickets are $15/person. Want more info? Click here.

Enjoy wine from some of Virginia's finest wineries while listening to music and visiting art, craft and food vendors at the 13th annual Horse and Hound Wine Festival on the grounds of Johnson's Orchards in Bedford, Va. Virginia's most unique wine festival has numerous events throughout Saturday with horses and dogs as the primary attractions, including the Parade of Horses, agility dogs and muskrat racing. There's also a Kiddie Korral. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. For more information, click here or here or call 540.586.3707.

The Handsome Cab (love the name) is a wine bar on North George Street in downtown York that opened a few months ago. It hold what it calls Sunday School on Sunday afternoons, tapping into different themes. This week's is Bastille Day - French Wines, starting at 2:30 and running for an hour. Cost is $30. Reservations by calling 717.793-2413. The place is open Tuesdays through Sundays.

Four Sisters Winery in Belvidere, N.J., in Warren County, runs its BBQ Sunday throughout the summer, including this Sunday. It runs from noon to 4 p.m., features a choice of pulled pork, BBQ ribs, or chicken thigh and a leg all served with two sides and bread, and will have music. Cosby Gibson will perform on July 9.

The road trips

In case you missed them, here are links to five winery road trips you can take, some single day and others probably requiring two days. More of them to come.

E
"Bringing perspectives into the western classroom is good, it opens the class to different voices and kids do appreciate it, but there's a next step and this is it because that engagement and the attendance and the real commitment to learning will come through a lot more by doing it this way and teaching it in a more culturally relevant way."
The woman testified she was clear with him about not looking for a sexual relationship, and had agreed to stay in the same bed with the man in Canberra as long as he kept his "hands to himself".
"They're very complex systems and... in today's world that's just not a guarantee we can give but we do have every confidence that we are well on our way to a very good tax time."
On May 4, President Donald Trump signed an executive order entitled Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty, and liberals everywhere shivered with terror. According to opponents, the order was an endorsement of faith-based discrimination that would be the beginning of the end for separation of church and state.

The order called upon the Secretary of the Treasury to ensure that the Department of the Treasury does not take any adverse action against any individual, house of worship, or other religious organization on the basis that such individual or organization speaks or has spoken about moral or political issues from a religious perspective. It told the Secretaries of Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services to consider issuing amended regulations, consistent with applicable law, to address conscience-based objections to the preventive-care mandate. And it told the Attorney General to issue guidance interpreting religious liberty protections in Federal law.

But the executive order doesn't actually hold weight as law, and the words themselves came across less as an order and more as a suggestion. The doom prophesied by progressives and LGBTQ activists failed to materialize, leading the majority of the media to downplay the whole thing as an empty gesturewhich might be the most dangerous thing about it.

See: According to Trump and other conservatives, religious freedom is under attack from the government, a belief he stated clearly in June at the Faith and Freedom Coalition's annual gathering, where he told a group of evangelical Christians that they were under siege.

This rhetoric has been around for years amongst the religious Right, but it ramped up again last year when a number of conservative governors started pushing state bills under the banner of religious freedom that would allow business owners to refuse service to customers if it was on the grounds of religious conviction. Proponents of these bills pointed to real world examples of people being punished for following through with their religious beliefs, like the county clerk in Kentucky who refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples and was briefly jailed for it, or the owner of a Colorado bakery who was found by an appellate court to be in violation of anti-discrimination laws when he refused to bake a wedding cake for a same-sex couple.

Trump made it a discussion point along the campaign trail (along with some anti-abortion talk), and after half a year in the Oval Office, the Christian Right has been getting antsy about seeing some results. In this light, the knee-jerk reaction that the executive order was an attack on womens reproductive rights or antigay is a bit disingenuous. The truth behind the order is probably less sinister and even more worrisome.

On Trump's part, the order can possibly be seen as a token to the far-right conservative Christians who got him into officethe return of a favor. On their part, the order isn't a strike against women or the LGBTQ community, it's a strike against acts that they sincerely believe are wrong. That's actually more terrifying, since it implies that a person's religious beliefsno matter how contrary they are to popular opinionshould overrule agreed upon federal law.

What's weird about it is that the evangelical Christian groups who support these changes don't seem to realize that if they become law, they'll apply to all religious beliefs. They've apparently forgotten that there's more to America than just evangelicals and atheists. The shortsightedness of this track is frightening. Beyond arguments of whether or not the goals of President Trump and the religious Right are correct or ethical, by starting down this path of religious liberty and allowing religious convictions to override federal medical coverage laws, the way will be made clear for all sorts of future wackiness.

If Christian employers are given a pass to offering insurance that covers contraceptives, then will Scientologist employers be allowed to withhold coverage for psychiatric care? (Scientologists absolutely hate psychiatry. They even built a museum in Los Angeles called Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Museum.) Or will followers of Christian Science (a belief system that up until 2010 disavowed medical science as a sham and forbade members of the church to visit doctors, instead relying on the power of prayer) be allowed to not offer health insurance at all? Let's see  Snake handlers? Satanists?

While this choke hold on healthcare is bad enough on its own, an even scarier part of the order was the portions that dealt with adverse action against religious organizations for speaking about moral or political issues from a religious perspective. This might sound benevolent enough, but it refers to another campaign promise Trump made to evangelicals: to repeal the Johnson Amendmenta provision in the US tax code that prohibits all 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations from endorsing or opposing specific political candidates. These organizations range from churches and charities to universities. The idea behind the provision is to protect voters from being unduly influenced by spiritual or community leaders when they visit the polls. The law doesn't bar these organizations from taking political stances, just from endorsing candidates. I'm sure Trump imagines his name being preached from pulpits when he thinks of killing the damned thing.

But President Trump knows he can't just get rid of the Johnson Amendment, no matter what he told voters on the campaign trail. His hands are likewise tied when it comes to insurance coverage for birth control. So in this sense, the order doesn't officially do anything.

It does, however, tell the people who can do something to expect his support. Like Attorney General Jeff Sessions (reportedly a devout Christian), to whom the order is given to issue guidance interpreting religious liberty protections in Federal law. Or Secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Price (who is staunchly anti-abortion and has voted against funding for Planned Parenthood), who is one of the people asked to consider issuing amended regulations, consistent with applicable law, to address conscience-based objections to the preventive-care mandate.

Depending on how these people decide to go forward with the president's order, we could be opening a box that will prove troublesome to close. Already, the rippling effects can be seen. Late in May, the White House announced that the federal mandate requiring employers to provide health coverage for contraception was being rewritten. The Office of Management and Budgets website lists the rulethe details of which are unknownas an interim final rule that's pending regulatory review. It's almost a certainty that the new rule will be in line with the president's executive order, and if that happens, it will just be a matter of waiting for the other shoe to drop. Ah, freedom.
This blog was authored by Paul Rascagneres



Executive Summary

We recently wrote about the KONNI Remote Access Trojan (RAT) which has been distributed by a small number of campaigns over the past 3 years. We have identified a new distribution campaign which took place on 4th July. The malware used in this campaign has similar features to that distributed earlier in 2017 with the following changes:



A new decoy document copy/pasted from an article published on the 3rd of July by Yonhap News Agency in Korea;

The dropper includes a 64 bit version of KONNI;

A new CC infrastructure consisting of a climbing club website. North Korea conducted a test missile launch on 3rd July. This campaign appears to be directly related to the launch and the ensuing discussion of North Korean missile technology. This is consistent with previous KONNI distribution campaigns which have also frequently mentioned North Korea.

"N.K. marks anniversary of strategic force, touting missile capabilities" campaign

We identified an executable file, SHA-256 hash sum: 33f828ad462c414b149f14f16615ce25bd078630eee36ad953950e0da2e2cc90, which when opened displays the following Office document:



The content of the document is a copy/pasted from an article published on July 3rd by Yonhap News Agency in Korea. In addition to displaying this document, the malicious executable also drops 2 different versions of KONNI:



C:\Users\Users\AppData\Local\MFAData\event\eventlog.dll (64 bit) C:\Users\Users\AppData\Local\MFAData\event\errorevent.dll (32 bit)

On 64 bit versions of Windows, both files are dropped; on 32 bit versions of Windows, only errorevent.dll, the 32 bit version is dropped. Unlike previous campaigns, both binaries are packed with ASPack. In both cases, the dropped malware is immediately executed via rundll32.exe with one of the following registry keys created to ensure that the malware persists and is executed on rebooting the compromised system:



HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\RTHDVCPE HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\RTHDVCP

This attack uses a new Command & Control infrastructure hosted on the following domain:

member-daumchk[.]netai[.]net

The CnC traffic of KONNI takes place as HTTP post requests to web pages hosted as /weget/download.php, /weget/uploadtm.php or /weget/upload.php on the domain itself.

The attackers have gone to some effort to disguise the website as a legitimate climbing club.

Here is a screenshot of the website:



However, the website does not contain real text, only the default text of the Content Management System (CMS).

Additionally, the website contains a contacts section with an address in USA, but the map below the address is in Korean and points to a location in Seoul, South Korea:

Conclusion

The KONNI malware distributed as part of this campaign is similar to previous versions that we have identified this year. The attackers have added a 64 bit version and used a packer to complicate analysis. This campaign is directly related to current events and is clearly 'fresh'. The binary was compiled on July 4th, the decoy document was published on July 3rd.

The threat actors associated with KONNI typically use decoy documents relating to North Korea, and this campaign is no exception. However, in contrast to the convincing decoy document lifted from a third party, the content of the decoy website hosted on the CnC server does not look legitimate. The text content is not consistent with the website navigation, and the contacts page contains a mis-match of a US address with a Korean map.

Nevertheless, this threat actor continues to remain active, and continues to develop updated versions of their malware. Organisations which may have an interest in the contents of this decoy document, and that used in previous campaigns should ensure that they are adequately protected against this and subsequent campaigns.

Coverage



Additional ways our customers can detect and block this threat are listed below.

Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) is ideally suited to prevent the execution of the malware used by these threat actors.

CWS or WSA web scanning prevents access to malicious websites and detects malware used in these attacks.

Email Security can block malicious emails sent by threat actors as part of their campaign.

The Network Security protection of IPS and NGFW have up-to-date signatures to detect malicious network activity by threat actors.

AMP Threat Grid helps identify malicious binaries and build protection into all Cisco Security products.

Umbrella, our secure internet gateway (SIG), blocks users from connecting to malicious domains, IPs, and URLs, whether users are on or off the corporate network

IOC

File hashes

Dropper: 33f828ad462c414b149f14f16615ce25bd078630eee36ad953950e0da2e2cc90

32 Bits binary: 290b1e2415f88fc3dd1d53db3ba90c4a760cf645526c8240af650751b1652b8a

64 bits binary: 8aef427aba54581f9c3dc923d8464a92b2d4e83cdf0fd6ace00e8035ee2936ad

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Former Miss Ireland Olivia Tracey, is something of a pin-up for older Irish women.

A model turned actress, grey hair didn't bother her and she embraced the silver ones in Hollywood and LA with aplomb.

Indeed on Tuesday, she turned heads as she strutted the catwalk as a slender, confident model who turns 57 next Tuesday.

What the older woman wants from their clothes is a frustrating conundrum for the over 40s, who resist being pushed off into a style cul de sac of waterfall collars, elasticated waists and a colour palette of silvers, beige and turquoise.

Tracey yesterday proved to an audience of fashion conscious millennials and social media influencers that women over 50 can look equally good in trends which younger women might think is their fashion hood.

She wore multi-floral print dress from Max&Co, a new brand to the store, with a nutmeg plaited Ralph Lauren belt, Rebecca Minkoff bag and boots..

Cue the requests: "Hey, Olivia, can I borrow your clothes?" Olivia looked equally as smart, and relevant, in her maxi green print Caractere silk dress (280) and Luisa Cerano black trousers with red, go-faster stripe, red puffa worn with sharp white shirt and trainers.

Valerie O'Neill, Arnotts fashion buying director, said the Henry Street store was this season celebrating ageless style.

"Fashion is about expressing your individual style and exuding confidence and we have brands presenting contemporary catwalk-inspired looks to meet the demands of the modern Irish women of every age and occasion."

bridesmaid dress | cheap bridesmaid dresses
Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact.

Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here.

Care2 Stands With: humanitarians, animal lovers, feminists, rabble-rousers, nature-buffs, creatives, the naturally curious, and people who really love to do the right thing.

You are our people. You Care. We Care2.
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos took over the Education department, first and foremost, to move the ball forward on school choice, her long-time passion. Shes been in the job less than six months, but already, time may be running out to get a sweeping school choice initiative over the finish line, at least this year.

One big reason: There have been broad, school choice proposals floated, but no details.

The Trump administration has been signaling for months that it may push for a federal tax credit scholarship program, allowing individuals and companies to get a break on their taxes if they donate to a scholarship-granting organization. That could help low-income or special needs students cover private school. But its July, and there arent specifics on that. (Sources say that there could be details soon, however.)

President Donald Trumps budget includes some new initiatives aimed at ramping up school choice, including $250 million for a private school voucher demonstration program, and allowing $1 billion in Title I money to follow students to the public school of their choice. But, again, there are ton of questionsboth big picture and nitty-grittyabout how those proposals would work

Maybe more importantly, Republicans in Congress dont seem terribly excited about the school choice proposals in the budget, which come at the expense of long-standing education programs. And lawmakersand maybe even the Trump administrationdont seem poised to include the tax credit scholarships as part of a broader overhaul of the tax code, the most likely vehicle. (More on that below).

If a major new school choice program doesnt gain traction in either a tax rewrite, or the budget bill, it may not happen this year.

Theyre losing their window to get this done, said John Bailey, who worked on education in the White House during President George W. Bushs tenure. We dont have all the details we need.

So what do we still need to know about DeVos school choice initiatives? And whats their political prognosis? Heres a rundown.

What are the specifics on the private school choice program?

We know the Trump administration wants to allocate $250 million to states and/or school districts for private school choice. And we know this will be voluntary. But there are a bunch of other questions: How big would these grants be? How many states or districts would get them?

Some states, like choice-friendly Arizona, are all but counting on the money, said Mike Griffith, a school finance analyst who works with the Education Commission of the States. But, despite DeVos assurances that the program wont be mandated, other states are worried that the feds are going to force something on them, Griffith said.

The power of the grants, too, will depend on their size and how many states or districts end up receiving them. If 10 states qualify and you take that $250 million and it ends up being, like five bucks per kid, then its not going to be much of a game-changer, Griffith said.

The Trump administration wants to place the program in the Education Innovation and Research program. That opens up a whole different can of worms, as my colleague Sarah Sparks wrote here .

How would the Title I portability program work?

The Trump administrations budget called for making about $1 billion portable, meaning the money could follow students to the public school of their choice. It seems the Trump administration is eyeing a pilot program in the Every Student Succeeds Act that allows districts to try out a weighted student funding formula. In fact, the administration put a notice in the Federal Register last month, asking for comment on how the pilot should worka sign that the department wants to get going on it.

Districts that participate in the pilot can combine federal, state, and local dollars into a single funding stream tied to individual students. English-language learners, kids in poverty, and students in special educationall of whom cost more to educatewould carry with them more money than other students. Some districts, including Denver, are already using this type of formula with state and local dollars.

But changing the way that Title I dollars flow would likely require congressional approval, said Max Eden, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a conservative think tank. Thats far from a sure thing.

Whats more, Title I doesnt function like a straight-up scholarship. Schools within the same state might get different amounts of money per kid due to factors like concentrations of poverty, Griffith said.

It starts to get very confusing with Title I, though, because the formula is based on density, he said.

The Trump administration will need to sort out what happens, for example, when a Title I-eligible student decides to take their federal money to a non-Title I school, potentially bringing with them new requirements.

Whatever happened to the federal tax credit scholarship program?

Trump gave a shout-out to Denisha Merriweather, who benefitted from Floridas tax credit scholarship program, in his first speech to Congress . He also dropped by the Sunshine State to visit a school that benefits from the initiative. That had everyone expecting a big tax credit scholarship proposal, possibly based on legislation introduced by Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Rep. Todd Rokita, R-Ind., in short order. But we havent seen any concrete proposals from the administration on this front yet, although that could change soon.

But getting a proposal over the finish line is another story. It seems that lawmakers arent wild about the idea of attaching the federal tax-credit scholarship program to a broader tax-reform package . That means there may not be a legislative vehicle for the program. And White House officials have indicated that the tax credit scholarship is something they would be willing to compromise away, one source said.

Its unlikely to move as part of a tax reform plan, which to me says its unlikely to move at all, Eden said.

Will Congress go for any of this?

We know this much: Its not a slam dunk.

Republicans may control Congress. But they arent exactly jumping for joy over the school choice proposals in Trumps budget request, especially because they are paid for in part by cuts to popular programs, like after-school funding.

In fact, Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., the chairman of the panel that oversees K-12 spending, told DeVos in a recent hearing that her budget request was difficult to defend. And even Trump administration allies, like Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., pressed DeVos on how a Title I public school choice initiative was different than the Obama administrations approach of using competitive grants to drive its agenda.

Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 .
Not content with its petrol-powered R8, Audi is reportedly pondering an all-electric supercar. Yep, another one, despite the short-lived R8 e-tron only being killed off late last year.



According to Audi research and development boss Peter Mertens, the German brand is eager to have another halo electric model in its range, most likely in the form of a high-performance supercar.

The question is would I like to make it happen soon? and the answer is yes, of course. For a brand like Audi, a supercar is always interesting and its a segment in which we have been playing. We have been a very serious player, Mertens said.

During a chat with Autocar, Mertens hinted that any future electric supercar could be developed alongside Porsche in a bid to accelerate its development and combine the EV expertise from the two VW Group companies. If this were to happen, the new vehicle would feature 800-volt fast-charging like the Porsche Mission-E.

800V puts a significant extra cost on the bill. We need to evaluate whether customers will be prepared to pay that In segments like super-sports cars, the answer will be yes, no doubt about it, Mertens said.

The Audi R8 e-tron endured a tumultuous history and was first conceived almost a decade ago. Numerous concepts were presented and in 2012, the car was given the go-ahead for production. However, then Audi development boss Wolfgang Durheimer killed the project in 2013 before it was restarted by Durheimers successor, Ulrich Hackenberg. After 19 months on the market, production of the supercar ended last year with less than 100 examples sold.

PHOTO GALLERY
The Every Student Succeeds Act offers states an opportunity to make plans that will build career readiness into their school systems. How are they doing with that so far? Pretty good in some ways, and not so good in others. Thats the finding of a new analysis of states ESSA plans.

A study released Thursday examines the plans submitted this spring by 16 states and the District of Columbia, and finds some nice career-focused work, especially on accountability, but also a host of missed opportunities.

The fact that experts are studying states plans to build career readiness represents a significant shift from recent years, when the career part of the college-and-career-readiness buzz-phrase typically got overlooked.

In the wake of the Great Recession, and soaring levels of college debt, many have begun to question the value of four-year degrees, and states are focusing much more on making sure students have the skills to earn a good living. High school career and technical education is getting renewed attention as a way to build work skills and a pathway that includes postsecondary training or college study.

So what are states doing to build the career part of college and career readiness into their systems? Advance CTE, an organization of state CTE leaders, and Education Strategy Group, a Washington consulting firm, examined Round 1 of states ESSA plans to answer that question. By examining the first group of plans, the two groups hope to influence the plans submitted in Round 2 this fall, and to pressure states to turn good ideas into concrete commitments.

There are clear opportunities for states to leverage ESSA to bring the career in college and career readiness to life for all students ... We encourage states to draw on stakeholder inputwhich often surfaced a desire for stronger systems of career preparationto design and implement more concrete strategies related to career readiness, the report says.

Career Readiness: What Are States Plans?

The new report evaluates plans through four key sections of ESSA that lend themselves to building career readiness: its accountability provisions; the block grant under Title IV thats meant to support a well-rounded education, teacher professional-development opportunities in Title II, and direct student services.

Accountability is the tool most states chose as a lever to produce career-readiness. Eleven of the 17 states that submitted plans in Round 1 built some kind of career readiness measure into their accountability systems, and three more said they planned to do so soon.

The report noted that no state chose to do this through its academic standards (though Colorado and Tennessee are working on it), something the authors consider a significant missed opportunity. But states did include various measures of career readiness in the way theyll judge schools. North Dakota, for instance, created a profile of a choice-ready high school graduate that blends college-level expectations with career-focused work or plans to enter the military.

Fifteen states also used the well-rounded education provision, saying that federal money should support local CTE, but half were pretty vague about their plans, the report said. The money from this block grant flows to districts, but states can influence how its spent. Massachusetts was among the more-specific in its plans for this money: it will use the grant money to support students movement through nontraditional CTE pathways.

States didnt make much use of the other ESSA provisions for leverage, though. Only two took advantage of Title IIs professional-development money for integrating career and technical education into academic instruction, and those states described their ideas, but didnt commit money to them.

The report has a breakdown of each states plans in the four areas of ESSA t he authors examined. Check out the details and see how your states planor its draft plan, still in the makingstacks up.

For more on measuring career readiness, see:

Should Schools Test the Career Half of College and Career Readiness?

Is DeVos Sending Mixed Messages on Advanced Courses and Accountability?

Image: Istockphoto
The European Union and Japan set aside their differences and reached a preliminary political agreement, paving the way for a free-trade agreement thats been in the works for years.



The said differences were focused on car and farm goods exports, with the agreement having EU to drop its 10 percent import duty on Japanese cars while Japan is expanding its access to European farm goods, as reported by Bloomberg.

Weve reached political agreement on an EU-Japan trade deal at the ministerial level, EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom said on Twitter. We now recommend to leaders to confirm this at summit.

The new deal will become EUs largest free-trade agreement, as the bloc is seeking to boost its open-market credentials in the face of Donald Trumps moves to challenge the global trade order. Analysts say that this new free trade agreement is a direct answer to Trump pulling out of a Trans-Pacific commerce agreement in January.

The new deal will eliminate 99 percent of todays tariffs when fully engaged according to an official who asked to remain unnamed because the proceedings are private. Japanese car makers have repeatedly expressed their complaints to their government for not having a trade deal with EU, saying that they are losing out to South Korean companies who already enjoy a trade deal with Europe.

PHOTO GALLERY
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Cummins have been slapped with a class-action lawsuit over an engine issue affecting select 2013-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles.



According to the lawsuit filed by Hagens Berman, the engine of these heavy-duty pickups has a defect that results in higher emissions, lower gas mileage and potentially expensive repairs.

The lawsuit says that Cummins 6.7-liter V8 diesel has a selective catalytic converter system that can break down over time and eventually become clogged. In order for the engine to continue running, more fuel has to be burned.

The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, also claims that FCAs attempted fix involving an engine ECU re-flash has failed to resolve the problem and that fuel economy of affected vehicles is up to 25 per cent less than it should be.

As a result, the lawsuit is going after the two companies for breach of warranty, violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, fraudulent concealment and violations of several state consumer protection laws.

Off Road reports that both FCA and Cummins are suing each other over the issue, suggesting that the other party should pay for the required repairs.

PHOTO GALLERY
Photo: Twitter

Police are calling it a case of road rage.

A 58-year-old Kingston, Ont., motorist is accused of biting a pedestrian who yelled at him.

Investigators say the pedestrian was trying to cross a street on the afternoon of July 1, when the accused allegedly ran a red light.

They say the pedestrian yelled at the driver, who allegedly got out of his car, lunged at the pedestrian and bit him on the nose.

They say the suspect surrendered to police in Monday evening and was charged with assault.
Photo: Contributed Harpreet Singh Sandhu was shot and killed in July 2011.

A man has been arrested and charged for a six-year-old murder in South Vancouver.

Heval Hishyar Tilli has been charged with the second-degree murder of 21-year-old Harpreet Singh Sandhu, stemming from a shooting on July 25, 2011.

Sandhu had been involved in a verbal altercation with a group of young people near Sparwood Park, when someone pulled out a gun.

Sandhu was shot in the back as he attempted to run away. He was found bleeding on Arlington Street, and later died.

Witnesses provided little co-operation with investigators at the time, but police hope there are people who decide to come forward now that a charge has been laid.

We are aware that there are other witnesses to this murder that have been afraid to come forward or to cooperate with the police investigation, said Const. Jason Doucette in a news release. Now that charges have been laid, we are again appealing to those people to have the courage to speak up and clear their conscience.

Anyone with information about the shooting can reach the Vancouver Police Department at 604-171-2500, or anonymously to CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

- with files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: The Canadian Press

Royal Canadian Air Force commander Lt.-Gen. Mike Hood is pushing back against critics who say the Liberal government is taking too long to launch a competition for new fighter jets.

Those critics include more than a dozen of Hood's predecessors, who have blasted the Liberals for delaying the competition to replace Canada's aging CF-18s until 2019.

They and others allege that a competition could be launched much faster, and that the delay is simply part of a plan to buy Super Hornet fighter jets instead of the F-35.

But Hood says the government is being prudent, as choosing the right fighter jet for Canada is a big decision, particularly since it will likely be flying for the next 40 years.

The Liberals' recently released defence policy promises Canada will buy 88 new fighter jets, an increase from the 65 promised by the previous Conservative government.

Hood says having the extra fighters will give Canada much-needed flexibility in meeting its defence needs both at home and with NATO.
Photo: Colin Dacre Elvena Slump and Helen Trevors

A special interest group in Penticton wants to be involved in the planning and execution of 2018s civic elections.

Helen Trevors and Elvena Slump, members of Penticton Citizens First, visited council on Tuesday to ask for permission to install volunteer scrutineers from their group, which would also be able to ask for a manual recount should there be any doubt with the vote count.

Slump told councillors that long lines during the 2014 civic elections in Penticton created distrust within the electorate, "voting should not be an endurance contest on seniors or those physically challenged.

Council previously committed to opening a second polling station, holding a third advance voting day and installing a requirement of 10 local signatures for candidates to run in response to complaints over how the election was conducted.

Slump praised council for those steps, but maintained they did not go far enough.

We believe, to restore trust in the community it is essential that city council give us permission to have a manual vote count in the event that there is any dissatisfaction by our scrutineers on the vote count, she said.

Existing legislation already allows each candidate to appoint their own scrutineer to oversee voting, which isnt something Penticton Citizens First is looking to interfere with.

Slump was not able to explain what exactly the volunteer scrutineers would be doing differently than those appointed by the candidates, besides that they would be an independent group of volunteers.

She admitted it could be difficult to find volunteers that have no opinion or bias on the outcome of the election, but believes they would follow the rules while working in an election setting.

Im not sure that I would be looking for an already-identified group, said Coun. Campbell Watt, adding he could be open to the idea if the volunteers came from the community at large.

Coun. Tarik Sayeed followed up, and asked what council should do if another independent group came forward looking to oversee elections.

Slump noted they would have to draw the line somewhere, because you cant have 75 scrutineers in a polling station.

The request was eventually referred back to staff, so the city can check on Elections B.C. guidelines and with the local school district, who also have names on the ballot.
Photo: Facebook Ronald Learning has been sentenced to six years prison for gun and drugs charges.

A B.C. Supreme Court judged railed against the proliferation of gun crime during a sentencing hearing for a Vernon man involved in the drug trade, who was found with a number of loaded weapons in his home.

Ronald Learning, 34, was sentenced Wednesday to six years in federal prison for 26 convictions; 22 related to weapons offences, the others for drug trafficking and possession of false identification.

Gun violence is growing in our society and needs to be taken into account, said Justice G.P. Weatherill in B.C. Supreme Court in Vernon. It is a scourge.

Learning was arrested by RCMP in January 2015, four days after a large quantity of Thai heroin was found by Canada Border Services Agency staff at Vancouver International Airport.

RCMP removed the 363.6 grams of heroin, packed the shipment with fake drugs and then kept the box under surveillance. Learning was arrested in Vernon when he tried to pick it up.

A search of his home uncovered four handguns, ammunition, more than $10,000 in cash, false ID and drugs. Three of the guns were loaded and one was hidden under a mattress.

Weatherill said there was overwhelming evidence Learning was a mid- to high-level drug trafficker who knew the risks and consequences his business had on the community.

The justice rejected the defence's proposed 26-month sentence for Learning's crimes as entirely unfit. The Crown had sought seven to nine years, but Weatherill added six years to the nine year sentence Learning is already serving in Saskatchewan for acting as a courier in a major drug trafficking operation.

He has also been slapped with a lifetime firearms ban and ordered to submit to a DNA test.
Photo: Wikipedia File photo of a swather.

The BC Coroner's Service is investigating after a fatal accident involving farm machinery on Gulch Road in Spallumcheen early Tuesday evening.

The Armstrong/Spallumcheen fire department was called to the scene at 5:34 p.m. to a vehicle off the road and down a bank.

We arrived and determined the male occupant was deceased, said Fire Chief Ian Cummings.

The man had been driving a swather when the accident occurred.

We had to do an extrication. It was a challenging extrication because our guys were working on a bank. They were very difficult circumstances.

The fire crew didn't leave the scene until 1:30 a.m., Cummings said.

A spokesperson for the coroner said an investigation into the sudden death of a male at that location was underway.
Alanna Kelly

UPDATE: 6 a.m.

Investigators will return to the scene of Wednesday's evening's house fire on the Westbank First Nation today.

West Kelowna assistant fire chief Darren Lee said crews watched the scene overnight to monitor for hotspots.

Firefighters responded to two-alarm blaze on the 2100 block of Madera Court about 5 p.m..

When the first crews arrived, the fire had already escaped the garage area of the home and had spread into the attic and the main floor living area. Flames and radiant heat were threatening a neighbouring home, which did sustain some minor heat damage.

Once the garage fire was knocked down, a second crew worked on the interior of the home and attic.

Lee said precautions had to be taken to protect firefighters from working in the heat. Firefighters rotated through a rehabilitation station with paramedics to stay cool.

WKFR responded with four engines, a water tender, ladder truck and three command units, for a total of 27 firefighters on scene. Additional units were called to backfill the Westbank and Lakeview Heights firehalls during the incident. The standby crews responded to eight additional emergency calls during the structure fire.

RCMP, BC Ambulance, BC Hydro and Fortis gas also responded.

Emergency Support Services housed the four adults and one child who were displaced by the fire.

Fire and smoke damage was extensive, with significant portions of roof being completely burned away, while the basement suffered smoke and water damage.

UPDATE: 7:45 p.m.

Neighbours living in Sonoma Pines called 911 after they saw smoke coming out of a garage on their street.

"I noticed the smoke coming out of the garage, it was a grey-ish smoke at that point. Within minutes it just changed," said a neighbour. "By the time I turned around there were already flames coming out of the garage, the car was on fire and that was less than four minutes."

Firefighters on scene said no one was injured and it is not clear at this time what caused the fire.

The investigation is ongoing.

UPDATE: 5:50 p.m.

Castanet has learned the owners of the home that burned in the Sonoma Pines neighbourhood were not home at the time of the fire.

They were not far away at the Westbank Centre kids spray park, when their young son noticed smoke rising from the blaze.

They returned to find their home engulfed, they told Castanet as they watched firefighters douse the flames.

UPDATE: 5:35 p.m.

A neighbour near the fire says the entire house is burning, and flames are licking through the roof.

Claire Rijke says it didn't appear that the owners were in the area, and it wasn't clear how the fire started.

Another witness says the house looks to be completely destroyed.

ORIGINAL: 5:20 p.m.

Fire crews are responding to a house fire in West Kelowna, where flames are reportedly coming from all floors of the home.

The fully engulfed home is burning on Madera Court, near Sonoma Pines Drive, on Westbank First Nation land.

Several fire trucks rushed to the scene to fight the large blaze.

Castanet has a reporter heading to the scene, and this story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Every day, one thousand people are returning via the Baw Gate, which is on the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, said U Moe Gyo, chair of the Joint Action Committee for Burma Affairs (JACBA).

In addition to the Baw Gate, he added that the workers are streaming in through the Ye Le Kyun, 999 and Kyauk Lone Gyi gates, which are all located at the Mae Sot-Myawaddy border.

The workers began to flee Thailand at the end June after new, stringent labor protocols and fines were announced.

According to the new regulations, workers who cannot show their permit during an inspection can be fined 10,000 baht. If the employer or job listed on the work permit is incorrect, the workers can be fined 100,000 baht, while employers who hire unregistered workers or those with a permit from another employer can face a fine between 400,000 and 800,000 baht.

In an effort to appease panicked employers as workers began clearing out of Thailand in the wake of the announcement, the Thai government declared a 120-day grace period before the new regulations can go into effect.

Nevertheless, many undocumented workers chose to leave for fear of police raids and crackdowns.

We were sent back [home] because we dont have passports or visas. We came back after paying 3,500 baht as we were afraid of the police. I didnt have money so I had to borrow from my friend. I dont plan to go back to work in Thailand. I will open a motorcycle repair shop in my own hometown, said Ko Wai Yan Phyo from Okkan in Yangon, who returned via Mae Sot-Myawaddy border crossing.

Thailand has long struggled to bring its substantial migrant labor force into the legal fold. Labor activists have criticized the kingdom for its kaleidoscopic document requirements, which shift frequently, often leading to confusion and exploitation by brokers.

Ko Ye Min, from the Thailand-based Aid Alliance Committee, said many of the Myanmar migrant workers may return to Thailand once workers assistance groups help sort out the right paperwork.

Officially, between 2 and 4 million migrant workers are employed in Thailand, forming the country's low-skilled, economic backbone. But rights activists say the number, especially of undocumented workers, is much higher.
Photo: City of Penticton Proposed hotel site

Penticton City Council has given a final stamp of approval to a 95-room hotel proposed for former bingo hall property on Eckhardt Ave.

The decision followed a brief public hearing Tuesday, that saw just two people come forward with concerns.

One, a resident of nearby Caribou Street, was worried the project would exacerbate the problem of casino staff parking on her road, along with an increase of traffic towards the beach. City staff said they would be looking at installing "resident only" parking on Caribou once the results of the city-wide parking review are complete.

Gateway Casinos is also entering a long-term lease for a new staff parking lot at the corner of Eckhardt and Highway 97. Casino general manager Michael Magnusson noted that hotel staff will be invited to park in the lot.

The other concerned resident believed the property was a missed opportunity for the city to acquire new parkland.

Council unanimously endorsed the plan put forward by Mundi Hotel Enterprises, with Mayor Andrew Jakubeit noting it has been a very long time since the community had a new full service hotel built.

The $13.8M, four-storey Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites will need to be rubber stamped by the Ministry of Transportation, due to its proximity to Highway 97. The hotel will aim to open in 2018.
Photo: sheknows/com

By Fiona Patterson

Do you remember the first time you had sex?

Perhaps it was a romantic experience with your high-school sweetheart.

Perhaps it was spontaneous and you were nervous.

Perhaps it was something youd rather forget.

Now, fast forward through the years. Do you remember the first time you had sex after you had a baby?

Odds are, you had a lot of reservations, hoped for a pain-free and possibly intimate experience, and the outcome was unforgettable.

But aside from the discomfort and simply trying to find time to have sex between feedings, diaper changes, and the never-ending quest to get baby to sleep, theres a bigger concern haunting a womans sex drive post baby: desire.

Your relationship with sex changes across the lifespan.

During some seasons of life you may be more interested in sex, or more inclined to be experimental and playful.

In other times, you may have little to no interest and struggle to engage fully during sex. For many women, the latter occurs after pregnancy and can be a source of turmoil for a marriage.

Women assert that its not as though they arent attracted to their partner any more, or that they dont want to have sex, its that the spark, the fire, the desire, just isnt there.

So what happened?

There are so many hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, the shift in estrogen and progesterone being a major one.

Estrogen, a hormone responsible for the growth and development of female sex characteristics, reproduction, sexual function, and has an impact on mood, increases in pregnancy.

Progesterone, a hormone predominantly responsible for the nourishment of the fetus through the placenta and plays a role in mood, also increases during pregnancy.

As these hormones increase dramatically, blood flow strengthens to the genitals and libido can spike. But as estrogen and progesterone increase during pregnancy, many women also experience mood changes, emotional instability, headaches, and a host of other unpleasant symptoms.

While a pregnant woman may feel sexually charged, she can, simultaneously, also feel like she doesnt want to be touched.

After pregnancy, there is a sharp decline in estrogen, progesterone, and also testosterone (yes, women have testosterone, too), the hormone often cited as the hormone of desire.

Normally, these hormones work in harmony with one another to impact sexual desire, but their levels become so dysregulated in the days, weeks, and months after pregnancy that sex and desire may completely fall off a womans radar.

These changes are physiological and largely out of a womans control.

Combine these radical changes with breastfeeding, fatigue, navigating the needs of a newborn, mood changes like post-partum baby blues or even depression, physical changes to the body, maybe caring for additional children, and the mere idea of being intimate is the very last thing on a womans mind.

Undoubtedly, at some point, the lack of sexual intimacy catches up to a partnership.

As empathic and patient as partners can be, their sexual needs are going unmet and this can have a negative impact on a relationship. Spouses and partners may feel rejected, unloved, undesirable.

Sexual withdrawal from a new mom and the rejection felt by a spouse can result in a cycle of arguments and possibly disengagement from the relationship to a certain degree. So what can be done? How does a woman reclaim her sex drive, thus re-establishing a healthy sexual relationship with her partner?

Communicate : Partners should communicate their thoughts, feelings and fears about intimacy and sex so that the challenges are clear and solutions can be explored.

: Partners should communicate their thoughts, feelings and fears about intimacy and sex so that the challenges are clear and solutions can be explored. Explore Solutions : Couples can discuss the ways they can increase and improve sex, perhaps establishing a time and place, and boundaries with touch, foreplay etc.

: Couples can discuss the ways they can increase and improve sex, perhaps establishing a time and place, and boundaries with touch, foreplay etc. Try self-pleasure: Masturbation can be a healthy way to regain interest and desire in sex and intimacy.

Masturbation can be a healthy way to regain interest and desire in sex and intimacy. Fake It til you make it: Sometimes, it can be appropriate to try having sex even when youre not totally up for it. This may sound controversial, and consent is always paramount, but every now and then, doing the sexual things you once enjoyed but are now avoiding may help reduce fears and discomfort and help move the relationship forward. Ask your partner to be gentle and patient. You may be surprised with this tactic.

Sometimes, it can be appropriate to try having sex even when youre not totally up for it. This may sound controversial, and consent is always paramount, but every now and then, doing the sexual things you once enjoyed but are now avoiding may help reduce fears and discomfort and help move the relationship forward. Ask your partner to be gentle and patient. You may be surprised with this tactic. Be patient: It can take a year or longer for the body to heal fully from pregnancy and for hormones to level out.

Talk to you doctor about alternative solutions.

Sex after a baby will be different, but it doesnt have to be scary, painful, or bad. Approaching sex and intimacy from a place of patience, openness, and curiosity can help re-establish a healthy sex life.

Fiona Patterson has a masters degree in counselling psychology and is a registered clinical counsellor in private practice in Kelowna. Visit www.counsellingkelowna.com for more information.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
Photo: Canadian Whale Institute

An endangered North Atlantic right whale has been freed after getting entangled in fishing gear near the area where six other whales were found dead.

Tonya Wimmer of the Marine Animal Response Society says the large whale was cut free of the fishing line in its mouth after it was spotted by an aerial surveillance plane in the Gulf of St. Lawrence on Wednesday afternoon

She says the whale didn't appear to have been snarled in the mess of gear for very long, and appeared to not have suffered serious injuries.

The discovery comes after six of the massive animals were found floating in the gulf, with two suffering injuries consistent with ship strikes and a third dying from an entanglement in fishing gear.

Kim Davies of Dalhousie University's Department of Oceanography says one of the six has now drifted close to shore on the Magdalen Islands.

Wimmer says they are discussing sending a team to the island to do an animal autopsy on the whale to determine its cause of death, as had been done in three others.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Photos of spectacular icebergs on social media are drawing visitors from all over the world to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Bob Currie of Discovery Sea Adventures in Bonavista says there are three massive bergs near the town that can be reached by boat, including one grounded in 120 metres of water.

There have also been regular sightings farther north near Twillingate and St. Anthony, and south toward St. John's.

He says pack ice meant a slow start to the boat tour season but the trade-off is giant ice sculptures.

In April, the U.S. Coast Guard International Ice Patrol said strong winds helped pull about 673 icebergs into North Atlantic shipping lanes.

That's almost as many as were counted during last year's entire ice season ending in late September.
Photo: The Canadian Press Peter Julian

B.C. NDP MP Peter Julian is dropping out out of the race to lead the federal New Democrats.

Julian  the first contender to enter the race  made the announcement at a news conference today in Ottawa.

The veteran MP for New Westminster-Burnaby was one of five candidates so far to join the race to replace Tom Mulcair at the helm of the party.

Other current contenders include MPs Niki Ashton, Charlie Angus, Guy Caron and Ontario legislator Jagmeet Singh.

The next leadership debate is scheduled to take place in Saskatoon on July 11, followed by events in Victoria and Montreal in August and one in Vancouver in September.

Online voting in the leadership race will begin on September 18 and results will be announced in October after each round of balloting.
The Peace Process Steering Team (PPST) announced on July 2 that it would undertake the survey.

The team, compromised of representatives from the eight ethnic armed groups party to the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA), met in Chiang Mai, Thailand from June 28 to July 2, according to team spokesperson Yebaw Than Khe, who is also chair of the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF).

We will start discussions about the review at the KNUs headquarters in Law Khee Lah on July 20. We will discuss the outcome of the meeting with the government, the Tatmadaw, the other ethnic armed organizations and political parties in August, he said.

He added that the review is necessary as glitches have occurred in the current, NCA-guided peace process, such as issues preventing some signatory groups from holding the mandated national-level political dialogues.

According to the announcement, the PPST will also continue discussions over state-level power-sharing arrangements, state constitutions and implementation of the peace agreements. The review will include the national-level political dialogues, the working committee meetings and challenges faced at the 21st-Century Panglong Conferences.

The PPST insisted that the ethnic armed groups and the government seem to share different definitions of the NCA which has affected implementation of the principles, views, and pledges, and has led to perceptions of injustices.

The PPST was established on March 24, 2016 during the second summit of the NCA signatory groups in Chiang Mai. The PPST is led by General Mutu Say Poe, chair of the Karen National Union, and Lieutenant General Yawd Serk, chair of the Restoration Council of Shan State.
The ceasefire is a political game, said Lieutenant General Saw Baw Kyaw Heh, speaking at an event commemorating the 68th Karen Armed Forces ((Kawthoolei Army) Day on July 5.

He said all soldiers must stay alert in case of a ceasefire breakdown, or in case the peace process stagnates. He also warned of an as yet uncertain outcome.

We dont know when it might end, or what challenges might arise because of it. We have been discussing [peace] for four or five years, but we havent achieved any of our ideal political outcomes, he said. The situation in our land and the Myanmar armys plans over the past four or five years are quite obvious. Thats why soldiers must remain alert.

He added that all Karen groups are responsible for ensuring national security.

In a separate message delivered at the ceremony, the chief of staff of the Karen National Union  the political wing of the KNLA  General Saw Johnny, also delivered a warning shot. He said soldiers must remember that Kayin (Karen) State is still in limbo and reiterated that the state has not yet achieved peace.

The KNLA/KNU is among the eight signatories to the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) and also holds a bilateral ceasefire with the government. Hardline factions within the group had lobbied for boycotting the NCA until political aims such as ethnic autonomy were secured.

KNU Vice Chair Pdoh Saw Kwel Htoo Win and Joint Secretary Pdoh Saw Hla Tun also delivered remarks at the July 5 event, which was attended by over 300 people including leaders from the KNU, Karen youth groups, allied groups and local residents.

The [Kawthoolei] Army has to protect against enemies who are coming to invade and bully us. We would be bullied and tortured by the military dictators like in the past if this Kawthoolei Army didnt exit. We will always need this army, said Mann Ah Than, a Kayin State resident who attended the ceremony.

The Karen Armed Forces Day has been observed on July 5 every year since 1956, when the KNU held its second national congress and established its constitution.
Fighting erupted between the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) on July 4.

Residents under the Loi Pyay Village group, about 10 miles east of Namtu, fled.

The skirmish broke out nearby the villages. Some of the villagers fled on foot while others came via motorcycles or cars. We tried our best to pick them up at Hsaik Kawng Village to transport them here, said Sai Ba Nyan, vice chair of the Namtu township committee for assisting the displaced people.

Over 290 people from 78 households in the Loi Pyay area have sought refuge in Namtu. Most of them are women and children, Sai Ba Nyan added.

The Literature and Culture Committee, local residents and the International Rescue Committee have been providing assistance.

An additional 500 people who fled earlier skirmishes between the Tatmadaw and the Taang National Liberation Army are already sheltering in various churches and monasteries throughout Namtu, unable to return home so far.
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How safe is your state? You may not have much to fear. With all the recent shootings and violent crimes, however, its understandable people are uneasy. In fact, violent crimes increased by 5.3% during the first six months of 2016, according to the FBIs semiannual crime report. So how can you know whether the state you call home is safe?

WalletHub researched the safety levels of all 50 states, based on factors like personal and residential safety, road safety, workplace safety, and emergency preparedness. Per the study, these states fell way below the mark when it comes to personal and residential safety. Is your state safe from the No. 1 spot?

18. Alabama

Personal and residential safety rank (scale of 1 to 50; 1 is safest): 33

Alabama is the best of the worst on our list. Its nearly the most unfortunate state of all concerning financial safety (ranked 48th), which means it has poor unemployment, foreclosure, and poverty rates, as well as bad credit scores and lots of debt, fraud, and personal bankruptcy filings.

Alabamians can breathe easy concerning road safety (ranked 11th), but its personal and residential safety makes it the 33rd worst in the U.S.

Next: Stay strong, residents of this scary state.

17. Montana

Personal and residential safety rank: 34

Montana residents seem to have their stuff together concerning finances (the state ranks 14th). But, wow, does Big Sky Country struggle in the other areas, like personal and residential safety (34th), road safety (44th), workplace safety (45th), and emergency preparedness (41st).

Unfortunately, WalletHubs research indicates Montanans may experience more murders, rapes, assaults, thefts, and suicides than many other states.

Next: At least this states residents can enjoy great weather.

16. Arizona

Personal and residential safety rank: 35

The sunny side of the Grand Canyon State: It ranks near the top for workplace safety (third) and emergency preparedness (seventh). Unfortunately, road safety doesnt seem to be a priority, ranking nearly the worst (48th) of all 50 states.

We think Arizona should focus on improving its personal and residential safety. Life would be better with fewer thefts, murders, and suicides.

Next: Retire here if you dare.

15. Florida

Personal and residential safety rank: 36

When looking at personal safety, WalletHub researchers found this state has one of the highest rates of people who lack health insurance. Among cities with 100,000 people or more, Jacksonville, Florida, has some of the highest reported crime, with 2,758 violent crimes, 52 murders, 703 robberies, 1,752 aggravated assault cases, and 15,340 property crimes in 2016, according to FBI crime statistics.

Next: From violent crime to climate disasters, this state has it all.

14. Mississippi

Personal and residential safety rank: 37

WalletHub researchers found Mississippi has one of the highest cases of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles of travel, as well as the highest total loss amount from climate disasters. Among cities with 100,000 people or more, Jackson, Mississippi, has some of the highest reported crime, with 677 violent crimes, 27 murders, 42 robberies, 297 aggravated assault cases, and 311 property crimes in 2016, according to FBI crime statistics.

Next: The Sooners need to protect themselves.

13. Oklahoma

Personal and residential safety rank: 38

Among cities with 100,000 people or more, Oklahoma City has some of the highest reported crime, with 2,462 violent crimes, 30 murders, 547 robberies, 1,658 aggravated assault cases, and 12,436 property crimes in 2016, according to FBI crime statistics. This city has a violent crime rate (on a scale of 1 to 100) of 74 and a property crime rate of 67, according to research by Sperlings Best Places.

Next: One scary city brings down this whole state.

12. Oregon

Personal and residential safety rank: 39

Among cities with 100,000 people or more, Eugene, Oregon, has some of the highest reported crime in the state, with 285 violent crimes, two murders, 58 robberies, 183 aggravated assault cases, and 2,941 property crimes in 2016, according to FBI crime statistics. In addition, Eugene has a violent crime rate (on a scale of 1 to 100) of 21 and a property crime rate of 60, according to research by Sperlings Best Places.

Next: This state makes us want to hide in the bayous.

11. Louisiana

Personal and residential safety rank: 40

WalletHub researchers found Louisiana has one of the highest total loss amounts from climate disasters per capita, as well as the most fatal occupational injuries per total worker.

Among cities with 100,000 people or more, New Orleans has some of the highest reported crime in Louisiana, with 2,041 violent crimes, 67 murders, 685 robberies, 990 aggravated assault cases, and 7,586 property crimes in 2016, according to FBI crime statistics.

Next: The home of Mount Rushmore has mounting safety problems.

10. South Dakota

Personal and residential safety rank: 41

South Dakota has one of the highest total loss amounts from climate disasters per capita. Among cities with 100,000 people or more, Sioux Falls has some of the highest reported crime in South Dakota, with 460 violent crimes, two murders, 57 robberies, 331 aggravated assault cases, and 2,664 property crimes in 2016, according to FBI crime statistics.

Next: Would you want to live in Murder Town USA?

9. Delaware

Personal and residential safety rank: 42

One of the states cities, Wilmington, has received a lot of negative attention when it comes to crime. In fact, a few years back, it was called Murder Town USA by Newsweek. This city has a violent crime rate (on a scale of 1 to 100) of 94 and a property crime rate of 66, according to research by Sperlings Best Places.

Next: The Show-Me State needs to show better safety precautions.

8. Missouri

Personal and residential safety rank: 43

Among cities with 100,000 people or more, Kansas City, Missouri, has some of the highest crime in the state, with 3,668 violent crimes, 51 murders, 862 robberies, 2,577 aggravated assault cases in 2016. And it had 9,204 property crimes in 2016, according to FBI crime statistics.

Next: One thing this state cant gamble on is safety.

7. Nevada

Personal and residential safety rank: 44

WalletHub researchers found Nevada to have one of the most assaults per capita. FBI crime statistics revealed among cities with 100,000 people or more, the Las Vegas metro area has some of the highest reported crime, with 7,277 violent crimes, 83 murders, 2,537 robberies, 3,922 aggravated assault cases, and 22,234 property crimes in 2016.

Next: This state should volunteer to improve safety measures.

6. Tennessee

Personal and residential safety rank: 45

WalletHub researchers found Tennesee to have has one of the most assaults per capita. FBI crime statistics revealed among cities with 100,000 people or more, Memphis, Tennessee, has some of the highest reported crime, with 5,733 violent crimes, 88 murders, 1,537 robberies, 3,879 aggravated assault cases, and 16,833 property crimes in 2016.

Next: The Great Lakes State seems to breed bullies.

5. Michigan

Personal and residential safety rank: 46

WalletHub researchers found this state has one of the fewest law enforcement employees per capita and one of the highest incidences of bullying. FBI crime statistics revealed among cities with 100,000 people or more, Detroit has some of the highest reported crime, with 5,409 violent crimes, 103 murders, 1,130 robberies, 3,909 aggravated assault cases, and 13,442 property crimes in 2016.

Next: This states safety failings arent enchanting.

4. New Mexico

Personal and residential safety rank: 47

WalletHub researchers found The Land of Enchantment to have a high rate of assaults per capita, as well as a high unemployment rate. FBI crime statistics revealed among cities with 100,000 people or more, Albuquerque, New Mexico, has some of the highest reported crime, with 2,897 violent crimes, 32 murders, 847 robberies, 1,825 aggravated assault cases, and 17,888 property crimes in 2016.

Next: The Ozarks cant provide protection from the danger in this state.

3. Arkansas

Personal and residential safety rank: 48

This state has one of the highest cases of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles of travel, as well as the most assaults per capita. FBI crime statistics revealed among cities with 100,000 people or more, Little Rock, Arkansas, has some of the highest reported crime, with 1,415 violent crimes, 16 murders, 302 robberies, 1,018 aggravated assault cases, and 6,476 property crimes in 2016.

Next: Lifes not a beach in this coastal state.

2. South Carolina

Personal and residential safety rank: 49

WalletHub researchers found that South Carolina has one of the highest cases of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles of travel. FBI crime statistics revealed among cities with 100,000 people or more, North Charleston, South Carolina, has some of the highest reported crime, with 435 violent crimes, 15 murders, 136 robberies, 244 aggravated assault cases, and 2,961 property crimes in 2016.

Next: The danger in this state gets pretty wild.

1. Alaska

Personal and residential safety rank: 50

Alaska wins the No. 1 spot as the most dangerous state. WalletHub researchers found this state has the most assaults per capita. In addition, FBI crime statistics revealed among cities with 100,000 people or more, Anchorage, Alaska, has some of the highest reported crime, with 1,692 violent crimes, nine murders, 326 robberies, 6,853 property crimes, and 1,055 aggravated assault cases in 2016.

Follow Sheiresa on Twitter @SheiresaNgo.

More from Money & Career Cheat Sheet:
A proposal before Congress seeks to water down federal requirements necessary to become an airline co-pilot. The plan calls for diminishing the 1,500 hours of actual flying time required and substituting some of that time with classroom and other on-the-ground training. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)

Airline travelers are willing to compromise on personal comfort and convenience in return for lower fares and regularly scheduled flights.

But I doubt the flying public would agree to deeply discount their own safety by letting the government hack away at an essential industry standard designed to protect flyers from inexperienced pilots.

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That's why it's important to defeat a proposal before Congress that seeks to water down federal requirements necessary to become an airline co-pilot. The plan calls for diminishing the 1,500 hours of actual flying time required and substituting some of that time with classroom and other on-the-ground training.

Who's backing this bad idea?

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For one, regional airlines that primarily serve smaller markets and often have marketing agreements with big carriers like United and American airlines. The regionals say they're reeling from a shortage of pilots and changing this training requirement will help prime the hiring pump.

Strongly disagreeing with that business logic is Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a former Illinois Army National Guard combat pilot who's leading the charge against this legislation.

"I want regionals to fly out of Peoria, Decatur  but let's not do it at the cost of safety," the senator told me.

Nonetheless, the measure recently passed a Senate panel and could be attached to an upcoming Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill. The pilot provision passed the committee 14 to 13, along party lines, with Republicans voting in favor of the measure sponsored by Sen. John Thune, a South Dakota Republican.

Most people, including the majority of lawmakers voting for this effort, know nothing about flying an airplane. The closest I've been to a cockpit is peering into them between saying hello to a flight attendant and taking my seat on a plane.

So when it comes to airline safety, I'll take the word of experienced pilots like Duckworth and the Air Line Pilots Association, which represents 57,000 pilots in the U.S. and Canada, and is against the cutback.

Also fighting this proposed FAA change is Chesley Sullenberger, better known as "Sully," the captain of US Airways Flight 1549 that in 2009 made an emergency landing in New York's Hudson River with no fatalities. Sully is also an air safety advocate and consultant.

Recently, he tweeted: "Regional airline lobbyists argue for weaker standards, making flying less safe for passengers and all of us."

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It was a regional airline tragedy that brought about the rule that's now under attack. In 2010, Congress hiked to 1,500 hours, from 250 hours, the minimum amount of in-the-air training for co-pilots, also known as first officers.

The change resulted from a crash of Colgan Air flight in February 2009 that occurred when pilots made mistakes and the turboprop plane stalled during a snowstorm, resulting in 50 deaths, federal investigators found.

Since the 1,500-hour rule, there have been no passenger fatalities in U.S. airline accidents, compared with 1,100 such deaths between 1990 and 2009, according to Duckworth's office.

The bill's backers say allowances should be made to reduce actual flying time if co-pilot candidates take structured classroom training.

Exactly what that means needs to be worked out. Duckworth says there's a range of possibilities, including looking at training videos in hotel ballrooms. The senator notes that Colgan gave its pilots a CD-ROM on how to deal with icing on the wings that counted as in-flight training.

Currently, there are more legitimate alternatives to flying 1,500 hours. Those with military flying experience or graduates with a four- or two-year flight training college degree get a slight break.

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The Regional Airline Association, which represents 23 air carriers nationwide  among them eight that partner with United Airlines and seven with American  supports the proposal.

"The Senate bill in no way reduces the 1,500-hour requirement, it simply clarifies the FAA's authority to approve additional, structured training," Faye Malarkey Black, president of the Washington-based group wrote in an email to me.

This talk of clarification doesn't put my mind at ease.

The motivation for the change is really about getting more young pilots into the regional airline business.

There is a coming shortage of pilots at the commuter and major airline levels. But there are marketplace solutions to address that issue  including making the industry more attractive to job candidates by paying better salaries and increasing benefits.

While it can cost about $150,000 to become a trained pilot, a regional airline pilot job gets paid about $14 an hour or about $22,000 annually, according to the Air Line Pilots Association. The Regional Airline Association says average total compensation is about $46,000.

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Few would disagree that piloting a plane is a life-and-death skill. It requires many years of experience and ongoing job training.

That's why it doesn't make sense to offer pilots a shortcut at the beginning of a career, when professional seasoning is arguably needed the most.

Think of it this way: Medical students don't take two years off their training and start doing surgery because we're short of doctors.

roreed@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @reedtribbiz
Located on the first floor of Tribune Tower in River North, Howells & Hood opened in 2013 with a menu of 120 draft beers and refined American tavern fare. (Howells & Hood)

When it comes to real estate development, sometimes nothing can stand in the way of progress. Not even a really long row of beer taps.

Howells & Hood, the sprawling restaurant on the ground floor of Tribune Tower, will close in 2018 to make way for a redevelopment of the neo-Gothic building on North Michigan Avenue.

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The developers that bought the 36-story tower last year have reached an agreement with Howells & Hood to terminate its lease in 15 months, or in late 2018, said Chris Bisaillon, one of the restaurant-bar's owners.

The lease termination comes less than a year after Los Angeles-based CIM Group and its local development partner, Golub & Co., bought Tribune Tower from broadcast company Tribune Media, with plans to redevelop it.

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It's the latest in a series of changes coming to the northern edge of the Chicago River. Tribune Media plans to move to space across the river in a Wacker Drive office building, and the newspaper is looking for a new home as the lease in its namesake tower is set to expire in about a year.



(Editor's note: The Tribune will be moving to Prudential Plaza in mid-2018.)

"We have reached an agreement with the landlords in their pursuit of redeveloping the building," Bisaillon said. He declined to comment on terms of the deal. A spokeswoman for the developers declined to comment.

Bisaillon is a partner in Chicago-based Bottleneck Management, which owns Howells & Hood and 12 other restaurants in the Chicago area as well as in other cities including Pittsburgh and Minneapolis.

"We've loved being on Michigan Avenue, where we've had great success," Bisaillon said. "The restaurant, operationally, is doing fantastically."

Just on the other side of the Chicago River, to the south, Bottleneck also owns Sweetwater Tavern and Grille.

But Howells & Hood, with its 17,300 square feet of ground-floor space and 5,000-square-foot patio on the tower's plaza, is Bottleneck's largest restaurant. Bottleneck hopes to relocate many of Howells & Hood's 150 full- and part-time employees to other area restaurants it owns, Bisaillon said.

The restaurant in Tribune Tower is named for the building's architects, John Mead Howells and Raymond Hood. They had the winning entry in a competition to design the newspaper's home, which was completed in 1925 and became a Chicago landmark in 1989.

Howells & Hood's big outdoor space, along the Magnificent Mile shopping district and the river, gathers large crowds on warm days. The restaurant is also known for its 360 beer taps, which Bisaillon said is believed to be the largest selection of draft beers in the country.

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CIM and Golub bought the tower for $205 million in September 2016, plus a potential $35 million more based on unspecified conditions.

So far, they've offered few clues about the planned redevelopment, which is expected to include converting the landmark tower to a new use such as a hotel, apartments or condominiums, as well as new retail. The developers also are expected to propose building a second tower on a parking lot east of Michigan Avenue.

rori@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @Ryan_Ori
PRINT | EMAIL | PERMALINK Reel World Groundhog Day , Again? Movies on the Plaza returns to Albuquerques Civic Plaza this Friday, July 7, with a screening of the 1993 Bill Murray comedy Groundhog Day. Murray plays a TV weatherman who becomes permanently stuck in a small town as the same day repeats, over and over again. Admission is free and the show starts at dusk (around 8:35pm). You can have dinner first at ABQ Food Fridays, which runs in the plaza from 6 to 8pm. There will be food trucks, live bands and a variety of microbrews for sale. Seating is available, but youre welcome to bring you own chairs and blankets. Dogs and bikes are welcome. Parking is available underneath Civic Plaza. View in Alibi calendar

Go Native As part of its ongoing Hollywood Southwest: New Mexico in Film and Television exhibit, the Albuquerque Museum (2000 Mountain NW) is presenting Made in Native America, a day of screenings and discussions with Native American filmmakers. On Saturday, July 8, starting at 10am, there will be a screening of the Sydney Freelands New Mexico-made drama Drunktowns Finest. Set on a desolate stretch of the Navajo Nation, this coming-of-age story looks in on the lives of three reservation-dwelling young people: an angry father-to-be, a college-bound Christian and a promiscuous transsexual. This film is not rated, but does contain mature images and content. Starting at 12:30pm, there will be a panel discussion Telling Our Stories Through Film moderated by James Lujan, from the Institute of American Indian Arts Department of Cinematic Arts and Technology. Rounding out the day, from 1 to 2pm is a selection of short films from Native filmmakers. All events are free with museum admission. View in Alibi calendar

Cant Stop, Wont Stop This Saturday is July 8, and that means its time again for the annual Cant Stop the Serenity event. Every year, filmmaker Joss Whedon allows worldwide screenings of Serenity, the 2005 feature film spin-off of his cult TV series Firefly, as a charity fundraiser. The Albuquerque Browncoats will, of course, be hosting the local screening, which is set to take place at the South Broadway Cultural Center (1025 Broadway SE) from 5 to 10pm. Organizers promise raffles, merchandise, food, fun, music and a very cool movie. Tickets are available now at southbroadwaytickets. com for $10 apiece. All proceeds will benefit Equality Now and the UNM Childrens Hospital. For more details go to cantstoptheserenity. com View in Alibi calendar
Bridget Mary's Books: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Bridget-Mary-Meehan/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ABrid A Promise of Presence

Affirmations from the Heart of God

Exploring the Feminine Face of God

God Delights in You- A Four Week Journal

Heart Talks with Mother God

Inclusive Worship Aids

Living Gospel Equality Now-

Praying with a Passionate Heart

Praying with Celtic Holy Women

Praying with Visionary Women h

Praying with Women of the Bible

The Healing Power of Prayer-New Edition Dr. Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP


Lifestyle / Fashion

by Staff Reporter

Who is Amanda Ngcono Nkomo the 1st princess Miss World Zimbabwe UK?

Amanda was born in the beautiful second largest city of her Motherland, the City of Kings and Queens, Bulawayo in Zimbabwe. Unlike most teenagers of her age who relocated to western societies, she is still passionate about her roots and proudly identifies as Zimbabwean despite living in the UK for many years. Amanda was raised in Bulawayo ("City of Kings") in Mpopoma.She went to the UK when she was four years old. Unlike most of her contemporaries, she is still very articulate in Ndebele and fluently speaks the language. Every year, she religiously visits her Motherland without fail.Alongside pursuing her gruelling A'level studies that she is completing this year, she has not taken a break from her modelling passion.Amanda started modelling about three years ago but the last two years saw her dedicate most of her energy to this passion and it demands. Ambitious, young and beautiful, she has taken part in numerous competitive fashion shows namely Dark and Famous fashion show, All Things Africa fashion show, Loppy's Fashion Show, among others. She has done some photoshoots and music videos in Manchester. In addition to her ongoing demands, Amanda works for other brands such as Rocky fashion and Dashiki clothing. Meanwhile, she is modelling for many different African brands. Using her modelling, she believes she can consequently express how she feels about different issues and look at various means of helping other people, especially the most vulnerable members of her community.Her experience and exposure can help her with issues she cares about, enabling her to be open minded about various subjects such as poverty among women, girl child education, shortage of sanitaries for rural girls, early marriages among children due to socioeconomic problems, among others.Amanda would want to be able to use her platform to inspire and help others. She feels she has so much to give to the world through her modelling platform. All it can take for her to achieve this dream, is your support.She has been following Qoki ZiNdlovukazi through their website www.qokizindlovukazi.org and because her, one of Qoki Admins, Aunt Sithule and her mother who is a regular donor to Qoki blankets for Hospital Project, she has managed to contribute 6 every month to help buy blankets which are then donated to Matebeland and Midlands in Zimbabwe. She took an initiative to make sure she gives every month in Support of Qoki ZiNdlovukazi Hospital Project.Meanwhile, with the aid of her Aunt Sithule Nicole Tshuma who is her "manager/sponsor", she will be setting up a Facebook page and other social media platforms for her multitude of followers to interact with her.Anyone wanting to reach her, can do so through the following mobile phones: Amanda on +44 7747 533361 or Sithule on 07429 155248
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

ZIMBABWEAN police on Wednesday 05 July 2017 quizzed Zimbabwe Divine Destiny (ZDD) leader Bishop Ancelimo Magaya over the launch of a Christian Vote campaign aimed at mobilising Christians to participate in the 2018 general elections and shun violence.Bishop Magaya reported at Harare Central Police Station accompanied by his lawyer Trust Maanda of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, where he was quizzed for not first seeking authority from the Zimbabwe Republic Police before the launch of the Christian Vote campaign.However, Bishop Magaya explained to some ZRP officers who questioned him that churches are exempted from notifying ZRP about their events and was thereafter released without being charged for breaching any law.The Christian Vote campaign was launched on Tuesday 27 June 2017 at Kentucky Hall in Harare's Hatfield suburb by a consortium of faith-based advocacy organisations.The campaign encourages Christians to vote for candidates who shun violence, corruption, incompetency and abuse of power.
News / National

by Staff Reporter

Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Mzembi says Zimbabwe's tourism sector has the potential to transform the country's economy if supported by the fiscus.This came out at the launch of a book on economic development in Africa focusing on tourism.Tourism is rated as the third largest global export earner after fuel and chemicals.However, Zimbabwe is still lagging behind in terms of harnessing opportunities in the tourism sector.Mzembi expressed disappointment at the meagre budgetary allocation ascribed to the sector for the past nine years.Officer-in-charge of the United Nations Information Centre Mrs Tafadzwa Mwale says Zimbabwe tourism has the capacity to stimulate economic growth and achieve eight of the 17 sustainable development goals.African Capacity Building Foundation director Dr Thomas Munthali weighed in highlighting the need to put in place policies that promote integration between tourism and other sectors of the economy.The book contains statistics of performance of the tourism sector in different African countries and it also shows the industry has so far created over 21 million jobs in Africa.
Opinion / Columnist

Former Vice President and current NPP leader Dr. Joyce Mujuru has blown her head off and relentlessly tore into the military labeling them as "things not worth discussing" while at the same time glorifying and encouraging General Chiwenga "to be a ZanuPF commissar".Since entering opposition politics, Dr. Mujuru has been on a trail blazing roller coaster endlessly attacking opposition leaders such as Morgan Tsvangirai and Tendai Biti. In late 90s Dr. J Mujuru was accused of insulting Dr. JM Nkomo as a "senile old man".Speaking in a wide ranging interview with Daily News last week, Dr. Mujuru berated and belittled the military on their role in Zimbabwean politics. She pointed out how selfish and irresponsible the Zimbabwean military was."These (the military) are people who forget who we are. What is happening in Zanu PF is their own making! I have very little time to discuss these (military) people," Mujuru shot from the hip as she tore into the securocrats.Dr. Mujuru then went on to throw her weight in support of defense forces commander General Constantine Chiwenga and labelled the securocrat a successful ZanuPF commissar. She exonerated Chiwenga and encouraged him to continue being political and support ZanuPF."Chiwenga is a political soldier; he grew up in the liberation struggle, and his role was that of political commissar and that is what he is doing even now," said Mujuru as she exculpated General Chiwenga for his Zanu PF partisan execution of duty.The Zimbabwean Military has been in the recent past accused of human rights abuses at Chiadzwa during the height of diamond discovery in 2008. Mujuru has also been accused for trading in blood diamonds, a charge she is denying up-to-date.During the shame "one man re-run" presidential elections in 2008, the military was accused of unleashing terror as they campaigned for ZanuPF. Hundreds of MDC supporters were tortured, some abducted while some were maimed during the operation led by military and war veterans. The MDC leader had to escape to Botswana to save his life.Dr. Mujuru ironically went on to implore other soldiers to "take the middle road" in politics."What we are looking for right now is a soldier who will not take sides; a soldier who is above party politics. And when such things arise, the army should take the middle road".In a clear sign of her ZanuPF nostalgia as well as her ill-gotten wealth and corrupt ways, Mujuru pointed out how she misses abusing government resources in the name of Zanu PF through partisan distribution even of drought relief food. Currently the ruling party is being accused of partisan dishing out of jobs to ZanuPF youths and creating thousands ghost workers."I miss my friends (in Zanu PF)when you are part of ruling fraternity, most of your programs (official and private) are taken care of by government; you just use the same resources (to implement them); it's like killing two birds with one stone" said Dr. Mujuru during the interview on being asked how life outside ZanuPF was.Zimbabwean voting public has been skeptical about Dr. Mujuru's ultimate aim of entering into the opposition politics. She has been inconsistent and her speeches seem to suggest she is still ZanuPF at heart.She recently denied that Zanu PF ever used any NIKUV rigging technics in elections. Most opposition parties are fighting against ZEC for being partisan and using NIKUV to rig elections. Recently NERA has increase tempo in fighting for election reforms before the elections. Mujuru has refused to join NERA with NPP, seemingly to protect the unorthodox ZanuPF election engineering.
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Chinese internet search giant Baidu Inc tested a self-driving vehicle in Beijing on Wednesday, with its chairman and CEO Robin Li sitting in the passenger seat.

Baidu tested a self-driving vehicle on the fifth ring road in Beijing on Wednesday, with its chairman and CEO Robin Li sitting in the passenger seat. [Photo/China Daily]

Another Baidu employee was in the driver's seat, but wasn't touching the wheel.

The test, conducted on the capital's Fifth Ring Road, aroused the interest of more than the audience of Baidu developers to whom it was livestreamed. City traffic authorities looked askance at the test and are now investigating whether the test was legally conducted.

Under current traffic law, no vehicle is allowed on the city's roads without a qualified driver operating it in a proper manner.

The company said the person behind the steering wheel was "driving"monitoring the vehicle without touching it. It declined to answer when asked if it had obtained permission to conduct the test.

Although there are currently no laws or regulations addressing self-driving vehicles in China, the topic has gone viral with intensified research efforts as technology matures in this area.

The destination for Li's self-driving car was a Baidu developers' conference on artificial intelligence research and development.

"We will usher in an artificial intelligence era," Li told the audience, calling the market prospects for self-driving vehicles a vital part of overall artificial intelligence. Baidu is willing to share these cutting-edge technologies with industry partners, he added.

"Baidu has invested heavily in the AI sector, as 15 percent of our revenue has been spent on the R&D of AI technologies in the past few years," Li said.

In April, Baidu announced a new project called Apollo, which is designed to open up its autonomous driving platform to partnersa move to promote the development of self-driving technology.

Lu Qi, Baidu's group president and chief operating officer said at the conference that more than 50 partners have joined the Apollo open autonomous driving project, forming one of the largest and most diverse autonomous driving ecosystems. Lu called the project an important milestone for the automotive industry.

Zeng Zhiling, managing director of LMC Automotive Consulting Co, said Baidu's efforts toward an open self-driving platform and related technologies are of great significance to the automotive industry and will boost the development and adoption of autonomous driving.

However, auto companies still have a long way to go before self-driving technologies will be available in large-scale commercial applications, experts said.

"Self-driving has become a trend in the automotive industry, but more time is needed before such vehicles can realize mass production and commercial application," said Xu Yanhua, deputy secretary-general of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, noting that US tech heavyweight Google Inc is still in the testing stage of its own self-driving vehicles.

More tolerance and support should be given to innovative driving technologies and business models, said Zhu Wei, a professor of communications law at China University of Political Science and Law, but said he worries about safety.

"There is no doubt that the safety issue always comes up as the top priority," Zhu said.
Construction workers install thermal-insulating walls at a property project in Zhengzhou, capital of Henan province. [Photo by Zhang Tao/For China Daily]

Both land transaction fees and the average price of land in 300 cities in China rose in the first half of 2017, with lower-tier-cities experiencing the fastest growth as policies on residential markets tightened in first-and-second-tier cities.

According to data from China Index Academy, a Beijing-based realty information service provider, the combined income from leasing land in China was 1.5 trillion yuan ($220.6 billion) in the first half year, 34 percent year-on-year increase.

About 374 million square meters of land were transacted across China. The average price of the transacted land was 2,249 yuan per square meter, a year-on-year increase of 40 percent.

First-tier cities have accelerated supplies of land for residential development as a move to curb fast rising housing prices, and the average premium was stable at somewhere between 25 percent and 30 percent, showing that competition for acquiring land was maintained at a reasonable level.

However, in some lower-tier-cities, such as Qingyuan in Guangdong province, and Nanchang in Jiangxi province, premium reached up to more than 100 percent, showing that demand was much greater than supply, and developers sought land parcels after purchase limits against speculative buying were tightened in major cities.

"It is expected that in the second half of 2017, land supply will further grow across China, particularly in key cities where new residential property stocks are limited. Developers also need to watch out for risks in lower-tier cities," said Yan Yuejin, research director of E-House China R&D Institute.
Xiaomi Corp has acquired a slate of patents from Nokia Corp as the Chinese smartphone vendor steps up efforts to accelerate its global expansion.

The two sides said on Wednesday they had signed a multi-year patent agreement, including a cross license for each company's cellular standard essential patents. Xiaomi also acquired patent assets from Nokia as part of the transaction.

Xiaomi, whose products and services are available in 30 countries and regions, is ramping up efforts to expand its overseas presence. The intellectual property partnership with Nokia, once the world's biggest phone maker, can help it tackle potential legal disputes overseas.

Xiaomi did not disclose details of the patents it acquired or how much the deal was worth.

The move came after Xiaomi purchased around 1,500 patents from Microsoft Corp last year to expand its technology portfolio.

Lei Jun, chairman and CEO of Xiaomi, said: "Our cooperation with Nokia will enable us to tap into its leading position in building large, high performance networks, as well as its formidable strength in software and services."

The two sides also signed a business cooperation agreement, under which Nokia will provide network infrastructure equipment designed to deliver the high capacity, low power requirements expected by large web providers and data center operators.

Xiaomi and Nokia have also agreed to explore opportunities for further cooperation in areas such as the internet of things, augmented and virtual reality, and artificial intelligence.

"Xiaomi is one of the world's leading smartphone manufacturers and we are delighted to have reached an agreement with them," Nokia CEO Rajeev Suri said in a statement.

The move came as Xiaomi faces mounting competition from rivals such as Huawei Technologies Co Ltd and Oppo Electronics Corp. Once the biggest smartphone vendor in China, Xiaomi slipped to the fifth place in the first quarter, based on Chinese phone data compiled by market research firm International Data Corp.

The Beijing-based company is working hard to revive its business through both heavy investment in brick-and-mortar retail channels and intensified spending on exploring overseas opportunities. It currently focuses on emerging markets such as India, Russia and Indonesia.

Xiang Ligang, a telecom expert and CEO of telecom industry website cctime.com, said: "The vast telecom patents accumulated by Nokia will greatly facilitate Xiaomi's foray into overseas markets, but the latter still needs to pour more resources into in-house research and development to achieve long-term and robust growth."

Beyond smartphones, Xiaomi is now also scrambling to tap into opportunities brought by the internet of things. The company said its IoT platform has 60 million connected devices, and more than 8 million of these are daily active devices.
BEIJING  Leading economies and advocates of free trade, China and Germany are seeking to forge closer ties in trade and investment to help global economic recovery and encourage globalization.

President Xi Jinping arrived in Berlin Tuesday for his second state visit to the country, and is scheduled to meet German leaders and sign a series of cooperation agreements.

Bilateral cooperation has delivered real benefits to the two peoples and played a leading and exemplary role in boosting Europe's cooperation with China and Asia, the Chinese leader said in a written speech.

In face of rising global uncertainties, China is teaming up with the EU to fend off external risks and weather hardships, with Germany as a major driving force for the collaboration.

"Germany has been playing an important and very positive role in promoting economic cooperation between China and the EU, while some countries in the region still hesitate due to concerns about their domestic industries," said Xu Hongcai, an economist with the China Center for International Economic Exchanges.

During Xi's first state visit to Germany more than three years ago, the two countries lifted bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

"Today and once again, the China-Germany relationship is standing at a new start point, and facing new opportunities for development," Xi said, adding that he would like to join German leaders to fix new targets and set new directions for bilateral cooperation.

Chinese Ambassador to Germany Shi Mingde described the economic cooperation as the anchor in bilateral ties. "China became the largest trade partner of Germany last year, and the latter has been the largest investor in and technology exporter to China in Europe."

"The two sides are highly complementary to each other. While China can produce a wide range of products and boasts advantages in the light industry, Germany tops the world in high-end equipment manufacturing," said Liu Yingkui from the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

Germany is one of a handful of countries that have a trade surplus with China, with its transport equipment, chemicals, watches and machinery components popular on the Chinese market. Bilateral trade totaled $151.29 billion last year, according to the the Ministry of Commerce (MOC).

Two-way investment was also robust. China pumped over $2.95 billion into Germany in 2016, a 258.6 percent increase from a year ago. In the same year, Germany launched 392 new projects in China with actual investment of $2.71 billion.

"The two countries have broad prospects to expand cooperation," said Yao Ling, a research fellow with the research arm of the MOC, citing areas including manufacturing improvements and industrial digitalization.

The Chinese president has proposed to enhance the synergy between "Made in China 2025" and Germany's "Industry 4.0" concept.

Unveiled in 2015, the "Made in China 2025" plan aims to transform China into an innovative manufacturing country. The German "Industry 4.0" concept, coined in 2011, is designed to facilitate automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies, including cyber-physical systems, the Internet of Things and cloud computing.

German firms have shown great interest in the proposal. More than half of German companies that own factories in China regard the plan as positive for their operations over the next five years, according to a report by the German Chamber of Commerce in China.

The report said German firms in China are generally upbeat about the outlook for the Chinese market this year despite downward economic pressure, predicting stronger turnover and profits.

There has been successful corporate cooperation. China's Baosteel and Germany's Siemens have jointly participated in Industry 4.0 steel projects, while China's Haier and Germany's Fraunhofer Institute have set up a smart washing machine plant.

At the Hanover Fair, one of the world's largest trade fairs for industrial technology, in April, China was the second largest exhibiting nation after the host Germany, with around 1,200 participating businesses, including telecom giant Huawei.

"The two countries, although in different stages of development, can create mutual benefits via such innovation cooperation," Yao said.

Analysts also pointed out enormous potential for the two countries to cooperate on other areas, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, and expect a closer China-Germany partnership to improve inclusive growth and global economic governance.

It is the second stop of President Xi's ongoing European tour which first took him to Russia. During his stay in Germany, he will also travel to Hamburg to attend the G20 summit.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of China-Germany diplomatic relations.
NEW YORK  Alipay, China's online and mobile payment platform giant operated by Ant Financial Services Group, announced Tuesday that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Han Feng Inc, a leading food supplier for Chinese restaurants and supermarkets in the United States.

The MoU will enable Han Feng's merchant partners to accept payment via Alipay, which currently has more than 520 million active users in China alone.

Through the partnership, Alipay will empower Han Feng's 14,000 merchants to better serve and connect with Chinese consumers in North America, starting with New York and North Carolina. Alipay will also enable users to find merchants nearby, receive coupons and make purchase decisions through the app's "Discover" function.

"Chinese consumers leverage Alipay as a Lifestyle Enabler and our partnership with Han Feng provides an experience that combines discovery and payment," said Souheil Badran, president of Alipay North America.

"By pairing Han Feng's extensive reach within the Chinese consumer market with the familiarity of the Alipay platform, both Chinese consumers and the merchants that provide them with services will benefit from this partnership," Badran added.

"We are thrilled to partner with Alipay as Han Feng's customer base offers a perfect initiating platform to promote Alipay services in the United States. By maximizing Alipay's visibility to the US consumer, we are also bringing our merchant partners access to a new revenue stream," said Jonathan Ni, CFO of Han Feng Inc.
An Airbus A380, the world's largest jetliner, takes part in flying display, during the 52nd Paris Air Show at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, France, June 25, 2017. [Photo/VCG]

Airbus has signed an agreement to sell 140 planes to China, in a deal worth $22.8 billion.

The agreement was signed during a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Germany.

The planes will be purchased by State-owned China Aviation Supplies Holding Company, which will then allocate the planes to Chinese airlines.

Tom Enders, Airbus group CEO, said the group was also in talks with the Chinese over the A380 super jumbo, which has suffered slow sales.

"It won't happen overnight. It has to be intensively discussed," Enders told journalists.
China Development Bank signed a framework agreement with Russian Vnesheconombank on Tuesday to participate in Russia's $2 billion innovation projects.

The document was signed by Hu Huaibang and Sergey Gorkov, chairmen of the two respective state-owned banks, in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is paying an official visit to Russia from Monday.

The new agreement enables the two state-owned banks from China and Russia to invest over 6 billion yuan ($850 million).

The agreement provides promotion for high-tech and innovative projects including the National Technological Initiative projects through various financing instruments, in particular, through private equity funds and repurchase of bonds issues.

The parties have both agreed to support innovative export projects.

"Notably, we have been closely cooperating with our Chinese partners in the support for innovation, which is one of the focus areas of Vnesheconombank's strategy," said Gorkov.

"The potential of this market is really limitless," he said. "Today we observe a great interest in projects delivered in Russia with Chinese involvement."

The funds raised may be channeled to finance projects in power generation, transport, industrial and energy infrastructure, and cross-border projects in Siberia and the Russian Far East, according to Gorkov.

Gorkov said Vnesheconombank's Strategy 2021 prioritizes the bank's participation in supporting catching-up industries (high value added manufacturing, non-commodity exports, infrastructure) and, more importantly, accelerated development sectors (quantum technologies, blockchain, neurotechnologies and biotechnologies).

The VEB and CDB initiative is highly appreciated by experts.

"Our survey among more than a thousand of the Skolkovo Innovation Center resident companies has revealed that 80 percent of Russian innovation companies are willing to enter the Chinese market," said Igor Drozdov, chairman of the Board of Skolkovo Foundation, a leading high-tech innovative park in Russia.

"Moreover, some 30 Skolkovo high-technology companies are already operating there. Since Vnesheconombank Innovations foundation will be based in Skolkovo, we expect to achieve a synergy effect when jointly promoting our companies in the Chinese market," he said.

Vnesheconombank plays an active role in fostering the innovative ecosystem in Russia, and cooperation with Chinese partners is expected to help innovative companies enter global markets and boost exports.

In mid-June, Vnesheconombank and Harbin Bank established a group of innovation support funds with a target volume of investments of up to $700 million. The objective is to build a project portfolio and attract private equity investors.

Kirill Varlamov, the Internet Initiatives Development Fund's Director, said by attracting external funding, VEB  as a key development institution - could become a major driver in supporting Russian start-ups at later stages.

"The injection of new resources will help warm up Russian venture capital industry and make it easier for start-ups to attract investment and agreements with new partners abroad - accelerate entrance of Russian technological companies into export markets," Varlamov said.
Mantou and her father ride the merry-go-round at Shanghai Disneyland, May 21, 2017. [Photo/VCG]

Mantou has one of the biggest dress collections for a 5 year old girl. Her large wardrobe is the work of her costume designer father Qian Xiaofeng who has made 100 dresses for his daughter since she was born.

When Mantou was born, Qian resigned from his job in Shanghai to be a stay-at-home dad.

"My wife and I have an agreement that one of us must accompany our daughter as she grows up. Because my wife had a good job opportunity at that time, I decided to stay at home," Qian said.

Qian had studied international trade and market management in France for eight years, and his job nothing to do with the clothing industry.

When he first began designing clothes, Qian would hand them to his friend, a tailor, to complete the job. Qian then took clothe making classes for six years, and studied online.

Now, he can make design and sew dresses himself. Qian said he loves the arts, and he studied painting for nine years when he was a boy.

As Mantou grows up, Qian has started his own kid's fashion business, co-founding a kid's clothing consulting platform with two friends.

Although Qian's work is busier than ever, he manages to make a new dress for his daughter every two weeks.
HANGZHOU  Railway freight is bringing an increasing number of German products to China, according to Chinese customs authorities.

A shipment of baby formula and beverages from Germany arrived at a transborder e-commerce zone in Hangzhou last week. This is the 58th shipment received by Dolphin Cross-Border Technology Co Ltd, an e-commerce company.

"German goods are thought to be durable. Dinnerware, children's car seats, water purifiers, and baby formula are very popular with Chinese consumers," said Hu Xiaoxiao, manager of the company.

Hangzhou customs said German goods are some of the most diverse imported goods they see.

Since May last year, over 64 million yuan (about $9.4 million) worth of German products have been imported via the China-Europe rail link, about 37 percent of the total amount of imported products via the route, according to Hangzhou customs.

The goods arrive in Yiwu, then travel to the neighboring cities of Hangzhou and Ningbo before being distributed nationwide.

The train route linking Duisburg, Germany with Yiwu takes 14 days, about half the time needed for sea transport. "It is a cost-saving and time efficient means of transport," said Hu.

According to the General Administration of Customs, trade volume between China and Germany from January to May was 434.5 billion yuan (about $63.9 billion), up 13.4 percent year-on-year. Import volume was valued at 247.3 billion yuan (about $36.4 billion), up 12.4 percent, while export volume was 187.2 billion yuan (27.5 billion dollars), up 14.7 percent.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gestures as he addresses the nation from the historic Red Fort during Independence Day celebrations in Delhi, India, August 15, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

India overtook the United States as the country with the most trade remedy investigations against China in the first half of this year, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

India initiated 12 investigations against Chinese products, including aluminum foil and photovoltaic products, during the January-June period, followed by the US, which had 11, according to the ministry.

Overall, trade remedy investigations into Chinese products during the period came down around the world but remained at a high level, said Gao Feng, the ministry's spokesman.

China was the subject of 37 trade-remedy investigations worth $5.3 billion, initiated by 15 countries and regions in the first half of 2017, down from 65 cases worth $8.5 billion during the same period of last year.

Cases included 28 antidumping and four subsidy-related investigations involving $5.3 billion of products ranging from truck tires and tubing to steel.

"We oppose any misuse of trade remedy investigations," Gao said. "And there are several things that did not conform to the World Trade Organization rules, leading to strong objections from Chinese manufacturers in related industries."

China continues to be the biggest victim of trade protectionism, according to the Reports on G20 Investment Measures released by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in June.

"Because India's manufacturing structure is similar to China's, especially in the lighting and photovoltaic industries, both are facing the same problem to boost exports to developed markets," said Li Gang, vice-president of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation in Beijing.

Li said India therefore has become more protective for its own factory business while competing with China in third-party markets. It has also adopted trade-remedy measures against countries including the United States, Ukraine, Iran and Kenya on a number of agricultural and manufacturing products.

"We have also discovered that India's trend of launching trade remedy investigations has already shifted from lower-end products such as garments, glass and mining products, to higher-end goods such as new materials and machinery," said Xue Rongjiu, deputy director of the Beijing-based China Society for WTO Studies.

Bilateral trade between China and India amounted to 229 billion yuan ($33.7 billion) between January and May, up by 30.1 percent year-on-year, according to the General Administration of Customs.

To maintain a fair market order, the Ministry of Commerce launched an antidumping investigation in connection with two chemicalsone used in pesticide manufacturing and another used in the pigmentation of various compounds-imported from India in the first half of this year.
A new tailor-made bike by Ofo Inc. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Chinese bike sharing company Ofo announced on Thursday it has raised more than $700 million in its latest round of financing, the largest in the bike-sharing industry to date.

The funding round is being led by Alibaba Group, Hony Capital and CITIC Private Equity, with additional participation from current investors Didi Chuxing and DST Global, the company said.

The company completed its Series D round of financing in February, raising $450 million.

Since its launch in June of 2015, Ofo has connected over 6.5 million bikes to riders in 150 cities across five countries, generating more than 25 million transactions daily. More than 2 billion rides have been provided to over 100 million users globally, the company said.

By the end of 2017, Ofo plans to deploy 20 million bikes on the streets, growing its service to reach 200 cities in 20 countries across the globe, according to a company statement.

Last month, Ofo's arch rival Mobike announced it had raised more than $600 million in its latest round of financing led by existing investor Tencent Holdings, boosting this year's funding past $1 billion.
Zhou Chunyu, former vice-governor of Anhui province, and Wang Yincheng, former president of the People's Insurance Company of China, a State-owned enterprise, have been expelled from the Communist Party of China and removed from all official positions, according to an announcement released by the top anti-graft authority on Wednesday.

Zhou and Wang were announced to have been brought under investigation for suspected severe violations of Party disciplines in April and February respectively.

Zhou, 49, was said to be acting as an official and a businessman, as he was found to have been personally engaged in investment businesses for a long time, gaining huge amounts of illegal profits, according to the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

It also said Zhou tried to hide his money in overseas banks, making him the first ministerial-level official to be accused of doing so.

Zhou refused to cooperate in the Party's investigation, the CCDI said. He is the third vice-governor to be probed by the anti-graft authorities in Anhui since last year, following Yang Zhenchao and Chen Shulong.

Zhou's illegal gains will be confiscated and his case transferred to the judiciary, it added.

Zhou had worked as a government official in Anhui since 1989. He worked as mayor and Party chief of Ma'anshan and Bengbu in Anhui from 2008 to 2016 before being elected vice-governor in September.

As former head of People's Insurance Company of China, Wang, 57, was accused of practicing "superstitious" activities - the CCDI's announcement gave no details about the activities.

Wang, who had been working in the insurance sector since 1982, was also criticized for leading an extravagant life. He had been using the company's public activity room for his exclusive use for a long time and paid his personal tourism expenditures using official funds, according to the CCDI.

Wang was also found to have traded power for money, inserted relatives into the insurance company against the rules, and allowed them to use his influence to seek profits, it said.

Wang was found to have interfered with the Party's inspections and audits, as well as resisting investigation, it added.

zhulixin@chinadaily.com.cn
PRINT | EMAIL | PERMALINK Baked Goods Summer Sessions Watch Rob M. Good ol' Attorney General Jeff Sessions has become the unwitting star of these cannabis news pieces. He's a natural-born villain with those giant wet eyes and that tiny sour face. Word on the Hill is that each night, when the sun goes down, he skitters up the exterior of the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building and takes his place on the roof as a living gargoyle. From his perch he surveys the city and mutters curses against that evil weed marihuana between yellowed teeth and over bloody gums. Sessions is the perfect personification of Old Americadistrustful of facts, driven by paranoia and skating the edge of senilitythe archetypal angry dad. He's the perfect symbol of everything we've left behind in the march of progress. Too bad he's in charge of the Justice Department. But as I've pointed out before, every effort he makes to block the legalization of cannabis only strengthens the opposition. Why? Because we hate Sessions, and anything he says is bullshit. To wit: According to a Quinnipiac University national poll released on April 20, 94 percent of voters support allowing adults to legally use marijuana for medical purposes if their doctor prescribes it. The poll also found that 73 percent of voters were opposed to government enforcement of federal laws against cannabis in states that have legalized medical or recreational use. I'd wonder what Sessions thought about those numbers, but I'm sure he never looked. How could numbers compete with what he feels in his gut?

What the Butler Saw Perhaps he was going with his gut when he sent a letter to congressional leaders in May personally asking that they undo the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment, which protects dispensaries in states with legalized medical cannabis from federal prosecution by denying the Justice Department the use of funds to pursue cases in those states. The letter was made public last month by MassRoots.com, who reportedly received it from a congressional staffer, and was verified independently by the Washington Post. In it, Sessions tells Senators Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and Representative Nancy Pelosi that the amendment inhibits the Justice Department's authority to enforce the Controlled Substances Act. He went on to say that 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. Of course the historic drug epidemic he's referring to is the opiate problem we're encountering here in the US. Ironically, even the National Institute on Drug Abuse (which generally holds harsh views on cannabis) has found evidence that deaths caused by prescription opioid overdoses are lower in states where medical cannabis is legalmeaning Sessions' crusade against cannabis could actually worsen the problem he claims to be fighting. Luckily, the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment has bipartisan support in Congress, and despite constant pushes against it from the Justice Department (similar pushback occurred during the Obama administration), it continues to hold.
China will make full use of Internet Plus to involve people from all walks of life in helping the remaining 43 million people in the country who live in poverty.

As part of the effort, a government-sponsored online platform has been established and has attracted about 100,000 warmhearted users who would like to contribute, poverty-relief authorities said in a news conference organized by the State Council Information Office on Wednesday.

The country is pressed for time to lift all people out of poverty by 2020, which is when the central government has pledged to finish building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and it's taking advanced measures to fulfill the task.

As an important impetus for the development, Internet Plus could offer strong support in the poverty alleviation campaign, the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development said in a statement.

Hong Tianyun, deputy director of the leading group office, said a network platform, using new technologies such as big data, has been established to promote online philanthropy as a response to the central leadership's call to make full use of Internet Plus in poverty alleviation.

The platform has 100,000 registered donors connected to 40,000 needy families, though it has only been launched as a trial in 11 cities in six provincial regions, Hong said.

With five sub-platforms, including donations, an online store and crowd funding, the platform can be accessed online and via a mobile app, or on WeChat.

Poverty-stricken people have published 50,000 posts seeking help on the website and one-fifth of the requests have been met, Gao said.

It will get more difficult to lift the remaining people out of poverty, but the network platform could mobilize social powers and bridge them with people from poverty-stricken areas using e-commerce, said Qu Tianjun, another official with the leading group office.

Liu Xiang, an official who oversees the network platform, said the government will also help poverty-stricken people with medical services and education through the platform.

China lifted 12.4 million rural residents out of poverty last year. There are still 43.3 million people living below the poverty line of 2,300 yuan ($340) in annual income, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

houliqiang@chinadaily.com.cn
Beijing's wetlands are sanctuaries for a growing number of wild birds. CHEN LIANG/CHINA DAILY

A private home in an old hutong, or alleyway, in downtown Beijing has welcomed a group of rare guests - five fledgling swallows.

"I haven't seen a swallow's nest for over 30 years," said Fan Liandi, a retired Chinese language teacher who lives in Dazhiqiao Hutong, just south of Xuanwumen.

"Last year, I had the house's gate repainted, and in spring, swallows started building a nest under the roof," Fan said.

Gao Wu, an ornithologist and professor at Capital Normal University, said many years ago, swallows were a common sight in Beijing.

"When the population rose quickly, birds started to leave because they couldn't build nests on modern apartment buildings," Gao said.

"The fact that they are coming back is a good phenomenon, it means the area is quiet enough and there are abundant food resources."

Dazhiqiao Hutong is 186 meters long. Before the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), it was a drainage ditch.

Teahouses and restaurants started to be built during the late Qing Dynasty and it eventually became one of the most crowded and chaotic alleyways in the southern part of downtown Beijing.

Since April last year, illegally constructed structures and hole-in-the-wall restaurants have been dismantled. Wires that used to crisscross above the buildings were buried underground.

A bird is seen in a wetland in Beijing. CHEN LIANG/CHINA DAILY

Roads were expanded, and dilapidated houses repaired. Dazhiqiao is one of seven alleyways that have been renovated south of Xuanwumen.

"The environment is much quieter now, and I guess that's why the birds are coming back," Fan said.

Beijing's efforts to dismantle illegal constructions, build parks and wetlands, and restore ancient alleyways have helped clean up the city's environment.

According to municipal statistics, the government has built 210 large parks around the city.

Its green coverage is about 26.8 percent, up about 12 percentage points compared with the figure five years ago.

Beijing has 50,000 hectares of wetlands. By 2020, it plans to add another 3,000 hectares. The green coverage will be at least 30 percent by then, according to the government plan.

Beijing Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, which monitors the wild bird population, said that from 2014 to 2015, there were about 150 species of birds in Beijing, and that number has risen to 200 since last year.

"These swallows will grow and one day they will leave my house, but I hope more birds will come and build nests here, like they did when I was young," Fan said.
Zhu Liangwen (fifth from left) discusses the Azheke renovation project at the village in Yuanyang county, Yunnan province, with local officials and village leaders. FU ZHENGHUI/CHINA DAILY

Retiree's efforts have convinced villagers they can improve living standards without demolition, new buildings

Zhu Liangwen, a white-haired retired architecture professor from Kunming University of Science and Technology, is in a race against time to protect traditional houses in Yunnan province.

His efforts to protect Yunnan's Lijiang old town started 16 years before it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

After a magnitude-7 earthquake rocked the town in 1996, Zhu's distribution of handbooks illustrating construction styles and features of local traditional houses proved to be effective in saving the buildings from being damaged in the post-disaster reconstruction.

Yuanyang county invited the 79-year-old to help protect the traditional mushroom shaped houses of the Hani ethnic group. Zhu accepted the invitation, but the task became extremely complex.

Zhu started his work in Yuanyang in early 2013 when the local government was attempting to have the county's Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The government even went to Laos to buy the twitch grass required for the renovation of the houses, he said.

However, the situation changed in June that year when the local government's application for funds, as part of a nationwide campaign to construct "beautiful villages", was successful.

The Yuanjiang government offered 30,000 yuan ($4,400) to families that built new houses. After just a few months, many of the traditional houses in the county's 82 villages had been demolished to make way for new houses.

"I was astonished, and told the county leaders I was only confident of protecting the traditional houses in two of the villages," Zhu said.

One of the villages Zhu chose was Azheke, where 80 percent of the traditional houses remained due to limited access to the outside world.

Villagers had been pressing the government for funding to build new houses, so Zhu had to take urgent action to renovate the traditional houses, he said.

Zhu had it written into the contract he signed with the local government that his team should accompany all processes from planning to construction. "Only in this way could I make sure the houses would be well protected," he said.

It took Zhu six hours by car to travel from his home in Kunming to the village, and another 20 minutes to drive along an unpaved road before arriving. However, Zhu has insisted on going there at least once a month.

Zhu supervises the construction of a lane at a village in Yuanyang county.FU ZHENGHUI/CHINA DAILY

The county head secured him a traditional house that Zhu could use for three years to renovate as a demonstration. With no government support, he invested 250,000 yuan of his own savings in transforming the house.

To prevent damage to the exterior, he chose to dig down inside and around the house to raise the height of the first floor, transforming it into a bar.

He also set up four rooms on the second floor and a loft.

"I am not doing this for money. If I make any money from the house, I will give all of it to the village," he said.

The demonstration proved to be successful. "Many locals came to witness the renovation work taking place and were convinced that they could also improve their living conditions without demolishing the old houses," he said.

However, Zhu has been left frustrated by the village head, who carried out construction work but failed to follow his planning.

"They think they have better plans for the village and do things that go against my planning when I am absent," Zhu said, adding that he often argues with village leaders, but it gets him nowhere.

In Azheke, the village leaders demolished a small house used for sacrifice to gods and ancestors, which was the last one of its kind in the area, ignoring Zhu's suggestion to preserve it. They also painted power transmission poles around the village green in a color that is not harmonious with the surroundings.

Zhu said he once thought about giving up, but eventually decided to continue his mission. "If what I do can be used as a guideline for the protection of traditional residential houses, in terms of academic research, I have reached my goal," he said. "And if I fail, it proves that my method is not practical and other methods must be discovered."

Contact the writers at houliqiang@chinadaily.com.cn
NANJING - After walking out of his spacious villa, Mei Zhenhua drives his Audi 6 to the rice farm in Huaxi village, known as China's wealthiest village.

The 34-year-old former metallurgy engineer has lived the agricultural life for a year and a half, as one of the seven "young smart intellectuals" selected by villagers to grow rice.

Huaxi in eastern China's Jiangsu Province, about 130 km away from Shanghai, has been urbanized. With skyscrapers and a village-run aviation firm, Huaxi has accumulated wealth through the development of industries ranging from steel and chemical fiber, to banking, new energy, logistics and marine transport.

However, villagers are no longer satisfied with the wealth generated from industrial development, even feeling embarrassed that agriculture has nearly died out. Nobody wants to eat produce from the village's 80 hectares of farmland, as it does not taste good.

In a decision agreed by 2,600 villagers in 2016, they gave 16 hectares of farmland to seven young people, college graduates aged 30 on average, to grow high-quality rice.

They were first sent to Asahi Noyu Farm in Japan to study how to grow high-quality rice, as none of them had farming experience.

"There is no secret in Japanese rice farming, only an artisan spirit in pursuit of perfection in each step of rice cultivation," said Mei, a graduate from China's prestigious Harbin Institute of Technology.

He said the problem of Chinese rice was a long-term focus on yield rather than taste and quality. Pollution in China due to years of industrial production has also damaged farmland.

Returning from Japan, the seven young farmers started growing rice in Huaxi in May 2016, starting by leveling soil, selecting seed and growing seedling.

Mei said they were strict in each process, using traditional manual selection for good seed.

To ensure the water was clean, they dug a small reservoir near the field, where water is treated through three filtration procedures before irrigating the farm.

The experimental field yielded only 60 tonnes of rice last year, with a per-unit output only half of a normal Chinese rice field. However, the rice won the gold award at Jiangsu provincial rice appraisal and was soon sold out.

The village committee decided this year to give all of the village's 80 hectares of farmland to the seven farmers.

"Huaxi is after all a village. We cannot give up our agricultural roots," said Wu Xie'en, Party chief of Huaxi.

Industrialization and urbanization had been seen as a measure of development for a rural town. But people are now worried that without agriculture, the village may lose its nature, according to Wu.

The village committee has spent 50 million yuan (7.3 million U.S. dollars) on the good rice cultivation program. In the next five years, it will continue to send young people to study rice farming in partnership with the Japanese farm.

Huaxi village has given Shimizu Toyoyuki, owner of the Asahi Noyu Farm, the right to choose young candidates from the village to study in his farm.

Toyoyuki said although he was initially surprised to see China's wealthiest village send people to study rice growing, he understood that China and Japan had the same problem in that most young workers were no longer interested in farming.

Cui Jingbin, one of the seven Huaxi farmers, studied in the Nishinippon Institute of Technology in Japan.

He said one thing he had learnt from the farming internship in Japan was that farming was intensive work, with every step interlinked.

"Food safety and health are new pursuits for Chinese people. With the rice program, we neither want to earn big money, nor make an attraction, but explore a modern agricultural production system to grow high-quality rice," Wu said.

The village's current annual per capita income is over 15,000 U.S dollars, with each household having a villa and private cars. Villagers also enjoy subsidized health care, and the village hosts over 2 million tourists every year.
A bullet train is ready to leave Beiijng South Railway Station to Xiongan New Area on July 6, 2017. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

The first bullet train running from Beijing to Xiongan New Area left Beijing South Railway Station at 8:08 am on Thursday, the news website Chinanews.com reported.

The train D6655 will take about 80 minutes to reach Baiyangdian Railway Station in the Xiongan New Area. The train's terminal is Baoding Railway Station, North China's Hebei province. The whole journey will take one hour and 50 minutes.

According to the schedule, a train will leave Baoding and go through Xiangan New Area en route to Beijing at 10:26 am. In the afternoon, a train will depart Beijing at 1 pm and another train will leave Baoding at 4:15 pm.

Apart from the railway stations in Beijing, Baoding and Xiongan, the trains will also stop at Baozhou, Baigou and Xushui.

China announced plans to establish Xiongan New Area in April.

Located some 100 kilometers southwest of downtown Beijing, Xiongan New Area will mostly cover Xiongxian, Rongcheng and Anxin counties in Hebei province.




Leaders of the Shanghai municipal government have joined the bike-sharing craze sweeping China.

Headed by the Party chief of Shanghai Han Zheng, the group rode shared bikes along the Huangpu River to experience the newly-opened area alongside residents on Wednesday.

Locals posted pictures online and their bike choices became a hot topic on WeChat. The leaders did not favor one bike-share brand though, forming a rainbow of colors with some on Mobikes, Ofos, and even a Phoenix bike made in Shanghai. A social media user wrote: "Don't fight, comrades! They ride all of them! People are satisfied, let's be happy!"

During the annual session of China's top legislature this year, many members of the Shanghai delegation rode shared bikes in Beijing. Han said then: "I support shared bikes! I appreciate such an innovative initiative. The government should embrace the new creation." His public riding is a powerful footnote to this statement.

Shared bikes have become very popular across China in less than half a year, becoming one of the most effective business measures to solve the "the last mile" problem of city traffic.

As shared bikes become increasingly popular in many cities, they have exposed a slew of problems like illegal parking, encroachment on public resources and poor pedestrian behavior.

Cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Tianjin have rolled out regulatory measures, giving active support and regulating the bike-sharing industry. The introduction of these policies sets standards and constraints, while also demonstrating support for the industry. The policies reflect the Party and government's wish to actively develop the sharing economy and promote innovation in entrepreneurship.

China's bike-sharing industry has become a new model leading the trend of the world.
TIANJIN -- Chinese President Xi Jinping Thursday sent a congratulatory letter to a meeting of health ministers from BRICS countries, calling for enhanced exchanges and cooperation.

He also called on relevant parties to study and take reference from others in the field of traditional medicine and make joint efforts to tackle public health challenges and protect people's health.
A national commission, headed by Vice-Premier Liu Yandong, was established to manage affairs related to school textbooks, according to a State Council notice released on Thursday.

The commission will guide overall work on textbooks, study and approve the annual work plan for the books in addition to other major issues, the notice said. The commission is also obligated to guide, organize and coordinate different regions and departments to work on textbooks, and review the nation's curricula while setting standards for textbooks.

Chen Baosheng, minister of education, was named the commission's deputy head while other 23 ministerial-level departments are also members of the commission. Also under the commission is a committee of 27 experts, such as Professor Ma Min at East China Normal University in Shanghai.

On Wednesday, the vice-premier attended the commission's first plenary meeting in Beijing.
A student of the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute in southwest China's Chongqing has been praised for creating a short personalized animated film by viewers on Sina Weibo, the Chinese equivalent of Twitter.

Zhang Shuang said she decided to craft a one-minute film showcasing her daily life - focusing on washing, cooking, studying, eating hotpot and making hotdogs for dinner - as a project for studying creative art. She is studying art education at the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute.

"I wasn't sure what I wanted to do at first and started to draw some food, such as coffee and hotpot, and suddenly got an idea, she said.

In the animated video, Zhang acts out a miniature-sized version of her daily routine, with her hands playing with small cut-out drawings of food, utensils, toiletries and her bedroom on a white background. The video jumps from scene to scene, and a lot of netizens believed the flipbook animation-style video made Zhang's hands look as if they were cooking on paper.

Zhang said she filmed her hands in her dorm room.

"It took me three days to finish the film and uploaded it to Sina Weibo," she said.

"It was fun and I never thought people would love it so much."
On the afternoon that we arrived in Fez, we knew that our evening would be spent with a dinner with a local family. We arrived at the hotel around 3 pm and after dropping our bags inside our hotel room and freshening up a bit, we thought it would be neat to check out the mall scene. The hotel is a block and a half away from the mall. Later that evening, I learned that many of my tour mates also made their way to the mall to stock up on supplies, like snacks.Inside the mall, we dashed towards the supermarket first. Our goal was to check out tagine, a casserole dish with a flat bottom and a conical top used in Moroccan cooking. Like in any other trips, a stop at the grocery store always give me such pleasure. I want to know what locals eat and buy.We wasted so much time going from one aisle to another looking for wine. Later we learned that the supermarket has a separate store for wines and alcoholic drinks, which is located in another floor, more like a basement. We forgot that this is a Muslim country and why alcohol is kept in a separate store.If you are inside the mall, you would forget where you actually are. You'd think you're in North America and not Africa. As a treat we both went to get some fro-yo and window shopped before we realized that we needed to go back soon, because call time for dinner was nearing.We arrived at the hotel to see that my tour mates have congregated in the reception area. The front desk area was actually getting too packed. There are people leaving a pool party and also congregated in the same area as we were in.Soon our tour bus parked in front of the hotel and one by one we boarded. After a quick count made by tour manager we were on our merry way. It was exciting to know that a dinner with a local family is included in the price of the trip, not as an optional tour most common in guided tours.The only drive by shot I could muster on the way to dinner.We arrived at our destination after the big tour bus we were in had to masterfully maneuver through narrow city streets just to get to our destination. The family that hosted us we found out hosts one dinner a week according to the 14-ywear old daughter Rita who enjoys mingling with the tourists. She spoke English so well, a skill she attributed from mingling with English speaking tourists that come to her home for dinner every week.The father and the daughter Rita were the ones who entertained us, hopping from one large round table to another, while the mother and a few helpers were in the kitchen making sure the dishes come out on time. The mother was the cook and oh boy could she cook.It was a multi-course meal and we were treated to traditional Moroccan dinner and dishes.Soup with different sweets and biscuits as they called it.Then, the tagine was served.And when it was uncovered, a sound of pleasure spontaneously broke out from around the table. It was the prettiest dish I had been served so far. It was a vegetable tagine that included potatoes, artichoke, carrots, some root vegetable, dried fruits and some other vegetables I cannot remember anymore.And much like in my household, dessert was a variety of fruits. The strawberry was particularly sweet.We chased all these wonderful food down with a never ending supply of hot mint tea. It was easily a three-hour dinner that was filled with good food, wonderful conversation, plenty of laughter and appreciation for other culture.Needless to say we went to bed fully satisfied that night despite the long long day that began in Rabat, lunch in Meknes and dinner in Fes.

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MANILA, The Philippines - An independent government institution has voiced concern over the lack of military dogs to protect Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and visiting foreign leaders.

The alarm was raised as the Philippines, the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations this year, hosts a series of high-level ASEAN meetings.

The Commission on Audit said in a recent report that the Presidential Security Group, whose main job is to provide security for the president and visiting heads of foreign governments, has been operating with less than the minimum number of canines or K9s needed to do the job properly.

In a report released on July 1, the commission said the PSG only has 20 security dogs, or five short of the 25 required to protect the president "through effective bomb detection operations during presidential engagements."

It said five more dogs will be retired in 2018 upon reaching the maximum service of eight years, leaving the PSG with just 15 canines.

As of Dec 31, the commission said 11 dogs have already retired and three more were recommended for retirement by the PSGs veterinary officer due to advanced age and diminished capability.

"With the 11 retired military dogs and five more expected to retire in 2018, the prime duty of the PSG of securing safety of the president may not be effectively carried out," the report said.

Responding to the audit report, the PSG said it has made the request for additional money in its 2017 budget to buy 11 additional law enforcement dogs but their request "was not considered by the Higher Headquarters".

Should be avoided

To augment its dwindling pack, the PSG said it has borrowed four dogs from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Army K9 units.

The commission said the problem should have been prevented had the PSG anticipated early on that their aging bomb sniffer canines were retiring soon.

"The command did not procure any bomb dog for the past 12 years and almost all of the existing effective bomb dogs were acquired through donation," it said.

It said the PSG could have also anticipated the tedious training or schooling of the dogs, and time needed to bond with its handlers.

"The acquisition and training of K9s necessitate a tedious process before they are utilized for military operations," the report said.

"A reasonable inventory of military dogs should be maintained and that acquisition of such should be properly planned and completed on a timely manner to support the command's operation critical to bomb detection," it said.

Xinhua

(China Daily 07/06/2017 page11)
LIMA - She died in her twenties about 1,700 years ago, and is believed to have ruled over a desert valley in ancient Peru where her elaborately tattooed body was buried with weapons and gold objects.

But a glimpse of the former priestess, the Lady of Cao, can now be seen in a replica of her face unveiled by culture officials and archaeologists on Monday.

Using 3-D imaging technology and forensics archaeology, the replica was based on the Lady of Cao's skull structure and ethnographic research and took 10 months to create, Peru's Culture Ministry said.

The goal, said Culture Minister Salvador del Solar, was to bring the world closer to one of Peru's best archaeological finds and remind Peruvians of their rich cultural heritage.

"Its relevance is really incalculable," del Solar said of the oval-shaped face with high cheekbones on display under a golden crown. "We can now show the world her face, a face that Peruvians see ourselves in."

The discovery of the Lady of Cao's mummified remains in 2005 shattered the belief that the ancient Moche society, which occupied the Chicama Valley during AD 100-700, was patriarchal. She was buried along with 100 kilograms of funerary relics and valuable objects. Several Moche female mummies have been found since in graves with objects denoting a high political and religious standing.

Archaeologists believe the Lady of Cao died due to complications of childbirth but otherwise lived a healthy life.

Her arms and legs were covered with tattoos of snakes, spiders and other supernatural motifs. Discovered near her funerary bundle was a strangled adolescent, who might have been a sacrifice to guide her into the afterlife, according to the museum at the El Brujo archaeological site where she was found.

The Lady of Cao is a reminder of the complex societies that thrived in what is now Peru long before the Inca empire dominated the Andes or Europeans arrived in the Americas.

The Moche built irrigation canals to grow crops in the desert and were known for their ceramics and goldwork that have been looted from their grave sites.

The replica of the Lady of Cao, a collaboration that included archaeologists, the Wiese Foundation and global imaging company FARO Technologies Inc, will be displayed in Peru's culture ministry in the capital Lima through July 16. It will later be shown at the museum at El Brujo.

Reuters - Xinhua

(China Daily 07/06/2017 page11)
Arab ministers gather in Cairo to weigh new curbs

DUBAI/CAIRO - Four Arab foreign ministers gathered in Cairo to weigh possible further sanctions against Qatar on Wednesday in a dispute that has aroused deep concern among Western allies of the region's ruling dynasties, key partners in energy and defense.

Regional newspapers with links to their governments suggested the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain might be ill-inclined to accept Qatar's response to a list of 13 demands when they met in the Egyptian capital.

The Abu Dhabi government-linked Al-Ittihad newspaper said that Qatar, with a population of 2 million compared to Saudi Arabia's 31 million, was"walking alone in its dreams and illusions, far away from its Gulf Arab brothers".

The four Arab states broke off diplomatic and transport ties with Qatar on June 5, accusing Doha of aiding terrorism and courting Iran - a regional rival of the Gulf states which shares interest in a gas field with Doha.

Qatar, whose international diplomatic and commercial profile has risen in 20 years, driven largely by gas revenues, denies the charges. Officials say the demands are so draconian they suspect they were never seriously meant for negotiation and were instead meant to hobble Doha's sovereignty.

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, on a tour of Gulf countries, said he was cautiously optimistic the feuding countries would reach a solution once they met for talks. "But it is also possible that it will continue to be difficult for some days," he told reporters in Kuwait, where he met with the Gulf state's ruler who is mediating in the crisis.

He said Kuwait's mediation, backed by the United States, had already achieved a lot.

Protracted dispute?

Qatar faces further isolation and possible expulsion from the Gulf Cooperation Council, a regional economic and security cooperation body founded in 1981, if its response to the demands fails to satisfy the Arab states meeting in Cairo.

The Dubai-based Al-Bayan newspaper said in an editorial that all indications suggested Qatar had "belittled joint Gulf action and the Arab block".

"Doha chose to enter into a dark tunnel....We are today at a new situation after the Qatari rejection, and it is a rejection that will not pass without a price, and Qatar alone bears responsibility for this reaction."

Qatar's response to the demands has not been made public. But Doha has already made clear that, while seeking settlement, it is preparing for a more protracted dispute. Doha announced on Tuesday it planned to raise Liquefied Natural Gas production capacity by 30 percent in the next five years.

Qatar's relatively limited trade ties with other Gulf states - largely food and construction exports-could also soften the effects of extended regional isolation.

The Arab countries have demanded Qatar curtail its support for the Muslim Brotherhood, shut down the Al-Jazeera TV channel, close down a Turkish military base and downgrade its ties with Iran.

Qatar's foreign minister called for "dialogue" on Wednesday to resolve the crisis, accusing Arab states of trying to undermine the nation's sovereignty.

But the Al-Riyadh newspaper, which reflects Saudi government thinking, said: "We do not understand the Qatari intransigence which is built on the principle of sovereignty that have been repeated in every reaction issued by Doha."

"The Gulf requirements did not impact on the Qatari sovereignty at all, but only asked that Qatar stop interference in their internal affairs."

Reuters - Ap

(China Daily 07/06/2017 page12)
Technology development, mutual trust have driven cooperation

China and Russia have maintained close cooperation in mainstream media in the past year, a senior Chinese official said during the Third China-Russia Media Forum on Tuesday in Moscow.

More than 120 representatives of 75 media agencies from China and Russia participated in the forum and discussed new trends of media development and future cooperation.
Artists from China and Japan attend the opening ceremony of exhibition Dialogue with Contemporary Japanese Art at the China Cultural Center in Tokyo, June 27, 2017. [Photo/Chinaculture.org]

An exhibition titled Dialogue with Contemporary Japanese Art was launched at the China Cultural Center in Tokyo on June 27, marking the 45th anniversary of the normalization of China-Japan diplomatic ties and the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China.

The exhibition features 24 pieces of art including paintings, wood prints and art installations. They were created by 12 artists from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Japan.

"Japanese contemporary art is favored by a lot of Chinese. But people from the two countries haven't known enough about each other in this field," Shi Yongjing, director of the China Cultural Center in Tokyo, said at the opening ceremony.

"The China Cultural Center is very willing to create more opportunities for artists from China and Japan to show their works and exchange ideas."

To mark the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China, the center has also displayed artworks by Hong Kong artists for the first time.

The exhibition runs until July 7.
Immortalized on film 2017-07-06 07:33:25 China Daily Chen Nan On July 1, 2016, the opera Long March made its debut at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing.

The opera Long March debuts as a movie production in Beijing, marking the 96th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. Chen Nan reports.

On July 1, 2016, the opera Long March made its debut at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing. And, on the same day, a year later, the opera premiered as a movie production at the NCPA, marking the 96th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China.

The movie version is directed by Hou Keming, who says that the production uses Ultra HD, or 4K technology, meaning that the picture has four times the resolution of high definition.

The opera, written by famed scriptwriter Zou Jingzhi and composed by Yin Qing, which took four years to complete, traces the key events during the Long March, a two-year tactical retreat of the Red Army to evade Kuomintang forces, starting in 1934.

The opera was staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the epic march, and the events portrayed in the opera included the battle near the Xiangjiang River, which saw around 50,000 Red Army soldiers die; and the battle at Luding Bridge, which saw a small Red Army force brave gunfire to cross the bridge and attack enemy positions on the other side - successfully securing a bridgehead for the army to cross.

In the opera, Zou, who spent two and a half years revising the script, does well to portray the distinctive character of the soldiers in the opera Long March.

The role of Commander Peng is played by tenor Yan Weiwen, while a heroic 16-year-old soldier, Ping Yazi, is played by tenor Wang Hongwei.

Speaking about the opera, director Tian Qinxin says: "We had many questions before creating this opera. How do we get the audience to connect with a story from 80 years ago? How will they see the soldiers, their sacrifices and their spirit in a contemporary era?

Meanwhile, despite being one of China's most accomplished drama directors, known for her works like Green Snake and Romeo and Juliet, Tian says that Long March - her first opera - was a challenging project.

The tenor Yan, 60, says: "Sacrifice and devotion are the main themes of the Long March. It's more than a historical event. It's a spirit.

"We spent more than three months rehearsing. It was like a dialog with history."

The Long March is the 11th original opera produced by the NCPA.

Tian says that telling a Chinese story using a Western art form is always a challenge for Chinese directors, scriptwriters and composers.

Composer Yin spent two years on the composition for the opera, where he combined bel canto with Chinese folk singing.

He also borrows folk music elements from the different places along the route of the Long March.

Chinese architect Ma Yansong, who is best known for his structures like the Absolute Towers in Canada, designed the stage using multimedia technology.

Co-director Yang Xiaoyang, who is also the vice-president of the Chinese Dancers Association, choreographed the moves for the battle scene and the scenes on the grasslands and the snow-capped mountains.

The year 2017 marks the NCPA's 10th anniversary, and during the past decade, it has produced more than 70 operas, including 11 original works, and made more than 20 movies based on the operas, which have been screened across the country.
Exhibition commemorating woman calligrapher to launch 2017-07-06 11:06:27 chinadaily.com.cn An exhibition featuring female calligrapher Xiao Xian's works will be held at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing from July 27 to August 6.

An exhibition featuring female calligrapher Xiao Xian's works will be held at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing from July 27 to August 6.

Born in 1902, Xiao learned calligraphy from the noted 20th century Chinese scholar Kang Youwei. Praised as a treasure of contemporary Chinese calligraphy, her style is natural and unrestrained, with an air of elegance and freedom.

After Xiaos death in 1997, her family donated many of her works to the museum.

This year marks the 115th anniversary of the artists birth. The museum wants to remember the calligrapher and promote traditional Chinese culture via the exhibit.
China's wealthiest village returns to rice farming 2017-07-06 09:31:37 Xinhua After walking out of his spacious villa, Mei Zhenhua drives his Audi 6 to the rice farm in Huaxi village, known as China's wealthiest village.

NANJING - After walking out of his spacious villa, Mei Zhenhua drives his Audi 6 to the rice farm in Huaxi village, known as China's wealthiest village.

The 34-year-old former metallurgy engineer has lived the agricultural life for a year and a half, as one of the seven "young smart intellectuals" selected by villagers to grow rice.

Huaxi in eastern China's Jiangsu Province, about 130 km away from Shanghai, has been urbanized. With skyscrapers and a village-run aviation firm, Huaxi has accumulated wealth through the development of industries ranging from steel and chemical fiber, to banking, new energy, logistics and marine transport.

However, villagers are no longer satisfied with the wealth generated from industrial development, even feeling embarrassed that agriculture has nearly died out. Nobody wants to eat produce from the village's 80 hectares of farmland, as it does not taste good.

In a decision agreed by 2,600 villagers in 2016, they gave 16 hectares of farmland to seven young people, college graduates aged 30 on average, to grow high-quality rice.

They were first sent to Asahi Noyu Farm in Japan to study how to grow high-quality rice, as none of them had farming experience.

"There is no secret in Japanese rice farming, only an artisan spirit in pursuit of perfection in each step of rice cultivation," said Mei, a graduate from China's prestigious Harbin Institute of Technology.

He said the problem of Chinese rice was a long-term focus on yield rather than taste and quality. Pollution in China due to years of industrial production has also damaged farmland.

Returning from Japan, the seven young farmers started growing rice in Huaxi in May 2016, starting by leveling soil, selecting seed and growing seedling.

Mei said they were strict in each process, using traditional manual selection for good seed.

To ensure the water was clean, they dug a small reservoir near the field, where water is treated through three filtration procedures before irrigating the farm.

The experimental field yielded only 60 tonnes of rice last year, with a per-unit output only half of a normal Chinese rice field. However, the rice won the gold award at Jiangsu provincial rice appraisal and was soon sold out.

The village committee decided this year to give all of the village's 80 hectares of farmland to the seven farmers.

"Huaxi is after all a village. We cannot give up our agricultural roots," said Wu Xie'en, Party chief of Huaxi.

Industrialization and urbanization had been seen as a measure of development for a rural town. But people are now worried that without agriculture, the village may lose its nature, according to Wu.

The village committee has spent 50 million yuan (7.3 million U.S. dollars) on the good rice cultivation program. In the next five years, it will continue to send young people to study rice farming in partnership with the Japanese farm.

Huaxi village has given Shimizu Toyoyuki, owner of the Asahi Noyu Farm, the right to choose young candidates from the village to study in his farm.

Toyoyuki said although he was initially surprised to see China's wealthiest village send people to study rice growing, he understood that China and Japan had the same problem in that most young workers were no longer interested in farming.

Cui Jingbin, one of the seven Huaxi farmers, studied in the Nishinippon Institute of Technology in Japan.

He said one thing he had learnt from the farming internship in Japan was that farming was intensive work, with every step interlinked.

"Food safety and health are new pursuits for Chinese people. With the rice program, we neither want to earn big money, nor make an attraction, but explore a modern agricultural production system to grow high-quality rice," Wu said.

The village's current annual per capita income is over 15,000 U.S dollars, with each household having a villa and private cars. Villagers also enjoy subsidized health care, and the village hosts over 2 million tourists every year.
Zhongguancun unicorns live in global spotlight

( chinadaily.com.cn )

Updated: 2017-07-06

A total of 49 Chinese unicorn companies entered the list of the world's most valuable private enterprises valued at $1 billion and above, released by CB Insights, a New York-based investment research firm.

In the entire world, there are 200 unicorn companies with a total cumulative valuation of $689.02 billion as of last May, according to the "unicorn leaderboard" of CB Insights.

Zhongguancun Science Park in Beijing is home to 25 companies on the list, which is only second to the Silicon Valley of the United States, with total valuations of at least $159 billion, occupying 23.1 percent of the global total, according to the research firm CB Insights.

Unicorn companies primarily engage in industries such as e-commerce, hardware and financial technology, accounting for approximately 50 percent of the total number, following healthcare, big data and on-demand service.

In recent years, the pace of unicorn births has dramatically accelerated, with the passion for innovation and entrepreneurship up surging, and venture capital institutions mushrooming. This makes China and in particular Zhongguancun Science Park, an important hotbed for start-ups.

Three of the global ten most valuable private companies are based in Zhongguancun, namely taxi-hailing and car-service app Didi Chuxing, smart phone maker Xiaomi Corp, and group-buying and dining platform Meituan.

In the recent years, Zhongguancun has continued to improve its ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship. Some enterprises engaged in cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality, are widely recognized by the capital markets.

Lei Jun, founder of Xiaomi launches Mi Max in Beijing on May 10, 2016. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

There will be more startups based in Zhongguancun entering the list of the unicorn leaderboard in the near future, said insiders.

Three quarters of the listed companies hail from the United States and China, while the Chinese enterprises have cumulative valuations of $230.64 billion.

The average Chinese unicorn company is valued at $4.71 billion, surpassing other countries by a massive margin, shown by the statistics.
Chinese President Xi Jinping (2nd L) and his wife Peng Liyuan (1st L) are greeted by German Chancellor Angela Merkel (2nd R) and her husband Joachim Sauer (1st R) at the Max Liebermann Haus (Max Liebermann House) nearby Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, July 4, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

BRUSSELS - With the 12th G20 summit on the horizon, it's the right time for China and the European Union (EU) to deepen ties, especially in promoting free trade and tackling climate change.

The G20 summit, scheduled in the German city of Hamburg on July 7-8, is in the public gaze against the backdrop of widening cracks between the United States and the EU, as well as rising uncertainties globally.

In the run up to the summit, the leaders of the EU and its member states met in Berlin on June 29 to coordinate their positions. At a press conference after the meeting, German Chancellor Angela Merkel reaffirmed Europe's backing of free trade and the Paris Accord, saying Germany was "more committed than ever" to making both a success.

Days later, obviously sneering at US President Donald Trump's catchphrase "make America great again," the European Commission said "we will work with all partners who share our conviction that the (Paris) Agreement is necessary to make our planet great again."

"The Agreement is a key element for the modernization of the economy and industry worldwide. It is the cornerstone of global efforts to tackle climate change, and cannot be renegotiated," the commission stressed.

Since taking office in January, the Trump administration has been wrangling with the EU over such issues as free trade, burden-sharing among NATO allies and climate change.

Frustrated by Trump's first trip to Europe in late May, Merkel, addressing an election campaign in Germany's southern state of Bavaria, said the Europeans "really have to take destiny into their own hands."

In this context, it's right time for China and the EU, sharing similar positions on free trade and climate change, to deepen cooperation.

Trade is of great significance to the export-oriented EU. According to the European Commission, every one billion euros in exports support 14,000 jobs in the bloc. More than 30 million jobs depend on exports to the rest of the world -- around one in every seven jobs in the EU.

Trade has been the bedrock of China-EU relations, with the EU being China's largest trading partner, China, the EU's second largest trading partner and their average daily trade volume standing at more than 1.69 billion US dollars.

"We must work to make trade and investment free, as well as fair. The EU will support a continued commitment of the G20 to fighting protectionism and strengthening the rules-based multilateral trading system, anchored in the WTO," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and European Council President Donald Tusk wrote in their letter about the G20 summit to leaders of member states.

The two presidents' views resonated, to a large extent, with those of the Chinese leaders championing free trade on a host of important international occasions.

China and the EU also have similar positions in dealing with climate change. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on June 1 that the country would continue its implementation of the Paris Agreement and positively participate in the multilateral process of global climate governance.

Spokesperson Hua Chunying added that China is willing to work with the EU to strengthen practical cooperation on climate change.

There's something else worth noting: it's in China's best interest to learn from the EU's experience in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The EU has successfully decoupled its economic growth from its greenhouse gas emissions. During the 1990-2015 period, the EU's combined GDP grew by 50 percent, while total emissions decreased by 22 percent.

Both China and the EU have set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emission by 2030. It is foreseeable that the prospects for cooperation in clean energy will be extremely broad.

It's no secret that China and the EU continue to bicker on issues like steel overcapacity, market economy status, and market openness. But these do not constitute the mainstream of China-EU relations. In the context of increasing global uncertainties, it's of greater significance than ever for China and the EU to cement their ties.
President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan are greeted upon their arrival in Berlin, Germany, July 4, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

President Xi Jinping's on-going state visit to Germany, which coincides with the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Germany, is expected to not only lift bilateral ties to a new level, but also help revive the trend of globalization and trade liberalization.

With the world facing growing uncertainties, the cooperation between China and Germany has assumed global significance, as greater interaction between the two countries will give a shot in the arm not only to China's relationship with Europe as a whole, but also the global economy.

Over the years, China and Germany have set up more than 70 dialogue and cooperation mechanisms covering a wide range of fields, and, thanks to their joint efforts, their practical cooperation is now "robust", as Xi noted on his arrival, and it plays an exemplary role in boosting Europe's cooperation with China.

Prior to his arrival in Berlin, Xi paid a state visit to Russia, where he met with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. One eye-catching similarity in China's interaction with Russia and Germany in recent years has been the frequency of the high-level contacts and exchanges, which have helped boost trust and cooperation.

And thanks to this, China's relationships with Germany and Russia are in very good shape. Given that Xi is also scheduled to attend the upcoming G20 Summit in Hamburg on Friday and Saturday, his meetings with the leaders of Russia and Germany have provided a good opportunity for China to better coordinate its stance with the two important G20 members, paving the way for the summit to achieve people's hopes for positive outcomes and the injection of fresh impetus into global growth.

As Xi rightfully pointed out at the 2017 World Economic Forum at Davos earlier this year, economic globalization is a double-edged sword. But despite globalization encountering difficulties, countries around the world should work together to counter protectionism and seize every opportunity to promote growth through innovation and structural reforms.

The G20, as the premier forum for international economic cooperation, can forge a shared will to achieve these aims by following through on the consensus achieved last September at the G20 Hangzhou Summit, when participants agreed to make significant contributions to promoting strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive global growth.

In this respect, China and Germany, as the previous and current G20 chair, shoulder the important responsibility of ensuring the Hamburg summit delivers on the vision and spirit of partnership it displayed then.
BAHRAIN, EGYPT, SAUDI ARABIA AND THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES are reportedly considering ratcheting up the economic sanctions they have imposed on Qatar and suspending it from the Gulf Cooperation Council. Beijing News commented on Wednesday:

The ongoing Gulf row seems to be going too far. On Monday, after an earlier 10-day deadline expired, Saudi Arabia and its allies gave Qatar an extra two days to accept their ultimatum for restoring relations.

However, Doha is not likely to make full concessions to their demands, which include closing its broadcaster Al Jazeera and cutting diplomatic ties with Iran.

What will happen next remains to be seen, but if Qatar gives in to the demands, the country's policymaking independence will be called into question. While if it sides with Turkey and Iran, the Sunni Gulf nations are expected to diplomatically isolate it, and Washington, a crucial ally of Doha, will likely withdraw from the Al-Udeid Air Base, its largest air base in the Middle East.

There is also a possibility that Qatar, after paying lip service to its Gulf neighbors, will seek to maintain its "maverick" stance toward Iran off the record. While the worst-case scenario is the Gulf Cooperation Council falls apart after an enduring standoff.

It is tricky trying to predict how things will go in the Middle East, because game-changing deals are often made in secret.

But the fissures in the Gulf Cooperation Council, not least the disagreements between Qatar and other Sunni-majority nations, are no secret either. The latest standoff, which ostensibly centers on combating terrorism, offers a glimpse into competition among the Arab nations.
A photo of Zhang Yingying released by the police.

The disappearance of Zhang Yingying, a Chinese visiting scholar at the University of Illinois, has drawn public attention to Chinese students' safety in the United States. Subsequent analyses on WeChat platforms are pretty wild, reinforcing old prejudices and creating new ones. One writer warns against drivers of Saturn cars, as the suspect was driving a Saturn to pick up Zhang before she disappeared. This widely read writer argues that someone with good social status would not drive a Saturn. Others, after reading about the suspect, conclude that introverts are a risk to society, themselves or both.

It is absurd to make such generalizations based on just one incident. Such sensationalism also takes attention away from the real measures that Chinese should take to protect themselves against crime while working or studying abroad.

Overseas visiting scholars constitute a fairly vulnerable group. Their stay in a foreign country ranges from a few months to a year. Given the brevity of their stay, more often than not they decide not to buy a car or learn to drive, and thus have to depend on either friends or the public transportation system, which can be infrequent, at least compared with that in China.

However, despite the despicable crimes, it is not right to profile people based on race, personality, or the cars they drive.

Generally speaking, we can never go wrong with quick acclimatization to local environments. It is essential for Chinese students and scholars studying or conducting research abroad to learn about and adapt to local conditions and public life. Take transportation for instance: When living in a college town where most of the people do not depend on public transportation, it's no use being nostalgic about the convenience of buses and subways in China. Just get used to taking buses according to their posted schedules. Take a bus schedule flyer. Download an app. Public buses in the US do not run as frequently as they do in China, but they are fairly punctual and reliable. Simply learn to adjust.

Campuses with large numbers of students also have transportation services that could save lives, especially late at night. Some universities, such as my alma mater Syracuse University, offer late night shuttle to transport students when public bus services are not available. The university also provides escorts to help students to walk safely to bus stations. For most US campuses, it is standard practice to install blue light stations with emergency call features to help students in times of danger. In fact, US campuses are fairly safe.

But since such services are often unknown to new students and scholars, it's always better to get informed. There is no excuse for a kidnapping, but I hope future students and scholars can receive prior warning, or learn from Zhang's case to never get into a stranger's vehicle, a hidden rule of defensive living, which for Americans has become second nature. The best place to learn such things is the campus orientation session for newcomers. Do not skip these sessions, for they offer "more important" things such as studying for "real courses".

Getting educated about how a community operates should be a priority for newcomers, as it can go a long way in making their stay safer.

I still remember a simple but highly useful tip our campus police gave us when I started my studies in the US about 15 years ago: "Carry a whistle. Blow it as hard as you can when you are in danger." These safety orientation sessions are filled with useful information such as safety routes, dangerous neighborhoods, and situations that may pose danger. I would recommend all students to attend such sessions, and to seek out information when they are not sure. Get informed. Knowledge about local environments is a much better guarantee of safety than ignorant profiling.

The author is a US-based instructional designer, literary translator and columnist writing on cross-cultural issues.
CAI MENG/CHINA DAILY

Populism and protectionism are on the rise across the world. Some recent developments in Europe and the election of Donald Trump as US president seem to have added strength to the voices opposed to globalization. These are huge challenges confronting the world. What makes these challenges more complicated is the quality and complexity of global interdependence today.

Advances in information and communications technology, transportation, the development and spread of nuclear weapons, and the degradation of the global environment have made the world more interdependent than ever before as well as more vulnerable.

These global challenges cannot be overcome without the efforts of all parties, for which multilateral negotiations and efficient global institutions are necessary. And no issue, whether it be climate change, nuclear proliferation, cybersecurity or global trade, can be resolved without Sino-US cooperation.

After the end of the Cold War, the United States emerged as the dominant economic and political power. But its position has been eroding with the rise of emerging economies, especially China, with the shifting global balance of power triggering a debate on China and the world order.

The US principles on security, global trade and politics are no longer universally accepted, and global issues cannot be resolved through consensus due to the differences in American and Chinese approaches to tackling the issues.

Since 2008, the significant role played by China in G20 indicates the country's increasing importance in global governance. China emphasizes the necessity of multilateral approach to issues, and respects national sovereignty and the principle of noninterference in a country's internal affairs, which have helped it greatly benefit from globalization.

And although China has not yet formulated a clear strategy for its role as a rising global power and its commitment to global causes, the principle that will define its engagement with the world is multilateral cooperation.

The Trump administration, on the other hand, seems to be limiting the US' global role, which marks a departure from decades of consensus that Washington's leadership is indispensable to international stability. Trump has criticized globalization, which he believes is the key reason for the US' troubles. He believes that bilateral cooperation among major powers, rather than regional and multilateral cooperation, can "Make America Great Again". And he considers the European Union as an antediluvian economic model and has pulled the US out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement. All these suggest global affairs do not occupy center stage in Trump's scheme of things.

Therefore, the US is not likely to help design policies for the stability of the world economy. Instead, Trump will focus more on American interests. In fact, Washington seems to be resorting to protectionism, bilateralism and unilateralism, and is least interested in fulfilling former US president Barack Obama's promise to help reform international institutions. But that does not mean Washington will fully abandon the multilateral architecture that it has dominated since the end of World War II.

In this context, the China-led Belt and Road Initiative and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank should be seen as an attempt to help improve global economic governance. As a rising global power, China is still on the learning curve. So it is crucial for China and the US both to recognize each other's priority areas, common interests, and differences. And they should make concerted efforts to capitalize on the common interests and settle the differences before they turn into conflicts.

Despite their differences over the future of globalization and divergent views on global issues, both sides accord the highest priority to economic growth and sustainability, for which good global economic governance is an absolute necessity.

An updated narrative on globalization and global governance is therefore a prerequisite for global economic prosperity. Shared interests without substantial understanding of the priorities and challenges will make cooperation and coordination in global economic governance inefficient and fruitless. And this calls for the two great powers to step out of their "discourses" and settle their differences for the betterment of the global economy.

The author is a research fellow at the School of International Relations, Sun Yat-sen University.
Apple celebrates the iPhone's 10th anniversary in 2017. [File photo]

The Apple iPhone celebrated its 10th Anniversary a few weeks ago. The impact of the revolutionary iPhone was substantial.

Role of design. In a general sense, the iPhone showed the importance and power of great design. Back at Apple's helm, Steve Job's grand obsession was to build products that did far more than function and be easy use. He wanted his products to bring about transformational change in people's lives, to become part of the culture. Jobs subscribed to Canadian designer Robert L Peter's belief that: "Design creates culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the future."

Jobs also knew that the successful roadmap to transformational design is never easy and seldom smooth. As Steve Jobs noted: "Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations." The first few years of iPhone were not illustrious, with many complaints about the lack of appx the tie-in to designated telecommunications providers. Now after a decade, the wow' factor of successive models seems to be waning somewhat showing that sustained innovation is difficult to achieve. During the keynote Jobs said it was rare enough for a company to revolutionize even one product category. Apple had already revolutionized two: PC's with the Mac and personal music players with the iPod. Now with the iPhone, they had achieved three and on a roll.

Disruption. In the digital economy disruption is the norm and those who thrive will be good at disruption, including anticipating the future and even willing to disrupt their own past successful models in order to prepare for the future. The advent of the iPhone overtook and disrupted those products focused on handsets and use of a stylus. Previous phones needed an instruction booklet to learn how to use them. Steve Jobs understood, as does Elon Musk today, that "Any product that needs a manual to work is broken." With the iPhone people could now input directly on to their screen with multi-touch capacity. Indeed, Apple with the iPhone made the touch screen common place, even though others had been working on it in previous years.

Apple also disrupted the world of mobile gaming. Before the iPhone App Store came along, mobile gaming occurred through pocket gaming systems from companies like Nintendo and Sony. The mobile game industry is now skyrocketing, especially in China, and the iPhone was a major catalyst worldwide in this rise in gaming activity.

The convenience and rapidly improving phone camera and supporting applications also challenged the stand alone digital camera market.

Changed software distribution. The iPhone transformed the world of software apps. While cell phone app stores and apps had been around for years before Apple iPhone, the process of finding apps online and downloading and uninstalling them was not cumbersome and complex for the average user. With the iPhone users had to set up an iTunes account with credit card and password and this facilitated easy location of apps, download, payment and uninstalling of applications

Convergence. Modern technologies are increasingly converging with products today connecting with one another in a phenomenon known as the Internet of Things. The iPhone converged the worlds of music and phones. The features and system behind the iPhone brought together the phone and music, the internet, photographs and more into a single easy to use and beautifully designed platform supported by the cloud.

Apple showed that customer is not always right. Innovators are people of vision and sometimes that vision is far ahead of the mass population. For example, commenting on the invention of the automobile, Henry Ford observed that: "If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses." Before the iPhone, few people, including me, would have contemplated using an on-screen keyboard on a phone. Indeed, many iPhone users asked for an external advice to make this possible, but Apple wouldn't cooperate. Instead, they drove demand until gradually the masses became accustomed to and approving of this new reality.

Growth of Apple as a global brand. The iPhone was a global phenomenon. Different parts were made production roles undertaken in multiple countries, including China. The iPhone was also successful across cultures and countries winning markets almost everywhere. Even markets, for example, in Japan, with traditionally strong loyalty to home-grown products, the iPhone made its mark. The iPhone won converts everywhere. Moreover, as PC users began to experience products such as the iPhone, iPod, and iPad, leading many traditional PC adherents to adopt for the first time the Apple family of products.

Implications for education. To a large extent formal education remains locked into a paradigm befitting an Industrial Age where workers needed to show up on time and follow instructions and leave the creativity and thinking to management. In an Information Age the premium must be on innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship and related skills. Speaking of design 20th century inventor, mathematician and futurist, Buckminster Fuller, indicated that: "A designer is an emerging synthesis of artist, inventor, mechanic, objective economist, and evolutionary strategist." More generally, writer, Daniel Pink argues that in a Digital Age these skills should be part of all education: "The future belongs to a different kind of person with a different kind of mind: artists, inventors, storytellers-creative and holistic right-brain' thinkers whose abilities mark the fault line between who gets ahead and who doesn't."

Conclusion: Apple changed the way phones worked, what they could do and how they related to other areas of peoples' lives. This in turn changed the way people worked, played and functioned in society. The iPhone reminds us that while good design is useful, great design is transformationallessons that all organizations and individuals should take to heart.
Shamwari Game Reserve [Photo provided to China Daily]

South Africa, known for its cultural and natural diversity, is now attracting large numbers of Chinese tourists.So, South African Tourism recently held promotion events in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou to boost links between tour operators in China and South Africa.

Chinese travelers want to experience South Africa's special warmth, soul, color and smiles, says Bradley Brouwer, the tourism bureau's president for the Asia Pacific region.

He says Chinese tourists like the country's UNESCO world heritage sites, wildlife, and outdoor activities.

Between January and November 2016, more than 117,000 Chinese visitors traveled to South Africa, a 38 percent increase compared with the same period in 2015.

And it is expected that the total spending by Chinese visitors will reach $100 million in 2017.

South Africa will open two new visa centers in Chinese cities by the end of this year, adding the total of 11 so far.
A couple have wedding photos taken in Xitouxia, a fishing village in Xiamen's Siming district.[Photo Provided To China Daily]

"Whether you come or not, the host is not there." That is the slogan of a store called Nest in Xiamen, Fujian province, which provides a sharing space for visitors to drink tea, read books, meet friends and kill time, all for free.

Along the narrow corridor of Nest reside shelves of old books and paintings. Walking up the even narrower spiral staircase, visitors will find a bright and broad roof with a wooden tea table, some fine china cups and several green bonsai.

"We have no product or service here. The guest is also the host," said Shao Ye, co-founder of the store.

He said since the store's opening in 2014, visitors have not taken anything away from the store. Instead, many of them brought tea, cofee beans and snacks to share with others. "A store without consumption makes tourists more relaxed and free. Xiamen is a city of civilization which can realize this idea," Shao said.

Xiamen has attracted many young people due to its romantic cultural elements and friendly citizens, according to Zeng Liangliang, a tour guide who has worked in the city for 12 years.

The piano museum on Gulangyu Island and the Furong Tunnel in Xiamen University, decorated with pictures painted by college students and the dancing team of the Xaobailu Art Theater, show a colorful city of culture and art, she said.

"Most of the tourists on my team were young people, along with some older people seeking a warm place to stay in winter," she said. "Ninety-five percent of visitors said they were satisfied with the trip."

Zengcuoan village, once a small fishing village dating back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) near the coastline of Xiamen, has transformed itself into a gathering place for cultural creativity.

Along the narrow road, more than 1,200 creative cultural stores and hotels welcome more than 10 million visitors every year.
Chinese Ambassador to Ghana Sun Baohong delivers a speech at a conference on China-Africa relations in Accra, capital of Ghana, on July 4, 2017. China will not be a proselytizer and instead supports Africa's pursuit of development paths suiting its own situations, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana Sun Baohong said Tuesday. [Photo/Xinhua]

ACCRA - China will not be a proselytizer and instead supports Africa's pursuit of development paths suiting its own situations, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana Sun Baohong said Tuesday.

Sun made the remarks as African development experts met in Ghana at the start of a conference on China-Africa Joint Research and Exchange Program on Africa-Sino Relations.

The two-day conference, organized by the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG), is expected to discuss how Africa and China can cooperate in terms of technical capacity and resource capacity enhancement to boost Africa's development and create a win-win partnership for both sides.

Sun said China's development collaborations with Africa are without ulterior motives.

"China will further enhance cooperation with Africa in areas such as digital economy, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and environmental protection. But China will never act as a proselytizer, nor attach political strings; never interfere in domestic affairs of African countries nor impose its will upon Africa, and China will never issue an empty check," Sun said.

She urged African countries to diversify their export base and pursue export processing in order to strengthen their economies.

"It is my hope that in the near future Africa will shift the model of exporting raw materials and establish a complete industrial chain. People can see more goods made by China and Africa jointly in the international market," the ambassador said.

In his opening remarks, Vice-President of Ghana Mahamudu Bawumia hailed China's remarkable development story.

He pointed out that China's "push" has been based on their vision, on their "going global" strategy, and the discipline and determination to execute their plan.

Africa's cooperation with China and all of its development partners, Bawumia said, should also be based on the continent's own vision for lifting its people out of poverty.
A man walks on the corniche in Doha, Qatar, June 15, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

CAIRO - Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said on Wednesday that Qatar's response to the demands of Egypt and Gulf countries was "very negative."

Shoukry's comments came during a press conference after his meeting in Cairo with his counterparts of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain to discuss their blockade of Qatar.

"We have held talks to discuss the recent developments of the Qatari crisis and the ways to deal with it," he said.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut off diplomatic ties with Qatar on June 5 and imposed punitive measures, accusing the gas-rich country of "supporting terrorism and interfering in their internal affairs."

The four Arab countries then issued a list of 13 demands to end rift with Doha including closing Al-Jazeera television and cutting diplomatic ties with Iran.

The four announced Wednesday morning that they received the Qatari response through Kuwait, who has played as a mediator to reach a solution for the crisis.

Among the six Gulf Cooperation Council states, Kuwait and Oman did not join the anti-Qatar blockade.

"There will be zero tolerance with the Qatari support for terrorism," Shoukry said, adding that there are evidences showing that Qatar supported terrorism and extremism.

Shoukry affirmed that another meeting will be held in Bahrain soon to further discuss the issue.

Egypt's administration, led by President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, is at odds with Qatar for the latter has allegedly supported and hosted fleeing members of the Muslim Brotherhood group, an organization currently blacklisted by the Egyptian government.

The Brotherhood supports former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi, who was toppled by the military in July 2013 in response to mass protests.

In the latest development, US President Donald Trump stressed on Wednesday the need for constructive negotiation between Qatar and its Arab neighbors, Egyptian state-run Ahram Online website reported.

Trump made the remarks in a phone discussion with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi.

Trump also called on all the countries to follow their commitments at the Riyadh summit in May to stopping financing terrorists and discrediting extremist ideology, according to Ahram.
The reconstructed wreckage of the MH17 airplane is seen after the presentation of the final report into the crash of July 2014 of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine, in Gilze Rijen, the Netherlands, October 13, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

KIEV - People suspected of shooting down the Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 in July 2014 over Ukraine will be tried by the court in the Netherlands, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko announced on Wednesday.

The decision to probe the case under the Dutch law was adopted by the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), consisting of representatives of the Netherlands, Australia, Malaysia, Belgium and Ukraine, the president wrote on Facebook.

"Ukraine will contribute as much as possible and will provide assistance to the Netherlands for the speedy punishment of the perpetrators," Poroshenko said.

The flight MH17 crashed in the conflict zone in eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014, while flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. All 298 people on board died, among them 196 Dutch citizens.

A report published by the JIT in September 2016 concluded that the plane was shot down by a Russian-made Buk missile fired from a region in eastern Ukraine, controlled by independence-seeking insurgents.

Moscow and the rebel leadership in east Ukraine have denied the allegations, saying that the plane was shot by a missile from the territory controlled by Ukrainian government troops.

In December 2016, JIT said that it has identified about 100 people, who are linked to the crash.

The armed conflict between the government and the rebels in eastern Ukraine has been underway since April 2014, claiming some 10,000 lives.
Brendt Christensen (middle) , the 28-year-old Illinois man charged with kidnapping Zhang Yingying, and the two images sketched by Lin Yuhui. [Photo/People's Daily Online]

Brendt Christensen, charged with kidnapping a visiting Chinese scholar, was denied bail on Wednesday by a US federal judge in Urbana, Illinois.

During a hearing in the District Court for the Central District of Illinois, US Magistrate Eric Long said that Christensen, 28, presented a danger to the community and was a flight risk.

Christensen, who has a master's degree in physics from the University of Illinois, was arrested on June 30 on a charge of kidnapping Zhang Yingying, a 26-year-old student at the same school.

Zhang has not been found, and police believe she is dead. Sunday will mark one month since her disappearance on June 9, when she got into a car allegedly driven by the defendant.

According to the criminal complaint made public at the hearing, Christensen made statements about the characteristics of the ideal victim while he was under surveillance at a vigil for Zhang on June 29. There's audio of him describing how Zhang fought and resisted after he brought her back to his apartment in Champaign. He also threatened another person to whom he made the incriminating statements.

"The facts speak to the very danger the defendant presents to the community," Assistant US Attorneys Bryan Freres said. "The circumstances of the case indicate the defendant used violence."

Liu Jun, acting consul general in Chicago, said he spoke to the FBI after the hearing on Wednesday and requested the bureau step up efforts to find Zhang as soon as possible.

"This is the most urgent thing at the moment," Liu said. "They have put in the best detective experts and have been working on the case around the clock."

The University of Illinois Police Department, the Illinois State Police and local police also are investigating the case.

"In a case like this, it's not unusual for bail to be denied," Evan Bruno, Christensen's attorney, said outside the courthouse.

In arguing for bail, Christensen's attorneys said that keeping their client in the Macon County Jail, which is about an hour away, was a disadvantage to his defense.

"We just wanted the judge to take that into consideration when determining whether this defendant would have the ability to meet with us and work on his case," said Tom Bruno, also an attorney for Christensen.

"It's not real evidence at all yet," said Bruno when asked about the case against Christensen. "One of the founding principles of the American system of justice is the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses against you We're entitled to test that evidence to see if it's reliable."

Members of Zhang's family attended the hearing on Wednesday and an initial hearing on Monday. Christensen remained silent during the proceedings.

A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for July 14, but that could be waived if the grand jury returns an indictment before then.

Wang Zhidong, an attorney representing Zhang's family members, said the ruling on Wednesday was what the family had expected.

"I believe the judge made the right decision, which also comforted the family," Wang said.

Mike Judge, 63, a local Uber driver, said the kidnapping has raised concerns in the community.

He said some of his customers who are Chinese students, along with other students, mention it every day.

"I know lots of people really who are so worried about it. It makes people really nervous about getting in a car somebody's stopping, if they don't know who they are," Judge said.

"It's extremely sad," he said. "It's really kind of rare that things like this happen here. It makes everybody who lives in the whole area disgusted. I think everybody still hopes this girl is still out there somewhere, and they can at least find her," he said.

Kathleen Hu, a Chinese-Canadian engineering student at Illinois, said she and her friends have discussed their concerns about the case.

"It's a big deal, because usually we think the campus is a safe place, but things like this happening ... cannot easily be foreseen," said Hu, who was born in Chengdu and is in her fourth year at the university.

Hu said her parents were "a lot more worried. They tell me to be more careful, come home earlier," adding though that she hasn't changed her routine much.

Hu believes the case will influence international students attending the university, a top destination for overseas Chinese students in the US, "because parents will be more afraid of this situation".

Kevin Li, 25, a computer science student from Wuhan, Hubei province, said that Chinese students should not skip campus safety orientation meetings.

"Most Chinese students don't attend orientation, but it's necessary," he said.

Han Shihao, a recent graduate of the University of California-San Diego, said it's important for students to be wary of entering strangers' vehicles.

"The FBI is doing what they should do," he said. "Despite the fact that people think they are doing it slowly, I think it's because it's hard for them to find evidence."

"They will have high efficiency when they have evidence or information," he said. "I still have faith in the FBI and local law enforcement agents."
As diplomatic activity reaches a high pitch in Germany - with the arrival of President Xi Jinping in Berlinfor a state visit starting on Tuesday, to be followed by the G20 Summit of the leaders of major economies in Hamburg on Friday and Saturday - one German museum director is inviting the honored guests to take a moment to relax with some cultural delights for the eyes.

A bonus is that the delights also relate to what they are discussing, especially in terms of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.

Peter Tamm, director of the International Maritime Museum in Hamburg, is offering a display of up to 120 items chronicling the history of China's maritime Silk Road.

"The leaders should come to know how different cultures and civilizations conducted exchanges and understanding in an amazingly peaceful way during the period," Tamm said at the museum, which is in the heart of the port city.

"The items show the unbelievable achievements China made in those years."

The exhibition, being held to September, was jointly arranged by Tamm's museum and the Guangdong Museum of Guangdong province. The items will be moved to Rome for exhibition later this year.

The maritime Silk Road exhibition includes relics and information about shipwrecks, displays about items traded such as porcelain and plants, and the evidence of the influences that also were carried along trade routes such as religions and cultures.

"We are thrilled to have this exhibition and we are happy that more and more museumgoers are interested in Chinese culture and Silk Road history," said Tamm.

Tamm, deeply involved in shipping brokerage, media and culture businesses, said the exhibit is evidence of the interest that Germans, and Europeans in general, have in Chinese history and cultures.

Tamm said all the items are treasures and he is extremely impressed by such unique relics as those from the Nanhai One, a merchant ship that sank off the coast of southern China during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The colossal ship was among those used to bring China and the rest of world closer by trading - carrying such goods as porcelain and coins - and through cultural exchanges.

"They are symbolic of a period in China's history that is little known here in Germany," said Tamm. "The routes were used during the Middle Ages to bring luxury goods from China to the Middle East and from there on to Europe," he said.

Tamm said the exhibition helps explain the Belt and Road Initiative, a primary part of which is the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

Tamm's museum and Guangzhou Museum have also produced a book in German and English to introduce the history and items in the exhibition.

In the preface, Minister of Culture Luo Shugang, said that through exhibits depicting cultural and commodity exchanges, relics and underwater archaeology, the exhibition shows the progress realized across oceans between different civilizations in ancient times.

"I am certain that this exhibition will contribute to the further understanding between China and Germany," Luo wrote.

fujing@chinadaily.com.cn

Peter Tamm, director of the International Maritime Museum in Hamburg, says relics of the ancient Silk Road on display have lessons to teach today's global leaders.Fu Jing / China Daily

(China Daily 07/06/2017 page3)
As leaders from China and the world's other leading industrialized economies head to Hamburg, anticipation is high within Germany's second-largest city about the benefits hosting a G20 summit might bring.

There will be a short-term monetary gain -- business visitors spend an average 235 euros ($268) for an overnight stay in Hamburg, and the G20 participants, including 10,000 delegates and a small army of media, are expected to spend considerably more.

But there's also a down side. Ahead of Friday's official opening, shops and businesses have been boarding up their windows as some protests mounted by anti-globalization demonstrators turn violent.

Earlier this week, police used water cannon to disperse crowds and there have been disturbances and clashes as officers tried to clear small tented camps set up by protestors.

In the long term, though, a successful G20 will mean positive exposure to potential investors and confirm the port-city's ability to bear the burden of large scale events.

An extra 20,000 police officers from across Germany have swelled the ranks of the local force after Hamburg faced several acts of vandalism in recent months claimed by activists on the far left who view the G20 as promoting a neoliberal agenda.

One summit event will be held within the area of the port itself, so on Friday the waterways will be closed to all but trade ships.

Axel Matter, joint head of Port of Hamburg Marketing, said he does not expect trade to be affected, though there are security concerns, as far left groups have threatened to target transportation routes.

"Officially, the trade ships are allowed to come and leave, but this all depends on what happens," Matter said.

Michel Molenda, spokesman for the Hamburg Convention Bureau, is optimistic that in the long term the summit is an opportunity to promote a modern image of Hamburg.

"The G20 puts Hamburg on the map for China and internationally," Molenda said.

"We are a harbor city, but we have more to offer."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who was born in Hamburg, has invited the G20 leaders to a concert at the city's Elbphilharmonie. Opened this year, Molenda says the striking venue has already played an important role as a marketing tool to strengthen the city's image.

Hamburg already has a strong trading relationship with China, with a third of all containers that move through its port either from or bound for China.

"Most Chinese investors in Hamburg are involved in trade," said Aresa Brand, a Hamburg-China business relations expert from the Hamburg Business Development Corp. "We are starting to see some companies from the research and development side."

Contact the writer at angus@mail.chinadailyuk.com
Our China WFOE formation lawyers constantly fight the temptation to use the sort of hackneyed phrasing usually found in inspirational corporate desk calendars, tech startups mission statements, and ironically titled albums on Bandcamp. Expect the unexpected. Embrace the contradiction. Winners never quit. Quitters never win. But WFOE work can be so frustrating and counterintuitive that speaking in cliches often seems like the only appropriate response. Dignifying the Chinese authorities actions with measured analysis and rational thought is a path to madness, or at least extreme frustration.

The latest annoyance is that during the WFOE formation process, an increasing number of districts (even in Chinas largest cities) are requiring the WFOEs legal representative appear in person at the Public Security Bureau (PSB), passport in hand, to prove their identity. Setting aside the inefficiency of requiring a personal appearance, what makes this request truly bizarre is that the same local authorities have already required the legal representative submit an authenticated copy of their passport. The exact procedure for producing an authenticated passport copy can vary by state, but a typical example would be as follows:

1. The WFOEs legal representative goes to a notary public, photocopies their passport, and signs the photocopy in front of the notary.

2. The notary then signs and stamps the photocopy.

3. The notarized photocopy then goes to the county clerks office of the county in which the notary is commissioned, which produces a written document with a seal confirming that the notary is in fact a commissioned notary public.

4. That document then goes to the Secretary of State of the state in which the county is located, which produces another written document confirming that the county clerk is in fact the official county clerk of that county.

5. That document then goes to the U.S Department of State, which produces another written document confirming that the Secretary of State of the relevant state is in fact the duly elected official of that state.

6. That document then goes to the Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC, which affixes a certificate on the back of the U.S. Department of State documents, authenticating that the documents were in fact created by the U.S. Department of State.

This process usually takes several weeks and costs a few hundred dollars, assuming everything goes smoothly. The procedures for countries in Europe are roughly similar.

The purported reason China requires so much rigmarole to prove the identity of the legal representative is because they receive so many forged documents, and the Chinese Embassys imprimatur is the only way to confirm authenticity.

See if you can guess why we are now being asked to produce the legal representative in person. Remember the cliches at the beginning. And  wait for it  yes, its because the Chinese authorities allege they have been receiving counterfeit Chinese Embassy authentications.

At its very core, this new procedure makes no sense. The whole point of Embassy authentication is to guarantee the authenticity of the document: local country notarization and then embassy authentication is the gold seal for guaranteeing document authenticity. If the PRC abandons that international practice due to its massive internal corruption, then the whole system China created to deal with these issues will collapse. No one benefits from that.

The bottom line is that to form a WFOE, the parent company will likely need to make the WFOEs legal representative available to spend a couple weeks in China to make a personal appearance at one or more government agencies, producing their passport and signing documents as necessary. If the parent company is unable or unwilling to make the legal representative available, they take the risk of having their WFOE formation delayed, or perhaps even cancelled. Our lawyers in China, along with our local agent, are working hard to try to find a solution to this and there is at least a decent chance that we will. Yet this requirement seems to be spreading and based on the way things so often go in China, this requirement could very well become entrenched (or not) in the near future.

Ultimately, the only way to stay sane if you do China WFOE formations is to keep a sense of humor about the process. You could get angry, but whats the point? Like Homer Simpson says, Its funny because its true.
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Hobby Lobby president Steve Greens collection of historic Bibles and ancient artifactsone of the largest in the worldis now 5,500 items smaller.

The billionaire Christian craft mogul and chairman of the forthcoming Museum of the Bible has surrendered thousands of cuneiform tablets and seals bought by Hobby Lobby, after federal prosecutors determined the material came from war-torn Iraq and not Turkey or Israel as customs forms had claimed.

His company also paid a $3 million fine in a settlement, federal officials announced yesterday in district court.

Laws in the United States and Iraq ban the purchase of cultural artifacts suspected of being illegally removed from the country, deeming it property of the state instead.

While many art and history museums have backed away from acquisitions from the Middle East over fear of ending up with goods plundered by ISIS, Hobby Lobby has spent the past several years growing its ancient collections.

The settlement involves a slice of its massive library: $1.6 million in tablets and bricks, clay bullae, and cylinder seals marked with Sumerian cuneiform, one of the earliest known forms of writing.

According to prosecutors, Hobby Lobby did not adequately check out the purported owner: a dealer based in the United Arab Emirates who sent the materials to its Oklahoma City offices labeled erroneously as ceramic tiles or clay tiles (sample). Several were intercepted by federal customs officials, who began investigating the company in 2015 over what was initially believed to be a few hundred questionable artifacts.

The company also ignored advice given to its legal counsel about this very situation. An expert in cultural property law warned ...
Defense Department Delays Obama's 'Transgender' Policy

Contact: Liberty Counsel, 407-875-1776, Media@LC.org; Press Kit



WASHINGTON, July 6, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- Defense Secretary James Mattis announced just hours before a July 1 deadline that he will defer implementation of the so-called transgender policy until January 1, 2018. The Obama-era policy would have allowed incoming service members identifying as "transgender" to enlist if they have been "stable" in their gender identity for 18 months. Such a policy is wide-reaching, applying to use of barracks, bathrooms, shower rooms, and coerced "training" of military and civilian personnel. The Obama policy directly undermines unit readiness as well as religious and conscience objections.

Retired Army Lt. Gen. Jerry Boykin, former U.S. Army Delta Force commander and executive vice president of the Family Research Council, said "the Pentagon is right to hit the brakes on a policy that will fail to make our military more capable in performing its mission to fight and win wars. It's good that the nation's military leadership realizes what the American people realize, this policy makes no sense. The military has been reduced to stripping parts from museums, which is why it makes no sense to spend more than a billion taxpayer dollars on new body parts for anyone who joins the military and identifies as transgender."

A Rasmussen survey released last week found that "just 23 percent of likely U.S. voters think the U.S. military's decision to allow openly transgender people to serve is good for the military." Thirty-one percent thought it was bad for the military and 38 percent said it would have no impact.

Liberty Counsel issued a letter last week to Fort Benning Army Base commanding officers requesting them to comply with the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) and the Department of Defense (DOD) Instruction and to provide religious accommodation and exemption from compliance with "transgender directives" which violate rights of conscience or religious beliefs, when such exemption has no effect on the accomplishment of the Army's actual mission. Liberty Counsel was contacted by Army personnel and civilian employees within the Fort Benning, Georgia chain-of-command who seek religious accommodation exemptions from the mandate of the DOD "Directive-type Memorandum" 16-005, known as "Military Service of Transgender Service members," requiring that personnel complete "transgender training" and "guidance." Liberty Counsel called upon Mattis to end the policy.

"We are pleased that Defense Secretary Mattis stopped the Obama transgender policy for six months and we urge him to put an end to this Obama-inspired plan," said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. "The duty of military officers is to appropriately lead and prepare their personnel to serve and protect. This 'transgender' policy undermines unit cohesion, preparedness and morale. We should focus on making the military prepared to defend and we must stop using it as a place for social experimentation and coercion," said Staver.

Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics.
Anti-Abortion Group Delivers Baby Hope to 100 US Senators Demanding the Defunding of Planned Parenthood

Contact: Mark Harrington, Created Equal, 614-419-9000, mark@createdequal.org



COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 6, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- In the coming days, 100 US Senators will be delivered an important package. But this delivery won't be a simple note from one of their constituents. Within days, every single US Senator will be delivered Baby Hope, a twelve-week old baby, with a personal message from her to defund Planned Parenthood and redirect tax payer dollars to community health centers.



See Baby Hope HERE: bit.ly/2sFHsHS



Baby Hope can break the logjam in Washington, DC over defunding Planned Parenthood in the health care bill! I beg of you to help Baby Hope get her message out.



Here is the letter to every US Senator from Baby Hope:

Dear Senator,

My name is Baby Hope. I'm only 12 weeks old, but I want to live. Sadly, there is a high likelihood I will be killed by Planned Parenthood before I ever get a chance to be born. Even worse, Planned Parenthood, America's largest abortion provider that kills 900 preborn babies like me each day, would get paid by American taxpayers to kill me.



However, you can stop Planned Parenthood from killing me and many others. Here's how: Vote for a health care bill that will not subsidize abortion and will redirect abortion giant Planned Parenthood's taxpayer funding to community health centers.



For my sake and hundreds like me, I beg you to refuse to fund abortion and Planned Parenthood in the health care bill.



Please protect me.



Sincerely,



Baby Hope

"It is time to hold our pro-life representatives accountable for their campaign promise to defund Planned Parenthood. Baby Hope will deliver a strong message to every single US Senator to end abortion funding and redirect taxpayer dollars to community health centers." -- Mark Harrington, national Director, Created Equal
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A Florida woman reportedly hid a bag of methamphetamine in her rear and tried to eat it while she was being processed in jail, according to police.

According to court records filed by the Collier County Sheriff's Office in Naples, Fla., Summer Nicole Adamson attempted to dispose of her hidden drugs after she was arrested.

NOT CANDY: Police find nearly $1 million worth of meth disguised as lollipops

A corporal pulled over Adamson, 29, of Bonita Springs, Fla., on June 29 after a caller reported Adamson broke a car window. The deputy said he recognized her black Jeep from "previous law enforcement contact," the documents state.

Story continues below...

As the Jeep came to a stop, the corporal said Adamson was digging in the center console. The corporal also saw a syringe underneath Adamson's leg. When asked about it, she reportedly tried to hide it.

BAD PARENTING: East Texas parents arrested after baby tests positive for meth

The corporal also saw a "small plastic baggie with a brown powder in it on the passenger seat" and recognized it as heroine. Adamson was then arrested and transported to the Naples Jail Center.

While conducting a strip search, deputies said they observed Adamson "reach in her buttocks area and grab a small plastic bag and place it in her mouth and started to chew it." The deputies were able to stop Adamson from eating the bag, which she admitted was full of crystal methamphetamine.

According to the documents, Adamson had 3.5 grams of heroin and 3.7 grams of methamphetamine.

Adamson faces an array of charges, including possession of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of an amphetamine and smuggling contraband into a detention facility.

BUSTED: Elementary teacher arrested for bringing meth into class

This isn't Adamson's first run in with the law. According to previous reports from the Collier County Sheriff's Office, Adamson was charged with breach of peace and disorderly conduct on June 25. She reportedly got into a fist fight in a CVS parking lot with another woman.

Adamson also has a history of shoplifting, according to reports filed by the sheriff's office.
A pair of Tyler residents pleaded guilty Wednesday to importing illegal steroids into the country and distributing them to customers, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Texas announced.

Stacey Godsey, 44, and Joseph Shay Burton, 39, were convicted of conspiracy to import anabolic steroids.
St. Luke's Health System's top financial executive is following the CEO out the door, another casualty of the Catholic network's ongoing struggles in the Houston market.

Jenny Barnett-Sarpalius, senior vice president and chief financial officer, will step down Friday, the St. Luke's system announced in an internal email Wednesday. The resignation came a week after the system announced the resignation of St. Luke's CEO Michael Covert.
United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit. HERBERT STETTIN, Trustee, Plaintiff, ROBERT C. FURR, Trustee, MICHAEL I. GOLDBERG, not individually, but as Chapter 11 Trustee of the estate of the debtor, Rothstein Rosenfeldt Alder, P.A., BAYON INCOME FUND, LP., et al., Plaintiffs - Appellants, v. NATIONAL UNION FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY OF PITTSBURGH, PA, TWIN CITY FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, Defendants - Appellees, AONRISK SERVICES INC. OF MASSACHUSETTS, et al., Defendants. No. 15-14716 Decided: July 05, 2017

Before JORDAN and JULIE CARNES, Circuit Judges, and SCHLESINGER, * District Judge.

This appeal is another remnant of the Ponzi scheme orchestrated by Scott Rothstein through his law firm, Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler. See, e.g., S.E.C. v. Levin, 849 F.3d 995 (11th Cir. 2017); Coquina Invs. v. TD Bank, N.A., 760 F.3d 1300 (11th Cir. 2014); In re Rothstein, Rosenfeldt, Adler, P.A., 717 F.3d 1205 (11th Cir. 2013). It arises out of litigation based on the alleged conduct of certain executives of Gibraltar Private Bank and Trust Company, at which RRA maintained accounts.

Gibraltar and some of its executives were named as defendants in numerous suits seeking to recover for losses caused by Mr. Rothstein's scheme. They requested that their insurance carriers, National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh and Twin City Fire Insurance Company, extend coverage under Gibraltar's executive and organization liability insurance policies towards a joint settlement of the claims.

When National Union and Twin City denied coverage, Gibraltar and its executives began settlement discussions without the insurance companies. The parties eventually reached a settlement, which included Gibraltar and the executives assigning their policy rights to the bankruptcy trustees of RRA and of other entities that lost money in the Ponzi scheme.

After the assignment, the trustees again unsuccessfully demanded coverage. The trustees then filed suit, asserting breach of contract and bad faith claims. National Union and Twin City moved to dismiss the action, arguing that coverage was barred by a professional services exclusion found in each of the policies. The district court agreed, and granted the insurers' motions. The trustees now appeal.

The National Union policy is the primary policy, while the Twin City policy is an excess policy that follows the primary policy's relevant provisions. The terms of the policies are relatively straightforward. The policies provide for coverage for the Loss of any Insured Person arising from a Claim made against such Insured Person for any Wrongful Act of such Insured Person, except when and to the extent the Organization has indemnified such an Insured Person. D.E. 18-1 at 7. The policies also exempt professional services from coverage. The professional services exclusion reads as follows:

The Insurer shall not be liable to make any payment for Loss in connection with any Claim made against any Insured alleging, arising out of, based upon, or attributable to the Organization's or any Insured's performance of or failure to perform professional services for others, or any act(s), error(s) or omission(s) relating thereto.

Id. at 37.

The district court reasoned that the plain language of the exclusion barred coverage because some of the insured executives at Gibraltar provided professional banking services directly to RRA. See D.E. 80 at 18 (A plain reading of the Professional Services Exclusion demonstrates that it bars coverage for any Claim made against any Insured arising out of any Insured's performance or failure to perform professional services for others.). See generally Kattoum v. New Hampshire Indem. Co., 968 So. 2d 602, 603 (Fla. 2d DCA 2007) (If the policy provides joint coverage, the fraud or misconduct of one insured can be imputed to an innocent co-insured. ) (citation omitted).

The trustees ask that we reverse. They contend that the exclusion should be read severally, and therefore barring coverage only as to the claims against those insured executives who directly provided professional services to RRA. Under their reading, the district court erred because claims against executives who were merely responsible for internal managerial banking functions, like complying with federal reporting regulations, are not exempt from coverage.

We affirm. Applying Florida law, and exercising plenary review, see Hegel v. First Liberty Ins. Corp., 778 F.3d 1214, 1219 (11th Cir. 2015), we reach the same conclusion as the district court.

The district court properly observed that the phrase any insured unambiguously expresses a contractual intent to create joint obligations. D.E. 80 at 18 (quoting Sales v. State Farm Fire & Cas. Co., 849 F.2d 1383, 1385 (11th Cir. 1988)) (internal quotation marks omitted). The phrase any insured, as we explained in Sales, generally makes the obligations under an insurance provision jointly rather than severally held and unambiguously expresses a contractual intent to create joint obligations and to prohibit recovery by an innocent co-insured. 849 F.2d at 1385 (citing cases). Sales involved Georgia law, but Florida law is generally in accord. See, e.g., USAA Cas. Ins. Co. v. Gordon, 707 So. 2d 1185, 1186 (Fla. 4th DCA 1998) (We have no trouble concluding that exclusion (h), which excludes coverage for damage caused by any insured, unambiguously results in joint property coverage in this case.) (citation omitted).

Understanding that the phrase any insured must be read in context, see Kattoum, 968 So. 2d at 60405, we believe that the district court correctly interpreted the exclusionary language. Here the professional services exclusion twice uses the phrase any insured, once in referring to the claim made and once in referring to the professional services rendered. And that, we think, evinces an intent to create joint obligations. See Thoele v. Aetna Cas. & Sur., 39 F.3d 724, 72527 (7th Cir. 1994) (holding, under Illinois law, that exclusion barring coverage for claims arising out of business pursuits of any insured included injuries triggered by one insured in connection with the business pursuit of another). This is not a case like Michigan Millers Mut. Ins. Corp. v. Benfield, 140 F.3d 915, 926 (11th Cir. 1998), in which we held, under Florida law, that the interchangeable use of the phrase an insured and the insured in a policy created an ambiguity and did not provide joint coverage or obligations so as to exclude [an innocent insured] from recovering under the policy.

The trustees rely on Premier Ins. Co. v. Adam, 632 So. 2d 1054 (Fla. 5th DCA 1994), but that case does not call for a different result. In Premier, the Fifth District explained that an insurance policy's severability clause resulted in separate insurable interests for each insured, such that each insured must be treated as holding separate insurance coverage. Id. at 105557. As a result, notwithstanding an exclusion stating that the policy did not apply to bodily injury or property damage which is expected or intended by any insured, coverage could only be denied against an insured who actually committed the excluded act. Id. at 105657 (emphasis added). Here, however, the insurance policies issued by National Union and Twin City do not contain a severability clause. And that difference in policy language is fatal to the trustees' argument. See Taylor v. Admiral Ins. Co., 187 So. 3d 258, 26062 (Fla. 3d DCA 2016) (citing Premier and concluding that exclusion applying to conduct of any insured would bar claim but for policy's severability clause); Gordon, 707 So. 2d at 1186 (explaining that without a severability clause an exclusion applying to the conduct of any insured creates a joint obligation).

As to the trustees' other arguments, we affirm on the basis of the district court's well-reasoned order.

AFFIRMED.

JORDAN, Circuit Judge:
Years before a European court ruled that a brain-damaged British infant should be taken off life support, Texas newspapers were full of headlines about end-of-life disputes.

The Texas cases, similar in many ways to the Charlie Gard case, were triggered under the state's so-called futile-care law, a 1999 statute that gives hospitals the authority to withdraw life-sustaining treatment against a family's wishes if an institutional ethics committee agreed with the doctor that continued care would be unethical. Only one other state has a similar law.

In 2005 and 2006, in the Houston area alone, five families engaged in very public fights about such decisions.

The fights included a case at Texas Children's thought to be the nation's first discontinuation of an infant's life-sustaining care against a parent's wishes; a 53-year-old heart patient who died still under treatment a few days after St. Luke's reversed its decision once a right-to-life doctor came forward to continue care; and a 68-year-old invalid who died months after his family successfully arranged a transfer to a nursing home.

The Charlie Gard case came to U.S. attention after President Donald Trump tweeted "if we can help...we would be delighted to do so." Trump offered no details.

Controversy about Texas' futile-care law led to repeated reform attempts in the Texas Legislature that always died until 2015, when a bill passed and was signed into law prohibiting healthcare providers from removing artificial nutrition and hydration.

The law was enacted in the aftermath of a 1993 article in the Journal of the American Medical Association that laid out guidelines for identifying futile care and eliminating it. Gov. George W. Bush signed the law, a compromise negotiated by opposing sides. Right-to-life and disability rights groups came to regret the decision.

Texas ethicists praised the law for keeping the cases out of the courts, where judges typically lack expertise on end-of-life matters. Two such ethicists said this week they didn't understand the European Court of Appeals' decision not to allow Gard, who suffers from an often-fatal rare genetic disease called mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome. to be transferred for care, either to a Vatican-owned hospital or a U.S. neurologist willing to try experimental treatment. The Texas law gives families 10 days to find such transfers.

Public fights about the Texas law have declined in recent years, though a Texas Right to Life spokeswoman said Thursday that behind the scenes lots of families continue to seek their help contesting hospital rulings. In 2015, the family of a terminal cancer patient who battled Houston Methodist Hospital sued over its plans to discontinue care filed suit. Attorney General Ken Paxton subsequently said he thinks the law is unconstitutional and will not defend it in court.

You can read more about the Charlie Gard case here and the Texas law here.
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Norwegian Air Shuttle recently announced its first flight to Texas, opting for nonstop flights to Austin instead of connecting through Houston's hub system.

"Norwegian is focused on point-to-point traffic, whereas Houston, for instance, is a major hub for connecting passengers," spokesman Anders Lindstrom said in an email. "We like to bypass that old-fashioned system and offer customers a more direct and smooth travel experience."

Norwegian announced Wednesday that it will offer flights three times a week from London's Gatwick Airport to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The service begins in March 2018 and will use the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

MORE: Houston-Hawaii flights on United Airlines get flat-bed seats

Lindstrom said the airline looked at several Texas cities for its entry into the Lone Star state. Austin was attractive for a number of reasons, officials said, including the city's booming technology sector, large millennial population and its growing appeal to European travelers.

The airline may have also chosen Austin as part of its competition with British Airways, said Henry Harteveldt, founder of San Francisco-based Atmosphere Research Group, a travel industry research company.

He said Norwegian, for example, began flying from London to Oakland a year or so ago, and British Airways just recently launched new flights on that route. Norwegian's newly announced Austin service, he said, is in part to get back at British Airways for flying London-Oakland.

British Airways has been flying London-Austin for a few years now.

"Norwegian and British Airways appear to be battling one another for customers," he said in an email.

Norwegian has launched service out of 15 U.S. cities in four years. It is looking at other cities in Texas for future flights.
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It was an event many in the Cleveland community never saw coming. Bright and early Wednesday morning, and with very little fanfare, the Texas Rural Hospital, formerly known as Cleveland Regional Medical Center, reopened its emergency room.

The hospital was shuttered for three years since its abrupt closing in August 2014. Under new management and owners, CEO Don Vickers said the hospital will keep some of the positive traditions of the past but is embracing modern health care.

INNOVATION: Texas Children's Hospital ranked No. 1 in heart care

"This is the not the same hospital is once was. The hospital is part of Cleveland Emergency Hospital System, which we opened in August 2015," said Vickers, referring to the emergency room hospital located on Travis Street in the former Doctors Diagnostic Hospital. The two Cleveland hospitals are part of five medical facilities owned by CISH Operations. The other sites are the Texian Hospital off of Red Oak in Spring, The Woodlands Specialty Hospital and a new facility opening in Kingwood this August.

The success of Cleveland Emergency Hospital prompted the opening of Texas Rural Hospital, according to Vickers.

ESCALATING COSTS: Memorial Hermann lays off 350 more employees

"Cleveland Emergency Hospital is doing very well, so the owners decided a few months ago that we needed to work on getting this facility back up and operational," he said.

The two hospitals, just a few blocks apart, both will operate emergency rooms for now. The Texas Rural Hospital has three inpatient beds whereas Cleveland Emergency Hospital has two. Texas Rural Hospital also will refer its outpatient diagnostics and surgeries to its sister facility.

"Because we are part of Cleveland Emergency Hospital System, we are automatically able to accept Medicare and Medicaid at the new hospital," Vickers said.

The CEO said he is encouraging guidance and monitoring from the state and has invited state agencies to come as often as possible.

"A lot of medical facilities would be like, 'Uh oh, the state is coming in to monitor things' but that is not our approach at all. We want them to visit," Vickers said. "We want them to tell us if there are areas we need to improve upon. We are going to do it right. That is the biggest difference with our facilities and other health care facilities in rural towns."

Since Vickers has management responsibilities for some of the four other hospitals, the day-to-day running of the Texas Rural Hospital will be up to Patti Foster, chief operating officer.

"We all wear multiple hats," Vickers said. "In my mind, that is the way health care needs to be to thrive today."

Foster was giving tours to guests at the soft opening of the hospital on Wednesday. She was asked about rumors that the hospital has mold on the second floor.

"Our hospital is structurally sound. Otherwise the state would not have given us our license," she said. "There is no mold. We need to dispel those rumors. They are not true. The state has come in and said our air quality is good. We have a certificate showing that everything is great."

Foster explained that Phase 1 of the hospital's opening includes the emergency room and three inpatient beds but administrators are already looking ahead to Phase 2, which will include more inpatient beds and services.

Among the guests who toured the facility were Cleveland Councilwoman Jennifer Bergman Harkness and District 18 State Rep. Ernest Bailes. Both were excited to see the hospital open once again to handle Cleveland's emergencies.

"I am thrilled. It's a great opportunity for our community and the citizens of the area to have medical facilities to use in their time of need," Harkness said. Bailes believes the hospital is a "good thing" for Cleveland.

"I was truly impressed at how clean and modern everything is. I think it's an awesome addition to Cleveland, Texas," he said.

A grand opening for Texas Rural Hospital for August is being planned at this time and will be announced in the Cleveland Advocate in the weeks prior.
An old photo has surfaced that may help us solve the mystery of Amelia Earhart's disappearance.

The American aviator vanished over the Pacific Ocean in July 1937 on a flight around the world. Did she crash into the ocean, as the U.S. government concluded long ago? Or did she crash-land her plane in the Marshall Islands and get captured by the Japanese?

A photo may prove she was captured alive, according to a two-hour special that airs Sunday on the History Channel. The photo, which was tucked away for decades in the National Archives, shows a woman who appears to be Earhart sitting on the dock with a group of other people. Nearby is a barge with an airplane on it that could be hers.

A+E Networks/TNS

The History documentary makers believe Earhart was taken to Saipan, where she died in Japanese custody. But of course, this is just one piece of an 80-year-old puzzle. We'll never stop wondering exactly what happened.

"Amelia Earhart: The Lost Evidence" airs at 8 p.m. Sunday. In the meantime, here are five ways to catch up on your Earhart history:

1. Old newsreels and clips: Thanks to the Internet, you can go back to the source - and follow along with the horror story as it unfolded. Search YouTube for "Amelia Earhart newsreel" and watch the old news reports about Earhart's flight, her disappearance and the search for her plane. And the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum offers a solid selection of newspaper stories about Earhart from 1928 to 1937.

2. 'The Sound of Wings': There are plenty of biographies. But Earhart buffs like this one by Mary S. Lovell, which offers a deep look at Earhart's life before that final flight - including her marriage to the publisher George Putnam.

courtesy

3. 'Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart': This book by Candace Fleming is designed for middle-graders, but it's a good read for anyone. In alternating chapters, Fleming tells the story of Earhart's life and gives a white-knuckle account of her final flight and the search after she vanished. The book points out that Earhart wasn't perfect - her flights were often dangerous and her public persona was self-aggrandizing. It also offers maps, photos and fascinating details - including the fact that Earhart's meal of choice in the cockpit was tomato soup.

New York Times Co./Getty Images

4. 'The Clues Behind Amelia Earhart's Last Radio Transmission'; In a 2013 episode of public radio show 'The Story,' a woman named Betty Brown tells a remarkable Earhart story. She was a 15-year-old girl in Florida listening to her dad's shortwave radio when she picked up Earhart's voice. "I heard her say, 'This is Amelia Earhart ... Please help me, please hear me." For two hours the signal faded in and out, and Brown took notes as the aviator pleaded for help and eventually abandoned her plane. It's absolutely haunting.

5. The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery: Want to get lost in an Internet wormhole? Go to tighar.org and click on "What Happened to Amelia Earhart?" Here, you'll read about an ongoing project to test the well-known theory that Earhart and her navigator crashed on Gardner Island, now called Nikumaroro, and died as castaways.
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Public universities in Texas saw a 12.5-percent decline in international student applications, and a new survey shows that the drop may extend further  to the number of foreign students who decide to attend Texas universities.

Only 35 percent of international students, when admitted to Texas universities, decided to enroll on campus, according to research from the Institute for International Education and several other groups that was released Thursday. Thats a decline from last years 44-percent enrollment rate.

The data means that there could be fewer international students on Texas campuses next year, as some admissions officers and analysts interviewed by the Houston Chronicle for an analysis of Texas applications projected.

You can read more about the potential impact of these drops on even large research universities on HoustonChronicle.com.

"You follow the funnel," said Yvette Bendeck, the associate vice president of enrollment management at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. "The numbers will go down. With less (international) students, there will be some budgetary impact."

DECLINES: Texas public universities saw a 12.5-percent drop in foreign applications

Though Texas and other southern universities saw declines, more broadly, the Institute said, yield remains strong in the U.S.

A number of survey respondents indicated they were bracing for a large drop that never came and feel optimistic, while some institutions are discouraged by fewer deposits and more students withdrawing their applications before a decision is even reached, the report read.

Jeff Fuller, a former UH admissions officer, told the Chronicle for its analysis of Texas applications that campus carry was a sticking point for some potential applicants, which could explain Texass declines compared to other regions of the country.

A fuzzy understanding of the legislations specifics skewed some students perceptions of the state and its universities.

The message that came across was that youre going to come to a school in Texas  and other parts of the U.S. now and everybodys going to be carrying a rifle on their shoulder, he said. He added that admissions staff members would discuss the laws specifics to mitigate concerns.

HoustonChronicle.com: Potential students are leery of enrolling due to political climate

In its coverage of the survey release, The Wall Street Journal interviewed 18-year-old Utsav Gupta, of India, who said his parents allowed him to apply anywhere in the U.S. except Texas.

I really wanted to apply to Rice, Gupta was quoted as saying, but they didnt let me.

Aditya Mankare, by contrast, told the Chronicle that he wasnt swayed by politics.

He was attracted to the University of Houstons academics and affordability, he said, and arrives in Harris County next week before matriculation in the fall.

UH caught my eye, it being in a big city and having such diversity, he said. There are a lot of good things about Houston.

Click through the gallery above to see declines in international applications to Texas universities.
The father of a 5-year-old boy died Tuesday night after a kayak he was in with his son and five other people flipped in the water at the San Luis Pass, according to Galveston Island Beach Patrol authorities. Neither the man nor his son was wearing a life jacket.

Authorities identified the man as Rufino Suarez, 36, who died Tuesday. Suarez's son was airlifted to a hospital, where he is being held for observation.

Suarez and the other people in the boat, three adults and four children, were simply enjoying the holiday, before it took a quick and tragic turn, said beach patrol Chief Peter Davis.

The 911 call of a possible drowning came in about 7 p.m.

Authorities believe that the kayak was unbalanced from the weight of seven people, causing it to flip. At least four people in the boat were wearing life jackets.

Davis said that there was a panic after the people who were in the kayak swam ashore and noticed that only six of the seven people were accounted for and that Suarez's son was unconscious.

Conflicting reports emerged shortly after the incident, but Davis said it was likely that a bystander saw the incident and helped rescue the 5-year-old from the water after the kayak flipped.

The area where the incident occurred isn't normally patrolled by the beach patrol, so officials said it took them a while to respond and locate Rufino's body, which was found in shallow water.

Davis said the incident was tragic, but it possibly could have been avoided.

Life jackets can reduce risks and help prevent such accidents, he said. He also cautioned swimmers and beach-goers to avoid waters with strong currents and swimming too close to structures such as piers.
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Holocaust Museum Houston has announced plans for a $33.8 million expansion of the museum, to begin with a groundbreaking this October.

The campaign efforts total $49.4 million, which includes the $33.8 million expansion cost, plus an $11.7 million endowment. The new building will be named Holocaust Museum Houston, Lester and Sue Smith Campus. The Smith's have committed a $15 million matching grant for the expansion, which is the largest donation in the history of the museum.

"As long-time supporters of HMH, we believe strongly in the institution's mission to educate visitors about the dangers of apathy, prejudice and inaction," Lester Smith said in a news release.

"Because of their generosity, they have catapulted us towards the ability to break ground. I think, responsibly so, the board wanted to make sure that we had 100 percent of the total capital cost raised before we started," HMH Executive Director Dr. Kelly J. Zuniga said.

According to Zuniga, the museum currently has 73 percent raised of the total amount needed, received by about 100 donors, but there are still a lot of people that can help.

"We look at it like the campaign is oriented towards the entire community because this building is part of the community. We want to feel like everyone has a part and an ownership association with our expansion," Zuniga said.

The expansion will be part renovation, part rebuild. The building, currently 21,000 square feet, will expand to 57,000 square feet. The building will be three stories high, and the permanent exhibit, "Bearing Witness, A Community Remembers," will expand by 4,000 square feet. The design architect, Mucasey & Associates and the exhibition and media designer, Ralph Appelbaum Associates, that were involved 20 years ago in the building of the museum, are involved in this project again. It is projected that the number of yearly visitors will go from 110,000 to 150,000.

"Our Bearing Witness exhibition will be completely redone. The narrative will be enhanced because there has been such an increase of scholarly work over the last 20 years, but also technology," Zuniga said. "We will be putting a large focus on interactivity, but also the most important element of the story, is that our museum was founded by our Holocaust survivors. There are not many who remain, but we wanted their voice to be carried forward."

With new technology, HMH will be able to digitize their current video tapes of survivors, and they will be able to tape local survivors to create an interactive experience where people can ask different questions, and the survivor will answer them.

With the larger space for the permanent exhibition, the museum will be able to bring the large rail car and Danish rescue boat (currently on display outside) into the museum building. There, they will be more protected from the sun, as well as give visitors an up-front interactive experience with the artifacts.

According to Zuniga, as part of the museum's research for the expansion, the staff and board chair traveled to all eight Holocaust museums throughout the United States. Their objective was to find out what they liked about each museums, and figure out a way to incorporate those elements into HMH.

Besides the expansion of the permanent exhibition, there will be multiple new features in the museum.

The Rhona and Bruce Caress Anne Frank and Young Writers' Voices Gallery will feature Anne Frank and other young diarists, and will be directed towards student aged children. The students will be able to access interactive sessions through a book called "Salvaged Pages," written by Alexandra Zapruder, which features many youth diaries from the Holocaust.

There will also be a Human Rights Gallery, which will discuss how human rights started, and also the history of genocides and how those interrelate with the Holocaust.

The Samuel Bak Gallery and Learning Center will feature 129 paintings, (rotated through each quarter) by Samuel Bak, a prolific Holocaust artist.

The Boniuk Center for the Future of Holocaust, Human Rights and Genocide Studies will house new and current educational programs. The classroom space will quadruple to more than 2,000 square feet.

The Moral Choices Hall and Jerold B. Katz Foundation Butterfly Loft will feature many of the butterflies from the museum's Butterfly Project.

The Albert and Ethel Herzstein Auditorium will feature a professional performance-sized stage. The number of seats will expand from 100 to 200 seats. With this larger capacity, the museum will now be able to hold performances and film screenings.

There will also be an expansion of the current Boniuk Library, which currently holds more then 10,000 volumes and resources for in-house research.

"This gives us the ability to have the tools to teach the lessons of the Holocaust using different mediums. We are able to broaden our message," Zuniga said. "With our exhibits, you are always left with the ability to take make a difference, take action, learn more and become more involved."

HMH will close on July 24 to prepare for the October groundbreaking. On Sept. 5, a temporary museum will open at 9220 Kirby Drive, Suite 100, in a 13,000 square feet facility. The target completion date of the expansion is Spring 2019.

For more information about the expansion, and about HMH, visit www.hmh.org.
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A New Caney father killed when an SUV ran over him outside a birthday party is being remembered as a loving father who aspired to grow his business.

Ray Jasso, 28, was at the party on July 2 with his two young children in the 18200 block of Emerald Court Sunday when Raul Najera, 25, of Houston, allegedly slammed his Chevrolet SUV into Jasso and another person before fleeing the scene. Jasso and the other injured person were taken to the hospital, where Jasso later died.

5 CONVICTIONS: Habitual DWI offender gets life in prison

Montgomery County Sheriff's detectives arrested Najera at his Houston home in the 600 block of Frisco Street Wednesday afternoon on a first-degree murder charge. He is booked into the Montgomery County Jail on a $500,000 bond.

A visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday with a Rosary at 6 p.m. at the Rosewood Funeral Home in Porter. A funeral Mass will start at 1 p.m. Saturday at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church in New Caney.

Jasso's friends said you couldn't find anyone who loved his kids more or worked as hard as he did. He owned a wood company and had aspirations to expand his operations in the future, his friends said.

"Ray was genuinely a good person and an even better father," said Jasso's friend Tiffany Murphy, adding that he helped her through tough personal times. "He was always working and took great pride in everything that he did. Ray was one of the few friends who was always brutally honest with me and didn't sugarcoat anything."

Chris Garcia, who knew Jasso since they were young, said the two enjoyed fishing together. He said Jasso could be pointed out of any crowd with his "cheesy" smile and sincerity.

"His family and I grew up with his family riding four-wheelers and bikes," Garcia said. "Everything we did together was a good memory I'm not going to forget."

For Brenda Castanon, Jasso's death comes as the two had rekindled a friendship that remained dormant for years after they graduated high school together. Now in their late 20s, they had their own kids and planned on getting them together for a play date.

The play date never happened.

"I feel in awe about it all," Castanon said. "I'm in disbelief. Something like that so tragically happening to anybody, I could never imagine."

Investigation

Najera reportedly was at the birthday party and got into a fight with the homeowners, investigators said. Najera was not invited to the party, detectives said, and was being told to leave when he hopped into an early 2000s model Chevy SUV and backed down the driveway.

As Najera made his way down the driveway, he struck an exit gate and pulled into the cul de sac near the house, court documents show. Detectives say that's when Najera backed over Jasso, who was in the middle of the cul de sac, before slamming into a parked truck.

Video taken by one of the party-goers shows Jasso lying in the middle of the street with the SUV's headlights pointing right at him. Detectives said Najera then drove forward over Jasso again  this time dragging him for sometime before Jasso eventually broke free.

The SUV sped off. Jasso was pronounced dead at Conroe Regional Medical Center.

Detectives pulled still shots of the SUV's license plate from the video, which traced back to Najera's home. Detectives found the vehicle at the home with the back license plate removed and damage consistent with the multiple impacts.

Najera is facing life in prison, if convicted.
A family in the Heights is looking for answers after their beloved dog was shot in the front yard of their home Wednesday.

The Nielsen family's 5-year-old Irish Wolfhound collie mix named Angus was found shot and killed on Wednesday morning at the family's home in the 800 block of Tabor.

IN THE BEGINNING: How the Heights became the Heights

Captain Darrin Nielsen is a 19-year veteran of the Houston Fire Department and a resting Marine. According to Nielsen, he sees no reason why the dog should have been shot.

"He was a happy dog," said Nielsen. He and his son buried the dog in the backyard on Wednesday.

Nielsen told Chron.com on Thursday that the dog was shot once in the neck and once in the stomach. The neighbors heard the shots and called him when they noticed a commotion. The shooting occurred between 2:30 and 2:45 a.m., according to Nielsen.

He told Chron.com that Angus had been known to be aggressive to some who walked by the family home but there was a wrought iron fence between the dog and passersby.

"I sometimes had to tell people walking back to leave him alone," Nielsen says. "He was just protecting the home."

The dog was adopted by the family five years ago from the SPCA. Angus was two years old when he joined the family, Nielsen says.

A neighbor, Arlin Hawkins, was able to call Houston police after hearing the shooting and seeing a man dressed in black leaving the scene with a gun.

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"Just heard bang bang, and then the dog squealing," Hawkins told KHOU-TV. "The man looked angry and he was walking with a gun in his hand. If you could shoot someone's dog like that, who's to say you won't shoot someone's child?"

Anyone with information on the shooting of Angus is asked to call the Houston Police Department at (713)-884-3131.
United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit. BELICE CARMIL, Petitioner v. ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Respondent No. 16-3895 Decided: July 05, 2017

Before: GREENAWAY, JR., VANASKIE * and ROTH, Circuit Judges

OPINION**

The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) issued a final order directing that Berlice * Carmil, a native and citizen of Haiti, be removed from the United States. Carmil has asked that we review the BIA's order.

I.

Carmil was admitted to the United States in 1995 as a lawful permanent resident. He was ten years old at that time. A decade later, Carmil was convicted in a New Jersey court of second-degree robbery and sentenced to eight years of imprisonment.

In 2014, the Department of Homeland Security issued a Notice to Appear, which set forth the legal basis for removing Carmil from the United States. Specifically, the Notice to Appear charged Carmil with removability under 8 U.S.C.  1227(a)(2)(A)(iii), insofar as his robbery conviction qualified as an aggravated felony both as a theft offense under 8 U.S.C.  1101(a)(43)(G), and as a crime of violence under 8 U.S.C.  1101(a)(43)(F). Carmil, through counsel, conceded that he was removable as charged.

The Immigration Judge (IJ) determined that Carmil's robbery conviction and related sentence rendered him ineligible for most forms of relief. The IJ thus considered on the merits only Carmil's application for deferral of removal under Article 3 of the United Nations Convention Against Torture (CAT).

The IJ acknowledged two types of CAT claims raised by Carmil. One rested on Carmil's apparent fear that he will be indefinitely detained and tortured in a Haitian prison because of his status as a criminal deportee. The other claim rested on Carmil's fear that he will be tortured at the hands of political enemies of his father, a former member of the Tonton Macoutes. The IJ primarily found, as to both claims, that it was unlikely Carmil would encounter conduct of the sort that could be classified as torture inflicted by, or with the acquiescence of, the Haitian government. The BIA agreed and affirmed. Carmil then filed this petition for review.

II.

We have jurisdiction to review final orders of removal under 8 U.S.C.  1252(a). But that general grant of jurisdiction is circumscribed in cases involving criminal aliens, like Carmil, deemed removable under  1227(a)(2). In such cases we may entertain only constitutional claims and questions of law; factual or discretionary determinations are off-limits. See 8 U.S.C.  1252(a)(2)(C)-(D).

III.

A liberal reading of Carmil's pro se brief reveals several claims of error. Because these claims are either unreviewable or without merit, we will deny the petition for review.

Carmil first claims that the agency erred in denying the CAT claim related to his prospective status in Haiti as a criminal deportee. Carmil argues that he presented sufficient evidence showing that he is likely to be detained indefinitely and subjected to conditions so horrific as to amount to torture. Neither the BIA nor the IJ appears to have doubted that Carmil was likely to be detained upon his removalthe IJ credited Carmil's testimony that his two brothers were detained when they returned to Haiti, but found it significant that they were releasedor that prison conditions in Haiti are deplorable. Rather, this claim was rejected primarily because Carmil failed to produce evidence sufficient to demonstrate the likelihood of any act or conduct that would meet the legal definition of torture. Cf. 8 C.F.R.  208.18(a)(1) ( torture under CAT requires that alien's pain or suffering is inflicted by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity.); Pierre v. Att'y Gen., 528 F.3d 180, 189 (3d Cir. 2008) (en banc) (the CAT requires a showing of specific intent).

Whether public officials in Haiti are likely to engage in certain conduct, which may or may not constitute consent to or acquiesce in torture, is a question of fact. See Dutton-Myrie v. Att'y Gen., 855 F.3d 509, 516-17 (3d Cir. 2017); cf. Roye v. Att'y Gen., 693 F.3d 333, 343 n.12 (3d Cir. 2012). We lack jurisdiction to review such factual determinations by the agency. See Pieschacon-Villegas v. Att'y Gen., 671 F.3d 303, 309 (3d Cir. 2011). While we do have jurisdiction to determine whether the facts of this case meet the legal definition of torture (including whether Haitian officials are willfully blind to torturous acts), see Dutton-Myrie, 855 F.3d at 516-17, we conclude on this record that the BIA did not err as a matter of law in rejecting Carmil's claim. See Pierre, 528 F.3d at 189.

For the reasons just noted, we also lack jurisdiction to review the factual aspects of the agency's rejection of Carmil's CAT claim related to his father's political affiliation. The IJ made findings of fact that Carmil never had any active role in the politics of Haiti, that Carmil's somewhat unusual last name would not necessarily lead to persons in Haiti associating Carmil with his father, and that the there have been some peaceful elections in Haiti in the last ten years and the situation has improved, even if only marginally, for [Carmil]. In addition, the BIA agreed both with the IJ's observation that Carmil's concern is based on memories of when his family was threatened during his childhood, and his finding that Carmil presented insufficient evidence of acts or conduct that would satisfy the specific-intent component of a CAT claim. These determinations are factual in nature and, insofar as Carmil challenges them, they fall outside the permissible scope of our review. Moreover, without sufficient supporting evidence, we cannot conclude as a matter of law that Carmil is likely to be harmed by his father's old political enemies or that such harm would be inflicted, or acquiesced in, by the Haitian government.

Carmil's next claim on appeal is that removal will violate his substantive due process rights, per the state-created danger doctrine. This claim is foreclosed by our precedent. See Rranci v. Att'y Gen., 540 F.3d 165, 171 (3d Cir. 2008); Kamara v. Att'y Gen., 420 F.3d 202, 217 (3d Cir. 2005).

Carmil also claims that the agency erred when it declined to aggregate the likelihood that he will be tortured in a Haitian prison with the likelihood that he will be tortured by his father's old political rivals. The BIA had observed that aggregating the probabilities of two unlikely eventsas Carmil was attempting to dodoes not necessarily increase the likelihood of either. This claim, while arguably presenting a question of law, see, e.g., Quijada-Aguilar v. Lynch, 799 F.3d 1303, 1308 (9th Cir. 2015), does nothing to undercut the agency's rejection of Carmil's two CAT claims. Thus, even assuming, arguendo, that the BIA's failure to aggregate was error, the error was harmless. Cf. Li Hua Yuan v. Att'y Gen., 642 F.3d 420, 427 (3d Cir. 2011) (holding that harmless error doctrine applies when it is highly probable that the error did not affect the outcome of the case).

Carmil's final claim is that he was denied his Fifth Amendment right to a fair removal hearing because the Government did engage in intentional self-contradictory acts as a means of obtaining an unfair advantage. Carmil does not support that conclusory jumble with any details, and we discern no support from the record that these removal proceedings were conducted in such a way as to raise constitutional concerns. See Jarbough v. Att'y Gen., 483 F.3d 184, 190 (3d Cir. 2007).

III.

For the reasons outlined above, we will deny Carmil's petition for review.**

FOOTNOTES

. In the caption, the petitioner's name is incorrectly spelled Belice.

. In the 1970s and early 1980s, the Tonton Macoutes acted as the ultraviolent personal police force of Haitian dictator Jean-Claude Baby Doc Duvalier (and his father). SaintFort v. Ashcroft, 329 F.3d 191, 193 n.1 (1st Cir. 2003). Duvalier was ousted in 1986. A few years later, Jean-Bertrand Aristide became Haiti's first democratically elected head of state. Romilus v. Ashcroft, 385 F.3d 1, 4 n.3 (1st Cir. 2004). Aristide created a political party known as Lavalas. Brezilien v. Holder, 569 F.3d 403, 407 n.1 (9th Cir. 2009). Carmil testified below that the enemies of his father are Lavalas supporters.

. The IJ also found that the lack of corroboratory evidence to support Carmil's claim related to his father's political affiliation is a serious weakness in the case.

. Carmil notes in his opening brief that he is without a copy of the Administrative Record. Apparently, Carmil was separated from his legal materials when he was transferred from ICE custody at Essex County Correctional Facility to state custody at Atlantic County Jail (to face new criminal charges). The case docket indicates, however, that to address Carmil's concern: (1) the Government mailed a copy of the Administrative Record to Carmil at Atlantic County Jail; and (2) our Clerk granted Carmil an extension of time to file his opening brief. Carmil has given no indication that those efforts were unavailing or that he has been prejudiced in any way.

. As we will deny Carmil's petition for review, his multiple renewed requests that the Court grant him a stay of removal are denied. We also note that included with Carmil's opening brief is a memorandum of law in support of bond appeal. No viable basis for relief is presented in that memorandum. In particular, Carmil's claims related to the denial of his request for a bond redetermination are moot because he did receive a bond redetermination pursuant to an order of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. See Carmil v. Tsoukaris, DC Civ. No. 16-2335, 2016 WL 7177606, at *2 (D.N.J. Dec. 8, 2016). In addition, we note that Carmil does not appear to have appealed to this Court the District Court's denial of his petition for a writ of habeas corpus under 28 U.S.C.  2241, which, inter alia, challenged his continued detention as a violation of the Due Process Clause.

PER CURIAM
Speaking at a coal-fired power plant in Maidsville, W.Va., on Thursday, Energy Secretary Rick Perry made a strange argument about supply and demand, seeming to confuse the relationship between two of the essential forces in the economy.

"Here's a little economics lesson: supply and demand," Perry said, according to Taylor Kuykendall of Standard and Poor's. "You put the supply out there, and demand will follow."

If Perry was suggesting that no matter how much coal the industry produces, there will be demand for it, he was clearly mistaken. Of course, demand for coal -- or any other item -- is not infinite. People will only buy so much of it at a given price, and producers will only be able to sell more if they bring down the price.

Another possible interpretation of Perry's odd remark is that he might have been repeating a theory that was once widely accepted among economists. On this theory, demand and supply will always be in balance across the economy as a whole. These days, however, many economists view this logic as deeply and dangerously mistaken.

This reasoning is usually associated with the French economist Jean-Baptiste Say, who argued in 1803 that oversupply in excess of demand across the economy as a whole was impossible (although he did not use those terms exactly).

Say claimed that the money consumers use to buy goods and services must come from, ultimately, those same consumers selling something else on the market. As a result, the supply from producers on the market would always be matched by demand, since -- according to Say -- producers would use what they earned making sales to make purchases for themselves.

Or, as Say's British contemporary David Ricardo wrote, "I think that demand depends only on supply."

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As later economists argued, however, people do not always use their money to buy things. Sometimes, they prefer to save money instead, or to pay down debts. That is especially the case during a panic, when firms and households are looking for security.

In that situation, then the supply of goods and services the economy produces can exceed the demand for them. When goods go unsold because no one is buying them, factories will sit idle and workers will be unemployed. Say himself recognized this problem after a financial crisis in England in 1825, and changed his tune.

The fact that Say seems to have been wrong initially is crucial to how modern governments manage panics. Today, economists and policymakers generally agree that during a crash, governments should put more money into the economy. When households and businesses have more to spend with, the demand for goods and services will increase, putting the economy back into balance.

John Maynard Keynes is usually credited with developing this remedy. According to the Keynesian view, if you put the demand out there, the supply will follow -- not the other way around, as Perry said.

Keynesianism has held sway over public policy for most of the past century, but there are still some conservative economists who disagree with him. Perry might have been thinking of conservative objections to Keynes when he said that demand follows supply.

TRUMP'S PICK: Reality star taps a dancing reality star

Yet in the context of a visit to a coal plant, it is not clear whether those objections are relevant. Say's arguments about supply and demand only applied to the economy as a whole, not to specific goods such as coal or electricity.

Say always recognized that there could be surpluses of particular commodities if it turned out that customers did not want them. Instead, he believed that firms would adjust to produce those goods that consumers did want to buy using their earnings from selling to the market, so that demand would always balance supply overall.

If producers in a given industry simply "put the supply out there," as Perry said, they'll be left with warehouses full of surplus goods. In other words, demand does not follow supply any more than one blade of a pair of scissors follows another, to borrow an analogy from the economist Alfred Marshall.

"We might as reasonably dispute whether it is the upper or the under blade of a pair of scissors that cuts a piece of paper," he wrote in 1890.
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Harris County officials told the Chronicle on Monday about a delay for long-trumpeted changes to the system for setting bail for people awaiting trial - more than 83,000 people every year, the county's director of pretrial services said.

Lawyers for the county had told the federal judge who oversees a lawsuit questioning the constitutionality of the money-bail system that the county would roll out significant changes by July 1.

"It was delayed approximately two weeks," said Robert Soard, the first assistant county attorney who coordinates the county's defense in the case. "It's not a significant delay."

MONDAY'S STORY: Harris County's rollout of new bail system faces delay

The county's director of pretrial services, Kelvin L. Banks, explained in a phone interview Monday how the changes would be implemented over the course of July. Here is a more detailed explanation:

"We're already in implementation mode," Banks said. But for a massive jurisdiction like Harris County, which has more than 4 million residents, it takes some time. "By the close of the month, everything that we're implementing will be implemented."

Week One

This week Pretrial Services, or PTS, is introducing a shortened and streamlined interview process. Since the new process does not rely as much on the in-person interviews, Banks said the agency hopes to trim the average interview duration from 20 minutes to 10 or 15 minutes.

(Story continues below ...)

That will be possible partly because of a more standardized interview documentation form; previously, he said, employees had to manually write up reports in Microsoft Word.

Interviewers will also ask people accused of crimes whether they have the ability to put cash down for bail to get released pending trial. Indigent people - those too poor to afford the lowest bail amount, $500 - can indicate that by signing a sworn statement known as the financial affidavit.

'LIBERTY IS PRECIOUS': Read about the federal judge's April ruling

Banks said that question is added because of the federal judge's order in the lawsuit arguing it is unconstitutional to hold poor people accused of minor, nonviolent crimes in jail awaiting trial only because they cannot afford to post bail.

Week Two

Next week PTS plans to retrain all employees on the new risk assessment that will help guide recommendations about whether to allow people out on bail and, if so, how high the bail should be set.

"It's an opportunity for us to overhaul our entire department," Banks said. He said that includes six new staff members hired to bolster the pretrial screening division, bringing that unit to 73 employees.

The risk assessment was designed in partnership with the Laura and John Arnold Foundation, a Houston nonprofit with a criminal justice focus, and partly funded by the Chicago-based MacArthur Foundation.

READ MORE: New screening process tries to identify absconders, addresses legal concerns over rights

The so-called Arnold risk assessment - which the county first announced more than a year ago - weighs nine factors such as age, prior convictions - including misdemeanors, felonies and information about whether the offenses were violent - and whether they appeared for court in other cases. The assessment does not consider race, gender, past drug use, national origin or income.

Late July

Later this month the department will see implementation of what Banks called "differential levels of supervision" for people out on bail awaiting trial.

"This is the most comprehensive monitoring and supervision plan that has ever existed in Harris County, and one of the foremost plans in the country," he said, adding that he took the job here late last year to come set a nationwide "benchmark."

Based on the results of the risk assessment and interview, each defendant gets a score estimating the chance they would commit a new crime, commit a violent crime or fail to appear in court.

"As the risk goes up, the frequency of their required contacts and even their conditions go up," Banks said.

People facing low-level charges with little in the way of a criminal history may enjoy release with few or no conditions or required check-ins. Those deemed releasable but more risky may have to show up frequently in person, or a judge may impose conditions like a curfew or GPS bracelet monitoring.

Banks said the changes are scheduled to take full effect on July 29.

"The local reform effort is really moving forward," he added. "That's one of the reasons I came here: to be a part of something that was going to change out the pretrial release process was occurring. And because of the size, it's going to be echoed across the country."
There are very few places in Houston that can claim to be a Republican stronghold and each year the number of those forts dwindles in the city limits, which turns more and more blue each election cycle.

Data obtained from the Secretary of State's Office and combined with Houston's super neighborhood boundaries, shows which Houston neighborhoods are red or blue, based on the 2016 election.
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For many dog lovers, the restaurant experience is much more fun when they can share it with their canine friends.

There are a number of gems tucked away in neighborhoods in the local area that welcome well-behaved dogs.

Saloon Door Brewing

This craft microbrewery, 105 Magellan Circle, is new to the Webster area and has an outdoor area where dogs are welcome guests.

"We're a family place, so we want people to be able to bring their whole family - including their dogs. We love dogs," said Jason Graham, CEO of Saloon Door Brewing

The business also has won awards for its creations.

"We won Best Beer in Houston for our Tasty AF beer from The Houston Beer Guide in March, which was such an awesome surprise because we were so young at the time - only nine months old," Graham said.

Saloon Door has a large patio, games, projection televisions, trivia nights, live music and an air-conditioned 2,500-foot tasting room.

In addition to always having more than 20 craft beers on tap, Graham said that the establishment has been experimenting with blending together some of their already-existing creations.

"It's actually been really popular -people love them," he said. "We have about 15 blends and it's taken on a life of its own."

Its' award-winning Tasty AF beer, Graham said, is a peanut butter and chocolate milk stout and is a popular choice.

Graham said that in addition to outdoor games, the brewery also hosts quarterly parties called "Saloon Door Shindigs."

"The next one is July 15," said Graham. "We'll have food trucks, games and some type of water feature, we have vendors come out - it's a real fun event.

"Come out and bring your dogs."

Go to saloondoorbrewing.com for more information.

Kings Biergarten

Easily accessible for Pearland, Friendswood, Alvin and Manvel residents, Kings Biergarten, 1329 East Broadway St., is a Pearland staple since 2011, calling to people who love German beer, lively atmosphere and, of course, having their four-legged friends with them.

"We're a family establishment," said Kendel Jackson, a manager at King's. "A lot of our guests requested allowing dogs on the patio so that's something we're happy to accommodate. We have people come in all the time with their dogs."

The menu at King's is strictly German and has won several awards both locally and nationally, Jackson said.

"Our signature dishes are very popular - people really enjoy the sausage skewers and sausage sampler," he said.

While there are a few bottles of domestic beer fare, like Budweiser, Coors Light and Bud Light, the beer menu is 99 percent German, Jackson said.

The restaurant has covered patio, with live music Friday through Sunday.

"Pearland has been such a welcoming community," he said. "Our success and status as a destination business is based on their support and we're just excited to be able to keep serving them."

Go to www.kingsbiergarten.com

Republic House

Just back from a weekend of paddle-boarding in Austin's Lady Bird Lake, 6-month old Betty is cooling off on the patio at Republic House, 7219 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena.

The pit-boxer mix goes everywhere with the bar/restaurant's owner, Clint Smith, including tubing on the Guadalupe River or wakeboarding on Lake Travis, so why not to the family business?

"She follows me around everywhere I go and she is an extension of our life," Smith.

Opened in 2014, Republic House specializes in its varied selections of craft beers, but it's also a special place for dog owners.

Betty isn't the only four-legged regular at the pub, but she is the resident diva, which is just fine with Republic patrons like Travis Moody of Pasadena, who brings his great Dane, Hulk.

"When I bring him here it's a special trip," he said.

Smith, a Deer Park native, wanted to open a restaurant/bar that was a departure from the beer-joint vibe of other establishments.

"We wanted to do something bar wise in the community, and this is something that wasn't out here," Smith said. "We didn't want it to feel like a dive bar, but a well put-together establishment."

With a vast food menu to complement Smith's pub's capital of more than 55 craft beer-craft cocktail items, he wanted a place where those patrons could bring their canine companions, completing the Republic experience.

"We don't consider our pets as pets," he said. "Betty goes everywhere we go, she rides in the truck with me and when we go on vacation she goes with us, and it's really hard to find places that are pet-friendly and people/businesses don't advertise it, and it should be."

Melissa Tristan comes to Republic for the beer and customer service and while her own dog is a little too shy for the bar scene now, she appreciates the open invitation.

"I think it's awesome, I think there needs to be more places that are pet-friendly," she said.

"I think it makes the atmosphere so much better. You can spend more time with your friend and not worry about him being at home alone."

Smith will be bringing Betty to the office as long as she wants to come, and the invitation remains open to the community.

"If you have an animal in a cage, it is just that - it's an animal to you," said Smith.

"If you can take them with you, and they're familiar with being around people and the community, they're going to be happy and you'll live a good life with them."

Hours are 11 a.m.-2 a.m. daily in the bar, with the kitchen open daily 11 a.m.-midnight

For more information, go to http://republichousetx.com or call 832-304-1593.
A coffee shop planning to open in The Woodlands next spring will most likely draw a different crowd than the one that normally goes to Starbucks.

Operator Coffee, a veteran-run store with baristas licensed to carry guns, says it's in the planning phase for its first location in the Houston suburb. According to its website, Operator Coffee plans to be up and running by early 2018. By 2019, the company plans to expand into Dallas and San Antonio.
Montgomery County Precinct 3 officials have closed an eastbound lane on Rayford Road near Wild Rose Drive due to a sinkhole in the road.

According to Pct. 3 County Commissioner James Noack, an area of roughly 5 feet long by 2 1/2 feet wide and eight inches deep is of concern.
There are well-known staples of the Fourth of July weekend: fireworks, cookouts - and having so much fun the neighbors call the police.

Two Asheville, North Carolina police officers responded to a complaint Sunday morning over a homemade slip-and-slide allegedly blocking a road in the Oakley neighborhood. Kids and adults built the slide to cool off from the 85-degree heat; the officers quickly determined there were no issues.

"I'm not here to break up your fun," Carrie Lee, one of the officers, said she told the crowd.

Then she one-upped the kids by slipping on a garbage bag and hurtling down the slide in full uniform - gun, badge and all - to the cheers and high-fives among the residents. Videos of her slide, along with fellow officer Joe Jones, were posted to Facebook and quickly went viral.

"It was her idea," Jones said in a Twitter video afterward. "I thought I was going to be able to get out of it, because I'm too big to fit in a trash bag."

But the neighborhood kids were motivated to get the towering cop down the slide and produced a raft large enough for his frame. He took a ride with a young boy in tow.

"Oh, big guy!" a resident filming Jones said as he careened down the hill. Jones came to a stop in the pool.

"My butt is wet," he said. A resident filming the ride shot back over laughter: "But don't it feel good?"

Katlen Joyce Smith, who lives in the neighborhood, snapped a photo of the officers with five neighborhood kids.

"I still can't handle the amazing-mess of it all," she wrote on Facebook. "I hope the neighbor who called them saw it all go down!!"
A Brazoria husband and wife have been identified as the missing occupants of a deck boat reported unattended late Sunday on Lake Livingston.

Glenn and Wendy Swanner, both 45, owned a weekend home in Polk County near the lake.
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Houston City Councilman Michael Kubosh  in his role as a bail bondsman  on Thursday accused a felony court judge of judicial oppression and demanded that he recuse himself in an armed robbery case.

The issue, Kubosh said, is that state District Judge Michael McSpadden is refusing to appoint lawyers to indigent defendants who are free on bail.

McSpadden fired back that the bail bondsman is ginning up activists and protests because of his own wallet, saying Kubosh has underwritten a bond with no collateral from his client, 22-year-old Antwain Townes.

"The only reason that Kubosh is involved is because he's out $80,000 if Mr. Townes fails to show up," McSpadden said. "The crux of the matter is not that he's being oppressed. The main crux is the money."

McSpadden said felt the need to correct the record after activists protested and called him out by name Thursday outside the courthouse.

Kubosh confirmed that he bonded Townes out after he was arrested for armed robbery. Kubosh said he did it as a favor to Townes' pastor for a fee of $800, just 1 percent instead of the customary 10 percent, and no collateral.

But he said the bigger issue is that Harris County judges, like McSpadden, presume that if someone makes bail, they have $5,000 or $10,000 to pay an attorney.

"The court should appoint a lawyer or give him a public defender," Kubosh said. "This shouldn't be this hard. They do this to oppress the person to take a plea or give up and just make a deal. This is all about judicial oppression."

McSpadden, Houston's longest serving felony court judge, said he requires most defendants free on bail to hire a lawyer and if they do not, they are ordered to come to court on a daily basis until they do.

The ability to make bail is generally seen by many of Harris County's 22 felony court judges as proof of ability to hire a lawyer. They are generally loathe to appoint an attorney to someone free on bail, even if they claim repeatedly that they are indigent.

For McSpadden the math is simple: Defendants who make bail can get a job and hire an attorney.

"The taxpayers pay for all of our court-appointed attorneys," McSpadden said. "Is there anybody who thinks Mr. Townes should get an attorney who is paid for by the taxpayers after the facts of this case come out? I don't think so."

McSpadden said those facts include Townes' arrest in 2011 on a charge of armed robbery, a case in which he pleaded guilty to theft in exchange for probation. He was free on that probation when he was arrested in September for armed robbery, accused of using a pistol to rob a cell phone store.

McSpadden said he expects suspects to hire their own lawyer but has a roster of court-appointed attorneys he appoints when he makes exceptions.

"If they say they are disabled or have mental problems or whatever," McSpadden said, "and it sounds like a viable reason for not being able to get a job and hire their own attorney, I'll appoint one in a second."

Critics said McSpadden's tactics are coercive, because forcing a defendant to court every day means they are always in danger of having their bail revoked if they are late or miss their court appearance.

"The court has a duty to appoint attorneys for people based upon whether an individual can afford to hire an attorney in their particular circumstances," said Susanne Pringle, Legal Director at Texas Fair Defense Project.

McSpadden painted a picture of defendants "playing the system" by slowing the docket and keeping their own cases from moving forward by not hiring a lawyer or even asking that one be appointed.

"They just screw you by not doing anything to hire an attorney or ask for a court-appointed attorney," he said. "You can't let these cases go on forever."

The judge confirmed that after the fourth court appearance without a lawyer, he requires most defendants to come to court every day until they do.

"After the fourth time," McSpadden said, "if they haven't hired an attorney at that time, I tell them they need to come back to court every day until they hire an attorney. It works with most."

That presumption apparently led the judge to reset Townes, and at least two others who contacted the Houston Chronicle, to appear in court on a daily basis. Townes appeared 10 days in a row until he was featured on a news report earlier this month.

On Thursday, Townes said he does want an attorney appointed by McSpadden.

"At this point, I'm kind of scared to get a court-appointed lawyer, because they work in that court," McSpadden said. "I'm just trying to work my way up and pay for a lawyer."

That would be easier, he said, if he did not have to appear in court every day.

At least two other suspects have similar tales, saying they have been rescheduled daily in McSpadden's court because they do not have lawyers.

Because of Townes' experience in front of McSpadden, and other suspects coming forward, activists and critics amassed in front of the Harris County Criminal Justice Center Thursday to protest the judge's handling of the cases.

After the protest, Kubosh said the judge told Townes that he saw that news report, and would not hold it against him. That, Kubosh said, was code for holding a serious grudge.

"I want him to recuse himself," Kubosh said. "Now that's he addressed this young man's First Amendment rights, I think he needs to recuse himself. I don't think he could possibly be fair."

brian.rogers@chron.com

twitter.com/brianjrogers
United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. MOHAMMAD ADNAN KHAN, Defendant-Appellant. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. MOHAMMAD NAWAZ KHAN, Defendant-Appellant. No. 15-10487, No. 15-10505 Decided: July 05, 2017

Before: THOMAS, Chief Judge, FRIEDLAND, Circuit Judge, and CARNEY, ** District Judge.

MEMORANDUM*

Defendants-Appellants Mohammad Adnan Khan (Adnan) and Mohammad Nawaz Khan (Nawaz), son and father (together, the Khans), appeal their 108 and 150 month sentences, respectively, following their guilty pleas to conspiracy to commit mail fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C.  1349. The Khans pled guilty to devising and participating in a fictitious wage scheme to defraud the State of California Employment Development Department (EDD) into paying unemployment and disability benefits to many individuals who either did not work for the Khans' farm labor contractor companies or did not do so for the number of hours that they reported to EDD. The Khans assert that the district court made three significant errors at their sentencings: (1) it failed to make the findings required under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 32 regarding the loss amounts, which were relied on by the district court to apply a twenty-level increase to their offense levels under  2B1.1 of the Sentencing Guidelines for a loss exceeding $7 million; (2) it accepted as reasonable estimates the loss amounts set forth in the Khans' presentence investigation reports (PSRs); and (3) it denied the Khans' request for an evidentiary hearing on the issue of loss amounts. We review de novo whether the district court complied with Rule 32 in making its determination of the loss amounts, United States v. Stoterau, 524 F.3d 988, 1011 (9th Cir. 2008), we review for clear error the factual findings underlying the district court's imposition of the sentencing enhancement for the loss amounts, United States v. Garro, 517 F.3d 1163, 1167 (9th Cir. 2008), and we review for abuse of discretion the district court's denial of the Khans' request for an evidentiary hearing, United States v. Sarno, 73 F.3d 1470, 1502 (9th Cir. 1995). We vacate the Khans' sentences and remand their cases for resentencing.

We agree with the Khans that the district court's findings on the loss amounts were inadequate under Rule 32. When a defendant makes a specific factual objection to a matter that will affect sentencing, as both of the Khans did here, the district court must rule on the objection and make express or explicit factual findings that resolve that objection. United States v. Doe, 705 F.3d 1134, 1153 (9th Cir. 2013) (quoting United States v. Houston, 217 F.3d 1204, 1208 (9th Cir. 2000)). Strict compliance with Rule 32 is required. United States v. Job, 851 F.3d 889, 906 (9th Cir. 2017) (quoting Doe, 705 F.3d at 1153). Failure to make the necessary findings under Rule 32 requires a defendant's sentence to be vacated and the case remanded for resentencing. United States v. Herrera-Rojas, 243 F.3d 1139, 1142 (9th Cir. 2001).

The district court here made no factual findings on the Khans' objections regarding the loss amounts. The PSRs estimated an actual loss of $6.7 million and an intended loss of $13.2 million for Adnan, and estimated an actual loss of $7.1 million and an intended loss of $14.1 million for Nawaz. The Khans specifically objected to these estimates of intended and actual loss, contending that the estimates were inflated and wrongfully included amounts paid by EDD for legitimate benefits claims. The district court summarily overruled those objections and adopted the estimated loss amounts set forth in the PSRs without making any specific factual finding on the Khans' objections. A district court may not simply rely on the factual statements in a PSR when a defendant objects to those facts. United States v. Showalter, 569 F.3d 1150, 1160 (9th Cir. 2009) (citing United States v. Ameline, 409 F.3d 1073, 108586 (9th Cir. 2005) (en banc)).

We also agree with the Khans that the district court clearly erred when it accepted the estimates of the loss amounts set forth in the PSRs to apply a twenty-level enhancement to their sentences under  2B1.1 of the Sentencing Guidelines for a loss exceeding $7 million. The district court must correctly calculate the Sentencing Guidelines range before sentencing a defendant. Gall v. United States, 552 U.S. 38, 49 (2007). If the district court makes a material miscalculation, a defendant's sentence must be vacated and the case remanded for resentencing. Showalter, 569 F.3d at 1159 (citing United States v. Zolp, 479 F.3d 715, 721 (9th Cir. 2007)). The government bears the burden of proof when it seeks sentencing enhancements, Ameline, 409 F.3d at 1086, and must demonstrate the basis for a loss amount enhancement by a preponderance of the evidence, United States v. Laurienti, 611 F.3d 530, 556 (9th Cir. 2010). The district court need not calculate loss amount with absolute precision but rather only needs to make a reasonable estimate of loss amount. Id. at 558 (quoting Zolp, 479 F.3d at 719).

The Sentencing Guidelines enhancement for loss amount unquestionably had a material impact on the Khans' sentences. Indeed, it was the most significant factor in the calculation of their offense levels under the Sentencing Guidelines. Yet we cannot discern from the record before us whether the estimates of the actual and intended losses set forth in the PSRs and relied on by the district court to apply the Sentencing Guidelines enhancement were reasonable. No explanation or analysis of how those estimates were calculated, what proportion of those estimates were attributable to legitimate payments made by EDD for legitimate benefits claims, and why those payments were included in the estimates was provided by the district court, set forth in the PSRs, or offered by the government before the district court or in its evidentiary submissions on appeal. That omission is particularly problematic given that the government's own evidence demonstrates that at least some proportionperhaps as much as 30%of EDD payments went to legitimate claimants. We are thus left guessing as to the explanation or analysis supporting the loss amounts. Because it is not apparent from the record whether those loss amounts are a reasonable estimate of intended loss, we conclude that the district court erred.

Finally, the district court did not abuse its discretion when it denied the Khans' request for an evidentiary hearing on the loss amounts. There is no general right to an evidentiary hearing at sentencing. United States v. Laurienti, 731 F.3d 967, 972 (9th Cir. 2013) (alteration omitted) (quoting United States v. Real-Hernandez, 90 F.3d 356, 362 (9th Cir. 1996)). A district court may refuse to hold one as long as the defendant is allowed an opportunity to rebut the findings and recommendations of a PSR through oral or written submissions. Sarno, 73 F.3d at 150203 (citing United States v. Baker, 894 F.2d 1083, 108485 (9th Cir. 1990)). Here, the Khans were provided extensive discovery months in advance of their sentencings and were given ample opportunities to present both written and oral sentencing submissions. Indeed, continuances of their sentencing hearings were granted by the district court for this very purpose. It was therefore well within the district court's discretion to conclude that the Khans had been given an ample opportunity to present their arguments.

VACATED AND REMANDED.

FOOTNOTES

. At his plea hearing, Adnan was advised of the elements of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, 18 U.S.C.  1349, he then pled guilty to that crime, and certain parts of his plea agreement correctly refer to that offense. However, the plea agreement erroneously lists the elements of the substantive mail fraud offense under 18 U.S.C.  1341, his presentence investigation report references  1341 rather than  1349, the judgment entered against him states that he pled guilty to violating  1341, and the district court stated at his sentencing hearing that Adnan pled guilty to violating  1341. At resentencing, the district court shall correct these errors in the record.

. Contrary to the government's argument, the Khans repeatedly challenged the loss amounts in the PSRs before the district court, and their arguments on appeal are consistent with those challenges. Accordingly, we review for clear errornot plain error. United States v. Pallares-Galan, 359 F.3d 1088, 109495 (9th Cir. 2004).
A memorial honoring slain Harris County Deputy Darren Goforth is expected to be installed Wednesday in the Woodlawn Cemetery in northwest Houston.

Goforth, 47, was gunned down on the evening of Aug. 28, 2015, outside his patrol vehicle at a northwest Harris County gas station.
The eastbound lanes of North Loop 610 are mostly shut down and the North Freeway exit is blocked entirely Thursday morning after a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle about 9 a.m., according to Houston police.

The gridlock at 10 a.m. stretched for miles back to the Katy Freeway, according to Houston TranStar. Traffic returned to normal by 11 a.m.
David Goldman/STF

So what exactly is the Texas Secretary of State giving President Donald Trump's voter fraud commission?

Last week the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity asked for a long list of information from every state in the nation as it seeks to at least partially prove the President's claim that up to 5 million people illegally voted in the 2016 presidential election. Texas is one of the states that has agreed to share information, but only what is publicly already available to the public.
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In its July 10 magazine, the New Yorker dedicates a 19,000-word essay to the Lone Star State. "America's future is Texas," the title proclaims.

Huzzah!

But wait.

The magazine, known for big-city sophistication and literary journalism, doesn't seem to think that's a good thing.

The author warns that national politics seem destined to follow the trajectory of Texas politics in recent decades: extremist electoral politics that reward the most partisan, leading to shouting matches and physical confrontations between legislators.

CAPITOL CONFRONTATION: Texas legislator threatens to shoot colleague in altercation

"With right-wing zealots taking over the legislature even as the state's demographics shift leftward, Texas has become the nation's bellwether," the essay's subtitle warns.

Tom Reel/Staff

Of course, this is not a piece that cultural conservatives will like. Its heroes are a few Democratic legislators and Joe Straus, the business-friendly Republican speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. Its villain is Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, head honcho in the Texas Senate and a former conservative talk-radio host.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Legislature ends tumultuous term, but governor sets special session

The piece already made news by quoting Straus's response to Patrick's so-called bathroom bill, which would require people to use bathrooms corresponding to the sex listed on their birth certificates.

"I'm disgusted by all this," Straus recalled telling Patrick's emissaries. "Tell the lieutenant governor I don't want the suicide of a single Texan on my hands."

The writer is Lawrence Wright, best known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning 2006 book on the history of al-Qaeda, "The Looming Tower." He also has won two National Magazine Awards.

LISTEN TO OUR 'TEXAS TAKE' POLITICS PODCAST: Is Dan Patrick really the conservative North Star of Texas politics?

However, the most important bona fide that Wright presents is his long Lone Star residency, which he says gives him a window on the state's soul:

"I've lived in Texas for most of my life, and I've come to appreciate what the state symbolizes, both to people who live here and to those who view it from afar. Texans see themselves as a distillation of the best qualities of America: friendly, confident, hardworking, patriotic, neurosis-free. Outsiders see us as the nation's id, a place where rambunctious and disavowed impulses run wild. Texans, it is thought, mindlessly celebrate individualism, and view government as a kind of kryptonite that weakens the entrepreneurial muscles. We're reputed to be braggarts; careless with money and our personal lives; a little gullible, but dangerous if crossed; insecure, but obsessed with power and prestige."

MORE ON TEXAS POLITICS: Follow the Chronicle's reporting from Houston, Austin, Washington and beyond

You can read the full New Yorker essay here: http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/07/10/americas-future-is-texas.

You probably shouldn't try to read this at work, though. Nineteen-thousand words makes for a Texas-size essay.

Comment and let us know what you think of the New Yorker piece. What was most interesting? What does it get right? Where was it off the mark?
A old photograph found in a long-forgotten file of the National Archives may provide a clue to what happened to pioneering aviator Amelia Earhart, who disappeared over the Pacific Ocean in 1937.

The recent discovery of the photo is the subject of a new History Channel special airing Sunday at 9 p.m. Eastern Time.

The photo shows a woman who resembles the legendary pilot and a man who could be her navigator, Fred Noonan, on a dock, suggesting that the pair survived a crash-landing in the Marshall Islands.

After examining the picture, NBC News analyst Shawn Henry was a believer.

"When you pull out, and when you see the analysis that's been done, I think it leaves no doubt to the viewers that that's Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan," Henry told NBC News.

Independent analysts reportedly told the History Channel that the photo was legitimate and not altered.

The photo, marked "Jaluit Atoll," shows the Japanese ship Koshu towing a barge with something that appears to be about 38 feet long  the same length as Earhart's plane.

In the picture, a woman with short hair and wearing pants is seated near a man with a receding hairline and a prominent nose, two features that Noonan shared.

Earhart was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, which she accomplished in 1932. She was trying to circumnavigate the globe when she vanished on July 2, 1937, after her plane ran low on fuel.

Since then her fate has been grist for several theories, including that she and Noonan ditched at sea and the plane sank, that they wrecked on an uninhabited island or that they were captured by the Japanese.

In 1990, a Saipanese woman said she witnessed the flyers' execution at the hand of the Japanese, but no evidence supporting the claim has ever been presented.

NBC News said it was not known if the U.S. government was aware of the existence of the Jaluit Atoll photograph.
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The summers final Live on the Waterfront concert was held Wednesday evening at Prince Arthurs Landing. The popular series in Thunder Bay has completed nine weekly shows that began on July 13. Wednesdays concert was unique as it was held one hour later in the evening to mesh with the 10 p.
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Democracy keeps rolling. Even during the long days of midsummeramidst record heat waves and the threats from Trumps nationalist agenda to our local agendasdemocracy keeps flowing. Never in recent decades have local city officials had to anticipate the effects of repealed health insurance benefits, sudden deportations of resident immigrants and the reversals of decades of DOJ protections for individual rights, among other initiatives being taken up by the federal government.

An important municipal election is coming up on Oct. 3 with the mayors office and five council seats up for the taking. The City of Albuquerque will need to incorporate local responses to changes in federal priorities within the city budget and in the platforms of candidates running for office in the Duke City.

Additionally, there is also a controversial ballot questionregarding worker sick leaveto be decided. That issue and its outcome will impact everyone working in Burque. It is important to get educated, take note of these events and, consequently, to vote.

Ballot Battles

With the power of his pen, Mayor Richard Berry vetoed an election resolution over ballot wording. Berry says the problem is that the summary for the Albuquerque Healthy Workforce Ordinance ballot question is incomplete and misleading.

The Healthy Workforce Ordinance is a citizen-driven ballot question that would, if voters approve, require businesses with a physical presence in the city to provide paid sick leave for all employeesincluding part-time and temporary workers. The wording Mayor Berry objects to is the same summary that was used to gather the signatures needed to place the question on the ballot.

In April, a lawsuit was filed against the city by a handful of local business organizations opposing the measure from appearing on the Oct. 3 ballot. They called it logrolling, a form of voter fraud, because it lumps different issues into one measure.

Then, a district judge said the measure could go before the voters but the entire seven-page ordinance must appear on the ballot. This means the city clerk would probably have to print this question in a smaller font, making it hard to read.

In a compromise, the election resolution that was vetoed by the mayor said the Healthy Workforce summary shall be printed in regular size font even if the full text is in a smaller font. In addition, there would be a copy of the ordinance in a large font inside every voting booth. The judge did retain the right to intervene if the ballot is not printed in a legible, readable font.

Opponents of the measure say forcing employers to provide accrued, paid sick leave to all employees will create an undue hardship on small businesses. Proponents say it is only fair and will create a better quality of life and better working environment for all, and that it is unfair to workers when businesses reduce their hours to less than full-time, just to avoid benefits.

The mayors veto means the councilors must interrupt their annual July hiatus to hold a special meeting at 5pm Monday, July 10, to rework the municipal election resolution. They must approve a new election resolution to send to the mayor because, under the city charter, councilors can only override a mayors veto during a regular scheduled meeting, not a special meeting. The next regularly scheduled meeting is Monday, Aug. 7. Rather than wait for that to debate overriding the veto, a special meeting has been set to find a compromise.

Council Combat

Every two years, roughly half of Albuquerques nine four-year council seats are up for re-election. On Tuesday, Oct. 3, Districts 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 are up for a change. Municipal races are said to be non-partisan but that is often only in spirit, as recent votes, coalitions and splits among the Council tend to follow partisan lines.

Candidates can be publicly or privately financed with those choosing public financing receiving about $250,000 to run their campaigns. There is no limit on the amount of money privately funded candidates can collect and spend. The City Council is the legislative body of the city and is responsible for all budgets, setting goals and objectives, adoption of all policies, plans and legislation. How Albuquerque grows or not, or attracts progressive, forward-looking businesses can be greatly impacted by the City Council and the mayor.

As of July 1, there are 18 candidates yearning for the 5 Council seats up for grabs. Four of those seats have incumbents running too.

 District 1 takes in parts of the mid-southwest side of the city. Incumbent Councilor Ken Sanchez will face off against three challengers: Javier R. Benavidez, Johnny F. Luevano Jr. and Sandra M. Mills. Sanchez, Benavidez and Luevano are using public financing.

 District 3 is in the far southwest area of the city. Incumbent Councilor Klarissa Pena will face Christopher Sedillo. Both candidates are using private financing.

 District 5 takes in parts of the northwest part of the city. Councilor Dan Lewis is not running to retain his seat because he is running for mayor. Six people are vying for this empty seat: Robert J. Aragon, Cynthia Borrego, Jose Orozco, Phillip Ramirez, Catherine Trujillo and Robert Watson. Ms. Borrego is using public financing.

 District 7 is the mid-Heights area of the city. Incumbent Diane Gibson will face Timothy Carlton-McQueen and Eric L. Lucero. Ms. Gibson is using public financing.

 District 9 is in the mid- to south Heights. Incumbent Don Harris faces Paul Ryan McKenney and Byron Powdrell. Mr. Harris is using public financing.

Mayors Match Set

The executive side of the City management is also said to be non-partisan as far as elections are concerned, but as we all know that is a difficult row to hoe in these times. The race for the mayors office is set for Oct. 3 as well and features eight candidates: Ricardo Chaves, Brian Colon, Michelle Garcia Holmes, Wayne Johnson, Timothy Keller, Dan Lewis, Augustus Gus Pedrotty and Susan Wheeler-Deichsel. Deanna Archuleta dropped out of the race citing family commitments. Keller is the only publicly financed candidate and will receive about $380,000 in public campaign funds. Check out Weekly Alibis video interviews of mayor candidates and the candidates recent debate performances. As the summers heat gives way to monsoon season, keep an eye on this section for reports on local issues, election coverage and more news that affects Alibi readers.
Los Angeles, July 5 (IANS) Actress Elle Fanning says she was desperate to work with veteran filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola's daughter Sofia Coppola, after they had collaborated on "Somewhere".



The 19-year-old starred in Francis's drama movie in 2010 and was thrilled to be offered the opportunity to reunite with her on "The Beguiled", in which she plays a teenage student called Alicia, reports femalefirst.co.uk.



"Sofia emailed me. She said that Kirsten Dunst was going to play Edwina. She had Nicole Kidman for Miss Martha. She said, 'I want to make you Alicia, one of the students'," Fanning told Collide magazine.



"She said she was excited to make me the bad girl, she was really excited about this character that I was going to get to play. And basically, yes. Anything with Sofia... I mean, since 'Somewhere' we became so close and we've been trying to find something else to do together."



"I think I would have probably said yes to anything," she added.
Chennai, July 6 (IANS) Actor Rana Daggubati feels Nivetha Thomas, whose film "Ninnu Kori" is slated to hit the screens worldwide on Friday, is Telugu cinemas best find in recent times.



Rana attended a special screening of the film on Wednesday night.Post the screening, he tweeted: "Saw a beautiful film with some exceptional performers. Ninnu Kori'. So happy and proud that I'm working in a time of such brilliant people."Directed by Shiva Nirvana, "Ninnu Kori" also stars Nani and Aadi Pinisetty.Rana went on to add, "Nivetha, you are Telugu cinema's best find in recent times".



On the career front, Rana awaits the release of Telugu political drama "Nene Raju, Nene Mantri".Last month, he made his television debut with the show, "No.1 Yaari with Rana", and it has been well received so far.
Copiii cu nevoi speciale din Stefan Voda au conditii de reabilitare mai bune, datorita UE si Fundatiei Soros Moldova
EPS Settlements Group Rebranded as Arcadia

EPS Settlements Group recently announced the companys refreshed brand, including its new name  Arcadia  and logo.

Arcadia was born out of a desire to create long-term financial security and an improved quality of life for injured people. The company was founded in 1972 by Gerald Sullivan and others in California after children were born with limb deformities to women who had used the drug Thalidomide during pregnancy to ease morning sickness. Arcadia developed structured settlements to address peoples long-term needs using periodic payments.

Arcadia is a Greek word meaning an ideal setting in harmony with nature. It connotes a place of shelter where people find peace, security, resolution and strength. It expresses the companys values of care and compassion. The name is steeped in historical significance and aligned with the companys own history as the structured settlements industry leader.

Arcadias leadership team believes that the new name and rebrand will deepen the relationships between its clients and Arcadias 160 settlement professionals. In the past year, the company has strengthened its service offerings and invested in innovative products across 50 offices serving all 50 states, Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

NORCAL Mutual to Offer Medical Professional Liability Insurance to Connecticut Physicians

NORCAL Mutual Insurance Company will offer medical professional liability insurance to Connecticut physicians, beginning July 1, 2017. This is the latest market entry for the insurer, which provides coverage to 36 states as well as the District of Columbia.

NORCAL provides protection for medical professionals against risks associated with practicing medicine in todays environment, including cyber liability and practice administrative defense insurance.

Financial Strength Rating Upgrades and Affirmation of Coverys Member Companies

A.M. Best upgraded the Financial Strength Rating to A (Excellent) from A- (Excellent) of Medical Professional Mutual Insurance Companys (ProMutual) wholly owned subsidiaries, MHA Insurance Company (MHA), Washington Casualty Insurance Company (Washington Casualty) and Preferred Professional Insurance Company (PPIC).

In addition, A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of ProMutual and its other wholly owned subsidiaries, ProSelect Insurance Company, Coverys Specialty Insurance Company, and its sponsored risk retention group, Coverys RRG, Inc. The credit rating outlook for the Coverys Group, a medical professional liability company, has been affirmed at stable.

The rating upgrades for MHA, Washington Casualty, and PPIC are due to their strategic significance and support provided by parent company, ProMutual. The ratings of ProMutual, which are based upon the consolidation of this company with its insurance subsidiaries, are reflective of its strong balance sheet, market presence in the U.S. medical professional liability (MPL) insurance sector and effective use of enterprise risk management.
Legal Aid of East Tennessee, Tennessee Faith and Justice Alliance, Christian Legal Society and Chattanooga Gospel Justice Initiative are among those working together on a new effort to expand Access to Justice in Chattanooga through area places of worship.

One such partnership has been created with White Oak United Methodist Church in Red Bank. A pro bono legal clinic will be hosted at the church on Tuesday. The partnership will also include legal issue training awareness for church leadership through the TFJA and pro bono legal clinics at the church. Voluntary pro bono attorneys will be available to counsel on a wide variety of civil legal issues.

The Tennessee Supreme Court formed the Access to Justice Commission in 2009, in an effort to expand access to justice across the state. Improving access to justice was declared a priority in Tennessee. An estimated one million Tennesseans face some type of civil legal issue each year and are unable to afford legal representation, qualify for low-income assistance, or simply dont recognize that they have a legal issue that requires the help of an attorney. The Access to Justice Commission created Faith and Justice Alliance on the premise that many individuals with legal issues will first seek assistance at their local houses of worship. The TFJA offers training of partner leadership to bridge the legal gap and build better legal referral networks.

Locally, Legal Aid of East Tennessee and the Christian Legal Society and Chattanooga Gospel Justice Initiative have partnered in this same effort to bridge that gap. LAET and CLS will offer free legal clinics at churches like White Oak United Methodist. LAET will assist those who qualify, while CLS and the Chattanooga Gospel Justice Intiative are currently working to establish a new expanded referral network of attorneys willing to offer pro bono services for those who dont qualify for legal aid. That includes many known as working poor. The hope is to develop additional partnerships across the greater Chattanooga area.

This first legal aid clinic will be held at White Oak United Methodist Church on Tuesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The church is at 2232 Lyndon Ave. Parking is available. The Chattanooga House of

Prayer will also be available at the event to offer prayer support and encouragement for participants.

The clinic is free and open to anyone with a civil legal issue or question. People interested are advised to call in advance so that attorneys with an expertise in the specific area of concern can be available to assist.

For more information about this event or the partnership, please contact Paige Evatt, pro bono director at Legal Aid of East Tennessee at 402-4758 or email at pevatt@laet.org.






Overprescribing of opioid medications for pain has contributed to a record-high number of drug-related deaths in the United States in recent years. A significant part of the issue, experts say, is the vast amount of variation in opioid prescribing habits for minor injuries such as ankle sprains  which dont require treatment with such risky drugs in the first place. For example, patients who received their first opioid prescription for an ankle sprain treated in U.S. emergency departments (EDs) commonly received prescriptions for anywhere from 15 to 40 pills, according to new research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Those who received 30 or more pills compared to less than 15 pills were twice as likely to fill an additional opioid prescription within three to six months. The authors say the results point to the urgent need for policies and guidelines to address when opioid medications are indicated for minor injuries and to reduce the number of pills supplied for opioid prescriptions. The study will be presented today during the plenary sessions at the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine annual meeting in Orlando, Florida.

The substantial variation in prescribing patterns of such extremely addictive medications for minor injuries results in many thousands of pills entering the community, and places patients at an increased risk of continued use and potentially addiction, said lead author M. Kit Delgado, MD, MS, an assistant professor of Emergency Medicine and Epidemiology at Penn. Its vital that we identify and understand the root causes of this growing issue.

In the study, researchers examined private insurance claims data from more than 53,000 patients visiting U.S. emergency departments for an ankle sprain in 2011-2012. All patients included in the study had not filled an opioid prescription within the past six months. Overall, seven percent of patients received a prescription for an opioid pain medication (such as hydrocodone or oxycodone). However, there was wide variation across states: in Delaware only 1.6 percent of patients received an opioid prescription, compared to 16 percent in Mississippi.

Additional results showed that although the median number of pills prescribed was 20, five percent of patients received 60 pills or more.

Looking only at the cases analyzed in this study, if all prescriptions written for more than 20 pills were instead written for only 20, there would have been 37,721 fewer opioid pills entering the community, Delgado said. If extrapolated more broadly to the treatment of other minor injuries, this likely translates to millions of highly addictive and unnecessary prescribed pain medications filtering into the community. The study illustrates the potential benefit of laws to limiting new opioid prescriptions for acute pain to no more than five-day supply as was recently passed in New Jersey.

An even more critical aspect of this study is that many would argue that opioids should not be prescribed for ankle sprain at all, said senior author Jeanmarie Perrone, MD, a professor of Emergency Medicine and director of Medical Toxicology. Exposing young patients with an ankle sprain to opioids is unnecessary and risky. To limit the escalation of the opioid epidemic in this country, its critical to keep these medications limited to patients whose injuries absolutely require them, and limit exposure to opioids for all other patients.

The study was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Leonard Davis Institute Small Grants Program.

Additional Penn authors on the study include Yanlan Huang, Zachary Meisel, Sean Hennessy, and Daniel Polsky.

Source: Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
Mazda is recalling more than 307,000 cars because the parking brake may not fully release or could fail to hold the cars, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall covers certain Mazda 6 cars from the 2014 and 2015 model years and the Mazda 3 from 2014 through 2016.

The company says water can get into the brake caliper, causing a shaft to corrode and bind. If that happens, the parking brake can get stuck in the on position or fail to fully engage. That can let the cars roll unexpectedly if parked on a slope.

The problem affects only cars with a hand-operated parking brake lever system, according to documents posted Friday by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The company got its first report of the problem in April of 2015 in Canada but decided to monitor it because it hadnt received other reports. By February of 2017 Mazda had 13 reports in the U.S. of the problem happening on both models. It traced the cause to a sealing boot that wasnt keeping water out. A collision was reported in Germany when a Mazda 6 rolled off unexpectedly, damaging the rear end. Another crash with bumper damage was reported in the United Kingdom. Mazda says it has no reports of injuries.

A company spokeswoman in the U.S. says more than 307,000 cars were recalled in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam and Saipan. She did not have information about whether the recall extends to other countries.

Dealers will check the rear brakes. If shafts are corroded, theyll replace the calipers. If not, theyll replace a boot that keeps water out.

Owners will be notified starting August 21.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
BOSTON TOWNSHIP, Ohio - Officials want locals and new visitors to weigh in to help develop exhibits for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park's new visitor center.

The $5.9 million Boston Mills Visitor Center, planned to open in 2019, will help orient new visitors to the Cuyahoga Valley while connecting locals to the park's array of landscapes and programs.

In addition to public input events, the park is hosting an informal feedback program to help design exhibits that illustrate the park's primary significance, with the Cuyahoga River and the locks central to the story.

This summer, anyone stopping by the existing visitor center on Boston Mills Road can respond to questions using sticky notes at station near the canal boat display.

"When you get the voice of your audience involved in planning you're going to do a better job," said Jennie Vasarhelyi, the park's chief of interpretation, education & visitor services.

The park wants to know:

What do you most want to learn about the Cuyahoga Valley National Park?

What do you most want to learn about the Cuyahoga River?

What message is on your Cuyahoga River T-shirt?

So far the notes have been extremely useful in helping park officials understand visitor interests and learn what people know about the park, she said.

For example, officials now know public interest in wildlife is stronger than they realized.

"We can use stories of wildlife to help people understand the bigger picture of the Cuyahoga Valley, such as how the Bald Eagle is related to the recovery of the river," Vasarhelyi said.

The park periodically will change the questions, but plans to keep gathering feedback for the next few months. When plans for the new exhibits are more concrete, officials will present them to the public for additional input.

The new center will be housed on the corner of Riverview and Boston Mills roads in a building that was once a store for the nearby mill workers. Two smaller buildings nearby will serve as public restrooms and office space.

An outdoor pavilion and courtyard will offer park information and resources, while indoor exhibits will orient visitors to the park and its geography, natural resources, history and surrounding areas.

For more information about the new visitor center, visit the Conservancy for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park website.

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AKRON, Ohio - Former Akron radio personality Matt Patrick, who announced in 2015 he had esophageal cancer, this week revealed he has discontinued cancer treatments.

Patrick has hosted a radio show on 740 KTRH in Houston since 2011. On Wednesday he thanked his listeners on air while making the announcement.

"There will be no more fighting, there will be no more going back to the hospital. It'll be up to God, whatever God decides to do that's what I will do," Patrick said. "I also understand that because of that I have to take the high road, I have to say this is what we're going to do. If this works that's great but if it doesn't work and at some point it won't then I'll just say you know thank you for everything."

On air in Akron for more than 30 years, Patrick made his name as a rock and roll DJ on WCUE in 1979, which later became 98.1 WKDD. He left in 2009.

His colleagues at KTRH are encouraging people to send well wishes, which will be posted on Patrick's blog at rachelestrada2@iheartmedia.com.

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Drug abuse, Royalton Road: On June 17, police observed a weaving white pickup truck on Royalton Road. While talking to the Montana driver, who said he as using his GPS to find an Arby's because he was hungry, the officer smelled marijuana. The man admitted to having marijuana.

He said it was legal in Montana and he used it medically to fight nausea. The driver said he was headed to Maine to work at a summer camp as a counselor. The man handed over an ammo can that had two pipes, three grinders and several baggies of marijuana.

The driver was cited for drug abuse, possession of drug paraphernalia and weaving.

Drug abuse, Brecksville Road: On June 9, police observed a speeding Nissan Versa on Brecksville Road. While talking to the driver, the officer smelled marijuana. The man told the officer he was speeding because he was traveling downhill.

It turned out the driver had a suspended license. He was arrested. The driver also admitted there were roaches inside of the car. While searching the Versa, police found a plastic bag of marijuana concealed in a trash bag around the gear selector, a bong and rolling papers.

The driver was cited for drug abuse, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under suspension and speeding.

Drug abuse, Royalton Road: On June 10, police observed a blue Volkswagen GTI with a burned-out headlight on Royalton Road. While talking to the driver, who said he just played a set at a local restaurant, police observed a pipe in the center console.

The man then gave the officer a bag of marijuana from his pants pocket. The driver was cited for drug abuse and possession of drug paraphernalia.

If you would like to discuss the police blotter, please visit our

.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - A Christmas Story House and Museum is getting into the Christmas-in-July spirit.

On Saturday, July 22, Cleveland's most Christmas-y venue will host a party with fun, food and drink. Highlights include an appearance by "Evil Elf" Patty Johnson, who will share stories and sign autographs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Jack Frost ACS donuts; Weber's Premium Custard & Ice Cream serving original Higbee's-style chocolate frosted malts; the unveiling of this year's ACS run medal and a LEGO ACS house.

There may also be a very special guest making a visit from the North Pole.

The first 100 visitors to A Christmas Story House's Gift Shop will receive one of Jack Frost Donuts famous A Christmas Story themed donuts for free.

"It doesn't matter if it's December or not, 'A Christmas Story' fans love to visit Ralphie's house all year long. This will be a fun opportunity for people to meet Patty Johnson, one of Santa's elves from the Higbee's scenes, as well as to enjoy the famous chocolate malt people so fondly remember from their own visits to Higbee's," says curator Steven Intermill.

" Plus ... I'll be celebrating Jason Middaugh's donation of his LEGO 'A Christmas Story House' prototype into the permanent collection. It's past the half way to 10,000 votes needed for LEGO to consider putting it into production, which is exciting for both LEGO and A Christmas Story fans."

A Christmas Story House & Museum is at 3159 W. 11th Street. It is open year-round, 7 days a week, excluding major holidays. Tours of the house run every hour. Regular admission tickets are $11 for adults, $9 for seniors, $7 for children more information or for directions, visit www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com or call 216-298-4919.
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Morning Pointe Senior Living residents in Chattanooga, Collegedale, and Hixson celebrated America's 241st Independence Day with friends, family, and volunteers.The assisted living and memory care communities never miss a moment to celebrate the seniors' favorite holidays with patriotism and pride as part of the life enrichment and Meaningful Day programs.
FAIRVIEW PARK - For most librarians, visiting the Library of Congress is the holy grail. This summer the prestigious Washington D.C. institution invited Fairview High School and Mayer Middle School Teacher/Library Media Specialist Gayle Dill to get a firsthand look inside of its walls as part of its Primary Sources Summer Teacher Institute.

"I learned about it a few years from colleagues, and this just seemed to be the summer that I decided that I really wanted to apply and kind of hone my skills on learning more about the resources at the Library of Congress," Dill said. "I've used some of them before, but they have millions of resources there."

Selected out of a pool of 300 applicants, Dill and 26 other educators will be in the nation's capital July 10 through 14 for one of five weeklong institutes. The group will learn effective practices for using primary sources in the classroom, while exploring some of the millions of digitized historical artifacts and documents available on the Library's website.

The idea is attendees participate in and develop primary-source-based teaching strategies that they can take back to their school districts, apply in the classroom and share with colleagues.

Already, Dill said she has a couple of Middle School teachers itching to use her knowledge.

"The teachers really focus on using primary sources in history," Dill said. "I talked with them. They're just very excited that maybe I can bring some new and fresh ideas to their lessons with their students."

The Library of Congress promotes its institutes as ways to help students ask engaged, probing questions, develop critical-thinking skills and construct knowledge. Dill said in terms of resources, online visitors have access to such historical documents as early drafts of the U.S. Constitution, as well as Lewis and Clark maps.

"I consider myself a pretty good researcher considering I'm a librarian, but when I go to the website and try to search for sources to use in classes, it's overwhelming," Dill said. "The whole idea these days is to make sure the kids are critical thinkers - by providing them with original sources and asking them to make observations and then try to come up with their own conclusions and debate that with their classmates.

"That's all part of the process of making sure they become critical thinkers especially in this day and age when we don't want them to believe everything they hear."

While the Library of Congress' Primary Sources Summer Teacher Institute is free, Dill said she's paying for her transportation and lodging out of her own pocket.

"I chose to not ask the school district, because I wanted to go so badly," Dill said.
SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio

Theft, Avondale Road:

A woman reported June 25 her iPhone was stolen while she was visiting her grandmother's house. She said she had left it unattended on the trunk of her car in the driveway for about an hour. There were no suspects identified. She valued the phone at $952.

Theft, Warrensville Center Road:

A shoplifter ran from Walmart around midnight June 27 after being chased by an off-duty deputy who was working security. She fled in a vehicle, which was stopped at gunpoint by the deputy. The driver, a 19-year-old Cleveland man, said he drove off because he did not know the woman was suspected of theft and didn't know who was chasing her. He said she just told him she was being chased. The Cleveland woman, 18, was charged with the $111 theft of merchandise.

Driving under suspension, Ardmore Road:

A South Euclid woman, 26, was cited June 25 for driving under suspension and having license plates that did not belong on her vehicle. She said had just bought the vehicle and had not yet registered it in her name so her grandfather put a license plate from one of his vehicles onto the one she was driving.

Theft, Freemont Road:

A woman reported June 22 someone stole her credit card and had used it fraudulently to make $6,000 worth of withdrawals at various ATMs in Mayfield Heights, Cleveland, Canton and Garfield Heights. Her bank is investigating the matter.

Criminal damage, Plainfield Road:

Officers responded to a residence June 22 for a report of a man, 24, using a knife to scratch his mother's car. They learned he and his mother had gotten into an argument because she owed him money for work he had done for her. He was subsequently charged with criminal damaging for using a chef's knife to damage the vehicle in two areas.

Theft, Warrensville Center Road:

A man said June 28 his son stole an envelope containing $1,000 cash from him while they were in front of The Bagel Shoppe. He said the man told him he was taking the money and going to Big B's Beverage, but he did not return. Officers confirmed the suspect was in the beverage store, but did not make a purchase. The man said his son, 29, is homeless, but frequents the area. The incident is under investigation and the man has asked to press charges.

Theft, Warrensville Center Road:

An employee of Sally Beauty Supply reported June 28 a woman stole two flat irons from the store while she distracted employees. She said she handed over one of them but ran from the store with the other. Officers located the 25-year-old South Euclid woman's vehicle in the area, where she was identified and charged with the theft of the flat iron, valued at $79.99. Inside her vehicle were several other items, including cell phone cases, perfumes, flat irons and a hair dryer. They were all suspected to have been stolen from unknown stores.

Traffic offense, Mayfield Road:

Officers pulled over a vehicle June 24 after discovering the driver was not wearing a seatbelt. The license plate also had a registration sticker belonging to another vehicle. The South Euclid man, 44, said he had a parking ticket block on his vehicle so he put a registration sticker from his mother's vehicle onto his license plate. He was cited for the seatbelt offense and having plates belonging to another vehicle.

Vandalism, Mayfield Road:

A man reported June 25 someone slashed two tires on his vehicle while it was parked at Giant Eagle. He said when he parked the vehicle, he overheard a man and woman in a vehicle next to him daring each other to slash tires. Officers are investigating.

Theft, Hinsdale Road:

A resident reported June 28 someone stole two bicycles from behind her house in recent days. She valued them at $90 and $100 each. Later that day, she reported she saw two males riding the bikes near Giant Eagle. Officers located a man, 21, and boy, 13, with the bikes, which were confirmed to be those stolen from the woman's yard. They said they got the bikes about a week earlier from their cousin, whom they could not identify. The man was cited for receiving stolen property and the boy will be filed on in juvenile court.

Harassment, Mayfield Road:

A Giant Eagle employee said June 26 a co-worker threw a loaf of bread at her and came behind the deli and hit her. She said the woman was upset with her because she was talking to her boyfriend, who also works at the store. The suspect, a 19-year-old Lyndhurst woman, said the woman had been making comments about her during the day so she became angry and threw the bread. A manager said it appeared the suspect instigated the incident and both women have been suspended and may be fired. There were no visible injuries to either woman and no charges have been filed.

Theft, Mayfield Road:

A delivery man reported at 5:30 a.m. June 23 someone stole a back-up camera and a duffel bag from his truck while he was inside Giant Eagle. Officers reviewed surveillance video of the incident, which showed an unknown male carrying a duffel bag from the truck and leaving in his vehicle.

See more South Euclid news at Cleveland.com/hillcrest.

If you would like to discuss the police blotter, please visit our crime and courts comments page.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A former Brook Park councilwoman was sentenced Thursday to 10 days in jail for stealing $1,200 worth of merchandise from two suburban Target stores.

Judge Michael Shaughnessy handed down the sentence more than a month after Julie McCormick pleaded guilty to misdemeanor counts of theft.

Shaughnessy also placed McCormick, 34, on probation for a year, fined her $250 and ordered her to repay the $1,200 to Target.

A Cuyahoga County grand jury first indicted McCormick on felony theft charges in December.

McCormick stole items from the Target in North Olmsted on Aug. 4, and the Target in Strongsville on Nov. 13.

McCormick returned to the North Olmsted store Nov. 14 and stole more than $900 in merchandise, the indictment says. Police in that city arrested her that day.

McCormick sent an email to Brook Park City Council President Jim Astorino in December that she was going to resign. She also posted a copy of the email on her Facebook page.

Brook Park Law Director Carol Horvath said in a Dec. 14 letter that "an unsigned, private email" was not enough to legally trigger McCormick's resignation.

Two weeks later, McCormick sent a Dec. 28 memo rescinding her offer to resign.

She showed up to the Jan. 11 special council meeting, and Mayor Tom Coyne and Astorino ordered her to leave, according to video recordings of the meetings posted on the city's website. She did not attend the Feb. 21 meeting.

McCormick had asked a judge earlier this year to place her into an alternative sentencing program, citing "alcohol, drug usage or mental health issues." That program was not part of the plea deal she reached with prosecutors in June.

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LORAIN, Ohio -- Two Lake Erie kayakers who sparked a U.S. Coast Guard search on Tuesday when they didn't return their outfitter with their kayaks contacted Lorain police on Wednesday.

Lorain police Det. Sgt. Buddy Sivert spoke with both kayakers who said they abandoned their kayaks after one of them got sick and couldn't row anymore. The woman and the man got out of the water and went to their car. They told police that they thought a friend would return their kayaks to Grumpy's Bait Bucket.

Police are not sure if the kayakers intended to ditch their kayaks to avoid paying for them, but Sivert said that he took the boaters at their word.

"They're both paying restitution to the kayak owners," he said. "We don't see any charges being filed unless they don't pay the restitution."

Bob Fowler, Grumpy's owner, said restitution is about $100 to $150 each.

The search started about 10:30 p.m. Fourth of July when Fowler called the Coast Guard and said two people didn't return kayaks.

The search was called off about 6:30 a.m. Wednesday when a reporter found the two kayaks about 100 feet from Grumpy's. There were no signs of the kayakers.

Fowler thought they might be pulling a stunt and not paying. He said that he had no choice but to call the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard used one response boat, a helicopter and a C-130 aircraft from the Royal Canadian Force, Coast Guard Petty Officer Chris Yaw said.

He doesn't believe the Coast Guard will make them pay restitution. Unless it's a hoax, it's typically not something it pursues legally, he said.

The Coast Guard previously reported that the cost of launching a Coast Guard response boat is about $4,500 an hour. The cost of a helicopter responding to a search could get up to $16,000 an hour. The Coast Guard revealed its costs after receiving a number of false complaints that launched pointless searches.

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DAYTON, Ohio -- A man who had been arrested in May after reportedly threatening a woman was shot and killed Tuesday night as he tried to break into the same woman's home, police say.

The Montgomery County Coroner identified the deceased man as Darron Orr, 53, of Dayton, WDTN Channel 2 reports.

The woman called police several times late Tuesday night asking for help as Orr tried to break into her home and after she shot him, the Dayton Daily News reports.

The woman has not been identified.

Police had been called to the home five times since May, but it's unknown if all of the calls were connected, according to the Daily News.

Orr has a criminal history dating to 2000, with charges that include drug possession and felony weapons possession.

To comment on this story, please visit our crime and courts comments page.
Education Commissioner Candice McQueen announced Thursday that the state is expanding its ACT Senior Retake Day to all Tennessee public high school students in the class of 2018, totaling nearly 70,000 students. In addition, the department is making it easier for public school seniors to retake the ACT this fall by offering this second opportunity during the school day in students own schools.

These changes will give all students equal access to take advantage of the opportunity. Unlike in the past, students do not need to sign up to retake the test  it will automatically be provided. School districts have been empowered to choose the testing date that is best for their students and causes the least disruption for those not taking the exam. Districts may offer the retake on Oct. 3, Oct. 17, or on both days.

Tennessee is once again a national leader in education as the first state to offer an ACT retake opportunity to all public school seniors, Commissioner McQueen said. By expanding our retake day, we send a strong signal that our state is committed to further increasing access, especially among students who stand to benefit the most from this opportunity.

October 2016 was the first time Tennessee offered public high school seniors the chance to retake the ACT for free, but it was only available to students who had previously taken the ACT as juniors and who were able to take it on a weekend testing date at a testing center. Of those who participated in the 2016 retake, nearly 40 percent increased their overall score.

The departments research shows that students have a high likelihood of increasing their score when they take the college entrance exam a second time. Higher composite scores not only provide access to state scholarships, but they also make a student more competitive for entry into higher education institutions and for institutional and private scholarships. In the first year of the state offering a free ACT Retake Day, an additional 1,300 students earned a composite score of 21 or above on the ACT, providing them access to $21 million in additional HOPE scholarship funds.

Higher scores also allow students to enroll directly into credit-bearing postsecondary coursework, avoiding non-credit-bearing remedial classes that take students time and money and can discourage their progress, said officials. On the 2016 ACT Retake Day, thousands of students improved individual subject scores in math, English, science, and reading, allowing them to avoid mandatory remediation courses in postsecondary. This is significant for Tennessees seniors, because last year over half of Tennessee community college students required remediation.

Also on Thursday, the department posted additional resources about the ACT, including an ACT Retake Guide and ACT Toolkit, on its website. To learn more about the ACT Retake Day, contact Jerre Maynor, director of student readiness, at Jerre.Maynor@tn.gov.






Middle Valley Church of God announced that Senior Adult Pastor Craig Paul will speak on the topic, 'Are You Right In Your Mind? ' in theservice on

Pastor Craig Paul will lead the congregation in a time of prayer and worship on Sunday, July 9, at 6:30 p.m. All are invited to participate in this event.
Walker County Emergency Services (WCES) invites the public to an open house and ribbon cutting for Fire Station 2 on Friday, July 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hot dogs, chips, drinks and snacks will be provided during this open house event.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place around 11:30 a.m. Fire Station 2 is located at 63 Cubine Road in Flintstone.

Renovation work began earlier this year to convert the volunteer station into Walker County's fourth full-time fire station. Sleeping quarters, furniture and other amenities have been added to the building.

Three career firefighters now serve the community from Station 2, providing 24/7/365 protection. In addition to being staffed around the clock, Station 2 features a Quick Response Vehicle, which can respond to any incident, but is primarily used for medical calls and traffic incidents.

Fire Chief Blake Hodge said, "I'm excited to utilize existing resources to better serve the citizens in northern Walker County. This full-time staffed station will reduce response times, improving the timeframe for those in need of medical care and fire suppression efforts."

Station 2 has served the Flintstone/Chattanooga Valley area since the early 1970's and was replaced in the late 1990's.

WCES also operates full-time stations in LaFayette, Rock Spring and Chickamauga, as well as several volunteer stations. WCES serves over 68,000 residents, business owners and community groups encompassing 462 square miles.






Sir Richard Branson Getty Images

The founder of the Virgin Group, Sir Richard Branson, has sharply criticized some Trump administration policies, calling them unhealthy and dangerous, and didn't spare the lash on Brexit. Branson, who spoke with CNBC onboard Virgin Australia's inaugural flight between Australia and Hong Kong on Wednesday, said he's dismayed by the rise in protectionist policies, particularly in the U.S. and U.K. "Trade protectionism is so unhealthy. What happened with Brexit is a terrible, terrible thing for Great Britain and Europe and will set back Great Britain and may take several years to recover," said Branson, who holds a 10% stake of Virgin Australia . A vocal advocate of Remain camp, Sir Richard Branson says he will continue to push for a second referendum, in a bid to overturn the prior ballot. The U.K. voted in a referendum a little over a year ago to exit the European Union, but negotiations between the two parties have proved difficult.

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"Brexit hasn't even happened yet and you're already seeing an impact on medium and small companies in Britain. If we do see a hard Brexit, that will be catastrophic for Britain and damaging for Europe too," he said. but added that he didn't expect a hard Brexit. He was hopeful that younger generations, who protested vocally in the recent British elections, will encourage policy makers to hold a second vote on Britain remaining in the European Union. "Young people want to live and work in 28 countries. They don't want to see those barriers being put up," the storied entrepreneur said. On the U.S., Sir Richard labeled some of President Donald Trump's policies, such as the travel ban imposed on a number of mainly Muslim countries, as dangerous. "What is happening in America at the moment is extremely unhealthy and dangerous and we will certainly speak out on that," Sir Richard said. "I think once people have lived with Donald Trump for two or three years, I'm hopeful things will reverse in America and decency will come back and walls can be broken down again."

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A day before he is slated to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Donald Trump criticized Moscow's actions in the strongest terms he has used as president.

"We urge Russia to cease its destabilizing activities in Ukraine and elsewhere, and its support for hostile regimes including Syria and Iran, and to instead join the community of responsible nations in our fight against common enemies and in defense of civilization itself," Trump said in Warsaw.

Just hours before the speech, Trump acknowledged that Russia may have interfered in the 2016 U.S. election but other countries may have meddled, too.

"Nobody really knows. Nobody really knows for sure," Trump said.

He has dismissed concerns about Moscow's actions as attempts to delegitimize his win.

The Warsaw speech, in which Trump also explicitly endorsed NATO's mutual defense pact, came just before Trump was set to meet with Putin for the first time as president at the G-20 summit in Germany on Friday.

Trump came into office seeking a reset of relations with Russia and hoping to cooperate in some policy areas, like fighting the terror group ISIS. However, Putin's support for ruthless Syrian President Bashar Assad, among other issues, has emerged as a hurdle to their working together.

A special counsel appointed by the Department of Justice is investigating Russian efforts to influence the election and possible ties between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin. That investigation reportedly extends to whether Trump tried to obstruct the probe.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and U.S. President Donald Trump arrive for a group photo at a G7 summit on May 26, 2017 in Taormina, Italy.

With President Donald Trump due to arrive in Germany later on Thursday, a lawmaker in the country has voiced concerns over a potential trade war between the U.S. and Europe as a result of Trump's protectionist policies.

The two countries have been on uneasy ground concerning trade since Trump took office, with the U.S. president criticizing Berlin for its trade surplus. Speaking just hours before Germany receives Trump and the other G-20 leaders in Hamburg, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel told German radio that he fears the start of a trade war.

"There are things that cause great concern that the United States start a trade war with Europe," he told public broadcaster Deutschlandfunk, according to Reuters, without giving further details.

His words add to comments from German Chancellor Angela Merkel who said last week that the upcoming G-20 talks were going to be difficult. Merkel and Trump met in the U.S. in March  a moment described as "awkward" by the media after the U.S. president refused to shake hands with the chancellor.

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In May, Trump said on Twitter that Germany is "very bad" for the U.S. while his administration has previously claimed that Germany's trade surplus is a result of the country's manipulation of the euro. German officials, including the country's Finance Minister, Wolfgang Schaeuble, have rejected such charges adding that the quality of German products make them attractive to U.S. consumers and have stated that Berlin doesn't have any power to manipulate the common currency.
Even though 68 percent of millennials expect an inheritance, only 40 percent of parents will probably leave them one. And while mostly the offspring of the one percent are likely to be among those who will one day inherit their parents' wealth, not all billionaires' kids will be so lucky. Many business moguls, such as Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, plan to donate their fortunes to charity instead. Read on to see seven billionaires who won't be keeping their wealth in the family.

Paul Marotta | Getty Image

Mark Zuckerberg

When Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's first child Max was born in 2015, he and wife Priscilla Chan made an interesting announcement: They don't plan to leave her their billions. Instead, the couple founded the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, an LLC dedicated to "personalized learning, curing disease, connecting people and building strong communities" around the world. "We will give 99 percent of our Facebook shares  currently about $45 billion  during our lives to advance this mission," the couple wrote in a letter posted to Zuckerberg's Facebook page. "We know this is a small contribution compared to all the resources and talents of those already working on these issues. But we want to do what we can, working alongside many others." Zuckerberg is now worth an estimated $63.5 billion.

Bill Gates Ramin Talaie | Getty Images

Bill Gates

Bill and Melinda Gates are giving their three kids "a minuscule portion" of their estimated $89 billion, they told the Daily Mail in 2011. "It will mean they have to find their own way," Bill said at the time. Although even a fraction of the Gates' wealth will be enough to put their kids among the wealthiest individuals in the world, Bill believes it will compel them to rely on themselves. "It's not a favor to kids to have them have huge sums of wealth," he told "This Morning" last year, as reported by SFGate. "It distorts anything they might do, creating their own path." The couple plans to put the majority of their fortune toward charitable causes, namely the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which aims to eradicate disease, poverty and hunger across the globe. Along with fellow billionaire Warren Buffett, the Gateses also helped create the Giving Pledge in 2010, which encourages more of the super-rich to leave the majority of their wealth to philanthropic causes.

Billionaire philanthropist Chuck Feeney earned his fortune from co-founding Duty Free Shoppers Group. Hindustan Times | Contributor | Getty Images

Chuck Feeney

At 86, Chuck Feeney, the co-founder of Duty Free Shoppers Group, is technically no longer a billionaire. That's because Feeney has been quietly dedicated to donating his entire fortune to charitable causes after signing over everything to Atlantic Philanthropies, the foundation he founded, three decades ago. Once worth $8 billion, Feeney is now down to his last $2 million, less than 0.001 percent of the amount he's given away, Business Insider reports. Though his children won't be seeing a dime of their inheritance, they're understanding of their father's goodwill. "It is eccentric, but he sheltered us from people using the money to treat us differently," Leslie Feeney Baily told The New York Times in 2007. "It made us normal people."

Warren Buffett David A. Grogan | CNBC

Warren Buffett

Although billionaire investor Warren Buffett plans to leave each of his three children $2 billion, as The Washington Post reported in 2014, it's nowhere near the full scope of his $77 billion fortune. As Buffett told Fortune in 1986, he wants to leave his kids "'enough money so that they would feel they could do anything, but not so much that they could do nothing.'' The rest of it will go toward philanthropic causes. As a co-founder of the Giving Pledge along with friend and fellow billionaire Bill Gates, Buffett is committed to donating more that 99 percent of his wealth to charity during his lifetime or at the time of his death.

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Getty Images

Michael Bloomberg

Rather than leave the entirety of his fortune of around $50 billion to his daughters directly, former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg plans to invest in philanthropic organizations that will help create a better future for them. In his Giving Pledge letter, Bloomberg writes: "If you want to do something for your children and show how much you love them, the single best thing  by far  is to support organizations that will create a better world for them and their children."

Andrew Lloyd Webber Getty Images

Andrew Lloyd Webber

Best known for hit musicals such as Phantom of the Opera and Cats, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber is reportedly worth over $1 billion. However, his five children won't be getting rich off their dad's success. "I don't believe in inherited money at all," Webber told Mirror back in 2008. "I am not in favor of children suddenly finding a lot of money coming their way because then they have no incentive to work. So I will give them a start in life but they ain't going to end up owning [my company]." Rather, Webber hopes his earnings will be put back into theater and go toward helping upcoming musicians.

Pierre Omidyar, chairman and founder of eBay Inc. Andrew Harrer | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Pierre Omidyar
The number of planned layoffs at U.S. firms fell in June to its lowest level of the year as employers opted to hold onto existing jobs in a tight labor market where skilled laborers are harder to find, a report released on Thursday showed.

U.S. companies announced 31,105 planned job cuts in June, a 6.0 percent decline from 33,092 in May, according to outplacement consultancy firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc.

The previous month's figure was downwardly revised from 51,692 after Ford Motor Co reported it would cut 1,400 workers, not 20,000, as initially reported.

Overall, June's job cuts were down 19.3 percent from a year earlier, when 38,536 layoffs were announced in June 2016.

"Some companies are not making their layoffs this year, which they might have done if the labor pool wasn't so stretched, especially for skilled labor," John Challenger, chief executive officer of Challenger, Gray and Christmas, told Reuters.

With the unemployment rate at 4.3 percent, its lowest since May 2001, employers are having a harder time finding the talent they need so they keep existing workers, Challenger said.

The slowdown in layoff activity in June is reflected in the year-to-date totals as well, with the number of planned workforce reductions falling by 28 percent to 227,000 in the first six months of 2017 from more than 313,000 in the first half of 2016.

The technology sector, for instance, reported 23,813 job cuts for the first six months of the year, down 52.5 percent from 50,161 announced in the first half of 2016.
Global attention may be centered on China's newly-launched bond connect, but mainland equity markets will remain attractive, amid a "booming" pipeline of initial public offerings expected for the remainder of 2017, Ringo Choi, Asia Pacific IPO leader at consultancy EY, said on Thursday.

"I think traditionally bonds and equities are the opposite or opponent of each other, people will (move) money from one market to the other," Choi told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Thursday.

"But for China, especially with such huge demand and also with the high liquidity so far, (many people with) money overseas still want to invest in China. That's why we think that (the bond and equity markets in China) will not be as closely related as other countries," he added.

The stock exchanges in Shanghai and Shenzhen had more than 200 IPOs in the first half of this year, Choi said, as China accelerated efforts to clear a backlog of some 800 companies wanting to list.

That trend should continue, Choi added, which means the IPO scene in China will stay active for the rest of the year.

Greater China stock exchanges in Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong topped IPO activity in Asia Pacific in the first half of 2017, helping the region to dominate the share of global new listings at 468 deals, or 61 percent of total IPOs worldwide, EY said in a report last week.

The total $37 billion raised in Asia Pacific account for 44 percent of global proceeds, the report said.

Globally, IPO volume in the first six months of 2017 climbed 70 percent on-year to 772 deals, while proceeds rose by 90 percent to $83.4 billion, the report said.
Scott Caan as Danny 'Danno' Williams and Alex O'loughlin as Steve McGarrett on CBS' 'Hawaii Five-O' CBS Photo Archive | Getty Images

For the past seven seasons, Kim and Park have played Chin Ho Kelly and Kono Kalakaua, members of the Hawaii Five-0 Task Force. The two have each appeared in all 168 episodes of the series. CBS said in a statement, "We are so appreciative of Daniel and Grace's enormous talents, professional excellence and the aloha spirit they brought to each and every one of our 168 episodes."

Grace Park as Kono Kalakaua and Daniel Dae Kim as Chin Ho Kelly on CBS' 'Hawaii Five-O' CBS Photo Archive | Getty Images
Luken Communications, LLC announces the appointment of its new president Joel Wertman. As Lukens new leader, Mr. Wertman will spearhead operations of all Luken networks including Retro TV, Heartland, Revn, The Family Channel, The Action Channel, and Frost Great Outdoors.Henry Luken, managing member of Luken Communications, said, We singled out Joel Wertman as the ideal candidate to lead our television networks many months ago. His successful background in both music label management and television production make him the obvious choice to lead us down a prosperous path as we grow our companys footprint in the digital television landscape.Mr.Wertman has led a storied career in both television and music. His career started in 1977 when he wrote and produced a song that became a top five record in Canada and Europe. Following this major break, Mr. Wertman made the move to Los Angeles where he joined Mushroom Records as a staff producer and writer. There he recorded and remixed for artists including Heart, Doucette and Ian Matthews. Mr. Wertman got his first taste for television as a writer with Hart to Hart and Taxi and a songwriter/producer for Happy Days and Joanie Loves Chachi.Later in his career, Mr. Wertman held executive roles with multiple record labels including president of Eureka/EMI, Eureka/BMG, Eureka Records and Sire/Discovery Records. During his tenure, Mr. Wertman was instrumental in the careers of many artists including The Goo Goo Dolls, Heart, KISS, No Doubt, Bush, Young MC, and Tiffany, among others, officials said. Additionally, Mr. Wertman develops and produces television programming for children.When asked about his new role at Luken, Mr. Wertman said, Im excited to join a company with such great promise. I look forward to working with everyone at Luken and doing significant things together. This is an exciting time in the digital television industry and I believe Luken is on the cusp of substantial growth.
Call it a sign of the times.

For the first time in the history of the North American Car of the Year, the panel choosing the winner will not be considering a car built by a Detroit automaker.

"This is a watershed moment," said Mark Phelan, auto critic for the Detroit Free Press and president of the organization that picks the car and truck of the year. "It really does show how far the industry has moved."

The North American Car and Truck of the Year is selected by more than 50 automotive journalists who drive the newest vehicles and ultimately decide the three finalists for the award. The winner is announced at the start of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit each January. In short, it is huge honor for an automaker to be awarded car, truck or utility vehicle of the year.

But this year, GM , Ford and Fiat Chrysler do not even have a single entry among the 12 models eligible for car of the year.

"I am certain this is the first time in 25 years of determining this award that we have not had a Detroit brand on the list." said Phelan.
Retail could be one of the best contrarian plays out there, as long as investors steer clear of the nation's department stores.

Eaton Vance chief equity investment officer Eddie Perkin is making that call.

"You have to be careful with the department stores. They're struggling, and they'll continue to struggle under the threat of Amazon and just general softness in retail," Perkin said Wednesday on CNBC's "Trading Nation."

Earlier in the day, Perkin told CNBC that "department stores are heading to zero eventually."

"The challenge is they have debt. They have a lot of assets that are losing money," he added.

His comments come as some major names close more stores.

Nordstrom announced on Friday the closure a full-line store in a Washington, D.C., suburb. It was opened less than 15 years ago.

And, J.C. Penney and Macy's have been closing dozens of locations across the country.

Not all of Wall Street shares Perkin's view.

According to FactSet, five retail analysts have a buy or overweight rating on Macy's stock, three are positive on Penney and four are bullish on Nordstrom. Those grades come in a sea of hold ratings with a few sells sprinkled into the mix.

Retail analyst Dana Telsey has mostly hold ratings on the department stores in her coverage universe, and remains hopeful.

"Department stores are diligently working to reinvigorate the traditional retail model with enhanced in-store experiences, seamless multi-channel shopping and product exclusives," Telsey said in a statement to CNBC. "Those who make the necessary investments have a better shot at returning to growth."

Perkin isn't downbeat on the whole group. In fact, he argues shopping mall REITs that own class A properties could give investors solid upside in an "expensive" market.

"There is still plenty of traffic at the good quality malls," he said. "That's a place to find value."

He likes Simon Property Group and .

Perkin is also recommending specialty retail as a contrarian way to make money.

"If you can find companies where either going to the store is an interesting experience, where you need advice or you need the product quickly, those are the areas of retail which are relatively immune from the threat from Amazon," Perkin said.

CNBC's "Trading Nation" reached out to department stores Macy's, Nordstrom and JCPenney for a statement. The only department store that replied to our request was J.C. Penney, which said it does not comment on market speculation.
The piece, written by Fred Pearce points to Japan as a case study for what could go wrong in the relatively near future.

"The world's population is accelerating towards collapse, but few seem to notice or care," Tesla 's CEO tweeted to his nearly 10 million followers. He pointed to a November article in New Scientist magazine titled, " The world in 2076: The population bomb has imploded ."

Elon Musk usually tweets about mundane topics, from LA traffic to Tesla projects. On Thursday he was more dire.

Rather than a meltdown where the Earth's population outstrips the planet's ability to feed everyone, we could be headed toward a more subtle but equally disastrous outcome where our population simply does not replace itself fast enough.

"The world has hit peak child," the late Hans Rosling, a professor at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, said in the article.

Indeed, Japan's fertility rate is 1.4 children per woman, well below what is required to sustain population growth.

While Japan is perhaps the most well-known example of a country's population aging, the article in the London-based magazine also points to Germany and Italy, both of which "could see their populations halve within the next 60 years."

The article spells out some of the problems an older population might bring, including less innovation, cultural shifts and worse and more recession-prone economies.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the nation's population is roughly 325 million with a net gain of one person every 12 seconds.

However, Pearce does point out some silver linings. "Old could be the new young," he writes, adding older societies are less likely to start wars. And, he points out, fewer people on the planet would give Earth's ecosystem a breather:

"Nature, at least, would enjoy the silver lining."

The so-called population bomb has been speculated about for nearly half a century, dating back to at least 1968 when two Stanford University researchers published a book titled "The Population Bomb" that predicted mass starvation in the 1970s and '80s due to overpopulation.

Musk has been known to pontificate on theories outside the mainstream, including famously last June when he said there is only a "one in billions" chance we're not living in a computer simulation.
European Council President Donald Tusk (L), Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (C) and President of Commission Jean-Claude Juncker pose for a picture at the European Council on July 6, 2017

Japan and the European Union have formally agreed an outline free trade deal which will ease the movement of goods between two of the world's largest economies.

The pact, though still requiring some further negotiation, is scheduled to come into effect in early-2019 and will guarantee tariff-free trade between businesses within the two regions.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in Brussels, Belgium, Thursday to sign the deal.

It is expected that the deal will liberalize 99 percent of trade between Japan and the EU, benefiting Japan's autos industry and the EU's farming sector in particular, according to BBC reports.

It will also see the regions co-operate on other issues, including climate change and terrorism.

Plans for a deal had been underway for four years but were stalled by varied demands from either side. However, talks gained a new urgency amid growing protectionist policies to emerge from the U.S. and Thursday's agreement will send a clear message to other global leaders ahead of this weekend's G20 summit.

The International Monetary Fund on Wednesday urged leaders of the Group of 20 major economies to avoid "myopic" nationalistic policies and to work together in agreed forums to resolve their trade and economic differences.

"We did it," Tusk announced following the signing Thursday morning.

"We concluded EU-Japan political and trade talks. EU is more and more engaged globally."

Prime Minister Abe added that the pact provided a "win-win" for both parties and said he hoped it would encourage the early enactment of the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement between Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and the U.S.
For more than 20 years, the one element that's been sorely missing from the diplomatic efforts to curb North Korea's nuclear ambitions has been the lack of any real military threat from the U.S. and its allies. Now that we see that the conciliatory approach cultivated by the Clinton and Obama administrations and the relative indifference of the George W. Bush administration did not work, some American saber rattling is long overdue.

The Chinese purse

That brings us to China and its crucial role in this problem. President Trump has made it clear in recent months to anyone who didn't already know that Chinese economic pressure is the key to forcing North Korea to back off. But as long as the Chinese believe the U.S. will never launch a military strike that truly destabilizes the North Korean nation, Beijing sees sitting on its hands as a pretty good play.

China's main fear is that political chaos after an attack or coup attempt in North Korea will force hundreds of thousands of refugees to stream across the border into the country. Protecting the integrity of the Chinese border has been ingrained in the local culture for centuries as the Great Wall of China would indicate, so this concern is something that transcends the current government in Beijing and even the nation's relatively brief communist history.

So the Chinese need to weigh their pros and cons. It may cost billions to economically punish Pyongyang and supply the cash for a post-Kim Jong Un regime. But will that cost be more than dealing with the financial and social costs of a massive influx of desperate refugees if the U.S. carries out military action? China needs to prove just how much it's willing to pay to avoid not only a refugee crisis but also the introduction of a new massive American military presence in the region. Both are scenarios Beijing loathes and act to avoid even at a high initial financial cost.

A new regime's task

And that leads us to what China would have to pay for exactly.

A number of "third way" thinkers on the North Korean threat have been promoting a more peaceful option of supporting a new regime. In the new book Stop North Korea!: A Radical New Approach to the North Korea Standoff, Shepherd Iverson of Inha University in Seoul calls for the creation of a hefty $175 billion fund to set up a new government in Pyongyang.

Iverson believes that new regime should and could be led by current military leaders in North Korea who would push Kim Jong Un out. Others think that's a long shot and insist that North Koreans currently living in exile are the best candidates to take over.

Their main focus is on Kim Han-sol, a surviving grandson of North Korea's previous leader King Jong Il, who is Kim Jong Un's nephew. For those of you having understandable trouble keeping score at home, Han-sol is the son of Kim Jong Un's half-brother Kim Jong Nam, who was assassinated with a nerve agent at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in February. South Korean officials say North Korea was behind the killing.

The reason Han-sol is considered a viable option by some is because the North Korean people have been brainwashed to believe the family of North Korean founder Kim Il-Sung are their almost divine rulers. Having someone from the family take over from Kim Jong Un is believed to be seen as more legitimate to North Koreans.

No matter who leads this group, the consensus is they're not only going to need money but they'll need to set up some kind of government in exile as soon as possible. A viable alternative like this needs visibility and at least the appearance of getting down to business. That business could include deciding how best to use some of that $175 billion fund if the Chinese are willing to cough it up.

And such a plan certainly has a good chance to get bloody as well. China will not only have to pay to set up such a new government, but help it pay for the financial and military costs included with having to oust Kim Jong Un and possibly imprison or at least effectively exile him to another country.

But these remain the most realistic and relatively peaceful approaches left on the table for these three players. Pyongyang's current regime couldn't be clearer in showing that it is beyond reachable by reasonable negotiations. And nobody really wants a bloody attack that could lead to more death and destruction in the long run.

None of the above tasks can work in a vacuum. The U.S. must first prove to everyone that it's serious about taking military action. It can start to do that at this G-20 summit. China must prove it's serious about paying to avoid that action. And North Korean exiles must prove they're worth that Chinese money.

The Trump administration is already well on its way to completing its part of the deal. It's time for the other players to get moving too.

Commentary by Jake Novak, CNBC.com senior columnist. Follow him on Twitter @jakejakeny.

For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.
As the start of the G-20 summit came closer, it became clear that President Donald Trump was about to walk into a hostile zone in Hamburg.

Led by summit host Angela Merkel, Europe's leading nations have been preparing to ostracize Trump over his trade, immigration and environmental policy issues.

So what did Trump do when he was facing something akin to what an unpopular kid in high school has to deal with when the only empty seat in the cafeteria at lunch time is at the "cool kids" table?

Just to continue the high school analogy, he threw a really good pep rally.

I say "was facing" because his speech in Warsaw Thursday morning already went a long way to achieving the goals Trump needed to achieve at this summit. Obviously a lot can happen between now and when the summit wraps up Saturday, but consider these key "to do list" items he faced well before the day began and how he handled them:

1) Make North Korea the top story and project strength

There's nothing like a very real nuclear threat from a dictator successfully testing ICBM's to get the world's attention. Kim Jong Un's actions over the July 4th holiday ensured that. But President Trump grabbed the opportunity with both hands to rally the world's resolve against North Korea in his Warsaw speech: "This continent no longer confronts the specter of communism," he said. But today  there are dire threats to our security and to our way of life  We will confront them. We will win."

Then he expanded that message of strength in the face of military threats to the war on terror and promised the crowd never to show any weakness.

2) Declare victory... on something

The anti-Trump narrative in Europe and the United States centers around the idea that he is too unpopular and bogged down in scandals to be effective. But speaking about North Korea in Warsaw helped Trump segue neatly to discussing NATO obligations, something that was sure to delight the Polish crowd since the Poles are one of the NATO countries that has been meeting agreed upon defense spending levels. That allowed him to declare a victory of sorts as some major NATO players including Germany have promised to increase their defense spending since Trump made it a public issue during and after the U.S. presidential election.

There are other issues where Trump can conceivably prove he's an effective leader. One is actually on trade where a new study by Britain's Global Trade Alert group finds that U.S. trading partners are taking fewer protectionist actions against America since President Trump took office. Another is the fact that it appears more countries heard Trump's criticisms of the Paris climate agreement and are showing signs of possibly joining the U.S. in backing out of it.

But focusing on defense is much easier to grasp than academic trade studies and possible climate deal changes. Defense is Trump's strong suit right now and his Warsaw speech shows that he knows it.

3) Find a friend

Poland is not one of the G-20 nations. But by praising and standing with the Poles, who are caught in the middle of bullying from Russia and indifference from much of the Western European powers, President Trump made it clear that he's presenting a different and better option. Earlier in the day, he touted the first U.S deal to sell liquefied natural gas to the Poles, which could go a long way toward helping Poland get out from under Russia's heating oil dominance in the region. Trump gave special mention in his speech of the sale of the U.S. Patriot missile defense system to the Poles, which also sends a message to possible Russian military aggression.

All of this could foreshadow an attempt by Trump to achieve highly visible partnerships with actual G-20 members Japan and South Korea as the North Korea threat to those countries in particular reaches crisis levels. If Merkel, new French President Emmanuel Macron, and even Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping give him the cold shoulder, Trump can and should use the new threats from Pyongyang to present a very visibly warm relationship with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

Again, defense and the very serious need for it in light of the North Korean situation steals the show and allows Trump to rise above and beyond other issues that seem naturally small compared to nuclear conflict.

4) Show strength on Russia

So many of Trump's domestic critics continue to obsess over the alleged Russian connections to his campaign and even his extended family. That makes his first private meeting with Putin during this summit crucial to helping reshape that narrative and relieve political pressure on his administration. President Trump must appear independent and strong, but also not too combative and aggressive.

Speaking in front of a very supportive and pro-U.S. crowd in Warsaw Thursday went a long way to accomplishing that goal, and Trump didn't even have to mention Putin's name. Poland has challenged Putin's military and economic goals for years now and is often on the front lines in the face of Moscow's aggressive behavior. Thursday's speech from Trump was certainly not on the same level of John F. Kennedy's "Ich Bin ein Berliner" speech or Ronald Reagan's "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" address, but it offered a similar kind of American support for Poland in the face of the Russian bear. It's hard to believe the speech's writers weren't thinking of that similarity when they crafted the address.

Perhaps the message of that speech gave President Trump the preparation he needs to appear sufficiently independent and on the side of the "good guys" compared to Putin and Russia.

None of Trump's most entrenched opponents here and abroad are likely to change their tune about his administration after the summit. But if he sticks to some of the powerful themes he touched on in Warsaw Thursday, a foreign trip that looked like a no-win situation could easily turn into a positive overall.

Commentary by Jake Novak, CNBC.com senior columnist. Follow him on Twitter @jakejakeny.

For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.
Michael Brandt has all the resume highlights that tech entrepreneurs dream of: Stanford grad, ex-Google employee and an Andreessen Horowitz backing for his startup.

He's the co-founder of HVMN (allegedly pronounced "human")  formerly Nootrobox  which sells subscriptions for monthly boxes of cognitive supplements. The company is also behind Go Cubes, "chewable coffee" bites sold at convenience stores to compete with products like 5-hour energy.

"We want to make better humans. We want to take technology and use it to help you as a system," Brandt, the company's co-founder and COO, told CNBC at his San Francisco office. "You have inputs. You have outputs like your productivity, your reaction time, your happiness even."
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) speaks during a press conference after a closed-door Senate GOP conference meeting on Capitol Hill, June 27, 2017 in Washington, DC. Getty Images

The fate of the Republican drive to repeal and replace Obamacare  and of the millions of Americans who could be left uninsured if it succeeds  could come down to a complex and obscure Senate rule. That rule will determine what provisions Republicans can include in the bill, how much of Obamacare they can repeal, and perhaps whether the most conservative GOP senators will vote for it. It could be the roadblock to a policy that conservatives see as their biggest demand before they support a bill they have serious reservations about. The most anti-Obamacare senators want to undo the law's insurance regulations as much as they can, and they are rallying around a proposal by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) that would give them a win on that front. Under the proposal, if insurance companies sold a health plan that complied with Obamacare's rules, they would be allowed to sell other plans that did not. More from Vox:

The Maine event

The Senate is out, but its health care bill is still getting slammed

Donald Trump Jr. is fanning the flames of the #CNNBlackmail story That amendment might be essential to a Republican grand bargain on health care. If conservatives get a win on regulations, they might be more flexible about keeping some of the health care law's taxes on the wealthy. If some of the taxes are kept, then Senate leaders can spend more money on provisions, like Medicaid and financial aid for private coverage, that moderates are focused on. It's still likely to result in a bill that scales back federal support for insurance coverage and overhauls Medicaid while cutting taxes for the health care industry  but if any plan can pass the Senate, it's likely to look something like that. But the first domino to fall in such a scenario would be a conservative win on insurance regulations. The Cruz amendment will first have to survive the so-called "Byrd Rule," which is supposed to limit the bill to policies that directly affect federal revenue and spending. If the proposal doesn't comply with the Senate's rules, an ensuing fight could pit conservatives against moderates and institutionalists  and could edge Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) closer to completely eliminating the legislative filibuster, a move with far bigger implications than health care policy. It's a predicament seven years in the making, since Republicans started swearing to repeal Obamacare as soon as they took control of the government, and it is one that the GOP has courted from the start of this year's repeal effort. With a slim majority in the Senate, the party chose to use "budget reconciliation"  a process that allows a bill to pass with only 50 votes but comes with restrictions that make it less than ideal for complex policymaking  to pass their plan. The result is that the fate of the whole enterprise could now rest with the Senate's parliamentarian. Conservatives and senior senators have been meeting with that arbiter of the chamber's rulebook in recent days to figure out what they can include in the bill. Obamacare, in other words, may live or die on the Byrd Rule  a 20-year-old quirk in the Senate's rules that most Americans have never heard of.

The Senate is using budget reconciliation to pass its health care bill

Republicans swept into power this year and pledged to immediately get to work on their long-promised goal of repealing Obamacare. But they had one problem: They held only 52 seats in the Senate; under the usual legislative process, where a bill can be filibustered and held up if 40 senators oppose it, Democrats could block any repeal plan. The Senate got rid of the filibuster for Supreme Court nominations to confirm Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. But Senate traditionalists refused to nix the legislative filibuster, and so Republicans turned to "budget reconciliation"  a process designed for spending and revenue bills that requires only 50 votes to move a bill  to repeal and replace the health care law. Reconciliation was designed to make sure the Senate could more easily pass bills dealing with the federal budget, particularly if Congress wanted to reduce the deficit, without the threat of a filibuster from the minority party. (The process begins with a congressional resolution instructing committees in the House and the Senate to draw up legislation that saves the federal government a set amount of money.) So the special privileges under reconciliation come with conditions. Those conditions, meant to make sure reconciliation is actually used for bills that affect the budget, are the next obstacle the GOP's repeal-and-replace effort will have to overcome. But those restrictions are a hurdle to any plan to repeal and replace Obamacare. Overhauling the health insurance system, as the law did, includes all sorts of provisions that have nothing to do with federal spending or revenue. Republicans have already tacitly conceded that they can't fully repeal the law because of these limitations. But some of Obamacare's parts that they are most eager to roll back, such as its insurance regulations, could also be tricky to undo under reconciliation's rules.

The Byrd Rule of budget reconciliation will determine what Republicans can actually do in their health care plan

The restrictions of reconciliation will set the parameters of the Senate's health care debate  and have proven difficult for lawmakers to navigate and limited what ideas they can consider. The Senate, for example, needs to come up with a bill that will save the federal government as much money, or more, as the House version. That's going to be a problem for the health care bill  senators want to bolster the financial assistance for lower-income people buying private insurance and soften some of the House bill's Medicaid cuts, which will cost more money. If they increase spending, they must offset it somewhere else, perhaps by delaying the repeal of Obamacare's taxes or cutting Medicaid more in the future. Right now, the Republican plan is coalescing between some combination of the two. They also have to make sure that the bill actually saves money. There was a brief panic that the House bill didn't achieve that goal, which also would have put the whole enterprise at risk because the bill wouldn't comply with the Senate's rules. The mother of all conditions is known as the Byrd Rule. The rule came about in the 1980s, after Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia, a Democrat, grew frustrated with reconciliation. His colleagues were using it to advance all sorts of policies, not just those related to spending and revenue. So he introduced his standard for what can be included in a reconciliation bill, which has since been enshrined in federal law. A bill being considered under reconciliation has to check every box of the six-part Byrd Rule. If it fails any one of those tests, it must be stripped out. The provision must change federal spending or revenue. If the bill does not meet the budget resolution's instructions to reduce the federal deficit, any provision that results in either increased spending or decreased revenue is removed until it does meet those targets. The provision must only affect policies that fall under the jurisdiction of the specific committees that were instructed in the budget resolution. The provision's effect on spending or revenues must be more than incidental to its policy impact. The provision cannot increase the federal deficit at some point in the future, beyond the typical 10-year "budget window" that is used to evaluate legislation. The provision cannot change Social Security. Most of the time, if part of a bill fails that six-part test, that provision is removed and the rest of the legislation is allowed to advance. But some violations can be considered "fatal"  meaning that the entire bill would need 60 votes to pass. Those could include any provisions that violate No. 3, on the issue of jurisdiction, I'm told. Congress is said to have controversially exempted itself from part of the health care bill because the bill would otherwise have been risk of such a fatal Byrd Rule violation. Member benefits, like their health insurance, fall under a different committee's jurisdiction, one that wasn't included in the budget resolution. Without the exemption, the bill could have lost its 50-vote privileges in the Senate. The American Health Care Act has been shaped by those restrictions since the beginning. The original version of the House bill, which failed before House Speaker Paul Ryan could bring it to the floor in late March, didn't touch most of Obamacare's regulations. Senate aides told me this was because of the Byrd Rule. It was only after House conservatives revolted, helping to sink the bill the first time, that the compromise of allowing states to waive those rules emerged. The entire bill will be subject to what's known as a "Byrd bath." Republican and Democratic staff will go through the legislation with Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough and make their arguments about which provisions violate the Byrd Rule and which ones don't. "Because some of these questions will be matters of gray, the question is interpretation of the Byrd Rule given past precedent," Sarah Binder, who studies Senate procedure at George Washington University, told me. "Both parties will try to convince her of their position for or against a Byrd Rule violation." The "Byrd bath" isn't a public event: We'll know its outcome by what's included in the final legislation put forward by McConnell  and some of the most contentious issues could be litigated on the Senate floor.

Ted Cruz's crucial amendment could live or die on the Byrd Rule

The Byrd Rule most immediately threatens the Cruz proposal that is designed to give conservatives a win on Obamacare's insurance regulations  a compromise that might be essential for the bill to get 50 votes. Cruz's amendment would allow health plans to sell non-Obamacare-compliant plans as long as they sell compliant plans as well. That could risk segmenting the market and sending it into a death spiral: Healthy people would flock to the skimpier plans while sick people would buy Obamacare coverage, driving up costs for the latter. The health care law's financial assistance would mitigate premiums increases for the people who receive them  though that depends on an effectively unlimited federal commitment to subsidizing skyrocketing premiums. Regardless, it could be a political winner. Senate leadership is taking the proposal seriously. But the Byrd Rule is a big problem. Democrats and other outside experts have said changing insurance regulations in any way might not be permissible under reconciliation, either because they don't have a budget impact or because any impact would be incidental (1 and 4 on the Byrd list). Such provisions, they argue, are intended to alter how the insurance market works, not to reduce federal spending or increase revenue. So even if there might be a budgetary impact, it would be an afterthought. That is not their purpose. "I have argued for a long time, having gone through a number of Byrd baths in my lifetime, if it's a regulatory change at the state level, or private industry level, it's hard to make the case that that will have a direct federal budgetary consequence," Bill Hoagland, a former Senate Budget Republican staffer who now works at the Bipartisan Policy Center, told me. Senate Republicans are currently negotiating this issue. Cruz, his ally Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, and Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), one of the most senior Republicans working on the health care bill, met with the Senate parliamentarian this week. McConnell asked the Congressional Budget Office to evaluate the Republican bill both with Cruz's policy and without it, Axios reported over the weekend. The CBO's findings could be critical. The bigger the budgetary difference, the easier it would be to justify the Cruz amendment under the Byrd Rule  outside experts told me the same thing about previous iterations of the GOP's plans to loosen Obamacare's insurance rules. "It'll come down unfortunately to CBO, when they put out the cost estimate on that bill," Hoagland said. "Is it big or is it small?" Cruz has arguably been making a Byrd case for his amendment in recent days, by describing it as direct taxpayer subsidization of people's high medical costs. "If those with seriously illnesses are going to be subsidized, and there is widespread agreement in Congress that they are going to be subsidized, I think [it's] far better for that to happen from direct tax revenue rather than forcing a bunch of other people to pay much higher premiums," Cruz told me last week. He seemed confident that his amendment would comply with the standard. It's conceivable that by sending the Obamacare markets into a quasi-death spiral, the policy will significantly drive up the costs to the federal government through bigger subsidies  which is, funnily enough, a good thing for conservatives as far as the Byrd Rule is concerned. "I think under the plain text of the Budget Act of 1974, it satisfies the Byrd test," Cruz said. The Byrd Rule could also determine whether the legislation would function at all if it were actually implemented. Like the House bill, the Senate's version wants to repeal Obamacare's individual mandate, but unlike the House bill, it doesn't replace it with anything to compel people to buy insurance. The House would have required people to stay insured or else face a surcharge when they signed up again, but the Senate bill includes no corresponding provision. Without some kind of mandate replacement, as Vox's Sarah Kliff wrote, the insurance markets under the Republican plan could go into a death spiral. So why was it left out initially? Several experts have speculated it's because of the Byrd Rule. The provision arguably doesn't directly affect federal spending or revenue. The House provision "seemed to me like a strong possibility of a Byrd Rule violation," Binder told me. "It seemed pure policy  and thus 'extraneous' under the Byrd rule." Other contentious issues  defunding Planned Parenthood and placing abortion-related restrictions on the Obamacare subsidies being kept in the Senate bill  are politically potent and potentially at risk under the Byrd Rule. Conservatives have pushed to defund the women's health organization and prevent the subsidies from going to health plans that cover abortions. Several experts, as well as Democrats, have contended those provisions aren't allowed under the Byrd Rule.

Some Senate conservatives want to overrule the parliamentarian if needed. But senior Republicans aren't on board.
While career changes are common these days, few people have made as big of a jump as Ina Garten of Food Network's "Barefoot Contessa," who used to work in the White House Office of Management and Budget.

The secret to making a successful career change as she did, Garten tells CNBC, is to not hold back or hesitate too long  just do it.

"I think that people stand on the side of the pond trying to figure out what the pond's going to be like, and you've just got to jump in and just be brave and make a change," Garten said at Eat (RED) Food & Film Fest. The event was hosted by fellow chef Mario Batali as part of Eat (RED) Save Lives, an annual month-long campaign that raises money for the Global Fund, with 100 percent of proceeds going to fight AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.

Before she became a television host and best-selling cookbook author, Garten started in an entry-level position and worked her way up to become the budget analyst in charge of nuclear energy under President Jimmy Carter.

But Garten, frustrated by its slow pace, grew tired of government work, The New York Times reports. Where she really thrived was in the kitchen. Garten took pride in her weekly dinner parties and Sunday brunches, which came about as she worked her way through Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking."
An Iron Dome short-range missile defense system, positioned near the northern city of Haifa in Israel Getty Images

Israel's high-tech industry is brimming with products that have made the jump from military application to civilian markets, both software and hardware, from cybersecurity to drones and from navigation to imaging. And the bigger the military reputation, the more impact the technology is likely to have. One of the most iconic names currently in the arms industry is the air defense system Iron Dome that knocks rockets from Gaza out of the sky. Its success even helped revive the flagging career of the former Defense minister who commissioned the system over a decade ago, Amir Peretz. It was a theme in his campaign to recapture the Labor party leadership that earlier this week (Tuesday) saw him go through to a runoff. The company that makes the command and control system at the heart of Iron Dome, mPrest, is making rapid inroads over the last few years into civilian applications for its systems, which seem made for the emerging internet of things (IOT). Inevitably, its core function in Iron Dome gives mPrest a flying start when approaching global companies, whether it's in agriculture, electricity or anything else, says the company's co-founder and CEO, Natan Barak, who talked to CNBC in a phone interview. "Definitely the reputation and the attention that we got after Iron Dome helps. We find companies outside of Israel that say 'if you've done Iron Dome, you can do anything'. It definitely helps credibility," Barak says cheerfully. He is proud of the company's role in Iron Dome and the work that the system is doing in "saving lives".

Israeli soldiers stand next to an 'Iron Dome' short-range missile defense system near Haifa. Jack Guez | AFP | Getty Images

Iron Dome was first deployed in 2011 and Barak says that mPrest started looking at civilian commercial markets for its system a few years later: "We realized that we built a very sophisticated, comprehensive infrastructure for a command and control system and we can make a difference not only in defense but also in commercial applications." While Iron Dome definitely serves as a high point for the company, it rests on a firm basis, says Barak: "We did many things before the Ministry of Defense and Rafael (Advanced Defense Systems) asked us to do the Iron Dome command and control system. We've done air defense for some countries in Asia, we've done border control in Asia, we've done many very sophisticated things." The shift from only working for the defense and security markets to the commercial market did take some adjustment, Barak admits: "If you adopt such a model it changes the setup of the company dramatically, our sales and marketing changes dramatically, the launching of our products too." The civilian market will be much bigger for mPrest eventually, he says but per project it's often smaller than what he's used to in the defense sector: "We used to work in multi-million dollar projects, tens of millions of dollars, and now when we talk about the commercial market, we're talking about mass production but each project might cost less." The system that mPrest developed for Iron Dome appears to be a fit for the booming IOT market now that the price of sensors is coming down and connectivity is everywhere. The company is "integrating IT with the IOT", says Barak. It has moved into the utilities business, for example providing the New York Power Authority with a monitoring, control and analytics system, and it's doing the same for New Zealand power company Vector, which is also interested in such things as being able to use customers' reserve battery power during peak times.

Israeli special combat soldiers conduct a training exercise using virtual reality (VR) battlefield technology to simulate Hamas tunnels leading from Gaza to Israel at an Israeli Army base in Petach Tikva, Israel. Rina Castelnuovo | Bloomberg | Getty Images
The North Koreans launched a new two stage missile, which signals more escalation of their part.

The two-stage missile launched Tuesday by North Korea will be classified by US intelligence as a brand-new missile that has not been seen before, US officials told CNN.

The first stage of the missile is believed to be a KN-17 liquid fueled missile, which is well-known to US intelligence and has been previously launched by North Korea.

Ahead of Tuesdays missile test, US satellites had seen evidence the KN-17 missile was being prepared for launch.

But at some point prior to launch, the North Koreans attached a second stage atop that missile.

The focus now is on the capability of that second stage, and how it technically contributed to making Pyongyangs latest test its first ever intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch.

The next step will be the development of a solid fuel missile which could be launched with little warning.

The trajectory was high and short but the second stage could be programmed to go much longer range.

It is apparent that the US policy going back to Bill Clinton and his Deal to stop the Norks nuclear program, has been a complete failure, like so many of Clintons deals.

On Oct. 18, 1994, Clinton approved a plan to arrange more than $4 billion in energy aid to North Korea over the course of a decade, in return for a commitment from the countrys Communist leadership to freeze and gradually dismantle its nuclear weapons development program, according to The New York Times.

The complex deal was to de-escalate the situation on the Korean peninsula, where the two Korean nations never negotiated a peace treaty after the Korean War ended in armistice in 1953.

This agreement is good for the United States, good for our allies, and good for the safety of the entire world, said Clinton in 1994. Its a crucial step toward drawing North Korea into the global community.

The drawing-in never happened.

I can only imagine what Hillary Clinton would do if she were President. The mind boggles at the thought.

Instead it looks like Trump is getting very serious.

In the final analysis, China will either take action to remove the North Korean threat, or the United States will collapse the economy of China with the biggest set of economic actions against China in the history of economic sanctions.

? Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley will establish and highlight the action of the enablers.

? U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad will politely request China to stop enabling and take action.

At the G20  President Trump will politely ask Xi Jinping not to put him in a position of destroying the Chinese economy. Trump will remind Xi Jinping he really doesnt want to, but he is being left no option.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue are the atomic economic sledgehammer. awaiting orders.

Will Trump do it? Well see but he seems fearless. He gave China a chance to do the right thing.

Now, it is up to the Chinese as we see little evidence the Trump will chicken out as Obama has done.

It is also a chance for Nikki Haley to burnish her credentials in front of the world. She looks up to it.
L Brands shares fell more than 10 percent Thursday morning after the specialty retailer reported a decline in same-store sales in June.

The operator of stores such as Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works said same store sales fell 9 percent last month, worse than the 7 percent decline expected by analysts in a Thomson Reuters survey.

L Brands pointed to the exit of swimwear and apparel categories as the culprit for sales declines for the first half of the year. It said the two areas contributed of 7 percentage points of the decline for the company overall and 10 percentage points for its Victoria's Secret stores.

Victoria's Secret posted a 17 percent sales tumble in June, which is worse than the 11.9 percent analysts expected.

The Columbus, Ohio-based company's stock has fallen more than 24 percent year-to-date, plunging more than double the 9 percent year-to-date losses for the SPDR S&P Retail ETF .
Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) testifies to the Senate Judiciary Committee during the second day of confirmation hearings on Senator Jeff Sessions' (R-AL) nomination to be U.S. attorney general in Washington, January 11, 2017.

All year long, struggles within Congress and the White House on health care, taxes, trade and infrastructure have highlighted deep fissures in the Trump-era GOP.

For the moment, they've obscured divisions within a Democratic opposition savoring the luxury of just attacking.

But those divisions will surface soon enough, as the 2018 mid-term election campaign accelerates and the 2020 presidential contest gets underway. And when they do, a recent examination of both parties suggests, they will produce some surprising Democratic beneficiaries.

The examination, by a team of analysts across the political spectrum for the Voter Study Group, shows how the surge of President Donald Trump's blue-collar backers has buffeted the GOP. They diverge from the party's traditional conservatism on taxes, spending and trade.

Democrats have their own fault lines, as the party's protracted 2016 primary battle made clear.

But the report concluded that the party's rank-and-file chose between establishment figure Hillary Clinton and self-styled revolutionary Bernie Sanders on the basis of style more than substance.

Though Sanders' supporters were more hostile to international trade agreements, they held similar views to Clinton's allies on core economic concerns such as income inequality and the importance of an activist government.

"Their voters were not all that different on most issues," wrote Lee Drutman, a fellow at the New America think tank who was part of the Voter Study Group team. "To the extent that the Democratic Party is divided, these divisions are more about faith in the political system and general disaffection than they are about issue positions."

Thus attitude may represent the key variable within Democratic politics over the next three years. Already, some Democrats have staked out divergent positions on how vehemently to resist the agenda of Trump and the GOP Congress.

After Democrat Jon Ossoff struck a temperate tone in his losing race for a Georgia House seat, some intraparty critics complained that he should have excoriated the president more. The recent fight for Virginia's Democratic gubernatorial nomination  in which Sanders-backed former House Democrat Tom Perriello lost to Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam  revolved around who had greater ability to produce change.

The Virginia outcome suggests that firebrands in the mold of Sanders and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren may have less momentum within the party than they assumed in the wake of Trump's triumph. Like the Republican president, each has drawn energy with angry complaints that the political system is rigged to the detriment of average Americans.

However hostile the party's feelings about Trump, their challenge may get even steeper the closer the nation draws to the 2020 presidential contest. David Axelrod, the chief strategist in Barack Obama's breakthrough 2008 victory, notes a recurrent pattern: Voters seek qualities in their next president that compensate for what they consider defects in the last one.

Thus in 2000, they embraced George W. Bush's vow to restore "honor and dignity" to a White House tarnished by Bill Clinton's scandal. In 2008, they turned to Obama's deliberation over Bush's "gut-player" style. In 2016, an electoral majority opted for the bombast of a wealthy outsider vowing to "make America great again."

"In 2020, there will be a market for an antidote to him," Axelrod said. That points toward a quieter, more thoughtful approach that places a higher premium on governing experience.

"There will be a receptivity to someone who offers big ideas about how to insure a fair shot and economic security for the broadest number of Americans in a rapidly changing economy, rather than promising a return to an irretrievable past," Axelrod said. "There will be a market for a more healing and unifying figure who can speak to our common values and concerns as Americans rather than mining resentment and sowing antagonism."

If he's right, harsh denunciations of the wealthiest 1 percent won't prove the most effective Democratic answer to Trump's denunciations of illegal immigrants. That dynamic would give an advantage to potential White House candidates with a more consensus-oriented message, such as Joe Biden or Cory Booker, rather than Sanders or Warren.
watch now

Lindsay Rosnewald Source: Fortress Biotech

"No," replied Rosenwald, 62, the chairman of Fortress Biotech. Rosenwald also said that he was told by Shkreli that MSMB Capital had the accounting firm Fulvio & Associates as an auditor when Rosenwald first invested $100,000 in the fund. "You're giving people money, and you're expecting audited returns," Rosenwald said. "That's standard in the industry." In fact, both prosecutors and Shkreli's defense team stipulated in a statement read aloud to jurors Thursday that Fulvio & Associates never served as an auditor to Shkreli or any of his hedge funds. Rosenwald said that when he first invested with MSMB Capital in 2009, Shkreli sent him an email that said, "Thanks again for this great opportunity, and I will not let you down." At that time, Rosenwald said, Shkreli also promised there would be "no lockups" of investors' money in MSMB Capital. That meant, Rosenwald testified, "that if I want to redeem my investment, get my money back, I can get it back ... On 30 days notice, whenever I wanted to." But that turned out not to be the case. Rosenwald testified that in 2012, Shkreli told him he was winding down MSMB Capital. And Shkreli offered Rosenwald the opportunity to roll over what Shkreli purported was by then Rosenwald's $200,000 stake in MSMB Capital into Retrophin, a new drug company he was creating.

Martin Shkreli, former chief executive officer of Turing Pharmaceuticals AG, left, arrives at federal court with his attorney Benjamin Brafman in the Brooklyn borough of New York, U.S., on Wednesday, July 5, 2017. Peter Foley | Bloomberg | Getty Images

'I was given the option of taking the cash or taking the stock," Rosenwald said. "I wanted the cash," he testified. But, "I didn't get the cash." Rosenwald said that months later, in 2013, he eventually ended up being given 80,000 shares in Retrophin. Prosecutors charge that Shkreli looted Retrophin of stock to pay off investors in his hedge fund that he is also accused of defrauding. Shkreli denies the charges. Rosenwald testified that he later, over time, sold off his shares of Retrophin. He said that, taking into account his original stake of $100,000 in MSMB Capital, he did make a profit on those stock sales. Asked how much, Rosenwald said, "Somewhere between $400,000 and $600,000, I think." Rosenwald also agreed under questioning that it was unusual that there was sometimes a lag of several months in Shkreli sending him statements about the monthly performance of his hedge fund. Rosenwald identified one statement for August 2011 that he received two months later, another for December 2011 that he received in May 2012, and a performance statement for May 2012 that he received in September 2012. "You usually get them as soon as practical, at the end of the month," Rosenwald said.

Watch: Shkreli's lawyer speaks after Wednesday in court
This "cowboy" sure plays coy when it comes to horses and money.

A Texas biotech investor who prosecutors claim was defrauded by Martin Shkreli refused to disclose his estimated net worth under cross-examination at the "Pharm Bro's" federal securities fraud trial. The refusal by Darren Blanton, 52, came even though he has bragged previously about owning frozen semen worth $20 million alone from just one of his horses.

The line of questioning by defense attorney Benjamin Brafman about Blanton's worth appeared to be part of an effort to portray him as a sophisticated investor who was capable of dealing with Shkreli and hedge fund investments.

Prosecutors accuse Shkreli of using stock in his Retrophin pharmaceutical company to pay off investors like Blanton, who were allegedly defrauded at two Shkreli-run hedge funds.

Asked on Thursday by Brafman what he's currently worth, Blanton told the court: "I have no idea right now."

"It's based on a lot of private investments," Blanton added, suggesting it would be difficult to value those investments.

When Brafman pressed further in the federal court trial, suggesting he was worth more than $100 million, Blanton said, "I have an idea."

"But I choose not to disclose it," said Blanton, who runs an investment vehicle called Cold Ventures, and who served as an adviser for the transition of President Donald Trump.

Asked if he had told Shkreli that Blanton's horses alone were worth more than $70 million, Blanton said he did not believe he had told him that.

Asked how much the horses that he owns are worth, Blanton again ducked, "That all depends on what someone pays for them."

Blanton didn't budge when Brafman asked if the horses were worth more than $20 million.

"Is it more than $100?" Brafman finally asked.

"Yes," Blanton conceded, drawing laughs from reporters covering the trial.

Brafman later asked, "Would you consider yourself a success?"

"Not yet," Blanton said.

A 2015 Dallas Morning News referred to Blanton as "the cowboy venture capitalist" and said Blanton wants to be a billionaire and is close to achieving that ambition.

"That's my goal," Blanton told the newspaper. "Most of my companies are private, so you can't really put a market value on them. I could make past that threshold if one of them breaks out."

Blanton testified on Thursday that The Morning News "misquoted me" on the billionaire reference in the story.

The story also said Blanton parlayed a $1 million investment Halozyme Inc . into almost $40 million. It said he "has made another 50 or so biotech investments, several of which have turned into billion-dollar-plus companies."

The article reported that "Blanton's most prized transaction was his purchase three years ago of the legendary cutting horse sire High Brow Cat, whose 1,300-plus "Cat" offspring have netted more than $70 million in prize money in the competitive Western performance horse world."

"He owns 45 Cat offspring, including an actual clone, Copy Cat, and has another 20 on the way next year," the story said.

"He also has the now-sterile 28-year-old stallion's frozen semen as a futures play. 'I figure the Cat inventory is worth about $20 million," he says."

The newspaper said Blanton is a nonprofessional participant in cutting horses competitions. Cutting horses are used in separating cattle from a herd.
Microsoft announced a major reorganization on Wednesday that will include thousands of layoffs, largely in sales.



The job cuts amount to less than 10 percent of the company's total sales force, and about 75 percent of them will be outside the U.S., the company said.

Reports from last week suggested this was going to happen and that Microsoft was going to specifically focus on how it sells its cloud-services product, Azure.

Microsoft's cloud business has been booming over recent quarters  Microsoft noted Azure sales growth of 93 percent last quarter. While Amazon has become a bigger competitor in the space, Microsoft's restructuring is to pivot to software as a service, platform as a service and infrastructure.

"Microsoft is implementing changes to better serve our customers and partners," a Microsoft spokesperson told CNBC. "Today, we are taking steps to notify some employees that their jobs are under consideration or that their positions will be eliminated. Like all companies, we evaluate our business on a regular basis. This can result in increased investment in some places and, from time-to-time, re-deployment in others."

Microsoft said its goal isn't to cut costs and the move is instead a change in how Microsoft handles sales. It said its plan is to use employees who are more knowledgeable about specific verticals so they can sell bigger packages.

Microsoft has 71,000 employees in the U.S. and 121,000 employees around the globe, suggesting that these cuts are relatively small compared to the size of its entire workforce.

 CNBC's Jon Fortt contributed to this report.
Defense ties have long underpinned Indian-Israeli relations, but a string of deals signed this week reflected wider cooperation that could benefit Indian companies seeking advanced technologies and could pave the way for Israeli firms to access millions of consumers.

On Wednesday, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said India signed several agreements with Israel on science, agriculture and technology, as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to the country, 25 years after both nations established diplomatic relations.

The agreements included the decision to create a bilateral technology innovation fund worth $40 million for research in industrial development, and to establish a strategic partnership in water and agriculture to focus on water conservation, waste-water treatment and its reuse for agriculture and desalination, among other deals.

Richard Rossow, senior adviser and Wadhwani Chair in U.S.-India Policy Studies at CSIS, said that while Israel has historically been a supplier of defense equipment to India, the two countries have natural synergies in other areas.

"Israel's becoming a more important defense partner for India, a source of great technology, not just in the defense space, but in biotechnology (and) agriculture," he told CNBC's "Street Signs" on Thursday. "A lot of the things were reflected in that joint statement."

Rossow said that closer ties could lead to more investments from both countries.

"India's good at large-scale things, like call centers and software development, but Israel's doing package software. India's doing back-office biotech research, but Israel actually has products that are out there in the global markets more than India does," he said.

"So it could be Israeli companies looking for a larger production base, in which case India's ready to go."
JetFlite International woos customers with pictures of its fleet of private planes and the promise, "Let us pamper you." But part-owner Arik Kislin still flies commercial.

"It's a lot less luxurious," the self-made multimillionaire tells CNBC. "You have to deal with all the nuances of the airport." But it's "an economical decision," especially when he's on his own and when he's "going across the pond."

"There's a lot more options to fly commercial. There's a lot more flights going to business cities," he says, and that availability of flights is convenient. "If I wanted to go to London, I'd probably have 20-plus flights to choose from."

For those reasons, he says, "it's just easier" to fly commercial.

But that doesn't mean he finds it pleasant. The hassle of going through airports make those transit hubs his least favorite part of flying. He's also put off by the crews on some airlines; he finds them unfriendly, as "service just generally isn't as strong." The treatment of passengers that used to be standard 30 years ago "just doesn't exist anymore," at least not the U.S., he says, though it can still be found on certain Middle Eastern and Asian airlines.

Unionized crews, which are found on American Airlines, United and many other domestic airlines, he believes, have less of an incentive to perform: "When you're less worried about your job, you're less eager to do your job."
Are NATO allies really getting a 'free ride'? Here's what the numbers say 5:16 PM ET Thu, 6 July 2017 | 00:52

Though he declared the alliance "obsolete" as a candidate, President Donald Trump on Thursday affirmed U.S. commitment to the defense of NATO allies.

But he repeated his longstanding lament that the member states rely too heavily on the U.S. military and should continue to boost military spending.

In his second trip to Europe as president, Trump's message was apparently intended to ease the concerns of U.S. allies after failing to endorse the principle of collective defense during his first trip in May.
Troubled commodity trader Noble saw its shares surge in Thursday afternoon trade, but it wasn't clear what drove the sudden rush into the beaten down stock.

The stock rose as much as 38.30 percent to a high of 65 Singapore cents ($0.47) in late afternoon trade, before retracing slightly to end up 36.17 percent, or 17 Singapore cents, at S$0.64.

A trader told CNBC that he didn't see any large block trades on his screen. But in the afternoon, there were several trade sizes of 100,000 to nearly 400,000 shares, according to Reuters data.

Nearly 124 million shares changed hands on Thursday, compared with five-day average volume of 18.27 million, according to Reuters data.

Short-covering was unlikely to explain the move as Singapore Exchange (SGX) data indicated that only 678,000 shares valued at around S$335,818.50 were sold short as of the close on Wednesday.

But by the close of Thursday, that had jumped to around 4.1 million shares sold short, valued at around S$2.30 million, likely driven by expectations the stock's surge would fade.

The company has been searching for a strategic investor, to-date in vain.

In a response to the SGX's query on the unusual activity, Noble said it was unaware of any information not previously announced that could explain the trading.

Noble didn't provide additional information.

"The group ensures that it is at all times in compliance with the listing rules and disclosure obligations. The group does not comment on third parties' actions," a representative of Noble said in an email in response to CNBC's request for comment.

Earlier this week, two substantial shareholders reported to SGX that they cut their interest in Noble.

Morgan Stanley said in a Tuesday filing that its interest fell from 6.55 percent of the company, or around 86.045 million shares, to 5.9273 percent, or around 77.81 million shares.

Similarly, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial said in a Tuesday filing that its stake fell to 5.93 percent form 6.55 percent.

At its peak in 2010, Noble was Asia's largest commodity trader with a market cap of more than $10 billion.

Shares hit an all-time high of 17 Singapore dollars in 2011, but have since tumbled as Noble struggles with the aggressive commodity price decline in recent years.

Noble has been forced to shuffle management, sell down assets and slash costs to boost liquidity. At the same time, its management has been navigating a series of credit downgrades, write-downs and accusations of improper accounting standards, denied vociferously by the company  all of which contributed to the dramatic collapse in its share price.

Correction: This article has been updated to clarify the value and volume of shares sold short on Wednesday.

Dan Murphy contributed to this article.

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The China Insurance Regulatory Commission said on Wednesday that it is working closely with the Ministry of Finance on regulations for individual tax-deferred commercial endowment insurance, in the run-up to a pilot program which is to take place before its wider introduction.

Endowment insurance is a form of life insurance, involving a payment plan, that pays the face value to the insured either at the end of the contract period or on the insured's demise.

Tax-deferred endowment insurance is where the insured pays for premiums before tax payments and pays their personal income tax only after the endowment benefits are collected.

"The time and condition of having the pilot is mature and we are working hard to perfect regulations, to guarantee fairness and funds security," said Yuan Xucheng, director of the CIRC's life insurance supervision department.

The State Council on Tuesday released a statement on stepping up the pace of developing commercial endowment insurance, in which it confirmed that an individual tax-deferred commercial endowment insurance pilot will start before the end of 2017.

Yuan said the CIRC would select qualified insurance companies to participate in the pilot, through a strict vetting and approval process.

Hao Yansu, director of the school of insurance at the Central University of Finance and Economics, said carrying out a tax-deferred commercial endowment insurance pilot was a welcome development, but it should be convenient for people to join.

"As there are many ministries and commissions involved in the pilot, the procedures can be complicated," Hao said.

"It is necessary to develop internet operations to facilitate insurance applicants."

Hao also said it was important to encourage insurance companies to participate in the pilot.

According to Yuan, China's aging population has become a serious issue. By the end of 2016, China had 230 million people aged over 60, accounting for 16.7 percent of the nation's population.

"Developing commercial endowment insurance is significant for perfecting China's multi-level aging security system, dealing with aging population issue and promoting social stability," said the statement released by the State Council.

The statement said China will encourage the innovation of commercial endowment insurance products and services, supporting insurance institutions to develop personalized and differentiated insurance products for individuals, families and enterprises.

"China will promote commercial endowment insurance funds, for them to have a safe and steady operation," the statement said.

"Commercial endowment insurance funds can participate in the nation's important programs steadily and make overseas investments in a prudent way."
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North Korea's government is weak and unpredictable

To understand why North Korea is so unstable, we need to start with something counterintuitive: North Korea is really weak. Pyongyang is one of the world's poorest countries. Its GDP per capita is estimated at about $1,000, about 1/28th of South Korea's. It faces chronic shortages of food and medical supplies, depending on Chinese aid to meet its citizens' basic needs. There's a real risk that the Kim regime collapses under the weight of its own mismanagement. Nor is the North secure from military attack. While its army is extremely large personnel-wise, with about 1.2 million soldiers, it uses antiquated Cold War technology while its neighbors to the South are equipped with top-of-line modern gear. Moreover, the presence of 23,500 US troops in South Korea means any war between North and South Korea would draw in the world's only superpower, though with potentially enormous American casualties. Facing the twin dangers of domestic instability and foreign attack, the North has devised a strategy for survival that depends (somewhat counterintuitively) on provoking the South and the United States. The North will do something that it knows will infuriate its enemies, like testing an intercontinental ballistic missile or shelling a South Korean military base. This limit-pushing behavior is designed to show that the North is willing to escalate aggressively in the event of any kind of action from Washington or Seoul that threatens the regime, thus deterring them from making even the slightest move to undermine the Kim regime. It also sends a signal to the North Korean people that they're constantly under threat from foreign invasions, and that they need to support their government unconditionally to survive as a nation. The problem is that this strategy is inherently unstable. There's always a risk that one of these manufactured crises spirals out of control, leading to a conflict that no one really wants. This is especially risky because the North Korean government is deeply insular: Washington doesn't have the kind of direct line of communication with the North that it had with the Soviet Union during the height of the Cold War, which was vital in preventing standoffs like the Cuban Missile Crisis from escalating. Maybe the Trump administration responds too aggressively to a provocation, prompting North Korean retaliation. Maybe North Korea thinks it's about to be invaded by the South, leading it to mount a preemptive strike. Maybe South Korea misreads the North's signals and thinks it is about to launch a war, causing the South to do something wild like try to assassinate Kim Jong Un. That isn't totally hypothetical: Jeffrey Lewis, director of the East Asia Nonproliferation Program at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies and a noted North Korean expert, thinks killing Kim is a real option that the South is considering if it thinks war is likely (mainly to head off a nuclear strike before it starts). These scenarios illustrate that a basic truth: A situation where one side is constantly provoking the other is extremely volatile. There are lots of ways for things to go wrong, all of which stem from the fundamental insecurity of the North Korean regime. "In North Korea at least, everything is organized around the fear that they will be invaded, and that Kim Jong Un will end up like Muammar Qaddafi in Libya or Saddam Hussein in Iraq," Lewis told Vox in an April interview. "It's easy to see how things could get out of hand in a hurry."

War could cause millions of casualties  even before nukes

Here's what makes this all really worrying: While North Korea is in a weak position relative to its enemies, it is still objectively a relatively strong military. While South Korea and the United States would almost certainly defeat the North in the event of a conflict, the cost of such a war would be incredibly high. The North Koreans are not stupid: They know they're militarily outclassed by their enemies. So their strategy in the event of an out-and-out war, as far as outside analysts can tell, is to inflict overwhelming pain as quickly as possible: to bombard South Korea, Japan, and any American forces they can find with missiles and artillery to the point where their stronger enemies lose their appetite for a protracted conflict. The estimates of a conflict involving the North's non-nuclear arsenal alone are hard to fathom. My colleague Alex Ward spells some out: South Korea's capital city, Seoul, is a so-called "megacity" with a whopping 25.6 million residents living in the greater metropolitan area. It also happens to be within direct firing range of thousands of pieces of North Korean artillery already lined up along the border, also known as the demilitarized zone. Around 70 percent of North Korea's ground forces are within 90 miles of the DMZ, presumably ready to move south at a moment's notice. Simulations of a large-scale artillery fight between the North and South produce pretty bleak results. One war game convened by the Atlantic back in 2005 predicted that a North Korean attack would kill 100,000 people in Seoul in the first few days alone. Others put the estimate even higher. A war game mentioned by the National Interest predicted Seoul could "be hit by over half-a-million shells in under an hour." Here's an even grimmer statistic: A South Korean simulation conducted in 2004, before the North had developed nuclear weapons, estimated that there could be up to 2 million casualties in the first 24 hours of a conflict. Obviously, the death toll would be exponentially higher if North Korea used any of its nuclear weapons. Those could potentially destroy Tokyo, Seoul, or other cities in the two countries. It's not clear how many working nuclear weapons the North has, though estimates suggest around 10 to 16. We do know that the North's missiles have enough range to reach Tokyo, and that the North has tested a nuclear weapon designed to fit on precisely such a missile. Best guesses suggest the North would try to nuke US forces in the region, to attempt to limit America's ability to help South Korea in ground combat on the Korean Peninsula. But Pyongyang could also target population centers as well  despite the likelihood that any such attack would invite nuclear retaliation from the United States, which has mutual defense agreements with both Japan and South Korea. "Its rhetoric and accelerated pace of missile testing suggests that North Korea would be the first to use nuclear weapons if it believed itself to be under attack," Mark Fitzpatrick, the executive director of the International Institute for Strategic Studies America think tank, writes. "Its nuclear posture incorporates the 'use them or lose them' principle."

The situation is getting more dangerous and shows no signs of improving
The Pentagon spokesman added that "Mattis underscored the United States' ironclad commitment to defend Japan and provide extended deterrence using the full range of U.S. capabilities."

Pentagon Spokesman Dana White said late Wednesday in a statement that Defense Secretary James Mattis spoke by phone with his Japanese counterpart to discuss Pyongyang's ICBM test-firing and "both agreed that this test represents an escalation and unacceptable provocation that undermines regional security and stability."

North Korea launched the test missile from the west coast of the country and it fell into the Sea of Japan after traveling about 900 km (or nearly 560 miles), according to Japan's Defense Ministry.

State-run North Korean media boasted Wednesday its ICBM Hwasong-14 rocket launched this week was "capable of hitting any part of the world, along with nuclear weapons."

At the same time, there's now the possibility that the North's new ICBM could reach Alaska and some experts believe Pyongyang may also have the technology to deploy a warhead to California and eastward.

Out of the 17 tests of the U.S. ground-based midcourse defense (GMD) system since 1999, slightly more than half of them have been successful. That said, a test conducted May 30 of a simulated ICBM aimed at the West Coast destroyed the mock warhead, but no more tests were planned until late next year.

"All of this is creating a panic, if you will, because the ground-based interceptors in Alaska and California , while they have been tested, U.S. government agencies have critiqued the test as not being realistic," said John Park, director of the Korea Working Group at the Harvard Kennedy School. "There is concern about gap in capabilities there as well as with respect to defense of the homeland."

North Korea 's test-firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile this week came as the U.S. still had reliability issues with its homeland missile defense system and no guarantee it could destroy any incoming nuclear warhead from the rogue regime.

The intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-14 is seen in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency in Pyongyang, July, 4 2017.

"Strategically, we've long known it was going to happen," said Bruce Klingner, a former CIA deputy division chief for the Korean peninsula and national security specialist at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative Washington think-tank. "North Korea said at the beginning of the year they will test [an ICBM] by the end of the year."

That's a bit slower than the CIA's late-1990s prediction that North Korea would have an ICBM by 2015, he said.

Klingner said debris recovered by the South Korean navy from earlier North Korean launches, including a three-stage rocket which launched a satellite in February 2016, showed it had a potential range of at least 10,000 km (about 6,200 miles).

Similarly, a 2012 rocket was later estimated to have a potential range of 12,000 km (or almost 7,500 miles), according to reports from South Korean media.

"One could probably reach all the way down to Miami," said Klingner.

"The current level of the North's nuclear and missile programs is a problem, but what is more troubling is their development is proceeding much faster than expected," South Korean President Moon Jae-in was quoted as saying Wednesday, according to Seoul-based state news agency Yonhap.

It said Moon's spokesman indicated the leader made those remarks in conversations held at the G-20 summit in Berlin.

Indeed, analysts pointed out North Korea has been picking up the pace of its ballistic missile tests, conducting at least 10 tests already this year. And confirmation that the secretive communist state successfully launched its first ICBM on Tuesday only added to the urgency of U.S. efforts to reduce the threat with a reliable homeland missile defense system.

Park, the director of the Korea Working Group at the Harvard Kennedy School, estimated that North Korea already had as many as 20 nuclear warheads, noting that while the ICBM was likely still in the development stage, Pyongyang "certainly can develop an assembly line to crank out more of those."

According to NBC News, President Barack Obama warned then President-elect Donald Trump during their first meeting after the election that the North Koreans were working on a long-range missile that could reach the U.S. mainland.

Trump's first meeting at the White House with Obama took place Nov. 10, and on Jan. 2, 2017, he tweeted: "North Korea just stated that it is in the final stages of developing a nuclear weapon capable of reaching parts of the U.S. It won't happen."

Donald J. Trump: North Korea just stated that it is in the final stages of developing a nuclear weapon capable of reaching parts of the U.S. It won't happen.

He also started to pressure China with tweets, but backed off by April as he reached out to Chinese President Xi Jinping for help.

However, last month those efforts appeared to sour when Trump tweeted: "While I greatly appreciate the efforts of President Xi & China to help with North Korea, it has not worked out. At least I know China tried."

Donald J. Trump: North Korea is looking for trouble. If China decides to help, that would be great. If not, we will solve the problem without them! U.S.A.

Donald J. Trump: While I greatly appreciate the efforts of President Xi & China to help with North Korea, it has not worked out. At least I know China tried!

Donald J. Trump: Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40% in the first quarter. So much for China working with us - but we had to give it a try!

The NBC News report cited multiple sources as saying the height the missile reached  more than 1,700 miles  and its capability to reach even as far as Alaska was something that "took U.S. intelligence by surprise."

That was a concern for U.S. security.

"North Korea seems to be moving faster than we are," said Thomas Karako, a senior fellow with the International Security Program and director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think-tank.

Added Karako, "What we really need to be doing is to have increased reliability, capability and capacity improvements relative to where we are today."

Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, was leading a bipartisan effort to increase spending on missile defense, including space-based sensors. Some of the missile defense upgrades he pushed for are in the fiscal 2018 National Defense Authorization Act passed last week by the House Armed Services Committee.

The U.S. plans currently call for a total of 44 GMD interceptors to be available by the end of 2017 in California and Alaska, up from 36 today. Sullivan's plan, though, proposed to significantly expand the number ground-based interceptors to up to 100 nationally and would consider new locations too, including the East Coast and Midwest.

Some have been critical of the U.S. missile defense efforts, particularly spending and delays in getting a more reliable system.

The Missile Defense Agency has received more than $120 billion since 2002 on the GMD anti-missile system and there were plans to spend an additional $37 billion through 2021 to enhance its capabilities.

Vice Admiral James Syring, director of the Missile Defense Agency, testified last month to a House Armed Services subcommittee that the U.S. has "been on a journey over the last at least five to six years to improve the reliability of the entire [GMD] system."

He noted that the system was put in the field "very rapidly" in the early 2000s and changes were made along the way.

Even with the success of the May 30 ground-based interceptor test, however, Syring conceded more work is needed on the system.

"We are not there yet," he said. "I would not say we are comfortably ahead of the threat. I would say we are addressing the threat."
Qatar Airways became the fourth airline in the Middle East to announce it would be exempt from measures banning laptops and other large electronic devices in the cabin on U.S. flights.

The airline announced that passengers flying to the U.S. would be exempt from the laptop ban on Thursday. It follows announcements from Emirates, Turkish Airlines and Etihad Airlines that the U.S. had lifted restrictions on passengers carrying such devices on U.S.-bound flights.

Donald Trump's administration introduced the ban in March, barring the carrying of laptops on flights to the U.S. from the airports of eight countries  Qatar, Egypt, Morocco the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Turkey and Jordan. The ban was imposed over fears that explosives could be concealed in the devices.

"We are pleased to announce that the electronics ban has been lifted from Qatar Airways flights departing to all destinations in the U.S. Safety and security are always our highest priority," the CEO of Qatar Airways Akbar Al Baker said on Thursday. "They are expressed throughout all of our corporate values, and must never be compromised."

He added: "The security measures in place in Doha allow us to continue to provide our renowned world-class service for all our passengers travelling to the U.S. We look forward to providing our passengers an even greater choice of U.S. destinations soon, with the addition of San Francisco to our expanding network, on board the most modern of aircraft including the Airbus A350 and our Qsuite retro-fitted Boeing 777 aircraft."
Chipmaker Qualcomm is asking U.S. trade regulators to ban iPhone imports, according to a new lawsuit.

Apple has allegedly infringed on six of Qualcomm's patents, including technology that improves iPhone battery life, according to Qualcomm. Now Qualcomm wants Apple to pay damages.

"Apple continues to use Qualcomm's technology while refusing to pay for it," Don Rosenberg, executive vice president and general counsel of Qualcomm, said in a statement.

Qualcomm ultimately wants regulators to investigate which phones use cellular processors from Qualcomm's competitors, and halt sales of iPhones that violate the patents. Qualcomm said it has filed complaints in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California and with the United States International Trade Commission.

It's not immediately clear how many iPhones that would affect.

"We believe deeply in the value of intellectual property but we shouldn't have to pay them for technology breakthroughs they have nothing to do with," Apple said. "We've always been willing to pay a fair rate for standard technology used in our products and since they've refused to negotiate reasonable terms we're asking the courts for help."

The suit is the latest battle in an ongoing war between the two California technology companies, one that experts say could set the tone for how courts treat innovation.

Apple in January sued Qualcomm for roughly $1 billion, claiming Qualcomm has been "charging royalties for technologies they have nothing to do with." The fight with Apple has weighed on Qualcomm, which has been hoping that a wave of new data standards, such as 5G, will keep it ahead of rivals like Intel.

Qualcomm had to slash its financial expectations for the fiscal third quarter, in case Apple affiliates withhold payments from Qualcomm. A slew of Wall Street analysts have lowered their expectations for Qualcomm.

"Without an agreed-upon rate to determine how much is owed, we have suspended payments until the correct amount can be determined by the court," Apple said.

Qualcomm has separately been under investigation by the Federal Trade Commission, which alleged that Qualcomm used its exclusive relationship with Apple to keep competitors from getting stronger.(Qualcomm has said this investigation is based on "flawed legal theory" and "a lack of economic support.")

Apple CEO Tim Cook has compared Qualcomm's business practices to "buying a sofa" from a company that charges "a different price depending upon the house that it goes into."

"Despite being just one of over a dozen companies who contributed to basic cellular standards, Qualcomm insists on charging Apple at least five times more in payments than all the other cellular patent licensors we have agreements with combined," Apple has said.



Intel declined to comment on the report.

But Qualcomm's defenders say that Apple has minimized Qualcomm's contributions to the iPhone.

"Qualcomm spent billions of dollars developing critical technologies that Apple now seems to want to be able to have access to for free or next to nothing," wrote Daniel Newman, principal analyst at research firm Futurum Research.

 Reporting by CNBC's Jon Fortt and Josh Lipton
The Clean Water Act turns 45 years old in October. It is a landmark law that has saved lakes and rivers and has been used to hold polluters accountable for decades. It contains a bold vision  making all of our waters safe for fishing and swimming, and eliminating pollution discharges. Unfortunately, after nearly 45 years, we still have work to do. Many of our rivers and lakes are still not safe.

The Trump administration wants to make this work even harder.

In February, the President Donald Trump signed an executive order initiating a scheme that would enable the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers to withdraw the Clean Water Rule. Just a few weeks ago, the agencies officially proposed repealing the Clean Water Rule. This is the next step in the Trump administration's assault on common sense protections for clean water and public health.

It couldn't be more reckless. Our rivers and lakes are essential to our quality of life. The rule was signed just over two years ago by top federal officials in the Obama administration to ensure that our nation's Clean Water Act would continue its mission to protect our waterways.

A loophole created by a pair of polluter-driven lawsuits that went to the U.S. Supreme Court for years left nearly 2 million miles of streams across the country without guaranteed coverage under the Clean Water Act.

The Clean Water Rule rectified this issue and represents the biggest step forward for clean water in more than a decade. It restored protections for streams that feed the drinking water for more than 117 million Americans, including more than 11 million in New York alone.

It safeguards millions of acres of wetlands that filter pollutants, protect communities by absorbing floodwaters and provide habitat for wildlife. It is essential for America's great waterways, from the Great Lakes to the Chesapeake Bay to Puget Sound. These streams and wetlands are vital parts of our natural infrastructure relied on by small businesses like craft breweries and outdoor recreation companies. Without the Clean Water Rule, federal protections for these water bodies are up in the air and communities throughout the country will be at risk.

That risk all too often has been from developers building over our wetlands and oil companies, power plants, or meat processing plants dumping into our streams. Without the Clean Water Rule, the feds can't stop them.

In fact, according to an analysis by The New York Times, over a four-year period following the court decisions, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency had to drop 1,500 cases against polluters who were dumping into or otherwise harming these waters.

Americans are rightly concerned about their water. We are already seeing drinking water contaminated by algal blooms in Lake Erie, toxic chemicals in New York's East River, and a dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico that scientists now estimate will be the size of New Jersey this summer. The last thing we should do is weaken protections for our water.

We expect our elected officials to do more, not less to protect clean water. We expect our elected officials to prioritize public health. More than 800,000 Americans  including more than 1,000 business owners, local officials, farmers, and health professionals  supported the historic rule.

Repealing the Clean Water Rule is a shortsighted slap in the face to communities throughout the country. It will result in more polluted water and set us even further back from our goal of swimmable, fishable, drinkable water throughout the country.

Our water hasn't been this threatened in a generation. Although the Environmental Protection Agency has already initiated the repeal of the Clean Water Rule, there will be a 30 day comment period where the public will have an opportunity to stand up against this reckless action before the repeal will be finalized. Comments will likely be due in late July or early August 2017, depending on when the proposed repeal of the Clean Water Rule is published in the Federal Register.

The Trump Administration is attacking our water resources with a dangerous budget proposal that cuts funding for the Environmental Protection Agency, the reckless and rushed repeal of the Clean Water Rule, and other actions to undermine pollution controls on major dischargers.

Repealing the Clean Water Rule is a massive waste of time and taxpayer money that will put the drinking water of 117 million Americans at risk. The Trump administration should stop this terrible mistake while there's still time.

Commentary by Heather Leibowitz, Esq., director of Environment New York, a statewide advocacy organization.

For the latest commentary on the markets in the U.S. and around the world, follow @cnbcopinion on Twitter.
The media lost its objectivity in its reporting on President Donald Trump, threatening the U.S. political system, Republican billionaire Ken Langone told CNBC on Thursday.

"I think the media ought to be ashamed of itself," the co-founder of Home Depot said on "Squawk Box."

"The whole idea of a newspaper to me is 'give me the facts,'" Langone said. "The New York Times ' front page is the equivalent of the editorial page now."

Although Langone is a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, he said Trump was his third choice, behind New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Ohio Gov. John Kasich. Speaking before Trump's speech in Warsaw, Poland, Langone said the president's moves to lift "onerous and burdensome" regulations are helping to reposition America "in the best shape we've been in as a nation right now."

"Somebody told me in November, 'Don't listen to what he says, watch what he does.' What he has done so far in lifting these onerous and burdensome, needless regulations is absolutely incredible," Langone said.
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Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense of China, responds to media questions on June 29, 2017, at a routine press briefing in Beijing. [Photo by Chen Boyuan/China.org.cn]

The Ministry of National Defense (MOD) has once again demanded India remove troops trespassing across the border in the Sikkim section and obstructing Chinese border guards' normal activities.

Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the MOD, told a press conference on June 29 that Indian border guards had crossed the border into Chinese territory. He accused the Indian troops of obstructing People's Liberation Army (PLA) normal activities in the Donglang area.

"Our border guards have taken necessary measures in response and they will resolutely preserve the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said.

His remark amounted to a reiteration from the PLA demanding India halt its encroachments. Earlier on June 26, Colonel Ren Guoqiang, another MOD spokesman, warned India not to obstruct PLA road construction in the Donglang area. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs made similar representations to India.

Some Indian media claimed that it was Chinese soldiers that trespassed onto the Indian side before they used bulldozers to dismantle some facilities.

Wu justified the PLA's road construction, stressing that "the incident took place on Chinese territory."

"We have explicitly demand India correct its errors immediately and withdraw its personnel that illegally crossed the Chinese border," he said.

At the same time, the MOD spokesman criticized Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat over his statements of preparations for a multi-front war.

General Bipin Rawat recently said, "Indian Army is fully ready for a two-and-a-half front war."

Deeming such remarks "extremely irresponsible," Wu urged certain people in the Indian military to "learn from the history and stop airing such dangerous, belligerent remarks."

A video made public shows that a new type of PLA tanks recently appeared on the Tibetan plateau for exercises. Military observers noticed it was the 35-ton light main battle tank and its barrel was adjusted to a higher position to cope with mountain warfare.

Recent U.S. media reports claimed this tank featured an even stronger front protection than the PLA's latest 96A tank, far exceeding the Indian army's 90S tanks.

The MOD spokesperson confirmed that PLA's new tanks were being tested in a high-altitude environment in Tibet. However, he rebuffed allegations that linked the tank with recent border tensions with India, saying the tests targeted no country.
A mural depicting a winking Vladimir Putin taking off his Donald Trump mask is painted on a storefront outside of the Levee bar in Brooklyn on February 25, 2017 in New York City.

Moscow was covered in snow and Donald Trump's inauguration still several weeks away when Vladimir Putin's aides started discussing the most suitable location and setting for their boss's first official meeting with the new US president. The atmosphere needed to be perfect for the two men to make a new start in a relationship the Kremlin deemed beyond repair with Barack Obama.

As Mr Putin finally sits down with Mr Trump at the G20 in Hamburg this Friday, little if anything is left of those high expectations. Dmitry Peskov, Mr Putin's spokesman, on Wednesday acknowledged that establishing a dialogue was viewed as an achievement in itself, such is the volume of disagreements that have mounted during months when the two sides have barely been talking.

"It is going to be a great show, but there is no agenda and there was no preparation," said Fyodor Lukyanov, chairman of the Council on Foreign and Defence Policy, a Moscow think-tank. "The only meaning that's left is for Putin to figure out, based on his intuition, if any business can be done with this person, or if Trump is unable, or even unwilling, to engage."

Many people in America think Moscow must be delighted with how things have turned out with the election of Mr Trump, who has expressed admiration for Mr Putin and whose nationalistic leanings and disregard for the international order have destabilised the west.

But things look very different viewed from the Kremlin. Russian officials say that if anything relations with Washington are even worse than when Mr Obama left office  a moment marked by Moscow as rock bottom in bilateral ties.

"We went into this with a lot of patience and flexibility since we thought pushing [Trump] would be counter-productive," said a senior Russian foreign policy official. "But waiting has been useless  things get worse and worse."

Publicly, Moscow officials are putting on a brave face this week. Yuri Ushakov, Mr Putin's foreign policy adviser, said the impending encounter was "important not just for bilateral relations, which are practically at freezing point, but also for ensuring international stability and security".

Sergei Ryabkov, the deputy foreign minister who handles bilateral ties with the US, expressed the hope that the two leaders would touch upon a broad array of issues ranging from arms control to the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria.

But Moscow has been dismayed by how hopes have unravelled over the months of Mr Trump's presidency.

After Mr Trump refused to criticise Russia or Mr Putin during the presidential campaign at the same time that he was attacking Nato, Republicans in Congress grew nervous that the new US president would take a much softer line on Russia than Mr Obama.

Growing concern about Mr Trump's stance coupled with anger over the allegations that Russia had meddled in the US election spurred Congress to press ahead with sanctions that  once approved, as is assumed will happen  will both punish Moscow and make it tougher for Mr Trump to ease punitive measures.

While Mr Trump has not echoed the congressional criticism, he has appointed officials  including Fiona Hill at the National Security Council  who have maintained a tough line on Russia, particularly after Moscow refused to accept that the Syrian regime was responsible for a chemical attack on its own citizens.

One foreign ministry official said Russia was hearing contradictory signals from senior members of Mr Trump's team. "The chaotic ways of an administration where so many key positions have not been filled make things more difficult," the official said.

Efforts to cut through the conflict have stalled. When Rex Tillerson, the secretary of state welcomed by Russia as a pragmatic dealmaker with thorough knowledge of the country, visited Moscow in April, he agreed with Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov to have two of their deputies keep open a channel of communication to prevent any further degradation in bilateral ties.

But almost two months after that decision, the channel had not even been established. Talks were finally scheduled in mid-June, they were furiously cancelled by Moscow after the US Treasury's move to broaden sanctions against Russia.

"By now, we feel that the ball is in Washington's court to show some goodwill," said the foreign ministry official. As a test for such goodwill, Moscow is zeroing in on the Russian diplomatic properties in the US which the Obama administration seized in its final days to punish Moscow for alleged espionage and interference in the US elections.

Despite reports that Mr Trump might return a leisure compound in Maryland to the Russian embassy, nothing has happened so far, triggering warnings from Moscow that it could be forced to retaliate.

While the Kremlin has long blamed the failure of a breakthrough with Washington on Russophobia in the US political establishment and teething troubles in the new administration, unease is growing among Russian officials that it might be Mr Trump himself who is the problem.

Russian pundits are talking increasingly openly about Mr Trump's personal shortcomings, such as his lack of sophistication in international affairs and his mercurial character.

"Personally, he clearly is drawn to Putin, but policy-wise, we may be forced to recognise that Russia is just not a priority for him," said Mr Lukyanov. "Trump's priority is to change the global trade order. That's why China and the EU, especially Germany, are so important for him. But Russia is insignificant here."

More from the Financial Times:

Russia-born dealmaker linked to Trump assists laundering probe

Britain yet to face facts on Brexit, EU's Barnier warns

The music industry according to super-producer Jimmy Iovine
A view of the new Samsung Galaxy S8 at its Samsung launch event, March 29, 2017 in New York City. Drew Angerer | Getty Images

Samsung Electronics is set to record its highest ever quarterly operating profit, which is likely to surpass that of Apple's for the same quarter for the first time ever, analysts told CNBC on Thursday. The South Korean electronic giant is set to release earnings guidance on Friday, where it will highlight what it expects to see in terms of revenue and operating profit for the June quarter. Samsung it set to record a second quarter operating profit of 13.29 trillion Korean won ($11.5 billion) on revenues of 58.79 trillion Korean won, according to Reuters data. In the same period, Apple is expected to report revenue of $44.9 billion and an operating profit of $10.49 billion. If the estimates are correct, Samsung's operating profit would represent a 63 percent year-on-year increase. This would also be the first time that Samsung has recorded higher quarterly operating profit than Apple. Some analysts are even more bullish with Jeff Kim of KB Securities suggesting in a note this week that operating profit would reach 13.4 trillion Korean won.

Samsung chip business to surpass Intel

While Samsung has traditionally been known for its strength in the smartphone market, it's semiconductor business is booming as the company has been trying to reduce its reliance on mobile and build up in other areas. Neil Campling, head of technology, media, and telecoms research at Northern Trust Capital Markets, said that semiconductors are likely to contribute 60 percent of the company's operating profit in the second quarter, making it the largest division. Earlier this week, Samsung announced plans to invest $18 billion in South Korea in its chip business, to boost its lead in the market. The semiconductor business is likely to be the key driver behind the record-high earnings, which are set to be released in full later this month.

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Campling said that he expects the semiconductor division to pull in 17.5 trillion won or $15.13 billion of revenues, which is ahead of analyst estimates for $14.4 billion of revenues for Intel's entire business. The analyst has a buy rating on Samsung's stock and a sell rating on Intel. A number of trends are driving the uptake of so-called NAND and DRAM chips Samsung produces which can be used in devices such as laptops and smartphones, through to data centers. Prices for these semiconductors have been increasing which is helping Samsung's revenue. At the same time, global DRAM demand is likely to be up 24 percent year-on-year in 2017, outstripping supply, according to KB Securities, with shortages likely to remain in the second half of the year. This is helping to drive prices higher. At the same time, there is growing demand for servers in data centers and the demand for cloud services and smartphone content. "Figures of demand associated with data centers have not been accurately estimated, but data usage among consumers is surging, while relevant companies are making larger-than-expected server investments for data analysis and application," Kim said in a note.

iPhone 8 to help Samsung

Samsung also makes organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panels, which offer brighter displays and better power efficiency over liquid crystal displays which are currently in use in some smartphones. Earlier this year, Apple reportedly ordered 70 million OLED panels from Samsung for its upcoming anniversary edition iPhone 8. Increased price rises in OLED panels as well as increased demand from the likes of Apple, could help Samsung see record high earnings in the display division of the business, Kim said. Operating profit in the display division could jump to 1.7 trillion Korean won in the second quarter, from 140 billion Korean won a year ago, a more than 10-fold increase year-on-year.

Galaxy S8 to drive sales

The June quarter will be the first time investors get to see the earnings impact of the flagship Galaxy S8 smartphone launched by Samsung in March. Analysts have been bullish on the potential of this device with even Samsung saying that pre-orders for the smartphone outpaced those for the Galaxy S7, which is the previous model. Daiwa Capital Markets said in a note last week that it expects 19 million units to have been sold, marking a 38 percent quarter-on-quarter rise in the average selling price of Samsung handsets, and a 70 percent quarterly rise in operating profit for the mobile division.

Shares could see 33% upside
Worries about North Korea and terrorism aside, Sen. Bob Corker said Thursday "our biggest threat is ourselves."

Corker told CNBC his top concerns are passing a health-care bill and avoiding an "almost inevitable" fiscal disaster.

"We have $20 trillion in debt and we're continuing to do things that make that worse every day," Corker said on "Squawk Box." "And I believe unless something abruptly changes very soon, we will have a fiscal calamity, and it's going to make all the other ills that we're dealing with in the nation pale."

Lawmakers will meet again on Monday after their Fourth of July break. A top priority is dealing with the Republicans' attempt to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

Corker blames some states that are concerned with Medicaid cuts outlined in the bill as "holding us hostage" from ever being able to pass a bill.

On the numbers side, Corker said spending would increase but the revenues would decrease, thus moving further away from balancing the budgets and "hastening the fiscal demise."

He said all of the Obamacare tax revenues, about $750 billion, would be eliminated under the Senate GOP health-care plan.

"So not only are we beginning to spend more money on the Medicaid side  and now we're getting ready to flood the zone with opioid treatments," he said. "Now $750 billion will be coming out of the revenue side. So not only are we spending more here, we're reducing the amount of revenues that are coming in."

Corker said the only way to pass the Senate bill  and avoid an impending financial crisis  is through realistic, specific compromise.

"We're the greatest nation on Earth, we just need to make sure that we keep ourselves that way," he said.
This image depicts the offshore wind farm Horns Rev 2 off the coast of Denmark, which DONG Energy inaugurated in 2009.

Siemens Gamesa has announced it has signed an agreement with DONG Energy to supply 94 wind turbines  amounting to 752 megawatts  for the Borssele 1 and 2 offshore wind power plant.

The facility, being developed in Dutch waters, is set to be commissioned in 2020 and will provide enough power to meet the yearly energy needs of one million homes, Siemens Gamesa said.

"The advanced model of our proven direct drive offshore wind turbine platform and our advanced services will leverage the energy output of this lighthouse project and help to move offshore wind into the energy mainstream in Europe," Michael Hannibal, CEO Offshore at Siemens Gamesa, said in a statement on Thursday.

DONG TWEET

"With the signing of the wind turbine contract, we pass a key milestone in this project, which will be a landmark in the Netherlands' shift to renewable energy," Jasper Vis, country manager for DONG Energy Netherlands, said. "This is an important step on our way to reducing the cost of renewable electricity in the Netherlands."

Towards the end of June, DONG Energy announced the inauguration of the Gode Wind 1 and 2 offshore wind farms, situated 45 kilometers off the coast of Germany.

DONG Energy said that the wind farms  with 97 turbines and a total capacity of 582 megawatts  were set to produce enough power to supply around 600,000 German households every year. DONG Energy said that it owns half of both Gode Wind 1 and 2.

According to the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), at the end of 2016 almost 88 percent of all offshore wind installations were in "waters off the coast of ten European countries." The GWEC adds that the U.K. is home to the world's largest offshore wind market, followed by Germany.
Music streaming service SoundCloud on Thursday said that it cut 173 jobs, or 40 percent of its staff, as it seeks to become profitable.

SoundCloud also said it has consolidated its employees into two offices -- the Berlin headquarters and New York. SoundCloud is closing its San Francisco hub and a spokesperson said the company is talking with staff in London about the future of that office.

"In the competitive world of music streaming, we've spent the last several years growing our business, and more than doubled our revenue in the last 12 months alone," SoundCloud co-founder and CEO Alex Ljung wrote in a blog post. "However, we need to ensure our path to long-term, independent success. And in order to do this, it requires cost cutting, continued growth of our existing advertising and subscription revenue streams, and a relentless focus on our unique competitive advantage  artists and creators."

Music streaming is a brutal place to try and make money. In June, Pandora CEO Tim Westergren left the company he created 17 years ago, as the internet radio and subscription service struggles to turn a profit while paying out required royalties to artists.

Reports in December suggested that Spotify had abandoned its effort to acquire SoundCloud. Alphabet was also reported to be considering an acquisition.

"By reducing our costs and continuing our revenue growth, we're on our path to profitability and in control of SoundCloud's independent future," Ljung wrote.

SoundCloud said it has 175 million monthly unique users, which is unchanged from 2014. In March SoundCloud said it had received a $70 million line of credit.

With its subscription services, SoundCloud is now competing with Spotify, Apple and Pandora .
Evan Vucci | AP

Even some of the tech industry's most prominent critics of President Donald Trump are opening their checkbooks and donating to Republican lawmakers, as Silicon Valley sets its sights on the 2018 midterm election. With the entire House on next year's ballot  and about one-third of the U.S. Senate up for a vote, too  the stakes are high for those in the Bay Area who seek to erode the GOP's control of Congress and erect a new bulwark against Trump's agenda in areas like immigration and climate change.

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"These are all things right now the administration is talking about, that Republicans are talking about ... even if you don't like the other issues," said Aaron Ginn, a co-founder of the Lincoln Network, a Bay Area group that tries to connect GOP lawmakers to tech. With congressional races, the likes of Amazon , Facebook and Google always have sought to apply an even political hand. In the 2016 election, for example, these and other internet giants donated about $1.8 million to Republican campaigns, compared to $1.5 million on Democratic candidates, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Some in the tech industry lambasted Trump as a candidate, others withdrew from the GOP convention supporting him, and still more held fundraisers for his ill-fated Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton. But they all simultaneously sought to improve their relationships with Republicans on Capitol Hill, believing at the time  correctly  that they would retain control of Congress. In 2018, however, the midterm elections serve as a referendum on Trump's agenda. Lacking the support of friendly federal lawmakers, the president won't be able to deliver on his promises to lower corporate taxes, overhaul immigration laws, invest in U.S. infrastructure and strike new trade deals with other countries  some more problematic to the tech industry than others. Trump may already have broad executive powers to institute measures like a travel ban, and his administration long ago set out to unwind decades of federal regulations across government. But his other priorities  like efforts to scrap Obamacare, a concern to many in liberal-leaning Silicon Valley  depend nonetheless on Capitol Hill. There, GOP lawmakers got a boost earlier this year from Google's Schmidt, who donated $33,900  the maximum contribution  to the National Republican Senatorial Committee, according to FEC records. Google's chief executive, Sundar Pichai, also wrote a $33,900 to the NRSC, federal disclosures show, but he contributed the same amount to a similar fund designed to boost Senate Democrats.

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"Quit your job, move to Costa Rica, and do what you love!"



"Stop being a cubicle dweller!"

Entrepreneurship is the new hipster thing. We love the idea of walking into our office one day, cursing off our boss and risking everything in order to pursue our passion on a beach with perfect weather and a cool beverage.

Stop. Just stop.

Here's the reality: Most entrepreneurs fail. Of the ones that succeed, it often takes years to simply break even. You have to work harder than you ever did as an employee, take on way more risk and have way more stress.

Here's the real question: How can you get both the benefits of starting a business and the benefits of a full-time job? In other words, how can you get freedom and potential for a big win while you still have the stability?

Simple. Do both at the same time  at least for a little while. This is exactly how many of the most successful entrepreneurs started their first businesses. A 14-year study of 5,000 American entrepreneurs demonstrates this exact point: Entrepreneurs who kept their day jobs failed 33% less often.

Having a cash cushion gives you time to find the best business model. Being desperate forces you to pursue any model that can pay your bills immediately. It also gives you what I call the Tripod of Stability: If your first idea fails, you can explore more because you can afford to. Without a cushion, if your first idea fails, you might have to throw in the towel. Not being patient can ultimately do more harm than good.

"But Ramit, I don't have the time or energy to work full-time and start a business!"

You don't have to.

To make the transition between your full-time job and your dream business, you just have to be a little creative. Here are five creative approaches that successful entrepreneurs like Daymond John (founder of FUBU), Sara Blakely (founder of Spanx), Jack Dorsey (co-founder of Twitter and Square), Marc Benioff (founder of Salesforce) and others used.
Newscity

Supreme Court Rejects Gold King Lawsuit

The US Supreme Court announced late last month that it was denying a petition filed by the state of New Mexico against the state of Colorado over the Gold King Mine Spill. The spill, which happened August 2015, occurred in southwest Colorado when an Environmental Protection Agency crew and contractors from Environmental Restoration LLC accidentally released three million gallons of toxic sludge while attempting to drain ponded water near the entrance of the mine. The spill polluted the Animas River, which flows into the San Juan River. The petition claimed that Colorado was directly responsible for the conditions leading to the spill and negligently, recklessly and willfully authorized and allowed the discharge of toxic mine waste directly into the Animas River. It suggests that the state is in violation of provisions set forth by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and asked that the Supreme Court should hold Colorado liable for all costs incurred by New Mexico because of the spill. The court did not explain why it chose to deny the lawsuit. A spokesman for New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas said in a statement that the denial only limited the venue in which the state of Colorado can be sued for the harm done to New Mexico children, families and businesses. The Supreme Court Justices said that New Mexico could pursue the lawsuit in a lower court. According to the EPA, over 200 abandoned mines in Colorado leak over a million gallons of wastewater a day altogether.
The press conference on the International Symposium on Funding Science and People Cooperation for a Prosperous Belt and Road is held on July 4. [Photo by Wu Qiongjing/China.org.cn]



The press conference on the International Symposium on Funding Science and People Cooperation for a Prosperous Belt and Road was held on July 4.

A consensus was reached at the symposium held from July 3 to 4 on strengthening the cooperation on scientific research collaboration among Belt and Road countries and regions, and decided to build a framework to fund the cooperation of Belt and Road scientific talents, aiming to solve common challenges and boost the economic and social development of Belt and Road countries and regions.

Yang Wei, director and academician of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), said international cooperation becomes increasingly important now.

He added that the communication and exchanges, cooperative research, as well as working in different countries will boost the friendship, encourage mutual learning, facilitate the resolution of difficult problems, and will promote scientific innovation and economic growth of Belt and Road countries and regions. The communication among international scientific research personnel has deepened the cultural exchange among Belt and Road countries and regions, which lays a foundation for sustained cooperation.

Widespread praise over cooperation funding framework

Scientific research funding agencies from more than 30 countries and regions reached a joint declaration at the symposium, which demonstrates that they will deepen cooperation further, collaborate more in basic research, promote joint innovation among scientific research talents, so as to complement each other with respective advantages and resolve common problems.

The prospects depicted by the framework of funding the cooperation among Belt and Roadscientific talents also received widespread praise from the representatives from different countries.

Professor Bernard Stewart, director of interdisciplinary research and international cooperation of Research Councils UK (RCUK), pointed out that RCUK has cooperated with NSFC for ten years. He said, it is a close and dynamic partnership between us, and the cooperation framework will help to deepen the cooperation between the U.K. and China as well as other Belt and Road countries and regions in agriculture, medicine, water resources, robots, big data and other fields in the future.

Professor Pavel Kabat, President and CEO of International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis said, Belt and Road countries and regions have crucial significance, and by proposing this framework, China has taken a visionary move.

Sirimali Fernando, chairman of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka also regarded this framework as an excellent opportunity for Sri Lanka, a country with relatively weak foundation of scientific research and limited international partners in this field to escalate its capacity of scientific research overall.

Great attention to Chinas leadership in scientific research cooperation

Representatives at the symposium also attached great significance to Chinas leadership in scientific research cooperation among Belt and Road countries and regions. In an interview with China.org.cn, Elwyn Grainger-Jones, CEO of Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), said that research in agricultural science is crucial to the achievement of sustainable development goals, and the research of agricultural science among Belt and Road countries and regions has a bright prospect.

Dr. Liu Jian, chief scientist of the United Nations Environment Programme, pointed out that the successful convening of the symposium has testified Chinas strong leadership in international scientific research cooperation. The framework proposed by NSFC and science foundations of other countries will play a leading role in supporting the joint cultivation of talents.

China plays an irreplaceably leading role in promoting Belt and Road construction with scientific and technological innovation, Liu emphasized.

NSFC funded over 200 million yuan (US$ 29.4 million) on cooperative projects with Belt and Road countries and regions in 2016, providing support for young scholars in China and abroad to carry out exchange events and cooperation on scientific research.
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President Donald Trump on Thursday pitched U.S. energy exports to Europe as an alternative to supplies from Russia, a nation he suggested had held the region hostage in the past. Trump made the comments in Warsaw, Poland, where he attended a meeting of the Three Seas Initiative, an effort by 12 Central and Eastern European nations to increase trade, infrastructure and energy ties. "Let me be clear about one crucial point. The United States will never use energy to coerce your nations, and we cannot allow others to do so," Trump said at a press conference flanked by European leaders. "You don't want to have a monopoly or a monopolistic situation." Trump did not name Russia directly, but his message was clear to the assembled leaders.

We are committed to securing your access to alternate sources of energy, so Poland and its neighbors are never again held hostage to a single supplier of energy. President Donald Trump

Russia cut gas supplies to Europe in 2008 during a dispute with Ukraine. Russia's military intervention in Ukraine and annexation of Crimea in 2014 again raised concerns about Europe's reliance on Russian gas. Trump on Thursday urged Russia to "cease its destabilizing activities in Ukraine and elsewhere and its support for hostile regimes." Many of the Three Seas nations remain highly dependent on Russia for natural gas. The initiative's goal of building out north-south energy infrastructure aligns with the European Union's effort in recent years to better integrate its gas pipelines to guard against supply shocks, particularly from Russia.

President Donald Trump gives a public speech in front of the Warsaw Uprising Monument at Krasinski Square, in Warsaw, Poland. Kacper Pempel | Reuters

"We are committed to securing your access to alternate sources of energy, so Poland and its neighbors are never again held hostage to a single supplier of energy," Trump said in a public speech in Warsaw, drawing cheers from the crowd. The Trump administration hopes to ship more liquefied natural gas, or LNG, to the region. The United States has abundant supplies of low-cost natural gas and is building new terminals to ship the fossil fuel overseas in liquid form. Poland received its first shipment of U.S. LNG last month from Cheniere Energy 's Sabine Pass terminal, currently the only export facility in the lower 48 states. LNG trade between the United States and Three Seas nations would help Trump in his bid to reduce the U.S. trade deficit and stands to improve energy security among the European countries by giving them an alternative to Russian gas. But the odds of U.S. LNG significantly displacing Russian natural gas shipped by pipeline are slim. Piped gas sells at a large discount to LNG, which must be cooled to liquid form, shipped overseas and turned back into its gaseous form. Russia has the ability to cut prices and adjust contract terms to maintain its dominant position in the European gas market, said Ken Culotta, a partner in global law firm King & Spalding's energy practice. European countries are likely to continue sourcing most of their gas from the lowest cost supplier, he added.

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President Donald Trump called on allies on Thursday to take action against North Korea's missile threat.

Speaking in Warsaw, Poland, where Trump is meeting with his NATO partners, the U.S. president said North Korea is behaving in a "very, very dangerous manner" and that something needs to be done about it.

"It's a shame they're behaving this way, they are behaving in a very, very dangerous manner and something needs to be done about it," he said.

Trump didn't reveal what the U.S. plans are, but he described them as severe. He added that the U.S. will evaluate the issue in the coming weeks and months and react accordingly. "I don't like to talk about what I have planned, but I have some pretty severe things that we're thinking about," he said.
President Donald Trump Omar Marques | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images

President Donald Trump praised individual freedom and sovereignty on Thursday in comments apparently directed at the Europe Union. In a speech in Warsaw, Poland, Trump condemned government bureaucracy as an infringement of personal freedom. "On both sides of the Atlantic, our citizens are confronted by yet another danger  one firmly within our control. This danger is invisible to some but familiar to the Poles. The steady creep of government bureaucracy that drains the vitality and the wealth of people," he said, speaking next the monument to the 1944 Warsaw uprising at Krasinski Square. "The West became great not because of paperwork and regulations but because people were allowed to chase their dreams and pursue their destinies."

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The president also condemned what he sees as the other major "threat" to individual freedom  terrorism  and called on international allies to work together to combat extremism and increased provocations from North Korea. This comes after the totalitarian state test launched an intercontinental ballistics missile on the Fourth of July that experts said was capable of hitting Alaska. The statements should help to reassure observers in Poland and across the NATO alliance, who have questioned the new U.S. administration's commitment to collective defense amid disputes over contribution levels. "The fundamental question of our time is whether the West has the will to survive," Trump said, urging action ahead of this weekend's G-20 summit in Hamburg, Germany.

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President Donald Trump on Thursday explicitly endorsed NATO's mutual defense clause after failing to do so during his previous European trip.

Speaking in Warsaw, Poland, Trump defended his calls for allies in the 28-member North Atlantic Treaty Organization to pay more for their defense. He then endorsed Article 5, which ensures that allies will come to each other's defense in the event of an attack.

"To those who would criticize our tough stance, I would point out that the United States has demonstrated  not merely with its words but with its actions  that we stand firmly behind Article 5, the mutual defense commitment," Trump said.

"Words are easy, but actions are what matters. And for its own protection, Europe  and you know this, everybody knows this, everybody has to know this  Europe must do more."

Trump, who won the White House with an anti-global message, has repeatedly bashed NATO and the European Union, which have formed the basis of U.S.-Europe cooperation in the decades since World War II. At a NATO summit in May, Trump declined to explicitly endorse Article 5, creating unease among European leaders at the event.

The ceremony in Brussels dedicated a memorial to the only time NATO has invoked that automatic defense clause  after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks  when those same NATO nations came the America's defense by sending troops to Afghanistan and elsewhere.

Trump's doubts about committing to Article 5, which started when he was a candidate, came as Russia has become more militarily assertive. He eventually publicly committed the U.S. to the clause during a press conference in June, saying: "I'm committing the United States to Article 5."

Trump also said Thursday that "a strong Europe is a blessing to the West and the world."
Michel Barnier John Thys | AFP | Getty Images

The U.K. cannot expect to leave the single market and keep all of its trade benefits, the European Commission's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said on Thursday. Barnier told an EU business forum in Brussels that "frictionless trade" between Europe and the U.K. would "not (be) possible" if the U.K. decided to leave the EU's single market. He added that the U.K. had "more to lose than its partners" if it took this direction. "I have heard some people in the U.K. argue that one can leave the single market and keep all of its benefits  that is not possible," he said at the meeting. The chief negotiator said that leaving without a deal would not be beneficial to either party in the divorce talks. But he said the EU would be ready for "all eventualities," including the possibility of failing to reach a deal. "We want to be ready for all eventualities, including 'no deal', a possibility that has been mentioned again recently by several British ministers," he said. "In practice, 'no deal' would worsen the 'lose-lose' situation which is bound to result from Brexit. And the U.K. would have more to lose than its partners."

British Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the EU Council headquarters ahead of a European Council meeting on June 22, 2017 in Brussels, Belgium. Leon Neal | Getty Images

Barnier, who served as the European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services before taking up the role of chief Brexit negotiator, warned of extortionate tariffs and customs duties in the event of a 'no deal' departure. No deal, he said, would mean EU trade relations with the U.K. would be based on World Trade Organization rules. "There would be customs duties of almost 10 percent on vehicle imports, an average of 19 percent for alcoholic beverages, and an average of 12 percent on lamb and fish, for which the vast majority of British exports go to the EU," he said. U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May has previously said that the U.K. could leave without a formal deal being reached in divorce talks with the EU. She said in a speech in January that "no deal for Britain is better than a bad deal for Britain"  a phrase which also made an appearance in her Conservative Party's manifesto during last month's general election.

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Men dressed as Donald Trump and Boris Johnson prepare to take part in a tomato fight at the Glastonbury Festival 2016 in England.

U.K. Foreign Minister Boris Johnson has praised U.S. President Donald Trump's use of Twitter, suggesting he would like a degree of freedom.

"I think actually that Donald Trump's approach to politics has been something that has gripped the imagination of people around the world. He's engaged people in politics in a way that we haven't seen for a long time with his tweets and all the rest of it," Boris Johnson, who heads the U.K.'s foreign ministry, told BBC Radio 4 on Thursday morning.

"I certainly wouldn't be allowed to tweet in the way that, in the way that he as much as I might like to. I'm seeing my foreign office minders looking extremely apprehensive here," he added.

Trump has said that he uses Twitter to communicate to the American people without going through traditional media, which he often dubs as "fake news". However, his tweets and the language expressed in them has often led to dramatic market reactions and caused some distress with the country's foreign partners.
Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Wesley Clark cautioned on Thursday that the U.S. has limited options in ending the North Korean missile crisis.

Clark spoke after President Donald Trump pledged in a speech in Warsaw, Poland, to confront Pyongyang "very strongly."

"There really are no good military options with Korea," Clark said on CNBC's "Squawk Box." "We're at the end of the line at which you can simply fly a couple of B-2 bombers over and threaten North Korea. We've done that in the past. It hasn't worked."

The crisis reached a new peak on the Fourth of July, when North Korea successfully test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile that experts said could reach Alaska.

Clark believes the White House must answer three questions when approaching the North Korean threat: how the U.S. contains it, how Americans live with it and how can American commitments move forward in that part of the world.

"It's not that you can do a disarming first strike and take out all of its nuclear weapons, take out the missiles, and say, 'OK, there you are,'" Clark said.

A first-strike would lead to immediate retaliation on South Korea and possibly on Japan, according to Clark. He said the U.S. would "end up with a war that causes tens of thousands of deaths."

The four-star general, who led the Clinton administration's military campaign in Bosnia, cited the example of President Dwight Eisenhower in keeping the United States out of war with the Soviet Union. Clark said Trump should follow a similar strategy.

"We've got to think through this and not fall back on the sort of reflex that says we've got the greatest military in the world," he said.

Diplomacy is the answer because "ultimately the Korean people have to resolve this," Clark said. He added that the U.S. must work with China, even though "China's long-term objective is to get us out of Korea and out of the Western Pacific."

Clark said he was pleasantly surprised by Trump's speech in Poland.

In his speech, Trump pledged an unspecified "severe" response and called on allies to take action against North Korea.

"I think that this is a speech which will help the United States reassert its leadership role that it must have in Europe and strengthen the trans-Atlantic bonds," Clark said.
A container ship is guided into the Port of Oakland by an AmNav tug boat in Oakland, California.

The U.S. trade deficit narrowed in May. The politically sensitive trade gap with China also slid.

The Commerce Department says the U.S. deficit in the trade of goods and services fell 2.3 percent in May to a seasonally adjusted $46.5 billion. U.S. exports rose modestly to $192 billion  highest since April 2015  on rising shipments of cars and consumer goods, including cellphones. Imports fell slightly.

The deficit in the trade of goods with China fell by 6.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted $30.1 billion.

President Donald Trump has vowed to reduce America's trade deficits, which he blames on abuses by U.S. trading partners. His administration is preparing to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico to overhaul a trade pact he's called a "disaster."
Virgin Australia has launched a play for the lucrative Chinese tourist market, with flights to Hong Kong beginning from Wednesday.

Virgin Australia CEO John Borghetti told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Thursday that Hong Kong was the perfect gateway to China.

"You're geographically situated in a position where, within a five-hour flight time, you can access half of the globe's population. So, it's very important for us. It's the spearhead of our Asian expansion," Borghetti said.

"China is the future for us, in terms of in-bound tourism to Australia, certainly, but as Virgin Australia, we see this as a huge potential," he said.

The airline has begun with five flights a week to Hong Kong, but Borghetti said that, ideally, the carrier would like 21 flights a week, although he said getting slots at Hong Kong's busy airport was challenging.

Travelers from China and Hong Kong already make up around a quarter of the tourist dollars spent in Australia, and China was expected to overtake New Zealand as the biggest source of inbound tourists this year.

The founder of the Virgin Group and 10 percent shareholder in Virgin Australia, Sir Richard Branson, highlighted the importance of the Chinese market to Australia.
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President Donald Trump speaks Thursday morning in Poland.

The remarks in Warsaw come ahead of the G-20 summit in Germany, where the president will face talks with his counterparts about North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

Earlier Thursday, Trump said he is considering "severe" actions to respond to North Korea's test of an intercontinental ballistic missile. He also said he believes Russia interfered in the 2016 U.S. election but claimed it could have been other countries and said, "nobody really knows."
The world needs to do better at stimulating economic growth, Angel Gurria, secretary general of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), told CNBC's Street Signs Thursday.

"Our diagnosis about the world economy is that it's better but not good enough," Gurria said, speaking in Hamburg, Germany, ahead of a G-20 world leaders' summit.

He emphasized the urgency needed to achieve the G-20's economic growth target of an additional two percent globally between 2014-18, saying that progress was "lagging behind." "We only have one more year to get there," he warned.

Despite a "thousand different policy commitments that were made by the governments," Gurria argued that "going collective  is the only way."

Gurria also struck an exasperated tone over protectionist trade policies being implemented across the globe, saying that he had repeated his message "again and again and again."

"Since 2008, there have been about 1,400 different acts that can be interpreted as protectionist on trade," he said.
You are here: Top 10

China's top 10 catering brands in 2016 were announced at an event dubbed as the domestic catering industry's "Oscars," held in Beijing on May 6, 2017.

Twelve awards in seven categories were given out, namely dinner, hotpot, group meal, Muslim food, exotic food, fast-food and snack food. A total of 120 enterprises were considered for the top awards.

In a joint proposal, these enterprises called on the whole industry to pay more attention to food quality and strive for sustainable development.

The awards were based on applications submitted by enterprises, recommendations by the association, online voting, expert review and media evaluation.

Jointly presented by China Cuisine Association, the Association of China Economic Press, China Economic Net and Beijing Business Today, the event was initiated to mark the 30th anniversary of the national cuisine society's founding.

The following is the list of the top 10 culinary brands in China, each embodying a unique local food culture.

South Memory





















Brand: South Memory

Popular dish: Spiced Bullfrog

Enterprise: South Memory (Shanghai) Catering Management Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Shanghai
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Prototype can switch energy sources between grid and backup

A new energy train powered by both a battery pack and power grid is having its trial run in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, its manufacturer CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co announced on Tuesday.

The train is the first prototype that can switch its power source freely between the power grid and batteries and has a maximum speed of 160 km/h. It can run for 200 kilometers when the power grid is cut off, and it is able to operate under extreme weather and geographical conditions, including sandy and frozen environments.

Wang Chengtao, deputy chief engineer of CRRC Changchun, a subsidiary of China Railway Rolling Stock Corp, said the core technologies are in the train's battery system and it can be used on both high-speed train tracks and light railway tracks in future integrated railroads.

Eager to compete with its rivals in Japan, the company has gained the knowhow for modular system integration, power battery packs and simulation analysis systems.

"As the train can run solely powered by its battery packs, it will eliminate damage to the local environment caused by the construction of a power grid, leaving the environment and landscape largely intact," said Wang.

The new train, designed both for inter-city and inner-city use, can also travel through ecologically fragile areas, tourist spots and farmland, as well as developing countries that lack power infrastructure, in particular developing countries and regions related to the Belt and Road Initiative.

"Developing countries such as Indonesia, Thailand and Saudi Arabia, as well as developed countries such as the United States and those in Europe all have similar demand to either enhance regional connectivity or further reduce carbon emissions," said Feng Hao, a railway development researcher at the National Development and Reform Commission.

The trial runs of the train will give China more credibility in setting the international standard for new energy high-speed trains, Feng said.

The train will also produce less noise than regular trains as new soundproof materials are used in the carriages. To provide a better travel experience, the train is also fully covered by Wi-Fi, according to CRRC Changchun.

"As China is proficient in manufacturing high-speed trains and providing maintenance services in a relatively low-price way in global markets, CRRC has been keen to make breakthroughs in its entire production line from 400 km/h bullet trains, magnetic trains and piggyback wagons to semiconductors, deep-sea equipment and renewable energy buses," said Feng.

CRRC signed a total of 25.79 billion yuan ($3.79 billion) in contracts between April and June this year, including high-speed train orders from China Railway Corp and passenger trains deals with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority. It also launched a sleeping berth bullet train service from Beijing to Shanghai on July 1.
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Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry (2nd R) meets with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir (1st L), United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed (2nd L) and Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa (1st R) in Cairo, Egypt, on July 5, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said on Wednesday that Qatar's response to the demands of Egypt and Gulf countries was "very negative."

Shoukry's comments came during a press conference after his meeting in Cairo with his counterparts of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain to discuss their blockade of Qatar.

"We have held talks to discuss the recent developments of the Qatari crisis and the ways to deal with it," he said.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut off diplomatic ties with Qatar on June 5 and imposed punitive measures, accusing the gas-rich country of "supporting terrorism and interfering in their internal affairs."

The four Arab countries then issued a list of 13 demands to end rift with Doha including closing Al-Jazeera television and cutting diplomatic ties with Iran. The four announced Wednesday morning that they received the Qatari response through Kuwait, who has played as a mediator to reach a solution for the crisis. Among the six Gulf Cooperation Council states, Kuwait and Oman did not join the anti-Qatar blockade.

"There will be zero tolerance with the Qatari support for terrorism," Shoukry said, adding that there are evidences showing that Qatar supported terrorism and extremism.

Shoukry affirmed that another meeting will be held in Bahrain soon to further discuss the issue.

Egypt's administration, led by President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, is at odds with Qatar for the latter has allegedly supported and hosted fleeing members of the Muslim Brotherhood group, an organization currently blacklisted by the Egyptian government.

The Brotherhood supports former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi, who was toppled by the military in July 2013 in response to mass protests.

In the latest development, U.S. President Donald Trump stressed on Wednesday the need for constructive negotiation between Qatar and its Arab neighbors, Egyptian state-run Ahram Online website reported.

Trump made the remarks in a phone discussion with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi.

Trump also called on all the countries to follow their commitments at the Riyadh summit in May to stopping financing terrorists and discrediting extremist ideology, according to Ahram.
Last Wednesday was Automatic Voter Registration (AVR) Lobby Day at the Massachusetts State House, where about one hundred residents of the Bay State gathered to tell their representatives that they want to make our democracy simpler and more accessible. As a summer intern at Common Cause Massachusetts, I was delighted to be one of these engaged citizens. I was also excited to see the fruition of my frantic phone calls, endless stapling, and many visits to the State House to set up appointments. Thankfully, all of that labor was well worth itthe day was a huge success.

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A crowd of over 100 people ready to lobby for AVR!

The morning started with an overview of Automatic Voter Registration and everything it can do for Massachusetts, given by our fearless Executive Director Pam Wilmot. The benefits of AVR range from registering up to 700,000 new voters to saving us thousands of dollars that we currently spend on our clunky and outdated paper registration forms. Pam also spoke about AVRs success in Oregon, where 230,000 voters were registered in the first six months of implementation. About 100,000 of these new voters then participated in the 2016 election.

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Pam addresses the volunteers

We then broke down into small groups to ask questions and discuss what had brought us to Lobby Day. Some of us were from the Boston area, but others had travelled to the State House from much farther west. In my group, one of the bigger questions asked by participants was how the RMV could verify that a person being automatically registered to vote was indeed a citizen. With AVR, registrants will still have to swear to their citizenship, just as we do when we register to vote now in our Town Offices, although the format could be different. The group I led was from the Amesbury area, and their Representative was unavailable, as everyone from his office was out in the district. When my fellow group members learned this, they promptly decided to return to their district and visit his office there. It was an impressive show of civic engagement.

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A small group practices lobbying

My mother (who also decided to take part in Lobby Day) and I then went on to the office of Senator Barbara LItalien, one of the cosponsors the bill. In a way, it did feel a bit like we were preaching to the choir, as everyone in the room already fully supported AVR. Nevertheless, it was a chance to tell our elected officials why this issue is important to us personally and stress the bills significance. As a college student, I expect to move a lot in the next few years, and I expect my friends will do the same. With AVR, I wont have to go to Town Hall and update my registration every time I do, and I wont have to worry about making sure to do it six weeks before an electionIll already be registered, and so will my friends. My mother talked about how difficult it was for her to get to Town Hall when she was moving around a lot, because they are only open from 9:00-5:00, and she works during those hours. We have online voter registration now, but that only helps if you are aware of it and unfortunately, many are not. Emma Friend, Senator LItaliens Legislative Aide, assured us that the Senator is doing everything she can do bring AVR to a vote.

Lobby Day was a great success, but the work isnt over yet. I will definitely pay a visit to my representative soon, as I wasnt able to see him at Lobby Day. I look forward to working more with Common Cause this summer to pass AVR in the near future. This crucial election reform will improve our democracy by making the electoral process work better for everybody, while also strengthening the accuracy and security of our rolls.

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The Common Cause Massachuetts teamlooking forward to a great summer with this crew!

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Oh, hi there. Welcome back. How was your 4th?

While most of us were mentally checked out ahead of the U.S. holiday weekend, an interesting tidbit quietly crept onto our phones. It appeared via an out-of-sight snippet in a new beta version of the Google appthe virtual brain that controls the Google feed (formerly known as Google Now), the Google Assistant, and other important Android functions.

As the sharp-eyed sleuths at Android Police first noticed, a string of code in the updated app plainly suggests Google is preparing for its Assistant to move beyond phones and Home and make its way into the world of Chrome OS. And let me tell you: That mattersmore than you might think.

We'll get to the "why" in a second. First, a few pertinent details, starting with the user-facing text that accompanies the code in question. As you can see, it doesn't exactly beat around the bush:

When your Chromebook is set up, press the Assistant button or say Ok Google to get help from your Assistant anytime.

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Combine that with something uncovered in the open-source Chrome OS code repositorythanks to the crew at Chrome Unboxedand we've got ourselves a juicy little nugget of info. In a section created for an apparently under-development device codenamed "Eve," the following description appears:

Special keyboard mapping for Eve project. The keyboard has an extra "Assistant" key.

It doesn't get much clearer than that, folks.

But lest you think this story is simply about Google Assistant coming to Chromebooks, allow me to pinch in a bit to reveal the broader context. You see, Assistant's inevitable arrival in the Chrome OS arena is more than just a mere added feature for Google's "other" operating system. It's yet another sign of Google's grand plan for bringing its two primary platforms together.

All these little pieces are adding up to something big

Oh, yes: that old yarn. To be sure, the tale of Google's plan to "merge" Android and Chrome OS is one we've heard discussed to death. And despite the ever-present one-or-the-other-style duel people love to imagine, the reality of this "merger" always ends up being much more nuanced.

As a certain humble scribe put it way back in 2015:

The question everyone always asks is whether Google will somehow "merge" Android and Chrome OS into a single product at some point down the linebut that question may be missing the mark. While anything's certainly possible, it appears the current strategy is to make the two platforms more consistent and connected and to use Android's strengths to bolster Chrome OS's capabilities. With a little help from its robot-themed friend, Chrome OS can evolve from a strictly web-centric desktop OS into an all-purpose computing solution that delivers the best of both worlds.

And what have we seen since then? Google has little by little been bringing elements of Android into the Chromebook world. It started with a very limited and experimental attempt at making some Android apps compatible with Chrome OS devices. Then came the gradual visual alignment, with Android-like fonts and design making their way into one Chrome OS system app after another and eventually seeping into the platform's core interface.

Factor in features such as the Android-Chrome connecting Smart Lock, the Android-inspired PIN Unlock, and the availability of the full Play Store on Chromebook devicesnot to mention the Chrome-OS-inspired "seamless" update model that came to Android with last year's 7.0 releaseand it's easy to see how all these little pieces are adding up to something big.

The expansion of Assistant to Chromebooks is no different. Sure, on the surface, it's just another Android-like feature moseying on over to Chrome-based computers. But take it in the context of the broader effort we've been watching unfold over the past few years, and it's hard not to see it as a significant step.

In fact, this move is arguably one of the most pivotal pieces of Google's platform-alignment puzzle. With Chromebooks essentially becoming the new "Android tablets" in addition to maintaining their role as common-use productivity devices, the presence of a familiar and cross-platform-synced assistant system is almost a necessity. Particularly with Google's core business being more about products than platformsand its focus shifting increasingly toward AI and the goal of providing a single, consistent user experience across numerous devicesAssistant's leap onto laptops pretty much had to happen.

It may not draw the same amount of coverage or lend itself to the same sort of sensational headlines as the perennial "internal platform wars" narrative, but make no mistake about it: When Assistant inevitably arrives on Chrome OS devices, it'll be a meaningful measure in the actual and current Android-Chrome OS mergerthe one that's been happening bit by bit, month by month, right in front of our eyes.
On Patch Wednesday of this week, Microsoft said it released 14 non-security Office updates, covering such fascinating topics as improved Dutch translations in Word 2013, Danish translations in Access, and Finnish and Swedish translations in Excel. Typical first Tuesday stuff.

Microsoft neglected to mention that it also shipped a fix for the bugs introduced by last months patches to Outlook 2010. Dubbed KB 4011042, the neglected fix appears to be a non-security patch that fixes bugs created by a security patcha red flag for many advanced patchers.

Microsoft released a fix that was supposed to take care of this group of bugs on June 27, 2017KB 3015545but quickly pulled the patch when it started crashing 32-bit versions of Outlook 2010. Thus, this weeks non-security update KB 4011042 is a fix for a bug in a bug fix for a botched security patch.

Many of the bugs introduced by Office patches in June, identified by Microsoft late last month, are still active. Using Microsofts terminology:

Introduced Bug #1  Error when opening an attachment in an email, contact or task formatted as Rich Text. Has not been fixed for Outlook 2007.

Introduced Bug #2  Opening Mail Attachment warning when opening an attachment that includes consecutive periods (...) or exclamation point (!). Has not been fixed for Outlook 2007.

Introduced Bug #4  VBScript does not run, or you receive malicious code warning when using a custom form for Outlook. Investigating this issue.

Introduced Bug #6  iCloud fails to load properly in Outlook 2007. Has not been fixed.

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The other bugs have been fixed by an assortment of Office patches released on June 27 and 30, as well as fixes to Windows that you may or may not have installed: For Win 7 and 8.1, the latest cumulative update (er, Quality Rollup) suffices, as does the recent cumulative update for Win10 Creators Update, version 1703. On the other hand, if you want to fix earlier versions of Windows 10, youll have to manually install the latest updates.

Discussion continues on the AskWoody Lounge.
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Brendt Christensen, 28, a former UI graduate student from Wisconsin, was making his second court appearance at the federal courthouse in Urbana on Wednesday afternoon.[Photo/cyol.com]

U.S. Magistrate Judge Eric Long on Wednesday ordered the man accused of kidnapping University of Illinois' visiting Chinese scholar Zhang Yingying to be held in jail indefinitely until he goes on trial.

Brendt Christensen, 28, of Champaign, a former UI graduate student from Wisconsin, was making his second court appearance at the federal courthouse in Urbana on Wednesday afternoon. The suspect did not speak during the 20 minutes' hearing.

Long called Christensen both a flight risk and a danger to the community because of evidence presented by U.S. attorney Bryan Freres.

Long said the denial of bail is based on four points: first, the nature of kidnapping is seriously bad; second, the evidence presented by prosecutors is strong; third, the suspect is no tight relation with community and he is unemployed for long time; four, Christensen is a potential danger for public if he is freed.

Christensen's next court date is a preliminary hearing on July 14, unless a grand jury returns an indictment before then. Even if it does, it's possible Christensen could be arraigned in court that day, said Sharon Paul, a spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney's office.

After the hearing, Christensen's attorney, Evan Bruno went outside the courtroom and said to reporters Wednesday's ruling "is not surprising to us," explaining that it's not unusual for bail to be denied in a case like this.

Christensen is accused of luring Zhang into his car as she was waiting for a bus in Urbana and then holding her hostage in his Champaign apartment. Zhang has not been seen since, and authorities said on June 30 that she is presumed dead.

Zhang, 26, went missing on June 9 after she got into a black Saturn Astra car about five blocks from where she got off a bus as she was heading to an apartment complex to sign a lease. She had just arrived at the University of Illinois in late April.
Since his surprisingly strong result in the general election, there has been renewed chatter amongst Jeremy Corbyns supporters about how they can crack down on his internal opponents.

This morning these efforts took concrete shape: the Daily Mail reveals that Momentum, the left-wing group which grew out of Corbyns leadership campaigns, has taken control of the constituency party of Luciana Berger, one of his high-profile critics.

Not only was she one of the (great majority of) Labour MPs who voted for the no confidence motion tabled against him, but Berger has been a victim of the anti-Semitism which has blossomed in the Labour Party under the current leadership.

Shortly after taking nine of the ten positions on the ten positions on the executive of the Liverpool Wavertree constituency party, Momentum members were demanding that Berger apologise for ever having opposed Corbyn and outlining how they hope to control her activities in Parliament: She will now have to sit round the table with us the next time she wants to vote for bombing in Syria or to pass a no confidence motion in the leader of the party  she will have to be answerable to us.

For her part, Berger has since rushed out a statement about how keen she is to see Labour elected and Corbyn installed in Downing Street.

Its not yet clear to what extent this augers a realistic threat of a purge: previously Corbynites have found their legion of fans easier to mobilise for leadership elections than the dull, drawn-out process of institutional capture at which dedicated hard-leftists tend to excel.

Nonetheless, its a clear statement of intent on the part of Momentum and there will doubtless be further attempts. My colleague Mark Wallace found this list of MPs who should join the Liberals, including Berger, on a Momentum Facebook page.

All this makes the big question facing non-Corbynite Labour MPs (again, a large majority) more acute: how long can they justify lying down and collaborating with this project?

Since the election there has been a scramble amongst the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) to get into their leaders good graces. But this strategy is surely unsustainable, as it involves ignoring both the reasons beyond electability which make Corbyn so unpalatable and the ongoing behaviour of his faction.

If there is another election, Labour could well win: there are sufficient marginals now that it would only take a small swing to put them over the top. Are the PLP actually ready to collaborate with the hard lefts programme for government? A programme that many of them deeply disagree with, but on which they would have been elected?

And if the Government lasts the course to 2019 or later, are they going to sit tight as Momentum gathers its forces in their constituency parties? Are they going to keep their heads down, either to hold onto their MPs salary or in hope of a Shadow Cabinet post, as their colleagues are picked off one by one?

Tribal loyalty is a potent thing. Its very difficult not to be gladdened when your team wins  or in Labours case, avoids a catastrophic defeat. But those Labour MPs who previously hoped for a Tory landslide that would discredit their leader must realise that their position has been worsened, not improved, by his apparent vindication last month.
By Ollie BarstowFollow @OllieBarstow on Twitter

With all eyes on Mercedes this weekend in Silverstone to discover the outcome of internal politics following Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg's dramatic last lap clash in Austria, Crash.net takes a look back at other contentious conclusions to F1 races, not least when Michael Schumacher won the 1998 British Grand Prix from the pit-lane...

Lights-to-almost-flag: Ferrari orders Rubens Barrichello to move over for Michael Schumacher just metres from the chequered flag

Though there was never any doubt that Michael Schumacher was the absolute #1 driver in the Ferrari team, the sheer hierarchy of its 1-2 policy was never displayed so blatantly than during the 2002 Austrian Grand Prix when Rubens Barrichello was robbed of a deserved win by inter-team politics.

Occurring at the height of Ferrari and Schumacher's sheer dominance over the competition (the Scuderia would win 15 of the 17 races that year), the German had come into the sixth race of the 2002 season with four wins from five and a comfortable 21 points lead over Juan Pablo Montoya.

Barrichello on the other hand had endured a tough start to the year and had just six points to his name coming to the A1 Ring after a run of DNFs. However, his season looked set for a turnaround when he qualified on pole in Austria and led from the off, Schumacher following in second but unable to mount an attack on the win.

Cruelly for him though, Ferrari would intervene, ordering Barrichello to give up his position on the final lap to his team-mate, much to the disdain of the spectators. Justified by Ferrari as a way of maximising Schumacher's title chances, despite his already sizeable advantage, the sheer obviousness of the position swap metres from the finish line was greeted with boos from the crowds and fury from commentators with many accusing the team of bringing the sport into disrepute.

Just a few months after Austria, Ferrari attempts to stage a formation finish... but Rubens Barrichello nips ahead over the famous bricks

With F1 still reeling in the wake of 'that' finish in Austria a few months earlier, Ferrari went on to create yet more controversy at the United States Grand Prix when it 'fluffed' a formation finish that allowed Rubens Barrichello to claim victory.

With Schumacher leading from pole position and Barrichello chasing in second place as the pair stretched clear of the field, Ferrari looked well on course for another dominant 1-2 result with the German - who had long wrapped up the drivers' title by this stage - well on course to make it an 11th win of the year.

However, in an apparent attempt to stage a photogenic side-by-side formation finish across the line, Schumacher and Barrichello would seemingly misjudge the famous bricks that denote the line, with the Brazilian pulling alongside and nosing ahead at the timing beam.

Classifying Barrichello as the winner - by just 0.011secs -, the drivers insisted this had not been intentional but while both admitted the irony of the scenario had not been lost on them after what happened in Austria, unconvinced rivals cried foul and accused Ferrari of making a mockery of the sport once again.

With the FIA already under pressure to enact a ban on team orders after Austria alone, this farcical finish ultimately proved the final straw for the governing body and new rules were passed for the 2003 season.

Fast forward to 6m 15s for amateur footage of the collision

Christian Fittipaldi redefines the flying finish1993 Italian Grand Prix

It is a shame points were only awarded down to sixth position back in 1993, because Christian Fittipaldi deserved a full 10 for artistic merit when he redefined the term 'flying finish' in the Italian Grand Prix. Then again, he was probably simply happy to come away without a serious injury.

The Brazilian was dicing for seventh with Minardi team-mate Pierluigi Martini on the run to the finish line when his left front wheel clipped the Italian's right-rear, lifting him into the air and into a full flip before landing squarely on his wheels again.

Remarkably, Fittipaldi - who was classified in eighth place whilst skidding across the line with only three wheels attached to his machine - wasn't seriously hurt in the accident, but it has earned him a place in F1 folklore.

Podium shuffle: Just two drivers stood on the podium at the end of the 2003 Brazilian GP... and even they were in the wrong position

Not only did the 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix feature just two of the top three standing on the podium at the end of the race, they weren't even stood in the right spot. A rain-affected race punctuated by several safety cars and a high rate of attrition, canny strategies and cautious driving would ultimately make the race anyone's guess.

For Jordan's Giancarlo Fisichella, the decision to refuel heavy in an early stop - thus allowing him to go to the end in theory - would rely heavily on safety car periods to slow the pace and eke out consumption, as well as also allow him to progress up the order. It was a strategy that would work perfectly as he moved into podium contention with 20 laps of the race remaining, long-time leader Rubens Barrichello having been forced out with technical issues.

Up to second by lap 53 behind Kimi Raikkonen, Fisichella found himself leading on lap 54 when the Finn made an error, but with a probable 'splash and dash' to make before the finish, it seemed a fairytale victory for the struggling Irish team wasn't quite on the cards should it go to full distance.

However, the race would descend into confusion when it was red flagged moments later after Mark Webber crashed at the fast left-hander leading onto the start-finish straight, with the unsighted Fernando Alonso smashing into an errant wheel. With damage to the barrier and debris strewn across the track, the race was stopped and the result called... with Raikkonen as the winner and Fisichella second.

With Jordan protesting the result by claiming Fisichella had crossed the line in front before the red flag was shown, a muted podium celebration would see a typically taciturn Raikkonen on top, Fisichella a disgruntled second and no-one on the third spot, Alonso having been hospitalised after his crash.

As it turns out, Jordan was entirely correct, presenting evidence that would overturn the result in the days after the race, giving Fisichella a surprise maiden win and Jordan its last success before folding little more than a year later. It would also prompt one of the stranger trophy giving ceremonies on the grid ahead of the next race at Imola.

Mansell pushes himself to the limit1984 Dallas Grand Prix

Formula 1 may have only visited Dallas once, but the first - and last - visit to Texan street circuit in 1984 has still managed to earn a spot in racing legend as possibly the most arduously bizarre F1 event of all time. Whether it was the punishing circuit layout, the scorching weather conditions or a surface that was literally crumbling beneath the cars as they raced, just reaching the finish was an achievement in itself.

The sheer physicality of the event was best typified by Nigel Mansell's determined - if ill-advised - efforts to finish the race by pushing his Lotus across the finish line. Having qualified on pole position, Mansell was on course for fifth position when a broken gear linkage brought his car to a halt within sight of the finish line.

A bitter end to an already painful race, Mansell sprung out of the car and attempted to push it the rest of the way. However, with temperatures well into the hundreds and the Briton already dehydrated from two hours of gruelling racing, the exhaustion was too much and he collapsed. Mercifully, such was the rate of attrition in the race, Mansell at least was still classified in sixth place.

"I was so angry, I just kept pushing," Mansell would later explain. "Then the lights went out and I woke up in hospital, on a drip in a bed packed with ice..."

Fuelled to the finish1984 European Grand Prix

There haven't been many drivers in the history of F1 to have been forced to walk back up the home straight to take their place on the podium, but it happened to both Michele Alboreto and Nelson Piquet at the end of the 1984 European Grand Prix, held at the new-look Nurburgring.

A product of FISA's 220 litre fuel limit imposed on the rapidly-developing turbocharged cars, preserving fuel became a frustrating factor for some drivers in 1984 and this was no more evidenced than at the Nurburgring when the empty Ferrari and Brabham-BMW of Alboreto and Piquet free-wheeled past the chequered flag before spluttering to a halt just metres later.

Forcing both drivers to trudge back up the home straight to take their place on the podium alongside race winner Alain Prost, though the result can be described as a perfect bit of fuelling, the exasperated shrug from Piquet to Alboreto was ultimately more telling.
The strong demand for cybersecurity talent has inspired many of the leading colleges and universities to develop new degree programs in the area. Many are offered online, so anyone seeking to enter the field or take their skills to the next level has access to quality security education.

All of the programs listed here have career services focused on helping graduates find employment. We've also provided links for employers to learn more about how they can recruit from those programs.

Trends in cybersecurity degree curricula

Most of the undergraduate programs listed here cover cybersecurity basics, including pen-testing, network security, risk assessment and forensics. Some are designed to meet the Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) requirements set forth by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This program funds programs that provide training that the NSA and DHS deems necessary to reduce the vulnerability of the US information infrastructure.

Several programs have concentrations in secure software development, covering state-of-the-art tools and development methodologies. Schools that offer development courses typically have concentrations in security ethics, too.

Many of the graduate programs are designed with the assumption that its graduates could end up in management positions. You see courses and concentrations that have a business focus, teaching, for example, how to estimate costs, communicate with executive management, or plan a budget.

Bachelors Programs

American Military University

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity provides students with both theory and know-how required to strategically assess, plan, design, and implement effective cybersecurity defenses in the public and private sectors. Through this online IT bachelors program, students learn research, writing, math, and analytical skills, along with an in-depth understanding of cybercrime.

Notable specialties: Coursework in AMUs bachelors degree aligns to the general objectives of the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) certification and meets the topical requirements for the Department of Defense Directive 8570.1M Information Assurance Management (IAM) Technical I, Technical II, Technical III, Management I, Management II, and Management III categories.

Location: Online

I want to recruit from AMU

I want to enroll at AMU

Excelsior College

Bachelors in Cybersecurity Degrees programs at Excelsior College will prepare you to protect critical information and cyber assets through organizational prevention, detection, countering and recovery methods. Excelsior's cybersecurity degrees are also aligned with the academic requirements for cybersecurity set by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Notable specialties: The program has two tracks to choose from: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (Without Concentration) and Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (Cyber Operations).

Location: Albany, NY

I want to recruit from Excelsior College

I want to enroll at Excelsior College

Liberty University

Liberty University created the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with Data Networking and Security Specialization to help develop IT cybersecurity professionals. Liberty offers information systems (IS), IT, and computer science (CS) degrees that prepares students for the IT field, specifically related to cybersecurity.

Notable specialties: Liberty offers three cybersecurity career paths:

Security GRC: Get involved in the security governance, risk management and compliance (GRC) of an organization.

Get involved in the security governance, risk management and compliance (GRC) of an organization. Security technology: Prepares students to provide a security architecture of the enterprise network and systems. The security architecture will be based on a risk assessment.

Prepares students to provide a security architecture of the enterprise network and systems. The security architecture will be based on a risk assessment. Secure development: Prepares students to solve tomorrow's cybersecurity challenges.

Location: Online

I want to recruit from Liberty University

I want to enroll at Liberty University

Regent University

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, offered online and on campus, prepares students to begin or advance technology and network security careers in government, military, manufacturing, service, education and other private, public and nonprofit sectors. The programs course work teaches students to create and execute a digital security strategy that supports and defends data resources managed by your employer.

Notable specialties: Students learn how to gather data and evidence employed in prosecuting cybercrimes, and to develop security safeguards and disaster recovery plans; develop ethical, innovative and practical intelligence, and networking solutions based on strategic technology applications and data-driven assessments; and learn how to defend computer networks against attacks by worms, viruses and other criminal acts.

Location: Virginia Beach, VA, and online

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I want to enroll at Regent University

Saint Leo University Online

The BS  Cybersecurity program in Saint Leos School of Business exposes students to the fundamentals needed for entry-level positions involving cybersecurity. Students will experience and learn security tools and technologies that are used by cybersecurity professionals in their daily work activities. This is done through a virtual lab environment where students have the unique opportunity to fully immerse themselves in a mock IT infrastructure and real-world software tools with realistic security scenarios.

Notable specialties: The program introduces students to the principles of cybersecurity, penetration testing and ethical hacking, various computer and network protection controls, and managing the implementation and maintenance of security devices, systems, procedures and countermeasures.

Location: Saint Leo, FL, and online

I want to recruit from Saint Leo University

I want to enroll at Saint Leo University



Southern New Hampshire University

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity online program teaches skills to defend and protect networks and information systems. SNHU's online cybersecurity degree provide a foundation in computing and security principles, and hands-on critical application using industry standard tools.

Notable specialties: SNHU offers a cybersecurity concentration: Secure Programming. It helps students gain a foundation in cybersecurity principles and practice; use industry-standard programming tools and methodologies to develop and assess software systems and programs; and determine appropriate models, methodologies, and strategies that maximize product quality and security within the software development lifecycle.

Location: Online

I want to recruit from SNHU

I want to enroll at SNHU



University of Arizona South

The Cyber Operations, Bachelor of Applied Science program gives students extensive hands-on experience and develops the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to succeed in defense, law enforcement and private industry.

Notable specialties: This technical, interdisciplinary program offers two degree tracks: The Engineering Track is grounded in the computer science, networking and cybersecurity disciplines, and it conforms to the National Security Agency (NSA) Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations (CAE-CO) academic requirements for low level programming; software reverse engineering; operating system theory; secure software development and security analysis; mathematics and algorithms; networking; cellular and mobile technologies; cloud computing; offensive and defensive cyber operations; and cyber law, ethics and policy. The Defense and Forensics Track encompasses offensive and defensive cyber operations, cyber threat intelligence, malware analysis, networking and digital forensics. It conforms to the academic requirements for the NSA Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations (CAE-CO) and Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) for fundamental security principles, vulnerabilities and networking; digital forensics; offensive and defensive cyber operations; introduction to cryptography; probability and statistics; and cyber law, ethics and policy.

Location: Online

I want to recruit from University of Arizona South

I want to enroll at University of Arizona South

University of Illinois at Springfield

In the UIS Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Security (ISS) program, students will learn the fundamentals of information security including design and implementation of secure systems, security assessment, and computer security ethics. The B.S. in ISS is offered in both on-ground and online formats.

Notable specialties: Students will learn the fundamentals of information security including design and implementation of secure systems, security assessment, and computer security ethics.

Location: Springfield, IL

I want to recruit from UIS

I want to enroll at UIS

University of Maryland University College

The UMUC BS Cybersecurity program offers an array of cybersecurity bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and certificates in subjects ranging from digital forensics to cyber policy.

Notable specialties: The UMUC Cyber Padawans competition team provides students with real-world experience and networking opportunities.

Location: Largo, MD, and online

I want to recruit from UMUC

I want to enroll at UMUC

Walden University

The Criminal Justice: Computer Information Systems and Security bachelor of science program is designed to help students understand the technology infrastructure that underlies information systems. Students will learn to prevent information security network attacks; study criminal theories and behavior to discover the proper way to conduct a criminal investigation; explore standard operating procedures for identifying, planning for and responding to terrorist threats, and identify patterns and trends related to terrorism.

Notable specialties: Course concentrations include: Computer information and security; criminal investigation; homeland security.

Location: Online

I want to recruit from Walden University

I want to enroll at Walden University

Western Governors University

WGUs online B.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance degree program was designed with input from cybersecurity experts and leading IT employers to meet the most recent Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and National Security Agency (NSA) guidelines.

Notable specialties: This degree program includes multiple industry-recognized certifications including those from CompTIA, CIW, EC-Council and ISC that are built into the curriculum and do not add time or cost.

Location: Online

I want to recruit from WGU

I want to enroll at WGU

Wilmington University

The B.S. in Computer and Network Security program prepares who are capable of protecting networks from intrusion, protecting computers from viruses, and retrieving data as evidence from computers used in the commission of fraud and other corporate crimes. It has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cybersecurity through academic year 2021 by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

Notable specialties: Gain the technical and forensic training to locate, recover, and analyze digital evidence with Wilmington University Digital Evidence Discovery and Digital Evidence Investigation certificates. These certificates offer forensic training for students to provide the skills to locate, recover, and analyze digital evidence.

Location: New Castle, DE, and online

I want to recruit from Wilmington University

I want to enroll at Wilmington University

Masters Programs

Berkeley School of Information

UC Berkeley School of Informations (I School) Master of Information and Cybersecurity (MICS) is an accredited program designed to train students with professional experience for a career in cybersecurity. Delivered online, MICS provides the technical skills and contextual knowledge students need to assume leadership positions in private sector technology companies as well as government and military organizations.

Notable specialties: The leadership-focused interdisciplinary MICS curriculum teaches students how to develop solutions for complex cybersecurity challenges. Students will learn how to manage cyber risk in the service of strategic decision making. The MICS program offers students mastery of core technical skills and fluency in the business, political, and legal context for cybersecurity.

Location: Online

I want to recruit from Berkeley School of Information

I want to enroll at Berkeley School of Information

Boston University Metropolitan College

The Master of Criminal Justice, Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity Concentration allows students to develop competency and practical knowledge, enabling them to work with various issues related to cybercrime. Students who successfully complete the concentration are eligible to take the forensic examiner exams. BU offers both campus and online programs.

Notable specialties: This program focuses on these skills: Insight into cybercriminology and legal practices, practical digital investigative knowledge, an understanding of the policies related to cybersecurity risk assessment, and a command of leadership theories and skills pertaining to the management of criminal justice organizations.

Location: Boston, MA

I want to recruit from Boston University

I want to enroll at Boston University

Columbia University in the City of New York / Columbia Engineering

The Computer Science Master's Degree - Computer Security track is intended for students who wish to develop state-of-the-art knowledge of computer and network security technologies.

Notable specialties: Required courses include: Operating Systems; Advanced Software Engineering; Network Security; Security Architecture and Engineering; Introduction to Cryptography; and Intrusion and Anomaly Detection Systems. In addition, students are required to choose courses from three groups, systems, theory and artificial intelligence and applications. Finally, two electives are required from an extensive list.

Location: New York, NY

I want to recruit from Columbia University

I want to enroll at Columbia University

George Mason University

The MS in Management of Secure Information Systems (MSIS) provides a path to enhance students leadership career and be at the forefront of addressing cybersecurity challenges.

Notable specialties: The MSIS program includes courses on financial management and accounting, networking principles, organizational behavior, and governance, regulation and compliance.

Location: Fairfax, VA

I want to recruit from George Mason University

I want to enroll at George Mason University



Harvard Extension School (HES) Harvard University

The Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate allows students to build knowledge of the tools and protocols needed to navigate, use, and manage security technologies as well as gain insight into the legal, social, and political dynamics of the cyber universe.

Notable specialties: Build an understanding of data network device and communications technology, architecture, and management. Develop knowledge of technical and organizational information security risks and communication tactics to mitigate these risks for both traditional and cloud-based environments. Learn to develop and articulate effective enterprise information security policies that address internal and external national and international threats. Gain insight into the strategies and protocols needed to secure and monitor computer networks in global organizations.

Location: Boston, MA

I want to recruit from HES

I want to enroll at HES

New York University

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity Risk and Strategy is a one-year program for experienced professionals from a range of backgrounds who seek to deepen their understanding of cybersecurity risk and strategy. Cybersecurityboth prevention and responsefrequently requires coordination between public- and private-sector organizations and expertise in technology, law, and policy. NYUs program will create managers with the integrated expertise needed to play a leadership role in the field.

Notable specialties: Spanning all three semesters is the Integrative Cybersecurity Management capstone, a team-based project that will allow students to demonstrate their ability to take an integrated view of cybersecurity risk and strategy. Working in groups, students tackle difficult challenges of technology, law, risk, and strategy. As students refine their projects, teams meet and discuss issues related to the capstone with the faculty or industry mentor.

Location: Brooklyn, NY, and online

I want to recruit from NYU

I want to enroll at NYU

Penn State University World Campus

Penn States Master of Professional Studies in Information Sciences - Cybersecurity and Information Assurance incorporates real-world business issues and simulations. The program takes a multidimensional perspective on cyber-domains that is defined by using a socio-technical approach to generate solutions to complex problems.

Notable specialties: Courses include two requirements: Web Fundamentals and Network Management and Security. Students may choose three from the following: Web Security and Privacy; Network Security; Computer and Cyber Forensics; Information Security Management; and Crisis, Disaster and Risk Management.

Location: Online

I want to recruit from Penn State University World Campus

I want to enroll at Penn State University World Campus

Syracuse University

The Online M.S. in Cybersecurity prepares students to identify, prevent and counteract cybercrime. Syracuse University believes that it is insufficient for systems to be merely secure; they must also be assured. A secure system exhibits the traditional properties of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. An assured system is a secure system whose properties are verified or proven. Students in the M.S. in Cybersecurity program develop the expertise to design and develop secure, assured systems.

Notable specialties: Curriculum focuses on five major objectives: Design of new systems that are inherently secure; protection of systems such as web, mobile, and critical infrastructures; systems assurance through application of mathematical logic; analysis and detection of malware and other cyberattacks; and data mining and anomaly detection to identify suspicious cyber behavior.

Location: Online

I want to recruit from Syracuse University

I want to enroll at Syracuse University

University of Maryland

The Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity is offered in collaboration with Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Computer Science, and the Maryland Cybersecurity Center. These cybersecurity engineering degree programs merge engineering applications with computer science principles.

Notable specialties: The Maryland Cybersecurity Center takes a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity education, research, and technology development, stressing "more-than-tech," interdisciplinary solutions. The center brings together experts from computer science and engineering with colleagues from across campus to establish broad-based cybersecurity initiatives.

Location: College Park, MD

I want to recruit from UMD

I want to enroll at UMD

University of Massachusetts Lowell

The Online Graduate Certificate Program in Cybersecurity addresses the growing demand for advanced-level studies in IT. Individuals interested in advancing their knowledge of network threats, data encryption, wireless network security, data authentication, data recovery and forensics, network architecture and emerging network technologies will benefit from this program.

Notable specialties: The UMass Lowell program consists of four graduate online courses in network security, digital forensics, network infrastructures, and secure mobile networks. Offered through the University's Computer Science Department, this program differs from traditional graduate computer science courses in its focus on application-specific details, case studies and the operational framework required by today's IT professionals.

Location: Lowell, MA, and online

I want to recruit from UMass Lowell

I want to enroll at UMass Lowell

Utica College

The Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity teaches students to proactively address ever-changing attack and infiltration techniques. Utica designed the program in response to calls from cybersecurity professionals for a graduate-level program that combines state-of-the-art practices in intelligence, forensics and cyber operations. The online M.S. in Cybersecurity offers students advanced knowledge and hands-on experience in intelligence, critical infrastructures, and investigative principles as they relate to cybercrime.

Notable specialties: The cybersecurity program offers five specializations targeted to students with different interests in this field: intelligence, computer forensics, cyber operations, electronic crime, and malware analysis.

Location: Online

I want to recruit from Utica

I want to enroll at Utica

This story, "Top bachelors and masters cybersecurity degree programs" was originally published by CSO .
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BRIDGEPORT  Just hours after bullets whizzed by him, Mayor Joseph Ganim told a press conference the experience has strengthened his resolve for greater police protection in the city.

Its validated on a very clear basis that we cant have enough of a police commitment, the mayor said Thursday afternoon.

More News Bridgeport gunshot victim dies

Ganim and Police Chief Armando Perez promised to bolster police presence in Bridgeport.

Were going to have increased manpower starting tomorrow, Ganim said.

Earlier Thursday, Ganim had been at the Trumbull Avenue home of the family of Chaz Rogers  who was shot to death last Friday  when, sources told Hearst Connecticut Media, someone in a passing car began firing shots at the home.

Sources said it was not believed that Ganim, who was with his regular driver, Detective Ramon Garcia, was a target.

I went to the residence of a mother there and I was going to pay condolences because she lost her son to gun violence when I heard shots fired, Ganim said.

He was cautioned not to say more about the incident by Perez, because the chief said an investigation is ongoing.

It was just one of those things in the middle of the day that happened, Ganim continued. I was in the vicinity, I heard shots fired.

In that neighborhood two years ago this week, then-mayor Bill Finch and mayoral candidate Joe Ganim both opened police substations about 300 feet from one another and on the same day.

The Ganim substation, in a tiny shopping plaza on the corner of Reservoir and Trumbull avenues, was not authorized by the city, but it was a place where cops could fill out reports and interview witnesses, Ganim said at the time. It was also situated in the same plaza where a store clerk was shot dead just four months earlier.

Ganim and Finch argued at length over the legality of the one that Ganim opened up.

Finchs official cop shop was in the first floor of Building 10 at Trumbull Gardens, one two high-rises in the 460-unit public housing complex where most families live in duplexes. Now there are no signs that the two substations were ever there.

Neighborhood activist Tony Barr, himself a mayoral candidate in 2015, said that Ganim hasnt delivered on his promise to tackle crime. The shoots were fired about a block from the Trumbull Gardens public housing project where, a day earlier, a couple was found dead after what police called a murder-suicide.

When (Ganim) ran for mayor ... he tricked all the black and Latino leaders, Barr said. Im not anti-Joe Ganim, but he promised that hed have foot patrols up here.

He was talking to reporters at the house that was next-door to where Rogers had lived.

Barr, in May 2016, pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree breach of peace after he was accused of threatening to shoot Ganim. He was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Earl Richards to a suspended six-month term with one year of conditional discharge. He previously served 25 years in prison for shooting at police with a machine gun.

Staff writers Tara ONeill and Brian Lockhart contributed to this story.
Gift giving is an essential part of building and growing professional relationships. Whether its your boss, client, employee, or an associate, occasionally youll find yourself searching for the perfect gift.

Many gift guides simply list workplace-friendly ideas, not considering the many unique interests of each person. This gift list categorizes by interests to help you find the perfect item for everyone on your list.

Related: 7 Ways to Navigate the Office Gift-Giving Minefield

For entrepreneurs who are new parents.

Hatch Baby: Sleep is a rare commodity for any new parent. The products at Hatch Baby are designed to improve a babys nursery so that both mom and child can get more sleep.

mamaRoo: New parents often find that rocking new babies is the only way to calm them. This infant seat mimics a parents natural motion to give everyone some rest.

Ubbi Diaper Pail: Parenthood can be a big drain on the budget. This diaper pail not only contains bad odors, but it has a reusable cloth insert, preventing the need to purchase bags.

Mimo: Adults frequently wear fitness trackers that provide sleeping insights. This washable crib sheet tracks sleep and sends alerts if no movement is detected for a predetermined time period.

Nest: It can be difficult to focus on business when new parents are worried about whats happening at home. Nests indoor security camera provides online visibility 24 hours a day.

Uppa Baby Stroller & Car Seat: A go-getter entrepreneurial parent likely wants a stroller that multitasks. This stroller and car seat easily converts from one to the other.

Owlet: Tracking isnt only available in crib sheet form. The Owlet Smart Sock monitors an infants heart rate and oxygen levels during sleep to alert parents of any problems.

BabyBjorn: BabyBjorn specializes in useful baby products. Their cradle and travel crib are ideal for new parents on the go, while their high chair keeps babies safe and comfortable while at home.

Doona Convertible Carseat: The Doona car seat can easily be converted into a stroller for busy parents on the go. A special insert keeps the baby comfortable with built-in posture support.

Related: Should You Regret the Gift You Didn't Give That Client?

Gifts for the tech addicted

BenQ Projector W1070s: Hard workers need time to play, too. This projector provides the movie theater experience at home with built-in speakers and easy setup.

Dyson Bladeless Fan: Ordinary fans are boring. This bladeless fan provides soundless, attractive cooling for any environment.

Jaybird X3: Whether a professional runs or streams movies on the go, a good pair of Bluetooth headphones is a must. The Jaybird X3 lets listeners customize sound based on their own personal preferences.

UE Megaboom 2: This portable speaker is perfect for sharing music with friends. Its portable size makes it easy to take anywhere.

Logitech Smart Home Switch: Consumers are increasingly gravitating toward the smart home, where everything connects to the internet. This smart home switch can be programmed to connect with any compatible device within the home.

Phone-Charging Backpack: Busy professionals have a difficult time keeping devices charged. This backpack can charge two to three phones or one tablet.

Kwikset Premis: Any great smart home will start with a smart lock. The Kwikset touchscreen smart lock can be controlled from the homeowners Apple device.

Petnet Smart Feeder: Pet care gets sophisticated with this automatic pet feeder. Feedings can be preprogrammed or pet owners can release food using a mobile app.

Wireless Over-Ear Headphones: Over-ear headphones are back in style, and Master Dynamics MW60 headphones are wireless and comfortable.

Lyric T5 Thermostat: Honeywell is a respected name in home thermostats. In recent years, the company has embraced the latest trends with its smart thermostats that learn a familys preferences.

Philips Hue: Having a home redesigned with smart lighting can be expensive, but Philips Hue connects lightbulbs to an app at an affordable price.

SCOTTeVESTGadgets can be tucked into a pocket of this vest and charged on the go.

Sensor Can: Trashcans get a technological upgrade with this voice-activated sensor can.

Programmable Coffeemaker: One-cup coffeemakers have taken over the space. The Keurig K575 includes programmable settings and temperature control.

Parrot Mambo Drone: This smartphone-controllable drone goes beyond simply sailing through the air. It can also grab small items and carry them from one room to the next.

Anker PowerPort Qi: Instead of wrangling cables, busy professionals can set their devices on this wireless charging pad and charge everything at once.

Roomba: By now, everyones heard of Roomba, a robotic vacuum cleaner that can clean the floors of an entire level of a home automatically.

Related: 7 Ways to Regift Sincerely and Without Getting Caught

Gifts for the executive not easily impressed.

Sheridan Sunglasses: This pair of sunglasses gives professionals a sleek, stylish look, whether theyre on the way to a meeting or on vacation.

Brooklinen: When it comes to bedsheets, someone doesnt truly know quality until they feel it. These sheets are made with the best materials for long-lasting comfort.

Air and Surface Sanitizer: Executives dont have time to get sick. The air and surface sanitizer eliminates mold, viruses, and bacteria from areas up to 1,000 square feet.

WaterHawk: Water conservation is an important issue. This water conservation system displays stats on water usage, as well as its temperature.

Philips Norelco OneBlade: Whether a man wants a clean-shaven look or a stubbly one, this razor can help him accomplish it.

Bluesmart Black Edition: Bluesmart takes traveling to the next level with this smart suitcase. Travelers can track its location, check its weight, and lock it remotely using a smartphone.

Firefly 2: Vapers will love this portable, customizable vaporizer that includes a cleaning kit and two rechargeable batteries.

Tailor and Spruce: This gift sets are designed for the stylish executive. Each grooming set includes premium products at a savings.

Homesick Candles: Each state has a distinct scent, packaged in these unique gift candles.

Uplift Desk: Convert a regular desk to a standing desk easily with this quality-built standing desk.

Alex Leather Desk Chair: Inspired by 1920s cigar bar furniture, this leather desk chair combines comfort with unique elegance.

Dyson V8: Cords can be one of the most annoying things of vacuuming. Dysons cordless vacuum cleaner includes a special head for todays hardwood floors.

Related: Bonuses, Parties and Gifts: How Small Business Owners Can Navigate the Holiday Season

The Chef

CampChef: When warm weather arrives, outdoor cooking begins. These grills and smokers are perfect for summer parties.

Solo Stove Bonfire: Cooler weather brings the demand for staying warm outside. This stove fire pit provides the enjoyment of a fire pit in a clean, convenient format.

Tappecue 2.0: Smokers slowly cook meat, leading to a long, laborious day of checking internal temperatures. The Tappecue 2.0 syncs with a cookers smartphone and sends alerts when food is done.

WUSTHOF Three-Piece Cooks Set: Every chef needs a good set of knives. This three-piece cooks set is made to last.

Grillbot: Who has time to clean the grill? The Grillbot takes care of it at the push of a button.

Breville Thermal Pro 10-Piece Set: A good set of pans makes all the difference. This ten-piece stainless cookware set is designed for optimal heating and durability.

Yakima Valley Hops: Homemade brews are all the rage and this Washington company ships hop pellets to customers.

Snake River Farms: A delicious meal starts with premium ingredients. This farm delivers the best meat to a persons home.

Related: It's OK to Stray From the Registry This Wedding Season and Go Rogue With the Gift-Giving

The Gamer

Alienware Aurora R5: Gamers want a desktop that delivers high-quality graphics. This gaming desktop is designed to handle the VR generation of gaming.

Logitech Gaming Keyboard and Mouse: In addition to a desktop, gamers also need specialized peripherals. These keyboards and mice meets every avid gamers needs.

Hover X Lap Desk: Gamers need a comfortable place to rest their laptops while theyre working hard to get to the next level. This comfortable lap desk has built-in cooling.

DXRacer Gaming Chair: Gamers spend a great deal of time seated and this series of gaming chairs is designed for comfort.

The right gift will likely depend on the personality of the recipient. However, with so many choices, shoppers are sure to find the perfect item for every preference.

Related:

50 Gift Ideas for Every Business Professional on Your List

Here's How Entrepreneurs can Improve Their End-user Engagement

3 Tips to Get Dad Exactly What He Wants This Father's Day



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com


News Feature

The Forms of Things Unknown

Midsummer city politica , explained
Serious errors were committed by CNN and The New York Times for which there are no excuses.

A recent story on the CNN website linked a Donald Trump confidant and a Russian investment fund supposedly under investigation by the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Higher-ups at CNN were surprised to see the story on their screens. They did some checking and decided the story was not true.

It was retracted. Three CNN staffers involved with the story resigned.

A recent New York Times editorial linked political shootings and an ad published in 2010 by supporters of former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

The ad showed rifle-scope cross hairs over congressional districts represented by 20 Democrats, including U.S. House member Gabby Giffords of Arizona, who was later shot and critically wounded.

The Times issued a correction, saying no cause-and-effect relationship between the ad and political shootings had been established. Palin sued The Times for defamation.

CNN and The Times were right to correct their mistakes quickly, but the mistakes should not have been made and gone undetected internally.

Werent senior news executives at CNN and The Times reviewing sensitive material before it went out to the public?

Trump and his team denounced both CNN and The Times as purveyors of fake news.

The mistakes enabled Trump to deflect the publics attention from the full page in The Times that listed what it called Trumps lies since he became president.

Setting the record straight became important to me eons ago when I was the city editor of The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky.

I was troubled that some mistakes published in the newspaper went uncorrected, and corrections that we ran were hard for readers to find.

So I was one of the first newspaper editors in the U.S. to implement a policy whereby we corrected all errors quickly and ran the corrections in the same place every day.

Readers told me it was the first thing they looked at when they picked up the newspaper.

Whoever made the error wrote a brief internal memo about how the error was made. Usually, it was because of carelessness while rushing to make a deadline.

The memo went into the staffers file. Too many error memos in the file meant it was time for a newsroom supervisor to investigate.

Remember Jayson Blair? He was forced to resign from The Times in 2003 for plagiarism and fabricating stories. Over a period of several years, he had made many errors that required corrections. Yet he was kept on, even promoted.

Editors at other newspaper said my corrections policy would undermine our credibility. I told them I hoped it would enhance our credibility.

Today most responsible news outlets, including CNN, The New York Times and the Hearst newspapers in Connecticut, have a corrections policy similar to the one I put in place.

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.
Pa. Dems could flip the House of Reps. Here's what that might mean
Global Mission for Children Launches an Innovative Christian Crowdfunding Platform



WAUCHULA, Fla., July 6, 2017 /



GMFC was launched by James Miller and his wife Michelle in May 2012 and has spiritually and financially supported indigenous missionaries in Kenya, Bangladesh and beyond on a volunteer basis since their inception. Being a smaller ministry, they were looking for innovative ways to help others while raising much needed funds to support their mission. Hence, Take Care of Others is formed.



James Miller, the founder and webmaster states "one of the hardest things we found was to raise money in the traditional fashion, so, we birthed a crowdfunding platform unlike any other available today. It's a win-win for the Christian community knowing that 50% of the listing fee is used for the Kingdom of God." He continued "the ability to host pre-screened, moral causes is a blessing as it will directly benefit many lives worldwide. We will be promoters of the fundraisers too as their success helps us fund our dear indigenous missionaries who share the Gospel day and night."



The similarities to other popular crowdfunding platforms include hosting individuals and organizations fundraising needs online and a feature-rich back office which tracks donations, tools to share over social media, email, etc. The front end displays their fundraiser which they can share with a unique URL. They can choose the amount they want to raise, a date to end the fundraiser, etc. They also pay the owner of the fundraiser immediately as donors give (some platforms only pay when/if the fundraiser hit's it's stated financial goal).



Since it's inception in May 2012, GMFC has and continues to support indigenous missionaries around the world concentrating on Africa and Asia where they have established mission fields. They have funded and built churches, schools, orphanages, and support widows and brethren on an ongoing basis. They have recently started farms to help the communities they serve become self-sufficient all for the glory of Jesus.

Share Tweet Contact: James Miller, Founder/Volunteer, Global Mission for Children / Take Care of Others , 941-920-0149WAUCHULA, Fla., July 6, 2017 / Christian Newswire / -- Global Mission for Children, a Christian mission serving in Africa & Asia is pleased to announce the launch of their Crowdfunding site Take Care of Others . Their listing fee is just 4% (plus normal PayPal processing fees) and 50% (2%) of the listing fee is donated directly to the mission fields which greatly differentiates them from other platforms.GMFC was launched by James Miller and his wife Michelle in May 2012 and has spiritually and financially supported indigenous missionaries in Kenya, Bangladesh and beyond on a volunteer basis since their inception. Being a smaller ministry, they were looking for innovative ways to help others while raising much needed funds to support their mission. Hence, Take Care of Others is formed.James Miller, the founder and webmaster states "one of the hardest things we found was to raise money in the traditional fashion, so, we birthed a crowdfunding platform unlike any other available today. It's a win-win for the Christian community knowing that 50% of the listing fee is used for the Kingdom of God." He continued "the ability to host pre-screened, moral causes is a blessing as it will directly benefit many lives worldwide. We will be promoters of the fundraisers too as their success helps us fund our dear indigenous missionaries who share the Gospel day and night."The similarities to other popular crowdfunding platforms include hosting individuals and organizations fundraising needs online and a feature-rich back office which tracks donations, tools to share over social media, email, etc. The front end displays their fundraiser which they can share with a unique URL. They can choose the amount they want to raise, a date to end the fundraiser, etc. They also pay the owner of the fundraiser immediately as donors give (some platforms only pay when/if the fundraiser hit's it's stated financial goal).Since it's inception in May 2012, GMFC has and continues to support indigenous missionaries around the world concentrating on Africa and Asia where they have established mission fields. They have funded and built churches, schools, orphanages, and support widows and brethren on an ongoing basis. They have recently started farms to help the communities they serve become self-sufficient all for the glory of Jesus.
In the months leading up to a wedding, the bride and groom-to-be are meant to be focusing on the final preparations, the seating plan and what flavour cake they want to eat on the day.

Unfortunately for one couple from London, they have far more important things on their minds and are in a race against time as they aim to raise 30,000 for urgent therapy as Adam Cuthbert battles a rare tumour in his spinal cord.

Childhood sweethearts Adam, 31, and his fiancee, Katie-Jo Flynn, have been together since they were 14 years old and had a big wedding planned - but have decided to move it forward after doctors told them Adams months of treatment had been unsuccessful, and that his aggressive spinal cord tumour continues to grow.

Friends of the couple have now set up a JustGiving page so that Adam can undergo treatment not available on the NHS, alternative therapy and rehabilitation to prevent the tumour from impacting his life even further, having already lost his ability to walk.

Adam Cuthbert, 31, and Katie-Jo Flynn have been together since they were 14 years old and had a big wedding planned but have decided to move it forward so that they can focus on his health; now they need to raise 30,000 for urgent therapy as Adam battles a rare tumour in his spinal cord

In February of last year, Adam woke up with pain in his side and weakness in his legs.

After rushing to hospital, he was diagnosed with a tumour in his spinal cord and underwent surgery to have the tumour removed.

Afterwards, he was told it was a low grade tumour and that it shouldn't cause any more issues now that the bulk of it had been removed.

However, seven months later the pain returned and he underwent a second operation.

Just three weeks later he again had emergency surgery for a third time and the couple were told it was a relatively straightforward procedure in comparison to his other operations.

The couple (just a few days after he was let out of intensive care after his third and final surgery went wrong and he became paralysed) are in a race against time as they aim to raise 30,000 for urgent therapy as Adam battles a rare tumour in his spinal cord

They have set up a JustGiving page so that Adam (pictured in hospital) can undergo alternative therapy and rehabilitation to prevent the tumour from impacting his life even further, having already lost his ability to walk

However, things went wrong meaning Adam woke up with his right leg completely paralysed.

He then spent two months in hospital having aggressive radiotherapy and chemotherapy to get the tumour under control.

During this treatment, Adam lost all mobility form the waist down - and he hasn't walked since the 30th December.

As the couple were focusing on the best possible rehabilitation for Adam, doctors delivered the devastating blow that all the surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy had been unsuccessful and that the tumour had only become more aggressive.

In February of last year, Adam (pictured with partner Katie) woke up with pain in his side and weakness in his legs

After rushing to hospital, he was diagnosed with a tumour in his spinal cord and underwent surgery to have the tumour removed. He was told it was a low grade tumour and that it shouldn't cause any more issues now that the bulk of it had been removed

Doctors now believe the tumour has turned into a grade 4 glioblastoma and say they've never seen this type of tumour appear in the spinal cord - and doctors are running out of treatment options quickly.

If the tumour growth isn't controlled, it will spread further up the spinal cord taking Adam's upper body mobility and eventually reach his brain, at which point the tumour would be life threatening.

Friends and family are now hoping to raise 30,000 to fund alternative treatments for Adam and raise awareness in a bid to find a doctor anywhere in the world who can help.

However, seven months later the pain returned and he underwent a second operation. Just three weeks later Adam (having private oxygen therapy) again had emergency surgery for a third time and the couple were told it was a relatively straightforward procedure in comparison with his other operations

However, things went wrong meaning Adam woke up with his right leg completely paralysed. He then spent two months in hospital having aggressive radiotherapy and chemotherapy to get the tumour under control

During this treatment, Adam (pictured at a school reunion) lost all mobility from the waist down - and he hasn't walked since the 30th December

Chris Lowe, who set up the JustGiving appeal, wrote on the page: 'Adam Cuthbert is the life and soul of the party, always first on the dance floor or on stage drowning everyone out with his out of tune singing.

'Everybody's life is better with Adam in it.

'This disease has already taken away Adam's ability to walk, if we don't find a successful treatment it could take a lot more. The tumour continues to grow and treatment options are running out.'

Adam's fiance Katie-Jo said: 'Adam has been my best friend since we were 14 and we were so excited about getting married and talked all the time about our future, having kids and growing old together.

'Life couldn't have been more perfect.

'I refuse to believe there isn't a treatment that could help Adam and I'll continue searching day and night for someone who can help us.

'Whether that be a conventional treatment or something more experimental  we are determined to find something that will stop this disease.'

To donate to the page, click here.

As the couple were focusing on the best possible rehabilitation for Adam (pictured at Bestival), doctors delivered the devastating blow that all the surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy had been unsuccessful and that the tumour had only become more aggressive

Doctors now believe the tumour has turned into a grade 4 glioblastoma and say they've never seen this type of tumour appear in the spinal cord - and doctors are running out of treatment options quickly

If the tumour growth isn't controlled, it will spread further up the spinal cord taking Adam's upper body mobility and eventually reach his brain, at which point the tumour would be life threatening (pictured on holiday in Ibiza)

Friends and family are now hoping to raise 30,000 to fund alternative treatments for Adam (pictured on his 30th birthday) and raise awareness in a bid to find a doctor anywhere in the world who can help
A Kim Kardashian lookalike has put her relationship on the line in her quest to imitate the reality star.

Chloe Saxon, 31, a former glamour model from Miami who now lives in Manchester, is so desperate to achieve the multi-millionaire mogul's famous curves that she wants to get bottom implants.

But her boyfriend Michael - who 'doesn't like the fake, plastic look' and is worried his girlfriend's cosmetic surgery obsession is spiralling out of control - wants her to reconsider.

However, Chloe who appears in the Channel 5 documentary OMG: Make Me A Famous Face, doesn't seem too bothered about his concerns.

'Michael hates me getting stuff done. But nothing will stop me, nothing.'

Former glamour model Chloe, 31, is desperate to get the Kim Kardashian look just right and is considering getting bottom implants

The brunette beauty - who has started her own copycat clothing line - first started following Kim when she began watching her reality show Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Her boyfriend Michael hates the 'fake, plastic look'

Kim Kardashian is known for her curvy petite figure. She kick-started the contouring make-up trend and has millions of social media followers

Chloe has already spent thousands on a rhinoplasty, Botox injections, breast surgery, and regular fillers in her cheeks and lips, in a bid to be more like mother-of-two Kim.

'I first became familiar with Kim when I watched Keeping Up with the Kardashians. I was hooked pretty much straight away.

CHLOE'S COSMETIC SURGERY Rhinoplasty

Breast surgery

Botox injections

Lip and cheek fillers

Plans to have bottom fillers Advertisement

'I do enjoy getting the attention, when someone says "you look like Kim" or a Kardashian.'

Chloe's boyfriend 'upset' by her cosmetic surgery obsession

Michael express his utter displeasure about her decision to pursue a curvier bottom through surgery.

'It upsets me. It bothers me because I think she is perfect the way she is. She does not need to change a single thing about herself.

'I dont necessarily like that overly fake, plastic look. So thats something that she is striving to achieve. I keep saying to her "I dont like what youre doing to your body".'

The former glamour model explained that her chosen career made her insecure and feels a certain pressure to keep herself looking good, insisting she 'will never be satisfied' with her looks.

'Once I get my bum done I will feel more confident.

'It will definitely make me feel I have more of that Kim K look,' she adds.

Chloe's social media page is littered with sexy selfies in a range of skimpy outfits, some near identical to what Kim Kardashian has worn

Chloe squeezed her voluptuous figure into a latex dress - strikingly similar to the one Kim donned a couple of years ago

Chloe takes regular trips to her cosmetic surgeon to top up her facial fillers. She says she 'can't really see it ever ending' in regards to her obsession with altering herself

Chloe's best friend and Zayn Malik lookalike

Without Michael's full support Chloe regularly turns to her best friend and fellow celebrity lookalike Munis Ahmed to accompany her to the cosmetic surgeon's chair.

Also 31 and from Manchester, he met Chloe a few years ago at an event and they quickly became BFFs.

The duo - who call themselves 'Chlunis' - enjoy glamorous nights out in the northern city as they attempt to mimic the lifestyle of the rich and famous.

'Everyone wants to have that celebrity lifestyle, everyone wants attention, I mean who doesnt?' Munis says.

Chloe has even managed to persuade the Zayn Malik lookalike to get jaw fillers so that he will look more like the former One Direction popstar.

'Chloe is always pushing me to get everything done. So I hope Chloe is impressed that I am getting it done.'

'It just gives you a confidence boost. I long for the moments that I didnt care about how I looked because it was much easier,' he muses.

Chloe's best friend Munis - who she reckons looks like Zayn Malik - is also persuaded to follow her cosmetic surgery footsteps and gets filler in his jaw

It was Chloe who first suggested Munis looked like Zayn and she takes full responsibility for her best friend's 'journey'.

'I am a filler pusher, thats what everyone calls be. I am always encouraging people to get filler or surgery.

'I am so pleased with myself. I am so pleased that he listened to me. I give him the best advice,' Chloe beams.

Cosmetic surgery will never stop

The brunette beauty hasn't got her bottom implants just yet, but she is planning on getting regular fillers in her buttocks much to her boyfriend's dismay.

'I think most girls want to look like celebrities because most girls want perfection.

'But theres always something else, I cant really see it ever ending.'

OMG: Make Me A Famous Face airs on Channel 5, Sunday at 10.05pm
On June 5, Australian fitness guru and social media star, Emily Skye, excitedly announced that she was three months pregnant.

And now, the 32-year-old has shared a 16 week update on her pregnancy alongside a picture of herself and her incredibly toned, growing baby bump.

But while the personal trainer still appears to be in great shape, Ms Skye said she has noticed some changes to her physique in the past weeks - and she loves every single one of them.

Scroll down for video

Australian fitness guru and social media star, Emily Skye, has shared a 16 week update on her pregnancy alongside a picture of herself and her incredibly toned, growing baby bump

While she still appears to be in great shape, Ms Skye said she has noticed some changes to her physique in the past weeks - and she loves every single one of them (pictured at 13 weeks)

'I have cellulite on my butt & thighs & my muscle mass & strength continues to decrease... but you know what?! I'm absolutely loving all of the changes my body (& mind) is making,' Emily wrote on Instagram.

'I know many women struggle with bodily changes during pregnancy and I probably would have too years ago but now I'm completely embracing and celebrating these changes.

'Every little change excites me and makes me happy because I'm growing @recdedmond's & my little person which is incredible!'

Emily, who was named one of the most influential fitness bloggers in the world by Forbes, said while the changes can be difficult for many, she urges women to remember the 'big picture' and 'what is truly important'.

'I have cellulite on my butt & thighs & my muscle mass & strength continues to decrease... but you know what?! I'm absolutely loving all of the changes my body (& mind) is making,' she said

Emily's pregnancy workout Crab walks or monster walks 10 up and 10 back x 2 Dead lift 4 x 15 Military press 4 x 12 Bent over row 4 x 12 Kettlebell swing 4 x 30 Advertisement

'How we look or having some extra body fat or cellulite is insignificant,' she concluded.

'I know I've said this before but I just want to remind you all (pregnant or not) that you are amazing and beautiful and how much body fat you have doesn't change that.

'It's always good to get some perspective and remind yourself of what's most important in life.'

Emily said she got 'extreme bloating, fluid retention and cellulite straight away' after becoming pregnant but it simply does not concern her.

Emily said she got 'extreme bloating, fluid retention and cellulite straight away' after becoming pregnant but it simply does not concern her

'My health and my babys health is most important and thats what Im focusing on,' she said

'My health and my babys health is most important and thats what Im focusing on,' she said.

Emily has been sharing regular updates on her pregnancy and at 14 weeks, said everything in her life had become 'insignificant' since becoming pregnant.

She has also been sharing her pregnancy workouts and said she has been given the all clear from her doctor to continue exercising and lifting weights.

'I have had experience in Fitness for 14 years & have been lifting heavy weights for 8 years. I have modified my training and dropped the intensity of my workouts as well as dropped the weights to almost half of what I normally lift,' she explained.

Emily shared the news of her pregnancy alongside her partner with a playful photo in early June

Emily has been sharing regular updates on her pregnancy and at 14 weeks, said everything in her life had become 'insignificant' since becoming pregnant

She has also been sharing her pregnancy workouts and said she has been given the all clear from her doctor to continue exercising and lifting weights

Emily's full body pregnancy workout Four rounds: Squat to press x 15 Deadlift x 30 Lateral raise x 15 Seated row x 15 Bicep curl x 15 Advertisement

'Exercising while pregnant is completely safe providing you've had the all clear from your doc, you don't have any pain or discomfort and you're listening to your body. If something doesn't feel right then don't do it.

After the workout I did yesterday I feel the best I've felt in the past 3 months!! So happy! People said the 2nd trimester gets better & in my case they seem to be right!'.

Emily shared the news of her pregnancy alongside her partner with a playful photo in early June.

'One is a food baby and the other is a REAL BABY,' she wrote.

'Finally the news is out. I've had to hide my little belly for weeks now and couldn't wait to tell you all!

'Dec and I are filled with so much joy and can't wait to bring our little one into the world and share our new journey with you! So excited!'
A distraught mother has opened up about how her seven-month-old son tragically died after he was caught in his blanket at bedtime.

Jordan DeRosier, from Puyallup in Washington, revealed the 'unfathomable grief' she endured as she paid tribute to her baby Sloan as a 'sweet rainbow warrior'.

But just days later, the young mother was forced to hit back at critics after they shifted blame on vaccines for the cause of the baby boy's death.

Ms DeRosier shared the heart-wrenching reason behind why she initially chose not to reveal the traumatic circumstances surrounding her son's death.

Mother Jordan DeRosier has opened up in an emotional Facebook post (pictured) about how her seven-month-old son tragically died after he was caught in his blanket at bedtime

The young mother was forced to hit back at critics after they shifted blame on vaccines for the cause of the baby boy's death

'To those who keep commenting and messaging trying to blame vaccines for our sons death- stop,' she wrote on Facebook.

'Initially I had not wanted to explain the detailed circumstances of his death because of my guilt and the fear of condemnation from others. But I will not allow anyone to try and place blame where it does not belong.'

The mother-of-two revealed little Sloan died after he was caught in a blanket.

'He was last laid down to bed with this blanket made by his great-great grandmother, and one other blanket, a grey one he had been attached to since birth,' she said.

'They took the grey one he had been found with his head in. He had pulled it through the crib rails somehow and gotten himself stuck in it.'

Seven-month-old Sloan (right) tragically died after he was caught in his blanket at bedtime

The grieving mother urged fellow parents to be more cautious of where the blankets are placed near their babies' cribs following the tragic incident.

'You never think it will happen to you. You never think it will be your baby. Please do not put your babies to bed with a blanket,' she continued.

'Please. He was 7 months old, I thought because he was crawling, standing on his own, and climbing, that he would be fine with a blanket.

'This is the face of immense, unfathomable grief, the face of longing, of heartbreak, of self inflicted GUILT. I will NEVER stop feeling responsible.

'I will relive this for the rest of my life knowing EXACTLY what I could have done differently. Please learn from my world shattering mistake.'

Loved ones have set up a fundraising campaign to support the family.
A German backpacker, who fell for a man 39 years her senior while she was travelling around Australia, has opened up about their age gap relationship

Katja King, 38, who now lives in Hobart, Tasmania, met her now-husband Kevin, 77, at a caravan park when she was 27 years old. The pair are now parents to a son, Pierre, six.

'I remember the first time I saw [Kevin] like it was yesterday,' Katja said. 'He appeared round the side of the caravan, sipping a can of cordial and smiling.

'I won't lie, it was hardly love at first sight  he was old enough to be my father, grandfather even. But, to be polite, I started chatting.'

Katja King, 38, met her now-husband Kevin, 77, at a caravan park when she was 27 years old. The pair are now parents to a son, Pierre, six (all pictured)

'I won't lie, it was hardly love at first sight  he was old enough to be my father, grandfather even. But, to be polite, I started chatting,' Katja said

Katja, who had just hitch-hiked a lift to the caravan park as part of her journey around Australia, discovered Kevin was also travelling. He suggested she join him.

'Shaking my head I laughed,' Katja said. 'What would a 27-year-old girl be doing travelling with a 50 or 60-something year old guy?'

But as the pair talked more, she realised there was something about Kevin that made her feel 'comfortable'.

They swapped numbers and a week later Kevin called to say he was leaving for Melbourne - at the same time Katja was due to travel there.

'It seemed silly to turn down the offer of a lift and I guess the rest is history,' she said, explaining they ended up travelling the East and West coasts together as companions.

As the pair talked more, she realised there was something about Kevin that made her feel 'comfortable'

Katja described Kevin as a 'great travel buddy' but said that after they had a row she realised her feelings for him ran deeper

'It was that night my heart started overruling my head,' she said

Kevin, who had young daughters himself, explained he had been running a restaurant previously and had suffered a heart attack.

'The doctor told me I wouldn't have long left if I carried on like I was so I chucked it all in,' he said.

Katja described Kevin as a 'great travel buddy' and it was only when the pair had an argument some time later that things changed.

After the row, Katja said she was in tears as she began packing to leave.

'It was that night my heart started overruling my head,' she said.

The pair talked and Katja said she told Kevin 'I feel like it's more than friends but that's crazy'.

At the time Kevin was 66.

Katja said she decided not to 'overthink' things their relationship grew

At the end of their eight month trip together Katja said she and Kevin had 'fallen head over heels in love' and Kevin proposed

'With the age difference and his heart problems I knew we might not have long together and I wanted to make the most of it,' Katja said, of their decision to marry

'He admitted feeling the same but, while I agreed to stay, it was only days later when we had our first kiss, I realised I couldn't ignore my feelings any longer,' Katja explained.

Deciding not to 'overthink' things, their relationship grew.

At the end of their eight month trip together Katja said she and Kevin had 'fallen head over heels in love' and Kevin proposed.

'We were both terrified but we couldn't have hoped for a better reception,' she said, explaining their families were supportive.

'We were both terrified but we couldn't have hoped for a better reception,' she said, explaining their families were supportive

The pair met at a caravan park while Katja, who is originally from Germany, was travelling around Australia

The couple married on 4 November 2007 and two years later the subject of kids came up

'With the age difference and his heart problems I knew we might not have long together and I wanted to make the most of it,' Katja said, of their decision to marry.

The couple tied the knot on 4 November 2007 and two years later the subject of kids came up. Katja said she told Kevin she didn't want to pressure him if he didn't want to be a dad again.

'Wonderfully though he did and after a year of trying we fell pregnant naturally,' she said.

Kevin was 70 when their son, Pierre, was born in September 2010.

Kevin was 70 when their son, Pierre (pictured) was born in September 2010

'Kevin is so involved and the three of us make an incredible team,' Katja said, explaining she had fallen pregnant naturally

'Of course we get comments all the time with people thinking Kevin's my dad, but we're used to it and it doesn't both us,' she said

WHAT DOES KEVIN, 77, SAY ABOUT BEING A DAD 'I didn't plan any of this but we're all so happy. Pierre is the joy of my life. He keeps me young and we have a very special bond. I can't do everything I'd like to with him - I can't play footie with him - but I'm much more involved in his life than I was with my other kids because I'm not working now. I walk him to the school bus every day and I'm there when he comes home. I read his stories and take him fishing. People have been great about Katja and me. Us Aussies are pretty relaxed. These things happen and I'm glad it happened to us.' Advertisement

'Over the past six years I can honestly say it's made no difference.

'Kevin is so involved and the three of us make an incredible team,' Katja said.

While she explained some people have asked whether having a child at 70 is selfish, they can't predict the future.

'Kevin has had had some major surgeries but his health is on track at the moment.

'There's a good chance he'll be around another 20 years and see Pierre all grown up,' she said.

'Of course we get comments all the time with people thinking Kevin's my dad, but we're used to it and it doesn't bother us.

'For Kevin, like me, age means nothing. Kevin might be 77 now but he's the best husband and father imaginable and that's what really matters.'
An eight-year-old girl was left fighting for her life after suffering a horrific allergic reaction following a vaccination.

Isabel Olesen, from Melbourne, developed painful sores all over her body 48 hours after undergoing a routine immunisation and later went blind.

Her mother, Edwina, 39, later discovered she had Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) - a rare and life-threatening allergic reaction to medication or an infection.

Isabel Olesen, from Melbourne, was left fighting for her life after suffering a horrific allergic reaction following a vaccination

The little girl developed painful sores all over her body 48 hours after undergoing a routine immunisation and later went blind

WHAT IS STEVENS JOHNSON SYNDROME? Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare, serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. It's usually a reaction to a medication or an infection. Often, it begins with flu-like symptoms, followed by a painful red or purplish rash that spreads and blisters. Then the top layer of the affected skin dies, sheds and then heals. Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a medical emergency that usually requires hospitalisation. Recovery syndrome can take weeks to months, depending on the severity of the condition. Source: Mayo Clinic Advertisement

While her daughter pulled through, Isabel was left with life-changing side effects.

She lost the majority of her sight, and needed to learn to walk, eat and talk all over again.

Edwina, a self employed product designer, said: 'I'd never seen anything like it, Isabel's skin was red raw, when I moved her head the skin from her eyebrows and cheek would fall into my hands.

'The smell of burning flesh was stuck to my hands for weeks, it was so traumatising to see her so unwell.

'While in hospital we were called by nurses who warned that she might not make it through.

'I was terrified and my heart was racing so fast that I could have passed out on the way to the hospital.

'Thankfully she was a fighter and made it through.'

While her daughter pulled through, Isabel was left with life-changing side effects

She lost the majority of her sight, and needed to learn to walk, eat and talk all over again

WHY SHOULD I IMMUNISE MY CHILD? The government's Immunise Australia website states that immunisation 'is one of the best ways to protect yourself, your children and safeguard the health of future generations'. 'Immunisation remains the safest and most effective way to stop the spread of many of the worlds most infectious diseases,' the website states. 'Before the major vaccination campaigns of the 1960s and '70s, diseases like tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough (pertussis) killed thousands of young children each year. 'Today, deaths from these diseases are extremely rare in Australia, and the rest of the developed world.' Due to rapid advances in the science of immunisation it says modern vaccines are 'extremely safe, and serious reactions to them are rare'. Advertisement

Against the odds, Isabel is now riding a bike enjoying her second grade at school and has taken part in three triathlons.

'SJS is such an awful disease but I'd never heard of it until Isabel was diagnosed,' Edwina said.

'It wasn't until I saw images online that I realised what we had ahead of us.

'I was heartbroken but we took every day as it came and after three months Isabel was allowed home.

'She was barely recognisable and needed to learn everything all over again.

'Her eyes were the main concern and after recovering she was registered as blind.

'She needs regular eye drops every day and had a cornea transplant in one eye so she could at least see some colours and movement.

'We're so proud of her now, Isabel has done three triathlons, rides a bike and rollerblades.

'She's a little miracle and we're so lucky she survived.'

Against the odds, Isabel is now riding a bike enjoying her second grade at school and has taken part in three triathlons

'The smell of burning flesh was stuck to my hands for weeks, it was so traumatising to see her so unwell,' her mother said

Edwina first noticed there was something wrong with her daughter when Isabel's skin became hot to touch.

She added: 'It was a hot summer day so when Isabel started complaining that she thirsty and her skin felt hot to touch, I wasn't concerned.

'But early the following morning I noticed red spots began to from across her skin, I rushed to hospital.

'What happened from there was a complete nightmare. She was 18 months old and suddenly her life hung in the balance, it was heartbreaking.'

Edwina said her daughter had spent years recovering.

'She now realises she's different and will often ask, "why do I have to be blind?"' she said. 'It's hard to hear but we always tell her how lucky she is.'

However, Isabel has adapted to life with limited eyesight and is now learning braille at school

'To see her running triathlons now is incredible, she always has someone with her so she knows where she's going and she can't wait to do even more in the future,' Isabel's mother said

'I want to share Isabel's story to ensure other parents are aware,' Edwina said

However, Isabel has adapted to life with limited eyesight and is now learning braille at school.

Edwina is now hoping Isabel's story will raise awareness for SJS.

She said: 'I want to share Isabel's story to ensure other parents are aware of the adverse affects vaccines, infections and other types of medication can cause.

'Isabel suffered an extremely bad reaction but every survivor is left with life changing affects.

'SJS breaks down the membranes around the eyes and causes them to become extremely dry.

'Despite this, Isabel uses eye drops every day and wears protective glasses to ensure she doesn't damage her eyesight any further.

'To see her running triathlons now is incredible, she always has someone with her so she knows where she's going and she can't wait to do even more in the future.'
A six-month-old baby boy survived a horrifying attack before he was even born, when his violent father attacked his mother while he was in the womb.

Henley Boyd, now six months, looks the picture of health - a thriving tot with the world at his feet.

But, the outcome for little Henley, who will turn one on December 23 this year  a much-wanted 6lb 12oz Christmas baby for mum Tanya Boyd, now 35, could have been very different.

Because, shockingly, he was still in his mum's womb when his dad, her fiance Matthew Kersey, then 34, of Ipswich, Suffolk, savagely beat her up when she was 25 weeks pregnant.

During an argument he smashed his head into Tanya's stomach during an hour-long attack, but thankfully Henley was unharmed and Kersey was jailed for 20 weeks.

Tanya Boyd, 35, with her ex partner Matthew Kersey who beat her when she was six months pregnant with their child

Henley, with his big brother Harrison, is now six-months-old and thriving

Kersey has previous convictions which would send a shudder down the spine of any prospective date when he started seeing Tanya in mid-2014  while still in prison.

He was serving 32 months after robbing an Afghan veteran, leaving him unconscious.

Tanya knew this, but decided to write pen letters to him in jail and give him a chance because she truly believed he had changed  but sadly, she was wrong.

Now, she wants to help others find the strength to leave violent partners  and wishes that she, an intelligent, confident and funny single mum, had never got involved with him.

A relieved Tanya on the day she gave birth to her younger son Henley

Henley, who was born by Caesarean section at Ipswich Hospital, is now a bouncing six-month-old baby

She continued: 'I never thought in a million years he'd attack me when I was pregnant, but he did,' she said.

Tanya added that a local teen had recently approached her and  after hearing about what happened with her and Kersey  told her she, too, was leaving her violent boyfriend.

She continued: 'It made me proud. Both women and men in violent relationships need to know that they should not stay.'

But at 37 weeks pregnant, shortly before Henley arrived via Caesarean section at Ipswich Hospital, she was forced to attend East Suffolk Magistrates' Court and watch the soon-to-be father of her child admit attacking her.

Tanya and Kersey at their engagement party, in summer 2016. The pair had dated briefly 20 years earlier and remained on friendly terms

She said it was the hardest day of her life  but dubbed Henley, who was born just a few weeks later, her 'Christmas miracle.'

Tanya, who now runs a bar but used to work as a bouncer, told how she initially met Kersey nearly 20 years ago.

They briefly dated but spilt up. However, they still saw each other around Ipswich and remained civil.

In November 2014, Kersey was part of a group of men who robbed a soldier, leaving him unconscious, in Ipswich.

Tanya with her newborn. She is now hoping to help other victims of domestic violence by speaking out

Described in court as being like 'a pack of wolves and a disgrace to his family and community', Kersey admitted robbery and assault and was jailed for 32 months.

Despite it being a crime, which shocked the UK, then-single mum Tanya started writing to Kersey in prison  eventually, in June 2016, becoming engaged to him.

'I thought he was remorseful,' she explained. 'He said he shouldn't have done it. I thought he wouldn't attack a woman.

'I thought he loved me, but if he loved me he wouldn't have treated me like this.'

Doting big brother Harrison on Christmas day, two days after Henley was born

After he was released from jail in October 2014, Tanya and Kersey met up. She'd previously visited him twice in category C Wayland Prison in Norfolk.

She went on: 'He told me he was sorry for what he'd done. I can't believe I fell for it. I'm a strong woman, a bouncer, but I believed him when he told me he was remorseful.

'But now, of course, I wish I hadn't.'

By November, Tanya and Kersey became a couple although they did not live together. But, beneath the surface of their seemingly good relationship, there were tensions.

Their relationship continued and in 2015 they decided to try for a baby.

'He told me he wanted to start a family,' she said. 'So, I had my coil removed and around a year later I fell pregnant.'

It was an easy pregnancy for Tanya, also mum to Harrison, now nine, despite the fact she had to inject herself with a blood-thinning medication called Clexane following a blood clot she suffered on her lung in 2013.

At her 16-week scan, which she paid for privately, she learnt that she was having a boy.

'I was delighted,' she continued. 'Matt seemed pleased too.'

Tanya is now moving on with her life as a single mother to her two children

Things continued and on September 18, 2016, Tanya got ready for work running her bar.

'Matt told me he was staying home, or might pop to his brother's barbeque,' she explained. 'But later that night, a customer who I knew, told me they'd seem him out in Ipswich with his brother.

Baby Henley was born just before Christmas and was allowed home in time to spend it with family

'I didn't really understand. I wouldn't have stopped him going out, but I was annoyed he'd lied to me.'

Arriving home, Tanya found Kersey was asleep on the sofa.

She asked him why he'd lied about where he'd been  but instead of answering, he attacked her.

She recalled: 'He lunged at me. He grabbed me by the waist and knocked me down.

'Then he smashed his head into my stomach and I was so worried about the baby.

'I screamed at him, 'Don't make me miscarry.'

'Then he punched either side of a mattress with his fists going either side of my head.'

After punching an ironing board, Kersey pushed Tanya against a canvas wall print before fleeing.

In total the attack lasted for an hour. 'It was terrifying,' said Tanya. 'I worried about my baby the entire time. I just wanted to get out.'

A few days later she confessed to the police what happened and around a week after the attack Kersey was arrested.

Tanya with Henley on the day he was born by planned Caesarean

Then, on December 6 - the first day of his trial - Matthew Kersey, of Ipswich, Suffolk, admitted one count of assault by beating and one of criminal damage against Tanya.

A few weeks later she attended Ipswich Hospital where Kenley was safely delivered following a planned Caesarean, small but healthy and the pair were allowed home in time for Christmas.

'It was wonderful having my boy home on December 25,' his mum said. 'I spent Christmas with my mum Tina. She was a real support and cooked me a wonderful Christmas dinner.'

Baby Henley on the day he was born in December 2016 (left). Thankfully he suffered no ill effects after the attack

Tanya said that Matt seemed to be pleased about her pregnancy. But at six months, they got into an argument and he headbutted her stomach. Right: Henley ready to go home for the first time, Christmas Eve 2016

Shockingly, in January this year, Kersey was jailed for just 20 weeks. He was given a two-year restraining order, banning him from contacting Tanya and also ordered to pay her 1,000 compensation.

'I was horrified,' said Tanya. 'My midwife had written a letter to the court explaining how it had affected me, so it was a blow.

'But, gradually, I am moving on. I survived and have lovely children. Now, if I can help other people, I will.'
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Melania and Ivanka Trump stepped out in Warsaw for the first full day of President Donald Trump's visit to Poland on Thursday.

The First Lady, who touched down on Air Force One last night, met with her Polish counterpart Agata Kornhauser-Duda at Belweder Palace. She looked polished in a printed midi-dress teamed with purple suede heels and her signature glossy blow dry.

Ivanka, meanwhile, visited the Monument To The Ghetto Heroes in Warsaw and the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews before watching her father deliver a speech in front of 5,000 Poles in Krasinski Square.

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Visit: First Lady Melania Trump chose a striking midi dress with a statement print to meet with her Polish counterpart, Agata Kornhauser-Duda, in Warsaw on Thursday

Duties: Melania has accompanied President Trump to Poland, as has the First Daughter Ivanka, and her husband Jared Kushner

First Daughter: Ivanka, meanwhile, visited the Monument To The Ghetto Heroes in Warsaw and the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews

Occasion: Ivanka, who has a position at the White House, wore a blue dress with a while floral pattern paired with beige pumps during her visit to the historical landmark

Solemn: The First Daughter deposited flowers on the monument, which commemorates the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, an act of Jewish resistance during the Second World War

Impressions: The First Daughter, who converted to Judaism before her wedding in 2009, later took to Twitter to share her thoughts on the visit, calling it 'deeply moving'

The Polish First Lady, herself in a vibrant shade of pink, hosted Melania at Belweder Palace in the capital today.

Mrs Kornhauser-Duda, Melania's Polish counterpart, is the wife of the Polish President, Andrzej Duda.

Photographers captured the two women leaning towards one another and chatting during their tete-a-tete.

The night before the meeting, the First Lady arrived in Poland looking chic in a $2,400 green Diane Von Furstenberg trench coat and coordinating scarf.

Meeting: The Polish First Lady chose a similarly eye-catching outfit for the meeting, opting for a trouser suit in a punchy shade of pink

Tete-a-tete: The First Lady met her Polish counterpart, Agata Kornauser-Duda, at Belweder Palace in Warsaw on Thursday

Talks: The two women were photographed smiling and chatting animatedly at the palace today

Time: The First Lady showed no trace of jet lag despite having flown in from the US last night

Hair choices: Melania sported her signature glossy blow dry in Warsaw on Thursday morning

Official visit: The First Lady posed for photographs as she visited the palace without her husband, President Trump

Meanwhile, Ivanka laid flowers at the Monument To The Ghetto Heroes during a solemn visit on Thursday.

Ivanka, who has a position at the White House, wore a blue dress with a while floral pattern paired with beige pumps as she paused to deposit the spray.

Warsaw's Monument To The Ghetto Heroes commemorates the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, an act of Jewish resistance during the Second World War. Ivanka also visited the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, which faces the monument.

The First Daughter, who converted to Judaism before her wedding in 2009, later took to Twitter to share her thoughts on the visit, writing: 'It was deeply moving to be able to visit The Monument to the Ghetto Heroes and the POLIN Museum of the History of the Polish Jews.'

She and her husband Jared Kushner, who is also a senior adviser at the White House, later went to listen to President Trump's speech in Krasinski Square. The couple previously took part in the president's overseas trip to Saudi Arabia, Israel and Italy.

Schedule: Ivanka later went to listen to her father give a speech in Warsaw's Krasinski Square

Duo: She went with her husband Jared Kushner, who is a senior adviser at the White House

Here: The couple previously took part in the president's trip to Saudi Arabia, Israel and Italy

Excited: Ivanka was all smiles as she arrived to listen to her father's speech in front of a crowd of 5,000 Poles who gathered for the occasion

First Lady: Melania stepped onstage with her husband and together they laid a wreath at the foot of a statue commemorating the 1944 Polish uprising against German occupiers

Listening: Ivanka and Jared clapped while President Trump delivered his speech in Warsaw

Melania stepped onstage with her husband and together they laid a wreath at the foot of a statue commemorating the 1944 Polish uprising against German occupiers.

Speaking to a crowd of thousands, Trump called Poland 'the geographic heart of Europe' and commended its citizens for shaking off Nazi oppressors and Russian occupiers over the last century.

'That's trouble. That's tough,' he said.

'In those dark days, you have lost your land but you never lost your pride.'

He went on to praise Poland's 'will to survive' because they 'have never, ever forgotten who they are'.

'The Polish experience reminds us - the defense of the West ultimately rests not only on means but also on the will of its people to prevail,' Trump added.

'Your oppressors tried to break you, but Poland could not be broken,' he said.

The family later continued their journey to Hamburg in northern Germany for the G20 leaders summit.

Traveling: The First Lady and President Trump later touched down in Hamburg, Germany

Schedule: Trump is to participate in his first G20 summit this week in the German city

European journey: Melania held a small bouquet of flowers as she and her husband made their way across the tarmac upon arriving in Hamburg

In their wake: Ivanka and Jared also traveled to Germany for the next part of the overseas trip

Together: Ivanka kept her arm wrapped around her husband's as they stepped out of the plane

Arrival: The First daughter deboarded Air Force One with her husband behind her on Thursday

Spotted: Ivanka at one point appeared to want to show her husband something in front of them

Getting used to it: This trip marks the second time the pair has accompanied Trump oversees

Titles: Both Ivanka and Jared hold positions at the White House and live in Washington, D.C.

Melania, Donald, Ivanka and Jared all touched down in Poland on Wednesday night, kicking off President Trump's visit.

The First Daughter and First Lady were the epitome of chic in their respective ensembles, with Ivanka opting for a daring red suit, while Melania paired her Diane von Furstenberg trench coat with a coordinating scarf.

As she made her way down the steps of Air Force Once, Melania smiled and happily waved at the waiting cameras, pausing to pose for pictures alongside her husband.

Melania, who completed her emerald green outfit with a pair of high heels and a silk scarf tied around her neck, wore her brunette hair down around her shoulders for the occasion, and had her knee-length trench tightly fastened at the waist, no doubt to guard against Poland's slightly chilly weather.

There she goes! Ivanka Trump was the epitome of chic in her red Escada suit as she landed in Poland alongside her father and her husband on Wednesday evening

A warm welcome: The President and the First Lady looked delighted with the reception from the waiting crowd

Happy as can be: Despite the late hour, both Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner, looked thrilled to be in Warsaw

Steady does it: Ivanka kept her eyes down as she made her way down the steps of Air Force One in her high heels

In love: Jared clasped his wife's hand as they made their way off the aircraft

Ready to sleep? At one point, Ivanka looked a bit tired, closing her eyes briefly as she made her way down the steps

Greetings: Melania was given a bouquet of flowers by one of the waiting government officials

Despite the lengthy flight, however, the First Lady couldn't have looked happier as she made her way down the steps of Air Force One and into the President's waiting Cadillac limousine, which is nicknamed 'The Beast'.

Following behind them were Ivanka and Jared, who managed to raise small smiles for the cameras, but neglected to wave at the waiting crowd.

But while Ivanka kept her brief appearance on the tarmac relatively low key, her bold red Escada ensemble made quite the style statement.

Clearly eager to keep all eyes on the unique burgundy number, which was complete with a matching camisole under the suit jacket, Ivanka kept the rest of her outfit very simple, adding a pair of simple navy heels, and keeping her hair in a straight style around her shoulders.

The mother-of-three - who has left her children at home in Washington, D.C., finished off the look with a pair of diamond earrings.

The Trumps' trip to Poland ahead of the upcoming G20 summit in Hamburg comes just after they celebrated Donald's first Independence Day as President, with the whole family joining him at the White House for the annual fireworks display.
Her long delayed debut feature film is finally hitting the big screen this summer, so Cressida Bonas, 28, certainly has something to smile about.

But it appears that a handsome new male friend could also account for the spring in the actress' step.

The former girlfriend of Princes Harry was spotted strolling arm-in-arm with a mystery man in London's Notting Hill, looking in exceptionally cheerful spirits.

It's not clear whether this spells bad news for the dancer's on-off boyfriend Harry Wentworth-Stanley who she reunited with last year after dating at Leeds University and again in 2015.

Prince Harry's former girlfriend Cressida Bonas, 28, has been spotted walking arm in arm with a mystery man in Notting Hill

The pair were engaged in animated conversation as they strolled through West London

Cressida rocked a low key look for the outing in black trousers and a t-shirt, teamed with a leather jacket.

Her companion was equally laid back in a blue shirt and chinos, with the pair engaging in a very animated conversation as they strolled.

The actress appeared to be clutching a script, perhaps rehearsing for her upcoming role in Mrs Orwell at the Red Lion Theatre.

She'll also be seen on the big screen in Tom Stoppard's Tulip Fever with Cara Delevingne and Judi Dench after the film was finally given a US release date, following two years of delays.

Actress Cressida, who is preparing for her next stage role, appeared to be clutching a script

Close friends? At one point the pair were seen with their arms around each other

Something to tell us? Earlier this year, Cressida was dating her ex-boyfriend Harry Wentworth Stanley

And the aspiring thespian is hoping that her small role will lead to bigger and better things, as she sets her sights on a career Stateside.

'I'm a real home person and close to my family, but would love to go out to LA if the right opportunity came along,' she told the Evening Standard.

'I do feel more at home in theatre so perhaps even New York.'

Out for a stroll: Cressida placed a hand on her male friend's shoulder as they took a walk

Catching up: The pair were deep in conversation as they enjoyed an afternoon outing

Smiles: Cressida and her friend seemed very much at ease in each other's company

Cressida dated Eugenie's cousin Prince Harry, 32, for two years, but the pair split in 2014.

Harry is now in a high-profile relationship with Suits star Meghan Markle, whilethe Mulberry model subsequently dated Wolf Hall actor Edward Holcroft.

She then reunited with 6ft 6in Harry Wentworth-Stanley, a chartered surveyor and former public schoolboy, who was born in Hampshire but now lives in London.

Cressida was there to meet him at the finish line in Antigua last year when he completed a high-profile rowing challenge with three friends in memory of his older brother, James, who took his life in 2006.

Arm-in-arm: The pair certainly weren't shy about displaying their affection for one another
Russia's super-rich oligarchs have spawned a new generation of wealthy youngsters who cannot wait to show the world how they blow their families' fortunes.

The minted 'mini-garchs' feature on an anonymous Instagram account which boasts 494k followers where they revel in the Rubles they waste on luxuries.

While must Russians struggle to cope with the country's ailing economy, these youngsters aren't afraid to flaunt their lives of champagne, shopping and provocative images.

The Russian Rich Kids' Instagram account already has nearly half a million followers thanks to its constant stream of images flaunting their wealth, luxury and excess.

Living the dream: A photograph posted on the Rich Russian Kids Instagram page shows an attractive couple on a boat

The account was originally started to mock the extravagant lifestyles of the Reds-to-riches generation.

It has since been adopted by many who don't see the irony in showing off their lavish spending.

But some followers aren't impressed with the luxury lifestyle.

One - identified as 'Brenda - said: "I dont want to write the obvious out there, but it is a shame that these guys cannot buy a new brain for themselves."

Another - named 'Donatella - added: "Their parents worked hard to get this money. Now these lazy ones are not even trying to increase it Such a waste."

Showing off: One reveller is shown sitting on the bonnet of a lowly Audi R8 holding two bottles of non vintage Dom Perignon bubbly

Privileged: Two women seem to be enjoying the high life as they relax on a boat in the sunshine

Excessive: One contributor showed how the mega rich celebrate Christmas, with a fir tree made out of stacked bundles of 100 USD bills

Big night out: These three men aren't afraid to show off the luxuries that money brings them

Chilling out: A holiday isn't really a holiday unless there is a big boat to set sail on

Showing off: Somebody took a photograph of the scantily clad woman they were with

Soaking up the sun: A woman relaxes in a hot tub on another luxurious holiday

Pricey: Armand De Brignac champagne - otherwise known as Ace of Spades - served in a golden bottle at 500 for a magnum

Flushed away: The Russian rich kids weren't afraid to document them throwing 50 notes into the toilet

Passing the time: This woman doesn't appear to have a care in the world as she relaxes on holiday

BBQ time: Only the best seafood is good enough for the Rich Kids of Russia

Backless number: A beautiful blonde enjoys alcohol as she soaks up the city skyline
The Queen wore a jaunty orange number today to officially open a new factory building for the UK's top producer of bottled water.

The 91-year-old monarch was presented with a specially-labelled bottle of Highland Spring water she helped make after pressing the button to start the new production line.

The commemorative bottles have a crown on the thistle logo and the slogan 'Specially selected for Her Majesty the Queen'.

Producing more than 20 bottles per second, the new production line is the fastest of its type in the UK and is part of a 30 million factory extension.

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Dressed in a bright tangerine number, the Queen greets members of the public as she visits the new Highland Spring factory building in Blackford near Stirling on Thursday

The royal arrived at the factory in Blackford, Perth and Kinross, to the sounds of a piper and was met by the Lord Lieutenant of Perth and Kinross Brigadier Melville Jameson, the firm's owner His Excellency Mohammed Mahdi Al-tajir and chief executive Les Montgomery.

Mr Montgomery showed the Queen the source of the water in the Ochil Hills from a viewing balcony before she was given a tour of the bottling hall, met staff and workers, and unveiled a plaque to mark her visit.

Group operations director Bryan McCluskey showed the Queen around the factory and explained the bottling process, describing the visit as an 'enormous honour'.

He said: 'Having the longest-reigning monarch coming to see the fastest bottling line in the UK was amazing. She was really interested and could quote some of the statistics she had heard.

Following the Queen's visit, Bryan McCluskey said: 'She was very impressed with the new bottle design and we presented one of the new bottles to her which she had effectively made'

One is very amused! The monarch also presented with a silk scarf Highland Spring tartan after her visit to the factory today

Warm welcome: The royal arrived at the factory in Blackford, Perth and Kinross, to the sounds of a piper and was met by the Lord Lieutenant of Perth and Kinross Brigadier Melville Jameson

Before leaving, the royal greeted crowds waving Union flags and was presented with floral posies by Mr McCluskey's daughter Lucy, nine, and Sophie, eight

The 91-year-old monarch was presented with a specially-labelled bottle of Highland Spring water she helped make after pressing the button to start the new production line

Royal tour: Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh are spending Holyrood Week - known locally as Royal Week - visiting various regions around Scotland and meeting subjects

Ambitious: Producing more than 20 bottles per second, the new production line is the fastest of its type in the UK and is part of a 30 million factory extension

Group operations director Bryan McCluskey (right) shows the Queen around the factory and explains the bottling process, later describing the visit as an 'enormous honour'

The monarch chats to Highland Spring owner His Excellency Mohammed Mahdi Altajir during her visit to the new Highland Spring factory building in Blackford, Perthshire today

'She was very impressed with the new bottle design and we presented one of the new bottles to her which she had effectively made.'

She was also presented with a silk scarf in Highland Spring tartan.

Before leaving, the royal greeted crowds waving Union flags and was presented with floral posies by Mr McCluskey's daughter Lucy, nine, and Sophie, eight.

Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh are spending Holyrood Week - known locally as Royal Week - visiting various regions around Scotland, meeting subjects across all walks of life and hosting thousands at Holyrood Palace.
Prince Charles spoke about the 'pride and concern' he felt when his son Prince Harry trained and served with the Army Air Corps as he celebrated the unit's 60th anniversary.

Charles, 68, described how the 'unfaltering support' of families back home allowed soldiers to perform so well when the 'going gets tough' as he addressed troops, veterans and their loved ones at a ceremony at Salisbury Cathedral today.

The heir to the throne, who has been the Corps' Colonel-in-Chief for 25 years, was on hand to mark the Diamond anniversary and present a new Guidon, or military colour, to the unit.

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Salute: Prince Charles, 68, celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Army Air Corps today

Celebration: The Prince inspected the soldiers in the grounds of Salisbury Cathedral

Honour: The prince presented the unit with a new Guidon, or military colours, at the event

Charles, who wore his tropical service dress and AAC blue beret, inspected the AAC troops lined up in front of him, stopping to talk to a number of the soldiers.

He then took part in the presentation of the new Guidon, helping to place the large military banner, which has great significance for the Corps, into a soldier's holster after it had been blessed.

Addressing the group in the grounds of Salisbury Cathedral, he said: 'As the father of a former Army Air Corps pilot myself, I am very much aware of the mixed emotions of pride and concern involved in your children embarking on helicopter training and operations.

'I have no doubt that it is the unfaltering support, provided by those at home, that allows our soldiers to manage so well when the going gets tough.'

In February 2012, Harry became a a fully operational Apache helicopter pilot with the ACC after completing 18 months of intensive training.

Milestone: Prince Charles met soldiers, veterans and family members at the event

Good spirits: Charles, who was dressed in uniform, smiled as he spoke to a member of the AAC

Attention: The prince salutes as the parade begins during the milestone celebrations today

PRINCE HARRY'S FORCES CAREER Prince Harry - known as 'Captain Wales' to his comrades - went on two tours of duty to Afghanistan and qualified as an Apache aircraft commander during his decade in the forces. Harry's military career began when he took 44-week training at the prestigious Sandhurst college in Camberley, Surrey, in May 2005. Army Air Corps: Prince Harry at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan in January 2013 He served twice on the front line in Afghanistan. He first sent out as a forward air controller in 2007 after his wish to serve in the infantry was deemed too dangerous to both himself and his men. He was forced to return early from the posting when a foreign website broke the news blackout on his deployment. He then retrained with the Army Air Corps and was picked to fly the Apache attack helicopter. He returned to Afghanistan in 2012. Harry left in 2014 to take up a Staff Officer role in London to work on his plan to bring the Invictus Games to Britain. Advertisement

At the end of 2012 he was deployed to Afghanistan. He left the Army in 2015.

Prince Charles also highlighted the work of the Corps, which flies both the Apache and Wildcat battlefield reconnaissance helicopter.

He added: 'Army aviation has evolved continuously and has played a vital role in many of the key operations world-wide.

'The campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan have demonstrated the decisive contribution that soldiers in the air can make to the outcome of the land-air battle.'

Connection: Charles told family members he understood the 'pride and concern' they felt

Praise: Charles recognised the 'decisive contribution' the Army Air Corps makes to conflicts

A fly-past of AAC aircraft,including three Apache helicopters, was staged for the spectators who were bathed in strong summer sunshine.

Charles and the guests later gathered for a service at Salisbury Cathedral and then the prince joined members of the Corps for a large group photograph outside, where he went on a short walkabout meeting members of the public.

Before leaving Charles was given a replica of the AAC military flag he presented to the Corps earlier, by General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, Colonel Commandant of the AAC.
Vogue's new editor Edward Enninful, wearing his OBE, photographed with model Naomi Campbell, one of the fashion bible's new contributing editors

Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell have today been announced as Contributing Editors at British Vogue as the row over the fashion bible's future rumbles on.

New editor Edward Enninful has also enlisted British Vogue alumni Grace Coddington and Oscar-winning director Steve McQueen as contributers.

The news comes just days after the glossy magazine's 'sacked' fashion director Lucinda Chambers accused the magazine of 'bullying' readers into making unnecessary purchases.

In the astonishingly candid interview for online fashion journal Vestoj, which was initially been removed but is now back up on the site, she claimed she was 'fired' by the new editor, Mr Enninful.

Enninful, a Ghanian-born magazine fashion director who moved from Africa to London as a child, will be the first male editor of British Vogue.

He will replace Alexandra Shulman at the helm of the influential fashion bible on August 1.

He said: 'I am thrilled that Kate, Naomi, Steve and Grace are going to work with us in these new roles.'

In the revealing interview which quickly went viral, Miss Chambers, who worked at the fashion bible for 36 years, also suggested that the fashion industry was 'cajoling' and 'bullying' people into buying costly designer items they simply do not need.

And she even controversially gave examples of her work, which she was not proud of, including the 'crap' June cover featuring Alexa Chung.

Friends Naomi Campbell, Edward Enninful and Kate Moss attend a party in London in 2014

Former fashion director Lucinda Chambers (pictured) has accused the magazine of 'bullying' readers

She said: 'The June cover with Alexa Chung in a stupid Michael Kors T-shirt is crap.

'He's a big advertiser so I knew why I had to do it. I knew it was cheesy when I was doing it, and I did it anyway. Ok, whatever. But there were others There were others that were great.'

She also revealed: 'A month and a half ago I was fired from Vogue. It took them three minutes to do it,' she said.

She also said fashion magazines had stopped being 'useful' to readers and instead left many 'anxiety-ridden' over what to wear.

And in a shocking admission, the 57-year-old  who worked at the publication for 36 years  said she 'hadn't read Vogue in years'.

She said: 'The clothes are just irrelevant for most people  so ridiculously expensive,' she said in an interview, which has since been removed from the site.

Emily Sheffield, Lucinda Chambers and Alexandra Shulman attend the Anya Hindmarch Spring Summer 2017 London Fashion Week Show at The Lindley Hall on September 2016

'In fashion we are always trying to make people buy something they don't need. We don't need any more bags, shirts or shoes. So we cajole, bully or encourage people into continue buying.'

She added: 'It's a shame that magazines have lost the authority they once had. They've stopped being useful.

'Truth be told, I haven't read Vogue in years.'

Miss Chambers's career at Vogue started when a piece of jewellery she had made appeared on its glossy pages.

She was appointed fashion director in 1992, which saw her dictate many of the magazine's fashion editorials, including deciding on the clothing, models and photographers used.

Lucinda Chambers worked at Vogue (pictured here, with Kate Moss on the front) for 36 years

Miss Chambers, 57, who started as PA to editor Beatrix Miller before becoming Grace Coddington's assistant, is behind some of British Vogue's most iconic covers featuring everyone from Kate Moss to the Duchess of Cambridge.

In her first shoot for any title, the Duchess appeared on the front for the June 2016 issue of the magazine in conjunction with the National Portrait Gallery.

Miss Chambers' damning indictment of the publication is a far cry from previous interviews on the subject. Speaking at the first Vogue festival in 2012, she insisted that she 'believed' in her job.

'British Vogue is the opposite of fascist fashion. So many varied things are celebrated in the magazine. It's not just there to inform. It's there to challenge and to inspire. It's there to let you dream a little and, hopefully, to realise some of those dreams,' she said at the time.

The 57-year-old (pictured)  who worked at the publication for 36 years  said she 'hadn't read Vogue in years'

Enninful, who hails from Ghana and is the son of a seamstress, is the first male editor of the UK title.

He has worked as the fashion and creative director at W Magazine since 2011 and pipped Samantha Cameron's sister, Emily Sheffield, who is currently the magazine's deputy, to the coveted role

The announcement of Miss Chambers departure coincided with long-term editor-in-chief Alexandra Shulman leaving the title.

A Vogue spokesman said: 'It's usual for an incoming Editor to make some changes to the team. Any changes made are done with the full knowledge of senior Management.'
Prince Ernst August of Hanover and Russian fashion designer bride, Ekaterina Malysheva tied the knot in a surprisingly simple ceremony today.

The 33-year-old aristocrat, who is distantly in line to the British throne, wed his fashion designer fiancee in a civil ceremony at Hanover City Hall.

The couple live together in London, where the Prince works in banking and Ekaterina, 31, runs her own clothing line EKAT, which counts stars including Sienna Miller and Rita Ora among its fans.

Prince Ernst August of Hanover, right, and Russian fashion designer Ekaterina Malysheva, left, tied the knot in a simple civil ceremony in Hanover City Hall on Thursday

Prince Christian, Ernst's brother, left, was a witness at the intimate civil ceremony at Hanover Town Hall alongside friend of the couple, Dina Amer, right

But the ceremony was just the first part of an extravagant wedding plan, with Saturday's church ceremony and ensuing celebrations set to be a society event, featuring a reception and dinner held between two of the Hanover family castles.

The happy couple - who have been together nearly six years - smiled broadly as they posed for pictures with a small number of guests.

Only intimate friends and close family attended the ceremony, including Prince Ernst's brother, Prince Christian, and socialite Dina Amer.

The blonde beauty wore an elegant light rose silk dress, which is speculated to be one of her own designs.

The talented creative was born in Russia but grew up in Prague. She moved to the UK at just 19 years old to study at the London College of Fashion.

After gaining experience, Ekaterina founded EKAT in 2013, and it has proved a success.

The blonde beauty wore an elegant light rose silk dress, which is speculated to be one of her own designs

Ekaterina, centre, was born in Russia but grew up in Prague. She moved to the UK at just 19 years old to study at the London College of Fashion

Ekaterina demonstrated her sartorial prowess at the wedding, pairing her simple frock with an on-trend pair of nude heels

Friends Dina Amer and Julio Santo Domingo, right, also attended the discreet ceremony

Ekaterina demonstrated her sartorial prowess at the wedding, pairing her simple frock with an on-trend pair of nude heels.

Far from the ostentatious floral bouquets often seen at royal weddings, the wavy-haired blonde carried just one bunch of yellow roses.

The bride also appeared to have opted for the 'no make-up make-up' look so popular this year, showing off her flawless complexion.

Ekaterina, left, has her own clothing company, EKAT, founded in 2013. Since then celebrities including Sienna Miller, Rita Ora and Poppy Delevingne have worn her designs

Prince Ernst, whose mother was a descendant of Queen Victoria donned a plain purple tie and dark suit for the ceremony, but may choose a more luxurious outfit at the weekend.

The pair will be married on Saturday 8 at the Marktkirche church in Hanover, then head to the castle Herrenhauser for a reception before a lavish dinner at Marienburg Castle.

Prince Christian, Ernst's brother, was a witness at the intimate ceremony, alongside friend of the couple, Dina Amer, but their father - who shares the same name as his elder son - was conspicuously absent.

Far from the ostentatious floral bouquets often seen at royal weddings, Ekaterina carried just one bunch of yellow roses

The 63-year-old, has reportedly refused to give the union his blessing - despite it being a year since Prince Ernst proposed to Ekaterina during a family holiday in Greece.

The older Prince is said to want properties and titles he gifted to his son signed back over into his possession, including the iconic Marienburg castle, where the wedding dinner will be held, German newspaper Handlesblatt reported.

If his son does not return the titles, Prince Ernst the elder will not attend the wedding on Saturday, it is claimed.
She is known for her gracious and demure demeanor but the Queen proved even she can lose her temper when she met a very naughty pony yesterday.

The 91-year-old monarch was filmed telling Cruachan IV the Shetland pony to 'go away' when he tried to take a bite out of her posy during a visit to Stirling Castle, in Scotland, yesterday.

The Queen, who has a lifelong love of horses, swiftly pulled the blooms behind her back before saying to the pony's minder: 'They always try to eat the flowers'.

Posy for a pony: Three-year-old Cruachan IV the Shetland pony nibbled on one of the Queen's purple blooms during a visit to Stirling Castle today

Delighted: The monarch, who has a lifelong love of horses, reached out to pet the pony's nose

The three-year-old pony, who is the mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, was part of the guard of honour who greeted the Queen as she arrived to mark her 70th anniversary as Colonel-in-Chief of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are spending Holyrood Week - known locally as Royal Week - visiting various regions in Scotland, meeting subjects across all walks of life and hosting thousands at Holyrood Palace.

At Stirling Castle the Queen was presented with the keys to the castle by the Earl of Mar and Kellie, who is the hereditary keeper of the keys.

Two-year-old Lottie Dean, standing with mother Samantha and father Lance Corporal Christopher of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, then gave her a posy.

The Queen stopped on her way down the carpet that had been rolled out in her honour to meet the pony.

But as she came within biting distance, the cheeky pony took a chance and stuck out his head to nibble on a purple bloom.

Vibrant: The Queen, dressed in a fuchsia coat and matching hat, with Prince Philip at the castle

Warm welcome: Well-wishers lined the streets as the royal couple arrived in Stirling

The Queen appeared in good spirits as she made her way through the crowds to the castle

The Queen chastised the pony and moved the flowers out of reach before giving him a quick pat on the nose.

His minder could be heard telling the pony to be 'gentle' as Her Majesty extended her gloved hand towards him.

Keeping with her love of vibrant colours, the Queen sported a pink raw silk coat, a silk dress in similar shades and a matching hat by Rachel Trevor-Morgan.

When inside the palace, which her Her Majesty reopened in 2011, the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh both signed the visitors' book.

The Regimental Association then hosted a lunch with the royals inside the Grand Hall.
They may be a tad late, but the Lauren family still celebrated Independence Day this week with matching patriotic ensembles.

On Wednesday night, a day after Independence Day, Lauren Bush Lauren, 33, took to Instagram to post a family photo of herself, her 45-year-old husband David Lauren, and their one-year-old son James, all in nearly identical black-and-white striped sweaters.

The Americana ensembles  possibly by David's dad, designer Ralph Lauren  made for a sweet family snapshot at the end of a relaxing vacation in France.

Striped solidarity! Lauren Bush Lauren shared a matchy-matchy photo of her family after they arrived home from a trip to Provence, France

Flashback: Last year, they were in Kennebunkport, Maine celebrating with family, including Lauren's grandfather and former US preisdent George H.W. Bush

Funt trip: Lauren and her family has been exploring southern France since the last weekend in June

Little James is bearing a toothy smile in the picture, in which he is perched on his mother's hip.

'Smiles and stripes... Traveling together as a little family was such a treat! Even after 19+ hours of travel home today w a toddler, we are still glowing (and exhausted)!' Lauren wrote.

That 19 hours of travel time may have been due to the unavailability of direct flights from the Provence area to New York City. The family photo was also taken in a very green yard with trees, which is likely somewhere in the suburbs and not Manhattan.

The family had been exploring Provence, and posted pictures of the beautiful landscapes and beaches on Instagram.

David and James had met Lauren there during the last weekend in June for a family getaway. Lauren had been off on her own, visiting Africa for her nonprofit FEED organization.

French beauty: She and her husband David Lauren, 45, shared plenty of pictures of the beautiful countryside

Cutie: David also uploaded this cute photo of their little 'cherub in training'

Living it up: They posted snaps of the lavender fields and local architecture

Making memories: While away, she also uploaded this snap of one-year-old son James building a sand castle with her

Once together in southern France, Lauren and her family enjoyed an idyllic beach vacation, with James building his first sandcastle with his mother.

'Building our first sandcastle together...Summer joy!' she captioned an image of herself sculpting the sand with her hands as James watched in awe.

She and David also shared plenty of photos of the beautiful countryside, including the 'serene' lavender fields and local architecture.

On July 25, Lauren celebrated turning 33, with her husband sharing a touching tribute to her alongside a beautiful sunset snap.

Lauren also took to Instagram Stories that day to share her 'birthday highlights', including an adorable snapshot of her little boy wearing a blue romper, cardigan, and a white sun hat.

Stunning view: She celebrated her 33rd birthday at the beach there, and her husband shared this photo of her in honor of her special day

Doting mom: Lauren counted down her birthday highlights on her Instagram Stories, and number one on her list was kissing her one-and-a-half-year-old son James

Making memories: The FEED founder also listed dune walking with David and catching an 'other-worldly sunset' while away from their New York City home

Lauren explained that 'dressing baby James in this adorable outfit and kissing him all day long' was the first highlight on her list.

Next up was dune walking with David, and she happily shared a picture of him carrying his sandals while she walked behind him.

In the picture, James is wearing little sneakers to protect his feet from the rocks while he looks out at the ocean in front of him.

Lauren, the granddaughter of former president George H. W. Bush, and the niece of former president George W. Bush, went on to post a stunning image that sees her lovingly resting her cheek on the top of David's head while they posed in the sand.

The final highlight of Lauren's birthday was the 'other-worldly sunset' that she watched with her loved ones.

Look of love: Lauren posted this snapshot of herself lovingly resting her cheek on David's head

Beautiful day: 'Feeling beyond blessed and excited for the year ahead!' Lauren wrote

Far away from home: Before the family trip, Lauren was in Africa with her FEED team and Christian Courtin-Clarins (last row)

Lauren was so moved by the sunset that she shared multiple photos of it, including one on her Instagram page.

'Just watched the most beautiful birthday sunset on a dune with my love! Feeling beyond blessed and excited for the year ahead! #33,' she wrote.

Prior to the family vacation, Lauren was in Africa with her FEED team to visit some of the feeding programs her company helps fund with the World Food Programme.

Sge shared plenty of photos from her trip, and while she was away for Father's Day, she made sure to post a snapshot of beloved husband.

Looking back: After the trip, Lauren posted this photo of her and the FEED team swimming in the Indian Ocean

Happier than ever! Lauren and David celebrated the 13-year anniversary of their first meeting at the Met Gala in May

After the trip, Lauren shared a photo of the FEED team cooling off at the beach while explaining how she will never forget her recent trip.

'The FEED Team takes a dip in the Indian Ocean after many days of travel,' she wrote. 'Although I am no longer in Africa, I feel a piece of me remains there.

'I am changed from this trip and I feel a renewed energy and connection to humanity and the important work that lies ahead.'
A 16-year-old girl cleverly clapped back at a classmate who called plus-size models 'disgusting' and claimed 'no one wants to look at an obese model' during a class discussion.

Anna Sweetland, of Wilsonville, Oregon, took a health class online, which included a debate about digital manipulation in advertising. Her group had the discussion online by writing down their comments and responses to one another.

At one point, a male student, who hasn't been named, chimed in with a tirade that accused plus-size models of encouraging obesity and 'unhealthy habits'.

She told him: Anna Sweetland (pictured), of Wilsonville, Oregon, cleverly clapped back at a classmate who called plus-size models 'disgusting' during an online discussion

The student's comment, along with Anna's response, have since been made available on Twitter.

In his contribution to the debate, the student began by referring to a Target campaign for which the supermarket chain hired plus-size models.

'In a part of article 5, it talks about how Target is starting a body positive campaign, and are also using "plus-size" models, which is disgusting,' the boy's comment reads. 'There's no problem with not being ashamed of your body, but it's an entirely different thing when you're obese.

'The problem with campaigns like these is that they encourage obesity, unhealthy habits, and they say that you'll be happy no matter your size. This is wrong, and no one wants to look at an obese model.'

Anna took issue with the body-shaming comments and proceeded to reply with a detailed, polite answer.

Statement: The male student, who hasn't been named, chimed in with a body-shaming tirade that accused plus-size models of encouraging obesity and 'unhealthy habits'

Response: Anna, who is 16, thanked the male student for his input, then pointed out he should pay attention to his choice of words before explaining why all bodies should be represented

She began by thanking the boy for his input, then pointed out that some people are simply meant to be larger, regardless of their health status.

'I would like to start by saying that calling anyone's body "disgusting," isn't really called for, and you should be careful with your choice in adjectives,' she wrote. 'I agree with you that obesity is a bad thing, and it is a problem that our world is dealing with right now. However, I do not believe that plus size models are contributing to this disease.'

The girl then pointed out that many people struggle with eating disorders and encouraged her classmate to treat those who suffer from them with respect.

'Not all plus size model are obese or unhealthy. It is possible to simply be larger just from genetics,' Anna added.

She then referred to a Good Morning America sequence during which plus-size model Ashley Graham underwent a series of test and was found to have normal blood pressure as well as normal hemoglobin and cholesterol levels.

Finally, Anna explained to her classmate why it is important for bodies of all shapes and sizes to be seen by the public.

Values: The girl then pointed out that many people struggle with eating disorders and encouraged her classmate to treat those who suffer from them with respect

'Every body type needs to be portrayed in media, because everyone needs to be represented,' she wrote. 'Lastly, I would to like to inform you that your statement saying, "Nobody wants to look at an obese model," is false.

'You know who wants to see a plus size model? The 67 per cent of women in America who are plus-sized, and want to open a magazine and see somebody that looks just as beautiful as they do.'

The teen later told Yahoo about the exchange and explained that her classmate probably didn't understand how important it is for plus-size bodies to be represented as well.

You know who wants to see a plus size model? The 67 per cent of women in America who are plus-sized

'I think he just doesn't seem to understand that people in our society are constantly comparing themselves to one another,' she told the website.

'He doesn't seem to see the harm in only displaying one body type in the media. I guess he just isn't grasping the severity of the issue.'

The girl, who said she was a 'bigger kid' growing up, drew from her own experience being overweight as a freshman in high school. She recalled feeling insecure at the time and not feeling 'pretty enough' to pose in pictures.

But when she found models who looked like her and promoted body diversity and acceptance, Anna's view shifted and her self-esteem increased.

'There are a lot of bad things going on right now in our world,' she added, 'but I don't consider the change in our models to be one of them.'
Ask anyone having in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment and they will tell you that the process is emotional and tense.

Successful fertilisation of an egg is just the start  embryos need to grow in the laboratory for up to five days before being transferred into the womb.

But not all turn out healthy enough (or 'viable') to be implanted.

Anxious couples  who may have paid thousands for treatment privately  often constantly call the clinic for updates throughout.

Now a handful of clinics in the UK are offering patients the chance to see a live video stream of the development of their embryos, any time of the day or night from the comfort of their home.

Scroll down for video

IVF patients can now watch the development of their embryos by live streaming (file)

This footage, provided by IVF Cube, captures an embryo as it grows healthily  no doubt bringing great hope for one couple, along with one that wasn't meant to be.

The video was captured on an Embryoscope, a new type of special incubator that has a built-in camera.

This continuously captures images of the embryo several times an hour and records them as a video of the embryonic development.

There are no risks associated with the monitoring itself. The camera captures embryos in red light for a very short period of time  15 milliseconds.

As well as alerting embryologists of impending problems, it is now being used to keep patients in the loop, as long as they invest some time to educate themselves what they are looking for.

How does a healthy embryo develop?

During a typical round of IVF, an egg is collected from either a female patient or a female donor before being fertilised with sperm.

The embryo is then allowed to develop for between three to five days. If it has developed sufficiently, and with no abnormalities, it can then be transferred into the uterus.

A healthy embryo: Pictured (left) at the start and early on (right) showing good cell division

Fertilised eggs are called zygotes and are cultured in a specially formulated culture medium that supports their growth.

They will be assessed on the second and third day after retrieval.

If sufficient numbers of embryos exhibit good growth and development, they may be selected to grow to the blastocyst stage in a specially designed culture medium.

Embryos at this stage have a higher potential for implantation, meaning fewer embryos can be transferred on day five in order to reduce the chance of multiple pregnancies.

The healthy embryo shown divided correctly into two cells, then four, and on to eight cells

Low numbers of embryos and poor embryo quality reduce the chances of success.

After a transfer, a woman should find out if she's pregnant or not around ten days later.

Do couples know what they are looking at?

The footage also shows an non-viable embryo at the end stage  you can see the cells have not divided properly

UNDERSTANDING AN EMBRYOSCOPE According to Dr Hana Visnova, the important things to note while monitoring an embryo are: The rate which cell division takes place

The number of adverse fragments in an embryo

An embryo's 'multinucleation'  where cells that have more than one nucleus per cell  which has been found to produce poorer implantation and pregnancy rates. The initial embryonic cell division is particularly important. First, embryos divide into two cells, then four, and on to eight cells. However, if embryos deviate from this pattern  dividing from one to three cells, or from two to five cells  they result in statistically lower pregnancy rates. Advertisement

IVF Cube's medical director Dr Hana Visnova, whose clinic is in Prague, Czech Republic, is treating more and more visitors from the UK and Ireland who opt for live streaming.

She admits that it's not easy for the layperson to understand and interpret everything they're seeing on the stream.

She said: 'They need to invest a little time to educate themselves in how an embryo should grow and develop in order to get the best out of the service.

'Those who know little about human embryos can at first be slightly confused about the images they're seeing.

'They have no idea how to interpret what is normal and what is not normal.'

Therefore, all who sign up for the service  which costs 500  are given a detailed guide as to how to interpret the images.

Images can either be downloaded from the live feed, or the images can be provided on a USB memory stick from the clinic itself.

Patients feel in control

Dr Visnova says there are many benefits to the online monitoring of embryo.

'For us, it provides more information about development, reducing the number of embryos transferred without reducing the success rate of the overall treatment.

'And for the patients, they get to see for themselves, in real time, precisely how their cultivated embryos are developing.

'In the past, patients were typically calling the clinic on a daily basis to find out how many embryos they have, how the embryos are developing, or if they have survived at all.

'It can be an extremely stressful time  the need to know can be agonising.

'But with EmbryoScope, they can sit at home at midnight, when our clinic is closed and find answers to their questions.'

Dr Visnova says that the EmbryoScope service could help patients cope even if it's bad news.

'If a patient can see their embryo deteriorating, it can be an extremely difficult time.

'But many take comfort in the fact that they at least were able to monitor the situation themselves.'

Dr Visnova said especially when UK patients are dealing with clinics abroad  of varying reputations  live streaming provides confidence and trust in the service.

Since opening six years ago, IVF Cube has reported more than 550 positive pregnancy tests out of more than 670 Irish patients. This gives a cumulative success rate of 83 per cent.
Sophie, 7, loves her new doll, which was made to have identical scars to her

A seven-year-old burns survivor who calls her scarred skin 'mermaid scales' is learning to love her imperfections due to a doll with matching scars.

Sophie Lunstead from Groton in Massachusetts was left fighting for her life after accidentally spilling water over her stomach, legs and hands last year.

Remarkably, she pulled through and defied doctors' expectations by being well enough to walk out of hospital two months later.

Yet, she was left with second and third degree burns across 40 percent of her body  prompting cruel school bullies to brand them 'disgusting, gross and weird'.

Sophie overcomes their cruel jibes by comparing her marbled skin to the scales of a mermaid.

To mark her one-year burn-anniversary, Sophie's mother Nichole, 32, had a 'mermaid' doll with blemishes that match her daughter's made to help her 'see the good in her scars.'

Sophie suffered burns across her stomach, legs and hands after scolding herself with water

The seven-year-old from Massachusetts tells people she is part mermaid, just like her doll

BURNS AND SCALDS Burns and scalds are damage to the skin caused by heat. A burn is caused by dry heat, such as an iron or fire. A scald is caused by something wet, like hot water or steam. Aside from being painful, burns can cause red or peeling skin, blisters, swelling and white or charred skin. Treatment involves cooling and covering the burn, removing jewelry and taking painkillers, if necessary. Medical attention is required if the burn is chemical or electrical, large or deep, causes white or charred skin, or if it occurs in a sensitive area and blisters. Source: NHS Choices Advertisement

Nicole said: 'Sophie calls the scarring on her body 'scales', she thinks she's half mermaid.

'When she explains about being part mermaid the kids all understand and don't need any further explanation.

'This year to mark her "burn-aversary", a lady made her a doll with matching scars, it's a mirror reflection of her, it has all the darker areas of skin just like her.

'She was so overwhelmed when she realised the doll had identical scars.

'Things like that help her and are her little way of seeing the good in her scars.'

'I saw her skin coming off'

Sophie was burned last year while making macaroni and cheese with her brother Matthew, now 11, while their mother was upstairs.

The pair tried to empty pasta into a colander, but while Sophie was pouring the scalding water she slipped and the water burned her body.

Her mother said: 'I was going to the bathroom and told my son to wait for me before draining the hot water that we were boiling the macaroni with.

'When I was upstairs, I suddenly heard screaming and ran downstairs to find Sophie hysterically crying by the door.

'My son yelled "boiling water" and when [I] looked over at Sophie I saw her skin coming off, I quickly ran to her took off my shirt and wrapped it around her, all I could do was scream.'

Doctors did not know if Sophie would survive the horrific burns she experienced while cooking

Sophie was in hospital for two months after the accident in her home last year

Mother Nichole (right) is determined to help her daughter feel positive about her scars

Determined fighter

In hospital, the family were told Sophie would need skin grafts before relearning how to walk.

Then five, the youngster was determined to be at home for her 6th birthday and surpassed doctors' expectations by learning to walk a month early.

Her mother said: 'There was a chance she could die but she battled on.

'They never thought she would be walking so quickly and healing the way she did but she was determined.

'The burns were going to get worse over a period of time, they didn't know how badly she would be affected but every single day it continued to worsen and she was very sick.

'But she remained very strong and while recovering, doctors told her if she could walk a flight of stairs she could go home, somehow she did it.

'Step by step she relearned how to walk, she was so determined to be home for her birthday that despite all of her struggles she made it happen.'

Sophie's mother says the youngster stayed strong and learnt how to walk again a month early

'I WEAR MY FLAWS LIKE DIAMONDS' Ms McDonald suffered 75% burns A burns survivor branded a 'monster' by bullies after scorching butter melted her face is rejecting surgery because she loves her scars. Alyssa McDonald, 25, from Cincinnati in Ohio, was just two years old when she tipped scolding liquid onto her face. Family members said her skin was 'melting off' after the accident, which left her with third-degree burns on 75 per cent of her face and blind in one eye. After slipping into a coma her parents were told to start planning her funeral as there was 'no chance' she would wake-up. Yet, she defied doctors and went onto have more than 100 surgeries  including skin grafts, a prosthetic eye fit, and lip and eyebrow reconstructions. After deciding to stop all surgery at 16, Ms McDonald is slowly learning to love herself and now uses the motto 'I wear my flaws like diamonds' to describe her pride in how she looks. Advertisement

'She lights up a room'

Since being discharged from hospital, Sophie has returned to school and learned to embrace the scarring on her legs.

Despite facing some bullying, Sophie remains defiant and strong.

Her mother said: 'She still wears shorts like there's nothing wrong and for the most part is proud of her legs, she likes to show them off.

'Sophie knows if anyone says anything to her that she should say out loud, "I'm a survivor and I'm strong", we do all we can to keep her going.

'She's proud of her own scars and doesn't hide them away, she's isn't afraid to tell people what happened to her.

'I tell her all the time that she's my hero, this girl touches everyone's hearts when she meets them, she lights up any room she walks into and doesn't let anything bother her.'

As time goes on Sophie will need surgery to release some of the scar tissue that will restrict her future movement.

Her mother said: 'The skin is not so noticeable where her scars are, Shriners Hospital did a great job of marbling it so that the skin blends in.

'Sometimes it all comes back to me and I can't believe all this child went through, she's such a resilient little girl and stronger than anyone child I know.'
Children's toothpaste costs more but is often the same as adult brands, an expert claims.

Nicola Innes, professor of paediatric dentistry at the University of Dundee, states that may children-friendly toothpaste brands fail to contain the recommended concentrations of fluoride - which is crucial for healthy teeth.

The UK Department of Health states that youngsters under three years old should use a toothpaste with 1,000 parts per million of fluoride (ppmF), while everyone else needs 1,450ppmF - a target that is missed by eight of the 14 biggest-selling children's brands.

A guide on the most cost-effective toothpastes on the market, shown below, also reveals that some of the options with the lowest fluoride concentration charge the most per 100ml.

Opting for products with a cartoon character on the packaging to supposedly entice children into brushing their teeth is simply paying a premium for marketing, she adds.

Professor Innes, who took part in Channel 4's Supershoppers, advises parents give children over the age of three the same toothpaste they use for themselves - a move which could save them money.

In an article for The Conversation, Professor Innes outlines the most cost-effective children's toothpaste on the market and how parents can make the best choices for their youngster's dental health.

Children's toothpaste is a rip off: It costs more but is the same as adult brands, expert claims

A comparison of the price and fluoride content of children's toothpaste brands

Adult brands: Toothpastes with 1,450 ppmF are suitable for children over the age of three

TOOTHPASTE INGREDIENT CAUSES ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE A common ingredient of soap and toothpaste could be causing antibiotic resistance and fuelling the spread of superbugs, according to new research. Researchers found that triclosan, a chemical found in soap, toothpaste and cleaning products, could be making bacteria more immune to antibiotics. A new British study found that bacteria exposed to triclosan could become more resistant to a group of antibiotics known as quinolones. Quinolones are a common antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections, sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. The warning comes just a year after the use of triclosan in antibacterial soap was banned by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Advertisement

Untreated tooth decay in children is the most prevalent condition in the world.

It causes pain, infection, sleep loss, problems with eating and speaking, and time off school.

It is not a fair disease, affecting the most deprived in society more than anyone else.

A quarter of five-year-olds in England have tooth decay, averaging three or four decayed teeth each.

To help tackle this problem, toothpaste manufacturers have long marketed brands of toothpaste aimed at children.

They cover them in well-known cartoon characters such as the Disney princesses or Hello Kitty and offer offbeat flavours including strawberry ice cream, bubble gum and fruit burst.

They are often more expensive than the standard adult brands  but many parents are enticed to buy them to do the best for their childrens teeth.

As a paediatric dentist, I was recently asked by Channel 4s Supershoppers to discuss whether these brands are worth the money.

Its certainly a good question - look beyond the colourful packaging and theyre selling little of extra value.

Dos and don'ts

Preventing childrens tooth decay is simple enough in principle: If we reduced all childrens sugar intake and they all used fluoride toothpaste, we would eradicate more than a quarter of the problem.

A smear of toothpaste is enough for kids under three; a pea-sized amount is right for three to seven-year-olds, while anyone older should just use a ribbon of paste along the brush.

You should brush a childs teeth for two minutes twice a day and get them to spit but not rinse.

At nighttime, dont let them eat or drink after brushing. This allows the fluoride to strengthen the teeth overnight.

But ask which toothpaste to use and it gets more complicated.

Its important for parents to buy a brand that has the right amount of fluoride for their child (expressed as parts per million of fluoride (ppmF)).

Read the ingredients on the back of toothpaste tubes and you realise there is a big difference in the amount of fluoride in different brands.

Childrens brands vary from 500ppmF to 1,450ppmF while adult brands vary from 1,000ppmF to 1,450ppmF.

Based on strong evidence, the UK Department of Health and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network both state that to get the optimal benefit, children under three years of age should use a toothpaste with 1,000ppmF, while everyone else needs 1,450ppmF.

The reason why infants need less fluoride content is because there is a theoretical risk the toothpaste could cause white marks on developing teeth.

Beyond that, there is no reason in dental terms for any children to have their own toothpaste.

This doesnt stop some manufacturers marketing, say, toothpaste for five to seven-year-olds that contains 1,100ppmF.

The reality is that the guidance on toothpaste tubes can be misleading.

Professor Innes advises parents give children the same toothpaste they use for themselves

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The big squeeze

So why buy childrens brands? As you can see from the tables above, some of them do meet the guidelines on fluoride content.

All the same, almost every brand is more expensive per 100ml than a basic tube of, for example, Aquafresh with 1,450ppmF.

One justification is that children sometimes find the taste of mint toothpaste too strong and prefer other flavours.

Yet it is still possible to buy non-flavoured toothpastes that contain the right amounts of fluoride. If you cant find them in your local shops, you can source them online.

Sometimes children can be resistant to having their teeth brushed.

If they love a cartoon character featured on the packaging or advertising, this can help to get over this hurdle.

You might argue that such brands make toothbrushing fun and make children more willing to take part.

The downside is you are in danger of paying a premium for the marketing.

There is nothing in childrens toothpaste for child dental health that isnt contained in adult tubes.

At the end of the day, the only issue parents really have to concern themselves with is the level of fluoride.

For super-keen parents, recent research points to some extra benefits from an antibacterial agent called triclosan polymer, but I dont want to over-complicate things.

In my household, where no one is under the age of three anymore, we all use adult toothpaste.

We have no brand loyalty, buying whichever toothpaste offers the best value for money. So long as you follow the fluoride content, you wont go far wrong.

Dont let flashy pictures of expensive brands for little ones persuade you any differently.

From an article published in The Conversation by Nicola Innes, a professor of paediatric dentistry at the University of Dundee.
Life is becoming increasingly tough for farmers and those dependent on making a living from the land in India.

Not only are Indian farmers forced into giving up their land to make way for industry, they also face dwindling earnings and fewer job options if they relinquish their trade.

Experts say that there is an increased likelihood of bloody conflicts as the demand for scarce land rises.

More than 60 percent of India's population of 1.3 billion depends on agriculture

Farmers from Tamil Nadu wearing green dhotis and carrying skulls of other farmers who have committed suicide after one of the worst droughts in the state's history

Increased mechanisation is taking away some manual labour, while a lack of training of farmers and farm workers for alternate jobs is leaving them with few livelihood options.

The Indian government's rural employment programme and construction work to build ever-growing cities are inadequate to bridge the income gap, analysts say.

'These are people who have known only this one job all their lives,' said Bina Agarwal, a professor of development economics in the University of Manchester.

'These resource-poor, little educated people have few options outside agriculture except casual work, which would leave them poorer. Moving to the cities to work does not reduce poverty - it may even increase it,' she said.

Employment in Indian agriculture shrank by 26 million jobs in the period 2011 to 2015, according to the McKinsey Global Institute. Jobs in skilled sectors such as education, health and hospitality rose by 33 million in the same period.

Meanwhile, conflicts over land have risen as demand for industrial use increases, affecting millions of people and jeopardising billions of dollars of investment.

A 2013 land acquisition law aimed at protecting the rights of Indian farmers requires support for those displaced from their land - with jobs or homes - and compensation of up to four times the market value of their plot.

But while it was customary in the past for large industries to offer jobs to displaced farmers, it is less common now. Of the jobs being generated, most are contract with fewer benefits and greater insecurity.

Employment agriculture shrank by 26 million jobs in the period 2011 to 2015

'Earlier, especially with state-owned enterprises, hundreds and even thousands of jobs were created, which somewhat made up for the loss of land,' said Sudha Bharadwaj, a lawyer in Chhattisgarh state who represents villagers fighting land acquisitions.

'But now, there are very few permanent jobs created, so those giving up their land have fewer means of supporting themselves,' she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Deadly Protests

More than 60 percent of India's population of 1.3 billion depends on agriculture for its livelihood.

But more than three quarters of farmers own less than 2 hectares (5 acres) of land each, with falling incomes leading to rising debt and growing discontent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to double farmers' incomes over the next five years, but recent deadly protests show farmers are frustrated with the slow pace of reform.

Modi has made promises to farmers but the pace of reform under his leadership is slow

Protesters included even the wealthy land-owning Jats of Haryana state and the Marathas of Maharashtra, who are demanding job quotas in addition to better prices for farm output.

Agarwal cites a recent survey that showed about 40 percent of farmers, when asked if they liked farming, said they did not; they included both poor and wealthy farmers.

'Most farmers themselves want their children to leave farming - but a desire to quit does not match the ability to quit,' Agarwal said.

At the same time, a broader 'jobless growth' trend means not enough jobs are being created even as the Indian economy expands at a fast clip.

Only about 200,000 jobs were created in eight of India's most labour-intensive sectors in the last two years, compared with nearly 1 million jobs a year created in the previous two-year period, official data showed.

New Skills

The government last month diluted its goal of training 500 million people in new skills by 2022, a setback to the goal of boosting employment.

The ambitious 'Make in India' plan to boost manufacturing - and thus create jobs - and the 'Skill India' mission to improve workers' skills are also falling short, analysts say.

The rush to convert agricultural land into industrial land and industrial land into service land is partly responsible for the employment crisis, a trade union said in June.

Farmers across India are becoming increasingly angry

Only 200k jobs were created in India's labour-intensive sectors since 2015

While larger land owners may receive enough compensation for their land with which to buy land elsewhere or set up a business, smaller farmers can do little with the money they get and lose their ability to grow their own food.

Farm workers and tenant farmers who do not own the land they till are worse off, as they receive no compensation.

'We are trying to work out a way in which farmers do not lose out, and can improve their lives,' T. Haque, chairman of the land policy department at government think tank Niti Aayog, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

'But it will take time. It is a big challenge.'

For farmers like Ramdev Singh, who fears losing his small plot of land to India's first private gold mine in Chhattisgarh, the future looks bleak.

'Even if they give us money, that will get spent. What will we do then, what will our children do? How will we eat?'

'We do not see any benefit to giving up our land: we only see losses,' he said.
A hotel in Bengaluru refused to give a room to a couple as the husband was a Muslim and his wife a Hindu.

Shafeeq Subaida Hakkim and Divya DV, a couple from Kerala, were in Bengaluru for some official work. They needed an accommodation to stay but refused a room at Olive Residency on Annipuram Main Road in Sudhama Nagar.

The receptionist at the hotel said that a Hindu and Muslim cannot live together.

Shafeeq Subaida Hakkim and Divya DV, a couple from Kerala, were in Bengaluru for work

The receptionist went on to make his point saying that he has instructions not to give rooms to Hindu-Muslim couples as there may be problems.

Shafeeq said that they were shocked by the behaviour as they have never faced such a situation before.

'I wanted the room for just 2 hours since my wife Divya had come here for an interview with a prestigious law college. Divya is an LLM graduate and was looking to do her PhD here,' Shafeeq told India Today.

He said the hotel explicitly told them it's their policy not to allow inter-religion married couples.

When Divya asked him to show the hotel policy in print, the management flatly refused.

Shafeeq and his wife then got into another hotel and she managed to attend her interview. He now plans to file a complaint with the Kerala Human Rights Commission.
A terrible tragedy has given life to a heartwarming story in India's Capital.

In death, MBBS student Priyank Gupta emerged as the saviour of PhD scholar Pradeep Bamel who needed a cardiac transplant. The 20-year-old who died in a road accident also donated his kidneys, liver, corneas and skin so more lives can change for the better.

Priyank was a resident of Indore city and a first-year student at Index Medical College. He was a promising student and looked set to become a caring doctor.

Heart of GOLD: Priyank's family have been praised for creating awareness among people to donate organs (Priyank left)

On June 21, he was travelling with his friend on a motorcycle when they collided with a truck. Priyank died in the accident while his friend fractured his left arm and is receiving treatment.

'He was a brilliant and very talented guy,' the deceased's sister Deepanshi told Mail Today.

'Priyank used to tell us that when he would become a doctor, once a week he would provide free treatment to patients at our ancestral village as there are not many doctors in Patera, Madhya Pradesh.

'We just fulfiled our little brother's dream, even if he is not with us.'

India has a huge demand and little supply of organs. Most in need go without and sadly often they die.

Experts say many people are unwilling to donate relatives' organs due to religious beliefs, because they don't understand how it works, or because it is too difficult to do so due to red tape.

Priyank's brother, Swapnil Gupta, recounted the tragedy that claimed the youth's life.

Priyank (pictured with his sisters) provided free treatment to patients at their ancestral village in Patera

'Priyank was sitting at home when his friend, a senior in college, called him up,' he said.

'It was his friend's birthday the next day. So they left to make preparations. But unfortunately they suffered an accident with a truck.'

A call was made to Max Hospital in Saket on July 3 at around 1pm about the availability of a heart.

Without wasting a moment, doctors flew down to Indore, got the beating heart in just 2 hours 55 minutes and gave a fresh lease of life to Pradeep, 36, who was searching for a donor for nearly two years.

Dr Sanjay Dixit, secretary of Indore Organ Donating Society, told Mail Today, 'We consulted Priyank's family for organ donation and they agreed.'

While one of Priyank's kidneys was transplanted to a patient at Choithram Hospital in Indore, the other was sent to Bombay Hospital in the city.

A patient at CHL Hospital got the liver.

The skin was sent to skin bank and corneas to the MK International Eye Bank, also in Indore.

Pradeep Bamel recovers after the surgery in a city hospital

Dr Kewal Krishan, director of heart transplant at Max Hospital, Saket, told Mail Today, 'On July 3, we received a call from NOTTO (National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation) for a heart donor in Indore.

'We also had a patient who needed heart urgently.

'So, our team went to Indore to get the heart transplant done here. Pradeep, my patient, has been diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and was in search for a heart for the past two years.'

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition in which the heart becomes enlarged and cannot pump blood efficiently.

The decreased heart function can affect the lungs, liver, and other body systems. Pradeep, who has a two-year-old son, was not in a condition to speak with Mail Today.

His elder brother, Sandeep, told this reporter, 'We are really grateful to the donor's family for this noble gesture.

May the donor's soul rest in peace.' Sanjay Dubey, divisional commissioner and chairman of the Indore Organ Donating Society, said, 'In the past 20 months, we have done 22 green corridors in the state and worked under robust protocols to create these channels for transportation of harvested organs.

'We are proud of Priyank's family. This would surely create awareness among people to donate organs.

'We have now started a lifetime medical insurance of Rs 3 lakh for immediate family members of donors.' The traditional method of transporting organs by road is referred to as a 'green corridor'.

This process entails police escorting an ambulance, as to move around traffic  usually a specific traffic lane is chosen and all signals on the route stay green.
India Today magazine in its latest issue reveals that the on-going stand-off between India and China at the Doklam plateau was triggered by a Chinese manoeuvre on the night of June 8 - barely hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Chinese President Xi Jinping the following day in Astana, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.

On the night of June 8, a platoon of China's Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) is alleged by the magazine to have stealthily moved into the plateau and razed stone bunkers that the Royal Bhutan Army (RBA) had constructed years ago and manned occasionally.

In doing so, China seems to have made a pre-meditated move to alter the status quo that prevailed for decades in the sensitive Doklam plateau that abuts the India-China-Bhutan trijunction, and is contested by China and Bhutan.

: Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Chinese President Xi Jinping walks past Russian honour guards

China's manoeuvre unfolded the day before the Modi-Xi meet at Astana, which was surprisingly cordial. As Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar said after the June 9 meeting, 'There was an understanding that where we have differences, it is important that differences should not become dispute.'

Yet China undertook its manoeuver in Doklam barely hours before. This is not the first time that the PLA's actions have contradicted the seemingly reassuring words of its leader Xi, who heads the powerful Central Military Commission.

In September 2014, as Modi hosted Xi in Gujarat and the two leaders were photographed on a jhula and doing a diplomatic tango, the PLA violated the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Chumar and Demchok in Ladakh in the western sector.

Indian and Chinese troops on the border (file pic)

When Modi confronted Xi over these intrusions, an embarrassed Chinese leader is said to have got his troops to withdraw and end the border stand-off after he returned.

In Doklam, it took a week before Bhutan comprehended China's game-plan and confronted the PLA on June 16.

The Indian Army approached the PLA two days later, leading to a dangerous stand-off that has strained relations between the two countries.
British Gas is to be investigated over claims some customers who have switched away from the provider may have been overcharged, the energy regulator said today.

Ofgem is looking into whether British Gas wrongly charged its customers exit fees when they switched to other providers in the last 49 days of their fixed-term contract.

Under Ofgem rules providers are not allowed to charge penalty fees to customers who switch towards the very end of their contract.

British Gas to be investigated by the energy regulator about overcharging claims

If British Gas has overcharged customers, it will have breached energy licence conditions and may be required to pay back the money, plus interest, to those affected.

Fixed-term energy tariffs last for a set period - usually a year long. Sometimes if you end the contract early and switch to a different provider you will be required to pay a penalty fee.

These fees are typically around 30 per fuel but energy providers cannot charge them if customers are in the last 49 days of the period.

This is so that customers are not put off switching around the get the best deal before they are automatically shifted on to their supplier's default tariff, which tends to be much more expensive.

The investigation by Ofgem has been launched following on from concerns raised by the website MoneySavingExpert.com.

HAS BRITISH GAS OVERCHARGED YOU? Have you switched from British Gas before and paid exit fees while in the last 49 days of your contract? Or did it give you the wrong information about these charges? If so we would like to hear from you. Contact: rebecca.rutt@thisismoney.co.uk

It says it gave the regulator a dossier of evidence showing that some British Gas, Npower and Eon customers had been given the wrong information around when they would have to pay exit fees.

Ofgem said in a statement: 'The investigation will examine whether British Gas breached licence conditions relating to British Gas' obligations to customers who switch to another supplier, including the requirement to waive termination fees.

'The opening of this investigation does not imply that we have made any findings about non-compliance.'

A spokesperson from British Gas said: 'British Gas will co-operate fully with Ofgem to address the issues raised in today's announcement.'

Npower said: 'Last year Npower issued some customer correspondence which incorrectly stated they would be charged an exit fee. The error was solely in the wording of the letter and no termination fees were actually charged to customers. We have already taken action to resolve the issue.'

While Eon commented: 'As always well continue to work with Ofgem as appropriate.'

It is not clear how long the investigation will take but once it has been completed Ofgem will publish the full findings and if British Gas is found to have breached its licence it will include recommendations on what it will need to do to affected customers.

MoneySavingExpert told us it had given Ofgem the details of around 20 British Gas customers who had been given the wrong information around exit fees and has since heard more examples of this.

Customers with a fixed-rate tariff typically benefit from the cheapest prices on the market compared to those with their provider's standard variable tariff. Separate research this week showed that those with a fixed tariff due to end soon could see their bills rise by up to 51 per cent.

Providers are not allowed to charge fees if a customers is within 49 days of the contract ending

There are 22 dual fuel and gas-only tariffs ending on July 31, and customers with one of these tariffs are able to switch now without being charged an exit fee, because they are within the 49-day window.

Energy switches usually take around three weeks so if your tariff is due to expire at the end of the month, it's now time to think about switching to avoid a big spike in your energy bills.

Mark Todd, founder of energyhelpline said: 'When cheap energy deals end customers can get hit by huge price rises if they do nothing and are then moved on to expensive standard rates. Price rises of up to 51 per cent or 399 a year are possible.

'If your fixed rate is ending this month, use a price comparison service and switch to a new cheap deal to keep on saving. You can get cheap energy year after year but you do need to switch as your cheap deal ends.'

Standard variable tariffs are the most expensive on the market and in the run-up to the recent election a price cap on these tariffs was promised by Theresa May.

It was claimed this could save 17 million households around 100 per year, yet since the election result there has been no confirmation as to whether this will go ahead.

Last year the Competition and Markets Authority published the results of an investigation into the energy market which found that those with one of these tariffs were collectively overpaying by around 1.4 billion every year.

This week Ofgem said it was looking into introducing a cap for vulnerable customers with a standard variable tariff. This has been widely criticised by MPs and consumer groups who are calling for a cap for all customers on these pricey tariffs.
Britons could have little cream to go with their mince pies this Christmas as the UK is heading for a butter and cream shortage, the boss of dairy giant Arla has warned.

Peder Tuborgh told the BBC Today programme the shortage was caused by not enough milk being supplied by farmers to make the products, which are expected to rise in price as a result.

The first sign we will see of it [shortage], is that the price of butter rises very sharply, Tuborgh told the BBC.

Warning: Cream and butter could be in short supply by Christmas, according to dairy boss

His warning comes as butter is already 20 per cent more expensive than last year, according to recent data by market research firm Kantar Worldpanel.

Denmark-based Arla is a European cooperative owned by 12,000 farmers in seven countries, of which 2,500 are in Britain - its largest milk buyer.

In the UK, Arla is also the owner of popular brands such as Anchor butter and Cravendale milk.

Tuborgh said the milk shortage was a result of farmers putting the brakes on to milk production in 2016 after a previous over-production which had caused a big fall in prices.

The National Farmers Union told the BBC that Tuborghs warnings were scaremongering, but agreed there had been record prices for wholesale cream and butter in recent weeks.

However, it also said that farm-gate milk price, or the price paid to producers, had failed to keep up, and that this was extremely concerning.

Tuborg said the increase in price for consumers would be different across Europe.
American women were not officially allowed to serve in the military until 1948, but female soldiers were fighting for their country long before the mid-20th century.

A new book has revealed the extraordinary history of women in uniform and shows how they carried out vital roles as cooks, laundresses, spies, and went into combat undercover for centuries.

It's My Country Too: Women's Military Stories from the American Revolution to Afghanistan, tells how girls as young as 12 had dressed in men's clothing to fight in the Revolutionary War, while others charged onto the battlefield while pregnant.

Authors Jerri Bell, a retired naval officer and journalist, Tracy Crow a former Marine Corps officer and author, and Kaya Williams, a former intelligence specialist, went through hundreds of military women's memoirs, personal essays, diaries, letters, pension depositions and interviews.

Extraordinary memoirs and letters of female veterans reveal how women fought on the front lines disguised as men to protect their country. Pictured: Loreta Janeta Velazquez (left) dressed and posed as a lieutenant called Harry T Buford (right) during the Civil War

Women working as nurses proved to be just as brave as men as they risked their lives running out to carry injured soldiers on stretchers with shells exploding all around them.

However, the voices of America's female veterans rarely made it into print and never with the same level of publicity or critical acclaim as their male counterparts.

According to the book, men sometimes took the credit for the bravery of women, and women's commitment to their country has often been 'overlooked, ignored, or dismissed as unimportant'.

As Williams puts it: 'Each war (women) served in was also another battle to prove our worth and the legitimacy of our contributions'.

REVOLUTIONARY WAR: HOW HEROINES OF INDEPENDENCE 'ASSUMED THE DRESS OF WARRIORS'

Since the beginning of American history women made up groups of irregular fighters who played a key role in defending the nation.

According to one estimate 20,000 women were part of the Continental Army which fought against the British between 1775 and 1783.

They served mostly in local defensive operations and typical of them was Prudence Cummings Wright.

Revolutionary: Deborah Sampson Gannett was a member of the Continental Army and enlisted in 1782 under the name Robert Shurtliffe

The 35-year-old mother of six from Pepperell, Massachusetts recruited around 40 women to guard a local bridge, dressing as men and capturing British couriers who they turned over to their side.

Margaret Corbin, a military nurse, replaced her husband at his cannon when he was killed in the Battle of Fort Washington on November 16, 1776.

She continued to fire until her position was overrun by the British even after she had been hit in the jaw by three musket balls and grapeshot.

Corbin was captured and eventually released, and Congress awarded her a military disability pension in 1779, the first woman to get one.

Sarah Osborn was married to a commissary guard in the Continental Army and accompanied him to the front lines as well.

In a deposition to apply for a widow's pension she said that she once General Washington who asked her if she was 'not afraid of the cannonballs'.

She replied: 'No, the bullets would not cheat the gallows - it would not do for the men to fight and starve too.'

Deborah Sampson Gannett was another member of the Continental Army and was the first women to tell the story of her military service to a public audience.

She revealed she disguised herself as a man and enlisted in 1782 under the name Robert Shurtliffe.

Resilience: During the Battle of Fort Washington (pictured) Margaret Corbin, a military nurse, replaced her husband at his cannon after he was killed. She continued firing even after she was shot in the jaw by three musket balls and grapeshot

Gannett was discharged the following year when a fever led doctors to discover her sex, but she successfully petitioned for a military pension.

In her memoir she wrote of how she 'burst the tyrant bonds which held my sex in awe and clandestinely grabbed an opportunity which custom and the world seemed to deny as a natural privilege'.

Gannett said that she 'did throw off the soft habiliments of my sex and assume those of the warrior, prepared for battle'.

CIVIL WAR: 'DISTAFF SOLDIERS' CHEWED TOBACCO, DESERTED, AND EVEN SHOT AN ATTEMPTED SEX ATTACKER IN THE FACE

In 1861 a New England spinster wrote in her diary: 'I long to be a man but as I can't fight I will content myself working with for those who can'.

But that was not always the case according to memoirist Mary Livermore who wrote that nearly 400 women fought on both sides of the Civil War dressed as men, though there could well have been many more.

They were known as 'distaff soldiers' and took advantage of lax army physicals; doctors often only checked for a trigger finger and for enough teeth to rip open a rifle cartridge.

Working class women were used to physical labor and underage men had higher voices and no facial hair. Loose clothing hid feminine curves and men did not know what women looked like in pants.

Soldiers also slept in their clothes and used the woods as a toilet.

Civil war: Sarah Emma Edmonds revealed in her memoir that she dressed as a man and enlisted for three years under the name 'Franklin Thompson' in the Second Michigan Infantry in 1861 - a Confederate captain conscripted her without realizing she was a woman and forced her to fight against Union soldiers

Some women even adopted 'masculine vices' like chewing tobacco, gambling, fighting and chatting up other women.

These 'distaff soldiers' served in every rank from private to major, working as scouts, guards and spies.

The youngest known female to fight was just 12 years old and women fought at famous battles such as Gettysburg and the siege of Vicksburg.

Only three deserted and two changed sides, six served while pregnant and a Union soldier fought at Antietam in her second trimester and Vicksburg in her third.

There was only one known reported sexual assault - the intended victim, a Union soldier, responded by shooting her attacker in the face.

Those who served as spies risked being executed if they were discovered. Some 3,200 women served as nurses on the front line, many through the US Christian Commission, a forerunner of the American Red Cross.

Sarah Emma Edmonds dressed as a man and enlisted for three years under the name 'Franklin Thompson' in the Second Michigan Infantry in 1861.

Brave: Women were at the front lines for one the most significant battles ever fought in American history. Pictured: Aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War

She worked as a mail carrier and a spy and wrote her memoir in 1864: 'Memoirs of a Soldier, Nurse and Spy: a Woman's Adventures in the Union Army'.

She described how when she was a Union spy a Confederate captain tried to conscript her without realizing she was a woman and forced her to fight against Union soldiers.

During the battle she shot the captain in the face to, as she puts it with a dry wit, 'cancel my obligations' to him.

She writes: 'I was sorry for the graceful curve of his mustache was sadly spoiled and the happy bride of the previous morning would no longer rejoice in the beauty of that manly face and exquisite mustache which seemed so proud'.

When the Civil War began Loreta Janeta Velazquez convinced her husband to join the Confederate side.

She then cross-dressed and posed as a lieutenant called Harry T Buford, fought in several battles and left the Army to work as a double agent for the Confederacy.

Her memoir, which was published in 1876, has been questioned for its accuracy ever since it was published, but it was groundbreaking in how it described her enlisting for adventure rather than out of patriotism.

She had a number of romantic liaisons, including another woman dressed as a man who were posing as soldiers too.

In one part she describes how her husband tried to dissuade her from joining up by letting her wear some of his clothes and going to bars to see what it was like.

Nursing role: Men and women are seen outside of the United States Sanitary Commission during the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863

She writes that after 'unsexing' herself, braiding her hair very close, and putting on a man's wig she walked out the house in her best masculine gait.

When they arrived in the bar she was not impressed by the barflies she saw and concluded that 'the biggest talkers are not always the best fighters'.

While in military training camp she wrote: 'The manner in which too many men are in the habit of referring to the other sex in conversation amongst themselves is thoroughly despicable

'...it would be beneficial to many of my sex if they could listen to some such conversations and learn how little respect or real regard men have for them'.

One of America's most popular heroines, Harriet Tubman, was best known for guiding slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad but she also served with the Union Army as a nurse, scout and spy in South Carolina.

On a trip to Beaufort in 1862 where she is thought to have been dealing with 'contrabands', or former slaves who arrived at Union camps, she refused soldiers' rations.

Instead she supported herself by baking gingerbread pies and brewing root beer to sell to soldiers.

Tubman used her network of former slaves to provide intelligence about Confederate troop movements that was invaluable to Unionists.

Witnesses to the bloodshed: One female veteran Loreta Janeta Velazquez, who worked as a double agent for the Confederacy, said she enlisted for adventure rather than out of patriotism. Her side's defeat was presaged by the turning point of Gettysburg, where at Devil's Den, in the aftermath of the battle, Confederate corpses were lined up for photographs

Dr Mary Edwards Walker worked as an assistant surgeon for the Union Army - her initial application was rejected by Simon Cameron, the secretary of war - so she went around relief hospitals in Washington until one allowed her to work there.

In her memoir 'Incidents Connected with the Army' she wrote of how male surgeons amputated limbs of soldiers who only had flesh wounds 'for the purpose of their own practice' which she thought was barbaric and cruel.

She began telling soldiers not to give their consent for the operation if she felt it was unwarranted, swearing them to secrecy in doing so.

Walker worked at the battle of Vicksburg and her work at battlefield hospitals near Chickamauga, where Union forces suffered 16,000 casualties, impressed General George G Thomas.

He overruled a medical board evaluation of her skills - they belittled her and only asked questions about women's health - and appointed her as an assistant surgeon to the 52nd Ohio Volunteers at Fort Gordon, Georgia.

She was captured by the Confederates and upon her release went back to work, carrying out humanitarian and espionage missions behind enemy lines.

After ending her military service in 1865 President Andrew Johnson awarded her the Medal of Honor for her 'patriotic zeal to the sick and wounded'.

WORLD WAR ONE: FIRST WOMAN ENLISTS AS ANYTHING OTHER THAN A NURSE - AND THE 'HELLO GIRLS' DEFY GERMAN SHELLING

Women took on an unprecedented role in the military during World War I and by the end nearly 21,500 women had served in the Army Nurse Corps with nearly 10,000 posted overseas.

On March 17 1917 Loretta Perfectus Walsh became the first woman to officially enlist in the US armed forces in a non-nursing capacity.

She later became the Navy's first female petty officer.

Women were not initially allowed to serve at sea and worked on shore as typists, stenographers, truck drivers, intelligence analysts and clerks.

Some with training as electricians filled primers on torpedoes which set off the explosives; men filled on average 29 a week but women averaged 162.

Historic: By 1917 during WWI, Loretta Perfectus Walsh became the first woman to officially enlist in the US armed forces in a non-nursing capacity - she later became the Navy's first female petty officer

Some 450 women enrolled in the Signal Corps from 1918 onwards and became known as the 'Hello Girls' - the Army trained them but they paid for their own uniforms.

In October 1918 a dozen female signal operators were ordered to near the front at Ligny to help deal with the communications between Allied troops when they came under heavy shelling from the Germans.

The women refused to leave their posts until they were threatened with a court martial for disobeying orders. They returned to their switchboards within an hour.

After the war when the women requested their Victory Medals and honorable discharges they discovered the Army only considered them contract workers, so if they had been captured or killed they would have had no military status and their families would have got no benefits.

Dedication: In 1918, a dozen female signal operators, also known as the Hello Girls, refused to leave their posts until they were threatened with a court martial to near the front at Ligny to help deal with the communications between Allied troops when they came under attack by the Germans

Among the heroes of WWI was Beatrice MacDonald who was from New York and enlisted to the Army nurse corps in 1917.

During the conflict she was stationed in France at the Second Evacuation Hospital and was hit by shrapnel from a German air raid.

Surgeons had to remove the whole eye but she returned to work six weeks later and said: 'I've only started doing my bit'.

Beatrice Macdonald, an army nurse during the first World War, had her whole eye removed after she was hit by shrapnel, but returned to work six weeks later

Cassie White and Minna Meyer were working as nurses five miles west of Verdun in France in November 1918 when the Germans began shelling their hospital.

White ordered that the patients be evacuated and with too few soldiers around to help them, she and Meyer carried them all to safety on stretchers through the knee deep mud and pouring rain - with shells exploding around them.

Leila Leibrand was among the first 10 women to join the Marines in 1918.

She was a divorcee with a young daughter and used her eighth-grade education and stenographers course to get a job as a newspaper reporter in Missouri in 1911.

Within five years she was writing scripts for Hollywood and she worked in the publicity department for the Marine Corps and wrote articles for military papers.

After the war she married and managed the career of Virginia McMath, better known as Ginger Rogers.

WORLD WAR II: 500 WOMEN PAY THE ULTIMATE PRICE - AND OTHERS SHOW MEN HOW TO FIGHT

By the end of WWII 350,000 women - all volunteers - had served in the armed forces with more than 500 of those killed.

Women flew planes, trained male pilots and worked as translators, intelligence experts and on the Manhattan Project to develop a nuclear bomb.

But they still had to overcome resistance to their progress up the ranks.

Men and jealous wives started rumor campaigns that 90 per cent of women in the military were prostitutes and nearly half were being sent home pregnant.

Other rumors claimed that all women in the armed forces had been issued condoms.

Among the nurses who served during WWII was Avis Schorer who went ashore on the beaches of Normandy five days after D-Day.

In her memoir: 'A Half Acre of Hell: A Combat Nurse in WWII', she wrote that instead of being welcomed men on the shore shouted: 'What the hell are women doing here? This place is hot. Take the first vehicle and get out of here'.

Josette Wingo, who served in the Navy during WWII taught men how to shoot down enemy aircraft and recalled in her memoir hearing male sailors chanting: 'It takes five of your broads what two guys can do'

Among the nurses who served during WWII was Avis Schorer who went ashore on the beaches of Normandy five days after D-Day (US troops seen flooding Omaha

Still, they were not welcomed ashore as Schorer recalls being shouted at by male troops who said: 'What the hell are women doing here? This place is hot. Take the first vehicle and get out of here'

Schorer stayed put and watched a dogfight from her Red Cross tent that led to an Allied plane crashing 200 yards from her.

She wrote that in her first 36 hours their 750-bed hospital admitted 1,129 casualties and Schorer was on duty for 36 hours straight. She dug herself a fox hole and slept in her clothes amid constant air raids and shelling.

She then began to avoid the mess hall because meal times were when the Germans liked to attack. During one strike, the Germans used 100 planes to drop bombs directly on them, where Schorer lost a close friend.

Despite making strides in the military, women were still facing sexism from their own counterparts.

WWII veteran Josette Wingo taught men how to shoot down enemy aircraft and recalled in her memoir hearing male sailors chanting: 'It takes five of your broads what two guys can do'.

Mary C Lynne served in the US Coast Guard Women's Reserve and wrote in her memoir that male soldiers reacted to her with everything from and 'enthusiastic reception through to amused condescension to open hostility'.

She wrote: 'Any woman who tries to become part of a man's world is automatically placing herself at the beginning of an obstacle course'.

Dozens of other women were taken captive by the Japanese in the Philippines and kept as prisoners of war where they endured starvation rations and their captors trying to sexually assault them at night.

By 1948, President Truman issued Executive Order 9981 finally establishing equality of treatment and opportunity in the armed services.

Black women began to serve as nurses though initially they worked in segregated units commanded by a black woman.

AND NOW: WOMEN WITH SILVER STARS AND EVEN FEMALE INFANTRY MARINES

In the aftermath of WWII thousands of women were recruited by the OSS, what became the CIA and Special Operations Command.

Away from the front lines their talents were put to use analyzing intelligence, breaking codes and managing the flow of classified material.

During the Vietnam War women did not serve until nearly a decade after the conflict began.

Making history: Earlier this year three women became the first female members of the Marine Corps Infantry - Maria Daume (pictured with her mother) graduated in March and is now the fourth to enlist in that career field

After that they were widely deployed, though often behind the front lines or in administrative and secretarial jobs.

The first women who went through the Army Reserve Officers Training Program (ROTC) graduated in 1976, meaning they got the military same education as the men.

Some 24,000 women served in Operation Desert Shield in Iraq in 1990 and proved integral to operations against Saddam Hussein's regime.

Four years later Secretary of Defense Les Aspin changed the rules so that women were able to apply for any position, bar those below brigadier which involved direct combat.

The new book reveals the extraordinary history of women in uniform through hundreds of military women's memoirs, personal essays, diaries, letters, pension depositions and interviews

Since then women have served on the front lines in Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia and Kosovo fighting terrorists and doing peacekeeping.

On June 16 2005 Sgt. Leigh Ann Hester became the first woman to be awarded a Silver Star for her bravery in Iraq.

She led her team through the 'kill zone' during an ambush where she and her squad leader cleared to enemy trenches and killed three insurgents with her rifle.

The 2011 killing of former Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was the work of an unnamed female CIA agent who spent 10 years tracking him down.

Two years later Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta lifted the ban on women taking part in direct ground combat and two years later his successor Ash Carter directed the full integration of women in the US armed forces.

Earlier this year three women became the first female members of the Marine Corps Infantry, a major milestone for women serving in the military.

In March, Maria Daume became the fourth woman to enlist in that career field after graduating from the Marine Corps School of Infantry, in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. She will be joining 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment.
The death of the traditional car rolled closer yesterday after Volvo announced it was going electric.

The Swedish firm known for its chunky diesel estates said no model brought in after next year would rely solely on an internal combustion engine.

Instead the cars will be fully electric or hybrid, combining electric and conventional engines.

The RAC Foundation suggested it could be 'the spark which turns modern motors electric'.

No longer an electric dream: Volvo will not make a diesel or petrol-only model ever again as of 2019 after promising that every new car will have an electric motor

Figures out yesterday showed a 15 per cent drop in UK sales of diesels following dire warnings about air pollution deaths and costly levies.

The data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders also revealed a surge in sales of electric and hybrid models.

Volvo, which is owned by China's Geely, said it will launch five electric cars by 2021. It has yet to build any at its factories in Sweden, Belgium, China and the US but does make four hybrid models.

It will continue to produce its current models with petrol or diesel engines after the 2019 cut-off.

Volvo chief Hakan Samuelsson said his firm's move marked the end of the solely combustion engine- powered car.

He said the announcement underlined the manufacturer's commitment to minimising its environmental impact and making cities cleaner. The decision will increase pressure on the Government to ramp up investment in charging points.

MPs fear the national grid will be unable to cope if millions of drivers switch to electric cars.

Mr Samuelsson acknowledged the need for more charging points but added: 'We have a very flexible concept. The infrastructure for charging is a limitation but we have this twin engine which is much more suitable.

'If you have a garage of your own you can charge it overnight. I think it's a car for the UK.'

Volvo Cars has been building plug-in hybrid models at its Torslanda plant in Sweden since 2011

SWEDES WHO TAKE THE LEAD Volvo means I roll in Latin  the first car was named Jakob. In 1959, one of its engineers invented the three-point seatbelt. It didnt patent the design in the belief that everybody should be safe. When redesigning its seats in the 1960s, Volvo worked with orthopaedic surgeons to create a design that would reduce driving-induced back pain. The Swedish companys crash test cars are subject to the same machinery that tests the structural integrity of buildings during earthquakes. Irv Gordon, a retired science teacher from Long Island, USA, has driven over three million miles in his Volvo P1800. Volvo was responsible for the first child-friendly car seat in 1967. Advertisement

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said: 'Millions of drivers will wonder if this is the spark that turns the modern motor car electric.

'There are some huge, global auto companies that are still invested in making the internal combustion engine as clean as it can be, and with long product lead times things won't go ultra-green overnight.'

He said the decision recalled Volvo's pioneering introduction of the three-point seatbelt in 1959.

Tesla announced this week that the first of its mass-market Model 3 electric cars will roll off the production line tomorrow. With a price tag of around 27,000, they will be the most affordable to date from the US firm.

British motorists may have to wait until next year for right-hand drive versions to appear.

There are just 11,000 public charging points across the UK and only 800 of them offer fast charging. This generally rules out longer journeys in electric-only cars.

The Government is introducing legislation requiring all petrol stations and motorway services to install electric charge points.

It has previously announced a 35million fund for charge points on streets and in workplaces.

Charlie Elphicke, Tory MP for Dover and Deal, said: 'The decision by Volvo is a watershed moment and underlines the urgent need to be ready and prepared for an electric future.

'But to make that happen we need to make sure we have the fast charging points and infrastructure to make these cars practical for families travelling up and down the land.'

As of 2019, all new Volvos launched will have an element of electrification, whether that be to supplement a petrol or diesel engine or power the vehicle entirely

Diesel cars had been favoured because they are more fuel efficient, producing less carbon dioxide than petrol engines

The SMMT said sales of diesel cars fell 14.7 per cent from 121,399 in June last year to 103,564 last month. Purchases of petrol cars rose by 2.5 per cent to 129,169. Sales of electrics and hybrids jumped 29 per cent to 10,721. Motorists appear to be worried that town halls will copy London mayor Sadiq Khan in imposing tough levies on diesel drivers.

Motoring groups complain that drivers who were encouraged to buy diesel cars with tax incentives introduced by Tony Blair's government are now being unfairly singled out.

Councils have been told to focus on cutting nitrogen oxide emissions while campaigners have taken the Government to court over the issue.

Ministers are also considering higher road tax for diesel drivers.

Diesel cars had been favoured because they are more fuel efficient, producing less carbon dioxide than petrol engines.

Howard Cox, founder of the FairFuelUK campaign, said: 'Our supporters remain intensely angry  their expensive diesel vehicles will continue to plummet in value with their cost of motoring soaring.'

Making its announcement yesterday, Volvo outlined plans to sell one million electric vehicles globally by 2025. It sold 534,332 cars last year, almost 47,000 in the UK.

A history of the internal combustion engine which is drawing to an end and how the new Volvo engine works Within an internal combustion engine, fuel is ignited within an enclosed chamber which then in turn provides energy to the wheels. Unlike the external combustion engine, like the steam engine which is run by a the boiler heating water outside the engine itself, all the reactions are contained within the device. The first successful internal combustion engine was created by Samuel Brown in 1823, but it wasn't until in 1877 when Nikolaus Otto invented the first four-stroke cycle internal combustion engine that the prototype for the modern engine was invented. Volvo hasn't confirmed how many of the five new cars it promises by 2021 will be powered by electric or combine an electric motor with a combustion engine (as seen here in the dual-engine V60) A modern internal combustion engine works in four basic steps. The first is the intake of fuel and oxygen which are injected into the combustion chamber. The compression stage sees a piston move towards the engine's spark plug, putting pressure on the mixture in the chamber. Third is the expansion which is when the spark plug creates a small spark which ignites the mixture, firing the piston back. When that reaction happens, the cooled remains from inside the chamber are released through the exhaust. The Volvo model is set to combine the internal combustion engine with effectively an external one, which will come in the form of a high-voltage electric battery which can be charged at docking stations. Drivers of the Swedish cars have previously been given the option of running their vehicles just using the petrol engine, but they will soon only have two choices - hybrid or pure electric. Hybrid: This is the default mode, suitable for everyday use. Here, the vehicle will automatically alternate between drawing power from the 2-litre, 4-cylinder Drive-E engine and the electric motor to deliver the best overall fuel consumption. Pure electric: In this mode, when the high-voltage battery is fully charged, it serves as the car's sole energy source, powering the electric motor over the rear axle. The XC90 T8 has a range of more than 40km using just electricity, which covers the total distance most people drive in one day. And thanks to the regenerative braking system, this mode is super-efficient in the stop-and-go traffic of city environments. If more power is needed, the Drive-E combustion engine starts up automatically. Advertisement

Two of the new electrified models promised between 2019 and 2021 will be released under the Polestar banner - this is Volvo's performance brand (like AMG is to Mercedes). The bright blue paint is traditional for these more potent Volvo models

When it was crash tested by Euro NCAP in 2012, the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid scored full marks with a five-star safety rating

The Swedish car maker's second plug-in hybrid model arrived in 2016 in the shape of the XC90 Twin Engine, which currently costs from 60,455

Only last month, Volvo said it would reshape its Polestar business into a standalone brand, focused on high-performance electric cars aimed at competing with Tesla and the Mercedes-AMG division.

Volvo has also taken steps towards an eventual listing, raising 5 billion crowns from Swedish institutional investors through the sale of newly issued preference shares last year, though the company has said no decision on an IPO has been made.
The governor of Virginia announced this afternoon he won't spare the life of a death row inmate whose lawyers say was under the influence of delusions when he killed a sheriff's deputy and a hospital security guard in 2006.

A statement issued by the office of Gov. Terry McAuliffe, a Democrat, said he has declined a clemency petition in the case of 35-year-old William Morva, who is scheduled to receive a lethal injection at 9pm Thursday.

The statement went on to say the governor believes the convict got a fair trial and didn't find a substantial enough reason to intervene.

Condemned man: William Charles Morva, 32, is scheduled to be executed in Virginia by lethal injection Thursday for a 2006 double homicide after the state's governor rejected a clemency petition

McAuliffe said that experts who evaluated Morva for his trial concluded that he didn't suffer from any illness that would have prevented him from understanding the consequences of his crimes.

Morva's attorneys denounced McAuliffes decision not to commute his death sentence, saying in a statement their client was in the in the grip of a powerful psychosis when he shot dead Derrick McFarland and Cpl Eric Sutphin. They argue that allowing Morva's execution to go forward will not make Virginia safer.

The defense team also claimed jurors were not aware how severe Morvas mental illness was before they sentenced him to death.

Cpl Sutphin's own daughter Rachel had appealed to the governor for mercy, even though her grandmother said she wants the condemned inmate put to death.

Morva was convicted of fatally shooting hospital security guard Derrick McFarland (left) and then gunning down Cpl Eric Sutphin (right), who was trying to recapture the suspect

'I am against the death penalty for religious and moral reasons,' Ms Sutphin said in an email to reporters. 'I have fought and will continue to fight for clemency for all death row inmates until Virginia declares the death penalty unconstitutional. I have sent my own letter to the Governor showing my support for clemency.'

Meanwhile, the deputy's mother says that while she feels sympathy for Morva's family, she does not want the governor to intervene.

'I have no hatred for this creature who shot [Cpl Sutphin] execution-style. I just want justice for my son,' Jeaneen Sutphin told The Roanoke Times in her Virginia home Wednesday.

Morva was awaiting trial on attempted robbery charges in 2005 when he was taken to the hospital to have an injury treated.

There, he attacked another sheriff's deputy with a metal toilet paper holder, stole the deputy's gun and shot McFarland, in the face from two feet away before fleeing. McFarland was unarmed.

A day later, Morva killed Eric Sutphin, a US Army veteran, with a bullet in the back of the head. The sheriff's deputy had been searching for Morva near Virginia Tech's Blacksburg campus when he was shot. Morva was later found in a ditch with the deputy's gun nearby.

Morva's attorneys argue his crimes were the result of a severe mental illness that makes it impossible for him to distinguish between delusions and reality.

Paranoid: Prior to his escape, Morva told his mother, pictured with her son arond the time he was 14 years old, that his health was 'dwindling' and that someone in jail wanted him to die

In the August 21, 2006 photo on the left, Morva, is escorted out of the Montgomery County magistrates office after his capture in Christiansburg. O the right, he is pictured in court in March 2007

Jurors were told Morva suffered from a personality disorder that resulted in 'odd beliefs.' He has since been diagnosed with delusional disorder, a more severe mental illness akin to schizophrenia, his attorneys say.

Friends and family said Morva had been known to display strange behavior, including eating raw meat and pine cones, and claiming he had been chosen to save indigenous people, reported NBC News.

Before he was sentenced to death, Morva launched into a rambling tirade, in which he declared that his 'slave name' was 'Nemo,' and that there were others like him out there.

'They're going to sweep over your whole civilization and they're going to wipe those smiles off your faces,' he told the court.

McFarland's widow, Cindy, was in the audience and yelled at Morva, 'You deserve to burn in hell!'

Prior to his escape, Morva told his mother that his health was 'dwindling' and that someone in jail wanted him to die. His attorneys say his escape and the killings were spurred by Morva's belief that his life in jail was at risk.

At one point, he sent his mother a letter saying: 'I will kick an unarmed guard in the neck and make him drop. Then I'll stomp him until he is as dead as I'll be.'

Morva's clemency bid has gotten support from national mental health advocates, several Virginia lawmakers and two United Nations human rights experts.

'We are concerned at Mr. Morva's deteriorating psychosocial condition,' UN Special Rapporteurs Agnes Callamard and Dainius Puras said in a statement Wednesday.

Defense lawyers say the 32-year-old, pictured in court in 2008, has been diagnosed with delusional disorder, which is akin to schizophrenia

'The denial of reasonable accommodation in detention can be considered a form of discrimination against him because of his mental health condition,' they said.

A prosecutor in Morva's case has urged McAuliffe not to intervene, saying in a letter that several experts who examined Morva before his trial agreed he had a 'superior IQ' and suffered from a variety of personality disorders.

'To assert some 10 years later that all three of the original experts were wrong is absurd,' Montgomery County Commonwealth's Attorney Mary Pettitt told McAuliffe. 'With enough time and motivation one can always find an expert to say what you want to hear but that doesn't mean it's true or accurate,' she said.

McAuliffe, a Catholic who says he personally opposes the death penalty but has an obligation to uphold the law as governor, has called off one execution since taking office.

In April, he granted clemency to Ivan Teleguz, saying jurors in the murder-for-hire case were given false information that may have swayed sentencing.

Virginia governors have halted executions for mental health concerns before. In 2008, Gov. Tim Kaine commuted a man's death sentence amid concerns about his competence. A decade earlier, Gov. Jim Gilmore spared a man with schizophrenia.
Authorities on Wednesday were searching for an inmate they believe has made his second escape from a maximum-security South Carolina prison.

Officers began searching just before 2pm Wednesday for Jimmy Causey, an inmate at Lieber Correctional Institution, about 90 miles southeast of Columbia, according to Sommer Sharpe, spokeswoman for the Department of Corrections.

No other details have been released.

Causey, 46, has now escaped from two different prisons in a dozen years.

He and another inmate, convicted murderer Johnny Brewer, escaped Broad River Correctional Institution in Columbia in 2005 by hiding in a trash truck.

The pair eluded authorities for three days before being apprehended at a motel along busy Interstate 95, not far from the prison from which Causey escaped on Wednesday.

Authorities on Wednesday were searching for Jimmy Causey an inmate they believe has made his second escape from a maximum-security South Carolina prison. Causey is seen in the above undated file photos. The photo on the left shows Causey in his younger years

A pizza delivery driver told The Associated Press at the time she tipped off authorities when she recognized a customer as one of the two men being sought by authorities.

Both men were returned to prison.

Brewer was found two years later, hanging from a bed sheet in his cell.

Grilled by state lawmakers about how the escape happened, then-prisons director Jon Ozmint blamed budget cutbacks that had forced his department to cut 800 security positions, leaving some areas like the trash compactor and loading dock unmonitored by officers.

The director also said the men had fashioned fake heads out of toilet paper and put them in their beds, fooling officers at a 7:15am prisoner count.

Officers began searching just before 2pm Wednesday for Causey, an inmate at Lieber Correctional Institution (above), about 90 miles southeast of Columbia

After a 9:00am count came up short, officials did a roll call and realized the two were missing.

Causey, 46, was sentenced to life in prison in 2004 after he was convicted of holding Columbia attorney Jack Swerling and his family at gunpoint in their home.

He was first incarcerated in state prison in 1992 on charges including grand larceny, according to online records.

In December, another inmate serving a life sentence escaped from a different maximum-security prison in South Carolina.

Authorities said 47-year-old Michael Allen Williamson stabbed a police officer during his escape from McCormick Correctional Institution in the western part of the state.

The officer's protective vest deflected many blows, but she was treated for two stab wounds to her arm and shoulder.
Tony Abbott has admitted there to major division within the Liberal party but says he will 'continue' to stand up for conservative voters after he was called a 'pain in the a***'.

Former prime minister Mr Abbott, who was ousted by Mr Turnbull from the top job in 2015, addressed the party disunity at a community event in Sydney's north on Tuesday night.

'There is, it's no secret at the moment, a bit of division inside the ranks of those who have regarded themselves as Liberals,' he said.

Scroll down for video

Former prime minister Mr Abbott was ousted by Mr Turnbull from the top job in 2015

The admission comes after Mr Abbott was slammed by South Australian senator Nick Xenophon.

'I think Tony Abbott's being a huge pain in the a*** right now,' Mr Xenophon said.

'I need to use the sort of cut through language that Tony Abbott is renowned for.'

His comment was in response to Mr Abbott's criticism of the federal government's May Budget.

Mr Abbott said on Monday night the Budget was 'second best' due to dealings with the Senate.

'I think Tony Abbott's being a huge pain in the a*** right now,' Mr Xenophon (pictured) said

The growing tension prompted Mr Abbott to defend his right to speak out against government decisions on Tuesday night

The growing tension prompted Mr Abbott to defend his right to speak out against government decisions on Tuesday night.

Mr Abbott said he made a 'judgement' call to stand up for the conservative Liberals, The Daily Telegraph reports.

'I've made the judgement that at least for the moment, and obviously there's a limit to how far this can continue  it's important for someone to stand up for those Liberals feeling a bit let down and disenfranchised,' he said.

Mr Abbott feared the conservative members would leave the Liberals to join a different party  due to the growing moderate voice lead by Mr Turnbull.

Mr Abbott (left) feared the conservative members would leave the Liberals to join a different party  due to the growing moderate voice lead by Mr Turnbull (right)

Mr Abbott was this week accused of pushing his own political agenda at the risk of the Liberal party's success at the next election.

Speaking on Tuesday night he rejected this claim.

'At some point in time, whatever misgivings we might have, we swallow them and we get on with the job, which is trying to make sure that the Turnbull-Joyce Coalition government gets re-elected,' he said.
Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) suggested CNN broke the law when it allegedly threatened to expose the identity of a Redditor who posted the gif behind President Donald Trump's controversial wrestling tweet against the cable news network.

Cruz cited a Georgia law, where CNN is headquartered, tweeting on Wednesday: 'Troubling. I assume CNN's lawyers are examining GA  16-8-16 Theft by extortion.

'If CNN constructively obtained the gif-maker's IP it's a GA crime if they threatened to "Disseminate any information tending to subject any person to hatred, contempt, or ridicule."'

CNN was accused of blackmailing the man behind the Redditor 'HanA**holeSolo' after KFile reporter Andrew Kaczynski said the network could reveal his identity in the future should the conditions of his apology change.

While CNN faced a strong backlash, it defended Kaczynski's statement saying: 'CNN decided not to publish the name of the Reddit user out of concern for his safety. Any assertion that the network blackmailed or coerced him is false.'

Kaczynski also clarified that the statement was 'intended only to mean we made no agreement with the man about his identity'.

The controversy began after Trump tweeted an edited video on Sunday, which showed him taking down a man whose head was replaced with the CNN logo.

While many of his supporters thought the video was humorous, others accused the president of encouraging violence against reporters and the media.

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Ted Cruz suggested CNN broke the law when it allegedly threatened to expose the identity of a Redditor who posted the gif behind President Donald Trump's controversial wrestling tweet

Cruz's tweets came after CNN was accused of blackmailing the man behind the Redditor 'HanA**holeSolo' - an assertion it shot down as false

Cruz also cited a New York law regarding coercion on Wednesday

Trump tweeted an edited video clip of himself hitting Vince McMahon at WrestleMania 23, with the CNN logo edited over McMahon's face. CNN reporters tracked down the Reddit user who created the original gif

Cruz, who once taught at the University of Texas School of Law, brought up a New York law regarding coercion, suggesting once again that CNN was in trouble with the way it handled HanA**holeSolo's identity.

He wrote: 'Another relevant crim law: NY  135.60: "A person is guilty of coercion in the second degree when he...induces a person...to abstain from engaging in conduct in which he...has a legal right to engage...by means of instilling...a fear...the actor will...Expose a secret or publicize an asserted fact, whether true or false, tending to subject some person to hatred, contempt or ridicule.'

On Wednesday, CNN defended its decision, stating: 'CNN decided not to publish the name of the Reddit user out of concern for his safety. Any assertion that the network blackmailed or coerced him is false.

'The user, who is an adult male, not a 15-year-old boy, apologized and deleted his account before ever speaking with our reporter.

'CNN never made any deal, of any kind, with the user. In fact, CNN included its decision to withhold the users identity in an effort to be completely transparent that there was no deal.'

Andrew Kaczynski, a reporter with CNN's KFile, wrote he had been: 'able to determine key biographical details, to find the man's name using a Facebook search and ultimately corroborate details he had made available on Reddit

Kaczynski later tweeted he had not spoken to the Reddit user before an apology appeared online

The man behind 'HanA**holeSolo' posted a gif on Reddit that was later edited to include sound before Trump posted the video iteration on Twitter.

'HanA**holeSolo' took credit for inspiring the president's tweet before issuing a lengthy apology after his previous posts on the website were revealed to be racist and anti-Semitic.

Kaczynski then wrote an article on CNN explaining why they decided not to identify 'HanA**holeSolo' despite having tracked him down by corroborating key biographical details from his Reddit posts with a Facebook search.

He wrote: 'CNN is not publishing "HanA**holeSolo's" name because he is a private citizen who has issued an extensive statement of apology, showed his remorse by saying he has taken down all his offending posts, and because he said he is not going to repeat this ugly behavior on social media again. In addition, he said his statement could serve as an example to others not to do the same.

'CNN reserves the right to publish his identity should any of that change.'

The line about 'reserving the right' to name the user in future is what has been seized upon by countless opponents of the network, including hundreds of anonymous posters on Reddit and Twitter, to accuse CNN of 'blackmail'.

Many on social media, including conservative supporters such as Julian Assange and Donald Trump Jr, were quick to attack CNN for allegedly 'blackmailing' the Reddit user

Donald Trump Jr. said CNN was 'bullying' HanA**holeSolo, claiming he was just a 15-year-old. Kaczynski disputed this and said the man was actually middle aged

'CNN LITERALLY DOXXED A PRIVATE CITIZEN AMD THREATENED TO RELEASE HIS PUBLIC INFO IF HE DIDN'T APOLOGIZE, SERIOUSLY WHAT THE F***ING F***,' a user called 'ExtinctWhiteMale' wrote on R/The_Donald.

'CNN is f***ing ISIS...... nobody should ever apologize when FNN (Fraud News Network) is the enemy,' another user wrote in response.

The subreddit, which was where the initial meme and subsequent apology from 'HanA**holeSolo' were first posted, promoted the hashtag 'CNNBlackmail' throughout the day on Tuesday.

It was eventually picked up by other, more prominent online figures who support Trump and often attack the news media, such as Donald Trump Jr, Wikileaks, Julian Assange and others.

'@CNN U basically coerce apology & threaten release of identity if something changes? Pretty sure a line is crossed here,' Republican congressman for Virginia Scott Taylor tweeted.

'Don't worry @KFILE, if you start deleting your tweets I've saved them for you. #urwelcome #CNNBlackmail,' conservative author Tammy Bruce wrote.

'When Trump goes low CNN goes lower: threatens to dox artist behind "CNN head" video if he makes fun of them again,' Assange tweeted.

Governor Mike Huckabee also tried to make a joke out of the situation, tweeting: 'CNN-the "Corleone News Network". Make fun of them with a humorous gif and they threaten you. On 4th of July no less!'

'So I guess they weren't effective threatening the admin so they go after & bully a 15 y/o? Seems in line w their "standards" #CNNBlackmail,' Trump Jr wrote, repeating a claim made by some online that 'HanA**holeSolo' was a teenage boy.

In the face of criticism he and his employer were receiving for the report, Kaczynski defended the article

However, Kaczynski - who spoke to the person behind the account - responded to the age allegation in tweets of his own on Wednesday.

'Again. HanA**holeSolo is not 15 or anywhere close to it. This is POTUS' son spreading misinformation,' he wrote in response to Don Jr.

'Need to point out again HanA**holeSolo is a middle aged man. People claiming he's 15 are wrong. Some are intentionally spreading this,' he wrote earlier on Wednesday morning.

In response to a comment about the alleged 'blackmail', the KFile writer tweeted: 'This line is being misinterpreted. It was intended only to mean we made no agreement w/the man about his identity.'

Despite the explanations from the CNN writer, the phrase '#CNNBlackmail' was a trending topic on Twitter on Wednesday morning.

Reddit user HanA**holeSolo came forward to take credit for the GIF (pictured) writing he was 'honored' Trump had tweeted it. He later apologized. CNN identified him, but did not name him

It comes after HanA**holeSolo explained in his apology - which has been deleted from R/The_Donald - that he was out to 'get a reaction', claiming he 'never meant any of the hateful things I said in those posts.'

'I have the highest respect for the journalist community and they put their lives on the line every day with the jobs that they do in reporting the news,' he wrote.

'It was a prank, nothing more.'

'I would also like to apologize for the posts made that were racist, bigoted, and anti-Semitic,' he said. 'I am in no way this kind of person.'

He added that he would 'never support any kind of violence or actions against others simply for what they believe in, their religion, or the lifestyle they choose to have.'

Reddit user HanA**holeSolo then came forward to take credit for the GIF, writing he was 'honored,' saying 'Holy s***!! I wake up and have my morning coffee and who retweets my s*** post but the MAGA (Make America great again) EMPORER [sic] himself!!! I am honored!!

This is HanA**holeSolo apology for the offensive clip after CNN tracked down his real identity

He also issued a warning to his fellow Redditors asking anyone considering trolling another person to 'put themselves in their shoes' first.

The GIF, shared by Trump, shows the president during an appearance in 2007 at WWE's Wrestlemania event, tackling and pummeling the company's chairman, Vince McMahon.

Vince is the husband of Trump's Administrator of the Small Business Administration, Linda McMahon.

The official @POTUS account retweeted the video, which was mocked up to look like a physical attack by Trump on CNN.

After the president's tweet, CNN's PR team said: 'It is a sad day when the President of the United States encourages violence against reporters.'

CNN added Trump is engaged in 'juvenile behavior far below the dignity of his office.'

As a presidential candidate and as commander-in-chief, Trump has repeatedly made known his disdain for the media, calling it 'the enemy of the American people' and frequently referring to mainstream news organizations as 'failing' or 'fake news.'

DailyMail.com contacted CNN and Kaczynski for comment.
A man has allegedly been stabbed to death by his stepson inside his home, in what police have confirmed was not a 'random attack'.

The 63-year-old man and his 29-year-old alleged attacker were found inside a home at Oaklands Park, in Adelaide, at around 10.30pm on Wednesday night.

When police entered the property they found the pair inside, with the older victim suffering from multiple stab wounds. He was taken to hospital but died hours later.

While it is not believed that the men lived together, SA Police have confirmed that the alleged attacker was known to them.

A 63-year-old man has allegedly been stabbed to death by his 29-year-old stepson inside his home (pictured) in south Adelaide, in what police have confirmed was not a 'random attack'

A 29-year-old man from Oaklands Park was charged with murder and will front the Adelaide Magistrates Court later on Thursday. Police have confirmed the man was known to them

'Police entered the house and found both the victim and the alleged offender. The victim was found to have multiple stab wounds,' Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Overmeyer said.

'I can confirm the victim and the deceased were known to each other and this was not a random attack.

'It is believed that the man arrested was the victim's stepson... he was known to police.

'Its an extremely sad time and we need to be respectful of his family.'

The man has been charged with murder and will front the Adelaide Magistrates Court later on Thursday.

Neighbours told the Nine Network a man and his son lived in the home and there was blood everywhere.

'It was just like a whole shock. You just don't think it would happen in this area,' Braidyn Lloyd told Nine.

Police refused to comment on claims by neighbours that they visited the address a few weeks ago to do a welfare check.
Blac Chyna's attorney revealed they are 'exploring all legal remedies' against Rob Kardashian who could face jail after posting a naked picture of his ex on social media amid their explosive breakup.

The 30-year-old shared several nude photographs of his on-off girlfriend on Instagram as he accused her of cheating on him with eight men in less than a month.

But Kardashian's Instagram meltdown may have broken California's 2013 revenge porn laws where it is considered a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Cops say they have not yet received any criminal report.

But Chyna's attorney, Walter Mosley, said he is already investigating potential legal action.

'I am exploring all legal remedies and protections available to my client at this time in attempts to best advise her on how she may want to proceed,' he told People.

Rob Kardashian could face jail time after posting a naked picture of Blac Chyna on social media amid their explosive breakup (together in November 2016)

'Revenge porn is illegal in CA and it certainly appears to me that Rob has violated this criminal law,' LA lawyer Lisa Bloom told the New York Daily News.

Bloom, who recently won a victory for her client Mischa Barton after her ex posted revenge porn of the actress, said that even the fact that Chyna 'liked' one of the images on Instagram does not affect her case.

Courts must prove is that he had possession of a private image of an 'intimate body part of another identifiable person' and intentionally posted it online with the intention of causing distress. The distribution of the image then must lead to the victim's distress.

A text message exchange, Kardashian posted online, makes it clear that he had asked Chyna to take and send him the intimate picture - telling her she was beautiful and he needed it to masturbate to.

The Kardashian star posted this explicit photo of the mother-of-two while claiming she slept with another man shortly after sending him the image

At no point did he ever mention in that exchange that he would share that picture with millions.

'Kardashian's conduct epitomizes 'revenge porn'  a jilted ex unable to handle rejection and jealousy in a mature way who aggresses by sexually exposing another individual,' Bloom said.

Not only could Kardashian be facing six months in jail and a $5,000 court fine, the revenge porn also opens him up to a lawsuit from his ex.

Bloom believes that the mother-of-two could get millions if she sued for damages, if she got a sympathetic jury.

Kardashian's Instagram page was a blocked hours after he began his rant about Chyna, and posted the naked pictures, before he moved to Twitter.

He claims Chyna sent him the picture on July 4 before sleeping with another man.

'This is from Chyna yesterday to me. I never been so disrespected in my life. I just bought her 250K of jewelry yesterday. This woman is so disrespectful and I don't care,' he wrote.

In a since-deleted Snapchat post, Chyna claimed that Rob had beat her up

Rob Kardashian shared explicit photos and a video of ex Blac Chyna on Wednesday as he accused her of cheating on him

Chyna responded to the allegations on Snapchat, claiming in a now-deleted post that Rob physically abused her.

'Rob u did all this but u beat me up and try act it never happen !!!!! U put hand on me I swear on god !!!!! On my kids but I'm supposed to be quiet because you're a Kardashian (sic),' she wrote in the post that has since been deleted.

She also posted of her showing off a diamond-encrusted watch and bracelets - presumably some of the expensive jewelry Rob claimed to have purchased for her.

The couple have had a tumultuous relationship ever since they started dating in January 2016. Within three months they announced their engagement.

The following month, the new couple dropped another bombshell: announcing that Chyna was pregnant with Rob's child.

Post 16: Rob later claimed he would be recording his own Lemonade-style break-up album

The couple even got their own KUWTK spin-off that fall, which showed them preparing for baby Dream.

Dream was born on November 10, 2016 - but a little more than a month later Rob and Chyna broke up.

Rob announced the news on Snapchat on December 17, recording several videos of his empty house after Chyna up and left with their newborn baby girl. The news came less than a week before the television special on Dream's birth aired.

'I'm pretty upset and I'm pretty sad cause it's about to be Christmas, and I want to be with my baby,' Rob said in one of the videos, his voice cracking.

The couple did get back together, if only for a short period, to spend the holidays together with their baby girl.

Rob's Instagram rant comes a day after he posted several sweet pictures of him spending the Fourth of July with his daughter.

The snaps showed the 30-year-old smiling and playing with Dream in a pool.
Police are hunting for a man who attacked a nine-year-old boy who was playing in a park in Western Australia.

The school boy was playing with his brother at the Barry Britton Reserve on Balga Avenue, 14km north of Perth, before the strange man approached the young boys.

'As (the boys) walked away the man grabbed the nine year old boy on the arm before striking him on the side of his head,' Western Australian police said in a statement.

Police are hunting a grey-haired man (pictured) who grabbed and punched a young boy in a park Monday, north of Perth

'The boy screamed causing the man to run away and he was last seen walking quickly down Emsworth Way.'

The man, about 50-years-old, is believed to have a medium to solid build and was about 180cm tall with medium length grey or brown hair, an unshaven face and Australian accent.

The attack took place at about 3.30pm Monday afternoon and the grey-haired man was wearing a dark coloured jacket and black rectangular sunglasses.

The park is often used by children for sport and the local council, City of Stirling, lists the park as one of the region's major playground locations.

Police are asking for the man, or anyone who can identify him, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au
A second man has been charged over the alleged abduction of a six-year-old girl from her Queensland home, which became the subject of a police Amber Alert.

The girl, named Lilee, was found safe and well on the Sunshine Coast on Tuesday afternoon.

A 37-year-old Everton Hills man is due to appear in Caboolture Magistrates Court on July 25.

He is charged with burglary, committing an indictable offence, dangerous operation of a vehicle and driving a motor vehicle without a license.

The girl, named Lilee, had been the subject of a police Amber Alert but was found safe and well on the Sunshine Coast on Tuesday afternoon

Earlier this week, a 24-year-old Chermside woman and a 31-year-old Mansfield man were charged.

The woman was remanded in custody and is due to reappear in Caboolture Magistrates Court on August 23.

The man was released on bail and is due to appear in the same court on July 20.

An Amber Alert was issued for Lilee after she was taken from a home in Caboolture, north of Brisbane.

On Tuesday, police said Shannon Millikin (pictured) and a man were speaking with police

She was seen getting into a car with a woman and two men at a home at Lynfield Drive around 9am. At 3.20pm, police found Lilee safe and well on the Sunshine Coast.

On Tuesday, police had said a woman, Shannon Millikin, was speaking with police.

Millikin and Lilee are known to each other, but police wouldn't confirm the nature of the relationship.
One in four care services are failing to meet basic safety standards, a damning major report reveals today.

Elderly residents are ignored if struggling to eat, left doing nothing for most of the day and allowed to wander outside at night.

The Care Quality Commission has rated 25 per cent of the 24,000 adult social care services in England as inadequate or requires improvement for safety.

Elderly residents are ignored if struggling to eat, left doing nothing for most of the day and allowed to wander outside at night

These include all residential care homes, nursing homes for more dependent patients and home visiting services.

The biggest concerns were within the 4,042 nursing homes of which 37 per cent were rated either requires improvement or inadequate.

Since October 2014, the watchdog has been inspecting all adult social care services under an Ofsted-style system with ratings from outstanding down to inadequate.

Its findings are published today in a major report providing the most in-depth analysis of the care sector so far.

Chief inspector of social care, Andrea Sutcliffe, said she was surprised at just how many organisations were failing.

She also warned there were signs that overall standards were starting to fall.

In total, 24 per cent of residential care homes were rated inadequate or requiring improvement alongside 22 per cent of home visiting services.

The watchdog noted that a quarter of organisations which they had re-checked had slipped from good to requires improvement or inadequate.

The Care Quality Commission has rated 25 per cent of the 24,000 adult social care services in England as inadequate or requires improvement for safety

In one care home near Chester run by Bupa, inspectors found elderly residents woken up at 5am and dressed as it was more convenient for staff.

Zimmer frames and walking sticks were left out of reach and patients with dementia could wander into the kitchen or let themselves out at night.

At the Meadowbrook Care Home, Oswestry, Shropshire, inspectors found ants crawling on dining tables and soiled mattresses in bedrooms.

One relative said it was heart-breaking watching her loved one being fed by staff who had little compassion or awareness.

One homecare firm offered elderly residents flying visits of just six minutes when they needed at least 30 minutes.

The Aamina Homecare Firm, Immingham, Lincolnshire, was rated inadequate as staff routinely failed to show up.

One elderly man who needed two carers to get him up each day was left for two days without any help.

Miss Sutcliffe said: Theres no excuse for poor care. We cannot tolerate it and we should not tolerate it.

These are things you do not want to be happening to your loved one or mum.

She said many of the concerns uncovered by inspectors were completely and utterly unacceptable and would have a profound impact on peoples lives.

The CQC warned that standards were likely to decline further because of the funding crisis in social care.

About half of patients have their residential care or home care paid for by local councils but budget cuts have left them struggling to pay the fees.

This in turn leads to a drop in standards and in some cases forces providers to close.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: Older people are now effectively playing Russian Roulette when they need care. It is also extremely troubling that a quarter of all care services rated as good and then re-inspected have since declined.

When significant numbers of previously effective providers are unable to sustain a quality care service you know the systems in serious trouble.
Even for a city steeped in history, the colourful story of Dick Turpins death and burial in York is a genuine highlight.

But the thousands of tourists who have visited the highwaymans last resting place and taken photos of his inscribed gravestone, were doing so under false pretences it has been claimed.

For new research by the countrys leading expert, Professor James Sharpe, has concluded that the headstone of John Palmer otherwise Richard Turpin the notorious highwayman and horse stealer who was executed on 7th April 1739 is a fake.

The headstone of John Palmer otherwise Richard Turpin the notorious highwayman and horse stealer who was executed on 7th April 1739 is a fake

Turpin was indeed buried in an unmarked grave somewhere in the tatty old York cemetery, although body-snatchers did initially take him away. But the prominent headstone and surrounding concrete square grave was put up after 1918, presumably to commemorate a person of historical significance and boost the tourist trade.

Wherever Dick Turpin is buried is a mystery, but it seems very unlikely that hes under the current headstone, said Professor Sharpe.

It has been established that Turpin was not the dashing and gentlemanly thief some accounts have made him out to be and was in reality and nasty, ruthless and brutal criminal.

However, contemporaneous accounts of the Essex highwaymans eventual demise in the northern city of York has meant there has never been a doubt over how and where he died.

Only now has his exact place of burial in St Georges graveyard  part of the official sightseeing bus route and listed on the citys tourist guides  been questioned.

Turpin, who in reality never had a trusty steed called Black Bess, was a pock-faced son of a butcher and inn keeper. Born in 1705, he moved into the butchery business before progressing from dealing in stolen game to being a member of a vicious gang of robbers.

The gang targeted isolated farmhouses across the home counties and terrorised and tortured the occupants into handing over cash and valuables.

Many of the gang were caught and hanged in 1735 but Turpin, who had a large bounty on his head, turned to highway robbery and eventually teamed up with another renowned highwayman Captain Tom King.

The Rose & Crown pub in Hampstead, Saffron Walden, reputed to be where highwayman Dick Turpin was born, pictured in 1950

Their partnership ended when King was accidentally shot dead by Turpin as he was being arrested.

He fled to Epping Forest and was soon also wanted for murder when a man called Thomas Morris tried to capture Turpin alone to claim the reward and was shot dead.

Turpin moved north and a petty dispute over a shot cockerel led to his arrest in Yorkshire in the autumn of 1738 under the assumed name John Palmer. A letter he wrote to his brother-in-law was intercepted and he was unmasked as the feared highwayman.

Sentenced to death he made sure he went out in style, wearing a new coat and a smart pair of shoes. For 10 3s he hired five men to act as mourners and see the proper internment of his body.

En route to his place of execution  now York racecourse  he bowed to spectators like a celebrity. At the gallows he threw himself off a ladder and was left hanging until dead.

After being put on display at the Blue Boar pub his corpse was buried in St Georges graveyard but then stolen by body-snatchers working for a surgeon looking for bodies of criminals for dissection.

New research by the countrys leading expert, Professor James Sharpe, above, shows the grave as fake

Prof Sharpe of York University, who has written a book about the myth surrounding Turpin, said an angry mob spotted the body-snatchers and recovered the corpse.

According to a contemporary pamphlet the body was carried back by four men and buried in the same grave with slaked lime to ensure decomposition to foil the grave robbers.

Prof Sharpe said details of court convictions relating to the grave robbery and trouble afterwards confirm this story.

But in recent years many have questioned the validity of the gravestone  the only one standing in an historic cemetery used by down-and-outs.

All the other surface graves in the one-acre site are dated much later than Turpins 1739 death.

Prof Sharpe found proof in a book Within the City Wall by Margaret Mann Phillips and published in 1943. In the childhood memoir the author  who became an eminent scholar  recalled going to the deserted graveyard as a 12-year-old in 1918 to look for Turpins grave and finding no sight of it.

The cemetery became a public park in 1924 and Prof Sharpe believes the council would probably have known about the gravestone whenever it appeared.

He now hopes someone will come forward with specific information to identify when the headstone was put up.

Headstones cost money and when he died no one would have paid for it and he would have been buried in an unmarked grave, he said. This gravestone is certainly appropriate, but its dubious he is actually at this spot.

The news is unlikely to go down well with tourists who have visited the historic site.

Yesterday Mary and Gordon Kelly, 70, visiting York from their home in Exeter, were not impressed.

They heard about the grave on the sightseeing bus tour and went there to get a picture, only to discover from the media that its just another story people believe like the Loch Ness Monster.

Well go home and tell everyone it was a hoax, said Mrs Kelly.
Just one in ten households from the Grenfell inferno have accepted offers of new housing three weeks after the disaster.

Only 14 from 139 have agreed to move to flats from hotels or relatives where they have been staying since being evacuated from the tower and surrounding area.

Some rejected offers because they did not want to be rehoused within sight of the charred remains of the block  which they called a giant tomb holding the remains of relatives and neighbours.

Sid-Ali Atmani, who lived with his family on the 15th floor, turned down the offer of a two bedroom flat in Harrow Road, North London

Others wanted to wait for an offer of permanent accommodation rather than have to move twice, and some said the new homes were too far from their home area and childrens schools.

A further 19 families have so far declined to discuss housing offers because they are still dealing with the grief of losing their loved ones or at the bedside of those injured in the blaze, officials said.

Sid-Ali Atmani, who lived with his family on the 15th floor, turned down the offer of a two bedroom flat in Harrow Road, North London. He said it was too far from his childrens school and in the wrong London borough.

The place is not suitable for us, he told BBC Radio 4. We dont know the area. Plus its two bedroom. We are entitled to three bedroom.

The housing assessment know our situation and know what we demanded.

He said the main problem was with council workers not following procedure and lacking the required knowledge or skills to deal with residents, some of whom didnt speak English.

He added: We are not the criminals here, the crime has been happening in the building.

GRENFELL SURVIVORS GIVEN YEAR'S IMMIGRATION AMNESTY Survivors of the inferno have been granted a 12-month immigration amnesty. Home Office chiefs announced the measure amid concerns some are refusing to come forward because they should not have been in Britain. The move will give survivors the right to work, claim benefits, apply for housing and tap into other welfare support. Any fees will be waived. It is also understood enforcement action will not be taken when the 12 months run out. Instead, the Home Office may offer an opportunity for regular immigration status. Officials want to encourage people to pass on details about who was living in the tower, removing any fear of detention or deportation. Advertisement

Only 14 from 139 have agreed to move to flats from hotels or relatives where they have been staying since being evacuated from the tower and surrounding area

His daughter wept as she remembered how her friends and neighbours died in the blaze. Hayam Atmani, ten, told the BBC that she finds it hard to sleep and has nightmares about if it happens again.

She added: Most of the people in my building, they were very close to me, and they were like family. Seeing them go wasnt good.

Survivor Rita Tankarian turned down one flat because it was in the shadow of Grenfell Tower, and has not heard from the council since. She said: The council has made no contact with me for over two weeks.

RESIDENTS: INQUIRY JUDGE THE LEAST OF OUR WORRIES Former Grenfell residents cast doubt yesterday on claims they want the retired judge leading the inquiry sacked. Labour MPs, left-wing lawyers and self-appointed pressure groups have claimed fire survivors object to Sir Martin Moore-Bick because he is an out of touch technocrat. But five who were contacted by the Mail all said their main concern was being rehoused. None said Sir Martin was currently an issue for them. Christabel Castro said: I have had no time to form an opinion because I am desperately trying to get a new home. Rita Tankarian said the inquiry was the least of her worries while Mouna El Ogbani said she would consider the issue in the future. Two others had been unaware of the inquiry. Advertisement

They offered me a flat in Ladbroke Grove but I dont want to look up every day and see whats left of my destroyed home. I cant look at that tower anymore.

After the disaster, Theresa May promised housing would be offered to those in need by yesterday. The Grenfell Fire Response Team said that the obligation had been met, but the situation was more complex than simple offers.

Eleanor Kelly, a spokesman for GRT, said: It is about going at the pace of each individual family as to what it is that they want for themselves.

Thats why you cant put a timescale on it, because it is not about numbers and its not about rushing people to meet targets.

Some families had received up to four offers of temporary homes but wanted a permanent home, she told BBC Breakfast.

Police say they have recovered the last of the visible human remains following the blaze which is believed to have killed at least 80.

Commander Stuart Cundy, who is overseeing the Mets response to the fire, said 87 recoveries had been made, but the catastrophic damage meant that is not 87 people.

Twenty-one bodies have been formally identified by the coroner and their families informed.

Mr Cundy said there were 23 flats where we have been unable to trace or speak to anyone who was in those properties. We assumeno-one from any of those flats survived.

Yesterday, Westminster coroner Dr Fiona Wilcox opened and adjourned the inquests of two victims Sheila Smith, 84, and Vincent Chiejina, 60.

In both cases the provisional cause of death had been given as consistent with the effects of fire.

Around 64,000 families who own the model of Hotpoint fridge freezer which caused the Grenfell fire are still waiting to be told whether it is safe.

Whirlpool, the US giant which owns Hotpoint, has conducted a preliminary investigation.

Households with models FF175BP and FF175BG have been advised to keep them on to avoid food poisoning. Whirlpool said it had requested further access [to the fridge] to undertake full and rigorous examinations.
Andrew Sloane, 63, (pictured) stole from his parishioners and church collection plate to the tune of 14,500 so that he could pay for sex with rent boys

A vicar stole from his parishioners and church collection plate to the tune of 14,500 so that he could pay for sex with rent boys.

Andrew Sloane, 63, managed to trick three female parishioners into giving him temporary emergency loans while the curate at St Paul's Church, in Knightsbridge, London, and covered his tracks after he told them they needed to keep the favour secret.

It was only after the church realised 3,954.68 had been taken from collection money that an urgent parish meeting was convened and officials reviewed the CCTV which revealed Sloane had stolen the money from a safe at the property, the Sun reported.

Sloane pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud by false representation at Westminster magistrates' court, on Tuesday.

The court heard Sloane manipulated parishioners into transferring money to him and badgered his targets until they paid him.

Katie Bryan, prosecuting, said: 'The defendant was funding a lifestyle and using rent boys and living beyond his means.

'He is a vicar of at least thirty-five years and joined St Paul's from a parish in Washington, USA.

'He told [one woman] it was to tide him over and he called her several times in order to hurry up the transfer.'

The vicar managed to trick three female parishioners into giving him temporary emergency loans while the curate at St Paul's Church, in Knightsbridge (pictured) and covered his tracks after he told them they needed to keep the favour secret

One of Sloane's victims, model Tempe Brickhill, was asked to transfer 1,500 before Sloane upped the sum to 2,500.

Sloane also emailed another target, Paula Kaplan, when he wanted help paying what he claimed was his US tax bill. She went on to transfer around 8,000 to Sloane.

Police investigated Sloane last year after he had repaid the fraudulent loans he had taken from parishioners and moved to Leeds, but was still branded a 'thief and a liar involved in certain practices' by members of his congregation.

Shaun Murphy, defending, said: 'These offences reflected a personal crisis in his life and all the money was repaid before the police became involved.

'He made a full confession to the church authorities about what had happened.'

One of Sloane's victims, model Tempe Brickhill, was asked to transfer 1,500 before Sloane upped the sum to 2,500

Sloane was sentenced to a 12-month jail term suspended for two years, and ordered to pay 85 costs and a 115 victim surcharge.

A spokesman for the Diocese of London said: 'Andrew Sloane took advantage of the trust that his parishioners placed in him as their priest. There is no excuse for what he did and we can only apologise to those who fell victim to his crimes.

'Andrew Sloane was suspended as soon as news of the charges against him was made known by the authorities and we have fully supported the criminal investigation.

'The Diocese is now focused on helping the parish and its congregation deal with what has happened and move on. Internal church proceedings against Andrew Sloane under the Clergy Discipline Measure are already underway.'
The 50,000-strong crowd who witnessed Jeff Horn shock Manny Pacquiao on Sunday is set to be humbled as people flock from across Australia to celebrate the new world champion in a ticker-tape parade.

At midday on Thursday the WBO welterweight champion will head down Brisbane's Queen Street Mall with tens of thousands expected to turn up.

The celebration will begin at the northern end of the mall and finish at Reddacliff Place, near the Victoria Bridge.

'To have 50,000 turn up to witness that on the weekend was great and I'm sure there's going to be a lot of people today,' Horn told Today, while still sporting black eyes from the fight.

'To have 50,000 turn up to witness that on the weekend was great and I'm sure there's going to be a lot of people today,' Jeff Horn told Today

The 50,000-strong crowd who witnessed Jeff Horn shock Manny Pacquiao on Sunday is set to be humbled as people flock from across Australia to celebrate the new world champion in a ticker-tape parade

The celebration will begin at the northern end of the mall and finish Reddacliff Place, near the Victoria Bridge

The parade will run down the city's shopping precinct and finish at Reddacliff Place where Horn will speak to fans and participate in a Q&A with the audience.

He told Today he was 'quite surprised' hearing Pacquiao's camp were appealing the judges' decision but said he 'knew these comments would come whether I won or lost.'

'I don't actually believe that'd be Pacquiao saying that, maybe it's his team around him but Pacquiao seemed very humble in the way he lost and thought the decision was correct.'

Horn said he wasn't deterred by the international backlash, saying he has 'thicker skin than that' and is 'ready for a rematch.'

'If he wants to come back and do it again we'll do it. He's got the option, He's gotta be the one who says I'll come back.'

He told Today he was 'quite surprised' hearing Pacquiao's camp were appealing the judges' decision but said he 'knew these comments would come whether I won or lost'

A large crowd fills up Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Sunday ahead of the fight

Jeff Horn has single-handedly changed the face of Australian boxing, sensationally defeating Filipino champion Manny Pacquiao

Horn said he wasn't deterred by the international backlash, saying he has 'thicker skin than that' and is 'ready for a rematch.' 'If he wants to come back and do it again we'll do it. He's got the option, He's gotta be the one who says I'll come back'

Following the shock victory, Horn wasted no time in calling out undefeated American legend Floyd Mayweather, the man who trumped long-time rival Pacquiao in 2015.

Brandishing a walking stick in what appeared to have been a premeditated move, Horn asked Mayweather if he 'wants the walking stick or the gloves,' as the 15-time world champion nears the end of his career.

'Floyd, come have a real fight.'

Karl Stefanovic asked Horn of Mayweather's upcoming fight against UFC star Conor McGregor, and again he wasn't pulling any punches.

'Mayweather wins easily, he makes him look silly.'
A cat poisoner has been blamed for the deaths of up to 20 cats in one village.

Police are investigating eight suspected poisonings in the last week alone in Cilgerran, Pembrokeshire.

Resident Heather James lost her nine-year-old cat Socs after he was poisoned with anti-freeze last week.

Katina Andreou believes her cat Mr Mistoffelees was poisoned. He disappeared on June 16 but his body wasnt discovered until almost two weeks later

The dental receptionist, 37, said: Im very, very angry. I cant believe that there is someone in our community who could go out and poison an animal.

Its such a nice community, so for someone to do this is just devastating.

The RSPCA called it a scary and troubling campaign and confirmed that three cats have died of poisoning in the last ten days  while another 16 are missing.

Katina Andreou believes her cat Mr Mistoffelees was also poisoned. He disappeared on June 16 but his body wasnt discovered until almost two weeks later.

By then the two-year-old pet was so badly decomposed that vets were unable to say how he died.

Miss Andreou, a music teacher, said: The vet said there was evidence that he had been sick before he died and there was no evidence of trauma, so he hadnt been hit by a car. He was a healthy two-year-old cat, people can conclude what they will.

The RSPCA called it a scary and troubling campaign and confirmed that three cats have died of poisoning in the last ten days  while another 16 are missing. Pictured: Daisy

RSPCA inspector Holly Brown said: It isnt clear whether these poisonings were deliberate, or a tragic accident, but we are deeply saddened to learn of the three cats who have recently died in Cilgerran'

The 38-year-old realised it could be a wider problem after writing about her missing cat on a community Facebook page.

She added: These poisoning incidents, and the missing cats, are all from properties within a ten-minute walking radius.

There could be an innocent explanation. I like to have a little faith in humanity, so Im hoping it is something that has been fly-tipped that the cats are licking, but we just dont know.

Helen Jenkins cat Moo Moo had a lucky escape after being poisoned over the weekend.

Sergeant Delme Jones, of Dyfed-Powys police, said: We know that these cats are being taken to the vets with symptoms consistent with ethylene glycol poisoning.' Pictured: Rosie, who was poisond

Photos of the poisoned cats have been posted on social media. Pictured is Toots

She rushed him to the vets in time to be treated after seeing posts about other local cats on social media.

If I hadnt read them I wouldnt have reacted so fast, the 47-year-old graphic designer said.

She added: I hope the source of the anti-freeze poisoning is found soon.

Sergeant Delme Jones, of Dyfed-Powys police, said: We know that these cats are being taken to the vets with symptoms consistent with ethylene glycol poisoning, which is commonly found in anti-freeze, screen wash, brake fluid, ink and in some solar panels.

The RSPCA said that if a poisoning is suspected, its important the owner remains calm, moves the animal away from any suspected source of poison and contacts a vet straight away. Pictured: Jack

Prince the cat, who was another victim of the poisoning epidemic that struck a Welsh town

We are working to find out the cause of these deaths as quickly as possible to prevent further suffering.

RSPCA inspector Holly Brown said: It isnt clear whether these poisonings were deliberate, or a tragic accident, but we are deeply saddened to learn of the three cats who have recently died in Cilgerran.

If a poisoning is suspected, its important the owner remains calm, moves the animal away from any suspected source of poison and contacts a vet straight away.
Supermarket giant Woolworths is refusing to stock Coca Cola's new no-sugar product, saying customers already have enough low calorie drinks to choose from.

Coca-Cola Amatil launched Coca Cola No Sugar in June as a replacement for Coke Zero, which they are reportedly planning to phase out next year.

A Woolworths spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: 'We have taken the decision to not range this product at this time.'

Supermarket giant Woolworths (pictured) is refusing to stock Coca Cola's new product, saying customers already have enough low calorie drinks to choose from

'Our customers looking for a no sugar or low-sugar cola option have ample choice already in the category across a range of different pack sizes and formats.

'We continue to stock Coca-Cola Zero in our stores nationwide.'

The decision is believed to be influenced by increased customer demand for still and carbonated water, and an overall trend of customers looking for healthier options in products.

Woolworths already stocks a wide range of other Coke varieties on its shelves and said the decision is customer-driven and a response to what consumers want to see on the shelves.

Coca-Cola Amatil launched Coca Cola No sugar (pictured) in June as a replacement for Coke Zero, which they are reportedly planning to phase out next year

Despite this, the supermarket's competitor Coles is stocking the new Coca Cola product.

A Coca-Cola Amatil spokesperson told the Daily Mail Australia the company was entirely sure that the new product would be a success.

'We're currently giving away more than 2 million free samples of Coca-Cola No Sugar, and weve had great feedback so far,' they said.

'Taste tests show Coca-Cola No Sugar is actually preferred by Coca-Cola Classic drinkers to Coke Zero, and equally liked by Coke Zero drinkers.'

Woolworths already stocks a wide range of other Coke varieties on its shelves and said the decision is customer-driven and a response to what customers want to see on the shelves
A Minister sparked uproar yesterday after he suggested millions of older women with delayed pensions should take up apprenticeships so they can work longer.

Guy Opperman said the Government would make no concessions to the so-called 'Waspi women', who were suddenly told they would have to wait up to six years for their pensions.

Instead the Pensions Minister proposed that the women, who are in their early 60s and have paid National Insurance all their lives, should re-train at work and even consider 'apprenticeship opportunities'.

Guy Opperman said the Government would make no concessions to the so-called 'Waspi women'

Pensions campaigners attending the Commons debate reacted with fury to the comments, with one shouting out to call him a 'disgraceful and shameful man'.

Others ridiculed the suggestion and took to Twitter to say they were too old to take a 'grannyship' in bricklaying.

Tory MPs also spoke in the debate to urge the Government to offer transitional help to 2 million women who were told they would have to wait up to six years longer than expected to draw their pensions.

Former minister Tim Loughton said many women were suffering 'real hardship', while St Albans MP Anne Main pointed out that unemployment was so low in her seat that there were simply not enough jobs available.

And Northern Ireland's DUP  which is propping up the Government  said it would use its influence to bring about a change of course.

Plans to increase the state pension age for women between 2010 and 2020 were initially set out in 1995.

Former minister Tim Loughton said many women were suffering 'real hardship' with the delay in their pensions

But the coalition government decided to speed up the process in 2011, meaning the state pension age for women is now due to increase to 65 in November 2018 and to 66 by October 2020.

Campaigners - led by the Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) group - argue women affected by the changes have suffered financial hardship and been required to rethink their retirement plans at relatively short notice.

Some 37 Tory MPs expressed support for the Waspi campaign before the election, raising hopes on the Labour backbenches of a Government defeat on the issue.

Addressing yesterday's Westminster Hall debate, Mr Opperman said: 'It is not the Government's proposal that they would repeal or ameliorate the 1995 or 2011 Act.

'But I do accept that the Government must do all we can to assist everyone affected into retraining and employment, and provide support if that is not possible.'

The Minister said the Government had taken action to help older workers re-train and update their skills.

He went on to list various options, such as 'returnships' and 'lifelong learning'.

'We have also extended apprenticeship opportunities as one of the best routes to skilled employment for people of all ages and gender,' he said. 'In 2014/15, 12 per cent of the starting apprenticeships were for those aged 45.'

The extraordinary suggestion prompted Labour MP Graham Jones to raise a point of order to ask: 'I'm struggling to hear the debate, but did the minister just say that women aged 64 could go on an apprenticeship course?'

And Grahame Morris, the Labour MP who called the debate, said: 'As a nation, we owe a debt of honour to the Waspi women who have paid their contributions, who are not looking for apprenticeships at 64, they're looking for some recognition of their contribution  sometimes over 44, 45 years or more  many of them whom are now in ill health.'

Tory backbenchers lined up to express their anger at the plight of the Waspi women.

Keith Simpson said: 'My wife is one of the women who have been affected. She feels incandescent with rage. She had no correspondence whatever.'

Mrs Main said her constituents affected by the state pension age changes feel 'cast on the heap'.

'Their experience in the job centre has been abysmal,' she said. 'People who have been in senior positions are being given advice on how to dress and present themselves at interview and update their CV.

Mhairi Black, the SNP's pensions spokeswoman, said one woman committed suicide over fears about what would happen after the election result

'There is nearly 0 per cent unemployment in my constituency, so their chances of getting a job are pretty remote and they are finding it incredibly dispiriting to have to take part in that process.'

Mr Loughton said: 'It represents a breach of trust for those hundreds of thousands  indeed, millions  of women who worked hard, did the right thing and did their bit all their life.

'The problem is more widespread than we were ever led to believe. It threatens real hardship for many of our constituents now.'

Sammy Wilson, a DUP MP, said the current situation was unfair, adding: 'During this Parliament we will work with the Government and use whatever influence, however minimal or maximal, to try to get a solution.'

The Minister's comments sparked outrage among Waspi campaigners on Twitter.

Diana Mitchell Launt listed her qualifications, adding: 'I don't want an apprenticeship: I've studied enough. I want my pension [after paying] 45 years' National Insurance.

'I care for my partner who has severe heart failure. At 60 I would be gutted that I would be stealing an apprenticeship from young.'

Barbara Paton Smith wrote: 'I'm 62, can I be a bricklayer?' Meanwhile, Sue Hodgkins said: 'Perhaps I could have an apprenticeship as a hairdresser in modern salon at the age of 64? I don't think so.'

A Scottish nationalist MP claimed a woman killed herself after the general election result heightened her pension worries.

Mhairi Black, the SNP's pensions spokeswoman, said: 'I got an email today from a woman, a Waspi woman... and she was telling us that her friend committed suicide after the general election result because she could not face what was going to happen to her.'
A desperate 10-year-old girl kicked her father in the head as he attacked her mother during an intense family argument which ended in bloodshed, a court has heard.

Robert Hudson, 35, stabbed his 25-year-old half-brother Nokoma in the neck after a violent confrontation with his partner in Adelaide's Gilles Plains in February last year.

Hudson's young daughter had tried to break up the fight in the kitchen of the family home as her father put her mother in a headlock.

'(His) 10-year-old daughter then came into the kitchen and says, ''stop it dad, you're hurting mummy'',' Prosecutor Peter Longson told the Supreme Court, according to The Advertiser.

The young girl then kicked her father in the head, Mr Longson told the court.

Nokoma Hudson (pictured), 25, was stabbed by his half-brother Robert during a violent family argument at a home in Adelaide's Gilles Plains in February last year

Mr Longson said Hudson then pulled out a knife and swung it at his partner, before his half brother and another man intervened.

'Nokoma threw him off the decking and hit him with a stick,' he said.

Nokoma, who had a young daughter, also threw a bucket at him during the fight, the trial heard.

The fight ended when Robert stabbed Nokoma in the neck. He cradled his younger brother in his arms and said he was sorry as he died.

He was at first charged with murder, but in March he was found guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Sharon Lemon, the mother of both the men, told the South Australian Supreme Court in April she is kept awake at night because she still loves Robert.

Robert Hudson, 35, was at first charged with murder, but in March he was found guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter

'Living with this pain has shattered my heart,' Ms Lemon said in her victim impact statement.

'I lay in bed feeling guilty for loving Robert because of the betrayal of taking my other son away from me.

'It is draining to be torn between both of them.... I love them both more than life itself.'

Hudson will be sentenced next month.
Transport minister John Hayes said Uber and other private hire companies could be forced to sign up to tough new licences to ensure they pay staff the minimum wage

Uber and other private hire companies could be forced to sign up to tough new licences to ensure they pay staff the minimum wage, a minister suggested yesterday.

Transport minister John Hayes was responding to a call from a senior MP that councils should be able to minimum standards before granting firms taxi licences.

Labour's Frank Field said companies such as Uber flout the existing lax rules to get around paying drivers a decent living.

His calls in a Westminster debate were met with a positive response from Mr Hayes, who pledged to review the guidance issued to councils.

The minister said he would establish a working party under an independent chair within the Department for Transport to inquire into the pay and working conditions at Uber.

Mr Field, the former chairman of the Work and Pensions Select Committee, said: 'Uber and similar companies are registering we know in London, in Leeds, in Liverpool and in Glasgow, and getting licences, as they have to, from the transport executive of those areas.

'Is it because the legislation is unsure, difficult to interpret, that these transport executives are not in fact saying these are the minimum conditions you the company must meet if you wish us to grant you a licence to operate in our area?

'I would like to hear the minister's view on this. I think the position is quite clear, it just takes a few  or at least one  transport authority to say this is the interpretation.'

Mr Field said while Uber had made a positive contribution to the market and many workers it was also a 'destructive force for many people's living standards', accusing it of offering a 'bogus' self-employment contract.

Labour's Frank Field said companies such as Uber flout the existing lax rules to get around paying drivers a decent living

He added that wages were pushed down in the 'gig economy' of private hire vehicles through low fares, high rates of commission, the cost of renting the right vehicles and refuelling and maintenance. 'Those are the downward forces in the economy which make it very difficult for people to make a decent living, and indeed as I'm going to argue to make a living to which they've covered by the statutory minimum wage,' said Mr Field.

Mr Field went on to challenge Mr Hayes to outline 'the encouragement he might give to transport authorities that they in fact do have powers'.

In response, Mr Hayes said it was not good enough to wait for the Taylor review, an overarching review of workers' rights in the modern economy, before this issue was tackled.

The minister added: 'As he requested, I will look at the guidance that is issued to local authorities who may be unaware of the extent of their powers, and certainly may be unaware of their ability to use them.

The minister said he would establish a working party under an independent chair within the Department for Transport to inquire into the pay and working conditions at Uber

'He's right to say there are problems with different local authorities interpreting those powers in different ways, and it seems to be very important that we should give clarity about that through the advice that we offer to local authorities.'

Mr Hayes also pledged to set up a working party in the Department for Transport to look at the issue, and meet with Mr Field and drivers' representatives.

He said that with the working group in place there would be, 'no veil, no mask, and nowhere to hide for people who do not do the right thing'.

Mr Field has previously published a report which concluded that drivers working with Uber are in danger of taking home as little as 2 an hour  less than a third of the National Living Wage.

Speaking after the debate, he said: 'This is a big, big breakthrough. The government has acted on the evidence I submitted on the poverty pay and shoddy treatment meted out to some workers at the bottom of the 'gig economy', both by commissioning the Taylor Review and now by inquiring specifically around the private hire industry. Watch this space.'
One of JMW Turners greatest works to remain in private hands has sold for 19million at auction.

The landscape painters Ehrenbreitstein, a view of the ancient Rhine fortress, was one of just six of his major works to be featured in a private collection.

Painted in 1835, the oil painting is a late Turner work which drew critical acclaim upon its first exhibition and sold at Sothebys.

Turner's Ehrenbreitstein, a view of the ancient Rhine fortress, was one of just six of his major works to be featured in a private collection

Painted in 1835, the oil painting is a late Turner work which drew critical acclaim upon its first exhibition and sold at Sothebys

The area of Rhine, and particularly the fortress, held particular resonance for Turner after he first visited in 1817 and returned many times, producing countless sketchbook drawings and numerous watercolours.

Ehrenbreitstein relates specifically to a series of sketches he produced during his third tour of Germany in 1833, when he travelled through en route to Vienna and Venice via Salzburg.

It was initially painted for Turners close friend and publisher John Pye as the basis for a large single plate engraving.

However, he was so enchanted by the beauty and symbolic resonance of the subject as it depicted a united Europe, largely at peace after decades of conflict, that Turner ditched plans for a watercolour and instead created the oil painting.

The area of Rhine, and particularly the fortress, held particular resonance for Turner after he first visited in 1817 and returned many times

Ehrenbreitstein relates specifically to a series of sketches he produced during his third tour of Germany in 1833

It was acquired by one of the artists greatest patrons, Elhanan Bicknell, who held it until his death in 1963 when the work went to auction.

It has since only twice appeared on the market, most recently in 1965 when it achieved a price of 88,000 - a world record for a Turner at the time.

The last recent major Turner oil painting to be sold at auction - Rome, from Mount Aventine, also painted in 1835 - went for a record 30 million.
A frantic search is underway to find a missing 10-year-old Queensland girl who vanished from her home on Wednesday night.

The girl's family is extremely concerned for her safety because she suffers from a medical condition which requires medication she does not have with her.

The girl was last seen leaving an address in Crestmead, in Logan, Brisbane's south at 6pm on Wednesday.

A frantic search is underway to find a missing 10-year-old Queensland girl (pictured) who vanished from her home on Wednesday night

The girl has been described as Caucasion, 145cm tall, with brown hair and brown eyes.

She was last seen wearing black tights, a black long-sleeved top, and was carrying a light blue beach bag.

Queensland Police urged anyone with information as to the girl's whereabouts to phone Crime Stoppers.
Welcome and good health  no, let that be 'salve et bene tibi!'  to Sixtus Dominic Boniface Christopher Rees-Mogg. Sixtus has just been born to Helena Rees-Mogg and her husband, Tory MP Jacob.

As Latin scholars will deduce from his name, Sixtus is the sixth and latest of their offspring. Bookies might not bet against a Septimus, mind you.

As one of life's Quentins (the name's a derivation of quintus, or the fifth), I doff my topper to the lad and to his parents. When Whitehall economists upbraid us British for our productivity rates, they plainly do not mean the fertile Rees-Moggs.

While the infant Sixtus settles himself into this vale of tears and while, we must hope, his mother takes some well-earned rest, it seems a fair moment to tug the horn in salute to the new arrival's father.

Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg wore a suit to visit his sixth child in the hopsital, and named him Sixtus Dominic Boniface Christopher

The MP has gathered a cult following for his dapper appearance and stickling nature when it comes to parliamentary procedure

Jacob Rees-Mogg is so much his own man - and seems such a cultural throwback to earlier times

Sixtus will soon discover that his dad is not as other mortals. Just look at that photograph of him in the maternity hospital yesterday. Other fathers tend to look ill-shaven and scruffy. Jacob?

Neatly attired in collar, tie and double-breasted suit. And quite right, too. Anything less would somehow have shaken our faith in one of the most single-mindedly fashion-resistant politicians in our Parliament.

Jacob Rees-Mogg is so much his own man  and seems such a cultural throwback to earlier times  that he has rightly become a pin-up of the internet age.

Is it really only seven years since he became an MP? He seems to have been around much longer. But they probably said that when he was a little boy in shorts, and we can be sure the shorts were properly tailored. I have never seen him without tie and dark suit, tidily buttoned. His pukka voice creaks like his laced, black Oxford shoes, polished, but not to a vulgar sheen.

He was born at the end of the Sixties, a decade that was anathema to his whole body. Which makes him 48. Others say he behaves like a man of 80, or 180.

When he arrived at Westminster, some treated him like a joke. He soon put them right on that. Not in a high-handed or touchy way  he is remarkably unpompous  but by being gentlemanly yet clinically firm in debate.

His impeccable debating style has helped him become a talisman of the courteous pro-Brexit Right.

Amid all the screaming neuralgia of Westminster in recent weeks, all the bitterness and finger-stabbing and peacocking and chest-puffing, the false claims of venomously vengeful Osbornian Remainers, the crestfallen smiles of Blairites, the Soviet fist-clenching of Corbynistas, the cack-handed 'oopsies' of those bozos in Tory Central Office, Rees-Mogg remained supremely laid-back.

Literally so. In the House of Commons he has reclined in his customary place at the end of the Chamber, viewing the world from an angle of roughly 65 degrees.

He leans low on the green leather bench like a man pedalling while sitting back on one of those recumbent bicycles. He folds his hands over his navel and declines to become caught in all the hullabaloo.

In the middle of the storm the Mogg has watched, the coolest cat in politics cogitating. No doubt he is much the same at home when his newly-enlarged fleet of children is kicking up a merry din.

Sixtus has just been born to Helena Rees-Mogg and her husband, Tory MP Jacob (pictured together)

There is something ageless and, counter-intuitively, something impishly modern about the Member for North EastSomerset. Maybe it is his deftly subversive humour, as seen on TV's Have I Got News For You.

When ITV's Sunday morning politics show tried to put on a mocking show of patriotism the other morning (in response to complaints that broadcasters have been betraying the country with their Brexit coverage), it filled its studio with Union Jack bunting, bacon sandwiches and boiled eggs in their cups.

Ho ho ho. But Rees-Mogg, simply by sitting there with his old-fashioned spectacles and buttoned-up suit and monastic vowels, did a great deal more to radiate a sense of Britishness.

He also radiates authenticity.

If there is one over-riding lesson from recent British politics, one not yet comprehended by the Gadarene swine of our absurd and hyperventilating commentariat, it is that the electorate is heartily sick of the professional political class, who go into public service for a career and an income

What we crave above all else is politicians who are true to themselves and know what they think. Forthright clarity, please. We have had quite enough of patronising careerists and flim-flam artistes.

His constituents certainly seem to approve of Jacob Rees-Mogg. In the General Election he scored some 53 per cent of the vote, securing a 10,235 majority in territory once occupied by New Labour.

Did you see those photographs of him and one of his older sons on the campaign trail? The boy, about eight, was as smartly-suited as his dad and almost dwarfed by an enormous blue rosette. Son and father came across a tattoo parlour which had stuck a rude Vote Labour poster in its front window. The Rees-Moggs reacted with dry aplomb. On Instagram Jacob shared a photograph of the two of them in front of that tattoo shop, alongside the caption: 'We shall have to take our business elsewhere.'

Then there was his recent remark to Mail diarist Sebastian Shakespeare. Jacob said he had been stunned, during the election campaign, to learn that Theresa May once ran through a wheat field (she said it was the naughtiest thing she ever did). 'I think Mrs May is a model of perfection,' said Rees-Mogg in his delicious drawl.

'My behaviour at school was considerably worse than running through a field of wheat. I was sent out of class twice at Eton: once for wearing a Conservative rosette during the 1983 General Election and once, during my A-levels, over an argument over a question of papal infallibility.'

When he arrived at Westminster, some treated him like a joke. He soon put them right on that

In the General Election he scored some 53 per cent of the vote, securing a 10,235 majority in territory once occupied by New Labour

His impeccable debating style has helped him become a talisman of the courteous pro-Brexit Right

A visiting Martian, reading such comments, might be amazed to find such a creature in our drearily demotic House of Commons. But Jacob has something the 21st-century British public very much likes  a self-teasing sense of humour. Rock-like values, too: he is loyal to Queen, country and family, charitable to the needy, wary of foreign control (he makes an exception for the Vatican).

I first came across him 28 summers ago when I was editing the City diary column of the Daily Telegraph. From time to time I would be given a young assistant  nowadays we would say intern  and one of them was Jacob, then a 20-year-old Oxford undergraduate. His father William had been editor of The Times and he wanted to see what newspapers were like. Jacob looked and sounded and dressed and acted exactly as he does today. On his first morning we all trooped in to the City editor's office for our editorial meeting. Jacob stood at the end of the line, watching with quiet interest as we ran through our story lines.

Finally the City editor asked Jacob if he wished to contribute anything. 'No,' said this bespectacled beanpole with a magisterial shake of his head, 'except you all seem to be doing very well.'

After university he went into stockbroking and set up his own business, Somerset Capital Management. People may think he oozes inherited wealth. It is certainly true his parents were comfortably off and that the elegant Helena is from gentry stock, but Jacob is a self-made millionaire.

Behind that languid facade whirrs a top-flight City brain.

The world may see a bespoke traditionalist who motors around Chelsea in an antique Bentley; what it does not see is Rees-Mogg rising at 5am to study the markets and attend, with razor quickness, to his financial duties before the political day has begun.

In the Commons he has become the House's best orator, able to think on his feet and throw in scholastic allusions and linguistic fireworks. He gave the Hansard stenographers a run for their money when he casually threw the word 'floccinaucinihilipilification' into one speech.

Despite such ornate flights, his speeches are brilliantly easy to follow because he is such a clear thinker. He lays out a philosophy of enlightened Toryism marbled by constitutional radicalism.

He is socially tolerant but vigorously Eurosceptic  and no stooge of the Whips, happy occasionally to dissent from the party line.

Anyone who worries that you have to be a foaming nationalist to be a Brexiteer should listen to his thoroughly civilised Euroscepticism. He understands that Brexit will ultimately be a source of stability, saving us from national unrest as the Continent falls to pieces or becomes a federal entity.

In the past two Parliaments he also proved himself a useful member of the Treasury select committee, where his City expertise came to the fore. Albeit in the most gentlemanly way, he was fiercely critical of the political shenanigans of the disgracefully pro-Remain Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney. Mr Carney may fancy himself a smooth operator but he was left looking very ordinary by the quietly deadly Rees-Mogg.

The chairman of that Treasury select committee, Andrew Tyrie, regrettably retired at the last election and Jacob Rees-Mogg is standing to succeed him. Labour MPs are reportedly plotting to stop him at any cost. Lord knows why. The City's greedy fixers and dozy regulators and sly fraudsters would be horrified if Jacob got the job. He knows the Square Mile better than any other MP and would see through their bluster.

Mark Carney and Chancellor Philip Hammond (who still seems to be resisting Brexit), would also hate it if Rees-Mogg was elected by MPs to that position, but the rest of us would benefit greatly.

Apart from that Labour mischief-making, Rees-Mogg is popular across the House where he has certainly shown his early doubters wrong. When he was selected as Conservative candidate before the 2010 election there were some Cameroons who were convinced that picking so retro a figure, such a palpable Bertie Wooster (or so it seemed), would harm the Tories' national chances.

Would the media not use him to allege that the 2010 Tories were just a bunch of remote toffs?

A few Leftwing journalists did try to mock the Mogg as an Edwardian throwback, but the public soon saw he was authentic  cheerfully, unapologetically his own person. I have never known Jacob lose his temper, denigrate an opponent personally or descend to sloganeering, except in an ironic way.

He is uninterested in focus groups and considers party members more important than spin doctors. He does not crave a junior ministerial position. If only more politicians could follow his example!

And that word 'floccinaucinihilipilification'? Since you ask, it means 'considering something to be utterly useless'. Not something you could say about the magnificently productive Rees-Moggs.
Donald Trump Jr couldnt resist taking another shot at CNN on Wednesday.

The presidents son retweeted a story from Tuesday linking to an article about the co-creator of the hit show South Park saying that the comedy will no longer include jokes about Donald Trump.

Trey Parker who voices four of South Park's main characters, said he and longtime collaborator Matt Stone, are fed up with Trump jokes.

'We fell into the same trap that Saturday Night Live fell into, where it was like, "Dude, we're just becoming CNN now. We're becoming: Tune in to see what we're going to say about Trump,"' Parker told the Los Angeles Times.

Parkers desire to avoid becoming CNN was particularly amusing to Donald, Jr, who tweeted: Amazing. This made my day. Thanks.

South Park star Trey Parker's (left) comments that his show would no longer include jokes about President Donald Trump caught the eye of the president's son, Donald Trump Jr (right)

'We fell into the same trap that Saturday Night Live fell into, where it was like we're becoming: "Tune in to see what we're going to say about Trump,"' Parker said. On South Park, Parker voices several characters including Cartman, Stan and Mr Mackey

On his Instagram account, Donald, Jr, wrote: Hahahaha South Park will lay off the Trump jokes to avoid becoming CNN

Parkers desire to avoid becoming CNN was particularly amusing to Donald, Jr, who tweeted: Amazing. This made my day. Thanks

On his Instagram account, Donald, Jr, wrote: Hahahaha South Park will lay off the Trump jokes to avoid becoming CNN.

On both social media platforms, Donald, Jr, added the hashtags #CNNBlackmail and #fakenews.

Parker appeared to say he wanted to avoid becoming CNN so as to keep his show centered on the comedic plotline.

The quote did not come across as a criticism of CNN itself, but of the news business as a whole.

CNN has come under fire from Trump supporters after it was accused of 'blackmailing' the creator of the above GIF. President Trump tweeted an edited video clip of himself hitting Vince McMahon at WrestleMania 23, but the CNN logo was slapped over McMahon's face

The White House was criticized because the GIF's creator, HanA**holeSolo, also posted a series of memes that were racist and anti-Semitic in nature, according to a CNN report. CNN was accused of 'blackmailing' HanA**holeSolo on Wednesday after the network revealed it had spoken to him and could 'release his identity' in future

Trump Jr, however, interpreted Parkers quote as targeting CNN, which has come under fire from pro-Trump supporters on social media who accuse it of blackmailing a Reddit user who created a controversial GIF featuring the president.

Reddit user HanA**holeSolo created the GIF showing President Trump wrestling WWE owner Vince McMahon while McMahon had the CNN logo superimposed on his head.

The White House was criticized because HanA**holeSolo also posted a series of memes that were racist and anti-Semitic in nature, according to a CNN report.

CNN was accused of 'blackmailing' HanA**holeSolo on Wednesday after the network revealed it had spoken to him and could 'release his identity' in future.

Opponents of the network accused it of blackmail after an article was published on Tuesday explaining how reporters had been able to identify and get in contact with 'HanA**holeSolo', the Reddit user who created the GIF used by Trump in his latest attack on the media over the weekend.

Andrew Kaczynski, a reporter with CNN's KFile, said he would not name the person behind the account - but could do so if he said anything offensive in future.

The article read: 'CNN is not publishing "HanA**holeSolo's" name because he is a private citizen who has issued an extensive statement of apology, showed his remorse by saying he has taken down all his offending posts, and because he said he is not going to repeat this ugly behavior on social media again.'

He then added: 'CNN reserves the right to publish his identity should any of that change.'

Kaczynski accused Donald Jr of spreading misinformation on social media about the Reddit users age.

Andrew Kaczynski, a reporter with CNN's KFile, wrote he had been able to determine key biographical details, to find the man's name using a Facebook search and ultimately corroborate details he had made available on Reddit

On Twitter, the presidents son accused CNN of 'bullying a 15-year-old boy'. 'So I guess they weren't effective threatening the admin so they go after & bully a 15 y/o? Seems in line w their "standards" #CNNBlackmail,' he tweeted

But Kaczynski flatly denied Donald Jrs contention, saying that HanA**holeSolo is really a man in his mid-forties

On Twitter, the presidents son accused CNN of 'bullying a 15-year-old boy'.

'So I guess they weren't effective threatening the admin so they go after & bully a 15 y/o? Seems in line w their "standards" #CNNBlackmail,' he tweeted.

But Kaczynski flatly denied Donald Jrs contention, saying that HanA**holeSolo is really a man in his mid-forties.

Need to point out again HanA**holeSolo is a middle aged man. People claiming he's 15 are wrong. Some are intentionally spreading this, the CNN journalist tweeted.

Again. HanA**holeSolo is not 15 or anywhere close to it. This is POTUS' son spreading misinformation, Kaczynski tweeted.

As a presidential candidate and as commander-in-chief, Trump has repeatedly made known his disdain for the media, calling it 'the enemy of the American people' and frequently referring to mainstream news organizations as 'failing' or 'fake news.'

He has been particularly scathing of CNN.

The video of Trump at Wrestlemania takes his criticism to a new level and drew criticism from CNN and on social media.

'It is a sad day when the President of the United States encourages violence against reporters,' CNN said in a statement.

'Instead of preparing for his overseas trip, his first meeting with Vladimir Putin, dealing with North Korea and working on his health care bill, he is instead involved in juvenile behavior far below the dignity of his office,' CNN said.
Blac Chyna and Rob Kardashian's on-again off-again relationship may be over for good after his explosive Twitter tirade against the mother of his child as he accused her of cheating on him.

But a body language expert who reviewed photos of the couple during their past two-and-a-half years together says the relationship was 'doomed to fail from the beginning.'

Susan Constantine, a leading body language expert in human behavior, told DailyMail.com the couple appeared to have a deeply unbalanced relationship.

'It's apparent that he's more into her, than she is into him,' she said. 'He wants more out of the relationship. He is working so hard to get her approval, and acknowledgement but is not getting anything close.'

A a body language expert who reviewed photos of the couple (pictured in November) during their past two-and-a-half years together says the relationship was 'doomed to fail from the beginning'

Meanwhile, Chyna is 'in it all for herself.'

'There is so much artificialness about her,' said Ms Constantine, after assessing photos of the couple out together at events or in pictures on Instagram.

'I don't see him as having the agenda in the relationship, but she definitely has an agenda.

'He's just a regular guy who wants to have a relationship. He's enamored by her. But she's just on display.'

Ms Constantine revealed there were certain signs or gestures experts knew to look out for which signals a relationship is in trouble - such as stonewalling.

'We see a lot of that here. She puts him in the back burner, she won't commit to him.

'She is definitely in control,' the expert added.

Ms Constantine warned that if the couple did get back together, it would be a 'very tumultuous relationship.'

The couple certainly have had a stormy relationship since they first began dating in January 2016.

Susan Constantine (pictured) a leading body language expert in human behavior, told DailyMail.com the couple appeared to have a deeply unbalanced relationship

Within three months they announced their engagement and the following month, the new couple dropped another bombshell: announcing that Chyna was pregnant with Rob's child.

The couple even got their own KUWTK spin-off that fall, which showed them preparing for baby Dream.

Dream was born on November 10, 2016 - but a little more than a month later Rob and Chyna broke up.

Rob announced the news on Snapchat on December 17, recording several videos of his empty house after Chyna up and left with their newborn baby girl. The news came less than a week before the television special on Dream's birth aired.

'I'm pretty upset and I'm pretty sad cause it's about to be Christmas, and I want to be with my baby,' Rob said in one of the videos, his voice cracking.

Since then, there have been alternating reports that the couple are either back together or broken up again.

The couple did get back together, if only for a short period, to spend the holidays together with their baby girl.

They were pictured together most recently on June 18, taking Dream to Disneyland. But in one of his posts, Rob said that the trip was staged for the paparazzi.

Kardashian and Chyna's relationship ended explosively today after he claims his now ex sent him a video of her cheating. But according to our body language expert, the relationship had little chance of succeeding from the start

Earlier this week, Chyna declared that she was single in an Instagram post, publishing an image that read: 'single. im happy'.

And on Wednesday, Kardashian went on a furious rant and posted several nude photographs of his on-off girlfriend on Instagram as he accused her of cheating on him with eight men in less than a month.

The bitter online rant sparked a furious response from Chyna who accused Rob of beating her.

'He goes through a lot of heartache and pain in this relationship,' Constantine told us. 'He wants more out of the relationship than she wants. There's a lot of disappointment.

'It was doomed to fail from the beginning. There is not a strong enough connection between them.'

She even compared them to the famously tempestuous relationship between Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown.

'Always the turbulent, him competing for attention, and her competing for attention from the media and other people. It's not a good mix.'

DailyMail.com has reached out to both Chyna and Kardashian for comment.

WHAT ROB KARDASHIAN AND BLAC CHYNA'S BODY LANGUAGE REVEALS

'She is in it all for herself': The couple are pictured in April this year, after they briefly reunited following another break up

Ms Constantine says Kardashian's awkward gesture reveals he is nervous or unsure, perhaps as this picture was taken shortly after reuniting following a break-up. Yet he dedicates himself to the kiss, while an apparently disinterested Chyna pouts at the camera.

'When he's touching his head like that it's self-soothing gesture, showing there is anxiety and stress, she said. 'You notice his eyes are closed, that's showing sensitivity. There's a strong emotional connection from him.

'It shows "I love you", it's a very intense emotion,' she added.

'She is in it all for herself; the air kiss, her eyes are slightly open, while she is looking at the person taking the photos... it shows a lack of intimacy.

"It's all about me, don't touch my make up, it's about me."

'It's not mutual': Pictured together on November 29, 2016, just a few weeks after their child was born, but just over two weeks before they broke up

In the second picture, Kardashian appears to stare adoringly at his then-girlfriend, just weeks after she gave birth to their child Dream, while Chyna breezes past. Once again, she only has eyes for the media.

'His torso is turned towards hers, showing a sexual connection to her, while she is on display,' Ms Constatine explained. 'There is so much artificialness about her.

'He is trying to capture her attention while she is more uninterested in the person taking the photograph.

'He is always trying to gain her approval, here he's like "Honey, look at me!"

'It's not mutual.'

'She is not enjoying herself': Pictured at a gentleman's club in April 2016 after their engagement was announced

In this picture, taken after announcing their engagement, our body language expert says Kardashian appears happy and relaxed, he's got what he always wanted, while Chyna looks miserable.

'You see, he has always got a slight grin, he's putting out a good face, he's very relaxed, he has her hand around her hip - that shows a sexual connection,' she said.

'She is only giving him a partial display, looking good for the camera.

'She is not enjoying herself,' Ms Constantine added, 'there are no genuine signs of happiness in her eyes.'

'They could be brother and sister': Chyna and Kardashian at Onyx Nightclub on March 27, 2016

The expert says that with Kardashian looking unhappy and unengaged, there is such a lack of sexual chemistry, the pair could be siblings,

'The two of them don't seem to be happy at all,' she said, adding that the fact they were not touching could also be significant.

'They could have been brother and sister in that photo if I didn't know their relationship.'

'She makes no effort': The pair attend the Sky Beach Club at the Tropicana Las Vegas on May 28, 2016

Kardashian once again is put on the back front by Chyna's lack of affection in this picture, Ms Constantine reveals, another example of the model and former stripper refusing to commit herself to the relationship.

'He is leaning his shoulder into her, he is making movement in her direction but she makes no effort in her stance. She has her hand on her hip - she is trying to project what she thinks is her greatest asset, her bottom half.

'Again has a very flat, expressionless face.'

The expert noted that Chyna did have her arm resting on Kardashian's back but in a passive movement; 'he isn't pulling him in,' she said.'

'While's he's feeling a little awkward, based on Chyna's responses.'
Lee Rigby's killer Michael Adebolajo and hate preacher Anjem Choudary will be among the first inmates in three special 'jihadi jails' set up within prisons.

It is hoped the decision to put some of the country's most dangerous extremists in the centres together will help crack down on radicalisation behind bars.

Up to 28 Muslim extremists will be caged in 'separation centres' to prevent them preying on other convicts.

Lee Rigby's killer Michael Adebolajo and hate preacher Anjem Choudary will be among the first inmates in three special 'jihadi jails'

Inmates suspected of planning terrorism or posing a risk to national security face being moved away from the mainstream prison population.

Lee Rigby murderer Michael Adebolajo and extremist preacher Anjem Choudary could be among them.

Last month, Adebolajo, who killed Fusilier Rigby outside the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, south east London, in May 2013, was said to be 'brainwashing' fellow inmates in prison.

Adebolajo, who was being held at HMP Frankland ahead of the separation centre being created, was described as spending 'most of his waking hours preaching his distorted form of Islam to anyone who will listen'

The inmates are now housed in a separate centre within HMP Frankland in Durham to stop them influencing fellow prisoners.

Two other centres, which are expected to be at HMP Full Sutton near York and at HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire, are due to open in the coming months and the three centres together will hold up to 28 of the most subversive extremist prisoners in the system.

The maximum capacity of 28 prisoners is however far short of the latest figure of 186 prisoners in the system convicted of terrorist or extremist offences.

The inmates are now housed in a separate centre within HMP Frankland in Durham to stop them influencing fellow prisoners

More than 4,500 frontline prison officers have received the latest specialist counter-extremism training to identify and challenge extremist views, with new recruits to the prison service now receiving the training as standard.

Prisons minister Sam Gyimah said: 'Extremism must be defeated wherever it is found. The most dangerous and subversive offenders are now being separated from those they seek to influence and convert, an absolutely crucial element of our wider strategy to tackle extremism in prisons and ensure the safety of the wider public.'

Until now Islamist terrorists have been dispersed around the prison system in the same way that IRA terrorists convicted on the mainland were in the past.

But a review by former prison governor Ian Acheson called for the most dangerous and charismatic offenders to be isolated from the general prison population to prevent them spreading their poison.

The assessment found evidence of offenders advocating support for ISIS and 'charismatic' prisoners acting as 'self-styled emirs' to radicalise other inmates.

It also suggested that 'cultural sensitivity' among staff towards Muslim prisoners could 'inhibit the effective confrontation of extremist views'.

Figures indicate authorities are managing more than 1,000 inmates who have been identified as extremist or vulnerable to extremism at any one time.

The new centres will be used to target all forms of extremism in jails, including Islamist and extreme far-right ideologies.

They will be completely separate from the main wings of the three establishments where they are located, and staffed by personnel from the existing high-security estate.

Decisions on which prisoners are placed in the units will be taken by specialist senior staff.

Convicts serving sentences for non-terror related offences could also be moved to the centres if they show signs of serious extremism behind bars.

Once in a 'jihadi jail', they will be reviewed by experts every three months and returned to the main jail only if the threat they pose has reduced sufficiently.

In April, the Government launched a 100-strong team of counter-terrorism experts to tackle 'poisonous' extremism in jails.
The man charged with kidnapping Chinese graduate student Yingying Zhang 'explained the characteristics of his ideal victim' and pointed out those who matched them in a crowd during a vigil held for her, authorities said Wednesday.

The shocking comments Brendt Christensen made were recorded by FBI investigators when he attended a vigil for the missing 26-year-old woman who is feared to be dead, Bryan Freres, an assistant US attorney told US Magistrate Eric Long in Illinois, according to CNN.

Freres also told the federal judge that Christensen was recorded explaining how he kidnapped Zhang, who tried to fight against him.

The 28-year-old allegedly took her back to his apartment, where he held her against her will in June. It is unclear where or when that recording was made.

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Brendt Christensen, 28 (pictured), is the main suspect in the abduction of Chinese scholar Yingying Zhang,26. The FBI recorded him during a vigil for her where 'explained the characteristics of his ideal victim,' federal prosecutors say.

The FBI is investigating the disappearance of Zhang (pictured), 26, a Chinese woman from Urbana, as a kidnapping. Zhang was about a month into a yearlong appointment at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign when she disappeared June 9

Authorities announced that they believed Zhang was abducted after viewing surveillance video showing her climbing into a vehicle (pictured)

Authorities say Christensen (above) attended a vigil for Zhang on June 29. Prosecutors say that Christensen was recorded explaining how he kidnapped Zhang, who tried to fight against him

Prosecutors didn't explain to whom Christensen made the comments.

Freres said he didn't see a 'combination of conditions' where the suspect was not a danger to the community.

Long agreed and denied bail for Christensen, who was charged on Friday - one day after the vigil was held for Zhang at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

A startling photo taken during the vigil shows Christensen at the vigil where her parents, other family members and friends attended on campus June 29.

The 26-year-old woman was last seen getting into the suspect's car on June 9 at a bus stop, according to the criminal complaint.

Police say Zhang was trying to hurry to an apartment to sign a lease and had been unsuccessful in flagging down a bus when a car stopped.

Police say Zhang (right) was trying to hurry to an apartment to sign a lease and had been unsuccessful in flagging down a bus when a car stopped (left). The video shows a woman that authorities say is Zhang climb into the vehicle in Urbana

Christensen's (pictured) phone was used April 19 to visit a website - FetLife.com - hosting an 'Abduction 101' forum, including to view threads titled 'Perfect abduction fantasy' and 'planning a kidnapping', according to the federal complaint

The video shows a woman that authorities say is Zhang climb into the vehicle in Urbana, which is 140 miles southwest of Chicago.

She disappeared about a month into a yearlong appointment at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Officials fear that Zhang is dead, but have not revealed why they believe that or what evidence they may have to support that theory since her body has yet to be found.

The suspect had been under surveillance for roughly a week after Zhang went missing.

Christensen has not entered a plea in the case and he is being held at Macon County jail.

The federal kidnapping charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, according to a spokeswoman for the US Attorney's office.

Zhang (pictured) who received her master's degree in environmental engineering in China last year, was described by friends and family as bright and caring. She aspired to one day land a professorship so she could help her family financially

The missing woman's boyfriend, Xiaolin Hou (left), and father, Ronggao Zhang, were seen entering the Federal Courthouse in Urbana on Wednesday for Christensen's bail hearing

Zhang's aunt, Liqin Ye (front) is pictured above entering the courthouse for the hearing on Wednesday

After the hearing, Christensen's attorney Evan Bruno said he has spoken to his client a few times, but that 'this case is very young and we haven't had a really full opportunity to develop everything yet'.

Bruno asked the public to 'be patient, to keep an open mind, wait 'til the evidence comes in'.

Details have emerged about Christensen, who had just earned a master's degree in physics from the University of Illinois this year, and the events leading up to Zhang's disappearance.

According to authorities, a website that hosted an 'Abduction 101' forum linked Christensen to the kidnapping of Zhang.

Christensen's phone was used April 19 to visit the website - FetLife.com - including to view threads titled 'Perfect abduction fantasy' and 'planning a kidnapping', according to the federal complaint.

After the hearing, Christensen's attorney Evan Bruno (right on Wednesday) said he has spoken to his client a few times, but that 'this case is very young and we haven't had a really full opportunity to develop everything yet'.

FetLife describes itself as 'the Social Network for the BDSM, Fetish & Kinky Community', stressing in online policy statements that it is a place for consenting adults to trade advice and images of themselves, and to arrange to meet.

The acronym BDSM stands for bondage, dominance, sadism and masochism. Users provide their ages, genders and roles they wish to play, but otherwise remain anonymous.

FetLife prohibited hundreds of fetish categories this year after it was cited in several criminal cases, founder John Baku, a Canadian software developer, said in a February online note to members. He said he wanted to reduce legal liability and risks to the wider community.

FetLife policy guidelines stress that any interaction online or in person must be between adults and consensual.

Neither FetLife nor Baku responded to messages seeking comment.
A Queensland pensioner dubbed the 'Birdman' has been forced out of his home after neighbours complained his 300 parrots were too noisy.

Roy Jones, 54, has been breeding birds for over 40 years.

At the time of the complaint he had over 300 birds living on his housing commission Moreton Bay property.

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Roy Jones, 54, has been breeding birds for over 40 years

'Birdman' was told to move or get rid of his feathered friends

Mr Jones told A Current Affair he was 'extremely angry' about the complaint and resulting council inspection.

He was told to move or get rid of his feathered friends.

'I thought I had the freedom to do what I like as long as I don't offend anybody,' Mr Jones told the program.

Moreton Bay deputy mayor Mike Charlton said there was a limit of 20 birds for a property of Mr Jones' size.

At one point Mr Jones considered offering to pay rent on council land to set up a bird zoo with his partner Karen Davis.

'If I had my way, I'd have a bird zoo,' Mr Jones said.

But the pair said they 'would rather go with their birds' and have moved to a secret location to live with their parrots in peace.

At one point Mr Jones considered offering to pay rent on council land to set up a bird zoo with his partner Karen Davis (pictured)
Amnesty International has launched a campaign to stop Australia's biggest supermarkets stocking products which it says contain an ingredient made using child labour.

The organisation is urging Coles, Aldi and Woolworths to stop selling products that have been made with palm oil from plantations where children do 'back-breaking and dangerous work'.

Specifically, it highlights products made with Wilmar's palm oil as Amnesty says it has uncovered child labour and workers' rights abuses at its plantations.

Amnesty says it has traced Wilmar's palm oil to hundreds of popular products  including chocolate, ice cream, shampoo, and skincare.

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Amnesty International has launched a campaign to stop Australia's biggest supermarkets stocking products, including KitKat, which it says contains ingredients which are made using child labour

Amnesty International says Nestle products including KitKat and Smarties (above) are made from palm oil that comes from plantations that use child labour

They include KitKat and Smarties, made by Nestle, and a number of huge brands manufactured by Proctor & Gamble  such as Head & Shoulders, Herbal Essences, Olay, Oral B and Pantene Pro-V.

The biggest offender, according to Amnesty, is Unilever, which makes Bird's Eye, Dove, Cup a Soup, Flora margarine, Magnum ice creams, Surf detergent and Vaseline using Wilmar's palm oil.

The organisation's petition has attracted almost 4,000 supporters, who have sent the supermarkets emails saying they are concerned about the safeguards in place when purchasing products from these companies who use the ingredient.

'Big brands are still profiting from child labour in palm oil plantations,' Amnesty wrote in the petition.

'It's time to take the pressure up a level by focusing on three of their biggest clients in Australia  Woolworths, Coles and Aldi.

'Children as young as eight are doing back-breaking and dangerous work on these palm oil plantations, all while the brands we know so well turn a profit in the billions.'

One of the brands that Amnesty highlighted is Magnum, which is manufactured by Unilever

Shampoo is another household product that uses palm oil. Head & Shoulders, Herbal Essences and Pantene Pro-V are brands that Amnesty claims uses Wilmar palm oil

To demonstrate the dangers these child workers face, Amnesty recreated a video to show the 'terrifying experience' children forced to climb trees to collect palm fruit in order to meet their daily targets deal with.

'Woolworths, Coles and Aldi stock many of these household brands, essentially green-lighting child labour and worker's rights abuses,' it says.

'It's time Woolworths, Coles and Aldi stood up for what's right and customers are vital in making that happen.'

Amnesty said representatives from Coles and Aldi had met with them to discuss concerns.

'They listened to what we had to say and expressed their own concern, but have not yet committed to taking the action needed to end child labour,' the non-profit organisation said.

'Woolworths has not yet found the time to meet with Amnesty.'

However, Woolworths said the supermarket took part in an hour-long meeting with Amnesty International last month - which Amnesty confirmed was over the phone and the two have yet to meet face-to-face.

Amnesty's campign specifically highlights Wilmar palm oil as being linked to child labour and worker's rights abuses. Dove products use oil from Wilmar plantations, according to Amnesty

Oral B, manufactured by Proctor & Gamble, is another big brand that uses Wilmar palm oil

'We take the sourcing of ethnically produced products very seriously,' a Woolworths spokesman told Daily Mail Australia.

'Our trading terms require that suppliers comply with all relevant laws and support ethical standards with regard to workplace safety, environment, fair pay and employment conditions.

'Where any alleged breach of laws, workplace or otherwise, are brought to our attention we take those allegations seriously and we will engage with our suppliers on these issues.'

An Aldi Australia spokesperson said: 'ALDI Australia does not tolerate any workplace practices and conditions which violate basic human rights.

'We take social standards within our supply chain very seriously and have met with Amnesty International to understand their concerns.

'ALDI is committed to the highest standards of responsible behaviour in all our relationships and we expect all of our suppliers, as direct business partners, as well as their producers throughout the supply chain, to comply with the 'ALDI Supplier Standards'.'

Amnesty's petition calling on Australia's biggest supermarkets to stop stocking the products has amassed almost 4,000 supporters so far

The spokesman said these standards condemn any form of forced or child labour, in compliance with national and international laws and standards, including the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and UN conventions of Human Rights.

'As part of their contractual agreements, suppliers must also apply these standards to their entire production process,' she said.

'If ALDI is notified of any issues within the supply chain, we will investigate and act swiftly to address any situation that does not meet our high standards and supplier Terms and Conditions.'

Aldi added since 2014, 100 per cent of its palm oil used in Aldi branded food is certified to the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) standards.

'This policy is being extended to all non-food products to ensure all our products will use RSPO certified palm oil and by end of 2018,' the spokesperson added.

'ALDI is committed to working with our suppliers to continuously improve the social, environmental and human rights standards in the palm oil industry, and ensure the RSPO principles for fair labour are strengthened and enforced.'

In a statement, Nestle said: 'Practices such as those identified by Amnesty International have no place in our supply chain.

'Nestle engaged extensively with Amnesty, including supplying detailed on our relationship with palm oil supplier Wilmar and on our actions to address human rights and labour rights issues in the sector.

'We are investigating allegations related to our purchasing of palm oil, along with our suppliers.'

To demonstrate the dangers child workers face, Amnesty recreated a video to show what they do on plantations

In a video, a man recreates the 'terrifying experience' children face when they are made to climb trees and collect palm fruit in order to meet their daily targets

Nestle confirmed that Wilmar supplies around 10 per cent of the total palm oil that the company uses in its products.

'We are working closely with the company to improve traceability,' it said.

At the moment, Nestle says 83 per cent of the amount of palm oil it buys can be traced back to the mill of origin, while 11 per cent is traceable to the plantation.

'This traceability does not yet extend to the plantations at the centre of the allegations by Amnesty International,' the company said.

It added: 'For six years, we have worked with partners, including The Forest Trust, to improve transparency, traceability and supplier behaviour in the palm oil industry.

'We have processes in place to assess where the risk of labour or human rights violations exist in our supply chain and we are taking action to address these. Where our suppliers fail to meet the provisions in our Supplier Code, including on labour rights, we will suspend them.'

A Unilever spokesperson said: 'Since these issues were brought to our attention last year we have engaged with Wilmar and the rest of the industry to address them and find prompt solutions.

'Whilst all issues are not yet resolved, we do see some progress and believe Wilmar is moving in the right direction by engaging experts such as BSR and Verite, which is allowing objective independent reviews of both their own operations and conditions in plantations.

'We are opposed to and do not tolerate any form of labour abuse in our supply chain and are committed to working with partners to accelerate positive change.'

P&G said 'human rights is fundamental to how we operate all facets of our business.'

A spokesman said: 'We also expect our suppliers to respect internationally recognized human rights as well.

'We all agree that sourcing of palm oil should respect the planet and protect the people who produce it for their livelihood.

'That is why we have been working with Wilmar to ensure they can remedy any potential human rights infringements in their supply chain.

'We are committed to helping be part of the solution.'

Wilmar is one of the largest palm plantation owners in Indonesia and Malaysia, according to its website.

The company says it has plantations in Sumatra, West Kamlimantan and Central Kalimantan in Indonesia, and in the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, where the climactic conditions are suitable for planting oil palms.

The company also owns oil palm plantations in Ghana and owns plantations in Uganda and West Africa through joint ventures.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Coles and Wilmar for comment.
A man who killed his seven-week-old baby will be sentenced for manslaughter after pleading guilty at the Brisbane Supreme Court.

Rick Cataldo was arraigned over the May 2012 death of daughter Lily Rain Cataldo at the court on Thursday, where he entered a plea to a single charge.

Lily's mother Michelle was in April sentenced to five years' imprisonment after also pleading guilty to manslaughter.

Rick Cataldo (not pictured) will be sentenced for manslaughter after he killed his and Michelle (pictured right) baby daughter

Lily Rain Cataldo (stock image) was killed by her father after he brutally fractured her skull in 2012

But she walked free from court, with Justice Martin Burns wholly suspending the jail term.

During her sentencing the court heard Michelle was vulnerable and substantially impaired due to abuse inflicted by Cataldo.

Details of the events that led to the infant's death also emerged.

On the evening Lily died at their Deception Bay home, north of Brisbane, Michelle found her pale, unresponsive and limp, lying on a bed behind her sleeping father.

Michelle found her daughter pale, unresponsive and limp, lying on a bed behind Cataldo sleeping (stock photo)

Cataldo (not pictured) inflicted the fatal injuries on his baby in one savage attack between seven and 10 days before she died, leaving her with a fractured skull, brain injuries and bruises

Michelle took her blue child to Redcliffe Hospital (pictured) and staff tried CPR for about half an hour but the child died

She yelled at Cataldo and wanted to call an ambulance but he stopped her.

'You were prevailed on by Cataldo not to do so because he was worried that a number of cannabis plants in his possession would be discovered,' Justice Burns said in sentencing Michelle.

Michelle took her blue child to Redcliffe Hospital and staff tried CPR for about half an hour but the child died.

The court heard Cataldo had inflicted the fatal injuries on his baby in one savage attack between seven and 10 days before she died, leaving her with a fractured skull, brain injuries and bruises.

Michelle (pictured middle) was sentenced to five years' imprisonment after pleading guilty to manslaughter but walked free after Justice Martin Burns wholly suspended the jail term

Cataldo (not pictured) will remain on bail before returning to the court in August, when a date for sentencing will be set

Michelle was unaware of the attack or its severity.

The court found that if Lily survived she would have likely been left with brain damage from her father's attack.

Cataldo will remain on bail before returning to the court in August, when a date for sentencing will be set.

Since her daughter's death, Michelle has turned her life around and is studying science at university and has been in a relationship for two years, the court heard.
A top private boys' school, where parents pay 19,000 per year, has admitted it snoops on pupils' social media accounts to ensure they aren't criticising the school online.

Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School in Elstree, Hertfordshire, are in a dispute with senior staff and pupils over its alleged 'Big Brother' methods.

This year, students have been protesting against the monitoring of their social media accounts.

Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School in Elstree, Hertfordshire, are in a dispute with senior staff and pupils over its alleged 'Big Brother' methods

The feud allegedly begun after a student was reportedly suspended for criticising a recent 'Pride assembly', after he claimed it was 'for show'.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, a former pupil said that there had been growing ill-feeling at Haberdashers' in recent months over disciplinary procedures.

He said: 'The heart of the dispute is that the school monitors what students are doing and punishes anyone who criticises anything they do.'

Headmaster Peter Hamilton said the monitoring is not 'draconian'.

He added: 'We have Twitter and Facebook and you keep an eye on what is being said. If people are saying silly things you have to follow through. But I don't have a bank of screens in front of me that measures every twist and turn. There's nothing draconian.

'We did have an LGBT week, and it went off really well. You get some posters being put up, but it's got nothing to do with gay pride at all.

'We've been pretty upfront and open on all of those things. What you've got is a few people having a bit of a gripe and a grumble.'

The school sparked controversy four years ago for taking the fingerprints of pupils without their parents' consent

The school sparked controversy four years ago for taking the fingerprints of pupils without their parents' consent.

Parents complained after thumbprints of the pupils were taken for the school dining room's new payment system.

Parents said while a notice was posted on its website four days beforehand, the school did nothing else to alert them to the move or seek their permission, according to The Times.

The National Retail Services payment system sees b oys press their thumb against a screen when buying food and the price is then charged to an account.
The store is known for its conservative politics and its founders' Christian beliefs

The chain said that its 'passion for the Bible' was behind the acquisitions but it should have more closely monitored the sales

A retail chain known for its arts, crafts, home decor and conservative politics was fined $3million by the government for sneaking ancient artifacts from Iraq into the US.

The Department of Justice said the franchise smuggled thousands of ancient cuneiform tablets and clay bullae from modern-day Iraq into the country via United Arab Emirates and Israel.

With Hobby Lobby's knowledge, the artifacts were falsely labeled 'ceramics' and 'samples' and illegally shipped to Hobby Lobby stores and two corporate offices, said the agency.

In addition to the fine, the company must forfeit all of the artifacts.

Hobby Lobby, which has 750 craft stores in 47 states, agreed to pay the Department of Justice $3million

The DOJ said ancient cuneiform tablets and clay bullae from Iraq were smuggled to the Hobby Lobby offices illegally

Clay bullae are balls of clay on which seals have been imprinted (above)

Cuneiform is an ancient system of writing on clay tablets that was used in Mesopotamia, which is now parts of Iraq, Syria, and southeastern Turkey and clay bullae are balls of clay on which seals have been imprinted, according to the DOJ.

Hobby Lobby released a statement saying it was the company's passion for the Bible that got it into trouble.

'In 2009, Hobby Lobby began acquiring a variety of historical Bibles and other artifacts. Developing a collection of historically and religiously important books and artifacts about the Bible is consistent with the company's mission and passion for the Bible,' Green said in the statement, according to CNN.

The president of Hobby Lobby, Steve Green, is the chairman and founder of the Museum of the Bible, which is under construction in Washington, D.C., and on its website describes its collections as biblical objects and artifacts.

Prosecutors say that Hobby Lobby, which is based in Oklahoma City, began assembling a collection of historically significant manuscripts, antiquities and other cultural materials in 2009.

Hobby Lobby, which is known for its owners conservative politics and Christian beliefs, will pay $3million

The following year an expert on cultural property law retained by Hobby Lobby cautioned company executives that artifacts from Iraq could have been looted from archaeological sites, advising the company to verify that those being sold had been obtained legally.

Despite that warning and other red flags, prosecutors say, Hobby Lobby in December 2010 spent $1.6million to purchase more than 5,500 artifacts comprised of cuneiform tablets and bricks, clay bullae and cylinder seals. Cuneiform is an ancient system of writing on clay tablets.

A dealer based in the United Arab Emirates shipped packages containing the items to three different Hobby Lobby corporate addresses in Oklahoma City, bearing labels that falsely described their contents as "ceramic tiles" or "clay tiles" and the country of origin as Turkey.

President Steve Green (above) said that the company 'should have exercised more oversight and carefully questioned how the acquisitions were handled'

'We should have exercised more oversight and carefully questioned how the acquisitions were handled.'

The DOJ said that Green and a consultant traveled to the United Arab Emirates in July 2010 and inspected the artifacts.

'The protection of cultural heritage is a mission that Homeland Security Investigations and its partner US Customs and Border Protection take very seriously as we recognize that while some may put a price on these artifacts, the people of Iraq consider them priceless,' said DOJ special agent Angel Melendez.

The DOJ said that to the people of Iraq, the artifacts are 'priceless'

Cuneiform (pictured) is an ancient system of writing on clay tablets that was used in Mesopotamia, which is now parts of Iraq, Syria, and southeastern Turkey

Hobby Lobby was started in Oklahoma by David and Barbara Green in 1970 and now has over 750 stores in 47 states and offices in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Yiwu, China.

On its statement of purpose, the company says, 'Honoring the Lord in all we do by operating the company in a manner consistent with Biblical principles.'

In 2014, Hobby Lobby sued to opt out of the federal Affordable Healthcare Act requirement to pay for morning-after contraceptives in contraception health coverage for workers, which the company claimed was akin to abortion and therefore against its religious beliefs.

The fight went all the way to the Supreme Court, which sided 5-4 with Hobby Lobby.
A Queensland butcher says he has been slammed on social media by a group of 'unapologetic vegans' over the name of his new shop.

The Squealing Pig in Burpengary opened last week, but owner Gary Thompson has since been bombarded with complaints about the shop's name and one star reviews.

'They started with comments about cruelty to animals, telling me I should be disgusted with myself,' Mr Thompson told Daily Mail Australia.

'It's got to be fair all round. I don't care if you're a vegan or whatever you are. I've got the right to call my shop what I call it.'

The Squealing Pig owner Gary Thompson (pictured left) has been bombarded with complaints about the shop's name and one star reviews

The butcher shop, in Burpengary in Brisbane's north, opened last week after months of preparation

Mr Thompson said those leaving poor reviews on his butcher's Facebook page were mostly members of a group which calls itself Unapologetic Vegans Australia.

'That name is horrible,' one social media user wrote, speaking of The Squealing Pig.

'There is nothing on this earth worse than a gentle innocent creature squealing in pain and terror being slaughtered. Just think about it. And the message it gives.'

Mr Thompson himself took to Facebook to respond to the negative comments about his new shop.

'It is everyone's right to have an opinion but the business is currently being targeted by a vegan group that do not like our trading name,' he wrote.

Mr Thompson said those leaving poor reviews on his butcher's Facebook page were mostly members of a group which calls itself Unapologetic Vegans Australia

This reviewer wasn't happy with Mr Thompson choice of name for the shop. They gave the store one star

'They started with comments about cruelty to animals, telling me I should be disgusted with myself,' Mr Thompson told Daily Mail Australia. Pictured, the shop's logo

'These vegans are putting six people's jobs and livelihoods at risk by trying to discredit our business because of their beliefs which they are entitled to do.'

Mr Thompson encouraged his customers to post honest appraisals of his store. And they came in droves.

After around 70 one star reviews were left on the website, nearly 1,500 five star rating followed.

'Pigs squeal, horses neigh, cows moo. Love the shop name and the owner seems like a great Aussie just trying to make a living,' one reviewer wrote.

Mr Thompson apologised if he'd caused offence and said it wasn't his intention. Pictured, The Squealing Pig shortly after it opened for business

Mr Thompson himself took to Facebook to respond to the negative comments. His post is pictured above

'Get off Facebook and jump into the real world if you'd like to make meaningful change - but don't ram it down the throats of those with a difference of opinion,' another said.

Mr Thompson apologised if he'd caused offence and said it wasn't his intention.

'I've been a butcher pretty much all my life. I just liked the name - it just popped into my head one day. I wasn't trying to offend vegans,' he said.

'It's a catchy sort of name. I didn't want to be Family Butcher or Burpengary Meats or anything like that. I wanted it to be something that people would remember.'

The Squealing Pig now has an average star rating of 4.8 out of five on its review page.

Mr Thompson encouraged his customers to post honest appraisals of his butcher shop. And they came in droves
The serial criminal who shot dead a female NYPD cop in a cold-blooded ambush early Wednesday morning was a paranoid schizophrenic who was 'off his meds' in the hours leading up to the shooting, it was claimed Wednesday afternoon.

The girlfriend of Alexander Bonds, 34, told investigators that he was 'irrational and erratic' just before he fatally shot Officer Miosotis Familia, 48, after midnight on Wednesday, the New York Post reported.

She also told police that she called 911 three times to report Bonds as they walked around the Bronx on Tuesday evening.

But when police responded to one of the calls, Bonds was nowhere to be found.

'Every time he saw a cop car go down the block he would go and hide,' she told law enforcement officials.

Bonds' girlfriend also says that she tried to have him committed to a local hospital on Saturday, but medical officials discharged him after he noticeably calmed down.

Alexander Bonds, 34 (left), shot and killed NYPD officer Miosotis Familia, 48 (right), early Wednesday morning. He was later shot dead by other officers

Familia was shot dead while sitting in a department vehicle (above) early Wednesday morning

The American flag flies at half staff Wednesday at the 46th Precinct stationhouse in the Bronx, where Familia worked

Police officer Anthony Seda, holds his daughter Penelope, 2, while paying his respects to Familia outside the 46th Precinct on Wednesday

New York Police Dept. Commissioner Jim O'Neil, right, and Mayor Bill de Blasio leave the 46th Precinct after addressing the officers on Wednesday

The NYPD has yet to comment on Bonds' mental state.

Familia was sitting in her marked vehicle when Bonds shot at her through the passenger side window near the intersection of 183rd Street and Grand Concourse in the Bronx just after 12:30am.

Investigators say he used a stolen .38-caliber revolver.

Two officers who were on patrol nearby heard the gunshots and saw Bonds trying to run away.

When Bonds pointed his gun at the officers, they shot him dead, according to police.

An innocent bystander was reportedly also shot in the stomach and is now in stable condition.

Familia, a 12-year veteran of the force and mother of three, later died after being rushed to hospital for surgery.

Bonds was shot dead by other officers as he fled the scene. It was later learned that he had previously posted vulgar anti-police rants on Facebook Live.

Above, a close up view of the command trailer's shattered window after the early morning attack

He had a history of criminal convictions and made his hatred for police clear in anti-cop messages posted on social media.

In a Facebook Live video in September, Bonds ranted about law officers killing and abusing people and warned them to leave him alone or 'we gonna do something.'

'Police is f****ts, and this ain't no gimmick,' he said in the video.

'Don't think every brother, cousin or uncle you got that get (unintelligible) in jail is because of a Blood or Crip,' he said. 'Police be killing and saying an inmate killed them.'

N****s ain't taking it no more, Mr Officer. I'm here to tell you man. ... just keep your a** away from mine.'

Officer Miosotis Familia, 48, has been identified as the victim. She died at the hospital. Above, emergency personnel stand near the scene of the shooting Wednesday morning

The suspect, 34-year-old Alexander Bonds, was shot dead by other officers after he was caught fleeing the scene. Above is the gun that was recovered at the scene after the deadly shooting

Officer Miosotis Familia was memorialized before the start of a baseball game between the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday

An officer helped escort a crying woman into Familia's apartment building in the Bronx on Wednesday

Bonds' criminal record included a 2001 arrest for beating up another NYPD officer with brass knuckles. Four others reportedly joined in assaulting the officer. The outcome of that case is not known.

Bonds was currently on parole for a 2014 robbery in Syracuse. He also had prior arrests for drug violations in 2000 and 2002.

He is said to have had addresses all over the city, in the Bronx, Queens and several homeless shelters, and went by up to six different aliases.

New York City Police Commissioner James O'Neill said Familia was 'assassinated in an unprovoked attack on cops.'

The officer was in a command vehicle with her partner when the shooting occurred.

Familia's partner frantically radioed for help.

'Shots fired!' a panicked officer was heard shouting into his police radio just after shots rang out.

'I need a f*****g bus! 10-85 10-85! My partner's shot! My partner's shot! My partner's shot! Hurry up central!'

Police Commissioner James O'Neill (left) said that the attack was unprovoked. New York Mayor Bill De Blasio (right) also spoke at the press conference early Wednesday morning

Bonds' (pictured) criminal record included a 2001 arrest for beating up another NYPD officer with brass knuckles. Four others reportedly joined in assaulting the office

Bonds (pictured left and right) was on parole for a 2014 robbery in Syracuse before he was shot dead

Officers caught up with Bonds about a block away and killed him when he pulled a revolver. A silver revolver was recovered from the scene, police said.

The burst of gunfire as the Fourth of July wound down was initially mistaken by some for fireworks.

Familia was a 12-year veteran of the force who spent her entire career with the department in the high-crime Bronx precinct.

The command post there had been set up and staffed around the clock since a triple shooting in March.

Friends and family held a vigil at sunset just a few yards away from where Familia was gunned down, WPIX-TV reported.

'Out of everyone I know, this is the last person that deserves something like this,' said Correction Officer Jay Rodriguez, who spent a year working alongside Familia.

A group of over a dozen strangers embraced on the street at the Bronx vigil Wednesday evening.

'She was on duty serving this city, protecting people, doing what she believed in and doing the job she loved,' Mayor Bill de Blasio said earlier on Wednesday.

She had three children, including a set of twins, lived with her mother and worked the midnight shift.

Friends said she became an officer to help her community, and her family was heartbroken.

'Put it this way: She'd give you the shirt off her back. She was the sweetest person you ever want to meet,' downstairs neighbor Tom Ritter said.

He said his son, now 22, played with Familia's children, and she practically 'adopted' him.

Even a woman who said her husband had been arrested by Familia had only kind words for the slain officer.

'She gave me good advice, like a mother to a daughter,' said Keisha Williams, 31, who said her husband was arrested on a marijuana charge. 'She's good, but she's a tough cookie. She's a good cop. I'm just sad it was her.'

Friends and family held a vigil at sunset just a few yards away from where Familia was gunned down

A group of over a dozen strangers embraced on the street at the Bronx vigil Wednesday evening

Police officers and civilians alike gathered to pay their respects to Familia in the Fordham Heights section of the Bronx
Two teenagers were arrested after they posted Snapchat stories documenting a break-in at a South Carolina water park.

Logan Brooke Larrimore, 18, and Farren Marie Lane, 18, were both charged with third-degree burglary after they admitted to jumping the fence at Myrtle Beach Waves Water Park around 4am Saturday, according to police records cited by The State.

In the videos, Larrimore said they 'went down all the slides', and the two ate $8 worth of Italian ices, police said.

Logan Brooke Larrimore, 18, (left) and Farren Marie Lane, 18, (right) were both charged with third-degree burglary after they broke in to Myrtle Beach Waves Water Park on Saturday

A woman who received several Snapchat videos alerted the police, who said the social media posts 'clearly depict the offenders inside of the waterpark after hours'.

Larrimore said they jumped the fence, entered the water park after hours, and 'went down all the slides', in one video.

In another, the teens can be seen taking the Italian ice cups from an unlocked cooler inside the water park, according to the police.

The two teens were identified through their Snapchat usernames DMV records.

In the videos, Larrimore said they 'went down all the slides', and the two ate $8 worth of Italian ices, police said. Pictured, a general view of the water park
A woman has died in a suspected fall on a hiking track in Queensland's Glass House Mountains.

Paramedics tried to revive the injured woman but she died at the scene on Thursday morning, with police saying it appeared she had fallen.

She had been walking the summit track of Mt Ngungun and it had been difficult for emergency crews to reach her.

Police said it appeared the hiker had fallen while abseiling down the mountain (pictured), falling to her death

It's been reported the woman had been abseiling down the mountain when she fell.

The popular Mt Ngungun summit track is advertised online as a graded path that leads through a steep, rocky gully and can be completed with relative ease.

The summit the woman was abseiling down is the sixth tallest of the Glasshouse Mountains and has been described as a great family walk on Aussie Bushwalking.
A barbershop is taking a lot of heat for agreeing to a customer's request to shave the Confederate Flag into his hair.

Demontre Heard, who works at Oklahoma City barber Fade N Up, got a request from an unidentified white male customer for a lightning bolt and stars inspired by his favorite rapper, Yelawolf, shaved onto his head.

But then the man also had an additional request the barber wasn't expecting.

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The unidentified man came into the Fade N Up barbershop in Oklahoma City and asked for a Confederate flag on his head

In the back of his head, he had a design of a lightning bolt inspired by rapper

'So he asked if I could do the Confederate flag in his head, and in the back of my head I'm like, 'what kind of stuff are you on?''

Heard says that the man knew the shop is mostly staffed by African-Americans, but that he seemed respectful, even nervous.

However, Heard decided to put his personal feelings aside to fulfill a customer request.

'This guy came in and wanted the confederate flag in his head and that's what he got. Fade N Up barbershop is all about giving you what you want,' owner Corey 'Scissorhands' Sutter wrote on Facebook.

The shop's owner Corey Sutter posted a picture of the shave and sparked instant controversy

The image caused instant controversy.

'Here we have a DEVIL who was bold enough to carve the hate in his head, but he paid a person of color to do it!' complained James Cooper on Facebook.

'All money ain't good money,' Xavier Black wrote. '[Martin Luther King, Jr.] lost his life speaking about the same mentality this redneck has and the house n***** mentality that submitted to it.'

But Sutter defends his shop's actions, including saying it was all about publicity.

Sutter defended himself, saying that the cut was a 'strategic business move' and also that he had bills to pay and kids to feed

'This was a strategic business move on my part cause ABC called me interested in doing a barber shop reality show on my shop,' he wrote on Facebook. 'It's like God sent the white boy in my shop and that's when a light bulb appeared in my head.'

'A strategic business move? There's nothing strategic about tap dancing,' answered Tanell Carr.

Others defended Sutter's right to conduct his business the way he wants.

'Shout out to Corey aka Scissorhands. Great message, great business move... Keep doing you and shake off all the negative comments non-business people have to say,' wrote Malikah Walter.

Even some African-Americans defended the man's right to wear the flag. 'Not all white People see or like the Confederate flag as a racist thing,' wrote KN Xander.

Sutter said when it came down to it, he has bills to pay and children to feed.

'This is what we do for a living,' he told KFOR. 'Yes, we could have acted a fool and talked bad to him, tried to fight him... But, he came in respectful. He wanted it,' he said.

'At the end of the day your opinion doesnt pay my bills, and I have kids to take care of.'
A teenager who found out she had allegedly been raped by several young men after police found GoPro video told investigators she woke up after a party, naked and bleeding, a court has heard.

A NSW District Court jury on Thursday heard evidence from police officers who investigated the alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl at a party in western Sydney in May 2015.

Senior Constable Katie Sinclair and other police spoke to the teenager and her mother at their home that July.

Under examination from Crown prosecutor Sharon Harris, Ms Sinclair said the girl told officers she was invited to a party by one of the accused on Facebook.

The girl told police she had 'two cones of cannabis' and was 'made a drink'.

'I didn't want to drink it but I did,' the constable recalled the girl saying.

Accused: Kurt Stevenson, 26 (left); Andrew Waters, 24 (centre) and Tristan Carlyle-Watson, 26 are pictured in court sketch on Thursday morning. The three men, seen with fresh hair cuts, have each pleaded not guilty to multiple offences, including aggravated sexual assault

The jury heard the teen told police she 'blacked out' for a few hours, 'woke up naked' and was 'bleeding from her vagina and her anus'.

Tristan Carlyle-Watson, 26; Kurt Stevenson, 26; and Andrew Waters, 24, have each pleaded not guilty to multiple offences including aggravated sexual assault in company and inflicting actual bodily harm.

The girl told Constable Sinclair and police she was picked up and taken to the party by a 'fat' girl with 'bright eyes' and 'brown hair'.

Under cross-examination, the constable told Carlyle-Watson's lawyer Paul Glissan while she initially described the girl with the word 'shocked', it was 'probably the wrong word to use'.

'She was crying, she was distressed.'

Accused: Tristan Carlyle-Watson, 26, is one of three men police allege was involved

Carlyle-Watson (pictured), Stevenson and Waters have been charged

The constable told Stevenson's lawyer she was the junior officer involved in speaking with the alleged victim and her mother.

She said the girl and her mother were first told of what allegedly happened on a second phone call with police.

During the first phone call, the girl and her mother apparently were not convinced they were speaking to police.

Police then spoke to the girl and her mother at their home.

State Crime Command Child Abuse Squad detective Tiffany Graham later briefed the jury what 'pig latin' was, under examination, after the court previously heard one of the men spoke it in the video.

Ms Graham said 'yes' would be 'eshays' and 'no ''ohnays'.

A nearly 17 minute video from the GoPro was to be shown to a closed court on Thursday afternoon.

The trial continues.

The trial continues at the Downing Centre District Court (pictured)

A stock photograph of a GoPro camera

In her opening address on Monday, Crown prosecutor Sharon Harris said the girl smoked cannabis and drank alcohol to the point where she wasn't able to consent to sexual intercourse.

She said the girl had no recollection of what unfolded other than waking up with Carlyle-Watson allegedly forcing his penis into her mouth, she said.

Stevenson's lawyer Michael Smith said his client had consensual sex with the girl, had no idea it was being filmed and on numerous occasions told the others to get out.

Waters' lawyer Peter Little said there was an issue of consent and the complainant can be seen cooperating.

Carlyle-Watson's lawyer Paul Glissan also said she was actively participating in the sex.
Qatar Airways said on Thursday that passengers travelling to the United States can now carry their laptops and other large electronics on board, ending a three month in-cabin ban on devices for the Doha-based airline.

Qatar Airways joins Emirates, Turkish Airlines and Etihad Airways which have also announced this week a lifting of the US ban on their flights.

In March, the United States imposed the ban on direct flights originating at 10 airports in eight countries - Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Turkey - to address fears that bombs could be concealed in electronic devices taken aboard aircraft.

Qatar Airways said on Thursday that passengers travelling to the United States can now carry their laptops and other large electronics as its three month ban is lifted

In March, the United States imposed the ban on direct flights originating at 10 airports in eight countries - Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Turkey

Qatar Airways said in a statement early on Thursday the ban had been lifted after the airline and its hub airport Hamad International met with all new US security requirements.

US transport officials were due to visit Qatar Airways, Emirates and Turkish Airlines on Wednesday to check that the latest measures are in place, a spokesman for the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) told Reuters on Wednesday.

Qatar Airways said in a statement early on Thursday the ban had been lifted after the airline and its hub airport Hamad International met with all new US security requirements

The United States announced on June 29 enhanced security measures for flights to the country which require additional time to screen passengers and personal electronic devices for possible explosives.

The new measures, which take effect within three weeks of the announcement, will affect around 325,000 daily passengers travelling on 180 airlines from 280 airports around the world, according to the US Department of Homeland Security.

Qatar Airways joins Emirates, Turkish Airlines and Etihad Airways who have also announced this week a lifting of the US ban

Airlines that fail to meet the new security requirements could still face in-cabin electronics restrictions.

Saudi Arabia Airlines expects the ban to be lifted on flights from Jeddah and Riyadh by July 19, state news agency SPA reported on Tuesday.

Other airlines affected by the ban include Royal Jordanian , Kuwait Airways, EgyptAir and Royal Air Maroc.
Australia would help attack North Korea if it fired a nuclear warhead at the U.S, acting Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce confirmed.

As Malcolm Turnbull heads to Germany for talks with other G20 leaders, Mr Joyce is ramping up pressure on China to step in and 'stop this madness'.

U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley warned America would use force 'if we must' against North Korea, after Pyongyang tested an intercontinental ballistic missile with the potential to reach Darwin or Alaska.

North Korea on Tuesday said it had tested an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), prompting US experts to say the device could reach Alaska

Australia would help attack North Korea if it fired a nuclear warhead at the U.S, acting Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce (pictured) confirmed

'No one should ever go too far in testing the resolve of the United States of America,' Mr Joyce told Sky News on Thursday.

'If North Korea was to deliver a warhead into the United States of America then the ANZUS alliance would be called in.'

Asked what action that may involve, Mr Joyce said: 'What would you want?'

'If someone drops a nuclear warhead on a country what do you think happens next.'

Darwin is less than 5,750km away from Pyongyang, meaning Australia could be in the firing line of North Korea's new missile, which experts say can travel 6,700km

The 'landmark' test, believed to be pictured above, of a Hwasong-14 missile was overseen by leader Kim Jong-Un

The 'landmark' test of Hwasong-14 missile overseen by leader Kim Jong-Un (left and right on July 4) who seemed very pleased with his top-ranking officials as he gave them hugs and clapped following the successful test

North Korea had its first successful intercontinental ballistic missile test on Tuesday, timed to coincide with American Independence Day celebrations.

The 'landmark' test of a Hwasong-14 missile was overseen by leader Kim Jong-Un, an emotional female announcer said on state Korean Central Television.

She said it reached an altitude of 2,802 kilometres and flew 933 kilometres for 39 minutes, but Russian authorities estimated it only flew 535 kilometres high.

Analysts said the missile could reach a maximum range of 6,700 kilometres on a standard trajectory - with Darwin well within that reach, as it's around 5,750 kilometres from Pyongyang.

U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley (pictured) warned America would use force 'if we must' against North Korea

Darwin's Lord Mayor Katrina Fong Lim (pictured) has expressed her concerns that the city could be in North Korea's firing line

Darwin Lord Mayor Katrina Fong Lim noted that the city was only one in Australia bombed by the Japanese during the Second World War.

'My immediate reaction is that we are concerned, of course,' she told 9 News.

'Darwin has always been a strategic city in Australia's north and that is the reality of where we live.

'Any normal person would, of course, be worried.'

But one of Australian's most senior military commanders insisted there is 'very little risk' the country's north will be targeted by a North Korean missile.

Pyongyang claims its newly developed rocket can carry 'large-sized and heavy nuclear warheads'. Above South Korea's Hyunmu-2 Missile System is pictured firing a tactical ballistic missile into the East Sea on July 5

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said the ICBM test completed his country's strategic weapons capability that also includes atomic and hydrogen bombs

Chief of joint operations Vice Admiral David Johnston said the range and capability of the missile launched this week was still to be determined.

'There is very little risk at the moment to the northern part of our country, but we will continue to look at what is necessary in line with that threat as we better understand it,' he told reporters in Canberra.

Earlier, Mr Joyce revealed Australia had 'sympathy' with calls to impose trade sanctions on countries such as China in retaliation for giving North Korea an economic lifeline.

North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missile flew more than 930km, according to South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff

The US and South Korea conducted a joint ballistic missile drill (pictured) in response to North Korea's missile launch

Mr Joyce argued the greatest economic threat to China was North Korea's potential to create instability in the region.

Asked about a U.S. warning to cut off trade with countries doing business with North Korea, he told ABC radio: 'We obviously have sympathy.

'Countries should not be supporting other nations who aided a rogue leader.'

But Mr Joyce warned the effect of trade sanctions would pale into insignificance against what would happen if North Korea continues down its nuclear program path.

'If North Korea was to make a mistake in one of its launchers... and drop one of their missiles into South Korea or onto Japan then the economic plan for China, the economic plan for Southeast Asia would cease that moment,' he said.

Labor called on the prime minister and foreign minister to clarify whether the government was considering such sanctions.

'The government must urgently clarify this, and one day into his overseas travel, the prime minister must pull his deputy into line,' opposition trade spokesman Jason Clare and foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong said in a statement.

Trade sanctions on China would devastate Australian farmers, they said.

U.S. President Donald Trump again criticised Beijing for continuing trade with Pyongyang.

'Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40 per cent in the first quarter. So much for China working with us - but we had to give it a try!' Mr Trump tweeted.
Tanya Plibersek has called Tony Abbott the 'Lord Voldemort of the Liberal Party' in a sensational spray to media following weeks of bitter infighting within the Coalition.

The Deputy Labor leader made the bizarre comparison after Malcolm Turnbull refused to utter the former Prime Minister's name in a radio interview.

'I saw the Prime Minister couldn't bring himself to say Tony Abbott's name,' Ms Plibersek told reporters in Canberra on Thursday.

'The Lord Voldemort of the Liberal Party is not the only problem that the Prime Minister has.'

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Tanya Plibersek says Tony Abbott is the 'Lord Voldemort of the Liberal Party'

The bizarre comparison comes after Malcolm Turnbull refused to utter the former Prime Minister's name in a radio interview

Her comments came after a leaked audio tape emerged of Mr Abbott slamming the Federal Budget.

Mr Turnbull was quizzed about the friction inside the Liberal Party following Abbott's claims on the tape that senior ministers thought the Budget was 'second-best'.

The tape was leaked from a recent Liberal Party branch meeting on Monday with Abbott appearing to critique the Budget.

'I'm not going to comment on the gentleman you described, you've referred to,' Prime Minister Turnbull said during an interview with the ABC.

'I'm not going to buy into personalities. But let me say this; the Budget was a great success, it is a great Liberal Budget.'

Mr Turnbull denied to answer any more questions regarding Mr Abbott and said his focus was on the '24 million Australians' he was elected to represent.

Mr Turnbull was quizzed about the friction inside the Liberal Party after a leaked audio tape emerged of Mr Abbott slamming the Federal Budget

Lord Voldemort is the central antagonist in the Harry Potter series. Fictional characters in the books are too scared to say his name because of his evil powers

Mr Abbott appeared on 2GB radio on Wednesday and defended his position following the leaked tape.

He said it was his 'duty' to offer both support and feedback on how the Government is unfolding.

Mr Abbott stressed it was important the Liberal Party was in the best possible position to maintain leadership and win the next election.

However, he still defended his comments made on the tape.

'You only have to look at the support for other parties on the right, to see that we are at a bit of a low ebb,' Mr Abbott said, according to the publication.

Mr Abbot's office claimed the remarks made on the leaked tape were regarding the challenges faced by the Government in the Senate, according to the ABC.

Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg offered a scathing assessment of Mr Abbott when asked whether the maverick politician was proving a help or a hindrance.

Mr Abbott claims it is his 'duty' to offer both support and feedback on how the Government is unfolding
Ramon Gaspar, 48, was arrested in Guatemala and extradited to Los Angeles to face multiple charges of sexual assault 11 years after skipping bail and disappearing

Los Angeles police say a hospital worker charged with sexually abusing patients has been captured in his native Guatemala after more than a decade on the run.

Police said in a statement Wednesday that 48-year-old Ramon Gaspar was arrested and extradited to Southern California on June 26.

LAPD investigators had been hunting for Gaspar since he skipped bail in 2006 with his wife and one of his three children.

Investigators had been focusing on Guatemala, where he was born, for years.

In 2006, Gaspar  a certified nurse assistant at Tarzana Medical Center in Encino, California  was accused of molesting several female patients after surgery, some of whom were still feeling the effects of anesthesia.

He was initially charged with three counts of sexual assault, but several more victims came forward when police appealed to the public to find out if there were any other victims of alleged assault at his hands.

Prosecutors then filed seven additional charges of sexual assault, at which point Gaspar skipped bail and fled town along with his wife and six-year-old son. He left his two other children with relatives.

The LAPD initiated a manhunt for him and Gaspar's fugitive status landed him on an episode of 'America's Most Wanted' in 2008 and 2009. His alleged victims, including Courtney Rosenberg, were interviewed on the Fox television show.

Gaspar is accused of sexually assaulting multiple women when he was a nursing assistant at the hospital where the women were undergoing surgery. Many of his alleged victims were still under the influence of anesthesia when they claimed to have been assaulted by him

One of Gaspar's alleged victims, Courtney Rosenberg (in 2012), sued the hospital where Gaspar worked for negligence and received upwards of $65million in punitive damages

Rosenberg filed a negligence lawsuit against the Tarzana Medical Center in 2007, after claiming that Gaspar sexually assaulted her following her surgery to remove an ovarian cyst in 2006. A jury awarded her $65million in punitive damages and an additional $2.36million in compensatory damages in 2011, CBS Los Angeles reported at the time.

On Wednesday, Rosenberg told CBS Los Angeles that she thought Gaspar was going to get away with his alleged crimes, but that investigating LAPD Detective Ninette Toosbuy, who had been searching for Gaspar the entire time, didn't let her down.

There are currently 15 charges against Gaspar, including the 10 original sexual assault charges and five counts of sexual penetration of an intoxicated person with an object, according to court records obtained by the Los Angeles Times.

Gaspar is expected to appear in court on Friday and is being held without bail.

His alleged assault victims ranged in age from 29 to 64 years old.
Tony Blair vented his fury at the BBC for 'putting words in the mouth' of John Chilcot today - after the Iraq Inquiry chief said he had not been straight with the British people.

A spokesman for the former PM suggested the corporation's political editor Laura Kuenssberg had pushed Sir John into making the jibe.

In an interview to mark the first anniversary of his 10million report, Sir John said the former prime minister had been 'emotionally truthful' in his account of events leading up to the 2003 war.

Sir John was then asked if Mr Blair was as honest with the inquiry and the public as he should have been.

He replied: 'Any prime minister taking a country into war has got to be straight with the nation and carry it, so far as possible, with him or her. I don't believe that was the case in the Iraq instance.'

He added: 'Tony Blair is always and ever an advocate. He makes the most persuasive case he can. Not departing from the truth but persuasion is everything. Advocacy for my position, 'my Blair position'.'

Sir John Chilcot says Tony Blair was not honest with the public - Mr Blair's spokesman said that 'all these issues' had been dealt with

A spokesman for the former PM suggested the corporation's political editor Laura Kuenssberg (pictured) had pushed Sir John into making the jibe

Sir John Chilcot has said he does not believe Tony Blair was 'straight with the nation' about his decisions in the run-up to the Iraq War in a new interview on the anniversary of his 10m report

But a spokesman for Mr Blair said today: 'The BBC headline stems from words put into John Chilcot's mouth by the interviewer.

'A full reading of the interview shows that Sir John makes clear that Mr Blair had not 'departed from the truth'.

'Sir John also makes clear that on the eve of the invasion Mr Blair, 'asked the then Chair of the Joint Intelligence Committee, can you tell me beyond any reasonable doubt that Saddam has weapons of mass destruction. To which the answer was, yes I can. He was entitled to rely on that.'

'Five different inquiries have all shown the same thing: that there was no falsifying of the intelligence.'

Sir John's report, published in July last year, found that former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein posed 'no imminent threat' at the time of the invasion of his country in 2003, and the war was fought on the basis of 'flawed' intelligence.

While giving evidence to the inquiry Mr Blair denied he had taken the country to war on the basis of a 'lie' over Hussein's supposed weapons of mass destruction.

Asked if he felt Mr Blair had given the fullest version of events to the inquiry, Sir John said: 'I think he gave an  what was  I hesitate to say this, rather, but I think it was, from his perspective and standpoint, emotionally truthful and I think that came out also in his press conference after the launch statement.

'I think he was under  as you said just now  very great emotional pressure during those sessions  He was suffering. He was deeply engaged. Now in that state of mind and mood you fall back on your instinctive skills and reactions, I think.'

In a now infamous claim, Mr Blair told MPs Saddam Hussein was developing weapons of mass destruction, and later said intelligence showed the Iraqi tyrant could deploy chemical and biological weapons within 45 minutes.

Sir John's report found Mr Blair presented the case for war with 'a certainty which was not justified' based on 'flawed' intelligence about the country's supposed weapons of mass destruction (WMD) which was not challenged as it should have been.

The report said the UK chose to join the invasion of Iraq before the peaceful options for disarmament had been exhausted and military action was not a last resort.

Sir John was critical Tony Blair's 'with you whatever' memo to George W Bush and said: 'You mustn't say that'

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he agreed that Mr Blair had not been straight with the British people over Iraq

It added: 'We have also concluded that the judgments about the severity of the threat posed by Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, WMD, were presented with a certainty that was not justified.'

Following the report's publication, Mr Blair said, while the Chilcot Report contained 'serious criticisms', it showed 'there were no lies, Parliament and the Cabinet were not misled, there was no secret commitment to war, intelligence was not falsified and the decision was made in good faith'.

Early in his premiership Mr Blair famously said he was a 'pretty straight sort of guy'.

In a 1997 interview he said he had been 'hurt and upset' about suggestions of dishonesty around the Formula One donations scandal.

'I think most people who have dealt with me think I am a pretty straight sort of guy, and I am,' he said.

On Wednesday it emerged a former chief-of-staff of the Iraqi army is seeking to bring a private prosecution against Mr Blair over the war.

General Abdul Wahed Shannan Al Rabbat alleges Mr Blair committed 'the crime of aggression' by invading Iraq.

Alongside the former PM, the general has mounted a legal fight against two other key ministers at the time, then foreign secretary Jack Straw and then attorney general, Lord Goldsmith.

Westminster Magistrates' Court refused to issue summonses in November citing immunity granted to former ministers.

The general has applied to the High Court in London for permission to seek judicial review of the magistrates court decision.

Jeremy Corbyn said he agreed that Mr Blair had not been straight with the British people.

'The case against the Iraq War is a very strong one. We have got to think very carefully as a country what has happened since the Iraq War and the consequences that flowed from what I believe was a catastrophically wrong decision in 2003,' Mr Corbyn said.
A man has been left blind in one eye after being brutally bashed in a 'homophobic' attack outside a Melbourne nightclub.

Elliott Harvey, a 26-year-old scientist, was enjoying a live gig at The Phoenix nightclub in late May before he was singled out and attacked by three men.

'I think they particularly disliked my hair cut, having my hair up in a fountain,' Mr Harvey told Fairfax Media.

'All the things they said to me were pretty trivial, just homophobic insults.'

Elliott Harvey (pictured left), 26, was assaulted at a nightclub in Melbourne leaving him blind in his right eye. He claims he was targeted because of his haircut

Mr Harvey (pictured are his injuries) was enjoying a live gig at The Phoenix nightclub in late May

Two Wonthaggi men, aged 19 and 21, have been arrested following the incident and charged with affray, intention to cause serious injury, recklessly causing serious injury and other assault related charges, according to The Herald Sun.

A few small altercations during the evening ended with a brutal assault where a video released by Victoria Police shows the three men, thought to be in their 20s, single Mr Harvey out.

Police allege the trio pushed the man over before setting upon him as he lay on the ground, punching him so hard the attack caused him to lose sight in his right eye.

'I was just wondering where my eye had gone, I couldn't see out of my right eye, that's a pretty alien feeling,' Mr Harvey said.

Mr Harvey, from Rosebud, an hour south of Melbourne, first came across the men out the front of the nightclub at about 10pm and said the cowardly punch to his eye happened after they pushed him to the ground.

The three attackers then ran from the nightspot, with police hoping CCTV pictures and newly released footage.

Police are searching for three men (two are pictured) who launched the vicious attack on Mr Harvey late May at a Melbourne nightclub

Mr Harvey first came across the men (pictured) out the front of the nightclub in Melbourne at about 10pm

After a few minor encounters during the night (pictured bottom left), Mr Harvey said the cowardly punch to his eye happened while he was on the ground

The 26-year-old scientist has been left unable to work as no surgery has given him his eyesight back after the assault at Phoenix nightclub (pictured)

Mr Harvey has been unable to work since the attack and has undergone several surgeries but nothing has restored his eyesight.

'My eye has been sown back together and (realigned) thanks to our amazing public health system,' he posted to Facebook.

Mr Harvey said it was too soon yet to tell if he would ever get his eyesight back.

Police said anyone with any information should call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
A man who was acquitted of killing his second wife was sentenced to death for ordering the murder of his sixth wife and then killing her hit man.

On Wednesday, a jury decided that Thomas Randolph, 62, would get the ultimate punishment for hiring a handyman kill his sixth wife, Sharon Causse, and then shooting Michael James Miller, the man who killed her, in May 2008, reported the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Family and friends rejoiced in the verdict and sentence. They had a long wait. Randolph was first arrested in January 2009. The trial took eight years as Randolph was a master of stalling, and fired several attorneys over the years.

Thomas Randolph received two death penalties from the same jury that convicted him of murdering two people in 2008 (Randolph is wearing a headset because he is hard of hearing)

Randolph was acquitted of killing his second wife was sentenced to death for ordering the murder of his sixth wife and then killing her hit man

The trial took eight years as Randolph was a master of stalling, and fired several attorneys over the years

Family and friends rejoiced in the verdict and sentence in the courtroom

Friends and family smiled when they heard the news. Randolph actually received two death sentences, one for each victim, from a jury of eight women and four men

'I feel that's really what he deserves,' Causse's daughter Colleen Beyer told the Las Vegas Review. 'He's a monster. He's one evil, evil monster.'

Randolph had said he found Causse dead of a gunshot wound in the hallway of their Las Vegas home, and when he saw a man in a ski mask, who turned out to be Miller, shot him five times.

However, investigators were suspicious given that one wife had already died of a gunshot to the head, Randolph had $360,000 worth of insurance on Causse, and the 'burglar' turned out to be Randolph's handyman, Miller.

Randolph actually received two death sentences, one for each victim, from a jury of eight women and four men.

'I feel that's really what he deserves,' Causse's daughter Colleen Beyer told the Las Vegas Review

Three decades ago, Randolph was acquitted of the murder in the death of his second wife, Becky Gault Randolph, who was found dead of a single bullet to the head in the couple's Clearfield, Utah, home in 1986.

Her death saw him get insurance payouts of $250,000. He claimed his wife had committed suicide and had tried it once before, but prosecutors claimed that he and friend Eric Tarantino planned her murder.

A former friend testified that Randolph used to walk round singing the chilling lyrics to Rod Stewart's Foolish Behavior, which include lines such as 'They'll think suicide, they won't know who done it/I'm gonna kill my wife, I'm really gonna take her life,' after the death of Gault.

The prosecutor called him the 'worst of the worst'. He is seen above in court Wednesday

Randolph was acquitted of murder in that trial, although he pleaded guilty to tampering with a witness.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Jacqueline Bluth said that Randolph was the 'worst of the worst' and deserved the death penalty.

'Shouldn't the death penalty be about the worst of the worst?' she said in court. 'It should be saved for those human beings in society who are the worst of the worst.'

Randolph is accused of ordering Michael James Miller (left) to kill his latest wife Sharon Clausse (right) before killing Miller to keep him quiet

Prosecutors said Randolph had turned on Miller so he could never tell what he knew, which is what happened in the first murder trial, when Tarantino testified against him.

'The only reason Mike Miller is dead is because Eric Tarantino lived to tell the story, and Thomas Randolph was not going to make that mistake again,' Bluth said in court.

Two of Randolph's previous wives also said he'd threatened to kill them. Two other wives died of illnesses.
Alyssa Milano's former accountant is firing back after she and her husband claimed in a lawsuit that he is to blame for destroying their finances by mismanaging her funds, failing to pay taxes and and investing money from her account without her approval.

Last month, the actress and her husband, David Bugliari, filed a $10million lawsuit against former business manager Kenneth Hellie.

In the suit, the couple claim that Hellie forged their signatures, failed to pay their taxes on time, and steered them into bad investments  including some in which he was also an investor. They also claim in the lawsuit that Hellie mismanaged the remodeling of their 'modest', causing the cost of the project to increase to $5million.

Hellie filed a cross-complaint where he claims that his firm, Hellie Hoffer, issued several warnings that the home remodeling project was over budget, Variety reported.

Alyssa Milano's former accountant is firing back after she and her husband, David Bugliari, claimed in a lawsuit that he is to blame for destroying their finances. The couple (pictured together right) filed a $10million lawsuit against former business manager Kenneth Hellie

In the suit, the couple claim that Hellie mismanaged the remodeling of their home (above), causing the cost of the project to increase to $5million. Hellie filed a cross-complaint where he claims that his firm issued several warnings that the home remodeling project was over budget

The original budget for the cost of the home remodeling was $1.1million in 2013. However, as the project continued, the cost increased.

Hellie claims that Bugliari, who works as a CAA agent, personally requested and approved each additional expenditure.

His complaint quotes from a January 16, 2014 communication in which Hellie Hoffer said the firm was 'very concerned' that the project 'was way over the original budget,' and advised of the need to 'get this project back on track as far as costs,' Variety reported.

The budget for the project grew to $2.6million by July 18, 2014, and the firm issued a warning to the couple saying 'additions to the budge need to stop, there is no more money,' according to Hellie's counter-suit filing.

The firm warned again on December 5, 2014 that 'cash is very low' and recommended that the couple not embark on additional work.

Hellie claims that Bugliari, who works as a CAA agent, personally requested and approved each additional expenditure. Above the couple is pictured with their two children

That specific communication also said that the couple's 2013 taxes were due and unpaid, Variety reported.

In addition, Hellie contends that the firm communicated with the father-of-two in March 2015 about the issues with their financial affairs.

Hellie claims that 44-year-old Milano did not attend an in-person meeting 'apparently to avoid responsibility for her own affairs.'

During one discussion, the firm raised concerns that the actress was not acknowledging the bad financial situation.

Hellie claims that Bugliari replied, 'I don't think she understands,' in reference to his wife.

Hellie's counter-suit contends that the CAA agent declined to us his 'own money' to pay the couple's debts and bills, and adds that he may have been 'intentionally or negligently keeping Milano in the dark regarding the couple's deteriorating finances.'

Hellie also accuses the couple of continuing to 'live lavishly,' despite the fact that the remodeling project practically emptied their bank accounts. Above Milano is pictured bottom right as a child on the sitcom 'Who's the Boss'

He also accuses the couple of who have been married for over seven years of continuing to 'live lavishly,' despite the fact that the remodeling project practically emptied their bank accounts.

The complaint says the couple was 'spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on a second home in the mountains, private planes, a country club membership, a boat, and numerous personal staff such as multiple nannies and housekeepers.'

The couple's attorney, Ellyn Garofalo, has previously said that they lived a 'relatively modest lifestyle.'

Garofalo told Variety that the counter-suit is a 'nasty and ill-conceived effort to drive a wedge between Alyssa and her husband. Nothing could better exemplify Mr. Hellie's dismissive and unprofessional disregard of his clients' best interests.'

She also shrugged off the warnings that Hellie claims he issued: 'Warnings, to the extent these are warnings, are useless when made after the damage is done.

'Their own allegations make clear that most of the relevant information  such as their shell game with client loans  was never disclosed.'

Their ex-business manager's cross-complaint does not address the couple's allegations of forgery, fraud, and conflict of interest.
Chaos erupted at a mass rave when hundreds of people tried to storm the event without tickets.

Crowds rushed the hip-hop, bashment and house night at Coronet in Elephant and Castle, London, on Sunday, causing police to line the streets.

There were ugly scenes outside the venue with reports that fights broke out and missiles were thrown at officers.

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The event's organisers have since apologised for the crowd trouble, but Coronet could face having its license suspended by Southwark Council.

Around 2,500 revellers had attended the event but many others decided to try their luck by sneaking in.

Video footage shows police officers barricading a door and forming a protective line across the street while party-goers are evacuated out of the venue.

Officers from a dog unit were also seen patrolling the scene with the road blocked off by two police vans.

The woman who posted the video on Twitter, wrote: 'The coronet was disgusting last night.'

Another clip captured frustrated revellers jostling for space outside the Coronet as they spilled into the road.

Pictured: Police barricade a door and line the streets after chaos erupts at Coronet in London

In a statement posted on social media, the rave's organisers said: 'We sincerely apologise to the attendees who were unfortunately unable to gain entry to the venue.

'This was due to circumstances beyond our control and the night had to end early. Sadly a very select few on the night acted in detriment to the masses.

'Due to an overwhelming walk up, ticket holders were prioritised. A small group of frustrated people who did not have pre-sale tickets attempted to force entry into the venue.

'This situation was controlled, however it resulted in the line becoming distorted. After several efforts by the venue, management, police and promoters to retain order the unsafe behaviour of these individuals raised health and safety concerns.

Pictured: Hundreds of revellers lined the streets after crowds of people tried to rush into the mass rave in Elephant and Castle, south London

Pictured: Ugly scenes outside the venue with reports that fights broke out and missiles were thrown at police officers

'It was decided in the best interest of the attendees for the night to end early. To everyone both inside and out we are very grateful that you remained calm and collected and there were no serious incidents.'

Southwark Council's licensing team are scheduled to meet with staff from the venue today to discuss the future of the venue's license, the Evening Standard reports.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: 'Officers, including the Territorial Support group, attended and discovered a large fight.

'A 25-year-old man was treated at the scene by the London Ambulance Service.

'Officers remained in the area until the crowd dispersed.

'There have been no arrests and inquiries continue.'
Pizza connoisseurs may be about to feel the pinch as Domino's Australia could be set to cut the size of their products.

A report released by Deutsche Bank says the pizza chain is ending its contract with Coca Cola for a cheaper deal with Pepsi, and more changes could be coming.

The company has been financially effected of late after having to pay higher penalty rates to staff.

Pizza connoisseurs may be about to feel the pinch as Domino's could be set to cut the size of their products

Domino's could be set for mass changes after the company confirmed it is experimenting with a 'development kitchen.'

'We also understand Domino's is planning to reduce the size of its pizzas to provide additional cost relief,' Deutsche analyst Michael Simotas told The Australian.

The company has conducted trials on selling Pepsi products, which would save franchisees money, the report says.

They are also investigating the selling of smaller sized pizzas and the potential savings for stores.

'We see some risk to consumer perception from both of these initiatives,' Deutsche Bank said.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Domino's Australia for comment.
This is the shocking moment a worker at Ibiza Airport hurled holidaymakers' suitcases across the ground before driving off with one stuck under the wheels of his truck.

The baggage handler appeared to ignore outraged Spaniards who shouted at him as they filmed his blase attitude as he threw the cases several feet into the air towards the truck they had fallen from.

Even a child's pushchair was hurled around - prompting holidaymakers to video him and post the footage on social media in a bid to shame the worker and get his employers to take action against him.

Blase: The baggage handler appeared to ignore outraged Spaniards who shouted at him as they filmed him throwing cases several feet into the air towards the truck they had fallen from

Several Spaniards jeered him as he picked up a pink suitcase and hurled it in the air before giving it a kick with his right foot for good measure - while others banged on the windows of the airport bridge they were queuing across and shouted out 'Hijo de Puta' ('Son of a b****').

One added: 'We're going to put this up on Facebook now.'

The unidentified baggage handler drove off, dragging with him a smaller case that had become trapped under his vehicle. He left others on the tarmac he is thought to have abandoned because he there was no more space on the truck.

It is not currently clear if his employers have been made aware of the footage.

'Son of a b****': Even a child's pushchair was hurled around, prompting holidaymakers to post footage of the worker on social media in a bid to force his employers to take action against him

The video was made public as Ibiza - one of the most popular destinations in Europe for Brits at this time of the year - welcomed in thousands of new tourists and said goodbye to others finishing their holidays.

Holidaymaker Desy Leon, who took footage yesterday that was shared more than 161,000 times, said: 'Video from today at Ibiza Airport. Very strong. This is how they work. Things that happen in Ibiza.'

Margarita Crespo, a Spaniard living in Greece, said: 'Doesn't anyone see this b*****d? Hasn't he got bosses or managers who control how he does his job? If people reported this sort of thing more the deterioration of their suitcases would be a bit more controlled.'

Careless: Several Spaniards jeered him as the Ibiza Airport worker picked up a pink suitcase and hurled it in the air before giving it a kick with his right foot for good measure

Joaquin Cermeno added: 'I hope that son of a b**** is already out of a job with no right to unemployment benefit.

'That way he'd learn some respect, although I think someone who does this sort of thing doesn't respect anything.'

Alexis Mencara joked: 'Now I know why that bottle of rum arrived the way it did.'

American Sarah Dodge said: 'People spend 130 dollars on a decent suitcase and after this it is scuffed up, the frame bent and the telescoping handle now jammed and won't work.

Bundles of attitude: The unidentified baggage handler drove off, dragging with him a smaller case that had become trapped under his vehicle. He left others on the tarmac he is thought to have abandoned because he there was no more space on the truck

'That man needs out of a job.'

A spokesman for Iberia, BA's sister company, confirmed the baggage handler filmed at Ibiza Airport worked for the Spanish carrier.

She said: 'The managers of the airports section of the company were aware of this video and are seeking the urgent identification of the employee who was acting in such an unprofessional manner.

Thrown around: A spokesman for Iberia, BA's sister company, confirmed the baggage handler filmed at Ibiza Airport worked for the Spanish carrier and that an investigation has begun

'Once the worker is identified, a disciplinary procedure will be opened in line with the company's disciplinary code and a decision subsequently taken on what steps will be taken.

'We haven't been able to establish for now what flight the luggage corresponds to.

'Nevertheless we apologise to our customers for the behaviour of this person which doesn't represent the company or the rest of his colleagues, who act professionally in the 29 airports where we carry out aircraft ground-handling services.'
A three-year-old girl has been rushed to hospital with serious facial injuries after she was viciously attacked by two large Rottweilers.

Emergency crews arrived at a property in Hazelbrook Sydney's west at around 3pm on Thursday to find the girl with puncture wounds and a laceration to the face.

She was taken to Westmead Children's Hospital in a serious condition, a NSW Ambulance spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.

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A police officer at the scene where two dogs attacked a young girl

Police officers arrive at the scene where two dogs attacked a young girl

Her injuries are not believed to be life threatening and she is currently in a stable condition.

A neighbour said she reported the two rottweilers a couple of weeks ago following an attack on a labrador.

'It was quite alarming when I heard it attacking the dog,' neighbour Scarlet Johnson told The Daily Telegraph.

'The scream the dog was making was bloodcurdling  all the doors were closed, but I could hear it some way away from my house.'

A young girl was attacked by two rottweilers in the Blue Mountains

Paramedics treated the young girl at the scene before rushing her to hospital where she remains in a stable condition

Police and rangers from the Blue Mountains City Council have secured the rottweilers, believed to be owned by a family member of the girl, around an hour later.

A police spokesperson described the animals as 'large' and said it was not believed the girl's condition was life-threatening.

It is thought the dogs are owned by an occupant of the home; the child was visiting the family.

A three-year-old girl has been rushed to hospital with serious facial injuries after she was viciously attacked by two dogs (stock dogs)
Austria has suffered its first Islamist attack after an elderly couple were beaten and stabbed to death by a Tunisian man last week, the government has said.

An Hildegard Sch., 85, died after having her throat slit in the northern city of Linz on Friday while husband Siegfried, 87, was stabbed and beaten to death with a stick covered in screws.

The news comes as the country shelved plans to send 750 troops to its border with Italy to head off a potential influx of migrants.

Interior Minister Wolfgang Sobotka said on Wednesday that the 54-year-old Tunisian 'had an Islamist background' and 'is clearly a radicalised Muslim'.

Interior Minister Wolfgang Sobotka said on Wednesday that the Tunisian man suspected of murdering an elderly couple last week 'is clearly a radicalised Muslim'

Hildegard Sch., 85, died after having her throat slit in Linz (file image) on Friday while husband Siegfried, 87, was stabbed and beaten to death with a stick covered in screws

It was initially thought the suspect, who has been living in Austria since 1989, acted out of a political motive - wrongly believing the elderly couple to be involved with Austria's far-right Freedom Party.

But following a search of the Tunisian man's home and electronic devices, investigators concluded the killings were related to radical Islam.

The man had known the elderly couple for some time, regularly delivering them groceries from a vegetable shop run by his wife, the Kurier newspaper reported.

The couple were friendly with the suspect and had even helped him out financially, it was reported.

Following the killings, the man set fire to the couple's house and thought about drowning himself in the Danube river, before deciding to go to police instead.

Chancellor Christian Kern urged an investigation 'without delay' into the extremist threat to determine 'where similar risks exist and how to combat them efficiently'.

Austria had threatened to send hundreds of troops to the Brenner Pass, along the border with Italy, to head off a potential influx of migrants (pictured, police face off against anti-border protesters in Brenner in 2016)

The troops and four armoured vehicles would have been used to block roads and impose checks on those attempting to cross through the Brenner Pass, but Austria has backed away from the idea after Italy threatened to cut security cooperation

The news comes after the Austrian government floated the idea of sending hundreds of troops and armoured vehicles to its southern border with Italy, amid fears that migrants will try to cross en-masse after arriving there from North Africa.

So far this year an estimated 100,000 people have arrived in Europe, most of whom were smuggled out of Libya in rickety boats, with 85,000 ending up in Italy.

But Austrian ministers backed away from that stance yesterday after Rome made its outrage clear and threatened to cut security cooperation, The Local reported.

Austria has so-far been spared a major terror attack, unlike its European neighbours, even though a relatively high number of Austrians have left to wage jihad abroad.

The interior ministry estimates that 300 have quit Austria or tried to leave in order to fight in Syria or Iraq - a high figure considering the country only has a population of 8.7million.

The vast majority of migrants arriving in Austria come via the Central Mediterranean Route (in red), travelling on boats from Libya before finding their way to the border through Italy. Some, though not many, sail to Calabria from Egypt or Turkey, before again travelling north to Austria. Those fleeing war in the Middle East mostly take the Western Balkans Route, though face a difficult time crossing the Turkish border under a deal struck between EU leaders and Erdogan

There is no indication that the man suspected of murdering the elderly couple had travelled abroad to fight alongside extremist groups.

Most of those accused of jihadist links in Austria have been of Chechen or Bosnian origin.

Last year Austrian courts convicted 36 people of 'belonging to a terrorist group', including Mirsad Omerovic, a jihadist of Bosnian origin considered the central figure in Austria's extremist scene.

Austrian authorities have poured more resources into anti-terror operations since 2014, with 14 people arrested in January raids in Vienna and second city Graz, accused of links to the Islamic State group.

The same month, authorities announced they had foiled an imminent attack, arresting an 18-year-old Austrian.

Austria is gearing up for legislative elections in October, which are being closely fought between the social democrats, conservatives and the far-right.
The family of a boy attacked and left for dead in an outdoor swimming pool more than 40 years ago have made an emotional plea for help in finally finding out how he died.

Enrico Sidoli was 15 in 1976 when he was beaten up and reportedly held under water by a group of boys at Parliament Hill Lido in Hampstead, north London.

He died in hospital 11 days later but, despite a high-profile murder probe, no one has ever been arrested over his death.

Police today offered a 20,000 reward for information and released a photo of a witness they believe may hold the key to the case.

Police are appealing to this man to come forward. He is believed to have witnessed an attack on a 15-year-old boy who died after being recovered from Parliament Hill Lido in 1976

The original appeal poster issued by the Met Police after Enrico's death in 1976

The photo shows a man seen at the pool in the moments after Enrico was recovered from the water by lifeguards, who attempted to resuscitate him.

Enrico had gone to the pool with his sister and her children on 8 July, 1976 but is said to have got into an argument with a group of boys.

Witnesses said Enrico was thrown into the water and held under before his death

Witnesses say he was thrown into the pool and may have been held underwater. He was later pulled from the pool unconscious and, despite recovering consciousness in hospital, died from brain damage caused by a cardiac arrest on July 19 that year.

Launching a new appeal for information, his sister, Elizabeth Brown said: 'Enrico was attacked and left for dead at the Lido.

'On that day [he died], it was as if the light went out of our mother's life. She was consumed by grief, pain and despair. Enrico was her eldest son and the light of her life, and to have been stolen from her so cruelly was unbearable.

'Enrico's father and all of us, her other children, were unable to console her as we were also in shock and numb with grief. No family should go through this ordeal.

'Enrico's mother died of a broken heart. Her only wish was to know who did this to her son, and why. Enrico's father died also asking the same question. We, his brother and sisters, have lived with this dark shadow over our lives for over 40 years.

'Time has passed but the pain has not diminished. We have never stopped loving or missing our brother, we desperately need your help so that this question can be answered and Enrico can have the justice he deserved.

'Please help us find those responsible for Enrico's death. Please, if you know anything, come forward.'

Left to right: Enrico Sidoli, sister Elizabeth, brother John, mother Louise, and sister Iolanda

Enrico and his family visited the lido outdoor swimming pool with his sister in July 1975

A 20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction of the person responsible is being offered by the Metropolitan Police. Separately to this, a member of Enrico's family has committed to match-fund the reward and offer an additional 20,000.

Scotland Yard's DI Susan Stansfield said: 'We believe that there are others who saw what happened and have vital information that could assist us.

'A picture was taken just after Enrico was rescued from the water, and it shows a dark-haired man swimming in the pool. He has never been traced or spoken to by police, and we would be very interested to talk to him about what he saw that day.

'I hope that after 41 years, any witnesses who were too scared of, or had loyalties to, the people involved at the time will now find the courage to contact police.'

Anyone with information should call the Met's Specialist Case Investigation Team on 020 7230 7963 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A 70-year-old woman is fighting for her life after smashing her car into a tree and a power pole in Western Australia.

The woman was driving on a main road south of Perth just before midnight on Wednesday when she swerved on to the wrong side of the road and crashed in front of a house.

A shocking picture of the scene shows a red Volkswagen Jetta resting on its side alongside a power pole which has snapped in half.

A 70-year-old woman had to be cut out of her car after she swerved on to the wrong side of the road near Perth on Wednesday night and smashed into a tree and a power pole

The car's windscreen has shattered and folded forward, it is missing its front bumper and left headlight.

The wooden power pole has snapped over the car, and a power line is seen draped over the vehicle.

Firefighters were called to the scene to extract the woman from the car, and she was raced to the Royal Perth Hospital with suspected head injuries.

A spokeswoman for the hospital told Daily Mail Australia she arrived in and remains in a critical condition.

Police urge anyone who saw the crash, or the car before the crash, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The power pole pictured here was smashed in half in the incident, which has left the elderly woman fighting for her life
Gangster Bert 'Battles' Rossi died at the University College Hospital in north London after falling and breaking two ribs at his home

One of Britain's oldest gangland bosses who helped the Mafia come to the UK and mentored the notorious Kray Twins has died aged 94.

Gangster Bert 'Battles' Rossi died at the University College Hospital in north London after falling and breaking two ribs at his home in Islington.

Rossi was born on November 1, 1922 in a slum in Clerkenwell to Italian parents who came to Britain as economic migrants following the First World War.

His father worked as an ice-cream seller but the family always struggled financially.

He left school at 14, later describing himself as 'a naughty boy' and began his life of crime by breaking into a butcher's shop and stealing a turkey after his mother told him they had nothing for Christmas dinner.

At 18 he entered the world of organised crime after taking on a local gangster and 'cracking his head right open'.

Over his 80 years as an underworld figure he was linked to dozens of murders, including the killing of ex-heavyweight world champion Freddie Mills, but was never charged.

Pictured left to right: Reggie Kray, Buller Ward, Bert Rossi, Red Faced Tommy, Ronnie Kray

He is credited with teaching the Kray Twins that business should not be mixed with pleasure.

He was a close associate of 1950s London crime boss Billy Hill and met Ronnie Kray in prison while serving four years for viciously stabbing his rival Jack 'Spot' Corner on a street in London's Soho.

In 2015 he told The Daily Record how Kray, 11 years his junior, pulled a knitting needle on him in a prison workshop after taking offence to Rossi inviting him to watch a film together.

He said: 'I could see this fella was nuts and I'm watching his hand, because he's got that thing and it's like an ice pick.

Rossi left school at 14, later describing himself as 'a naughty boy' and began his life of crime by breaking into a butcher's shop and stealing a turkey after his mother told him they had nothing for Christmas dinner

Rossi is credited with teaching the Kray Twins (pictured in 1965) that business should not be mixed with pleasure

'In those days I didn't like anybody pushing me around. Outside, I'd say, 'F*** off.' Inside, I'm thinking 'This could develop into something.' I could see it rising. It could go off.

'So I said, 'Look, Ron, I don't know what you're talking about. But rest assured, if you and I have a row I'm going to f****** hurt you. You understand?'

Over his 80 years as an underworld figure he was linked to dozens of murders, including the killing of ex-heavyweight world champion Freddie Mills (picture), but was never charged

'I'd had enough and I was ready for him. If he'd moved with his needle, I had one as well. It would have been off. Then he went right the other way. He said, 'I class you as a friend.'

Rossi, who became known as the General of Clerkenwell, was also the driving force behind New York's Gambino Mafia family 'invading' the UK in the 1960s and was considered their man in Europe.

He helped the US mobsters establish casino businesses and acquire property in London and is considered a driving force between Anglo-American crime syndicates.

He was Rocky Marciano's bodyguard when the heavyweight boxer came to London and he ran a number of nightclubs.

Grandson Frankie Rossi, 30, told The Mirror: 'Bert told me always be loyal, always be a gentleman, never be a bully and always look after family.'
Ariana Grande paid tribute to the youngest victim of the Manchester Arena bombing after her concert in Argentina last night.

Eight-year-old Saffie Roussos died when suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated a bomb in the foyer of the stadium on May 22, killing 22 people including seven children.

Her mother, Lisa Roussos, was also seriously injured in the blast and had to be put in an induced coma by doctors after the attack.

Eight-year-old Saffie Roussos (left) died when suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated a bomb in Manchester Arena as fans were leaving an Ariana Grande (right) concert

Her mother Lisa (pictured with Saffie) was also seriously injured in the blast and was put in an induced coma by doctors after the attack

Following a concert in Buenos Aires on Wednesday night, Grande tweeted: 'Saffie, we're (thinking) of you baby' alongside a birthday cake emoji.

The 24-year-old pop star also Instagrammed a photo of herself onstage with the same message.

The schoolgirl, from Leyland, Lancashire, would have celebrated her ninth birthday on July 4.

To mark the occasion her family chose to speak out, paying tribute to Saffie and remembering how she had looked forward to the concert.

Following a concert in Buenos Aires on Wednesday night, Grande tweeted: 'Saffie, we're (thinking) of you baby' alongside a birthday cake emoji

The 24-year-old pop star also Instagrammed a photo of herself onstage with the same message

Her older sister, Ashlee Bromwich, said the super fan was 'elated' when she got to see her idol perform on May 22.

'She was Ariana Grande-obsessed, so to see how happy she was, it was just ... obviously I had to go with her,' she told the BBC.

Her father, Andrew Roussos, said: 'You couldn't be out with Saffie without having fun, but her dream was to be famous. It was her everything and we bought her the tickets for Christmas.

'She was just counting the days, the seconds and it was just Ariana Grande until nine, 10 o'clock at night. And she would sing and dance to every single song.'

The schoolgirl, from Leyland, Lancashire, would have celebrated her ninth birthday on July 4

Saffie's older sister, Ashlee Bromwich, said the super fan was 'elated' when she got to see her idol perform on May 22

The explosion ripped through the arena foyer as thousands of fans, mostly young girls, left the venue following Grande's performance.

Mr Roussos, who said 'all hell broke loose' after the bombing, was later told by a police detective that Saffie had died.

'We've lost everything. We have, we've lost everything, because life will just never be the same,' he said.
Some 100 terror suspects legally own firearms in France, Interior Minister Gerard Collomb has said.

His announcement comes two weeks after a known gun enthusiast rammed a car filled with weapons and gas canisters into a police van on the Champs-Elysees in Paris.

Jihadist Adam Djaziri was the only one killed but the attack raised questions over how the 31-year-old legally possessed firearms despite being flagged as a potential radical Islamist two years ago.

Paris has been on high-alert ever since the terror attack in 2015 which saw 130 killed in a series of gun and bomb attacks. Pictured: A French policeman on patrol following an attack two weeks ago

Interior Minister Gerard Collomb's announcement comes two weeks after a known gun enthusiast rammed a car (pictured) filled with weapons and gas canisters into a police van on the Champs-Elysees

In an interview with Le Figaro newspaper two days after the June 19 incident, Collomb said he had asked for a probe into similar cases.

During a Senate hearing on a proposed new anti-terrorism law, Collomb said they 'identified about 100' individuals who, like Djaziri, were registered gun owners despite being on a watchlist for extremism.

He said: 'The person who wanted to commit that attack was on file and, at the same time, was the legal owner of firearms. This is a sign of disfunction.'

He said he had asked local police authorities to identify individuals on security watchlists so they are 'able to take action and treat these problems' in order for the country to 'return to a normal state'.

Adam Dzaziri, 31, was identified as the man killed during the attempted attack on Paris's Champs-Elysees (pictured) on Monday

His announcement comes two weeks after a known gun enthusiast rammed a car filled with weapons and gas canisters into a police van on the Champs-Elysees (file photo of French SWAT officers in the village of Longpont, Paris)

France has been under a state of emergency since the November 2015 attacks in Paris, when Islamic State jihadists killed 130 people in shootings and bombings at the Bataclan concert venue, bars, restaurants and the national stadium.

The state of emergency has since been extended five times.

It will formally expire in mid-July when the centrist government of newly elected President Emmanuel Macron is expected to extend it again until November 1, while the new anti-terrorism law is prepared.
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President Donald Trump browbeat Russia on Thursday for its 'destabilizing activities in Ukraine and elsewhere and its support for hostile regimes including Syria and Iran' and urged Vladimir Putin's government to join the U.S. and its allies in the global fight against terrorism.

Trump had refused earlier in the day to pin election hacking last year in the U.S. on the Kremlin, saying he thinks it was Putin's government, but it 'could have been other people in other countries.'

And he did not mention Russia by name in his remarks to the Polish people when he committed the U.S. to making sure Warsaw is 'never again held hostage to a single supplier of energy.'

But turning to threats against the West later in his speech in front a memorial to the 1944 Warsaw Uprising, Trump railed against 'the steady creep of government bureaucracy,' along with 'radical Islamic terrorism' and 'powers that seek to test our will, undermine our confidence and challenge our interests.'

'To meet new forms of aggression, including propaganda, financial crimes and cyber warfare, we must adapt our lives to compete effectively in new ways and on all new battlefields,' he said in a direct reference to Moscow's meddling.

Speaking to thousands of cheering Poles, Trump called their nation 'the geographic heart of Europe' and praising their countrymen for shaking off both Nazi oppressors and Russian occupiers in the last century.

'That's trouble. That's tough,' he exclaimed.

'In those dark days, you have lost your land but you never lost your pride.'

President Donald Trump questioned if the West has the 'will to survive' in a landmark speech in Warsaw on Thursday afternoon. He spoke at Krasinski Square in front of a monument commemorating the 1944 Warsaw Uprising against the Nazis. The Warsaw Uprising was the largest act of resistance by any nation under the German occupation during World War II and the heroism of the insurgents remains a defining element in Polish national identity

Trump spoke in front of a crowd at Krasinski Square at the Royal Castle in Warsaw on Thursday

Trump participates in a wreath laying ceremony before delivering a speech at Krasinski Square at the Royal Castle

Trump waves next to First Lady of the United States Melania Trump, Polish President Andrzej Duda and First Lady of Poland Agata Kornhauser-Duda before his public speech

People cheer as Trump delivers his landmark speech at Krasinski Square at the Royal Castle on Thursday morning

Ahead of his speech on Thursday, First Lady Melania Trump welcomed the crowd and introduced her husband

Trump delivered his address in Krasinski Square, at the foot of a statue commemorating the 1944 Polish uprising against German occupiers. He and first lady Melania Trump laid a wreath at its base.

Speaking behind bullet-proof glass, the president said Poles are 'a people who truly know the value of what you defend.'

He urged them to uphold 'a future in which good conquers evil.'

They repeatedly chanted 'USA, USA' and 'Donald Trump! Donald Trump!'

Trump had earlier met the Polish president and warned that the future of the West is in doubt.

In a speech to the public he praised Poland's 'will to survive' because they 'have never, ever forgotten who they are.'

'The Polish experience reminds us  the defense of the West ultimately rests not only on means but also on the will of its people to prevail,' Trump said.

'Your oppressors tried to break you, but Poland could not be broken.'

First Lady Melania Trump warmed up the crowd in Poland's capital city ahead of her husband's speech, saying that all people should be allowed to 'live their lives without fear'

The first lady said Thursday that guaranteeing the 'security' of the American people is the centerpiece of Trump's administration

During her introduction speech at Krasinski Square on Thursday Melania Trump said she hoped all around world could share in that safety

First Lady Melania walked alongside President Trump as they arrived at Krasinski Square on Thursday ahead of Trump's speech

Melania Trump, who is taking a prominent role in her husband's key overseas trip, also saluted the Polish people and their 'beautiful country'

Melania donned a navy blue dress with pink and blue stripes for the event on Thursday. She wore purple heels to finish off the outfit

And Trump projected his fight against Middle Eastern terrorism onto the template of Poland's historic struggles, saying, 'We are fighting hard against radical Islamic terrorism, and we will prevail.'

'America and Europe have suffered one terror attack after another. We are going to get it to stop,' he said. 'While we will always welcome new citizens who share our values and love our people, our borders will always be closed to terrorism and extremism of any kind.'

The president urged European nations to commit more of their money to NATO, as he said the organization's 'Article 5' commitment to mutual defense is an ironclad guarantee.

'Words are easy but actions are what matters,' he urged. 'Europe must do more. Europe must demonstrate that it believes in its future by investing its money to secure that future.'

At a press conference following his private talks with Andrzej Duda, Trump said North Korea would face 'consequences' for its intercontinental ballistic missile test.

He also admitted that Russia 'could have' interfered with the 2016 election and vowed to work with Poland on addressing threats from the country

Ivanka was beaming as she arrived at the speech hand-in-hand with husband Jared Kushner. The couple arrived in Warsaw on Air Force One with the president and first lady

Ivanka Trump smiles as she arrives in Krasinski Square, in Warsaw, with her husband Jared Kushner, senior adviser of Trump

Ivanka, who has taken a prominent role in her father's White House administration, arrived in Warsaw on Wednesday evening ahead of Trump's speech

Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump took seats in the front row in Krasinski Square ahead of Trump's speech, for which Poles from around the country traveled to see

The pair held hands as they listened to the president made his speech, in which he Poland as the 'geographic heart of Europe'

Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump applauded as they listened to Trump's speech, which he made from behind bulletproof glass

Trump's whirlwind visit to Warsaw came just before a meeting with Putin. He will travel next to Germany for Friday and Saturday's G20 summit, where he will sit down for talks with the Russian leader for the first time since taking office.

Trump's appearance alongside the Polish president will go down badly in Russia.

Trump's visit to Warsaw was coordinated with the Three Seas Initiative, which is a new 12-nation trade and economic bloc organized in part to limit Russia's power, especially in ways that diminish its dominance in the region's energy markets.

'To the citizens of this great region, America is eager to expand our partnership with you. We welcome stronger ties of trade and commerce as you grow your economies,' Trump said in his Krasinski Square speech. 'And we are committed to securing your access to alternate sources of energy, so Poland and its neighbors are never again held hostage to a single supplier of energy.'

North Korea's ballistic missile test the day the day before Trump left the U.S. moved the threat posed by Kim Jong-un's illicit nuclear activity up to the top of the American president's list of shared threats.

Trump spoke from Krasinski Square, the site of a monument commemorating the 1944 Warsaw Uprising against the Nazis

The Warsaw Uprising (its monument pictured above) was the largest act of resistance by any nation under the German occupation during World War II, and the heroism of the insurgents remains a defining element in Polish national identity

During World War II, the Germans suppressed the rebellion brutally, destroying most of Warsaw and killing around 200,000 people, most of them civilians. Pictured above, Trump and Melania observed the monument for the Warsaw Uprising

Donald Trump shake hands with veteran as dozens of others look on after delivering a speech in Krasinski Square in Warsaw, Poland on Thursday

Dozens of veterans watched Trump's speech from behind the stage on Thursday, sitting next to a monument for the Warsaw Uprising

At his joint press conference with Duda, Trump called on the global community to ensure there are 'consequences' for Pyongyang's belligerence and warned that he is considering a 'severe' response.

'I call on all nations to confront this global threat and publicly demonstrate to North Korea that there are consequences for their very, very bad behavior,' he declared.

'I have pretty severe things that we're thinking about,' Trump said, addressing a question from DailyMail.com, but added: 'That doesn't mean that we'll do them.'

Trump later said that he was working with Poland on addressing threats from Russia and reiterated his calls for NATO members to meet their financial obligations.

Trump said that 'as a result' of his administration's pushing, 'billions of dollars' have begun to pour into NATO.

'In fact, people are shocked. But billions and billions of dollars more are coming in from countries that, in my opinion, would not have been paying so quickly.'

Trump commemorated Polish and Jewish history in his speech as dozens of veterans looked on. Pictured above, Melania, Polish President Andrzej Duda and Polish First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda listen to Trump's speech

Trump shook hands with several veterans who listened to the speech as he left Krasinski Square and headed for Germany

Crowds waving US, confederate and Polish flags gathered in and around a Warsaw square where Trump delivered his first public speech in Europe

Some Trump supporters tied a 'Make America Great Again' banner to a barrier fence ahead of the speech. Nearby attendees wore hats bearing the same slogan

While some people carried flags, some banners on display in Krasinski Square featured the right-wing, pro-government Gazeta Polska newspaper.

One man kept his supportive sign straight and to the point: He simply carried around a photo of President Donald Trump to the rally

'To those who would criticize our tough stance, I would point out that the United States has demonstrated not merely with words but with its actions that we stand firmly behind Article 5, the mutual defense commitment,' he said, checking an important box in his remarks for European leaders who have worried about that his warnings to pay up or else meant the U.S. was rethinking its involvement in the international organization.

Trump heaped praise on Poland for paying up.

He told the Polish people, 'You were supported in that victory over communism by a strong alliance of free nations in the West that defied tyranny. Now, among the most committed members of the NATO Alliance, Poland has resumed its place as a leading nation of a Europe that is strong, whole, and free.'

'A strong Poland is a blessing to the nations of Europe, and they know that. A strong Europe is a blessing to the West and to the world.'

As Krasinski Square filled with people, crowds are gathered in neighboring streets, where screens have been set up for viewing

In the center of the square, several rows of seats were set up for guests while others sat in nearby bleachers and behind barriers

Former president Lech Walesa is among the special guests in the VIP section. Poland's leaders promised Trump a warm welcome before he heads to Germany later Thursday for a summit of the world's developed and developing nations

Trump's speech came just days after Independence Day in the United States and ahead of his appearance at the G20 Summit in Germany

There were so many attendees at the event that some crowded into a glass-enclosed bus stop to watch Trump deliver his speech

Trump addressed thousands of Poles from Krasinski Square, site of the Warsaw Uprising against Nazi occupation. More than 150,000 Poles died during the struggle to overthrow oppression

Some supporters in the crowd made T-shirts reading 'Make Poland Great Again' a phrase that played on Trump's 'MAGA' campaign slogan

Noting the 100th anniversary of America's entry into World War I, which he will celebrate formally next week in Paris, France, Trump said' the transatlantic bond between the United States and Europe is as strong as ever and maybe, in many ways, even stronger.'

'This continent no longer confronts the specter of communism. But today were in the West, and we have to say there are dire threats to our security and to our way of life,' he said. 'You see whats happening out there. They are threats. We will confront them. We will win. But they are threats.'

Duda for his part said he believed Trump took Poland's security seriously.

'We see ourselves as loyal partners who cooperate on a number of issues, among others on security,' Duda said at the news conference.

POLAND'S FIGHTING SPIRIT THROUGHOUT HISTORY As Donald Trump delivered his speech in Warsaw, he praised Poland's history of fighting for survival, including against Nazi rule during the Second World War. The President told listeners: Your oppressors tried to break you, but Poland could not be broken. In fact, Poland was broken - literally - for a large part of its history. From 1795 until 1918, the country did not exist at all having been partitioned by the Russian Empire, the Kingdom of Prussia, and the Austrian Habsburg Monarchy Following the collapse of these empires at the end of the First World War, Poland was able to reestablish itself having kept its culture alive through 200 years of foreign governance via resistance movements and educational institutions. While an independent Polish state with access to the sea was established as part of the Treaty of Versailles, various border disputed raged between 1919 and 1921, including one against the Soviets. In August 1920 the Russian army was advancing on Warsaw having already claimed several victories over the Polish, and looked on the verge of crushing their army and perhaps crumbling the country once more. But the city marked as far as the Soviets would get - the Polish stopped the advance, forcing the Russian into a messy retreat which saw their army crippled and the war won. That would not be the last time Poland would have to fight for its survival, however, as it was invaded and occupied by both the Nazis and the Russians during the Second World War. After Hitler broke his non-aggression pact with Stalin in September 1939, he marched his troops into Poland before the Soviets attacked back later the same month. The two sides eventually reached an impasse, and decided to partition Poland once more between Germany and Russia. Under the two occupations, Polish citizens suffered enormous human and material losses. It is thought about 5.7 million Polish citizens died as a result of the German occupation and about 150,000 died as a result of the Soviet occupation. Hitler began the process of hunting down Poland's Jewish population and putting them to death in concentration camps, with an estimated 90 per cent of Polish Jews, around three million people, murdered. Meanwhile the Soviets stirred up resentment of native Poles among the Jewish, Ukrainias, Belarusian and Lithuanian minorities and used this to repress them. Most of those killed were Polish priosners of war who were exterminated in a 'reign of terror' perpetrated by the NKVD, or Soviet secret police. The most infamous instance came in 1940, when around 22,000 Polish army officers, police, and intellectuals were murdered in the Katyn Massacre - named after the Russian forest where many mass graves were found. The country was also the staging point for Operation Barbarossa, Hitler's full-scale Blitzkrieg invasion of the Soviets which began in June 1941. The attack brought Poland wholly under Nazi control from then until 1944, when Stalin began recapturing the territory as he pushed west to Berlin. For his speech, Trump stood in front of a monument to the Warsaw Uprising which was the largest rebellion against Nazi rule by any resistance group during the war. The Poles fought against the Germans for 63 days, killing 16,000 Nazi soldiers and destroying hundreds of tanks and artillery pieces, in the expectation that the Red Army would imminently arrive in the city, liberating it. But Stalin actually halted his advance several miles away, leaving the resistance to fight completely unaided against Hitlers forces - only moving in after they were destroyed and the city had been raised to the ground. After the war was over, a deal struck between Stalin and other Allied leaders at the end of the war left Poland under Soviet Union control and Communist rule. This decision would prove deeply unpopular in the decades that followed, as the country suffered widespread repression by their rulers, which rebuilt themselves after the fall of the Soviet empire as Russia, and watched capitalist Europe advance rapidly while their economy languished. Russias decades-long failure to acknowledge another massacre, this time in Katyn in which 20,000 Poles were killed by Stalins secret police, served only to heighten tensions further. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989, Poland signalled its desire to join both Nato and the EU, pulling rapidly away from the sphere of Kremlin influence. In 1999 it joined Nato having earlier backed out of the Warsaw Pact, a rival alliance including Russia which collapsed in 1991. Then, in 2004, it became a member of the European Union. Today it is one of Americas closest allies in Europe, and was supposed to play host to a missile defense installation designed to protect against Russian nukes, a move which greatly angered Moscow. While that installation was cancelled in favour of a ship-based missile deterrent, Poland will still host an American radar array which is due to be completed next year. It is perhaps because of this history that Trump used his speech in Warsaw to issue his biggest rebuke to Putin yet  calling for an end to aggression in Ukraine and Syria. Advertisement

Following his speech, Trump and his wife departed from Warsaw and headed for Germany on Air Force One ahead of the G20 Summit

It was also confirmed that Trump accepted an invitation to visit the small central European nation that is the homeland of his wife Melania following his speech

Demonstrators dressed in costumes resembling those from Margaret Atwood's A Handmaid's Tale attended a Trump protest in Warsaw on Thursday

The costumes resemble those worn in a new television series based on Margaret Atwood's 1985 novel in which women - dubbed 'breeders' - are forced to give birth and have no control over their bodies. Poland is currently embattled in a large debate over banning abortion

Poland has month the tightest abortion laws in Europe, and a proposal last year sought to ban all abortions unless a mother's life was at risk. Demonstrators at Thursday's protest wore pins that read 'Together' in Polish

Dozens of protesters showed up at the speech on Thursday, with some carrying signs that read 'Trump Not Welcome' and 'Dump Trump'

Trump said then that Russia 'could have' interfered with the 2016 US presidential election which saw him take victory over Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.

He added, however, that he's not totally convinced that Russia was the sole meddler, contrasting claims from four U.S. intelligence agencies which said the effort was directed by Putin and emanated from Moscow.

'I think it was Russia, and it could have been other people in other countries,' Trump said. 'Nobody really knows.'

He added that the U.S. Intelligence Community has made high-profile mistakes in the past, so 'nobody really knows for sure.'

The president sought to redirect any scrutiny toward his predecessor, Barack Obama, accusing him of allowing Moscow to meddle on his watch.

President Donald Trump questioned whether the West has the 'will to survive' in a landmark speech in Warsaw on Thursday

Trump held a joint press conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda on Thursday after the pair had private talks

At a press conference following his private talks with Andrzej Duda, Trump said North Korea would face 'consequences' for its intercontinental ballistic missile test

He also admitted that Russia interfered with the 2016 election and vowed to work with Poland on addressing threats from the country

Though the Obama administration warned Russia publicly and privately before Election Day to stop interfering, questions have since been raised about whether he acted aggressively enough to stop the threat.

'They say he choked. Well, I don't think he choked,' Trump said. 'I think he thought Hillary Clinton was going to win the election, and he said, "Let's not do anything about it".'

Trump said the CIA had informed Obama about the hacking months before the election but added that 'mistakes have been made.'.

He also took a question from DailyMail.com about a domestic tempest that developed this week over a video clip he tweeted on Sunday, depicting himself body-slamming a pro wrestling mogul whose face was superimposed with CNN's logo.

CNN quickly condemned the tweet and assigned a reporter to find out where the viral meme originated.

At a joint press conference between Trump and Duda, the US president called on the global community to ensure there are 'consequences' for Pyongyang's belligerence and warned that he is considering a 'severe' response

Trump later said that he was working with Poland on addressing threats from Russia and reiterated his calls for NATO members to meet their financial obligations

Trump's whirlwind visit to Warsaw comes just days before he meets Russian President Vladimir Putin. He will next travel to Germany for Friday and Saturday's G20 summit

Trump and Duda shook hands for photo ops several times on Thursday, including after their joint press conference

By Thursday the network was under fire for allegedly threatening to reveal the name of a person it said created the video.

But CNN appears to have gotten it wrong, using the wrong version of the doctored footage as the basis for their interview with the unnamed man.

'I think what CNN did is unfortunate for them,' Trump said at the press conference. 'As you know they have some pretty serious problems.

'They have been fake news for a long time. They have been covering me in a very, very dishonest way.'

Trump then turned to Duda and asked, 'Do you have that also, Mr President?', to which Duda shrugged.

'What CNN did  and what others did, NBC is equally as bad despite the fact that I made them a fortune with "The Apprentice," but they forgot that,' Trump said.

'What I will say is that CNN has really taken it too seriously and I think they've hurt themselves very badly, very, very badly. And what we want to see in the United States is honest, beautiful, free, but honest press. We want to see fair press.'

'I think it's a very important thing. We don't want fake news. By the way, not everybody is fake news. But we don't want fake news. Bad thing. It's very bad for our country,' Trump concluded.

Trump talks with Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, center right, as they arrive for a group photo prior to the Three Seas Initiative transatlantic roundtable in the Great Assembly Hall of the Royal Castle, in Warsaw

Trump talks to Duda as US ambassador to Poland Paul W Jones looks on during the Three Seas Initiative Summit on Thursday

Duda, center, speaks with Croatia President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic as Trump makes a comment during the Three Seas Initiative transatlantic roundtable in the Great Assembly Hall of the Royal Castle

The group who attended the initiative includes leaders of the Baltic, Adriatic and Black seas nations and aims to expand and modernize energy and trade with the goal of reducing the region's dependence on Russian energy

While at the Royal Castle, President Trump and Duda (not pictured) attended a meeting together

Following the press conference, Trump attended a meeting of the Three Seas Initiative.

The group includes leaders of the Baltic, Adriatic and Black seas nations and aims to expand and modernize energy and trade with the goal of reducing the region's dependence on Russian energy.

While at the meeting, Trump pledged that the United States will never use energy to coerce eastern and central European nations, adding that the United States won't allow other nations to coerce them either.

Trump said he's proud that the region is benefiting from US energy supplies. Poland received a first shipment of liquefied natural gas from the United States last month.

Trump noted the region's special significance to him. His wife, Melania, is a native of Slovenia, which belongs to the group.

He then claimed that everyone is benefiting from the thriving US economy except for him.

He bragged of recent stock market gains, but said: 'Personally, I've picked up nothing.'

President Donald Trump is greeted by Polish President Andrzej Duda as he visits Poland during the Three Seas Initiative Summit in Warsaw on Thursday

Poland's ruling party sees itself as a Euroskeptic regime along the lines of last year's Brexit movement in the United Kingdom

The US president's unapologetic brand of nationalism is seen as its idealized complement, aligning Washington and Warsaw in a push against a Berlin-dominated Europe

Trump and Duda shook hands at the Royal Castle in front of a white marble bust of Stanislaw August Poniatowski, the last king of Poland

The leaders then retreated to a room decorated with red walls for their private talks, where they also posed for photos

Asked how he felt about the trip, Trump, who is on a whirlwind 16-hour trip in Poland said 'Great'

'That's all right,' he said. 'Everyone else is getting very rich. That's OK. I'm very happy.'

Trump gave his two adult sons and a senior executive control of his global real estate, property management and marketing empire when he took office in January. But Trump did not divest his businesses.

Instead he placed his financial assets in a trust that he can seize control of at any time.

Busloads of Trump supporters were sent to Warsaw to see Trump speak on Thursday in Krasinski Square, where a monument stands to a 1944 popular uprising against German occupation.

In every corner of Poland, citizens were offered free transportation to Warsaw if they wanted to be a part of the Trump show.

Polish President Duda gave Trump a tour of the royal castle on Thursday ahead of their joint press conference

Meanwhile, First Lady Melania Trump met with Poland's First Lady, Agata Kornhauser-Duda at the Belvedere Palace in Warsaw

Trump's daughter, Ivanka, visited the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes in Warsaw on Thursday

'I am here today not just to visit an old ally, but to hold it up as an example for others who seek freedom and who wish to summon the courage and the will to defend our civilization,' Trump told his fans.

The words 'courage,' 'will' and 'civilization' were capitalized for emphasis in the snippets the White House sent to reporters.

The United States is serious about the security of its ally Poland, Duda said on Wednesday after his meeting with Trump.

'We see ourselves as loyal partners who cooperate on a number of issues, among others on security,' Duda told the joint news conference. 'I have a feeling that the United States is serious about Poland's security.'

Trump has made a point of attacking what adviser Steve Bannon has derided as 'the bureaucratic state,' rolling back regulations that he says are choking free enterprise and dampening the American economy.

Trump will praise 'the triumph of the Polish spirit over centuries of hardship' in a landmark speech in Warsaw, the White House said Thursday morning

The two presidents met at the Royal Castle in Warsaw on Thursday morning head of Trump's landmark speech

Thursday's joint appearance with Duda at Warsaw's royal castle was originally billed as a press conference

Trump, like Poland's President Andrzej Duda, is aligned against the European Union's bureaucracies

'The West became great not because of paperwork and regulations but because people were allowed to chase their dreams and pursue their destinies,' Trump's speech added.

'Americans, Poles, and the nations of Europe value individual freedom and sovereignty,' he said.

'We must work together to confront forces, whether they come from inside or out, from the South or the East, that threaten over time to undermine these values and to erase the bonds of culture, faith and tradition that make us who we are. If left unchecked, these forces will undermine our courage, sap our spirit, and weaken our will to defend ourselves and our societies.'

Trump, like Poland's president, is aligned against the European Union's bureaucracies.

Flag-waving Poles lined Trump's motorcade route on Wednesday night, but critics pointed out that the government had paid to bus in thousands from Poland's far-flung provinces.

Duda's government had reportedly promised his American counterpart a hero's welcome as a condition of visiting Poland.

Like the Trump administration, Duda's government is staking its claim on a desire to limit the numbers of refugees it resettles even as European Union leaders press Warsaw to open its borders

Trump will speak to the leaders of Three Seas Initiative nations and address the Polish people at Warsaw's Krasinski Square later in the da

The White House later described the meeting as a 'press event', which raised concerns that Trump wouldn't be taking questions from reporters

The pair met between flags of each nation before heading into a discussion about the European Union

Poland's ruling party sees itself as a Euroskeptic regime along the lines of last year's Brexit movement in the United Kingdom.

The US president's unapologetic brand of nationalism is seen as its idealized complement, aligning Washington and Warsaw in a push against a Berlin-dominated Europe.

Like the Trump administration, Duda's government is staking its claim on a desire to limit the numbers of refugees it resettles even as European Union leaders press Warsaw to open its borders.

'The Polish government has the same position as Americans  we want strict restrictions on refugees,' legislator Krzysztof Mroz told The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday.

Thursday's joint appearance with Duda at Warsaw's royal castle was originally billed as a press conference.

By Tuesday, however, the White House began describing it in advisories to reporters as a 'press event', raising concerns that Trump wouldn't take reporters' questions.

Trump (his motorcade pictured above) will speak to the leaders of Three Seas Initiative nations and address the Polish people at Warsaw's Krasinski Square

Trump's whirlwind visit to Warsaw comes on the front end of a journey to Germany for Friday and Saturday's G20 summit

Trump arrives on a state visit at the Okecie Airport, Warsaw President Donald Trump visit to Poland on Wednesday

Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive on a state visit at the Okecie Airport in Warsaw on Tuesday evening

Also on the trip to Warsaw were Trump's daughter, Ivanka Trump, and her husband Jared Kushner

On Thursday morning the White House confirmed that the press conference would indeed include a Q&A from at least four journalists.

Trump's ongoing media war has tended to overshadow talk of his domestic and foreign agendas, a condition he could ill afford as he launched his second diplomacy tour in six weeks.

Duda, too, rolled the dice by allowing American journalists to question his government's clampdown on press freedoms in the last year.

Protesters blockaded the Polish parliament in December after the ruling Law and Justice party restricted the number of journalists allowed in the building and limited which TV networks could record proceedings there.

European Council President Donald Tusk quickly invoked the word 'dictatorship' to warn Duda, as his government blamed protesters for staging an 'illegal attempt to seize power.'

Demonstrators shouted 'Solidarity!'  a throwback to the communist-era movement led by then-dissident trade unionist Lech Waesa, who later became president.

Unlike past US presidents, Trump did not meet with him in Poland. Duda's right-wing government has sought to downplay Waesa's role in Poland's history.

Waesa, however, was in the crowd for Trump's speech.
Boris Johnson today insisted ministers would not risk throwing Britain into a Greece-style crisis with a 'crazy Corbynite spending splurge'.

The Foreign Secretary attempted to mend fences with Theresa May and Chancellor Philip Hammond after a bitter spat over austerity measures.

Mr Johnson and Michael Gove had previously suggested that the public sector pay cap could be eased without tax rises.

But yesterday Mrs May effectively sided with Mr Hammond by delivering an impassioned defence of the need to tackle the deficit - and was given strong backing by Tory MPs.

In an interview on BBC Radio 4's Today programme this morning, Mr Johnson said: 'I think there has got to be a balance in all this.

The Foreign Secretary (pictured with Lithuanian counterpart Linas Linkevicius in London today) attempted to mend fences with Theresa May and Chancellor Philip Hammond after a bitter spat over austerity measures

Mr Johnson was in the Commons yesterday when Mrs May delivered an impassioned defence of the need to balance the government's books

'What we believe is that you cannot endlessly borrow, you cannot endlessly spend.

Mr Johnson said bringing the deficit down by three quarters over the past seven years had brought 'massive economic benefits'.

Mr Johnson said he and Mr Hammond were in agreement that the public was tired after seven years trying to balance the books.

'We recognise that people are weary of wage restraint and we recognise that when the public sector pay bodies report that we will look at them carefully,' he said.

MAY HIRES COMMS CHIEF FROM THE BBC Theresa May today hired a new communications director from the BBC. Robbie Gibb, who is currently the head of the BBC's live political programmes, will join No 10. The high-powered post will demand Mr Gibb get a grip on Mrs May's ailing Government machine in the aftermath of the snap election disaster. Confirming his appointment today, Mr Gibb said: 'I am pleased to announce I will be leaving the BBC to join the Prime Minister, Theresa May, as her new Director of Communications. 'It's been a privilege to work for the BBC. I will always be a supporter because of its values and commitment to impartiality.' Advertisement

'What we have seen over the last few years is a Conservative government resolutely bearing down on the deficit...

'We are not going to put that at risk.'

Mr Johnson also lavished praise on Mrs May for the 'steel and grace' she had shown in 'putting things back together' after the Tories lost their overall majority at the election.

Pressed on his own leadership ambitions, Mr Johnson insisted there was 'no vacancy for that position and nor is there going to be for a very long time'.

Mrs May told MPs at PMQs it was not fair to refuse to take tough decisions and to load debts on to our children and grandchildren.

She rounded on Jeremy Corbyn, warning that Labours profligate agenda risked turning Britain into an economic basket case like Greece. She said this nation had to live within its means.

The Prime Minister made clear that the government was ready to listen to recommendations for rises above the 1 per cent threshold.

Mr Johnson and Mr Linkevicius are attending a summit on Ukraine at Lancaster House

Mr Johnson appears to have fallen in behind the PM and Chancellor after splits over how to fund easing the public sector pay cap

Mrs May also mounted a spirited defence of the Tories' economic record - and highlighted the example of Greece where political mismanagement resulted in swingeing austerity measures.

The Labour leader accused ministers of 'flip flopping' on the issue of public sector pay, and said workers needed a rise.

Mrs May indicated she was not willing to abandon fiscal restraint in the face of pressure from Labour, the unions and even her own ministers.

Addressing Mr Corbyn directly, she said she valued public-sector workers as much as him, adding: The difference is that I know we have to pay for them.

The Prime Minister said it was time to remind Mr Corbyn what happens when you do not deal with the deficit.

She added: This is not a theoretical issue. Let us look at those countries that failed to deal with it. In Greece, where they have not dealt with the deficit, what did we see with that failure to deal with the deficit? Spending on the health service cut by 36 per cent. That does not help nurses or patients.

Labour described the comparison as preposterous.

The Prime Minister made clear that the government was ready to listen to recommendations for rises above the 1 per cent threshold

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn accused ministers of 'flip flopping' on the issue, and said public sector workers needed a pay rise

But Mrs May pointed out that the government had to show 'restraint' because Labour left the country with the 'biggest deficit in our peacetime history'

The bad-tempered exchanges at PMQs in the Commons came after days in which the Government has been struggling to hammer out a clear line on the cap.

Chancellor Philip Hammond has been forced forced to slap down a string of Cabinet ministers who have called for it to be relaxed.

But former PM David Cameron urged Mrs May to stay the course on austerity. The opponents of so-called austerity couch their arguments in a way that makes them sound generous and compassionate, he said on Tuesday.

They seek to paint the supporters of sound finances as selfish or uncaring. The exact reverse is true.

Giving up on sound finances isnt being generous, its being selfish  spending money today that you may need tomorrow.

Stick to energy cap pledge, Tories demand Tory MPs are demanding Theresa May honour a manifesto pledge to impose a price cap on energy costs. Campaign leader John Penrose wrote to Downing Street to insist she must stand by the election promise to stop 17million households being preyed on by the Big Six power providers. The appeal comes days after energy regulator Ofgem proposed a much more limited cap, which would only see 2.6million vulnerable households benefiting. The letter was also signed by Conservative MPs Sarah Wollaston and Robert Halfon. Mr Penrose, the MP for Weston-super-Mare, called the Ofgem deal a stitch-up by the Big Six firms. The letter said: It is clear we must do more to protect the further 15million households who continue to be preyed on by the Big Six energy firms. Advertisement

His remarks came during a speech to the Asia Leadership Conference in Seoul, for which he is thought to have received a five-figure fee.

Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell said Mr Camerons comments just further show how out of touch he was then, and still remains today.

But former Tory chancellor Lord Lawson said that failure to control public spending would lead to economic disaster.

He warned Cabinet ministers they were undermining the Government by airing their differences so publicly, adding: We should stop having this debate in public, its ludicrous.

Lord Lawson said it was not impossible for the pay cap to be lifted but that restraint should be maintained.

Once you lose control, as the last Labour government did ... you have an economic disaster, he said.

Despite the seven-year pay cap, public sector pay has fallen more slowly than that in the private sector.

A report by the Office of Manpower Economics yesterday found that while real wages in the public sector were squeezed by 3.1 per cent from 2005 to 2015, those in the private sector fell by an average of 6.1 per cent.
A man who claimed an 11-month-old baby girl in his care died after falling off his trampoline has been found guilty of manslaughter

Brendan Toohey, 38, claimed he was looking after the little girl when she fell and fatally hit her head at a home in Mandurama in NSW in April 2014.

The jury reached a not guilty verdict on that charge, but convicted him of manslaughter after examining expert medical evidence in the case, reports 9News.

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A man who he claims a baby in his care died after falling off his trampoline has been found guilty of manslaughter

Brendan Toohey, 38, claimed he was taking the clothes of the washing line when he 11-month-old girl from the trampoline and fatally hit her head

The baby was found to have suffered fatal blunt force trauma, and one doctor told the jury that he was suspicious of claims the child died after 'falling off a trampoline'.

He told police in a statement: 'she fell head first off the trampoline, she cried straight away so I picked her up and rubbed her, and then she stopped crying, and then she was not breathing properly so I put her in the car and flew straight into the hospital'.

'It happened like so quick it wasn't funny,' Toohey said.

But forensic pathologist Timothy Lyons said the extent of the baby's severe brain injuries could not be attributed to a short fall from a trampoline.

The baby was found to have suffered fatal blunt force trauma, and one doctor telling the jury that he was suspicious of claims the child died after 'falling off a trampoline'

A man who he claims a baby in his care died after falling off his trampoline has been found guilty of manslaughter

Brendan Toohey, 38, claimed he was taking the clothes of the washing line when he 11-month-old girl from the trampoline and fatally hit her head

The Crown argued that Toohey killed the girl by inflicting blunt force injuries to her head that caused brain injuries and death.

The Crown also argued Toohey's version of events that followed the injury, including how quickly he drove the hospital, were allegedly inconsistent and unreliable.

One medical witness said they believed she had died from intentionally inflicted injuries.

Toohey, who has been behind bars for three years, will be sentenced for manslaughter on September 8.
Exhausted and traumatised firefighters who witnessed the horrors of Grenfell Tower are being offered free holidays across the UK and Europe by strangers.

Many who battled the inferno and fought to save the hundreds trapped in the west London tower block have been 'utterly broken', one wife of a man involved has said.

The couple and their two children are to be among the first to take up hundreds of free holidays that have been crowd-sourced by members of the public.

They will spend a free week in a cottage in Marsden, West Yorkshire, later this month.

More than 370 holidays have been offered in the Grenfell Tower Holiday Appeal Facebook Group since the fatal blaze three weeks ago, campaign co-organiser Angie Mays said.

Exhausted and traumatised firefighters who witnessed the horrors of Grenfell Tower are being offered free holidays across the UK and Europe by strangers

Emergency services carry a survivor from the burning ruins of Grenfell - some have been left 'broken' by the experience

The search for survivors has been painstaking and grim, which will continue for the remainder of the year

These include holidays across the UK, Portugal, Italy, Cyprus, mainland Spain and the Canary Islands.

Angie Mays and Kay Gilbert from Ilfracombe are organising holidays for Grenfell Tower heroes and victims

Ms Mays, a fundraiser from Ilfracombe, Devon, set up the campaign with friend and volunteer Kay Gilbert.

The firefighter and his family will head to a cottage in Marsden, West Yorkshire, for a week this month.

His wife, who wishes to remain anonymous to respect her partner's privacy, said: 'What Kay and Angie have done from the kindness of their hearts will help so many families at such a distressing time in their lives.

'As a firefighter's wife, I was directed to the page they lovingly set up for the victims of the Grenfell Tower tragedy and any emergency services who may have been affected by it.

'This has been the most horrific job of my husband's career and he has been utterly broken by it.

'As we all have - trying to support him emotionally, and trying to understand what he has been through. Not to mention praying he comes home in one piece.

'Thanks to the utter kindness of these wonderful ladies and all of the generous donations to this cause, we will be able to go away for a week as a family for some much needed R&R.

'This means the world to me that I can take them away from it all, if just for a moment.'

Generous holiday home owners have been offering stays for free to support those who fought the inferno

The Queen spoke to firefighters about their experiences in the tower and offered her sympathy to them

The short-stay offers have come mainly from small businesses, B&Bs and guesthouses all over the UK, but also in Spain and Cyprus, Ms Mays said.

Other firefighter families are also in the process of taking up offers, she added.

Separate Facebook groups have been also set up to provide holidays in Cornwall and the Highlands.

Ms Mays has set up a JustGiving page to help cover travel and food costs for those taking up the holiday offers.

To donate click HERE.
A father of one filmed the moment he told his neighbour she had been driving a 'Honda J*zz' for six weeks ever since he defaced her car as part of a six-year prank war.

Joker John Janowski, 39, has been embroiled in the saga with drinking buddy Rachel Paterson ever since she rearranged his kitchen by turning everything upside down.

Mr Janowski from Mid Calder in West Lothian, Scotland, got his own back with various stitch-ups, culminating in him altering the sign on Ms Paterson's Honda Jazz to spell out the word j*zz.

A father of one filmed the moment he told his neighbour she had been driving a 'Honda J*zz' for six weeks ever since he defaced her car as part of a prank war. Joker John Janowski (left) has been embroiled in the saga with drinking buddy Rachel Paterson (right) for six years

Red-faced Ms Paterson admitted that fellow motorists had given her 'funny looks' ever since Mr Janowski carried out his handiwork in May.

Ms Paterson, a 22-year-old coffee shop supervisor, said: 'I was just absolutely mortified when John told me.

'I use my car every day to get to work so hundreds of people have probably been laughing at it.

'There has been a few times over the past few weeks where I've been sat at traffic lights and looked in my rear view mirror to see people laughing. I just thought they were laughing at the radio or something else.

Mr Janowski from Mid Calder in West Lothian, Scotland, got his own back with various stitch-ups, culminating in him altering the sign on Ms Paterson's Honda Jazz to spell out the word j*zz

'Now I know that they were actually laughing at me and my car. I can't believe it.'

She added that the worst thing about the prank was having to tell her parents about it. She said: 'Telling my dad was horrible but he actually found it quite funny.

'I have a tendency to fall asleep a lot so (Mr Janowski) often covers me in cling film, I've had raw sausages in my shoes, he's also put salt in bags in my handbag to look like drugs.'

Ms Paterson's most recent stunt involved attempting to glue Mr Janowski's hand to a bouncy ball belonging to his four-year-old daughter, Daisy.

Red-faced Ms Paterson admitted that fellow motorists had given her 'funny looks' ever since Mr Janowski carried out his handiwork in May. Ms Paterson, a 22-year-old coffee shop supervisor, said: 'I was just absolutely mortified when John told me'

Top work: Mr Janowski (pictured with his wife Stacey and their daughter Daisy, 4) has been known to cover Ms Paterson in cling film, put raw sausages in her shoes, and even put salt in bags in her handbag to look like drugs

Mr Janowski hit back with the car prank, but came clean after six weeks, saying he 'couldn't believe' Ms Paterson still had not noticed.

The warehouse operative said: 'Rachel had left our house after a night in with me, my wife, Stacey, and my brother-in-law.

'We'd had a few drinks and she'd tried to prank me that night but failed, so when she went home I noticed how easy it was to change the letters around so I had a go.

'I put the video online and I thought Rachel would notice but she didn't.

'Then I thought when she washed her car she would realise what I'd done, but it got to about six weeks later and I thought "I need to tell her, she can't keep driving around with that on her car".'

Mr Janowski (left) said: 'I'd say I'm probably worse for the pranks, purely because of her tendency to fall asleep so often when she's drunk, so I've got an advantage'. But Ms Paterson (right) is just as mischievous and recently attempted to glue her friend's hand to a bouncy ball

Mr Janowski then recorded the moment he revealed the modification.

He said: 'At first when I mentioned pranking she thought I was going to throw water balloons at her or something, that's why she started screaming, but she took it really well actually. She is always up for a laugh.

'I'd say I'm probably worse for the pranks, purely because of her tendency to fall asleep so often when she's drunk, so I've got an advantage.

'We usually end up back at my house after a night out for a few more drinks but she's always drifting off.

'With the sausages, she has this great big pair of boots and I had the meat in the fridge. They were going out of date, so I thought I'd stuff them in the bottom.

Scheming: Warehouse operative Mr Janowski, 39 (pictured with wife Stacey) is convinced Ms Paterson will already be thinking up how to get her revenge for the Honda J*zz debacle

'She actually put the things on before she even noticed. They stank as well.

'The drugs thing was actual a bag of salt, probably about an ounce. I put it in the bag she takes to work and she was carrying it round for days.

'When she spotted it she genuinely thought someone had planted cocaine or something on her. She took it out and was asking what it was was, fretting. She wasn't very pleased but she chuckles about it now, same with the car prank.'

Mr Janowski is convinced his neighbour will already be thinking up how to get her revenge for the Honda J*zz debacle.

He said: 'I think she's trying to get me back now. She is definitely scheming, I know she is.'
Noel Jones, now 59, said officers in Flint bombarded him with questions and 'put words in my mouth,' until he confessed to killing Janet Commins, 15

A traveller jailed for killing a schoolgirl 40 years ago claims he was used as a 'scapegoat' and was set up by police because he 'fitted the bill' as a young gipsy.

Noel Jones, now 59, said officers bombarded him with questions and 'put words in my mouth,' until he confessed to killing Janet Commins, 15.

'They (the police) wanted someone and I fitted the bill,' he told a jury.

Mr Jones, who spent six years in jail after admitting Janet's manslaughter, made the bombshell claim yesterday while giving evidence at the trial of another man  Stephen Hough.

Prosecutors say ex-soldier Hough, now 58, was, in fact, the real killer. He was arrested last year after his DNA was matched to that of Janet's killer following a cold case review.

Janet was raped and strangled after going to meet a friend at a swimming baths close to her home, in Flint, north Wales, in January 1976. Her body was discovered by a group of girls playing hide and seek in bushes next to school playing fields four days later.

Yesterday Mr Jones, who belongs to the travelling community, told a new jury, sitting at Mold Crown Court, that he was coerced into confessing to the teenager's killing by police.

He said that, in 1976 he was aged 18, but could not read or write. He claimed he was grilled by officers for two days straight without a solicitor and that they wrote two statements in which he confessed to Janet's rape and murder.

Noel Jones (shown far right in 1976) pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Janet (left) and was jailed for 12 years, but has always maintained he is innocent

He claimed the policemen read both statements to him but that he couldn't read them himself.

'I didn't know what was going on,' Mr Jones said. 'Everything was going so fast, they (the police) were saying to me: 'You done it, you done it.'

'They were bombarding me with questions, question (after) question. They were saying: 'We know you done it, we're going to make sure you get time. I was agreeing with everything they said.

'They were showing me papers, but I couldn't read them. I didn't know if they were telling the truth or lies. It felt like - because I was a gypsy - they were taking advantage of meThey just wanted somebody, it was such a big thing in such a small place and I fitted the bill at the time.'

Stephen Hough arrives at Mold Crown Court for the first day of the trial. He was only arrested 40 years later for the murder after a billion-to-one match of his DNA

When asked how he felt after being charged with the schoolgirl's murder, Mr Jones added: 'Terrible, sir. I was a scapegoat. That's what I felt like, there was nobody to say anything on my behalf, it seemed like everyone was against me.'

He added: 'They were putting words into my mouthI was coerced into what was going on and under that much pressure I would confess to anything.'

Mr Jones told the court he was told to plead guilty to manslaughter at his trial, in June 1976, by his solicitor.

He said that, after his conviction, in June 1976, he was 'too scared' to appeal after his lawyer told him he could go to prison for even longer if the case didn't go his way.

Mark Heywood, QC, prosecuting, asked Mr Jones directly: 'Did you kill Janet Commins?'

Janet was raped and strangled after going to meet a friend at a swimming baths close to her home, in Flint, north Wales, in 1976

He replied: 'No sir, no, no 100 per cent. On a stack of Bibles, no.'

He added: 'I did not commit this crime. I have been saying it for 40-odd yearsI have never hurt anybody. I had a girlfriend at that time, we were happy, I had plenty of friends, I had no reason to do it.

'I've had this burden around my neck for 40-odd year. I've had no life, I've had family and friends turn against me, my life's been turned upside down.'

Mr Jones, who is now married with three sons, claimed he was beaten up in prison, spat at by other inmates and spent 18 months in solitary confinement for his own safety. On his release he was shunned by family and friends and even considered committing suicide.

'It was a nightmare,' he added. 'I was running the gauntlet every day. People spitting on you, calling you beast and animal, threatening to stab you. It was horrendous I had to survive the best way I could. It destroyed my life.'

He added: 'If I hadn't been such a coward, I considered several times topping myself.'

Under cross examination, Patrick Harrington, QC, defending Hough, asked Mr Jones why, if he was innocent, he signed a statement confessing to the murder of Janet within five hours of his arrest.

Mr Jones insisted: 'They put it in front of my face but I couldn't read and write. That paper could have been anything.'

Mr Harrington said Mr Jones had several 'golden opportunities' at remand court hearings and his trial, when he had legal representation, to say the confession was false, but did not take them.

But the court was told he had confessed the crimes to his then girlfriend.

Mr Jones, a traveller who was illiterate, was arrested by police after his 15-year-old girlfriend Linda Iball told them he had confessed to murdering the schoolgirl.

Patrick Harrington QC, defending, read notes of police interviews in which officers told Mr Jones his girlfriend had contacted the force to say he had admitted the attack and asked her to give him an alibi for the night she died.

Interview notes recorded Mr Jones telling officers: 'Yes I might have told her that but I was only joking.'

He told the court he had not confessed the crimes to his then-girlfriend.

He said: 'I never told Linda I killed anybody at all. Alls I said to Linda was I'm locked up, that's all I said, and if police ask you what happened say I was with you. I've never killed anybody.'

Hough, who denies murder, was stopped by police over a separate matter last year and when his DNA was entered into the national database it matched that of Miss Commin's killer.

The jury has already heard that he was living in Flint at the time of Janet's murder and that there is a billion to one chance that DNA samples taken from her body belonged to anyone else.

The trial continues.
President Donald Trump warned a cheering Polish crowd on Thursday about a 'steady creep of government bureaucracy,' throwing shade in German Chancellor Angela Merkel's direction before he departed Warsaw for Hamburg.

Trump is consistently critical of overgrown governments and has privately carped to White House aides about a stranglehold Berlin has on the rest of the European Union.

He left Warsaw for Hamburg shortly after his address in Warsaw, where a tense meeting with Merkel  a cheerleader for Europe's civil-service red tape  is sure to be coming.

Trump put government overreach in the same category as other destructive influences like Islamic terrorism and the last century's Nazi regime.

'We put faith and family, not government and bureaucracy, at the center of our lives,' he said of the United States.

Bureaucracies are 'firmly within our control,' he said. 'This danger is invisible to some but familiar to the Poles: the steady creep of government bureaucracy that drains the vitality and wealth of the people.'

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Trump arrives to deliver a speech at Krasinski Square at the Royal Castle

A crowd cheered for Trump during his speech, at times chanting his name

'The West became great not because of paperwork and regulations but because people were allowed to chase their dreams and pursue their destinies.'

Trump also made news in Warsaw for vowing to confront 'new forms of aggression' targeting the West and by calling for Moscow to stop fomenting unrest around the world.

That statement came on the eve of his first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Buoyed by an electrified crowd in Poland chanting his name, Trump sought to show he wasn't overlooking Russian actions that have elicited global consternation, especially from nearby nations in eastern and central Europe. He warned that Western interests were being tested by 'propaganda, financial crimes and cyber warfare,' forcing NATO to adapt.

'We urge Russia to cease its destabilizing activities in Ukraine and elsewhere, and its support for hostile regimes including Syria and Iran, and to join the community of responsible nations in our fight against common enemies and in defense of civilization itself,' Trump said in a speech in Warsaw's Krasinski Square.

It was a critique that the president did not appear to extend to Russia's actions last year during the presidential campaign. In a news conference before his speech, Trump questioned the veracity of American intelligence about foreign meddling in the U.S. election, arguing that Russia wasn't the only country that may have interfered.

'Nobody really knows for sure,' Trump said.

Trump spoke from Krasinski Square, the site of a monument commemorating the 1944 Warsaw Uprising against the Nazis

Trump gestures while answering a question from DailyMail.com during a joint press conference with President Andrzej Duda in Warsaw

Opening his second overseas trip as president, Trump also warned North Korea that he's considering 'some pretty severe things' in response to the isolated nation's unprecedented launch of a missile capable of reaching the U.S. Though he declined to offer specifics on the U.S. response, Trump called on all nations to confront the North's 'very, very bad behavior.'

He also stated unequivocally that the U.S. stands 'firmly behind Article 5,' the NATO provision requiring the U.S. to defend other member nations if they come under attack. On his inaugural trip to Europe in May, Trump declined to affirm that commitment, to the dismay of U.S. allies who said it cast doubt on his allegiance to the alliance.

As U.S. investigations into Russia's meddling forge ahead, Trump is under intense scrutiny for how he handles his first face-to-face session with Putin. U.S. intelligence officials say the unpredictable Russia leader ordered interference into the 2016 election that brought Trump to the White House.

Trump and Putin plan to sit down on Friday in Hamburg, Germany, on the sidelines of an international summit. Asked specifically whether he planned to discuss election meddling with Putin, Trump demurred.

Loath to cast a shadow on his election victory, Trump has avoided firmly blaming Moscow for campaign hacking in the past, and on Thursday, he was similarly elusive. He argued variably that it could have been Russia, probably was Russia and indeed was Russia, while insisting it could have been other countries, too, and adding: 'I won't be specific.'

The president sought to redirect scrutiny toward his predecessor, Barack Obama, accusing him of allowing Moscow to meddle on his watch. Though the Obama administration warned Russia publicly and privately before Election Day to stop interfering, questions have since been raised about whether he acted aggressively enough to stop the threat.

'They say he choked. Well, I don't think he choked,' Trump said. 'I think he thought Hillary Clinton was going to win the election, and he said, 'Let's not do anything about it.''

Using information collected by the FBI, CIA and National Security Agency, the U.S. national intelligence director last year concluded that Moscow was behind the hack of Democratic Party email systems and attempted to influence the 2016 election to benefit Trump. The Obama administration said the effort was directed from the 'highest levels' of Russia's government - a reference to Putin.

'Mistakes have been made' by U.S. intelligence, said Trump, issuing a reminder that America's spy agencies had once been confident that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, creating 'one big mess' in the form of the Iraq War. Though Trump has made similar statements before, it was an extraordinary public expression of doubt about U.S. intelligence capabilities by a president while standing on foreign soil.

U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, center right, looks at children during a visit at the Copernicus Science Center, an interactive science museum geared heavily to young people, together with Poland's First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Dudain, center left, in Warsaw

In his first public comments since North Korea tested an intercontinental ballistic missile this week, Trump declined to offer specifics about what a U.S. response might entail, though he called it a 'threat' and said the U.S. would 'confront it very strongly.' Trump said it wasn't certain he'd follow through on the severe steps he was weighing, adding that he does 'not draw red lines.'

'It's a shame that they're behaving this way,' Trump said of North Korea's leaders. 'But they are behaving in a very, very dangerous manner, and something will have to be done about it.'

The U.S. has been considering a range of possible sanctions, economic measures and other steps to confront Pyongyang. The test of an ICBM marked a major technological advancement for North Korea that U.S. officials have described as intensifying the threat against the U.S. by bringing the North closer to being able to mount a nuclear warhead atop a missile that could hit American soil.

Trump used part of a joint news conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda to attack several U.S. news organizations for their coverage of his presidency. That elicited some sympathy from Duda, who suggested that he, too, was covered unfairly.

'We don't want fake news,' Trump said.

Trump and Duda posed for photographers as they shake hands during their meeting at the Royal Castle

Duda said he hoped Poland would soon sign a long-term contract for U.S. liquefied gas deliveries that will help it cut dependence on Russian oil and gas, which Moscow has previously used as a tool to exert political pressure. Poland received its first U.S. delivery last month, a one-time deal that it hopes to make permanent.

Before his address to the Polish people, the president joined first lady Melania Trump for a wreath-laying ceremony at a monument commemorating the 1944 Warsaw Uprising against Nazi occupation. Crowds waving U.S. and Polish flags gathered near TV screens erected in the square to broadcast the visiting American's speech.

Trump started his day at the Royal Castle, welcomed by Duda with a vigorous handshake in front of a white marble bust of Stanislaw August Poniatowski, the last king of Poland. Joking later with leaders at a summit of eastern and central European nations, Trump boasted of a thriving U.S. economy but lamented his exclusion from recent stock market gains.

'Personally, I've picked up nothing,' he said.
A woman who allegedly tied a seagull to a lead to 'take it for a walk' has been charged.

The incident happened in York city centre, where North Yorkshire Police were called after a member of the public reportedly spotted the woman holding the seagull on a lead.

The seagull was taken from the woman at 11.34am yesterday, but the bird had to be put down due to severe injuries to its head and wing.

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In incident, which allegedly happened in York city centre, resulted in the bird having to be put down due to the severity of its injuries (file picture)

The woman has been charged with taking and injuring a seagull and will also face charges of using threatening and abusive behaviour.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman told MailOnline: 'Police were called at 11.34am on Wednesday 28 June 2017 to reports that a woman was walking on Parliament Street with a seagull on a lead.

'On arrival, officers discovered that the seagull was injured. A 44-year-old woman of no fixed address has been charged with use threatening, abusive and insulting words, behaviour to cause harassment, alarm and distress, taking a wild bird and injuring a wild bird.

'The seagull was checked over by a vet but sadly had to be put to sleep due to its injuries.'

She is set to appear before York Magistrates Court on July 14.
A photo of a woman claimed to be missing US aviator Amelia Earhart is said today to be proof that she survived a crash into the Pacific Ocean 80 years ago - but the picture has a major flaw, it can be revealed.

The picture showing a group of people - allegedly showing Miss Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan - on a jetty on a Pacific island back in 1937 is the focus of a sensational TV documentary now being shown in the United States.

But MailOnline had access to this same picture a year ago - and an investigation in the US National Archives established that the photo was among a batch taken after 1940, at least three years after she disappeared.

A documentary is claiming that an image appears to show Amelia Earhart (sitting center) after she vanished from the sky in July of 1937

The documentary claims that Earhart and Noonan stand out as the only two Westerners in the photo, which the government had stored away in their National Archive

The alleged details of Earhart's final flight, and where she is believed to have ended up based on different theories over the years

An investigator who researched the photo for MailOnline firmly believed initially that the figures on the end of the jetty on the island of Jaluit, in the Pacific Marshall Islands, showed Miss Earhart sitting down with her back to the camera, while Fred Noonan was pictured standing.

But when he established that the picture was among others contained in an envelope that clearly identified them as being taken on Jaluit after 1940 - at the very least three years after Miss Earhart disappeared on an attempt to circumnavigate the world - his enthusiasm waned.

'The 1940+ date is probably the most disheartening of all,' the investigator told MailOnline, pointing out other discrepancies, among them the body shapes of the figures that are now claimed in the new documentary as being those of Miss Earhart and Noonan.

Now another recognised Earhart investigator, Mike Campbell, has also lashed out at what he described as 'bogus photo claims'.

Referring to how a number of tv networks were now 'breathlessly touting the photo', Mr Campbell said it wasn't evidence of anything except that a Japanese ship, the Koshu Maru - which is rumoured to have taken the Americans to Saipan, an island further north - was once in Jaluit Harbour.

There has been widespread claims down through the decades that because Japanese forces were in the Marshall Islands in July 1937, when Miss Earhart's Lockheed aircraft lost contact and crashed 'somewhere', the Japanese believed she was a spy and took her to Saipan where she and Noonan died.

Mad for plaid: Earhart was all smiles in March of 1937 (above) when she took off from Los Angeles on her planned circumnavigation of the globe

Heavy metal: The legendary aviator was last heard from on July 2 of that year, noting the poor visibility and her declining gas levels in a series of transmissions that morning

Space jam: Rumors that Earhart had survived after crashing off the Marshall Islands first began to emerge over six decades ago based on eyewitness accounts from locals who claimed to see the distinct-looking visitor to the area

Mr Campbell claims that the photo 'does little except discredit the truth'.

He says that Miss Earhart and Fred Noonan are 'absolutely not in the photo and it's incredible that anyone could believe they are.

'Zoom in and you can see the upper half of a white man with black hair on the far left of the group on the dock,' he says, but adds that the features, the nose, the hairline are all wrong 'and any intelligent analysis rules him out'.

Mr Campbell says that 'nobody in the photo remotely resembles Earhart inasmuch as anyone's facial features can be determined at all'.

MailOnline's investigation a year ago also concluded that if Miss Earhart and Noonan had been captured by the Japanese after surviving the crash of the Elektra the suspected spies would have been under guard, yet there is no sign of any Japanese soldier on the jetty.

Referring to a woman in a tropical island dress and to other people who are locals, Mr Campbell adds: 'The group on the dock appears to be out for a Sunday stroll, or awaiting someone's arrival from one of the ships in the harbour.'

Tantalizing tandem: Earhart and Noonan had completed 22,000 miles of their 29,000 mile journey before taking off on what would be their last flight (pair above on June 11, 1937)

Bathing beauties and a battered Brit: Earhart with her husband, George P. Putnam (left), and British aviators Jim and Amy Mollison on the beach at Atlantic City, New Jersey back in 1933

A further discrepancy is centered around the actual presence of the two figures on the dock, when descendants of Marshall Islanders who claim to have seen the two Americans, say that once they were escorted onto the Koshu Maru off the island of Milli they were never allowed to leave the vessel at its next stop, Jailuit.

A MailOnline investigation found that one islander, Billion Amaron, was taken onto the vessel to help a doctor treat an injury to an American man's leg. He claimed he had also seen an American woman sitting on the deck.

But if Mr Amaron's account can be believed, it is added evidence that the people on the dock in the Jaluit photo cannot be the fliers - Mr Amaron went onto the Koshu Maru in July 1937 and the photo, according to the date on the envelope containing all pictures from that era, was shot at least three years later.

As the MailOnline's investigator who uncovered the questionable photo notes: 'In the archives I found that the envelopes containing the photographs were stamped on the lower rear corner - something that was difficult to notice as they're in a three-ring binder/enclosure.

'The (aerial) surveillance photos in the first few envelopes were dated earlier than the 1940s, but the photos taken from on the island (Jaluit), that were in the latter envelopes, were dated 1940+'.
The United States is willing to work with Russia to implement measures to stabilize Syria, including no-fly zones.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in a statement on Wednesday that the US wants to work with the Russians in a bid to steady the war-torn country.

He added that the US also wanted to discuss the use of on-the-ground ceasefire observers and coordinating humanitarian aid to Syrians.

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Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (centre) said in a statement on Wednesday that the US wants to work with the Russians in a bid to stabilize war-torn Syria

Mr Tillerson's statement comes just before President Donald Trump (left) is expected to meet with Vladimir Putin (right) at the G20 summit

'The United States is prepared to explore the possibility of establishing with Russia joint mechanisms for ensuring stability, including no-fly zones, on the ground ceasefire observers, and coordinated delivery of humanitarian assistance,' said Mr Tillerson.

'If our two countries work together to establish stability on the ground, it will lay a foundation for progress on the settlement of Syria's political future.'

Mr Tillerson also said Russia had an obligation to prevent the use of chemical weapons in Syria.

However, the statement made no mention of the US opinion on the future of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The US has blamed Assad for the six year conflict and supported rebel groups fighting to oust the regime. Moscow has backed the Syrian government.

Mr Tillerson's statement comes just days before President Donald Trump is expected to meet with Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit in Hamburg.

The US has blamed Assad (pictured) for the six year conflict and supported rebel groups fighting to oust the regime

The Secretary of State went beyond the Obama administration's efforts to work with Moscow, suggesting that cooperation in establishing no-fly zones was possible.

Mr Tillerson noted that despite their differences, the US and Russia are having success in avoiding accidents between American and Russian planes flying over the conflict zone in Syria.

Mr Tillerson said: 'This cooperation over deconfliction zones process is evidence that our two nations are capable of further progress.

'The United States is prepared to explore the possibility of establishing with Russia joint mechanisms for ensuring stability, including no-fly zones, on the ground ceasefire observers, and coordinated delivery of humanitarian assistance.'
The world's first ever footage of Korean sex slaves used by Japanese soldiers during WWII has emerged.

Grainy black and white footage from 1944 shows seven bare-footed women outside a brick house said to be a military-run brothel in occupied China as it was liberated from the Japanese by Allied forces.

One woman in a dirty blouse is seen talking to a Chinese officer, others stare nervously at the ground and one, who appears to be pregnant, gently touches her bump.

Until now, photographs and accounts from survivors - labelled 'comfort women' by Japanese forces - have been the only records of Korean sex slavery.

The world's first ever footage of Korean sex slaves used by Japanese soldiers during WWII shows the women being 'liberated' by American and Chinese forces

Grainy black and white footage from in 1944 shows seven bare-footed women outside a brick house said to be a military-run brothel in Songshan, China

But after a two year trawl through US archives, researchers uncovered footage which appears to show sex slaves at Songshan, Yunnan Province, as US-China Allied Forces reclaimed Songsan from the Japanese.

A team from Seoul University and Seoul Government matched the footage outside the building to pictures and identified the women by their clothes and facial appearance.

SungKongHoe University professor Kang Sung-hyun, who participated in the study, said: 'Their appearance, such as the bare feet, suggest they were enslaved.

'Due to a long-standing dispute over Japan's wartime sexual slavery, it became crucial to come up with evidence.

'This video clip will strengthen the admissibility of evidence behind wartime sex slavery.'

Professor Kang said the footage was discovered at the US National Archives and Records Administration where it had been gathering dust for some 70 years.

The clip tied in with wartime records showing a dozen sex slaves being captured in Songshan by the allied forces in September 1944.

One woman in a dirty blouse is seen talking to a Chinese officer, others stare nervously at the ground

Up to 200,000 women, mainly from former Japanese colony Korea, are believed to have been forced into sex slavery (historic photo of US sailors gathering outside a 'comfort station' in Yokosuka, south of Tokyo

THE TRAGIC HISTORY OF KOREAN 'COMFORT WOMEN' Most historians agree that as many as 200,000 women, mostly from Korea, were forced to work in Japanese military brothels during World War II. The plight of the women is a hugely emotional issue which continues to strain relations between Korea and Japan today. For many South Koreans, the issue symbolises the abuses of Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule over the Korean peninsula. Most historians agree that as many as 200,000 women, mostly from Korea, were forced to work in Japanese military brothels (pictured) during World War II The term 'comfort woman' comes from the Japanese euphemism 'jugun ianfu' which refers to women, of various ethnic and social circumstances, who became sex slaves for the Japanese troops before and during WWII. Military brothels existed across the Asia Pacific region in areas occupied by the Japanese forces. The women forced to work there were forced to have sex with up to 50 Japanese soldiers a day as they were raped and sexually assaulted during the Second World War Though around 80 per cent were Korean, women from Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Burma and the Pacific islands were also used as comfort women, according to a San Francisco State University report. The authorities believed the comfort system would enhance the morale of the military and help prevent soldiers from committing sexual violence toward women of occupied territories, which became a real concern after the infamous Nanjing Massacre in 1937. They were also concerned with the health of the troops, which prompted close supervision of the hygienic conditions in the comfort stations to help keep STDs under control. Though around 80 per cent were Korean, women from Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Burma and the Pacific islands were also used as comfort women. Pictured; A Chinese woman used in Japan's 'comfort battalions' is interviewed by an Allied officer Meanwhile many of the women who worked in 'comfort stations' during WWII were given repeated injections of the syphilis treatment compound 606, which left many of them unable to have children. After the war, many of the women were brutally slaughtered and their story was untold until 1991. The only military tribunal concerning the sexual abuse of comfort women took place in Batavia - now Indonesian capital Jakarta - in 1948. Several Japanese military officers were convicted for having forced 35 Dutch women involved in the case into comfort stations. The issue only began to emerge in Korea only in the late 1980s. The Japanese government admitted deception, coercion and official involvement in the recruitment of comfort women in August 1993, but critics said they needed to go much further. The plight of 'comfort women' during WWII is a hugely emotional issue which continues to strain relations between Korea and Japan today. Pictured: Former comfort women, in yellow, shout slogans during an anti-Japan rally in Seoul In May this year, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with a senior South Korean envoy as the two countries continued to lower tensions over Tokyo's wartime use of 'comfort women'. The special envoy dispatched by South Korea's new President Moon Jae-In said Seoul wants to improve relations which have been hindered by the memory of Japan's harsh colonial rule of the Korean peninsula. Abe struck a conciliatory note, saying: 'With the new president, I wish to build future-oriented Japan-South Korea relations.' In what both governments hoped was a major step forward, the two countries had agreed in 2015 to a deal designed to end a row over the issue. Advertisement

The allied forces interrogated them before they were released back to the Koreans in 1946.

The women and the place captured in the clip also matched those shown in a set of photos taken by Edwards C Fay, a private of the US Army Signal Corps' 164th Photographic Unit, which were uncovered in 2000.

Researchers believe the names of the women in the video are on the list of the former Korean sex slaves who were captured in China, including former sex slave Park Young-shim who is believed to be the pregnant woman.

Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon said: 'As unfortunate history must also be recorded and remembered so that it is not repeated, the Seoul government will focus all of its capacity and resources in documenting history and setting things right.'

The Japanese military's use of sex slaves during WWII is a controverisl issue, with up to 200,000 women, mainly from former Japanese colony Korea, are believed to have been forced into sex slavery.

Many 'comfort women' were given repeated injections of the syphilis treatment compound 606, which left many of them unable to have children. Pictured: Captured women in Myitkyina, Myanmar, in August 1944

'Comfort women' were forced to have sex with up to 50 Japanese soldiers a day. Pictured: Comfort women during the Allied reoccupation of the Andaman Islands in 1945

In December 2015 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe apologised to Korean women used by soldiers as sex slaves and pledged more than 5.37m to help the victims.

He described the 'incurable physical and psychological wounds' suffered by 'comfort women' co-erced into military run brothels.

The women and the South Korean government have fought a decades-long battle for an adequate apology for the treatment of the sex slaves.

Many feel the apology was inadequate and in January this year a South Korean Buddhist monk died after he set himself on fire to protest the country's deal with Japan on former sex slaves.
A Labour MP has been threatened with deselection by hard-left activists unless she apologises for criticising Jeremy Corbyn.

Liverpool Wavertree MP Luciana Berger was one of the shadow ministers who quit her frontbench position last year in protest at the Labour leader.

But she has been ordered to 'to get on board quite quickly now' after a group of Corbynistas staged a takeover of her branch.

It comes amid fears that the hard-left will seize upon Mr Corbyn's new-found strength over the party to purge moderate MPs and install their allies.

Another Momentum group in South Tyneside has posted a list of over 50 Labour MPs who it wants to see out of the party - including Chuka Umunna, Margaret Hodge and Ms Berger.

Meanwhile, Tory MP Sarah Wollaston has demanded the Labour leader do more to tackle the rising tide of abuse after her offices were vandalised by a masked man during the election campaign.

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Luciana Berger, pictured out on election night in Liverpool last month, has been ordered by one of her new local branch members to apologise for criticising Jeremy Corbyn

Left-wing activist Roy Bentham has told Luciana Berger that she must come out and publicly apologise for criticising Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn

In a Facebook post it said the MPs should join the Liberals if they dont want us to hold on to millions of working-class votes.

Stella Creasy, who voted for Mr Umunnas amendment calling for Britain to stay in the single market, was also on the list, along with Dame Margaret Hodge, who tabled a confidence vote in Mr Corbyn last year. Last night Momentum said the list did not reflect the groups national policy.

Later the local branch claimed its Facebook page had been illegally hacked.

Momentum activists swooped in to take nine out of the ten positions on the Wavertree group's executive committee at a meeting.

And one of the newly-installed figures immediately issued the MP with a menacing threat - warning her to toe the new line or face a backlash.

Roy Bentham told The Liverpool Echo: 'Luciana needs to get on board quite quickly now.

LUCIANA BERGER'S ANTI-SEMITIC ABUSE Luciana Berger, a prominent Jewish Labour MP, has spoken out about receiving a stream of vile anti-Semitic abuse online. She received 2,500 hate-filled messages in just three days with one troll telling her she is going to 'get it like Jo Cox did'. She lifted the lid on the horrific abuse last year by publishing some of the messages online. Some feature the yellow star Nazis used to label Jews, while others caricature her with a big nose or greedily rubbing her hands. Some even call her a pig or threaten to rape or kill her. Miss Berger introduced her selection posting: 'For those in any doubt, this is just a little snapshot of what Anti-Semitism in 2016 looks like. It is very real.' Advertisement

'She will now have to sit round the table with us the next time she wants to vote for bombing in Syria or to pass a no confidence motion in the leader of the party - she will have to be answerable to us.

'We would like her to come out publicly like other MPs have done and apologise for not supporting him in the past.'

And he put other Labour moderates on notice that they could be next as Momentum activists mobilise to take over other branches.

He said: 'What happened in Wavertree sends out a clear message about the effect Jeremy has had and shows other branches in Liverpool and Merseyside what people who are enthused by his politics can achieve.

'There was about 160 members there last night and the atmosphere was crackling, it's one of the biggest attendances I have seen in many years of those meetings.'

Ms Berger, who has recently had a baby, has spoken out about being the victim of vile anti-Semitic abuse - once receiving 2,500 abusive tweets in three days.

In the aftermath of the takeover, she rushed out a statement insisting that she wants Mr Corbyn to be PM.

In it, she states: 'The Labour Party In Liverpool Wavertree is a vibrant, democratic organisation with around 1,800 members. Quite rightly, the members elect officers of the party to oversee its work.

'We are united in wanting to secure a new General Election and the return of a Labour government under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn as soon as possible.

Supporters of Jeremy Corbyn, pictured at a college in Barnet today, are mobilising to take over local Labour Party branches - sparking fears that moderate Labour MPs could be deselected i they do not toe the line

The Labour leader, pictured trying his hand at bricklaying at a college in Barnet today, has been urged to rein in his supporters amid a rising tide of abuse directed at MPs

'We had a great local result on June 8, with the Labour majority going up for the third election in a row and almost four in five people voting for Luciana Berger as the Labour candidate.

'That is thanks to the hard work of local members and a revitalised national party under Jeremy Corbyn.

'It is a fantastic foundation for the next General Election, whenever it comes.'

TORY MP TELLS OF ABUSE SHE SUFFERED ELECTION AND URGES CORBYN TO STEP IN Sarah Wollaston received had her office vandalised during the election campaign A female Tory MP has spoken out against the abuse she received during the election campaign  and demanded Jeremy Corbyn to do more to stop it. Sarah Wollaston, the MP for Totnes in Devon, revealed that a masked man scrawled the words 'you dogs' over her office. She said the abuse left her feeling 'intimidated' and like the man was waging a campaign to 'force me out of town'. And she attacked the Labour leader for failing to do enough to rein in his supporters who are believed to be behind some of the abuse against MPs. Ms Wollaston told The Guardian: 'The second time, when I saw on the CCTV it was a masked man, people do find that intimidating. It is designed to intimidate. 'It feels like it is designed to try and force me out of the town. It just shows a kind of intolerance that I think is really sad.' She said the abuse she and other MPs have suffered makes a mockery of the Labour leader's promise to usher in a 'gentler kind of politics'. She said: 'I do feel Jeremy Corbyn has got to stop just talking about a kinder politics and make sure that is a message that gets through to some of his members on the far left and likewise for other parties too. 'There have to be consequences for people who are deliberately targeting those with whom they don't happen to share a political viewpoint and that are using tactics designed to intimidate. 'You realise there is a tsunami of this stuff that comes at you.' Last week Tory MP Sheryll Murray revealed that swastikas were carved into her election posters and she received messages saying 'burn the witch'. Advertisement

Angela Kehoe-Jones, secretary of the Wavertree CLP, tried to the branch from Mr Benthams threat.

In a statement she said: We must disassociate ourselves from remarks made by one of our officers who did not speak on behalf of the executive.

The views he expressed do not in any way represent the position of the CLP officers

She said the CLP is united in our common goal to oust this Tory Government and to see a Labour Government elected under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn.

John Woodcock, the Labour MP for Barrow and Furness and a vocal critic of Mr Corbyn, spoke out in support of Ms Berger.

Writing on Twitter, he said: 'Luciana Berger a brilliant MP and lovely person.

'Real Labour people would back her while she is on (maternity) leave, not try to intimidate her.'

The takeover will fuel fears that left-wingers have started to mobilise to purge moderates.

It comes after Ian Lavery, Labour party chairman and close ally of Mr Corbyn, has warned Labour is 'too broad a church' and current MPs must 'work very hard' to avoid deselection.

In an interview at the weekend, he said no politician has a 'divine right' to be an MP and warned that 'everything has got to be on the table' in terms of party reform.

And Chris Williamson, another close ally of Mr Corbyn who was just been promoted to shadow fire minister, backed calls for the mandatory re-selection of MPs.

He said: 'There are interest groups and individual MPs in this party who think its their god-given right to rule.

'No MP should be guaranteed a job for life and its crucial that we all get with the times.

'MPs elected in earlier phases of this party run the risk of failing to understand what is really going on out there in society.

'Although this partys hundreds of thousands of new members were once demonised the election has shown that the political instincts of these members are in line with popular opinion.

'For our party to succeed these members must be listened to ... Yes Labour is a big church, but we currently have a large bulk of MPs who represent one relatively small tendency in the congregation.

'To keep Labour fresh and updated we need MPs who can win the support of the mass membership. '

And many moderate Labour MPs will fear they could be next after Momentum South Tyneside published a list of more than 50 parliamentarians they want out of the party.

Listing the MPs they do not approve of, the group stated: 'These usual suspects should join the Liberals if they don't want us to hold onto millions of working class votes.'

They have highlighted members of the Blairite think-tank Progress for criticism.

The South Tyneside Momentum branch drew up a list of over 50 Labour MPs who it suggested should leave the party and join the liberals instead

The Momentum group branded the parliamentarians 'so called Labour MPs' and suggested they do not want to represent 'youngsters who back Corbyn and want to create a decent society'

Many of Labour 's most prominent parliamentarians are on the list, including Keith Vaz, Stella Creasy and Jess Phillips.

In a message posted alongside the list, the group warned that other moderates are in their sights.

They posted: 'This list is by no means comprehensive, there are a lot more so-called Labour MPs who would happily go back in to comfortable "opposition" rather than fight the system and represent the youngsters who back Corbyn and want to create a decent, caring and fair society for their kids and their grandparents.'

Meanwhile, Tory MP Ms Wollaston has spoken out against the abuse she received during the election campaign  and demanded Mr Corbyn to do more to stop it.

The MP for Totnes in Devon revealed that a masked man scrawled the words 'you dogs' over her office.

She said the abuse left her feeling 'intimidated' and like the man was waging a campaign to 'force me out of town'.

Yvette Cooper spoke out in support of the Luciana Berger who she said should inspire all Labour support

Labour MP John Woodock spoke out in support of his colleague on Twitter and accused the hard-left activists of trying to intimidate her

Labour's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth lent his support to Luciana Berger on Twitter, although he did not specifically mention Momentum's takeover of her branch

And she attacked the Labour leader for failing to do enough to rein in his supporters who are believed to be behind some of the abuse against MPs.

Ms Wollaston told The Guardian: 'The second time, when I saw on the CCTV it was a masked man, people do find that intimidating. It is designed to intimidate.

'It feels like it is designed to try and force me out of the town. It just shows a kind of intolerance that I think is really sad.'

She said the abuse she and other MPs have suffered makes a mockery of the Labour leader's promise to usher in a 'gentler kind of politics'.

She said: 'I do feel Jeremy Corbyn has got to stop just talking about a kinder politics and make sure that is a message that gets through to some of his members on the far left and likewise for other parties too,' she said.

'There have to be consequences for people who are deliberately targeting those with whom they don't happen to share a political viewpoint and that are using tactics designed to intimidate.

'You realise there is a tsunami of this stuff that comes at you.'

Last week Tory MP Sheryll Murray revealed that swastikas were carved into her election posters and she received messages saying 'burn the witch'.
German police have busted a child porn website with 87,000 members and arrested a man they accuse of running it.

Officers detained the 39-year-old, who has not been identified, north of Frankfurt. Several suspected users were arrested across Germany and Austria

They are all accused of involvement in a forum called Elysium, which had operated on the 'Darknet' since the end of 2016.

German police say they arrested a 39-year-old man accused of running Elysium, a Darknet forum dedicated to child pornography which had 87,000 members (file)

The website was used for the worldwide exchange of child pornography and to make appointments for the sexual abuse of children, prosecutors said.

"Among the child pornographic images and video files exchanged by the members of the platform were recordings of the most serious sexual abuse of children, including toddlers and depiction of sexual violence against children," it said.

The suspected operator was arrested on June 12 when police raided his apartment and seized the server of the platform.

The statement did not say how many people had been arrested in total, adding that more details of the case would be made available at a news conference on Friday.

The Darknet is an area of the internet accessible only through special internet browsers which make their users anonymous, meaning their activities cannot be traced.

Investigators say the forum was designed to allow users to swap child pornography and to make appointment to sexually abuse minors

A large part of the Darknet consists of marketplaces where users can pay for anything from drugs and guns, to assassinations and human organs.

The most infamous Darknet site was perhaps Silk Road, run by Ross William Ulbricht, which operated between 2011 and 2013.

It was eventually shuttered and Ulbricht was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

A successor, Silk Road 2.0, sprang up shortly after but was again closed in 2014 with the arrest of Blake Benthall, the alleged mastermind behind it.
Failure to strike a Brexit deal would hurt Britain more than the EU, he bloc's chief negotiator warned today.

Michel Barnier ramped up tensions by cautioning of a 'loser/loser situation' for both sides - but added that the UK had 'more to lose' than the remaining 27 states.

He also insisted there was no possibility of 'frictionless trade' with the EU if the UK left the single market and customs union - as the government says we will.

The comments came as EU Council President Donald Tusk taunted Britain over Brexit as he finalised an EU trade deal with Japan.

The EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier was giving evidence to a committee in Brussels today

The comments came as Mr Barnier gave evidence to a committee in Brussels this morning.

He said that there would be 'negative' consequences from Brexit, but denied there was an attempt to 'punish' the UK.

Mr Barnier complained that some on the British side still had not understood the EU's position and thought they could hold onto the benefits of the single market while giving up membership.

Theresa May has said she wants trade with the remaining EU to be 'as frictionless as possible' and that 'no deal is better than a bad deal' - although the PM's position appears to have softened in the wake of her election setback.

Speaking to the European Economic and Social Committee, Mr Barnier said that Brussels had set out clear principles, including that free movement could not be separated from free movement of goods, and that there could be no sector-by-sector participation in the single market.

CORBYN DEMANDS MEETING WITH BARNIER ON BREXIT Jeremy Corbyn is meeting EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier next week to set out his approach to Brexit. But senior Tories questioned why the pair are getting together given that talks are between the EU and the UK government. There is speculation that Mr Corbyn, who requested the encounter, is trying to harm Theresa May by disrupting the talks. Mr Corbyn said he would use his 'extended meeting' with Mr Barnier to set out a rival vision of the future relationship. But Tory MP Peter Bone told MailOnline: 'I don't quite see the relevance of him speaking to Corbyn. 'Maybe they share an interest in allotments, because it can't be about the substance of negotiations - because he is in Opposition.' Advertisement

'I am not sure whether they have been fully understood across the Channel,' said Mr Barnier.

'I have heard some people in the UK argue that one can leave the single market and keep all of its benefits. That is not possible.

'I have heard some people in the UK argue that one can leave the single market and build a customs union to achieve frictionless trade. That is not possible.

'The decision to leave the EU has consequences and I have to explain to citizens, businesses and civil society on both sides of the Channel what those consequences mean for them.

'These consequences are the direct result of the choice made by the UK, not by the EU. There is no punishment for Brexit and of course no spirit of revenge. But Brexit has a cost, also for business in the EU27, and businesses should assess with lucidity the negative consequences of the UK choice on trade and investment and prepare to manage that.'

Mrs May's official spokesman today insisted the Government does understand the EU's position and is 'focused on getting a deal that works for both sides'.

He said: 'The most frictionless-possible trade is clearly in the interests of both sides.'

Failure to reach a deal on the future EU-UK relationship would mean 'a return to the distant past', with trade regulated by World Trade Organisation rules which would impose tariffs on goods such as vehicles, food and drink, he said.

TOP JUDGE DISMISSES FEARS OVER BREXIT HIT TO LEGAL SYSTEM Britain's most senior judge has dismissed 'lies' that the country's position as a legal hub is under threat from Brexit. Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd demanded faster action to ensure that British and EU court rulings will continue to have mutual recognition. In a speech at Mansion House last night, Lord Thomas - who is about to retire from his post - said: 'Rumour may insinuate that English law is no longer certain; that London is no longer a safe forum to bring disputes. Such rumours are wrong and unequivocally so. 'Rumour must be countered if we are to ensure that the lie repeated does not  as it must not  be taken as truth 'Our legal profession will continue to be expert and world-respected. Our judges will continue to be drawn from the highest ranks of that legal profession.' Advertisement

'No deal would worsen the loser/loser situation which will necessarily be the result of Brexit and objectively the UK would have rather more to lose than its partners,' said Mr Barnier.

'There is no reasonable justification for a no deal scenario. There is no reason further to worsen the consequences of Brexit.'

Downing Street said the Government did understand the EU's position and was focused on 'getting a deal that works for both sides' but acknowledged there were 'strong feelings' in Brussels about the result of the Brexit referendum.

The Prime Minister's spokesman said: 'We have set out the relationship that we seek in the white paper and Lancaster House speech.

'We want a comprehensive free trade agreement and a new customs agreement which allows for trade which is as frictionless as possible.

'Obviously we are just at the beginning of the negotiations but I would say that the most frictionless possible trade between the UK and the EU is clearly in the interests of both sides.'

Asked what Mr Barnier meant with his warning about 'negative consequences', the spokesman said: 'That's a question for Michel Barnier.

'It isn't new that some on the EU side have strong feelings about the decision the British people took last year but the UK Government is focused on getting the best possible deal for our whole country and a deep and special partnership that's in the interests of the whole continent.'

Brexit Secretary David Davis is leading negotiations with the EU for the British side

Mr Tusk said a new trade agreement between the European Union and Japan showed their position was wrong as he warned against 'isolationism and disintegration'.

At a press conference in Brussels he said: 'In the context of the discussion about Brexit, we have heard statements claiming that it isn't worth being in the European Union, as it is easier to do global trade outside of the EU.

'Today we have shown that this is not true.'

He said the EU was 'more and more engaged globally', with trade negotiations ongoing with the South American Mercosur bloc, Mexico, New Zealand and Australia.

Mr Tusk said: 'Although some are saying that the time of isolationism and disintegration is coming again, we are demonstrating that this is not the case.

'That the world really doesn't need to go a hundred years back in time. Quite the opposite. It doesn't have to be so.'
State attorneys have asked a full federal appellate court to review a ruling overturning the conviction of 'Making a Murderer's Brendan Dassey.

Dassey was sentenced to life in prison in 2007 after he told detectives he helped his uncle, Steven Avery, rape and kill photographer Teresa Halbach on the family's salvage yard in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin.

In August 2016, a federal judge overturned Dassey's conviction on the grounds that his confession was involuntary.

Brendan Dassey (pictured) was sentenced to life in prison in 2007 after he told detectives he helped his uncle, Steven Avery, rape and kill Teresa Halbach

In August 2016, a federal judge overturned Dassey's conviction on the grounds that his confession was involuntary. Dassey and Avery's case was the subject of 2015 Netflix documentary Making a Murder (right)

It was argued that investigators had taken advantage of Dassey's young age, he was 16-years-old when he was charged, and cognitive disabilities to coerce the confession.

In June, a three-judge panel from the 7th US Circuit Court of Appeals agreed.

State attorneys filed a motion with the 7th Circuit on Wednesday asking all 12 of the court's judges to review the case.

It was argued that investigators had taken advantage of Dassey's young age and cognitive disabilities to coerce the confession

The court rarely grants such reviews but the state argued the panel's decision upends long-accepted police interrogation techniques.

Dassey and Avery's case was the subject of 2015 Netflix documentary Making a Murder.

The acclaimed show was watched internationally and put a spotlight on Dassey's trial.

Due to the response by July 2016 Making a Murderer 2was in production, focusing on the post-conviction process for Dassey and his family.
Free lifelong education will be made available under Labour, Jeremy Corbyn vowed today as he demanded the state seize control of more of the economy.

The Labour leader said private firms would destroy jobs if left unchecked as he warned 'public institutions' were needed to manage 'rapid technological change'.

In a speech to the British Chambers of Commerce, Mr Corbyn said he believed his education initiative would help overhaul the economy in favour of workers while increasing productivity.

The Labour leader moved to capitalise on his surprise election surge by expanding on his vision for a 'national education service' similar to the NHS.

He is set to begin a tour of Tory marginal seats in a bid to demonstrate Labour is a 'government in waiting'.

Free lifelong education will be made available under Labour, Jeremy Corbyn (pictured today in London) vowed as he demanded the state seize control of more of the economy

The Labour leader said 'Britain has been living through a lost decade' and only his plans would address the problems in the economy.

He said: 'It is by investing in our education system that we can end the spread of low-paid, low-skilled, insecure work by providing the skilled workforce that businesses need if they are to create high-skilled, better-paid jobs.

'That's why our manifesto set out plans to build a National Education Service, providing lifelong education and training, free at the point of use, to every single person in this country.

'Our National Education Service will be the key institution of fairness and prosperity for the 21st Century, just as the NHS transformed people's prospects in the 20th century.'

Mr Corbyn claimed he was not a 'doom-monger' when it comes to the impact of major technological change on employment.

Mr Corbyn said the technological revolution would mean 'churn' in the jobs market as old skills were replaced with new ones (file picture at the Toyota factory in Derby)

But he warned: 'At every stage of economic and industrial history, jobs, industries and skills have been lost, replaced and transformed.

'But whether that happens at huge social cost, as it did, for example, in the early days of the industrial revolution and the Luddites, or is embraced and benefits everybody, depends on managing and planning for technological change.

'We can't simply leave it to the market.

We need public institutions, public investment and public enterprise to work with business to manage the social and economic effects of rapid technological change so that it benefits the many not the few.'

Mr Corbyn said the technological revolution would mean 'churn' in the jobs market as old skills were replaced with new ones.

He said: 'That means we will need to invest in a step change in skills and training to upgrade the skills of the existing workforce and make sure everyone is able to retrain at any point in life to meet the changing needs of the economy.'

Justine Greening MP, Secretary of State for Education, said: 'We have turned the economy around, cut the deficit by three-quarters, and have seen record levels of people in work.

'There's more to do, but Corbyn's plans for huge tax hikes and reckless borrowing would put us back to square one and leave working families worse off.

'We are investing in apprenticeships and skills training, helping more young people go to university and keeping the economy strong so there are good jobs for people. That's the way to offer a better future  not Corbyn's shambolic and reckless economic policies.'
A mother and her 10-month-old baby have been missing for 10 days now and police have called upon help to find out there location.

Haze Knowles is believed to be with his mother Rebecca Pearson and was last seen at Argyll Circuit Melton, Melbourne, on Wednesday, June 28.

Police have fears over Knowles' safety and Ms Pearson's and are calling for assistance.

Police are calling for help to locate Haze Knowles (pictured) who is believed to be with his mother Rebecca Pearson

Police are looking for Rebecca Pearson (pictured) and her son Haze Knowles

Police said his mother is known to visit Caroline Springs, Melton and Mount Cottrell.

Images of both Haze Knowles and his mother Rebecca Pearson have been released in case someone is aware of their whereabouts.

If anyone has information please call Melton Police Station on (03) 9747 7999.
Boris Johnson, pictured out on a run earlier this week, joked that he would like to be unleashed on Twitter like Donald Trump is

Boris Johnson today moaned that he is not allowed to tweet like Donald Trump does - as he insisted the UK has helped 'mitigate' the US president.

The Foreign Secretary stepped in to defend Mr Trump's incessant use of Twitter, which he said has 'engaged people in politics' and 'gripped the imagination'.

And Mr Johnson jokingly moaned that his own minders would not allow him to have free rein to be unleashed on the micro-blogging site.

The US president is well known for his late night and undiplomatic tweets, and recently sparked controversy by posting a bizarre video of himself beating up a man with a CNN logo for a head.

And in his latest controversial missive from the site, he has torn into China for not doing enough to tackle the threat from North Korea in the wake of the missile tests.

Mr Johnson told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I think actually that Donald Trump's approach to politics has been something that has gripped the imagination of people around the world.

'It has engaged people in politics in a way that we haven't seen for a long time with his tweets and all the rest of it.

'Certainly I wouldn't be allowed to tweet in the way that he has, much as I might like to.'

He joked that his Foreign Office 'minder' was 'looking extremely apprehensive here'.

But he insisted that the UK government was willing to stand up to the US president where it disagrees with him.

He said that Britain has helped to 'mitigate' America's position on crucial world issues like the Article 5 Nato commitment to defend allies with military force.

Mr Johnson said: 'I do think that he raises people's awareness of issues, he engages in a very direct way.

Donald Trump, pictured in Warsaw today, is well known for his controversial late night tweets. But the Foreign Secretary defended the Us President syaying his style has got people engaged with politics

'We in the UK do not agree, by any means, with everything that Washington currently says.

'Our role, as the UK is to represent our own point of view, whether it is on Nato, the vital importance of Article 5 of Nato, whether it's on climate change, whether it's on the Iran nuclear accord.

'It's the UK that is actually helping, we think, to mitigate, to get some of those American attitudes and policies that are currently coming out of the White House into a better place.

'I think, if you look at the last 12 months or so, I think there's been a great deal of progress.'

There are heightened fears that the world could be on the brink of war after Pyongyang tested a long-range missile which experts believe could reach Alaska.

Donald Trump had a go at China in his latest tweet who he has blamed for failing to rein in North Korea

At a press conference in Poland this morning, Mr Trump called on the world to confront very very bad behaviour' and vowed there would be consequences.

In a tweet posted yesterday, the US president blamed China for failing the rein in its neighbour.

He wrote: 'Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40% in the first quarter. So much for China working with us - but we had to give it a try!'

Mr Johnson said the North Korean missile launch was 'reckless', 'indefensible' and 'illegal'.

'The single most important thing is for the country with the most direct economic relationship with North Korea - that is China - has got to continue to put on the pressure,' he said.

'In the last six months or so we are seeing some real changes to Beijing's attitude to North Korea and that's got to go further.'
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These stunning pictures show how divers use dazzling pillars of light to navigate their way through underwater Mexican caves.

Shards of light from the sun brighten up the darkness as the divers explore the tunnels on Isla Mujeres off Cancun in the country's south east.

Paul Duxfield took stunning shots of shards of light from the surface while he was swimming through the caves.

He said: 'These were my favourite shots from my trip to Mexico - the pillar of light is within the Pit Cenote.'

Beam me up! Stunning pictures show how divers use dazzling pillars of light to navigate their way through underwater Mexican caves

Light show: The sun's rays brighten up the darkness as divers explore the tunnels on Isla Mujeres off Cancun in the country's south east

Dazzling: A tunnel of light shines down through deep underwater caves on Isla Mujeres in Mexico, giving a helping hand to this diver

In to the darkness: A team of four divers use the sun light shining from the surface to plot a path through the underwater caves

Spectacular: A huge underwater chamber is lit up by dazzling rays from the sun as divers explore the walls and rock formations

Guiding light: Paul Duxfield took stunning shots of shards of light from the surface while he was swimming through Pit Cenote

Pillars of light brighten up the darkness showing the walls and rock formations of the caves in Isla Mujeres, Mexico

A diver lit up by a shard of light shining down from the surface looks into the camera as he explores the caves in Mexico

Going underground: The light shines in from different holes in the surface as the divers explore the labyrinth of caves




Chuck Mohan, from Florida, lost a child to mitochondrial disease and today urged Charlie Gard's parents not to give up

A US father whose daughter died aged 15 after battling a similar condition to Charlie Gard has urged the boy's parent's not to give up on their 'glimmer of hope'.

Chuck Mohan, from Florida, says his child Gina fought bravely against mitochondrial disease until she was a teenager before she passed away.

Mr Mohan has said Great Ormond Street's doctors cannot know if he is in pain and said Connie Yates and Chris Gard must be allowed to take the ten-month-old for experimental treatment in America.

Speaking to ITV's Good Morning Britain Mr Mohan said: 'Those parents see a glimmer hope. In my mind and a lot of parents around the world theres no choice here, theres only one decision, thats to offer Charlie and his parents that glimmer of hope.'

He added: 'I'm not a doctor and I don't think anyone knows anyone who can identify the level of pain Charlie is in, or may be in'.

Currently Charlie is not allowed to leave the hospital and doctors have the legal right to turn off his life support.

Gina Mohan (pictured left) fought bravely against mitochondrial disease - the same condition as Charlie - until she was a teenager before she passed away aged 15

Chris Gard and Connie Yates released this new picture of their son Charlie and are 'overwhelmed' after Donald Trump and the Pope offered their support

Q&A: Can Charlie be saved at the 11th hour? Charlie's parents said they had been denied their final wish to be able to take their son home to die and felt 'let down' after losing their legal fight How can doctors end Charlie's life against his parents' wishes? Great Ormond Street (GOSH) took Charlie's case to the High Court and a judge agreed to allow them to end Charlie's treatment because it was not in his 'best interests' after he agreed it will cause him pain and will not improve his condition. The Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights all rejected appeals by his parents Chris Gard and Connie Yates, who believe they should have the final say on their son's treatment. In Britain the rights of the patient override the wishes of the parents if doctors disagree. For example there are several cases where Jehovah's Witnesses are given a blood transfusion by doctors despite religious objections from parents. Can the doctors change their mind and not turn off his life support? Yes. Great Ormond Street could go back to the High Court to stop the order they fought for this year. The process of gaining a Consent Order could be done on an urgent basis and completed in less than two hours. Experts have told MailOnline this is the only way Charlie could travel to America or Rome for treatment because his parents' appeals appear to have been exhausted. Can the hospital stop his parents taking him to America without permission? Yes. If doctors believe that any parent will cause suffering to their child, police can be called in to arrest them using Powers of Protection legislation. In the case of young cancer sufferer Ashya King his parents faced a European Arrest Warrant after absconding with their son who was in hospital. Charlie is on a ventilator so would require a team of medical staff to move him and his equipment. Why won't the hospital let Charlie die at home? Connie Yates and Chris Gard say doctors have denied their 'final wish' to take Charlie home to die. Travelling to a hospice was also denied. While judges ruled that his treatment should end, there is nothing in the judgments that says the little boy cannot be outside the hospital. Great Ormond Street refused to tell MailOnline on what basis that decision was taken. If parents still refuse to accept treatment should be withdrawn, can the hospital end it anyway? Yes. Police could be called in to facilitate treatment being ended if parents were violently preventing it - although it is highly unlikely this would happen. Doctors are more likely to try to 'persuade' parents to let it happen. If the parties remain at loggerheads for a long period the hospital could go back to court for an injunction and ask a judge to set a deadline for treatment to be withdrawn. A less stringent deadline for Charlie's life support machine to be shut off was at Midnight last Wednesday, but this has lapsed to allow his parents and loved-ones to say goodbye. MailOnline understands GOSH has twice postponed ending his treatment - once last Friday and again on Monday. Advertisement

Theresa May is braced for a grilling by US President Donald Trump over efforts to save the life of desperately ill baby Charlie Gard.

The White House has requested a one-on-one meeting with the Prime Minister tomorrow at the G20 gathering of world leaders in Hamburg.

President Trump has declared Americas staunch support for saving the 11-month-old boy, who suffers from an incredibly rare genetic disease and is due to have his life-support turned off.

MailOnline understands that the White House remains in regular contact with Charlie's parents are may offer legal support if required.

And the international tug-of-love over Charlie intensified yesterday as Italy also urged Britain to help save him.

Italian foreign minister Angelino Alfano personally lobbied his British counterpart Boris Johnson in a phone call, which follows interventions by Pope Francis, who tweeted of the duty to defend human life, and the Vatican, which has offered the papal hospital in Rome to treat Charlie.

Mr Mohan says CHarlie must be released from GOSH and given his chance.

He said: 'In Charlies case there are 18 children around the world with a similar condition and all 18 are being treated and receiving positive results. You have the opportunity for a chance, a glimmer of hope for Charlies condition'.

An American boy whose inspirational survival has also given hope to Charlies parents.

Six-year-old Art Estopinan has virtually the same genetic condition and is fighting it with the pioneering drugs therapy that is being denied to Charlie.

His father, Art Senior, said: We feel very fortunate to be American and not British  because if we lived in the UK, Arturito would surely be dead by now. We are beyond shocked that doctors in the UK are saying Charlie should die with dignity. How insensitive, when there is a treatment which could save Charlies life and eminent doctors in the US who are willing to help him.

Art Jr has the TK2 strain of mitochondrial syndrome, which is similar to Charlies. He was given two months to live in 2011 and could only move his eyes but six years later he can move his hands, fingers, feet and arms and is a strong and happy boy.

Mr Estopinan, 51, a US government consultant from Baltimore, said he and his wife Olga know first-hand the battles Connie and Chris are fighting to keep Charlie alive, as we were also told there was no treatment or cure for our son.

He said: But we also refused to give up on our son and today Art enjoys playing with his toys, watching movies and being around other children.

Although his son still needs artificial ventilation and round-the-clock care from a team of nurses, he added: He is truly a blessing in our lives and words cannot express what a tremendous joy it is to have him.

Mr Estopinan appeared on ITVs Good Morning Britain yesterday and was involved in a row with the shows GP Dr Hilary Jones who said: Sometimes real parental love is letting go.

A furious Mr Estopinan replied: Charlie Gard is a human being who deserves the chance to live, adding: What right do you have to play God? What this guy is saying is false - you sir are 100 per cent wrong.

An Italian girl, Chiara Paolini, who is also battling the condition and has met the Pope, is also giving Charlies family hope.

Mrs Mays meeting with Mr Trump tomorrow is likely to be dominated by the North Korea missile crisis and the prospects for a post-Brexit trade deal. But No 10 is preparing a detailed briefing for the PM on Charlies case in anticipation of likely questions from the president.

Until now, ministers have not been involved in briefing the White House on the little boy, leaving the task to his family, the hospital and Department of Health lawyers.

President Trump and the White House has asked for a one-to-one with Theresa May and Downing St is preparing for it to include a chat about Charlie Gard

Charlie Gard's parents have beggged for help but Theresa May and Boris Johnson have declined to get involved

Last night a White House source said: The president is deeply moved by the heartbreaking situation facing Charlie Gard and his parents. Although the president himself has not spoken to the family, members of the administration, assisted by British officials, have done so.

President Trump has no desire to pressure the family in any way. However, he does want them to know that he is willing to provide assistance should they need any.

As a father and grandfather, President Trump understands the limitless love one has for a child and he wishes to be helpful to Charlie Gard and his family, as does Pope Francis and millions of families worldwide.

Officials insist that Mrs May cannot intervene in the case unless new evidence is produced to persuade Charlies doctors and the courts that treatment abroad offers a realistic prospect of improvement in his condition.

But the baby boys parents, Connie Yates, 31, and Chris Gard, 32, have steadfastly refused to give up.

Miss Yates said: The support from the Pope and the president has given us hope. They are traditional men who believe in the family. They believe in our case and understand why we believe it is right to continue fighting so hard to save Charlie.

But despite Mr Trumps tweet on Monday that America would be delighted to help Charlie, his future appeared bleak yesterday. Mrs May told the Commons the matter was in the hands of Great Ormond Street Hospital, where Charlie is in intensive care.

And the hospital, which won legal battles all the way to the Supreme Court and European Court of Human Rights to be allowed to remove his life-support, claimed its hands were tied by their rulings. They have all declared that Charlie is brain-damaged, suffering pain and has no hope of recovery, and that it is in his best interests to die.

Senior legal sources said the various court rulings mean doctors are obliged to withdraw Charlies artificial ventilator and prevent him from going to America. They said even if the hospital changed its stance, it would take another court case to reverse the rulings which effectively demand that Charlie must die.

It is still possible that doctors will at least agree to allow Charlie to go home to die  which his parents said was their final wish if all else failed.

Mr Estopinan's son Art Jr was given two months to live in 2011 but says the US doctor offering to help Charlie saved him and he has a happy life
Manchester Arena suicide bomber Salman Abedi did not act alone and carried his bomb around the city for hours before blowing himself up, police believe.

Anti-terror officers investigating the attack found explosives at a number of addresses around the city during raids after the attack, they revealed today.

Abedi, 22, detonated his bomb in the foyer of an Ariana Grande concert in May, killing 22 people, including seven children, and injuring 250.

Greater Manchester Police are currently working with authorities in Libya to speak to the bomber's brother, Hashem, who is being held by a militia in the North African country.

Investigators are also looking into whether Abedi financed his bomb-making through a student loan.

Salman Abedi killed 22 and injured 250 when he set off a bomb in the busy foyer of Manchester Arena. Police said today that they do not believe he acted alone

It emerged today that police have recovered explosives from properties in Manchester. He milled around for hours in the city centre before making his way to the venue for the attack

The explosion ripped through the arena's foyer as thousands of fans, mostly young girls and their parents, were leaving the venue following the performance.

DCS Russ Jackson, head of counter terrorism policing in the North West, said today that police were now clear on Abedi's movements in the run-up to the attack, they knew the make-up of the bomb and where parts were obtained.

He said: 'There were a number of opportunities he would have had to detonate the device.

'On that evening, we've got him at different points in Manchester. That's not all going to crowded places, but he's got it in public places, at different points, with the the backpack on.

'If we assume it's all primed and ready to go - and that would be a reasonable working assumption - there there were different points he could have done it.

'He's clearly gone to different locations. We're never going to get into this man's mind. Our assessment is that he's targeted the Arena. He wasn't looking for somewhere else that evening.

'He was out in the early part of the evening. The best we can say is for several hours before.'

Police carried out a number of raids in the days after the attack but have previously suggested Abedi acted alone. A total of 21 people have now been arrested, of which twelve people have been released without charge.

Police plan to speak to Abedi's brother Hashem. Who is being held by a group in Libya

the militia group currently holding Hashem (shown) claim he has confessed to knowing about the plot and helped his brother to buy bomb parts

DCS Jackson said today: 'We do believe that there are other people potentially involved in this. We do not believe this is part of a large network.

'We do believe that further arrests are possible. We want to speak with Hashem Abedi and we can now say we are currently engaging with the CPS and the Libyan authorities.'

Mr Jackson also told of calls Abedi made, reportedly to his mother and others, on the night of the attack were another 'key line of inquiry', Mr Jackson said, but would not be drawn further.

He said: 'Abedi was a student and we know he had access to student loans. That doesn't discount the fact he could have had money from other origins.'

He said no video or note has been found by police left by Abedi to explain his motivation.

Parents and children outside the stadium in the aftermath of the bombing in May this year

DCS Jackson added: 'This is a live criminal investigation and central to it there are 22 murdered people and grieving families. There's now more than 250 injured people - many severely - and they need to be part of the investigation.

'The searches that we conducted on average took eight days to complete. The digital exhibits we've seized contain over three million files and 15 terabytes. We have now nearly 16,000 hours of CCTV and we anticipate it will take many months to work through this.

'We have taken 755 statements and there are 3,200 people who form part of the investigation.

Police previously said they believed Abedi assembled the device by himself in the days before the attack.

They had said it was unclear whether he acted alone in obtaining materials for the bomb which officers believed were stored in a white Nissan Micra found parked in the Rusholme area of the city.

Survivors comfort each other after Abedi's bomb ripped through the lobby of the arena

It is believed that Abedi started building the detonator in a workshop at his family's address in Fallowfield in south Manchester. He is understood to have finished off the device in a second flat.

The bomber left the UK for Libya on April 15 and returned on May 18.

His brother Hashim reportedly told Libyan counter-terror forces he knew his brother was planning something and that his brother was radicalised while living in the UK two years before his deadly attack.

The bomber left the UK for Libya on April 15 and returned on May 18.
An emotional video shows the moment a birth mother and her daughter finally get to see each other.

As pharmacy technician Lisa Griggs, 30, descends an escalator, she lets out a cry and starts laughing as she spots Elizabeth Rivera, 55, waiting for her at the bottom.

The pair then embrace repeatedly and continue to laugh.

The two had their emotional meeting on June 27, with Ms Griggs flying in from Wewoka, Oklahoma and her mother from Post Falls, Idaho.

This is the touching moment a birth mother and her daughter finally get to see each other. Pharmacy technician Lisa Griggs, 30, is seen descending an escalator as spots Elizabeth Rivera, 55, waiting for her at the bottom

The two had their emotional meeting on June 27, with Ms Griggs flying in from Wewoka, Oklahoma and her mother from Post Falls, Idaho

Ms Griggs, who had long been searching for her mother, said: 'The meeting made me feel very nervous at first. It was almost like being a stranger invading their lives.

'But it became clear very quickly that I did come from this family and I do belong. We are so alike in some ways, it's scary. It has made me feel more complete and content in life.

'I was honest and up front from the beginning about meeting my birth family, so my friends and family knew about it from the start.

Ms Griggs, who had long been searching for her mother, said: 'The meeting made me feel very nervous at first. It was almost like being a stranger invading their lives'

'It is sweet and gracious how they have had nothing but positive things to say. It's also received a really positive reaction online.'

Ms Griggs was always aware that she was adopted as she was growing up.

She had tried a couple of times to make contact with her birth mother, but it was only after having children of her own that her search began in earnest.

She said: 'I knew I was adopted growing up. My entire adoptive family is African-American. But they could not tell me much about my biological family.

'I had tried to look a few times but I had no clue where to search. It started bugging me more recently about who I really was, and what disease may run in my family as I now have kids of my own.'

Ms Griggs was always aware that she was adopted as she was growing up. She had tried a couple of times to make contact with her birth mother, but it was only after having children of her own that her search began in earnest

Ms Griggs eventually turned to Facebook and posted a message in an adoption group asking for advice.

She was told to seek non-identifying information from her adoption state.

From there, the quest to meet her mother snowballed.

Ms Griggs said: 'I got a call a couple of months later from my case worker who gave me some information, such as how many siblings I had. They started working to locate my birth mother.

'About two weeks later, I got a call to say they had found her and that she was clean and sober and had been for years.

'She was anxious and excited to meet me.

'When she first called me, I was so nervous I did not answer. However, I called her back and we chatted for a few hours. Then she sent me my siblings' numbers and I added them on Facebook.'
France is to end sales of petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040 the government announced today.

The move is part of an ambitious plan to meet its targets under the Paris climate accord, new Ecology Minister Nicolas Hulot announced today.

He acknowledged that the target would be 'tough' to reach, particularly for automakers.

It comes as Swedish car giant Volvo, known for its chunky diesel estate cars, announced it was going electric and that no model brought in after next year would rely solely on internal combustion engines.

France is to end sales of petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040 the government announced today (file photo of French employees at work on the assembly line of the Peugeot 208)

Volvo's cars will instead be fully electric or hybrid - combining electric and conventional engines - in what the RAC Foundation suggested could be 'the spark which turns modern motors electric'.

Recent figures showed a 15 per cent drop in UK sales of diesels following dire warnings about air pollution deaths and costly levies.

The data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders also revealed a surge in sales of electric and hybrid models.

Volvo, which is owned by China's Geely, said it would launch five electric cars by 2021 but will continue to produce current models with petrol or diesel engines after the 2019 cut-off.

It has yet to build any at its factories in Sweden, Belgium, China and the US but does make four hybrid models.

Swedish car giant Volvo, known for its chunky diesel estate cars, announced it was going electric and that no model brought in after next year would rely solely on internal combustion engines

Meanwhile the makers of Peugeot and Citroen cars are locked in a bitter dispute with its factory workers who worried about their jobs.

Employees blockaded themselves in the factory run by company GM&S, in Sept-Fons, to protest better conditions in a pending takeover of the struggling factory.

GM&S resorted to using helicopters to retrieve car parts from the factory while French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire warned the government would take the 'necessary measures' if workers do not lift the blockade.

GM&S is a supplier for carmaker PSA Group, which has promised 40million (45 million) in contracts and investment to keep the plant afloat.

PSA spokesman Pierre-Olivier Salmon said the blockade could force the carmaker to reconsider its funding proposals.

More to follow

The move is part of an ambitious plan to meet its targets under the Paris climate accord, new Ecology Minister Nicolas Hulot announced today (file photo of SmartCar production in the town of Sarreguemines, near Strasbourg in France)
A Melbourne woman sent her sister's ashes to the Netherlands to have them turned into a ring.

But when Suzie Elphinstone arrived at the post office to pick up the ring with sister Erin's ashes inside, she was devastated to find it had been stolen.

'I don't want to lose Erin again,' she wrote in an emotional Facebook post pleading for information about the ring's whereabouts.

Suzie Elphinstone (right) sent the ashes of her sister, Erin (left), to the Netherland's to be turned into a ring - but when a parcel arrived back, it was empty

Erin (right) died after her car crashed down a steep embankment in May this year

The ring (pictured is similar, though Suzie added a blue tint to the ashes), was a 'special piece of Erin', said Suzie. On the inside, she had her sister's name engraved

Erin, a professional v8 Supercars model, died in May after her car crashed down an embankment in Cockatoo.

Suzie told Daily Mail Australia she was in physical pain over the loss, and felt like she had lost her sister all over again.

'I feel sick to my stomach as I feel like I've lost Erin twice, once in the accident and now this,' she said.

'My body is in physical pain with hurt.

'It's so upsetting to know that part of Erin has been stolen and is with a complete stranger.'

Suzie (pictured) shared a devastated message with her Facebook followers, begging for information on the ring's whereabouts

She shared a similar sentiment in her Facebook post, as she begged followers to keep an eye out for the special piece.

'I honestly don't think I can recover if I lose this special piece of Erin,' she wrote.

Suzie said when she arrived at the post office to collect the ring, the parcel had clearly been tampered with, as the brown tape sealing it had been cut with a knife.

'Inside the box was just shredded paper and my invoice which stated the ring was a cremation jewellery piece,' she said.

Suzie said she felt like she had lost her sister (pictured) all over again

'I'm afraid it will be sold online or at a pawn shop so I posted online for anyone to keep an eye out and to message me if they saw it out.'

The ring is silver, and features a crystal inset which runs around the middle. In the inset under a blue crystal tint are her sister's ashes.

On the inside, the name Erin Michelle is engraved.

Suzie says she has contacted the country where the ring was made, and is working with Australia Post to try and find the sentimental piece of jewellery.
A pregnant doctor suffered a miscarriage while delivering a patient's baby - but insisted on completing the surgery, it has emerged.

Mervat Mohamed Talaat was performing caesarean surgery at Luxor General Hospital in Cairo in Egypt when she reported pain and started bleeding.

But she refused to walk away form the procedure and insisted on staying to help the mother she was treating.

A pregnant doctor suffered a miscarriage while delivering a patient's baby - but insisted on completing the surgery, it has emerged (file picture)

Talaat, who worked at the obstetrics and gynecology department, waited until her patient's baby was safely delivered before handing over to another doctor.

She was then taken out of the operating theatre and transferred to another room at the hospital.

According to local reports, Talaat's pregnancy was ectopic where the feotus grows outside of the uterus.

There were calls in Egypt for the doctor's act to be recognised by the state.

Chairman of the Luxor Doctors Syndicate Ahmed Hamza said the group would also honour Talaa for her selflessness.
Wildfires have forced the evacuation of hundreds of homes near the famous Breckenridge Ski Resort.

The fire was first reported by a cyclist late on Wednesday morning and was fuelled by beetle-killed trees in the White River National Forest, Colorado, about four miles from the popular resort.

So far the fire has destroyed about 80 acres and forced the evacuation of 463 homes near Breckenridge, one of the most visited ski resorts in the western hemisphere.

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The fire was first reported by a cyclist late on Wednesday morning and was fueled by beetle-killed trees in the White River National Forest

So far the fire has destroyed about 80 acres and forced the evacuation of 463 homes near Breckenridge Ski Resort

Firefighter have warned neighbouring residents they may also soon face leaving their homes.

The base of the ski resort, which includes hotels and restaurants, has not yet been evacuated.

Two heavy tankers and a helicopter dropped slurry and water on the fire yesterday and it did appear to be dying down as temperatures cooled during the night.

However, evacuation orders are expected to remain in place until midday on Thursday.

Two heavy tankers and a helicopter dropped slurry and water on the fire yesterday and it did appear to be dying down as temperatures cooled during the night

The base of the ski resort, which includes hotels and restaurants, has not yet been evacuated

The fire was among several in the West, including one that was burning near a nuclear facility in Washington state.

In northern Nevada, officials advised residents to leave their homes ahead of one of several fires sweeping across dry rangeland, reported ABC News.

Palomino Valley residents were told to go to an equestrian events center in Reno, Truckee Meadows fire spokeswoman Erin Holland said.

He added that 100 animals had also been sheltered.

The advisory followed a National Weather Service warning for high fire danger in western Nevada and California's Alpine and Mono counties.
Isabel Cartuno Martinez (pictured), 33, was charged with five counts of malice murder, five counts of murder and six counts of aggravated assault in the murder of her husband and four young children

A Georgia woman has been arrested and charged with stabbing her husband and four young children to death in their home outside Atlanta early Thursday.

Isabel Cartuno Martinez, 33, was charged with five counts of malice murder, five counts of murder and six counts of aggravated assault, police say.

She has also been put on an immigration hold, according to the jails website.

Officers arrived at the home on 509 Emory Lane in Loganville to find five victims dead from what appeared to be a small knife, although a medical examiner will make the final determination, according to authorities.

The children were all confirmed to be under age 10, with the youngest suspected to be a toddler.

A fifth child, a girl, was taken to the hospital with injuries described as serious. Her condition is not known at this time

Martinez is currently being held at the Gwinnett County jail without bond.

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Martinez was taken into custody after allegedly stabbing her husband and four children to death in an Atlanta suburb. A 911 call was placed to Gwinnett County police at 4.47am on Thursday (Pictured, emergency personnel investigate the house in Loganville, Georgia)

When officers arrived on the scene (pictured), they found the five victims dead. A fifth child was taken to the hospital with injuries described as serious

Neighbors say Martinez (pictured, left and right) may have been suffering from depression following the death of her father in Mexico, according to one of her neighbors

Neighbor Pedro Ramirez, 15, said that he used to watch the family's daughters in the park and that they would ride bikes in the neighborhood (Pictured, Martinez with two of her children)

The Gwinnett County Police Department received a call at 4.47am Thursday that four people were stabbed in a home inside a mobile home community.

The caller has been confirmed to be Martinez and, reportedly, the Spanish language barrier made it difficult to communicate.

Police have confirmed that Martinez is is the wife of the stabbed man and the mother of the children and that the adult male was the biological father of the children.

Neighbor Pedro Ramirez, 15, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he used to watch the family's daughters in the park and that they would ride bikes in the neighborhood.

Police have confirmed that the children were all under age 10 and that the man was in his mid-30s.

Jim Hollandsworth told the newspaper that the children had recently enrolled in an after-school program at The Path Project he runs nearby as they were 'new' to the area.

'Everyone is in complete shock,' he said. 'The last few weeks our staff has gotten to know these kids very well.'

He described the children as 'great, happy, participating in our programs...they just jumped right in.'

Authorities have since removed all the bodies from the Gwinnett County home, which will be taken to the Gwinnett Medical Examiner's officer to have autopsies conducted while detectives continue to scope the exterior (pictured)

A body, covered by a blue blanket, is removed from the Loganville home by investigators

Residents of the mobile home community hug each other as officers investigate the fatal stabbings of a husband and four children by their mother

According to neighbors, the family moved to Loganville about a few months ago from Illinois.

Although a motive hasn't been revealed yet, neighbor Letty Perez told WSB-TV that Martinez was depressed about her father dying recently in Mexico.

'What prompts a person to take the life of such innocent children and her spouse is something we may never understand,' police spokeswoman Cpl Michele Pihera said in a statement to reporters.

'This is a horrendous crime not only for the victims but for the extended family, neighborhood and community.'

Police have confirmed that the children were all under age 10 and that the man was in his mid-30s. Neighbors reportedly say the unnamed family moved to Loganville about a few months ago from Illinois (Pictured, emergency personnel investigate the house in Loganville, Georgia)

Unconfirmed reports say the mother may have been in the house with her dead family for as long as 24 hours before police were called (Pictured, emergency personnel investigate the house in Loganville, Georgia)

Unconfirmed reports say she may have been in the house with her dead family for as long as 24 hours before authorities were called.

A man at the scene of the stabbing, who identified himself as the brother of the adult male victim, told reporters the family had just returned from the beach.

He added that he had spoken to his brother by telephone Wednesday at about 2.30pm and nothing seemed amiss.

Photos provided by the police department showed crime scene tape surrounding a single-story home with white paneling and black shutters in a subdivision in Loganville, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) east of Atlanta.

Authorities have since removed all the bodies from the Gwinnett County home, which will be taken to the Gwinnett Medical Examiner's officer to have autopsies conducted.
A young mother was left with a gaping hole in her leg after a bottle of Bulmers cider exploded 'like a bomb' during a family day out at the beach.

Charlotte Greatrex, 24, suffered a nasty gash as a result of the unpleasant incident and has been told by doctors to stay off her feet.

Ms Greatrex was enjoying a day along the Cornish coast at Looe, when the bottle sent shards of glass flying - leaving sunbathers diving for cover.

Charlotte Greatrex, 24, was left with a gaping hole in her leg after a bottle of Bulmers cider exploded 'like a bomb' during a family day out at the beach

Pictured: A doctor treats Ms Greatrex's nasty wound caused by a shard of flying glass

The cider bottle shattered inches from where she was sitting, and fragments of glass flew into her leg, leaving a bloodied hole.

The mother-of-one said: 'It was like a bomb when it went off and at first I just laughed, I couldn't feel anything.

'Then I looked down and the adrenaline wore off and I called out to my mum, ''Look at my leg!''

'I told my son's dad to take him away when it happened - my little boy is only two and I didn't want him to see me crying.'

Ms Greatrex had bought the cider, which cost 1.99 a bottle, from a nearby branch of Co-op and said it exploded just after being removed from a cooler bag.

She said: 'We were on the steps and I had my feet on the beach. My mum was sat right next to me, I took most of the blow.

'I could have been blinded - I just keep thinking it could have been so much worse.

Ms Greatrex has now called for Bulmers to take action so that others are not injured

'No-one touched it in the bag, it hadn't been shaken. It just went into shards everywhere.'

Ms Greatrex has now called for Bulmers to take action so that others are not injured by such freak occurrences.

She said: 'They wanted the product number from the bottle in order to track it, but they don't seem to understand just how small these shards were.'

A Bulmers spokesperson said 'We take issues regarding safety extremely seriously and thank Charlotte for bringing it to our attention.

'We realise this must have been quite alarming and we understand her obvious concern.

'Incidents like this are incredibly rare, and we have not had any similar reports affecting bottles.

'However, we will investigate as far as we can with the information we have been provided, and we will update her in due course.'
A poverty stricken couple in India dream of seeing their two-year-old conjoined twins live separate lives after doctors offered hope of life changing surgery.

Pushpanjali Kanhar, 25, from Kandhamal, in Orissa, eastern India, was shocked to give birth to two boys fused at the head, in a local hospital, on March 9, 2015.

She had no idea there were any complications until she saw her sons, Honey and Singh, were born connected at the cranium.

Scans quickly confirmed they each had a brain and were only conjoined at the tip of their heads. But after two desperate years of attempting to find an affordable doctor to help, the couple failed and were forced to return home.

A poverty stricken couple in India dream of seeing their two-year-old conjoined twins Honey (right) and Singh (left) live separate lives after doctors offered hope of life changing surgery

Pushpanjali Kanhar, 25, from Kandhamal, in Orissa, eastern India, was shocked to give birth to two boys fused at the head, in a local hospital, on March 9, 2015

The distraught mother had no idea there were any complications until she saw her sons, Honey (right) and Singh (left), were born connected at the cranium

Now, the Orissa state government has confirmed they will assist. And the family are due to meet with doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences hospital (AIIMS), in New Delhi, India's capital, for further consultations.

Dr Swapneshwar Gadnayak, Chief District Medical Officer for Kandhamal, said: 'The twins are known as Craniopagus twins as they have two separate brains but are fused at the cranium.

'There have been cases of successful surgery where the children have survived. But if the brains had been joined it would be much more difficult to operate. This case needs further evaluation, and then we can confirm if surgery is possible or not.'

The family have waited patiently for government help and now they are looking forward to meeting new doctors.

Bhuan Kanhar, 30, carries his twin sons Honey (right) and Singh (left) at his residence in the Kandhamal district of Odisha, India

After they were born, scans quickly confirmed they each had a brain and were only conjoined at the tip of their heads

The Orissa state government has confirmed they will assist and the family are due to meet with doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences hospital (AIIMS), in New Delhi, India's capital, for further consultations

The family have waited patiently for government help and now they are looking forward to meeting new doctors

Father Bhuan Kanhar, who works as a farmer earning Rs 1600 a month (20), tried getting treatment for his boys after their birth but was unable to pay the medical expenses.

Eventually they were forced to take their sons home and wait.

He said: 'After my sons were born I tried to get them treatment. But my financial condition meant I couldn't afford the costs. In the end I lost all hope and I was forced to watch my sons live with this condition for two years.'

Pushpanjali Kanhar, 25, (top right) feeds her two-year-old conjoined twin sons Honey (bottom left) and Singh (bottom right) while her husband Bhuan Kanhar, 30, (top left) looks on

Father Bhuan Kanhar (right), who works as a farmer earning Rs 1600 a month (20), tried getting treatment for his boys after their birth but was unable to pay the medical expenses

The couple, who have two other sons, nine-year-old Ajit, and six-year-old Dakhiya, who are both healthy, dream of seeing all four of their sons playing togethe

The couple, who have two other sons, nine-year-old Ajit, and six-year-old Dakhiya, who are both healthy, dream of seeing all four of their sons playing together.

Pushpanjali said: 'I want Honey and Singh to be like their older brothers. I want them to go to school and live individual lives. I dream they have a better life than this. They can barely speak but I know they can do better than this.

'They know the situation they are in, they see other children, they want a better life. I dream that surgery is possible and they come home safe and sound.'

Pushpanjali and Bhuan will now stay with their boys while doctors analyse their condition and decide if surgery is possible.

Pushpanjali and Bhuan will now stay with their boys while doctors analyse their condition and decide if surgery is possible

Doctors have warned that separating the boys could possibly cause developmental complications in one or both of the boys

Two-year-old conjoined twins Honey (second from right) and Singh (far right) play with their cousins at their residence in a village in the Kandhamal district of Odisha, India

Conjoined twins Honey and Singh (front centre) play with their mother Pushpanjali Kanhar, 25, (front second from right) surrounded by family members

Dr Swapneshwar added that separating the boys could possibly cause developmental complications in one or both of the boys.

Dr Swapneshwar said: 'If surgery happens it will be a complex one. The risks depend on where the heads are joined and how much they are fused.'

Craniopagus twins occur once in every 2.5 million births. And if Craniopagus twins survive birth there is an 80 per cent risk they would die before the age of two if they are not separated.
Photos have emerged of the 31-year-old man who tried to kill his ex-girlfriend by driving his car - loaded with four propane tanks - into her apartment on the Fourth of July, causing an explosion.

Carl Philibert, an immigrant from Haiti, died in the Tuesday fire, while his ex and her family were able to escape through a back door. No one else was injured, but all eight units in the building were damaged.

A friend of Philibert's who spoke to WPTV on Wednesday was shocked by the news of his death.

'I still can not believe that,' Steph Dumornay said. 'Ive known Carl for like 7 years. Ive never seen him snap.'

Carl Philibert (pictured) is the man who tried to kill his ex-girlfriend on Tuesday by driving his car, loaded with propane tanks, into her Fort Pierce, Florida apartment

Philibert's (pictured) ex-girlfriend and her family were able to escape the apartment through a back door

Dumornay described Philibert as reliable, straight-laced and a trustworthy friend.

Dumornay said he met the woman who Philibert was targeting last year, and had no idea that the couple were having issues.

'He never told me something was going on,' Dumornay said.

However, Fort Pierce police spokesman Ed Cunningham said they had been called to the residence before for domestic issues involving the couple.

Cunningham said they believe Philbert and his ex-girlfriend got into an argument when he showed up at her apartment on Tuesday morning because he didn't like something he saw inside.

Several hours later he intentionally drove into the building with four propane tanks in his car, three in the back seat and one in the passenger seat.

On Wednesday, police released body cam footage of Philibert's burning car after the attack

Police officers tried to put the blaze out, but eventually it grew too hot and they had to step away

'He intended to do damage,' Cunningham said.

'He raced his car into this apartment where five people were, intending to kill them, blow the place up, or create some kind of havoc.'

One of the propane tanks caught fire, causing an explosion.

On Wednesday, police released body cam footage of officers responding to the blaze.

Officers are seen trying to extinguish the fire before it grows to wild and they have to back off. Soon after they back off, an explosion is heard.

Eileen Cuevas, 26, said her mother, Philbert's ex-girlfriend, was in the front room when she saw him driving towards their apartment.

After he drove through their living room, Cuevas said she grabbed her three-year-old son, her mother and her grandmother and they left through the back door.

As they were leaving, the building and car had both caught fire.

Firefighters were later brought in to extinguish the blaze. At least one of the propane tanks exploded in the attack

There were no other injuries in the attack. However, all eight units in the building were damaged

'I just wanted people to help him because I saw his body burning,' Cuevas told TC Palm.

'You never want to see a thing like that. I saw his body, everything on fire.'

She told the outlet she still doesn't know why he did it.

'It's very personal. It's still weird talking about it. He was trying to get to my mom. It was meant for everybody that was in the house,' Cuevas said.

'I mean, the man had four or five propane tanks in the car. They were friends and it turned out really bad. This is very personal for our family, so it's kind of touchy.

In a video taken by neighbor Kathy Toledo, sirens can be heard in the background as the flames engulf the car and the part of the building above it.

In a video taken by neighbor Kathy Toledo, sirens can be heard in the background as the flames engulf the car and the part of the building above it

Rescue crews from the St. Lucie County Fire District responded to the scene at 12.48pm

Kathy's husband Pablo Toledo later explained that a woman on the second floor balcony called for his help. He said: 'She was engulfed in smoke, so that's why I had to act'

Toledo explains that she lives in an apartment next door and that her husband helped bring an elderly woman down the stairs from the apartment directly above the fire.

As she explains the situation, one of the propane tanks explodes, frighting the people watching the scene.

All eight units in the apartment complex were damaged in the fire.

The Fire District said that the American Red Cross was notified to help 13 adults and five children who had been living in the apartment building.

The Fire District, Fort Pierce police and the state Fire Marshal's Office are investigating the incident.

Eighteen people have been displaced by the fire - 13 adults and five children

The American Red Cross is helping the people who were displaced by the fire
One of Britains biggest dairies has warned that the UK is facing a butter and cream shortage.

Not enough milk is being produced, said Peder Tuborgh, chief executive of Arla, which makes Anchor butter and Cravendale milk.

He warned that a boost in demand for butter had coincided with many dairy manufacturers putting more milk into making cheese because it yields better returns at a time of low milk prices.

However, Mr Tuborgh insisted there will still be butter available.

The price of butter and cream is set t skyrocket by Christmas due to a shortage, Brits have been warned

The National Farmers Union confirmed that the wholesale price of butter was at record levels, but said warnings of an outright shortage were scaremongering.

For consumers, a 250g block of butter now costs 1.49, while a year ago it was 1.35, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Arla Foods is a co-operative owned by dairy farmers across Europe, including many here. It is the largest UK milk buyer and has annual revenues of 8.4billion.

Mr Tuborgh claimed that the slowdown in milk production began in 2016 when producers put the brakes on  and the knock-on effect could be less butter and cream being produced.

Global butter prices have hit an all-time high, with prices rising 14 per cent last month, according to figures released on Thursday by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation.

Simon Clapp, from Brue Valley Farms near Glastonbury which makes butter and cheese for the likes of M&S, Waitrose and Aldi, told BBC Radio 5 live: Its getting pretty tough, theres a shortage of fats across Europe and were part of that. Since Brexit, the pound has weakened, so its made products here more attractive, so cream is going abroad.

Were seeing historic prices even above historic prices weve seen in the past  weve never been in this territory. This time last year, wed spend 80p for cream to go into butter  now its up to 2.50, 2.60.

Industry body Dairy UK said there had been significant rises in wholesale prices for butter and cream, adding: This illustrates the fact that dairy markets are inherently subject to fluctuations and a sudden surge in milk production, or unseasonable weather which depresses production, can have a significant effect.

The NFU said that although wholesale prices of cream and butter had hit record levels, this was not being reflected in the amount paid to farmers.

But it added: Scaremongering about lack of milk supply only serves to concern consumers.

A spokesman for Arla Foods said: We do expect the high demand for butter to continue potentially creating a shortage of products in parts of the European food and dairy industry.
Frightened residents were forced to flee their home as axe-wielding burglars broke in.

Three masked men smashed their way into the rear of the address in Nottingham in broad daylight, while the occupants escaped through the front door.

One of the intruders was carrying an axe and another was wearing a Scream-type mask during the break-in in Gedling on Thursday, June 8.

Three masked men smashed their way into the rear of the address in Nottingham in broad daylight

The terrified occupants escaped through the front door as the burglars came round the back

The trio covered their faces with masks and hoods, as they ran through the garden wielding axes

Nothing was taken however police have now released CCTV images of the men in a bid to trace the culprits.

A Nottinghamshire Police spokesman said: 'Although their faces are covered, officers are appealing to anyone who recognises their clothing, build or postures to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101.

'Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.'
A South Australian man is preparing his own bunker for a potential attack on Australia following the news of North Korea's successful missile test.

Nathan Stewart of Adelaide Hills is in the process of decking out the bunker, which he says could survive almost anything.

'It's built to withstand a nuclear attack - it's the real deal,' he told Seven News.

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Nathan Stewart (pictured) is working on his own personal bunker in Adelaide Hills, which he says could withstand a nuclear attack

The bunker can house 14 people and boasts a kitchen, living room and two bathrooms. But Mr Stewart plans to take things further.

'We are redoing the bunker structure with the latest technology to make sure it is sound and all sealed properly,' Mr Stewart told The Australian.

'We will ensure it is fully supplied and stocked with years of water and non-perishable goods.'

Mr Stewart said he planned to fit out the bunker with state-of-the-art facilities and furnishings.

The Trenance property was once owned by the late businessman Kim Bonython who installed the shelter in the 1970s.

Mr Stewart took news cameras through the surprisingly spacious underground bunker.

The bunker has concrete walls, steel doors and above-ground air vents (pictured)

He pointed out the concrete walls and steel doors that would keep him safe if an attack were ever launched on his sleepy Bugle Ranges property.

The bunker also has air vents coming out of the ground.

So far, it is furnished only with a cream-coloured lounge set.

Mr Stewart believes he will be able to stay in the safe construction for months with the help of a generator, but if it never becomes necessary, he says he has other plans lined up.

'It could potentially be a boys room,' he said.

'We can play eight-ball, just have it as a bit of a chill place.'

Mr Stewart says if he never has to use the bunker, it will become 'a bit of a chill place' where he can 'play eight-ball'

North Korea announced it had successfully tested what experts believe is an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile on Tuesday. While the missile could hypothetically reach Darwin, it would fall short of Mr Stewart's bunker in South Australia

North Korea successfully tested what is believed to be an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile on Tuesday, which experts believe could travel up to 6,700km.

While that keeps Mr Stewart out of strife, it does raise fears for Darwin, which is only 5,750km from Pyongyang.

Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop, condemned the ballistic test earlier this week, labelling it 'provocative' and 'in breach of numerous United Nations Security Council resolutions'.

'North Korea continues to threaten its neighbours while undermining regional and global security,' she said.

'North Korea's long term interests would be best served by ceasing its nuclear and missiles programs and focusing on improving the lives of its long suffering people.'
President Donald Trump on Thursday called North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missile test 'very, very bad behavior' and said that there would be 'consequences' for Pyongyang's belligerence.

Tuesday's launch marked a milestone in Pyongyang's decades-long drive to threaten the US mainland with a nuclear strike, posing a tough policy challenge for Trump, who is has clashed with Beijing over how to handle Kim Jong-Un's regime.

'I call on all nations to confront this global threat and publicly demonstrate to North Korea that there are consequences for their very, very bad behavior,' Trump said in response to a question from DailyMail.com.

'I have pretty severe things that we're thinking about,' he said, but added: 'That doesn't mean that we'll do them.'

Trump called on nations to 'confront this global threat and publicly demonstrate to North Korea that there are consequences' following an intercontinental

Tuesday's launch marked a milestone in Pyongyang's decades-long drive to threaten the US mainland with a nuclear strike, posing a tough policy challenge for Trump, who is has clashed with Beijing over how to handle Kim Jong-Un's regime

Trump made his comments during a joint press conference in Warsaw with Polish President Andrzej Duda.

The whirlwind visit to Warsaw comes just days before he meets Russian President Vladimir Putin. He will next travel to Germany for Friday and Saturday's G20 summit.

Trump has repeatedly urged Pyongyang's chief backer China to rein in the Stalinist state in, taking to Twitter this week to publicly berate Beijing for not squeezing the North hard enough on trade.

China responded Thursday with a call for more moderate language from all sides.

'We also call on relevant parties to stay calm, exercise restraint, refrain from words and deeds that may heighten tensions,' foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters.

President Xi Jinping, who be attending this week's G20 summit with Trump in Hamburg, said China was committed to denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, but stressed this could best be achieved through dialogue and negotiations, the Xinhua news agency reported.

Trump, left, is in Poland today meeting with President Andrzej Duda, right

Pyongyang on Thursday warned that it would be a 'piece of cake' to destroy South Korea, its state media reported

Trump previously dismissed the idea of the North having a working ICBM, vowing it 'won't happen,' but experts say the new missile could reach Alaska or even further towards the continental US.

The test prompted the US and its ally South Korea to stage a joint missile drill aimed at countering the North's threats, after South Korean President Moon Jae-In called for a response beyond 'just words'.

Meanwhile, Pyongyang on Thursday warned that it would be a 'piece of cake' to destroy South Korea, its state media reported.

The comments came as the state raged against Seoul for a joint missile drill with the US following its landmark intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test.

The North's propaganda National Peace Committee for Korea criticised South Korean President Moon Jae-in for denouncing Pyongyang 'instead of getting rejoiced over the praiseworthy event' staged by its northern neighbour, according to the KCNA news agency.

Mocking the South as 'puppet military gangsters,' the KCNA report added: 'It will be as easy as a piece of cake for the (North) to wipe out the puppet forces ... as we are now able to destroy even the US mainland across the ocean.'

Trump has repeatedly urged Pyongyang's chief backer China to rein in the Stalinist state in. Pictured: President of China, Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan

Left-leaning Moon, who has advocated dialogue with the North to bring it to negotiating table, condemned the launch and joined calls for tighter sanctions on Pyongyang.

The latest test drew also widespread condemnation and prompted the US to push for new, tougher sanctions against Pyongyang at an UN Security Council meeting held on Wednesday.

In a hard-hitting address to the UN Security Council, US Ambassador Nikki Haley said Tuesday's ICBM test had made 'the world a more dangerous place,' and that Washington was ready to use force if need be to deal with the threat of a nuclear-armed Pyongyang.

The North's leader Kim Jong-Un described the ICBM launch - staged on the US Independence Day holiday - as a gift to 'American b******' and vowed to give more 'gift packages' to the US in the future.

The impoverished North is already under onerous international sanctions imposed over its past nuclear and missile tests held in violation of UN resolutions, which ban it from using any ballistic or nuclear technologies.
An American woman was arrested in a Tokyo airport after allegedly dumping 100 live bullets in a trashcan.

The woman, who was not named but is believed to be in her 60s, was questioned by police after the .22 caliber pistol ammo was discovered by a janitor in Haneda airport.

She was arrested on suspicion of bringing 100 live bullets into Japan in violation of the country's firearms control law, reports the Japan Times.

An American woman in her 60s was questioned by police after .22 caliber pistol ammo was discovered by a janitor in a trashcan in Haneda airport (pictured)

The woman has admitted the charge, according to the Metropolitan Police Department, claiming that she only realized after entering Japan on Tuesday that the bullets were in her bag.

She is suspected of carrying 100 live bullets for a at the international terminal of the airport at around 3 p.m. Tuesday.

The woman claimed that the bullets were for a gun owned by her son in the US and dumped them after she noticed them in her bag

The woman is said to have entered the country with her husband to transfer onto a flight to Southeast Asia.

When she opened her bag to pay to for a meal at the airport she spotted the ammunition.

The woman claimed that the bullets were for a gun owned by her son in the US.
A donor paid a staggering 160,000 to have dinner with Theresa May during an auction at last night's swanky Tory summer ball.

But Boris Johnson went for just a fraction of the price, raising just 15,000 after pulling in just two bids at the soiree.

The ball, held at the Hurlingham Club, is one of the highlights of the party's calendar and millionaires and business tycoons rub shoulders with Tory MPs.

Wealthy party donors flocked to the exclusive club, which is located in a smart Georgian townhouse and set in 42 acres of picturesque grounds in Fulham west London.

Theresa May, pictured outside No 10 yesterday, proved a hit with bidders at the ball. Dinner with the PM went for an eye-watering 160,000

And while the Prime Minister may have led her party to humiliation at the polls in last month's election, she was still able to attract the big donors last night.

Wealthy supporters dipped into their deep pockets to help replenish the party's coffers, which have been depleted by last month's snap election.

But while Mr Johnson is one of the party's most popular faces with the public and activists, he failed to entice the big-ticket donors.

The room was less than impressed with the prospect of having dinner with the Foreign Secretary when just two people stepped forward to pull out their cheque books.

The summer ball is one of the highlights of the Tory Party's calendar, and amid the flowing champagne donors splash out serious cash on the auction.

At the 2014 ball one party supporter reportedly splurged 45,000 on a bottle of champagne signed by the late Margaret Thatcher.

Retail and property tycoons rub shoulders and gas and oil millionaires hobnob with Tory MPs and the leading lights of the PR world for the party.
Andronicos Sideras, 55, (pictured today) was allegedly part of a ring of dodgy dealers who conspired to sell 'horsebeef' to supermarkets

A businessman mixed horsemeat with beef and sold it to supermarkets across Britain over eight months in a fraud plot 'motivated by greed', a court heard today.

Andronicos Sideras, 55, was allegedly part of a ring of dodgy dealers who conspired to sell the contaminated 'horsebeef' concoction between January and November 2012.

Ulkrik Nielsen, 58, of Denmark, and his right hand man Alex Beech, 44, of Hull, admitted a single count each of conspiring to defraud last year.

Horsemeat was mixed with raw minced meat and sold to unsuspecting supermarkets and caterers for 85p a kilo more as beef then used in burgers and ready meals.

But Sideras denied any involvement in the scam and insists he has no idea how horsemeat could have ended up in the consignments he sold from his North London business.

Prosecutor Jonathan Polnay said: 'This case is about lying to people and deceiving people so as to make money - or, to be precise, for people to make more money.

'Like most, if not all, offences of dishonesty, it was motivated by greed.

'It was apparent that for the fraud to work, it needed someone to carry out the physical mixing of the meats.

'It needed someone to make them look genuine - that key role was taken by Mr Sideras.

'There is no dispute that this fraud was going on - the sole question you are going to need to decide is whether Mr Sideras was involved in it.'

Mr Polnay, who described the meat hybrid 'horsebeef', explained that Nielsen and Beech ran a Danish company called FlexiFoods which bought meat from suppliers across Europe.

Investigators seized samples from Dinos & Sons food factory at the Millmead Industrial Estate in Tottenham, North London

They then had the horsemeat delivered to Sideras' Tottenham-based meat company and sausage manufacturer, Dino's and Sons, where it would be mixed in with beef, packaged and labelled.

The defendant then sold the 'horsebeef' on to McAdams Food Products based in the Republic of Ireland, a company run by Martin McAdams.

McAdams would then sell the meat on to large production companies which supply many of well-known stores.

While a kilogram of beef sold for about Euro 3 (2.60) in 2012, horsemeat was just Euro 2 (1.75) per kilogram.

Mr Polnay said three separate consignments of horsemeat 'openly sold and therefore labelled as horsemeat' were sent to Dinos & Sons on June 7, October 19 and October 29 2012.

The shipments amounted to 30,000kg of the meat, the jury was told.

Mr Polnay said: 'I'm not saying that's an offence - it's what happened to it afterwards.'

He alleged that Dinos & Sons were paid a packing cost, which they 'charmingly described as a "sundry charge"' in their invoice, for mixing separate loads of beef and horsemeat.

He said the company charged more for handling 'mixed horsebeef' than pure beef because 'it was a dodgy load that requires more effort'.

The contamination of beef and other meats with horsemeat came to light in 2013, with major supermarket chains such as Tesco, Asda and the Co-op all affected by the scandal.

A joint probe carried out by City of London Police, the Food Standards Agency and the CPS has taken just over three years to complete.

The FSA instructed more than 2,500 tests to be carried out in Britain as a result of scandal, which found some products contained up to 100% horsemeat.

Sideras, of Friars Walk, Southgate, north London, denies one count of conspiracy to defraud.

The trial continues.
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Ivanka Trump paid a solemn visit to Warsaw's Monument to the Ghetto Heroes on Thursday  after Poland's chief rabbi issued a statement criticizing the failure of President Trump to pay his respects there.

The first daughter laid a wreath at the landmark which honors the leaders of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of the Second World War.

Jewish leaders, including Michael Schudrich, Poland's chief rabbi, issued a statement Wednesday criticizing President Trump for failing to schedule a visit, despite speaking to 5,000 cheering Poles nearby.

'We deeply regret that President Trump, though speaking in public barely a mile away from the monument, chose to break with that laudable tradition, alongside so many other ones,' according to the statement. 'We trust that this slight does not reflect the attitudes and feelings of the American people.'

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Ivanka Trump visited the Monument of the Warsaw Ghettos and the Museum of Polish Jews in Warsaw on Thursday

'Ever since the fall of Communism in 1989, all US presidents and vice-presidents visiting Warsaw had made a point of visiting the Monument to the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto,' according to the statement, which was joined by Jewish Community of Warsaw president Anna Chipczynska and Leslaw Piszewski, president of the Union of Jewish Communities of Poland, the Times of Israel reported.

Rabbi Schudrich called it 'very, very important' that Ivanka Trump made the visit, 'not only because she's a Jew, because her grandparents-in-law are survivors of the Holocaust, but also as a human being it's important.'

He continued: 'But it's sad because her father President Trump is the first US president in 25 years not to visit the Warsaw Ghetto Heroes Monument,' in comments to AFP.

Ivanka Trump converted to judaism when she married Jared Kushner, who is jewish and who also accompanied the president on the trip.

Ivanka Trump also visited the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews where she was shown around by the country's Chief Rabbi Michael Schudrich. Museum spokeswoman Zaneta Czyzniewska told AFP it found out only today that the president's daughter was coming.

Humbled by the visit, she later took to Twitter to share her thoughts.

'It was deeply moving to be able to visit The Monument to the Ghetto Heroes and the POLIN Museum of the History of the Polish Jews,' she wrote.

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Ivanka laid a wreath at the monument which she later said 'deeply moved' her

The 35-year-old enjoyed a moment of quiet observation as she stood at the foot of the monument after laying her wreath

On Instagram, she added: 'It was a privilege to be able to pay my respects and remember with gratitude those who fought with such tenacity against all odds.'

The White House also released her quotations in a statement provided to reporters.

Afterwards, she joined her husband Jared Kushner and 5,000 Poles who had gathered to listen to a speech from her father in Krasinski Square.

President Trump praised the crowd, which chanted his name, lauding them as examples of the strength he wishes to see in other NATO nations.

He described the country as the 'geographic heart of Europe' and commended its countrymen for shaking off both Nazi oppressors and Russian occupiers in the last century.

'That's trouble. That's tough,' he exclaimed.

'In those dark days, you have lost your land but you never lost your pride.'

Above, a 1940 file photo during the uprising. President Trump acknowledged the ghetto uprising in his remarks, and spoke of the near extermination of Poland's Jewish population during the Holocaust

German Nazi SS troops guarding members of the Jewish resistance captured during the suppression of the Warsaw ghetto uprising in 1943. About 13,000 Jews died during the uprising. Most of the remaining 50,000 residents of the ghetto were captured and sent to concentration and extermination camps

Jewish men are transported from the Warsaw Ghetto by Wehrmacht soldiers, to work on sites elsewhere, Poland, 1941

President Trump acknowledged the ghetto uprising in his remarks, and spoke of the near extermination of Poland's Jewish population during the Holocaust.

'Under a double occupation the Polish people endured evils beyond description: the Katyn forest massacre, the occupations, the Holocaust, the Warsaw Ghetto and the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, the destruction of this beautiful capital city, and the deaths of nearly one in five Polish people. A vibrant Jewish population -- the largest in Europe -- was reduced to almost nothing after the Nazis systematically murdered millions of Polands Jewish citizens, along with countless others, during that brutal occupation,' the president said.

'In the summer of 1944, the Nazi and Soviet armies were preparing for a terrible and bloody battle right here in Warsaw. Amid that hell on earth, the citizens of Poland rose up to defend their homeland. I am deeply honored to be joined on stage today by veterans and heroes of the Warsaw Uprising,' Trump said.

First Lady Melania Trump also addressed the crowd and introduced her husband to the stage.

The Chief Rabbi of Poland; Michael Schudrich participates in the meeting of the Polish Presidential couple with the Polish Jewish community on January 13, 2017 in Warsaw, Poland. He issued a statement criticizing President Trump for not following the tradition of predecessors and visiting a monument to the Warsaw ghetto uprising. Ivanka Trump visited Thursday

Ivanka and Jared, who both hold positions in the White House, arrived in Warsaw on Air Force One with the president and first lady on Wednesday.

It is their second overseas trip as members of the administration. They previously visited Saudi Arabia, Israel and Italy.

President Trump had earlier met the Polish president and warned that the future of the West is in doubt.

In his speech he praised Poland's 'will to survive' because they 'have never, ever forgotten who they are.'

'The Polish experience reminds us - the defense of the West ultimately rests not only on means but also on the will of its people to prevail,' Trump said.

'Your oppressors tried to break you, but Poland could not be broken,' he said.

Afterwards, she joined her husband Jared Kushner at Krasinski Square

Ivanka enthusiastically waved to members of the crowd as she made her way to her seat at Krasinski Square

The pair held hands as they listened to the president praise Poland as the 'geographic heart of Europe'

Ivanka smiled as her husband kept a straight face while they listened to her father's speech

President Trump spoke confidently from behind bullet proof glass as he delivered his remarks in Krasinski Square

And Trump projected his fight against Middle Eastern terrorism onto the template of Poland's historic struggles, saying that 'We are fighting hard against radical Islamic terrorism, and we will prevail.'

The president was welcomed on stage by First Lady Melania Trump

'America and Europe have suffered one terror attack after another. We are going to get it to stop,' he said.

The president urged European nations to commit more of its money to NATO, as he said the organization's 'Article 5' commitment to mutual defense is an ironclad guarantee.

'Words are easy but actions matter,' he said.

At a press conference following his private talks with Andrzej Duda, Trump said North Korea would face 'consequences' for its intercontinental ballistic missile test.

He also admitted that Russia 'could have' interfered with the 2016 election and vowed to work with Poland on addressing threats from the country.

Trump's whirlwind visit to Warsaw comes just days before he meets Russian President Vladimir Putin. He will next travel to Germany for Friday and Saturday's G20 summit.

Trump's appearance alongside the Polish president will go down badly in Russia.

Trump's visit was coordinated with the Three Seas Initiative which is a new 12-nation trade and economic bloc organized in part to limit Russia's power, especially in ways that diminish its dominance in the region's energy markets.

At a joint press conference between Trump and Duda, the US president called on the global community to ensure there are 'consequences' for Pyongyang's belligerence and warned that he is considering a 'severe' response.

Ivanka embraced the summer temperatures in a blue and white floral printed dress and nude pumps

Ivanka was shown around the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews by Poland's Chief Rabbi Michael Schudrich

Ivanka, who converted to Judaism ahead of her 2009 marriage to Kushner, said she was 'deeply moved' by her visit to the museum and monument

She was admired by crowds which filmed her visit on handheld cameras and smart phones as Secret Service agents held them back

Ivanka broke off from the rest of the family for the visit to the museum and monument, taking just her Secret Service detail with her

'I call on all nations to confront this global threat and publicly demonstrate to North Korea that there are consequences for their very, very bad behavior,' Trump said.

'I have pretty severe things that we're thinking about,' he said, but added: 'That doesn't mean that we'll do them.'

Trump later said that he was working with Poland on addressing threats from Russia and reiterated his calls for NATO members to meet their financial obligations.

In a direct appeal to Russia, Trump said in his speech that Vladimir Putin's country should 'cease its destabilizing activities in Ukraine and elsewhere.'

Duda for his part said he believed Trump took Poland's security seriously.

'We see ourselves as loyal partners who cooperate on a number of issues, among others on security,' Duda told said at the news conference.

Trump said then that the country 'could have' interfered with the 2016 US presidential election which saw him take victory over Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.

After a morning of events in Poland, she and Jared flew to Hamburg with the president and first lady ahead of the G-20 summit
A stomach-churning video shows forest officials in India pulling a goat out of the mouth of a 15ft python.

Scores of villagers gathered in Jaitpur village in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday when they spotted the snake devouring its huge snack.

The snake had ventured into the village from the nearby forest before attacking its prey.

Ssssnack time: Scores of villagers gathered in Jaitpur village in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday when they spotted the snake devouring its huge snack

Akhil Baba, the snake rescue expert (pictured in the pink shirt), said: 'It was a 15ft-long python. To take the reptile out from the pit among the bushes was a tough job but we managed it well'

A team of forest officials and a snake rescue expert tried to save the goat, but it was dead by the time they freed it from the python's clutches.

Though the snake was relatively slow-moving after its huge meal, it took the officials hours to catch the snake as it had taken refuge in a pit among the bushes.

Akhil Baba, the snake rescue expert, said: 'It was a 15ft-long python. To take the reptile out from the pit among the bushes was a tough job but we managed it well with the help of villagers.'

Wily one: Though the snake was relatively slow-moving after its huge meal, it took the officials hours to catch the snake as it had taken refuge in a pit among the bushes

In vain: A team of forest officials and a snake rescue expert tried to save the goat, but it was dead by the time they freed it from the python's clutches (left)

A video taken by an onlooker shows Mr Baba holding the mouth of the python while other wildlife workers pull out the goat.

Rawat Tiwari, a forest official, said: 'We tried to save the goat but when we pulled it out, it was already dead.'

The python was later released into the forest.
Chinese scientists claim they have found the key to mass-breeding extra strong and fast 'super dogs' thanks to a pioneering technology.

A team of researchers in Beijing say they are now able to change a dog's nature by modifying its genes, and then reproduce it through cloning.

For example, they could customise a dog to make it have bigger muscles and better running ability before making copies of it, according to Lai Liangxue, the lead researcher.

Meet Long Long: The tiny beagle is said to be the world's first dog cloned from a genetically modified parent. The puppy was created by Sino Gene, a company based in Beijing

Father and son: Long Long is a clone of Apple, which was created by Sino Gene using cloning and gene knockout techniques. The above two pictures show the comparison of Long Long (left) and Apple (right) when they were nine days old

The scientists from Sino Gene, a biological technology company based in Beijing, made the claim after having recently created a cloned beagle, named Long Long.

The company said Long Long is the first of its kind in the world, because it is cloned from a genetically modified parent.

The male puppy was born on May 28 at a lab of Sino Gene. Long Long's father, Apple, was born at the same lab on December 29, 2016.

According to Sino Gene, Apple was created to be a laboratory dog so that researchers could study the causes and cures of atherosclerosis, a medical condition when arteries become clogged with fatty substances.

Scientists used the gene knockout technique while making Apple. They took a somatic cell - which is any cell of a living organism other than the reproductive cells - from a healthy beagle and modified one of the genes so that Apple was born with high blood lipids.

Although South Korean scientists have been cloning dogs since 2005, by creating Long Long, Sino Gene said they have become the first company in the world to be able to duplicate a genetically engineered dog.

Sino Gene said the technology would enable their researchers to make 'super dogs', then copy them in batches. The technology could help further studies in genetic treatment. The above pictures were taken when Long Long (left) and Apple (right) were 28 days old

The team behind the project: The lead researcher, Lai Liangxue (third from the right), said his team could change dogs' nature and produce customised dogs before making copies

Sino Gene told MailOnline that the technology would enable their researchers to make 'super dogs', and the animals would be ideal working dogs and police dogs.

The company also said that the technology could help its researchers carry out further studies in genetic treatment.

For example, they could help pet owners make a healthy clone of their ill dog, which suffers from a genetic disease.

Extra muscular dogs: In 2015, Mr Lai created two beagles, named Hercules and Tiangou (left), which were twice as muscular as normal beagles. The strongest natural dog was regarded to be Wendy the whippet (right) from Canada, which died in January aged just short of 14

The project's leader, Lai Liangxue, has in the past successfully created extra strong dogs through genetic engineering.

In 2015, Mr Lai created two beagles, named Hercules and Tiangou, which were twice as muscular as normal beagles, according to MIT Technology Review.

With the arrival of Long Long in May, Mr Lai said now his team could change the nature of dogs, then 'batch' produce the customised dogs by copying the model, according to Chinese newspaper Science and Technology Daily.

In addition, the gene-edited technology could be applied to breed model dogs with diseases such as autism and diabetes, said the same report.

According to Sino Gene, they will keep raising and observing Apple and Long Long. Their statistics will be recorded for scientific use.
This dramatic footage shows the moment two petrified swimmers scrambled to get out of the water when they noticed three killer whales heading in their direction.

The video, shot by photographer Robin Leveille, sees the pair racing for safety at Whytecliff Park, west Vancouver, at the weekend.

It begins by focusing on the trio of orcas as the voiceover says: 'What the f**k?'

This dramatic footage shows the moment two petrified swimmers scrambled to get out of the water when they noticed three killer whales heading in their direction. Above, one of the men at the moment he reaches land - with one of the orcas just behind him

The camera pans to the two unidentified men as they reach land just as one of the killer whales comes within feet of the shoreline.

The pair then sit on the rocks looking out at the ocean, reflecting on their lucky escape from the creatures, understood to be Biggs killer whales.

Biggs are renowned for moving silently, except for when attacking their prey - normally seals and sea lions.

The video, shot by photographer Robin Leveille, sees the pair racing for safety at Whytecliff Park, west Vancouver, at the weekend. The animals are believed to be Biggs killer whales - renowned for moving silently, except for when attacking their prey

The animals are notoriously dramatic predators, ramming themselves into the target to send it hurling into the air, or drowning it by repeatedly pushing it under water.

Although there are no documented incidents of such whales killing humans, one person was injured by a Biggs off the coast of California around 25 years ago.

'They sneak along shorelines like that, like you see in the video, usually looking for harbour seals,' Lance Barrett-Lennard, the Vancouver Aquarium's head of cetacean research, told North Shore News.

'That looked like foraging behaviour to me. There were seals in the area, so the presumption is that was a case of mistaken identity,' he added.

Whytecliff Park is located at the mouth of Howe Sound near Horseshoe Bay.
Victoria has overtaken New South Wales (NSW) as the state with the highest number of violent crimes for armed robberies and break-ins.

The 2016 Census shows Victoria had 52,692 break-in cases last year.

Meanwhile, NSW break-ins recorded in the same period reduced for the sixth consecutive year by 5 per cent to 41,200 from 59,700, reports the Age.

Victoria has overtaken New South Wales with the most armed robberies and break ins last year

The survey also revealed Victoria had 1,900 armed robberies in comparison with NSW with 1,068 cases.

A closer look at the number of victims of homicide and related offences in NSW fell by three per cent from 101 victims in 2015 to 98 victims last year.

In Victoria, homicide offences rose from 100 in 2015 to 115 victims last year.

Victoria also recorded the largest increase among victims of motor vehicle theft, which rose for the third consecutive year to 19,026 victims.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics made the revelation in its latest 2016 state crime survey

The survey included crimes consisting homicides, sexual assaults, robberies and motor thefts

Meanwhile, car thefts in NSW was down eight per cent from 13,032 victims in 2015 to 12,013 victims last year.

But both of the states recorded an increase in sexual assaults.

The number of victims of sexual assault in NSW rose by two percent, from 8,603 victims in 2015 to 8,795 victims last year.

There was no reason given for the rise in crimes in the 2016 survey done by ABS recently

The number of sexual assault victims in Victoria rose for the third consecutive year, from 4,719 victims in 2015 to 5,381 victims in 2016.

Victoria has been undergoing a crime crisis in recent months no thanks to the members of the Apex gang who have been terrorising residents through a bout of home invasions and other violent crimes.
A nun was praying inside a Roman Catholic church in New York City when she was harassed by a man who said he 'didn't believe' in her religion and then threatened to kill her, police said.

Sister Maria Amador, 49, was praying for her mother in a pew at the Co-Cathedral of St Joseph in Brooklyn, when the man walked in around 2pm.

Surveillance footage in the vestibule of the church that was released by the Diocese of Brooklyn, shows the shirtless man pacing back and forth.

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Sister Maria Amador (pictured), 49, was praying inside a Roman Catholic church when she was threatened by a shirtless man who said he was going to kill her, according to the NYPD

Sister Maria was praying for her mother in a pew at the Co-Cathedral of St Joseph in Brooklyn, when the man walked in around 2pm

Surveillanc footage in the vestibule of the church that was released by the Diocese of Brooklyn, shows the shirtless man walking up to Sister Maria who is seen sitting in a pew

The man, who was wearing only a pair of shorts and sneakers, is then seen walking up to Sister Maria. She told police the man said: 'I don't believe in this because you don't help the poor.'

'When I saw him I thought he was a little strange and maybe he needed help,' she told the New York Daily News.

Sister Maria said she tried to ignore the man, who is believed to be homeless, until he got closer to her and asked her to repeat what he said.

When she wouldn't repeat what he said, the man became furious and threatened to kill her.

Sister Maria tried to make eye contact with another woman in the church, when the man said: 'She can't help you. I'm going to kill you.'

She then ran down the aisle of the church screaming for help.

The man, who was wearing only a pair of shorts and sneakers, is then seen placing his foot on a pew as he says to Sister Maria: 'I don't believe in this because you don't help the poor'

Sister Maria said she tried to ignore the man until he got closer to her and asked her to repeat what he said. When she wouldn't repeat what he said, the man became furious and threatened to kill her

Sister Maria then made a run for it and yelled out for help. After watching the incident on the video she said she believes her faith made her a target. 'Of course, it's a hate crime,' she said. Police said the hate crimes task force is investigating

'I thought, maybe this is my last day... in that moment,' she said.

Alejandro Zuleta, 38, was practicing on his organ on the second floor when he heard the commotion downstairs.

'I shouted to the guy, "You have to leave, you cannot harass people inside the church!"' Zuleta told the Daily News.

The suspect then fled on foot.

After watching the incident on the video Sister Maria said she believes her faith made her a target.

'Of course, it's a hate crime,' she said. Police said the hate crimes task force is investigating.

Sister Maria, who is the is the Mother Superior and one of the founders of her order, the Preachers of Christ and Mary, was not physically injured in the incident. Pictured is the church where the incident took place

Sister Maria, who is the is the Mother Superior and one of the founders of her order, the Preachers of Christ and Mary, was not physically injured in the incident.

Although, the city's hate crime unit is investigating the incident, the man is still believed to be homeless.

In recent years, homelessness in New York City has reached the highest levels since the Great Depression in the 1930s.

In April alone, there were 61,277 homeless people, including 15,328 homeless families with 23,000 homeless children, sleeping each night in the New York City municipal shelter system.

Over the course of the city's fiscal year 2016, more than 127,652 different homeless men, women, and children slept in the New York City municipal shelter system.

Authorities are asking the public to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS if they have any information on the incident.
The disappearance of US aviator Ameila Earhart on July 2, 1937, in the Western Pacific Ocean has gained legendary status among the age's unsolved mysteries

A woman who lived in Saipan as a child at the time Amelia Earhart vanished has long claimed she saw the US aviator alive and being taken into Japanese custody.

Josephine Blanco Akiyama, now a resident of California, was 12 years old when she claims to have seen Earhart being hauled away by the Japanese in Saipan in July 1937 after the aviator is believed to have crashed her plane into the Pacific Ocean.

Akiyama's claims have added yet another element to the mystery of Earhart's disappearance while she was attempting the first round-the-world flight 80 years ago this month.

'I didn't even know it's a woman, I thought it's a man,' Akiyama told NBC's Today on Thursday.

'Everybody was talking about her but they were talking in Japanese - that's why I know that she's a woman. They were talking about a woman flyer.'

Akiyama claims she later learned Earhart had been executed.

It comes after a fuzzy photograph made headlines this week, claiming yet another remarkable theory about Earhart's disappearance.

The disappearance of Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan on July 2, 1937, in the Western Pacific Ocean has gained legendary status among the age's unsolved mysteries.

She is believed to have crashed after noting the poor visibility and her declining gas levels in a series of transmissions earlier that morning.

Josephine Blanco Akiyama (left) was 12 years old and living in Saipan (right) when she claims to have seen Earhart being hauled away by the Japanese in July 1937 after crashing her plane

A documentary is claiming that an image appears to show Amelia Earhart (sitting center) after she vanished from the sky in July of 1937

The documentary claims that Earhart and Noonan stand out as the only two Westerners in the photo, which the government had stored away in their National Archive

The alleged details of Earhart's final flight, and where she is believed to have ended up based on different theories over the years

A two-hour History channel documentary - Amelia Earhart: The Lost Evidence - suggests the photo shows Earhart with Noonan on a jetty on a Pacific island back in 1937 after they were believed to have perished at sea.

There are claims the image was taken the same year that Earhart went missing in the vicinity of the island chain.

It shows a person, claimed to be that of Earhart, being photographed from behind as she sat on a jetty looking out to the ocean. A crippled plane can also be seen on the far right being dragged by a large ship. A man tipped to be Noonan can be seen standing nearby.

The faces of the two cannot be seen, but their profiles do bear a striking similarity to the pair. It has been claimed that the photographer was a US spy or emissary operating behind enemy lines in the Pacific.

A facial recognition expert said that it is likely Earhart and Noonan in the photo, which was discovered in the National Archive by retired federal agent Les Kinney.

But investigators told MailOnline a year ago that the photo could not be that of Earhart because it was among a batch of pictures taken after 1940 - three years after Earhart vanished.

Mad for plaid: Earhart was all smiles in March of 1937 (above) when she took off from Los Angeles on her planned circumnavigation of the globe

Heavy metal: The legendary aviator was last heard from on July 2 of that year, noting the poor visibility and her declining gas levels in a series of transmissions that morning

An investigator who researched the photo for MailOnline believed initially that the figures on the end of the jetty showed Earhart and Noonan but his enthusiasm waned when he realized the date they were supposedly taken.

'The 1940+ date is probably the most disheartening of all,' the investigator told MailOnline, pointing out other discrepancies, among them the body shapes of the figures that are now claimed in the new documentary as being those of Miss Earhart and Noonan.

Now another recognised Earhart investigator, Mike Campbell, has also lashed out at what he described as 'bogus photo claims'.

Referring to how a number of TV networks were now 'breathlessly touting the photo', Campbell said it wasn't evidence of anything except that a Japanese ship, the Koshu Maru, was once in Jaluit Harbour.

There has been widespread claims throughout the decades that because Japanese forces were in the Marshall Islands in July 1937 - at the time Earhart's aircraft lost contact and crashed 'somewhere' - the Japanese believed she was a spy and took her to Saipan where she and Noonan died.

Campbell claims that the photo 'does little except discredit the truth'.

Tantalizing tandem: Earhart and Noonan had completed 22,000 miles of their 29,000 mile journey before taking off on what would be their last flight (pair above on June 11, 1937)

He says that Earhart and Noonan are 'absolutely not in the photo and it's incredible that anyone could believe they are'.

'Zoom in and you can see the upper half of a white man with black hair on the far left of the group on the dock,' he said, but adds that the features, the nose, the hairline are all wrong 'and any intelligent analysis rules him out'.

Campbell said that 'nobody in the photo remotely resembles Earhart inasmuch as anyone's facial features can be determined at all'.

MailOnline's investigation last year also concluded that if Earhart and Noonan had been captured by the Japanese, the suspected spies would have been under guard but there is no sign of any Japanese soldier on the jetty.

'The group on the dock appears to be out for a Sunday stroll, or awaiting someone's arrival from one of the ships in the harbour,' Campbell said.

As the MailOnline's investigator who uncovered the questionable photo notes: 'In the archives I found that the envelopes containing the photographs were stamped on the lower rear corner - something that was difficult to notice as they're in a three-ring binder/enclosure.

'The (aerial) surveillance photos in the first few envelopes were dated earlier than the 1940s, but the photos taken from on the island (Jaluit), that were in the latter envelopes, were dated 1940+'.
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Melania Trump delivered one of her most assured speeches to date on Thursday afternoon as she addressed a crowd in Warsaw after a day spent with her Polish counterpart visiting children at a local science center.

The First Lady appeared alongside President Trump at the Warsaw Uprising Monument, where she offered up some brief remarks before introducing her husband to the crowd.

Melania said at one point in her speech that 'people should be able to live their lives without fear' while standing beside the landmark which serves as a reminder of Poland's occupation by Nazi forces during World War II.

She also spoke about her 'wonderful' visit to Poland's largest science center, wit the First Lady continuing her tradition of visiting with children on her trips with President Trump.

It was announced just before her remarks on Thursday that she would soon be heading back to the region as well, with Slovenian President Borut Pahor's cabinet announcing that President Trump had agreed to travel to the country of his wife's birth for a meeting.

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Assured remarks: Melania Trump said that 'people should be able to live their lives without fear' while speaking in Poland on Thursday

Terrific trip: Melania later raved about her visit and the children she met at Poland's largest science center

Leader of the pack: She also remarked that 'people should be able to live their lives without fear' while speaking in front of the landmark remembering Nazi occupation of Poland

Who dis: Melania was later greeted as she got off Air Force One with President Trump by First Mayor of Hamburg Olaf Schol (above)

Among those in attendance for the speech were former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani and Lech Walesa, the former president of Poland.

The crowd cheered and chanted 'U.S.A' as Melania took the stage and then delivered what proved to be one of her most assured speeches to date.

'My husband and I have enjoyed visiting your beautiful country,' the First Lady said while introducing her husband to the crowd gathered in Poland's capital and largest city.

She then championed her husband to those gathered on what is now her second overseas trip since President Trump took office.

'As many of you know, a main focus of my husband's presidency is safety and security of the American people,' said the First Lady.

'I think all of us can agree people should be able to live their lives without fear, no matter what country they live in. That is my wish for all of us around the world.'

Melania was then off after her husband's speech, with the two heading to Germany for the start of the G-20 summit on Friday.

Buy American: She handed out red, white and blue USA backpacks that were covered with stars and stripes during the outing (above)

Circle time: Melania listens as the children speak during her visit on Thursday

Stylish senorita: The First Lady wore a $2650 midi decoupage dress in blue wool crepe with pink stripes on the skirt and a fitted bodice by Delpozo

Handle with care: Melania tests one of the devices at the center while a young child looks on

Still bewitched: The wide array or devices kept Melania intrigued during her trip to the center

Signed, sealed, delivered: Melania adds her signature to one of the logs at the science center during her visit

For her events on Thursday Melania went with a $2650 midi decoupage dress in blue wool crepe with pink stripes on the skirt and a fitted bodice by Delpozo which was recently shown as part of their pre-Fall 2017 collection.

The pret-a-couture fashion brand - first launched by the late Spanish designer Jesus del Pozo - has had an unexpected and welcome revival in recent years under the guidance of creative director Josep Font.

It has also become a go-to brand for celebrities on the red carpet, with the likes of Julianne Moore, Reese Witherspoon and Hillary Swank all stepping out in pieces from Font's collections in recent years.

The fashion house's visibility has also gotten a huge boost from 'Mad Men' star Kiernan Shipka, who has become the unofficial face of the brand thanks to her frequent appearances in Delpozo during press tours and red carpet events.

This is the first time that Melania has worn Delpozo since assuming the role of First Lady.

Melania was joined by Poland's First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda for her visit to the Copernicus Science Centre in Warsaw earlier in the day, where the two women spent time speaking with local children and posing for photos.

Melania did not come empty handed either, handing out red, white and blue backpacks covered in stars and stripes to some of the youngsters while posing for pictures with the group.

Photos from her visit to the science center show the First Lady smiling alongside the children and her Polish counterpart as she holds a hot-pink toy high heel, which perfectly matched the stripes on her designer dress.

Melania also proved that she too struggles to work a tablet just like every other American, with the First Lady seen struggling to operate one of the center's devices in one photo.

The First Lady was quickly assisted by one of the employees at the country's largest science center and had no issues with the tablet after that point.

Luxe: Melania was photographed making her way to Marine One in a very minimalist look that showcased some bank-breaking pieces, beginning with her black crocidile Birkin

Pricey: That $75,000 handbag was paired with check-print Valentino trousers in a blush tone, black suede heels courtesy of Manolo Blahnik and flat-rimmed sunglasses by Victoria Beckham

The arrival: The First Lady emerged from Air Force One looking radiant in an emerald green trench coat by designer Diane von Furstenberg

Green with envy: Melania's choice of designer was a bit of a surprise, with von Furstenberg one of Hillary Clinton's biggest supporters and a close friend

Melania has once again put on a stylish show on her trip overseas, cutting a striking figure from the moment she stepped off the plane in Poland on Wednesday night.

The First Lady emerged from Air Force One looking radiant in an emerald green trench coat by designer Diane von Furstenberg.

Melania's choice of designer was a bit of a surprise, with von Furstenberg one of Hillary Clinton's biggest supporters and a close friend.

The two women even attended a Broadway show together just last month.

That look came after Melania departed the White House just hours earlier in a look that perfectly invoked the casual elegance of Jackie Kennedy.

She was photographed making her way to Marine One in a very minimalist look that showcased some bank-breaking pieces, beginning with her black crocidile Birkin.

That $75,000 handbag was paired with check-print Valentino trousers in a blush tone, black suede heels courtesy of Manolo Blahnik ($595), flat-rimmed sunglasses by Victoria Beckham ($450) and a simple black cashmere top.
Kim Jong-Un is a repulsive excuse for a human being; a megalomaniac tyrant with a penchant for torture, executions and systematic abuse of his people.

He is also marching very rapidly toward his goal of making North Korea a full nuclear power, which makes him a very real and dangerous threat.

On Tuesday, Jong-un celebrated his rogue states first successful launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, and declared it was a special gift for American bastards on July 4.

He added that hed ordered his officials to frequently send big and small gift packages to the Yankees.

Kim Jong-Un is a repulsive excuse for a human being; a megalomaniac tyrant with a penchant for torture, executions and systematic abuse of his people.

Most of this chubby crew-cut-headed clowns threatening rhetoric can be dismissed as the self-serving, populist ranting of a deluded despotic.

But this was no laughing matter.

The missile travelled a distance that could have enabled it to reach Alaska.

So North Korea, the worlds most unstable and dangerous regime, now has the weapons capability to attack mainland America.

To be more specific, some ICBMs, which are designed to carry nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, can travel up to 6,200 miles.

California, where I have a home, is 5,592 miles from North Korea.

Jong-uns missiles, and he insists he has nuclear warheads, could thus reach Los Angeles in 30 minutes.

So for me, this just got very personal as Im sure it did for anyone else living within range of this loathsome lunatic.

The missile launch was also something President Trump assured us in a tweet back in January wont happen.

Well now it has, much faster than anyone outside of North Korea expected.

The significance of this cannot be overstated.

North Korea, the worlds most unstable and dangerous regime, now has the weapons capability to attack mainland America.

They are behaving in a very, very dangerous manner and something will have to be done about, Trump said in Poland this morning. I have pretty severe things that were thinking about. That doesnt mean well do them.

One of those severe things doubtless includes a US military strike against Jong-un.

But that is simply not an option.

Not unless America wants to risk all-out war.

Jong-un wouldnt think twice about martyring vast swathes of his massive million-strong military if he had to.

This, lest we forget, is a man who recently had his own brother poisoned to death. He has a dehumanised disregard for life.

If America attacked, his gigantically grotesque ego wouldnt allow him to do nothing. He would feel compelled to retaliate, probably by attacking South Korea.

Then all hell would break loose.

North Korea has 8,000 big guns less than 40 miles from Seoul, the Souths capital city with 25 million people.

Experts say these guns could hit every single block in the city within a few hours.

In other words, Seoul and its people would be destroyed.

So this is not one of the severe things that Trump can realistically deploy, as Im sure his two top security advisors, Generals Mattis and McMaster, are telling him.

But there is another, smarter way to tackle this monster.

Trump needs to hold his nerve, hold his trigger, and squeeze Jong-un to financial death.

This wont come naturally to a man who usually responds to mockery and threats with impulsive rage.

Yet I have been impressed by Trumps actions on the foreign stage so far in his presidency. In particular, when Syrian dictator Bashar Al-Assad used chemical weapons, he didnt over or under react. Instead, he responded with a proportionate and effective tactical airstrike on one of Assads airbases, as advised by Mattis and McMaster.

The missile launch was also something President Trump assured us in a tweet back in January wont happen.

This showed me that Trump understands the very real perils of miscalculation on the world military stage and has the ability to be far calmer and more rational in his decision-making than he often appears on Twitter.

There are some things he can do straightaway.

First, he should ramp up Americas naval presence off the Korean peninsula. Remind Jong-un just how big the US military is, and how devastating it can be if challenged. Like all bullies, he only really appreciates or fears superior strength.

Second, Trump should accelerate Americas secretive weapons-sabotaging program. The sheer volume of North Koreas failed previous missile tests suggests this may have already been a highly efficient tactic.

Third, America must pursue far more draconian global sanctions against Jong-un, and warn the rest of the world that if they trade with North Korea, they risk losing their trade with the US.

Nikki Haley, USs Ambassador to the United Nations, said as much yesterday at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council:

Countries that are allowing, even encouraging trade with North Korea.. also would like to maintain their trade with the United States. Thats not going to happen.

But for that threat to carry weight, it has to apply to China too.

Its outrageous, as President Trump said, that China increased trade with North Korea by 37% in the first quarter of 2017.

They are also known to sell substantial weapons materials and technology to North Korea.

Nikki Haley told The UN: Countries that are allowing, even encouraging trade with North Korea.. also would like to maintain their trade with the United States. Thats not going to happen.

By doing this, they are actively supporting the worlds most vile regime, and President Xi is openly snubbing Trumps call for them to work together to neutralise the threat.

Trump should make it very clear to Xi that China has to stop this right now or face its own trade consequences with the US.

Fourth, as Professor Bruce Bechtol has suggested, America should cut off access to the US financial system for any bank, company or individual that does business with North Korea. This would sever the countrys global weapons sales industry, which makes up 40% of its economy.

In short, America should strive to economically cripple North Korea.

Stifle the weapons sales, cut off the oil, follow the outside money and block it. This will all hurt Jong-un where he least wants hurting, in his cash reserves.

Many see Donald Trump as an unpredictable, dangerous man who is only one mad impulsive moment away from sparking nuclear meltdown.

I dont.

I see Kim Jong-un as that person.

This is President Trumps chance to prove, as he did with the Syria chemical weapons attack, that he can be a sensible and strategic world leader, and avert a crisis that could propel America and the world into catastrophe.

I strongly urge him to take it.
Three people have been killed in what officials are calling an 'extreme case of domestic violence' when a gunman in Maine went on a rampage Wednesday.

Carroll Tuttle Jr., 51, fatally shot his wife Lori Hayden, 52, their son, Dustin Tuttle, 25, and their neighbor Michael Spalding, 57 before being killed himself by deputies.

A fourth shooting victim, Harvey Austin, 57, is being treated for multiple gunshot wounds at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor according to police.

Lori Hayden (left) was shot dead by her husband on Wednesday, her mother Darla Pickett (right) spoke briefly on the shootings ''My child is gone... I'm just broken-hearted right now'

Dustin Tuttle (left) was shot and killed by his father Carroll Tuttle Jr. who went on a rampage Wednesday morning. Their neighbor Michael Spalding was also shot and killed by Tuttle Jr.

The Somerset County Sheriff's office received a call at 7:37am reporting the shootings on Russell Road in Skowhegan, just a few miles from Madison, a town of less than 5,000 people in central Maine.

Tuttle Jr and his wife and son lived in a trailer on Russell Road, and there also was a camper where other family members were living on the property, according to a neighbor Wayne Parlin.

Steve McCausland, a spokesman the Maine State Police said Wednesday 'Our role now is to investigate exactly what happened, and what set this gunman off.' Tuttle shot wife Hayden and their son Dustin Tuttle at their home. Tuttle then left and went elsewhere. The exact details of his whereabouts are still under investigation.

The scene along Russell Road in Maine where the shootings occurred. The road was closed Wendesday as there were several crime scenes along the road being investigated

Steve McCausland with the Maine State Police speaks with reporters Wednesday

'The specifics of where he was after that point is still being researched and investigated, but he did return to his home, the same home he shot his wife and son at,' McCausland said.

At some point, Tuttle went to Spalding's home, located a short distance away on Russell Road, and shot him dead before returning home to where his dead wife and son were.

When he arrived at his home, Somerset deputies shot and killed him in his driveway.

The multi-jurisdictional investigation is being headed up by the Maine State Police. McCausland said Wednesday 'Our role now is to investigate exactly what happened, and what set this gunman off.'

Also aiding in the investigation is the Somerset County Sheriff's Department, whose deputies took down Tuttle Jr. in his driveway Wednesday morning, as well as investigators from the attorney general's office to determine details of the shootings.

The state Attorney General's office is reviewing the use of force by police, which is standard procedure for officer-involved shootings.

The deputies involved in the shooting are Chief Deputy James Ross, his son detective Michael Ross, and deputy Joseph Jackson. None of them were injured in the incident, Somerset County Sheriff Dale Lancaster said.

Lancaster said the officers are on an administrative paid leave while the investigation is underway.

As the investigation unfolds, more questions will be answered. The link between Spalding and Tuttle Jr. remains unknown. Austin, who was wounded along the side of the road, is married to a woman who is a relative of Hayden's, Lancaster said.

Four people have been killed, including the gunman, and another person was wounded in shootings Wednesday morning at several locations along Russell Road in Madison according to Maine State Police spokesperson McCausland

What we're investigating now at this point is a domestic violence killing of both Ms. Hayden and of Dustin,' McCausland said. 'The connection as to why the other two men were shot are questions we really don't have an answer to at this point, but we are going to do our best to get those answers.'

Hayden was the daughter of Skowhegan Selectwoman Darla Pickett, a former reporter for the Morning Sentinel in Maine.

'I only know my child is gone,' Pickett, a former Morning Sentinel reporter, told the paper Wednesday afternoon 'I'm just broken-hearted right now I can't  talk. I just can't talk. I'm sorry.'

Michael Spalding's son took to Facebook to post about his father being one of the victims 'Thank you to all the people that have reached out. It means a lot to have all the support I do. My dad was the world to me and I'm sure a lot of you felt similar.'

'Thank you to all the people that have reached out. It means a lot to have all the support I do. My dad was the world to me and I'm sure a lot of you felt similar' Michael's son posted to Facebook

The condition of Austin who was shot multiple times and brought to a hospital in Bangor wasn't immediately clear.

In a statement later Wednesday morning, Sheriff Lancaster said the deputies who arrived on scene 'discovered that three people had been shot to death.'

Kim Morse, of Embden, was stopped on Russell Road by state police as they blocked the road in both directions.

Morse said Wednesday morning that she travels that way all the time.

'I know people on this road. I don't want it to be anybody I know  I don't want it to be anyone but nobody I know,' Morse said. 'It's shocking. This is a small town.'

Near the Russell Road blockade, Reginal Woodman sat on the rear bumper of his Toyota pickup truck in the shade of a tree in his yard, watching all the traffic turning in his driveway.

'Ain't much I can do about it,' he said. 'Don't want any more excitement.'

The shootings happened about 4 miles from the center of town in Madison, a small town of about 4,800 residents in central Maine.

It is the deadliest shooting in Maine since November 2015, when a 3-year-old girl was the only survivor of a rampage in the town of Oakland in which a gunman killed his girlfriend and the youngster's parents before taking his own life.
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Prime Minister Theresa May arrived in Hamburg this evening for tomorrow's G-20 Summit, although she lacked the rock star reception of her Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau who even addressed a major music concert.

Mrs May flew into the northern German port city along with her husband Phillip, and her chancellor, Phillip Hammond.

The summit is the first major international meeting for the PM since she failed to secure an overall majority in last month's general election.

Trudeau's son stole the show earlier as the Canadian Prime Minister lead the arrival of world leaders gathering for the G20 summit in Hamburg.

Prime Minister Theresa May arrived in Hamburg this evening along with her husband Philip, right, for the G20 summit

Mrs May, centre, was followed by her husband and her Chancellor Phillip Hammond bringing up the rear, right

Mrs May flew to Hamburg on board the RAF Voyager aircraft which has been leased for 27 years from Airbus

This week's G20 summit is the first major international event for Mrs May since her failure to win an overall majority in June

Mrs May, pictured, is planning to discuss climate change with US president Donald Trump while at the G20 summit

Mrs May, pictured, had earlier received bad news from the Europe's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier who appeared to rule out any Brexit deal which would allow Britain to continue with 'friction-less trade with the other 27 member states

Trudeau, 45, walked down the stairs of his plane with wife Sophie, 42, at his side and their three-year-old son, Hadrien, swinging between them.

He then addressed thousands of concert goers at the Global Citizen Festival. Elsewhere in Hamburg, riot police took to the streets to counter massive demonstrations planned by left-wing activists.

The Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada has attracted a lot of attention for his good looks and went viral earlier this year after a snap showed President Trump's daughter, Ivanka, looking captivated by him during a discussion at the White House.

Pop superstars Shakira and Pharrell Williams announced on Wednesday that they will join the first Global Citizen festival in Europe to push leaders to end extreme poverty.

Shakira and Williams, both long involved in charity, will join already announced acts Coldplay, Ellie Goulding and chart-topping electronic duo The Chainsmokers.

Shakira said the concert would press governments to recommit to the UN-backed Sustainable Development Goals which aim to end the worst forms of poverty by 2030.

Shakira said: 'As Global Citizens that we are, I believe we can be the first generation to make sure children everywhere have access to quality education, health care and proper nutrition to break the cycle of poverty in which millions of people are still trapped.'

Williams added: 'The next generation deserves a better future. Let's make sure our leaders commit the resources necessary to bring millions out of extreme poverty across the globe.'

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, right, addressed a crowd during the Global Citizen Festival concert that is taking place hours before the start of the G20 summit in Hamburg, northern Germany

Mr Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire, took to the stage at the concert aimed at bringing an end to extreme poverty

The summit's message comes at a trying time as US President Donald Trump is a staunch critic of foreign assistance, proposing steep cuts in aid to put 'America First'.

Global Citizen distributes tickets for free to supporters who pledge to take actions which include writing their leaders to support foreign assistance.

The festival also expanded in November to India, where 80,000 fans came out in Mumbai for artists including Coldplay and rap great Jay Z.

The Hamburg edition, which was livestreamed on YouTube, also featured major German stars including Andreas Bourani and the previously announced Herbert Gronemeyer.

More than 10 percent of people in the world lived on $1.90 or less each day in 2013, although the figure has tumbled by 25 percentage points since 1990 amid concerted global efforts, according to World Bank data.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Hamburg where he will likely meet US President Donald Trump for the first time

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, greeted Donald Trump, left, on his arrival in Hamburg earlier this evening

Mrs Merkel, left, also greeted the Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, right at the Hotel Atlantic Kempinki in Hamburg

US President Donald Trump arrived in Hamburg for the G20 and was brought to the venue in Cadillac One - The Beast

The 18-foot-long armoured limousine weighs eight tonnes and has its own sealed air supply to protect the president

Mr Trump is among the world leaders who will discuss climate change and problems in Africa during the G20 in Hamburg

Trudeau, 45, walked down the stairs of his plane with wife Sophie, 42, at his side and their three-year-old son, Hadrien, swinging between between them

Trudeau was the first leader to arrive for the two-day summit that is likely to be the stormiest in years, with disagreements ranging from wars to climate change and global trade

The G20 Summit is an international forum for governments from 20 of the world's major economies

The Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada has attracted a lot of attention for his good looks and went viral earlier this year after a snap showed President Trump's daughter, Ivanka, looking captivated by him

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, seated on board his official aircraft looking like a Bond villain with members of the media en-route to Hamburg for the G20 leaders conference which is due to start tomorrow

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi flew into Hamburg earlier today where climate change is on the G20 agenda

Trudeau was the first leader to arrive for the two-day summit that is likely to be the stormiest in years, with disagreements ranging from wars to climate change and global trade.

The meeting will bring US President Donald Trump, Russia's Vladimir Putin, China's Xi Jinping and other leaders to the city and has already been marred by protests.

Shortly after Trudeau Donald Trump arrived for his first G20 soon after Trudeau with wife Melania at his side.

Earlier in the day the President was in Poland, where he appeared to finally turn on Russia for its 'destabilizing activities in Ukraine' and 'support for hostile regimes including Syria and Iran'.

Shortly after Trudeau Donald Trump arrived for his first G20 soon after Trudeau with wife Melania at his side

Earlier in the day the President was in Poland, where he appeared to finally turn on Russia for its 'destabilizing activities in Ukraine' and 'support for hostile regimes'

Trump is likely to discuss Russia's support of Syrian President Assad with Putin during the two-day summit

Trump urged Putin's government to join the US and its allies in the fight against violent extremism but refused to pin election hacking last year in the US on the Kremlin, saying he thinks it was Putin's government, but it 'could have been other people in other countries'.

Mayor of Hamburg, Olaf Scholz, was pictured welcoming South Africa's President Jacob Zuma.

In recent months Zuma has faced criticism from world leaders and his own people after a deepening economic crisis in his country.

In April tens of thousands of South Africans marched to demand the President's resignation after the dismissal of respected finance minister Pravin Gordhan led to a second major rating agency cutting the government's sovereign credit rating to junk status.

Later Mayor of Hamburg, Olaf Scholz, was pictured welcoming South Africa's President Jacob Zuma

In recent months Zuma has faced criticism from world leaders and his own people after a deepening economic crisis in South Africa

The German city was braced for a violent 'Welcome to Hell' protest after riot police used a water cannon and pepper spray to clear an unauthorized protest camp on Tuesday, leaving five people injured and driving fears of more trouble ahead in the northern port city of Hamburg.

Up to 100,000 demonstrators are expected before and during the summit.

Germany's second city is hosting its largest-ever international meeting and has deployed some 20,000 police around the event sites.

Ms Merkel is also hoping to keep things under control inside the city congress centre where the summit is being held. With guests including US president Donald Trump, Russian president Vladimir Putin and Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the search for compromises is expected to be challenging.

Ms Merkel said leaders would address regulating financial markets, fighting terrorism and pandemics and combating climate change, among other issues. She said 'free, rule-based and fair trade' will be an important issue.

She said: 'You can imagine that there will be discussions that will not be easy. Globalisation can be a win-win situation. It must not always be that there are winners and losers.'

In the wake of Mr Trump's recent decision to pull out of the Paris deal fighting climate change, the battle against global warming promises to feature prominently in discussions at the summit.

Ms Merkel has rejected calls from some to push for a strong 'G19' statement - without the US - on climate change. That is something that Zhu Guangyao, a Chinese deputy finance minister, told reporters on Thursday that Beijing also did not support.

'The policies produced by the G20 should be by the consensus of all member states,' he said. 'No one should be excluded.'

Still, he added, 'China will firmly promote its policies taking more measures against climate change.'

The German city is braced for a potentially violent 'Welcome to Hell' protest on Thursday by anti-capitalist activists as tensions rise in the lead-up to the power meeting. President of China, Xi Jinping waves as he arrives at Hamburg Airport ahead of the G20

Prime Minister of Australia, Malcolm Turnbull, is pictured arriving at Hamburg International Airport for the summit

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, talks to Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Germany's second city is hosting its largest-ever international meeting and has deployed some 20,000 police around the event sites

A 'women against Trump' protest was held in Hamburg yesterday ahead of the US President's arrival in the country

Officers are equipped with riot gear, armored vehicles, helicopters and surveillance drones. A holding center for detainees has been set up with space for 400 people and detention judges are on hand.

Some 30 demonstrations have been announced before and during the meeting, organised by anti-globalization activists and environmentalists, trade unions, students and church groups.

Today police detained six people for throwing bottles at officers as about 11,000 protesters marched through Hamburg to techno music under the banner 'I'd rather dance than G20'.

Police were also investigating a fire at a local Porsche dealership in which eight luxury vehicles went up in flames.
Do the right thing: Dillon Reagan, 32, was fired from a Home Depot in Portland after he stepped in to try and stop a possible kidnapping during work hours

An Oregon man says he was fired from him job at a Portland Home Depot for violating the company's safety policy by trying to thwart what he thought at the time was a kidnapping.

Dillon Reagan, 32, found himself out of work in late June over an incident that took place the previous month outside the Home Depot at Mall 205 in Portland.

On May 12, Reagan, was nearing the end of his shift at the Home Depot's tool rental center when a co-worker alerted him to a disturbance in the parking lot.

Reagan and the other employee found a woman outside the store who was crying and screaming that a man assaulted her, reached into the backseat of her car and grabbed her child, reported KATU.

The two employees called 911 and the emergency dispatcher instructed them not to approach the suspect, but to follow him until police arrived. Officers responded to the scene a few minutes later and returned the child to the mother.

Reagan and his co-worker gave their witness statements to the police and returned to the store 10 minutes later.

The incident took place on May 12 outside this home improvement store, where Reagan had worked for four years

According to Reagan, his supervisor rebuked him for intervening, saying he should have gone back to work at once.

Then on June 19, after multiple meetings with his manager, Reagan was terminated from Home Depot, where he had worked for four years as a sales associate.

The May 12 incident was his second strike at work, with the first being the time he was caught using foul language during an argument with a colleague a few weeks earlier.

Despite losing his job, Reagan says he does not regret stepping in to protect a child.

It was still the right thing to do, he tells the station KGW. I was kind of in a Catch-22 situation: I'm damned if I do, damned if I dont.

Police would later conclude that what Reagan witnessed was not a kidnapping but a domestic dispute, and that no crime was committed.

On his Facebook page, Reagan shared a copy of a letter he received 10 days after his firing from the Oregon Employment Department approving his unemployment benefits.

Vindicated: After being let go for violating Home Depot's safety policy, Reagan successfully applied for unemployment benefits from the Oregon Employment Department, which sided with him in this letter from June 29

The state agency has found that assisting the police in preventing a kidnapping 'was not a willful or wantonly negligent violation of the standers of behavior an employer has the right to expect an employee.'

On Wednesday night, the Home Depot issued a statement offering to reinstate Reagan.

Thanks, no thanks: On Wednesday night, the Home Depot issued a statement offering to reinstate Reagan, but he is not interested

'We took a second look at this and have let Mr Reagan known that we've decided to reverse our decision, based on the circumstances. We always do our diligence to make sure associates are treated fairly, which we've done in this case.'

But for the sacked Good Samaritan, Home Depot's about-face was too little, too late.

Reagan says he has no plans to resume his employment at the store, or even shop there in the future.

He put it more bluntly on social media, writing in a post accompanying the letter from the OED vindicating his actions: 'F*** you, Home Depot!'

The Portland resident expressed hope that his next employer would have no qualms about the way he responded to the suspected abduction.

'We should be doing the right thing regardless of what company policy is, regardless of what consequence is, he tells KGW. ;What's good and what's right supersedes what's policy and whats orders.
A blast from the past caused a brief bomb scare outside a legendary New York nightclub on Wednesday.

Construction workers were digging at a nearby site when they unearthed a suspicious package in the shape of a World War II bomb.

But the package turned out to be a time capsule from the famous Danceteria nightclub, where the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Andy Warhol and designer Betsey Johnson used to frequent in the 1980s.

The time capsule wasn't supposed to be unearthed and opened for 10,000 years, according the club's former owner, John Argento.

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Officials remove the package shaped like WWII bomb caused evacuation in Flatiron District Bomb squad examined the package

The package was shaped like a wartime bomb and sparked an evacuation

Construction workers at a nearby site were digging to place a foundation when they unearthed a suspicious package (pictured) in the shape of a World War II bomb

During the scare, the NYPD's Emergency Services and bomb squad units evacuated the buildings along West 21st Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. Photos of the scene showed the barricaded alleyway where the package was found as authorities examined it

The time capsule came from the Danceteria nightclub, where the Rolling Stones frequented in the 1980s. Rolling Stones Bill Wyman, Ron Wood, Mick Jagger, and Keith Richards at Danceteria in June 1980

Madonna was also a regular at Danceteria and even shot a scene (pictured) from her 1985 film Desperately Seeking Susan at the nightclub

'I told everybody that this was going to happen!' Argento told the Gothamist.

'People always asked me what happened to the time capsule. I'd say it's in the alley next to the back of Danceteria,' he added.

During the scare, the NYPD's Emergency Services and bomb squad units evacuated the buildings along West 21st Street between 5th and 6th Avenues.

During the scare, the NYPD's Emergency Services and bomb squad units evacuated the buildings along West 21st Street between 5th and 6th Avenues

Photos of the scene showed the barricaded alleyway where the capsule was found as authorities examined it.

The bomb squad crew examined the time capsule and soon determined there was no threat.

The capsule has tailfins similar to those from WWII and it contained letters to the future Argento, who runs Surf City Bar and Zeppelin Hall and Biergarten in Jersey City, said.

The time capsule prop was purchased for about $200 after the club's promoter, Rudolph Pieper, came up with the idea for one of their 'ridiculous parties'. Jagger (left in 1980) and artist and producer Andy Warhol (right) at the club in 1984

The capsule was kept in the club for about three weeks before they buried it, allowing partygoers to make contributions and write letters to the future. Warhol is pictured with Carmille Johnson (left), Cookie Mueller (second left) and Dianne Brill (right) in 1984

According to Argento, who owned Danceteria until it closed in 1986, the time capsule prop was purchased for about $200 after the club's promoter, Rudolph Pieper, came up with the idea for one of their 'ridiculous parties'.

'We saw that Westinghouse had put time capsules at the World's Fairgrounds in 1939 and 1964 and thought that was a great idea,' he told Gothamist.

Argento said they kept the capsule up for about three weeks before they buried it, allowing partygoers to make contributions and write letters to the future.

Danceteria was located in the Flatiron District at 30 West 21st and opened in 1979 before closing its doors in 1986.
Aziz Sayed, 22, is accused of plotting a nail bomb attack against local police in Alabama and allegedly wanted to behead people

An Alabama terror suspect and ISIS supporter spoke about wanting to behead people and practiced his knife skills before he was arrested, prosecutors claim.

Aziz Sayyed, 22, was arrested on June 15 after police in Huntsville, Alabama, received an anonymous tip about him.

Prosecutors say he had the materials to make a nail bomb and was plotting an attack against local police.

At a court hearing in Huntsville on Wednesday, prosecutor Jay Town pleaded with a judge not to grant him bail, claiming he was a danger to society.

Town told the court that Sayyed had discussed his desire to behead people and had practiced his knife skills beforehand.

Sayyed's lawyer insisted he is not a threat to the community which he said he has 'strong ties to'.

The judge did not make a decision on whether or not to grant him bail.

According to ABC, Sayyed admitted in police interviews that he was planning a bomb attack against the town.

It is not clear if he was raised Muslim or when he converted to Islam but prosecutors believe he has pledged his allegiance to Islamic State.

Prosecutors say the 22-year-old had pledged his allegiance to ISIS. Above, one of the terror group's fighters in Raqqa, Syria

On June 15, local police pulled him over as he drove through the town after receiving a tip from a concerned member of the public.

The FBI was later enlisted to help with the investigation.

They searched an apartment at Twickenham Village, at complex near the local university, where they believe Sayyed may have been staying.

They have not revealed many more details of the investigation. It's not clear if he was studying at the university when he was arrested.

Sayyed's lawyer previously complained that he had been held for weeks without being granted a bond hearing.

He faces second-degree soliciting or providing help for terrorism.
The parents of Charlie Gard have released a tearful image inside a hospital chapel as they pray for a miracle amid the ongoing battle to save their terminally ill baby.

Connie Yates and Chris Gard said they regularly visit the chapel in Great Ormond Street Hospital to find peace and tranquility.

The photo was taken when Charlie was first admitted to GOSH.

Connie said: 'Chris and I have gone through some dark moments and continue to go through every parents worst nightmare as Charlies life hangs in the balance.

When things simply get too much to bear, we find the beautiful chapel at the hospital a place of great peace and tranquility.

Connie and Chris paid a visit to the chapel at Great Ormond Street Hospital as they continue to hope they can take him to America for treatment

Jeremy Corbyn (pictured today) would do 'anything' if his child was as ill as Charlie Gard and said today: 'I feel absolutely for the parents'.

St Christophers chapel, described by Oscar Wilde as the most delightful private chapel in London provides sanctuary for staff, children and families as of some of the sickest children in the country.

They shared the picture as the Labour Party leader joined the debate on Charlie's future, which still hangs in the balance.

Jeremy Corbyn has admitted he too would do 'anything' to save Charlie if it was his own son and said: 'I feel absolutely for the parents'.

The Labour leader said Charlie's parents are right to fight for their baby because 'any parent would want their child to get the best possible treatment'.

But Mr Corbyn stopped short of calling for Great Ormond Street to let them take the ten-month-old to America.

Chris Gard and Connie Yates released this new picture of their son Charlie and are 'overwhelmed' after Donald Trump and the Pope offered their support - but the hopes of saving him are fading

He said: 'All I can say is that any parent would feel for those parents and say if it was my child that was going through a terrible, terrible trauma like this, a life threatening trauma, you'd move might and main to get them the best treatment they can. I fully understand that'.

Charlie's future looks increasingly bleak today with doctors refusing to let him leave the hospital and Theresa May and Boris Johnson deciding not to intervene.

And some medical experts have urged his parents to accept the difficult reality now facing them.

'Any parent going through this would want their child to get the best possible treatment that could be found anywhere, and I think it is up to us to ensure they do get that best possible treatment.

Q&A: Can Charlie be saved at the 11th hour? Charlie's parents said they had been denied their final wish to be able to take their son home to die and felt 'let down' after losing their legal fight How can doctors end Charlie's life against his parents' wishes? Great Ormond Street (GOSH) took Charlie's case to the High Court and a judge agreed to allow them to end Charlie's treatment because it was not in his 'best interests' after he agreed it will cause him pain and will not improve his condition. The Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights all rejected appeals by his parents Chris Gard and Connie Yates, who believe they should have the final say on their son's treatment. Can the doctors change their mind and not turn off his life support? Yes. Great Ormond Street could go back to the High Court to stop the order they fought for this year. The process of gaining a Consent Order could be done on an urgent basis and completed in less than two hours. Experts have told MailOnline this is the only way Charlie could travel to America or Rome for treatment because his parents' appeals appear to have been exhausted. Can the hospital stop his parents taking him to America without permission? Yes. If doctors believe that any parent will cause suffering to their child, police can be called in to arrest them using Powers of Protection legislation. In the case of young cancer sufferer Ashya King his parents faced a European Arrest Warrant after absconding with their son who was in hospital. Charlie is on a ventilator so would require a team of medical staff to move him and his equipment. Why won't the hospital let Charlie die at home? Connie Yates and Chris Gard say doctors have denied their 'final wish' to take Charlie home to die. Travelling to a hospice was also denied. While judges ruled that his treatment should end, there is nothing in the judgments that says the little boy cannot be outside the hospital. Great Ormond Street refused to tell MailOnline on what basis that decision was taken. Advertisement

'It is difficult to judge what a medical, a medically qualified person, has assessed on the case, I haven't seen that, I'm not medically qualified'.

Theresa May is braced for a grilling by Donald Trump on saving Charlie Gard tomorrow.

The White House has requested a one-to-one meeting with the Prime Minister at the G20 gathering of world leaders in Hamburg.

The agenda for the hour-long meeting has not been released, but Downing Street is preparing for the Charlie case to come up.

President Trump has declared America's staunch support for saving the desperately ill 11-month-old boy. His family say Mr Trump has 'a very good understanding of the whole case'.

Yesterday it emerged the White House has been phoning the family and also the office of Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

And the international tug-of-love over Charlie intensified as Italy also urged Britain to help save him.

The Italian Foreign Minister personally lobbied his counterpart Boris Johnson in a phone call between Rome and London.

It follows interventions by Pope Francis, who tweeted of the 'duty to defend human life', and the Vatican, which has offered the papal hospital in Rome to treat Charlie.

Mrs May's meeting with Mr Trump tomorrow is likely to be dominated by the North Korea missile crisis and the prospects for a post-Brexit trade deal.

But Number 10 is preparing a detailed briefing for the PM on Charlie's case in anticipation of likely questions from the President.

Until now, Ministers have not been involved in briefing the White House on the little boy, and his rare genetic condition, leaving the task to his family, the hospital and Department of Health lawyers.

Last night a White House source said: 'The President is deeply moved by the heartbreaking situation facing Charlie Gard and his parents.

'Although the President himself has not spoken to the family, members of the administration, assisted by British officials, have done so.

'President Trump has no desire to pressure the family in any way. However, he does want them to know that he is willing to provide assistance should they need any.

'As a father and grandfather, President Trump understands the limitless love one has for a child and he wishes to be helpful to Charlie Gard and his family, as does Pope Francis and millions of families worldwide'.

Charlie Gard's parents have been offered support in their case by President Trump but Theresa May and Boris Johnson have declined to get involved

President Trump and the White House has asked for a one-to-one with Theresa May and Downing St is preparing for it to include a chat about Charlie Gard

Officials insist Mrs May cannot intervene in the case unless new evidence is produced to persuade Charlie's doctors and the courts that treatment abroad offers a realistic prospect of improvement in his condition.

But the baby boy's parents, Connie Yates and Chris Gard, have steadfastly refused to give up hope

Miss Yates said: 'The support from the Pope and the President has given us hope. They are traditional men who believe in the family.

'They believe in our case and understand why we believe it is right to continue fighting so hard to save Charlie.'

But despite Mr Trump's tweet on Monday that America would be 'delighted' to help Charlie, his future appeared bleak yesterday.

Mrs May told the Commons the matter was in the hands of Great Ormond Street Hospital, where Charlie is in intensive care.

And the hospital, which won legal battles all the way to the Supreme Court to be allowed to remove his life-support, claimed its hands were tied by the courts.

Chris Gard and Connie Yates with their son Charlie Gard. They have refused to give up hope through a high court battle to treat their son

The President waded in to offer his support too, but the words don't seem to be changing his future

Senior legal sources said the various court rulings mean doctors are obliged to withdraw Charlie's artificial ventilator and prevent him from going to America to try experimental therapy.

They said even if the hospital changed its stance, it would take another court case to reverse the rulings, which effectively demand Charlie must die.

But friends of the boy's parents disputed this, saying there was no legal reason why Great Ormond Street could not back down.

It is still possible the hospital will at least agree to allow Charlie to go home to die  which his parents said was their 'final wish' if all else failed.

But they are still desperate to take him to the United States, where a specialist doctor is ready to try an experimental therapy on Charlie for free.

Charlie's parents Chris Gard and Connie Yates, who wanted him to undergo a therapy trial in the US, must accept the difficult reality facing them, said Jonathan Montgomery, a professor of health care law at University College London.

The Italian Foreign Minister personally lobbied his counterpart Boris Johnson in a phone call between Rome and London

He said: 'This is not a case where Charlie's parents have not been listened to. It is a case where their hopes for improvement are not justified by the evidence that they and others have put before the courts.

'The case is tragic, but we owe it to Charlie to take decisions based on evidence. Hope requires some foundation if it is to justify subjecting him to harm.'

Mitochondrial disease, a rare genetic condition from which Charlie is suffering - and which leaves him unable to see, hear or move - is 'cruel' and without a cure, said Professor Sian Harding, director of the BHF Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine Centre at Imperial College.

Prof Harding said: 'Mitochondrial diseases are cruel because they strike babies and young children, who rapidly deteriorate. It is because there is no cure that the scientific and medical community have concentrated on pre-conception mitochondrial therapy, and it has been an enormous advance that this is now licensed by the Government. It allows parents with these mutations to have healthy children, though sadly cannot help babies already born.'

Dr Giles Birchley, senior research associate in surgical innovation and bioethics at the University of Bristol, said 'only the most desperate cases reach the courts'.

He said: 'It is natural to reach out to that child's poor parents, whose suffering is dreadful. But putting any terminally ill child through an experimental treatment which cannot make them better will not help either that child or their parents. It will only prolong that child's hurt and suffering.'

Professor Dominic Wilkinson, director of medical ethics at the University of Oxford, said doctors must take the 'ethical course'.

He said: 'Sadly, reluctantly, doctors and judges are justified in concluding that continuing life support is not always helpful for a child and is in fact doing more harm than good.

'Providing comfort, avoiding painful and unhelpful medical treatments, supporting the child and family for their remaining time: sometimes that is the best that we can do, and the only ethical course.'

After Mr Trump's tweet, the youngster became a global cause celebre, and US television shows have taken up the campaign to save him, with one denouncing British courts as a 'death panel'.

Yesterday Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano phoned Mr Johnson at the Foreign Office to discuss the Vatican's offer to treat Charlie at the 'Pope's hospital' in Rome.

Pope Francis's spokesman had already vowed to 'overcome' any legal obstacles to get Charlie there.

But Mr Johnson refused to step in, with a source close to the Foreign Secretary saying he told the Italian minister: 'This was a deeply tragic and complex case for all involved, and it was right that decisions continued to be led by expert medical opinion, supported by the courts, in line with Charlie's best interests'.

The High Court, Appeal Court, Supreme Court and European Court of Human Rights have all ruled Charlie is brain-damaged, is suffering pain, has no hope of recovery and his 'best interests' are to die.

Charlie's type of mitochondrial depletion syndrome is so rare, he is only the 16th sufferer worldwide. The disease drains energy from his body's organs and muscles, and he can only breathe with the help of a mechanical ventilator.

It is unclear why the hospital has not yet removed Charlie's ventilator, a week after being given the green light to do so when the parents exhausted all their legal options.

The High Court, Appeal Court, Supreme Court and European Court of Human Rights have all ruled Charlie is brain-damaged, is suffering pain, has no hope of recovery and his 'best interests' are to die

Charlie is only the 16th sufferer of the incredibly rare disease worldwide, and cannot breathe without a ventilator

Miss Yates, 31, and Mr Gard, 32, of South West London, say their son is not brain damaged and showing signs of improvement.

They are mounting a round-the-clock vigil at his hospital bedside, after begging doctors for more time to say their goodbyes. It is understood the hospital has already delayed his death twice.

At Prime Minister's Questions yesterday, the family's MP, Seema Malhotra, asked Mrs May if she would 'do all she can' to help Charlie go to America and 'try to make this happen'.

Mr May replied: 'It's an unimaginable position for anybody to be in and I fully understand and appreciate any parent in these circumstances would want to do anything possible.'

It is understood the hospital has delayed turning off life support twice, as Chris and Connie say their son is not brain damaged

But she made clear it was a matter for the hospital doctors by saying she was 'confident Great Ormond Street will consider any information that comes forward'.

Appearing on ITV's Good Morning Britain yesterday, renowned scientist and genetics expert Lord Winston criticised Mr Trump and the Pope.

He said: 'One has to accept the loss of a child is about the worst injury that any person can have... but having said that, these interferences from the Vatican and from Donald Trump seem to me to be extremely unhelpful and very cruel, actually, because this child has been dealt with at a hospital which has huge expertise in mitochondrial disease and is being offered a break in an [Italian] hospital that has never published anything on this disease, as far as I'm aware.'

Great Ormond Street has not issued any statement so far this week.
Donald Trump Jr is on the warpath against CNN, echoing his father's repeated attacks on the 'fake news' network.

Don Jr has frequently gone after the network since his family entered the political fray, but his took his antagonistic tweeting to a new level after CNN was accused of trying to 'blackmail' the middle-aged Reddit user who anonymously created a GIF of the president attacking the network.

The GIF, created by Reddit user 'HanA**holeSolo', shows Trump tackling WWE owner Vince McMahon during the professional wrestling company's Wrestlemania event in 2007. The CNN logo is superimposed over McMahon's head.

On Wednesday, CNN was accused by its opponents of 'blackmailing' the person who created the original video on Wednesday, after the network revealed it had spoken to him and could 'release his identity' in future.

Donald Trump Jr is following in his father's footsteps by increasing his attacks on CNN in the last few days. Trump and Trump Jr are pictured together after one of the debates last September

Trump Jr has been tweeting furiously about the 'controversy', and on Thursday morning he fired off another tweet in response to CNN boss Jeff Zucker saying the president is trying to bully the news network.

'Also CNN: Let's bully and intimidate citizens online so they never question our #fakenews again! #CNNBlackmail,' Trump Jr wrote.

Minutes earlier, he had attacked the network's reporter Jim Acosta - who his father has feuded with - for questioning whether the president's press conference in Poland was 'fake' because he took questions from 'a reporter who is essentially an ally of the White House'.

'So by that logic, was every news conference for the last 8 years #fakenews Jim?' he wrote, making the assertion President Barack Obama was coddled by the media.

He then briefly switched targets to fire off a tweet at NBC, after reporter Chuck Todd wrote about Don Jr's dad's speech in Poland: 'A trashing of the American press corps and Intel community in Eastern Europe of all places. Could Putin have asked for anything more?'

'CNN: Lets corner the market on anything stupid and overly sensational!!! NBC: Hold my beer,' Trump Jr wrote, in an attempt to mimic a popular meme.

Don Jr ramped up his attacks on CNN after the network was accused by its opponents of 'threatening to blackmail' a Reddit user who created a meme that was lifted and used by the president

Trump Jr attacked CNN in a series of tweets on Wednesday and Thursday after the network was accused of 'blackmailing' a Reddit user

The Thursday morning tweets came after he spent hours on Wednesday going after CNN's KFile reporter, Andrew Kaczynski, who tracked down Reddit user 'HanA**holeSolo'.

'So I guess they weren't effective threatening the admin so they go after & bully a 15 y/o? Seems in line w their "standards" #CNNBlackmail,' he wrote in one tweet on Wednesday, pushing the claim the man behind the account was a teenager.

That was said to be false by CNN and Kaczynski, who spoke to the Reddit user directly.

'If only @CNN spent as much time tracking down info on IRS targeting, Fast & Furious, Iran deal etc as they did a meme writer! #CNNBlackmail,' Don Jr wrote in another post.

For the most part, Kaczynski steered clear of Don Jr's tweets, however he did offer a response after the president's son accused him of deleting posts.

'The son of the president sent a second false tweet today about me and CNN. Neither has been corrected,' the CNN reporter wrote.

Trump Jr spent much of Wednesday attacking CNN's KFile reporter, Andrew Kaczynski, who tracked down Reddit user 'HanA**holeSolo' - the middle-aged man who created a GIF that was taken and sent out by Donald Trump

Kaczynski seemed to mainly ignore Trump Jr's criticism, however he responded to two claims made by the president's son he said were factually incorrect

Trump Jr was one of many conservatives who attacked CNN on Wednesday after it posted an article detailing how it tracked down the man behind Trump's WWE-mimicking meme.

The article read: 'CNN is not publishing "HanA**holeSolo's" name because he is a private citizen who has issued an extensive statement of apology, showed his remorse by saying he has taken down all his offending posts, and because he said he is not going to repeat this ugly behavior on social media again.'

The article then added: 'CNN reserves the right to publish his identity should any of that change.'

That line was seized upon by opponents of the network, including hundreds of anonymous posters on Reddit and Twitter, to accuse CNN of 'blackmail'.

'CNN LITERALLY DOXXED A PRIVATE CITIZEN AMD THREATENED TO RELEASE HIS PUBLIC INFO IF HE DIDN'T APOLOGIZE, SERIOUSLY WHAT THE F***ING F***,' a user called 'ExtinctWhiteMale' wrote on R/The_Donald.

'CNN is f***ing ISIS...... nobody should ever apologize when FNN (Fraud News Network) is the enemy,' another user wrote in response.

Donald Trump Jr is pictured waving while standing on the White House lawn on April 17, 2017

Donald Trump Jr shakes his father's hand after a presidential debate in October 2016 in Missouri

President Donald Trump tweeted an edited video clip of himself hitting Vince McMahon at WrestleMania 23, but the CNN logo was slapped over McMahon's face. The image created controversy this week, and led to CNN reporters tracking down the user who created the GIF

The subreddit, which was where the initial meme and subsequent apology from 'HanA**holeSolo' were first posted, promoted the hashtag 'CNNBlackmail'.

In addition to Trump Jr, other prominent conservative online figures, including Julian Assange and Wikileaks, pushed the 'blackmail' allegation.

In response to a comment about the alleged 'blackmail', the KFile writer tweeted: 'This line is being misinterpreted. It was intended only to mean we made no agreement w/the man about his identity.'

CNN also defended its story in a statement released on Wednesday afternoon.

'CNN decided not to publish the name of the Reddit user out of concern for his safety. Any assertion that the network blackmailed or coerced him is false,' the statement read.

'The user, who is an adult male, not a 15-year-old boy, apologized and deleted his account before ever speaking with our reporter.

'CNN never made any deal, of any kind, with the user. In fact, CNN included its decision to withhold the users identity in an effort to be completely transparent that there was no deal.'
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has slammed the opposing political parties for not pushing for policies forcing migrants to assimilate into Australian society.

Senator Hanson described the lack of assimilation in Australia as 'disgusting' and called the country's multiculturalism 'B.S. [bulls***]' during an appearance on Mark Latham's Outsiders on Wednesday.

Following a segment where Mark Latham took to the streets of Fairfield, in western Sydney, to interview locals, he came across multiple members of the community who appeared to have trouble speaking English.

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Senator Pauline Hanson has slammed the political parties for being slack on not pushing migrants to integrate into society

Pauline Hanson appeared as a guest interview on Mark Latham's Outsiders

Mark Latham took to the streets in a segment and interviewed Australians who appeared to struggle to speak English

Senator Hanson became animated claiming her 'mind boggles' at the thought of citizens not assimilating into society.

'My mind boggles over this and I cannot believe it,' Senator Hanson said.

'The whole fact is, it's absolutely disgusting, it makes me so angry and this again is because of the political parties have not pushed for people to actually assimilate into our society.

'If you can communicate you can assimilate and integrate into a society. But they haven't done it. They have allowed them here to form their own enclaves.'

Senator Hanson referred to her maiden 1996 speech during the segment

Senator Hanson went on to refer to her maiden speech in 1996 claiming this is why she called for multiculturalism to be abolished.

'We are multi-racial, but if we are going to have to live in a harmonious country all treated equally, get rid of this multiculturalism "B.S." and say we are Australians,' she said in a passionate response.

Senator Hanson finished claiming people should be proud to call themselves Australian or not live here at all.

'Say you are Australian, be proud of it, if not go back to where you came from,' she said.

Senator Hanson controversially announced herself on the parliamentary scene with her maiden speech more than 20 years ago, where she called for the nation's immigration policy to be radically reviewed.

She claimed multiculturalism should be abolished with Australia in danger of being swamped by Asians.
LINCOLN  A 69-year-old Columbus man will spend time in prison for possessing child pornography.

Michael Kruse was sentenced Thursday in U.S. District Court to four years in prison in connection with the 2015 investigation. He was also ordered to serve five years of post-release supervision and register as a sex offender.

In October 2015, an investigator with the Columbus Police Department received information from the Nebraska State Attorney Generals Office that they were monitoring an IP address assigned to a residence in Columbus. This IP address reflected that a computer using the address had files available for sharing and downloading that were considered child pornography. An investigator from the Attorney Generals Office was able to download numerous video files containing child pornography.

A search warrant was executed Oct. 29, 2015, at Kruses residence in the Wagner Lakes area.

According to court documents, nobody was home during the raid, but Columbus Police Sgt. Bret Strecker was able to enter the home through an unlocked door after knocking and announcing his presence.

I went to a computer on the second floor of the residence and observed that it was on. I moved the mouse to see what was on the screen, and observed a file that appeared to be child pornography was downloading onto the hard drive of the computer, Strecker wrote in a probable cause statement.

The defendant admitted downloading child porn for about a week and said he had just started viewing it, Strecker wrote.

A forensic review of Kruses computers and digital storage uncovered more than 600 videos and images of child pornography, including videos of victims known by law enforcement from previous investigations outside the state of Nebraska.

The case was part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.
These are the horrific injuries suffered by a 92-year-old widow mugged by a violent schizophrenic on the run from a secure unit.

Photographs of the pensioner's horribly bruised legs have been released by Metropolitan Police as they continue to hunt down their prime suspect.

Officers believe 'dangerous and violent' fugitive Sanchez Edwards, 27, was the thug who attacked the pensioner in London's East End.

Shocking footage released last week showed the 92-year-old widow screaming as she is dragged along the ground as the thug snatches her handbag in Hoxton.

Photographs of the pensioner's horribly bruised legs have been released by Metropolitan Police as they continue to hunt down their prime suspect

Police believe 'dangerous and violent' fugitive Sanchez Edwards was the thug who attacked the pensioner in London's East End

Edwards has been missing from the John Howard Centre medium secure unit in nearby Homerton since May 17.

Edwards, a paranoid schizophrenic with a history of drug use, had been admitted to the centre on January 29 last year.

He was later convicted and sentenced to an unrestricted hospital order under the Mental Health Act for an assault on a member of hospital staff.

Detectives are trying to locate him after releasing CCTV footage showing a pensioner being dragged several feet along the ground.

The victim had popped out to post a letter and was headed to the Lawson Medical Centre off Hoxton Street when she was attacked from behind on Tuesday June 27.

Graphic footage shows the mugger using so much force the woman is pulled to the ground.

But, refusing to let go of her bag, police say she was dragged until she was 'in so much pain that she eventually let go.'

The thug ran off leaving her black and blue in the gutter.

She suffered extensive bruising all over her body, with the most severe on her ribs and side where she was dragged along the floor.

She also suffered a three inch bruise to her left arm from where the handbag dragged on her arm.

The woman, who recently lost her husband of nearly 70 years, was left incredibly distraught and terrified of leaving her house.

The victim was left with a three-inch bruise on her left arm from where the handbag dragged on her arm

Detective Inspector Paul Ridley, of Hackney CID who is leading the investigation, said: 'Sanchez Edwards is a dangerous man with a strong history of violence.

'My team are completing fast-time inquiries to attempt to locate him, but I require the public's assistance.

'If you see Edwards then do not approach him but immediately call 999 or alert a nearby police officer.'

Edwards is described as a dark skinned black man, 5ft 9ins, with short black hair, medium build and a black beard.

DI Ridley said Edwards is a paranoid schizophrenic with a history of drug use.

He said: 'He is likely to be using public transport around various locations in London.'

Edwards has been missing from the John Howard Centre medium secure unit in nearby Homerton since May 17

DI Ridley added: 'I have been involved in many serious cases, however the devastating psychological trauma of this victim is possibly the worse I have encountered.

'The events have emotionally moved the initial officers that tended to the lady in the aftermath as well as the investigation team, especially witnessing this inconsolable elderly lady sobbing about the robbery and recent tragic events.

'I cannot comprehend how anyone could target a frail lady in her 90s using this amount of violence, it is truly horrific.'

He said the handbag contained a 50 Virgin mobile phone, a Freedom Pass, documents and 100 cash.
US Senator John McCain has been named this year's recipient of the National Constitution Center's Liberty Medal for his 'lifetime of sacrifice and service' to the country.

The Philadelphia museum announced Thursday that the award would be given to the six-term Arizona senator.

McCain, 80, said he's humbled to receive the medal and that it has been his greatest privilege to protect and defend the Constitution.

US Senator John McCain has been named this year's recipient of the National Constitution Center's Liberty Medal, which will be awarded to him on October 16

The Liberty Medal is given to people 'of courage and conviction who have strived to secure the blessings of liberty to people the world over,' according to the National Constitution Center

Former Vice President Joe Biden, Chair of the National Constitution Center's Board of Trustees, will bestow the award to McCain at a ceremony on October 16 at 7pm in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

'In our over two decades serving together in the United States Senate, there were few others I could count on to be as honest, respectful, and decent as John,' Biden said in a statement.

'His heroic sacrifice for his country and dedicated service to his constituents are unquestionable and unmatched.'

McCain joined the Navy in 1958 and rose to the rank of captain during his 22 years of service. In 1967, his plane was shot down over Hanoi, Vietnam, during a bombing mission, and he spent years in a Vietnamese prisoner of war camp.

McCain served in the Navy for 22 years. His plane was shot down during the Vietnam War and he was held in a POW camp for several years. He has served in Congress for the past 35 years

Former Vice President Joe Biden will give the award to McCain, it was announced on Thursday. Biden is Chair of the National Constitution Center's Board of Trustees

He has served in Congress since 1983, first in the House of Representatives and then in the Senate, beginning in 1987.

Previous recipients of the Liberty Medal, which is awarded annually, include Nelson Mandela, Bono, Kofi Annan, Shimon Peres, Hillary Rodham Clinton and presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

The Liberty Medal is given to people 'of courage and conviction who have strived to secure the blessings of liberty to people the world over,' according to the National Constitution Center.
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German Chancellor Angela Merkel offered the US president a firm handshake on Thursday as they met in Hamburg for a bilateral summit, holding the pose for several seconds as cameras snapped around them to make sure the media captured the friendly gesture.

A meeting at the White House in March went awry when President Donald Trump missed several verbal and situational cues and did not offer Merkel his hand.

Merkel shot her hand out toward Trump today as they stood before a G20 backdrop at the Hotel Atlantic Kempinski so that it was clear what she wanted. He did not botch the greeting again.

The two leaders made small talk that was inaudible to reporters as photographers snapped pictures of them conversing. Merkel then led Trump away so that they could speak frankly about trade, climate change, and a host of other topics, including Russian aggression, behind closed doors.

Trump arrived in Germany just before the meet and greet for an intense two-day stretch at the G20 summit that will put his diplomatic prowess to the ultimate test as he sits down with Russia's president, a former KGB spy, for the first time.

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German Chancellor Angela Merkel offered US president a firm handshake on Thursday as they met in Hamburg for a bilateral summit

A meeting at the White House in March went awry when Trump missed several verbal and situational cues and did not offer his foreign counterpart his hand

Merkel shot her hand out toward Trump today as they stood before a G20 backdropat the Hotel Atlantic Kempinski so that it was clear what she wanted

He did not botch the traditional greeting again - grabbing her hand ad holding the pose for several seconds as cameras snapped around them

The two leaders made small talk that was inaudible to reporters as photographers snapped photos of them conversing

During an Oval Office photo-op in March, Trump did not shake Merkel's hand. Reporters asked if they could, and so did Merkel, but Trump wasn't paying attention

Trump browbeat Russia earlier in the day, from Poland, for its 'destabilizing activities in Ukraine and elsewhere and its support for hostile regimes including Syria and Iran' and urged Vladimir Putin's government to join the US and its allies in the fight against violent extremism.

But he refused to pin election hacking last year in the US on the Kremlin, saying he thinks it was Putin's government, but it 'could have been other people in other countries.'

The meeting between Trump and Putin is the most anticipated of the bilateral talks on the American president's schedule. Sanctions, election meddling, the fighting in Syria and Russia's invasion of Ukraine are all on the table.

The meeting with Merkel this afternoon could also turn terse as they speak about Trump's dramatic exit from the international climate accord known as the Paris agreement shortly after he and Merkel were last together and trade relations.

A mishap on Trump's previous trip to Europe led to a mistranslation of his condemnation of the United States' trade deficit with Germany.

Word quickly spread that the US president had called the WWII opponent that is now an ally 'evil' when he really said that its trade practices were 'bad' for the U.S.

All smiles: Ivanka shared this snap of her meeting Merkel to her Instagram Story

President Donald Trump arrived in Hamburg, Germany, on Thursday for an intense two-day stretch at the G20 that will put his diplomatic prowess to the ultimate test as he sits down with Russia's president, a former KGB spy, for the first time since the US presidential election

WELCOME: Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump made the trip from Warsaw to Hamburg, too, and are seen here exiting Air Force One

The president and first lady arrived in Germany for the G20 summit roughly 90 minutes after they departed Poland

Donald Trump and Melania Trump are greeted at the Helmut Schmidt Airport in Hamburg, Germany today

Hamburg Mayor Olaf Scholz walked the president and first lady down a red carpet and off the tarmac

The meeting between Trump and Vladimir Putin is the most anticipated of the bilateral talks on the American president's schedule at the G20 summit

Germany is part of the European Union, which means that Trump cannot negotiate a trade agreement with Merkel directly. He cannot negotiate a new climate deal for the US with her unilaterally, either, but both topics will most certainly come up.

The fight against ISIS and North Korea's latest provocations are also top of mind for the US president, who delivered a hard-hitting speech today in Warsaw and took questions from the news media that touched on both of those topics.

Trumps sit-down with Merkel is an opportunity for him to turn around relations with the ally. The partnership has shown repeated signs of strain in the six months since Trump assumed office.

During a G7 meeting in Brussels in May, Trump blasted Germany over its trade surplus with the United States.

The Germans are very, very bad, Trump said, in remarks highlighted by German magazine Der Spiegel. Look at the millions of cars theyre selling in the US. Terrible. We will stop this, Trump continued, neglecting to mention substantial German investment in the U.S., such as a major BMW plant in Spartanburg, S.C.

Merkel responded afterward in Munich in terms that sounded as if she were beginning to doubt the U.S. commitment to the transatlantic relationship. She said Europe must really take our fate into our own hands. She added: 'The times in which we could rely fully on othersthey are somewhat over. This is what I experienced in the last few days.'

Trump previously said Merkel was ruining Germany by letting in too many refugees. Back in March, when Trump hosted Merkel at the White House, the Germany chancellor said she was representing not just her country but European integration. I am saying it in the United States, also here in Washington in my talks with the president, she said.

The daughter of US President Donald Trump Ivanka Trump (R) and her husband White House senior advisor Jared Kushner make their way from Air Force One to a Marine One helicopter upon arrival at the airport in northern Germany

The US president and his family are seen here making their way through Hamburg in the presidential limousine knows as 'The Beast'

A helicopter with U.S. President Donald Trump on board flies over the Elbe River in Hamburg, Germany this afternoon

A view of the guesthouse where U.S. President Donald Trump is staying during the G20 summit

Police watch the road to the guesthouse of the Senate of Hamburg, prior to the G20 summit. The guesthouse is the accommodation for Trump during the summit

During an Oval Office photo-op then, Trump and Merkel didnt shake hands. He joked later, during a joint presser, that they have at least 'something in common, perhaps,' as he claimed again that Barack Obama spied on him. His comment was met with nervous laughter in the room as Merkel did a double take then looked down at and shuffled her note cards on the podium.

Trump and Merkel stared each other down on Thursday, then shook hands at the top of their encounter that served as the official kickoff to Trump's meetings at the G20.

The president's daughter Ivanka, who has become something of a friend of Merkel's, was also seen entering Hotel Atlantic Kempinski with the US delegation.

Ivanka came to Berlin in April to promote apprenticeships.

A senior advisor at the White House, Ivanka, who is far more liberal than her president father, may help cooler heads to prevail in today's talk with Merkel, who's currently up for reelection. Merkel's party recently removed the word 'friend' from a description of its relationship with the US in campaign materials.

Trump's meeting with Putin is largely an unknown. The White House said last week that Trump will talk to his foreign counterpart about 'whatever' he wants and would not commit to a discussion about Russia's violation of voting systems in at least 21 states before the president's surprise victory in the November election.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel receives U.S. President Donald Trump in the Hotel Atlantic, on the eve of the G20 summit, for bilateral talks. Leaders of the G20 group of nations are meeting for the July 7-8 summit. Topics high on the agenda for the summit include climate policy and trade

Trump and Merkel played nice for the cameras before a private meeting that could be more terse. Trump pulled the US out of the Paris climate accord last month to Europe's chagrin

MR. PRESIDENT, PLEASE: Reporters could only guess at what Merkel was telling Trump on Thursday afternoon as they talked quietly away from the cameras before their bilateral meeting

RIGHT THIS WAY: Merkel then led Trump away seconds later so that they could speak frankly about trade, climate change, and a host of other topics, including Russian aggression, behind closed doors

He did not mention Russia by name in his remarks to the Polish people when he committed the US making sure they are 'never again held hostage to a single supplier of energy.'

But turning to threats against the West later in his speech in front a memorial to the Warsaw Uprising, Trump railed against 'the steady creep of government bureaucracy,' 'radical Islamic terrorism' and 'powers that seek to test our will, undermine our confidence and challenge our interests.'

'To meet new forms of aggression, including propaganda, financial crimes and cyber warfare, we must adapt our lives to compete effectively in new ways and on all new battlefields,' he said in a direct reference to Moscow's meddling.

Trump said at a news conference in Poland, where he was asked about Russia that Putin's government 'could have' interfered with the 2016 US presidential election which saw him take victory over Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.

He added, however, that he's not totally convinced that Russia was the sole meddler in the election, contrasting claims from US intelligence agencies who said the effort was directed by Putin and emanated from Moscow.

'I think it was Russia, and it could have been other people in other countries,' Trump said. 'Nobody really knows.'

He added that US intelligence agencies have made mistakes in the past, so 'nobody really knows for sure'.

The president sought to redirect any scrutiny toward his predecessor, Barack Obama, accusing him of allowing Moscow to meddle on his watch.

Though the Obama administration warned Russia publicly and privately before Election Day to stop interfering, questions have since been raised about whether he acted aggressively enough to stop the threat.

'They say he choked. Well, I don't think he choked,' Trump said. 'I think he thought Hillary Clinton was going to win the election, and he said, "Let's not do anything about it".'

Trump said the CIA had informed Obama about the hacking months before the election but added that 'mistakes have been made.'.

Speaking to thousands of cheering Poles later, Trump called their nation 'the geographic heart of Europe' and praising their countrymen for shaking off both Nazi oppressors and Russian occupiers in the last century.

'That's trouble. That's tough,' he exclaimed.

'In those dark days, you have lost your land but you never lost your pride.'

President Donald Trump questioned if the West has the 'will to survive' in a landmark speech in Warsaw on Thursday afternoon

Trump spoke in front of a crowd at Krasinski Square at the Royal Castle in Warsaw on Thursday

Trump participates in a wreath laying ceremony before delivering a speech at Krasinski Square at the Royal Castle

Trump waves next to First Lady of the US Melania Trump, Polish President Andrzej Duda and First Lady of Poland Agata Kornhauser-Duda before Trump's public speech at Krasinski Square

People cheer as Trump delivers his landmark speech at Krasinski Square at the Royal Castle

Trump delivered his address in Krasinski Square, at the foot of a statue commemorating the 1944 Polish uprising against German occupiers. He and first lady Melania Trump laid a wreath at its base.

Speaking behind bulletproof glass, the US president said Poles are 'a people who truly know the value of what you defend.'

He urged them to uphold 'a future in which good conquers evil.'

They repeatedly chanted 'USA, USA' and 'Donald Trump! Donald Trump!'

Trump had earlier met the Polish president and warned that the future of the West is in doubt.

In a speech to the public he praised Poland's 'will to survive' because they 'have never, ever forgotten who they are.'

'The Polish experience reminds us - the defense of the West ultimately rests not only on means but also on the will of its people to prevail,' Trump said.

'Your oppressors tried to break you, but Poland could not be broken,' he said.

First Lady Melania Trump warmed up the crowd in Poland's capital ahead of her husband's speech, saying that all people should be allowed to 'live their lives without fear'

The first lady said Thursday that guaranteeing the 'security' of the American people is the centerpiece of Trump's administration

During her introduction speech at Krasinski Square on Thursday Melania Trump said she hoped all around world could share in that safety.

First Lady Melania walked alongside President Trump as they arrived at Krasinski Square on Thursday ahead of Trump's speech

Melania Trump, who is taking a prominent role in her husband's key overseas trip, also saluted the Polish people and their 'beautiful country'

Melania donned a navy blue dress with pink and blue stripes for the event on Thursday. She wore purple heels to finish off the outfit

And Trump projected his fight against Middle Eastern terrorism onto the template of Poland's historic struggles, saying, 'We are fighting hard against radical Islamic terrorism, and we will prevail.'

'America and Europe have suffered one terror attack after another. We are going to get it to stop,' he said. 'While we will always welcome new citizens who share our values and love our people, our borders will always be closed to terrorism and extremism of any kind.'

The president urged European nations to commit more of their money to NATO, as he said the organization's 'Article 5' commitment to mutual defense is an ironclad guarantee.

'Words are easy but actions are what matters,' he said. 'Europe must do more. Europe must demonstrate that it believes in its future by investing its money to secure that future.'

At a press conference following his private talks with Andrzej Duda, Trump said North Korea would face 'consequences' for its intercontinental ballistic missile test.

He also admitted that Russia 'could have' interfered with the 2016 election and vowed to work with Poland on addressing threats from the country

Ivanka was beaming as she arrived at the speech hand-in-hand with husband Jared Kusner. The couple arrived in Warsaw on Air Force One with the president and first lady

Ivanka Trump smiles as she arrives in Krasinski Square, in Warsaw, with her husband Jared Kushner, senior adviser of Trump

Ivanka, who has taken a prominent role in her father's White House administration, arrived in Warsaw on Wednesday evening ahead of Trump's speech

Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump took seats in the front row in Krasinski Square ahead of Trump's speech, for which Poles from around the country traveled to see

The pair held hands as they listened to the president made his speech, in which he Poland as the 'geographic heart of Europe'

Trump's whirlwind visit to Warsaw came just before a meeting with Putin. He will travel next to Germany for Friday and Saturday's G20 summit, where he will sit down for talks with the Russian leader for the first time since taking office.

Trump's appearance alongside the Polish president will go down badly in Russia.

Trump's visit to Warsaw was coordinated with the Three Seas Initiative, which is a new 12-nation trade and economic bloc organized in part to limit Russia's power, especially in ways that diminish its dominance in the region's energy markets.

'To the citizens of this great region, America is eager to expand our partnership with you. We welcome stronger ties of trade and commerce as you grow your economies,' Trump said in his Krasinski Square speech. 'And we are committed to securing your access to alternate sources of energy, so Poland and its neighbors are never again held hostage to a single supplier of energy.'

North Korea's ballistic missile test the day the day before Trump left the US moved the threat posed by Kim Jong-un's illicit nuclear activity up to the top of the American president's list of shared threats.

The Warsaw Uprising (its monument pictured above) was the largest act of resistance by any nation under the German occupation during World War II, and the heroism of the insurgents remains a defining element in Polish national identity

During World War II, the Germans suppressed the rebellion brutally, destroying most of Warsaw and killing around 200,000 people, most of them civilians. Pictured above, Trump and Melania observe the monument for the Warsaw Uprising

Donald Trump shake hands with veteran as dozens of other slook on after delivering a speech in Krasinski Square in Warsaw, Poland on Thursday

At his joint press conference with Duda, Trump called on the global community to ensure there are 'consequences' for Pyongyang's belligerence and warned that he is considering a 'severe' response.

'I call on all nations to confront this global threat and publicly demonstrate to North Korea that there are consequences for their very, very bad behavior,' he declared.

'I have pretty severe things that we're thinking about,' Trump said, but added: 'That doesn't mean that we'll do them.'

Trump later said that he was working with Poland on addressing threats from Russia and reiterated his calls for NATO members to meet their financial obligations.

Trump said that 'as a result' of his administration's pushing, 'billions of dollars' have begun to pour into NATO.

'In fact, people are shocked. But billions and billions of dollars more are coming in from countries that, in my opinion, would not have been paying so quickly.'

Trump shook hands with several veterans who listened to the speech as he left Krasinski Square and headed for Germany

Some Trump supporters tied a 'Make America Great Again' banner to a barrier fence ahead of the speech. Nearby attendees wore hats bearing the same slogan

One man kept his supportive sign straight and to the point: He simply carried around a photo of President Donald Trump to the rally

'To those who would criticize our tough stance, I would point out that the United States has demonstrated not merely with words but with its actions that we stand firmly behind Article 5, the mutual defense commitment,' he said, checking an important box in his remarks for European leaders who have worried about that his pay up, or else, warnings meant the US was rethinking its involvement in the international organization.

Trump heaped praise on Poland for paying up.

He told the Polish people, 'You were supported in that victory over communism by a strong alliance of free nations in the West that defied tyranny. Now, among the most committed members of the NATO Alliance, Poland has resumed its place as a leading nation of a Europe that is strong, whole, and free.

'A strong Poland is a blessing to the nations of Europe, and they know that. A strong Europe is a blessing to the West and to the world.'

Noting the 100th anniversary of America's entry into World War I, which he will celebrate formally next week in Paris, France, Trump said' the transatlantic bond between the United States and Europe is as strong as ever and maybe, in many ways, even stronger.'

'This continent no longer confronts the specter of communism. But today were in the West, and we have to say there are dire threats to our security and to our way of life,' he said. 'You see whats happening out there. They are threats. We will confront them. We will win. But they are threats.'

Following his speech, Trump and Melania departed from Warsaw and headed for Germany on Air Force One ahead of the G20 Summit

It was also confirmed that Trump accepted an invitation to visit the small central European nation that is the homeland of his wife Melania following his speech

Trump's ongoing media war has tended to overshadow talk of his domestic and foreign agendas, a condition he could ill afford as he launched his second diplomacy tour in six weeks.

He took a question Thursday about a domestic tempest that developed this week over a video clip he tweeted on Sunday, depicting himself body-slamming a pro-wrestling mogul whose face was superimposed with CNN's logo.

CNN quickly condemned the tweet and assigned a reporter to find out where the viral meme originated.

By Thursday the network was under fire for allegedly threatening to reveal the name of a person it said created the video.

But CNN appears to have gotten it wrong, using the wrong version of the doctored footage as the basis for their interview with the unnamed man.

'I think what CNN did is unfortunate for them,' Trump said at the press conference. 'As you know they have some pretty serious problems.

'They have been fake news for a long time. They have been covering me in a very, very dishonest way.'

Trump then turned to Duda and asked, 'Do you have that also, Mr President?', to which Duda shrugged.

At a press conference following his private talks with Andrzej Duda, Trump said North Korea would face 'consequences' for its intercontinental ballistic missile test

He also admitted that Russia interfered with the 2016 election and vowed to work with Poland on addressing threats from the country

Trump and Duda shook hands for photo ops several times on Thursday, including after their joint press conference

'What CNN did - and what others did, NBC is equally as bad despite the fact that I made them a fortune with The Apprentice but they forgot that,' Trump said. 'What I will say is that CNN has really taken it too seriously and I think they've hurt themselves very badly, very, very badly.

'And what we want to see in the United States is honest, beautiful, free, but honest press. We want to see fair press.

'I think it's a very important thing. We don't want fake news. By the way, not everybody is fake news. But we don't want fake news. Bad thing. It's very bad for our country.'

Following the press conference, Trump attended a meeting of the Three Seas Initiative.

The group includes leaders of the Baltic, Adriatic and Black seas nations and aims to expand and modernize energy and trade with the goal of reducing the region's dependence on Russian energy.

While at the meeting, Trump pledged that the United States will never use energy to coerce eastern and central European nations, adding that the United States won't allow other nations to coerce them either.

Trump said he's proud that the region is benefiting from US energy supplies. Poland received a first shipment of liquefied natural gas from the United States last month.

Trump noted the region's special significance to him. His wife, Melania, is a native of Slovenia, which belongs to the group.

The two presidents met at the Royal Castle in Warsaw on Thursday morning head of Trump's landmark speech

He then claimed that everyone is benefiting from the thriving US economy except for him.

He bragged of recent stock market gains, but said: 'Personally, I've picked up nothing.'

'That's all right,' he said. 'Everyone else is getting very rich. That's OK. I'm very happy.'

Trump gave his two adult sons and a senior executive control of his global real estate, property management and marketing empire when he took office in January. But Trump did not divest his businesses.

Instead he placed his financial assets in a trust that he can seize control of at any time.
A commuter took to social media to share his amusement when he spotted a fellow passenger using a desktop computer on a train.

David Hill captured the photograph of the woman using the large iMac as she travelled on the Virgin service from Darlington to Kings Cross.

Mr Hill shared the image on social media, where it has already amassed thousands of likes and retweets.

The Virgin trains passenger could be seen sitting comfortably, wrapped up in a blanket with her computer, keyboard and mouse set up on the table in front of her

The woman evidently chose to shun a laptop in favour of the large screen complete with a keyboard and mouse set up on the fold-down table in front of her seat.

Mr Hill was visiting the UK from Texas for a meeting.

The tech advisor accompanied the tweet with the caption: 'A lady has brought her iMac onto the train! Has she not heard of a laptop?? wtf!!!'

Some social media users applauded the woman's resourcefulness, noting she had also brought a blanket with her.

The tech advisor accompanied the tweet with the caption: 'A lady has brought her iMac onto the train! Has she not heard of a laptop?? wtf!!!'

One wrote: 'She brought a blankie to snuggle under as well. Good effort.'

Another added: 'Is it bad that I've genuinely considered doing this in the past? External hard drives and all.'

Mr Hill told The Telegraph he had 'never seen anything like it'.

Some people, however, speculated the image had been mocked up using Photoshop.
Year-long time lapse footage has emerged revealing bears, wolves, deer and boars as well as other animals all hanging out by the same 'special' tree in Italy.

Wildlife videographers Bruno D'Amicis and Umberto Esposito monitored the same tree for twelve months in order to capture intimate moments from an array of creatures.

On any given day the pair could not predict how animals of the Abruzzo Lazio and Molise National Park in Italy would interact with the tree - be it a bear scratching its back or a wolf marking its territory.

The project, entitled 'A Tree, 365 Days,' ran from June 2016 to May 2017.

When they set out, Mr D'Amicis, 38, and Mr Esposito, 34, hoped to capture animals in ways that the public are not normally able to witness.

Such a rarity included sightings of endangered Marsican brown bears - a specific highlight for Mr D'Amicis.

The pair chose a 'special' tree in the forest, Mr D'Amicis said, as it had a proven track record for being a meeting point for different kinds of animals.

Through such footage, the pair of filmmakers also hope to raise awareness for the protection of such forests, as the project stems from an original multimedia idea, 'ForestBeat,' to document old-growth beech forests and make them more appealing to the public.

The pair's video has been viewed more than five million times, and in their native Italy the project has received positive reviews.

Mr D'Amicis said: 'I am glad that many people can understand the importance of those unique forests and realise that even in a country like Italy, so densely populated, there is still an abundance of wildlife worth preserving.

'The tree is placed along a wildlife trail and is a so-called rub-tree, where brown bears rub their back to leave a trace of their odor and thus inform other individuals of their presence and status.

'This has a territorial and hierarchical function. It seems like simple footage, but to find such a tree takes a lot of work.

'Besides, we believe in the power of honest imagery to draw people attention and convey a strong message of conservation.'
A bear with a hankering for human food was killed by wildlife officers after it spent six hours foraging for snacks inside a home while its owner slept upstairs, the third time the bear had encroached on kitchens and garages in as many weeks.

Homeowner Chris ODubhraic, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, posted a nearly 40 minute, night vision surveillance video of the home-invading bear inside his kitchen  just a fraction of the six hours the canny ursidae spent inside his house while he slept soundly upstairs.

In the video, captured by a Nest camera on Monday starting at about 11pm, the wily bear can be seen standing on its hind legs to open a refrigerator door, poking its snout into drawers and cabinets and leisurely wandering around the kitchen.

A 375 pound bear spent six hours trashing Chris O'Dubhraic's Colorado home in search of food

The 375 pound bear also 'trashed' O'Dubhraic's pantry and meandered into 'every open door, including two bedrooms,' Colorado Parks and Wildlife public information officer Bill Vogrin told The Gazette.

O'Dubhraic said that the bear not only pulled the pantry door off its hinges, but managed to open and destroy the kitchen trash compactor by twisting it sideways.

'It takes an enormous amount of strength, something I could never do,' ODubhraic said.

O'Dubhraic noted that the bear had chowed down on food including strawberries, blueberries, cherries, pineapples and organic apple oatmeal  items he'd only recently purchased.

The bear was caught on surveillance camera as it ransacked O'Dubhraic's fridge, opened kitchen drawers and cabinets and meandered around the house for six hours

Wildlife officials said that the bear entered the house through a broken crank-style window. In addition to the kitchen, the bear entered every room with an open door

O'Dubhraic was asleep in his bedroom, behind a closed door, when the bear entered his house. He was suffering from jetlag and remained fast asleep while the bear was inside

The bear had also urinated multiple times in the house, which O'Dubhraic said officials told him was likely the bear's efforts to mark the house so it could return later and continue foraging for food.

Shockingly, O'Dubhraic slept  behind a closed door  through the bear's six hour escapade inside his home.

Due to severe jet lag following a three and a half month business trip to Asia, O'Dubhraic said that he has a hard time staying up later than 5pm, which explained why he had no idea he had an unexpected house guest. It wasn't until he woke up at about 5.30am on Tuesday, that he saw the destruction wrought by the bear.

Upon seeing paw prints on his fridge and scratches on his kitchen cabinets, he called 911.

Although the bear was gone by the time ODubhraic entered the kitchen, he said he 'heard some rustling and some noise' that he suspects came from the bear.

He said that the sounds sent 'a shiver went up my spine.'

The bear got into his home via a first floor crank-style window that had been left slightly open after it was damaged during a recent windstorm. Vogrin said that the bear broke the crank and 'popped' open the window.

'This was a smart bear, a dangerous bear, so it was only a matter of time before someone got hurt. Were lucky it didnt happen last night,' Vogrin said.

Based on its markings, behavior and abnormal size, wildlife officers responding to O'Dubhraic's call identified the bear as having been the same one that another homeowner found eating ice cream and M&Ms it had stolen from a nearby home, as well as trapping neighbor Denielle Backstrom in her SUV  an event she captured on camera  as it roamed around her garage. Both incidents occurred in late June.

Vogrin said that Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologists believe that the bear 'learned that the sound of a garage door opening meant dinner.'

Weighing in at more than 75 pounds above the upper limits of what a male bear of its age is expected to weigh, Vogrin said that, 'This bear was so fat from eating human food it couldnt climb a tree...so it made a bed under a tree.'

In late June, O'Dubhraic's neighbor, Denille Backstrom, captured the bear on camera while it trapped her in her SUV while she was in her garage

Backstrom was just one of several neighborhood residents who reported that the bear had been digging through trash cans and coming face-to-face with them over the years

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers teamed up with US Department of Agriculture wildlife service officers to hunt the bear, due to the increased potential of danger to human health and safety following its invasion of O'Dubhraic's house.

The bear was shot by a USDA officer after it was spotted in O'Dubhraic's neighbor's yard at about 10am on Tuesday.

'The bear turned and came roaring through the scrub oak,' Vogrin said, adding that, 'It was one shot  a very safe, clean, efficient shot so there was no risk to neighboring houses.'

Following Backstrom's garage incident in June, wildlife officers had tried to capture the bear with traps that had been baited with food including doughnuts, icing, syrup and dog food, Vogrin said. But, the bear didn't fall for those traps.

Neighbors told wildlife officers that the bear had a long history of digging through trash cans and coming face-to-face with people in their garages and homes in the neighborhood.

One of the reasons the bear needed to be euthanized was due to the fact that 'it learned humans are not to be feared and homes are a source of food,' Vogrin said.

Killing the bear might not have been necessary if residents had reported the bear's uncharacteristic behavior four years prior. Back then, wildlife officers could've 'scared it back in the woods and taught it that humans are to be feared and homes avoided.'

It's estimated that Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers euthanize about 100 bears every year, tagging and relocating an additional 100 bears.

The department encourages residents to call authorities when they see bears roaming their neighborhoods, so the bears can be dealt with humanely before they become a potential threat to humans and need to be killed as a last resort.
In the dock: Jemma Beale made up bogus rape and sex assault claims against 15 men in three years for 'attention' finally and faces jail for her 'appalling lies'

A fantasist who made up bogus rape and sex assault claims against 15 men in three years just for 'attention' today finally faces jail for her 'appalling lies'.

Jemma Beale claimed to be a lesbian with 'no desire' to sleep with men and her bogus complaints to police led to Mahad Cassim serving two years in jail.

She told police Mr Cassim raped her after offering to give her a lift home - but in fact she got out of the car and told him: 'Get your pants down.'

Beale, from Middlesex, was even then awarded 11,000 in compensation while Mr Cassim languished behind bars.

She would even injure herself and use self-inflicted cuts and bruises against the 15 victims she falsely accused of sex attacks - including one who fled the country with his life in tatters.

The 25-year-old insisted she had been raped or attacked but after a five-week trial at Southwark Crown Court a jury of six men and five women took eight hours and 45 minutes to find her guilty of perjury and perverting the course of justice.

Judge Nicholas Loraine-Smith ordered psychiatric reports and referred to Beale's 'attention-seeking, which is what this case is all about'.

He told her: 'You have been convicted of all of these matters. They are very serious indeed, counts one to four most particularly.

'Somebody went to prison for a long time as a result of your perjured evidence.

'I am going to remand you in custody and I will be fully informed of your true psychiatric state when you return in August.'

Jemma Beale's bogus calls to police led to Mahad Cassim serving two years in jail for having sex with her after she claimed to be a lesbian with 'no desire' for men

Beale made her first complaint on the morning of 26 November 2010, when she told police she had been raped by Mr Cassim the previous night.

Jurors heard the 37-year-old Somalian came to the UK in 2002, aged 23, after a short stint living in Sweden where he also served in the military as part of the peace-keeping corps.

The 15 men in three years falsely accused of rape and sexual assault Jemma Beale made false complaint after false complaint about men - including one jailed for two years. Here are the key dates: November 26 2010  Told police she had been raped the night before by a man after getting a lift in his car. He was subsequently jailed and later released after an appeal. July 7 2012  claimed two separate sexual assaults, one by a man in The Windsor Castle pub in Hounslow, the second by the same man and three other men near the car park of a nearby medical centre. The man in the pub fled the country after being charged. CCTV showed he had not assaulted Beale, she had attacked him. The charges were later dropped. CCTV from the medical centre suggested the gang attack could not have happened as she claimed and forensic evidence later showed she had self-harmed using wire from a hanging flower basket to fake the sexual assault. September 2 2013  reported another sexual assault, five days earlier, outside her home in Addlestone, Surrey. No-one was arrested or charged. November 17 2013  reported a gang rape by four of a group of eight men in the street in Feltham. Two men she identified were arrested, but not charged. Advertisement

Beale and Mr Cassim accepted that he offered her a lift home which she accepted.

But he stopped the car and Beale directed him to a discreet alleyway.

'We drove for about ten minutes and while we were in the car we were talking and then she came and gave me a rub on my knuckles, my hand,' Mr Cassim said.

'She was asking me kind of questions, whilst rubbing my knuckles, asking, obviously about sex.'

He added: 'I said 'Are you sure?' and she said yes - I asked three times 'Are you sure?' - and said OK.

Mr Cassim said they got out of the car.

'Then all of a sudden, after about three yards she told me to pull off my underwear.'

Mr Cassim was tried for rape at Isleworth Crown Court in December 2011.

A retrial then took place in January 2012 in front of a fresh jury and he was jailed for seven years.

In a victim impact statement Beale described the 'devastating' effect the 'rape' had on her.

'I feel that any sentence he receives will never reflect the life sentence that he gave me,' she said.

Mr Cassim served two years because of the 'grave injustice' before he was released.

Beale then complained to police she was the victim of two sexual assaults in July 2012, one of which involved 'sexual violence of a most serious kind'.

She later complained to police she was groped by a stranger, Noam Shahzad, in a pub in July 2012, before he took part in a gang rape on her.

Beale even injured herself to back up her claims that she had been assaulted with barbed wire.

Mr Shahzad skipped bail and fled the country after being charged with sexual assault.

Beale then fabricated similar allegations against six other men in 2013.

She claimed two strangers sexually assaulted her close to her home in Ashford, Middlesex, before she was put through another gang rape attack by four others two months later.

Beale made repeated claims to the police she had been sexually assaulted in 2013 - but maintained her sexuality meant she didn't want sex with men, telling the jury: 'I ain't bisexual at all.'

Two of the men identified by Beale - Luke Williams, 28, and 25-year-old Steven McCormack - were arrested and interviewed but never charged.

She claimed Mr Shahzad groped her at The Windsor Castle pub, in Hounslow, before the same man took part in a sickening gang attack in the car-park of a nearby medical centre using barbed wire.

Crime scene examiners recovered a number of items from a small gap between the east side of the centre and the brick wall perimeter.

Among those was a wire basket containing a small amount of Beale's DNA along with one of her earrings.

Beale claimed the sample was left as she urinated there but prosecutors claimed the basket was used to cause the 'self-inflicted' injuries.

'The group of men did not exist,' said prosecutor John Price, QC.

Jemma Beale, 25, (pictured at Southwark Crown Court) even made a complaint about a group of men that never existed, the court heard

Beale reported another serious sexual assault, this time by two men, on September 2, 2013 which she claimed it had happened five days earlier outside of her home.

Although neither alleged attacker was ever identified she said one of the pair was also involved the previous attack in July.

Again the entire incident was 'a grotesque invention'.

Beale reported another attack in Feltham, west London, two months later, on 17 November.

'She described a gang rape at night in a street of the most appalling kind,' said Mr Price.

'She alleged that she had been raped one after the other by four of a group of eight men, and she identified two of them as Luke Williams and Steven McCormack.

'Both of those men were arrested by police later that same day.'

Beale had spent the evening with Mr Williams and others at a house party, and that she had left willingly with him to go and get alcohol and cigarettes.

She claimed he took her to a garage where he arranged for a Mr McCormack and others to attack her, and that he was armed with a machete.

In the days before the alleged assault, Mr McCormack said Beale had threatened to get him into trouble with the police.

'Each of those reports made by Jemma Beale to the police is alleged by the prosecution in this case as being entirely false,' said Mr Price.

'She had not been raped.

'Nor had she been sexually assaulted on any of these occasions.'

Beale, of Bedfont, Middlesex, denied four counts of perjury and four counts of perverting the course of justice at Southwark Crown Court but was convicted by the jury in eight hours

She was arrested in June 2014 and eventually charged in March of last year.

Beale told the court she had been bullied at school for being fat and she insisted she was a lesbian and said she had been in several relationships with women.

'I'm not going to go to a man I don't know and ask him for sex,' she insisted, adding: 'I ain't bisexual at all.'

Mr Price warned jurors to be 'under no illusion' that Beale's memory or intellect were in any way deficient.

She claimed to have been taught a technique for suppressing traumatic memories but later conceded in the witness box they were not 'locked away'.

'What she says by way of explanation for her inability to recall such obviously important and startling incidents in her own life is that it is boxed away,' he said.

'It is bogus. It is psychobabble.'

Beale, of Bedfont, Middlesex, denied four counts of perjury and four counts of perverting the course of justice but was convicted by the jury.

She was remanded in custody ahead of sentence at Southwark Crown Court on 24 August.
This is the moment the wife of a high-ranking police chief was caught on camera slapping the face of an airport security officer.

Footage shows Joice Warouw, the wife of an Indonesian Police Brigadier, flying into a rage when she is allegedly asked to put her watch on an X-ray machine in Sam Ratulangi Airport, local news outlet Tempo reported.

Clad in all black and sporting large sunglasses, Ms Warouw is seen lashing out at the security guard as her daughter struggles to hold her back.

Footage shows Joice Warouw slapping the face of security at Sam Ratulangi Airport

The mobile phone footage has grabbed headlines across Indonesia, and the 46-year-old woman is now reportedly under investigation by police.

Indonesian Transport Minister Budi Karya Sumadi uploaded the vision with an accompanying message condemning the woman's actions.

Local police confirmed to Indonesian media they were investigating the woman following two reports.

'There are two reports filed [against the woman]. We will handle both reports in accordance with the law,' police have said.

The wife of an Indonesian Police Brigadier, fly into a rage when she is asked to put her watch on an X-ray machine

The 46-year-old woman is now reportedly under investigation by police

Indonesian Transport Minister Budi Karya Sumadi uploaded the vision from inside Sam Ratulangi Airport

The national police confirmed the woman was married to a national police chief.

'Yes, that's [the wife of] Brigadier General Sumampouw who's assigned to the National Police,' a statement read.

It is unknown what charges Ms Warouw will face, but police have vowed she will be dealt with according to the law.
Pictured for the first time, this is the 'raging' stepfather accused of beating his girlfriend's five-year-old son to death in a park after the boy lost one of his trainers.

Alex Malcolm, a child model, suffered fatal head injuries at the hands of burly Marvyn Iheanacho, 39, a court heard yesterday.

One eye witness claims they heard the child saying 'sorry' to Iheanacho before a flurry of 'booming noises' as he unleashed up to eight punches.

Iheanacho then took the unconscious boy home and attacked Alex's mother when she tried to dial 999.

'Rage': Marvyn Iheanacho, 39, pictured, is accused of savagely beating his girlfriend's son, five-year-old Alex Malcolm in a rage over the boy losing his trainer in a park in south London

Tragic: Alex Malcolm, five, pictured, died of severe injuries in a south London park. Iheanacho is now on trial accused of killing the boy in a fit of anger after he lost one of his trainers

Child star: Little Alex had had just posed for a portfolio to become a young model when he was killed, allegedly by the boyfriend of his mother Liliya Breha, pictured, who was not in the park

Prosecutors say Iheanacho lost his temper and violently assaulted child model Alex during a trip to the Mountsfield Park in Catford, south-east London.

Iheanacho, from Hounslow, west London, is standing trial at Woolwich Crown Court, where he denies murdering the boy.

'The prosecution say that he died at the hands of this defendant, a man who was looking after him, acting as his stepfather... violently assaulted the boy, causing him fatal head and stomach injures,' said prosecutor Eleanor Laws QC

'The defendant is a man who has ever since, we say, done his best to avoid being held accountable for those injuries.'

A jury heard he was in a relationship with Alex's mother Liliya Breha and would often stay at her flat in Catford.

CCTV captured Iheanacho taking Alex from his home, on three separate buses, to the park, where they arrived at around 5.12pm, when it was already dark.

Alex was wearing black trainers, a red jacket, a woolly hat and gloves.

Ms Laws told jurors there are no witnesses or CCTV footage of 'the defendant landing blows on Alex', but continued: 'There is, however, clear evidence as to the fact the defendant lost his temper with Alex before he sustained his injuries.'

Frantic call: Alex's mother Lilya, who was not in the park, tried to call 999 when Iheanacho brought Alex back to her flat in Catford, but he is alleged to have attacked her

One eye witness claims they heard Alex, pictured, saying 'sorry' to Iheanacho before a flurry of 'booming noises' as he unleashed up to eight punches

Accused: Prosecutors say Iheanacho, pictured, lost his temper and violently assaulted child model Alex during a trip to the Mountsfield Park in Catford, south-east London

She said prosecutors know the pair went to the play area because Alex lost one of his trainers, which was later found there by police.

Describing an incident at about 6pm, she added: 'The defendant was heard shouting loudly at Alex after finding out that Alex had lost his shoe.'

One witness, Sarah Strugnell, saw Iheanacho bend down to the child and ask where his shoes were, the court heard.

'The man was very angry indeed and Sarah Strugnell describes how he was raging at the child who was very quiet,' said the prosecutor.

'Her partner recalls hearing the loud banging and a male voice screaming about the loss of shoes and a child's fearful voice saying 'sorry'.'

The prosecutor added: 'He describes the banging continuing. He shouted to his dogs which appeared to bring the male's shouting to an end.

'It is the prosecution case that this banging could well have been in fact banging from repeated assaults upon Alex.

'At some point, whether during this confrontation or between this confrontation and the next sighting of the defendant by dog-walkers, soon after, back in the park, the boy had received extreme injuries.'

Iheanacho was then seen by dog-walkers Karen Leigh-Phillips and her partner Johanne, the court heard.

A jury heard Iheanacho was in a relationship with Alex's mother Liliya, pictured, and would often stay at her flat in Catford. Liliya was not at the park when her son was allegedly attacked

The alleged attack took place in Mountsfield Park in Catford, south-east London last year

The prosecutor continued: 'They approached a man, the prosecution say the defendant, who was talking on his phone and noticed a child lying flat on his back on the bench, with his arm dangling from the bench.

'They heard the defendant saying something into his phone about losing something and the fact that he was still looking for it. They also heard him say "He's fallen asleep and he's heavy".'

Iheanacho then carried Alex unconscious 'as if he were a baby' to a minicab office, from where he was taken back to Ms Breha's flat, despite the nearest hospital being just a five-minute walk away, the court heard.

He told Alex's mother her son fell to his knees and hit his head and that he slapped him to try to wake him up, jurors heard.

Ms Laws said Iheanacho then attacked a screaming Ms Breha after she called him a 'danger to her family' and stopped her from calling an ambulance.

But she grabbed the phone after noticing her son was getting cold, his face had turned blue and he had stopped breathing.

The court heard Iheanacho told one paramedic Alex had fallen onto his knees and hit his head on the floor, but told others he had fallen from a climbing frame.

Alex was eventually taken to King's College Hospital in Denmark Hill, but pronounced dead

Doctors at Lewisham Hospital tried to resuscitate Alex, but a CT scan revealed he was suffering from severe brain swelling, and he was transferred to King's College Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

A post-mortem revealed bruises on the youngster's head, neck, and body, while a pathologist concluded the combination of impact type head injury and blunt trauma to the abdomen was 'consistent with inflicted injury'.

The prosecutor said Iheanacho denies causing any of the injuries to Alex, describing what happened as 'an accident'.

But she said Iheanacho delivered a 'forceful blow', such as 'a kick, a stamp, or a punch,' and added: 'The prosecution say that Alex's death was no accident.

'The injuries suffered were extensive and did not result from a fall. The defendant lost his temper, most likely because Alex had lost his trainer.

'He has previous convictions for violence and has a tendency to lose his temper and lash out.'

The trial continues.
Jeremy Corbyn will meet the EU's chief Brexit negotiator in Brussels next week in a move critics will see as an attempt to disrupt the talks.

The Labour leader has demanded an extended meeting with Michel Barnier as he attempts to put the Opposition's view on the talks.

Mr Corbyn today hinted he could back a Norway-style deal with the EU which could Britain still closely linked to Brussels even after Brexit.

Labour's announcement came as rumours swirled former PM David Cameron also now backs an agreement similar to Norway's membership of the European Economic Area.

Jeremy Corbyn (pictured today meeting students in Barnet) will meet the EU's chief Brexit negotiator in Brussels next week in a move critics will see as an attempt to disrupt the talks

The Labour leader has demanded an extended meeting with Michel Barnier as he attempts to put the Opposition's view on the talks

Norway is inside the EU single market but outside the political organisation - meaning it can trade freely but is still subject to many EU laws, something strongly opposed by Brexiteers.

Senior Tories today questioned why Mr Corbyn and Mr Barnier are getting together given that Brexit talks are between the EU and the UK government.

There is speculation that Mr Corbyn, who requested the encounter, is trying to harm Theresa May by disrupting the talks.

Mr Corbyn said he would use his 'extended meeting' with Mr Barnier to set out a rival vision of the future relationship.

But Tory MP Peter Bone told MailOnline: 'I don't quite see the relevance of him speaking to Corbyn.

'Maybe they share an interest in allotments, because it can't be about the substance of negotiations - because he is in Opposition.'

News of the meeting came hours after Michel Barnier (pictured today in Brussels) warned Britain that Brexit was a 'loser/loser' situation

Mr Corbyn told Bloomberg today: 'Fundamentally we want to make sure there's tariff-free trade access to the European market, that's crucial.

'We accept the result of the referendum.

'The single market is a concept that requires membership of the European Union so what we're looking for is tariff-free access.'

In a hint at what sort of deal he could endorse, the Labour leaded added that Norway has 'very good relations with the EU'.

The Labour leader's interview came as James Chapman, the former chief of staff to Brexit Secretary David Davis, revealed rumours of Mr Cameron's intervention

It was not clear how Mr Corbyn could square Norway's membership of the EU single market with Labour's commitment to quit the trading zone.

The Labour leader's interview came as James Chapman, the former chief of staff to Brexit Secretary David Davis, revealed rumours of Mr Cameron's intervention.

He tweeted: 'Whispers in Tory circles that David Cameron may be about to back a ''Norway for now'' transitional Brexit model.'
COLUMBUS  A 34-year-old Columbus man is accused of establishing a social media relationship with what he believed to be a 15-year-old girl in an attempt to lure her into a sexual encounter.

But the person he was communicating with through Facebook was actually a police investigator posing as a teenage girl.

Adam Wurdeman is charged with enticement by electronic device and attempted sexual assault by an electronic device in connection with the online relationship. He waived his preliminary hearing in Platte County Court on Wednesday and will be arraigned on the charges July 14 in district court.

The defendant was released from the county jail June 21 after posting a $25,000 personal recognizance bond.

The attempted sexual assault charge is a Class II felony, punishable by up to 50 years imprisonment. The enticement charge is a Class IV felony carrying a maximum penalty of two years in prison and 12 months of post-release supervision.

According to court documents, a Columbus Police sting operation began in late April when the defendant is accused of contacting the Facebook account and making a friend request. The account portrayed a 15-year-old girl living in Columbus.

In the weeks that followed, according to court records, Wurdeman asked the teens age and told her he was 34 years old. The defendant and undercover investigator continued to exchange online messages throughout May, with Wurdeman attempting to arrange meetings on two separate occasions, court documents state.

After agreeing to a meeting June 19 in the area of 27th Avenue and 16th Street, records state Wurdeman was arrested following a traffic stop. His cellphone was broken prior to the officer making contact with the driver.
Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts was partially evacuated for several hours on Thursday over concerns of a possible bomb.

A Massachusetts State Police bomb squad was called after a truck trying to enter the Bedford, Massachusetts base tested positive for 'potentially explosive material during a routine stop around 9am Thursday morning.

The military scanned the vehicle first and got a positive reading for hazardous materials. When the bomb squad arrived on the scene, they got the same reading.

Around noon, bomb squad members wearing vests and helmets went through the vehicle with the help of two bomb-sniffing dogs. They started bringing out carboard boxes, a mattress and other items form the vehicle. An hour later, officials gave the all clear, saying the truck was safe and that operation could resume as normal at the base.

At an afternoon press conference, officials said they found two containers or pallets on the truck that contained 'potentially concerning residue'. Those containers are now being taken to a lab for further analysis.

However, officials said that no one is in custody or suspected of a crime, and they don't expect any arrests in the future either. Their main focus now will be figuring out how the trace amounts of concerning materials ended up inside the truck.

Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts was partially evacuated for several hours on Thursday over concerns of a possible bomb

Bomb squads were called shortly after 9am, when a moving truck tested positive for 'potentially explosive material'

Around noon, bomb squad workers started taking boxes off of the truck while bomb-sniffing dogs inspected the items

More emergency vehicles arrived at the scene of the stopped truck around 1pm. At 1:30pm, officials announced an all-clear for business to return to normal

The officials would not say what materials they found inside the truck. That's something that will be determined when the chemist looks at the pallets.

After the press conference, the truck that was stopped was seen finally driving onto the base to complete its shipment.

The driver and passenger were questioned by police earlier in the day, and the CEO of the moving company had been cooperating with authorities.

A spokesman for the moving company told WBZ that the truck was only supposed to be carrying household goods, and was scheduled to make the delivery at the base.

State Police said that the moving truck was hired by a military family who were moving into housing on the base.

A press conference is planned for later this afternoon, when more will be revealed about the incident

The moving company spokesman said that the truck was only supposed to be carrying household goods, and was scheduled to make the delivery at the base.

Shortly before 11am, the Massachusetts State Police released this statement: 'At approximately 0945 hours today we were notified of a suspicious truck that had been stopped by base security at Gate 1 at Hanscom Air Force Base. A standard screening of the truck and its cargo revealed indicators of potentially hazardous material. The Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad has responded and our Air Wing is responding as well. As a safety precaution, an area around the gate has been evacuated.'

Hansom Air Force Base officials said what was found 'potentially explosive material,' in a press release of their own.

During the bomb scare, parts of the base were evacuated, including the base's Vandenberg Gate and several facilities near it.

Mass State Police set up a perimeter around the truck extending 1,500 feet after the reports. They also temporarily closed the nearby exit from Route 2A and asked news helicopters to refrain from flying overhead.

The Hanscom Air Force Base is 848 acres large and headquarters the 66th Air Base Group. More than 10,000 people work at the base, which has more than 150 buildings.
Joe Kennedy III poses for a portrait for the most recent issue of Town & Country

Rep. Joe Kennedy is seen with his wife Lauren and their one-year-old daughter Eleanor posing for sweet family portraits in the most recent issue of Town & Country.

In an interview to accompany the images, the flame-haired congressman discussed his famous family legacy and shared his no nonsense view on the current state of Washington DC.

Joe, who is the son of Joseph Kennedy II and Sheila Rauch, has served as the Democratic Rep. for the 4th District of Massachusetts since 2013.

The 36-year-old has been floated as a potential 2020 presidential candidate and political commentators have long pinned hopes for a Kennedy revival in Washington DC on his shoulders.

Joe steered clear of announcing any presidential ambition in the interview but he reflected on the work done by Kennedys before him.

'Look, my family means different things to different folks. I think for most people they have very fond memories and believe my family made important contributions to the country. And I happen to believe so too, and Im grateful when people do mention that and share their stories: "I shook your grandfather's hand,"or JFKs hand, or "I met your Uncle Teddy,"' he said.

He spoke warmly of the Hyannis Port compound where the enormous extended family gathers to celebrate Thanksgiving and Independence Day.

'Almost everybody is there. And its great. Its a big family, and people are off doing their own thing, at this point now in almost every corner of the world.

The congressman and his wife Lauren played with their one-year-old daughter Eleanor as part of the photo-shoot

Joe, 36, is cradles his 18-month-old daughter in another sweet portrait for the magazine

Joe spoke warmly of family parties at the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts

On Tuesday, he congressman shared this photograph from the family compound as they celebrated 4th of July

'But they come back for these holidays, and it keeps the family together,' he said.

Friends nostalgically talked about his t-total days at Stanford when he would match their alcoholic beverages with pints of whole milk and where he was almost always found reading a book or studying.

After graduating, he entered the Peace Corps and traveled to the Dominican Republic to work with impoverished communities - an experience of which he said: 'I would not be here at all but for that experience. I draw on it every single day.'

Joe and his twin brother Matt are the only children of his father, Joseph Kennedy II and his ex-wife Sheila Rauch (above together in 1990)

Joe has won social media praise with his bold monologues in the House of Representatives.

Earlier this year, he challenged Speaker Paul Ryan after he described the Republicans' healthcare plan as merciful.

Joe, a staunch Democrat, disagreed with the characterization and a video of him telling the house as much went viral.

In his Town & Country interview, he addressed the issue of immigration, pointing out that his family too once came to America in need.

'Yes, it was now a century and a half ago but my family was in a similar position as those folks fleeing famine and destitution. It wasnt a war zone in Ireland, but it certainly wasnt good, either.

'That history is repeating itself today. And it just strikes me as, yes, on the one hand times have changed and things have changed.

On the other hand humanity hasnt changed all that much. And the fact that were willing to say, "Hey, it was okay for me but its not okay for you," given the destitution and strife that people are going through? We can do better than that.'

Joe and his twin brother Matt are the only children of Joseph Kennedy II and Sheila Rauch. His father served as the US Rep. for 8th congressional district of Massachusetts between 1987 and 1999.
Vijay Mallya, 61, arriving at Westminster Magistrates Court today

An Indian beer tycoon dubbed 'The King of Good Times' is facing money laundering charges after his airline collapsed with an estimated 1billion of debts, a court heard.

Vijay Mallya, 61, allegedly fled India after Kingfisher Airlines failed five years ago owing enormous sums for unpaid loans, bills and wages.

It emerged today that Mallya, the co-owner of the Force India F1 team, faces charges of money laundering which were only recently served by Indian authorities to the British government.

Today the entrepreneur appeared before a packed court room at Westminster Magistrates' Court, with Indian reporters watching on in the public gallery.

When asked why he attended the hearing despite being granted an exemption by the judge, Mallya said: 'I do as my lawyers advise.'

Mallya's lawyer Ben Watson said: 'It is regrettable that we have only recently been served with further material.'

He added: 'Mr Mallya wishes to engage as constructively as possible with the proceedings.

'We have not had sight of the new material... there is a reference to money laundering.'

Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot allowed Mallya to remain on conditional bail and set a new hearing date of 4 December to allow new material to be looked at.

Vijay Mallya pictured with Jean Todt, president of governing body the FIA (left) and Bernie Ecclestone (right) at the Goodwood Festival Of Speed in West Sussex earlier this month

Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot allowed Mallya (centre) to remain on conditional bail and set a new hearing date of 4 December

Creditors asked India's Supreme Court to ensure Mallya remained in custody last year as they tried to reclaim debts, but he had already moved to London.

A Mumbai court issued a warrant for his arrest and sent an extradition request to the Metropolitan Police on February 8, before he handed himself in to a central London police station a week later.

The businessman previously paid a 650,000 security to secure his release on conditional bail ahead of his first case management hearing last month.

Mallya made most of his fortune from Kingfisher beer and spirits after being made chairman of the United Breweries Group.

Mallya, from Tewin in Herfordshire, has dismissed the allegations on his @TheVijayMallya Twitter account, saying they are 'media hype'.

Vijay Mallya pictured at the Festival of Speed in Chichester just days before his court appearance

From left: Jean Todt, Vijay Mallya and Nico Rosberg. Mr Mallya has been compared to Virgin billionaire Richard Branson and has a stake in India's only Formula One team Force India

'I did not flee from India and neither am I an absconder,' he added.

The tycoon has been compared to Virgin billionaire Richard Branson and has a stake in India's only Formula One team Force India.

He surrendered his passport to the court and has been banned from applying for travel documents while on bail.
Nearly 100 Australian sex offenders have made attempts to enter Indonesia sparking child advocates to call for new laws to cancel paedophiles' passports.

Indonesian immigration officials have revealed 92 of the 485 foreigners banned from the country this year were Australian child sex offenders.

Indonesia - and more specifically Bali - has a long history of paedophiles arriving from Australia, The Age reported.

Nearly 100 Australian sex offenders have made attempts to enter Indonesia sparking child advocates to call for new laws to cancel paedophiles' passports

Robert Andrew Fiddes Ellis, from Victoria, was sentenced to 15 years jail last year after sexually abusing 11 girls.

His penalty was the highest ever given in Bali for a crime of his nature.

The 70-year-old pleaded his innocence suggesting he did not deserve to be placed behind bars as his crime was 'not a serious thing' after he claimed to have just bathed the girls and had 'paid them generously'.

Indonesia surpassed other Asian countries including Thailand and Malaysia as the most popular destination for sex tourists in 2014.

This led to the two countries agreeing a deal that would prevent any paedophile identified by the Australian Federal Police entering Indonesia.

The Turnbull Government also moved to cancel 20,000 passports of those on the National Child Offender Register in May.

Robert Andrew Fiddes Ellis, from Victoria, was sentenced to 15 years jail last year after sexually abusing 11 girls (pictured)

The 70-year-old pleaded his innocence suggesting he did not deserve to be placed behind bars as his crime was 'not a serious thing'

The Australian Government have claimed nearly 800 child sex offenders headed overseas last year.

Indonesian immigration spokesman Agung Sampurno praised the latest decision between the two countries to prevent paedophiles entering the country.

'The law is very helpful, however with or without the law the immigration cooperation on the field has been going very well,' he said.

'Based on common agreement we do database integration. It makes it easier now.'
A water theme park has shut down one of its rides after a woman was severely injured when she struck her head and almost drowned.

Christina Orebaugh was at the Kings Dominion amusement park in Virginia on Tuesday with her husband Steve when she injured herself on the Tornado ride.

The tube the couple were riding in on the 65-foot high attraction flipped and caused Christina to hit her head.

Her husband said she was immediately knocked unconscious and almost drowned.

Christina Orebaugh was at the Kings Dominion amusement park in Virginia on Tuesday with her husband Steve when she struck her head and almost drowned on the Tornado ride

Steve wrote on Facebook that he managed to get Christina's head above water while he yelled for help. He claimed that everyone was just standing around.

The woman was rushed to VCU Medical Center for treatment.

Her husband claims she suffered a broken collarbone, a fractured shoulder and a broken toe from the ordeal. He also said she had to get staples in her head to close up a wound.

'She is in a lot of pain but she wants to thank everyone for all the thoughts and prayers. Fingers crossed we can go home today,' Steve wrote on Facebook on Wednesday.

The tube the couple were riding in on the 65-foot high attraction flipped and caused Christina to hit her head

Christina's husband Steve claims she was knocked unconscious and almost drowned

Kings Dominion said in a statement that the response from park staff was immediate, WTRV reports.

'Five aquatics personnel and four safety and security personnel responded,' the statement said.

'The first lifeguard was already in the water so the response was immediate. Within six seconds three lifeguards were in the water with the guest.

'The safety of our guests and staff is always our number one priority and the ride remains closed at this time while park officials conduct an investigation.'

Kings Dominion said in a statement they had temporarily closed the ride while they carried out an investigation
A married middle school teacher from New Jersey has been accused of carrying on a months-long sexual relationship with her 15-year-old student, whom prosecutors say she adopted.

Rayna Culver, 43, of Burlington Township, was arrested in May on charges of second-degree sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child.

According to a criminal complaint, the victim was Culver's one-time student at Rivera Middle School in Trenton, and the two were said to be 'very close' and would talk often during the school year.

Rayna Culver, 43 (left and right), a married middle school teacher from New Jersey, has been accused of carrying on a months-long sexual relationship with her 15-year-old student

Culver was hired in September 2013 by Trenton Public Schools as a climate and culture leader at Rivera Middle School (pictured), where she first met the alleged victim

When the 15-year-old boy was thrown out of a relative's home in December 2015, Culver invited the teen to stay with her.

In early 2016, she became the boy's legal guardian. The teen would later tell investigators he believed Culver opened her home to him expecting to eventually 'make sex a part of their relationship,' the court documents, first cited by The Trentonian, stated.

The student was quoted as telling police that his and Culver's relationship turned sexual in June 2016, when one night she started to fondle him before bedtime, stripped off his clothes, then proceeded to perform oral sex on him and have intercourse with the boy.

After that first incident, they would engage in sex often, and it was to the point where he felt that if he told her to stop she would get mad and kick him out of the house, according to the complaint.

When the 15-year-old boy was thrown out of a relative's home in December 2015, Culver invited the teen to stay with her. A few months later, she became his legal guardian

At one point, the 15-year-old allegedly sent Culver a text message saying he no longer wanted to have sex, but she expressed a desire to carry on with their affair, the complaint stated.

The teen told the authorities that he and the married 43-year-old teacher had sex nearly every day over the course of several months.

In April, the alleged victim gave the authorities his cellphone containing text message exchanges with Culver, whose phone number was listed under the entry 'Mom'.

In the course of their conversations, Culver and the teen reportedly discussed sexual acts.

A search of Culvers home in May yielded two cellphones, as well as 'potential bio fluid.'

Culver's attorney dismissed the allegations against his client as 'completely fabricated and made up,' and described the accuser as 'a troubled young man.'

Unfaithful: Culver, pictured above with her husband of 14 years, allegedly had sex with the teen for the first time in June 2016 after fondling and undressing him at bedtime

According to Culvers LinkedIn account, she was hired in September 2013 by Trenton Public Schools as a climate and culture leader, drawing a salary of more than $96,000 last year.

On May 10, Culver was arrested at her home on Tudor Drive in Burlington Township, which she has been sharing with her husband of 14 years.

After making her initial court appearance, Culver was released on the condition that she have no contact with the victim, or anyone under the age of 18.
Commuters in London are enduring another night of misery as a signal failure causes more train delays and cancellations from Paddington and Waterloo.

Great Western Railway announced 'major disruption' on Thursday evening, just as hundreds of office workers and commuters prepared to get home after work.

All trains were suspended and the disruption was expected to continue until 10pm, with passengers advised to travel tomorrow instead.

One twitter user, @uwa101 shared this picture of the blank boards at Paddington with no information for commuters

Commuters have been venting their frustration on Twitter, and South West Trains has blamed their problems on the delays at Paddington

Great Western Railway (GWR), which operates the majority of services from London Paddington, said every line between the capital and Slough, Berkshire was blocked.

The issue caused chaos for Heathrow passengers as no trains were able to operate to or from the airport as the Heathrow Express and Heathrow Connect were suspended.

But the failure is not just affecting those leaving Paddington, but those trying to make journeys further along the south west coast line too.

Stewart Martin-Haugh tweeted: 'Train announcer has just said there is a "code black" on signals between Reading and Paddington. Sat at Didcot Parkway for indefinite future.'

Rob Lowe said: 'First week back commuting to London after 6 years and hour delay last night and simply no trains at all tonight. Total rubbish.'

Emilie Renard said: 'YEEEEAAAHHHHH it's all all-out carnage evening at Paddington! No trains running, signals all down. BANTER.'

Angry twitter users shared pictures of commuters gazing hopelessly at the blank boards, or just seeing 'delayed' on every service

There is set to be delays on the line until 10pm after a massive signal failure, affecting trains from Paddington to Slough

Those who do make it out of the capital are suffering with packed trains and slow services to finally get home

Carole Souter wrote: 'An hour late into Paddington yesterday. No trains out today. Happy days!'

Andrew Leason said: 'Absolute carnage at Reading now as no trains at all going to or from London Paddington.'

Those hoping to get home tonight are being advised to go to Waterloo, but several commuters have complained of delays on South West services too.

Some have made it onto trains, where they are 'packed like sardines'.

Alternative routes for passengers Chiltern Railways are conveying passengers via any reasonable route until further notice.

CrossCountry are conveying passengers via any reasonable route until further notice.

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Several South West services are currently at least an hour delayed, with one cancelled.

Emily Pugh wrote: 'The 18.20 from Paddington to Reading. The guard has apologised for the overcrowding blaming issues in Paddington, but this is inexcusable.'

Paul Dixon said: 'Packed like a sardine on at train out of Paddington to Reading. Feeling hot, hot, hot.'

It was a familiar tale of woe at London Paddington, which suffered disruption due to a signalling failure on Wednesday evening.

London Waterloo had a similar problem on Wednesday, with signalling problems affecting trains leaving five platforms throughout the day.

Network Rail - which manages Britain's railway infrastructure - and GWR said in a joint statement: 'Network Rail and GWR would like to apologise to customers as a signal failure means we are not currently able to run trains into and out of London Paddington.

'Network Rail has teams on the ground working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, however significant delays are expected to continue.'

File image of Waterloo station which has been hit by delays. Several services out of the station are overcrowded after delays at Paddington

A statement on the GWR website read: 'Due to a fault with the signalling system between London Paddington and Slough all lines are blocked. Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed by up to 180 minutes.

'Customers are advised to postpone journeys, while those that are able travel at any time tomorrow.'

Affected passengers were advised that they may be entitled to a refund or compensation and should visit gwr.com for more information.
The government's top ethics official who dogged President Trump with urgings to liquidate or separate himself from his financial empire is leaving his post months early to join a watchdog organization.

Walter Shaub, head of the Office of Government Ethics, resigned his post Thursday and announced that he is joining the Campaign Legal Center.

He then told CBS News that there was an 'appearance' the Trump businesses were profiting from the presidency.

'I cant know what their intention is. I know that the effect is that theres an appearance that the businesses are profiting from his occupying the presidency,' Shaub told the network. 'And appearance matters as much as reality, so even aside from whether or not thats actually happening, we need to send a message to the world that the United States is going to have the gold standard for an ethics program in government, which is what weve always had.'

Walter Shaub Jr., director of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics walks on Capitol Hill in Washington. Shaub, who prodded President Donald Trumpis administration over conflicts of interest is resigning to take a new job, at the Campaign Legal Center

He added: 'You can't be sure, and so it almost doesn't matter whether they are profiting or not. America should have the right to know what the motivations of its leaders are, and they need to know that financial interests, personal financial interests, aren't among them.'

In a statement put out by Campaign Legal Center, Shaub only hinted at his concerns: 'In working with the current administration, it has become clear to me that we need improvements to the existing ethics program. I look forward to working toward that aim at Campaign Legal Center, as well as working on ethics reforms at all levels of government,' he said.

Democratic Rep. Elijah Cummings of the House Government Reform Committee used Shaub's comment to call for a hearing on ethics issues, but the GOP majority is under no obligation to follow his advice.

Corey Goldstone of the Campaign Legal Center said Shaub will fill a newly created post. He believes the position is 'the best avenue now for creating change in ethics in government. Its an opportunity for him to broaden his focus beyond the executive branch and work in ethics at state and local as well,' Goldstone told DailyMail.com.

'He wanted to take the opportunity before it was gone,' said Goldstone, who said it was created a few weeks ago and that others were considered to fill it.

President Trump gets to name the successor to the position, which requires Senate confirmation and fills a five-year term.

In his resignation letter Thursday, Shaub hailed fellow employees for 'protecting the principle that public service is a public trust, requiring employees to place loyalty to the Constitution, the laws, and ethical principles above private gain.'

Shaub told the Washington Post he was not resigning under pressure, although his comments hinted at his frustration.

Its clear that there isnt more I could accomplish, he told the paper.

President-elect Donald Trump speaks at a news cenference at Trump Tower on January 11, 2017 in New York City, where he announced he was maintaining ownership of his business empire

MOVING ON: Shaub resigned his position in a letter Thursday

WELCOME ABOARD! Shaub's office trolled Trump with tweets over his real estate and business empire, which the president continues to own while serving in office

Shaub blasted as 'wholly inadequate' the plan the president announced shortly before he took office to hand over control of his company to sons Eric and Donald Trump Jr., while retaining ownership.

His agency trolled Trump with tweets like one in November that said: '.@realDonaldTrump OGE is delighted that youve decided to divest your businesses. Right decision! read one tweet.'

US President- elect Donald Trump stands with his children Ivanka and Donald Jr., during Trump's press conference at Trump Tower in New York on January 11, 2017. Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump currently help run the Trump Organization, while Ivanka Trump joined the administration

His agency traded paper with White House lawyers and would-be staff hires over the terms under which they could come work for the administration.

Shaub and his office also clashed with counselor to the president Kellyanne Conway after she advised people in a TV interview to 'go buy Ivankas stuff.'

'Under the present circumstances, there is strong reason to believe that Ms. Conway has violated the Standards of Conduct Act and that disciplinary action is warranted,' Shaub wrote the office of White House counsel, which failed to discipline Conway.

According to the Post, the OGE's chief of staff, Shelley K. Finlayson, is in line to become acting director. The president could designate another person to fill the role, and gets to name Shaub's successor.
The body of a fisherman's missing wife was found washed ashore, tied to an anchor and shot in the head weeks after he told police she'd fallen overboard during a boating trip.

Karen Leclair washed up on the New York shoreline of Lake Erie on Wednesday, three weeks after her husband Christopher reported her missing.

An anchor had been tied to her torso with nylon fishing rope and she had been shot in the head.

The 51-year-old's husband was charged with her murder on June 11 hours after telling police she had fallen overboard as they sailed Lake Erie.

The body of Karen Leclair, 51, washed up on the New York shoreline of Lake Erie on Wednesday, three weeks after her husband Christopher, 48, claimed she had fallen overboard. She had been shot in the head and had an anchor strapped to her torso with nylon fishing tape

He claimed she was feeling unwell and had been sitting on a bucket on the deck of his commercial boat when she vanished.

Surveillance footage captured the couple boarding the boat on June 10 together and taking it out on the water. Only Christopher disembarked, however, and he was seen on the same cameras returning the next day which is when he made the phone call.

It was later claimed that he spent the night with his mistress who said he'd told her she could move in to his home soon after returning from the first boat outing.

Authorities charged Christopher, 48, with murder within hours of him calling them to report his wife missing.

In police interviews, he allegedly confessed to police that he'd been having an affair with another woman for the past eight months and admitted they'd been intimate on June 9, one day before his wife was last seen.

His lover was interviewed and claimed that on June 10, after going out to see with his wife, he returned to her home and discussed her moving to his house in Albion in the near future.

Mrs Leclair had not been seen since she was filmed on surveillance footage getting on her husband's 52-foot commercial boat (pictured) on June 10

Authorities made the gruesome discovery of Mrs Leclair's body on Wednesday

'We were just looking for the truth, and we were trying to find answers. We were doing everything we possibly could to find and locate Karen Leclair.

'So when we sit her husband down and we start asking questions and answers to those questions really dont make sense, and we go back and look at surveillance videos from the marina and we see that, according to the videos, she disappeared on Saturday and he doesnt report that until Sunday, thats a red flag to our investigators.

'At that point the theme of the investigation started to take a change,' Lt. Wayne Klinen, crime section supervisor for state police Troop E in Lawrence Park Township, told Go Erie.

The pair had been married for 26 years when Mrs. Leclair disappeared.
This is the heroic moment a construction worker swung to safety from a burning building after a colleague in a crane lowered him to the ground.

Footage from Denmark shows a cloud of black smoke billowing from a six story office block and a man on the roof grabbing hold of a chain, lowered by the nearby crane.

With little option, the man makes a leap from the all consuming smoke while grabbing the chain tightly.

With little option, the man makes a leap from the all consuming smoke while grabbing the chain tightly

He then can be seen gradually reaching ground level although he was swung dangerously close towards the building during the nerve wracking ordeal.

It is unclear where in Denmark they impromptu rescue took place and what caused the fire.

It appears the men were doing some work on building when the fire broke out as fences and building equipment is scattered around the scene.
ST. EDWARD  Ray A. Merrell, 81, of St. Edward, passed away Monday, June 26, 2017, at his home near St. Edward.

Memorial services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 8, at the United Methodist Church in St. Edward with the Rev. Vern Olson officiating. Private inurnment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in St. Edward with military rites by the American Legion Crosier Post 226 of St. Edward. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Friday at the church.

Miller-Levander Funeral Home of St. Edward is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.levanderfuneralhome.com.

Ray A. Merrell, the son of Walter and Elizabeth (Bullock) Merrell, was born on Feb. 19, 1936, at St. Edward as the snow was so deep that she and Walter took a team and wagon across the field to get to town. Ray was baptized and confirmed in the Presbyterian faith and attended school at District 10 country school and St. Edward Public, graduating in 1953. Following his high school graduation, Ray attended college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, graduating from there in 1957 with his Bachelor of Science in agriculture degree. Ray then returned home to the St. Edward area and began farming with his father until entering the National Guard of Nebraska where he served from 1959 until 1965.

On Nov. 1, 1964, Ray was united in marriage to Betty L. Parrott at the United Presbyterian Church in St. Edward. Following their marriage, they lived on his family farm and farmed 2 miles west of St. Edward until 1995 when they moved to their new home 3 miles west of St. Edward. In addition to farming, Ray also was a dealer for Dekalb Seed for 52 years before retiring. Along with his farming, Ray was a very busy man and devoted 30-plus years serving on the Cornhusker Public Power District board where he held all offices at least twice, and was also a member and past president of the Nebraska Rural Electric Association. He took his service to the Nebraskas rural electric systems seriously, as he was often so busy evaluating electrical poles while driving that he neglected watching the road for a bit. He served on the St. Edward Rural Fire District Board where he served as secretary for 50 years, and the Methodist and Presbyterian church councils. He was a lifetime member of the St. Edward Alumni Association where he served as president and attended every banquet except two. Ray also had many hobbies including fishing, following the Nebraska Cornhuskers, collecting toys and Fenton Art Glass, and participating in sheep shows where he was in charge of the wash rack.

Most important of all to Ray was his family, and he enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandkids, as well as attending their sporting events and other activities. Ray had a passion for his 1957 Chevy and the memories it brought both he and Betty. He was especially proud when grandson Blake borrowed it for the prom.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Elizabeth Merrell.

He is survived by his wife Betty of St. Edward; three children David (Cyndee) Merrell of St. Edward, Diane (Robyn) Merrell of Kingwood, Texas, and Kurt (Stacy) Merrell of Springfield; one sister Marion (Tom) Clark of Lincoln; 11 grandchildren, Allison, Blake, Brandon, Evan, Easton, Eden (Zach), Brianne (Justin), Michaela, Courtney, Allie and Nic; six great-grandchildren, Jayden, Ella, Ryker, Greyson, Huxley and Skylar; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Two Illinois teenagers rescued a baby girl following a horrific crash that killed her pregnant mother.

Friends Hunter Hasenjaeger, 16, and Collin Barry, 17, were on their way home just after midnight Friday in Minooka, near Ridge Road and Khater Drive.

They saw smoke and heard a loud crying when they came upon a totaled Chrysler 300, and found a baby strapped into the back seat.

Friends Colin Barry, 17 (left), and Hunter Hasenjaeger, 16 (right), were heading home just after midnight on Friday in Minooka, Illinois, when they saw smoke and heard crying. They came upon a totaled Chrysler 300 and found a one-year-old strapped inside

Barry climbed into the car and unstrapped one-year-old Alyanna Nicole before slowly pulling her out. he is seen above holding the girl

The toddler's mother, Alexis Danley, 27 (pictured), who was six months pregnant was killed in the car accident

Hasenjaeger shined a light through one of the windows, while Barry climbed into the car, and unstrapped one-year-old Alyanna Nicole before slowly pulling her out. She didn't suffer any injuries.

Her mother however, 27-year-old Alexis Danley, who was six months pregnant, was killed in the accident.

The man who hit her, Jacob Kaminski, 23, was arrested for driving under the influence and possession of marijuana.

After hitting Danley's car, he also hit a Toyota Camry carrying three people. They were not hurt.

Hasenjaeger (right) shined a light through one of the windows, while Barry (left) climbed into the car, and unstrapped one-year-old Alyanna Nicole before slowly pulling her out. She didn't suffer any injuries

The man who hit Danley (pictured), Jacob Kaminski, 23 (not pictured), was arrested for driving under the influence and possession of marijuana.

Police say Kaminski tried to pass another car in a no-passing zone when the crash happened.

Since the rescue on Friday, Hasenjaeger has visited the victim's family, bringing food and even a stuffed animal for the girl he helped rescue.

'I didn't even know her name but I felt a connection,' he told WGN-TV.

'I think I did what any person should have done. That's just how I was raised.'

Kaminski was hospitalized, then released to the Kendall County jail.

The sheriff's office says it's waiting on toxicology reports to come back from the Illinois state crime lab before the Kendall County State's Attorney's office decides on official charges.
An Oklahoma father has been arrested over the shooting death of his 22-year-old daughter - just days after her obituary said she 'cherished her family'.

Kailee Jo McMullen was found dead inside her family home at Norman, just outside Oklahoma City, last Thursday.

Police were responding to reports of a shooting early in the morning when they found the young woman's body with a gunshot wound.

Her biological father Ronald 'Ronnie' McMullen, 43, was arrested on Wednesday over her death.

Kailee Jo McMullen, 22, was allegedly shot dead by her dad Ronald 'Ronnie' McMullen at their family home in Norman, just outside Oklahoma City, last Thursday

He was booked into the Cleveland County Detention Center and is facing first degree murder charges.

Prior to McMullen's arrest, police had said they were treating the young woman's death as 'suspicious'. Police said they are still investigating her murder but do not expect to arrest anyone else in connection to her death.

An obituary published in the Norman Transcript on Monday - just two days before her father's arrest - said Kailee 'cherished her family and always had time for them'.

She is understood to be the only child of her parents Ronnie and Karen McMullen.

Her funeral is scheduled to take place on Friday.

'Kailee had a zest for life and a bubbly personality, was quick witted, and had a quirky sense of humor,' her obituary read.

Kailee, pictured at her high school graduation in 2013, is understood to be the only child of her parents Ronnie and Karen McMullen

Kailee was working as an EMT in her hometown in Oklahoma after attending Bible college in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

'Always the entertainer, she loved making people laugh and was famous for the elaborate costumes she would put together when the occasion arose.

'Kailee was a good and loyal friend, and all who knew her were better for it.'

She was religious and grew up attending Goodrich Memorial United Methodist Church.

Kailee was working as an EMT and at a plasma donation clinic in Norman when she was killed.

She graduated from Norman High School in 2013 where she was a Varsity cheerleading captain, before attending Bible college in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

'Kailee had a passion for helping people and loved animals,' her obituary read.
A nine-month-old baby girl had to be treated with an anti-overdose drug after she was discovered in her fathers bed with a hypodermic needle sticking out of her leg.

The child was transported to a hospital at around 6.30pm Wednesday after being found unresponsive by police inside a home In the 200 block of Green Lane in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia.

The girl's father, 35-year-old Steven Welsh, allegedly told police his daughter was in bed with him when she rolled over onto the needle, which punctured her leg.

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Police responded to this home in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia and found a nine-month-old girl with a hypodermic needle sticking out of her leg

Steven Welsh allegedly told police his daughter was in bed with him when she rolled over onto the needle

Paramedics who responded to the home administered a dose of the opioid-reversal drag Narcan, which revived the little girl.

She was listed in a stable condition at Chestnut Hill Hospital on Thursday.

Welsh was later arrested by officers with the Special Victims Unit on charges of aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of a child, simple assault and reckless endangerment, reported Fox 29.

Police Chief Inspector Scott Small says says the Department of Human Services has been notified of the incident.
As anti-capitalist demonstrators clash with riot police on the eve of the G20 summit in Hamburg, one unfazed pizza delivery man is doing his best to drop off an order.

The dedicated Domino's driver was pictured in front of two armoured vans and dozens of riot police as the German city is rocked by a protest march named 'Welcome to Hell'.

Cars have been set alight, demonstrators carried away on stretchers, police have fired water cannons and pepper spray into the crowd, bricks and bottles have been hurled - but still the pizza man came.

It is unclear if the delivery destination is coincidentally close to the chaos or if someone involved in the event has become peckish.

Determination: The defiant delivery driver is not daunted by the huge riot vans and police officers blocking his way

A tough gig: The protest in Hamburg has erupted in violence, with police using pepper spray and water cannons on some demonstrators

Major obstacles: A burning car in the street, one of many things that might have dissuaded another delivery man

As many as 100,000 protesters from across Europe are pouring into the port city for the demonstration.

Police believe as many as 8,000 are ready to commit violence.

Officers say they repeatedly asked a group of demonstrators to remove their masks and hoods but instead officers were hit with bottles and bricks - breaking the window of a riot van.

They then decided to separate the group from the rest of the march, which they estimated at 12,000 people in total.

The violence broke out near the start of the demonstration at a riverside plaza used for Hamburg's weekly fish market.

Pictured: A protester falls to the ground near a flare as a riot police officer stands by

Pictured: Some protesters have been taken away by paramedics as the violence escalated in Hamburg

The protesters are marching against what they deem to be the G20's failure to address global problems

Up to 20,000 police officers are on duty to watch over the main demonstration, organised by the alliance of anti-capitalist groups.

Police are already investigating whether an overnight fire which burned down a luxury Porsche car dealership in Hamburg was an arson attack linked to the summit.

Demonstrators gathered at a riverside plaza used for Hamburg's weekly fish market before setting off on a march through the city.

Protesters say the G20 has failed to solve many of the issues threatening world peace, including climate change, worsening inequality and violent conflicts.

The event poses a challenge for those tasked with securing the summit of leaders from the world's 20 biggest economies, hosted by Chancellor Angela Merkel.
A 42-year-old mother has pleaded guilty to murdering a social worker, her aunt and her two cousins on who she blamed for losing custody of her nine-year-old daughter.

Jody Herring was emotionless on Thursday as she accepted a plea deal with prosecutors in Vermont over the 2015 killings.

She admitted one count of first degree murder for shooting social worker Lara Sobel as she walked from her office to her car on August 7, 2015.

Herring also pleaded guilty to three counts of second degree murder for the deaths of her cousins, Rhonda and Regina Herring, and her aunt 73-year-old Julie Falzarano.

Jody Herring, 42, pleaded guilty to quadruple murder during a court hearing in Barre, Vermont, on Thursday

She was angry at the trio for reporting her to the state when she killed them.

Herring now faces life imprisonment. She will be sentenced at a later date.

On August 7, Herring shot 48-year-old Sobel twice with a hunting rifle outside The Department for Children and Families in Barre, Vermont.

She was arrested after being tackled to the ground by by-standers.

The next day, police found the bodies of 43-year-old Regina and 48-year-old Ronda Herring at a home in the nearby town of Berlin. Their elderly mother had also been slaughtered.

Herring lost custody of her nine-year-old daughter a month before the killing rampage. The little girl remains in the custody of the state.

She initially pleaded not guilty to all of the murder charges and was due to face trial in August.

Jody was emotionless as she entered her plea on Thursday. It came almost two years after the atrocious killings

Social worker Lara Sobel, 48, was shot twice by the woman's hunting rifle. She is seen with her two daughters and husband

Julie Falzarano, 73, (left) and her daughters 43-year-old Rhonda (center) and 48-year-old Regina Herring (right) were also all killed. Herring believed they reported her to social services as an unfit mother

On Thursday, relatives of her victims wept in the public gallery as she answered a judge's questions.

Herring (above in 2015) initially denied the killings

Court papers from 2015 revealed how Herring laughed and made jokes with police officers as they arrested her immediately after Sobel's death.

She had blood stains on her clothes but was otherwise unaffected by the killing.

Sobel was survived by her husband and two daughters. Colleagues described her as a fierce advocate for children.

Details surrounding her role in Herring's custody woes are vague. It is not clear what prompted her to recommend the child be taken out of care or if it was entirely her decision.

Herring has previous convictions for offences including domestic violence.
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are using their current overseas trip to let loose, with the pair throwing caution to the wind as they make a very public display of their affection.

The First Daughter even shared a photo of the couple as they strolled across a vast lawn in the city of Hamburg one day before the start of the G20, with Jared leading his wife by the hand as she tottered behind in a pair of her eponymous heels.

'We've landed in Germany and are looking forward to productive discussions at the G20 Hamburg Summit!' wrote Ivanka, who added the hashtags '#POTUSatG20' and '#G20.'

She did not expound upon what would constitute a 'productive' discussion at the summit.

Strolling with the homies: Ivanka posted a photo of her and Jared Kushner holding hands while walking together in Germany (above)

Poland is for lovers: The two emerged from Air Force One holding hands on Wednesday night (above)

Future's so bright: Ivanka later clasped onto Jared as the two watch President Trump speak on Thursday at the Warsaw Uprising Monument (above)

Hamburg honeys: They held hands again while arriving in Germany for the G20 on Thursday (above)

This frisky new behavior between the couple, who will soon be celebrating their eighth wedding anniversary, has been going on for the past 24 hours.

It started from the moment the two landed in Poland on Wednesday, with Ivanka and Jared clutching each other by the hand as they descended the steps of Air Force One after President Trump and the First Lady.

Those two did not hold hands, with Melania instead gripping the railing as she made her way off the flight.

President Trump did appear to briefly try and hold her hand, but then decided to instead give his wife a tap on the behind to get her moving down the stairs.

The First Lady has made it very clear to both her husband and the world in recent weeks that she does not enjoy holding hands while exiting a plane or strolling along the tarmac of an airfield.

That is not true of Ivanka though, who placed her hand right in Jared's lap as he clasped her hand in between his own on Thursday afternoon as they listened to President Trump's speech at the Warsaw Uprising Monument.

Jared was almost unrecognizable at the event, hiding behind a pair of Oliver Peoples' $405 Gregory Peck sunglasses.

Missing the mark: Ivanka made the mistake of posting the photo as riots broke out in the streets of Hamburg outside the conference site (above)

Less idyllic: Riot police use a water cannon during the 'Welcome to Hell' rally against the G20 summit (above)

Bloodier stroll: A blooided man is comforted by a visibly pierced young woman (above) during the 'Welcome to Hell' rally against the G20 summit

Ivanka shared this snap of her meeting Merkel to her Instagram Story

Ivanka was again pictured hanging onto Jared's arm as the two walked off Air Force One after arrive in Hamburg on Thursday afternoon.

Jared proved to be a little less active in that interaction, with his arm loosely hanging by his said as he walked a full step ahead of his wife on their way to the plane.

Ivanka previously posted a PDA photo on Wednesday of her and Jared getting off the plane, commenting about how excited she was for the trip.

'Excited to have arrived in Poland last night. Looking forward to an amazing day as I visit Warsaw for the first time,' wrote the mother of three.

There was one small problem with Ivanka's picture on Thursday in that she managed to post it at the exact same time riots broke out near the meeting site and police began to clear the area.

She seemed to be far away from that scene however as she and Jared enjoyed their idyllic stroll along the Elbe.

Officers used water cannons and pepper spray to disperse black-hooded protesters at the event dubbed "G-20: Welcome to Hell." Police say the masked protesters attacked them with bottles, stones and other objects and set fires in the street.

Memoires of Poland: Ivanka first shared an image of her and Jared holding hands in Warsaw

Melani-NAH: The First Lady proved she is still adept at avoiding a seeking hand on Wednesday (above)

Perfect illusion: President Trump scored a minor victory by giving the appearance oif a hand hold when he arrived in Hamburg on Thursday (above)

More than 100,000 protesters are expected in the city for the summit that takes place Friday and Saturday.

Hamburg has boosted its forces so that 20,000 officers are on hand to patrol its streets, skies and waterways.

Police say they repeatedly asked a group of hardcore anti-capitalist demonstrators to remove their masks Thursday evening, to no avail.

They then decided to separate the group from the rest of the several thousand-strong demonstration.
President Donald Trump will have his most high-profile meeting with a foreign leader yet on Friday as he sits down with Russia's Vladimir Putin.

Trump will speak with his foreign counterpart, a former KGB spy, in Hamburg, Germany, after a morning of meetings at the G20.

The bombastic American president whos prone to talk about whatever irks him at the moment has no agenda for the face-to-face chat, US officials have said.

They would not commit last week to a discussion on election meddling during the pullaside that evolved into a full-fledged meeting between Trump and Putin.

President Donald Trump will have his most high-profile meeting with a foreign leader yet on Friday as he sits down with Russia's Vladimir Putin. Russia's election meddling may not even come up, though

Trump has a tendency to make demands on negotiating partners that they have already said they cannot or will not meet with the promise of a deal too good to refuse.

Tomorrow, he's likely to repeat a request that Moscow end its incursion into Crimea in return for lifting of sanctions on Russian oligarchs who are close to the Putin.

The approach may not work on Putin, a graduate of spy school who has been pulling the strings in Russia's government for nearly two decades.

Experts on Putin have said it is Trump who should be worried that the Russian president will try to earn concessions.

Putin, like other world leaders who have Trump's number, is most likely to get what he wants by flattering him

'I would be surprised if Vladimir Putin offers any concessions in exchange for restoring what Russia sees as its inalienable rights,' Dmitri Trenin, director of the Carnegie Moscow Center, told the Associated Press. 'If no agreement is reached, Russia will take retaliatory measures, which could trigger new U.S. moves.'

Trump's deal-making skills and his electoral victory are especially ripe for the complimenting, foreign leaders have found, although Putin is less likely to bring up the latter than other people in positions of power who have sat across from the billionaire.

Trump arrived Thursday in Hamburg, Germany, for the G20. He's seen meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, right, and South Korean President Moon Jae-in before the Northeast Asia Security dinner at the US Consulate

Russia has been accused by four US intelligence agencies of interfering in the national election that hoisted Trump to power last year.

From email hacking and leaking to voter data theft, the Kremlin has been charged by officials in both the current and previous government of directing and a large-scale intrusion into US systems that were intended to undermine the democratic process.

Intelligence officials who worked for Barack Obama have explicitly said the assault was intended to throw the election for Trump over Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Clinton infamously tried to 'reset' relations with Putin when she was secretary of state in a gimmick gone wrong. She's said numerous times in the aftermath of her election loss that Putin was out to get her.

'Putin personally directed these attacks,' she said in December, 'apparently because he has a personal beef against me.'

Trump has refused to acknowledge an intelligence assessment that Clinton may be right about Putin trying to swing the election in his favor. He's waffled repeatedly on the Kremlin's involvement in the release of senior Democrats' emails, too.

Just today, at a news conference in Poland, Trump said then that Russia 'could have' interfered in the election but he's not totally convinced that it was the sole meddler.

'I think it was Russia, and it could have been other people in other countries,' Trump said. 'Nobody really knows.'

He added that the US Intelligence Community has made high-profile mistakes in the past, so 'nobody really knows for sure.'

Trump sought to redirect any scrutiny toward his predecessor, Barack Obama, accusing him of allowing Moscow to meddle on his watch.

Though the Obama administration warned Russia publicly and privately before Election Day to stop interfering, questions have since been raised about whether the office holder acted aggressively enough to stop the threat.

Just today, at a news conference in Poland, Trump said then that Russia 'could have' interfered in the election but he's not totally convinced that it was the sole meddler

'They say he choked. Well, I don't think he choked,' Trump said. 'I think he thought Hillary Clinton was going to win the election, and he said, "Let's not do anything about it".'

Trump said the CIA had informed Obama about the hacking months before the election but added that 'mistakes have been made.'

In Putin, Trump sees a potential ally in the war on radicalism in the Middle East. The Republican president and his administration have held off on slapping Moscow with new sanctions as they assess Putins willingness to work with the US to defeat ISIS and remove Bashar al-Assad from power in Syria.

A close ally of Syria and Iran, Trump called on Russia from Poland to cease its destabilizing activities in Ukraine and elsewhere and its support for hostile regimes in his most forceful remarks on the subject yet during a Thursday speech.

Russia must choose to join the US and its allies in their fight against common enemies and in defense of civilization itself, Trump said.

Putins government is presently aligned with powers that seek to test our will, undermine our confidence, and challenge our interests, Trump stated.

To meet new forms of aggression, including propaganda, financial crimes, and cyberwarfare, we must adapt our alliance to compete effectively in new ways and on all new battlefields, he declared.

A close ally of Syria and Iran, Trump called on Russia from Poland to cease its destabilizing activities in Ukraine and elsewhere and its support for hostile regimes in his most forceful remarks on the subject yet during a Thursday speech

Russia has made no indications that it would be willing to sell out Assad in order to take out ISIS. To the contrary, it has continued to work with the ruling class in the face of vicious assaults on women and children.

Trump's attitude coming into office had been to let the civil war in Syria resolve itself. A chemical weapons attack in April that killed 89 changed his mind.

'These heinous actions by the Assad regime cannot be tolerated. The United States stands with our allies across the globe to condemn this horrific attack and all other horrific attacks, for that matter,' he said during a news conference the following day.

As Trump dropped bombs on the facility in Syria where the attack was launched from several days later he urged 'all civilized nations' to join the US 'in seeking to end the slaughter and bloodshed in Syria, and also to end terrorism of all kinds and all types.'
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is flying to Germany to protest the G20 Summit that President Donald Trump and other world leaders are scheduled to attend.

The mayor was due to leave New York on Thursday night bound for Hamburg before the two-day gathering of the world's top economic powers gets under way on Friday.

'The Mayor will depart this evening for Berlin & Hamburg, Germany. He will attend several events surrounding the G20. +details to follow,' de Blasio's spokesman Eric Phillips tweeted.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio was due to leave New York on Thursday night bound for Hamburg for 'several events surrounding the G20'

de Blasio's spokesman Eric Phillips tweeted about his trip on Thursday afternoon

The New York Post reported that de Blasio was planning to protest at the G20 Summit.

De Blasio left New York the day after a police officer was assassinated in The Bronx.

President Trump arrived in Hamburg on Thursday after a brief stop in Warsaw, Poland. De Blasio has long been a critic of Trump.

It comes as German police clashed with protesters in Hamburg ahead of the summit, using water cannons, pepper spray and batons to disperse marchers after some attacked them with bottles and other objects.

The protest as the G20 leaders arrived in Hamburg was titled 'G20: Welcome to Hell', and a stand-off between anti-capitalist protesters and police developed before the march itself really got going.

Pictured: Flares are kicked at riot police during the 'Welcome to Hell' rally against the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany

Pictured: German police deploying a water cannon during a protest against the G20 summit in Hamburg

Police said they repeatedly asked some demonstrators to remove their masks, to no avail. They then decided to separate the group from the rest of the march, which they estimated at 12,000 people in total.

Black-hooded protesters attacked a police vehicle with bottles and bricks, breaking its window.

Organisers quickly called an end to the march after the violence broke out, police said. Skirmishes continued, with police advancing down the street with two water cannons while being pelted with bottles.

A nearby building was plastered with the slogan 'Borderless solidarity instead of nationalism: attack the G20'. A small group on the roof set off fireworks. Police said windows at a furniture store and a bank were damaged.

There was no immediate word on a number of arrests or injuries.
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Even an occasional flash of their flame-red fur high in a treetop is a rare sight nowadays. But after dedicating two decades to following the secret lives of red squirrels, Neil McIntyre has built up a more intimate portrait through the changing seasons of the year.

His enchanting pictures are all the more important because reds  our only native squirrel species  have long been in decline, and are absent from most parts of the UK.

Numbers fell dramatically in Britain from around 3.5 million to about 160,000 after the introduction of the dominant North American grey in the 1870s, allied to a loss of the reds natural woodland habitat.

After dedicating two decades to following the secret lives of red squirrels, Neil McIntyre has built up a more intimate portrait through the changing seasons of the year. Pictured: An inquisitive squirrel climbs a fence in photographer Neils garden

And for my next trick: Like their grey cousins, red squirrels are agile acrobats - especially if there's a tasty hazelnut to take home

Shockingly, more than 100,000 reds were shot in Scotland in the first half of the 20th century in an age when they were simply regarded as vermin.

Thankfully, there is still a stronghold  around 75 per cent of the British population  in Scotland, where photographer Neil McIntyre began his love affair with red squirrels as a boy in what is now the Cairngorms National park. It was there that he took these photographs.

After 20 years of feeding my local squirrels, says Neil, they have become so accustomed to me that I can move about without them reacting, almost becoming part of their secret world  and it is this level of acceptance, even trust, that has allowed me to capture the intimate images shown here.

My intention is to show their individual spirit and character. And to convey the connection between the squirrels and the woodland on which they depend.

They have long played a vital role in the ecology of the woods that are their home. They distribute pine, oak and hazel seeds around the forest, which aids the rejuvenation of the trees, and also provide prey for

goshawks and pine martens. Reds are solitary creatures, only coming together to mate in a frenzied courtship where the males chase prospective partners round tree trunks, chattering noisily until the females succumb.

The first young of the year are born in February, and when spring brings warmer weather there is a burst of action from the adults who must stock up on food for the babies after the winter.

In spring, the reds search for the seeds found inside the cones of Scots pines and Norway spruce, as well as tree shoots and buds, flowers, pollen and lichen.

Tufty grub: Summer is a lean time for squirrels because fruit, nuts and acorns are not yet ripe. This squirrel has found some tree fungus to dine on . . . literally

Shockingly, more than 100,000 reds were shot in Scotland in the first half of the 20th century in an age when they were simply regarded as vermin. Pictured: The young start to venture out in April, ten to 12 weeks after being born

Chilly business: In winter, red squirrels rely heavily on food they stored away in autumn. This snow-dusted chap is working busily to crack open a hazelnut and, right, a squirrel peers at the camera

Even the summer  when they lose their characteristic ear tufts  can be a lean time for the squirrels because fruits, nuts and acorns are not yet ripe.

This means they must start their quest for food before dawn, often followed by a long siesta in the middle of the day before they emerge to forage again during the afternoon.

They love to climb, scampering among the forest boughs of the Scots pines, junipers, birches and rowans, using their tails to help them balance.

Theyre skilled acrobats, leaping from branch to branch, using their tails as an air brake to slow them down. Thanks to powerful back legs, they can jump more than two metres  and even if they lose their footing, can survive a fall of 12m without hurting themselves.

They would, of course, prefer to climb down, and double-jointed ankles allow them to pick their way down tree trunks head first, though all told they spend as little as 14 per cent of their time on the forest floor.

Photographer Neil McIntyres favourite time of year is magical autumn, when the food supply is plentiful, the squirrels put on weight and start to hoard food to help them through the winter when, though they dont hibernate, they become far less active.

The greatest problem for the squirrels is that they avoid crossing areas of open ground for fear of predators, so theyre effectively marooned in Scotlands fragmented woodlands. Pictured: The seeds found in pine cones are a key food source

Autumn almanac: As the leaves start to fall and food is plentiful, reds energetically begin foraging for winter supplies. They often bury their haul on the forest floor

They like to hide their booty  seeds, mushrooms and other foodstuffs  just below the surface of the soil or leaf litter, or in gaps in the tree bark. But when it comes to squirrels supplies, it really is a case of finders, eaters.

Just imagine if you caught your neighbour filching food from your fridge. Well, thats what the reds do, raiding each others caches when they can. But there is generally enough to go round.

Sometimes, the squirrels forget where theyve hidden their stores  but any neglected acorns or hazelnuts may eventually sprout to become part of the forest.

The greatest problem for the squirrels is that they avoid crossing areas of open ground for fear of predators, so theyre effectively marooned in Scotlands fragmented woodlands. This can lead to inbreeding and disease. For this reason, the charity Trees For Life, supported by Neil McIntyre, has developed a project to relocate red squirrels to forests where they havent been seen for generations.

Over several weeks, around 30 reds of both sexes are humanely caught and then resettled in the new woodland. In the initial experiment, successful breeding took place in the first year.

Its a ray of hope for these beautiful, mischievous creatures, so rare now that for many of us they are almost as mythical as unicorns.
A gunman murdered his wife, son and neighbor because he thought she was cheating on him.

Carroll Tuttle Jr., 51, of Bangor, Maine, went on a murderous rampage on Wednesday, shooting dead wife Lori Hayden, 52, their son, Dustin Tuttle, 25, and their neighbor Mike Spalding, 57 before being killed himself by deputies.

Spalding's son, Michael J Spalding, revealed Thursday that Tuttle Jr. believed that his wife was having an affair with his father.

In fact, Spalding Snr. had simply been trying to help Hayden escape her abusive relationship with Tuttle, he said.

'Thank you to all the people that have reached out. It means a lot to have all the support I do. My dad was the world to me and I'm sure a lot of you felt similar' Michael's son posted to Facebook

Lori Hayden (left) was shot dead by her husband on Wednesday, her mother Darla Pickett (right) spoke briefly on the shootings ''My child is gone... I'm just broken-hearted right now'

His father's girlfriend Sherry had been there when the tragic shooting occurred, and confronted the gunman after he shot down Spalding.

'Sherry came out and she said, 'What's your problem?' and he looked down and said, 'That's what you get for (expletive) my wife,' and he left  he just walked away,' Michael told the Press Herald.

'Those allegations weren't true because what was happening was Carroll was abusive and my dad was helping his wife move out of the house and get away from that.'

Cops say Tuttle Jr., shot and killed his wife and son at their home at 316 Russell Road before travelling up to Spaulding's house at 299 Russell Road and shooting him dead.

Dustin Tuttle (left) was shot and killed by his father Carroll Tuttle Jr. who went on a rampage Wednesday morning. Their neighbor Michael Spalding (right) was also shot and killed by Tuttle Jr.

He was returning home when he shot and critically injured Harvey Austin, of Skowhegan. Austin, who was wounded along the side of the road, is married to a woman who is a relative of Hayden's, Lancaster said.

Austin, 57, is being treated for multiple gunshot wounds at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor according to police. He is expected to survive.

When Tuttle arrived at his home, Somerset deputies shot and killed him in his driveway.

The Somerset County Sheriff's office received a call at 7:37am reporting the shootings on Russell Road in Skowhegan, just a few miles from Madison, a town of less than 5,000 people in central Maine.

Tuttle Jr and his wife and son lived in a trailer on Russell Road, and there also was a camper where other family members were living on the property, according to a neighbor Wayne Parlin.

Steve McCausland, a spokesman the Maine State Police said Wednesday 'Our role now is to investigate exactly what happened, and what set this gunman off.'

Also aiding in the investigation is the Somerset County Sheriff's Department, whose deputies took down Tuttle Jr. in his driveway Wednesday morning, as well as investigators from the attorney general's office to determine details of the shootings.

Steve McCausland with the Maine State Police speaks with reporters Wednesday

Four people have been killed, including the gunman, and another person was wounded in shootings Wednesday morning at several locations along Russell Road in Madison according to Maine State Police spokesperson McCausland

The state Attorney General's office is reviewing the use of force by police, which is standard procedure for officer-involved shootings.

The deputies involved in the shooting are Chief Deputy James Ross, his son detective Michael Ross, and deputy Joseph Jackson. None of them were injured in the incident, Somerset County Sheriff Dale Lancaster said.

Lancaster said the officers are on an administrative paid leave while the investigation is underway.

Hayden was the daughter of Skowhegan Selectwoman Darla Pickett, a former reporter for the Morning Sentinel in Maine.

'I only know my child is gone,' Pickett, a former Morning Sentinel reporter, told the paper Wednesday afternoon 'I'm just broken-hearted right now I can't  talk. I just can't talk. I'm sorry.'

Michael J Spalding took to Facebook to post about his father being one of the victims 'Thank you to all the people that have reached out. It means a lot to have all the support I do. My dad was the world to me and I'm sure a lot of you felt similar.'

He described how his far, who was still in his pajamas Wednesday morning, heard Tuttle making his way up the driveway and came out to see who it was.

'And the guy (Tuttle) shot him from his truck three times,' he said. 'It was planned.'

The scene along Russell Road in Maine where the shootings occurred. The road was closed Wendesday as there were several crime scenes along the road being investigated

Neighbors described Tuttle as having an angry temper.

In a statement later Wednesday morning, Sheriff Lancaster said the deputies who arrived on scene 'discovered that three people had been shot to death.'

Kim Morse, of Embden, was stopped on Russell Road by state police as they blocked the road in both directions.

Morse said Wednesday morning that she travels that way all the time.

'I know people on this road. I don't want it to be anybody I know  I don't want it to be anyone but nobody I know,' Morse said. 'It's shocking. This is a small town.'

Near the Russell Road blockade, Reginal Woodman sat on the rear bumper of his Toyota pickup truck in the shade of a tree in his yard, watching all the traffic turning in his driveway.

'Ain't much I can do about it,' he said. 'Don't want any more excitement.'

The shootings happened about 4 miles from the center of town in Madison, a small town of about 4,800 residents in central Maine.

It is the deadliest shooting in Maine since November 2015, when a 3-year-old girl was the only survivor of a rampage in the town of Oakland in which a gunman killed his girlfriend and the youngster's parents before taking his own life.
LINCOLN  Gov. Pete Ricketts signed an executive order Thursday that will launch a review of state regulations aimed at cutting red tape.

The order immediately suspends rule-making within state agencies, except for critical regulations and those mandated by statute.

In addition, every state agency must conduct a review of existing and pending regulations and submit a report to the governors office by Nov. 15.

Any regulation determined to be more restrictive than required under state or federal law, or that creates an undue burden on Nebraskans, will be revised or repealed, Ricketts said.

The executive order will remain in effect until Dec. 31.

While Nebraska is doing a good job at controlling regulatory burdens, especially relative to other states, Ricketts said, its regulations have 7.5 million words, more than 100,000 of which are restrictive in nature. Ricketts pointed out that a person reading 300 words a minute for 40 hours a week would need 10 weeks to make it through all of Nebraska's regulations.

James Broughel, research fellow for the state and local policy project at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, did an initial review so the governor's office can work with agencies to examine how the state can do better, Ricketts said.

The Mercatus Center is a nonprofit, not funded by George Mason University, but rather through donations -- including corporate donations from Koch Industries. The center has been described by The Washington Post as anti-regulatory.

The idea of the review is to "eliminate harmful and wasteful regulations that are a hindrance to the job creators, ag producers, startups and small businesses that are growing our state, Ricketts said.

Red tape slows economic growth, the governor stressed. Over the past decade, Nebraskas real gross domestic product has grown at an average of 2 percent a year. At that rate, it will take 35 years for the states economy to double in size, he said.

Ricketts named an advisory task force to assist in the review. Members are the Legislature's Government, Veterans and Military Affairs Chairman John Murante, Department of Banking and Finance Director Mark Quandahl, Department of Revenue Director Tony Fulton and Department of Health and Human Services Chief Operating Officer Bo Botelho.
California Sen. Dianne Feinstein tamped down some of the hype that has begun surrounding her junior colleague, Sen. Kamala Harris, saying Harris 'just got' to the Senate.

After watching a bevy of younger senators, including former Sen. Barack Obama, vault to the national stage, Feinstein isn't ready to jump on the bandwagon that is already forming for Harris, the quick-witted former state attorney general.

'She just got hear,' Feinstein, 84, told the New York Times.

ON THE MOVE: California Sen. Dianne Feinstein tamped down some of the hype that has begun surrounding her junior colleague, Sen. Kamala Harris

'What she should do is concentrate on being a good, and possibly great, United States senator,' said Feinstein, who previously had to vie with camera-prone California Sen. Barbara Boxer. 'The rest will either happen or not happen.'

Feinstein also said Harris was 'on the way to becoming' to becoming a good friend, in a chamber where lawmakers frequently refer to even their nemeses as 'my good friend.'

Harris became an online sensation after she turned in sharp questioning during a high-profile Senate Intelligence Committee hearing in June.

She grilled deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein on whether he would give special counsel Robert Mueller full autonomy.

Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) speaks asks questions as U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions testifies before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Capitol Hill June 13, 2017 in Washington, DC

U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., at a rally against the repeal or replacement of Obamacare, at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, Calif., Monday, July 3, 2017

'Senator, I'm very sensitive about time and I'd like to have a very lengthy conversation and explain that all to you," Rosenstein said upon being pressed.

'Can you give me a 'yes or no' answer?' the former prosecutor pressed the longtime DOJ official.

That prompted Arizona Sen. John McCain to interject: 'Mr. Chairman, they should be allowed to answer the question.'

GOING UP? 'She just got hear,' Feinstein, 84, told the New York Times in regard to Harris

The panel chairman, North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr, then jumped in: 'The chair is going to exercise its right to allow the witnesses to answer the question, and the committee is on notice to provide the witnesses the courtesy, which has not been extended all the way across, extend the courtesy for questions to get answered.'

At another hearing, she badgered attorney general Jeff Sessions over his citation of an unnamed policy for his nondisclosure about his Russia contacts.

'Sir, I am not asking about you the principle. I am asking  when you knew that you would be asked these questions and you would rely on that policy, did you not ask your staff to show you the policy that would be the basis for your refusing,' she said, CNN reported at the time.

McCain jumped in again, saying: 'Chairman, the witness should be allowed to answer the question.'

'There are times when men dont like women who are smarter than them,' Democratic leader New York Sen. Charles Schumer told the Times.

The notoriety hasn't hurt her. Her office said she has raised $600,000 for other Democrats.

Focus on her comes as the Democratic Party continues to search for leadership in the wake of the end of President Obama's tenure and Hillary Clinton's defeat. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who lost to Clinton in the primary, is 75.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, 68, continues to draw support on the left.
More than seven tons of ivory  worth 7million  have been seized in Hong Kong in one of the biggest hauls for decades.

The seizure represent the deaths of hundreds of elephants  all brutally killed for their prized tusks.

The 7.2 ton haul found in Hong Kong was hidden underneath frozen fish in a 40 ton container.

More than seven tons of ivory  worth 7million  were seized in Hong Kong

Customs officials in the southern Chinese city said the cargo had come from Malaysia

Customs officials in the southern Chinese city said the cargo had come from Malaysia and was believed to have been the work of a major smuggling ring.

Three people - one man and two women - have been arrested in connection with the find, customs official Wan Hing-chuen said, warning there could be more detentions.

Customs officers displayed samples of the tusks piled on the floor at their offices close to some of Hong Kongs giant container ports.

Although full details of the shipment have not emerged, the massive seizure underlines both Malaysias and Hong Kongs role as key smuggling hubs in the international trafficking of ivory.

While it is illegal to import or export ivory into Hong Kong, the local sale of ivory on the island is not illegal.

But Hong Kong has pledged to phase out the trade by 2021.

Dozens of shops in Hong Kong are permitted to sell domestic ivory that predates the ban.

Conservationists, however, have accused traders of using the legal trade as a cover to sell newer ivory, especially to mainland China -- believed to be the biggest ivory market in the world.

Critics say the citys authorities are lagging behind mainland China, where officials have pledged to completely ban ivory trading by the end of 2017.

While it is illegal to import or export ivory into Hong Kong, the local sale of ivory on the island is not illegal

Ivory is highly sought-after in China, where elephant tusks are used in traditional medicine or to make ornaments

The global trade in elephant ivory, with rare exceptions, has been outlawed since 1989 after populations of the African giants dropped from millions in the mid-20th century to around 600,000 by the end of the 1980s.

There are now believed to be some 415,000, with 30,000 illegally killed each year.

Ivory is highly sought-after in China, where elephant tusks are used in traditional medicine or to make ornaments. Prices for a kilogramme (2.2 pounds) reach as high as $1,100.

Heather Sohl, Chief Advisor on Wildlife at WWF-UK said: This huge ivory seizure - possibly the largest ever  is a stark reminder of the scale of the illegal wildlife trade. Hundreds of elephants will have been killed for these tusks and unfortunately this is just the tip of the iceberg: a staggering 20,000 African elephants are estimated to be poached each year.

Hong Kong is the largest city market for ivory, the government must act swiftly to end this situation and increase penalty on wildlife crime to a 10-year imprisonment. It is essential that there are strong deterrents in place for trafficking ivory and other illegal wildlife products. In the UK traffickers could face up to 7 years in prison, but unfortunately we find that sentencing is inconsistent and lenient. That is why were calling on the UK government to introduce sentencing guidelines and send a clear message that illegal wildlife trade offences will be treated as the serious crimes they are.

The previous biggest haul was 7.138 tones  seized in Singapore in 2002.
The Arab army had just been routed at the bloody Battle of Ginnis during the last days of 1885, but the British still had some mopping up to do.

Of particular concern were some enemy barges that held a large stock of arms and ammunition and were thought to be moored several miles north along the River Nile.

If they could be captured or destroyed, perhaps the Islamist fanatic Muhammad Ahmad and his army of Dervishes  devout Muslims  would finally be kicked out of the Sudan after four years of fighting.

James Durham, pictured as a child with Sgt Stewart some time after 1885 following the bloody Battle of Ginnis when the Durham Light Infantry fought the Dervishes in the Sudan

James Durham later enlisted in the regiment and remained with them until his death in Co Cork, Ireland in August 1910 when he contracted pneumonia

A force of 100 mounted infantrymen was ordered to head downstream. Among them were soldiers from the 2nd Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry, commanded by Lieutenant Beauvoir de Lisle, aged just 21.

After covering 35 miles, the British entered the village of Kohehmatto, where the head man revealed  after, in the words of a contemporary account, a little gentle persuasion  that one of the enemys barges lay some six miles away.

With the light fading fast, de Lisle took 12 volunteers to capture the vessel-.

In the dusk we saw the outlines of the masts of the barge, de Lisle recalled, and soon after, we came on the party of 30 [Dervishes] pulling her upstream.

De Lisle and his men dismounted as quietly as possible and crept forward until they were within 50 yards of the barge. Despite being outnumbered, de Lisle had the advantage of surprise and ordered his men to open fire.

Three volleys rang out across the desert, after which de Lisle and his men charged forward with bayonets fixed. The Arabs fled, leaving behind a badly wounded man with a shattered leg  and, standing on the riverbank next to a donkey, a small black boy, clearly less than two years old.

James Durham is pictured here standing to attention in front of the men in Ghorpuri Barracks in Poona, India in 1887 with an officer and colour party of the 2nd Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry

Amazingly, the child seemed unaffected by what he had just witnessed. When de Lisle approached, the boy held up his arms and the Lieutenant picked him up, then handed him to Colour Sergeant Stuart.

Stuart was enchanted by the boy he nicknamed Jimmy Dervish. The wounded man  whom the British later treated  revealed that the childs real name was Mustapha, that his father had been killed and his mother had fled.

The boy kept pointing his finger at de Lisle and shouting Bang! Morto! in imitation of a rifle shot and the subsequent result.

Neither Stuart nor de Lisle could bear to abandon him there alone so they took Jimmy back to camp, to decide what to do with him.

As the regimental journal The Bugle was later to record: The night attack on the Nuggar [barge] has certainly altered the course of the lads life.

This was an understatement  and then some. For little Jimmy, or James Durham, as he came to be known, would grow up to become, at the time, the only black soldier in the British Army. He even settled in Britain and married an Englishwoman.

Today, the story of Jimmy, who would be formally named James Francis Durham, is barely known. It was certainly not known by Mark Gatiss, the Doctor Who writer, who recently protested against the casting of a black actor as a Victorian soldier in the BBC show because, he claimed, there werent any black soldiers in Victorias army.

Mr Gatiss blamed the BBCs desire to become more representational and make everything less homogeneously white.

However, when Gatiss started researching, he discovered the extraordinary story of Jimmy and how, apparently, Queen Victoria had to give special dispensation to allow him to join the Army.

What makes Jimmys tale all the more extraordinary is that he never seems to have been racially abused. In all the accounts of his life, there is not one mention of him suffering any discrimination or even name-calling.

But even if Jimmy was victimised in this way, he seems to have had the strength of character to withstand most assaults.

He was absolutely fearless, The Bugle recounted, and as a boy would wander round the camp being no respecter of persons. His usual request was aus laben, which being interpreted means I want milk.

Jimmy also seems to have been a quick developer. In June 1886 he was examined by two Arab women, who estimated that he was no more than 18 months old. But even so, he was soon able to speak both English and Arabic and, according to The Bugle, could ride a horse bareback to water daily, and give a song and dance on a barrack room table.

The nearest person Jimmy had to a parent was a grizzled veteran called Jim Birley, who treated the boy as if he were his own son. Around midday every day, Birley would place little Jimmy in a leather bucket, lather him in soap and wash him down with water from a canteen.

Many of Birleys comrades felt similarly affectionate. In January 1887 the battalion was posted to India and the men hoped Jimmy, then aged two, would go with them. However, the powers-that-be decided he should be cared for in a mission school in Cairo, which met with much opposition. A group of sergeants marched into the orderly room and demanded that Jimmy should go with them.

Colour Sergeant Stuart was spokesman, The Bugle wrote, and he was quite heartbroken at the thought that Jimmy was not allowed to come to India.

When the battalion was away, the sergeants all donated one rupee  a days pay  each month to Jimmys living expenses.

At some point  it is not clear when  Jimmy moved to Britain and was brought up in the northeast of England by the family of a soldier called Sergeant Robson. He appears to have had a happy upbringing and grew very close to Robsons daughter Stella, whom he regarded as his sister.

I hope you will always reckon me as your brother, he would later write to Stella. I have known you from when you were a dear little child and I always used to look to your father and dear mother as my mother as well. They have treated me like one of you all.

Unsurprisingly, Jimmy decided to join the Army. After all, the battalion was his de facto family  and in 1899, when he was about 14, he was enlisted.

Although he doesnt appear ever to have seen active service, Jimmy played in the band, accompanied the regimental goat on parade and ran the Army Temperance Association in the battalion.

He was given an Award of Merit by Field Marshal Lord Roberts for his success in this last role, even though he held his temperance meetings in a room above a pub.

Recently, his medal was discovered in a house clearance and is currently for sale on eBay for a highly speculative 99,000.

On July 25, 1908, 23-year-old Jimmy married Jane Green, 22, from Bishop Auckland. Jane was white  and a century ago interracial marriage was, of course, highly unusual. But there is no evidence Jane was shunned by her community.

In November the following year, the new Mrs Durham fell pregnant and Jimmy was posted to Ireland with the battalion without her.

Although he seemed to enjoy Ireland  and even kissed the Blarney Stone  the damp climate was not to his liking.

On August 8, 1910, at the Military Hospital in Fermoy, County Cork, Jimmy died of pneumonia at the age of 25. He would never meet his daughter Frances, who was born just three weeks later and would live until she was 88.

The regimental records state: He always proved a universal favourite and his loss was much regretted by all ranks in the Battalion. He was buried with full military honours in Fermoy, his grave surrounded by flowers and with a headstone paid for by the officers, NCOs and men.

The affection for Jimmy continued long after his death. In 1984 his grave was vandalised but quickly repaired, at their own cost, by the people of Fermoy  a testament to Jimmy, and further proof the people of the British Isles have long been more accepting of different races than their detractors would have us believe.
Labour have taken a shock poll lead over the Tories as ministers plot to oust Theresa May with a coup launched by a series of resignations in autumn.

The first YouGov survey since the General Election last month puts Jeremy Corbyn's party eight points ahead.

The poll for The Times tonight revealed that 46 per cent of the public back Labour, Conservatives 38 per cent, Lib Dems 6 per cent and Ukip 4 per cent.

The YouGov poll for the Times put Labour on 46%, eight points ahead of the Conservatives

Prime Minister Theresa May arrived in Hamburg this evening along with her husband Philip, right, for the G20 concert

The first YouGov survey since the General Election last month puts Jeremy Corbyn's party eight points ahead. The Labour leader tried his hand at bricklaying in north London yesterday

It comes as junior members of the Tory party described the British Prime Minister of being a 'horse with a broken leg' with a 'self-indulgent' Cabinet who are keeping her afloat.

A secret circle of ministers are reportedly considering overthrowing Mrs May by stepping down before the party's conference in Manchester in October.

The Prime Minister is under increasing pressure after calling a snap election last month, in which she lost the party's majority at Westminster.

A government source told The Sun said they were fed up of seeing the 'ragdoll' PM 'pushed around' on issues like public sector pay by the 'self-indulgent' Cabinet 'clearly just positioning for a contest in two years' time.'

The source added: 'Selfish cabinet ministers are simply putting their own ambition before the country  it's self-indulgence and there is going to be backlash.'

Speculation is mounting within the party that the next leader may come from the 2010 generation on MPs, including Amber Rudd, Priti Patel and Sajid Javid.

And others tip junior ministers like Dominic Raab, Rory Stewart, Philip Lee and Damian Hinds to run in a future leadership race.

Speculation is mounting within the party that the next leader may come from the 2010 generation on MPs, including Amber Rudd (pictured), Priti Patel and Sajid Javid

Meanwhile Mrs May arrived in Hamburg this evening for tomorrow's G-20 Summit, although she lacked the rock star reception of her Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau who even addressed a major music concert.

Mrs May flew into the northern German port city along with her husband Phillip, and her chancellor, Phillip Hammond.

The summit is the first major international meeting for the PM since she failed to secure an overall majority in last month's general election.

Trudeau's son stole the show as the Canadian Prime Minister lead the arrival of world leaders gathering for the G20 summit in Hamburg.

Mrs May, centre, was followed by her husband and her Chancellor Phillip Hammond bringing up the rear, right

Mrs May flew to Hamburg on board the RAF Voyager aircraft which has been leased for 27 years from Airbus

This week's G-20 summit is the first major international event for Mrs May since her failure to win an overall majority in June

Mrs May, pictured, is planning to discuss climate change with US president Donald Trump while at the G-20 summit

Mrs May, pictured, had earlier received bad news from the Europe's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier who appeared to rule out any Brexit deal which would allow Britain to continue with 'friction-less trade with the other 27 member states

Trudeau, 45, walked down the stairs of his plane with wife Sophie, 42, at his side and their three-year-old son, Hadrien, swinging between them.

He then addressed thousands of concert goers at the Global Citizen Festival. Elsewhere in Hamburg, riot police took to the streets to counter massive demonstrations planned by left-wing activists.

The Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada has attracted a lot of attention for his good looks and went viral earlier this year after a snap showed President Trump's daughter, Ivanka, looking captivated by him during a discussion at the White House.

Pop superstars Shakira and Pharrell Williams announced Wednesday that they will join the first Global Citizen festival in Europe to push leaders to end extreme poverty.

Shakira and Williams, both long involved in charity, will join already announced acts Coldplay, Ellie Goulding and chart-topping electronic duo The Chainsmokers.

Shakira said the concert would press governments to recommit to the UN-backed Sustainable Development Goals which aim to end the worst forms of poverty by 2030.
A horse and a pony were tied to a fence, abandoned and left to die by the side of a road in Alabama while animal control workers turned would-be rescuers away.

Horrified community members called animal control to save the two animals in Cherokee County, Alabama, but they were instead ordered away.

By the time the community had negotiated to buy the horses from their owner days later, the horse called Delores was too skinny and weak to stand and had to be put down.

WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT:

Horrific: The horse named Delores, above, had to be put down after rescuers finally negotiated to buy her in Cherokee County, Alabama

The chief of local animal control said today that nothing could be done for the animals because they were on private property.

Dr. Jeremy Deaton, the supervising veterinarian for Cherokee County Animal Control, said: At this time there is nothing that can be done due to the fact that the animals are on private property.

We are not allowed to go on private property to seize any animal without a judges order or a court order when it comes to livestock.

Animal lover Joell McBurnett from Cedarbluff, Alabama, led an effort to buy the horses from the owner who agreed to sell the animals.

But it was too late for Delores.

Ms McBurnett wrote on Facebook: 'This was the worst thing I have ever witnessed! I cannot begin to understand how this could happen. Cherokee County said there was nothing they could do.

Abused: Delores was left tied to a barbed wire fence for weeks

In order to make a difference in this case we have to come together and make changes in the laws that allowed this to happen! We are hoping that Delores didn't [die] without making an impact that would do that, she added.

We want to push for "Delores' Law" that would allow someone to be able to help "livestock" be saved even on "private property" which was the reason this poor horse laid there and suffer until it was too late to save her!

Cherokee County Animal Control officer Dustin Dutton said on Thursday he did all he could for the animals and had reported the case the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation.

He said: I agree with everyone that it's a sad situation, but there's also a proper way to handle those situations.

'There's a legal way to handle those situations to make anything ever stick. Sometimes people don't realize they can jeopardize an entire case.

Survived: A skeletal pony that was also tied up was saved by the local community

'I am not equipped to do large animals. The only thing that we do is the cats and dogs. I contacted proper authorities last week and they were down here 14 days prior to all this. He advised me that they would be down this coming week.

'The plan was to set up an interview with the owner of the horses.

'Alabama like most of the south, they don't like change. There's been bills presented down in Montgomery and every bill that gets presented about animals gets backed out. The officials want to turn a deaf ear to that kind of thing.

The case will be going further, according to Dutton.
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President Donald Trump will be required to navigate more international opposition as the G20 summit gets down to business on Friday, as he spends his day on controversial issues including a border wall, climate change, and North Korea.

With angry street protests outside on the streets of Hamburg, Trump meets with Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto Friday, where the border wall issue that loomed large in his campaign will get yet another airing.

Mexico's foreign ministry played down hopes for progress during the scheduled 30-minute meeting, which follows a cancelled January meeting amid tensions over the wall, which Trump insists the U.S. will make Mexico pay for.

'We have to put it in context and not have expectations that are unjustified,' said Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel offered US president a firm handshake on Thursday as they met in Hamburg for a bilateral summit

Thing won't get any easier when Trump is face to face with a bevy of other foreign leaders following his trashing of the Paris climate change agreement.

Climate change is a hot issue inside and outside the summit. Ivanka Trump, first lady Melania Trump, and G20 spouses will get a tour of the German Climate Computing Center on Friday. The idea for the climate stop came from German Chancellor Angela Merkel's husband, Joachim Sauer, a chemistry professor, Bloomberg News reported.

Trump also will be under pressure to demonstrate progress on North Korea after the nation's launch of an ICBM July 4. The president's tweets have been increasingly critical of China.

Top billing goes to Trump's high-stakes meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

But it won't be all work.

Policemen in front of burning waste in 'Schanzenviertel' quarter closed to the 'Rote Flora' building ahead of the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, 06 July 2017. The G20 Summit (or G-20 or Group of Twenty) is an international forum for governments from 20 major economies

A meeting at the White House in March went awry when Trump missed several verbal and situational cues and did not offer his foreign counterpart his hand

The president is also scheduled to attend a G20 summit reception, as well as a concert at the Elbphilharmonie, where the Hamburg Philharmonic will perform Beethoven's 9th Symphony for dignitaries and guests, followed by a 'social dinner.'

German Chancellor Angela Merkel offered the US president a firm handshake on Thursday as they met in Hamburg for a bilateral summit, holding the pose for several seconds as cameras snapped around them to make sure the media captured the friendly gesture.

A meeting at the White House in March went awry when President Donald Trump missed several verbal and situational cues and did not offer Merkel his hand.

Merkel shot her hand out toward Trump today as they stood before a G20 backdrop at the Hotel Atlantic Kempinski so that it was clear what she wanted. He did not botch the greeting again.

The two leaders made small talk that was inaudible to reporters as photographers snapped pictures of them conversing. Merkel then led Trump away so that they could speak frankly about trade, climate change, and a host of other topics, including Russian aggression, behind closed doors.

Trump arrived in Germany just before the meet and greet for an intense two-day stretch at the G20 summit that will put his diplomatic prowess to the ultimate test as he sits down with Russia's president, a former KGB spy, for the first time.

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Merkel shot her hand out toward Trump today as they stood before a G20 backdropat the Hotel Atlantic Kempinski so that it was clear what she wanted

He did not botch the traditional greeting again - grabbing her hand ad holding the pose for several seconds as cameras snapped around them

The two leaders made small talk that was inaudible to reporters as photographers snapped photos of them conversing

During an Oval Office photo-op in March, Trump did not shake Merkel's hand. Reporters asked if they could, and so did Merkel, but Trump wasn't paying attention

Trump browbeat Russia earlier in the day, from Poland, for its 'destabilizing activities in Ukraine and elsewhere and its support for hostile regimes including Syria and Iran' and urged Vladimir Putin's government to join the US and its allies in the fight against violent extremism.

But he refused to pin election hacking last year in the US on the Kremlin, saying he thinks it was Putin's government, but it 'could have been other people in other countries.'

The meeting between Trump and Putin is the most anticipated of the bilateral talks on the American president's schedule. Sanctions, election meddling, the fighting in Syria and Russia's invasion of Ukraine are all on the table.

The meeting with Merkel this afternoon could also turn terse as they speak about Trump's dramatic exit from the international climate accord known as the Paris agreement shortly after he and Merkel were last together and trade relations.

A mishap on Trump's previous trip to Europe led to a mistranslation of his condemnation of the United States' trade deficit with Germany.

Word quickly spread that the US president had called the WWII opponent that is now an ally 'evil' when he really said that its trade practices were 'bad' for the U.S.

President Donald Trump arrived in Hamburg, Germany, on Thursday for an intense two-day stretch at the G20 that will put his diplomatic prowess to the ultimate test as he sits down with Russia's president, a former KGB spy, for the first time since the US presidential election

WELCOME: Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump made the trip from Warsaw to Hamburg, too, and are seen here exiting Air Force One

The president and first lady arrived in Germany for the G20 summit roughly 90 minutes after they departed Poland

Donald Trump and Melania Trump are greeted at the Helmut Schmidt Airport in Hamburg, Germany today

Hamburg Mayor Olaf Scholz walked the president and first lady down a red carpet and off the tarmac

The meeting between Trump and Vladimir Putin is the most anticipated of the bilateral talks on the American president's schedule at the G20 summit

Germany is part of the European Union, which means that Trump cannot negotiate a trade agreement with Merkel directly. He cannot negotiate a new climate deal for the US with her unilaterally, either, but both topics will most certainly come up.

The fight against ISIS and North Korea's latest provocations are also top of mind for the US president, who delivered a hard-hitting speech today in Warsaw and took questions from the news media that touched on both of those topics.

Trump's sit-down with Merkel is an opportunity for him to turn around relations with the ally. The partnership has shown repeated signs of strain in the six months since Trump assumed office.

During a G7 meeting in Brussels in May, Trump blasted Germany over its trade surplus with the United States.

'The Germans are very, very bad,' Trump said, in remarks highlighted by German magazine Der Spiegel. 'Look at the millions of cars they're selling in the US. Terrible. We will stop this,' Trump continued, neglecting to mention substantial German investment in the U.S., such as a major BMW plant in Spartanburg, S.C.

Merkel responded afterward in Munich in terms that sounded as if she were beginning to doubt the U.S. commitment to the transatlantic relationship. She said Europe must 'really take our fate into our own hands.' She added: 'The times in which we could rely fully on othersthey are somewhat over. This is what I experienced in the last few days.'

Trump previously said Merkel was 'ruining' Germany by letting in too many refugees. Back in March, when Trump hosted Merkel at the White House, the Germany chancellor said she was representing not just her country but European integration. 'I am saying it in the United States, also here in Washington in my talks with the president,' she said.

The daughter of US President Donald Trump Ivanka Trump (R) and her husband White House senior advisor Jared Kushner make their way from Air Force One to a Marine One helicopter upon arrival at the airport in northern Germany

The US president and his family are seen here making their way through Hamburg in the presidential limousine knows as 'The Beast'

A helicopter with U.S. President Donald Trump on board flies over the Elbe River in Hamburg, Germany this afternoon

A view of the guesthouse where U.S. President Donald Trump is staying during the G20 summit

Police watch the road to the guesthouse of the Senate of Hamburg, prior to the G20 summit. The guesthouse is the accommodation for Trump during the summit

During an Oval Office photo-op then, Trump and Merkel didn't shake hands. He joked later, during a joint presser, that they have at least 'something in common, perhaps,' as he claimed again that Barack Obama spied on him. His comment was met with nervous laughter in the room as Merkel did a double take then looked down at and shuffled her note cards on the podium.

Trump and Merkel stared each other down on Thursday, then shook hands at the top of their encounter that served as the official kickoff to Trump's meetings at the G20.

The president's daughter Ivanka, who has become something of a friend of Merkel's, was also seen entering Hotel Atlantic Kempinski with the US delegation.

Ivanka came to Berlin in April to promote apprenticeships.

A senior advisor at the White House, Ivanka, who is far more liberal than her president father, may help cooler heads to prevail in today's talk with Merkel, who's currently up for reelection. Merkel's party recently removed the word 'friend' from a description of its relationship with the US in campaign materials.

Trump's meeting with Putin is largely an unknown. The White House said last week that Trump will talk to his foreign counterpart about 'whatever' he wants and would not commit to a discussion about Russia's violation of voting systems in at least 21 states before the president's surprise victory in the November election.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel receives U.S. President Donald Trump in the Hotel Atlantic, on the eve of the G20 summit, for bilateral talks. Leaders of the G20 group of nations are meeting for the July 7-8 summit. Topics high on the agenda for the summit include climate policy and trade

Trump and Merkel played nice for the cameras before a private meeting that could be more terse. Trump pulled the US out of the Paris climate accord last month to Europe's chagrin

MR. PRESIDENT, PLEASE: Reporters could only guess at what Merkel was telling Trump on Thursday afternoon as they talked quietly away from the cameras before their bilateral meeting

RIGHT THIS WAY: Merkel then led Trump away seconds later so that they could speak frankly about trade, climate change, and a host of other topics, including Russian aggression, behind closed doors

He did not mention Russia by name in his remarks to the Polish people when he committed the US making sure they are 'never again held hostage to a single supplier of energy.'

But turning to threats against the West later in his speech in front a memorial to the Warsaw Uprising, Trump railed against 'the steady creep of government bureaucracy,' 'radical Islamic terrorism' and 'powers that seek to test our will, undermine our confidence and challenge our interests.'

'To meet new forms of aggression, including propaganda, financial crimes and cyber warfare, we must adapt our lives to compete effectively in new ways and on all new battlefields,' he said in a direct reference to Moscow's meddling.

Trump said at a news conference in Poland, where he was asked about Russia that Putin's government 'could have' interfered with the 2016 US presidential election which saw him take victory over Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.

He added, however, that he's not totally convinced that Russia was the sole meddler in the election, contrasting claims from US intelligence agencies who said the effort was directed by Putin and emanated from Moscow.

'I think it was Russia, and it could have been other people in other countries,' Trump said. 'Nobody really knows.'

He added that US intelligence agencies have made mistakes in the past, so 'nobody really knows for sure'.

The president sought to redirect any scrutiny toward his predecessor, Barack Obama, accusing him of allowing Moscow to meddle on his watch.

Though the Obama administration warned Russia publicly and privately before Election Day to stop interfering, questions have since been raised about whether he acted aggressively enough to stop the threat.

'They say he choked. Well, I don't think he choked,' Trump said. 'I think he thought Hillary Clinton was going to win the election, and he said, 'Let's not do anything about it'.'

Trump said the CIA had informed Obama about the hacking months before the election but added that 'mistakes have been made.'.

Speaking to thousands of cheering Poles later, Trump called their nation 'the geographic heart of Europe' and praising their countrymen for shaking off both Nazi oppressors and Russian occupiers in the last century.

'That's trouble. That's tough,' he exclaimed.

'In those dark days, you have lost your land but you never lost your pride.'

President Donald Trump questioned if the West has the 'will to survive' in a landmark speech in Warsaw on Thursday afternoon

Trump spoke in front of a crowd at Krasinski Square at the Royal Castle in Warsaw on Thursday

Trump participates in a wreath laying ceremony before delivering a speech at Krasinski Square at the Royal Castle

Trump waves next to First Lady of the US Melania Trump, Polish President Andrzej Duda and First Lady of Poland Agata Kornhauser-Duda before Trump's public speech at Krasinski Square

People cheer as Trump delivers his landmark speech at Krasinski Square at the Royal Castle

Trump delivered his address in Krasinski Square, at the foot of a statue commemorating the 1944 Polish uprising against German occupiers. He and first lady Melania Trump laid a wreath at its base.

Speaking behind bulletproof glass, the US president said Poles are 'a people who truly know the value of what you defend.'

He urged them to uphold 'a future in which good conquers evil.'

They repeatedly chanted 'USA, USA' and 'Donald Trump! Donald Trump!'

Trump had earlier met the Polish president and warned that the future of the West is in doubt.

In a speech to the public he praised Poland's 'will to survive' because they 'have never, ever forgotten who they are.'

'The Polish experience reminds us - the defense of the West ultimately rests not only on means but also on the will of its people to prevail,' Trump said.

'Your oppressors tried to break you, but Poland could not be broken,' he said.

First Lady Melania Trump warmed up the crowd in Poland's capital ahead of her husband's speech, saying that all people should be allowed to 'live their lives without fear'

The first lady said Thursday that guaranteeing the 'security' of the American people is the centerpiece of Trump's administration

During her introduction speech at Krasinski Square on Thursday Melania Trump said she hoped all around world could share in that safety.

First Lady Melania walked alongside President Trump as they arrived at Krasinski Square on Thursday ahead of Trump's speech

Melania Trump, who is taking a prominent role in her husband's key overseas trip, also saluted the Polish people and their 'beautiful country'

Melania donned a navy blue dress with pink and blue stripes for the event on Thursday. She wore purple heels to finish off the outfit

And Trump projected his fight against Middle Eastern terrorism onto the template of Poland's historic struggles, saying, 'We are fighting hard against radical Islamic terrorism, and we will prevail.'

'America and Europe have suffered one terror attack after another. We are going to get it to stop,' he said. 'While we will always welcome new citizens who share our values and love our people, our borders will always be closed to terrorism and extremism of any kind.'

The president urged European nations to commit more of their money to NATO, as he said the organization's 'Article 5' commitment to mutual defense is an ironclad guarantee.

'Words are easy but actions are what matters,' he said. 'Europe must do more. Europe must demonstrate that it believes in its future by investing its money to secure that future.'

At a press conference following his private talks with Andrzej Duda, Trump said North Korea would face 'consequences' for its intercontinental ballistic missile test.

He also admitted that Russia 'could have' interfered with the 2016 election and vowed to work with Poland on addressing threats from the country

Ivanka was beaming as she arrived at the speech hand-in-hand with husband Jared Kusner. The couple arrived in Warsaw on Air Force One with the president and first lady

Ivanka Trump smiles as she arrives in Krasinski Square, in Warsaw, with her husband Jared Kushner, senior adviser of Trump

Ivanka, who has taken a prominent role in her father's White House administration, arrived in Warsaw on Wednesday evening ahead of Trump's speech

Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump took seats in the front row in Krasinski Square ahead of Trump's speech, for which Poles from around the country traveled to see

The pair held hands as they listened to the president made his speech, in which he Poland as the 'geographic heart of Europe'

Trump's whirlwind visit to Warsaw came just before a meeting with Putin. He will travel next to Germany for Friday and Saturday's G20 summit, where he will sit down for talks with the Russian leader for the first time since taking office.

Trump's appearance alongside the Polish president will go down badly in Russia.

Trump's visit to Warsaw was coordinated with the Three Seas Initiative, which is a new 12-nation trade and economic bloc organized in part to limit Russia's power, especially in ways that diminish its dominance in the region's energy markets.

'To the citizens of this great region, America is eager to expand our partnership with you. We welcome stronger ties of trade and commerce as you grow your economies,' Trump said in his Krasinski Square speech. 'And we are committed to securing your access to alternate sources of energy, so Poland and its neighbors are never again held hostage to a single supplier of energy.'

North Korea's ballistic missile test the day the day before Trump left the US moved the threat posed by Kim Jong-un's illicit nuclear activity up to the top of the American president's list of shared threats.

The Warsaw Uprising (its monument pictured above) was the largest act of resistance by any nation under the German occupation during World War II, and the heroism of the insurgents remains a defining element in Polish national identity

During World War II, the Germans suppressed the rebellion brutally, destroying most of Warsaw and killing around 200,000 people, most of them civilians. Pictured above, Trump and Melania observe the monument for the Warsaw Uprising

Donald Trump shake hands with veteran as dozens of other slook on after delivering a speech in Krasinski Square in Warsaw, Poland on Thursday

At his joint press conference with Duda, Trump called on the global community to ensure there are 'consequences' for Pyongyang's belligerence and warned that he is considering a 'severe' response.

'I call on all nations to confront this global threat and publicly demonstrate to North Korea that there are consequences for their very, very bad behavior,' he declared.

'I have pretty severe things that we're thinking about,' Trump said, but added: 'That doesn't mean that we'll do them.'

Trump later said that he was working with Poland on addressing threats from Russia and reiterated his calls for NATO members to meet their financial obligations.

Trump said that 'as a result' of his administration's pushing, 'billions of dollars' have begun to pour into NATO.

'In fact, people are shocked. But billions and billions of dollars more are coming in from countries that, in my opinion, would not have been paying so quickly.'

Trump shook hands with several veterans who listened to the speech as he left Krasinski Square and headed for Germany

Some Trump supporters tied a 'Make America Great Again' banner to a barrier fence ahead of the speech. Nearby attendees wore hats bearing the same slogan

One man kept his supportive sign straight and to the point: He simply carried around a photo of President Donald Trump to the rally

'To those who would criticize our tough stance, I would point out that the United States has demonstrated not merely with words but with its actions that we stand firmly behind Article 5, the mutual defense commitment,' he said, checking an important box in his remarks for European leaders who have worried about that his pay up, or else, warnings meant the US was rethinking its involvement in the international organization.

Trump heaped praise on Poland for paying up.

He told the Polish people, 'You were supported in that victory over communism by a strong alliance of free nations in the West that defied tyranny. Now, among the most committed members of the NATO Alliance, Poland has resumed its place as a leading nation of a Europe that is strong, whole, and free.

'A strong Poland is a blessing to the nations of Europe, and they know that. A strong Europe is a blessing to the West and to the world.'

Noting the 100th anniversary of America's entry into World War I, which he will celebrate formally next week in Paris, France, Trump said' the transatlantic bond between the United States and Europe is as strong as ever and maybe, in many ways, even stronger.'

'This continent no longer confronts the specter of communism. But today we're in the West, and we have to say there are dire threats to our security and to our way of life,' he said. 'You see what's happening out there. They are threats. We will confront them. We will win. But they are threats.'

Following his speech, Trump and Melania departed from Warsaw and headed for Germany on Air Force One ahead of the G20 Summit

It was also confirmed that Trump accepted an invitation to visit the small central European nation that is the homeland of his wife Melania following his speech

Trump's ongoing media war has tended to overshadow talk of his domestic and foreign agendas, a condition he could ill afford as he launched his second diplomacy tour in six weeks.

He took a question Thursday about a domestic tempest that developed this week over a video clip he tweeted on Sunday, depicting himself body-slamming a pro-wrestling mogul whose face was superimposed with CNN's logo.

CNN quickly condemned the tweet and assigned a reporter to find out where the viral meme originated.

By Thursday the network was under fire for allegedly threatening to reveal the name of a person it said created the video.

But CNN appears to have gotten it wrong, using the wrong version of the doctored footage as the basis for their interview with the unnamed man.

'I think what CNN did is unfortunate for them,' Trump said at the press conference. 'As you know they have some pretty serious problems.

'They have been fake news for a long time. They have been covering me in a very, very dishonest way.'

Trump then turned to Duda and asked, 'Do you have that also, Mr President?', to which Duda shrugged.

At a press conference following his private talks with Andrzej Duda, Trump said North Korea would face 'consequences' for its intercontinental ballistic missile test

He also admitted that Russia interfered with the 2016 election and vowed to work with Poland on addressing threats from the country

Trump and Duda shook hands for photo ops several times on Thursday, including after their joint press conference

'What CNN did - and what others did, NBC is equally as bad despite the fact that I made them a fortune with The Apprentice but they forgot that,' Trump said. 'What I will say is that CNN has really taken it too seriously and I think they've hurt themselves very badly, very, very badly.

'And what we want to see in the United States is honest, beautiful, free, but honest press. We want to see fair press.

'I think it's a very important thing. We don't want fake news. By the way, not everybody is fake news. But we don't want fake news. Bad thing. It's very bad for our country.'

Following the press conference, Trump attended a meeting of the Three Seas Initiative.

The group includes leaders of the Baltic, Adriatic and Black seas nations and aims to expand and modernize energy and trade with the goal of reducing the region's dependence on Russian energy.

While at the meeting, Trump pledged that the United States will never use energy to coerce eastern and central European nations, adding that the United States won't allow other nations to coerce them either.

Trump said he's proud that the region is benefiting from US energy supplies. Poland received a first shipment of liquefied natural gas from the United States last month.

Trump noted the region's special significance to him. His wife, Melania, is a native of Slovenia, which belongs to the group.

The two presidents met at the Royal Castle in Warsaw on Thursday morning head of Trump's landmark speech

He then claimed that everyone is benefiting from the thriving US economy except for him.

He bragged of recent stock market gains, but said: 'Personally, I've picked up nothing.'

'That's all right,' he said. 'Everyone else is getting very rich. That's OK. I'm very happy.'

Trump gave his two adult sons and a senior executive control of his global real estate, property management and marketing empire when he took office in January. But Trump did not divest his businesses.

Instead he placed his financial assets in a trust that he can seize control of at any time.
A deadly brawl between rival gangs inside a Mexico state prison resulted in the death of 28 inmates on Thursday morning.

Authorities had initially reported only five deaths, but later drastically raised the toll when more bodies were found scattered throughout the Acapulco prison.

Officials said the gang-related brawl began around 4am and left dozens of people dead, with up to four inmates brutally decapitated.

Bodies were discovered throughout the Guerrero state prison grounds, including a kitchen, a cellblock and other areas of the facility.

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At least 28 people were killed in a deadly gang-related brawl inside a Mexico state prison on Thursday morning. Up to four inmates were decapitated (pictured)

The deadly brawl, which also left three wounded, took place at a Acapulco prison in the Guerrero state. Pictured: Riot police entering the prison

Apart from the 28 fatalities, three men were found wounded.

Robert Alvarez Heredia, the Guerrero state security spokesman, said in a statement that security forces later regained control and slowly began searching for the dead.

'The incident began because of the constant dispute between rival groups inside the prison,' Alvarez said.

An anonymous law enforcement official told Reuters that four inmates had been decapitated.

Families of inmates rushed to the prison after hearing the news of the deadly riot, pleading with police for information.

Some desperate relatives tore down a section of the prison's fence trying to get to their loved ones.

Families of inmates rushed to the prison after hearing the news of the deadly riot, pleading with police for information

Authorities said 'the incident began because of the constant dispute between rival groups inside the prison'

State police said the prison population is more than 2,000.

Acapulco is the biggest city in Guerrero, one of Mexico's most lawless and violent states.

What was the once-glamorous resort of Acapulco has turned into a city struggling with a high number of killings.

It is a center of opium poppy production that has been a major concern to U.S. officials.

A February brawl between rival drug gangs at an overcrowded penitentiary in northern Mexico resulted in 49 inmates being killed, Mexico's deadliest prison melee in years.

That clash was between inmates aligned with the Zetas and Gulf drug cartels.

Some desperate relatives tore down a section of the prison's fence trying to get to their loved ones (pictured)

In June, Mexico's governmental rights agency issued a report that said many of the country's prisons are unsafe, overcrowded and understaffed.

The report warned of insufficient staff, unsafe procedures and poor medical care at many facilities.

The National Human Rights Commission said it surveyed conditions at over 190 state, local and federal jails.

It found that inmates often controlled some areas of prisons or had contraband inside.
A remarkable new material has been created that can make any 2D object appear 3D under normal light.

The material, which features tiny structures millionths of a millimetre across, manipulate light in such a way that flat objects appear differently, in a similar way to a hologram.

But unlike holograms, the illusion work no matter angle you look at it.

This could have important applications in TVs, cameras and security, researchers claim.

For instance, future cameras could use the material to make a flat camera lens which mimic the properties of sophisticated curved camera lenses, capable of taking better images.

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Scientists have used a technique found in computer games to create flat objects that, like a hologram, give the illusion of being a 3D object. Using nano-engineering, they created two dimensional surfaces covered with tiny objects millionths of a millimetre across (pictured)

METASURFACES Scientists have used a technique found in computer games to create flat objects that, like a hologram, give the illusion of being a 3D object. When light hits an object, the colour, texture, and shape affect how light is absorbed and reflected, allowing you to make out the object in front of you. By altering the surface to change how light is reflected, it is possible to manipulate how it appears. As a proof of concept, the researchers fabricated a flat surface, known as a metasurface, that imitates the lighting and shading effects of a 3D cube. Borrowing a technique from computer graphics called Normal Mapping, researchers encoded shadow effects into the image, creating 3D images more realistic than holograms or 3D cinema. When illuminated, the metasurface instantaneously 'works out' how a 3D representation of the image should look and displays it. Advertisement

Researchers from King's College London (KCL) and the University of Bonn created two dimensional surfaces covered with tiny objects, which are millionths of a millimetre across, and appear as realistic 3D shapes.

While holograms require a light source like a laser to be viewed, these surfaces manipulate the reflection of normal light.

Called metasurfaces, they appear 3D under all lighting conditions and from wherever they are viewed.

This ability to control light could have a variety of practical applications, including a new generation of TVs and lightweight camera lenses.

Future generations of smartphones could use tiny flat metasurfaces to mimic the properties of sophisticated curved camera lenses.

Metasurfaces could also replace heavy optical lenses in satellites, where weight and size have a big impact on efficiency.

And they can already be used to create uniquely complex 3D images for security and anti-counterfeiting measures.

Professor Anatoly Zayats, one of the KCL researchers, said: 'Metasurfaces are amazing.

'They open up unprecedented freedom in directing and manipulating light.

'One might ultimately imagine a TV screen which appears exactly the same as you move around it, or a new movement of 3D art.'

When light hits an object, the colour, texture, and shape affect how light is absorbed and reflected, allowing you to make out the object in front of you.

By altering the surface to change how light is reflected, it is possible to manipulate how it appears.

While holograms require a light source like a laser to be viewed, metasurfaces appear as 3D objects under all lighting conditions and from wherever they are viewed. Pictured - a close-up of a metasurface under a scanning electron microscope

For their proof of concept, the researchers borrowed a technique from 3D computer graphics called Normal Mapping (left) to create a at metasurface (top right) that imitates the shading and lighting eects of a 3D cube (bottom right)

THE NANOSCALE A nanometre (nm) is a billionth of a metre, and there a million of them in a millimetre. Nanoscale can refer to things less than 100 nm in size, materials so small that they behave differently to normal. The human flu virus is around 130 nm while the head of a pin is one million nm across. Advertisement

As a proof of concept, the researchers fabricated a flat metasurface that imitates the lighting and shading effects of a 3D cube.

Borrowing a technique from 3D computer graphics called Normal Mapping, researchers encoded shadow effects into the image, creating 3D images more realistic than holograms or 3D cinema.

When illuminated, the metasurface instantaneously 'works out' how a 3D representation of the image should look and displays it.

When illuminated, the metasurface instantaneously 'works out' how a 3D representation of the image should look and displays it. Here it is viewed as a light source passes around the proof of concept cube object (pictured)

By altering the surface to change how light is reflected, it is possible to manipulate how it appears. Pictured - A schematic illustration of the layers of a metasurface cell (left) compared with a close-up of the surface under a scanning electron microscope (right)

Dr Alexander Minovich, The Royal Society Newton International Fellow at KCL, added: 'The normal mapping demonstrated with our metasurface is a completely new concept.

'But it could have very important implications for a wide range of optical industries, both in introducing new functionality and making products smaller and lighter'.

The full results were published in the American Chemical Society journal Nano Letters.
Bizarre plans from Amazon could see the creation of underwater warehouses, where goods would be stored before floating to the surface for delivery.

The outlandish scheme is outlined in a new patent applied for by the online shopping firm in the US.

The 'aquatic storage facility' warehouses would be located at the bottom of lakes, reservoirs or other bodies of water.

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Bizarre plans from Amazon could see the creation of underwater warehouses, where goods would be stored before floating to the surface for delivery (pictured)

UNDERWATER WAREHOUSES Bizarre plans from Amazon could see the creation of underwater warehouses, where goods would be stored before floating to the surface for delivery. The scheme is designed to allow greater automation of fulfilment centres, which can feature storage areas as large as one million square feet or more. This makes it difficult for human workers to retrieve orders, which often contain multiple items that may be stored great distances apart. The underwater storage areas could allow for more efficient use of storage space. Advertisement

The full proposals are detailed in US patent 9624034, which explains how stock could be dropped off at the fulfilment centres by parachute, trucks or dropped down conveyor belts.

Rows of underwater shelves could be created by adjusting the buoyancy of each package, ensuring that items come to rest at different depths.

Signals sent from acoustic transmitters would trigger the final stage of the process.

This would prompt gas canisters to inflate a balloon inside the package, causing it to rise to the surface for collection.

Amazons delivery teams, which in the future could be made of up of drones, would then ship the requested items to the customer.

Writing in the patent, Amazon said: 'Fulfillment centers now include increasingly large and complex facilities having expansive capabilities and high-technology accommodation for items.

'For all of their technological advancements, today's fulfillment centres are still plagued by the inefficient use of space.

Stock could be dropped off at the fulfilment centres by parachute, trucks or dropped down conveyor belts. This graphic shows the stages of the delivery process

'The storage of items at various depths or heights within an aquatic storage facility may be particularly advantageous where the items are of different sizes or shapes, or where demand for such items may vary.

The plans are designed to allow greater automation of fulfilment centres, which can feature storage areas as large as one million square feet or more.

Rows of underwater shelves (pictured) could be created by adjusting the buoyancy of each package, ensuring that items come to rest at different depths

The plans are designed to allow greater automation of fulfilment centres. Signals sent from acoustic transmitters would trigger the final stage of the process (pictured)

This makes it difficult for human workers to retrieve orders, which often contain multiple items that may be stored great distances apart.



While the idea might seem strange, Mark Skilton of Warwick Business School believes it isn't as far-fetched as we might think.

Speaking to The Times, he said: 'Amazon is dealing with items of lots of shapes and sizes that cannot be standardised for efficient handling, leading to processes that remain relatively human-intensive.

This would prompt gas canisters to inflate a balloon inside the package, causing it to rise to the surface for collection (pictured)

Amazons delivery teams (pictured), which in the future could be made of up of drones, would then ship the requested items to the customer

'This underwater warehouse literally sinks that problem, cutting inefficient steps and making the process much simpler.

'At Amazon's scale, these kind of ideas are not bizarre.'

The scheme is the latest in a long line of off-the-wall proposals by the company.

A patent published in June showed a nine-story hive with space for hundreds of drones

While you might expect a hive to be full of bees, a new patent filed by Amazon suggests that giant versions of the structures could soon be used to house drones. A patent published today shows a nine-story hive with space for hundreds of drones

The hive is designed to accomodate landing and takeoff of unmanned aerial vehicles in urban settings where there isn't space to build outwards

DRONE HIVES The hive is designed to accomodate landing and takeoff of unmanned aerial vehicles in urban settings. While most of Amazon's fulfilment centres are in more rural areas where there is room to sprawl out, the patent recognises that such centres wouldn't be possible in busy cities. The patent states: 'There is a growing need and desire to locate fulfillment centres within cities, such as in downtown districts and densely populated parts of the cities.' The hive could complete hundreds of thousands of orders to people in cities every day, according to the patent. Advertisement

While Amazon has not said when, or if, it plans to create the hives, the patent suggests that they could be used in 'downtown districts' or 'urban areas' where there is little space to build outwards.

While most of Amazon's fulfilment centres are in more rural areas where there is room to sprawl out, the patent recognises that such centres wouldn't be possible in busy cities.

The patent states: 'There is a growing need and desire to locate fulfillment centres within cities, such as in downtown districts and densely populated parts of the cities.'

The hive could complete hundreds of thousands of orders to people in cities every day, according to the patent.

Amazon has not been shy about its drone-delivery ambitions, with trials taking place in the UK at the end of 2016, and the first 'Prime Air' demonstration in the US in March.

It is unclear if and when Amazon plans to use these two patents.
The frustration of trying to find a place to park could soon be over, thanks to a new app that promises to predict where spaces are available.

Find and Pay uses big data, predictive analytics and machine learning to reduce the time it takes to find parking in congested urban areas.

Easy Park, the Stockholm-based firm behind its creation, claims it could slash your search time for a spare spot in half.

The smart software could be coming to a city near you in the near future.

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The frustration of trying to find a place to park could soon be over, thanks to a new app that promises to predict where spaces are available. Find and Pay (pictured) uses big data, predictive analytics and machine learning to reduce the time it takes to find parking

FIND AND PAY The frustration of trying to find a place to park could soon be over, thanks to a new app that promises to predict where spaces are available. Find and Pay uses data from parking payments and crowd-sourced location information to create an accurate parking probability map of every city block for any given hour of the day. The app is currently undergoing large-scale beta testing, using over 500 testers across 31 cities to test, validate and increase predictive accuracy. The systems self-learning algorithms will continue to improve over time, through continued testing and via continuous user feedback when it is rolled out to the public at large. It is being introduced in Stockholm in September, and will roll out across more than 30 other major European cities later this year. London and New York will follow in 2018. Advertisement

EasyPark has invested 10 years of research and development over 10 million (88 million) to develop what they say is the first truly predictive parking technology.

The app uses data from parking payments and crowd-sourced location information to create an accurate parking probability map of every city block for any given hour of the day.

It then gives users a route to their destination that passes along streets with the highest probability of parking availability.

A 'Find-o-meter' also displays the chances of finding a space in your chosen location.

It will also allow drivers to pay for their parking through the app, as well as topping up your time when it is running low.

Find and Pay is being introduced in Stockholm in September, and will roll out across more than 30 other major European cities later this year.

London and New York will follow in 2018.

In a written statement Johan Birgersson, CEO of the firm, said: 'Today's navigation options take you to your destination, but fall flat when you need to find somewhere to park.

'It's a very frustrating experience when you get where you need to go, but simply can't park your car - Find and Pay solves this significant challenge for motorists.

'We're hugely excited to start bringing the technology to market and to see the profound impact it will have on driver frustration and the challenges of congestion and pollution in cities.

Find and Pay (pictured) uses data from parking payments and crowd-sourced location information to create an accurate parking probability map of every city block for any given hour of the day

The app then gives users a route to their destination that passes along streets with the highest probability of parking availability (pictured). It will also allow drivers to pay for their parking through the app, as well as topping up your time when it is running low

'This technology has the potential to reduce emissions in cities by hundreds of thousands of tonnes.'

Studies show that 30 per cent of traffic in congested cities is caused by people searching for parking, and that this could contribute to as much as 50 million tons of pollution across Europe.

The average motorist is thought to waste more than 2,500 hours of their lives searching for a space in busy city streets.

A 'Find-o-meter' (pictured) also displays the chances of finding a space in your chosen location. It is being introduced across Europe later this year, with London and New York following in 2018

Unlike navigation and transportation in general, the parking industry has experienced relatively few major technology breakthroughs.

Find and Pay is currently undergoing large-scale beta testing, using over 500 testers across 31 cities to test, validate and increase predictive accuracy.

The systems self-learning algorithms will continue to improve over time, through continued testing and via continuous user feedback when it is rolled out to the public at large.
In 2010, Glen Mlnarik went to display flags for Memorial Day at Grove Hill Cemetery south of Howells and found a mess.

The sumac was twice the size it is now and covered some of the headstones. The trees needed trimming and the grass hadnt been mowed in months, maybe years.

Like many early pioneer cemeteries, Grove Hill is no longer affiliated with a congregation and has to be maintained by volunteers. The previous group that signed up to care for the grounds simply stopped coming.

Mlnarik went to the Sons of the American Legion to see if they were interested in assuming responsibility for the cemeterys care.

I just didnt like to see it overgrown, he said. If the Sons of the American Legion hadnt taken it on, I would've done it myself.

Mlnarik and Scott Lerch, a Sons of the American Legion member who regularly tends to Grove Hill, had to go in with chainsaws to clear the overgrown brush.

Now our biggest challenge is getting a badger out, said Mlnarik.

Grove Hill is the final resting place for James Smith Howell, the namesake of Howells. (Supposedly the s was added at the end of the towns name by the post office). Three Civil War and two World War II veterans are also buried there.

The cemetery is a monument to the history of Howells. Mlnarik and Lerch said they dont recognize any of the names buried there. Once a church is decommissioned and the families move away, its up to the community to care for these sites.

We try to keep it the best we can, within reason, said Lerch.

Nancy Hartman of David City got involved with Granville Cemetery near Cornlea when she heard the farmer who owned the land allowed his irrigation system to roll through the property.

The farmer was destroying it, she said.

Hartman had been involved in the negotiations that settled a border dispute between Butler and Platte counties that lasted more than a century. Someone concerned about the cemetery contacted her since she had that experience.

Hartman signed on without realizing how much work it would be.

There was a lot involved in saving that cemetery, she said.

They had to form an association, find a deed of incorporation and track down a descendant of someone buried there, all while fighting a lawsuit filed by the landowner.

In 2005, Platte County District Court ruled in the Granville Cemetery Associations favor and the landowner filed an appeal. The case went all the way to the Nebraska Supreme Court, which decided in favor of the association in 2006.

Irvin Mueller was head of the association when it started and put a lot of work into making the cemetery what it is today. He led efforts to clear the grounds, repair tombstones and place simple white crosses over unmarked graves.

Irvin and them did a whole lot before I got here, said current association President Dan Wemhoff.

In 2010, the cemetery received a historical marker and in 2012 it was rededicated.

Granville was just the beginning for Hartman. She also submitted applications for historical markers for Streeter and Tracy Valley cemeteries.

What we have today, we have to thank those people that settled this area, said Hartman. I think a lot of people take for granted what we have nowadays.

Hartman said shes also moved by what those pioneers went through. Gravestones tell the story of how tough life was on the frontier. Markers show how some families lost multiple members, often children, to diseases such as scarlet fever and typhoid.

I dont know how anybody could cope with losing three or four children all at once, she said. These people didnt have any psychologists to go to or depression medication to take. They just had to support each other and tough it out.

For LaVern Clausen, caring for the Danish Lutheran Cemetery located about 7 miles south of Howells is part of his family heritage. Clausens great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather are buried there.

The Danish Lutheran church was dissolved in the 1930s and in the '60s Clausens father, uncles and family friend Harold Anderson, now deceased, decided to care for the grounds as a way to pay respect to their ancestors. Now, Clausens generation is doing the same.

I just appreciate what theyve done for us throughout their lifetime, said Clausen. You just have an appreciation for your elders.

Two of Clausens three children have moved away, but he hopes his son Chris will take over the cemetery maintenance one day.

As long as were able, itll be taken care of, said Clausen. Itll be taken care of for a while, thats for sure.
They are the longest living vertebrate on Earth, with incredibly long lifespans of up 400 years.

And now researchers believe that Greenland sharks could hold the secret to long life in humans.

Scientists are mapping the DNA of the sharks in the search for 'unique genes' which could hold the secret to the shark's longevity.

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Scientists are mapping the DNA of Greenland sharks in the search for 'unique genes' which could hold the secret to the shark's longevity

STUDYING GREENLAND SHARKS Researchers collected DNA from tiny clippings from the fin of the sharks, which are caught on a line live, and tagged before being released. Using this DNA, the researchers have sequenced the full genome from almost 100 Greenland sharks. And they are now attempting to find the genes that hold the secret to why the sharks live so long. If found, the 'long-life' genes could shed light on why all vertebrates have a limited life span, and what dictates the life expectancy of different species, including humans. Advertisement

Researchers from the Arctic University of Norway have sequenced the DNA from Greenland sharks  some of which were alive in the Georgian era.

Greenland sharks are found in deep water in the Atlantic Ocean, from Canada to Norway, and little is known about their biology and genetics.

The team collected DNA from tiny clippings from the fin of the sharks, which are caught on a line live, and tagged before being released.

Using this DNA, the researchers have sequenced the full genome from almost 100 Greenland sharks.

And they are now attempting to find the genes that hold the secret to why the sharks live so long.

Speaking at a conference in Exeter, Professor Kim Praebel, who is leading the study, said: 'This is the longest living vertebrate on the planet.

'Together with colleagues in Denmark, Greenland, USA, and China, we are currently sequencing its whole nuclear genome which will help us discover why the Greenland shark not only lives longer than other shark species but other vertebrates.

'The results we presented here in Exeter will help us understand more about the biology of this elusive species.'

If found, the 'long-life' genes could shed light on why all vertebrates have a limited life span, and what dictates the life expectancy of different species, including humans.

The team collected DNA from tiny clippings from the fin of the sharks, which are caught on a line live, and tagged before being released. Using this DNA, the researchers have sequenced the full genome of mitochondrial DNA from almost 100 Greenland sharks

THE LONGEST LIVING ANIMALS African elephants - average lifespan of 70 years Bowhead whale - average lifespan of 200 years Galapagos giant turtle - the longest living was 152 Greenland shark - life expectancy of at least 272 years Long-finned eel - often live to over 60 Ocean quahog - some collected specimens of this shellfish have been calculated to be more than 400 years old Black coral - Those known as Antipatharia, these coral found in the Gulf of Mexico may live more than 2000 years while the those from the genus Leiopathes are thought to lived for around 4,265 years Advertisement

While the researchers are still looking for the 'long-life' genes, their study has also shed new light on the shark's behaviour, and how it is related to other members of its species living thousands of kilometres away.

Professor Praebel said: 'Since the Greenland shark lives for hundreds of years, they also have enough time to migrate over long distances and our genetic results showed exactly that.

'Most of the individuals in our study were genetically similar to individuals caught thousands of kilometres away.

'We still do not know where and how the Greenland shark reproduce, but the results we presented here in Exeter showed that the shark may prefer to mate in deep hidden fjords of the Arctic.'

Professor Praebel added that sharks are living time-capsules that could help uncover the impact of man on the oceans over time.

Tissues, bones, and genetic data from the shark could help measure the impact of climate change on the population, when and how contaminants and chemical pollution from industry began to affect the oceans, and the extent to which commercial fishing over hundreds of years has affected the shark population.

He added: 'The longest living vertebrate species on the planet has formed several populations in the Atlantic Ocean.

'This is important to know, so we can develop appropriate conservation actions for this important species.'
It is one of the most polluted countries on the planet, but a new project hopes to use pedal power to help free China of its smog-filled air.

The Smog Free Bicycle will absorb carbon and other particles from the atmosphere in major cities like Beijing.

The plans are part of a wider project that includes towers which use the technology, with the pollutants they collect then turned into jewellery.

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It is one of the most polluted countries on the planet, but a new project hopes to use pedal power to help free China of its smog-filled air (artist's impression)

SMOG FREE BICYCLES It is one of the most polluted countries on the planet, but a new project hopes to use pedal power to help free China of its smog-filled air. The Smog Free Bicycle will absorb carbon and other particles from the atmosphere in major cities like Beijing. Dutch artist and designer Daan Roosegaarde who kick-started the scheme has signed a deal with Chinese bike-sharing startup OFO to make the Smog Free Bicycle a reality. The innovative bike will feature a front facing module that inhales polluted air, cleans it, and the releases clean air around the cyclist. The plans are part of a wider Smog Free project that includes towers which use the technology and the pollutants they collect are then turned into jewellery. Advertisement

Dutch artist and designer Daan Roosegaarde who kick-started the scheme has signed a deal with Chinese bike-sharing startup OFO to make the Smog Free Bicycle a reality.

The innovative bike will feature a front facing module that inhales polluted air, cleans it, and the releases clean air around the cyclist.

It is hoped it will provide a healthy and energy friendly option for city dwellers, which will help to combat both traffic congestion and pollution.

The partnership was announced at the World Economic Forum, held in Dalian in China last week.

The bikes are currently in the first stage of development, but further details will be released about its design and implementation in the autumn.

During the summit Mr Roosegaarde emphasised his vision for Schoonheid, a Dutch word meaning beauty and cleanliness.

'True beauty is clean air and it should not be taken for granted', he said.

'Beijing used to be an iconic bicycle city.

'Together with Chinese and Dutch expertise we will bring back the bicycle as a cultural icon of China and as the next step towards smog free cities.'

The Smog Free Bicycle will absorb carbon and other particles from the atmosphere in major cities like Beijing. Pictured - A map of clean air driven by Smog Free Bicycles

The plans are part of a wider Smog Free project that includes towers (pictured) which use the technology, acting like giant outdoor vacuum cleaners

Mr Roosegaarde also announced the next stages of development for his Smog Free Tower at the summit.

The towers provide parks with cleaner air than the rest of the city, acting like giant outdoor vacuum cleaners.

The Project began life in 2007 and opened last Autumn in Beijing, drawing thousands of visitors.

The smog which is harvested by the machine is compressed into cubes that are used to make quirky jewellery (pictured)

Each cube is made from smog (pictured) collected from 35,315 cubic feet (1,000 cubic metres) of poor quality air

The smog which is harvested by the machine is compressed into cubes that are used to make quirky jewellery.

Each cube is made from smog collected from 35,315 cubic feet (1,000 cubic metres) of poor quality air.

Rings made from the smog, for example, have a clear cube of acrylic fixed to them with a floating cube of black smog inside.

The effect of the Smog Free Tower has been validated by the results compiled by the Eindhoven University of Technology.

Studio Roosegaarde is now planning to open a Smog Free Tower in India later this year,

Versions are also expected in Columbia and Mexico in the near future.

The technology could become integrated into numerous elements of the urban environment, from buildings to public transport.
From skulls to beer bottles, conspiracy theorists claim to have spotted a range of weird and wonderful items on the surface of Mars.

And the latest alleged 'sighting' suggests that there may be a pyramid and a dome on the surface of the red planet.

Satellite images taken by Nasa show a mysterious circular structure near a triangular shape  although they are likely to just be rocks.

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The latest alleged 'sighting' suggests that there may be a pyramid and a dome on the surface of red planet. Satellite images taken by Nasa show a mysterious circular structure near a triangular shape  although they are likely to just be rocks

WHY WE SEE STRANGE THINGS ON MARS Pareidolia is the psychological response to seeing faces and other significant and everyday items in random stimulus. It is a form of apophenia, when people see patterns in random, unconnected data. There have been multiple occasions when people have claimed to see religious images and themes in unexpected places. On the red planet, one of the most famous is the 'face on Mars' spotted by one of the Viking orbiters in 1976. This was later proven to just be a chance alignment of sand dunes. Advertisement

ArtAlienTV, a YouTube channel that regularly posts alleged alien and UFO sightings, posted a video online showing the structures on Nasa satellite images.

The channel claims that the dome looks 'artificial', and maintains that the images have not been altered.

In the description for the video, ArtAlienTV wrote: 'We have a clear 50 foot dome or sphere in a Mars Crater with large pipes coming out of it on the left.

'Also, a triangular pyramid shaped structure about 500 feet away from it that is 120 ft wide.'

He added: 'These features look artificial in nature and are clearly visible on Google Mars with no enhancements.

'The structures are between the Mawrth Vallis region and Oyama Crater in an area that was short listed for a Mars Rover to explore for possible signs of life before Gale Crater was eventually chosen.

'It is not hard to find.'

But not everyone is convinced of the dome and pyramid theory.

Nigel Watson, author of the UFO Investigations Manual, told MailOnline: 'They have done well to find a dome and a pyramid relatively close together on Mars.

'We all love the idea that thousands of years ago aliens built such structures on Mars and Earth.

'Or there is even the suggestion that aliens still inhabit Mars and/or humans have secretly colonised the planet.

'They are reasonable fantasies but this flimsey new evidence isn't sufficient enough to make them real.'

This isn't the first time that conspiracy theorists have claimed to spot a mysterious object on Mars.

The channel claims that the dome looks 'artificial', and maintains that the images have not been altered

Last week, Nasa's Curiosity rover snapped a photo of an object on the surface of Mars, which conspiracy theorists believe could be evidence of aliens.

The high-definition image appears to show the object glinting against Mars' rocky landscape.

While many people believe that the object is made by aliens, others have suggested that it is merely the rover's own entry debris.

Last week, Nasa's Curiosity rover snapped a photo of a mysterious object on the surface of Mars, which conspiracy theorists believe could be evidence of aliens

Prosaic Origin, the Reddit user who posted the image, wrote: 'Uh Nasa? UFO caught on Mars Rover mission? Is this real?'

His post has received 79 replies, many of which back up his thoughts that it could be aliens.

EdisonVonneZula said: 'Looks like light glimmering off of a genuine spaceship on an alien planet in outer space.'

The high-definition image appears to show the object glinting against Mars' rocky landscape. While many people believe that the object is made by aliens, others have suggested that it is merely the rover's own entry debris

And Crazylegs99 wrote: 'They forgot to Photoshop that one out. Love how skeptical the mods are.

But some users suggested the image could merely show debris from the rover's landing craft.

OnceReturned wrote: 'We know that the Rover was taking pictures of its own entry debris at that time.

'There's nothing particularly alien about the object in question  it could easily be entry debris, at least in my opinion.'
It is one of the most mysterious planets in the universe - and one we know very little about.

Now European space bosses hope to send two probes stacked on the same craft to the rocky planet in 2018.

BepiColombo will be the European Space Agency's (ESA) first mission to the closest rock to the Sun.

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The craft has an unusual design, comprising a 'stacked aircraft' carrying two orbitersone European, the other Japanesewhich will separate on arrival to go into different, but complementary orbits around Mercury.

MERCURY: THE MYSTERY PLANET For all its bland 'dead' appearance, Mercury is a very interesting place It is the smallest planet in our solar system - only slightly larger than the Earth's moon. On its sunward half, the planet sizzles at a temperature of 510C (950CF while its night side maintains 210C (346F). It is the closest planet to the sun at a distance of about 36 million miles (58 million km) or 0.39 AU. Mercury has a solid iron core that measures more than half the planet's diameter. Earth, by contrast, has a solid core that's just 9.5 per cent of its overall girth. One day on Mercury takes 59 Earth days. Mercury makes a complete orbit around the sun (a year in Mercury time) in just 88 Earth days. Advertisement

BepiColombo aims to 'follow up on many of the intriguing results of NASA's Messenger mission, probing deeper into Mercury's mysteries than ever before,' the ESA said.

BepiColombo will study the peculiarities of Mercury's internal structure and magnetic field generation, and how it interacts with the Sun and solar wind.

The joint project with the Japanese agency JAXA, which has cost more than 1.3 billion euros ($1.48 billion), involves some 33 companies from 12 EU nations, as well as firms from the US and Japan.

The craft has an unusual design, comprising a 'stacked aircraft' carrying two orbitersone European, the other Japanesewhich will separate on arrival to go into different, but complementary orbits around Mercury.

It has been delayed several times, but the mission chiefs are now confident that it is on track to launch in October next year.

Mercury is the 'most peculiar of all rocky planets,' Alvaro Gimenez, ESA's director of science told reporters at the agency's centre in the Dutch coastal town of Noordwijk.

Its surface is wracked by extreme temperatures, ranging from +450 to -180 degrees Celsius (+842 to -292 degrees Fahrenheit).

It also has a magnetic field, the only rocky planet besides Earth to have one.

But Mercury is so weak that the field does not provide a shield against solar radiation.

It orbits just 58 million kilometres (36 million miles) from the Sun, and its surface is blasted by radiation levels that would destroy earthly lifeforms.

Its proximity to the Sun also makes Mercury hard to study from Earth because the brightness impedes the view.

The Sun's huge gravity also makes it difficult to put a craft into steady orbit around the planet.

The high temperatures also presented tricky challenges for the engineers, which include the European aircraft designer Airbus, and added to project delays, mission chiefs said.

Airbus said it has covered the European orbiter with specially-designed 'high-temperature multi-layered insulation' which is 'made up of 50 layers of ceramics and aluminium,' while the antennae are 'made of heat-resistant titanium, covered by a newly-developed coating'.

'We are flying into a pizza oven which is why we had to test materials at a very high and different temperature rates. Sometimes with very unwanted results,' said Ulrich Reininghaus, the ESA BepiColombo project manager.

So far only two NASA missions have visited MercuryMariner 10 in the 1970s and Messenger, which orbited the planet from 2011 until it ran out of fuel in April 2015.

BepiColombo will study the peculiarities of Mercury's internal structure and magnetic field generation, and how it interacts with the Sun and solar wind.

HOW IT WILL GET TO MERCURY BepiColombos two orbiters, Japans Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter and ESAs Mercury Planetary Orbiter, will be carried together by the Mercury Transport Module. The carrier will use a combination of electric propulsion and multiple gravity-assists at Earth, Venus and Mercury to complete the 7.2 year journey to the Solar Systems mysterious innermost planet Once at Mercury, the orbiters will separate and move into their own orbits to make complementary measurements of Mercurys interior, surface, exosphere and magnetosphere. The information will tell us more about the origin and evolution of a planet close to its parent star, providing a better understanding of the overall evolution of our own Solar System. Scientists will first seek to launch what they termed 'a technological masterpiece' on October 5, 2018 from Kourou in French Guiana on the back of an Ariane rocket, with an eight-week launch window if there are any difficulties. 'Arrival at Mercury is first foreseen ... on December 5, 2025,' added Reininghaus. Advertisement

The Mercury mission is Europe's 'most complicated ever,' said Gimenez.

'It's difficult to get there, it's difficult to work there.'

The orbiters will seek to get as close as possible to the planet's surface, which is blasted by radiation levels 10 times higher than on the Sun and by temperatures hot enough to melt metal.

The European orbiter is carrying 11 specially-designed instruments and the Japanese counterpart has five, which are set to explore Mercury's crater-pocked surface, enigmatic magnetism and tenuous, vestigial atmosphere.

They are planned to stay in orbit for at least one to two years, but scientists said it was possible the orbiters could last longer before crashing onto the planet's surface.

Scientists will first seek to launch what they termed 'a technological masterpiece' on October 5, 2018 from Kourou in French Guiana on the back of an Ariane rocket, with an eight-week launch window if there are any difficulties.

'Arrival at Mercury is first foreseen ... on December 5, 2025,' added Reininghaus.

Mercury's strange past has always been something of a mystery to scientists.

While the planet appears geologically dead today, astronomers believe it had a violent volcanic history.

One theory is that the planet formed further out in the solar system and later migrated in.

2011 data from Nasa's Messenger probe revealed that Mercury had a violent, volcanic past. Pictured is a topographic map of Mercury constructed from data taken by the Messenger probe. The colours indicate elevation, with purple indicating low-lying regions and red meaning higher elevations

Up until 2008, astronomers believed that any volatile compounds on Mercury would have evaporated when it formed 4.5 billion years ago.

But six years ago, Nasa's Messenger probe found volcanic ash deposits and tell-tale vents in the ground.

The pictures showed that Mercury seemed to have smooth, rimless depressions that were not produced by meteor impacts.

Lava-flooded craters and large expanses of smooth volcanic plains are shown here on Mercury's surface. While the planet appears geologically dead today, astronomers believe it had a violent volcanic history

They were surrounded by reddish material, believed to have been left by pyroclastic flows suggesting that the depressions were volcanic vents.

Timothy Goudge of Brown University in Rhode Island has now taken a closer look at high resolution images captured when the probe began orbiting Mercury in 2011.

His team looked at 51 deposits and their source vents and found that some were more eroded than others, according to a report by Jacob Aron in New Scientist.

This, said Professor Goudge, suggests that they could not have all formed at the same time.

The team also found that most of the vents were inside impact craters that can be dated between 3.5 and 1 billion years ago, not just after Mercury formed.

David Rothery of the Open University, who was not involved in the study, told New Scientist that the results suggest the possibility that Mercury formed further out and migrated in.

This contradicts the view that a large impact early in Mercury's history may have destroyed most of its outer layers.

BepiColombo, a joint mission between Europe and Japan, is due to launch in 2016 and reach Mercury in 2024.

Researchers hope the mission will help shed more light on the mysterious origin and evolution of a planet close to the parent star.

The latest theory contradicts the view that a large impact early in Mercury's history may have destroyed most of its outer layers
Apple's iPhone 8 is, according to the latest rumours at least, set to rely on facial scanning rather than a fingerprint.

However, details on exactly how this could work have been scarce - until now.

A recent patent application reveals how such a system could work on Apple's Mac desktop and notebook computers.

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The patent shows how a camera can remain in low power mode, but 'fire up' when a face is spotted, allowing a facial recognition system to operate without impacting heavily on battery life

IPHONE 8 RUMOURS Several rumors have been circulating about the iPhone 8, and suggest the next device may have: - Dual-lens 3D camera - Augmented reality capabilities - Curved glass casing - Wireless charging - 5 inch (12.7 centimeter) and 5.8 inch (14.7 centimeter) model, will have a wraparound OLED screen - Aluminum back will be replaced with two reinforced glass panes and a metal frame in the middle - Facial recognition - 128GB will cost $999 - 256GB will cost $1,099 Advertisement

It explains the system can remain in a low power mode until sensors spot a face, and can then 'wake' the computer to analyse the face.

The patent describes a number of variations on the theme.

For example, by monitoring how far a user is from the machine, it could enter a lighter or deeper sleep mode based on how likely you are to want to use it soon.

According to Bloomberg, Apple is currently testing the system for its iPhone 8, set to be unveiled in September.

It would use a new 3D camera sensor to allow users to log in, authenticate payments, and launch secure apps by scanning their face, Bloombwerg claims.

The company is also believed to be testing eye scanning to augment the system.

According to reports, it can scan a users face and unlock the iPhone within a few hundred milliseconds, and is designed to work even if the device is laying flat on a table, rather than just close up to the face.

Rumours have circulated in recent weeks that Apple was struggling to decide where to put the sensor - under the front screen with an 'invisible' sensor, or even on the rear.

According to Bloomberg, Apple is currently testing a facial recognition system for its iPhone 8, set to be unveiled in September.

Now it appears a third option may be on the table - abandoning it entirely.

The claims were made by KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has sent out a report with his top predictions for the 2017 iPhone lineup.

He predicts the iPhone 8 will feature 'the highest screen-to-body ratio of any phone on the market', thanks to the addition of the 'notch' at the top of the screen and a virtual home button.

'We predict the OLED model won't support fingerprint recognition, reasons being: the full-screen design doesn't work with existing capacitive fingerprint recognition, and the scan-through ability of the under-display fingerprint solution still has technical challenges'

Rumours about the iPhone 8 have been circling for months, and a new video released this week claims to give the 'closet look' at the device yet.

He also claims the last minutes change will not mean delays.

'As the new OLED iPhone won't support under-display fingerprint recognition, we now do not expect production ramp-up will be delayed again (we previously projected the ramp-up would be postponed to late October or later).'

To allow the facial scannimg Kuo says he expects the handset to have 3D sensing for facial recognition & improved selfie quality - as well and to make Apple's recently announced augmented reality software more accurate.

The new patent deals with facial recognition using a computer - but could also reveal Apple's plan for the next iPhone

Kuo also claims the handset will still be announced in September, alongside two models without the OLED screen.

'For optimized promotional effect, we think Apple may unveil the three models simultaneously in September, though the launch date of the OLED version may trail that of LCD models, and supply tightness may not improve before 1H18.'

The two LCD phones will have standard 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch screens, with the front face resembling the current iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.

Whereas the iPhone 8 chassis will be made of stainless steel and glass, it is believed the 'iPhone 7s' devices will have glass backs and an aluminium frame.

Rumours about the iPhone 8 have been circling for months, and a new video released last week claims to give the 'closet look' at the device yet.

The HD video claims to show an iPhone 8 dummy unit, providing a 360-degree look at the smartphone.

The video confirms several rumours, including a near edge-to-edge display, and a vertical dual-camera.

The video was posted on YouTube this week by Tiger Mobiles and Onleaks, with the title 'Meet the new iPhone (iPhone 8) - The Closest Look Yet - Hands on Video.'

A 360-degree view of the device shows it has an all-glass back and nearly edgeless display.

As well as the hands-on look at the device, the video also uses a ruler to show the dimensions of the phone.

The measurements suggest that the device will be 143.50 x 71.03 x 7.46 mm - which is slightly smaller than earlier reports have claimed.

In comparison, the iPhone 7 measures 138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1 mm, while the iPhone 7 Plus comes in at 158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3 mm.

The description for the video reiterates that the smartphone shown is a dummy unit built from a 3D CAD (computer aided design).

It reads: 'The device shown in this video is manufactured via CNC process.

'It is based upon 3D CAD sourced directly from the factory in charge of building the new iPhone.

'Keep in mind, some details may change before the official launch.'

The HD video claims to show an iPhone 8 dummy unit, providing a 360-degree look at the smartphone

Earlier this week, MobileFun shared a video online that provided users with a hands-on look at the accessories expected to fit the iPhone 8.

The two Olixar products highlight a vertical dual camera setup and the edge-to-edge display.

The video was shared with DailyMail.com by Mike Hart with MobileFun, who excitedly noted that the screen protector 'gives a lot of information regarding what the latest phone will look like'.

The video appears to confirm that the iPhone 8 will feature a vertical dual-lens camera that won't sit flush with the device

As well as the hands-on look at the device, the video also uses a ruler to show the dimensions of the phone. The measurements suggest that the device will be 143.50 x 71.03 x 7.46 mm - which is slightly smaller all around than earlier reports have claimed

The 360-degree view of the device shows it has an all-glass back and nearly edgeless display - confirming rumours that have been circulating for months

The protector has suggested that Apple is going for a near bezeless design and unlike its predecessors, the iPhone 8 could have a slimmer border at the top and the bottom, which points to an edge-to-edge display.

This design means the firm has replaced the physical home button with a sensor that 'may well end up being located underneath the screen,' Hart said.

There are also more visible cutouts towards the top, which has suggested the firm has found a new home for the front-facing camera, a speaker and a proximity sensor  and it could be equip with facial recognition technology.

The UK website MobileFun has shared a video online that provides users with a hands-on look of the accessories and design details of what to expect at the fall launch

IPHONE 8 SCREEN PROTECTOR AND CASE The protector has suggested that Apple is going for a near bezeless design and unlike its predecessors, the iPhone 8 could have a slimmer border at the top and the bottom, which points to an edge-to-edge display. There are also more visible cutouts towards the top, which has suggested the firm has found a new home for the front-facing camera, a speaker and a proximity sensor  and it could be equip with facial recognition technology. The screen protector itself measures 2.5 by 5.4 inches leaving us to believe that the iPhone 8 will feature a screen size of around 5.8 inches. The case is designed for a phone with a vertical dual-camera and is much larger than the iPhone 7. It is 2.8 inches wide by 5.7 inches tall and less than an inch thick, putting it much bigger than the iPhone 7, but not as large as the 7 plus. Advertisement

The screen protector itself measures 2.5 by 5.4 inches leaving us to believe that the iPhone 8 will feature a screen size of around 5.8 inches.

Hart then brought out the Olixar case, which still boasts the iconic iPhone shape, but with a few noticeable changes.

Placing the case on an iPhone 7, users can instantly see that the camera cutout is different  it was made for a vertical dual camera setup.

The other altered feature is the power button on the side of the case, as it appears to be much larger than that of the previous iPhone.

And the case is much larger than the iPhone 7.

It is 2.8 inches wide by 5.7 inches tall and less than an inch thick, 'putting it much bigger than the iPhone 7, but not as large as the 7 plus,' explained Hart.

'The other ports also appear to be as usual, so users should next expect Apple to bring back the small auxiliary port,' he continued.

'Overall the iPhone 8 looks to greatly improve on the ground work set out by the iPhone 7 and is sure to be an extremely popular model with what will be undoubtedly a very stunning display.'

The protector has suggested that Apple is going for a near bezeless design and unlike its predecessors, the iPhone 8 could have a slimmer border at the top and the bottom, which points to an edge-to-edge display

Although MobileFun's video shares the details of the smartphones design, it still leaves one question left unanswered  where is Apple going to put the home button?

Samsung and Apple have been battling it out to develop the first invisible and unobtrusive fingerprint scanner for the past year.

However, a new report has found that it was an unlikely competitor that has perfected the technology.

There are also more visible cutouts towards the top, which has suggested the firm has found a new home for the front-facing camera, a speaker and a proximity sensor  and it could be equip with facial recognition technology

The Chinese mobile phone maker Vivo, in collaboration with Qualcomm, has unveiled a prototype handset that boasts an ultrasonic fingerprint solution under its OLED screen.

The technology works by sending ultrasonic sound waves through the finger's skin, allowing it to capture a 3D image of the user's fingerprint and unlock the device without the need for an obvious sensor or button.

'We are excited to announce Qualcomm Fingerprint Sensors because they can be designed to support sleeker, cutting-edge form factors, unique mobile authentication experiences, and enhanced security authentication,' said Seshu Madhavapeddy, vice president, product management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

The protector has suggested that Apple is going for a near bezeless design and unlike its predecessors, the iPhone 8 could have a slimmer border at the top and the bottom, which points to an edge-to-edge display

'This provides OEMs and operators with the ability to offer truly distinct, differentiated devices with added value on truly groundbreaking new devices.'

The ultrasonic sensor was developed by Qualcomm, which has been used in other devices in the past - just not under the display, Mashable reported.

The new system consists of sensors for display, glass and metal, detection of directional gestures, and underwater fingerprint match and device wake-up.

The other altered feature is the power button on the side of the case, as it appears to be much larger than that of the previous iPhone. And the case is much larger than the iPhone 7

And it works by sending ultrasonic sound waves through the finger's skin, allowing it to capture a 3D image of the user's fingerprint.

The technology was developed with the ability to scan through OLED displays stacks of up to 1.2mm thick, up to 0.8mm of cover glass, or up to 0.65mm of aluminum - but it cannot work properly with an LCD screen.

Other than recognizing the user's fingerprint, it is also designed to detect heart beat and blood flow for improved mobile authentication experiences.

The two Olixar products, the screen protector and case, highlight a vertical dual camera setup, a near bezeless design and the most talked about feature of the smartphone - the edge-to-edge display

Although the sensor's capabilities have already surpassed Apple's physical Touch ID, as it is underneath the display, it is also designed to be more accurate.

The technology is not affected by ambient light and will still read your print if your finger is wet  one of the major flaws with Apple's sensor.

Qualcomm has noted the sensor will be available as an integrated solution for its own Snapdragon and non-Snapdragon hardware.

And consumers should expect smartphones with the new technology to ship in the first half of 2018.

Although MobileFun's video shares the details of the smartphones design, it still leaves one question left unanswered  where is Apple going to put the home button? But Vivo has designed a prototype (pictured) that places it underneath the display

Apple and Samsung have been battling it out to design the perfect fingerprint sensor and although Samsung was the first to relocate it, it is not in an ideal place for consumers.

Because the Galaxy S8 family is designed with the fingerprint scanner on the back to make room for the edge-to-edge screen, some users have found that the rear-camera is being constantly smudged, as you have to 'poke around to locate it'.

And according to the many rumors surrounding Apple's highly-anticipating iPhone 8, the firm has not even offered the sensor under the display  the options include on the back or embedded into the screen.
A stunning new high-definition simulation has revealed a look into Earths turbulent core, shedding new light on the mechanisms that drive its magnetic field.

While this field stretches out far beyond our planet, acting as a protective barrier against harmful solar emissions, it originates from deep within, at nearly 2,000 miles beneath the surface.

The new supercomputer simulations show the flow of liquid metals in Earths outer core, where temperature and pressure differences give rise to electric currents  and, combined with Earths rotation, produce a large-scale dynamo effect.'

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In the dynamo effect, Earths spin along its axis lines up with the convective motions in the outer core, creating the massive magnetic field that extends spaceward, according to the French National Center for Scientific Research

In the dynamo effect, Earths spin along its axis lines up with the convective motions in the outer core, creating the massive magnetic field that extends spaceward, according to the French National Center for Scientific Research.

While the process is difficult to replicate in the lab, typical computer simulations are often unreliable, forcing scientists to settle for approximations, explained lead author Nathanael Schaeffer.

To get a better idea of what goes on in the outer core, researchers from the Institut des Sciences de la Terre and Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris turned to the OCCIGEN supercomputer in Montpellier.

Our simulation used up to 16,000 interconnected computer processors that simultaneously shared the mass of calculations, Schaeffer said.

So it took under a year to calculate what would have taken 250 years by a single computer.

The efforts revealed new insight on the outer core, including processes scientists suspected were at play, but were unable to spot in previous simulations.

This includes the magnetic fields westward drift.

And, they also found evidence of giant tornadoes linked to the strong magnetism near the poles that extend downward throughout the core.

A stunning new high-definition simulation has revealed a look into Earths turbulent core, shedding new light on the mechanisms that drive its magnetic field. The field originates from deep within, at nearly 2,000 miles beneath the surface

MAGNETIC FIELD IS SIMPLER THAN PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT A new Holy Grail discovery on Earths magnetic field could help to explain how it works  and how to predict its changes. Researchers from Oregon State University have found that the magnetic field is less complicated than we thought, and evolves on the order of 1,000 years. "We've known for some time that the Earth is not a perfect dipole, and we can see these imperfections in the historical record," said Maureen "Mo" Walczak, a post-doctoral researcher at Oregon State University and lead author on the study. "We are finding that non-dipolar structures are not evanescent, unpredictable things. They are very long-lived, recurring over 10,000 years - persistent in their location throughout the Holocene. When the field is stronger beneath North America, it intensity is concentrated in the North Pacific. At this time, Europe experiences lower intensities, with westward declinations in the North Atlantic. In European mode, on the other hand, when the magnetic field is stronger beneath Europe, the opposite occurs. Advertisement

In the interior, the magnetic field is strongest, and is associated with a vigorous twisted polar vortex, whose dynamics may occasionally lead to the formation of a reverse polar flux patch at the surface of the shell, the authors wrote in the study, published to arXiv.

Furthermore, the strong magnetic field also allows accumulation of light material within the tangent cylinder, leading to stable stratification there.

The new supercomputer simulations show the flow of liquid metals in Earths outer core, where temperature and pressure differences give rise to electric currents  and, combined with Earths rotation, produce a large-scale dynamo effect'

The new simulation offers a far more realistic view of what goes on in Earths outer core, and thus, the magnetic field, the researchers explain.

This could allow for better magnetic-field readings and forecasts, to aid space navigation and other purposes.

According to Shaeffer, the simulations show zones where the magnetic field is particularly strong, as already expected.

More unexpectedly, however, the simulations show other zones where the field is almost negligible.
For a true bird's eye view, look no further than these astonishing aerial entries for a video contest.

So far, more than 700 clips have been received by aerial photography community SkyPixel to be judged by its panel of videographers and influencers.

Contestants from over 45 countries worldwide are challenged to showcase their ultimate drone perspective in one of three major categories: nature, city and sport. Here MailOnline Travel reveals some of the highlights.

Adventure-Chola Mountain - by Jiang Linling

Adventure-Chola Mountain offers a candid look at one of the most challenging climbs in China's Sichuan province

An entry in the sport category, Adventure-Chola Mountain offers a candid look at one of the most challenging climbs in China's Sichuan province.

Contestant Jiang LinLing shares her stunning ascent, showcasing both the valley below, and its crystal clear water, and the snowy summit above.

The sport category is meant to capture the energy and excitement of an athlete pursuing their dreams - and with vertical climbs as impressive as 20,165 feet (6,148m), it's no surprise this is a top contender.

Sunset at Pererenan Beach, Bali - by Rio Rudy Irawan

Rio Rudy Irawan captured a gorgeous sunset on the beautiful black sand Pererenan Beach

A strong entry in the nature category is this moving Balinese sunset captured by Rio Rudy Irawan.

The beautiful black sand Pererenan Beach in Perenan Village is one of the best surfing spots on the entire island.

Although less than two minutes in total, Irawan expertly showcases the unique scenery.

Rocky Mountains in Banff, Alberta - by Pifou

Another entry in the nature category is this aerial footage of Canada's Rocky Mountains

Another contender in the nature category is this majestic aerial visual of Canada's Rocky Mountains.

Shot in Alberta, Canada, Alexis Pifou captures everything from the quiet moments enjoyed walking by a lake to the thrilling adventure of ascending a vast, snow-capped mountain.

Captured over the course of several seasons, some of the most intriguing footage includes that of the area's wildlife - like the mountain goats, native to higher elevations.

Loving VA - kqiu047

Participant kqiu047, on the other hand, offers a unique perspective on wild, yet derelict Virginia

Another nature category entry, kqiu047 offers a unique perspective on wild, yet derelict Virginia.

Showcasing the stark differences in the southeastern American state, this entry shows both mountain footage and also the beauty of simply walking across a bridge into town.

Interestingly, these perspectives both provide a moment of tranquility.

Seattle - by Michael Dyrland

Michael Dyrland opted to show off the classic skyline of America's Emerald City: Seattle

The city category, on the other hand, challenges participants to capture their city's unique character and to offer a new perspective on places that many already know and love.

Michael Dyrland opted to show off the classic skyline of America's Emerald City: Seattle.

With footage zooming above the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, there's no denying that Seattle looks especially charming from this particular angle.

Metropolis of Fantasy - by Yan Hai

In this eerie clip, Yan Hai expertly captures a Chinese metropolis under a layer of morning fog

Another entry in the city category takes viewers to the other side of the world - to northeast China.

In this eerie, yet fantastical clip, Yan Hai expertly captures this metropolis under a layer of morning fog.

As the thick clouds settle, a bustling city seems to magically appear from nowhere, rising up out of the ground.

Documentary aerial view of Riga, Latvia - by Reinis Vilnis Baltins

Baltins offers a bird's eye view of Riga, Latvia - complete with aerial views of the city's Old Town and Freedom Monument

Contestant Reinis Vilnis Baltins, meanwhile, opted to showcase his hometown of Riga, Latvia.

Opening with sunset footage of the city's Old Town, Baltins offers a bird's eye view of everything from a luminous bridge to the Freedom Monument to the rarely seen peaks of family homes.

In the light of day, there are also clips showing the beautiful city blanketed by snow.

The New Age of Wake - by DKT Edits

This sport entry from DKT Edits captures all of the extreme adventure that New Zealand has to offer

Another sport entry is that from DKT Edits, capturing all of the extreme adventure that New Zealand has to offer.

Whether wakeboarding on the country's beautiful lakes or horse riding along the beach, there's no denying that New Zealand is an action-lover's paradise.

If the unbelievable footage of athletes boarding through rocky waterfalls isn't enough to make you book a trip, what is?

Running - by Le Cut Studio

Le Cut Studio aims to show how something as simple as a run can still be beautiful

And finally, Le Cut Studio's sport category entry follows a runner along her favourite path.

With stunning views of the area's coastal cliffs, under golden rays of sunlight, Le Cut Studio perfectly shows how something as simple as a run can still offer a unique perspective of nature's beauty.
Ever thought about visiting Weener, Windpassing, Rottenegg or Reigny for a summer break? Probably not.

From Austria to Cornwall, there is no shortage of unfortunately-named destinations throughout Europe.

But most of these unfairly-christened places are far more beautiful than their names would otherwise suggest.

Of the worst-named holiday destinations, Nasty in Hertfordshire has a very unjust moniker

Monarch has identified 20 of the most ironically-named cities and towns - and is telling their real stories.

For example, Austria's Rottenegg is actually famed for the quality of its fresh air and 360-degree mountainous views.

Likewise, Italy's Depressa is far from depressing - just try some of the local olive oil, artichokes and tomatoes in this celebrated food region.

The area is also home to several beautiful medieval towns and secret alcoves complete with turquoise water.

Weener, in Lower Saxony Germany, is another unfortunately named destination

Austria's Rottenegg is actually known for its fresh air and lovely 360-degree mountain views

EUROPE'S 20 WORST-NAMED PLACES Rottenegg (Austria) Boring (Denmark) Nasty (Hertfordshire) El Morron (Spain) Reigny (France) Piles (Spain) Windpassing (Austria) Fail (Viseu, Portugal) Monster (Netherlands) Drama (Greece) Lucifer (France) Weener (Germany) Ugley (Bishop Stortford) Bastardo (Italy) Angers (France) Bidet (France) Depressa (Italy) Bitche (France) Bra (Italy) Looe (Cornwall) Advertisement

Angers is located at the edge of the Loire Valley and is known for its medieval cathedral

Unfortunately named Piles in Spain is a beautiful, sea-facing town near the Valencia coast

Bra is a city in the Italian region of Piedmont - and has also been featured on Top Gear

Despite its showery name, Reigny in central France actually, on average, experiences five hours of sunshine daily and has lower-than-average monthly rainfall figures.

Boring in Denmark, meanwhile, is far from dull. It is just minutes from the Danish city of Horsens, known for its cultural centre, which has seen major names such as Bob Dylan, Madonna and The Rolling Stones perform in recent years.

And Nasty, England is a chocolate box village in leafy Hertfordshire, with rolling hills, bountiful wildlife and picturesque thatched cottages.

Boring (pictured) in Denmark is actually located near to the cultural hub of Horsens

Looe is a small (and very picturesque) coastal fishing town in south-east Cornwall

Monarch has found that 1 in 6 Brits would actually be put off by a town with an unsavoury name

The full list was compiled after Monarch found that although 95 per cent of Brits are open to exploring new places, one in six holidaymakers would be put off visiting a town or city simply due to an unsavoury name.

So as part of its Year of Nice campaign, Monarch is showcasing the beauty of these destinations  all within driving distance of Monarch flight routes - with the help of Channel 4s Laura Hamilton, from A Place in the Sun.

Richard Francis, Managing Director, Monarch Holidays, said: 'We can all be guilty of judging a book by its cover  or a place by its name  but weve uncovered some real hidden gems not far from many of our popular destinations, which despite their deceptive names are some of the nicest places to visit in Europe.

'For years theyve lacked the attention they deserve so as part of our Year of Nice, we have put together a full tour guide for inquisitive travellers that shines a light on some of these unfairly named locations.'
It is one of the UK's most famous cities.

From Everton FC to The Beatles, Liverpool remains a destination point for tourists around the world - many of whom appreciate the area's historic buildings.

However, its reputation for amazing architecture could be at risk, because a new 5billion development threatens its World Heritage status.

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This is part of a development on Liverpool's waterfront by Peel Land and Property Group that is putting the city's heritage status at risk

Peel Land and Property Group are vying to score a development that would welcome luxury apartment complexes, corporate space and tourist attractions across 600,000 square metres

Iconic: Liverpool's famous waterfront and its 'three graces' - the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building, which helped secure its Unesco status

Thirteen years after it was first bestowed with the Unesco certificate in 2004 for being 'an outstanding example of a world mercantile port city', Liverpool now remains on a 'danger' list of having it revoked along with 52 other sites.

These include the Rainforests of the Atsinanana in Madagascar, Mali's Timbuktu and the Pilgrimage Route of Bethlehem.

Currently, Unesco officials are assessing its status at a meeting in Poland, where they're questioning if local officials are doing enough to protect local heritage spots.

In Liverpool's case that comes following a proposed development across its waterfront, which features the 'three graces': the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building.

The city's mayor, Lord Mayor Malcolm Kennedy, was in attendance to watch the committee at work.

Peel Land and Property Group are vying to score a major development in the immediate vicinity, which would welcome luxury apartment complexes, corporate space and tourist attractions across 600,000 square metres.

All change: The proposed 5billion development across the docks is risking the World Heritage accolade, which was awarded in 2004

Legend has it: The city's waterfront is world-famous, in part thanks to the mythical birds atop the Royal Liver Building

First proposed in 2012, a final decision on the application is now expected in 2018.

Henrietta Billings, Director of SAVE Britains Heritage, said: 'This is a final warning shot for Liverpool and the British Government. International heritage status doesnt just put Liverpool on the world stage, it brings cultural tourism, urban regeneration, and sustainable visitor attractions.

'Losing it because of crass planning decisions would be an international embarrassment as well as a hugely costly mistake.'

Meanwhile, Professor John Belchem, Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Liverpool, who was closely involved in securing Liverpools World Heritage Site status, added: 'Having led the way in regeneration through conservation and the cultural path to urban renewal and well-being, Liverpool has sadly lapsed into polarized and counterproductive opposition between redevelopment and heritage to the understandable concern of Unesco.'

In a statement, Joe Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool, strongly defended the city.

He said: 'Liverpool is extremely proud of its World Heritage status and the site has never been in a better condition. Since 2012, more than 670million has been invested in historic assets within the site, with 37 listed buildings upgraded and the number of them at risk reduced by 75 per cent.

'So great is our track record in this field Liverpool has been praised by Historic England and the city has just been chosen as a European Heritage Role Model.

'We welcome Unesco's decision this week to further investigate how the city can manage future developments within the site. Liverpool's employment rate is 10 per cent below where it should be. We need to grow our economy to ensure future generations have quality jobs and homes to work and live in.

'We are working closely with all our heritage and regeneration partners to see how we can strike the right balance between regeneration and celebrating our heritage.'

He added: 'I think the city's track record from the Albert Dock to Liverpool ONE tells me we can achieve that.'




They set tongues wagging during the TOWIE season finale when they put on a very cosy display together.

And Lauren Pope, 34, has admitted that former flame Dan Edgar, 26, would be the perfect baby daddy for her, if only he was a few years older.

Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, the entrepreneur was keen not to rule anything out, however, coyly remarking: 'It's worked for Cheryl and Liam so who knows...'

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Cute couple: Lauren Pope, 34, has admitted that former flame Dan Edgar, 26, would be the perfect baby daddy for her, if only he was a few years older

She reasoned that their age gap was actually smaller than that of Cheryl, 34, and Liam Payne, 23, quipping: 'Dan's not that young! Ideally 30 would be my cut off point but times running out!'

The Hair Rehab founder explained: 'I wish Dan was a little bit older, then I think he'd tick all the boxes - he's so gorgeous and such a nice guy and me and him are very similar. Our natures are very calm, we're not loud in your face people.'

Revealing that she wants to become a mother in the future, she said: 'I do really want kids but it's just so hard to meet a man who is good enough to be a dad to your children. I need to get a move on really. I definitely want a family but I won't have it unless I know it's right.'

Couple goals: Lauren reasoned that the age gap between herself and Dan was actually smaller than that of Cheryl, 34, and Liam Payne, 23 who share a child

Despite admitting that she wants children, Lauren revealed that she won't be settling down in the immediate future.

'I'm not on tinder but I'm on another site,' she revealed. 'I'm quite happy just texting guys and going on dates. I don't feel the urgency to have a husband and a baby but my priorities are different. I'm so obsessed with work.

'I like a drama free life and when I haven't got a man in my life my life is very simple and I'm happy.'

Perfect pair: The Hair Rehab founder explained: 'I wish Dan was a little bit older, then I think he'd tick all the boxes - he's so gorgeous and such a nice guy and me and him are very similar'

Reunited: Lauren will be spending more time with Kate Wright's ex Dan, however, when she returns to TOWIE - two years after she originally left the show

Lauren will be spending more time with Kate Wright's ex Dan, however, when she returns to TOWIE - two years after she originally left the show.

The businesswoman had no regrets when she chose to leave the series, admitting at the time she was 'stressed and anxious' after falling out with her co-stars, and she revealed to MailOnline that it was a drunken meeting that swayed her to go back.

'I had a drunken night out and I bumped into Chloe Sims and she was with a couple of TOWIE producers', she recalled.

Having agreed to chat with showmakers about her options, Lauren revealed: 'Our meeting was basically drinking cocktails all day and in my tipsy state I agreed to go back!'

Back on screens: The businesswoman had no regrets when she chose to leave the series and she revealed to MailOnline that it was a drunken meeting that swayed her to go back

BFFs: Lauren recalled: 'I had a drunken night out and I bumped into Chloe Sims and she was with a couple of TOWIE producers' (pictured together in 2012)

'The producer rang me the next day and I was like "errm, ok, why not". I just thoughtt f**k it! I'd had enough time to get my head straight and I thought it'd be fun. Me and Chloe are in a good place now so I think I'll go into this series feeling the way I did before.'

Discussing her initial decision to leave, she revealed: 'I didn't want to be there - when your friendships and relationships are broken on that show it really takes the enjoyment away from it - the storylines and air time for some people that's all they want - but I find when your anxieties outweigh the benefits of being on the show that's when you know its time to take a break.

'I really hope it will be better now... there's so much s**t stirring on that show behind the scenes that it's just natural you get caught up in it... but as you get older you don't hold grudges. Me, Chloe [Sims] and Gemma [Collins] are probably the older ones so we can hopefully take a backseat and judge everyone else on their dramas - fingers crossed!'

Business savvy: Lauren is currently being kept busy with Hair Rehab London - and the launch of their new weft hair extensions to celebrate their 10th anniversary

Kept working at it: Now a recognised businesswoman, Lauren admitted that making the transition from a glamour model wasn't a simple one but she refused to give up

Lauren is currently being kept busy with her hair extension company Hair Rehab London - and the launch of their new weft hair extensions to celebrate their 10th anniversary.

Now a recognised businesswoman, Lauren admitted that making the transition from a glamour model wasn't a simple one.

'I think as long as you just keep doing what you're doing and making sure it's of the best quality, eventually people will take you seriously,' she reasoned. 'It's only the past couple of years things have clicked into place. Now amazingly people invite me to give business talks. It's taken a long time but I feel like finally it's happened.'

Advice: Lauren reasoned: 'I think as long as you just keep doing what you're doing and making sure it's of the best quality, eventually people will take you seriously,'

Red hot! Lauren wowed in a striking red power suit as she attended the press day for her Hair Rehab line at Westminster Bridge's Park Plaza hotel on Thursday
LINCOLN  Six state senators on Wednesday urged Secretary of State John Gale to decline to turn over personal data about registered Nebraska voters to the Trump administration.

Nebraska needs to "protect the integrity of our elections and the security of our lawfully registered citizens," they wrote Gale.

"Public access to identifying information and partial Social Security numbers can lead to identity theft," they said.

"Protecting the personal and financial security of Nebraskans is important."

The request for voter data came from Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, vice chairman of a presidential advisory commission on election integrity created by President Donald Trump.

"Nebraska voters deserve to know how publicly-compiled information shared in good faith will be used outside the state," the senators wrote Gale.

"Protecting the trust placed in our state by our citizens is a priority," they said.

The letter was signed by Sens. Kate Bolz, Adam Morfeld, Matt Hansen and Anna Wishart, all of Lincoln, and Sens. Sara Howard and John McCollister, both of Omaha.

The senators said they have heard from "numerous constituents" concerned about the use of their personal information.

Thus far, 44 states plus the District of Columbia have refused to provide all or certain portions of the requested information.

Trump created the commission by executive order after claiming that millions of people voted illegally in the 2016 presidential election. Kobach has been a prime supporter of voter photo ID requirements that opponents suggest are designed to suppress the votes of traditionally Democratic constituencies.

On Monday, the voting-rights group Nebraskans for Civic Reform and ACLU of Nebraska sent a letter urging Nebraska's secretary of state to reject the federal commission's request.

Gale has not yet acted on the request.
She recently launched her own seven-week fitness schedule after perfecting her body shape.

And Jessica Wright showed off the rewards of her fitness labour when she was reunited with TOWIE co-star Lydia Bright at the Paul Strank Summer Party at the Mint Leaf in Haymarket, London.

Former The Only Way Is Essex star Jess, 31, ensured all eyes were well and truly on her phenomenal figure in a bodycon dress, complete with billowing sleeves.

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Wow: Jessica Wright oozed elegance in a black bodycon dress with billowing sleeves at the Paul Strank Summer Party at the Mint Leaf in Haymarket, London

The Essex beauty looked effortlessly elegant, carrying a simple clutch bag to match her glamorous evening ensemble.

Letting her brunette hair down, the reality star made a stylish entrance in pointed sky-high heels as she walked with confidence through the venue.

Adding a splash of colour, she wore a slick of scarlet lipstick and painted her fingernails to match.

Glamorous: The Essex beauty looked effortlessly elegant, carrying a simple clutch bag to match her evening ensemble

Red hot! Jess injected a welcome pop of colour into her monochromatic look with a striking scarlet lipstick

TOWIE reunion! She was in high spirits when she was joined at the bash by former co-star Lydia Bright, 27

Jess was delighted when she was joined by her former co-star Lydia, 27, at the star-studded event.

Accompanied by mum Debbie, the TOWIE beauty caught the eyes of partygoers with her deep blue flowing floral dress as she joined the party in metallic lace-up stilettos.

Adding a touch of glamour, she styled her golden locks in tight corkscrew curls and accentuated her features with light dusting of make-up.

The great and the good of the showbiz world descended upon the charity bash.

Blooming lovely: TOWIE beauty Lydia caught the eyes of partygoers with her deep blue flowing floral dress as she joined the party in metallic lace-up stilettos

Natural beauty! She styled her golden locks in tight corkscrew curls and accentuated her features with light dusting of makeup

Two's company! She was accompanied at the event by her mum Debbie Douglas who wore a flowing dress in her trademark canary yellow

A-team! Carole Wright, Lydia, Jess and Debbie put on a cosy display inside of the venue

Jess was the picture of body confidence at the venue, soon after speaking about how she is finally happy in her own skin after sticking to a fitness regime.

The former TOWIE star, who quit the show after five years, told MailOnline how she conquered her self-doubt which has made her determined to find love.

Describing her fitness journey, she explained: 'I needed to do it for my own self confidence and own self loving.

'How can you expect someone to love you when you don't love yourself? There was definitely a time in my life when I was lacking in that area.

Cosy: Jess was in high spirits when she was joined by the glamorous Carol in a fuchsia pink Bardot mididress

Say cheese! The mother-daughter duo continued to pose for snaps as they mingled at the bar once inside the bash

Beaming: Jess was the picture of body confidence at the venue, soon after speaking about how she is finally happy in her own skin after sticking to a fitness regime

Just a Little! Liberty X star Michelle Heaton showcased her gym-honed physique in an elaborated camisole top and black hot pants

Having a blast! Atomic Kitten's Liz McClarnon and Big Brother favourite Nikki Grahame looked in high spirits as they rubbed shoulders with their famous peers

'Whereas now I feel like I am completely in control of myself and where I am. I am in a happy place.

'I'm dating a lot at the moment and while I'm not necessarily looking for love, if it comes around then great.'

Asked if she would like a romance like her brother, TV presenter Mark Wright, 30, and his actress wife Michelle Keegan, 29, - who recently celebrated their second wedding anniversary - she said: 'Yeah obviously of course.'

Jessica's most high-profile romance was her long-term relationship with former TOWIE co-star Ricky Rayment, 26.

Is there anything he can't do? Stylish Gok Wan once again proved he is a man of many talents as he got behind the DJ decks

Dressed to impress: Caprice looked demure in a floral bardot dress as she posed alongside Imogen Thomas, who flaunted her curves in a crop top and jeans

Flower power: Naomi Isted looked leggy in her Bardot floral minidress while Caprice showed off her sensational figure in the blooming number

Windswept: Laura Pradelska caught the eye in her tangerine flowing frock which took centre stage at the bash

Keeping it chic: Liz went for a casual stripy shirt and chinos, matched with bright coloured accessories while Olivia Arben dressed to impress in a starry minidress

Summer party! Former Love Island contestant Zara Holland looked every inch of summer in her canary yellow minidress and soap star Gemma Oaten kept it cool in a classic sky-blue number

Sparkling: Kym Mazelle dazzled in a thigh-skimming sequin skirt and matching jacket

Leggy: Michelle flaunted her slender pins in tiny shorts and Tina Stinnes put on a leggy display in a tiny mini skirt and flashed a hint of toned tummy in her tie front crop top

Sass: Nikki looked chic in a stripy playsuit while Talulah-Eve Brown oozed sex appeal in her soaring split dress

Keeping it casual: Stavros Flatley looked noticeably slimmer from his Britain's Got Talent days as he flashed his torso
She forged a successful career after stepping out from her sister Kylie's shadow.

And Dannii Minogue has shared a throwback picture to social media celebrating the anniversary of one of her biggest hits, 1993's 'This Is It'.

The 45-year-old posted the cover of the single on Wednesday, marking 24 years since its release.

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Reminiscent: Dannii Minogue has shared a throwback picture to social media celebrating the anniversary of one of her biggest hits, 1993's 'This Is It'

The Melbourne-born entertainer's followers immediately took to the snap's comments section to reminisce over their memories of the song.

'I loved this so much, only watched the video a few days ago randomly, brought back memories!' gushed one fan.

'I totally had the cassingle & sang it sooooo many times into the mirror in our bathroom. This will never not be it,' fawned another.

Good times: The Melbourne-born entertainer's followers immediately took to the snap's comments section to reminisce over their memories of the song

'I loved this so much, only watched the video a few days ago randomly, brought back memories!' gushed one fan

Dannii's older sister Kylie even left her own note of support, excitedly reciting lyrics from the track.

'This is it!!!! Ooohhhh, this time I know it's the reeeealllll thiiiinggg,' she wrote.

The song was featured on Dannii's 1993 sophomore album, Get Into You.

'This is it!!!! Ooohhhh, this time I know it's the reeeealllll thiiiinggg,' Kylie wrote to her sister

Flashback: The song was featured on Dannii's 1993 sophomore album, Get Into You

Dannii appeared on The Morning Show last month to describe celebrations for Kylie's recent 49th birthday.

'We have been celebrating a bit. You do it very quietly, you know us Minogue girls!' she described.

'We have had a really good time. Every year is precious. especially what she has been through. We appreciate every birthday. The lucky ones get to get older,' she added.
Her husband Dan Single returned to Sydney last month as he continues his recovery from a hotel balcony fall in Paris.

And amid claims their marriage is 'on the rocks', Bambi Northwood Blyth looks set to wrap-up her sun-soaked Italian holiday... and she certainly doesn't want to go home.

The 26-year-old took to Instagram Thursday to post one last bikini snap, before announcing 'DONT WANT TO LEAVE.'

'DONT WANT TO LEAVE': Bambi Northwood Blyth took to Instagram Thursday to post one last bikini snap from her sun-soaked Italian vacation, flaunting cleavage as she sat on the sand

She was seen sitting on the sand cross-legged in a burgundy bandeau two-piece.

The brunette flashed a hint of cleavage as she leaned forward, resting her arms on her slender legs.

'FLIGHT # DONT WANT TO LEAVE THANK YOU ITALY,' she wrote in all-caps, clearly not looking forward to returning to her Sydney home.

The beauty had spent the past week sharing busty bikini snaps from her Italian holiday destination, alongside fellow model Tahnee Atkinson, 25.

Twinning: Bambi Northwood Blyth (L) and Tahnee Atkinson (R) wore matching bikinis at the beach in Italy on Tuesday

BFFs: One day after the stunning pals shared beaming snaps in revealing clothing, they continued frolicking at the beach - this time in skimpy maroon-coloured swimwear

One day after the stunning pals shared beaming snaps in revealing clothing, they continued frolicking at the beach - this time in skimpy maroon-coloured swimwear.

'On duty, on location,' Bambi wrote on Instagram with Tahnee captioning a similar snap: 'Rinse & Repeat.'

Bambi's beachside outing follows weeks of fun in the sun in various exotic locations, including Ibiza, amid speculation that her marriage to Dan, 39, is 'on the rocks.'

Returning home? Bambi's beachside outing follows weeks of fun in the sun in various exotic locations, including Ibiza, amid speculation that her marriage to Dan, 39, is 'on the rocks'

Took a tumble: In March, Dan suffered an accidental fall from a third floor balcony in Paris and shattered bones in his feet, legs and pelvis

'Living apart': On Sunday, a source alleged the pair are currently living apart as the future of their marriage remains unknown.

She remains in Europe despite husband Dan recently returning to Sydney, three months after he fell from a hotel balcony in Paris.

On Sunday, a source told The Daily Telegraph that the pair are currently living apart as the future of their marriage remains unknown after Dan had started a GoFund Me page to pay for his medical treatment.

'Bambi was mortified Dan would ask his friends and the wider community for money, particularly given their somewhat ostentatious lifestyle over the past decade,' said the insider.

Well off! A source said: 'Bambi was mortified Dan would ask his friends and the wider community for money - particularly given their somewhat ostentatious lifestyle'

In April, Dan asked the public for $250,000 to: 'Help fund the hospital bill, rehab bill, early flights home, being unable to make bread and work over the next [few] months and all the incidentals the family is covering at the moment.'

One month prior, Dan suffered shattered bones in his feet, legs and pelvis after an accidental fall from a third floor balcony at Hotel Grand DAmour.

After the accident, Dan created a Go Fund Me page to help cover his medical expenses although it was quickly taken down amid backlash.

The criticism reportedly caused friction in Dan's three-year marriage to Bambi.

Extortionate: After the accident, Dan created a Go Fund Me page and asked the public for a whopping $250,000 to cover his medical expenses
She has made endless appearances at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week so far, as one of the most in demand models.

And Bella Hadid certainly showed no signs of stopping on Wednesday, as she joined a host of other beauties for a smouldering photo shoot on the city streets.

The brunette beauty, 20, displayed her famously statuesque figure in a saucy semi-sheer as well as a number of other striking ensembles, as she proved her model prowess in front of the cameras.

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Onto the next: Bella Hadid certainly showed no signs of stopping on Wednesday, as she joined a host of other beauties for a smouldering photo shoot on the city streets

Centre of attention: The brunette beauty, 20, displayed her famously statuesque figure in a saucy semi-sheer dress as well as a number of other striking ensembles as she posed

Bella, who is the younger sister of fellow supermodel Gigi, first posed at the Peninsula Hotel in a gorgeous semi-sheer midi dress - formed entirely of black mesh to tease at her lingerie-clad body underneath.

Keeping the look demure however, the frock pulled into a high neck and long sleeves, and was then patterned with both black stripes and silver sequins all over, for a hint of glitz.

Tying the look together with leg-lengthening white heels and a slick of red lipstick, the former Model Of The Year oozed glamour and elegance as she posed effortlessly on the hotel steps.

All eyes on me: Bella, who is the younger sister of fellow supermodel Gigi, first posed at the Peninsula Hotel in a gorgeous semi-sheer midi dress

What a tease! The dress was formed entirely of black mesh to tease at her lingerie-clad body underneath

Embarking on a busy day of shooting, Bella then swapped the A-line frock for a vintage-inspired number, as she posed arm-in-arm with a fellow model.

The stunning frock featured a billowing skirt of black and nude, but was again formed of thin mesh on top, to reveal her bra and flash her delicate cleavage underneath.

Making the old-fashioned look more modern, the dress then daringly plunged at the back to tease at more of her smooth skin as she strutted along the pavement.

Ready to go: Embarking on a busy day of shooting, Bella then swapped the A-line frock for a vintage-inspired number, as she posed arm-in-arm with a fellow model

Fit to bust! The stunning frock featured a billowing skirt of black and nude, but was again formed of thin mesh on top, to reveal her bra and flash her delicate cleavage underneath

Later seen in a quirky velvet pinafore and T-shirt combo, as well as a gold studded vest, the model wrapped up the shoot in a form-fitting LBD.

The dress had a more modern feel to her previous looks with striking statement shoulders and ruching across her middle - which drew attention to her impossibly petite figure.

Adding black leggings to her enviably slender pins and towering black stilettos, Bella still managed to exude elegance as she embarked on a series of dramatic leaps and bounds for the camera.

All black everything: The model wrapped up the photo shoot in a form-fitting LBD

Slender: The dress had a more modern feel to her previous looks with striking statement shoulders

Strike a pose! Adding towering black stilettos, Bella still managed to exude elegance as she embarked on a series of dramatic leaps and bounds for the camera

She kept her hair styled in a fierce braided up-do for the shoot, which left her naturally striking features on show as she smouldered beside her co-stars.

The project for the Spanish brand marked just one of many busy days for Bella in Paris, during the prestigious Haute Couture Fashion Week.

On Wednesday alone, the brunette walked for both Maison Margiela and Fendi - having already pounded the catwalk for Alexandre Vauthier and Miu Miu.

Pins on parade: She also layered skin-tight leggings underneath the frock to accentuate her impossibly slender legs to all

Striking: She kept her hair styled in a fierce braided up-do for the shoot, which left her naturally striking features on show as she smouldered beside her co-stars

Kooky: Further shots saw her pose in a gold baggy maxi dress (L) and a quirky velvet pinafore atop a plain white T-shirt (R)

In many of the shows, Bella has walked beside best pal Kendall Jenner - who she recently revealed she became friends with way before their modelling days.

Speaking to InStyle magazine about their close bond, she revealed: 'I met her for the first time seven years ago over Twitter.

'That was before we started modeling. I was probably 14 or 15. We met up and had sushi, and now were best friends. Shes a pretty significant human I met online'.

Best foot forward: She later paraded the pavement in a black vest embellished with gold

Leading lady: The project marked just one of many busy days for Bella in Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week - having already walked for Alexandre Vauthier (L) and Fendi (R)

Despite being born into a wealthy family with the right connections, Bella was keen to make clear that she has worked hard for her career.

'Im not saying I dont love my job, but people think modeling is a bulls*** thing to become more famous,' she said.

'I was 100 percent independent by the time I was 18, and I paid for my own apartment. That wasnt because of my parents. I worked my a** off for two years.'
Fifi Box 'confirmed' that she and her former Neighbours co-star Damien Richardson were 'in love' in May.

But last week, Damien appeared to be tending to more serious matters when he was spotted looking tense upon leaving Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court in Victoria.

The 47-year-old actor's estranged wife Nicole Riches was also seen exiting the court, dressed in head-to-toe black and also appearing to be in a sombre mood.

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Court: Last week, Damien Richardson was seen looking tense upon leaving Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court in Victoria

She wore a smart outfit for the court appearance, consisting of a leather pants, high heels and a black coat.

The actor meanwhile donned a blue suit over which he wore a woolen coat that bore a white stain or fluff on the chest area.

Nicole carried a pink water bottle and shoulder bag, while her estranged husband was weighed down by a large satchel bag and held documents in his hand.

Neither Damien or Nicole appeared to be flanked by legal representative as they left the premises.

Sombre: The 47-year-old actor's estranged wife Nicole Riches was also seen leaving court

Serious: The actor meanwhile wore a blue suit over which he donned a woolen coat that bore a white stain or fluff on the chest area

Exit: Nicole was dressed in head-to-toe black and carried a handbag as she exited

Solo: Neither Damien or Nicole appeared to be flanked by legal representative as they exited the premises

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Fifi for comment.

In late May, after months of speculation, multiple publications reported that Fifi 'confirmed' her new beau is her former co-star Damien.

Historically transparent about her love life, the 40-year-old has been secretive this time around, using the code-name 'Steven' when revealing she 'loved' him on-air during her Fox FM radio show.

But after several smitten snaps emerged of Fifi and Damien, she's reportedly confirmed the relationship.

Simple: Nicole carried a pink water bottle and shoulder bag with her all-black ensemble

Heavy load: Damien was weighed down by a large satchel bag

Papers: The actor also held documents in his hand

Confirmed? Fifi Box 'confirmed' that she and her former Neighbours co-star Damien Richardson were 'in love' in May

It's on: After several smitten snaps emerged of Fifi and Damien, she's reportedly confirmed the relationship

Court date: Damien and Nicole were seen at Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court on June 29

'I like him very, very, very, very, very much,' the beaming beauty said of her new man on radio recently, 'he's everything I ever wanted.'

Her radio co-host Brendan Fevola wasn't satisfied by the coy talent's statement, pressing her to confirm whether or not the pair had said 'I love you,' to each-other.

After several awkward moments, she whispered 'yes,' causing her fellow hosts to erupt in celebratory cheers.

'Confirmed': After months of speculation, multiple publications reported that Fifi has 'confirmed' her new beau is Neighbours co-star Damien

Coy! 'I like him very, very, very, very, very much,' the beaming beauty said of her new man on radio recently, 'he's everything I ever wanted'

Pictures of the soap star kissing the blonde beauty on a Melbourne 'date' night and leaving her apartment in 'the early hours of the morning,' confirm the actor is the man Fifi is referring to, according to Woman's Day.

Speaking to Channel 10's The Project recently, she continued to use the code-name 'Steven,' when describing the moment she knew he was 'the one.'

She lauded the fact they both settled on eating 'Indian takeaway in bed and watching Netflix,' for 'date night,' giving him bonus points for buying chocolate.

Confirmed? Speaking to Channel 10's The Project recently, she continued to use the code-name 'Steven,' when describing the moment she knew he was 'the one'

Date: Pictures of the soap star kissing the blonde beauty on a Melbourne 'date' night and leaving her apartment in 'the early hours of the morning,' confirm the actor is the man Fifi is referring to, according to Woman's Day

'He wanted to go back and get more... I looked at him as he walked back to the fridge and thought "I think you're the man for me!"'

Both Woman's Day and New Idea reported the Neighbours co-stars are using code-names and keeping coy because of Damien's situation with estranged wife Nicole.

The actor's agent confirmed to Woman's Day last year that he and Nicole had been 'separated for some time'.

Nicole told Woman's Day in January that the pair's new relationship was 'difficult to deal with,' and she felt 'hurt, betrayed and embarrassed.'
She usually favours a girl next door look.

But Karlie Kloss was bringing high fashion to the Paris runway as she lead the models at the Azzedine Alaia Fashion Show during Haute Couture Fashion Week in the French capital on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old beauty was sporting an androgynous look, modelling two edgy black ensembles as she strutted along the catwalk.

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Gothic chic: Karlie Kloss was bringing high fashion to the Paris runway as she lead the models at the Azzedine Alaia Fashion Show during Haute Couture Fashion Week in the French capital on Wednesday

Karlie rocked a dramatic textured dress with a low-cut neckline, before slipping into a leather coat.

Her newly-dyed platinum blonde locks were slicked back into a bun, with a gravity-defying headpiece setting off the look.

A host of famous faces were watching the show from the front row, including Fast & The Furious star Michelle Rodriguez.

VIP guest: Uppping the glamour in a low-cut, sparkling dress, Michelle Rodriguez was hard to miss as she took pride of place at the runway show

Edgy: Her newly-dyed platinum blonde locks were slicked back into a bun, with a gravity-defying headpiece setting off the look

Upping the glamour in a low-cut, sparkling dress, the star was hard to miss as she took pride of place at the runway show.

Having been a part of the industry since she was 13, Karlie was recently named one of Forbes highest paid models, having reportedly earned $10 million last year.

During that time, Karlie modelled for 18 brands.

Conquering the catwalk: Karlie rocked a dramatic textured dress with a low-cut neckline, before slipping into a leather coat

A-list stars: Naomi Campbell was naturally chosen to close the runway show

Queen bee: The models excitedly gathered around supermodel Naomi backstage

Additionally, the beauty is a star on social media. Karlie has millions of fans between her various social media accounts, and over half a million subscribers on Youtube.

The NYU student is also the founder of Kode With Klossy, a camp to encourage and assist young teenage girls to enter the world of computer technology.

Karlie recently opened up about her fashion sense in an interview with ELLE Australia.

She explained: 'I think everybody kind of has to grow into their own style and their own perspective.

'You grow into who you are and your viewpoints on life and how you want to dress and thats the great part of fashion, its a self-expression. You can change it by the day.'

Reaching new heights: Dramatic headpieces ensured the collection looked cohesive

Dazzling: Michelle stunned in her simple, midnight blue number
She welcomed her first child, a daughter named Lily Grace, with husband James Rothschild almost a year ago to the day.

But Nicky Hilton made the most of her alone time in Paris on Wednesday, as she headed on a night out in the French capital for its Haute Couture Fashion Week.

The socialite, 33, showed off her enviably slender figure just twelve months after giving birth in a thigh-skimming mini dress, adorned with jewels, as she ventured to another star-studded bash in the city.

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Leading lady: Nicky Hilton made the most of her alone time in Paris on Wednesday, as she headed on a night out in the French capital for its Haute Couture Fashion Week

The blonde beauty put on a seriously leggy display in the LBD, which was embellished with shimmering ruby and silver studs all over for a hint of glitz.

Remaining sophisticated with its chic round neck and shift fit, the frock upped the sex appeal by cutting off daringly high at her thigh - to leave her enviably long and lean legs on show.

Keeping co-ordinated from head to toe, Nicky tied her look together with classic black pointed court shoes and a matching clutch bag.

Centre stage: The blonde beauty put on a seriously leggy display in the LBD, which was embellished with shimmering ruby and silver studs all over for a hint of glitz

Leggy lady: Remaining sophisticated with its chic round neck and shift fit, the frock upped the sex appeal by cutting off high at her thigh - to leave her enviably long and lean legs on show

She swept her blonde hair into a sleek ponytail, secured by a braid at the front, and kept her make-up minimal to let her shimmering dress take centre stage.

The evening marked the end of a busy day for Nicky, who had already dazzled at another fashion show that afternoon.

The blonde socialite had stolen the show in a bright pink cape dress as she lead the glamour at the Valention AW17 catwalk.

Twice as nice: Nicky Hilton stole the show earlier on Wednesday as she arrived at Valentino's AW17 catwalk, during Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week

Mother-of-one Nicky made a show-stopping arrival in a baby pink mini dress - which pulled into sophisticated and stylish cape sleeves.

The frock was effortlessly elegant with its crew neck and shift cut, before it was adorned with delicate 3D flowers and bows all over.

Cutting off high at her thigh however, the frock then left her impressively leggy figure on show, which she added further height to with nude heeled sandals.

Trendy: Mother-of-one Nicky first made a show-stopping arrival in a baby pink mini dress - which pulled into sophisticated and stylish cape sleeves

Leggy lady: Cutting off high at her thigh however, the frock then left her impressively leggy figure on show

Little touches: The frock was effortlessly elegant with its crew neck and shift cut, before it was adorned with delicate 3D flowers and bows all over

Only upping the glamour of the look, Nicky pulled her hair into a stylish side braid, and accessorised with chunky diamante earrings, for a hint of glitz.

Opting to go without a handbag, the blonde looked completely comfortable as she posed fiercely for cameras, before taking her place on the FROW beside a number of high-profile friends.

Both frocks showed off Nicky's phenomenal figure - less than a year after welcoming her precious baby girl Lily-Grace in July 2016.

All that glitters: Only upping the glamour of the look, Nicky pulled her hair into a stylish side braid, and accessorised with chunky diamante earrings, for a hint of glitz

Say cheese! Opting to go without a handbag, the blonde looked completely comfortable as she posed for cameras with a number of family friends (above)

Hot mama! Both frocks showed off Nicky's phenomenal figure - less than a year after welcoming her precious baby girl Lily-Grace in July 2016

She shares her daughter with husband James Rothschild, who she married at London's Kensington Palace in a lavish ceremony in 2015 before they honeymooned in Botswana.

Next making a glamorous arrival was Olivia Palermo, who was incredibly summer-chic in her chiffon floral slip dress.

The socialite shrouded her famously slender figure with the silk frock, which loosely skimmed her frame all the way to its knee-length hem.

Flower power: Next making a glamorous arrival was Olivia Palermo, who was incredibly summer-chic in her chiffon floral slip dress

Statuesque: The socialite shrouded her famously slender figure with the silk frock, which loosely skimmed her frame all the way to its knee-length hem

Featuring bows on the shoulder straps, the grey ensemble was then patterned with oriental red flowers all over, to give the look an ultra-feminine feel.

In a vintage finishing touch, the former MTV star tied her look together with a quirky pair of blue-rimmed sunglasses as she posed with her handsome husband Johannes Huebl outside the bash.

Having risen to prominence on reality series The City, Olivia is now known for her show-stopping sense of style - which she displays at endless fashion shows around the world.

Girly: Featuring bows on the shoulder straps, the grey ensemble was then patterned with oriental red flowers all over, to give the look an ultra-feminine feel

Good-looking pair: In a vintage finishing touch, the former MTV star tied her look together with a quirky pair of blue-rimmed sunglasses as she posed with husband Johannes Huebl (above)

Proud: Valentino Garavani himself cut a typically suave figure in a sleek grey suit as he headed inside to see his latest creations on the catwalk

Standing out: The pair appeared captivated by the Italian designer's latest collection (above)

Recently speaking to Cosmopolitan, the brunette was adamant that she styles herself, and that she wants her followers to see her authentic taste in her clothing.

She explained: 'That's the whole point of my brand! Mine is probably different than other people's - I don't have a seasonal wardrobe because I'm in different climates all year. But colour-coordinating helps.'

Meanwhile she and Johannes looked more loved-up than ever as they cosied up for cameras - having celebrated their third wedding anniversary last month.

The pair appeared captivated by the Italian designer's latest collection - which featured big, baggy outerwear of vibrant colours teamed with silk workwear and retro high-necks.

Scott to trot! Kristin Scott Thomas beamed in her monochrome printed midi dress as she perched beside Christian Louboutin on the FROW (above)

Life's peachy: Meanwhile Elena Perminova showed off her sensational figure in a skimpy white bralet and peach maxi skirt, of the same 3D design as Nicky's look

Frill seeker: Tamara Beckwith turned heads in a pink and red midi dress, which fell into a ruffled bodice and soft pleated skirt

Famous friends: She finished her look with a studded clutch as she posed with suited and booted Giorgio Veroni
Bethenny Frankel won't be retiring her beloved bikinis anytime soon.

The 46-year-old Real Housewives Of New York City star took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a series of throwback bikini photos to celebrate National Bikini Day.

'So many bikinis, so little time,' she captioned them, adding a bikini emoji.

In observance... Bethenny Frankel took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a series of throwback bikini photos to celebrate National Bikini Day

July 5 marks the day the first bikini was created by Parisian fashion designer Louis Reard back in 1946.

And Bethenny was seemingly determined not to let the opportunity to share photos of herself stripped down to her varied two-pieces pass her by.

In one photo, the reality TV star can be seen wearing a strapless high-waisted bikini printed with fern leaves.

She's standing indoors, leaning up against a mirrored wall.

The right stripes: Another photo sees her standing on a beach. She's wearing an aqua, pink and black striped bikini with long sleeves

Lazing around: In another photo, the author is seen perched on sunbed by a pool. She's dressed in a red bikini and panama hat

Another photo sees the Skinnygirl entrepreneur standing on a beach.

She's wearing an aqua, pink and black striped bikini with long sleeves.

In another photo, the author is seen perched on sunbed by a pool.

She's dressed in a red bikini and panama hat.

Blue beach days... A fourth photo shows her back on the beach, this time dressed in a blue bikini

Paddling away: Another photo shows her standing alongside a fellow bikini-clad friend. This time Bethenny is dressed in a red string bikini and a wide-brim straw hat

A fourth photo shows her back on the beach, this time dressed in a blue bikini.

She's standing by the shoreline in a straw cowgirl hat and a pair of sunglasses.

And another photo shows her standing alongside a fellow bikini-clad friend.

This time Bethenny is dressed in a red string bikini and a wide-brim straw hat.

Working it: Just one day earlier, Bethenny had taken to Instagram to share a photo of herself standing by the barbecue in a purple string bikini on July 4

Both women are seen smiling widely for the camera, while each clutching a black paddle.

Bikinis appear to be something of a wardrobe staple for the brunette star.

Just one day earlier, Bethenny had taken to Instagram to share a photo of herself standing by the barbecue in a purple string bikini on July 4.

'Grill master. Who else is BBQn? Happy 4th of July everyone!' she captioned it.
On Thursday, notorious 'party boy' Jordan Barrett appeared to reach his limit.

The Australian model with a reputation for being the 'bad boy of fashion,' was seen looking worse for wear during a star-studded outing in Paris.

The 20-year-old appeared to be asleep, accompanied by a squad featuring the likes of Fast and The Furious actress Michelle Rodriguez and model Emily Ratajkowski.

Partied out? On Thursday, 'party boy' model Jordan Barrett (middle) was seen looking worse for wear, in Paris, surrounded by the likes of Michelle Rodriguez (third from left) and Emily Ratajkowski (second from right)

In an image shared to his Instagram, Jordan and his a-list crew sat around a table in a low-key french bar.

He exposed his chest in an unbuttoned shirt, seen with his eyes closed in translucent sunglasses, supporting his head with his hands.

His lack of presense left Michelle Rodriguez and model Emily Ratajkowski, to carry the weight of the group's obligatory end-of-night squad selfie.

Peaked? The 20-year-old Australian had been documenting his Paris trip on Instagram, but appeared to be taking a snooze in Thursday's post

Michelle flashed a glimpse of her slender legs as she laid on another sleeping friend's lap.

Emily, on the other hand flaunted her bust in a patterned corset, tucked into high-waisted pants.

Jordan captioned the image: 'TOUR SOLD OUT.'

Huge star: Jordan is pictured attending the Balmain Menswear Spring/Summer 2018 show as part of Paris Fashion Week last month

Wide awake! Stunning model and actress Emily Ratajkowski featured in the group snap

It's been a week of ups and downs for the Australian model, that fact best highlighted by his run-in with security at a Paris funfair on Wednesday.

After experiencing the high of riding a children's carousel, laughing joyously, he was forced to face the crushing low of getting kicked-off.

Jordan has been romantically linked to a string of high-profile female celebrities, including Paris Hilton and Lara Stone.

Ups and downs: It's been a week of ups and downs for the Australian stunner, who had a run-in with a security guard Wednesday, resulting in his expulsion from a carousel ride in Paris

Most recently, it was rumoured he was dating US model and socialite Bella Hadid.

However, she later clarified they were just good friends.
The two were recently snapped canoodling on a cabana.

And Megan Blake Irwin and her new beau Philippe Levy, were seen again on Wednesday having a great time together on a night out in Ibiza.

The 22-year-old model Australian model frolicked with the tall dark and handsome man and pals on a beachside road in the Spanish party capital on Wednesday.

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Full of the party spirit! Megan Blake Irwin looks lively as she frolics with her new beau male model Philippe Levy and pals on the beach in Ibiza

The blonde looked to be in high spirits as she danced, laughed and cuddled with pals.

The beauty showed off her long, lean legs in a white denim miniskirt, which she paired with a cropped, one-shoulder, monochrome stripe top that revealed her toned tummy.

Accessorising with a petite purple shoulder bag and fresh white trainers, she finished her look with a yellow boho headband.

Megan was accompanied by a female friend and her dark haired companion who she's recently been spotted sharing intimate moments with.

Time of her life: The blonde looked to be in high spirits as she danced, laughed and cuddled with pals

Stunning: The beauty showed off her long, lean legs in a white denim miniskirt, which she paired with a cropped, one-shoulder, monochrome stripe top that revealed her toned tummy

Philippe, who is the former flame of Topshop heiress Chloe Green, looked captivated by his famous friend.

Clutching a drink and looking on while Megan danced, the tanned hunk soon joined in and the two boogied in the street.

The pair's blonde companion, who drove them to the beachside spot, then cuddled Irwin from behind.

Double trouble! Megan and her fair-haired friend were seen aiming suggestive poses at two oblivious tourists

The gang: Megan was accompanied by a female friend and Philippe, who she's been spotted sharing intimate moments with

The fair-haired pair were then seen aiming suggestive poses at two oblivious tourists, with Megan's friend raising her skirt at one point.

Megan, who is holding an E-cigarette in the pictures, looks like she has been thoroughly enjoying her time away.

On Tuesday she was spotted putting on an amorous display with her European beau.




1. U.S. acceptance of coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war.

2. U.S. willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war.

3. Develop the illusion that total disarmament of the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength.

4. Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war.

5. Extension of long-term loans to Russia and Soviet satellites.

6. Provide American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination.

7. Grant recognition of Red China. Admission of Red China to the U.N.

8. Set up East and West Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev's promise in 1955 to settle the German question by free elections under supervision of the U.N.

9. Prolong the conferences to ban atomic tests because the United States has agreed to suspend tests as long as negotiations are in progress.

10. Allow all Soviet satellites individual representation in the U.N.

11. Promote the U.N. as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one-world government with its own independent armed forces. (Some Communist leaders believe the world can be taken over as easily by the U.N. as by Moscow. Sometimes these two centers compete with each other as they are now doing in the Congo.)

12. Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party.

13. Do away with all loyalty oaths.

14. Continue giving Russia access to the U.S. Patent Office.

15. Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States.

16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights.

17. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers' associations. Put the party line in textbooks.

18. Gain control of all student newspapers.

19. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack.

20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policymaking positions.

21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures.

22. Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings, substitute shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms."

23. Control art critics and directors of art museums. "Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art."

24. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press.

25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV.

26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy."

27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity which does not need a "religious crutch."

28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state."

29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis.

30. Discredit the American Founding Fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man."

31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the "big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over.

32. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture--education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc.

33. Eliminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus.

34. Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities.

35. Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI.

36. Infiltrate and gain control of more unions.

37. Infiltrate and gain control of big business.

38. Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrists can understand.

39. Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose Communist goals.

40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce.

41. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents.

42. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special-interest groups should rise up and use united force to solve economic, political or social problems.

43. Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government.

44. Internationalize the Panama Canal.

45. Repeal the Connally reservation so the United States cannot prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction over nations and individuals alike.
Bella Thorne stepped out Wednesday wearing flaming hot lips on her t-shirt.

The actress and social media fanatic headed for lunch in LA with sister Dani in the graphic tee paired with Mother jeans that also featured flames licking up the bottoms.

Bella, 19, was later seen chatting with her ex-boyfriend Gregg Sulkin, 25, who she dated for a year until their split in 2016.

She thinks she's hot: Bella Thorne stepped out Wednesday wearing flaming lips on her t-shirt and flames on the bottom of her Mother jeans

Reconnecting: Bella, 19, was later seen chatting with her ex-boyfriend Gregg Sulkin, who she dated for a year until their split in 2016

The actress looked extra stylish as she stepped out in her star-shaped white purse with silver studs that declared her to be the 'boss'.

The teen continued to sport her dark red dyed hair under a large floppy hat.

She added clear spectacles and dangling earrings and a key on a chain around her neck.

Her lookalike sibling, 24, wore a colorful stripy top and tie dye pants with flip flops.

She's the boss: Thorne listened intently to her ex while rocking her statement making purse

Likes to get noticed: The teen continued to sport her dark red dyed hair under a large floppy hat. She added clear spectacles and dangling earrings and a key on a chain around her neck

At one point during their outing, Bella met up with her ex Gregg.

Though it's not clear if the pair had intended to meet up or coincidentally ran into each other, Bella and Gregg looked in good spirits as they chatted with each other.

Meanwhile, the former Disney actress appears to have rekindled her romance with Kourtney Kardashian's ex Scott Disick.

Close siblings: The actress and social media fanatic headed for lunch in LA with sister Dani

Casual dining: Bella's lookalike sister, 24, wore a colorful stripy top and tie dye pants with flip flops

Last week, a source told People that the 34-year-old father-of-three is 'still hanging out with Bella, but hooking up with other girls as well.'

The insider claimed neither party is expecting anything serious to come of it, 'like before, he and Bella have an understanding.'

'Theyre just hanging out, hooking up and having fun. Bella loves to party and is soaking it up. She left a party over the weekend in a rush to go and hang out with him.'

Calling the shots: She added a star-shaped white purse with silver studs that declared her to be the 'boss'

This appears to contradict Bella's stated position in an interview she gave to Complex, he first since high-tailing it from France after discovering she was the first in a nine-course buffet of women Scott intended helping himself to.

'I dont drink, and he really drinks a lot. And it just ended up ...I just wasnt down,' she said at the time.

'I love to go out and have fun, I love to f****** dance, but I just dont party hardcore like that and it was way too much for me. I was like, "Woah, this is not the way I live my life, bruh".'
She and her husband Oliver Curtis jetted off overseas with their children Pixie, five, and Hunter, three, on Wednesday.

And now it has been revealed that the couple are staying in Bali.

The PR maven wasted no time in showing off her incredible bikini body once she arrived and was settled in on Thursday morning.

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Oliver would certainly approve! Roxy Jacenko shows off her INCREDIBLE figure in a strapless white bikini as she holidays with husband Curtis in Bali following his release from prison

Taking a mirror selfie at her luxurious Alila Villas in Uluwatu, Roxy, who has been working hard on her figure over the last few months, flaunted her tiny frame and washboard stomach.

The Sweaty Betty PR director is thought to have slimmed down to just 45kgs, thanks to her rigorous workout regime and personal training sessions with some of Sydney's top trainers.

Roxy's sexy strapless suit is by Melissa Odabash, and she made sure to tag the swimwear designer in her post.

Fun in the sun: Meanwhile, her children Pixie and Hunter were exploring the resort

Makeup free, the blonde beauty looked as though she was getting ready for some rest and relaxation by the pool.

Meanwhile, her children Pixie and Hunter were exploring the luxurious resort.

Images posted on Pixie's Instagram account showed the little ones cuddling up and Pixie enjoying a swim in the pool.

Oliver, Roxy and their two children were spotted arriving at Sydney International Airport on Wednesday for their first family holiday since his incarceration.

Cute: Pixie later went for a swim and wore a pair of goggles with lashes on them

R&R: She also enjoyed the view from her sun lounge

Meanwhile, Oliver, 31, traded prison greens for head-to-toe black, wearing a long-sleeved top paired with tailored shorts and white trainers.

Concealing his gaze behind designer sunglasses, the son of wealthy resources businessman Nick Curtis, accessorised further with a simple black cap.

Noticeably missing from both Roxy and Oliver's attire however, were their wedding bands.

Under the terms of his bond, Oliver must be of 'good behaviour' until June 23, 2018.

For international travel, Oliver would most likely have to declare he has a criminal conviction.

Keeping healthy; A fan of green juices, Roxy tried one of the purple variety

Happy days: Roxy and her hubby are pictured on a holiday in 2015 before her went to prison for insider trading

Sporting a chic Givenchy ensemble, Roxy smiled widely as she wheeled a large designer suitcase through the terminal.

For her trip abroad Roxy went casual chic in a black Givenchy T-shirt teamed with a coordinating skirt that highlighted her lean legs.

White designer sneakers, a Louis Vuitton backpack, Celine sunglasses and several jewels worked as accessories.

What's going on between them? The couple's relationship had been rumoured to be on rocky ground, with the pair spotted without their wedding rings on in the days since Oliver's release from prison

The couple's relationship had been rumoured to be on rocky ground, with the pair spotted without their wedding rings on in the days since Oliver's release from prison.

Roxy has been snapped on several occasions throughout the year sans wedding ring - the earliest being as far back as February.

Just last week, Roxy was questioned by journalists as to whether she plans on divorcing Oliver.

The blonde refused to confirm her current relationship status, keeping silent as a photographer asked, 'Are you and Oli still together?'

Roxy broke her silence about her husband's return during the same encounter when a photographer asked, 'Roxy, is it good to have Oliver home?'

Fit as a fiddle: Roxy has been working out relentlessly over the last few months and has totally transformed her figure

She replied: 'Yes the children are very happy.'

'Are you happy?' they asked. Roxy responded: 'Yes, of course.'

Earlier this year in April, images emerged of Roxy kissing her ex-boyfriend and multi-millionaire property developer Nabil Gazal.

Nabil reportedly fled Sydney for Lebanon to avoid the media circus surrounding Oliver's release from prison.

Red hot: The Sweaty Betty PR director is thought to have slimmed down to just 45kgs, thanks to her rigorous workout regime and personal training sessions with some of Sydney's top trainers

The Daily Telegraph reported however that Oliver told fellow inmates he would forgive the PR queen for her 'indiscretions' over the past year if she would look past his 'mistakes that put him in jail'.

The Saturday following Oliver's release, Roxy reportedly cancelled a 'welcome home' bash at the 11th hour, instead opting for a quiet night at home.

Oliver was later seen that same night, picking up a takeaway dinner with his mother-in-law Doreen Jacenko.
She's the glamorous AFL WAG, who's married to former footy star Andrew Merrington.

And two years after the couple tied the knot, Yummy Mummies star Lorinska Merrington, 32, was pictured in stunning throwback snaps of the couple's lavish wedding.

The Polish model and the Melbourne financier spared no expense on their big day, with the bride's gown alone estimated to be worth upwards of $15,000.

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Wedding throwback: Yummy Mummies star Lorinska Merrington was pictured in stunning throwback snaps of the couple's lavish nuptials

The mother-of-one made quite an entrance in a custom white strapless gown from One Day bridal, which featured pearl and crystal embellishments.

Their reception was held at South Melbournes luxury Luminaire venue, a favourite among fellow AFL couples like Carlton skipper Marc Murphy and wife Jessie.

Lorinska wore her luscious blonde locks loosely, with the style neatly framing her flawless visage.

Bridal chic: The mother-of-one made quite an entrance in a custom white strapless gown from One Day bridal, which featured pearl and crystal embellishments

Former footy star Andrew, 38, who is a partner in a successful finance company, looked dapper in a traditional black and white tux.

In March, blonde beauty Lorinska posted an anniversary tribute for her man, who she first met 13 years ago.

'HAPPY ANNIVERSARY HUBBY! Chasing you all over the country was the best thing I did!' she gushed.

Memories: Lorinska wore a floor-length veil as she walked down the aisle

Traditional: The glamorous couple tied the knot in a church before family and friends

'You are the most kindest, generous and humblest person I have ever meet!

She added: 'Glad to lock you in and call you my KING - P.S. Not to mention your tall, dark and handsome as a added bonus! #2yearsmarried #13yearsinthemaking #happyanniversary #myking #hisqueen.'

As she prepares to make her reality TV debut on Channel Seven this Sunday, the star appeared a swipe at the cast of Foxtel's Real Housewives Of Sydney on Thursday.

You may kiss the bride: The couple have been married for two years and together for 13 years

Dress change: The star changed her gown during the reception

She told The Daily Telegraph that her castmates behaved impeccably compared to the squabbling Sydney socialites.

'I don't think we got to their level. The arguments (on Yummy Mummies) didn't get to the extent of throwing things,' she said.

Indeed, memorable moments from Real Housewives' first season include AthenaX Levendi throwing a glass of wine at Victoria Rees during their trip to Singapore.

'I don't think we got to their level': Lorinska recently appeared to take a swipe at the Real Housewives Of Sydney cast, saying her friends don't resort to violence

But Lorinksa did confess that the pregnant friends experienced their fair share of arguments during filming.

'There was a moment when one of the girls gets called fat,' she explained. 'And I thought, "Oh that's probably not the best thing to say."

Oh no she didn't! Memorable moments from Real Housewives' first season include AthenaX Levendi throwing a glass of wine at Victoria Rees during their trip to Singapore

'There was a moment when one of the girls gets called fat': Lorinksa did confess that the pregnant foursome experienced their fair share of arguments during filming

'You've got four hormonal women so there is a bit of carnage now and then but nothing too crazy,' she added.

'There was no throwing or swearing or anything too bananas. I've had bigger blows with the hubby before.'

Lorinska stars alongside pregnant socialites Maria DiGeronimo, Jane Scandizzo and Rachel Watts in the highly-anticipated TV series.

Say what? It was recently revealed American television networks have snubbed The Real Housewives Of Sydney for being 'too extreme' to broadcast in the United States

Yummy Mummies, which premieres on Channel Seven on Sunday, has already outraged viewers with it's controversial concept.

'You've found a more vulnerable target now, emotional hormonal pregnant women who are likely already feeling pretty fragile about their appearance,' read a Facebook comment.

Another furious viewer added: 'I find this quite offensive to other women'.
She has just returned to the United States following a trip to Italy.

And Gwyneth Paltrow showed no signs of jet lag as she attended a screening of Despicable Me 3, hosted by her company Goop, in Southampton, New York on Wednesday.

The 44-year-old looked her radiant best in a summery pink and white lace mini dress.

Lady in lace! Gwyneth Paltrow showed no signs of jet lag as she attended her company Goop's screening of Despicable Me 3 in the Hamptons on Wednesday

Gwyneth's sleek blonde hair were styled down into a no-frill straight 'do that framed her perfectly made-up face.

She rocked light pink lipstick and applied mascara and a winged slick of eyeliner to bring out her bold blue eyes.

Gwyneth's flirty yet simple look was topped off with a pair of strappy champagne heels.

Others in attendance included Gwyneth's trainer Tracy Anderson, who rocked a pair of pinstripe trousers, beige platform heels, and a white tank top.

Head to toe style: Gwyneth's sleek blonde hair were styled down into a no-frill straight 'do that framed her perfectly made-up face

Star-studded: Others in attendance included Gwyneth's trainer Tracy Anderson and her children

Despicable Me 3 features the voices of Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, and Trey Parker, and features the antics of Gru and his long-lost twin brother, Dru.

It's set to be released on June 30.

Gwyneth, meanwhile, just returned to the United States following her Italian getaway.

'Good to be home': On Tuesday, Gwyneth shared a snap of her view as she jetted back into the U.S

'Last sunset in Umbria': The Shakespeare In Love actress kept fans up-to-date on all the fun she'd been in having abroad, and on Monday shared a photo of herself during her final day in Italy

The Shakespeare In Love actress kept fans up-to-date on all the fun she'd been in having abroad, and on Monday shared a photo of herself during her final day in Italy.

'Last sunset in #umbria,' she captioned the snap.

On Tuesday, Gwyneth shared a snap of her view as she jetted back into the U.S.

'There she is! #usa #goodtobehome #happy4th!', she captioned the photo.
In the 2000s, outback drama McLeod's Daughters was a bonafide hit with Australian TV audiences.

And now, Channel Nine is considering a reboot of the show, nearly a decade after it was cancelled.

'We are talking to (creator) Posie Graeme Evans about how we could tackle it,' a Nine spokesman told News Corp on Thursday.

Confirmed: Channel Nine is considering a reboot of McLeod's Daughters, the Network confirmed . Former stars of the show Michala Banas and Simmone Jade Mackinnon both hinted at a reboot on social media

'We know how much everybody loves McLeod's Daughters, it's an important part of our heritage.

'Nothing is commissioned, or set in stone.'

While the show's last episode aired almost a decade ago, it looks like fresh life may breathed into the old favourite.

Actresses Michala Banas and Simmone Jade Mackinnon, who played Kate Manfredi and Stevie Hall respectively, both dropped hints about a reboot on Instagram.

'Old mates just winning at life': Michala also posted a photo with Brett Tucker, who was another star of the show

Uploading an image of their McLeod's Daughters' characters - which also featured fellow former co-star Rachael Carpani - the women each wrote: 'Watch this space...'

An earlier post by Michala contained an image of herself posing with Brett Tucker, another McLeod's Daughters alum.

She captioned the image: 'Old mates just winning at life'.

The pair seemed to be enjoying the catch-up as they were all smiles and appeared to have some sort of brown substance on their teeth.

Coming back? The actresses' social media posts left fans guessing

Just hanging out? Michala previously spoke to News Corp and said she had no knowledge of plans to resurrect the series

At its peak, the popular Channel Nine show attracted an audience of more than 1.5 million viewers.

Michala previously spoke to News Corp and said she had no knowledge of plans to resurrect the series.

However, she added that she was still friends with many of her co-stars and is keen to catch up with them, but not necessarily in a 'working capacity.'

Rebooting classic series has been a popular move in recent times, particularly with streaming services like Netflix and Stan entering the scene and rekindling interest in nostalgic shows.

Reboot trend: Rebooting classic series has been a popular move in recent times, particularly with streaming services like Netflix and Stan entering the scene and rekindling interest in nostalgic shows




Justin Bieber has been mobbed by fans in the Sydney suburb of Auburn as he grabbed a bite to eat with Hillsong Pastor Carl Lentz on Thursday.

The 23-year-old was spotted in the multicultural enclave as the famous pair grabbed lunch at popular chicken eatery Nando's.

Fans rushed to take photos with the pop star, who needed to be physically protected by his Pastor and security.

Saving grace! Justin Bieber has been mobbed by fans in the Sydney suburb of Auburn during a spontaneous bite to eat with Hillsong Pastor Carl Lentz, who assisted him, on Thursday

Enthusiastic supporters of the Where Are U Now hitmaker looked stunned to see the singer as they crowded around him in fervent devotion.

His friend and pastor stood in front of him in an attempt to shield him from the group and lead him back to their vehicle.

Security also assisted the Canadian entertainer in the fan frenzy.

Idol: Rabid supporters of the Where Are U Now hitmaker looked stunned as they crowded around him in fervent devotion

Protective: His friend and pastor stood in front of him in an attempt to shield him from the group and lead him back to their vehicle

The pop star was dressed in camouflage-printed overalls, black lace-up boots, a Supreme hat and a hoodie emblazoned with the French word 'Flaneur'.

He wore the overalls undone on one side and had a long silver wallet chain hanging off the left pocket.

Pastor Lentz was smartly dressed in skinny black jeans, camel-coloured suede boots, a patterned button-up and leather jacket.

Go west! Justin Bieber was spotted with Hillsong pastor Carl Lentz in the multicultural suburb of Auburn on Thursday as they headed for a bite to eat at Nando's

Casual: The Canadian pop star was dressed in camouflage-printed overalls, black lace-up boots and a forest green hoodie emblazoned with the French word 'Flaneur'

Stylish: He wore the overalls undone on one side and had a long silver wallet chain hanging off the left pocket

It was unclear why the duo made a pit stop in Auburn, however they have been attending Hillsong Conference services at Qudos Bank Arena in Olympic Park.

Justin flew into Australia several days ago to attend the conference, one of the large-scale events held by the church in Sydney, New York and London.

Pastor Lentz told Channel Seven's Sunrise program that Justin is not being paid to be at the conference, which he has now attended three times in Australia.

'We don't pay him to attend. He comes on his own,' said the 'rock star preacher'.

Chic: Pastor Lentz was smartly dressed in skinny black jeans, camel-coloured suede boots, a patterned button-up and leather jacket

En route: It was unclear why the duo made a pit stop in Auburn, however they have been attending Hillsong Conference services at Qudos Bank Arena in Olympic Park

'I think that Justin is a good Christian. I don't think his problems are behind him, but we all have to deal with other stuff to come,' he added.

'His relationship with Jesus is changing his life daily. It is one of those things where you never really get it, it takes a while to keep growing as a person,' Carl explained.

'Every day he is getting older, and with each chapter comes new growth... This is what conference is all about,' he finished.

Busy: He flew into Australia several days ago to attend the Hillsong Conference, which has events in Sydney, New York and London

Open: Pastor Lentz told Channel Seven's Sunrise program a day earlier Justin is not being paid to be at the conference, which he has attended three times now in Australia

'I think that Justin is a good Christian. I don't think his problems are behind him, but we all have to deal with other stuff to come,'said Pastor Lentz during the interview

Frenzy: Young crowds gathered in front of Nando's in Auburn as word spread the pop star was inside to grab a bite to eat
He was released from prison just over a fortnight ago, having spent a year behind bars for conspiracy to commit insider trading.

But on Wednesday Oliver Curtis was back on daddy duty as he helped pack up his brood, once they landed at the airport in Bali to begin their family holiday.

However the hapless dad found himself struggling with a collapsible pram used by his son Hunter, three, before his wife Roxy Jacenko swept in and took over.

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Dad's the word: But on Wednesday Oliver Curtis was back on daddy duty as he helped pack up his brood the airport in Bali to begin their family holiday

Mum knows best: However the hapless dad found himself struggling with a collapsible pram used by his son Hunter, three, before his wife Roxy Jacenko swept in and took over

The PR maven got her gym-honed muscles working as she bent down and expertly disassembled the pram.

With a few quick flicks of her arms, the mum of two had the stroller locked and loaded for travel.

Not so much as a beautifully curled blonde hair was left out of place as Roxy, donning sunglasses and a designer ensemble, completed the task.

Hunter had earlier been sitting in the pram, holding onto a grey stuffed toy, as he was wheeled through the airport.

Work it! The PR maven got her gym-honed muscles working as she bent down and expertly disassembled the pram

Ready to go: With a few quick flicks of her arms, the mum of two had the stroller locked and loaded for travel

Do it girl: Not so much as a beautifully curled blonde hair was left out of place as Roxy, donning sunglasses and a designer ensemble, completed the task

That wasn't so hard! Roxy knows her way around a luxury stroller

Comfy: Hunter had earlier been sitting in the pram, holding onto a grey stuffed toy, as he was wheeled through the airport

Family time: Oliver, Roxy and their two children Pixie, five, and Hunter, three, are enjoying their first family holiday since the former businessman's incarceration

Oliver appeared to be in good spirits, smiling as he led his family through the entrance to the airport.

Roxy, sporting a chic Givenchy ensemble, smiled as she walked through the terminal with her children, daughter Pixie happily skipping ahead.

At one point she was seen carrying a white fluffy bunny toy that belonged to one of her kids.

Oliver, Roxy Jacenko and their two children Pixie, five, and Hunter, three, are headed off for their first family holiday since the former businessman's incarceration.

All smiles: Oliver appeared to be in good spirits, smiling as he led his family through the entrance to the airport

Fluffy bunny: At one point Roxy was seen carrying a white fluffy bunny toy that belonged to one of her kids

Digs: The Sydney publicist revealed the family are staying at a luxury resort in Bali, a definite step up from Oliver's prior living arrangements in Cooma Prison

Luxe abode: As they've brought their two children along for the getaway, it is likely they have booked the biggest three-bedroom villa for their stay at the luxurious Alila Villas in Uluwatu

Excited: Roxy, sporting a chic Givenchy ensemble, smiled as she walked through the terminal with her children, daughter Pixie happily skipping ahead

The Sydney publicist revealed the family are staying at a luxury resort in Bali, a definite step up from Oliver's prior living arrangements in Cooma Prison.

As they've brought their two children along for the getaway, it is likely they have booked the biggest three-bedroom villa for their stay at the luxurious Alila Villas in Uluwatu.

The three-bedroom pool villa starts from $3186 per night and is available on a cliff or hill with ocean views.
Photos have emerged of Chloe Bennet in Hawaii sharing a kiss with YouTube star Logan Paul in the shallows of the Pacific.

The Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. actress was wearing a bikini that emphasized her rear, whereas Logan bared his sculpted torso while dressed in red swimming trunks.

A source alleged to JustJared, in a report the site ran this Wednesday, that Chloe and her beau Austin Nichols had 'decided to part ways about a month ago.'

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A place in the sun: Photos have emerged of Chloe Bennet in Hawaii appearing to share a kiss with YouTube star Logan Paul in the shallows of the Pacific

While Chloe apparently planted a smooch on Logan, she'd got one arm draped about his shoulders, whereas he'd got his hand at her lower back near her derriere.

They were also photographed as the 22-year-old Logan stood behind 25-year-old Chloe in the water, he wrapping his arms about the Chicago-born actress.

Chloe, who per IMDb was on seven episodes of Nashville, was seen grasping Logan's right hand with both of her hands, as a small wave crested on its way to them.

The looks: The Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. actress was wearing a bikini that emphasized her rear, whereas Logan bared his sculpted torso while dressed in red swimming trunks

Cozy: They were also photographed as the 22-year-old Logan stood behind 25-year-old Chloe in the water, he wrapping his arms about the Chicago-born actress

A photo Chloe'd posted to her Instagram page on Tuesday showed her seemingly at the back of a small boat with the shirtless Logan and her stylist pal Sonia Young.

Giving Kauai as their location, Chloe's written: 'Understated festivities going on over here,' tagging Logan and Sonia, the latter of whom styles Paris Jackson, per WWD.

Chloe's also tweeted a photo of Logan dressed in nothing but blue boxer briefs and sipping from a coconut through a straw while standing inside near a palm. 'Apparently today @LoganPaul discovered palm trees,' she's written.

Logan had called Chloe his 'future ex-wife' on a joke-filled vlog post, in a clip he'd filmed at the airport before they and a group of pals jetted to Hawaii. He also tweeted this Wednesday that he'll be 'explaining everything in tomorrow's vlog'.

Tropical paradise: Chloe, who per IMDb was on seven episodes of Nashville, was seen grasping Logan's right hand with both of her hands, as a small wave crested on its way to them

The source who'd gossiped to JustJared about Chloe's split from Austin has said that 'They have tremendous love and respect for each other but after almost four years together, they just drifted apart,' and that 'There are no hard feelings.'

Austin was on a 2013 episode of Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. as hacker Miles Lyndon, who's had romantic entanglements with Chloe's Daisy 'Skye' Johnson.

As JustJared have pointed out, Austin and Chloe hadn't been photographed together since April 29, when they had attended Samantha Bee's Not The White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, D.C.

Trio: A photo Chloe'd posted to her Instagram page on Tuesday showed her seemingly at the back of a small boat with the shirtless Logan and her stylist pal Sonia Young

Note the hat: Chloe's also tweeted a photo of Logan dressed in nothing but blue boxer briefs and sipping from a coconut through a straw while standing inside near a palm
Former Big Brother star Tim Dormer has finally revealed what his boyfriend Ash Toweel thinks about their new flatmate.

It appears the happy couple have given DJ and former Channel [V] personality Danny Clayton full use of the shared amenities in their Bondi home.

In a hilarious parody video shared to Instagram on Thursday, Danny, Tim and Ash enjoyed a male bonding session by showering nude together.

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Shower power! TV presenter Danny Clayton (right) enjoyed a nude shower with his new flatmates, Big Brother star Tim Dormer (left) and his boyfriend Ash (centre)

At the start of the video, Danny is sat at his computer reading a Daily Mail Australia report about his new living arrangement.

'Have you read that Daily Mail article? I think it's insinuating I'm a third wheel. I'm not even gay,' he said, sounding rather deflated.

Moments later, he climbed into a shower with Tim and Ash.

'I'm not even gay': At the start of the video, Danny is sat at his computer reading a Daily Mail Australia report about his new living arrangement

That escalated quickly! Moments later, he climbed into a shower with Tim and Ash

The bearded DJ did his part to keep household bills to a minimum, as he brushed his teeth while his friends soaped up.

Suddenly, he realised something was amiss, peering over Ash to ask Tim: 'Hey! Did you get more milk?'

Tim's eyes-widened with embarrassment as he confessed: 'Aw, s**t!'

Happy couple! Earlier this year, Tim's representatives denied claims he was engaged to Ash, after they pair sparked rumours during a romantic beach trip

Tim captioned the video: 'After living in the Big Brother house I'm used to getting pretty close with my housemates.

'But I gotta say it's only one week in and things are moving very quickly.'

Danny replied in the comments: 'And this is on a quiet night!

Earlier this year, Tim's representatives denied claims he was engaged to Ash, after they pair sparked rumours during a romantic beach trip.

Taking to social media shortly after, Tim used the opportunity to express his anger over Australia's controversial same-sex marriage laws.

'Whether or not I got engaged...IT'S STILL BLOODY ILLEGAL FOR ME TO PUT A RING ON IT IN AUSTRALIA!!!' he wrote.

Last month, it was claimed Danny had moved into the couple's Bondi apartment, with Thursday's clip seemingly confirming the rumour.
Iggy Azalea was photographed in a midriff-baring ensemble while rehearsing on Wednesday for Univision's Premios Juventud 2017 award show.

She took the microphone and the stage at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Florida while practicing for the show that'll be taking place this Thursday.

The 27-year-old Sydney-born rapper, who isn't nominated for an award at the show, had donned a cleavage-emphasizing gleaming gold-colored bra-lette.

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Preparation: Iggy Azalea was photographed in a midriff-baring ensemble while rehearsing on Wednesday for Univision's Premios Juventud 2017 award show

Her slightly wavy platinum blonde hair falling free over her shoulders, she'd got on a knit pair of pine green shirt shorts and a tan pair of thigh-high boots.

Offstage, she stood for a photo in a glinting gold jacket that, while she was onstage, had been tied about her waist and had begun sagging down slightly at the front.

The Artist Revelation nominees are Bad Bunny, Christian Nodal, Danny Ocean, Justin Quiles, Morat, Ozuna, Piso 21 and Ulices Chaidez Y Sus Plebes, per Univision.

Location, location, location: She took the microphone and the stage at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Florida while practicing for the show that'll be taking place this Thursday

Hosting the evening's fete will be Mexican beauty queen Alejandra Espinoza, winner of Nuestra Belleza Latina in 2007, and dashing Ecuadorean actor Danilo Carrera.

Iggy Azalea revealed via Snapchat recently that Azealia Banks, the rapper with whom she'd once feuded, will be on Iggy's upcoming album Digital Distortion.

This Monday Iggy wrote on her Twitter that 'I dont expect you guys to understand why i would collaborate with someone who has publicly said they hope i die.'

When you got it: The 27-year-old Sydney-born rapper, who isn't nominated for an award at the show, had donned a cleavage-emphasizing gleaming gold-colored bra-lette

Her following tweet read: 'This has been something extremely negative for so long, if there is a way to make it positive and also be creative together, im here for it.'

Azealia'd tweeted of Iggy in December of 2014, the year of riots in Ferguson over the police shooting of Michael Brown: 'its funny to see people Like Igloo Australia silent when these things happen Black Culture is cool, but black issues sure arent huh?'

Iggy tweeted that 'Theres more to sparking a change than trolling on social media. World issues shouldnt be used as a poor excuse to promote fan battles.'

The look: Her slightly wavy platinum blonde hair falling free over her shoulders, she'd got on a knit pair of pine green shirt shorts and a tan pair of thigh-high boots

As that month wore on, Azealia went on Hot 97 and said of Iggy: 'Don't put her in hip hop,' and Iggy went on to tweet that Azealia was 'a MISERABLE, angry human being.'

Yet on Snapchat last month, Iggy expressed a desire to 'at least be able to come to an understanding,' also saying: 'As a 27 year old adult woman just know: I wish you well from one human to another and joke collaboration or not as adults we should move past trivial beef with strangers.'

Azealia's since told XXL: I hope that there will be a chance for us to have an open discussion about this, as I feel America and the world could really benefit from some candid discourse between two public figures about the worlds biggest sickness: racism. I wish for women of the future to be able to refer to this moment in womens culture as an example of what can happen when people take time to understand.'
BCU Turns to Conferencing for Remote Services

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By Alicia Young

Web Editor By Alicia YoungWeb Editor

Its an established fact at this point that video conferencing is transforming the ways in which various industries function. From operating rooms to court rooms, having the ability to speak with people who arent physically in the same location is proving to have immense benefits. This tactic is now being applied to banking thanks to Vidyo (News - Alert), which is helping Baxter Credit Union (BCU) launch video-only branches.





Vidyo, a provider of video collaboration solutions, announced today that BCU has deployed a video banking service using Vidyos cloud-based video collaboration technology. The goal of this deployment is to launch numerous video-only branches by the end of 2017.

The purpose of these video-only branches is to provide better access to BCUs members, as more than 65 percent of BCU members are not located near a branch. Using Vidyos solutions, BCU members will be able to use video to remotely connect face-to-face with credit union representatives and knowledge experts, no matter where they are or what device theyre using. So, whether a member is at home, on a mobile device or in-branch, they should have improved self-service and a better overall experience.

We are excited to offer a video service to our far-reaching member base so that they can easily connect with our knowledge experts face-to-face, from wherever they happen to be, recreating the in-branch experience remotely with exceptional quality, said BCU SVP and Chief Retail Officer Carey Price. With our mobile-first mindset, we looked for a simple-to-use video platform that would run across mobile and desktop applications and varying network connections - which made Vidyo the right fit for BCU.

Video-only branches are becoming more and more common. A few months ago, Bank of America announced that it will be implementing robo-branches across the U.S., and now BCU is doing the same. The ease in which these banks are able to introduce video-only branches is thanks in large part to the acceptance of video conferencing as a reliable and effective tool. Video collaboration is rapidly gaining traction among credit unions across the US as a capability that both reduces branch costs while increasing member engagement and satisfaction, said Vidyo CEO Eran Westman. We are thrilled that BCU is using Vidyo to create a differentiated experience and keep the human element in digital engagement.

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Edited by Maurice Nagle
Jeremy Renner cracked a smile despite his recent arm injuries as he landed at LAX Airport in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The 46-year-old actor managed to hurt both his right arm and his left wrist June 22 while working on the Atlanta set of New Line comedy Tag with Jon Hamm and Ed Helms.

The two-time Oscar nominee - who boasts 9.1M followers - wrote of his stunt accident on Instagram: 'Fall down seven times...stand up 8! #ouch #fixedup #pushthrough.'

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Healing nicely: Jeremy Renner cracked a smile despite his recent arm injuries as he landed at LAX Airport in Los Angeles on Wednesday

Cutthroat version of the children's game: The 46-year-old actor managed to hurt both his right arm and his left wrist June 22 while working on the Atlanta set of New Line comedy Tag

The two-time Oscar nominee - who boasts 9.1M followers - wrote of his stunt accident: 'Fall down seven times...stand up 8! #ouch #fixedup #pushthrough'

Jeremy paired his healing arm braces with a blue T-shirt, distressed blue jeans, black cap, matching shoes, and dark shades.

The Arrival actor was joined in the bustling terminal by his ex-roommate/business partner of 14 years Kristoffer Winters, with whom he's flipped 20-some houses.

His 43-year-old 'brother' - whose constant presence has perpetuated gay rumours - celebrated the Fourth of July holiday in Nevada with Renner and his family, including sister Kayla Renner.

The Golden Globe nominee had a blast in Lake Tahoe with his four-year-old daughter Ava, whose mother is his estranged wife Sonni Pacheco.

Incognito: Jeremy paired his healing arm braces with a blue T-shirt, distressed blue jeans, black cap, matching shoes, and dark shades

Inseparable: The Arrival actor was joined in the bustling terminal by his ex-roommate/business partner of 14 years Kristoffer Winters (L), with whom he's flipped 20-some houses

Perpetuating gay rumours: His 43-year-old 'brother' celebrated the Fourth of July holiday in Nevada with Renner and his family, including relative Kayla Renner (L)

The Captain America: Civil War heartthrob famously split with the Canadian model just 10 months after their secretive 2014 nuptials.

'[My biggest passion is] being a father,' Renner told Red Carpet Roxy on June 29.

'What I learn. What I get to teach. I'm the oldest of seven kids, so I have an affinity towards...I mean, kids are the purest, most beautiful spirit on the planet. And I'm doing all I can to avoid tarnishing that beautiful spirit as long as possible and I work on that every day.

'#celebration #amazingfamily': The Golden Globe nominee had a blast in Lake Tahoe with his four-year-old daughter Ava (L), whose mother is his estranged wife Sonni Pacheco

'Road less travelled... lead the way my ladies!' The Captain America: Civil War heartthrob famously split with the Canadian model just 10 months after their secretive 2014 nuptials

Renner told Red Carpet Roxy on June 29: '[My biggest passion is] being a father...She teaches me so many things and makes me a better human and makes me selfless because my life was so selfish before'

'Keep fear away. Keep her fearless and keep her strong and confident. It's beautiful, man, she teaches me so many things and makes me a better human and makes me selfless because my life was so selfish before.'

The 5ft9in action star can currently be seen as the mobster Tommy in The House with Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler, which has received absolutely dismal reviews since its June 30 opening.

Jeremy will next play US Fish and Wildlife Service agent Cory Lambert in Taylor Sheridan's Native American mystery Wind River, which hits US theaters August 4 and UK theaters September 8.

20% on Rotten Tomatoes: The 5ft9in action star can currently be seen as the mobster Tommy in The House with Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler, which has received dismal reviews
They're the young children who live extravagant lives, thanks to their Sydney PR queen mother Roxy Jacenko.

And Pixie Curtis, five, and Hunter Curtis, three, are currently enjoying their school holidays in style at the luxurious Alila Villas in Uluwatu, Bali.

The adorable siblings flew into Bali via business class on Wednesday and have been updating their 133.5k combined followers of their holiday adventures so far.

Not your average school holidays! Roxy Jacenko's children Pixie and Hunter pictured having a ball at VERY expensive Bali villas after father Oliver Curtis was released from jail

The Insta-famous duo's accounts are said to be managed by Roxy, who also boats an impressive 180k followers of her own.

Since settling into their impressive luxury villa, believed to cost a staggering $3186 per night, Pixie posed with her younger brother with cheery grins.

Pixie's account read, 'Love a bit of resort wear' while crediting Seed Heritage and Pixie Bows for her ensemble.

Roxy launched Pixie Bows in 2014 as a way of Pixie having her own business.

The pretty bows have since been worn by A-lister children Suri Cruise, Sarah Jessica Parker's daughters Tabitha and Loretta and Jessica Alba's daughter Haven.

The Sydney publicist previously told MailOnline that she set Pixie up with a trust fund, having earned $200 per promotional post on social media when she was at 12k followers.

'Pixie has an account which I opened a week after she was born and anything that she earns goes into that account so when she's older, she has a good start,' she explained.

Lounging around! Pixie was seen relaxing on a lounger facing the ocean from their private villa, estimated to be available from $3186 per night

Stylish and successful! Roxy launched Pixie Bows as a way of Pixie having her own business. The pretty bows have since been worn by A-lister children Suri Cruise, Sarah Jessica Parker's daughters Tabitha and Loretta and Jessica Alba's daughter Haven

In another Instagram snap from the trip, Pixie was seen relaxing on a lounger facing the ocean.

The five-star accommodation does not appear to offer any children activities, but their villa hosts a private pool and access to a personal butler service.

Pixie appeared in high spirits as she swam in their luxury private villa pool, wearing goggles with lashes attached.

Changing for a third time in the space of hours, Pixie donned a new outfit and a different Pixie Bows hair accessory.

She captioned the photo: 'The awkward lean - downpat.'

Making a splash! Pixie appeared in high spirits as she swam in their luxury private villa pool, wearing goggles with lashes attached

Another change! Changing for a third time in the space of hours, Pixie donned a new outfit and a different Pixie Bows hair accessory

Ready for the sun! Meanwhile, Roxy wasted no time in showing off her incredible bikini body once she arrived and was settled in on Thursday morning

Meanwhile, Roxy wasted no time in showing off her incredible bikini body once she arrived and was settled in on Thursday morning, flaunting her figure in a white bikini via a selfie taking in the villa's bathroom.

Less than seven months ago, Roxy and her adorable siblings jetted to Hawaii for a two-week holiday.

Pixie was treated to a swim with dolphins during their visit, as father Oliver remained in jail to complete his sentence for insider trading.

Roxy and Oliver married in 2012, but the couple's relationship had been rumoured to be on rocky ground, with the pair spotted without their wedding rings on in the days since Oliver's release from prison last month.

Roxy has been snapped on several occasions throughout the year sans wedding ring - the earliest being as far back as February.

Jet-setting trio! Less than seven months ago, Roxy and her adorable siblings jetted to Hawaii for a two-week holiday
Seth Rogen learned more than he ever wanted about his mother Sandy on Wednesday.

The actor was no doubt left cringing after his mother hilariously tweeted on Wednesday: 'Falling asleep after sex is like shavasana after yoga!'

The 35-year-old tweeted in reply to his mother's confession: 'Jesus f**king Christ mom.'

TMI! Seth Rogen was no doubt left cringing after his mother Sandy hilariously tweeted about her sex life on Wednesday, sharing, 'Falling asleep after sex is like shavasana after yoga!'

Hilarious! Seth's mother Sandy had Twitter users in stitches with her 'observation of life' (pictured with her son in 2016)

Defending herself, Sandy, who compared post-sex sleep to a yoga pose, tweeted in reply to her son: 'It's just an observation of life!'

But Seth was clearly unconvinced.

'Whatever!!' he responded.

Even Seth's sister Danya weighed in on the uncomfortable tweet.

'Jesus f**king Christ mom': Rogen learned more than he wanted about his mother on Twitter on Wednesday (pictured 2017)

'Whatever!!' Rogen responded to his mother's defense

An open book: Sandy had Mindy Kaling coming to her defense on Twitter (pictured 2016)

'@RogenSandy seriously. I actually gagged,' she tweeted, along with a green, nausea-looking emoji.

Mindy Kaling was just one of the numerous Twitter users to embrace Sandy and her candid tweet.

'I love it and I don't want you to dissuade her,' she replied to Seth.

'I don't think I can,' he responded.

Seth has been staying busy as usual with his successful career, with credits in the upcoming Lion King and TV series Friends from College.

Super awkward: Even Seth's sister Danya weighed in on the uncomfortable tweet
They have been reunited on the panel for this year's judging duties.

And Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne put on a particularly animated display as they joined forces with Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh following X Factor auditions in London on Wednesday night.

The judges were perhaps particularly excited, as this is the first time all four panellists were back together, following various bouts of illnesses and clashing schedules.

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Excited: Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne put on a particularly animated display as they joined forces with Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh during a night out in London on Wednesday night

Dressed in a pinstripe monochrome silk pyjama-inspired ensemble, Sharon put on an animated display for cameras.

With her hair in its trademark sleek bob and rocking a smokey eye, Sharon certainly looked fierce as she posed outside the venue.

Using an unsuspecting gate as her posing muse, the panellist threw up a peace sign to cameras, before hiding behind the gate in an array of peculiar poses.

In high spirits: The judges were perhaps particularly excited, as this is the first time all four panellists were back together, following various bouts of illnesses

She was joined by a dazzling Nicole Scherzinger, who followed suit with the quirky poses.

And Simon was clearly infected by their excitable mood, pulling an array of funny faces.

Pulling innocent bystander and presenter Dermot O'Leary into the picture, Simon beamed at cameras in an uncharacteristically happy display, putting his past persona as TV's 'Mr Nasty' behind him.

Three's not a crowd: Nicole and Louis looked a little lost as they headed out of the studio together while Sharon put on an animated display for cameras

Odd: Using an unsuspecting gate as her posing muse, the panellist threw up a peace sign to cameras, before hiding behind the gate in an array of peculiar poses

Girls just wanna have fun: She was joined by a dazzling Nicole Scherzinger, who followed suit with the quirky poses

Back to full health: After being forced to skip some auditions on Tuesday due to illness, Simon was clearly infected by their excitable mood, pulling an array of funny faces

Simon looked back in good health on Wednesday after being forced to bow out of auditions earlier in the week thanks to a sudden illness.

The head judge, 57, reportedly couldn't face being present for the array of hopefuls that would have been trotted out in front of the panel to try their luck at stardom, retreating to the solitude of a dressing room and letting co-stars Nicole, Sharon and Louis Walsh to take the reigns.

Taking place at London's Tobacco Dock on Tuesday, a source told The Sun that Simon 'didn't feel well early in the day so had to have a bit of a slower start to the day than usual'.

In a slight anticlimax, the source then added: 'But he felt a bit better as Tuesday went on so decided he would attend after all!'

The source also claimed that Nicole took the role of head judge in Simon's absence, 'commanding attention' and leading proceedings until Simon was able to return to his duties at the top of the judging desk.

Shake up: Pulling innocent bystander and presenter Dermot O'Leary into the picture, Simon beamed at cameras in an uncharacteristically happy display, putting his past persona as TV's 'Mr Nasty' behind him

Making some changes: There's also rumblings that he wants to cut the number of live weeks down from 10 to six

Here come the boys: Simon was joined by X Factor host Dermot O'Leary

Back for more: The same judging panel has reunited for another run of the ITV show

With Sharon and Nicole's missed auditions last week, ITV recruited Alesha Dixon to fill in at the recent Edinburgh auditions.

Despite Alesha's temporary appearance all the judges from last season, as well as presenter Dermot O'Leary, are back for the most recent edition of the singing show.

Meanwhile Nicole Scherzinger dazzled in tangerine, having recently returned from celebrating her birthday in Mykonos over the weekend.

Despite heading back to work in London on Wednesday, Nicole Scherzinger was in great spirits as she led the party atmosphere on a night out with her X Factor co-stars.

Back in town: She had the weekend off to celebrate her birthday in Mykonos. And despite heading back to work in London on Wednesday, Nicole Scherzinger was in great spirits as she led the party atmosphere on a night out with her X Factor co-stars

Looking fab: Nicole, 39, who was busy showing off her bikini body in racy Instagram snaps earlier in the week, flaunted her trim figure in the bodycon dress

Commanding attention: With belt detail at the waist, her hourglass curves stole the spotlight, while a glimpse of her toned legs were also on show in the midi-length number

Come here you! Nicole leaned in for a smooch from her long-term pal Louis

The bubbly judge looked simply sensational in a sizzling dress as she larked around with Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh after the latest round of auditions in London.

With belt detail at the waist, her hourglass curves stole the spotlight, while a glimpse of her toned legs were also on show in the midi-length number.

Military-style detail on the shoulders and statement leather pockets added some quirky interest to the chic frock.

Ready to hit the sack? After her kooky antics, Sharon looked a little tired as she headed outside

Good to be back! Nicole took a few days over the weekend to celebrate her birthday in Mykonos

Nicole looked delighted to be reunited with her X Factor pals, larking around with Louis, who was dapper in a black shirt and chinos.

Meanwhile the show's format is allegedly due a shake up, and Simon, 57, is said to be considering altering the tried and tested Saturday and Sunday live shows in terms of their content.

While the last few seasons of the show have seen the contestants perform tracks to the studio audience on the Saturday and then return to face the results of the public vote on the Sunday, it's said that Simon wants this to happen on both evenings going forward.

Twists in store: Simon and the producers are considering altering the tried and tested Saturday and Sunday live shows for the new series

Popular panel: Audience favourite Nicole is back on the panel with long-term judge Louis

What's more, the music mogul has supposedly expressed that special guest performers - usually reserved for the Sunday shows - appear on both nights, rather than featuring two every Sunday.

There's also rumblings that he wants to cut the number of live weeks down from 10 to six; and further gossip suggests he wants the audition stages to take place randomly at Thorpe Park.

To round off the changes, Simon is said to have had it with novelty acts such as Jedward or Wagner from seasons' past, after last year Honey G came a little too close to potentially winning the entire series.

Finishing touches: Nicole's glam look was completed by metallic jewelry

Curve appeal: The stunner showed off her pert derriere as she headed off in her car
Her likeness to her Oscar-winning sister is uncanny, leaving many fans dumbfounded by the resemblance.

And much like her older sibling Penelope, Monica Cruz, 40, wasn't shy in showcasing her incredible figure in a daring red bikini as she soaked up the sun in Marbella, Spain on Wednesday.

The actress - who currently appears on Spanish TV series Velvet Coleccion - enjoyed the beach break to the country's renowned coastal resort in her daring two-piece

Red alert! Monica Cruz, 40, wasn't shy in showcasing her incredible figure in a daring red bikini as she soaked up the sun in Marbella, Spain on Wednesday

Monica's sizzling swimwear accentuated her enviable taut stomach and ample cleavage in her plunging halterneck bikini top.

Highlighting her lean limbs, she slipped on a pair of matching bikini bottoms which hugged her pert derriere as she hopped across the hot sand barefoot.

The European beauty distance shots whilst her older sister was pregnant. Clevermade sure to command attention in her racy beach look while her brunette locks tousled in the sea breeze.

Monica - who famously collaborated with her sister for a collection with Spanish retailer Mango in 2007 - covered her peepers with a pair of oversized shades while she topped up her golden tan under the burning sun.

Bottoms up: Highlighting her lean limbs, she slipped on a pair of matching bikini bottoms which hugged her pert derriere as she hopped across the hot sand barefoot

Monica famously made the decision to have children alone, welcoming daughter Antonella by an anonymous sperm donor that they will never be able to trace.

It was a decision that was five years in the making, and she told The Mail On Sunday in 2014: It was not a decision I took on a whim.

'But once I had thought about it  and investigated  I knew it had to happen. Being a mother was too important to me to risk running out of time.

It is a contrasting set of circumstances to actress sister Penelope, who is married to Spanish star Javier Bardem.

Motherhood: Monica (R) famously made the decision to have children alone, welcoming daughter Antonella by an anonymous sperm donor that they will never be able to trace (Pictured with sister Penelope in 2016)

In contrast: It is a contrasting set of circumstances to actress sister Penelope, who is married to Spanish star Javier Bardem (Pictured in 2011)

They have a son named Leo, born in 2011, as well as a daughter called Luna, born in 2013.

'I dont think this makes me brave,' Monica added. 'Why is it braver to be a single mother versus being with a partner? Being in a couple and having a child could be more challenging, because there might be conflict.

'If the male partner cannot understand the extreme attachment a woman feels when she has a child.'
He has a knack for creating wacky dishes that never fail to impress.

And on Thursday's episode of MasterChef, Callan Smith's big gamble didn't pay off, with the 19-year-old being eliminated after serving the judges 'dessert sushi'.

The student reinterpreted sushi for the elimination cook off, and despite impressing the judges with his ingenuity, it just wasn't enough to get him over the line.

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'I couldn't be more proud of the dish I put up!' Callan Smith was eliminated from MasterChef after 'bamboozling' the judges with his dessert sushi on Thursday's episode

'You never want your time to be up in this competition, but for me, if there was ever a time to go home, today's the day,' Callan said after being eliminated.

'You just want to leave on a dish that you're happy with, and for me, today, this dish that I put up, I couldn't be more proud of.

'But at the same time, being on MasterChef has been the best time of my life. The amount that I've learned and the things that I've experienced are second to none.

'Undoubtedly, the best couple of months of my life,' he concluded.

So close! The student reinterpreted sushi for the elimination cook off, and despite impressing the judges with his ingenuity, it just wasn't enough to get him over the line

When saying goodbye to the judges, Gary Mehigan praised the aspiring chef and said they will look out for him on the food circuit in the future.

'On day one, we told you that no-one would ever forget the name of Callan Smith, and you have absolutely proved us right. Say your name,' Gary said.

'We're going to remember it, mate, and we can't wait to see what you do in the future.'

Callan replied: 'I've definitely been in this competition to put food up that makes people smile. To put up dishes that just make you enjoy food, and for me, I'm going to definitely continue that on in the bigger, wider world.'

Rising star: When saying goodbye to the judges, Gary Mehigan (right) praised the aspiring chef and said they will look out for him on the food circuit in future

It was revealed at the end of the show that Callan is now working at Longrain in Sydney, which is an Asian eatery in Surry Hills.

It was also claimed that Callan is working on a musical-inspired pop-up restaurant.

Callan was eventually sent home after an intense cook-off with Sarah and Tamara.

Rivals: Callan was sent home after an intense cook-off with Sarah (left) and Tamara (centre)

He created roasted rice ice cream, candied nori, salmon crumb and some crispy rice.

Meanwhile, Sarah did her own interpretation of a 'steamboat', making steamed pork.

Tamara cooked pork dumplings in a spicy broth with soy quail eggs and crispy chicken skin.

The trio had just 75 minutes to create their dishes, and were told to 'cook a dish that celebrates where you've come from, but at the same time, shows us where you want to take your food in the future.'

Sarah, who had previously won an immunity pin, could have decided not to cook in the elimination round, but chose to trust her skills.

Looks tasty! Sarah did her own interpretation of a 'steamboat', making steamed pork

Dish: Tamara made pork dumplings in a spicy broth with soy quail eggs and crispy chicken skin

When Callan was cooking, Gary said his sushi dessert idea seemed like 'madness' but tried to encourage him along.

Before tasting Callan's dish, Matt Preston asked Callan if it was 'brilliant or bonkers', with the teenager saying he hoped it was both.

George Calombaris claimed Callan should be 'proud' of the creative dish he made, but it will ultimately come down to taste.

After tasting the dish and not knowing what to expect, the judges all said they were rather impressed.

'I think we all doubted this dish, didn't we?' Matt said.

'I think we all doubted this dish, didn't we?' After tasting the dish and not knowing what to expect, the judges all said they were rather impressed

'I think we all thought it was way more bonkers than brilliant. But if you can put bacon into a dessert - and lots of top guys are doing it - putting salmon treated that way is very similar. And there's lots of stuff that makes it really tasty,' Matt said.

George added: 'The salmon, for me, played this weird thing in my brain where I felt like it was caramelised white chocolate as I bit into it. The ice cream is definitely smooth and creamy. I'm sitting here quite bamboozled, but I'm happy.'

Gary said he 'liked' the dish, but said Callan should of pushed the roasted rice ice cream further.

High concept cooking: When Callan was cooking, Gary said his sushi dessert idea seemed like 'madness' but tried to encourage him along

Matt told Tamara she cooked the 'best dish (she'd) cooked in the competition so far.'

They also enjoyed Sarah's dish and thought it had a lot of 'guts'.

'I can't fault it. I think it's absolutely wonderful. It's jam-packed with everything that I think I love,' Gary said afterwards.
They have had an apparently tumultuous relationship since they started dating last summer.

But Lottie Moss appeared to be missing boyfriend Alex Mytton as she stepped out in London on Wednesday.

The model, 19, looked downcast as she left Embargo Republica Night Club In Chelsea in the early hours of Thursday morning, after posting a nostalgic post asking Alex to come home from Ibiza.

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Down in the dumps? Lottie Moss appeared to be missing boyfriend Alex Mytton as she stepped out in London on Wednesday

Dressed in wide-legged black palazzo pants, she showcased her tiny waist to perfection.

Teaming it with a loose white blouse and chunky platform heels, the younger sister of supermodel Kate Moss oozed understated elegance.

Wearing her blonde hair tied back off her face, she accentuated her chiselled bone structure with a touch of make-up.

Heading to a grocery store after her girls' night out, Lottie put on a serious display.

Missing her man: The model, 19, looked downcast as she left Embargo Republica Night Club In Chelsea in the early hours of Thursday morning, after posting a nostalgic post asking Alex to come home from Ibiza

Her appearance came a few hours after she posted a throwback as she posed on a balcony in Ibiza with her beau.

Putting on an affectionate display, the good-looking duo appeared to be suspended pre-kiss as they stared lovingly into each other's eyes.

'Cute/awkward mid kiss photo. Come home now', she captioned the nostalgic snap.

Meanwhile Alex recently opened up to MailOnline about his relationship with the model.

Despite once being quite the ladies man of hit series Made In Chelsea, it looks as though Alex Mytton may slowly be growing up, thanks to his relationship with Lottie Moss, and seeing his ex girlfriend Binky Felstead become a mum.

Model behaviour: Dressed in wide-legged black palazzo pants, she showcased her tiny waist to perfection

The hunky reality star, 26, admitted his model girlfriend is wise beyond her years, and seeing his former co-star Binky starting a family with Josh Patterson has been an eye-opener.

Speaking to MailOnline from Ibiza in June, where he is filming the latest instalment of MIC, Alex was joined by his girlfriend who has been keeping him company amid his busy filming schedule.

However the model, who is half sister to supermodel Kate Moss, has no plans to join the reality show.

'Lottie wont join MIC, she has her own stuff going on,' Alex revealed.

Their relationship was rocked by claims of a break-up earlier in the year when a video surfaced of them having a spat during a night out, culminating in Lottie screaming 'It's done'.

'Every relationship has its ups and downs but the making up is worth the spats!' he said cheekily of his relationship with Lottie Moss, 19

Growing up: The hunky reality star, 26, admitted his model girlfriend, 19, is wise beyond her years, and seeing his former co-star Binky (pictured) starting a family has been an eye-opener

This came just a few months after Alex posted a rather grovelling Valentine's message to the blonde from New York, writing: 'She hates me right now for being a complete p**s head last night but it wouldn't be Valentine's Day without some form of hatred/argument would it!'

Luckily Lottie, who has been dating Alex for almost a year, appeared to see the humour in his post, replying 'Love you, you mess!'.

And it looks as though their relationship has gone from strength to strength, with Alex admitting that he enjoys the passion their fiery relationship has.

'Every relationship has its ups and downs but the making up is worth the spats!' he said cheekily.

And Alex, who was accused of cheating on ex Binky during their two-year relationship during season six of the series in 2013, added: 'I hope Ive learned from my past relationships. Lottie is mature for her age so we even up and age isnt an issue.'

Speaking about Binky, who welcomed a baby girl with co-star JP two weeks ago, he revealed the life change has been an eye-opener.

'I congratulated Binky on her baby news, its crazy! I FaceTimed JP and he was holding the baby girl as she was sleeping, they looked really sweet.

'I congratulated Binky on her baby news, its crazy!' Alex now has a good relationship with his ex

'I FaceTimed JP and he was holding the baby girl as she was sleeping, they looked really sweet. JP will be a super protective caring father.' Alex said

But seeing his co-stars becoming a parents has far from made Alex broody.

'Seeing Binky at this life stage is eye-opening, I dont think Ill be ready for babies till my thirties- Im just not mature enough,' he admitted.

'Obviously sometimes you cant always plan things,' he added, continuing: 'Theyll be amazing parents, JP will be a super protective caring father.'

And revealing that he and Binky have moved on from any differences, he admitted: 'Were all on good terms now, when a baby comes into the picture everyone comes together.'

Alex has had a hectic schedule of late, filming the latest instalment of MIC in Sunny Spain.
She is among the most sought after Victoria's Secret Angels.

And Romee Strijd proved just why that was the case as she stepped out in New York on Wednesday.

The Dutch model, 21, showed off her model physique in thigh-skimming workout gear as she headed to the gym with her boyfriend of eight years Laurens van Leeuwen.

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Turning heads: Romee Strijd proved just why that was the case as she stepped out in New York on Wednesday

Making the most of her endless legs, Romee sported a pair of tiny shorts and pale pink trainers.

Flaunting a glimpse of her toned tummy, she teamed it with a short white t-shirt with pretty neck detailing.

Wearing her blonde locks in a loose ponytail, she covered her face with a pair of reflective sunglasses as she smiled at cameras.

She was joined by Laurens, who sported Nike shorts and a grey t-shirt, enjoying the feel of the sunshine on his face as they headed to the gym.

Couples who train together stay together: The Dutch model, 21, showed off her model physique in a her thigh-skimming workout gear as she headed to the gym with her boyfriend of eight years Laurens van Leeuwen

The Dutch couple - who began dating in 2009 - reportedly met through his sister while Strijd was still a teenager.

'I want to marry him and have children,' the 5ft11in catwalker gushed to NU.nl last March.

'We have had serious talks about it together.'

Romee's bearded beau co-founded PartyPants, eighties retro trousers with 'ultra-deep' pockets specifically designed for EDM festivals.

Laurens also happens to be the nepotistically-privileged son of Netherlands presenter Bert van Leeuwen best known for hosting Family Dinner.

Meanwhile, Strijd currently fronts all-American designer Michael Kors' preppy SS/17 campaign.

The Victoria's Secret Angel - who got her 'wings' in 2015 - has been with the San Francisco lingerie brand for three years.

Speaking about her clothes horse physique, IMG Model duo and BFFs Jasmine Tookes and Romee recently opened up about keeping each other motivated to keep fit.

'Sometimes, when I don't feel like working out, she'll push me to go, and the same can be said the other way around!' she confided.

Their meal dates had also come up, as Romee told the magazine: 'It also helps to plan a fun breakfast or lunch after a workout as something to look forward to.'
THE WANDERING HEARTS



Wild Silence (Decca)





Theres an appealing rawness to this debut. A male-female quartet with a folk-rock penchant, their harmonies will elicit comparisons with Fleetwood Mac, but the acoustic instrumentation looks more to country, with Fire And Water a lively hoedown and Burning Bridges a nostalgic ballad.


As a supermodel she is known for her killer body.

And Alessandra Ambrosio, 36, showed exactly why she is one of the highest earning models in the world as she flaunted her impressively toned physique on holiday with fiance Jamie Mazur in Mykonos on Wednesday.

The Victoria's Secret Angel looked honed to perfection as she showed off her ripped abs in a tiny blue, cream and white bandeau bikini top while frolicking in the surf with Jamie.

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Beach babe: Alessandra Ambrosio, 36, showed exactly why she is one of the highest earning models in the world as she flaunted her impressively toned physique on holiday with fiance Jamie Mazur in Mykonos on Wednesday

Putting on a cheeky display, the star Brazilian-born clotheshorse also revealed her pert derriere in her highcut swimwear.

Her chestnut tresses were swept back into a tousled bun and she appeared to go make-up free for the occasion.

She shielded her sparkling eyes from the sun with round shades.

The couple of 11 years were later seen putting on an affectionate display as they laughed out loud while enjoying a cocktail.

Showcasing the intensity of her love for Jamie - the founder of RE/DONE jeans - Alessandra posted a romantic sunset snap showing her swept up in the arms of her beau while she plants a kiss on him, captioned 'and I love him'.

Peachy: Putting on a cheeky display, the star Brazilian-born clotheshorse also revealed her pert derriere in her highcut swimwear

In sync: The couple of 11 years were later seen putting on an affectionate display as they laughed out loud while enjoying a cocktail

'And I love him': Showcasing the intensity of her love for Jamie - the founder of RE/DONE jeans - Alessandra posted a romantic sunset snap showing her swept up in the arms of her beau while she plants a kiss on him

And showing she hasn't let her fitness regime slip on holiday the star later posted an Instagram shot of herself, clad in lycra workout gear in an impressive yoga headstand.

The beauty shares daughter Anja, 8, and son Noah, five, with Jamie- who she began dating in 2005.

The couple became engaged on 12 May 2008 after Alessandra became pregnant with their daughter.

'Cruising': And showing she hasn't let her fitness regime slip on holiday the star later posted an Instagram shot of herself, clad in lycra workout gear in an impressive yoga headstand

Alessandra recently spoke candidly about becoming a mother in an interview with Net-A-Porter last year and admitted since having children, her approach to modelling has changed.

The fashion star explained: 'I used to be 100% comfortable on lingerie shoots - then I had a child.

'Somehow it felt a bit weirder to be in lingerie once I was a mum. Your body will never go back to exactly what it was before pregnancy, whatever people tell you. It can't.

'But I think I have a better body now than before I had kids... it just looks more formed now and I feel better about it than I did.'

The Brazilian beauty shot to fame in the early 2000s when she graced the covers of glossy magazines such as Vogue, GQ and Elle.

She was handed her Victoria's Secret wings in 2006 and has been chosen to wear the Fantasy Bra twice in her 11-year tenure.
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The Commission for Environment, Energy and Climate Change (ENVE) of the European Committee of the Regions met in Tallinn earlier this week under the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The topics of environment and climate change, waste to energy and space were on top of the agenda in the Kultuurikatel, Tallinns creative hub.

The ENVE Commission passed an opinion on the Environmental Implementation Review (EIR), a tool to improve the implementation of environmental law and policy across the European Union. The rapporteur is Andrew Cooper (UK/EA), member of the Kirklees Council in the UK. The opinion recommends new policy areas to be added to the EIR such as chemicals, industrial emissions and action on climate change. Councillor Andrew Cooper said: Im delighted that the opinion was passed with no CoR members opposing it on the final vote. I am particularly pleased that the concept of Locally Determined Contributions (LDCs) and Regionally Determined Contributions (RDCs) has been accepted by the ENVE Commission.

The opinion requests that the European Commission works with relevant national authorities, the European Committee of the Regions, the EU Covenant of Mayors, the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy and ICLEI to develop the concept and methodologies for introducing Local and Regionally Determined Contributions, thereby contributing towards climate change targets agreed under the COP21 Paris Climate Agreement.

LDCs and RDCs are a way of filling the emissions reduction gap that needs to be bridged if we are to achieve the targets set in Paris at COP21 of limiting global temperature rises to no more than 1.5% degrees above pre industrial levels. These LDCs and RDCs would form the basis of targets and delivery plans for Local and Regional Governments to lead on the reduction of emissions in their own areas. What is really exciting about the ENVE Commission passing this opinion is that it could form the basis for a template for reporting local and regional action across the globe, giving the opportunity for partnerships with organisations like the US Covenant of Mayors who are opposing President Trumps decision to pull out of the obligations of the COP21 Paris Climate Agreement said Councillor Cooper. The opinion, as adopted in Tallinn, will be voted by all members of the European Committee of the Regions during the October plenary session in Brussels.

Members also adopted the draft opinion'Space Strategy for Europe' by Rakvere city councillor Andres Jaadla (EE/ALDE). Jaadla said: 'the regional dimension is fundamental for bringing space benefits closer to users. Local and regional authorities wish to be further involved in the implementation of the European space policy. This would help integrating space technologies into multiple other policies such as the EU's Urban Agenda, smart cities, climate change, energy and transport management and city planning.

The members of the ENVE committee of the CoR discussed a working paper on climate change by rapporteur Marco Dus (IT/PES), member of the Vittorio Veneto Municipal Council in the Province of Treviso. Ahead of COP23, UNs climate talks to take place in November, cities and regions are now focusing on climate finance. The objective is to speed up financial flows, simplifying access to existing funding schemes and raising the convergence between climate action and other main EU policies such as cohesion or the Common Agriculture Policy.

During ENVE's meeting, local representatives had an exchange of views on 'the role of waste-to-energy in the circular economy by rapporteur Kata Tutto (HU/PES) , representative of Budapest 12 District Local Government.

All working documents of the ENVE commission meeting in Tallinn can be found here.

Contact: David Crous | david.crous@cor.europa.eu | +32 (0) 470 881 037
Jamie Jewitt's brother is currently serving 10 years for prison for his involvement in a cocaine and cannabis bust worth 5.2million.

Luke - the elder brother of the Love Island hunk - was sentenced in July last year as one of 11 members of a gang after drugs were imported from Malaga, Spain.

Detectives seized 600,000 worth of cocaine in a taxi, leading to the arrest of members of the group.

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In the family: Jamie Jewitt's brother is currently serving 10 years for prison for his involvement in a cocaine and cannabis bust worth 5.2million

At the time, Detective sergeant Daren Guess from ERSOU said: 'This was a sophisticated drugs importation and distribution network which had the potential to flood the eastern region with cocaine and cannabis.'

The Sun reports that after the sentencing Luke and Jamie's mother Jenny wrote on Facebook: 'Facts from the paper are not the same as facts from people. The reliability of the people giving you the facts is as important as the facts themselves.'

MailOnline have contacted Jamie's representatives for comment.

Jailed: Luke (R) - the elder brother of the Love Island hunk (L) - was sentenced in July last year as one of 11 members of a gang after drugs were imported from Malaga, Spain

Imprisoned: Luke was sentenced to ten years in prison for the crime

Jamie entered the Love Island villa on Wednesday night and proved to be an immediate hit with the ladies after taking Amber Davies, Camilla Thurlow and Tyla Carr on dates.

Camilla appeared particularly enamoured with the former Taking New York star after they bonded over a love of literature.

The bomb disposal expert, who has flabbergasted her housemates with her penchant for long words and debates about feminism, was impressed by the more in-depth conversion she has with Jamie.

Newbie: Jamie entered the Love Island villa on Wednesday night and proved to be an immediate hit with the ladies after taking Amber Davies, Camilla Thurlow and Tyla Carr on dates

Newbie: Jamie entered the Love Island villa on Wednesday night and proved to be an immediate hit with the ladies after taking Camilla Thurlow on a dates

However, romance might not be on the cards for the pair, as Jamie's ex Georgina Leigh Cantwell has now branded the long-haired hunk a 'love rat'.

Georgina, who enjoyed a brush with fame when she took part in Big Brother 2016, also appeared with Jamie on E4 reality show Taking New York.

She told The Sun: 'He is so lovely girls throw themselves at him, but he cheats on all his girlfriends.

'Hes a love rat and will admit it himself. He loves women and cant help himself.'

She warned that Camilla was too 'boring and sweet' to keep Jamie from straying.
Oliver Curtis has shared his first family photo with Roxy Jacenko since his release from prison last month, after serving a year for insider trading.

In the photo, posted to Oliver's private Instagram account this week, the disgraced investment banker, 31, poses with his PR queen wife, 37, while on holiday in Bali.

The couple look the picture of family happiness, joined by their children Pixie and Hunter, following months of rumours they split before his sentencing last year.

Smile for the camera! Oliver Curtis (left) has shared his first family photo with wife Roxy Jacenko (right) since his release from prison last month, after serving a year for insider trading

Like what you see? The happy photo clearly had the seal of approval from the Sweaty Betty PR founder, with Roxy quickly 'liking' the snap

Oliver appears happy and relaxed as his smiles with his young family, placing his arm around Roxy's back and joking about his son's matching striped T-shirt.

In the caption, the convicted felon writes, 'When your son steals your look' and tags three-year-old Hunter's Instagram account.

The picture, which is one of just five featured on Oliver's Instagram account, was taken during their family holiday at a $3000-a-night resort in Bali, Indonesia.

Missing someone? Oliver has yet to appear on Roxy's own Instagram account, which boasts over 180,000 followers, since his release from Cooma Correctional Centre a fortnight ago

The happy photo clearly had the seal of approval from the Sweaty Betty PR founder, with Roxy quickly 'liking' the snap.

Meanwhile, Oliver has yet to appear on Roxy's own Instagram account, which boasts over 180,000 followers, since his release from Cooma Correctional Centre.

In June last year, Oliver was convicted of insider trading and sentenced to two years in prison but was released after 12 months on a good behaviour bond.

Unconfirmed rumours: Since he was jailed, Roxy has faced persistent rumours she quietly split from her husband. However, she has publicly claimed she is 'still married'.

Since he was jailed, Roxy has faced persistent rumours she quietly split from her husband. However, she has publicly claimed she is 'still married'.

Friends of Oliver told Daily Mail Australia in March the couple had split before he was sent to jail, but were keeping up a family facade for the sake of their two children.

In April, the Sydney publicist was pictured kissing her ex-boyfriend, millionaire property developer Nabil Gazal, in his apartment following a night out with friends.

Following his release from jail in June The Saturday Telegraph reported Oliver had told fellow inmates 'he was prepared to forgive his wife for any indiscretions while he was behind bars' if Roxy would forgive his past criminal behaviour.

Gossip: Friends of Oliver told Daily Mail Australia in March the couple had split before he was sent to jail, but were keeping up a family facade for the sake of their two children
She first came into the public eye at age 16 when she won the Girlfriend magazine Model Search in 2006.

And even after walking in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show two years later, Sarah Stephens has admitted it took her a while to become truly body confident.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph about her new campaign for Australian lingerie brand Bras N Things this week, the 27-year-old said she doesn't feel any 'pressure' anymore when it comes to stripping off in front of the camera.

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'I'm finally comfortable with my body': Former Victoria's Secret model Sarah Stephens, 27, says she's confident in her own skin

'I'm older now, I feel like a veteran and I'm finally at that place where I am comfortable with my body and I don't feel the pressure as much,' Sarah said.

'If I need to lose weight for whatever reason, I do it the good old-fashioned way - exercise and working out - and I don't let it get to my head.'

Sarah, who claimed she wasn't always 'comfortable' with her figure, added: 'When you start so young, girls can be quite insecure with their body.'

Flawless: Sarah has admitted it's taken her a while to be body confident

Success: She walked in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 2008, when she was just 18

The brunette beauty is shooting a new campaign for Bras N Things in Sydney, having flown in from New York, where she is based.

Sarah has also recently shot campaigns for Honey Birdette and has previously posed for the likes of Seafolly and Lacoste.

She has also dabbled in acting, and had a small role in Danny DeVito and Michael Douglas's film, Solitary Man.

Doing her thing! The brunette beauty is shooting a new campaign for Bras N Things in Sydney, having flown in from New York, where she is based

Back in the day: Sarah is pictured in 2006 when she won the Girlfriend Model Search

She has also played a lead role in the 2015 horror film The Witch.

Sarah, who was born in the UK to Australian parents, is known for her exotic looks and has more than 56,000 fans on Instagram.

Other models who started their careers winning the Girlfriend Model Search include Abbey-Lee Kershaw and Catherine McNeil.
They fell in love on The Bachelor Australia last year and, until recently, were rarely seen apart on social media and at red carpet events.

But Richie Strahan has sparked rumours he's secretly split from girlfriend Alex Nation when he refused to answer fans' questions about their relationship status.

The rope access technician shared an Instagram selfie on Thursday, but notably avoided comments about him and Alex 'still being together'.

However, he was perfectly happy to discuss other topics with his followers.

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'I feel like they hiding something': Richie Strahan (L) sparked rumours he's split from girlfriend Alex Nation (R) when he refused to answer fans' questions about their relationship status

'Are you and Alex still together?,' one fan commented. Another asked: 'Are Richie and Alex still dating?'

Richie did not answer his followers, even though a simple 'Yes' would have put to rest any rumours of a secret breakup.

However, one fan offered Richie a free 'double bacon and egg roll', and the reality TV star was perfectly happy to respond.

Er, next question! The rope access technician shared an Instagram selfie on Thursday, but notably avoided comments about him and Alex 'still being together'

'How come neither you nor Alex will confirm?' Until recently, The Bachelor couple were rarely seen apart at red carpet events - but now fans are concerned they have secretly split

He wrote enthusiastically: 'Those where the best! Next time I'm over that way I'll be sure to say g'day.'

Richie also replied to another fan, who had praised him for still having a 'normal job' after rising to fame on The Bachelor.

But, yet again, he chose to ignore followers who asked if he was still dating Alex.

Still in love... or just keeping up appearances? Richie has been rather quiet on his Instagram account in recent weeks. Alex was last featured on his page on May 22

A frustrated fan wrote: 'How come neither you nor will confirm whether or not you're still together? Your fans loved you as a couple and want to follow your journey but you just went cold turkey on everyone.'

Another commented: 'I feel like they hiding something at least until the current Bachelor season finished airing? hope nothing goes bad though, I love them as a couple.'

Richie has been rather quiet on his Instagram account in recent weeks. Alex was last featured on his page on May 22.

Meanwhile, Alex hasn't shared an Instagram post with Richie since posting a snap of the pair at the Logie Awards on April 25.

In June, Alex enjoyed a trip to Thailand without Richie. But she did write on social media that she was 'missing' her boyfriend.

Trying to keep things more private? Meanwhile, Alex hasn't shared an Instagram post with Richie since posting a snap of the pair at the Logie Awards on April 25

They are currently in a long-distance relationship, with Alex based in Melbourne while Richie lives in Perth.

In May, NW magazine reported the pair had split before the Logies, but put on a 'united front' for the cameras at the event.

Earlier this year, photos emerged of the pair on the streets of Perth following a rumoured argument. Alex appeared to have been crying.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Richie's representatives for comment.
She was dumped from the Love Island villa last week after failing to find love, but shared a kiss with her ex shortly afterwards.

And Chloe Crowhurst, 22, looked like she had lots to smile about as she put on an incredibly busty display while heading to the In The Style head offices in Manchester on Thursday.

The Essex born star slipped into a pretty ivory floral print playsuit which hugged her slender figure and showcased her endless legs.

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Pouty: Chloe Crowhurst, 22, looked like she had lots to smile about as she put on an incredibly busty display while heading to the In The Style head offices in Manchester on Thursday

Although demure in colour and print, the outfit featured a dangerously low cut neckline which revealed the star's pert assets as she sashayed along with a knowing smile on her face.

Thin straps and flared sleeves accentuated her toned arms, finished off with a rose manicure.

Adding height she donned a pair of strappy tan wedge sandals.

The blonde beauty went for her usual glamour girl look with fluttering false lashes, heavily lined eyes and a soft pink hue on her plump pout

Her platinum locks were swept up into an elegant bun with a delicate silver chain choker adorning her neck.

Stunner: Although demure in colour and print, the outfit featured a dangerously low cut neckline which revealed the star's pert assets as she sashayed along

Is it Jon? Chloe seemed absorbed in her phone as she sat on a wall in Manchester

Chloe is settling back into life outside the villa after her exit from the popular show last week, including indulging in a reunion with ex Jon Clark.

Chloe and Jon were dating before the blonde jetted off to Mallorca for the ITV2 series, with the TOWIE star blasting her for supposedly ditching him for the dating show.



She was spotted smooching Jon outside DSTRKT nightclub in London following a night out, which also saw them locked in a heated row.

Not meant to be: Chloe enjoyed a brief dalliance with Chris Hughes on the hit ITV2 show

Golden goddess: Chloe has been s settling back into life outside the villa after her exit from the popular show last week, including indulging in a reunion with ex Jon Clark

On/off: While dumped Love Island star Chloe has denied she is back together with her TOWIE beau Jon Clarke, she admitted during a chat on Wednesday's This Morning that their flame could be rekindled

Chloe was quick to deny that she and Jon were still together when she headed to the Love Island villa, explaining her radio silence to Holly Willougby and Phillip Schofield on This Morning as:'You cant tell anyone that you're going in.'

Of the rumours they are a couple again, Chloe was adamant, explaining: 'Were not back together,' but added: 'We are speaking. There may be something to rekindle.'

Meanwhile the blonde also refused to go into detail about rumours she will join Jon on his reality series TOWIE, coyly telling Holly and Phil: 'Nothing is confirmed,' adding: Im busy and Im working on stuff which is bigger and better. Watch this space.'
Marcus Grodd has proposed to his girlfriend Ally Lutar.

The 29-year-old TV star popped the question to the 35-year-old beauty at Lynn Valley Canyon in Vancouver in May, according to People. He presented her with a stunning three-carat diamond engagement ring.

The Bachelor vet was on Andi Dorfman's season of The Bachelorette and also appeared on Bachelor In Paradise.

Headed to the altar: Bachelor vet Marcus Grodd proposed to his girlfriend Ally Lutar in May, People has revealed

Lutar owns a marketing and staffing agency, Propelle+Konnect, which Grodd has joined.

'I was trying to find the perfect location to propose,' Grodd told the site. 'I wanted her to be completely surprised.'

He took her on a hike and 'popped the question down on one knee on a suspension bridge over a waterfall,' People said.

Close: He proposed on 'a mountainside hike and popped the question down on one knee on a suspension bridge over a waterfall,' the site said

Her parents and brother were 'waiting for the couple with bottles of champagne at the bottom of the river.'

The three-carat diamond engagement ring was made by Felix from Diamond Net in Vancouver.

The couple met at a barbecue in Newport Beach, California, in July 2016, the site added.

She got a good rock: The three-carat diamond engagement ring was made by Felix from Diamond Net in Vancouver

'The minute I met her I knew this was how you feel when you meet your wife for the first time. Ally is gorgeous and strong  I was completely drawn to her confidence,; he said.

He then called her 'an incredibly successful business owner' and added it was nice that her job allowed her to travel.

'It felt as if we had always been together,' he said.

Together one year: The couple met at a barbecue in Newport Beach, California, in July 2016, the site added

'Immediately we both knew we had found the missing piece in our lives. Ally moved in the very next day! I can truly say I knew I loved her the day I met her. We have moved so quickly because its always felt so right and meant to be.'

After making it to fourth place on Dorfmans season of The Bachelorette in 2014, he went on BIP.

He met then wed fellow contestant Lacy Faddoul, but the marriage was not legal and by summer 2016 they split.
Patton Oswalt has proposed to his girlfriend Meredith Salenger.

The 48-year-old comedian popped the question to the 47-year-old actress after going public with their relationship in June. They have been dating for only a few months.

Soon after People broke the news on Thursday, Meredith took to Instagram to share a photo of her emerald-cut diamond engagement ring. 'It's official. I'm the luckiest happiest girl in the universe!!!! I love you @pattonoswalt I love you Alice Oswalt! #YesYesYes.'

Alice is the eight-year-old daughter he had with his late wife Michelle McNamara. Fifteen months ago she tragically died in her sleep.

Headed down the aisle: Patton Oswalt has proposed to his girlfriend Meredith Salenger. On Thursday she confirmed the news by showing off her diamond engagement ring on Instagram and posing with Patton as well as his daughter Alice

So close: The two have been together for a few months; here the couple are seen in mid June at the Baby Driver premiere

Meredith also took to Instagram to make a joke about the engagement news.

The brunette is seen holding up her left hand as she leans on her beau.

But instead of an engagement ring there is a photo of wrestler turned actor The Rock. Her caption read: 'I don't wanna brag... but check out the size of The Rock on my finger! Hahahah (photoshop via @edwardderuiter).'

Patton then confirmed his proposal as he later tweeted: 'I put the ring in a marzipan Slave I replica and said, "Will you be my Padawan of Love?" She maced me but said yes later.' Slave I and Padawan are Star Wars references.

Salenger then added: 'I'm marrying THIS nerd. #dontbejealous.'

Hee hee: Soon after People claimed the two were engaged, Meredith took to Instagram to make a joke about it. The brunette is seen holding up her left hand. But instead of an engagement ring there is a photo of wrestler turned actor The Rock

His note: Patton then confirmed his proposal as he later tweeted: 'I put the ring in a marzipan Slave I replica and said, "Will you be my Padawan of Love?" She maced me but said yes later.' Slave I and Padawan are Star Wars references

The two have looked very happy together as they hit the premieres of Preached and Baby Driver in June.

They also looked cute in matching vintage Mickey Mouse T-shirts as they took in Disneyland recently.

Patton retweeted Meredith's photo of the pair, commenting: 'We are at 'Dorky Disney T-shirt Relationship Level,' from which no on returns.'

He finished off the tweet, in all caps: 'GREAT CTHULHA WHAT HAVE WE DONE!?'

Meredith also posted a collage of photos of the two posing for various shots in the same spot.

Finding love again: Here the actors are seen arm-in-arm at Disneyland this summer

Dorky Disney! The pair had fun at the amusement park with Patton making fun of the pair's matching T-shirts

Twins: Meredith also posted a collage of the two showing off some PDA while enjoying their day at the happiest place on earth

She captioned her shots: 'Happiest Place on Earth,' adding the hashtags #disneyland and #dreamscometrue.

Patton's new girlfriend is a Harvard-educated psychologist who also acts.

Born in Malibu, she has appeared in a number of films, including Lake Placid, The Kiss and Dream a Little Dream.

While she's not acting, she works as a mediator in Beverly Hills.

Happy together! Patton's new girl, 47, is a Harvard-educated psychologist who also acts

He found love again: Patton was left devastated when his wife of 11 years passed away suddenly just over a year ago, but appears to have found love again; here Patton and Meredith are seen in June at the Baby Driver premiere

Patton was left devastated when his wife of 11 years passed away suddenly just over a year ago.

In April 2016 Patton discovered his wife McNamara unresponsive in their bed after she died in her sleep.

In February, Michelle's cause of death was revealed in a statement released by the comedian's publicist.

'We learned today the combination of drugs in Michelle's system, along with a condition we were unaware of, proved lethal,' it read.

The 46-year-old writer had apparently been taking Adderall, Xanax and Fentanyl when she passed, unaware she had a medical condition which caused blockages in her arteries.
She's been strutting her stuff on the catwalks of Paris during Haute Couture Fashion Week.

And Bella Hadid continued to showcase her high-end fashion credentials on Thursday.

The 20-year-old model went topless as she showed off her assets - and a whole lot of Bulgari jewels - for the latest issue of V Magazine.

Raunchy! Bella Hadid went topless as she showed off her assets - and a whole lot of Bulgari jewels - for the latest issue of V Magazine on Thursday.

The younger sister of fellow model Gigi put on a smoldering show in very skimpy Daisy Dukes, which she pulled down from the waist to reveal more of her taut abs.

She cast off her wide open denim jacket to pose semi-naked and bra-free - with just a well-placed hand to attempt to protect her modesty.

The pictures were shot by controversial photographer Terry Richardson.

Nearly naked: The 20-year-old model continued to showcase her high-end fashion credentials

The brunette beauty - who is the daughter of Yolanda Hadid - was popular during Paris Fashion week.

She walked for Fendi, Maison Margiela, Alexandre Vauthier and Miu Miu.

In many of the shows, Bella has walked beside best pal Kendall Jenner - who she recently revealed she became friends with way before their modelling days.

Speaking recently to InStyle magazine about their close bond, she revealed: 'I met her for the first time seven years ago over Twitter.

Sparkling snakes: The pictures were shot by controversial photographer Terry Richardson

Bling! She flaunted her ankles in heavily bejeweled sandals with a misplaced watch around her calf

'That was before we started modeling. I was probably 14 or 15. We met up and had sushi, and now were best friends. Shes a pretty significant human I met online'.

Despite being born into a wealthy family with the right connections, Bella was keen to make clear that she has worked hard for her career.

'Im not saying I dont love my job, but people think modeling is a bulls*** thing to become more famous,' she said.

'I was 100 percent independent by the time I was 18, and I paid for my own apartment. That wasnt because of my parents. I worked my a** off for two years.'
CBS 'tried very hard' to stop Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park from leaving Hawaii Five-0.

The network released a statement on Thursday in response to reports the pair left the show over salary disputes.

'Daniel and Grace have been important and valued members of Hawaii Five-0 for seven seasons,' it said. 'We did not want to lose them and tried very hard to keep them with offers for large and significant salary increases.

They did not want it to end this way: CBS 'tried very hard' to stop Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park from leaving Hawaii Five-0, the network has claimed

'While we could not reach an agreement, we part ways with tremendous respect for their talents on screen, as well as their roles as ambassadors for the show off screen, and with hopes to work with them again in the near future.'

The day before, the 48-year-old Kim confirmed he had left the show after wage negotiations broke down.

In a lengthy Facebook post, he informed fans of the 'sad and difficult' decision.

'I will not be returning to Hawaii Five-0 when production starts next week,' he wrote.

Offer: 'We did not want to lose them and tried very hard to keep them with offers for large and significant salary increases, CBS claimed

'Though I made myself available to come back, CBS and I werent able to agree to terms on a new contract, so I made the difficult choice not to continue.'

Kim concluded his statement: 'The path to equality is rarely easy.'

On Thursday, showrunner Peter Lenkov weighed in on Twitter, claiming 'we are all saddened' by the exits, but added 'The truth is this: Both actors chose not to extend their contracts.'

'CBS was extremely generous and proactive in their renegotiation talks. So much so, the actors were getting unprecedented raises, but in the end they chose to move on.

'No one wanted to see them go  they are irreplaceable.

He said that Grace's decision was understandable since she had been away from her family for seven years.... but made no such mention of Daniel.

'There was an opportunity for her to return for a handful of episodes, but for several reasons that didnt work out.

'In the end, everyone tried their best to keep the ohana intact. So much so, we were holding off from reporting the news, hoping an agreement could still be reached. Yes, its heartbreaking, but this happens on long-running shows. It is a hurdle we all worked hard to overcome.'

Bye: On Wednesday the actor confirmed the news in a lengthy Facebook post addressed to fans, telling them of the 'sad and difficult' decision

Not bitter: He thanked the crew and writers of the show, and if he felt any bitterness he certainly didn't show it, also thanking as exec producers Peter Lenkov, Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, and everyone at CBS

According to Variety, both Kim and Park were looking to match the salaries of co-stars Alex O'Loughlin and Scott Caan; but CBS would only come to within 10 to 15 per cent.

A source told The Hollywood Reporter Kim was actually offered just two per cent less than the other male leads.

However O'Loughlin and Caan reportedly also receive lucrative back-end percentage points on the show's profits, on top of their salary.

In his statement, Kim thanked the crew and writers of the show, and if he felt any bitterness he certainly didn't show it, also thanking exec producers Peter Lenkov, Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, and everyone at CBS.

He went on to say how appreciative he was at getting cast as such a fully developed character like Chin Ho Kelly on the police procedural reboot.

Veterans: Both Park and Kim had been on the show for all seven seasons

'As an Asian American actor, I know first-hand how difficult it is to find opportunities at all, let alone play a well developed, three dimensional character like Chin Ho. I will miss him sincerely. What made him even more special is that he was a representative of a place my family and I so dearly love,' he wrote.

When the shock news originally broke last week, Lenkov also released a statement praising both actors for their job on the long-running series.

'I will never forget meeting Daniel while still writing the pilot and being certain there was no other actor who I'd want to play Chin Ho Kelly. Needless to say, Daniel has been an instrumental part of the success of Hawaii Five-0 over the past 7 seasons and it has personally been a privilege to know him.

'We are so appreciative of Daniel and Graces enormous talents, professional excellence and the aloha spirit they brought to each and every one of our 168 episodes. Theyve helped us build an exciting new Hawaii Five-0, and we wish them all the best and much success in their next chapters. Mahalo and a hui hou'

Kim also called on fans to check out his production company's new show The Good Doctor, which debuts on ABC in the fall.
On Wednesday, she was spotted striking a series of sultry poses during a photoshoot on a balcony at Paris's Hotel de Crillon while wearing a lace corset and chiffon skirt.

And later that night, she took to Snapchat and Instagram to give fans a closer look at her cleavage-baring semi-sheer number in a set of snaps and a boomerang video.

The 26-year-old brunette is seen relaxing in the hotel's ornate surroundings as she poses up a storm with her hand on her hip, and while resting on a grand chair.

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Snap: Emily Ratajkowski took to Instagram and Shapchat to share shots of herself posing in a lacy ensemble in Paris on Wednesday

And she appeared to be so taken with the ensemble that she returned to the photo-sharing app on Thursday evening to share a shot of herself posing in the alluring outfit on the streets of the French capital.

On Wednesday, she was in full work mode as she posed for her latest campaign.

She slipped her stunning physique into the lace number, which hugged her figure in all the right places, accentuating her tiny waist and heaving cleavage.

The London-born beauty showed off her bronzed shoulders and glared seductively into the lens of the camera as she tossed her mane playfully, at the edge of the balcony.

Video: The brunette beauty also shared a boomerang video of herself posing up a storm

Look at me: Relaxing in a hotel, the 26-year-old posed seductively with her hand on her hip

Chest amazing: The London-born brunette displayed her cleavage in the low-cut number

She wore her dark locks straight and loose, and sported a chunky, stylish fringe.

Her make-up was striking, mascara thickly applied to her eyes, an earthy slick to her pouting lips.

She appeared to be holding a black handbag by her side, shielded by the stone balustrade.

The model's corset was a champagne and black design, detailed with intricate lace, showing off her bust playfully.

She's got it in the bag: At one point, she also took hold of a black handbag as she sat on a chair

Eye-catching: She teamed her lace corset with a black chiffon skirt with a thigh-high slit

Makeup palette: Her makeup bold palette included smokey eyeshadow and pink lipstick

Black and white: For some variety, she also added a black and white shot to her uploads

Her cleavage has been a talking point lately, following her daring display on Tuesday night when she wore her black gown with a peephole slit that was held together with a series of small metallic bars.

With her voluminous chestnut brown tresses styled in a bun, in a stark contrast to her styling for the balcony photoshoot, the Gone Girl actress rubbed shoulders with the likes of Bella Hadid and Cara Delevingne.

Emily - who shot to fame when she appeared topless in the video for Robin Thicke's 2013 smash hit Blurred Lines - has been speaking about her bust, raising eyebrows when she claimed she failed to land a number of roles that she sought in the past because her 'boobs are too big'.

And another one...: On Thursday evening, she shared another shot of herself in the outfit as she bid 'au revoir' to France

Waiting for her Romeo? Earlier on Wednesday, she was seen posing for her shoot on a balcony

Give us a smirk: She was happy to flaunt her increasingly infamous assets again as she took to a balcony at the Hotel De Crillon in the French capital for the sultry photoshoot

Steely: The 26-year-old brunette slipped her stunning physique into the lace number, which hugged her figure in all the right places, accentuating her tiny waist and heaving cleavage

She told the August issue of Australia's Harper's Bazaar magazine: 'There's this thing that happens to me, "Oh, she's too sexy."

'It's like an anti-woman thing, that people don't want to work with me because my boobs are too big.

'What's wrong with boobs? They're a beautiful feminine thing that needs to be celebrated. Like, who cares? They are great big, they are great small. Why should that be an issue?'

And the star also hit back at sexism she has experienced in the industry.

Pout you come: The London-born brunette showed off her bronzed shoulders and glared seductively into the lens of the camera as she tossed her mane playfully, at the edge of the balcony

Ready for my close up: She wore her dark locks straight and loose, and sported a chunky, stylish fringe

Romeo, Romeo: She appeared to be holding a black handbag by her side, shielded by the stone balustrade

She said: 'In every profile written about me, there is, "She's so sexual and she's such a sex symbol," paired with, "But, wow, she knows about politics." And that in itself is sexist. Why does it have to be one or the other?

Emily says she has turned down a lot of movie roles because she doesn't want to be in a 'big studio movie', which only really requires her to look hot in a bikini.

She added: 'I am way more interested in working with unexpected and cool directors on interesting projects than being in this big studio movie where you're in a bikini. I turn down a lot of movies, but I have to fight for the ones that I really want.'

Strike a pose: The evening before she practically brought traffic to a standstill as she entered the Palais Galliera for VOGUE's Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week party in a plunging black dress

Smouldering snaps: Emily regularly treats her Instagram followers to scintillating snaps

Emily also slammed the double standards in the world of celebrity, where women are shamed for acting sexy while men are revered.

She said: 'Look at pop culture: Mick Jagger is 73, and he still sometimes wears his shirt open and gyrates onstage. We understand that this is a part of his performance and artistic brand.

'Meanwhile, when Madonna, who is 58 and a revolutionary in that same kind of artistic sexuality, wears a sheer dress to the Met Gala, critics call her a hot mess whos desperate.'

Cheeky: The 26-year-old recently claimed that being 'too sexy' stopped her from getting roles
She's fresh from a romantic holiday with new love interest Ryan Thomas.

And Lucy Mecklenburgh looked the picture of happiness as she stepped out solo on Wednesday night, attending the Danny Minnick One Love exhibition private view, sponsored by Haig Club and Ciroc vodka, at London's Maddox Gallery.

The 25-year-old star was putting on a stylish display, joined by fellow TOWIE star Chloe Lewis at the event.

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Stylish: Lucy Mecklenburgh looked the picture of happiness as she stepped out solo on Wednesday night, attending the Danny Minnick One Love exhibition private view at London's Maddox Gallery, sponsored by Haig Club and Ciroc

Glamorous: The 25-year-old star was putting on a stylish display, joined by fellow TOWIE star Chloe Lewis at the event

Lucy opted to showcase her long legs in a cute one-shoulder playsuit, set off with simple gold heels.

She added a quirky touch to the denim number thanks to a white, ball-shaped bag.

Wearing her brunette bob in curls, Lucy displayed a healthy tan after days spent sunning herself in Greece.

Also in attendance was TOWIE beauty Chloe, who was looking lovely in a white polka dot jumpsuit.

Denim delight: Lucy opted to showcase her long legs in a cute one-shoulder playsuit, set off with simple gold heels and a Kurt Geiger bag

Cute clutch: She added a quirky touch to the denim number thanks to a white, ball-shaped bag

Post-holiday tan: Wearing her brunette bob in curls, Lucy displayed a healthy tan after days spent sunning herself in Greece

Good spirits: She sported a broad smile as she made her way into the hot ticket bash

The low-cut number offered a glimpse of the cleavage, with the garment falling to the floor in loose flares.

Chloe was accompanied by her banker boyfriend Danny Fisher, arriving at the event hand-in-hand.

Chloe has remained relatively quiet on her new romance,ever since she confirmed it on Valentine's Day with an intimate Instagram snap.

Great body of work: Lucy showed off the results of her relentless commitment to fitness

Stepping out solo: There was no sign of Lucy's new man Ryan at the event

Date night: Chloe was accompanied by her banker boyfriend Danny Fisher

Hand-in-hand: The couple held hands as they made their way through the bustling streets

Cute couple: The TOWIE beauty and her banker beau caught the eye of revellers as they entered the celebratory gathering

Low-key: Chloe has remained relatively quiet on her new romance,ever since she confirmed it on Valentine's Day with an intimate Instagram snap

She had shared a selfie with the dashing hunk, with the caption: 'So bloody handsome... to this one making me feel so special everyday'.

Meanwhile, Lucy has yet to comment on her new relationship with soap hunk Ryan, despite the pair confirming things with a kiss at London City airport last month.

The former TOWIE star, 25, and the Coronation Street actor, 33, wrapped their arms around each other as they stole a smooch while waiting for their luggage.

Mingling: Once inside the exclusive bash, they posed for a snapshot with Danielle Nicholls

Spotted: Chloe turned heads as she arrived at the event wearing a polka dot ensemble

We like to party: Lily Fortescue, left, was seen posing alongside pal Kimberley Garner

Bright and beautiful: The reality stars wowed as they arrived in their colourful outfits of choice

Man of the moment: Artist Danny Minnick was seen posing with and Sophie Hermann

The pair were rumoured to be dating due to their social media activity, with fans noticing they were posting pictures of the same swimming pool in Santorini.

The genetically blessed duo's secret romance first became apparent when Lucy shared a racy snap of herself posing nude in what appeared to be the same Panama hotel room as Ryan several weeks ago.

Adding further fuel to the fire, the pair also posted identical videos of their pancake and maple syrup breakfasts - an unusual treat for fitness fanatic Lucy.

Enjoying the view: Lucy flashed a smile at onlookers as she made her exit from the party

Show me the way to go home: She boarded a waiting vehicle as she headed off into the night
The late Paul Walker's daughter, Meadow, shared her first photo on social media in almost a year on Wednesday.

Posted without a caption, the Instagram snap showed the slender 18-year-old from the waist up wearing a white halter top

Shading her eyes from the sun with her hand, Meadow's long brunette hair cascaded over her shoulders.

Growing up fast: The late Paul Walker's 18-year-old daughter, Meadow, shared her first photo on Instagram in almost a year on Wednesday - without a caption

Paul's Fast & Furious co-star Tyrese Gibson commented on the pic, writing, 'Hello angel. Sending love and light.'

The snap wasn't missed by her 1.3 million followers either, who showered her with compliments.

The teenager hadn't posted anything since July 20, 2016, when she shared a throwback snap of herself and her dad swimming in a pool when she was a tot.

The caption promoted The Paul Walker Foundation which she launched in September 2015 in his honor and a link to a contest to hang out on set of Fast & Furious 8 last year.

Throwback snap: The teenager hadn't posted anything since July 20, 2016, when she shared a picture of herself and her dad in a pool when she was a tot. Paul died in a crash in 2013, age 40

The actor was killed in a fiery car crash in a Porsche being driven by his pal Roger Rodas, who also died, on November 30, 2013, just two months after his 40th birthday.

He was filming Furious 7 at the time, but had nearly completed his part in the movie. The rest was filmed by his brothers, Caleb and Cody, with some digital assistance.

Meadow's mother is Rebecca Soteros, Paul's one-time girlfriend.

Tricky stunt: Paul was killed during filming of Furious 7, the franchise he had co-starred in since 2001. His brothers Caleb and Cody stood in for him, with digital assistance, to finish the film

She lived with her mother in Hawaii for 13 years before moving to California to be with her father in 2011.

At the time of his death, Paul was living with girlfriend Jasmine Pilchard-Gosnell whom he started dating when she was 16 and he was 33, seven years before his death.

The late actor would have turned 44 in September.
She's been filming in Montreal for the last month or so.

And Katie Holmes, 38, got into character again on Thursday to film scenes for The Gift.

The Dawson's Creek alum wore jeans a large pink wrap that she draped over her shoulders to cover her entire upper half.

Working in Canada: Katie Holmes, 38, got into character again on Thursday to film scenes for The Gift.

She looked a little cold in the Canadian summer, even though temperatures hit above 80 degrees on Thursday, as she pulled her pink sweater down over her hands.

She appeared to wear very little makeup as she prepped for the scene and wore her chestnut hair up in a loose bun.

She had a purse slung over her right shoulder and smile demurely as she talked to the others on set.

The actress was also spotted filming on a park bench where she opted to throw a dark jacket over top of her outfit.

Is it cold? The actress was also spotted filming on a park bench where she opted to throw a dark jacket over top of her outfit

She smiled up at someone while reading a book on the same bench, although it's unclear if cameras were rolling at the time.

Katie was seen arriving in Montreal on Wednesday with Suri, 11, in tow to resume filming after presumably spending the July 4th weekend back in America.

The actress, who was first spotted in the Canadian city in early June, shares Suri with ex-husband Tom Cruise, who she was married to from 2006 to 2012.

Shooting for the film? She smiled up at someone while reading a book on the same bench, although it's unclear if cameras were rolling at the time

The actress is currently co-starring alongside Patrick Stewart, who wasn't on set with Katie on Thursday (pictured in June)

The actress is currently co-starring alongside Patrick Stewart, who wasn't on set with Katie on Thursday.

There aren't many details about the drama, which is yet to be listed on IMDB, but does have Quebecois director Claude Lalonde helming it, according to the Montreal Journal.

It's said the movie will be shot in different locations in the Canadian city until mid-July, with Giancarlo Esposito from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.
She's not much of a rebel, dressing the exact same as that other girl.

Rebel Wilson and her body double were both spotted on the set of Isn't It Romantic on Thursday.

The 37-year-old looked ready for a scene in black trousers a tank top and flats, under a short grey cardigan.

Rebel Rebel! Rebel Wilson and her body double were both spotted on the set of Isn't It Romantic on Thursday

Her blonde waves were partially tied up in a knot, while she carried a case full of stationary under her arm.

Her young doppelganger, of course, was dressed exactly the same.

Both ladies even enjoyed an escort each from brolly toting assistants, who helped keep them cool and make-up intact as they made the walk to the set.

The romantic comedy, not due for release until 2019, is about a disenchanted young woman who finds herself trapped, in turn, inside a romantic comedy.

Snap: Her young doppelganger, of course, was dressed exactly the same

On set: The 37-year-old looked ready for a scene in black trousers a tank top and flats, under a short grey cardigan

It also stars Liam Hemsworth, Priyanka Chopra, GLOW's Betty Gilpin, and Rebel's Pitch Perfect co-star Adam Devine.

The Australian actress revealed that filming had started just one day beforehand on Instagram.

'Day 1 of Isnt It Romantic with our director @straussschulson who's crushing it and the gorgeous Tom Ellis x' she captioned a shot of the three apparently in a hospital room.

Throwing shade: Both ladies even enjoyed an escort each from brolly toting assistants, who helped keep them cool and make-up intact as they made the walk to the set

Sweats: The star later slipped into something a little more comfortable

Day one! The Australian actress revealed that filming had started just one day beforehand on Instagram

Rebel appeared to be playing the patient  which may explain the need for a stunt double the following day.

Last month Rebel admitted she was looking forward to filming because she was getting to make out her countryman Liam.

'I get to pash him in the movie,' she told court reporters immediately after her successful defamation suit against Bauer Media.

'So when I have been feeling really down about the stress of this court case, I've just been thinking of pashing him and how good it is going to be!' she declared.

The Pitch Perfect star sued the magazine publisher for branding her a liar in a series of articles, which she claimed cost her Hollywood roles.
She's enjoying her first family holiday in Bali since husband Oliver Curtis was released from prison last month, after serving a year for insider trading.

But Roxy Jacenko's joyous social media snaps have been attacked by online trolls, who have taken aim at her plump pout.

While the Sydney publicist, 37, hasn't indulged the haters, her fans have hit back at the negative comments.

'Go back to your sh***y little insignificant lives!' Roxy Jacenko's fans defend her from vicious online trolls who slammed her plump pout in happy snap from luxury Bali holiday on Thursday

Family time: She's enjoying her first family holiday in Bali since husband Oliver Curtis was released from prison last month, after serving a year for insider trading

'Given her success and class I'd say she wouldn't give a toss what you say,' one wrote.

The mother of two previously vowed to 'ease off' treatments, after admitting she had 'overdone' her lips.

Roxy's latest selfie was uploaded from Bali's exclusive Alila Villas in Uluwatu.

The clan are likely staying in the resort's biggest villa, with prices starting from $3186 per night.

Posing with her daughter Pixie, five, she showcased her signature pout, captioning the picture: 'Drinks with my Pix.'

Trolls quickly flooded the comment section, writing: 'Your lips and pout look stupid', 'you have horrible lips' and 'enough. For reals. It's real bad.'

Others wrote: 'Girl, stop with the lip injections. Your friends won't tell you this but they are so so so crazy and not at all in a good way' and 'Not being mean but the fillers look out of sync from your lip line? Anyway have a great trip.'

'Not being mean but...': Many trolls purposely commented rude remarks accusing her of flaunting faulty lip fillers

'Enough. For reals': Another account, which appeared to only have three followers, pleaded with her to stop altering her lips

Living the luxe life: The selfie was uploaded from Bali's exclusive Alila Villas in Uluwatu, with Roxy and her family likely staying in the resort's biggest villa, with prices starting from $3186 per night

'My lips look like this when I pout': A fan of Roxy defended her luscious pout, saying she also had similar looking lips in photos while never having had fillers

'Why say not being mean...when you are being mean? I'm sure she is having a great trip... N given her success and class I'd say she wouldn't give a toss what you say,' one fan hit back.

Another defended Roxy's luscious lips: 'My lips look like this when I pout and I've never had fillers. Go back to your sh***y little insignificant lives, petty trolls.'

'Unfortunately you mustn't have a very happy life or understand how precious life is if you feel the need to put others down and be rude. Don't take your own insecurities and jealousy out on other people. I'll never understand such rude people,' wrote another strong Roxy supporter.

Daily Mail Australia have reached out to Roxy Jacenko for comment.

'Given her success and class I'd say she wouldn't give a toss what you say': While the Sydney publicist, 37, hasn't indulged the haters, her fans have hit back at the negative commenters

Open: Roxy has been open about undergoing various cosmetic procedures, including breast implants and rhinoplasty

'Maybe I've put too much stuff in them': She previously poked fun at her affinity for beauty treatments on The Kyle & Jackie O Show when asked what was wrong with her lips by shock jock Kyle Sandilands

Roxy has been open about undergoing various cosmetic procedures, including breast implants and rhinoplasty.

She poked fun at her affinity for beauty treatments on The Kyle & Jackie O Show, joking her lips would melt in the sun after Kyle compared her to Caramello Koala.

'What's wrong with your lips, what have you done to them?' the host asked her.

'Maybe I've put too much stuff in them,'she responded.

In March, she revealed on Mia Freedman's No Filter podcast that she would 'ease off' injectables.

'I looked at that 60 Minutes interview and I was like'I may have overdone itwow maybe ease off that' she said.

The moment: 'I looked at that 60 Minutes interview and I was like'I may have overdone itwow maybe ease off that' Roxy previously told Mia Freedman

Roxy has always been open about her physical enhancements, telling Daily Mail Australia that she has had her lips enlarged last year and still gets them done.

'Yes, I still have my lips done,' she said.

'But I've just learnt less is more!' Roxy added.
The wife of Marvel Comics creator Stan Lee died Thursday in Los Angeles.

Joan Lee was 93 and had been married to Stan, 94, for 69 years.

'I can confirm the sad news that Joan Lee passed away this morning quietly and surrounded by her family,' a spokesperson said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.

The trade publication said Joan had suffered a stroke earlier in the week and had been hospitalized.

R.I.P.: Joan Lee, the wife of Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee, died Thursday in Los Angeles at the age of 93; the couple are pictured in January 2011

The former British hat model and the writer Lee were married on Dec. 5, 1947, following her divorce from her first husband.

They had two daughters, Joan 'J.C.' Celia, born in 1950, and Jan, who passed away three days after her birth in 1953.

Stan met Joan bu accident after being set up on a date with another model in New York.

When he arrived for the date, the door was opened by Joan, who had moved to the Big Apple from Britain after marrying a U.S. soldier during the Second World War.

'I took one look at her  and she was the girl I had been drawing all my life. And then I heard the English accent. And Im a nut for English accents! She said, 'May I help you?' And I took a look at her, and I think I said something crazy like, 'I love you.' I dont remember exactly. But anyway, I took her to lunch. I never met Betty, the other girl. I think I proposed to [Joan] at lunch,' he told THR.com in a story published a year ago to celebrate his 75 years in comics.

Love at first sight: Stan and Joan wed in December 1947 and remained devoted to each other through 56 years of marriage; they're pictured in October 2004 in Hollywood

All smiles: Stan Lee and wife Joan Lee are seen above in this circa early 1960s snap

Family throwback: Stan Lee and wife Joan Lee with their daughter Joan Celia, 1958/59

Stan credited his wife with inspiring him to persevere in comics and leading him to create The Fantastic Four in the 1950s.

That success led him to come up with some of the most iconic characters in the genre including The Hulk, Thor, Iron Man and Spider-Man.

That Marvel Comics universe is one of the hottest properties in Hollywood with Stan continuing to make cameos in each new big screen incarnation of his superheroes.

Joan, too, also had roles, playing herself in last years X-Men: Apocalypse. She also voiced Madame Web in a Spider-Man animated series from 1996 to 1998 and Miss Forbes in the 1994 animated Fantastic Four series.

Comic book legend: Stan, pictured just last week at the latest Spider-Men movie opening in Hollywood, credited his wife with inspiring him to create superheroes he 'could be proud of'

Family man: Stan and Joan had two daughters - Jpoan "J.C.' Celia, born in 1950 and pictured with her dad in 2004, and Jan, who passed away three days after her birth in 1953

Filmmaker Kevin Smith paid tribute to Joan in a touching Instagram post.

'He told us tales of heroes but Joan was Stan's personal superhero - and without her, we never get our modern mythology.'

'They say behind every great man is a great woman. In this case, the great woman was always standing right beside him. Joan and Stan were best friends for 70 years,' Smith wrote.

Mourning: Filmmaker Kevin Smith paid a touching tribute to Joan, calling her 'Stan's personal superhero'
This picture taken and released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un inspecting the test-fire of intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-14 at an undisclosed location

The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Wednesday after North Korea said it had successfully tested its first intercontinental ballistic missile, diplomats said.

The United States -- which confirmed it was an ICBM launch -- backed by Japan and South Korea, requested the urgent meeting that is scheduled for 3 pm (1900 GMT).

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un oversaw the launch of the Hwasong-14 missile which experts say is capable of reaching Alaska.

North Korea's Academy of Defence Science said it reached an altitude of 2,802 kilometers (1,741 miles) and flew 933 kilometers.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the launch, warning that it "constitutes a dangerous escalation of the situation."

US Pacific Command confirmed the test and said it was a land-based, intermediate-range missile that flew for 37 minutes before splashing down in the Sea of Japan. It said the launch did not pose a threat to North America.

But US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson later confirmed the missile launched was an ICBM.

The launch came as Americans prepared to mark Independence Day, prompting President Donald Trump to urge China to act to "end this nonsense once and for all."

US Ambassador Nikki Haley on Tuesday spoke by phone with China's Ambassador Liu Jieyi, who holds the council presidency this month, to convey the US request for an urgent meeting, diplomats said.

Guterres stressed the importance of having united approach to addressing the North Korean crisis.

China, Pyongyang's main ally, is pushing for talks between world powers and North Korea on dismantling the nuclear program.

The United States maintains the Pyongyang must first halt its missile launches and nuclear test.

North Korea is barred under UN resolutions from developing missile and nuclear technology.

The Security Council adopted two sanctions resolutions last year to ramp up pressure on Pyongyang and last month added 14 North Korean officials and four entities to the sanctions blacklist.
At least 91 people have been killed in street protests that have rocked Venzuela's socialist Maduro government over the past three months

A Venezuelan helicopter pilot who vanished after dropping grenades on the Supreme Court has reappeared in an online video, as justices on Wednesday considered whether to hold a trial that would remove the country's defiant chief prosecutor.

Oscar Perez -- who claims support from members of the military, police and public servants -- urged Venezuelans in the video posted late Tuesday to "stand firm in the streets" in their protests against socialist President Nicolas Maduro.

At least 91 people have been killed in street protests that have rocked the socialist Maduro government over the past three months. On Tuesday anti-government protesters blocked streets in Caracas and elsewhere.

Protesters blame Maduro for Venezuela's desperate economic crisis. He blames the chaos on a US-backed conspiracy.

While Perez's dramatic actions may be a sideshow in the country's deadly political crisis, the possible destitution of chief prosecutor Luisa Ortega -- the most senior figure to defy Maduro -- suggests a split in the government that could tip the balance of power.

- Ortega defiant -

Venezuela's chief prosecutor Luisa Ortega is the most senior figure to defy President Nicolas Maduro as he fends off opposition efforts to remove him from power in the volatile oil-exporting nation

Ortega, 59, refused to appear in court Tuesday in a case she says was trumped up by the authorities after she defied Maduro.

"I am not going condone a circus that will stain our history with shame and pain and whose decision is foretold," Ortega told reporters.

"I have committed no crime nor errors and I am not going to submit to this unconstitutional and illegitimate court," she said. "We already know that today I will be removed from my post."

Ortega accuses Maduro of violating the constitution with his plan to hold a special assembly to rewrite the document.

Opponents say this "constituent assembly" will be packed with allies that will allow him to cling to power.

She had earlier accused the pro-government Supreme Court of undermining democracy through a short-lived ruling that seized power from the opposition-led legislature.

That ruling helped spark the current wave of protests.

As violence swelled, Ortega accused police of killing protesters -- comments that enraged Maduro, who branded her a traitor.

Pro-government lawmaker Pedro Carreno has filed charges against Ortega, alleging "serious errors in the carrying out of her functions."

He also alleged she was suffering from "insanity" and should be fired.

The court held its hearing Tuesday in her absence and said afterwards it would decide within five days whether to send her to trial and suspend her from office.

- Movie star pilot -

In the video, 36-year-old Perez, who is also an elite cop and movie actor, urged the protesters not to give up.

"The moment is now, not tomorrow. The moment to wake up is now," he says.

"Let's stand firm in the streets."

On June 27, Perez and unidentified accomplices flew over Caracas in a police helicopter and dropped four grenades on the Supreme Court before opening fire on the interior ministry. There were no casualties.

A handout released by the company that produced the movie "Suspended Death" in which helicopter pilot Oscar Perez played a role. He has been identified as the helicopter pilot responsible for a grenade attack on the Venezuelan Supreme Court

Perez appeared in a video released online around the time of the attacks flanked by four masked figures in black -- two of them holding rifles -- calling for an uprising.

He claimed support from members of the armed forces and bureaucracy opposed to the "criminal government."

Maduro branded the raid a "terrorist attack" and part of an "escalation" by rightwing "coup" plotters. He also put the military on alert.

In Tuesday's video, Perez said the attacks were carried out as planned.

"We only damaged structures ... there was no collateral damage because that's what was planned, because we're not murderers... like you, Mr. Maduro," Perez says, pointing at the camera.

Perez said his group would join the protests.

"We will go out in the streets and will be with you. You are not alone," he said.

The opposition Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) coalition has distanced itself from the attack.

Many people suspect that Perez might be a frontman hired by the government to justify its crackdown on opponents.
Mohammed Abu Khdeir's parents, including his mother Suha shown here at a Jerusalem court in 2016, appealed for the demolition of the homes of Jewish extremists who murdered their son

Israel's top court has rejected a demand that the state demolish the homes of Jewish extremists who murdered a Palestinian teenager in 2014, saying the petition was filed too late.

Yosef Haim Ben-David and two minor accomplices had on July 2, 2014 kidnapped 16-year-old Mohammed Abu Khdeir from Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, beating him up before burning him alive.

His body was found hours later in a forest in the western part of the city.

Ben-David was sentenced to life in prison in May 2016. The two minors were tried separatedly and were given sentences of life and 21 years in February 2016.

Abu Khdeir's parents had appealed to then-defence minister Moshe Yaalon to act to demolish the homes of the three assailants as Israel does in cases of Palestinian attackers, a measure it says deters future potential assailants.

The defence ministry's legal advisor replied that they would not demolish the homes since the measure was a deterrent rather than punitive, noting there were few cases of such deadly Jewish attacks against Palestinians and the fact that the three were serving lengthy jail terms.

The Abu Khdeirs filed a petition to the supreme court in July 2016, which on Tuesday was rejected, primarily on the grounds the court case came some 22 months after the murder.

The justices stressed however that the provision allowing the demolition of assailants' homes could in theory be applied to "both Arab terrorists and Jewish terrorists, all according to the circumstances".

Speaking on military radio Wednesday, Hussein Abu Khdeir, Mohammed's father, said the court ruling was "unjust" and discriminatory.
Washington's ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley meets Israeli President Reuven Rivlin in Jerusalem, on June 7, 2017

A senior Palestinian official on Wednesday blasted US President Donald Trump's United Nations envoy, accusing her of carrying out a "crusade" against the Palestinian people.

Hanan Ashrawi, a senior member of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, said Nikki Haley was leading a "one-woman crusade... against Palestine and the Palestinian people individually and collectively".

"Through an obsessive and targeted campaign of intimidation and threats, Miss Haley's crusade does not miss an opportunity to put pressure on anyone that seeks to challenge Israeli impunity," she added.

Ashrawi said Haley was echoing remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon defended Haley's work.

"Small wonder Hanan Ashrawi is unhappy - @nikkihaley fights for a fair treatment of #Israel, exactly what the #Palestinians don't want...," he wrote on Twitter.

Palestinian officials have privately expressed increasing alarm at the Trump administration's pro-Israel stance as the US president seeks to restart peace negotiations.

However until Wednesday they had publicly refrained from criticising senior US officials.

Haley visited Israel and the Palestinian territories in June.

Ashrawi said Haley was "compounding the victimisation of the Palestinian people and browbeating the institutions that are meant to defend their rights".

The statement was distributed by the PLO.

Since being nominated by Trump after his November victory, Haley has consistently accused the United Nations of systematic bias against Israel.

The US vetoed the appointment of a former Palestinian prime minister as UN envoy to Libya, while Haley has called on UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to intervene to block a forthcoming vote on the city of Hebron which declares the West Bank city under threat.

Trump came to office seeking to pursue what he has called the "ultimate deal" and has pledged to restart negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian leaders.

But Arab media reports claim talks between the Palestinian leadership and Trump and his team -- including his adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner -- have been fractious, allegations denied by the Palestinians.

Ashrawi said Haley was undermining the chances of peace by "pursuing her own agenda consistent with her anti-Palestinian obsession and as an apologist for Israel".

Israel occupied the Palestinian territories in 1967 in a move never recognised by the international community.

In December the United Nations Security Council adopted a landmark resolution condemning Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories.
Australian rapper Iggy Azalea unveiled on social media that Azealia Banks will appear on her new album as the two women look to move on from a bitter feud

Iggy Azalea and Azealia Banks -- two leading women in hip-hop who were embroiled in a bitter, racially tinged row -- have patched up with plans in the works for a collaboration.

Azalea unveiled over social media that Banks will appear on a track of "Digital Distortion," the 27-year-old Australian's upcoming second album, and said she wanted to move on from the feud.

"I don't expect you guys to understand why I would collaborate with someone who has publicly said they hope I die," Azalea wrote on Twitter Tuesday, saying she wanted to "turn YEARS worth of negativity into a positive interaction."

"Also I think females in rap need to really be unified to prosper. We need more collaborations to happen," she tweeted.

Banks was a vociferous critic when the 27-year-old Azalea found overwhelming commercial success with her debut album, "The New Classic," in 2014.

Azalea caused a stir by rapping in the dialect of an African American from the southern United States, despite being white and speaking in an Australian accent off-stage.

Banks, who is African American, accused Azalea -- whom she mocked as "Igloo Australia" -- of profiting through racial appropriation in a series of Twitter posts that became increasingly heated.

Responding to Azalea's announcement, Banks said on Instagram that the collaboration was not yet confirmed but that she would be "thrilled" to work with her.

"Yes, she and I had our differences in the past, but we were so young and that was so long ago," wrote the 26-year-old New Yorker, who won critical acclaim for her track "212," a danceable reflection on racial and sexual politics.

"She and I are both on a whole other level right now, and I have nothing but respect for her as a woman, an artist and a businesswoman," she wrote.

Both Azalea and Banks have seen hiccups in their career since their feud. Azalea canceled a tour, saying she wanted to reconsider her sound.

Banks was suspended by Twitter after racist attacks on ex-One Direction heartthrob Zayn Malik and has faced legal problems, recently admitting in court that she bit a bouncer in the breast after she did not recognize the rapper at a New York club.
An aquarium is set to open in land-locked Jerusalem as part of the city's Biblical Zoo and will be the first of its kind in the Middle East

Jerusalem is a good distance from the sea, but residents and visitors will soon be able to view specimens of Israel's marine life in a mass aquarium to open in the Holy City.

The new compound, part of the city's Biblical Zoo, contains 30 tanks comprising a 7,000 square-metre aquarium with fish and sea creatures living in half a million gallons of seawater.

The aquarium's inception was nearly 10 years ago, a combination of the zoo receiving additional grounds and a national plan to increase awareness of marine life.

With all the growing awareness to biodiversity, "we are ignoring the sea as a habitat," Shai Doron, CEO of the zoo, told reporters on Wednesday.

Israel is located between the Mediterranean Sea to the west and the Red Sea to the south, and also has two other bodies of water nearby in the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea.

Varieties of fish, sea turtles, manta rays and seahorses are among the creatures found in the aquarium's vast tanks, with sharks expected to join soon.

The indoor complex, decorated in hues of blue and wavey lines, is expected to be a boon to the zoo and local tourism.

The zoo is already Israel's most visited paid tourism site, with over 750,000 people entering its gates each year.

Doron said the aquarium was the first of its kind in the Middle East and would open in a number of weeks.

A display at the new aquarium set to open in Jerusalem and which will contain 30 tanks filled with fish and sea creatures

Decorating the walls by the tanks are displays on themes such as jellyfish, corals, the dangers of plastic bags, and Jewish laws regarding eating seafood.

The complex will also serve as a conservation and breeding centre.
The Dome of the Rock in the compound known to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif and to Jews as Temple Mount, in Jerusalem's old city

Israel will lift a two-year-old ban preventing politicians visiting a Jerusalem holy site for five days later this month, following a legal challenge, the government said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu imposed the ban in October 2015, instructing police to bar ministers and lawmakers from visiting the site known to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif and Jews as the Temple Mount.

The order was part of attempts to restore calm after an outbreak of violence, fuelled in part by fears among Palestinians that Israel was planning to assert further control over the compound in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem.

The site, which includes the Al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock, is the holiest site in Judaism and the third-holiest in Islam, and it is central to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Jews are allowed to visit the compound but not pray there, and the site has been the scene of regular confrontation when Jews try to flout the rule.

Yehuda Glick, a lawmaker from Netanyahu's Likud party, had in March petitioned the Supreme Court against the ban on members of parliament visiting the hilltop site.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the justice ministry said the government had decided to allow lawmakers to visit the compound for a "pilot number of days" starting on July 23.

It said the measure was the government's preliminary response to the petition.

The government also believed the intervention of the court would be unnecessary in light of its new provision, said the ministry.

A spokesman for Glick told AFP he had no intention of withdrawing the petition, questioning the wisdom of the "strange" decision to allow the five-day visitation permit.

He said militant Palestinians would have been inclined to carry out attacks and disturb the peace over those five days to make the pilot fail, in order to prevent further visits.

"We hope that the police, government and public security minister will do whatever they need to do to prevent the terrorists from dictating to us whether or not MPs will be allowed to visit the site," the spokesman said.

Prior to joining the Knesset, or parliament, Glick was a leading Temple Mount activist who survived an assassination attempt by a Palestinian over his campaign for Jewish prayer rights at the site.
Roiling waters are sweeping through towns and villages in southwestern Japan, with at least 15 people reported missing

At least 15 people are missing after huge floods swept away houses in southern Japan, tearing up roads as they surged through villages, with authorities warning hundreds of thousands of people to flee.

Meteorologists warned of worse to come as soldiers and rescuers scrambled to evacuate hundreds of thousands of people out of the path of landslides and torrents of muddy water.

"We are seeing heavy rains unlike anything experienced before," a Japan Meteorological Agency official told reporters.

"It is an abnormal situation with serious danger looming."

The weather agency issued warnings for landslides and overflowing rivers over wide swathes of Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan's four main islands.

Heavy rains will likely continue in the region through Friday, the agency said.

Japan is deploying 7,500 police, rescue personnel and troops in affected areas of Kyushu, while 40 helicopters are on standby for search operations once the weather clears, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Thursday.

"There is a lot of information about people who are unaccounted for," he told a press conference.

Those included a child reportedly carried off by a river in spate and a couple who had not been seen since their house was swept away.

Officials in Fukuoka said they knew of 15 people who were missing.

Flooding in southern Japan

Television footage showed rolling waves from swollen rivers hitting residential areas, tearing up roads and inundating farmland.

The city of Asakura was among the hardest hit with television footage showing floodwaters surging through the streets.

"We are hearing of around six to seven people missing so far. That includes a report of a child seen being swept away," said Naohisa Ouchida, an official with Asakura city's disaster management division.

He was not able to confirm any details of those missing, but said authorities had received "many, many" calls from people in distress.

Some locals took to Twitter to appeal for rescue. The account @ek2eoiNcRUqmnMI posted: "Please help! Most houses around us have been swept away. Seven of us are trapped on the second floor of a factory."

Ouchida said city officials had received reports of people cut off by the waters.

"We are also hearing about houses being swept away and landslides blocking streets," he said.

More than 50 centimetres (20 inches) of rain deluged parts of Kyushu in 12 hours on Wednesday, the tail-end of a typhoon that swept through the area earlier in the week.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson headed Wednesday to Hamburg, Germany, ahead of this week's G20 summit

The United States is willing to work with Russia on establishing "no-fly zones" in Syria as part of a joint effort to stabilize the war-ravaged country, the top US diplomat said Wednesday, ahead of President Donald Trump's first face-to-face with Vladimir Putin.

In a wide-ranging statement, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Russia had a "special responsibility" to help create stability on the ground -- or risk hobbling the fight against the Islamic State group.

Citing past cooperation in creating deconfliction zones in Syria, Tillerson made a strong case for both countries -- in spite of their "unresolved differences on a number of issues" -- to work together in Syria.

"The United States is prepared to explore the possibility of establishing with Russia joint mechanisms for ensuring stability, including no-fly zones, on the ground ceasefire observers, and coordinated delivery of humanitarian assistance," he said.

- IS "badly wounded" in Syria -

Tillerson issued his statement before joining Trump in Europe, where the US leader will meet Putin for the first time on Friday on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany. Syria will loom large in their discussions.

It also came as US-backed fighters inched forwards in Raqa's Old City, in what Washington sees as a milestone in the campaign to defeat the Islamic State group in its de facto Syrian capital.

"ISIS has been badly wounded, and is could be [sic] on the brink of complete defeat in Syria if all parties focus on this objective," Tillerson said, according to the written statement issued by the State Deparment.

"In order to complete the mission, the international community, and especially Russia, must remove obstacles to the defeat of ISIS."

"We call upon all parties, including the Syrian government and its allies, Syrian opposition forces, and Coalition forces carrying out the battle to defeat ISIS, to avoid conflict with one another and adhere to agreed geographical boundaries for military de-confliction and protocols for de-escalation."

Russia, Turkey and Iran -- without the United States -- agreed in May to establish four "de-escalation" zones in Syria.

These are supposed to include no-fly areas, where no warplanes can fly so as to guarantee the safety of civilians on the ground.

But on Wednesday those countries said they had failed to agree on the details, such as the boundaries of the zones and who will police them.

- "Rebuild confidence" -

Tillerson also said Moscow as a key backer of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had the responsibility of preventing his regime from further use of chemical weapons.

The United States launched a cruise missile attack on a Syrian air base in April in response to what it said was a government chemical weapons attack on civilians.

Tillerson, speaking later to Fox News aboard the flight to Europe, said US officials "have been engaged with Russia for some time" to identify areas "that we should have mutual interest in."

Syria is "a very complex situation," especially transitioning from defeating IS to stabilizing the country and starting the "lengthy process" of finding political solutions for the Syrian people.

US officials are at "the very beginning" of an effort "to rebuild confidence between ourselves and Russia at the military-to-military level, but also at the diplomatic level," he said.

"At this point it's difficult to say exactly what Russia's intentions are in this relationship."

He added that it was important for Trump and Putin to "have a good exchange... over what they both see as the nature of this relationship between our two countries."
Chase Rynd (at podium), Executive Director of the National Building Museum, speaks during a press preview at Studio Gang's Hive, made of over 2,700 wound paper tubes, in the Great Hall of the National Building Museum July 3, 2017 in Washington, DC.

Jeanne Gang has dedicated her life to using architecture and design to connect people of various backgrounds who otherwise would not interact.

So when the architect noticed how difficult it was to hear someone standing just 10 feet (three meters) away in the Great Hall of Washington's cavernous National Building Museum, she set about tackling how to change this feeling of "being out in the open in a giant agricultural field."

Her answer: building three tall, interconnected domed structures using more than 2,500 interlocking wound paper tubes that are lightweight, recyclable and renewable.

Simultaneously monumental and intimate, the domes transform light and sound while also encouraging social interaction.

Inside the two smaller domes, visitors are invited to play instruments made of commonplace construction materials like copper pipes, wrenches and drainage pipes.

"This would be similar to standing in a clearing in a forest where you can have a conversation, make music, and you would be able to hear the things around you," Gang told AFP.

The installation, dubbed "Hive," opens Thursday and runs through September 4.

Gang, a MacArthur "genius" fellow and French legion of honor recipient who presented a translucent marble curtain here in 2003, heads the architecture and urban design collective Studio Gang. It has been acclaimed for its innovative work on projects like the Aqua Tower in Chicago or the Taipei Pop Music Center.

It's also one of two finalists in a competition to redesign the Tour Montparnasse skyscraper in Paris, which Gang says "aims to bring community but still preserve this monumentality."

- Inspired by Women's March -

Hive's paper tubes are a brilliant silver on the outside, contrasting with the museum's bronze and rust 19th century interior, and magenta on the inside, a color Gang said was inspired by the "pussy hats" worn by protesters at the Women's March on Washington after President Donald Trump took office in January.

A column supporting the National Building Museum is seen through an oculus in the Studio Gang's Hive, made of over 2,700 wound paper tubes, in the Great Hall July 3, 2017 in Washington, DC.

"We wanted to make a relationship to this historic structure but also be very contemporary about current events and what's going on in our country right now," Gang said.

"The magenta is about people coming together. So our hopes for these two months while this is up is that people from different backgrounds will intersect. And there's something about the round plan that focuses people inward toward each other."

Gang is also concerned about growing polarization in the United States.

"We really need to speak to each other, and maybe architecture can help shape that or set the stage for that. That's my hope and my dream," she said.

- Complex design -

Hive's largest dome measures some 60 feet (18 meters) tall, with an oculus of over 10 feet in diameter opening onto the ceiling.

The domes are similar to the vaulted structure of cathedrals or ancient arches designed to bear their own weight.

Because such a structure had never really been done before, it was necessary to test the tubes until failure. Gang had the Carleton Laboratory at Columbia University perform a crush test on the tubes to measure compressive strength.

In fact, the design is so complex that the exhibit had to be delayed by two days as workers placed the last pieces on top of the largest dome, like the keystone of a masonry arch.
New York-based JPMorgan Chase is the biggest US bank by assets

News that JPMorgan Chase considered bidding for British payment company Worldpay signals that big US banks could be shifting back into acquisition mode after nearly a decade playing defense.

JPMorgan, the biggest US bank by assets, said on Wednesday that while it considered bidding on Worldpay, it would not attempt what would have been its biggest purchase since the financial crisis.

JPMorgan's decision to back off opened the way for the acquisition of Worldpay announced Wednesday by US payment firm Vantiv. But the once over of Worldpay by JPMorgan is another sign of a shift from the tough regulatory environment in the aftermath of the 2008 crisis.

"I think the time for the big banks to break up is over," said Richard Bove, an analyst at Rafferty Capital Markets.

"This wasn't possible a few months ago," said Gregori Volokhine, president of Meeschaert Capital Markets.

The maneuverings around Worldpay came just days after the US Federal Reserve gave the green light to large US banks for a generous round of capital distributions to shareholders after the industry passed stress tests with flying colors.

Banks amassed some $750 billion in capital to meet rules enacted while Barack Obama was president, according to Morningstar.

With President Donald Trump signaling a softer regulatory approach, some analysts expect banks to employ some of that cash on acquisitions of rivals or of technology companies and not only on returning money to shareholders.

"Banks have to take some risks because there is not enough organic growth in their traditional business lines," said Volokhine, who expects large international banks to be active in mergers and acquisitions.

Bove said the list of banks that could be primed for deal-making includes Bank of America, US Bancorp, PNC and Goldman Sachs.

"The whole game is that you have to get more customers, and to get more customers, you have to make more acquisitions," Bove said.

- Tech a potential target -

A recent Treasury Department report said 171 of 370 rules implemented under the Dodd-Frank banking law enacted after the crisis could be modified.

Trump has staffed his administration with top officials sympathetic to big finance, including Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and National Economic Council director Gary Cohn, both of whom once worked at Goldman Sachs.

Other key players in the Trump administration with banking industry experience include Joseph Otting, nominated to be head of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and Randal Quarles, who is reportedly in line for a top regulatory post at the Federal Reserve.

"You have a total change in the structure, in the thinking and the policy of regulators towards banks, which would suggest that big banks are going to be allowed to make acquisitions again," Bove said.

One possible area of interest could be players like Worldpay active in financial technology as consumers turn to their smartphones more frequently to buy goods and make transactions.

Big banks have not been major players in the world of virtual currencies or in the innovation of electronic payments, a sphere dominated by companies like PayPal, Apple Pay and Square.

"The banks need to think about the future and not just paying out dividends," said Volokhine. "Otherwise, they'll become has-beens."
US President Donald Trump faces a series of tests on his four-day visit to Europe, including a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin

Donald Trump's high-stakes trip to Europe, where he faces a prickly G20 meeting and animosity from traditional US allies, kicks off on a comforting note Thursday -- in front of a friendly crowd bussed in by his sympathetic Polish hosts.

Air Force One touched down in Warsaw late Wednesday, for what is the US president's second foreign outing after a European tour in May that exposed fierce mistrust.

The US president's four-day swing starts in Warsaw, where he will deliver a major speech, before moving on to the northern German city of Hamburg for his first G20 summit, where tricky geopolitical currents -- from rumbling transatlantic discord to increasingly difficult ties with China -- will converge.

Looming large over the entire visit is Pyongyang's test of an intercontinental ballistic missile that could deliver a nuclear payload to Alaska.

Tough-talking Trump had previously vowed North Korea would not be allowed to possess an ICBM, and leaders from rival and allied powers alike will be watching closely to see whether his threats were bluster or will crystallise into action.

After repeatedly urging Beijing to ratchet up the pressure on North Korea, Trump will hold what promises to be a testy meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Hamburg to trace the next steps.

"Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40% in the first quarter. So much for China working with us - but we had to give it a try!" Trump tweeted indignantly on Wednesday.

- 'Fake news' -

On Friday, Trump will hold a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin that will -- amongst other things -- be pored over for its significance to US domestic politics.

Several of Trump's closest aides are under investigation for possible ties with Moscow, which US intelligence agencies say tried to tilt the election in the Republican candidate's favour.

Donald Trump's meeting with Vladimir Putin is likely to be pored over in minute detail after months of allegations that the Russian strongman helped put the property tycoon in the White House

The scandal continues to eat away at his administration, with key White House staff being forced to hire their own lawyers and spend time rebuffing new allegations.

So far, Trump has been reluctant to acknowledge Russian interference in the election or criticise the veteran Russian leader and has branded allegations against his aides as "fake news".

Even simple photographs of Putin and Trump shaking hands or meeting face-to-face pose a political risk for the US president and will likely be weaponised by his foes in the United States.

- 'Disastrous trip to Brussels' -

Trump will look to a public speech Thursday to burnish his credentials as a global statesman and deflect criticism that he invited ridicule on the United States after an acrimonious G7 summit during his first trip overseas in May.

In Poland, Trump has a willing host in the form of President Andrzej Duda, whose rightwing politics resemble his own.

Trump will take the stage at Warsaw's historic Krasinski Square, with organisers expecting thousands -- perhaps tens of thousands -- to attend, many arriving on free buses laid on by Poland's ruling party.

"It is important that President Trump feel good about his visit to Poland," Stanislaw Pieta, a member of parliament for the Party of Law and Justice told the AFP.

That should provide welcome relief from the cool reception he is likely to receive elsewhere.

"After his disastrous trip to Brussels and Taormina, friendly pictures with European leaders and cheering crowds at his public speech could help Trump repair his image at home," said Piotr Buras of the European Council on Foreign Relations.

During the speech at Krasinski Square -- which memorialises the Warsaw uprising against Nazi occupation -- Trump "will lay out a vision, not only for America's future relationship with Europe, but the future of our transatlantic alliance and what that means for American security and American prosperity," said national security adviser HR McMaster.

Although crowds in Poland are expected to be sympathetic, Trump's welcome in Hamburg is likely to be less than warm

While Warsaw may be the least barbed part of the trip, it is not without its own difficulties as Poles watch closely to see if Trump's reluctantly professed commitment to European security can be relied upon.

Poland, like many countries in eastern and central Europe, sees NATO and its mutual defence pact as a major deterrent to Russian adventurism and a guarantee of hard-won independence.

Trump has professed to favour the alliance's one-for-all-all-for-one commitment, but in the same breath has trashed European allies for not spending enough to defend themselves.

In public, European officials say the decades-old transatlantic partnership is inviolable and essential.

In private, they wonder whether it can survive four or eight years with Trump at the helm.
A North Korean soldier gestures as she stands on the banks of the Yalu river near Sinuiju, opposite the Chinese border city of Dandong

Trucks still line up bumper-to-bumper on the "Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge" to bring goods from North Korea into China even as Beijing faces massive pressure to strangle its Communist ally economically.

Some two dozen trucks awaited clearance to enter the border city of Dandong, through which 70 percent of North Korea's trade passes, a day after Pyongyang successfully tested an intercontinental ballistic missile on Tuesday.

While United Nations sanctions do not ban all trade with North Korea, US President Donald Trump has berated China for not doing more to cut off more sources of cash that have kept the reclusive regime afloat.

The US administration is now leading a new push at the UN to impose tougher sanctions on Pyongyang after Trump complained that trade between China and North Korea had surged in the first quarter.

Traders in Dandong acknowledge that it is business as usual at the border, with taxi drivers saying they have not seen a dip in the number of North Korean merchants visiting the city in recent days.

Gold is among the raw materials from North Korea that are banned under UN sanctions.

But the manager of a store selling "North Korean speciality products" on the boardwalk of the Yalu River said her employees have had no trouble going across the border to purchase gold and silver in recent months.

The manager, who refused to give her name, said the raw material is sent to factories in the southern city of Guangzhou, where it is made into rings and bracelets.

"It's cheaper to buy from North Korea, so the prices we offer shoppers are cheaper than what they can normally find in China," she said.

"We operate as normal. We have been working with the same North Korean suppliers for years."

A clerk in another gift shop down the street, which employs a similar business model for its gold jewelry, said she does not know about any disruptions.

A Chinese man walks near the Friendship bridge on the Yalu River connecting the North Korean town of Sinuiju and Dandong in Chinese border city of Dandong

"Most of our products are actually made in China, but items such as these traditional dresses are made by North Korean workers who have come over to Dandong to work in textile factories," said the Chinese clerk, surnamed Yan.

Trump complained on Wednesday that trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40 percent in the first quarter. Official Chinese customs data shows a 37.4 percent rise in yuan terms and 30.6 percent in US dollars.

But China decided to stop buying North Korean coal in February and total imports from the North have steadily dropped every month from $207 million in January to $99 million in April.

- 'We live together comfortably' -

A North Korean man fills a water tank up on the banks of the Yalu river near Sinuiju, opposite the Chinese border city of Dandong

Riverboat operator Heng Ge, who brings tourists close to North Koreans on the shore, said that despite the precarious political environment, Chinese curiosity about their neighbours has not waned.

"Our tours are often packed. Chinese people really want to see what the lives of ordinary North Korean people are like, and want to see North Korean soldiers up close. This hasn't changed," Heng said.

Dandong residents say they are grateful for the benefits the city reaps from acting as both a trade and cultural exchange point between the two countries.

"Other Chinese might have hostile feelings toward our Korean neighbours," said Peng Li, a local souvenir vendor. "But here in Dandong, we live together comfortably."
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Philippine troops are pictured on their way to the frontline in the outskirts of Marawi, where they have been battling militants since May

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to eat alive the Islamist militants behind the abduction and beheadings of two Vietnamese sailors in a furious reaction to the killings.

The remains of the two hostages, who were kidnapped along with four other crew members of a Vietnamese cargo ship in November last year, were recovered off the southern region of Mindanao by Philippine troops on Wednesday.

The military blamed the killings on the notorious kidnap-for-ransom Abu Sayyaf group with a stronghold in the area, and which is known to behead its hostages unless ransom payments are made.

"I will eat your liver if you want me to. Give me salt and vinegar and I will eat it in front of you," Duterte said in a speech before local officials late Wednesday.

"I eat everything. I am not picky. I eat even what cannot be swallowed."

Holding up a mobile phone with a photo of the slain Vietnamese sailors, Duterte angrily cursed the militants.

"Will we allow ourselves to be enslaved by these people? Son of a whore."

Duterte, 72, ordered a military offensive against the Abu Sayyaf and other militants in the southern Philippines last year.

Abu Sayyaf, originally a loose network of militants formed in the 1990s with seed money from Osama bin Laden's Al-Qaeda network, has splintered into factions, with some continuing to engage in banditry and kidnappings.

One faction has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, and joined militants battling security forces since late May in Marawi, the largely Catholic nation's most important Islamic city.

The militants continue to occupy parts of the southern city despite a US-backed military offensive there that has claimed more than 460 lives and displaced nearly 400,000 people.

Duterte often uses extreme language, particularly when talking about Islamist militants.

Last year, the leader said he would eat Abu Sayyaf militants alive in a bloodthirsty vow of revenge following a bombing in Davao, his southern home city that claimed 15 lives.

Duterte said Vietnam had raised concern about a series of high-seas kidnappings blamed on the Abu Sayyaf when he visited Hanoi last year.

On Wednesday, Vietnam's foreign ministry condemned the killing of the two sailors as it called for heavy punishment.

One of the six crewmen was rescued last month and three remain in captivity according to the Philippine military.

It says Abu Sayyaf militants are holding a total of 22 hostages, including eight other Vietnamese.
This aerial view shows homes flooded and buried in dirt in the city of Asakura, Fukuoka prefecture, on July 6, 2017

Huge floods engulfing parts of southern Japan are reported to have killed at least six people and left hundreds stranded as the torrents swept away roads and houses and destroyed schools.

The Kyodo news agency reported on Thursday that six people had died, with around 20 people still missing after unprecedented torrential rain caused rivers to burst their banks swamping parts of Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan's four main islands.

Hundreds of thousands of people were ordered to flee as soldiers and emergency services battled to reach people cut off by torrents of swirling water or threatened by landslides.

"We are in an extremely serious situation," Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso said, warning of the danger of collapsing hillsides and adding "many people are still missing".

Map of Japan's Kyushu island showing weather warnings for July 6

More than 50 centimetres (20 inches) of rain fell over 12 hours on Wednesday, the meteorological agency said, with downpours expected to continue through Friday, as the region grapples with the aftermath of a typhoon that ravaged the country this week.

Authorities lifted "special" heavy rain warnings for the hardest hit prefectures of Fukuoka and Oita, although other warnings for rain, landslides and flooding remained in place.

Four people died in the city of Asakura in Fukuoka prefecture, Kyodo said, while a further two died in Hita in Oita prefecture. Hundreds were believed to be in areas cut off by damaged roads.

Japan is deploying 7,800 police, rescue personnel and troops in affected areas of Kyushu, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said, telling reporters that "there are about 20 people who are unaccounted for".

Those included a child reportedly carried off by a fast-flowing river and a couple who had not been seen since their house was swept away.

- 'Hang in there!' -

Television footage showed rolling waves from swollen rivers hitting residential areas, tearing up roads and inundating farmland.

Asakura was among the hardest hit with footage showing floodwaters surging through the streets.

Ryoichi Nishioka, who grows flowers in the city, said he tried to save them from damage amid fast rising waters the night before.

Japanese soldiers help local residents evacuate from flooded area in Asakura, Fukuoka prefecture, on July 6, 2017

"I tried to protect them by covering them up but couldn't make it," he told AFP. "Then the swirling water flooded this area and swept away the greenhouses."

Nishioka, 67, also described helping a man who clung to an electric pole as muddy waters rampaged through the area on Wednesday night.

"We had a blackout, so I used a flashlight from the second floor and shined light for him," he said. "I was calling out to encourage him for three hours from 9pm to midnight.

"I shouted: 'Hang in there!'" The man was ultimately rescued, Nishioka said.

An elderly man in the hard-hit Haki district of Asakura told NHK how furniture bobbed in the flood waters that inundated his home.

"I dodged them and escaped in a gush of water," he said.

A railroad bridge has been destroyed by the raging Kagetsu river, disrupting train services, a railway spokesman said.

Several other train lines were also forced to delay or stop operations due to heavy rains, while local officials called off classes at primary and middle schools.

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Team New Zealand parades the America's Cup yachting trophy through the streets of Auckland on July 6, 2017

Team New Zealand celebrated their America's Cup victory with a ticker-tape parade in Auckland Thursday before taking the Auld Mug for a ferry ride escorted by Maori war canoes.

The New Zealanders claimed yachting's oldest trophy last week with an emphatic 7-1 win over Oracle Team USA in Bermuda.

Tens of thousands of supporters braved heavy rain to cheer on the young team, which claimed New Zealand's third win in the regatta after successes in 1995 and 2000.

Syndicate head Grant Dalton said he felt "like a kid at Christmas" as he held the trophy aloft before the cheering crowd.

"We lived in a bubble quite a lot (in Bermuda)," he said.

"We knew it was big back here but until you experience this you really don't understand it. It's just amazing."

Prime Minister Bill English said the success was a result of "leadership through tough times," alluding to Team NZ's collapse in the 2013 final, when they blew an 8-1 lead to lose 9-8.

It was labelled the greatest choke in sporting history and English said "there were few believers" but Dalton and his team carried on.

He said the crew had no idea how passionately New Zealanders supported them as they raced for the trophy half a world away in Bermuda.

"They didn't realise the strong sense of ownership that Kiwis have about this," English said.

"A few years ago, people weren't so sure about it but these guys have won them over."

After parading through the streets of central Auckland on open-top pick-up trucks, Team New Zealand took a ferry boat on a victory lap of the harbour.

They were escorted by three Maori war canoes, or waka, and saluted by hundreds of boats that jammed into the waterway with their sirens blaring.

Spectators used dinghies and paddle boards to gain an aquatic vantage point as the ferry made its was around the foreshore.

"It's so cool to bring the Cup home and be able to share it with everyday Kiwis, we're super stoked," sailor Blair Tuke said.

No official announcement about the next regatta in 2019 has been made yet but Dalton has said it will take place in New Zealand, with most commentators expecting it to be held in Auckland.
It is every Alaskan's nightmare: finding themselves within range of a North Korean missile. As that fear came one step closer to reality this week, America's ability to block an incoming attack is under scrutiny.

On Tuesday, the northwestern US state awoke to the news that Pyongyang had test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile which -- though it came crashing down in the Sea of Japan -- had a probable range of over 5,500 kilometers (3,400 miles), enough to reach Alaskan shores.

The US military has faith that its high-tech defensive systems could fend off any attack from North Korea -- at least for now.

'It's something we have confidence in,' said Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis, who called the latest development a 'nascent threat.'

This graphic shows what the trajectory of the Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile would be. Some experts say the blast could hit Alaska and parts of Canada

Alaska's Senator Dan Sullivan was troubled by the test launch which coincided with Independence Day

But other observers are not so sure, rattled by the pace of Kim Jong-Un's missile program and his stated aim of building a nuclear-tipped ICBM.

'Now more than ever, it's imperative for Alaskans and the rest of the nation that we be prepared,' tweeted Senator Dan Sullivan, one of several Alaskan congressmen who backed a bipartisan bill last month aimed at expanding US missile defenses.

The state of 750,000 people already hosts a key element of the country's current defense system.

The Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system -- installed at Fort Greely, about 100 miles outside Fairbanks in Alaska, and California's Vandenberg Air Force Base -- will comprise 44 missile interceptors by the end of the year.

But if the backers of the Advancing America's Missile Defense Act of 2017 have their way, the government would authorize an additional 28 ground-based interceptors at Fort Greely.

This image, released by North Korean agencies on July 5, shows the missile being test launched

Kim Jong-Un celebrates the first successful test launch in this image that was circulated on July 4

Among the bill's co-sponsors is Alaskan Congressmen Don Young, who believes 'the recent actions by North Korea, a rogue and irrational regime, underscores the importance of Alaska's missile defense systems,' his office said in a statement.

- Missile 'leakage' -

The catastrophic scenario of having to stop an incoming ICBM as it hurtles through space was put to the test in May, when the military successfully launched a GMD interceptor from the California base.

The missile blasted outside Earth's atmosphere and smashed into a dummy ICBM target, destroying it in a direct collision -- a move akin to hitting a bullet with another bullet.

But the GMD system has had a checkered record in previous tests -- failing in earlier launches against slower-moving targets.

And it could be overwhelmed by a barrage of incoming missiles.

That is why Joel Wit, a co-founder of the 38 North program of the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University, said he was not fully confident in US anti-missile capabilities.

He sees a risk that Kim could build enough missiles to overwhelm US defenses -- and that one could slip through the defensive net in a phenomenon known as 'leakage.'

'In the case of a conflict, leakage with nuclear weapons is not a good thing,' Wit told AFP.

Wit had previously said he didn't think North Korea would be able to deploy any nuclear-tipped ICBMs until late 2020 or soon after, but all bets are off given the latest test.

The US Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system (above) will comprise 44 missile interceptors in Alaska by the end of the year

'It's quite possible the North Koreans could deploy much sooner than then, and do that for the shock effect,' he said.

Experts do not think Kim has managed to miniaturize a warhead to put on an ICBM, though Kim has repeatedly stated that is his goal.

'Clearly they are working on it,' Pentagon spokesman Davis said.

- What other defenses? -

Aside from the GMD, the US and its allies also have at their disposal what is known as the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System (AEGIS).

The ship-based system's highly sensitive radars and sensors feed ICBM-tracking data to the GMD facilities in California and Alaska, and AEGIS is itself capable of intercepting shorter-range missiles.

Retired vice admiral Pete Daly, who now leads the United States Naval Institute, said the AEGIS system may also one day have a limited ability to intercept ICBMs.

'There is some progression and capabilities here that folks are working on,' he told AFP.

In the meantime, the US military this year began deploying the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to South Korea, capable of destroying short, medium and intermediate-range missiles in their final phase of flight.

The move infuriated China, which has argued the deployment would further destabilize the situation on the Korean peninsula.

The US and its allies South Korea and Japan also have Patriot Advanced Capability-3 interceptor batteries. But these are designed to protect against a regional threat and would have limited effect against an ICBM.

Integrating all three systems -- THAAD, Aegis and Patriot -- is another key proposal in the legislation championed by Sullivan and Young.
A Qatar Airways Airbus A350-900 aircraft is displayed at the manufacturer's headquarters in Toulouse, France on December 22, 2014

Qatar Airways announced on Thursday that it had won exemption from a US ban on passengers taking laptops and tablet computers on flights from its Doha hub.

It is the latest carrier after Abu Dhabi's Etihad, Dubai's Emirates and Turkish Airlines to meet new rules imposed by Washington in March for direct flights from 10 airports in Turkey, the Middle East and North Africa.

"Qatar Airways is pleased to confirm that with immediate effect, all personal electronic devices can be carried on board all departures from Hamad International Airport to the United States," the airline said.

"Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport have met with all requirements of the US Department of Homeland Security's new security guidelines."

Washington drew up the new guidelines after intelligence officials learnt of efforts by the Islamic State group to produce a bomb that could be hidden inside electronic devices.

They required the installation of sophisticated imaging technology for X-ray and ultrasound screening of carry-on devices.

All other electronic devices larger than a mobile phone had to be transported only in checked luggage.

Etihad was the first airline to meet the new requirements, with its exemption starting on Sunday. It was followed by Turkish Airlines and Emirates on Wednesday.
Negotiations between nuclear-armed North Korea and the US seem inevitable to many analysts after Pyongyang successfully tests an ICBM

Nuclear-armed North Korea has muscled its way onto the agenda of the G20 leaders' annual summit in Germany Thursday, with Pyongyang's first test of an intercontinental ballistic missile set to dominate discussions.

The US is seeking new sanctions against Pyongyang and is due to hold a summit with Japan and South Korea on the sidelines, while China and Russia are already urging restraint and negotiations.

Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin have suggested a simultaneous freeze on North Korean nuclear and missile tests and South Korea-US joint military exercises -- a concept already rejected by Seoul and Washington.

The US and its allies are determined to avoid "rewarding bad behaviour", but a growing number of analysts -- and the New York Times editorial board -- say it will ultimately have no choice but to talk to Pyongyang.

Here are five questions and answers on the issue of negotiations.

What does the North say about talks?

After the launch, according to the North's official news agency, leader Kim Jong-Un re-iterated Pyongyang's longstanding position that it will not put its missiles and nuclear weapons up for negotiation or "flinch even an inch" from developing them further unless what it calls the US "hostile policy" and threats against it are terminated.

Even then, it wants to be recognised by the US -- which it sees as the relevant partner for negotiations, rather than the South -- as a nuclear power.

Pyongyang regularly says it is willing to talk to the United States with no preconditions -- but that means it is not willing to accept any preconditions either.

What about the US?

The US has long refused to take part in "talks for talks' sake", demanding under Barack Obama the North take concrete steps towards denuclearisation first.

The Trump administration has repeatedly said that its patience with Pyongyang is over, while also stating that the "door to dialogue" is open in the right circumstances.

Trump's own rhetoric has varied widely, at one point describing Kim as a "smart cookie" and saying it would be an "honour" to meet him.

Washington has said it is not seeking regime change in the North -- which US president George W Bush included in his "axis of evil" -- but has also said, most recently at the United Nations on Wednesday, that military action was an option.

With the Demilitarized Zone that divides the two Koreas one of the most heavily-fortified places on Earth, and Seoul within range of the massed ranks of Pyongyang's artillery, that could rapidly spiral into a conflict that devastates both North and South.

What talks have happened in the past?

In the 1990s, former US president Jimmy Carter and the North's founder Kim Il-Sung negotiated the Agreed Framework, under which Pyongyang would freeze its plutonium programme in exchange for nuclear reactors and energy aid. The deal later broke down.

The Chinese-chaired "six-party talks" began in 2003, bringing together the two Koreas, China, Russia, Japan and the United States in an attempt to persuade the North to give up its weapons programmes in exchange for security guarantees and development aid.

But the North carried out its first nuclear test in 2006 and walked out of the negotiations in 2009, leaving them dormant.

China, the North's key diplomatic backer and trade partner, has pushed for a revival of the process ever since, and this week reiterated its call to "bring the issue back to the right track of peaceful settlement through dialogue and negotiation".

So-called 'Track 2' meetings, informal talks often involving retired officials, have continued quietly, enabling some communications between the two sides.

What would the North want?

Pyongyang consistently says that it needs nuclear weapons to protect it from the threat of attack and invasion by the US and its allies, and its first priority is its own survival.

It sees the examples of past regimes whose pursuit of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) brought them into conflict with the West -- most notably Saddam Hussein's Iraq and Moamer Kadhafi in Libya -- as a salutary lesson.

Saddam's life ended on the gallows after a US-led coalition invaded Iraq -- where no WMD were subsequently found -- in 2003. Khadafi's Libya agreed to give up its weapons programmes later that year, and was the object of NATO bombing in 2011, when it descended into civil war and Khadafi was killed.

At the very least, Pyongyang would demand security guarantees, a peace treaty to formally end the Korean War, and the withdrawal of US troops from the South, as well as an end to sanctions and large sums in development aid.

What would the US want?

Washington's long-held stance is that it will not accept a nuclear-armed North Korea. That means it wants to see "complete, verifiable, and irreversible" denuclearisation -- a very high bar.

Verification would normally require independent observers to be able to have access to all relevant facilities.

And with the North having already carried out five nuclear tests, and now a successful ICBM launch, it has achieved a level of knowledge that makes "irreversible" disarmament virtually impossible.

For now, the two positions appear irreconcilable.

In a commentary Wednesday on the ICBM launch, the North's official Korean Central News Agency said: "One has to adopt a new way of thinking, first, if one wants to deal with the DPRK."
Papua New Guinea's leader Peter O'Neill has hailed this year's poll as "calm and peaceful", even as some voters complained their names had vanished from the electoral roll

Counting is under way in Papua New Guinea's sprawling elections, officials said Thursday, but voting has been marred by claims of rigging, electoral roll flaws and ballot paper shortages.

The last polling stations are due to close Saturday after two weeks of voting for the 111-seat parliament across the vast and remote country where previous elections have been tarnished by violence.

The Pacific nation's leader, Peter O'Neill of the People's National Congress (PNC), has hailed this year's poll as "calm and peaceful", even as some voters complained their names had vanished from the electoral roll.

Students in the second largest city Lae burnt ballot papers after complaining an insufficient amount was allocated to their university, while election officials were found carrying US$57,000 in cash, media reported.

The electoral commission later reportedly said the money was an allowance for polling staff.

Meanwhile voting in the capital Port Moresby was delayed for several days after polling officials went on strike over unpaid allowances.

"Polling and now counting is a success, we should be proud that this election we have managed (to) see it through," Electoral Commissioner Patilius Gamato told Thursday's Post-Courier, adding he would not declare the poll a failure.

O'Neill on Wednesday slammed opposition politicians for questioning the commission's integrity after they called for results in his Ialibu-Pangia seat not to be declared first as it could give the PNC an advantage.

"Let the electoral commission get on with its job, and in that process, these failed leaders of the past must stop trying to tarnish constitutional office holders," O'Neill said in a statement.

There is no opinion polling in PNG, so it is unclear who holds the advantage. But no party has ever won a majority, meaning a coalition is likely, held together by strategic political appointments.

O'Neill's main threat is seen as Don Polye's Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party.

Polye on Monday claimed leaders in Hela electorate had been "deliberately and openly rigging the election", calling on Gamato to declare the vote in the province as failed, the Post-Courier said.

Former New Zealand governor-general Sir Anand Satyanand, who heads the Commonwealth Observer Group monitoring the elections, said it was too early to declare any failure.

"Election officials... have got a week to put measures in a better place than they are at the moment," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Monday.

"I would not responsibly use the word 'failed'.

"Whether it reaches a pass mark is for this week to establish."

The observer group is due to publish an interim statement on the election on Monday while results are not expected for a couple of weeks.
Tensions remain high in Kashmir with India's increasingly strong hand being felt in the Valley and the July 8 death anniversary of popular rebel leader Burhan Wani looming.

In a crowded Kashmir hospital a 17-year-old student is recovering from gunshot wounds, one of thousands of civilians injured in protests against Indian rule that have exploded since the death of a popular rebel leader a year ago.

When government forces came to his village in the picturesque Himalayan region recently to raid a militant hideout, the teenager, who does not want to be named, threw himself into a hail of bullets to help the fighters escape.

Kashmiri villagers bring a resident injured by Indian security personnel to the main hospital in Srinagar on July 3, 2017

Burhan Wani and Sabzar Ahmad Bhat have both been killed by Indian security forces

Burhan Wani is considered a terrorist by India but a hero by Indian Kashmiris. He doesn't fulfil the obvious stereotype of a Mujahideen commander.

'I leapt in between a trapped militant and soldiers who were shooting and took the bullets myself,' he told AFP from his hospital bed in Srinagar, the main city in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Kashmir, divided between India and Pakistan since 1947, is one of the most heavily militarised spots on earth with a long history of conflict.

The mountainous region is home to dozens of armed groups fighting for independence or a merger of the territory with Pakistan.

But since the charismatic rebel leader Burhan Wani was shot dead by security forces on July 8, civilians have played an increasingly active role in the rebellion against Indian rule.

The death of the dashing 23-year-old, who had built up a big following on social media as he posed with an AK-47, sparked a huge outpouring of grief in Kashmir.

Nearly 100 civilians were killed in mass protests in the months that followed, most shot dead by security forces.

Burhan Wani's death in July plunged Kashmir into turmoil, with it yet to emerge from the unrest

Indian Kashmiri villagers walks near the debris of houses destroyed during a gunfight between rebels and Indian government forces at Bahmnoo village in Pulwama, south of Srinagar in July

Many more were blinded by the pellet guns used by government forces in the region, further exacerbating the divide between authorities and an already alienated civilian population.

Hospital authorities in Srinagar say they have seen a steady stream of injured civilians since July and treated more than 1,000 for 'horrific' eye injuries.

'Anger and defiance'

In parts of south Kashmir - the epicentre of the renewed insurgency - villagers began intervening in anti-militant raids, throwing stones at government forces to create a distraction and give the rebels a chance to flee.

After Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was shot dead people arrive at his grave to pay their respects

'It is a direct confrontation now,' said Kashmiri historian Sidiq Wahid. 'Public anger and defiance has reached levels never seen in Kashmir before.'

Kashmir's separatist leaders - most of whom have been either confined to their homes or jailed ahead of the anniversary - have called for a week of protests from Saturday to mark Wani's death.

Authorities have begun controlling people's movements and suspended mobile internet services in some areas.

One senior officer said police stations across south Kashmir were full of motorbikes seized to stop activists moving between villages.

Burhan Wani and the Hizbul Mujahideen Kashmir-based militant outfit

An Indian paramilitary soldier uses a sling to shoot glass marbles at Kashmiri protesters

A tear gas shell fired by an Indian policeman explodes behind Kashmiri protesters during a protest in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir

India has deployed two additional army battalions - about 2,000 troops - to troubled regions in the southern Kashmir area.

But some officials say the challenge now is to deal with public anger rather than the militant threat.

'The armed militants are not much of a challenge,' one senior security official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

'Counterinsurgency operations have been intensified and we are eliminating them. But in absence of any political forces engaging the people, they (rebels) have galvanised the public sentiment against India.'

Jammu and Kashmir, India's only Muslim-majority state, has since 2014 been governed by the pro-India People's Democratic Party in an unpopular coalition with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Indian police try to detain supporters of Jammu and Kashmir lawmaker Sheikh Engineer during a march to protest against the deaths of civilians in Kashmir's ongoing summer unrest, in Srinagar on September 26, 2016

Masked youths carrying the Pakistani and ISIS flags in Kashmir

An Indian policeman kicks an exploded tear gas shell

Analysts say this has intensified public opposition to Indian rule in Kashmir, where nearly 100 youths joined the rebel ranks since Wanis death.

Many have taken weapons from police and paramilitary forces during patrols.

Although he is still so weak he can only speak in a whisper, the wounded teen hopes he will soon be among them.

'I am praying to find a weapon when I get out of here and join my brothers,' he said from his hospital bed.
An Iraqi woman carries a child as she flees the Old City of Mosul on July 5, 2017

Up to 20,000 civilians are trapped in the last Islamic State group-held areas in Mosul's Old City, which Iraqi forces are battling to retake, a senior UN official said Thursday.

More than eight months since the start of the operation to retake Mosul, IS has gone from fully controlling the city to holding a small pocket of territory on the west bank of the Tigris River.

But the fighting against the last IS holdouts is heavy, and civilians caught in the middle of the battle are in "extreme danger," UN humanitarian coordinator in Iraq Lise Grande told AFP.

"Our estimate at this stage is that in the final pockets of the Old City, there could be as many as 15,000 civilians, possibly even as high as 20,000.

"The people that are still trapped inside of these pockets are in terrible condition," facing shortages of food, she said.

"They're in extreme danger from bombardment, from artillery crossfire. The (IS) fighters that are still there are still directly targeting civilians if they try and leave."

The battle has pushed 915,000 to flee their homes, nearly 700,000 of whom are still displaced.

"We exceeded our worst case scenario more than a month ago. In our very worst-case scenario, we thought that 750,000 people would flee," Grande said.

The damage caused by the fighting in west Mosul -- and the cost of addressing it -- is huge.

An Iraqi boy carries a girl on his back as they flee the Old City of Mosul on July 5, 2017

There are "44 residential neighbourhoods in western Mosul. Six are nearly completely destroyed... Twenty-two neighbourhoods are moderately damaged and 16 are lightly damaged," Grande said.

Based on a preliminary assessment, the first phase of "stabilisation" in west Mosul -- which includes basic services, infrastructure, housing, education and police stations -- will cost $707 million.

That is nearly double the expected figure, "because the level of damage in western Mosul is far higher than what we feared it would be," she said.

IS overran large areas north and west of Baghdad in 2014, but Iraqi forces backed by US-led air strikes and other support have since regained much of the ground they lost.

The recapture of Mosul will not however mark the end of the war against IS.

The jihadist group holds territory elsewhere in Iraq as well as in neighbouring Syria, and has been able to carry out attacks in government-held areas.
This handout photo released by the Ministry of Information and Communication (MCI) on July 3, 2017 shows Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong speaking at parliament house in Singapore

The siblings of Singapore's prime minister offered a truce Thursday in an explosive family feud over the legacy of their late father, founding leader Lee Kuan Yew, saying they wanted to settle the matter privately.

The tightly-controlled city-state has been captivated by the row over the future of the family bungalow, which has played out in a bitter back and forth across social media since it erupted last month.

"For now, we will cease presenting further evidence on social media, provided that we and our fathers wish are not attacked or misrepresented," said Lee Hsien Yang, 60, and Lee Wei Ling, 62, in a joint statement.

The patriarch, who ruled Singapore for three decades, wanted the house destroyed after he passed away to prevent the creation of a personality cult.

But prime minister Lee Hsien Loong's siblings say their brother is attempting to block the house's demolition to capitalise on their father's legacy for his own political agenda, including grooming his own son as a future leader.

The unprecedented row has shocked a tightly-controlled nation unused to divisions among the elite, with the 65-year-old prime minister telling parliament this week it was "not a soap opera" and calling for private resolution.

"We look forward to talking without the involvement of lawyers or government agencies," the siblings said in their statement.

The elder Lee was widely revered for having transformed Singapore into one of the world's wealthiest societies, but has also been criticised for authoritarian tendencies.

In his speech to parliament Monday -- part of a two-day debate over the dispute -- the prime minister said the allegations against him were "entirely baseless" and denied abuse of power and nepotism.

On Thursday, his brother and sister also released a document summing up what they say is the evidence against the leader, and repeated their central claim he was trying to block the destruction of the century-old bungalow.

"(Lee Kuan Yew) wanted to demolish the house because he knew it was the right thing for Singapore. He did not want Singaporeans to create a cult around him," they said.
Relations between China and Teipei have worsened since Beijing-sceptic President Tsai Ing-wen came to power in May 2016

A Chinese graduate from one of Taiwan's top universities was charged with espionage on Thursday as prosecutors accused him of attempting to recruit spies for Beijing.

The indictment comes as officials warn of growing intelligence threats from China at a time of increasingly frosty ties between Taipei and Beijing.

China still sees the island as part of its territory to be brought back into its fold even though Taiwan has been self-governing since the two sides split after a civil war in 1949.

Relations have worsened since Beijing-sceptic President Tsai Ing-wen came to power last May.

The Taipei District Prosecutors office said Thursday a man surnamed Zhou -- who came to Taiwan to study in 2012 -- violated the National Security Act.

Local media identified the man as Zhou Hongxu from Liaoning province in northeastern China, who graduated from the National Chengchi University in Taipei last year.

Prosecutors said Zhou was recruited by a mainland official he met at an event promoting cross-strait exchanges in Shanghai in July 2014, who asked him to build a spy network in return for remuneration.

Zhou was told to "introduce politicians, officials in the military, police, intelligence and diplomacy units and other influential people in society to Chinese local officials in destinations abroad," they said.

The Chinese government would pick up the tab for any meetings arranged with local mainland officials, to be held in locations abroad, Zhou was allegedly told.

Zhou then unsuccessfully attempted to recruit a Taiwanese official on multiple occasions between August 2016 and March this year, the prosecutors said.

The unidentified Taiwan official -- who may have access to diplomatic documents -- was reportedly told he could be paid as much as $10,000 a quarter if he agreed to work for the Chinese government.

Zhou also said he could arrange for the official to meet with mainland government representatives in Japan under the pretense of a holiday, according to the prosecutors.

National Security Bureau director-general Peng Sheng-chu said in parliament in March that Chinese espionage is "more serious than before". Local media reports claim that up to 5,000 people may be spying for China on the island.

Taiwan's cabinet is seeking to tighten existing restrictions on travel to the mainland for former high-ranking Taipei officials to "protect national security and interest".

Cross-strait relations have rapidly deteriorated since the inauguration of President Tsai Ing-wen who refuses to acknowledge both sides are part of "one China". Beijing has cut all official communication with Taipei.
The United States is pushing for tougher sanctions on North Korea following the ICBM test.

China on Thursday warned against "words and deeds" that could heighten tensions over North Korea, after Pyongyang tested an intercontinental ballistic missile that Kim Jong-Un dubbed a gift to "American bastards".

Tuesday's launch marked a milestone in Pyongyang's decades-long drive for the capability to threaten the US mainland with a nuclear strike, and poses a stark foreign policy challenge for Donald Trump.

"We also call on relevant parties to stay calm, exercise restraint, refrain from words and deeds that may heighten tensions, and jointly make effort for the easing of tensions," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters.

US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley told the UN Security Council Wednesday that Washington was ready to use force if need be to deal with the threat of a nuclear-armed North Korea and singled out China as key to any diplomatic solution.

Her comments came after US President Donald Trump berated China on Twitter, saying that the country's trade with North Korea had surged by almost 40 percent in the first quarter.

"We will work with China," Haley said, "but we will not repeat the inadequate approaches of the past that have brought us to this dark day."

US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley told the UN Security Council Wednesday that Washington was ready to use force if need be to deal with the threat of a nuclear-armed North Korea and singled out China as key to any diplomatic solution.

The United States is pushing for tougher sanctions on North Korea following the ICBM test.

Geng defended China's dealings with North Korea, insisting that Beijing has upheld UN sanction resolutions "in a comprehensive and earnest manner".

But, he added, "as a neighbouring country of the DPRK, China has maintained normal economic relations and trade. According to the DPRK-related resolutions, relevant economic sanctions should not harm the livelihood and normal humanitarian need of the DPRK," he said, using the initials of North Korea's official name.

- 'We had to try' -

Trump has pushed China to put economic pressure on its Communist ally economically to strongarm the Stalinist regime into abandoning its nuclear and missile programmes.

Trump has pushed China to put economic pressure on its Communist ally economically to strongarm the Stalinist regime into abandoning its nuclear and missile programmes.

Official Chinese customs data shows a 37.4 percent rise in yuan terms in overall trade and 30.6 percent in US dollars.

But China decided to stop buying North Korean coal in February and total imports from the North have steadily dropped every month from $207 million in January to $99 million in April.

"Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40% in the first quarter. So much for China working with us - but we had to give it a try!" Trump tweeted on Wednesday.

The US leader had until recently nurtured friendly ties with Chinese President Xi Jinping, hosting him at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida in April, when they agreed on a 100-day plan to improve US-Chinese trade relations.

The two leaders are due to meet again at the Group of 20 summit in Germany, which runs Friday and Saturday.
The Holey Artisan Bakery cafe experienced a deadly siege carried out by Islamist militants last year

An upscale Bangladeshi restaurant has banned foreign guests, fearing a repeat of last year's deadly terrorist attack in a Dhaka cafe, the owner said Thursday.

Lake Terrace, a reputed rooftop barbeque restaurant in the capital's northern Uttara neighbourhood, put a notice at its entrance saying no foreigners were welcome.

Shah Tanzil, the owner of Lake Terrace, said the order had come from his landlord.

"We had no choice but to follow the landlord's instruction," he told AFP.

"We are ashamed. But we cannot suddenly shut down our business as it's our bread and butter."

The landlord of the five-storey building told local English newspaper, The Daily Star, he feared foreigners were the primary targets of the extremists.

"Who would take the responsibility if something bad happens?" he told the daily, on condition of anonymity.

Five armed young men entered the Holey Artisan Bakery last year in the city's diplomatic quarters and killed at least 22 people, mostly foreigners, after taking them hostage.

The Islamic State group claimed the attack, although the government blamed a homegrown Islamist extremist organisation.

The move to close the cafe to foreigners comes after a fresh warning apparently from an IS operative who said the group was expanding its operations in Bangladesh.

The US-based monitoring group SITE said Abu Shofiq Al Bengali had posted a message on Wednesday, warning of a "strong trained brigade of thousand brothers" in Bangladesh, Myanmar and the Indian state of West Bengal.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), an elite force fighting militancy in the Muslim-majority nation, said they were investigating the authenticity of the post.

"We are verifying the statement, whether it is credible," RAB spokesman Mufti Mahmud Khan told AFP.

Bangladeshi has seen a spate of fatal attacks on foreigners, secular rights activists and religious minorities in recent years.

The Holey Bakery cafe attack led to a major crackdown on Islamist militants, nearly 70 of whom have been shot dead by security forces.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (right) pictured with EU president Donald Tusk in Brussels on July 6, 2017

The EU and Japan were due Thursday to formally agree the broad outlines of a landmark trade deal that will now enter a more detailed phase of negotiation holding major pitfalls.

Few details are known on the specifics of the deal, but here are some of the key driving forces behind what could end up being one of the biggest trade accords in history.

- Why a deal? -

The EU wants access to one of the world's richest markets. Japan is the world's third largest economy. With a population of about 127 million, its economy is about one third larger than Germany's, the biggest in Europe.

But Japan is only Europe's seventh biggest export market, after the United States, China and Switzerland and others.

Japan meanwhile, after a long era of a moribund growth, is seeking to jump start its auto exports to Europe, home to many of the world's richest consumers.

Japan is also hoping to seize an opportunity after the failure of the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), torpedoed in January by US President Donald Trump.

- Cheese -

Crucial for Europe is greater access to Japan's highly protected dairy market. The EU's dairy farmers are caught in a deep crisis, caused by super-low demand and excessive supply, and their gripes have contributed to increasing opposition to globalisation in Europe.

European negotiators have insisted that Japan lower import duties on a wide range of agricultural goods, with EU officials claiming that about 200 protected products would now enjoy unfettered access to Japan.

- Cars -

According to negotiators, the pact would eliminate a 10 percent duty that the EU imposes on Japanese car imports, while removing obstacles that European automakers face in Japan.

To help European carmakers absorb the shock, it is expected that the zero tariff regime will be implemented gradually, most likely over seven years.

Officials say Japan has in return accepted to align with EU regulation, which would improve access to Japan's market for European automakers.

- Investment courts -

The two sides are still very far apart on investment courts, a controversial measure designed to resolve disputes.

International trade deals have until now always been ruled by so-called investment courts, privately run panels that hear complaints and rule on solutions.

This system has come under furious opposition in Europe and the EU is trying -- so far unsuccessfully -- to persuade partners to adopt a new system staffed by public officials.

Japan insists on sticking to the old system, which is a deal-breaker for the Europeans.

- Ratification process -

The EU hopes to have a full agreement by the end of the autumn but even then the deal would face a very complex ratification process.

Brussels is afraid that the agreement with Japan will suffer a similar fate to an EU-Canada accord, which has been criticised by NGOs and was nearly blocked by parliament in the Belgian French-speaking region of Wallonia.

Each of the EU's 37 national or regional entities, as well as the European parliament, will have a chance to approve or reject major aspects of the deal, making ratification a long and potentially nerve-wracking process.
The United States has since late 2014 led a coalition against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria

US-led coalition air strikes have killed at least 224 civilians since the Syrian forces it backs entered Islamic State group bastion Raqa a month ago, a monitor said on Thursday.

But the coalition pushed back against the report, saying its "critics" were not conducting "detailed assessments".

Arab and Kurdish fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces broke into Raqa on June 6 after a months-long operation to encircle the northern city.

"At least 224 civilians, including 38 children and 28 women, have been killed in air strikes by the global coalition on Raqa since the SDF entered it," said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The Britain-based Observatory said it did not have a toll for those killed in other ways, including by other military operations, mines, or while trying to flee the city.

Tens of thousands of civilians are believed to be trapped inside Raqa, with warnings that the jihadists are using them as human shields.

Raqa residents who have managed to escape say IS snipers are targeting anyone trying to leave the city.

The Raqa is Being Slaughtered Silently activist collective says dozens of civilians have lost their lives in artillery, shelling, and explosives laid by IS in recent weeks.

The Observatory said clashes and air strikes in Raqa had killed 311 IS jihadists and 106 SDF militiamen since June 6.

The US-backed coalition is providing the SDF's Raqa campaign with heavy air support, as well as special forces advisers, weapons, and equipment.

Its spokesman Colonel Ryan Dillon pushed back against the Observatory's toll, saying the coalition would be publishing its own monthly civilian casualty report on Friday.

"We hold ourselves accountable with an open and transparent process to assess allegations of civilian casualties, and we publish these findings on a regular basis for the world to see," he said.

"Most of our critics do not conduct such detailed assessments and often rely on scant information, which frequently comes from single, unreliable sources," Dillon added.

He said the coalition strived for "zero human casualties" with tough targeting protocols aimed at protecting non-combatants.

Since IS captured Raqa in early 2014, it has served as the de facto capital of the jihadist group's Syrian territory.
North Korea's ICBM test poses a thorny policy issue for US President Donald Trump

President Donald Trump said Thursday he was considering a "pretty severe" response to North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missile test, even as his defense secretary said the United States is still seeking a diplomatic solution to the standoff.

International divisions on how to contain the North Korean threat continued to sharpen, meanwhile, as Russia blocked a UN Security Council statement calling for fresh sanctions and China appealed for a scaling down of rhetoric.

Washington has led the push for tougher sanctions in response to the milestone in Pyongyang's drive to threaten the US mainland with a nuclear strike, and Trump has also warned he is ready to use force if necessary.

"I call on all nations to confront this global threat and publicly demonstrate to North Korea that there are consequences for their very, very bad behaviour," Trump said during a visit to Warsaw.

"I have pretty severe things that we're thinking about," Trump said, adding: "That doesn't mean that we'll do them."

While the Pentagon has drawn up an array of plans for a possible military intervention in North Korea, Pentagon chief Jim Mattis said he did not think America was closer to conflict because of the ICBM test.

"I do not believe this capability in itself brings us closer to war because the president has been very clear, and the secretary of state has been very clear, that we are leading with diplomatic and economic efforts," Mattis said.

"As (Winston) Churchill put it, better to jaw-jaw than war-war."

The launch of the missile, which experts say could reach Alaska or even further towards the continental US, is set to be a key issue at the G20 summit in Germany that begins Friday with the leaders of the US, China and South Korea in attendance.

It poses a thorny policy challenge for Trump, who is at loggerheads with Beijing over how to handle Kim Jong-Un's regime.

Trump has repeatedly urged Pyongyang's chief backer Beijing to rein the Stalinist state in, taking to Twitter this week to publicly berate Beijing for not squeezing the North hard enough on trade.

China responded Thursday with a call for more moderate language from all sides.

- Russia contests UN statement -

The United States is pushing for tougher sanctions on North Korea following the ICBM test.

Washington had made a hard-hitting call in the UN Security Council on Wednesday for tougher sanctions against Pyongyang after the missile test.

But Russia contested a Security Council statement Thursday calling for "significant measures" in response, signalling that it might not back a final resolution putting fresh sanctions in place.

China's President Xi Jinping stressed that the best way to rid the Korean Peninsula of nuclear weapons was through dialogue and negotiations, the Xinhua news agency reported.

Likewise, South Korean President Moon Jae-In said his previous offer for talks with Kim was still on the table despite the missile test, warning it was "dangerous" if there was "no dialogue whatsoever".

But Moon has also called for a response to the test beyond "just words", prompting a joint missile drill with its ally the US aimed at countering threats from the North.

Trump had dismissed the idea of North Korea having a working ICBM, vowing it "won't happen".

The test has sent jitters through global stock markets, with shares falling on Thursday.

- 'We had to try' -

Trump has pushed China to put economic pressure on its Communist ally economically to strongarm the Stalinist regime into abandoning its nuclear and missile programmes.

Beijing insists it has made "relentless efforts" to curb Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions in line with UN economic sanctions.

China stopped buying North Korean coal in February and total imports from the North have steadily dropped every month from $207 million in January to $99 million in April.

But official Chinese customs data shows a 37.4 percent rise in yuan terms in overall trade with North Korea and 30.6 percent in US dollars in the first quarter.

"Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40%... so much for China working with us - but we had to give it a try!" Trump tweeted on Wednesday.

For China, the worst-case scenario is a collapse of the regime in Pyongyang, which could see an influx of refugees from its impoverished neighbour, and worse yet, US troops stationed on its border in a united Korea.

Trump had until recently nurtured friendly ties with Xi, hosting him at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida in April, when they agreed on a 100-day plan to improve trade relations.

China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang defended his country's dealings with North Korea, insisting Beijing has upheld UN sanction resolutions "in a comprehensive and earnest manner".

But, he added, sanctions "should not harm the livelihood and normal humanitarian need of the DPRK," using the initials of North Korea's official name.

burs-kjl-wat/ec
Chinese dissident and Nobel Peace laureate Liu Xiaobo (L) was sentenced to 11 years in prison for subversion

The liver function of China's Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo "has deteriorated", the hospital treating him said Thursday, raising fears about the cancer-stricken activist's future.

China Medical University No 1 Hospital said on its website that Liu, 61, may also have a blood clot on a calf muscle and that a group of medical experts have adjusted his treatment plan.

A team of doctors led by a reputed liver cancer specialist "informed Liu's family of the latest development and Liu's family said they understood", the hospital in the northeastern city of Shenyang said.

Liu was sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2009 for "subversion" after calling for democratic reform. He was awarded the Nobel in 2010, with an empty chair representing him at the ceremony in Oslo.

Beijing has come under fire from human rights groups over its treatment of Liu and for waiting until he became so ill to take him out of prison.

China has come under pressure to let Liu get treatment abroad. Earlier this week, authorities said the hospital had invited US and German cancer experts to come to the country to help treat Liu at the family's request.
US President Donald Trump warned that the future of the West was at stake, in a keynote speech in Warsaw

US President Donald Trump warned that the future of the West was at risk and lashed out at Russia and North Korea on Thursday at the start of a high-stakes trip to Europe.

In key US ally Poland on the first leg of the trip, he accused Russia of "destabilising" action in Ukraine and warned North Korea it faced "consequences" after an intercontinental ballistic missile test that has alarmed the international community.

On the eve of what is likely to be a prickly G20 summit in Hamburg, Trump -- who faces animosity from traditional US allies -- used his keynote address in Warsaw to warn that a lack of collective resolve could doom an alliance that endured through the Cold War.

"The defence of the West ultimately rests not only on means but also on the will of its people to prevail," he said.

"The fundamental question of our time is whether the West has the will to survive."

Seeking to ease allies' concerns about the US commitment to NATO, Trump endorsed its one-for-all-and-all-for-one mutual defence pact.

"The United States has demonstrated not merely with words, but with it actions, that we stand firmly behind Article Five," he said, while calling for more defence spending on the eastern side of the Atlantic.

"The transatlantic bond between the United States and Europe is as strong as ever, and maybe in many ways, even stronger," he added.

Speaking in a country alarmed by Moscow's increasing military assertiveness, Trump hit out at Russia, just a day before his highly anticipated first face-to-face talks with President Vladimir Putin at the G20.

"We urge Russia to cease its destabilising activities in Ukraine and elsewhere, and its support for hostile regimes -- including Syria and Iran -- and to instead join the community of responsible nations in our fight against common enemies and in defence of civilisation itself."

Large crowds gathered as US President Donald Trump gave a speech at Warsaw Uprising Monument on Krasinski Square

He also said Moscow "may have" tried to influence the 2016 election that brought him to power, but suggested others too may have been involved and blames his predecessor Barack Obama for failing to act.

- 'Very bad behaviour' -

Arriving at the G20 host city Hamburg later Thursday, Trump headed in the evening to talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has vowed to defend the 2015 Paris climate accord which the US leader has pledged to withdraw America from.

Trump would then hold a dinner meeting with leaders of South Korea and Japan, when focus will be trained on another crisis that erupted this week when Pyongyang successfully tested an ICBM that could deliver a nuclear payload to Alaska.

In his first public remarks since the test, Trump said in Warsaw that Pyongyang's military sabre-rattling must bring "consequences" and warned he was considering a "severe" response to its 'very, very bad behaviour".

After repeatedly urging Beijing to ratchet up the economic pressure on North Korea, Trump will hold what promises to be a testy meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20.

The White House wanted to use Trump's Warsaw speech -- with its echoes of historic addresses overseas by Ronald Reagan and John F. Kennedy -- to burnish his credentials as a global statesman and deflect suggestions he is making the United States a virtual pariah.

Speaking in front of 10,000 people at Krasinski Square -- which memorialises the Warsaw uprising against Nazi occupation -- Trump pointed to Poland as an example of resolve in the defence of Western traditions.

"The people of Poland, the people of America, and the people of Europe still cry out 'We want God'," Trump said.

Referring to the Nazi and Soviet invasions of Poland, he said: "That's tough."

- 'Blow to global consensus' -

The military and economic power of the United States and Russia

But he is likely to encounter a cool reception elsewhere.

Thomas Wright from the Brookings Institute said that Trump's backing of NATO's Article Five and reference to the Russian threat had done the "bare minimum" to repair a speech he made to the alliance earlier this year.

"But its overall thrust was one of nationalism and sovereignty," he said.

"The great risk is that in his off-the-cuff remarks he will begin dividing Europe into old and new-- or those who don't like him and his message and those who do."

Demonstrators protest against US President Donald Trump's visit to Warsaw on July 6, 2017

While Trump positions himself as a leader with the vision to confront an epoch-making crisis, for many US allies in Europe and beyond it is Trump himself who has called the world order -- and a century of American global leadership -- into doubt.

"Trump's decisions to pull out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Paris climate accord have dealt a blow to the near-global consensus," said Dmitri Trenin, director for the Carnegie Moscow Center.
Britain has suffered a string of terror attacks in recent months, and police say they have foiled 18 plots since 2013

Britain said Thursday it had begun housing Islamist extremists in separate prison units to prevent them radicalising other inmates, as it grapples with a mounting terror threat.

A new "separation centre" has been opened at Frankland jail near Durham, northeast England, the interior ministry said.

It is first of three centres which together will have a capacity of 28 inmates.

"The most dangerous and subversive offenders are now being separated from those they seek to influence and convert," said the minister for prisons, Sam Gyimah.

The move was recommended by a review into Islamist extremism in prisons published last year, which highlighted similar schemes in the Netherlands, France and Spain.

It found some "charismatic" prisoners were acting as self-styled "emirs" and exerting a controlling and radicalising influence on the wider Muslim prison population, and also found some "aggressive encouragement" to convert to Islam.

The review also highlighted incidents of unsupervised collective worship, intimidation of prison imams and the availability of extremist literature.

The interior ministry said 4,500 frontline prison staff had received specialist training on how to identify and challenge extremist views, adding that new recruits would receive the training as standard.

Britain has suffered a string of terror attacks in recent months, and police say they have foiled 18 plots since 2013.

Official figures show there were 186 people in custody for terrorism-related offences and domestic extremism on March 31 this year, up 15 percent on the previous year.

In the year to March, 304 people had been arrested for terrorism-related offences -- the highest number since records began in September 2001, and an annual increase of 18 percent.

Of these, 108 were charged and 88 were released on bail pending further investigation.

In the same year, 70 terrorism-related trials were completed by state prosecutors -- up 55 percent from 51 in the previous year, with 68 resulting in convictions.
Chinese dissident and Nobel Peace laureate Liu Xiaobo (L) was sentenced to 11 years in prison for subversion

Fears about the health of China's cancer-stricken Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo rose on Thursday as the hospital treating him said the liver function of the country's most prominent democracy advocate had deteriorated.

Friends voiced concerns that Liu, 61, is now near death after it emerged last month that he had been transferred from prison to a hospital under medical parole due to terminal liver cancer.

Liu was sentenced to 11 years in prison in December 2009 for "subversion" after calling for democratic reform. He was awarded the Nobel in 2010, with an empty chair representing him at the ceremony in Oslo.

Beijing has come under fire from human rights groups over its treatment of Liu and for waiting until he became so ill to take him out of prison, but authorities insist he has been afforded top medical care from renowned doctors.

China has faced calls to let Liu get treatment abroad, with the US ambassador saying he would like for him to be given that option. The European Parliament called on China on Thursday to free Liu and let him seek treatment "wherever he wishes".

Authorities this week said US and German cancer experts would be invited to come to China to help treat Liu at the family's request.

- 'Near death' -

China Medical University No 1 Hospital, located in the northeastern city of Shenyang, said on its website that Liu's liver function "has deteriorated" and it suspects that he has a blood clot in a calf muscle.

A team of doctors led by a reputed liver cancer specialist "informed Liu's family of the latest development and Liu's family said they understood", the hospital said.

Liu has received chemotherapy and traditional Chinese medicine, according to officials.

Hu Jia, a prominent activist and friend of Liu, told AFP the Nobel laureate has shown new symptoms, including vomiting, kidney malfunction and the accumulation of fluids in his abdomen.

Hu still voiced hope that the authorities would let Liu go abroad, but feared they were purposefully dragging their feet out of fear he might have a chance to speak his mind before passing.

"They want to delay things until he can no longer express himself. Their greatest fear is that he'll speak," he said.

"The best medicine for Liu Xiaobo is freedom."

Friends of Liu Xiaobo and his wife, the poet Liu Xia, released an open letter requesting to be allowed to visit him on a "humanitarian basis" after learning his condition had worsened.

"We feel this is deeply tragic and realise that Liu Xiaobo has few days left and fear he is near death," says the letter signed by 44 scholars, writers and activists.

"At this moment, we urgently need to go to visit him to bring to Liu Xiaobo and Liu Xia their friends' care and well wishes."

- 'Inhuman' treatment -

Liu's treatment has put a spotlight on China's crackdown on activists, which has intensified since President Xi Jinping took office in 2013.

The deterioration of Liu's health could haunt Xi's trip to Germany, where he arrived this week to participate in a G20 summit on Friday and Saturday.

Asked about Liu's health and whether foreign doctors had arrived, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters that other nations should "refrain from interfering in China's judicial sovereignty under the pretext of individual cases".

Liu was arrested in 2008 after co-writing Charter 08, a bold petition that called for the protection of basic human rights and reform of China's one-party Communist system.

He is also known for his efforts to help negotiate the safe exit from Tiananmen Square of thousands of student demonstrators on the night of June 3-4, 1989 when the military violently suppressed six weeks of protests in the heart of Beijing.

Describing the Chinese government's treatment of Liu as "inhuman", Amnesty International's China researcher Patrick Poon said the Nobel laureate had "less and less hope of receiving better medical treatment".

"All this is suggesting that he seems to be in his last days now," Poon, who has spoken to friends of Liu, told AFP. "The Chinese government wants him to die in China."

Human Rights Watch's China director, Sophie Richardson, voiced concern about what will happen to Liu Xia, who has been under house arrest since 2010, after her husband dies.

"Independent of what happens to him, the authorities have made clear their intention to silence and torture her too," Richardson told AFP. "They won't want her to speak freely."
An Iraqi woman carries a child as she flees the Old City of Mosul on July 5, 2017

Iraqi forces on Thursday battled the last remaining Islamic State group fighters in Mosul's Old City, where the UN said up to 20,000 civilians are trapped and in "extreme danger".

In neighbouring Syria, US-backed forces are facing fierce resistance from IS as they wage a parallel offensive to recapture the city of Raqa from the jihadists.

The fighting in both cities is taking place in densely populated residential neighbourhoods, posing a major threat to civilians as diehard jihadists put up a desperate last stand.

"Our estimate at this stage is that in the final pockets of (Mosul's) Old City, there could be as many as 15,000 civilians, possibly even as high as 20,000," UN humanitarian coordinator in Iraq Lise Grande told AFP.

"They're in extreme danger from bombardment, from artillery crossfire. The (IS) fighters that are still there are still directly targeting civilians if they try and leave," she said.

The battle for Mosul

More than eight months after the start of the operation to retake Mosul from IS, the jihadists have gone from fully controlling the city to holding a small pocket on the west bank of the River Tigris that flows through it.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi congratulated the Iraqi people and the security forces on the "achievement of this major victory in Mosul," but the battle is not over yet.

- Damage worse than feared -

Iraqi forces are now between "80 to 100 metres (yards)" from the Tigris River, which marks the eastern boundary of IS-held territory in the Old City, said Staff Lieutenant General Abdulghani al-Assadi, a senior commander in the elite Counter-Terrorism Service.

"But that doesnt mean, for example, that we will reach the river today or tomorrow, because our movement is very slow," Assadi said, attributing that pace to efforts to protect civilians.

The battle for Mosul has pushed 915,000 to flee their homes, nearly 700,000 of whom are still displaced.

"We exceeded our worst case scenario more than a month ago. In our very worst-case scenario, we thought that 750,000 people would flee," Grande said.

The damage caused by the fighting in west Mosul -- and the cost of addressing it -- is huge.

An Iraqi boy carries a girl on his back as they flee the Old City of Mosul on July 5, 2017

There are "44 residential neighbourhoods in western Mosul. Six are nearly completely destroyed... Twenty-two neighbourhoods are moderately damaged and 16 are lightly damaged," Grande said.

Based on a preliminary assessment, the first phase of "stabilisation" in west Mosul -- which includes basic services, infrastructure, housing, education and police stations -- will cost $707 million.

That is nearly double the expected figure, "because the level of damage in western Mosul is far higher than what we feared it would be," she said.

- Heavy civilian toll -

As Iraq fights to retake Mosul, the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces -- an alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters -- have been battling IS in its de facto Syrian capital Raqa.

The SDF broke into Raqa on June 6 after a months-long operation to encircle the city and earlier this week penetrated its historic heart.

Tens of thousands of civilians are believed to be trapped inside the city, and there are fears the jihadists are using them as human shields.

The SDF assault has been backed by intense air strikes by the US-led coalition fighting IS, which the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said has exacted a heavy toll on civilians.

At least 224 civilians, including 38 children, have been killed in air strikes since the SDF entered the city, the Observatory said.

The Britain-based monitor said it did not have a toll for civilians killed in other ways, including by other military operations, mines, or while trying to flee the city.

But the coalition pushed back against the report, saying its "critics" were not conducting "detailed assessments".

The coalition estimates some 2,500 jihadists are defending Raqa.

A fighter of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces speaks on a walkie talkie during their advance into the Islamic State group stronghold of Raqa on June 21, 2017

So far, 311 jihadists and 106 SDF fighters have been killed in the battle for the city, according to the Observatory, which has a wide network of sources on the ground.

The Observatory also reported that a large shipment of weapons, ammunition and armoured vehicles was delivered by the coalition to the SDF via Iraq.

The loss of Mosul and Raqa, IS's two most emblematic strongholds, would be a major blow for the jihadists, effectively ending the cross-border "caliphate" they declared in June 2014.

But they still hold other parts of Iraq and Syria, and are likely to revert to their insurgent roots, mounting hit-and-run and bomb attacks where they no longer hold territory.
Yemeni children infected with cholera receive treatment at Sabaeen Hospital in the rebel-held capital Sanaa, on June 13, 2017

Aid groups have pulled resources from the fight against malnutrition to battle cholera in Yemen, raising the risk of famine as they struggle to find funds, a UN official said Thursday.

More than two years of war between Yemen's Saudi-backed government and Shiite rebels who control the capital has pushed the Arab world's poorest country to the brink of famine, the World Health Organization has warned.

But in April the country was hit by an outbreak of cholera which it has struggled to contain as more than half of its medical facilities have been knocked out by the war.

Some 270,000 suspected cases have been registered and more than 1,600 people have died of cholera in just over two months.

"Humanitarian organisations have had to reprogramme their resources away from malnutrition and reuse them to control the cholera outbreak," the UN humanitarian coordinator in Yemen, Jamie McGoldrick, told a press briefing in the capital Sanaa.

"And if we don't get these resources replaced, then using those resources for cholera will mean that food insecurity will suffer," he said.

McGoldrick said much of the $1.1 billion (981,500 euros) in aid pledged by donor governments in April to deal with the crisis had yet to be disbursed, leaving relief agencies struggling to find funds.

"We're trying to do our best, but it's very much beyond what we can cope with," he said.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has described Yemen as the "largest humanitarian crisis in the world".
Philippines quake

A 6.5-magnitude earthquake killed at least two people in the central Philippines on Thursday, with more than five people still trapped inside a collapsed commercial building, officials said.

An 18-year-old woman died after being hit by falling debris in Ormoc City on Leyte island, near the epicentre of the quake, police said.

Elsewhere, rescuers pulled out eight survivors and one body from a collapsed three-storey structure in the town of Kananga, also on Leyte island, Kananga Vice Mayor Elmer Codilla told AFP.

"Eight have been rescued. All are in the hospital," he said, declining to say if their injuries were serious.

Among those rescued were two people who previously sent SMS messages under the rubble, calling for help, he said.

"There are six or seven still inside. Definitely more than five but less than ten," he added.

Among those still trapped are two children who have been reached by rescuers but who still cannot be extricated from the rubble, the vice-mayor said.

"We have given them water," he added.

Dominico Petilla, the governor of Leyte province, said rescue personnel, ambulances and heavy equipment have been sent to the mountainous town of about 50,000 people.

"They're still trying to pull out the injured," Petilla told local television.

The 10-year-old building housed a small hotel upstairs and shops on the ground floor, officials said.

- Quake brings darkness -

The quake hit at a depth of around six kilometres (four miles), the US Geological Survey said.

There was no warning of a tsunami, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.

Large parts of Leyte were devastated by super typhoon Haiyan in November 2013. Huge tsunami-like waves smashed the city of Tacloban and nearby areas, leaving 7,350 people dead or missing.

Tacloban and Ormoc, the island's other main city, largely escaped damage this time, residents contacted by telephone told AFP.

However the entire island of Leyte as well as neighbouring islands were still without power after the quake caused geothermal plants on the island to shut down, an energy department statement said.

While the plants were soon back online, inspectors were still searching for damage to power lines, the department said, adding that it could take "one or two weeks" to fully restore power.

Roy Ribo, an official with a farmers' organisation who was visiting Kananga, said he watched schoolchildren panic as their teachers herded them out of their classrooms for safety after the quake.

"Many children were hysterical. They were frantic, crying," he added.

Father Romy Salazar, the Catholic parish priest of the Leyte town of Jaro at the quake's epicentre, told AFP residents rushed out of their homes as the town shook.

"I was inside the church. I was forced to hold on to the main door," Salazar said, but added he had not seen any major damage in the town.

In February, a 6.5-magnitude quake killed eight people and left more than 250 injured outside the southern city of Surigao.

The following month a 5.9-magnitude tremor killed one person there in March.

Before the Surigao quakes, the last fatal earthquake to hit the country was a 7.1-magnitude tremor that left more than 220 people dead and destroyed historic churches when it struck the central islands in October 2013.

The Philippines lies on the so-called Ring of Fire, a vast Pacific Ocean region where many quakes and volcanic eruptions occur.

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An Indian teenager sent to live with a much older husband who she married aged just 11 has returned to school after being rescued by her classmates, a children's charity said on Thursday.

The 16-year-old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was married off by her family in the western state of Rajasthan, where child marriage is particularly prevalent.

In May, relatives forced her to leave school and go to a nearby village to live with her husband and his family.

The legal marriage age for girls in India is 18, but millions of children are married when they are much younger, particularly in poor rural areas

The girl's classmates tracked her down to her new home, some walking barefoot for miles to reach her (picture for representation only)

At first police refused to listen to the children, but they found a number for the topmost administrative official who would

But her classmates tracked her down to her new home, some walking barefoot for miles to reach her.

'They somehow tracked down the house and met the girl who told them that she wanted to continue studies and was not willing to stay with her husband and in-laws,' said Gopal Singh, a teacher with the non-profit Sakhi Bal Niketan which helped the friends unite.

At first police refused to listen to them, but they found a number for the topmost administrative official of the district scribbled on the walls of the police station and enlisted his help.

'I made some phone calls to the officials and authorities and she was rescued and rejoined the school after that,' district collector Siddarth Mahajan told AFP.

The custom is particularly strong in Rajasthan where politically powerful village councils have an iron grip over social and moral life

The legal marriage age for girls in India is 18, but millions of children are married when they are much younger, particularly in poor rural areas.

The custom is particularly strong in Rajasthan where politically powerful village councils have an iron grip over social and moral life.

The Hindustan Times daily Thursday said the teenager returned to the school to a hero's welcome and has since asked the local family court to annul her marriage.
Saudi men attend a technical education evening class at an electrical workshop as part of a pioneering programme for extending skills, in government efforts to build a more self-reliant economy, in Riyadh, on May 2, 2017

Saudi Arabia on Thursday said it had begun taxing foreigners working in the private sector as part of fiscal reforms aimed at coping with a drop in oil revenues.

Long a tax-free haven for expatriates, the Saudi economy was dealt a serious blow in 2014 when global crude prices plummeted.

The kingdom, the world's largest exporter of oil, has since launched an economic diversification plan and slashed state spending in an attempt to cope with a hefty deficit.

On July 1, foreigners working in the private sector began paying a family tax of 100 riyals ($26.60/23.40 euros) per month for every minor or unemployed relative living in the kingdom, the Saudi general directorate of passports said in a statement.

An estimated 11 million foreigners work in the Saudi private sector, with 2.3 million of their dependents based in the kingdom, according to the Public Authority for Statistics.

The tax is expected to increase every year until 2020, when it will cap at 4,800 riyals ($1,280/ 1,126 euros) per dependent annually.

Saudi Arabia projects a government budget balance in 2020.

Saudi Arabia's ambitious "Vision 2030" plan, unveiled in April 2016, aims to broaden its investment base and diversify the once oil-dependent economy.

The plan will also see the sale of nearly five percent of state-owned Aramco -- the world's largest oil company reportedly worth between $2 trillion and $2.5 trillion.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar aim to introduce value-added taxes in 2018 to deal with fiscal deficits, followed by the remaining Gulf Cooperation Council states -- Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.
US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley (C-red dress) has urged the UN Security Council to take action against North Korea for its latest missile test, but Russia has blocked a council statement calling for "significant measures"

Russia on Thursday blocked a UN Security Council statement calling for "significant measures" in response to North Korea's test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, arguing that the missile was in fact of medium range.

The United States had circulated the statement for adoption by the 15-member council after announcing plans for a new sanctions resolution, but Russia raised objections, UN diplomats said.

The draft statement recalled that the council had agreed to take "further significant measures" in the event of another nuclear test or missile launch and that the top UN body would "begin to work immediately on such measures."

Russia contested the statement's reference to an intercontinental missile launched by North Korea, diplomats said.

The Russian mission to the United Nations insisted it had not blocked the statement but rather suggested that the United States "make appropriate amendments to it."

"The Russian delegation could not agree to define the launch as an intercontinental ballistic missile test," the mission said, adding that the Russian defense ministry believed, based on its tracking systems, that the missile was of medium-range.

The United States refused to drop the reference to the intercontinental missile and negotiations on the proposed text ended, diplomats said. Security Council statements must be agreed unanimously.

The United States and the United Nations have said the Hwasong-14 launched on Tuesday was of intercontinental range.

The draft statement included a strong condemnation of the launch, setting the stage for a draft resolution on tougher sanctions that the United States said it planned to present in the coming days.

Addressing an emergency council meeting on Wednesday, Russian Deputy Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov said Moscow opposed the move, arguing that "sanctions will not resolve the issue."

"Any attempts to justify a military solution are inadmissible and will lead to unpredictable consequences for the region," warned Safronkov.

"In the same manner, attempts to economically strangle North Korea are equally unacceptable, as millions of North Koreans remain in need of humanitarian aid," he added.

US Ambassador Nikki Haley called the launch "a clear and sharp military escalation" and warned that Washington was ready to use military force "but we prefer not to have to go in that direction."

The launch, described by leader Kim Jong-Un as a "gift" to Americans as they prepared to celebrate Independence Day, marked a milestone in Pyongyang's decades-long drive for the capability to threaten the US mainland with a nuclear strike.
President Edgar Lungu denied the state of emergency was a step towards establishing a dictatorship in Zambia

Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Thursday justified imposing a state of emergency by alleging that opposition parties were behind a string of arson attacks intended "to create terror and panic".

Lungu denied he was establishing a dictatorship in Zambia -- until recently a relatively stable country -- and said his political rivals were trying to overturn last year's election results.

Several fires, including one that burnt down the main market in the capital Lusaka on Tuesday, have been at the centre of rising political tensions in Zambia.

The state of emergency -- which increases police powers of detention and arrest -- is "to curb lawlessness", Lungu told a press conference at his State House residence.

"The theory (by opposition parties) is that they put pressure so that we begin renegotiating the result of the last elections," he said.

"There is a deliberate ploy by the opposition... We won the elections and the winner takes it all. Their idea was to create terror and panic."

Zambia has enjoyed relative stability since its first multi-party election in 1991.

But last year's election was marked by clashes between rival supporters, and opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema remains in detention on treason charges.

Hichilema was arrested in April after his convoy allegedly refused to give way to the presidential motorcade.

He narrowly lost the elections to Lungu, and has alleged that the result was rigged.

- 'Sad day for the country' -

Zambian opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema is in detention on treason charges

The president, who announced the state of emergency in a televised address late Wednesday, dismissed accusations of growing authoritarianism.

"Zambia is the most accomplished democracy in this region or the whole Africa. If this is dictatorship, then there is no democracy in Africa," he said.

"I know that people think I am targeting political players, I am not targeting any political player. I am only trying to bring sanity," he added.

Parliament has suspended 48 lawmakers from Hichilema's United Party for National Development (UPND), which boycotted an address by Lungu in March.

The government has also increased pressure on media outlets that support the opposition.

"I don't think there is justification for declaring a state of emergency," Lusaka-based analyst Neo Simutanyi told AFP. "It will inconvenience people and create more tension."

He said parliament must approve the measure within seven days otherwise it will lapse, and that lawmakers would be required to renew it every 90 days.

Tobias Simbule, a 43-year-old newspaper vendor in Lusaka, said he feared for Zambia's future.

"We have gone back to the one-party state which we rejected in 1991. Today is really a sad day for this country," he told AFP.

The UPND has yet to react to the president's move, but the smaller MMD opposition party said Lungu should have allowed investigators to probe the cause of the market fire.

"He should reverse his decision and allow Zambians lead normal lives," party president Nevers Mumba told AFP.
A car sticker portraying Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani outside the capital Doha on June 11, 2017

Saudi Arabia, which is leading a four-country blockade of Gulf neighbour Qatar, on Thursday accused Doha of being behind over 23,000 Twitter accounts it blames for trying to stoke dissent in Saudi Arabia.

"We found over 23,000 Twitter accounts driven by Qatar, some of them linked to accounts calling for 'revolution' in Saudi Arabia," Information Minister Awwad Saleh al-Awwad told AFP during a visit to Paris.

They included the @mujtahidd account, which claims to have the inside track on the Saudi royal household and has over 1.8 million followers, he said.

The account, which has backed Qatar, claimed that Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates had set out to overthrow Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani but decided against after coming under pressure from the United States, an ally of both Riyadh and Doha.

Al-Awwad accused a London-based Saudi dissident, Saad al-Faqih, of being behind the account, "together with Qatar".

While some of @mujtahidd's claims have proven false, it reported the death of Saudi King Abdullah in 2015 a few hours before the news was officially announced.

Some of the other accounts identified by Riyadh as being Qatari proxies were behind calls for protests by the jobless on April 21, he said.

In the end, there were no major demonstrations in Qatar, with police flooding the capital.

Further calls for protests during the holy fasting month of Ramadan also went largely unheeded.

"They failed," al-Awwad declared.

His remarks came as Saudi Arabia vowed to push on with its month-old boycott of Qatar after the emirate refused to meet a list of demands to end the diplomatic crisis.

These include Doha ending support for the Muslim Brotherhood and closing its flagship broadcaster Al-Jazeera.

Saudi Arabia and its supporters have severed air, sea and ground links with Qatar, cutting off vital routes for imports including food.

Qatar has dismissed the demands as "unrealistic".
US aviator Amelia Earhart disappeared in 1937 while attempting a round-the-world flight

It is one of the most tantalizing mysteries in aviation lore -- the disappearance of Amelia Earhart.

What happened to the legendary American aviatrix and her navigator, Fred Noonan, during their 1937 round-the-world flight has fascinated historians for decades and spawned books, movies and theories galore.

But a documentary to be aired on the History Channel on Sunday -- "Amelia Earhart: The Lost Evidence" -- claims to have unearthed a beguiling new clue about their fate.

The prevailing belief is that Earhart, 39, and Noonan, 44, ran out of fuel and ditched their twin-engine Lockheed Electra in the Pacific Ocean near remote Howland Island while on the third-to-last leg of their epic journey.

The History program suggests, however, that Earhart, who was seeking to become the first woman flier to circumnavigate the globe, and Noonan may have survived and been taken prisoner by Japanese forces.

The evidence cited by History is a blurry black-and-white photograph discovered in the National Archives in Washington which purports to show the pair in the Marshall Islands after their capture.

The picture depicts several people on a dock at Jaluit Atoll including a woman, seen with her back to the camera, who has a build that resembles Earhart's and appears to be wearing trousers, as the aviator was known to do. The woman wears her hair in the close-cropped style favored by the pilot.

Amelia Earhart won fame in 1932 as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic

A possibly Caucasian man standing nearby on the wharf has a hairline which a facial recognition expert cited in the program says is strikingly similar to Noonan's.

Behind the wharf is a ship, said to be a Japanese vessel, the Koshu Maru, towing an object on a barge the documentary makers identify as possibly Earhart's ill-fated aircraft.

According to History.com, the photograph bears markings from the US Office of Naval Intelligence.

Marshall Islanders have claimed over the years that Earhart and Noonan survived an emergency landing and were captured by the Japanese -- a theory explored also by the History producers.

"We believe that the Koshu took (Earhart) to Saipan (in the Mariana Islands) and that she died there under the custody of the Japanese," Gary Tarpinian, executive producer of the History program, told NBC News.

"We don't know how she died," Tarpinian said. "We don't know when."

- 'C'mon. It's silly' -

Other Earhart experts were dismissive of the documentary's claims that the pair in the picture were Earhart and Noonan.

"I've known about this photo for a year," said Richard Gillespie, executive director of The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR), which has spent decades trying to figure out what happened to Earhart and Noonan.

"I'm astonished that anyone would take this seriously," Gillespie told AFP in a telephone interview. "As a piece of evidence, it's laughable."

"This is just a picture of some people on Jaluit wharf," he said. "Where are the Japanese? Where are the soldiers?"

What happened to the legendary American aviatrix Amelia Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan has fascinated historians for decades

Gillespie said there "might be a white female" in the picture and "there appears to be a Caucasian male."

"Suddenly this is Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan?" he said. "C'mon. It's silly."

Gillespie's group, TIGHAR, is behind "The Earhart Project," which has conducted extensive research into a hypothesis that her plane crash-landed on uninhabited Gardner Island, now known as Nikumaroro, part of the Republic of Kiribati.

Earhart, who won fame in 1932 as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, took off on May 20, 1937 from Oakland, California, hoping to become the first woman to fly around the world.

She and Noonan vanished on July 2, 1937 after taking off from Lae, Papua New Guinea, on a challenging 2,500-mile (4,000-kilometer) flight to refuel on Howland Island, a fly speck of a US territory between Australia and Hawaii.

They never made it.
Brigadier General Knight Barino, President of the SPLA military court examines bullets holes in the wall of the Terrain Hotel, in Juba on July 3, 2017

Witnesses described looting and finding a dead body, but the trial of 12 soldiers accused of raping foreign aid workers in Juba proceeded Thursday in the absence of the victims.

The chilling attack on a hotel compound during fierce fighting in the South Sudanese capital a year ago cast a spotlight on atrocities by government troops in the country's three-year civil war.

And the military trial, now in its sixth week, has highlighted the difficulty in bringing perpetrators to book.

First there were 22 suspects, then 13, now 12 as the accused were dismissed one after another for lack of evidence. Witnesses have only identified three of them.

They are charged with looting and raping at least five foreign aid workers and murdering prominent journalist John Gatluak during the attack on the Terrain compound.

Some admit to the first charge, while others say they were not even present.

On Tuesday and Thursday, two Ugandan and two Kenyan witnesses who worked at the hotel described how soldiers entered the compound, asking if there were "rebels" inside, and proceeded to strip hotel rooms of money and mattresses.

One witness said they found a victim shot in the head -- which is how Gatluak was said to be murdered during the attack.

But they cannot prove it was him, and on Tuesday the court rejected Gatluak's death certificate as evidence, saying the doctor who signed it had not even seen the body.

As for the rape charge, on Thursday presiding Judge Brigadier General Knight Brunney said the "presence of the victims is a legal requirement" for the judgement of the case.

"The absence of the victims in the court will mean no case," defence lawyer Peter Malual Deng told AFP.

During a previous hearing the court evaluated email testimony and medical records from the foreign victims -- who have remained anonymous -- but deemed these insufficient.

Co-judge Colonel Deng Mayiel demanded to see medical reports from the victims.

"We need the names of those who were raped ... we want to clean the image of the army because we are taken wrongly and there are negative allegations against government," said Mayiel.

The atrocities at the Terrain were documented in reports by the United Nations and Human Rights Watch.

During the attack the aid workers made multiple appeals for help from nearby UN peacekeepers, which were turned down, a UN special investigation found.

The trial continues on July 11.
Mongolian election law stipulates that a candidate must garner at least 51 percent of the vote to secure the presidency

Mongolians head to the polls on Friday in the country's first-ever presidential runoff after the first round elections failed to produce a clear winner following campaigns tainted by corruption scandals.

Businessman and judoka Khaltmaa Battulga of the opposition Democratic Party (DP), who led the first round, faces parliament speaker Mieygombo Enkhbold of the ruling Mongolian People's Party (MPP).

Enkhbold eked out a mere 0.1 percent victory over the Mongolian Revolutionary People's Party's Sainkhuu Ganbaatar in last week's first round, which was mired in controversy.

Ganbaatar cried foul and demanded a recount, but the result was eventually confirmed.

Many voters in the resource-rich but debt-laden country wedged between Russia and China are so fed up with their scandal-plagued politicians that they launched a movement dubbed "#WhiteChoice" to encourage people to submit blank ballots.

Mongolian election law stipulates that a candidate must garner at least 51 percent of the vote to secure the presidency. If neither candidate reaches this number, the parties will be required to nominate different representatives for an entirely new election.

Both Battulga and Enkhbold were linked to scandals ahead of the first-round vote.

A video showed Enkhbold and two MPP officials allegedly discussing a $60 billion tugrik ($25 million) plan for selling government positions.

Battulga was haunted by reports of offshore accounts attached to his name, as well as the arrests of several of his associates by Mongolia's anti-corruption body last spring.

But in the nearly two weeks between the first round and the runoff, public opinion appeared to turn in favour of the brash businessman, said Julian Dierkes, a Mongolia scholar at the University of British Columbia.

"It does seem a little bit like Enkhbold is, if not nosediving, certainly not on the upswing," Dierkes told AFP.

He noted that the MPP, which holds the majority of parliamentary seats but not the presidency, announced on Tuesday that Mongolian parents would be a given a monthly 20,000 tugrik ($8) allowance for every child.

The move is at odds with the country's promise to limit mass cash handouts in order to meet the requirements of its $5.5 billion International Monetary Fund-led bailout.

As no campaigning was permitted between the two election rounds, the MPP's gesture gave Enkhbold's camp "a look of desperation," Dierkes said.

But Battulga's party had made its own share of promises: On Monday, DP officials pledged that if Battulga was elected, he would order the government to cover students' tuition loans and herders' debts.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Russia's Sergei Lavrov agreed that both countries face a common enemy in the form of Islamic extremism

The French and Russian foreign ministers vowed Thursday to put aside their countries' differences to fight and defeat extremism.

"International terrorism is our number one enemy and combatting it means really putting to side all the rest," Russia's Sergei Lavrov after meeting French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian in Paris.

France is part of an international coalition battling jihadists in Iraq and Syria and Russia intervened in 2015 in the Syrian conflict on the side of Damascus.

Both have been hit by several attacks claimed by the Islamic State group in recent years and Le Drian said Paris and Moscow were facing "a common enemy" in Syria.

He said Moscow and Paris "share a common objective, peace, and it is a question of national security both for France and for Russia."

Russia has come under increasing diplomatic pressure from Western nations to distance itself from the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad after the UN's chemical weapons watchdog said Damascus used sarin in an April attack on a rebel-held town.

Moscow dismissed last month's report by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, saying its findings were based on "questionable data".

Le Drian admitted that France and Russia disagreed over the April 4 attack on Khan Sheikhun, but said they were "both very strongly opposed" to the use of chemical weapons.
Vice President Mike Pence vowed Thursday to usher in a 'new era' of American leadership in space, with a return to the Moon and explorers on Mars, but offered few details.

Pence, who was recently named to head a government advisory body called the National Space Council, said the group would hold its first meeting 'before the summer is out.'

He also toured NASA's Kennedy Space Center to see progress in constructing a NASA spaceship destined for deep space and privately built capsules designed to send astronauts to low-Earth orbit in the coming years.

'Our nation will return to the Moon, and we will put American boots on the face of Mars,' Pence told the cheering crowd of about 800 NASA employees, space experts and private contractors, but gave no specifics.

'We did win the race to the Moon,' he added, recalling the Apollo missions of the 1960s and 1970s which sent men - one of whom, Buzz Aldrin, sat in the audience - to the surface of the Moon.

Vice President Mike Pence, center, is flanked by NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman, left, and Patrick Forrester, NASA Chief astronaut as they walk out of crew headquarters at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida on Thursday

Pence toured the historic Mission Control at the Johnson Space Center in Houston on Wednesday after welcoming in a new class of astronauts

NASA earlier this year announced it is exploring a project called the Deep Space Gateway, which could send astronauts into the vicinity of the Moon using a massive new rocket, known as the Space Launch System, or SLS, being developed by NASA.

And propelling people to Mars by the 2030s was a key feature of US space policy under the previous administrations of Barack Obama and George W. Bush.

The United States lost the ability to send astronauts to the International Space Station when the shuttle program was retired in 2011.

Since then, Americans have been forced to hitch rides aboard Russia's Soyuz spacecraft, at a cost of more than $80 million per seat.

Pence, right, gets a tour of the Orion spacecraft clean room with Senator Marco Rubio, a Republican from Florida. The man with his back turned is Bob Cabana, director of the Kennedy Space Center

Pence addresses a cheering crowd of about 800 NASA employees, space experts and private contractors inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center

Earlier on Thursday, Pence (left) and Rubio (right) arrived at the Shuttle Landing Facility at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral

Pence, who spoke in front of a previously flown SpaceX Dragon cargo capsule and a Boeing Starliner spaceship model, said he would continue to foster cooperation with private industry to make space travel cheaper, safer and more accessible than before

SpaceX and Boeing are hard at work on space capsules that will start sending people to low-Earth orbit as early as 2018.

Pence, who spoke in front of a previously flown SpaceX Dragon cargo capsule and a Boeing Starliner spaceship model, said he would continue to foster cooperation with private industry to make space travel cheaper, safer and more accessible than before.

'It was heartening to see him allude to growing public-private partnerships, but the lack of policy details, personnel and budgetary priorities is concerning,' Phil Larson, a former White House space advisor under Obama who also worked for SpaceX, told AFP after the speech.

Harrison H Schmitt, pilot of the lunar module, stands on the lunar surface near the United States flag during NASA's final lunar landing mission in the Apollo series on December 13, 1972

Pence also vowed that 'American boots' would be the first to set foot on Mars (seen in the above 1997 file photo)

'Usually you have a leader visit, tour and give a speech to roll out a detail-oriented policy after it's been developed. This is backwards.'

President Donald Trump's proposed budget, released in March, called for $19.1 billion for NASA, a 0.8 percent decrease from 2017.

It called for NASA to abandon plans to lasso an asteroid and cut several missions to study climate change and Earth science.

But NASA would emerge largely unscathed compared to deep cuts proposed at other agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency.

Lawmakers are still hammering out their adjustments to the proposed budget, which should be decided on later this year.
India's Captain Virat Kohli (L) celebrates his century with teammate Dinesh Karthik (R) during the fifth One Day International (ODI) match between West Indies and India at the Sabina Park Cricket Ground in Kingston, Jamaica, on July 6, 2017

Virat Kohli stroked a commanding, unbeaten 111 to lead India to a series-clinching eight-wicket win over the West Indies in the fifth and final one-day international at Sabina Park on Thursday.

Responding to the home side's modest total of 205 for nine after captain Jason Holder chose to bat first in Jamaica, the visitors' skipper ensured there was to be no upset with the target reached in the 37th over to give India a 3-1 series triumph.

Stung by an 11-run defeat in the fourth match in Antigua, when they failed to reach an even smaller target of 190, the Indians were in no mood to let their opponents off the hook this time around.

An early strike by fast bowler Alzarri Joseph in removing Shikhar Dhawan at the start of the chase ushered in Kohli who immediately set about the bowling.

He put on 79 for the second wicket with Ajinkya Rahane before the opener fell leg-before to spinner Devendra Bishoo. It was his first score under 50 in the series.

Dinesh Karthik joined his leader in the 19th over and was prepared to play the supporting role to a rampant Kohli, his 28th ODI century coming up off 108 deliveries with one six and 12 fours decorating his authoritative innings.

Karthik reached an unbeaten 50 in an unbroken third-wicket partnership of 122 just before Kohli finished the match with his second six off Roston Chase.

"Today was another clinical performance for us. Winning in a chase is always a nice feeling," said Kohli after receiving the 'Man of the Match' award.

"It's always about getting the team over the line. It's not about personal stats and personal achievements but ensuring we get to the target that's on the scoreboard."

Earlier, opening bowlers Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav shared seven wickets in restricting the West Indies after they were well poised at 76 for one in the 16th over.

- Hope brothers deliver -

Seeking victory to earn a share of the honours from a campaign in which they entered as huge underdogs, the home side's only substantial contributions came from the Hope brothers, Shai and Kyle.

Shai topscored with 51, his second half-century of the series, while Kyle contributed 46 at the top of the order.

All-rounders Holder and Rovman Powell got to 36 and 31 respectively but failed to capitalise on decent starts as India tightened the screws on their opponents with disciplined bowling from the two frontline seamers towards the end of the innings.

Shami finished with four for 48 while Yadav completed his ten-over spell with three wickets at a cost of 53 runs.

Despite their combined successes, it was Hardik Pandya who made the first breakthrough. Brought on to facilitate a switching of ends by Shami and Yadav, he induced a loose drive from Evin Lewis to have him caught at mid-off.

Shai joined Kyle Hope and the pair attempted to accelerate on a pitch that appeared much better for batting than for the last two games at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Kyle took a particular liking to Yadav, smashing him for consecutive boundaries.

But the bowler had the last laugh as the batsman found Shikhar Dhawan at midwicket attempting another boundary in the same over.

Chase's miserable series with the bat continued when he was trapped leg-before to the very next delivery from Yadav and it was left to Holder to give the innings some momentum.

"I keep stressing to the guys that they've got to learn as quickly as possible because I'm tired of going over the same things every time and the guys need to take ownership of their own actions," said a frustrated Holder.

"We really need to make good use of the limited time we have between series and come back better."

He dominated a 48-run fifth-wicket partnership with Shai Hope, only to depart to Shami at the start of his second spell.

India conclude this brief visit to the Caribbean on Sunday when they take on the West Indies in a solitary T20 international at the same venue.
US chipmaker Qualcomm has filed fresh legal actions against Apple alleging patent infringement and asking for a US import ban on any iPhones that unfairly use Qualcomm technology

Qualcomm on Thursday escalated its legal battle with Apple, filing a patent infringement lawsuit and requesting a ban on the importation of some iPhones, claiming unlawful and unfair use of the chipmaker's technology.

Qualcomm said it filed two separate legal actions including a complaint asking for the iPhone import ban with the US International Trade Commission, a quasi-judicial government agency which hears cases involving trade disputes.

The complaint alleges that iPhones, which are made in China, should not be allowed to be brought into the United States if they infringe on Qualcomm's patents.

The chipmaker also filed a complaint against Apple in the US District Court for Southern California seeking damages from the same patent infringement allegations.

"Qualcomm's inventions are at the heart of every iPhone and extend well beyond modem technologies or cellular standards," said Don Rosenberg, executive vice president and general counsel of Qualcomm.

"The patents we are asserting represent six important technologies, out of a portfolio of thousands, and each is vital to iPhone functions. Apple continues to use Qualcomm's technology while refusing to pay for it."

It was not immediately clear which iPhones would be affected. But Qualcomm alleges that it has six patents developed in the past four years that improve battery life in mobile devices and that "Apple uses these technologies in its devices but is not paying for them."

The fresh legal actions sharply escalated the war between the two California technology giants, which began in January when Apple filed a lawsuit accusing Qualcomm of abusing its market power to demand unfair royalties.

Responding to the latest legal actions, Apple repeated its allegations against Qualcomm.

"Qualcomm's illegal business practices are harming Apple and the entire industry," an Apple statement said.

"They supply us with a single connectivity component, but for years have been demanding a percentage of the total cost of our products -- effectively taxing Apple's innovation."

Apple chief executive Tim Cook earlier this year said Qualcomm provides "one small part of what an iPhone is," and that the chipmaker "has nothing do with the display or the Touch ID or a gazillion other innovations that Apple has done."

The Apple suit echoed charges filed by antitrust regulators in the United States and other major markets around the world.

Qualcomm responded in April that Apple had been providing "false and misleading information" to antitrust authorities in an effort to reduce its royalty payments to Qualcomm.

The iPhone maker relies on Qualcomm for chip-based modems that enable its devices to communicate with telecommunications networks.
BANGKOK (AP) - Thailand's military government used a special executive order Tuesday to delay implementation of a recently introduced labor law after tens of thousands of migrant workers fled the country fearing punishment under the new rules.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha invoked the order to suspend parts of the law that took effect June 23 to crack down on unregistered foreign migrant workers. Prayuth's order sets a new deadline of Jan. 1, 2018, for registration.

At least 30,000 workers from neighboring Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos returned home, fearing they could be imprisoned for up to five years for not being properly registered. Many may have been dismissed without compensation by their Thai employers, who would be subject to fines of up to 800,000 baht ($23,500) for employing unregistered workers.

Although human rights workers pointed out the difficulties experienced by the workers, the government appeared to be more concerned about employers' complaints that their businesses were suffering. Prayuth invoked Article 44 of the constitution imposed by the military after it seized power in 2014 which gives him virtual emergency lawmaking powers.

There are an estimated 2.6 million foreign workers in Thailand, half believed to be working illegally.

Prayuth said Tuesday his order was necessary to avoid problems that the new labor law could bring to the economy.

"If we just leave it then it will be bad for the economy, so we have to work together. Don't believe it when they say the government is causing problems for workers," he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said Tuesday the order would extend registration deadlines and delay the imposition of four sections of the new labor law by 180 days. The amended law includes articles that deal with penalties for foreign workers and employers, and sections about unreported and unlicensed workers.

Wissanu said the law's implementation has been delayed to allow time for foreign workers to acquire proper registration, which takes around two months.

"Setting a timeframe of six months allows workers to shuffle shifts and prevents issues where there is a lack of workers," he said.

Wissanu said the order could also increase the maximum fine for employers with unregistered foreign workers to 1 million baht ($29,400) if the previous cap of 800,000 baht ($23,500) was deemed insufficient.

Tuesday's order also warns government officials dealing with migrant workers against unethical behavior to accrue financial benefits, an apparent reaction to reports that officials extorted payments from employers or migrant workers.
BERLIN (AP) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel is standing by her suggestion that Europe can no longer entirely rely on the U.S. as she prepares to host President Donald Trump at the Group of 20 summit.

Merkel made the comment during a campaign event in late May, shortly after the G-7 summit in Italy.

Asked in an interview with weekly Die Zeit published Wednesday whether she would repeat it today, she replied: "Yes, exactly that way."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel stands behind a European flag as she waits for the arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Wednesday, July 5, 2017. Xi is in Germany to open an Panda enclosure in Berlin and to attend the G-20 summit in Hamburg later the week. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

"It is, for example, open whether we can and should in the future rely on the U.S. investing so much as it has so far in the United Nations' work, in Middle East policy, in European security policy or in peace missions in Africa," Merkel was quoted as saying.

She conceded that "we really don't have a legal claim to the Americans committing themselves everywhere in the world."

"The U.S. will probably not engage in Africa to the extent that would be necessary, particularly since they barely have oil interests any more in Africa and the Arab world," she said.

Merkel held a pre-summit meeting in Berlin last week with the event's European participants, who underscored their backing for the Paris accord fighting climate change.

Merkel reiterated that the Trump administration's decision to withdraw from the Paris accord is "extraordinarily regrettable," though she noted that many U.S. states and cities want to continue participating.

"We have to react now to prevent long-term consequences" of climate change, she added.

The chancellor also pointed to a broader difference between Germany and the U.S. administration on globalization.

"While we seek chances to cooperate for everyone's benefit, globalization is seen in the American administration as a process which isn't about win-win situations but about winners and losers," she said.

Trump won't be the only challenging guest at the summit Friday and Saturday in Hamburg, which will also include Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"We have to take the configurations as they are," Merkel said. "As G-20 chairwoman, I have the job of working out ways of reaching agreement and not contributing to an inability to talk."

"At the same time, the differences must not be swept under the carpet," she added.
TOKYO (AP) - Troops worked Thursday to rescue hundreds of people stranded by flooding in southern Japan. At least two people were found dead and nearly 20 were still unaccounted for in flooding that wrecked homes, roads and rice terraces.

Heavy rain warnings were in effect for much of the southern main island of Kyushu after Typhoon Nanmadol swept across Japan earlier in the week.

Authorities in Fukuoka on Kyushu said six people were injured, two of them seriously. One man was found dead after he was covered by a mudslide. Four others were missing and feared dead in the city after being swept away by floodwaters or buried underneath mudslides.

Residents flee from an isolated school in Asakura, Fukuoka prefecture, southwestern Japan Thursday, July 6, 2017. Troops were working Thursday to rescue families left stranded by flooding in southern Japan. Heavy rain warnings were in effect for much of the southern island of Kyushu after Typhoon Nanmadol swept across Japan earlier in the week. (Takuto Kaneko/Kyodo News via AP)

In neighboring Oita prefecture, where rivers also overflowed, a 43-year-old man dug up from a mudslide was pronounced dead, according to the Oita prefecture. Public broadcaster NHK said he was a rescue worker.

Four people were missing in Fukuoka, while 15 others were still unaccounted for in neighboring Oita, according to prefectural disaster management websites.

Hundreds of people were trapped in areas by the floodwater, Kyodo News reported.

In one of the worst-hit towns, Asakura in Fukuoka, a man managed a narrow escape when a landslide crushed his home on a steep mountain slope, NHK said.

"I heard smashing and banging in the house, windows shattering, then floodwater gushed into the house, furniture floating around," said Tsunemichi Motomatsu, who runs a liquor store with his wife.

"We struggled for life and somehow got out. Now I feel it's a miracle both of us are still alive," Motomatsu told NHK, pointing to his house, collapsed and half-buried in the mud.

Television footage showed rice fields and homes flooded after a river overflowed its banks, dragging vehicles into the riverbed and destroying dozens of buildings as well as roads and bridges. Soldiers waded gingerly through floodwaters, carrying an elderly man to safety and evacuating families using inflatable boats.

Many trees washed down from mountains were floating in flooded fields or blocking roads. Homes were without electricity, train operations were suspended and parts of highways closed. Classes at dozens of schools, including those used as shelters, were canceled Thursday.

Nearly 600,000 people were ordered or advised to evacuate in Fukuoka, but only a fraction of them did, in part because the heavy rain worsened during the night. Only about 1,800 people had sought refuge in schools and other public facilities as of early Thursday, according to the prefecture's disaster management website. In Oita, more than 270,000 people were subject to evacuation.

Japan's Meteorological Agency said Fukuoka and Oita were experiencing unprecedented amounts of rain.

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Associated Press writers Elaine Kurtenbach and Sherry Zheng contributed to this report.

This aerial photo shows a flooded area in Asakura, Fukuoka prefecture, southwestern Japan Thursday, July 6, 2017. Heavy rain following a recent typhoon flooded many houses in southwestern Japan, forcing thousands of people to flee, authorities said. (Nozomu Endo/Kyodo News via AP)

This aerial photo shows a destroyed railway bridge in Hita, Oita prefecture, southwestern Japan Thursday, July 6, 2017. Troops were working Thursday to rescue families left stranded by flooding in southern Japan. Heavy rain warnings were in effect for much of the southern island of Kyushu after Typhoon Nanmadol swept across Japan earlier in the week. (Nozomu Endo/Kyodo News via AP)

Residents are rescued by boat after heavy rain isolated an area in Asakura, Fukuoka prefecture, southwestern Japan Thursday, July 6, 2017. Heavy rain following a recent typhoon flooded many houses in southwestern Japan, forcing thousands of people to flee, authorities said. (Sadayuki Goto/Kyodo News via AP)

A man stands amid debris caused by a swollen river in Asakura, Fukuoka prefecture, southwestern Japan Thursday, July 6, 2017. Heavy rain following a recent typhoon flooded many houses in southwestern Japan, forcing thousands of people to flee, authorities said. (Takuto Kaneko/Kyodo News via AP)

Members of Japan Self-Defense Forces work to clear floodwood blocking a road in Asakura, Fukuoka prefecture, southwestern Japan Thursday, July 6, 2017. Heavy rain following a recent typhoon flooded many houses in southwestern Japan, forcing thousands of people to flee, authorities said. (Takuto Kaneko/Kyodo News via AP)

A woman is rescued from an isolated area due to heavy rain in Asakura, Fukuoka prefecture, southwestern Japan Thursday, July 6, 2017. Heavy rain following a recent typhoon flooded many houses in southwestern Japan, forcing thousands of people to flee, authorities said. (Sadayuki Goto/Kyodo News via AP)

Workers inspect a swollen river after heavy rain hit the area in Miyoshi, Hiroshima prefecture, western Japan, Wednesday, July 5, 2017. Heavy rain following the recent typhoon has left a man found dead and flooded many houses in southwestern Japan. (Shohei Miyano/Kyodo News via AP

People walk through a damaged road to flee from an isolated school in Asakura, Fukuoka prefecture, southwestern Japan Thursday, July 6, 2017. Troops were working Thursday to rescue families left stranded by flooding in southern Japan. Heavy rain warnings were in effect for much of the southern island of Kyushu after Typhoon Nanmadol swept across Japan earlier in the week. (Takuto Kaneko/Kyodo News via AP)

This aerial photo shows a flooded area in Asakura, Fukuoka prefecture, southwestern Japan Thursday, July 6, 2017. Heavy rain following a recent typhoon flooded many houses in southwestern Japan, forcing thousands of people to flee, authorities said. (Nozomu Endo/Kyodo News via AP)

Debris caused by heavy rain are left in Asakura, Fukuoka prefecture, southwestern Japan Thursday, July 6, 2017. Heavy rain following a recent typhoon flooded many houses in southwestern Japan, forcing thousands of people to flee, authorities said. (Sadayuki Goto/Kyodo News via AP)
JOHANNESBURG (AP) - A South African judge has ruled that an art gallery exhibit featuring an expletive and the words "white people" was not hate speech and was instead a legitimate effort to generate debate about race.

Magistrate Daniel Thulare on Tuesday dismissed a complaint by a small political party in Western Cape province against the exhibit, part of a display called "The Art of Disruptions" at the Iziko South African National Gallery in Cape Town.

The piece by Dean Hutton, an art student at the University of Cape Town, showed gold-colored boots, a chair and wallpaper showing the expletive and the words "white people" numerous times. Hutton is white.

In his ruling, Thulare says Hutton's work "was intended to be challenging and provocative."

White minority rule in South Africa ended in 1994.
MIAMI (AP) - A man accused of molesting an underage foreign-exchange student killed himself Tuesday, days after being released from a Florida jail.

Dale Leary, 50, was found dead in a car parked in the backyard of his home near Miami. His 47-year-old ex-wife Claudia Leary - found unconscious in the car next to him - was taken to a hospital, where her condition was unavailable Wednesday morning.

Investigators found an apparent suicide note nearby.

The Miami Herald reports police arrested Leary and his 21-year-old second wife on a sex-related charge last month.

Authorities say Dale and Claudia Leary had hosted the second wife when she was a foreign-exchange student from Spain from 2012 to 2014. Days after she turned 18, the exchange student married Leary, who divorced Claudia Leary in 2014.

Investigators arrested Dale Leary and his second wife last month on sex charges, saying the two had lured the wife's 14-year-old sister to Miami and manipulated her into participating in sex acts and pornographic photo shoots.

According to investigators, Claudia Leary remained a part of their lives and detectives are trying to determine whether she played any role in Leary's alleged misconduct.

The Herald reported Leary was a marketing and tech consultant. He had pleaded not guilty to a host of sex charges and was released from jail.

Leary's second wife remains in jail. Her lawyer, Jorge Viera, said he learned of her husband's death on Tuesday and plans to break the news to his client.

"This is very shocking," Viera said. "A very sad situation."

.
Lawyers for a naval officer who broadcasts taps nightly from speakers outside his home in tribute to the military say they'll take legal action if a Pennsylvania borough doesn't stop trying to restrict the practice.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania tells the president of Glen Rock Borough Council in letter released Wednesday that a cease-and-desist order against Lt. Cmdr. Josh Corney is unconstitutional.

Corney wants to overturn a rule passed by the borough council that limits taps to Sundays and certain holidays.

The ACLU argues that treating his nightly ritual differently than other noises violates Corney's constitutional rights.

The ACLU letter says if the borough doesn't reverse itself by Friday, it'll seek a federal injunction.

The council president didn't immediately return messages.
WARRI, Nigeria (AP) - A government official says communal clashes in Nigeria's southern Cross River State over land ownership have killed scores of people and displaced thousands.

Cross River State Emergency Management Agency Director-General John Inaku said about 150 people have been killed in the past week. He appealed for aid for the displaced.

State youth council chairman Prince Ndiyo, however, said Wednesday less than 100 have been killed, mostly women and children, in fighting over claims of ownership for a piece of farmland.

State police commissioner Hafiz Inuwa said peace has been restored and additional security deployed.

Such fighting is common in Nigeria's south, where many are killed over farmland disputes. About 20 people were killed in June over land disputes between a Cross River State community and a neighboring Ebonyi State community.
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump chastised China on Wednesday for doing too little to starve North Korea of funds and exert pressure over its nuclear pursuits, as his administration searched for new ways to confront Pyongyang after its unprecedented test of a missile capable of hitting the U.S.

North Korea's launch this week of an intercontinental ballistic missile demonstrated a dangerous new reach for weapons it hopes to top with nuclear warheads one day. As the U.S. demands global action to counter the threat, the Trump administration is finding that some of the most obvious tools to increase pressure on the North have already been tried and failed.

Trump, since entering the White House, has placed a particular focus on pushing China - North Korea's biggest trading partner - to use its influence and ramp up economic pressure. Trump expressed optimism after his first meeting with China's President Xi Jinping that the two would work together effectively on the issue, but in recent days Trump has increasingly conceded the strategy has not produced fast results.

President Donald Trump waves as he boards Air Force One with first lady Melania Trump for a trip to Poland and Germany, Wednesday, July 5, 2017, at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

"Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40% in the first quarter," Trump wrote on Twitter on Wednesday, moments before departing for a trip to Poland. "So much for China working with us - but we had to give it a try!"

As he flew to Poland on Air Force One, Trump spoke by phone about the North Korean threat with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, emphasizing the need for countries to implement U.N. Security Council resolutions. The White House said Trump also discussed the need for nations to "stop hosting North Korean guest workers" - an issue Secretary of State Rex Tillerson also mentioned in his response a night earlier to the missile launch.

Restricting guest workers is one way the U.S. and other countries could try to reduce North Korea's access to foreign currently. There are some 50,000-60,000 North Korean workers abroad, mostly in Russia and China, South Korea's spy service has said, including at about 130 restaurants North Korea operates overseas. The workers' mission involves earning money to bring into North Korea.

In his initial response to the launch on Monday evening, Trump urged China on Twitter to "put a heavy move on North Korea and end this nonsense once and for all!" But he also said it was "hard to believe" that South Korea and Japan, the two U.S. treaty allies most at risk from North Korea, would "put up with this much longer."

North Korea conducts about 90 percent of its trade through China. In April, Chinese customs data said total two-way trade between China and North Korea increased 36.8 percent in the first quarter of this year compared with the same period a year earlier.

Raw data from the first quarter of this year, however, showed that total two-way trade between the sides increased by only a 7.4 percent in this first quarter. It was not immediately clear why the customs agency reported a higher growth rate.

China has long resisted intensifying economic pressure on neighboring North Korea, in part out of fear of the instability that could mount on its doorstep, including the possibility of millions of North Koreans fleeing into China. China has also been concerned that a reunited, democratic Korea - dominated by South Korea - would put a U.S. ally, and possibly U.S. forces, on its border.

U.S. officials joined South Korea and Japan in requesting an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council, scheduled Wednesday afternoon. And in a show of force directly responding to North Korea's provocation, U.S. and South Korean soldiers fired "deep strike" precision missiles into South Korean territorial waters on Tuesday, U.S. military officials in Seoul said.

Until this week's launch, North Korea had demonstrated missiles of short and medium range - but not an intercontinental missile. The prime danger from the U.S. viewpoint is the prospect of North Korea managing to put a nuclear warhead atop an ICBM. The latest US intelligence assessment is that the North probably does not yet have that capability.

The launch was not wholly unexpected. Daniel Coats, director of national intelligence, testified to Congress in May that the U.S. anticipated an ICBM test before the end of this year.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, in a statement late Tuesday released as most Americans were celebrating the Fourth of July holiday, vowed "stronger measures" to hold the North accountable, and said: "Global action is required to stop a global threat." He said any country helping North Korea militarily or economically, taking in its guest workers or falling short on Security Council resolutions "is aiding and abetting a dangerous regime."

Notably, Tillerson's statement did not mention China.

The Pentagon has spent tens of billions of dollars developing a missile defense system tailored to the North Korean ambition of attaining the eventual capability to attack the U.S. with a nuclear-armed missile. On May 30 the Pentagon successfully shot down a mock warhead designed to replicate the North Korean threat.

Pentagon spokeswoman Dana W. White said the U.S.-South Korea missile exercise Tuesday was meant to show "our precision fire capability."

"We remain prepared to defend ourselves and our allies and to use the full range of capabilities at our disposal against the growing threat from North Korea," she said in a statement. "The United States seeks only the peaceful denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Our commitment to the defense of our allies, the Republic of Korea and Japan, in the face of these threats, remains ironclad."

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Associated Press writers Robert Burns and Vivian Salama in Washington and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report.

In this photo provided by Eighth U.S. Army, a U.S. MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile is fired into the east sea during the combined military exercise against North Korea at an undisclosed location in South Korea, Wednesday, July 5, 2017. North Korea delighted in the international furor created by its first launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, vowing Wednesday to never give up its missiles or nuclear weapons and to keep sending Washington more "gift packages" of weapons tests. U.S. and South Korean forces, in response, engineered what was meant as a show of force for Pyongyang, with soldiers from the allied nations firing "deep strike" precision missiles into South Korean territorial waters. The missile firings Tuesday demonstrated U.S.-South Korean solidarity, the U.S. Eighth Army said in a statement. (Eighth U.S. Army via AP)

In this photo distributed by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, second from right, inspects the preparation of the launch of a Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile, ICBM, in North Korea's northwest Tuesday, July 4, 2017. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this photo. North Korea claimed to have tested its first intercontinental ballistic missile in a launch Tuesday, a potential game-changing development in its push to militarily challenge Washington - but a declaration that conflicts with earlier South Korean and U.S. assessments that it had an intermediate range. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

This photo distributed by the North Korean government shows what was said to be the launch of a Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile, ICBM, in North Korea's northwest, Tuesday, July 4, 2017. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this photo. North Korea claimed to have tested its first intercontinental ballistic missile in a launch Tuesday, a potential game-changing development in its push to militarily challenge Washington - but a declaration that conflicts with earlier South Korean and U.S. assessments that it had an intermediate range. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

People react as they watch the news that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed the order to carry out the test-fire of intercontinental ballistic rocket near the Pyongyang railway station in Pyongyang, North Korea, Tuesday, July 4, 2017. North Korea claimed to have tested its first intercontinental ballistic missile in a launch Tuesday, a potential game-changing development in its push to militarily challenge Washington - but a declaration that conflicts with earlier South Korean and U.S. assessments that it had an intermediate range. (AP Photo/Jon Chol Jin)
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - Police in Alabama say they've charged a suspect with murder after an unarmed man was fatally shot while trying to intervene in a dispute involving relatives and two on-duty city sanitation workers.

Al.com reports that 42-year-old Larry Duncan was killed by gunfire Sunday morning in Birmingham.

Police said shots were fired between one of the sanitation workers and 23-year-old Ryan Johnson, who was wounded.

Police say Johnson has been charged with murder in connection with Duncan's death. Jail records don't list an attorney for Johnson.

Police have been investigating what prompted the dispute - and why it ended so violently.

Birmingham police Sgt. Bryan Shelton said it's not clear why an on-duty city employee had a handgun on the job.
FIRE ISLAND PINES, N.Y. (AP) - Officials say a couple and their two dogs have been rescued after their boat burned and sank near Fire Island in New York.

Newsday (http://nwsdy.li/2tQxhoz ) reports a 41-year-old man and his 45-year-old wife were wearing life jackets, as were their dogs. The couple lives north of New York City in Newburgh.

The fire occurred on their 30-foot boat near Fire Island Pines on eastern Long Island on Tuesday afternoon.

Suffolk County Police say a 70-year-old Lindenhurst man spotted them and helped the people and dogs onto his boat.

The boat sank about 2 miles off Barrett Beach. No one was hurt.

Several fire departments, the police and Coast Guard went to the scene.

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Information from: Newsday, http://www.newsday.com
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - Kenyan police officials say three police officers were killed and seven others wounded as gunmen suspected to be al-Shabab militants attacked Pandaguo center, Lamu County.

Two officials, who insisted on anonymity because they are not authorized to speak with the press, said Wednesday it took a seven-hour gun battle for the military and police to retake the village center. Police spokesman George Kinoti confirmed the death toll.

Officials said about 100 militants attacked the village and burned the local police post, a primary school and a dispensary. Al-Shabab has vowed revenge for Kenya's 2011 deployment of troops to Somalia to fight the group. Al-Shabab has carried out more than 100 attacks in Kenya.
ROME (AP) - A New York rabbi and Holocaust survivor who previously was honored by Pope Francis says tolerance is no longer an appropriate end goal, especially after recent attacks on churches, mosques and other religious gathering places.

Arthur Schneier told diplomats in Rome on Wednesday that "tolerance" conveys the idea "I am superior, I tolerate you." He says mutual respect and understanding among religions must be the goal instead.

Schneier founded the Appeal of Conscience Foundation in 1965 to promote human rights and religious freedom worldwide. He addressed a reception in his honor hosted by the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See.

When an Asian diplomat noted that the Trump administration advocates building border walls, Schneier replied that America's fundamental institutions are "very strong pillars of democracy."
BRUSSELS (AP) - The European Union on Wednesday approved French automaker PSA's acquisition of Opel and British brand Vauxhall from General Motors.

The EU's executive Commission said it has given unconditional approval to the deal. It said it "concluded that the transaction would raise no competition concerns in the relevant markets."

After losing money in Europe for years, GM announced in March that it would sell Germany-based Opel and sister brand Vauxhall to PSA in a deal worth 2.2 billion euros ($2.5 billion).

FILE - In this March 6, 2017 file photo CEO of PSA Carlos Tavares, Opel CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann, right, and GM CEO Mary Barra, left, pose for photographers after addressing the media in Paris, France. On Wednesday, July 5, 2017 the European Union has approved French automaker PSA's acquisition of Opel and British brand Vauxhall from General Motors. The EU's executive Commission said it has given unconditional approval to the deal. (AP Photo/Zacharie Scheurer, file)

The acquisition will make PSA the No. 2 European automaker after Germany's Volkswagen.

PSA strategy director Patrice Lucas described the decision as "an important step" and said that the companies' teams are now concentrating on fulfilling other conditions necessary to close the deal, expected before the end of the year.

The two companies specified that, while Wednesday's decision approves the acquisition of the automotive business, EU antitrust authorities are still reviewing the planned acquisition of GM Financial's European operations by BNP Paribas and PSA.

A decision on that is expected in the year's second half, they said.
NEW YORK (AP) - A Columbia University professor who specializes in modern Korean and East Asian history has returned a 2014 prize he received from the American Historical Association after some sources in the winning book were questioned.

Charles K. Armstrong, author of "Tyranny of the Weak: North Korea and the World, 1950-1992," won the association's John K. Fairbank Prize, but came under criticism when more than 70 citations were challenged.

In response, Armstrong said he submitted 52 corrections for the book's next edition. On his website, he defended his work: "The errors did not cause serious damage to any scholarly field or to the validity of the book itself."

The American Historical Association , the largest professional organization serving historians, said last week that Armstrong returned the prize "out of respect" for the association.
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) - Colombia's government says a dissident faction of leftist rebels has released a United Nations contractor who was taken captive two months ago.

The Defense Ministry said Wednesday on social media that the Colombian national had notified the U.N. that he had been released.

The contractor for the U.N.'s drug agency was taken captive in southern Colombia in May by a dissident guerrillas faction opposed to a peace deal signed last year by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. The incident cast a shadow over a visit by the U.N. Security Council that was intended to celebrate Colombia's efforts to end a half century of hostilities.

United Nations's drug agency contractor Harley Lopez, center talks to the media upon his arrival at the military airport in Bogota, Colombia, Wednesday, July 5, 2017. Lopez was taken captive in southern Colombia in May by a dissident guerrilla faction opposed to a peace deal signed last year by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)
CHICAGO (AP) - Chicago police say an eruption of gun violence after the official end of the July Fourth weekend left nearly as many people dead in a few hours as were killed between Friday afternoon and midnight Tuesday.

Police say there were 56 incidents in which people were shot, including eight homicides, from Friday evening until midnight Tuesday. But between midnight and 6 a.m. Wednesday, another 15 incidents of people being shot occurred, including six homicides.

The shootings came as the department put more than 1,300 extra officers on the streets, which has become standard during long, warm-weather holiday weekends.

During last year's July Fourth weekend, which was a day shorter than this year's, 50 people were shot - three fatally.

Police say they seized 158 illegal guns this holiday weekend.
FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP  State Police say a 6-year-old boy wasnt wearing any safety equipment when he lost control of his motorbike and was struck and killed on Interstate 83 Tuesday afternoon.

Bryce Treichler, of Fairview Township, was riding the small dirt bike outside his home in the 200 block of Lincoln Drive when he reportedly went down a hill on the property and over an embankment, then onto the interstate and directly into the path of a northbound vehicle, York County Coroner Pam Gay said in a news release.

He lost control of the motorbike, came down onto the interstate and, unfortunately, a tragic event occurred, said Trooper Brent Miller, a state police spokesman.

Bryce died at the scene, about a half-mile from the Reesers Summit exit.

Unfortunately, the child did not have any safety equipment on, meaning a helmet, pads, etc., Miller said.

You are not required to wear a helmet on a motorbike in Pennsylvania, and PennDOT is not required to put up barriers along roadways or expressways.

The fencing that PennDOT has up along many of our state roads and interstates is not actually fencing in terms of it prevents animals or people from coming out onto the highway, PennDOT spokeswoman Fritzi Schreffler said.

Schreffler said the fencing marks the right-of-way.

It delineates where our property begins and ends, and when the homeowners responsibility begins, she said.

The property where Bryce was riding his motorcycle has fencing but not along the entire embankment. State police are blaming no one for this accident but added there could have been better supervision.

The motorbike did have training wheels on it, so he wasnt an experienced rider. Being that you live close to an interstate, thats obviously a problem, Miller said.

Bryce had just finished first grade at Hillside Elementary School in the West Shore School District. Administrators said counseling services are available at the school.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family pay for his funeral expenses.
MEXICO CITY (AP) - Federal prosecutors in Mexico have arrested the mayor of a town plagued by thieves who drill into state-run pipelines to steal gasoline and diesel.

The prosecutors' office said Wednesday that Mayor Pablo Morales Ugalde was arrested on suspicion of money laundering.

Morales Ugalde is mayor of Palmar del Bravo, one of a string of towns in central Puebla state dominated by fuel thieves. He is charged with laundering illegally obtained funds, but the office did not specify if they were the proceeds from fuel thefts.

In June, authorities closed seven gasoline stations in the area for allegedly selling gasoline and diesel stolen from pipelines.

By some estimates, thieves drill into state-run pipelines in Mexico about 20 times a day. The thieves have attacked military and police patrols.
The Latest on a Pennsylvania commercial fisherman's wife who was reported to have fallen off a boat (all times local):

10:35 p.m.

Pennsylvania state police say a body found along the New York shoreline of Lake Erie with a gunshot wound to the head and an anchor attached to the torso has been identified as that of a woman whose husband reported her missing and then was charged with killing her.

Albion, Pennsylvania, resident Karen Leclair was reported missing June 11 by commercial fisherman Christopher Leclair.

Lt. Wayne Kline says dental records were used to identify Karen Leclair's body Wednesday. He says Christopher Leclair's dad tried to hide the revolver used to shoot her and has been arrested.

Christopher Leclair told police his wife was sitting on a bucket on the edge of a boat when she apparently fell overboard while he wasn't looking. Authorities charged him with criminal homicide because dock surveillance cameras show the couple left together the day before he reported her missing and he returned alone.

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10 a.m.

Police and a prosecutor from Pennsylvania will attend the autopsy of a woman found along the New York shoreline of Lake Erie to determine whether the body is that of a suspected homicide victim.

Authorities want to know if the body to be autopsied Wednesday by the Chautauqua County, New York coroner is that of 51-year-old Karen Leclair. The body was found Tuesday near Dunkirk, New York.

The woman from Albion, Pennsylvania, was reported missing June 11 by her husband, 48-year-old commercial fisherman Christopher Leclair.

Authorities in Erie County, Pennsylvania, charged him with criminal homicide because dock surveillance cameras in Erie show Leclair and his wife left together on June 10, the day before he reported her missing, and that he returned alone.

Leclair's attorney says he "maintains his innocence."
NEW YORK (AP) - "Wayne Tracker" cannot be forced to testify under oath. He does not exist.

But the man who used the "Tracker" alias, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, can be questioned - and is increasingly expected to be - as New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman expands his sweeping probe into whether Tillerson's former employer, ExxonMobil, misled investors about the impact of climate change.

Schneiderman's office considers the nation's chief diplomat a central figure in a case that pits the ambitious Democrat against a Texas energy giant and has divided attorneys general nationwide. Republican state prosecutors from South Carolina to Utah, like Exxon's high-profile legal team, accuse the New York attorney general of abusing the power of his office to score political points with his liberal base on a politically explosive issue.

FILE - In this March 6, 2017, file photo, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson makes a statement on issues related to visas and travel at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office in Washington. New York's attorney general considers Tillerson a central figure in his expanding investigation into whether ExxonMobil misled investors about the impact of climate change. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

It remains unclear whether Schneiderman will ultimately force Tillerson to answer questions under oath, but he told The Associated Press he has the legal authority to question the secretary of state, who served as Exxon's CEO until joining President Donald Trump's administration.

"We haven't gotten to the point where that's necessary, but yeah, we have the legal right to conduct depositions. I don't know that we're going to have to get to Mr. Tillerson, but sure," Schneiderman told the AP when asked whether he has the right to question Tillerson.

The New York attorney general's nonchalant tone does not reflect the intensity of the case or his office's expectation that it will likely lead to Tillerson. But in an investigation that has already spanned 18 months and forced Exxon to release roughly 3 million internal documents, the confrontation could be several months or even years away.

Schneiderman opened the Exxon investigation in November 2015, shortly after reaching a settlement with another fossil fuel giant, Peabody Coal. In that case, Schneiderman's office determined that the coal company misled shareholders, regulators and the public about the company's financial risks related to climate change.

Now, Schneiderman is using the subpoena power of his office to determine whether Exxon did the same.

The New York attorney general's office says the investigation has already uncovered "Exxon's significant potential investor fraud," including evidence that Tillerson himself may have approved accounting discrepancies.

After being forced to produce internal communications about the impact of climate change on its business, Exxon earlier this year acknowledged that Tillerson used the "Wayne Tracker" alias during email communications. The company says the alias was created to help the former CEO avoid a flood of messages after environmental activists obtained his actual email address.

Most of the "Tracker" emails have been permanently deleted, Exxon says, citing the company's regular practice of destroying emails after a certain period of time. Exxon officials testified that the company allowed several months of Tillerson's emails to be deleted even after Schneiderman's office flagged them for preservation.

For now, Exxon says that many of the messages can be retrieved by collecting emails from those he communicated with.

Exxon's legal team features Ted Wells, who previously represented tobacco giant Philip Morris and drugmakers Merck and Johnson & Johnson. Wells declined an on-the-record interview request, but he lashed out at Schneiderman in aggressive terms during a recent court hearing.

He cast Schneiderman as an ambitious politician stuck in a lengthy and expensive fishing expedition. For Schneiderman to conclude his yearslong investigation without bringing a formal lawsuit against Exxon, Wells said, would deeply disappoint Schneiderman's liberal supporters before his 2018 re-election.

"This is not a normal investigation. It is a political witch hunt," Wells told the judge. "They cannot clear Exxon. The attorney general cannot be in a position of clearing the largest fossil fuel oil company in the world."

The position is backed by Republican attorneys general in 12 states, led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who filed a friend-of-the-court brief late last month in a related federal case brought by Exxon to try to block Schneiderman's investigation. They argue that the attorneys general in New York - and Massachusetts, which is also probing Exxon - are abusing their power to prove a political point about climate change.

At the same time, Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, is using his congressional subpoena power to seek documents from the New York attorney general's office detailing communication with environmental groups. Smith also wants to depose Schneiderman himself, an order that the New York Democrat is ignoring.

In a statement to the AP, Schneiderman slammed efforts to "delay and distract" from the investigation and vowed to continue searching "for as long as it takes to get to the bottom of what really happened at Exxon."

His office will depose nine Exxon witnesses in the coming weeks in a series of lower-level depositions in a chain that is ultimately expected to lead to Tillerson. The State Department declined to comment on Tillerson's involvement in the Exxon probe. The secretary of state, nominated by the Republican Trump, has retained a private attorney to represent him in the matter.

The judge presiding over Schneiderman's investigation, New York Supreme Court Justice Barry Ostrager, has been critical about both sides' behavior.

"If you're asking me to state on the record that Exxon has behaved in an exemplary manner, I decline to do so," Ostrager said in a recent hearing. "If Exxon is asking me to state on the record that the New York AG has proceeded in an exemplary manner, I decline to do that also."

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Associated Press writer Josh Lederman in Washington contributed to this report.
TOKYO (AP) - Despite North Korea's claim its intercontinental ballistic missile launch shows it can attack targets anywhere it wants, experts say it will probably be years before it could use such a weapon in a real-world scenario.

The test on Tuesday demonstrated the North is closer than ever before to reaching its final goal of developing a credible nuclear deterrent to what it sees as the hostile policy of its archenemies in Washington.

But even for an experienced superpower, getting an ICBM to work reliably can take a decade.

Japan's National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies Prof. Narushige Michishita speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Tokyo Thursday, July 6, 2017. Defense expert Michishita pointed out that although the range required for North Korea to hit Alaska would be 5,700 kilometers (3,550 miles) and Hawaii 7,500 kilometers (4,660 miles), reaching the other 48 states requires ranges of 8,000-12,000 kilometers (5,000-7,500 miles). "In the U.S.-DPRK context, the 5,500 kilometer-range ICBM means nothing," he said. "We must take a look at the range, not the title or name." (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)

Launching a missile under test conditions is relatively easy. It can be planned and prepared for and carried out whenever everything is ready, which makes success more likely. The real game-changer would come when the missile is considered operational under any conditions - in other words, when it is credible for use as a weapon.

For sure, the North's Fourth of July fireworks were a major success.

Initial analyses indicate its new "Hwasong 14" could be capable of reaching most of Alaska or possibly Hawaii if fired in an attacking trajectory. It was instead shot at a very steep angle, a technique called lofting, and reached a height of more than 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles) before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean 930 kilometers (580 miles) away.

Hwasong means "Mars."

"If a vague threat is enough for them, they could wait for another successful launch and declare operational deployment after that, and half the world will believe them," said Markus Schiller, a leading expert on North Korea's missile capabilities who is based in Germany. "But if they take it seriously, as the U.S. or Russia do, it would take at least a dozen more launches and perhaps 10 years. Mind you, this is their first ICBM."

Schiller noted the example of Russia's latest submarine-launched missile, the Bulava.

"They really have a lot experience in that field, but from first launch to service it took them almost 10 years (2004 to 2013)," he wrote in an email to The Associated Press. "They still have troubles - one of their test launches just failed."

The bar for having an operational ICBM is also higher for the North if the United States is its target.

An ICBM is usually defined as a land-based ballistic missile with a range in excess of 5,500 kilometers (3,420 miles). That comes from U.S.-Soviet disarmament talks and in that context makes good sense. The distance between Moscow and New York is about 7,500 kilometers (4,660 miles).

But Narushige Michishita, a defense expert and professor at Japan's National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, pointed out that although the range required for North Korea to hit Alaska would be 5,700 kilometers (3,550 miles) and Hawaii 7,500 kilometers (4,660 miles), reaching the other 48 states requires ranges of 8,000-12,000 kilometers (5,000-7,500 miles).

"In the U.S.-DPRK context, the 5,500 kilometer-range ICBM means nothing," he said. "We must take a look at the range, not the title or name."

Pyongyang made a point of trying to dispel two big questions about its missiles with the test: re-entry and accuracy.

It claims to have successfully addressed the problem of keeping a nuclear warhead intact during the descent to a target with a viable heatshield, which would mark a major step forward. The Hwasong 14 isn't believed to be accurate enough to attack small targets despite Pyongyang's claims otherwise, but that isn't a major concern if it is intended to be a threat to large population areas, such as cities on the U.S. West Coast.

The reliability problem, however, remains.

"These missiles are very complex machines, and if they're launched again tomorrow it might blow up on the pad," said David Wright, co-director and senior scientist at the Global Security Program of the Union of Concerned Scientists. "You don't want to do that with a nuclear warhead on top."

Wright said he believes Kim Jong Un decided to start a number of different development programs for different missile systems a couple of years ago and that the frequency of launches over the past 18 months suggests those programs have moved forward enough to reach the testing stages.

"I have been surprised by how quickly they have been advancing," he said.

Wright said the North is believed by most analysts to have a nuclear device small and rugged enough to be put on a long-range missile, or to be very close to having one.

But he said it remains to be seen if its latest missile can be further modified to get the range it needs to threaten the contiguous U.S., or whether that would require a new system with a scaled-up missile and more powerful engine.

"I suspect that latter, but don't know yet," he said.

The answer to that question matters because it has implications for how long it will take North Korea to really have an ICBM that could attack the U.S. West Coast - and how long Washington has to take action to stop it.

What is Wright's estimate?

"I would expect a couple years," he said.

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Talmadge is the AP's Pyongyang bureau chief. Follow him on Twitter @EricTalmadge and Instagram @erictalmadge.
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) - Cambodia has deported more than 70 Chinese citizens accused of defrauding people back home in an internet scam.

Gen. Ouk Haiseila, chief of the Cambodian Interior Ministry's Immigration Investigation Bureau, said the 74 suspects were flown out of the capital on Thursday on a plane sent by the Chinese government.

Police did not release any details on the alleged scam.

A Chinese citizen, center, who has been arrested over an alleged internet scam, is checked up his mouth by China's police officers before boarding at Phnom Penh International Airport, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, July 6, 2017. Complying with demands from Beijing, Cambodian authorities on Thursday deported over 70 Chinese nationals caught in an alleged internet scam. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Since 2012, Cambodia has deported at least 982 Chinese and Taiwanese to China.

Deportations of Taiwanese to China are controversial because Cambodia defers to China's claim to sovereignty over the self-governing island. But the immigration investigation bureau chief said none of the suspects departed Thursday are Taiwanese.

China is a key diplomatic ally of Cambodia and has provided millions of dollars in aid and investment over the past decade.

Chinese nationals wearing plastic handcuffs are detained before being deported at the Phnom Penh International Airport, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Thursday, July 6, 2017. Complying with demands from Beijing, Cambodian authorities on Thursday deported over 70 Chinese nationals caught in an alleged internet scam. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Chinese citizens who have been arrested over an alleged internet scam wait with their hands tied up before being deported at Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Thursday, July 6, 2017. Cambodian authority deported over 70 Chinese citizens Thursday over an alleged internet scam, complying with demands from Beijing. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Chinese citizens who have been arrested over an alleged internet scam sit in a truck as they leave Cambodian Immigration office to be deported from Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Thursday, July 6, 2017. Cambodian authority deported over 70 Chinese citizens Thursday over an alleged internet scam, complying with demands from Beijing. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Chinese citizens who have been arrested over an alleged internet scam sit in a truck as they leave Cambodian Immigration office to be deported from Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Thursday, July 6, 2017. Cambodian authority deported over 70 Chinese citizens Thursday over an alleged internet scam, complying with demands from Beijing. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Chinese citizens who have been arrested over an alleged internet scam wait with their hands tied up before being deported at Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Thursday, July 6, 2017. Cambodian authority deported over 70 Chinese citizens Thursday over an alleged internet scam, complying with demands from Beijing. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
QUETTA, Pakistan (AP) - The father of a Pakistani journalist says authorities have freed his son after a court in the country's southwestern city of Quetta granted him bail.

Naimat Achakzai on Thursday said his son was granted bail by a judge Wednesday and that the journalist reached home in the evening.

He said he had been fighting a legal battle since June when a group of men wearing both plainclothes and the uniforms of the Frontier Corps stormed the house of his son Zafar Achakzai and took him to an unknown place.

He says he later learned that his son was detained for sharing content against security forces on social media.

Pakistani authorities are cracking down on journalists, making it an offense to criticize the government, the military or the police.
WARSAW, Poland (AP) - Poland's defense minister says the Trump administration has agreed to sell Poland a new batch of medium-range Patriot missiles to upgrade the European nation's air defenses.

Minister Antoni Macierewicz made the announcement Thursday as President Donald Trump kicked off a day of meetings on defense and energy initiatives.

The purchase deal is still to be signed.

Warsaw is seeking to raise its defense potential amid Russia's heightened military activity, some of it near Poland's air space.

Macierewicz said the purchase could total some 30 billion zlotys (euro 7 billion.)

Trump is scheduled to meet with Polish President Andrzej Duda (AHN-zhay DOO-dah) Thursday, as well as with the heads of a dozen countries bordered by the Baltic, Adriatic and Black seas known as the Three Seas Initiative.
BRUSSELS (AP) - Belgian authorities were looking for other potential suspects Thursday after raiding half-a-dozen sites and charging two men with terror-related offenses.

However, they insisted that they have no information that an attack was imminent and that the investigation was not linked to past attacks in Paris and Brussels.

"We have no material element whatsoever to assume that a new attack would be planned," Federal magistrate Eric Van der Sypt said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press.

Van der Sypt refused to elaborate how many suspects authorities are still looking for.

"In investigations like this you are always looking for people," he said.

Wednesday's raids in Brussels set off alarm bells across Belgium as police found Kalashnikovs, small firearms, police uniforms and detonators. The federal prosecutor's office said in a statement that two Belgians were charged with "taking part in the activities of a terrorist group."

Belgian media reported early Thursday that a new attack could happen soon as some people were still on the loose. The March 22, 2016, attacks at Zaventem airport and the Brussels metro which killed 32 people, took place a few days after a major arrest.

"You can never predict how people react. They are unpredictable," said Van der Sypt. "Is it a scenario that we take into account? Yes. Do we have concrete indications for it? No."

Belgium and France are both on high alert after a series of attacks over the past few years.

Belgian media said the raids centered on a bikers group, the Kamikaze Riders, but Van der Sypt said the link was incidental.

"In this investigation, they have nothing to do with this," Van der Sypt said.
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) - Muslim groups in Malaysia and Indonesia have called for a boycott of Starbucks because of the coffee chain's support for LGBT rights.

Malaysian group Perkasa, which supports a hard-line form of Islam and nationalism, this week called on its more than 500,000 members to stay away from Starbucks coffee shops. This week and last, leaders of Indonesia's second largest mainstream Muslim group, Muhammadiyah, with an estimated 29 million members, denounced the chain.

The groups were apparently reacting to comments made several years ago by former CEO Howard Schultz in support of gay rights that drew renewed attention amid an increasingly anti-LGBT climate in both of the predominantly Muslim countries.

An Indonesian couple sit at Starbucks Coffee shop in Jakarta, Indonesia, Thursday, July 6, 2017. Muslim groups in Malaysia and Indonesia have called for a boycott of Starbucks because of the coffee chain's support for LGBT rights. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)

Perkasa said in a statement that the Malaysian government should revoke the trading license given to Starbucks and other companies such as Microsoft and Apple that support LGBT rights and same-sex marriage.

Amini Amir Abdullah, who heads Perkasa's Islamic affairs bureau, said Muslims should stay away from Starbucks because its pro-gay rights policy is against Islam and Malaysia's constitution.

Sodomy is illegal in Malaysia and punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Homosexuality is not illegal in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, but a case before the Constitutional Court is seeking to criminalize gay sex and sex outside of marriage.

A boycott Starbucks hashtag was briefly popular on Twitter in Indonesia and shares of the company that operates Starbucks in the country fell sharply this week. But its stores in the capital Jakarta appeared as popular as ever.

Gavin Bowring, a Malaysia analyst at risk consulting company Eurasia Group, said the boycott was unlikely to amount to much but reflected "a growing tendency toward conservatism and strict adherence to Islamic principles."
Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about Friday:

1. WHAT WASN'T PART OF TRUMP'S CRITIQUE OF RUSSIA AHEAD OF CRUCIAL MEETING WITH PUTIN

Trump urged Russia to stop "destabilizing activities in Ukraine and elsewhere," but stopped short of condemning Moscow for meddling in the US election.

Poland's President Andrzej Duda, center, speaks with Croatia President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic as U.S President Donald Trump makes a comment during the Three Seas Initiative transatlantic roundtable in the Great Assembly Hall of the Royal Castle, in Warsaw, Thursday July 6, 2017. The Three Seas Initiative is an alliance among a dozen eastern and central European nations that are bordered by the Adriatic, Baltic and Black seas. The group aims to reduce their dependence on oil and gas supplied by Russia. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

1. WHY US IS UNLIKELY TO LAUNCH A PRE-EMPTIVE STRIKE AGAINST NORTH KOREA

Even a so-called surgical strike is unlikely to destroy the North's arsenal or stop it from swiftly retaliating against South Korea.

1. HOBBY LOBBY ACCUSED OF HYPOCRISY AMID SMUGGLING CASE

Federal prosecutors say the arts-and-crafts chain owned by devout Christians purchased items that were imported by deception and may have been looted or stolen.

1. ANALYSTS EXPECT TO SEE STAGNATING WAGES IN UPCOMING JOBS REPORT

Economists predict that the U.S. Labor Department's report will show the average hourly wage rising just 2.6 percent, well below the average typical in a healthy economy.

1. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT QUESTIONS WHETHER 'SANCTUARY CITIES' ARE SHARING INFORMATION ON RESIDENTS' IMMIGRATION STATUS

In a statement, the Justice Department says it was reviewing policies to see if those cities should lose federal grant money as a result.

1. OREGON ABORTION BILL COULD TRIGGER LAWSUITS

The bill would require insurance companies to cover abortions, and the uninsured could have costs covered by state's Medicaid program - and that could conflict with policies prohibiting use of federal funds for abortions.

1. NEW YORK GOVERNOR LAUNCHES PROBE INTO HOSPITAL'S HANDLING OF POLICE SHOOTER

The gunman sought psychiatric care days before he ambushed an NYPD officer and fatally shot her, but he was released after about an hour.

1. FDA ASKS MANUFACTURER TO PULL PAINKILLER OFF THE MARKET DUE TO ABUSE

Opana ER is the first opioid drug that the FDA has sought to remove for that reason.

1. MAINE GOVERNOR SAYS SOCIETY WOULD BE BETTER WITHOUT PRINT NEWS MEDIA

Speaking on a local radio show, Gov. Paul LePage also suggested he sometimes makes up stories to mislead local reporters.

1. CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL SUGGESTS YOU COOK YOUR WALRUS WELL

The agency warned of the dangers of undercooked game meat after outbreaks of trichinosis in Alaska sickened 10 people who ate the mammal in the last year.

Tributes to police officer Miosotis Familia are seen in front of the 46th Precinct in the Bronx borough of New York, Thursday, July 6, 2017. Familia was shot to death early Wednesday, ambushed inside her command post by an ex-convict, authorities said. He was later killed after pulling a gun on police. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Margee Ensign officially took the reins as the 29th president of Dickinson College on July 1. Board of Trustee members John Jones and Jim Chambers also officially stepped in as the boards chair and vice chair, respectively.

An inauguration ceremony for Ensign is planned for Oct. 7. She previously served for seven years as president of the American University of Nigeria, a private university based on the U.S. model of higher education and the first development university in Africa.

She also co-founded and led the Adamawa Peace Initiative, a response to the escalating violence brought on by the Boko Haram insurgency. API promoted peace in the area through education, empowerment and community development while feeding 300,000 refugees fleeing the fighting to the north, the college said in a news release.

Prior to that presidency, Ensign was dean of the School of International Studies and associate provost for international initiatives at the University of the Pacific in California.

Jones was named by Time magazine as one of its 2006 Time 100 most influential people in the world. He was a political science major at Dickinson and earned a J.D. from the Dickinson School of Law. He served in private practice before being named chair of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board by Gov. Tom Ridge in 1995. Jones held that position until 2002, when he was appointed to the U.S. District Court by President George W. Bush. He serves the U.S. Middle District of Pennsylvania.

Jones has been a Dickinson Board of Trustees member since 2008, and he has delivered numerous lectures on campus, including the 2006 commencement address. He co-chairs the 2017 presidential transition committee along with fellow trustee Carol Campbell Haislip, class of 1979.

Chambers led the 2016-17 search for Dickinsons new president. He studied history and political science at Dickinson and earned an MBA in finance from Southern Methodist University and a masters in international management from Thunderbirds American Graduate School of International Management.

Chambers serves on several not-for-profit and privately held company boards, including Dickinsons Board of Trustees, which he joined in 2008. The following year, he and wife Niecy Armstrong Chambers established the John Robert Paul Brock Scholarship Fund in honor of Dickinsons first-known black graduate.
MOSCOW (AP) - For Russian President Vladimir Putin, a meeting with U.S. counterpart Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Germany offers a long-sought opportunity to negotiate a rapprochement with Washington. But controversy over the Trump campaign's ties with Russia will loom over the talks, making any agreements unlikely.

Rarely in recent history has a meeting of two heads of state generated so much excitement, anxiety and hope.

The Kremlin views Friday's encounter as a watershed moment that could ease Russia-West tensions. Some in the U.S., meanwhile, worry that Trump could make unjustified concessions to Russia.

FILE In this May 29, 2017, file photo, Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures as he speaks during a news conference with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles, near Paris, France. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File )

Amid investigations into possible collusion with Moscow by Trump's campaign, any deal with Putin would expose Trump to more criticism. And if the two fail to get along, that would further exacerbate tensions between Moscow and Washington and put them on a collision course in regions around the world.

"If Putin comes to the conclusion that even if Russia and the U.S. reach agreement, Trump would be unable to implement it for domestic policy reasons, he would lose interest in seeking an agreement," said Dmitri Trenin, the director of the Carnegie Moscow Center.

Putin, a KGB veteran who once described himself as an "expert in personal communications," always focuses closely on trying to establish warm ties with his counterparts. Kremlin-watchers say Putin meticulously prepares for meetings with foreign leaders, studying their track records and personal habits.

"He believes that personalities - not states, armies or companies - determine the course of global events," Trenin said.

Fyodor Lukyanov, the head of the Council for Foreign and Defense Policies, said even if Putin and Trump develop a good rapport, Trump's ability to deliver on his promises will be a key factor for the Russian leader.

"If Putin has a positive view, as a minimum he will give (Trump) more time to sort things out," he said. "But he could possibly conclude that he (Trump) may not succeed in sorting things out and, moreover, doesn't really want an honest deal. If Putin decides it's not going to work, he will drop all constraints."

The tense environment for the Trump-Putin meeting contrasts with the Kremlin's early expectations.

The Kremlin was very pleased with Trump's presidential victory, since he promised to improve ties with Russia and praised Putin during the campaign. It had hoped for a quick meeting after Trump's inauguration in January, but U.S. congressional and FBI investigations into links between Trump campaign aides and Russia blocked an early encounter.

In the last few months, Moscow's hopes that Trump could act to lift the sanctions imposed on Russia over the Ukrainian crisis have withered. Putin and his lieutenants have also become increasingly impatient about U.S.-Russia ties remaining at a freezing point.

"We realize that the situation is difficult and relations with Russia have become hostage to the U.S. political infighting, but so what?" Putin foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov said this week. "We have difficulties of our own."

Russia and the U.S. have struggled to even set a specific time for Friday's meeting and the White House says there's "no specific agenda" for it. When the two presidents finally sit down for a talk, sharp differences remain on a wide range of issues, from Syria and the Ukrainian crisis to nuclear arms control.

While Trump has said the U.S. and Russia could pool efforts to fight the Islamic State group in Syria, Moscow's firm support for Syrian President Bashar Assad makes any agreement unlikely.

Moscow responded angrily when Trump ordered a missile strike on a Syrian base in April after a chemical attack blamed on Assad's forces, and was also vexed by the U.S. downing of a Syrian warplane in June. After last month's incident, the Russian military suspended a hotline with the U.S. to prevent mid-air incidents and warned that it would track U.S.-led coalition aircraft as potential targets over Syria.

And when the White House warned last week that Assad was preparing for another chemical attack and would "pay a heavy price" if he launches it, Russia responded by offering the Syrian ruler a tour of its air base.

Even though the Russian and U.S. militaries in Syria have worked out a way to avoid collisions, the situation could grow more unstable if Putin and Trump fail to get along, Trenin warned.

Bitter differences over Ukraine haven't been resolved. Some U.S. lawmakers have been pushing the White House to approve the delivery of weapons to the Ukrainian military in response to Moscow's support for separatists in eastern Ukraine - a move that would cross a red line for the Kremlin.

Also clouding Friday's meeting are Washington's concerns about Russian violations of a landmark Cold-War era nuclear arms deal. Moscow has rejected those claims and instead accused the U.S. of breaching the pact.

The only issue where observers think a deal could be made is President Barack Obama's decision in December to shut down Russian Embassy compounds in Maryland and on Long Island, New York. The Kremlin emphasized this week that it has shown remarkable restraint by failing to respond tit-for-tat and warned that its patience is running out.

U.S. officials have indicated that Washington expects Moscow to make some trade-offs in exchange for the two properties, but analysts in Moscow say the Kremlin isn't prepared to bargain on this.

"I would be surprised if Vladimir Putin offers any concessions in exchange for restoring what Russia sees as its inalienable rights," Trenin said. "If no agreement is reached, Russia will take retaliatory measures, which could trigger new U.S. moves."

FILE President Donald Trump smiles as he is introduced to speak to U.S. military troops and their families at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Saturday, May 27, 2017, in Sigonella, Italy. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

FILE In this Thursday, June 15, 2017 file photo Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures while speaking to the media after his annual televised call-in show in Moscow, Russia. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

FILE In this Thursday, June 15, 2017 file photo Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures speaking to the media after his annual live call-in show in Moscow, Russia. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

FILE In this Friday, June 9, 2017 file photo President Donald Trump attends a roundtable on infrastructure at the Department of Transportation, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
MOSCOW (AP) - A Moscow court has imposed a two-year prison sentence on the leader of a hacker group that some reports have suggested was connected with the arrest of two top officials of Russia's national security service.

Vladimir Anikeyev was sentenced Thursday on a conviction of hacking the accounts of several prominent Russians, including the spokeswoman for Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.

The trial was conducted behind closed doors. Details of the proceedings were unclear.

Anikeyev headed a hacker group called Shaltai-Boltai (Humpty-Dumpty). He was arrested last November, but the arrest became known only after Russian news media reported that two officials of the Federal Security Service's cybercrime unit had been arrested on treason charges.

Some news reports suggested the officials had connections to the hacker group or had tried to control it.
PARIS (AP) - The Latest on Europe's migration crisis (all times local):

6:05 p.m.

The mayor of Paris is calling on the French government to pass legislation to provide better humanitarian conditions for migrants in the country.

FILE- In this Friday, Feb. 3, 2017 file photo, migrants and refugees wave for help from inside a wooden boat 21 miles north of Sabratha, Libya. The EU made commitments to ease the migrant pressure on Italy and Greece by having other member states take in some of the refugees who have made the dangerous Mediterranean crossing, but several countries in eastern and central Europe have shown little or no appetite for doing so. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti, File)

Speaking to a news conference on Thursday, Mayor Anne Hidalgo evoked the situation of 1,500 migrants living in squalid conditions in a camp in the northern district of the capital.

She proposes to create migrant reception centers in several French cities modeled on the one which opened in Paris in November and has already provided temporary shelter for 12,000 persons.

She also proposed a five-year plan to allocate housing for migrants who seek asylum in all regions of France. French classes would be offered as soon as they arrive.

The government is expected to announce a set of measures to respond to the migrant crisis next week.

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5:20 p.m.

Italy is announcing some 30 million euros (US$34 million) in new African investments aimed at preventing migrants from entering Libya or leaving it bound for Europe.

Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano announced the funding at a meeting Thursday of foreign ministers from Libya, surrounding countries and a handful of interested European countries. The meeting was focused on reinforcing border controls with Libya's neighbors, to prevent migrants from ever reaching Libya's lawless shores where smugglers operate.

Alfano said Italy was earmarking 10 million euros for the border-control effort with Niger, Chad and Sudan. Another 18 million euros is slated to fund voluntary repatriations of migrants who reach Libya and decide not to continue their journeys north.

Italy is increasingly insisting it can no longer shoulder the burden of Europe's migrant crisis alone.

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2:40 p.m.

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen is urging caution about moves by his country to impose controls if necessary at a key border crossing with Italy to counter any upsurge in illegal migrant crossings.

Van der Bellen calls the Brenner Pass a "sensible border" symbolizing Europe's unity. He said Thursday authorities should monitor the situation "without panic," noting in comments to the parliament of Tyrol province that numbers of migrants entering Austria there have not risen despite the large numbers arriving to Italy by boat.

The Brenner is one of the principal routes connecting Italy with northern Europe. Austrian officials have said they are ready to deploy armored vehicles to the crossing to prevent a migrant spillover into Austria, drawing a protest from Italy.

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2:30 p.m.

European Union interior ministers have reaffirmed the need to help Libya counter migrant smuggling operations while also endorsing a code of conduct for aid groups that carry out rescues in the Mediterranean.

Ministers meeting in Estonia also agreed Thursday to boost incentives and sanctions for migrants' home countries to accept them back when their asylum bids fail. Sanctions include limiting visa programs if the countries refuse to take the migrants back.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of mounting complaints from Italy that it can no longer shoulder the burden of Europe's migrant crisis. Italy has threatened to close its ports to non-Italian flagged rescue ships in a bid to better redistribute the migrants.

The interior ministers mentioned "disembarkation," issues in their final communique, but offered no details or commitments.

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12:35 p.m.

Spain's marine rescue service says it has saved 183 migrants who had been trying to reach the country from north Africa in the past 24 hours.

The service said one of its vessels intercepted a boat with 42 people aboard near the southwestern Trafalgar Cape late Wednesday. Hours later, it said it found another boat with 45 people, including women and children, in the same area.

On Wednesday, the service rescued 96 people in three boats about halfway between Spain and Morocco.

About 50 people were feared drowned in the same area this week after a boat believed to be carrying 52 migrants was found nearly sunken. Three young men were rescued from the rubber boat. The service said Thursday it had given up the search for further survivors.

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1:10 a.m.

Amnesty International says Europe has made a dangerous turn on the Mediterranean Sea as it looks to Libya for help in slowing the number of migrants attempting to reach the continent.

The human rights group said in a report released Thursday that Europe's strategy of training the Libyan coast guard to rescue migrants in flimsy boats is "reckless."

Amnesty says that by turning to Libya, a country in chaos that is the jumping-off point for the hazardous journey, the European Union is putting desperate migrants in a double bind.

The organization says they face the risk of dying at sea or grave human rights abuses once they are returned to Libya.

The report says more than 2,000 migrants have died on the Mediterranean this year while over 73,380 reached Italy.

FILE- In this Friday Jan. 13, 2017 file photo, a migrant reacts on being rescued by the MV Aquarius, after 191 people and two corpses were recovered from international waters in the Mediterranean Sea about 22 miles north of Sabrata, Libya. Europeans have made a wrong, and dangerous, turn on the Mediterranean as they try to slow the ever-growing number of migrants crossing the sea by looking for help from Libya, a country in chaos that is the jumping-off point for the hazardous journey, Amnesty International said in a report released Thursday, July 6, 2017. (AP Photo/Sima Diab, File)

FILE- In this Friday, Feb. 3, 2017 file photo, migrants and refugees are assisted by members of the Spanish NGO Proactiva Open Arms, as they crowd on board of a wooden boat sailing out of control in the Mediterranean Sea about 21 miles north of Sabratha, Libya. Europeans have made a wrong, and dangerous, turn on the Mediterranean as they try to slow the ever-growing number of migrants crossing the sea by looking for help from Libya, a country in chaos that is the jumping-off point for the hazardous journey, Amnesty International said in a report released Thursday, July 6, 2017. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti, File)

FILE- In this Wednesday, June 21, 2017 file photo, the dead body of a woman is seen floating on the Mediterranean sea, at 20 miles north of Zuwarah, Libya. Europeans have made a wrong, and dangerous, turn on the Mediterranean as they try to slow the ever-growing number of migrants crossing the sea by looking for help from Libya, a country in chaos that is the jumping-off point for the hazardous journey, Amnesty International said in a report released Thursday, July 6, 2017. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti, File)

FILE- In this Friday, June 16, 2017 file photo, men sit on the deck of the rescue vessel Golfo Azzurro after being rescued by Spanish NGO Proactiva Open Arms workers on the Mediterranean Sea Friday, June 16, 2017. Europeans have made a wrong, and dangerous, turn on the Mediterranean as they try to slow the ever-growing number of migrants crossing the sea by looking for help from Libya, a country in chaos that is the jumping-off point for the hazardous journey, Amnesty International said in a report released Thursday, July 6, 2017. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
HONG KONG (AP) - Hong Kong customs officials say they have seized more than $9 million worth of ivory this week in the city's biggest haul in 30 years.

The Customs and Excise Department said Thursday authorities pulled out 7,200 kilograms (15,900 pounds) of elephant tusks from a shipment from Malaysia labeled as frozen fish.

Customs officers displayed samples of the tusks piled on the floor at their offices close to some of Hong Kong's giant container ports.

Ivory tusks are displayed after being confiscated by Hong Kong Customs in Hong Kong, Thursday, July 6, 2017. Hong Kong Customs seized about 7,200 kilograms of ivory tusks on July 4 from a container from Malaysia. The estimated market value of the ivory tusks is about HK$72 million (US$9.2 million). This is the largest seizure of ivory tusks in Hong Kong in 30 years. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

The department says the seizure occurred Tuesday and three people at a trading company in Hong Kong have been arrested in connection with the shipment.

Ivory tusks are displayed after being confiscated by Hong Kong Customs in Hong Kong, Thursday, July 6, 2017. Hong Kong Customs seized about 7,200 kilograms of ivory tusks on July 4 from a container from Malaysia. The estimated market value of the ivory tusks is about HK$72 million (US$9.2 million). This is the largest seizure of ivory tusks in Hong Kong in 30 years. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Ivory tusks are displayed for the media after being confiscated by Hong Kong Customs in Hong Kong, Thursday, July 6, 2017. Hong Kong Customs seized about 7,200 kilograms of ivory tusks on July 4 from a container from Malaysia. The estimated market value of the ivory tusks is about HK$72 million (US$9.2 million). This is the largest seizure of ivory tusks in Hong Kong in 30 years. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
BEIJING (AP) - Chinese students from the Uighur ethnic minority have been detained in Egypt in a broad police sweep that has shaken the country's sizeable Uighur student and expatriate community, activists said Thursday.

Egyptian police have detained scores of Uighur students, including 20 from Cairo's Al-Azhar University who were stopped in the city of Alexandria on their way out of the country late Wednesday and told they would be deported to China, said Abduweli Ayup, a Uighur activist in Turkey.

Ayup said he had heard directly from some of the detainees and their relatives.

The detentions come amid reports that authorities in the Uighur homeland of Xinjiang in western China are seeking the immediate return of Uighurs studying abroad. Authorities in Xinjiang have significantly tightened security measures in the past year, as well as controls on religious expression, in what officials characterize as an "unyielding" campaign against Islamic extremism brewing in the region.

Overseas Uighurs and human rights groups say the measures have turned Xinjiang into a police state with widespread arbitrary detentions and invasive surveillance.

The detentions in Egypt, a popular destination for religious study among China's Muslims, were seen by activists as a possible sign that China's security crackdown in Xinjiang is extending its reach overseas.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman appeared to acknowledge on Thursday that Chinese citizens had been detained in Egypt, saying at a regular briefing that consular officials would visit them. He gave no further details.

Another activist, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, said overseas groups had managed to move 60 Uighur students out of Egypt to safety in Turkey this week, but 20 were held while trying to fly to Dubai.

Lucia Parrucci, a spokeswoman for the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization advocacy group, said that a July 1 raid at the Asian restaurant in Nasr City caught 37 Uighurs, mostly student patrons and restaurant workers.

Unverified videos shared on social media purportedly showed more than 70 Uighurs sitting on a floor in a government building and others being driven in a truck in handcuffs.

Abdullah, an Asian student of Islam at Al-Azhar university, said Uighurs were being detained in the Hay el Sabia area of Cairo's Nasr City district. He gave only his first name for fear of reprisals.

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Associated Press writers Brian Rohan and Menna Zaki in Cairo contributed to this report.
MADRID (AP) - Atletico Madrid says Fernando Torres has agreed to a one-year contract that will keep the 33-year-old striker at his boyhood club through June 2018.

Torres joined Atletico's youth teams at age 11 and made his first-team debut at 17. He played six seasons for the Spanish club until he left for Liverpool and Chelsea. He returned to Atletico in the winter transfer window of the 2014-15 season.

He has 28 goals in the 2 1/2 seasons of his second stint with Diego Simeone's team.

FILE - A Wednesday, May 10, 2017 file photo of Atletico's Fernando Torres during a Champions League semifinal, 2nd leg soccer match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid, in Madrid, Spain. Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres and FC Porto goalkeeper Iker Casillas are both staying put for next season. Atletico says that Torres has agreed to a one-year contract that will keep the 33-year-old player at his boyhood club through June 2018. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza, File)

Contracting Torres again was important for Atletico because the club has been banned from signing new players this summer for breaking regulations regarding underage players.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) - The bedbugs are back at a South Carolina fire station one month after an outbreak at four stations.

The Charleston Fire Department said in a news release Wednesday that bedbugs have been found at one of the stations that had problems earlier this year.

Firefighters are being moved to another station about 3 miles (5 kilometers) away.

Charleston spokesman Jack O'Toole said the bugs were found on a covered mattress in the station's dorm. A pest-sniffing dog determined the infiltration was limited to one area of one room.

Interim Fire Chief John Tippett says the department has a set of pest control procedures after the earlier outbreak.

The last infestation lasted a month. Officials eventually used large propane tanks to heat the stations to rid them of bugs.
TOBYHANNA, Pa. (AP) - A Pennsylvania man is facing charges after police say he filled his home with propane gas in an attempt to blow it up with him, his wife and mother inside.

The man has been held without bail following an arraignment hearing Wednesday. He faces multiple charges, including attempted homicide and arson.

Police were called to the man's home in Tobyhanna around 10 p.m. July 4. Police say they found a flare gun and propane tank next to a stove that was on and in danger of igniting.

All three occupants were evacuated as well as people in neighboring homes. Coolbaugh Township firefighters shut off power at the residence and opened all doors and windows.
HELSINKI (AP) - Norway says it is returning a stolen Buddha sculpture to Myanmar that was smuggled out of the country in 2011.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende, who is visiting Myanmar, says the sculpture will be returned during his visit. He says Thursday that that the Scandinavian country "wants to help stolen cultural objects be returned to the country of origin in line with international agreements."

The sculpture, believed to be 150-200 years old, is made of alabaster, lacquer, gold and glass. It was discovered by a Norwegian customs officer in 2011.

Brende urged all countries to safeguard and return cultural objects. He says he is concerned the illegal trade in cultural objects is increasing and is "finding new forms and often occurring through international criminal networks."
LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) - Few people think it's funny that Nigeria's president is on extended medical leave in London for the second time this year. But Mike Asukwo sharpens his pencil as he plans his next political cartoon.

"Most of the cartoons I do have political themes and so they are strong commentaries on the affairs of the nation ... some may say they are a bit caustic and some say it's acerbic, you know," he said in his studio in Lagos. "But of course (the cartoons are) humorous whichever way you look at it."

Asukwo's subjects vary from tributes to South Africa's late Nelson Mandela to characterizations of other African and Nigerian leaders in different situations.

Now he's tackling the issue of President Muhammadu Buhari's ill health and his extended medical leave. Buhari, 74, has been in London for medical treatment for two months since May 7, raising fears of instability in Africa's most populous nation which is grappling with an Islamic extremist insurgency in the northeast.

Buhari's wife, Aisha, flew to London this week to see her ailing husband. This is Buhari's second extended medical leave this year, as he spent seven weeks in London from January until March. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is acting president in his absence.

With his sketching pencil, Asukwo draws Buhari in the driver's seat with the vice president shown driving from the passenger seat. In other interpretations, he has drawn an image of a sick map of Nigeria waiting endlessly for the attention of the doctor or of President Buhari.

"I think the basic fear is, the main fear is the fear of being misinterpreted," he said. "No matter how hard or how bitter the issue might be, my major task will be finding a humorous way of presenting it to the audience. I know that once I'm able to push it out like that in humor, of course, it will be swallowed. Humor is actually the trick."
Success in life comes down to where a person has the greatest impact.

Harrisburg native John Friend had his moment of truth as a middle school science teacher in the city school district.

Now a resident of Dickinson Township, he was then several years into a public education career that would span four decades culminating in his June 30 retirement as superintendent of the Carlisle Area School District.

I really enjoyed the classroom teaching, Friend said. But I thought if I could become a principal, I could impact a whole school. I could make sure all the kids are educated appropriately. I could provide leadership to teachers.

As I think back, a lot of my role models were people involved in education, Friend said. I can fondly remember certain teachers as I was growing up. How they impacted my life. That is what made my decision to go into education.

Thirty-four years ago, Friend made the transition from classroom teacher to building administrator when he accepted the job of assistant principal at Lamberton Middle School in Carlisle.

The rest of his career was spent climbing a ladder with steps that included him being the principal of Wilson Middle School, the director of middle school and secondary programs and the assistant district superintendent from 1998 to 2009.

As he leaves for his next job with Harrisburg University as associate vice president of secondary school programs and partners, Friend can reflect on the changes that have come over public education during his 41-year career.

When he started as a teacher, technology was barely used in the classroom and years would pass before computers entered the curriculum at a rudimentary level as a branch of business education.

As technology advanced, computer labs were set up in public schools and desktops became an integrated part of the curriculum and a must for more efficient district operations.

But this changed again when the internet exploded and resources were available at students fingertips, Friend said. Today the computer labs are obsolete as most students in every classroom have access to some sort of device that they can use to help complete assignments. But it was more than just technology that evolved.

Curriculum changes

Good curriculum updates itself to deliver what is necessary as the world changes, Friend said. It should be reflective of the needs of the community.

One of his last meetings as superintendent took place in May with chief executives from local companies, plant managers and human resource professionals. It is part of the outreach that goes with Carlisle having its own vocational technical school.

Friend periodically met with business leaders to gauge what work skills they need from Carlisle graduates and how the district can adjust. Some skills have not changed, such as the ability to work with others and to be punctual. But as technology advances, there has been a greater demand for computer literate workers who can analyze and operate programs with minimal training and supervision.

While the basics have carried on through the core subject areas, Friend has seen over time how educators are better equipped to identify critical elements of the lesson plan. Mandates placed by the state and federal governments have forced public education to compress the curriculum to increase student success on standardized tests.

When Friend started as a teacher in the 1970s, faculty members had a curriculum to follow but broad latitude on how to pace the lessons and where to put the emphasis. A social studies teacher enthusiastic about the Civil War could get away with spending an extra two weeks on the topic.

That would never fly today because you just dont have that kind of autonomy, Friend said. Curriculum has become more rigid to ensure the students are properly prepared for tests.

Now we have to encourage teachers to be more creative with the curriculum because you are not going to be able to deviate that much, he said. Most teachers have done that. They figured it out because they love teaching.

Need to adapt

The big lesson Friend learned from his career in public education was the ability to adapt to meet the needs of the people he worked with. From interacting with students in the classroom to dealing with parental concerns at the building level to overseeing the vision of a school district, the same principle was in play.

Good leaders have good interpersonal skills, Friend said. They have to be able to interact with all kinds of individuals who have different agendas. You have to be cognizant that people are looking to you to provide them with answers. One thing I have always said as a leader is Im never going to have all the answers but I will work with you to figure out what we can do to solve your situation.

The answer or solution may not be what the person wanted to hear nor will either side always agree with the outcome. The key is to have the mutual respect to at least listen, take it in and work it through, Friend said. I always feel a leader has to build a strong team.  Strong leaders who care about kids and want to be good leaders.

Friend believes Carlisle schools have strong leaders in the form of acting Superintendent Christina Spielbauer and her team of administrators, which includes his wife Colleen Friend as assistant superintendent.

Im very proud of the team I built here in Carlisle, Friend said. Not just the people who work in the central office, but the people across the district. He credited the school board with allowing him to provide leadership opportunities for staff.

He listed among his achievements as superintendent the expansion of opportunities for high school students including additional honors and AP courses and partnerships with local colleges and universities.

I am very proud of the program changes and physical renovations of our middle schools, Friend said. They were long overdue. Nothing major had happened to the Lamberton and Wilson buildings from 1979 to 2012 when improvements were first implemented.

We started it right way, Friend said. We looked at the programs and asked how do we want to change the program and how do we design the buildings around the program. Energy efficiencies were built into each school to save money in the long-term.

Future trends

As Friend departs, there are challenges facing Carlisle school district and public education in general. Severe cuts in state subsidies during the Corbett administration led to massive teacher layoffs and dissuaded many college students from pursuing education degrees, Friend said. This led to a 60 percent drop in the number of graduates coming into the field and concern for an impending teacher shortage.

While there has been a rebound in recent years, Friend expects this shortage to continue. Another challenge is how to educate the next generation of students to be prepared and competitive in a global market where technology is changing so rapidly the jobs of tomorrow have yet to be conceived.

Computer science has to become more a part of the public education curriculum, Friend said. Some of the concepts have to be infused into the curriculum because I think thats where the jobs will be. He recommended educators work hard to embed STEM-related activities across all the subject areas. STEM is short for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

The four Cs of creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration are also crucial to preparing students for the global 21st century job market, Friend said. It all goes back to what employers are looking for in workers.

One trend Friend saw develop is the unfair perception that high school graduates need to be pushed toward college when they could be more successful and better suited for a career in the vocational trades.

Statistics show that 50 percent of college students drop out by their sophomore year, Friend said. Some realize they should not have gone there in the first place, that its not for them. Others find that college is too expensive and they cant afford it.

So many kids come out asking What am I going to do now? Friend said. They cant get a job anywhere. Still others rack up heavy debt pursuing an over-emphasis on liberal arts courses that dont provide enough content in any particular area.

Friend has seen a reversal of this trend in recent years as families are becoming more focused on what career path makes the most sense.
CHATHAM, Mass. (AP) - Beachgoers on Cape Cod have another thing to be aware of: The Portuguese man-of-war has returned.

If touched, the creatures can deliver an extremely painful sting. Several of them have been spotted in recent days.

Some washed up on Sea Gull Beach in Yarmouth, Massachusetts, over the weekend, and another was spotted earlier this week off Stage Beach in Chatham.

The Woods Hole Sea Grant on Wednesday encouraged area beach officials to post warning signs.

The Portuguese man-of-war can often resemble floating plastic bags and are sometimes mistaken for jellyfish.

They have been visitors to the Cape in past years. Several people were stung in 2013, but there have been no reports of any painful encounters with swimmers so far this summer.
MADRID (AP) - Officials say a couple and two of their children died while canyoneering in western Spain.

The regional government of Extremadura said another member of the family, a young boy, was injured in the incident Thursday in Hoyos canyon near the town of Jerte, 230 kilometers (140 miles) southwest of Madrid. The boy was taken to a hospital.

The two children killed were minors.

Spain's private news agency Europa Press said the dead children were aged between 6 and 11 years, and that there had been a rise in the water level in the canyon.

The regional government said emergency rescue services and medics were dispatched to the scene.

"Canyoneering" embraces a range of ways to explore a canyon, including walking, climbing and swimming.
LONDON (AP) - A British man has been sentenced to at least 25 years in prison for killing two former girlfriends five years apart, deaths police initially ruled unsuspicious.

A judge in southern England sentenced 52-year-old Robert Trigg on Thursday for the 2006 manslaughter of Caroline Devlin and the 2011 murder of Susan Nicholson.

Police initially recorded Devlin's death as being caused by an aneurysm and said Nicholson's was accidental. Trigg said he inadvertently rolled onto her while the couple slept on a sofa.

Both deaths were re-examined after a campaign by Nicholson's family. A pathologist ruled that Devlin was killed by a blow to the head and Nicholson died of suffocation.

Nicholson's father, Peter Skelton, said the original police investigation had been "a disgrace."

The Sussex Police force has apologized.
SCOTTSBORO, Ala. (AP) - An Alabama teenager charged with raping the boy who impregnated her is asking a judge to treat her as a youthful offender.

Court documents show a Jackson County court is considering the request filed by 19-year-old Mekenzie Leigh Guffey.

Records show Guffey signed a request for youthful offender status last week. If granted, the case would be sealed from the public and Guffey would face a limited prison sentence if convicted.

Guffey is free on bond after being charged with rape, sexual abuse and other offenses for allegedly having sex with a 14-year-old boy. She is now pregnant with a baby due in the fall.

Police in the north Alabama town of Hollywood arrested Guffey after learning she sought assistance through a program that aids pregnant women.
WARSAW, Poland (AP) - Ahead of a crucial meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Donald Trump stopped short Thursday of condemning Moscow for meddling in the U.S. presidential election - and refused to say if he would raise the issue when the leaders go behind closed doors.

Yet in a speech to a friendly crowd of thousands who chanted his name in downtown Warsaw, Trump sought to demonstrate that he wasn't overlooking Russian behavior that has sparked global concern, especially from Poland and other eastern and central European nations.

"We urge Russia to cease its destabilizing activities in Ukraine and elsewhere, and its support for hostile regimes, including Syria and Iran, and to join the community of responsible nations in our fight against common enemies and in defense of civilization itself," he said from Krasinski Square.

U.S. President Donald Trump, left, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel pose for a photograph prior to a bilateral meeting on the eve of the G-20 summit in Hamburg, northern Germany, Thursday, July 6, 2017. The leaders of the group of 20 meet July 7 and 8. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, pool)

Trump then flew to Hamburg, Germany, where more than 100,000 protesters were expected to flood the city to stage massive protests against the Group of 20 summit. On the eve of the two-day meeting, German police used water cannons and pepper spray to disperse protesters in Hamburg after being attacked with bottles and stones by some marchers.

Trump's critique of Russia did not appear to extend to its actions during last year's presidential campaign. Multiple U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia meddled in the election to benefit Trump, who has refused to embrace the finding wholeheartedly.

During a news conference before his speech praising Poland for overcoming adversity, Trump again questioned the reliability of U.S. intelligence on the election issue and argued that Russia wasn't the only country that might be guilty of interfering.

"Nobody really knows for sure," Trump said.

Poland's conservative government had promised the U.S. president enthusiastic crowds in its invitation to Trump, Polish media had reported, and it clearly delivered.

Opening his second overseas trip since taking office in January, Trump also warned North Korea that he's considering "some pretty severe things" in response to the isolated nation's unprecedented launch this week of a missile capable of reaching the U.S. He offered no details, but called on all nations to confront North Korea's "very, very bad behavior."

Trump also stated unequivocally that the U.S. stands "firmly behind Article 5," the NATO provision requiring members to defend each other if they come under attack. He had disappointed U.S. allies by declining to affirm that commitment during his first trip to Europe in May.

As U.S. investigations into Russia's interference continue, Trump is under intense scrutiny over how he handles his first face-to-face meeting Friday with Putin, a former Russian intelligence agent. They will meet in Hamburg on the sidelines of the summit of the world's rich and developing nations.

A group of senior Democratic U.S. senators served notice Thursday that Trump would be in "severe dereliction" of his presidential duty if he fails to confront Putin over the issue, telling Trump in a letter that he must make clear that Russia's interference in U.S. democracy will not be tolerated.

"The upcoming elections cannot be a playground for President Putin," said Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York; Dick Durbin of Illinois, the Senate's No. 2 Democrat; and the top Democrats on the Intelligence, Armed Services, and Foreign Relations committees.

Unwilling to cast doubt on the legitimacy of his election victory, Trump has avoided firmly blaming Russia for the campaign hacking. He skirted the blame game again Thursday, arguing at turns that it could have been, probably was and indeed was Russia.

He insisted that other countries could have been involved, too.

Trump demurred when asked whether he would raise the election issue with Putin. He sought instead to turn the question around on his predecessor, blaming then-President Barack Obama for essentially sanctioning Moscow's interference.

Though the Obama administration warned Russia publicly and privately before the Nov. 8 election to quit interfering, questions have since been raised about whether Obama acted aggressively enough to stop the threat.

"They say he choked - well, I don't think he choked," Trump said at a news conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda. "I think he thought Hillary Clinton was going to win the election, and he said, 'Let's not do anything about it.'"

Using information collected by the FBI, CIA and National Security Agency, the U.S. national intelligence director last year concluded that Moscow was behind the hack of Democratic Party email systems and attempted to influence the 2016 election to benefit Trump. The Obama administration said the effort was directed from the "highest levels" of Russia's government - a reference to Putin.

"Mistakes have been made" by U.S. intelligence, said Trump, offering a reminder that America's spy agencies had once been confident that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction. He said that created "one big mess" in the form of the Iraq war. Though Trump has made similar statements before, it was an extraordinary public expression of doubt about U.S. intelligence capabilities by a president while on foreign soil.

Trump met in Hamburg with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, host of the summit. He was following that by having dinner with the leaders of South Korea and Japan, with the discussion focused on the threat posed by their North Korean neighbor.

In Poland, Trump also used time at the news conference with Duda to sharply criticize some U.S. news organizations for their coverage of his presidency. That elicited some sympathy from Duda, who suggested that he, too, was covered unfairly.

"We don't want fake news," Trump said.

Before the speech in Poland, Trump and his wife, Melania, laid a wreath at a monument commemorating the 1944 Warsaw Uprising against Nazi occupation. Warsaw police told The Associated Press that some 15,000 people attended Trump's speech. Many waved U.S. and Polish flags and gathered near TV screens that were specifically set up in the square to broadcast Trump's address.

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Associated Press writers Josh Lederman, Vivian Salama and Jill Colvin in Washington contributed to this report.

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A demonstrator sits in the spray of a water cannon during a protest against the G-20 summit in Hamburg, northern Germany, Thursday, July 6, 2017. The leaders of the group of 20 meet July 7 and 8. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

President Donald Trump arrives to deliver a speech at Krasinski Square at the Royal Castle, Thursday, July 6, 2017, in Warsaw. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Crowd cheers for U.S. President Donald Trump during his speech in Krasinski Square in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, July 6, 2017. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Poland's President Andrzej Duda, center, speaks with Croatia President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic as U.S President Donald Trump makes a comment during the Three Seas Initiative transatlantic roundtable in the Great Assembly Hall of the Royal Castle, in Warsaw, Thursday July 6, 2017. The Three Seas Initiative is an alliance among a dozen eastern and central European nations that are bordered by the Adriatic, Baltic and Black seas. The group aims to reduce their dependence on oil and gas supplied by Russia. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife Melania, right, walk past a flag of Senegal after arriving for the G-20 summit in Hamburg, northern Germany, Thursday, July 6, 2017. The leaders of the group of 20 meet July 7 and 8. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

U.S. President Donald Trump listens during a meeting with Poland's President Andrzej Duda after arriving at the Royal Castle, Thursday, July 6, 2017, in Warsaw. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

U.S. First Lady Melania Trump smiles during a visit at the Copernicus Science Center, an interactive science museum geared heavily to young people, in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, July 6, 2017.(AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Protesters gesture during a protest against the G-20 summit in Hamburg, northern Germany, Thursday, July 6, 2017. The leaders of the group of 20 meet July 7 and 8. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Protesters drum during a protest against the G-20 summit in Hamburg, northern Germany, Thursday, July 6, 2017. The leaders of the group of 20 meet July 7 and 8. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)

U.S. President Donald Trump gestures while answering a question during a joint press conference with Poland's President Andrzej Duda, in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, July 6, 2017. The media event is Trump's first overseas news conference.(AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

U.S. President Donald Trump, left, and Polish President Andrzej Duda pose for photographers as they shake hands during their meeting at the Royal Castle, Thursday, July 6, 2017, in Warsaw. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference with Poland's President Andrzej Duda at Royal Castle, Thursday, July 6, 2017, in Warsaw. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

U.S. President Donald Trump arrives for the G-20 summit in Hamburg, northern Germany, Thursday, July 6, 2017. The leaders of the group of 20 meet July 7 and 8. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Ivanka Trump, daughter of U.S. President Donald Trump, and her husband Jared Kushner leave Air Force One through the back door after arriving for the G-20 summit in Hamburg, northern Germany, Thursday, July 6, 2017. The leaders of the group of 20 meet July 7 and 8. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)

U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, center right, looks at children during a visit at the Copernicus Science Center, an interactive science museum geared heavily to young people, together with Poland's First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Dudain, center left, in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, July 6, 2017.(AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

U.S. President Donald Trump, left, is greeted by Polish President Andrzej Duda after arriving at the Royal Castle, Thursday, July 6, 2017, in Warsaw. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

U.S. President Donald Trump, left, is greeted by Polish President Andrzej Duda after arriving at the Royal Castle, Thursday, July 6, 2017, in Warsaw. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

U.S. President Donald Trump, left, is greeted by Poland's President Andrzej Duda after arriving at the Royal Castle, Thursday, July 6, 2017, in Warsaw. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

U.S. President Donald Trump, left, is greeted by Polish President Andrzej Duda after arriving at the Royal Castle, Thursday, July 6, 2017, in Warsaw. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. (AP) - Normal operations resumed at an Air Force base that was partially evacuated early Thursday, when potentially explosive material was detected during a routine inspection of a delivery truck.

In a statement, the 66th Air Base Group said the truck had been cleared and personnel who had been ordered to leave Hanscom Air Force base earlier in the day were being allowed to return.

"However pallets from the truck, which contain potentially concerning residue, have been removed and will be taken to a specialized facility for testing," the statement continued.

The truck was stopped at about 9 a.m. at one of the entrances to the base, which is about 20 miles west of Boston.

There was no indication from authorities what type of material might have caused the concern. Several buildings were evacuated, and state police set up a 1,500-foot (457-meter) perimeter around the truck. An exit leading to the base from another route was also closed.

Massachusetts State Police Sgt. Fran Leahy defended the partial base closure, saying an initial inspection of the truck detected the possible presence of explosives and a special canine unit also got a hit.

"Given the times we live in, we operate in an abundance of caution," he told reporters, adding that there were no suspects or arrests and none expected.

State police bomb squad commander Sgt. William Qualls said the tests underway hopefully would determine the origin of where the trace amount of explosives residue that triggered the alarm.

"There was something there at some point in time," Qualls said. He said the truck was delivering personal belongings to a new base member when it was stopped.

The truck is owned by Big Foot Moving & Storage. The company issued a statement expressing relief that the incident was resolved and saying "we take this matter very seriously."

Hanscom Field, a civilian airport adjacent to the base, remained in operation throughout the incident, according to the Massachusetts Port Authority, which operates the commercial facility.

The Air Force base has been in existence since 1941 and has served as a major military research center.
LAKEWOOD, N.J. (AP) - Six more couples were charged with theft Thursday as part of an investigation that has uncovered more than $2 million in public welfare benefits going to New Jersey families that made too much to receive them.

Prosecutors in Ocean County say the six couples received nearly $400,000 combined in Medicaid, food, heating and other benefits. The charges by summons come after seven other married couples in the town of Lakewood were charged with similar crimes last month.

Those arrested as part of the joint state, federal and county investigation include a rabbi and the former leader of a Jewish religious school. The investigation continues, and more arrests are likely.

FILE - This combination of photos provided by the Ocean County prosecutor's office shows Zalmen Sorotzkin, left, and his wife, Tzipporah, in Toms River, N.J., after their arrest on Monday, June 26, 2017. They and two other married couples are charged with conspiring to fraudulently obtain public welfare benefits. (Ocean County Prosecutor's Office via AP)

The town has seen huge population growth with an influx of ultra-Orthodox families, and the charges have been met with some anti-Semitic backlash.

Vandals cited the reports in fliers posted on cars around town last week and posted a banner containing an anti-Jewish slur on a Holocaust memorial in front of a synagogue.

A message on the banner included an ethnic slur for Jewish people and stated they "will not divide us," along with the name of a group supposedly responsible for it. State authorities announced Sunday they were offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to conviction of those responsible.

Religious leaders in the town have spoken out against the welfare fraud allegations, but also to make sure people don't use the investigation to condemn the entire community.

"We have a failure in our community that we have to address," Rabbi Aaron Kotler, leader of the world's largest yeshiva outside of Israel, told NJ.com. "Theft is wrong. We need to do better to educate people."

Members of the Vaad, a group of religious leaders and business owners in the town, acknowledged that the problem may be linked to the number of rabbinical students in Lakewood's numerous yeshivas. Many qualify for poverty relief while studying, and Vaad members said the students need to do a better job of leaving public assistance once they begin making money.

"The challenge for the Orthodox community is to get these students quickly into the workforce," kosher grocery story owner Abe Muller told NJ.com, "where they pay taxes like everybody else, and make them understand the rules."

Seven couples were arrested last week, including Rabbi Zalmen Sorotzkin, of Congregation Lutzk, and his wife, Tzipporah.

A lawyer for one of those charged last week said that everyone arrested will be vindicated.

Those charged Thursday were Eliezer and Elkie Sorotzkin, Samuel and Esther Serhofer, Yisroel and Rachel Merkin, Jerome Menchel and Mottel Friedman, Tzvi and Estee Braun, and Moshe and Nechama Hirschmann.

It wasn't immediately clear whether the couples had lawyers to comment on their behalf. Phone messages left with those who had listed numbers were not returned.
DAYTON, Ohio (AP) - Authorities say a 14-year-old girl sitting inside her Ohio home was killed by a stray bullet fired from outside.

The teen has been identified as Mackenna Kronenberger. Police say the Dayton girl was killed Wednesday when two feuding groups fired bullets outside her home.

Lt. Gregg Gaby told the Dayton Daily News that two 18-year-old men are in custody. He says they are longtime friends who had sided with rival groups.

Gaby called Mackenna an "innocent bystander."

Police say one of the men is expected to be charged with murder and the other with tampering with evidence and having a weapon while on probation.

Mackenna would have been a sophomore at Carroll High School in Dayton in the fall.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California Gov. Jerry Brown plans to convene a Global Climate Action Summit next year in his latest action to position the state as a leader in battling global warming as the White House recedes.

Brown will announce the summit Thursday in a video message to the Global Citizen Festival in Hamburg, Germany. President Donald Trump is also in Hamburg for a meeting of the Group of 20 economic powers.

The climate conference is scheduled for September 2018 in San Francisco. It will feature representatives of subnational governments, businesses, investors and others meeting to highlight action to fight global warming and to "spur deeper commitment" from national governments.

Brown will say that Trump "doesn't speak for the rest of America" in choosing to withdraw from the international Paris climate agreement.
HAMBURG, Germany (AP) - The Latest on President Donald Trump's second official visit to Europe (all times local):

1 a.m.

President Donald Trump refuses to say if he will raise the issue of Moscow's meddling in the U.S. presidential election when he goes behind closed doors Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

President Donald Trump meets with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, right, and South Korean President Moon Jae-in before the Northeast Asia Security dinner at the US Consulate General Hamburg, Thursday, July 6, 2017, in Hamburg. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Still, he told a crowd of thousands Thursday in downtown Warsaw that he is urging Russia "to cease its destabilizing activities in Ukraine and elsewhere, and its support for hostile regimes, including Syria and Iran."

Trump is also calling on Russia "to join the community of responsible nations in our fight against common enemies and in defense of civilization itself."

Trump then flew to Hamburg, Germany, where more than 100,000 protesters were expected to flood the city to stage massive protests against the Group of 20 summit.

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10:25 p.m.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi is adding her name to the list of high-ranking Democrats who are demanding that President Donald Trump confront Russian leader Vladimir Putin over Moscow's election meddling.

Pelosi says in a statement Thursday that Trump needs to tell Putin the United States will not tolerate any further interference in U.S. campaigns.

Pelosi's statement came after Trump spoke in Warsaw, Poland, a day ahead of his first face-to-face meeting with Putin. Trump says Russia meddled in the 2016 presidential election, but has repeated his assertion that "other countries" may have done the same.

Top Senate Democrats told Trump in a letter that it would be "severe dereliction" of his presidential duty if he failed to confront Putin over Moscow's meddling.

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7:10 p.m.

The German government says Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Donald Trump have discussed issues including North Korea, the situation in the Middle East and the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

A brief government statement gave no further details of Thursday's discussion, which lasted a little over an hour, other than to say they discussed "some issues on the G-20 agenda." It said that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel also participated.

Merkel and Trump have met on three previous occasions. Merkel has visited the White House, and the two also participated in May in a NATO summit and the Group of Seven summit in Italy.

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7 p.m.

President Donald Trump appears to still hold out hope that China can help to resolve tensions with North Korea over its nuclear and missile programs.

Trump had hoped that Chinese President Xi Jinping would help to restrain North Korea after meeting with him in April. But North Korea raised the stakes by test-launching its first intercontinental ballistic missile on July 4. The launch raised the prospect of the United States one day possibly coming under attack after trying to stifle North Korea's nuclear ambitions for several years. Trump raised questions about China's commitment afterward by noting its expanded trade relationship with North Korea.

But Trump suggested he hasn't given up on Xi before having dinner with South Korean President Moon Jae-In and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday.

"Never give up," Trump told reporters without elaborating.

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6:30 p.m.

President Donald Trump is meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel as part of an annual summit of industrial nations in Hamburg, Germany.

The pair shook hands and spoke briefly while looking directly at each other. They then left for closed-door discussions.

Asked what subjects they would address, Trump declined to say.

Merkel has been open about her disappointment with Trump's decision to withdraw the U.S. from an international climate agreement. She told the German parliament "we cannot expect easy talks in Hamburg" on climate issues

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5:45 p.m.

Former USSR President Mikhail Gorbachev says Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin need to establish a wide-ranging agenda in their meeting on Friday.

In comments to state news agency RIA-Novosti on Thursday, Gorbachev said the meeting of the Russian and American presidents in Hamburg, Germany, should emulate the 1986 Reykjavik summit of Gorbachev and Ronald Reagan that substantially advanced US-Soviet relations.

"First of all, it's good that this meeting will finally take place, but it's a pity that this is happening only now -- and so far our countries do not have a joint constructive agenda, it takes a lot of time to catch up," Gorbachev was quoted as saying.

"We now need an impulse from the leaders, as happened in Reykjavik in 1986'" he said. "We must put everything on the negotiating table and establish a mechanism for interaction, not for any single items, even important, but for all problems."

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5:10 p.m.

Senior Senate Democrats say Donald Trump will be committing a "severe dereliction" of his presidential duties if he fails to confront Russian leader Vladimir Putin about Moscow's meddling in U.S. elections.

In a letter sent to Trump a day ahead of his meeting with Putin, the lawmakers say it's critical that Trump set the agenda and make clear that Russia's interference in American democracy will not be tolerated.

The letter is signed by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York; Dick Durbin of Illinois, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate; and the top Democrats on the Intelligence, Armed Services, and Foreign Relations committees.

The Democrats say Trump has to deliver an explicit message to Putin.

They say, "The upcoming elections cannot be a playground for President Putin."

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4:35 p.m.

A top member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence is calling for President Donald Trump to "have the courage" to address election meddling when he meets Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-CA, said in a statement Thursday that Trump's claims that "nobody really knows" who hacked the email accounts of the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton campaign officials may "directly undermine U.S. interests."

Schiff says, "This is not putting America first, but continuing to propagate his own personal fiction at the country's expense."

Trump said in Poland on Thursday that he believes Russia meddling in the election but he says others may have as well, adding, "nobody really knows."

Trump is scheduled to meet Putin for the first time on Friday.

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3:57 p.m.

President Donald Trump has arrived in Hamburg, Germany on the eve of his first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

World leaders are gathering in the city for a meeting of the Group of 20 economic powers.

Trump spent the first half of the day in Poland, delivering a speech and holding a joint press conference with Poland's president.

He's set to meet later Thursday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and attend a Northeast Asia Security Dinner with South Korean President Moon Jae-in (jah-yihn) and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

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2:45 p.m.

President Donald Trump is welcoming Croatia's commitment to boosting energy security and diversification.

The White House said in a statement that the president's meeting Thursday with Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic of Croatia reaffirmed their mutual interests in supporting "stability and security in the western Balkans."

The White House also says that Trump "expressed support for timely completion of the Krk Island liquefied natural gas facility."

Trump said Thursday during a major speech delivered in Warsaw that he wants to make sure Poland and its neighbors are "never again held hostage" to a single supplier of energy.

Russia is one of the largest suppliers of energy to the European Union. His comments come on the eve of his first face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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2:03 p.m.

The office of Slovenia's president says U.S. President Donald Trump has accepted an invitation to visit the small central European nation that is the homeland of his wife Melania.

Borut Pahor's office said in a statement Thursday that the Slovenian president extended the invitation on the sidelines of the Three Seas summit, a meeting of countries all bordered by the Baltic, Adriatic and Black seas.

It was not immediately clear when the visit could take place.

Slovenian officials had hoped that the first meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin would be held in Slovenia. President George W. Bush and Putin held their first face-to-face meeting in Slovenia in June 2001.

Melania Trump was born and raised in Slovenia before moving abroad in her twenties to pursue a modelling career.

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2:00 p.m.

President Donald Trump is wrapping up his major speech on Poland by declaring that "the West will never be broken" and vowed to win the battle against extremism.

Trump, speaking in Warsaw on Thursday, said "our people will thrive and our civilization will triumph." He offered praise for his hosts' resilience in the face of historic threats from Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, declaring "let us all fight like Poles."

Trump used the speech to make the case for the United States and its allies to embrace that spirit of nationalistic pride that helped sustain the Polish people.

He repeatedly drew contrasts with the beliefs of extremists and made the case for the necessity of his travel ban, which restricts immigration from some terror-impacted countries.

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1:55 p.m.

President Donald Trump is reaffirming his commitment to NATO's Article 5 as he delivers a speech in Warsaw, Poland.

Trump said Thursday that the United States "has demonstrated not merely with words, but with its actions that we stand firmly" behind Article 5, "the mutual defense commitment."

He says, "Words are easy, but actions are what matters."

Trump was criticized during his first foreign trip for failing to explicitly affirm his commitment to the mutual defense of NATO members during a critical speech at NATO headquarters in Brussels.

The article states than an attack on one member is an attack on all members and binds the allies to come to that country's defense. It has only been invoked once, after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

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1:52 p.m.

President Donald Trump is praising Poland for honoring its defense spending commitment to NATO saying that "the example you set is truly magnificent."

He used the occasion of his first visit to Poland to renew his call for other NATO members to boost their defense spending.

In a major address in Warsaw Thursday, Trump said that Poland is "now among the most committed members of the NATO alliance" and says that Poland "has resumed its place as a leading nation of a Europe that is strong, whole and free."

He's also touting the benefits of a strong Europe, calling it "a blessing to the west and to the world."

Trump's first visit foreign trip was marred by a tough speech to NATO members urging them to spend more on their armed forces.

Poland is one of the five NATO members that spends at least 2 percent of their gross domestic product on the military, as Trump has urged.

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1:48 p.m.

President Donald Trump is calling on Russia to stop its destabilizing activities in Ukraine.

He's also calling on Moscow to end its support for "hostile regimes." Trump specifically called out Syria and Iran.

Trump instead urged Russia to join the "community of responsible nations" in its fight against common enemies and the defense of civilization.

Trump's plea to Russia comes a day before his first face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin annexed the Crimean Peninsula in 2014, which the U.S. does not recognize. Russia also supports separatist elements operating in Ukraine.

Trump included the message to Russia in a public address during a quick visit to Poland.

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1:42 p.m.

President Donald Trump is telling a crowd in Poland that Europe no longer faces the threat of communism but that the West is now battling new "dire threats."

Trump, in a speech Thursday in Warsaw, said that the United States and its European allies have suffered frequent acts of terror. He vowed that "we will confront them and we will win."

The president specifically used the phrase "radical Islamic terrorism," the label for extremists that he used frequently during the campaign but declined to say in front of a gathering of Arab leaders in Saudi Arabia during his first foreign trip in May.

He said that extremists groups threaten the West's "way of life" and obliquely defended the administration's travel ban that restricts immigration from some Muslim majority countries.

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1:38 p.m.

President Donald Trump says Poland may be the geographic heart of Europe but the Polish people are its soul.

Trump is addressing thousands of Poles from Krasinski Square, site of the Warsaw Uprising against Nazi occupation. More than 150,000 Poles died during the struggle to overthrow oppression.

Trump is praising the spirit of the Polish people for enduring and overcoming every effort to transform, oppress and destroy them.

He's holding up Poland as an example for other nations. He says Poland's triumph over hardship gives nations all hope for a future in which good conquers evil and peace achieves victory over war.

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1:30 p.m.

President Donald Trump says that he is eager to expand U.S. partnerships with Poland, especially when it comes to exporting energy.

Trump said Thursday during a major speech delivered in Warsaw that he wants to make sure that the country and its neighbors are "never again held hostage" to a single supplier of energy.

Russia is one of the largest suppliers of energy to the European Union. Trump is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin Friday.

Poland received its first shipment of American liquefied natural gas last month.

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1:25 p.m.

First Lady Melania Trump warmed up the crowd in Poland's capital ahead of her husband's speech, saying that all people should be allowed to "live their lives without fear."

The first lady said Thursday that guaranteeing the "security" of the American people is the centerpiece of President Donald Trump's administration and that she hoped all around world could share in that safety.

She also touted a tour she took earlier in the day at a science center nearby in Warsaw where people came "to observe, experiment, to ask questions and seek answers" which she said should inspire people in both the United States and Poland.

Melania Trump, who is taking a prominent role in her husband's key overseas trip, also saluted the Polish people and their "beautiful country."

U.S. President Donald Trump, left, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel pose for a photograph prior to a bilateral meeting on the eve of the G-20 summit in Hamburg, northern Germany, Thursday, July 6, 2017. The leaders of the group of 20 meet July 7 and 8. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, pool)

U.S. President Donald Trump thanks first lady Melania Trump for her speech in Krasinski Square, back dropped by the monument commemorating the 1944 Warsaw Uprising against the Nazis, in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, July 6, 2017. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)

U.S. President Donald Trump listens during a meeting with Poland's President Andrzej Duda after arriving at the Royal Castle, Thursday, July 6, 2017, in Warsaw. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

U.S. President Donald Trump, left, and Polish President Andrzej Duda pose for photographers as they shake hands during their meeting at the Royal Castle, Thursday, July 6, 2017, in Warsaw. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
HARRISBURG  Questions about the U.S. Senates health care legislation dominated an appearance by Pennsylvanias Republican Sen. Pat Toomey in front of a live audience Wednesday night, as he defended the bill as guaranteeing the survival of Medicaid against accusations that it would deliver devastating cuts.

Toomey cautioned that multiple bills will be required to get it right. He repeatedly insisted that it was unlikely that Congress would simply repeal former President Barack Obamas health care law without passing a replacement. And he touted a forthcoming addition to the bill that would commit $45 billion over the next 10 years to fight addiction treatment.

Toomeys appearance in the Harrisburg studios of WHTM-TV came as the legislation awaits a Senate vote. He also took questions on medical marijuana and Republican President Donald Trump, among other topics, but most questions focused on the health care bill hes defending.

The hourlong question-and-answer session was Toomeys first this year in public in front of an audience. Dozens of demonstrators crowded outside WHTMs studio blocked entrances, protesting what they call the bills devastating cuts to Medicaid, including attendant care for the disabled, and mocking Toomeys lack of courage to hold a full town hall-style event.

In Pennsylvania, taking on Medicaid is politically perilous.

The program covers nearly 2.9 million Pennsylvanians, or almost one in four residents. Pennsylvania also is a Medicaid expansion state, and the bills contemplation of paring back the 2010 laws commitments is anticipated to shift billions of dollars in health care costs to the state.

Toomey insisted that the Republican health care bill, which he helped write, is misunderstood. The bills cap on Medicaid costs would allow that expense to rise with inflation, although more slowly than the programs historical growth rate.

I dont think its very constructive to suggest that an apocalypse will occur from spending more money on Medicaid every year and keeping everybody who is eligible enrolling, no limits to enrollees whatsoever, putting the program on a sustainable path so that itll be there for the indefinite future, Toomey said during the event, broadcast live by WHTM and sister stations in Erie, Altoona and Wilkes-Barre. I think were doing the responsible thing.

Opposing the bill after it emerged were Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf, the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania, the Arc of Pennsylvania, the AARP of Pennsylvania, labor unions and groups that advocate for children and the disabled.

Groups advocating for the disabled contend that dollars that help keep the disabled in their homes, cared for by family members, would be newly limited. Childrens groups say the caps would force more than 1 million children on Medicaid in Pennsylvania to compete with the needs of the disabled and elderly.

One question submitted online accused the bill of posing a threat to Medicaids promise of helping working adults take care of an elderly parent.

Theres been a lot of misinformation and inaccurate stories about Medicaid, Toomey responded. The category for the elderly, for instance, thats not changed. Were going to continue to provide those resources. Medicaid spending is going to grow every year. I am an advocate for giving states more flexibility to find better ways to deliver health care services to low-income people.

In Pennsylvania, the federal government pays slightly more than half the bill for most people on Medicaid. It pays nearly the whole bill for the more than 700,000 primarily childless low-income working adults who joined Medicaid after Jan. 1, 2015, when Pennsylvania expanded income eligibility guidelines to take advantage of the more generous federal contribution rate under Obamas law.

Under the Senate bill, the federal government would still commit to funding the Medicaid expansion, albeit at a roughly 52 percent rate in Pennsylvania, compared to the 90 percent long-term rate under Obamas law.
DALLAS (AP) - The Dallas Police Department has weathered significant changes in the year since a sniper killed five law enforcement officers.

Police Chief David Brown retired in October. The city's police and fire pension system fell into a financial crisis, prompting hundreds of officers to retire to avoid impending cuts to benefits and increases in contributions. The department is also faced with hiring hundreds of new officers, and dozens of questions remain about the attack on the night of July 7, 2016.

A look at the state of the nation's seventh-largest police department:

In this photo made Thursday, June 8, 2017, former Dallas police chief David Brown speaks during an interview in Dallas. The Dallas Police Department has weathered significant changes in the year since a sniper killed five law enforcement officers. Brown retired in October. Hundreds of officers retired to avoid impending cuts to benefits and increases in contributions. And the Legislature stepped in to negotiate a compromise between city and pension officials. The city is also faced with hiring hundreds of officers in a nationwide recruiting effort. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

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LINGERING QUESTIONS AND A VEIL OF SECRECY

Nearly a year after the deadly ambush, the investigation into the sniper attack remains open. The gunfire began toward the end of a peaceful protest over police killings of black men in Minnesota and Louisiana.

Deputy Police Chief Thomas Castro said recently that some evidence was still being processed, but he expected the department's findings would soon be turned over to the Dallas County district attorney's office.

A veil of secrecy still conceals much of the case. The department has not released the 911 calls, surveillance video, or body camera or patrol-car footage from the attack. The autopsy reports for the five slain officers and for gunman Micah Johnson also remain sealed. Johnson was killed by a robot carrying explosives - a first for any law enforcement agency nationwide.

Ballistic reports, transcripts of negotiations with Johnson, documents related to the decision to use the robot and any inventory of items seized from Johnson's home have also been withheld.

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PENSION WOES AND OFFICER FLIGHT

Even before the shooting, the department's morale was low because of financial issues involving the Dallas police and fire pension fund.

Actuarial accountants concluded that the fund, which invested in risky real estate ventures, had approved overly generous benefits and overvalued assets. They warned that it could be insolvent in less than 10 years.

After the attack, officers became fearful that benefits would be slashed. They filed for retirement at record rates and pulled out savings to the tune of about $500 million - or 20 percent of the fund's monetary assets - in a rare run on the pension system. That only deepened the financial woes.

Texas lawmakers stepped in recently to mediate a plan to fix the fund over the next few decades, but the plan includes sacrifices that may be hard for some officers to accept. Benefits for future retirees will be cut, the retirement age raised and the contributions for officers increased significantly.

Union officials worry that the changes that go into effect in September, though necessary, will increase the retirements and the flight of younger officers to neighboring departments.

About 700 of the department's 3,600 officers have retired or left in the last 18 months. Union officials worry that another 200 will leave under the changed benefits system. That could mean hiring nearly 1,000 officers in less than a year to bring the department back up to previous staffing levels.

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SECURITY INCREASES

After the attack, the department made several purchases to better protect officers, including buying more rifles with optics and more bulletproof shields, helmets and "plate carriers," which are sheaths that go over vests that are able to stop higher-caliber assault-rifle rounds.

The department has also looked into increasing training in advanced rifle use, advanced patrol tactics and for dealing with ambushes when officers are in vehicles, said Lt. Matt Williamson of the police training division.

The Texas Legislature recently passed a bill creating a grant program to pay for some purchases.

Meanwhile, the Dallas City Council will ask voters to approve a multi-million-dollar bond package in November that would include some funding to launch a series of security upgrades over the next decade at police headquarters and at the department's substations.

The upgrades were first discussed in 2015, when a gunman named James Boulware opened fire on police headquarters from inside an armored van. Boulware, who told police he was angry because an officer had taken his son away, was eventually killed by a police sniper after a chase.

In this June 8, 2017, photo, former Dallas Police Chief David Brown begins signing stacks of his books before a reception in Dallas. The Dallas Police Department has weathered significant changes in the year since a sniper killed five law enforcement officers. Brown retired in October. Hundreds of officers retired to avoid impending cuts to benefits and increases in contributions. And the Legislature stepped in to negotiate a compromise between city and pension officials. The city is also faced with hiring hundreds of officers in a nationwide recruiting effort. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

In this June 8, 2017, photo, former Dallas Police Chief David Brown sits before an interview in Dallas. The Dallas Police Department has weathered significant changes in the year since a sniper killed five law enforcement officers. Brown retired in October. Hundreds of officers retired to avoid impending cuts to benefits and increases in contributions. And the Legislature stepped in to negotiate a compromise between city and pension officials. The city is also faced with hiring hundreds of officers in a nationwide recruiting effort. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

FILE - In this July 7, 2016, file photo, Dallas police move to detain a driver after several police officers were shot in downtown Dallas when a sniper opened fire at a Black Lives Matter protest. Only hours after the ambush that killed five Dallas law enforcement officers, mental health experts began thinking ahead, searching for ways to ease the long-term effects of the attack on the men and women who patrol the nation's ninth-largest city. A year after the ambush, Dallas officers are still grieving, but scores of them have received or are on track to receive specialized training in "mindfulness" and other stress-management techniques that aim to teach police how to better understand and control their emotions, both on and off the job. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)

FILE - In this July 15, 2016, file photo, a Dallas Police officer composes himself at the conclusion of an honor guard presentation for slain Dallas Police officer Michael Krol after a funeral service in Plano, Texas. Krol was one of five police officers killed by a lone gunman in Dallas, July 7, 2016. A year after the ambush, Dallas officers are still grieving, but scores of them have received or are on track to receive specialized training in "mindfulness" and other stress-management techniques that aim to teach police how to better understand and control their emotions, both on and off the job. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)
Mutual funds' investment strategies can vary widely, with some focusing on aggressive growth, while others have a less risky style that would appeal to fixed-income investors.

Then there are funds like Swan Global Investment's Defined Risk Fund (SDRAX), which take a hybrid approach.

The fund, which launched in 2012, invests primarily in exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, but also plays the options market with the goal of hedging against big market slumps.

CORRECTS NAME OF FUND TO SWAN GLOBAL INVESTMENTS' DEFINED RISK FUND, NOT SWAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT'S DEFINED RISK FUND - This photo provided by Swan Global Investments shows Randy Swan, lead portfolio manager of Swan Global Investments' Defined Risk Fund. The fund aims to provide investors income and growth while also hedging against big stock market downturns. (Allison Ragsdale/Swan Global Investments via AP)

The fund is up about 3 percent this year, according to FactSet.

Randy Swan, lead portfolio manager of the fund, explains the fund's strategy and why he believes it's a better way to make gains while reduce investment risk when a bear market hits.

Answers have been edited for length and clarity:

Q: Explain your fund's investment strategy.

A: I started the strategy about 20 years ago, and what it's really designed to do is we actually go in the options market and buy long-dated options to hedge out most of the downside exposure on an annual basis.

Our strategic view at the highest level is we think stock selection and market timing are not very good long term ways to outperform the market. So we think by managing the market risk by trying to eliminate most of the downside we can actually outperform the underlying benchmark over a full market cycle, with less risk.

Q: How do you accomplish that?

A: We go out and we take a hedge position. When you buy a put option, you're actually able to define that risk on a much more consistent, more confident level to be able to hedge out that risk. (A put option is a contract that gives the owner the option to sell a security at a preset price and period of time.)

For example, if the market is going to go down like in 2008, 35 to 40 percent, then you know exactly what that that put option is going to do to protect that asset. It's much more reliable and consistent.

We usually buy options at about two years. But at the end of every year, what we'll do is we'll sell all our current options and re-hedge using two-year put options.

That allows us to go through bull markets, locking in higher and higher levels in the market. And when you go through bear markets, you're able to adjust the strike price down and take the profits on the sale of those put options. So we like long-dated options because they decay at a much lower rate than shorter-dated options.

Q: How do you balance hedging with investing in ETFs?

A: About 90 percent of the underlying portfolio gets invested in ETFs and about 10 percent goes into long-dated put options. The second component of the strategy is we sell short-term options against those long positions.

Just as we like to hedge using longer-dated options, we like to try to generate income by selling shorter-dated options against those positions.

Q: The fund is meant to protect against big market drops, but is it ideal for long bull markets like the one we're currently in?

A: We think, and the research proves this, if you're able to avoid the big losses in down years, you're able to outperform over the long haul. The fund is very defensive in nature, but it's also structured in a way that we think we're able to outperform the market over a full-market cycle.

Our SMA (separately managed account) track record, which goes back 20 years, has actually outperformed the S&P 500 with less risk.

We're not looking at saying that we're going to outperform the market on up years. But we think over full market cycles, it's still compelling to protect.
LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) - Olympic 400-meter champion Wayde van Niekerk ran a world-leading time of 43.62 seconds on Thursday in his first major race at his favored distance since the Rio de Janeiro Games.

Van Niekerk chose the Athletissima meeting in the Diamond League series for his first 400 race outside his native South Africa this year, and his first anywhere since April.

On a warm, still evening in Lausanne, the 24-year-old Van Niekerk added the 400 to the world-leading times he also holds in the 200 and 300.

Wayde van Niekerk, right, from South Africa celebrates after winning the men's 400m race at the Athletissima IAAF Diamond League international athletics meeting in the Stade Olympique de la Pontaise in Lausanne, Switzerland, Thursday, July 6, 2017. (Valentin Flauraud/Keystone via AP)

"I didn't come with a specific time in mind, but I am pleased with this result," said Van Niekerk, who is favored to retain his world title in London next month.

Van Niekerk was 0.07 faster than the previous best 400 this season set by Fred Kerley of the United States. He set a world record of 43.03 in taking Olympic gold last August.

Four other world-leading performances were set, and the 30-year-old world record in women's high jump was threatened by world champion Maria Lasitskene.

Lasitskene cleared a season-best 2.06 meters before taking aim at the 2.09 set in 1987 by Stefka Kostadinova of Bulgaria.

The Pontaise stadium fell silent for Lasitskene's third and final attempt but the bar was sent crashing by the Russian. She competes as a neutral athlete while her country is suspended from competition due to extensive doping.

Van Niekerk has sparkled this season despite skipping his main event since some low-key home meetings.

The South African star set a world best of 30.81 in the seldom-raced 300 last week. He took Michael Johnson's 17-year-old mark by 0.04 in Ostrava, Czech Republic.

Van Niekerk also has a world-leading 200 time of 19.84, set in Jamaica last month, and a 9.94 in the 100 that has him seventh in the world list this season.

Justin Gatlin, the former Olympic 100 champion, has a best 0.01 slower than Van Niekerk this season, and he was unable to beat it Thursday as he ran into a slight headwind. The 35-year-old American clocked 9.96 to edge Ben Youssef Meite of Ivory Coast by 0.02.

Olympic javelin champion Sara Kolak set a world-leading mark and national record at 68.43 meters with her final throw.

"People in Croatia have high expectations and I want to live up to that," Kolak said.

Two Ethopian runners also set world-leading times: Genzebe Dibaba's 4 minutes 16.05 seconds in the women's mile, and Muktar Edris with 12:55.23 in the men's 5,000. The first three finishers all were faster than Olympic champion Mo Farah's previous world-leading time set in Eugene, Oregon, in May.

World champion Dafne Schippers of the Netherlands won the 200 in 22.10 for her fastest time of the season.

Olympic 800 silver medalist Francine Niyonsaba of Burundi was just outside Caster Semenya's world-leading time to win in 1:56.82. Runner-up Charlene Lipsey of the U.S. ran a career-best 1:57.38.

Other winners Thursday were: American Sam Kendricks, clearing 5.93 in a fiercely contested pole vault; Olympic champion Ryan Crouser of the United States in the shot put; and Aman Wote of Ethiopia in the men's 1,500.

Wayde van Niekerk, right, from South Africa and United States' Michael Cherry compete in the men's 400m race at the Athletissima IAAF Diamond League international athletics meeting in the Stade Olympique de la Pontaise in Lausanne, Switzerland, Thursday, July 6, 2017. (Valentin Flauraud/Keystone via AP)

Sam Kendricks from the United States competes in the men's pole vault event at the Athletissima IAAF Diamond League international athletics meeting in the Stade Olympique de la Pontaise in Lausanne, Switzerland, Thursday, July 6, 2017. (Valentin Flauraud/Keystone via AP)

CORRECTS NAME OF THE ATHLETE AND EVENT - Renaud Lavillenie from France competes in the men's pole vault event at the Athletissima IAAF Diamond League international athletics meeting in the Stade Olympique de la Pontaise in Lausanne, Switzerland, Thursday, July 6, 2017. ( Jean-Christophe Bott/Keystone via AP)
WARSAW, Poland (AP) - Most U.S. presidents use their foreign trips to promote the virtues of American democracy. President Donald Trump did some of that, too. But he didn't hesitate to use his quick visit to Poland to air some pointed grievances, blasting his predecessor, casting doubt on his own spy agencies and unloading on news outlets by name.

Trump's news conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda on Thursday offered a fresh window into how a new president, not yet six months in office, has shown a penchant for changing the unwritten rules of the White House.

Trump thumped former President Barack Obama for failing to do more to address allegations that Russia meddled in the 2016 election. At one point, Trump asserted that Obama had stayed silent because he expected his Democratic heir apparent to win.

U.S. President Donald Trump casts shadows on the wall as he walks with Poland's President Andrzej Duda at the end of a joint press conference, in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, July 6, 2017.(AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

"I think he thought Hillary Clinton was going to win the election, and he said, let's not do anything about it," Trump said. "Had he thought the other way he would have done something about it."

Trump was pressed about the conclusion by the U.S. national intelligence director last year that Russia was behind the hack of Democratic Party email systems and otherwise attempted to influence the 2016 election to aid Trump. Trump volunteered that U.S. spy agencies had once been confident that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction.

"They were wrong and it led to a mess," he said, meaning the Iraq war.

All of it came on the eve of Trump's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and as investigators look into contacts between Trump's associates and Moscow during the 2016 campaign and transition.

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., the top Democrat on the House intelligence committee, said Trump's comments in Poland "continue to directly undermine U.S. interests. This is not putting America first, but continuing to propagate his own personal fiction at the country's expense."

While many U.S. presidents have pointed to a free and independent press as a pillar of democracy, Trump repeated his longstanding critique of CNN and singled out NBC News, complaining it was "equally as bad despite the fact that I made them a fortune with 'The Apprentice' but they forgot that." He was referring to the NBC reality show that introduced Trump to millions of Americans.

Trump appeared to find common ground with Duda, who complained about his treatment by a broadcaster. Last year, Duda signed a law designed to give his government more control of state media, drawing condemnation from watchdog groups.

"This is another example of Trump redefining the presidency," said Jeanne Zaino, political science professor at Iona College. "He is willing to say things past presidents would not say and break norms that his predecessors would not."

She added, "While this may upset some Americans, I imagine his supporters will cheer him on."

The exchanges brought to mind the principles espoused by Republican Sen. Arthur Vandenburg of Michigan, who called for an end to "partisan politics at the water's edge" following World War II and forged a bipartisan consensus for Democratic President Harry S. Truman's foreign policies.

Vandenburg's mantra has often been interpreted to mean that lawmakers should be discouraged from criticizing a sitting president while on foreign soil or while the president is abroad. But in recent years the maxim has not been honored like it once was. The atmosphere on foreign policy is more partisan.

Republican Mitt Romney criticized Obama during the president's 2012 trip to South Korea for making overtures to improve relations with Russia. Romney's criticism drew a stern rebuke from then House Speaker John Boehner, a fellow Republican, who said that "while the president is overseas, I think it's appropriate that people not be critical of him or our country."

A year ago, Obama didn't hold back on an Asia trip when he was asked what he thought of Trump, who had recently become the presumptive Republican nominee.

Obama said foreign leaders were "rattled by him" and said he believed that Trump had displayed "either ignorance of world affairs, or a cavalier attitude, or an interest in getting tweets and headlines" instead of doing what's required to "keep the world on an even keel."

Now Trump is president - and setting his own standard around the globe.

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EDITOR'S NOTE - Ken Thomas has covered the White House and national politics for The Associated Press since 2011.

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Associated Press writer Jonathan Lemire in New York contributed to this report.

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Follow Thomas on Twitter at https://twitter.com/KThomasDC
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - A committee studying alternative paths for a University of North Carolina center that offers legal help to the poor found no options that would allow the center to continue the full breadth of its work while also satisfying conservatives who oppose how it operates.

The committee appointed by the chancellor of the Chapel Hill campus examined five options for changing the course of the UNC Center for Civil Rights, which prominent civil rights attorney Julius Chambers founded in 2001. The committee's report found none that would allow the center to keep representing clients the way it currently does while satisfying critics, who say the center's courtroom work doesn't fit with the education mission of the country's oldest public university.

The chancellor convened the study at the behest of the state Board of Governors, which sets policy for the 16-campus system. Conservatives on the board want to strip the center of its ability to file lawsuits, removing its biggest weapon.

In this photo taken May 11, 2017, a crowded room of concerned citizens listen during a public forum in Chapel Hill, N.C., regarding the UNC Center for Civil Rights ability to represent poor and minority clients in court. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

Center supporters have said that changing the center's mission or moving it out from the umbrella of the UNC-Chapel Hill law school would diminish its work.

Only one alternative - renaming the center after Chambers and defining its educational role more precisely- allows the center to continue its work while keeping its structure largely the same, the report says. And that doesn't address the concern that opponents have regarding a center affiliated with UNC suing other government entities. The center has, for example, sued public school systems on behalf of clients alleging discrimination.

Other alternatives assume the groups that fund the center, which receives no state money, would continue to do so if the center is no longer affiliated with UNC, the report says. "It would not be fair to assume that the center can survive these challenges, and the UNC-CH committee does not want its identification of these alternatives to be seen as an endorsement of their viability," it concludes.

The Board of Governors meets later this month, when the education committee is scheduled to discuss the center's future. The full board could consider the education committee's recommendation in September.

Chambers, who endured firebomb attacks of his home, office and car in the 1960s and 1970s as he fought segregation, founded the center and served as its first director. The report cites his legacy repeatedly.

Aside from the name change, the committee proposes four separate alternatives: change the center into a law school civil rights clinic; outsource litigation with ongoing support; outsource litigation with no ongoing support; or move the center into a nonprofit structure not associated with the university.

Each has disadvantages for the center, for its opponents or both, the report says.

The report saves its strongest language for the final alternative, saying that if the center is no longer associated with UNC, "the university would lose an important historical connection to the legacy of Julius Chambers, to the civil rights movement and to its own journey to address the effects of racial discrimination. ... Julius Chambers was one of, if not the, pre-eminent civil rights lawyer of his generation, and his legal work helped transform North Carolina away from a history of segregation based on race."

The report didn't change the mind of attorney Joe Knott, a member of the Board of Governors' committee that will recommend whether the center should continue litigation.

"The law school is not a law firm," he said. "We should not represent clients, and we should not be doing litigation."

The center's director, Ted Shaw, said the situation is all the more troubling considering the 2015 closure of the UNC Center on Poverty, Work and Opportunity.

"First they came for the poverty center, now they're coming for the civil rights center," he said. "I don't know who's going to be next if they do this, but as far as a matter of academic freedom, this should trouble everyone."

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Follow Martha Waggoner at http://twitter.com/mjwaggonernc
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - If walrus is in your dinner plans, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you make sure it's well done.

The federal health agency warned of the effects of undercooked game meat after two outbreaks of trichinosis over the last year in western Alaska. The outbreaks sickened 10 people and all have fully recovered.

It was the first multiple-case outbreaks of trichinosis associated with walrus, which can only be hunted by Alaska Natives for subsistence or handicraft purposes, since 1992.

FILE - In this July 17, 2012, file photo, adult female walruses rest on an ice flow with young walruses in the Eastern Chukchi Sea, Alaska. If walrus is in your dinner plans, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you make sure it's well done. The federal health agency warned of the effects of undercooked game meat after two outbreaks of trichinosis over the last year in western Alaska. The outbreaks sickened 10 people and all have fully recovered. (S.A. Sonsthagen/U.S. Geological Survey via AP, File)

The CDC in its weekly online morbidity and mortality report dated July 7 urged health care givers to consider consumption of wild game when evaluating suspected trichinosis cases.

Trichinosis is contracted by eating raw or undercooked meat from animals infected with a microscopic roundworm. High heat kills the parasite.

Historically, the disease was most frequently associated with eating undercooked pork. Since the late 1990s, wild game is the suspected cause in most cases.

Often in Alaska, it's black bear or polar bear meat. However, among the 241 trichinosis cases reported in Alaska since 1975, 24 were associated with eating undercooked seal and 100 were tied to walrus.

In the recent cases, a girl in mid-August reported pain and swelling in her legs, difficultly walking, an itchy rash, fever and muscle pain. Blood tests found that she, her brother and father had symptoms of parasitic infection. All three had eaten walrus on July 17 that was pan-fried to "medium."

In September, staff at a Nome hospital treated the girl's uncle and aunt about a week after they ate raw walrus. Alaska health officials counseled them and noted that the parasite in Arctic species can't be killed by smoking, drying or fermenting the meat.

The outbreak prompted a public service campaign warning of trichinosis before the spring walrus hunt.

In May, as the campaign began, state health officials were notified of an outbreak in a Norton Sound coastal community 100 miles (161 kilometers) from the first village. A man suffering severe muscle and joint pain received treatment in Nome.

He and four people from neighboring households had shared walrus boiled for an hour, which fully cooked the exterior but left the interior undercooked or raw, a taste and texture many people prefer.

Two people tested positive for trichinosis. Three showed symptoms but may have tested negative because of the time elapsed between infection and testing.

Early signs of infection show up a day or so after eating and can include diarrhea, stomach pain, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms that show up typically in one to two weeks include swelling in the face, fatigue, fever, muscle soreness, itching and difficulty coordinating movement.
PHOENIX (AP) - The Latest on former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio's criminal trial (all times local):

2:45 p.m.

Lawyers have concluded closing arguments at the contempt of court trial of former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio involving a court order to stop traffic patrols that targeted immigrants.

FILE - In this Feb. 4, 2009, file photo, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, left, orders approximately 200 convicted illegal immigrants handcuffed together and moved into a separate area of Tent City, for incarceration until their sentences are served and they are deported to their home countries, in Phoenix. Lawyers are scheduled to make closing arguments Thursday, July 6, 2017, at the criminal trial of the former six-term sheriff of metro Phoenix. Arpaio is charged with misdemeanor contempt-of-court for defying a judge's order to stop his traffic patrols that targeted immigrants. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton didn't make a decision Thursday over whether Arpaio was guilty of the misdemeanor count for prolonging his patrols for 17 months after a judge ordered him to halt the tactic.

Bolton ordered attorneys to submit legal briefs and will deliver a verdict at an unknown point in the future.

Prosecutors say Arpaio continued his patrols to keep his name in the news and raise campaign money during a tough re-election year.

Arpaio's attorney blamed sheriff's employees and a lawyer who once defended the sheriff in a racial-profiling case for not following the order to stop the patrols.

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1:10 p.m.

An attorney defending former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio against a contempt of court charge involving immigration patrols blamed sheriff's employees and a lawyer who once defended the lawman in a racial-profiling case for not following a court order to stop the strategy.

Attorney Dennis Wilenchik also said during closing arguments Thursday at Arpaio's trial that the judge's order to stop the patrols was vague.

Arpaio is facing a misdemeanor charge for prolonging the patrols.

Wilenchik contended that attorney Tim Casey didn't approve training materials aimed at helping deputies comply with the order.

Casey previously testified the materials contained problematic legal instructions.

Wilenchik says Casey and other sheriff's employees failed Arpaio by not making sure the training reached deputies.

Federal prosecutors said in their closing argument that Arpaio continued the patrols for political gain.

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11:20 a.m.

A prosecutor says former Sheriff Joe Arpaio of metro Phoenix intentionally violated a court order to stop patrols that targeted immigrants to keep his name in the news during a tough re-election year.

Prosecutor John Keller said during closing arguments in Arpaio's criminal trial Thursday that the former six-term sheriff knew a judge barred the patrols but kept them up for nearly a year and half for political reasons.

Arpaio is charged with misdemeanor contempt-of-court for defying the 2011 court order.

Keller says Arpaio cast himself as an anti-government figure and had used the patrols to help raise money during his 2012 campaign.

Arpaio's immigration crackdowns and other tactics made him a national figure. He's acknowledged prolonging the patrols but insists it wasn't intentional.

Defense attorneys will present their closing arguments later.

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3 a.m.

Lawyers are scheduled to make closing arguments Thursday at the criminal trial of the former six-term sheriff of metro Phoenix.

Joe Arpaio is charged with misdemeanor contempt-of-court for defying a judge's 2011 order to stop traffic patrols targeting immigrants.

Prosecutors will get their first crack at playing TV interview footage in court during which Arpaio bragged that he was still doing immigration enforcement, even as he was defying the order.

The lawman has acknowledged prolonging the patrols, but insists his disobedience was unintentional.

Arpaio's lawyers discount the importance of the videos.

The footage is believed to be important in helping prosecutors prove that Arpaio knew about the order but defied it on purpose.

Arpaio's legal woes are believed to have contributed to his crushing election defeat in November.

FILE - In this June 26, 2017, file photo, former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, second from right, leaves U.S. District Court on the first day of his contempt-of-court trial with attorney Mark Goldman, left, in Phoenix. Lawyers are scheduled to make closing arguments Thursday, July 6 at the criminal trial of the former six-term sheriff of metro Phoenix. Arpaio is charged with misdemeanor contempt-of-court for defying a judge's order to stop his traffic patrols that targeted immigrants. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
WEST BRANCH, Mich. (AP) - A 76-year-old woman riding a mobility scooter down the shoulder of Interstate 75 in northern Michigan received a warning and a ride home from a Michigan State Police trooper.

State police say the woman had finished shopping in West Branch on Wednesday afternoon and instead of taking a safer, legal route home, decided to take the expressway.

The Bay City Times reports (http://bit.ly/2tmPhpl ) that after several people called state police to report the slow-moving scooter traveler, Trooper Jeff Devine flagged the woman down, loaded the scooter into his patrol car and gave her a ride to her home about 3 miles away. She had already traveled about 1 mile on the highway.

Devine issued the woman a warning.

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Information from: The Bay City Times, http://www.mlive.com/bay-city
FRISCO, Texas (AP) - FC Dallas has re-signed midfielder Michael Barrios through the 2019 season with options for 2020-21.

Barrios' deal was announced Thursday, about a month after the 26-year-old set a franchise record with three assists in a 6-2 win over Real Salt Lake. Barrios is tied for the MLS lead with 10 assists and has 17 goals and 14 assists in 76 appearances.

The Colombian joined FC Dallas in 2015 after four seasons with Uniautonoma in his home country.

FC Dallas began the day tied for the Western Conference lead with Sporting Kansas City at 31 points.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau thanked Scotland for being a strong partner as he received an honorary degree and met the Queen on a visit to Edinburgh.

Mr Trudeau was awarded the degree of Doctor honoris causa by the University of Edinburgh in recognition of his commitment to equality and diversity.

He later walked through the capital clutching his degree scroll before a private meeting with the Queen at the Palace of Holyroodhouse set up to honour her importance to Canadas history and to thank her for her continued dedication to Canada, his office said.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks to graduates (Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press via AP)

He is visiting Scotland on his way to the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, on July 7 and 8.

Mr Trudeau is the second Canadian Prime Minister to receive an honorary degree from the university after Sir Wilfrid Laurier in 1902, who he described as his second favourite Canadian Prime Minister.

Accepting the honour, he said: From the people of Canada to the people of Scotland, thank you for being a strong partner to us in this new global era of so many challenges.

He gave part of his speech in French and spoke of the links between the two countries.

Justin Trudeau

He said: Fifteen per cent of Canadians have Scottish roots, so Canadians, including me, have a strong link and affinity with Scots.

He described the relationship between the two countries as a relationship based on a shared past and culture, all the more so as we share a certain number of priorities and values.

Mr Trudeau told graduates from the school of social and political science that things that are worth it are never easy as he urged them to be open to new challenges.

He said: If it excites you a lot and scares you a little, then you should probably do it. Be bold, be brave, be open to the incredible opportunities in front of you.

Justin Trudeau

Mr Trudeau previously met the Queen in London shortly after his election in 2015 and they also met when Mr Trudeau was a young boy and his father Pierre was Canadas PM.

On Tuesday, Mr Trudeau visited Ireland, accompanied by his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and their young son Hadrien, where he met Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar for the first time.

His office said his visit to Ireland and the UK will serve to recognise the strong family ties, history and common purpose our countries share.
When a person begins to need long-term care because of chronic disease, injury, cognitive decline or frailty, there are usually two primary concerns.

The first should be to determine what level of care is needed and how it can be obtained. The second is to determine what financial assistance is available to pay for it.

In Pennsylvania, an application for government assistance to pay for long-term care in a licensed Skilled Nursing Home is made to the state Department of Human Services (DHS). The funds DHS uses are in large part funded federally by Medicaid, but labeled by DHS as Medical Assistance or MA. Such funding is not available to pay for care in a licensed Personal Care Home or Assisted Living Residence.

One common misconception is that inferior care is provided by a skilled nursing home to a resident who receives Medicaid. Federal law ensures that is not true. In the improbable event that a person could demonstrate that inferior care was provided to a resident who receives Medicaid in comparison to those who pay with private funds, there could be a large federal lawsuit against that institution.

DHS administers funds according to state regulations and policies, which federal law prohibits from being more restrictive to individual rights than are federal regulations. Pennsylvania law about Medical Assistance is found in Title 55 of the Pennsylvania Code. When lawyers challenge state restrictions in federal court as being too stringent, the rulings in such cases create legal standards known as case law.

DHS has published an online Long-Term Care Handbook to organize the extensive laws, regulations and policies. Since the Medical Assistance applications are reviewed by various County Assistance Offices of DHS, sometimes one office might interpret the extensive regulations and policies differently than another. An appeal process, to an administrative law judge or the secretary of DHS as a matter of policy or hardship, can add another layer of complexity.

It is unfortunate that, similar to the tax code, long-term care regulations are too complicated for many people, and even most lawyers, to understand. Partial understanding leads to bad advice or lost opportunity. The basic threshold to obtain Medicaid funds for long-term care in a skilled nursing home is a three-part test.

The first issue is whether an applicant for Medicaid has a medically verifiable need that requires continuously present skilled nursing care. This is verified by an attending physician, as well as a stated-funded Area Agency on Aging (AAA), which provides a check and balance. Some persons who do not meet this medical standard may be appropriate for admission to assisted living or personal care, where Medicaid funds cannot be used to pay for care.

The second issue is whether the applicants gross monthly income is less than the monthly cost of care. It is important to understand that this test is about the income of only the applicant, and not the household. Since a person who medically requires skilled nursing can no longer be working actively, and it is possible to restructure passive and active income, this part of the test is nearly always manageable.

The third and most challenging issue is a requirement that an applicant has a minimal number of resources or assets. Generally, the term resources refers to the value of marketable assets for which a 1099 is issued to the IRS or which are issued a title by PennDOT. DHS has extensive definitions and policies about what may be excluded, such as a retirement account of the spouse who does not need skilled nursing, or a business asset that is needed to produce household income.

Assume that a married couple owns a home and has $325,000 in other assets. One spouse, whose monthly income is less than the cost of care, becomes bed-ridden and requires full-time skilled nursing care. If this were your situation, you might wonder when and how you could qualify for Medicaid.

The answer to this question is complicated and not what it might seem to be on the surface, since there are many rules about how to characterize resources.

There are also ways to re-characterize excess resources as permissible income. A knowledgeable elder law attorney can help a married couple with more than twice the assets of the example in this article to qualify immediately for Medical Assistance. Similarly, in the case of a single individual, techniques exist that allow an immediate application that will enable the savings of at least half the assets and avoidance of probate.

While this might be shocking, it is true that no one other than your attorney has a legal duty or self-interest to tell you how you can qualify as soon as possible for Medicaid. At no step in the process is anyone required to urge a resident of a skilled nursing facility, or their caregiver who assumes responsibility for paying the expenses, that they should obtain independent legal advice. Nursing homes often offer to help with the Medical Assistance paperwork, but such assistance is self-serving.

Since DHS will authorize Medical Assistance funds for only a fraction of what a nursing home is able to invoice and collect from a private individual or long-term care insurance provider, it would not be logical for a nursing home to encourage or assist their customers to obtain Medical Assistance sooner rather than later. Even when a nursing home submits a Medical Assistance application for a resident, it bears no responsibility for the consequences of a mistake or omission by the nursing home or a misrepresentation by the applicant.

If such a circumstance occurs that results in DHSs eventual denial of Medical Assistance application, even if the application is submitted by the nursing home after all of the applicants funds have been spent, Pennsylvanias filial support law allows a nursing home to sue any adult child of the applicant to pay for the care.

The adult childrens only defense is if they were abandoned by the applicant for 10 years while a minor. The law intentionally encourages adult children who have equity in their own home to pay attention to their parents financial affairs. Even if a sibling or nursing home seems to be taking responsibility, if a problem surfaces later, lack of involvement is not a sure defense.

DHS is not permitted to give legal advice to applicants. Attempts at self-help usually waste valuable time and often lead to expensive mistakes. Therefore, if you have a spouse or a parent who is in a skilled nursing facility, you should immediately seek help from a knowledgeable elder law attorney.
La Planche des Belles Filles remains relatively new to the Tour de France, but as far as Chris Froome is concerned the race can keep coming back every year.

It was the scene of his first Tour stage win in 2012, and on Wednesday he used the short, sharp climb to take the yellow jersey off Sky team-mate Geraint Thomas and begin his bid for a fourth Tour crown and third in a row in earnest.

Fabio Aru took the stage honours, but the general classification battle started to take shape behind him as Richie Porte stuck with Froome but Nairo Quintana lost more time.

In search of the Belles Filles

Fabio Aru

Wednesdays stage took the riders to the ski station at La Planche des Belles Filles for only the third time in the races history  the others being 2012 and 2014. Despite being relatively new to the Tour, the venue has already become hugely popular, perhaps with the help of the legend of how the area got its name. According to the tale, during the Thirty Years War in the 1600s, young women from the area fled to the mountains fearing they would be raped and massacred by Swedish mercenaries. Rather than surrender, they were said to have committed suicide by jumping into a lake, and one of the soldiers then carved a epitaph to the "beautiful girls". Youll even find a statue of one of the women on the mountain, though it is almost certainly a myth. The real reason for the name is thought to be far more prosaic. It is derived from the rich plant life, with the mountain described as "lieu peuple de belles fahys"  "a place inhabited with nice beech trees"  which over time became corrupted into the name we have today.

Birthday boy

Philippe Gilbert

Philippe Gilbert got a birthday present on the podium as he was named the most aggressive rider of the day for his role in the breakaway. The Belgian is having a Tour to remember as stage three started in his hometown of Verviers, while this was a fine way to mark the 35th anniversary of his birth. That said, his first taste of the testing climb up to La Planche des Belles Filles was far from fun for the Quick-Step Floors man. "The finish was very difficult," he said. "The last time I saw it was on TV, and it looked much less hard."

Tweet of the day

Planche des Belles Filles today. Brings back the best memories of the 2012 TDF. Saying it now @GeraintThomas86 for podium in Paris #goG  Sean Yates (@SeanYatesCoach) July 5, 2017

Quote of the day

"When I went on stage, the podium girls said, `Hello again! I said, `No, its someone different"  Simon Yates moved into the white jersey as the best young rider with his performance but was mistaken for his twin brother Adam  who wore white last year  when he went to the podium.
The United States has warned that North Korea is quickly closing off the prospect of a diplomatic resolution to the crisis provoked by recent missile launches.

The Trump administration has launched a government-wide effort to identify options for confronting Pyongyang following its unprecedented intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch.

President Donald Trump and other senior officials raised the prospect of punishing countries that trade with North Korea - a threat aimed directly at China, Pyongyangs biggest benefactor. In a tweet on Wednesday morning, Mr Trump questioned why the US should continue what he sees as bad trade deals with countries that do not help us.

At an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Wednesday, Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the UN, called Pyongyangs missile launch a clear and sharp military escalation.

She warned that the world has become a more dangerous place and China has a key role in promoting peace and preventing a catastrophe.

Ms Haley said the United States does not seek conflict - in fact we seek to avoid it  but she said the launch of an ICBM is a clear and sharp military escalation and the US is prepared to use its considerable military forces to defend itself and its allies if we must.

But we prefer not to go in that direction, she said. We have other methods of addressing those who threaten us, and of addressing those who supply the threats. We have great capabilities in the area of trade.

United States UN Ambassador Nikki Haley ( Bebeto Matthews/AP)

She said she spoke at length to Mr Trump on Wednesday morning about countries that are allowing, even encouraging trade with North Korea, in violation of UN Security Council resolutions.

Such countries would also like to continue their trade arrangements with the United States, she said. Thats not going to happen. Our attitude on trade changes when countries do not take international security threats seriously.

The Security Council has imposed six rounds of increasingly tough sanctions on North Korea to try to rein in its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

Ms Haley said much of the burden of enforcing them rests with China, which is responsible for 90% of North Koreas trade.

We will work with China, she said. We will work with every country that wants peace, but we will not repeat the inadequate approaches of the past that have brought us to this dark day.

Ms Haley said the United States will circulate a new Security Council resolution in the coming days that raises the international response in a way that is proportionate to North Koreas escalation.
Donald Trumps unconventional approach to politics has gripped the imagination of people around the world, but the UK was helping to mitigate the approach taken by his White House, Boris Johnson said.

The Foreign Secretary praised the US Presidents use of Twitter, which has engaged people in politics but acknowledged that the UK does not agree with everything Washington says.

North Koreas missile tests have seen Mr Trump respond with a series of messages putting pressure on China to act and Mr Johnson also called for Beijing to do more to tackle Kim Jong-Uns regime.

Boris Johnson. (UK Government/PA)

Boris Johnson says he wishes he could tweet like @realDonaldTrump #r4today pic.twitter.com/q40syMZxm8  BBC Radio 4 Today (@BBCr4today) July 6, 2017

Defending the US Presidents style, Mr Johnson told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: I think actually that Donald Trumps approach to politics has been something that has gripped the imagination of people around the world, it has engaged people in politics in a way that we havent seen for a long time with his tweets and all the rest of it.

Certainly I wouldnt be allowed to tweet in the way that he has, much as I might like to.

He joked that his Foreign Office minder was looking extremely apprehensive here.

But he insisted that the UK was prepared to stand up to Mr Trump where it disagreed with him.

I do think that he raises peoples awareness of issues, he engages in a very direct way. We in the UK do not agree, by any means, with everything that Washington currently says, he said.

Our role, as the UK is to represent our own point of view, whether it is on Nato, the vital importance of Article 5 of Nato, whether its on climate change, whether its on the Iran nuclear accord  its the UK that is actually helping, we think, to mitigate, to get some of those American attitudes and policies that are currently coming out of the White House into a better place.

I think, if you look at the last 12 months or so, I think theres been a great deal of progress.

Mr Johnson said the North Korean missile launch was reckless, indefensible and illegal.

The single most important thing is for the country with the most direct economic relationship with North Korea  that is China  has got to continue to put on the pressure, he said.
Celtics Champions League hopes have been dealt a blow after it was reported Dedryck Boyata could miss the remainder of their qualifying campaign.

The Belgian centre-back limped off in some discomfort just seconds before half-time in the Hoops pre-season friendly draw with Slavia Prague on Tuesday.

Now reports from his homeland say he is likely to miss the next six weeks of action.

Dedryck Boyata could miss the remainder of Celtic's Champions League qualifying campaign

Belgian newspaper La Derniere Heure claims Boyata ruptured knee ligaments and is definitely out of their opening tie with Northern Irish champions Linfield in Belfast a week on Friday.

#UCL Qualifying tie dates and kick-off times confirmed. https://t.co/BZnpdlfzCe  Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) July 5, 2017

If Brendan Rodgers men progress, Boyata will face a race against time to be fit for the potential play-off round clashes, with the first leg scheduled for August 15-16 and its reverse fixture a week later.

Boyata has bounced back to make himself a key figure in the Celtic line-up after enduring a difficult first season in Glasgow.

But Hoops boss Rodgers will now have to rely on the likes of Erik Sviatchenko and Jozo Simunovic as he plots a return to the group stages.
The Prince of Wales has talked about the pride and concern he felt when Prince Harry trained and flew operations with the Army Air Corps (AAC) as he celebrated the units Diamond Jubilee.

Speaking at a parade, where he presented a new Guidon or military colour to the AAC, Charles described how the unfaltering support of families back home allowed the UKs soldiers to perform so well when the going gets tough.

The heir to the throne has been the Corps Colonel-in-Chief for 25 years and he praised the Armys soldiers in the air for their decisive contribution in recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"Army Aviation officers and soldiers remain amongst the best." - HRH#AAC60 pic.twitter.com/qndsCRBk2e  Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) July 6, 2017

Addressing officers and men of the ACC, their families and veterans in the grounds of Salisbury Cathedral, he said: As the father of a former Army Air Corps pilot myself, I am very much aware of the mixed emotions of pride and concern involved in your children embarking on helicopter training and operations.

I have no doubt that it is the unfaltering support, provided by those at home, that allows our soldiers to manage so well when the going gets tough.

In February 2012, Harry became a a fully operational Apache helicopter pilot with the ACC after completing 18 months of intensive training and by the end of that year was deployed to Afghanistan where he flew the deadly aircraft.

The Prince of Wales in battle dress. (Ben Birchall/PA)

Charles, who wore his tropical service dress and AAC blue beret, highlighted the work of the Corps that not only flies the Apache but the Wildcat battlefield reconnaissance helicopter.

He said: Army aviation has evolved continuously and has played a vital role in many of the key operations world-wide.

The campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan have demonstrated the decisive contribution that soldiers in the air can make to the outcome of the land-air battle.

These recent exploits have furthered the reputation of the Corps, built up over 60 years of operating around the Globe.
Kyle Edmund vowed to learn from his Wimbledon defeat after he was blown away by Gael Monfils.

The 22-year-old was attempting to join Andy Murray, Johanna Konta, Heather Watson and Aljaz Bedene to make it a famous five Britons in third round for the first time in 20 years.

But Edmund, the British number two, ran into French 15th seed Monfils, who used his full range of power and finesse to run out 7-6 (7/1) 6-4 6-4 winner.

Gael force



Monfils secures his spot in the third round with a 7-6(1), 6-4, 6-4 win over Kyle Edmund.#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/44VmB7JPrC  Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 6, 2017

Nevertheless, Edmund relished his first taste of Centre Court as a player, having previously visited the famous arena as a child.

I just really enjoyed  its one thing saying youre going to be on Centre or looking at the atmosphere, but actually experiencing it is another thing, he said.

I didnt enjoy the loss, but I enjoyed the experience  Im sure a lot of players would say its the biggest court in the world.

Frenchman Gael Monfils beat Kyle Edmund in straight sets

When I was eight or nine I did a tour around Wimbledon, around Centre Court. And I was saying to my mum this morning, Now Im actually going to play there.

Edmund dominated much of the first set and forced seven deuces  and two break points  against the Monfils serve at 4-4.

But having failed to secure the break, Edmund capitulated in a one-sided tie-break.

A limp service game then handed Monfils the initiative in the second, and he took advantage by brutally serving out the set in barely 30 seconds.

When Monfils netted an attempted slam dunk Edmund secured an early break in the third, but at 3-0 up the wheels came off again.

Monfils raced away with the next five games and suddenly Edmunds championships were over.

In the past I have played on big courts and come off saying I didnt quite get my game going, or only got going later on in the match, he added.

So it was nice that I got going quite quickly. Obviously the first set was tight with the tie-break, and break points in the first set.

It was a great match to learn from. I got my game out on court, which is something I wanted to do, but I just a lack a bit of maturity at this stage.

There are a few shots in certain points or match situations I just needed to be better on. Im only 22, I dont know all the answers. Thats why its a great thing to learn from.
Labour has put further pressure on the Governments benefit cap after new figures showed around 20,000 families were affected by a policy ruled unlawful by the High Court.

New analysis from the Department for Work and Pensions shows 19,700 households affected by the benefit cap were single parents with children under the age of two.

Overall, 49% of the 88,000 households affected by the new lower cap were lone parents with a youngest child under five.

Shadow secretary of state for work and pensions Debbie Abrahams. (Danny Lawson/PA)

Shadow work and pensions secretary Debbie Abrahams said the lower cap is pushing more children into poverty and punishing them for their parents circumstances.

It comes two weeks after the High Court ruled the benefit cap is unlawful and illegally discriminates against single parents with young children under the age of two.

As we warned, the impact of this and the Governments other social security cuts is pushing more children into poverty, punishing them for their parents circumstances, Ms Abrahams said.

The Government must listen to the High Courts judgment that this policy is discriminatory and unlawful, marking another blow in their failing austerity agenda.

Labour has stood against the reduction of the benefit cap. We need to tackle our struggling economy, labour market inequalities and the high cost of housing rather than penalising children.

The cap could hit thousands of families. (Ben Birchall/PA)

In November the cap, which limits the benefits paid to individual families, was reduced to 23,000 in London and 20,000 outside the capital.

Overall, single parents make up 63% of the 88,000 households affected.

The Government has indicated it will appeal against the High Courts decision, with figures released to Parliament saying it could spend more than 100,000 on legal fees at the High Court and Court of Appeal.

Ministers say the benefit cap encourages people back into work, the best way to lift them out of poverty.

But SNP MP Alison Thewliss this week led a debate in Parliament where she called on the Government not to appeal against the High Courts decision over a policy she branded an injustice.
The North Korean ambassador in London has been summoned to the Foreign Office for a dressing-down over his countrys test-launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile.

Britain has condemned the launch on Monday as a breach of United Nations Security Council resolutions which demonstrated the grave danger which the secretive and oppressive Pyongyang regime poses to the region.

US President Donald Trump voiced frustration with China for failing to do more to cut off support to the administration of Kim Jong-Un, who reportedly described the launch as a gift to the US for its Independence Day.

Following his meeting with ambassador Choe Il at the Foreign Office in London, foreign minister Mark Field said: I summoned North Koreas ambassador today to stress in the strongest terms the UKs condemnation of their latest missile launch.

The actions of the DPRK (Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea) are a direct violation of multiple Security Council resolutions and are a threat to regional and international security. The UK will discuss the international communitys response at todays emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

I call on the North Korean regime to change course and focus on the welfare of its people, instead of the illegal pursuit of its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

(PA Graphics)

North Koreas Academy of Defence Science said the test of the Hwasong-14 missile marked the final step in creating a confident and powerful nuclear state that can strike anywhere on Earth.

US, South Korean and Japanese officials say it flew for about 40 minutes, covering a distance of about 580 miles before landing in the ocean.

A US scientist was reported to have calculated the trajectory achieved suggested the missile could potentially be powerful enough to reach Alaska.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, second from right, inspects the preparation of the launch of a Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile (AP)

On Tuesday, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson described it as yet another reminder of the grave danger that North Korea poses to her neighbours, particularly Japan and South Korea, who are our friends and allies.

He added: The international community must redouble its efforts to impose a price on this regime, which strains every nerve and sinew to build nuclear weapons and launch illegal missiles, even as the people of North Korea endure starvation and poverty.
For years, the General Assembly acted as if they were the ones who determined the meaning of Article I  27. After the legislature diverted hundreds of millions of dollars from DCNRs Oil & Gas Lease Fund, they didnt count on the nonprofit Pennsylvania Environmental Defense Foundation to take them to task.

PEDFs counsel, John Childe felt that the language Article I  27 of our State Constitution was not just aspirational, but a clear statement of fact and the Commonwealth was the trustee of our natural resources. PEDF sued the governor five years ago because revenue from our oil and gas leases was not being spent for conservation.

Sentence No. 1 of Article I  27:

The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment.

This is what we have been quoting for over 40 years, but it had not been affirmed by the courts until last week. Our State Supreme Court agreed that the wording is unambiguous. There is no longer a balancing act, with someones thumb on the scale.

Sentence No. 2:

Pennsylvanias public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come.

This clearly establishes that the people own the public natural resources, not the Commonwealth. This is important because It eliminates all previous precedent and precludes compromises which balance protecting the resources with other Commonwealth duties.

Sentence No. 3:

As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people.

This establishes a public trust. This is a really big deal because it means that all agencies of the Commonwealth, both state and local, have a fiduciary duty to act toward the corpus of the trust, the public natural resources, with prudence, loyalty and impartiality.

The Commonwealth is not the proprietor of our resources, only the trustee. The standard for determining compliance is based on the plain meaning of conserve and maintain, a duty to prevent and remedy the degradation, diminution or depletion of our public natural resources.

This is also a big deal. There is no limitation of this duty to be based on reasonable degradation, diminution or depletion. This is not a guide for our legislators, it is their affirmative duty to prohibit degradation.

The trustee must also act affirmatively to pass such laws as will best preserve the subject of the trust, and secure its beneficial use in the future to the people of the state.

Proceeds from the sale of natural gas and oil are part of the corpus of the trust and must remain part of the trust. This is extremely important; all royalties from oil and gas must stay as part of the trust, and be used only to conserve and maintain the natural resources. Read details at http://www.pedf.org/

They may not realize it yet, but every public official in Pennsylvania is obligated to adhere to this Supreme Court decision because they all took an oath of office and swore to uphold the PA Constitution. Ever since 1971, that oath of office has included Article I  27. Every governor, senator, representative, mayor and municipal officer must prevent any degradation of our public natural resources.

Before it was diverted, the original Oil & Gas Act of 1955 had been invested in conservation. That fund was the primary reason that DCNR expanded our State Park System from 44 State Parks to the present 120. Now we must use last weeks State Supreme Court decision to save and restore our state forests and state parks, allowing DCNR to fulfill its mission of conservation and maintenance of our public natural resources.

Sen. Franklin Kury is the visionary who worked both sides of the aisle to ensure that Article I  27 became a constitutional amendment in 1971. Now, 46 years later, our State Supreme Court has finally affirmed his good work.

PEDFs work is far from finished. More legal action will be needed to fully enforce the Supreme Court decision because the Supreme Court has asked Commonwealth Court to determine if lease and bonus payments are also assets of the trust

Our Constitutions environmental amendment makes Pennsylvania unique in protecting the publics environmental rights and the June 20 decision by the State Supreme Court gives the amendment teeth, but PEDF counsel John Childe still has more work to do to ensure that all the words of Article I  27 are fulfilled.
Theresa May is viewed unfavourably by voters across Europe, according to a multi-country study.

The YouGov survey of 8,255 adults in Britain, Germany, France, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway found that in every country more had negative views of the Prime Minister than positive.

Mrs Mays worst results were in Germany, where 62% of those surveyed said they were somewhat or very unfavourable to her and just 17% favourable. She was viewed unfavourably by 49% in France, 44% in Denmark, 42% in Norway and 40% in Sweden and Finland  as well as 59% in the UK.

May Day? As she leaves for the #G20 in Hamburg, @YouGov data shows that Theresa May is as unpopular among Germans as Vladimir Putin. pic.twitter.com/aSOFGaIQ3C  Joe Twyman (@JoeTwyman) July 6, 2017

But the most unpopular international leader was US President Donald Trump, whose approval ratings ranged from 8% in Denmark to 14% in Britain and Sweden. The US president was viewed unfavourably by 88% of Danes, 84% of Finns and 82% of Germans and Norwegians.

Mrs May was more popular in Denmark than in the UK, garnering 34% favourable ratings from Danes compared to just 32% in Britain.

French President Emmanuel Macrons approval ratings were far higher than Mrs Mays, ranging from 39% positive in the UK to 65% in Germany.

When asked about the economy, Britons were the least optimistic in predicting changes over the next 12 months, with just 11% saying they thought their countrys economy would improve, compared to 35% of Finns and 27% of Danes.

French President Emmanuel Macron is popular (Etienne Laurent/AP)

A 54% majority of the 1,661 adults questioned in the UK said they thought the national economy would worsen in the next year, with 20% saying it would get a lot worse.

Some 46% of Britons said they would now vote to remain in the European Union, against 42% who want to leave.

:: YouGov questioned 1,661 adults in Britain, 2,070 in Germany, 1,013 in France, 1,011 in Denmark, 1,009 in Sweden, 948 in Finland and 543 in Norway between June 23 and 30 2017, in the run-up to this weeks summit of the G20 group of leading international powers in Hamburg.
BEIRUT, July 5 (Reuters) - Human Rights Watch on Wednesday demanded an independent inquiry into the deaths of four Syrians who died while in Lebanese army custody and said anyone responsible for wrongdoing should be held to account.

The Lebanese army said on Tuesday that the four Syrian men arrested during a raid on a refugee camp on Friday had died while in detention from chronic illnesses that had been aggravated by the weather conditions.

In separate statements on the deaths, a Lebanese human rights group and a Syrian opposition alliance accused the Lebanese army of torture that led to the deaths.

A military source denied allegations of torture, saying they were baseless.

"In light of the armys own admission that the health conditions of the detainees deteriorated while in custody, a formal, transparent and independent investigation must be launched and in case of wrongdoing those responsible for the deaths should be held accountable," Lama Fakih, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement.

The army detained several hundred people during its raid in the Arsal area on Friday in what it called a preemptive security operation against militants planning attacks in Lebanon. The army said five suicide attackers had blown themselves up while attacking soldiers during the raid, and one civilian was killed.

The Lebanese Center for Human Rights (CLDH) said torture had led to the deaths of at least four detainees at refugee camps in the Arsal area and demanded a judicial inquiry.

The Turkey-based Syrian National Coalition (SNC) said 10 people had died in custody, some of them by torture, while it said 19 others had died in the raid itself. It also demanded an investigation.

"We reject any attempt to justify these violations and crimes against Syrian refugees on the pretext of preserving security or allegations of confronting terror in Lebanon," the SNC said in its statement.

The U.N. refugee agency says Lebanon hosts more than 1 million registered Syrian refugees, equivalent to a quarter of its population, though the number is widely put at closer to 1.5 million.

They are scattered across Lebanon in informal tented settlements where many face the risk of arrest due to a lack of legal residency that they struggle to obtain.

The camps around Arsal town have long been a haven for militants coming from Syria who have clashed with Lebanese forces conducting security raids searching for suspects hiding among the refugees. (Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi; Editing by Tom Perry and Gareth Jones)
BANGUI, July 5 (Reuters) - Some 78 people were killed and dozens more were injured when an overloaded truck crashed along an isolated road in Central African Republic, a doctor at the hospital said on Wednesday.

"At the moment, we have counted 78 dead and 72 wounded. Some wounded were taken directly to their homes from the accident scene and died there some time after, but most died here," said Chamberlain Bama, chief doctor at the university hospital in the town of Bambari. The accident occurred on Tuesday. (Reporting by Crispen Dembassa-Kette, writing by Joe Bavier, editing by G Crosse)
By Martin Petty

MARAWI CITY, Philippines, July 5 (Reuters) - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was preparing to make a deal with Islamic State-inspired militants in the days after they laid siege to a southern city, but aborted the plan without explanation, an intermediary involved in the process said.

Agakhan Sharief, a prominent Muslim leader, told Reuters that after a band of Islamist fighters overran parts of Marawi City on May 23 and took hundreds of people hostage, he was approached by a senior Duterte aide to use his connections with the Maute militant group's leaders to start back-channel talks.

Two other Marawi sources familiar with the matter confirmed the president had worked behind the scenes to hold talks with the Maute brothers, Omarkhayam and Abdullah.

However, the process was halted when Duterte in a May 31 speech declared he "will not talk to terrorists".

It was not immediately clear what prompted Duterte's about-face. It came five days after another televised speech in which he told the militants "we can still solve this through dialogue", but if he could not convince them of that, "so be it. Let's just fight".

"The problem with our president, his mind is changing always," said Sharief, a cleric who has had roles in various peace agreements on the long-restive southern island of Mindanao. "He announced he will no longer talk to terrorists and that made our negotiations cut."

Duterte's top peace envoy Jesus Dureza said he was unaware of any back-channel talks, while his national security adviser, Hermogenes Esperon said it was unlikely Duterte had reached out to the Maute group.

"Why will he talk to the terrorists?" Esperon said.

Despite his tough rhetoric and frequent promises to wipe out militants, Duterte has a reputation as a peace-broker, having dealt with separatist and Marxist rebellions during his 22 years as mayor of Davao City in Mindanao, an island of 22 million with a long history of unrest.

DUTERTE'S BIGGEST CRISIS

The battle for control of Marawi has been the biggest crisis of Duterte's year-old presidency.

Fighters from the Maute group and others loyal to Islamic State have been holed up in the commercial district of the town through more than 40 days of air strikes, artillery bombardments and fierce street clashes with troops.

More than 400 people have been killed, including 337 militants, 85 members of the security forces, and 44 civilians. Some 260,000 residents have been displaced by a siege that has fanned regional fears that Islamic State is trying to establish a stronghold in Southeast Asia.

Marawi Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra confirmed that back-channel talks did start but said he was not privy to details.

He told Reuters the process failed because the rebels did not show good faith or reduce the intensity of attacks on government forces after Duterte offered them an olive branch.

"There was a window of opportunity," he said. "But there was no show of sincerity."

REBELS 'CONVINCED'

Sharief, known locally as "Bin Laden" due to his resemblance to the late al Qaeda leader, would not reveal the identity of Duterte's aide, whom he said was confidentially assigned to set up a meeting with the Maute clan.

He said the aide agreed that Sharief would accompany the Maute brothers' influential mother, Farhana, by helicopter to meet Duterte in nearby Cagayan De Oro or Davao City.

Sharief said her sons who requested she represent them in talks with Duterte.

"He (Duterte's aide) prepared everything that I needed. I told him that I need a chopper to get the mother of the Maute brothers to bring her to the president. He prepared that."

"I called the Maute brothers and their mother ... I told them, I convinced them."

Sharief said the president was prepared to offer the Maute clan implementation of Sharia law in their hometown, Butig, if he achieves his goal of establishing a federal system in the Philippines. Reuters could not independently verify that such a proposal had been made.

The talks with the Maute group did not go ahead and the mother was arrested on June 9 elsewhere in the same province as Marawi. The Maute brothers' father, Cayamora Maute, was apprehended three days earlier in Davao City.

The cleric said that the rebels would have taken Duterte's deal to end the siege.

"They agreed, they supported this," said Sharief, who last met with Abdullah Maute on June 25, when he led a group of emissaries into the heart of Marawi to free some hostages during the Eid al-Fitr Islamic holiday.

Sharief, who owns four private schools in Marawi, some of which were badly damaged by the fighting, said he was against the radical ideology of Islamic State. But he said he was reluctant to speak out against the Maute clan because he still hoped he could convince them to end the siege.

"I am a peacemaker," he said. "I cannot negotiate anymore if I talk against them."

(Additional reporting by Manuel Mogato in MANILA; Editing by John Chalmers and Bill Tarrant)
By Fathin Ungku

SINGAPORE, July 6 (Reuters) - The siblings of Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong issued a seven-page rejoinder on Thursday to his statement to parliament earlier this week, reiterating accusations that he had abused his power in a dispute over their late father's home.

Singaporeans have been riveted since mid-June by a public battle between the heirs of Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's long-serving first prime minister, over whether to demolish the old family home or let the government decide whether it should become a heritage site.

Lee Kuan Yew's daughter, Lee Wei Ling, and his youngest son, Lee Hsien Yang, insist that the house should be demolished in accordance with their father's will.

During a two-day special sitting of parliament to "clear the air" over an issue that some people say has tarnished Singapore's image, Prime Minister Lee said he wanted to avoid taking his siblings to court for defamation.

His siblings, responding on Facebook, welcomed the move to settle the matter privately.

"We therefore welcome Hsien Loongs stated desire on 4 July 2017 to manage his disagreement with us in private ... without the involvement of lawyers or government agencies," they said.

Prime Minister Lee concluded at the end of the parliamentary debate that there was no evidence he had abused his power, but his siblings repeated their accusations in a separate 10-page document titled "Evidence".

"It seems that releasing further evidence on social media at this time will only muddy the facts," they said, and that there was "much evidence" they had not made public.

"We reserve this to show to a truly open and independent investigation, if there ever is one," they said.

Before his death in 2015, Lee Kuan Yew had made public his desire for the humbly furnished home near the bustling Orchard Road shopping district to be demolished rather than turned into some kind of museum.

He stated that in his last will, but the prime minister has said there were "deeply troubling circumstances" over how the document was drawn up.

The prime minister's siblings said in their latest Facebook posting that any dispute over the will should be resolved in court if it could not be settled otherwise.

Prime Minister Lee has said that, while he personally favoured the house being demolished, it was up to the government to decide whether it should become a heritage site.

He maintains that his father was aware that the government might make that decision, and was prepared to consider alternatives if the government decided the site should be preserved in any way.

The siblings dispute that account.

"Were our father alive today, he would be furious about this situation. His wishes are crystal clear: He wanted to demolish the house because he knew it was the right thing for Singapore," they said in their latest statement.

"He did not want Singaporeans to create a cult around him."

The prime minister has recused himself from a committee looking at options for the house, but his siblings say the committee is made up of subordinates who cannot be impartial.

"If Hsien Loong wishes to challenge the will, the correct forum was and is the courts," they said.

Prime Minister Lee was in Germany on Thursday for a meeting of the G20 countries. (Reporting by Fathin Ungku; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore and Paul Tait)
ISTANBUL, July 6 (Reuters) - Turkish police detained 12 people, including the Turkey head of rights group Amnesty International, Idil Eser, and other rights activists at a meeting on an island near Istanbul, media said on Thursday.

They had gathered at a hotel on Buyukada island, just south of Turkey's largest city, when they were taken to a police station on Wednesday, the Hurriyet newspaper said. It was not clear why they were held.

Amnesty called for the group's release, saying it was "profoundly disturbed and outraged" at the detentions during a digital security and information management workshop.

Police were not immediately available to comment.

Among those detained were Eser and seven other human rights defenders, two foreign trainers - a German and a Swedish national - as well as the hotel owner, Amnesty's statement said.

"This is a grotesque abuse of power and highlights the precarious situation facing human rights activists in the country," said Amnesty's Secretary General Salil Shetty.

In a security crackdown following an attempted coup in July 2016, Turkey has jailed more than 50,000 people pending trial, with 150,000 suspended or dismissed from their jobs.

More than 240 people were killed in the failed putsch and the government has said the security measures are necessary given the gravity of the threats facing Turkey. (Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
By Jessica Jaganathan and Ruma Paul

SINGAPORE/DHAKA, July 6 (Reuters) - Bangladesh's plan to start importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) next year will likely dampen its demand for oil used in power generation, government and industry sources said.

The South Asian nation typically ships in around 2.5 million tonnes of fuel oil and 3.2 million tonnes of diesel annually, making it one of the top 10 such importers in the region.

But its push towards cleaner gas is likely to displace some of that appetite for oil, with the country's first floating LNG import terminal due to begin accepting cargoes in May next year.

"LNG is considered to be an environmentally friendly source of energy and its cost is cheaper than fuel oil," said Nasrul Hamid, Bangladesh junior energy minister.

He added that the country would gradually shift to greener, cheaper sources of energy for electricity generation and in industry.

State-run Petrobangla has signed preliminary deals for two more LNG terminals and a memorandum of understanding with Swiss commodity merchant AOT Energy for help lining up supplies. It has also said that it is in talks with top LNG producer Qatar.

Of the total 13.3 gigawatts of installed electricity capacity in Bangladesh, about 63 percent is from gas-fired plants, 22 percent from plants powered by fuel oil and 8 percent from diesel, said Senthil Kumaran, senior oil analyst at energy consultancy FGE.

That translates to consumption of 12,000 to 14,000 barrels-per-day (bpd) of high sulphur fuel oil for power generation and 10,000 to 12,000 bpd of diesel, he added.

While it was not clear how much of the country's import demand for oil products would be displaced by LNG, it would probably start to happen in 2019, said FGE and an official with state-owned Bangladesh Petroleum Corp.

"At the end of this year, we will get a full picture of our imports of oil products for the next year," said the official, who declined to be identified as he was not authorised to speak with media.

LNG is currently about 15 to 20 percent cheaper than fuel oil, said Kazi Mohammad Anwarul Azim, manager of Petrobangla's LNG unit.

Bangladesh's imports of LNG are expected to reach 5 million tonnes in 2020, said FGE's Kumaran.

Still, with not many dual-feed power plants in the country and new oil-fired power plants installed over the last few years, Bangladesh will continue to import fuel oil to run those plants, he said. (Reporting by Jessica Jaganathan in Singapore and Ruma Paul in Dhaka; Additional reporting by Mark Tay in Singapore; Editing by Joseph Radford)
LONDON, July 6 (Reuters) - Britain's foreign minister Boris Johnson described North Korea's test launching of nuclear weapons as "reckless" on Thursday, saying it was important that China increases pressure on Pyongyang.

"What the North Koreans are doing is reckless, it's indefensible, it's in defiance of (United Nations) resolutions," Johnson told BBC radio, speaking ahead of the G20 summit in Hamburg on Friday and Saturday.

"The single most important thing is that the country with the most direct economic relationship with North Korea, that is China, has got to continue to put on the pressure. And in the last six months or so we are seeing some real changes in Beijing's attitude to North Korea and that's got to go further."

The United States said on Wednesday that it was ready to use force if necessary after Pyongyang test-launched a ballistic missile. (Reporting by William Schomberg, writing by Elisabeth O'Leary, editing by Elizabeth Piper)
SOFIA, July 6 (Reuters) - These are some of the main stories in Bulgarian newspapers on Thursday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

-- Bulgaria's parliament will review the resignation of the head of the National Health Insurance Fund Glinka Komitov who resigned last week without pointing out any reasons (Trud, 24 Chasa, Monitor)

-- Charges against Plovdiv mayor Ivan Totev, Plovdiv deputy mayor Dimitar Kacarski and Plovdiv West district mayor Dimitar Kolev have been handed over to the court by the Specialised Anticorruption Unit of Sofia City Prosecutors Office. Totev is accused of direct negotiations for zoo construction in violation of the public procurement law, the Prosecutors Office said (Standart, Trud, Monitor)

-- The realization of different initiatives and campaigns for promotion of tourism in the country are expected to make people arrange their holidays on the Bulgarian coast, Tourism Minister Nikolina Angelkova said
PARIS, July 6 (Reuters) - France will raise the price of cigarettes to 10 euros ($11.35) a pack within three years, the health minister said on Thursday, confirming a strategy that will push tobacco costs to among the highest in Europe.

At present, a packet of 20 cigarettes costs roughly 7 euros ($7.95) in France, well below the roughly 10 euros charged in Britain and Ireland.

"France is one of the slowest learners in the world on smoking," the minister, Agnes Buzyn, said. "Big price rises will be needed to have an impact on public health."

Buzyn told RTL radio station that smoking rates in Britain had dropped from around 30 percent to 20 percent over the past decade as the government pursued a policy of hefty price hikes, while the smoking rate was still around 30 percent in France.

The new government of centrist President Emmanuel Macron has announced several high-profile healthcare targets including the extension of compulsory vaccination, fuller public cover of the costs of dental care and eye glasses, and tobacco tax hikes.

World Health Organisation figures say the number of French smokers is roughly 50 percent higher than in Britain, where 19 percent of adults, or about one in five, smoke. ($1 = 0.8804 euros) (Reporting by Brian Love; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta and Catherine Evans)
EPFO signs Agreement with Five Banks

Published: July 6, 2017

The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has inked an agreement with four private banks and Bank of Baroda for the purpose of collection of provident fund dues from the employers and payments to its subscribers.

Salient Facts

This is the first time the EPFO has roped in private banks, namely, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank. Earlier, the EPFO was making use of the services of only the state-run banks. This move of the EPFO will help the organisation to save nearly Rs 300 crore per year as the five banks have agreed to zero transaction charges.

Already the EPFO had tied up with five other banks. The five other banks are State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank, Allahabad Bank, Indian Bank and Union Bank of India. The latest agreement will now authorise 10 banks to collect provident fund contribution and make payment to the employees. Every year, the EPFO settles around 1.16 crore claims and collects 75,000 crores from establishments under the EPF Act.

Employee Provident Fund (EPF)

The Employee Provident Fund (EPF) is a retirement benefit applicable only to salaried employees. It is a fund to which both the employee and employer contribute fixed amount (percent) of the formers basic salary amount each month. This percentage is pre-set by the government. At present, the entire EPF amount is tax-free at the time of withdrawal if the employee has completed five years of continuous service.

EPFO

EPFO is a statutory body of Union Government that comes under the aegis of Ministry of Labour and Employment. It is one of the largest social security organisations in India in terms volume of financial transactions undertaken and the number of covered beneficiaries. Its headquarters is located in New Delhi. The main functions of the EPFO: Administers a compulsory contributory Provident Fund Scheme (1952), Pension Scheme (1995) and Insurance Scheme (1976).

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2017

Topics: Current Affairs - 2017  Employee Provident Fund (EPF)  Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)  Ministry of Labour and Employment  National

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LONDON, July 6 (Reuters) - British trade minister Liam Fox welcomed a free trade pact between the European Union and Japan on Thursday, urging the two sides to maintain momentum as they finalise details of the deal.

European Council President Donald Tusk said on Thursday the agreement was concluded at a meeting with visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

Signed in Brussels, the "political agreement" is heavy with symbolism and leaves some areas of negotiation still to finish, though officials insist key snags were overcome this week.

"I am pleased to see encouraging progress on such an ambitious trading agreement. I urge both sides to maintain momentum as they work towards a swift conclusion of this deal," Fox said in a statement. (Reporting by Kylie MacLellan, editing by Elizabeth Piper)
KABUL, July 6 (Reuters) - The American military in Afghanistan says it will delay announcing troop casualties until after next of kin have been notified, potentially leaving casualties unreported for days.

The change in policy was instituted by General John Nicholson, the senior U.S. commander in Kabul, over fears that families could be left guessing for days after casualties were announced but not identified and before families could be notified, said military spokesman Captain Bill Salvin.

"It's a balance we're trying to strike between trying to provide all the support we can to families, while also informing the public," he told Reuters.

Previously, the U.S. military command in Kabul issued a initial announcement only stating that a soldier had been killed, often including a general location within Afghanistan, but not identifying him.

Once the soldier's family or next of kin had been notified, the Pentagon would release more details, including names and home units.

The change in policy was revealed this week when U.S. Army Private First Class Hansen Kirkpatrick was killed in Afghanistan's Helmand province on Monday, but officials did not announce that a soldier had been killed until Wednesday, when his death and identity was released.

A Pentagon spokesman confirmed that the policy only applied to Nicholsons command, leaving other war zones like Iraq or Syria guided by the usual U.S. reporting requirements.

Military spokesmen in Afghanistan would continue to release casualty reports, albeit on a more delayed schedule, Salvin said.

"There might be a bit longer period before we report it," he said.

About 13,000 U.S. and allied troops in a NATO-led force are deployed in Afghanistan to train and advise the security forces fighting Taliban insurgents. More than 3,500 of the coalition troops have been killed since the fighting began in late 2001.

Several thousand additional American forces operate in a separate counter-terrorism mission in the country. Kirkpatrick was part of that mission.

Salvin said the U.S. military would still respond to public reports of casualties, as occasionally happens when Afghan officials report casualties among foreign troops. (Reporting by Josh Smith. Additional reporting by Phil Stewart in Washington.; Editing by Robert Birsel)
By Beh Lih Yi

KUALA LUMPUR, July 6 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - More than 2,000 illegal migrant workers in Malaysia are facing deportation amid one of the largest crackdowns in recent years, with campaigners concerned this has forced immigrants into hiding and increased the risk of human trafficking.

Malaysia relies heavily on migrant workers from countries including Indonesia, Bangladesh and Nepal for jobs shunned by the locals such as those on plantations and in construction.

It has some two million registered migrant workers but also an equal number of undocumented ones.

A senior immigration official said 2,309 undocumented workers have been arrested during mass raids across the country since July 1 in places like factories and restaurants.

"(They) will be investigated within 14 days and prosecuted before deportations take place," Saravana Kumar, the Immigration Department's enforcement, investigation and prosecution chief, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation on Thursday.

He said the majority of those arrested are from Bangladesh and Indonesia, and entered the country with tourist visas and without proper work permits.

He said 52 employers were also picked up during these raids on suspicion of hiring undocumented workers.

Activists, however, said most of the undocumented workers were victims of human trafficking and fraud, who have incurred massive debts after paying off recruitment agents in the hope of getting a job abroad to escape poverty at home.

"The onus is on the employers and agents to get the work permits. How do you expect migrant workers to do this when their hands are tied?" said Aegile Fernandez, a director from Kuala Lumpur-based migrant rights group Tenaganita.

"It's unjust to arrest and handcuff them, then put them in detention centres and deport them. They have paid money to employers and agents to get permits but it is not done."

Local media said some workers had left their dormitories during the raids and gone into hiding.

Fernandez said these workers were at increased risk of human trafficking as some were now trying to leave the country.

Kumar of the Immigration Department said authorities will find out whether those who are held are trafficking victims.

Malaysia was upgraded to Tier 2 in the U.S. State Department's 2017 trafficking report last week from Tier 2 Watch list, meaning it was not fully complying with U.S. standards shut but was making significant efforts to do so.

Tier 3 is for the worst offenders of forced labor and trafficking while nations at Tier 1 are meeting U.S. standards.

In neighbouring Thailand, tens of thousands of migrant workers - most of them from Myanmar - have fled the country in recent days after new labour regulations aimed at regulating foreign workforce were introduced. (Writing by Beh Lih Yi @behlihyi, Editing by Belinda Goldsmith; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, property rights, climate change and resilience. Visit http://news.trust.org)
The cause for the cracks in the Bandarawela area was the use of the low quality excavation equipment in the Uma Oya Project, SLFP organiser and Vocational Training and Skills Development Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said today.

Responding a question at a news briefing held at the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Head Quarters he said foreign experts who advised on the project had expressed that the cracks had been created due to use of low-quality and unsuitable equipment.

The low-quality excavation equipment had cause more vibrations than the ground could sustain and that had resulted in the fissures and cracks in the houses in the area, he said.

President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minster Ranil Wickremesinghe had decided to appoint a Select Committee in Parliament to investigate the issues.

After appointing the Select Committee, they can use Parliamentary Privileges to call the persons who were responsible for the project. From that we would be able to produce a report to Parliament that people could know, Samarasinghe said.

In fact people should be made aware of what happened during the project. The Government had spent a huge sum and it cannot be stopped but we have to fix the issue by using suitable technology, he said. (Chaturanga Pradeep)
A Sri Lankan man accused of killing his wife in Quebec, Canada five years ago has been deported after the charge against him was stayed because of an unreasonable delay, Canadian media reported.

Sivaloganathan Thanabalasingham, a 32-year-old permanent Canadian resident, was set to appear today at a detention review hearing, but it has been cancelled, a spokesperson at the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada said Thursday.

Thanabalasingham's second-degree murder charge was stayed in April after Superior Court Justice Alexandre Boucher ruled it had taken too long to get to trial.

Thanabalasingham was the first Quebecer charged with murder to have his case stayed because of the Jordan ruling, a Supreme Court decision issued last July which imposes strict limits on the waiting time for trials.

He was ordered deported in April because of an earlier conviction on domestic abuse charges involving his wife, Anuja Baskaran.

The assaults predated Baskaran's killing at the apartment she shared with her husband in August 2012. Thanabalasingham was charged with second-degree murder but pleaded not guilty

Thanabalasingham, who came to Canada as a refugee, initially appealed the deportation order, but a month later asked to be returned to Sri Lanka as soon as possible.

Quebec's Director of Penal and Criminal Prosecutions (DCPC) appealed the stay of the murder charge and, last week, Appeal Court Justice Nicole Duval-Hesler agreed to expedite the case and hear arguments in September.

Jean-Pascal Boucher, a spokesperson for the DCPC, said Thursday the prosecution plans to continue with the appeal process even though Thanabalasingham has left the country. Canada does not have an extradition agreement with Sri Lanka.

If the appeal is granted, Boucher said the DCPC would work with the federal Justice Ministry "to see what we could do."

"For now, it's too soon because we have to respect the Court of Appeal, we have to respect the authority of court, we will do what we have to do in the appeal that is pending right now, and we will see what is happening with the decision at the end," he said.

Judith Gadbois-St-Cyr, a spokesperson for Canada Border Services Agency, declined to comment directly on the case, citing privacy legislation.

She added, however, that the CBSA is legally bound to enforce removal orders.

The office of federal Immigration Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen, who could have stepped in to block Thanabalasingham's deportation, did not immediately return a request for comment. (CBC)
A tribute to a very dearly loved and a most precious Mother whom I will never ever forget

Mrs. Monica Marion Phyllis de Alwis was 96-years-old when she was called to rest with the Lord on 6th April 2017.

She was born in Kurunegala on the 01st April 1921 to illustrious parents from a well respected conservative catholic background.

She was a daughter of late Chevaliar C.L.W.Perera, a papal knight, J.P.U.M. and Proctor S.C., the doyen of the criminal bar in Kurunegala for decades and of late Esther Perera of  Esterlyn Kurunegala.

She was the third daughter in a family of 12 children comprising eight daughters and four sons. She along with her other sisters studied at Holy Family Convent, Kurunegala when the school was managed by European Nuns. This gave her a sound education and a good command of the English Language.

In 1944 at the age of 23 years she married Lucian de Alwis from the Alwis Wallawwa of Karagampitiya, Dehiwala who was a lawyer and a member of the then Judiciary.

After her marriage she came to reside at her husbands home in Dehiwala. At the time of her death, this year, she was a resident of Dehiwala for 73 long years. She was affectionately called the Grand Old lady of Dehiwala by the long time residents of the area who loved and respected her.

She brought forth eleven children comprising six daughters and five sons. Along with Thaththa, Amma brought up the children with love, care, kindness and understanding..

Two of her sons were doctors, the eldest of whom looked after Ammas health to the very end of her life. The other sons are professionals presently domiciled in Australia.

She hardly had any servants to look after the eleven children or assist in the household work. But with courage, determination and with her prayers and Gods providence she turned herself into a courageous Lady. She met all challenges and went on to look after and provide a comfortable home to Thatha and all her children.

Amma was extremely generous like her late father and supported the poor who came to her for help. She contributed lavishly to the orphanages, elders homes, seminaries and the needy parishes.

Amma along with Thatha believed that the family that prays together, stays together. Every evening Amma along with Thatha led the family rosary with all the children.

Amma and Thatha shared 55 years of happy married life until Thatha passed away in 1999 at the age of 88. By this time all their children were happily married and were parents themselves.

Amma was a simple and a devoted religious lady throughout her life. She was a perfect example of motherhood. She had the divine grace to be a perfect wife and a mother and we were blessed to have had a mother like Amma.

After the death of Thaththa, Amma moved to her daughters and son-in laws home close by, which she made her home for the rest of her life. Here Amma lived happily for the last 17 years where she was looked after with love and care by them till she was called to rest with the Lord.

She spent these 17 years on earth, in silent prayer, awaiting the call from her creator for a happy and a peaceful death which the Lord granted her on 6th April 2017, quite suddenly and unexpectedly.

The hours and days Amma spent in prayer were sufficient not only for her salvation, but for the salvation of all her children, who stood by her, loved and cared for her when she most needed their love and care. Thats how she spent her last days on earth.

Even in the evening of her life, Ammas greatest happiness was to see all her children and their families gather together in her house on occasions like her birthday, Christmas, Easter and other family occasions. Her 96th birthday on 01st April this year was one such occasion which was attended by many children and their families who all joined in singing Happy Birthday dearest Amma little knowing that it was Ammas last birthday on earth. Five days later she was called to rest with the Lord.

She left behind eleven children, their spouses, twenty five grand children and fourteen great grand children. The large crowds from all walks of life who paid their last respects to her mortal remains at her residence and attended her burial at the family grave placed where Thaththa rests, bear ample testimony for the love and respect they all had for our beloved Amma. As we stand beside your grave, we think of you dearest Amma with tearful eyes and silent prayers.

A requiem Mass will be offered for the repose of her soul at St. Marys Church, Dehiwala, at 10.00 a.m. on July 8, 2017 (Poya Day). Your presence and prayers are kindly solicited .

Within your grave we see your ever smiling face, the look of love and kindness which you showed us as a loving Mother till you closed your eyes. From deep within your grave, we hear your voice, the voice we loved to hear so much telling us dear children, I am safely home resting in the arms of the Lord whom I loved, trusted and served all my life.

Rest in Gods eternal care, till we meet again on our heavenly home where we will never again have to say Good Bye to you Amma.

Continue to guide us Amma with your love and care from heaven above as you did during your life on earth.

MAY GOD, THE ALMIGHTY FATHER GRANT YOU ETERNAL REST

Christopher Rajapakse
The people did not mandate to this government for Constitutional reforms that would necessitate a referendum, National Council of Sri Lanka Chairman Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera said today.

The Thera told a media briefing that President Maithripala Sirisenas Presidential election manifesto stated that he would never permit to a Constitutional reform resulted from a referendum.

Ven. Rathana Thera said around 6.2 million people who believed in President Sirisenas manifesto voted him to office to uphold the countrys sovereignty and unitary state. Therefore he cannot implement anything against what he promised to establish, the Thera said.

He also said TNA MP M. A. Sumanthiran who made a statement in Parliament that the government should go for a referendum earlier agreed the President Sirisenas manifesto had not promised to do so.

TheThera said most countries that opted to Constitutional reforms ended up in tragedy so President Sirisena should not permit such a move and drag the country and its people to a calamity.

He warned the government that the country could not steer according to cheap political agendas and President Sirisena who was appointed by the peoples mandate cannot act against the people's will.

He also said the Executive Presidency should not be abolished as it is the only hope in a situation of an unstable Parliament.

Meanwhile, Rathana Thera appreciated the statement made by the Tri party Mahanayaka Theras and said government should not criticize it as it was their sacred duty over the past to come forward and protect the country and its people when it is in danger. (Thilanka Kanakarathna)
Myanmar, (AFP), Jul 05, 2017 -A Rohingya Muslim was stoned to death and six others were wounded by a mob of Buddhists in the capital of Myanmars Rakhine state, authorities said on Wednesday, the latest flare-up in a region seething with religious tension.

On Tuesday a mob of ethnic Rakhine Buddhists hurled bricks at seven Rohingya men in the state capital Sittwe.

One Muslim was killed and six others injured. Two are still hospitalised, a local officer told AFP, requesting anonymity.

The Rohingya men were granted permission to leave their displacement camp on the outskirts of the city to give statements at a criminal case in a Sittwe court, state media reported.

After attending court they requested a police escort to a nearby dock where they discussed purchasing a boat from a local businessman.

At the boat jetty, an argument developed, the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar reported.
I firmly believe that our intellectuals have taken us, the ordinary man, woman, and child on the street, away from reality. They tend to obfuscate, to dissipate the truth in a horde of profundities that read into something without getting anything out. The same can be said of every other field that has succumbed to these intellectuals: the law, science, philosophy, even religion. Without letting this prejudice my stance for or against them, let me come out with it: I dont claim to know half of what the experts do. This isnt a harangue against them, rather an attempt at finding out how our intellectual discourse has, and has not, helped us out as a country.

The primary function of any field, and the practitioners of such fields, is to help those who are compelled to resort to them. Sick people resort to doctors, those undone by injustice resort to lawyers, and those undone by grievous inequity resort to (what else?) the government. That is a fact, and because of it the authority claimed by these practitioners, given their credentials and experience, is taken for granted and assumed by default. Their main role, therefore, is to resolve an issue, any issue, as quickly and justly as possible. That is why delays are described as inordinate.

The problem is that most of our professional bodies and professionals are either oblivious to this fact or choose to overlook it. Either way, it has led to these same bodies to be demarcated as arcane, archaic, out of touch with the realities of those they purport to help, and therefore unjust. The unlovely sobriquets earned by the legal fraternity, the medical community, and of course the government are not undeserved: they sum up the magnitude of the opposition against them by the people.

Its difficult to imagine how this state of affairs came about. One line of thinking goes that because of the elitism these bodies accumulated over the years, their practitioners were cut off from their own people. True, but thats not the full picture: lets not forget that some of the most significant and positive strides made in the last few decades, here and particularly in the legal sphere, were facilitated by the structures underpinning those fields. It took a long time for the United States to de-legitimise segregation and the ban on interracial marriage, for instance, but that was finally achieved through the law. No, the problem goes deeper: its the fact that those who lead these fields have managed to distance themselves from their surroundings.

To be sure, these intellectuals have not been behind all our problems. But I think theres a fundamental problem when those who purport to speak (or do) something in the name of a collective (regardless of ethnic or religious affiliations) do so without considering the concerns of that collective. In that sense I believe our war was elongated thanks to the inability of many of our intellectuals to counter Eelamist propaganda. It took someone like Malinda Seneviratne (who has resisted the intellectual tag his opponents love to pin on themselves) to sum up the process of capitulation we were subscribing to during those ceasefire years, while not even the brilliant Professor G. L. Peiris, with his impeccable academic credentials, could successfully counter the myths that the likes of Anton Balasingham were propagating.

"Delays in the delivery of justice, delays in the health sector, and delays even in the democratic process can, I believe, be rooted in two problems: one, the woeful gap between theory and practice in these fields, and two, the arcane structures underpinning them"



This dilemma, which isnt really here or ours, has been supplemented by two issues. The first is the misconception that the policy elite of a country must be higher than the people, a misconception so dangerous that it has led to the materialisation of that society of royalists and paupers depicted by Michael Young in his The Rise of Meritocracy. The second, which is older and, by default, more persistent, is the way our intellectuals have overly intellectualised the social sciences.

I have elaborated on the first of these in my previous columns. The second issue, therefore, interests me more, since its not too different to the arguments of that underestimated, vilified commentator Professor Nalin de Silva. To listen and watch de Silva is, of course, to force oneself to accommodate arguments that are virulently opposed to everything one studied at school and elsewhere. Given my abysmal understanding of science, I think it best that I dont comment on what he has written on that subject. However, I am interested in how his arguments against Western epistemology can be extrapolated to our critique of the social sciences. When Professor Nalin disparaged (Western) science as pattapal boru, he was chided (rightly, we or rather those of my age thought at the time) as being too simplistic. He was shrugged off as a deshiya buddhimatha, who was too estranged from the world to merit a second opinion. What we failed to understand, however, is that he wasnt really shrugging off science: rather, he was pointing out that its roots were relative to culture. He was more vitriolic with the social sciences and postmodernism, I remember: One does not need a degree or training in sociology to understand Webers Protestant Ethic or Foucaults Sexuality, he once contended. Rightly.

The truth is that Western social sciences were always removed from the same public they were supposed to aid. This not only explains the lack of a genuine, rooted human rights discourse in the East, it also explains why the clique marketed as our intelligentsia remain outsiders to our people. Delays in the delivery of justice, delays in the health sector, and delays even in the democratic process can, I believe, be rooted in two problems: one, the woeful gap between theory and practice in these fields, and two, the arcane structures underpinning them.

Montesquieu once contended that democracy was not fit for the East: we were too passionate, too prone to extremities of anger, love, and hate, to deserve it. Whether or not this was a bigoted observation is for another debate altogether, but I wonder: can this be a confession that there are no universal values, only values created or enforced? And can it be taken to mean that if the East wasnt ready for democracy, any variant thereof that we absorbed was actually driven down our throats, against our will? I for one do not subscribe to the belief that the concept of individual rights is alien to our way of life (its not like we didnt have democracy at all, lets not forget), but I do believe that can help explain why Zeid al-Hussein, bemoaning Theresa Mays outbursts, asked the following regarding international human rights: Why is it so misunderstood, so reviled by some, feared by others, spurned, attacked?

"Of course, the intellectuals have been calling the shots. Always. They have been leaders and representatives. They claim that those they represent accord well with what they say and spout. Irrelevant."



The answer to that isnt that we (the East) are not ready for those rights, rather that they or the processes through which they are enforced have not been properly indigenised. The fact that Equal Ground and other LGBTQI rights activists need to knock on the heavily guarded gates of Colombos Western embassies to stand for the rights of Sri Lankan LGBTQI people is simply appalling, Chaminda Weerawardhana (no lover of the homophobia and intensely irrational chauvinism rampant in this country) once wrote. Therein lies the rub: we are not opposed to what can, at one level, be considered as universal values, but we are opposed to the heavily skewed and biased ways in which they are enforced by social scientists, sociologists, and what not. The theory, as always, remains cut off from its practice: the intelligentsia cant produce a Harvey Milk simply because they want to photocopy Harvey Milk.

I think we have to be a bit more circumspect when criticising the likes of Professor Nalin. He has been referred to as a chauvinist, a bigot, a man whos against modernity and progress, forgetting that many of his beliefs can be verified. I am not entirely sure whether everything he has said and written needs to be accorded with, nor am I sure whether even his most vocal supporters (in print and elsewhere) share his opinions regarding Westernisation (because not unlike our LGBTQI movement, our nationalist movement is dependent on the same kind of Western liberalism he repudiates), but I do believe that inasmuch as the gap between the promotion and the dissemination of Western social sciences is concerned, he is spot on.

Of course, the intellectuals have been calling the shots. Always. They have been leaders and representatives. They claim that those they represent accord well with what they say and spout. Irrelevant. The truth is that until what they say is indigenised, and the processes underpinning their institutions are democratised, they will be cut off from their people. Call it a tragedy, call it a farce. In the end it doesnt matter.
US proceeds with military exercise after N. Korea missile test

By Emily Rauhala 

BEIJING - Tensions over North Koreas July 4 missile test mounted Wednesday, with the U.S. and South Korean forces conducting military exercises and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appearing to personally taunt the president of the United States.

The latest launch was a display of the Norths longest-reaching weapon yet - an intercontinental ballistic missile with a range that experts say covers Alaska. It now sharply boosts pressure on President Donald Trump and his allies to carve out a strategy on North Korea amid deep international divisions over how to respond to an increasingly defiant regime in Pyongyang.

In a stark warning, top U.S. and South Korean commanders said the North risked tipping the peninsula toward war.

Before his inauguration, Trump said North Koreas plan to develop an ICBM capable of hitting the United States wont happen and has since made tough talk on the issue a signature.

Trumps main strategy to rein in North Korea had counted on help from China, which is the Norths main financial lifeline. On Wednesday, Trump further called out China for failing to tighten the economic noose.

Now with Trumps China outreach apparently on the rocks, there were few clear signs on how to seek international agreement on dealing with the Norths missile programme.

The focus on Chinese efforts has exasperated Beijing, which insists it has done its part to pressure Pyongyang and resents being singled out.

The international community has no solutions, said Song Xiaojun, who used to run a government linked-military magazine. The U.S. wants to transfer the burdens to China.

(c) 2017, The Washington Post  Jul 05, 2017 -
India and Israel sign 7 Agreements

Published: July 6, 2017

India and Israel have signed 7 agreements on areas including space, tech and agriculture during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel. Also, Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit marks the 25 years of establishment of diplomatic relationship between India and Israel.

In the joint statement released after talks between India and Israel, both the countries have called for taking strong measures against terror organisations and also against those who encouraged, supported and financed terrorism.

MoUs

MoU for setting up of India-Israel Industrial R&D & Technological Innovation Fund (I4F)

MoU for conservation of water in India

MoU on State Water Utility Reform in India

India-Israel Development Cooperation- 3-year work program in Agriculture (2018-2020)

Plan of cooperation regarding cooperation in atomic clocks

MoU regarding cooperation in GEO-LEO optical link.

MoU regarding cooperation in electric propulsion for small satellites.

India-Israel

The diplomatic relationship between India and Israel was established in 1992. India is Israels topmost destination for arms export. India is already buying an average of $1 billion per year in military equipment. For India, Israel is the third largest source of arms after the US and Russia with a share of 7.2% between 2012 and 2016.

The earliest India-Israel defence collaboration took place during the 1962 Sino-Indian war when Israel provided military aid to India. Israel also helped India during its two wars with Pakistan in 1965 and 1971. India reciprocated by helping Israel during the six-day war in 1967 by supplying spare parts for French-made Mystere and Ouragan aircraft as well as AX-13 tanks.

In April 2017, India and Israel had signed a $2 billion deal for an advanced medium-range surface-to-air missile system which will be helpful for the Indian army to shoot down aircraft, missiles and drones etc.

Israel is Indias 38th-largest trading partner with the trade balance standing in Indias favour in 2016-17.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2017

Topics: Bilateral dialogue  Bilateral Relations  Current Affairs - 2017  India Bilateral  India-International Relations  International  MoUs

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Dr. Arvind Subramanian, the Chief Economic Advisor of the Government of India will attend as the keynote speaker of the Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2017 inaugural session.

Subramanian, a Dennis Weatherstone Senior Fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics and Senior Fellow at the Centre for Global Development will speak at the inaugural session of the Summit, which will be held on the 25th and 26th July at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel Colombo.

The renowned economist who was named as one of the worlds top 100 global thinkers in 2011 by the Foreign Policy magazine has served as the assistant director in the Research Department of the International Monetary Fund and also served at the GATT, during the Uruguay Round of trade negotiations. He has also taught in both the Harvard Universitys Kennedy School of Government and at Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies.

Subramanian has authored and co-authored several books. The books written by him are, Eclipse: Living in the Shadow of Chinas Economic Dominance, which was published in September 2011; and Indias Turn: Understanding the Economic Transformation. He also co-authored the book Greenprint: A New Approach to Cooperation on Climate Change.

Dr. Subramanian has obtained his undergraduate degree from the St. Stephens College, Delhi; his MBA from the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad, India; and the M. Phil and D. Phil from the University of Oxford, UK.

Over 40 top resource persons, such as sectoral experts, industry practitioners, Government Officials and Ministers will take part in the two-day event to share insights, make recommendations and discuss policy to drive forward Sri Lankas economy. Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2017, organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce will take place on the 25th and 26th July, at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo.

The event is supported by some of the best corporate firms in the country. Accordingly, Sunshine Holdings PLC comes in as the Platinum Sponsor, Standard Chartered Bank enters the fray as the Gold Sponsor, Fonterra Brands as the Silver Sponsor and Dialog Axiata the Telecommunications Partner of the event. Whilst Janashakthi Insurance, Prima Group, and Nestle Lanka join in as the strategic partners.

Echo Wave comes in as the Digital Events Platform Partner and OMD of OmniCom MediaGroup is the communications partner. If you wish to take part in the event, please call on 115588852 or email to: events@chamber.lk visit the event sitewww.srilankaeconomicsummit.com
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reacts with scientists and technicians after the successful test-launch of the intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-14. (Reuters.)

What an Independence Day gift to Donald Trump from Kim Jung-un. Alaska is now within North Koreas reach. It is only a matter of time or a few more tests before Washington DC, New York City, and other parts of the United States become vulnerable to North Koreas Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) attacks. The message in the crisis over North Korea is that nuclear weapons assure the holder protection from any invader.

North Koreas July 4/5 missile test was a big success. It reportedly flew on a steep trajectory to a height of more than 2,500 km before landing some 900 km away in the Sea of Japan. If the trajectory is changed, experts believe it could travel more than 6,000 km.

Dont blame North Korea alone for making this world a dangerous place to live in. Every nuclear power should be held responsible for pushing this planet to the brink of nuclear hell. More so the United States, for it heralded the nuclear weapons era. North Koreas missile and nuclear path is paved with US policy blunders such as the squandering of opportunity after opportunity at the six-party talks from 2003 to 2009.

If only the United States had dismantled its atomic bomb programme soon after it successfully tested its first atomic bomb on July 16, 1945, in the New Mexico desert, we would not have seen a demented nuclear arms race. If the US had given leadership for an anti-nuclear weapon international treaty completed with provisions to slap tough punitive measures, we would not have seen the nuclear weapons proliferation that is threatening to make the Earth a planet for zombies.

It is not global nuclear disarmament, when those who call on North Korea to give up on its nuclear weapons and missile programmes are themselves armed with thousands of such weapons. The United Nations should play no role in partial nuclear disarmament, allowing only a handful of countries to possess nuclear weapons and bully those who do not have such weapons. It is total disarmament or no disarmament.

If one says that a maverick state like North Korea cannot be trusted with nuclear weapons, we ask: Can we trust Donald Trump with nuclear weapons? Uncertainties over Trump apart, the United States has etched its name in the dark depths of history as the worlds only nation to use killer atomic weapons on civilian targets.

North Korea has every reason to arm itself with nuclear weapons to protect it. It has apparently learnt a lesson from the United States invasion of Iraq. If only Iraq had nuclear weapons, war-hungry George W. Bush would not have invaded Iraq and more than one million Iraqis would not have died in a war driven by greed for oil and power. The Iraq invasion came about the same time North Korea was upping its ante by flaunting its nuclear programme. The United States, probably, knew then that North Korea had secretly developed nuclear weapons. Although Bush lumped North Korea together

with Iraq and Iran in a so-called axis of evil, he did not order an invasion of North Korea for two reasons: North Korea did not have oil and he feared the secretive state had by then developed nuclear weapons.

The then North Korean leader, Kim Jung-Il, the father of present North Korean leader Kim Jung-un, had long believed that for North Korea to survive and preserve its independence and sovereignty, it needed to equal its military power vis-a-vis its rivals. And nothing brings this power parity faster and more effectively than nuclear weapons.

Kim Jung-un once said that no nuclear state had been invaded in modern history and that the greater the nuclear attack capability, the greater the strength of the deterrent against an invasion.

Our nuclear strength is a reliable war deterrent and a guarantee to protect our sovereignty, he said.

Yes, nuclear powers do not go to war. This is why India and Pakistan have been holding their fire despite regular provocations by both nations. This was why Iran also revived its nuclear programme.

North Koreas successful test of the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile capable of reaching Alaska and many US bases in Asia is indeed a game changer. What can Trump the political novice do, apart from tweeting rhetoric? It wont happen! he famously tweeted two weeks before he was sworn in as President, in a response to reports that North Korea was in the final stages of developing a nuclear missile capable of reaching parts of the US.

And now when it really happened, he tweeted, North Korea has just launched another missile. Does this guy have anything better to do with his life? Hard to believe that South Korea and Japan will put up with this much longer. Perhaps China will put a heavy move on North Korea and end this nonsense once and for all!

Why China? Isnt the United States capable of dealing with North Korea and the issue of nuclear disarmament? On Wednesday at a special UN Security Council meeting, US envoy Nikki Haley warned that her country could use its considerable military forces against North Korea, if diplomacy failed. Havent we heard this before?

In another lame response, the United States and South Korea carried out a large-scale military exercise which involved missile tests. And there were warnings about more sanctions. That the latest North Korean provocation came despite heaps of economic sanctions is not only an indication that sanctions do not work but also an indictment on failed US policies.

How can the US get China on board to check North Korea, when the Trump administration has been making China unhappy with a series of provocative moves? Washington has sold arms to Taiwan, deployed Thaad missiles in South Korea despite protests from China and even Russia, imposed sanctions on Chinese companies trading with North Korea and increased the US naval presence in the South China Sea in such a way as to challenge Chinas sovereignty.

With the United States being reduced to mere onlooker as North Korea went on a path to achieve nuclear parity, the North Korean leader had the cheek to describe the ICBM test success as a package of gifts for American bastards. He has also blithely asked his nuclear scientists to frequently send big and small gift packages to the Yankees.

The world is witnessing the dawn of an international order where many players will have the capability to destroy the planet. We are like passengers in a heavily booby-trapped boat with a dozen people carrying a wireless device each to detonate the explosives and kill us all.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become quite experienced at launching into an embrace when he meets world leaders. But not all of them always reciprocate as warmly as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was waiting at the tarmac of Tel Aviv airport as PM Modi disembarked on a historic visit, the first by an Indian premier.

It's the culmination of a long-held dream of his party, BJP, and its ideological parent, the RSS. For the RSS, Israel is much more than just another nation. Israel is everything that the RSS wants India to be.

The journey so far could be seen from the prism of the RSSs three pracharaks  former premier Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the first prime minister to receive an Israeli PM, Ariel Sharon, in 2003; Narendra Modi, the first Indian PM to go to Tel Aviv; and third, and lesser-known, Bhaurao Deoras, younger brother of third sarsanghchalak (or chief) of RSS Balasaheb Deoras, who played a vital role in establishing it.

It all started with RSS chief MS Gowalkars support for creation of Israel at a time when the then PM Jawaharlal Nehru famously rejected the appeal from Nobel laureate Albert Einstein seeking support for Jews and creation of Israel.

All these pracharaks believe that Israel is the anti-thesis to global Islam  or international Islamic brotherhood, which was famously propelled by Islamic scholars prior to 1947.

In 1948, when the British-led allies before leaving Arab lands divided the Ottoman Empire, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, left 1 per cent for Jews  "land of their origins". Since then, Israel has not only survived, but excelled. Although India recognised the creation of Israel in September 1950, Nehrus line defined Indias foreign policy for the next 41 years, before Deoras impressed former PM Narasimha Rao to change it. Till then India continued with pro-Arab views and feared that ties with Israel would jeopardise the Muslim vote bank back home.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu welcomes Narendra Modi upon his arrival in Israel at Ben Gurion Airport, near Tel Aviv, Israel. (Credit: Reuters photo)

Rao, was looking for every possible opportunity to break out of the Nehru-Gandhi mould of politics. In January 1992, when India decided to start diplomatic relations with Israel, Deoras was the one who provided the vital links. It was the time that India was also upset by the way Pakistan used its influence on Arab countries to block Indias entry into the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, or OIC.

Deoras saw a window, and pushed his case. Deoras was known for connecting with the Congress and Communist leaders who were closer to the RSS ideas, and was even "credited" for bringing Rajiv Gandhi towards soft Hindutva, which led to the opening of locks at the disputed structure in Ayodhya.

Deoras continued his engagements with Jews with roots in Mumbai, Kerala and other parts of the country, and pressed the idea of bridging with Israel.

In late 1991, he along with the then leader of opposition, LK Advani, met the then PM Rao, and pushed for diplomatic relations with Israel.

In fact, before Modi (and President Pranab Mukherjee in 2015), Advani, as the deputy prime minister, was the Indian politician of the highest designation to visit Israel. In 2000, he along with the then foreign minister Jaswant Singh visited Tel Aviv and formulated counter-terrorism information exchange agreement.

Till 1992, other than the RSS, only Indian intelligence agencies had links with Israel  that too because RN Kao saw Mossad as counter-measure to military links of China, Pakistan and North Korea. Mossad too was irritated with Pakistani officials training Libyans and Iranian militia against them using Chinese and Korean ammunition.

But Deoras saw much more. He was in particular impressed the way Israel was resurrecting its ancient language Hebrew. Deoras was part of a similar movement in India to revive Sanskrit, with CK Shastry (this years recipient of Padma Shri for his contribution to literature and education). He was also impressed with the ultra-nationalism that Israel inculcated into their citizens via military training and the way it was battling with militancy.

All this impressed Deoras and he built a strong case in front of Rao. Initially, Rao was hesitant, citing opposition from his fellow partymen, but on Deorass persistence and intervention from Advani, he decided to form a group of ministers to evaluate a "possible friendship".

In early January 1992, it is said that Rao told visiting Palestinian President Yasser Arafat that it would help the cause of Palestine "if India establishes ties with Israel", and then the country would be in a better position to press for more concessions for them. During a joint press conference, Rao announced this and within 10 days, India established full ties. Old-timers in the RSS say Israel almost decided to confer the Israeli Prize  the then highest civilian award to Deoras  but he died in May. Till now no non-Jew has been conferred with this award.

In his 2007 book, Hindu Nationalism, Christophe Jaffrelot, wrote that Hindu nationalists like VD Sarvarkar and MS Golwalkar praised the creation of Israel, and supported their right to homeland.

In his chapter explaining Sarvarkar, he cited his logic and ideas behind the praise. It was not mere opposition to Nehrus stand. During the same time, Nehru rejected Israel as India could not support this" and cited reasons of national interest.

In 2012, former ambassador Chinmaya R Gharekhan reasoned that perhaps Nehru was influenced by his own experience of partition. Till now, despite the strategic importance of Israel, only three foreign ministers have visited the country. This include only one tour of SM Krishna during UPA rule.

PM Modi is taking things forward. He, for the first time, is delinking Indian foreign policy from Palestine. Last year, Parliament didnt bring any resolution  despite pressure from opposition leaders to condemn Israels use of "disproportionate" force in Gaza to punish Hamas.

India remained equidistant, blamed both Israel and Palestine for escalation of the situation. This time, Prime Minister Modi didnt go to Gaza or to Palestine along with his visit to Israel. In the words of Yasser Arafat from the famous joint conference, "Foreign policies are acts of sovereignty".
Prime Minister Modi's Israel Visit: Other Important Takeaways

Published: July 6, 2017

Prime Minister Narendra Modis three-day visit to Israel which is the first by an Indian prime minister to Israel resulted in the signing of seven agreements on areas including space, tech and agriculture. The other prominent takeaways of the visit are the following:

OCI card

Prime Minister Modi has assured faster facilitation of OCI cards for Jewish Citizens of Indian origin in Israel. He also assured that the OCI card will be given even to those people of Indian origin who had served in the Israeli governments compulsory army service.

Air Connectivity

The launch of a new Air India flight connecting India and Israel was announced, the flight is expected to connect Delhi/Mumbai with Tel Aviv.

Israeli flower named after PM Modi

As a special gesture, a new fast growing Israeli Crysanthumun flower was named MODI after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the Indian Premiers visit to the Danziger flower farm, which is one of the leading floriculture companies of Israel having founded in 1953.

Strategic partnership

India and Israel have announced that they have elevated their ties to a strategic partnership as India has identified Israel as a major development and technological partner. Both countries have also agreed to combat growing radicalization and terrorism and expand co-operation in cyber security.

Indian Cultural Centre

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the establishment of an Indian Cultural Centre in Israel to enhance people-to-people contacts between the two countries. Israels has also voiced its strong support to promote the practice of yoga by designating June 21 as International Yoga Day.

Israel India Innovation Initiative Fund (I4F)

The $40 million Israel India Innovation Initiative Fund has been launched as a five-year technology fund with an aim at growing the business relationship between both the countries. The similar type of fund had boosted Israels ties with that of the US in the past 40 years.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2017

Topics: Bilateral dialogue  Bilateral Relations  Current Affairs - 2017  India Bilateral  India-International Relations  India-Israel  International

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A Desloge trailer was destroyed and a house was damaged after a fire Tuesday evening in the 100 block of School Street.

Desloge Fire Chief Larry Gremminger said they were called to the trailer at approximately 9:30 p.m. In addition to Desloge, Park Hills, Farmington and Big River were called to the fire.

The initial call was a well-involved trailer next to other homes, said Gremminger. It was very close proximity and there wasnt much distance between the two. One of my firefighters was within a block and he ran to the scene and reported the trailer was fully involved and the siding was starting to melt on the house just to the north.

The house next to the trailer was a two-story house with an add-on in the rear. He said there was a great deal of concern of the fire spreading to the second home.

There was also a home on the other side, said Gremminger. There was a quick response from all the departments since they were all on stand-by at their stations for the fireworks displays. We got the trailer knocked down pretty quick and cooled down the house to the north.

Gremminger added there was a little bit of plywood starting to burn that was underneath the siding on the two-story home to the north.

I dont think structurally it got in, except for right there, said Gremminger. That was the extent of the expansion, the siding just melted off of it. We were pretty fortunate that it didnt get into the soffit or into the attic vent at the two-story level toward the front of the home.

Gremminger said the trailer was unoccupied. They believe there was still electricity hooked to it, at least to the meter, but they werent sure if it was on in the trailer.

The gas service was turned off and I believe the trailer had been tabbed for demolition, there werent any windows or doors in it, said Gremminger. We arent sure at this time if it was fireworks or if there is anything else that went on with it. That is pending through the Missouri State Fire Marshals Office.

Gremminger said the fire marshal's investigator planned to come out today.

... They were going to try to get there today to look at it, said Gremminger. We had approximately 25 firefighters on the scene in a pretty short time and we were able to get it under control. Thankfully not a tremendous amount of damage beyond the exterior to the home next to it.
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The July 6, 1909 edition of The Daily Progress shared rare photographs of the military trials of an aeroplane designed by the Wright brothers for military use. The U.S. Army Board of Ordnance and Fortification and the U.S. Signal Corps had agreed to pay the brothers $25,000 for the airplane if it could meet specific performance criteria in actual flight trials. The plane was required to accomplish a sustained flight of one hour at an average speed of thirty-six miles. They were also to receive a bonus for every mile of speed in excess of the contract figure.
After several local residents raised concerns about the visual impact of an anticipated power line project in Albemarle County, the State Corporation Commission is requiring Dominion Energy to darken the transmission line towers.

The 32.7-mile Cunningham-Dooms transmission line runs between substations in Augusta and Fluvanna counties, but the bulk of the line is in Albemarle. At a public hearing and in written comments submitted to the SCC last year, numerous Albemarle residents and local officials called on Dominion to complete its rebuild of the line with a treatment that would limit the shiny appearance of the projects galvanized-steel towers.
RICHMOND  William C. Morva is set to be executed at 9 p.m. Thursday for shooting two men to death during an escape more than a decade ago, unless Gov. Terry McAuliffe intervenes.

The mother of deputy Eric Sutphin, who was shot and killed by Morva, said she hopes he is executed, while Sutphins daughter is among those asking the governor to spare his life.

Jeaneen Sutphin, the deputys mother, said she hopes the execution proceeds as scheduled, but feels empathy for Morvas family.

I have no hatred for this creature who shot him execution-style. I just want justice for my son, Sutphin, 85, told The Roanoke Times on Wednesday afternoon in her Montgomery County home. If this comes to pass  if I shed a tear tomorrow, it will be for William Morvas mother, for I know where she will be.

Sutphins daughter, Rachel Sutphin, said in an email to reporters that she sent McAuliffe a letter requesting clemency for the man who murdered her father.

I am against the death penalty for religious and moral reasons. I have fought and will continue to fight for clemency for all death row inmates until Virginia declares the death penalty unconstitutional, she said.

Lawyers for Morva, 35, have petitioned McAuliffe asking him to commute the sentence from death to life without parole. They contend Morva suffers from delusional disorder and, at the time of the slayings, believed his life was in danger at the Montgomery County Jail, where he was being held on attempted robbery charges.

They argue the jury was given incorrect information about the nature and severity of his illness, diagnosed by a forensic psychiatrist appointed by a federal judge years after his trial. United Nations experts on executions and mental health support clemency along with some Virginia legislators and others.

Morva was in custody in 2006 when he escaped from the hospital where hed been taken with concerns of a sprained leg and wrist after allegedly falling. At about 2:30 a.m., Morva overpowered the deputy who was guarding him, took his gun and beat him. He then shot to death Derrick McFarland, 32, an unarmed hospital security guard. The following day he shot and killed Eric Sutphin, 40, a sheriffs deputy who was searching for the escapee.

In a letter to McAuliffe last month, Montgomery County Commonwealths Attorney Mary K. Pettitt urged the governor to not interfere with the jury verdict and to let the sentence be carried out. She wrote that the fairness of Morvas trial has been reviewed repeatedly and upheld in the courts.

She wrote that experts found prior to his trial that Morva had several issues including schizotypal personality disorder with narcissistic features. That information was all available to Morva and his lawyers at the time of his trial and that it was absurd to contend 10 years after the trial that the original experts were wrong, wrote Pettitt.

Morva is set to die by injection in the death house at the Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt. If carried out, it will be the 113th execution in the state since the U.S. Supreme Court allowed capital punishment to resume in 1976, a toll second only to Texas, with 542, among states with the death penalty.

In a statement released by the U.N. on Wednesday, Agnes Callamard, the special rapporteur for arbitrary executions, and Dainius Puras, special rapporteur for mental health, said: We are deeply concerned about information we have received indicating that Mr. Morvas original trial did not meet fair trial safeguards, which include reasonable accommodation in all stages of the process, and may therefore have breached international standards.

The U.N. officials said Wednesday that Morvas condition has caused him to cease all communication with his legal team hampering their ability to defend him as his execution approaches.

We are concerned at Mr. Morvas deteriorating psychosocial condition. The denial of reasonable accommodation in detention can be considered a form of discrimination against him because of his mental health condition, they said.

Dawn Davison, one of Morvas lawyers, said that as of late Wednesday, 24 state delegates and senators have publicly supported the clemency request. More than 34,000 signatures have also been collected on petitions urging clemency, she said.

It is not known when McAuliffe, who had been on a trade mission in Europe until last Friday, will reach a decision Thursday. A spokesman said Wednesday that Morvas petition was under consideration.
This is the worst possible time to have doubts about Americas nuclear capability.

With the rogue regime of North Korea claiming to have successfully tested an intercontinental ballistic missile, American security may depend on the quality of our own missile readiness plans. Yet this is precisely when the Pentagon has chosen to hide information about the safety and security of our nuclear arsenal.

We might be able to think that the new layer of secrecy is only to improve safety and security by keeping North Korea ignorant and guessing.

But that argument, as a sole reason for the Pentagons action, is tough to believe. Heres why: The U.S. nuclear weapons program has a long history of security lapses and morale problems. North Korea aside, the new cloak of secrecy looks suspiciously like an attempt to cover up these problems.

We told you about them back in 2014  everything from top commanders being relieved of duty due to drinking or gambling scandals to officers cheating on the tests they must take to prove theyre qualified to launch nuclear missiles.

Add to that generally low morale because of the nature of the work (unsung and underappreciated) and the working conditions (cramped nuclear silos), and you have a program in trouble.

Now The Associated Press reports that were not allowed even to know whether nuclear weapons programs are adequate. Previously, while details were withheld, overall results of inspections programs had been public record  such as simply whether a weapons base had achieved a passing or a failing grade. Now even that broad description is secret.

"I think the new policy fails to distinguish between protecting valid secrets and shielding incompetence," said Steven Aftergood of the Federation of American Scientists.

Of course we dont want North Korea to know where were weak.

But without transparency, we may continue to be weak.

Without transparency, theres no accountability  no possibility of public pressure to hold the Pentagon responsible for improved results.

Concealing even the most generalized information about our nuclear readiness does not inspire feelings of safety and security. Instead, it makes us unsettled and skeptical.
Blog Hinangai

While there is much discussion in Guam about the economic benefits of increasing the islands military presence, the damages/dangers that they represent are rarely mentioned. This blog, a supplement to the Peace and Justice for Guam Petition, is meant to counter that by providing information about the US military in Guam, with the hopes of steering policy away from a dangerous unilateralist course to more sustainable notions of regional development and a strengthening international solidarity.
About 40 per cent of this demand comes from metro and big cities whereas the remaining 60 per cent is from small towns. (Photo: DC)

New Delhi: Trade leaders from various states are meeting here tomorrow to take stock of the situation post implementation of the GST and chalk out future working plan.

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has convened a day long conference of prominent trade leaders belonging to different states. The conference will have extensive rounds of discussions on the effects of the GST and its implications on the trading community, roadblocks and challenges and access to technology.

Traders will also formulate a working plan for the next six months for rolling out a national campaign on the GST. Besides, to encourage more people to adopt digital technology, CAIT has suggested to the government to either exempt the accounting software from the GST for some specified period or bring the same under a lower tax slab. Currently, the accounting software is placed under 18 per cent tax rate.

Feedback received by CAIT from different parts of the country has revealed that during the last five days of the roll out of GST, the demand for computer hardware has increased 2 per cent while at the same time, the demand for accounting software has also increased up to 50 per cent in comparison to the last month.

About 40 per cent of this demand comes from metro and big cities whereas the remaining 60 per cent is from small towns.

The CAIT has maintained that nearly 60 per cent of small businesses in the country particularly in tier2 and tier3 cities are yet to computerise their existing business format whereas GST is entirely based on e-compliance having four verticals e-tax, e-return, e-audit & e-assessment.

Whether paying tax, or filing return, everything has to be routed through digital technology under GST, hence there is already a persistent demand for computer systems and accounting software in the market.
New Delhi: The retirement fund body EPFO's investment in stocks through exchange traded funds (ETFs) would cross the Rs. 45,000-crore mark by the end of this fiscal, Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya said on Thursday.

"In the exchange traded funds, we have increased (investment) from 10 per cent to 15 per cent. With this, this year alone, it may go in totality to Rs. 45,000 crore, and I feel (that) the rate of return last year was 13.3 per cent (from ETFs)," Dattatreya said on the sidelines of an Assocham event here.

"The markets are good and let's see the situation, but it is an encouraging one. That's why we have increased (investment)," he said.

As of April 21 this year, the stock investment stood at Rs. 21,559 crore. The EPFO invested Rs.6,577 crore in 2015-16 and Rs. 14,982 crore in 2016-17.

Dattatreya also said the ministry is working on consolidating 44 labour codes into four in order to simplify them.

The four codes pertain to labour, industrial relations, social security and welfare and safety and working conditions.

Besides, he said the government plans to create 65 million jobs by 2026 in the auto sector alone.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary, Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Girish Shankar said there is a huge gap the auto industry must address to ensure Make in India delivers. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) need to make substantial investment in engineering R&D for designing and developing in India so that India graduates to a truly auto engineering hub.

"We request the auto majors to consider this seriously and fast enough. Also, suggest to us as to how to support this through an appropriate policy framework. We are already working towards this direction," he said.

The ministry has finalised the net automotive mission plan (AMP) 2016-26, he said, adding that AMP 2026 is a combined effort of the central government and the industry.

It also seeks to define the trajectory of evolution of the automotive ecosystem in India including the glide path of specific regulations and policies that govern a wide range of parameters affecting the industry.

"As an outcome of the AMP 2026, we are planning that the Indian automotive industry will grow 3.5-4 times in value from its current output of around Rs. 4,64,000 crore in 2015 to about Rs. 16,16,000-18,89,500 crore by 2026, considering an average GDP growth ranging between 5.8 per cent and 7.5 per cent during the period," he said.
The Reserve Bank of India in a circular defined cases where there will be zero liability and limited liability on customers in case of loss.

New Delhi: The RBI on Thursday said that the customer will have to bear the entire loss of unauthorised internet and mobile banking or ATM transactions if it happens due to customer negligence like sharing his or her payment credentials.

In cases where the loss is due to negligence by a customer, such as where he has shared the payment credentials, the customer will bear the entire loss until he reports the unauthorised transaction to the bank. Any loss occurring after the reporting of the unauthorised transaction shall be borne by the bank, said RBI.

There will be zero liability of a customer in case of third party breach where the deficiency lies neither with the bank nor with the customer but lies elsewhere in the system.

However, the customer will have to notify the bank within three working days of receiving the communication from the bank regarding the unauthorised transaction. A customers entitlement to zero liability will also arise where the unauthorised transaction occurs due to contributory fraud/negligence/deficiency on the part of the bank (irrespective of whether or not the transaction is reported by the customer), RBI said.

The maximum liability of a customer will be `25,000 in cases where the responsibility for the unauthorised electronic banking transaction lies neither with the bank nor with the customer, but lies elsewhere in the system and when there is a delay of four to seven working days.

If the fraud is report after seven days, the customer liability will be determined as per the banks Board approved policy. The maximum liability of a savings bank account customer will be Rs 10,000 in such cases.

Referring to reversal timeline for zero liability/limited liability of customer, RBI said the bank should credit (shadow reversal) the amount involved in the unauthorised electronic transaction to the customers account within 10 working days of reporting of the fraud.

This has to be done without waiting for settlement of insurance claim, if any, RBI added. The Reserve Bank further said that banks must ask their customers to mandatorily register for SMS alerts and wherever available register for e-mail alerts, for electronic banking transactions. The SMS alerts shall mandatorily be sent to the customers, while email alerts may be sent, wherever registered, it added.
Salman Khan started the 'Being Human' foundation in 2007 that provides free education and healthcare to underprivileged children in India. The superstar bonds well with kids and his camaraderie with his co-stars from 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' and 'Tubelight', Harshali Malhotra and Matin Rey Tangu, is testament to that.

Mumbai: Superstar and founder of non-profit organisation Being Human, Salman Khan, is disturbed to learn that some impostors have come up with multiple fake websites and are extracting money from people seeking aid from the foundation.

DC Exclusive: After jewellery line, Salman Khan to launch Being Human bikes

The actor took to micro-blogging site Twitter to warn people against fakes and shared the organisations official website. The post reads: The Being Human foundation would like to notify that there are many fake websites and people who claim they work for Mr. Salman Khan and the foundation. Amit Ahuja, Samir & Ravi Malhotra are some of the names used. Our foundation does not take any processing fees, stamp duty or membership fees for medical relief and we do not give professional and education loans. Please do not pay money to any such fake person or website.

Headed by Salman Khan and family, Being Human foundation is a non-profit organisation committed to the upliftment of under-privileged children. Education and healthcare are some of the issues Salmans NGO is closely working on.

Salman Khan Launches Being Human Bikes On World Environment Day

Salman Khan to start Being Human body building competition

The actor owns an apparel brand, jewellery line and bicycles by the same name.
The picture of her father that Celina Jaitly shared on Facebook.

Mumbai: Bollywood actress Celina Jaitley's father Colonel Vikram Kumar Jaitly passed away on Tuesday morning due to prolonged illness.

The 35-year-old actress confirmed the news in an emotional Facebook post.

"Our beloved father Colonel Vikram Kumar Jaitly, left us yesterday at 5:23 AM... I thank the doctors who did everything to save him on behalf of my family," Celina told PTI.

The actress-model thanked the officers and jawans of the Kumaon battalion for giving her father a ceremonial send off with full military honours at MHOW (military HQ of war) crematorium.

In the Facebook post, the actress paid tribute to her father and described him as a popular leader among his colleagues, who called him 'Tiger'.

"Papa, wherever you are, do send us a sign that you are fine and in the soldiers' heavens where you have a very special place and always wanted to be. We hope to see you one day, when you come to hold our hands for our crossing over... Until then we will miss you dearly," she wrote.
The actor, who is still a child at heart, and has conquered the audiences heart with his stellar performances.

Mumbai: Ranveer Singh, one of the most handsome and talented actors in Bollywood, celebrated his 32nd birthday today in the sweetest way possible.

After ringing in the special day with his rumoured ladylove Deepika Padukone, the actor celebrated the occasion with his fans and grandparents.

A source reveals, Ranveer spent the day-time with his fans. He cut a cake with them, hugged each one of them present outside his house in Khar, and even clicked selfies.

Isnt this cute? The man has surely not forgotten who made him the Ranveer Singh that he is today.

The Bajirao Mastani actor later drove in his brand new, plush Aston Martin to spend some quality time with his grandparents in Bandra.

He drove in the white Aston Martin and got the other maroon Mercedes at his grandparents house. The actor brought them down (from their flat) and happily showed them his brand new cars, added the source.

Grandparents love for their grandchildren is unconditional and inexplicable.

The heartthrob even indulged in a small celebration with his grandma and grandpa. They got a cake for their loving grandson and he was overwhelmed by this cute gesture of theirs, divulged the source.

Later, after the gathering, Ranveer took them out on a long drive in the Aston Martin, and dropped them back home, post that Ranveer headed back to his house in Khar.

Adorable, we say!
The superstars Salman Khan (L) and Shah Rukh Khan (R) are believed to be best of friends and it is because of this friendship that SRK readily agreed to do a cameo in Salman's last release 'Tubelight' where he played the role of a magician named Goga Pasha.

Mumbai: According to an interview with DNA way back in 2015, director Aanand L Rai had confirmed casting Salman Khan as a dwarf in his film.

Rai, who has made a name for himself with films like Raanjhanaa, had said, Salman will be playing a dwarf in the film.

Apparently, there were rumours of Salman abandoning the project, prompting the makers to shelve the film altogether. Rubbishing those reports, the director had added, The project was never shelved. Bhai is a busy man. We havent yet locked his dates. But he has heard the story and he liked it. He has okayed it.

Leaked: SRK begins filming Anand L Rai's untitled next where he plays a dwarf

Technology to help Shah Rukh Khan play dwarf in film: Aanand L Rai

And now, more than two years after that interview, Shah Rukh Khan is playing the lead role as a dwarf in an Aanand L Rai film and Salman Khan has a special song in it. Coincidence or role reversal?

Snapped: Shah Rukh and Salman Khan shoot together for Aanand L Rais film

Seems like the film Rai was referring to is indeed the one Shah Rukh Khan is doing at this moment. So, did Salman really pull out of the project, leaving the director with the second best option in hand- Shah Rukh Khan.

Talking about Salmans connection with small towns, Rai had then said, I come from a remote area. I was born in a middle-class family. My parents were school teachers. So that element of small town has played an important role in my films. My film with Salman, too, will be from the heartland of India. I think Salman will play the desi boy really well. People connect to him that way. I am going to meet him soon with a concrete plan but I am not sure if this will be my next film, as Salman is shooting back-to-back. I will start with the scripting in about a month or so. Then, we will see when he can give dates. Right now, we have just discussed it. The script needs to be finalised, dates have to be locked. So I can only talk about it in detail two months from now. But this film will happen.

The untitled flick, previously rumoured to be called Katrina Meri Jaan, also stars Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma in pivotal roles.
Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif arer coming together for a third time. They have starred in two blockbusters-- 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani' and 'Raajneeti'-- in the past.

Mumbai: Call it friendship or just a promotional stunt, Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaifs adorable banter deserves a separate film of its own. The rumoured former lovers are currently on a promotion spree for their upcoming detective drama Jagga Jasoos that is releasing on July 14.

Forget overacting, in few films, Katrina hasn't acted at all: Ranbir

In a recent interview with a noted journalist, Kats was asked to describe the kind of producer Ranbir is. To which, she replied, He is not (a good producer). In active, a producer comes, handholds the project, solves problems, gives solutions... in that sense he is not. But I don't think he has pretended to be.

It will never happen again: Katrina on working with ex-beau Ranbir Kapoor

Surprisingly, Ranbir agreed to what the actress had to say, adding, I think the only producing job that I have done here is getting the project together. Getting Anurag Basu, Disney, that time Ronnie Screwvala was there, casting Katrina and all the talents on board, I was involved in it. Not that I didn't want to be involved in other things but then we had dada at the helm. And towards the end, I became the sponge between dada and Disney. All the fights they were having I was sorting it.

So is he going to wear the hat of a producer again? The answer is no. Talking about how he lacks the skills of being a good producer, Ranbir explained, I don't think so. I have just learnt that it is not a job or profession that I am good at. I am not good at it because my heart isn't in it. I am very happy acting and I would enjoy directing a film. Producing is a skill set that I may not be good at. Katrina, on the other hand, will make for a good producer. She had also acquired the rights to the movie Priceless. At one point she was strongly adapting A Fault in Our Stars in a film as a director. She had written 10 scenes which were absolutely brilliant. She had narrated one but had written ten. So she has these ambitions.

Ex girlfriend Katrina Kaif is still 'family' for Ranbir Kapoor

When Katrina was asked if she has any real aspirations of becoming a producer, she replied, I do want to produce a movie someday interesting and small.

But she has no intentions of hiring Ranbir for the job in her film. When quizzed if she would like to hire the Barfi actor for her debut production, the actress vehemently denied the possibility, saying, No I won't hire him.

Ranbir reacts to Katrina's comment on never working with him again

To which, Ranbir immediately asked, You wouldn't cast me if the role really demands somebody handsome, dynamic and beautiful as me?

Kats tackled the question like any other actor or actress in the world woulddiplomatically. She answered, I am a big believer that there is not just one right casting for the job but there are always two options.

Sonam upset with Ranbir, feels calling Katrina a fashion icon is a publicity stint?

But Ranbir just wouldnt let her get away with it. Adding to what he had said before her response, the Kapoor scion said, So you just don't like me as a human being? Basically, that is what she said! I am fairly good at my job but the only reason you wouldn't cast me is because I am not a good human being.
tristanrobin said: Just like some bloviating right wing Trump-lover to think that art and culture should not be nourished by the government. And that somebody who has NO IDEA what they're talking about, but just regurgitates right wing looney tunes blog posts sound bytes has no business deciding what is and what isn't art.



The art of a culture and society is imminently important. Why do you think people travel all over the world to art museums? From the Louvre to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to the Victorian & Albert Museum to the Acropolis Museum, the respect and love of a culture for its art and artists reflect its education, refinement and civility. Click to expand...





Our forefathers never intended the force of federal taxation to be used to tax one individual to finance the promotion of ideas or opinions of another taxpayer, and particularly not when the tax payer finds the tax getters opinions to be abhorrent and sinful.

But this is exactly what the National Endowment for the Arts has been doing for decades, and it is our socialist/progressive crowds propaganda which finds favor when the NEA doles out freegovernment cheese.





Name a liberal political issuegun control, climate change, open immigration, gender identityand you can find a government-funded art project that promotes it. Last month the agency doled out thousands of dollars for a play about activist lesbians who are staunchly opposed to gun ownership. They paid $20,000 for a series of climate change-themed public art installations in Minneapolis. Checking the immigration reform box, it approved a theatrical interpretation of President Obamas deferred action program for $40,000.

And with respect to our forefathers and Founders wisdom, which our socialist/progressive crowd enjoys disparaging, it has been vindicated countless times over the years.

Have the following words not come to pass?

The encouragement which the General Government might give to the fine arts, to commerce, to manufactures, and agriculture, might, if judiciously applied, redound to the honor of Congress, and the splendor, magnificence, and real advantage of the United States; but the wise framers of our Constitution saw that, if Congress had the power of exerting what has been called a royal munificence for these purposes, Congress might, like many royal benefactors, misplace their munificence; might elevate sycophants, and be inattentive to men unfriendly to the views of Government; might reward the ingenuity of the citizens of one State, and neglect a much greater genius of another. A citizen of a powerful State it might be said, was attended to, whilst that of one of less weight in the Federal scale was totally neglected. It is not sufficient, to remove these objections, to say, as some gentlemen have said, that Congress in incapable of partiality or absurdities, and that they are as far from committing them as my colleagues or myself. I tell them the Constitution was formed on a supposition of human frailty, and to restrain abuses of mistaken powers. Annals of Congress Feb 7th,1792 Representative Page

JWK



"To lay with one hand the power of the government on the property of the citizen [a working personsearned wage] and with the other to bestow upon favored individuals [chosen by the National Endowment for the Arts], to aid private enterprises and build up private fortunes is none the less a robbery because it is done under forms of law and called taxation."____ Savings and Loan Association v.Topeka,(1875).



You don't get it, do you? Perhaps it is because you don't want to get it.
After Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmavati', Ranveer will be seen playing the role of a local rapper in Zoya Akhtar's 'Gully Boy'.

Mumbai: There is no end to birthday boy Ranveer Singhs list of accomplishments. After rendering back-to-back hits, the actor is all set to fly down to Paris, where he shot his last outing with Yash Raj Films Befikre, to unveil his wax statue at the Grevin Wax Museum.

Whoa! Ranveer gifts himself plush car on birthday, goes vroom with ladylove Deepika

No other Bollywood star, except for superstar Shah Rukh Khan, can boast of having a statue at the aforementioned museum.

Last year, while filming the Aditya Chopra-directed rom-com opposite Vaani Kapoor in Paris, the energetic actors measurements were taken. Talking about this experience, he had said, Its a truly special birthday present and one that will always bring back beautiful memories of Paris. I love all things French, and am grateful to the museum that they have given me a permanent place in wax in their home and their hearts.

Guess who's being measured for a wax statue  pic.twitter.com/mpnFcL3Zkm  Ranveer's Cafe  (@ranveercafe69) December 7, 2016

The colour of his skin, hair and even eyes were recorded by the artists and his hands were also moulded. The only problem that was encountered by the sculptor was to capture the exact contours of his face since he was sporting a thick beard for his upcoming period drama Padmavati at that time, where he plays the role of 16th century tyrant Alauddin khilji.

Finally! Ranveer Singh's look from Padmavati is out and it's menacing!

Ranveer has even donated one of his own outfits for the wax statue.

The actor, who has turned 32 today, will fly down to Paris to unveil the wax statue.
Bhumi Pednekar (L) and Akshay Kumar (R) are a couple in the film, fighting against open defecation that is prevalent in some parts of the country.

Mumbai: Seems like the makers of Toilet: Ek Prem Katha are in for some more legal trouble over alleged copyright infringements.

Narendra Modi impressed by Akshay's 'Toilet: Ek Prem Katha' trailer

Just days after an Udaipur-based filmmaker Praveen Vyas accused director Shree Narayan Singh and team of copying the plot of the film from his short film Manini, another Jaipur-based director Vipin Tiwari has now accused the makers of lifting the punchline of the song Hans Mat Pagli from his film Laadlis song Hans Mat Pagli Pyar Ho Jayega.

Talking about the alleged copyright infringement, Vipin told a leading daily, In the film Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, there is a song with the same line Has Mat Pagli Pyar Ho Jayega. The composition and lyrics are different, but the punchline is the same. I had planned to make Laadli in 2014 and had started working on the script. I was going to Jhalawar when I read this catchy line (Has Mat Pagli Pyar Ho Jayega) behind a truck. It was then that the idea of composing a song around it struck me. On September 12, 2016, I released the trailer of my film along with this song.

Akshay's Toilet: Ek Prem Katha should be made tax-free- CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani

He further added, It came as a shock to me when I heard the same punchline being used in Toilet: Ek Prem Katha. This line has been used more than once in their song, which is nothing but a blatant copyright infringement. I wouldn't have reacted had some small-time filmmaker copied my song.

A member of The Indian Film and TV Producers Council (IFTPC) himself, Tiwari claims to have sent a legal letter to the makers. He said, But I am shocked to see that Bollywood filmmakers - who I feel are aware of all the copyright rules - have done this. I am a member of The Indian Film and TV Producers Council (IFTPC) and I have sent a letter to the producers of the film, Neeraj Pandey, Shital Bhatia and Vinod Kumar Arora via IFTPC. In the letter, I have mentioned about the issue and asked them to submit their response within seven days. It was a popular song in my film and to date the registration is with IFTPC; the same has been mentioned in the letter.

Viacom 18 Motion Pictures, distributor of the film, has reportedly denied receiving any letter from Tiwari.

Toilet: Ek Prem Katha has been co-produced by Akshay Kumar and Shital Bhatia and stars Akshay and Bhumi Pednekar in lead roles.

The film is slated to release on August 11.
New Delhi: Putting all rumours to rest, Bollywood filmmaker Vipul Shah has recently refuted reports that suggested a rift between Akshay Kumar and him.

Rumours were doing the rounds that an upcoming film, 'Namastey England', has been a point of disagreement for the actor-filmmaker duo.

The filmmaker also denied the speculation that 'Namastey England' is the sequel of his previous film 'Namastey London' and said, "It's a totally fresh script and a new story. There's a possibility of the title working out really well, but it's not a sequel."

Further, speaking about the long-standing relationship with Akshay, he stated, "It's a preposterous idea to suggest that I'd replace Akshay in my film. People need to know that we've been together for the past 16 years. We've gone through so many ups and downs, but our relationship has been absolutely rock steady."

"Our kids are friends with each other; my wife and Tina are friends, too. So, people should not think that one film can cause any problem in us. Our relationship goes way beyond doing one film," he added.

On work forward with the 'Rustom' star, Vipul revealed, "I can tell you this with complete authority that I'll be doing a film with Akki very soon. I don't know which film it would be, but we would be working on one very soon."

Shah and Akshay have together worked in films like 'Action Replayy', 'Namastey London', 'Aankhen', 'Waqt' and 'Singh is Kinng'.
The theatre owners and distributors in Tamil Nadu have called off their indefinite strike. In picture: A Ramanathan (Photo: ANI/Twitter)

Chennai: The theatre owners and distributors in Tamil Nadu have called off their indefinite strike, which they had called for withdrawal of 30 per cent local body tax on movie tickets in addition to GST.

The decision was taken after the state government said they will form a committee to decide on municipal tax.

"We are withdrawing our strike. From tomorrow theaters will be open," Abhirami Ramanathan, Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners and Distributors Association told ANI.

He added, "A committee of Govt and our representatives formed to sort out the issue of tax, so we have decided to call off strike."

Tamil Nadu theatres' owners and distributors were demanding withdrawal of 30 per cent local body tax on movie tickets. Nearly 1,000 cinema halls in the state have remained shut since July 3 with exhibitors going ahead with their stir to protest imposition of 30 per cent local body tax in addition to 28 per cent GST.

The issue also echoed in the ongoing Assembly session with opposition parties DMK and Congress raising it. Municipal Administration Minister S P Velumani told members that the government would give due consideration to problems of all sections of people.

Besides the local tax, a GST of 18 per cent has been fixed for tickets priced below Rs 100 and 28 per cent for those above Rs 100.

Association members had also met Finance Minister D Jayakumar who assured them that the government was with them and the matter required a decision at the policy level.

In addition to that, the members of the Tamil Film Producers Council, the South Indian Artistes Association, along with the theatre owners and distributors, had met Chief Minister K Palaniswami on Monday. However, the meeting did not bring any positive result in the end.

Stars from the industry also voiced their opinions on the boiling topic of the implementation of GST. While Kamal Haasan released a statement, superstar Rajinikanth requested the government to consider the demand of theatre owners and distributors to withdraw the 30 per cent local body tax imposed on the film industry by sending out a tweet.
Baby hippo unveiled at Chile zoo is the third birth in four years (Photo: Youtube/AFP)

Santiago: A two-week-old baby pygmy hippopotamus makes its first public appearance at an animal park near Santiago, which is celebrating its third birth of this endangered species in four years.

Talk about a cute critter: a hippo small enough to fit in a pet cage.

Unveiled to the press Wednesday at a zoo in Chile, it is a two-week-old, female, baby pygmy hippopotamus, as yet unnamed.

The mother's name is Coca and dad goes by Hipolito. They weigh about 250 kilos (550 pounds) -- a tenth the weight of regular, jumbo hippos.

Baby hippo and mum (Photo: Youtube/ AFP)

The baby now tips the scales at 14 kilos, nearly double its birth weight, and feeds only on its mother's milk.

From a species native to West Africa, it is the third pygmy hippo born at the Buin Zoo outside the Chilean capital since 2012.

When this one reaches the age of eight months it will be separated from its mother and sent to another zoo for breeding, as happened with its siblings.

Only four zoos in South America boast of having such animals, according to the Buin Zoo. It says there are only 400 in zoos around the world.

These little hippos are not endangered but they are listed on appendix two of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES.

Pygmy hippopotamus baby looks around after being unveiled (Photo: Youtube/AFP)

That means they are not necessarily threatened with extinction but trade in them must be controlled to ensure their survival.
Police formed two teams to probe the matter which also looked into the CCTV footages of the area concerned. (Representational Image)

Hyderabad: A 10-year-old boy was allegedly sodomised and killed by a teenage neighbour, who, the police said, has sexually assaulted 15 boys over the past two years.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (South Zone), V Satyanarayana said the boy had gone missing on June 28 and a missing persons case was filed by his parents at the Chandrayanagutta Police Station the next day.

Police formed two teams to probe the matter which also looked into the CCTV footages of the area concerned.

The victim was last seen walking towards a school building with the 17-year-old accused, the DCP said.

The accused lives in the victim's neighbourhood in Barkas locality and works at a pan shop.

When questioned by the police, he allegedly admitted of having had unnatural sex with the minor boy on June 28. He later killed the boy by hitting him with an iron pipe on his head after the victim said he will complain to his parents about the act, the DCP said.

"Another shocking thing that came to light was that the teenager had allegedly sexually assaulted at least 15 minor boys over the past two years luring them with chocolates and biscuits," the senior police officer said.

The accused has also told the police that he himself was sexually assaulted by two people about three years ago, the officer said.

Chandrayanagutta Police Station Inspector Y Prakash Reddy said they recovered the body in a decomposed state and booked a case under IPC sections 302 (murder), 377 (unnatural sex), 364 (kidnapping or abducting in order to murder) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence).

The DCP said they are in the process of identifying the other victims and stressed on the need for creating awareness in the society over such crimes.
Kochi: The Special Investigation Team probing the abduction and sexual assault of an actor filed a charge-sheet before a local court on Tuesday arraigning seven persons, with Sunil Kumar Surendran aka Pulsar Suni as the first accused. The charge-sheet filed before the Judicial First Class Magistrate court in Angamaly runs into 315 pages and testifies 165 witnesses. Vijeesh, Manikandan, Martin Joseph, Pardeep, Salim and Charley Thomas are the remaining accused.

All of them except Charley Thomas face charges of kidnapping, rape, criminal intimidation under IPC Sections 120 (b), 342, 366, 376, 506 (1), 212 and 341 and Section 66E, 67A of the IT Act. Charley Thomas, who had provided accommodation to Suni, a native of Neduvelikudi, Kodanad, Perumbavoor, and his accomplice in Coimbatore, has been found guilty of his involvement in the criminal conspiracy. The incident took place on February 17 when a gang led by Pulsar Suni allegedly intercepted the actors car on National Highway 544, near Parambayam. The victim was en route Kochi from Thrissur.

As per the complaint, the accused followed the actor in a van, engineered a minor collision with her car and abducted her by forcibly entering the car. They also abused her physically and shot a video on the same using a mobile phone. The SIT also submitted results of forensic examination of pieces of evidence like sim card recovered during the investigation. However, despite an extensive search, the cops are yet to retrieve the mobile phone used by the accused to capture the actors video.

Meanwhile, officials said ongoing probe into the criminal conspiracy behind it would continue, and as part of it, the sleuths are planning to interrogate Pratheesh Chacko, lawyer of Pulsar Suni, after taking him into custody. The police had already questioned the lawyer a couple of times after Suni told them during interrogation that he handed over the mobile phone containing the actors footage to him. Though the cops raided his residence and office in search of the phone, the same did not yield any result. The lawyer will also be arraigned in the case if he is found guilty of attempting to conceal evidence, sources said.
New Delhi: After China cancelled the meet between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president at the G20 Summit in Germany on Friday, India has negated the comment by saying that it did not request for a meeting in the first place.

According to a Hindustan Times report, an Indian official, who is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modis part of delegation in Israel, on condition of anonymity said, But we did not ask for any meeting, so where is the question of atmosphere being conducive or not.

Adding further, the Indian official said, there was no meeting planned between Modi and Xi and the two countries were likely to allow their armies to resolve the Doklam stand-off.

Earlier, there had been reports that Modi and Xi may meet on the sidelines of G20 Summit to resolve the standoff. However, Chinese Foreign Ministry had said that the atmosphere is not right for bilateral meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi.

According to official itinerary, Modi will hold bilateral meetings with the leaders of Argentina, Canada, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, United Kingdom and Vietnam on sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany.

There was no mention of a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping as was being speculated. The spokesperson said Modi will also participate in the BRICS leaders' meeting.

China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan tri-junction for past 19 days after a Chinese Army's construction party attempted to build a road.

Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.

Earlier on Thursday, Chinese media also accused New Delhi of oppressing Bhutan and said that Beijing will support and fuel pro-independence appeals in Sikkim to rewrite the Himalayan geopolitics.
The Centre and the state government are leaving no stone unturned to make the annual Hindu pilgrimage secure and safe. (Photo: File)

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting to review the security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of slain Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) commander Burhan Wani's first death anniversary on Saturday.

Minister of State Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir, Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, Inspector General of National Security Guard ( NSG) and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.

The concerns of the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir Government have augmented as the annual Amaranth Yatra is going on in the state.

The security forces and intelligence agencies are apprehending trouble in the Kashmir Valley on Wani's death anniversary.

Wani, who was the poster boy of the HM in Kashmir Valley, was gunned down in an encounter in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on July 8, 2016.

Widespread protests erupted in the Kashmir valley after Wani's death. Kashmir Valley was placed under curfew for consecutive 53 days and it was lifted from all parts on August 31, 2016. However, the unrest continued for about five months after Wani's death in which 78 people, including two police personnel, were killed.

Considering the unrest post Wani's death, the Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered house arrest of separatist leaders like Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and Yasin Malik.

The Centre and the state government are leaving no stone unturned to make the annual Hindu pilgrimage secure and safe.

Providing security for this year's yatra has been a major concern for the Home Ministry as the pilgrimage is facing a terror threat, according to an intelligence warning.

The security officials, especially the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), have mobilised the highest level of security measures, including tracking systems through satellites and drones for the safe conclusion of the Yatra.

Even before the commencement of the Yatra, Rajnath had chaired a security review meeting in which Ahir, Rajiv Mehrishi, Director of the Intelligence Bureau, Joint Secretary Kashmir and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials participated.

Ahir had earlier said the Amarnath Yatra is on the radar of Pakistan, but the Indian Government is prepared to tackle the issue.

This year till June, Pakistan supported terror outfits like Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba have launched around 22 attacks in Jammu and Kashmir in which 16 civilians, 57 security personnel have been killed. The security forces also 102 terrorists.

The security forces got a big fish on May 27, when they killed HM 'commander', Sabzar Ahmad Bhat and his aide Faizan Muzaffar in Soimoh village of Tral in Pulwama District in an encounter. Sabzar was the successor of Burhan Wani.
The Centre has already deployed 400 paramilitary personnel to Baduria and internet services in the violence hit areas remain suspended (Photo: Facebook)

Kolkata: One person reportedly died at a Kolkata hospital on Thursday morning while being treated for injuries he sustained during the continuing communal clashes in Basirhat over an objectionable Facebook post, West Bengal.

Fresh violence was reported in Basirhat after section 144 was imposed in the area and protesters have blocked the road. Tear gas shells were used to disperse the crowd. The clashes had erupted on Tuesday.

BJP President Amit Shah on Thursday constituted a team comprising Om Mathur, Meenakshi Lekhi, Satyapal Singh, Kailash Vijayvargiya. The team will visit the affected area and submit report to Shah.

Meanwhile, the RSS claimed the victim was their party worker.

RSS (South Bengal) secretary Jishnu Basu on Thursday said that the victim, Kartick Ghosh, 65, was a BJP worker from the RSS wing for the last two decades.

"Kartickda owned a tea stall on Basirhat-Taki Road. For the last few days Trinamool Congress backed miscreants have been rioting and looting in the area while the police has been a mute spectator. At around 3 pm on Wednesday when another round of attack unfolded Kartickda was at his tea stall while all others fled. He tried to protect his stall. The miscreants dragged out him on the road and chopped him. Kartickda was fatally injured," Basu told DC.

Basu added that Ghosh was later rescued and was rushed to Barasat District Hospital from where the injured man was referred to RG Kar Medical College in north Kolkata at night.

He alleged that Trinamool Congress workers prevented the state BJP leaders to see the body.

Security at the hospital has been increased following the news of his death.

BJP leader Locket Chatterjee, who tried to visit the injured man in hospital, was "heckled and chased away" by supporters of the ruling TMC.

Violent clashes broke out in Baduria and Basirhat areas of North 24 Parganas in West Bengal over the Facebook post. Several shops were torched and houses were ransacked in Baduria, Tentulia and Golabari.

On Monday night, the Baduria police station was attacked and set ablaze. Superintendent of Police (North 24 Parganas) Bhaskar Mukherjee was also injured when an angry mob attacked him and burnt his vehicle.

The Centre has already deployed 400 paramilitary personnel in Baduria.

To ease the situation, Section 144 was imposed in violence-hit areas on Wednesday and internet services were also withdrawn to prevent rumours from spreading.

The Union Home Ministry has sought a report from the West Bengal government over the communal clashes.

The main accused, who allegedly posted objectionable material on Facebook on Sunday, was arrested on Monday morning and remanded to police custody for four days.

However, this did not calm members of the protesting community and they resorted to violence and torched the home of the accused.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has appealed the warring groups to maintain peace and communal harmony in the area. She also held the local police responsible for failing to block Facebook as soon as trouble started.
Earlier, Mamata had appealed the warring groups to maintain peace and communal harmony in the area. (Photo: PTI)

Kolkata: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday said West Bengal Chief Mamata Banerjee is unable to administer the law and order situation in the state, and therefore, they would demand her resignation.

BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya said the anti-social elements are working as Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers in the state and creating chaos, especially in the Hindu-dominated areas.

"They are trying to make them vacate their houses at low prices and that is why they are purposely creating violence there. What is unfortunate is that the State Government is supporting them," Vijayvargiya said.

Using the opportunity to target Mamata over her remarks against state Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, Vijayvargiya said she is making such comments out of frustration.

"Due to frustration she is making such comments. With all this, she does not deserve to be in power. We will definitely demand her resignation," he said.

Mamata had earlier alleged the state governor of abusing and threatening her.

She also said that the Governor's office was behaving like a 'Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office.'

Meanwhile, BJP president Amit Shah has constituted a team comprising party leaders Om Mathur, Meenakshi Lekhi, Satyapal Singh and Kailash Vijayvargiya, who will visit the violence-affected areas and will submit a report to him.

West Bengal, in the recent few days, has witnessed violence and serious clashes either taking place between two religious groups or between people and the administration.

The boiling pot of it is the Darjeeling unrest, with the Gorkhas, under the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM), demanding a separate Gorkhaland for themselves.

The Gorkhas have demanded for a separate land with the claim that they should get what was promised to them i.e. a separate land.

The situation is still intense in the region with the widespread shutdown entering the 22nd day on Thursday.

Another incident of violence which erupted was in the North 24 Parganas area on Monday.

Communal violence broke out in its Baduria and Basirhat areas over a Facebook post.

Earlier, Mamata had appealed the warring groups to maintain peace and communal harmony in the area. She also held the local police responsible for failing to block Facebook in the beginning only.
These events will be a culmination of a year of events that had started last year as an observation of 70 years of Indias independence. (Photo: AFP)

New Delhi: Nationalism is going to be the flavour of Indias 70th Independence Day. Calling it India at 70 the Narendra Modi government will be celebrating 70 years of Indias independence in the country and across the globe. The PMO will be monitoring the celebration and all consulates and missions have been asked to plan mega events and reach out to the NRIs and local population.

It is understood that in the biggest ever Independence Day celebration, termed as India at 70, national and international events will be held to reach out to the expatriate and local population.

These events will be a culmination of a year of events that had started last year as an observation of 70 years of Indias independence. The slogan went, 70 saal azaadi: Zara yaad karo kurbani (70 years have passed, remember the sacrifices).

While the Union information and broadcasting ministry is expected to anchor the celebrations in India, similar events will be held across Indian missions across the world.

It is understood that the PMO has decided to hold such grand celebrations for the Independence Day as part of its strategy to reach out to the masses in India and abroad.

An informal group of ministers is likely to be formed soon to help enable the celebrations of India at 70 are held properly. It is learnt that members of the Modi cabinet will be travelling across the country during the first two weeks to spread the word of the celebrations.

As part of the celebrations, consulates and missions abroad have been asked to organise cultural event and reach out to expatriate and local population of their respective posted country.

While Doordarshan will be telecasting programmes related to nationalistic theme, movies promoting patriotism, similar programmes will also be held in educational institutions.

Sources states that massive advertisement campaign and audio visual outreach messages will also be broadcast across the print, electronic and social media space.
CPI (M) leader Prakash Karat slammed the Mamata Banerjee-led state government for failing to control the situation in Baduria. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Thursday said the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were creating polarisation over Baduria communal violence, which started over an objectionable post on Facebook about a holy site.

CPI (M) leader Prakash Karat slammed the Mamata Banerjee-led state government for failing to control the situation in Baduria, a town and police station of Basirhat subdivision in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.

"From the past four days, there has been communal violence in Basirhat and the state government is not able to control the situation. Because of the communal politics; the TMC and BJP are creating polarisation," Karat said.

The CPI (M) leader demanded that instead of politics over violence, normalcy should be restored.

"First step is to see that violence should be ended and normalcy should be restored. This is not the time to make political issue out of the situation," Karat asserted.

The violence was first reported from Baduria on Sunday evening after Muslims were up in arms over a Facebook post.

The main accused, who allegedly posted objectionable material on Facebook, was arrested on Monday morning and remanded in four-day police custody. He has reportedly told police that he didn't upload any derogatory photo on Facebook and claimed that he had lost his SIM card.

However, this didn't calm down the members of the protesting community and they resorted to violence and torched the home of the accused.

Later, communal violence spread in Baduria, Tentulia and Golabari areas and several shops were torched and houses ransacked.

On Monday night, the Baduria Police Station was attacked and set ablaze.

On Tuesday evening, protesters torched police and government vehicles.

Superintendent of Police (North 24 Parganas) Bhaskar Mukherjee was also injured when an angry mob attacked him and torched his vehicle.

On Wednesday, section 144 was imposed in Baduria and Basirhat. As a precautionary measure, the government also suspended internet services in police station areas of Basirhat, Baduria, Swarupnagar and Deganga.

Taking cognizance of the matter, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sought a detailed report from the Mamata Banerjee-led Government over the violence.

Four companies of the Border Security Force (BSF) and 400 paramilitary personnel were also deployed in the violence hit areas.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appealed the warring groups to maintain peace and communal harmony in the area.

She, however, on Wednesday was embroiled in a spat with West Bengal Governor K N Tripathi over Baduria violence.

While, Mamata accused Tripathi of acting like "a BJP block president" and "threatening" her; the Raj Bhawan expressed surprise over Mamata's statement.
jammu and Kashmir, burhan wani, security forces, jammu and Kashmir, crpf, unrest in Kashmir valley, Amaranth Yatra, Burhan Wani's first death anniversary, hizbul mujahideen, burhan wanis death, hizbul commander dies. (Representational Image)

New Delhi: More than 21,000 additional central paramilitary forces have been deployed in Jammu and Kashmir for the security of Amarnath yatra and ahead of the first death anniversary of Hizbul militant commander Burhan Wani.

"We are well prepared to handle any situation in Kashmir. We have sent 214 companies of central forces to control any situation which may arise on July 8 and during Amarnath yatra," Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi said.

A single company of central paramilitary force comprises 100 personnel. These forces are in addition to the state police forces and those deployed for anti-militancy duties.

Four districts of Jammu and Kashmir -- Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian and Anantnag -- have been on the boil since the killing of the Hizbul Mujahideen militant in an encounter with security forces on July 8, 2016.

Over 80 young men from these areas had taken to arms since the encounter, official sources from the state had said earlier.

Seventy-six civilians and two police personnel were killed during the five-month unrest in the Valley following Wani's killing.

The state government has also announced 10-day holidays for all educational institutions from July 6.

The holidays coincide with a protest schedule issued by the United Jehad Council (UJC), an amalgam of militant organisations operating in the Valley.

The UJC had announced the protest programme on Monday in connection with what it called the first death anniversary of Wani.

The Centre has also announced additional security for the revered Amarnath yatra.

The 40-day long yatra began on June 28. So far more than 90,000 pilgrims have paid obeisance at the cave shrine located at an altitude of 3,888-metre in south Kashmir.
Srinagar: The government has initiated a slew of security measures, including deployment of additional central paramilitary forces across Kashmir Valley and parts of Jammu region, ahead of Hizbul-Mujahideen commander Burhan Muzaffar Wanis first death anniversary on Saturday.

Social media platforms will also be blocked from Thursday night for an indefinite period.

The reinforcement from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) along with Jammu and Kashmir police and columns of the Army and the Border Security Force (BSF) will be fanned out during the intervening night of July 6 and 7 to secure sensitive locations and intensify area domination in the restive Valley, official sources said.

They will also be asked to enforce security lockdowns in cities and towns from Friday morning, the sources said. The security measures will only be strengthened further and more Valley areas brought under the purview from Friday evening, the sources added.

Few other strict measures are also being taken in anticipation of potential disturbances in coming days. These include imposing curbs on the movement of separatist leaders and activists.

Wani, the 22-year-old Internet-savvy poster boy of the Hizb broadly acknowledged as being the architect of the social-media driven psychological warfare in Kashmir was along with two other militants killed by the security forces in a village of southern Anantnag district on July 8, 2016.

Wanis killing had sparked off widespread disturbances in Kashmir and parts of Jammus Chenab valley leaving more than 80 people dead and thousands others wounded. Two policemen were also killed and thousands of security personnel injured stone-pelting and other incidents of mob violence during the five-month-long unrest.

The separatist and militants have announced to observe Wanis first death anniversary in a big way. The Hizb chief Muhammad Yusuf Shah alias Syed Salahuddin had, a day before he was declared a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the US State Department, in a statement issued in Muzaffarabad called for shutdowns in the Valley on July 8 and July 13.

He also asked the people to visit the homes of martyrs and hold pro-freedom rallies and protests during the rest of the week beginning on July 8. An alliance of key separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik has issued an identical calendar to mark Wani anniversary.

July 13 is observed as martyrs day in both parts of divided Jammu and Kashmir as on this day 66 years ago as many as 22 Kashmiris were shot dead by the troops of autocratic Dogra Maharaja outside Srinagars central prison where an in-camera trial of a rebel Abdul Qadeer was being held. The bloody incident heralded an uprising against the Maharajas rule and for independence of the Muslim majority state. While July 13 is observed as martyrs day by both mainstream and separatist political parties and is an official holiday, the latter insist that the struggle for independence is still on as India forcibly occupied part of the State in 1947.

In view of possible flare up, the authorities announced a 10-day-long summer break in educational institutions from July 6 although the summer is still away and the temperatures have not soared as yet in the Valley. Apparently, the closure of schools and colleges has more to do with Wani anniversary than anything else.

On Thursday, Inspector General of Police (Kashmir Range) Munir Ahmad Khan asked the lease-line Internet service providers to block all social media sites or shut down their services in THE Valley from 10 pm on Thursday till further orders. In view of the apprehensions of misuse of internet services by anti-national elements, which is likely to cause deterioration in law and order situation, you are directed to block all social media sites, the order signed by him reads.

It adds that if blocking of the social media sites is not possible, the service providers should shut down their services in Kashmir Valley from 10 pm (Thursday) till further orders. The authorities are also likely to suspend mobile Internet services across the Valley as a precautionary measure.

Khan had earlier sought to clarify that the government was not planning a blanket ban on the Internet on Wanis anniversary. There is nothing like suspending the Internet from tomorrow until 16th July, he had said adding Every step will be taken as per requirement and the situation will be reviewed on day-to-day basis.

A similar blanket ban on 22 social media sites including Facebook, Twitter.com and WhatsApp announced in April for a period of one month or till further orders had failed as a vast majority of the users soon began accessing these platforms through Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given a demonstration of Gal-Mobile, a mobile seawater desalination unit at the Olga Beach. (Photo: Twitter)

New Delhi: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a special souvenir to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the form of a signed a photograph of the two saying, "To Prime Minister Narendra Modi with deepest friendship on your historic visit to Israel," as the latter emplaned for Hamburg, Germany.

The signed photograph was of the two leaders standing at the Olga beach.

The Indian Prime Minister thanked his Israeli counterpart for the hospitality as he tweeted:

Thank you my friend, PM @netanyahu for the signed photo, your kind words, amazing hospitality & passion towards #IndiaIsraelFriendship. pic.twitter.com/1jUtMG3F85  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2017

Earlier today, the leaders visited Haifa Cemetery to honour fallen Indian soldiers during World War I.

They then visited the beach where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given a demonstration of Gal-Mobile, a mobile seawater desalination unit.

Later in Tel Aviv, the two Prime Ministers established an innovation bridge between start ups and innovators followed by a CEO forum meeting.

The CEOs of Indian and Israeli businesses signed MoUs worth over USD 5 bn on the sidelines of the visit.

The Forum also set up six Joint Committees covering startups, pharma and life sciences, homeland security, agriculture, energy and water sectors.

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Israel was a first ever by any Indian Prime Minister. He is now headed to Germany to attend the G-20 Summit.
The poll, if necessary, will be conducted on August 5 and the counting will also take place on the same day. (Photo: PTI/Representational)

New Delhi: The Opposition parties will meet on July 11 to discuss the upcoming Vice-Presidential elections.

The Election Commission, earlier on July 4, issued a notification to file nominations for the upcoming Vice-Presidential elections, slated to be held on August 6.

The Election Commission has fixed July 18 as the last date for making nominations, while July 19 will be the date for the security of nominations.

The last date for the withdrawal of candidates is July 21.

The poll, if necessary, will be conducted on August 5 and the counting will also take place on the same day.

As of now, neither the ruling NDA nor the Opposition has announced their Vice-Presidential nominee.

The term of Vice-President Hamid Ansari, who has held the post for two consecutive terms, will expire on August 10.

Secretary General of Rajya Sabha Shumsher K Sheriff is the returning officer for the elections.
A statement said Amit Shah went to many homes, where he met people from different social and economic strata, and urged them to support the BJP. (Photo: Amit Shah/Twitter)

Bhubaneswar: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah on Wednesday slammed Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik over poverty and backwardness in the state, asserting that the Centre had contributed generously for its development.

On the last day of his three-visit tour to the eastern state, Shah toured the Basantpur village of the Ekamra Assembly constituency where he was given a traditional welcome.

Odisha is a priority state in the BJP chief's roadmap for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

A statement said he went to many homes, where he met people from different social and economic strata, and urged them to support the BJP.

Accompanied by Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan, state party chief Basant Banda and party general secretary Arun Singh, who is also the BJP's state in-charge, Shah put up party stickers as part of his campaign to strengthen the BJP.

Odisha is the 14th state where the BJP chief has toured as part of a 115-day programme across the country to strengthen the organisation.

He will be visiting Gujarat from July 10 to July 12.
Karnan, who was absconding since May 9, was arrested by the West Bengal Police on June 20 from Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu and has been lodged in Kolkata jail since then (Photo: File)

New Delhi: Controversial high court judge CS Karnan was liable to be punished for his "grossest and gravest actions" of contempt of court through "unsavoury" acts and behaviour and his utterances had turned the judicial system into a "laughing stock", the Supreme Court has said.

The apex court, which came out with a detailed verdict on the six-month jail term awarded to Karnan, then a sitting judge of the Calcutta High Court now retired, said his case was "unfortunate" as it concerned action against a sitting judge which had drawn the attention of both domestic and foreign media.

It said even after the Supreme Court intervened in the matter, Karnan "continued to foul-mouth his colleagues" at the Madras High Court by addressing communications to the highest executive and judicial authorities, including the Prime Minister.

"His demeanour was found to have become further aggressive after this court passed orders from time to time in this case," the top court said.

The apex court on Wednesday uploaded on its website the detailed judgement signed on Tuesday. There are two sets of concurring verdicts, totalling 80 pages. The court had passed a brief order on May 9.

Karnan, who was absconding since May 9, was arrested by the West Bengal Police on June 20 from Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu and has been lodged in Kolkata jail since then. He is the first sitting judge to be jailed.

The seven-judge bench, comprising Chief Justice JS Khehar and Justices Dipak Misra, J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, MB Lokur, PC Ghose and Kurian Joseph, said it was "expected to record its conclusions, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will".

The apex court, which had set up a medical board to examine Justice Karnan, assumed him to be medically and mentally fit in the absence of the report submitted by the panel of doctors.

"We are of the view that psychiatrists on the Board of Doctors, would have been in opposition to evaluate the mental health of Justice Karnan during the above interaction.

"Had they found anything remiss, they would have informed this Court accordingly. Since no report has been submitted by the Board of Doctors, we would assume, that they had found nothing significant enough to report.

"We would, therefore, accept the assertion of Justice Karnan, that he is medically and mentally fit, to defend himself," the detailed order said.

The top court said Karnan had levelled "obnoxious" allegations against 33 judges from the Supreme Court, Chief Justices of High Courts, but mostly against the judges of the Madras High Court.

"The contents of the letters addressed by him contained scandalous material against judges of High Courts and the Supreme Court. This correspondence was addressed to the highest constitutional authorities, in all three wings of governance - the legislature, the executive and the judiciary," the bench said.

Justice Khehar wrote the main judgement on behalf of himself and Justices Misra, Lokur, Ghose and Joseph.

Justices Chelameswar and Gogoi wrote the second order.

During the interregnum of May 9 and July 4, Justice Ghose retired on May 27 and it was widely speculated how the detailed judgement would be delivered.

Justices Chelameswar and Gogoi, in their order, expressed concern over the prevailing system of appointment of judges for higher judiciary saying that Justice Karnan's case calls for revisiting the process of selection of judges to the constitutional courts.

The two judges said this case highlighted the need to set up appropriate legal regime to deal with situations where the conduct of a judge of a constitutional court requires to take corrective measures other than impeachment.

"This case, in our opinion, has importance extending beyond the immediate problem. This case highlights two things: (1) the need to revisit the process of selection and appointment of judges to the constitutional courts, for that matter, any member of the judiciary at all levels; "And (2) the need to set up appropriate legal regime to deal with situations where the conduct of a Judge of a constitutional court requires corrective measures - other than impeachment to be taken," Justices Chelameswar and Gogoi said.

Justice Khehar, writing the judgement for himself and four other judges, started stating that "The task at our hands is unpleasant. It concerns actions of a judge of a High Court.

The instant proceedings pertain to alleged actions of criminal contempt, committed by Shri Justice C S Karnan."

"The initiation of the present proceedings suo motu, is unfortunate. In case this court has to take the next step, leading to his conviction and sentencing, the court would have undoubtedly travelled into virgin territory. This has never happened. This should never happen.

"But then, in the process of administration of justice, the individual's identity, is clearly inconsequential. This Court is tasked to evaluate the merits of controversies placed before it, based on the facts of the case. It is expected to record its conclusions, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will," the CJI said.

"His public utterances, turned the judicial system into a laughing stock. The local media, unmindful of the damage it was causing to the judicial institution, merrily rode the Karnan wave. Even the foreign media, had its dig at the Indian judiciary.

"None of his actions can be considered as bona fide, especially in view of the express directions issued by this court on February 8, 2017, requiring him to refrain from discharging any judicial or administrative work," the apex court said.

The bench also observed that after levelling allegations against 33 judges, Karnan shielded himself from actions by "trumpeting his position, as belonging to an under-privileged caste".

"We are of the considered view, that Justice Karnan shielded himself from actions, by trumpeting his position, as belonging to an under-privileged caste. By assuming the above position, he levelled obnoxious allegations against innumerable judges of the Supreme Court, Chief Justices of the High Courts, but mostly against judges of the Madras High Court," it said.

The court said that none of the allegations levelled by Karnan were supported by any material and his allegations were "malicious and defamatory, and pointedly by name, against many of the concerned Judges".

"He carried his insinuations to the public at large, in the first instance, by endorsing his letters carefully so as to widely circulate the contents of his communications, to the desired circles.

"Some of his letters were intentionally endorsed, amongst others, to the President of the Tamil Nadu Advocate Association. And later, through the internet, he placed his point of view, and the entire material, in the public domain," he said.

It said that even during the course of hearing of the contempt matter in the apex court, his "ridicule" of the top court remained unabated.

"In fact, it was heightened, as never before. In this process, he even stayed orders passed by this Court. One of the orders passed by him, restrained the Judges on this Bench, from leaving the country," it said.

"By another order he convicted the Judges on this Bench, besides another Judge of this Court, and sentenced them to 5 years imprisonment, besides imposing individual costs on the convicted Judges," it said.

"From the narration expressed in the preceding paragraphs, we have no hesitation in concluding, that the actions of Shri Justice C S Karnan constituted the grossest and gravest actions of contempt of Court. He has also committed contempt, in the face of the Court.

"He is therefore liable to be punished, for his unsavoury actions and behavior. We are satisfied that he should be punished for his above actions, with imprisonment for six months. Ordered accordingly," it said.

The court also observed that "mindset" of Karnan emerges from a communication of January 3, 2017, addressed by him to the Prime Minister in which he had levelled allegations against several judges.
China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan tri-junction for the past 19 days (Representational Image)

New Delhi: The border standoff between armies of India and China at the Sikkim sector can be resolved diplomatically and Chinese soldiers should leave the Bhutanese territory to reduce tension in the area, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said on Wednesday.

"I think the issue can be resolved at the diplomatic level. The Chinese troops should stay where they were earlier. China is approaching towards Bhutanese territory. We want them not to come forward. This is our security concern and this is our stand. Bhutan's King had yesterday given a statement that Chinese (troops) are entering into its territory. This tension can be resolved at the diplomatic level. Across the table we can solve all the problems," Bhamre said.

Bhamre's comments came on a day China accused India of "trampling" on the principles of the Panchsheel pact and demanded that India "correct its mistakes" by pulling back its troops immediately.

Chinese envoy to India Luo Zhaohui had on Tuesday said China had ruled out a compromise in the military standoff with India and put the onus on New Delhi to resolve the "grave" situation.

China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan tri-junction for the past 19 days after a Chinese army's construction party came to build a road.

Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.

China and Bhutan are engaged in talks over the resolution of the area. Bhutan, however, has no diplomatic ties with China and it is supported militarily and diplomatically by India.

On the standoff, the Ministry of External Affairs had said India was "deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India".
Public health officials are warning area residents to take precautions after a Benton County woman was bitten by a rabid bat over the weekend.

The woman was bitten on Sunday after she saw the bat behaving strangely on the porch of her house in a rural neighborhood north of Corvallis, according to information provided Wednesday by the Benton County Health Department.

On Monday, the bat was taken to the Oregon State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Corvallis for tests, which confirmed the animal had rabies. It was the first verified case of a rabid bat in Benton County so far this year.

The injured woman has begun receiving rabies shots.

Bats are the primary reservoir of rabies in Oregon, said Robert Baker of the countys environmental health division.

In the event of bat contact such as a bite or scratch, an attempt should be made to safely capture the bat, without destroying the head, for testing for the rabies virus.

Charlie Fautin, deputy director of the Benton County Health Department, said bat bites sometimes occur when people try to help an animal they perceive to be injured or dispose of one they mistakenly think is dead.

People have a soft spot for animals in distress, he said. Sometimes people get bitten that way.

Public health officials advise taking extreme precautions before attempting to handle a bat, especially one that appears to be acting strangely. If it is necessary to pick up the animal, its best to wear heavy gloves, use a shovel or both, Fautin said.

Its also important for pet owners to make sure their dogs and cats are up to date on their rabies shots, which can help provide a buffer of immunity between wild animals and the human population.
Mysore Lancers march into Haifa, Israel after taking over the Port city in 1918 along with the Jodhpur Lancers.

Bengaluru: The armies of the erstwhile Mysore State, whose exploits in liberating Haifa from the Ottoman rule during the First World War is being recalled on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel. These armies have a little known history of their own.

Before it was incorporated into the army of Independent India, the army of the erstwhile Mysore State participated not only in the First World War in West Asia, but also in the Second World War in the Far East.

Karnatakahistory, a blog by S. Srinivas, recalls the forgotten history of Mysore Lancers. The blog recalls that the Mysore State Troops had their own infantry, cavalry and transport wings.

"The majority of men in the army belonged to the Maratha and Muslim communities. The former dominated the cavalry, while the latter dominated the infantry and transport wings. Those from Brahmin, Rajput, Christian and other communities formed the rest of the crew," Srinivas writes.

What was their pay? "Between 1872 and 1873, the salary of a cavalryman (who had to maintain his horse) was Rs 26 a month and a 1st class sepoy in the Infantry earned Rs7 per month."

"In November 1940, the 1st Infantry Battalion was trained in British India and left for overseas action in March 1941. In the ensuing campaign, they were taken prisoners of war by the Japanese," Srinivas writes.

"In 1945 about 517 of these prisoners returned to the state and efforts were made to trace the remaining men. The state government also sanctioned the reinstatement of personnel from the Indian National Army (formed by Subhas Chandra Bose from the Indian prisoners of war under Japanese control) in the ranks which they would have got had they continued in service in the state. This probably shows that some men from the Mysore Army had joined the INA," the blog says. The troops also took part in the police action against the Razakars in Hyderabad in September 1948.

A painting of a Mysore Lancer on his horse flanked by an infantryman.

Mysuru Royal Raja Chandra insisted that the Mysore Lancers excelled in every campaign they took part in. "So much so that even Napoleon did not hide his admiration for the erstwhile Mysore State's troops. The average Indian thinks that Teen Murti Marg is just a place where Nehru's Memorial is situated. Teen Murti stands for the three statues representing Hyderabad, Mysore and Jodhpur Lancers."

Col. Desaraja Urs

Asked whether the Indian Army should raise a new regiment to inherit the titles, history and legacy of the Mysore Lancers, Raja Chandra said, "In the present scenario, it would not be feasible. Besides, the 61st Cavalry has already inherited the legacy of the Mysore Lancers. If Karnataka government gives this move an impetus, we could dream of a mordernised infantry or armoured corps with the Mysore Lancers name and legacy."

A spokesperson from the Israeli consulate confirmed to Deccan Chronicle that plans were in the pipeline for a Haifa memorial in Bengaluru as the consul general Yael Hashavit hailed from Haifa and this was an issue very close to her heart.
Kolkata: BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvergiya on Thursday said the West Bengal government has stooped to a new low by trying to malign the office of the governor in order to divert attention from its own failures.

Coming out in support of the state Governor K N Tripathi, Vijayvergiya said, "K N Tripathi is a seasoned politician. He was speaker of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly. He is well aware of the Constitution and its norms. The Trinamool Congress is verbally attacking the governor and trying to malign his office in order to divert attention from the communal violence and its failure to control the situation. In doing so, it has stooped to a new low."

His comments come in the backdrop of the recent war of words that broke out between the governor and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the recent incidents of communal violence in Baduria area of North 24 Parganas.

"The TMC government, just for the sake of vote bank politics, allowed the incident to happen. In order to appease the minority, the majority community was made to suffer. Had the police taken action on the very first day, things would not have snowballed into such a situation. The police remained a mute spectator," he charged.

Accusing the state police of failing to control the situation, Vijayvergiya, who is also the party's in-charge of the state, had on Tuesday urged Home Minister Rajnath Singh to intervene.

State Food Supplies minister and TMC president of North 24 Parganas district, Jyotipriyo Mullick, refuted the allegations of Vijayvergiya and accused the BJP and other Hindu groups of fomenting trouble in the area.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed deep concern over the farmers' suicides in India and said that now time has come to move from paper to the implementation of the pro-farmer policies.

However, the apex court admitted that the Union Government is doing good work but suicide cases of farmers are increasing day by day.

The court was hearing the appeal, filed by NGO 'Citizens Resource and Action and Initiative' on issues related to farmers in Gujarat.

The apex court said that the government has come up with good schemes for farmers including crop insurance and PMKSY (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana), but these need to be implemented properly.

"We want to move from paper to implementation,'' the court observed.

The Supreme Court, however, agreed to the Centre's view that "the issue of farmer suicide can't be dealt effectively overnight".

The Centre sought a year's time for showing effective results of its various schemes, including crop insurance.

The bench advised the Centre to take views of senior advocate Colin Gonsalves in formulating measures to deal with the issue of farmer suicides and fixed the PIL for hearing after six months.

While hearing the PIL in January, the Supreme Court had expanded the scope of the PIL from Gujarat to pan India and batted for the comprehensive national policy to protect farmers.
A burnt vehicle seen at a road after a communal riot at Baduria in North 24 Pargana district of West Bengal on Wednesday. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: The West Bengal government has said it does not need an additional 400 central troops for deployment in the riot-hit areas of North 24-Parganas district, according to a Union home ministry spokesperson.

"We have sent eight companies of paramilitary forces (comprising 100 personnel each) to West Bengal for deployment in the communal violence-affected areas. However, the West Bengal government has conveyed that it does not require four of the eight companies," the spokesperson on Thursday.

The state government has not cited any reason for its decision.

The state's refusal came in the wake of an unprecedented public spat between Governor KN Tripathi and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, triggered by a telephonic conversation between the two on the communal violence.

Communal clashes broke out in Baduria in Basirhat sub-division of the district on Monday following an objectionable Facebook post.

The situation in the violence-hit areas was returning to normalcy with no fresh incidents of violence, a senior official said on Thursday.
NEW DELHI: The 10-day-long Operation Malabar, which will take off on Monday in the Bay of Bengal, besides being the most complex version till date, holds out strong promise of staging a cat and mouse game like no other versions of the 20 preceding it. While the US, Indian and Japanese Navies will together field at least 15 ships in the exercise focused on submarine detection and adopting counter measures, Beijing will deploy high tech surveillance ship CNS Neptune besides Yuan class submarines and satellites in the sky to keep watch over the unfolding mega exercise. The Chongming Island submarine rescue ship is also likely to be present in the region during the time of the exercise.

Chinese experts, like military commentator Chen Guangwen, believe Malabar 2017 is aimed primarily at countering underwater threats. This time by the India-led Malabar joint military exercise is to find a way to deal with Chinese submarines, Mr Chen has said. Malabar 2017 is of unusual significance amid seething tension between India and China with troops of both the countries engaged in a standoff in a tri-junction near the Chumba Valley across Sikkim. Besides CNS Neptune (also known as Haiwangxing), the PLA Navys snooping fleet comprises a fleet of five more sophisticated electronic reconnaissance vessels.
The target for DART is an asteroid that will have a distant approach to Earth in October 2022, and then again in 2024. (Image: NASA)

DART would be NASAs first mission to demonstrate whats known as the kinetic impactor technique -- striking the asteroid to shift its orbit -- to defend against a potential future asteroid impact, said Lindley Johnson, planetary defense officer at NASA Headquarters in Washington. This approval step advances the project toward an historic test with a non-threatening small asteroid.

While current law directs the development of the DART mission, DART is not identified as a specific budget item in the Administrations Fiscal Year 2018 budget.

The target for DART is an asteroid that will have a distant approach to Earth in October 2022, and then again in 2024. The asteroid is called Didymos -- Greek for twin -- because its an asteroid binary system that consists of two bodies: Didymos A, about one-half mile (780 meters) in size, and a smaller asteroid orbiting it called Didymos B, about 530 feet (160 meters) in size. DART would impact only the smaller of the two bodies, Didymos B.

The Didymos system has been closely studied since 2003. The primary body is a rocky S-type object, with composition similar to that of many asteroids. The composition of its small companion, Didymos B, is unknown, but the size is typical of asteroids that could potentially create regional effects should they impact Earth.

A binary asteroid is the perfect natural laboratory for this test, said Tom Statler, program scientist for DART at NASA Headquarters. The fact that Didymos B is in orbit around Didymos A makes it easier to see the results of the impact, and ensures that the experiment doesnt change the orbit of the pair around the sun.

After launch, DART would fly to Didymos, and use an on-board autonomous targeting system to aim itself at Didymos B. Then the refrigerator-sized spacecraft would strike the smaller body at a speed about nine times faster than a bullet, approximately 3.7 miles per second (6 kilometers per second). Earth-based observatories would be able to see the impact and the resulting change in the orbit of Didymos B around Didymos A, allowing scientists to better determine the capabilities of kinetic impact as an asteroid mitigation strategy. The kinetic impact technique works by changing the speed of a threatening asteroid by a small fraction of its total velocity, but by doing it well before the predicted impact so that this small nudge will add up over time to a big shift of the asteroids path away from Earth.

DART is a critical step in demonstrating we can protect our planet from a future asteroid impact, said Andy Cheng of The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, the DART investigation co-lead. Since we dont know that much about their internal structure or composition, we need to perform this experiment on a real asteroid. With DART, we can show how to protect Earth from an asteroid strike with a kinetic impactor by knocking the hazardous object into a different flight path that would not threaten the planet.

Small asteroids hit Earth almost daily, breaking up harmlessly in the upper atmosphere. Objects large enough to do damage at the surface are much rarer. Objects larger than 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) in diameter -- large enough to cause global effects -- have been the focus of NASAs ground-based search for potentially hazardous objects with orbits that bring them near the Earth, and about 93 percent of these sized objects have already been found. DART would test technologies to deflect objects in the intermediate size rangelarge enough to do regional damage, yet small enough that there are many more that have not been observed and could someday hit Earth. NASA-funded telescopes and other assets continue to search for these objects, track their orbits, and determine if they are a threat.

To assess and formulate capabilities to address these potential threats, NASA established its Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) in 2016, which is responsible for finding, tracking and characterizing potentially hazardous asteroids and comets coming near Earth, issuing warnings about possible impacts, and assisting plans and coordination of U.S. government response to an actual impact threat.

DART is being designed and would be built and managed by The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland. The project would be overseen by the Planetary Missions Program Office at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. DART also is supported by teams from the Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland; Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas; and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California.

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The Commission in April last year charged Google with using its dominant Android mobile operating system to shut out rivals.

EU antitrust regulators are weighing another record fine against Google over its Android mobile operating system and have set up a panel of experts to give a second opinion on the case, two people familiar with the matter said.

Assuming the panel agrees with the initial case team's conclusions, it could pave the way for the European Commission to issue a decision against Alphabet's Google by the end of the year.

The Commission in April last year charged Google with using its dominant Android mobile operating system to shut out rivals following a complaint by lobby group FairSearch, US-based ad-blocking and privacy firm Disconnect Inc, Portuguese apps store Aptoide and Russia's Yandex.

The move by the EU competition authority, which hit the company with a 2.4 billion euro ($2.7 billion) penalty for unfairly favoring its shopping service last month, could pose a bigger risk for the world's most popular internet search engine because of Android's huge growth potential.

The potential fine is expected to top that 2.4 billion euro penalty. The EU's charge sheet issued to Google in April last year said the anti-competitive practices started from January 2011 and the Commission is likely to tell the company to stop them. They are still ongoing, telecoms industry sources said.

Commission spokesman Ricardo Cardoso and Google both declined to comment.

The EU ruling has the scope to do the most damage compared with a third case against Google's AdSense, Richard Windsor, an independent financial analyst who tracks competition among the biggest US and Asian internet and mobile companies, said in a recent note.

"If Google was forced to unbundle Google Play from its other Digital Life services, handset makers and operators would be free to set whatever they like by default potentially triggering a decline in the usage of Google's services," he said, referring to Google's apps store.

TAKING A TOLL

The long-running case is taking its toll on users and rivals, FairSearch lawyer Thomas Vinje said.

"A decision would come none too soon. Google is hurting Android users, including by surreptitiously commandeering ever-increasing amounts of personal data," Vinje said.

The EU competition enforcer said Google's tactics include requiring smartphone makers to pre-install Google Search and the Google Chrome browser in return for access to other Google apps, and barring the manufacturers from using rival versions of Android.

The company was also accused of paying smartphone makers and mobile network operators to only install Google Search on their devices.

Google said at the time that Android was a remarkable system based on open-source software and open innovation and was good for competition and for consumers.

The Commission had planned to establish a peer review panel, also known as a devil's advocate, in June, the people said.

Such panels are usually made up of three to four experienced officials who examine the case team's conclusions with a fresh pair of eyes to ensure that the case is robust. They usually take three to four weeks to complete their work although this could be extended. It was not clear if the panel has started work yet.

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The results of Kaspersky Cybersecurity Index for the second half of 2016 revealed the top internet activity in India is online shopping.

As government and financial firms in India promote cashless transactions seven months after the revolutionary demonetization of the two major bills in the country, global cybersecurity company Kaspersky Lab urged for a major beefing up of online defences of consumers and banks against hackers.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in November last year the termination of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 banknotes of the Mahatma Gandhi series to eradicate the use of black money which reportedly funds terrorism and illegal activities in India.

The demonetisation led to the increased numbers of paperless transactions in the country, which also opened more opportunities for money-hungry attackers.

"The long queues on ATM machines and the shortage in currency bills resulted to the rise of the more convenient use of digital payments and electronic wallets. While transacting money online is indeed easier compared to the traditional method, it is more dangerous too. It's a well-known fact that hackers are almost always motivated by money, and the growth of a cashless economy in India would attract their attention, undoubtedly," warns Stephan Neumeier, Managing Director at Kaspersky Lab Asia Pacific.

The results of Kaspersky Cybersecurity Index for the second half of 2016 revealed the top internet activity in India is online shopping. This is followed by emailing, watching movies, and using social media sites.

Almost all (96%) of the respondents admitted to using the internet in purchasing goods online. A great majority of them (84%) also use their devices in banking and in paying online through digital wallets.

Kaspersky Lab's data for 2016 also showed users from India are among the most attacked by banking malware, along with those from Russia, Germany, Japan, Vietnam, and the United States.

"It is a must for consumers, banks, and the government to work together in beefing up India's cybersecurity defences to safeguard money online. Like constructing a sturdy fortress, securing payment networks, banking systems and the internet itself requires a brick-by-brick approach. In this case, the bricks are the highly-cybersavvy users and the efficient cybersecurity solutions. Lack of either can create a vulnerability that cyber attackers are waiting for and willing to exploit," explains Neumeier.

"To help more users in India achieve a safer and more secure online banking and shopping experience, we are launching a promo 'Secure Your Online Transactions' where Kaspersky Total Security and Kaspersky Internet Security will be at 25% off starting June 29 until August 15, 2017," said Altaf Halde, Managing Director, Kaspersky Lab South Asia.

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European and Japanese scientists Thursday proudly unveiled the BepiColombo spacecraft ahead of its seven-year journey to Mercury, to explore one of the Solar System's most enigmatic planets.

Set for launch in 2018, BepiColombo will be the European Space Agency's (ESA) first mission to the closest rock to the Sun. The craft has an unusual design, comprising a "stacked aircraft" carrying two orbiters -- one European, the other Japanese -- which will separate on arrival to go into different, but complementary orbits around Mercury.

BepiColombo aims to "follow up on many of the intriguing results of NASA's Messenger mission, probing deeper into Mercury's mysteries than ever before," the ESA said.

The joint project with the Japanese agency JAXA, which has cost more than 1.3 billion euros ($1.48 billion), involves some 33 companies from 12 EU nations, as well as firms from the US and Japan.

It has been delayed several times, but the mission chiefs are now confident that it is on track to launch in October next year. Mercury is the "most peculiar of all rocky planets," Alvaro Gimenez, ESA's director of science told reporters at the agency's centre in the Dutch coastal town of Noordwijk.

Its surface is wracked by extreme temperatures, ranging from +450 to -180 degrees Celsius (+842 to -292 degrees Fahrenheit).

It also has a magnetic field, the only rocky planet besides Earth to have one. But Mercury is so weak that the field does not provide a shield against solar radiation. It orbits just 58 million kilometres (36 million miles) from the Sun, and its surface is blasted by radiation levels that would destroy earthly lifeforms.

Its proximity to the Sun also makes Mercury hard to study from Earth because the brightness impedes the view. The Sun's huge gravity also makes it difficult to put a craft into steady orbit around the planet.

The high temperatures also presented tricky challenges for the engineers, which include the European aircraft designer Airbus, and added to project delays, mission chiefs said.

Airbus said it has covered the European orbiter with specially-designed "high-temperature multi-layered insulation" which is "made up of 50 layers of ceramics and aluminium," while the antennae are "made of heat-resistant titanium, covered by a newly-developed coating".

"We are flying into a pizza oven which is why we had to test materials at a very high and different temperature rates. Sometimes with very unwanted results," said Ulrich Reininghaus, the ESA BepiColombo project manager.

So far only two NASA missions have visited Mercury -- Mariner 10 in the 1970s and Messenger, which orbited the planet from 2011 until it ran out of fuel in April 2015.

BepiColombo will study the peculiarities of Mercury's internal structure and magnetic field generation, and how it interacts with the Sun and solar wind. The Mercury mission is Europe's "most complicated ever," said Gimenez.

"It's difficult to get there, it's difficult to work there."

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In the world of Android these days, manufacturers are trying to move closer to the stock Android experience. All the custom launchers are becoming leaner and akin to Googles Pixel launcher. Additional apps that replicated Googles versions are being axed in favour of a less bloaty OS experience. Sony is the latest one hog the limelight here by dropping support of its Shazam rivalling TrackID app.

The TrackID app had been a part of all Sony Xperia devices before this years Xperia XZ and Xperia XZ Premium. The service was an alternative to the Shazam music recognition service exclusively for Xperia devices. Users had to record a clip of any song and allow the service to track the name as well as the source of the song. The app was a part of Sonys efforts for suggesting that the Xperia smartphones were the ultimate solution for a music-oriented smartphone.

While theres no official statement yet on Sonys decision, it seems that the Japanese technology giant wanted to de-bloat it UI for the Xperia devices. It could also be possible that the company found it useless to maintain the service as users were happier with the likes of Shazam.

If you are a Xperia user and have been using the app for a while, it would be wise to switch to Shazam or other similar services as the TrackID servers will be brought down by 15 September 2017 . Also, users will lose playlists and all other TrackID data as well.

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Shannon Jones, the Corvallis car dealer sentenced to 2 years in prison on a federal wire fraud charge, has won a short reprieve.

On May 16, Jones pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Eugene to defrauding customers, lenders and associates of his business, Jones 5 Auto Sales, out of nearly $1.4 million through a variety of crooked deals over a four-year span.

Jones was ordered to turn himself in by 2 p.m. Wednesday to begin serving his 30-month sentence at the federal correctional institution in Sheridan, but late last month his report date was pushed back three weeks to July 26.

Kevin Sonoff, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorneys Office in Oregon, said the delay was the result of a logistical issue and would do nothing to shorten Jones time behind bars.

On the other hand, Jones may be eligible for early release programs under terms of the sentence handed down by Judge Ann Aiken.

Nothing was specifically ruled out at the time of sentencing, Sonoff noted.

Under federal guidelines, Sonoff said, inmates who meet certain conditions can have up to 54 days per year knocked off their sentences. The reduction is calculated at the end of each year served and can be prorated for the final portion of a year, which means Jones should be eligible to have his sentence shortened by a maximum of 135 days, or about 4 months.

Jones was also ordered to pay $1,377,915.68 in restitution to the 43 people he defrauded through his illegal schemes. To date he has repaid 26 of his victims a total of $194,000, Sonoff said, which leaves a little under $1.2 million of the debt remaining.

Jones sentencing order requires him to pay $100 in court fees and make restitution payments of at least $250 per month upon his release, with the money to be distributed proportionately among all creditors until the judgment is satisfied.

The only exception is child support, Sonoff said.

Under terms of his recently completed divorce proceedings, Jones is required to pay his ex-wife, Jennifer Seesz-Jones, $502 a month for the support of the couples three minor children. Sonoff said those payments take precedence over restitution.

Located a few miles southwest of McMinnville on Highway 18, FCI Sheridan is a federal prison complex for men consisting of a medium-security prison and detention center along with a minimum-security prison camp. According to the Bureau of Prisons website, there are currently 1,691 inmates at the complex, including 520 incarcerated in the camp.
Brasilia: Lawyers for Brazil's President Michel Temer presented their defense Wednesday against corruption charges that threaten to drive him from office, denying allegations that he took a $150,000 bribe.

They filed a written defense to a committee in Congress tasked with drawing up a recommendation on whether he should face trial over the allegations.

Temer faces a series of hearings before lawmakers vote on whether he should face a criminal trial over claims he accepted the bribe from a meatpacking firm.

He has denied the accusation, which has made him the first sitting Brazilian president to face formal criminal charges.

"He committed no crime," said his lawyer Antonio Claudio Mariz de Oliveira after filing the written defense.

"This accusation is not against an ordinary citizen. It is against the president of the republic and against Brazil."

Police arrested an adviser of Temer's with a suitcase full of money, which prosecutors allege was destined for Temer as a bribe.

A video has also emerged of Temer apparently approving the payment of hush money to a jailed ally. Temer's lawyer said Wednesday that video was "technically doubtful."

Former vice-president Temer took over as president last year after his leftist predecessor Dilma Rousseff was impeached on charges of budgetary wrongdoing which she branded a "coup."

Temer is trying to push through reforms to save Brazil from recession. But his time in office has been blighted by the resignations of ministers and corruption claims creeping ever closer to his door.

Left-wing deputy Alessandro Molon told reporters Wednesday the government wanted to hurry up the procedures in congress. But he estimated that the full final vote may not take place until August.

The charges come against the backdrop of a sweeping graft investigation which has uncovered systemic corruption in the political and business elite in Latin America's biggest country.
United Nations: Stepping up pressure on China, US Ambassador Nikki Haley warned Beijing on Wednesday that it risks its massive trade with the United States if its business dealings with North Korea violate UN sanctions.

In a hard-hitting speech at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council following Pyongyang's successful launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, she said that "the world has become a more dangerous place" and China has a key role in promoting peace.

"If we act together we can still prevent a catastrophe," Haley said. "We can rid the world of a great threat. If we fail to act in a serious way there will be a different response."

Haley said the United States doesn't seek conflict - "in fact we seek to avoid it." But she said the launch of an ICBM "is a clear and sharp military escalation" and the US is prepared to use its "considerable military forces" to defend itself and its allies "if we must."

But she said the Trump administration prefers "not to go in that direction" but to use its "great capabilities in the area of trade" to address "those who threaten us and ... those who supply the threats."

China is responsible for 90 percent of trade with North Korea, and Haley said she had a long conversation Wednesday morning with President Donald Trump about US clout when it comes to trade.

Until recently, American officials had been describing China as a partner in their strategy to prevent North Korea from developing the ability to strike the US mainland with nuclear weapons. But Trump has expressed growing irritation at Beijing's reluctance to tighten the screw on Pyongyang over its nuclear and missile programs.

"There are countries that are allowing, even encouraging trade with North Korea, in violation of UN Security Council resolutions," Haley said.

"Such countries would also like to continue their trade arrangements with the United States," she said. "That's not going to happen. Our attitude on trade changes when countries do not take international security threats seriously."

Haley said the seven UN sanctions resolutions haven't gotten North Korea to change its "destructive course," and she stressed that much of the burden of enforcing the resolutions rests with China because of its overwhelming trade with its neighbor.

Declaring that it's time to do more, Haley announced that the U.S. will put forward a new Security Council resolution in the coming days "that raises the international response in a way that is proportionate to North Korea's escalation."

She gave no details but said that if the council is united the international community can cut off major sources of hard currency to North Korea, restrict oil to their military and weapons programs, increase air and maritime restrictions, and hold senior officials accountable.

China and Russia, whose presidents met in Moscow on Tuesday, and will be attending the G20 summit with Trump in Hamburg, Germany, later this week where North Korea is certain to be a key issue, proposed a plan for defusing tensions over North Korea that their ambassadors reiterated to the council.

The China-Russia plan includes a suspension-for-suspension - a North Korea moratorium on nuclear and missile tests while the United States and South Korea refrain from large-scale military exercises - and a roadmap to peace and denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

China's UN ambassador, Liu Jieyi, did not respond to Haley and made no mention of US-China trade.

Instead, he strongly urged North Korea to stop "any rhetoric and action that might further exacerbate the tension of the Korean Peninsula."

"We call on all parties concerned to exercise restraint, avoid provocative actions and belligerent rhetoric, demonstrate the will for unconditional dialogue and work actively together to defuse the tension," Liu said. "China is firmly opposed to chaos and confrontation on the peninsula. Military means must not be an option in this regard."

Russian Deputy Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov echoed the call for "restraint rather than provocation and war mongering." He stressed that "any attempts to justify a military solution are inadmissible" and will lead "to unpredictable consequences for the region."

"Attempts to economically strangle North Korea are equally unacceptable as millions of people are in great humanitarian need," Safronkov said.

He also signaled that the United States will likely have a tough time getting Security Council approval for a new sanctions resolution.

"All must acknowledge that sanctions will not resolve the issue," Safronkov said. "In that manner, we simply rush towards a stalemate."

"Just as any attempts to resolve the situation through force are inadmissible," he said the international community needs to take into account North Korea's concerns for security.

Haley asked for the floor at the end of the debate and retorted: "If you are happy with North Korea's actions, veto it."

"If you see this for what it is which is North Korea showing its muscle, then you need to stand strong and vote with the international community to strengthen sanctions," she said.

"If you choose not to we will go our own path," Haley said. "But it makes no sense to not join together on this threat (from) North Korea. They have not had any care for Russia or China in this. ...They're not going to listen to anything that you say."

In her speech, Haley stressed that the United States "will not have patience for stalling or talking our way down to a watered-down resolution"

"We will work with China," she said. "We will work with every country that wants peace, but we will not repeat the inadequate approaches of the past that have brought us to this dark day."
Shirley Yamauchi said she told the flight attendant about the problem, but the woman just shrugged, saying the flight was full, and walked away. (Photo: AFP/Representational)

Houston: An Asian-origin teacher was forced to hold her two-year-old son on her lap for over three hours on a flight until her leg and arm went numb after United Airlines gave away the toddler's seat to a standby passenger, prompting the beleaguered American airline to apologise.

Shirley Yamauchi, from Hawaii, told Hawaii News Now that she bought the airline tickets for a teachers' conference in Boston. As children over the age of two years are required to have their own seat, she purchased a ticket for her son, Taizo - paying almost USD 1,000 each ticket.

The first leg of her last Thursday's trip Hawaii to Houston went fine along with the layover. However, the Kapolei Middle School teacher said they were sitting on the plane in Houston when a flight attendant came to check if Taizo was present.

Yamauchi said her son was clearly in his seat, but another passenger still showed up, claiming the seat was his. "I told him that I bought both of these tickets and he tells me that he got the ticket on standby. Then he proceeds to sit in the centre," she was quoted as saying.

Yamauchi said she told the flight attendant about the problem, but the woman just shrugged, saying the flight was full, and walked away. "I had to move my son onto my lap. He's 25 pounds. He's half my height. I was very uncomfortable. My hand, my left arm was smashed up against the wall. I lost feeling in my legs and left arm," she said.

Yamauchi said she wanted to speak up, but was afraid of retaliation. "I started remembering all those incidents with United on the news. The violence. Teeth getting knocked out. I'm Asian. I'm scared and I felt uncomfortable. I didn't want those things to happen to me," she said.

A United spokesman told The Washington Post that Taizo's boarding pass had been improperly scanned and that because the toddler was not logged in to the system, his seat was released to a standby passenger. Five days after the flight, the airline issued an apology.

"We deeply apologise to Ms Yamauchi and her son for this experience. We are refunding her son's ticket and providing a travel voucher. We are also working with our gate staff to prevent this from happening again," the airline said.

The mother's ordeal during the flight comes following a slew of incidents in which United has been accused by passengers of insensitive behaviour.

In April, a passenger named David Dao refused to give up his seat on a United flight and was dragged, battered and bloodied down the plane aisle by police.

Navang Oza, an Indian-origin man in the US, claimed that the United Airlines cancelled his flight reservation because he filmed an employee during an altercation.

A giant rabbit, who was expected to outgrow his father to become the world's biggest bunny, also died under the care of United Airlines earlier this year.
Jerusalem: Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has gifted Prime Minister Narendra Modi a photo that depicts Indian soldiers leading a British military column to liberate Jerusalem.

Netanyahu gifted Modi the photo during a private dinner that he hosted on Tuesday for the Indian premier at his residence Beit Aghion in Jerusalem with his wife.

"While hosting PM @narendramodi yesterday evening, PM @netanyahu gifted PM Modi a photo," the Prime Minister's Office tweeted.

"The photo depicts Indian soldiers leading a British military column to liberate Jerusalem (December 11, 1917)," it said.

Modi, who arrived in Tel Aviv on Tuesday for a three-day visit, presented the replicas of two sets of relics from Kerala, regarded as key artifacts of the long Jewish history in India.

They comprise two different sets of copper plates that are believed to have been inscribed in 9-10th Century, the PMO had tweeted.

The first set of copper plates is a cherished relic for the Cochin Jews in India. It is regarded as a charter describing the grant of hereditary royal privileges and prerogatives by the Hindu King, Cheraman Perumal (often identified as Bhaskara Ravi Varma), to the Jewish leader Joseph Rabban.

The second set of copper plates is believed to be the earliest documentation of the history of Jewish trade with India.

These plates describe the grant of land and tax privileges by the local Hindu ruler to a church.
Modi, who became the first Indian prime minister to visit the Jewish nation, signed seven agreements to boost bilateral cooperation in key areas like science and technology, water, research and space. (Photo: Twitter)

Tel Aviv: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday left for the German city of Hamburg to attend the G20 Summit after wrapping up his historic three-day visit to Israel during which he discussed key issues like terrorism and economic cooperation with the top Israeli leadership.

"I thank the people and Government of Israel for their hospitality. This successful visit will add more energy to India-Israel relations," Modi said in a tweet.

"A historic visit, filled with many firsts and the promise of future ends as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu goes beyond protocol again to bid farewell to Prime Minister (Narendra Modi)," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Gopal Baglay said in a tweet.

"As journey concludes, voyage begins. With sea of opportunities ahead, Prime Minister Narendra Modi completes ground-breaking visit. #IndiaIsraelFriendship," he said in another tweet.

Modi, who became the first Indian prime minister to visit the Jewish nation, signed seven agreements to boost bilateral cooperation in key areas like science and technology, water, research and space.

The historic visit saw India and Israel elevate their ties to the strategic partnership level with both vowing to do "much more together" to combat growing radicalisation and terrorism while pitching for strong action against those financing and providing sanctuaries to terror groups.

During the visit, Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and underlined the need for the establishment of a just and durable peace in the region that has been marred by years of conflict.

This year, India and Israel are marking 25 years of their diplomatic relations. Modi will attend the G-20 Summit being hosted by Germany on July 7-8 in Hamburg. The theme chosen for this year is 'Shaping an Interconnected World'.
Before visiting the site, Modi said, "This is the final resting place for 44 of the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I to liberate the city." (Photo: MEA India Twitter)

Haifa (Israel): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday visited the Indian cemetery in the Israeli city of Haifa and paid homage to Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during the World War 1 while protecting the city from the powerful forces of the Ottoman Empire.

Modi visited the cemetery on the last day of his visit to Israel. "This is the final resting place for 44 of the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I to liberate the city," Modi had said before visiting the site.

The Indian Army commemorates September 23 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.

In the autumn of 1918, the Indian Brigade was a part of the Allied Forces sweeping northwards through Palestine in what is seen as the last great cavalry campaign in history.

Captain Aman Singh Bahadur and Dafadar Jor Singh were awarded the Indian Order of Merit (IOM) and Captain Anop Singh and 2nd Lt Sagat Singh were awarded the Military Cross (MC) as recognition for their bravery in this battle.

Major Dalpat Singh (MC) is known in the annals of history as the 'Hero of Haifa' for his critical role in the Liberation of the city. He was awarded a military cross for his bravery.

In 2012, the municipality of Haifa decided to immortalise the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers, many of whom are buried in the cemetery here, by including the stories of their valiant efforts in school curricula.

The municipality also decided to organise a ceremony every year to commemorate the role of the Indian Army in liberating the city from Turks after almost 402 years.
The Chinese submarine is believed to be armed with surface-air and long range missiles. (Representational image)

Beijing: After the Sikkim standoff between India and China began, a Chinese warship has been spotted in the Indian Ocean waters, media reports said.

Reports stated that the submarine in Indian Ocean is a Yuan class - conventional diesel electric  submarine. This is the seventh time that Chinese submarine was seen in the Indian Ocean, however first time this year. The submarine is believed to be armed with surface-air and long range missiles.

India is constantly monitoring and recording the movement of Chinese warships through satellites and long range maritime surveillance platforms such as US made P81, the report added.

A senior official who spoke to India Today said, "Over the years, we have augmented our capabilities manifold. More force multipliers are being added. We have the region covered as well."

Read: Sikkim 'incursion' timed ahead of PM's US visit to impress Trump: China

The occurrence could be worrying for India due to the timing, as post the military standoff near Sikkim, China has started invading waterways with deployment of warships in Indian Ocean region.

The reports mentioned that the China has been spying through its warships on Indian Navy activities in Indian Ocean region when there was joint naval exercise between India, US and Japan.

The standoff began with China allegedly claiming the disputed tri-junction of India-Bhutan-China, Doka La, to be their territory. They had also claimed that the Indian troops had crossed the border, which basically is territory under contention.

Read: China dismisses Jaitley's war remarks, says India 'betrayed Sikkim treaty

China on Monday had asked India to withdraw its troops from Doka La. Its spokesperson also dismissed Defence Minister Arun Jaitleys 1962 war remarks stating that even China isnt the same that then it was in 1962 and will take "all necessary measures" to safeguard its territorial sovereignty.

Jaitley was responding to Chinas earlier remark, where it said India should learn from history referring to 1962 war which ended badly for India.

Earlier last week, PTI reported that India has sent its large number of troops in a "non-combative mode" to strengthen its position in an area near Sikkim. This is seen as the longest such impasse between the two armies since 1962.
Last November, China launched the first trade convoy carrying Chinese goods for export through the western route of the $50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and shipped it through Gwadar port. (Photo: AP/Representational)

Beijing: China is planning to launch a road and rail freight service to Pakistan through the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a move which could raise concerns in India.

The new line will start from Lanzhou, capital of northwestern China's Gansu Province, travelling through Kashgar in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to the Gwadar Port of Pakistan, Xu Chunhua, director of Lanzhou International Trade and Logistic Park, was quoted as saying by state-run Xinhua news agency.

However, it has not been specified when the service will be launched. In May last year, a rail and road cargo service opened between Lanzhou and Kathmandu. Xu said the cargo service has been welcomed by south Asian countries.

In 2016, bilateral trade between China and Nepal was over 3 billion yuan (about $440 million), and the volume is forecast to hit 10 billion yuan this year.

Last November, China launched the first trade convoy carrying Chinese goods for export through the western route of the $50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and shipped it through Gwadar port.

The CPEC plan included a train service connecting both the countries in addition to the road connectivity.

The goods were brought by train till Xinjiang and then taken by trucks through the Karakoram mountains. The goods will be exported to countries in the Middle East and Africa.

India has objected to the $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, (CPEC) which is part of the Silk Road.

Pakistan's Gwadar forms the southern Pakistan hub of a $57 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) of infrastructure and energy projects Beijing announced in 2014.

Last year, Pakistan welcomed the first large shipment of Chinese goods at Gwadar, where the China Overseas Port Holding Company took over operations in 2013. It plans to eventually handle 300 million to 400 million tonnes of cargo a year.

The route through Gwadar offers China its shortest path to the oil-rich Middle East, Africa, and most of the Western hemisphere, besides promising to open up remote, landlocked Xinjiang.
Foreign policy observers feel that China is accusing India of disturbing the peace at the Sikkim border to hide the Chinese unilateral aggression. (Representational image)

Beijing: Even as China and India are engaged in a standoff over Sikkim border, Chinese media on Thursday accused New Delhi of oppressing Bhutan and said that Beijing will support and fuel pro-independence appeals in Sikkim to rewrite the Himalayan geopolitics.

Chinese state-run tabloid, Global Times, in an editorial piece said, New Delhi imposed a similar coercive policy on Sikkim, as they are doing with Bhutan -- deposed the king of Sikkim in 1975 and manipulated the country's parliament into a referendum to make Sikkim a state of India.

Comparing Sikkims history with Bhutan, Global Times said, The annexation of Sikkim is like a nightmare haunting Bhutan, and the small kingdom is forced to be submissive to India's bullying.

The editorial further said, India has control and oppression over Bhutan, due to which the Himalayan country has never established diplomatic ties with its neighbour China or with any of the country from international community.

Stating that New Delhi's regional hegemony is swelling to a tipping point, the editorial said, China needs to put more efforts into establishing diplomatic ties with Bhutan at an earlier date as well.

Global Times maintained that India on pretext of helping Bhutan protect sovereignty is blocking Chinas road construction project in the Sikkim area as India is suspicious that China is building the road to cut off the Siliguri Corridor.

Chinese daily also urged, Beijing to reconsider its stance over the Sikkim issue. It said, As long as there are voices in Chinese society supporting Sikkim's independence, the voices will spread and fuel pro-independence appeals in Sikkim.

Mentioning the way to overpower India, the editorial suggested Beijing to adjust its stance on India-sensitive issues that could be a powerful card to deal with New Delhi.

However, with certain conditions, Bhutan and Sikkim will see strong anti-India movements, which will negatively affect India's already turbulent northeast area and rewrite southern Himalayan geopolitics, the editorial said.

Warning that India has to pay for its provocations, the Chinese government mouthpiece, said, Beijing is more powerful yet unwilling to face a confrontation with New Delhi. However, we must have enough tools to deter India from provocations.

China has incessantly asked India to withdraw its troops from the tri-junction disputed area between India-Bhutan-China, allegedly claimed by China as their territory.
India got access to some of the most modern defence technologies of America through Israel, defence analyst Lt-Gen (retd) Amjad Shoaib was quoted as saying by the daily. (Photo: AFP)

Islamabad: Pakistan is closely watching Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic trip to Israel as it can have serious implications on strategic stability in the region, a media report said on Wednesday.

The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan officially does not comment on bilateral visits of other heads of governments and states, but it is closely following Modi's trip since it can have serious implications on strategic stability in the region.

"Israel has long been a major supplier of arms and other defence equipment to India and those deals have deliberately been kept secret by the two sides. However, the two countries are now more open and publicly talk about their deepening defence cooperation," the daily said.

India got access to some of the most modern defence technologies of America through Israel, defence analyst Lt-Gen (retd) Amjad Shoaib was quoted as saying by the daily.

Gen Shoaib said India had greatly benefited from the defence and military ties with Israel.

Dr Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, an international affairs expert, said growing defence cooperation between India and Israel would disturb strategic balance in the South Asian region.

The Quaid-e-Azam University professor believes Israel assistance can propel India's missile programme, something that would undermine Pakistan's policy of maintaining credible deterrence, the daily reported.

"One of the subjects on which the Indian media has created a lot of hype is the threat emanating from terrorism. It has worked hard to relate terrorism with Pakistan and blame it for virtually any terror incident occurring anywhere in India," the daily said.

Narendra Modi's three-day visit to Israel is the first by an Indian Prime Minister to the Jewish nation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu along with his entire cabinet went to Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport to receive Modi in a rare gesture.

Modi, before leaving for Tel Aviv, told an Israeli newspaper that terrorism was a common challenge and said New Delhi and Tel Aviv "can cooperate even more closely" in battling it.

Former ambassador Ali Sarwar Naqvi believes that the Indian media is too much obsessed with Pakistan, saying: "No matter where Modi goes, India always tries to drag Pakistan along."

However, Naqvi was sceptical if Israel would go too far to appease India.

"Pakistan is not under the immediate radar of Israel. Their (Israel) priority at the moment is Middle East."

However, Naqvi said their defence and military cooperation was something that had direct bearing on Pakistan.

For Gen Shoaib, there is a lesson for Pakistan in the ever-growing close relationship between Israel and India.

"If India can cement ties with Israel while at the same time maintaining diplomatic ties with its enemy Iran, why can't Pakistan also show flexibility in its foreign policy," Gen argued.

"Our foreign policy should not be merely aimed at appeasing any particular country. Rather we need to follow our own national interests," he said.

Some analysts have advocated maintaining working relationship with Israel, if not establishing full diplomatic ties, in order to further and protect Pakistan's interests.

In 2005, during former president Pervez Musharraf's tenure, Pakistan and Israel established contacts and even foreign ministers of the two countries met in Turkey. However, things could not make headway further after that.
LEBANON  U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden fielded questions for 90 minutes Wednesday during a town hall meeting at the Edward C. Allworth Veterans' Home, with the bulk of the questions covering health care and veterans issues.

An audience member asked Wyden what's the biggest challenge for Veterans Affairs.

"A lot of people don't understand how dramatically veterans' heath care has changed over the last few decades," Wyden said. "Vets are surviving battlefield injuries that no one even thought possible a few years ago."

He said that means that the government needs to make sure the VA is properly funded and that the system stays current. He added that the veterans population is aging as well, creating more strain on the system.

Wyden said that he believes Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin is up to the challenge. Shulkin was confirmed by a unanimous Senate vote in February.

"I don't think the Senate could order a 7 Up on a 100 to 0 vote," Wyden said.

Former Oregon Director of Veterans Affairs Jim Willis voiced concerns about the Veterans Choice program, which allows veterans to seek care at local hospitals rather than having to schedule a VA appointment or travel to a VA facility.

Willis asked if there was a way to create a formula to properly fund the Veterans Choice Program and traditional VA facilities.

"Jim Willis is being way too logical for the federal government," Wyden quipped.

Wyden said the rollout of that program was a "textbook case of what not to do. It was just a mess." He said patients, providers and family members were unclear how that program worked when it began in 2015.

Wyden said he also has confidence that Shulkin will improve that program.

Willis added that people have criticized the program on grounds that it could be a backdoor way to shut down traditional VA facilities.

"We need both," Wyden said. "We need the traditional facilities. Let's try to get them both right."

Wyden also spoke about the health care bill that is currently being presented in the Senate, and said that when he worked on health care legislation it was a bipartisan effort.

"This bill before the Senate is not bipartisan," he said. "It's just not."

The bill gives tax breaks to those making the most money, he said, and severely cuts Medicaid spending. He noted that the Allworth Veterans' Home is Medicaid/Medicare eligible.

Wyden also spoke about the current Medicare system. He said Medicare is one of the largest items on the federal budget, and noted that when Medicare was first passed, it came in two parts: Part A for hospital visits and Part B for doctors' visits. He said that's no longer the case.

Chronic illness now makes up a majority of the Medicare system, he said, and noted that 10,000 people each day will be turning 65 for several years to come. One result? The system will need more caregivers.

"This is the wave of updating the Medicare guarantee," Wyden said.

Other topics at the town hall included these:

 Janet Quinn, a Cascadia resident, asked if she was ever going to get a post office in her area.

Wyden said he and Sen. Jeff Merkley have put more time into small rural post offices than any two senators ever.

"There will always be a post office, but who will it serve," Wyden said.

Wyden said one reason Oregon small towns need post offices is because of the state's vote by mail system.

"I would like to take Oregon's vote by mail system national," he said. "You'd get a post office and have a paper trail for every ballot cast."

 Talk of that electoral paper trail led him to a discussion of the possible Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

Wyden said several facts suggest there may have been collusion between Trump campaign officials and Russian operatives during the election.

"I'm going to get to the bottom of this, and if there's nothing there, I'll be glad there's nothing there," Wyden said. "I'm not going to let this be swept under the rug."

Wyden said after the meeting that he was impressed by the veterans' home, and by the questions the residents asked.

"The residents were comfortable speaking about the turnover of employees," Wyden said. "That's a good sign."

The event was one of eight town halls Wyden is holding in Oregon during the congressional Fourth of July recess.
President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and services chiefs congratulated the scientists and the nation over successful launch of the missile. (Photo: defence.pk)

Islamabad: Pakistan on Wednesday successfully test fired short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile Nasr, which army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said has put "cold water" on Indian militarys "Cold Start" doctrine.

Nasr is a high-precision weapon system with the ability to be deployed quickly, the army said.

Pakistan Army has conducted a series of training launches and tests during the current week for validation of new technical parameters of NASR with enhanced range from 60-70 kilometres and flight maneuverability.

"Nasr has put cold water on (the) Cold Start (doctrine)," Gen Bajwa said taking a jibe at Indian Army after the training launch of the short-range missile Nasr at an undisclosed location,

Cold Start is a military doctrine developed by the Indian Armed Forces for use in a likely war with Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, he said war must be avoided at all costs and "our strategic capability is a guarantee of peace against a highly militarised and increasingly belligerent neighbour."

He said Pakistan will go to any length to ensure regional peace and stability. He also supported governments efforts for peace through talks.

"We whole-heartedly support all government efforts towards peace through dialogue. Our capability is only meant to ensure, (that) no one thinks that war remains an option,? he said.

He appreciated the training and preparedness of Armed Strategic Force and role of engineers and scientists for the milestone towards Pakistan's credible deterrence capability.

The army chief expressed complete satisfaction at the command and control system of the country and safety and security of all strategic assets.

President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and services chiefs congratulated the scientists and the nation over successful launch of the missile.
There were reports that Modi and Xi may meet on the sidelines of the G20 Summit to resolve the Sikkim standoff.(Photo: AP)

Beijing: China on Thursday said the "atmosphere" was "not right" for a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, amidst a standoff between the armies of the two countries in the Sikkim section.

"The atmosphere is not right for a bilateral meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi," a Chinese Foreign Ministry official said ahead of the G20 Summit in the German city of Hamburg from Friday.

China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan tri-junction for past 19 days after a Chinese Army's construction party attempted to build a road. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.

There were reports that Modi and Xi may meet on the sidelines of the G20 Summit to resolve the standoff.

China's state-run media Wednesday had quoted Chinese analysts as saying that Beijing would be forced to use a "military way" to end the standoff in the Sikkim sector if India refuses to listen to the "historical lessons" being offered by it.
Pakistan is closely watching Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic trip to Israel as it can have serious implications on strategic stability in the region, a media report said today.



The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan officially does not comment on bilateral visits of other heads of governments and states, but it is closely following Modi's trip since it can have serious implications on strategic stability in the region.



"Israel has long been a major supplier of arms and other defence equipment to India and those deals have deliberately been kept secret by the two sides. However, the two countries are now more open and publicly talk about their deepening defence cooperation," the daily said.



India got access to some of the most modern defence technologies of America through Israel, defence analyst Lt-Gen (retd) Amjad Shoaib was quoted as saying by the daily.



Gen Shoaib said India had greatly benefited from the defence and military ties with Israel.



Dr Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, an international affairs expert, said growing defence cooperation between India and Israel would disturb strategic balance in the South Asian region.



The Quaid-e-Azam University professor believes Israel assistance can propel India's missile programme, something that would undermine Pakistans policy of maintaining credible deterrence, the daily reported.



"One of the subjects on which the Indian media has created a lot of hype is the threat emanating from terrorism. It has worked hard to relate terrorism with Pakistan and blame it for virtually any terror incident occurring anywhere in India," the daily said.



Modi's three-day visit to Israel is the first by an Indian prime minister to the Jewish nation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu along with his entire cabinet went to Tel Avivs Ben Gurion airport to receive Modi in a rare gesture.



Modi, before leaving for Tel Aviv, told an Israeli newspaper that terrorism was a common challenge and said New Delhi and Tel Aviv "can cooperate even more closely" in battling it.



Former ambassador Ali Sarwar Naqvi believes that the Indian media is too much obsessed with Pakistan, saying: "No matter where Modi goes, India always tries to drag Pakistan along."



However, Naqvi was sceptical if Israel would go too far to appease India.



"Pakistan is not under the immediate radar of Israel. Their (Israel) priority at the moment is Middle East."



However, Naqvi said their defence and military cooperation was something that had direct bearing on Pakistan.



For Gen Shoaib, there is a lesson for Pakistan in the ever-growing close relationship between Israel and India.



"If India can cement ties with Israel while at the same time maintaining diplomatic ties with its enemy Iran, why cant Pakistan also show flexibility in its foreign policy, Gen argued.



"Our foreign policy should not be merely aimed at appeasing any particular country. Rather we need to follow our own national interests," he said.



Some analysts have advocated maintaining working relationship with Israel, if not establishing full diplomatic ties, in order to further and protect Pakistans interests.



In 2005, during former president Pervez Musharrafs tenure, Pakistan and Israel established contacts and even foreign ministers of the two countries met in Turkey. However, things could not make headway further after that.






While India said that Modi will hold meetings with leaders of countries like Canada, Japan, and the UK on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, there was no mention of any scheduled bilateral meeting with Xi.



The "atmosphere is not right" for a bilateral meeting between Xi and Modi, a Chinese Foreign Ministry official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.



On the sidelines of the G20 summit, which starts tomorrow, a meeting of BRICS leaders is scheduled to take place. The grouping comprises India and China in addition to Russia, Brazil and South Africa.



China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan tri-junction for the past three weeks after a Chinese Army's construction party attempted to build a road. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.



China reiterated its position today during a briefing by Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang.

Geng expressed hope that "India can immediately withdraw the border troops to the Indian side of the boundary to uphold the peace tranquillity of the China and India border areas".



"We strongly urge India to pull back to the Indian side of the boundary to avoid the situation from getting worse and have some more serious consequences," he said.



Pulling back the troops "is the pre-condition for any meaningful peace talks between the two sides," he told a media briefing here.



Asked about a possible meeting between Modi and Xi on the sidelines of the G20 summit, he said "relevant information" will be released in a timely manner. He did not elaborate.



China's state-run media yesterday quoted Chinese analysts as saying that Beijing would be forced to use a "military way" to end the standoff in the Sikkim sector if India refuses to listen to the "historical lessons" being offered by it.



Asked about Indian minister of state for defence Subhash Bhamre's remarks that the standoff can be resolved diplomatically and Chinese soldiers should leave the Bhutanese territory to reduce tension in the area, Geng said, "We noted the statement".



"We have said many times that the illegal entry of Indian border troops at the defined section and mutually recognised boundary is different in nature from previous frictions at the undefined part of the boundary," Geng said.



Geng rejected allegations that Chinese troops entered Bhutan's territory. Bhutan has already lodged a protest with China saying that the road being built by Chinese troops was in its territory.



He said the area is "undisputable" and Dokalam has always been under the "effective jurisdiction of China."



China and Bhutan have held 24 rounds of talks, he noted, adding that China has never breached the accepted conventions in the area.



He accused India of illegally entering Chinese territory China, "thus hindering the negotiation process between China and Bhutan."



However, India has said it is "deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India".



Geng questioned India's apprehension that the strategic road being built by China in Dokalam area in the Sikkim sector could hand China the advantage as Beijing may use it to cut off India's access to its north-eastern states.



"I don't understand why building of a road by China can bring serious risk to India. China building road on its own territory is a justified action by a sovereign state," he said.



Without mentioning the massive infrastructure development undertaken by China in Tibet and at other parts of the Line of Actual Control, Geng also accused India of building infrastructure along the border without taking into consideration China's security concerns.



The "atmosphere" is "not right" for a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, a Chinese official said today amidst a standoff between the armies of the two countries in the Sikkim section.China also "strongly" urged India to pull back to avoid the situation from getting worse and lead to "some more serious consequences."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today visited the Indian cemetery in the Israeli city of Haifa and paid homage to Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during the World War 1 while protecting the city from the powerful forces of the Ottoman Empire.



Modi visited the cemetery on the last day of his visit to Israel.



"This is the final resting place for 44 of the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I to liberate the city," Modi had said before visiting the site.



The Indian Army commemorates September 23 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.



In the autumn of 1918, the Indian Brigade was a part of the Allied Forces sweeping northwards through Palestine in what is seen as the last great cavalry campaign in history.



Captain Aman Singh Bahadur and Dafadar Jor Singh were awarded the Indian Order of Merit (IOM) and Captain Anop Singh and 2nd Lt Sagat Singh were awarded the Military Cross (MC) as recognition for their bravery in this battle.



Major Dalpat Singh (MC) is known in the annals of history as the 'Hero of Haifa' for his critical role in the Liberation of the city. He was awarded a military cross for his bravery.



In 2012, the municipality of Haifa decided to immortalise the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers, many of whom are buried in the cemetery here, by including the stories of their valiant efforts in school curricula.

The municipality also decided to organise a ceremony every year to commemorate the role of the Indian Army in liberating the city from Turks after almost 402 years.
The Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) World 10K 2017 has raised a record Rs 7.55 crores for charity with an aim to raise Rs 10 crore next year.



"A record Rs 7.55 crore has been contributed this year, 25 per cent more than last year," India Cares Foundation Chairperson Murray Culshaw told reporters here.

"We are aiming to raise at least 10 crores next year," TCS (Bangalore Operations) Vice President and Head Nagraj Ijari added.



With over 23,000 people running this edition, 91 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) benefited from funds, Culshaw said.



A total of Rs 1,70,54,210 was collectively raised by the top three CSOs Isha Vidya belonging to the Association of People with Disability and Vidya Sagar, he said.



In the Care Champions category, MM Nikhilesh, NM Nagashree and MM Vignesh raised over Rs 8,00,000 each for Kalisu Foundation working with government schools in Mysuru, Culshaw said.



Amongst the top corporate contributors, First American and KPMG, collectively contributed Rs 29,05,000, he said.



Also, employees of TE Connectivity raised Rs 15,59,663 with the Corporate Cares category raising a total amount of Rs 1,31,22,063, Culshaw said. The youngest fund raisers in Youth Cares category saw CherYsh Trust represented by Ethan Martin, Abhinav Senthil and Yash Chandrashekar raising Rs 1,46,000, he said.



Most notably, 11-year-old Maya DSouza of Vidyashilp Academy took home the Youngest Care Champion award for pledging 2.24 lakh towards Reaching Hand, an orphanage in the city, Culshaw said.



"My parents inspired me the most and encouraged me to run (the 10k). I wanted to help the orphanage, which I have visited since I was five and where I have made many friends," Maya said.
Qatar Airways announced today that it had won exemption from a US ban on passengers taking laptops and tablet computers on flights from its Doha hub.



It is the latest carrier after Abu Dhabi's Etihad, Dubai's Emirates and Turkish Airlines to meet new rules imposed by Washington in March for direct flights from 10 airports in Turkey, the Middle East and North Africa.



"Qatar Airways is pleased to confirm that with immediate effect, all personal electronic devices can be carried on board all departures from Hamad International Airport to the United States," the airline said.



"Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport have met with all requirements of the US Department of Homeland Security's new security guidelines."



Washington drew up the new guidelines after intelligence officials learnt of efforts by the Islamic State group to produce a bomb that could be hidden inside electronic devices. They required the installation of sophisticated imaging technology for X-ray and ultrasound screening of carry-on devices.



All other electronic devices larger than a mobile phone had to be transported only in checked luggage.



Etihad was the first airline to meet the new requirements, with its exemption starting on Sunday. It was followed by Turkish Airlines and Emirates on Wednesday.
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi is understood to have warned his party leaders of action if they continued to target Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, to smooth ruffled feathers of the crucial ally.



The JD(U), of which Kumar is the president, reciprocated by hinting that it would go with the opposition in the upcoming vice-presidential election.



Media reports said Gandhi intervened in favour of Kumar and instructed party leaders not to criticise the Bihar chief minister.



Bihar Congress president Ashok Choudhary confirmed to PTI that he had a meeting with Gandhi earlier this week in Delhi but refused to divulge what transpired there.



The reports said that Gandhi, during his meeting with Choudhary, hinted that action would be taken against leaders issuing statements against Kumar.

Gandhi was absent when the Congress-JD(U) spat broke out.



The sparring began after senior Congress leader Gulam Nabi Azad attacked Kumar for breaking ranks with the opposition and supporting NDA's pick Ram Nath Kovind for the July 17 presidential poll.



He had alleged that Kumar wanted to ensure the defeat of 'Bihar ki Beti' Meira Kumar, who is the opposition's candidate for the poll.



People having one ideology take one decision while those with many ideologies take different decisions, Azad had said, apparently referring to JD (U)'s long association with BJP.



Some state leaders of the Congress subsequently attacked Kumar, who returned the fire by questioning Congress's shift from the ideologies of Mahatama Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.



The JD(U) chief made it clear that his party was no "pichlagoo" (camp follower) of any party.



The war of words between the JD(U) and the Congress threatened the Grand Alliance government in Bihar, which includes the Congress and RJD of Lalu Prasad.



Kumar's bonding with Rahul Gandhi is well known in political circles.

It is also known that it was at Gandhi's intervention that the Congress had put pressure on Prasad to announce Kumar as the chief ministerial candidate on the eve of the 2015 Bihar Assembly poll.



The patch up between the two parties seems to have come at the right time as the combined opposition presidential candidate Meira Kumar is arriving in Bihar today on a three-day visit.



She is scheduled to meet Congress and RJD legislators and parliamentarians. However, no meeting with chief minister Kumar has been fixed.



Reacting positively to the Congress gesture, JD(U) has hinted that it could side with the opposition in the August vice-presidential poll.



"If our party is invited to participate in a meeting of the opposition to discuss the issue of vice-presidential election, we will certainly attend," JD(U) national spokesman K C Tyagi told PTI over phone.



JD(U) would support the united opposition's candidate in the vice-president election, provided it is invited and consulted, he said.



Asked who would represent JD(U) in the proposed opposition's meeting, Tyagi said that it would be decided by Kumar and senior party leader Sharad Yadav.



Choudhary, who is also the education minister in the Nitish Kumar-led government, told PTI, "We expect JD(U) would be with us in the vice-presidential poll."
March 12, 1931  July 3, 2017

Helen Jo Brown, 86, of Lebanon passed away on Monday, July 3, 2017 at Evergreen Hospice House in Albany surrounded by her husband and children.

She was born March 12, 1931 in Lebanon to Joe and June Gilbert. She had a younger brother, Arthur Gilbert.

She grew up on the family ranch in Berlin and greatly enjoyed her childhood. She was blessed with family, home, horses and pets - she especially loved to ride her horses.

She moved to Lebanon with her parents in 1948. Her childhood home is still in the family - which she loved to frequently visit and reminisce.

Helen and her husband John lived in Lebanon most of their lives. They spent a few summers in Eastern Oregon on her Fathers cattle ranch with their young family. They also moved to Hawaii in 1968 for a brief work in the timber industry.

Returning to Oregon, they bought a cattle ranch and moved to Keating, Oregon. They also lived in Baker City for eight years and made many friends in the Baker Valley area. She learned to snow ski when she was 45 and enjoyed the sport with her family.

John and Helen returned to Lebanon in 1981 to assist her father, Joe Gilbert, in his personal and business affairs as his health was declining from Alzheimers.

Helen loved to sew and quilt. Even the letters WMQ were on the license plate of her car - which she jokingly related to Women Must Quilt. She belonged to a pinochle club and loved playing cards with her friends and family.

She worked for Adams Rexall Drug Store for several years and always remarked how much she loved her job because she got to see and talk to so many people. She loved people and always found the good in everyone she met. Helen also worked as a CASA Volunteer.

Helen suffered from Alzheimers for the past 10 years. She was courageous and loving throughout the illness, which ultimately was her cause of death.

She had a few health care workers who came into her home over the years to help out. She of course, became very fond of a few of them like Morgan, Cece, Michaela and Angelina.

Besides her family, she deeply loved her friends whether they were life-long friends or new friends and neighbors. For the last six years, she has greatly enjoyed and loved her neighbors, Jacen and Mary Johns, who included the Brown family as their own  participating together in all the holiday and birthday gatherings. The Johns have become honorary family and a blessing in so many ways.

She loved everyone she met and always spoke wonderful things about them. She greeted everyone with her beautiful smile and a warm generous heart. She was an inspiration to those who knew her, always full of love and life and an infectious sense of humor. All who knew her dearly loved her and she will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 57 years, John A. Brown; daughters Gayle Jaca-Combs and husband Bret of Baker City, Debra Lilly of Lebanon; and son John G. Brown and wife Christi of Boise, Idaho; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Her daughter Lisa Brown; parents; and her younger brother preceded Helen in death.

She is now at home in heaven and reunited with her loved ones.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 15, at the Southside Church of Christ in Lebanon.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to Samaritan Evergreen Hospice House or the Alzheimers Association and sent in care of Huston-Jost Funeral Home, 86 W. Grant St., Lebanon, OR 97355.
BJP leader Subramanian Swamy today moved the Delhi High Court seeking a court-monitored probe by a CBI-led Special Investigation Team into the death of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's wife Sunanda Pushkar.



Swamy has alleged that "inordinate delay" has been caused in the investigation "which is a blot on the justice system".



He has sought a court-monitored investigation by setting up of a multi-disciplinary SIT consisting of Intelligence Bureau, Enforcement Directorate, RAW, Delhi Police and headed by the CBI in the case.



Pushkar was found dead in a suite of a five-star hotel in south Delhi here on the night of January 17, 2014.



"The case referred to in this petition is an extreme example of the slow motion of the criminal justice process and the extent to which it can be subverted by the rich and influential," the plea filed through advocate Ishkaran Singh Bhandari said.



It said "the fact that influential political personalities and their henchmen are involved in this case presents an added dimension to the issue and raises questions on the efficacy of the existing systems and practices to counter the moves of such influential persons facing serious criminal charges."



In May this year, after a newly-launched TV channel aired a news relating to Pushkar's death, Tharoor had filed a civil defamation suit against the channel's managing director in the High Court claiming damages and compensation of Rs two crore for allegedly making defamatory remarks towards him.
A 40-year-old man accidentally killed himself when he fired shots in the air to celebrate his daughter's eighth birthday in Haryana's Karnal city, police said today.



Manoj Kumar, a transporter, died of a gunshot wound to his chest last night, they said.



"The incident occurred during the birthday celebrations of Kumar's daughter. He told his family members that he wanted to fire a few shots in the air to celebrate the occasion," SHO at the Karnal City Police Station, Rajbir Singh, said over phone.



He fired the shots from the terrace of his house. "The second bullet misfired from his licenced double-barrel gun and hit him in the chest. He died on the spot," Singh said.



The police has found no evidence of foul play yet and is investigating how the gun misfired. A team from the Forensic Sciences Laboratory also reached the spot after the incident, he said.
The UK has begun moving its most extremist prisoners, including those who have been involved in planning terrorism, to special cells dubbed "jihadi jails" to tackle growing radicalisation within the country's prison system.



The first such specialist centre has been set up at HMP Frankland near Durham in north-east England. Two other centres, which are expected to be at HMP Full Sutton near York and at HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire, are due to open in the coming months and the three centres together will hold up to 28 of the most subversive extremist prisoners.



"Any form of extremism must be defeated wherever it is found, and it is right that we separate those who pose the greatest risk in order to limit their influence over other prisoners," said UK's Prison Minister Sam Gyimah.



"These centres are a crucial part of our wider strategy to help tackle extremism in prisons and ensure the safety and security of both our prisons and the wider public," he said.



The mental health of the inmates being considered for referral to the units must be examined and each will have a care and management plan, and their placement will be reviewed every three months.



The UK's Ministry of Justice (MOJ) said those selected for separation in the specialist centres include those who have been involved in planning terrorism or are considered to pose a risk to national security.



Those seeking to influence others to commit terrorist crimes, or whose extremist views are purposely undermining good order and security in the prison estate, may also be sent to the centres.



The creation of the separate specialist units  dubbed jihadi jails or jails within jails  marks a break with the long-standing policy of dispersing convicted terrorist prisoners throughout the eight top security jails that make up the high security prison estate in England and Wales.



The decision to isolate the most dangerous subversives to prevent them from influencing others follows the Acheson review into Islamist extremism in prisons.



It had recommended such prisoners be removed from the general prison population and be given effective de-radicalisation interventions.
Fearing trouble on the first death anniversary of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, authorities have beefed up security across the Kashmir valley and also decided to block social media sites to prevent rumor mongering.



Sources said more than 200 additional companies of central forces have already arrived in the Valley to ensure there is no trouble this time. With Amarnath yatra also going on, authorities dont want to take any risk. Police have already detained hundreds of workers of separatist organizations and seized more than 500 bikes to thwart any attempt by the Hurriyat to mobilize people on July 8, they said.



Separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik have called for a complete shutdown on July 8 and asked people to reach Tral, the native town of Burhan, where they plan to address a huge gathering jointly.



However, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, Muneer Khan said they will leave no stone unturned to ensure that peace and law and order are maintained in the Valley. There is no question of allowing any rally or a gathering. Primary concern for security agencies will be to ensure that there is no breach of peace anywhere, he told reporters.



Khan said that they were not planning a blanket ban on the Internet on Burhans anniversary in the valley. There is nothing like suspending the Internet. Every step will be taken as per requirement and the situation will be reviewed on day-to-day basis, he said.



The state government has already announced a 10-day summer vacation in all educational institutions from July 6. The vacations coincide with a protest schedule issued by the separatists and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir based United Jehad Council (UJC), an umbrella of militant organizations.



22-year-old Burhan, who kept the security agencies on tenterhooks for six years, before getting killed in a brief gunfight in Kokernag, Anantnag on July 8, last year is considered a poster boy of new-age militancy in Kashmir. His killing triggered a six-month-long uprising that left more than 90 civilians, mostly youth, dead in action by security forces. Two cops were also killed during the protests.
Amid China's aggressive posturing in the Asiatic region, India and Vietnam discussed "concrete and feasible" steps to protect their interests while seeking to bolster their strategic bilateral ties.



Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Vietnam Pham Binh Minh, who concluded his four-day visit to India today, told PTI in an interview that the two sides also discussed the progress of implementation of the high-level agreements between them for creating a stable and facilitating framework to help their relations grow more "substantively".



The Vietnamese leader's visit comes in the midst of growing maritime aggression of China in the South China Sea as also its military stand off with India in the Sikkim sector.



Vietnam and several other countries, including Brunei and the Philippines, are involved in territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea, seen as a potentially explosive diplomatic issue in east Asia.



China has also been objecting to India's oil exploration projects in maritime areas offered by Vietnam in the South China Sea, claiming that it enjoys indisputable sovereignty there. However, India has been dismissive of Chinese objections, insisting its cooperation with Vietnam was as per international laws and that it would like the cooperation to grow.



Talking about the economic ties between the two countries, the Vietnamese leader said many of India's major corporations are investing in various projects in Vietnam such as the Tatas in Long Phu II thermal power plant in Soc Trang and ONGC Videsh in oil and gas exploration on Vietnam's continental shelf."



During his visit, apart from participating in the India-ASEAN ministerial meet on July 4, he held bilateral meetings with Indian leadership, including President Pranab Mukherjee and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.



After the meeting with Swaraj, the MEA issued a statement saying both sides reiterated their support for peace, stability, security, safety, freedom of navigation and over flight, and unimpeded commerce based on the principles of international law, as reflected notably in the UNCLOS.



The reiteration of their stand came as the two sides noted the order issued by the Arbitral Tribunal, constituted under the UN Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS), on the dispute between China and the Philippines which said Beijing did not have sovereign ownership over several disputed islands in the South China Sea. China had rejected the order.



Noting that many issues pertinent to bilateral relations were discussed during his talks here, the Vietnamese leader said they exhanged views on "concrete and feasible measures appropriate to the situation of each country as well as the international and regional state of affairs in order to substantively and effectively implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2016".



In the interview, the Vietnamese deputy prime minister also talked about cooperation in the areas of trade, defence and security.



"The establishment of the Strategic Partnership in 2007, which was upgraded to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September 2016, has created an important framework for our bilateral cooperation to expand and deepen in all areas: politics and diplomacy, defense and security, economy and trade, science and technology, and education and training, among many others," he said.



Economically, India is among Vietnam's top ten trade partners, with a bilateral trade turnover of USD 7 billion, he said, adding by the end of May 2017, India's total registered FDI in Vietnam stood at USD 772 million, with 145 investment projects.
Having lost patience with China, the Trump administration is studying new steps to starve North Korea of cash for its nuclear program, including an option that would infuriate Beijing: sanctions on Chinese companies that help keep the North's economy afloat.



It's an approach that's paid off for the US in the past, especially with Iran, where American economic penalties helped drive Tehran to the nuclear negotiating table. Yet there are significant risks, too, including the possibility of opening a new rift with Beijing that could complicate US diplomatic efforts on other critical issues.



The renewed look at "secondary sanctions" comes as Washington seeks a forceful response to North Korea's test this week of an intercontinental ballistic missile that could strike the United States. Few are advocating a military intervention that could endanger millions of lives in allied South Korea across the border. But options for turning the screw on the North financially also are imperfect.



Already, a wide array of US and international sanctions target North Korean entities and officials, making it illegal for Americans to do business with them.



The US also has pursued companies outside North Korea accused of surreptitiously helping the communist country, such as a small Chinese bank the US penalized last week for allegedly laundering money for North Korea.



The sanctions effectively deterred European firms from doing business with Iran and commercial powers such as China and India were encouraged to buy less Iranian petroleum.



North Korea's isolation, which is far greater than Iran's was, could make it even more susceptible to such pressure. China accounts for about 90 percent of North Korea's trade.



But China has leverage, too, which is why previous US administrations have held back. China is now the world's second-largest economy, it holds trillions of dollars in US debt and its companies are increasingly tied financially with the West.



And angering Beijing could lead to unpredictable responses in places like the South China Sea, where Beijing has various territorial disputes with America's allies and partners in Southeast Asia.



"It will put a magnifying glass on Chinese businesses that the Chinese government may not want," said Doreen Edelman, an attorney at Baker Donelson who specializes in sanctions compliance.
The recovery in growth momentum for the Indian IT companies seems to be far away due to the delay in the much-anticipated deregulation and the tax rate reforms in the US.



While most of the top Indian IT companies are expected to show a minimal growth unlike expectations at the beginning of the financial year, the revenues for Wipro are expected to decline by 1.4% on year-on-year (YoY) basis, in its first quarter results. However, the bright spot in the industry seems to be HCL Technologies, whose revenues are expected to go up by 7.7% on YoY basis, and Tech Mahindra with 4% growth, in terms of revenues, according to a report by financial services firm, Motilal Oswal.



The total industry revenues, for Tier-1 IT companies (TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCL and Tech Mahindra) are expected to grow by 2.1% to Rs 79,600 crore, while the industry profits are slated to decline by the similar percentage to Rs 14,200 crore.



The revenues of countrys largest IT services company, TCS, are expected to grow by a mere 1.4% to Rs 29,700 crore, while its profit is slated to decline by 1.9% to Rs 6,200 crore.



The only two companies that are expected to show growth in net profit are Infosys and HCL, albeit negligible. While the report predicts 0.1% increase in the profits of Infosys to Rs 3,400 crore, the profits of Tech Mahindra are expected to grow by 0.7% to Rs 2,100 crore.



The report predicts a gloomy quarter for Wipro, with 9.5% decline in its profits to Rs 1,900 crore compared with Rs 2,100 crore. We see growth marred by healthcare vertical prospects at Wipro, the report says.



If industry insiders are to be believed the growth in Tech Mahindra and HCL has been propelled by higher growth rates in Banking, Financial services and Insurance (BFSI) and manufacturing segments. Tech Mahindra will lead the BFSI growth, while HCL is expected to be leading the growth in revenues from the manufacturing vertical. The growth in Tech Mahindra has been aided by their DAVID (digital, automation, verticalization, innovation and disruption) drive.



The Indian rupee appreciated by 3% against the US dollar during the first quarter. Despite TCS being the only company this quarter among the top Tier with full wage hike implementation, we notice YoY margins under continued pressure across the board, the report said. The YoY margins are expected to move in a narrow range (-240 basis points to +20 basis points) across the top tier, with Tech Mahindra faring the worst.



The Indian IT industry is set to announce first quarter financial results next week starting with TCS.
No-frills carrier IndiGo on Thursday ruled out acquiring stakes in Air India in a joint venture with the government while making it clear that it is interested only in the national carrier's international operations.



The airline, however, said it will venture into long-haul low-cost international operations with or without the national carrier.



The airline founders Rahul Bhatia and Rakesh Gangwal said IndiGo is interested in Air India's international operations only but they were not sure whether the government will be ready to sell only a portion of it to them.



The remarks at a conference call with investors and analysts came as there were concerns that IndiGo may bid for the national carrier, which has a debt of over Rs 50,000 crore.



The government had on June 28 gave an in-principle cleared the proposal to disinvest Air India and the next day itself, IndiGo sent an expression of interest to the Ministry of Civil Aviation on bidding for Air India.



"IndiGo is not looking at acquiring all of Air India's subsidiaries. Within Air India, we are interested in Air India's international operations. From day one, our interest is in international operations," Bhatia told investors.



He said the carrier would have to "assess" the feasibility of buying the whole carrier in case the government opts to only sell the business as a whole.



"We aim profitable growth and not aim to become bigger for the sake of becoming bigger. We are not interested in taking assets which we have to monetise at a later date," he said.



Gangwal said a joint venture with the government was not a preferred option for the airline. He said airline would not get into such a proposition even if the government holds minority stakes only.



He also said even if they acquire Air India, they would not go full-service as that model does not work for IndiGo. "If we go, we will enter with a low-cost model...We will venture into long-haul low-cost international operations with or without Air India," he said.



At present, IndiGo flies to seven international destinations -- Bangkok, Doha, Dubai, Kathmandu, Muscat, Singapore and Sharjah -- all short-haul flights and the airline has now shown its intention to operate flights to the United States and Europe.



Acknowledging the strengths of Air India's international operations, Gangwal said the national carrier has taken 70 years to create the huge network and they cannot do it quickly. "It will take us a long, long time to replicate what Air India has done and we do not believe we will be able to replicate Air India in the near future," he said.


A BJP's fact-finding team will visit areas of West Bengal, seized with violence due to objectionable social media post, and submit a report to party president Amit Shah.



The four members of the team -- OM Mathur, Kailash Vijayavargiya, Meenakshi Lekhi and Satyapal Singh -- will ascertain reason for flare up in areas including Basirhat of North-24 Parganas district. Since Sunday Basirhat and adjoining Baduria are witnessing violent protests after a class XI student posted derogatory images on his Facebook page.



Meanwhile, party general secretary in-charge of West Bengal Vijayavargiya and state unit chief Dilip Ghosh were reportedly accosted by demonstrators when they visited a government hospital to interact with relatives of what they claimed victim of communal riots.
The cracks within the ruling Grand Alliance became all the more apparent when the Janata Dal (United) questioned Congress-led Opposition candidate Meira Kumars Bihar visit on Thursday.



If she is really Bihar ki Beti, she should have launched her presidential election campaign from her home State, remarked JD (U) spokesperson and Nitishs close aide, Neeraj Kumar.



The former Lok Sabha Speaker, who reached here on a three-day State visit, is likely to meet the Congress and RJD MLAs and draw strategies how to drum up more support.



She is, however, unlikely to meet Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who, till Wednesday, was reported to be indisposed as he was suffering from viral fever.



On Thursday, Nitish suddenly left for Nalanda and Rajgir amid speculation that he wanted to avoid an embarrassing situation if Meira Kumar indeed sought an appointment with the Bihar CM.



Nitish, who is firmly backing NDA nominee Ramnath Kovind, is unlikely to change his preferential choice for the presidential poll. Meira Kumars Bihar visit is an exercise in futility as there is a huge gap of three lakh votes between the two main opponents for the top post, said another spokesperson of the JD (U), Ajay Alok.



The Congress party, which did not appreciate JD (U)s tone and tenor, said Meira never intended to meet Nitish or seek the support of his 71 MLAs. When Nitish has already pledged his support to the NDA nominee, whats the point in meeting him, said Bihar Congress president Ashok Choudhary, who is also Education Minister in the Nitish Cabinet.



Meira, who will visit her birth placeChandwa near Ara on Friday, will also hold talks with 27 Congress and 80 RJD MLAs at a posh hotel. Besides, she will have a separate meeting with RJD chief Lalu Prasad before leaving for Jharkhand on Saturday.


Anti-defection law does not apply to presidential poll, the Election Commission clarified on Thursday.



No political party can issue a whip to its MPs and MLAs for a particular candidate, which would be constituted as an offence under section 171C of the IPC, the poll panel said, citing orders of the Supreme Court in related cases.



The EC said the MPs and MLAs, who constitute the electoral college, were at liberty "to vote for anyone or not to vote" in the presidential election "as per their own free will and choice.



The EC's reminder about the non-application of any whip or directive from any party to its MPs and MLAs was to clarify what it said "certain doubts" that have arisen in the minds of some electors.



The poll panel said these "doubts" related to the question whether a member of a political party voting in defiance of the political partys decision would attract the disqualification on the ground of defection under the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution of India or the political party taking such decision would be liable to any penalty for asking their members to vote in a particular manner or not to vote at all.



The EC's statement comes amid the talk of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) expecting its nominee Ram Nath Kovind to win the support of many MPs and MLAs belonging to the opposition parties, disregarding their leadership's choice of former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar.



During the past also, the EC said, similar questions were raised during the presidential elections. Reiterating its position, the poll panel drew attention to past clarifications that were issued through press notes.



The Commission would like to clarify in this context that the voting at election to the Office of President of India is not compulsory, like the voting at elections to the House of the People and State Legislatures where also there is no compulsion to vote," the poll panel said.



The EC held that: "The electoral right of a voter is defined in section 171A(b) of the Indian Penal code to mean the right of a person to stand, or not to stand as, or to withdraw from being, a candidate or to vote or refrain from voting at election.



"Thus, every elector at the presidential election has the freedom of making a choice to vote for any of the candidates or not to vote at the election, as per his free will and choice.



"This will equally apply to the political parties and they are free to canvas or seek votes of electors for any candidate or requesting or appealing to them to refrain from voting.



"However, the political parties cannot issue any direction or whip to their members to vote in a particular manner or not to vote at the election leaving them with no choice, as that would tantamount to the offence of undue influence within the meaning of section 171C of the IPC," the EC said.



The EC said voting at election to the office of President is different from voting by a member of Parliament or State Legislature inside the House and that, as held by the Supreme Court in Kuldip Nayar vs Union of India (AIR 2006 SC 3127).



In that case, the EC said, the question was whether the provisions of Tenth Schedule to the Constitution would be attracted in the case of the election to the Rajya Sabha if a member of a State Legislative Assembly votes for a candidate in defiance the partys directions, where the votes are now given by the system of open voting.



The apex Court held that an elector would not attract the penal provisions of the Tenth Schedule for having so voted at the Rajya Sabha election.



It observed that "It is not correct to contend that the open ballot system tends to expose the members of the Legislative Assembly to disqualification under the Tenth Schedule since that part of the Constitution is meant for different purposes.



Earlier also, the EC recalled, the Supreme Court had observed in Pashupati Nath Sukul vs Nem Chandra Jain (AIR 1984 SC 399) that elections to the Rajya Sabha by members of the State Legislative Assemblies are a non-legislative activity and not a proceeding within the State Legislature.



The poll panel noted that election to the office of the president is also held by an electoral college which consists of elected members of both House of Parliament and elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies (under Article 54 of the Constitution).



"The electors of this electoral college vote at the Presidential election as member or the said electoral college and the voting at such election is outside the House concerned and not a part of the proceeding of the House. Therefore, with the above-quoted observations of the Honble Supreme Court in the case of Kuldip Nayar (Supra) and Pashupati Nath Sukul (Supra), will apply with equal force at the presidential election as well," the EC said.



Accordingly, in the EC's opinion, "the voting or not voting as per his/her own free will at the presidential election will not come within the ambit of disqualification under the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution of India and the electors are at liberty to vote or not to vote at the Presidential election as per their own free will and choice.


All parties of Darjeeling hills today decided to continue with the indefinite shutdown, which entered its 22nd day, saying the people want it to go on till their dream of a separate Gorkhaland state is achieved.



A five-hour-long meeting witnessed an intense debate on whether to continue the bandh, which started on June 15 for a separate Gorkhaland state, before deciding to carry on with it.



"There was intense debate on whether to continue the shutdown or not. But most of the members of the GMCC were in favour of continuing the shutdown. People of the hills want this to continue till the dream of Gorkhaland is achieved," Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh president Sukhman Moktan told PTI.



The all-party meeting saw the first assembly of the newly-formed Gorkhaland Movement Coordination Committee (GMCC). It has 30 members who are representatives of all the hill based parties like the GJM, the GNLF, the JAP and the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh.



The next all-party meeting will be held on July 18. Moktan said a resolution was passed condemning the "police provocation" in Kalimpong yesterday. Several GJM supporters and police personnel were injured yesterday during clashes between them.



"We also condemned the way Trinamool Congress workers and police are stopping supply trucks from coming to the hills. But such tricks will not stop us from continuing our strike in the hills," he said.



According to a GMCC member, Harka Bhadur Chetri's Jan Andolan Party (JAP) and Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) were in favour of withdrawing the shutdown as it is leading to a food crisis in the hills.



"But GJM and other parties were in favour of continuing the strike. They feel it the only way to have their demands being accepted by the government," said the GMCC member on condition of anonymity.



Besides, GJM chief Bimal Gurung's statement two days ago that the party would continue the shutdown has put an added pressure on the members of the GMCC, he said.



Today's meeting, the third in 22 days, started at 1 pm and lasted till 6 pm. The first two all-party meetings were held on June 20 and June 29.



Meanwhile, GJM activists today took out rallies demanding Gorkhaland in various parts of the hills. Except pharmacies, all the shops, schools and colleges remained closed.



While Internet service remained suspended for the 19th day in a row, the police and security forces patrolled the streets and kept tight vigil at the entry and exit routes.
While urbanites may be starved for space, there are tricks to plant trees in the minimum available space. So then, why are we not doing this, asks Surabhi Johri



Bengaluru is lamenting over the constant loss of green cover, the greenscape that makes it the cool city. Literally, one can feel the difference in temperatures near buildings and those around lung spaces. Nothing comes close to rich tree-lined roads that have been sheltering vehicles, public spaces and fauna.



Its always a respite to drive on these roads or walk on those footpaths. Very calmly it takes away a whole lot of stress of commuting without saying a word or asking anything of you. Therefore, loss of these long standing silent guardians is a very serious debate and is completely relevant.



Unfortunately, trees do not have a marketing machinery that can feed minds constantly about how much they are needed for our holistic well-being, especially in a city with shooting stress levels. I cant help but think what we can do in our individual capacities to keep the greenery close to us.



I do see a huge untapped possibility and one that can redefine the urban landscape. Individuals can be homeowners, individuals can be land and building developers, individuals can be those who define and design the structures. The scope and the urgency to adopt the change have to be acknowledged and tapped. If you feel the urge to do your bit, here, I equip you with enabling information.



For starters



As homeowners, you can choose to grow significant green screen in the form of trees, shrubs, vines etc. Places can be, of course, on the direct ground, but lack of that does not close your options. If you decide to choose action in your capacity, then, explore open spaces in and around your house. If the neighbourhood allows space for plantation, examine the clearance from building and structures etc. Larger the clearance, bigger the tree can be.



Trees have a natural capacity for size and based on that, the category should be determined. Generally, sizes fall under small, medium, large and very large. Small trees can work in a clearance of three to five feet around each other. Large and very large trees must be planned and spaces should be provided for ahead of construction. If clearance is less, consider planting shrubs and vines.



Alternatives



For those who do not have direct ground, explore the space and light situation on your terrace and balcony. There are shrubs and small trees that can grow well in large pots. If sunlight is ample, the range of choices is even greater. But low light spaces also have saviours. Roof terraces have tremendous scope for green island in the City where concrete and glass radiate the heat. With apartments and multi-storeyed offices taking up the skyline, can you believe the difference one small tree per balcony can make!



It has the capacity to transform the cityscape. Also, larger the balcony, bigger the possibility. Buildings growing green on their roofs will be a great solution to quite a few problems. Ideally, its best to provide structural requirements during the design and construction phase. But there are options even post construction.



Generally, all standard constructions can take the weight of some potted trees; especially if light weight media is used, there should be no worry about the weight bearing ability. Working with growing plants on soil-filled beds on terraces etc is definitely something to be considered right at the design stage due to structural requirements.



Serious matters



As a matter of policy, greenscaping should be made mandatory. For commercial buildings, it should be mandatory to grow a certain volume of large-sized green correlating to the energy consumed and radiated by them due to facade choices.



Depending on the purpose of the premise, certain number of in-ground trees, rooftop planting, balcony planting etc must fall under building guidelines. It must be understood that its not quite possible to substitute a full-grown tree that has been axed down.



While growing saplings is a fine option, it has a lifetime to survive before it becomes a tree, and there is a lot of uncertainty about its future (whether it will fall prey to infrastructure in future). And certainly, what sense does it make to separate human environment and greenery.



Its us humans, who need trees and greenery, plant life actually is very well-off without us tampering with it. We need to protect and plant not for the sake of the tree itself, but for ourselves and our generations to come. Just imagine how much we invest in securing our future After all, how much does planting and adopting a tree in relevant spaces is going to cost?



Give growing your own tree a chance. To grow a large size of a plant, always start with the largest size pot your space allows. Instead of heavy concrete, prefer pots in low weight material. A light-weight cocopeat vermicompost growing mix works wonderfully for the trees growing in Bengaluru climate.



Sludge is also a good source of nutrients and is very economical. Adding red soil in equal quantity does no harm. In high wind situations, it adds to stability. This light-weight design helps in easy manoeuvring and management of the plants. Cocopeat retains moistness and provides aeration. All you need to ensure is a regular feeding either of organic nature or DAP  diammonium phosphate.



There are also a few small trees that can grow in pots. Most of the palms, curry leaf tree, ficus varieties, felicium, black burgundy leaf, lhea coccinea, araucaria, certain bamboos, plumeria, angel trumpet, vines like bougainvillea, sweet potato vine, shankhpushpi; shrubs like hibiscus, nandibatlu and many more do very well in large pots.



Vines do a great job of draping over the structures and all the aforementioned plants give a good feel of tree on a reduced scale that works for balcony or terrace top planting. For larger plantations, drip irrigation can be planned.



Why cant we adopt the practice of having at least one tree form in our surrounding? The collective effort in any community is bound to make the impact. Its just a matter of one success before you will be hooked to create your own green oasis. And that will open a whole world of possibilities.



(The author is with True Nature Advisors)
No-frills carrier IndiGo on Thursday ruled out acquiring stakes in Air India, in a joint venture with the government, while making it clear that it is interested only in the national carriers international operations.



The airline, however, said it will venture into long-haul low-cost international operations with or without the national carrier.



The airline founders Rahul Bhatia and Rakesh Gangwal said IndiGo is interested in Air Indias international operations only, but they were not sure whether the government will be ready to sell only a portion of it to them.



The remarks at a conference call with investors and analysts came as there were concerns that IndiGo may bid for the national carrier, which has a debt of over Rs 50,000 crore.



The government had on June 28 given an in-principle clearance to the proposal to disinvest Air India, and the next day itself, IndiGo sent an expression of interest to the Ministry of Civil Aviation on bidding for Air India.



First and foremost, IndiGo is not looking at acquiring all of Air Indias businesses and subsidiaries. In our view, that would be a herculean task which would at best be a very challenging proposition and at worst an impossible task, unless an organization is willing to fund large losses for a very long time, Bhatia said.



He said the carrier would have to assess the feasibility of buying the whole carrier in case the government opts to only sell the business as a whole.



This exercise is not about becoming bigger for the sake of being bigger  it is all about profitable growth and that is a bedrock principle at IndiGo borne out in our performance of the last ten years, he said.



Gangwal said a joint venture with the government was not a preferred option for the airline. He said airline would not get into such a proposition even if the government holds minority stakes only.



He further said even if they acquire Air India, they would not go full-service as that model does not work for IndiGo. If we enter this space, we will do so with a low-cost model...We will venture into long-haul low-cost international operations with or without Air India, he said.
Hundreds of Namma Metro employees sat on a silent protest from afternoon till late in the night outside the administrative block of the BMRCL in Baiyappanahalli, saying they were now scared of going to work.



We are proud to be part of Metro. But what should we do when we are not safe in our own workplace? The unruly behaviour of KSISF personnel is not new. We brought the matter to the notice of the management at least three times, a visibly shaken senior staffer told Deccan Herald.



The protest came after a station controller of the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) was assaulted by a Karnataka State Industrial Security Force (KSISF) constable guarding the Central College Metro station.



The police picked up the station in-charge and trains ran without his supervision for nearly an hour. Though the station in-charge was not involved in the assault, he was named the prime accused. If there was an emergency, everything would have gone haywire, another Metro staffer said on condition anonymity. DH could not reach BMRCL officials to verify the claim.



They, however, conceded that the staff at Central College Metro station should not have hit back at the constable. This case has a background to it. KSISF personnel have misbehaved with us several times. Even after police tried to bring truce, the constable abused the staff, provoking them to retaliate, a staffer said.


An ugly scuffle broke out between some employees of the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) and Karnataka State Industrial Security Force (KSISF) constables guarding the Central College Metro station over running the former through security check on Thursday morning.



The unsavoury incident resulted in an FIR being lodged against five BMRCL employees for assaulting three KSISF personnel, including a woman, and a silent protest by Metro staff against the high-handedness of the security force.



Anand Guddad, Lakshman and Bharathi (woman security officer) were on duty at the City Civil Court entrance of the Metro station when they were reportedly assaulted by Rakesh, an electronic maintenance staffer with the BMRCL, and four of his colleagues.



According to police, a few members of the maintenance staff refused to run their baggage through the scanner as they report for work every day.



At 6.10 am on Thursday, Rakesh arrived at the City Civil Court entrance and refused to run his bag through the scanner. He argued with Guddad that he was a BMRCL employee, not a commuter. A heated argument ensued when Guddad insisted that he run his bag through the scanner. The two men abused each other, and Rakesh walked off without running his bag through the scanner. Guddad confronted him on the stairs and slapped him, leading to a fisticuff. Guddads two colleagues then took him away.



Around 9.40 am, Rakesh came to the entrance along with five of his colleagues and beat up Guddad and two other guards. Police rushed to the spot after being informed and took both the sides to the Halasuru Gate police station.



Guddad filed a complaint of assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty and rioting against Rakesh and others. We have registered an FIR and are in the process of identifying who were all involved in the assault based on the video footage we have obtained, said Chandragupta, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central).



Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) personnel were deployed near all Metro stations in central Bengaluru as a precautionary measure.


A Bengaluru-based company, involved in solar panels manufacturing, has alleged violation of norms in awarding the contract of solarisation of Mangalore University campus at Konaje on the outskirts of the city.



The company representatives have warned of filing a Lokayukta complaint, if justice is not done to them.



According to Jagadish Chandra, director of Greensol Renewable Power Pvt Limited, Peenya Industrial Area, Bengaluru, having a consortium agreement with National Small Industries Corporation Limited (NSIC), a Government of India enterprise, the university authorities have favoured highest

bidder against the lowest bidder.



The lowest bidder in this case, NSIC, had quoted rates for Rs 1.88 crore against Rs 2.13 crore of Matrix Technologies Inc.



However, the latter with differentiating price of Rs 25.24 lakh won the bid, Shetty has charged in a set of documents released to media.



A total of three companies had bid for the project, while the afore mentioned two were technically qualified, NSIC was rejected in the later stage.



Another bidder, Unipar Energy Systems Pvt Ltd failed in technical qualification.



VCs reaction

Vice chancellor K Byrappa, who outrightly rejected any irregularities in finalising the contract, attributed the decision to consider Matrix Technologies to the recommendation of a panel of third party experts from out of the state at the central level.



As is the rule, the experts committee will vet each and every aspects of the tender and award scores. Those who rank highest in the tally of scores will be considered for implementing the project, the criterion followed in each and every projects.



Denying that the lowest bid is the sole criterion for awarding the contracts, the VC said quality of work counts over the price quotations. The university authorities have not meddled with the finalisation of the contract, he added.



The project

The solarisation of Mangalore University campus is planned at an estimated cost of Rs 2.5 crore. It includes solar street lights, hostel lights and other facilities on the campus.



Varsity looks at sun power

Mangalore University will be tapping solar energy in a big way with the plans to install 650 KV rooftop solar power panels on its buildings. VC K Byrappa told mediapersons that the university will be implementing the project at an estimated cost of Rs 9.5 crore.
A 20-year-old girl was slashed on her hand by a stalker in Annapoorneshwarinagar in West Bengaluru on Wednesday.



The victim, identified as Manasa, is an undergraduate student at a private college. The incident took place around 8.15 am when Manasa was heading towards her college from home. Two men who came on a bike accosted her and without any provocation, the rider pulled out a knife and slashed Manasas right hand and fled the spot. Passersby rushed her to a nearby hospital where surgeries were performed on her. Her condition is said to be stable.



The police found out that Manasa had been receiving phone calls from a landline number for the past four days where the caller kept repeating himself that she was not supposed to get into any relationship with anyone else but him. Manasa had neither taken the calls seriously nor reported the matter to her parents. "We have formed a special team to nab the suspect and investigations are on the right track," DCP (West) M N Anucheth said.
National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday directed the Karnataka government to file its response to a petition filed by residents of Bagalur village opposing dumping of Bengaluru citys garbage in their village.



The Tribunal headed by Justice Swatanter Kumar, while directing Karnataka to submit its reply, posted the matter to August 2.



In their petition, the villagers have stated that the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagar Palike (BBMP) has been dumping garbage in stone quarry pits in and around the village by violating all norms laid down for scientific disposal of solid waste generated in the city. Careless dumping of garbage has led to pollution of ground water in the village besides creating health hazards, Ramesh, a resident of BEML Layout, said in his petition filed on behalf of the villagers.



Despite the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board directing the BBMP to dispose garbage in a scientific manner, the municipal body did not followed it, the petitioner stated.


In a U-turn, the JD(S) on Thursday decided not to release its candidates list for the next Assembly elections in advance, citing poaching by rival parties.



JD(S) state president H D Kumaraswamy had been claiming that the party will release its list of candidates well ahead of the Assembly elections as the party wanted its nominees to prepare well in advance for the elections.



Kumaraswamy had stated that the party will release its list of candidates in February and later had said the list will be out in June.



But on Thursday, JD(S) national president and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda took a different stand in this regard.



Gowda told reporters after chairing the JD(S) core committee meeting, I have told the meeting not to release the list now. The party has been a victim of Operation Lotus (poaching of legislators). We lost eight candidates....But we have able candidates in most of the districts, he said.



Later, addressing a press conference, Kumaraswamy said Thursdays meeting was convened at the behest of Gowda. The meeting discussed the constitution of booth committees and taluk committees. He said it was decided that the party should hold one mammoth convention per month in different parts of the state in the run-up to the Assembly elections.



Former minister and Congress leader A H Vishwanth, who joined the JD(S) recently, has been made in-charge of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) wing of the party, he said.



A convention of farmers will be held in Vijayapura, that of minorities in Raichur, that of Dalits in Tumakuru, women in Bengaluru and youth in Haveri in the coming months.



Kumaraswamy said the party had started discussions on its manifesto for the Assembly elections. The JD(S) will hold a padayatra in Dakshina Kannada to condemn the recent unrest in the region.



Kumaraswamy reiterated that only he and his brother H D Revanna will contest the Assembly elections from the Gowda family.



However, Kumaraswamy said there was tremendous pressure that his wife Anita Kumaraswamy contest from Channapatna. A suitable decision will be taken at a suitable time, he said. Anita Kumaraswamy had reportedly announced in Channapatna that she will contest the next Assembly elections.
The High Court of Karnataka on Thursday imposed a cost of Rs 1 lakh on M B Tippanna, Additional Director (Town Planning), BBMP, now retired, for backdating the order passed by him and for non-compliance of the high court orders.



A division bench comprising Justices Jayant Patel and S Sujatha, while hearing a contempt petition filed by Abshot Layout Residents' Association, directed Tippanna to pay Rs 50,000 to the residents association and Rs 25,000 to the Karnataka Legal Services Authority to be used for the betterment of the poor. The remaining Rs 25,000 for Bengaluru Professional Benevolent Fund to be deposited with the Advocates Association, Bengaluru.



The bench also directed the passport authorities to allow Tippanna to fly only after he deposits the fine amount.



Abshot Layout Residents' Association had filed a petition complaining about plan sanction granted to Nitesh Estates Ltd which allowed the builders to use a narrow road as access to the upcoming residential complex.



The residents had contended that the narrow road access would create a lot of traffic block and chaos in the area. The high court had directed BBMP's additional director (Town Planning) to hold a hearing calling upon all the parties. Accordingly the hearing was conducted.



Tippanna passed an order on August 20, 2016, stating that the sanction plan was given in accordance with law. However, the residents had claimed that they were not present when the order was passed. The residents later filed a contempt against Tippanna for non-compliance of the court orders.



In his affidavit, Tippanna submitted that though the order was dictated and kept ready on August 20, 2016, the same was signed only upon the receipt of the contempt notice issued to him by the court. He stated that for the fear that the court may take a serious view of the matter, he asked his officers to immediately dispatch the orders.



The bench said strict action deserves to be taken against the BBMP official for non-compliance of HC orders and for playing oversmart with the court proceedings by backdating the order.


The Legislature is considering a pair of bills that could have a major impact on how law enforcement officers and prosecutors conduct their business in Linn County and throughout the state.

While some portions of the bills are well-meaning, lawmakers would do well to take a moment in the rush to adjournment to consider how the combined result of the bills might affect law enforcement efforts back home.

House Bill 2355 would reduce possession of certain controlled drugs  heroin, methamphetamine and Oxycodone among them  from a felony to a misdemeanor in certain circumstances. (The bill also requires law enforcement agencies to record information regarding vehicle stops to get a better handle on possible racial profiling; we have no objection to that portion of the bill, which should yield important information.)

Part of the rationale behind making possession of these drugs misdemeanors is to reduce strain on the state's prisons. But Linn County Attorney Doug Marteeny notes that it's virtually impossible to send a defendant to prison for mere possession; in fact, he said, typical sentences even for felony possession now stretch for only a week or two.

Marteeny argues that making these drug crimes misdemeanors will hamper the ability of prosecutors to shepherd defendants into alternative programs such as drug courts that help to break the brutalizing chain of addiction and crime.

Marteeny says that possession of meth is the most frequent case his office prosecutes these days. Possession of heroin is No. 3.

And No. 2 is first-degree theft, which brings us to House Bill 3078. This bill, which the House passed on Wednesday, would, among other things, reduce presumptive sentences from 18 months to 13 months for some offenders convicted of first-degree theft or identity theft. It's part of an effort to help control the number of people Oregon sends to prison; in this particular case, since theft and ID theft are crimes often committed by women, the idea is to help prevent the need to construct another women's prison.

A couple of thoughts come to mind: First, since the number of female prisoners is expected to grow by just 11 over the next decade, according to figures provided by Rep. Andy Olson of Albany, the need for a new women's prison isn't at all clear-cut, especially as the state (wisely) increasingly invests more in community-based corrections.

Second, it's important to think about what the potential combined effects of HB 2355 and HB 3078, in part because of the connection between drug crimes and property crimes. Remember those statistics from Marteeny about the most frequent crimes his office prosecutes? It's not a coincidence that first-degree theft is sandwiched in the middle at No. 2: Marteeny said 85 percent of property crime is driven by drug use. Olson, who worked for the Oregon State Police before retiring and running for the Legislature, said he worries that the combination of the two bills will help trigger an increase in property crime.

Some of the other strategies in HB 3078 might well be effective in keeping a check on the prison population in Oregon, just as the information-gathering component of HB 2355 could result in useful and important information about the extent of racial profiling among Oregon law enforcement agencies.

But Olson said his pleas to House leadership to separate out the useful parts of HB 2355 have gone unheeded, even though the bill seems to be an unwieldy conglomeration of ideas that only are tangentially related. (Proponents argue that the drug laws disproportionately affect people of color, which likely is true, but the bill calls for collecting data solely from traffic and pedestrian stops.)

Legislators will want to consider how these two measures, if approved, will affect law enforcement efforts back home. They may not like the results of their calculations. (mm)
Water Resources Minister M B Patil on Thursday said Karnataka will be able to release the Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu as per the final award of Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) only if it receives good rains in the catchment areas.



Water can be released only if it rains in the catchment areas. Karnataka government is releasing water (to Tamil Nadu) based on the availability (in the reservoirs), he told reporters on seeking his reaction to Tamil Nadu government filing a plea in the Supreme Court complaining that there is a shortfall in release of water by Karnataka.



As per the CWDT award, the state is supposed to release 134 tmcft of water to Tamil Nadu between June and September every year. But, Karnataka has received only 11 tmcft of water till June end. Inflow into the four reservoirs in the Cauvery basin is around 12,700 cusecs. The government is releasing about 4,000 cusecs every day to Tamil Nadu in order to prevent any setback to the state in its legal fight in the Supreme Court, Patil explained.



He said inflow of water to the reservoirs has decreased due to deficient monsoon. But it is binding on the state to release water to Tamil Nadu.



Hence, water is being released. The state will definitely release more water if it rains in coming days. We have the responsibility to protect the interest of farmers in the basin region. Priority is given for supplying drinking water to Bengaluru and other towns. Water will be supplied for agriculture purposes if the reservoirs become full, the minister added.



Besides, Patil said the state government has already submitted its detailed project report on the proposed Mekedatu drinking water project to the Central Water Commission. Steps are being taken to seek clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forest for the project. The work will be taken up once all approvals are obtained.



The Tamil Nadu government has raised objection to the project and it recently urged the Centre not to allow Karnataka to implement the project.
Alongside the Metro connectivity to the Kempegowda International Airport, the state government is planning a railway link from Yeshwantpur via Yelahanka, Union Minister for Statistics and Planning D V Sadananda Gowda said.



Airports in all major cities are connected by train. Though we are working on a Metro, we decided that multi-modal transport is needed. Since the tracks at the city railway station (at Majestic) are saturated, it was decided to make Yeshwantpur the starting point, he said.



Gowda was briefing the press after a meeting with Bengaluru Development Minister K J George, MP P C Mohan and senior officials from South Western Railway and BMRCL. He said the state government was ready to pay for a feasibility study for rail connectivity to the airport. The railway minister has expressed his commitment to take the suburban railway to the next stage. We have decided to work on four major aspects of the project, the Union minister said.



15 pairs of MEMU

In addition to the airport rail, the ministers decided to take forward the formation of special purpose vehicle (SPV), conversion of 15 pairs of trains to Mainline Electric Multiple Units (MEMU) and constructing three additional platforms at Baiyappanahalli terminal.



The lack of a maintenance yard is a major problem for the railways as there is no land available. The Baiyappanahalli yard will help terminate several trains during peak hours, freeing the lines for suburban rail in the city, he said.



George, who spoke on the occasion, said the full project of suburban railway will cost more than Rs 10,000 crore.



Decongestion of traffic

We have decided to start MEMU services to Whitefield as soon as possible to decongest traffic in the area. The project will be taken up at full pace after the railway minister takes a decision on the SPV, he said.



Cost-sharing: burden on state

The state government has to bear 80% of the suburban railway project cost, which is expected to go up to Rs 10,000 crore.



Explaining the cost-sharing module for suburban railway, Minister K J George said the state and Centre will pool 20% each and the remaining 60% will be borrowed. We requested the Centre to share half of the loan. But they are citing the new suburban rail policy and sticking to 20%. We have decided to take up the project anyway, he said.






Kerala Public Works Minister G Sudhakaran, facing allegations of having made a racist reference about a senior World Bank official, apologised unconditionally on Thursday.



Sudhakaran, a senior CPM leader, courted controversy on Monday after he referred to Dr Bernard Aritua, a senior infrastructure specialist with the World Bank, as a Negro.



He made the remark in Kasaragod while speaking at an event in connection with the World Bank-aided Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP).



After slamming the World Bank team over delays in implementing the project, Sudhakaran digressed to personal details of the bank teams leader. Their team leader is an African-American; a man of Obamas race. Hes a Negro. Centuries ago, they were brought to America as slaves. They became free after slavery was abolished, he said.



The World Bank team is learnt to have taken strong exception to the ministers remarks.



On Thursday, Sudhakaran told a television channel that he was not aware of the racist overtones in his remark and said he was ready to apologise to Aritua.



Frankly I didnt know. Ive heard the term being used here, even in the Assembly, the minister said. He, however, didnt state his reasons for referring to the officials race while speaking about the progress made in the project.



Dr Arituas role in the World Bank involves addressing infrastructure development and strategic issues with government officials.
Activists belonging to the lesbian gay bisexual transgender (LGBT) forums have called for banning Zefo products for being homophobic and discriminating against a woman for her sexual orientation.



The LGBT community decided to ban the companys products after there were reports that a 25-year-old woman was sacked due to her sexual orientation on Wednesday. Zefo is an online furniture resale company in HSR Layout. The LGBT community has also started a social media campaign to defame the company.

Addressing a media conference on Thursday, Romal Laisram, an activist, said, The women, even if they are lesbians, have every right to choose how they want to lead their lives. It is important to know about the real issue and not delve into peripheries.



Vidya, a representative of All Sorts of Queer, Bangalore, said, Society is running on the domains of patriarchy. The queer women, although these women are not, are doubly marginalised as they are looked down in society.



Adding to this, Sana, representing Karnataka Transgender Association, said, People make ridiculous allegations if they come to know that a woman is a lesbian. They even say that they are sex workers. Who are they to label our identities?



The womans legal advisors told DH that Zefo management is in touch with the woman and are requesting her to return to work. However, the woman is still unsure of pursuing the job with the same company fearing stigma from colleagues.



Meanwhile, LGBT activists have denied the fact that the women are lesbians and asked a section of media not to infringe on their privacy. There were reports in a section of media that a 25-year-old woman had married a 21-year-old woman terming it as the first same sex marriage of the city.



It was later found to be a case of domestic violence faced by the younger woman from her parents. The victim found solace in the older woman, who also happens to be her distant relative, she decided to move in with her by the end of May.
The Supreme Court on Thursday asked why the office of high constitutional functionaries like the governor cannot come under the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.



A bench of Justices Arun Mishra and Amitava Roy raised the question during the hearing of a plea filed by the Centre, challenging a 2011 order of Bombay High Court, directing the disclosure of the governors report to the President about the political situation in Goa in 2007.



Why cannot the office of high constitutional authorities like the governor be brought under the ambit of RTI? There should not be anything to hide, the bench remarked.



Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar, appearing for the Centre, said a similar petition was pending before the apex court, which should also be tagged along with the current petition. He said a petition relating to the disclosure of assets by the Chief Justice of India has been referred to a constitution bench and the petition should also be tagged along with it.



To this, the bench said even the Chief Justice should not have any reason to keep information regarding his assets under wraps.



Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for an intervenor, said the governors report also cannot be kept under wraps and it should be brought under the ambit of the RTI Act.



The bench posted the matter for further consideration in the third week of August.


The hospitals in the city are flooded with cases of viral fever with dengue-like symptoms. According to the doctors, the hospitals are running short of beds and rooms as they are filled with patients who have been admitted due to new viral fever cases.



We are seeing new viral cases every day. Many hospitals across the city are filled with patients, some of them even admitted in the ICU, said Dr Sudarshan Ballal, chairman, Manipal Hospital.



Dr Sudha Menon, internal medicine, Fortis Hospital, said that we see at least 10 patients with viral fever each day. They even have symptoms of dengue.Doctors, however, said that they have to wait for the government to confirm whether the new viral fever is dengue.



While commenting on the precautionary measures taken by BBMP, Dr Naveen Kumar, Nodal Officer, National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), said that chemicals like penephom and pyrethrum are being sprayed around households as well as school premises in the morning to prevent mosquito breeding.



Dr Prakash Kumar, deputy director of NVBDCP, and state programme manager of National Health Mission, said that more urban healthcare centres (UHC) and primary health centres (PHC) are being set up in the city in addition to the existing ones. He added that urban ASHA workers are also deployed in BBMP area to educate people. There is better coordination between the health department and BBMP.



Doctors suggest wearing clothes that cover the body completely and to stay away from the places where mosquito breeding is high. Meanwhile, Health Minister K R Ramesh Kumar on Thursday said he has directed the department officials to take measures to control dengue and epidemic diseases in the state.
A Kashmiri armyman deserted his unit during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, and fled with an AK-47 rifle and ammunition in Baramulla district.



Sources said Zahoor Ahmad Thokar, a resident of the southern Pulwama district, fled from his unit in Gantmulla in Baramulla, 60 km from here, during the night and is suspected to have joined militant ranks. He was posted with the engineering wing of the 173 Battalion of the Territorial Army.



The police said a massive search has been launched to nab Thokar.



In the past two years, several policemen have deserted their posts and joined the militancy in the Valley.



The Territorial Armys role is to relieve the regular army units from static duties and assist the civil administration in dealing with natural calamities and the maintenance of essential services in situations where communities are affected or the security of the country is threatened.



The Territorial Army also provides uniformed units for other army units as and when required.



During the late 90s and in the early years of the last decade, individual militants who were turned in by the army eventually made their way into the Territorial Army.



But as insurgency has erupted again in Kashmir and the militants popularity among the public is growing, some of these men may desert the army and join militancy. This would mean handing over trained soldiers to militant organisations on a platter, a senior army officer said.



Additional forces deployed in Kashmir

With Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wanis first death anniversary approaching and to ensure the security of the Amarnath pilgrims, the Centre has deployed an additional 21,400 paramilitary personnel in Jammu and Kashmir, DHNS reports from New Delhi.



These forces are in addition to the state police personnel and those deployed to tackle terrorists.



We have sent 214 companies of central forces to control any situation that may arise on July 8 and during the Amarnath Yatra, Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi told reporters.



Wanis killing by security forces in an encounter on July 8, 2016 had triggered large-scale violence in the Valley, which witnessed stone-pelting incidents almost throughout the year.
The new telecom policy, which is being planned by the Department of Telecom, will focus on the sectors growth and adopting next generation technology.



The DoT has started ground work for the policy and will start consultation with stakeholders as the industry is going through a tough phase due to financial stress and tariff war.



The government has already constituted an inter-ministerial group and has been holding meetings with stakeholders to discuss the issues related to the sector.



The groups recommendation, which is expected soon, will help formulate a new policy by identifying areas that require urgent attention, a department official told Deccan Herald.



Though the government undertook a number of reforms according to the National Telecom Policy-2012, including full mobile number portability, rules for right to way for setting up telecom towers and delinking licence from spectrum, several features of the policy are yet to be achieved, including having 2 mbps speed, streamlining network rollout issues and formation of the National Mobile Property Registry.



There is a huge challenge before the government to rescue the sector from financial stress. The industry debt has crossed a staggering Rs 4.75 lakh crore and banks have apprehended the possibility of default by the companies on their loan repayments.



The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, too, had met the telecom companies recently to discuss the issues related to its financials where a telecom firm suggested imposition of a minimum floor price for voice and data services to prevent companies offering predatory pricing.



United against new entrant Reliance Jio, the three incumbent operators  Airtel, Vodafone and Idea Cellular  have demanded reduction in licence fee, spectrum usage charges and GST.



Jio, owned by Mukesh Ambani, ascribes the financial stress in the telecom sector to operators like Bharti Airtel and Idea investing heavily in unrelated sectors.
Health and Family Welfare Minister K R Ramesh Kumar on Thursday said the select committee of the legislature will hold consultation with all the stakeholders before preparing its report on the controversial bill to regulate private hospitals.



Speaking to reporters after participating in the first meeting of the committee at the Vidhana Soudha, the minister said the state governments intention is not to trouble private medical establishments. Medical doctors need not panic. The bill is intended at protecting the interest of poor patients, he added.



The Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2017 seeks to fix rates for all treatments and penalise hospitals for violations of any of its provisions. When the government sought the approval of the state legislature for the bill in the recently concluded session, members cutting across party lines opposed it, saying that it will lead to harassment of medical doctors. The government finally referred the bill to the select committee of legislature to examine it.



The 17-member joint select committee headed by senior Congress MLA K N Rajanna has been given two months time to submit its report to the legislature. Rajanna said the report will be submitted within the stipulated time. Ramesh Kumar said the government will convene a special session of the legislature, if necessary, to discuss the bill.
The High Court of Karnataka on Thursday directed the Lokayukta police not to precipitate the investigation into a land denotification against former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa.



The Lokayukta police is investigating into a complaint registered in 2015 accusing Yeddyurappa of denotifying land. He has moved the court seeking directions to quash the Lokyaukta proceedings against him. During the hearing, Justice Aravind Kumar asked the counsel representing the Lokayukta police, what they were doing for the last two years as the complaint was registered in 2015?



The Lokayukta counsel said investigation was being carried out. He said that if the court, at this juncture, orders not to precipitate the matter, they will not be able to go ahead with the investigation. The judge orally observed that if the petitioner is dragged into the investigation at a time when there is an impending elections next year, what purpose does it serve if he comes clean of the allegations after the elections.



The Lokayukta police is investigating into a complaint filed by one Jayakumar Hiremath against Yeddyurappa that as chief minister he had denotified 1.11 acres in Mathadahalli near Gangenahalli in Bengaluru, which originally belonged to Thimma Reddy, T Nagappa and Muniswamappa. He denotified the land in 2010 allegedly to benefit former chief minister H D Kumaraswamys relatives.



Survey numbers 7/1B, 7/1C and 7/1D of 17 guntas each at Gangenahalli village owned by Thimma Reddy, Nagappa and Muniswamappa were acquired by the Bangalore Development Authority in 1977 to form Mathadahalli Layout. However, one Rajashekharaiah claimed that he was in possession of the land and applied for denotification in 2007.



When he was the chief minister, Kumaraswamy had pursued to denotify the land. However, it was not possible during his tenure. When Yeddyurappa was the chief minister it was denotified in favour of the land owners in 2010. The denotification has apparently helped Kumaraswamys relatives, including his mother-in-law, who claims to hold the power of attorney from the original land owners, the complaint said.



Yeddyurappa has moved the court on the grounds that the complaint was registered in 2015 and there was absolutely no progress in the investigation by the Lokayukta police.



He contended that the case is pursued now to tarnish his as well as Kumaraswamys image to get political gain in the upcoming Assembly elections.



He has also contended that there is absolutely no evidence to prove that he gained by this denotification and, the complaint against him is only to target him politically.
A toddler died after being attacked by a rooster in Uttar Pradeshs Saharanpur district, about 500 km from here.



The incident occurred at Khushalipur village in the district on Wednesday. According to reports, the boy, aged around two-and-a-half years, was attacked when he was playing at a neighbours house.



His parents, both daily wagers, had gone to work in the fields, leaving their only son in the care of the neighbour, who raised roosters.



The child, while playing in the courtyard of the house, tried to catch one of the roosters. The bird, apparently scared, attacked the child and repeatedly pecked him, inflicting serious injuries, reports said.



Hearing the childs cries, the family members rushed out only to find him unconscious and bleeding profusely. He was rushed to a nearby private hospital, but was declared brought dead.



A shocked Mahatar Singh, the boys father, said he had never imagined that a rooster could kill his son.



It was not immediately clear if the neighbour reared the roosters for cockfighting, which is still a popular sport in some parts of the state, especially in the capital city of Lucknow and a few other towns.
Senior JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav and CPI national secretary D Raja have emerged front-runners as the joint Opposition candidate for the vice presidential election scheduled next month.



Congress president Sonia Gandhi has convened a meeting of Opposition leaders on Tuesday to decide on fielding a joint candidate to take on the BJP nominee, which is yet to be revealed.



Congress leaders have also reached out to the JD(U), which had broken ranks with the Opposition coalition and declared support to Ram Nath Kovind, the BJP candidate for the Presidential election.



After back channel talks, the JD(U) has made it clear that its support to Kovind was a one-off issue and the party staunchly supported the Opposition coalition spearheaded by the Congress.



JD(U) president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was upset at the delaying

tactics of the Congress in declaring the Opposition candidate for the Presidential election. Kumar announced his support to Kovind, a day after his candidature was announced by the BJP on June 19.


China on Thursday ruled out a bilateral meeting between its President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi this week.



The two leaders will attend the G20 summit in the German city of Hamburg on Friday and Saturday, but Beijing said the atmosphere was not right for a bilateral meeting on the sidelines.



Delhi said no meeting had ever been scheduled between the two leaders.



With the face-off between Indian and Chinese soldiers in western Bhutan continuing, speculation was rife that Modi and Xi may hold a bilateral meeting in Hamburg to find a way to resolve the situation.



But on Thursday, an official of the Chinese foreign ministry told journalists in Beijing the atmosphere was not conducive.



The two leaders will not only attend the G20 summit but will also take part in an informal meeting of BRICS (a bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) in Hamburg.



Pull-aside interaction

There was speculation they would have a brief pull-aside interaction on the sidelines of the BRICS meeting.



Xi reached Berlin on Wednesday for a state visit to Germany. He travelled to Hamburg on Thursday. Modi also reached Hamburg on Thursday after concluding his visit to Israel.



Modis bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the G20 summit are with leaders of Argentina, Canada, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, the UK and Vietnam, according to Gopal Baglay, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs. His statement came shortly after media reported the Chinese official ruling out the possibility of a Modi-Xi meeting in Hamburg.

Stand-off on border



China and India have been engaged in a stand-off in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan tri-junction for three weeks after a Chinese army construction party attempted to build a road.



Doka La is the Indian name for the region Bhutan recognises as Dokalam. China claims it as part of its Donglang region.



China reiterated its position on Thursday during a briefing by foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang.



India can immediately withdraw the border troops to the Indian side of the boundary to uphold the peace and tranquillity of the China and India border areas, he said.



Pulling back the troops is the pre-condition for any meaningful peace talks between the two sides, he told a media briefing.



China's state-run media had on Wednesday quoted Chinese analysts as saying Beijing would be forced to use a military way to end the stand-off if India refused to heed its historical lessons.



Modi and Xi had met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisations summit at Astana in Kazakhstan on June 9.



Since that was just a few weeks ago, neither Delhi nor Beijing had sought a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit.



Asked about Indian Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamres remarks that the stand-off in Sikkim could be resolved diplomatically, and Chinese soldiers should leave Bhutanese territory to reduce tension, Shuang said, We noted the statement.



We have said many times that the illegal entry of Indian border troops at the defined section and mutually recognised boundary is different in nature from previous frictions at the undefined part of the boundary, Shuang said.
Japan Looks to Trigger Export Sales of Weapons



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Why Chinese Submarines Could Soon be Quieter Than US Ones



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The strong ties that have historically bound members of the Democratic Party to teachers unions appear to be loosening.

When steadfast Democrats in Sacramento resist the unions and sponsor bills like Anthony Portantinos (later school start times) and Shirley Webers (teacher tenure), it indicates that even traditional liberals are beginning to push back against unions that claim students first.

A May 28 San Francisco Chronicle story titled Democrats clash over California Schools highlights the split in the Democratic Party over how best to address the deficiencies in Californias public schools.

From the story: The future of public education in California has become a tug-of-war between camps within the Democratic Party. Democrats aligned with organized labor  who dominated local and legislative races for many years  are now facing formidable challenges from Democrats who see overhauling some union rules as a key to improving education.

Despite years of hand-wringing over how best to accelerate learning and close that stubborn achievement gap, little has changed.

Slightly more than half of the states students cannot read and write at their grade level, results from last years testing show, and 63 percent arent meeting standards in math, the article states.

Former charter school administrator and Democrat Marshall Tuck, who is running for state superintendent of schools, is quoted in the story, saying, Weve learned to live with failing schools. Our party has not prioritized education the way we need to.

Those traditional alliances are being strained, as more and more citizens and politicians see that the state of public education in California has not advanced, despite increased state funding to schools in the last few years.

Portantinos bill to move school start times later is an example of a simple change that would vastly improve student health and academic achievement. Yet the union opposes it.

Webers bill to extend the probationary period for granting teacher tenure from two years to three  and even to four or five years if teachers are still developing the skills they need to succeed  is also triggering opposition from the union.

Weber, a state legislator and staunch Democrat with impeccable credentials, has years of experience on and with local school boards and is a former faculty member of San Diego State University. She understands better than most the inner workings of public education in California.

So her push to extend teacher tenure beyond two years is notable and hits at the core of the unions sole purpose which is to implement policies that benefit teachers.

From a Los Angeles Times May 11 feature story on Weber: The union is a huge political player with hefty campaign bankrolls. It exerts strong influence over Democratic legislators. Not so much over Weber, though.

She is not afraid to buck the Democratic establishment.

Tenure

The tenure issue is hugely contentious, because the California Teachers Association opposes any extension beyond the two years, claiming, according to a June 8 EdSource report, that two years is enough time on which to judge a teachers long-term potential.

In a San Diego Union-Tribune op-ed two years ago, Weber wrote, The current K-12 tenure system is irrefutably broken. Most educational experts agree that it takes about five years to master the skills and pedagogies requisite to teaching. But Californias system forces a district to decide to either offer a teacher tenure or issue a pink slip after only about 18 months  clearly not enough time to develop skills or demonstrate competence.

Its less than a full two years before tenure decisions must be made, due to the required March 15 deadline to notify teachers of their employment status.

Many superintendents and school principals would agree with Weber. Said one in an online post, The 18-month probationary period is frequently too short, especially in the case of beginning teachers who may struggle in their first year and need more time and support to demonstrate their effectiveness.

Webers bill, Assembly Bill 1220, was watered down when the Assembly Appropriations Committee, chaired by San Diegos Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, eliminated the optional fourth and fifth year. The CTA opposes this revised version as well.

EdSource says 42 states have probationary periods of three to five years.

More transparency

Weber is also pushing for more transparency in access to achievement data, to understand if Gov. Jerry Browns local control funding formula, which grants districts more autonomy and increased funding for underserved students, is having any noticeable effect.

Californias new system for funding public education has pumped tens of billions of extra dollars into struggling schools, but theres little evidence yet that the investment is helping the most disadvantaged students, according to a June 18 report by the non-profit CALmatters.

The state has spent tens of billions of dollars trying to lift poor kids and not one penny evaluating whether any of it is working, said Bruce Fuller, an education policy professor at the University of California Berkeley, in the report.

Another example of Democrats willing to challenge union power is Gloria Romero, the Democratic majority leader of the California State Senate from 2001 until 2008, who described her disillusionment with unions and how they use their power, in a 2013 op-ed in the San Diego Union-Tribune which Ive saved because it was so eye-opening.

Here are excerpts:

The most influential public-sector union is the California Teachers Association  it commands the most powerful war chest in California 

From 2000-2010, CTA spent over $210 million on political campaigning  more than any other donor in the state, outspending the pharmaceutical, oil and tobacco industries combined.

Its political war chest is legendary, allowing it to dominate elections, including school board races 

Californias teachers are among the highest paid in the nation; yet there is little accountability for student achievement or teacher performance. Tenure and seniority are protected. Laws make it almost impossible to fire teachers for incompetence or misconduct.

Until legislators are willing to put student interests over party interests, we will continue to fund failing schools.

False accusations

These are welcome conversations to have  all the more remarkable because they have been initiated by Democrats who have concluded that fundamental change is required for even a remote chance of improving academic performance and preparing Californias struggling children for a successful future.

These politicians make it possible, even acceptable, for citizens who care about education to challenge union-backed positions and candidates, and not be made to feel guilty over false accusations that they dont care about kids or schools.

Theres work to do to ensure that candidates for school board are obligated to no one and nothing except their deep commitment to improving the state of public education. Speaking up at school board meetings and protesting bad policy decisions are critical to the effort.

Following on last weeks theme, its time to reject the notion that teachers unions represent the best interests of students. Thats not what theyre about.

As the link between unions and Democrats begins to unravel ever so slightly, taxpayers on the left side of the political spectrum are becoming more comfortable questioning union goals and criticizing school board members for irresponsible spending and bad fiscal policy.

There are good reasons to be disenchanted with traditional union policies and the bully tactics used to push union agendas and their candidates. That does not make people conservatives or liberals. It makes them sensible.

Opinion columnist and Sr. Education Writer Marsha Sutton can be reached at suttonmarsha@gmail.com.
Campaigners calling on NatWest to reverse plans to close a branch in a Derby suburb appear to have given up their fight after being told by the bank that it will not revisit its decision.

Last month, a 463-name petition was sent to Ross McEwan, chief executive of the Royal Bank of Scotland, which owns NatWest, calling on him to halt plans to close its Mickleover branch.

And a letter signed by the suburbs three ward councillors - Alison Holmes, Matthew Holmes and John Keith - was also been sent to Mr McEwan, urging the bank to think again about its decision to close the Station Road branch, which is due to shut its doors in October.

They have since received a reply from Mr McEwans office, which states that the bank will not be changing its mind.

In the letter, Iain Stark, writing on behalf of Mr McEwan, wrote: As representatives of the community, I acknowledge your concern at our decision to close the Mickleover branch and I appreciate the time you have spent collating the petition. Although I know this will come as a significant disappointment, we wont be revisiting our decision.

NatWest has previously said that it had decided to close Mickleover because of a fall in transactions as more people bank online. Those who were calling for it to stay open argued that the branch would be viable in the future because more houses are due to be built in the area.

(Image: Google)

Mrs Holmes said: Its a blow for hundreds of local residents and businesses. We did try to offer a more detailed view of how the bank serves our community and also highlight how so called replacement banking services via the Post Office need improving but it doesnt seem to have made a great deal of difference.

It seems that this was a boardroom decision made some time ago that was always going to be driven through no matter what, which is a shame. For local residents, including the ward councillors, it really is sad to see the branch close as its been part of Mickleover for a very long time.

It now remains to be seen how quickly the building is refurbished and re-occupied by a new business or retailer. Its quite a unique building, which can be seen as both a positive and negative thing, but its certainly in a prime location.

Despite not having any direct influence over privately-owned and commercial properties as councillors, well be trying to update residents on the building as best we can. We certainly can't afford another building standing empty in the village.

(Image: Tim Ockenden/PA Wire)

An indicator that NatWest was carrying on regardless with the closure plan came last month, when it lodged an application with Derby City Council to remove the signage from the building. The application also asked the city council to approve plans to cover up the cash machine and night safe with steel blanking plates.

Looking for a new job? Visit our fantastic jobs website here

The closure of the Mickleover branch was announced in March, along with four others in Belper, Ashbourne, Ripley and Matlock - and similar applications have since been lodged with their respective local authorities. NatWest has advised customers to carry out basic transactions at their local Post Office or travel to other branches.

The closures will impact 21 jobs - five at Mickleover, eight at Belper, four at Ripley and two each at Ashbourne and Matlock. The move is part of nationwide plans to shut 158 branches, which will affect around 470 staff.

The closures in Derbyshire will take place towards the end of September and in October. The Belper branch will shut on September 26 and Ashbourne on September 27. The Mickleover branch will have its last day on October 2, while Ripley will shut the following day. The Matlock office will shut its doors on October 11.
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Working on the tills is a frantic race against time as queues build and customer get disgruntled.

Among the rails, workers often have to fight through a sea of legs to pick up discarded tops and orphaned shoes.

So, please spare a thought for the hardworking staff at Primark as you battle your way through aggressive shoppers in the store this weekend.

You may well hate the Primark experience when you pop in but at least you are not 10 minutes in to an eight-hour shift.

Before becoming a reporter at the Derby Telegraph, I worked at the Primark store in Derbys Cornmarket  and here is what I learnt about one of the UK's biggest discount stores.

Weirdly, Primark staff have two buttons to choose from under the counter when they want the next customer to come along  each announcing that your till is free in either a male or female voice.

The male one was louder and more effective.

If you want a customer discount at Primark, its very easy. If you want an employee discount, you have to wait until Christmas and even then you only get 10%.

For customers, an item with any kind of slight fault or mark gets 10% knocked off without debate if they ask for it, as I saw many times on the tills.

But dont take it too far or else you will end up in the Book of Faces. Behind the customer services desk on the third floor is a thick folder full of CCTV close-ups of the faces of customers who have nicked, conned or otherwise behaved badly in the store.

I still see some of those culprits walking around the city and I wonder if they know of their notoriety.

Endless folding is the biggest part of working at Primark. On your first day, you get a ten-minute crash course in how to fold everything and then youre set free.

On a ridiculously busy weekend, this can be a killer. The most frustrating thing was finishing folding a pile of trousers only to turn your back and have a snotty little kid destroy your hard work.

But, when you needed to take a break from the tills, there was something deeply relaxing about spending an hour mindlessly folding t-shirts and talking to no-one.

Sometimes, especially if you were working on the shop floor, customers would ask you if you had an item of clothing in a different size  and we would dutifully go and check the stockroom.

The thing is  none of us really knew where anything was. Its a massive room filled with cardboard boxes and its basically a lucky dip. In the six months I worked there, I found one item successfully, which was actually quite a proud day.

Urine and faeces on the shop floor is pretty common. There are even different cryptic announcements via the speakers (cleaner to menswear, code two) so cleaning staff know to expect a bodily fluid when they arrive at the mess.

All the hardest staff work on the ground floor. Sometimes that level is like the Wild West and you have to be tough to stick it out  an angry alcoholic wandering in off the street would not be surprising.

Softer staff, like me, got put on customer service, childrenswear or homewear, which were safely tucked away all on the top floor.

To deal with all of this, youve got to have a pretty strong workforce. The staff in Primark are the best I have ever worked with  Derby Telegraph staff excluded, of course.

The store was filled with big characters who made new workers feel welcome from the start and genuinely wanted to help customers.

Overtime is rewarded very fairly too, with every extra minute worked added to your paycheque. If youre looking for a job, and you can stomach everything here, Primarks a good bet.

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The Range empire owned by Devon billionaire Chris Dawson has once again topped the Top 150 list of largest employers in Devon and Cornwall.

The discount retailer, with a turnover of 674million, is the biggest employer in the region with 7,910 workers.

And the empire is set to get even bigger with plans under way for more stores in the UK, a new HQ - to be named Elsie Margaret house after Dawson's mum - in Plymouth and the opening of the 1,200,000sq ft distribution mega shed near Avonmouth.

And as the retail mogul dismissed plans to float the business on the stock exchange, he has vowed: "I'm not going anywhere."

The list of Top 150 companies was revealed at the launch of the Western Morning News Annual Business Guide 2017.

Sponsored by the University of Exeter, data compiled by KPMG and with associate sponsors Devon Colleges Group and Pavey Group, the Annual Business Guide acts as a barometer for every sector and geographical area right across the region.

In launching the guide at a preview at Exeter Racecourse yesterday, Bill Martin, editor Western Morning News, said the guide was a showcase for the region and a key part of the #BackTheSouthWest campaign, designed to take a unified message to the government.

He said: "There is no slowdown in the Westcountry's ambition, therefore there is no appetite for indecision.

"Our businesses are progressive, ambitious, and are producing levels of growth and quality that any area of the country would be proud of.

"The region, with the Western Morning News as its cheerleader, will continue to make its voice heard to ensure that we all, and the powers that be, really do Back the South West."

Also in the top five are Exeter-based Pennon Group PLC , Devonport Dockyard in Plymouth, Newcross Healthcare Solutions in Totnes and Princess Yachts in Plymouth.

Together, the Top150 have a total turnover of 10.7billion and employ 78, 017 people - 3,000 more than last year.

Ian Brokenshire, senior partner at KPMG Plymouth compiled the list.

It is based on accounts filed to Companies House by May 19, includes companies headquartered in Devon and Cornwall and is ranked by the number of employees.

He said that 90% of named businesses are non-movers suggested a level of stability among the major employees in the two counties.

The sector dominating is manufacturing and retail and is mostly made up of entrepreneurial, family and privately owned companies.

He said: "It is a fascinating list and a great snapshot of the south west business trends."

Predicting the years ahead, Mr Brokenshire said that there would be an increase in inward investment and changes brought with the development of technology, artificial intelligence and social media.

Prof. Mark Goodwin, deputy vice chancellor for Innovation and External Engagement at the University of Exeter, said the region has to improve innovation, investment and raise productivity.

"Productivity in the South West is still only around 81% of the UK average and if were to close that gap, it would mean 11,500 more a year for every household."

The university, which contributes 600million to the regional economy and works on 1,000 projects with businesses each year, has identified that marine, aerospace, energy and environmental data will become strong growth sectors in the near future.

Prof. Goodwin said: "The world is becoming more and more skilled, our businesses need those skilled workers and the graduates are central to providing those skills."

But the challenges of Brexit brings uncertainty for EU research funding, the future of talented overseas staff and the ability to attract students to the university.

He also called for the region to stand together on the #BackTheSouthWest campaign.

He said: "This is not about Devon vs Cornwall, this is about ensuring that whatever money is available in the UK comes to the South West rather than Manchester or the West Midlands, which have got themselves far better organised than the South West has.

"This is about us working together to drive economic growth that the whole region will benefit from.
The new feature is aimed at making communication on the service more secure and either party will be able to request Aadhaar verification

Microsoft has announced that it is adding Aadhaar integration to Skype Lite. The aim is to bring identity verification features to the service. Either party can request Aadhaar verification over video calls made using Skype Lite. To confirm identity, users need to click the Verify Aadhaar identity and then enter their 12-digit Aadhaar number and then authenticate it via a one-time password that will be sent via SMS. Once the identity is verified, users can choose to share pre-selected information with the other party in order to confirm identity. Aadhaar verification will be captured as an event within the conversation. Microsoft says that Skype will not store any Aadhaar information and personal information like video and audio conversations are encrypted.

In its official blog, the company notes that this feature will help users communicate more securely with each other. For example, you may wish to make a Skype Lite call to an important business client or government representative  by using Aadhaar, both parties can verify their identity at the beginning of the call to prevent impersonation fraud, the Microsoft notes.

Skype Lite was unveiled at the companys Future Decoded event back in February 2017. As the name would suggest, it is a lightweight version of the standard Skype app and is built for slower data networks. The app is aimed at low to mid-range Android smartphones and offers a full suite of features like calling, texting and contact management. The app was designed by Microsofts India Development Center in Hyderabad and offers support for seven Indian languages including Gujarati, Bengali, Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu. Further, the app also supports Microsofts bot framework and UI. It was noted that the company was working with local government and developers to build quality bots for the service. The app is currently only available for Android.
The 2018 Hyundai Verna is expected to bear many of its elements from the more expensive Elantra.

Hyundai is gearing up to launch its new generation Verna in India, and has teased a sketch of the interiors across the Internet. The 2018 Hyundai Verna was initially unveiled as a concept back in the 2016 Beijing Auto Show, and with the latest teaser, the C segment sedan is expected to be closer to its launch date. Hyundai India posted the teaser link on its Facebook account as well, suggesting that the car will come to India soon.

The all-new Hyundai Verna is expected to bring with itself a facelift from the present Fluidic design language that makes it look a lot like the present generation Hyundai Elantra. The Verna is sold in the Russian market as Solaris and in Canada as the Accent, both of which were exhibited as production-ready models. In India, however, the Verna will retain its existing moniker and add a host of design and technology upgrades. Notably, the in-car infotainment system is slated to get a significant upgrade with support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as we have already seen in both the 2017 Elantra and Grand i10. It is also expected to include an integrated navigation system, and upgrade its interiors to now include soft touch plastic inserts and better overall quality of interiors.

The air-conditioning unit, as it seems on the sketch, resembles the simplistic look of the Grand i10's, and in all possibility will be understandably not getting the dual-zone air conditioning of the Elantra. On the exterior, the Hyundai Verna will now resemble the Elantra to a large extent with the new grille cluster and sweeping lines along the body. The new sedan will be slightly longer and wider, while retaining more or less the same weight, while should technically improve the space inside as well as the car's handling.

Hyundai is going for a more luxurious appeal along with improved driving dynamics of the car, and the 2018 Hyundai Verna will be up against the likes of the new Honda City, Maruti Ciaz and Skoda Rapid when it launches in India.
The UN survey shows an improvement in the global cybersecurity picture, but points out huge gaps in the level of cybersecurity in different regions of the world. The GCI report also notes that nearly 1 percent of all emails sent in 2016 were malicious.

In the wake of massive cyber attacks that have brought down hospitals, businesses and public utility systems in the recent past, cybersecurity is an imperative concern, one that demands a united global effort. However, a UN survey released on Wednesday shows big gaps in the level of cybersecurity across 193 countries in the world.

The International Telecommunication Union has released the Global Cybersecurity Index for 2017. ITU is a specialised ICT agency under the United Nations that is responsible for allocation global radio spectrum and satellite orbits, along with developing technical network standards.

As per the findings of the Global Cybersecurity Index 2017 (GCI), India ranks 23 out of the 193 member countries when it comes to commitment to cybersecurity. GCI is a composite index that measures and compares the level of cybersecurity commitment amongst member states based on five pillars - technical, organizational, legal, cooperation and growth potential. The main objective of the Global Cybersecurity Index is to measure the type, level and evolution of cybersecurity in countries from a global as well as regional perspective.

Singapore tops the charts with the highest level of cybersecurity commitment in the world, and in the Asia Pacific region. As per the report, Singapore has a long history of cybersecurity practices, dating back to 2005, when the country made its first master plan for cybersecurity. The U.S. comes in at the number 2 spot, with higher legal, organizational and growth potential factors than Singapore. Malaysia grabs the number 3 spot on GCI 2017, followed by Oman, Estonia, Mauritius, Australia, Georgia, France and Canada. This completes the list of top ten countries in the UNs cybersecurity commitment list of a total of 193 nations.

As far as India is concerned, GCI categorises the country in a Maturing Stage, which refers to countries with a GCI score between 50 and 89 percentile. A total of 77 countries fall under the Maturing Stage category and are categorised as such because they have developed complex commitments, and engage in cybersecurity programmes and initiatives. India does well in terms of legal cybersecurity measures, but falls short on technical measures and cooperation due to the lack of standardisation, public-private partnerships and Integrity partnerships. In the Asia-Pacific, India takes the number 8 spot on the cybersecurity index for the region.

Countries in the Leading Stage, i.e, those that demonstrate a high commitment in all five pillars of the index include - Singapore, US, UK, Australia, Japan, Canada, France, Russia, Oman, Korea and more.

In its report, the UN notes that while the overall global cybersecurity picture showed improvement in the year gone by, there is still space for further cooperation, capacity building, and organisational measures. The GCI report finds that there is still a huge gap in the level of cybersecurity between different regions of the world.

2016 was a year full of cybersecurity breaches and attacks. The GCI report also notes that nearly 1 percent of all emails sent in 2016 were malicious attacks, the highest rate in recent years. The average ransomware demand shot up over $1000 (Rs 64,765) in 2016, up $300 from 2015. GCI also recognises WannaCry as one of the largest and most alarming cyber attacks this year.
Were witnessing an outbreak of a new breed of cryptomalware. Our experts have named it ExPetr (others call it Petya, PetrWrap, and some other names). The key difference with this new ransomware is that this time, criminals have chosen their targets with greater precision: Most of the victims are businesses, not consumers.

The worst part is that far more critical infrastructure facilities are among the victims of this malware. For example, a few flights were reportedly delayed in Kievs Boryspil airport because of the attack. And it gets even worse  the infamous Chernobyl nuclear plants radiation-monitoring system was reported to be temporarily down for the same reason.

Why do critical infrastructure systems keep getting hit by cryptomalware? Its because they either are directly linked with corporate office networks or have direct access to the Internet.

What to do

Just like with WannaCry, we have two distinct problems: initial penetration of malware into a companys infrastructure and its proliferation within. These two problems should be addressed separately.

Initial penetration

Our experts indicate various routes by which malware penetrates the network. In some cases, it used malicious sites (drive-by infection); users received the malware disguised as system update. In other cases, infection was spread by third-party software updates  for example, through Ukrainian accounting software called M.E.Doc. In other words, there is no single, predictable point of entry to guard.

We have some recommendations for preventing malware from penetrating your infrastructure:

Instruct your employees never to open suspicious attachments or click on links in e-mails (sounds obvious, but people just keep doing it);

Ensure that all systems connected to the Internet are equipped with up-to-date security solutions incorporating behavioral analysis components;

Check that critically important components of security solutions are enabled (for Kaspersky Lab products, ensure cloud-assisted threat intelligence network Kaspersky Security Network and behavioral engine System Watcher are active);

Regularly update security solutions;

Employ tools for controlling and monitoring security solutions from a single administrative console  and dont allow employees to play around with their settings.

As an additional measure of protection (especially if you are not using Kaspersky Lab products), you can install our free Kaspersky Anti-Ransomware Tool, which is compatible with most other security solutions.

Proliferation within the network

Once it gets its hooks into a single system, ExPetr is much better than WannaCry at proliferating within a local network. Thats because it has an extended range of capabilities for that specific purpose. First, it uses at least two exploits: a modified EternalBlue (also used by WannaCry) and EternalRomance (another exploit of TCP port 445). Second, when it infects a system on which a user has administrative privileges, it starts disseminating itself using Windows Management Instrumentation technology or with the PsExec remote system control tool.

To prevent malware proliferation within your network (and especially within critical infrastructure systems), you should:

Isolate systems that require an active Internet connection in a separate network segment;

Split the remaining network into subnets or virtual subnets with restricted connections, connecting only those systems that require it for technology processes;

Get to know the advice Kaspersky Lab ICS CERT experts outlined after the WannaCry outbreak (encouraged for industrial companies in particular);

Make sure that critical Windows security updates are installed on time. Particularly important and relevant here, MS17-010 closes vulnerabilities exploited by EternalBlue and EternalRomance;

Isolate backup servers from the rest of the network and discourage using the connection to remote drives on the backup servers;

Prohibit the execution of a file called perfc.dat; using the Application Control feature of the Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business suite or with the Windows AppLocker system utility;

For infrastructures containing multiple embedded systems, deploy specialized security solutions such as Kaspersky Embedded Security Systems;

Configure Default Deny mode as an additional protective measure on systems where its possible  for example, on utility computers with software that is rarely modified. This can be done within the Application Control component of the Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business suite.

As always, we strongly recommend employing a multilayered information security approach, incorporating automatic software updates (including for the operating system), an antiransomware component, and a component that monitors all processes within the operating system.

To pay or not to pay

Finally, although we generally do not recommend paying ransom, we understand that some companies feel they have no choice. However, if your data has already been affected by ExPetr ransomware, you should not pay under any circumstances.

Our experts discovered that this malware has no mechanism for saving the installation ID. Without this ID, the threat actor cannot extract the necessary information needed for decryption. In short, they are simply unable to help victims with data recovery.

Emergency Petya/ExPetr webinar

To help businesses understand and defend against the ExPetr malware, our experts held an emergency webinar. Juan Andres Guerrero-Saade, senior security researcher in our Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) and Matt Suiche from Comae Technologies presented the very latest information on this threat and explained why its not ransomware but a wiper that was used for sabotage.

Source: Kaspersky

[Syndicated post]
Nokia 6 was reportedly the first smartphone to get July security update. Pixel and Nexus users can flash a factory image or sideload the OTA for the update right now, or simply wait for it to be available via an OTA update.

A new month has begun and this means that Google has started rolling out its monthly security patches. The July security patch is now available for Pixel and Nexus devices, and users can now flash a factory image or sideload an OTA by clicking here or here respectively. However, users who arent familiar with these methods can simply wait for the patch to be available via an OTA update.

While the patch back in May fixed a critical security vulnerability that could enable remote code execution on an affected device through multiple methods. The July patch is more straightforward with two security patch level strings. According to to the July Security Bulletin, the two patch level strings will provide its Android partners with flexibility to quickly fix a subset of vulnerabilities that are similar across all Android devices.

Interestingly, it should be noted that Nokia may have beaten Google to providing the July security patch to its devices. NokiaPowerUser reports that the company is rolling out the July security update to Nokia 6 smartphones in Taiwan and Hong Kong. HMD had promised to keep the Nokia phones as up to date as possible, and it seems like the company is sticking to its word. HMD has also promised to update its Nokia devices to Android O when it becomes available.

Speaking of Android O, the beta version of the OS is currently available for Pixel and Nexus users. While the official rollout of the new OS is not yet known reports suggest that it might be available for Pixel devices in August.
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TACOMA (AP)  A federal jury in Washington state has convicted a Texas woman of embezzling nearly half a million dollars from two real-estate company franchises where she worked remotely as a bookkeeper.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Seattle says Cindi Allison, of Ben Wheeler, Texas, was convicted Friday of six counts of wire fraud for stealing more than $478,000 from two Windermere Real Estate franchises, both in the Tacoma area.





. . .
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GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP)  The president of a bankrupt regional restaurant group has agreed to pay more than $1.7 million in restitution to 13 investors in a Montana securities fraud case.

Ken Hatzenbeller of Great Falls earlier pleaded guilty to bank fraud has must report to a federal prison in Oregon later this month to begin serving a 30-month sentence. He was ordered to pay $1 million in restitution in that case.





. . .
RENO (AP)  A day after beating back flames to prevent damage to dozens of rural homes, fire officials on Wednesday advised more residents to evacuate with their animals ahead of one of several blazes sweeping across hot, dry northern Nevada rangelands.

Palomino Valley residents were urged to voluntarily relocate to an equestrian events center in Reno, Truckee Meadows fire spokeswoman Erin Holland said in a statement.

Holland said 100 animals were sheltered, with room for more.

The area, south of Pyramid Lake, has about 200 homes, mostly on ranches.

Houses are pretty spread out in this area, Washoe County sheriffs spokesman Bob Harmon said. And most people have horses.

The fire district advisory followed a National Weather Service warning for high fire danger in western Nevada and in Californias Alpine and Mono counties.

Earlier, firefighters battled flames that neared about a dozen homes late Tuesday and early Wednesday near Palomino Valley but burned only one shed, Truckee Meadows Fire Chief Charles Moore said.

Were stretched thin because we have so many fires going on all at once, Moore said. Wildfire is a natural disaster that happens with regularity. You can almost bank on it happening every summer.

The number of firefighters battling the Palomino Valley fire grew from 250 to 300, aided by fire engines and air tanker drops. No injuries were reported.

Moore said the fire may have been started accidentally Tuesday afternoon. It spread to more than 4.5 square miles in less than 24 hours and was consuming cheat grass, sage and pinion-juniper pine bushes.

Moore said a well-maintained landscape fire buffer helped protect the multi-billion dollar Apple Technology Center in Reno Technology Park east of Sparks.

Another fire that started Monday near Golden Eagle Regional Park in Sparks charred some 39 square miles and temporarily closed Interstate 80 for a time on Tuesday as it crossed the freeway near the town of Patrick.

It was spreading south and east, away from populated areas, not far from a Tesla factory where the electric-car company manufactures lithium-ion batteries.

Meanwhile, a wildfire that started Monday near Wadsworth, between Fernley and Pyramid Lake, grew to more than 110 square miles in an unpopulated area. Fire officials reported it was about 35 percent contained.

Gusty winds also were a concern at another fire that started Monday about 15 miles northeast of Lovelock. It grew by Wednesday to 17 square miles, and was 25 percent contained.
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Its time to talk about spreadsheets. Or, as one financial modeling company called them, capitalisms dirty secret. Whats going on between the (spread)sheets to earn the decades-old business application such a sordid reputation? Mistakes. Costly ones. Almost nine in 10 spreadsheets (88%*) contain errors. Yet what do most businesses base their decision making on? Spreadsheets.

Consider this:

8 in 10 key financial decisions (78%*) are supported by spreadsheets

1 in 2 businesses (56%*) use spreadsheets to prepare accounts

1 in 5 (22%*) private sector investment decisions are based on spreadsheet analysis

Decisions based on flawed information are flawed. One in three small and medium businesses* say spreadsheets have caused poor decision-making.

Just because spreadsheets are widely used, doesnt mean they are used well. Errors can occur in data input, formatting, calculations or formulae. Because they are typically updated manually, error checking is tricky. The bigger they grow, the more unwieldy they become  you can have more than one million rows in an Excel spreadsheet. If there is no version control, change tracking or double-checking processes, errors and discrepancies abound. Then theres the inordinate time spent maintaining and reconciling.

The spreadsheet universe is littered with tales of woe from basic spreadsheet mistakes that cost time, money, jobs and reputations.

At the London 2012 Olympics, organisers sold 20,000 tickets to a synchronised swimming event with only 10,000 tickets available when someone put 2 instead of 1 in the spreadsheet.

On the eve of a Northern Territory election, the Country Liberal Party admitted a spreadsheet error had thrown its costings out by $30 million**.

JP Morgan was forced to declare $6 billion in losses when it seriously underestimated the downside of a credit portfolio thanks to a copy-paste mistake and faulty equation created to crunch the numbers in the spreadsheet used to model risk.

No wonder Warren Buffett famously said Beware of geeks bearing formulas.

Despite advances in the availability of cloud-based online accounting software, many businesses continue to use spreadsheets at their own peril.

As technology evolves, there is clearly a better way. Online cloud accounting systems deliver a faster, more productive way to work, with in-built controls, checks and balances.

They are easy to use and simplify complex tasks, saving time and driving productivity. They are more controllable, accurate and less prone to human error. Data doesnt have to be copied and pasted and results dont have to be double-checked. The ability to keep track of all changes means there isnt multiple versions of what Trump might call alternative calculations flying around.

Online accounting software provides greater visibility into the financial status of the business in real time in an easy to understand, visual, flexible and searchable format. It enables greater collaboration with the ability to view data from any device, anywhere, anytime, for faster more efficient and effective decision-making.

A consistent, single view of the business can be easily shared with accountants, bookkeepers and auditors. It is robust enough to satisfy regulators, auditors and tax and compliance requirements. Improved data quality, validity and audit trails reduce business risk.

When financial mismanagement and poor record-keeping are behind one in three small business failures*** in Australia, business owners who want to not just thrive, but survive should head to the cloud  and consign the spreadsheet to the annals of history.

About the author

Dan Rabie is currently Chief Operating Officer at Reckon, a position he has held since 2015. In his role, he leads the strategic direction of the companys IT, development, marketing and HR shared service divisions across four countries; producing innovative online accounting, fintech and document management solutions to hundreds of thousands of customers around the world.

* Capitalisms Dirty Secret, research report, F1F9

** http://www.eusprig.org/stories.htm

*** Start Me Up, John Petty, University of Technology, Sydney, 2005, https://www.uts.edu.au/sites/default/files/Start_me_up.pdf
Message to Caroline Cox

On 6 July President Bako Sahakyan sent a congratulatory letter to the member of the UK House of Lords, Baroness Caroline Cox in connection with her 80th birthday. The letter runs as following: Dear Baroness, Let me congratulate You on behalf of the Artsakh people, the authorities and personally myself on Your glorious jubilee, the 80th birthday anniversary. You have always stood by the Armenian nation, shared their pain and anguish, supported in every possible way our righteous struggle for freedom and independence, voiced against human rights abuses and violence. Due to Your efforts many people from all corners of the world learnt about Artsakh and obtained credible information on the Karabagh case. The life You lead and Your entire activity deserve upper estimate and could be reckoned among the best manifestations of love for mankind. Thank You for Your allegiance and commitment to panhuman values and democratic principles, for Your long-standing fundamental and consistent work, for the heartfelt attitude and tender friendship You nourish towards Artsakh people. I once again congratulate You and wish peace, robust health, success and all the best to You and all Your family and relatives.
Where do you think your Php5,000.00 take you?

Baguio? Ilocos? Cebu? Bohol? Palawan? Aim further coz it can actually take you to Europe.

I know it sounds like shooting for the stars but that is what saving up your hard earned money at RCBC Savings Bank can take you.

They have an ongoing promo, Save up and Fly , which will end in April 2018. The promo allows you one raffle coupon for every Php5,000.00 fresh deposit and/or average daily balance (until the end of the promo period). Additions 5k deposit entitles you to additional raffle entry.

Save Up and Fly is open to all new and existing personal and corporate account holders of RCBC Savings Bank covering Basic Savings and Checking, WISE savings, Dragon Savings, Dragon All In One Checking and My Wallet Cash Card.

By simply saving up, maintaining that 5k average daily balance (ADB) , you can get a chance to go on an all expense paid trip for two to Europe for 7D6N in a 4 star hotel . Trip included visits to Spain, France and Italy where the lucky winner will also be awarded with Php50,000 pocket money to enjoy the European experience.

Aside from an al-ezoense paid trip to Europe, other participants can also win a 4D3N to Singapore, Malaysia or Hong Kong. Plus chances of getting instant prizes based on their additional fresh funds for existing personal and corporate account holders opening a Dragon Savings Account or a Dragon All In One checking account.

This promo also coincides with the launch of the RCBC Savings Bank MasterCard Debit Card. Cardholders can now transact in more than 2.5 million AtM and jn over 40 million merchant locations worldwide.

To know more about the promotion and RCBC Savings Bank visit rcbcsvings.com.

Stay gorgeous everyone!
Register an interest in the stunning new homes at Taylor Wimpey's Oakbrook

Home-hunters in Buckinghamshire are being advised to register their interest in the fabulous new phase of properties coming soon at Taylor Wimpeys popular Oakbrook development in Newton Leys, near Milton Keynes.

The impressive range of two-bedroom apartments and two and four-bedroom houses is expected to be in high demand with discerning home-hunters, following on from the success of the previous phases at the development, which have all sold out.

Jack Costello, Regional Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey, says: Oakbrook continues to prove incredibly popular with a wide range of buyers, and so were delighted to be opening up even more opportunities for people to own a brand new home within this exciting development.

However, with interest in this new phase already running high, anyone interested in staking their claim here should register their interest online now to ensure theyre among the first to take their pick from the great home designs in this brand new collection.

To make moving to Oakbrook even easier and more affordable, Taylor Wimpey offers a range of helpful homebuyer incentives for purchasers in a variety of circumstances, including first-time buyers and those with a property to sell. Further details are available from the Sales Executive.

Oakbrook lies to the east of the village of Newton Longville, which has a good selection of local amenities and is just a few miles from the centre of Milton Keynes, which boasts more than 230 shops, cafes, restaurants and an outdoor market.

Parents will appreciate the wide choice of schools for children of all ages and further education colleges within easy reach of the development.

For commuters, the A5 and the M1 are just a short drive from the development, while Luton Airport is only 25 miles away.

Express services from Milton Keynes Central to Euston, meanwhile, put central London a little over half an hour away by train.

To register an interest in the new phase of homes coming soon at Oakbrook, would-be buyers should visit taylorwimpey.co.uk. The development is located off San Andres Drive, Newton Leys, Milton Keynes, MK3 5GG, and open daily from 10am to 5.30pm (Mondays 2pm to 5pm).
A blueprint for getting the self-employed into pensions

Major pension providers Aviva and Royal London have joined forces to produce a recommendation of how to extend auto enrolment to the self-employed.

The favoured solution by Aviva and Royal London is to use the annual self-assessment process to default the self-employed into pension saving. As part of completing an annual tax return, self-employed people could nominate a pension provider or scheme to receive any contributions and would have a sum automatically added to their total tax bill, perhaps equal to 4% of their taxable profits. With standard rate tax relief this would mean 5% of profits would go into a pension unless the self-employed person actively opted out. The fact that the contribution would go up and down in line with the ups and downs of the self-employed persons business would provide a flexibility which would be welcomed by many self-employed people.

The recommendation is made in a new report from Aviva and Royal London titled Solving the under-saving problem among the self-employed. In 2014/15 only 1 in 7 self-employed people contributed to a pension, but there is now growing momentum to find a solution, including:

- The Governments 2017 review of automatic enrolment promised to consider how the growing numbers of self-employed people can be helped to save for their retirement;

- The Conservative manifesto (p64) said: we will continue to extend auto-enrolment to small employers and make it available to the self-employed.

The new report, published today (5th July 2017) begins by describing current patterns of pension scheme coverage, showing that women and low-paid self-employed workers have particularly low levels of coverage. It then reviews a range of policy options which have been recommended in the past, including government incentives to save or use of the Lifetime ISA instead of a pension.

Commenting on the report, John Lawson of Aviva said: The lack of retirement provision amongst the self-employed is reaching crisis levels. Whilst automatic enrolment has helped to reverse declining participation amongst employees, the situation for self-employed workers remains dire. Many will simply be unable to afford to retire unless urgent action is taken.

Steve Webb, director of policy at Royal London, said: Automatic enrolment has shown the power of nudges to get people saving. Using the annual tax return process to nudge self-employed people into starting saving for their retirement could bring a breakthrough in pension coverage for the self-employed in the same way as has already happened for employees. It is vital that we build on the momentum for action in this area and take forward practical proposals as a matter of urgency.

The Governments independent reviewer of Employment Practices in the Modern Economy, RSA Chief Executive Matthew Taylor, will speak at the launch of the report. Matthew Taylor said:

There are many areas in which self-employed people may miss out compared with employed earners, and access to automatic enrolment and an employer pension contribution is one of these. I welcome this report which suggests one practical way in which the existing system could be modified to improve pension coverage among the self-employed.
19 million in grants for EBRD-managed Nuclear Safety Account

The European Union (EU) has made a 19 million contribution to the Nuclear Safety Account (NSA), one of the nuclear safety funds managed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

The NSA was established at the EBRD at the request of the G7 in 1993 to fund operations to ensure the safety and security of Soviet-designed nuclear power plants. It currently finances the Interim Storage Facility 2 and the Liquid Radioactive Waste Treatment Plant of the decommissioned Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.

The EUs contribution is vital for the support of the Chernobyl spent nuclear fuel facility project, known as ISF-2. The facility has been built and is currently being tested, with an ambitious schedule to start retrieving spent fuel from the old dilapidated storage pond by the end of this year.

The operation of retrieving, processing and ensuring the safe storage of more than 20,000 spent fuel assemblies accumulated during the activity of three nuclear reactors at Chernobyl will take approximately seven years. The facility will be handed over to the Chernobyl operators in 2018.

The EUs contribution to the NSA was signed today during the Assembly of the NSA donors held in London at the Banks Headquarters.

Vince Novak, EBRD Director of the Nuclear Safety Department, said: In terms of nuclear safety, the completion of this 400 million facility will be a major achievement and a huge step forward in the reduction of radiological hazards. We are very pleased to be able to continue this work to increase nuclear safety and security in eastern Europe.

The EBRD work on nuclear safety has contributed to the success of one of the most ambitious projects in the history of engineering: securing the site of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident with the giant arch known as the New Safe Confinement   the largest moveable land-based structure ever built.

Recently, with EBRD and donor support, the first shipment of spent nuclear fuel left the base in Andreeva Bay in north-west Russia to begin the journey to its final destination, the nuclear reprocessing plant Mayak. This is a crucial milestone in overcoming the legacy of the former Soviet Northern Fleet and its nuclear-powered submarines. Accidents and a lack of funding saw the storage sites contaminated and fall into dereliction  presenting a real risk of radioactive material entering the Barents Sea and the food chain.

The EU has been by far the largest donor to the EBRD-managed nuclear safety funds. The latest contribution brings the total EU donor funding for all nuclear safety funds to 2.437 billion.
EBRD to continue calling for land and justice reforms and privatisation.

The EBRD has reaffirmed its support for reforms in Ukraine during high-level events in London 5-6 July 2017, including two conferences and the first address by a Ukrainian prime minister to the EBRDs Board of Directors.

Today, at the Ukraine Reform conference, organised by the UKs Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the EBRD President, Sir Suma Chakrabarti, praised reform efforts so far and outlined the magnitude of challenges ahead.

The conference was attended by foreign ministers from a number of countries, including UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland, and all the key ministers from the Ukrainian government.

The EBRD President said: The foundations have now been laid for sustainable and robust economic growth. Both the banking and energy sectors have been largely reformed. The country is benefitting from macroeconomic stability at the same time as growth, while still too modest, has returned. The situation with public procurement bears no comparison with that previously.

Describing the EBRDs involvement, he said: We are the largest single investor in the country. The cumulative figure currently stands at just under 12 billion. [] Within the last year we have opened new offices in Kharkiv and Odessa.

The Bank was proud of its role in the creation of the Business Ombudsman Council and the Reform Support teams, he added.

He then stressed: Ukraine needs to consolidate the rule of law and respect for property rights, indeed everything that advances the struggle against corruption, and called for an overhaul of state-owned enterprises and banks, privatisations, and a land reform.

EBRD Director for Ukraine, Sevki Acuner, also moderated a panel at the conference on economic growth with a focus on state-owned enterprise reform and privatisation.

Ahead of the conference, the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Volodymyr Groysman, addressed the EBRD Board of Directors on 5 July. He outlined recent reforms, discussed specific challenges and answered questions from representatives of shareholder governments.

Mr Groysman was the first sitting Ukrainian prime minister to have addressed the EBRDs Board of Directors, which represents the Banks shareholders: 65 governments, the European Union and European Investment Bank. He also had a bilateral meeting with the EBRD President.

5 July also saw another Ukraine event, Ukraine Transformation: Assessments and Solutions, a conference organised by Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs.

During this conference, EBRD Managing Director for Eastern Europe and the Caucasus, Francis Malige, stressed the crucial importance of rule of law and justice reform in order to attract much-needed foreign investment.
The following post was written by Ingham County Clerk and former state legislator Barb Byrum.

Enjoy.

You may have first learned of the Trump Administrations request for voter information from Susan Demas blog post.

You have probably since learned that many states are denying the request either completely or partially.

Michigans Secretary of State Ruth Johnson stated that her Office will only release information that is already publicly available. This includes the voters name, year of birth, address and voter participation history. It is important to note that how a specific voter voted on a ballot is unknown in Michigan and is therefore, unavailable.

In addition, in Michigan voters are not registered as a Democrat, Republican or Independent. They are registered simply as a voter.

Secretary Johnson said she has declined Trumps Election Integrity Commissions request for voters full dates of birth, the last four digits of the Social Security numbers and their drivers license numbers.

I have since been contacted by voters requesting to be removed from the voter rolls as they do not want their information shared with the Trump Administration. I caution voters on this request, as the information being turned over is already publicly available. If a voter wishes to remove themselves from the voter roll, that will only be in effect for future elections and their information will have already been shared with the Trump Administration. Most importantly, if a voter removes themselves from the voter roll, they will no longer be a qualified, registered voter and unable to vote in future elections.

The Trump Administrations claims of voter fraud in the November 2016 Election as the basis for their Election Integrity Commission and, subsequently, this request for voters information, are completely unfounded. In fact, Michigans recently retired Elections Director, Chris Thomas, who served in that capacity for nearly 40 years, said that massive voter fraud at the polls did not exist, and if it did, it would have been easily documented.

I firmly believe this request from the sham committee is just another attempt to intimidate and disenfranchise voters. Requests like this, just like unnecessary election rules for voters and claims of voter fraud, are made to intimidate voters.

Dont be intimidated. Remain a vigilant and active voter. Resist and persist.

To check your voter registration, please click HERE.

The deadline to register to vote for the August Election if there is one in your area is this Monday, July 10, 2017.

To request an absentee ballot, please click HERE.
Uber Technologies on Monday lost its second-most-important executive in a shakeup stemming from an internal investigation into sexual harassment charges. The changes at the top reportedly could include the temporary loss of Ubers founder and chief executive, Travis Kalanick.

Emil Michael  who served as the companys senior vice president of business and a key lieutenant to Kalanick  is out.

I can confirm that Emil Michael is no longer with the company, Uber spokesperson Matthew Wing told the E-Commerce Times. I have no additional comment beyond that.

Toxic Environment

The Michael ouster came at a critical juncture in the companys short history. Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder reportedly has presented findings of his investigation into corporate culture at the firm, following reports of widespread sexual harassment.

Holder, now a partner at the law firm of Covington & Burling, presented his findings to the Uber board, according to multiple reports, and those findings will be made public Tuesday. Among the recommended changes are a leave of absence for Kalanick, widely blamed for fostering a problematic corporate culture at the firm.

From all accounts its just an incredibly toxic environment, said Rebecca Lindland, executive analyst at Kelley Blue Book.

When youre building a company thats still relatively new, you cant grow with that kind of toxic environment very long, she told the E-Commerce Times.

Thumbs Down

The shakeup follows months of reports that Uber operates like a Silicon Valley version of Game of Thrones, with employees pitted against each other for the sake of pleasing management.

There have been numerous complaints from female engineers who said they were victims of sexual harassment. Further, they were subjected to high-level efforts to sabotage their work and drive them out of the company when they complained, according to reports.

The recent turmoil followsrevelations made earlier this year by former Uber engineer Susan Fowler, of a series of sexual harassment and discrimination efforts against her and other female employees. Fowler essentially was driven out of the company and given poor performance reviews when she left, she claimed.

At the time, Uber already had been under fire for bypassing a wildcat strike at John F. Kennedy International Airport in protest of the Trump administrations travel ban. Kalanick also had been called out for joining the new administrations business advisory council, but later stepped down.

Federal officials had begun looking into the companys controversial greyball software, which allegedly was used to avoid tracking by authorities in Portland, Oregon, and other cities.

Uber is in need of a major reset, because its internal culture has put the firm at risk of self-destructing, said Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT.

The situation at Uber is odd, at best, especially in the ways it illuminates the thin line between innovative and pathological behavior, he told the E-Commerce Times. Over the past few months, the company and its executives, including its CEO, have regularly stepped over that line and essentially brought greater scrutiny and the possibility of punishment onto themselves.

Uber has taken several recent steps to address its sexual harassment and overall corporate culture problem.

Housecleaning Efforts

About 20 Uber employees were terminated in connection with an internal investigation that uncovered 215 allegations of sexual harassment or gender bias at the company, the Perkins Coie law firm reportedly disclosed last week. A spokesperson referred the E-Commerce Times questions to Uber.

Uber last week announced that Frances Frei, a professor of service management and the senior associate dean for executive education at Harvard Business School, had been hired as senior vice president, leadership and strategy, and would act as a partner to Ubers human resources officer Liane Hornsey.

The company also named Nestle SA executive vice president Wan Ling Martello to its board of directors, adding another female executive to the board. Huffington Post founder Arianna Huffington previously was the only woman on the board.

The full Holder report is expected to be made public on Tuesday, when employees will learn how the company aims to move forward and regain its footing.
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Teenagers love social media. Seven in 10 teens use Facebook, and more than half use Instagram, according to a 2015 survey by the Pew Research Center. Snapchat and Twitter are popular, too.

For many teens, such platforms are the best way to connect with friends and participate in public life . The benefits can be significant.

But young people have also found themselves in hot water for their use of social media, especially in school. The most prominent recent example: 10 students who had their admissions offers to Harvard University rescinded after they posted offensive memes to an online chat group. Thats just the beginning, though. From references to school shootings to racist rants to complaints about water quality, students social-media posts have resulted in suspensions, expulsions, arrests, and lawsuits.

Education Week rounded up 10 such incidents that made headlines this school year.

For parents and the public, the list shows how big a problem social media can be. For teachers and school administrators, these incidents put a face on tough policy questions about monitoring students social-media activity , demanding passwords to access students social media accounts , and teaching digital citizenship .

In preparing this list, Education Week sought accounts from established news organizations, as well as relevant public records.

1. An Unauthorized Rap Video (YouTube)

In real life, Anthony Talvacchio is a student at New Jerseys Egg Harbor Township High. On social media, hes aspiring musician @TonyBeatz. Last fall, those two identities collided when Talvacchio posted to social media a music video that was apparently filmed inside his school, without permission, according to CBS Philly . The video features profane language, teens playing dice in the bathroom, and gestures that look like shooting guns. (You can watch the video here. Warning: explicit language.)

CBS Philly reported that Talvacchio was suspended for 10 days. Other students were suspended as well, according to a tweet from Talvacchio. The incident prompted student walkouts and an online petition, according to The Current of Egg Harbor Township .

2. Exposing Her Schools Dirty Water (Facebook, Twitter)

The water coming out of the restroom faucets at John Glenn High School in Westland, Mich., was so yellow it looked like urine. So senior Hazel Juco used her phone to post a photo to social media.

Above: This tweet of a photo of dirty bathroom water led to a controversy at John Glenn High in Westland, Mich.

Juco was suspended for three days, CNN reported , for using a phone inside the bathroom, which her school considered an inappropriate use of electronics. After dozens of other students posted similar photos in a show of solidarity, Jucos suspension was expunged, and the Wayne-Westland school district moved to fix the broken pipe that was causing the problem, according to CNN.

3. Posting to a Nazi Chat Group (Facebook)

More than a dozen students from multiple schools in the Boulder, Colo., area were involved in posting rape memes, messages championing white power, and comments about wanting to kill black and Jewish people, KUSA and The Guardian reported. The posts resulted in the expulsion of at least five students from Boulder Preparatory High, an alternative charter school, according to the news outlets.

The group chat was called the 4th Reichs Official Group Chat. Members were asked to recruit new members to our cause so they can complete their mission, according to KUSA. None of the students was charged with a crime, because there was no evidence of a credible threat, the Daily Camera reported. A restraining order prevented at least one student from returning to Boulder Preparatory High, an alternative charter school, the schools headmaster told the Daily Camera . Another student was allowed to return to the school after participating in a restorative-justice process, according to the paper.

One of the students involved committed suicide after the chat group was created, the Daily Camera reported . A police report initially attributed the students death to a desire to show allegiance to the Nazi party. The Boulder County Coroners office did not appear to endorse that conclusion, referring instead to the teens depression and recent life stressors, according to the Daily Beast .

4. Lets Shoot Up the School at Homecoming (Instagram)

Two 14-year-old students at Ohios Findlay High School faced potential criminal charges of disorderly conduct after posting to social media a photo of themselves holding fake guns and a sign saying I hate everyone, you hate everyone. Lets shoot up the school at homecoming, The Courier reported .

School officials determined that the post was a prank, not an actual threat. The girls were still suspended and faced possible expulsion from the school, as well as disorderly conduct charges, according to the paper. School officials declined to specify for Education Week what disciplinary action was ultimately taken against the students. A juvenile court directed both girls into a diversion program, according to the Findlay police department.

5. Liking a Post Referencing a School Shooting (Instagram)

About 20 students at Bradford Preparatory in Charlotte, N.C., were reportedly suspended after liking an Instagram post that said Bradford gon have a school shooter one day [emojis], WCNC.com reported.

Above: The news report from WCNC-Charlotte on a controversy involving students at Bradford Preparatory who liked an Instagram post.

A statement from the school said officials had immediately engaged law enforcement and the students involved [in the original post] have been detained.

6. Sharing an Image of a Teacher Photoshopped to Look Like Porn (Snapchat)

Five students at Mississippis Northeast Lauderdale High were suspended and faced felony charges after being accused of sharing via social media a photograph of a teacher that one of the students had digitally altered to look like pornography, reported the Meridian Star .

The teacher involved pressed charges against the students for posting an injurious message on the internet, according to the Meridian Star. In Mississippi, that crime is punishable by up to five years of prison and a $10,000 fine, according to the paper. The Lauderdale County deputy sheriff told Education Week the case was ultimately directed to a juvenile court, but he could provide no further updates.

7. A Nude Recording of a School Administrator (Snapchat)

The executive director of Californias Clayton Valley Charter High was changing in the locker room of a local fitness center when he was secretly recorded by a 17-year-old student at the school, reported Claycord.com . The student posted a photo to social media and was arrested and cited on suspicion of invasion of privacy, according to the news site. That student was expelled, and other students who shared the photo were suspended, according to The Mercury News .

Above: The news report from KBCW-San Francisco about a controversy involving a nude recording of a school administrator.

8. The Million-Dollar Lawsuit (Facebook and Twitter)

Two students at a Chicago Catholic high school were expelled for their roles in a racist group text-message exchange that other students posted to Twitter and Facebook, reported the Chicago Tribune . The families of the teens sued Marist High School for $1 million, saying the messages, which others believed to be racially insensitive, were meant to be private and that another student altered the texts, according to the paper.

Among the text messages described by the Sun-Times: I F HATE N.

Some of the students involved in the text-message chain were allowed to return to the school, and a reconciliation prayer service was held at the school, according to the Chicago Tribune . The lawsuit is still working its way through the court system.

9. When the ACLU Steps In (Snapchat)

This situation at Ohios Shaker Heights High also involved racist text messages shared on social media. But this time, the two students who landed in trouble werent the source of the derogatory messages about African-Americans. Instead, junior Elena Weingard and sophomore Myahh Husamadeen were suspended for posting images of the texts to Snapchat and Twitter in an effort to expose racism, according to Fox 8 Cleveland and Cleveland.com .

The American Civil Liberties Union got involved, arguing that suspensions were unfair because the students did not include threats or personal attacks, made the post off campus and after school hours, and did not violate the privacy of the student who had originally written the problematic text messages, Cleveland.com reported.

Shaker Heights later reversed its disciplinary action for the students, according to the ACLU. The district superintendent issued a statement .

10. Students Push Back Against Offensive Posts (Instagram)

Eric Naposki-Abdalah was troubled by one of his classmates social-media posts, which included photos and memes mocking African-Americans, children with disabilities, and the victims of the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School. So the senior at Connecticuts Masuk High approached administrators at the school. When that didnt get results, Fox 61 reported , Naposki-Abdalah and others approached the student behind the offensive posts, prompting a fight. Then they organized an online petition asking district administrators to remove the student.

Having a sister with Down syndrome, this kind of stuff hits me on a personal level and I dont stand by it in any way, Naposki-Abdalah told the TV station.

The student behind the offensive posts was suspended, according to Fox 61.
To build the largest and most complete Amateur Radio community site on the Internet - a "portal" that hams think of as the first place to go for information, to exchange ideas, and be part of whats happening with ham radio on the Internet. eHam.net provides recognition and enjoyment to the people who use, contribute, and build the site. This project involves a management team of volunteers who each take a topic of interest and manage it with passion. The site will stand above all other ham radio sites by employing the latest technology and professional design/programming standards, developed by a team of community programmers who contribute their skills to the effort. The site will be something of which everyone involved can be proud to say they were a part. We welcome your comments. The eHam.net Team, Revision 07/2020.
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The census provides data on access to drinking water sources in urban and rural areas. The data are used by government departments to assess the status of water supply in India, and by researchers to understand access to water sources across regions and among different sections of society. Census 2011 reports that 30.8% of households in rural India access taps for drinking water, and the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation (MDWS) uses this as an indicator of piped water coverage (Government of India 2013). While access to taps is the terminology used by the census, piped water coverage is the terminology used by the MDWS. The ministry aims to cover 90% of rural households with piped water supply by 2022, at 70 lpcd (litres per capita per day), which includes both potable and non-potable water. In this article, we point out aspects that should be considered while interpreting decadal census data on rural water, drawing upon different components of the census data itself, and a year-long field study conducted in 201314 covering 518 households in 16 villages around Bengaluru in Karnataka. First, we show that there are discrepancies in data on water sources between house listing data and village amenities data, both from the 2011 Census for the 16 villages that we surveyed. Second, we discuss whether census data on access to taps can be used as an indicator of piped water coverage. Third, we look at the reliability of data collected from households related to treated water.

Study Area

We undertook a stratified random sample survey on rural water supply as part of a larger socio-hydrological research project during 2013, which covered 518 households from 16 villages around Bengaluru. The study aimed to understand domestic water use across different socio-economic groups, particularly, access to water sources and quantity of water used. All the villages in this region are dependent on groundwater, with each village having a bore well owned by the panchayat, which supplies water to households through a piped network. Households are connected to this piped network by taps within households, by public taps, or through the mini water supply scheme. When water is insufficient in supply or of poor quality, which is generally the case in the summer months, or when there are problems with the panchayat bore well, households rely on secondary sources such as farm bore wells owned by others, tanker water supplied by the panchayat, and water purification units.

Comparing House Listing and Village Amenities Data Sets

Two data sets on rural water supplyhouse listing and village amenitiesare available in the census. The house listing data set, available as tables (Table HH-14: Percentage of Households to Total Households by Amenities and Assets), comes from the Houselisting and Housing Census Schedule which is administered to households. It provides village-wise information on percentage of households accessing 10 different water sources. The village amenities data set provides information on whether a village has access to these 10 drinking water sources, as well as their seasonal availability, which the village accountant, possibly in consultation with the panchayat, provides to the census department.

The 10 options for drinking water sources provided in Question 19 in the Census 2011 Houselisting Schedule on Main Source of Drinking Water include tap from treated source, tap from untreated source, covered well, uncovered well, hand pump, tube well/borehole, spring, river/canal, tank/pond/lake and other sources. The census also has an instruction manual that provides instructions for selecting each of these sources. For instance, if households access taps that supply water from bore wells or surface water bodies, then either taps from treated source or taps from untreated source should be reported, based on whether the water supplied to the taps is treated or not. Tube wells/boreholes should be reported only when groundwater is drawn using electric or diesel pumps.

On comparing the house listing and village amenities data for the 16 villages (Table 1), we came across discrepancies between the two. While the village amenities show the presence of certain sources, households do not report them in the house listing data set. For instance, in Hasanaghatta and Thattekere, village amenities data report the presence of treated tap water while none of the households report it in the house listing data set. All villages have reported handpumps in the amenities data set while none of the households report using handpumps in the house listing dataset, except in Kalyandevramatha. This is also the case for other sources such as untreated tap water (in Kalyandevramatha), and river/canal water (in Byrapura and Neralaghatta), which are reported in the village amenities data but not in the house listing data.

During fieldwork, we noted that none of the households in the 16 villages accessed handpumps (which were all defunct) or rivers/canals for drinking purposes. While this was reported correctly in the house listing data, it was not so in the village amenities data, making the house listing data set seem more reliable. One possible reason for this discrepancy is that the data originate from two different sources, the house listing data from households, and the village amenities data from the village accountant/panchayat. The village accountant/panchayat does not seem to have accurate information about the sources of drinking water in villages under its jurisdiction, even though it provides funds for the establishment and maintenance of these water sources.

Is Data on Access to Taps a Good Indicator of Piped Water Coverage?

Data on access to taps from the house listing data set includes taps located either within the household premises or away, which get water from treated or untreated sources. This data from the census is used as an indicator for piped water coverage by the MDWS. Out of the 16 villages we surveyed, the census reports a fairly high access to taps (more than 80%) in 11 villages1 and low access to taps (less than 50%) in the remaining villages (Table 2). Field consultations indicated that all 16 villages surveyed have had the infrastructure for piped water supply from before 2010, the year when census data were collected. Moreover, all these villages depend on panchayat bore wells for water, for the distribution of which a piped network is necessary. One would thus expect census data to have reported this high access to taps in all 16 villages, which has not been the case.

To understand why the census reports low access to taps even if villages have had piped water infrastructure, we compared our household survey data (n = 518)2 on access to water sources for potable and non-potable purposes with data from the census on access to drinking water (potable) sources. We focused on the five villages where the census reported low access to taps.

The census reports that 49% of households in Neralaghatta and 59% of households in Ganalu had accessed taps for drinking. During our survey, these villages reported that the quality of water in these taps was poor and they used this water only for non-potable purposes. For drinking purposes, they accessed other sources such as tanker water, bore well owned by others, and water purification units. If the quality of water was equally poor in 2010 as well, then the census, which captures data only on drinking water sources (and not on whether households access taps irrespective of the purpose of use), is reporting that only a few households accessed taps for drinking. Thus, in villages where water quality is an issue and taps are used only for non-potable purposes, census data may be correct, but it is not a good indicator for piped water coverage.

Further, for three other villages, Thattekere, Bidalur and Mediagrahaara, census reports no taps and 100% dependence on bore wells. It is highly unlikely that if a village has taps, all households will report bore well as their source of water. There may be discrepancies in data collection, where there is a lack of conceptual understanding among enumerators and households on the definition of taps and bore wells as sources of water. The instruction manual states that bore wells should be reported only when groundwater is drawn using electric or diesel pumps. Though not explicitly stated in the manual, the bore well option should be reported when households collect water directly from a bore well and not when bore wells are connected to a distribution system such as an overhead tank or tap. Hence, panchayat bore wells (such as those present in our study area), which are connected to a piped network, should ideally be reported under tap from treated source or tap from untreated source, and not as bore wells.

Assuming that the enumerators were clear about the definitions, and that the questions were administered correctly, the only other reason (unlikely) for an entire village in the census to have reported access to bore wells (sourcing water directly from bore wells and not from taps) could be that these villages were under severe water stress for most part of 2010, when the census data were collected.3 The instruction manual for the Houselisting and Housing Census states, If a household gets drinking water from two or more sources, the source availed of more or during the greater part of the year should be recorded (Government of India 2011a: 46). However, it is not clear what is to be recorded if the village is under water stress for the year when census data are collected.

Census data on access to taps, therefore, may not be a good proxy of piped water coverage if a village is under water stress (insufficient quantity or quality of water) at the time of census data collection. Further, the instruction manual lacks clarity on bore well access. To get a better picture of access to piped network, data on access to non-potable sources is also required, which the census does not capture.

Reliability of Data on Supply of Treated Water

The Directorate of Census Operations, Karnataka, in its Housing, Household Amenities and Assets report (Government of India 2011b: 3) admits that it is not possible to classify water as safe or unsafe without proper testing, and yet the attempt is made to get data on access to safe water. To get this data, tap water from treated source and tap water from untreated source were provided as separate options in Census 2011. Instructions for this question in the manual state:

Only after proper treatment, which involves the removal of impurities by filtration and disinfection by chemical treatment, can the water be considered safe. Thus the water being supplied by tap may be directly from a well (covered or uncovered), tubewell, borehole, tank, pond, etc. It is important to ascertain whether the tap water is being supplied from a treated source or not.

It is unrealistic to assume that a household will know if the water supplied to them is treated or not, in accordance with the conditions mentioned in the manual. For instance, in the census, all households in Kuntanahalli have reported tap water from treated source (Table 1). Going by field observations, however, their water was being supplied from the bore well directly to the taps, without any treatment, as there were no intermediary storage structures such as overhead tanks for water to be filtered and disinfected. Thus, households may not know whether the water supplied is treated or not, and will only be able to report water characteristics such as brackishness or odour of water, which is also not a true indicator of safe water. Therefore, one needs to be cautious while using census data on access to tap water from treated source. It may not be truly indicative of access to safe water.

Conclusion

In this article, we have highlighted three points with respect to the decadal census data. First, though village amenities and house listing data sets (both of which are part of the census) provide data on rural drinking water sources, house listing data, which are collected from households, appear to be more reliable than village amenities data, which are reported by the village accountant/panchayat. Second, census data on access to taps for drinking purposes are not a good indicator of piped water coverage, since this data may be influenced by the water supply situation (insufficient supply and quality) at the time of census data collection. Third, the role of the enumerator and respondents/households is crucial in census data collection. The data on access to treated water may not be reliable, since households may not be in a position to tell if the water supplied to them is treated or not.

Collecting data from a population spread across regions with diverse characteristics is undoubtedly challenging, and the census department does a remarkable job in assembling vast amounts of data. Nevertheless, users of census data need to be careful while drawing interpretations, especially on a regional scale, and addressing the concerns above will improve data quality.

Notes

1 In a few villages such as Kuntanahalli, Byrapura and Shidaganahalli, our survey data report less access to taps than reported in the census. This may be because, during our survey in 2013, fewer households were accessing taps, and the remaining households were accessing other sources such as their own bore wells and borewells owned by others.

2 Households in each village were stratified into two groups: marginalised and non-marginalised. Population parameters for a village were arrived at by applying weights for each stratum, computed as stratum population/stratum sample.

3 This is the case of Halkur, which reports only 9% access to taps in our survey. During the survey, the panchayat bore well had not been functioning for an entire year and households relied on panchayat tanker water and bore wells.

References

Government of India (2011a): Census of India 2011: Instruction Manual for Houselisting and Housing Census, New Delhi: Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, Ministry of Home Affairs.

(2011b): Census of India 2011: Housing, Household Amenities and AssetsKarnatakaKey Results from Census 2011, Directorate of Census Operations, Karnataka.

(2013): Access to Potable Water, press release from Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Press Information Bureau, http://pib.nic.in/newsite/ PrintRelease.aspx?relid=101803 .
Algeria ponders granting residency rights and job permits to illegal African migrants in its efforts to tackle a lack of workers in certain industries, such as agriculture and construction. This move draws on the previous launch of an anonymous online campaign that spurred racist sentiments in the country. The campaign shocked many Algerians, who see their country as a major player in the Sahel region and widely in Africa. Algeria for example helped negotiate a peace deal in Mali in 2015.

The anti-migrant campaign blamed the African migrants for stealing jobs and spreading the HIV virus. In June, the country also saw a widely shared hash-tag being used on social media  No to Africans in Algeria. It is estimated that there are about 100,000 African migrants in Algeria. To have an idea about the number of potential beneficiaries, the interior ministry is organizing a census while security services will be screening potential residency applicants.

They will get a residency document which will allow them to get a job, Prime Minister Abdelmadjid Tebboune said and added that we wont allow any NGO or individual to tarnish the image of our country. Amnesty International also urged Algerian authorities to protect African migrants, who are often underpaid and work illegally. Most of African migrants come from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, fleeing from impoverishment and terrorism. For many, Algeria is also a transit country on their way to Europe via neighboring Libya.
A group of prominent Members and Supporters of the Pan-European Task Force on Cooperation in Greater Europe, including former foreign and defence ministers and senior officials from Russia, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Poland, Germany, Italy and Finland have jointly issued an appeal to the leadership of the countries in the Euro-Atlantic area to halt the downward spiral in West-Russia relations and manage its risks better through developing a more stable and sustainable security relationship.

Noting the gravity of the situation, they warn that a serious risk of military confrontation between Russia and the West  intentional or otherwise  is fast approaching. While being realistic about the limited prospects of a quick improvement of relations, they have suggested that stabilising the situation would necessitate a shared commitment to abstain from the use of force, a more cautious and restrained approach to the build-up of military potential by all countries in the Euro-Atlantic area, and proactive seizing of opportunities for arms control and confidence building.

Signatories to the Position Paper called on the political and military leaderships to agree, even if only implicitly, on four fundamental points:

1. A war between Russia and NATO cannot be won and must never be fought, and any attempts to achieve political goals by threat or use of force would be futile.

2. Any efforts to gain decisive military advantage in Europe or any of its regions by developing or deploying new weapons systems will ultimately be pointless, as other countries would counter such moves.

3. There are grave risks of an unmanaged, un-regulated deterrence relationship in which unintended escalation is more likely to happen.

4. The lack of a mutually satisfactory agreement on stabilising the relationship would have a negative effect on each countrys broader national priorities, including economic development and social well-being.

Based on this assessment, the Position Paper includes the following recommendations:

 Check national decisions on new defence acquisitions and deployments against their potential to escalate tensions in Europe.

The principles of restraint and reasonable defence sufficiency should be taken into account when making national decisions on procurements and the development of the capabilities of armed forces.

 Observe the commitments of mutual restraint included in the NATO-Russia Founding Act

Both Russia and NATO have increased their deterrence potential, but  so far  avoided extending all their military might and employing all the available options for bolstering their forces. The signatories suggest that the starting point for a more stable security relationship could be some form of credible return to and reconfirmation of basic principles and mutual restraint commitments, as enshrined in the NATO-Russia Founding Act of 1997.

 Preserve and ensure full implementation of the existing arms control and confidence-building agreements

The signatories highlight the value of existing agreements, including the INF Treaty, New START, and the multilateral Open Skies Treaty, and politically-binding confidence-building measures such as the Vienna Document, and remain concerned about the allegations of non-compliance. Some of them find continued value in the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE).

 Explore the opportunities for new arms control agreements

European security would benefit from opening discussions on new arms control measures, such as agreements on limiting strategic missile defence, the high-precision conventional strike missiles blurring the line with nuclear weapons, cyber-attack measures, use of drones, or the deployment of weapons in space.

 Initiate a comprehensive expert discussion on the conditions for strategic stability in Europe

The signatories recommend, as a starting point, that the expert community should engage more systematically to develop a concept of multilateral strategic stability for Europe, focused primarily on the conventional and nuclear doctrines, postures and military balance, strategic cyber operations, and other non-kinetic measures of confrontation which may have strategic consequences.

Finally, the signatories noted that, beyond stabilising the adversarial relationship, a further priority should be to conduct disciplined dialogue, for the long haul, on the future of European security order.

The following Task Force Members are signatories to this Position Paper:

 Des Browne, Member of the House of Lords, Former Defence Secretary (UK) (Co-Chair);

 Igor S. Ivanov, Former Foreign Minister, President, Russian International Affairs Council, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Russia) (Co-Chair);

 Adam Daniel Rotfeld, Former Foreign Minister, (Poland) (Co-Chair);

 Ozdem Sanberk, former Permanent Undersecretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and former Chief Foreign Policy Adviser to the Prime Minister, former Director of USAK (Turkey);

 Malcolm Rifkind, former Foreign and Defence Secretary (UK);

 Volker Ruehe, former Defence Minister (Germany);

 Anatoliy Torkunov, Rector of Moscow State Institute of International Relations of the RF MFA, RAS Full Member, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation (Russia);

 Angela Kane, former UN High Representative for Disarmament (Germany);

 Paul Quiles, former Defence Minister (France);

 Anatoliy Adamishin, President of the Non-Governmental Organization Association of Euro-Atlantic Cooperation, former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation;

 Tarja Cronberg, former Member of the European Parliament (Finland);

 Alexei Gromyko, Director of the Institute of Europe of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IE RAS), (Russia);

 Igor Yurgens, Chairman of the Board of the Institute of Contemporary Development, Vice President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (Russia);

 Tony Brenton, former UK Ambassador to Russia (UK);

 Vitaly V. Zhurkin, Director Emeritus of the RAS Institute of Europe, RAS Full Member (Russia);

 Hikmet Cetin, former Foreign Minister (Turkey);

 Ruslan S. Grinberg, Scientific Director of the RAS Institute of Economics, Corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, (Russia);

 Klaus Wittmann, former Bundeswehr General; Senior Fellow at the Aspen Institute (Germany);

 Mikhail Margelov, former Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Russian Federation Council (Russia).

The following Participants to the Task Force May 2017 meeting have added their signature to the Position Paper:

 Carlo Trezza, Former Ambassador for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, Former Chairman of the Missile Technology Control Regime (Italy);

 Unal Cevikoz, Former Ambassador to the UK, Iraq, and Azerbaijan, former President of the General Assembly of International Maritime Organization (Turkey);

 Karsten Voigt, Former German-American coordinator in the Federal Foreign Office, Former President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (Germany);

 Artem Malgin, Vice-Rector of Moscow State Institute of International Relations of the RF MFA (Russia).

The opinions articulated above represent the views of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Leadership Network or any of its members. The ELNs aim is to encourage debates that will help develop Europes capacity to address the pressing foreign, defence, and security challenges of our time.
A San Antonio woman is suing ride-hailing company Lyft Inc. for more than $1 million, alleging that she was sexually assaulted by one of its drivers during a ride home last month.

In the five-page complaint filed last Friday, Morgan Lee accused Lyft and driver Refugio Campos of acting with flagrant and malicious disregard for her health and safety. The suit also seeks unspecified punitive damages.

It appears to be the first lawsuit of its kind filed against a ride-hailing company in Bexar County district court.

Lyft spokesman Scott Coriell said the driver was deactivated  as soon as we were made aware of these allegations. He said customer safety is Lyfts top priority.

We have a trust and safety team dedicated to responding to incidents that impact the safety of the Lyft community, Coriell said. We also have a critical response line available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist passengers and drivers.

Campos has not been arrested in connection with the alleged incident, San Antonio Police Department spokesman Sgt. Jesse Salame said. He had no other details. Lee also named Campos in her lawsuit, but he couldnt be reached for comment.

Campos father, who shares the same name, disputed the allegations.

Shes lying about that, the elder Campos said.

Lee, 25, immediately reported the alleged incident to SAPD on the night of June 10. A copy of the police report reflects that a police officer was dispatched to respond to an alleged rape. The driver and passengers names were redacted in the report in which the alleged victim admitted to being intoxicated. She said a friend ordered a ride home for her and that she kept blacking out during the trip, the report said.

At some point during the ride, the driver pulled over at an unknown location to allow the passenger to vomit, according to the police report. The driver allegedly crawled in the back seat, she told the police. She next remembered the driver sexually assaulting her before she started punching him, the report said. He then dropped her at home, according to the report.

Once home, the passenger texted the license plate number of the drivers vehicle to her friend, the report said.

Police then transported the passenger to police headquarters, where she gave a statement to a detective. She was examined by a sexual assault nurse, the report said.

According to the website whosdrivingyou.com, there have been 225 sexual assaults involving ride-hailing companies around the world. The website is an initiative of the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association, which is opposed to companies like Lyft and Uber.

San Antonio Police have been tracking crimes involving drivers for transportation-network companies (TNC), Salame said in an email. However, he was unable to immediately provide any details on the findings.

On May 29, less than two weeks before Lees alleged assault, Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 100, which his office said in a statement would end a patchwork of local regulations on ride-sharing companies in Texas. The law will override local provisions and create a consistent framework across the state for popular ride-hailing companies, the statement said.

As part of the new law, drivers must undergo annual criminal background checks, according to the statement.

Contracts that the city of San Antonio had entered into with individual companies to continue serving customers are now null and void because of the new law, said Steve Baum, an assistant director at SAPD who oversees regulation of vehicles for hire. Municipalities, however, can still regulate ride hailing operations at airports.

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City Council approved the contracts terms in December, despite opposition from several independent taxi drivers and owners, who demanded that drivers undergo mandatory fingerprint background checks  the same as taxi drivers.

Fingerprint background checks were set up as voluntary, but the city required ride-sharing companies to periodically notify their drivers that they could undergo free fingerprint background checks at the Police Department. Drivers could upload SAPDs verification to their app, giving consumers a choice to only use verified drivers. That process is still available for drivers to go through, but there is no method for customers to know when drivers have gone through that voluntarily program, Baum said.

Online records indicate Campos, 30, was arrested 10 years ago for theft of property between $50 and $500 and possession of a controlled substance under a gram. He served probation and the charges were dismissed.

Nevertheless, Robert Morse, Lees Houston lawyer, said Campos should never have been in the car with Lee because of his arrest. Asked if the charges were significant enough to warrant barring Campos from driving for Lyft, Morse responded, It should be if Im putting my daughter in the damn car. Just about any criminal record should disqualify you.

Morse said he wants to find out what will disqualify someone from being a Lyft driver. A DWI seems obvious, he said, but the rest of the rules seem to be fairly fluid.

Ride-hailing companies fight like hell to minimize the extent of the background searches they have to run, he added, noting that companies have pulled out of cities because of such requirements. In 2015, both Uber and Lyft closed their local operations for about six months after a city ordinance took effect. A key issue for them was the background check process.

pdanner@express-news.net

Twitter: @AlamoPD

Staff writer Josh Baugh and News researcher Misty Harris contributed to this report.
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Click here to go to a page honoring officers Miguel Moreno and Julio Cavazos

More than 100 community members and San Antonio police marched Wednesday evening to remember and celebrate the life of officer Miguel Moreno.

Amanda Eddie, one of the organizers of the Back the Blue March, said the event also was meant to show support for officer Julio Cavazos and both officers families.

Its something that we feel the community should do, Eddie said.

Moreno, 32 and Cavazos, 36, were shot during a June 29 confrontation with Andrew Bice near San Antonio College. Moreno and Cavazos both were taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Moreno died last Friday. He was the 14th officer killed in the line of duty since 2000. Cavazos was released from the hospital Tuesday.

Michael Thornton thanked the marchers at Public Safety Headquarters. Thornton and Moreno both were members of the 2008 Bravo class at the police academy.

We choose to police in San Antonio for a reason, Thornton said. Its because of the people here that we chose to police here.

Debi Solis, the wife of a sergeant for the SAPD Central Patrol, said that even though she hadnt met Moreno, his death still hurts.

Moreno also was a member of the Central Patrol.

The police families are all families, Solis said. Every time they lose someone  it hurts quite a lot.

Martha Sanchez said she would see Moreno at least once a week because he worked with the San Antonio Independent School District.

We all felt safe when they (SAPD officers) were there, Sanchez said. Im going to miss him, dearest.

A banner signed by officers and community members will be donated to Morenos family, Eddie said.

Marissa Martinez said her husband and Moreno worked the same shift and became close friends. Both families socialized and helped each other.

Miguel was very quiet person, not your outspoken, really loud person, Martinez said. You are going to read a bunch of (good) things about him.  Its a matter of what few things I can pick right now.

Morenos viewing and service will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. today at Porter Loring Downtown. The public is invited, the SAPD said, but after 9 p.m., only officers will be able to attend.

Martinez said Morenos smile is what she and he husband will remember the most.

He always had just a really nice smile, a wonderful smile, Martinez said.

smartinez-beltran@express-news.net
A Boerne man was sentenced to three years probation in the U.S. District Court in San Antonio Thursday for hacking into his former employer and shutting down the companys trading system.

Brian Neal Bond, 40, who had held a number of other tech jobs in the area, hacked into computers at Advisors Asset Management, a Colorado-based financial planning firm, according to court documents. He pleaded guilty in March to one count of computer intrusion and damage.

He paid his former employer more than $10,000 to compensate for its losses.

Bond had worked for the company in its facility in Boerne, Texas for several years as the facilitys information technology help desk manager, according to court documents.

He left the company in April 2015, but beginning in June 2015 and continuing to January 2016 he continued to access the companys computers  more than 100 times. Bond admitted to on January 12, 2016 shutting down the companys trading system, and deleting a file that was essential to the trading systems ability to operate, according to court documents.

When Bond filed a motion to dismiss in February, he claimed he was able to access to the computers because his password had never been restricted after he left the company.

Bond did not procure any personal or financial data from any entry, nor did he share any such information, according to the filing. He also did not realize or attempt to realize any profit from the access.

Bond was said to have left the company on good terms, according to court documents. He left AAM to work for a local office of Camber Corporation, a federal contractor that provides technical services to U.S. Courts, according to court documents.

He also had his own local company called Bond Computers, according to his LinkedIn profile. And he may have also spent time working for San Antonios Globalscape from May 2016 to February 2017, according to a copy of his resume uploaded to what appears to be a personal website. Bond declined to comment for this story.

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Globalscape spokesman Mike Spinney said he could neither confirm nor deny whether Bond worked at the data services company.

He is a really good person, who made a bad decision, his lawyer Kevin Collins, told U.S District Judge Xavier Rodriguez. He added that Bond reached out to the company and apologized on his own before there was even an inkling of a criminal case.

Bond apologized Thursday to both the court and the company, and Collins said Bond is trying to do what he can today to provide for his four children and wife.

Hes had a long fall from grace, Collins said. He had good employment with very good pay; he now mows lawns.
Before the start of the last session of the Texas Legislature, Gov. Greg Abbott made changes at the beleaguered Texas Department of Family and Protective and Family Services a top priority.

Now that the dust has settled on the session, which ended May 29, a host of new laws and initiatives aim to do just that, aided by millions in additional funding for the agency that seeks to protect victims of child abuse and neglect, including thousands of children who wind up in the states embattled foster care system.

Its widely acknowledged that part of the motivation for fixing the system came from a court decision in December 2015 that found children in Texas foster care system often age out of it more damaged than when they entered, wrote U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack in her ruling, which placed the state under the eye of two court monitors.

Officials and advocates, speaking at a gathering of child welfare professionals in San Antonio on Thursday, cheered the changes.

This will always be a work in progress for a department that was underfunded for so long, said state Rep. Ina Minjarez, D-San Antonio, who played a key role in work groups and committees that crafted the legislation. But were playing the long game here.

First, the money: Lawmakers allocated almost $210 million for early intervention and child abuse prevention programs for the 2018-2019 biennium, a 11.4 percent increase over the previous two-year budget that will serve to cut off problems down the line, Minjarez said.

Total agency funding for the next biennium was increased by more than $500 million, to $3.5 billion, a figure that not only maintains a previous $12,000 annual salary bump for notoriously overworked and underpaid Child Protective Services caseworkers, but adds money to further reduce caseloads and hire more workers, to keep a statewide downward trend in caseworker turnover going.

In a move that was widely embraced by politicians of all stripes, monetary assistance to kinship caregivers  relatives who take in children whove been removed from their biological parents  was increased from a one-time $1,000 payment to up to half of the basic rate paid to traditional foster care providers, or about $386 a month, for families that are income eligible.

In Bexar County, 50 to 60 percent of removed children are placed with relatives, said Judge John Specia, a former DFPS commissioner who spoke at the meeting.

Other increased funding went to kinship caregivers who adopt relative children, programs that support kids who age out of foster care and other CPS initiatives. New efforts include the improved use of child fatality reports to prevent child abuse, maternal depression screening programs and initiatives that help battle compassion fatigue in caseworkers.

Yet another change made DFPS a stand-alone agency, as opposed to operating under the umbrella of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, a reconfigurature that should make the agency more agile and able to respond to crises sooner, Specia said.

The most controversial change involves the advent of so-called community-based foster care, which removes CPS from the role of placing and monitoring children in temporary or permanent foster care and puts it instead in the hands of private, nonprofit entities that are dubbed super-contractors, child welfare organizations that already operate in a region or area.

The job of investigating child abuse and neglect allegations remains with CPS.

Already in place as a pilot program in Fort Worth, the new community-based system will be rolled out to 17 areas in the state gradually, said Katie Olse, executive director of the Texas Alliance of Child & Family Services, with areas that demonstrate funding and readiness taking precedence. DFPS should announce the next area of the roll-out later in the summer, she said.

Critics have warned the new system might erode state oversight of kids in foster care, not to mention kick some CPS workers out of jobs, among other concerns. But Specia said communities are the best place to take care of kids.

Innovation happens in communities, he said. Weve had good results in Fort Worth, where theyve been able to bring in community partners, such as faith-based groups, mental health and community health organizations.

mstoeltje@express-news.net
A San Antonio couple was sentenced Thursday to six months in prison for defrauding immigrants out of thousands of dollars that the pair used for luxuries that included prime Spurs tickets and designer shoes.

Eric Jon Alva, 39, and Jessica Rivas Alva, 37, pleaded guilty in March to conspiracy to commit wire theft and aggravated identity theft.

The pair admitted that between March 2015 and May 2015, they conspired to collect legal fees from incarcerated immigrants and their families using false pretenses.

U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez rejected the couples request for time served. They each spent 13 months at the Bexar County Jail for contempt in a separate state case arising from the same conduct.

Rodriguez gave each of them six months in federal jail, and ordered them to pay $3,000 in restitution. The judge staggered the sentences so their 17-year-old daughter has someone to care for her. Eric Alva begins serving his time on Sept. 8, and she starts serving her sentence in March.

Both apologized, saying their stay in jail helped change them for the better, teaching them humility and responsibility.

It taught us that we dont want to be in that situation again, Eric Alva told Rodriguez.

In April 2015, the Alvas faxed forged letters using the names and Texas State Bar numbers of two San Antonio lawyers, Ray Lopez and Anthony Cantrell, to enable Jessica Alva to gain access to two immigration jails in Louisiana, according to prosecutors and court records. While at the jails, Jessica Alva met with detained immigrants and offered to have the attorneys provide legal services for a fee, according to prosecutors.

The immigrants families were instructed to pay those fees by depositing money in the Alvas bank accounts. Jessica Alva was not an attorney and was not working for either attorney at the time she made the false statements, prosecutors said.

And at the time, she was prohibited by a Bexar County judge from entering any immigration facility unless she was accompanied by a lawyer for whom she worked. The pair also admitted that, during telephonic immigration court hearings for a detained immigrant, Eric Alva impersonated one of the San Antonio lawyers and claimed to represent the immigrant.

In 2015, a state district judge found that, by accessing the jails and falsely claiming to work for immigration lawyers, Jessica Alva violated a 2014 injunction that stemmed from prior misrepresentations to immigrants. That judge found her in criminal and civil contempt and ordered her jailed for 18 months. She was also ordered to pay $1,500 for her violations of the injunction, $997,500 in civil penalties, and $5,450 in restitution, court records show.

gcontreras@express-news.net

Twitter: @gmaninfedland
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It's a good time to be a Texas college or university.

According to a study by the National Student Clearinghouse, nearly 1.4 million students enrolled at institutions of higher education in the nation's second-largest state for the spring of 2017, which is a 3.75 percent increase from the spring semester just two years ago.

Only four states  New Hampshire, Utah, Arizona and Idaho  saw larger percent increases in their spring enrollment than the Lone Star state.

While Texas is seeing a boon, other states have not been so lucky. The study reports the United States as a whole is seeing a decline in spring college admission by roughly 3 percent. And states such as Illinois, Wisconsin, Alaska, Michigan and Hawaii seem to be hit the hardest, with decreases of at least 7 percent.

Overall, decreased enrollment for universities and colleges across the country likely will continue, according to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, thanks to lower birth rates, which result in smaller graduating high school classes.

But don't worry, Texans. That same commission expects a bump of more than 20 percent in graduates from Texas public high schools between the 2011-2012 and 2024-25 school years.
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WASHINGTON  Supporters of toughened immigration policies intend to pressure Democratic senators in states won by President Donald Trump to win Senate passage of Kates Law and another bill that that aims to withhold federal funds from so-called sanctuary cities.

The U.S. House last week passed both pieces of legislation, one named after Kate Steinle, a San Francisco woman murdered in 2015 by an undocumented immigrant who had been deported five times.

That bill would dramatically increase prison terms for criminals who re-enter the United States illegally after being deported.

The bills, pushed heavily by the Trump administration, passed easily in the House. But the task could prove more difficult in the Senate, where contentious legislation needs 60 votes and Republicans hold only 52 seats.

Ira Mehlman, media director of the Federation for American Immigration Reform, said his group and others intend to focus on 10 Democrats up for re-election next year in states captured in November by Trump.

It is going to depend heavily on the Senate Republican leadership and whether they put Democrats on notice that they will be held publicly accountable, Mehlman said.

Critics, among them San Antonio Democrats in Congress, have begun making the case that both bills need to be defeated.

Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus are telling constituents to contact their senators.

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, likened the legislation to the so-called sanctuary cities bill that passed the Texas Legislature that could subject local officials to criminal charges for not honoring requests by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to hold people suspected of being eligible for deportation.

The bill before the Senate would bar many grants to states and localities that refuse to cooperate with ICE and open them to liability lawsuits from victims or their families.

What were seeing is more of the tone that the president has set, Castro said, referring to the newly passed House legislation.

Instead of doing meaningful things that move our country forward on education, on health care and creating jobs, they look to pit people against each other, to blame other people and inspire fear, he said.

U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-San Antonio, used the phrase sanctuary for prejudice to describe his view of the motivation for the bills.

Theyre unable to accomplish other things, so they turn their attention to blaming immigrants for the problems we have, Doggett said.

Kates Law might be the least difficult of the two bills to pass, even though the Senate last year defeated a version offered by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas.

The legislation calls for five-year mandatory minimum prison terms for anyone re-entering the United States after being deported for a serious felony or for two or more convictions of illegal re-entry.

A 10-year term could be imposed for removal on three occasions.

Art Arthur, of the Center for Immigration Studies, which advocates for stricter immigration policies, said he expects the Senate to take up the Kates Law bill first.

Kates family story is a gripping one, a girl walking along the Embarcadero with her father who is killed by a man who really shouldnt have been in the United States, he said.

The deterrence factor is going to be extremely high. If you commit one of these crimes and you get deported, you dont want to go to jail for 10 years. Its going to make it that much less likely that youre going to re-enter the United States, he said.

Referring to Democrats standing for re-election in red states, Arthur said: Its going to be a tough vote for them to take if theyre going to vote against it.

The Senates main order of business after the July 4 recess is crafting legislation to replace the Affordable Care Act. A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, said the bills hadnt yet been put on the Senate calendar.

The White House also is expected to play a key role. Before the vote last week, Trump met at the White House with more than a dozen victims of crimes committed by people in the country illegally.

Afterward, the president called on the Senate to get in line with the House on policies that he said will make our communities safer.

blambrecht@express-news.net
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A San Antonio federal judge on Wednesday ordered a Mission man to spend 12 years in prison for his role in a drug-trafficking and money-laundering conspiracy that involved purchases of quarter horses and South Texas real estate.

Manuel Villarreal Garcia, 41, had pleaded guilty to money laundering and drug conspiracy charges as part of a plea deal with federal prosecutors. His sister Norma Leticia Villarreal Garcia had married into the Villarreal Arelis family, members of whom federal prosecutors said trafficked cocaine for the Gulf Cartel using their property in northern Mexico near the Rio Grande.

Norma Villarreal is serving an eight-year prison sentence. Her husband, Gilberto Villarreal Arelis, is accused of leading the familys drug trafficking enterprise.

During a hearing last year, an Internal Revenue Service agent testified that Manuel Villarreal used a trucking company he owned in the U.S. to distribute the familys cocaine. His wife, Jovanna Villarreal Diaz, 38, laundered money through a pair of retail businesses she owned in Mission, a dollar store and an events center called Khaleesis Kingdom, IRS Agent Steve Pennington testified in July 2016.

On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez sentenced Jovanna Villarreal to time served. Shed been in jail about a year.

Rodriguez gave probation to Denis Winn, a 55-year-old from Oklahoma who had admitted structuring  making cash payments or deposits of less than $10,000 to avoid federal reporting requirements.

Winn, who testified as a witness for the prosecution this year in the trial of Reymundo Villarreal Arelis, one of Gilberto Villarreal Arelis brothers, had long been involved in the quarter horse industry and got caught up in the familys money laundering, his lawyer said. Members of the Villarreal Arelis family would use nominees to purchase horses with drug money, according to testimony in the June trial.

Mr. Winn is a hard-working, dependable man who has established a reputation as such, attorney Harold Frederick Hagen said in court.

You were convincing, you were honest, you were forthcoming, and based on that youre ordered to five years probation, Rodriguez said when pronouncing the sentence. I trust, Mr. Winn, Ill never see you back.

A lawyer for Jesus Jamie Andrade, 37, who also admitted structuring, argued his clients role in the scheme was similar to Winns. Andrade had worked as a buyer at horse auctions, a common practice, before meeting the Villarreal Arelis family, attorney Carlos A. Garcia said. The judge noted Andrade had not testified, as Winn had, but went below the recommended sentence and gave him a two-year prison term.

Last summer federal agents arrested 15 people they said were involved in drug trafficking and money laundering for the Villarreal Arelis family, known as Los Piojos, Spanish for the lice. Prosecutors alleged family members began smuggling drugs across the border in the 1990s, built a U.S. distribution network and eventually developed a direct connection to cocaine coming from South America after their supplier was executed by the Zetas drug cartel in 2009.

Gilberto Villarreal briefly served as a U.S. informant, according to testimony, when he fled the escalating conflict between the Gulf Cartel and the Zetas seven years ago.

All but Gilberto Villarreal, whos a fugitive, and Reymundo Villarreal, who was convicted of money laundering and drug trafficking conspiracy charges, have pleaded guilty. Three of them have yet to be sentenced, including Sergio Adame Ochoa, a former Mexican federal prosecutor and an important source of information for the U.S. government who recruited Gilberto Villarreal as an informant.

Adame in June admitted making false statements on a tax return. Hed been accused of helping the Villarreal Arelis family launder drug money in one of his real estate ventures.

jbuch@express-news.net
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AUSTIN  Attorney General Ken Paxtons wealthy friends and business contacts shelled out nearly a quarter of a million dollars last year to fuel the beleaguered Republicans long-running legal battle to shake off charges of securities fraud.

The contributions included a $10,000 gift from a Washington-area dark money group that favors limited government.

Paxton reported receiving $217,700 in gifts to his legal defense fund last year, according to his personal financial statement filed Friday.

Thats down from 2015, when the high-profile statewide elected official raised $329,000 for his defense team.

However, the gifts have grown the attorney generals legal defense fund to $546,700 over two years while Paxton inches closer to a much-anticipated trial in Houston and the 2018 election cycle, in which hes expected to run for another term as the states top lawyer.

The contributions show Paxton has friends both in and out of Texas willing to contribute generously to his legal fight, said Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston.

These kind of donations from inside and outside the state from mega-donors tend to look like theyre influencing the attorney general as the politics of the indictment naturally flow into the legal questions involved, Rottinghaus said.

Paxton, whos accused of failing to tell investors he would make a commission off their investments in a North Texas tech company, reported donations from 15 people or couples identified as clients and family friends, state records show.

The largest contribution, $75,000, came from Carrie Parsons, an executive at Freeman, a business-branding firm, and a campaign contributor. The gift from Parsons and her husband, Steven, both from Dallas, marks their second donation to the legal defense fund after giving the same amount the year before.

The second-largest contribution of $50,000 came from Alfred and Janet Gleason of Green Valley, Arizona.

Another $10,000 came from Plano car dealer Ray Huffines and his wife, Ann. Rays brother is Sen. Don Huffines, a Dallas Republican.

Another $5,000 came from McKinney City Councilman Don Day.

Paxton also received $10,000 from the Annual Fund Inc., a little-known conservative group, the Associated Press reported.

Paxtons spokesman Matt Welch wouldnt disclose who was involved in the group. He told AP only that the Annual Fund supports the cause of limited, constitutional government. So does Attorney General Paxton.

Welch added, His conservative record has drawn the attention of many conservative groups and individuals across the country.

The funds coming from the Annual Fund Inc. are considered dark money because their contributors are not disclosed.

More than $61,000 of contributions to the attorney generals legal defense fund came from out of state, including the $50,000 contribution from Arizona, a $1,000 donation from Virginia and a $150 check from Arkansas.

Half of the givers cut checks worth at least $10,000, according to the filing. Other large contributions came from McKinney, Frisco and Plano.

Paxton is prohibited from using campaign cash to pay his lawyers because the charges against him are unrelated to his tenure in office.

Instead, he has tapped the states gift law for the past two years, identifying gifts to aid his legal defense as allowable under the independent relationship exception.

State law generally bans elected officials from accepting gifts if the official knows the giver is subject to their agencys authority. Elected officials are allowed to accept a gift from a relative or a longtime friend whose relationship has nothing to do with the officers state duties.

The issue was a point of contention at the Texas Ethics Commission, which had weighed for months an anonymous request from an employee at the attorney generals office asking when someone could give a gift to an employee who works for the agency.

The commission narrowly rejected a draft opinion last year that would have given Paxton legal cover to solicit gifts for his legal defense fund, but the commission didnt bar him from using the gift law.

Questions over Paxtons relationship with his gift givers became an issue last year amid revelations that the AG accepted $100,000 from James Webb in 2015, although Webbs company was under investigation by his office for Medicaid fraud.

The attorney generals office signed off on a $3.5 million settlement of a whistleblower lawsuit against the company, co-signing with the U.S. Justice Department. Paxtons office said the attorney general was not involved in the case, although an official with the Justice Department said his office was involved in the investigation.

Paxton was charged in 2015 with two counts of first-degree felony securities fraud for failing to disclose to investors he would make a commission off their investment in Servergy, a North Texas tech company

. He also faces one lesser count of failing to register with the state as an investment adviser.

He and his legal team are due back in a Houston criminal court July 27 as the judge mulls Paxtons trial date. The judge also will decide whether to delay the trial while a team of three special prosecutors from Houston wrangles with the Collin County Commissioners Court over $205,000 in back pay the county refuses to pay them.

Paxtons long-running legal battle has included multiple appeals in failed efforts to convince the court to throw out the criminal charges against him. However, a federal judge threw out similar civil charges brought against him by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission earlier this year.

If found guilty, Paxton could face 99 years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines.

The personal financial statement shows Paxton still is an investor in Servergy.
Bill Clinton basically told then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch in 2016 that we killed Vince Foster.

Pete Olson on June 9 in a radio interview brought to light June 20

A Texas congressman said President Bill Clinton intimidated the governments lead lawyer into not seeking an indictment of Hillary Clinton by telling her, We killed Vince Foster.

Did Clinton, desperate to help his wife, declare as much about killing Foster, the White House deputy counsel at the start of Clintons two terms?

Thats what Rep. Pete Olson said in a June 9 interview on the Houston-based Sam Malone Show.

Conspiracy theories have abounded since Fosters body was found in 1993  all part of unsubstantiated tales alleging the Clintons share a sordid history of sidelining people. Over the years, debunkists at Snopes.com and for the Washington Posts Fact Checker each found no basis to claims about fishiness in Fosters death.

Olson, R-Sugar Land, initially said in his radio interview that it was awfully strange for Bill Clinton to bump into then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch on an Arizona airport tarmac at a time in 2016 when Hillary Clintons handling of email was under Justice Department review.

I guarantee you, Olson said, they had the conversation where he basically said, Mrs. Lynch, call your attack dog off. Weve killed people. We killed Vince Foster. We destroyed Webb Hubbell. We will destroy you. And then what happens to things? Olson said. All of a sudden  well, she did it, yeah, it was all terrible, dont know who got the information, very classified. But no indictment.

Olson was correct about about a few points.

Bill Clinton on June 27, 2016, met privately with Lynch in a plane on the tarmac of Phoenixs airport. Also, Hillary Clinton was not indicted for how she handled confidential emails. By authoritative accounts, too, Foster, an Arkansas lawyer close to the Clintons, suffered from depression affected by what he felt to be his own personal failings in handling White House events, including the Travelgate and Whitewater matters, before he was found dead with a gun in his hand in a Washington-area park.

But we identified no evidence for Olsons claim that Bill Clinton told Lynch the Clintons killed Foster.

Lynch insisted at the time that the airplane conversation centered on topics such as Clintons grandchildren. Our search of the Nexis news database turned up no Bill Clinton accounts of what was discussed.

A delayed backpedal

Olson himself backed off after his account was brought to light by Right Wing Watch, a project of a liberal group, People for the American Way, 11 days after the radio interview. In a written statement made available the same day, Olson said in part that in my discussion about Loretta Lynch and Vince Foster, I took the accusations a step too far. I regret my choice of words.

On June 23, we asked Olson after he spoke at a Capitol Hill conference on civility in public life if hed intended his radio comment about Bill Clinton to be factual. Olson replied: That was a little out of bounds. It was over the top. I regret it and I apologized for it.

Investigations

A series of investigations of Fosters death include the July 1994 finding of a special counsel, Robert B. Fiske Jr., that Fosters death in the areas Fort Marcy Park in July 1993 was a suicide influenced by Fosters depression associated with episodes involving his legal work for the Clinton White House. Fiske concluded that Fosters death was a personal collapse, not a White House scandal, the Washington Post said in a news story at the time.

In October 1997, an investigation by the office of Whitewater independent counsel Kenneth W. Starr reaffirmed that Foster committed suicide, the Post then reported.

The report itself states in its closing summary: The available evidence points clearly to suicide as the manner of death. The summary also quoted Dr. Alan L. Berman, an expert suicidologist, saying: No plausible evidence has been presented to support any other conclusion.

Previously, the story said, Fiske and two bipartisan congressional panels similarly concluded that Foster took his own life.

By email, we connected with Berman, who said of Olsons claim: There is not a scintilla of fact in this statement  it is a blatant falsehood, unsupported and unsupportable. There were four investigations into Fosters death, all arriving at the same conclusion.

Our ruling

Olson said Bill Clinton said we killed Foster.

Theres no evidence of Clinton saying as much nor a factual basis for anyone to say the Clintons killed Foster. This claim, which Olson backed off after it became widely known, adds up to a baseless accusation.

Pants on Fire!
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Because of its new sanctuary cities law, Texas is ground zero for the fight over state immigration laws, Roger C. Rocha Jr., the national president of the League of United Latin American Citizens, said Thursday in San Antonio.

LULAC is holding its national convention in San Antonio this week, and the lawsuit against Senate Bill 4, the states so-called sanctuary cities ban, has loomed over the event since it kicked off Tuesday. LULAC, along with the small border town of El Cenizo, filed the first lawsuit challenging the law the day after Gov. Greg Abbott signed it May 7.

San Antonio, Bexar County, Houston, Austin and other communities joined the lawsuit.

On Thursday, LULAC officials and local government leaders held a news conference to further criticize the legislation.

If it passes in Texas, other states will follow, Rocha said. So it has to be defeated here in Texas. If not, it will completely change our way of life across the country.

The new law creates penalties for local governments that prevent police from asking about immigration status and dont honor immigration detainer requests made by federal officials.

In a court filing last month, the state of Texas took the position that the law makes no requirement of local police but only attacks policies that hamper them. The San Antonio Police Department long has had a policy forbidding officers from asking about the immigration status of people they encounter.

The new law does not require officials to take any specific action. Rather, it displaces policies that never permit officials to ask about immigration status, Texas argued in its court filing. SB 4 thus allows  not requires  officers to voluntarily ask about immigration status in proper circumstances.

Rocha said the law allows officers to detain anyone they stop, including passengers in vehicles pulled over for traffic violations, to determine immigration status.

Make no mistake about this, SB 4 was specifically created to target Latinos, he said. We are the largest minority in Texas. Who do you think is going to get pulled over? Who do you think is going to get questioned?

Rocha and Luis Vera, the San Antonio lawyer who filed the lawsuit against the state, cast El Cenizo, population 3,200, as David taking on Goliath in the Old Testament.

Our brave men and women have a lot to do already to keep communities safe, El Cenizo Mayor Raul Reyes said. Were saying they should not be engaged or tasked or mandated to take on additional responsibilities that dont correspond to them. If the federal government wants our police officers to act as immigration officers, then they should pay them more.

jbuch@express-news.net

Twitter: @jlbuch
At 8:27 a.m. Tuesday, Josephine Josie Carter posted an image on Facebook saying, From our home to yours we wish you a safe and happy Fourth of July.

By that night, she was dead  run over by a police cruiser in a cul-de-sac in front of her house.

The details leading to her death, which was precipitated by a complaint about fireworks, still are being determined as police continue their investigation.

Carter, 63,was enjoying the Fourth of July much like she would any other night, sitting outside the house of Kandy and Edward Lilly, her neighbors. All was well until she disappeared in the darkness as she returned to her home.

She was a good person, loyal person, a good mother, Kandy Lilly said. It was the stupidest accident that could ever happen, it was just ridiculous.

A police officer who responded to reports of fireworks in the neighborhood hit her about 10:10 p.m. in the cul-de-sac at the 14500 block of Crainwood Street.

Carter was pronounced dead at 10:30 p.m., the medical examiners office reported.

SAPD officials said in a statement that the details surrounding this tragic accident are still under investigation.

This was a horrible tragedy for the woman, her family and the officer who was driving the vehicle. The SAPD extends its deepest sympathies to all involved, the statement said.

Kandy and Edward Lilly still were trying to understand how she came to be under the police cruiser. They said it was difficult to see anything because a streetlight overlooking the cul-de-sac was blocked by a tree.

We thought she was going to come around the sidewalk, Edward Lilly recalled. She went down to where the policeman was.

Carter, wearing her black swimsuit, instead walked straight to her house from her neighbors front lawn, passing through part of the cul-de-sac. Her home is in the roundabout part of the cul-de-sac.

I dont think she ever made it to the policeman, did she? he asked his wife, who did not know.

Preliminary information from a police report said that as the officer was driving off, he heard an impact on the left front of his car.

The officer stopped and discovered hed hit Carter.

Kandy Lilly became worried when she no longer saw Carter.

I just knew I didnt see her and I hollered, Josie, where are you? Kandy Lilly said.

As the couple walked over to investigate, the officer told Kandy Lilly that I didnt see her, I didnt see her, she recalled. The officer was distraught, we were distraught.

Edward Lilly said Carters body was underneath the cruiser from about her hips down.

The medical examiner said Wednesday that Carter died as a result of blunt cranial cerebral injuries. The department has yet to rule on whether her death was an accident.

It was unclear how fast the officer was driving, and police have not said whether he will face any disciplinary measures. Neither his name nor how many years he has been on the force was released Wednesday evening.

The couple said Carters son, 37, had been popping fireworks in the cul-de-sac moments before the incident occurred. It wasnt clear if he received any charges or fines for using them.

Carter had lived in her Crainwood home for more than 35 years, the couple said, adding that she often visited their home.

She was a wonderful, wonderful person, Kandy Lilly said. We were very close like sisters, and I ... I will miss her something terrible.

jbeltran@express-news.net
Police on Tuesday arrested a 48-year-old man in connection with a shootout at a Northeast Side steak house that left one man dead.

Victor Ricondo now faces a charge of murder, following a determination by police that he had been "lying in wait" for the victim at the restaurant. He remains in the Bexar County Jail on a $150,000 bond.
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District 1 Councilman Roberto Trevino finally is taking a crack at removing and relocating the Confederate Civil War Monument in downtown Travis Park, an issue that has simmered in his district since 2015.

This week, Trevino and newly inaugurated District 2 Councilman William Cruz Shaw filed a joint request for the removal and relocation of the monument: a towering statue of an armed Confederate soldier in the center of the park, emblazoned with the words, Lest we forget our Confederate dead.

Symbols of the Confederacy and the veneration of Confederate leaders in public places have historically been used since the end of the Civil War to be reminders of a second-class citizen status attributed to people of color  part of the cult of The Lost Cause, the councilmens request stated.

To historically oppressed communities, these monuments were erected to send a message about who was still in charge of the city in which they lived, the request continued. These monuments are a daily reminder not of our history, but rather our legacy of subjugation.

Their argument is an implicit rejection of former Mayor Ivy Taylors rationale for not removing the statue two years ago. When former District 2 Councilman Alan Warrick raised the issue in a July 2015 memo, Taylor brushed it off.

It is offensive to use the rebel battle flag as a symbol of a city or state, Taylor stated then, but it is also offensive to pretend that Texas was never a slave state or that racism has played no role in our history for the past 150 years.

Without Taylors support  and absent any strong advocacy from Trevino, whose district encompasses Travis Park  the idea fizzled, even as similar relocations came to fruition in other southern cities, including New Orleans.

At the time, Trevino echoed Taylors halfhearted promise to consider opportunities for expanding interpretation at the sites of Confederate monuments  apparently, more of an attempt to change the subject than anything else.

Then came a sea change: the recent council election.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg, a more progressive figure, trounced Taylor. Overall, council grew more progressive, notably in Districts 7 and 9.

Trevino, meanwhile, narrowly survived a runoff, a scrape with oblivion that might have moved him to action. During the campaign, Trevinos challenger, Michael Montano, openly called for the monuments relocation.

The #TravisPark Confederate monument should be removed to a museum, Montano tweeted in May. Keeping Confederate monuments on public land with added context or balance, as Councilman Trevino suggested, is not enough.

Trevino, apparently, was listening. His current request calls for the relocation of the monument to an appropriate site where it can be integrated into an educational context.

The exact location will be decided by members of the community, along with the citys Office of Historic Preservation and Arts and Culture department.

I meet with Arts and Culture regularly, sometimes multiple times a month, Trevino told me. This has always been on our agenda. There are a lot of things that are coming  were proposing an art installation for Travis Park that we all feel is going to be a more appropriate installation specifically for that area.

Of the Civil War statue, Trevino said, Thats not art. Its a monument to power.  We dont want to remove history. But in this case, the monument  is in a specifically significant spot that really celebrates that monument. So we think the appropriate discussion is, where do we relocate it?

Trevino has also directed city staff to change the Travis Park logo, which currently is a graphic of the statue.

Trevino and Shaw now must collect the signatures of three other council members to send the proposal to the councils Governance Committee for review.

On Wednesday, Shaw explained why he might succeed where Warrick once failed.

We have a different group of people up there (on council), he said.

Better late than never.

bchasnoff@express-news.net
The provocateur has become a deal-maker. The solo act is now a team player.

That much was clear when the 2017 model Ted Cruz rolled into KTSAs Alamo Lounge on Thursday morning for a one-hour sit-down with radio host Trey Ware. Clad in a navy blue blazer with a pale blue button-up shirt, khaki pants and snakeskin boots, Cruz exuded a practiced casualness and intense congeniality.

Over his first three years in the U.S. Senate, when Cruz used his seat as a springboard to the White House, he relentlessly irritated his fellow Republicans by questioning their conservative purity.

Thats why former GOP House Speaker John Boehner dubbed him Lucifer in the Flesh. Donald Trump, on his way to besting Cruz last year for the GOP presidential nomination, called his rival a nasty guy and added, Nobody in Congress likes him.

Trumps surprise election victory last November almost certainly took the presidency off the table for Cruz for at least eight years. If Cruz wanted to stay relevant, he had to pivot from legislative loner to pragmatic master of the Senate.

On Thursday, Cruz talked about going to dinner early this year with moderate Tennessee Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander and emerging with the idea for a six-member Senate work group that could find common ground on a replacement health-insurance plan for the Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare.

A telling moment in his KTSA interview came when Ware asked him whether the government needed to be involved in health care at all.

Cruz the conservative ideologue spoke first.

You are preaching to the choir, and if you and I were doing this solo, as far as Im concerned, we could write a one-sentence bill, which is, Obamacare is repealed. Period. The end.

Cruz the born-again pragmatist, however, got the last word.

But you know what? You and I arent doing this. Weve got to get a coalition. Weve got to get 50 out of 52 Republicans. So weve got to find a way to bring people together.

Along those lines, Cruz has proposed an amendment to the Senate Republican health bill, which would allow insurers to offer basic, low-cost insurance plans as long as they also provide at least one plan that complies with Obamacares coverage rules.

The proposal is winning some favorable notices from Senate Republicans, but has critics arguing that it will destabilize the markets. The naysayers contend that young, healthy people would sign up for the inexpensive, noncompliant plans, leaving a high-risk pool of sick people to face skyrocketing premiums on the more extensive plans.

Low-income people on the Obamacare-compliant plans would continue to get help from government subsidies, but middle-income people with preexisting conditions could get squeezed out, creating a so-called income cliff.

While Cruz didnt directly address the income cliff effect during Thursdays visit, he offered an effective defense of the theory behind his amendment.

What Obamacare does is it takes people who are really, really sick and it forces a ton of other people to cross-subsidize them by jacking up their premiums, Cruz said. If were going to subsidize people who are really sick and very expensive, lets do it directly through tax revenue, lets do it from Warren Buffetts money, rather than a 28-year-old young woman who doesnt have money to make ends meet.

The 40 audience members at KTSA were solidly in Cruzs corner, but outside the building, a dozen progressive protesters carried picket signs (including one that proclaimed No Cruzcare). One protester, Caroline Larson, is a 35-year-old woman suffering from a rare condition known as WAGR Syndrome, which has caused kidney failure and a host of other health problems. She lives in a group home, and worries that Medicaid block grants under a GOP health plan could leave her without coverage.

Cruzs San Antonio stop came on the heels of a July 4 visit to McAllen, and shone a light on the senators efforts to bolster his standing in South Texas, a weak spot in his otherwise commanding 2012 Senate victory. In that race, against Democratic candidate Paul Sandler, Cruz lost Bexar County, was beaten in Hidalgo County by a margin of more than 2-to-1, and trounced in Starr County by nearly 5-to-1.

Staring at a likely November 2018 showdown against El Paso Congressman Beto ORourke, Cruz looks to be an overwhelming re-election favorite. But he knows you cant be a master of the Senate if you dont secure your Senate seat.

ggarcia@express-news.net

Twitter: @gilgamesh470
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You couldnt ask for a more fitting landmark at Comanche Lookout Park than its old four-story limestone tower, which looks like the remnant of a medieval castle.

After all, the 96-acre park is home to one of the most majestic views in San Antonio, with a history just as sprawling.

Just having that building there is so iconic, (along with) the fact that people knowing it was an Indian settlement, said Sandy Jenkins, parks project manager for the Parks and Recreation Department. And I think just every bit about the walking trails. And now theres a great library and a playground. (There are) just really great things in that park.

Located on the Northeast Side just inside Loop 1604, the park is home to Comanche Hill, the fourth-highest point in Bexar County, with an elevation of 1,340 feet. (The highest is Mount Smith at 1,892 feet in Northwest Bexar County.)

As a park site marker notes, Comanche Hill lies at the southeastern edge of the Edwards Plateau and makes up the western edge of the Blackland Prairie. Around 4 miles of paved and natural trails wind and intertwine through countless live oak trees, along with cedar, mountain laurel and mesquite, with the occasional bench to take in the scenery.

According to Parks and Recreation, American Indians used the hill as a vantage point for warfare and hunting, with the Apache and later the Comanche Indians especially dominating the area, hence the name Comanche Lookout.

But the roots of this land run much deeper than its namesake.

Paul B. Barwick used to work with the department and put together a history of the site. He traced the areas use back to 9200 B.C. when aboriginal hunters and gathers likely used the hill to scout for mammoth and bison watering along the nearby Cibolo Creek, and generation after generation of prehistoric man quarried the regions abundance of flint to craft arrow points and tools.

According to Barwick, various fossils had been found along the creekbed banks, with artifacts such as undecorated ceramics and small arrow points discovered in the region along Cibolo Creek.

I havent heard of any in recent times, Jenkins said. People do look.

Another major marker of Comanche Lookouts more distant past  its place on a historic trail used by Spanish explorers and missionaries more than 300 years ago.

Comanche Lookout lies near part of the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail, the U.S. corridor of the Spanish colonial royal road that runs 2,580 miles across Texas from Mexico City to northwest Louisiana.

According to Barwick, the Spanish laid claim to this east-west artery of commerce in Texas in the late 1600s, lining the route with numerous missions, including the Alamo, to monitor French movement westward from whats now Louisiana into the current Lone Star State.

The Comanche were the most notable of the American Indians to inhabit the area in and around the hill, Barwick noted, where they would silently lie in wait for unsuspecting travelers, supply trains and soldiers, then quickly swoop down, stealing ammo, supplies, horses and mercilessly killing men, women and children.

But by the mid-1800s, the hill became a lookout post against the Comanche. An 1848 deed showed the hill and its surrounding property belonged to Mirabeau Lamar, the second president of the Republic of Texas.

Comanche Lookout would later pass from Lamars daughter Loretta Caldwell to German immigrant farmer Gustav Reeh in the 1890s. Reeh sold the area that included Comanche Lookout to its most colorful owner, retired Army Colonel Edward R. Coppock.

A veteran of the Spanish-American War and World War I with more than 40 years of service, Coppock took over Comanche Lookout in 1923. The parks department describes him as a romantic and a history aficionado, whose time in Europe may well have inspired him to try transforming the hilltop into a courtly compound straight out of the Middle Ages  only also with an aesthetic twist that truly reflected his love of the land.

The department noted Coppock began crafting his personal Camelot with the help of his two sons and a man named Tarquino Cavazos. The site included a windmill, a barn and storage sheds, a stone Indian council ring, a three-car garage with attached servants quarters, and the stone tower, which was completed in 1928.

The Comanche Lookout tower was designed to store grain and hay  though, according to Barwick, Coppocks daughter said the towers roof also made the perfect launchpad for Fourth of July fireworks and kids pretend battles.

Coppock planned a U-shaped castlelike residence but only got as far as a foundation because of concrete rationing during World War II and his declining health. Both he and Cavazos died in 1948, and the grand project died with them.

Two singular fixtures did come and go from Coppocks creative vision: a pair of giant 400-pound Indian head sculptures, created by none other than Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor behind Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

According to Barwick, Coppock commissioned Borglum, who had his studio in Brackenridge Park during the 1920s. Barwick noted the Indian heads were even rumored to bear Coppocks likeness, though with appropriate changes made to their hair and shoulders.

The Indian heads once guarded the entrance to Comanche Lookout and were believed to have been made in 1925, Cavazoss daughter Romana Cavazos-Morones told the Express-News in 2005. Her family looked after Coppocks compound, where she was born in 1927.

At the time of the 2005 article, the family believed one of the Indian heads was on a South Texas ranch, while the other was thought to be at a home in or near Alamo Heights. Jenkins suspects there may be renewed interest in bringing the Indian heads back but doesnt know what happened to them.

In any case, Coppocks children did not share their fathers passion for his land. They sold it in 1968 to a developer who cleared all the structures except for the tower and some remnant foundations, according to the Parks and Recreation Department. The property would go through a few other owners until the federal government took it over in 1990.

That led to Comanche Lookouts second life as a public park.

A grass-roots group named Save Comanche Lookout lobbied the city to purchase and preserve the area. The city took an interim loan to do so and repaid it through the 1994 General Obligation Bond package, which provided $1.4 million to acquire and develop the site.

The land then got off-street parking, trails and drinking fountains to go with that iconic tower.

We definitely wanted to keep that tower. Its such a striking element on the site, said John Laffoon, the landscape architect who prepared the original master plan for Comanche Lookout Park.

Development followed on what would become the areas other standout feature: the $4.2 million Julia Yates Semmes Branch Library, which opened Nov. 5, 2005 at the southwest end of the park.

Built as a green library, the nearly 16,000-square-foot facility collects rainwater to help with irrigation demands on the park, while the librarys main reading area takes advantage of its lush surroundings with a 20-foot glass wall. A nearby playground came after the library, followed by more trail connections.

Laffoon said the primary intent of the parks design was always to keep it as natural as possible and to preserve its green space in the midst of rapid development surrounding it. Now that mission is upheld by an informal group called Friends of Comanche Lookout, which meets monthly at the Semmes library.

Its like the woods in the middle of the city, said Gloria Anderson, who founded the group with her husband, Michael, more than a dozen years ago.

Anderson said she would love to see those Indian monuments restored  or perhaps recreated by a local artist. Other than that, she just wants Comanche Lookout to remain the same verdant escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Were not against progress, Anderson said. We just dont want it all paved over.

And for a fellow San Antonio native like Jenkins, that means Comanche Lookout Park continue to provide an unfettered view amid relatively untouched nature  with its towering heritage intact, of course.

Comanche Lookout is one of those places thats going to become even more popular and more sought out because it is such an incredible jewel of undeveloped land with such beautiful views, Jenkins said. I hope people will come and experience the opportunities that are there.

rguzman@express-news.net
I was mindlessly listening to a radio report while slicing through a boat-load of berries for a holiday celebration with family, and the subject of taxation was mentioned. This year, Tax Freedom Day was 113 days into the year, representing how long Americans have to work to pay the nations tax burden.

The statistics show that Americans, collectively, will spend more on taxes than they will on housing, clothing and food combined. That fact, alone, is pretty stunning.

I let my mind wander, trying to think about pretty much anything but taxes. Instead, I started saying these words out loud, not one bit sure where they came from:

Tax my car, tax my coat, tax my mare, tax my goat. Take my bounty for the county, tax my work and every perk. Work til noon, work til June, half is taken, lots of bacon.

Bigger debt

As we were happily celebrating Independence Day, it was not a day to think of what we pay, but what we owe, in the much larger sense, to enjoy the freedoms that we do.

Many paid the ultimate price of sacrifice so we, as a nation, can bask in this glory of freedom, marked by fireworks and parties in just about every backyard across our great country.

And yet, those words, those facts, just kept rattling around in my head. I doubt our forefathers had this type of existence anywhere in their collective reasoning since taxation was a mighty big driving issue in seeking freedom in a new land.

We all wish to live within an infrastructure that provides everything from pure drinking water to a secure existence for all in daily living, including safe journey across interstates, bridges, and rural roadways, with civil protection along the way. Every bit of it costs.

For that, we all know that we must play a part in picking up the tab.

It is astounding math to realize Americans will pay $3.5 trillion in federal taxes and $1.5 trillion in state and local taxes, adding up to a whopping $5.1 trillion, which figures out to 31 percent of the nations income.

If that much is positively required, most would gladly pay it. But read about how $3.1 billion was spent last year on pay for government workers placed on administrative leave for misconduct, some of it of epic proportions. Why work when you can be paid not to?

Or how about the National Science Foundation spending $15,000 to study why politics stress us out. The National Park Service spent over $65,000 to study what an insect does if introduced to light after having lived in rural darkness.

They could have asked any one of us with a porch light on our farmhouse. We could have given them the answer for free!
On Sept. 30, 2016, entomologists at the USDA, Animal Plant Health Inspection Services (USDA-APHIS-VS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa, confirmed a diagnosis of screwworm in a Key Deer from Big Pine Key, Florida.

The New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) was identified as the cause.

The New World Screwworm is a devastating predator of warm-blooded animals including livestock, companion animals and humans. It was eradicated in the U.S. starting in the 1950s by releasing large numbers of male flies that were sterilized via radiation to disrupt mating.

What differentiates this from other fly/maggot problems is that while other maggots feed on dead tissue, screwworm feeds on living tissue causing tremendous damage, infection and even death in mammals and occasionally birds.

The fly is attracted to the tiniest cut in the animal such as a small nick from shearing sheep to castration, dehorning and ear tagging. It is especially devastating to young and newborn animals being attracted to the umbilicus after birth.

The predator has one weakness, which is that the female only mates one time in her life. This allowed the mass release of sterilized males to work as a control mechanism.

Why now?

Why is this important, now that eradication of the 2016 New World Screwworm has been completed?

Simply put, rapid identification protocols as well as general background knowledge of this predator need to increase to prevent a similar outbreak happening in a more densely populated area. The 2016 outbreak occurred on a sparsely populated island isolated off the mainland of Florida accessible by a single lane highway.

154 million sterile flies were released, 680 active hours of surveillance, oral anti-parasite medication and an animal checkpoint (16,902 animals) at Mile Marker 106 were instituted as control procedures that achieved elimination after a six-and-a-half-month period.

Monthly control costs were more than one million dollars per month in Florida.

This was an ideal control situation and yet the predator did manage to jump to the mainland briefly. What would happen if an infected human or companion animal returned to Chicago, Dallas or Columbus?

Severe damage

A quote from the Oct. 16, 2016, AgriLife Today article written by Steve Byrns: The return of screwworms would deal a severe blow to the ranching and hunting industries, said a Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service veterinary entomologist at Stephenville.

The observation by Dr. Sonja Swiger came as the result of the flesh-eating pest being confirmed in Florida.

Dr. Thomas Hairgrove, Agrilife Extension veterinary specialist at College Station, gave a presentation to producers Oct. 7 at Stephenville during which he said the cost to control the pest today in cattle alone could easily exceed $500 million annually.

Dr. Hairgrove also mentioned a price tag of $1 billion would be needed annually to eradicate screwworms from their former range, should it become established.

With a pest that can travel internationally in its host and rapidly establish in a new environment it is critical that producers and veterinarians familiarize themselves with the anatomy and patterns of this predator to avoid a much larger agricultural emergency.

Early detection will be critical to avoid a costly eradication program. If you suspect a New World Screwworm infestation, contact your local veterinarian or USDA office that handles reportable pests and diseases.
Toques, the starched, stovepipe hats worn by chefs, are crowned with 100 tiny pleats that, explain the French, represent the 100 ways to prepare an egg every cook must master before earning the title Chef and a much-prized toque.

Recent action by President Donald J. Trump and his administration suggest there must also be 100 ways to cook up more robust American agricultural trade and they  ready or not  are happy to try em all.

Trade

The President started stirring the trade pot three days after his inauguration when he canceled American participation in the nearly-complete Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, the 12-nation deal that would have overseen trade on 40 percent of the global economy.

Most farm group leaders strongly supported TPP but no one complained too loudly.

When they did, many echoed the view of American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall who noted, With this decision, it is critical that the new administration begin workto develop new markets for U.S. agricultural goods

Well, sure, but less than two months later Duvalls mild admonition was met with more anti-trade heat from the President when Trump  as he had throughout his campaign  called NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement, a catastrophe and the worst trade deal ever.

Most farm groups again held their collective tongues until other political leaders  this time, the president of Mexico and Canadas prime minister  telephoned Trump to explain the continental consequences of the U.S. pulling out of the deal.

Trump relented saying hed move to renegotiate the agreement tied to 14 million American jobs.

Shortly thereafter, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced an agreement in principle between the U.S. and Mexico in a long-simmering sugar dispute.

The agreement, however, wasnt warmly received by all farmers. Sugar beet and cane growers complained loudly that it would allow more, not less, Mexican sugar into the U.S.

On June 16, Trump dropped another trade brick on farmers.

I am canceling the last administrations completely one-sided deal with Cuba, the President announced during a visit to Miami. This time, however, most ag groups reacted swiftly and not so sweetly.

We urge the administration to exercise cautionon any new restrictions on doing business with Cuba, said AFBFs Duvall. We should be doing more, not less

China

That same, clear eye should be used now by U.S. farm leaders as they measure the impact of China allowing American beef back into its domestic market after a 13-year ban.

Instead, most are gushing like teenagers being asked to their first prom; they see China as rocket fuel for sending U.S. beef prices to the moon.

The reality is far different. While China now imports about $2.5 billion of beef each year (mostly from Australia and Brazil), it bought just $65 million of U.S. beef in 2003, the year it banned American imports because one mad cow  and a non-American one at that  was found in the U.S.

Also, China will enforce its ban on synthetic hormones and beta agonists, feed additives widely used in the U.S., writes Gregory Bloom, a meat industry expert, in the June 22 online edition of meatingplace.com.

And, he adds, Chinaenforces this policythrough residue testing while demanding bookend traceability, defined as knowing the farm or entry point of origin and the slaughter facility location of the beef-supplying animal  standards well in excess of any U.S. requirement.

Impact

As such, warn trade analysts, it will be years before Chinas impact on U.S. cattle markets is felt by any cowboy this side of the wide Pacific.

In the meantime, the trade cooks at the White House  from the President to his commerce, treasury, and ag secretaries to his special trade rep  will continue to search for a trade recipe that they hope will boost ag exports.

To date, however, with no clear trade leader, policy, or principle in place, all theyve really done is break some eggs.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.  Bats, which make up about a third of all mammalian species, play an important role in our ecosystem. They eat bugs and are responsible for pollinating many plants.

However, their good deeds can be overshadowed by their ability to be asymptomatic carriers of several diseases that are dangerous to humans, including Ebola and rabies.

New discoveries

But they were never thought to host influenza viruses, that is until researchers studying pathogen diversity in bats in South and Central America identified two new influenza viruses in fruit bats.

Subsequently, researchers in Africa found 30 percent of bats to be infected with flu viruses, although they did not show any signs of illness.

These discoveries led Suresh Kuchipudi, associate professor of virology in Penn States College of Agricultural Sciences, to ask if bats can be co-infected with avian and human influenza viruses, and if so, whether they can be carriers of influenza virus and have the potential to contribute to the emergence of new pandemic influenza strains by mixing these two types of influenza viruses.

To answer these questions, Kuchipudi brought together a multidisciplinary team to conduct research focusing on little brown bats, the most widely spread bat species in North America.

Kuchipudi, who works in the colleges Animal Diagnostic Laboratory said there is increasing interface between bats and humans because of wildlife trade, bush-meat hunting, deforestation and urban development.

Its important to determine if bats can allow infection of avian and human flu viruses and if they could then serve as mixing vessels and perhaps create the next pandemic flu virus. Up until now, no one has ever studied influenza virus receptors in bats, said Kuchipudi.

Influenza virus

And the next pandemic is never out of the realm of possibility as influenza viruses always seem to be one step ahead when it comes to control. Influenza infects a wide range of domestic and wild animals and can be passed between species.

Swine flu and avian flu are examples of previous pandemics caused by influenza viruses that came from animals. Avian flu viruses continue to cause huge economic losses to the poultry industry and threaten public health globally.

The remarkable thing about influenza viruses is the ability to constantly change and evolve, Kuchipudi said.  Influenza virus evolution involves mutations in the virus to gain the ability to transmit to a completely different host species.

Research

With assistance from the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Kuchipudis research team screened 20 little brown bats, 10 juvenile, and 10 adult, for the presence of influenza receptors using cutting-edge scientific methods involving lectin histochemistry, along with confocal and electron microcopy.

The team tested for the presence of two specific receptors that are responsible for helping human and avian influenza viruses attach to cells. They further investigated whether avian and human flu viruses can bind to bat tissues.

Results

The study discovered bats have receptors in their respiratory and digestive tracts that can support binding of avian and human influenza viruses, according to Ruth Nissly, research technician and manager of Kuchipudis research lab.

Having both receptors, as in the case of ducks and pigs, is believed to create conditions that enable the virus to mutate and create a new strain, which, in turn, could infect other animals, including humans, Nissly said.

Despite these findings, Kuchipudi said there isnt a need to sound a public health alarm or worry about a bat flu yet.

While the sum of the evidence suggests that bats could play an important role in influenza epidemiology and zoonotic influenza emergence, we do not have sufficient scientific understanding needed to adequately predict which influenza strains may cause the next pandemic or what hosts they may come from, he said.

He cited the need for more research on how influenza may manifest itself in bats, as well as for additional surveillance of wild bats.

The research was published in April 2017, in Scientific Reports, an online, open access journal from the publishers of Nature.
CHARLESTON, W.Va.  The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) is partnering with the Boy Scouts of America to provide locally sourced food products for the 2017 National Jamboree, July 19-28, at the Bechtel Reserve in Fayetteville, West Virginia.

Two West Virginia based businesses, Thistledew Farm, of Proctor, and Family Roots Farms, of Wellsburg, will be selling West Virginia Grown products at the July event.

West Virginia honey and maple syrup will be available for sale at the Jamboree Outpost, the scout retail store on site.

The WVDA presented a list of West Virginia products to the Boy Scouts earlier this year. Based on the success of this effort, the Boy Scouts of America could consider sourcing more local food for upcoming events hosted at the Bechtel Reserve.

Natinonal

The National Jamboree, which takes place every four years, draws more than 40,000 attendees for the 10-day event.

In 2019, the International Jamboree will also take place in the United States for the first time in over 50 years and for the first time ever in West Virginia.

WVDA will also be one of 19 exhibitors in the West Virginia Tent at the National Jamboree. The WVDA exhibit will focus on West Virginia products, farming and sustainability.
Succession planning is pretty important  they are the next generation and a lot are still working with their parents and it is about how to work out a smooth transition for the future, he said.
Manassas, VA (20110)

Today

Occasional rain. Low 59F. SSE winds shifting to W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Occasional rain. Low 59F. SSE winds shifting to W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.
Upon the release of her new book The Last Place You Look, Kristen Lepionka tells us a little more about herself.

Kristen Lepionka

When I get stuck on something Im writing, I switch to music.

Playing the guitar or piano is a surefire way to bust through writers block. Ive been playing for years, and I find that doing something creative-but-different lets my brain see things in a different way.

But even though Im a musician, I cant whistle.

It drives me nuts.

I am obsessed with getting the details right in my writing.

I can easily lose hours and hours in a Google search rabbithole about the exact phrasing of property deeds, for example. In the name of research, Ive also taken classes on firearms and lockpicking, gone on multiple police ridealongs, and hiked inside an Icelandic volcano (an inactive one, of course).

Im really good at finding things.

If you misplace your wallet near me, chances are I noticed where it went. I like to think that this means I would make a good detective, like the ones I write about, but it probably just means I am nosy.

I have a cat named Spenser, after the iconic Robert B. Parker private eye.

Hes pretty cool (both the character and my cat).

Like Roxane Weary, the main character in my mystery novel The Last Place You Look, Im a whiskey drinker.

She favors Crown Royal, but Im more into bourbon. I like checking out distilleries when I travel and have visited them in Scotland, Ireland, and the US.

Also like Roxane, Im bi.

My girlfriend and I have been together for six years. We both love reading LGBTQ mysteries and hope to see more representation in the future.

I always sit in the front row when I go to the movies.

Its the best place to sit! I know it might not work for everyone, but I have a theory that many people who claim to hate the front row have never actually watched a movie from there. If you have and you still hate it, fair enough. Otherwisegive it a try.

Ive been known to take personality tests on behalf of my characters.

Its just an exercise to make sure I know them well enough to write themand to make sure they act consistently. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is my preferred method (INFJ here!).

I write mysteries because I love exploring the darker bits of human nature.

I think there are many fascinating truths to be revealed about characters when you place them in these intense situations.

THE LAST PLACE YOU LOOK by Kristen Lepionka is published by Faber & Faber in July (7.99).
This isnt my first book. When I was fifteen I wrote Tea Parties and Catfish, a young adult novel about a girl trying to escape a glass bubble. It was truly terrible and roughly ten people bought it, including my mom, two teachers, and a fan from Canada I actually met this year!

Julie Edelman

Archie Comics are the reason I started to enjoy reading. As soon as I fell in love with Archie, I realized reading was not the worst. I now have a lot of conflicted emotions about Riverdale but only love for Cole Sprouse.

I once wrote a three-hour musical about Amelia Earhart. It was performed at my high school and we recorded an album for iTunes. It was almost a big hit in Germany.

A philosophy class I took in college inspired me to write this book. My professor told me that Kant would have been the greatest phenomena of mankind if he had been able to feel love, and I remember thinking how sad it was that Kant came so close to being perfect but had such a hard love life.

My philosophy professor thought this book was a joke. When I eventually let him know that his class inspired me to write a New Yorker article, and then eventually a book, he told me he was confused and didnt understand the prank.

I am very uncoordinated and this is probably the real reason I am a writer. When I was in seventh grade I was kicked off the softball team for being too pretty but really it was because I ran with the bat to first base. Last month I walked into a glass door and broke my nose and then met the creator of Modern Family at a bar in Wisconsin. Apart from the occasional paper cut, writing a book is the only safe thing I know how to do.

I blame most of my bad decisions on the fact that I am a Libra. This hardly ever works, but its still always worth trying.

I was in a Blink-182 cover band. We played for the fifth grade talent show and killed. The next year I sang a solo of Carly Simon's You're So Vain, but for some reason it was not as well received.

I once asked a Harvard professor to help me with my love life. I ended up taking a tinder date rock climbing and did not know he was very afraid of heights. He climbed for two minutes, then couldn't stop shaking and asked if we could get sushi instead. I never saw him again.

Tom Hanks emailed me a selfie of him holding my book. Before he sent me the photo, I asked if it was really him, essentially emailing Tom Hanks back who dis.
I have just completed Merlin At War, the third novel in my series featuring Frank Merlin, a Scotland Yard detective in WW2 London. A search for spies in De Gaulles Free French organisation in 1941 Britain is a major thread in the books narrative. Most of the exiled Frenchmen had close ones back in defeated France. This fraught situation was bound to give rise to conflicting loyalties and anxieties which were ripe for Nazi exploitation. A few men, like some of my characters, succumbed and betrayed their countrymen.

Mark Ellis

There are many wonderful fictional spies. Here are my Top Ten:

George Smiley

In John Le Carres masterly Cold War series, anti-hero Smiley leads the British security services in their long battle against their Moscow counterparts. Excitingly, a new Smiley novel is due out shortly.

James Bond

Created by Ian Fleming, an agent himself in World War 2, Bond is the most politically incorrect spy on the block. He loves drink, women, smoking and fast cars in equal measure. Bond leaves a giant footprint in spy fiction.

Richard Hannay

Stiff upper lip hero of several gripping early 20th century thrillers written by John Buchan. The Thirty Nine Steps, the best known, was the first in the series. The second, Greenmantle, is a favourite of one of the villains in my new book.

Modesty Blaise

Peter ODonnells iconic 60s kick-ass spy. First a comic strip, then a film, and then a string of novels. A suave and stylish female addition to the genre.

Paul Christopher

Hero of a series of spy thrillers by the underrated Charles McCarry. Ranging from Germany in World War 2 to the Kennedy assassination and Cold War Europe, CIA agent Christophers adventures are riveting.

Mata Hari

A real spy but the subject of fiction as well as ballet, musicals and film so I'm including her. A Dutchwoman born Margreet Zelle, she became an exotic dancer and courtesan who was eventually shot in World War 1 as a German spy. Has had several fictional outings including The Spy by Paulo Coelho.

Henry Faber

Another German spy from Ken Folletts superb WW2 thriller, The Eye of the Needle. Faber, called The Needle by his Berlin controllers for his preferred weapon of choice, a stiletto knife, operates in Britain as a brilliant and vicious undercover agent.

Carrie Mathison

The one spy here taken from the screen alone. The feisty, troubled heroine of the Homeland series. A woman taking on all comers in a world of violent and domineering men-and winning!

The Scarlet Pimpernel

The exotically named Baroness Orczy wrote this classic. Foppish aristocrat, Sir Percy Blakeney, is really the fiendishly clever agent responsible for rescuing innocent victims of the French Revolution.

James Wormold

Little room in spy fiction for comic characters but Wormold, the protagonist of Graham Greenes classic Our Man in Havana, is one. Spying to supplement his income as a vacuum cleaner salesman in Cuba he spices up his dull reports to make them more interesting. Difficulties ensue.

Merlin at War by Mark Ellis is out now (published by London Wall Publishing)
George and Amal Clooney have headed to Italy for their first family vacation with their twins.

Amal and George Clooney

The 'Money Monster' star was seen holding a baby carrier with one of his children - Ella and Alexander - in as he stepped off a private plane in Milan, Italy on Monday (03.07.17).

Amal was also seen getting some help to carry the other bassinet as she made her way down the stairs, TMZ reports.

The couple are regular visitors to Italy as they have a home in Lake Como.

Meanwhile, George and Amal Clooney have taken to parenthood like "ducks to water".

A source said: "You'd think that twins would be overwhelming for anyone but they seem to have taken to this like ducks to water, all in their stride.

"They're both attentive, warm, loving parents. You could see that even in the run up to having the kids ... even months ago, in the way George would fuss and fret over making sure security at the house was safe and the nursery was perfect.

"They're elated. I don't think you've ever seen a happier pair. There's a positive energy in the house and everyone around them, including all staff, who are in great spirits too."

And Amal's mother Baria Alamuddin is convinced the "beautiful" tots will grow up to work on humanitarian causes, much like their parents.

She recently said: "The babies are so beautiful and our family is complete. They are going to bring so much joy and I hope they will be as good as their parents at bringing harmony and human rights to the world. Myself and my husband are thrilled. Amal is doing very well and they are extremely happy and overjoyed."
With Game of Thrones season 7 now quite literally right around the corner, the stars of the show are opening up about what we may be able to expect from the seven new episodes hitting the small screen this year, and if Lena Headeys recent comments to the New York Times are anything to go by, Cersei Lannister could be in for a rough ride.

Lena Headey thinks Cersei Lannister is "f**ked" / Credit: HBO

Asked whod end up on the Iron Throne in the end, Headey said: It cant be me because Im already there. So Im f**ked!

She continued: Shes not having a good time  there you go. Apparently, winter is really coming, finally. Headey went on to explain why she thinks Sophie Turners character Sansa Stark will also not be the one to rule when all is said and done.

Shes kept a clear head in spite of all the crap shes been through, she said. But I dont think she has any desire for the throne.

With feature-length episodes set to make up the seventh season  which will serve as the series penultimate outing  those behind the critically-acclaimed fantasy series will be gearing up to wind things down with season 7. We cant wait to see what happens.

Game of Thrones returns to HBO in the US on Sunday, July 16 on to Sky Atlantic in the UK on Monday, July 17.

by Daniel Falconer for www.femalefirst.co.uk

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China's securities regulator has approved the launch of cotton yarn futures on the Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange. The cotton yarn futures, together with the cotton futures that are already traded, will help companies to improve risk management. Frequent fluctuations in cotton yarn prices have had negative impacts on related industries in the past few years.Futures contracts obligate investors to buy or sell the underlying assets at a predetermined price at a specified time, helping investors mitigate risks of price volatilities, according to a Chinese news agency.

China's securities regulator has approved the launch of cotton yarn futures on the Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange. The cotton yarn futures, together with the cotton futures that are already traded, will help companies to improve risk management. Frequent fluctuations in cotton yarn prices have had negative impacts on related industries in the past few years.#

Launch of the cotton yarn futures will be an answer to market demand. Large and frequent fluctuations in cotton yarn prices have had negative impacts on related industries in the past few years, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) said, according to the report.The date for the commencement of trading will be announced later, the report said.China has been developing its commodity derivatives market and plans to gradually open it up to foreign investors. Earlier in April, the country launched white sugar options, the second commodity options after soybean meal. (SV)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
The Indian Texpreneurs Federation (ITF) has again urged the government to reduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on man-made fibres (MMF) yarn from 18 per cent to 12 per cent. The current GST rate on MMF yarn will lead to increase in fabric cost, inability of weavers to compete and de-growth. It will also not allow a weaver to take his input credit.

During railway minister Suresh Prabhu's visit to Coimbatore for taking feedback on GST, a presentation was made to him by ITF. The federation also said that reducing the MMF yarn GST to 12 per cent will result in a 100 per cent efficient MMF value chain that is capable of competing against other fibres. Weavers will also be able to claim input tax credit (ITC) on yarn if the GST is decreases.

The federation has also urged the government to reconsider GST on job work after fabric on apparel of 18 per cent as it truncates the ITC chain, considering that the GST will make weavers unable to utilise full ITC. It will also increase input cost as there's no big ITC for job workers.

The Indian Texpreneurs Federation (ITF) has again urged the government to reduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on man-made fibres (MMF) yarn from 18 per cent to 12 per cent. The current GST rate on MMF yarn will lead to increase in fabric cost, inability of weavers to compete and de-growth. It will also not allow a weaver to take his input credit.#

By reducing the job work on apparel to 5 per cent, weavers can achieve real cascading benefits by availing full ITC on garments and receive working capital benefits for job working units, according to ITF.

The federation also said that it has taken various efforts such as continuous training for its members, launching 1st day 1st invoice campaign, handholding the entire value chain and submitting analytical data to GST Council.

The presentation was also sent to finance minister Arun Jaitley, textiles minister Smriti Irani, state finance minister of Tamil Nadu D Jayakumar and co convenors of GST committee on textiles Yogendra Garg and Sanjeev Kumar. (KD)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
The Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PRGMEA) and China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textile and Apparel (CCCT) will promote trade between textile and apparel companies in Pakistan and China. The two organisations had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to this effect back in March 2016.

The delegation of CCCT led by Wang Vu, vice chairman of the association, visited Pakistan to discuss the implementation of the MoU. The decision to promote trade between the two nations was taken at a meeting held between the two organisations in the presence of commerce minister Khurram Dastgir and Board of Investment (BOI) chairman Dr Miftah Ismail.

Dastgir briefed the Chinese delegation about the garment and textile sector of Pakistan and urged them to invest in various sectors in Pakistan for mutual benefit.

The Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PRGMEA) and China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textile and Apparel (CCCT) will promote trade between textile and apparel companies in Pakistan and China. The two organisations had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to this effect back in March 2016.#

Ismail said that Pakistan provides a level-playing field to local as well as foreign investors and all sectors are open to investment.

The meeting between PRGMEA and CCCT will help build mutually beneficial dimensions, said Jiaz Khokhar, PRGMEA Central chairman. He said that this is the first of its kind agreement for the Pakistan garment sector association with overseas stakeholders.

Vu said that Pakistan, one of the top 5 cotton producers in the world has growth potential for value-added garments and apparel sector. As per the MoU, CCCT cooperated with the Ecommerce Gateway from Pakistan and was the co-organiser of Textile Asia and CFT Asia in China. (KD)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
The government and industry leaders of the Indian state of West Bengal have zeroed in on five sub-sectors of the textile value chain. The state is among the top producers in these segments, which will receive a boost in the form of government help. The five sub-sectors are hosiery and innerwear, linen, workwear, textiles machinery, and technical textiles.

Of the five segments, textiles machinery manufacturing could also lead to substantial import substitution and save precious foreign exchange for the country. India imports almost all the textiles machinery it needs and so we are looking at developing this industry in the state, said West Bengal finance minister Amit Mitra during his visit to Mumbai to attract investment in the states textile sector.

During his interaction with top industry leaders, including Futures Group head Kishore Biyani, Mitra received commitments from some of Indias leading textile manufacturers to widen their operations in and around Kolkata.

The government and industry leaders of the Indian state of West Bengal have zeroed in on five sub-sectors of the textile value chain. The state is among the top producers in these segments, which will receive a boost in the form of government help. The five sub-sectors are hosiery and innerwear, linen, workwear, textiles machinery, and technical textiles.#

If the neighbouring Bangladesh could progress to become a top supplier of apparel, there is no reason why West Bengal could not do the same, said Biyani during the meeting of Mitra with textile industry leaders.

Mitra, who also holds the industries and commerce portfolios, said West Bengal has some advantage in the labour-intensive textile sector due to availability of a large number of skilled personnel. (RKS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Ranbir Kapoor's cousin, Aadar Jain, is set to make his film debut and the Jagga Jasoos actor said he is aware that the youngster will have to face questions about nepotism. Yash Raj Films is launching Aadar, grandson of late actor-filmmaker Raj Kapoor, in a film which also features another debutante, Anya Singh. The film will be directed by Habib Faisal, who launched Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra in his 2012 movie Ishaqzaade.

At a special event today, Aadar and Anya were introduced by Ranbir and Anushka Sharma. "When Aadar called and told me that he bagged the film, I felt a lot of pride and gratefulness. But at the same time, I was a little nervous, not knowing how this boy will be accepted. It is a funny industry," Ranbir told reporters.

Ranbir-Aadar Ranbir Kapoor extends his support to his cousin Aadar's debut in Bollywood. Anushka Sharma Anushka Sharma also extended her support to the debutantes. Aadar & Anya Singh Aadar & Anya Singh are going to debut under Yash Raj Films banner. Aadar Aadar has a good support in the industry already and we're sure he'll succeed.

"Yes, the platform that he has will spark a debate about insiders vs outsiders, nepotism and all of that. But I am going to keep that aside for now. Eventually we will talk about it, he will have to face it." Aadar's brother Armaan Jain already made his debut as an actor with Lekar Hum Deewana Dil in 2014. Aadar, who is the son of Reema and Manoj Jain, said he is honoured to be making his acting debut as it has always been his dream.
New Still Of Pari

In the said picture, Anushka is seen in an unkempt avatar, donning an orange salwar kameez in what seems to be a police station. Well, looks like its time to put on our thinking cap!

The First Look Of Pari

The first look picture which had captured everyone's attention featured a blue-eyed Anushka with a bruised face.

She Will Be Sharing Screen Space With Parambrata Chatterjee

Anushka will be working for the first time with 'Kahaani' fame actor Parambrata Chatterjee.

Anushka Talks About Pari

Earlier while speaking to a leading daily Anushka had said, "We have gone by instinct in choosing good cinema, and the audiences have liked both our films. Pari is a strong, engaging story and our team is brilliant. It's the kind of project that I love producing and delivering to audiences.

Anushka's Upcoming Releases

Talking about films, all eyes are now set towards Shahrukh Khan- Anushka Sharma starrer Jab Harry Met Sejal which is slated to release on 4th August. Post that the duo would be teaming up once again for Aanand L. Rai's untitled flick. But this time, they will also have Katrina Kaif joing the gang.
SHANGHAI, CHINA--(Marketwired - July 05, 2017) -

News highlights:

China Telecom Shanghai Research Institute, the main research organization for China Telecom Corporation, joins HomeGrid Forum

HomeGrid Forum secures its presence in Asian markets

Customers of China Telecom across China will benefit from G.hn technology

HomeGrid Forum today announced China Telecom Shanghai Research Institute has become its newest promoter member. China Telecom Shanghai Research Institute is the major research organization within the China Telecom Corporation, and has worked on G.hn related projects for over three years.

The corporation joins other HomeGrid Forum members from Asia, as the Asian, and particularly the Chinese markets, continue to dominate the global technology industry. This signing will secure HomeGrid Forum's already prominent presence within Asia.

China Telecom selected G.hn as its home networking technology of choice and China Telecom Shanghai announced its first public tender request for G.hn devices earlier this year. This marks the start of G.hn commercial deployments by carriers in China.

Furthermore, China Telecom Shanghai Research Institute has expressed its interest in establishing a new HomeGrid Forum Certification facility at its labs in Shanghai. Currently silicon and system vendors can only certify their products in Shenzhen or Taipei. The addition of a Shanghai lab will facilitate certification for HomeGrid Forum members close to Shanghai.

Donna Yasay, President of HomeGrid Forum, said: "Welcoming China Telecom Shanghai Research Institute as our newest member is fantastic. We look forward to gaining its invaluable insight and perspective into the Chinese and Asian markets as we continue to expand our presence in the region. We've been championing G.hn technology for many years and support from an organization of this caliber validates our efforts."

Yasay added that G.hn is the number one technology for an in-home ultra-broadband experience and has the potential to revolutionize the Smart Home experience in the APAC region: "When combined with other technologies, such as wireless, home mesh networking and Ethernet, G.hn creates an unrivalled hybrid that can extend connectivity further than other products on the market. G.hn is the vital backbone for the kind of seamless connectivity that is now in demand around the world."

HomeGrid Forum works with its member companies to ensure interoperability between vendors and products. It ensures high standards are met through a strict compliance and interoperability testing program, which results in silicon and system certification.

HomeGrid Forum will hold a G.hn conference at the upcoming Shanghai Smart Home Technology Exhibition (5-7 September 2017), from 09:15AM to 11:15AM, September 6, 2017, at the Shanghai New International Exhibition Center, Meeting Room M6 (Hall W4). More details here: http://shanghai-smart-home-technology.hk.messefrankfurt.com/shanghai/en/visitors/welcome.html.

About HomeGrid Forum

HomeGrid Forum (HGF) is an industry alliance that brings together the world's best in technology innovators, silicon vendors, system manufacturers and service providers to promote G.hn, a globally recognized gigabit home networking technology based on ITU-T standards. Over 70 members promote the global adoption of G.hn, a single unified, multi-sourced networking technology -- over coax, copper pairs, powerline, and plastic optical fiber -- while continuing to support HomePNA deployments and their transition to G.hn. HomeGrid Forum provides G.hn silicon and system certification through a strict compliance and interoperability testing program. For more information on HomeGrid Forum, please visit our website at www.homegridforum.org.

Follow us on @homegrid_forum

For more information please contact:

Sian Borrill

+44 (0) 1636 704 888

pr@homegridforum.org
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/05/17 -- HAWKEYE Gold & Diamond Inc. (the "Company" or "HAWKEYE") (TSX VENTURE: HAWK)(FRANKFURT: HGT)(ISIN: CA42016R3027)(WKN: A12A61): is pleased to announce it has entered into a Sale and Purchase Agreement (SAPA) with the vendor of the Cariboo Valley Project (the "Property) to acquire a 100% interest in the 2,093-hectare Property situated approximately 32 kilometres south-southeast of the Town of Barkerville, BC, Canada. The Property includes claims on the north and south shore of Cariboo Lake and is located contiguous to both the western boundary of HAWKEYE's 2 Aces property and Barkerville Gold Mines' ("BGM") claims to the north. The Property lies within the southeasterly-striking Snowshoe Group of the Barkerville Terrane. This is the geological formation that hosts BGM's current gold mine development and exploration projects and also underlies a number of historic to recent placer gold claims within and adjacent to the Property.

About the Barkerville-Cariboo District and BGM

Placer gold was discovered and mined in the Cariboo Lake area along a number of drainages including Keithley, Snowshoe, Simlock and Harveys Creeks starting in 1860. The town of Barkerville became established as the centre of the historic Cariboo gold rush following the 1861-1862 discoveries to the north on Lightning Creek, Williams Creek and the surrounding area. The recorded production estimate from 1861-1987 reported more than 5,000,000 ounces of gold which included 3,800,000 ounces from placer operations and 1,230,000 ounces from lode mining. Recently, BGM, the current principal property holder in the district, announced resource definition on lode gold projects and large exploration programs focused along the NW to SE-directed high strain zones in the Barkerville Terrane. BGM has eight (8) drills conducting a 130,000 metre drill program in 2017 and continues to release positive results.

Message from the President

Mr. Greg Neeld, President & CEO states, "HAWKEYE is eager to establish its portfolio of properties in the Barkerville-Cariboo gold district. The acquisitions place HAWKEYE in a historical mining centre continuously productive for more than 150 years and with recent exploration successes and ongoing mine development activity. Our land position now has increased to 10,737 hectares and we intend to acquire additional claims in the Barkerville area. The Cariboo Valley Property and adjacent 2 Aces property are on geological strike with known lode gold prospects and past-producing placer gold mines. The Company has purchased the Property based on its favourable location and regional geological features. BGM is drilling 250,000 metres within two years and its success identifying greenfield drill targets points to increased potential and opportunity within the Barkerville-Cariboo gold district. We look forward to implementing our exploration program on the Property."

The Cariboo Valley Project

HAWKEYE's Cariboo Valley Project is situated six (6) kilometres south of the historical Cariboo Hudson Mine within the Late Proterozoic to Paleozoic Snowshoe Group of the Barkerville Terrane. The principal successions of the Snowshoe Group are comprised of siltstone, quartzite, conglomerate, and sandstone with lesser volcanics, black slate and limestone, which have undergone multi-stage deformation with penetrative fabrics and regional metamorphism ranging from lower greenschist (chlorite) to locally amphibolite (garnet-staurolite) grade.

The lithologies are characterized by moderate to steeply dipping, southeasterly striking, locally overturned folds with northwesterly shear zones and plunging lineations, regional east-southeasterly striking thrust faults and later faulting along a general north-northeast direction. The principal mineralization is associated with high strain zones and parallels magnetic features from regional and detailed airborne geophysics.

The Property contains favourable geological units overprinted by extensive deformation. The southeasterly-trending Ladies Creek drainage hosted placer gold claims and is located on structural strike with historical placer gold occurrences with an interpreted local provenance.

Previous work on the Property included regional geological mapping, airborne geophysics, and reconnaissance soil and stream geochemistry surveys. The Property exhibits widely spaced stream geochemical anomalies for gold and select pathfinder elements such as copper, lead, bismuth and mercury.

Gold mineralization typically is associated with quartz veins, iron carbonate (ankerite), and pyrite cutting amenable metasedimentary units of greenschist grade. Placer gold was derived from Tertiary age deep weathering of the vein deposits. Gold fineness from nearby placer operations exhibited variance consistent with multiple sources, periods or styles of mineralization, including secondary precipitation. Base metal anomalies may be related to Kuroko or Besshi style volcanogenic (VMS) mineralization and/or carbonate-associated deposition (MVT, CRD).

Agreement Details

The Cariboo Valley Property acquisition is subject to a $5,000.00 cash payment and the issuance of 50,000 shares and a further 250,000 share issuance should the project proceed to a pre-feasibility study. The acquisition is not subject to an NSR. The Sale and Purchase Agreement between HAWKEYE and the Vendor is subject to TSX approval.

HAWKEYE has a right of first refusal on certain other properties controlled by the Vendor within the historical Barkerville-Cariboo district.

Qualified Person

Greg Davison, M.Sc., P.Geo., Senior Technical Advisor to HAWKEYE is the Company's designated Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Mr. Davison has prepared, reviewed and validated that the technical information contained within this release is accurate.

About HAWKEYE

HAWKEYE Gold & Diamond Inc. is a junior mineral exploration and development company based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and is publicly traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol HAWK and the Frankfurt Exchange under the ticker HGT; ISIN# CA42016R3027 and WKN# A12A61. HAWKEYE's corporate mandate is to build strong asset growth and shareholder value through the acquisition of low-cost, high-potential cash flow and production opportunities with blue sky discovery potential, and to manage our business in an environmentally responsible manner while contributing to the local community and economy.

HAWKEYE GOLD & DIAMOND INC.

Per:

Greg Neeld, President & 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.

Cautionary Notes Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This News Release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future events. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our or our industry's actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. While these forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our industry, actual results will almost always vary, sometimes materially, from any estimates, predictions, projections, assumptions or other future performance suggested herein. Except as required by applicable law, the Company does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results.

Issued: 17,875,897 shares

Contacts:

Hawkeye Gold & Diamond Inc.

Greg Neeld

President & CEO

(778) 379-5393

greg@hawkeyegold.com

www.hawkeyegold.com




LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Great Portland Estates plc. (GPOR.L), in its trading update for the quarter to 30 June 2017, said that 20 new lettings (94,500 sq ft) signed generating annual rent of 6.0 million pounds, including 1.2 million pounds pre-letting at 84/86 Great Portland Street, W1; 2.3% ahead of March 2017 ERV. Ten rent reviews settled securing 3.8 million pounds per annum; 62% above previous passing rent, 3.4% ahead of ERV; remaining reversionary potential of 17.6%. Group consolidated net debt reduced to 485.3 million pounds at 30 June 2017, down from 502.8 million pounds at 31 March 2017 as deferred proceeds from property disposals more than offset the payment of the 110 million pounds special dividend, acquisition in Whitechapel and capital expenditure on our committed schemes of 15.9 million pounds. At 30 June 2017, the Group, including its joint ventures, had cash and undrawn committed credit facilities of 440.5 million pounds. Pro forma for the receipt of remaining net deferred consideration on property sales, the Group's loan-to-property value was 14.1%, with cash and undrawn committed credit facilities of 552.9 million pounds. The company expects to release 2017/2018 interim results on Wednesday 15 November 2017. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Zurich - Thomson Reuters announced the launch of Thomson Reuters LabsTM - The Incubator. Located in Switzerland, the Incubator will host early-stage entrepreneurs building next-generation products in big data, advanced analytics, distributed ledgers, artificial intelligence, machine learning and other transformational technologies. As part of the official program, startups will receive access to Thomson Reuters world-class data and content sets, mentoring from experienced executives and networking opportunities for investment and commercialization.

The Incubator is the next horizon of the company's significant investment in the Thomson Reuters Labs network. With locations in innovation ecosystems around the globe, the Innovation Labs collaborate with customers, universities and startups to rapidly prototype and validate solutions using data science and lean experimentation to develop products and solutions to quickly ...

Den vollstandigen Artikel lesen ...
LONDON, July 6,2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Joint venture A-one+, consisting of CH2M, Costain and Colas has won an innovation award for its contributions delivering social, economic and environmental sustainability benefits in transportation. Industry representatives gathered at the 12th annual Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation Awards ceremony in London on 15 June, 2017 to recognise best practices from across the sector.

Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/530840/CH2M_Joint_Venture_Award.jpg

A-one+ won the prestigious CIHT/Ringway Innovation Award, in partnership with Urbis Schreder and Highways England for the LED Sculp Gantry Lighting. Originally designed for use in architectural ornamental lighting, A-one+ worked in collaboration with lighting specialist Urbis Schreder to adapt the technology to work for overhead sign gantries on the strategic road network across the M18, M180 and M621 motorways in Yorkshire and Humberside.

The scope replaced the conventional gantry lighting with the newly developed lighting to provide bright, effective illumination to highway road signs, low maintenance and long life durability, a national first. A-one+ delivered a series of projects to renew lighting on 24 overhead sign gantries for Highways England.

"The innovation shown by the team behind this entry in showing a reduction in whole life cost efficiencies was clearly demonstrated and we congratulate them for providing such a good example of best practice to the industry," said CIHT Chief Executive Sue Percy.

The benefits the LED Sculp innovation have delivered include:

889,600 of whole life cost efficiency savings.

70-percent reduction in annual energy consumption.

10,000 annual energy efficiency savings.

40.8 tonnes annual carbon reduction.

Better quality product for customers.

Reduced working at height for maintenance operatives.

Reduced maintenance visits and network occupancy.

This is a true example of taking innovation from another industry, modifying it for the highways sector, and improving value by locking in safety, customer, cost efficiencies and environment benefits.

Judges' Comments:

"The judges were very impressed by the new use of this innovative technology and its application to the highway environment. A great example of adapting a product solution to create a transformative impact on road user safety, ease of operational installation and maintenance, environmental sustainability and cost. The simplicity of the solution, its transferable potential and considerable impact, persuaded the judges of it representing an excellent example of innovation excellence, striking impact and long-term societal benefit."

A-one+ has already been recognised in 2017 for safety, health and wellbeing for the Barrier Master product and managing down costs and improving value for the Sculp LED gantry lighting solution, as part of the Highways England Supplier Recognition Scheme.

About CH2M

CH2M leads the professional services industry delivering sustainable solutions benefiting societal, environmental and economic outcomes with the development of infrastructure and industry. In this way, CH2Mers make a positive difference providing consulting, design, engineering and management services for clients needing world-class solutions in environmental; industrial and advanced facilities; transportation; and water markets, from iconic infrastructure to global programmes like the Olympic Games.

Ranked among the World's Most Ethical Companies and top firms in environmental consulting and programme management, CH2M in 2016 became the first professional services firm honored with the World Environment Center Gold Medal Award for efforts advancing sustainable development. Connect with CH2M atwww.ch2m.com;LinkedIn;Twitter; andFacebook.

Contact: Brian Morandi

CH2M, Corporate Communications

+1 720 286 0719

Brian.Morandi@ch2m.com

Logo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/344421/CH2M_Logo.jpg
The solution offers interactive gaming, allowing users to play SteamVR games through mobile VR headsets

ZEISS, an international leader in the fields of optics and optoelectronics, today announces the launch of ZEISS VR ONE Connect. The solution will enable interactive gaming using a mobile VR headset. It features high-quality hardware with a comparatively low investment. Compatible with SteamVR, a large number of exciting VR games are immediately available in the platform.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170829005067/en/

ZEISS VR ONE Connect (Photo: Business Wire)

ZEISS VR ONE Connect bridges the gap between PC-connected VR gaming and mobile VR by connecting the smartphone in the mobile VR headset to a gaming PC. The system allows users to connect and play games through SteamVR, which currently has roughly 300,000 users. ZEISS VR ONE Connect allows more interactive gaming possibilities than ever before through a mobile VR headset. The product may be used with iOS and Android smartphones.

"This mobile solution is unparalleled in the VR space," said Franz Troppenhagen, senior product manager at ZEISS. "Now users can have access to games on SteamVR at a fraction of the cost of traditional desktop enabled systems, in addition to having access to traditional mobile VR apps and 360 video content."

A current smartphone (iOS or Android), VR Ready PC and a mobile VR headset is required for operation. The smartphone is slid into the ZEISS VR ONE Plus headset, or another mobile VR headset unit. A USB cable connects the smartphone to a VR-capable computer, allowing the use of games and other content on the SteamVR platform. The two wireless 3DoF (degrees of freedom) controllers and the smartphone are linked via Bluetooth. Built-in sensors in the controllers, together with the three sensors of the smartphone, allow intuitive interaction with the VR environment and thus a seamless immersion in the virtual world.

"The market demands that we bring VR from a niche market and make it available to the public, and that means providing entry-level solutions based on smartphones so that everyone can have access to this technology," said Dave Hodgson, North America sales representative for ZEISS. "Our approach demonstrates that this is feasible, without compromising interactive gaming VR capabilities. ZEISS VR ONE Connect will further democratize the VR industry."

ZEISS VR ONE Connect* is set to be available at major US retailers including Best Buy and GameStop in Q4 for $129. To stay up-to-date on the availability of the ZEISS VR ONE Connect, visit www.zeiss.com/vrconnect and register for the ZEISS VR newsletter.

About ZEISS:

ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the optics and optoelectronics industries. The ZEISS Group develops, produces and distributes measuring technology, microscopes, medical technology, eyeglass lenses, camera and cine lenses, binoculars and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. With its solutions, the company constantly advances the world of optics and helps shape technological progress.

ZEISS is divided up into the four segments Research Quality Technology, Medical Technology, Vision Care/Consumer Products and Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology. The ZEISS Group is represented in over 40 countries and has more than 50 sales and service locations, upwards of 30 manufacturing sites and about 25 research and development facilities around the globe. In fiscal year 2015/16, the company generated revenue approximating 4.9 billion euros with around 25,000 employees. Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. Carl Zeiss AG is the strategic management holding company that manages the ZEISS Group. The company is wholly owned by the Carl Zeiss Stiftung (Carl Zeiss Foundation).

Further information available at www.zeiss.com.

Consumer Optics

The Consumer Optics business group combines the company's business with camera and movie lenses, binoculars, spotting scopes, hunting optics, virtual reality headsets and planetarium technology. The business group is represented at sites in Oberkochen, Wetzlar and Jena. The business group is allocated to the Vision Care/ Consumer Products segment. In fiscal year 2015/16 the segment generated revenue of 1.1 billion with around 9,300 employees.

2016 Valve Corporation. Steam and the Steam logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Valve Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. All rights reserved.

iOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the U.S. and other countries and is used under license.

Android is a trademark of Google, Inc.

The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

*VR ONE Connect is powered by PXL Vision.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170829005067/en/

Contacts:

ZEISS

Allyson Johnson, 317-806-1900 x 109

allyson@blastmedia.com

www.zeiss.com/newsroom
LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / December 11, 2017 / Active-Investors issued a free report on Koninklijke Philips N.V. (NYSE: PHG), which is readily accessible upon registration at www.active-investors.com/registration-sg/'symbol=PHG as the Company's latest news hit the wire. On December 08, 2017, Koninklijke Philips NV (NYSE: PHG) ("Philips"), or Royal Philips, as it is known, announced the acquisition of VitalHealth, a leading provider of cloud-based population health management solutions. The acquisition allows Philips to expand its portfolio of population health management solutions. The financial and other terms of the acquisition were not shared by any of the concerned parties. Sign up now for our free research reports at:

www.active-investors.com/registration-sg

Active-Investors.com is focused on giving you timely information and the inside line on companies that matter to you. This morning, Koninklijke Philips most recent news is on our radar and we have decided to include it on our blog post. Today's free coverage is available at:

www.active-investors.com/registration-sg/'symbol=PHG

Commenting on the acquisition, Carla Kriwet, Chief Business Leader - Connected Care & Health Informatics Businesses at Philips, said:

"As a pioneer in comprehensive population health management solutions, we are committed to help drive business transformation for providers, health systems, employers, and payers transitioning to value-based care. VitalHealth will help us deliver on that commitment by strengthening our offering for care coordination, outcome management, and patient engagement."

Laurens van der Tang, CEO of VitalHealth, added:

"We are delighted and proud to become part of Philips. It will accelerate our mission to enable better health for millions of people around the world. Our digital health solutions are highly complementary to the ones that Philips provides. Together, we have the potential to become the undisputed global leader in population health management."

About VitalHealth

The Netherlands-based VitalHealth was founded in 2006 by Mayo Clinic (US) and Noaber Foundation (the Netherlands). The Company was formed to offer cloud-based eHealth solutions for people with chronic diseases such as Diabetes, COPD, CHF, Depression, Cancer, and Alzheimer's. Its solutions enable the delivery of personalized care outside of the hospital, for example, in regional care networks. The Company's success lies in its ability to use its global expertise and combine it with local insights enabling to deliver cutting-edge solutions for Population Health Management. These solutions include Outcome Measurement, Patient Engagement, Care Coordination, and Healthcare Analytics. VitalHealth's solutions include telehealth applications which helps patients to actively care for their own health while its care coordination platform for care providers collects patient information from multiple sources and aggregates the data to offer quick insights into the total population.

The Company's products and services are being used in over 100 healthcare networks across the globe including in countries like US, India, China, Sweden, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The Company has a team of approximately 200 employees.

How the acquisition benefits Philips?

With the addition of capabilities like advanced analytics, care coordination, patient engagement, and outcome management solutions from VitalHealth, Philips will expand and strengthen its current portfolio of population health management solutions. The move is especially important given that patient care is moving from hospitals to lower-cost settings, including patients' home. Population health management is a proactive approach to improving health and reducing costs for entire patient populations. This involves collection of patients' data from multiple health IT sources, use of smart analytics to understand the health needs of the population, the navigation and coordination of care within that population as well as one to one engagement with each individual patient to improve both clinical and financial outcomes.

Philips has been growing its population health management business with the acquisition of Wellcentive in 2016. It already has a successful health informatics portfolio that helps hospitals and health systems with the ability to import, aggregate and analyze clinical, claims, and financial data. Additionally, it also offers patient engagement programs like telehealth, personal emergency response, and medication management. The current strategic acquisition will allow it to offer integrated solutions across the health spectrum from healthy living and prevention to diagnosis, treatment, and home care. VitalHealth's portfolio of telehealth applications and care coordination platform for care providers will enhance and complement Philips' Wellcentive's offerings. The combined portfolio of offerings will assist healthcare providers to better identify and manage high-risk, high-cost patient populations resulting in improved patient outcomes. The acquisition will also strengthen Philips' HealthSuite digital platform, the Company's digital enabler for the next generation of connected health solutions.

About Koninklijke Philips N.V.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands-based Philips is a leader in health technology, diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring, and health informatics as well as in consumer health and home care. The Company has a vision of making the world healthier and more sustainable through innovation and aims to improve the lives of 3 billion people a year by 2025. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to offer products and services across the health spectrum from healthy living and prevention to diagnosis, treatment, and home care. The Company has presence in over 100 countries and is supported by a team of approximately 73,000 employees.

In FY16, Philips' health technology portfolio generated sales of EUR 17.4 billion.

Stock Performance Snapshot

December 08, 2017 - At Friday's closing bell, Philips' stock was slightly up 0.10%, ending the trading session at $38.43.

Volume traded for the day: 526.18 thousand shares.

Stock performance in the previous six-month period - up 7.74%; past twelve-month period - up 29.74%; and year-to-date - up 25.71%

After last Friday's close, Philips' market cap was at $36.08 billion.

Price to Earnings (P/E) ratio was at 33.65.

The stock has a dividend yield of 2.24%.

The stock is part of the Consumer Goods sector, categorized under the Electronic Equipment industry. This sector was up 0.2% at the end of the session.

Active-Investors :

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Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
EMERYVILLE, Calif, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Voluntary Recall of CLIF BUILDER'S Chocolate Mint Flavour

Clif Bar & Company is initiating a voluntary recall in Ireland of CLIF BUILDER'S Chocolate Mint flavour bars due to possible presence of undeclared peanuts and some tree nuts, including almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, walnuts and coconuts. Clif Bar & Company is taking this safety step for people who are allergic to peanuts and these listed tree nuts. People with an allergy to peanuts and these specific tree nuts run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction. The company is strongly advising consumers who have peanut and allergies to these specific tree nuts not to consume these bars.

(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/530918/CLIF_BUILDERS_Chocolate_Mint_Flavour.jpg )



Individuals who are not allergic to peanuts or these specific tree nuts may safely consume the product.

The affected products are sold in retail stores and online in Ireland.

There are no confirmed illnesses associated with this recall.

The voluntary recall applies to products in all pack sizes and individual bars meeting the criteria found below.

Lot Code Lot Code Description Unit UPC Box UPC Case UPC FROM TO CLIF Builder's Chocolate Mint 12CT 7-22252-60144-5 7-22252-60044-8 00722252-60244-2 05APR16M3 23APR18M3

No other Clif Bar & Company products, pack sizes, flavours or 'Best By' date codes are affected.

The company is asking consumers to return the product to the store where purchased to request an exchange or full refund if there is an allergy concern. Affected product should then be discarded in a secure place and not consumed.

For more information please visit http://www.clifbar.co.uk.

Clif Bar & Company cares deeply about the health and safety of consumers. We apologize for this inconvenience.
MUNICH, July 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The Munich-based electronics company Rohde&Schwarz has been awarded a contract from the German Federal Ministry of Defense (BMVg) to equip initially 50command vehicles with the joint radio system of the German Armed Forces, also known as SVFuA. This is an advance measure in the "Mobile Tactical Communications" (MoTaKo) program for digitizing tactical communications within the German Armed Forces.

Following many years of joint development, the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has signed a contract with Rohde&Schwarz for the procurement of the SVFuA. SVFuA operates on the principle of the software defined radio (SDR) and offers secure, trustworthy communications up to the classification level SECRET. Rohde&Schwarz drew on its in-house cryptology development as a key national technology. Initially, 50command vehicles - PUMA infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) and BOXER armored transport vehicles (ATV) - will be equipped. Rohde&Schwarz will produce and deliver the first installment of the overall SVFuA system by 2020. The contract's framework agreement allows the Federal Armed Forces to order additional SVFuA systems within a seven-year timeframe.

Harald Stein, President of BAAINBw: "Equipping the first PUMA and BOXER command vehicles with SVFuA is an important first step toward MoTaKo. We are pleased that with Rohde&Schwarz we have found a technologically-leading partner for this key modernization project."

In 2009, Rohde&Schwarz was given responsibility for the overall design and the overall system as well as for developing a prototype base unit and proving that it could be series produced. In 2016, the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) confirmed that the requirements for certification at the classification level SECRET had been met. Certification in line with the internationally recognized Software Communications Architecture (SCA) standard for SDR radio systems was a prerequisite for customer acceptance. Since the radio system was developed in line with the SCA standard, it is possible to port current and future national and international waveforms onto the radio system as long as these waveforms also meet the requirements set out in the SCA standard.

The SVFuA gives the German Armed Forces all the tools needed to create and especially protect information superiority. It also ensures interfaces with allies during joint missions and for collective defense. Hartmut Jaschke, Senior Vice President Market Segment Secure Communications Sales and Projects at Rohde & Schwarz, explains: "With the SVFuA system, the German Armed Forces lays the foundation for state-of-the-art, future-ready tactical communications. As a trusted German partner, Rohde & Schwarz fulfills all the customer's requirements for a scalable, reconfigurable, and future-proof overall system. The company has demonstrated the implementation of current third-party waveforms on the software defined radio while preserving intellectual property rights, satisfying today's requirements for interoperability with partners."

With the acquisition of the SVFuA, the German Armed Forces is taking the first step in modernizing its tactical communications within the framework of the MoTaKo program. To support these projects over the long-term, Rohde&Schwarz decided to set up a joint venture with Rheinmetall AG for the purpose of submitting a tender as a general contractor. Both German companies offer a broad portfolio of trustworthy technology and years of experience in complex undertakings.

Simone Kneifl, Phone: +49(0)8941290, press@rohde-schwarz.com
PUNE, India, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The report"Crosslinking Agent Marketby Chemistry (Amino, Amine, Isocyanate, Amide, Aziridine, Carbodiimide), Paints & Coating Application (Decorative, Industrial), and Region (North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, South America) - Global Forecast to 2022", published by MarketsandMarkets', the market is projected to reach USD 13.61 Billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2017 to 2022.

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Browse 90 Market Data Tables and 21 Figures spread through 107 Pages and in-depth TOC on"Crosslinking Agent Market - Global Forecast to 2022"

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/crosslinking-agent-market-266941939.html

Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report

The use of crosslinking agents has increased in paints & coatings application owing to the high demand for crosslinking agents in water-based coating solutions. In addition, the rapidly growing powder coatings market, globally is also leading to a high demand for crosslinking agents.

The amino crosslinking agent segment accounted for the largest share of the crosslinking agent market in 2016.

The amino crosslinking agent segment is estimated to be the largest type segment of the Crosslinking Agent Market, in terms of volume. This high market share is mainly attributed to its usage across various applications, such as automotive, packaging, metal, OEM, and industrial wood coatings. It also finds application in general industrial, powder, plastic, metal, protective, and decorative coatings.

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The industrial application segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

The industrial application segment is expected to register the highest growth, in terms of both value and volume during the forecast period. Crosslinking agent is used as a hardener for coating application in the 2K system. It improves the chemical properties, UV resistance, and durability of the coat. Crosslinking agents cater to various coating applications, such as automotive, protective, can/coil, high performance, and marine, among others.

The crosslinking agent market in Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Asia Pacific is the largest market for crosslinking agent, in terms of both value and volume, followed by Europe and North America. Various coating applications such as automotive, high performance and protective coating represent the bulk of the demand for crosslinking agent in the Asia Pacific region. Moreover, rising awareness regarding the benefits of crosslinking agents has further contributed to their high demand in Asia Pacific countries, such as China, Japan, and India.

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Key players in the crosslinking agent market

Key players operating in the Crosslinking Agent Market include BASF SE (Germany), Covestro AG (Germany), Huntsman Corporation (US), Wanhua Chemical Group Co., Ltd. (China), Evonik Industries (Germany), Hexion Inc. (US), INEOS (UK), Aditya Birla Chemical (India), Allnex Group (Germany), and Shanghai Sisheng Polymer Materials Co., Ltd. (SiwoChem) (China).

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Epoxy Curing Agents Market by Type (Amine-Based Curing Agents, Anhydride Curing Agents), Application (Coatings, Construction, Adhesives, Composites, Wind Energy, Electrical & Electronics), and Region - Global Forecast to 2022

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/epoxy-curing-agent-market-91475650.html

Paints & Coatings Market by Resin (Acrylic, Alkyd, Epoxy, Polyurethane, Polyester), Technology (Water-Based, Solvent-Based, High Solids, Powder), Application (Architectural & Industrial), and Region - Global Forecasts to 2022

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/paint-coating-market-156661838.html

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LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / July 6, 2017 / The highlight of FY17 was positive Phase II efficacy data from ReNeuron's PISCES II clinical trial. As this and its other clinical programmes in ophthalmology and its earlier stage exosome platform progress, ReNeuron is entering a period of potentially significant milestones over the next 12 to 18 months. We maintain our valuation of 291m, adjusting for FY17 cash and rolling the model forward, which is offset by moving out the clinical timeline for the Phase III pivotal trial in stroke, now expected to start in early 2018 (vs H217).

We maintain our valuation at 291m or 9p per share. We have rolled the model forward to H217 (CY) and now use FY17 reported cash of 53m. This is offset by moving out the clinical timeline as we now expect the pivotal trial to start in CY18 (vs H217). We currently forecast cash into early FY19, which should enable ReNeuron to execute on its expanding clinical trial programme. We include an illustrative loan of 10m in FY19 in our forecasts. ReNeuron has a number of key inflection points over the next 12 to 18 months, which we believe could offer upside to its current level.

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All reports published by Edison are available to download free of charge from its website

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About Edison: Edison is an investment research and advisory company, with offices in North America, Europe, the Middle East and AsiaPac. The heart of Edison is our world-renowned equity research platform and deep multi-sector expertise. At Edison Investment Research, our research is widely read by international investors, advisers, and stakeholders. Edison Advisors leverages our core research platform to provide differentiated services including investor relations and strategic consulting.

Edison is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Edison is not an adviser or broker-dealer and does not provide investment advice. Edison's reports are not solicitations to buy or sell any securities.

For more information please contact Edison:

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GUILDFORD, SURREY -- (Marketwired) -- 10/20/17 -- ANGLE plc (AIM: AGL) (OTCQX: ANPCY)

AIM:AGL OTCQX:ANPCY

For immediate release 20 October 2017

ANGLE plc ("the Company")

Annual Report and Accounts and Notice of AGM

ANGLE plc (AIM:AGL OTCQX:ANPCY), a world-leading liquid biopsy company, announces that its AGM will be held at 2:00pm on Tuesday 31 October 2017 at ANGLE plc, 10 Nugent Road, the Surrey Research Park, Guildford, GU2 7AF.

The Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 April 2017, posted to shareholders on 6 October 2017, together with the Notice of the Company's Annual General Meeting ("AGM") are available for download on the Company's website, www.angleplc.com.

For further information ANGLE:

ANGLE plc +44 (0) 1483 343434 Andrew Newland, Chief Executive Ian Griffiths, Finance Director finnCap Ltd (NOMAD and Joint Broker) Corporate Finance - Adrian Hargrave, Simon Hicks, Kate Bannatyne Corporate Broking - Alice Lane, Nikita Jain +44 (0) 207 220 0500 WG Partners (Joint Broker) Nigel Barnes, Nigel Birks, Andrew Craig, Chris Lee +44 (0) 203 705 9330 FTI Consulting Simon Conway, Mo Noonan, Stephanie Cuthbert +44 (0) 203 727 1000 Kimberly Ha (US) +1 212 850 5612

Notes for editors

About ANGLE plc www.angleplc.com

ANGLE is a world-leading liquid biopsy company commercialising a disruptive platform technology that can capture cells circulating in blood, such as cancer cells, even when they are as rare in number as one cell in one billion blood cells, and harvest the cells for analysis.

ANGLE's cell separation technology is called the Parsortix system and it enables a liquid biopsy (simple blood test) to be used to provide the cells of interest. Parsortix is the subject of granted patents in Europe, the United States, Canada, India, China, Japan and Australia and three extensive families of patents are being progressed worldwide. The system is based on a microfluidic device that captures live cells based on a combination of their size and compressibility. Parsortix has a CE Mark for Europe and FDA authorisation is in process for the United States.

ANGLE has established formal collaborations with world-class cancer centres. These Key Opinion Leaders are working to identify applications with medical utility (clear benefit to patients), and to secure clinical data that demonstrates that utility in patient studies. Details are available here http://www.angleplc.com/the-company/collaborators/

The analysis of the cells that can be harvested from patient blood with ANGLE's Parsortix system has the potential to help deliver personalised cancer care offering profound improvements in clinical and health economic outcomes in the treatment and diagnosis of various forms of cancer.

The global increase in cancer to a 1 in 3 lifetime incidence is set to drive a multi-billion dollar clinical market. The Parsortix system is designed to be compatible with existing major medtech analytical platforms and to act as a companion diagnostic for major pharma in helping to identify patients that will benefit from a particular drug and then monitoring the drug's effectiveness.

As well as cancer, the Parsortix technology has the potential for deployment with several other important cell types in the future.

ANGLE stock trades on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol AGL and in New York on the OTC-QX under the ticker symbol ANPCY. For further information please visit: www.angleplc.com

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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HOUSTON, TX -- (Marketwired) -- 07/06/17 -- Dewmar International BMC, Inc. (OTC PINK: DEWM) a diversified brand management and operating company that conducts business across a multitude of synergistic business sectors announced today that it exceeded its sales goals over a 3-day period at The 2017 Essence Music Festival from June 30th - July 2nd. The Company sold thousands of dollars of Kush Cakes and Lean Slow Motion Potion to festival attendees from all across the country.

As previously announced, Dewmar International was invited by Walmart to be one of 16 diverse suppliers to participate in The Shops at ESSENCE during The 2017 Essence Music Festival.

"We are excited to report that thousands of consumers tasted our Kush Cake brownies and Slow Motion Potion beverage samples, which drove significant point-of-purchase sales," commented Dr. Marco Moran, CEO of Dewmar International. "Our promotional models and corporate staff handed out branded swag items in the form of logo cups and Lean/Kush Cake 'Do Not Disturb' door hangers with discount coupon codes for future online sales," Moran continued.

The Essence Music Festival was the kick-off event for Dewmar's six-month marketing and advertising campaign to heighten awareness of its products and brands, especially within Walmart. Additionally, Willie Robertson the CEO of Duck Commander and star of A&E's "Duck Dynasty" was present at both Dewmar booths for photos and signatures as part of support of Dewmar's recent acquisition of Willie's Duck Diner.

Dewmar International posted some of the fun interactions with Willie on several social media outlets and invites everyone to register for the Dewmar newsletter on the homepage of its corporate website and Like Dewmar's corporate Facebook page.

"We had such great success at the Walmart Supplier Diversity display that Walmart CEO stopped by and visited our booth on Friday afternoon," said Dr. Moran. "Furthermore, Walmart staff encouraged us to set up a meeting later this month with our new beverage buyer and regional replenishment manager at their corporate headquarters to discuss further expansion into more Walmart stores across Texas to maximize our central distribution supply chain management source," stated Dr. Moran. It is further rumored that Dr. Moran and Willie discussed launching a number of "Willie's" branded products to be developed by Dr. Moran for launch into Walmart stores around the country.

Dewmar also launched its new, clean looking Lean Slow Motion Potion branded website that contains a Walmart store locator which helps customers find which specific Walmart stores sells their product. Online sales for Lean Slow Motion Potion will send consumers either to Walmart.com or to Amazon.com for fulfillment as the Company seeks to rapidly expand online sales via both leading and popular online shopping platforms.

About Dewmar International BMC, Inc.

Dewmar International BMC, Inc. is a veteran-owned business concern, new product development, manufacturing and brand management company. Established in 2003, Dewmar's primary business strategy has been in creating high profit margins with innovative functional foods and beverages to markets of great demand. The Company's flagship product, Lean Slow Motion Potion, whose flavors include Yella, Purp and Easta Pink, is rated as one of the top 3 national selling relaxation beverages in the U.S. market. The company has offices in Clinton, MS; Houston, TX: Denver, CO and New Orleans, LA.

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WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Twitter Inc. (TWTR) said Monday that it will start enforcing updates to its rules announced last month to reduce hateful and abusive content on Twitter. Its hateful conduct policy and rules against abusive behavior prohibit promoting violence against or directly attacking or threatening other people on the basis of their group characteristics, as well as engaging in abusive behavior that harasses, intimidates, or uses fear to silence another person's voice. The new rules ban violent threats or even wishing for serious physical harm, death, or disease to an individual or group of people. Accounts that affiliate with organizations that use or promote violence against civilians to further their causes. Groups included in this policy will be those that identify as such or engage in activity - both on and off the platform - that promotes violence. This policy does not apply to military or government entities and we will consider exceptions for groups that are currently engaging in (or have engaged in) peaceful resolution, Twitter said. Twitter noted that any account that abuses or threatens others through their profile information, including their username, display name, or profile bio. If an account's profile information includes a violent threat or multiple slurs, epithets, racist or sexist tropes, incites fear, or reduces someone to less than human, it will be permanently suspended. Twitter noted that hateful imagery will now be considered sensitive media under media policy. It considers hateful imagery to be logos, symbols, or images whose purpose is to promote hostility and malice against others based on their race, religion, disability, or ethnicity/national origin. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
The global integrated drive systems market is expected to grow at an impressive CAGR of close to 6% during the forecast period, according to Technavio's latest market research.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170915005070/en/

Technavio has published a new report on the global integrated drive systems market from 2017-2021. (Graphic: Business Wire)

In this market research report, Technaviocovers the market outlook and growth prospects of the global integrated drive systems market for 2017-2021. The market is segmented by solution (hardware and software and services) and by end-user (process industries and discrete industries).

Technavio's research analysts segment the global integrated drive systems market into the following regions:

Americas

APAC

EMEA

Looking for more information on this market? Request a free sample report

Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report including the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more.

Integrated drive systems market in EMEA

Oil and gas, mining, and food and beverage are the major end-user industries in EMEA. This region had the highest revenue during the base year, and this is expected to continue throughout the forecast period. The oil and gas industry is recovering from the recent fluctuations in crude oil prices. Investments in this industrial segment will create an increase in demand for integrated drive systems. The Middle East countries, especially Iran and Saudi Arabia, are the major producers of oil and gas across the world. The use of integrated drive systems in the oil and gas industry and the growth in the industry are expected to increase the demand during the forecast period.

According to Bharath Kanniappan, a lead automation research analyst at Technavio, "The water and waste water industry in the region also witnesses a high demand for integrated drive systems. The demand for potable water from countries like Kuwait has led to many investments on desalination plants; these facilities are expected to use integrated drive systems for optimum operations."

This report is available at a USD 1,000 discount for a limited time only: View market snapshot before purchasing

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Integrated drive systems in Americas

The Americas is the second largest revenue contributor for the integrated drive systems market during the base year. Oil and gas, automotive, and power industries are the major end-users of integrated drive systems. The US, Mexico, and Brazil are some of the major revenue contributors in the region.

Increasing shale gas exploration and the growing demand for oil and gas from automobile and transportation sectors have benefited the integrated drive systems market, as these systems are used to achieve optimum operational efficiency. The oil and gas industry in the Americas is regaining from the global decline in crude oil prices; revenue from this industry is expected to have a slower growth during the forecast period.

Integrated drive systems market in APAC

APAC was the least revenue generating region for integrated drive systems during the base year, and this is expected to continue throughout the forecast period. Water and waste water, oil and gas, and food and beverage are the major end-user industries of integrated drive systems in the region. China, India, Singapore, and South Korea are some of the major revenue contributors.

"The growing demand for potable water in countries like Singapore and India is leading to investments in water treatment plants and water supply systems. Singapore is mainly dependent on Malaysia for water. These reasons have led to an increase in investments in water treatment plants and desalination plants. This will have a positive impact on the integrated drive systems market," adds Bharath.

The top vendors in the global integrated drive systems market as highlighted in this market research analysis are:

ABB

Bosch Rexroth

Emerson

Schneider Electric

Siemens

Browse Related Reports:

Global Variable Frequency Drives Market 2017-2021

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Global IoT Market in Pipeline Management 2017-2021

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CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Canadian dollar climbed against its major counterparts in the European session on Thursday, as an industry data showed a bigger-than-expected draw in U.S. stockpiles last week, in an indication of moderating oil production from the U.S.



Crude for August delivery rose $0.55 to $45.68 per barrel.



Data from the American Petroleum Institute showed Wednesday that U.S. crude inventories fell to 5.8 million barrels in the week to June 30, higher than expectations for a decline of 2.3 million barrels.



Gasoline inventories fell by 5.7 million barrels, exceeding economists' expectations for a 500,000 barrel draw.



The data came a day before official report from the Energy Information Administration, which is forecast to show a decline of 2.4 million barrels in crude oil inventories.



The European Central Bank will release minutes from its June 8 meeting today, with investors looking for hints on whether the bank is close to tightening its ultraloose monetary policy.



Traders also awaited cues from this week's G20 summit and Friday's U.S. jobs report.



The loonie showed mixed performance in the Asian session. While the loonie held steady against the aussie and the euro, it fell against the yen and the greenback.



The loonie rose to 1.2936 against the greenback and 87.67 against the yen, from its early lows of 1.2983 and 87.03, respectively. Further gains may take the loonie to resistance levels of around 1.28 against the greenback and 89.00 against the yen.



The loonie reversed from its early lows of 1.4726 against the euro and 0.9866 against the aussie, rising to 1.4674 and 0.9836, respectively. The loonie is poised to target resistance around 1.45 against the euro and 0.97 against the aussie.



Looking ahead, the European Central Bank releases account of the monetary policy meeting of the Governing Council held on June 7-8 at 7:30 am ET.



In the New York session, ADP private payrolls data for June, weekly jobless claims for the week ended July 1, trade data for May and ISM non-manufacturing composite index for June as well as Canada building permits and trade data for May are set for release.



At 10:00 am ET, the Fed Reserve Governor Jerome Powell gives a speech titled 'The Case for Housing Finance Reform' at the American Enterprise Institute, in Washington DC.



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BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - Germany's factory orders recovered in May driven by a rebound in foreign demand, but the pace of overall growth was weaker than economists' expectations.



Factory orders grew 1 percent month-on-month in May, reversing a revised 2.2 percent fall in the previous month, data from Destatis showed Thursday. Orders were forecast to climb 1.9 percent.



Excluding major orders, manufacturing new orders declined 0.3 percent in May from the previous month.



Domestic orders fell 1.9 percent from April, while foreign orders grew 3.1 percent. Orders from the euro area climbed 1.7 percent and that from other countries advanced 4 percent.



Manufacturers of intermediate goods reported a 0.7 percent fall compared with April. For consumer goods, a decrease of 2.9 percent was posted. Meanwhile, manufacturers of capital goods showed an increase of 2.6 percent.



Year-on-year, factory orders grew at a faster pace of 3.7 percent in May after rising 3.3 percent in April.



The economy ministry said the solid development in incoming orders, as well as the excellent business climate, support a further slightly upward trend in the manufacturing sector.



Despite the latest monthly growth of 1 percent, order intake of German manufacturing turned out rather disappointing in May, because this plus follows a much larger minus of more than 2 percent in the previous month, Ralph Solveen, an analyst at Commerzbank, said.



Production can hardly be expected to show a significant increase in the coming months, the analyst added.



In contrast, the latest Purchasing Managers' survey from IHS Markit showed that manufacturing new orders grew at the fastest pace since March 2011 in June. However, IHS said growth in new export business slowed from May's seven-year high.



Data showed that manufacturing turnover slid 0.1 percent on a monthly basis, following a 1.3 percent rise in March.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 6, 2017) - Dr. Stephen Campbell, Principal Scientist at Nano One Materials (TSXV: NNO) (FSE: LBMB) (OTC Pink: NNOMF), is pleased to announce that Nano One has been issued U.S. Pat. No. 9,698,419. This patent expands Nano One's propriety position to include the improvements in battery performance provided by the lithium ion cathode materials produced using Nano One's process.

"The addition of this patent builds on an already strong portfolio of intellectual property Nano One has assembled." said Dr. Campbell. "Expanding the segment of our patent portfolio related directly to improved batteries demonstrates that our process also provides superior lithium metal oxides which manifest in enhanced battery performance."

By simplifying the raw material inputs and manufacturing of lithium ion cathodes, Nano One's goal is to reduce costs and enhance energy storing properties of batteries. Patents previously issued to Nano One detail the manufacturing advantages of the novel cathode formation technology.

This most recent patent issuance complements previously issued patents including Taiwan Patent No. I517,487 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,136,534 and 9,159,999.

"With 4 granted patents and many more in the pending stages," said Nano One's Patent Agent and Director, Dr. Joseph Guy, "Nano One is establishing the backbone of an extremely valuable asset base. I expect the team will continue to strengthen its intellectual property moving forward."

Nano One Materials Corp.

Dan Blondal, CEO

For information with respect to Nano One or the contents of this news release, please contact John Lando (President) at (604) 669-2701 or visit the website at www.nanoone.ca.

About Nano One:

Nano One Materials Corp ("Nano One" or "the Company") is developing patented technology for the low-cost production of high performance battery materials used in electric vehicles, energy storage and consumer electronics. The processing technology addresses fundamental supply chain constraints by enabling wider raw materials specifications for use in lithium ion batteries. The process can be configured for a range of different nanostructured materials and has the flexibility to shift with emerging and future battery market trends and a diverse range of other growth opportunities. The novel three-stage process uses equipment common to industry and Nano One is building a pilot plant to demonstrate high volume production. The pilot plant is being funded with the assistance and support of the Government of Canada through Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) and the Automotive Supplier Innovation Program (ASIP). Nano One also receives financial support from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP). Nano One's mission is to establish its patented technology as a leading platform for the global production of a new generation of nanostructured composite materials. For more information, please visit www.nanoone.ca

Certain information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the execution of the Company's plans which are contingent on the receipt of grant monies and the commercialization of the Company's technology and patents. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as 'believe', 'expect', 'anticipate', 'plan', 'intend', 'continue', 'estimate', 'may', 'will', 'should', 'ongoing', or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, including: the ability of the Company to obtain additional financing; including the receipt of grant monies from SDTC, ASIP, NRC-IRAP and the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that is incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE
TORONTO, ONTARIO and ZUG, SWITZERLAND -- (Marketwired) -- 07/06/17 -- (Unless otherwise provided herein, all dollar amounts in this announcement are expressed in U.S. dollars)

Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited ("Fairfax") (TSX: FFH)(TSX: FFH.U) and Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, AG ("Allied World") (NYSE: AWH) announce the successful completion of the acquisition of Allied World and closing of the exchange offer by Fairfax Financial Holdings (Switzerland) GmbH (the "Purchaser"), an indirect subsidiary of Fairfax, for all of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares of Allied World (the "Shares"), which expired at 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on July 5, 2017.

Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, the exchange agent for the offer, has indicated that, as of the expiration of the offer, 84,184,397 Shares (including 6,319,913 Shares tendered by guaranteed delivery) had been tendered into and not properly withdrawn from the offer, representing approximately 96.1% of the outstanding Shares. All Shares that were validly tendered into the offer and not properly withdrawn have been accepted for payment and acquired by the Purchaser. Pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 18, 2016 between Fairfax and Allied World (as amended, the "Merger Agreement"), all conditions to the offer have been satisfied, and Allied World has declared the special cash dividend of $5.00 per Share, without interest, payable to all shareholders that tendered their Shares and to all holders of record as of the close of trading on July 5, 2017 that did not tender their Shares.

Squeeze-Out Merger

Fairfax intends to cause Fairfax (Switzerland) GmbH ("Fairfax Switzerland"), its indirect subsidiary, to effect a squeeze-out merger under Swiss law pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, whereby Allied World will be merged with Fairfax Switzerland with Fairfax Switzerland being the surviving entity (the "Merger") and thereafter renamed "Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, GmbH."

As a result of the Merger, each outstanding Share (other than Shares owned by (a) Fairfax or the Purchaser or any other subsidiary of Fairfax or (b) any shareholder of Allied World who is entitled to and properly demands and exercises dissenters' rights with respect to such Shares pursuant to, and complies in all respects with, the applicable provisions of Swiss law) will, at the effective time of the Merger, be converted into the right to receive (i) $23.00, payable net to the holder thereof in cash, without interest, subject to any withholding taxes required by applicable law, and (ii) 0.057937 of a Fairfax subordinate voting share, which is the same as the consideration payable in the offer.

Delisting

Allied World also announced today that it intends to voluntarily delist the Shares from the New York Stock Exchange and, provided that the requirements for deregistration are met, in due course, that it intends to subsequently deregister the Shares under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). Allied World also intends to suspend its reporting obligations under the Exchange Act once it is eligible to do so.

About Fairfax

Fairfax is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and investment management.

About Allied World

Allied World, through its subsidiaries and brand known as Allied World, is a global provider of innovative property, casualty and specialty insurance and reinsurance solutions. Allied World offers superior client service through a global network of offices and branches. All of Allied World's rated insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries are rated A by A.M. Best Company, A by Standard & Poor's, and A2 by Moody's, and our Lloyd's Syndicate 2232 is rated A+ by Standard & Poor's and AA- by Fitch.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND WHERE TO FIND IT

This communication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or form part of an offer to sell or exchange or the solicitation of an offer to buy, exchange or subscribe to any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, sale or exchange would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. This communication is not an offer of securities for sale into the United States. No offering of securities shall be made in the United States except pursuant to registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, or an exemption therefrom. An offer will not be made in, nor will deposits be accepted in, any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction. However, Fairfax may, in its sole discretion, take such action as it may deem necessary to extend an offer in any such jurisdiction.

The release, publication or distribution of this communication in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law and therefore persons in such jurisdictions into which this communication is released, published or distributed should inform themselves about and observe such restrictions.

In connection with the exchange offer for all of the outstanding registered ordinary shares of Allied World, Fairfax has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") a registration statement on Form F-4, which includes a prospectus, and a Tender Offer statement on Schedule TO (including a related letter of transmittal and other offer documents), which has been previously amended and will be further amended. Allied World has filed with the SEC a Solicitation / Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 with respect to the exchange offer, which has been previously amended and will be further amended. SHAREHOLDERS OF ALLIED WORLD ARE URGED TO READ THESE DOCUMENTS CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY (INCLUDING THE EXHIBITS THERETO) AS THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE EXCHANGE OFFER. These materials and Fairfax's other public filings with the SEC may be obtained without charge at the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. Any materials filed with the SEC may also be obtained without charge at Fairfax's website, www.fairfax.ca.

Any proxy statement and any other relevant documents filed by Allied World with the SEC, as well as any amendments or supplements to those documents and Allied World's other public filings with the SEC, may be obtained without charge at the SEC's website, www.sec.gov, after they have been filed. Any materials filed with the SEC may also be obtained without charge at Allied World's website, www.awac.com.

Participants in the Solicitation

Fairfax and Allied World and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in any solicitation of proxies from Allied World's shareholders in favour of the merger. Information about Allied World's directors and executive officers is available in Allied World's amended Annual Report on Form 10-K dated April 27, 2017. Information about Fairfax's directors and executive officers is available in Fairfax's management proxy circular dated March 10, 2017 for its 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, are contained in the definitive proxy statement, the prospectus and other relevant materials filed with the SEC regarding the merger. Investors should read the definitive proxy statement and the prospectus carefully before making any voting or investment decisions.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws and are made pursuant to the "safe harbour" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include any statements related to Fairfax's plans and proposals for Allied World, including the Merger, delisting from the NYSE and deregistration, and are generally identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "will," "may," "continue," "should," and other similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Fairfax, Allied World or the combined company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of management of Fairfax and Allied World and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on many assumptions and factors, including general economic and market conditions, industry conditions, corporate approvals, regulatory approvals, operational factors and other factors. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. All forward-looking statements attributable to Fairfax and Allied World, or persons acting on their behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements set forth in this paragraph.

Undue reliance should not be placed on such statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Such factors include, but are not limited to the risks and uncertainties described in: (i) Fairfax's most recently issued Annual Report which is available at www.fairfax.ca and in its Supplemental and Base Shelf Prospectus (under "Risk Factors") filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com; and (ii) Allied World's most recently issued Annual Report filed on Form 10-K, which is available on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Each of Fairfax and Allied World disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements and undertakes no obligation to release publicly the results of any future revisions to the forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Contacts:

Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited

Paul Rivett

President

(416) 367-4941



Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited

John Varnell

Vice President, Corporate Development

(416) 367-4941

www.fairfax.ca



Allied World - Media:

Faye Cook

Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communications

(441) 278-5406



Allied World - Investors:

Giuseppe Montefinese

Manager, Strategy & Investor Relations

(646) 794-0690

www.awac.com




NEW YORK, August 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Canada is the mecca of the North American cannabis market, boasting legalization in every province and an array of investment opportunities, such as ABcann Global Corporation (TSX.V: ABCN) (OTC: ABCCF), (ABcann PROFILE) a Canadian grower of medical marijuana. ABcann recently acquired ABcann Medicinals and boasts a recent IPO, appointment of a new medical consultant, and major expansion plans. As one of Canada's most dominant growers of medical marijuana and one of the growers to meet the Canadian government's stringent licensing requirements, ABcann could be positioned to see the post-IPO success achieved by Supreme Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTC: SPRWF) (TSX.V: FIRE), Emblem Corp. (OTC: EMMBF) (TSX.V: EMC), Canopy Growth (OTC: TWMJF) (TSX: WEED) and Aurora Cannabis (OTC: ACBFF) (TSX: ACB) - all of which showcased astounding post-IPO gains in the favorable North American cannabis sector.

Ontario-based ABcann Global Corporation(TSX.V: ABCN) (OTCQB: ABCCF) made its debut on the public market in May 2017 with an IPO priced at $0.80 per share and ambitious plans to foster domestic production facilities and international opportunities. PI Financial analyst Jason Zandberg was quick to initiate coverage of ABcann with a one-year price target of $2.25, which, as of August 15, represents a 160% premium over the company's stock price of $0.68.

Despite its relative infancy as a publicly traded security, ABcann is one Canada's dominant medical growers, recognized for using proprietary growing technology to produce organically grown, pesticide-free medicinal-grade marijuana.

The company's low current market cap offers an obvious opportunity for investors, as ABcann compares well with other companies in an industry that Arcview Market Research expects to top $20 billion by 2021 (http://nnw.fm/4oqBD).

A look at some of ABcann's peers demonstrates the potential of this market. Among them is Supreme Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTC: SPRWF) (TSX.V: FIRE), which soared more than 1,600% after its IPO and currently trades at $0.87 per share. As of August 15, Supreme's market cap is $250 million. Another Canadian cannabis play, Emblem Corp. (OTC: EMMBF) (TSX.V: EMC) has the same size growing facility as ABcann and is valued at $200 million, trading at $1.45 per share. Aurora Cannabis (OTC: ACBFF) (TSX: ACB.TO), which surged nearly 900% after its initial offering, trading at $1.97, is valued at $723 million.

Canopy Growth (OTC: TWMJF) (TSX: WEED.TO), one of the largest fully-licensed Canadian marijuana growers, saw share prices skyrocket by more than 700% in the months following its IPO. As the heavyweight of the group, Canopy is trading at $6.94 per share with a market cap of $1.17 billion.

As noted by analyst Zandberg, part of ABcann's potential for such a performance is its ability to achieve high yields of its medicinal-grade marijuana through a scalable, computer-controlled growing environment that enables monitoring and control to ensure optimal plant growth while avoiding disease and other plight. ABcann's expansion plans are ramping up, and a new chamber is planned for the company's current facility in Napanee, Ontario, which currently produces 1,000 kilograms annually.

The sweet spot of ABcann's growing position is that it owns the land to be occupied by a new 71,000-square-foot facility with a production capacity of 20,000 kilograms per year - 20 times ABcann's current production. In further plans, a 65-acre property for a planned 1.2 million square-foot growing facility is ready for development.

Additionally, ABcann was one of the first companies to obtain a production license under Canadian Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulation, putting it among only 3% of companies that make it through the extensive six-step application process, which requires a comprehensive background check and prior investment in a growing facility.

In July, ABcann announced its inclusion in theHorizons Medical Marijuana Life Sciences ETF. The ETF index selects companies with operations in biopharmaceuticals, medical manufacturing, distribution, and other marijuana industry services.

Though ABcann as a public company is only three months old, it occupies a unique position with $43 million in cash to fulfill its expansion plans. Earlier this month, as part of a $30 million financing, Cannabis Wheaton Income Corp. made an initial $15 million investment in ABcann to fund additional build-out at the company's second production facility. The remaining $15 million will fund an additional production expansion with ABcann. Notably, Cannabis Wheaton's valuation of ABcann matches Zandberg's price target of $2.25 per ABcann share.

For more information on ABcann Global please visit: ABcann Global (TSX.V: ABCN) (OTCQB: ABCCF)

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This Month, Enexis Netbeheer Starts Large Scale Rollout of Sagemcom ESMR5 Smart Electricity Meters with Mobile LTE Cat1 Communication Technology

This massive rollout follows successful joined achievements in between Enexis Netbeheer and Sagemcom including final system Integration, Field Test period monitoring and LTE cat1 Radio performance completeness proven by 3rd Party accredited Laboratory.

One and a half year after the award, Sagemcom is delivering to Enexis Netbeheer XS210 single phase Meter and T210 three phase meter for massive rollout.

Through the use of Wireless Mbus communication, Sagemcom ESMR5 smart electricity meters are fully interoperable with all ESMR5 compliant smart gas meters. This new combination of electricity and gas meters will offer real time information on energy consumption in order to reduce energy usage and significantly decrease energy costs for customers.

According to Haico Hangx, Program Manager Smart Meter Development at Enexis Netbeheer: "We are eager to speed up the roll out with Sagemcom ESMR5 smart electricity meters and we would like to highlight the quality of the partnership with Sagemcom, which has demonstrated its ability to collaborate with Enexis Netbeheer by designing, implementing and producing the smart electricity meters in full compliancy with ESMR5 specifications."

With this start of massive rollout Sagemcom confirms its leadership in Smart Metering in Europe and its position as top multi technologies smart meter solutions partner. Commenting on this start of rollout, Jean-Philippe Sacriste, Director of Sagemcom Energy department, said: "Sagemcom is very proud to be a long term technology and industrial partner to Enexis. It is also key for us to demonstrate one more time that by choosing Sagemcom our customers have the warranty to fulfill their ambition for Smart Metering roll out and grid management capabilities."

Based in Rueil Malmaison, Sagemcom, owned by its employees at 30%, is a French company that designs and manufactures communication terminals especially in the Energy, Telecom and Broadband areas. Every day, 250 dedicated people located in Rueil-Malmaison (head office of Sagemcom) contribute to the research, the development, the design and the marketing of meters, data concentrators and software suite for the management of electricity, gas, and water.

About Enexis Netbeheer

Enexis is the regional network operator in the north, east and south of the Netherlands. The company is tasked with the development and construction of energy distribution networks (gas and electricity) and the maintenance and management of these networks. Acting as the link between the customer and the energy supplier, Enexis is responsible for the supply of energy to more than 2.7 million customers. Enexis has 4,500 employees.

About Sagemcom

A French high-tech group of international dimensions, Sagemcom operates on the broadband (digital home, set-top boxes, Internet routers, telephony and multimedia terminals), smart city (smart meter, smart grid, smart infra, smart sites and smart services), and Internet of Things markets.

With revenue of around 1.5 billion euros, Sagemcom employs 4000 people on five continents and ships every year more than 25 million terminals. Sagemcom aims to remain a world leader in communicating terminals with high added value.

Sagemcom has provided support for its clients for the last 25 years by preparing and implementing their energy management projects, and by deploying secure and sustainable metering solutions, from meters to information systems

www.sagemcom.comwww.facebook.com/SagemcomOfficial https://twitter.com/Sagemcom

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170706005669/en/

Contacts:

Sagemcom

Sylvaine COULEUR, 00336 99 37 63 48

presse@sagemcom.com
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - With exports rising and imports falling, the Commerce Department released a report on Thursday showing that the U.S. trade deficit narrowed in the month of May. The report said the trade deficit narrowed to $46.5 billion in May from $47.6 billion in April. Economists had expected the deficit to narrow to $46.2 billion. The Commerce Department said the value of exports rose by 0.4 percent to $192.0 billion in May from $191.2 billion in April. Exports of consumer goods and automotive vehicles and parts showed notable increases, more than offsetting a drop in exports of foods, feeds and beverages. On the other hand, the report said the value of imports edged down by 0.1 percent to $238.5 billion in May from $238.8 billion in April. Decreases in imports of cell phones and other household goods and passenger cars were partly offset by an increase in imports of capital goods. The Commerce Department also said the goods deficit narrowed to $67.5 billion in May from $68.4 billion in April, while the services surplus widened to $21.0 billion from $20.8 billion. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Central, Hong Kong--(Newsfile Corp. - July 6, 2017) - The Chairman of V1 Group Limited, Dr. Zhang Lijun interpreted the core purpose of the development of internet healthcare business of V1 Group: "We are not doing internet healthcare business for subverting the tradition, but we care about is whether it will bring universal medical services for the people." It is also the core purpose of V1 Group's brand "Homeincare".

In China International Big Data Industry Expo 2017, V1 Group's brand "Homeincare" was stunning debut, showing the business advantages as well as its core philosophy to the public, which was widely reported by a number of media channels.

V1 Group's Homeincare is the first nurse-sharing platform in China, leveraged with the sharing economy model to optimize the allocation of scattered nurse resources, making use of the spare time of the nurses to provide home care services including injection, infusion, wound dressing, blood collection and urinary catheterization for the patients nearby. The aging problem is becoming more and more serious in China, the state has also introduced the relevant policy guidelines for the elderly home care and the combination of medical care and pension, but many elderly cannot get timely and effective care services because of many practical problems, the model of Homeincare solved some of the nursing service problems for the last kilometer.

In addition, the nursing home care service platform of Homeincare has also been recognized and supported by the majority of nurses. Lots of practicing nurses believe that Homeincare provides another service practice platform for nurses, in line with the principle of the nearest regional service with care services for the patients who find it inconvenient to move around. This will enable the deployment of primary healthcare structure and the development of nursing resources, while increasing the income of nurses and to provide good healthcare services to the groups with healthcare needs and help to improve the primary healthcare standard.

Similar to Didi Dache, Homeincare is a mobile healthcare services platform based on an asset-light model which users can make appointment at anytime with nearby doctors and nurses to receive such services as nursing home care, elderly home care, and Chinese medicine therapy. Homeincare has certified over 32,000 registered nurses, serving more than 30,000 users and processing more than 100,000 valid orders. At the same time, Homeincare is also constantly control the medical risks, improve service quality, improve professional standards, expand services scope and optimize the operational strategies to better meet with the policy requirements, and actively cooperate with the works of government departments for the promotion of the industry development and the establishment of standardization. Also, we will contribute our efforts for the country's elderly home care and the combination of medical care and pension works.

-End-

About V1 Group Limited

V1 Group was established in 2005, listed on the Main Board of Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2006, became the first Chinese video media enterprise listed in Hong Kong. V1 Group Limited was named the "China's Top 100 Internet Companies" three years in a row from year 2014 to 2016.

After eleven years of rapid development, V1 Group's main businesses have been fully covered the Internet and mobile terminals. In 2016, V1 Group successfully transformed from the new media industry group into a new economy in the internet industry, with extensive layout in new media, online games, internet healthcare, internet travel, internet education, internet finance and many other fields, which strive to build an internet life circle to solve the basic needs for users. V1 Group is now become an integrated new industry group in internet plus life field.
FREEPORT, TX--(Marketwired - July 06, 2017) - The Brazos Pilots Association has negotiated a rate adjustment with the overwhelming majority of Port of Freeport shippers for the needed improvements that will enable one of the nation's fastest growing ports to continue to expand safely and efficiently in the future, announced Captain Daniel Blanton, presiding officer for the pilots.

All shippers transiting inbound and outbound on Texas waterways at the Port of Freeport pay the rates charged by the pilots. No public monies or taxpayer revenues are used to finance the services of the Brazos Pilots. Only those shippers using our waterway pay for pilot services. Industry is responsible for paying pilotage fees at all Texas ports and US ports.

"Our largest customers have put their support of our proposal in writing," said Capt. Blanton. "We took the initiative and time to meet with and carefully listen to each of our client shippers in developing a proposal that fits their future needs." An unprecedented 80% of the port users provided written support for the proposal. The proposal, if granted by the Pilot Commissioners, will allow pilots to continue to service the growth of the port users as the users continue to invest in our port providing local jobs and economic development for the County's citizens.

"The overwhelming majority of port users at Port Freeport, as well as its most frequent users, support our rate application," said Capt. Blanton. "They are pleased with our pilot services and proposed improvements. Over the last three years, the Brazos Pilots took the initiative and time to meet with all port users to inform them of our plan and respond to their questions and concerns. Our outreach was very well received by port users and helped us earn their support. We did our homework and the overwhelming industry support demonstrates the value of our efforts."

"Our corporate partners like Dow, Enterprise, Phillips 66, FLNG, and BP, as well as many others supporting our port are to be recognized for their demonstrated commitment to the safety of our waterway," said Capt. Blanton. "And the Freeport community must understand the capital investments our port partners have already invested in the infrastructure that can manage our growth safely. These corporate citizens have demonstrated their commitment in writing with a willingness to help fund our proposed safeguards through the rate adjustment requested. The Brazos Pilots look forward to continuing our partnership with industry to ensure Port Freeport continues to be one of the safest and best places to do business."

The Brazos Pilots formally presented their thoroughly documented rate adjustment proposal at a June 28 public meeting of the Port of Freeport Commissioners. The presentation included testimony from sworn witnesses and questions from the six commissioners and attorneys representing three objectors for more than six hours. The port commissioners accepted the pilots' proposal and scheduled a public meeting for 2 pm, July 10 when they are expected to announce their decision on approving or amending the rate proposal.

"We must replace our current 40' single engine pilot boat with a larger 65' twin engine model that will require higher operating costs while delivering superior service," testified Capt. Blanton. "We will need a 24-hour/365-day dispatch and communications service for Port Freeport to be able to satisfy industry demands around the clock. The larger pilot boats and expanded dispatching capabilities will enable the Brazos Pilots to meet the demands of industry while enhancing safety and efficiency of vessels sailing inbound and outbound without interruption and delays."

The pilots' rate adjustment application is composed of three parts: 1) a 3% upward adjustment of pilotage rates for the next 3 years to offset the higher engine replacement, maintenance and operating cost of the new pilot boat; 2) a $200/vessel movement surcharge to finance the purchase and maintenance of replacement pilot boats; and 3) a $300/vessel movement surcharge to support a new 24/365 pilot dispatch service.

"New pilot boats will deliver improved safety and efficiency while a 24-hour dispatching service will improve safety and efficiency of vessel movements and other pilot services," explained Capt. Blanton.

The Brazos Pilots are recommending these additions to enable Port Freeport to maintain its competitive edge and ensure our port's growth and stability while enabling the Brazos Pilots to perform our job safely and efficiently. "Our proposed improvements will benefit all port users as well as all citizens of Brazoria County and will come at no cost to county tax payers," said Capt. Blanton.

"We also want to point out that shippers at the Port of Freeport pay the lowest pilotage rates than are charged at any of the six other Texas ports and at most, if not all, U.S. ports. And that will not change even after the rate adjustment goes into effect," said Capt. Blanton. "Further, the proposal by the Brazos Pilots represents investment in capital assets and increased services and revenue to maintain a higher level of service. The revenue from the rate adjustment will not individually compensate the Brazos Pilots, but instead will be used to fund the requested improvements."

The Brazos Pilots are state licensed pilots responsible to the state of Texas for ensuring the safe and efficient transit of ships and vessels on state waterways at the Port of Freeport. Every port in Texas requires state licensed pilots to board and guide foreign and US flagged ships inbound and outbound. Port Freeport enjoys a widely recognized reputation as a safe port and the Brazos Pilots contribute to that hard-earned reputation.

According to Capt. Blanton, the Brazos Pilots enjoy one of the best safety records in the industry. "We recruit and train only the best master mariners and we work hard to stay ahead of safety on our public waterway. A safe port is a prosperous and competitive port. Port Freeport is among the safest and fastest growing ports in the nation -- and we intend to keep it that way," said the presiding officer.

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2017/7/5/11G142291/Images/Capt_Daniel_Blanton_-6252997f2a7c9147ac8cd40160f71507.jpg

For more information:

Henry de La Garza

The Pilots PIO

Henry@ThePilotsPIO.com

(713) 622-8818
Ringmetall ubernimmt innovativen Spannringanbieter Latza

DGAP-Ad-hoc: Ringmetall Aktiengesellschaft / Schlagwort(e): Firmenubernahme Ringmetall ubernimmt innovativen Spannringanbieter Latza 31.07.2017 / 09:53 CET/CEST Veroffentlichung einer Insiderinformation gema Artikel 17 MAR, ubermittelt durch DGAP - ein Service der EQS Group AG. Fur den Inhalt der Mitteilung ist der Emittent verantwortlich.

Ringmetall ubernimmt innovativen Spannringanbieter Latza

- Erwarteter Umsatzbeitrag von 4 bis 5 mEUR jahrlich, EBITDA-Marge auf Konzernniveau

- Zugang zu innovativer Federspannringtechnik - Ausweitung der Produktionskapazitaten im Bereich der Weiblechspannringe

Munchen, 31. Juli 2017 - Die Ringmetall AG (ISIN: DE0006001902), ein international fuhrender Spezialanbieter in der Verpackungsindustrie, hat sich heute mit dem bisherigen Eigentumer auf die Ubernahme von 100 Prozent der Geschaftsanteile an der in Attendorn, Deutschland, ansassigen Latza GmbH geeinigt. Das Unternehmen wird in den Geschaftsbereich Industrial Packaging der Ringmetall Gruppe integriert. Die Erstkonsolidierung erfolgt zum 1. August 2017.

Im Rahmen der Akquisition erwirbt Ringmetall den gesamten Produktionsbetrieb, inklusive einer Immobilie mit Produktionsflachen von rund 3.000 qm und aller Produktionsmaschinen. Die Belegschaft von derzeit 45 Mitarbeitern wird ebenfalls komplett ubernommen. Der zu erwartende jahrliche Umsatzbeitrag der Latza GmbH belauft sich auf 4 bis 5 Millionen Euro. Die EBITDA-Marge liegt dabei auf vergleichbarem Niveau zur Ringmetall Gruppe.

Latza verfugt uber ein qualitativ hochwertiges Produktportfolio aus Spannringen unterschiedlichster Abmessungen, Materialbreiten und Oberflachenbeschichtungen inklusive der dazugehorigen Plombiersplinte. Ein Groteil der Produkte ist auf die speziellen Anforderungen von Weiblechgebinden ausgerichtet. Zusatzliche Synergien aus der Ubernahme erwartet sich das Unternehmen aus einer innovativen, neu entwickelten Federspannringtechnologie, die zukunftig auch konzernweit angeboten werden soll.

Uber die Hohe des Kaufpreises haben die beteiligten Parteien Stillschweigen vereinbart. Der Kaufpreis spiegelt jedoch die gewohnt konservative Grundhaltung der Ringmetall Gruppe im Rahmen von Akquisitionen wieder. Die Finanzierung der Transaktion erfolgt zum groten Teil aus Bestandsliquiditat sowie verfugbaren Kreditlinien.

Kontakt:

Ingo Middelmenne Investor Relations Ringmetall AG Telefon:+49 (0)89 45 220 98 12 E-Mail: middelmenne@ringmetall.de

Informationen und Erlauterungen des Emittenten zu dieser Mitteilung:

Uber die Ringmetall Gruppe

Ringmetall ist ein international fuhrender Spezialanbieter in der Verpackungsindustrie. Der Geschaftsbereich Industrial Packaging bietet hoch sichere Dichtungs- und Verschluss-Systeme fur die chemische, die petrochemische und die pharmazeutische Industrie sowie die Lebensmittelindustrie an. Der Geschaftsbereich Industrial Handling entwickelt anwendungsoptimierte Fahrzeuganbauteile fur das Handling und den Transport von Verpackungseinheiten. Neben der Konzernzentrale in Munchen ist Ringmetall mit weltweiten Produktions- und Vertriebs-Niederlassungen in Deutschland, Grobritannien, Spanien, Italien, der Turkei, den Niederlanden sowie China und den USA vertreten. Weltweit erwirtschaftet Ringmetall einen Umsatz von uber 90 Millionen Euro im Jahr.

31.07.2017 CET/CEST Die DGAP Distributionsservices umfassen gesetzliche Meldepflichten, Corporate News/Finanznachrichten und Pressemitteilungen. Medienarchiv unter http://www.dgap.de

Sprache: Deutsch Unternehmen: Ringmetall Aktiengesellschaft

Mannhardtstr. 6 80538 Munchen Deutschland Telefon: 089 / 45 22 098 - 0 Fax: 089 / 45 22 098 - 22 E-Mail: info@ringmetall.de Internet: www.ringmetall.de ISIN: DE0006001902 WKN: 600190

Borsen: Freiverkehr in Berlin, Tradegate Exchange; Open Market (Scale) in Frankfurt

Ende der Mitteilung DGAP News-Service

597029 31.07.2017 CET/CEST

ISIN DE0006001902

AXC0061 2017-07-31/09:54
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 6, 2017) - Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. (TSX: AVL) (OTCQX: AVLNF) ("Avalon" or the "Company") is pleased to report on the results from laboratory testing of its lithium hydroxide product conducted recently by the National Research Council of Canada ("NRC"). The lithium hydroxide product was made from petalite concentrate using Avalon's proprietary hydrometallurgical process developed for the Separation Rapids Lithium Project, Kenora, ON.

The product sample, technically referred to as Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate (LiOH.H 2 O), was evaluated by NRC as a potential feed material for lithium ion battery cathodes. Elemental analysis of Avalon's lithium hydroxide product confirmed that it was of high purity with very minor amounts of non-lithium metal impurities within the range reported by commercial suppliers of battery grade lithium hydroxide materials.

A lithium and manganese-rich nickel manganese cobalt oxide (LMR-NMC) cathode material was synthesised using Avalon's lithium hydroxide product and demonstrated "excellent electrochemical performance" exhibiting a high capacity rate (209 mA/h/g), high initial coulombic efficiency (86%) and very little capacity fade (<1% after 60 cycles): all comparable to the performance of material synthesised from a reference lithium hydroxide product.

NRC reported that the Avalon lithium hydroxide product would be a suitable precursor for the synthesis of lithium and manganese-rich NMC-type cathode materials. Avalon has also identified opportunities to further improve the purity of its initial lithium hydroxide product and will be following up with further testwork in the near future. This work will be supported by funding received from Northern Innovation Program of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation ("NOHFC") as disclosed in the Company's news release dated June 27, 2017. The Northern Innovation Program is designed to support the development and commercialization of new technologies that will contribute to future prosperity in Northern Ontario.

The Company's Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") disclosed in the news release dated September 27, 2016, outlined a scenario for economic production of a high purity lithium hydroxide product from its concentrate of the lithium mineral petalite using its proprietary hydrometallurgical process. Avalon is now in the process of preparing an updated technical report to reflect the revised mineral resource estimate following the recent drilling program, updated product pricing and modifications to the process flowsheet.

Avalon is now planning to develop a Phase 1 demonstration plant in the Kenora area to not only confirm the efficiency of its proprietary petalite flotation and lithium hydroxide production processes but also to provide large volume trial samples for customers interested in its lithium hydroxide product and other lithium mineral by-products. Avalon is targeting an initial production capacity for the demonstration plant of between 650 and 1,300 tonnes of lithium hydroxide per annum.

The technical information included in this news release has been reviewed and approved by the Company's Senior Vice President, Metallurgy and Technology Development, David Marsh, FAusIMM (CP), and Donald S. Bubar, P.Geo. both Qualified Persons under NI 43-101.

About Avalon Advanced Materials Inc.

Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. is a Canadian mineral development company specializing in niche market metals and minerals with growing demand in new technology. The Company has three advanced stage projects, all 100%-owned, providing investors with exposure to lithium, tin and indium, as well as rare earth elements, tantalum, niobium, and zirconium. Avalon is currently focusing on its Separation Rapids Lithium Project, Kenora, ON and its East Kemptville Tin-Indium Project, Yarmouth, NS. Social responsibility and environmental stewardship are corporate cornerstones.

For questions and feedback, please e-mail the Company at ir@AvalonAM.com, or phone Don Bubar, President & CEO at 416-364-4938.

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the statement that the Avalon lithium hydroxide product would be a suitable precursor for the synthesis of lithium and manganese-rich NMC-type cathode materials, that Avalon has also identified opportunities to further improve the purity of its initial lithium hydroxide product and will be following up with further testwork in the near future, that this work will be supported by funding received from Northern Innovation Program of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, that Avalon is now in the process of preparing an updated technical report, that Avalon is now planning to develop a Phase 1 demonstration plant in the Kenora area and that Avalon is targeting an initial production capacity for the demonstration plant of between 650 and 1,300 tonnes of lithium hydroxide per annum . Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "potential", "scheduled", "anticipates", "continues", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "scheduled", "targeted", "planned", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be" or "will not be" taken, reached or result, "will occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Avalon to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable at the time such statements are made. Although Avalon has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from expected results described in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to market conditions, and the possibility of cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses as well as those risk factors set out in the Company's current Annual Information Form, Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure documents available under the Company's profile at www.SEDAR.com. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Such forward-looking statements have been provided for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company's plans and objectives and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Avalon does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that are contained herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
SCOTTSDALE, AZ -- (Marketwired) -- 07/06/17 -- LeadMD, the leading marketing automation services provider, is celebrating its 2017 mid-year milestones thanks to exceeding revenue projections, securing awards and recognitions, and establishing new partnerships with category-defining industry leaders.

LeadMD crossed the half year mark with key leading metrics such as revenue, average deal size and lifetime value trending beyond initial projections. LeadMD has expanded its service offerings to include content, creative and development services leading to an increase in average deal size by over 40 percent as well as substantial growth in its important retainer segment, which now comprises more than 60 percent of the organizations overall revenues.

"We've got one hell of a team," said LeadMD CEO, Justin Gray. "We've always set ambitious goals not only for ourselves, but also our customers and partners. And I'm always the most proud when the work that our team has masterfully executed on gets attention. Retainer revenue is great, it pays the bills, but the increase in retainer business demonstrates we are partnering with our customers at a deeper level -- beyond staff augmentation and into true team extension. We're helping marketers prove ROI with very new software platforms, which is frankly a rare accomplishment."

Additionally, LeadMD has received a number of awards and recognitions for the company and its leadership. So far this year, the LeadMD team received a Silver Stevie from the American Business Awards in the category of Marketing Department of the Year. AZCentral.com named LeadMD as one of the Top Companies to Work for in Arizona, and the team nabbed a "Finny" from the Killer Content Awards for Design Concept and Theme. The Sales Lead Management Association (SLMA) honored Andrea Lechner-Becker, LeadMD's Chief Strategy Officer, among the top 20 Women Leaders in Business.

LeadMD has also formed key strategic industry partnerships in 2017. The company kicked off the year by joining Engagio, a software solution defining the account-based everything (ABE) model, to drive successful ABE adoption for marketing and sales teams. This spring, LeadMD also joined Bizible, a provider of marketing performance management software, as the company's first Platinum Partner to help customers measure marketing impact and accelerate marketing as a revenue center.

Since its launch in 2010, LeadMD has helped thousands of high-growth and enterprise teams implement and execute marketing strategies to become better marketers and achieve revenue success. To learn more about LeadMD and its services, visit www.leadmd.com.

About LeadMD

LeadMD is a marketing services firm specializing in lead generation and marketing performance management. Founded in 2010, LeadMD is a full service marketing solution that helps SMBs make sense out of marketing automation. With deep expertise in Marketo, Salesforce integration, and in how to shape a strong working funnel, LeadMD can develop, streamline, and maximize any lead generation program. For more information, visit http://www.leadmd.com.

LeadMD and the LeadMD logo are trademarks of LeadMD, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Helpful links:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/leadmd

Twitter: @myleadmd

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company-beta/1019953/

Contact:

Kristin Hege

Wired PR

Email Contact

(480) 540-6496




SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwired - July 06, 2017) - Voyager Search', a global leader in spatially enabled enterprise search, announced today the addition of Cainkade, a product design company, to its Strategic Partner Program. As part of this partnership, Cainkade will deliver customized user interfaces for the Voyager platform, leveraging the design process and expertise it used to develop Voyager Search's award-winning UI, Navigo'. The new relationship will also provide Voyager Search customers with a variety of custom solutions needs, including brand integration, custom Navigo home pages, and portal integration.

With a focus on making applications useful, visually appealing, and delightful, Cainkade worked closely with Voyager Search to build Navigo. Together, the two companies envisioned an enterprise search solution that was both beautiful and easy to use. The result was Navigo, Voyager Search customers rave about every chance they get.

The custom solutions Cainkade will build on top of the Voyager' platform include:

Brand integration - Custom branding, typography, color, and user interface elements.

Custom Navigo home page - Integrate internal content on custom Navigo front page.

Portal integration - Integrate popular, recommended and regionalized search results on intranets, corporate portals and other websites.

"We're incredibly proud of the work we've done with Voyager Search to create a geo-search experience that has been so well adopted," said Eric Elia, Managing Director, Cainkade. "Digital transformation has raised expectations for enterprise software of all kinds. As strategic partners, we will be able to marry our Navigo experience with the unique needs of organizations in a broad set of industries."

"Cainkade has been part of Voyager's extended family for more than two years," said Voyager Search COO Kris Goodfellow. "Our UI needed a refresh, and Cainkade helped us come up with a modern and easy to use design. So many other enterprise search applications either require users to have training or companies to build an interface from scratch. That approach is both time consuming and difficult to maintain. Navigo's thoughtful design by Cainkade makes building an enterprise search engine easy, which leads to greater adoption across the organization."

The Voyager Experience

The new partners will talk about their collaboration and future goals at the first ever Voyager Search user group meeting. The Voyager Experience will take place Sunday, July 9, from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the Andaz Hotel in San Diego, with a cocktail social following immediate after. The Voyager Experience will feature presentations from several top brands, including British Petroleum, Caltrans, ConocoPhillips, and more. With the introduction of what it anticipates will be a yearly event, Voyager Search will share innovative Voyager software case studies, as well as an inside look at the company's latest product developments, including the new single point of search for publicly available data, VoyagerODN. With this one-on-one experience, Voyager Search customers will be presented with an opportunity to learn more about the power behind the Voyager software they already find so beneficial.

"We put together the Voyager Experience with our passionate, active customers in mind," said Brian Goldin, CEO of Voyager Search. "We're excited to have so many of our users in one room and are looking forward to learning as much from them as we hope they'll learn from us."

Want to come? Sign up for The Voyager Experience!

http://www.voyagersearch.com/voyager-experience

Sunday, July 9, from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m.

At the Andaz Hotel in San Diego

About Voyager Search

Voyager Search is a leading global provider of geospatial, enterprise search solutions that enable a single point of search across all of your content repositories. With Voyager software, users can search, find, and deliver more than 2,000 types of content. Built on top of Solr/Lucene, the world's premier open source solution, Voyager's simple user interface, Navigo, offers Fortune 500 businesses, government entities, and multinational organizations easy-to-use search, data management, document delivery, and map visualization capabilities -- including Natural Language Processing. With no custom code required, Voyager is a true off-the-shelf geospatial intelligence and search powerhouse that supports customers in a variety of industries, including defense, oil and gas, federal and state governments, and mining. Formed in 2008, the company is headquartered in Redlands, California, with additional staff in Washington State, Washington, DC, Vancouver Island, BC, Europe, and Uruguay. For more information, visit www.voyagersearch.com or follow the company on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/voyagersearch), LinkedIn, Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/voyagersearch), or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/voyager_odn/).

About Cainkade

Cainkade is a software design and development studio based in New York and Oakland with a mission to make products that matter. Key areas of expertise include product and digital transformation strategy, user experience design, software architecture, and development across the web, iOS, Android and smart TV platforms. Cainkade works with clients large and small in industries such as enterprise software, media, telecom, and healthcare to bring experiences to life that delight, inform and improve people's lives each day. Visit the company at www.cainkade.com or follow them on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/cainkade), LinkedIn, or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Cainkade).

Jenny Viscarolasaga

Director of PR and Marketing

Voyager Search

P: 617-331-4944

E: jviscarolasaga@voyagersearch.com
ofo is implementing its station-free bike-sharing platform in Seattle

SEATTLE, Aug. 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --ofo, the world's leading station-free bike-sharing company, announced its North American launch today, with Seattle as its first official city.

The global bike-sharing company, valued at over $2 billion, offers riders a convenient, flexible bike-sharing model that rids users of the limitations of docking stations. ofo's phone application and smart lock technology allow riders to rent and park bikes anywhere that complies with local laws.

Connecting more than 8 million bikes in more than 170 cities across seven countries, ofo generates over 25 million transactions per day. Founded in 2014, the company has provided upwards of 3 billion rides to over 100 million global users.

"Station-free bike-sharing was ofo's pioneering concept that changed the nature of the sharing economy and transportation options in cities across the globe," said Dai Wei, 26, founder and CEO of ofo. "There is a need for this type of transportation solution worldwide. Our mission is to solve the 'last mile' transportation problem in urban areas, and we see immense potential in the U.S. for ofo's convenient, affordable and low-carbon way of travel."

In July, ofo announced a global partnership with mobile payment platform Ayden, allowing customers to use one set of payment credentials to pay for rides anywhere that ofo operates worldwide. Users can download the ofo app and scan the QR code to unlock the bike. When the trip is completed, users will be charged $1 for a ride up to one hour. As in all other cities where it operates, ofo will have local, on-the-ground maintenance and management staff to assist with bike parking and repairs.

ofo received a permit from the Seattle Department of Transportation to bring 1,000 bicycles to the city's streets in August as part of a pilot, with the intention to serve the entire city of Seattle by increasing the fleet after September.

"We will be working in close coordination with government officials to ensure that ofo becomes a valuable part of the lives of Seattle residents," said Grace Lin, vice president of ofo U.S. "As the world's leading bike-sharing company, we are thrilled about starting our service in Seattle and hope to continue to expand our U.S. footprint."

ofo raised $700 million in its Series E funding, led by Alibaba, Hony Capital and CITIC Private Equity, in July this year.

ABOUT OFO

Founded in 2014, ofo is the world's first and largest station-free bicycle-sharing platform. ofo was created for sharing and aims to unlock every corner of the world by making bikes accessible to everyone. As of today, ofo has connected more than 8 million bikes in over 170 cities across seven countries, has been generating more than 25 million daily transactions and has provided over 100 million global users with 3 billion efficient, convenient and green rides.

ofo has a partnership with the UN Development Programme in support of the Sustainable Development Goals and has also launched a new partnership with Rihanna's Clara Lionel Foundation to provide bikes and scholarships for schoolgirls in Malawi. To learn more, please visit www.ofo.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS

U.S. Contact

Hannah Buzicky

Mobile: (212) 819-4879

Email: media@ofo.com

Global Headquarters

Angela Cai

Mobile: +86 138 1063 8166

Email: caimuyuan@ofo.com

Hilary Shi

Mobile: +86 136 9336 7685

Email: shiyingchang@ofo.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/545669/ofo_Logo.jpg
Video game publisher rebrands company, prepares for next wave of exciting new releases

Mastiff, LLC today revealed their bold new company logo that ushers in the company's 15th Anniversary as a video game publisher. The new logo comes ahead of several new titles that the company looks to announce in Q3 and Q4 2017.

To view and download the new Mastiff company logo, please visit www.tinyurl.com/Mastiff15thAssets.

"Exactly fifteen years have passed since we founded Mastiff. It was fun then, and it's still fun now," declares Bill Swartz, president and CEO of Mastiff. "While the fun has remained consistent, we're marking our fifteenth year as a game publisher with a slate of exciting new games, a new attitude, and a brand-new logo to mark it all."

The company will begin rolling out new branding across its website, on upcoming releases, and will also be celebrating their 15th Anniversary on social media with giveaways and sales on their current titles for fans.

"For the last year we have been working hard behind the scenes and are gearing up to roll out with a diverse new lineup of games that we can't wait to share with everyone," added Swartz.

For more information on Mastiff and their current and upcoming releases please visit www.mastiff-games.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MastiffGames, and follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MastiffGames.

Mastiff will be attending Gamescom 2017 in Cologne, Germany. To schedule a meeting, please contact sales@mastiff-games.com.

About Mastiff

Founded in 2002 and celebrating their 15th Anniversary, Mastiff is a publisher of games on all platforms, including those from Sony Computer Entertainment, Microsoft, Nintendo, PC, and mobile devices including iPhone, iPad, Android devices and online gaming. With offices in San Francisco and Japan, Mastiff is proud to have released games in virtually every genre including FPS, RPG, adventure, casual, and music. For more information about Mastiff, please visit www.mastiff-games.com.

Note to press: To download this release and the new Mastiff logo in various file formats, please visit tinyurl.com/Mastiff15thAssets. For future communication and to be placed on the Mastiff press release and distribution list, please use the media contact information below.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170817005376/en/

Contacts:

Media contact:

Mastiff

David Bruno, 925-699-9300

PR & Media Relations

dbruno@mastiff-games.com

or

For sales and business inquiries:

sales@mastiff-games.com
eDevice has been named the winner of the Digital Health Award, as part of Tech Tour's Healthtech Awards 2017, which recognizes the most innovative healthtech companies in Europe. Receipt of the award is a substantial achievement for the French company, which has been leading the connected care market for the past 15 years.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170706005923/en/

Marc Berrebi receives the Digital Health Award at the Tech Tour Healthtech Summit 2017 (credits: Tech Tour 2017)

eDevice first introduced its business at the French Tech Tour event in 2001. The Tech Tour Healthtech Award highlights the successful developments of European companies that have reached significant milestones and made important contributions to the healthcare industry since their presentations at prior Tech Tour events.

Founded in 1999, eDevice is the leading provider of connected care solutions and currently connects 600,000 patients to caregivers around the world. Marc Berrebi, Co-Founder of eDevice, declares: "We started sharing our vision of the Internet of Things at the 2001 French Tech Tour and it was a turning point for the company. After a roller coaster start-up adventure, we are extremely proud to be again in front of the best industry experts to receive the Tech Tour Digital Health Award."

eDevice's award follows an impressive list of recognitions for the company, including Frost Sullivan's Best Practices Award 2017, and Red Herring's Top 100 Award 2017.

Past winners of the Tech Tour Healthtech Awards include CeQur, Endosense, EOS Imaging, MindMaze, Occlutech, Sapiens Steering Brain Stimulation, and Sophia Genetics.

The Tech Tour 2017 Healthtech Summit and Awards are proudly supported by Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Pictet, State of Vaud, Bryan, Garnier Co, Strammer, Merck Global Health Innovation Fund, Euronext, McKinsey Company, Biopole, EPFL, Cukierman Co Life Sciences, Health 2.0, Healthware International, the MedTech Strategist, MedTech Engine, mHealth Israel and StartUp Health.

About eDevice

eDevice is the leading provider of connected care solutions. For fifteen years, market leaders have relied on eDevice to provide solutions that securely transmit medical data between their patients and their systems, with hundreds of thousands of connected patients to date.

eDevice is the only company able to offer all the necessary components for the deployment of global connectivity solutions in a medical-regulated environment: medical hubs, worldwide cellular services, secure and interoperable cloud infrastructure, data and traffic management portals, medical front-end for patients and care management.

Dedicated to quality, eDevice's solutions are ISO-9001 and ISO-13485 certified and include FDA listed devices.

Through partnerships with technology leaders, the company brings innovative and reliable connectivity solutions to medical device manufacturers and currently connects more than 600,000 patients across the globe.

www.edevice.com

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170706005923/en/

Contacts:

eDevice

Antoine Challot, Tel: +33 556 127 798

achallot@edevice.com
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 6, 2017) - White Pine Resources Inc. (the "Company") announces that it has settled an aggregate of $8,000 of indebtedness through the issuance of an aggregate of 400,000 common shares of the Company.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

White Pine Resources Inc.

Brian Murray

President

Brian Murray

President & Chief Executive Officer

Tel: (416) 985-7810

Fax: (647) 438-6246

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The Swiss stock market ended Thursday's session with a loss, extending its recent losing skid to 3 sessions. The market steadily declined until the early afternoon, but stabilized in the final hours of trade. Signs of an imminent tightening of the monetary policy reins in Europe and concerns of the tensions in North Korea weighed on investor sentiment. Traders were also in a cautious mood ahead of the release of tomorrow's widely followed U.S. employment report. Investors were disappointed by today's weaker than expected U.S. private sector employment growth. The Swiss Market Index decreased by 0.75 percent Thursday and finished at 8,886.95. The Swiss Leader Index dropped 0.74 percent and the Swiss Performance Index lost 0.79 percent. The weak performance of the pharmaceutical heavyweights pressured the overall market Thursday. Novartis weakened by 1.6 percent and Roche surrendered 1.1 percent. UBS downgraded its rating on shares of Roche to 'Neutral' from 'Buy.' Shares of Nestle also finished lower by 0.2 percent. Aryzta dropped 3.4 percent and Lindt & Sprungli forfeited 1.9 percent. Richemont declined 2.1 percent, while Givaudan and Lonza lost 1.9 percent each. ABB slid 0.4 percent after it announced the completion of its takeover of Bernecker + Rainer. Swiss Re climbed 1.0 percent and Swiss Life added 0.3 percent. Credit Suisse gained 0.4 percent, while Baloise and Zurich Insurance each rose 0.1 percent. In the broad market, information technology services firm Kudelski rose 0.9 percent after its unit Conax signed a reseller agreement with ZTE Corp. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 6, 2017) - FALCON GOLD CORP. (TSXV: FG) ("Falcon" or the "Company") announces that further to its news release of March 20, 2017, it is proceeding with a non-brokered private placement for up to $600,000 priced at $.05/Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share and one 2-year common share purchase warrant exercisable at $.08. Closing will be subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval and any shares issued will be subject to a four-month hold period. Proceeds from this financing shall be used by the Company as working capital and for general corporate purposes.

About Falcon Gold Corp.

Falcon is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on generating, acquiring, and exploring opportunities in the Americas. For information on the Company, please visit our website: www.falcongold.ca.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Falcon Gold Corp.

David Tafel

Chairman

Stephen Wilkinson

CEO & Director

Telephone: 604-683-1991

Email: info@falcongold.ca

Cautionary Language and Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, etc. Forward looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore, involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESSWIRE / July 6, 2017 / As the CEO of RedPeg Marketing, Brad Nierenberg has earned his status as an acclaimed executive and business strategist with strong acumen. Here, he notes the positive corporate culture is imperative for companies striving to build greater employee loyalty and maximize the organizations' bottom line. As the founder of an experiential ad agency, Nierenberg has realized that the individual experiences of employees have a much more significant impact on morale than the typical business-offered "morale boosters." The creative marketing expert recently shed light on the three most important aspects of creating a meaningful, productive, and thought provoking work environment.

A 2012 study which examined the effects a company's atmosphere has on its turnover rates concluded that employees were 45% more likely to leave a job with poor culture than one that provided positive experiences. The results also showed that employers who cultivate a rich work setting often enjoy retention rates as high as 77%. The first step, Brad Nierenberg states, is to welcome creativity. At RedPeg, Nierenberg takes the open door policy a step further. To his managers he asks, "Is your door really open? Are you truly encouraging fresh thinking?" If ideas are immediately rejected or disregarded by superiors, employees feel their professional growth is being stunted, and the business, in turn, suffers when they refrain from contributing again. In order to achieve company-wide growth, the creative process demands that new concepts and solutions be embraced and encouraged, not discouraged. Industry powerhouses like Google and 3M are a direct result of innovation from within. Google actually encourages staff to dedicate one day a week to create new concepts. 3M's most successful product, the Sticky Note, was completely designed by employees.

Managers must be able to accurately identify a person's strengths and weaknesses and create tasks that allow them to maximize the impact of their talents. A recent poll by Gallup showed that putting these techniques into practice will result in employees being 7.8% more productive and six times more likely to be engaged in their job. When a team is compiled to successfully take advantage of its strengths, its work output is increased by 12.5%. In other words, more is being accomplished and those completing the jobs are also receiving immense satisfaction doing the work.

Finally, and most importantly says Nierenberg, officemates must feel like they are surrounded by a second family. To accomplish this, he curates experiences that build deeper bonds between his employees. Each week he sends three employees from different departments out to lunch. Called the Three Amigos, this helps team members get to know each other in ways that may not happen in the office. Nierenberg has also rented a beach house during the summer and sent different sets of employees there. The resulting bonds are stronger than what could be achieved in the day to day work back at the office. Inevitably, conflicts will occur, but those moments of uncertainty should be used as a chance to work towards something greater, together. High levels of respect, trust, and comfort will make the countless hours of working closely together a rewarding experience. Treating employees as valued contributors helps employers to continually improve and adapt the workplace to best optimize culture and productivity.

Brad Nierenberg is an entrepreneur and the President & CEO of RedPeg Marketing. With over 20 years of industry experience, Nierenberg has won several awards for his contributions to the field of Experiential Marketing. Besides being a nationally sought-after speaker, his written works have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and Inc. Magazine, along with many other prestigious business publications.

Brad Nierenberg - President & CEO of RedPeg Marketing: http://bradnierenbergnews.com

Brad Nierenberg (@bradnierenberg) - Twitter: https://twitter.com/bradnierenberg

Brad Nierenberg - Quora: https://www.quora.com/profile/Brad-Nierenberg

Contact Information:

BradNierenbergNews.com

www.BradNierenbergNews.com

brad@bradnierenbergnews.com

SOURCE: Brad Nierenberg
ROCKVILLE CENTER, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 07/06/17 -- Supernova Energy Inc. (OTC PINK: SPRN) ("Supernova Energy" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has completed work on the latest round of planned improvements at its Asmussen oil and gas lease in Kansas.

Asmussen Lease, Butler County - 80 acres - 87.5% Working Interest

The Asmussen Lease was brought back online by the Company in November 2015 and currently produces oil from one well (Asmussen 16-3). The lease also has a recently converted salt water disposal well (Asmussen 16-1). Historically, the Asmussen Lease has been producing from the Arbuckle formation since 1965. As of yearend 2015, it has produced 243,707 barrels of oil. Supernova is the operator of the lease which is equipped with electricity and is currently held by production (HDP).

Completed improvements at Asmussen include a downhole submersible pump upgrade for the producing 16-3 well. The 16-3 well is currently equipped with newer pumping equipment and has available electrical capacity to allow for the upgraded downhole pump. Due to the recently converted salt water disposal well, the Asmussen lease is also capable of handling the increased flow rate.

"With increased fluid flows and oil production the Asmussen 16-3 well proved to be an ideal candidate for a downhole submersible pump upgrade," comments Kevin Malone, Supernova Energy CEO. "We are very pleased with the success of the well upgrades and the investment in a new higher capacity downhole pump. We look forward to completing the same upgrade on additional wells owned by our Company."

Supernova Energy, Inc. is the operator of and majority working interest owner in a total of 8 oil and gas leases -- 4 of which are currently producing. In total, the oil and gas leases cover over 1,300 acres in the state of Kansas.

About Supernova Energy Inc.

Supernova Energy Inc. is an American based oil and gas production and exploration company with key holdings in Kansas and Kentucky. The Company's goal is to acquire economical leases in known oil and gas formations with low cost of recovery. The strategy is to specialize in well bore completion, re-completion and workovers on existing oil and gas production.

For more information investors can visit www.supernovaenergyinc.com.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The foregoing contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend for these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the federal securities laws relating to forward-looking statements. This release contains forward-looking statements that reflect Supernova Energy INC., plans and expectations. In this press release and related comments by Company management, words like "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "goal" and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements, representing management's current judgment and expectations about possible future events. Management believes these forward-looking statements and the judgments upon which they are based to be reasonable, but they are not guarantees of future performance and involve numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance, achievements or financial position to be materially different from any expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements are set forth in our quarterly and annual reports. Other information can be obtained at www.supernovaenergyinc.com

Contact:

Supernova Energy Inc.

Kevin Malone

ceo@supernovaenergyinc.com




Regulatory News:

Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (LN:PSH) (NA:PSH) today announces that it has purchased, through PSH's agent, Jefferies International Limited ("Jefferies"), the following number of PSH's ordinary shares of no par value (ISIN Code: GG00BPFJTF46) (the "Shares"):

Date of purchase: 6 July 2017 Number of Shares purchased: 18,864 Shares Highest price paid per Share: 1,146 pence 14.86 USD Lowest price paid per Share: 1,113 pence 14.43 USD Average price paid per Share: 1,126.48 pence 14.60 USD

PSH intends to cancel these Shares. The net asset value per Share related to this Share buyback is USD 17.73 GBP 13.61 which was calculated as of 30 June 2017. After giving effect to the above Share buyback, PSH has 239,052,304 outstanding Shares. The prices per share in USD were calculated by Jefferies.

The number of PSH Management Shares and the 1 special voting share (held by PS Holdings Independent Voting Company Limited) has not been affected.

About Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd.:

Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (LN:PSH) (NA:PSH) is an investment holding company structured as a closed-ended fund that makes concentrated investments principally in North American companies.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170706005970/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Maitland

James Devas, +44 20 7379 5151

Media-pershingsquareholdings@maitland.co.uk
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 07/06/17 -- Brookfield Investment Management (Canada) Inc. (the "Manager"), the manager of Brookfield Select Opportunities Income Fund (the "Fund") (TSX: BSO.UN), announces that Brookfield Investment Management Inc. ("Brookfield"), an affiliate of the Manager, will assume the portfolio management responsibilities for the Fund effective July 6, 2017. Dana Erikson and Mark Shipley will be responsible for portfolio management for the Fund with Tom Miller assuming responsibility for the equity portion of the portfolio of the Fund upon satisfying applicable registration requirements. The Fund's investment objectives and strategies will not change.

The change reflects the firm's internal reorganization of resources. Nevertheless, the investment team will continue to be supplemented by the broader investment platform of Brookfield which provides a competitive research advantage through extensive owner/operator insights into industry drivers and trends.

Mr. Dana Erikson is a Portfolio Manager and Head of the Public Securities Group's Global Credit team and has 28 years of investment experience. He oversees and contributes to the portfolio construction process, including execution of buy/sell decisions. Prior to joining the firm in 2006, he was with Evergreen Investments or one of its predecessor firms since 1996 where he held a number of positions, including Senior Portfolio Manager, Head of the High Yield team and Head of High Yield Research. Mr. Erikson holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a member of the CFA Society Boston, Inc. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree, with honors, from Northeastern University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Brown University.

Mr. Mark Shipley is a Portfolio Manager on the Public Securities Group's Global Credit team and has 27 years of investment experience. He oversees and contributes to the portfolio construction process, including execution of buy/sell decisions. Prior to joining the firm in 2006, Mr. Shipley was with Evergreen Investments or one of its predecessor firms since 1991 where he held a number of positions, including Senior Credit Analyst and Senior Trader on the High Yield team. Mr. Shipley holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a member of the CFA Society Boston, Inc. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance from Northeastern University.

Mr. Tom Miller has seven years of industry experience and is a Vice President on the Infrastructure Equities team. He is responsible for covering North American infrastructure securities focusing on MLPs and the Energy Infrastructure sector. Prior to joining the firm in 2013, he worked at FactSet. Mr. Miller holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University.

Brookfield Investment Management (Canada) Inc., an affiliate of Brookfield Investment Management Inc. (together, the "Firm"), is the manager of the Fund.

Brookfield Investment Management Inc. is an SEC-registered investment adviser and represents the Public Securities platform of Brookfield Asset Management. The Firm provides global listed real assets strategies including real estate equities, infrastructure equities, real asset debt and diversified real assets. With more than $14 billion of assets under management as of March 31, 2017, the Firm manages separate accounts, registered funds and opportunistic strategies for institutional and individual clients, including financial institutions, public and private pension plans, insurance companies, endowments and foundations, sovereign wealth funds and high net worth investors. The Firm is a wholly owned subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management, a leading global alternative asset manager with approximately $250 billion of assets under management as of March 31, 2017. For more information, go to www.brookfield.com.

The Fund uses its website as a channel of distribution of material company information. Financial and other material information regarding the Fund is routinely posted on and accessible at www.brookfield.com and at SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

For more information, please visit www.brookfield.com.

Contacts:

Investor Relations

(855) 777-8001

funds@brookfield.com

www.brookfield.com




INDIANA, PA--(Marketwired - July 06, 2017) - First Commonwealth Financial Corporation (NYSE: FCF) announced today that it will host a conference call on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2017. The call will be hosted by T. Michael Price, President and Chief Executive Officer. He will be joined by James R. Reske, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. First Commonwealth will issue a press release reporting its Second Quarter 2017 financial results by 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, July 26, 2017.

Conference Call Information:

What: First Commonwealth Financial Corporation Second Quarter 2017 Earnings Conference Call When: 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Wednesday, July 26, 2017 Where: www.fcbanking.com/investorrelations How: Live and replay webcast over the Internet or Live by Phone: 1-844-792-3645 (U.S. toll free) or 1-412-902-6636 (international toll) Replay by Phone: 1-877-344-7529 Replay Access Code: 10110414

To listen to the conference call, either dial the phone number above or go to First Commonwealth's Investor Relations webpage at www.fcbanking.com/investorrelations, click on the "Second Quarter 2017 Earnings Conference Call" link and follow the instructions. After the live presentation, the webcast will be archived on this website for at least 30 days. In addition, a replay of the call will be available approximately one hour after the conclusion of the call by dialing the replay number and entering the access code listed above. There is no charge to access this event.

To Ask Questions:

Participants can e-mail their questions to investorrelations@fcbanking.com. Questions submitted via e-mail will be accepted beginning at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, July 26, 2017, until the conclusion of the presentation.

Second Quarter 2017 Earnings Release:

The First Commonwealth Financial Corporation Second Quarter 2017 earnings press release can be accessed after 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at www.fcbanking.com/investorrelations. Click on "News," which can be found under the "News & Market Data" section.

About First Commonwealth Financial Corporation

First Commonwealth Financial Corporation (NYSE: FCF), headquartered in Indiana, Pennsylvania, is a financial services company with 135 banking offices in 20 counties throughout western and central Pennsylvania and northern and central Ohio, as well as a Corporate Banking Center in Cleveland, Ohio and mortgage offices in Stow and Dublin, Ohio. First Commonwealth provides a full range of commercial banking, consumer banking, mortgage, wealth management and insurance products and services through its subsidiaries First Commonwealth Bank and First Commonwealth Insurance Agency. For more information about First Commonwealth or to open an account today, please visit www.fcbanking.com.

Media Relations



Amy Jeffords

Assistant Vice President / Communications and Community Relations

Phone: 724-463-6806

E-mail: AJeffords@fcbanking.com



Investor Relations



Ryan M. Thomas

Vice President / Finance and Investor Relations

Phone: 724-463-1690

E-mail: RThomas1@fcbanking.com
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 07/06/17 -- PetroMaroc Corporation plc (TSX VENTURE: PMA), (the "Company" or "PetroMaroc") announces that it has entered into a debt settlement agreement with Dundee Securities Europe LLP, an affiliate of Dundee Corporation ("Dundee"), a creditor of the Company, to settle US$325,000 debt owed, in consideration for the issuance of 1,000,000 ordinary shares of the Company (the "Shares") at a deemed price of US$0.325 per Share (the "Debt Settlement"). The Board of Directors and Management of PetroMaroc believe that the Debt Settlement is in the best interests of the Company as it allows it to preserve its cash position and the shares will be issued at a price which represents a significant premium to the closing market price of the Company's shares on the TSX Venture Exchange on July 6, 2017. The issuance of Shares is subject to the approval by the TSX Venture Exchange and, once issued, the Shares will be subject to a 4-month hold period pursuant to all applicable securities laws. Upon the closing of the Debt Settlement, the Company will have resolved all of its outstanding debts with its trade creditors.

The issuance of the Shares to Dundee may be considered to be a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") because Dundee holds more than 10% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company. The Debt Settlement will be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101.

About PetroMaroc

PetroMaroc Corporation plc is an independent oil and gas exploration company. PetroMaroc holds a substantial share ownership position in Sound Energy plc, and net profit interests in the Sidi Moktar licence (onshore Morocco), which the Company considers to be a committed long-term partner who will work to unlock the hydrocarbon potential of the Essaouira region. PetroMaroc is a public company and its common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "PMA".

Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict", "project", "potential", "targeting", "intend", "could", "might", "continue" or the negative of these terms or other similar terms. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the ability of the Company to obtain TSXV approval of the Debt Settlement.

Forward-looking statements are only predictions. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Some of the risks and other factors which could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to: the ability of the Company to obtain TSXV approval to complete the Debt Settlement.

Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon factors and assumptions which management of the Company believes to be reasonable, the Company cannot assure that actual results will be consistent with its expectations and assumptions. Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements contained in this news release as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements except as expressly required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of PetroMaroc in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons (as defined in the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration is available.

Contacts:

PetroMaroc Corporation plc

Martin Arch

Chief Financial Officer

Tel: +44 (0) 20 3137 7756




CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/06/17 -- Canadian Utilities Limited (TSX: CU)(TSX: CU.X)

Canadian Utilities Limited will release its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2017 on Thursday, July 27, 2017. The news release will be distributed via www.marketwired.com and the results, including Financial Statements and Management's Discussion & Analysis, will be posted on www.canadianutilities.com.

With approximately 5,400 employees and assets of $19 billion, Canadian Utilities Limited is an ATCO company. ATCO is a diversified global corporation delivering service excellence and innovative business solutions in Structures & Logistics (workforce housing, innovative modular facilities, construction, site support services, and logistics and operations management); Electricity (electricity generation, transmission, and distribution); Pipelines & Liquids (natural gas transmission, distribution and infrastructure development, energy storage, and industrial water solutions); and Retail Energy (electricity and natural gas retail sales). More information can be found at www.canadianutilities.com.

Forward-Looking Information:

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "intend", "should", and similar expressions.

Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information.

The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of regulatory decisions, competitive factors in the industries in which the Company operates, prevailing economic conditions, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company.

The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon.

Any forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the Company's expectations as of the date hereof, and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities legislation.

Contacts:

Media & Investor Inquiries:

Dennis DeChamplain

Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

403-292-7502




New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an upcoming book says he had no differences with the idea of Aadhaar but had a problem with its inadequacies when in April 2014 he had dismissed the biometric ID system as a "political gimmick".

"For them (UPA 2), it was just another scheme. I had suggested many ideas but they simply didn't want to accept any suggestions from Narendra Modi," the Prime Minister is quoted as saying in "Aadhaar: A Biometric History of India's 12-Digit Revolution".

Authored by political-economy analyst Shankkar Aiyar, the 266-page book is being unveiled on Thursday (July 6), also the day on which then Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee announced the creation of Aadhaar in 2009.

President Pranab Mukherjee, sharing his insights on Aadhaar in the book, states, "I was not satisfied with merely letting it happen. I was determined to make it happen."

The publisher Westland said that Shankkar Aiyar has arranged a linear history on the ups, downs and turnarounds of Aadhaar under two governments with diametrically differing ideologies. He provides anecdotes of power games and turf wars to shore up or undermine the project, while also examining how the scope and application of Aadhaar has spread beyond what was originally envisaged.

Aiyar has also interviewed almost every technocrat and politician who were key to the project, including tech czar Nandan Nilekani, former Home Minister P. Chidambaram, former Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has told chartered accountants that they have an important role to play in creating an India that is free from corruption and black money.

Days after sending out a strong message to chartered accountants at ICAI foundation day function here, Modi has also emphasised that they play a "big role in safeguarding the economic health of the country".

"CAs have a very important part to play in the creation of a New India, which is free from corruption and black money," he said in an email sent out to thousands of chartered accountants.

Stating that India's chartered accountants are well known across the world for their skills, Modi expressed happiness that the community was leaving no stone unturned to ensure the success of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

In an hour-long speech at the foundation day function of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) here on 1 July, Modi had send out a strong message against chartered accountants trying to help entities in black money dealings even as he underlined their powers and responsibility.

"Your signature is more powerful than that of the prime minister and the government also believes the accounts signed by you," he had said.

Besides, the Prime Minister had exhorted them to take charge of bringing their clients to path of honesty and said a wrong audit can impact lives of gullible investors as people take investment decisions on the basis of their audit reports.

In the email, Modi also said it was gladdening to see the enthusiasm, affection and warmth of chartered accountants at the gathering in the national capital, "despite the issues related to entry".

The reference was to chaos and confusion at the venue of the foundation day celebrations as many people were denied entry despite having invitation cards.
Mumbai: Tata Finance dismissed managing director Dilip Pendse allegedly committed suicide at his office on Wednesday, police said.

The body of Pendse (61), who was fired by the Tatas in 2001 after his name cropped up in some illegal transactions, was found hanging from a ceiling fan at his private office on the first floor of Royal Grace Building in Dadar East on Wednesday afternoon.

The body was sent for autopsy at Sion Hospital, said DCP Rashmi Karandikar, Mumbai police spokesperson.

The Matunga police have registered an accidental death report and a probe is on, she said.

Earlier, Tata Motors chief executive Karl Slym and an ex-spokesperson of Tata Steel Charu Deshpande had committed suicide in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

While Slym, a US citizen, was the MD and CEO of Tata Motors at the time of his death, Deshpande was no longer associated with Tata Steel when he ended his life.

Slym jumped out of a posh Bangkok hotel window in January 2014. Thai investigators blamed the suicide on domestic issues, saying he had had a fight with his wife.

The 58-year-old Deshpande, a former journalist who had worked with The Daily, Indian Express, Economic Times and Business & Political Observer before moving to corporate communications at ICICI Bank and Tata Steel, was found hanging from the ceiling fan of his Vasai home on 28 June, 2013.

He had worked with Tata Steel till April 2013. The case related to his suicide is being probed by the CBI.

In February 2003, Pendse, who was with Tata Finance for long, was arrested by the Delhi Police for alleged involvement in misappropriation of Rs 2 crore.

A complaint had been filed on behalf of Inshaallah Investment, a Tata Finance subsidiary, alleging that Pendse issued cheques for Rs 2 crore to brokers for payment of personal transactions of a former company director.

In October 2014, the markets watchdog Sebi had found Pendse guilty of illegal trades and banned him from accessing capital markets for two years.

Pendse was dismissed from Tata Finance in 2001 after the company arm ran huge losses and the group filed criminal charges against him.
New Delhi: Having a joint ownership with the government in Air India will be a "very very difficult proposition", IndiGo's founder Rakesh Gangwal said on Thursday.

While virtually ruling out the possibility of running Air India along with the government, he also cautioned that it would be a "Shakespearean tragedy" if the national carrier's international assets go to a foreign entity. Soon after the Cabinet gave its in-principle approval for disinvestment of Air India, IndiGo expressed its interest to acquire the airline's international operations as well as Air India Express.

In a detailed conference call with investors and analysts, Gangwal along with co-founder Rahul Bhatia provided their perspective on the bid for Air India and plans for low cost long haul international flights. "Our view is that a joint venture or a joint ownership with the government is at best a very very difficult proposition and we would not go down that path. The government has owned and managed Air India for 50 years and is looking to divest of itself right now. One would even wonder if truly at the end of the day when the thinking is all done, whether the government itself would be interested in wanting a partnership," Gangwal said.

Air India, which is surviving on taxpayers' money, has a debt burden of more than Rs 52,000 crore. "From our perspective as a corporate entity which has public shareholders and takes on this responsibility very seriously, we would not go down a path where there would be a joint venture or even a minority or majority stake which the government would own... May be a good model but we cannot bring value to that proposition," he noted.

IndiGo has been expressing concerns over the country's international air traffic being captured by Gulf carriers. Against this backdrop, Gangwal said that if a foreign airline was to get hold of Air India's international assets such as slots and landing rights, then the economic interests of that particular entity would be maximised.

"... if by chance, the international assets of Air India actually get acquired by a state-owned entity, it potentially could play out as a Shakespearean tragedy. World politics is unpredictable. Look no further than the state boycott that is going on in the Middle East and for

us, the idea that a foreign nation would control a large part of India's domestic and international air transport network is very difficult to wrap one's head around," Gangwal said.

The consequences and implications, literally of outsourcing Air India's transportation should raise serious policy issues, he added.

According to him, Air India's international operations would be a so-called canvas, a new sheet of paper and the biggest asset sitting in there would be the negotiated route structures.

"Another big asset, you may find it strange, is many many of their employees. They know a lot of good things about the business," he added.

While noting that IndiGo is focused narrowly on Air India's international operations and Air India Express, Bhatia said that would help the carrier in becoming a major international player.

In a witty remark, Gangwal compared the conference call to attending a board meeting in a swim suit. "This is an interesting call with financial analysts and investors since we are only sharing our thoughts and vision and not numbers. It is like going to a corporate board meeting in a swim suit," he said.

IndiGo, which has ambitious expansion plans for the domestic sector, expects to add around 50 more planes. "In fact, during fiscal year 2018, between the A320s and the ATRs, we expect to add almost 50 aircraft  a remarkable number and we have built the internal capability and muscle to execute on that plan," Gangwal noted.
The Westminster Magistrates' Court in London will today hear the extradition case against Vijay Mallya, the embattled tycoon wanted in India on loan defaults to several banks amounting to nearly Rs 9,000 crore.

On 13 June, Chief Magistrate Emma Louise Arbuthnot had granted bail to Mallya until 4 December and scheduled the next hearing for 6 July. The court had exempted Mallya from being present personally for the hearing.

At the last hearing, the Indian government had received a setback as Aaron Watkins, counsel representing India, admitted in the court he needs more time to provide further evidence to extradite Mallya.

We have not received final evidence, the Watkins reportedly pleaded in the court.

The court had expressed surprise at the shoddy progress made by the Indian authorities in gathering evidence.

The CBI is investigating default of a Rs 900 crore loan by Kingfisher Airlines, Mallya's now defunct company.

CBI suspects quid pro quo by Mallya and executives of Kingfisher Airlines to expedite the loan process and has alleged that Mallya diverted about Rs 263 crore from Rs 900 crore loan for personal use against norms and regulations.

The investigating agency had arrested nine persons, including former executives of Kingfisher Airlines and IDBI Bank officials, in January.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also probing the money laundering angle. A PMLA court on Wednesday issued a fresh non-bailable arrest warrant (NBW) against Mallya in connection with the case.

The court issued the fresh NBW at ED's request after the anti-money laundering agency submitted that Mallya is in the UK and has failed to appear before it on previous occasions too.

With PTI
New Delhi: In the latest instance of Indo-Russian cooperation in the area of innovation and information technology (IT), Kolkata-headquartered Srei Infrastructure Finance has signed an MoU with Russia's Vnesheconombank to create a $200 million IT and Innovation Fund.

This fund will enable Srei and Vnesheconombank to jointly explore investment opportunities in technology companies in Russia, India and other selected regions.

The MoU was signed last month at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in the presence of Prime-Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to a statement from the state-run Vnesheconombank on Wednesday, a second memorandum of understanding with Srei provides for the creation of a joint leasing platform also for the promotion of Russian high technology products in the Indian market.

This MoU provides for a credit line to Srei of up to $500 million.

"The fund will serve as a two-way bridge between the Indian and Russian markets and create opportunities for India-Russia cross-border technology cooperation. We will leverage the rich scientific heritage and growth potential of India and Russia," Srei Chairman and Managing Director Hemant Kanoria said in a statement.

Vnesheconombank is a development bank that aims to enhance the competitiveness and diversification of the Russian economy, as well as to stimulate investment activity.

"In order to implement the memorandum provisions the parties intend to create a working group between representatives of Srei and Vnesheconombank," the Russian bank said.

A Kanoria Brothers enterprise, Srei has been operating in Russia since 2005. Among the company's key business activities are capital markets, including merger and amalgamation deals, venture investments, and project funding.

Vnesheconombank also said that till date the total capital raised by the it for innovation projects, primarily for those to be implemented in Russia, amounts to nearly $2 billion.

On Tuesday, Vnesheconombank and the China Development Bank signed an agreement in Moscow for a 15-year term loan of $850 million to fund cooperation in innovations, the statement said.
On a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi repeated his now famous mantra of reform, perform and transform during his stop at Israel, one of his much dramatic economic steps demonetisation  took some beating from a blunt-speaking Nobel laureate back in India. Paul Krugman, who is on a visit to India, didnt mince words in an interview to Times of India while blaming Modi for going for a shock therapy that was not well advised for an economy like India.

It was puzzling. I would not have done this It was an attempt to flush out corruption with a very blunt instrument. There is a lot of collateral damage, Krugman told the paper in the interview. The Modi government pulled out Rs 15.44 lakh crore or 86 percent of the currency in circulation on 8 November midnight to attack black money, corruption and terror funding.

But, Krugman discarded the dramatic reform move saying It is not going to make any lasting dent in corruption and it could do a significant amount of damage to the economy. The only relief, according to the economist, is that demonetisation didnt do as much damage to the Indian economy as he feared. On this Saturday, demonetisation completes eight months.

This isnt the first time Krugman is speaking against the note ban. In December last year, when the note ban-induced cash crunch was at its peak, the economist had said Modis move is highly disruptive and something that wont change the behavior of tax cheats.

After eight months of the announcement, the comments from economic experts, like Krugman, are now more centered on the extent of damage the demonetistaion caused to the economy, rather than the gains it offered. Is Krugman too part of those lobbying against the Modi government's policies without facts or is there any merit in his criticism? A look at the objectives of the demonetisation stated on 8 November and what it has achieved/ done so far in the economy would tell you that Krugman isnt really off the mark in his comments.

First is black money. While there is no official estimate of black money in cash in the country even before demonetisation, economists estimate this to be a few lakh crore rupees at least. There isnt any latest estimate available in public for the total amount of black money recovered so far in the aftermath of demonetisation. It is unlikely that this figure will go beyond a few thousand crores. But, having said that, there has been some progress in the drive to hunt down illegal wealth hoarders and coming down on shell companies. In one of his recent speeches, Modi himself cited that over 1 lakh firms were de-registered and 37,000 shell companies detected after the demonetisation.

While these steps are encouraging, the question is to what extent have these helped to recover illegal money so far and what amount. There isnt clarity as of now on that. It isnt unlikely that tax cheats would find a way to salvage their ill-gotten wealth using multiple benami accounts and using the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY), with minimum loss and punitive action.

Even under PMGKY, the government did not have much luck. Clearly, the demonetisation wasnt a panacea for corruption and terror funding. When the flow of money stopped in the economy, these evils too slowed for the moment but has picked as the cash flow resumed. Several reports emerged thereafter involving seizure of fake notes in new currency and instances where bribes have been paid in new notes show that it is foolish to imagine change in currency denominations would put an end to the much-deeper malaise of cash-based corruption.

Finally, a spike in digital transactions seen during the cash-crunch period after the demonetisation too has lost steam as remonetisation progressed. A recent report by brokerage Motilal Oswal Securities had pointed out that digital transactions haven't picked up even after six months of the note ban.

One of the key structural benefits expected from the historic demonetisation announced in November 2016 was a shift towards digital payments. However, the aggregate value of all transactions under electronic payment systems (EPS) has failed to witness significant increase even six months post demonetisation," the report said.

But, the disappointing fact is that beyond the little gains and pain, we dont even have a full picture of how much money was deposited into bank accounts post the demonetisation. This data is critical to find out how much illegal wealth got destroyed outside the banking system during the note ban. The Reserve Bank of India is still counting the notes, even after eight months of the announcement  something that doesnt augur well for the central bank which has been advocating transparency in its operations.

Krugman, definitely, wasnt totally off the mark in his criticism on Modi and the note ban.
Snehan's tenure as home captain came to an end this week and Gayathri Raguram has been elected as the new leader after winning the majority votes from the housemates. Ganesh Venkatraman won the second maximum number of votes just like last week when Snehan outperformed him.

Gayathri was on cloud nine with her new job, which saves her from elimination this week.

Bharani, Ganja Karuppu, and Oviya face elimination

The inmates nominate Bharani, as everyone anticipated, Ganja Karuppu and Oviya for elimination this week. Everyone felt Bharani is attention-seeking, disrespectful, intimidating and mostly annoying. He got the unanimous majority (nine votes) among housemates. Ganja Karuppu got the second most nominations for elimination. Oviya said he is very short-tempered, and that she's a little scared about his attitude.

Bharani then cried in front of the bathroom camera and requested Bigg Boss to send him home soon. He also confessed that he's been controlling his anger as sought by his wife before the show.

While Vaiyapuri and Ganja Karuppu discussed the eligible candidates for upcoming weeks' eliminations, Ganesh Venkatraman hinted that there could be a wild card entry, which might open doors for new contestants.

'Jallikattu' star Julie caught red-handed; receives flak from viewers

Julie's Pondicherry-set old musical videos titled 'En Kadhal Solla Vandhen' and 'Neeyum Naanum' suddenly surfaced on the web and went viral. It served as the perfect fodder for meme-makers, who worked overtime with uproarious memes and troll videos. In one of the earlier episodes, Julie had said, "Unlike other celebrities in the house, I've never faced a camera in my life. The fact that I'm a commoner annoys everyone. I feel my presence rattles them."

Social media warriors painted Julie as a liar, and she went on to dominate the Bigg Boss topic of discussion on Facebook and Twitter timelines of several users.

As we said earlier, Julie will be a key contestant in Bigg Boss since her antics have garnered a lot of attention among viewers and her personality traits spell a lot of drama in the house.

Namitha wants to go home immediately

While Ganja Karuppu enjoyed imitating Namitha's half-baked Tamil, Vaiyapuri ranted about her cleanliness habits. Meanwhile, Namitha fell sick and stayed out of the action for quite some time, including the new tasks given to inmates. She packed her bag and expressed her wish to leave Bigg Boss immediately. "This is not well. If one of your housemates is not well, others will have to respect, no? They didn't. No problem. Don't respect," Namitha tells Gayathri.

Namitha later came out of the confession room and said things are fine now. "All okay. Bigg Boss assured me that it would not happen again. I had a severe stomach ache. For 30 to 45 minutes, I couldn't hold on. It was extremely painful. I told him I'm ready to go. But he said I should not go and asked me to unpack my things."

Contestants face new set of hilarious challenges

Bigg Boss gave a luxury budget shopping task called 'Back To School' where inmates were asked to recite Tamil anthem 'Tamizh Thaai Vaazhthu' without seeing the lines. Julie became the butt of all jokes on the internet once again for confidently claiming to the housemates that it's written by 'Thaayumanavar' and that she learned it in her anglo-Indian school.

Poet Manonmaniam Sundaram Pillai wrote the Tamil anthem, and audiences quickly pointed it out on their social media pages.

Bigg Boss discarded another luxury budget task where inmates were asked to dedicate interesting Tamil proverbs to each other.

"You all have failed this task. Most of you dedicated the proverb to yourselves, which is against the rule. Despite spending nearly ten days in the house, you are still skeptical to speak your mind," Bigg Boss observed and warned contestants.

Gayathri's hate for Julie reiterated once again

Gayathri's hate for Julie has renewed in the show once again when she accused Julie of looking down at her sarcastically while mentioning that she had been to an anglo-Indian school. "Just a few minutes back, I told Julie that I went to a Punjabi school and I did not have to recite Tamil anthem," Gayathri told Harathi.

Julie broke down in tears. "I saw everyone while reciting the song. What's wrong in it? It really hurts when she accuses me when I'm not at fault. I'm not acting fake. This is me, and I'm true to my conscience," Julie told Oviya.

Gayathri's constant harassment of Julie continues, and it once again proves that she, along with Harathi, wants Julie to be eliminated sooner than later. Later, Oviya and Raiza pacified a dejected Julie.
Actor Salman Khan was scheduled to appear before the court of the District and Sessions Judge at Jodhpur on Thursday, 6 July, for verification of bail bonds submitted by him in a case of illegal possession of arms that he allegedly used to kill blackbucks in 1998.

However, television reports state that the actor has chosen to skip the hearing.

Salman was acquitted by the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate on 18 January, 2017 under Arms Act case. He had filed a bail bond in a higher court, the District and Sessions judge, in the case.

Salman and a few other Hindi film actors were accused of poaching blackbucks on the night of 1 October, 1998 during the shooting of Hindi movie Hum Saath-Saath Hain. The Dabangg star was also accused of carrying and using illegal arms, after which a case under the Arms Act was registered against him.

Salman may also remain present in hearing of a case of poaching of blackbucks at Kankani village near Jodhpur - which also happened during the shooting of the film in 1998.

However, neither the advocate HM Saraswat representing Salman in the local courts, nor the police officials had confirmed Salman's arrival.

The state government on 7 March filed an appeal challenging the decision of the Chief Judicial Magistrate acquittal of Salman. This is pending for adjudication in the District and Sessions court.

"Khan has to come for verification of bail bonds before the appellate court as it is a legal procedure," said Jitendar Singh Khichi, a lawyer practicing in the criminal side at the High Court. "It is not necessary to come tomorrow and Khan may also file an application seeking exemption from personal appearance for tomorrow," Khichi had said while talking about the possibility.

Besides, final arguments in a case against Salman and other film stars for alleged poaching of two blackbucks in Kankani village near Jodhpur will also begin from Thursday, 6 July.

Salman and others are continuously filing applications for exemption from personal presence as they reside elsewhere, but on Thursday if Salman is here he will have to remain present before the court.

With inputs from IANS.
The 18th IIFA awards will be held in New York this year over 14-15 July (15, 16th July, India time).

The two days will be a grand celebration of Indian cinema and all the artists who have contributed in taking Hindi cinema beyond the realm of our own nation. The awards will be held at the MetLife stadium, in the heart of New York.

There will be a live telecast of the celebration on Colors TV.

Musical medley

IIFA rocks will be held on the first day, in which artists from all over the world will come together to mark music composer AR Rahman's 25 glorious years in the industry. Actors Manish Paul and Riteish Deshmukh will be the hosts for the evening.

The ace musician to celebrate 25 melodious years of music at IIFA ROCKS. Buy tickets now to witness the magic! https://t.co/JPlOeR2FrQ pic.twitter.com/m0vBiuDBpg  IIFA Awards (@IIFA) June 27, 2017



AR Rahman will be joined by Diljit Dosanjh, Benny Dayal, Javed Ali, Neeti Mohan, Jonita Gandhi and Haricharan Seshadri for a never-seen-before musical medley.

Star performers

The IIFA awards will be a star-studded event with some epic performances by Bollywood celebrities. This year there will be some performances by Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt, Shahid Kapoor, Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon, among others.

The preparations for the final show are on in full swing already. With only a few days left, actors are putting in a lot of effort to put up a great show. Shahid Kapoor gave his fans a glimpse of IIFA rehearsals by posting a boomerang video on Instagram. Here's the video:

#iifa rehearsals. A post shared by Shahid Kapoor (@shahidkapoor) on Jun 26, 2017 at 3:34am PDT

The hosts for the evening

Since IIFA awards are known to be a mixed bag of dance, drama and comedy, this year Varun Dhawan, Karan Johar and Saif Ali Khan have been roped to host the main awards. It will be a joy to watch Dhawan, with his impeccable comic timing, match up to Saif's eloquence and Johar's spot-on sarcasm.

During a press conference, Johar said that he and Saif have started working on the script already. "The script is never final till the last day, therefore there is going to be a lot of improvisation," he added.

Apart from hosting the night, Dhawan will also be performing to some of his father, filmmaker David Dhawan's songs. Varun had earlier mentioned that his performance will be a tribute to his father, who has been making films for the past 28 years. Varun is currently shooting for Judwaa 2 with Jacqueline Fernandez and Taapsee Pannu. He revealed that one of the songs from his film titiled 'Oonchi Hai Building' will be launched on the IIFA stage. The song is a remake of the 1997 original starring Karishma Kapoor and Salman Khan.

Nominations

The front-runner films in the race this year are Neerja, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Pink and Kapoor and Sons. Firstpost had earlier done an extensive nomination round-up. Here's a quick guide of who's nominated for which award at IIFA 2017.

Best Performance in a Leading Role - Male

Shahid Kapoor - Udta Punjab

Ranbir Kapoor - Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

Shah Rukh Khan - Fan

Sushant Singh Rajput - MS Dhoni

Amitabh Bachchan - Pink

Salman Khan - Sultan

Best Performance in a Leading Role - Female

Anushka Sharma - Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

Alia Bhatt - Dear Zindagi

Sonam Kapoor - Neerja

Alia Bhatt - Udta Punjab

Tapsee Pannu - Pink

Best Picture

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

MS Dhoni

Neerja

Pink

Sultan

Udta Punjab

Best Director

Karan Johar - Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

Neeraj Pandey - MS Dhoni

Ram Madhvani - Neerja

Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury - Pink

Ali Abbas Zafar - Sultan

Abhishek Chaubey - Udta Punjab

With just eight days to go, the excitement around IIFA 2017 is palpable.
Actor Dharmajan Bolgatty was summoned on Wednesday, 5 July at the Aluva Police Club by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the case of the Malayalam actress who was abducted and molested on 17 February.

Dharmajan was questioned for an hour and shown a photograph of him with one of the main accused in the case, Pulsar Suni. "That photograph must have been shot at a movie location. I do pose for photographs with people at shooting locales," he told the police in response.

On the same day, Suni said that he would reveal the names of the big sharks involved in the conspiracy of the abduction.

He is currently in police custody for five days, where he is being grilled by detectives about how he came to possess a mobile phone in the district jail.

The police also summoned Anoop, the brother of Malayalam actor Dileep. Reports suggest that Dileep and his friend and director Nadirshah will be questioned again.

Dileep got involved in this case when his name appeared in a letter of a jail inmate who shared a cell with Suni, who is believed to have shared details of the incident with him.

Dileep claimed that he did not know Suni, but police has established that Suni was at the shooting location of Dileep's film in November at Thrissur. On 3 July, the pictures of this were out on TV channels.

Dileep claimed that the victim and perpetrator knew each other, and even made a remark about how the Malayalam actress in question should be careful while making friends. The actress said that she would take legal action if such baseless remarks were made.

The Kerala police declared on 4 July that they are probing a conspiracy angle in this case. "The main charge sheet has already been filed and now it's the conspiracy angle that is being probed. The probe is going on in the right direction," said Additional Director General of Police, B Sandhya.

The probe team has listed the names of people in the film industry who are suspects in the case, and will serve notices to them to appear before the team.

(With inputs from IANS)
Four days after they went into complete shutdown, Tamil Nadu theatres have called off their strike, that saw them lose between Rs 5-7 crore daily.

Theatre owners launched the strike on 3 July, to protest a local bodies tax that the state government had announced, in addition to the Goods and Services Tax that came into effect this month. With the local tax set at 30 percent, and the GST between 18-28 percent, theatre owners feared that they would run into heavy losses  especially since the Tamil Nadu government has imposed a cap on ticket prices (Rs 50 for single screens and Rs 120 for multiplexes).

Read on Firstpost: Tamil Nadu theatres' shutdown enters day four; losses of Rs 5-7 crore reported daily

With all 1,127 screens in the state being shut, the fate of major upcoming releases  such as Madhavan-Vijay Sethupathi starrer Vikram Vedha, the Hollywood film Spider-Man: Homecoming, and Sridevi's Mom  remained uncertain.

Meanwhile, leading stars of the industry such as Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan had requested the government to rethink its stance on the local bodies tax. Several high-level meetings were also held between the Theatre Owners' Association, Tamil Film Producers' Council and Nadigar Sangam and ministers in the state government.

Abirami Ramanathan, the president of the Tamil Nadu Cinema Theatre Owners Federation, has now said that theatres across the state will reopen on Friday.

The Indian Express quoted Ramanthan as saying the strike was called off 'after a committee, comprising government officials and representatives of the theatre association, was formed to sort out the tax issue'.
It almost seems as through the curtains are coming down on the Tamil film industry. Since 3 July 2017, there has been a total shut down of the 1,127 screens across Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu government's decision to impose a 30 percent local bodies' tax on cinema tickets in addition to the 18-28 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST), has put a question mark on the very survival of Kollywood. On the fourth day of the shutdown, the industry is losing between Rs 5-7 crore in revenue a day.

Tamil Nadu's 1,127 screens have a seating capacity of around 6.14 lakh, and tickets priced between Rs 50 (single screens) to Rs 120 (multiplexes). Since there is a cap on ticket prices, theatre owners makes more money from the sale of food and beverages from their concessions. Chennai malls presented a gloomy scenario, as footfalls have come down by more than 50 percent. The malls  with multiplexes as anchor tenants  drive footfalls into the shopping arcades, food courts and parking lots.

Meanwhile, stake holders like the Theatre Owners' Association, Tamil Film Producers' Council and Nadigar Sangam met the Chief Minister and other ministers. Abirami Ramanathan, president of the Tamil Nadu Cinema Theatre Owners' Federation said, We are in talks with the government officials and ministers, and even had a meeting with the Chief Minister E Palanisamy. They had asked for some clarifications, which we have given. The issue may be sorted out by this evening (Thursday, 6 July), we are working towards it.

The Tamil Nadu government is using its discretion as there is a clause in the GST Bill which allows local bodies to charge extra taxes. The neighbouring states of Andhra, Kerala and Karnataka, through a government order, have waived it. The Tamil film industry wants the Palanisamy government in the state to follow the example set by other states, but they are not willing to do it.

The exhibitors say that they are not against a common tax structure  one nation, one tax like GST  but they are opposed to two taxes, especially with the cap on ticket prices in Tamil Nadu. Archana Kalpathi, CEO of AGS Cinemas, the fastest growing multiplex in Chennai, said: We welcome GST, but not the additional 30 percent local body taxes. Since we have a cap on ticket prices, we cannot pass it on to the audiences and it also reduces distributor and exhibitor share, which will sound the death knell of the industry.

Superstar Rajinikanth, under pressure from his colleagues and fans, tweeted his support for the industry: Keeping in mind the livelihood of lakhs of people in the Tamil film industry, I sincerely request the Tamil Nadu government to seriously consider our plea. Kamal Haasan, who has been far more bold and daring with his statements on the issue, welcomed Rajinikanths tweet. Haasan tweeted: Thanks Rajini avaragalay for voicing your concern. Let's request first, as gentlemen should. Then we shall see...

The four Tamil releases due for this Friday (7 July) including the eagerly awaited Madhavan-Vijay Sethupathi cop versus don thriller Vikram Vedha have been postponed indefinitely. Now the biggies in other languages  Spider-Man: Homecoming and Sridevis Mom  will open if the theatre strike is withdrawn. The weekend advance booking has been stopped by all multiplexes. G Dhananjayan, the producer of Gautham Karthik-RJ Balaji's comedy entertainer Ivan Thanthiran, which opened well last Friday, has tweeted, "Hoping and praying that today the theatre strike shall get over and Ivan Thanthiran will be back in the theatres."
Mumbai: Tahir Merchant, convicted in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case last month, did not attend any of the conspiracy meetings, his lawyer on Wednesday argued before the TADA court in Mumbai and sought leniency for him.

The special court for Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) cases last month convicted Merchant, extradited gangster Abu Salem and four others in the case.

The defence lawyers on Wednesday began their arguments on the quantum of sentence.

The TADA court judge GA Sanap, while convicting Merchant, had held that he was one of the conspirators. The CBI has sought death penalty for him.

Merchant's lawyer Sudeep Passbola said his client did not attend the conspiracy meetings which preceded the March 1993 blasts and there was no evidence to show that he was aware of RDX being smuggled into the city.

Passbola also said that people were sent to Pakistan for arms training to deal with a 1992-like situation (when riots erupted in Mumbai following the demolition of Babri Masjid), and it was only after their return that Tiger Memon, the absconding mastermind of the conspiracy, decided to use them for carrying out blasts.

Among other things, Merchant was accused of sending people to Pakistan for arms training.

Passbola also refuted the CBI's claim that Merchant had good relations with Pakistani Army and the country's intelligence agency, ISI.

He was acting at somebody else's instructions and was not "in commanding position", the lawyer said.

The arguments would continue on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the court issued a notice to Delhi police on Wednesday, seeking their reply, as the case for which they are seeking the custody of Abu Salem is not covered by the extradition agreement between Portugal and India.

Delhi police have approached the court seeking Salem's custody for a case registered in the national capital.

However, as per the agreement with Portugal under which Salem was extradited in 2005, he can be tried in only nine cases (including the 1993 blasts case).

The Delhi case is not a part of the list.
Ambedkar University Delhi (AUD) on Wednesday released its first cut-off list for admission to undergraduate courses, according to media reports.

The university, which reserves 85 percent seats for students from the National Capital Territory (NCT), has released two lists: One for NCT candidates and the other for non-NCT candidates, according to News18.com.

The report added that non-Delhi aspirants changing streams will still have to meet the 100 percent marks criteria in history, sociology and psychology, making it extremely difficult for students from outside NCT to secure a seat.

The cut-offs for students from NCT  separate for science, commerce and arts streams  have been set between 88.75 and 93.75 percent in economics and 88 and 93 percent for mathematics, lower than in most Delhi University colleges, according to News18.com.

The state university had decided to do away with the cut-off system in 2016, and in keeping with the new rules, released only a merit list of students on Wednesday, The Indian Express reported.

The Hindu reported that this year, the Karampura campus of the college has introduced BVoc courses in Early Childhood Centre Management and Entrepreneurship, retail management and in tourism and hospitality.

The report also said that AUD will release its second list on 10 July, the third on 14 July and the fourth list on 18 July.

Classes for the next session will begin from 1 August.
Beijing: Amid calls for war by the state-run media, China on Monday accused India of lying to the public on the border row and again warned New Delhi to withdraw troops to "avoid worsening of the situation."

As Beijing raised the decibel over the latest border stand-off in the Sikkim sector, it also hinted that the development could derail the boundary talks.

China also said India had "trampled upon" the Panchsheel pact by illegally entering into Chinese territory.

Not mincing his words, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said the nature of the stand-off in Doklam was "serious" and repeatedly asked New Delhi to withdraw troops from the area.

He also indicated that Beijing could issue a travel alert to its citizens visiting Indian depending on the security situation.

Adding to the heightened tensions and talk of war, in its sharpest comment since Indian and Chinese troops scuffled in Doklam, state-run Global Times said China must teach India "a bitter lesson".

In an editorial, the Chinese Communist Party-run newspaper said China will inflict greater losses on India than in the 1962 war if New Delhi incited military conflict.

It also said Indians will be "kicked out" of Doklam by the Chinese military.

"We call on Chinese society to maintain high-level unity on the issue. The more unified the Chinese people are, the more sufficient conditions the professionals will have to fight against India and safeguard our interests. This time, we must teach New Delhi a bitter lesson," the editorial said.

In his briefing, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that India had "misguided" its public about the proximity of Doklam to India.

Geng said Doklam, which the Chinese refer to as Donglong, is not at the tri-junction of India, China and Bhutan as claimed by New Delhi.

"In disregard of the 1890 Sino-Britain convention, the Indian side said that Doklam is located within the tri-junction of the three countries, that is misleading the public," Geng said.

"The Indian side is actually misleading the public by saying that the incident took place at the tri-junction point," he added.

India has opposed China's road construction in Doklam, which is a disputed territory between Thimphu and Beijing.

Beijing says the road building is on Chinese territory. Bhutan has opposed it, and says the ownership of Doklam is yet to be decided.

Geng said the present stand-off could hit border talks between India and China.

"Actually we have been trying to explore ways to resolve the boundary questions with the Special Representative mechanism."

"But this incident I believe violates the spirit upheld by the Special Representative Mechanism and also is in contrast to the efforts made by the two sides previously," he said.

There have been 19 rounds of talks under the Special Representatives mechanism since 2003.

Accusing India of dumping the Panchsheel, he said: "As we all know, China, India and Myanmar in the 1950s jointly proposed five principles of peaceful coexistence (Panchsheel).

"However, to the surprise of everyone, the Indian side has trampled on the basic norms of international relations that were proposed by itself by illegally crossing into others' territory," Geng added.

Geng reiterated that withdrawal of troops by India from the Doklam was a precondition for dialogue between both sides.

Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in a stand-off in Doklam on the Sikkim sector since the middle of June.

India has said Beijing's action to "unilaterally determine tri-junction points" is in violation of a 2012 India-China agreement. According to the agreement, the boundary will be decided by consulting all the concerned parties.

The two countries share a little over 200 km of border in the Sikkim sector.

Following the face-off, China last week suspended the pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet where Indians travel via the Nathu La Pass, which has been shut.

India has told China that the building of a road by Chinese troops in the Donglong region will have "serious security implications for India" and urged Beijing "not to change the status quo unilaterally."
India and China are at loggerheads over the border issue, with the center of the latest standoff being the border along the state of Sikkim. Beijing and New Delhi are engaged in a diplomatic standoff in the Doka La area near the Bhutan Tri-Junction for the past 20 days after a Chinese army's construction party came to build a road in the region. Bhutan is also engaged in talks with China over the resolution of the area. However, Bhutan has no diplomatic ties with China and it is supported militarily and diplomatically by India.

While India blamed China's aggressive road building for the crisis, Beijing, on the other hand, criticised New Delhi for "misleading the public" over the issue, and claimed that Indian troops were transgressing into the Chinese territory.

The ongoing border dispute has affected the Kailash Mansarovar yatra after China closed the Nathu La pass in Sikkim for 50 pilgrims. The Chinese foreign ministry added that the pass would open only after Indian troops "withdraw" from Chinese territory.

On Wednesday, China accused India of "trampling" on the Panchasheel principles and asked New Delhi to "correct its mistakes" as soon as possible by pulling back troops.

"Troops should be pulled back as soon as possible to demonstrate the sincerity to improve bilateral ties so as create conditions for the normal development of bilateral relations," Gen Shuang of the Chinese foreign ministry said on Wednesday.

"I want to point that the relevant actions by the Indian side violated the purposes and principles of the UN Charter in defiance of the international law and international norms. As we all know in 1950s China, India and Myanmar proposed the five principles (Panchsheel) of co-existence," Shuang added.

Panchsheel, a set of five principles of peaceful co-existence, are a series of principles which have formed the bedrock of the relationship between India and China.

Their first formal codification in treaty form was in an agreement on trade and intercourse between Tibet Region of China and India, signed by Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Chinese premier Zhou Enlai on 29 April 1954.

The five principles are:

Mutual respect for each others territorial integrity and sovereignty

Mutual non-aggression

Mutual non-interference

Equality and mutual benefit

Peaceful co-existence

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, "At that time, the two prime ministers also expressed the hope in the joint statement that the adoption of Panchsheel will also help in creating an area of peace which as circumstances permit can be enlarged thus lessening the chances of war and strengthening the cause of peace all over the world.

Panchsheel was later incorporated into the Ten Principles of International Peace and Cooperation enunciated in the Declaration issued by the 1955 Bandung Conference. The universal relevance of Panchsheel was emphasised when its tenets were incorporated in a resolution on peaceful co-existence, which was unanimously adopted on 11 December 1957 by the United Nations General Assembly.

Panchasheel was set to expire after eight years. However, with China entering into a conflict in Tibet and border tensions with India rising in the late 50s and early 60s, the relevance of the principles came to be questioned.

The final nail in the coffin was the brief 1962 war, when the Chinese invaded North East India. After the war, the relations between the two countries remained in cold storage until the then foreign minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee made a path breaking trip to Beijing in 1979.

However, China continued to invoke the five principles whenever it had to deal with diplomatic issues with other countries. An op-ed in The Telegraph noted how En Lai urged the Soviet Union to stabilise bilateral ties based upon the five principles of Panchsheel.

A 2014 report in The Indian Express stated that many Indians have ambivalent view of the treaty, with many terming it an example of Nehru's idealistic foreign policy. The report, which was published to commemorate the golden jubilee of the Panchsheel agreement, also noted that both countries breached the principles more often than actually adhering to them.

China and India have blamed each other for meddling in internal matters, keeping with the changing geo-politics in the region. Another editorial in The Indian Express called the principles mere symbolism, which has been paid "lip service" by successive Indian governments. The op-ed urged then newly-elected Modi government to change the course of the relationship with China and abandon the ritualism and symbolism  pointing out the redundancy of the Panchsheel.

With inputs from PTI
Bhubaneswar: BJP President Amit Shah on Thursday slammed Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik over poverty and backwardness in the state, asserting that the Centre had contributed generously for its development.

On the last day of his three-visit tour to the eastern state, Shah toured the Basantpur village of the Ekamra assembly constituency where he was given a traditional welcome.

Odisha is a priority state in the BJP chief's roadmap for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

A statement said he went to many homes, where he met people from different social and economic strata, and urged them to support the BJP.

Accompanied by Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan, state party chief Basant Banda and party general secretary Arun Singh, who is also the BJP's state in-charge, Shah put up party stickers as part of his campaign to strengthen the BJP.

Odisha is the 14th state where the BJP chief has toured as part of a 115-day programme across the country to strengthen the organisation.

He will be visiting Gujarat from 10-12 July.
New Delhi: Security forces have taken precautionary measures and deployed adequate personnel in the Kashmir Valley, apprehending trouble on the first anniversary of the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani.

"All threats are being analysed and precautionary measures are being taken. Adequate security personnel have been deployed to deal with any situation," a home ministry official said.

The official said as the Kashmir Valley continued to face terror threats, the government had enhanced the counter-terror mechanism over the years.

Four districts of the state, Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian and Anantnag have been on the boil since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Wani in an encounter with security forces on 8 July, 2016.

Over 80 young men from these areas had taken to arms since the encounter, official sources from the state said earlier.

Seventy-six people, besides two police personnel, were killed during the five-month unrest in the valley following the killing of Wani.

The state government has also announced a 10-day summer vacation in all educational institutions in the valley from 6 July.

The vacation coincides with a protest schedule issued by the United Jehad Council (UJC), an amalgam of militant organisations operating in the valley. Last year, vacations were announced in schools from 1 to 17 July.

The UJC had announced a protest programme on Monday in connection with what it called the first death anniversary of Wani.
Despite a blanket ban on the use of commercial unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in the country, civilian drones worth Rs 40 crore were bought by Indians in the last two years, reported Economictimes.com.

Although the rules prohibit the use of commercial drones, the daily reported that their sale is not banned per se.

Talking about the trend, Huzefa Tavawalla, who heads international commercial law practice at Nishith Desai Associates, says to Firstpost : As per Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) rules any civilian use of drones in India is illegal, but people still use them by taking permission from local authorities, which is also according to me not legally acceptable.

According to Tavawalla, the blanket ban on the use of commercial drones is reactionary and lacks a long-term vision of incorporating drones in achieving goals of socio-economic development.

Apart from defence and reconnaissance, drones have several commercial use. They could be used for the quick delivery of donated organs, enhancing agricultural efficiency by identifying factors such as moisture content and nutrient soil availability. Remote sensing through drones can be of significant use in disaster-prone areas for pinpointing and fighting fires or detection of theft and pilferage of goods meant for public utilisation, or in detection of LPG gas leaks which can save several lives.

Presently, people mostly use drones for aerial photography in weddings and for hobby flying. Drones are also used to take aerial shots in movie and documentary making. These drones typically include toy drones which cost between Rs 2,000 and Rs 50,000.

Drones have been used in India for some time, however, their use caught public attention when a pizzeria in Mumbai delivered a pizza by a UAV to much fanfare in May, 2014. The police, realising that there were no regulations on drones, banned their use.

This was followed by the DGCA issuing a public notice on 7 October, 2014, imposing a blanket ban on the use of civil drones in the interest of national security.

While the ban has been imposed due to national security, the DGCA acknowledged that drones have potential for a large number of civil applications.

Its perfectly fine to regulate advance drones as these can be misused by unscrupulous elementsBut a blanket ban is unfair. Drones have enormous commercial possibilities, says Pritam Sahu of Edall Systems, a Bengaluru based drone maker, to Economictimes.

Talking to Firstpost, Sahu says that there should be a guideline from the government in terms of the use of drones for civilian purpose.

Currently people are importing drones illegally from abroad and using them. What I think is the use of the UAVs can be regulated here, Sahu says.

Drones are quickly becoming cost effective and more capable and have been widely adopted by the law enforcement agencies in India. Currently, India accounts for the highest percentage of the worlds UAV imports (for defence purposes) at 22.5 percent. The government of India has recently entered into an arrangement to purchase armed drones from Israel and the US.

With Indias innovation flight taking off with the launch of key initiatives such Make in India, Digital India and a strong focus on IT start-ups, the government must use this opportunity to make India the global manufacturing leader for drones, Tavawalla said.
New Delhi: The extensive coverage of the Justice CS Karnan saga has come under the sharp attack of the Supreme Court which said the media remained "unmindful" of the damage being caused to the judiciary by "merrily" riding the Karnan wave.

Illegal orders and public utterances of Justice Karnan made the judiciary a "laughing stock" and gave an opportunity to foreign media, including BBC, to take a "dig at the Indian judiciary", a seven-judge bench headed by Chief Justice JS Khehar said in its judgement.

In its detailed verdict on the six month sentence awarded to the controversial high court judge, the bench highlighted the role of the media in giving undue coverage to Karnan.

"All this was widely reported by the media in India, as well as, by the foreign media. The BBC also reported on the issue. His public utterances turned the judicial system into a laughing stock.

"The local media, unmindful of the damage it was causing to the judicial institution, merrily rode the Karnan wave. Even the foreign media, had its dig at the Indian judiciary," the bench said.

The verdict, penned by the CJI on behalf of five judges of the seven-judge bench, also referred to the fact that even after its order restraining Justice Karnan from doing administrative and judicial work, he kept giving interviews to the media.

"His interviews with the media, and the orders passed by him were extremely disparaging. Illustratively, by an order dated 13 April, he ordered the registration of a case under the provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, against all the seven members of the bench; by another order dated 28 April, he directed the Air Control Authority, New Delhi, not to allow any of the seven members of the bench to travel abroad," he said.

"And by yet another order dated 7 April, he sentenced all the seven members of the bench, and justice to five years rigorous imprisonment. All this was widely reported by the media in India, as well as, by the foreign media," it said in the detailed judgement that followed after the 9 May order sentencing Karnan to six months jail term for its contempt.
New Delhi: Justice CS Karnan's case calls for revisiting the process of selection of judges to the constitutional courts, Justice J Chelameswar and Justice Ranjan Gogoi of the Supreme Court have said.

The two judges, who concurred with the main judgement passed by a seven-judge bench headed by Chief Justice JS Khehar, said this case highlighted the need to set up an appropriate legal regime to deal with situations where the conduct of a judge of a constitutional court requires to take corrective measures, other than impeachment.

"Surely there must be other ways of dealing with such cases. The text of the Constitution is silent in this regard. May be it is time for the nation to debate this issue," they said.

Chelameswar and Gogoi said the conduct of Justice Karnan during pendency of the proceedings constitutes criminal contempt falling both under the heads of scandalising the court as well as interference with the proceedings of the apex court.

"In our view, the contemnor is therefore liable to be punished for the contempt of this court," the bench said.

"This case, in our opinion, has importance extending beyond the immediate problem. This case highlights two things, one, the need to revisit the process of selection and appointment of judges to the constitutional courts, for that matter, any member of the judiciary at all levels;

"And, two, the need to set up appropriate legal regime to deal with situations where the conduct of a Judge of a constitutional court requires corrective measures - other than impeachment  to be taken," it said.

Ironically, Chelameswar was part of a five-judge constitution bench in which he was the lone dissenting judge who has held as valid the appointment of judges through the National Judicial Appointment Commission (NJAC) Act. The Act was struck down by the apex court.

In the minority judgement delivered by him, he had found fault with the existing mode of appointment of judges for higher judiciary through collegium system.

In the recent past, when there was a tussle between the judiciary and the executive over the appointment of judges, he had reportedly skipped the meeting of the collegium and has been insisting that there should be reasoning given by the judges in the collegium on selection and rejection of judges.

While writing the judgement for himself and Gogoi, Chelameswar said there is no doubt that such conduct on the part of Justice Karnan has brought "disrepute to the judicial system and has the potential of shaking the confidence of the average citizen in the system".

The two judges said Karnan has not shown the slightest remorse which could be a mitigating factor and such conduct and action, if tolerated, would certainly reflect an element of weakness in the system and no such weakness can be allowed to enter the system.

They said since his elevation to the bench, Karnan's conduct has been "controversial" and "obviously, there is a failure to make an assessment of the personality of the contemnor at the time of recommending his name for elevation".

"Our purpose is not to point fingers at individuals who were responsible for recommendation but only to highlight the system's failure of not providing an appropriate procedure for making such an assessment.

"What appropriate mechanism would be suitable for assessing the personality of the candidate who is being considered for appointment to be a member of a constitutional court is a matter which is to be identified after an appropriate debate by all the concerned  the Bar, the Bench, the State and Civil Society. But the need appears to be unquestionable," the bench said.

It also said it was "only sad" to point out that apart from the embarrassment that this entire episode has caused to the Indian judiciary, "there are various other instances (mercifully which are less known to the public) of conduct of some of the members of the judiciary which certainly would cause some embarrassment to the system".

It said the framers of the Constitution were people of a great sense of patriotism and maturity, men and women who maintained high standards of civic morality.

"Obviously, they expected those who are to be chosen for the higher constitutional offices or to be appointed to public service would be chosen by assessing their suitability (efficiency and integrity) by employing appropriate standards," it said.

The bench said that the makers of the Constitution were conscious of the fact that ascendance to higher offices need not necessarily always guarantee rectitude and the incumbent of any constitutional office could resort to behaviour inconsistent with the nature of the office and standards of conduct expected.

"Thereafter, provisions were made in the Constitution for impeachment of holders of various constitutional offices, starting from the President of India," it said, adding that when it came to the members of the constitutional courts, it was visualised that there can be such occasions.

But the standards and procedure for impeachment of judges are much more rigorous for reasons obvious, it said.

"There can be deviations in the conduct of the holders of the offices of constitutional courts which do not strictly call for impeachment of the individual or such impeachment is not feasible. Surely there must be other ways of dealing with such cases. The text of the Constitution is silent in this regard. May be it is time for the nation to debate this issue," the bench said.

Karnan's name was recommended for elevation by the Collegium of the Madras High Court comprising the then chief justice and two senior most judges. He was appointed on 30 March 2009.

Referring to the laws in foreign lands, the court said that Great Britain, from where India has adopted the present legal system, abolished the offence of criminal contempt on the ground of scandalising the court pursuant to the recommendation of their Law Commission.

It said that in this regard, the American law appears to be more liberal with greater emphasis on freedom of speech but the apex court does not wish to undertake any elaborate analysis of it.

"However, in India scandalising the court is still recognised to be an act constituting contempt of court. Though what is the activity which constitutes scandalisation of the court is not defined or very precisely explained in the... cases, individuals were held guilty of contempt of court on the ground that their deeds scandalised the court," it said.
Kolkata: Empathising with the sufferings of people in and around Darjeeling under indefinite shutdown, the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday asked the Centre and the West Bengal government to resolve their differences over need and deployment of Central Armed Police Force in the hills.

A division of acting chief justice Nishita Mhatre and Justice T Chakraborty asked the Centre and the state government to resolve the issue of CAPF's requisition and deployment in the hills immediately and inform it on Wednesday.

Appearing for the Centre during the hearing of plea for restoration of normalcy in Darjeeling hills, Additional Solicitor General Kaushik Chanda submitted that the state's requisition is under examination.

The state government through a communique on 30 June had requested the Centre for replacement of three women companies of the CRPF with three male CRPF companies and replacement of three companies of SSB with those CRPF or RAF.

Chanda submitted that the state government was requested to provide details of availability and deployment of state armed police in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts.

This was disputed by Advocate General Kishore Dutta who submitted that the state government was yet to receive any such request.

There are at present 11 companies of CAPF in Darjeeling hills, comprising the districts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, along with state police force to tackle the disturbances there.

The matter will be taken up for hearing again on Wednesday.
Gangtok: Expressing concern over vandalism of some Sikkim-registered vehicles in West Bengal during the ongoing agitation for Gorkhaland, state Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling has said he is planning to move the Supreme Court in this regard.

"I am in regular contact with the Union government on the issue and thinking of approaching the Supreme Court to settle the issue at the earliest," he told a meeting in Chisopani in south Sikkim district on Thursday.

Condemning vandalism of the Sikkim-registered vehicles on NH 10 at Siliguri, the gateway to the Northeast, he said that several such incidents and also looting of trucks were reported during the past week.

There were also reports of Sikkim-bound taxis, buses and private vehicles being targeted.

The incidents took place after Chamling supported the demand for separate Gorkhaland state, to be carved out of West Bengal.

Following the ransacking and looting, Sikkim Transporters Association had called an indefinite strike till full assurance of safety was provided by West Bengal government.

The Sikkim government too asked West Bengal government to provide security to all state-registered vehicles and people from the state in Siliguri.

Chamling asked people not to panic on any news of scarcity of food and essential commodities and assured them that the state government will take care of it.

Meanwhile, Prabhakar Rao, collector of Sikkim's East district, which is adjacent to Darjeeling, said he spoke to his counterpart in Siliguri and was assured that all Sikkim registered vehicles would be provided security.

The vehicular movement on NH 10 has, meanwhile, normalised and there is free movement of private carriers and trucks on it, official sources said.

However, the transporters' strike to press for the arrest of those who ransacked Sikkim registered vehicles has affected the supply of essential commodities in the state.

The state government has ordered rationing of fuel in petrol pumps, official sources said adding that vehicles will get 10 litres of either petrol or diesel on a daily basis from Thursday.

Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department officials said stocks of all essential commodities are normal and rates of vegetables and food grains are being regulated.

Sikkim MP PD Rai met Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju on 3 July and apprised him of the situation.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has dismissed a plea seeking a probe by an independent agency into the "cash for contract" corruption issue in the Assam Rifles exposed by a sting operation in 2014 carried out by a media house.

Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva said that as per the records, the paramilitary force has taken appropriate steps to conduct a fair and independent inquiry into the allegations made in the sting operation.

The court said the steps taken by Assam Rifles, the oldest paramilitary force of India, was with the "active involvement" and "under instruction" of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

It noted that the petitioner, an ex-serviceman who claimed to be the vice-president of Assam Rifles Ex-Serviceman Welfare Association, has placed nothing on record to show there was any infirmity in the action taken or the directions issued by the MHA.

The petitioner, Rampat Singh, had sought quashing of the departmental inquiry ordered by the director general of the Assam Rifles and appointment of an independent probe agency, saying that the sting operation had alleged there was active involvement of the senior officer.

The sting operation was carried out and published by the media house in 2014 and based on it, a departmental inquiry was initiated by the Vigilance Wing of the Assam Rifles.

The Centre, during the proceedings, had opposed the plea saying the petition was a proxy litigation initiated at the behest of a blacklisted ex-contractor of the paramilitary force or those indicted by the inquiry.

Assam Rifles had told the court that the progress in the inquiry was being regularly communicated to the MHA and the ministry was actively involved in all the decisions taken by the force.

The force had also claimed that the court of inquiry held by it had established cogent evidence against certain persons involved and accordingly, disciplinary action was directed against all the Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and four Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs).

"Administrative action against one officer and one other rank was also directed," Assam Rifles had told the court.

Accepting the contentions of the government and the paramilitary force, the court dismissed the plea saying it lacked merit.
Srinagar: Separatist leaders Thursday termed the adoption of Goods and Services Tax (GST) as an "assault" on the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

A joint statement by separatist leaders said Jammu and Kashmir Coordination Committee formed by trade and business bodies and civil society experts to look into the issue (of GST implementation) and safeguard any further dilution of the special status is a welcome step.

"The leadership extends its support to it for dealing with this matter," the statement issued by chairmen of both factions of Hurriyat Conference, Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik. It said "the concerns" expressed by the committee should be addressed by the authorities before any move to implement the law is taken, which will otherwise force people to resist it.

Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Thursday adopted a resolution for implementing GST regime in the state through a presidential order calling on the Centre to safeguard the special status and exclusive taxation powers of the state.

The resolution moved by Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu, after two days of discussions, was adopted by a voice vote even as National Conference, Congress, CPM, and an independent MLA protested against implementing the GST regime in the state in its present form. "The latest assault in this regard is the implementation of the GST in its current form in the disputed land, which first the National Congress and now the PDP are pushing for," the statement said.

Meanwhile, independent MLA from Langate Sheikh Abdul Rashid, reacting sharply to the adoption of the resolution, said "how many laws will you implement or erode to vanish the autonomy of the state, Jammu and Kashmir still cannot become the part of India".
Israel and India signed several agreements on cooperation in the fields of technology, water and agriculture on Wednesday, the second day of a landmark visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Jewish state.

The cooperation marks a "marriage made in heaven," said Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking alongside his Indian counterpart.

The agreements are the centrepiece of Modi's three-day visit, which began Tuesday, to celebrate 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations and to bring them even closer. The two leaders also said they discussed counter-terrorism and cyber security cooperation between the two states.

Rather than making the visit, the first by a sitting Indian prime minister, all about the value of deals signed, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Modi appeared intent on playing up shared culture and values, in the hope this will give commercial ties deeper roots.

"Our goal is to build a relationship that reflects our shared priorities and draws on enduring bonds between our peoples," Modi said at the joint press conference.

India, Israel ink seven MoUs

India and Israel signed seven agreements to increase cooperation in fields of technological research and development, space, water conservation and agriculture

- A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Department of Science and Technology and Israel's National Technological Innovation Authority for setting up of $40 million worth India-Israel Industrial Research and Development (R&D) and Technical Innovation Fund.

- In the water sector, two agreements were signed to increase cooperation on water conservation and state water utility reform in India. Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, and Israel's Ministry of National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Resources signed the agreement on National Campaign for Water Conservation in India.

The second one was signed between Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam and the Ministry of National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Resources on State Water Utility Reform in India.

- In the agriculture sector, the two countries have agreed upon India-Israel Development Cooperation - a three-year work programme in agriculture from 2018 to 2020.

- They also agreed for cooperation between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Israel Space Agency (ISA) regarding cooperation in Atomic Clocks. Besides, separate MoUs were signed between ISRO and ISA for cooperation in GEO-LEO optical link, and in Electric Propulsion for small satellites.

- Apart from that, cyber security was also on Modi's agenda given the increasing severity of cyber attacks across the world.

Call for stronger action against terrorism

Voicing their common concern over the growing menace of terrorism and radicalism, the two nations agreed to cooperate to protect their strategic interests and called for strong measures against terror groups and their sponsors.

India has suffered first-hand violence and hatred spread by terror groups and so has Israel, Modi said after holding wide-ranging talks with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on the second day of his landmark visit.

Modi said during their talks that he and Netanyahu had agreed to do much more together to combat terrorism to protect their strategic interests.

Both leaders also committed to cooperate for the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT)

Nurturing 'people-to-people contacts'

People of Indian origin in Israel will get the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards even if they have undergone compulsory army service, Modi announced.

Addressing the Indian diaspora at an event which was also attended by Netanyahu, Modi also said that direct flights would be launched between Delhi, Mumbai and Tel Aviv to encourage people-to-people contacts.

Modi also said that an Indian cultural centre would also be opened in Israel, fulfilling a long-pending demand of the Indian diaspora in Israel. He said he had heard about problems being faced by the people of Indian origin in getting the OCI cards.

Modi said the Jewish nation had links with India dating back to centuries but the fact that no Indian prime minister had travelled here in 70 years "raises questions", an apparent swipe at the previous governments of India.

Deepening economic, strategic ties

Under Arab pressure, India kept its distance from Israel for decades but is now seeing advantages in a complementary relationship with Israel. There is interest on both sides in building a broad economic base, rather than merely a contractual exchange based around defense.

The timing reflects a diplomatic shift toward Israel being more accepted in the region. Modi, who is acutely conscious of the need to adopt innovation and new technology to update India's infrastructure has always had a personal affinity for Israel and came to learn more about the country before he became premier.

"India and Israel are walking hand in hand into the future as partners," Modi and Netanyahu wrote in a joint editorial this week. "From start-ups to space, communications to cybernetics, Israel's technological capabilities are merging with India's."

Looking to reorient Israel's economy toward Asia, Netanyahu hopes more deals will follow, setting a goal of increasing exports to India by 25 percent in the next four years. But it may take a while before the Modi-Netanyahu relationship sparks a serious expansion in investment and trade, both of which remain relatively negligible.

In many respects export-dependent Israel and India, which is focused on supplying its huge population, are complementary.

Israel is a global leader in water and food systems, two critical fields India needs to upgrade. India wants to strengthen its manufacturing base and is looking to do so with technologies coming from Israel. Both countries host major diamond trading and polishing hubs.

Israeli exports to India last year totalled $1.15 billion, excluding diamonds, just 2.5 percent of total exports. Bilateral trade was less than $2 billion, which jumped to $4.13 billion including diamonds. Israel's foreign direct investment in India totals only $100 million.

With inputs from agencies
Firstpost published a report by IANS on 3 July, 2017, titled 'Six northeastern states had no LPG connections under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, reveals RTI query'. The article noted in six out of eight northeastern states, the Narendra Modi government failed to provide even a single LPG connection under its flagship scheme Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY).

"The Yojana is an initiative on whose success the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rode to power in Uttar Pradesh, having provided over 4.3 million connections in the state to BPL families. The information was received from Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) through an RTI application by IANS in May. According to the RTI reply, till 8 May, 2017 not a single family benefitted from the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) in states like Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim," the article wrote.

The Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), however, has clarified that the IANS report is based on an RTI query which was "over two months old" and that the situation in the North East has "undergone a sea change" since then.

IOCL has further stated that the Centre's flagship scheme PMYU was launched in Assam's Dibrugarh on 13 May and was "subsequently launched in Dimapur (Nagaland) on 31 May; Imphal (Manipur) on 5 June; Itnagar (Arunachal Pradesh) on 11 June and Shillong (Meghalaya) on 19 June". The IOCL's statement claimed that these launch were widely covered by state media.

The clarification issued by the IOCL further noted that since the launch of the scheme in northeastern states, nearly 31,000 Ujjwala connections have been released by the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs)  IndianOil, Hindustan Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum Corporation  and LPG has been made available on priority and at a subsidised rates.

IANS, in this earlier piece, reported that as of 8 May, just the two BJP-ruled states in North East India, Assam and Manipur, saw five and 27 LPG connections, respectively. IOCL refuted the claims made and said that, "As on date, OMCs have released about 27,000 connections in Assam; 685 connections in Nagaland; 4,000 connections in Manipur while 310 connections in Meghalaya and in Arunachal Pradesh OMCs have been able to release only 24 connections due to procedural clarity awaited from state government about financing the cost of gas stoves."

The scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1 May, 2016, in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh in the run-up to the Assembly election in the state, which was held from 11 February to 8 March this year.
In an attempt to wean off local youth from militancy, Jammu and Kashmir DGP Shesh Paul Vaid on Thursday appealed to shun the path of violence and promised that the state police will help them to rehabilitate.

Speaking in a video which he posted on his official Twitter handle, Vaid made an emotional call, saying his heart bleeds for parents whose child has joined terrorism. "If you kill one human, it's as if you killed all of humanity," said the senior police officer.

My appeal to youth of #Kashmir to shun path of violence. My heart bleeds for parents whose child has joined terrorism. #PeaceForProsperity. pic.twitter.com/N4NHrwWnC7  Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) July 6, 2017

Vaid said that Jammu and Kashmir police in last few months convinced youths who were joining the path of militancy to abandon it. He added that during the past 27 years, as many as 25,000 people have left the path of militancy and are now living normal life.

In February this year, Jammu and Kashmir police started an initiative of meeting parents of youths who were believed to had joined terror groups, says a report in The Times of India.

DGP Vaid, who took over as the director general of the police in January, had assured that a lenient view would be taken in case the youths surrendered voluntarily.

The Jammu and Kashmir police on Monday had said that 54 youths were arrested over the past "few months" in different parts of the valley, foiling their attempts to join militant ranks.

"As many as 54 youth have been arrested from different districts of Kashmir over the past few months. The arrests foiled their attempts to join militancy, thereby saving 54 families getting adversely affected by the militancy," a police spokesman had said.
Srinagar: Separatist leaders on Thursday termed the adoption of Goods and Services Tax (GST) as an "assault" on the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

A joint statement by separatist leaders said Jammu and Kashmir Coordination Committee formed by trade and business bodies and civil society experts to look into the issue (of GST implementation) and safeguard any further dilution of the special status is a welcome step.

"The leadership extends its support to it for dealing with this matter," the statement issued by Chairmen of both factions of Hurriyat Conference, Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik.

It said "the concerns" expressed by the committee should be addressed by the authorities before any move to implement the law is taken, which will otherwise force people to resist it.

Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Wednesday adopted a resolution for implementing GST regime in the state through a presidential order calling on the Centre to safeguard the special status and exclusive taxation powers of the state.

The resolution moved by Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu, after two days of discussions, was adopted by a voice vote even as National Conference, Congress, CPM and an independent MLA protested against implementing the GST regime in the state in its present form.

"The latest assault in this regard is the implementation of the GST in its current form in the disputed land, which first the National Congress and now the PDP are pushing for," the statement said.

Meanwhile, independent MLA from Langate Sheikh Abdul Rashid, reacting sharply to the adoption of the resolution, said "how many laws will you implement or erode to vanish the autonomy of the state, Jammu and Kashmir still cannot become the part of India".
Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav was detained on his way to Mandsaur where he, along with social activist Medha Patkar and a few dozen others were supposed to visit to meet protesting farmers of Madhya Pradesh. According to the NDTV, the police stopped Kisan Mukti Yatra and arrested farmers taking part in the demonstration.

Yadav was on his way to attend a farmers' rally at Gudbhali village, News-18 reported.

Madhya Pradesh: Yogendra Yadav, activists Medha Patkar,Paras Saklecha and others detained by Police during a farmers rally in Mandsaur  ANI (@ANI_news) July 6, 2017

Yogendra Yadav detained near Mandasaur, MP. He was holding farmer rally in Gudbhali village pic.twitter.com/QHdPSX0FHF  News18 (@CNNnews18) July 6, 2017

"Police stopped Kisaan Mukti Yatra and arrested hundreds of farmers and farmer activist arrested near Piplia Mand," tweeted Yadav. "The people involved in the Yatra have been arrested on the allegation of disrupting peace. Till now, as many as 300 persons have been arrested," Superintendent of Police Manoj Singh said.

According to the Economic Times, the Yatra was started to demand rates 1.5 times the cost production for agricultural produce, to complete the loan waiver, and to protest killings of seven farmers in Madhya Pradesh in police firing on 6 June.

Communist Party of India-Marxist state unit chief Badal Saroj said, "The yatra, which began from Bhudha village, was halted at Guddeli village. These people were going to Peepli Mandi, where farmers were killed in police firing."

According to the The Indian Express, on 1 July, Yogendra Yadav had criticised the Centre for its stand against farm loan waivers and said an attitude of "double standards" has been meted out towards farmers. The country owed a debt to farmers as the prices of their produce have been kept artificially low, Yadav had said at a press conference of All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC).

On Wednesday, Yadav had written an open letter to Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan (accessed by Firstpost here), asking him why the state government has denied permission to farmers' to hold a rally.

"Why does your democratically elected government, functioning within the constitutional framework, deny permission to farmers to gather peacefully and pay tribute to martyrs?" Yadav asked Chouhan in his letter.

One month ago, on 6 June, six farmers were killed in police firing at Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh. To mark the incident's one-month anniversary, 162 farmers' bodies, national political leaders, and thousands of farmers from 18 different states are

On 6 July, some national political leaders, 162 farmers bodies and thousands of farmers from 18 states will remind Chouhan of the promises he had made at the height of the agitation  to bring it to a peaceful end  but has since seemingly forgotten.

With inputs from IANS
In all the brouhaha over the GST and the impending presidential election, the Mandsaur farmers' strike may have slipped from the national consciousness, but the farmers haven't forgotten.

One month ago, six farmers were killed in police firing at Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh. On 6 July, some national political leaders, 162 farmers bodies and thousands of farmers from 18 states will remind Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan of the promises he had made at the height of the agitation  to bring it to a peaceful end  but has since seemingly forgotten.

Farmers are outraged that the promises Chouhan made when he ended his 'fast' for farmer's relief have not been fulfilled. Thousands of farmers have vowed to begin a second round of agitation which they have named Kisan Karz Mukti Yatra (Farmers Debt Relief Rally) on Thursday from Piplya Mandi which is just 21 kilometres away from Mandsaur town, the epicentre of farmers agitation which took an ugly turn and led to massive destruction of public property.

Farmers movement: Part deux

At 11 am, leaders from various non-BJP political parties, farmers bodies and activists will pay tribute to the six farmers killed during the agitation at Mandsaur. A public meeting and rally will follow.

The farmers rally Kisan Karz Mukti Yatra has been divided into four phases. The first phase will begin on 7 July from Mandsaur. Farmers will visit various affected districts of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and and culminate at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on 18 July. The next three phases will be planned later.

The objective of this rally is to create awareness amongst the farmers and draw attention of the respective governments on farmers' distress across four states. The government has turned a blind eye to farmers' suicides, Jaswinder Singh, president of the CPM-backed MP Kisan Sabha told Firstpost.

Political parties have sought reply from Chouhan



Shivraj Singh Chouhan virtually cheated the farmers by staging drama of fasting and then not keeping the promises he made while breaking his fast. Whatever announcements he made after the agitation have not been implemented. Chouhan, who claims to be a farmers son himself, is actually following BJPs policy of gradually handing over the farm sector to corporates. This will lead to a horrifying situation in future, Badal Saroj, central committee member and state secretary, Communist Party of India (Marxist), told Firstpost.

There is a need for a mass movement across the country on farmers distress. This four-phase rally will finally culminate at Champaran on Gandhi Jayanti, 2 October, he added.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Yogendra Yadav, president of Swaraj India  which will participate in the farmers rally at Piplya Mandi  has written an open letter to Chouhan (accessed by Firstpost), asking him why the state government has denied permission to farmers to hold the rally.

Why does your democratically elected government functioning within the constitutional framework deny permission to farmers to gather peacefully and pay tribute to martyrs? Yadav asked Chouhan in a letter.

To protest, Madhya Pradesh Congress has decided to hold a 'Jail Bharo Andolan' at Nayakheda in Mandsaur district on 6 July.

Demands made by farmers bodies

Barring right-wing farmers union Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, almost all other farmers' bodies such as the All India Kisan Sabha led by former eight-time Lok Sabha member from CPM Hannan Mollah, Akhil Bhartiya Kisan Sangharsh Samanvaya Samiti (ABKSSS), a conglomeration of 130 farmers' organisation, Swabhimani Shetkari Sangathan of Maharashtra led by MP Raju Shetty, Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan led by BM Singh, Mahendra Singh Tikaits Bharatiya Kisan Union, Swaraj Abhiyan, have presented a set of demands both to the Centre and the Madhya Pradesh government.

These include:

 Waiving farm loans (at all-India level).

 Implementation of MS Swaminathan Committees recommendation for fixing price of produce (at all-India level) as promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

 To shift the headquarters of the inquiry commission set up to probe police firing on Mandsaur farmers from Indore to Piplya Mandi.

 A sitting high court judge should head the inquiry commission.

 Chouhan must explain why he revoked the order issued by him that any mandi trader across Madhya Pradesh found guilty of purchasing farm produce from farmers below minimum support price (MSP) would be prosecuted?

 Initiate probe into onion scam in Madhya Pradesh mandis.

Whatever announcements Chouhan made have not been implemented. Farmers are not getting price of their produce as per the MSP in any mandi. No action has been taken against offenders. Moreover, theres scam in purchase of onion from farmers. We want a probe, Singh added.

Will farmers be allowed to hold the 6 July rally?

After the arrest of farmer-activist Dr Sunilam on Wednesday, who was supposed to spearhead the movement at the local level, the chances of holding the rally and paying tribute to six farmers killed in police firing at Piplya Mandi have decreased.

Initially, the district administration gave permission to hold the rally at the Krishi Upaj Mandi premises, but later withdrew their consent. We dont know what will happen, but the farmers and the unions are standing firm, said Shailendra Singh Thakur, state secretary of the CPM-backed Centre for Indian Trade Unions (CITU).

Sources say the Madhya Pradesh government has ordered collectors of Mandsaur and other districts to not allow farmers to hold rallies. The state police has already made strict arrangements and have reportedly asked the farmers of Mandsaur, Neemuch, Ratlam and Ujjain to not participate in any rally.

"Mandsaur superintendent of police visited villages and warned farmers against participating in the rally. We were told that anyone found taking part in the rally would be booked under National Security Act, a farmer from Barkheda Panth village in Mandsaur told Firstpost on the condition of anonymity.
Mandsaur: Farmers' plan to launch a vehicle rally on Thursday from the site of last month's police firing here has hit a roadblock with the police administration vowing not to give permission for the stir.

The ryots want to start the nationwide-rally on tractors and four-wheelers from Pipalia Mandi  the place where five farmers were killed in police firing during an agitation on 6 June.

On the other hand, the district administration is not giving permission to the farmers' outfits to start the rally from the town, around 17 kilometers from the district headquarters, saying tension still prevails in the area.

"We won't allow farmers to hold a condolence meeting at (nearby) Bahi-Phanta area (to mourn the death of the five farmers) and then take out the rally from Pipalia Mandi", collector O P Shrivastava told PTI over phone.

"Tension still prevails in Pipalia Mandi. Besides Bahi-Phanta is a place from where a four-lane road passes. Traffic on that road will come to a halt if farmers arrive for the condolence meeting on their tractors", he added.

The collector said the farmers are adamant on assembling at Bahi-Phanta and then coming to Pipalia Mandi for a public meeting to start the rally.

However, shops were burnt during the farmer stir at Pipalia Mandi and the area is "still tense", he said

"Farmers are free to start their rally from any other place in the district. We don't want to curtail the democratic rights of any person or group", Shrivastava contended.

"We have made some preventive arrests", he said, but did not elaborate.

Ujjain division range Inspector General of Police Madhu Kumar said adequate security arrangements are being made to maintain law and order.

"Nothing (untoward) will happen. We will handle the situation", he said.

Notwithstanding the administration's tough stance, a farmer leader said there will be no change in venue.

"We are going to take out the rally from Pipalia Mandi," Madhya Pradesh Kisan Sabha president Jaswinder Singh, who has already reached Mandsaur, said.

"Farmer leaders from different parts of the country are coming to Pipalia Mandi. They will demand that a memorial be built for the farmers killed in police firing", he added.

"More than 150 farmer organisations are going to take part in the rally", he said.

Police "excesses" on farmers have increased. Police are threatening cultivators and asking them not to take part in the agitation, Singh alleged.

The vehicle rally has been organised by farmer outfits to demand remunerative prices for agriculture produce and waiver of farm loans, among other things, he said.

Singh said the rally will pass through Maharashtra, Gujarat and reach New Delhi on 18 July where farmers are planning to hold a demonstration in front of Parliament.

The vehicle march will continue from the national capital and culminate at Champaran in Bihar on 2 October, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Singh added.

"We want immediate implementation of the Swaminathan Commission report (on welfare of farmers)", he added.

"The implementation of the report was one of the promises made by the BJP in its manifesto. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had later announced the report will be implemented, but nothing has happened yet," he added.

Among other things, the commission had recommended fixing the minimum support prices (MSPs) for crops at levels at least 50 per cent more than the weighted average cost of production.
Reacting sharply to the detention of about 1,500 people, including farmers who participated in a rally on Thursday a month after the Mandsaur firing, political leaders and activists termed the act undemocratic, unconstitutional and autocratic move by Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

On 6 June, six farmers were killed due to police firing and excesses during an agitation at Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh.

According to sources from Mandsaur, nearly 1,500 people, including political leaders, activists and farmers were detained by Mandsaur police on Thursday, while they were heading towards Pipliya Mandi to pay tribute to the farmers who were killed in the police firing.

We had orders from the top to not allow farmers to hold rally at Pipliya Mandi and it was intimated to all well in advance. Keeping the law and order situation in mind, no permission was given to hold any public meetings. But when a large number of people, participating in the rally tried to break the cordon, we detained them to move them away from the site, said a senior police official from Mandsaur.

The police stopped the Kisan Mukti rally and arrested former eight-time Lok Sabha member from CPM Hannan Mollah, former MP Subhashini Ali, Medha Patkar, MP and leader of Swabhimani Shetkari Sangathan of Maharashtra Raju Shetty, Yogendra Yadav, CPM central committee member Badal Saroj, president of the CPM-backed MP Kisan Sabha Jaswinder Singh and several others.

Our rally started from Budha Gaon and was heading towards Pipliya Mandi. Our objective was to pay tribute to those farmers who got killed in police firing in a condolence meet and hold a peaceful meeting of farmers thereafter. But we were stopped by the police. All of us have been detained and the police are taking us to an unknown destination, Yogendra Yadav, president of Swaraj India and convener of Jai Kisan Andolan told Firstpost from Mandsaur.

The police took the farmers and all those who participated in the rally to Krishi Upaj Mandi at Dalod  almost 30 kilometres from Mandsaur  where a meeting was held.

We have been detained at Dalod Krishi Upaj Mandi. They should have taken us to jail, the nation would have known the repressive attitude of the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government. The state government is panic-stricken and can go to any extend to suppress this movement. Were determined to carry forward this rally that will culminate at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on 18 July and the final rally will be held at Champaran on 2 October. The chief minister has acted in the most undemocratic and unconstitutional manner. The BJP government wants to suppress the voice of farmers, Badal Saroj told Firstpost from Dalod.

Farmers vow to carry forward the movement

Despite being unsuccessful in holding the rally and pay tribute at Pipliya Mandi, the farmers and activists are determined to give a big push to Kisan Mukti rally and create awareness on farmers distress across the country.

The farmers and activists have vowed to carry forward the farmers movement across the country in a more aggressive manner. If Shivraj Singh government thinks it can suppress the voice of farmers by arresting them, he is mistaken. Well take this movement ahead in a stronger manner across the country. The Madhya Pradesh government failed to implement the announcements made by the chief minister after the farmers agitation in June. The farmers are still being exploited in mandis, Jaswinder Singh, president of the CPM-backed MP Kisan Sabha told Firstpost.

Apart from the political leaders, around 162 farmers bodies and thousands of farmers participated in the rally in Mandsaur to remind the chief minister of the promises he had made at the height of the agitation to bring peace but has since seemingly forgotten.
New Delhi: India said on Thursday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold meetings with leaders of countries like Canada, Japan, and the UK on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg but ruled out any scheduled bilateral meet with Chinese president Xi Jinping.

"The prime minister is visiting Hamburg from 6-8 July for G-20 Summit. His pre-planned bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit are with Argentina, Canada, Italy, Japan, Mexico, ROK (Republic of Korea), the UK and Vietnam," External affairs ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said when asked about Narendra Modi's schedule in Hamburg.

"In addition, he will also participate in the BRICS Leaders' meeting. There is no change in the prime minister's schedule," he said, suggesting that there was no scheduled bilateral meeting between Modi and Xi.

Comments by Baglay, who is accompanying Modi on his overseas trip, came after Chinese foreign ministry officials also ruled out the possibility of a Xi-Modi meet.

China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Doka La area near the Bhutan tri-junction for past 19 days after a Chinese army's construction party attempted to build a road.

Fighting terrorism, climate change and global trade will be at the core when Prime Minister Modi and leaders from the world's other top economies assemble in Hamburg for a two-day G20 Summit beginning on Friday.
New Delhi: An NGO on Thursday moved the National Green Tribunal challenging the environment clearance granted to 1,320 MW coal-based super critical Khurja Thermal Power Project in Uttar Pradesh, prompting the green panel to seek a response from the Centre.

A bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar issued notices to the ministry of environment and forests, UP Pollution Control Board and THDC India Ltd while seeking their response before 8 August, the next date of hearing.

The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by an NGO SAFE seeking quashing of the environmental clearance granted to the Rs 9,747.5 crore project in Bulandshahr district which is to be implemented by state-run THDC India Ltd (THDCIL) and the UP government.

The petition alleged that the the coal-fired power plant has been approved without any consideration of the environmental and social implication of establishing such a polluting activity in an area which is already highly polluted and water stressed.

It has also sought a temporary prohibition on new proposals for thermal power plants within 300 km of Delhi till there is a decline in the levels of pollution.

The plea, filed through advocates Ritwick Dutta and Rahul Choudhary, said the draft Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report on the project was submitted on 30 March, 2013 and the public hearing was conducted on 1 August, 2015 that was ovber two years after the submission of the EIA report.

"It is pertinent to point out that as per the provision of the EIA Notification, 2006, the date, time and venue of the public hearing should be finalised within a period of seven days from the receipt of the draft EIA Report," the plea said.

The proposal is for setting up of two units of 660 MW and the power generated from the project will be evacuated through 400 KV transmission systems by power grid corporation Ltd.

About 1,400 acres of land is required for the project, of which 1,200 acres has already been acquired. The coal requirement would be 5.4 million tonnes per annum which will be sourced from the Madhya Pradesh State Mining Corporation.

A total population of 4,171 will be affected from five villages due to the project activities.

Khurja Super Thermal Power Station in Bulandshahr district is one such station being set up for supply of power to the beneficiaries of northern region and Uttar Pradesh.
Pakistan successfully test-fired short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile 'Nasr' on Wednesday, which army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said has put "cold water" on Indian military's "Cold Start" doctrine.

"Nasr has put cold water on (the) Cold Start (doctrine)," General Bajwa said taking a jibe at Indian Army after the training launch of the short-range missile 'Nasr' at an undisclosed location.

Pakistan test fires the Vengeance IX NASR Tactical Ballistic Missile System with improved range,in-flight maneuverability, ECM. pic.twitter.com/ByXn12S7jc  Pakistan Defence (@defencepk) July 5, 2017

Speaking on the occasion, he said war must be avoided at all costs and "our strategic capability is a guarantee of peace against a highly militarised and increasingly belligerent neighbour."

So what are the specifications of the Nasr missile system?

'Nasr', officially called Hatf IX , is a high-precision weapon system with the ability to be deployed quickly. Pakistan Army had conducted a series of training launches and tests this week for validation of new technical parameters of 'Nasr' with an enhanced range of 60-70 kilometres and flight maneuverability.

The first ever test of the missile took place on 19 April 2011. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the missile has been developed to add deterrence value to Pakistans Strategic Weapons Development programme at shorter ranges. The press release had added that 'Nasr', can carry nuclear warheads of appropriate yield with high accuracy, shoot and scoot attributes.

Short range missiles like 'Nasr' are Pakistan's deterrence against India's "Cold Start" doctrine.

While the Indian Army has never officially confirmed the existence of such a doctrine, there are various media reports which give an idea of the plan.

"Cold Start" is a military doctrine developed by the Indian Armed Forces for use in a likely war with Pakistan.

According to The Economist, "Cold Start" is a limited-war strategy against Pakistan  one where the Indian military will capture Pakistani territory without risking a nuclear war.

The report added that the doctrine was formed after the Indian Parliament was attacked in 2001. After the attack, the Indian Army initiated Operation Parakram along the Pakistan border. After that Pakistan too mobilised its troops in short notice, the situation de-escalated by mid-2002.

An India Today report noted that in the event of the doctrine being activated, leaner battle groups consisting of infantry and armour groups, will be mobilised. These groups will indulge in conventional warfare before there is any threat of a nuclear strike from Pakistan.

In a significant development, the Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat recently accepted the existence of such a doctrine. In a January 2017 interview with India Today, Rawat said, "The "Cold Start" doctrine exists for conventional military operations. Whether we have to conduct conventional operations for such strikes is a decision well-thought through, involving the government and the Cabinet Committee on Security."

With inputs from PTI
Islamabad: Beleaguered Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif should resign and face the corruption cases against him "like a lion", former president Asif Ali Zardari demanded on Thursday.

Sharif and his family have appeared before a Supreme Court-appointed joint investigating team (JIT) probing the family's offshore assets as revealed in the Panama Papers.

"The rulers have a problem with the JIT. But if you have an issue [completing the term] then you [Nawaz Sharif] may have the prime minister changed and bring in a new one as the [PML-N] enjoys electoral majority," Zardari told a public gathering in Khipro, Sanghar.

"You [Nawaz Sharif] can then continue to face cases, the PPP-Co chairman said and asked, "why should there be any issue [in doing so]," The Express Tribune quoted Zardari as saying.

Sharif has rejected corruption allegations and said that the overseas properties were bought with the money invested by his late father in the Gulf states.

Zardari, who was the president of Pakistan from 2008 to 2013, went on to ask the premier to "be like a lion" if he claims to be represented by one in his election symbol.

"I ask mian sahib (Sharif) to be [brave] like a lion as he has chosen the symbol of a lion to represent themselves [in the elections]," he said.

Zardari's comments came a day after Prime Minister Sharif's daughter Maryam Sharif appeared for the first time before the JIT.

Maryam, 43, who is carefully being groomed by her father as his political heir.

She is the eighth member of the Sharif family to be summoned by the JIT.

The JIT has repeatedly questioned her brothers Hussain and Hassan, while it has also recorded the statements of Prime Minister Sharif, his brother Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif, the prime minister's son-in-law (retd) Captain Mohammad Safdar, the prime minister's cousin Tariq Shafi, and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar  the father-in-law of the prime minister's younger daughter.

The JIT is expected to complete the report by 10 July.

Maryam's name was in the Panama Papers with her brothers as the beneficial owner of the offshore companies  Neilsen Enterprises and Nescoll Ltd  which owned the four Park Lane apartments. These properties are at the center of controversy.

Sharif's critics and opposition parties allege that the property was bought through ill-gotten money in 1990s when Sharif served twice as prime minister.
Itanagar: NDA presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday said that the president's post is above politics and his effort will be to take every state in the country towards prosperity.

A president never belongs to any party. All people irrespective of caste, creed and religion, state are equal. Vote bank is not important for me but development matters, Kovind said addressing BJP legislators in Itanagar.

Kovind, accompanied by union ministers Raj Narendra Singh Tomar and Kiren Rijiju, BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav, Lok Sabha MP Ram Vichar Nittam and North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convenor Himata Biswa Sharma, arrived in Itanagar in the morning for a day-long visit to garner support of the MLAs of Arunachal Pradesh.

He said his dream is of a developed India and equitable development for all sections of the people and regions. Equality among states and people should be the mantra so that the country develops.

Appreciating the people of the state for their skill in speaking Hindi, Kovind said "I feel like I am with the people from my home state Uttar Pradesh.

"Arunachal Pradesh with its rich cultural heritage may be a small state, but for me it is equally important like UP and other states of the country," he said adding the isolation syndrome of the people of the North East has been removed after NDA came to power at the Centre.

Kovind also convened a separate meeting with the nine legislators of People Party of Arunachal (PPA), a constituent partner of NEDA, where the MLAs extended their support to him.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu said that though the vote value for Arunachal is eight against one vote in comparison to UP where it is 208 against one, all the 47 BJP legislators including two independents and nine PPA MLAs would vote for Kovind ensuring his victory.

Khandu lauded Kovind for beginning his north east visit from the state and urged him to give more focus on North East especially Arunachal Pradesh keeping in mind the states strategic location.

Earlier, Tomar said that many political parties who are not with NDA are supporting Kovind, while Rijiju said that it was for the first time that a presidential candidate visited Arunachal Pradesh as earlier all the decisions were taken only in Guwahati.

Madhav urged the legislators to ensure their presence in the state capital on the voting day.
Mumbai: The Shiv Sena, which shares power with BJP in Maharashtra, on Thursday said it would hold 'dhol bajao' (drum beating) protests outside major district co-operative banks across the state on 10 July to demand the list of beneficiaries of the state's loan waiver scheme.

Senior Sena leader and state Environment minister Ramdas Kadam said party chief Uddhav Thackeray has given instructions to this effect.

"Uddhav ji has instructed that all zilla pramukhs (district heads), along with MPs and MLAs of every district, should stage a 'dhol bajao' protest outside the DCC banks, wherein drums will be played at 11 am on Monday by party workers to demand that these banks release names of all the farmers, who are entitled for the loan waiver scheme," Kadam told reporters in Mumbai.

He said memoranda will also be submitted to the bank officials to demand that lists of beneficiaries be displayed outside the banks for everyone to see.

Sena MP Vinayak Raut said that office-bearers of the party's consumer protection unit will set up tables outside all major DCC banks to assist and solve problems of farmers in availing the benefits of the debt write-off scheme.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil said, "Instead of holding a protest outside the banks, the Sena should rather use its might and get the cabinet to approve a resolution for speedy disbursal of loan waiver amount."

The former state agriculture minister, who met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to submit a memorandum suggesting changes in the loan waiver scheme, said, "We demanded that the government waive loans borrowed by farmers till June 30, 2017."

He said the Sena is also making a similar demand now.

"The CM had made the announcement last month that loans borrowed until 30 June 2016, would be waived. Sena ministers, who accompanied him, had welcomed the decision. But they are now demanding that loans borrowed until 2017 to be waived," Vikhe-Patil said.

The Fadnavis government had last month announced the "historic" loan waiver of Rs 34,022 crore for farmers and subsequently laid down the eligibility criteria for availing it.

On Wednesday, the government expanded the ambit of the loan waiver scheme to include even those farmers who had taken loans after 2008. Earlier, the loan waiver scheme titled the 'Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sanman Yojana', covered only those farmers who have the loan outstanding between 1 April 2012 and 30 June 2016.

The CM also extended the date to repay overdue of loans taken by farmers in the year 2016-2017 and who are regular payees from earlier 30 June 2017 to 31 July 2017.
The Sikkim standoff between India and China continues. After Beijing accused New Delhi of "trampling" on the Panchsheel principles and demanded withdrawal of Indian troops from the area, the latter refused to respond. Meanwhile, newspapers in India, China and Pakistan and China struck wildly different notes.

An op-ed in The Pioneer stated that Beijing was hurting the bilateral relationship by refusing to show flexibility. "The Chinese Ambassador to India, Luo Zhaoui, says the the ball is in India's court and it is up to New Delhi to decide if it desires a military solution to the crisis. This is being disingenuous. Indian troops didn't enter Chinese territory, but it's the other way round. Moreover, the Chinese Army also intruded into Bhutan's territory, and the Bhutanese Army personnel were compelled to confront the intruders," the op-ed stated.

Taking a somewhat balanced view of the matter, the op-ed chided both sides for hyping up the situation and hoped that an amicable solution is reached.

"The Chinese media is over-hyping the situation  even the Indian media is not averse to it, admittedly  and baying for India's blood. References to the 1962 war have made the situation more complex. The Indian side was forced to respond to this remembrance by pointing out that the India of 2017 is not the India of 1962, and this led to a retort from the other side that even China of 2017 was not the same. Additionally, an article posted by a strategic affairs expert, on a Chinese military website, sought to remind India that the People's Liberation Army would have the upper hand in case the confrontation escalated to a military response from both sides. All this tit-for-tat leads us nowhere. Hopefully, sensible minds on both sides will take over," the op-ed stated.

Pakistan's The Tribune, on the other hand, offered up a quick history lesson: "The territory where the road work is being carried out is a part of Chinese territory  and the treaty signed by China and Britain in 1890 does recognise that fact. Beijing has also contested Delhis claim that the move would gradually block Delhis access to seven of its northeastern states. The two countries have been at loggerheads over the land border for decades. Interestingly the current dispute is technically more of a dispute between Bhutan and China than India and China. But since India has a military presence in Bhutan it finds itself in the eye of the storm. Though Bhutan is closely allied with India, it has no formal diplomatic relations with China."

The Tribune also called for reconciliation between the India and China before events escalate. "The row appears to be quite serious and comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis meeting with China's President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Germany. Before the situation gets out of hand the diplomatic and military authorities of the two countries ought to find an amicable solution. Fast."

China's Xinhua news agency blamed the situation on the "economic anxieties" of certain Indian politicians, and cautioned India that such a mindset could hurt its interests. "Harbouring suspicion and apprehension toward China's intention, India has recently decided to stay away from the China-proposed 'Belt and Road Initiative', citing sovereignty concerns as its main reason. The reason raised by India may be understandable, but staying away from the initiative is not the best choice New Delhi could have made. It could have voiced its concerns and opinions on public occasions or in official statements as China is always willing to discuss all problems and possibilities with India on the basis of mutual benefits."

It also advised the Indian government to look at the larger picture. "Despite its strategic discomfort, it is important for India to get over its "China anxiety" and carefully assess the initiative, recognise its potential benefits and seize the opportunities. Instead of being rivals, the two countries, both of which are ancient civilizations endowed with a rich history, could become cooperative partners."

Meanwhile, China on Thursday claimed the "atmosphere" was "not right" for a bilateral meeting between Modi and Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg. There were reports that Modi and Xi may meet on the sidelines of the G20 Summit to resolve the standoff.

China's state-run media had on Wednesday quoted analysts as saying that Beijing would be forced to use a "military way" to end the standoff in the Sikkim sector if India refuses to listen to the "historical lessons" being offered by it.
Beijing: Upping the ante on the Sikkim standoff, China on Wednesday accused India of "trampling" on the Panchsheel principles and asked New Delhi to "correct its mistakes" as soon as possible by pulling back troops.

China also claimed that India was "misleading the public" by saying that Chinese troops are building a road close to the Chicken's Neck in the Sikkim sector which could endanger India's access to its north-eastern states.

"I want to point that the relevant actions by the Indian side violated the purposes and principles of the UN Charter in defiance of the international law and international norms. As we all know in 1950s China, India and Myanmar proposed the five principles (Panchsheel) of co-existence," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Gen Shuang told reporters.

"However to the surprise of everyone, the Indian side trampled on the basic norms governing the international relations proposed by itself by illegally crossing into other country's territory," he said.

The five principles of peaceful coexistence, known as the Panchsheel, are a series of principles which have formed the bedrock of the relationship between India and China. Their first formal codification in treaty form was in an agreement between China and India in 1954.

Their first formal codification in treaty form was in an agreement between China and India in 1954.

Geng said this time the Indian troops crossed the delineated boundary into the Chinese side and nature of the incident was "very serious".

"China and India have been in contact through the special representatives' mechanism to solve the boundary question but this incident, I believe, violates the spirit upheld by the special representatives mechanism and goes in contrast to the efforts made by the two countries," he said.

China has already lodged a protest with India on this, Geng said.

"Indian border troops are still staying on the Chinese territory," he said.

The situation is yet to be resolved and "India should pull back the troops that is a precondition to avoid worsening of the situation", Geng said.

"Troops should be pulled back as soon as possible to demonstrate the sincerity to improve bilateral ties so as create conditions for the normal development of bilateral relations," he said.

"If the Indian side refuses to correct its mistakes in a timely fashion, how it proposes to win the trust of its neighbours and how it is supposed to play a bigger role in the international affairs," he said.

"We once again urge the Indian side to abide by the boundary convention and respect the Chinese sovereignty and immediately withdraw the border troops and properly deal with the incident in a timely fashion," Geng said.

The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson claimed that the incident has nothing to do with the tri-junction between China, India and Bhutan.

"In disregard of the 1890 Sino-Britain convention, the Indian side said that Doklam is located within the tri-junction of the three countries, that is misleading the public," he said.

"The 1890 convention said that the Sikkim section of the boundary commences from East mountain and the incident (of road building) took place about 2,000 meters away from Mount Gipmochi," Geng asserted.

The Indian side is actually misleading the public by saying that the incident took place at the tri-junction point, Geng said, defending China's road-building which India and Bhutan have objected to.

India has expressed concern over the road building, apprehending that it may allow Chinese troops to cut India's access to its northeastern states.

Geng also said that besides former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru endorsing the 1890 Sino-British convention on Sikkim in a letter to his Chinese counterpart Zhou Enlai in 1959, the Indian Embassy in a note to the Chinese government in February, 1960, also endorsed it.

"The note said that the boundary between Sikkim and China's Tibet has already been delineated and there is no dispute about that in the map and in practice," he said.

Quoting the note, Geng said, "The Indian government would like to add one more thing that the boundary has already been demarcated as well on the ground."

"The above mentioned was written in black and white in the note from India," Geng said.

Asked about Nehru, in his letter to Zhou, pointing out that Chinese maps showed Bhutanese territory as part of Chin, Geng said, "there is no such consent as you mentioned".

The former prime minister had pointed out to China that it was claiming sizable part of Bhutan's territory.

"It is not clear to us what exactly is the implication of your statement that the boundaries of Sikkim and Bhutan do not fall within the scope of the present discussion," Nehru wrote in the letter to Zhou.

"In fact, Chinese maps show sizable areas of Bhutan as part of Tibet," Nehru had said.

Geng said, "Since the illegal trespass of the border troops, both sides have expressed stern position. The fact is that the Sikkim section of the India-China boundary has already been delineated."

Since India's independence, the Indian government has repeatedly affirmed the fact that the Sikkim section has been delineated by this convention, he said.

Geng's remarks come a day after, in unusually blunt remarks, China's ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui said "the ball is in India's court" and it was for the Indian government to decide what options could be on the table to resolve the standoff.

Asked about remarks by official Chinese media and think-tanks that the conflict can lead to a "war" if not handled properly, the ambassador had said,"There has been talking about this option, that option. It is up to your government policy (whether to exercise the military option)."

Asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comments that not a bullet has been fired at the India-China boundary for two decades, Geng said, "I want to point settlement of the boundary serves the fundamental interests of the two sides."

"It is also a strategic target, two sides are working to achieve. We have been trying to explore ways to resolve the boundary question within the special representatives mechanism and we have jointly taken measure to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas," Geng said.

"What is shocking is that the India border troops entered into the Chinese side of the delineated border in the Sikkim section which is serious in nature," he said.
The standoff between India and China in the strategically sensitive Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction does not seem to be receding. The bilateral relations between New Delhi and Beijing took a turn for the worse after China accused Indian troops of interfering with its road construction in what it claims to be its "sovereign territory".

"Indian troops unilaterally provoked trouble which was in violation of the relevant agreement between the two sides and the mutual consensus between the leaders of the two countries," China said.

While both sides have expressed hope for a diplomatic solution, nothing seems to be in sight.

All eyes will be on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the upcoming G20 Summit in Germany. He was briefed in Israel by NSA Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar of the escalating tension with China on Wednesday.

China had initially expressed willingness to talk about alternate routes for the Mansarovar yatra after banning Indian pilgrims from the Nathu La pass. However, the willingness to talk never materialised. According to the latest reports, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Thursday that the atmosphere is not right for a bilateral meet between Modi and Xi. Without even coming on the table to talk, finding a solution to the standoff is difficult.

Soldiers from both sides of the border are awaiting instructions, which are likely to come after the Modi-Xi meet and the local commanders level meeting, which is also expected to happen soon, according to The New Indian Express.

China has previously expressed willingness to have a "meaningful dialogue" with India. "The pressing issue is to have a meaningful dialogue for the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Doklam area in Sikkim sector," foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said.

India on Wednesday said that tensions can be resolved diplomatically and asked China to withdraw its troops to reduce tension. "I think the issue can be resolved at the diplomatic level. The Chinese troops should stay where they were earlier. China is approaching towards Bhutanese territory. We want them not to come forward," said Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre.

However, with the tensions escalating, Beijing has not offered New Delhi a viable solution to the standoff. Asking India to withdraw troops while still placing its soldiers in Sikkim seems naive. The statements and opinions coming from Chinese media have only threatened India to accept Beijing's terms, however, no one has provided a solution which might be accepted by New Delhi.

The Chinese media has been advocating the use of military to resolve the conflict. The Chinese Army has also created an unpleasant atmosphere by warning India on its website. "The Indian side didn't get the upper hand in the past. And it won't get an advantage today when the Chinese military has made remarkable progress on modernisation over the past few decades," an article on its website read.

Beijing accused India of trampling on the principles of the Panchsheel pact and demanded that India "correct its mistakes" by pulling back its troops immediately. "Troops should be pulled back as soon as possible to demonstrate the sincerity to improve bilateral ties so as to create conditions for the normal development of bilateral relations, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said.

China said it would not accept any compromise in the military standoff and it was for the Indian government to decide what options could be on the table to resolve the standoff, according to The Wire.

New Delhi, on its part, should be wary of Chinas attempt to widen its objectives along the border. India needs an agreement on mutual restraint that aims at addressing the core interests and concerns of both sides, The Hindustan Times article said.

Although as the Chinese media has been advocating a 1962-like war, experts quoted by The Financial Express have dismissed these possibilities. "The threat of an actual war is zero. Right now, all that China is doing is making noises, whether by sending a submarine or with the help of an aggressive media, said Sreeram Chaulia, the author of Modi Doctrine.

Experts also believe that China will have to back down because the Indian Army is in Doka La on the request of the Bhutanese government. However, Sreemoy Talukdar argues in this Firstpost piece that New Delhi stands to lose, not gain with the escalating tension. He suggests India must let China realise that bullying tactics won't work but it must stay below the escalation rudder while eschewing rhetoric and alarmism in public sphere.

"Indian side has underlined that the two governments had in 2012 reached agreement that the tri-junction boundary points between India, China, and third countries will be finalised in consultation with the concerned countries. Any attempt, therefore to unilaterally determine tri-junction points is in violation of this understanding," a press note quoted by The Wire said.

With both the countries seemingly adamant on not withdrawing their troops, the only possible solution can be expected from Modi-Xi talks.
There is no let-up in the India-China standoff over the Sikkim border issue and the way things are going it does not look that like there will be a solution anytime soon. Both, New Delhi and Beijing, are at loggerheads over the almost-four-week-long stalemate, which has witnessed no diplomatic solution so far.

On 27 June, China accused Indian troops of "crossing the boundary" in the Sikkim section and demanded their immediate withdrawal, while asserting that it has shut down the Nathu La pass entry for Indian pilgrims travelling to Kailash Mansarovar because of the border standoff.

China also said that it lodged diplomatic protests with India, both in New Delhi and Beijing, alleging that the Indian troops trespassed into Chinese territory in the Sikkim sector. "We have lodged solemn representations in Beijing and New Delhi to elaborate on our solemn position," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, Lu Kang was quoted as saying.

"Our position to uphold our territorial sovereignty is unwavering. We hope the Indian side can work with China in the same direction and immediately withdraw the personnel who have overstepped and trespassed into Chinese border," he said.

While the stalemate continues, Chinese media, and especially Global Times, among others, came out with a scathing op-ed which ratcheted up its rhetoric against India. A state-run Chinese daily, Global Times, warned that Beijing may support "pro-independence appeals in Sikkim" if New Delhi does not stop pursuing "regional hegemony" through the border face-off.

"In the past, China was wary of India playing the Dalai Lama card, but this card is already overplayed and will exert no additional effect on the Tibet question. But if Beijing adjusts its stance on India-sensitive issues, it could be a powerful card to deal with New Delhi," the paper wrote in an article titled China can rethink stance on Sikkim, Bhutan. Global Times, a hardline, party-run tabloid published by the official People's Daily known for its hawkish views, published more than one opinion-editorial pieces, which not only takes almost warlike stance against New Delhi, but it also warns India's political leadership on many instances and advices New Delhi on its foreign policy as far as Beijing is concerned.

Read articles here, here, here and here.

The coverage of the current standoff in Chinese media, and mainly Global Times, is not only lopsided, it also is extremely provocative. The op-eds, which are being circulated widely in Indian media as well, barely falls short of telling India to "behave itself" and back off if it desires peace. Sample this excerpt from this article titled India will suffer worse losses than 1962 if it incites border clash:

If New Delhi believes that its military might can be used as leverage in the Donglang area, and it's ready for a two-and-a-half front war, we have to tell India that the Chinese look down on their military power. Jaitley is right that the India of 2017 is different from that of 1962 - India will suffer greater losses than in 1962 if it incites military conflicts.

The article furthers its point by saying that the Indian military should start thinking of returning to "its territory with dignity, or be kicked out of the area..." by the Chinese army.

Another article, in Global Times, reevaluates the present border dispute and quotes Chinese experts saying that with the current geopolitical strategies undergoing a sea of change (India's improved and good relations with major world powers), New Delhi is overvaluing its international status. The piece goes on to hint that New Delhi should not take things for granted. "...after economic reforms, India has enjoyed a period of rapid economic growth. However, it should be known that economic development needs a peaceful and stable environment."

China, which is extremely sensitive about Tibet's status, insists on countries reiterating the "One China policy" at every summit to underline its position on Tibet and Taiwan. It is an especially sensitive issue with India. Despite China's concerns on Tibet, the Global Times, however, suggested Beijing should rethink its recognition of Sikkim as well as push for Bhutan to dilute its ties with India and establish formal diplomatic ties with China.

Criticising India's "brutal colonial policies", which according to this article was inherited from Britain, the op-ed says that New Delhi chases a regional hegemony at the sacrifice of "tiny Himalayan nations" (Sikkim and other northeastern states).

New Delhi's regional hegemony is swelling to a tipping point. The country has to pay for its provocations.

Urging the world leaders/media to take note of this so-called "hegemony", articles in the Chinese media comes to the "aid" of the "tiny" Bhutan who is being "oppressed" by New Delhi. For the mere joy of perspective, the current standoff erupted after India opposed China's attempt to extend a border road through Doka La. Doka La, which lies at a junction between China, Sikkim and Bhutan, is currently disputed between Beijing and Thimphu. India supports Bhutan's claim over it.

Even Bhutan has seconded India. Bhutan's ambassador to Delhi Vetsop Namgyel told BBC that China's road construction is "in violation of an agreement between the two countries".

A piece, published in Global Times and authored by vice director and a research fellow of the Institute for South Asian Studies at the Yunnan Academy of Social Sciences, noted that 'an-eye-for-an-eye' stand on the current stalemate will not serve any purpose for either of the nations. While China warned India of a war-like situation, Union minister Arun Jaitley and Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat, in two separate occasions, did not shy away from telling China that threatening the India of 2017 will not fly with the country's leadership. The article in the Chinese media, however, concluded with this line:

India should stop holding on a wrong cause.

Another article published in XinhuaNet, considered an official view, said "despite its strategic discomfort, it is important for India to get over its 'China anxiety' and carefully assess the initiative, recognise its potential benefits and seize the opportunities".

Chinese media, widely known for the extreme censorship by the ruling Communist party and a one-sided view of the world, has been consistently ranked last or sometimes second last as far as freedom of press parameters stand. In 2016, Freedom House ranked China last for the second consecutive year out of sixty-five countries that represent 88 percent of the worlds internet users. The Chinese government employs a huge number of people to monitor and censor the nation's media.

The France-based watchdog group Reporters Without Borders ranked China 176 out of 180 countries in its 2016 worldwide index of press freedom. Experts say Chinese media outlets usually employ their own monitors to ensure political acceptability of their content. Censorship guidelines are circulated weekly from the Communist Partys propaganda department and the governments Bureau of Internet Affairs to prominent editors and media providers.

Considering that almost all national newspapers and news websites in China act like the government mouthpiece, the words published in these articles can be considered as good as official statements of the ruling government of the country.

Here is a wordcloud of the articles published in Chinese media, specifically in Global Times and Xinhuanet.
'True power speaks softly, it has no reason to shout', goes the Gandhian principle. China's recent rhetorical belligerence against India, however, sits at odds with the oft-repeated dictum of statecraft. It raises tantalising possibilities about Beijing's motives as its border standoff with India in the Sikkim sector rolls towards a month.

The outlines of the standoff are well known by now. In a series of well-calibrated and intriguingly timed steps, Beijing has created a situation near India's most vulnerable military strategic location. The point of dispute is around the building of a Chinese highway at Doka La plateau near the China, Bhutan and India tri-junction. The plateau is recognised as Bhutanese territory by Bhutan and India but China has long claimed it as its own and has conducted 24 rounds of discussion with Bhutan to demark the border and has been engaged in at least one tense standoff with Indian Army (in 2006) over its control.

Under the veneer of discussions, China has repeatedly sought to change the ground realities by frequently employing PLA troops into the area. PLA soldiers steal into the plateau and draw back when challenged but not before incrementally gaining inches in the territory. Any confrontation results in China unleashing a torrent of ancient maps which are extremely flexible with truth and facts. It has employed this tactic almost as a rule while trying to undertake its neocolonialist adventures along the Himalayan frontiers and around South China Sea littoral.

The first key question is, why is this plateau so important? Doka La holds immense strategic significance for China, India and Bhutan. China controls the Chumbi valley which takes the shape of a dagger between Sikkim and Bhutan and in maps, appear to be aimed at the 'chicken's neck'  India's biggest strategic vulnerability which separates Indian mainland from the North East. However, by virtue of its positional superiority in Sikkim and Bhutan, India is well placed to stave off any military threat to the 'chicken's neck' arising from China-controlled Chumbi valley.

This is precisely why China seeks to add strategic depth to Chumbi Valley by widening it along the Doka La plateau and is busy building highways for operational convenience. Conversely, India cannot afford to let this happen because it risks losing positional advantage in the tri-junction and may find it difficult to defend the 'chicken's neck' from Chinese aggression.

Geostrategist and author Brahma Chellaney explains in Japan Times, "In recent years, China has been upgrading its military infrastructure and deployments in this highly strategic region so that, in the event of a war, its military blitzkrieg can cut off India from its northeast. Such an invasion would also leave Bhutan completely surrounded and at Chinas mercy."

India feels justifiably worried with Chinese construction activities and has sought to come to an understanding with China while urging Bhutan to delineate the border. A final settlement is awaited but in 2012, Indian and Chinese special representatives reached a written understanding through a meeting that "the tri-junction boundary points between India, China and third countries will be finalised in consultation with the concerned countries.

Any attempt, therefore, to unilaterally determine tri-junction points is in violation of this understanding", as detailed through a Ministry of External Affairs press note in response to the impasse.

The MEA release, issued on 30 June, also adds: "The Foreign Ministry of Bhutan has also issued a statement underlining that the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory is a direct violation of the 1988 and 1998 agreements between Bhutan and China and affects the process of demarcating the boundary between these two countries. They have urged a return to the status quo as before 16 June 2017."

A second question now arises. Since there is an understanding in place, it is clear that China has tried to alter the status quo. If that is so, India and Bhutan should be the aggrieved parties. Why is China claiming victimhood and indulging in pantomime outrage instead?

China's strategy rests on two key points. One, the Sino-Bhutanese border is disputed in places and it is easy for China to ingress and claim large chunks of areas as its own based on convenient maps. Two, if Bhutan raises an issue (as it did this time by handing a demarche to Beijing via New Delhi) over instances of ingress, China can twist it to its advantage.

Centre for Policy Research senior fellow Srinath Raghavan explains this in Hindustan Times: "Bhutan does not directly negotiate with China and its stance on the disputed boundary has developed in close consultation with India. The Chinese can claim with a straight face that this is a bilateral problem between them and Bhutan. Similarly, when Indian troops support Bhutanese opposition to road construction in the disputed area, it is easy for Beijing to accuse New Delhi of violating an established international border."

This is clear. What isn't is the Chinese sabre-rattling. What explains its daily scaremongering against India around the construction of a road? It has appeared thoroughly impatient of India's stance and is behaving like a classic bully  escalating the conflict radar on a daily basis and lessening maneuvering space for diplomatic solutions. It is also showing a complete disregard for mechanisms that have been laid painstakingly over the years for maintaining peace and tranquility along the border region.

A look at Chinese escalation strategy reveals a pattern. When the standoff first erupted, Beijing reacted by blocking Indian pilgrims from visiting Kailash Mansarovar through Nathu La. Since then, it has been raising the temperature rather quickly through military show off, daily press briefings via foreign office, incendiary rhetoric from state-controlled media and thinly disguised warning from its embassy in India. It has brandished its "most advanced battle tank" during a military drill in Tibet, sent more than a dozen warships, submarines and destroyers prowling in Indian Ocean, warned India through its media mouthpiece that it will be subjected to a fate worse than 1962, vowed to openly instigate trouble in Sikkim and Bhutan to release them from "Indian oppression", claimed that India has violated "Panchsheel principles" and in a quite extraordinary move, uploaded a video in YouTube (banned in China) where Political Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in India, Li Ya, tells New Delhi to "immediately and unconditionally withdraw all troops from Doklam plateau".

And in a fresh development on Thursday, it has indicated that President Xi Jinping will give Prime Minister Narendra Modi the 'royal snub' at Hamburg during the G20 meet.

So far, the Indian Army has maintained a studied silence, the Ministry of External Affairs has not gone beyond the communique, ministers and political leaders have held their fire and even the ever excitable Indian media has been admirably circumspect in their coverage.

Indian reticence has probably infuriated the Chinese even more. Scaling up of threats is a clear indication that China isn't getting the response it is looking for and our strategy is working.

India needs to be clear about two things. One, it must avoid getting provoked at all costs and resolutely ignore the daily insults. These abuses might become sharper with each passing day because China would want to rattle us into taking a brash step that they use to justify aggression.

Two, regardless of the amount of pressure, the daily dose of propaganda and psychological warfare, India must not budge from its position at Doka La plateau because any withdrawal will set a damaging precedent which might be used by China as a future template.

At the same time, India must be ready for the long haul  since this impasse may continue for months as China tests our red lines and resolve  and keep open all channels of diplomacy and communication. There is a possibility, as Raghavan writes in his piece, China might be using Doka La road construction as a bargaining chip to stop India from scaling up its infrastructure building around the Himalayan frontier.

It is interesting that despite blocking the pilgrims, China has kept the trade lines open through Nathu La. Therein lies the answer.
Amid the Sikkim standoff, the Chinese army is carrying out exercises simulating real battle scenarios at high-altitude areas in Tibet, testing new equipment, including a light battle tank.

The exercises were being carried at an altitude of 5,100 metres, the Chinese language service of the state-run Xinhua news agency reported from the Tibetan capital Lhasa.

Besides testing the new equipment, the exercises involve conducting live firing exercises.

The exercises also involve combat operations command, combat synergies, live fire shooting training, and comprehensive inspection of arms integration, the report said. The simulation also involves offensive and defensive training.

Last week, Chinese defence spokesman Colonel Wu Qin told that the trials of the tank, reportedly weighing about 35 tonnes, were taking place during military exercises. Xinhua has also released photos of the exercises on its website.

The exercises were being held in the backdrop of heightened India-China tensions at Doka La area in the Sikkim sector.

Meanwhile, China on Wednesday accused India of "trampling" on the Panchsheel principles and asked New Delhi to "correct its mistakes" as soon as possible by pulling back troops.

"I want to point that the relevant actions by the Indian side violated the purposes and principles of the UN Charter in defiance of the international law and international norms," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Gen Shuang said.

Defending China's road-building which India and Bhutan have objected to, Geng claimed on Wednesday that the Indian side "is actually misleading the public" by saying that the incident took place at the tri-junction point.

In view of the rising border tension, China on Wednesday also denied of a sooner Narendra Modi-Xi Jinping meet.

"The atmosphere is not right for a bilateral meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi," a Chinese foreign ministry official said ahead of the G20 Summit in the German city of Hamburg from Friday.

Earlier, there were reports that Modi and Xi may meet on the sidelines of the G20 Summit to resolve the standoff.

China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Doka La area near the Bhutan tri-junction for the past three weeks after a construction party of the Chinese army attempted to build a road.

Since the standoff on 6 June, when the People's Liberation Army (PLA) destroyed bunkers of the India Army claiming the area belonged to China, Chinese media have carried several pieces warning India for escalating border tension and "reminding" the Indian Army about the 1962 war.

China's state-run media had on Wednesday also quoted Chinese analysts as saying that Beijing would be forced to use a "military way" to end the standoff in the Sikkim sector if India refuses to listen to the "historical lessons" being offered by it.

With inputs from PTI
Two belligerent neighbours are mocking India in a common voice, raising the spectre of a war on two-and-a-half fronts. How will New Delhi respond?

Nobody can say if Pakistan and China are coordinating their statements against India. But, the timing of Pakistan's decision to test fire its low-range missile Nasr and Chinese media's call for Sikkim's "independence" suggests the two neighbours might be simultaneously reminding India of their potential for mischief.

The Chinese threat, considering that it has a ring of novelty to it, sounds more alarming. After hinting at the military action on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) near Bhutan after the standoff at Doka La, China now wants to incite trouble within the Indian borders and target New Delhi's ties with Bhutan.

Calling for Sikkims independence and separation from India, its media has asked Chinese citizens to fuel pro-independence movement in the Indian state bordering China and overturn Indias brutal annexation of the state, according to the Hindustan Times.

Its blatant attempt to stoke secessionist fire in India is borrowed straight from Pakistan's strategy in Kashmir, where it has been provoking and financing groups that want to secede from India. Yet, Sikkim is not Kashmir.

Since its merger after the 1975 referendum ratified by the elected government, Sikkim has been a stable and undisputed part of India. In the past two decades, China too has recognised India's sovereignty over Sikkim through several measures that strengthened bilateral ties between the two neighbours.

So, why is China talking about Sikkim's independence?

Though Beijing knows India's sovereignty over Sikkim is unquestionable, it is raising the stakes in the war of words that began with the skirmish over China's attempts to build a road through Doka La (Doklam) in Bhutan. The new Chinese report is aimed at telling India that apart from a traditional military and diplomatic response, it is capable also of a proxy war -- the kind Pakistan has been waging in Kashmir.

The Chinese response was expected since the day India decided to boycott its One Road One Belt project and then leaned towards the US and Japan for a joint maritime strategy in the Indian Ocean. To push India back, China responded by its almost predictable ploy of crossing the Line of Actual Control on the pretext of building roads and then putting pressure on New Delhi to back off and negotiate. But, this time it has raised the volume of its rhetoric and propaganda machines after Arun Jaitley's remarks about India not being the India of 1962  when it lost a war with China  and the Indian army chief's statement that he is ready for a war on two-and-a-half borders (both external and internal).

Experts believe that a military response to the current standoff at Doka La, which India considers strategically important to guard its Siliguri corridor, is unlikely. India is in the middle of a military modernisation cycle and needs some more time to get its act together. Its 17 Strike Corps, being raised from the scratch specifically for mountain warfare, is not yet fully deployed.

China, on the other hand, gains very little from a war near Doka La. As defence expert Colonel Ajai Shukla argues, advancing to the Siliguri corridor would require Chinese troops to break through strong Indian defences in Sikkim and advance southwards more than a hundred kilometres through difficult jungle terrain  a tough military task. The beleaguered Chinese units that do make it to Siliguri would have to beat back inevitable Indian counter-attacks. Even assuming that China obtained control over the Siliguri corridor, India could simply bypass the corridor, moving through Nepal or Bangladesh.

Clearly, both sides believe a war of words suits them better at this stage.

Pakistan's rhetoric after the trial of its improved Nasr missile appears timed with the Chinese threats. After Nasr, a missile aimed at hitting an advancing army with a low-yield tactical nuclear weapon, was test-fired from three places, its army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa reportedly saying this was like cold water over India's cold start doctrine.

The cold start doctrine is a term used for a military attack that envisages a rapid advance into the enemy territory and then using the gains to negotiate a surrender. The lightning attack is aimed also to break the enemy before it can put together a military response.

India's cold start doctrine was a subject of conjecture for several years before the current army chief General Bipin Rawat acknowledged it in an interview in January 2017. "The cold start doctrine exists for conventional military operations. Whether we have to conduct conventional operations for such strikes is a decision well-thought through, involving the government and the Cabinet Committee on Security," Rawat told India Today.

Pakistan believes it can neutralise a cold start by attacking the advancing army with Nasr fitted with a tactical nuke. With this aim, it has deployed low-yield nukes and missiles that can strike up to a distance of 70 kilometre on the front. It has given its brigadier-level officers to use the tactical nukes in case Indian strike corps enter cross the LoC. Its strategists argue India will not be able to afford a targetted strike at an army division and would desist from starting a short war aimed at breaking Pakistan.

When Bajwa claimed Nasr has poured cold water over the cold start doctrine, he effectively told India that the two countries now had military and strategic parity. And the Deep State in Pakistan can continue meddling in Indian affairs without fearing an Indian response.

At a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reaching out to new friends like Israel, India's traditional enemies are raising their anti-India propaganda and rhetoric by mocking India's sovereignty and strike power. It would be interesting to see how New Delhi response to this chorus on India's borders.
Rameswaram: Eight fishermen were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on charges of fishing in the island nation's territorial waters.

The navy personnel also seized two boats of the fishermen belonging to Kottaipattinam in Pudukottai district late Wednesday night, fisheries department assistant director Chandrasekhar said on Friday.

All the fishermen were taken to Kagesanthurai, he said.

On 23 June and 22 June, Sri Lankan Navy arrested 4 fishermen and 21 fishermen respectively, all of whom were from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

Around 50 fishermen have been arrested this month.

The Tamil Nadu government expressed concern over the "alarming increase" in number of "attacks" on Indian fishermen.

Chief Minister K Palaniswamy had said that such apprehensions have a "demoralising impact" on fishermen as well as the people of the state.

With inputs from PTI
Raipur: The Chhattisgarh police on Wednesday claimed that 18 Naxals were killed during a joint counter-insurgency operation by security forces in Tondamarka area of Sukma district last month.

The operation, named 'Prahaar', was conducted by the CRPF, the CoBRA (an elite unit of CRPF) and the state police's Special Task Force and District Reserve Guard between 23-25 June, police said.

The area, situated deep inside forests under Chhintagufa police station limits, is considered a "Naxal den".

While the body of only one Naxal was recovered, Sukma Superintendent of Police Abhishek Meena said. He also added police had confirmed reports of death of 18 Naxals.

Body of Uika Lakhu, a hardcore "military cadre", was recovered, Meena told PTI.

Several other rebels were either killed or injured but their colleagues managed to drag their bodies away, he said.

Three DRG jawans were also killed and six other security personnel injured in the operation, the SP said.

"We have received confirmed reports that 14 Maoists were gunned down in exchange of fire with security forces during that operation, while another four injured cadres succumbed later", Meena said.

As per the local intelligence sources, six of these slain Naxals were identified as Sodhi Budhra, Podiyam Suresh, Muchaki Jogi, Madvi Hidma, Veti Joga and Sodhi Lakhe, all belonging to People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) squad of Maoists, he added.

On 24 April this year, 25 CRPF personnel who were providing security for a road construction work were killed in Naxal attack in Burkapal area of Sukma.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking to declare as illegal certain sections of the Representation of the People Act which disqualify candidates only in cases of criminal conviction and not under certain laws governing corruption.

A bench of Chief Justice JS Khehar and Justice DY Chandrachud dismissed the writ petition to declare Sections 8 (1)(c) and (e) of the Act as "illegal and unconstitutional" in so far as restricting disqualification of only to the extent of conviction.

"This petition cannot be entertained," the bench said.

The special leave petition filed by petitioner PA Joseph, a Chennai resident, claimed that these provisions of the Representation of the People Act do not include punishments or penalties levied under laws like the Customs Act, 1962 and Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1973.

He referred to cases against AIADMK (Amma) faction leader TTV Dinakaran under FERA, including one in which a Rs 28 crore penalty has been slapped on him, questioning the provision in the Act which does not disqualify him from contesting elections.

Parliament has no power to restrict the disqualification only to a criminal conviction and cannot defer disqualification of a person found guilty of the charge of contravention of FERA provisions, he submitted in the plea.

Disposing of the petition, the Madras High Court had opined that the court cannot interfere with the policy matters of the government which was fully under the domain of the executive.

The plea sought interim injunction to restrain the Election Commission from accepting the candidature of persons against whom punishment or penalty under the Customs Act and FERA were imposed.
Panaji: Two more holy crosses were allegedly desecrated by unidentified persons in Curchorem town of South Goa on Wednesday, police said.

According to inspector Shivram Vaingankar of Curchorem police station, the crosses were desecrated when policemen, who had been patrolling the area all through the night, left the spot this morning.

The crosses were located in Xelvona and Curchorem town areas, the police official told PTI.

A Hindu religious symbol and as many as five crosses were defiled in South Goa between 1 July and 3 July prompting Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar to hold a high-level meeting with police officials this week.

Parrikar had asked all police stations across the state to form special investigation teams to nab the accused in these cases at the earliest.

He had also asked police to engage all possible technologies including google mapping to track the accused.

Since then, police have been patrolling the religious places round the clock.
New Delhi: The West Bengal government has said it does not need an additional 400 central troops for deployment in the riot-hit areas of North 24-Parganas district, according to a Union home ministry spokesperson.

"We have sent eight companies of paramilitary forces (comprising 100 personnel each) to West Bengal for deployment in the communal violence-affected areas. However, the West Bengal government has conveyed that it does not require four of the eight companies," the spokesperson said on Thursday.

The state government has not cited any reason for its decision.

The state's refusal came in the wake of an unprecedented public spat between Governor KN Tripathi and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, triggered by a telephonic conversation between the two on the communal violence.

Communal clashes broke out in Baduria in Basirhat sub-division of the district on Monday following an objectionable Facebook post.

The situation in the violence-hit areas was returning to normalcy with no fresh incidents of violence, a senior official said on Thursday.
Kolkata: Life in West Bengal's Baduria and surrounding areas, where communal clashes broke out over a Facebook post, returned to normalcy on Thursday with no fresh incidents of violence, a senior official said.

Shops and markets reopened, bus services resumed and locals started coming out of their homes.

However, internet services continued to be disrupted and paramilitary forces and police remained posted in the troubled area.

"Everything is back to normal. There has been no report of any problem from anywhere in Baduria and its adjoining areas in Basirhat in North 24 Parganas district," a senior official of the state home department told PTI.

"We are keeping strict vigil so that nothing untoward happens here. Till then police postings here will continue," he said.

Baduria and its adjoining areas, including Keosha market, Banshtala, Ramchandrapur and Tentulia, witnessed a communal flare-up following a post by a youth on Facebook earlier this week.

Though the youth was arrested, members of two communities clashed, set up road blockades, damaged shops and set fire to vehicles.

To control the situation, the state government had to temporarily suspend internet services in the four police station areas of Basirhat, Baduria, Swarupnagar and Deganga to check the spread of rumours through social networking sites.

Asked about when internet services would resume, the official said, "A thorough review of the situation will be done before a decision is taken in this matter."

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had said on Wednesday that the situation in Baduria was "under control".

The clashes had triggered an unprecedented spat between her and Governor KN Tripathi, whom she accused of acting like "a BJP block president" and "threatening" her.

Director General of Police Surajit Kar Purakayasta has requested people to refrain from spreading hatred.

"Those spreading rumours and indulging in hate posts and false propaganda shall not be spared. Please respect the law of the land. Malicious efforts to create divides and attempts to take law in own hands will be sternly dealt with. Please don't heed to rumours," Purakayasta said.
Kolkata: Fresh tension was reported in West Bengal's Basirhat area on Thursday forcing the police to lob teargas shells and resort to baton charge even as the state government decided to ban some organisations for allegedly instigating people.

"There may be some reports of small incidents, but the situation is under control," a senior official at the state secretariat asserted.

"Fresh tension brewed up at Basirhat town and station area after the communal clashes in Baduria in the district. Police had to lob teargas shells and resort to baton charge to disperse an unruly crowd," a senior police officer said.

Police and BSF personnel immediately rushed to the area to bring the situation under control, he said.

The state cabinet decided to ban the organisations after they were allegedly found instigating people in communal riots, a state minister said.

It was also learnt that if these organisations try to hold any meeting or rally, they will have to inform the police and seek prior permission.

"Police will run a check on their records and then only give permission for holding rallies and meetings," the minister said.

"Some strategies were chalked out during Thursday's cabinet meeting to control the situation in Basirhat," he said.

On whether a BJP delegation, which is planning to visit Baduria Friday, will be allowed to enter the area, a senior state government official said, "Prohibitory orders are already in place in the area. No gathering is allowed as per rules and the administration and police will take steps per the provision of law."

The official said four companies of paramilitary forces (around 400 personnel) already present in Baduria are "enough" to maintain law and order situation there.

"The number of forces present there (in Baduria) is enough... At the moment we do not require more forces there... We have been asking for forces from the Centre for the hills, but not getting that," he said.

North 24 Parganas district officials said life in Baduria and surrounding areas, where communal clashes broke out, returned to normal.

Shops and markets reopened, bus services resumed and local residents started coming out of their homes.

However, internet services continued to be disrupted and paramilitary forces and police remained posted in the troubled areas.

"Everything is back to normal. There are no reports of any problem from anywhere in Baduria. We are keeping a strict vigil so that nothing untoward happens. Till then police postings will continue here," the official said.

Baduria and its adjoining areas, including Keosha market, Banshtala, Ramchandrapur and Tentulia, witnessed a communal flare-up following a post by a youth on Facebook earlier this week.

Though the youth was arrested, members of two communities clashed, set up road blockades, damaged shops and set fire to vehicles.

To control the situation, the state government has temporarily suspended internet services in four police station areas of Basirhat, Baduria, Swarupnagar and Deganga to check the spread of rumours through social networking sites.

Asked about when internet services will resume, the official said, "A thorough review of the situation will be done before a decision is taken in this matter."

The clashes had triggered an unprecedented spat between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Governor KN Tripathi, whom she accused of acting like "a BJP block president" and "threatening" her.

Director General of Police Surajit Kar Purakayastha has requested people to refrain from spreading hatred and not to step into any kind of provocation.

"Those spreading rumours and indulging in hate posts and false propaganda shall not be spared. Please respect the law of the land. Malicious efforts to create divides and attempts to take law in own hands will be sternly dealt with. Please don't heed rumours," the DGP said.
In the imminent future, one of the world's biggest icebergs, the Larsen C ice shelf, an extension of the West Antarctic ice sheet, is inching closer to detachment and collapse into the ocean, having an adverse impact on the region and on sea levels around the world.

The ice sheet, more than half the size of Qatar, is 2,000 square kilometres in area and is set to float off into the Weldell Sea, south of the tip of South America. If it breaks free, it will be the size of four Londons or more than seven New Yorks, CNN reported.

As per NDTV, scientists have been monitoring the progress of a crack across the ice shelf which extended to over 100 miles in recent months. Scientists from NASA and University of California, Irvine, found that the iceberg remains connected to the larger ice shelf only across a thin five-kilometre section. The parts which have already detached from the ice shelf have moved rapidly seaward, widening the rift while the remaining ice is "strained near to breaking point", according to Adrian Luckman, a scientist monitoring Larsen C at Swansea University in Wales.

Researchers from the European Space Agency (ESA) used satellite measurements to discover that the iceberg will tower 623 feet (190 meters) high over the ocean's surface and contain 1,155 cubic kilometers of ice, according to Live Science. It further noted that scientists observing the shelf have said it's tough to predict the exact date when it'll break away but it is matter of days or weeks before it happens. It could pose a danger to ships at sea as well.

Project Midas regularly updates the status of the Larsen C ice shelf and is run by Luckman as well. One of its latest summaries updates on the ice shelf reads:

In the largest jump since January, the rift in the Larsen C Ice Shelf has grown an additional 17 km (11 miles) between May 25 and May 31 2017. This has moved the rift tip to within 13 km (8 miles) of breaking all the way through to the ice front, producing one of the largest ever recorded icebergs. The rift tip appears also to have turned significantly towards the ice front, indicating that the time of calving is probably very close. The rift has now fully breached the zone of soft suture ice originating at the Cole Peninsula and there appears to be very little to prevent the iceberg from breaking away completely.

Antarctica has lost ice shelves earlier but none as huge as this one. A Washington Post report suggests one of the reasons this is important: Losing Larsen C ice shelf would not just change the entire map of the Earth but stop holding back glaciers capable of contributing about four inches of global sea level rise over time.

However, scientists are divided over the impact of global warming on this particular break in Antarctica's ice shelf. Another report by the Washington Post quoted Helen Amana Fricker, an Antarctic scientist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, who wrote recently,"We do not need to press the panic button for Larsen C. Large calving events such as this are normal processes of a healthy ice sheet, ones that have occurred for decades, centuries, millennia  on cycles that are much longer than a human or satellite lifetime."

But there are several others who disagree and believe this calving is a product of human-caused global warming. "Of course this is due to climate warming in the peninsula," Eric Rignot, a NASA and University of California Irvine expert on Antarctica, told the Washington Post in an email.

CNN reported that Larsen C is not the first major ice shelf to break off. In the last three decades, Larsen A and B have also partially broken from the shelf. That's a big deal, especially for a frozen mass in one of the quickest warming areas on Earth, according to NASA. The breakage of Larsen C will lead to more vulnerability as the deeper ice the Larsen C had once shielded is expected to become vulnerable to melting and disintegration, especially with rising temperatures.
Bhopal: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday announced it would contest the next year's Assembly elections in the BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh.

The campaign for the polls, due in November-December 2018, will be launched by AAP national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in November this year.

"The AAP would contest next Assembly polls in MP. Arvind Kejriwalji would formally launch the poll campaign at a rally in Bhopal on 5 November," AAP state convener Alok Agrawal told reporters at a press conference.

He said the decision to contest the polls was taken after national leaders of the party, including Kejriwal, held discussions in New Delhi for two days.

"Delhi's labour minister Gopal Rai, AAP national spokespersons Sanjay Singh and Ashutosh, besides the party national secretary Pankaj Gupta would visit Madhya Pradesh regularly in a bid to prepare the ground for the polls," the AAP leader said.

He also announced the launch of the party's 'Kisan Nyay Yatra', which begins on Thursday in support of the demands raised by the distressed farmers in the state.

"The AAP is launching 'Kisan Nyay Yatra' on Thursday to support the demands of the distressed farmers. We want the state government to waive loans of farmers, supply them 24-hour electricity and implement the report of Swaminathan Commission for welfare of peasants," Agrawal said.

He demanded that a case of murder be filed against the police officials involved in the firing in Mandsaur on 6 June, in which five farmers were killed.
Puducherry: The AIADMK (Amma) faction on Thursday urged chief minister V Narayanasamy to lead a joint delegation of all party MLAs to meet the Union home minister to draw his attention to the 'undemocratic' style of functioning of the Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi.

AIADMK (Amma) legislature wing leader A Anbalagan said induction of three nominated legislators by Bedi on the night of Tuesday at Raj Nivas "is a clear violation of all democratic norms and conventions."

He said the very appointment of the three nominated members by the Centre without knowledge of the elected government "is also a breach of the constitutional procedures."

He alleged that all along the Lieutenant Governor had been encroaching on the rights of the elected government.

The chief minister should lead a joint delegation of all party MLAs to meet the home minister to highlight the 'undemocratic' style of functioning of the Lieutenant Governor, he said.

He blamed the chief minister for the "current mess in the Centre finalising the list of nominated legislators and their subsequent induction by the Lieutenant Governor."

"It is difficult to understand why the chief minister had kept mum without recommending on his part the names of nominated legislators," the leader added.
Kolkata: BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha on Thursday termed West Bengal Governor KN Tripathi "a soldier of Modi brigade", a remark the ruling Trinamool Congress was prompt to latch on to saying "the cat is out of the bag".

Referring to the spat between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Tripathi, Sinha said, "The Trinamool Congress is under the illusion that it can silence KN Tripathi by making hollow remarks and attacking the office of the governor."

"But they have forgotten one thing - KN Tripathi is a soldier of the Modi brigade. He cannot be stopped from performing his duty," he told reporters.

Sinha said the governor's recent statement has proved that he is "not afraid" of the TMC.

Tripathi had on Wednesday said it was wrong to say the Raj Bhavan has become the office of BJP or RSS.

"The Raj Bhavan is not a department of the state government and is open to every citizen for redressal of his or her grievances," he had said.

TMC secretary general Partha Chatterjee said, "We have been saying this for a long time that the governor is working on behalf of BJP and RSS and now Sinha's comment has proved that we are right."

"Now the cat is out of the bag," he said.

The BJP thinks it would advance to capture power in the state by turning the Raj Bhavan into its party office, he added.
The much-trumpeted anti-encroachment drive launched by Kerala's Left Democratic Front (LDF) government led by VS Achuthanandan in May 2007 in the tourist hotspot of Munnar fizzled out after getting enmeshed in a political controversy.

And the current LDF government's move to save the state's most ecologically fragile regions from destruction may be derailed by a near repeat of the 2007 political drama. The head of the 2007 task force was forced to retreat by a section of the ruling party, while the present head was shunted out.

Environmentalists consider the premature transfer of Sriram Venkitaraman from the post of Devikulam sub-collector as an end to the eviction drive. Though Revenue Minister E Chandrashekharan has asserted that the operation would continue, environmental activist CR Neelakandan feels it won't be easy.

"Encroachments in Munnar involve complex issues. Studies were conducted on these issues and court verdicts run into thousands of pages. An officer needs at least six months to study them. Sriram had launched the eviction drive after studying them carefully and fortifying himself against potential legal challenges," Neelakandan said.

He told Firstpost that the 2013 batch IAS officer had an uncanny knack of dealing with legal issues. "No court could turn away his arguments easily. Politicians who opposed the eviction realised this and pulled strings to remove him," he added.

While local members of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), which heads the ruling coalition, tried to physically prevent the officer and his team from razing down illegal structures, Power Minister MM Mani and legislator R Rajendran made concerted attempt to demoralise him by dubbing him "mad" and "anti-poor".

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reprimanded him after he pulled down a cross erected in encroached land by an obscure evangelist group and put the operation on hold. However, he found the going tough after he served notice on a powerful resort owner to vacate 22 cents of revenue land he allegedly encroached when eviction resumed following an all-party meeting.

Vijayan lost no time in convening another all-party meeting to discuss the future course of eviction when political parties and other stakeholders in the famed hill station submitted a joint memorandum against evictions. Curiously, however, the Communist Party of India (CPI), which supported the eviction drive, was not invited to the meeting.

Revenue Minister Chandrashekharan, who belonged to the party, stayed away from the meeting. CPI leaders termed the meeting as a brazen attempt to protect the encroacher, who belonged to the Kerala Congress, a regional party cozying up to the LDF. The meeting was called after the resort owner secured a stay from the high court against the eviction proceeding.

"There was no need for a meeting to discuss an issue pending in the court. It's as good as supporting encroachers. The government is calling an official meeting to legitimise an illegal action," said Kanam Rajendran, CPI state secretary.

The government resorted to the last option when the sub-collector revived the eviction process following vacation of the stay by the high court. The court gave the go-ahead on the basis of the sub-collector's counter-affidavit, which established that the disputed 22 cents of land belonged to the government.

The move for transferring Sriram came as an out-of agenda item in the Cabinet meeting held on 5 July. According to media reports, Chandrashekharan opposed the proposal but gave in when he failed to get support from other members of the Cabinet. He wanted the young officer to continue in the post till completion of the eviction of about 100 encroachers identified at the first all-party meeting but the Cabinet justified the action saying he had completed three years as sub-collector.

Environmentalists have viewed the transfer of Sriram before completing a two-year tenure as a violation of the Supreme Court verdict in the recent Senkumar case. However, Sriram, who has not even completed 10 months as sub-collector at Devikulam, said that he had no intention to challenge the order.

"It is the prerogative of the government to deploy the officers. I fully respect this right of the government and will abide by the government order," the IAS officer, who has been posted as director of employment and training, told Firstpost.

He refused to comment on the future of evictions. However, environmentalists like Neelakandan have viewed the removal of Sriram as a clear message to revenue officials not to go against the government brief.

"The government does not want the resort of George to be pulled down, as there are many like it thriving on encroached land in Munnar. If this encroachment is cleared others will also have to be cleared. Sriram had selected the resort of George for eviction fist knowing this fully well," says Neelankandan.

Leaders of opposition parties also agree. Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala, former Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president VM Sudheeran, and BJP state president Kummanam Rajasekharan all said that Sriram was shifted to suit the interests of the resort mafia.

Sudheeran said the Cabinet decision proved that the state government was with the land mafia. "Regardless of anybody's attempt to describe it as a normal administrative measure, anyone with some common sense will know the truth," he said.

The BJP leader saw the action as a warning for the CPI which had lent unstinted support to its minister and his officers in evicting the encroachments, which assumed alarming proportion after Munnar emerged as a top tourist hotspot.
New Delhi: The Delhi Police has registered a case against three Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs for allegedly manhandling and abusing a woman in the assembly premises recently.

In her complaint, the woman has accused Oklha AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, Malviya Nagar MLA Somnath Bharti and Tilak Nagar MLA Jarnail Singh of abusing and thrashing her on 28 June, the police said.

"I had gone to see the proceedings of the House, but could not get the pass for the Visitor's Gallery. And, while I was standing outside the building, a group of men, who were engaged in a scuffle, came towards me.

"They pushed and shoved me. I was later taken to a room and kicked," she claimed in her complaint.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh, however, called the development "vendetta politics".

"This is vendetta politics by the Centre. We are surprised that the police has arrested only 15 of our MLAs (since coming to power)," he said at a press conference in New Delhi.

AAP Delhi unit spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj said, "The record of Delhi Police has been very poor when it comes to cases against AAP MLAs. The force always faces flak by the judiciary whenever they take such cases to court."
New Delhi: Finance minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday said that Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti rooted for people welfare and ignored separatists' voice to adopt Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the state assembly.

Jammu and Kashmir was the only state that had not approved a legislation to implement the GST even after the new indirect tax regime was rolled out on 1 July.

Jaitley said separatists ran a propaganda that GST should not be implemented in J&K otherwise there will be "financial integration of the state with India."

The state finance minister was part of all the negotiations at the GST Council that decided on the tax rate and rules for its implementation and the state even hosted a meeting of the GST Council that decided on tax rates for about 1,200 goods.

The Centre had to then emphasise to the state that its people will lose out as they will pay tax twice over instead of just one GST, making goods costlier to them, he said.

"I wrote to Mehbooba Mufti saying that goods will become costlier (if you don't implement GST). So, you have to choose the path of either going with the separatists or thinking about the welfare of the people of the state," Jaitley said, addressing an event organised by state BJP as thanksgiving for successfully implementing GST.

The Jammu and Kashmir assembly on Thursday adopted the resolution to implement the new tax regime in the state. However, presidential assent will be required before GST is implemented in the state.

Jaitley pointed out how the price of a commodity would have varied in Pathankot and Jammu and Kashmir, if the latter decided not to implement GST.

Citing his meetings with traders and businessmen based in Jammu, Jaitley said that they had voiced concern that they may be at a disadvantage if the same product is sold at a cheaper price in Pathankot in Punjab which is just an hour away from the state.

"And the same argument was given by the state government yesterday in the state assembly," he said.

The finance minister further said that in the last 70 years, this is the first time that the country had become economically integrated.

" Jammu and Kashmir consumers also feel that they are integrated with India, and it is beneficial for us," he said.

Being a consuming state, Jammu and Kashmir would also benefit from GST and the revenue of the state will increase, he added.

In his letter to Mehbooba last month, Jaitley had asked her to implement GST in the state as failing to do so would lead to "adverse impact" of price rise and put local industry at a disadvantage.
Puducherry/New Delhi: The controversy over the nomination of three MLAs in Puducherry snowballed on Thursday with the Congress party attacking the decision as unconstitutional and state Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi defending it strongly.

Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said in New Delhi that Bedi has been at loggerheads with Chief Minister V Narayanasamy and the elected Congress government from the beginning.

He said the appointment of three MLAs  V Saminathan, president of the Puducherry BJP unit, party treasurer KG Shankar and educationist S Selva Ganapathy  has been done without consulting the chief minister.

Even in Parliament the president nominates members on the basis of the recommendation by the central government, he said.

Bedi took to Twitter to justify her action and cited provisions of the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963 in this regard.

"Here is the law under which 3 MLAs were nominated by GOI (Government of India) and I as an LG (Lieutenant Governor) administered the oath," Bedi said in a tweet.

One of the provisions cited by her said that three members can take an oath before the LG or a person appointed by him/her for the purpose.

"Since when is the application of law a 'murder of democracy'?

"See the law. Central government has the power to nominate and LG has the power of oath-giving..!" Bedi added.

"I am an agent of law, I am working according to that. Cabinet came to me asking why are you meeting people? Why solving civic problems? They said you are supposed to be a rubber stamp," she told reporters.
Agartala: Though the BJP has no elected lawmaker in Left-ruled Tripura, the party-led NDA presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind is likely to get votes from seven MLAs  one from Congress and six from Trinamool Congress (TMC).

Congress MLA Ratanlal Nath, the former opposition leader of Tripura, reached Guwahati on Wednesday while the six axed TMC legislators reached Assam's main city on Thursday to meet Kovind.

Kovind is likely to start his campaign in the North Eastern states from Thursday or Friday, while Congress-led opposition's presidential nominee Meira Kumar is on a campaign tour to the region.

"Responding to the invitation of BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav, party's Tripura unit President Biplab Kumar Deb, observer Sunil Deodhar and I came to Guwahati to meet the NDA presidential candidate," Congress MLA Ratanlal Nath told IANS over the phone from Guwahati on Thursday.

Following an invitation from the BJP, five of the six Congress-turned TMC legislators left here on Thursday to meet Kovind in Guwahati.

Another TMC lawmaker Dilip Sarkar told IANS over the phone from Delhi that he would also attend the meeting between Kovind, BJP leaders and Tripura MLAs in Guwahati.

Sarkar is in the national capital for medical treatment.

According to media reports, all the seven MLAs, along with other party leaders and workers, are likely to join the BJP this month and they would discuss with BJP leaders in Guwahati about their joining the saffron party.

TMC Secretary General and West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee on Monday said in Kolkata that the party will have no relations with the Tripura MLAs, who held a meeting at the TMC headquarters here on Wednesday and decided on their future course of action this month.

"We have yet to decide whether we would join the BJP or take another strategy. However, our only aim is to defeat the CPM (Communist Party of India-Marxist)-led ruling Left parties in Tripura in next year's assembly elections," said MLA Ashish Saha, who resigned as TMC state President on Wednesday.

MLA Diba Chandra Hrangkhawl, who also resigned as TMC legislative party leader, said: "We earlier resigned from the Congress and joined the TMC last year due to the Congress' electoral alliance with the CPM before the West Bengal assembly elections. Now, Mamata Banerjee is herself backing Left-supported presidential candidate (Meira Kumar)."

TMC's key leader Sudip Roy Barman accused Mamata Banerjee of "gradually coming closer to the CPM".

"She undemocratically and unilaterally broke relations with six party MLAs in Tripura on Monday without hearing our views. She did not bother to inform us that the TMC is supporting Congress' presidential candidate. We can support Meira Kumar if she is the TMC nominee," Barman told reporters before leaving for Guwahati.

Meanwhile, the Congress also recently served a show-cause notice to senior legislator Ratan Lal Nath for "anti-party activities and meeting BJP leaders, including party President Amit Shah".

"We served show cause notice to Ratan Lal Nath last month for his closeness with BJP leaders, including Biplab Deb," Tripura state Congress President Birajit Sinha said.

According to Congress sources, Nath may be expelled from the party after the presidential election on 17 July.

In the 60-member Tripura assembly, the CPM-led Left Front has 51 members while the Congress has three, including Ratan Lal Nath, and the TMC six.
Patna: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi is understood to have warned his party leaders of action if they continued to target Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, to smooth ruffled feathers of the crucial ally.

The JD(U), of which Kumar is the president, reciprocated by hinting that it would go with the opposition in the upcoming vice-presidential election.

Media reports said Gandhi intervened in favour of Kumar and instructed party leaders not to criticise the Bihar chief minister.

Bihar Congress president Ashok Choudhary confirmed to PTI that he had a meeting with Gandhi earlier this week in Delhi but refused to divulge what transpired there.

The reports said that Gandhi, during his meeting with Choudhary, hinted that action would be taken against leaders issuing statements against Kumar.

Gandhi was absent when the Congress-JD(U) spat broke out.

The sparring began after senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad attacked Kumar for breaking ranks with the opposition and supporting NDA's pick Ram Nath Kovind for the 17 July presidential poll.

He had alleged that Kumar wanted to ensure the defeat of 'Bihar ki Beti' Meira Kumar, who is the opposition's candidate for the poll.

People having one ideology take one decision while those with many ideologies take different decisions, Azad had said, apparently referring to JD (U)'s long association with BJP.

Some state leaders of the Congress subsequently attacked Kumar, who returned the fire by questioning Congress's shift from the ideologies of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.

The JD(U) chief made it clear that his party was no "pichlagoo" (camp follower) of any party.

The war of words between the JD(U) and the Congress threatened the Grand Alliance government in Bihar, which includes the Congress and RJD of Lalu Prasad.

Kumar's bonding with Rahul Gandhi is well known in political circles.

It is also known that it was at Gandhi's intervention that the Congress had put pressure on Prasad to announce Kumar as the chief ministerial candidate on the eve of the 2015 Bihar Assembly poll.

The patch up between the two parties seems to have come at the right time as the combined opposition presidential candidate Meira Kumar is arriving in Bihar today on a three-day visit.

She is scheduled to meet Congress and RJD legislators and parliamentarians. However, no meeting with chief minister Kumar has been fixed.

Reacting positively to the Congress gesture, JD(U) has hinted that it could side with the opposition in the August vice-presidential poll.

"If our party is invited to participate in a meeting of the opposition to discuss the issue of vice-presidential election, we will certainly attend," JD(U) national spokesman K C Tyagi told PTI over phone.

JD(U) would support the united opposition's candidate in the vice-president election, provided it is invited and consulted, he said.

Asked who would represent JD(U) in the proposed opposition's meeting, Tyagi said that it would be decided by Kumar and senior party leader Sharad Yadav.

Choudhary, who is also the education minister in the Nitish Kumar-led government, told PTI, "We expect JD(U) would be with us in the vice-presidential poll.
Kolkata: Tripura governor Tathagata Roy on Thursday accused the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal of suppressing the communal riots in Baduria and said his counterpart KN Tripathi is well within his rights to ask questions to the state administration.

Following this, Trinamool Congress activists showed black flags to him.

"The governor has every right to ask questions and if needed give suggestion (to state government). There is nothing wrong in it," Roy told reporters at the sidelines of a birth anniversary programme of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee.

"As far as I know him (Tripathi), he is not the kind of a person who can humiliate or insult someone," Roy said.

Tripathi and the Mamata Banerjee government were at loggerheads over the communal riots in Baduria area of North 24 Parganas district.

Commenting on the riots, Roy said, "I have seen riots in Bengal both during Left regime and in TMC regime. But the attitude of this government is to suppress the matter. The media was also shy of reporting the riots earlier.

"But the fact is you can't cure a disease by hiding it. You have to give medicine and treatment to cure it. Hiding a problem will not solve it, you have to take action to solve it," he said at the programme in Calcutta University campus.

Trinamool Chhatra Parishad, students wing of the ruling TMC, showed black flags to Roy and demanded the removal of Tripathi from the post of Bengal governor.

The Tripura governor refused to comment on being shown black flags.
Dehradun: Opposition Congress on Thursday staged a sit-in, accusing the Centre and the Uttarakhand government of being "insensitive" towards the plight of debt-ridden farmers.

State Congress chief Pritam Singh criticised the Narendra Modi government for celebrating three years in power at a time when farmers were committing suicide all over the country.

"It shows the BJP government's total indifference towards farmers," he told reporters at Gandhi Park where the dharna was held and attended by most of the senior party leaders including former chief minister Harish Rawat and former cabinet minister Indira Hridayesh.

"The BJP usurped power by raising the expectations of farmers and then brutally dashed them fulfilling not even a single pre-poll commitment it made to farmers before 2014 Lok Sabha elections," Pritam Singh said.

Attacking the BJP government of Uttarakhand, he said it was boasting of its achievements of 100 days in office while "farmers have begun to commit suicide".

He said two debt-ridden farmers had killed themselves close on the heels of each other in Pithoragarh and Udham Singh Nagar districts recently.

The Congress leader accused the Trivendra Singh Rawat government of backing out of its pre-poll promise of a loan waiver to farmers.

"The Congress had initially decided to let the state government perform quietly for six months after being elected (in March) but the indifference with which it is treating farmers has forced us to break our silence and take to the streets," he said.
New Delhi: BJP president Amit Shah on Thursday formed a three-member committee which would visit the riot-affected parts of North 24-Parganas district in West Bengal and submit a report on communal violence in the region.

The committee includes OP Mathur, Satyapal Singh and Meenakashi Lekhi, all members of Parliament.

The formation of the committee is seen as an attempt on the part of the BJP to corner the ruling Trinamool Congress which it has accused of practising "Muslim appeasement politics", leading to communal violence.

A party statement said it would coordinate with state BJP chief Dilip Ghosh and national general secretary in charge of the state, Kailash Vijayvargiya.

Seeking the central government's intervention, Vijayvargiya had written to home minister Rajnath Singh, saying Hindus had been attacked and the state police was unable to control the situation.

Stating that no one should doubt West Bengal governor Keshari Nath Tripathi's potential and scholarship, Vijayvargiya on Thursday accused the state government of attacking the governor to divert people's attention from its administrative failure to maintain law and order.

"He has been a minister in Uttar Pradesh and the Speaker of the legislative Assembly there. His rulings in the Vidhan Sabha during his tenure were appreciated by the High Court and the Supreme Court. There can be no questions about his scholarship," he said.

Claiming that law and order in the state was in tatters, the Bharatiya Janata Party leader accused the Mamata Banerjee government of attempting to fire from the governor's shoulder out of their disdain and desperation to hide the failure.

"The state government is doing this out of disdain and desperation. The law and order situation in the state is completely in tatters. I think they are trying to fire the gun from the governor's shoulder to hide their failure," he added.

The clash between the governor and the state's ruling Trinamool Congress came to the fore after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday accused Tripathi of threatening and humiliating her during a telephonic conversation while her party leaders termed him as "BJP cadre".

Tripathi, however, maintained there was nothing threatening or humiliating in whatever he told the chief minister.

On Wednesday, Trinamool leader and state rural development minister Subrata Mukherjee strongly criticised the governor's role in the whole controversy and called him "BJP's parrot".

With inputs from agencies
Kolkata: Accusing the BJP of misusing social media to spread rumour leading to communal riots, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said her government has decided to raise a peace-keeping force to maintain sectarian harmony in the state.

"Social media is being misused. They (BJP) are spreading rumours through social media. This is a trend of the BJP ... a modern design of the party ... That is why we are trying to caution common people," Banerjee told reporters at the state secretariat this evening.

"The government has decided to raise a peace-keeping force involving local people mandated to maintain peace with assistance from the state administration and police," she said.

Banerjee announced her government's decision to raise the peace-keeping force, to be called Shanti Bahini, amid the prevailing communal strife in the North 24 Parganas district, threatening to derail the state's inter-faith harmony.

Shanti Bahini would be be stationed at over 60,000 booths across the state to maintain the communal harmony, the chief minister said.

Pointing fingers at the BJP, the chief minister said a conspiracy was on to foment trouble and communal tension in the state.

Shanti Bahinis would keep an eye on elements trying to disrupt harmony in its locality, she said adding the members of the mandir (temple) and masjid (mosque) committees too would be urged to join the league.

"This is BJP's modern design ... I have seen images of some incidents happening outside the state and the country, shown as happening here. I want the people to be alert in this regard," Banerjee said.

"The BJP has no license to incite riots. But they are doing it. They are spreading hatred among people," she said.

"Posting the photograph of an incident that happened in Bangladesh, they (BJP) were trying to spread a rumour that there had been a communal riot in West Bengal," she said, referring to a rumour of stampede in Gangasagar Mela, which, she said, "had not happened at all."

The chief minister alleged the BJP has been hatching the "conspiracy" against her party and the government because it "failed to fight TMC politically, economically, socially and on developmental issues."

"We have been noticing this for quite sometime. There has been a conspiracy going on. Some people are trying to stop Trinamool Congress speaking for people's cause," she said.

"There was a meeting in south Kolkata. If it had been in an area with people from mixed communities, then a communal flare up could have taken place ... and the BJP is doing this directly under their party flag," she alleged.

Elaborating on the role of the peace-keeping force, Banerjee said, "They will be on look out for people trying to create division in the society and disrupt its peace."

"The police alone cannot do everything. These Shanti Bahinis will be in every booth of the state. Local police stations will form Shanti Bahinis involving the youth, students and peace-loving people from the locality," she said.
An upscale Bangladeshi restaurant has banned foreign guests, fearing a repeat of last year's deadly terrorist attack in a Dhaka cafe, the owner said Thursday.

Lake Terrace, a reputed rooftop barbeque restaurant in the capital's northern Uttara neighbourhood, put a notice at its entrance saying no foreigners were welcome.

Shah Tanzil, the owner of Lake Terrace, said the order had come from his landlord.

"We had no choice but to follow the landlord's instruction," he told AFP.

"We are ashamed. But we cannot suddenly shut down our business as it's our bread and butter."

The landlord of the five-storey building told local English newspaper, The Daily Star, he feared foreigners were the primary targets of the extremists.

"Who would take the responsibility if something bad happens?" he told the daily, on condition of anonymity.

Five armed young men entered the Holey Artisan Bakery last year in the city's diplomatic quarters and killed at least 22 people, mostly foreigners, after taking them hostage.

The Islamic State group claimed the attack, although the government blamed a homegrown Islamist extremist organisation.

The move to close the cafe to foreigners comes after a fresh warning apparently from an IS operative who said the group was expanding its operations in Bangladesh.

The US-based monitoring group SITE said Abu Shofiq Al Bengali had posted a message on Wednesday, warning of a "strong trained brigade of thousand brothers" in Bangladesh, Myanmar and the Indian state of West Bengal.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), an elite force fighting militancy in the Muslim-majority nation, said they were investigating the authenticity of the post.

"We are verifying the statement, whether it is credible," RAB spokesman Mufti Mahmud Khan told AFP.

Bangladeshi has seen a spate of fatal attacks on foreigners, secular rights activists and religious minorities in recent years.

The Holey Bakery cafe attack led to a major crackdown on Islamist militants, nearly 70 of whom have been shot dead by security forces.
Beijing: China is planning to launch a road and rail freight service to Pakistan through the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a move which could raise concerns in India.

The new line will start from Lanzhou, capital of northwestern China's Gansu Province, travelling through Kashgar in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region to the Gwadar port of Pakistan, Xu Chunhua, director of Lanzhou International Trade and Logistic Park, was quoted as saying by state-run Xinhua news agency.

However, it has not been specified when the service will be launched.

In May last year, a rail and road cargo service opened between Lanzhou and Kathmandu.

Xu said the cargo service has been welcomed by south Asian countries.

In 2016, bilateral trade between China and Nepal was over $ 440 million, and the volume is forecast to hit 10 billion yuan this year.

Last November, China launched the first trade convoy carrying Chinese goods for export through the western route of the $ 50 billion CPEC being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and shipped it through Gwadar port.

The CPEC plan included a train service connecting both the countries in addition to the road connectivity.

The goods were brought by train till Xinjiang and then taken by trucks through the Karakoram mountains. The goods will be exported to countries in the Middle East and Africa.

India has objected to $ 46 billion CPEC which is part of the Silk Road.

Pakistan's Gwadar forms the southern Pakistan hub of a $ 57 billion CPEC of infrastructure and energy projects Beijing announced in 2014.

Last year, Pakistan welcomed the first large shipment of Chinese goods at Gwadar, where the China overseas port holding company took over operations in 2013. It plans to eventually handle 300 million to 400 million tonnes of cargo a year.

The route through Gwadar offers China its shortest path to the oil-rich Middle East, Africa, and most of the Western hemisphere, besides promising to open up remote, landlocked Xinjiang.
US President Donald Trump pledged his backing for NATO at the start of a high-stakes visit to Europe on Thursday as he warned that the future of the West was at risk.

In key US ally Poland on the first leg of the trip, he also accused Russia of "destabilising" action and warned North Korea it faced "consequences" after an intercontinental ballistic missile test that has alarmed the international community.

On the eve of what is likely to be a prickly G20 summit, with Trump facing animosity from traditional US allies, he used his keynote address in Warsaw to warn that a lack of collective resolve could doom an alliance that endured through the Cold War.

"The defence of the West ultimately rests not only on means but also on the will of its people to prevail," he said.

"The fundamental question of our time is whether the West has the will to survive."

Seeking to ease allies' concerns about the US commitment to NATO, Trump endorsed its one-for-all-and-all-for-one mutual defence pact.

"The United States has demonstrated not merely with words, but with it actions, that we stand firmly behind Article Five," he said, while calling for more defence spending on the eastern side of the Atlantic.

"The transatlantic bond between the United States and Europe is as strong as ever, and maybe in many ways, even stronger," he added.

Speaking in a country alarmed by Moscow's increasing military assertiveness, Trump  just a day before he meets President Vladimir Putin at the G20  offered rare criticism of Russia's "destabilising" behaviour.

He also said Moscow "may have" tried to influence the 2016 election that brought him to power, but suggested others too may have been involved.

Very bad behaviour

Looming large over his entire European trip is Pyongyang's test of an ICBM that could deliver a nuclear payload to Alaska.

In his first public remarks since the test, Trump said Pyongyang's military sabre-rattling must bring "consequences" and warned he was considering a "severe" response to its "very, very bad behaviour".

After repeatedly urging Beijing to ratchet up the economic pressure on North Korea, Trump will hold what promises to be a testy meeting with Chinese president Xi Jinping at the G20 in the German city of Hamburg.

The White House wanted to use Trump's Warsaw speech  with its echoes of historic Ronald Reagan and John F Kennedy's addresses overseas  to burnish his credentials as a global statesman and deflect suggestions he is making the United States a virtual pariah.

Speaking at Krasinski Square  which memorialises the Warsaw uprising against Nazi occupation  Trump pointed to Poland as an example of resolve in the defence of Western traditions.

"The people of Poland, the people of America, and the people of Europe still cry out 'We want God'," Trump said.

"Our citizens did not win freedom together. Did not survive horrors together. Did not face down evil together only to lose our freedom to a lack of pride and confidence in our values."

Referring to the Nazi and Soviet invasions of Poland, he said: "That's tough."

Around 10,000 people turned out to see him, many arriving on free buses laid on by Poland's conservative ruling party, which was eager to ensure Trump got the adulation he craves.

Blow to global consensus

But he is likely to encounter a cool reception elsewhere.

While Trump positions himself as a leader with the vision to confront an epoch-making crisis, for many US allies in Europe and beyond it is Trump himself who has called the world order  and a century of American global leadership  into doubt.

"Trump's decisions to pull out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Paris climate accord have dealt a blow to the near-global consensus," said Dmitri Trenin, director for the Carnegie Moscow Center.

In public, European officials profess the decades-old transatlantic partnership to be inviolable but in private, they wonder whether it can survive four or eight years with an impulsive and capricious US president at the helm.

Trump's four-day swing continues to the northern German city of Hamburg where tricky geopolitical currents  from rumbling transatlantic discord over defence and climate change to increasingly difficult ties with China  will converge.

Friday's meeting between Trump and Putin will  among other things  be pored over for its significance to US domestic politics.

Asked about possible Russian meddling in the November election, Trump said: "I think it could very well have been Russia. I think it could well have been other countries."

Several of Trump's closest aides are under investigation for possible ties with Moscow, which US intelligence agencies say tried to tilt the election in the Republican candidate's favour.

The scandal continues to eat away at his administration, with key White House staff being forced to hire their own lawyers and spend time rebuffing new allegations.
Moscow: President Donald Trump on Friday will be the fourth American leader that Russian President Vladimir Putin has faced since taking helm in 2000 when they meet on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit. Under Putin's watch, US-Russia ties have zigzagged wildly between periods of tensions and relative warmth.

A brief glance at the ebb and flow of those relations since 2000:

Early hopes

When Putin was first elected in March 2000, US-Russia ties were bitterly strained over the US-led NATO's bombing of Yugoslavia in 1999. Those tensions contrasted with friendly relations between Moscow and Washington under President Bill Clinton and Russia's first president, Boris Yeltsin, throughout the 1990s.

Putin quickly sought to establish warm ties with Clinton and other Western leaders. When Clinton visited Moscow in June 2000, the Russian president even suggested that Russia could join NATO  a proposal that has failed to get traction. In July 2000, Putin tried unsuccessfully to persuade North Korea to abandon its missile program when he paid a surprise visit to Pyongyang en route to the G8 summit in Japan.

Brief partnership

Soon after President George W Bush's inauguration, Putin met with him in Slovenia in June 2001. The meeting helped establish friendly ties, with Bush famously saying that he came to trust Putin after looking him in the eye and getting a sense of his soul.

Putin became the first foreign leader to call Bush after the September 11 attacks, and he welcomed the US deployment to formerly Soviet Central Asia for the war in Afghanistan. In another goodwill gesture, Putin shut down Soviet-era military facilities in Cuba and Vietnam. US missile defense plans cast a shadow over otherwise warm ties, but Russia and NATO signed a 2002 pact that set up a joint council to tackle common threats such as terrorism and nuclear proliferation.

Tensions rising

The US invasion of Iraq in 2003, which Russia criticized, marked a turning point and ties began to sour.

Moscow viewed the 2004 Orange protests in Ukraine against a fraudulent presidential vote as an attempt by Washington to expand its clout and hurt Russia's interests in the former Soviet nation. The tensions kept boiling and a brief war between Russia and Georgia in 2008 led to a freeze in Russia-US relations.

A reset and a new cold war

President Barack Obama moved to "reset" ties with Russia soon after his election, visiting Moscow in July 2009.

Even though Putin continued to call the shots as prime minister, Obama focused on building warm ties with Putin's ally, President Dmitry Medvedev. When Medvedev stepped down in 2012 to let his mentor reclaim the top job, Putin accused the US of fomenting mass protests in Moscow against his return to the presidency.

US-Russia relations steadily degraded as the Kremlin moved to stifle dissent, tighten restrictions on foreign nongovernmental organisations and ban US adoptions of Russian children. They plunged to a new low in 2013 when Russia granted political asylum to NSA contractor Edward Snowden despite US requests for his extradition.

When Ukraine's Russia-friendly president was driven from office in February 2014 after months of protests, Putin blamed the US for engineering his ouster. Moscow quickly annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and offered support to pro-Russia separatist insurgents in eastern Ukraine, triggering Western sanctions.

Trump and Russia

The Kremlin has rejoiced over Trump's victory in the US presidential election after his campaign promises to improve ties with Russia. But US congressional and FBI investigations into Trump campaign officials' links with Russia thwarted Putin's hopes for a quick meeting, making the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, the earliest possible venue.

Putin has denied meddling in the US vote and criticized the Democrats for failing to acknowledge the mistakes he says helped Trump win. He has praised Trump and voiced readiness to cooperate with the US on stabilising Syria, fighting terrorism and tackling other global issues.
Moscow: For Russian President Vladimir Putin, a meeting with US counterpart Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Germany offers a long-sought opportunity to negotiate a rapprochement with Washington. But controversy over the Trump campaign's ties with Russia will loom over the talks, making any agreements unlikely.

Rarely in recent history has a meeting of two heads of state generated so much excitement, anxiety and hope.

The Kremlin views Friday's encounter as a watershed moment that could ease Russia-West tensions. Some in the US, meanwhile, worry that Trump could make unjustified concessions to Russia.

Amid investigations into possible collusion with Moscow by Trump's campaign, any deal with Putin would expose Trump to more criticism. And if the two fail to get along, that would further exacerbate tensions between Moscow and Washington and put them on a collision course in regions around the world.

"If Putin comes to the conclusion that even if Russia and the US reach agreement, Trump would be unable to implement it for domestic policy reasons, he would lose interest in seeking an agreement," said Dmitri Trenin, the director of the Carnegie Moscow Center.

Putin, a KGB veteran who once described himself as an "expert in personal communications," always focuses closely on trying to establish warm ties with his counterparts. Kremlin-watchers say Putin meticulously prepares for meetings with foreign leaders, studying their track records and personal habits.

"He believes that personalities  not states, armies or companies  determine the course of global events," Trenin said.

Fyodor Lukyanov, the head of the Council for Foreign and Defense Policies, said even if Putin and Trump develop a good rapport, Trump's ability to deliver on his promises will be a key factor for the Russian leader.

"If Putin has a positive view, as a minimum he will give (Trump) more time to sort things out," he said. "But he could possibly conclude that he (Trump) may not succeed in sorting things out and, moreover, doesn't really want an honest deal. If Putin decides it's not going to work, he will drop all constraints."

The tense environment for the Trump-Putin meeting contrasts with the Kremlin's early expectations.

The Kremlin was very pleased with Trump's presidential victory, since he promised to improve ties with Russia and praised Putin during the campaign. It had hoped for a quick meeting after Trump's inauguration in January, but US congressional and FBI investigations into links between Trump campaign aides and Russia blocked an early encounter.

In the last few months, Moscow's hopes that Trump could act to lift the sanctions imposed on Russia over the Ukrainian crisis have withered. Putin and his lieutenants have also become increasingly impatient about US-Russia ties remaining at a freezing point.

"We realize that the situation is difficult and relations with Russia have become hostage to the US political infighting, but so what?" Putin foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov said this week. "We have difficulties of our own."

Russia and the US have struggled to even set a specific time for Friday's meeting and the White House says there's "no specific agenda" for it. When the two presidents finally sit down for a talk, sharp differences remain on a wide range of issues, from Syria and the Ukrainian crisis to nuclear arms control.

While Trump has said the US and Russia could pool efforts to fight the Islamic State group in Syria, Moscow's firm support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad makes any agreement unlikely.

Moscow responded angrily when Trump ordered a missile strike on a Syrian base in April after a chemical attack blamed on Assad's forces, and was also vexed by the US downing of a Syrian warplane in June. After last month's incident, the Russian military suspended a hotline with the US to prevent mid-air incidents and warned that it would track US-led coalition aircraft as potential targets over Syria.

And when the White House warned last week that Assad was preparing for another chemical attack and would "pay a heavy price" if he launches it, Russia responded by offering the Syrian ruler a tour of its air base.

Even though the Russian and US militaries in Syria have worked out a way to avoid collisions, the situation could grow more unstable if Putin and Trump fail to get along, Trenin warned.

Bitter differences over Ukraine haven't been resolved. Some US lawmakers have been pushing the White House to approve the delivery of weapons to the Ukrainian military in response to Moscow's support for separatists in eastern Ukraine  a move that would cross a red line for the Kremlin.

Also clouding Friday's meeting are Washington's concerns about Russian violations of a landmark Cold-War era nuclear arms deal. Moscow has rejected those claims and instead accused the US of breaching the pact.

The only issue where observers think a deal could be made is President Barack Obama's decision in December to shut down Russian Embassy compounds in Maryland and on Long Island, New York. The Kremlin emphasised this week that it has shown remarkable restraint by failing to respond tit-for-tat and warned that its patience is running out.

US officials have indicated that Washington expects Moscow to make some trade-offs in exchange for the two properties, but analysts in Moscow say the Kremlin isn't prepared to bargain on this.

"I would be surprised if Vladimir Putin offers any concessions in exchange for restoring what Russia sees as its inalienable rights," Trenin said. "If no agreement is reached, Russia will take retaliatory measures, which could trigger new US moves."
Hamburg: US president Donald Trump arrived Thursday in the German port city of Hamburg to attend what is expected to be the most fractious G20 summit in years.

The US leader, accompanied by his wife Melania, was greeted by the mayor of the northern city-state, Olaf Scholz, on arrival at Hamburg airport where Trump and the US First Lady boarded a US military helicopter for the city centre.

Trump's "America First" stance and climate scepticism have rattled Western allies who have pledged to uphold free trade principles and implement the 2015 Paris climate accord.

On the sidelines of the G20 gathering of leaders, Trump will also meet face-to-face with Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Friday for the first time in a closely watched meeting amid accusations of Russian meddling in US elections.

The two leaders also face an array of contentious foreign policy issues, from Syria to Ukraine to North Korea.

Ahead of his visit to Germany, Trump warned in a landmark speech in Warsaw that the future of the West was at risk.
The Qatar government banned its citizens and residents from leaving the country, as the extended deadline to meet a list of demands set by several West Asians nations draws close, media reports said.

Qatar had earlier responded to the deadline with defiance, calling the demands "unrealistic and is not actionable".

The ban on its citizens moving out of Qatar was announced on Monday along with other drastic measures undertaken by the government to face the deteriorating economic and social situation in the country, Khaleej Times reported.

All leaves prior to the Eid holidays had also been cancelled for residents, especially for those working in the public sector, including hospitals, according to the report. The ban has later been extended to cover several other sectors.

According to Khaleej Times, a Qatari official said some leaves had been cancelled in "essential government sectors" to keep staff on hand as authorities made plans to cope with the crisis.

Qatar expects harsh measures by the Arab nations if they are not satisfied by its response to a list of demands made nearly two weeks ago. The demands included Doha ending support for the Muslim Brotherhood, closing broadcaster Al Jazeera, downgrading diplomatic ties with Iran and shutting down a Turkish military base in the emirate.

Saudi Arabia and its allies announced on 5 June they were severing ties with their Gulf neighbour, sparking the worst diplomatic crisis to hit the region in decades.

They accused Qatar of supporting extremism and of being too close to Saudi Arabia's regional arch-rival Iran, which Doha has strongly denied. "It's not about terrorism, it's talking about shutting down the freedom of speech," Qatar's foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani had said.

The crisis has raised concerns about growing instability in the region, home to some of the world's largest energy exporters and several key Western allies who host United States military bases.

With inputs from agencies
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia, which is leading a four-country blockade of Gulf neighbour Qatar, on Thursday accused Doha of being behind over 23,000 Twitter accounts it blames for trying to stoke dissent in Saudi Arabia.

"We found over 23,000 Twitter accounts driven by Qatar, some of them linked to accounts calling for 'revolution' in Saudi Arabia," information minister Awwad Saleh al-Awwad told AFP during a visit to Paris.

They included the @mujtahidd account, which claims to have the inside track on the Saudi royal household and has over 1.8 million followers, he said.

The account, which has backed Qatar, claimed that Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates had set out to overthrow Qatari emir sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani but decided against after coming under pressure from the United States, an ally of both Riyadh and Doha.

Al-Awwad accused a London-based Saudi dissident, Saad al-Faqih, of being behind the account, "together with Qatar".

While some of @mujtahidd's claims have proven false, it reported the death of Saudi King Abdullah in 2015 a few hours before the news was officially announced.

Some of the other accounts identified by Riyadh as being Qatari proxies were behind calls for protests by the jobless on 21 April, he said.

In the end, there were no major demonstrations in Qatar, with police flooding the capital.

Further calls for protests during the holy fasting month of Ramadan also went largely unheeded.

"They failed," al-Awwad declared.

His remarks came as Saudi Arabia vowed to push on with its month-old boycott of Qatar after the emirate refused to meet a list of demands to end the diplomatic crisis.

These include Doha ending support for the Muslim Brotherhood and closing its flagship broadcaster Al-Jazeera.

Saudi Arabia and its supporters have severed air, sea and ground links with Qatar, cutting off vital routes for imports including food.

Qatar has dismissed the demands as "unrealistic".
Islamabad: Attorney-General for Pakistan Ashtar Ausaf will represent the country against India at the International Court of Justice in the case involving Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed the ICJ registrar at Peace Palace in The Hague that Ausaf would be the "agent" for Pakistan in the case whereas Mohammad Faisal, country's foreign affairs director general would continue to act as the "co-agent".

The term "agent" is described as a top functionary of the government who leads the delegation to represent a country and usually opens arguments or presents a framework followed by the legal team in the ICJ.

This also means that all future exchanges or information between Pakistan and the ICJ will be made through the Attorney General's office.

Soon after a meeting between ICJ president Ronny Abraham and delegations of Pakistan and India on 8 June in the Netherlands, Ausaf had informed the world court about Pakistan's intention to appoint an ad-hoc judge to the ICJ bench for all proceedings, including the substantive hearing in the Jadhav case.

Pakistan has dismissed India's consular access request to Jadhav more than 15 times. India has accused Pakistan of repeatedly violating the Vienna Convention by doing so.

India had approached the world court in May seeking provisional stay to execution of Jadhav which was granted.

The 15-member bench backed India's contention that there had been a violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations as New Delhi's requests for consular access to its national had been denied 16 times.

Pakistan, which announced the death sentence on Jadhav on 10 April, claims its security forces arrested him from its restive Balochistan province on 3 March last year after he reportedly entered from Iran. However, India maintains that he was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy.
Mexico City: At least 15 people died in a huge shootout between police and two rival drug gangs in northern Mexico, authorities said.

The pre-dawn battle near the remote town of Las Varas started as a firefight between rival drug trafficking gangs, then escalated when police arrived, said Eduardo Esparza of the prosecutor's office for the state of Chihuahua, which borders the United States.

The region is hotly disputed territory for Mexico's drug cartels because its mountainous terrain and proximity to the border make it a strategic corridor for shipping narcotics to the United States.

Investigators believe the groups involved in the shootout were "La Linea"  the armed wing of the Juarez cartel  and hitmen from the powerful Sinaloa cartel, Esparza said.

Fifteen people died  all from the drug gangs  and five more were arrested, state police chief Oscar Aparicio told Radio Formula.

It was the latest in a series of deadly clashes between police, rival drug gangs and warring factions within the Sinaloa cartel, which has been in turmoil since its kingpin, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, was extradited to the United States in January.

Last Friday, 17 gunmen were killed in a spectacular shootout with police on a highway in Sinaloa, the northwestern state that is the Guzman cartel's home base.

May was the deadliest month in Mexico since the government began keeping track in 1997, with 2,186 homicides.
Jerusalem: A beach stroll by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu caused online waves on Thursday, with the two men seen wading barefoot into the surf together.

The beach trip came on the last day of Modi's visit to Israel, the first-ever by an Indian prime minister. They had gone to the beach to see a demonstration of a mobile water desalination unit.

It was closed to journalists, but images and video were distributed by the Israeli government showing the two men walking barefoot together into the water at Olga beach in northern Israel.

     ! There's nothing like going to the beach with friends!@narendramodi pic.twitter.com/bmVNbQNdgt  Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) July 6, 2017

Israel leads the  in water & desalination. We'll share our technology with India & provide clean water for millions. I'm proud of Israel! pic.twitter.com/DTY4BQ8RdU  Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) July 6, 2017

Some on social media took Netanyahu to task for not sufficiently rolling up his trousers, with images showing them getting wet. Others joked about a budding "bromance".

Don't worry about your trousers merey dost, bheegney do. Look at me! Olga Beach #ModiInIsrael pic.twitter.com/haJurTY1CZ    (@KanchanGupta) July 6, 2017

When your School principle Asked. Nails dikhao pic.twitter.com/j4VLzdtIo2  DJ (@PJcrackerr) July 6, 2017

"Chal, bhool ja use dusri mil jayegi " pic.twitter.com/AgKfNkHbe4  007 (@James_Beyond) July 6, 2017

Beach Beach Mein ... Jab Harry Met Sejal @ Olga Beach! #IndiaIsraelStartup pic.twitter.com/s8S42hOA4O  Sugandh (@sugandh) July 6, 2017

They later drove together in the mobile water desalination unit  which looked like a dune buggy  and sipped samples from wine glasses, even toasting before they did.

Modi and Netanyahu have sought to extend Indian-Israeli cooperation beyond the billions of dollars in defence deals between them during the three-day visit.

The two leaders presented a series of agreements for cooperation on satellite technology, water and agriculture, as well as the creation of a $40 million innovation fund.

Israel already sells to India an average of $1 billion per year in military equipment. The country has also excelled at water and agriculture technology, which India has shown an interest in.

Modi's visit marks 25 years since India and Israel established diplomatic relations.

With inputs from AFP
Baghdad: Up to 20,000 civilians are trapped in the last Islamic State group-held areas in Mosul's Old City, which Iraqi forces are battling to retake, a senior UN official said on Thursday.

More than eight months since the start of the operation to retake Mosul, Islamic State has gone from fully controlling the city to holding a small pocket of territory on the west bank of the Tigris River.

But the fighting against the last Islamic State holdouts is heavy, and civilians caught in the middle of the battle are in "extreme danger," UN humanitarian coordinator in Iraq Lise Grande told AFP.

"Our estimate at this stage is that in the final pockets of the Old City, there could be as many as 15,000 civilians, possibly even as high as 20,000.

"The people that are still trapped inside of these pockets are in terrible condition," facing shortages of food, she said.

"They're in extreme danger from bombardment, from artillery crossfire. The militant fighters that are still there are still directly targeting civilians if they try and leave."

The battle has pushed 915,000 to flee their homes, nearly 700,000 of whom are still displaced.

"We exceeded our worst case scenario more than a month ago. In our very worst-case scenario, we thought that 750,000 people would flee," Grande said.

The damage caused by the fighting in west Mosul  and the cost of addressing it  is huge.

There are "44 residential neighbourhoods in western Mosul. Six are nearly completely destroyed, twenty-two neighbourhoods are moderately damaged and 16 are lightly damaged," Grande said.

Based on a preliminary assessment, the first phase of "stabilisation" in west Mosul  which includes basic services, infrastructure, housing, education and police stations  will cost $ 707 million.

That is nearly double the expected figure, "because the level of damage in western Mosul is far higher than what we feared it would be," she said.

Islamic State overran large areas north and west of Baghdad in 2014, but Iraqi forces backed by US-led air strikes and other support have since regained much of the ground they lost.

The recapture of Mosul will not however mark the end of the war against Islamic State.

The jihadist group holds territory elsewhere in Iraq as well as in neighbouring Syria, and has been able to carry out attacks in government-held areas.
New Delhi: As many as 12 strategic pacts envisaging investments worth US $4.3 billion were signed between Indian and Israeli companies at the first meeting of CEO forum in Tel Aviv today, according to Ficci.

"The forum identified and stressed on the need to realise opportunities in focus sectors identified during the first meeting of CEOs forum. There was a consensus that the current trade volume amounting to just over US $4 billion has the potential to reach US $20 billion in the next five years. To realise this goal, the forum underlined key recommendations to two heads of states," the industry body said in its statement.

Post the meeting, the forum members called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and the co-chair from both sides submitted a brief meeting outcome report to them for developing future course of economic engagements.

"It is a very exhilarating for me to share that during this historic visit of our prime minister to Israel, 12 MoUs are signed between Indian and Israeli companies," Ficci President Pankaj Patel said.

The CEOs from both sides also identified focus sectors for mutual collaboration that included agriculture, irrigation, water treatment, urban infrastructure, transport (including high speed railways and metro), pharma, life- sciences, digital technologies, IT and ITes, start ups and innovation and defence and homeland security.

Shraga Brosh, co-chair from the forum from Israeli side, said: "We have identified great business opportunities for Israeli companies in India in sectors such as transport infrastructure, including roads, railways, civil aviation and traffic management systems, smart cities, renewable energies, water and environment, automotive, food, naval and aerospace industries and defence."

During the forum meeting, Invest India promoted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry shared that a dedicated desk has been set up in their organisation to promote Israeli investments into India and partnerships between India and Israel. It will act as a single-window agency providing comprehensive services for all Indo-Israel ventures.
Tel Aviv: Indians in Israel, especially Jews, have expressed "joy" with Prime Minister Narendra Modi "surpassing" their expectations in addressing some of their key concerns and making them feel proud of their roots.

"I was almost in tears. We knew that prime minister Modi has tried to invigorate the Indian diaspora across the world and make them feel proud of their roots. He has connected so well with them everywhere he has gone and has not forgotten to reach out to them," Yona Maliker, who immigrated from Seoni, a place near Nagpur, 33 years ago, said.

"It was joy beyond belief to hear at the way he passionately talked about our connection with our motherland. It is a historic visit the Indian Jews will remember for a long time," Maliker said.

Modi "touched the nerve" of all Indian communities living in Israel by bringing up stories that they could relate to.

"He had something cheerful to say about the Bene Israel, the Cochinis, the Baghdadis, the Bnei Menashe but also did not disappoint Indian students and a small group of caregivers who work in Israel," Brajesh, a student from Bihar at the Hebrew University noted.

"Extending the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards to all Indians in Israel, irrespective of their army service, is the 'biggest gift' I think he could give us and he didn't disappoint," Sybil Ezekiel, who immigrated to Israel from Kolkata in 1970 where she studied at Jewish Girls School, he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced on Wednesday that people of Indian origin in Israel will get the OCI cards even if they have undergone the compulsory army service in the country.

"I want my children and my nephews and nieces, who all take pride in their Indian descent to stay connected to our roots. Everybody in Israel has to serve in the army and that cannot be the reason for denying them OCI. The prime minister touched our hearts with the words he used while extending us this gift," she said.

Sam Satamkar, a 70-year-old Indian Jew of Bene Israel, who came all the way from Beersheva in southern Israel said that the Indian Premier "surpassed" all expectations by even going ahead to make an announcement regarding the opening of an Indian Cultural Centre in Israel.

Noah Massil, who was the founder President of Organisation of Indian Jews in Israel and the editor of a Marathi journal, Maiboli, a magazine that was referred by Modi in his speech, was "overwhelmed" at the announcement regarding the Indian cultural centre.

"We have reached out to Indian and Israeli authorities regarding the creation of such a thing and pursued it for many years. Prime minister Modi has fulfilled a long cherished dream which will help keep our next generation engaged with our motherland," Massil said.

A lot of Indian Jews, who attended prime minister Modi's event on Wednesday, said the way the Indian premier went around talking about the Indian Jews has helped "raise their stature" and "made them feel proud".

"We always took pride in our roots. We always tried to tell everybody that ours was the only country that never discriminated against the Jews. Our ancestors lived there in harmony with respect," David Nagani, a bus driver in Jerusalem from the Bene Israel community, said

"But people hardly listened to us because India never came out in the open so strongly regarding its ties with Israel and the diplomatic relations were established so late," he said.

"Suddenly, Prime Minister Modi comes here. Our PM Benjamin Netanyahu extends him the welcome never given to any world leader. And everybody seems to hear us," he said.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who also accompanied Modi during his meeting with the Indian community, said, "Prime minister, these are the Jews of India. They love India, they love Israel. They love our friendship."

"There was a time, a few decades ago and a few years ago, when this natural partnership was somehow frozen. There was a young woman, her name was Tzipora Meir, a young Jewish woman in Cochin. She wrote an essay 50 years ago, just before the Six Day War, and the essay was the deep desire she had to see the partnership between India and Israel," Netanyahu said.
Niamey (Niger): Niger's army has killed 14 displaced people who were mistaken for jihadists in the restive southeast where Boko Haram Islamists have staged regular attacks, a local official said Thursday.

"It's an error by the military that cost the lives of 14 civilians... refugees and displaced people," the official from the Diffa region, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP.

A local journalist, also speaking anonymously, confirmed his account. "The soldiers mistook them for Boko Haram fighters. The army has been on edge after the last two attacks in this area," he said.

Civil and military authorities in Diffa were not immediately reachable for comment.

The regional official said the civilians had been returning to their village in the Abadam area  which they had fled due to Boko Haram violence  in order to tend to their fields.

"They had not warned the authorities" that they were going back, he said.

The village lies within a no-go zone which is only accessible with prior authorisation, near the Komadougou river which serves as a natural border between Niger and Nigeria.

Niger authorities evacuated civilians from the border zone in May 2015 as military operations against the Nigeria-based Boko Haram gained pace.

The decision was unpopular with many villagers who were forced into camps for displaced people. Some of them have been returning to tend to their crops, despite the entry ban.

News of the civilian deaths came just two days after Diffa authorities said Boko Haram had kidnapped 37 children and slit the throats of nine other people in the village of Ngalewa, near the Nigerian border.

On 29 June, a suicide bombing carried out by two women in the nearby village of Kabalewa killed two people.

Diffa, which has a population of around 600,000 people, has suffered a string of Boko Haram attacks since 2015 against both military targets and civilians.

Around 300,000 people displaced by jihadist attacks have taken refuge in the region, which already grapples with grinding poverty.
United Nations: The United States led a push at the United Nations Security Council for tougher sanctions on North Korea, while warning the isolated regime's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile had drastically narrowed the path for diplomacy.

In a hard-hitting address to the council, US Ambassador Nikki Haley Wednesday said Tuesday's ICBM test had made "the world a more dangerous place," and that Washington was ready to use force if need be to deal with the threat of a nuclear- armed Pyongyang.

But after US and South Korean forces fired off missiles simulating a precision strike against North Korea's leadership, Haley also made clear Washington would exhaust diplomatic avenues before it resorts to confrontation, promising to submit a new draft sanctions resolution within days.

"Make no mistake, North Korea's launch of an ICBM is a clear and sharp military escalation," Haley warned in a full-throated denunciation of a missile test Kim Jong-Un styled as a gift to "American bastards."

"The United States is prepared to use the full range of our capabilities to defend ourselves and our allies," she said. "One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces. We will use them if we must. But we prefer not to have to go in that direction."

While Pyongyang's actions were "quickly closing off the possibility of a diplomatic solution," Haley said "there remains more that the international community can and must do, diplomatically and economically."

The US focus, she told the council, was on how to push through tighter sanctions, which could target countries that continue to trade with North Korea, curb oil exports to the isolated country, tighten air and maritime restrictions and impose travel bans on its officials.

And she singled out China - increasingly in the crosshairs of the US administration as the North's sole major ally and economic lifeline - as key to any diplomatic solution.

"We will work with China - we will work with any and every country that believes in peace -- but we will not repeat the inadequate approaches of the past that have brought us to this dark day."

Tuesday's launch marked a milestone in Pyongyang's decades-long drive for the capability to threaten the US mainland with a nuclear strike, and poses a stark foreign policy challenge for Donald Trump.

The US president had dismissed the idea of the North possessing a working ICBM, vowing it "won't happen", but experts said the missile could reach Alaska or even further towards the continental US.

While the new US sanctions push won backing from France, it raised immediate protests from fellow permanent Security Council member Russia whose Deputy Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov warned that "sanctions will not resolve the issue."

China did not immediately address the call for sanctions, but its Ambassador Liu Jieyi once more pushed Beijing's alternative proposal for talks based on a freeze of North Korea's missile and nuclear tests, in exchange for a halt to US-South Korean military drills.

"China has always been firmly opposed to chaos and conflict on the Korean peninsula. Military means must not be an option in this regard," Liu said.
United Nations: Russia on Thursday blocked a UN Security Council statement calling for "significant measures" in response to North Korea's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile.

The United States had circulated the statement for adoption by the 15-member council after announcing plans for a new sanctions resolution, but Russia raised objections, UN diplomats said.

The draft statement recalled that the council had agreed to take "further significant measures" in the event of another nuclear test or missile launch and that the top UN body would "begin to work immediately on such measures."

Russia blocked the measure, arguing that it had not been verified that the launch involved an intercontinental missile, said a council diplomat.

The United States and the United Nations have said the Hwasong-14 launched on Tuesday was of intercontinental range.

The draft statement included a strong condemnation of the launch, setting the stage for a draft resolution on tougher sanctions that the United States said it planned to present in the coming days.

Addressing an emergency council meeting on Wednesday, Russian Deputy Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov said Moscow opposed the move, arguing that "sanctions will not resolve the issue."

"Any attempts to justify a military solution are inadmissible and will lead to unpredictable consequences for the region," warned Safronkov.

"In the same manner, attempts to economically strangle North Korea are equally unacceptable, as millions of North Koreans remain in need of humanitarian aid," he added.

US Ambassador Nikki Haley called the launch "a clear and sharp military escalation" and warned that Washington was ready to use military force "but we prefer not to have to go in that direction."

The launch, described by leader Kim Jong-Un as a "gift" to Americans as they prepared to celebrate Independence Day, marked a milestone in Pyongyang's decades-long drive for the capability to threaten the US mainland with a nuclear strike.
Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday expressed concern over the reported sale of advanced weapons to India by some countries, saying it would undermine the strategic balance in the region. "Pakistan will continue to raise its voice at the international fora which should objectively assess its actions and policies towards South Asian region," Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said at his weekly media briefing.

His comments came amid reports that the US has cleared the sale of predator Guardian drones to India. Zakaria said Pakistan was concerned about the issue of its national security which would be safeguarded at every cost. He also rejected allegations about presence of the Haqqani network in Pakistan and said that it was just "rhetoric" and effort to shift blame on his country.

"The killing of a number of commanders of Haqqani network in Afghanistan clearly indicate that the group is based in Afghanistan and not operating from Pakistan," he said. He also claimed that in Pakistan there was no organised presence of any terror outfit like the Taliban, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, Islamic State and Al-Qaeda.

Zakaria said that during the visit of the US delegation headed by Senator John McCain, matters pertaining to Afghanistan were discussed. He repeated Pakistan's support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. He alleged that New Delhi was against peace in the war-torn country.

The spokesperson also said that there are reports of Indian forces using ammunition containing chemical agents and precursors in Kashmir. "We call upon the international community, particularly, relevant International organisations to initiate investigations into these reports," he added.
Quetta: Gunmen on Thursday shot and killed a Pakistani regional political party leader in the city of Quetta, police said, the latest violence in the southwestern province of Baluchistan.

Malik Naveed, 38, and his guard, Mohammad Zareef, 42, died en route to hospital after gunmen riding two motorcycles attacked his car shortly after he had left his home, Superintendent of Police Ashraf Jattak said.

One of Naveed's relatives, who was with him in the car, was wounded.

Naveed is one of the leaders of the Opposition Baluchistan National Party, which advocates for more funds from the province's rich natural resources to go to the indigenous ethnic Baluch people.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Baluchistan province, of which Quetta is the capital, has long been home to an insurgency by the nationalist and separatist groups, who accuse the central government of discrimination in distribution of revenues from oil, gas and minerals.

Taliban and al Qaeda militants, as well as Islamic State-aligned Sunni sectarian groups also operate in the province, which borders Afghanistan and Iran.

Violence in Baluchistan has raised concerns about security for projects related to the $57 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor, a planned transport and energy link between western China to Pakistan's southern deep-water port of Gwadar.
There was big hype surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modis Israel visit; naturally so, as it was the first visit by an Indian prime minister to a country which has earned notoriety worldwide because of the military occupation of Arab territory for half a century.

In fact, Modis visit coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Israeli conquest of the West Bank and East Jerusalem that saw hundreds of thousands of Palestinian homes uprooted and substituted by Jews-only settlements after the infamous 1967 Six-Day War (Israels action has a glaring parallel to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir).

In December, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) passed a resolution condemning all measures aimed at altering demographic composition, character and status of the Palestinian territory, occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, a resolution which even the Barack Obama administration refused to block, despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus earnest plea to the then US president.

The last time the UNSC had adopted such a biting resolution on Israeli settlements was 36 years ago. The United States, which had, for decades been a staunch backer of Israeli interests said this about the resolution: The US has called for settlements to stop for five decades and that allowing its passage was in line with bipartisan US policy.

The United Kingdoms ambassador to the United Nations was even more forthright when he said that the resolution was a sober recognition that the two-state solution is slipping away and that Israels settlement expansion is corroding the possibility of a lasting peace in the Middle East.

Modi was visiting Israel in the backdrop of this spectre: A 50-year occupation haunting the West Asian country. In March, Netanyahu visited China and met President Xi Jinping. The Chinese leader was quite categorical that Israel must work towards a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital. The same sentiment was also conveyed to the Israeli government when former Chinese president Jiang Zemin visited Israel in 2000.

India too, had a long-held diplomatic tradition of asking for a peaceful settlement in West Asia and the creation of Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. This has been reiterated by successive India-Israeli meetings and confabulations. To emphasise the point, every Indian dignitary visiting Israel always visited Palestine. A succession of foreign ministers did the same. Even President Pranab Mukherjee followed this tradition when he went on a four-day visit to Israel and Palestine in October 2015.

Modi has chosen to break with the tradition of hyphenating Israel with Palestine; he has also decided not to invoke the long-held resolution of making East Jerusalem the capital of the Palestinian state as the only way of ensuring lasting peace in the region.

Our prime minister has been praised by many for de-ideologising Indias foreign policy by refusing to carry the Palestinian millstone around his neck (but then these Modi supporters should be asked if the United States, UK and China were merely indulging in ideological posturing when they read the riot act to Israel over the last six months).

Let us accept the argument  for the time being  that Modi has chosen to tread the non-ideological path keeping in mind India's larger interest. After all, Israel has been a reliable ally, even during turbulent times.

Our first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, took a strategic decision to recognise Israel in 1950; India and Israel established consular relations in 1953. But Nehru made it clear that given the geostrategic environment existing then, the diplomatic relationship would have to wait. Israeli leadership understood Indias constraints and the two countries went ahead with collaboration in different fields.

Israel, which established itself as the manufacturer of sophisticated military equipment, came to India's aid during the India-China War of 1962. Israel also extended military support to India during our wars with Pakistan, both in 1965 and 1971. When India went nose-to-nose with Pakistan during the 1999 Kargil War, Israel provided laser-guided missiles for our fighter planes to decimate Pakistani forces stationed there with precision bombing, without crossing the Line of Control: At a time when Pakistani soldiers had the advantage of having the high ground.

For the last few decades, we have had Israeli support in several areas: Agriculture, water conservation, and space technology, especially after the PV Narasimha Rao government upgraded Indias relationship with Israel to a diplomatic level in 1992, exactly around the time when China established diplomatic relations with Israel.

Israeli president Ezer Weizman visited India in 1997 and Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon came to Delhi in 2003 and concluded agreements for a strong foundation for cooperation in agriculture and other fields.

As the Jerusalem Post reported in May: Undoubtedly, agriculture is at least one of the two main pillars in India-Israel relations  definitely the main pillar from the civilian angle.

It went on to put on record the contribution of Israel to the agricultural growth in different parts of our country over the last two decades: From the blossoming mango orchards of Haryana to the drip-irrigated vegetable nurseries of Gujarat state, Israeli agricultural know-how has become a staple resource of farms across the Indian subcontinent.

Israel has set up 26 Centres of Excellence across nine states that have benefited from Israels expertise in agriculture and water conservation since 2009.

The hype was that Narendra Modis visit to Israel  the first by an Indian prime minister  would take the relationship to a much higher plane, especially when our leader was ready to jettison a direct reference to the Palestinian question that troubled the Israeli leadership.

Many of our TV anchors went gung-ho in the anticipation that Israel would provide India with unmanned drones with which our defence forces would destroy Pakistani military training centres and eliminate Pakistani jihadis just as the United States did in the aftermath of the 9/11 attack. Many of our patriotic channels had, in the last week, sent out warnings to the Pakistani establishment that their days of supporting terror were numbered and they would begin to face the music as soon as Modi-Netanyahu agreement was concluded.

For all the fanfare, the Modi-Netanyahu accord, unveiled on Wednesday night, turned out to be a tame affair. There were the customary references to fighting terror but there was no mention of Israel supplying India unmanned drones or any other military or technological support that would lend India an edge over Pakistan. In fact, military and strategic cooperation took a back seat.

Even none of the seven civil agreements signed between the countries seemed to lift the relationship to a different plane. Most of them were routine assertions of the existing relationship.

If that is the case  that after weeks and weeks of hyping the Indian prime minister's maiden visit to Israel, no new breakthroughs were achieved  it is nothing short of a letdown.

Many Indians have been left wondering if we made a mountain out of a molehill.
Berlin: Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan lashed out at Germany on Wednesday, warning that it was "committing political suicide" on the eve of his expected meeting with Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Erdogan's latest outburst came after Germany refused to allow him to address members of the large ethnic Turkish community in a rally in Germany ahead of the G20 summit.

"What kind of mentality is that? That's very ugly. I have never seen anything like that. Germany is committing suicide. That's a political suicide," Erdogan charged in an interview with weekly magazine Die Zeit.

"Germany must correct this error," he added, arguing that "he could not be silenced".

The issue is expected to come up when Erdogan meets Merkel face to face ahead of Friday's Group of 20 summit.

Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert said on Wednesday that the talks would "likely take place tomorrow".

Relations between the two countries have been fraught, deteriorating sharply over Turkey's mass crackdown after a failed coup last year and a host of other civil rights controversies.

On Tuesday, Turkey protested officially to Germany after an artist was allowed to set up an installation in central Berlin offering a car as a prize in exchange for killing world leaders including Erdogan.

The installation was set up outside Merkel's offices on Monday, comprising a Mercedes C-class car and banners with pictures of Erdogan, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Arabia's King Salman.

Another key dispute centres on Deniz Yucel, a German-Turkish journalist with the newspaper Die Welt who was imprisoned by Turkey on terror charges earlier this year.

And last month Germany decided to withdraw its troops who support the fight against the Islamic State group in Syria from NATO partner Turkey's Incirlik base and move them to Jordan after German lawmakers were prohibited from visiting the base.
Paris: Seven terror plots have been foiled in France since the start of the year, Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said on Wednesday, as he argued for a final extension of the country's state of emergency.

"Since the start of the year we've stopped seven plots which could have caused many deaths," Collomb told C-News television channel.

He said a plot had been thwarted in the southern city of Marseille in April, a week before the presidential elections, and could have had "dreadful" consequences, he said.

The extension of the state of emergency is expected to be approved later on Wednesday by the lower house of Parliament. It has been in place since November 2015 after a string of attacks in Paris left 130 dead.

President Emmanuel Macron on Monday vowed to end the state of emergency this autumn by introducing a new security law which includes many of the emergency measures.

Twelve human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, called on lawmakers on Wednesday to drop the state of emergency and reject the new law.

Collomb said the law would enable the government to shut mosques where imams are deemed to be condoning terrorism. Closures could be ordered for six months at a time, on a rolling basis. "Today there are three (mosques) that we want to close... since the start of the state of emergency we've closed 16," he said.
Beirut: US-led coalition air strikes have killed at least 224 civilians since the Syrian forces it backs entered Islamic State group bastion Raqqa a month ago, a monitor said on Thursday.

Arab and Kurdish fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) broke into Raqqa on 6 June after a month's-long operation to encircle the northern city.

"At least 224 civilians, including 38 children and 28 women, have been killed in air strikes by the global coalition on Raqqa since the SDF entered it," said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The Britain-based Observatory said it did not have a toll for civilians killed in other ways, including by other military operations, mines, or while trying to flee the city.

Tens of thousands of civilians are believed to be trapped inside Raqqa, with warnings that the jihadists are using them as human shields.

Many Raqqa residents who have managed to escape say Islamic State snipers are targeting anyone trying to leave the city.

The Observatory said clashes and air strikes in Raqqa had killed 311 Islamic State jihadists and 106 SDF militiamen since 6 June.

The US-backed coalition is providing the SDF's campaign on Raqqa with heavy air support, as well as special forces advisers, weapons, and equipment.

Since Islamic State captured Raqqa in early 2014, it has served as the de facto capital of the jihadist group's Syrian territory.
Washington: The United States is prepared to work with Russia on the establishment of "no-fly zones" in Syria, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said. In a wide-ranging statement issued two days ahead of President Donald Trump's first face-to-face with Vladimir Putin, Tillerson said Russia had a "special responsibility" to help stabilise the war-ravaged country.

"The United States is prepared to explore the possibility of establishing with Russia joint mechanisms for ensuring stability, including no-fly zones, on the ground ceasefire observers, and coordinated delivery of humanitarian assistance," he said on Thursday.

Tillerson issued his statement before joining Trump in Europe, where the US leader is preparing to meet for the first time with Putin on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany. Syria will loom large in their discussions.

It also came as US-backed fighters inch forwards in Raqa's Old City, in what Washington sees as a "key milestone" in the campaign to defeat the Islamic State group in its de facto Syrian capital.

"Islamic State has been badly wounded, and is could be on the brink of complete defeat in Syria if all parties focus on this objective," Tillerson said. "In order to complete the mission, the international community, and especially Russia, must remove obstacles to the defeat of Islamic State."

"We call upon all parties, including the Syrian government and its allies, Syrian opposition forces, and Coalition forces carrying out the battle to defeat Islamic State, to avoid conflict with one another and adhere to agreed geographical boundaries for military de-confliction and protocols for de-escalation."

Tillerson appealed in particular to Russia to help create stability on the ground  or risk seeing progress in defeating IS undone  and to achieve a political settlement that charts a way forward for the Syrian people.

"Russia has a special responsibility to assist in these efforts," he said. Tillerson also said Moscow as a key backer of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has the responsibility of preventing his regime from further use of chemical weapons.

The United States launched a cruise missile attack on a Syrian air base in April in response to what it said was a government chemical weapons attack on civilians.
Kolkata: West Bengal governor KN Tripathi wrote to President Pranab Mukherjee giving details about the phone conversation between him and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in context of the communal riots in Baduria in North 24 Parganas district.

According to Raj Bhavan sources, Tripathi, in his letter to the president mentioned why he had called Banerjee afternoon and details of the conversation.

Trinamool Congress had on Wednesday written to the president claiming that the governor had "insulted" and "humiliated" Banerjee during their phone conversation.

"Tripathi, in the letter to Mukherjee mentioned every minute details of why he had called up the chief minister and what exactly he had spoken to her during the phone call," the source said on condition of anonymity.

The governor has also written that he wanted to speak to the state DGP and when he was told that the police officer was unavailable he had called up the chief minister.

Tripathi's letter also mentioned that he had never said anything to Banerjee which could have "humiliated" or "insulted" or "threatened" her.

In fact, the governor had suggested to the chief minister for seeking forces from the Centre, it said. Tripathi has also mentioned TMC secretary-general Partha Chatterjee's statements this morning calling him a "BJP cadre" and described it as partisan behaviour from a senior leader.

The source said the governor's statement circulated to the media in response to the current situation in the state has also been attached with his letter to the president.
In the wake of increasing consumer awareness around sustainability and nutrition, appealing food flavors are becoming ever more crucial to development. With price hikes... Read More
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California Gov. Jerry Brown plans to convene a Global Climate Action Summit next year in his latest action to position the state as a leader in battling global warming as the White House recedes.

Brown will announce the summit Thursday in a video message to the Global Citizen Festival in Hamburg, Germany. President Donald Trump is also in Hamburg for a meeting of the Group of 20 economic powers.

The climate conference is scheduled for September 2018 in San Francisco. It will feature representatives of subnational governments, businesses, investors and others meeting to highlight action to fight global warming and to spur deeper commitment from national governments.

Brown will say that Trump doesnt speak for the rest of America in choosing to withdraw from the international Paris climate agreement.
Muslim groups in Malaysia and Indonesia have called for a boycott of Starbucks because of the coffee chains support for LGBT rights.

Malaysian group Perkasa, which supports a hard-line form of Islam and nationalism, this week called on its more than 500,000 members to stay away from Starbucks coffee shops. This week and last, leaders of Indonesias second largest mainstream Muslim group, Muhammadiyah, with an estimated 29 million members, denounced the chain.

The groups were apparently reacting to comments made several years ago by former CEO Howard Schultz in support of gay rights that drew renewed attention amid an increasingly anti-LGBT climate in both of the predominantly Muslim countries.

Perkasa said in a statement that the Malaysian government should revoke the trading license given to Starbucks and other companies such as Microsoft and Apple that support LGBT rights and same-sex marriage.

Amini Amir Abdullah, who heads Perkasas Islamic affairs bureau, said Muslims should stay away from Starbucks because its pro-gay rights policy is against Islam and Malaysias constitution.

Sodomy is illegal in Malaysia and punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Homosexuality is not illegal in Indonesia, the worlds most populous Muslim nation, but a case before the Constitutional Court is seeking to criminalize gay sex and sex outside of marriage.

A boycott Starbucks hashtag was briefly popular on Twitter in Indonesia and shares of the company that operates Starbucks in the country fell sharply this week. But its stores in the capital Jakarta appeared as popular as ever.

Gavin Bowring, a Malaysia analyst at risk consulting company Eurasia Group, said the boycott was unlikely to amount to much but reflected a growing tendency toward conservatism and strict adherence to Islamic principles.
Ray Kelly, former New York City Police Department Commissioner, said Russia, China, Iran and North Korea may be big contributors to cybercrimes, but warned of a much bigger problem.

You have these sorts of Oceans 11 teams that are in places like in Eastern Europe and other locations. They will scour the internet. They will look at Facebook information Use that information to get into your personal information, Kelly told Maria Bartiromo during an appearance on FOX Business.

According to Kelly, who now serves as the vice chairman of K2 Intelligence, an investigative, compliance and cyber defense services firm, only about 20% of the Internet is registered, which leads to other vulnerabilities.

Its the 80%... the dark web... all sorts of bad things go on down there. Its a marketplace. he said, adding that you can purchase services to attack a company. You have to know how to get in there. You have to know a specific address, but that marketplace is turning all the time and theres no controls.

While its hard to completely combat the cyber threat, Kelly puts the onus on CEOs to set security policies and educate employees to prevent future attacks.

About 80% of intrusions are the result of carelessness on the part of employees and they need advice. They need to consult reputable cyber companies, he said.
At the Jefferies 2017 Consumer Conference in June, Zoe's Kitchen (NYSE: ZOES) management continued to sound relatively upbeat about its aggressive expansion efforts , noting there are no plans to slow the pace of store openings at least through the remainder of 2017. With the company currently suffering from negative comparable-restaurant sales growth, however, this strategy is beginning to look more questionable after Zoe's noted that adding stores in existing markets is leading to cannibalization of stores, not to mention eroding margins.

Don't expect a comps turnaround soon

Zoe's comparable-restaurant sales began slowing significantly in the second half of 2016 before turning negative in the first quarter of 2017 . The 3.3% comps decline in Q1 was Zoe's first negative quarter since the company's IPO.

At the Jefferies conference, CEO Kevin Miles admitted that there's a lot more competition for Zoe's customers' these days -- not just from chains, but from smaller restaurants as well that focus on healthier, grilled fare with fresh fruits and vegetables. In terms of what is having the biggest impacts on Zoe's comps, Miles said that its restaurants are concentrated in parts of the country (Texas, in particular) that have witnessed the most dramatic slowdowns in consumer traffic.

Unfortunately, the trend isn't improving much into the second quarter. According to Black Box Intelligence, in April, the restaurant industry saw average comps declines of 1%, with traffic declines of 3.3%. For May, industry comps fell an average of 1.1%, with traffic declines of 3%. And as the saying goes, everything's bigger in Texas, which averaged far worse comps and traffic declines in June of 2.4% and 4.3%, respectively.

Full speed ahead anyway?

On the company's first-quarter conference call, Zoe's lowered its full-year comps growth guidance to between flat and negative 3%. But in spite of its comps struggles, the company hasn't dialed back at all on its store growth plans for 2017.

Zoe's still plans to open between 38 and 40 locations this year, utilizing a "hub and spoke" strategy that will put most of its new units in locations that are relatively near at least one existing store. Many of those stores will be opened in Texas, home to around one-quarter of Zoe's current locations. Specifically, the company recently announced plans to double its number of locations in the Houston area, where it already operates 15 restaurants. Another area of emphasis will be Dallas, which is at 25 stores and counting.

This will present yet another challenge since the company says cannibalization of sales -- as it adds stores to established markets -- has been one of the top three factors causing a drag on comps. While Miles says that this cannibalization is intentional as they seek to build the long-term business potential of a given market, I'm not sure investors will see this move as positive, given the potential to drag comps down even further in the short term.

New stores will be keeping margins lower for years

Compounding the store growth issue is the fact that newly opened restaurants will suppress Zoe's margins for the foreseeable future. In their first year of operation, new restaurants -- due to lower average sales and higher labor costs -- tend to post store-level EBITDA margins of just 10% to 12%, and it's generally not until a restaurant's third full year that it's able to meet Zoe's target of at least 18% store-level margin.

While new stores as a percentage of Zoe's total base will naturally drift lower over time, the company estimates it will take until the end of 2020 for 60% to 70% of its stores to become mature, the point at which restaurant-level margins should stabilize.

Can Zoe's overcome these hurdles? Possibly, but it will take time, and the market is notoriously short-term-focused in nature. With no seemingly easy path back to comps growth, and the company not regularly posting positive earnings yet, the additional headwinds created by keeping the pedal to the metal on new store growth might cause even patient investors to look for a smoother ride elsewhere.

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Insurance companies in Oregon would be required to cover abortions and other reproductive services at no cost to the patient regardless of income, citizenship status or gender identity under a measure approved Wednesday by lawmakers.

Oregon already has some of the most liberal abortion laws in the U.S., leaving out otherwise common requirements for waiting periods or spending limits on taxpayer funds.

The measure, which does offer some religious-based exemptions, comes as the federal government and other states are seeking restrictions on abortion services.

President Donald Trump earlier this year signed legislation allowing states to withhold federal family planning funds from Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers. In May, the Texas Legislature approved a sweeping package of new abortion limits.

Oregon's legislation has been in the making for years but was introduced in early March largely in response to Republican congressional leaders' earliest attempts to repeal former President Barack Obama's health care law, which includes minimum coverage requirements for birth control and other reproductive services.

The Democratic-controlled Oregon Senate approved the measure in a 17-13 vote along party lines. It now heads to Democratic Gov. Kate Brown.

In some states such as New York, abortions are cost-free if they're deemed medically necessary. The Oregon bill is unique, however, in that patients would have access to the procedure for virtually any reason, at any time, including sex-selective and late-term abortions.

The bill would also allocate almost $500,000 over the next two years to expand cost-free reproductive health coverage, including abortions, to immigrants who are otherwise ineligible under the Oregon Health Plan  the state's Medicaid program that currently spends nearly $2 million a year to pay for roughly 3,500 abortions statewide.

"Unintended pregnancies can perpetuate cycles of poverty, and we can help stop it. It is a woman's right to choose when and if she is ready in her life to have a child," said Sen. Laurie Monnes Anderson, a Democrat who is also a public health nurse.

Oregon's $10 million reproductive health care bill would also provide public funds for family planning services and post-partum care for low-income residents.

All government and private-sector health plans must also cover birth control, vasectomies, prenatal and post-partum care, counseling for domestic abuse victims as well as screenings for cervical and breast cancer and sexually transmitted diseases.

Insurers would be prohibited from shifting costs of those mandates to enrollees' deductibles, coinsurance or copayments, although the bill offers some religious-based exemptions as well.

The measure offers some religious-based exemptions, as dictated by federal law, which apply narrowly to churches and other religious nonprofits.

The Republican minority in the Oregon Legislature was angered by passage of the bill.

"We are both a sanctuary state for illegal aliens, and we are a sanctuary state for federally illegal, taxpayer subsidized abortion," said Sen. Dennis Linthicum. "We should not be showering politically well-connected abortion clinics with political gift cards under the guise of 'equity,' that is totally discreditable."
The EU antitrust watchdog has opened formal probes into General Electric Co. , Merck KGaA , Sigma-Aldrich and Canon Inc. , alleging they broke merger rules in recent acquisitions. The EU competition commission said General Electric, and Merck and Sigma-Aldrich all provided incorrect or misleading information, while Canon went through with a merger before notification and clearance. "We can only do our job well if we can rely on cooperation from the companies concerned -- they must obtain our approval before they implement their transactions and the information they supply us must be correct and complete," said Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, in a statement. The three mergers include Merck's takeover of Sigma-Aldrich, General Electric's planned acquisition of LM Wind and Canon's deal to buy Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation. The EU commission said the probes won't impact the approval process. Shares of Merck were down 1.3% in Germany, while GE was slightly higher in U.S. premarket action. Canon shares were closed for trade at the time of the release and Sigma-Aldrich is owned by Merck.

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A Republican state senator from Oklahoma accused of forcefully grabbing an Uber driver and kissing her neck while she drove him to a hotel is "shocked" by the driver's allegations, the lawmaker's attorney said Thursday.

The driver reported the incident to Oklahoma City police June 28, two days after she says it happened, by flagging down a police officer at a convenience store a few blocks from the state Capitol.

Attorney Robert Don Gifford confirmed to The Associated Press that his client, state Sen. Bryce Marlatt of Woodward, is the person named in a redacted police report that details the Uber driver's complaint of the June 26 incident. Gifford said Marlatt was unaware of the driver's complaint until Marlatt was contacted by Uber.

"The senator was shocked by the allegations," Gifford said. "He wants to get to the bottom of this, and that's why he's gotten us involved, to contact Uber and figured out what happened."

Marlatt, 40, did not immediately return telephone messages from the AP, but told The Woodward News that he retained an attorney to "get to the bottom of these allegations."

Marlatt, a married father of four, has not been arrested or charged, and police spokesman Sgt. Gary Knight said detectives are still investigating the incident.

Uber says it is cooperating with police.

Marlatt was relieved on Thursday of his role as chairman of the Senate Energy Committee and vice-chairman of two other Senate panels by Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz.

"Allegations like those contained in the police report concerning Senate Marlatt are very serious in nature and are not tolerated," Schulz wrote in a letter to Senate members. "Further action may be taken as deemed necessary."

Marlatt was arrested in 2014 and charged with a misdemeanor count of being in control of his vehicle while intoxicated after a Woodward County sheriff's deputy reported finding him asleep in his running pickup truck on a country road. The Oklahoman newspaper reported Marlatt received a deferred sentence after pleading no contest, and the case against him was later dismissed. His attorney in that case said Marlatt had taken a prescription sleep aid and had an alcoholic drink, but stopped driving when he became concerned about the effects.

Marlatt is the third Republican Oklahoma legislator to face allegations of sexual misconduct this year. State Rep. Dan Kirby of Tulsa resigned in February after being accused of sexually harassing two former legislative assistants, and Sen. Ralph Shortey of Oklahoma City stepped down in March after being charged with child prostitution after prosecutors say he solicited sex from a 17-year-old boy.

Marlatt was first elected in 2008 and easily won re-election in 2016 to a third term in office with more than 70 percent of the vote in the GOP primary.

___

Follow Sean Murphy at www.twitter.com/apseanmurphy
Qatar Airways announced early Thursday it is exempt from the U.S. ban on electronics in aircraft cabins on flights from the Middle Eastern country's capital city to America.

"Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport have met with all requirements of the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys new security guidelines, and we would like to express our thanks to the U.S. and local authorities for their support during this process," the airline said in a press release.

Fellow Gulf-area carriers Emirates and Turkish Airlines received exemption from the ban Wednesday on U.S.-bound flights from Dubai and Istanbul, respectively. Etihad Airways on Sunday became the first Gulf-region carrier to gain U.S. approval to allow passengers to carry personal electronics devices with them inside aircraft cabins.

"Qatar Airways rapid implementation of the enhanced security measures are a testament to the close collaboration, effective communication, and shared security commitment between TSA, the international civil aviation authorities, and industry. We look forward to working with other airlines to ensure immediate implementation of these critical measures to raise the baseline on global aviation security," a TSA spokesperson told FOX Business.

The news comes at a time when Qatar Airways is struggling to maintain its presence in the Gulf region as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates have cut diplomatic ties with the airlines home country, including halting air traffic.

Speaking at the Paris Air Show in June, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said the blockade on the country would leave a lasting wound, according to The Associated Press. Baker added that he believes the Trump administration would intervene "to make sure that this blockade is lifted soonest and that life in our region comes back to normal, especially since he knows that we are part of his alliance against terrorism and that we are a major player in his strategy in the region."

The airline was named "Airline of the Year" by Skytrax, an air carrier ratings organization at the air show.

Additionally, Qatar Airways announced in June its intent to make an $808 million investment, or 10% stake, in American Airlines (NASDAQ:AAL).
President Donald Trump will become the fourth American leader that Russian President Vladimir Putin has faced since taking the helm in 2000 when they meet on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit on Friday. Under Putin's watch, U.S.-Russia ties have zigzagged wildly between periods of tensions and relative warmth.

A brief glance at the ebb and flow of those relations since 2000:

___

EARLY HOPES

When Putin was first elected in March 2000, U.S.-Russia ties were bitterly strained over the U.S.-led NATO's bombing of Yugoslavia in 1999. Those tensions contrasted with friendly relations between Moscow and Washington under President Bill Clinton and Russia's first president, Boris Yeltsin, throughout the 1990s.

Putin quickly sought to establish warm ties with Clinton and other Western leaders. When Clinton visited Moscow in June 2000, the Russian president even suggested that Russia could join NATO  a proposal that has failed to get traction. In July 2000, Putin tried unsuccessfully to persuade North Korea to abandon its missile program when he paid a surprise visit to Pyongyang en route to the G-8 summit in Japan.

___

BRIEF PARTNERSHIP

Soon after President George W. Bush's inauguration, Putin met with him in Slovenia in June 2001. The meeting helped establish friendly ties, with Bush famously saying that he came to trust Putin after looking him in the eye and getting a sense of his soul.

Putin became the first foreign leader to call Bush after the Sept 11 attacks, and he welcomed the U.S. deployment to formerly Soviet Central Asia for the war in Afghanistan. In another goodwill gesture, Putin shut down Soviet-era military facilities in Cuba and Vietnam. U.S. missile defense plans cast a shadow over otherwise warm ties, but Russia and NATO signed a 2002 pact that set up a joint council to tackle common threats such as terrorism and nuclear proliferation.

___

TENSIONS RISING

The U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, which Russia criticized, marked a turning point and ties began to sour.

Moscow viewed the 2004 Orange protests in Ukraine against a fraudulent presidential vote as an attempt by Washington to expand its clout and hurt Russia's interests in the former Soviet nation. The tensions kept boiling and a brief war between Russia and Georgia in 2008 led to a freeze in Russia-U.S. relations.

___

A RESET AND A NEW COLD WAR

President Barack Obama moved to "reset" ties with Russia soon after his election, visiting Moscow in July 2009.

Even though Putin continued to call the shots as prime minister, Obama focused on building warm ties with Putin's ally, President Dmitry Medvedev. When Medvedev stepped down in 2012 to let his mentor reclaim the top job, Putin accused the U.S. of fomenting mass protests in Moscow against his return to the presidency.

U.S.-Russia relations steadily degraded as the Kremlin moved to stifle dissent, tighten restrictions on foreign nongovernmental organizations and ban U.S. adoptions of Russian children. They plunged to a new low in 2013 when Russia granted political asylum to NSA contractor Edward Snowden despite U.S. requests for his extradition.

When Ukraine's Russia-friendly president was driven from office in February 2014 after months of protests, Putin blamed the U.S. for engineering his ouster. Moscow quickly annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and offered support to pro-Russia separatist insurgents in eastern Ukraine, triggering Western sanctions.

___

TRUMP AND RUSSIA

The Kremlin has rejoiced over Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential election after his campaign promises to improve ties with Russia. But U.S. congressional and FBI investigations into Trump campaign officials' links with Russia thwarted Putin's hopes for a quick meeting, making the G-20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, the earliest possible venue.

Putin has denied meddling in the U.S. vote and criticized the Democrats for failing to acknowledge the mistakes he says helped Trump win. He has praised Trump and voiced readiness to cooperate with the U.S. on stabilizing Syria, fighting terrorism and tackling other global issues.
Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) shares have come under pressure this week after the electric car maker reported weaker sales than expected, just as it prepares to launch the highly-anticipated Model 3.

Earlier this week, Tesla said it delivered about 22,000 Model S sedans and Model X sport-utility vehicles in the second quarter, below Wall Streets forecast for 24,200 vehicles. The Palo Alto, California-based automaker said a production delay with 100 kilowatt-hour battery packs was behind the sales miss. But the news raised concerns among investors that Tesla could run into production issues with the Model 3, its first electric car for the mass market.

Goldman Sachs analysts subsequently cut its price target for Tesla to $180 from $190, citing flat sales of the Model S and the possibility that Tesla could fall short of its Model 3 launch goals.

Teslas stock tumbled 7.2% on Wednesday, and shares dropped another 4.1% at $313.78 in Thursday trading. The selloff comes on the heels of an all-time high of $386.99 recorded in June.

Adding to the downward pressure on Thursday, the Model S failed to qualify for a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety as a result of the groups latest tests. The Lincoln Continental, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Toyota (NYSE:TM) Avalon were the only large sedans to ace the small overlap crash test, which simulates a vehicle striking an object at a front corner. The Model S received a grade of acceptable.

The sales miss coincides with mounting competition from traditional car makers such as Volvo, which announced on Wednesday that it would only build electric or hybrid vehicles after 2019. The Swedish brand, owned by Chinas Geely, is the first manufacturer to make such a move.

Other automakers are accelerating efforts to offer long-range electric vehicles similar to the ones Tesla offers. In some cases, they have beat Tesla to market.

General Motors (NYSE:GM) began selling the Chevrolet Bolt at the end of 2016. The Bolt, starting at $37,500, can travel 238 miles on a full charge. Meanwhile, Teslas Model X crossover will have a new competitor in the Jaguar I-Pace. Jaguar Land Rover has indicated that a U.S. launch for the all-electric I-Pace will come in 2018. Mercedes, Audi and BMW also have electric SUVs in the works.

Earlier this week, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the Model 3 will begin production on Friday. Musk also reiterated Teslas goal of building 5,000 vehicles per week by the end of 2017.

Handover party for first 30 customer Model 3's on the 28th! Production grows exponentially, so Aug should be 100 cars and Sept above 1500.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 3, 2017
Money isn't the only thing to look for in a job. There are other key things to consider, probably most important of which is to do what you enjoy.

That being said, money is certainly a factor that most people think about when considering their career choices. Which jobs are at the top of the ladder when it comes to salary? Here are the top 10 highest-paying jobs in America according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

10. Architectural and engineering managers

Architectural and engineering managers in the U.S. make $143,870 on average. Individuals in the top 25% of earners in the profession, though, typically have average salaries of $167,290. If you're looking for the state where you can make the most money in this occupation, remember the Alamo. Texas claims the highest average salary for architectural and engineering managers at $167,230.

9. Podiatrists

The next highest-paying job in the U.S. belongs to podiatrists, with an average annual salary of $144,110. The top 25% of earners make $182,420 per year on average. Where do podiatrists make the highest pay? Say "aloha": Podiatrists in Hawaii pull in an average annual salary of $273,040.

8. Marketing managers

The average salary for marketing managers in America is $144,140. Marketing managers in the top 25%, though, make $178,690 on average. New York is where to go for the highest pay for marketing managers, with an average salary level of $188,640.

7. Computer and information systems managers

You probably expected a tech job somewhere in the top 10. Sure enough, computer and information systems managers are ranked No. 7 among the highest-paying jobs in the country, with an average salary of $145,740. Those in the top 25% of all earners pull in $170,670 on average. New York again is the place for the best pay, with computer and information systems managers making an average annual salary of $175,530.

6. Petroleum engineers

Another tech jobs claims the sixth-highest average salary in the land. Petroleum engineers make $147,030 on average. Individuals in the top 25% of all earners in this profession pull in an average of $179,450 per year. You might suspect that Texas has the highest average salaries for petroleum engineers, but actually Colorado claims that distinction, with an average annual salary of $161,200.

5. Aircraft pilots, copilots, and flight engineers

One high-flying job also commands a high-flying salary. The average annual salary for aircraft pilots, copilots, and flight engineers in the U.S. stands at $152,770. Those in the top 25% make $195,550 on average. Colorado claims the top spot for pay for these jobs with an average salary of $207,680.

4. Nurse anesthetists

The paychecks for nurse anesthetists won't make anyone sleepy. Nurse anesthetists make $164,030 per year on average. Individuals in the top quarter of earners in this job make an average annual salary of $189,880. Nurse anesthetists in Montana boast the highest pay, with an average salary of $242,140 per year.

3. Chief executives

Many look to chief executive officers (CEOs) of companies for their leadership lessons and even time management skills. You can also look to CEOs for big paychecks. CEOs pull in an average annual salary of $194,350. Because CEOs can work for organizations of dramatically different sizes, the pay scale varies quite a bit. The BLS doesn't provide details on how much CEOs in the top 25% make, other than stating that their average annual salary tops $208,000. South Dakota boasts the highest average yearly pay for CEOs of $242,220.

2. Dentists

There's a lot of money where your mouth is. Dentists claim average annual salaries of $171,900 on the low end to $228,780 for orthodontists and $232,870 for oral and maxillofacial surgeons. As is the case with CEOs, the BLS only says that the top 25% of dentists make above $208,000 per year on average. The best state for general dentists is Texas, with an average annual salary of $171,850. Orthodontists might prefer sweet home Alabama, with a top average annual salary of $287,250. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons make the most money in Colorado, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Virginia -- all of which claim average annual salaries for the profession of at least $256,590.

1. Physicians and surgeons

Physicians and surgeons have the highest average salaries of all. Anesthesiologists make the most, with an average annual salary of $269,600. At the low end of the range, pediatricians claim an average annual salary of $184,240. As you might expect, the top 25% of physicians and surgeons make much more -- the BLS simply states their average salary exceeds $208,000 per year. Pediatricians in Mississippi have the biggest paychecks, with an average annual salary of $270,430. Anesthesiologists can go to one of several states that claim average annual salaries of $274,210 or more, including California, Florida, and Louisiana.

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Toyota (NYSE:TM) has officially opened its new North American headquarters in Texas, a move that received praise from President Donald Trump.

In a letter to Toyota, Trump applauded the company for investing in Texas and spending $1.3 billion on its manufacturing plant in Kentucky. Trump added that he looks forward to supporting the continued growth of [Toyotas] United States operations.

The Japanese automaker said state and local officials will attend a grand opening on Thursday at its corporate campus in Plano, Texas.

The opening of our new headquarters in Plano is an extraordinary next step in Toyotas 60-year journey in the United States, said Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota in North America.

Toyotas new headquarters is part of a broader plan to invest $10 billion in the U.S. over the next five years. The investments were set aside for the new Plano campus and Toyotas existing factories. The headquarters, which cost about $1 billion to build, will bring up to 4,000 jobs to the North Texas area by the end of 2017.

Lentz said Toyota appreciates the support from President Trump of our continued commitment to investing in the U.S. and sustaining American jobs.

We want to be the car capital of the world once again, Trump wrote in his letter, and we are taking steps to achieve that goal."

With 100 acres and seven buildings in Texas, Toyota has combined its engineering, sales, marketing, financial and corporate operations in one location. Those units had been spread across California, Kentucky and other offices. Employees began moving to Plano in the spring, and the process will continue through December.

Toyota, which owns the Lexus luxury brand, has filled 75% of its open positions in Plano so far.
The U.S. ambassador to Romania has urged the government to maintain stable economic practices amid uncertainty about an overhaul of the tax system and other changes.

Hans G. Klemm, Washington's envoy to Romania, on Thursday praised Romania's current business climate, but added: "the new government should do everything to maintain this attractiveness."

He referred to recent comments he made, where he said business needed "a policy environment here in Romania that is stable, predictable, transparent and marked by genuine consultation with all stakeholders, including foreign investors."

Last week, the leftist government said it was considering replacing the 16 percent corporate tax on profit with a progressive tax rate, and also planned to postpone a reduction of sales tax.

Investors have urged the ruling Social Democrats to ensure predictable fiscal policies.
The U.S. trade deficit narrowed in May, and the politically sensitive trade gap with China also slid.

The Commerce Department said Thursday that the U.S. deficit in the trade of goods and services fell 2.2 percent in May to a seasonally adjusted $46.5 billion. U.S. exports rose modestly to $192 billion  the highest level since April 2015  on rising shipments of cars and consumer goods, including cellphones. Imports fell slightly.

The trade gap shows the difference between what the United States exports to other countries and what it imports from them.

A growing trade gap is a drag on economic growth. A narrowing gap lifts growth. Critics of unfettered trade say persistent trade deficits are a sign that the United States is losing out to global rivals and that U.S. trade policy is failing American companies and workers. Conventional economists argue that trade deficits reflect broader economic forces  such as Americans' propensity to spend more than they save  and not necessarily bad policies; they note that buying lots of imports can be a sign of economic strength.

President Donald Trump has vowed to reduce America's trade deficits blaming them on bad trade deals and abusive practices by U.S. trading partners, particularly China. His administration also is preparing to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico to overhaul a trade pact he's called a "disaster" for American workers.

The deficit in goods with China fell by 6.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted $30.1 billion. The gap with Mexico rose by 5.6 percent to $6.8 billion.

Despite the dip in May, the overall U.S. trade deficit is up 13.1 percent so far this year to $233.1 billion. Exports are up 6 percent to $957.8 billion. But imports are up more  7.3 percent to $1.19 trillion.

So far in 2017, the U.S. is running a $336.2 billion deficit in the trade of goods and a $103.1 billion surplus in the trade of services such as banking and tourism.
Slightly more Americans applied for jobless aid last week, but the number of people seeking benefits has stayed near historic lows that point to a robust job market.

The Labor Department said Thursday that weekly applications rose by 4,000 to a seasonally adjusted 248,000. The less volatile four-week average rose 750 to 243,000.

Applications are linked to layoffs. Jobless claims have come in below 300,000 for 122 weeks in a row. That's the longest such stretch since 1970 when the U.S. population was much smaller.

Employers have hired this year at a slower pace as the unemployment rate has fallen to a healthy 4.3 percent. The Labor Department's employment report to be released Friday is expected to show job gains in June of roughly 180,000.
Volkswagen is recalling 766,000 vehicles of its core passenger car brand worldwide for a software update to their braking control systems, a spokesman said.

The braking control system may not function properly in certain driving conditions, such as when the driver over-steers, under-steers or slams on the brakes, the spokesman said.

The car maker is recalling 288,000 VW-brand cars in Germany over the issue. Including the Audi and Skoda brands, the German recall impacts about 385,000 cars, the spokesman said.

The recall in Germany was first reported by news agency DPA on Saturday.
Income investors like dividend stocks because they not only make regular payments to shareholders but also have growth potential for the long haul. The Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (NYSEMKT: VYM) has done a good job over time of identifying dividend stocks that pay above-average yields and also have room to move higher, and the exchange traded fund's long-term returns have been solid. So far in 2017, however, the Vanguard ETF has lagged behind the broader market, and some investors are nervous that the underperformance could be just the initial warning signs of an adverse trend to come for the ETF and for dividend-focused investments in general.

The biggest drags on Vanguard High Dividend Yield's performance

Even though the overall market has gained ground this year, some sectors of the stock market haven't been as lucky, and those laggards show up clearly among Vanguard High Dividend Yield's top holdings. The energy sector has taken a hard hit in 2017, as oil prices have renewed their downward trend after recovering somewhat in 2016. Falling crude has put pressure on players from the largest integrated oil companies in the world to smaller exploration and production companies, and even Dow components ExxonMobil and Chevron saw declines of roughly 10% in the first half of the year because of those challenges. Industrial giant General Electric has posted similar declines so far in 2017, largely because of its ill-timed foray into the oil and gas sector a few years ago.

The telecommunications sector has also performed poorly, falling prey to highly competitive conditions in the industry that have threatened even its most important companies. Verizon and AT&T have always been known for their attractive dividend yields, but the two wireless giants have had to fight against smaller carriers offering discounted prices for their services. So far, both companies haven't yet been able to convince customers completely that any superior quality is worth paying a premium subscription rate to get. With potentially costly upgrades to 5G networks looming, shareholders aren't certain whether profitability for the telecom giants will paint as attractive a picture as it has in the past.

Finally, even in some strong sectors of the market, Vanguard High Dividend Yield has been saddled with underperformers. Technology stocks have advanced more sharply in 2017 than most other sectors, but major ETF holdings Intel and IBM have both lost ground this year. The two tech giants share the challenge of keeping up with the times, adapting their long and successful business models to address new competition while still innovating to attract high-end customers. Investors haven't been satisfied with their efforts to date, and each will have to work harder to sustain and build their businesses going forward.

What's helping Vanguard High Dividend Yield?

Not all of Vanguard High Dividend Yield's stocks are doing badly. Global tobacco giant Philip Morris International jumped more than 30% in the first half of 2017, largely in response to more favorable performance in the foreign exchange markets that could finally stop pulling down its earnings. With key currencies like the euro and Japanese yen finally gaining ground against the U.S. dollar, Philip Morris could see the overseas revenue it collects translate into faster growth, and that prospect has investors excited about its immediate future.

Boeing has also produced gains of more than 30% for the ETF. The commercial aerospace industry has remained strong for years, and airline consolidation has led many carriers to make new orders to update their aircraft fleets and maximize efficiency. Boeing also stands to gain from increased defense spending from the U.S. government, and greater military revenue could provide a new leg up on what has already been an impressive rally for the aerospace giant.

Don't panic about six months

Short-term performance in any investment can be volatile, and investors shouldn't worry about the Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF's underperformance compared to the broader S&P 500 during the first half of 2017. Over time, ups and downs in the fund's returns tend to even out and provide solid long-term performance to shareholders who follow a disciplined income investing strategy.

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More than one-third of U.S. states on Thursday sued the U.S. Education Department and its secretary, Betsy DeVos, over a recent decision to suspend rules intended to speedily cancel student-loan debt of people defrauded by for-profit Corinthian Colleges Inc and others.

Last month DeVos pressed pause on the rules, due to take effect on July 1, saying they needed to be reset.

Massachusetts, 17 other states and the District of Columbia said in a filing in U.S. district court in Washington, DC that the department broke federal law in announcing the delay without any public engagement process.

DeVos, a Republican and advocate of public-private partnerships in education, said she wanted to pause the rule that accelerated the existing debt cancellation process because the steps were muddled and the rule "puts taxpayers on the hook for significant costs."

The rules were finalized in the last days of the administration of President Barack Obama, a Democrat who overhauled federal student lending.

The attorneys general for California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington also signed onto the suit.

Consumer groups Public Citizen and Project on Predatory Student Lending sued separately on Thursday to lift the delay.

(Reporting by Lisa Lambert; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and Steve Orlofsky)
Twelve more wealthy individuals in Lakewood, New Jersey have been charged with defrauding Medicaid and other government assistance programs by misrepresenting their incomes, prosecutors said Thursday, after seven couples were charged last week for gaming the system out of $2 million.

The defendants have all been charged with theft by deception, misrepresenting their incomes to show levels low enough in order to qualify for public assistance programs including Medicaid, heating benefits and food stamps (SNAP).

Theyve been given letters instructing them as to the time frame for appearing. All defendants are expected to respond no later than Tuesday of next week, the Ocean County, New Jersey prosecutors office said in a statement to FOX Business.

The couples charged Thursday fraudulently amassed welfare benefits near $400,000, according to an analysis of data from the prosecutors office. One couple alone collected nearly $75,000 in unentitled benefits from Medicaid between 2011 and 2013.

Seven additional couples, including a Rabbi and his wife, were charged just last week with defrauding government assistance programs out of at least $2 million.

One of the couples allegedly received Medicaid benefits for multiple years despite their annual income of more than $1 million, the complaint said.

Throughout fiscal year 2016, New Jersey spent $14.5 billion on Medicaid, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Throughout the same time period, the country as a whole spent $553.4 billion on the health assistance program.

In another instance, a couple allegedly made $1.8 million through various business endeavors that they had listed under relatives namesyet received housing, food and health benefits. They ultimately defrauded the government out of $178,000. The max allowable gross monthly income for a family of five in the state to be eligible for SNAP assistance is $4,385which amounts to about $52,600 per year.

The prosecutors office said Thursday the investigation is ongoing.
North Koreas recent test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is another sign the country is inching closer to being able to target the U.S. with nuclear weapons. Former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. John Bolton told the FOX Business Networks Charles Payne that he thinks Americas diplomatic options are limited.

Bolton described the potential options for a U.S. military response, saying, Possibly an attack on the missile launch sites, possibly an attack on the nuclear facilities. North Korea's also trying to develop a submarine launch capability, so we might look at that.

The former ambassador says Trump has to keep the military option on the table in order to protect the U.S.

Watch the latest video at video.foxbusiness.com

The reason that President Trump is so concerned is that his responsibility is to protect innocent Americans and thats why, because the options are so limited, this unattractive option of a military strike has to be very closely examined.

According to Bolton, there is one diplomatic option left that could end the nuclear threat from North Korea, telling Payne, We cant change North Korean behavior, theyre never going to give up their nuclear weapons program voluntarily. Thats why I think the only diplomatic play left is to convince China, and it wont be easy, that what we really should do is reunite the peninsula, that it would be in Chinas interest and ours.
As the Group of 20 summit begins in Hamburg, Germany Thursday, protesters have gathered in objection to the policies of some world leaders, including President Donald Trump's climate and trade agenda.

Organizers created a Welcome to Hell event scheduled for Thursday and have promised public demonstrations throughout the summit.

Overnight, ten cars were set ablaze outside a Hamburg Porsche dealership, which police are investigating as possibly summit-related.

Many other groups are calling for peaceful protests, and are pushing the G-20 leaders for action on climate change, to address economic disparities in the world and a wide array of other issues. Some are even calling for the dissolution of the G-20 itself so that the United Nations becomes the platform for such discussions.

In addition to President Trump, protesters are also setting their sights on Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. A large sign in a shop window near the summit venue featured pictures of the three world leaders with the slogan: "We don't want that!"

Among the topics President Trump specifically has come under fire for, both from protesters and other world leaders, are his decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord last month and his America First policy agenda.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the Trump administrations approach toward globalization focuses on winners and losers as opposed to equal beneficiaries.

Still, Merkel has rejected calls from some to push for a strong "G-19" statement  without the U.S.  on climate change; something that Zhu Guangyao, a Chinese deputy finance minister, told reporters Thursday that Beijing also did not support.

"The policies produced by the G-20 should be by the consensus of all member states," he said. "No one should be excluded."

Still, he added, "China will firmly promote its policies taking more measures against climate change."

Activists are expressing concern, however, that the draft language being worked on for the closing G-20 communique apparently calls for a "global approach" on climate change, which they fear could weaken national responsibilities.

On trade, Putin wrote in a guest article for Germany's Handelsblatt newspaper Thursday that "politically motivated" sanctions were being used as a form of protectionism.

"Limits by one-sided, politically motivated sanctions on investment, trade and particularly technology transfer are becoming its hidden form," the Russian leader wrote.

The European Union and United States have imposed sanctions on Russia over its actions in Ukraine, and Putin wrote that such sanctions lead nowhere. He said they "contradict the G-20 principles" of working together in the interests of all countries.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet for the first time face-to-face Friday, at the Group of 20 summit in Germany, amid escalating global tensions and a strained relationship between the two world powers.

While the White House has been mum on details pertaining to the actual conversation a insisting it will be like any of the other meetings Trump has with foreign leaders a many wonder whether he will bring up Russiaas interference in the 2016 presidential election, economic sanctions or a host of other difficult topics.

Despite accusations that Trump officials colluded with Russia to interfere in the U.S. election, which is being investigated by a special counsel, relations between the two world super powers have been stiffening ever since Trump took office. Trump has maintained throughout his campaign and his presidency that he is open to having a positive relationship with Russia.

With a critical political relationship at stake, here is a look at the economic partnership between the two countries.

Russian economy

While the U.S. is considered the worldas largest economy, Russia is the eighth largest economy by GDP and the sixth largest by purchasing power parity, according to the International Monetary Fund. Last year, Russiaas GDP registered at $1.28 trillion, compared with the U.S., which experienced economic growth of more than $18.5 trillion, according to data from the World Bank.

Russia is also one of the larger export economies; it is a big exporter of energy, particularly oil, within the European Union. In 2015, crude petroleum accounted for 28% of all exports, while refined petroleum comprised 18% and natural gas 8%, according to data from the Observatory for Economic Complexity (OEC).

Trade

In 2016, the United Statesa trade deficit with Russia totaled more than $8 trillion, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. So far this year, the gap is $4 trillion.

Russiaas leading trading partners as of 2015 were the Netherlands, Poland, China, Germany, Italy and Belarus, according to the OEC. Its top import markets are China, Germany, the U.S., Belarus and Italy.

Russia doesnat register among the United Statesa top import or export markets, although it is the country with which the U.S. has the 13th largest trade deficit, according to government data.

The U.S. has had sanctions in place against Russia since at least 2014, which were levied in response to Russiaas aggression in Ukraine. Amid speculation in May that the White House was seeking to ease sanctions against Russia, National Economic Director Gary Cohn said: aIf anything, we would probably look to get tougher on Russia.a

Nuclear arsenals

Ninety percent of the worldas nuclear arsenal is estimated to belong to the United States and Russia, according to the Arms Control Association. Estimates for 2017 place Russia slightly ahead of the U.S. when it comes to nuclear warhead inventories. In total, Russia has about 7,000 warheads compared to 6,800 in the U.S., State Department data shows. Of those stockpiles, Russia has 1,765 warheads deployed, while the U.S. has 1,411.

Meanwhile, the U.S. faces a potential emerging nuclear threat from North Korea, which launched an intercontinental ballistic missile earlier this week that experts believe is capable of hitting Alaska. Russia, however, objected to the United Nations Security Councilas condemnation of the launch on Thursday because of the language the U.S. used to draft the statement.

Setting the stage

Before arriving in Germany, President Trump visited Poland in a show of solidarity with the nation that seeks security assurances from potential Russian aggression. Trump reaffirmed the United Statesa commitment to NATOas common defense clause Thursday and snuck in a jab at Russia as well during a speech in Warsaw.

"We urge Russia to cease its destabilizing activities in Ukraine and elsewhere and its support for hostile regimes including Syria and Iran, and to instead join the community of responsible nations in our fight against common enemies and the defense of civilization itself," Trump said.
Amid a strict crackdown from the Trump administration on trade imbalances, U.S. trade deficits shrank in May, including the gap with China.

The Commerce Department said Thursday that the U.S. deficit in the trade of goods and services fell 2.2% in May to a seasonally adjusted $46.5 billion. U.S. exports rose modestly to $192 billion  the highest level since April 2015  on rising shipments of cars and consumer goods, including cellphones. Imports fell slightly.

The deficit in goods with China fell by 6.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted $30.1 billion.

However, as the United States looks to begin NAFTA renegotiation discussions this summer, the gap with Mexico rose by 5.6% to $6.8 billion.

The Trump administration has been clear about its intention to correct unfair trade practices with a variety of countries across the world, ranging from Chinawith which the U.S. has a more than $300 billion trade imbalanceto U.S. neighbors Canada and Mexico. In addition to renegotiating, or pulling out of, unfair agreements, the administration has looked into the trade of a variety of commodities, including steel and lumber, and has shown its willingness to take punitive action in order to correct dumping practices.

Still, despite the reprieve in May, there is more work to be done.

The overall U.S. trade deficit is up 13.1 percent so far this year to $233.1 billion. Exports are up 6 percent to $957.8 billion. But imports are up more  7.3 percent to $1.19 trillion.

So far in 2017, the U.S. is running a $336.2 billion deficit in the trade of goods and a $103.1 billion surplus in the trade of services such as banking and tourism.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Veterans exchanged familiar stories as children looked up in awe at massive military machines as part of history came to life right before their very eyes.

The wonder and reminiscence are the reasons why the Military Vehicle Preservation Association believes tanks, trucks and cars once used on the battlefield need to be cared for and displayed.

By looking at the vehicles, people can better understand the sacrifices that the veterans made and the hardships they had to go through, said John Cheney II, event director of the 42nd annual MVPA annual convention at the IX Center in Cleveland.

These were not built for comfort. They crammed five or six people in some of these vehicles and sent them off in hardship to protect ourselves and protect our liberty and our freedom, Cheney said.

It brings back a lot of memories and I wanted to show these guys what I used to do, said Kevin Nagy, an Army veteran from North Ridgeville, Ohio who brought his two children to the annual event.

It was a homecoming for some of the combat vehicles. The massive exposition center once served as a tank factory from 1950 to 1972, so the resurrected fossils were back in the place they were initially put together, bolt by bolt.

CHECK OUT MORE PHOTOS ON THE MVPA'S FACEBOOK PAGE

We find them in weeds, we find them in barns [and] we bring them back to life, said Cheney of the tanks, Jeeps and other vehicles the organization showcases at every chance they get.

The MVPA was created in 1976 and has more than 8,000 members around the globe. It brings restorers together, connecting people to help with that special tire or other vehicle parts someone may need. The convention is the years largest gathering where thousands converge to trade stories and make plans for their next personal acquisitions.

Just by looking at the eyes of the careworn veterans gazing at the freshly painted vehicles, you could see it brought back memories of lives and dreams from years past. Two of the tanks showcased at the convention, a M41 Walker Bulldog and an M42 Duster are on loan from Allan Cores, president of the National Rifle Association, an avid collector of military tanks and treasures.

Nagy, whose son was dressed in military gear and grinning ear-to-ear, eagerly showed his kids a familiar tank he spotted.

I was field artillery and theres an M109 right over there and I used to drive one of those, he told them.

The kids could see, smell and feel where their dad had once served, fighting in combat during a tour in Iraq. Its something no photos or stories could compare with. Thats what keeps the MVPA going. In this case, its mission accomplished.
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Three Playboy Playmates were detained by Mexican police officers on June 30 at a party for Playboy Music Fest in Merida, Mexico.

Turkish model Elif Celik, American model Lauryn Elaine, and French model Marie Brethenoux were taken into custody because Mexican authorities believed they were working at the event, but only had tourist travel visas.

"We came to Mexico to celebrate each other's company and to gain publicity with our fans by coming to these parties in Merida and Cancun," Elaine told Fox News in an email. "Around midnight, immigration came and busted into our party when all of us girls were sitting at our VIP tables enjoying champagne and music. They then rounded us up into a large room and weeded us all out by checking everyone's IDs."

'Harry Potter' actress strips down for Playboy

Elaine added she and the two other models "were taken for allegedly 'working' without a visa."

"We do not get paid for these events so we were wrongfully taken because they abused their authority and thought they could shake down Playboy Mexico by taking us," she said.

Playboy model Katie May's estate sues chiropractor for wrongful death

Celik backed up Elaine's account.

"They just arrested us while we were enjoying the party and then after a while the cops just came in and asked for passports," Celik said. "It was a horrible moment in my life that I have never had before.

Elaine said they were loaded into a van and taken in for questioning. Afterwards, the models were put "in a holding cell cage for almost 24 hours, and we had to beg for food and water."

"Luckily our Playboy Mexico family was extremely quick on taking action," she shared.

Playboy model causes outrage after posing nude on sacred mountain

Playboy Mexico described the incident in a press release as a "misunderstanding."

"There was an abuse of authority from immigration of Merida and federal police toward some of the talent that they invited to the event, the magazine stated.

Playboy Mexico also took to social media to defend the women.

Elaine wrote of her detainment on Instagram, Happy to be out!!!"

Playboy model Dani Mathers on body shaming scandal: 'I am not sorry about what happened to me'

And Brethenoux posted a pic of the trio posing with sad faces. Her caption read, Even after jail in Merida nothing can stop us! Bunnies warriors.

But the ordeal isn't over. Elaine said all three "are waiting to meet with immigration to sign the rest of the papers and get our passports back.


Lindsay Lohan pledged her allegiance to President Donald Trump on Independence Day. The "Mean Girls" star urged social media users to stop being mean to POTUS.

The 31-year-old shared an image of President Trump offering to help a sick infant, Charlie Gard, in the UK. She responded to the picture with the caption, THIS IS our president. Stop #bullying him & start trusting him. Thank you personally for supporting #THEUSA.

Trump fans responded favorably to Lohans bid.

While others questioned the actress plea.

LINDSAY LOHAN COMMITTED TO HER WORK WITH REFUGEES FOR HOLIDAYS

Lohan has been all over map recently, uprooting her life in the United States for a home base in London. In 2016, the controversial star got some backlash for giving an interview in Greece in a bizarre accent she later called "Lilohan."

Fox News reached out to Lindsay Lohan but have not gotten comment.
Rob Kardashians ex-fiancee, Blac Chyna, is considering taking legal action after Kardashian posted several explicit photos of her on Instagram Wednesday.

Chynas attorney Walter Mosley told People magazine, I am exploring all legal remedies and protections available to my client at this time in attempts to best advise her on how she may want to proceed.

Kardashian accused Blac Chyna of cheating on him in the posts and included personal photos and graphic language.

ROB KARDASHIAN GOES ON WILD RANT

Experts say Kardashians tirade could result in serious legal ramifications if his posts are deemed as revenge porn.

He faces six months under California penal law. He also faces the threat of being on the receiving end of a family court order of protection and a civil lawsuit, revenge porn lawyer Carrie Goldberg told Fox News.

Kardashian and Chyna share a daughter, Dream.

Goldberg noted California, where Kardashian and Chyna reside, has strict laws regarding non-consensual pornography.

Its unprecedented for somebody with such a vast social media reach to use that influence to disseminate nude photos, she added.

KRIS JENNER: KIM IS THE QUEEN OF THICK SKIN



Kardashian has a large social media following with over 7.6 million on Twitter. He was reportedly banned from Instagram yesterday after he posted the nude images of Chyna. Then, he took his tirade to Twitter.

New York based attorney Daniel Szalkiewicz, who specializes in Internet privacy and defamation, said if Chyna takes legal action against her ex prosecutors may also make an argument that because he distributed multiple photographs, he should be charged with multiple counts.

The former couple has had a tumultuous relationship which was documented on the now defunct E! reality show, Rob & Chyna, as well as on social media.

However, Los Angeles attorney Nima Haddadi referenced reports that Chyna liked the images posted by Kardashian. If thats proven, Haddadi said it could hurt Chynas potential revenge porn case as it negates any emotional distress.

The law will not apply 100 percent, Haddadi predicted. Also, the law says in order to be convicted there has to have been an understanding the images would remain private. Liking the pics does not seem consistent with being upset that the pictures weren't kept private.

Revenge porn and cyber harassment expert Dr. Charlotte Laws recommended that couples create a social media prenup in order to avoid a potential public disaster.

Social media prenups help to establish relationship boundaries, which are super important in this world of the ever-expanding Internet, Laws said. It can deter nasty, negative behavior. It is a civil shield and is important because once humiliating information and compromising images make their way to the Internet, a reputation can be ruined and difficult to repair.

Blac Chyna and Kardashian did not return Fox News requests for comment.


Robert Downey Jr. may be hanging up his super suit and give up playing Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe sometime soon.

The 52-year-old star recently addressed his future within the ever-growing world of Marvel heroes being brought to the big, and small, screen. Downey Jr. took on the role of Tony Stark in 2008, and his Iron Man installments have been a smash hit, but he said in a recent interview he is worried that remaining in the role for too long could tarnish Starks legacy.

Its this cyclical thing. I could have said when the first Avengers came out: Its never going to get any better than that. Everybody stop. But to me, its always about people and opportunities, like the (Avengers directors Anthony and Joe) Russos, who I adore, he told News Corp Australia Network.

Everyone says to me its like a glove that fits so well. I have to start over every time but I am starting over with a pretty solid base. I just never want to blow it for the last six or seven (Marvel movies) I have done by dropping the ball because I decided to go do it one more time. I just want to hang up my jersey before its embarrassing.

Downey Jr. has had the most screen time of any other actor in the Marvel universe. To date, hes been featured in six out of the 15 connected films -- not counting his brief cameo in The Incredible Hulk. However, its worth noting that Downey Jr. hasnt led one of these movies since Iron Man 3 in 2013.

In 2014, he disappointed some fans when he confessed to Variety that there were no plans for an Iron Man 4. Since that time, though, hes acted as part of the franchises ensemble with memorable supporting roles in Avengers: Age of Ultron and Captain America: Civil War. Hes currently slated to do so again alongside Tom Holland in the upcoming Spider-Man: Homecoming as well as Avengers: Infinity War, which will be a two-part story.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe films are the highest-grossing film franchise of all time, beating out heavy hitters like Stars Wars, Harry Potter and Fast and the Furious.

While the actor seems to be cooling off on the Tony Stark role, hes not outright refusing to return. According to CinemaBlend, he previously told reporters at a Spider-Man: Homecoming press junket that he simply wants to ensure hes attached to quality projects.

What happens to me is that things are presented to me that are really well thought out by folks that have been doing this correctly for a really long time, and I go like, Check.

Spider-Man: Homecoming hits theaters July 7, 2017.
Health officials confirmed on Wednesday that a Dartmouth College student has a case of the mumps and has been placed in isolation. A statement said the schools health providers are working with state officials to manage and test students with potential symptoms of the disease.

Students are being asked to contact Dartmouth College Health Services about any health concerns, while staff members and faculty are advised to consult their primary care physicians, The Union Leader reported.

TRAFFIC STOP ENDS IN BIRTH OF BABY GIRL

We are writing to you today to provide you with information you will need to be an active part of the response to prevent the spread of mumps on campus, Dr. Ann Bracken, director of clinical medical services at the college health service, told students via email.

As of Thursday, no other students had been tested for mumps, which the college requires vaccination against in order to register for classes with the exception of those who are exempted under specific circumstances, The Leader Union reported.

200-MILE BIKE RIDE AIMS FOR $48 MILLION FUNDRAISING GOAL IN NAME OF CANCER RESEARCH

Mumps may cause a patient to experience puffy cheeks, swollen jaw, fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite or swollen salivary glands. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms can appear 16-18 days after infection, or up to 25 days after. The virus is contagious and could cause life-threatening complications if left untreated.
A routine traffic stop ended in a career first for one Georgia officer, after she jumped in to help deliver a newborn baby girl. Douglasville Police Officer Candace Tongate had pulled over an unidentified woman for making an illegal U-turn early Wednesday morning when another car followed them into a nearby parking lot, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

A man drove up on me and asked for help, Tongate told Fox 5 Atlanta. He said his wife was in labor. And so, I told him as well to pull into the Montereys parking lot. When he told me he could see the baby and I walked up and I also saw the baby I realized it was a little closer than I thought it was going to be.

PETE FRATES TO GET HELP WITH ALS MEDICAL BILLS

Tongate let the other driver go with a warning before getting assistance from Sgt. Stacy Gruber who arrived in time to help deliver the unidentified couples third child.

When the baby came out Officer Tongate rolled it over on its stomach, Gruber told Fox 5 Atlanta. I had hold of the umbilical cord, because it broke. And you hear that first cry, see the smile on the mom, and dads face, its priceless.

WHY MOSQUITOES ARE CONSIDERED A WORLDWIDE THREAT

The baby, who was named Riley, and her mother were taken to a nearby hospital where they are said to be doing well.

I dont have kids and this is the first child Ive been involved with coming out and I will definitely remember for the rest of my life, Tongate told Fox 5 Atlanta.
This Friday marks one year since the single deadliest day for law enforcement since September 11, 2001. On July 7, 2016, Micah Xavier Johnson murdered five Dallas police officers during a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest.

I remember being called in for duty and arriving downtown to find a war zone. Blood soaked the ground near bullet-riddled police cars. Shell casings and broken glass were strewn everywhere, and shoes had flown off of protestors as they fled from the gunfire. Across America, men and women in uniform grappled with our new reality. After volunteering to serve in one of the worlds most dangerous professions, officers would now be targeted, attacked, and killed for no other reason than wearing a badge.

One year later, as our nation absorbs yet another lethal, unprovoked and senseless attack on law enforcement with the murder of New York City police officer Miosotis Familia, policing remains one of the most underappreciated and misunderstood professions in modern society.

Less than one percent of the population truly understands what we do, how we do it, and why we do it. Police officers are responsible for enforcing laws, preventing crime, and ensuring public safety. The additional expectations placed upon us  up to and including getting killed in the line of duty - are excessive and unrealistic. There are significant risks inherent to our profession, but we expect to go home to our families at night; we dont expect to die in a hail of bullets. One of my closest friends, the late Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, once told me, In the military, you deploy for six months and then come home to safety. Police officers are deployed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

The protesters who claim were trigger-happy thugs and chant Fk the police are the first to dial 9-1-1 if their lives, or that of their loved ones, are threatened.

Most officers dont understand the animosity toward our profession. Were all volunteers, working long hours in dangerous conditions for modest pay. Every day is a life-or-death crapshoot. We choose to do it because its our path to service. Ive had the privilege of working alongside the bravest, most selfless people in the world. The protesters who claim were trigger-happy thugs and chant Fk the police are the first to dial 9-1-1 if their lives, or that of their loved ones, are threatened. When the gunfire erupted on July 7, no one refused help from the Dallas police officers who served as human shields and herded people to safety.

Informed debate about policing is important; thats the hallmark of our democracy. When citizens exercise their right to free speech, youll find a police presence along the protest lines to ensure that people stay safe while their voices are heard. Officers found guilty of wrongdoing should also be held accountable for their actions. We all have to do the right thing - badge or no badge. Although most officers arent part of the problem, were trying to be part of the solution. Reasonable discourse can take place without putting the entire profession on trial and further endangering our lives with inflammatory rhetoric and calls for violence against police. Our work is precarious enough already, as evidenced by the 31 Dallas Police Dept. officers who were killed during my three decades on the job.

Law enforcement needs the support and cooperation of the American public to effectively carry out our responsibilities. Many citizens do appreciate the police, but the vocal minority is loud, and the silent majority doesnt come to our defense. A better understanding and humanization of the profession can help combat the anti-police climate. Its a two-way street. Police departments must develop strong relationships within their communities and create opportunities to educate the citizens they serve. The public can do its part by informing its perceptions with reality  participate in your local police departments community programs and events, stop and talk to an officer, and learn about police services.

Police officers will always be human beings watching inhuman things. In an average day on the job, well witness more tragedy and crimes against humanity than most people will see in a lifetime. July 7, 2016, was one of those days. Im so proud of the Dallas Police Department and the heroism of every officer who responded to the crisis. The five men we lost served with courage and honor. We will never forget them.

In memoriam: Sgt. Michael Smith, Dallas Police Dept.; Sr. Corporal Lorne Ahrens, Dallas Police Dept.; Officer Michael Krol, Dallas Police Dept.; Officer Patrick Zamarripa, Dallas Police Dept.; and Officer Brent Thompson, Dallas Area Rapid Transit Police.
First Amendment cases are very much on the national mind these days, and the news from the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) is very encouraging for those who believe in strong protections for constitutional freedoms. The court delivered a First Amendment victory last week in a case involving religious free exercise, and kept alive hope for victories in two other cases where the hot button issues of same-sex marriage and abortion are involved.

First, in Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia, Inc. v. Comer, SCOTUS ruled 7-2 that the State of Missouri had unconstitutionally excluded Trinity Lutheran Church Child Learning Center from a competitive grant program to help schools, daycares, and other nonprofits install rubber playground surfaces made from recycled tires. The preschool and daycare center ranked fifth out of 44 applicants the year it applied for the grant, but was categorically rejected by the government because it was operated by a church. In ruling for Trinity Lutheran, the Court reaffirmed that all Americans should be free from government discrimination based on their religious identity.

Looking down the road, SCOTUS also agreed to hear Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, buoying the hopes of First Amendment advocates who argue that government should not be permitted to compel a religiously opposed individual to create a wedding cake honoring a same-sex marriage, just as a secular wedding cake maker is not required to create a cake opposing same-sex marriage.

Later this year the Court will also decide whether to hear National Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA) v. Becerra.NIFLA is a national network of more than 1,400 pro-life pregnancy centers and medical clinics. Its membership includes 135 such centers in California, and of these, 85 operate as licensed medical clinics. These clinics and centers are faith-based ministries that do not provide or refer for abortion as a matter of principle. What SCOTUS eventually decides will have far-reaching implications for people of all faiths, no faith, and of all moral or political persuasions.

In asking the Court to hear this case, the petitioners noted the California law forces licensed pro-life medical centers to post notices informing women how to contact the state ... for information on how to obtain state-funded abortions, directly contradicting the centers pro-life message.

Simply stated, the issue before SCOTUS is: Can the government compel a faith-based ministry to speak a message with which it fundamentally disagrees and which violates its foundational principles?

In the case from California, pro-life pregnancy centers have challenged AB 775, the states so-called Reproductive FACT Act, as unconstitutional. When asking SCOTUS to hear this case, the petitioners noted that this California law forces licensed pro-life medical centers to post notices informing women how to contact the State at a particular phone number for information on how to obtain state-funded abortions, directly contradicting the centers pro-life message. The same law also forces non-medical, unlicensed pro-life organizations to give extensive disclaimers that they are not a licensed medical facility in large font and in as many as 13 languages to clients on site as well as in their ads, both print and digital, including on their own Internet websites.

The First Amendment right to free speech not only protects the right to speak, but also prevents government from compelling speech. AB 775 compels faith-based charities to speak a message that goes against their pro-life values, and it imposes massive fines upon any pro-life clinic that does not comply. Such fines would force most noncompliant clinics to close.

This might seem like only a fight about abortion and the freedoms of pregnancy resource centers  which number over 3,000 nationwide and provide free resources such as ultrasounds, maternity care, adoption services, education, STI testing, and more to pregnant women. However, the merits of constitutional challenges should not depend on whose conscience ox is being gored. For example, SCOTUS has recognized that Americans have the right to refuse to say the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools, as well as the right to claim conscientious objection to military conscription. First Amendment freedoms are equally as valuable to death-penalty opponents and environmentalists as they are to pro-life nonprofits.

Pro-life pregnancy centers provide a very valuable resource to our nation at no cost to the taxpayer. A 2015 survey by the Charlotte Lozier Institute established that pro-choice women themselves are pro-pregnancy resource centers and admire the services they provide. Laws like Californias stem from activist ideology, not demands by women seeking help. This provides one more reason why SCOTUS should accept NIFLAs appeal and strike down this abusive law.

The illegitimate actions of government like AB 775s coerced speech should be of concern to all Americans  even those who disagree with the life-affirming philosophy of pro-life pregnancy centers. The First Amendment is among our most treasured possessions, a guarantor of our freedom and ability to live together despite our deepest differences.
Born Anne Frances Robbins on July 6, 1921 in New York, she was born into a life on the stage as the daughter of an actress. Never could she have predicted that her own path would lead her to become an actress as well, but even more so would eventually find her on the world stage as Nancy Reagan, First Lady, in a supporting role to her husband, President Ronald Reagan.

I met her for the first time after she and the president left the White House and returned to Los Angeles. Those were supposed to be golden years of retirement, yet that is not the way this First Couple ever did things. Upon their return to California, their schedules remained robust and engaged. It was important to them to stay connected to the American people and to be involved in causes they had always supported. California gave them a heros welcome home  and eagerly and fully embraced their return.

My life was forever changed once I stepped foot into the Office of Ronald Reagan in 1989 as a college intern, eventually becoming the executive assistant to President Ronald Reagan, a role I was honored to hold over the course of ten years until he left the public eye in 1999. Of course I couldn't work with Ronald Reagan directly without working with Mrs. Reagan indirectly - and I enjoyed, and learned from, every interaction with her.

I watched her as a gracious hostess to world leaders and observed firsthand her hospitality and attention to detail on behalf of others. I admired her warmth, even as sometimes language barriers prevented true conversation, her heartfelt connection was established in other ways  through smiles and gestures conveying sincere welcome.

As time went on I was humbled to be a recipient of her world-class hospitality as well, both myself, and any time I brought my family to the Reagans home for a visit. She was gracious and loving. Kind and warm. Patient and understanding  even of the prying questions and wanderings of my four young children through her museum-esque home.

Each of my children had a warm personal connection with Mrs. Reagan, but since she and my daughter Courtney were both dancers and performers, they always felt as if they shared an extra special bond. Courtney felt very grown-up when Mrs. Reagan talked to her seriously about dance, as if she was speaking one professional dancer to another. Mrs. Reagan would ask Courtney what she was working on in her classes. Courtney would describe the routines they were practicing, and then Mrs. Reagan would ask her to show one to her. Courtney didnt have to be asked twice!

I remember one visit in the summer when Courtney described the eight-count combinations the class was working on and leapt up to demonstrate. Soon Mrs. Reagan was up, too, holding Courtneys hand and asking her to teach her the steps. What a great memory of these two dancers, with wide grins on their faces, holding hands and sharing choreography on the private stage of the back patio of the Reagan residence!

And speaking of holding hands, of course the love story of Ronald and Nancy Reagan was one for the ages. Genuine and true. I loved watching them interact - especially when they thought no one was watching. Seeing their deep connection to each other was heart-warming. Regardless of how many people were around, when they looked at each other the rest of the world disappeared. If they started on opposite sides of the room, they were like magnets drawn toward each other, ultimately winding up connected and inseparable.

I admired Mrs. Reagans willingness to sometimes be the bad guy so that her husband could be the good guy. She always had his best interests in mind and was a shrewd judge of character, often intuitively seeing motives and agendas in others that didnt serve her husband well that perhaps he didnt always see. I believe that Ronald Reagan would never have become all he was and accomplished all he did without the petite, yet powerful, love and devotion of his wife behind him.

In the later years especially, I grew to admire Mrs. Reagan even more for being such a stalwart supporter of her husbands legacy, especially since I know that she much preferred to be in the background, gazing adoringly up at her husband while he communicated with the nation and the world. Yet in the final years of his life, when he was no longer able to be a voice on his own, she bravely stepped forward to be a champion for him, albeit reluctantly, taking the stage once again on his behalf, a place of destiny for her.

Today we celebrate the life of Nancy Reagan whose presence ranged from global stages as a representative of the president, to local ones, with a toddler, as a fellow dancer on the diminutive stage of private life. In both circumstances she shone brightly in the spotlights and made it all look effortless. Brava Nancy Reagan - brava!
North Koreas July 4th test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) once again underscored the growing danger North Korea poses to the United Statesand the need to do something about it, now.

But we cant lose sight of the bigger picture. Pyongyangs missiles should not distract us from the fact that the greatest long-term challenge to America in Asia comes from Chinas determination to dominate that vital part of the globe. Fortunately, the former presents an opportunity to deal with the latter.

The Trump administration can use the North Korean threat to strengthen Americas political relations and military posture in the region. This puts America in a better position to deal with China. And it also is the best means of convincing Beijing to rein in Kim Jong Un.

The first way the Trump administration can seize upon the North Korean threat is by improving political relations among U.S. allies and partners in the region. Following the end of World War II, America established what has been termed a hub-and-spokes alliance system in the region. In contrast to Europe where America formed NATO, in Asia the United States maintains strong ties with individual allies who have minimal involvement between each other.

Since many Asian nations remain wary of antagonizing China, North Korea presents a better opportunity for overcoming the obstacles to establishing such a security network. This is especially true in the case of improving ties between Japan and South Korea.

Although this arrangement worked for dealing with the Soviet Union during the Cold War, there is a growing recognition among the experts that is inadequate to deal with China. As a recent report from the bipartisan Center for New American Security put it, Moving beyond isolated hub-and-spoke ties toward a more densely connected security network is a cost-effective way for the United States to advance its interests and uphold the regional rules-based order. It is also fully consistent with a strategy of encouraging U.S. allies and partners to assume a greater share of the burden for their security.

Since many Asian nations remain wary of antagonizing China, North Korea presents a better opportunity for overcoming the obstacles to establishing such a security network. This is especially true in the case of improving ties between Japan and South Korea. Tokyo and Seoul are Americas most important allies in the region, with nearly 50,000 U.S. troops stationed in Japan and over half that number in South Korea. At the same time, Japan-South Korea relations are characterized by animosity due to multiple challenges, including a territorial dispute that flares up periodically. South Koreans also feel more affinity towards China than Japan, making it unlikely that Beijings rise will bring the two countries closer together.

North Korea offers the best opportunity to bind Tokyo and Seoul closer together. Both countries are threatened by Pyongyang, and this is one area where they are closer together than South Korea is to China. Already, North Korea has led Japan and South Korea to enter into an intelligence-sharing agreement. As Pyongyangs nuclear capabilities grow, the United States should push Seoul and Tokyo to increase their own cooperation.

North Korea also offers an opportunity for the United States to strengthen its ties to other allies in the region, such as Thailand and the Philippines. Both countries are among Americas oldest allies in the Asia-Pacific. Their current governments, however, have sought to improve their ties with Beijing at the expense of Washington. As a leaked telephone call between President Trump and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte demonstrates, these countries view Pyongyang as a threat to their own security. The Trump administration would be wise to use this as a way to bolster Americas ties to these traditional allies and other countries in Southeast Asia.

The United States should also use the North Korean threat to bolster its military posture in the Asia-Pacific. This can be done by deploying what might be called dual-use capabilities. That is, military capabilities that can help America defend itself and its allies against both North Korea and China.

One such example is anti-submarine warfare. As part of its relentless drive to modernize its military, Beijing has built up a massive submarine force. Indeed, according to some estimates, Chinas military will field almost twice as many submarines as the United States within the next decade. North Korea is also developing a submarine-launched ballistic missile, which can be used to deliver nuclear warheads. Although Pyongyang is still years away from acquiring an operational sea-based nuclear deterrent, the time to begin planning for this eventuality is now. To do this, the United States should begin mining the Pacific with modern sensors and other emerging detection technologies to improve its ability to track and, if necessary, destroy enemy submarines. This can be justified by the need to deny North Korea a survivable sea-based deterrent, while also enhancing Americas ability to neutralize Chinas undersea forces.

Other dual-use capabilities include strengthening surveillance, radars, and air and missile defense systems in the region. Once again, these new deployments can be justified in terms of needing to be able to track and destroy North Korean missiles that present a growing threat to the entire Asia-Pacific region, not to mention the U.S. homeland. At the same time, these capabilities can be used to better monitor Chinese military activities in the Western Pacific and defend against its growing air, naval, and missile capabilities. This could extend to helping allies and partners to dredge rocks, reefs, and islands throughout the Pacific to create features that could serve as makeshift air and naval bases in the event that U.S. military installations come under attack from China or North Korea.

More generally, the United States should use the North Korean threat to establish more multilateral military exercises simulating defense against missile attacks. Needless to say, this would provide valuable experience for defending against missile attacks originating from China or North Korea.

Finally, the need for U.S. allies and partners to defend themselves against North Korea can also be a pretext for selling them military systems that would also enhance their ability to deal with Chinese aggression. For instance, after North Korea launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile test in May, Japan expressed an interest in purchasing a new kind of anti-ballistic missile system from the United States. Similarly, Kim Jong Uns provocations has led Tokyo to consider acquiring offensive missile capabilities for the first time in the post-WWII era.

The advantage of using this approach to respond to North Koreas provocations was demonstrated nicely by Americas deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system to the Korean Peninsula. Although THAADs interceptors can only shoot down close-range missiles, Beijing fiercely objected to the deployment because its radar system can be used to track Chinese missiles headed towards the United States or other hotspots in the region. As such, THAADs deployment was one of the first times Beijing paid a concrete price for its support of the Kim regime. Similar deployments in the future can begin to alter Chinas cost-benefit calculus in a way that leads Beijing to do more to clamp down on North Korea.

There are other benefits as well. Most notably, China responded to THAAD by imposing covert economic sanctions on Seoul in an attempt to force it to cancel the deployment. This has poisoned relations between China and South Korea and shown other Asian nations the perils of a future in which China dominates the region. This can only serve to push allies closer to the United States, and increase their willingness to take a harder line against China. Both of these developments are very much in Americas national interest.
Ronald Reagan is nodding. If anyone doubted President Trumps grasp of history, doubt no more. Today, on the site of the Warsaw Uprising, in the heart of democratic Poland, President Trump gave the most powerful speech of his presidency.

In an echo of Reagans tear down this wall speech given 30 years ago last month, President Trump declared Polands defense of freedom and Western values an enduring symbol of hope. He honored the Polish people, their character and their patriots in a time of shared threats.

Then, he did more. As Reagan challenged the Soviet communist ideology, predicting it would end on the ash heap of history, Trump extended his Middle East call to unity. He declared radical Islamic terror an oppressive ideology doomed by its own inherent evil and violence against innocents.

President Trump traced Polands recurring defense of liberty, its own and ours. He reflected on Polish heroes, like Tadeusz Kosciuszko, who fought in the American Revolution, beside George Washington.

He chronicled Polands unbowed faith, perseverance, and reverence for liberty that kept them unified as borders were erased and redrawn in successive wars.

He spoke with passion about the Warsaw Uprising, Nazi and Soviet inhumanities, faith in family, and devotion to universal values. He spoke of the quest for truth and giving ones life for something higher.

Of Polish and American patriots, he said: We can still hear their voices; they echo down through history.

President Trump focused on what Ronald Reagan did 30 years ago: the human spirit, and how a free and faithful people will never to be broken  by anything.

Poland had showed us all how to stand in solidarity against oppression, he said, from Jewish resistance in Warsaw to Pope John Paul IIs and Lech Walesas fight against the Soviets.

Lech Walesa was in the audience. My mind flashed back to 1982 and 1983. In those years, I visited Soviet-dominated Poland, then under martial law. I was a student then, studying Solidarity  the independent labor union turned opposition party.

The Trump speech was like a flashback. He referenced the Poles putting sandbags up each night to protect Jerusalem Avenue under Nazi siege, removing them by day. It put me in mind of Gdansk, 1983, where homes were raided and people dragged away. In Gdansk, Poles put bunches of flowers under a giant cross beside the shipyards  in protest. Every day, the flowers were removed. Every night, they returned.

Another flashback. As the president spoke of shared values, shared threats and shared sacrifice, chants erupted.

Thousands of Poles chanted USA, USA, USA - chants of gratitude and for a shared commitment to faith, freedom and democracy.

These chants were rooted in history, from Kosciuszkos gift to our revolution, through our shared sacrifices in two World Wars and in ending Soviet domination, to Afghanistan and Iraq to now.

It took me back to a day in 1983 when thousands of Poles chanted as they marched from Lech Walesas church to the cross at the Gdansk shipyards.

I asked a Polish friend, What are they saying? She looked at me, and smiled. She said, Reagan will show you. He did.

Trump is onto something, his foreign policy more consistent by the week, and I suspect Reagan is nodding.
The vice chair of President Trump's voter fraud commission took aim Wednesday at media reports of a mass boycott of the ongoing probe, dismissing it as "more 'fake news.'"

Kris Kobach, who also serves as secretary of state in Kansas, said "despite media distortions and obstruction by a handful of state politicians," the committee will "continue its work to gather the facts through public records requests."

"While there are news reports that 44 states have "refused" to provide voter information to the Commission, these reports are patently false, more "fake news," he said in a statement. "At present, only 14 states and the District of Columbia have refused the Commission's request for publicly available voter information."

Kobach seemed to be referencing a story Monday by CNN that pegged the number at 44. According to Kobach, as of Wednesday 20 states have agreed to provide the publicly available information requested by the commission, and another 16 states are reviewing which information can be released under their state laws.

His comments came after President Trump over the weekend questioned why some states wont comply with a request from his voting commission for information about voters, asking, What are they trying to hide?

Populous and liberal-leaning states such as California and New York are refusing to comply, but even some conservative ones that voted for Trump, including Texas, said they can provide only partial responses based on what is legally allowed under state law.

"Numerous states are refusing to give information to the very distinguished VOTER FRAUD PANEL, Trump tweeted Saturday morning. What are they trying to hide?"

TRUMP CHIDES STATES FOR NOT COMPLYING WITH VOTING COMMISSION

Trump established the commission to investigate allegations of voter fraud in the 2016 elections, but Democrats have blasted it as a biased panel that is merely looking for ways to suppress the vote.

The disagreement is the latest incident in an ongoing argument between Democrats and Republicans about the extent of voter fraud across the country.

On Friday, New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner, a Democrat who is a member of Trump's Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, defended the request.

He said the commission expected that many states would only partially comply because open records laws differ from state to state.

"If only half the states agree, we'll have to talk about that. I think, whatever they do, we'll work with that," said Gardner, adding that the commission will discuss the survey at its July 19 meeting.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Friday blasted the decision by some governors and secretaries of state not to comply.

"I think that that's mostly about a political stunt," she told reporters at a White House briefing.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Lawmakers in Alaska and Hawaii are doubling down on calls for improved U.S. defenses after North Korea test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile that experts say could hit Alaska.

Tuesdays ICBM launch was North Koreas most successful yet, spurring an emergency U.N. Security Council session on Wednesday where U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley pushed for diplomatic solutions.

She warned the U.S. reserves the right to use military force.

One of our capabilities lies with our military forces, and we will use them, but we prefer not to have to go in that direction, Haley said Wednesday. North Koreas launch of an ICBM is a clear and sharp military escalation.

U.S. VOWS IT WILL 'NEVER ACCEPT A NUCLEAR NORTH KOREA' AFTER NEW MISSILE TEST

As officials debated in New York over what the international response should be, the states closest to Pyongyang's weapons appealed for action in Washington.

Today, Alaskans awoke to disturbing news that North Korea tested a missile that some experts say may be able to reach Alaska in the near future, Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, said on Tuesday. Now more than ever, its imperative for Alaskans and the rest of the nation that we be prepared.

Sullivan, along with Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, and other senators, introduced bipartisan legislation in May that would improve capability and capacity of U.S. homeland missile defense in response to North Korean aggression.

This bill will help improve our ability to defend Hawaii, Alaska, and the U.S. mainland against a North Korean ballistic missile threat, Schatz said when the bill was introduced.

The bulk of the bill was included in the fiscal 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, which passed out of a Senate committee last week.

Ive been saying for months that its no longer if but when Kim Jong-Un will get the ability to strike U.S. cities with a nuclear missile, Sullivan said last week, just days before the successful ICBM launch.

The Pentagon has a total of 36 missile interceptors in underground silos on military bases in Alaska and California, and is expected to increase that to 44 by the end of the year.

The bill would incorporate an additional 28 ground-based interceptors, 14 of which would be located in Alaska. An interceptor moves towards its target based on tracking data, and is assumed to destroy the target by force of impact to neutralize its nuclear explosive power; it could be launched if given notice of a missile headed towards the U.S.

Weve still not seen a number of things that would indicate a full-up threat, Pentagon Spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis said on Wednesday. But clearly they are working on it. Clearly they seek to do it.

Hawaii officials earlier this year already had called for updating their state emergency plans by repairing and restocking Cold War-era fallout shelters.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, told Fox News on Wednesday that the U.S. must pursue serious diplomatic efforts to denuclearize North Korea.

For the past fifteen years, our leaders have let the people of Hawaii and our country down, allowing the situation in North Korea to worsen to this point of crisis where we are left with nothing but bad options, Gabbard told Fox News in a written statement. As long as the U.S. is waging regime change wars, we are far less likely to reach a diplomatic solution in North Korea because they have no reason to believe our promises.

But even as she criticized the administration's approach, she stressed the need to "defend against North Koreas threat with cutting-edge missile defense technologies" as part of the response.

U.S. WATCHED NORTH KOREA PREPARE FOR ICBM LAUNCH

According to one U.S. scientist, the missile North Korea just launched could hit the U.S. if positioned at a standard launch angle.

This missile just proved it could travel around 4,100 milesmeaning it could hit all of Alaska, Professor Bruce Bechtol of Angelo State University in Texas, who has years of experience monitoring North Korea, told Fox News in an email.

Fox News' James Rosen and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
School-choice advocates are claiming a victory after the Supreme Court sided last week with a Missouri church, ruling that public funding could be used to resurface its playground.

Advocates like Darrell Allison, founding president of Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina, cheered the 7-2 decision.

"I do think it lays down a marker," Allison said. Education, I think we all can agree, it's vitally important in our nation.  We need to have more of an open-mindedness as it relates to who can be participating in that.

The Supreme Court ruled June 26 that Trinity Lutheran Church could receive public money, from a grant, to rubberize the surface of its playground. School-choice supporters see hope for their cause because they believe the decision undermines so-called Blaine Amendments  decades-old state laws that bar direct government aid to institutions with a religious affiliation.

SUPREME COURT RULES FOR MISSOURI CHURCH

The Blaine Amendments were a series of amendments that were enacted in the 19th century as anti-Catholic measures, said Randy Barnett, a professor at Georgetown Law and the Director of Georgetown Center for the Constitution. The Protestants controlled the public schools, and they didn't like the idea of the Catholics setting up their own school system, so they came up with these amendments which prohibited the expenditures of any government money on religious institutions.

Years later, the laws are seen as a major barrier to school choice, because they are often used to prevent families from using public scholarship money to send their children to a religious school, via a school voucher program.

According to Barnett, its one of the principle arguments those opposed to school choice can make.

Missouri is one of 38 states with a Blaine Amendment in the state constitution. Since 2015, at least three states have faced legal challenges to those amendments: Colorado, Montana and Missouri.

One potential complication for school-choice advocates, however, is a footnote from Chief Justice John Roberts in the Supreme Court's Trinity Lutheran Church ruling. To some, it ensures the decision only impacts the case from Missouri.

Roberts wrote, This case involves express discrimination based on religious identity with respect to playground resurfacing. We do not address religious uses of funding or other forms of discrimination."

Critics of voucher programs say Roberts footnote is one reason this ruling is narrow, and celebrations among those who favor school choice are premature.

In a statement, the president of one of the largest teachers unions said the court avoided the larger constitutional issue.

"This decision was about providing a generally available benefit to a church that was not going to be used for religious purposes and would not violate the establishment clause of the First Amendment, American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten said. That is consistent with the Blaine Amendment, which was never intended to prevent religious organizations from receiving funding for uses that are open to all and do not promote religion or discriminate. Therefore, the Supreme Court's Trinity decision cannot be read as opening the door for states to promote religion or expand vouchers."

However, after the court sided with Trinity Lutheran Church, the justices sent another case back to the lower courts.

In 2015, the Colorado Supreme Court said a voucher program that allowed parents to use taxpayer money to send their children to private, possibly religious schools, was unconstitutional. Now, the U.S. Supreme Court says the Colorado court needs to look at the case again.

Barnett said thats a legal win for school-choice advocates, because it suggests the Supreme Court seems to believe [the Missouri and Colorado case] are connected.

This is a very important ruling because it's the first time that the Blaine Amendments have been called into question by the U.S. Supreme Court on First Amendment grounds. And for that reason, school-choice proponents are going to have a much easier road in legislatures around the country as they push for choice legislation to be passed, Barnett said.

Fox News Jenny Buchholz contributed to this report.
Nikki Haley, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, warned North Korea Wednesday that America has considerable military options at its disposal, following that countrys intercontinental ballistic missile launch Tuesday.

Her remarks came during an emergency Security Council meeting on North Korea.

Haley warned Pyongyang that while the U.S. doesnt seek conflict, it is prepared to use force if necessary.

One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces. We will use them if must, but we prefer not to have to go in that direction, she said.

One senior Western diplomat told Fox News that North Korea is the biggest threat to international peace and security right now.

NORTH KOREA'S NUCLEAR WEAPONS PROGRAM HAS GROWN WITH EACH KIM REGIME

Haley reminded Council members about the tragic death of American student Otto Warmbier at the hands of the Pyongyang regime and said that Tuesdays launch was a dark day, and had made the world a much more dangerous place.

Their illegal missile launch was not only dangerous, but reckless and irresponsible, she said. It showed that North Korea does not want to be part of a peaceful world. They have cast a dark shadow of conflict on all nations that strive for peace.

Haley told the Council that the U.S. would bring a new draft resolution against North Korea in the coming days, which would further sanction the rogue regime.

While several members of the Security Council said they would most likely support a new resolution,both Russia and China didnt seem as supportive.

We are against any statements or action which could lead to an escalation and hardening of antagonisms, said Russian deputy Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov, who called for more dialogue for a comprehensive solution for the Korean Peninsula.

Sanctions will not resolve the issue. In that manner we simply rush towards a stalemate just as any attempts to resolve the situation through force are inadmissible, he said.

Chinas UN Ambassador, Liu Jieyi, who is this months Security Council president, said that Chinas goal is to realize the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and criticized, along with his Russian counterpart, the deployment of the Thaad anti-missile system in South Korea. He urged the immediate cancellation of their deployment to the area.

China has always been firmly opposed to chaos and conflict on the peninsula. Military means must not be an option, in this regard the deployment of Thaad anti-missile system in North-East Asia seriously undermines the strategic security interests of regional countries including China, he said.

US WATCHED NORTH KOREA PREPARE FOR ICBM LAUNCH

Both China and Russia have pushed for a way to ease tensions and are coordinating on a suspension for suspension basis, which would mean North Korea suspends its nuclear and ballistic testing while the U.S. and South Korea would suspend their military exercises.

Haley, who asked to speak a second time, cautioned fellow Security Council members that a vote against a new resolution would show support for North Korea.

Its time for us to all stand together and say we will not put up with this action, to sit there and oppose sanctions, or to sit there and go in defiance of a new resolution means you are holding the hands of Kim Jong-un, she said.
CNN reporter Jim Acosta took heat Thursday from conservatives on Twitter after the combative correspondent accused President Trump of holding a fake news conference -- and later spewed some "fake news" of his own when he claimed Trump misstated the number of intelligence agencies that concluded Russia meddled in the presidential election.

During a joint news conference with President Andrzej Duda in Poland, Trump took questions from reporters from The Daily Mail and MSNBC. But that apparently wasnt good enough for Acosta, whos no stranger to sparring with Trump and White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer.

Trump finally held a news conference overseas. But he took a question from a friendly reporter and then attacked CNN as fake news, Acosta tweeted, adding: Isnt it a fake news conference to take a question from a reporter who is essentially an ally of the White House?

Acosta apparently was referring to The Daily Mail's U.S. political editor David Martosko, who was considered last month for a gig in Trumps communications department but pulled out of consideration.

But right-leaning social media watchers quickly blasted Acostas snarky messages, noting the Obama administration enjoyed no shortage of reporter-aide crossovers and suggesting former President Barack Obama and his team routinely called on friendly journalists.

So by that logic, was every news conference for the last 8 years #fakenews Jim? Donald Trump Jr. wrote.

Ex-Bush White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer added: Jim  care to guess how many questions I took from reporters who went on to join the Obama WH??

Conservative radio host Steve Deace picked up on the thread: Jim, over two dozen journalists went to work in the Obama WH, including the former WH spokesman.

An Atlantic article from 2013 noted Time managing editor Rick Stengel was at least the 24th journalist to work for the Obama Administration. Former Obama White House Press Secretary Jay Carney also had worked for Time as its Washington Bureau Chief, which Deace alluded to. Others defected from outlets such as Politico, The Washington Post, National Journal and the Chicago Tribune to take roles under Obama.

Aside from the Twitter battles, Acosta also ran into some trouble on air Thursday.

While on CNNs New Day after Trumps joint press conference, Acosta repeated the fake news line  a phrase Trump often uses when he refers to CNN, including on Thursday  to describe an answer Trump gave to a question about Russian meddling in the U.S. presidential election.

The other thing that was fake news coming from President Trump is when he said, Well, I keep hearing it's 17 intelligence agencies that say Russia meddled in the election, I think it's only three or four, Acosta said. Where does that number come from? Where does this three or four number come from? My suspicionis that if we go to the administration and ask them for this question, I'm not so sure we're going to get an answer.

However, there is an answer.

The New York Times  and other outlets  had reported for months that 17 American intelligence agencies agreed Russia orchestrated cyber-attacks before the election.

But The Times on June 28 issued a correction, noting the assessment was made by four intelligence agencies  the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National Security Agency. The Times bluntly concluded: The assessment was not approved by all 17 organizers in the American intelligence community.
Mayor Bill de Blasio is jetting off to Germany on Thursday to protest President Trump and other world leaders attending the G20 Summit meeting.

The day after a cop was assassinated in The Bronx, de Blasio skipped an afternoon swearing-in ceremony for 524 new NYPD recruits ahead of his flight overseas.

A last-minute advisory from City Hall said Hizzoner will attend several events surrounding the G20 Summit, including Saturdays Hamburg Zeigt Haltung rally.

Organizers of that demonstration  Hamburg Shows Attitude, in English  say 10,000 people have registered to oppose G20 participants including Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdgoan.

All stand for an attitude that we find unacceptable and do not want to accept, Lutheran Bishop Kirsten Fehrs has said.

City Council members said they were unaware of de Blasios plan to abandon the Big Apple to push his progressive agenda in Europe.

Click for more from the New York Post.
A Democratic Texas congressman suggested there should be criminal prosecution against the president of Hobby Lobby, after the arts-and-crafts chain announced that it would pay $3 million to help settle a federal lawsuit alleging that the company bought thousands of smuggled artifacts.

Rep. Joaquin Castro said in a tweet Wednesday "Extraordinary. Hobby Lobby's president illegally smuggled 144 artifacts into the U.S. and yet no hint of criminal prosecution."

Castro also went after the smugglers who brought the artifacts taken illegally from Iraq.

"The UAE and Israeli "dealers" who helped Hobby Lobby smuggle stolen artifacts into US should be banned from doing business w US for 10 yrs," he wrote on Twitter.

Castro was not the only Democrat to comment on the Hobby Lobby settlement. Rep. Ted Lieu of California said the settlement with the Department of Justice was "proof karma is real."

The hobby lobby revelations are further proof karma is real and God has a sense of humor, Lieu tweeted Wednesday.

In a civil complaint, prosecutors alleged Hobby Lobby began collecting "historically important manuscripts, antiquities and other cultural materials" around 2009, shipping them to company headquarters in Oklahoma City.

HOBBY LOBBY TO PAY $3M TO SETTLE CLAIM IT ILLICITLY IMPORTED IRAQI ARTIFACTS

Beginning in the summer of 2010, Hobby Lobby President Steve Green allegedly expressed interest in buying thousands of artifacts  including tablets written in cuneiform, one of the earliest systems of writing  from Israeli antiquities dealers based in the United Arab Emirates.

According to the Justice Department complaint, an expert hired by Hobby Lobby's in-house counsel warned in October of that year that such artifacts "may have been looted from archaeological sites in Iraq."

Despite the warning, prosecutors say Hobby Lobby agreed to buy more than 5,500 of the artifacts for $1.6 million, far less than the $11.8 million a company consultant estimated them to be worth. The government said the purchase was "fraught with red flags."

Late Wednesday, Hobby Lobby announced that it would forfeit the artifacts and an additional 144 cylinder seals to settle the complaint, as well as the $3 million. Prosecutors say Hobby Lobby agreed to adopt internal policies for importing cultural property and training its personnel.

In a statement, Green acknowledged the company had made "regrettable mistakes," adding "We should have exercised more oversight and carefully questioned how the acquisitions were handled."

Green said Hobby Lobby began acquiring a variety of historical Bibles and other artifacts in 2009.

"Our passion for the Bible continues, and we will do all that we can to support the efforts to conserve items that will help illuminate and enhance our understanding of this Great Book," Green said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The vice chairman of the Vermont Republican Party told Fox News Wednesday night that the federal investigation into Sen. Bernie Sanders' wife is "firmly based on facts and figures and analysis," not hearsay.

The FBI is looking at allegations Jane Sanders fraudulently obtained a loan to purchase 33 acres of land for the expansion of Burlington College in 2010.

Brady Toensing, who also chaired President Donald Trump's campaign in Vermont, told "Tucker Carlson Tonight" that Jane Sanders, the school's president at the time, had sought a $6.5 million bank loan to buy the property from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington.

"In order to get those loans, she had to confirm guaranteed donations of $2.6 million," Toensing alleged. "Of that $2.6 million, the school was only able to collect about 25 percent ... and of the confirmed donations, three of the donors have come forward to say that the school overstated their pledge amounts."

Sanders, the college's president at the time, left her post the following year and the college ceased operations this past May.

SANDERS BLAMES REPUBLICANS FOR FBI PROBE OF WIFE

Over the weekend, Bernie Sanders dismissed the FBI probe as "something [the] Republican National Committee is very excited about."

"My wife is perhaps the most honest person I know. She did a great job in Burlington College," Sanders told CNN. "Sadly we are in a moment where parties not only attack public officials, they have to go after wives and children. You know, this is pathetic and that's the way politics is in America today."

However, Toensing said the allegations need to be looked at closely by the FBI.

"If you look at who was harmed by this whole financial debacle, the Catholic Church lost almost $2 million, the taxpayers of Vermont lost almost $150,000, the bank lost untold amounts of money and the school went bankrupt," he said. "But [Jane and Bernie Sanders], they were not financially harmed."
The newest member of the Supreme Court already is making his mark after just three months on the job, effectively restoring a conservative tilt to the bench in decision after decision  amid mounting speculation over whether President Trump could soon have the chance to pick a second justice.

Neil Gorsuch, who joined the court in April, helped the court round out its term with a rapid-fire set of decisions reinstating much of Trumps travel ban for now, siding with a Missouri church in a dispute over state funding and more.

Having officially settled into the role, Gorsuch and his family are planning to make the permanent move to Washington this summer. He spent the July 4 holiday back home in Colorado  but after riding along the parade route in the back of a 1959 Cadillac with his wife and daughter and posing for photos with neighbors, he and the family are putting their Boulder County home on the market.

With lifetime job security, theres no going back  to the delight of conservatives who fought for his appointment to the high court, filling the seat held by the late Antonin Scalia.

Take the court's final week of work in June. In the biggest ruling this term, Gorsuch agreed officials in Missouri were wrong to deny competitive state grants to a Lutheran church, in order to improve its preschool playground.

GORSUCH, THOMAS RIP DECISION TO DENY GUN RIGHTS APPEAL

While the majority limited its holding by not addressing "religious uses of funding, Gorsuch made clear he would have gone further, writing separately, "The general principles here do not permit discrimination against religious exercise -- whether on the playground or anywhere else."

Gorsuch helped secure other outcomes as well, while at times splitting off from the other justices:

-- In the final sweep of decisions, the court allowed Trump's executive order imposing a temporary travel ban on six mostly Muslim countries to partially go into effect, a compromise that gave both sides a chance to claim victory. But Gorsuch -- joined by Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas -- thought the presidential action should be enforced entirely, with no restrictions.

-- Gorsuch and Thomas disagreed with the court's denial of an appeal over gun rights and a California law restricting the ability of citizens to carry a concealed weapon in public for self-protection.

-- Gorsuch dissented in the court's summary judgment that tossed out an Arkansas law preventing same-sex couples from having both names on a child's birth certificate. Gorsuch wrote there was "nothing wrong" with a traditional approach of listing just the biological parents on the state form. In doing so, Gorsuch indirectly criticized Justice Anthony Kennedy, based on the landmark 2015 ruling allowing same-sex marriage, which the elder justice authored.

"Nothing in Obergefell [ruling] spoke -- let alone clearly -- to the question whether (the Arkansas law), or a state supreme court decision upholding it, must go," Gorsuch said.

Gorsuch, who turns 50 next month, has wasted little time jumping into the ideological scrum of Supreme Court arguments and deliberations. In his very first oral argument in April, the junior justice's pointed questions of counsel took about 10 minutes of the one-hour debate.

COURT RULING EMBOLDENS SCHOOL-CHOICE ADVOCATES

He was so persistent, at one point he apologized for taking up so much time" with his questions.

That assuredness has come with a clearly defined legal lens staking out consistent positions in line with conservative Justices Thomas and Alito  and even going beyond.

Although the count covered just 13 cases, Gorsuch voted with Thomas 100 percent of time, and all but once with Alito.

Another vacancy looming?

Kennedy  who incidentally was Gorsuchs mentor when the Colorado native clerked for him during the 1993 term  is the other justice in the spotlight these days.

Rumors of his imminent retirement came and went as the court embarked on its annual three-month summer recess. Kennedy did not leave, apparently ready to return for his 31st year on the court as its influential "swing" justice. And the justice  who turns 81 this month  is not talking.

But that has not stopped the Washington whispers, since the next Supreme Court vacancy promises to be a political and ideological game-changer.

"Justice Kennedy has been the deciding vote in favor of marriage equality, recently in favor of racial justice, whether it's through housing or in education through affirmative action programs," said Elizabeth Wydra, president of the Constitutional Accountability Center, a progressive legal group. "So it would be a strong shift of the court to the right."

Government sources say the White House is ready for any judicial opening, and will build its strategy on the successful Gorsuch nomination's template.

"It's likely that he's going to step down likely during Trump's presidency," said Carrie Severino, chief legal counsel at the conservative Judicial Crisis Network. "I'm glad to hear the administration is ready because they've got a great list that they're working with to have someone who is going to be faithful to the Constitution."

Kennedy and Gorsuch currently serve as the two bookends preserving the court's shaky right-leaning majority. The moderate mentor and his conservative protege are at different points on the ideological spectrum but united in similar personalities: easy-going, courteous, reflective.

And while Gorsuch attracts widespread attention, Kennedy remains the most-powerful member given his swing vote status.

That dynamic may not last. And if Kennedy exits, the same groups that backed Gorsuch  like JCN  are prepared to do the same for the next nominee.

The fireworks didnt end on July 4th

The new term that begins in October promises more fireworks, regardless of the makeup of the court.

At least three big cases are teed up for argument by year's end:

-- The Trump revised travel ban and the constitutional limits of executive authority over immigration. The White House frames the issue as a temporary move involving national security. A coalition of groups in opposition call the order blatant religious discrimination, since the six countries involved have mostly Muslim populations: Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

A major sticking point for the justices will be navigating how much discretion the president has over immigration. Courts have historically been deferential in this area, and recent presidents have used it to deny entry to certain refugees and diplomats, including from nations such as Iran, Cuba and North Korea.

-- Partisan gerrymandering and just how far a state legislature may go to create an election map favoring one party. Federal courts have struck down Wisconsin's 2011 voting boundaries, and the justices could finally be ready to decide a workable legal standard for determining when such maps are impermissibly extreme.

-- Religious liberty and the case of a Colorado baker who refused to create a custom-made wedding cake for a same-sex couple. The businessman cited his sincerely held Christian beliefs, but lower courts found he violated the state's "public accommodation" law by discriminating based on sexual orientation.

"This issue has been percolating for a long time," said Thomas Dupree, a former top Justice Department attorney. "This is the sort of issue that I suspect we're going to see the court returning to in the years ahead, particularly if they solidify a five-justice conservative majority, more decisions in this First Amendment freedom of religion."

Other cases that will percolate to the court in coming months cover gun rights, personal privacy in the digital age, state-funded tuition benefits for illegal aliens, and foreign detainees held in Guantanamo.

But now more than ever, the court's unapologetic "swing vote" will continue flexing his judicial power on a dizzying mix of hot-button cases.

Months of internal turmoil over the Scalia vacancy and Gorsuch's raucous confirmation left a strategic void that makes Kennedy's unique jurisprudence that much more coveted among his colleagues. As the court returns to a temporary period of normalcy, he quietly thrives.

Do the math: the four reliable liberals and four reliable conservatives now orbit around Kennedy's moderate-conservative credentials, knowing he almost inevitably will provide the crucial deciding vote. While the justice mostly holds to the right, he can move comfortably away when he sees fit.

For however long he chooses to stay, it will in many ways remain Kennedy's court.
The Illinois State Capitol was placed on lockdown for approximately two hours Thursday after a woman scattered a powdered substance in several locations in the building  including Gov. Bruce Rauner's office, officials said.

The disturbance occurred as the Illinois House of Representatives was preparing to vote on overriding Rauner's veto of a $36 billion spending plan fueled by a 32 percent income tax increase. The state Senate had already voted to override Rauner's veto on July 4.

The State Journal-Register reported that the powder was also scattered in the office of Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti and the House gallery.

The Republican governor was not at the state Capitol at the time of the disturbance, and no injuries were reported.

Emergency workers wearing protective gear inspected the office, and people outside the building were forbidden from entering. The all-clear was given shortly before 3:30 p.m. local time.

One person was taken into custody, said Dave Druker, a spokesman for the Secretary of State's office, which oversees Capitol security. He added that no hazardous materials were found and the investigation was ongoing.

A House vote to override Rauner's veto would give Illinois its first annual budget since 2015 and spell the end of the nation's longest fiscal stalemate since at least the Great Depression.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Click for more from the State Journal-Register.
An Oklahoma state senator has been accused of assaulting an Uber driver last month in the states capital.

Sen. Bryce Marlatt, R-Woodward, is accused of forcefully grabbing an Uber driver and kissing her neck on June 26 while she drove him to a hotel, according to a law enforcement official.

Marlatt has not been arrested or charged while authorities continue to investigate the incident.

Names have been redacted from the police report, but someone familiar with the situation in the Oklahoma County District Attorney's office confirmed that the accused is Marlatt, of Woodward.

ALASKA REPORTER SAYS STATE SENATOR SLAPPED HIM

The Uber driver reported the incident to Oklahoma City police two days after she claimed it happened, on June 28, by flagging down a police officer near the state Capitol.

Marlatt told the Woodward News that he was shocked at the allegations, and that he immediately reached out to Uber in an effort to get to the bottom of the accusations.

UBER DRIVER CHARGED WITH KIDNAPPING TORONTO WOMAN

Uber said they are cooperating with police regarding the matter.

"What's been reported is not tolerated and has no place on the Uber app. We are working with the Oklahoma City Police Department and will provide any information to them that would be helpful for their ongoing investigation, Uber Media Relations told FOX 25.

Marlatt has served in the Oklahoma Senate since 2008.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
President Trump called for Moscow to stop fueling global unrest on the eve of his highly anticipated meeting with Vladimir Putin, indicating his first sit-down with his Russian counterpart won't be all smiles and handshakes.

The U.S. president, though, also faced tough Democratic criticism Thursday for "casting doubt" during a press conference on whether Russia meddled in the 2016 U.S. election.

The reaction reflects the tricky balancing act ahead as Trump prepares for the Putin meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Germany. Trump arrived in the country on Thursday, meeting with Chancellor Angela Merkel in Hamburg, ahead of Friday's planned meeting with Putin.

Trump frequently has said he wants the U.S. to get along with Russia and has rejected allegations of 'collusion' between his associates and Russia last year. At the same time, Trump has an interest in reining in Russia's destabilizing activities around the world -- and confronting Putin about them.

Trump took an initial step toward that goal during his rousing speech in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday morning, openly criticizing Russia's policies on the global stage.

We urge Russia to cease its destabilizing activities in Ukraine and elsewhere, and its support for hostile regimes including Syria and Iran, and to join the community of responsible nations in our fight against common enemies and in defense of civilization itself, Trump said.

TRUMP, IN POLAND, VOWS THE 'WEST WILL NEVER, EVER BE BROKEN'

However, during a joint press conference hours earlier with Poland's president, Trump was not so critical on the question of Russia's alleged meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign.

I think it was Russia, and I think it could have been other people in other countriesI dont want to be specific, Trump told reporters. I think Russia probably, and other people and other countries, nobody really knows, nobody really knows for sure.

Trump added: Remember Iraq weapons of mass destruction? Everyone was 100 percent sure Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, guess whatthey were wrong and it led to a messit was Russia, but others also.

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee which is investigating Russia election meddling and potential collusion with Trump campaign associates, slammed the president for his response.

Schiff took to Twitter saying: America last. @POTUS already capitulates to Putin."

In a written statement, Schiff hit Trump for casting doubt on whether Russia was behind election meddling.

This is not putting America first, but continuing to propagate his own personal fiction at the countrys expense, Schiff said, urging Trump to have the courage to raise the issue of Russian interference in the election with Putin. Otherwise the Kremlin will conclude he is too weak to stand up to them. That would be a historic mistake, with damaging implications for our foreign policy for years to come.

During that same press conference, Trump took a shot at former President Barack Obama for apparently being notified of Russian meddling in August and allegedly doing nothing about it.

I think he thought Hillary Clinton was going to win the election and lets not do anything about it, Trump said of Obama. He was told by the CIA that Russia was trying to get involved. He did nothing about it. People said he chokedI dont think he choked.

Fox News' Jason Donner contributed to this report.
President Trump on Thursday called on all nations to confront North Korea two days after the rogue country test-fired its first intercontinental ballistic missile.

Trump did not give specific details about what a confrontation would look like. He took a shot at former President Obama, saying he doesnt draw red lines.

Well just take a look at what happens, Trump said during a joint press conference with Polands President Duda in Warsaw. Its a shame that they are behaving this way. Something has to happen.

Trump touched on a variety of topics during the press conference. He said Russia is destabilizing the region and promised to work with Poland on its security. Trump thanked Duda for his countrys commitment to NATO and paying its fair share. Of the 28 member nations, Poland is one of five that pays its commitments.

Trump-- who has been an outspoken critic of countries that do not pay their dues-- said ever since his criticism, money has been pouring in.

Trump arrived in Warsaw late Wednesday for a 16-hour visit that includes a keynote address to the Poles from Krasinski Square, site of a monument commemorating the 1944 Warsaw Uprising against the Nazis. Scores of people who lined darkened roads waved American and Polish flags and recorded video of Trumps motorcade as it sped him and his wife, Melania, to their hotel.

The press conference was televised at about 4:30 AM ET.

He was asked whether or not he believed Russia meddled in the 2016 elections. Trump said Russians probably played a role, but said so did other countries. He said Obama was aware of the reported meddling in August and did little to intervene because he was under the wrong assumption that Hillary Clinton was a shoo-in.

Trump was also asked about the recent reports that CNN faced backlash for appearing to imply that it would reveal the identity of the Reddit user who made an anti-CNN, Trump-themed GIF if he reneged on an apology.

CNN has defended its handling of the story, issuing a statement Wednesday saying the network did not publish the users name out of concern for his safety -- adding, "Any assertion that the network blackmailed or coerced him is false."

Trump said, CNN was unfortunate for them. They have been fake news for a long time. NBC is equally as bad. Despite the fact that I made them a fortune with Apprentice.

The Associated Press contributed to this report
President Donald Trump delivered a speech in Warsaw, Poland on July 6. Read the transcript below:

TRUMP: Thank you very much. That's so nice.

The United States has many great diplomats, but there is truly no better ambassador for our country than our beautiful first lady, Melania.

Thank you, Melania. That was very nice.

We've come to your nation to deliver a very important message: America loves Poland and America loves the Polish people. Thank you.

The Poles have not only greatly enriched this region, but Polish- Americans have also greatly enriched the United States. And I was truly proud to have their support in the 2016 election.

It is a profound honor to stand in this city by this monument to the Warsaw uprising, and to address the Polish nation that so many generations have dreamed of, a Poland that is safe, strong and free.

President Duda and your wonderful first lady, Agata, have welcomed us with the tremendous warmth and kindness for which Poland is known around the world.

Thank you.

I sincere -- I mean sincerely -- thank both of them, and to Prime Minister Szydlo a very special thanks, also ... We are pleased that former President Lech Walesa, so famous for leading the Solidarity movement, has joined us today, also ... Thank you. Thank you.

On behalf of all Americans, let me also thank the entire Polish people for the generosity you have shown in welcoming our soldiers to your country. These soldiers are not only brave defenders of freedom, but also symbols of America's commitment to your security and your place in a strong and democratic Europe.

We are proudly joined on stage by American, Polish, British and Romanian soldiers. Thank you. Thank you. Great job.

President Duda and I have just come from an incredibly successful meeting with the leaders participating in the Three Seas Initiative.

To the citizens of this great region, America is eager to expand our partnership with you. We welcome stronger ties of trade and commerce as you grow your economies. And we are committed to securing your access to alternate sources of energy, so Poland and its neighbors are never again held hostage to a single supplier of energy.

Mr. President, I congratulate you, along with the president of Croatia, on your leadership of this historic Three Seas Initiative. Thank you.

This is my first visit to Central Europe as president, and I am thrilled that it could be right here, at this magnificent, beautiful piece of land. It is beautiful.

Poland is the geographic heart of Europe. But more importantly, in the Polish people, we see the soul of Europe.

Your nation is great because your spirit is great and your spirit is strong.

For two centuries, Poland suffered constant and brutal attacks.

But while Poland could be invaded and occupied and its borders even erased from the map, it could never be erased from history or from your hearts. In those dark days, you have lost your land, but you never lost your pride.

So it is with true admiration I can say today, that from the farms and villages of your countryside, to the cathedrals and squares of your great cities, Poland lives, Poland prospers and Poland prevails.

Despite every effort to transform you, oppress you or destroy you, you endured and overcame.

You are the proud nation of Copernicus -- think of that..

Chopin, St. John Paul II. Poland is a land of great heroes.

And you are a people who know the true value of what you defend.

The triumph of the Polish spirit over centuries of hardship gives us all hope for a future in which good conquers evil and peace achieves victory over war.

For Americans, Poland has been a symbol of hope since the beginning of our nation. Polish heroes and American patriots fought side by side in our War of Independence and in many wars that followed. Our soldiers still serve together today in Afghanistan and Iraq, combating the enemies of all civilization.

For America's part, we have never given up on freedom and independence as the right and destiny of the Polish people. And we never, ever will.

Our two countries share a special bond forged by unique histories and national characters. It's a fellowship that exists only among people who have fought and bled and died for freedom.

The signs of this friendship stand in our nation's capital. Just steps from the White House, we've raised statues of men with names like Pulaski and Kosciuszko.

The same is true in Warsaw, where street signs carry the name of George Washington and a monument stands to one of the world's greatest heroes, Ronald Reagan.

And so, I am here today not just to visit an old ally, but to hold it up as an example for others who seek freedom and who wish to summon the courage and the will to defend our civilization.

The story of Poland is the story of a people who have never lost hope, who have never been broken and who have never, ever forgotten who they are.

AUDIENCE: Donald Trump! Donald Trump! Donald Trump!

TRUMP: Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you so much. Such a great honor.

This is a nation more than 1,000 years old. Your borders were erased for more than a century and only restored just one century ago.

In 1920, in the Miracle of Vistula, Poland stopped the Soviet Army bent on European conquest.

Then 19 years later, in 1938, you were invaded yet again; this time by Nazi Germany from the west and the Soviet Union from the east. That's trouble.

That's tough.

Under a double occupation, the Polish people endured evils beyond description: the Katyn Forest Massacre, the occupation, the Holocaust, the Warsaw Ghetto and the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, the destruction of this beautiful capital city, and the deaths of nearly one in five Polish people.

A vibrant Jewish population, the largest in Europe, was reduced to almost nothing after the Nazis systematically murdered millions of Poland's Jewish citizens, along with countless others during that brutal occupation.

In the summer of 1944, the Nazi and Soviet armies were preparing for a terrible and bloody battle right here in Warsaw. Amid that Hell on Earth, the citizens of Poland rose up to defend their homeland.

I am deeply honored to be joined on stage today by veterans and heroes of the Warsaw uprising.

What great spirit.

We salute your noble sacrifice and we pledge to always remember your fight for Poland and for freedom. Thank you. Thank you.

This monument reminds us that more than 150,000 Poles died during that desperate struggle to overthrow oppression.

From the other side of the river, the Soviet armed forces stopped and waited.

They watched as the Nazis ruthlessly destroyed the city, viciously murdering men, women and children.

They tried to destroy this nation forever by shattering its will to survive.

But there's a courage and a strength deep in the Polish character that no one could destroy.

The Polish martyr Bishop Michal Kozal said it well: ``More horrifying of a defeat of arms is a collapse of the human spirit.'' Through four decades of Communist rule, Poland and the other captive nations of Europe endured a brutal campaign to demolish freedom, your faith, your laws, your history, your identity; indeed, the very essence of your culture and your humanity.

Yet through it all, you never lost that spirit.

Your oppressors tried to break you, but Poland could not be broken.

And when the day came on June 2nd, 1979, and 1 million Poles gathered around Victory Square for their very first mass with their Polish pope, that day every Communist in Warsaw must have known that their oppressive system would soon come crashing down.

They must have known it at the exact moment during Pope John Paul II's sermon when a million Polish men, women and children suddenly raised their voices in a single prayer.

A million Polish people did not ask for wealth. They did not ask for privilege. Instead, 1 million Poles saying three simple words: ``We want God.'' In those words, the Polish people recalled the promise of a better future.

They found new courage to face down their oppressors. And they found the words to declare that Poland would be Poland once again.

As I stand here today before this incredible crowd, this faithful nation, we can still hear those voices that echo through history. Their message is as true today as ever. The people of Poland, the people of America and the people of Europe still cry out, ``We want God.'' Together with Pope John Paul II, the Poles reasserted their identity as a nation devoted to God. And with that powerful declaration of who you are, you came to understand what to do and how to live.

You stood in solidarity against oppression, against a lawless secret police, against a cruel and wicked system that impoverished your cities and your souls, and you won. Poland prevailed. Poland will always prevail.

AUDIENCE: Donald Trump! Donald Trump! Donald Trump!

TRUMP: Thank you.

You were supported in that victory over communism by a strong alliance of free nations in the West that defied tyranny. Now among the most committed members of the NATO alliance, Poland has resumed its place as a leading nation of a Europe that is strong, whole and free. A strong Poland is a blessing to the nations of Europe and they know that. A strong Europe is a blessing to the West, and to the world.

One hundred years after the entry of American forces into World War I, the transatlantic bond between the United States and Europe is as strong as ever and maybe, in many ways, even stronger.

This continent no longer confronts the specter of communism. But today, we're in the West, and we have to say, there are dire threats to our security and to our way of life.

You see what's happening out there. They are threats. We will confront them.

We will win. But they are threats.

AUDIENCE: Donald Trump! Donald Trump! Donald Trump!

TRUMP: We are confronted by another oppressive ideology, one that seeks to export terrorism and extremism all around the globe.

America and others have suffered one terror attack after another. We're going to get it to stop.

During a historic gathering in Saudi Arabia, I called on the leaders of more than 50 Muslim nations to join together to drive out this menace which threatens all of humanity. We must stand united against these shared enemies to strip them of their territory and their funding and their networks and any form of ideological support that they may have.

While we will always welcome new citizens who share our values and love our people, our borders will always be closed to terrorism and extremism of any kind.

AUDIENCE: Donald Trump! Donald Trump! Donald Trump!

TRUMP: We are fighting hard against radical Islamic terrorism.

And we will prevail.

We cannot accept those who reject our values and who use hatred to justify violence against the innocent.

Today, the West is also confronted by the powers that seek to test our will, undermine our confidence and challenge our interests.

To meet new forms of aggression, including propaganda, financial crimes and cyber warfare, we must adapt our alliance to compete effectively in new ways and on all new battlefields.

We urge Russia to cease its destabilizing activities in Ukraine and elsewhere and its support for hostile regimes, including Syria and Iran, and to instead join the community of responsible nations in our fight against common enemies and in defense of civilization itself.

Finally, on both sides of the Atlantic, our citizens are confronted by yet another danger, one firmly within our control. This danger is invisible to some but familiar to the Poles: the steady creep of government bureaucracy that drains the vitality and wealth of the people.

The West became great, not because of paperwork and regulations, but because people were allowed to chase their dreams and pursue their destinies.

Americans, Poles and nations of Europe value freedom and sovereignty. We must work together to confront forces, whether they come inside or out, from the south or the east, that threaten over time to undermine these values and to erase the bonds of culture, faith and tradition that make us who we are.

If left unchecked, these forces will undermine our courage, sap our spirit and weaken our will to defend ourselves and our societies

But just as our adversaries and enemies of the past learned here in Poland, we know that these forces, too, are doomed to fail if we want them to fail. And we do indeed want them to fail.

They are doomed not only because our alliance is strong, our countries are resilient and our power is unmatched. To all of that, you have to say, everything is true.

Our adversaries, however, are doomed because we will never forget who we are.

And if we don't forget who we are, we just can't be beaten.

Americans will never forget. The nations of Europe will never forget.

We are the fastest and the greatest community. There is nothing like our community of nations. The world has never known anything like our community of nations.

We write symphonies. We pursue innovation. We celebrate our ancient heroes, embrace our timeless traditions and customs, and always seek to explore and discover brand-new frontiers.

We reward brilliance, we strive for excellence, and cherish inspiring works of art that honor God. We treasure the rule of law and protect the right to free speech and free expression.

We empower women as pillars of our society and of our success.

We put faith and family, not government and bureaucracy, at the center of our lives.

And we debate everything. We challenge everything. We seek to know everything, so that we can better know ourselves.

And above all, we value the dignity of every human life, protect the rights of every person and share the hope of every soul to live in freedom.

That is who we are. Those are the priceless ties that bind us together as nations, as allies and as a civilization.

What we have, what we inherited from our -- and -- and you know this better than anybody and you see it today, with this incredible group of people -- what we've inherited from our ancestors has never existed to this extent before. And if we fail to preserve it, it will never, ever exist again. So we cannot fail.

This great community of nations has something else in common. In every one of them, it is the people, not the powerful, who have always formed the foundation of freedom and the cornerstone of our defense.

The people have been that foundation here in Poland, as they were right here in Warsaw. And they were the foundation from the very, very beginning in America.

Our citizens did not win freedom together, did not survive horrors together, did not face down evil together only to lose our freedom to a lack of pride and confidence in our values. We did not and we will not. We will never back down.

AUDIENCE: Donald Trump! Donald Trump! Donald Trump!

TRUMP: As long as we know our history, we will know how to build our future.

Americans know that a strong alliance of free, sovereign and independent nations is the best defense for our freedoms and for our interests. That is why my administration has demanded that all members of NATO finally meet their full and fair financial obligation. As a result of this insistence, billions of dollars more have begun to pour into NATO. In fact, people are shocked. But billions and billions of dollars more coming in from countries that, in my opinion, would not have been paying so quickly.

To those who would criticize our tough stance, I would point out that the United States has demonstrated not merely with words but with its actions that we stand firmly behind Article V, the mutual defense commitment.

Words are easy but actions are what matters. And for its own protection -- and you know this, everybody knows this, everybody has to know this -- Europe must do more. Europe must demonstrate that it believes in its future by investing its money to secure that future.

That is why we applaud Poland for its decision to move forward this week on acquiring from the United States the battle-tested Patriot air and missile defense system, the best anywhere in the world.

That is also why we salute the Polish people for being one of the NATO countries that has actually achieved the benchmark for investment in our common defense.

Thank you. Thank you, Poland. I must tell you the example you set is truly magnificent and we applaud Poland. Thank you.

We have to remember that our defense is not just a commitment of money, it is a commitment of will. Because as the Polish experience reminds us, the defense of the West ultimately rests not only on means, but also on the will of its people to prevail and be successful and get what you have to have.

The fundamental question of our time is whether the West has the will to survive. Do we have the confidence in our values to defend them at any cost? Do we have enough respect for our citizens to protect our borders? Do we have the desire and the courage to preserve our civilization in the face of those who would subvert and destroy it? We can have the largest economies and the most lethal weapons anywhere on Earth, but if we do not have strong families and strong values, then we will be weak and we will not survive.

If anyone forgets the critical importance of these things, let them come to one country that never has, let them come to Poland... and let them come here to Warsaw and learn the story of the Warsaw Uprising.

When they do, they should learn about Jerusalem Avenue.

In August of 1944, Jerusalem Avenue was one of the main roads running east and west through this city, just as it is today. Control of that road was crucially important to both sides in the battle for Warsaw. The German military wanted it as their most direct route to move troops and to form a very strong front. And for the Polish home army, the ability to pass north and south across that street was critical to keep the center of the city and the uprising itself from being split apart and destroyed.

Every night the Poles put up sandbags amid machine-gun fire -- and it was horrendous fire -- to protect a narrow passage across Jerusalem Avenue. Every day, the enemy forces knocked them down, again and again and again.

Then the Poles dug a trench. Finally, they built a barricade.

And the brave Polish fighters began to flow across Jerusalem Avenue.

That narrow passageway, just a few feet wide, was the fragile link that kept the uprising alive. Between its walls, a constant stream of citizens and freedom fighters made their perilous -- just perilous -- sprints. They ran across that street, they ran through that street, they ran under that street, all to defend the city.

The far side was several yards away, recalled one young Polish woman ... That mortality and that life was so important to her. In fact, she said the mortally dangerous sector of the street was soaked in blood.

It was the blood of messengers, liaison girls and couriers. Nazi snipers shot at anybody who crossed; anybody who crossed, they were being shot at. Their soldiers burned every building on the street and they used the Poles as human shields for their tanks in their effort to capture Jerusalem Avenue.

The enemy never ceased its relentless assault on that small outpost of civilization. And the Poles never ceased its defense. The Jerusalem Avenue passage required constant protection, repair and reinforcement.

But the will of its defenders did not waver even in the face of death.

And to the last days of the uprising, the fragile crossing never, ever failed.

It was never, ever forgotten. It was kept open by the Polish people.

The memories of those who perished in the Warsaw Uprising cry out across the decades. And few are clearer than the memories of those who died to build and defend the Jerusalem Avenue crossing.

Those heroes remind us that the West was saved with the blood of patriots, that each generation must rise up and play their part in its defense and that every foot of ground and every last inch of civilization is worth defending with your life.

Our own fight for the West does not begin on the battlefield. It begins with our minds, our wills and our souls. Today, the ties that unite our civilization are no less vital and demand no less defense than that bare shred of land on which the hope of Poland once totally rested.

Our freedom, our civilization and our survival depend on these bonds of history, culture and memory. And today, as ever, Poland is in our heart, and its people are in that fight.

Just as Poland could not be broken, I declare today for the world to hear that the West will never, ever be broken. Our values will prevail, our people will thrive, and our civilization will triumph.

AUDIENCE: Donald Trump! Donald Trump! Donald Trump!

TRUMP: Thank you.

So together let us all fight like the Poles, for family, for freedom, for country and for God.

Thank you. God bless you, God bless the Polish people, God bless our allies, and God bless the United States of America.

Thank you. God bless you. Thank you very much.
President Trump delivered a staunch defense of Western values during a rousing speech Thursday to thousands of Poles in Warsaws Krasinski Square, rallying allies against what he described as dire threats to civilization and vowing, the West will never, ever be broken.

On his second overseas trip as president, Trump voiced confidence in the resolve of Western nations to confront common threats but said allies must remember who they are to topple those challenges. Trump said nations must have the will to protect borders and preserve civilization from those who would destroy it.

Just as Poland cannot be broken, I declare today for the world to hear that the West will never, ever be broken, Trump said. Our values will prevail, our people will thrive and our civilization will triumph.

In sweeping terms, Trump used the address to cheer the contributions of Western societies, as the enthusiastic crowd frequently broke out in applause and chants of USA and Donald Trump.

READ THE TRANSCRIPT

We write symphonies, we pursue innovation.  We reward brilliance. We strive for excellence, and cherish inspiring works of art that honor God, the U.S. president said. We treasure the rule of law and protect the right to free speech and free expression.  We debate everything, we challenge everything, we seek to know everything so that we can better know ourselves.

Following his speech, Trump flew to Germany where he will meet Thursday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. His highest profile meeting will be on Friday with Russian President Vladamir Putin on the sidelines of the G-20 summit.

In his speech, Trump saluted Polish sacrifice and underscored the United States commitment to NATO, Poland and Western values.

In the Polish people, we see the soul of Europe -- your nation is great because your spirit is great and your spirit is strong, Trump said, calling Poland the geographic heart of Europe.

Trump reflected on historic invasions of Poland by the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany, saying that while Polands borders were erased from the maps, it could never be erased from your hearts.

The story of Poland is a story of people who have never lost hope, never been broken and never, ever, forgotten who they are.

TRUMP CALLS ON NATIONS TO CONFRONT N. KOREA THREAT

Trump applauded Poland for being one of the NATO countries that has actually achieved a benchmark for investment.

My administration has demanded that all members of NATO finally meet their full and fair financial obligation -- as a result of insistence, billions of dollars have begun to poor into NATO, Trump said. In fact, people are shocked.

Trump endorsed Article 5, the collective defense provision that holds an attack on one ally nation is considered an attack on all allies.

There are dire threats to our security and to our way of life -- you see whats happening out there -- they are threats, Trump said. We will confront them and we will win -- but they are threats.

The president underscored the severity of the threat of radical Islamic terror -- the president did not use that term in his keynote address in Saudi Arabia before leaders of more than 50 Muslim nations.

We are fighting hard against radical Islamic terrorism and we will prevail, Trump said, acknowledging that the U.S. and Europe have seen one terror attack after another.

We are going to get it to stop, he said.

He added: While we will always welcome new citizens who share our values and love our people, our borders will always be closed to terrorism and extremism of any kind.

The question president Trump raised was not if the West could survive, but whether the West has the will to survive.

Do we have the confidence in our values to defend them at any cost? Do we have the desire and courage to preserve our civilization in the face of those who subvert and destroy it? Trump asked. If we dont have strong families and strong values, we will be weak, and we will not survive.

Trump also took a swipe at the steady creep of government bureaucracy, which he said is an invisible danger on both sides of the Atlantic.

We must work together to confront forces whether they come from inside or out, south or east, that threaten to undermine these values and erase the bonds of culture, faith and tradition that makes us who we are, Trump said. These forces are doomed to fail if we want them to fail, and we do indeed want them to fail.
The Trump administration on Wednesday renewed an offer to cooperate with Russia in the Syrian conflict, including on military matters, ahead of President Donald Trump's meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin later this week.



In a statement, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the U.S. is open to establishing no-fly zones in Syria in coordination with Russia as well as jointly setting up a truce monitoring and humanitarian aid delivery mechanism. The statement came as Trump prepared to meet with Putin on Friday in Germany and as the U.S. seeks to consolidate gains made against the Islamic State (ISIS) in recent weeks and prepare for a post-ISIS group future.



Tillerson noted that the U.S. and Russia have a variety of unresolved differences but said Syria is an opportunity for the two countries to create stability in Syria. He said that ISIS had been "badly wounded" and may be on the "brink of complete defeat" as U.S.-backed forces continue their assault on the self-proclaimed ISIS capital of Raqqa. But he stressed that Russia has to play a constructive role.



"While there are no perfect options for guaranteeing stability, we must explore all possibilities for holding the line against the resurgence of ISIS or other terrorist groups," Tillerson said. "The United States and Russia certainly have unresolved differences on a number of issues, but we have the potential to appropriately coordinate in Syria in order to produce stability and serve our mutual security interests."



He said that Russia, as an ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad and a participant in the conflict, "has a responsibility to ensure that the needs of the Syrian people are met and that no faction in Syria illegitimately re-takes or occupies areas liberated from ISIS' or other terrorist groups' control." Tillerson added that Russia has "an obligation to prevent any further use of chemical weapons of any kind by the Assad regime."



The appeal echoed similar entreaties made to Putin by the Obama administration that were largely ignored by Moscow, but they came just two days ahead of Trump's first face-to-face meeting with the Russian leader that is set to take place on Friday on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Hamburg, Germany.



And, the offer went beyond the Obama administration's offers, suggesting that cooperation in establishing no-fly zones was possible. Tillerson noted that despite differences, the U.S. and Russia are having success in avoiding accidents between American and Russian planes flying over an extremely complex conflict zone. Minor incidents, he said, had been dealt with "quickly and peacefully."



"This cooperation over de-confliction zones process is evidence that our two nations are capable of further progress," Tillerson said.

"The United States is prepared to explore the possibility of establishing with Russia joint mechanisms for ensuring stability, including no-fly zones, on the ground ceasefire observers, and coordinated delivery of humanitarian assistance."



"If our two countries work together to establish stability on the ground, it will lay a foundation for progress on the settlement of Syria's political future," he said.
If you live inside the Beltway hothouse, youre practically fainting from all the Trump taunts against the media, from the CNN faux-wrestling video to the cosmetic slap at Mika Brzezinski.

But out in the rural heartland, its a different story.

That viewpoint snuck onto the New York Times op-ed page courtesy of Robert Leonard, an Iowa radio news director who talks to plenty of Trump supporters in his part of the state.

And guess what? They dont much care about wrestling videos and insulting cable news hosts. They think the president is doing just fine, that the media are out to get him, and that most of what obsesses the press is just noise.

He writes: What I do hear from my conservative friends  most still ardent Trump supporters  is a collective yawn at the Washington maelstrom. Few care about his tweets  even about Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough and the CNN body slam. The whacking of James Comey? About time. President Obamas appointee anyway. Mr. Trumps asking if Mr. Comey could drop the Michael Flynn investigation? It was a simple question, not obstruction of justice. The Comey testimony? Vindication for Mr. Trump! Mr. Comey is a leaker, he lied under oath, and hes going down. Hell be lucky if he doesnt serve prison time.

And then Leonard gets at an underlying reality that many media folks miss:

For many conservatives, they support Mr. Trump because hes their de facto leader in a cultural war. Liberals mock Christianity and demean Christian morals. Conservatives respect our police and military, while liberals romanticize street thugs. Conservatives tax dollars help pay for public schools and colleges that indoctrinate liberal values.

That doesnt make them right, but its a point of view that isnt terribly popular in New York and Washington, and which must be reckoned with. The presidents attacks on media figures, even if sometimes tasteless, are seen by some people as slamming a group of elitists that doesnt respect them. (In a Politico poll, 52 percent said Trumps Mika tweets made them view him less favorably, and 17 percent said more favorably.)

But Leonard then takes a detour. Having noted that in his area Fox News is on in most restaurants and bars, he apparently doesnt watch much of it. He says he thinks its unfair. And he writes only that network has the power to convince conservatives that its in their best interest to dump Mr. Trump.

First, Leonard vastly overestimates the power of any news outlet against the presidential megaphone. Barack Obama complained about Fox all the time, but that never stopped him from being elected and reelected.

Second, the news director seems to think that Fox operates under daily marching orders. There are certainly voices at this network sympathetic to Trump, from Sean Hannity to Fox & Friends. But the straight news broadcasts are a different story. And some of Foxs most prominent conservative commentatorsCharles Krauthammer, Steve Hayes, Karl Rove, Rich Lowry, Jonah Goldbergopposed him during the campaign and remain largely critical.

Having demonstrated a deft feel for why Trump is largely immune to the media onslaught, Leonard resorts to wish fulfillment in imagining a scenario to drive the president from office.
80 years after she disappeared, the fate of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart continues to be a source of fascination.

Earhart, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, was attempting to fly around the world when she disappeared on July 2, 1937 during a flight from Papua New Guinea to Howland Island in the Pacific. Her fate remains one of the great unsolved mysteries.

DOES NEWLY DISCOVERED PHOTO REVEAL THAT AMELIA EARHART SURVIVED CRASH TO BECOME JAPANESE PRISONER?

In a ten year period she skyrocketed, she was the equivalent of a rock star in her day and the last flight she made was in 1937 and, of course, she did not complete that flight, Susan Loricchio, an Air Power Advocate of the Air Force Association, told Fox News.

Earharts disappearance sparked a massive search by U.S. vessels. The coast guard immediately alerted the U.S. Navy in Honolulu, Hawaii, and the U.S. Navy began what turned out to be the largest sea and air search for a missing aircraft in history and they searched for about two weeks," explained Dorothy Cochrane, curator in the Aeronautics department of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. They used battleships, they used carriers, they used aircraft - aircraft actually overflew the island of Nikumaroro - while they saw that some people had probably lived there at some point, they did not see any evidence of immediate recent activity and certainly no evidence of anyone on the island.

NEW SEARCH WILL LOOK FOR AMELIA EARHARTS BONES

A slew of theories have emerged about Earharts fate  from death as a castaway on Nikumaroro to crash-landing on an island in the Marshall Islands and becoming a prisoner of the Japanese.

Searches for her remains continue. I would almost be sorry if they did find her because its that mystique that keeps her legend going and that legend is an inspiration even today, said Loricchio.
Bad news for criminals who are trying to remain hidden, nameless and faceless. New technology can predict what a terrorists face looks like from less than a drop of blood or single strand of hair.

Called the Parabon Snapshot, this new groundbreaking technology can take traces of DNA and literally put a face to the crime.

From a terrorist who built a bomb intended to kill hundreds of Americans through to a thief who stole your grandmother's handbag, this is the sort of American innovation that makes it hard for a bad guy to stay anonymous.

THIS FOAM COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE

Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) funded this exciting innovation and Parabon NanoLabs created it. DTRA safeguards Americans by focusing on combating weapons of mass destruction around the clock.

In war zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan, there are networks that build improvised explosive devices or IEDs. As such, there has been an urgent need to provide enhanced tools to help military teams identify, track, dismantle and defeat terrorist networks.

Similarly, terrorist plots such as the recent attacks in Manchester, Brussels and Paris have involved explosive devices so investigators immediately searched for clues to identify the bombmaker or possible bomb making network.

Snapshot is one very exciting solution for both the military and law enforcement. If the bombmaker left any trace of DNA, then the tech can take it and read the DNAs code to build a composite image of the bombmaker.

PARIS AIR SHOW: 4 NEW EXCITING AIRCRAFT FEATURED

Whats the picture like?

This new technology can build a picture, but how good is it? Extremely good.

Snapshot can predict the shape of a persons face. Within the face, it will predict the terrorist or criminals eye color and hair color. The tech can reveal skin color, going so far as to add the degree of freckling or pigmentation.

And it can accurately predict not just the appearance of the criminal, but also biogeographic ancestry in great detail as well.

How does it work?

In the simplest terms, the Parabon Snapshot uses DNA to build a picture of what a criminal looks like.

Effectively, Snapshot reverse engineers the DNA to provide a picture. It can do this because DNA carries genetic instruction that dictates a persons physical characteristics. Snapshot understands how this genetic data translates into physical appearance.

If you give Snapshot a DNA sample, it can then read thousands of the genotypes  also known as genetic variants  and translate them into a visual image of a perpetrator.

82ND AIRBORNE TURNS 100: HERE ARE 4 MAJOR INNOVATIONS OVER THE PAST 100 YEARS

Why is it used?

This is a big leap ahead for the use of DNA in capturing terrorists and criminals.

Just like how each persons fingerprint is unique, the same is true for DNA. A forensic DNA sample from a crime scene or terrorist strike can be matched to a database, for example, to try to identify the culprit.

But now if there is no match in a database, then there is still a way to use the DNA to put a face to the crime.

Investigators can use the DNA as a human blueprint too and have Snapshot transform it into a picture.

Capturing criminals

Early adopters in law enforcement, military and counter terrorism team have had great success with this new tool. It has been so successful that in that short span of time, Snapshot has been used by more than 80 agencies and Snapshot analysis has been undertaken in ten countries.

Investigators have been using Snapshot to help solve tough current criminal cases as well as crack cold cases.

Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Department in Maryland, for example, recently used the Parabon technology to create a composite for a suspect in a series of unsolved burglaries and rapes that occurred between June 19, 2010 and Sept. 2, 2012.

The technology has also reportedly been used by police in Florida to make arrests related to a 2011 homicide.

Rockingham County Sherriffs Office in North Carolina also used Parabon technology during its successful investigation into the murders of Douglas "Troy" and LaDonna French. Although there was lots of different DNA at the crime scene, there was no police database match. In Januray 2015, a month after the debut of Parabon's Snapshot service, Rockingham County Sherriffs Office contacted the company. Jose Alvarez, Jr. was arrested for the murder in August 2015.

In July 2016 Alvarez pled guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and was sentenced to two consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole.

Other applications

Beyond a military and law enforcement tool, Parabon says it is developing other potential applications for their research, including the ability to predict the risk of developing Alzheimers Disease.
United Airlines made headlines again recently after the company told a woman, who had already boarded, that she had to give up the seat she paid for her 2-year-old son to a standby passenger.

The incident follows a number of controversial passenger- and animal-related incidents for the airline this year.

Here are the ones you should know.

Shirley Yamauchi, June 2017

Shirley Yamauchi and her 2-year-old son, Taizo, boarded a plane in Houston on June 29  the final leg of an 18-hour flight from Hawaii to Boston. Yamauchi said a flight attendant came to check if the child was present before a standby passenger showed up with a ticket corresponding to the toddler's seat number, Hawaii News Now reported.

Yamauchi said she alerted the problem to a flight attendant, who said that the flight was full and walked away.

Yamauchi continued the flight with her son on her lap, and said she was afraid of a physical confrontation if she spoke up further.

UNITED GIVES AWAY 2-YEAR-OLD'S SEAT TO STANDBY PASSENGER

"I started remembering all those incidents with United on the news. The violence. Teeth getting knocked out. I'm Asian. I'm scared and I felt uncomfortable. I didn't want those things to happen to me," she told Hawaii News Now.

United told Fox News that it has apologized to Yamauchi and her son, saying that it had "inaccurately scanned the boarding pass of Ms. Yamauchi's son. As a result, her son's seat appeared to be not checked in, and we released his seat to another customer and Ms. Yamauchi held her son for the flight."

Lucie Bahetoukilae, April 2017

Lucie Bahetoukilae had a ticket for an April 24 flight to Paris from New Jersey, but was placed on a plane that went to San Francisco, WABC reported.

Bahetoukilae only speaks French. She said the airline suddenly changed the gate for her trip and that it didn't announce the change in French or email her.

Bahetoukilae claimed the airline scanned her boarding pass and she went on the plane. Her niece, Diane Miantosko, told WABC that someone was in her aunt's seat, and that a crew member saw Bahetoukilae's pass and seated her elsewhere on the plane.

"We deeply apologize to Ms. Bahetoukilae for this unacceptable experience," United told Fox News. "When she arrived in San Francisco, we ensured she got on the next flight to Paris and refunded her ticket."

Simon the rabbit, April 2017

A large rabbit named Simon died following a flight from London to Chicago on April 20. The animal was supposed to fly an onward leg to Kansas City, Mo., after landing at Chicagos O'Hare International Airport.

A lawyer for the group that purchased the three-foot-long rabbit announced possible legal action in May. The group claimed that the airline cremated the animal without permission after it was found dead, and that an airline employee locked the rabbit in a freezer for 16 hours, according to PEOPLE magazine. The group had planned to show the rabbit at the Iowa State Fair. United told the publication that "the assertion that Simon died in a freezer is false."

The airline said Simon was in "apparent good condition at 10:25 am" when he got to O'Hare. A kennel representative saw Simon "moving about within his crate about 11:00 am," it said. "Shortly thereafter, a kennel representative noticed Simon was motionless and that he passed away."

However, United reached "a satisfactory resolution" with the animals U.K. breeder, Annette Edwards, according to airline spokesman Charlie Hobart. He said that Edwards was United's customer and she had turned down an offer of a post-mortem examination.

Michael Hohl and Amber Maxwell, April 2017

Michael Hohl and Amber Maxwell boarded an April 15 flight from Houston to Costa Rica for their wedding. A man was asleep in the couple's seats in economy and they sat elsewhere on the flight, Hohl told KHOU. The new seats were in economy plus.

A flight attendant asked the couple if they were in the right seats - but the bride and groom admitted they weren't and inquired about an upgrade, the station reported. They were told to go back to their assigned seats.

The couple did so without incident, and a U.S. Marshall later asked them to get off the plane, according to Hohl. Hohl said he and his fiancee complied.

"These passengers repeatedly attempted to sit in upgraded seating which they did not purchase and they would not follow crew instructions to return to their assigned seats," United told the station, saying it rebooked the couple's flights.

Dr. David Dao, April 2017

Dr. David Dao was already seated when he was forcefully dragged from a fully-booked United Express flight on April 9 in Chicago. The ordeal started because he refused to give up his seat to make room for crew members.

Dao had a "significant concussion," lost two of his front teeth, and suffered a "serious broken nose," his attorney Thomas Demetrio said at a press conference.

Cellphone video of the disturbing incident prompted widespread outrage and created a public-relations nightmare for United. United CEO Oscar Munoz issued multiple statements, ultimately saying in his third statement that the incident was a "truly horrific event."

"No one should ever be mistreated this way," he said at the time.

In the wake of the incident, United now offers a $10,000 incentive to people who forfeit their seats.

"What happened to my dad should never happen to any human being," Dao's daughter, Crystal Dao Pepper, has said.

Dao eventually settled with the airline for an undisclosed amount in late April.

Jacob the golden retriever, January 2017

Kathleen Considine blamed the airline for the death of her dog Jacob, who traveled from Michigan to be with her in Oregon.

She wrote in a Facebook post that the golden retriever had a layover in Chicago, and that an airline worker in Detroit said the large dog would fit on both of his flights. She said the dog, however, didn't fit on his Portland flight, and he spent 20 hours in a kennel.

Considine claimed the dog was "disoriented and non-responsive" when he got to Portland. "After rushing Jacob to the emergency vet when his breathing became scarce, he was pronounced dead after 8 min of CPR," she wrote.

Jacob had been booked in a crate that was smaller than the one he arrived in, Hobart told Fox News. A Detroit agent "mistakenly told the customer that we'd be able to get that crate on the [final Portland-bound] flight," he said.

Hobart also said that Jacob had food, water and bathroom breaks while at the kennel, and that the airline refunded Considine's shipping costs.

Jacob "showed no signs of distress" nor did he "behave in a way that would suggest he was unwell while in our care, the airline told WDIV.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A U.S. Army soldier has been charged after three Humvees were destroyed during a parachute drop last year.

Sgt. John Skipper, with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, was charged in May with destruction of government property and making a false official statement, a brigade spokesman said Tuesday, according to Military.com.

ARMY SOLIDER AT FORT STEWART CHARGED WITH COCAINE TRAFFICKING

The Humvees dropped through the air from the transport plane at the Hohenfels training area in Germany during the Saber Junction training exercise.

The plane, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, dropped about 150 bundles of various equipment: supplies, vehicles, communication equipment and weapons. But three Humvees slipped from their parachute harness rigging and were destroyed as they hit the ground.

The charges against Skipper imply that a malfunction of military equipment was not the reason the Humvees slipped from their rigging, according to Military.com.

1 US SOLDIER KILLED, 2 WOUNDED IN SOUTHERN AFGHANISTAN

A Humvee can cost up to $220,000, according to the site. The maximum punishment for the destruction of government property is 10 years in prison, dishonorable discharge and forfeiture of all pay and allowances.
The couple accused of attacking a restaurant owner and her daughter over "cold chicken" have turned themselves in to authorities, according to the Baxley Police Department.

Nathaniel Smith and LaTasha Smith turned themselves in to the Bryan County Sheriff's Office and have been transferred to the Appling County Jail, according to police.

Officials say both have outstanding warrants for aggravated battery and cruelty to children.

The incident happened at the Qwik Chick takeout stand off US Highway One.

Owner Jeanette Norris says a couple ordered two chicken meals and then complained that their food was cold and there wasn't enough of it.

Norris checked the food and after talking to the couple, the female suspect attacked her, slapping and punching her in the face.

Read more from FOX 5 Atlanta.
The arts-and-crafts chain Hobby Lobby announced Wednesday that it would pay $3 million to help settle a federal lawsuit alleging that the company bought thousands of smuggled artifacts from dealers who intentionally mislabeled the shipments as containing tile samples.

In a civil complaint, prosecutors alleged Hobby Lobby began collecting "historically important manuscripts, antiquities and other cultural materials" around 2009, shipping them to company headquarters in Oklahoma City.

Beginning in the summer of 2010, Hobby Lobby President Steve Green allegedly expressed interest in buying thousands of artifacts  including tablets written in cuneiform, one of the earliest systems of writing  from Israeli antiquities dealers based in the United Arab Emirates.

According to the Justice Department complaint, an expert hired by Hobby Lobby's in-house counsel warned in October of that year that such artifacts "may have been looted from archaeological sites in Iraq."

Despite the warning, prosecutors say Hobby Lobby agreed to buy more than 5,500 of the artifacts for $1.6 million, far less than the $11.8 million a company consultant estimated them to be worth. The government said the purchase was "fraught with red flags."

The Justice Department claimed the artifacts were variously sent to the addresses of Hobby Lobby and two subsidiaries in Oklahoma City, with shipping labels describing them as simply "ceramic tiles" or "clay tiles (sample)." Five shipments that were intercepted by federal customs officials bore shipping labels that falsely declared that the artifacts' country of origin was Turkey.

In September 2011, a package containing about 1,000 clay bullae, an ancient form of inscribed identification, was received by Hobby Lobby from an Israeli dealer and accompanied by a false declaration stating that its country of origin was Israel.

Late Wednesday, Hobby Lobby announced that it would forfeit the artifacts and an additional 144 cylinder seals to settle the complaint, as well as the $3 million. Prosecutors say Hobby Lobby agreed to adopt internal policies for importing cultural property and training its personnel.

In a statement, Green acknowledged the company had made "regrettable mistakes," adding "We should have exercised more oversight and carefully questioned how the acquisitions were handled."

Green said Hobby Lobby began acquiring a variety of historical Bibles and other artifacts in 2009.

"Our passion for the Bible continues, and we will do all that we can to support the efforts to conserve items that will help illuminate and enhance our understanding of this Great Book," Green said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The suspect in the abduction of a Chinese scholar last month at the University of Illinois was recorded explaining his ideal victim at a vigil for the student, prosecutors said.

The new details surrounding YingYing Zhangs June 9 disappearance arose at a detention hearing Wednesday for Brendt Christensen, 28, in U.S. District Court in Urbana.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Freres said while Christensen was attending a vigil on June 29 for Zhang at the University of Illinois' campus, investigators were keeping an eye on him, according to the Chicago Tribune.

During the vigil, Christensen told an unnamed person that Zhang fought and resisted as he kidnapped her, Freres said. He also said Christensen made a threat to another person to whom he made incriminating statements, but did not elaborate further.

ILLINOIS SENATE OVERRIDES GOVERNORS TAX HIKE VETO

Freres did not name who Christensen spoke to about abducting Zhang, including who recorded Christensen and how they received it. The recording was not played during the hearing.

Authorities revealed that Christensen allegedly viewed in April an online forum titled Abduction 101.

Christensens attorney Evan Bruno argued that the suspect has had no previous criminal history but Freres said Christensen is too dangerous to release. The judge, Eric I. Long, ordered the suspect to be locked behind bars until his trial.

Christensen reportedly showed no emotion during the hearing and did not speak in court.

Zhangs family, who lives in China, are in the process of being transported to the United States.

We will fully assist them to come to America as soon as possible so they will immediately know details of the case, Hong Lei, consul general of China to Chicago, said.

AT&T LANDLINE SERVICE IN ILLINOIS TO END, PENDING FCC APPROVAL

Zhang was abducted on her way to sign an apartment lease off campus in Urbana. Christensen allegedly lured her into his car after she got off one bus and tried to flag down another bus. While authorities say facts in the case indicate Zhang isnt alive, a body hasnt been found.

A preliminary hearing has been slated for July 14, but it could be canceled if a grand jury obtains an indictment prior to the scheduled date.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Authorities in Colorado warned Wednesday a growing wildfire may force "all of the iconic ski resort of Breckenridge to evacuate.

The Peak 2 wildfire broke out in the in the area of Gold Hill of the White River National Forest in Summit County around 11:11 a.m., FOX 31 Denver reported.

Officials said the fire is now estimated to be 80 acres in size as of Wednesday afternoon.

Around 463 residents in an area known as Peak 7 in Breckenridge have been evacuated, but no structures have been destroyed, according to Summit County officials.

Emergency officials however said that "all of Breckenridge, Gold Hill and Silver Shekel have been asked to prepare for evacuation."

Officials report that eight USFS smokejumpers parachuted in to the area, two heavy tankers have been making slurry runs, there is a type one helicopter dropping water and more ground resources are on the way.

Firefighters from Leadville, Vail and Park County are assisting in fighting the fire and Grand County firefighters are on the way.

Four more hotshot crews and a 21-person ground crew have been ordered, and a federal incident management team is also coming in to manage the fire, according to emergency officials.

The American Red Cross has also opened an evacuation center in the town of Frisco for residents affected by the fire.

Several trails near the fire are closed and authorities warn people to stay away from the area altogether. Officials also warned that motorists should not stop on the side of the road to take pictures of the fire.

Authorities will keep an eye on the fire overnight and regroup in the morning Thursday.

Read more from FOX 31 Denver.
Donald Stratton is one just of five USS Arizona survivors from the Pearl Harbor attack still living.

"This is where I was," says the 95-year-old Navy veteran pointing to his battle station on a model of the famous warship at his home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

We got hit with the big bomb and that exploded like a million pounds of ammunition. The fireball went about sixty, seventy feet in the air, said Stratton, describing Japans surprise attack on December 7, 1941.

The explosion could have taken us away, but it didn't and thank God we made it across, he added.

In an interview with Fox News, Stratton told the story of the man who passed him the vital lifeline to help him and five other USS Arizona sailors make it to safety.

Trapped aboard the sinking Arizona, Stratton and the others managed to escape the carnage, which killed 1,177 of his shipmates, with the help of a fellow sailor who threw them a lifeline from his own ship moored next to Arizona.

With burns over 60 percent of his body, Stratton had to escape his burning warship.

We proceeded to go hand over hand across the line about seventy feet, said Stratton. Today, he doesnt have fingerprints and carries scars across his body, a daily reminder of the horrors he endured at Pearl Harbor.

The toughest part was reaching the middle of the sagging line stretched across the two ships, and climbing up to the other ship.

He kept saying, "Come on sailor! You can make it," recalled Stratton about his rescuer, who remained a mystery for sixty years.

The man who rescued Stratton and his fellow sailors that day: Joe George.

In his book..."All the Gallant Men," Stratton described George as "perhaps the strongest man in the harbor, an All-Navy Boxer."

Stratton says George disobeyed his captain's order and threw Stratton the line that would save his life.

Stratton's granddaughter,Nikki, says she owes her life, in addition to her grandfather's, to that young sailor's heroic actions.

We have four generations here because of that man. We have 14 people in our family who wouldnt necessarily be here without Joe George, said Nikki Stratton.

We just kept asking, asking and asking and finally someone was able to dig through some of the archives and some of the interviews of the sailors about what happened that day and we found the name Joe George, she said.

His family asked the Navy to investigate his rescue and dig up interviews from the sailors who were at Pearl Harbor.

In 2001, Donald Stratton was attending his 60th reunion of Pearl Harbor survivors when he learned the identity of the man who rescued him. Sadly, Stratton never had a chance to thank his hero for saving his life. Joe George died in 1996.

More than 75 years later, Stratton wants him finally recognized for his valor.

He saved six people's lives and he didn't get anything, said Stratton. Somebody in Washington should have the guts and honor to take care of that.

Georges daughter, Joe Ann Taylor, grew up in the Bay area not knowing about her fathers heroics until her husband Gary, a Vietnam veteran, spoke to her father about that day.

George also gave an oral history to what is now the University of North Texas recalling the attack on Pearl Harbor in the late 70s.

Its typical of the World War II generation, he just never talked about himself, said Joe Ann from her home in Cabot, Arkansas.

It is a wonderful thing my father did. I am always overwhelmed by the story. Finding out what he did and how he did it--he did his duty, and its a shame he has never been recognized for it.

Donald Stratton feels so strongly that Joe George should be awarded a medal that he and another living USS Arizona survivor, 96-year old Lauren Bruner, who was with Donald Stratton that day aboard the Arizona and also made it across that lifeline to safety, are planning to come to Washington with their families later this month to press lawmakers.

The Stratton family has set up a website USS Arizona Final Salute to help defray costs of the trip to Washington and raise money for other USS Arizona survivors to attend a future reunion in Hawaii next December.

Stratton and Bruner plan to meet Sens. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., Corey Garner, R-Colo., and Jeff Flake, R-Ariz. They also have a meeting with the Navys top officer, Adm. John Richardson at the Pentagon and hope to meet the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the defense secretary.

They also hope President Donald Trump will intervene.
After a couple was killed when their plane crashed into a snow-covered mountain in Alaska, their adult children found a silver lining. Cecilia Matter, 63, was suffering from cancer and didn't have much longer to live, they told KYUK at the time of the crash in December.

It would have been devastating, they added, for her 62-year-old husband to live without her. After all, the couple was "inseparable." Their father, it seems, felt the same way.

A final accident report released by the National Transportation Safety Board lists the probable cause of the crash as "the pilot's intentional flight of the airplane into terrain in an act of suicide," which resulted in the death of Cecilia Matter by manslaughter, reports the Alaska Dispatch News.

The report notes private pilot Mark Matter was at the controls of his 1949 Piper PA-11 airplane when it crashed on Marvel Dome, 40 miles south of their home in Aniak, not far from its intended destination near the couple's gold mine, on Dec. 15, 2016.

There were "clear skies" at the time of the crash and no evidence of mechanical issues was found during a study of the wreckage, the report adds.

Click for more of this story.

More From Newser
It is not a bad thing for us, that the route known as the Goldene Strae or the Golden Road as we will get to know it- has escaped the attention of so many. It has been spared being overrun by hordes of tourists and as you will discover the
Seven people have been arrested outside Baton Rouge Police Department headquarters during a protest on the anniversary of a deadly police shooting in Louisiana's capital.

Baton Rouge Police Sgt. L'Jean Mckneely Jr. says four men and three women were arrested Wednesday on misdemeanor charges, including resisting an officer, after they entered a barricaded area and refused to leave.

Mckneely says an officer was hurt when he was shot in the forearm by a stun gun. It wasn't clear who stunned him.

The Advocate reports most of the protesters who marched to police barricades are members of the New Black Panther Party.

Last summer, nearly 200 protesters were arrested in Baton Rouge after a white officer fatally shot Alton Sterling, a 37-year-old black man, during a struggle outside a convenience store.
A Connecticut man who wrote anti-Trump graffiti at an elementary school claimed he did it "out of 'anger toward liberals,'" police said.

Steven Marks, 32, was ordered on Wednesday to stay off of Morley Elementary School after he allegedly vandalized playground equipment and a sign on June 15, writing threatening phrases such as "Kill Trump," "Left is the best," and "Death to Trump," the Hartford Courant reported. He told police he was at the school playing catch with his dog when he spotted a green Sharpie marker and thought of the "dumb idea."

HIGH SCHOOL ART DISPLAY: "BURN IN HELL, TRUMP"

Marks later told police he hoped the act "would seem to be liberal hate speech" and appeared to have been done by the "left." He also said he would "never harm the president or any member of government and understood it was 'stupid' and 'illegal.'"

Marks eventually turned himself in after seeing his photo circulate in the news. He claimed on June 19 he vandalized the property "out of 'anger toward liberals and they are breaking major laws everyday and being disrespectful toward our government,'" the arrest warrant stated.

AFTER PRO-TRUMP PHOTOS IN HIGH SCHOOL YEARBOOK ARE ALTERED, TEACHER IS SUSPENDED

He told the Hartford Courant that he was a Trump supporter, but did not explain why he committed the act. He said he was sorry and called his actions a "stupid thing."

He was charged with third-degree criminal mischief and breach of peace. A judge is expected to hear his case on Aug. 2.
A missing small plane was found in Florida early Thursday after it crashed into gator-infested water near the Everglades, and investigators said the pilot was dead.

The plane's owner reported the aircraft missing Wednesday night, WSVN reported.

WISCONSIN PLANE CRASHES, KILLING 6, AFTER EXPERIENCING 'LOCAL WEATHER PHENOMENON'

The FAA and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said the Cessna 152 single-engine airplane turned up around 2 a.m. Thursday in a swampy area of the Everglades.

That same plane was forced to make an emergency landing on a highway in Florida in December 2015, according to reports.

SMALL PLANE CRASH ON MAJOR FREEWAY IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

The FAA said the pilot was the only person on board the plane and an alligator was wading next to a body near the crash, WPLG reported.

Police have yet to identify the pilot but said he was a student in flight school.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA are still investigating.

Click for more from WSVN.
A Florida police officer is being praised for helping a resident after he spotted the man riding a bike with only one functioning tire.

Jacksonville police officer Terrance Hightower was patrolling a neighborhood when he spotted the man riding along the street, the department wrote on Facebook Thursday morning. The man only had one tire in the front, with the rubber completely stripped away in the back.

Officer Hightower went to the store and bought two new mountain bike tires for the man. He later showed up at the man's home and surprised him with the gift.

"We are so proud of you JSO Officer Hightower. Helping others, out of your own pocket, to make their life easier. You are making a difference one day at a time," the police department wrote on its Facebook page.
The mugshot says it all.

A babysitter accused of molesting a 1-year-old girl was tackled, hit with a dresser, and punched several times by the childs father before his arrest in Kansas City, Missouri, last week, according to police.

The child's relatives forgot something they left at home after leaving her with a family friend, court documents showed. When they returned home, they found Jayson Newlun, 26, with the girl in her bedroom.

JUDGE IN STANFORD RAPE CASE OFFERS FIRST DEFENSE OF DECISION

After the girls mom caught Newlun allegedly sexually assaulting the child, she alerted the girls father, who then attacked him, according to investigators.

The child's mother said that before the officers arrived, she told Newlun, I hope you go down for this. He replied, I do too, Fox 4 reported.

JURY FINDS MAN GUILTY IN RAPE TRIAL THAT DIVIDED KANSAS TOWN

Newlun has been charged with child molestation in the first degree and statutory sodomy.

Newlun is being held on a $250,000 cash-only bond and his next court date is July 18. If he is convicted, he faces at least a decade in prison.

Click for more from Fox 4.
Police are searching for a Wendell, Mass. man who is accused of killing a 48-year-old woman in that town and then driving to Chicopee and shooting at an employee working at a trucking firm there, according to masslive.com.

Lewis Starkey III, 53, 179 West St., Wendell, is being accused of walking up to an employee at Specialized Trucking on Griffith Road at just before 1:30 a.m. Wednesday and shooting at him with a shotgun, Chicopee Police Public Information Officer Michael Wilk said.

The victim was sitting behind glass. The shotgun blast broke the pane and the employee was cut by flying glass. The gun malfunctioned and the Starkey fled, Wilk said and the victim was brought to the hospital for treatment but was not seriously injured.

Authorities have released the identity of the woman who died after being shot in Wendell on Tuesday. The victim was identified as 48-year-old Amanda Glover, of 179 West St., Wendell, said Mary Carey, spokesman for the Northwestern District Attorneys office.

Starkey is considered armed and dangerous.

Click for more from Fox 61.
The Mennonite Church USA plans to sell its holdings in companies that profit from the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

A national Mennonite convention in Orlando, Florida, approved the move with a vote Thursday. The economic impact is expected to be minimal. But such votes are closely watched as a measure of views on Israel and the Palestinians from within the U.S., the Jewish state's closest and most important ally.

The resolution directs managers of the $3 billion Everence church fund to regularly screen holdings to avoid any economic support for Israeli policies in the occupied territories.

Other Christian groups that have taken similar steps toward divestment include the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the United Church of Christ.

Israeli officials condemn divestment as an attempt to delegitimize the Jewish state.
A magnitude 5.8 earthquake that rocked western Montana early Thursday morning was the largest quake to hit the area in the past 20 year, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

USGS geophysicist Robert Sanders told the Los Angeles Times that the quake of this magnitude was a very rare event but not impossible.

The earthquake struck around 12:30 a.m. local time with the epicenter located in Lincoln, which is outside Missoula. Some Twitter users posted feeling tremors as far as Spokane, Wash., Boise, Idaho and Calgary, Canada. The quake was followed by aftershocks in the magnitude 3 and 4 range over the next hour, Sanders said.

Residents in Lincoln briefly lost power and there was a gas leak in Helena, the National Weather Service in Great Falls said on Twitter.

There have been no immediate reports of damage or injuries, but residents will get a better sense as day breaks.

The Independent Record reported the tremblor was strong enough to knock items off shelves and walls in homes in Helena, which is about 34 miles away from the epicenter.

Lisa Large, a bartender at the Wheel Inn Tavern in Lincoln, told the newspaper that the power went out and bottles flew off the shelves when the earthquake hit.

It slopped all the grease outta the fryer, she said. The kitchens a mess right now. The lights have been out and they just came back on. Hopefully we dont get any more aftershocks.

Ray Anderson, 76, told the Associated Press that it was the strongest quake he had ever felt.

Carolyn Kennedy, who lives in South Calgary, said she felt about 20 seconds of waves from the tremors.

We heard rumbling noises, she messages FoxNews.com, adding that perfume bottles on her desk shook from the tremblor.

Musician John Mayer, a part-time Bozeman resident, took to Twitter to marvel at the event.

"Wow," he wrote on Twitter. "Earthquake in Montana."

There have been more than 70 quakes measuring larger than 4.5 in Montana and parts of Wyoming and Idaho since 1925, according to the USGS. The largest quake in state history was magnitude 7.2 in 1959 near west Yellowstone.

Sanders told the LA Times that Thursdays earthquake is unrelated to the ongoing earthquake swarm northwest of Yellowstone Lake, which has been going on for a little over two months. Yellowstone is home to an active volcano that last produced a lava flow about 70,000 years ago.

Fox News' Edmund DeMarche and The Associated Press contributed to this report
The vice chairman of the Vermont Republican Party told Fox News Wednesday night that the federal investigation into Sen. Bernie Sanders' wife is "firmly based on facts and figures and analysis," not hearsay.

Brady Toensing, who also chaired President Donald Trump's campaign in Vermont, told "Tucker Carlson Tonight" that Jane Sanders, the school's president at the time, had sought a $6.5 million bank loan to buy the property from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington.

CONDITION WORSENS

Doctors at the hospital where House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., has been recovering from a gunshot wound downgraded his condition from "fair" to "serious" Wednesday after he contracted an infection.

In a statement, MedStar Washington Hospital Center said Scalise had been re-admitted to the intensive care unit. The hospital added that it would provide another update Thursday.

SKY-HIGH CONTROVERSY

United Airlines requires children over the age of 2 to have their own tickets and occupy their own seats, but that didnt stop the airline from allowing a 27-month-old child from sitting in his mothers lap after they accidentally oversold his spot.

Shirley Yamauchi says she and her son Taizo had boarded their flight from Houston to Boston on June 29  the final leg of an 18-hour flight from Hawaii  when a standy passenger approached and claimed Taizo was in his seat.

REPEAL REVIVAL

A low-flying proposal from Sen. Ted Cruz to overhaul a major component of ObamaCare is attracting the kind of conservative enthusiasm that could prove critical in the broader GOP push to repeal and replace the 2010 law.

The Texas Republican senator has offered up his idea as an amendment that would allow insurers to offer bare-boned policies that don't meet Affordable Care Act standards -- provided they also offer plans in compliance.

COMING UP ON FOX NEWS CHANNEL

7:07 AM ET: President Trump lays a wreath at the Warsaw Uprising Monument. Watch live on FoxNews.com

7:15 AM ET: President Trump delivers speech to the people of Poland, at the monument. Watch live on FoxNews.com

1 PM ET: Vice President Pence makes remarks to Kennedy Space Center Workforce. Watch live on FoxNews.com

FBN COVERAGE

Mornings with Maria will be taking President Trumps speech in Warsaw, Poland live beginning at 7 a.m. ET.

NATO allies look for reassurance from Trump in Warsaw (Click here for more)

US needs stronger sanctions on China: Gordon Chang (Click here for more)

What to expect from Trumps face-to-face meeting with Putin

Former White House Deputy Assistant for National Security and D.C. International Advisory CEO Stephen Yates and Heritage Senior Fellow for National Security Peter Brookes on President Trumps meeting with Russias President Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit (Click here for more)

COMING UP ON FBN

7:30 a.m. ET: Former NYC police commissioner Ray Kelly will join Mornings with Maria.

9:45 a.m. ET: Rep. Francis Rooney, R-Fla, will join Varney & Co.

12:00 p.m. ET: Boxing promoter Bob Arum will join Cavuto: Coast to Coast.
A New Jersey teacher has been accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy again and again -- after she adopted him, court documents state.

Rayna Culver, 43, a teacher in Trenton, housed a former student of hers after he was booted from his relatives home in December 2015, South Jersey Local News reported. The two reportedly had a very close relationship when she was his teacher at the Rivera Middle School.

Culver became the teen's legal guardian a few months later.

EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE THREATS: NJ MAN ARRESTED

(The victim) believed that the purpose of her taking him in was to eventually make sex a part of their relationship, according to court documents.

Culver, who reportedly is married, was arrested in May and charged with second-degree sexual assault and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

The teachers attorney, Robin Lord, said the accusations are completely fabricated and made up.

43 yr old Burlington Twp woman,a teacher in Trenton school district, charged with sexual relationship with underage male @FOX29philly pic.twitter.com/hNaGqCrF5p  Steve Keeley (@KeeleyFox29) May 11, 2017

In June 2016, the teenager said the teacher started to touch him inappropriately and undress him at first which led to sexual relations between the two, court documents said.

After that first incident, they would engage in sex often, and it was to the point where he felt that if he told her to stop she would get mad and kick him out of the house, the complaint said. (The victim) told Culver via text message that he didnt want to have sex anymore, and she made it clear that she did not want it to stop.

The teenager stated that he and Culver had sexual relations almost every day over several months.

In April, the boy gave his phone to authorities so they could examine the text conversations between Culver and the teen.

CHRISTIE SAND SCULPTURE POKES FUN AT NJ GOVERNOR

Throughout the course of the conversations, Culver and (the victim) get into in-depth conversations regarding sex, having sex and sexual acts, according to the complaint.

Culver looks forward to these charges being dismissed, Lord stated. The states theory of the case is a completely fabricated recitation made up by a troubled, young man.
Hours before an unhinged gunman shot and killed a New York City police officer sitting in her vehicle in the Bronx early Wednesday, the killer's girlfriend called the cops to report her boyfriend, alarmed by his behavior.

In a call to 911 around 9 p.m. Tuesday night, the girlfriend of Alexander Bonds described him as acting in a manic, depressed state  paranoid, The New York Times reported. The girlfriend said his behavior had alarmed her as she followed him down the streets. When police arrived, Bonds was gone.

Bonds had returned from work around 7:30 p.m. that night and started drinking with friends, a neighbor told the newspaper.

BRONX GUNMAN IN NYPD SHOOTING HAD RAILED AGAINST POLICE AND PRISON ON FACEBOOK

Bonds visited a psychiatrist in June, his girlfriend told the cops. Bonds told the doctor cops made him nervous and anxious, the NY Daily News added.

Bond's aunt Nancy Kearse told The Times he'd been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. He had been on medication but had been admitted to a Bronx hospital just last week after a June breakdown. He had been to Bellevue Hospital Center several times over the last 15 years, according to Kearse.

The NYPD has been in the process of providing more protection for police officers. More than 2,000 patrol cars have been armed with bulletproof doors, and the first 500 pairs of bulletproof window panels arrived last month, according to The Times.

NYPD COP KILLED IN BRONX: WHO WAS POLICE OFFICER MIOSOTIS FAMILIA?

Officer Miosotis Familia had been with the department for 12 years. She was 48-years-old with a daughter in college and twins. Familia had been assigned to the R.V.-style truck stationed on East 183rd Street. The vehicle was placed there permanently to deter violence and shootings on one of the most dangerous streets in the Bronx.
The University of Mississippi will post a sign acknowledging that slaves built some structures on the main campus founded before the Civil War.

The university made the announcement Thursday, also saying Ole Miss will strip the name of James K. Vardaman off a building. Vardaman, a white supremacist, was a Mississippi governor and U.S. senator in the early 20th century.

The changes are part of an effort started in 2014 to provide historical context on the Oxford campus, which was rocked by violence after court-ordered integration in 1962. The administration has already added a plaque to provide information about slavery and the Civil War to a Confederate soldier statue on campus.

University leaders say they're trying to make a diverse student body feel more welcome.

___

This story has been corrected to reflect that the university will post one sign, not multiple signs.
The father of the 9-month-old baby girl discovered with a hypodermic needle sticking out of her leg now faces several charges.

FOX 29's Dave Schratwieser reports the unnamed 35-year-old man -- now identified as Steven Welsh -- was charged overnight with aggravated assault, simple assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and recklessly endangering another person.

His infant daughter was rushed to the hospital at about 6 p.m. Wednesday after being found in Manayunk, and is in stable condition after what turned out to be an accidental overdose.

Police say the baby was acting strangely in a third-floor bedroom at a home in the 200 block of Green Lane when someone called 911.

Chief Inspector Scott Small said the baby was in bed with the father when the youngster rolled over and was punctured on the leg by the needle.

The unresponsive infant was revived with a dose of Narcan.

The father was taken to the Special Victims Unit and is now charged.

Read more from FOX 29.
The judge who presided over the manslaughter trial in the fatal shooting of black motorist Philando Castile told that he supports them despite widespread public criticism after they acquitted a Minnesota police officer in the shooting.

I write to re-assure you that you faithfully fulfilled the difficult task you were asked to undertake, Ramsey County District Judge William Leary III said in his letter, the Star Tribune of Minneapolis reported Tuesday.

It was sent two days before the one-year anniversary of when St. Anthony officer Jeronimo Yanez shot the 32-year-old elementary school cafeteria working seven times in a matter of seconds, just after Castile informed Yanez he was armed.

MINNESOTA OFFICER 'DID WHAT HE HAD TO DO,' ATTORNEY SAYS

In the letter, Leary told jurors he was not providing his own opinion of Yanezs actions during the fatal traffic stop on July 6, 2016 in the St. Paul suburb of Falcon Heights, but he wanted to convey that their verdict was fully supported by a fair interpretation of the evidence and the law you were obligated to apply.

Reached Monday, Leary issued a short statement to the newspaper that said, "I appreciate your interest, but I don't believe any discussion would be of any additional value."

The jury acquitted Yanez, 26, on June 16 of second-degree manslaughter and two counts of reckless discharge of a firearm.

The case gained widespread attention after Castiles girlfriend, who was in the car with her then-4-year-old daughter, livestreamed the gruesome aftermath on Facebook.

OFFICER YANEZ ACQUITTED OF MANSLAUGHTER, DISMISSED FROM POLICE FORCE

During the trial, Yanez, testified that Castile ignored his commands not to pull out his gun. The officer said he feared for his life.

After the jurys decision, authorities released dramatic dashboard camera video showing the Latino officer firing seven shots. In the video, Castile is heard saying, Im not pulling it out before Yanez opened fire.

Castiles last words were: I wasnt reaching

His girlfriend later said he was reaching for his wallet.

In his letter, Leary broke down the multiple elements of the law that prosecutors were required to prove beyond a reasonable doubt, including whether Yanez acted with gross negligence and recklessness.

"The state's failure to prove any of the required elements of the charge required that you, the jury, return a verdict of not guilty," Leary wrote.

Leary wrote that the criticism has focused primarily on reaction to the squad car video and issues that the jury was never asked to address.

AUTHORITIES IDENTIFY OFFICER JERONIMO YANEZ AS MAN WHO FATALLY SHOT BLACK MAN IN MINNESOTA

"You were never asked to decide whether racism continues to exist, whether certain members of our community are disproportionately affected by police tactics, or whether police training is ineffective," he said. "You were simply asked to determine, beyond a reasonable doubt, whether a crime had been committed."

Yanez attorney Earl Gray said he appreciated Leary's letter.

"He told the jury they followed the law and did their duty," Gray said. "I'm sure the jurors felt better."

The Ramsey County Attorney's Office said in an email to The Associated Press on Tuesday that it had no comment.

"It's unusual to do a letter after the fact, but there's nothing inappropriate about this letter," said local defense attorney Joe Tamburino, who was not involved in the case. "I say hats off to him for doing this, because the jury received an inordinate amount of criticism. The issue was whether the state proved its case, not greater social issues."

The Assocated Press contributed to this report.
A family fishing in Maryland spotted a rare whale shark during a Fourth of July outing, the second such sighting in less than a month.

Josh Schleupner told DelmarvaNow that he and his family were on the "Moore Bills" boat fishing in Ocean City on Tuesday when they saw the sea creature. He added that it was a slow fishing day out in the ocean, having no luck reeling in tuna.

But then a whale shark -- which can weigh up to 20 tons -- came right up to Schleupner's boat, leaving everyone on board in awe. Schleupner's stepson jumped into the water to try to touch the creature, but it swam away.

Moments later, the whale shark came back around and Schleupner seized the moment, according to DelmarvaNow. After getting an OK from the boat captain, he threw his mask on and jumped in.

"It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I dive, but never in 100 years did I think Id be able to swim with one, much less right off Ocean City," Schleupner told the news site.

"It was definitely worth it to get that close to him; to one of Gods creatures that are that big," he said, adding that he "swam like hell" to reach the whale shark.

This was the second sighting of a whale shark in Ocean City in less than a month. On June 27, Steve Moore also got a glimpse of the massive sea creature.

"We were on an overnight trip and my mate was taking watch during the night," Moore said. "He woke me up saying I had to see something, that a huge whale shark came up on the boat. I looked out the port window and it was right there, practically rubbing his nose up against the boat."

Moore described the whale shark he saw as being about as long as 40 feet.

Whale sharks are the largest living vertebrates and can grow up to 20 tons and 32-feet long, according to National Geographic. The creatures can live more than 70 years.

Ryan Taylor, a professor of biology at Salisbury University, told DelmarvaNow that despite having "shark" in their names, whale sharks aren't interested in biting humans and are generally docile.

He added that whale sharks are rare to find in waters off the coast of Delaware and Maryland.
Police have arrested a woman in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred in downtown Salt Lake City Tuesday night.

Lt. Robin Heiden of the Salt Lake City Police Department confirmed 37-year-old Shutney Lee Kyzer was arrested Wednesday.

Later Wednesday night, police identified the woman who was killed as 27-year-old Kendra Griffis.

The arrest came, in part, thanks to the help of a dog groomer in the Sugar House area.

Every time I heard the door chime, my heart stopped, said Stephen Bolinder, manager of The Dog Show, a grooming shop.

Bolinder said that Kyzer reached out Wednesday morning to try and get her paycheck.

Today is payday and she said she needed $500 right now, Bolinder said. I told her that the checks dont come in until 5 p.m.

Bolinder wondered if Kyzer might come in, and so did police. Undercover officers, working with Bolinders help, kept an eye on the store throughout the day.

However, despite calling Bolinder twice, Kyzer never actually showed up. Fortunately, officers were able to track her down around 5 p.m.

Kyzer will be taken directly to prison due to a parole violation, and police say she will also face charges for Tuesday's deadly crash. Her criminal history includes convictions over the years for offenses like kidnapping, possession of a controlled substance and assault.

Police say a gold Mazda went up onto the curb near 465 West and 200 South just before 7 p.m. Tuesday, where it struck several people.

Griffis was killed in the crash, while another individual suffered critical injuries and four other patients were treated for lesser wounds.

Wednesday, police issued a photo of Kyzer and identified her as a person of interest in the case. Based on witness statements, police believe Kyzer was behind the wheel when the deadly crash occurred.

Read more from FOX 13 Salt Lake City.
South Carolina investigators were desperately hunting for 46-year-old Jimmy Causey, an inmate who has escaped from a maximum-security prison for a second time -- and they're offering a reward for any information leading to his capture.

He escaped Wednesday afternoon from Lieber Correctional Institution, nearly 100 miles southeast of Columbia, Department of Corrections spokeswoman Sommer Sharpe said.

"Jimmy Causey is a very dangerous individual. He has demonstrated that by his crimes in the past," Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott told Fox News.

Details of Causey's getaway have not been released, but the sheriff added: "He sits in prison all day long trying to figure out how to escape."

Officials have been searching throughout neighborhoods surrounding the prison, a law enforcement source in Dorchester County told Fox News.

Causey was sentenced to life in prison in 2004 after holding attorney Jack Swerling and his family at gunpoint.

GEORGIA MOM ACCUSED OF KILLING 4 CHILDREN, HUSBAND IN HOME

In 2005 he and another inmate, Johnny Brewer, escaped Broad River Correctional Institution by hiding in a trash truck and evaded police for three days before they were captured.

"We put out a nationwide alert for him and we are asking everybody in all the different communities to be on the lookout for him," Lott said. "We are working with the victims family Well work with them to make sure theyre protected, and we dont want them to live in fear and we dont want the kids to live in fear."

The State Law Enforcement Division is working with the South Carolina Department of Corrections Police Services and other law enforcement agencies to conduct the search.

NYPD COP-KILLER'S GIRLFRIEND HAD CALLED 911 HOURS BEFORE ATTACK

Causey is six foot two, just over 175lbs with blue eyes, brown hair and a one inch scar on his chin. Authorities warn the public not to approach him and to call 9-11 immediately.

In December, another inmate serving a life sentence escaped from a different maximum-security prison in South Carolina. Authorities said 47-year-old Michael Allen Williamson stabbed a police officer during his escape from McCormick Correctional Institution in the western part of the state. The officer's protective vest deflected many blows, but she was treated for two stab wounds to her arm and shoulder.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
State-owned enterprise Boryspil International Airport (Kyiv), the largest airport of the country, on July 5, 2017 signed a contract with the largest European low cost airline Ryanair and sent it to the head office of the airline, Airport CEO Pavlo Riabikin has said.

"It took less than two weeks from the moment of cutting the basic fee for passenger servicing [amendments to the resolution of the Infrastructure Ministry], which was the man hindering financial factor. The contract has been approved by all airport's services and external auditors who validate all outbound documents and contracts," he wrote on his Facebook page.

Riabikin said that the negotiations between the airline and the airport are process of achieving a compromise on the basis of mutual economic interest. The less politics we see the easier to find this compromise, he said.
A heat wave blanketing the U.S. Southwest has toppled temperature records, raised wildfire danger and sent residents to pools, beaches and even fountains for cool relief.

The mercury in Utah was expected to remain in triple digits Thursday, a day after Salt Lake City's airport reached a record 105 degrees, the National Weather Service said.

In downtown Los Angeles, kids on vacation from school cooled off in the fountains of Grand Park. Officials warned people to avoid strenuous activity during the day on Friday, when the worst heat was expected across Southern California.

Officials issued red flag warnings for fire danger in Santa Barbara County's mountains and south coast due to dry, hot winds starting Thursday evening.

To the north in the Sierra Nevada, fire warnings were in effect from Sequoia to Yosemite, while flood warnings due to snowmelt are posted in northern Mono County in California and southern Lyon County in Nevada.

Excessive heat warnings were also in place in Arizona, where temperatures in Phoenix could hit 117 (47 Celsius) Friday. That's only a few degrees less than the record-breaking heat that baked the state last month.

Las Vegas, where the mercury could hit 113 degrees (45 degrees Celsius) during the day Friday, won't get much of a release at night, said weather service meteorologist Chelsea Kryston. Overnight temperatures will linger at around 90 (32 Celsius).

The heat building into the weekend results from high pressure over the desert.

Spiking temperatures will be accompanied by more moisture moving up from Mexico that could add humidity to the heat wave in some areas.
Four teenagers were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct on Tuesday after three of them allegedly had sexual intercourse on a beach in Cape Cod, Mass., while the fourth teen did not leave the area when police told him to.

The teenagers have been identified as Molly Hines, 19, of Penfield, NY, Lukas Kaminski, 19, of Hopkinton, Mass., Stephen Cerrone, 18, of Quechee, Vt. and Julianna Murphy, 18, of Penfield, NY, according to Cape Cod Times. Kaminski was arrested for not leaving the area although officers told him to.

The four teenagers will not be arraigned for at least six months, Judge Robert Welsh III said on Wednesday. He agreed to delay the arraignments while the four attend a program for first-time offenders.

An unidentified 17-year-old male, who was reportedly in the water with the three others, is slated to appear in juvenile court on Monday.

MASSACHUSETTS POLICE HUNTING FOR ARMED AND DANGEROUS MURDER SUSPECT

Dennis police said one of their officers, Detective Matthew Turner, was patrolling the Mayflower Beach when four people acting inappropriately in the water were discovered, according to NBC Connecticut. A beachgoer told Turner that a few people were having sex.

When Turner arrived at the scene, a crowd was surrounding the four teenagers, identified as Hines, Murphy and Cerrone and the unidentified 17-year-old. The teens were embraced with one another while some were looking on in astonishment, he wrote in a police report.

I could not observe exactly what was going on, however both couple(s) were extremely closely embraced, Turner wrote, according to Cape Cod Times. Each embraced couple were at a minimum kissing and stumbling about in the waves.

TRUCK STOPPED AT GATE TO AIR FORCE BASE OVER EXPLOSIVES FEAR

Turner also wrote that a few people in the water were cheering the couples on. Turner said he smelled alcohol and believes the teenagers may have been drinking at the time.
A Utah K-9 named Dingo was shot and killed Thursday while attempting to apprehend a wanted fugitive.

The 7-year-old Belgian Malinois was gunned down by Torey Massey, 28, who was wanted for assault, theft and other charges.

Salt Lake City Sheriff Jim Winder said the tragic incident began overnight when a tip led officers to MillCreek, Utah where Massey was spotted. The suspect fled to a nearby gas station parking lot when officers arrived. Dingo was released to apprehend the fugitive, who then produced a gun and fired several shots, fatally wounding the K-9.

SALT LAKE CITY POLICE ARREST WOMAN IN CONNECTION WITH HIT-AND-RUN THAT KILLED 1, INJURED 5

Dingo was rushed to a nearby veterinary office, where he was pronounced dead.

Massey was taken into custody and will likely face federal charges for possession of a firearm and state charges of killing a police canine.

Dingo served five years with the Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake and worked with Sgt. Chad Reyes since February 2013.

Dingo is the second UPD K-9 to be killed in less than a year.

A canine named "Aldo" was also killed in Millcreek trying to apprehend a fugitive in 2016.

READ MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SALT LAKE CITY.
Beachgoers on Cape Cod have another thing to be aware of: The Portuguese man-of-war has returned.

If touched, the creatures can deliver an extremely painful sting. Several of them have been spotted in recent days.

Some washed up on Sea Gull Beach in Yarmouth, Massachusetts, over the weekend, and another was spotted earlier this week off Stage Beach in Chatham.

The Woods Hole Sea Grant on Wednesday encouraged area beach officials to post warning signs.

The Portuguese man-of-war can often resemble floating plastic bags and are sometimes mistaken for jellyfish.

They have been visitors to the Cape in past years. Several people were stung in 2013, but there have been no reports of any painful encounters with swimmers so far this summer.
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Embattled Brazilian President Michel Temer quickly presented his legal defense against corruption allegations to lawmakers on Wednesday, a move seen as a bid to reduce the likelihood of being suspended from office and tried at the Supreme Court.

Temer's lawyer submitted the defense on the second day of Chamber of Deputies commission proceedings to consider the matter, eight days ahead of deadline.

Allies of the president want a quick vote on the issue in hopes of putting an end to the political uncertainty this month.

However his adversaries favor a more drawn-out process with ample time for any more damaging information to emerge, figuring it improves their prospects of winning over votes against the unpopular leader.

Brazil's top prosecutor accuses Temer of accepting bribes from businesspeople in exchange for political favors. Temer, who is also being investigated for possible obstruction of justice and criminal organization, denies the allegations.

Regardless of the commission's decision on the corruption count, the full house will vote on Temer's fate with a two-thirds super majority required to suspend him.

The 98-page defense delivered to the commission by attorney Antonio Mariz de Oliveira argued that the accusation against Temer is based on "assumptions" and "fiction."

Temer's defense also wants lawmakers to disregard a recording of the president in a secret meeting with an executive of meatpacker JBS that triggered the accusations.

Oliveira did not rule out the possibility of Temer appearing before congress to defend himself.

Brazil's president isn't the only politician facing corruption charges. A sprawling investigation into kickbacks and illegal campaign financing has ensnared dozens of the country's political elite.

On Wednesday, a federal court in Sao Paulo, however, dismissed an investigation of former President Fernando Henrique Cardoso for illegal campaign financing. The allegations dated to campaigns in the 1990s, and the judge ruled the statute of limitations had expired, according to the court's press office.
A British woman who repeatedly claimed of being sexually assaulted and raped by 15 different men  leading one to be wrongly imprisoned  is now facing jail time of her own after she was convicted Thursday of lying about her claims.

"Jemma Beale was a determined liar who repeatedly went to great lengths to fabricate evidence in an attempt to see innocent men convicted, including telling deliberate lies under oath, London Crown Prosecution Service Lawyer Samuel Mainsaid. Beale was convicted of perjury and perverting the course of justice.

From 2010 to 2013, Beale claimed that she was sexually assaulted by six men and raped by nine -- all of them strangers  in four different encounters, prosecutors said.

But it was later discovered that the 25-year-old had a steady boyfriend with whom she had a sexual relationship, Main said.

"False allegations of sexual assault and rape are rare but, when made, they are serious as they undermine the credibility of genuine victims and the efforts of the CPS and police to see perpetrators brought to justice, Main added.

BEALE'S ALLEGATIONS WERE 'GROTESQUE INVENTIONS,' JURORS TOLD

In one case, a man was imprisoned over the allegations and in another, the alleged attacker fled the country.

Beales stories fell apart after medical records, testimonies from witnesses and CCTV footage showed she was lying.

In one false claim from 2012, Beale said she was attacked by four men in an alley with a piece of barb wire. But jurors were shown footage of her walking home alone and were told by prosecutors that the injuries were self-inflicted.

MARRIED TEACHER ACCUSED OF ADOPTING STUDENT SO SHE COULD HAVE SEX WITH HIM

After Beale made another allegation in November 2013, the police reviewed all of her previous claims, and discovered a clear and sustained pattern of willful falsification, Main said in a statement.

Beale is expected to be sentenced on August 24.
Colombia is making progress in salvaging the San Jose, a centuries-old Spanish ship believed to be carrying $1 billion worth of gold, silver and gems, the country's president said Wednesday.

The ship, which sank in 1708, was found in 2015 by the Colombian navy and the countrys archaeology institute near the port of Cartegena.

The San Jose's manifest showed it was carrying jewels and coins worth an estimated $1 billion, but analysts say the crew may have smuggled extra loot on board, National Geographic reported.

All this precious cargo was taken away from the indigenous people of the Americas, Charles Beeker, Director of the Center for Underwater Science at Indiana University, told the magazine. A British warship attacked the San Jose, causing it to sink.

COLOMBIA: HOLDOUT REBELS HAVE FREED HOSTAGE UN CONTRACTOR

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos got a proposal from an investor to bring the San Jose to the surface; however, he did not disclose the investor's name or the terms of the possible deal. Questions about navigation, world trade, about colonial costs, will be answered, he said Wednesday.

The San Jose was part of the fleet of King Philip V, who fought the English during the War of Spanish Succession and around 600 people died in the ship wreck, Reuters reported.

So far, sonar images revealed bronze cannons, arms, ceramics and other artifacts in the wreckage.

TOP COLOMBIAN REBEL LEADER IN INTENSIVE CARE AFTER STROKE

The Colombian government and the company originally agreed to split proceeds from the wreckage, but the government later said all the treasure would belong to Colombia, a view backed by a U.S. court in 2011.

Santos said the Colombian government will accept further offers to recover the ship and a museum will be built to showcase the artifacts.
Chinese students from the Uighur ethnic minority have been detained in Egypt in a broad police sweep that has shaken the country's sizeable Uighur student and expatriate community, activists said Thursday.

Egyptian police have detained scores of Uighur students, including 20 from Cairo's Al-Azhar University who were stopped in the city of Alexandria on their way out of the country late Wednesday and told they would be deported to China, said Abduweli Ayup, a Uighur activist in Turkey.

Ayup said he had heard directly from some of the detainees and their relatives.

The detentions come amid reports that authorities in the Uighur homeland of Xinjiang in western China are seeking the immediate return of Uighurs studying abroad. Authorities in Xinjiang have significantly tightened security measures in the past year, as well as controls on religious expression, in what officials characterize as an "unyielding" campaign against Islamic extremism brewing in the region.

Overseas Uighurs and human rights groups say the measures have turned Xinjiang into a police state with widespread arbitrary detentions and invasive surveillance.

The detentions in Egypt, a popular destination for religious study among China's Muslims, were seen by activists as a possible sign that China's security crackdown in Xinjiang is extending its reach overseas.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman appeared to acknowledge on Thursday that Chinese citizens had been detained in Egypt, saying at a regular briefing that consular officials would visit them. He gave no further details.

Another activist, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, said overseas groups had managed to move 60 Uighur students out of Egypt to safety in Turkey this week, but 20 were held while trying to fly to Dubai.

Lucia Parrucci, a spokeswoman for the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization advocacy group, said that a July 1 raid at the Asian restaurant in Nasr City caught 37 Uighurs, mostly student patrons and restaurant workers.

Unverified videos shared on social media purportedly showed more than 70 Uighurs sitting on a floor in a government building and others being driven in a truck in handcuffs.

Abdullah, an Asian student of Islam at Al-Azhar university, said Uighurs were being detained in the Hay el Sabia area of Cairo's Nasr City district. He gave only his first name for fear of reprisals.

___

Associated Press writers Brian Rohan and Menna Zaki in Cairo contributed to this report.
Detectives of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) are raiding the head office of PrivatBank (Kyiv) in Dnipro, the NABU has reported.

"NABU detectives under the procedural supervision of SAPO [Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office] prosecutors are raiding the head office of PrivatBank in Dnipro," NABU wrote on its Facebook page on Thursday.

The bureau said that the office is raided as part of an investigation into a criminal case launched due to alleged abuse of office by officials of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) and embezzlement of PrivatBank's funds in the large amount committed by managers and owners of large stakes in the bank (Part 2 of Article 364 and Part 5 of Article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). The state faced loss of UAH 116.8 billion (the money injected into the bank for its capitalization).

In turn, PrivatBank said in a press release that the raid by the NABU was scheduled several days in advance.

"As part of the criminal case investigating into the unlawful issue of credits by former owners and top managers of PrivatBank the scheduled steps are made NABU jointly with the bank. Under a petition of the NBU divisions of the bank jointly with NABU detectives are thoroughly analyzing the documents," the bank said.
Thousands of anti-globalization protesters set cars on fire and tried to block leaders' delegations from entering the grounds of the Group of 20 summit Friday in Hamburg, Germany, as authorities sent in police reinforcement from other cities on the second day of protests.

Dozens of police officers built moving lines in different parts of Hamburg and used water cannons to force protesters away from streets across the city. The city boosted its police presence with reinforcements from around the country for the G-20 summit but asked for more support on Thursday night after the situation started to escalate.

At least 45 demonstrators were arrested, 15 were temporarily detained, and 160 police officers were injured early Friday, including three officers who were hospitalized.

Unsere Befurchtungen haben sich bestatigt. Mehrere Kollegen wurden bei den gestrigen Krawallen durch Zwillengeschosse verletzt. #G20HAM17 pic.twitter.com/f8dbK3ubtV  Polizei Hamburg (@PolizeiHamburg) July 7, 2017

Hamburgs fire department said 11 protesters were severely injured and had to be transported to hospitals after a few of them fell from a wall during confrontations with police.

The fire department said it treated 26 people and took 14 of them to the hospital. It is not immediately clear why the protesters were climbing the wall.

Hamburg Police tweeted: "Our fears have been confirmed. Several of my colleagues were injured in yesterday's riots by high velocity projectiles."

"We've asked for a few hundreds more police officers - they're on the way," Andy Grote, the city's interior senator, told reporters. "The potential for criminal energy and violence of some is shocking."

German police tweeted on Friday that all the leaders got into the city's convention center safely.

The leaders, including German host Chancellor Angela Merkel, U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and many others, were meeting to discuss issues such as international terrorism and climate change.

Germanys Justice Minister Heiko Maas told reporters that the violent protests were a disservice to the big crowd of overwhelmingly peaceful demonstrators.

Every peaceful protest is welcome, Maas said. But that is no free pass for unrestrained rampage.

These extremist criminals dont belong in the streets, but into court. Whoever torches cars and injures police officers does not deserve any kind of tolerance.

The violence broke out on Thursday ahead of the summit and continued into Friday, with demonstrators breaking windows at the Mongolian consulate and puncturing the tires of a car that belonged to the Canadian delegation.

TRUMP, IN POLAND, VOWS, 'THE WEST WILL NEVER, EVER BE BROKEN'

I look forward to all meetings today with world leaders, including my meeting with Vladimir Putin. Much to discuss.#G20Summit #USA  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 7, 2017

Police estimated there were 100,000 people in total at the demonstration Thursday. Some 12,000 people took part in the central march. Authorities also said organizers of the demonstration, intended to be a march, called off the event once violence broke out.

Police also said one of their helicopters was almost hit by a rocket flare and a pilot of a different chopper suffered eye injuries after a laser was pointed at them.

Trump arrived in Hamburg earlier Thursday following his speech in Warsaw where he called for defending Western values and rallying against "dire threats" to civilizations.

"Just as Poland cannot be broken, I declare today for the world to hear that the West will never, ever be broken, Trump said during his speech in Poland. Our values will prevail, our people will thrive and our civilization will triumph.

THE G-20: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT

Merkel and Trump met privately after his arrival on Thursday, discussing issues that include North Korea, the situation in the Middle East, the conflict in eastern Ukraine and "some issues on the G-20 agenda." The discussion lasted more than an hour.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel also participated, according to a German government statement.

Trump then had dinner with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

On Friday, Trump is slated to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin for about 35 minutes. Trump tweeted early Friday that he is looking forward to his meeting with the Russian president.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Rioters in Hamburg attempting to disrupt the G20 meeting with President Trump in attendance were met with the latest in water cannon technology, designed by Germans, built by Austrians, and first introduced in Hamburg in 2010: The Wasserwerfer 10000.

The WaWe 10 is nearly 30 feet long and so high its windshield hovers above the heads of police officers standing around it for protection. Its also way up above their heads because a weakness in prior water cannon models were protruding headlights that enabled rioters to climb up to the windshield and either block the operators view or break the glass. That weakness was rectified in the WaWe 10.

" ... left and right-handed radicals will notice that they are now at a disadvantage.  Former German Interior Minister Achim Friedl

Its designed to look aggressive with its forward- leaning cab and rearward tapered lines.

"This has a psychological effect," said former German Interior Minister Achim Friedl in a Der Spiegel report on the unveiling of the machine in 2009.

The WaWe 10s armor is designed to withstand large blocks of concrete dropped from buildings.

It carries 2,600 gallons of water that can be heated up to uncomfortable, but not scalding temperatures, and it can shoot 871 gallons per minute at unlucky AntiFa rioters up to 200 feet away. The front and rear water cannon are powered by their own engines so water can be pumped regardless of whether the vehicle is driving, a significant improvement over prior models.

Police can also change the beam pattern of the jets, from direct shots at rioters to a wider spray for putting out burning barricades, and then back to a direct beam for pushing the smoldering materials out of the way.

Its lined with cameras that are digitally recording all that is going on around the huge machine. When the WaWe 10 was unveiled its developers stood in awe at the latest accomplishment in fabled German engineering.

"We are very proud, because if you are the first worldwide to have achieved such a good thing, you can only be proud," said Karl-Heinz Mayer, who oversees technology for the German Federal Police Bureau.

The German police occasionally refer to rioters as customers who will be treated more gently by police thanks to the technology offered by the WaWe 10.

"Of course, our customers will not have any sympathy for this," Friedl told Der Spiegel, "because left and right-handed radicals will notice that they are now at a disadvantage.
Iran is targeting German companies in its bid to advance its missile program, in possible violation of an international agreement, and at least on occasion with the aid of a Chinese company, according to a damning recent report from a German intelligence agency.

The 181-page report, published last month and released Tuesday by officials from the heavily industrialized southern German state of Baden-Wurttemberg, warned that Iran is actively seeking products and scientific know-how for the field of developing weapons of mass destruction as well missile technology. The Islamic Republic is targeting German companies through various fronts, according to the report.

[Iran is seeking] products and scientific know-how for the field of developing weapons of mass destruction as well missile technology.  German intel report

In one case, Iran allegedly worked through a Chinese front company to seek complex metal-producing machines from a German engineering firm. German intelligence officials blocked the sale when they told the engineering firm the merchandise was slated to be unlawfully routed to Iran.

This case shows that so-called indirect deliveries across third countries is still Irans procurement strategy, wrote the intelligence officials.

Another report, released this week by Germanys Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), found the deal brokered by the Obama administration to limit Irans pursuit of nuclear weapons resulted in little or no decrease in the Islamic Republics efforts to gain technology for missiles capable of carrying warheads. But it noted that the agreement was aimed at restricting nuclear technology, not missile technology.

"The amount of evidence found for attempts to acquire proliferation-sensitive material for missile technology/the missile program, which is not covered by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, remained about the same," the report said.

The U.S. and other world powers -- including France, China, Russia and the United Kingdom -- reached an agreement with Iran in July 2015, the so-called Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), to restrict Tehrans nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
The liberation of Mosul from ISIS is nearly complete, but the Islamic State remains a formidable presence in Iraq, and numerous obstacles remain in the way of Iraqi Security forces totally eradicating the ruthless terror group.

Which pockets of the Sunni-dominated terror group the government sets its sights on next will depend on numerous factors: Which ISIS-controlled areas of Baghdad pose the greatest threat, which communities are in most urgent need of liberation and the outcome of a debate about whether to include Iranian forces, which were excluded from the Mosul fight.

One obscure but strategically important area in need of liberation is the Sunni-majority district of Hawija, which is 100 miles south of Mosul and 30 miles west of the oil-rich city of Kirkuk. The location of the district, which had a pre-ISIS population of around 450,000, enables the jihadists to attack the two cities as well as areas in north Tikrit. Also, Hawijas proximity to mountainous areas has also provided cover for ISIS cells.

There are constant complaints by local officials in Salahuddin and Diyala of ISIS fighters infiltrating into these areas from Hawija, and attacks have stepped up in the latter in the last few months, Middle East analyst Joel Wing, who runs the Musings on Iraq website, told Fox News.

The terrain favors the insurgents because they are remote, rural, and have lots of cover like palm groves, etc. that allow ISIS fighters to hide from the Iraqi forces and air surveillance. Diyala also offers access to Baghdad and has been the source for some car bombings into the capital.

The humanitarian and sanitary conditions are said to be beyond desperate, one resident, who can only be identified as Jassim for security reasons, told Fox News. There is no food, no medicine, no basic elements for life, not even water. It is difficult to obtain safe drinking water. All this has led to the spread of many diseases and many people have died from diseases easy to cure, because there is a lack of treatment. Death is the only cure for relief from the suffering.

Food prices have surged to 30 times what they were pre-ISIS, and the vast majority of those living there are not able to afford even such basics. Smugglers charge $200 per family member to escape and many of those fleeing end up killed by a landmine or sniper or drown in the Euphrates.

While the urgency of a Hawija offensive remains high, the complexity of such a venture is daunting. It has been planned and then delayed numerous times in the past year, with different participating forces reportedly unable to agree on the appropriate course and order of action.

Widespread worries have been raised over the likely participation of Iran-backed Shiite militias, the Peoples Mobilization Forces (PMF), often referred to as the Hashd al-Shaabi, in the military offensive to retake Hawija. While the militias have proven to be an effective fighting force against ISIS in participation with Iraqi forces, they were deliberately kept out of the Mosul offensive to avoid sectarian flares with Sunni residents. However, the Tehran-loyal fighters are reportedly being geared away for the final ISIS slaying  prompting concerns that they may commit revenge crimes against Sunnis and even Kurdish fighters given Irans opposition to Kurdish independence.

A spokesperson for the U.S.-led coalition told Fox News that the military is planning and what happens next is "very much the decision of the government of Iraq and the Iraqi Security forces," but that the "coalition will support their decision." Brigade General Hugh McAslan, a New Zealand deputy commander of the coalition force in Baghdad, emphasized that while the coalition does not provide direct support to the PMF "in the interest of safety" they "maintain situational awareness to their locations on the battlefield."

Kurdish security officials have bemoaned that Baghdads delay in a Hawija offensive has allowed the infiltration of ISIS sleeper cells and facilitated fatal hit-and-run attacks against the Kurdish Peshmerga in southern Kirkuk. The ongoing delay in liberation, some say, has also boosted the morale of existing ISIS militants as they have been able to carry out small but frequent attacks from this bastion.

Adding to the complexity, many in Hawija are believed to be sympathetic to the Sunni-dominated terror group, preferring its rule over the oppression of a Shia-led Baghdad government.

ISIS is in control of (Hawija) completely. Much of the time since 2003, it was under overt or covert control of Al Qaeda and Baathist elements, James Jeffrey, U.S. ambassador to Iraq from 2010-2012 and now the Philip Solondz Distinguished Fellow at the Washington Institute, told Fox News. Hawija will be a tough fight with the population probably joining in on the side of ISIS. With bigger issues like Mosul, people just dont want to focus on Hawija.

But besides Hawija, other areas need Baghdads attention: Tel Afar west of Mosul in the Nineveh province; the adjacent Salahuddin province; pockets in Anbar province close to the Syrian border; Diyala province; the Hamrin Mountains; two towns in Kirkuk province and 500 small villages in Kirkuk province.

Last week, Muhammad al-Khazary, an Iraqi Defense Ministry spokesperson, stated that preparations for the Hawija mission were in place, but no specifics have been made public.

This week, Kurdish officials said that, despite their increasing objections, Baghdad still intends to commence Tel Afar and Ramadi operations first.

Steven Nabil contributed to this report.
Cops have revealed Manchester attacker Salman Abedi was living off student loans before orchestrating the horror attack that claimed the lives of 22 people.

Brit authorities now believe more arrests are possible, confirming they are liaising with authorities in Libya about warped bomber Salman Abedis brother over the atrocity in May.

Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson said he believed others were either "aware or complicit" in the horrific attack, saying cops were still piecing together details about the bomber's background and beliefs.

He said planning ahead of the attack had taken "many months", telling media that the bomber had access to student loans and other resources to fund his travel and rent.

He said: "We do believe that there are other people potentially involved in this. We do however believe further arrests are possible."

He confirmed that police now wanted to interview brother Hashem Abedi, who was arrested in Tripoli after the attack at an Ariana Grande concert.

Officers and the Crown Prosecution Service are currently speaking with the Libyan authorities.

Investigators have trawled through three million files and 16,000 hours of CCTV footage as they try to trace Abedi's movements in the days and weeks leading the bomb blast.

Police have previously revealed they believed Abedi had bought bomb parts just days after arriving in the UK from Turkey.

The bomb had been made for just $85, with the bomber using easy-to-buy items from B&Q and Screwfix.

Officers are also trying to find a missing blue suitcase the killer was seen dragging around.

The killer had been caught on CCTV before the attack, stalking the streets of Manchester.

An ongoing review by security services is under way into what was known about Abedi by the authorities, after claims that he had been reported more than once over his extremist attitude.

This article first appeared in The Sun.
Salman Abedi, the bomber in the Manchester terror attack, wasn't part of a large network, but other people involved may still be at large, a senior police officer said on Wednesday.

Police may make more arrests in the investigation into the attack, Russ Jackson, head of counterterrorism policing for northwest England, said July 6.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the May 22 concert bombing that killed 22 people, plus Abedi, and wounded more than 200 others. Here's what we know.

The bomber, Salman Abedi

British officials said Abedi had been on the radar of the country's intelligence services but was considered a peripheral figure.

"We are still working to understand the manner by which he became radicalized," Jackson said.

Jackson said police have reconstructed Abedi's movements in the weeks before the attack, as he obtained components and built his deadly device.

On the day of the bombing, Abedi spent several hours carrying the bomb though central Manchester before he detonated it in the foyer of Manchester Arena as an Ariana Grande concert was wrapping up.

Abedi's parents came to Britain early in the 1990s, and he reportedly was in contact with family members just before the attack.

Abedi was born in Britain to a Libyan family, grew up in Manchester's southern suburbs and once attended Salford University there. He was a business management student but dropped out, according to The Telegraph.

Neighbors recalled Abedi as a tall, thin young man who often wore traditional Islamic dress and did not talk much.

"He was such a quiet boy, always very respectful towards me," a member of the Libyan community in Manchester recalled to The Guardian. "His brother Ismail is outgoing, but Salman was very quiet. He is such an unlikely person to have done this."

UK POLICE: OTHERS MAY BE AT LARGE IN MANCHESTER ATTACK

That perspective clashed with others. Mohammed Saeed, with the Didsbury Mosque and Islamic Centre told the newspaper he had once delivered an anti-terrorism sermon. Abedi did not like what he heard, Saeed said.

"Salman showed me a face of hate after that sermon," he recalled. "He was showing me hatred."

Abedi was driven to extremism after seeing a friend fatally stabbed last year, a female relative said. He complained of being treated badly in Britain and was troubled why there seemed to be no outrage over his friend's death, she said.

Abedi believed it was because the friend was Muslim, according to the relative.

She said that Abedi also referred to Britons as "infidels" who "are unjust to the Arabs." She defended him as "a great kid" and said he had no links to ISIS or other militant groups.

However, Abedi is believed to have traveled to Syria and had "proven" links with ISIS, French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb has said.

Abedi's father, Ramadan Abedi, denied in May that his son was linked to militants or to the deadly attack. He said that when he spoke to his son in recent days, he sounded "normal.

"We don't believe in killing innocents. This is not us," the elder Abedi told the AP by telephone. "We aren't the ones who blow up ourselves among innocents. We go to mosques. We recite Quran, but not that."

He said his son had visited Libya and never visited Syria.

Abedi spent three weeks in Libya prior to the Manchester bombing, returning to England just days before the attack, two U.S. defense officials confirmed to Fox News.

ARIANA GRANDE CONCERT BLAST: PHOTOS SHOW PANIC AT MANCHESTER ARENA

What do we know about his father, Ramadan Abedi?

Ramadan Abedi fled Tripoli in 1993 after Moammar Gadhafi's security authorities issued an arrest warrant for him. He eventually sought political asylum in Britain. Now, he is a manager for the Central Security force in Tripoli, Libya's capital.

He has denied having ties to any of Libya's militant groups, including the Libya Islamic Fighting Group, which was linked to Al Qaeda.

However, former Libyan security official Abdel-Basit Haroun told the AP that the elder Abedi was a member of the group in the 1990s. Although it disbanded, Haroun said the father now belongs to the Salafi Jihadi movement, the most extreme sect of Salafism from which Al Qaeda and ISIS both hail.

Ramadan Abedi was arrested in Libya after the attack and is still being held, The Guardian reported.

What about Abedi's brothers?

Ramadan Abedi confirmed that another son, 23-year-old Ismail, was arrested in Manchester.

And Salman's younger brother, 18-year-old Hashem, was taken into custody in Libya. Hashem was in contact with Salman, Ahmed bin Salem, the spokesman for a counter-terrorism force told Reuters.

"We have evidence that he is involved in Daesh (ISIS) with his brother," bin Salem said. "We have been following him for more than one month and a half. He was in contact with his brother and he knew about the attack."

Hashem was allegedly plotting an attack in Tripoli, Reuters reported.

MANCHESTER ATTACK: FATHER'S OPEN LETTER TO ARIANA GRANDE GOES VIRAL

Back in Britain

All 22 people arrested on suspicion of terrorism offenses have now been released without charge, Greater Manchester police said last month. Salman's brother Ismail was released, the Financial Times reported.

Jackson said last month that some of those arrested had offered "accounts which explain innocent contact with Abedi." He said at the time that risk to the public had been considered before the suspects were released.

Suspects arrested under terrorism laws can be held for up to 14 days before they must be charged or released.

"We don't have evidence of a large network," Jackson told reporters July 6. "We do, however, suspect others were either aware or complicit in the knowledge of this attack."

Detectives want to question Abedi's younger brother Hashem, who has been detained in Libya, and are "engaging with" British prosecutors and Libyan authorities, Jackson said.

Fox News' Lucas Tomlinson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Teaching small children how to swim is a rite of summer. But some so-called "self-rescue" swim classes have been condemned by some experts as traumatic events that could affect children long after they get out of the pool.

In dozens of YouTube videos, children as young as six months old topple into pools before contorting themselves onto their backs, where they float on the surface of the water. Proponents say that teaching children such methods protects against accidental drowning.

In the U.S., Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) is the most prominent purveyor of "self-rescue" swimming lessons. It claims to have taught more than eight million lessons and saved more than 800 lives.

However, critics have cast doubt on whether the lessons are doing more harm than good.

Last month, in response to the growing popularity of "self-rescue" classes in the United Kingdom, seven swimming organizations published a joint report saying, "There is an urgent need to examine if these drown-proofing techniques, which are being promoted to parents as insurance for their childs water safety, are actually safe, acceptable and effective."

Dr. Francoise Freedman, a medical anthropologist at the University of Cambridge, went a step further, saying "Conditioning (forcing) a baby or toddler to float relies on extreme[ly] traumatic methods and sadly no amount of praise will compensate for the memory of inflicted pain."

"While some children will escape unscathed, for others, the trauma may resurface in later years and cause a fear of the water," Dr. Freedman went on. "And because we do not know who is at risk, we have to question if it is worth doing; and the simple answer is no."

ISR spokeswoman Ashleigh Bullivant responded to the U.K. report with a statement saying that "any program touting itself to be involved in 'drown-proofing' a child should be avoided at all costs. No one can be "drown proofed" and leading parents to believe their child is no longer at risk for drowning by participating in any swim program is irresponsible and unethical."

In an email to Fox News Bullivant also pointed out that ISR does not have any certified instructors teaching in Britain, but added that "we would love to have children in the U.K. benefit from the ISR program and join the more than 300,000 children around the world who have participated."

Click for more from The Times of London.
A soldier with the Georgia Army National Guard was on vacation with family when he mysteriously died on the last night of their trip to Europe, and relatives say they've been kept in the dark about how it happened.

Major Kyle Tafel, 37, spent his last night in Belarus at a

casino on June 12 when he got into some kind of argument there, Fox 5 reported.

About three hours later, police showed up at his aunts' suite to tell them his body was found on the sidewalk outside his hotel.

Kyles body had been tossed off the roof or the balcony, his father, Kevin, told the news station.

Tafel said he did not contact investigators in Belarus, nor did they contact him. He told Fox 5, I have not asked any questions, I have not received any answers. All the answers in the world is not going to bring Kyle back.

QUESTIONS SURROUND FLORIDA GIRL'S DEATH; HOMICIDE SUSPECTED

Major Tafel, of Smyrna, Georgia, had served in the Georgia Army National Guard for 17 years. He accompanied his aunts on the trip to support and protect them, in the rough neighborhood they were visiting. One was there for a weightlifting competition.

His body returned to the United States on Wednesday. His funeral is set to take place Friday at the Georgia National Cemetery.

GEORGIA MOM ACCUSED OF KILLING 4 CHILDREN, HUSBAND

The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command is investigating his death, National Guard spokeswoman Desiree Bamba told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Click for more from Fox 5.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a telephone conversation coordinated their positions in the context of preparations for the G20 summit in Hamburg, in particular, the meeting of the leaders of Germany and France with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The two discussed the situation in Donbas and coordinated the position on the implementation of the Minsk agreements, the press service of the president of Ukraine reported.

"Angela Merkel assured Petro Poroshenko that during the meeting Ukraine's fate won't be decided without Kyiv," the report reads.

The leaders of two countries also noted the priority of implementing the key security requirements of the Minsk Agreements and expressed concern over continuous ceasefire violations committed by Russian militants.

Poroshenko emphasized the importance of release of Ukrainian citizens being held captive both in the certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions and in Russia, the press service said.

During the conversation, the parties also expressed concern over the security of the monitors of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Donbas, as well as attempts of the armed units from Donetsk and Luhansk to significantly restrict the SMM's activities in Donbas, it said.

Apart from that, Merkel thanked the Ukrainian president for participating in the European farewell ceremony for former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl in Strasbourg.
NOTE: Three weeks ago, we introduced you to White Oak resident Emily George, a student at Virginia Tech and an aspiring outdoors communicator. She shared that she knew of a fellow Fredericksburg-area resident and Tech student who was availing himself of the schools high-tech woodworking shop to design and craft some great turkey calls. It seemed like a good story to share so we offered her this space this week.

A Virginia Tech student from Spotsylvania is combining his passions of turkey hunting and woodworking to hand-craft turkey calls using resources available in the schools Build-lab.

Hunter Strother, 22, a senior majoring in building construction and an employee at the Build-lab, designs and constructs pot-and-peg turkey hunting calls.

Strother said his passion for turkey hunting stems from his youth, hunting with his dad, Jimmy Strother. They hunt small and big game together, but turkeys have always been their obsession.

Strother said that fervor influenced him to begin designing his own calls. Hes met other hunters who make calls with materials such as wing-bones or turtle shells. The rarity of hunters who design their own calls motivated him to begin making calls for his own turkey hunting endeavors.

Theres something that appeals to me about making your own call and harvesting a turkey with it, he said. It would be another sense of satisfaction Ive never had before.

Building quality turkey call can be challenging, but Strother realized he had a unique opportunity at Virginia Tech.

I had this resource at school that I really wasnt taking advantage of other than for school projects, he said, referring the lab. It was underutilized and I figured while Im there at school, I would use what is available to me.

The Build-lab is available to students and the community with resources for woodworking projects.

He uses a variety of high-tech machinery and equipment to make his calls. Table saws, sanders, band-saws and a drill-press are the primary types of equipment he uses. Strother also uses a Computer Numerical Control machine that he considers to be a vital part of his call-making process. This machine is digitally controlled and cuts out the shape of the call per the measurements he enters in the computer.

It brings the traditional way of making turkey calls into the future, compared to typically making them on a lathe, he said.

Strother also uses a laser-engraving machine to engrave the name of his family-owned farm on the calls surface.

Cherry, walnut and oak are among his favorite hardwoods to use for the calls. There are many components to making a call aside from the type of wood. Glass or slate materials are useful for the soundboard and striking surface, but ceramic and copper are also functional.

There are so many subtle and different ways to change the harmonics of the calls  the thickness of the bottom, the number of holes in the back of the call, the size of the components within the call, he said. Thats what Im continuously experimenting with, trying to get it just right.

Sam Obenshain, a fellow building construction major at Virginia Tech, said Strothers calls are always unique.

The first one he made was good, but to see how they have gotten better over time is really neat, Obenshain said.

Strother and Obenshain hunted turkeys together last spring with one of Strothers calls and had a gobbler respond. Obenshain said just having a gobbler call back is a test to show the success of the craftsmanship.

Weve had some bad luck when it comes to turkey hunting, but you can tell that he is getting the sound down and will be successful hunting with one someday, Obenshain said.

Strother said the sounds that appeal to a fall or spring turkey depend on the conditions of the hunt and how a hunter calls, and little to do with how the call is designed.

The most recent call he made is three-quarters of an inch thick from the bottom to the top, with a slate striker surface over a glass soundboard. He considers it to have turned out pretty well, but not precisely how he wants it. Fine-tuning his measurements and materials is a dynamic process.

Strother has yet to harvest a turkey with one of his calls, but hopes to in the upcoming fall turkey season. He and his father train turkey hunting dogs and avidly participate in that increasingly rare style of turkey hunting.

Selling his turkey calls and, perhaps, other types of game calls through a small side-business someday is in the back of his mind. For now, he is focusing on meticulously crafting the tonality of his turkey calls once he returns to school for his final semester this fall.

Id love to see my friends in the hunting community harvest turkeys with calls Ive made. I think thatd be pretty cool, he said.

The Strothers favored calls are on display in their home. Hunter picked one up and gave it a few strokes with the striker, glancing up with humble pride and noting, You aint going to get much better than that on these purrs and clucks.
The Culpeper County Board of Supervisors Wednesday approved job descriptions for three new county positions, including that of a fire and rescue administrative assistant, which the Fire and Rescue Association has sought for several years.

According to Emergency Services Director Warren Jenkins, the administrative assistant would assist volunteer departments in completing required forms, do grant writing and general administrative work.

That person would likely be stationed at Salem [Volunteer Fire Department], Jenkins said.

The salary will be in the $33,000-$52,000 range, according to County Administrator John Egertson.

Also approved were job descriptions for a special projects and grant writer position and a deputy registrar.

The grant writing position drew criticism from Chairman Jack Frazier because he said that the salary attached could cost the county as much as $94,000, including benefits.

I did not support this in [the personnel] committee and if we pass it I think it should be just for one year, Frazier said. I think we should re-evaluate the position then.

Egertson, however, expressed concern about a one-year commitment.

It would be hard for me to hire someone and then come back in a year and tell them that their job is going away, he said.

Frazier said he did not intend the position to go away, only that it be re-evaluated and possibly re-classified.

The grants this person finds may make this a very valuable position, said Supervisor Steve Walker.

And Supervisor Alexa Fritz reminded Frazier that all county employees are evaluated on a yearly basis.

I have all confidence in our county administrator, said Supervisor Bradley Rosenberger. If the position isnt working out he will tell us.

No time constraints were placed on the grant writer position.

Registrar James Clements said that the deputy registrar position is just a new title given to a current employee who is essentially handling those duties already. It will involve no change in pay.

In other action Wednesday morning the supervisors approved a memorandum of understanding that will allow Culpeper Human Services to expand its present scope to oversee the Healthy Families program in Fauquier, Orange, Rappahannock and Madison counties.

The Virginia Department of Health dropped the program but will pay administrative costs for this year.

Each outside county will continue to fund its share of the $584,000 program.

The supervisors voted to pave part of the road and parking area at Lenn Park at a cost of $230,000.

The board also gave the go-ahead for the county to redo the walls, ceiling tiles, carpet and drapes in the Board of Supervisors meeting room at a cost of $32,000.

Those renovations will begin Jul. 13 and be finished by the boards September meeting.

During that time the Town Council, Planning Commission, School Board and various committees will meet in the Economic Development Building (the old library) on South Main Street.

The supervisors will not meet in August.
The Fredericksburg police and fire departments newest recruits are bright orange, weigh 3.5 pounds and can fly for 25 minutes without recharging their batteries.

More importantly, the two Autel X-Star Premium small unmanned aircraft systems, or sUAS as drones are officially known, are a less expensive alternative to airplanes for providing eyes in the skies.

Armed with still and video cameras, theyre expected to be a useful tool in everything from child abduction cases and the apprehension of violent criminals to assessing traffic accidents and the water level on the Rappahannock River.

Theyve already been used to get an overhead picture of Celebrate Virginia After Hours concert venue at 5030 Gordon W. Shelton Blvd. for planning purposes, and to help locate a missing person who was found on the Virginia Central Railway Trail near Idlewild.

A drone allows you to cover a larger area than a search crew, said Michael Jones, Fredericksburgs deputy fire chief. Its already proven its worth.

Drones are no longer seen as a novelty by law enforcement and public safety departments, according to the Center for the Study of the Drone at Bard College published in April. Its research has found that at least 347 state and local police, sheriff, fire and emergency units across the country have acquired drones in the past several years.

More acquisitions took place in 2016 than in the previous years combined.

In Virginia alone, Fredericksburg is the 11th locality to invest in sUAS for police and fire and rescue effortsand the third in the region.

The Stafford Countys Sheriffs Office created its sUAS program in 2015, and has used it while investigating crime scenes, as tactical cover for search warrants and most recently in the apprehension of two felons in two different incidents.

Caroline County started its program in May, and plans to use it for post-storm damage assessment, incident situation awareness, search and rescue and hazardous material response, among other activities.

Fredericksburgs police and fire departments got interested in developing a program after attending a class hosted by the Stafford Sheriffs Office on how the increasingly popular devices can be used effectively to help ensure public safety.

We were intrigued and asked for more information, Jones said.

As a result, Lt. Michael Presutto in the police department and Battalion Chief Brandon Bass in the fire department took a 40-hour training program offered by Piedmont Virginia Community College at the Public Safety Building in Stafford in February. Afterward, they passed the test to get their FAA Remote Pilot certification to pilot sUASs.

Presutto said that using a sUAS and learning about its capabilities was eye opening.

Its an amazing tool, not just for public safety but for everyone, he said. If youre looking for something, it gives you a different vantage point from where youre standing on the ground.

The departments purchased the two Autel X-Star Premiums, which cost about $800 each and are advertised as perfect for a new pilot on manufacturer Autel Robotics website. They were paid for out of a Virginia Department of Emergency Management HAZMAT grant the fire department received.

Presutto said the goal is to use the sUASs for training purposes and eventually get more sophisticated models similar to the four that Stafford uses. Theirs have cameras that can zoom in and have infrared capabilities. This would let a camera help search the foliage along the Rappahannock River, for example, something the Autel unit cant do.

Presutto said that he had one of the citys sUASs in his truck when a roofer went missing in Idlewild recently. He tried using it to find him, but the tree canopy was too thick. The roofer was found by someone else before Stafford could get there to help.

The Code of Virginia prevents state or local agencies from using a drone without a search warrant, except in the cases of Amber, Senior or Blue (for missing policemen) alerts, or for the purposes of traffic, damage, flood or wildfire assessment.

Were not looking to be the drone police, Presutto said. If someone says, I think theres a stolen boat in someones backyard. Can you put a drone up for that? We cant do that. Wed need a search warrant.

Fredericksburgs sUASs are being used for training purposes now until City Council authorizes the departments to use them within the city. The vote is tentatively set for its Aug. 8 meeting.

If approved, the initial program will be funded by the fire departments VDEM HAZMAT grant. Future costs for maintenance, replacement equipment, and training are expected to be covered by grants or be absorbed in the police and fire departments operating budgets.

The ultimate plan is to have enough certified pilots so a drone team is always available, and can help either department in emergencies.

If we have an incident on the police side, I could call the fire department team so Im taking my resources away from handling the incident, Presutto said. If theres a structure fire, instead of pulling resources away from their manpower, our team could help.
An accident involving three vehicles, one of them a marked Sheriffs Office cruiser, resulted in all lanes of U.S. 1 being shut down in Stafford County for several hours Thursday.

Three injuries were reported, one from each vehicle. All three of the injured were transported to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. One of the injured was a Stafford County deputy.

The accident occurred in front of Stafford Hospital about 10:45 a.m., Stafford Sheriffs Office spokesperson 1st Lt. Eric Quinn said.

At least one vehicle involved in the accident struck a power pole, resulting in power lines being downed across U.S. 1. All lanes of the highway were closed between Courthouse Road and Hospital Center Boulevard.

Lanes were reopened about 2 p.m.

The incident is under investigation by Stafford County authorities, Quinn said.
The National Weather Service in Sterling Virginia has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

Eastern Orange County in central Virginia...

The southwestern City of Fredericksburg in central Virginia...

Central Spotsylvania County in central Virginia...

* Until 730 PM EDT

* At 646 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 13 miles west of

Spotsylvania, or 15 miles east of Orange, moving east at 25 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Damaging winds will cause some trees and large branches

to fall. This could injure those outdoors, as well as

damage homes and vehicles. Roadways may become blocked by

downed trees. Localized power outages are possible.

Unsecured light objects may become projectiles.

* Locations impacted include...

Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Mine Run, Brokenburg, Rhoadesville,

Parker, Verdiersville, Burr Hill, Locust Grove, Flat Run, Snell,

Alsop, Gold Dale, Chancellorsville, Logan, Post Oak, Lake Of The

Woods and Cookstown.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Prepare immediately for large hail and damaging winds. People outside

should move immediately to shelter inside a strong building. Stay

away from windows.

Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to

flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.
The U.S. Department of the Interior will provide $7.2 million in matching grants to preserve nearly 1,200 acres of Civil War, Revolutionary War and War of 1812 battlefields, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced Wednesday.

Zinke broke the news at Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg, Md., gathering with preservationists and National Park Service officials, and touring the 1862 battlefield that witnessed the bloodiest day in American military history.

The grants, which will be leveraged against money from states and the Civil War Trust, will save 19 parcels in Virginia, Maryland, Arkansas, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Tennessee.

In the Fredericksburg region, the land includes sites at Kellys Ford in Culpeper County, 10 acres at Trevilian Station in Louisa County, near Prospect Hill on the Fredericksburg battlefield in Spotsylvania County, and near New York Avenue on the Second Manassas battlefield.

The 136-acre Gregg Tracts in Culpeper figured in three battlesKellys Ford on March 17, 1863, Brandy Station on June 9, 1863, and Rappahannock Station II on Nov. 7, 1863.

In Spotsylvania, the small Stevens parcel off Benchmark Road is an integral part of the Fredericksburg battlefield, National Park Service historian Frank OReilly said. It is likely where Confederate Col. Robert Hokes brigade captured a stone fence and other units drove back the retreating 9th Pennsylvania Reserves on Dec. 13, 1862, in the battles most decisive action.

Zinke said President Donald Trumps donation to the Park Service of his first-quarter salary will fund restoration and maintenance work at Antietam.

Matched by nonprofit groups, Trumps $78,333first announced in Aprilwill help preserve the historic Newcomer House near the battlefields Middle Bridge site and replace 5,000 linear feet of deteriorated rail fencing along the Hagerstown Turnpike, where some of the battles most intense fighting took place.

The presidents gift will be matched by a $185,000 donation from the Civil War Trust, the National Park Foundation and the Save Historic Antietam Foundation, a local nonprofit thats been working at Antietam for more than three decades. That brings the total gift to $263,545.

The groups leaders presented a ceremonial check to Zinke and Antietam Superintendent Susan Trail during Wednesdays news conference near the parks visitor center.

The gifts, which included one anonymous donor, will help save the Newcomer House so current and future generations can experience firsthand this incredible piece of history, said Will Shafroth, president of the National Park Foundation, the nonprofit partner to the National Park Service.

As a place where wounded soldiers found much-needed care after the battle, the historic Newcomer House is vital to the story of Antietam, Shafroth said.

Zinke, a military veteran, said he was humbled to deliver Trumps donation to the battlefield.

Visiting the hallowed ground the day after Independence Day is incredibly moving and it underscores the importance of why we must preserve these historic grounds, he said.

I can find no better investment in our country than our battlefields, Zinke added, his voice catching. Our childrens children will walk through these grounds, and realize what a great country we bestowed on them all.

Beyond the Fredericksburg-area sites, battlefields benefiting from the $7.2 million in land acquisition grants are Prairie Grove, Ark.; South Mountain and Williamsport, Md.; Brices Cross Roads, Miss.; Fort Ann and Sackets Harbor, N.Y.; Brandywine, Pa.; Eutaw Springs, S.C.; Fort Donelson, Tenn.; Appomattox Courthouse, Gaines Mill, Malvern Hill (440 acres), New Market and Third Winchester in Virginia; and Shepherdstown, W.Va.

The eight grants for Virginia sites total $4.2 million, the lions share of the money announced by Zinke. His departments American Battlefields Protection Program received $10 million in the fiscal 2017 federal budget.

Zinke said his announcement is part of the Interior Departments renewed commitment to preserve important historic sites and address national parks backlog of maintenance work. National Park Service sites need $12 million in deferred maintenance, including $229 million at the 25 battlefield parks.

Civil War Trust President James Lighthizer noted that visits to Antietam sparked his interest in battlefield preservation years ago, and said his national nonprofit group is proud of its decades-long partnership with Interior.

We look forward to working with President Trump and Secretary Zinke to preserve these irreplaceable national treasures, Lighthizer said.

The trust has preserved 46,000 battlefield acres in 24 states, including 1,300 acres associated with the 1862 Antietam Campaign.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has expressed disappointment to the Polish Ambassador to Ukraine Jan Pieklo in connection with the recent statements by Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski regarding Ukraine.

The Polish ambassador was invited to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry in connection with the statements of Waszczykowski in Ukraine in an interview with the weekly newspaper "wSieci" dated July 3, 2017, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said in its comments on Wednesday.

"During the meeting, the Polish diplomat said that Ukraine was disappointed with the recent statements by the Polish foreign minister regarding our state against the backdrop of continuing active dialogue at a high level," the commentary says.

The Foreign Ministry said that Ukraine and Poland should work together to build a common European future, "and not to lay down each other conditions."

"The European choice for Ukraine is not only foreign policy, but also a daily bloody struggle and painstaking hard work," the commentary says.

In this regard, Kyiv drew attention to the incorrectness of statements by Minister Waszczykowski on the situation in the east of Ukraine.

"It was noted that it is the Ukrainian people who pay a very high price - the price of hundreds of lives of their best representatives for independence, for the civilizational choice of development, and also for preventing Russian troops from entering the territory of Poland and other EU countries," the Foreign Ministry said.

Also, Kyiv drew attention to the need for a more restrained approach of the Polish politician to sensitive historical issues. "Repeated appeals have been mentioned not to politicize the sensitive pages of the joint historical past, which can be used by a third party to the detriment of the interests of Ukraine and Poland," the commentary says.

The Ukrainian side said that the evaluation of certain historical events is the task of historians, "and in the context of Ukrainian-Polish relations, these issues are dealt with by the Forum of Historians and the Partnership Forum."

"In politics, every comparison has its own meaning, and, given the mutually beneficial strategic partnership and trusting relations between our countries, it was not quite tactful to compare Greece and Macedonia," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said.
UNITED STATES intervention into other nations affairs can be a thankless task. On June 28, someone said thank you.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in, in the states for a visit the following two days with President Donald Trump, made sure his first stop was at Quantico, so he could show his gratitude to the U.S. Marine Corps. He and his wife, Kim Jung-sook, went to the National Museum of the Marine Corps to lay a wreath at its Chosin Reservoir Monument.

This was more than an effort by the South Korean leader to recognize a pivotal 1950 battle of the Korean War, one that is forgotten or was never known by most Americans living now. This wasnt just cozying up to his nations most powerful ally.

This was personal. Without the actions of the Marines, Moon likely wouldnt have been born.

His parents were among the 14,000 refugees whom the Marines rescued from the port of Hungnam aboard the SS Meredith Victory in the aftermath of the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, where a greatly outnumbered American and U.N. force, fighting in sub-zero temperatures, barely escaped annihilation at the hands of the Chinese and North Koreans.

The ship was designed to hold 12 passengers. The Marines ditched weapons and cargo and squeezed their human cargo aboard, including Moons parents. It was part of a rescue effort rivaling the Dunkirk evacuation in World War II, subject of a major motion picture coming out later this month. This struggle probably deserves a movie of its own. (It should be noted that PBS American Experience program debuted a two-hour film, The Battle of Chosin, on PBS.org last fall about the struggle to reach the Korean coast.)

Moon was born two years after the evacuation, and he came to Quantico 65 years after that to offer his thanks to the Corps for saving his parents.

I am moved by the U.S. militarys love for humanity, Moon said at the museum grounds.

Without those warriors, my life would not have begun as it had and I would not be here today. Therefore, how could I ever put into words my gratitude, he said during the wreath-laying ceremony at the monument.

He took over as South Koreas president a year ago, after the impeachment of his predecessor on corruption charges.

Now, with friction between the U.S. and North Korea leader Kim Jong Un at nail-biting levels, Moon and President Trump met to, it is hoped, agree on the best strategy to avoid catastrophe. Trumps concerns about a more equitable trade deal with South Korea kept the talks from being an unqualified love-fest, but he and Moon were in agreement on their common enemy.

Since their meeting, tensions with North Korea have only heightened with its launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile that appears capable of reaching Alaska. The U.S. and South Korean forces have responded to the provocation with a show of force by firing deep strike precision missiles in South Korean waters.

Before meeting the U.S. president last week, though, President Moon came to Quantico, where Marine Corps Commandant Robert B. Neller thanked him for his visit and gracious words.

Being the worlds policeman probably has brought the U.S. military more boos than cheers in a variety of international hot spots during the last 60 years. So much can go wrong fighting enemies half a world away, on their turf.

Sometimes, though, as in the Chosin rescue effort, there is a happy ending. It was gracious of President Moon to stop by and point that out at such an important moment.
We are very excited to have Hootie assume the leadership of Global Oncology, said Fred Hutch Senior Vice President and VIDD Director Dr. Julie McElrath. He is a superb and compassionate oncology physician and an outstanding translational scientist and mentor. Hootie brings inspiration and essential talent to launch the Global Oncology program to its next phase of growth and success.

Warren aims to build on the Uganda work as well as look for synergies with other Fred Hutch international efforts, including its China Initiative and a cutting-edge Hutch immunology laboratory in Cape Town, South Africa, built to do HIV vaccine research.

He also hopes to engage oncologists, infectious disease doctors, epidemiologists and other researchers from across the Hutch, the UCI in Kampala and elsewhere toward a goal he has nurtured since childhood  using science to help people around the globe.

We produce breathtaking science on a daily basis here, he said. The problem is that much of the worlds population doesnt have access to it. One of our major goals is to think outside the box, to figure out how we can adapt the incredibly exciting work thats done here so that it can benefit people all around the world.

Pioneering research in immunotherapy

Warren was first drawn to Seattle not because it was a global health hub  that was still years away  but because of Dr. E. Donnall Thomas Nobel Prizewinning work in bone marrow transplantation.

Warren was in his fourth year at Harvard Medical School, a Harvard University doctorate in neurobiology already under his belt, when he picked up the Boston Globe on Oct. 9, 1990, and read about Thomas Nobel Prize. The idea that an immune system could be successfully transplanted into another persons body to fight and often eliminate cancer was mind-boggling, he recalled thinking. It is still one of the clearest examples of successful immunotherapy we have in medicine.

The decision to specialize in oncology was reinforced during his residency at Massachusetts General Hospital. He took care of a young man with HIV who had developed a high-grade lymphoma, one of a small number of cancers known as AIDS-defining malignancies. At the time, there was no treatment yet for HIV and nothing to stop the cancer. The patient died.

It was a formative experience, Warren said, It impressed upon me the limitations of what we could do then.

He came to Seattle in 1993 as a medical oncology fellow at the University of Washington and a research associate in immunology at Fred Hutch. Working first with mentor Dr. Stan Riddell and then in his own lab, Warren focused on understanding at the cellular and molecular level how some, but not all, newly transplanted immune cells called T cells attacked leukemia cells. He discovered a way to isolate the ones that did, multiply them in a lab and give them back to the patient  a technique known as adoptive T-cell therapy.

He designed and led Fred Hutchs first clinical trial on T-cell therapy for patients with leukemia. He also co-invented a powerful, next-generation sequencing technology that allows researchers an unprecedented, deep look at the millions of different T cells  and the diseases they target  in each individual person.
Poroshenko signs law setting entry into NATO as one of key goals of Ukraine's foreign policy

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has signed a law 'On the Modification of Certain Acts Pertaining to the Foreign Policy of Ukraine' to restore the course towards entry into NATO.

From this day on, Ukraine will step up the reforms aimed to comply with the NATO standards, the presidential press service said.

"The document defines integration with the Euro-Atlantic space for the purpose of membership in the North Atlantic Alliance as a priority national interest of Ukraine," the report said.

Back on June 8, 2017, the Verkhovna Rada proclaimed deeper cooperation between Ukraine and NATO aimed at Ukraine's accession to the alliance as a foundation of the foreign policy.

The law 'On the Modification of Certain Acts Pertaining to the Foreign Policy of Ukraine' gained support of 276 deputies. It amends the laws on fundamentals of the domestic and foreign policy adopted on July 1, 2010, and the law on fundamentals of Ukrainian national security adopted on June 19, 2003.

The Alliance took the Verkhovna Rada's decision into consideration.
Columbia, SC (29201)

Today

A shower or two possible this evening with partly cloudy skies overnight. Low 62F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

A shower or two possible this evening with partly cloudy skies overnight. Low 62F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
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U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is still gathering information and forming his own view on the settlement in Ukraine, a senior U.S. State Department official has said.

"So on the Ukraine question, I would say that all of the members of the Normandy format  France, Germany, Ukraine, and Russia  have expressed their desire to have a U.S. counterpart that they can work with in the negotiations, not as a member of the Normandy format but as an important support to that format and collaborator with those countries as they negotiate implementation of the Minsk agreements. And so there is broad-based support across the four of them for U.S. involvement, and we are currently considering how best to support the Normandy format and the Minsk negotiations," the official [identified as "Senior State Department Official One"] said at a briefing on Wednesday ahead of the U.S. Secretary of State's visit to Kyiv on July 9.
The judicial panel of the Obolonsky District Court of Kyiv has withdrawn to the advisory room until July 12 to resolve the issue of providing ex-president of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych with a free state lawyer in criminal proceedings on charges of high treason that is conducted in absentia.

This happened after the prosecutor of the main military prosecutor's office, Maksym Krym, asked to provide Viktor Yanukovych with a lawyer from the Center of Free Legal Assistance in connection with the ex-president's statement on recalling his lawyers, the Kyiv-based Interfax-Ukraine news agency said.
The U.S. has not decided yet on the delivery of lethal weapons to Ukraine, a senior U.S. State Department official has said.

"So on the Ukraine question, what I would say  President Poroshenkos conversations when he was here in D.C. covered the full range of U.S.-Ukraine security cooperation. So that  Ukraines desires are well known, and our position continues that we have not yet taken a decision to do that, the official [identified as "Senior State Department Official One"] said at a briefing on Wednesday ahead of the U.S. Secretary of State's visit to Kyiv on July 9.

At the same time, a high-ranking diplomat said: "We have neither ruled out providing such weapons to Ukraine nor have we taken any decision to do so."
There currently are 93 Fisher Houses in the United States and in Europe with plans for more.
Two Oregon men are facing charges in Benton County for allegedly raping a woman in 2015 who was incapable of consent by reason of mental incapacitation and physical helplessness, court documents show.

David Justin Converse, 25, of Toledo, and Larry Anthony Mendoza III, 24, of Lincoln City, pleaded not guilty at arraignments on Monday, according to Benton County Circuit Court records.

Converse and Mendoza each face charges of first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, second-degree sexual abuse, two counts of conspiracy to commit a Class A felony and conspiracy to commit a Class C felony, according to secret grand jury indictments filed April 27 in Circuit Court.

Converse was booked Friday into the Benton County Jail and later released on $500,000 bond. Mendoza was booked Saturday into jail, where he remained Wednesday on $550,000 bond.

According to the indictment, Converse aided and/or abetted Mendoza in the rape, sodomy and sexual abuse of the alleged victim on Dec. 12, 2015. The indictment also states the two defendants conspired to commit the crimes beforehand.

More details on the case were not available.

Corvallis attorney John Rich is representing Converse. Rich said his client denies any wrongdoing in the case and had been told by police he was a witness. Given there are no recordings of grand jury proceedings, it is impossible to determine how the charges against Converse came about, Rich said.

Court-appointed attorney Thomas Hill is representing Mendoza. A message left for Hill was not immediately returned.

Deputy District Attorney Amie Matusko is prosecuting the case.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak has met with his British counterpart Michael Fallon in London.

During the meeting the parties discussed the current security situation in Ukraine and the world. In addition, Poltorak informed Fallon about the state of reforming of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the role of British advisors who work in Ukraine and provide consulting assistance in the process of reform, the press service of Ukraine's Defense Ministry said.

"It would be extremely difficult without the help of advisers. I want to thank for their work and dedication. And I am pleased with the level of training provided by instructors from the UK when they teach our military. This process must continue," the minister said.

During the meeting, issues of providing assistance by the British side in the creation of the sergeant and senior school colleges in Ukraine were discussed.

"Reforming the training system for this category of servicemen is necessary and very relevant," the Ukrainian defense minister said.

Upon completion of the meeting, Poltorak invited his British counterpart to visit Kyiv during the country's celebration of Ukraine's Independence Day.
Mayors for Peace : Bonn raises the flag for a peaceful world

Bonn City shoppers may spot a flag flying above the Old City Hall in Bonn this weekend. Its part of a worldwide initiative in support of a world free of nuclear weapons. 7,000 mayors all around the world will participate.

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The City of Bonn will hoist its flag over the Old City Hall on Friday to support the Mayors for Peace initiative. Raise your flag for a nuclear-free world is the motto of the worldwide initiative. Flags will stay up until Monday.

Mayors all over the world are using this occasion to show their support for a peaceful world without nuclear weapons. The initiative was founded by the mayor of Hiroshima in 1982, and Bonn has belonged to the network of mayors since 2009. Following the rational that mayors are responsible for the well-being of their citizens, the organization has tried to play a role in the elimination of nuclear weapons through campaigns and initiatives.

In 1991, Mayors for Peace was registered by the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations as a non-governmental organization (NGO). Currently, there are more than 7,000 mayors from around 160 different countries who are members. 470 of those participating mayors are in Germany.
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.
Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland has said Canada is proud of the opportunity to support Ukraine and sees great opportunities for developing bilateral relations.

"In Canada, we see our relations with Ukraine not as a political attitude of any party, but as a relationship of our country to your country. We are pleased to see the successes of Ukraine and we are proud that we can support Ukraine," she said during a meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman in London on Thursday.

She said she sees significant prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation, in particular, in the economy.

The premier of Ukraine thanked Canada for its support.

As it was reported, the agreement on free trade between Ukraine and Canada would start operating on August 1, 2017.

According to the Embassy of Ukraine in Canada, starting from August 1 the document will cancel 98% of tariffs for Ukrainian goods exported to Canada, for Canadian goods 72% of tariffs will be immediately canceled, and within seven years duty-free exports will grow to 98%. In addition, the public procurement markets mutually open. Separate sections of the agreement protect e-commerce and intellectual property.

The agreement was signed in Kyiv on July 11, 2016. The Verkhovna Rada ratified it on March 14, 2017. President Petro Poroshenko signed the law on ratification on April 3, 2017.
Article

Protecting the worlds oceans  an important goal of Germanys climate diplomacy

The worlds oceans are vital to our survival. They regulate the global climate and are a source of food and income for billions of people. Only a very small part of the seas enjoys legal protection, however. Our diplomats are working in New York right now to change this state of affairs.
British instructors have trained over 5,000 troops of the Ukrainian Armed Forces since 2015," UK Dfense Secretary Michael Fallon has said.

This was discussed at the meeting of Fallon with Minister of Defense of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak, the website of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said.

"UK has directly trained over 5,000 members of Ukraines Armed Forces, 1,000 more than initially targeted, sending a clear message that we are committed to supporting the countrys sovereignty and territorial integrity. As the UK is stepping up across the world, we are standing side by side with our Ukrainian friends," Fallon said.

He said this comes as the UK prepares to refine Operation Orbitals training model through increasing the focus on 'Train-the-Trainer' as well as mentoring and advising,

"We expect this change to increase the operations impact on the Ukrainian Armed Forces training sustainability over the coming year," he said

As is known, training programs for Ukrainian military personnel by British instructors, in particular on the identification of mines and improvised explosive devices, medical assistance and logistics, will take place until the beginning of 2018.
IN AFRICA? Kenya Strangely experienced Snow For The First Time Ever (VIDEO)

xspraise at 6-07-2017 08:28 AM (5 years ago) (m)

Photos and videos of a rare occurrence of snow in a village saw Kenyans, on Tuesday, sharing their shocking experiences on social media.

Photos and videos of a rare occurrence of snow in a village saw Kenyans, on Tuesday, sharing their shocking experiences on social media.

Photos and videos shared on social media showed whitish substance on the streets of the town of Nyahururu located in the countrys Laikipia County.



The Kenyan Meteorological Agency, however, clarified and explained that the incident was a case of rare hail storm and not snow. For it to snow temperatures are usually below 0C, they explained.







http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnGGai_TEUs



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZAm5Z_RyT4 Photos and videos shared on social media showed whitish substance on the streets of the town of Nyahururu located in the countrys Laikipia County.The Kenyan Meteorological Agency, however, clarified and explained that the incident was a case of rare hail storm and not snow. For it to snow temperatures are usually below 0C, they explained.

Post Reply I am Victor, I write reportage on sport news and latest metro happenings in Nigeria. Posted: at 6-07-2017 08:28 AM (5 years ago) | Hero

ruthie at 6-07-2017 08:29 AM (5 years ago)

(f) IF IT HAPPENS IN NAIJA ,PEOPLE GO RUN Posted: at 6-07-2017 08:29 AM (5 years ago) | Hero IF IT HAPPENS IN NAIJA ,PEOPLE GO RUN Reply

kacylee at 6-07-2017 08:47 AM (5 years ago)

(f) end time oooo, i just pray its snow that falls in Nigeria not fire and brimestones I have been reporting for several years now and I am very interested in visual news reportage with strong inclusion of photos and video multimedia. Posted: at 6-07-2017 08:47 AM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero end time oooo, i just pray its snow that falls in Nigeria not fire and brimestones Reply

crocatum at 6-07-2017 09:33 AM (5 years ago)

(m) it happened in Jos Before. We are at the eleventh year of a kind of lunar cycle, the sun is producing less sun-spot, it could mean less radiation and less heat, so perhaps it lead to more cold and snow. Posted: at 6-07-2017 09:33 AM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac it happened in Jos Before. We are at the eleventh year of a kind of lunar cycle, the sun is producing less sun-spot, it could mean less radiation and less heat, so perhaps it lead to more cold and snow. Reply

tottori51 at 6-07-2017 09:37 AM (5 years ago)

(m) What's this?? Snow??? A great shock, I suppose Posted: at 6-07-2017 09:37 AM (5 years ago) | Upcoming What's this?? Snow??? A great shock, I suppose Reply

HUMANresurce at 6-07-2017 10:04 AM (5 years ago)

(m) Everything is endtime for Nogeria.. It's just a simple climate change. Posted: at 6-07-2017 10:04 AM (5 years ago) | Upcoming Everything is endtime for Nogeria.. It's just a simple climate change. Reply

osayan1 at 6-07-2017 11:51 AM (5 years ago)

(m) Hmmm, Posted: at 6-07-2017 11:51 AM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac Hmmm, Reply

ukposhemi at 6-07-2017 12:27 PM (5 years ago)

(f) God at work Posted: at 6-07-2017 12:27 PM (5 years ago) | Newbie God at work Reply

gogoman at 6-07-2017 12:51 PM (5 years ago)

(m) AND WEY DEY HOT LIKE FIRE FOR LONDON Posted: at 6-07-2017 12:51 PM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero AND WEY DEY HOT LIKE FIRE FOR LONDON Reply

osarobo62 at 6-07-2017 01:40 PM (5 years ago)

(m) The Kenyan Meteorological Agency,.............explained that the incident was a case of rare hail storm and not snow. For it to snow temperatures are usually below 0C, they explained.



wrong,...... snow can, and often fall above zero degrees celsius. this was a case of "wet snow" Posted: at 6-07-2017 01:40 PM (5 years ago) | Hero wrong,...... snow can, and often fall above zero degrees celsius. this was a case of "wet snow" Reply

proly at 6-07-2017 02:22 PM (5 years ago)

(f) Snow for summer...that yesterday was almost 86 Posted: at 6-07-2017 02:22 PM (5 years ago) | Hero Snow for summer...that yesterday was almost 86 Reply

EDDYPRINCE at 6-07-2017 02:57 PM (5 years ago)

(m) hmmmmmm their Meteorlogical Agency nor knw book Posted: at 6-07-2017 02:57 PM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero hmmmmmm their Meteorlogical Agency nor knw book Reply

mjyabah2 at 6-07-2017 03:03 PM (5 years ago)

(m) If the temperature in Kenya was up to 86 degree, then it could not trigger a snow in a geographical location that never had snow. 86 Celsius is equal to 186.8 Fahrenheit, it's practically not snow but hail. Posted: at 6-07-2017 03:03 PM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac If the temperature in Kenya was up to 86 degree, then it could not trigger a snow in a geographical location that never had snow. 86 Celsius is equal to 186.8 Fahrenheit, it's practically not snow but hail. Reply

schmit at 6-07-2017 03:33 PM (5 years ago)

(f) Waow Posted: at 6-07-2017 03:33 PM (5 years ago) | Hero Waow Reply

SOGaiya at 6-07-2017 04:16 PM (5 years ago)

(m) just hail Posted: at 6-07-2017 04:16 PM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac just hail Reply

BournIdentity at 26-07-2017 05:33 AM (5 years ago)

(m) Posted: at 26-07-2017 05:33 AM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero Reply
Reliance Jio launches new plan to help small traders News oi -Priyanka io has also tied up with the Retailers Association of India to provide JioGST services to all its merchants.

After creating tussle in the telecom sector, Mukesh Ambani- owned Reliance Jio has come up with a new plan to help small traders to adopt Goods and services tax (GST).

Under its new offering the company is providing JioFi starter kit with 24 GB of 4G data along with unlimited voice calls at Rs 1,999 for one year.

Jio has also mentioned on its website, " Get GST ready today, JioGST software solution for one year." Added that Mobile-First' Solution: Computer or any accounting/billing software not essential for merchants.

Jio has also tied up with the Retailers Association of India to provide JioGST services to all its merchants.

Meanwhile, Reliance Jio has once again been declared as the fastest 4G network in the month of May.

To recall, Reliance Jio has touched the 108.9 million customer base as on March 31, 2017, of which over 72 million signed up for Jio Prime.

Since the commencement of services on 5th September 2016, Jio has become the fastest growing technology company in the world. It crossed 50 million subscribers in just 83 days, and 100 million in 170 days, adding at an average rate of 6 lakh subscribers per day. Jio continues its rapid ramp-up of subscriber base and as of 31st March 2017, there were 108.9 million subscribers on the network.

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Overall, dont let the bhoot mislead you, nothing bhootiya about this story. Had the makers tried to push the envelope, the idea could have been outstanding for a bhootiya comedy.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has begun a pretrial investigation in criminal proceedings against Russian border guards detained in the Kherson region under the article "Encroachment on the territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine" (Part 2, Article 110 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

The pretrial investigation was started on July 3, the SBU's press center told the Kyiv-based Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

"The investigation found out that Russian citizens, FSB officers - deputy chief of the reserve outpost of the military unit No. 9930 Askar Kulub and head of the dog team of the military unit No. 9930 Vladimir Kuznetsov in the period from December 2016 to June 30, 2017 had been performing official tasks in the interests of the Russian Federation with the aim of changes in the borders of the territory or state border of Ukraine," the SBU said.

The detained Russian border guards are currently being held at a provisional detention facility, and the investigation continues, it said.

"In the near future, Security Service investigators will notify the FSB personnel that they are suspected of infringing upon Ukraine's territorial integrity and inviolability and will ask a court to take them into custody as a restrictive measure," it said.

As reported, border guards of the Kherson detachment in cooperation with the Ukrainian Armed Forces servicemen detained two unidentified persons without documents in the Kherson region in the early hours of June 30, 2017, and subsequently established that the detainees are servicemen of the Russian Security Service's Border Guard Service.
Officials Release Details of Latest Strikes in Syria, Iraq

From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

SOUTHWEST ASIA, July 5, 2017  U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 37 strikes consisting of 107 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

U.S. Central Command continues to work with partner nations to conduct targeted airstrikes in Iraq and Syria as part of the comprehensive strategy to degrade and defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS.

Officials reported details of yesterday's strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.

Strikes in Syria

In Syria, coalition military forces conducted 33 strikes consisting of 35 engagements against ISIS targets:

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, six strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed 11 oil storage tanks, nine oil trucks, six oil stills, six oil separator tanks and a command-and-control node.

-- Near Raqqa, 27 strikes engaged 19 ISIS tactical units; and destroyed 17 fighting positions, three tactical vehicles, a vehicle, two heavy machine guns, a mortar system, a weapons cache, a command-and-control node, a vehicle-borne-bomb facility and a vehicle-borne bomb.

Strikes in Iraq

In Iraq, coalition military forces conducted four strikes consisting of 72 engagements against ISIS targets:

-- Near Huwayjah, a strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a fighting position.

-- Near Mosul, three strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; destroyed 33 fighting positions, two rocket-propelled grenade systems and a front-end loader; damaged five fighting positions and a command-and-control node; and suppressed a mortar team.

July 1 Strikes

Additionally, 13 strikes were conducted in Syria and Iraq on July 1 that closed within the last 24 hours:

-- Near Raqqa, Syria, 12 strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units; destroyed 10 fighting positions, a vehicle-borne bomb, an anti-air artillery system and a unmanned aerial system launch site; damaged 25 fighting positions; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.

-- Near Mosul, Iraq, a strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed eight fighting positions, four weapons caches, three heavy machine guns, a rocket-propelled grenade system and a barrier wall; damaged five ISIS supply routes; and suppressed a sniper team.

Part of Operation Inherent Resolve

These strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to destroy ISIS in Iraq and Syria. The destruction of ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria also further limits the group's ability to project terror and conduct external operations throughout the region and the rest of the world, task force officials said.

The list above contains all strikes conducted by fighter, attack, bomber, rotary-wing or remotely piloted aircraft; rocket-propelled artillery; and some ground-based tactical artillery when fired on planned targets, officials noted.

Ground-based artillery fired in counterfire or in fire support to maneuver roles is not classified as a strike, they added. A strike, as defined by the coalition, refers to one or more kinetic engagements that occur in roughly the same geographic location to produce a single or cumulative effect.

For example, task force officials explained, a single aircraft delivering a single weapon against a lone ISIS vehicle is one strike, but so is multiple aircraft delivering dozens of weapons against a group of ISIS-held buildings and weapon systems in a compound, having the cumulative effect of making that facility harder or impossible to use. Strike assessments are based on initial reports and may be refined, officials said.

The task force does not report the number or type of aircraft employed in a strike, the number of munitions dropped in each strike, or the number of individual munition impact points against a target.

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NATO Ambassadors and EU Commissioner discuss cooperation toward stronger European defence

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

05 Jul. 2017

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed European Commissioner Elzbieta Bienkowska to NATO today (05 July 2017). The high-level representative of the European Union briefed the North Atlantic Council on the latest developments regarding the European Defence Action Plan and the European Defence Fund.

Following a successful first year of cooperation since the signature of the Joint Declaration on NATO-EU cooperation in Warsaw last July, NATO and the EU are currently discussing how to expand their joint work, including by bringing more coherence in their respective defence capability development priorities and output. As the Commissioner responsible for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, Bienkowska and her services play an important part in this discussion.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has repeatedly stressed that a more robust European defence would contribute to fairer trans-Atlantic burden-sharing, and would strengthen NATO. The European Defence Action Plan and the European Defence Fund can help make Europe safer by offering valuable opportunities to acquire new defence capabilities and reduce market fragmentation in Europe.

Commissioner Bienkowska's visit is part of the active dialogue between NATO and the EU. This dialogue is testimony to the commitment to security, mutual transparency and close coordination that NATO shares with the EU.

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Royal New Zealand Navy, US Navy Conduct Bilateral Operations

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS170705-20

Release Date: 7/5/2017 10:24:00 AM

From Carrier Strike Group Eleven Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- HMNZS Te Kaha (F77), an Anzac-class frigate from the Royal New Zealand Navy, conducted bilateral operations with the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group in the Western Pacific from June 30 through July 5.

The Royal New Zealand Navy is providing the HMNZS Te Kaha to augment U.S. 7th Fleet forces after the USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) sustained damages caused by a collision at sea. This event emphasizes the coordination and deep relationship between the two navies. Bilateral interactions such as this with partner nations improve teamwork, readiness and the capability to respond quickly to various situations in the region, ranging from disaster relief to maritime security activities.

"The development of navy to navy relationships extends over many decades and it's this history that allows for a combined approach to challenges in our region and further afield," said Rear Adm. John Martin, Chief of the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). "The opportunity for HMNZS Te Kaha to work with the Nimitz Strike Group and support the 7th Fleet speaks to this relationship. It demonstrates the RNZN's operational competencies, levels of interoperability and underscores the trust between mariners and war fighters."

U.S. Pacific Fleet ships routinely train and operate with allied and partner navies. Recent combined training exercises in the Western Pacific have included ships from Australia, Canada, France, Japan, Philippines and Republic of Korea. The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group arrived in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations June 21, and is currently deployed in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

"Over the past several days it has been incredible to witness how well the Sailors of the Nimitz Strike Group and Te Kaha have integrated into a formidable team," said Rear Adm. Bill Byrne, commander of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group. "Working together and being able to see our navies joint commitment to excellence has been a great honor. I look forward to future cooperative endeavors between our two countries."

The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group consists of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), USS Princeton (CG 59), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, CSG-11 staff and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9. The deployed units from DESRON 9 include the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Howard (DDG 83), USS Shoup (DDG 86), USS Pinckney (DDG 91) and USS Kidd (DDG 100).

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BHR ESG Starts Talisman Saber 2017

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS170705-28

Release Date: 7/5/2017 10:41:00 AM

From Expeditionary Strike Group 7 Public Affairs

TASMAN SEA (NNS) -- Amphibious ships of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), with embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), departed from respective Australian ports, July 3, to begin participation in Talisman Saber 2017.

The biennial exercise unites 33,000 U.S. and Australian personnel to build on partnerships, interoperability and the ability to respond to contingencies in the region.

The Talisman Saber 17 Expeditionary Strike Group, consisting of a combined, amphibious force of 11 Australian, New Zealand, and U.S. amphibious ships and escorts, will conduct training operations across a wide spectrum of warfare areas to increase proficiency operating in a multi-threat environment. Integrating capabilities of accompanying destroyers and frigates, the ESG will fight its way into the littorals to land a combined marine air ground task force and execute missions ashore.

"The increased complexity of this exercise will test our capabilities to integrate surface forces and further refine concepts of the 'Up-Gunned ESG,'" said Rear Adm. Marc Dalton, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7. "Australian and New Zealand forces are key enablers of this concept in Talisman Saber 2017, and we are looking forward to building a strong team with them. Exercises like this ready our forces to seamlessly combine our efforts if needed to uphold the tenets of the U.S.-Australia alliance."

The BHR ESG consists of a traditional three-ship Amphibious Ready Group of Sasebo-based amphibious ships teamed with the forward-deployed 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. An extensive list of Australian frigates and guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104) provides increased capabilities to allow the combined ESG to have the capability to defend, maneuver, or neutralize against blue-water adversarial threats.

Flagship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) will operate side-by-side with Australian flagship and amphibious assault ship HMAS Canberra (L02). A Royal Australian Navy staff is embarked aboard Bonhomme Richard to perform duties as sea combat commander to manage the maneuvers and coordinate the subsurface and surface defense of the ESG. Adelaide-class guided-missile frigate HMAS Darwin (FFG 04) will be in charge of the air defense of the ESG.

"Working side-by-side with our American counterparts aboard USS Bonhomme Richard is visible proof of the depth of this alliance," said Australian Capt. Guy Holthouse, ESG sea combat commander. "Coordinating the movement and defense of the ESG within a complex maritime environment increases our combined proficiencies so that we're able to get our forces where needed in any type of situation."

While the exercise aims to increase complexity in the blue-water domain, the ESG will conduct its primary mission of landing forces ashore.

"We look forward to joining with Australia and New Zealand ships as we operate together to ensure the successful delivery of Marines ashore," said Capt. George Doyon, commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11. "Our unity as a blue/green team has developed in the transit to Australia, and we expect to build long-lasting ties with all participants of Talisman Saber 2017 through the operations ahead."

Once launched from ESG ships, Marines of the 31st MEU will train as a crisis response force.

"The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, with Expeditionary Strike Group 7, has the capability to respond to crises throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region at a moment's notice," said Col. Tye Wallace, commanding officer, 31st MEU. "The cohesion between our blue/green team is essential to mission success, and we look forward to further developing our capabilities with all of our partners in Exercise Talisman Saber 17."

The Bonhomme Richard ESG includes USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), USS Green Bay (LPD 20), USS Ashland (LSD 48), Naval Beach Unit 7, Sea Helicopter Combat Squadron (HSC) 25, Tactical Squadron (TACRON) 12, and the embarked 31st MEU. MEU personnel include nearly 2,300 Marines from Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, Combat Logistics Battalion 31, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced) and Marine Attack Squadron 311.

Talisman Saber is a biennial, U.S.-Australia, bilateral military exercise that combines a field training exercise and command post exercise to strengthen interoperability and working relationships.

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Southern Partnership Station 2017 Begins

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS170705-02

Release Date: 7/5/2017 8:18:00 AM

By U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/ U.S. Fourth Fleet Public Affairs

MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet (USNAVSO/FOURTHFLT) began Southern Partnership Station-Expeditionary Fast Transport 2017 (SPS-EPF 17) by deploying USNS Spearhead (T-EPF 1), Saturday, to Central and South America from July to late October 2017.

Southern Partnership Station is an annual series of U.S. Navy deployments focused on exchanges with regional partner nation militaries and security forces. This year's deployments will visit Guatemala, Honduras, Chile, and Colombia.

SPS-EPF 17 is a U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) directed operation planned by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command /U.S. 4th Fleet and carried out by deployed adaptive force packages (AFPs) under the direction of the Destroyer Squadron 40 staff. The AFPs are comprised of military personnel from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), Expeditionary Combat Camera (ECC), Naval Construction Group (NCG) TWO, Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) ONE, Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) ONE, Commander Destroyer Squadron (CDS) 40, U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED), and U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC).

Making this deployment possible is Spearhead, the first of the Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport vessels, which are crewed and operated by civil service mariners, and serves as a platform for embarked military detachments to include AFPs.

AFPs are specialized teams of U.S. service members from the fields of engineering, force protection and medical. They will deploy aboard Spearhead in support of SPS-EPF 17 to collaborate with each participating host nation in Central and South America's partner nation military forces through naval-focused training exercises, military-to-military engagements, and community relations projects.

SPS-EPF 17 will focus on enhancing cooperative partnerships with regional maritime services and improving operational readiness for all participants. In addition, the mission will provide the opportunity for U.S. and partner nation forces to operate in a multinational environment, refine coordination, improve interoperability, and demonstrate flexibility.

For the first time, the AFPs will conduct well drilling operations in remote locations in Guatemala and Honduras. These wells will provide drinking water for local populations coupled with preventative medicine subject matter expert exchanges (SMEEs) focused on preventative medicine, mosquito prevention and control, and safe water sanitation practices to improve quality of life for host nation citizens.

USNAVSO/FOURTHFLT supports USSOUTHCOM's joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central, and South American regions.

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China urges India to correct mistakes by withdrawing border troops

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 19:43, July 05, 2017

China Wednesday urged India to immediately withdraw its border troops that have crossed into Chinese territory and correct its mistakes with practical actions.

"The Indian troops are currently in Chinese territory, and the matter remains unsettled," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said at a routine press briefing.

He urged India to show sincerity in resolving border disputes and developing bilateral ties, and create conditions for the normal development of China-India relations.

Geng said the Sikkim section of the China-India border was defined in the Convention Between Great Britain and China Relating to Sikkim and Tibet in 1890. Successive Indian governments have acknowledged the demarcation.

He also cited a note presented by the Indian embassy in China to the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Feb. 12, 1960, to explain the Indian border incursion.

The Indian government welcomed China's note explaining the demarcation of the border, saying Sikkim and Bhutan belonged to one side of the border while Tibet stood at the other side, according to the Indian embassy note.

The Indian embassy note quoted a Chinese note as saying that the border between Sikkim and Tibet had been officially defined, and there was no divergence or disputes in the map drawing as well as in practice.

The Indian government was willing to add that the boundary had also been marked on the ground, the Indian note said.

Geng said India's recent move has violated the goals and principles of the UN Charter, and trampled on international laws and the basic norms of international relations.

In the early 1950s, China, India and Myanmar jointly initiated the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, featuring mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and cooperation for mutual benefit, and peaceful co-existence.

"By illegally crossing into another country's territory, India has tread on the basic norms of international relations it had initiated itself," said the spokesperson.

"How can India win the trust of its neighboring countries and play a greater role in global affairs, if it does not correct its mistakes in a timely way?" Geng said.

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Trump Looks To Begin European Trip On Positive Note With Warsaw Visit

RFE/RL July 05, 2017

U.S. President Donald Trump will arrive in Poland late on July 5, looking for a political boost ahead of what is likely to be more tense meetings later in the week at the Group of 20 (G20) summit in Hamburg, Germany.

Poland's populist leaders have expressed support for Trump's policies and his view of the world, from anti-immigrant themes to an apparent weakening of support for international organizations.

That will likely lead to scenes of cheering crowds along the streets of Warsaw, where the ruling party has promised to bus in pro-government activists to hear Trump's televised address at 1:10 p.m. local time on July 6 from historic Krasinski Square, according to the Associated Press.

Still, Polish leaders -- like many others across Europe -- will be eager to hear the U.S. president renew his country's commitment to NATO and to the alliance's Article 5, the provision that states an attack on one NATO country is an attack on all.

Poland's proximity to Russia has heightened its fears of Moscow's intentions in the region, especially after Russia's illegal annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region, its support of separatists in eastern Ukraine, and alleged interference in the election process of the United States and some of its European allies.

In his first trip to Europe in May, Trump shocked many NATO members when he failed to mention Article 5 and instead berated allies for a lack of spending on their defense, claiming the United States shouldered an unfair burden of the costs.

H.R. McMaster, Trump's national security adviser, last week told reporters that the president will use his Warsaw speech to reiterate the U.S. commitment to the Western alliance.

"He will lay out a vision not only for America's future relationship with Europe, but the future of our transatlantic alliance, and what that means for American security and American prosperity," McMaster said.

While in the Polish capital, Trump will also hold meetings with leaders of Central and Eastern European countries during the Three Seas Initiative summit that seeks to heighten cooperation on energy and politics between countries that border the Adriatic Sea, the Baltic Sea, and the Black Sea.

Trump will then journey to Hamburg for the July 7-8 summit of the leaders to the 20 top economies and conduct his first personal meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, set for July 7.

The U.S. president is likely to receive a more skeptical response in Hamburg, both from leaders and potentially from demonstrators on the streets of the northern German city.

Some 20,000 police will guard the G20 chiefs and officials from the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and other organizations.

Trump will likely face tough questions from European leaders over his decision to pull out of the Paris climate accord, his perceived lack of support for NATO and the European Union, and his commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty in the backdrop of his desire to improve relations with Russia and his praise for Putin personally.

Tough talks on free-trade issues and immigration are also expected.

Trump's session with Putin has been upgraded from a so-called "pull-aside" session with the Russian leader to an official "bilateral" meeting. It will be Trump's first opportunity to bring up Russia's meddling in the U.S. presidential election, if he so chooses.

Many U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia, most likely under Putin's orders, interfered in the presidential campaign to boost Trump's chances of winning and to damage Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. The Kremlin rejects the allegation.

Western allies will also expect Trump to push Putin on Russia's interference in Ukraine, which has led to a war that has killed more than 10,000 people.

Trump will also look to push Russia -- and, more importantly perhaps, China -- to put more pressure on North Korea to halt its nuclear and ballistic-missile programs.

Trump has expressed disappointment that China has not done more to rein in its North Korean ally, which on July 3 tested its first intercontinental ballistic missile and said it is looking to develop nuclear weapons capable of reaching the United States.

Closely watched also will be Trump's relationship with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The two so far have what has been perceived as awkward moments during talks in Washington and during Trump's previous trip to Europe.

Merkel has spoken in recent days about "obvious" disagreements with the United States and her ruling Christian Democratic Union (CDU) recently dropped the term "friend" in describing Germany's relationship with its longtime ally.

With reporting by AP, Reuters, CNN, CNBC, and The Wall Street Journal

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ trump-europe-trip-poland- warsaw-visit/28597961.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Analysis: Despite High Tensions, Trump, Putin Seek To Reestablish A Broken Dialogue

Mike Eckel, Robert Coalson July 05, 2017

Syria, Ukraine, North Korea, purported Russian meddling in the U.S. presidential election, Russian efforts to divide Europe, sanctions and countersanctions, hacking and cyberattacks.

There are plenty of issues fighting for a place on the agenda as U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin sit down for their first face-to-face encounter on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, on July 7. The two leaders have spoken by phone at least twice since Trump took office.

Yet U.S. national security adviser H.R. McMaster told journalists on June 29 that there was "no specific agenda" for the meeting, which would be about "whatever the president wants to talk about."

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the same day that the agenda was to "seek normalization of dialogue."

A spokesman for Putin, Dmitry Peskov, said the event is "planned as a fully-fledged, 'seated' meeting" to discuss bilateral issues, rather than a brief on-the-go encounter.

Although Trump campaigned on a willingness to seek closer relations with the Kremlin, the Hamburg meeting comes at a moment when bilateral ties are at a nadir. Russia denies interfering in the election that brought Trump to the White House, but the U.S. intelligence community has concluded that Moscow did just that.

"The relationship is obviously worse than it has been even at the end of the Obama administration because of the election interference," says Angela Stent, a former U.S. national intelligence officer for Russia and Eurasia and director of Georgetown University's Center for Eurasian, Russian, and East European Studies. "So how do you reestablish a dialogue where you can get something done on issues where Russia really has the ability to spoil U.S. interests, be they in Syria or other places? How do you do that in an atmosphere where we obviously disagree on a vast number of issues?"

Analysts agree Trump is unlikely to press Putin on fulfilling Russia's commitments under the Minsk agreements to end the conflict in eastern Ukraine or to take the Russian president to task over Washington's allegations of election meddling.

A Ukrainian serviceman looks at portraits of lost friends in a shelter at a position near the front lines in Avdiyivka. Trump is unlikely to press Putin on fulfilling Moscow's commitments under a peace plan for eastern Ukraine, analysts say.

The mere fact of a meeting, though, is significant for Putin, as presidential-level contacts were largely shut down in the last years of Barack Obama's presidency, Stent says.

"Unlike the Obama administration, [Trump] is willing to engage at the highest level," Stent tells RFE/RL. "That is already a plus for Putin."

The continuing controversies in the United States surrounding possible ties between Trump and his surrogates and agents of Russia could tie both presidents' hands, analysts say.

Several congressional committees are looking into those ties. The FBI is also investigating, something that took on greater gravity after Trump fired FBI Director James Comey. The Justice Department later appointed a special counsel to oversee the probe, and by all public accounts, it is continuing with all seriousness.

According to Kadri Liik, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, the tense atmosphere could be determinative.

"In the Western world, there are lots of paranoid speculations about 'a new Yalta' and whatnot," she says, referring to the 1945 Yalta conference at which the Soviet Union, the United States, and Britain largely divided up Europe into spheres of influence and determined the post-World War II world order. "[Moscow] understands that nothing can be expected, and I don't think they will even attempt anything substantial. The thinking there is that the two presidents must establish personal contact and then they can take matters from there."

"That is why they don't even want to propose anything," Liik says.

The Russia scandals also restrict Trump, says Stephen Blank, a Russia specialist with the American Foreign Relations Council. Trump's first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, was fired after he misled White House officials about the extent of his interactions with Russian officials, and Trump's attorney general, Jeff Sessions, is also under scrutiny for similar reasons.

"[The Russians] desperately want Trump to initiate a strategic dialogue with them to legitimize what they think they have achieved," Blank tells RFE/RL. "And that is not going to happen because even if Trump wanted to do it, there would be too much opposition here in Washington, both within the administration and in Congress."

Russian analysts also argue that the scandals in the United States have essentially frozen bilateral ties.

"Any step toward improving relations or even limited cooperation will give rise to a new volley of accusations against the Trump administration and aggravate its already fragile situation," Dmitry Suslov, director of the Valdai Club initiative on bilateral relations, wrote in Russia In Global Affairs, a respected Moscow journal.

"Russia cannot afford to make any steps with regard to the United States, as both constructive initiatives and confrontational actions will be harmful," Suslov wrote.

U.S. analyst Blank adds that Trump is also handicapped by the "strategic incoherence" that has emerged in the first months of a presidency that has been driven to a large extent by Trump's own personality.

When it comes to outsize personality and surprising gestures, Trump may have met his match in Putin.

Derek Chollet, a former Obama administration official who is now with the German Marshall Fund, told CNN he expects "an Olympian level of macho posturing between these two leaders, who both understand the importance of symbolism and the perception of being tough."

Analyst Liik agrees that in this case gestures could be more indicative than words.

"I would watch the body language and anything that can tell about the quality of the personal contact [Trump and Putin] have established," she says. "To me, that will be most interesting."

When briefing reporters at the announcement of the Hamburg meeting, McMaster improbably played down the landmark encounter.

"It won't be different from our discussions with any other country, really," he said.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-putin- meeting-hamburg-tensions-broken-dialogue -analysis/28597303.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Qatar Ready to Solve Disagreements With Neighbors Through Dialogue

Sputnik News

15:49 05.07.2017(updated 15:57 05.07.2017)

Qatar's Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Thani said Wednesday his country was ready to solve disagreements with neighbors through dialogue.

LONDON (Sputnik)  On June 5, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt broke off diplomatic relations and communication with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism and interfering in their internal affairs. The Maldives, Mauritius, and Mauritania followed suit, while Jordan and Djibouti decided to reduce the level of their diplomatic contacts with Qatar.

"There are serious problems in the Middle East region and silence in Qatar will not solve them. The answer to our disagreement is not blockades and ultimatums, it is dialogue and reason. We in Qatar are always open to both and we welcome any serious efforts to resolve our differences with our neighbors," Thani said in London's Chatham House.

Late in June, Kuwait handed over to Doha the ultimatum of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain with 13 demands, including the requests to severe Qatar's relations with Iran, close Turkey's military base in Qatar and shut down Al Jazeera TV channel, as well as to end support for the Muslim Brotherhood, a terrorist organization banned in Russia.

 Sputnik

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Afghanistan Accepts Pakistan's Offer of 'Coordinated' Anti-Terror Operations

By Ayaz Gul July 05, 2017

Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to conduct "coordinated, complementary" security operations against terrorist groups on their respective sides of the shared border, officials confirmed Wednesday.

A high-powered U.S. bipartisan congressional delegation led by Senator John McCain mediated the deal during its visit this week to Islamabad and Kabul.

"The [U.S.] Senators said that the head of Pakistan's armed forces, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, agreed to joint operations against terrorist groups in the Durand Line region," said an Afghan statement after Tuesday's talks between President Ashraf Ghani and the U.S. delegation.

"They said that the U.S. would provide monitoring and verification of these operations," the statement quoted McCain's delegation as saying, while sharing the Pakistani proposal with Ghani.

The nearly 2,600-kilometer, largely-porous border between Afghanistan and Pakistan is called the Durand Line. Both countries regularly accuse each other of not doing enough on their respective sides to stop terrorist infiltration. The allegations are blamed for deep mutual mistrust and strained bilateral ties.

"The Afghan government has welcomed the [Pakistani] proposal and a mechanism to undertake these simultaneous joint operations will be developed by our defense and security forces," Afghan presidential spokesman Dawa Khan Meenapal told VOA on Wednesday.

Pakistan military spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor, when contacted by VOA, confirmed the security deal with Afghan counterparts. However, he dismissed the reported impression that Afghan forces would be allowed to step on Pakistani soil.

"There is no concept of joint operations [on Pakistani soil]. Pakistan does not and will not allow foreign boots on the ground," said General Ghafoor.

He went on to explain that under the proposed "coordinated, complementary" operations, when Pakistani forces plan counterterrorism actions on their side of the border, Afghan counterparts will be required to mobilize forces on the other side and the other way around to prevent terrorists from fleeing.

McCain and his fellow senators, including Lindsay Graham, Sheldon Whitehouse, Elizabeth Warren and David Perdue, held talks with Pakistani civilian and military leaders and visited a tribal region near the Afghan border on Monday before traveling to Kabul for talks with leaders there.

President Ghani has long blamed Pakistan for not upholding its commitments to prevent terrorists from using Pakistani soil against Afghanistan. He has lately linked complete normalization of relations to the involvement of a third country to oversee actions and commitments undertaken by Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The Afghan government alleges that Taliban insurgents and their ally, the Haqqani network, are using sanctuaries inside Pakistan for sustaining the insurgency in Afghanistan, charges Islamabad strongly rejects.

The offer of "coordinated" operations to Afghanistan came as Pakistan's military is building a fence on the long border and undertaking other fortification measures to deter militant infiltration in either direction. Islamabad has long complained that a lack of coordination from the Afghan side has allowed militants to flee security operations in the volatile Pakistani tribal belt and take refuge in Afghan border areas to plot attacks against Pakistan.

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Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkey Ahmet Yldz has said the international community must not get tired of Ukraine. He called on world leaders to solve the "Ukrainian issue."

"Ukraine is becoming stronger, despite what is happening in Crimea and in Donbas We, of course, support the letter of international law and support the inhabitants of Crimea, especially the Crimean Tatars. We believe that the international community should not get tired of Ukraine and understand that this problem is real," Yildiz said on Thursday in London.

He added that despite the fact Turkey is not seeing significant progress in the implementation of the Minsk accords, it supports them because the agreement is "the basic framework, the plan that must be carried out."

Yildiz said Turkey is also supporting Ukraine's reform process. He added it is necessary to make some legislative changes, saying there are some things Ukraine's government could do today.

"There are some administrative steps which could be taken to attract foreign investors," he said.
Suicide Bombings Climb in Northern Cameroon

By Moki Edwin Kindzeka July 05, 2017

Suicide bombings continue to climb in northern Cameroon with deadly attacks in the communities of Fomeka, Mora and Kerawa near Cameroon's border with Nigeria reported since Saturday.

Cameroonian military officials and the governor of the Far North region tell VOA the attacks killed at least 20 people, including nine suicide bombers.

Mabuwah Isaac, who heads the self-defense group in the village of Kerawa, told VOA at least 100 residents have fled since the attack there on Saturday.

He said members of his group managed to overpower one attacker disguised as a pregnant woman as she struggled to detonate her explosives. But two other female bombers blew themselves up, killing four people.

The failed bomber, a 17-year old, was handed to the military.

Suicide attacks have resurged in northern Cameroon since late May. The resurgence coincided with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which has ended; however, military officials also believe the incidents are linked to military operations across the border in northeast Nigeria.

Nigerian General Lucky Leo Irabor took command of the 7,000-strong multinational joint task force in May. Since then, he says they have organized ongoing raids on remaining Boko Haram strongholds as part of a plan to quickly eradicate terrorism.

"My priority is to build on the successes, ensuring that the partnership that has existed is increased to a higher level," Irabor said. "And of course, as the threat is dynamic, for us to find newer ways of addressing those dynamic challenges."

The commander of the Cameroonian troops fighting in the regional force, General Bouba Dobekreo, said suicide bombers have escaped the raids and entered Cameroon disguised as refugees or internally displaced persons.

He said authorities must do everything possible with Nigeria to stop the massive influx of refugees into Cameroon.

Dobekreo warned that while his forces have recovered equipment from the militants and destroyed ammunition and vehicles, the suicide attacks will continue. He added that officials are also concerned more female suicide bombers remain at large.

The Cameroon government says it has deployed more troops to the border area and given more communications equipment to local self-defense groups so they can report suspicious activity.

The Boko Haram conflict has displaced about 200,000 people in northern Cameroon and sent another 75,000 Nigerian refugees across the border into Cameroon. Nearly three-quarters of the displaced are women and children.

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13 Al-Shabab Militants Killed in Somali Troop Assault

By Harun Maruf July 05, 2017

Somali security forces say they killed 13 al-Shabab fighters and wounded 10 others in an attack on a militant base north of the coastal city of Kismayo.

The deputy commander of Somalia's national security agency in the Lower Jubba region, Ahmed Abdullahi Issa, said the forces launched the assault late Tuesday after learning that the militants were planning to attack their base on the outskirts of Kismayo, 500 kilometers south of Mogadishu.

"There were about 100 militias who were gathering in a jungle area and we targeted them," he told journalists. "We foiled their attack."

Authorities displayed the bodies of the dead militants in Kismayo Wednesday.

Local security sources told VOA Somali that al-Shabab militants attacked the Somali military base first but were repelled. After driving back the militants, government forces called for reinforcements and attacked the militants' hideout, sources added.

Meanwhile, at least two Kenyan police officers were killed and 7 others are missing after an attack on a police outpost in Pandanguo, Lamu county, near Kenya's border with Somalia.

Al-Shabab militants claimed responsibility for the attack and said they had "overrun" the outpost.

Somali government forces and African Union troops are trying to diminish al-Shabab's capabilities ahead of the AU mission's withdrawal from Somalia, scheduled to begin next year.

Nevertheless, al-Shabab continues to stage frequent, deadly attacks in Somalia and in neighboring Kenya.

'Lack of resources'

Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire defended his government's security strategy in an interview with VOA Somali Tuesday.

"We have mobilized our military, men and women in the uniform who are doing an outstanding job, and I think we have already made a progress," he said from Addis Ababa, where he is attending the African Union summit.

Asked how the government is dealing with al-Shabab, Khaire said, "We are going to do what we are doing. We are fighting them every day. We are very serious," he said.

Despite all the security challenges, Khaire says lack of resources is the main challenge facing his government.

"Without security you cannot create jobs, you cannot grow the economy, you cannot build the morale of the people, you cannot develop a nation - but lack of resources is the biggest issue that Somalia faces," he said.

"A government's legitimacy is to provide services to its people, and to provide services you need resources and Somalia don't have these resources as of today."

The amount of direct aid given to the Somali government is very small according to a recent report. The report by a special committee comprising the Somali government and donor organizations, published in April, said that aid flows to Somalia totaled an estimated $5.4 billion over the past three years. But only $158 million of that amount, about 3 percent of the overall aid, went directly to the Somali government.

The report urged the government to increase its revenue from sources other than customs duties collected at Mogadishu's main airport and seaport.

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Saudi Arabia 'Major Foreign Sponsor of Extremism in UK,' Report Reveals

Sputnik News

13:38 05.07.2017(updated 13:45 05.07.2017)

A new report by the Henry Jackson Society claims Saudi Arabia has been sponsoring Islamist extremists in Britain. The findings come as British Prime Minister Theresa May faces pressure to publish the government's own report into foreign funding of terrorism.

The irony of the report is that Saudi Arabia and several of its allies in the Middle East has recently imposed a blockade of Qatar, accusing it of sponsoring terrorism.

But the Henry Jackson Society, a London-based think tank, said it was Saudi Arabia in fact who were spending money exporting the ideology of Wahhabi Islam to the West.

It said Saudi Arabia has been sponsoring extremist Islamist ideology since the 1960s.

The report says the Saudis, and their oil wealth, has been used to pay for "extremist preachers and the distribution of extremist literature."

Mrs. May has been coming under intense pressure to publish the government's own report into foreign funding of terrorism.

It was completed six months ago and is reportedly sitting on her desk in Downing Street. Critics say she has put off publishing it for fear of offending Saudi Arabia.

A group of MPs have also decided against publishing a separate Foreign Office strategy paper on the region for fear of upsetting strategic relations in the Gulf, which include billions of dollars in arms, aerospace and oil industry sales.

But the opposition has seized on the government's squeamishness, which comes only weeks after Islamist extremists carried out murderous attacks in Manchester and London.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has promised to ban arms sales to countries guilty of war crimes, as Saudi Arabia is suspected of committing during its war against Houthi rebels in Yemen.

In 2016, Oxfam accused the British government of violating the International Arms Trade Treaty by selling arms to Saudi Arabia.

Labour MP Dan Jarvis, a former British Army officer, said the report by the Henry Jackson Society was "very worrying" and called on the government to release their own report.

"In the wake of the terrible and tragic terrorist attacks we have seen this year, it is vital that we use every tool at our disposal to protect our communities," he said.

"This includes identifying the networks that promote and support extremism and shutting down the financial networks that fund it," he added.

The Henry Jackson Society's report said funding in the UK has taken the form of endowments to mosques and Islamic educational institutions, which played host to Islamist extremist preachers and the distribution of extremist literature.

It says two organizations, the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) and the Muslim World League (MWL), were at the forefront of the pushing of an "illiberal, bigoted, Wahhabi ideology."

"WAMY has a long record of involvement with the promotion of violent Islamist extremism and the distribution of hateful literature," it added.

"There is a huge element of hypocrisy about the propagation of Wahhabism in Britain, as hardline Muslim regimes are utterly intolerant of any other faith," said the report.

"It is impossible to build a Christian church in Saudi Arabia, yet the same ideologues constantly demand the right to build mosques in Britain. They want the privileges here that they refuse to accord other faiths when they are in control," it added.

The Saudi Arabian embassy in London said the claims in the report were "categorically false."

After a suicide bomber blew himself up at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester in May, killing 23 people, the embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemned and denounced the attack.

"The Kingdom expresses solidarity towards the United Kingdom, stressing the need for a concerted International effort to eliminate the scourge of terrorism and extremism," it added.

 Sputnik

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Did North Korean Missile Test Trigger Trump's 'Red Line'?

By William Gallo July 04, 2017

In January, Donald Trump drew what appeared to be a "red line" for North Korea: testing a ballistic missile that could reach parts of the United States with a nuclear warhead.

"It won't happen!" insisted then President-elect Trump in a statement he posted on Twitter.

Except early Tuesday, it did happen, according to North Korean state television, which reported Kim Jong Un "personally observed" the test of the Hwaseong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile.

The North's claims were bolstered by the U.S. military, which tracked the missile for 37 minutes, and independent analysts, who estimated its range at 6,500 kilometers (4,000 miles)  far enough to reach Alaska, and an apparent violation of Trump's "red line" warning.

In international geopolitics, a "red line" signifies an unequivocal threat; it could also be described as "a line in the sand." Breaking the limit set by the "red line" would incur the full fury of the state that issued the threat.

The successful test of an ICBM (generally defined as a rocket with a range of more than 5,500 kilometers, or 3,400 miles) would represent a major challenge for Trump, who has warned the U.S. is willing to act alone to stop the North Korean nuclear threat.

Ultimatum ignored

But in reality, Trump is seen as having few good options to contain the North, and there are concerns his credibility on the issue could be bruised if Pyongyang in fact blew past his Twitter ultimatum, as initial reports suggested.

"His tweet was clearly a kind of red line, and it was a mistake to draw a red line that you don't have a good ability to enforce," said Mark Fitzpatrick, who focuses on nonproliferation at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Analysts have long warned that any pre-emptive attack on North Korea would be problematic, endangering not only U.S. allies such as Japan and South Korea, but also U.S. military bases in the region.

The risk of escalation has only increased as the North's nuclear and ballistic missile programs advance, and Fitzpatrick said Tuesday's test hasn't changed that calculation.

Reaction could make things worse

"It undermines credibility when red lines are not enforced," he said. "But the bigger problem would be to take action that is terribly risky and could lead to a bad escalation."

Diplomats' condemnation of North Korea has been swift. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called for global action Tuesday, saying: "All nations should demonstrate to North Korea that there are consequences to their pursuit of nuclear weapons."

In a statement that appeared to be at least partially aimed at China, the top U.S. diplomat said any country that hosts North Korean workers, or provides economic or military aid to Pyongyang, or fails to implement United Nations sanctions, "is aiding and abetting a dangerous regime."

At the United Nations, diplomats said the Security Council would meet late Wednesday to discuss the growing crisis.

All those factors added to the international concern about how the United States would react to North Korea's launch.

Trump's shifting positions

Trump has spoken out about his distaste for North Korea's policies on many occasions, but his own positions have shifted from time to time.

Before last November's U.S. election, Trump suggested in a campaign appearance that China could possibly assassinate Kim to reduce world tensions. He later walked back that threat, and has said as recently as May that he would be "honored" to meet the North Korean leader, "under the right circumstances."

Given Trump's unique rhetorical style and apparent willingness to quickly change positions, many caution against reading too much into any one of the president's statements, especially those he publishes on Twitter.

"I don't take President Trump's tweets as policy," says Harry Kazianis, director of defense studies at the Center for the National Interest. "When it comes to policy issues, specifically North Korea, or anything else, you need to look at the actions, not the tweets."

If Trump's rhetoric is left out of the equation, his North Korea strategy does, indeed, appear more traditional. It includes long-standing U.S. tactics such as expanded sanctions and strong displays of U.S. military strength.

In particular, Trump has focused much of his efforts on convincing China, North Korea's most important ally and trading partner, to apply economic and diplomatic pressure on its neighbor. Trump subsequently tweeted that Beijing's efforts have "not worked out," but he took an optimistic turn again on Tuesday, noting on Twitter that "perhaps China will put a heavy move on North Korea and end this nonsense once and for all!"

Swift U.S., South Korean action

In the field, the U.S. Army said that American military personnel and South Korean forces conducted a combined exercise Tuesday intended to show their ability to counter "North Korea's destabilizing and unlawful actions."

The American and South Korean forces fired tactical missiles into Seoul's territorial waters, demonstrating a "system [that] can be rapidly deployed and engaged [with] deep strike precision capability," according to a statement issued by an Army garrison in the South Korean capital.

Senior U.S. officials have been cautious in their comments about the latest North Korean test. A review of the missile launch is ongoing, military authorities said late Tuesday.

While it's questioned whether North Korea launched a multistage ballistic missile, evidence suggested that a two-stage intercontinental ballistic missile was launched.

There are also questions about whether the North has successfully miniaturized a nuclear warhead that it could fit on such a missile, or if it has mastered the technology necessary for an ICBM to re-enter the atmosphere. Both of these are tasks are extremely difficult, even for a military that is capable of producing and firing rockets in rapid-fire fashion.

As the White House formulates its response to the North's latest provocation, some experts cautioned that Trump should not issue any ultimatums to the North that he is not prepared to back up, whether they take the form of tweets, official statements or "red lines."

"The world sees his tweets. North Korea reads his tweets," said Fitzpatrick of the IISS, who previously worked at the State Department for 25 years. "The tweets are there. They're a reality."

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We will never accept a nuclear-armed North Korea: US

Iran Press TV

Wed Jul 5, 2017 1:44AM

As the United States describes North Korea's successful ICBM missile test as an international threat, North's leader Kim Jong-Un calls it a gift to the "American bastards" on the fourth of July Independence Day holiday.

The Korean Central News Agency said on Tuesday that the recently-tested intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is capable of carrying "large, heavy nuclear warhead" which is capable of re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere.

It added that Kim personally oversaw the launch of the Hwasong-14 missile and "expressed satisfaction, saying it looked as handsome as a good-looking boy and was well made."

Earlier on Tuesday, North Korea announced that it has successfully test-fired an ICBM, which is capable of hitting anywhere in the world.

US condemns ICBM test

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson issued a statement decrying the test. "The United States strongly condemns North Korea's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile. Testing an ICBM represents a new escalation of the threat to the United States, our allies and partners, the region, and the world."

"As we, along with others, have made clear, we will never accept a nuclear-armed North Korea," Tillerson said.

The US also called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting, which is set to take place on Wednesday.

Pentagon: We will defend our allies

The Pentagon also released a statement in which it said it was ready to defend the US and its allies in the face of the growing threat from the North.

"We remain prepared to defend ourselves and our allies and to use the full range of capabilities at our disposal against the growing threat from North Korea," said Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White. "Our commitment to the defense of our allies, the Republic of Korea and Japan, in the face of these threats, remains ironclad," she added.

US, South Korea engage in live-fire drill

In a show of force following Pyongyang's ICBM test, the US and South Korean troops launched missiles into the waters off South Korea.

The missiles used in the drill feature "deep strike precision capability," enabling both countries "to engage the full array of time-critical targets under all weather conditions," said a statement released by the US army.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the drill was carried out "as a strong message of warning" in simulating an attack on the North Korea's leadership.

According to the Yonhap news agency, the live- fire drill was carried out by the orders of South Korean President Moon Jae-In.

"President Moon said North Korea's serious provocation required us to react with more than just a statement and that we need to clearly show our missile defense readiness to North Korea," it cited Seoul's presidential Blue House as saying.

UN slams North Korea's 'Dangerous Escalation'

Also on Tuesday, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the North's first successful ICBM test.

"This action is yet another brazen violation of Security Council resolutions and constitutes a dangerous escalation of the situation," he said.

He added that Kim "must cease further provocative actions and comply fully with its international obligations."

The test was carried out just hours after US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed to exert added pressure on North Korea over its missile and nuclear development programs.

Unsettled by North Korean missile and nuclear programs, the US has adopted a war-like posture, sending a strike group and conducting joint military drills with North Korea's regional adversaries Japan and South Korea.

The US also recently deployed an advanced missile system on South Korean soil to counter potential threats from the North, angering Pyongyang.

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U.S. Confirms North Korea Tested ICBM In 'New Escalation Of Threat'

RFE/RL July 05, 2017

The United States confirmed on July 4 that North Korea had tested an intercontinental ballistic missile and warned of a "new escalation of the threat" to the United States and its allies.

The Pentagon and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson both confirmed the leap in technology even as Pyongyang boasted that the missile can carry "large and heavy" nuclear warheads such as hydrogen bombs.

The U.S. confirmation came as the U.S. military and South Korea staged a show of force by firing missiles into the waters off the Korean coast, with the U.S. Army warning that it has "deep strike precision capability...to engage the full array" of targets in the area.

Tillerson called for international action, saying Pyongyang's test on July 3 poses a threat to all nations.

"All nations should publicly demonstrate to North Korea that there are consequences to their pursuit of nuclear weapons," he said.

"Global action is required to stop a global threat," Tillerson said. "Any country that hosts North Korean guest workers, provides any economic or military benefits, or fails to fully implement UN Security Council resolutions is aiding and abetting a dangerous regime."

His warning appeared aimed in particular at Russia and China, which both employ thousands of North Korean workers and have economic ties with Pyongyang.

While urging action by all nations, Tillerson in a veiled hint of possible U.S. retaliation said the United States "will never accept a nuclear-armed North Korea."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the missile test as a "brazen violation of Security Council resolutions" and "a dangerous escalation of the situation."

He called on North Korea to "cease further provocative actions and comply fully with its international obligations."

Guterres stressed "the importance of maintaining the unity of the international community in addressing this serious challenge."

The UN Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting on the matter for the afternoon of July 5, following a request by the United States, Japan, and South Korea.

The Pentagon, in confirming that North Korea had test-launched an ICBM, said it "remains prepared to defend ourselves and our allies and to use the full range of capabilities at our disposal against the growing threat from North Korea."

The North's state media said the missile, a Hwasong-14, flew 933 kilometers and reached an altitude of 2,802 kilometers over a flight time of 39 minutes.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un issued a statement calling the missile test a "gift" to America on its July 4 Independence Day. He said Pyongyang "would not negotiate with the United States to give up those weapons until Washington abandons its hostile policy against the North," the country's KCNA news agency said.

Experts were doubtful about Pyongyang's assertion that the missile test was successful in showing it could send nuclear bombs into space on an ICBM that would survive reentry into the Earth's atmosphere.

With reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/us-confirms- north-korea-tested-icbm-new- escalation-threat/28596750.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Pentagon 'Not Seen Before' the Type of Missile Recently Launched by N Korea

Sputnik News

18:52 05.07.2017(updated 19:59 05.07.2017)

The US Department of Defense said that it has "not seen before" the type of the ballistic missile launched by North Korea on Tuesday.

According to the DoD, Pyongyang's missile posed a threat to shipping near Japan, aircraft and satellites in space. The Pentagon added that there was no notification of the upcoming missile launch.

"Any time responsible nations conduct live fire tests of any kind, they issue closures, they issue notice to airmen, notice to mariners," Davis told reporters. "They [North Korea] did not do this. That places shipping at risk, that places commercial aviation at risk and it places space assets at risk."

However, the US missile defenses are able to defend the country from the "limited" threat from North Korea's missile capabilities, the Pentagon spokesman, Jeff Davis, emphasized.

He cited the successful destruction of a simulated North Korean ICBM by a US-based missile interceptor carrier out in June.

Davis also said that the North Korean missile was fired from a mobile launcher at a new location in the Panghyon aircraft plant.

"It was mobile," Davis told reporters when asked about the type of the launcher used by North Korea to conduct the missile test. "This was launched from Panghyon aircraft plant. This was a place they have not launched from before."

When asked whether the Defense Department is going to consider to change its schedule for military exercises near the Korean Peninsula after the Russia-China joint statement, Davis said "no, we are not."

North Korea announced Tuesday that it had successfully launched its first intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-14, at 00:30 GMT. It said the missile traveled 580 miles and reached an altitude of 1,740 miles during its 39-minute flight before "accurately hitting the target waters in the open sea" in the Sea of Japan.

While the US believes that North Korea has successfully launched an ICBM for the first time, the Russian Defense Ministry said that the missile's type was medium-range, not intercontinental.

Over the years, the United Nations Security Council has issued numerous resolutions concerning North Korea. The June 02 resolution condemned nuclear weapons and ballistic missile development activities, while the March 23 resolution strengthened sanctions against Pyongyang.

On Tuesday, Russian and Chinese foreign ministries released a joint statement calling on Pyongyang to declare a moratorium on nuclear tests and urging the US and South Korea to refrain from joint drills in order to avoid further escalation of the situation on the peninsula.

 Sputnik

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Trump Attacks China's Growing Trade with North Korea

By Ken Bredemeier July 05, 2017

President Donald Trump assailed China on Wednesday for boosting its trade with North Korea, the latest of several broadsides Washington has leveled at Beijing in recent days.

Trump offered his criticism just before heading to Poland and later to Germany for a G-20 summit of leaders of the world's leading economies that includes a meeting with Chinese president Xi Jinping. In a Twitter comment, Trump said, "Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40% in the first quarter. So much for China working with us - but we had to give it a try!"

Trump, confronted by North Korea's nuclear weapons development program and its apparently successful intercontinental ballistics missile test on Tuesday, had sought earlier to enlist Xi in curbing North Korea's military ambitions. But the U.S. leader recently said that while he "greatly" appreciates Beijing's efforts, "it has not worked out. At least I know China tried!"

China, North Korea's chief economic benefactor, said in April that its first quarter trade with Pyongyang grew by 37.4 percent. China buys iron ore, zinc and other minerals from North Korea, as well as seafood and clothing, giving the reclusive communist nation much-needed currency.

Trump held out hope for better relations with China after he met with Xi in April at the U.S. president's oceanfront estate in Florida. But in the last few days, Washington has taken several actions that have peeved Beijing.

The U.S. State Department, in its annual report on human trafficking and forced labor, downgraded China to the worst ranking alongside long-time U.S. adversaries Iran, Syria, North Korea and Russia.

In addition, the U.S. blacklisted a small Chinese bank it accused of laundering cash to the North Korean regime, while agreeing to a new $1.42 billion arms deal with Taiwan, the self-governed island China claims as part of its territory even as the U.S. continues to arm it. Before taking office, Trump angered Beijing by taking a congratulatory call on his election victory from Taiwan's leader, the first high-level U.S. contact with Taipei in decades, even though Washington later confirmed its long-standing "one-China policy."

On Sunday, the U.S. Defense Department dispatched the USS Stetham, an American guided-missile destroyer, to within 12 nautical miles of Triton Island, a small landmass in the Paracel Islands chain claimed and controlled by China. Beijing described the ship's path as a "serious political and military provocation."

Trump's complaint about China's growing trade with North Korea came as part of what he views as a broader problem of bad U.S. trade deals, although he did not single out any particular one. He has withdrawn the U.S. from the planned 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership and has frequently criticized the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico.

"The United States made some of the worst Trade Deals in world history," Trump said Wednesday. "Why should we continue these deals with countries that do not help us?"

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North Korean Leader Openly Boasts of Successful ICBM Test

By William Ide, Ken Schwartz July 05, 2017

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is boasting over his country's first successful test of what appeared to be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Tuesday.

Kim told a group of scientists and technicians that the United States would be "displeased" to receive what he called "a package of gifts" as it celebrated its annual Independence Day holiday, according to the regime's Korean Central News Agency.

North Korea launched a missile dubbed the Hwasong-14 Tuesday from an airport near its border with China. The North's Academy of Defense Science says the Hwasong-14 traveled 933 kilometers and reached an altitude of 2,802 kilometers. The missile splashed down in the Sea of Japan after a 39 minutes in flight.

Based on analysis of the steeply angled trajectory the rocket followed, U.S. experts said the missile appears to have a range that would enable it to reach Alaska.

KCNA says Kim Jong Un, wearing "a broad smile on his face," urged his scientists to "frequently send big and small 'gift packages' to the Yankees."

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson issued a statement confirming the North's missile test, which he says "represents a new escalation of the threat to the United States, our allies and partners, and the world."

Tillerson says global action is needed to stop the threat posed by Pyongyang. He said any nation that hosts North Korean guest workers, provides the North with economic or military benefits, or fails to carry out U.N. resolutions against Pyongyang "is aiding and abetting a dangerous regime."

Emergency session

Dana White, the Pentagon's chief spokesman, issued a statement saying Tuesday's missile test "continues to demonstrate that North Korea poses a threat to the United States and our allies."

A spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a statement condemning Pyongyang, saying its missile test is "yet another brazen violation of Security Council resolutions and constitutes a dangerous escalation of the situation."

The U.N. Security Council has set an emergency, closed-door meeting on the North Korean crisis for late Wednesday, and Tillerson said there would be stronger measures against the North.

In South Korea, U.S. and South Korean forces said they carried out an offensive missile exercise hours after the North Korean launch, intended to counter "North Korea's destabilizing and unlawful actions."

"The U.S. commitment to the defense of the ROK (Republic of Korea) in the face of threats is ironclad," a joint statement said.

The spot in the Sea of Japan where the Hwasong-14 splashed down lay in Japan's special economic zone, angering not only Tokyo, but also China, which appears to be failing to keep its ally in check.

China urges restraint

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Beijing has made "relentless efforts" to resolve challenges on the Korean peninsula. He said China's role is "indispensable," and called on all parties to exercise restraint to quickly ease tensions.

"[China] urges North Korea to refrain from acts that violate U.N. Security Council resolutions and instead create necessary conditions for resuming dialogue and negotiations," Geng said.

President Donald Trump will likely pressure China even harder to harness the North's nuclear ambitions. Trump has said while he "greatly appreciated" the efforts of China's President Xi Jinping to help rein in North Korea, "It has not worked out. At least I know China tried!"

"Perhaps China will put a heavy move on North Korea and end this nonsense once and for all!" Trump tweeted Tuesday.

Cheng Xiaohe, a political science professor at Beijing's Renmin University, said it is still too early to tell what steps China might be willing to take, or how the United Nations will respond, whether merely condemning the launch or enacting a new round of sanctions.

"If new sanctions are enacted it should include new measures, such as a ban on North Korea-bound tourism, the export of labor and bans on North Korean petrochemical products," Cheng said. "All of these are possible measures the Security Council could discuss."

China has expressed a reluctance to cut off such vital exports to the North, such as oil, since it is feared that could lead to the collapse of Kim's regime, with untold consequences, or that Kim, believing he has nothing lose, could take direct military action against Seoul.

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Germany Bracing For Russian Effort To Influence September Elections

RFE/RL July 05, 2017

Germany is expecting Russia to try to influence its general election in September, with the goal of undermining faith in German democracy rather than promoting any particular candidate, officials said on July 4.

Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said at a news conference that Berlin is bracing for a two-pronged attack of embarrassing leaks and fake news allegedly orchestrated by Moscow.

"We saw a probable influence on the election in America, we saw a probable influence on the election in France," he said.

"There is every reason to believe that that came from Russia, and thus it cannot be ruled out that there will be similar attempts on the election in Germany."

De Maiziere said Germany's security services have already observed data from computers at the parliament being scooped up, which he said "could be published in the coming weeks."

He said Berlin expects "a classic disinformation campaign with lies and half truths intended to shape opinions" spread by "bots" -- algorithms with fake profiles on social media networks.

"The only thing that helps against that is staying calm, keeping a cool head, finding out the truth, and presenting the facts," de Maiziere said.

Russia has denied trying to influence foreign elections.

Hans-Georg Maassen, the head of Germany's domestic intelligence agency, said that while it is not known what Russia's goal might be for the German elections, he suspects that Russian President Vladimir Putin would prefer a different chancellor than Angela Merkel.

Merkel, who backs continued sanctions against Russia for its aggression in Ukraine, is seeking a fourth term in the September 24 vote.

Maassen said any campaign to influence the election could be more about unsettling German voters than promoting any particular candidate.

"It may not be aimed at strengthening one party or another, or ensuring that one or another person is elected to run the government, but that the trust in the functioning of our democracy is damaged," he said.

Maassen also said the German electoral system -- which is based on written rather than electronic votes -- was less vulnerable to electronic manipulation than other systems.

The warning about Russian hacking came days before Putin arrives in Germany for a meeting of Group of 20 leaders. It follows a spate of cyberattacks directed at the German parliament, individual lawmakers, political parties, and think tanks since the summer of 2015 -- all of which German intelligence agencies blame on APT 28, a Russian hacker group with links to Moscow.

Russia denies it has been involved in the cyberattacks.

With reporting by AFP, dpa, and Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/germany-bracing- russian-effort-influence-september- elections-fake-news-email-leaks-de- maiziere-maasen/28596840.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday in Warsaw Poland called on Russia to stop interfering in Ukraine's internal affairs.

"We urge Russia to cease its destabilizing activities in Ukraine and elsewhere and support for hostile regimes in Syria and Iran and elsewhere," the president said.

Trump also expressed his desire for Russia "to join the community of responsible nations in our fight against common enemies of civilization itself."
Leader lauds IRGC's performance in missile launching

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, July 5, IRNA -- Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei lauded the "highly excellent" performance of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) in Leilatulqadr missile operations in the fasting month of Ramadan.

Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks in a meeting with the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps commanders right after the IRGC's missiles were fired in the holy month of Ramadan.

"You did a very good job; May God accept it," Ayatollah Khamenei said.

Khamenei.ir reported on Wednesday that hours after the IRGC's glorious missile launching on Daesh concentration center in Deir ez-Zor in Syria, the Supreme Leader thanked the IRGC for their efforts in missile launching and said, "You did very excellent job. May God accept it. That's worshipping for the month of Ramadan."

"Work on missile as much as you can; see how the enemy is sensitive over missile; so, see how your work is important."

"You can and work as much as you can and have the possibility; the enemy should be slapped in the face."

The IRGC commanders briefed the Supreme Leader on successful Leilatulqadr missile operations and said, "As your Excellency had ordered on saving the lives of civilians, only positions of terrorists were targeted in the operation under intelligence guidance of the Qods force; none of the civilians were hurt."

The Supreme Leader then prayed for the audience.

The IRGC aerospace force on Sunday, June 18, hurled missiles on the command headquarters and concentration and logistic centers as well as locations for the manufacture of Takfiri terrorists' suicide vehicles in Deir ez-Zor east of Syria to punish the terrorist criminals.

A number of mid-ranged surface-to-surface missiles were hurled from missile bases of the IRGC aerospace forces in Kermanshah and Kordestan provinces, thus bringing Takfiri terrorists under deadly and strong blows.

The IRGC announced that the message of such a revolutionary and punishing move is fully clear.

"The IRGC issues warning to Takfiri terrorists and their regional and trans-regional supporters that in case of repetition of dirty and satanic measures against Iranian nation, the IRGC revolutionary wrath and revengeful flames will hit the culprits and lead the criminals to the hell."

The Takfiri terrorists had on Wednesday, June 7, launched two separate terrorist attacks on the administrative building of Iranian Majlis and the Mausoleum of the father of the Islamic Revolution and founder of the Islamic Republic, late Imam Khomeini, in Tehran, martyring 18 innocent and fasting Iranians and injuring 56 others.

1420**2050

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Pakistan Enhances Range of Controversial 'Tactical' Nuclear Weapon

By Ayaz Gul July 05, 2017

Pakistan's military announced Wednesday that it has successfully undertaken a series of flight tests of its battlefield nuclear-capable NASR missile this week, enhancing the rocket's flight maneuverability and extending its range to 70 kilometers from 60.

"This weapon system will augment credible deterrence against prevailing threat spectrum more effectively, including anti-missile defenses. NASR is a high precision weapon system with the ability of quick deployments," the Pakistan army's media wing said when it released details of the flight testing process.

The development of Pakistani tactical nuclear weapons is a source of concern for the United States because their smaller size increases the risk of a nuclear conflict with rival India, non-proliferation experts say.

Pakistani officials say that smaller weapons would deter their bigger neighbor from imposing a sudden, limited and lightning assault with conventional forces under New Delhi's "Cold Start" doctrine.

Pakistan army Chief General Qammmar Javed Bajwa, who has witnessed the Nasr flight tests, referred to the Indian doctrine.

"Nasr has put cold water on Cold Start. War must be avoided at all costs and our strategic capability is a guarantee of peace against a highly militarized and increasingly belligerent neighbor," the army statement quoted Bajwa as saying.

"Our [nuclear] capability is only meant to ensure, no one thinks war remains an option," the general said.

Pakistan's relations with India have deteriorated in recent years and military clashes along the disputed Kashmir border have lately become routine.

The disputed Himalayan region has triggered two of the three wars between India and Pakistan and it remains the primary source of regional tensions.

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Russian Tu-95 Bombers Strike Daesh in Syria With Newest Kh-101 Cruise Missiles

Sputnik News

16:13 05.07.2017(updated 20:18 05.07.2017)

Russian Tu-95MS long-range bombers struck Daesh targets in Syria with brand new Kh-101 (X-101) cruise missiles, the Russian Defense Ministry said Wednesday.

The Russian cruise missile strike destroyed three large terrorist arms and ammunition depots, as well as a terrorist command center near the city of Uqayribat in the Hama province. Reconnaissance means confirmed the destruction of all designated targets.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, strikes were made from a range of about 1,000 kilometers using the newest high-precision Kh-101 missiles. This strike marked the sixth time that Russia has used the Kh-101 in combat.

The Tu-95 strategic bombers took off from an airfield in Russia.

"Russian Su-30 fighters based at the Hmeymim airfield [in Syria's Latakia province] provided air cover. After successfully accomplishing the task of the combat mission, all Russian aircraft returned to their airfields," the ministry said.

The Kh-101 (in Russian: X-101) is a strategic, air-launched Russian cruise missile, manufactured using modern technology to reduce radar visibility. It can destroy a target up to 4,500 kilometers away. This type of missiles could be equipped with a nuclear warhead. The Kh-101 uses GLONASS, the Russian satellite navigation system, for trajectory correction and is reported to have an accuracy of five to six meters.

Up to 12 Kh-101s can be equipped onto the Tupolev Tu-160 (Blackjack), while the Tupolev Tu-95 (Bear) is capable of carrying a maximum of eight of these missiles.

Previously, the Russian aviation launched Kh-101 missile strikes on Daesh targets in February 2017, destroying several terrorist camps, training centers and a command post of one of the major terrorists' units near Raqqa.

Uqayribat is located on the border between the Hama and Homs provinces.

 Sputnik

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Russian Military Police in Syrian Safe Zones to Carry Light Weapons

Sputnik News

18:25 05.07.2017(updated 18:26 05.07.2017)

Russia's military police in the de-escalation zones in Syria will carry only light weapons, the head of the Russian delegation at the talks on Syria in Astana, Alexander Lavrentyev, said Wednesday.

ASTANA (Sputnik)  On Tuesday, Lavrentyev said that he doesn't rule out the presence of Russian military police in Syria's "buffer zones."

"Of course, these are not combat units of the regular army, but military police units with specific non-combat tasks. However, they will naturally carry some light weapons for self-defense," Lavrentyev told reporters after a plenary session.

The fourth meeting in Astana format in May was a breakthrough, as the three ceasefire guarantor states signed a memorandum on the establishment of four de-escalation zones in Syria. Monitoring over the de-escalation zones is now the main topic on the agenda of the fifth meeting in the Kazakh capital.

It was proposed to create two monitoring centers, Jordanian-Russian-US and Turkish-Russian, responsible for the southern de-escalation zone.

Earlier, Viktor Ozerov, the chairman of the defense and security committee of the Federation Council, the upper house of Russia's parliament, said that if necessary, Russia may boost its military police contingent in Syria for work in de-escalation zones.

For the first time, Russia deployed a military police unit to Aleppo in the end of 2016.

 Sputnik

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Turkish Opposition Leader Pledges to Challenge Crackdown

By Dorian Jones July 05, 2017

The leader of Turkey's main opposition party has pledged to continue his campaign for justice in the face of government accusations of supporting terrorism.

The head of Turkey's main opposition Republican Peoples Party, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, is leading thousands of people on a 450-kilometer justice march, from the capital, Ankara, to the country's largest city, Istanbul.

The march is in response to a year-long crackdown following last July's failed coup attempt. The crackdown has resulted in more than 100,000 people losing their jobs and more than 60,000 jailed.

Kilicdaroglu, who is leading a 25-day justice march from Ankara to Istanbul, told VOA the protest was triggered by the jailing of fellow parliamentary deputy and close ally Enis Berberoglu for 25 years on charges of releasing state secrets.

He says the introduction of the State of Emergency decree was a civil coup. All the negative outcomes of this civilian coup came one after the other, he said. Adding MPs (members of parliament) and journalist were arrested and academics were dismissed from their positions.

He says Berberoglu's arrest became the moment when the water over spilled the glass and his party made the decision to march.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his government have repeatedly condemned the march, saying it supports terrorism and coup plotters.

Despite the criticism, the numbers joining the march continue to grow, with around 10,000 marching with Kilicdarolgu. He expects those numbers will grow by the time the march concludes Sunday in Istanbul. But Kilicdaroglu promised the march is only the beginning and civil protest will not end.

He says the struggle will continue with all possible effort and within democracy and using all the force the party has in parliament and outside parliament.

Amid rising political tensions over the march, a heavy police presence has been deployed to protect demonstrators, particularly Kilicdarolgu.

Police say they have detained six people linked to Islamic State who were planning to carry out an attack on the march. Kilicdaroglu said he and marchers have faced threats and provocations.

The march is due to end Sunday at the prison where Berberoglu is serving his prison sentence.

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UK trains over 5000 Ukrainian Armed Forces

5 July 2017

UK has directly trained over 5000 members of Ukraine's Armed Forces, 1000 more than initially targeted, the Defence Secretary has confirmed.

The Defence Secretary made the announcement following a meeting between him and his Ukrainian counterpart, Stepan Poltorak in London earlier today.

This comes as the UK prepares to refine Operation Orbital's training model. Through increasing the focus on Train-the-Trainer as well as mentoring and advising, we expect this change to increase the operation's impact on the Ukrainian Armed Forces' training sustainability over the coming year.

British personnel have been in the country since 2015 on Operation Orbital, training the Ukrainian Armed Forces in a number of defensive skills such as the identification of mines and IEDs, medical care and logistics. Last year, Sir Michael confirmed that the training mission will continue until at least early 2018.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:

"We have now trained over 5,000 Ukrainian service personnel, sending a clear message that we are committed to supporting the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

"As the UK is stepping up across the world, we are standing side by side with our Ukrainian friends."

During the meeting, the Defence Ministers also discussed how the UK can support defence and security reform in the Ukraine.

Mr Poltorak is in the UK to discuss his country's progress in implementing reforms and the way forward to 2020 at the Ukraine Reform Conference in Lancaster House, along with other senior Ukrainian ministers. The major international conference will see the UK government and international partners reinforce their support for reform in the country.



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Taipei, Taiwan, July 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BETHEL Computer Consultant Co., Ltd. had an excellent opportunity to demonstrate JabezPOS.com cloud service in the 2017 COMPUTEX - Taiwan IoT Expo. Thanks to invitations from the Industrial Development Bureau and Taipei Computer Association.



With over 25 years system service journey, BETHEL Computer Consultant Co., Ltd. builds up the JabezPOS.com global POS (point of sales) service cloud. It helps the small retail stores and restaurants, even chain store, to set up a handy POS system and ERP (enterprise resource planning) integration rapidly. In addition to the daily transaction management for retail stores and restaurants, the tremendous advantages of JabezPOS.com are the elasticity, extensibility and integration. VIP cloud, one of innovative services, contains the reward points and top-up card system. Let stores give and redeem points in few steps. The diversity point reward events could drive consumption and loyalty. The top-up system lets customer deposit money in their security cloud account. Help store gain more prepaid transaction and increasing re-buying.

JabezPOS.com Global POS Smart Fintech Solution is a native cloud architecture service. JabezPOS.com provides cross-platform, multi-device, and multilingual version. It is easy to deploy for stores and restaurants. Highly modulation shortens the integration terms with other hardware and software. JabezPOS.com moves beyond mobile commerce trend. JabezPOS.com is committed to refining and integrating top-up payment, third-party payment, mobile payment and member relationship management. It will help stores and restaurants to construct mobile-commerce, e-commerce, voucher transaction, and reward points transaction, etc. Therefore, it could support stores and restaurants to build up the online store for O2O (on-line to off-line) ecosystem.

In 2017 COMPUTEX - Taiwan IoT Expo, BETHEL Computer Consultant demonstrates diverse service solution based on JabezPOS.com for buyers from the global, like JabezOrder a mobile menu system for restaurant. It fits different scenario of restaurant service and synchronizes with the POS operation. It can use for ordering in store or on-line, take out or delivery. Instead of downloading and installing the certain apps, customers order directly by scanning QR code or clicking URL. Every order pulls the trigger to the rest of restaurant operation. In another instance, the multi payment system integrates diversity digital payment like MRT card, credit card, top-up card, third-party payment, and offers more options to customers. The most exciting service breaks through the past POS member management. JabezPOS.com adds a whole new cloud member system. Every transaction could accumulate reward points to any customer, even the first time buying. No need to type in customer information in advance. Customers can redeem their points after they sign up. Customers collect all points from any store that apply to the VIP cloud. It is an ultimate loyalty program for the retail stores and restaurants.

JabezPOS.com received lots of positive feedback and advice during 2017 COMPUTEX - Taiwan IoT Expo. BETHEL Computer Consultant achieved an agreement with Alliance Bankcard Services for the cooperation. Alliance Bankcard Services has dedicated to serving business since 2000 in United State. Companies choose Alliance Bankcard Services because they provide much more than just payment processing. Alliance Bankcard Services works with every business type and can offer a full range of payment solutions to fit business needs. They have been serving the different brands, new e-commerce startups, and thousands of small and middle business. Hope that the collaboration leads JabezPOS.com into a localization service. And BETHEL Computer Consultant could export the successful JabezPOS.com localization model to the global market in the near future.

ABOUT TAIPEI COMPUTER ASSOCIATION (TCA)

One of the organizers of COMPUTEX TAIPEI and the largest industrial organization in Taiwan. Established in 1974, TCA has nearly 4,000 corporation members engaged in fields such as software, hardware, and network communication service. The current Chairman is Mr. Tung Tsu-hsien, who is also the Chairman of Pegatron Corp.

About BETHEL Computer Consultant Co., Ltd.

With over 25 years software development experience, BETHEL Computer Consultant Co., Ltd. is good at developing POS, ERP system and system integration in Taiwan. It has served more than 5000 retail stores and restaurants and dedicated to innovation platform service.




The preliminary negotiations between the representatives of the State Road Agency of Ukraine, State Enterprise "Ukrdorinvest", on the one part, and the Consortium consisting of the Turkish company "Temelsu" and the Ukrainian company "FBM Ukraine", on the other part, were held in Kyiv. The latter is the winner in the competition to determine the performer for the provision of consulting services on construction supervision over capital repair of the road M-03 Kyiv-Kharkiv-Dovzhanskiy on section Lubny  Poltava.Representatives of Ukravtodor and SE Ukrdorinvest during the talks (in the middle  Olena Kryvoruchko, Ukrdorinvest Director) The Parties discussed aspects of the project implementation and terms of the future contract. Ms Olena Kryvoruchko, the Director of SE "Ukrdorinvest", stated during the talks that the domestic road industry strives to learn the best global business practices and standards in the field of automobile road construction. She highlighted some important components, namely the quality of work execution, performance guarantees, and responsibility of organizations involved in project implementation.Olena Kryvoruchko, Ukrdorinvest Director  Project Group Manager In return, Mr. Alper Akansel, Temelsu General Director, emphasised that the company headed by him has considerable experience in implementation of relevant projects, in particular those with the use of FIDIC standard forms of contract, in over 15 countries. He also stated that he was pleasantly surprised with the youth, professionalism, knowledge and non-bias of the representatives of the Ukrainian party  the Clients for the project implementation. Alper Akansel named these skills as very important for the team of reformers in Ukraine. Temelsu is the first Turkish company to be involved in consulting engineering support of such project in Ukraine.: International Federation of Consulting Engineers http://iceg.com.ua/en/ From left to right: Nina Karavan (FBM Ukraine), Sina Velioglu (Temelsu Regional Director), Alper Akansel (Temelsu General Director), Niyazi Boysan (Temelsu Project Manager)
A Wednesday afternoon fire destroyed a double-wide mobile home in Ringgold.

There were 34 firefighters who combated the fire at 340 Warbler Lane, Ringgold Fire & Rescue Fire Chief Mike Neal said.

Ringgold members were the first to respond, with mutual aid coming from the Blairs, Kentuck and Laurel Grove volunteer fire departments.

The call came into the 911 center at about 2 p.m.

There was heavy fire inside the homes kitchen, Neal said. Firefighters initiated an interior attack on the flames.

The cause of the fire appears to be a grease fire on the stove, Neal said.

The fire had gotten in the attic and burned through one section of the roof, Neal said.

The house is still standing but is totaled, Neal said. There were no injuries.

The American Red Cross was called to assist the family with living arrangements. A representative from the Pittsylvania County Fire Marshals office was also scene.

Firefighters were on site for two-and-a-half hours, and used more than 4,000 gallons of water to put out the blaze.

Two firefighters suffered heat exhaustion but were treated at the scene, Neal said.
VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - July 06, 2017) - Maxtech Ventures Inc. (CSE: MVT) (CSE: MVT.CN) (CNSX: MVT) (FRANKFURT: M1N) (OTC PINK: MTEHF), ("Maxtech" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with MaringA Ferro-Liga S.A of Brazil.

Maxtech's goal is to become a diversified mining company with a high-grade manganese footprint. The primary business program has been the assembly and acquisition of key mineral projects for future exploration. In Brazil, Maxtech has positioned itself with more than 50,000 hectares of potential high grade Mn mineralization claims, as previously disclosed in its release of May 4th 2017. The Company's long term strategy is to grow organically by building a vertical mining operation to sell high-grade manganese to global markets focused on renewable energy, steel production and fertilizers with Mn additives to increase plant/crop fertility.

Maxtech has entered into an agreement with MaringA Ferro-Liga to enable the joint evaluation, exploration and potential acquisition of project specific manganese assets in Brazil, and if justified, to engage in the development and mining of specific claims. Maxtech and Maringa will sign project-specific agreements between the parties prior to engaging in any operations on properties.The agreement shall have a term of 3 years and is non-exclusive.

Peter Wilson, CEO Maxtech said, "MaringA is a diversified industry leader in the uses of manganese in Brazil, making it the perfect partner for Maxtech. Under this association Maxtech hopes to develop more than an exploration partner, enabling the Company to explore, mine and distribute manganese in Brazil with an industry leader."

Luis Pessoa, Commercial Director from MaringA Ferro-Liga said, "Having a reliable and local source of high grade manganese ore is an important competitive advantage to MaringA. The cooperation agreement with Maxtech enables us to profit from their well recognized know-how to research and explore potential areas in Brazil."

About Grupo MaringA

Founded in 1946, Grupo MaringA now has over 2,000 employees with over USD $200 million in 2016 revenues. The MaringA companies are located in the states of ParanA and SAo Paulo. They produce sugar cane, sugar, ethanol, energy and manganese alloy. MaringA Ferro-Liga S.A. is a subsidiary of Grupo MaringA and is located in Itapeva, State of SAo Paulo. It is the second largest manganese ferroalloy producer in South America, producing high quality silico-manganese and high-carbon ferromanganese.

About Maxtech Ventures Inc.

Maxtech Ventures Inc. is a Canadian based corporation with gold and manganese mineral properties. Its focus is on mining and the products that are derived therefrom.

Further information about the Company is available on www.SEDAR.com under the Company's profile.

Certain statements contained in this release may constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively "forward-looking information") as those terms are used in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and similar Canadian laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated", "anticipates" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to the business of the Company, the Property, financing and certain corporate changes. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.
London, England (FSCwire) - Further to the announcement made on May 11, 2017, Gabriel Resources Ltd. (Gabriel or the Company) announces that its Romanian subsidiary, RoEia MontanA Gold Corporation S.A. (RMGC), has been served with a decision by the Romanian National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF) assessing a liability for value added tax (VAT) in the principal amount of approximately RON 27m ($8.6m)[1] (VAT Assessment). This amount does not include any penalties or fines which the Company understands are also likely to be levied. The liability relates to VAT previously claimed and received by RMGC in respect of its purchase of goods and services from July 2011 to January 2016. The VAT Assessment is due for payment on August 5, 2017 although RMGC has until August 21, 2017 to make an administrative appeal to ANAF, which it fully intends to pursue.

The Company views this VAT Assessment as fundamentally flawed and abusive, and plainly retaliatory coming just days after the Company filed its statement of claim in its ICSID arbitration against Romania seeking compensation in an amount equivalent to $5.7 billion[2] (ICSID Arbitration Claim).

The VAT Assessment follows the re-run of a prior VAT audit concluded by ANAF in July 2016 which assessed a liability for approximately the same amount, rising with interest and penalties to RON 42.9m (then approximately $13.7m) but which was successfully challenged by RMGC and partially quashed by ANAF in September 2016 (the Quashed 2016 Assessment).

[1] Assumes the July 5, 2017 Bank of Romania exchange rate of RON 0.3198 to the $ [2] The claim, based on a damages assessment performed by an independent expert, seeks compensation in the amount of US$4.4 billion, the Canadian dollar equivalent uses the closing foreign exchange rate on June 27.

In common with the Quashed 2016 Assessment, Gabriel and RMGC will vigorously challenge this decision. The VAT Assessment has been issued despite its conclusions being wholly contradictory to the results of at least 18 prior VAT audits conducted by various divisions of ANAF relating to similar categories of expense, suppliers, transactions and activities and despite the substance of the audit being almost identical to the Quashed 2016 Assessment. The Company also believes that the procedure followed by ANAF to arrive at the VAT Assessment was improper and unlawful and that the VAT Assessment conflicts with Romanian fiscal laws as well as the mandatory applicable principles of EU law.

The basis of the VAT Assessment continues a remarkable departure from ANAF practice and precedent including ANAFs reliance on submissions from known opponents to the Rosia Montana Project (Project) and lawyers who have acted for anti-mining NGOs in opposing permits for the Project. This practice, together with the wide-ranging extent of other ongoing enquiries undertaken by a separate directorate of ANAF, previously disclosed by Gabriel, evidences that the actions of ANAF continue to be made in bad faith and are an abuse of power by the Romanian authorities.

Jonathan Henry, Gabriels President and Chief Executive Officer, stated:

The Company believes that the VAT Assessment is without merit, enacted by ANAF alongside other actions with an overarching purpose to intimidate Gabriel, RMGC and their personnel and to frustrate the Companys pursuit of its international arbitration case against Romania. The fact that the VAT Assessment has been received immediately after the Company has filed the ICSID Arbitration Claim of $5.7 billion against Romania is not a coincidence; we see this as completely abusive and retaliatory. As an EU member state, Romania should not be resorting to such bad faith tactics in the face of the Companys legitimate pursuit of its treaty claims against the State. Gabriel will assist RMGC to vigorously challenge this unlawful VAT Assessment.

For information on this press release, please contact:

Jonathan Henry President & Chief Executive Officer Mobile: +44 7798 801783 jh@gabrielresources.com Max Vaughan Chief Financial Officer Mobile: +44 7823 885503 max.vaughan@gabrielresources.com Richard Brown Chief Commercial Officer Mobile: +44 7748 760276 richard.brown@gabrielresources.com

About Gabriel

Gabriel is a Toronto Stock Exchange listed Canadian resource company. The Companys principal focus has been the exploration and development of the RoEia MontanA gold and silver project in Romania. The Project, one of the largest undeveloped gold deposits in Europe, is situated in the South Apuseni Mountains of Transylvania, Romania, an historic and prolific mining district that since pre-Roman times has been mined intermittently for over 2,000 years. The exploitation license (License) for the Project is held by RoEia MontanA Gold Corporation S.A., a Romanian company in which Gabriel owns an 80.69% equity interest, with the 19.31% balance held by Minvest RoEia MontanA S.A., a Romanian state-owned mining company. It was anticipated that the Project could bring over US$24 billion (at US$1,200/oz gold) to Romania as potential direct and indirect contribution to GDP and have generated thousands of employment opportunities.

Since the grant of the License in June 1999, the Company has focused substantially all of its management and financial resources on the exploration, feasibility and subsequent development of the Project. Despite the Companys fulfilment of its legal obligations and its development of the Project as a high-quality, sustainable and environmentally-responsible mining project, using best available techniques, Romania has blocked and prevented implementation of the Project without due process and without compensation.Accordingly, the Companys current core focus is the ICSID Arbitration Claim.

For more information please visit the Companys website at www.gabrielresources.com.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking information (also referred to as forward-looking statements) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about managements current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to get a better understanding of the Companys operating environment. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements.

In this press release, forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies that may cause the Companys actual financial results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied herein. Some of the material factors or assumptions used to develop forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the uncertainties associated with: the ICSID Arbitration, actions by the Romanian Government, conditions or events impacting the Companys ability to fund its operations or service its debt, exploration, development and operation of mining properties and the overall impact of misjudgments made in good faith in the course of preparing forward-looking information.

Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors including those set out below, that may never materialize, prove incorrect or materialize other than as currently contemplated which could cause the Companys results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, identified by words or phrases such as expects, is expected, anticipates, believes, plans, projects, estimates, assumes, intends, strategy, goals, objectives, potential, possible or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events, conditions or results may, could, would, should, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of fact and may be forward-looking statements.

Numerous factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including without limitation:

the duration, required disclosure, costs, process and outcome of the ICSID Arbitration Claim against Romania;

changes in the liquidity and capital resources of Gabriel, and the group of companies of which it is parent (Group");

access to funding to support the Groups continued ICSID Arbitration Claim and/or operating activities in the future;

equity dilution resulting from the conversion or exercise of existing securities in part or in whole to Common Shares;

the ability of the Company to maintain a continued listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange or any regulated public market for trading securities;

the impact on business strategy and its implementation in Romania of: unforeseen historic acts of corruption, uncertain fiscal investigations; uncertain legal enforcement both for and against the Group and political and social instability;

regulatory, political and economic risks associated with operating in a foreign jurisdiction including changes in laws, governments and legal regimes and interpretation of existing and future fiscal and other legislation ;

volatility of currency exchange rates, metal prices and metal production;

the availability and continued participation in operational or other matters pertaining to the Group of certain key employees and consultants; and

risks normally incident to the exploration, development and operation of mining properties.

This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Companys forward-looking statements.

Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and investors should not infer that there has been no change in the Companys affairs since the date of this press release that would warrant any modification of any forward-looking statement made in this document, other documents periodically filed with or furnished to the relevant securities regulators or documents presented on the Companys website. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements or the foregoing list of assumptions or factors, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, subject to the Companys disclosure obligations under applicable Canadian securities regulations. Investors are urged to read the Companys filings with Canadian securities regulatory agencies including Gabriels Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2016, which can be viewed online at www.sedar.com. ENDS

To view this press release as a PDF file, click onto the following link:public://news_release_pdf/gabriel07062017.pdfSource: Gabriel Resources Ltd. (TSX:GBU)

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Copyright  2017 Filing Services Canada Inc.
SUDBURY, ON, July 6, 2017 /CNW/ - Transition Metals Corp. (XTM  TSX.V) ("Transition", "the Company") is pleased to announce that it has optioned its Homathko project in British Columbia to Shamrock Enterprises Inc (SRS  CSE) ("Shamrock"). The property hosts high grade gold occurrences and consists of staked claims covering 2,986 hectares which are held by Transition. Under the terms of the option agreement, Shamrock can earn a 100% interest in the claims by providing Transition with $5,000 cash, $100,000 worth of Shamrock stock and completing $500,000 of exploration expenditures within 3 years. If Shamrock earns its interest, Transition will hold 2% Net Smelter Return royalty (NSR), of which Shamrock can purchase half (1% NSR) for $1,000,000 prior to the commencement of commercial production.

Commenting on the agreement, company CEO and President Scott McLean stated "We have always been encouraged by the potential for a high grade gold deposit on the Homathko Property. Our work to date has identified an extensive gold mineralized alteration zone that remains to be tested with drilling. As a project generative company, we are very pleased that Shamrock will advance the project and suitably evaluate its potential."

About the Homathko Property

The Homathko Property consists of 9 claims (2,986 Ha) in the Caribou Regional District, British Columbia, located approximately 200 kilometres west of Williams Lake. The property lies near the contact of the eastern edge of the coast plutonic suite and is believed to be largely underlain by Jurassic aged volcanic and intrusive rocks of the Stikine Terrane.

Mineralization on the property was first identified by Falconbridge Ltd. in 1966 where it reported grab and trench sampling returning up to 384 grams per tonne (g/t Au)1. Work completed by Transition has identified a larger, high grade lode gold system traced along 1.5 km of strike length. The mineralization is hosted within quartz/carbonate veining developed within and near the margins of a shear bounded, altered quartz-feldspar porphyry sill. Company assays returned grab samples up to 87 g/t Au2 (samples retrieved by Transition Metals are grab samples and not necessarily representative of the mineralization hosted across the property). Based on field observations geologists from Transition have interpreted that the environment for mineralization on the property appears consistent with that of a traditional mesothermal lode gold deposit which bears many similarities to similar deposits occurring elsewhere in the Stikine belt (Pioneer/Bralorne District, Elk Gold Mine etc.).

1Source: BC Mines Property File, Falconbridge File 184  Report on Homathko Gold Prospect, 1965, J/J. MacDougall

2Source: Transition Metals news release dated September 8, 2011

Qualified Person

The technical elements of this press release have been approved by Mr. Greg Collins, P.Geo. (APGO), a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101.

About Transition Metals Corp

Transition Metals Corp. (XTM -TSX.V) is a Canadian-based, multi-commodity project generator that specializes in converting new exploration ideas into Canadian discoveries. The award-winning team of geoscientists has extensive exploration experience in established, emerging and historic mining camps and actively develops and tests new ideas for discovering mineralization in places that others have not looked, which often allows the company to acquire properties inexpensively. The team is rigorous in its fieldwork and combines traditional techniques with newer ones to help unearth compelling prospects and drill targets. Transition uses the project generator business model to acquire and advance multiple exploration projects simultaneously, thereby maximizing shareholder exposure to discovery and capital gain. Joint venture partners earn an interest in the projects by funding a portion of higher-risk drilling and exploration, allowing Transition to conserve capital and minimize shareholder's equity dilution. The Company has an expanding portfolio that currently includes more than 25 gold, copper, nickel and platinum projects primarily in Ontario, Nunavut, British Columbia, Minnesota and Saskatchewan.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Information

Except for statements of historical fact contained herein, the information in this news release constitutes "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities law. Such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "plans", "proposes", "estimates", "intends", "expects", "believes", "may", "will" and include without limitation, statements regarding estimated capital and operating costs, expected production timeline, benefits of updated development plans, foreign exchange assumptions and regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate; actual results and future events could differ materially from such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others, metal prices, competition, risks inherent in the mining industry, and regulatory risks. Most of these factors are outside the control of the Company. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as otherwise required by applicable securities statutes or regulation, the Company expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Transition Metals Corp.
/THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/

Kincora intends to raise up to C$6m at $0.33 per Unit with half a warrant

C$1.5m cornerstone investment from a leading mining private equity investor

Strong support from insiders, other existing and new investors

Proceeds will be used to advance high priority drill ready targets and earlier stage district scale pipeline which have the potential to host multiple Tier one assets and includes up to 26,000 metres of drilling

Kincora will be joining other major players including Rio Tinto in stepping up exploration on the belt. Rio Tinto recently resumed regional exploration drilling for the first time in 5 years at a target adjacent to Kincora's Red Well license

VANCOUVER, July 6, 2017 /CNW/ - Kincora Copper Ltd. (the "Company", "Kincora") (TSXV:KCC) announces a non-brokered private placement of units (the "Units") at $0.33 per Unit to raise up to C$6,000,000 (the "Private Placement"). Each Unit will be comprised of one common share (the "Shares") and one-half of a share purchase warrant, each whole warrant (the "Warrants") entitling the holder to acquire a further Share at C$0.445 for a period of two years.

The Company is pleased to announce that it has received a subscription agreement for up to 4,545,545 Units (C$1,500,000) from one of the largest mining private equity specialist funds following extensive technical and legal due diligence, subject to Kincora raising a minimum total of C$4,500,000 inclusive of the lead order for which Kincora has indicative support for.

Sam Spring, President and CEO commented, "I am delighted that we have attracted a lead order from such an industry group, with it's due diligence process providing validation of our exciting dual exploration and expansion strategy, with strong support also from insiders, many existing and new shareholders.

The offering will fund the first modern systematic Tier 1 drill testing and district scale reconnaissance exploration program in the world-class, under-explored Southern Gobi Devonian copper gold belt.

This provides for an extensive two-phase drilling program at the East TS and Bayan Tal targets, which are the first new Devonian targets since Oyu Tolgoi and analogies to the two existing large scale mines in the belt. The raising will also allow us to advance our earlier stage pipeline up the value curve, and to undertake opportunistic and countercyclical expansion activities benefiting from our proprietary knowledge of the belt.

We note reports of Rio Tinto resuming regional drilling for the first time in 5 years at a target adjacent to our Red Well license, now onto hole two, with plans to also drill other new ground they have secured on the Devonian trend towards our Bayan Tal target. Such news is a positive validation of Mongolia as a jurisdiction and the potential of other major discoveries in this belt where we hold a dominant 1437 km2 landholding."

Proceeds from the Private Placement will help accelerate the Company's dual exploration and expansion strategy, and for general working capital. Kincora already holds the dominant position in the Devonian copper-gold belt, with plans for an extensive two-phase drilling program at the East Tsagaan Suvarga and Bayan Tal targets for up to 16,000 metres (up to 8,000 metres at both targets), also providing for further geophysics after the first phase of drilling, while advancing its district scale multi-target, multi-stage pipeline.

The Company may pay finder's fees in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange in connection with the Private Placement. None of the securities comprising the Units have been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the Shares in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Closing is subject to receipt of approvals of the TSX Venture Exchange. All Shares and Warrants issued in connection with the Private Placement will be subject to a four (4) month hold period.

Further details are provided in an updated presentation on the Kincora website: http://kincoracopper.com/investors/corporate-presentation

About Kincora

Kincora is a junior resource company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties, with a focus on copper-gold projects in Mongolia. For further information: www.kincoracopper.com.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information in this news release was prepared in accordance with the standards of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum and National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and was reviewed, verified and compiled by Kincora's geological staff under the supervision of Peter Leaman, Senior Vice-President of Exploration of Kincora Copper, who is the Qualified Person for the purpose of NI 43-101.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information regarding Kincora contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements may include estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, guidance or other statements that are not statements of fact. Although Kincora believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Kincora cautions that actual performance will be affected by a number of factors, most of which are beyond its control, and that future events and results may vary substantially from what Kincora currently foresees. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration results, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. The forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The information contained herein is stated as of the current date and is subject to change after that date. Kincora does not assume the obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Kincora Copper Ltd.
On Wednesday, in the evening, at Government House, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC and Mrs Kaye de Jersey hosted a reception in support of NAIDOC Week 2017 where the Governor addressed guests.
(TNS) - With nearly a dozen bills impacting the National Flood Insurance Program proposed in Congress, a local flood insurance expert says homeowners should keep a close eye on what's going on at Capitol Hill.Joe Rossi, chairman of the Marshfield and Massachusetts coastal coalitions, said experts, stakeholders and legislators are floating many ideas for changing the flood insurance program. Congress' authorization of the program expires in September.While some proposals would help keep flood insurance affordable and sustainable, Rossi said several bills proposed in the U.S. House of Representatives could have harmful implications for Massachusetts property owners."It's a fast-changing landscape, but we're telling policy holders and citizens to pay attention because it impacts how they're insured," Rossi said. "We need to understand what the implications are and get involved because if we're not looking it will be like 2012 and we'll get blindsided again."Issues surround flood insurance came to the forefront in 2013, when the Federal Emergency Management Agency released new flood maps for Marshfield, Scituate and Duxbury that set off a storm of local protests and calls for revisions.At the same time, homeowners started feeling the effects of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012, which eliminated flood insurance subsidies and caused premiums to soar. A relief act later repealed some of the most devastating provisions of Biggert-Waters.Rossi said the U.S. House of Representatives currently has seven bills it will need to consolidate into one reauthorization bill. He said the bills contain two concerning proposal: the removal of grandfathering over several years and a ban on insuring new construction built in a flood zone through the National Flood Insurance Program.Policyholders now receive grandfathered rates based on when they purchased their flood insurance policies. For example, policyholders who bought insurance before the Federal Emergency Management Agency moved their properties into flood zones pay subsidized flood insurance premiums.Rossi said "90 percent of major stakeholders" feel that getting rid of grandfathering and insurance for new construction in the flood zone would be detrimental to the program and policy holders.Rossi said three bills proposed in the U.S. Senate are more of a bipartisan effort and has some provisions that would help policy owners, such as capping the annual premium increase at 10 percent. Premiums for primary homes can currently increase up to 18 percent each year.Rossi is a flood insurance specialist for Rogers & Gray Insurance Agency in Norwell and now sits on the National Flood Determination Association's legislative committee. He will soon attend a flood insurance conference in Montana to talk about issues and ideas for reform.Jessica Trufant may be reached at jtrufant@ledger.com.2017 The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, Mass.Visit The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, Mass. at www.patriotledger.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is looking to add electrical system capacity on the east side of King County. This includes areas that have experienced tremendous growth in the last 50 years and even more growth is projected  a million more people in a four-county region of Washington state by 2050.What is interesting is that people love their electricity, but don't want any wires next to them (other than those going to their personal homes). Electricity should just "magically appear" out of nowhere. Thus, PSE has a website that is seeking to provide information to those who live near existing rights-of-way with power lines on them already.One solution is to do nothing until the region begins to have rolling brownouts as PSE seeks to balance demand with supply available. And supply is not the issue, it is the distribution system that is being challenged. Once people can't turn on their electronics, be they lights, computers or the oven  then they will be ready to accept and even demand action by the company.It is a crazy world that we live in today!
(TNS)  Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) is no longer collecting Social Security numbers under the district's new data security policy.Director of Technology Infrastructure Edward Gardner, who oversaw the development of the new data policy, said the school system would not collect student Social Security numbers "unless explicitly necessary," and he could not think of a reason it would be.This comes nearly a year after the school system learned of a data breach that exposed the names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers of nearly 1,000 students who attended FCPS schools in 2005-2006."School systems should ask, 'do we need to share this information?'" data privacy expert Linnette Attai, who serves as president of Playwell LLC and project director for the Consortium of School Networking, said when reached byfor comment. "Do we need to share Social Security numbers? If not, then why are we sharing them?"The school system will continue to work with several third-party vendors and share student information, but the information will be much more limited, Gardner said. For instance, many vendors will have access only to user names and passwords that students input to use specific apps.Others might have access to "directory information" such as first and last names. English-language learners (ELL) could give out a bit more information in certain apps, but no financial information will be made available to vendors that work with ELL students, Gardner said.Just 6 percent of families trust that government agencies can keep data secure, according to a 2015 Pew Research Center poll.But parents will be notified via the student handbook which information is being made available to third parties. Parents will also have the opportunity to opt out of sharing the data, Gardner said.Attai said the key for the school system is to build trust among parents is transparency. FCPS should be upfront with what data it shares and why it is being shared, Attai said."Knowledge takes out the fear and in turn allows for more well-informed questions," Attai said.Gardner is helping the school system develop a "Written Information Security Program," which will centralize student information that is made available to third parties. FCPS also agreed to a contract with Janus Software Inc., which will perform quarterly tests of the district's data security."This is a starting point," Gardner said, adding that checks could become more frequent in the future.As apps and technology continue to infiltrate classrooms, Attai noted that districts need to be aware of the vendors schools share information with. Some districts share information with as many as 500 third-party vendors, but can still keep information secure, she said."It all depends on how much they vet and what they are sharing," Attai said. "If they're sharing data like names and what they're doing in the app, that's not really valuable data to a hacker. It's useful for the company, but not something a hacker would be interested in."Gardner said the school system has developed a committee to determine which apps should be used in the classroom. The school system is working with the committee on a more formal app approval process, but for now, teachers fill out forms to request to use those apps in class. Gardner said the committee holds security in the highest regard when determining which apps are used."If it doesn't meet our security standards, it will not get approved," Gardner said. "It doesn't matter how good of an app it is."Gardner also noted that in contracts with vendors, the contract explicitly states that vendors may not sell or release any of the data that is collected.Attai said school systems also need to be cognizant of how much data is required by the vendor."They should be sure they are only giving out the minimally required amount of data," she said. "Make sure that companies aren't receiving more data than they need. [School systems] shouldn't do that."
(TNS) -- Six courthouses in mostly rural counties of Northeastern Minnesota will see security upgrades thanks to a statewide funding program.The Minnesota Judicial Branch last week announced that 57 counties were recipients of grants from the $1 million Safe and Secure Courthouse Initiative, which was authorized by the state Legislature last year to improve courthouse security across the state.The initiative was launched in response to a reported increase in violent incidents inside courthouses across the country  including a double-shooting inside the Cook County Courthouse in Grand Marais in 2011.Tragically, we know firsthand that courthouse violence is a very real threat and communities like Cook County are not immune to these incidents, Sheriff Pat Eliasen said in a statement. Courthouses can be emotional, volatile places  places where people are often experiencing the worst days of their lives.Eliasen announced Friday that his courthouse received $17,500 for unspecified improvements. Other area recipients included Aitkin, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake and Pine counties.Beau Berentson, a spokesman for the Judicial Branch, said he was unable to provide details on the amounts and purposes of the grants awarded to specific counties in order to protect the security of these county facilities.However, he said the grants were awarded to help individual counties complete security assessments, provide training to courthouse officials and staff, install bullet-resistant glass at public service counters, replace aging security equipment, install screening stations at courthouse entrances, and implement features such as door locks, cameras, key card readers and duress alarms.The grants ranged from $514 to nearly $68,000, Berentson said, with most falling between $5,000 and $25,000. Each county is required to provide matching funds for its grant.Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie Gildea, who chaired the advisory committee, said the process marks the first time Minnesota has taken a statewide approach to courthouse security.This is an important step forward for our justice system, and one that will serve to better protect the thousands of Minnesotans who enter their local courthouses every day, she said in a statement. This is truly an access to justice issue, and Minnesotans deserve to feel safe when coming to court, accessing government services, or fulfilling their duties as citizens and taxpayers.The Center for Judicial and Executive Security, a national group that tracks courthouse incidents, counted 19 violent acts across the country in 2005. That number had risen to 90 by 2011.That same year, Daniel Schlienz, a defendant who had just been convicted of criminal sexual conduct, entered the Cook County Courthouse and shot prosecutor Tim Scannell and a trial witness, Gary Thompson. That case prompted calls for additional security measures and discussions at the Legislature and within the Judicial Branch.The 15-member advisory committee awarding the grants included Cook County Attorney Molly Hicken, who was present during the 2011 shooting and helped wrestle the gun from the shooter.It is crucial that these facilities are well-protected, and that citizens feel they can access their local courthouse safely and securely, Hicken said. In addition, thousands of public employees work in courthouses every day to deliver essential government services and administer our system of justice in the state. As their employer, state and county governments have an obligation to ensure their safety.Also on the panel were St. Louis County Sheriff Ross Litman, 6th Judicial District operations manager Mark Hoyne and Grand Rapids public defender Gayle Lovejoy.
(TNS) -- The Victoria school district was one of many districts affected by a data breach through the Texas Association of School Boards.The association learned recently that personal information of employees became inadvertently visible to the public on the internet, according to a June 21 news release.Victoria school officials have received several calls from concerned employees questioning whether the letter is legitimate or fake and how TASB is associated with the district, said Shawna Currie, school district communications director.An email notification was sent to all Victoria school district employees with information from the association, she said."It wasn't a hacking into the system," Currie said. "The information was essentially posted to the internet."The visible information included employees' names and Social Security numbers, according to a letter sent June 23 by James Crow, executive director of Texas Association of School Boards, to people who had their information exposed.Action was taken immediately to fix the situation and secure the information.A leading computer forensics firm assisted in conducting an investigation.One year of credit monitoring and identity theft resolution services through Experian is being offered by the association."We are taking numerous steps to prevent something like this from happening again, including a comprehensive review of all of our data security measures," Crow wrote.The association is a private, nonprofit group whose mission includes providing services to school districts and other educational entities.One of the services includes administering a group unemployment insurance program for Texas school districts and other public educational entities.The information had been submitted to TASB for required reporting to the Texas Workforce Commission as part of an unemployment compensation program.School district employees and other entities that participate in the program administered by TASB are potentially effected.Calhoun County ISD, Goliad ISD, Hallettsville ISD and Shiner ISD were affected in varying degrees, Barbara Williams, with the association's communications office, wrote in an email."We are still in the process of notifying people because of summer schedules but are doing all that we can to make sure employees get the information they need," Williams wrote.No evidence has been found that the information was used in any way, she wrote.The Victoria school district plans to stay in contact with TASB to get the most up-to-date information, Currie said."Security is highly important and we want to protect our employees," she said. "We feel TASB will take the necessary steps to prevent this from happening again."
Relative to the levels finalized in 2017, the proposed 2018 volume requirements for advanced biofuel and total renewable fuel are lower by 40 million gallons. For the first time, EPA is proposing to reduce the advanced biofuel and total renewable fuel volumes for 2018 by the same amount as it would reduce the required volume of cellulosic biofuel. In the proposal, EPA said that these reductions effectively preserve the implied statutory volumes for conventional renewable fuel and non-cellulosic advanced biofuels, rather than requiring additional volumes of non-cellulosic advanced biofuels to backfill for some of the shortfall in cellulosic biofuel, as EPA has done in previous years.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposed rule setting the minimum amount of renewable fuels that must be supplied to the market in calendar year 2018 under the Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS) program. EPA will issue the final rule in the fall.

Further, EPA is proposing no increase, relative to the finalized 2018 levels, in the volume requirement for biomass-based diesel for 2019.

Increased fuel security is an important component of the path toward American energy dominance. We are proposing new volumes consistent with market realities focused on actual production and consumer demand while being cognizant of the challenges that exist in bringing advanced biofuels into the marketplace. Timely implementation provides certainty to American refiners, the agriculture community and broader fuels industry, all of which play an important role in the RFS program. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt

Key elements of the proposal include:

Non-advanced or conventional renewable fuel volumes are maintained at the 15-billion gallon target set by Congress.

The biomass-based diesel standard for 2019 would be maintained at the 2018 levels of 2.1 billion gallons.

EPA is beginning technical analysis that will inform a future rule to reset the statutory volumes for cellulosic, advanced, and total biofuels.

EPA is also taking comment on addressing concerns that some RFS obligations are increasingly met with imported fuel from Brazil, Argentina and Indonesia. Additionally, EPA is assessing higher levels of ethanol-free gasoline and bolstering an existing memorandum of understanding with the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to analyze and address a host of market concerns, including the need for increased transparency.

The Clean Air Act requires EPA to reset volume targets when certain conditions are met. We expect those conditions to be met in the near future, so we are conducting technical analysis now, to inform future reset rules. Administrator Pruitt

Renewable Fuel Volume Requirements Final 2017 Proposed 2018 Proposed 2019 Cellulosic biofuel (million gallons) 311 238 n/a Biomass-based diesel (billion gallons) 2.0 2.1* 2.1 Advanced biofuel (billion gallons) 4.28 4.24 n/a Renewable fuel (billion gallons) 19.28 19.24 n/a *Biomass-based diesel standard is final for 2018.

Initial reaction from industry has been varied. The Iowa Corn Growers Association called the proposed conventional biofuels requirement of 15 billion gallons good news.

On the other hand, Brent Erickson, executive vice president of BIOs Industrial & Environmental Section, said that BIO and its members believed that:

We believe the rule should do more to grow advanced and cellulosic biofuel production in the next year and to provide certainty for companies investing in new technologies and production capacity.

BIO believes the agency is wrong to waive more than half of the RFS programs required advanced biofuel volumes and more than 20 percent of the required overall volume while failing to enable advanced biofuel producers to reach the market.
China published 71,000 co-authored papers under international cooperation in 2015, making China 3rd in the world.

The National Center for Science and Technology Evaluation (NCSTE) issued the report on July 3, offering a thorough analysis on Chinas international scientific cooperation. The report said that in the past decade China has made remarkable achievements in terms of both the quality and quantity of international cooperative research.

Statistics show that China has strengthened policy-making and enhanced investment on international scientific cooperation, substantially improving the countrys cooperation development.

Research grants in China increased to 2.1% of the GDP in 2016, up from 1.42% in 2006. From 2011 to 2015, 65.2% of the countrys international cooperative research was financed by China.

Wang Junrui, director of the NCSTE, said that with improved openness and mobility, China has considerably expanded its international cooperation on scientific research.

The number of the co-authored papers with members of the Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development published from 2011 to 2015 increased 1.2 times to 230,000, up from 100,000 between 2006 and 2010. In addition, the scale of scientific cooperation with BRICS countries from 2011 to 2016 was 2.7 times of that from the period of 2006 to 2011.

The papers are also very influential. In 2015, they were cited 1.5 times each, 50% higher than the world average.

Among the high-quality scientific cooperation with Singapore, Australia, and the US, Chinese researchers accounted for more than 40% of the corresponding authors. Meanwhile, China has contributed to more than half of the worlds total multi-author papers.
A new grocery delivery service is offering delivery from select Triad grocers and even a pet supply store.

Instacart.com offers online grocery delivery service with same-day home delivery of groceries and alcohol in as little as one hour.

Depending on the zip code, the service will deliver from Triad retailers Harris Teeter, Whole Foods, Costco and Publix.

In some areas the service will even deliver goods from a Petco.

Deliveries can be scheduled up to seven days in advance.

The delivery area will cover over 345,000 residents and will provide more than 100 jobs.

Areas of service include Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, Clemmons, Walkertown, Oak Crest, Muddy Creek, Kernersville, Walkertown, Archdale, Trinity, Thomasville, Jamestown and more.

For more information or to sigh up for an account, visit Instacart.com.
The best service I ever witnessed at a restaurant was when a cool, dreadlocked waiter at Liberty Oak named Carlos calmly walked over and saved a woman who was choking on her lunch.

Heimlich applied. Tragedy averted.

Carlos resumed delivering plates and freshening drinks.

I hope he got a big tip.

I thought about that day two weekends ago, where decent service seemed to take off early for July 4.

Two bad experiences do not a trend make, so Ill spare the names of the restaurants.

It all began on Friday night at a suburban eatery Ive patronized for more than 25 years and never had a bad experience.

Full disclosure: We arrived after 9 p.m.

Business was slow.

I could understand how employees could look forward to calling it a night.

But the restaurant was open and didnt officially close until 10 p.m. It wasnt as if we swaggered in at 9:59.

We were seated outside. The weather was pleasant.

Little else was.

First problem: The water was bitter.

The waiter seemed not entirely convinced that was the case but took my glass and said he would replace it. As he approached the kitchen, in full of view of dining customers, he emptied the glass into some shrubs with a flick of his wrist.

OK, no harm, no foul. It wasnt dignified or appropriate, but at least he was feeding plants instead of pouring it down a drain.

When I ordered my entree  a familiar item on the menu  he asked if Id had it before.

(I dont what about me made him question whether a seafood wrap would agree with my palate.)

Id ordered it before, I said. Many times.

I think that convinced him it was OK for me to have what I ordered.

Whenever it would come.

The service was slow. We chalked that up to lateness of the hour.

Maybe everyone wanted to go home.

I know the feeling.

Once we were served, the waiter urged us, more than once, to enjoy our meal. And assured us, more than once, that there was no hurry.

Meanwhile, he busied himself by unplugging and removing the two fans the restaurant had placed on the patio to cool the humid night air.

Not long after, someone pulled the plug on the music.

We wondered if the lights would be next.

Once wed finished our meals, we asked about dessert. To go.

Sorry, the waiter said. The kitchen was closed. He might be able to get us pastries.

At that point, I felt compelled to confront him about our treatment.

I clarified with him the closing time.

I asked about his demeanor, which suggested in a very unsubtle way that we were only a few steps removed from a drive-through at a burger joint.

He insisted, really, that there had been no rush.

Were going to be here for a while anyway, he said.

I told him I had used this restaurant for more than 25 years  actually nearer to 30, and had never had a bad meal.

Until now.

He apologized  specifically for that unnamed someone turning off the music.

He also brought us a card for a complimentary lunch.

I filled out the check, giving him a sizable tip anyway.

(I tend to do that, sometimes even for mediocre service because I think waiting tables is hard and often thankless work. Customers can be rude and demanding.)

But even after all of that it took forever for him to pick up the check.

Finally, I just got up and walked the bill and my credit card to the cashiers station inside.

A different man was at the counter and apparently had heard how things had gone for us.

He said he was an owner. He apologized and gave us a card for a free dinner.

By then, the waiter had emerged from the kitchen and brought us a small slice of cheesecake on the house.

We thanked him, but to be honest, not with much enthusiasm.

We havent been back.

We chalked it up to one of those nights.

We did, however, wonder for a moment whether this was racially motivated.

Thats a serious charge, and we have been in situations where it was downright obvious.

But maybe not this time. Even in the Age of Trump, everything isnt about race.

Maybe this was just bad service on a bad night.

The next day, we made it a point to arrive early for dinner outside at a different restaurant, this time in downtown Greensboro.

The young hostess, who never broke a smile, looked totally uninterested and invited us to pick a spot of our choosing on the patio.

Wed beaten the dinnertime rush.

It had rained that day, so, once we found a place, she listlessly wiped our seats with a towel.

My wife sat, and then immediately popped up.

Her seat was still wet.

Still unsmiling, the hostess said nothing and wiped the seat again, as if it were a favor.

My wife and I looked at each other.

"What are the odds?" we said, without saying a word.
Part 1 of 3: A three-part series about music, theater and art in counties that border Guilford.

Rockingham may be a rural county, but arts programs are thriving there.

Theater productions are drawing larger audiences, and more people are participating in projects sponsored by the Rockingham County Arts Council.

Rockingham native Teresa Phillips is the arts councils executive director. But before that, she was a potter specializing in mosaics. Her forte was large-scale public art projects.

Ill basically glue anything to anything I guess, Phillips says.

For seven years, she ran Everyday Art Gallery in downtown Reidsville. She helped promote about 70 local artists through the gallery, giving them a space to show and sell their work and teach classes. She sold the business to lead the arts council. Since then, she has had little time for her own art projects. But in the executive director role, she is able to help promote even more artists.

The arts scene has changed, Phillips says. More people are recognizing the value of a vibrant arts community.

My encouragement comes from the fact that I feel like its happening on a large scale, especially in rural areas. Theyre really starting to understand the value of the arts on a lot of levels, she says.

Phillips cites corporate and county leaders who now realize that an active arts community has a positive effect on the local economy.

Americans for the Arts, a Washington-based nonprofit group that advocates for the arts, recently released its findings on the economic impact of nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences.

The arts in North Carolina is a $2.1 billion industry that supports the equivalent of 71,977 full-time jobs, according to the study. It also said the arts generates nearly $1.5 billion in household income and more than $201 million in government revenue. Findings like this further legitimize the importance of arts in communities.

Ive seen more appreciation and encouragement and artists who are becoming a little more brave about getting out there and sharing what they do to create a better quality of life, Phillips says.

All 100 counties in North Carolina receive funding, based on population, from the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The Rockingham County Arts Council receives money from the state, as well as local government, corporations and private donors.

With that money, the council offers grass-roots arts grants to support community concerts, the Theatre Guild of Rockingham County, the Fine Arts Festival Association, the Charlie Poole Music Festival and school programs.

This year, the council, along with the Fine Arts Festival Association and UMAR of Reidsville (which serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities), created a new event  Art Rocks in Rockingham County. It was a collaboration between local artists and adults with developmental disabilities. They painted 25 rocking chairs that were auctioned off at a fundraiser at Market Square, a park in Reidsville.

Also in Reidsville, adults enrolled in the day care program at the senior citizens center participated in a dance program. It was made possible with a grant that paid for an artist residency.

In the schools this fall, a new art residency program will pair local artists with teachers to incorporate the arts into the curriculum. A variety of disciplines will be explored, including pottery, quilting and basketry. The program is modeled after one in Asheville, Phillips says.

We know that there is a need for that because school funding has been drastically cut, she says.

Art teachers now serve two or three schools instead of one.

When city and government leaders put more value on the arts, it encourages more people to step up and be a part of it, Phillips says.

That kind of support is imperative in order for us to support the programs we have, she says. Changing the narrative is important.

Until recently, that narrative wasnt as much a consideration in rural counties such as Rockingham.

Justin Bulla is dedicated to teaching and presenting theater in rural communities.

Its probably one of my own personal missions and philosophies, says Bulla, a native of Stokes County. Ive taught in inner cities, and Ive taught in rural schools. My (rural) students are so eager to learn.

Bulla, who just finished his third year of teaching theater at Rockingham County High School, says students are more invested (in theater) in rural communities.

They do have fewer options, and they understand that not every kid has this opportunity. Thats what makes me thrilled about being in Rockingham County, he says.

Bulla is also the interim artistic director for the Theatre Guild of Rockingham County, which just wrapped its most successful show since he joined it three years ago. More than 2,000 people saw The Wizard of Oz, which also comprised its largest cast since his involvement. There were well over 100 people working each night of the show, Bulla says.

He began college at Appalachian State University as a music major, with plans to teach music. But then he discovered musical theater, and he was hooked.

Theres such a level of excitement to theater, he says. I was excited to learn everything about theater because it was so new to me  lighting, set design, costuming. I loved it. Thats where I found my home.

He got a second degree in musical theater from Lees-McRae College and ever since, he has been providing a home for cast members. Besides providing an outlet for aspiring and hobby actors, rural community theaters bring Broadway shows to those who arent able to see them in larger cities.

A lot of people who live in these rural counties dont have access to be able to go Durham or Charlotte to see a touring Broadway show, Bulla says. If we bring them to our county, were exposing them to new shows, new things they didnt know existed.

The theater guild has presented the musical-theater versions of The Addams Family and Shrek. He said he is proud of the quality of their productions.

We do big-time shows for a small-time county, Bulla says. We do really good quality shows for being a smaller or rural county. 

The guild presents four shows a year, which are held in locations such as Rockingham Community College or one of the high schools.

That could change in the near future.

In recent years, the Rockingham County Arts Councils budget has seen annual growth of 10 percent to 15 percent growth. Phillips expects this years budget to increase by 25 percent. Such momentum is leading to talks of building a Center for Visual and Performing Arts. Phillips says the arts council is in the very early planning stages of such an endeavor. Two floors of a three-story building has been offered to them, she says. The space would hold offices, studios, a gallery and small stage. The council is developing a sustainability plan for the project and will hold a capital campaign to pay for it.

Were encouraged by the growth that were experiencing as an organization and that were able to have a greater impact on our community with the arts, Phillips says.
Midori Goto, a legendary violinist known simply as Midori, will appear at the Eastern Musical Festival this week.

She will conduct a master class for students on Friday and perform a Tchaikovsky violin concerto with the Eastern Music Orchestra on Saturday evening at Guilford Colleges Dana Auditorium.

This will mark Midoris second appearance at the festival. In a News & Record review of her EMF debut in July 2008, where she performed Brahms violin concerto, Jim Shertzer wrote, Her playing and musicianship are impeccable. ... The capacity audience hung on every glorious note.

Midori has been captivating audiences since a very young age. At 2, she began humming a Bach theme shed heard her mother play. She received her first violin at age 4 and made her first public performance  in Osaka, Japan, where she was born  at 6, playing one of Paganinis Caprices.

In 1982, at age 11, Midori moved with her mother to New York and studied violin at Juilliard Pre-College. That same year, she performed for the first time with the New York Philharmonic, conducted by Zubin Mehta, who became a frequent collaborator.

She has since performed with most of the worlds great orchestras and established herself as an educator, holding the Jasha Heifetz chair in violin at the University of Southern Californias Thornton School of Music for more than a decade.

The highly awarded violinist has also established several music-oriented nonprofit organizations and been appointed a UN Messenger of Peace.

Midori, who proved an engaging conversationalist in a recent phone interview, ticked off her previous visits to North Carolina from memory and expressed her enthusiasm for performing at EMF this week.

Youre performing Tchaikovskys Violin Concerto, op. 35, on Saturday. What else is in your repertoire for the summer season?

I chose Tchaikovsky for some of the concerto performances, the orchestras and festivals. Ive also been playing a Plisson concerto, some chamber music and a Bach sonatas and partitas recital.

You performed those Bach sonatas and partitas at the German castle where Bach himself served as Kappelhaller (music director), a DVD of which will be coming out this fall. What was it like for you to perform these works in an environment so integral to Bachs history as a composer?

Ive always loved history in any case, so its always interesting for me to make the connection wherever it is, to feel the footprints of a work or of a composer or of a particular piece.

Last year, a 10-disc boxed collection, The Art of Midori, came out on Sony Classical, marking your 30th anniversary as a recording artist. What struck me was the range of composers whose work youve recorded over the years.

Im glad to hear that you think that! I like making recordings live in a concerto setting. I also love what I get to record. Ive never been in a situation, fortunately, where I was told to record.

It was never pressured, and so Ive always chosen pieces I wanted to record. I dont play any work earlier than Bach, and I play the very modern as well  things that I commission, things that are being written by composers working today  and everything in between.

As you get older, do you approach the pieces you perform with different understandings and perceptions? Do you discover new things in them?

Actually, its always changing, and its always changing because Im always playing with different people, different colleagues, different acoustics, different times.

And so its not just because of the age. Everything changes; everything is information; and while its continuous, its also constantly new.

How many hours a day do you practice to stay at such a high level?

I practice every day. It averages out to be about to be about five or six hours. Im not counting the minutes. Its not that I have a timer and say I must do a certain number of hours. Its really about the quality.

You have bachelors and masters degrees in psychology and gender studies from New York University. Has psychology been useful in your career as a musician and teacher?

I think psychology has been very, very practical. It taught me to read well, to write well, to really analyze and have critical thinking in a very educational sense. Training of the mind has been excellent. I loved every minute of it, too.

Youve set up several foundations and programs to promote community outreach of classical music, especially to schoolchildren. What is your sense of where we are and need to go in this country in regard to music education?

I think that the world is always changing, the environment for our children is always changing, and we have more artists to engage and connect with the community. We have a community that is more willing to accept and work together with artists. In that sense, I think its in a very good place.

Of course, we have had lots of discussions about the diminishing availability of music education and arts education in the public schools and in the curriculum.

A final question: What drives you to work as hard as you do?

What drives me? Music! My love for the music drives me. My passion doesnt get any less. I was reflecting on this rather recently, that the first step I take out onto the stage is something that still really gives me such wonderful excitement.
Divers in Tulamben, Bali, may soon hardly recognize a place where beautiful corals cling to the seabed below, or even know how they got there.

But one Chinese female diver will always know, for she is the one who planted them there.

Standing silently under the water are 59 ceramic pillars with capitalized letters carved onto their tops, creating a crossword puzzle-like scene. The letters spell 13 words, such as fighting, save, coral reef, and breath. The name of the puzzle is also spelled out: YILI PUZZLE.

Peng Yili, the 23-year-old diver and the designer of the puzzle said she thought about the idea in November 2015 during a gap year in Tulamben, where she enrolled in a diving course.

I was trying to put on sunblock cream, but was stopped by my instructor, who said it can harm ocean life. That is when the idea hit me. I wanted to set up an underwater art installation. YILI PUZZLE cant protect ocean life, but its made of ceramic, which means coral reefs can grow on it. It's like a shelter or manmade rocks, Peng told Peoples Daily Online.

By June the next year, the installation was set up underwater. It took Peng seven months to complete her project. Peng said the entire process was complicated, from applying for permits with local authorities to the design and production of the ceramic pillars.

I was particularly careful with the packaging to make sure all remained intact. Generally, polyfoam is used, which is light and cheap, but this material also causes pollution. So I chose high-temperature foam board insulation instead, which wont float away easily and cause pollution. Theyre also useful for local construction work, Peng explained.

Her decision doubled the packaging costs, and all the materials turned out to be high-demand, hard-to-get products in Bali. But local residents offered her as much help as possible during the project's installation.

Peng joked that her project came under pressure from her university, as she had to return to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago by August. She also admitted that her YILI PUZZLE was not cheap, about the same price as her annual tuition. While her family supported her idea, she received no direct financial support from them. She also did not try to find a sponsor, in the hope that YILI PUZZLE would become a personal art piece instead of a commercial one.

According to Peng, some of the pillars have now been moved, making it harder to see the order of the letters. Life is starting to flourish on the pillars as well.

As its designer, as soon as YILI PUZZLE was completed, it no longer belonged to me. It is a gift from me to the ocean. Its up to Mother Nature now to decide its fate, be it a home for coral reefs or lost in sea. I dont expect anyone to take care of it for me. It doesnt matter if anyone should remember it. Its for the coral reefs, not humans, Peng said, adding that she may set up similar installations elsewhere in the future.

Most divers are aware that sunblock cream can harm ocean life. Its also commonsense, Peng noted. But its a personal choice in the end. A righteous person will be self-disciplined, and those people will naturally become more aware about the environment. Hopefully they'll have a positive influence on their friends, she said.
WARSAW, Poland  President Donald Trump is reaffirming his commitment to NATO's Article 5 as he delivers a speech in Warsaw, Poland.

Trump said Thursday that the United States "has demonstrated not merely with words, but with its actions that we stand firmly" behind Article 5, "the mutual defense commitment."

He says, "Words are easy, but actions are what matters."

Trump was criticized during his first foreign trip for failing to explicitly affirm his commitment to the mutual defense of NATO members during a critical speech at NATO headquarters in Brussels.

The article states than an attack on one member is an attack on all members and binds the allies to come to that country's defense. It has only been invoked once, after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

___

1:52 p.m.

President Donald Trump is praising Poland for honoring its defense spending commitment to NATO saying that "the example you set is truly magnificent."

He used the occasion of his first visit to Poland to renew his call for other NATO members to boost their defense spending.

In a major address in Warsaw Thursday, Trump said that Poland is "now among the most committed members of the NATO alliance" and says that Poland "has resumed its place as a leading nation of a Europe that is strong, whole and free."

He's also touting the benefits of a strong Europe, calling it "a blessing to the west and to the world."

Trump's first visit foreign trip was marred by a tough speech to NATO members urging them to spend more on their armed forces.

Poland is one of the five NATO members that spends at least 2 percent of their gross domestic product on the military, as Trump has urged.

___

1:48 p.m.

President Donald Trump is calling on Russia to stop its destabilizing activities in Ukraine.

He's also calling on Moscow to end its support for "hostile regimes." Trump specifically called out Syria and Iran.

Trump instead urged Russia to join the "community of responsible nations" in its fight against common enemies and the defense of civilization.

Trump's plea to Russia comes a day before his first face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin annexed the Crimean Peninsula in 2014, which the U.S. does not recognize. Russia also supports separatist elements operating in Ukraine.

Trump included the message to Russia in a public address during a quick visit to Poland.

___

1:42 p.m.

President Donald Trump is telling a crowd in Poland that Europe no longer faces the threat of communism but that the West is now battling new "dire threats."

Trump, in a speech Thursday in Warsaw, said that the United States and its European allies have suffered frequent acts of terror. He vowed that "we will confront them and we will win."

The president specifically used the phrase "radical Islamic terrorism," the label for extremists that he used frequently during the campaign but declined to say in front of a gathering of Arab leaders in Saudi Arabia during his first foreign trip in May.

He said that extremists groups threaten the West's "way of life" and obliquely defended the administration's travel ban that restricts immigration from some Muslim majority countries.

___

1:38 p.m.

President Donald Trump says Poland may be the geographic heart of Europe but the Polish people are its soul.

Trump is addressing thousands of Poles from Krasinski Square, site of the Warsaw Uprising against Nazi occupation. More than 150,000 Poles died during the struggle to overthrow oppression.

Trump is praising the spirit of the Polish people for enduring and overcoming every effort to transform, oppress and destroy them.

He's holding up Poland as an example for other nations. He says Poland's triumph over hardship gives nations all hope for a future in which good conquers evil and peace achieves victory over war.

___

1:30 p.m.

President Donald Trump says that he is eager to expand U.S. partnerships with Poland, especially when it comes to exporting energy.

Trump said Thursday during a major speech delivered in Warsaw that he wants to make sure that the country and its neighbors are "never again held hostage" to a single supplier of energy.

Russia is one of the largest suppliers of energy to the European Union. Trump is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin Friday.

Poland received its first shipment of American liquefied natural gas last month.

___

1:25 p.m.

First Lady Melania Trump warmed up the crowd in Poland's capital ahead of her husband's speech, saying that all people should be allowed to "live their lives without fear."

The first lady said Thursday that guaranteeing the "security" of the American people is the centerpiece of President Donald Trump's administration and that she hoped all around world could share in that safety.

She also touted a tour she took earlier in the day at a science center nearby in Warsaw where people came "to observer, experiment, to ask questions and seek answers" which she said should inspire people in both the United States and Poland.

Melania Trump, who is taking a prominent role in her husband's key overseas trip, also saluted the Polish people and their "beautiful country."

___

12:45 p.m.

Crowds waving U.S. and Polish flags have gathered in and around a Warsaw square where President Donald Trump is set to deliver his first public speech in Europe.

Many have come from various corners of Poland and are holding banners with the names of their towns, including "Pila" or "Gorzow" in the west. Other banners on display in Krasinski Square feature the right-wing, pro-government Gazeta Polska newspaper.

Crowds are also gathering in neighboring streets, where screens have been set up for viewing.

Former president Lech Walesa is among the special guests in the VIP sector.

Poland's leaders have promised Trump a warm welcome before he heads to Germany later Thursday for a summit of the world's developed and developing nations.

___

12:30 p.m.

President Donald Trump is wrapping up his meeting with Croatia President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic.

The two leaders met Thursday on the sidelines of the Three Seas summit, a meeting of countries all bordered by the Baltic, Adriatic and Black seas.

The group aims to expand and modernize energy and trade with the goal of reducing the region's dependence on Russian energy.

The Croatian leader has been a driving force behind the initiative to diversify the region's energy supply and make it less dependent on Russian energy sources.

___

11:58 a.m.

President Donald Trump says that everyone is benefiting from a thriving U.S. economy, except for him.

Trump bragged about recent stock market gains as he addressed a summit with the leaders of the Three Seas Initiative in Warsaw, Poland.

But he says: "Personally I've picked up nothing."

He adds: "that's all right. Everyone else is getting very rich. That's ok, I'm very happy."

Trump gave his two adult sons and a senior executive control of his global real estate, property management and marketing empire when he took office in January. But Trump did not divest his businesses.

Instead he placed his financial assets in a trust that he can seize control of at any time.

___

11:42 a.m.

President Donald Trump has pledged that the United States will never use energy to coerce eastern and central European nations.

And he adds that the U.S. won't allow other nations to coerce them either.

Trump was addressing a meeting in Warsaw, Poland, of the Three Seas Initiative. It's an alliance among a dozen eastern and central European nations that are bordered by the Adriatic, Baltic and Black seas.

The group aims to reduce their dependence on oil and gas supplied by Russia.

Trump says he's proud that the region is benefiting from U.S. energy supplies. Poland received a first shipment of liquefied natural gas from the U.S. last month.

Trump noted the region's special significance to him. His wife, Melania, is a native of Slovenia, which belongs to the group.

___

11:33 a.m.

Poland's President says he hopes the European nation will "soon" sign a long-term contract for U.S. liquefied gas deliveries that will help it cut dependence on Russian imports.

Andrzej Duda (AHN-shay DOO-dah) spoke alongside visiting President Donald Trump who said America is ready to sign a deal "in 15 minutes" to help the region diversify its energy sources.

Russia has in the past used its gas and oil exports as a tool to exert political pressure.

Poland received its first, one-time U.S. liquid gas delivery last month and wants to continue receiving shipments and supply other nations in the region.

Duda said he hopes for a long-term contract soon but offered no date.

___

11:05 a.m.

President Donald Trump says he agrees that Russia meddled in the 2016 presidential election, but he is repeating his assertion that he believes "other countries" may have done the same.

Trump did not elaborate on which other countries he believes meddled in the 2016 election during his remarks in Warsaw, Poland Thursday. He says "nobody really knows for sure."

He was speaking a day ahead of his first face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump also repeated his claims that former President Barack Obama knew that Russia was meddling in the election.

Trump said people say Obama "choked" but he believes Obama purposely "did nothing" because he thought Democrat Hillary Clinton would win the election.

___

11:00 a.m.

The Polish first lady is hosting Melania Trump for tea during a brief visit as President Donald Trump attends events in the Polish capital.

Agata Kornhauser-Duda, 45, welcomed Mrs. Trump on Thursday to the Belvedere palace, a white palace fronted with four columns in the neo-Classical style.

Mrs. Trump was wearing a sleeveless jersey dress with a bright bold printed skirt by the Spanish fashion house Delpozo.

The first ladies will next visit the Copernicus Science Center, an interactive science museum geared heavily to young people.

___

10:56 a.m.

President Donald Trump says unnecessary regulations have hindered America's ability to expand energy investments.

Trump made his remarks Thursday in Warsaw, Poland, where he'll attend a meeting of the Three Seas Initiative. The group includes leaders of the Baltic, Adriatic and Black seas nations and aims to expand and modernize energy and trade with the goal of reducing the region's dependence on Russian energy.

Trump says, "we've taken unnecessary regulations out of our process" adding that the U.S. is "blessed with great land" that can benefit others.

___

10:53 a.m.

President Donald Trump says he's considering some "very severe things" to respond to North Korea's test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile. But he adds that that doesn't mean he's going to follow through on them.

Trump says he wants to look at what happens over the coming weeks and months and calls North Korea's behavior "a shame."

Trump says the North is behaving in a "very, very dangerous manner" and that something will have to be done about it.

North Korea launched the missile earlier this week. The issue will be a topic of discussion when Trump meets with world leaders in Germany later this week.

___

10:50 a.m.

President Donald Trump is calling on nations to confront North Korea's "very, very bad behavior."

Speaking in Poland Thursday, Trump called on nations to exert pressure on North Korea after this week's ballistic missile launch.

He's speaking at a joint press conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda (AHN-shay DOO-dah) in Warsaw.

___

10:46 a.m.

President Donald Trump is praising Poland for the role it's playing in helping to defeat the Islamic State group.

Trump says Polish armed forces help train Iraqi special forces and conduct reconnaissance missions. He also notes that Polish soldiers have fought and worked side by side with American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He says Poland is also host to 5,000 U.S. troops that serve as a deterrent to destabilizing behavior by Russia.

Trump also notes that Poland is one of the few NATO members that spends 2 percent of its gross domestic product on its military defense.

Trump spoke after meeting in Warsaw with Polish President Andrzej Duda (AHN-shay DOO-dah) and before a joint news conference.

___

10:41 a.m.

Poland's President Andrzej Duda (AHN-shay DOO-dah) is praising President Donald Trump for "thinking very seriously" about Polish security.

Duda spoke at a joint press conference with Trump in Warsaw, Poland Thursday.

Duda stressed the need for greater trans-Atlantic security and energy cooperation. He also called for long-term liquefied natural gas deliveries as Poland looks to diversify its energy sources.

___

10:04 a.m.

The White House says President Donald Trump plans to take questions at a joint news conference with Poland's president.

Trump is meeting with Poland President Andrzej Duda (AHN-shay DOO-dah) in Warsaw to start a day of meetings and a speech in the city's Krasinski Square.

The media event will be Trump's first overseas news conference.

It will come ahead of the president's high-profile meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and follow North Korea's test of an intercontinental ballistic missile.

___

9:30 a.m.

President Donald Trump is meeting with Polish President Andrzej Duda (AHN-zhay DOO-dah) as he begins his second foreign trip.

Trump arrived at the Royal Castle in Warsaw, Poland, shortly before 9:30 a.m. local time.

The two leaders exchanged an extended handshake in front of a white marble bust of Stanislaw August Poniatowski, the last king of Poland, then posed for photos before commencing their closed-door meeting.

___

9:28 a.m.

President Donald Trump is preparing to meet with his Polish counterpart as he kicks off a 16-hour visit to the eastern European nation.

Trump and Andrzej Duda (AHN-zhay DOO-dah) will be holding morning meetings and may hold a joint news conference later in the day.

Trump is also expected to deliver a keynote address to the Poles from Krasinski Square, the site of a monument commemorating the 1944 Warsaw Uprising against the Nazis.

He'll also be meeting with the heads of a dozen countries bordered by the Baltic, Adriatic and Black seas known as the Three Seas Initiative. The group aims to expand and modernize energy and trade with the goal of reducing the region's dependence on Russian energy.

It's Trump's second trip abroad as president.

___

9:25 a.m.

Poland's Jewish community is expressing deep "regret" that President Donald Trump has not scheduled a visit to a memorial honoring those who fought and died in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising during his short visit to Warsaw.

The community issued a statement late Wednesday noting that all U.S. presidents and vice-presidents visiting Warsaw since 1989 had visited the monument, a tribute to the Jews who took up arms against all odds against the Nazi Germans in the Warsaw ghetto.

The statement said that, to the Jews of Poland, "this gesture meant recognition, solidarity and hope."

It added: "We deeply regret that President Donald Trump, though speaking in public barely a mile away from the monument, chose to break with that laudable tradition, alongside so many other ones."

___

9:20 a.m.

Poland's defense minister says the Trump administration has agreed to sell Poland a new batch of medium-range Patriot missiles to upgrade the European nation's air defenses.

Minister Antoni Macierewicz made the announcement Thursday as President Donald Trump kicked off a day of meetings on defense and energy initiatives.

The purchase deal is still to be signed.

Warsaw is seeking to raise its defense potential amid Russia's heightened military activity, some of it near Poland's air space.

Macierewicz said the purchase could total some 30 billion zlotys (euro 7 billion.)

Trump is scheduled to meet with Polish President Andrzej Duda (AHN-zhay DOO-dah) Thursday, as well as with the heads of a dozen countries bordered by the Baltic, Adriatic and Black seas known as the Three Seas Initiative.
I am baffled why, in the midst of the illegal activities of local prosecutors Craig Blitzer and Wallace Bradsher, that a demand has not been made for a review of the court convictions they have been a part of. If they were so bold and egotistical as to bilk the citizens out of tax money to improve their financial standing, whats not to say there was wrongdoing in trial convictions?

To be a prosecutor, one must prosecute, and there is incentive for wrongdoing. So I say it is only fair and the right thing to do to look into the cases they have prosecuted. Who knows what poor person may now be incarcerated because those two have committed crimes beyond misuse of taxpayers money?

And if you think my reaction and opinion are sour grapes, then I suggest that you simply go to www.KeithHarwardInnocent.com and you will see I am an expert on bad prosecutors.

Keith Allen Harward

Greensboro
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In pursuit of the perfect cup of joe, coffee shops from Greenwich to Bridgeport are moving towards a more organic, sustainable, and a fresh-from-the-grind experience.

Others are turning to old and new brewing techniques, like the nitro coffee method where nitrogen is added to cold brew to bring down its acidity. Here is a selection of our favorite craft coffee shops in Fairfield County.

Coffee Cafe Roasters

Coffee Cafe Roasters in Greenwich sells about 400 cups of coffee a day. It offers a variety of drinks, including the Italian-style cappuccino triestino, nitro cold brew, and Kyoto cold brew, a slow-dripped iced coffee drink. Every espresso blend has five to eight singleorigin beans, which are roasted on-site every morning.

Zumbach's Gourmet Coffee

Zumbach's in New Canaan, a Connecticut old-timer in artisanal coffee, will celebrate its 20th anniversary in November. The shop also roasts its own beans, some 300 pounds per day, and serves single-origin roasts from remote coffee estates like Yemen, Guatemalan, Brazil, Tanzanian, and Kenya.

Lorca

Lorca in Stamford has the highest Yelp reviews in southwestern Connecticut. One of customers' favorite drinks is the cortado, an espresso shot cut with some steamed milk. The beans come from Handsome Coffee Roasters, an artisanal roaster based in Los Angeles.

Cafe Xpresso

Cafe Xpresso in Newtown also roasts its beans fresh. One of its signature drinks is the Red Eye, a fresh drip-brewed coffee with a shot of espresso. More adventurous coffee drinkers can try the Toffee Crunch, a mix of espresso and toffee-flavored milk topped with whipped cream, toffee sauce and toffee crunchies.

Shearwater Coffee Bar

Another early adopter of artisanal brewing in Fairfield County is Ed Freedman, who imports organic coffee beans from small coffee farms in South America, East Africa and Indonesia, and sells it at Shearwater Organic Coffee Roasters in Trumbull. Earlier this month, Freedman opened its own coffee shop, Shearwater Coffee Bar in Fairfield. His baristas use an Italian-made expresso maker, the Faema E71.

NEAT

NEAT in Darien specializes in artisanal, single-source coffee. Here you can try two of the latest craft coffee drinks: The nitro cold brew infused with nitrogen, and the coffee tonic, which is an espresso poured over icy tonic water.

Source Coffeehouse

Source Coffeehouse in Bridgeport gets its ethically-sourced beans from Lancaster, PA.-based Passenger Coffee Roasters. The coffee shop opened in 2014 in the neighborhood of Black Rock, where it serves flavorful and fruity espresso-based drinks.

Beanz

At Beanz in Stamford, baristas brew organic coffee supplied by Counter Culture in North Carolina. From growers to distributors, these coffee roasters know exactly where their beans come from. The blends it creates mix coffees from farms and co-ops in countries like Ethiopia, Guatemala and Colombia.
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GREENWICH  Summer school kicked off Wednesday with attendance numbers nearly rivaling last years record high.

Some 1,134 children picked up their pencils and lunchboxes for the Greenwich Public Schools summer program, slightly less than the more than 1,150 who attended the first day last year.

(Research) shows that if you have the kids coming every single day and you really focus on literacy and numeracy that kids do not have that summer slide and that they are more prepared and ready to go, come the beginning of the next school year, said Deputy Superintendent Ann Carabillo as she visited each of the summer school programs four sites: Greenwich High, Cos Cob, North Street and Hamilton Avenue schools.

Summer school is under heightened scrutiny this year after Greenwich Board of Education members requested a review of the program in April to ensure that it is actually improving student academics.

We have a $1.2 million program that we are not sure is working, said Barbara ONeill, a Board of Education member, at an April 20 meeting.

In the fall, administrators will examine the performance of students who attend summer school on their spring and fall STAR standardized tests to see if the program prevented summer slide, when some children lose some of their academic skills over the summer. School officials will compare the performance on the two tests of students who attend summer school to those who were recommended to go to summer school but didnt and to students who were not recommended for summer school and did not go. They will also compare students who attended summer school for three versus six weeks.

We are really being very explicit about the data that we collect, Carabillo said.

This years six-week summer school program offers a new transition class for 5-year-olds entering kindergarten in the fall. Students learn in the North Street School kindergarten classrooms from Greenwich Public School teachers, many of whom teach kindergarten in the district. Previously, 5-year-olds were mixed in with 3- and 4-years-olds in the preschool summer program.

Its definitely more personalized for their needs as incoming kindergarten students, said Lori Leibowitz, summer school site coordinator for North Street School. Theyre with their peers.

In addition, Greenwich High is offering new summer courses for credit recovery or to help students advance to honors or AP classes. The elementary program has enough students this year to separate fourth- and fifth-grade classes.

Summer school will boast fewer STEM enrichment activities and field trips this year. Last year, Bruce Museum educators and other community partners provided science lessons  like a touch-and-feel sea creature exhibit  to summer school students, funded by a Greenwich Alliance for Education grant. This year, summer school was not awarded the private funding.

Still, school officials said they hope to keep attendance and engagement high throughout the summer with other creative activities  as well as calls home to parents when their children miss class.

Leading the summer school program this year is Lori Mulligan, a Greenwich High School math teacher who has taught in or coordinated summer school for more than a decade.

My children have been coming every year, she said. My youngest, summer school after kindergarten solidified her being a reader... I credit that to summer school.

The district is required to offer some form of summer school by law.
What happens in Vegas, or at the very least what you buy there, really does need to stay in Vegas.

Las Vegas, which had almost 43 million visitors in 2016, will begin legal sales of recreational marijuana starting on July 1 as part of the statewide change in law in Nevada. But while you eventually will be able to buy it on the Strip -- a dispensary is applying for a license on the famed street -- dont think you can smoke it there. Nevada law prohibits marijuana smoking in public places.

Law enforcement is expected to be keeping an extra eye out for such behavior. A spokesman for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department told the Los Angeles Times that tourists also shouldnt expect to use marijuana in hotels along the Strip and downtown, none of which have decided yet to allow it.

Related: Science and FDA Say Cannabis Is Medicine but DEA Insists It Isn't

Rocky Road

A last minute lawsuit seemed about to derail the sale of adult-use marijuana in Nevada.

The states voters approved the sale of recreational marijuana in November 2016 along with California, Maine and Massachusetts. But the Silver State worked faster than the other states to get a regulated, adult-use marijuana system in place. Most states are not expected to start legal marijuana sales until January 2018.

However, the states Independent Alcohol Distributors sued, saying they wanted exclusive rights for the first 18 months to distribute marijuana in the state. That language actually is included in the proposition passed by voters last November, according to Nevada Public Radio.

A judge ruled in the distributors favor, effectively eliminating the vast majority of 93 applicants who had applied for licenses (many of them dispensaries which already sell legal medical marijuana).

However, emergency rules passed by the state will allow sales to go forward if a dispensary already has marijuana in supply. This is expected to last 60 to 90 days in some places, giving the state and the alcohol distributors time to hash out the legal issues.

If nothing else, the situation has shown the high amount of money at stake when a state legalizes adult-use marijuana, as has been seen in Colorado, Oregon and Washington.

Related: Cannabis Stock Index Grew 236% In 2016

$60 Million For Education

Meanwhile, state leaders hope to use the windfall from a marijuana excise tax for public use.

By the language of the proposition approved by voters, marijuana tax money and fees must go into the State Distributive School Account. Gov. Bob Sandoval hopes as much as $60 million annually could go toward schools in the initial first year of sales.

On the other hand, the state also expects to incur costs for regulating the industry, including $600,000 for the state Department of Taxation to set up a software system for tracking marijuana sales and another $1.1 million in additional personal costs.

Follow dispensaries.com on Instagram to stay up to date on the latest cannabis news.

Related:

Sorry, But No You Can't Smoke Marijuana on the Las Vegas Strip Yet.

NBA Champion John Salley Talks About the 'Seed to Sale' Process for Cannabis Business

What Is Schedule I and Why Is Marijuana on the List, Anyway?



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Some 30 panda cubs are expected to be born in 2017 at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, southwestern Chinas Sichuan province, marking another golden year in panda breeding.

According to Zhang Hemin, a deputy director at the research base, the newborns would push up the total number of giant pandas in captivity to more than 250, Xinhua News Agency reported.

The research base currently has 230 captive pandas, and another 150 are kept at the Wolong National Nature Reserve.

The earthquake in Wenchuan in 2008 badly damaged the research base, forcing all the pandas to be sent to parks across the nation. It wasnt until last May that they returned.

While all pandas receive good care around the world, the most suitable place for them to live is in Wolong. They are most excited and active when they are back at home, Zhang said, adding that the research base will work with Hong Kong to help the pandas there to give birth during the peak breeding period.
Ai Wen (Photo/sohu.com)

On July 5, Peking University held a graduation ceremony for this years graduate students. A graduate student from America, who goes by the Chinese name Ai Wen, talked about his interpretation of the Confucius wisdom: A gentleman seeks harmony, not uniformity. The video of his speech went viral on Chinese social media, getting thumbs up from netizens.

"I have learnt some Confucianism in America" (Screenshot)

Ai Wen first told a story about how he avoided a culture clash with his roommate Yang Le, now one of his best friends. In the beginning, Ai Wen found Yang so different. For example, Yang liked to do beggar squats for exercise, something Ai Wen had never heard of. Yang was also an advocator of Ying and Yang (a Chinese philosophy that believes two opposite forces may be complementary), so Yang would stop him from eating watermelons in May, as the weather was not hot enough to counter the cold temperature of the watermelon. Despite all the differences, Ai Wen was happy to make a new friend. The two exchanged their different views on philosophy, religion, and life every night.

Ai Wens understanding of the Confucius saying: A gentleman seeks harmony, not uniformity, was gradually enhanced by two other stories he shared in his speech. One was how he dealt with culture shock after he joined the universitys bicycle club, and the other one was how he started an English news group to help Chinese students practice their English and express their viewpoints.

Ai Wen demonstrates "beggar squats" (Screenshot)

Everyone can do one thing to change the world. But that doesnt mean you have to donate cash or volunteer your time; it could be as simple as just trying to communicate with someone who is different, he said in Chinese.

At the end of his speech, Ai Wen even mocked US President Donald Trump, saying that the US president wants to build a barrier that is as strong as the Great Wall, isolating Americans from the world.

"Everyone could help make the world a better place through cross-cultural communication" (Screenshot)

Too many conflicts are the result of poor communication, so everyone should open up and be tolerant in order to understand each other and make friends. Cross-cultural communication based on the principle of harmony but not uniformity will help make the world a better place, he concluded.




Haiti - Politics : Message from the Prime Minister to Venezuela





On Wednesday evening, as part of the ceremony to celebrate the 206th anniversary of Venezuela's independence, Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant, present at the ceremony, said in his speech :



"The Haitian people and Government are invited on 5 July each year to renew their fraternal friendship with the Venezuelan people. My presence testifies of the solidarity of the Head of State, of the Government and the people of Haiti, to the people of Venezuela.



I invite young people to draw on the dream cherished by Simon Bolivar to rebuild Peace and unity in respect for differences.



I am one of those who believe that the solution to the Venezuelan problems can only come from the Venezuelans themselves.



I would be remiss if I did not underline the acts of the Venezuelan people with the Haitian people. This is reflected in the welcome to our brothers and sisters in Venezuela and the PetroCaribe program, which enabled the Haitian state to respond to certain expectations of our populations in difficult times.



I would like to express our appreciation to the Venezuelan people for these marks of brotherhood, solidarity and friendship.



I renew the vows of progress, unity, concord and Peace for the people of Venezuela."



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Politics : More than $20M in grants for 2 projects





Wednesday in Petion-ville, Maguy Durce, the Director General of the National Institute of Vocational Training (INFP), proceeded with Idamay Denny, Portfolio Manager, Social Sector Division, Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to the aunch of two projects : one on community-based agriculture and rural development, and the other on technical and vocational education and training (TVET)financed in total by a little more than 20 million by the BCD.



"These interventions have the potential to not only impact the lives of the direct beneficiaries, and to make a significant impact on the reduction of poverty in Haiti but to also provide lessons which inform the design and development of other such interventions across all of our Borrowing Member Countries," said Dr. Idamay Denny, Portfolio Manager, Social Sector Division, CDB.



The Community-Based Agriculture and Rural Development Project, funded through a grant of USD8 million (mn), supports the efforts of the Government of Haiti to improve the output of the agriculture sector in the North West Department. It is the second poorest Department in the country, where residents depend almost exclusively on agricultural output for their food and nutrition security. However, agricultural productivity has been limited by the areas irregular rainfall patterns, and loss of land due to deforestation and poorly adapted agriculture production systems.



Under the Project, works will be completed to improve and irrigate 400 hectares of land. In addition, 2,000 stakeholders will be trained in production technology. Welthungerhilfe (WHH), which has a long history of working on the design and implementation of irrigation systems in Haiti, is co-financing the intervention.



The TVET Project II, also launched today, is being funded through a USD12.51 mn grant from CDB. The Project aims to provide males and females with greater and equitable access to high-quality and relevant education and training. The supply of skilled and employable labour could be expanded in Haitis key economic sectors such as construction, tourism and water.



Through the Project, the St. Martin TVET Centre, completely destroyed by the 2010 earthquake, will be reconstructed. Equipment, tools and curriculum support materials will be provided for that Centre as well as one also constructed by CDB in Jacmel. It is expected that 2,700 students will benefit from improved physical classroom conditions and enhanced teacher competence; 22 classrooms and laboratories will be built or upgraded to an acceptable standard; 92 teachers will be trained; and 1,800 at-risk learners will benefit from an improved support system, including tuition waivers.







"I shall never cease repeating that professional training is a social challenge that we should all embrace wholeheartedly; for it is not only a path to job creation and a pool of competence for the State, but also a lever of competitiveness for businesses, a springboard enabling youth to be gainfully employed and increasing employability for wage earners," said Mrs. Maguy Durce, Director General, National Vocational Training Institute (INFP), who delivered remarks during the launch.



The TVET II Project will be implemented by the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training through INFP.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Economy : Next budget what awaits the taxpayer !





Domestic tax revenues (taxes, duties and taxes and others) represent in the draft budget law for the fiscal year 2017-2018 an amount of 93.4 billion Gourdes out of the 144 billion of the State budget, to fill the treasury coffers in this budget proposal, that the government intends to collect the necessary tax revenues in the pockets of taxpayers: citizens and businesses.



If the draft budget is ratified without amendment by parliamentarians, include among others the following changes :



Modification of the Fonciere Contribution des Properties Baties (CFPB) :

Any building that can house persons or property, occupied or not, inhabited by its owner, usufruct or lease is subject to the CFPB according to the following scale :



Up to 50,000 gourdes: 6%

From 50,001 to 100,000 gourdes: 7%

From 100,001 to 150,000 gourdes: 8%

From 150,001 to 200,000 gourdes: 9%

More than 200,000 gourdes: 10%



A 60% abatement will be applied to the principal amount of the CFPB for the principal residence of the residents.



For any building housing hotels or similar, a 50% abatement will be applied on the principal amount of the CFPB. In no case the principal amount of the tax may not be less than 1,000 gourdes.



Getting a passport :

The passport valid for 5 years for minors will cost 2,500 Gdes (all taxes included)

The passport valid for 10 years for adults will cost 6,000 Gdes (all taxes included)



In the event of a passport renewal, the amount to be paid remains unchanged.



Driver's license :

A) Driving license - type A, E: 2,500 Gdes

B) Driving license - type B: 2,500 Gdes

C) Driving license - type C: 1,000 Gdes

D) Driving license - type D: 250 Gdes



Changing in the cost of tickets :

Circulating without the annual vignette: 2,000 Gdes

Circulating without license plates: 12,000 Gdes

Circulating with a license expired more than one month: 2,000 Gdes

Failure to respect the rules of engagement of a vehicle on public roads in particular

Drive with an insurance policy expired for more than 72 hours: 2,000 Gdes



Obtaining a Fiscal Registration Card (CIF) :

The Fiscal Registration Card is made on the basis of the payment of a fee each year:

2,500 Gdes for companies and legal entities

1,000 Gdes for individuals in employment

250 Gdes for laborers, temporary staff and unemployed persons



In case of non-payment on the required dates the amount will be doubled



Change in Income Tax :

It is made obligation to natural or legal persons who use the services of a provider whose tax residence is outside of Haiti to pay to the Directorate General of Taxes, within fifteen days of full or partial payment of the benefits, the amount of the Income Tax calculated at the rate of 5% for legal persons and 15% for individuals.



Are subject to payment of Income Tax on a flat rate, traders, industrialists and generally any business whose annual turnover or total assets of less than 2.5 million gourdes. In no case the Income Tax on a flat rate basis can be less than 10,000 Gdes.



Are compelled to pay the Income Tax based on the real benefit all individual members or companies whose turnover or the amount of total assets is greater than or equal to 2.5 million gourdes.



If a taxpayer refuses to comply with the law and after an injunction, the tax on the basis of the financial statements will be established automatically by doubling the amount of the deposit paid or which should be paid. In case of repeated offense, the tax and the fine are doubled.



In addition, the following requests for services are now subject to the presentation of a certificate of final declaration of taxes: Stamp and delivery of passport; Vehicle registration plates; Residence permit ; Driver's license ; Registration of property and security rights; Application for deductible and subsidy; Contracting between the government and service providers; Vehicle Insurance Against Third Parties; Legalization of parts; Patent, rental tax; Closure and rent of property in the private domain of the State. Persons whose tax domicile is located outside Haiti must provide proof that they are in good standing with the tax authorities of their country of residence and will pay a minimum flat tax of 10,000 Gdes



Commissions and brokerage commissions are subject to a withholding tax of 15%. The company or individual company is obliged to make the levy and to pay the tax accompanied by an explanatory statement to the Directorate General of Taxes from the 1st to the 15th of the month following that of the payment, under penalty of a fixed fine 100,000 Gdes for each case reported.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21434-haiti-news-zapping.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21395-haiti-flash-tabling-in-parliament-of-the-draft-budget-2017-2018.html



PI/ TB/ HaitiLibre


















Amid the intense competition, Chinese bike-sharing giants Mobike and Ofo have both come up with new ways to draw attention, but a designer raincoat and a minion-themed bike turned out to be less effective than planned.

Mobike announced on July 4 that it would start selling Mobike raincoats, which were designed by independent designer brand exciTING. The raincoat included roomy space for a backpack and a reflective strip. But the $40 price tag was not warmly received by Mobike users. Many criticized the raincoat for its lack of features and for costing several times more than the average raincoat, and few people would need the raincoat anyway, since most avoid riding a rainy day.

Meanwhile, Ofo has launched Minion Ofo in Beijing, Shanghai, and other cities. The yellow-colored bikes are decorated to look like a minion and have several minion figures on their handlebars. The front of the bike has two big minion eyes. The bike-sharing app also uses banana icons to mark out the location of each bike.

While many "Despicable Me" movie fans like the all-yellow-bikes, others said the company should focus that same level of attention on making the bikes easier to ride.

This is believed to be the latest form of competition between the two bike-sharing giants, which are fighting for dominance in the Chinese market. Both companies have also extended their battle to overseas markets.
The new financial year is prime time for employers to review their employment framework, including the impact of increases to the minimum wage and high-income threshold, changes made to modern awards and new workplace laws that might affect your business.



Minimum wage



For any business that has employees that are covered by a modern award and are paying at or close to the minimum wage under the award, it is important to review and increase employees minimum wages.



On 1 July 2017, the minimum wage in all modern awards will increase by 3.3%. Employers are required to increase the wages of any employee receiving minimum pay under an award by this amount, with weekly wages rounded to the nearest 10 cents.



For employees who are not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement, they must be paid the national minimum wage, which as of 1 July 2017, will increase by 3.3% to $694.90 per week, based on 38 hours (from $672.70 in 2016-17) and $18.29 per hour (from $17.70 per hour in 2016-17).



It is crucial that businesses increase employees pay if they receive award wages or the national minimum wage. The Fair Work Ombudsman, who handles complaints regarding compliance with workplace laws and investigate if they suspect there is a breach, have recently been taking a very firm stance against businesses that fail to comply with minimum wages and this could result in being ordered to back pay employees and pay significant penalties.



High-income threshold



The high-income threshold refers to the highest salary one can earn and still be protected from unfair dismissal. Anyone who earns more than the high-income threshold (and is not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement) is not protected from unfair dismissal, however they are still protected from other actions relating to unlawful termination.



The high-income threshold will increase from $138,900 to $142,000 on 1 July 2017.



Employers may wish to review the salary packages of employees who are paid close to the high-income threshold. If they are, as of 1 July, being paid slightly less than the high income threshold, it may be worth considering whether to increase their salary above $142,000 in order to prevent the employee from being eligible to make an unfair dismissal application if their employment is terminated. When calculating whether an employee earns above the threshold, superannuation is not included. Other entitlements such as bonuses, provision of a mobile phone or company car are not included if (1) they are not guaranteed to be paid and (2) if a value has not been attributed to them in advance.



It is important to remember that employees over the high-income threshold are still protected from adverse action and are afforded other protections under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and other workplace laws.



Changes to penalty rates



The Fair Work Commission issued a decision in February 2017 regarding changes to penalty rates under modern awards. The decision highlighted the belief that Sunday and public holiday penalty rates did not achieve the purpose of modern awards and therefore, it was decided to reduce these rates progressively over 3 or 4 years.



On 1 July 2017, penalty rates for employees covered by the General Retail Industry Award, the Fast Food Industry Award, Hospitality Industry Award, Restaurant Industry Award and the Pharmacy Award will be reduced.



General Retail Industry Award



 Sunday penalty rates for full and part time employees will be reduced from 200% to 195%

 Sunday penalty rates for casual employees will be reduced from 200% to 195% (inclusive of loading)

 Public holiday penalty rates for full and part time employees will be reduced from 250% to 225%

 Public holiday penalty rates for casual employees will be reduced from 275% to 250%



Fast Food Industry Award



 Sunday penalty rates for Level 1 full and part time employees will be reduced from 150% to 145%

 Sunday penalty rates for Level 1 casual employees will be reduced from 175% to 170% (inclusive of loading)

 Public holiday penalty rates for full and part time employees will be reduced from 250% to 225%

 Public holiday penalty rates for casual employees will be reduced from 275% to 250%

 Employees who work late nights on Monday to Friday will be paid 10% extra for hours between 10pm and midnight and an extra 15% for hours between midnight and 6am



Hospitality Award



 Sunday penalty rates for full and part time employees will be reduced from 175% to 170%

 Public holiday penalty rates for full and part time employees will be reduced from 250% to 225%

 Public holiday penalty rates for casual employees will be reduced from 275% to 250%

 Employees who work on Christmas Day if it falls on a weekend and its not declared a public holiday will be paid an extra 25% of their base rate and also get a substitute day off

 Full and part time employees can agree to get 125% of their base rate of pay for work on a public holiday instead of 225% if they get the equivalent time added to their annual leave or take a paid day off in the same week as the public holiday



Pharmacy Award



 Sunday penalty rates for full and part time employees will be reduced from 200% to 195%

 Sunday penalty rates for casual employees will be reduced from 225% to 220% (inclusive of loading)

 Public holiday penalty rates for full and part time employees will be reduced from 250% to 225%

 Public holiday penalty rates for casual employees will be reduced from 275% to 250%



Restaurant Award



 Public holiday penalty rates for full and part time employees will be reduced from 250% to 225%

 Employees who work late nights on Monday to Friday will be paid 10% extra for hours between 10pm and midnight and an extra 15% for hours between midnight and 6am

 Employees who work on Christmas Day if it falls on a weekend and its not declared a public holiday will be paid an extra 25% of their base rate and also get a substitute day off

 Full and part time employees can agree to get 125% of their base rate of pay for work on a public holiday instead of 225% if they get the equivalent time added to their annual leave or take a paid day off in the same week as the public holiday



New workplace laws



There are also two new proposed workplace laws, which havent yet come into effect, but are likely to in the coming months.



The Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Vulnerable Workers) Bill 2017 aims to ensure the Fair Work Act is equipped to deal with deliberate and persistent non-compliance, as some employers believe they are unlikely to get caught or the penalty is too low to worry about in the current Act. In response, this Bill seeks, amongst other things, to increase maximum civil penalties, place greater liability on franchisors and holding companies when they knew or ought to have known their franchisees or subsidiaries were non-compliant, and provide the FWO with powers to gather evidence in line with other regulators such as the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC).



The Fair Work Amendment (Corrupting Benefits) Bill 2017 aims to improve governance of registered organisations. It introduces criminal offences for giving or receiving a corrupting benefit and when employers pay employee organisations or prohibited beneficiaries illegitimate payments or a party receives any prohibited payment. Additionally, individuals bargaining for enterprise agreements must disclose certain financial benefits.



Paid parental leave



Late last year, Social Services Minister Christian Porter announced the Coalition intended to revise the current Federal Governments Paid Parental Leave (PPL) Scheme to prevent double dipping. The Coalition intended to stop employees who received parental leave benefits from their employers from also accessing the PPL Scheme, which provides payments at the national minimum wage for up to 18 weeks.



However, during the announcement of the Federal Budget in May 2017, the Coalition declared they were not continuing to pursue plans to alter the current system. As such, the PPL Scheme remains unchanged and employees are able to access both the governments paid parental leave scheme and their employers scheme, if there is one.



If you need any assistance or have any questions about how the above changes will affect your business, dont hesitate to contact PCC Employment Lawyers.



Helen Carter | Director Accredited Specialist (Employment & Industrial) PCC Employment Lawyers.


Thirty-year-old Niu Xiao has donated part of her liver to save her father, Niu Wenqing, who suffered from liver cancer. The operation was conducted at the Chinese PLA General Hospital in Hainan on June 27.

It's the first child-parent liver transplant in Hainan. Two thirds of the woman's liver was removed and then transplanted during the eight hour surgery. After one week of recovery, both father and daughter are in good condition, and the hospital has called the surgery a success.

One week later, when they met again for the first time after the surgery, they asked each other: "How do you feel?" They feel relieved knowing that they are both doing well.

Niu Xiao is a teacher at a tourism school in Haikou, Hainan. She was named after her parents' surnames. Her mother, Xiao Yanqiu, was under a lot of pressure before the surgery. She had to sign two surgery notices, one for her ailing husband and the other for her unmarried daughter. She could not imagine the pain if something had gone wrong.

Niu Xiao was born in 1987 in Jixi, Heilongjiang. Her parents moved to Hainan in early 1990s and left the little girl in their hometown. She moved to Hainan in 1996. Since then, the small family of three has lived happily together.

However, her father's disease cast a shadow over the happy family. When she found out that the best treatment for an early-stage liver cancer patient is to conduct a liver transplant, Niu Xiao decided to donate her liver to save her father, despite some pressure not to do so.

Niu Xiao's determination moved the medical team. "I have witnessed many liver donations from parents to children or between husband and wife in my 30 years of work, but it's rare to see a daughter who donates her liver to save her father," said Ji Wenbin, director of the hospital's hepatobiliary surgery. They conducted a series of tests before the surgery and set up a special care team.

Xiao Yanqiu told her daughter that the tourism school has raised more than 30,000 RMB (about $4,411) for Niu's medical expenses.

"Thank you everyone for helping us. As long as we work together, we will be able to ride out the storm," the family said as they tightly held hands.
Source: Medical Fair Thailand

Indicative of Southeast Asias vibrant medical and healthcare industry and Medical Fair Thailands strong drawing power, the healthy increase in exhibiting companies this year particularly seen with the participation of first time national group pavilions from Canada, European Union, India, the Netherlands and Russia also reflects the growing international appeal of the exhibition. With the debuting countries, this is further proof that the regions promising medical and healthcare industry continues to gain the attention of many of the worlds leading economies.

First Secretary of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr Bernhard Kelkes said: The Netherlands Embassy will participate at Medical Fair Thailand 2017 with a Holland Pavilion for the first time. The country offers state-of-the-art technological infrastructure, premium medical services, excellent medical expertise and a wide range of world-class hospitals at affordable costs.

In addition, Thailand is also a prominent hub for medical tourism, and this has also provided the impetus for companies looking to expand into the booming medical industry. Yearly, more than 2.5 million international patients travel to Thailand for a variety of treatments, ranging from general treatments like dental care and basic health check-ups to advanced procedures, such as stem cell treatment. The country has developed several biotechnology programmes to support the medical sector especially in alternative disease solutions for emerging diseases, re-emerging diseases and tropical diseases. Thailand offers plenty of opportunities for Dutch companies providing medical equipment and services or pharmaceuticals, Mr Kelkes concluded.

Medical Fair Thailand 2017 will also see its biggest Japanese contingent to date with over 70 companies from all over Japan, including group participations from Tokyo, Kobe, Osaka and Fukushima. Mr Shunji Iizuka, Director General of Commerce, Industry and Labour Department of the Fukushima Prefectural Government said: In June this year, Fukushima Prefecture signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Industrial Promotion, Ministry of Industry, Thailand, with the aim of providing mutual support to the medical industry in both regions. For the first time, eight companies from Fukushima will hold a joint booth representing the prefecture to showcase their products and cutting-edge technologies. It signals that with this partnership, there will be more Japanese presence in Thailands booming medical market.

The rising middle class of Southeast Asia is tech-savvy and more aware of the need for quality healthcare. Adapting with the changing consumer demands, the exhibition will prominently feature two special highlights on Connected Healthcare and Rehabilitative Care. These highlights will showcase the latest innovations and solutions in remote healthcare, tele-health, wireless healthcare, living aids and many others.

For instance, Almex System Technology Asia will be conducting a product demonstration to showcase their newly improved hospital kiosks for self-registration and payment, and queue management system. These kiosks will automate enhance the efficiency of every aspects of a healthcare institutes reception operations by reducing waiting time and improving reception procedures. Lundal (Thailand) will exhibit the industrys first hydraulic lift-type backrest bed. The bed features a back rest portion that can be moved up or down by a handle lever, providing the healthcare staff and users a convenient rehabilitation equipment. While rehabilitation product provider Alexandave Industries will present the Asian debut of the ALDA Balance Gear, a wearable device that improves body balance with real-time evaluation and training guideline. Medical mobility aids manufacturer Wus Tech is also introducing to the Asian market-their best-selling life chairs, mobility scooters and power wheelchairs, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals with limited mobility.

Medical Fair Thailand 2017 will also be a gateway of knowledge for trade visitors. Conferences and forums featuring industry thought leaders will present the latest trends and future demands of the industry. Returning once again is the 3rd Advanced Rehab Technology Conference (ARTeC), which will take place from 6  7 September, with topics centred on technological solutions for the ageing population. Speakers from leading institutions such as MIT and Fujita Health University will discuss topics on robotic rehabilitation, sarcopenia in the elderly, neurorehabilitation and others.

Conferences and forums dedicated to technology such as the Digital Imaging in Radiology and Patient Safety conference and TMI CIO Forum will cover a wide array of topics such as risk management in Radiology IT, current network technology, Hospital IT Outsourcing, Emerging Information Technologies in Healthcare and many others. Reflecting on the importance of technology, Thai Medical Informatics Association President, Dr Choosna Makarasara, said: Technology has been changing the landscape of the medical industry rapidly, and it is only appropriate that the industry adapts accordingly to these shifts. What the TMI CIO Forum aims to achieve at Medical Fair Thailand 2017 is to provide CIOs with the necessary knowledge on how to manage the challenges of technology while at the same time integrating it to ensure greater efficiency and productivity.

With a strong showing from leading companies and industry experts, Medical Fair Thailand 2017 is the preferred healthcare platform for trade visitors as well as practitioners.

More information can be found at www.medicalfair-thailand.com.

Source: Medical Fair Thailand
The government agreed yesterday that the head office of the agency, which is tasked with supervising and developing the domestic pharmaceutical industry, will remain in Kuopio, while its other operations will remain situated in Turku and Helsinki.

Jan Vapaavuori (NCP), the Mayor of Helsinki, has expressed his disappointment with the governments decision to de-centralise the operations of the Finnish Medicines Agency (Fimea).

The decision is effectively a reversal of a decision made in 2012, which would have transferred all of the staff and operations of Fimea to Kuopio by the end of 2018. The Centre Party has called for the de-centralisation of the agency, while the National Coalition has expressed its concern that the agency can only attract skilled employees if its head office is in Helsinki.

Fimea currently employs roughly 60 staff members in Kuopio, 170 staff members in Helsinki and 7 staff members in Turku, according to Helsingin Sanomat.

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health tells in a press release that de-centralising the operations according to the initial plan would have necessitated mass lay-offs due to the significant reluctance of current staff members to move to Kuopio.

Vapaavuori on Wednesday warned that the decision could jeopardise Finland's efforts to become the next host of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which will be re-located from the United Kingdom following the countrys withdrawal from the European Union. Finland is one of several member states that have declared their intent to host the EMA.

Fimea's location could prove decisive in the application process, stated Vapaavuori.

The governments stubbornness about its biggest de-centralisation failure is saddening. The EMA application process will be complicated further, even though parts of Fimea remain in Helsinki, he tweeted.

The Finnish government has yet to specify which city it believes would be the best-suited for hosting the massive agency and its roughly 900 staff members. It was expected to make the announcement shortly after resolving the long-running dispute over Fimea.

Vapaavuori revealed last week that an application is already being drawn in Helsinki.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Photo: Timo Hartikainen  Lehtikuva

Source: Uusi Suomi
Prime Minister Juha Sipila (Centre) on Wednesday confirmed that minor revisions will not suffice to alleviate the concerns of the Parliaments Constitutional Law Committee.

The Finnish government has decided to postpone the implementation of both the reform of regional administration and the reform of social and health care services in order to address the flaws in its bill to expand patients rights to choose their social and health care service provider.

The government, he announced, will consequently unveil an entirely new bill on patients freedom of choice in the first half of next year and will assuredly take both reforms over the finish line.

The necessary amendments will be made, and the [social and health care] reform will be implemented on 1 January, 2020. The regional elections [will take place] in October, 2018, he stated on Twitter on Wednesday.

The Constitutional Law Committee issued its damning report on the bill to expand patients rights to choose their social and health care service provider on 29 June, 2017.

The Finnish government initially reacted to the report by assuring that the constitutional shortcomings will not result in delays in the implementation of the reforms. The original plan was to organise the regional elections in January, 2018, and implement the social and health care reform in January, 2019.

Sipila, however, conceded one day later that the bill requires more attention than was apparent upon a cursory review.

Petteri Orpo (NCP), the Minister of Finance, also confirmed the revised schedule yesterday and reminded that high-quality legislative work will be crucial for implementing the reforms successfully.

The Constitutional Law Committee also floated in its report the idea of allowing large municipalities to produce social and health care services independently instead of transferring the responsibility to the counties that are to be established as part of the regional administration reform. The Centre, which has been the main advocate of establishing the 18 autonomous counties, has already voiced its reservations about the proposal.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Photo: Roni Rekomaa  Lehtikuva

Source: Uusi Suomi
It was 11 am, July 5, and 18-year-old Fang Zhengtian was still practicing drums, despite the hot, damp air of the rehearsal room in an underground garage in Quzhou, Zhejiang Province. His talent already landed him an offer from McNally Smith College of Music, one of the most distinguished art colleges in the United States, even with poor math scores. Instead of struggling to get a high score in the Gaokao, the national college entrance exam that most Chinese students would face, Fang achieved success in his own way. (Photo/Qianjiang Evening News)
A piece of glass in a three-year-old boy's forehead went undetected because no X-rays were taken when he was treated in hospital, a judge has been told.

Judge Mary O'Malley Costello heard that when Aaron Kehoe cut his head after running into a glass panel in his home he was taken to the National Children's Hospital.

Glue

Barrister Tom Clarke, counsel for the boy who is now six, told the Circuit Civil Court that in March 2014 Aaron's wounds were cleaned and, after some glass was removed, they were sealed with glue.

"Aaron was kept for observation for three hours but no X-ray examination was undertaken in the accident and emergency department of the hospital to ascertain if there were any foreign objects remaining in the wound," Mr Clarke said.

Mr Clarke said that following his discharge Aaron's wound only partly healed and when his mother, Roisin, took him back to the hospital an X-ray revealed there was still a piece of glass under his skin.

Aaron, of Standhouse Lawns, Newbridge, Co Kildare, was admitted to the plastic surgery department at the Children's University Hospital, in Dublin, where he underwent surgery for scar revision and removal of the glass.

Approved

Mr Clarke said the hospital had made a settlement offer of 20,000 to Aaron and he was recommending it to the court.

The hospital's offer was approved by Judge O'Malley Costello.
The wrecked gates at Trinity College after the rampage

A 69-year-old man accused of ramming his car through Trinity College's front gates has pleaded not guilty to criminal damage and road traffic offences by reason of insanity.

John Farrell, of Fassaugh Road, Cabra, Dublin, caused more than 33,000 worth of damage when he went on a rampage through Trinity and the city centre shortly after 6am on April 2, 2014.

The brunt of the bill was for replacing the college's 18th century wooden gates, which were effectively destroyed by Mr Farrell's vehicle.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that after his arrest, Mr Farrell said: "I'm sorry for what I done. I don't want fame, I just want peace of mind."

Bipolar

At the start of his trial, Mr Farrell denied five counts of criminal damage, four counts of endangerment by driving towards people at speed, three counts of dangerous driving, and two counts of failing to stop after a collision.

Anne Rowland BL, representing the State, said Mr Farrell did not dispute any of the actions alleged against him.

She said it would be up to the jury to decide on his mens rea, or mental intention, on the day.

A consultant psychiatrist at the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum said Mr Farrell had underlying bipolar disorder and a pre-existing history of hyper-mania.

The psychiatrist said he believed that Mr Farrell's behaviour on the day satisfied the legal definition of insanity.

The court heard that after following a van through the gates into Trinity, Mr Farrell drove over flowerbeds, scattering people who ran for shelter, and smashed through two steel barriers and a set of iron gates.

He then drove at speed towards the closed wooden front gates, shouting at security officer Alan Currivan: "Open them f***ing gates."

He made no impact the first time, but reversed and drove at the gates harder, breaking through on the third go and hitting a college van on the far side, the court was told.

Gardai at this stage were monitoring Mr Farrell's movements as he drove up Grafton Street Lower at speed, scattering traffic and pedestrians.

He drove up Nassau Street and turned into Dawson Street, driving against the traffic up a one-way street. Mr Farrell then accelerated into a car twice.

The court heard that gardai took the key from the ignition, but it took four officers to prise Mr Farrell's hands from the steering wheel.

Judge Patricia Ryan is due to deliver her charge to the jury today.
Tautvydas Tamulis who was arrested in an apartment black

A new dad caught trespassing at an apartment block had gone into the building to take drugs.

Tautvydas Tamulis (31) had no reason to be in the city centre complex when gardai arrested him.

Tamulis's lawyer told a court that he had a substance abuse problem at the time.

The defendant, who has several previous convictions, was told he could avoid a jail sentence if he was found suitable to carry out community service instead.

Judge Anthony Halpin adjourned his case for four weeks for a report to be produced.

Tamulis, a father-of-one of Ashwood Green, Ashbourne, Co Meath pleaded guilty to trespassing.

Dublin District Court heard that the incident happened at Temple Hall Apartments on Parnell Street in February.

Gardai responded to a report of an intruder at the apartment complex.

Tamulis said he had no reason to be there when questioned and was arrested for trespassing and brought to a garda station, where he was charged.

Clean

The court heard that he had a number of previous convictions for offences including possession of drugs, assault, theft and motoring offences.

The defendant had had difficulties with alcohol and drugs in the past but was now clean of all illicit substances, his solicitor, Niall O'Connor, said.

His partner had recently given birth to their first child, the court was told.

Tamulis, who is originally from Lithuania, was a labourer by trade and had recently been offered work in construction.

"Why did he do it?" Judge Halpin asked.

"He had a drug difficulty at the time," Mr O'Connor replied.

"He was trespassing in the apartments for the purpose of taking drugs. He is off all substances."

He asked the judge to be as lenient as he could in the circumstances and to take his client's guilty plea into consideration.

Judge Anthony Halpin said he would order Tamulis to carry out 100 hours of community service instead of a two-month prison sentence.
A convicted heroin trafficker and key member of the Kinahan cartel has been conducting his business on a bicycle because of the major heat his long-term driver is getting from gardai.

Notorious hood Greg Lynch (32) has been spotted by officers on both sides of the city riding around on a pushbike and sporting a dark helmet and shorts.

Sources said Lynch was "looking fit" despite the permanent facial injuries he suffered in a botched murder attempt in the north inner city in October 2013.

"He seems to love speeding around on that bike," one source said last night.

Raided

"He is often spotted in the south inner city near his home in the Maryland area and the Oliver Bond flats complex.

"However, gardai have stopped him in the north inner city area as well and he uses his bike to cross the River Liffey on a regular basis, where he does business with criminals in the area patrolled by Bridewell gardai."

It is understood that Lynch has decided that his 32-year-old long-term driver is getting "too much heat from the cops", but that the major drug dealer has not fallen out with him.

Last year, gardai investigating the activities of the Kinahan cartel seized more than 40,000 from Lynch's former driver in a raid in the Liberties area of the south inner city.

Lynch and his former driver are also business partners, with the two criminals involved in at least two companies in the south inner city.

One of these businesses has also previously been raided as part of a garda crackdown on the Kinahan cartel.

In April of last year, the homes of Lynch and his father Gerard 'Bra' Brady were among a large number of properties raided by gardai investigating the activities of the Kinahan cartel.

Gerard (56) is a close pal of godfather Christy Kinahan, who also lived in the Oliver Bond flats for years.

He has 18 convictions for crimes, including theft and possession of dangerous weapons, but he is not known to be active in the drugs trade.

Terrified

The same cannot be said for his son Greg, who was aged just 19 when he was jailed in 2004 after he was caught handing over huge amounts of heroin in a car park.

Lynch - who survived an assassination attempt four years ago that has left him facially disfigured - is one of Ireland's biggest drug dealers and has multiple threats against his life.

Senior sources say Lynch - who street dealers are terrified of - is in the top 10 heroin and crack cocaine importers in Ireland.

He was jailed for six years in 2004 after he was caught handing over 400,000 of heroin in the car park of the Red Cow Inn.

He was arrested following a surveillance operation by gardai.
China Aviation Supplies on July 5 signed a $22.8-billion-dollar deal with Airbus for 140 aircraft. The Chinese company ordered 100 A320 and 40 A350 XWB.

The deal was signed in Berlin, Germany, by Airbus CEO Tom Enders and CAS Executive Vice President Sun Bo in the presence of visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Enders said that China is currently one of the worlds most important aviation markets.

According to Airbus, the worlds passenger aircraft fleet above 100 seats is set to more than double in the next 20 years to over 40,000 planes as traffic is forecast to grow at 4.4 percent per year.

Airbus says that 1,440 Airbus aircraft were in service in China by the end of May, of which 1,228 are A320 passenger jets.
(photo by CGTN)

An Illinois court has denied releasing the man charged with the kidnapping of missing Chinese visiting scholar Zhang Yingying on bail, CCTV's Li Hui reported.

The hearing was held at 3:00 p.m. local time on Wednesday at the US District Court for the Central District of Illinois to determine if Christensen should be been granted bail.

On Monday, US Magistrate Judge Eric Long ordered Brent Christensen to be held without bond until the Wednesday court.

CNN quoted a federal prosecutor as saying that the tape, secretly recorded by the FBI when Christensen attended a vigil for the missing 26-year-old student, "explained the characteristics of his ideal victim" and singled out those who matched the description from a crowd.

Assistant US attorney Bryan Freres said the former physics Ph.D. candidate at the University of Illinois, where Zhang was also studying, was taped explaining how he kidnapped the Chinese girl, who reportedly fought back, and brought her to his apartment, where he kept her against her will.

It remains unknown when and where this recording was made.

Christensen's lawyers noted the man had no criminal history and should have the right to defend himself.

The 28-year-old man has previously admitted to the FBI that he gave Zhang a ride in his car but alleged the girl panicked when he took a wrong turn and jumped out.

If convicted of kidnapping Zhang, Christensen could face life in prison.

Zhang went missing on June 9 after she stepped into a black Saturn Astra car as she was heading to an apartment complex to sign a lease.

Police believe Zhang, who arrived at the University of Illinois in late April, is no longer alive.
Liu Jieyi, Chinese Ambassador to the UN (photo by CGTN)

China told the UN Security Council (UNSC) on Wednesday that military action was "not an option" for addressing the issue of the nuclear and missile program of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), at a time the US put the military option on the table as diplomatic remedies are "quickly" narrowing down.

"China has always been firmly opposed to chaos and conflict on the Korean Peninsula. Military means must not be an option in this regard," Chinese Ambassador to the UN Liu Jieyi said during the emergency session of the council on Pyongyang's missile launch on Tuesday  the latest in a series of tests whose frequency has taken up speed in recent months.

The DPRK launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Sea of Japan on Tuesday morning, saying it would fundamentally terminate the threat and intimidation of nuclear war from the US and secure the peace and security of the Korean Peninsula and the region.

The move raised condemns from nations.

The US led a push at the UNSC for tougher sanctions on the DPRK, while warning the isolated regime's launch of an ICBM had drastically narrowed the path for diplomacy.

In a hard-hitting address to the council, US Ambassador Nikki Haley said the ICBM test had made "the world a more dangerous place," and that Washington was ready to use force if need be to deal with the threat of the nuclear-armed Pyongyang.

While Pyongyang's actions were "quickly closing off the possibility of a diplomatic solution," Haley said "there remains more that the international community can and must do, diplomatically and economically."

(With inputs from Xinhua and AFP)
Nearly 80 PA people have been charged for Jan. 6 riot. Three are dead.

news
Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Russia will make an additional contribution to bilateral relations, said Chairman of the Russia-China Friendship Association (RCFA) Dmitry Mezentsev in a recent interview with Peoples Daily.

His remarks came as Xi started his two-day state visit to Russia on Monday. This year also marks the 20thanniversary of Russian-Chinese Committee of Friendship, Peace and Development as well as 60thbirthday of RCFA.

Mezentsev attended the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in Beijing this May, during which he listened to speeches by President Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said that the speeches have inspired him and made him optimistic about the future of bilateral ties.

In his speech, Putin spoke highly of the China-proposed Belt and Road initiative, saying it will benefit all countries along the route of Belt and Road initiative and as help avoid unnecessary competitions, Mezentsev recalled.

Mezentsev said that the Belt and Road initiative will undoubtedly inject impetus into the economic and social development of all participating countries.

Russia, together with other involved nations, are all earnestly looking forward to Chinas proposals in promoting interconnectivity and high-tech cooperation, he added.

This October, the RCFA will embrace its 60th birthday, Mezentsev said. The RCFA has made considerable progress since its establishment, playing an important role in bolstering friendly exchanges between the two countries on provincial (state) and city levels, the chairman said.

Currently, the RCFA has 19 branches in Russia and the number will be doubled by the end of 2017, said Mezentsev, adding that the next important step for the organization is to advance communications between the youths of the two countries.

He noted that the RCFA is now working on cultural projects in a bid to promote cooperation in museums and movie industry.

Based on the existing regional mechanisms and exchange platforms such as the Yangtze-Volga Rivers and Northeast China-Russia's Far East, the RCFA hopes to facilitate the cooperation modes on provincial (state) levels, Mezentsev added.

Mezentsev said that he hopes Xis visit to Russia will yield plentiful outcomes. Every meeting between the two leaders would inject new impetus into the development of bilateral relations, he noted.

Based on the current mechanisms and achievements, the RCFA will make additional contributions to bilateral relations, the chairman said.

In the just-concluded Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit held in Astana, India and Pakistan officially joined in the SCO membership ranks. As the former secretary-general of the SCO, Mezentsev said that the new members will inject strength and power into the organization.

The SCOs development has entered a new phase and it will conduct more effective contacts with other international organizations, Mezentsev added.
China ready to join S. Korean in restoring healthy development of ties: Xi

Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Thursday that China would like to join South Korea to return bilateral ties back to the track of healthy development.

He made the remarks while meeting with his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in ahead of a G20 summit in the northern German port city of Hamburg.
Xi: China ready to seek healthy development of ties with S. Korea

China would like to return bilateral ties with South Korea to the track of healthy development, President Xi Jinping said in Berlin on Thursday.

He made the remarks while meeting his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in ahead of a G20 summit in the northern German port city of Hamburg.

President Xi has praised South Korea's efforts to develop bilateral ties and its willingness to properly handle sensitive issues. The two sides should respect each other's core interests and major concerns, the Chinese president added.

Moon said his country pays high attention to its ties with China and is willing to strengthen high level exchanges and cooperation in all fields.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the Korean Peninsula issue.

China is committed to denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and proposes all parties deescalate tensions through dialogue and consultation, Xi told Moon.

Moon expressed willingness to cooperate with the Chinese side on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and uphold peace and stability in the region.
Back in 1976, the bicentennial anniversary of the United States, David Araial wrote a drama called The Inherited Freedom. The thought behind the drama was that a free America was gained by our ancestors, and each generation must do its part for the next.

David was the first formal artist-in-residence in Caldwell County. He was attached to Caldwell Community College. Davids greatest role was helping revive community theatre. He designed the theatre at the college that became the home of Foothills Performing Arts.

David spent a lot of time on The Inherited Freedom. He studied local history and the relationships among local, state and national actions in the Revolutionary War. We  as in the people of the Catawba Valley area  indeed played a vital role in winning freedom. There is a strong argument that the rebellion would not have succeeded without the heroics of patriots in battles such as Cowpens, Ramseurs Mill, Kings Mountain and Guilford Courthouse.

It was an outdoor production that required building a new set. The drama was well-received.

I was looking up something else when I came across an old newspaper editorial about Americas inherited freedom that was inspired by the bicentennial drama. The inheritance of liberty is passed down from one generation to the next. It is up to the current generation to ensure continued freedom.

We  meaning our great country  are like a very large family. Some of us do the heavy lifting in defense of home and hearth, others support the country by supporting its defenders and our method of government. There is no unimportant way to nurture liberty. The home front and the far-flung battle lines cannot exist without each other.

We are committed ideally to not leaving anyone behind.

Our family America is like individual families: Some families produce offspring, some produce the next generation of leaders or, at the very least, the next wave of patriots who will defend freedom at all cost. Not one American, however, is exempt from preserving the essence of liberty. Every citizen is eminently qualified.

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same." Who said that? President Ronald Reagan.

Its something to think about.

I had a great time at the Red, White and Bluegrass Festival. Ive seen fireworks all over the place and heard tributes to our beloved veterans and those in uniform right now. I enjoy my freedom.

I realize, however, that I can hardly match the achievements of my father and his generation: The Greatest Generation. I was not among the thousands in my own generation who went to war.

My daddy and people like him gave me the opportunity to write words that extol service, achievement and liberty and urge others to be the best citizens they can. Citizenship includes speaking out against wrong and anything that could lessen the stature of our America  our national family.

I am content in the promise that even if glory passes me by, I will maintain honor and commitment to my inherited freedom, with gratitude to those who have paid a heavy price for me.

Here are some comments for this holiday week.

In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved. Franklin D. Roosevelt

(And we must remember that government is of the people and limited to only those powers and abilities we grant. Freedom gives us the right to bestow where government is concerned.)

Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor, it must be demanded by the oppressed. Martin Luther King Jr.

Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must  undergo the fatigue of supporting it. Thomas Paine

Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it. Mark Twain

I simply could not resist the quote from Twain. Teddy Roosevelt said something quite similar about the presidency.

Reach Larry Clark at wryturlc@yahoo.com.
HICKORY  The Hickory Crawdads is joining with the family of Mayor Rudy Wright and Habitat for Humanity of the Catawba Valley to host a memorial for Wright during Thursdays game, according to a press release.

The event will occur on what would have been Wrights 70th birthday.

Wrights family "will be in attendance to reminisce with friends and tell their favorited Rudy stories," according to the release.

There also will be an announcement about the Rudy Project, a collaborative effort between the Wright Family and Habitat for Humanity.

Educational material related to suicide, mental illness and depression also will be available.

"We are honored to host a celebration of life to remember a true champion for the City of Hickory, a great family man and a Crawdads fan from the first pitch in 1993," Crawdads General Manager Mark Seaman said via the release.

"This is an opportunity to take an unfortunate situation and provide something positive."

The team issued vouchers for a reduced ticket price of $6 with $4 of each sale donated to the Rudy Project.

Vouchers may be picked up at Habitat for Humanity, Hickory Metro Convention Center, Hickory City Hall, A Sign Co., the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce and McDonalds in Hickory.

For more information, visit www.hickorycrawdads.com or call 828-322-3000.
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Chinas Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui expressed his belligerent stance that there can be no compromise and that the ball is in Indias court in resolving the nearly three-week-old standoff at the Sikkim-Tibet- Bhutan borders. In the light of the G20 summit meeting at Hamburg this week and where Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping are expected to meet, his comments appear to be part of a diplomatic hard-ball being played by China.

Since Chinese efforts to construct a road unilaterally in the Bhutanese-claimed area closer to Sikkim began, the situation is snowballing into a war of words, if not a war in reality. Both sides reportedly mobilised forces, since the incident on June 16, and represent quantitatively higher numbers than compared to those deployed in the stand-offs at Depsang Plains in 2013 and at Chumar in September/October 2014 and 2015. Yet, despite ratcheting up by the Chinese side, we can only expect some flashes in the pan.

First, while a British Indian-Qing Dynasty Convention of March 1890 outlines a border treaty between Sikkim and Tibet along the watershed principle, no demarcation of territories  writes GS Bajpai in a 1999 book on Sikkim  was made subsequently, given the British focus on trade and Sino-Tibetan differences and intransigence. The areas of the current stand-off in Sikkim-Bhutan areas were never formalised into treaties between Bhutan and China. Besides, as the area is at the tri-junction of three countries, Indian consent is necessary for finalising a border treaty in future.

The Chinese argument that Indian Army had intruded into its territory was contested by the Bhutanese government on June 20. The Bhutanese also countered that Beijing was violating the 1988 and 1998 understanding on status quo. China has also been selective by citing the 1890 treaty while terming the 1914 McMohan Line as unequal. More recently, Beijng termed the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague verdict on South China Sea dispute as illegal! Such selective arguments are bound to weaken Chinese positions in the short term.

Second, invoking the special relations between India and Bhutan since 1910 that were reiterated in 1947 and as recently as 2007, Indian troops stopped the Chinese from building the road in the contested territories of Bhutan and China. For India, the building of a Chinese road with military back-up in Chumbi valley has security consequences for the vulnerable Siliguri Corridor. Thus, the Chinese military construction activity in Bhutanese-claimed territory violates not only the Bhutanese sovereignty but also aggravates Indian national security concerns.

Such brazen actions by China are matched by the Indian resolve to protect its interests. Still, it is only expected that the current stand-off then will fizzle out with stiff Indian resistance.

Third, citing the stand-off, China had cancelled the Mansarovar Yatra of Indian pilgrims through Nathu La and an Indian media delegation visit to Beijing.

Significantly, the rhetoric on the Chinese side has taken a sharp turn towards escalation. The Chinese foreign ministry spokespersons comments on July 3rd suggested that Indian troops are trespassing into Chinas territory. The editorial in Global Times on July 4 went further by stating that India will suffer worse losses than 1962 and that Chinas military should expel Indian troops out of Chinese territory and be kicked out!

Chinas recent statements on Singapore (after its Starlight exercises with Taiwan), Vietnam and Philippines (on South China Sea) and Japan (on Senkaku Islands) followed a similar pattern of psychological war and coercive diplomacy. In this backdrop, India needs to brace for more such rhetoric but to observe patience and perseverance.

Fourth, given the recent isolationist policies practised by the United States, as reflected in the withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, climate change and the pivot, Chinas game plan in its drive to acquire a leadership position in Asia is to make inroads in all parts of the region including South Asia. While it tried to create fissures in Nepal, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Maldives, the latest stand-off in Sikkim and the Chinese discourse officially and in the media, reflects its desire to break the age-old bonhomie between Bhutan and India.

At the multilateral level, Beijing intends to replicate the Southeast Asian formula to South Asia that is SAARC + China. Both at the bilateral and multilateral levels China wants to make further inroads in the region, displacing India

Not only does India need to further strengthen its ties with South Asian countries but also respond, not tactically as has been the case so far but strategically, in the larger region of Asia at the diplomatic, economic and military levels.

Srikanth Kondapalli is professor in Chinese Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University

The views expressed are personal
Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Thursday that China would like to join South Korea in bringing bilateral ties back to the track of healthy development.

He made the remarks while meeting with his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in ahead of a G20 summit in the northern German port city of Hamburg.

China and South Korea, two geographically close nations, share interconnected cultures and notable complementary advantages, Xi said, adding that the two sides have realized a leapfrog development in their relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties 25 years ago, which has benefited the two peoples greatly and contributed to regional peace, stability and prosperity.

"For a period of time, China-South Korea relations have been facing difficulties, and we do not want to see that," he said.

It is the common responsibility of the two sides to maintain and develop bilateral ties, he noted.

Xi also urged Seoul to take seriously China's rightful concerns and handle relevant issues properly so as to clear the obstacles for the development of bilateral ties.

For his part, Moon said South Korea highly values its relationship with China, adding that the two countries have a long history of exchanges, share broad common interests, and have become important partners for cooperation.

He also said that since taking office, he has engaged in active interactions with China, noting that Seoul seeks to join Beijing in stepping up bilateral exchanges and cooperation at various levels and in various areas, so as to shape a strategic partnership for the two countries.

Moon said that he I fully understands China's relevant concerns and intends to have in-depth communication with the Chinese side," he added.

Speaking of the situation in the Korean Peninsula, the Chinese leader said China supports the new South Korean government's efforts to restart contact and dialogue with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

China is committed to denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula, promoting peace and stability there, and settling the problem through dialogues and consultations, he said.

In response, Moon said his country agrees that the issue should be fixed via dialogues and consultations, adding that he is ready to work closely with China to realize denuclearization on the peninsula and to safeguard regional peace and stability.
Students at a government primary school in Madhya Pradeshs Chhatarpur district have stopped coming to school over the past two days because of the unbearable stench of rotting onions near the building.

Around 2,000 tonnes of onions were procured by the government to help farmers battling falling prices but an absence of adequate storage space and heavy rainfall spoilt the produce, local residents at Kushipura village said.

We stopped coming to school as we couldnt withstand the smell. The teachers and principal are trying to get the onion removed, Class 4 student Bharti told Hindustan Times.

Teachers in the school allege that the district administration authorities got the entire produce of onions dumped at the school ground.

I asked the officials to at least cover the mound with gravel or sand but they did not listen to us. They told us that government had issued the order to dump it in open, said school teacher Naval Kishore Pateriya.

The problem of rotting onions has swept Madhya Pradesh that is battling a farm crisis. More than 40 farmers have killed themselves since five died in police firing in Mandsaur a month ago while protesting for better crop prices and a loan waiver.

local residents complained that rotten onion had been dumped near a residential colony. (HT PHOTO)

A supply glut  the yield of onions this year is 30% more than that of the previous year  has sent prices crashing. The government has decided to buy onions from farmers at higher-than-market prices but an absence of storage facilities has seen many tonnes of produce rotting in the rain.

In the nearby Harpalpur town, local residents complained that rotten onion had been dumped near a residential colony.

The bad and pungent smell is causing irritation in our eyes. Most of the residents have locked themselves in their houses due to the smell, said local resident Pushpendra Payak.

Sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) BB Gangele said there must have be a miscommunication as there was no order to dump the rotten onion near a residential area or a school. We will take steps to cover rotten onion with sand. he added.
The feud between Pahlaj Nihalani, chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification, and Alankrita Shrivastava, director of the film Lipstick Under My Burkha, continues. Following a recent interview by Shrivastava, in which she spoke of how she was treated by the CBFC (informally called the Censor Board) when trying to get her film certified, Nihalani says that the filmmaker is carrying on about the films rejection just for publicity.

Nihalani says, These are tactics to draw attention to her film. You tell me, whats the only point of curiosity about the film? That the [CBFC] Examining Committee rejected her film? She has been cashing in on that for months now. He adds that the term lady-oriented, used to describe the film, didnt come from him. It was [in the letter written] by the Examining Committee. I neither viewed nor expressed my opinion over the film.

Konkona Sen Sharma in a still from Lipstick Under My Burkha.

Shrivastava said in that interview: The Examining Committee was divided in its opinion, so we approached the Revising Committee. Nihalani, who was present at the screening, made me feel like a criminal. Nihalani dismisses this, saying, She is a liar. I was never aloof, rude or uppity with her I very clearly remember asking her to sit. She didnt respond. I told her that her film was rejected by the Examining Committee. She said she knew that would happen. It was a civil, to-the-point conversation. How did it make her feel like a criminal? I fail to see why she continues to flog the CBFC and me to get her film noticed, rather than have people talk about it for its intrinsic merit. Does the film have anything else to recommend itself other than the fact that it was questioned by the Censor Board?

In response to what the CBFC chief has said, Shrivastava tells us, Let him say whatever he wants, as I have nothing against him. All Im saying is that the whole idea and procedure of censorship should be thrown out of the window. In a democracy, the certification process cant be a situation where you [a filmmaker] have to feel like you have to protect your film. It should just be a matter-of-fact procedure. There needs to be a situation where its a normal thing and not like you are constantly worried [about] what are they going to do to [the] film.

Clarifying her stance on Nihalanis statements that he was courteous to her, Shrivastava adds, I went to the screening theatre and there was the revising committee, who took the unanimous decision. Its not about whether they offered me a seat or not; the place is such that theres no space for [a] dialogue. So I felt that as a filmmaker, I was subjected to an unpleasant atmosphere.

The fabulous four! #lipstickrebellionbegins #lipstickrebellion #lipstickundermyburkha A post shared by Ekta Kapoor (@ektaravikapoor) on Jul 5, 2017 at 3:08am PDT

#lipstickrebellionbegins #lipstickrebellion #lipstickundermyburkha  A post shared by Ekta Kapoor (@ektaravikapoor) on Jul 5, 2017 at 10:35pm PDT

We ask the director about the middle finger campaign that Ekta Kapoor, producer of Lipstick Under My Burkha, has started on social media. The campaign has cinema personalities such as actors Konkona Sen Sharma (who is in Lipstick Under My Burkha) and Ratna Pathak Shah showing their middle finger to the camera, with a lipstick positioned right behind the raised finger.

Shrivastava says, Its a lipstick rebellion and its totally about defying patriarchy  women are talking about things they dont have. Its got nothing to do with the CBFC; the issue is much larger, and its a campaign about what women are constantly told not to do in society. Its a quest to know if women can also have the right to equal terms or are we still secondary citizens.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
Actors Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone are yet to publicly acknowledge their relationship, however, the fact that they are dating is not a secret. They have often been spotted together at several events. The two are shooting for their upcoming film, Padmavati, and there were also rumours of the two living together in Ranveers apartment near filmcity in Mumbai.

And Ranveer, who rang in his 32nd birthday on July 6, was spotted taking his lady love out for a drive in his new car. Check out their pictures:

Actor Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh worked together in Bajirao Mastani and will now be seen in Padmavati. (Viral Bhayani)

Although Ranveer seemed to be talking, going by the pictures, Deepika didnt look that thrilled. (Viral Bhayani)

The actor has gifted himself an Aston Martin for his birthday and decided to take Deepika on a romantic drive. The two have been spotted together after a while. Although Ranveer seemed to be talking, going by the pictures, Deepika didnt look too thrilled. Perhaps, the flashbulbs of shutterbugs had her distracted.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
Amazon, the worlds biggest online retailer, has invested another Rs 1,680 crore in its Indian unit as part of its commitment to invest $5 billion to expand its local business, which is locked in a battle with arch-rival Flipkart to dominate what is seen as the worlds last major unconquered Internet market.

Amazon Seller Services Pvt Ltd (Amazon India) received the funds last month, according to regulatory documents filed with the ministry of corporate affairs. In June 2016, Amazon.com Inc had said it would invest an additional $3 billion in India after the company exhausted its earlier investment pledge of $2 billion made in 2014.

Since Amazon chief executive Jeff Bezos made that initial $2 billion investment commitment in July 2014, Amazon India has already received more than Rs15,000 crore.

Amazon has been spending all that cash on building massive warehouses, a large logistics unit, marketing, discounts and increasing product assortment. The company boasts of the largest product assortment, the most expansive supply chain and the largest seller base among e-commerce firms in India.

Read more | Amazon to open 12 temporary stores in India for end of season fashion sale

Mint reported in April last year that Amazon India, which was launched in June 2013, had doubled its authorized capital to roughly about Rs16,000 crore. Since then, Amazon has invested twice in its Indian marketplace  a Rs 2,010-crore infusion in December last year and the latest in June.

The companys authorised capital was just Rs 1,500 crore in July 2014, when Bezos made the $2-billion commitment.

Amazons aggressive investment in its India business is matched by Flipkarts own capital-raising prowess.

In April, Flipkart raised as much as $1.4 billion in fresh capital from new strategic investors comprising Chinas Tencent Holdings, eBay and Microsoft. Flipkart, which has raised more than $4.6 billion since starting out in 2007, is preparing to buy out smaller rival Snapdeal as part of a proposed deal aimed to get further investments from Snapdeals largest investor SoftBank.

We remain committed to our India business with a long-term perspective to make e-commerce a habit for Indian customers and to invest in the necessary technology and infrastructure to grow the entire ecosystem, said an Amazon India spokeswoman.

Read more | With Whole Foods, Amazon on collision course with Wal-Mart

Amazons massive investment has yielded immediate results for the American e-commerce giant. Though Flipkart continues to be the overall market leader, including sales from its Myntra and Jabong units, Amazon India is catching up fast. Amazon is desperate to conquer the Indian Internet market, after losing out to Alibaba.com in China.
The Pakistani rupee lost 3.2% of its value against most major currencies on Wednesday while the Karachi stock market suffered losses on Thursday as political uncertainty plagued the country.

The depreciation of the Pakistani currency took place amid fears that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif would be disqualified later this year over the legal wrangle related to the Panama Papers scandal.

On Wednesday, the rupee suffered its biggest one-day loss since 2008 and closed at its lowest value in three-and-a-half years. On the same day, Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz appeared before a Joint Investigation Team inquiring into the family's assets.

In the coming weeks, a three-judge special bench of the Supreme Court, constituted to implement the apex courts April 20 verdict in the Panama Papers case, is expected to examine the final report of the JIT tasked to probe alleged illegal properties of the Sharif family.

These developments have caused uncertainty in the markets.

"This is an earthquake for the currency market and badly shakes investor confidence," Forex Association of Pakistan president Malik Bostan told the media.

Finance minister Ishaq Dar ordered an inquiry to investigate the depreciation of the rupee. He told the media he believed the currency had been unfairly manipulated by vested interests who want to show the Sharif government in poor light.

Dar has been a big supporter of a strong rupee and since taking office in 2013, the ruling PML-n party has tried to keep the rupee stable.

However, his stance has been bitterly opposed by exporters who think artificial support to the rupee is creating problems for Pakistans exports at a time when regional competitors have devalued their currencies to support their exports.
This is a tale of two distinct events: One staged by the common citizen, the other by our VVIPs. The Not in My Name protests were held in several cities by a few thousand people, braving the heat of Delhi and the rains in Mumbai and Bengaluru to show solidarity with victims of hate violence. There were no elaborate rituals, no full page newspaper ads, no glitzy stage, no lal batti cars and no dont you know who I am attendees. Yes, there was the odd celebrity  a Shabana Azmi here, a Girish Karnad there  but the majority were anonymous, well-intentioned Indians: From 18-year-old college students to an 80-year-old retired government typist.

The midnight session of Parliament to celebrate the launch of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act (GST) was populated by the power elite of this country, each one lining up with typical VVIP splendour. The pomp and pageantry of the Indian State was on full display and Parliament had been lit up like a bridal house on a wedding day. The scent of power wafted across the Central Hall of Parliament, the order of seating a reflection of an individuals status within the charmed circle. With portraits of the founding fathers casting their benevolent gaze over the proceedings, this was pitched as a historic event, a second freedom at midnight moment.

There was nothing historic or choreographed about the Not in my Name protests. A simple Facebook post by just one concerned citizen had gone viral, sparking off a spontaneous reaction of outrage at the killing of another faceless young Indian because of his religious identity. There were no lengthy obituaries to Junaid: Most of those present didnt even know the deceased. Yes, there was some soulful music and rousing poetry but nothing that appeared remotely stage-managed. A few people wore black bands and some others carried banners, but there was mostly an air of quiet anger and contemplation.

By contrast, the Parliament session was like a luminous sound and light show, dominated by the speeches of our leaders with constant table-thumping and cheering whenever the netas spoke of how the GST would transform the lives of the poor. The leaders praised each other cutting across party lines, a ritualistic exercise in feel-good self-promotion by a tightly-knit club. This was a rare moment of national political consensus, spoiled only by the rather churlish decision of a few Opposition parties like the Congress to stay away from the festivities. The event was carried live across every TV station in the country, each anchor competing with the other to emboss the occasion with superlatives.

The Not in My Name protests were carried on a few English news channels, but the more watched regional and Hindi channels chose to give it a miss, probably because they didnt see any TRPs in a small, urban-centric gathering. The Right-wing commentary on social media spoke of how such events were monopolised by the usual suspects: Secular liberals who raised their voice only because a Muslim had been killed. Where were you when RSS workers are killed in Kerala or Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley, was a common refrain, the what-aboutery accusations only designed to push an ominous them versus us polarisation.

It is almost as if the genuine anger of a citizen in the face of violent bigotry is somehow illegitimate but the majesty of the State must not be subject to inconvenient truths. Which is why, if given a choice, I would have rather attended a simple citizens protest in the true spirit of democratic dissent than an ostentatious Parliament jamboree.

Post-script: While citizens raise their voice against lynchings and the State applauds itself over the GST, here is another reality to ponder over: In the month of June, over 25 farmers in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh and Congress-ruled Karnataka committed suicide, mostly because of debt-related problems. When will the urban citizenry protest for the farmer or Parliament hold a midnight session to debate the agrarian crisis?

Rajdeep Sardesai is a senior journalist and an author

The views expressed are personal

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Within the span of one month, in two commuter trains in two opposite corners of the planet, men acted out their hate against young teenaged children. In both compartments, knives flashed, blood flowed, and people died, only because of the fury of prejudice.

Yet both stories are as different as light is from darkness.

One May 26, in Portland in the US, two young teenaged friends were travelling by train. One was black, the other visibly Muslim as she wore a hijab. Suddenly a white man in his thirties with shoulder length hair racially harangued the two girls. He shouted they did not belong to the country, did not pay taxes, and should go back to Saudi Arabia.

Three men separately approached the enraged man, forming a protective ring between him and the terrified girls. You guys cant disrespect these young ladies like that, they said to him. As they argued, the man got even more infuriated and threatened them.

Just as the girls were trying to get off the train, to their horror they found the man suddenly attack their protectors with a knife. He slit the throats of two of the men, and savagely sliced into the thigh of the third.

One mortally wounded man, 23-year-old college student Taliesin Namkai-Mece fell on the floor of the compartment. A few passengers tried desperately to stem his bleeding. I am going to die, he said. As they picked him up, his last words were, Tell everyone on the train that I love them.

The second man whose throat was slit was 53-year-old Rick Best, an air force veteran and father of four. He too died on the platform. It was only the third young man, a poet, 21-year-old Micah Fletcher, who survived his injuries in hospital.

There was an outpouring of grief and gratitude from all over the country for these heroes. One of the girls said to KPTV, They didnt even know me. They lost their life because of me and my friend and the way we looked and I just to say thank you to them and their family and I appreciate them because without them we probably would be dead right now.

Less than a month later, on June 24, again on a commuter train, again a Muslim teenager, became the target of hate assaults, this time in India. The boy Junaid Khan, with his brothers Hashim and Shaqir, was returning to his village in Haryana by a local train, after his Eid shopping in the walled city of Delhi. The boys found seats to sit, and began to play Ludo on their phone. At the station Okhla, a large crowd got it. Junaid got up and gave his seat to an old man. A group of men demanded that the other brothers also vacate their seats. When they held on, the men abused them racially, asked them to go to Pakistan, and taunted them for being circumcised. They pulled off their skullcaps, tugged their beards, and thrashed them. They did not let them get off at their station. Instead, as the train sped ahead, they took out knives, and stabbed the three brothers, and threw them off at the next station.

It is remarkable that both these hate attacks at two ends of the planet, in the worlds two largest democracies, in similar ways targeted Muslim teenagers, by men frenzied by majoritarian prejudice. In both, train compartments were sites of violence, and in both knives were used to kill.

Sadly the similarity ends there. In Portland, white co-passengers heroically came to the rescue of the children, and paid for this with their lives. In India, not one passenger helped the boys, and even the old man who Junaid gave his seat joined other passengers in further goading the killers. In the station, no railway staff or shopkeeper came to help the boys even as the youngest one bled to death.

American people were moved by the heroism of the three men, and raised donations of 1.2 million dollars. But Fletcher, the lone survivor, said that the country should really be most worried not about him but the two girls who endured the hate attack. It is they who need counselling and support to be able to face life with courage, he reminded his countrymen and women. When he was called to a programme to honour him, he said, dont make us heroes just for trying to save our children.

In both our countries, feverish politics of hatred are fighting our capacities for love and courage. In both we cannot let hatred win.

Harsh Mander is author, Looking Away: Inequality, Prejudice and Indifference in New India

The views expressed are personal.

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Maintaining that the Uttarakhand government has done nothing in the past three months, the opposition Congress party on Thursday alleged that the ruling BJP believes in repeating a falsehood 100 times to make it a truth.

Senior Congress leaders present at the day-long protest against the government not committing to waiving off farm loans alleged that three months of the government passed in telling lies to the people.

They have been crying from roof tops for last 100 daysafter forming the governmentthat my government took loan to pay the dues of sugarcane farmers but when I asked them to see the loans taken by the BJP governments they stopped speaking. I admit that we took loan to pay sugarcane farmers dues but that amount was nowhere close to the amount loaned by BJP regimes of past nine years. Their president Ajay Bhatt accused us of illegal mining but is mum when I said what has raised the cost of river bed materials from Rs 38 per quintal to Rs 120-150 per quintal, former chief minister Harish Rawat said.

He added that the BJP speaks lie and presented a wrong picture of the economy in the Budget session.

They said that per capita income was Rs 1.40 lakh but didnt tell the people that it was for fiscal 2015-16 whereas it was Rs 1.68 lakh in 2016-17 . This government intentionally skipped the figures for 2016-17, Rawat said.

Rawat appealed the Congress workers to protest every falsehood of the BJP and the government with tri-colour in their hands. We have to open a front against their falsehood at every platform from roads to Facebook and other social media. platforms. Its a long battle but the Congress will win.

Earlier, Congress state president Pritam Singh alleged that BJP government was anti-farmer and anti-poor as its every decision deprived the downtrodden of their dues. Farmers have started committing suicide in Uttarakhand but the government remains ignorant. The Congress party will not sit quiet and reach out to the people for exposing lies of the BJP and its government, Singh said.

Others who addressed the protest gathering included Leader of the Opposition Indira Hridayesh and AICC state co in-charge Sanjay Kapoor.

Congress demo on farmers issues political drama: BJP

The ruling BJP on Thursday dubbed the daylong dharna organised by the Congress here to protest the state governments alleged failure to waive-off farmers loans, as a political drama.

The demonstration organised by the Congress here to highlight the farmers issues is nothing but a political drama, said BJP state unit president Ajay Bhatt. He questioned the Congress for not waiving off the farmer loans when it was in power.

This party (Congress) is politicising the issue of farmer loans It had been in power for five years Why didnt the Congress government waive off the farmer loans? Bhatt questioned accusing the Congress of raising a hue and cry over the issue when the BJP government had been in power for just 100 days.

The Congress has been regularly protesting against the government after three farmers allegedly committed suicide owing to their failure to pay bank loans.

Bhatt, however, claimed that it was still not clear whether those farmers committed suicide as none of them had left behind suicide notes.

Our government has ordered magisterial inquiries into the farmer deaths. Whether they ended their lives or died natural deaths would be known following the completion of the inquiries, Bhatt sought to clarify while alleging that 10 lakh farmers committed suicide across the country during the rule of the Congress led UPA government.

This party (Congress), therefore, has no right to speak on farmers issues, he said, adding that the BJP government is not in a position to waive off the farmer loans because the previous Congress regime left the coffers literally empty.

As a result, the (BJP) governments income today is just 7,000 crore whereas its expenditure is about 70,000 crore, Bhatt said.

Besides, he said efforts were on to augment the government receipts by initiating measures like checking leakages in revenue from mining of rivers and other sources. Once the exchequer permits the government will start initiating public welfare measures like waiving off the farmer loans, Bhatt told HT.
The process to induct retired medical specialists from armed forces into the states medical service has begun, an official said on Thursday. The move is aimed at countering acute paucity of doctors in Uttarakhands hill areas.

The development comes after an understanding to this effect was reached between Uttarakhand chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat and army chief General Bipin Rawat at a meeting here on June 10.

A top health department official said about 100 applications from the army medical core have already reached the department.

Notably, the health department is struggling to find doctors for hill areas, where poor health service is one of major reasons of mass migration.

The official said once army doctors take up the work in hill areas, it will lead to dilution of monopoly of serving doctors, who want to stay in plains or even prefer to resign instead of going to hill areas when transferred.

We have already received the resume of nearly 100 (retired army) doctors (willing) to serve in hill areas of the state, said DG health Dr DS Rawat.

These are those doctors who left the army after completion of their short service stint. Following the meeting between General Rawat and the chief minister, army headquarters established a formal communication with its retired doctors and send them proposal for the same, DS Rawat said.

The health department is yet to finalise modalities on remuneration and aspect of benefits for them. Recruitment will begin after that but willingness shown by (army) doctors is very encouraging, said DS Rawat.
Remember Delhi Police personnel conducting talks about drink-driving or organising plays to raise awareness about drug abuse? Apart from protecting the city from crime, city cops have taken up social activities to inform people about burning issues with the motive to create an inclusive society.

Some time back there was an initiative, Bar Talk that united 50 bars and pubs in Delhi to put up a screen to spread anti- drinking and driving message. More recently, Delhi Police formed a human chain at the India Gate to spread awareness about child labour on World Day Against Child Labour that falls on June 12.

These activities are a part of the community policing initiatives. Police force cannot work without public support. To serve them better, we need to take the community in confidence. It cant be a one way approach. We have organised activities, such as, nukkad nataks (street plays) so that they become a part of it and carry a message back home, says Madhur Verma, DCP (Crime) and PRO of Delhi Police.

Delhi Police along with Border Security Force and the NGO, CRY formed a human chain against child labour at India Gate. (Amal KS/ HT Photo)

Such camps motivate the youth to refrain from the curse of drugs and should be organised regularly Romil Baaniya, DCP, South-East

In another initiative, Delhi Police organised road and indoor activities on drug abuse. They helped in displaying anti-drug hoardings and distributed educative handouts among youth. On international day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, officers interacted with students and parent to increase awareness. In the past, we have apprehended many criminals who were unaware of the impact of the addiction. Such camps motivate the youth to refrain from the curse of drugs and should be organised regularly, says Romil Baaniya, DCP (South-East).

Similarly, Jatin Narwal, DCP (North), along with his team had identified 24 children who were addicted to intoxicating substances and provided them with rehabilitation. He says, Delhi Police has taken initiatives to reach out to public on issues that can lead to better policing and right channelling of the youth.

Bollywood actor Siddharth Malhotra roped in to support the cause of road safety. (Manoj Verma/ HT Photo)

The security and welfare of senior citizens has also been the focus of Delhi Police. While regularly monitoring the well-being of the aged residents of their area, especially on those who live alone, police organised Senior Citizen Abuse Awareness Day last week that was a welcoming initiative. Senior citizens are our priority. We have to ensure their security, safety and well being. We are regularly in touch with them through Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and appreciate their feedback on all channels, including online, says Vijay Kumar, DCP (West), who visited the Senior Citizen Welfare Association of Bali Nagar during an awareness drive.

The issues are not new but we have found a better way to address them. AK Singh, DCP Traffic

Even the Traffic Police of Delhi has left no stone unturned to make Dellhiites part of the drive. Roping in actor Sidharth Malhotra, they organised a road safety campaign at the India Gate to promote anti-drink-driving and anti-stunt riding among youngsters. AK Singh, DCP Traffic (Central Range), says, The issues are not new but we have found a better way to address them. With just hoardings and banners nothing will change.Regular activities like these will surely make a difference.

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Many options were available to students seeking admission to Delhi University, with the cutoff dipping by up to 3 percentage points in popular courses in the third list announced on Thursday night.

Top colleges such as Hindu, Hans Raj, Ramjas, Kirori Mal, Miranda House, Sri Venkateswara, Lady Shri Ram and Indraprastha College for Women still have seats in popular honours courses such as Economics, BCom, English, Political Science, History and Mathematics.

LSR topped the chart again in the third cutoff list, seeking 98% for admission to BA Psychology. The course had the highest cutoff in DU in the second list at 98.25%.

Commerce and Economics

Admissions to Economics is closed in nine colleges, including Sri Ram College of Commerce. The highest dip in cutoff for the course was recorded at Aryabhatta College, where it came down from 96% to 94%.

Seats in Economics were available in colleges such as LSR, Hindu, Hans Raj, Ramjas, Kirori Mal, Sri Venkateswara, IP College for Women, and Daulat Ram. The highest cutoff for the course is at LSR at 97.5% and lowest at Sri Aurobindo Evening at 91.5%.

BCom (Hons) is closed for admissions at 11 colleges including, SRCC, Hindu, and LSR. But seats were available at Hans Raj, KMC, Ramjas, Sri Venkateswara, IP College for Women, and Daulat Ram. The highest cutoff for the course is at Hans Raj at 96.75% and lowest at Aditi Mahavidyalaya at 89.5%.

Humanities

Four colleges Dyal Singh, Gargi, Mata Sundri and Satyawati College Evening  closed admissions to English. The highest cutoff for the course was at LSR at 97% and lowest at Zakir Hussain Evening College at 88%.

Cutoffs for BA (Hons) in English and BA (Hons) in History have also dipped by up to three percentage points.

BA Programme, which is one of the most sought after courses at DU, has also seen a dip in cutoff by up to five percentage points. At SGND Khalsa College, the cutoff for the course has dropped from 90% to 85%.

As many 18 colleges, including Gargi, Hindu and LSR, have filled up their seats for History. But the course was still available at Kirori Mal, Hans Raj, LSR, Miranda House, Ramjas, Sri Venkateswara, and IP College for Women. KMC quoted the highest cutoff for the course at 95% and while it was lowest at Swami Shraddhanad at 84%.

Admissions to Political Science was closed at 14 colleges, including Hindu and Kamla Nehru College. The highest dip in the cutoff for the course was seen at SGTB Khalsa, where it came down from 97.25% to 95.25%.

Seats in the course, however, were still available at LSR, Ramjas, Miranda House, Kirori Mal, Sri Venkateswara, and IP College for Women. LSR quoted the highest cutoff for the course at 97.25% and lowest by Shaheed Bhagat Singh College Evening at 85%.

Science

Admission to Mathematics was closed at 13 colleges, including LSR and KMC.

But it is available for admission at colleges such as Hindu, Hans Raj, Miranda House, KMC, Sri Venkateswara, IP College for Women and Daulat Ram. The highest cutoff for the course was at Hindu at 96.75% and the lowest at Vivekananda College at 90%.

Seats in Physics have been filled up at nine colleges, including Gargi, Hans Raj and Hindu. But it is open for admission at KMC, Ramjas, Miranda House, Daulat Ram and Sri Venkateswara.

For Mathematics and Physics, the cutoff has dropped by up to three percentage points. For Physics the cutoff has dropped from 93% to 90% at Shaheed Rajguru College of Applied Sciences.
On Wednesday evening, as a 21-year-old aspiring air hostess lay bleeding in east Delhis GTB Enclave, onlookers refused to rush the girl to a hospital for over half-an-hour.

Those thirty-long minutes finally proved to be the difference between life and death for Riya Gautam, who succumbed to her injuries on Thursday morning.

When some locals requested onlookers for help, they said it was a police case and they would not get involved in it. They instead chose to wait for the police, alleged Riyas brother, Ashish.

Riya lay bleeding without any medical aid for over 30 minutes, even though GTB Hospital was just two kilometres away. When I got to know about the public apathy towards my sister, I called up my friend, Ashok, to rush to the spot, said Ashish, who was in another area at that time.

Ashok too tried to get someone with a car to help him, but no one came forward. My friend lifted my sister in his arms and walked on a wooden plank to take her across a broken drain. He then hired an e-rickshaw to take her to the hospital, said Ashish.

Nupur Prasad, DCP (Shahdara), said that the delay may have cost Riya her life. She had lost a lot of blood before she could be hospitalised, said Prasad.

Not that the public had done much to thwart the attack earlier either. CCTV footage of the attack showed some people walking away despite the assault happening in front of them. Among the very few people who tried to intervene was the owner of a photo shop into which Riya had entered while trying to escape.

The shop owner was casually watching the recordings of a CCTV camera installed outside his house when he noticed the unusual activity. As soon as he realised it was an assault, he ran downstairs to check.

I can understand it is difficult to take on an armed attacker face-on, but someone could have thrown something at him from behind, said Ashish.

The delay in moving Riya to hospital posed its own set of challenges. The hospital wanted over 10 units of blood and platelets. A dozen of my friends immediately volunteered to donate blood. But for the platelets, I had to visit three hospitals, said Ashish.

By the time he returned with the platelets around 2 am, it was too late. Doctors told me the platelets were no longer rquired. Riya had already died, said Ashish, the closest of Riyas four siblings.

Since her childhood, my sister dreamt of becoming an air hostess. I tried my best to help her realise her dream. She had recently finished her training and had applied for a job with multiple airlines even as she pursued her graduation from Delhi University through distance learning, said Ashish.

She was excited about her career. But a mad man chose to snatch her dream forever, said Ashish.
New Delhi Ambedkar University, Delhi, announced its first cutoff list for undergraduate admission on Wednesday, keeping its cutoff for students from outside Delhi at 100% for history, psychology and sociology.

The cutoff for Delhi students is relatively lower than last year.

For admission to BA Honours with a Major in Economics, applicants from Delhi having humanities stream would require 88.75%, for science stream it is 92.75% and for commerce stream it is 93.75%.

For outside Delhi students, the cutoff ranges from 92.25% to 97.25%.

As it is a state university, 85% seats at Ambedkar are reserved for Delhi students at the AUD. The university releases separate cutoffs for Delhi and non-Delhi students. It also releases different cutoffs for different streams.

The admissions are happening at the Kashmere Gate and Karampura campus. There are 445 seats for UG courses at the university with 245 seats at the Kashmere Gate campus and 200 seats at Karampura campus.
New Delhi: Amidst the aggressive and unpredictable behaviour of China, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) want India to take and play leadership role in improving commerce, connectivity and security in the region.

This was the common viewpoint expressed by speakers from the ASEAN nations at the academic session on the second day of the two-day Delhi Dialogue on Wednesday.

Themed on ASEAN-India Relations: Charting the Course for the Next 25 Years, the event, held annually since 2009, discusses politico-security, economic and socio-cultural engagement between ASEAN and India.

Speaking in the session Regional geo-politics: Great power politics in the Asia-Pacific, Dr Anak Agung Banyu Perwita, professor, School of International Relations, President University, Indonesia, said following the uncertain behaviour of China, Indian Ocean had become unpredictable and could become the next battle ground.

He said the new political leadership in both India and Indonesia were quite strong in taking firm decisions and they could play a vital role in checking Chinese behaviour.

Prof Perwita even suggested that Indonesia could play the role of power broker between India and China if required.

Prof Nguyen Thai Yen Huong, vice president, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, said most ASEAN countries still expect the US to play the major role it had been playing since World War II. Saying Asia Pacific is beyond tranquillity, Prof Huong said the challenge is to maintain status quo in the South China Sea and East China Sea.

She said India should assist ASEAN mechanisms to help maintain status quo and stability in the region.

Bunn Nagara, senior fellow at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies, Malaysia, said it was a historic mistake by China to stir South China Sea as the ASEAN had good relations with China. He said China should not have done that.

He also said the ASEAN nations were looking towards India for initiatives and new ideas to improve relationships, and wondered why relations cant be better.

Rajiv Bhatia, a former ambassador and now distinguished fellow of Gateway House, a think-tank suggested the need for the ASEAN nations to be united to be the centrality of the geo-strategic politics of the region.

Speaking on the session on New connectivity paradigms in the Asia Pacific, Dr Deth Sok Udom, rector of President Zaman University, Cambodia, hoped next 25 years would bring better connectivity, physical and digital, between India and ASEAN nations. He suggested cooperation in the nuclear energy and cooperation in cyber security which had become more vital because of the digitalisation of economies.

Anita Prakash, director general of policy department, ERIA, Indonesia, said national boundaries and interests should be reconciled for larger interest of the region and India should take the lead in improving India-ASEAN connectivity. She noted that this is important for Asia-Pacific connectivity as well.

Dr. Joefe B. Santarita, dean of Asian Centre, University of the Philippines, wanted India to play a bigger role in its engagement with blue economy. Right now it is unfortunately very limited, he remarked. He suggested that India could take assistance of Philippines in the sea-bed mapping and mining.

Political leaders, policy makers, senior officials, diplomats, business leaders, think tanks and academicians from both India and ASEAN participated in the discussions.

The dialogue is organised by the ministry of external affairs in collaboration with Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). While ORF organised the academic sessions, FICCI organised the business sessions.
Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS), Fardikot, has refused to allow Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (SGRDIMSR), Amritsar, to bring all 75 government-quota MBBS seats under the management quota.

The fee for minority quota and management quota is the same (around Rs 40 lakh) at the institute. This is about four times the cost (around Rs 10 lakh) of a seat in a government quota.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)-run institute has 150 seats with 75 government quota seats and 75 seats under management/minority quota.

The state government is yet to accord the status of a private university to the institute, a mandatory condition, if it wanted to change the composition of seats.

Yet, on July 1, the institute went ahead and announced the scrapping of government-quota seats.

We cant accept their division of seats until they get the approval of the government. Their status of a medical university is pending and until they get that, the government quota seats cant be scrapped. The matter has already been brought to the notice of the government, a senior BFUHS official said.

We will introduce all the seats of the college under management quota once government approves the same, a source from SGRDIMSR said.

SGRDIMSR principal Geeta Sharma said, The college is likely to get the status of a medical university soon. Thus, we decided to put all seats in the management quota.

Meanwhile, a meeting of all the principals of medical and dental colleges was held at BFUHS on Tuesday, pertaining to distribution of seats for counselling of NEET candidates. Around 6,000 candidates have registered for the varsitys NEET counselling.
New Delhi The race for a Delhi University seat is likely to heat up in the coming days, with the varsity getting ready to come out with its third cutoff list. The university will have less than half the total number of its seats up for grabs this time, with admission to some of the more popular courses like economics, BCom, English and history still open.

The dip in cutoff for these courses, however, is likely to be marginal as most popular colleges want to avoid over admission. Overall, there is a possibility of a drop of 0.25-2 percentage point dip in cutoff across courses.

Both economics (hons) and BCom (hons) will be closed for admission for general category at Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Hindu College and Lady Shri Ram College.

English (hons), which received the second highest number of applications this year, will be closed for admission at Hindu College and Kirori Mal College.

We have approved admission for 30,409 seats out of which fee has been paid for 29,106 seats. There are a total of 56,000 seats undergraduate courses, said a university official.

Those who havent yet taken admission should not lose hope as some of the colleges will keep admissions open for the popular courses.

Those wanting to study BCom (hons) or Economics (hons) can look forward to the cutoff at Ramjas College, Kirori Mal College, Hans Raj College, Daulat Ram College, Sri Venkateswara College and Kamla Nehru College under the third cutoff list.

SEATS IN POPULAR COURSES STILL AVAILABLE Course Colleges where admission open Colleges where admission closed ECONOMICS (HONS) Ramjas, KMC, Hans Raj, Daulat Ram, KNC, Miranda and Sri Venkateswara SRCC, Hindu, LSR BCOM (HONS) Ramjas, KMC, Hans Raj, Daulat Ram, KNC, Miranda and Sri Venkateswara SRCC, Hindu, LSR ENGLISH KNC, Ramjas, Hans Raj, Daulat Ram, Sri Venkateswara, Miranda, Hindu Hindu, Daulat Ram POLITICAL SCIENCE Ramjas, Hans Raj, KMC, LSR, Miranda, KNC, Sri Venkateswara KMC, LSR HISTORY Ramjas, Hans Raj, KMC, Miranda, Sri Venkateswara Daulat Ram, Gargi, KNC, LSR, Hindu

We will decrease the cutoff by 0.25-0.75 percentage points to avoid over admission, said Rama, principal of Hans Raj College.

Applicants who want to take up English (hons) can look for the cutoffs at Kamala Nehru, Ramjas, Hans Raj, Daulat Ram and Miranda House. But we have only a handful of seats left for English so the cutoff may or may not see any dip, said Pratibha Jolly, principal of Miranda House.

Political Science (hons) will be available at Ramjas, Hans Raj, KMC and LSR.

The university will release five cutoff lists with the third list likely to be announced on Thursday and admissions under it beginning from Friday.
Lucknow: Students in universities and colleges will now get lessons in the Goods and Services Tax (GST). A decision to include GST in the commerce and management curriculum was taken at the vice chancellors conference held on Thursday in Lucknow.

Vice chancellors of universities in the state will take a call on how they will include GST in the syllabus, deputy chief minister Dinesh Sharma said while briefing the media about the conference.

To create a workforce of GST-trained professionals, it was important to add GST in the syllabus to help students understand the new tax regime.

State governor Ram Naik had convened the meeting of VCs ahead of the start of the new academic session. The state government was of the opinion that the GST would be a strong driver of growth.

Called the biggest tax reform since Independence, GST was launched at a midnight at a function inside Parliaments Central Hall by President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 1.

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Lucknow: Restoration of student union elections in state universities will be discussed at the vice chancellors (VCs) conference to be held in Lucknow on Thursday. More than 20 heads of universities will be participating in the first, the first of its kind after the BJP government came to power in March this year

Governor Ram Naik, who is also the chancellor of the states universities, has convened the meeting to discuss continuing student polls after 11 years in Lucknow University (LU) and other varsities.

The sixth item listed on the agenda of the meeting under administrative reform category says student polls should be held simultaneously in all the universities in a specific time frame.

The universities will be under pressure to hold the elections by August.

The first priority will be to make identity cards of the students, prepare a new voter list and then go for elections.

LUs student union poll was last held in 2005. In 2006, elections were announced but cancelled after student leaders from the union affiliated to the then ruling Samajwadi Party resorted to vandalism while campaigning.

The then vice-chancellor RP Singh had ordered sine die closure of the university for 10 days. As a result of that incident, student union elections have not been held till date.

The universities, however, will be told to hold the students union elections as per the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations that provide four categorisations for student polls. The universities have to pick one of these categorisations for the elections.

The Lucknow bench of Allahabad high court has asked LU to take a call on categorisation of the university depending upon the number of students, and find out whether they would opt for direct or indirect elections.The state government has made LU responsible for the categorisation, and the latter informed the court that it would do the categorisation soon.

The other important points that will deliberated upon are filling up vacant post of teachers, use of technology to bring about qualitative improvement, uniform academic calendars, establishment of smart classes and promoting research work.
Universities and colleges in Uttar Pradesh will now make good use of technology in their teaching pedagogy. They will also get a lot of time to do so because the number of teaching days will be increased from 180 days at present to 220 days.

These decisions were taken at a conference of vice chancellors of a number of universities at a conference convened on Thursday before the start of the academic session in Lucknow.

Like in the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), the university and college teachers will be asked to upload their lectures on websites ahead of classes. This will help students to come better prepared for classes and teaching will be more interactive. .

The number of teaching days will also be increased from the present 180 days to 220 days and from next year and the academic session in higher educational institutions will begin from July 10, 2018 instead of the usual July 16, deputy chief minister Dinesh Sharma said while briefing the media about the decisions taken at the conference.

Other issues that came up for discussions included increasing the tenure of VCs of state universities from the present three years to five years.No final decisions were taken.

Restoring of student union elections in state universities was also discussed but there was no consensus on the matter.

Some of the vice chancellors had issues with student union polls because they feared that it would derail academic sessions and disrupt peace on campus as student politics were usually followed by law and order problems.

More than 30 heads of universities participated in the first of its kind after the BJP government came to power in March this year.

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The commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG), V Umashankar, said on Thursday that a bus service will be launched in Gurgaon by March 2018. He made the announcement while speaking at a seminar on air pollution and implementing a graded action plan to mitigate pollution.

It was pointed out in the seminar that the citys transport infrastructure system is struggling to keep up with the increasing demand and the rise in private vehicles over the years has affected the citys air quality.

We are working on a sustainable mobility project as we are aware that traffic congestion is one of the causes of air pollution that can be controlled by strengthening the public transport system. We will launch the CNG-enabled city bus service by the first quarter of 2018. We are also planning to get electric buses. We are, however, waiting for the Government of India scheme related to electric buses to be notified, Umashankar said.

The MCG will also plan charging stations for the buses before the service is launched in the city, he said.

In the seminar, KK Khandelwal, additional chief secretary (environment), Haryana, suggested that apart from regular buses, solar-powered buses can also be an option for the city.

It was also highlighted that the city suffers from poor air quality as it has high vehicle concentration. Only 17% of the citys population uses public transport and around 50,000 vehicles are added to the citys roads every year, according to a study by the Centre of Science and Environment (CSE).

The number of cars entering the city from Delhi daily is thrice the total number of cars registered in Gurgaon in 2015. In addition, as many as 900 trucks cross the city every day, which also affects pollution levels, said Dr Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director of research and advocacy and head of the air pollution and clean transportation programme, CSE. She was also present at the seminar.

Earlier, on Tuesday, the states urban local bodies minister Kavita Jain had declared in Poland that the state government will introduce 75 to 100 electric buses in Gurgaon.

On May 9, the MCG and the proposed Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Delhi Integrated Multimodal Transit System Limited as the GMDA aims to buy 500 CNG buses to ply across Delhi-NCR. On December 20 last year, DS Dhesi, the chief secretary of Haryana, had announced that the GMDA would purchase these 500 buses.

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Watches are not rocket science. Or are they? Watches are not rocket...

Perhaps you dont have a PhD. Well, thats a shame, because with some watches, youll need one to understand how to tell the time. Perhaps you dont have a PhD. Well,...
New research shows that average summer highs in major Indian cities could rise by around 3-5 C by end of the century.

Summer temperatures in Indias capital could become more like those in Sharjah, in the United Arab Emirates, by 2100 if carbon emissions are not curtailed, new research by World Meteorological Organisation and news outlet, Climate Central, shows.

For Delhi, that would mean a rise of 5 C in the average summer highs from 35.2 C to 40.2 C, which is alarming because the average takes into account June, July and August temperatures.

Elsewhere in India the relatively benign summers of Bangalore (average summer high of 30.4 C) will feel more like Esfahan (33.8 C) in Iran. Chennai (35.4 C) could feel more like Multan (39.2 C) in Pakistan. Multan has an arid climate and extreme summers, witnessing some of the worst heat waves in Pakistans history, including the one that gripped the country in 2015.

Kolkata may find its summers resembling those in Lahore, Pakistan, while Mumbai (29.5 C) will feel a lot like Kolkata (32.9 C) by the end of the century if carbon emissions continue unabated.

If countries manage to bring in moderate emission cuts there is some hope that Delhi summers wont turn into Sharjah summers, but rather more like Faisalabad in neighbouring Pakistan with an average summer maximum temperature of 37.6 C.

Moderate emission cuts would mean a reduction of about half between today and 2100, which is somewhat in line with what is required under the Paris agreement of 2015. Countries had agreed to carbon emissions reductions in order to keep global average temperatures from rising above 2 C from pre-industrial levels.

Regardless of the magnitude of cuts, cities disproportionately feel the effects of rising global temperatures because of the rapid growth in population and the heat island effect. Anybody who has travelled through cities into the countryside feels the respite that comes with moving out of the densely populated, buzzing centre. Factors like land use changes and release of waste energy from energy use and air pollution fuel temperature rise in these hotspots.

Dramatic shifts in some cities will push them into entirely new temperature zones, according to the authors. For about twelve places the heat they will experience will be unprecedented for any place in the world, for example, Sudans average summer temperature is forecast to shoot up to 44.1 C in the no emission cuts scenario.

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A 10-year-old boy was allegedly sodomised and killed by a teenage neighbour, who, police said, has sexually assaulted 15 boys over the past two years.

Deputy commissioner of police (south zone) V Satyanarayana said the boy went missing on June 28 and a missing persons case was filed by his parents at the Chandrayanagutta police station the next day.

Police formed two teams to probe the matter which also looked into CCTV footage of the area concerned.

The victim was last seen walking towards a school building with the 17-year-old accused, the DCP said.

The accused lives in the victims neighbourhood in Barkas locality and works at a pan shop.

When questioned by police, he allegedly admitted of having had unnatural sex with the minor boy on June 28. He later killed the boy by hitting him with an iron pipe on his head after the victim said he will complain to his parents about the act, the DCP said.

Another shocking thing that came to light was that the teenager had allegedly sexually assaulted at least 15 minor boys over the past two years luring them with chocolates and biscuits, the senior police officer said.

The accused also told police that he himself was sexually assaulted by two persons about three years ago, the officer said.

Chandrayanagutta police station inspector Y Prakash Reddy said they recovered the body in a decomposed state and registered a case under IPC sections 302 (murder), 377 (unnatural sex), 364 (kidnapping or abducting in order to murder) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence).

The DCP said they are in the process of identifying the other victims and stressed on the need for creating awareness in the society over such crimes.
Barely days after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah's meeting at Goa's Dabolim international airport triggered a row, a state Congress leader has written to the Airports Authority of India to be allowed to use the premises as his wedding venue.

In his letter, also marked to Dabolim airport director BC Negi, on Thursday, Goa Congress general secretary Janardhan Bhandari said he should be granted permission to host the wedding at the airport on the lines of Shahs meeting on July 1, which was attended by more than 2,000 people. Bhandari wrote he would adhere to all rules and regulations, including ban on photography, during his wedding and not allow guests to bring cars to airport premises.

His letter states, I am very pleased to inform you that I have been engaged recently and planning to get married soon. Since my guests will be coming from various states and landing at Dabolim airport and as such I cannot afford to make arrangements for the stay and travel of so many guests.

It would be nice if you could permit me to use your airport for my wedding reception in September 2017. I will fix the date as per the availability of the airport as per your convenience.

Shahs meeting at the airport, which is operated from an Indian naval base, triggered allegations of violation of rules and regulations by the BJP, including putting a defence ministry installation at risk. While the airport director claimed no permission was given for the meeting, the BJP said it was an unplanned event and people came on their own to greet Shah.

Congress national secretary Girish Chodankar said Shahs meeting was illegal and demanded an FIR be registered.

City based lawyer-activist Aires Rodrigues has complained in writing against Shahs meeting to secretary of Civil Aviation, Goa Chief Secretary, and Director General of Police. No action has been initiated so far.

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The CBI on Thursday filed a chargesheet before a special court in Mumbai against a Gujarat-based private telecom company and several officials of different banks in a scam that caused losses to the tune of around Rs 126.40 crore.

The prime accused, Sunil S Kakkad, Director of Messrs Click Telecom Pvt Ltd, and others were booked following a complaint from a consortium of banks.

Investigations revealed that the company was sanctioned several credit facilities, including cash, term loans and non-fund based limits to the tune of Rs 126 crore, by the State Bank of India, Vijaya Bank and the Canara Bank.

Kakkad, who had taken over Messrs Click Telecom Pvt Ltd from its earlier promoters, was arrested on May 12 following investigations into the case.

Later, the company bagged bids for launching BSNLs Voice & Video Over Broad Band (VVOBB) project in southern and eastern zones of India.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said that Kakkad had inflated the project cost to obtain huge funds from the consortium of banks. No machinery was actually supplied and Letters of Credit (LCs) were opened favouring associate companies.

Later, these LCs were discounted and the funds siphoned off, causing losses to the consortium of banks, it said.

The CBI investigated the matter and filed the chargesheet naming Kakkad and several bank officials, including a senior woman officer, as accused in the case.

Other bank officials include former SBI - Ahmedabads regional head Kaushik Bagchi; former Deputy General Manager in Baroda Rajeev Sadashiv Dahat; former member of SBI - Ahmedabads Mid Corporate Credit Committee member Sanjiva K. Prasad; and senior credit analyst at SBI-Ahmedabads Overseas Branch Deepa Juthani.

Besides, the chargesheet also named Vinod Kumar Sharma, former CEO, Gujarat Info Petro Ltd, and three more  NK Goyal, Dinesh P Jani and Bharat P Gajjar  as the other accused in the case.
Amid the Sino-India border standoff, the Chinese official media has called for Sikkims independence and separation from India and suggested that Beijing should rally the world for the abolition of unfair treaties on sovereignty and defence that New Delhi has allegedly forced Bhutan to sign.

In an unambiguous call to incite violence in Sikkim, the state-controlled media called on Chinese citizens to fuel pro-independence movement in the Indian state bordering China and overturn Indias brutal annexation of the state.

Its near the Sikkims border with China that the Indian and Chinese border troops are locked in a standoff  China alleges that Indian troops crossed into its territory in Donglang (Doklam) to disrupt the construction of a road in the area.

India is deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India, the Indian ministry of external affairs had said on Friday.

But it has cut no ice with the Chinese. Brushing aside Indias concerns, Beijing and its strictly-controlled media have launched a well thought-out verbal offensive against New Delhi, even suggesting that China should take a fresh look at Indias annexation of Sikkim.

Read more: No plans to deny security clearance to Chinese investment amid border row: MHA

Meanwhile, Beijing should reconsider its stance over the Sikkim issue. Although China recognised Indias annexation of Sikkim in 2003, it can readjust its stance on the matter. There are those in Sikkim that cherish its history as a separate state, and they are sensitive to how the outside world views the Sikkim issue. As long as there are voices in Chinese society supporting Sikkims independence, the voices will spread and fuel pro-independence appeals in Sikkim, the nationalistic Global Times said in a brazen editorial.

The Global Times is affiliated to the Communist Party of China (CPC) mouthpiece, Peoples Daily, which is leading the media charge.

With certain conditions, Bhutan and Sikkim will see strong anti-India movements, which will negatively affect Indias already turbulent northeast area and rewrite southern Himalayan geopolitics, the newspaper wrote.

After independence, New Delhi inherited the brutal colonial policies of Britain and pursues regional hegemony at the sacrifice of tiny Himalayan nations, it said.

The newspapers call for Sikkims independence and incite trouble in the northeastern states seems to match with what Indian military, police and intelligence have often claimed  that Beijing provides arms, money and logistical support to insurgent groups in the northeastern states of India, encouraging them to indulge in violence and spread unrest.

Although all the editorials and opinions published by the newspaper may not mirror the exact thoughts of the CPC, there is little doubt that the opinion pages of the newspaper are often used by Chinese authorities to send out signals, especially during diplomatic controversies with India.

And, there is no doubt that Global Times tone has certainly been hawkish on the standoff and completely aligned with what the government of China has been aggressively saying about Indias so-called transgressions.

Comparing the situations in Bhutan and Sikkim, it said: India has startling control and oppression over Bhutan, and as a result, Bhutan has not established diplomatic ties with its neighbour China or any other permanent member of the UN Security Council. Through unequal treaties, India has severely jeopardised Bhutans diplomatic sovereignty and controls its national defence.

India imposed a similar coercive policy on Sikkim before. The small neighbours revolts over sovereignty in the 1960s and 1970s were brutally cracked down on by the Indian military. New Delhi deposed the king of Sikkim in 1975 and manipulated the countrys parliament into a referendum to make Sikkim a state of India, the GT editorial said.

The annexation of Sikkim is like a nightmare haunting Bhutan, and the small kingdom is forced to be submissive to Indias bullying.

The newspaper said Beijing should lead a worldwide effort to restore Bhutans sovereignty.

China should lead the international community in restoring Bhutans diplomatic and defense sovereignty. Unfair treaties between India and Bhutan that severely violate the will of the Bhutanese people should be abolished. China needs to put more efforts into establishing diplomatic ties with Bhutan at an earlier date as well.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not publicly referred to the Palestinian issue during his groundbreaking visit to Israel even as he held discreet talks on enhancing security cooperation to counter international terror groups such as the Islamic State, the Israeli media reported on Thursday.

Media reports also focussed on the rock star-welcome given to Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu during an event organised at the Convention Center in Tel Aviv for Indian-origin Israelis.

The Jerusalem Post noted in a report that 30 years after India became the first non-Muslim state to recognize the state of Palestine, Modi and Netanyahu signed off on a joint statement on Wednesday that mentioned the Palestinian-Israel diplomatic process, but made no reference to a two state solution.

The report also noted that not only will Modi not be visiting the Palestinian Authority but the first day and a half of the visit passed without him once publicly referring to the Palestinian issue.

The penultimate clause of the 21-clause joint statement said the two premiers had discussed developments in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and underlined the need to establish a just and durable peace. They also reaffirmed support for an early negotiated solution based on mutual recognition and security arrangements.

Read | Modi and I are reformers who want to seize the future, says Israeli PM Netanyahu

An unnamed senior Indian official told the Post it was not New Delhis style to engage in megaphone diplomacy, or go to other countries and lecture them on what they need to do. The official said this was because, to a large degree, India does not like it when other countries come to India and lecture it about relations with Pakistan.

The Times of Israel reported that the public aspect of Modis visit had focused on economic and technological cooperation as New Delhi is said to be keen to de-emphasise defence ties, in order not to hurt Indias economic links with Iran and other countries hostile to Israel.

The report cited the Hebrew media as saying that Modi and Netanyahu held discreet talks on Wednesday on enhancing security cooperation. The two leaders were joined by Mossad chief Yossi Cohen for a discussion on bolstering intelligence and security cooperation, especially against international terror groups such as Islamic State, it added.

The media reports also noted that some three months after saying that Israels relationship with China was a marriage made in heaven in Beijing, Netanyahu had used the same term to describe the relationship with India.

The Haaretz reported Netanyahu brought up Indias investigation of a 2012 attack on a vehicle of the Israeli embassy in New Delhi. It quoted officials in the Prime Ministers Bureau as saying that Netanyahu asked Modi whether any progress was made in the probe.

The attack, for which Israel holds the Iranian Revolutionary Guards responsible, injured the wife of the military attache at the embassy. The report noted that India has refused to place the blame on the Iranians, and has yet to prosecute any suspects involved in the attack.

Modis interaction with Indian-origin Israelis and the boost given to business and cooperation in high technology by the signing of seven agreements was also widely reported by the Israeli media.

The Times of Israel referred to the warm welcome given to Modi and Netanyahu at the event organised for Indian Israelis and said pop star Britney Spears was no longer the only act in Tel Aviv drawing unchecked excitement and unabashed fandom.

Read | India, Israel turn marriage made in heaven into strategic partnership

Thousands of Indian Israelis joined the glitzy, wild welcome for the first Indian premier to visit the Jewish state, as their brightly coloured Indian saris mingled with jeans and t-shirts  and not a few kippot and religious headscarves  at Wednesdays event, which began with several Bollywood dance acts and a concert.

It gives me chills, Naomi Yakub, who immigrated to Israel from India in the early 1970s and is part of the community of some 100,000 Indian Jews, was quoted as saying by the Times.

The Israel Hayom newspaper reported that the series of sweeping trade, commerce, and research and development treaties signed by the two sides would expand bilateral trade and bolster existing economic ties. India, due to its size and inherent potential, is a strategic market for a number of Israeli industries such as IT, agriculture and agro-tech, pharmaceuticals, biotech, and medical devices.

India is Israels 10th largest trade partner worldwide and its second largest trade partner in Asia, after China and Hong Kong. In 2016, trade between Israel and India was worth $4 billion.
The scenario

In the autumn of what has been an impressive political career, the inimitable Lalu Prasad is facing big trouble. The equation with alliance partners  Nitish Kumars Janata Dal (U) and the Congress  is looking shaky and there is talk of a possible collapse of the Bihar government in which his party is a senior partner.

The income-tax raids against his family members  daughter Misa Bharti and son Tejashwi Yadav -- have apparently dealt a body blow to his pro-poor leader image.

He himself is battling the fodder scandal involving large-scale embezzlement of government funds. He had to step down as a member of Parliament and was barred from electoral politics for at least six years on being found guilty in one of the cases in 2013. He has appealed the guilty verdict but his legal troubles are far from over.

The backdrop

In a smart political move, Kumar and Prasad sunk their political differences and joined hands to successfully contain a resurgent BJP in the 2015 Bihar election.

In February this year, RJD workers launched a campaign to replace Kumar with young Tejashwi as the chief minister.

To counter the move, Kumar came out with a series of initiatives, such as the prohibition, to consolidate his position. Among themselves, Kumar and Prasad are still rivals, pursuing different political paths.

But will they  or can they  unmake the Bihar alliance at this stage? Or, is this just a monsoon turbulence that will blow over?

On the surface, both Prasad and Kumar are saying the alliance is rock solid. In recent days, both have told party workers to refrain from loose comments. Prasad is understood to have asked senior party colleague and former union minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh to stop targeting Kumar.

Lalus options

For his part, Prasad is unlikely to rock the alliance boat. The future of his secular politics in the run-up to the 2019 general election  as also the political future of his children  depends on his success (or failure) in keeping the alliance intact.

At present, neither the RJD nor JD (U) is in a position to take on the might of the BJP.

In coming months, the RJD chief, without playing second fiddle to Kumar, is likely to take steps to consolidate his vote base among the Yadavs and Muslims. At the same time, he will also attempt to create a national platform for anti-BJP secular parties.

Next month, Prasad is organising an opposition rally at Patnas historic Gandhi Maidan. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav are among those expected at the BJP Bhagao, Desh Bachao (chase away BJP to save the country) rally.

Cant write him off

Given his sense of repartee, as also his mass base, it is not easy to write off Prasad.

Since 1998, the RJD chiefs legal battles and political journey have moved simultaneously. Fearing a backlash from the RJD cadre, the BJP, apparently, is wary of unsettling Prasad beyond a point.

At the same time, a possible decision by Kumar to walk out of the alliance will come with the burden of being labelled the wrecker of the secular cause. At the moment, Prasads case does not appear as hopeless as it seems.
Four police constables have been arrested in Bihars Bhagalpur district for consuming liquor.

They were found drinking the banned beverage in a police outpost, located at Station Chowk in Bhagalpur town, 193 km east of Patna, when senior superintendent of police (SSP) Manoj Kumar reached there on Wednesday night.

The erring cops, identified as Shashi Kant, Rajeev Ranjan, Robin Kumar Pandey and Madhukar Suman, had been arrested and placed under suspension, Kumar said, adding that further departmental proceedings would also be initiated against them.

Kumar said he had visited the police outpost after an unknown caller told him that the constables could be consuming liquor there.

I immediately rushed to outpost and asked the officials of the police station concerned to reach there. The constables were later taken to GRP station where the breath-analyser test confirmed that they had consumed alcohol, the SSP said.

He said this was the fourth incident in the district in which action had been initiated against policemen for violating the anti-liquor law. Earlier, two sub-inspector rank officials were barred from holding the post of station house officer, while an SI, ASI and a chowkidar were suspended, Kumar said. Three other officials, two in the rank of SI and an ASI, had been shifted out of district as punishment postings, he added.

Meanwhile, police sources said the arrested constables had reached the police outpost in a car. The car had been seized and efforts were on to find out its owner, the sources added

Bihar became a dry state on April 5, 2016. Under the states prohibition law, consuming, keeping or dealing in liquor is an offence, which attracts imprisonment up to 10 years. On February 15, 2017, the Bihar cabinet amended the Bihar Government Service Conduct Rules, barring bureaucrats and judicial officers from consuming liquor or any intoxicating substance even when they were outside the state.

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The Haryana government on Wednesday announced that it will give Rs one lakh cash reward to informers providing credible information about anyone involved in chain and purse snatching in the state.

A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the police department chaired by chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar which was attended by the additional chief secretary, home, Ram Niwas, director general of police (DGP), B S Sandhu, additional director general of police (law and order), Mohd Akil, ADGP Headquarters, P K Agrawal, ADGP HR and Litigation, O P Singh, inspectors general of police (IGs) of all ranges and commissioners of police.

Khattar also gave approval for appointing deputy commissioner of police (DCP)-level officer in Manesar, and additional superintendent of police in Bahadurgarh, district Jhajjar, according to an official spokesman here.

Khattar also approved the proposal to convert sanctioned police posts into regular posts, besides converting 1,200 posts of constables into those of sub-inspectors.

The chief minister gave a go-ahead for the creation of new posts of traffic police constables for Panchkula, Faridabad and Gurugram.

The proposal for setting up new police stations as per requirement, traffic police stations in the districts through which the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) and Kundli-Ghaziabad- Palwal (KGP) expressways pass, and women police stations in Dadri district and Hansi and six sub-divisions.

Khattar issued directions for the construction of new buildings of police stations whose existing buildings are in a dilapidated condition.

Officers were told to get third-party checking done of places where CCTV cameras have been installed and ensure that only high-quality cameras are installed.
A poignant Facebook post of the widow of an Indian Army officer has moved thousands of people, who have praised her poise and dignity in the face of a huge personal loss.

Salma Shafeeq Ghori paid a tribute to her husband Major Shafeeq Ghori on the Facebook page BeingYou on his death anniversary on July 1. He was killed in a gunbattle with militants in Jammu and Kashmir in 2001 during Operation Rakshak.

She describes her life after she got married at the age of 19 in 1991 to Major Ghori, who was constantly on the move leaving her alone for long periods. She talks about how she did not have the luxury of mobile phones to keep in touch with her husband and had to write to each other.

I used to spend hours by the phone unsure when he would call. We used to write letters and my husband made sure I received one letter every day for the days he was away from me. I used to write small notes and hide small surprises in his luggage, she writes in the post that has been liked by 1,85,000 people and shared 42,676 times at the time of writing this story.

As Major Ghori served in areas such as Punjab, Tripura, and Srinagar, which are known as high-risk postings, Salma says she managed to live without her husband around and moved to Bengaluru in 2001. He used to be gone for days but by then I had become strong and learnt to fend for myself and our children. I knew he loved the country the most and his kids and wife came a close second, she says.

She spoke with her husband for the last time in June 2001 three days before he died. He wanted to speak to the kids but they were running around with their cousins and there was a lot of chaos and noise. I told him to come back to his base and speak to them. I still regret that decision.

She received the news of her husbands death on July 1, 2001.

Everything around me fell, crumbled. That day was the day I received my final letter from him. The next day, I went to the airport to receive him for the last time.This time in a box clad in Indian Flag. I broke down. He would always ask me to be strong. He reminded me even on that last day we spoke, but I never imagined a day when he wouldnt be around, she writes.

Salma was only 29 years old when Major Ghori died in the line of duty and instead of moving on with her life, she decided to work for army martyr families..

People told me to move on.. but He was, is, and will always be my Forever.
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BiTourbillon Dual Time Lady Heart-Riders Saqra Arabesk Notre-Dame Wild Style Zero-One Wild Style Zero-Two Ouni Henry Double Hairspring Mayu Monard Perpetual Grand Sport Harry Winston The Premier Collection Harry Winston The Ocean Collection Freelancer Specialities Olympic Nabucco Automatic Chronograph Evolution 1911 BTR Les Ravissantes Hampton Linea ATMOS Duometre Baignoire Pasha Stella Stria Happy 8 Classic Your Hour Imperiale Tank 1911 Discovery Classique Tekton Caliber 245 Cartier Libre Classique Grandes Complications Marine Type XXI Reine de Naples Ligne 21 de Cartier Gents Arctura Tango Tradition Brasilia Gents Cellini Oyster Perpetual Corum Bridges Professionnels Brasilia Ladies Alma Sportura Golden Bridges MARINE 20 DB25 Dream Watches Premier Mille Miglia Special Collections Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Velatura C1 Dior Christal C1 Chronograph C Lab Luvorene Anthea Voglia Double Tourbillon 30 Luvorene 4 Saisons Code-R Lange 31 Ebel Classic Ladies Tourbillon 24 Secondes Okeanos Crystalball Life For Ever Delicieuse Delit / Delirante Aquaracer Single Formula 1 UF6 Historiques Twins Chronograph Link Specialists Air Jet collection All black Deep Diver Thirty Four Special Edition No8 Subdiver Chrono thirty Four Vintage collection Bentley GMT Windrider Chrono-Matic 49 Chronographes Les ceramiques Les Ors Les oxydes Les serties UR-105 UR-200 Haute Horlogerie Kalpa Hemispheres Chrono 4 8 jours Capture Idalgo Vertalis Professional Navitimer Aeromarine Be Eight Io Pilot's Watches Boule Watch Instrumentino FG One Instrumento Classic Collection Dynamic Collection Collection Gold Origine Chronograph Grande Complications Kalpa XL Lipstick Meccanico dG Otturatore Piccolina Power Breaker Uno Silverstone Arceau Cape Cod Heure H Paramount Kalpa Grande Kalpa Tonda Toric Kalpa Piccola Montre Contemporaine Grande Complication "Grand Sport" "Haute Horlogerie" "Grand Sport Alliance Concept" "Montre Contemporaine Grande Complication" "DieHard Extreme Steel" "Haute Joaillerie" "Montre Complication" Bressel Haute Horlogerie Profile Sport Star TimeWalker Christmas 07 Emperador 50 Pure Enamel Flinque technique Exceptional Pieces Shiny Pebbles SplitRock 1972 Malte Metiers d'Art Extra-Fort Tazio Nuvolari Scafo Traversetolo Replica Les Courbees Ladies Millenary Alacria Star 4810 Distinction Legendes Stirrup Slim Classic Excalibur Histoire De Tourbillon Aquatimer Da Vinci Ingenieur Luminor 1950 Luminor Radiomir Ferrari Master Grande Tradition Master Compressor Diving Master Minute Master Grand Haute Joaillerie 1966 Cat's Eye Giro Casual Chic Gingi Palazzo Luvorence 1 Revolution Tradition Tourbillograph Heritage Very Zino Moon Dust-DNA Ritmo Classique Licensed Product Extreme Watches Ananta Opus Series King Power Jules Verne Bella Costa Double Rotor Elton John Watch Collection Aviation L-EVOLUTION Aviator KRONO BAUHAUS II MARINE KRONO BLACK MARINE SMILEDAY TOURBILLON Datograph Marina Chain Armin by Armin Strom Regulator Blue Chip Skeleton Montre a Tact Don Giovanni Cosi Grande Beluga Tonneau Shine Chronozoner Vantage Serpenti Elegance Bangle Haute Horlogerie Maxime Carree Runabout Ladies Automatic Manufacture Zeitwerk Grand Seiko BMF SP-1 Hydroscaph Ti Regulateur Haute Complication GMT Master Imperial Esquire Tirion TriRetrograde Seconds Skeleton Zetios Chronograph Joaillerie Tirion TriRetrograde Seconds Skeleton Joaillerie Apiana Zetios Classic Code-S Origin Romain Gillet Extreme Regulateur Avalanche Extreme Extreme Chrono Double Digit Extreme Tourbillon Haute Couture Moonflower Diving Tool Crossroads Hampstead Extraordinary Dials Charms Jardins Hera Graphica Carrousel Chrono Novateur Korona Madison KonTiki Precious Pret-a-Porter Legend A by Azzaro Aviation Wild Style Sporting Montre Astronomique Patravi La D de Dior Evosquare Fuseau de lInfini P'6300 Flat Six Serena Garbo Tempograph Twintech Twintech Chronographe Datascope Spiroscope Variograph Classic Hexagon Montre quartz Magistralis Athys Longines Weems Les Elegantes The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph Kilada Abyss Rebel Chiffre Rouge Harry Winston Midnight Collection Noemia Fun Collection Classic Collection Portugieser 1815 165 Years  Homage to F. 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Lange Collection Bugatti TimeWriter Midnight Extraordinary Landscapes Rotonde de Cartier Tortue Vintage P'6500 Heritage Ladies' Watches Golden Heart Cricket X-Treme Longines PrimaLuna Parsifal P'6700 Performance Vintage Mens Xtreme Fifty Fathoms Tendy & Glamorous No2 Harry Winston The Ultimate Collection Soleure Elegance Tudor Glamour The FRANC VILA "Cobra" Cobra "Tribute" Collection TNT Endeavour T-1000 Marine Classic Specialities Casual Chic Sport ChronoGraff Graffstar Grande Date Graffstar Haute Horlogerie Calibre de Cartier Graffsuperstar BabyGraff MasterGraff Tourbillon Furtif Piazza Dresstime Rock 'n' Light D:Light Elis Octea One Week Amadeo Pininfarina GrandCliff Royal Open Majesty Lady Tuxedo Artist Eyjafjallajokull-Dna Tri-Zone Concept 1 Heritage Contessa P'6900 Indicator Astron Oceana Freak Ebel Classic Sport Ebel Classic Hexagon GMT Perpetual Chapter One Chapter Two Contagiri Maxime Manufacture Healey SuperLigero Concept Birepetition Promess Rose Rosier Eden Perpetuelle Destiny Spirit Gancino F-80 Fleurier Grandes Complications Crazy Carats "Magnolia" 1608 "blueberries" 1608 Atame Magic Haute Joaillerie Minute repeater Roller Guardian Time - RGT Dandy Bee my love U-Play Fleurier El Primero Dimier No1 No3 Tesla Squelette Quadri-Rotor Invidia Tempo Dual Chronograph Upside Down Vindex Odyssey Dame Odyssey Homme Hydroscaph Tourbillon Hydroscaph Steel GMT L'heure d'ete & d'hiver Malton Peel-Me! 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JD (U) president and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar left for an unscheduled sojourn at Rajgir on Thursday, hours before Bihar ki Beti and Opposition presidential candidate Meira Kumar,set her foot on the soil of her native state, on a three-day visit to solicit support for her candidature.

The chief minister, who was indisposed for the last two days, is learnt to have left for Rajgir to recuperate. Rajgir, a famous tourist spot of Kumar native Nalanda district, about 100 km south-east of the state capitalis known for its hot springs with healing properties.

Although sources in the CMs residential office did not share any engagement detail or the likely duration of his stay at Rajgir, it was clear that Meira Kumar would miss the chance of meeting Nitish Kumar, or even of inquiring about his health if the CM spends a couple of days in the resort town.

Kumar had sparked off a spat among three Grand Alliance partners - the RJD, JD (U) and Congress, with his decision to extend unilateral support to former Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind, the NDAs Presidential candidate.

He even made the announcement in favour of Kovind ahead of the Opposition meeting to decide on its presidential nominee. While RJD chief Lalu Prasad dubbed this as a historical blunder, senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad targeted CM, calling him a man of many principles.

Reports had it that the schedule of Meira Kumars proposed visit to the state was neither communicated to the CMs office nor any contact was made to formalise a meeting. I have no information about her visit, Kumar said on the possibility of meeting her, at his weekly Lok Samvad programme on Monday, before he fell ill.

The opposition choice of former deputy PM and senior dalit leader Jagjivan Rams daughter, with impeccable credentials both as former Lok Sabha Speaker and a Miranda House alumni who made it to the IFS, as its Presidential candidate, was seen as a tactical ploy to put CMs support for Kovind over Bihar ki Beti on a trial.

But Kumar has remained firm on his stand, which he said was for an individual, not the NDA, for his cordial relations with the government. At the state executive meeting of the party on Sunday, JD (U) president had said that the party would retain its dignity of being a partner in the grand alliance, rather than becoming a blind follower of any party.

Kumars departure, amidst reports of a thaw in GA, thanks to Rahul Gandhis intervention, a climb down by Azad and an imminent regrouping of Opposition for vice presidential polls, indicated that the CM had preferred spending time at a place dear to his heart, in his home district, convalescing and mulling his next step.

Party spokesman Neeraj Kumar questioned all those, including Kumar (Meira), harping on Bihar ki Beti theme, saying why this delay in visiting her home state. It should have been first on her list.

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The bodies of three people killed in an Indian Air Force (IAF) chopper crash earlier this week have been recovered from the scene of the tragedy, Arunachal Pradesh police said on Thursday. A search is on for a fourth victim, they added.

The advanced light helicopter, which was on a flood rescue mission, had crashed on Tuesday afternoon. It was carrying three crew members and an Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) soldier. Three bodies have been retrieved from the debris, said director general of police Sandeep Goel.

The three IAF crew members were identified as wing commander MS Dhillon (the pilot), flight lieutenant PK Singh and flight engineer Sergeant Gujjar. The IRB man was Nada Umbing, a resident of Hija village in Lower Subansiri district.

Papum Pare district superintendent of police Tumme Amo said 14 policemen and some local guides spotted two bodies after coming within eyeshot of the crash site, a deep gorge at Sopo Yuha, on Wednesday evening. However, darkness descended soon afterwards  forcing them to camp nearby.

The mission had to be resumed early the next morning.

As it takes five hours to reach the spot on foot from the nearest village, a team comprising state policemen, National Disaster Response Force members, Army soldiers, IAF personnel and medical experts set off with a few guides around 4 am, said Amo.

The helicopter had taken off from the Pilputu helipad near Sagalee in Papum Pare district at 3.48 pm on Tuesday. The aircraft lost contact with the ground staff minutes later.

Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu said the IAF chopper rescued 169 people from areas hit by floods and landslides before its last mission. These brave personnel were out rescuing people stranded in the floods, airlifting them to safer locations. Hundreds of people mourn the death of their saviours, he added.

Defence spokesperson Lt Colonel Sombit Ghosh said a court of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the accident.

Unpredictable weather makes travelling by helicopter a risky proposition in Arunachal Pradesh. Around the time of the IAF choppers disappearance, an Mi-17 aircraft carrying Union minister Kiren Rijiju was forced to land on an Itanagar polytechnic college ground due to poor visibility.

In March 2011, chief minister Dorjee Khandu and four others died after their Pawan Hans chopper crashed near Sela in Tawang district. Another helicopter was involved in an accident while landing at Tawang the same year, killing 16. Four years later, Tirap district deputy commissioner Kamlesh Joshi and two others lost their lives in a helicopter crash. In May, two IAF pilots died after their Sukhoi-30 fighter took a fatal dive near the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border.

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Communal violence broke out in North 24 Parganas district on Monday over a controversial Facebook post, following which several shops were torched and houses ransacked in Baduria, Tentulia and Golabari.

The Baduria Police Station was attached by an angry mob on Monday, a day after an objectionable Facebook post. (Samir Jana / HT Photo)

On Monday night, the Baduria Police Station was attacked and set ablaze. The main accused, who allegedly posted objectionable material on Facebook, was arrested earlier that morning and remanded to four days of police custody.

A police vehicle crosses burnt bus in Sairhat sub-division where protesters also burnt shops, vandalised houses and hurled bombs at the police. (Samir Jana / HT Photo)

But the arrest did not calm down the protesters and they resorted to violence and torched the home of the accused.

Temporary relief camps run by locals have been set in light of the prevailing violence across districts. (Samir Jana / HT Photo)

Children at one of the relief camps set up to safeguard civilians as violence and torching incidents continue. Prohibitory orders were implemented in Baduria and Basirhat on Wednesday. (Samir Jana / HT Photo)

On Tuesday evening, protesters torched police and government vehicles.

Superintendent of Police (North 24 Parganas) Bhaskar Mukherjee was also injured when a mob attacked him and torched his vehicle.

Paramilitary personnel and four companies of the Border Security Force have been deployed to the area. (Samir Jana / HT Photo)

Prohibitory orders which were invoked on Wednesday remain in force in all the affected areas, including Baduria and Basirhat areas of North 24 Parganas. Internet services also remain suspended in North 24 Parganas.

The Union home ministry has sought a detailed report on the violence from the Mamata Banerjee government.

A cyclist passes by the burnt out shell of a West Bengal police vehicle, one of many targeted by protestors using bombs. (Samir Jana / HT Photo)

Four companies of the Border Security Force (BSF) and 400 paramilitary personnel were also deployed in the violence hit areas.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee has appealed for peace and communal harmony in the area. She also held the local police responsible for failing to block Facebook.
India, Israel turn marriage made in heaven into strategic partnership

India and Israel elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership on Wednesday, pledging to work more closely to protect their key interests and combat radicalisation and terrorism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu oversaw the signing of a series of bilateral pacts for cooperation on satellite technology, water and agriculture, as well as the creation of a $40 million innovation fund. Netanyahu described the collaboration as a marriage made in heaven (he described Israeli-Chinese relations in exact same words to Xi Jinping in March), drawing a hearty laugh from Modi and the audience. Read the story here.

Modi in Israel Highlights: PM announces Delhi, Mumbai and Tel Aviv air route

India and Israel inked several agreements in the fields of technology, water and agriculture on Wednesday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the cooperation marks a marriage made in heaven as he stood alongside PM Modi. Earlier on Wednesday, Modi called on Israeli President Reuven Rivlin who broke protocol and welcomed the Indian leader with a hug as he alighted from the car ahead of the meeting. For highlights of the visit read the story here.

Willing to discuss alternative arrangements for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims, says China amid Sikkim row

After days of shrill rhetoric since the standoff began three weeks ago, there was also a conciliatory move by the Chinese embassy in New Delhi, which said Beijing is willing to discuss the possibility of alternative arrangements through other routes for Indian pilgrims who had planned to visit Kailash Manasrovar via Nathu La. In a statement, Chinese Embassy spokesperson Xie Liyan said the Indian yatra to Kailash and Mansarovar is an important part of China-India people-to-people and cultural exchanges. China consistently respects the Indian peoples religious sentiments and attaches importance to Indian Yatra to Kailash and Mansarovar in Xizang. Read the story here.

Opinion: Sikkim standoff: India cannot afford to allow China to change the status quo

India cannot afford to allow the Chinese to change the status quo near east Sikkim. Nor can we admit any suggestion that infrastructure development should be put on hold all along the border. At the same time, New Delhi must make a strong diplomatic effort to arrest the slide in ties with China. We must abandon the notion that our grand strategic choices boil down to either balancing against China in concert with the United States or bandwagoning with China. Read the column here.

Clashes, political spat continue in West Bengal over communal flare-up

At least 23 people were wounded in continuing communal clashes in West Bengals Basirhat subdivision, where mobs were squaring up over a Hindu school students Facebook post that offended Muslims. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee warned the rioters of stern action after three days of violence left scores of people wounded. Mobs torched shops, houses and police vehicles in the communally sensitive area in North 24 Parganas district, about 65km from Kolkata. Public gatherings were prohibited in the subdivision on Wednesday and internet services blocked to stop the spread of rumours through social media. Read the story here.

Lalu Yadav pitches new grand alliance to take on BJP in 2019

Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav hinted at a possible alliance between arch-rivals Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, making a case for opposition unity to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2019 general elections. The powerful Bihar politician said a united opposition would spoil the BJPs chances, which is why the ruling party had launched a political witch-hunt to break rival leaders. Read the story here.

Pak successfully test fires short-range ballistic missile Nasr

Pakistan on Tuesday successfully test fired short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile Nasr, which army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said has put cold water on Indian militarys Cold Start doctrine. Nasr is a high-precision weapon system with the ability to be deployed quickly, the army said. Pakistan Army has conducted a series of training launches and tests during the current week for validation of new technical parameters of Nasr with enhanced range from 60-70 kilometres and flight manoeuvrability. Read the story here.

Debris of IAF chopper spotted in Arunachal Pradesh; two bodies located

An Arunachal Pradesh police team on Wednesday afternoon located the wreckage of the Indian Air Force chopper that went off the radar while on flood rescue mission on Tuesday. The team also found two mutilated bodies beside the crash site. The IAF, however, said it was not certain if the debris was of its missing Advanced Light helicopter. Read the story here.

Think-tank says Saudi Arabia chief foreign promoter of Islamist extremism in UK

Government and government-linked organisations in Saudi Arabia, Iran and other Gulf countries are allegedly responsible for providing funding for Islamist extremism in the United Kingdom, according to the London-based think-tank, the Henry Jackson Society. Its report released on Wednesday, titled Foreign Funded Islamist Extremism in the UK, mentions Indias intelligence agencies reported that between 2011 and 2013, Saudi Arabia sent $250 million, as well as thousands of clerics, to India for the purpose of establishing Wahhabi mosques and seminaries. Read the story here.

Noida: Man steals cell phone, uploads selfies to owners Google Drive account

Manoj Sharma received the shock of his life when three motorcycle-borne people allegedly snatched his smartphone from Noida-Sector 10 on June 12. His nightmare, however, had just begun. Sharma said photographs being clicked by one of the thieves are now being uploaded to his Google Drive account, adding to his desperation each passing day. Though he has been able to pinpoint the mans general location through the phones global positioning system, the culprit continues to be at large. Read the story here.
The impact of the Sino-India border stand-off in Sikkim is being felt in faraway Gujarat, where the BJP government signing an MoU with a Chinese automobile firm invited the charge of betrayal from the opposition Congress.

The Gujarat government on Wednesday signed an MoU with Chinas SAIC Motor Corp for setting up a passenger car manufacturing facility at Halol in the Panchmahals district with an investment of Rs 2,000 crore.

Congress leader Arjun Modhwadia slammed the state government for signing the agreement, saying the ruling BJP had betrayed the people of the country by this act.

However, the BJP government defended its action, saying India has not yet snapped its ties with the neighbouring country.

The Congress-BJP war of words came amid the continuing stand-off along the India-China border.

On one hand, the BJP asks people to show patriotism by boycotting Chinese goods. On the other, the BJP government is inviting a Chinese firm to Gujarat. This is nothing but betrayal with the countrymen. Prime Minister Narendra Modi must clarify his stand on this, said Modhwadia.

Gujarat Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi accused the BJP of having double standards on patriotism.

Chinas stand (on India-related issues) has always remained negative. Be it giving protection to terrorists (like Masood Azhar) or transgressing our territory. Even then, this BJP government is rolling out the red carpet for Chinese firms. Is this BJPs patriotism? This kind of double standards will eventually harm the country, he said.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani defended his governments decision.

We share a free trade policy with all countries. Even today, the Indian government has not severed relations with China. We can stop Chinese firms (from coming to India) only when we cut off all ties, Rupani told reporters here when asked to about the controversy.

Since the bilateral relations are still intact, it is their (Chinese firms) right to come here to do business. Thus, our doors are open for them, too, said Rupani.
India reclaimed after two months the top rank in domestic air passenger traffic growth in the world for the month of May.

Till March 2017, India had topped the domestic charts for the highest growth rates for 23 months in a row. In March, its domestic passenger growth rate came down to the third position among major aviation markets like Australia, Brazil, China, Japan, Russia and the US.

In April, the passenger traffic expanded faster and India attained the rank of second fastest growing markets.

According to data furnished by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on Thursday, Indias passenger traffic grew by 17.7% in May from 15.3% in April 2017.

Thursdays IATA data showed that India regained the top position in domestic revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) and available seat kilometres (ASK) among all major aviation markets.

Indias domestic RPK  which measures actual passenger traffic  rose by more than 17% in May compared with the corresponding month of the previous year, the data revealed.

It was followed by that of China at 16.8%, Russia at 12.8% and Japan at 10.3%.

The countrys domestic ASK  which measures available passenger capacity  edged higher by 14.7% in May, followed by China at 14.4% and Russia at 12.6%.

In addition, the association said the global RPK rose by 7.7% and the global ASK by 6.1%.

Passenger demand is solid. And we dont foresee any weakening over the busy summer months in the Northern Hemisphere. But the rising price of fuel and other input costs is likely to see airlines ability to stimulate markets with lower fares taper over the coming months, said Alexandre de Juniac, Director General and CEO, IATA.

In parallel, rising trade protectionism and barriers to travel are worrying trends that, if unchecked, could impact demand. As a business airlines depend on borders that are open to trade and people.
Khurshid Imam is simply delighted by the deepening ties between India and Israel following Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

The assistant professor at the Centre of Arabic and African studies of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) teaches Hebrew  the countrys sole university teacher to do so  and hopes closer ties between the two countries will lead to greater interest among Indians to learn Israels native language.

We have been running the language course since 2006. Only internal students can opt for it. Now that the relations between the two countries are improving, we expect to see the introduction of a proposed certificate/diploma course so that students outside JNU can also enroll themselves, said Imam, a bearded, skull cap-donning devout Muslim who returned after a degree from Israel in 2000.

Read more | Why Modi and Netanyahu are playing up India-Israel cultural ties

The two countries have talked about enhancing people-to-people relations which covers academics as well, he added.

Khurshid Imam believes the demand to learn Hebrew is set to grow. (HT PHOTO)

JNU is the only university in the country and Imam the only faculty to teach Hebrew language. It is, however, an optional subject available to students enrolled in other courses. The course in Hebrew language is currently run in two batches of 30 students each.

But Imam believes the demand to learn Hebrew is set to grow. Israel is a strong political and economic nation and hence its native language will have enough scope.

Apart from the language course at JNU, Presidency University in Kolkata offers an undergraduate course in Global Jewish History and OP Jindal Global University in Haryana has a Centre for Israel Studies.

We expect the Hebrew language would soon be reintroduced at University of Mumbai as well. The Tel Aviv University of Israel plans to establish a Centre for Israel Studies there as a result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two varsities, Navras J Aafreedi, a Muslim-Jewish relations activist who teaches at the department of History at Kolkatas Presidency University, said.

Read more | Modi and I are reformers who want to seize the future, says Israeli PM Netanyahu

Besides JNU, Hebrew is also taught by a number of Christian seminaries and theological centres, like the United Theological College of Bangalore and at entres established by the Israeli Jewish organization in Manipur and Mizoram.

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Amid Chinas aggressive posturing in the Asiatic region, India and Vietnam discussed concrete and feasible steps to protect their interests while seeking to bolster their strategic bilateral ties.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Vietnam Pham Binh Minh, who concluded his four-day visit to India on Thursday, told PTI in an interview that the two sides also discussed the progress of implementation of the high-level agreements between them for creating a stable and facilitating framework to help their relations grow more substantively.

The Vietnamese leaders visit comes in the midst of growing maritime aggression of China in the South China Sea as also its military stand off with India in the Sikkim sector.

Vietnam and several other countries, including Brunei and the Philippines, are involved in territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea, seen as a potentially explosive diplomatic issue in east Asia.

China has also been objecting to Indias oil exploration projects in maritime areas offered by Vietnam in the South China Sea, claiming that it enjoys indisputable sovereignty there. However, India has been dismissive of Chinese objections, insisting its cooperation with Vietnam was as per international laws and that it would like the cooperation to grow.

Talking about the economic ties between the two countries, the Vietnamese leader said many of Indias major corporations are investing in various projects in Vietnam such as the Tatas in Long Phu II thermal power plant in Soc Trang and ONGC Videsh in oil and gas exploration on Vietnams continental shelf.

During his visit, apart from participating in the India-ASEAN ministerial meet on July 4, he held bilateral meetings with Indian leadership, including President Pranab Mukherjee and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

President Pranab Mukherjee with Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister of Vietnam Pham Binh Minh during their meeting at Rashtrapati Bhavan on July 4, 2017. (PTI)

After the meeting with Swaraj, the MEA issued a statement saying both sides reiterated their support for peace, stability, security, safety, freedom of navigation and over flight, and unimpeded commerce based on the principles of international law, as reflected notably in the UNCLOS.

The reiteration of their stand came as the two sides noted the order issued by the Arbitral Tribunal, constituted under the UN Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS), on the dispute between China and the Philippines which said Beijing did not have sovereign ownership over several disputed islands in the South China Sea. China had rejected the order.

Noting that many issues pertinent to bilateral relations were discussed during his talks here, the Vietnamese leader said they exchanged views on concrete and feasible measures appropriate to the situation of each country as well as the international and regional state of affairs in order to substantively and effectively implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2016.

In the interview, the Vietnamese deputy prime minister also talked about cooperation in the areas of trade, defence and security.

The establishment of the Strategic Partnership in 2007, which was upgraded to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September 2016, has created an important framework for our bilateral cooperation to expand and deepen in all areas: politics and diplomacy, defence and security, economy and trade, science and technology, and education and training, among many others, he said.

Economically, India is among Vietnams top ten trade partners, with a bilateral trade turnover of $7 billion, he said, adding by the end of May 2017, Indias total registered FDI in Vietnam stood at $772 million, with 145 investment projects.
On Tuesday, Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam shot off a letter to Censor board chairman Pehlaj Nihalani against the upcoming film Indu Sarkar, directed by Madhur Bhandarkar.

The trailer of the film says its a film on Emergency and hence we can see the likes of our beloved leaders like Indira Gandhi ji, Sanjay Gandhi ji and other senior leaders. We, therefore, want to be certain that our leaders are not shown in bad light & hence would like to see the film before its censored, Nirupam wrote.

In Indias film history, this is not the first time when a political party raised an objection or tried to stall the release of the film. Even during the British Raj films were banned for political content. In 1939, 26 years after Dadasaheb Phalke made Indias first movie, the Tamil film Thyagabhoomi was banned in Chennai as the British rulers felt it is supportive of Indias Independence movement.

Here are some films directly or indirectly depicting the lives of politicians, which ran into trouble:

1.Aandhi (1975): Best known for songs like Tere bina zindagi se koi, this film directed by Gulzar and starring Sanjeev Kumar and Suchitra Sen was banned from screening for two years as a section of the Congress leaders felt that the film sought to portray Indira Gandhi and her relationship with her estranged husband, Feroze Gandhi. The film subsequently hit the theatres after the Janata Party came to power in 1977. It was even premiered on state-run Doordarshan.

2. Kissa Kursi Ka (1977): Directed by an MP, Amrit Nahata, the film was banned. It was based on the lives of Indira Gandhi and her son Sanjay. Many years later, another film came out with the same title but with a much-diluted script with no reference to Nehru-Gandhi family.

3. Iruvar (1997): Mani Ratnam-directed film allegedly sought to portray the rivalry between cinestars-turned-politicians MG Ramachandran and M Karunanidhi. There was also an allegation that Aishwarya Rai was cast as J Jayalalithaa. There were protests all over Tamil Nadu. The film was initially denied permission and was finally cleared after deleting a few dialogues.

4. Kaum di Heere (2014): The Punjabi film allegedly sought to glorify the assassins of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Both the Congress and the BJP objected to the film. The film never found way to the theatre.

5. 31 October (2015): The plot of the film revolved around the anti-Sikh riots following the assassination of Indira Gandhi. The Congress wanted a ban on it. It could be released only after a court battle. The Censor board chopped off several scenes before the release of the film last year.

6. Sikkim (1971): Satyajit Rays documentary was commissioned by the erstwhile King of Sikkim. When Sikkim merged with India in 1975, the film was sent to cold storage as it was felt that Ray glorified the sovereign kingdom of Sikkim. In 2010, finally, the UPA government decided to allow its public show. It was the only film of Ray that faced ban for political reasons.

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The divide among the militants in the Kashmir Valley laid bare on Thursday  two days before the first death anniversary of the outfits commander Burhan Wani.

The 22-year-old was killed in a gunbattle with the Jammu and Kashmir police last year.

In an audio message released on social media, Zakir Musa, the leader of the breakaway faction, hailed martyr Burhan as the one responsible for his own understanding of Shariah, and spoke of bringing the Islamic Caliphate in Kashmir  for the establishment of which, he claimed, Burhan gave his life.

He was never a follower of tanzeem (group), and always wanted the superiority of Islam. He once again taught the chapter of Jihad to Kashmiri Muslims, Musa said in his message.

Another five-minute video showed Hizbuls new operational commander, Yasin Yatoo, for whom the Kashmir struggle, which although takes guidance from Islam, has strong legal, geographical, international and diplomatic aspects, which is why militant policies are framed based on these....

Without naming Musa, Yatoo, who could be heard paying tributes to Burhan for his bravery and spirit of following the Ameer (the leader), said the defector was playing at the hands of external forces.

The open display of rift comes as the Jammu and Kashmir police was joined by 214 companies of central paramilitary forces  comprising more than 21,000 personnel  for the Amarnath Yatra and any situation which may arise on July 8.

The state police has also issued directives to internet service providers in the Valley to block access to social media sites or shut down their services from Thursday night.

The authorities in Kashmir are on the edge as separatists have called for a shutdown on Saturday, which marks the first anniversary of Wanis death that triggered months of unrest between civilians and security forces.
Speaking to supporters in Gaza on Wednesday, Haniya reaffirmed the group's policy of not interfering in Egypt's internal affairs, saying Hamas will not allow the Strip to be used as a shelter or haven for anyone who intends to harm Egyptian national security.

The group also stressed in a statement on Wednesday its respect and appreciation for Egypt's historical role in supporting the Palestinian cause.

The statement pointed to the last week's talks between Hamas and Egyptian officials in Cairo, which it says "have led to some results that will help ease the situation in Gaza."

The statement added that the talks also touched upon the resumption of Palestinian national reconciliation efforts.

Relations between Egypt and the Palestinian Islamist group, which rules the Gaza Strip, were strained in the wake of the ouster of Egypt's Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013.

Cairo had accused Hamas of backing Egypt's banned Muslim Brotherhood organisation and smuggling arms through tunnels under the Gaza-Sinai border.

Egypt had also accused members of Hamas of involvement in the 2015 assassination of Egyptian prosecutor-general Hisham Barakat.

Since the start of this year, top Hamas officials have payed several visits to Cairo for talks with Egyptian officials.

In early 2017, Hamas leader Mahmoud Al-Zahar said that the group's relations with Cairo were witnessing improvement, evidenced by the reaching of an agreement on border control between Gaza and Egypt.

In an unprecedented move in February, Hamas, which was founded in 1989, rebranded itself in its new manifesto as an Islamic national liberation movement, rather than a branch of the pan-Arab Muslim Brotherhood, which has been outlawed in Egypt.

Last month, a delegation headed by Hamas' newly elected political bureau leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar visited Cairo and discussed the humanitarian situation in the besieged Gaza Strip and Egypt's role in alleviating the siege.

In late June, Egypt trucked 1 million litres of cheap diesel fuel to Gaza's sole power plant to temporarily eased a crippling electricity crisis in the Strip.

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A day before the Kisan Mukti Yatra was to start from Pipliyamandi, Mandsaur, to pay homage to six farmers who lost their lives in police firing and lathi-charge a month ago, the Mandsaur superintendent of police released the names of 32 people who have cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS).

They have also been booked under various cases during the farmers agitation in the first fortnight of June.

Since the start of the agitation, local administration, intelligence and even the chief minister have been alleging that the opium smugglers lobby was behind the agitation.

But the state intelligence department is also convinced about the links.

An official said there was no reason for the farmers agitation to start in Mandsaur. Farmers in Mandsaur are quite well off. They take at least three crops, including soyabean and the lucrative opium cultivation. Most of the land is irrigated. If you look at the villagers, they may look rustic but have all the trappings of money.

Swaraj India president Yogendra Yadav, who was among the leaders of the Kisan Mukti Yatra, said this was simply a ploy. Next, they are going to say that I have links with the opium lobby, Yadav said.

Intelligence officers said the decision of the centre banning all trade in doda chura (poppy husk) and calling for their destruction was a sore point with the opium farmers.

State Congress spokesperson KK Mishra dismissed the police argument. Shivraj Singh Chouhan is constantly shifting his stand. Initially he said it was the Congress that was behind the agitation (and) now he is saying that it is opium smugglers...

Patidar samaj leader Mahesh Patidar also dismissed the allegations.

According to Mandsaur superintendent of police Manoj Singh, 95 cases had been registered during the farmers agitation.

In all, 262 have been named and there are over 3,000 unnamed in these FIRs, while 41 have been arrested so far.

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There are stories that remind us that we should never give up on our dreams. There are stories that prove that if our willpower is strong, then no matter how bumpy the road is, the heart can always achieve what it desires. One such encouraging story is of Anny Divya, worlds youngest woman commander to fly Boeing 777. Born in Pathankot, Anny wanted to become a pilot ever since she was a child. However, her journey towards attaining that goal wasnt easy. In a conversation with HT, Captain Anny Divya, who is currently based in Mumbai, reveals how she battled her way to achieve success.

The beginning

I was born in Pathankot. My father, who was in the army, was posted there. Later, he took voluntary retirement and settled in Vijaywada. I did my schooling in Vijaywada. Since my childhood, I wanted to be a pilot. Other children used to make fun of me for this. Kids, at that time, were pushed to pursue engineering or become a doctor but not a pilot. But luckily, my parents never forced their choice on me. They were supportive and progressive in their thinking. My mother always used to encourage me . However, my relatives and my family friends were against my decision to become a pilot. Also, at that time, being a pilot was not considered as a profession for woman.

Anny started flying the Boeing 737 at the age of 19.

The initial struggle

I come from a modest background. My family faced financial issues. Since I grew up in Vijaywada, I could write and read English but speaking English was a major challenge that I had to overcome. Right after 12th, when I was 17 years old, I got through Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA), the flying school in Uttar Pradesh. We took a loan for my education. The cultural change from a small town to a big city was overwhelming for me. I had difficulty adjusting and speaking English. People used to mock me for my poor English and that hurt me a lot. At times, I thought of going back. However, I didnt. With my parents support, I worked hard enought to win a scholarship.

The flight to victory

I had completed my training when I was 19 years old. As soon as I finished my training, I got a job with Air India. During that period, for the first time, I went abroad. I was sent to Spain for training. When I came back, I got the opportunity to fly Boeing 737. Ever since then, there has been no looking back. When I turned 21, I was sent to London for further training. It was then when I started to fly Boeing 777. Since then, my life has changed. Its been a great experience so far. Ive got the opportunity to travel to various countries. My journey so far has taught me a lot.

An agent of change

Although this profession is still male dominated, the perception that this profession is not for women has already changed to a large extent. I am proud to say that India has taken lead over rest of the world including developed countries, when it comes to number of female pilots. In India, 15% woman fly as airline pilots, while globally, it is an average of approximately 5%.

Advice for upcoming woman pilots

Your parents are your biggest support , so trust them to keep you grounded. And last but not the least theres no substitute for hard work.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called his meeting with Indian counterpart Narendra Modi a union of hearts and minds that was long due, and said the promising partnership between the two countries can seize the future.

In an interview with Hindustan Times on Wednesday, Netanyahu said he was looking to cooperate with India in every possible way, and had accepted Modis invitation to visit the country this year.

I said its almost impossible to understand what took you so long for the meeting of hearts and minds, the 67-year-old leader said from his hotel room overlooking the Temple Mount, one of the holiest sites of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

He said India was the first democracy he sees when he turns his head right just as Modi would see Israel as the first democratic country if he turned his head left.

During the Cold War, India didnt have open relations with Israel, leaning heavily in favour of the Palestinians. But over the past quarter century, the countries have developed close ties in high-tech and defence, and Modi is the first Indian prime minister to visit Israel.

We are eager to have cooperative ventures between our entrepreneurs and our technologists and Indias wonderful storehouse of human talent, Netanyahu said.

In the 30-minute interview, he also spoke on cooperation in fighting terrorism, exchange of intelligence and emerging geo-political realities in West Asia.

Read the full interview here.

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Jammu and Kashmir government has downgraded the security of Valleys head cleric and moderate separatist Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

The move, seen as a pressure tactic, comes weeks after deputy superintendent of police Mohammad Ayoub Pandit was lynched by a mob in Srinagars Nowhatta area on June 23.

Mirwaiz was provided Z category security after unidentified gunmen killed his father Mirwaiz Molvi Mohammad Farooq at his residence in 1990.

While government insisted Mirwaiz, who delivers sermons from the grand mosque, was present in the mosque as the policeman was being lynched outside, the separatist leader said he reached Jama Masjid about one hour after the incident.

While no official was available for comment, sources said two havildars and eight constables have been removed from duty. A DSP-rank officer in Mirwaizs security for over a decade has also been transferred. The officer was shifted on June 29 and no replacement has been sent since then.

Mirwaiz confirmed the move and said some security personnel guarding his house have been removed. He, however said, he doesnt mind even if his entire security cover is removed. Let me make it clear that neither did I seek it in the past nor do I seek it today .The authorities concerned can take their call on it anytime and put an end to the politics being played over it, he said.

Speaking to HT, a senior police officer from the security wing, who did not want to be named, said Mirwaiz still has Z category cover. Only the excess force has been removed, he added.

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PATNA Meira Kumar, the joint Presidential nominee of 17 opposition parties, gave a clear message on Thursday that presidential election, on July 17, was not all about numbers, as some people were trying to project it to be. Rather, it was a battle of two ideologies, which could go a long way in determining the course of the nation.

When I hear people talking about the presidential poll as a Dalit vs Dalit fight, I feel hurt. It is the election for Indias highest office and it is high time we overcame the prejudices of caste, creed and class for the sake of progress and an egalitarian society, she said.

Kumar said while many people were questioning her prospects on the basis of numbers, she had faith in ideology and inner voice of conscience of the electorate.

The former Lok Sabha speaker was speaking at a reception organized by the Bihar Congress in Patna, soon after she arrived here on a three day visit to marshal support for her candidature.

On Friday, Kumar will make a trip to Chandwa in Bhojpur district, the native village of her late father, former deputy prime minister Babu Jagjivan Ram.

All through her speech, she did not even refer to Bihars ruling grand alliance (GA) constituent, the JD-U or its president and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, who have already decided to back NDA nominee Ram Nath Kovind in the the July 17 election.

But Kumar admitted that the first call she received after her selection as the opposition Presidential nominee was from Lalu Prasad, chief of the RJD, which was also a GA constituent, like her own party, the Congress.

Prasad was not present at the function, as he had to go to Ranchi to appear before a court in a fodder scam case. But his two sons  deputy CM Tejaswhi Prasad Yadav and health minister Tej Pratap Yadav, along with other RJD legislators, were present.

This is an election that will have far-reaching implications as, for the first time, ideologies have taken precedence over individuals. I have written to all members of the electoral college that this was a historic occasion, as the nation is at a cross roads. One way was going towards religious divide and suppression of the poor, while another line was for the uplift of the deprived and a tolerant society, she said.

She also cited the growing cow vigilantism as a sign of dangerous trend. Can you imagine a person feeling threatened just because he or she is moving with a cow. Strange things are happening. Sooner we wake up, the better it will be and this can happen only through ideology, she added.

Kumar said fighting for the oppressed was always a difficult task, as she had learnt from her late father.

It has been ingrained in me since childhood that all religions need to be respected equally. In fact,this comes naturally in Bihar, which is a confluence of so many religions and which enlightened Gautam Budha and was a learning experience for Mahatma Gandhi, she said.

She said it was a unique development that 17 political parties, which usually have differences on one issue or the other, came together on the issue of ideology to back her candidature.

Congress leaders Rajiv Shukla and CP Joshi said the the opposition joint candidate was way ahead of her rival in all spheres. But what is more significant is that this election will determine the future course and direction of the opposition unity. There have been instances of surprises in the presidential poll in the past, they said.

Deputy CM Tejaswhi Prasad Yadav said that this was just the second opportunity after Dr Rajendra Prasad to send someone from Bihar to the highest office and it should not be missed. She is a woman, a Dalit, a competent leader, former minister and former Speaker, he added.

Earlier, Bihar Congress president Ashok Choudhary, CLP leader Sadanand Singh and finance minister Abdul Bari Siddiqui (RJD), among others, assured Kumar that every vote from the two parties would go to her.

IN ACTION MODE The joint Presidential nominee of 17 Oppn parties is here to marshal support for her candidature, ahead of July 17 election

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Former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar, the Congress candidate for the presidential race, is banking on conscience votes to repeat history.

Varahgri Venkata Giri, Indias fourth president, was the only independent candidate to be elected President in 1969. He had defeated Congress nominee Neelam Sanjiva Reddy to succeed Zakir Hussain.

Reddy went on to become the sixth President in 1977.

This presidential election is not a contest of numbers but a vote of idealism and conscience, Kumar said in Guwahati on Wednesday evening at a meeting with MLAs of five north-eastern states belonging to Congress and regional parties.

Kumar agreed NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind was ahead in the numbers game. But conscience votes could help her achieve what Giri had achieved as an independent candidate, she felt.

She said legislators and MPs of 17 national and regional parties apart from the Congress have backed her candidature.

They included the legislators of the Meghalaya-based United Democratic Party (UDP), which in principle is a constituent of the Bharatiya Janata Party-helmed North East Democratic Alliance.

Senior UDP leader and former Meghalaya chief minister Donkupar Roy attended the get-together with Kumar. But he said he had merely accepted the invitation of state chief minister Mukul Sangma.

Most of the MLAs from Congress-ruled Mizoram and Sikkim Democratic Front-ruled Sikkim attended the meeting, as did some non-Congress MLAs in Arunachal Pradesh.

The Congress has 30 MLAs in the 60-member Meghalaya assembly. The regional parties  some like National Peoples Party aligned with NDA  have 17 legislators and the remaining 13 are independents.

Kumar is expected to get the votes of 34 Congress MLAs in the 40-member Mizoram assembly and of 50 Left Front legislators in the 60-member Tripura assembly.

In Assam, Congress has 24 legislators while 13 of All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) have announced their support for Kumar.

Of the 25 Lok Sabha members from the region, the BJP and Congress have eight MPs each, AIUDF has three and CPI-M has two. Apart from one independent, the remaining MPs are either of pro-NDA regional parties or non-aligned.

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A 16-year-old girl, who was missing since two days, was found dead on Thursday near isolated woods at Halaila in Kotkhai, 65 km from Shimla. Reportedly, the girl was found naked, suspecting rape before murder.

On July 4, the girl did not return home from Government Senior Secondary School, Mahasu. The police also recovered her school dress lying near the body, raising rape suspicion.

Deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Theog Manoj Joshi reached the spot and sent the body for postmortem. We are not ruling out the possibility of rape of the minor, he said.

After the body was recovered, people of nearby villages reached the place and identified the deceased.

Shimla additional superintendent of police (ASP) Bhajan Dev Negi said the investigation in on and they were waiting for the postmortem report. We have registered a case under Section 376 (punishment for rape), 302 (punishment for murder) and section 4 (punishment for penetrative sexual assault) of The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against unidentified person.

Police are recording statement of villagers, school staff, classmates and relatives of the deceased.

(In the earlier version of the copy the minors age was incorrectly reported, the correction has been made)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted PM Narendra Modis invitation to visit India this year to further cement the bilateral relationship. On the sixth floor of King David Hotel and in the backdrop of the City of David and Temple Mount, the 67-year-old leader spoke to Hindustan Times exclusively on India-Israel relations, Iran, terrorism and the growing partnership among democracies. Here are the excerpts:

Are you planning to come to India this year?

Yes. Just received a gracious invitation from Prime Minister Modi and I gladly accept. We are clearly in midst of an historic process. Modis visit to Israel is truly historic. I said yesterday that its almost impossible to understand what took you so long for the meeting of hearts and minds and the decision of leaders. Modi is not only a great leader of India but also a great world leader. And the fact that he has made a decision to upgrade the Israel-India links and seek to have the benefits of Israeli innovation and great Indian renaissance is a testament to his leadership. Yes, I have gladly accepted and look forward to my India visit with great expectations and enthusiasm.

Modi has de-hyphenated the past equation which used to be earlier there and called Israel a special friend, calling his visit as ground breaking. How does Israel on its part strengthen the special bond?

Modi said life is innovation and we are living in times of exponential change. Everything is technology. The distinction between hi-tech and low-tech has disappeared in water, agriculture, health, communication, medicine and transportation. Innovation will govern our future. The future belongs to those nations who innovate. Israel is the innovation nation. India is replete with immensely talented people, scientists, engineers and management gurus. The partnership of our two nations can seize the future. And we are eager to have cooperative ventures between our entrepreneurs and our technologists and Indias wonderful storehouse of human talent. Modi said in our very first meeting in the UN three years ago. He said when it comes to India and Israel relations sky is the limit. And in this visit we have surely said that sky is not the limit by cooperating in space programs and actually signed three agreements. We seek to cooperate with India in every way. We shall seize the future together.

Read | India, Israel turn marriage made in heaven into strategic partnership

Modi and you seem to have a special bonding. This was evident when Modi landed in Israel. The world is watching you two leaders.

I think people sense the natural and immediate bond. By the way this was the sense that I had when I met Modi for the first time. As I said it is meeting of hearts and mind. Both at the personal level. I think we both are reformers and we both have deep and abiding respect for our cultures and history. Yet we both want to seize the future. It is a very similar mentality. So this forms the basis of our relationship and we both understand the potential of our cooperation. This is very real. I also think there is natural affinity.

You both seem to be exchanging notes on Twitter. Do you talk on the phone also?

(Laughs) He is a greater twitterer than I. I have a way to go and this includes yoga. I have some work to do to catch up. But there is a sense about Modi and people around the world sense it that he is committed to something beyond himself. And I think in Israel and beyond Israel a lot of people understand that I am committed to safeguarding and building Israels future. And in our case we are almost the same age. India has history of 5,000 years, we have history about 4,000 years. We unlike the people of India lost our homeland and were dispersed to far corners of the world and paid a horrible price. So my job as the Prime Minister of Israel is to make sure that the horrors of the past can never be repeated in the future by making Israel very strong, very advanced, very developed and in partnership with like-minded states. And who can be more like minded than the great Indian democracy. I said yesterday that the first day of exercise I will do is to turn my head to the right. And what do I see. The first democracy, I see is India. And I said if Modi does a similar exercise and looks to the left and the first democracy he will see is Israel. So this is not only a personal partnership. It is a natural partnership between our people who respect and generally like and admire one and other. And the question that you should be really asking is what took us so long.

You talked about India-Israel cooperation in terrorism. Can you elaborate on it? What is the new frontier that you are talking about considering that both countries collaborate a lot?

We see there are terrorist attacks around the globe. India has experienced some tragic terror attacks, notably the 2008 Mumbai attack. Modi and I just saw young Moshe who was saved by his Indian nanny. We will never forget that. So many other countries are savaged by these barbarians including most recently in Europe. But these attacks are abound in Asia, Africa and certainly in the Middle-East. The attacks have claimed so many lives. And so there is abiding interest in the civilized powers to fight this scourge. I think this is certainly true for the great democracies  India, Israel and US  but is also true for others. The greatest numbers of victims that this radical Islamic terror claims are Muslims. They murder Muslims, they butcher Muslims so it is not surprising that there is a renewed different view that radical Islamic terror whether led by Shia kind led by Iran or the Sunni kind led by Daesh. And many Arab countries have come to the conclusion that Israel is not their enemy but their indispensable ally against this common danger. So what is developing now is a very broad international consensus that this terrorism has to be fought and defeated. Otherwise the future will be in peril. In practical terms, this means improved exchange of intelligence because you cannot put a policeman in every corner. And techniques are developing to predict where the next terror attack will actually come from. Now you can identify through techniques which corner is going to generate the next attack. This is called data mining and artificial intelligence and we share with all countries that are interested in fighting terrorism.

You talked about Shia and Sunni terror. What is your assessment when even Sunni states are blaming Iran for what they are doing?

It is not that they are blaming Iran now. It is now they are open in blaming Iran. I think everybody understands that Iran generates terror far and wide. It is a pre-eminent terror state of our times. I think the real problem was that for a time in certain quarters there was a sense that Iran was a solution to the problems in the Middle-East and not the real problem. I think that has changed.

You look on the right you see India and on your left you see US. Is US-Israel-India the emerging power troika?

I think it is a natural partnership among democracies. There are other partnerships that are possible in our world and they exist. But there is nothing like the depth of friendship, sympathy and solidarity that democratic people have for one and other. Because we understand that we not only defend ourselves but we defend the way of life. And we make life so cherished. And this is true for US, Israel and India. So a great partnership.

Also read | PM Modis Israel trip shows Indias mature approach with focus on economic, security gains | Opinion

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold bilateral meetings with the top leadership of eight countries, including Britain, Japan and Canada, and also participate in a BRICS leaders meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, a senior official said on Thursday.

The comments came after China said there will be no meeting at Hamburg between Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Indian leader in the wake of a stand-off between the troops of both sides in Doklam area in the Sikkim sector.

The Prime Minister is visiting Hamburg from July 6 to 8 for G20 Summit, external affairs ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said in response to a query.

His pre-planned bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit are with Argentina, Canada, Italy, Japan, Mexico, ROK (South Korea), the UK and Vietnam.

In addition, he will also participate in the BRICS Leaders meeting. There is no change in the Prime Ministers schedule, he added.

Earlier, a Chinese foreign ministry official said President Xi and Prime Minister Modi were unlikely to meet on the sidelines of the summit as the atmosphere is not right due to their border stand-off.

While Indias MEA has not indicated whether Modi and Xi will hold a bilateral meeting, there is every likelihood of their meeting, even in passing, during the five-nation Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa leaders meeting, which is traditionally held on the sidelines of a G20 summit.

Modi and Xi will be in the same room and sitting around the same table at the BRICS leaders meeting, a close group meeting during which leaders of the five countries set the agenda for the way forward.

While the cold vibes between the two sides are in full display over the Doklam stand-off, with China markedly ratcheting up the rhetoric -- both in Beijing and their embassy in New Delhi -- a meeting between the two leaders would help bring down temperatures.

Even as bilateral tensions are at a high, Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar is in Beijing to participate in a BRICS Education Ministers meet. He held good discussions with his Chinese counterpart Chen Baosheng and also met with an old friend Chinese special envoy on climate change Xie Zhenhua, the Indian embassy in Beijing tweeted.
A Muslim lawyer in Bihars Begusarai who converted to Hinduism two days ago with two sons has said his decision to renounce Islam was purely voluntary and taken in desh hit (nations interest).

Mohammed Anwar, 46, who changed his name to Anand Bharti after changing his faith on Tuesday, said circumstances helped him make up his mind.

I had no option after some radical Muslims of Begusarai town threatened me with dire consequences if I did not follow the tenets of Islam, he told HT on Thursday.

Bharti alleged that his family received several threats after the conversion ceremony at a temple in Begusarai, 125 km southeast of Patna. Some people even threatened to chop off our heads. We will submit an application to the police for protection on Friday, he added.

The ghar wapsi was performed at a Shiva temple. Dressed in dhotis and wearing sacred threads, my sons Mohammad Amir, 11, Mohammad Shabir, 9, and I embraced Hinduism amid chanting of Vedic mantras, he said.

My wife Sabnam was not present as she was unwell. My wife will be known as Shabnam Bharti once she performs the ghar wapsi rituals.

The lawyer said, My sons will be known as Aman Bharti and Suman Bharti. We have sworn an affidavit in Begusarai court in this regard.

Anand Bharti said he would approach the police for security. (HT Photo)

Bharti said he was a humanist, who had respect for all faiths, and insisted he was not influenced or coerced to convert. It was purely voluntary and my affidavit makes this clear, he said. He added that he took the decision after a mob of radical Muslims attacked his house in Pokhariya locality of the town.

I have been living in Pokhariya, a Muslim-dominated locality, for more than 18 years. Apparently unhappy that I did not eat beef and was donating money for construction of temples in the town, some of my neighbours had been harassing me for the last few months.

On July 2, they attacked my house, accusing me of not following the tenets of Islam. They alleged that I had not been offering namaz five times a day and also expressed displeasure that my sons were studying in an English medium school and not madrasa, said Bharti. They also beat up my sons when I protested.

Bharti claimed that contrary to general belief, Muslims in India were divided on caste lines, with some upper caste men acting as dharm ke thekedars (contractors of religion).

Upper caste Muslims send their children to missionary schools and even abroad for higher studies, but force others to make their children study in madrasas, he said.

Asked if he would face any caste-related problem as a Hindu, Bharti said there was already a campaign to make sanatan dharma casteless.

District convener of Bajrang Dal, Shuvam Bhardwaj, who claimed to have organised the ghar wapsi ceremony for the lawyer and his children, said they were welcome to Hinduism.

Bhardwaj added that a hate campaign was launched on social media after the lawyers decision and it was a matter of concern.

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Tens of thousands of people protested on Wednesday in a town in northern Syria against Turkey, as speculation mounts it is planning to attack the Kurdish-held border region.

The demonstrators took to the streets of Afrin wrapped in flags of the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) and carrying portraits of Abdullah Ocalan, the leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) jailed in Turkey.

"No to Turkish intervention," they chanted, according to images of the demonstration shared by activists and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group.

"All the people of Afrin, both Arabs and Kurds, have responded to the call of the Kurdish parties to protest... to express their opposition to the Turkish intervention," said Suleiman Jaafar, a Kurdish official in Aleppo province.

They wanted to show "their support for the border protection forces and our forces on the front lines to protect our lands," said Jaafar.

Turkish troops and YPG forces have repeatedly exchanged cross-border fire in recent days, leading to the deaths of three civilians on Tuesday, and there is speculation Ankara may be planning an assault on the group in Afrin.

"Since the beginning of the Syrian crisis, not a shot has been fired at Turkey from Afrin," Jaafar said, accusing Ankara of "shooting at us".

The Turkish newspaper Sabah said on Sunday that pro-Ankara Syrian rebels were on standby for an operation against the YPG and Russia could ensure security in the air.

Asked about the possibility of an operation around Afrin, presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said Saturday: "We take all measures to protect our borders and national security."

He said the Turkey would "instantly" hit back against any threat from Syria, be it from IS, the PKK or the YPG.

Ankara considers the YPG a terrorist group and the Syrian branch of the PKK which has waged an insurgency inside Turkey since 1984.

But the United States is openly arming the YPG as it considers the Kurdish militia group the most effective fighting force against jihadists in Syria.

Turkey fears the creation of a continuous Kurdish entity in northern Syria stretching from the Iraqi border almost too the Mediterranean.

It fears this could encourage separatism amongst its own Kurds, especially as the Iraqi Kurdistan region is planning a referendum on independence.

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Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday asked his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi about the investigation of the 2012 attack on the Israel Embassy in New Delhi.

According to officials in the Prime Ministers Bureau,Netanyahu asked whether any progress was made in the probe, Israeli daily Haaretz reported.

A joint statement released at the end of the meetings also referred to the issue, the newspaper added.

The two prime ministers emphasised that there cant be any justification whatsoever to terrorist acts, the statement said.

The leaders stressed that harsh measures must be taken against terrorists, terror organisations and whoever supports, encourages, finances or shelters them.

According to the statement, Netanyahu and Modi agreed that action must be taken to prevent terror groups from obtaining weapons of mass destruction.

India and Israel decided to scale up their relationship to that of a strategic partnership in the fight against terror, with Modi saying the two countries have agreed to do much more to protect our strategic interests and to combat rising radicalization and terrorism including in the cyber-space.

On the second day of the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister, Modi sought to balance New Delhis traditional ties with Israels neighbours by saying India hoped that peace, dialogue and restraint will prevail in West Asia.

A joint statement issued after the talks said ...strong measures should be taken against terrorists and terror organisations and all those who encourage, support and finance or provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups.
Bihar chief minister and Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar is at it again -- flirting with rivals and keeping allies on toes.

His recent moves and utterances have his partners, the Congress and Lalu Prasads Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), guessing his next move even as he has the BJP imagining a reunion.

He is certainly keeping a window open, a BJP leader told HT on Wednesday.

The BJP has a reason to hope and his partners to despair.

There seems to be a pattern when the 66-year-old socialist veteran starts distancing himself from allies. His split with the BJP in 2013 came after a series of actions targeted at party leaders, something similar to what is going on now.

Kumars senior party colleague KC Tyagi recently set tongues wagging when he said the JD(U) was more comfortable in the NDA than in the grand alliance, the ruling coalition in Bihar.

I meant NDA of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Tyagi later said. We are not comfortable with the present BJP. But the clarification failed to convince the partners.

The Congress and the RJD are sceptical about the new-found warmth in Kumar-BJP ties. The Bihar leader has broken ranks to back the BJPs candidate in the July 17 presidential election. He was also the first chief minister to back the demonetisation decision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was severely criticised by the rest of the opposition for scrapping 500 and 1,000 rupee banknotes.

In May, Kumar skipped a lunch hosted by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi but broke bread with Modi and Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth the next day.

There are more similarities.

In 2012, Kumar chose to back Congress-led UPAs presidential candidate Pranab Mukherjee over PA Sangma, who was chosen by the BJP-led NDA in which he was a senior partner.

In May next year, a month before breaking ties with the BJP, Kumar travelled with finance minister P Chidambaram from Rajgir to Patna and dropped the senior Congress leader at Sadakat Ashram, the Congress headquarters in Bihar. For a leader who championed anti-Congressism, the step was a giant leap.

Congress insiders claim that party vice-president Rahul Gandhi liked Kumars governance model even when he was with the NDA and used to praise the Bihar chief minister in party meetings.

The divorce happened in June 2013 when the BJP named Narendra Modi the chairman of its campaign committee for 2014 Lok Sabha election, which virtually made him the PM candidate.

The bitterness played out in Bihar during the 2015 state election. Modis BJP was humiliated by Kumar, who halted the partys victory march in Bihar a year after his JD(U) was decimated in the parliamentary election.

Two years at the helm, with the backing of the RJD and Congress, Kumar is getting jittery.

He feels the Congress is not serious enough to provide an alternative narrative to the BJP. The JD(U) suggested a Bharat Bandh on the issue of agrarian crisis. It did not get any response from the Congress, sources close to Kumar told HT.

The Congress continues to be ambiguous on a greater role for the Bihar chief minister in the 2019 parliamentary election.

Lalu Prasad is asserting himself even as his children  one of them is Kumars deputy while another is a Bihar minister  face corruption charges.

I will not like to comment on it, Bihar BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi told media on Wednesday on being asked if something was brewing between his party and Kumars.

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A Muslim man has moved the Supreme Court challenging a Kerala high court order scrapping his marriage with a Hindu woman to stop what it said was a case of so-called love jihad, his lawyer told HT on Thursday.

Shafin Jahan, 27, filed a special leave petition in the top court on Wednesday saying the lower courts order was an an insult to the independence of woman in India.

In January last year, the same court gave legal sanctity to his wifes conversion as she was an adult. Jahan has argued that his 24-year-old wife, who changed her name to Hadiya, did not convert to Islam for marrying him.

Hadiya, earlier known as Akhila, is a homeopath doctor.

Love jihad is a term used by right-wing Hindu groups to describe inter-faith marriages which they say is an Islamist conspiracy to convert Hindu women through marriage or coercion.

Shafins lawyer Haris Beeran said the petitioner had responded to an advertisement for marriage by Hadiya. The two did not know each other before that, he told HT.

He added that the womans father had twice moved the high court against his daughters decision to convert.

Both the times, Hadiya tendered affidavits affirming she converted on her own volition and the HC accepted her stand, he added.

In is petition, Shafin said his wife embraced Islam two years prior to their marriage and hence there was no possibility of coerced conversion.

On a petition by Hadiyas father, the HC had on May 25 declared the couples marriage as a sham and directed the woman to remain in the protective custody of her parents. Her father had also told the HC that she was likely to be sent to Afghanistan, where 21 missing youth from the state are believed to have joined Islamist rebels. Six of them were converts.

Saying that national interest is at stake, the high court also asked the Kerala director general of police (DGP) to conduct an investigation into cases of love jihad and probe incidents of forced conversion.

The verdict had sparked a wave of protests across Kerala, with rights groups criticising the court for curtailing the rights of an adult woman.

Some outfits staged a violent march outside the HC and termed the judge an RSS agent.

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More than 2,500 people from different walks of life have so far applied for Padma awards which are to be announced on the eve of Republic Day.

The last date for receipt of nominations for the top civilian honours for 2018 is September 15, 2017.

The process of nominations for Padma awards is on and till June 30, more than 2,500 people applied for receiving the honour, a home ministry official said.

Last year, the total number of nominations received was 18,761.

Recommendations can be made by state governments, UTs, ministries, departments of the government of India, Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan awardees, central and state ministers, chief ministers and governors of state, members of Parliament, private individuals and bodies, among others.

The nominations or recommendations for the awards are received online only on the Padma portal designed by the ministry which is available on the address www.padmaawards.gov.in.

Nominations are invited every year from all state governments, union territories, ministries, departments of the central government and individuals.

The nominations are placed before the Padma awards committee, constituted by the prime minister every year.

The awards seek to recognise works of distinction and exceptional achievements in different fields and disciplines such as art, literature and education, sports, medicine, social work, science and engineering, public affairs, civil service, trade and industry.

Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awards for the year 2018 will be announced on the eve of Republic Day next year.

The 2017 Padma awards include seven Padma Vibhushan, seven Padma Bhushan and 75 Padma Shri awardees. As many as 19 of the awardees were women and the list also includes five persons from the category of foreigners, NRIs, PIOs and six posthumous awardees.
As many as 12 strategic pacts envisaging investments worth $4.3 billion were signed between Indian and Israeli companies at the first meeting of CEO forum in Tel Aviv today, according to Ficci.

The forum identified and stressed on the need to realise opportunities in focus sectors identified during the first meeting of CEOs forum. There was a consensus that the current trade volume amounting to just over $4 billion has the potential to reach $20 billion in the next five years. To realise this goal, the forum underlined key recommendations to two heads of states, the industry body said in its statement.

Post the meeting, the forum members called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and the co-chair from both sides submitted a brief meeting outcome report to them for developing future course of economic engagements.

It is a very exhilarating for me to share that during this historic visit of our prime minister to Israel, 12 MoUs are signed between Indian and Israeli companies, Ficci President Pankaj Patel said.

The CEOs from both sides also identified focus sectors for mutual collaboration that included agriculture, irrigation, water treatment, urban infrastructure, transport (including high speed railways and metro), pharma, life- sciences, digital technologies, IT and ITes, start ups and innovation and defence and homeland security.

Shraga Brosh, co-chair from the forum from Israeli side, said: We have identified great business opportunities for Israeli companies in India in sectors such as transport infrastructure, including roads, railways, civil aviation and traffic management systems, smart cities, renewable energies, water and environment, automotive, food, naval and aerospace industries and defence.

During the forum meeting, Invest India promoted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry shared that a dedicated desk has been set up in their organisation to promote Israeli investments into India and partnerships between India and Israel. It will act as a single-window agency providing comprehensive services for all Indo-Israel ventures.
The Himachali cap donned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Israel has taken on political colours back home in the hill state, which will go to the hustings next year.

Modi wore a Himachali cap with a maroon band while meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This sartorial touch of the PM sent the Himachal BJP into raptures. The cap, they said, signified the PMs love for Himachal.

Former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal tweeted. I would like to thank Narendra Modi ji for using Himachals cap as a crown in Israel. His son and former BCCI chairman and Lok Sabha member from Hamirpur, Anurag Thakur, was also quick to tweet, This is indeed a proud moment for all the Himachalis and on behalf of all my fellow brothers, sisters and near and dear ones, I would once again like to thank Modi wholeheartedly for this gesture.

The maroon band is associated with the BJP, while the green band is synonymous with Congress. Its the trademark of present Congress chief minister Virbhadra Singh.

Every time there is a change of government in the state, the colour of the Himachali cap also changes.

Modi was in charge of Himachal BJP many years ago. Even during his US visit, Modis gift hamper for President Donald Trump included a hand-woven Kullu shawl, tea and honey from Kangra valley. He also gifted a traditional Himachali handcrafted silver bracelet to First Lady Melania Trump .

It was in the 1970s that the colour of the caps took on a political hue in Himachal.

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In the months leading up to Prime Minister Narendra Modis historic visit to Israel, India signed two arms deals, spending $2.6 billion on Israeli missile defence systems.

Yet since Modi arrived on Tuesday, military ties -- for decades the secretive bedrock of India-Israel relations -- have taken a back seat. The governments have instead spent time discussing companies that sell medical devices, hi-tech and water systems.

Rather than making the visit, the first by a sitting Indian prime minister, all about the value of deals signed, Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Modi appear intent on playing up shared culture and values, in the hope this will give commercial ties deeper roots.

Under Arab pressure, India kept its distance from Israel for decades but is now seeing advantages in a complementary relationship with Israel. There is interest on both sides in building a broad economic base, rather than merely a contractual exchange based around defence.

Read | Modi and I are reformers who want to seize the future, says Israeli PM Netanyahu

The timing reflects a diplomatic shift towards Israel being more accepted in the region. Modi, who is acutely conscious of the need to adopt innovation and new technology to update Indias infrastructure has always had a personal affinity for Israel and came to learn more about the country before he became premier.

India and Israel are walking hand in hand into the future as partners, Modi and Netanyahu wrote in a joint editorial this week. From start-ups to space, communications to cybernetics, Israels technological capabilities are merging with Indias.

The two men are spending 48 hours together with Modi, accompanied by Indian business leaders, getting a political and business tour that covers Israeli history, culture and innovation, as well as the signing of economic agreements.

Hopes for more deals

Whats it going to take to get Israeli money to take India seriously? Just open their eyes, Jon Medved, CEO of Israeli equity crowdfunding group OurCrowd said. The problem is their eyes are ... blinded by the China opportunity, he added.

There have only been a handful of Indian investments in Israel over the past decade, as opposed to the $16.5 billion received from China in 2016 alone.

OurCrowd just closed three deals with India, joining with Reliance Industries for a hi-tech incubator that helps to grow young companies in Jerusalem, bringing Israeli technology to India with Reliance Capital, and collaborating with Indias Lets Venture to invest in start-ups.

During Modis visit, Zebra Medical Vision, a company from a kibbutz near Tel Aviv, and Bangalore-based Teleradiology Solutions will sign a partnership to use analytics in 150 health-care centres.

Read | India, Israel turn marriage made in heaven into strategic partnership

Looking to reorient Israels economy toward Asia, Netanyahu hopes more deals will follow, setting a goal of increasing exports to India by 25% in the next four years. But it may take a while before the Modi-Netanyahu relationship sparks a serious expansion in investment and trade, both of which remain relatively negligible.

In many respects export-dependent Israel and India, which is focused on supplying its huge population, are complementary.

Israel is a global leader in water and food systems, two critical fields India needs to upgrade. India wants to strengthen its manufacturing base and is looking to do so with technologies coming from Israel. Both countries host major diamond trading and polishing hubs.

Diamond trade sparkles

Israeli exports to India last year totalled $1.15 billion, excluding diamonds, just 2.5% of total exports. Bilateral trade was less than $2 billion, which jumped to $4.13 billion including diamonds. Israels foreign direct investment in India totals only $100 million.

Its nothing, its a blip. Why hasnt the relationship grown to the level it should have? said A. Didar Singh, secretary general of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce.

Singh said more needed to be done to ease regulations, lower non-tariff barriers and solve licensing problems.

Incentives and lifting of red tape could help overcome what diplomats, lobbyists and business owners say is a cultural divide between the breakneck pace of Israels start-up scene and Indias more gradual approach.

Read | PM Modi meets 26/11 attacks child survivor Moshe in Israel

It can take time to cement negotiations in India, where building trust and a relationship is paramount, said Elias Ghosalkar, a former investment banker from Mumbai who is director of corporate development for OurCrowd after moving to Israel last year.

Israelis on the other hand are quite direct and lack patience in their business approach, he told Reuters.

Israels ambassador to India, Daniel Carmon, said it is becoming easier to do business between the two countries, even if there may remain some differences in practice.

It could be that the Israeli businessman arrives on a Monday flight and wants to return on Thursday with a deal in hand. I say to him forget it. Its not going to happen. There are processes, the processes take time, not four days, he said.

Opinion | PM Modis Israel trip shows Indias mature approach with focus on economic, security gains
There is a new entrant in the supernatural world in some parts of western Rajasthan and unlike the mythical bogeyman, its something that scares not just the kids but their parents as well.

For over a fortnight, district administrations along with the police in western Rajasthan are at their wits end trying to solve cases where families have complained that the hair of girls and women are being cut, with no suspect being held so far.

It started off as a rumour and became a quasi-truth over the time by courtesy of forwarded messages on social media and local godmen who seem to be profiting the most from it.

A few days ago, my 13-year-old daughter Asha (name changed) was sleeping in the night when someone chopped off a thick bunch of her hair. We came to know about the incident when she woke up and started crying, Baburam Meghwal, told the Hindustan Times.

Meghwal, a resident of Phalodi in Jodhpur district, was already aware of the phenomenon from newspapers reports and WhatsApp messages when the incident in his house happened.

We suspect occult activities and the supernatural being involved in this as there was no outsider present in our house during the time of the incident, said Meghwal.

Tarachand Lakhan claims his family was drugged when the hair of his 14-year-old daughter Komal (name changed) was snipped.

I work at a hospital as a fourth class staff and was on duty when the incident happened. My family was watching TV when a strange smell started to come through the cooler and they all fell asleep, Lakhan told HT.

He added that after waking up, they found a lock of Komala hair near the front door of their house.

We were extremely worried after the incident and had to conduct a pooja in our house to ward off any evil force that was behind this phenomenon. I didnt go to work for the next two days and stayed guard at the house, said Lakhan.

According to the police, at least 12 such incidents have been reported in the past fortnight in the rural division of Jodhpur, where women have complained of their hair being cut by an unknown entity. The other instances pertain to various areas of Bikaner such as Bajju, Bangarsar and Mankasar.

We are investigating all the occasions but so far its not clear that who all are behind the phenomenon. Most of these incidents have taken place in the remotest of villages where literacy is very poor, said Ravi, Jodhpur superintendent of police (rural).

The police have also said that in two of the cases, including the lone instance where the hair of a man was chopped, it has been found out that the victims had cut the hair themselves.

Rumour mill at work, again

Its been just over a month that seven people were lynched in Jharkhand over alleged rumours that they were child lifters. Before the incident, the panic about child lifting gangs had allegedly spread and taken to an abnormal level through fake messages being circulated on social media.

Around mid-June, WhatsApp groups in Bikaner, Jodhpur and other districts of western Rajasthan were abuzz with similar messages. They warned villagers that a group of outsiders with occult powers have entered the area, they are people who can shape shift and are cutting the hair of women for occult practices.

Read | Jharkhand lynching: When a WhatsApp message turned tribals into killer mobs

HT is in possession of such fake WhatsApp messages, which are also accompanied by photos of evil spirits, visibly morphed and often comical. But as the panic surrounding the rumour suggests, the messages have found several takers.

Much like Jharkhand, these messages have made the villagers extremely wary of strangers and they have even created patrolling squads that go on nightly vigils. Gradually, the rumours are turning the villages into places hostile to strangers.

Before the hair of my daughter was cut, we would hear rumours about how a gang of Muslims has entered villages in Bikaner and Jodhpur that is cutting the hair of people, said Lakhan.

Rumours such as these increase the chances of any untoward happenings like that of Jharkhand taking place in Rajasthan.

I was visiting a nearby village during the night when a group of people armed with sticks confronted me. It was only after the mediation of an acquaintance did they let me enter the village, said a resident of Tinvri village in Jodhpur on condition of anonymity.

However, in spite of the messages being circulated on social media for almost a month now, the police havent been able to reach the source and apprehend anyone for inciting the villagers.

We are trying to spread awareness about these rumours and have made sure that cops accompany the villagers in such nightly vigils to monitor the situation. Strong action will be taken against those spreading such rumours, said Jodhpur SP Ravi.

In the past fortnight, even as the administration is clueless about tackling the situation, people in other districts such as Jalore, Barmer and Jaisalmer have also complained about the hair cutter, who seem to be preying on the superstitions and insecurities of less literate villagers.

Profit from panic

If theres one particular group that has benefitted from the panic and fear of the villagers, its the cult of village godmen known as bhopa in Rajasthan. Many of the families are visiting these bhopas, asking for solutions.

These godmen, under the influence of spirits, tell the worried families that an evil force is after them and as expected, to ward off the ghosts the panicked villagers need to fill up the pockets of the bhopas.

I have written letters to the SPs of the concerned districts to find out who is spreading these rumours and directed them to take strict action. The bhopas are flaring up the situation by spreading unnecessary panic for their own profit, Suman Sharma, chairperson of Rajasthan state commission for women, told HT.

Activists too have slammed the government over the rumours and have demanded the arrest of those spreading them.

Today, we have an unscientific government in power which is promoting such superstitious beliefs through various means including the changes made in school textbooks, Kavita Srivastava of the Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) said.

She added such beliefs about occult power and fictional beings such as wizards and witches are reminiscent of past social evils.

If such rumours are encouraged then it wont be long before we start revisiting patriarchal social evils such as the sati pratha. The government should undertake a campaign to spread awareness about these baseless rumours and reprimand those spreading them, said Srivastava.

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China on Thursday said the atmosphere was not right for a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping at the G20 Summit in Hamburg, prompting New Delhi to say that such a meeting hadnt been planned.

With the standoff over the construction of a road by Chinese troops in Donglang or Doklam area into its third week, the Chinese foreign ministry said recent developments had damaged the political foundation of bilateral ties.

Chinese officials also said the atmosphere is not right for a meeting between Modi and Xi on the margins of the G20 Summit beginning on Friday.

Indias position is that since there was no plan for a Modi-Xi meeting on the sidelines of the summit, the question of whether the atmosphere is or isnt right is entirely moot.

But we did not ask for any meeting, so where is the question of the atmosphere being conducive or not, an Indian official, who is accompanying Modi on his visit to Israel, told Hindustan Times on condition of anonymity.

The Indian side also said the two countries were likely to allow their armies to resolve the standoff in Donglang.

Modi and Xi could cross paths at a meeting of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) on the sidelines of the two-day G-20 Summit, Indian officials said. The two leaders had a positive meeting last month on the margins of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Astana, they said.

Over the weekend, Chinese deputy foreign minister Li Baodong had told reporters that Modi and Xi were expected to meet as part of the informal talks among BRICS leaders.

According to the usual practice, BRICS leaders will hold an informal meeting ahead of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Li said.

At a regular news briefing on Thursday, foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said China hoped India can immediately withdraw the border troops to the Indian side of the boundary to uphold the peace and tranquillity of the China and India border areas.

The withdrawal of Indian troops is the pre-condition for any meaningful peace talks between the two sides, he said.

Geng was responding to a question about a possible Modi-Xi meeting in Hamburg. Information on such a meeting, he said, will be released in a timely manner.

China has accused Indian troops of trespassing into Doklam, which the Chinese refer to as Donglang, a disputed territory claimed by Bhutan.

This endangers Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity and damaged the political foundations of bilateral relations between China and India, Geng said.

China and its state-run media have been aggressive over the border impasse, even threatening war.

The state-run Global Times went a step further on Thursday, calling of Sikkims independence and separation from India. In an editorial, the nationalistic tabloid suggested Beijing should rally the world for abolishing unfair treaties that New Delhi has allegedly forced Bhutan to sign.
Calling Israel as the land of martyrs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that when it comes to courage, size and number does not count.

The Prime Minster was addressing the diaspora, including several Indian students and the Jews of Indian origin.

Israel is the land of martyrs. Many families here must have a personal story of sacrifices. They have personal tales of martyrdom. I bow to their valor, Modi said.

Praising Israel and its people, Modi added that every nations development is in the spirit and self determination of its citizen and not in its size.

Numbers and size doesnt matter, Israel has proven that, Modi said.

The Indian Prime Minister, who is scheduled to visit the city of Haifa on Thursday to pay homage to the Haifa Indian Cemetery, also pointed out the role of role of Indian soldiers in liberation of Jerusalem and Haifa.

The Haifa Indian Cemetery is a homage to Indian war heroes who laid down their lives in world wars during the liberation of Haifa. Indian Army, every here on September 23 marks Haifa Day.

I pay my homage to Second lieutenant Ellis Aston, who was known by the name Indian Aston. He served in Maratha light infantry. Indian soldiers had played a role behind the independence of Haifa. Im going there to pay homage, Modi said.

Saying, Jews are great people, Modi also recalled Indian Jew Army officer, Lieutenant General Jacob Farj Rafael, who played a prominent role in 1971 Indo-Pak war.

I went to Benjamins (Netanyahu) house yesterday and we talked till late night. He gifted me a picture of liberation of Jerusalem by the Indian soldiers, Modi said.

He further drew parallels between Indian and Israeli culture, saying, our cooperation is of tradition, culture and mutual trust and friendship.

In our Puranas theres a similarity, we celebrate Holi and Israel marks Purin. We celebrate Diwali and in Israel Hanukkah is celebrated, he said.

The Prime Minister also recalled the spiritual link between India and Israel, and said that it was the Indian Sufi saint Baba Fareedm, who meditated in Jerusalem in twelfth century.

He further wished the Indian players, who arrived here to mark the Maccanbiah games.

I was happy to know, that Maccanbiah games are beginning tomorrow and I wish people of Israel for this. And I m happy that India has also sent its team, and Indian players are present here, I wish them best wishes, Modi said.
At least two people were killed and several wounded on Thursday in a bomb blast at a bus station in the central Syrian city of Hama, state media reported.

"A terrorist with an explosive belt blew himself up at the western bus station in Hama," state television said.

State news agency SANA confirmed the bomb blast and gave a toll of two dead and nine wounded.

Hama city is the capital of the governorate of the same name, and is under government control.

Last month, Syria's President Bashar al-Assad made a rare public appearance outside the capital when he attended Eid al-Fitr prayers in Hama city.

The city has been largely spared the devastation faced by Syrian urban centres like Aleppo, although it has been struck by occasional violence.

In October, at least two people were killed in suicide blasts claimed by the Islamic State group.

Across the rest of the province however, government forces are still battling jihadist fighters and allied opposition forces.

Regime forces, backed by heavy Russian air strikes, launched a major assault in June on territory held by IS in rural parts of Hama.

The province is of strategic importance to Assad, separating opposition forces in Idlib from Damascus to the south and the regime's coastal heartlands to the west.

More than 320,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in March 2011 with anti-government protests.

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If the Telangana government has its way, Dalit students who wish to pursue their post-graduation in the state will have an exclusive university for them by next academic year.

A proposal to establish an exclusive university for Dalit students in Hyderabad is under active consideration of the state government, official sources said. The university is said to be part of the governments policy of providing education free of cost to students from weaker sections from kindergarten to post-graduation (KG to PG) level.

The proposal was mooted by a government arm - Telangana Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (TSWREIS) which runs nearly 268 residential institutions for Dalit students from Class V to under-graduate level, besides the recently sanctioned 39 non-residential play schools with pre-primary education.

We discussed the proposal for establishing an exclusive university for Dalit students with chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao recently and he has appreciated the idea. The modalities are being worked out and if everything goes as per the plan, we are likely to start the university by 2018-19 academic year, TSWREIS secretary Dr R S Praveen Kumar told Hindustan Times.

Once established, it will be the first of its kind university for Dalit students in the country. At present, there are universities exclusively for women and religious minorities but not for weaker sections, though they are given reservations in various state-run universities.

Praveen said the objective of establishing an exclusive university for Dalit students is to provide them a comprehensive education, so that they would come out as complete and knowledgeable citizens. Till a couple of years ago, we had been providing education to our students from primary school up to Intermediate. Later, we started degree colleges with under-graduate courses. At present, we have 30 degree colleges with over 3,500 students. In the next step, we want to groom them as post-graduates by establishing our own university. Thus, we want to empower our students with higher education so that they face any challenges in the world and compete with any other social groups, he said.

Once the Dalit university comes into existence, all degree colleges which are now affiliated to other universities, would come under it.

The medium of instruction in all our institutions from schooling to graduation is English. Our students are not inferior to students of any other English medium schools and colleges. Once the university comes into being, sky is the limit for them, Praveen said.

The Dalit students of social welfare institutions have already been excelling in academics for the last few years. This year, a record number of 55 SC students got admission into MBBS and 15 others got into the BDS course by securing good ranks in the National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET)-2017.

We launched a special training programme called Operation Blue Crystal in June, 2015, for MBBS aspirants. Besides, MBBS, our students are getting admission into several prestigious institutions in the country, like Delhi University, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Lady Shriram College and Azim Premji University, he said.

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As rival groups intensify lobbying, the Theresa May government has extended by two months the deadline for public consultation on the sensitive issue of introducing legislation to outlaw caste- based discrimination  a key issue for Britains Indian community.

There has been much lobbying to support and oppose such legislation. Groups such as Anti-Caste Discrimination Alliance allege Dalit communities face discrimination in the UK, while several Hindu, Sikh, Jain groups deny it. The Government Equalities Office (GEO), which had earlier set July 17 as the deadline, said on Wednesday: The closing date of the consultation is now 18 September 2017.

The ruling Conservative party is seen to be closer to the influential Hindu-Sikh-Jain lobbies. Some Sikh groups might move court on the ground that Sikhs are not Hindus and therefore do not believe in the hierarchical caste system.

May told HT before the June election: I recognise the sensitivity on the caste issue; there is a consultation taking place. There was wording put into the relevant legislation in the House of Lords by Labour and Liberal Democrats working together on that, but I realise how sensitive this issue is.

The consultation is to seek views from people on how best to ensure that there is appropriate legal protection against caste bias. The ban could be applied by making caste an aspect of race in the Equality Act 2010 or by developing case law in the courts and employment tribunals.

In either case, businesses and public authorities would have to consider caste discrimination in the same way they consider other aspects of race discrimination when dealing with employees, customers or service users, it said.

India has objected in international fora in the past to the notion that caste is an aspect of race. Caste-based discrimination is not expressly prohibited under Britains equality legislation, but section 9 of the Equality Act 2010, as amended, requires the government to introduce secondary legislation to make caste an aspect of race, making caste discrimination a form of race discrimination.

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A chef from Uttarakhand became a minor celebrity overnight after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met him during his three day visit to Israel and complemented him for a scrumptious meal on Wednesday.

Dharmendra Panwar who hails from a nondescript village Kundi in Tehri Garhwal district couldnt believe it when Modi wished to meet him. Dharmendra who works with an Indian firm called Lite Bite Foods in Israel, shook hands with the PM and then posted a photograph on Facebook.

Sounds good and satisfying when a prime minister of the largest democracy of the world while in a foreign land shakes hand with his countryman and enquiries about his village and state and then appreciates its people a Facebook user Sunil Negi wrote on the social networking site.

Dharmendra who has been working in Israel for last five years, is the eldest among three brothers. The other two are also work in restaurants - one in Israel while another is in Dehradun.

His family in Uttarakhand is excited that the PM met him.

Gopal, the brother who works in a Dehradun restaurant spoke to Dharmendra said the PM asked about the chefs home. On learning that Dharmendra is from Uttarakhand, Modi hailed the people of the hill state, Gopal quoted his brother as saying.

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A vehicle in the motorcade of BJP president Amit Shah hit a cow during his visit to Jajpur district in Odisha, leaving the animal wounded and prompting a sarcastic comment from a senior BJD leader.

Amit Shahs carcade hits a cow at Barchana. Animal badly hurt. Holy Cow! senior BJD leader and MP Tathagat Satpathy tweeted, taking a dig at the BJP over its pitch for cow protection.

Amit Shah's carcade hits a cow at Barchana, Orissa. Animal badly hurt. Holy Cow!

-TS  Office of T Satpathy (@SatpathyLive) July 6, 2017

A police officer said the mishap occurred near Bandalo on National highway No-5 in Barachana police station limits in Jajpur district on Wednesday.

One of the vehicles of the convoy of Amit Shah hit a cow which was crossing the road near Banadlo. While the animal was injured, the vehicle bearing a VIP sticker was also damaged, Niranjan Sabar, Inspector in-charge of Bayree police station, said on Thursday.

Amit Shahs vehicle had already passed the place by that time, the officer said.

Senior BJP leader and former legislator, Pratap Sarangi, who was in the convoy, stopped along with some party workers to see the condition of the injured cow and arranged for its treatment, party sources said.

Sarangi immediately spoke to the Jajpur district collector and asked him to take steps for treatment of the injured animal. Jajpur collector Ranjan Kumar Das swung into action and directed the district police to take quick measures for its treatment, officials said.

Officials from Barachana and Bayree police stations reached the spot and treated the injured cow with the assistance of veterinary doctors.

The animal is doing fine now, police said.
A 35-year-old woman was allegedly raped by two men in front of her three children in her house in the city on Monday, the police said.

Police on Wednesday nabbed the two accused and their as many accomplices and are interrogating them.

In her complaint lodged with the Gajuwaka police station on Tuesday night, the woman said that the incident occurred on Monday evening when her husband was away for work.

According to the complainant, the gang of four men, including a minor, barged into her house.

Two members of the gangraped the woman in front of her children. They also threatened her of dire consequences if she disclosed the matter to anyone. Before fleeing, they snatched Rs 500 from her, Gajuwaka Police Station inspector T Immanuel Raju said.

Police have registered a case under section 376 (punishment for rape) of the IPC.

We have nabbed all the four members of the gang and further investigation is on, Raju said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to have a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the margins of the G20 summit in Hamburg that begins Friday.

China on Thursday said the atmosphere was not right for a bilateral meeting, a reference to the standoff between the border guards of the two armies close to Indias northeastern border.

But we did not ask for any meeting, so where is the question of atmosphere being conducive or not, an Indian official, who is accompanying Modi to Israel, told HT on condition of anonymity.

There was no meeting planned between Modi and Xi, the Indian side said, adding the two countries were likely to allow their armies to resolve the Doklam stand-off.

The atmosphere is not right for a bilateral meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi, a Chinese foreign ministry official said in Beijing earlier in the day.

Read | Is China punishing India for its Belt and Road stance while testing Modi and Trump?

They could cross paths at the BRICS meeting on the sidelines of the two-day G-20 summit, Indian officials said, adding the two leaders already had a positive meeting last month on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Astana.

For more than three weeks, Indian and Chinese border guards are in a tense face-off, the longest between the two sides, in Doklam area near the Bhutan tri-junction over allegations and counter allegations of trespass and illegal construction of roads and bunkers.

China has accused Indian troops of trespassing into Doklam, which the Chinese refer to as Donglang, a disputed territory claimed by Bhutan.

China and its state-run media have been aggressive over the border impasse, even threatening war.

The Global Times went a step further on Thursday calling of Sikkims independence and separation from India. In an editorial, the nationalistic tabloid suggested Beijing should rally the world for the abolition of unfair treaties that New Delhi has allegedly forced Bhutan to sign.

With certain conditions, Bhutan and Sikkim will see strong anti-India movements, which will negatively affect Indias already turbulent northeast area and rewrite southern Himalayan geopolitics, the newspaper wrote.

(With agency inputs)

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A 65-year-old man died of stab wounds in Kolkata on Thursday as fresh violence erupted in parts of West Bengals Basirhat region that has been rocked by communal clashes over a controversial Facebook post.

Kartik Ghosh was attacked by mobs with sharp objects when he was returning home on a motorcycle on Wednesday afternoon. This was the first death in violence that has swept the Basirhat region, barely 12 kilometres from the Bangladesh border, that has injured at least 23 people.

Since Sunday evening, Muslim mobs have set shops and buildings on fire and clashed with police, angered by an offensive post on Facebook by a Class 11 Hindu student.

As tensions rose in the area on Thursday, mobs attacked a dargah and vandalised shops and houses belonging to Muslims in what locals described as retaliatory attacks. A large team of policemen struggled for hours to disperse the crowd by caning and firing tear gas shells, but without much success. Angry mobs set tyres on fire and sounds of local-made bombs exploding could also be heard.

The house of a local Trinamool politician and a party office also came under attack from a Hindu mob the same evening. I was at the Basirhat police station when a group of anti-social elements descended on my house around 5.30 pm, Basirhat (south) MLA Dipendu Biswas told HT.

Reports emerged that Trinamool leaders were unhappy with Biswas activities in the area, and have summoned him to the party office in Kolkata on Friday. Residents of Harishpur and Mailakhola villages also alleged that the MLA accompanied the police when they went to Hindu-dominated areas in search of weapons.

The area continues to be under prohibitory orders and internet services remained suspended for the second day in a row. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee has asked all political parties to refrain from visiting the riot-affected zone until peace is restored. Please cooperate with the government, she said on Thursday evening.

The violence has taken a political colour with the BJP accusing chief minister Mamata Banerjee of appeasing Muslims and the ruling Trinamool Congress alleging the saffron party was inciting communal passions for electoral benefit.

A team of three BJP MPs  Meenakshi Lekhi, Satyapal Singh and Om Prakash Mathur  are scheduled to visit Basirhat on Friday, and submit a report to party president Amit Shah. But state government sources told HT that the local administration was likely to block their entry, setting the stage for fresh confrontation.

Local residents blamed police and security forces for instigating the violence and acting in a partisan manner. Police are raiding the houses of the victims, instead of arresting the rioters, state BJP president Dilip Ghosh told reporters in Kolkata.

A few residents demanded that army should be deployed as they had little faith on the police but on Thursday, the state government rejected an offer by the Centre for more troops.

The epicenter of the violence, Baduria, however remained calm as shops and markets opened and vehicles plied normally.

In Kolkata, scuffles broke out at the RG Kar Hospital after Ghoshs death between Trinamool Congress and BJP workers. Bengal president Dilip Ghosh and BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya faced resistance from Trinamool supporters and had to return without meeting them.

He was the ward president of the party in Basirhat, remarked BJP state secretary Dilip Ghosh. However Kartik Ghoshs sons denied that he was linked to any political party.
Sandwiched between China and West Bengal, the state of Sikkim is suffering terribly, remarked Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling, adding the tiny Himalayan state has lost about Rs 60,000 crore in the past 30 years due to intermittent blockades in Darjeeling. The state of Sikkim is connected with two highways, both of which pass through the north Bengal hills.

The people of Sikkim did not merged the state with the Indian union to become a sandwich between China and Bengal, Chamling said on Wednesday in a public function in Namchi, Sikkim. Chamling is serving the fifth term as a chief minister.

Read: China says India is misleading the public on Sikkim standoff

The tiny Himalayan kingdom of Sikkim became the 22nd state of India in 1975. It is connected with the rest of the state by NH 10 that passes through the troubled areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong hills witnessing indefinite bandh from June 15.

The Sikkim government has been compelled to ration essential commodities to cope with the disruption in supply due to the indefinite bandh in Darjeeling hills. (HT Photo)

A fight may break out in Nathu La border There is unrest up there. We are also feeling insecure from down (Siliguri). They are saying that they will not allow food grains and petrol to come to Sikkim. Our people are being harassed in Siliguri, our goods are being stopped, said the Sikkim chief minister.

Read: Tourism in Sikkim to be hit by India-China standoff, say tour operators

NH 10 is our lifeline but it has always been a weak point for Sikkim in these 30 years of Gorkhaland agitation, said Chamling, pegging the total loss suffered by the state at Rs 60,000 crores in the three decades.

Sikkim has suffered terribly in the past 30 years due to the Gorkhaland agitation in the neighbouring Darjeeling hills. Our development process has been disturbed for three decades, he said. Chamling also mentioned how hotels are empty and vehicles are lying idle in Sikkim due to the absence of tourists.

Chamlings statement comes at a time when the state is witnessing a continuing standoff between Chinese and Indian troops on the eastern border that shows no indication of quick resolution. In the south, the continuing indefinite bandh in the Darjeeling hills has already resulted in a crisis of supplies, forcing the administration to ration various essential commodities including petro products.

The picturesque Tsomgo Lake in Sikkim. Tourism that is one of the major revenue earners for the state has been hit by the Darjeeling bandh and China-India standoff. (HT Photo)

Both troubles have also combined to drive away tourists, who contribute considerable revenue to the state.

Though the demand for a separate Gorkha administrative unit dates back to 1907, the violent phase of the struggle started only in 1986 when Subhash Ghising set up Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) and launched a movement that witnessed as many as 1,200 deaths between 1986 and 1988. The hills were regularly paralysed by bandhs called by GNLF.

Read: Chinese media calls for Sikkims independence, scrapping of unfair Bhutan treaties

In 2007 Gorkha Janmukti Morcha was set up by Bimal Gurung, but the culture of sudden bandhs continued. The current phase of indefinite bandhs began on June 15 and shows no sign of being lifted.

Significantly, on June 20 Chamling wrote a letter to Union home minister Rajnath Singh expressing support for a separate state of Gorkhaland that infuriated ruling Trinamool Congress leaders in Bengal. Since then Sikkim-bound vehicles are often being targeted in Siliguri (in Bengal).

Chamling said that he in contact with the Union government over the blocking of goods and harassment to Sikkim vehicles at Siliguri. I have made up my mind to go to Supreme Court, he said.

People of Sikkim are defending the nation by working as unpaid soldiers in this border state, he said.

He pointed out that the Himalayan state is a water reservoir for the nation. Water from Sikkim, flows to states such as Bengal. Despite our contributions, our roads are being blocked, he said.

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Shops and schools remained closed on Thursday in West Bengals Basirhat region but no further violence was reported a day after 23 people were wounded in continuing communal clashes over a Facebook post.

An internet ban clamped to stop rumours continued for the second day and prohibitory orders banned the assembly of more than four people in one place.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee personally oversaw the security arrangement but local residents said tensions continued to run high after days of violence by Muslim mobs.

The government has warned the rioters of stern action after three days of violence left scores of people wounded. Mobs torched shops, houses and police vehicles in the communally sensitive area in North 24 Parganas district, about 65km from Kolkata and just a few kilometers from the Bangladesh border.

On Wednesday, violence took place mostly in areas under Basirhat police station and parts of Taki and Swarupnagar, all of which border Bangladesh. Locals in the affected areas alleged that most of the faces in the marauding crowds were unknown to the locals.

Paramilitary troopers and state policemen have taken position in village and town squares and roads. Barring the security forces, the streets were almost deserted, shops shut and schools closed.

But the violence is spreading and engulfing new areas with Hindu and Muslims groups reportedly moving around with sharp weapons out of the administrations sight.

The unabated flare-up escalated a war of words between the ruling Trinamool Congress and Raj Bhavan after Banerjee accused the governor of threatening and insulting her when he called to enquire about the Basirhat situation.

Watch | Communal violence in West Bengal: Is Mamata Banerjee losing grip?

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Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday claimed that he was not a full-time politician, and serving the public was the only reason for his foray into politics.

When asked about his chances of becoming Indias future premier, Adityanath said he considered himself fortunate to have been given the responsibility of heading Uttar Pradesh by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah. After I have successfully carried out my responsibilities, I would like to return to my mutt. I dont think its acceptable to devote my entire life to politics, he told HT.

This was the first interview given by the chief minister to a newspaper since he completed 100 days in office on June 27.

Incidentally, the chief minister is required to become a member of either of the two houses within six months of assuming charge. While Adityanath said it was up to the party leadership to decide which assembly constituency he should contest from, speculations are rife that it would be from Ayodhya.

Adityanath said he was able to achieve a lot during his first 100 days in office, including establishing his commitment to good governance and improving the law-and-order situation by not according protection to criminals.

The chief minister reiterated that no community should live in fear under his government because he was adamant on not discriminating against anybody as far as implementation of development schemes was concerned. At the same time, he also stressed that the government will not try to appease the members of any community or religion.

The chief minister, who is committed to constructing a Ram temple in Ayodhya, said he has asked all the parties concerned to amicably resolve the issue and ensure that the country enters a new era of communal harmony. The government can  at best  facilitate the removal of hurdles standing in the path to finding a peaceful solution to the problem, he said.

The chief minister also claimed that his spiritual prowess helped him immensely in carrying out administrative work, and his shift from Gorakhpur math to the chief ministers bungalow has not brought about any big change in his lifestyle. He remains an early riser who performs his rituals as a mahant in the morning before taking up chief ministerial responsibilities that keep him up till midnight.

Adityanath also said he was closely monitoring the performance of his cabinet ministers. He is currently gearing up for the presentation of his governments first budget in the state assembly.
The United States is willing to work with Russia on establishing "no-fly zones" in Syria as part of a joint effort to stabilize the war-ravaged country, the top US diplomat said Wednesday, ahead of President Donald Trump's first face-to-face with Vladimir Putin.

In a wide-ranging statement, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Russia had a "special responsibility" to help create stability on the ground -- or risk hobbling the fight against the Islamic State group.

Citing past cooperation in creating deconfliction zones in Syria, Tillerson made a strong case for both countries -- in spite of their "unresolved differences on a number of issues" -- to work together in Syria.

"The United States is prepared to explore the possibility of establishing with Russia joint mechanisms for ensuring stability, including no-fly zones, on the ground ceasefire observers, and coordinated delivery of humanitarian assistance," he said.

Tillerson issued his statement before joining Trump in Europe, where the US leader will meet Putin for the first time on Friday on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany. Syria will loom large in their discussions.

It also came as US-backed fighters inched forwards in Raqqa's Old City, in what Washington sees as a milestone in the campaign to defeat the Islamic State group in its de facto Syrian capital.

"ISIS has been badly wounded, and is could be [sic] on the brink of complete defeat in Syria if all parties focus on this objective," Tillerson said, according to the written statement issued by the State Deparment.

"In order to complete the mission, the international community, and especially Russia, must remove obstacles to the defeat of ISIS."

"We call upon all parties, including the Syrian government and its allies, Syrian opposition forces, and Coalition forces carrying out the battle to defeat ISIS, to avoid conflict with one another and adhere to agreed geographical boundaries for military de-confliction and protocols for de-escalation."

Russia, Turkey and Iran -- without the United States -- agreed in May to establish four "de-escalation" zones in Syria.

These are supposed to include no-fly areas, where no warplanes can fly so as to guarantee the safety of civilians on the ground.

But on Wednesday those countries said they had failed to agree on the details, such as the boundaries of the zones and who will police them.

Tillerson also said Moscow as a key backer of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had the responsibility of preventing his regime from further use of chemical weapons.

The United States launched a cruise missile attack on a Syrian air base in April in response to what it said was a government chemical weapons attack on civilians.

Tillerson, speaking later to Fox News aboard the flight to Europe, said US officials "have been engaged with Russia for some time" to identify areas "that we should have mutual interest in."

Syria is "a very complex situation," especially transitioning from defeating IS to stabilizing the country and starting the "lengthy process" of finding political solutions for the Syrian people.

US officials are at "the very beginning" of an effort "to rebuild confidence between ourselves and Russia at the military-to-military level, but also at the diplomatic level," he said.

"At this point it's difficult to say exactly what Russia's intentions are in this relationship."

He added that it was important for Trump and Putin to "have a good exchange... over what they both see as the nature of this relationship between our two countries."

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The state government has issued a notification to amend the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Act 2000 to let ambulances make their sirens louder to find a way in traffic during emergencies. The ambulances will now be allowed to blow the siren at 110 to 120 decibel from the existing limit of 65 to 75 decibels.

This announcement was made by Shiv Sena leader and Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray in presence of state environment minister Ramdas Kadam. Thackeray said he had been following the issue with government agencies so that ambulances can navigate through traffic congestions during emergencies. Ambulances do not get the road freed of traffic as their sirens blow at very low decibel level and drivers of other vehicles come to know of their presence. In cities like London and New York, the noise level of sirens is very high helping ambulances make their way to hospitals easily, he said.

The state issued a notification in May 2017 to allow the ambulances install sirens with higher noise. Thackeray said after pursuing the matter with the Public Works Department minister Eknath Shinde, the government installed a traffic tower to help make green corridor for ambulances during peak traffic hours.

He spoke to the media after inauguration of the Shivalaya, the party office at Nariman Point. The office has been shifted to the official residence of minister of state for housing and Shiv Sena leader Ravindra Waikar after the original office made way for the Metro rail line 3.

According to Section 5 (4) of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Act 2000 Act, the noise level of loudspeakers or any public address system at public place should not cross 65-75 decibels. The ambulances will now be excluded from the category to enable them to blow sirens up to 120 decibels. The amendment has been done as per the national ambulance code, the statement released by the environment department states.

The Centre has recently issued the National Ambulance code allowing ambulances to have sirens with noise level of up to 120 decibels. Maharashtra is perhaps the first state to issue such a notification. We expect that the ambulances use it judiciously, said Satish Gavai, additional chief secretary, environment department.
The Bombay high court on Thursday rejected a 26-year-old mans guilt-driven plea seeking that his engineering degree be revoked because he had procured it through fraudulent means.

A bench of Justices Shantanu Kemkar and MS Karnik expressed sympathy for the petitioner Vaibhav Patil, but rejected his application seeking that the bench review its previous order that refused to direct the Mumbai University to cancel his Bachelor of Engineering degree.

The bench said while it sympathised with Patil, he must either reconcile his guilt or approach the Supreme Court for relief.

As per the plea, Patil, a resident of Jalgaon, graduated as an engineer in 2011. However, he flunked his maths II paper in the first year and on his friends advice, paid an agent around Rs 20,000 to help get a fake pass certificate for the mathematics paper. Patil claimed that he never cheated or used fraudulent means ever again and completed his engineering degree successfully after that.

Patil claimed that he never cheated or used fraudulent means ever again and completed his engineering degree successfully after that. However, he said he eventually slipped into severe depression. His worried parents sought psychiatric treatment for him and he was put on a course of anti-depressants but to no avail.

On Thursday, the bench suggested that he seek further medical help. Try forgetting what happened, we have full sympathy for you, said Justice Kemkar while turning down Patils plea.

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Raising concerns over security arrangements in and around the city airport, the Bombay high court on Thursday directed the Union government and all agencies responsible for airport security to list the measures to prevent potential terror attacks and security breaches.

A bench of justices RM Savant and Sadhana Jadhav also asked the government to explain how it regulated entry to the airport and its surrounding areas.

It also directed various agencies  the Airport Authority of India, Mumbai International Airport Limited, Director General of Civil Aviation, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)  to submit information on the number of contract labourers at the airport and their responsibilities.

The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) which alleged security around the airport was lax. The plea also added that in 2014 some officials of the CBI looked the other way on hight violations of the buildings near the airport. The central agency was probing a case in which some buildings flouted height norms.

The petition filed by Yeshwant Shenoy also alleged that the airport authorities in 2016 issued faulty passes for third-party contract labourers appointed by the CISF to load and unload cargo.

The airport authorities were unprepared to check potential security attacks, claimed the petition.

The bench noted that this was a serious issue and asked if the authorities checked the credentials of each contract labourer employed in and around the airport.

The bench said round-the-clock impenetrable security is a must, considering growth of air travel and perpetual rush at the airport. CISF officials deputed at the entry points are already hard-pressed and they struggle to manage the rush, the bench said. The bench also directed the CBI to submit within four weeks its preliminary probe report on height violations around the airport.

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The University of Mumbai (MU) has decided to not renew the contracts of 470 non-teaching employees to curtail its expenses and expedite the introduction of technology.

The university has around 2,500 non-teaching employees, including 1,500 hired on contract. The lay-offs have reduced manpower by around 20%. Many of the employees whose contracts were allowed to lapse have been working in the university for the past eight to 10 years. It will be difficult for them to make ends meet, said a temporary employee.

An official from MUs establishment department said the move is aimed at curtailing expenses. He added that the varsity is moving in the direction of automation and reducing its dependence on people. The decision was taken after a labour audit of all the varsity departments. The university has adopted technology for various tasks, including an on-screen marking for paper assessment, he said.

However, the university has been complaining about a shortage of staff. In the last 30 years, the state has added only eight posts, MU vice-chancellor Sanjay Deshmukh had said while presenting the varsity budget for the financial year 2016-17.

Currently, there are 1,319 posts for permanent employees, of which 1,000 have been filled. The salary for these employees are paid by the state government. Moreover, citing irregularities in the varsitys appointments, the state has withheld 25% salary funds granted to the varsity since 2004. Besides, the salary bill for 1,500 temporary employees was also completely footed by the university.

The MUs financial woes were revealed by its decision to prematurely withdraw Rs111 crore from fixed deposits in the past 22 months, revealed a response to an RTI query. MUs monthly salary expenses are between Rs 6 crore to Rs7 crore. Also, pension of many employees has become a liability, said MA Khan, MU registrar.

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Political representatives and leaders from Thane, Palghrar, Raigad and Mumbai have joined hands to support the villagers and farmers in Nevali who are fighting for their land.

On Thursday, thousands of villagers belonging to the Agri, Koli and Kunbi community gathered at Savirtribai Phule auditorium in Dombivli to find a solution to the Nevali land row.

This meeting between the villagers and the local political representatives is the first one after the June 22 incident where a protest by Nevali farmers turned violent, injuring several policemen and the villagers. The Thane police have arrested 52 villagers for attempt to murder and rioting.

The political representatives decided to prepare an agenda that will list the problems of the farmers and villagers and the solution to the land row. We will form a committee, prepare an agenda and submit it to the chief minister, said Kapil Patil, MP.

MLAs Subhash Bhoir and Ganpat Gaikwad, Agri community president Rajaram Salvi and several other leaders from Panvel and Raigad attended the meeting.

The villagers alleged police brutality. My husband was arrested and the police didnt even allow me to meet him. What was his fault? If fighting for our rights is a crime, than the police should arrest the entire villagers, said Sangeeta Chaudhary, a resident of Nevali village.

On June 22, more than 6,500 villagers were about to conduct silent protest against the construction of a wall on farm land.

MLA Ganpat Gaikwad threatened to go on a hunger strike if the police failed to release the arrested villagers. We will ask the CM to release those who are arrested, said Jagannath Patil, senior BJP leader.

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Former Tata Finance chief Dilip Pendse may have killed himself as he was depressed about fighting a court case for 16 years to prove he had no role in the alleged irregularities in the company over which he was removed in 2011, said his lawyer.

Pendse was found hanging from the ceiling fan of his office on the ground floor of Royal Grace building in Dadar (East) on Wednesday.

Pendses lawyer HH Nagi said he knew the former corporate honcho for 35 years.

Read more: Former corporate honcho was tired for fighting case for 16 years: lawyer

He was fighting the court case, but was lately depressed. The Mumbai police dropped charges against him, but the CBI continued with the case. The police didnt show us the suicide note. They only told us he has not blamed anyone for the suicide, said Nagi.

The Matunga police have registered a case of accidental death.

According to police, Pendse went to his office in the morning, but did not return home, which was on the first floor of the same building, for lunch. He was found hanging around 2.30pm, said the officer. Pendses children are abroad. He lived with his wife.

The body was sent to Sion hospital for post-mortem.

The police said in his suicide note Pendse apologised to his wife. The note says he was going through personal problems and nobody should be held responsible for the death. We will record their statements later, said Balasaheb Kakad, senior inspector, Matunga police station.

Read more: Dilip Pendse: The tragedy of former Tata Finance director who was a genius
Last Saturday, a 28-year-old woman gave birth to a boy with Arnold Chiari Syndrome Type-II  fluid accumulation in the brain and spinal deformities that leave him little chance of survival. She and her husband had moved the Supreme Court to be allowed to abort her pregnancy in the 27th week once they knew about the problems the foetus had, but the court had on March 27 turned down their plea based on the report of an expert team of doctors from Mumbais KEM hospital. The child is now in a critical condition at the KEM hospital where he was born. The law now prohibits abortion of foetus beyond 20th weeks, unless otherwise advised by a medical panel.

It now transpires that the expert panel did not have a neurologist on it though the foetus had a complex neurological condition. Chiari malformations cause structural defects in the cerebellum (part of the brain that regulates muscular activity) and children with Type-II re usually born with incomplete development of the spinal cord and its protective covering.

There should be a neurologist on board while preparing reports on such cases because he will know the condition of the woman and foetus better. A neonatologist or general surgeon, based on hearsay evidence, cannot offer an accurate prognosis, said a senior doctor from KEM Hospital who was involved in the case. The doctor spoke on condition of anonymity.

Read: Abortion plea: Doctors of KEM hospital in Mumbai examine woman

The KEM hospital dean, Dr Avinash Supe, said, The law doesnt permit us to advise the SC on whether the abortion should or shouldnt be permitted. We can only analyse the medical condition of woman and foetus and offer a clinical suggestion on whether the child is incompatible with life.

The committee had reported that if the mother was allowed to abort, the child might be born alive. Complications couldve been much worse then. Right now, they are at least clinically treatable, Dr Supe added.

Dr Devi Shetty, founder and chairman of Narayana Health, who recently submitted a report based on which a woman from West Bengal was allowed to abort in the 27th week of pregnancy, told HT that an expert committee did not need doctors from specialities such as neurology or cardiology.

If the foetus is diagnosed with any structural deformities, related to heart, brain or other vital organs which will limit its lifespan or the deformity itself is incurable, then the woman should be allowed to abort until week 26 or 27 of gestation. In todays world, technology does the diagnosis and anyone with a post-graduate medical degree can be called upon as an expert by the courts, said Dr Shetty.

Read: Bring in law to allow abortion up to 26 weeks: City doctors

The Mumbai woman underwent a scan at a civic-run maternity home in Borivli in the 15th week of her pregnancy, but the neurological malformation was not picked up then. The second scan was done in the 24th week, when doctors finally diagnosed the anomalies.The rate of survival is as weak as 1.2-2 per 1,000 births.

Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar had told the Supreme Court bench that as per the report of the medical board of KEM Hospital, the foetus has severe physical abnormalities but the doctors have advised against termination as the mother was in the 27th week of pregnancy.

Dr Nikhil Datar, gynaecologist and obstetrician who is a prime petitioner in the case before the Supreme Court seeking extension of the pregnancy termination limit to 24 weeks, blamed the civic-run clinics inability to detect the malformation in time for the couples present predicament.
The Gadchiroli police have arrested the bus driver, conductor, cleaner and an additional driver of the luxury bus in which a senior BJP leader was travelling with an unmarried girl. He allegedly raped her in the moving bus.

The police said that the bus workers were arrested for uploading the video on social media. They were identified as: the bus driver Sarangdhar Ramteke, 30, conductor Rakesh Khobragade, 20, the additional bus driver Machhindra Sahare, 29, and the cleaner Ankush Randive, who switched on the CCTV camera installed in the bus and later uploaded the video on his mobile phone, and circulated it on social media.

The incident came to light when the video, showing BJP leader Ravindra Bawanthade forcing himself on a young woman went viral. Bawanthade, who is the general secretary of Gadchiroli unit of BJP, had gone underground after the video surfaced. He was later arrested from Bramhapuri in neighbouring Chandrapur district on Tuesday morning.

Read: Maharashtra BJP leader arrested on rape charges; video of him kissing woman on bus goes viral

Both Bawanthade, 50, and the woman, 20, were travelling from Nagpur to Nagbhid in an ARB Travels bus on June 27. The footage from the CCTV installed in the bus shows the leader kissing and forcing himself upon her in the presence of other passengers.

The victim in her complaint alleged that Bawanthade had promised to help her get a job and marry her. Bawanthade is already married, and is a school teacher. The girl, an ex-student of Bawantahde said that since she was poor, and needed support from a senior politician of the ruling party, like him. But he took advantage of my situation and misbehaved with me. Now that the video has gone viral, Im very worried, she said.

As per the FIR, this is the second time that Bawanthade had forced on the survivor in a vehicle. She has claimed before police that he had earlier forced himself on her in his car on the way to Nagbhid from Nagpur. In the latest incident, the survivor was lured to come along with him to the city after Ravindra promised her job in a nursing home in Nagpur.

Banwanthade is still in police custody for further interrogation.
Following criticism by farmers outfits and the Opposition over eligibility criteria for the recently-announced loan waiver, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government on Wednesday extended the scope of the package.

Now, the cut-off date to waive loans has been fixed to April 2009. Earlier, the government announced that farmers who took loans between April 2012 and June 30, 2016 could avail of the loan waiver.

According to one estimate, at least 3 to 4 lakh more farmers are likely to be added in the list of beneficiaries.

The government also countered the Opposition attack over 813 beneficiaries from Mumbai. A state official pointed out that the previous Congress-NCP government had waived loans worth Rs2.90 crore of 270 farmers from Mumbai in 2008. In 2009 too, the combine waived Rs287 crore loaned to farmers from Mumbai, said the official.

The government has clarified that many farmers who applied for credit before 2012 had remained out of the loan waiver net.

The Devendra Fadnavis-led government has also decided to extend the deadline of repayment of farm loans under the one-time settlement scheme. It said it would contribute up to Rs1.50 lakh in the repayment of the loans if the outstanding balance was more than Rs1.50 lakh.

The farmers who repay loans regularly are entitled for the incentives by July 31.

The announcement to enlarge the scope of the waiver were came after BJP legislators Anil Bonde, Ashish Deshmukh and Sanjay Kute met Fadnavis and demanded.

They also demanded to break the remaining amount of the loan into four instalments under the one-time settlement scheme.

Congress, other opposition parties and farmers outfits had alleged that a big chunk of the farmers would not benefit from loan waiver.

Farmers organisations had criticised that the government had cheated them after promising a blanket loan waiver.

The Congress claimed that only 15 lakh farmers would get the benefit.

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A sugar factory in Parbhani allegedly used the names of 2,298 farmers from Gangakhed village, some of whom were dead, to apply for loans worth Rs328 crore from six banks.

The farmers approached the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay high court, which ordered the Maharashtra director general of police to constituted a special team to investigate the matter. The special team will verify documents submitted to the banks. We will submit a report to high court, detailing the action we have taken, said Bipin Bihari, additional director general of police (law and order).

The scam came to light in August 2016, when Maruti Pandurang Rathod, an agriculturist from Gangakhed in Parbhani, needed money to treat his ailing father. After villagers, district central cooperative banks and Marathwada Gramin Bank refused to lend him cash, he approached the UCO Bank branch for an agricultural loan.

However, the UCO bank manager told Rathod that he had already availed a loan worth Rs1.84 lakh from Andhra Banks Dharampeth branch in Nagpur, and as such, he was not eligible for another one.

As Andhra bank refused to give him more details, Rathod could not find the beneficiaries of the loan. When Rathod went to the Nagpur bank, he found out that the loan had been repaid. The bank refused to give him more information, said advocate PD Bachate.

Only after Dhananjay Mundhe, the leader of the Opposition in the legislative council, intervened, Andhra Bank revealed that Gangakhed Sugar and Energy Limited, a sugar factory, had siphoned the money without farmers knowing.

The Nagpur-based factory had applied for a loan in Rathods name without submitting an application. The loan account prepared by the bank had been forged, said Bachate.

Bachate said farmers in Marathwada rarely take loans as their crops depend on the rainfall. He added that Andhra Bank disbursed Rs39.17 crore; UCO Bank, Rs47.78 crore; UBI, Rs76.32 crore; BOI, Rs77.59 crore; Syndicate Bank, Rs 47.27 crore and Ratnakar Bank, Rs40.20 crore.

The factory had given a corporate guarantee to all the farmers. The loan amount was first deposited in a current account that the company opened in the farmers names. It was later transferred to the companys account, added Bachate.

Such a big scam could not have been carried out unless the factory had the banks support, said Bachate.

The allegations are politically driven and are baseless. The dead farmers were alive when the account were opened. All gave us their consent. No notices have been served to anyone in connection with the case. We will file a reply on July 25th , said Madhav Nagargoje, advocate for the sugar factorys owner, Ratnakar Gutte.
Turkish police have detained 12 people, including the local director of Amnesty International and other human rights activists, on an island near Istanbul, media said on Thursday, in a move Amnesty branded a "grotesque abuse of power".

The detentions came less than a month after a court ordered the arrest of the chairman of Amnesty's Turkey branch, Taner Kilic, on charges of "membership of a terrorist organisation" in a crackdown following an attempted military coup in July 2016. Kilic remains in jail pending trial.

Amnesty Turkey Director Idil Eser and the others were taken to a police station on Wednesday evening after meeting at a hotel on Buyukada, an island just south of Istanbul, Hurriyet newspaper said. It was not clear why they were being held.

Amnesty called for the group's release, saying it was "profoundly disturbed and outraged" at the detentions during a digital security and information management workshop.

Police were not available to comment. Amnesty said lawyers had been told they would be given information at 2:30 pm (1130 GMT) but there was no immediate word after the deadline passed.

Among those detained with Eser were seven human rights defenders, two foreign trainers  a German and a Swedish national  as well as the hotel owner, Amnesty's statement said.

"This is a grotesque abuse of power and highlights the precarious situation facing human rights activists in the country," said Amnesty's Secretary General Salil Shetty.

Since the failed putsch, Turkey has jailed more than 50,000 people pending trial and suspended or dismissed some 150,000, including soldiers, police, teachers and public servants, over alleged links with terrorist groups.

The purge has also led to the closure of some 130 media outlets and jailing of 150 journalists and has worried Turkey's Western allies and rights groups, who say President Tayyip Erdogan is using the coup as a pretext to muzzle dissent.

EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn, visiting Turkey to discuss its performance in European Union accession talks, said he had raised the detentions with Turkish officials.

"... (but) I didn't get a sufficient answer about it. We will continue to follow this," he told reporters at a news conference at Ankara airport.

Hahn also said he had stressed the need for Turkey to respect the rule of law and the right of people to a fair trial.

More than 240 people were killed in last year's coup attempt, and the government has said the security measures are necessary because of the gravity of the threats facing Turkey.

Amnesty Turkey's chairman was detained in early June with 22 other lawyers over alleged links to the network of Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom Ankara blames for the failed coup.

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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation passed a resolution waiving property tax for houses with a carpet area up to 500 square feet in its general body meeting on Thursday.

Owners of houses between 500 square feet and 700 square feet will be given a 60% concession in their property tax.

The decision was taken in accordance with the election promise of the ruling party, Shiv Sena as well as the BJP.

Houses upto 500 square feet size are currently charged only nominal tax. It is based on the capital value of the property and fixed on six different parameters. There are 14.98 lakh such properties in Mumbai and the BMC gets revenue of about Rs350 crore from them.

Discounts for properties below 700 square feet will lead to a loss of Rs100 crore.

The resolution will now be forwarded to the state government for approval, after which the waiver will come into effect. The state government will need to amend the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (MMC) Act 1888, to waive property tax. The BJP-led state government is expected to amend the act as it also made similar promises in its manifesto. However, the time-frame has not been decided yet.

Read more: Shiv Sena manifesto: New sops, old promises

Ahead of the civic elections early this year, the Sena announced to scrap the property tax to woo middle and lower middle class voters. It was one of the promises in the Sena manifesto.

Last month, while speaking at the partys 51st foundation day, Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray had also asked the corporators to work on it. He had also said that the resolution will be passed before the monsoon session in mid- July.

In a letter to Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar, Sena leader Yashwant Jadhav had demanded that houses with an area of up to 500 square feet should be exempted completely from paying property tax from 2015 till 2020. In addition he had also asked to give 60% concession in property tax for houses with an area ranging from 500 to 700 square feet.

Besides property tax rebates, some other pre-poll promises made by the Shiv Sena include free health services to those who do not qualify under any state government schemes, e-libraries for the youth, a music academy, revamp of open spaces, finding solutions for potholes, a specialty hospital for diabetes, 24x7 water supply, electricity generation centre, and a coastal road from Dahisar to Nariman Point, among others.

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Ever wondered why illegal banners continue to resurface and deface the city despite a continuous drive to remove them? The answer seems to be the continuous apathy of political parties to civic body rules and high court directions.

For instance, a GST function at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters left the entire stretch outside the civic body covered with illegal flags on poles and traffic lights.

On BJP president Amit Shahs recent visit to Mumbai, the city was covered with illegal posters welcoming him. Posters and banners could be seen from Western Express highway to Dadar.

Despite undertakings by various political parties that they will stop their members and supporters from defacing the city, visits like these by political leaders and many festivals in the city see a sudden surge in number of illegal posters.

BMC officials said that they fear political backlash if they take action.

In last one year, out of 16,413 banners, boards, hoardings, flags removed by the civic body, 81% or 13,312 were political in nature. Furthermore, First Information Reports (FIR) was filed only in 470 cases, although 3,711 complaints were filed with the police.

The trend continued even this year with civic election scheduled in February 2017. Out of the 2280 illegal posters, banners removed in last four months, 1028 or 45% were removed in January alone, just a month before the election and all were political in nature.

In a bid to control the unauthorised political banners, Bombay HC in February had even asked the central and state election commission if it can cancel parties registration if they deface public properties.

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In an incident of road rage, a 32-year-old man and three of his family members, including two women, were assaulted by two men on a bike in Andheri east on Tuesday evening.

According to the Andheri police, the incident took place at 6.45pm near Panipat ground on old Nagardas Road in Andheri (East).

The complainant, Devnaryan Tripathi, a driver by profession, had come Mumbai in his car from his Virar residence.

Read: Road rage: Biker pushed 7 feet off road, killed for overtaking car in Mumbai

His brother Dipankar, sister Rashi and Dipankars wife were seated in the car. Some vehicle knocked down the bike of the accused as per the complainant. The biker mistook the victims car as the car that hit him, started getting violent with them, said a police official.

He damaged the car by hitting the windshield with his helmet. He then assaulted the complainant. When his sister tried to intervene, he hit her on the back with the helmet, said the officer.

The pillion rider pushed away the second woman and assaulted the duo. They then fled the spot on the bike.

The victims then rushed to the police station where an FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The police are on the lookout for the two men.

Read: On Indias roads, theres a scary surge of rage
Ajit Yadav, a struggling farmer from Maharashtra, may have given up on this years monsoons, but he still has faith in the judiciary.

After Prime Minister Narendra Modis demonetisation announcement turned his life upside down, the Supreme Courts observation this week has given him hope that he may still be able to recover his Rs 4.60 lakh.

Yadavs ordeal began on November 11, 2016, when he was on his way to the bank to turn in his demonetised notes. He had picked up his friend Ganesh Nirwal, who also had some cash, when Election Commission officials seized their cash suspecting it was part of a cash-for-vote scam.

I got cash from the sale of 170 quintals soya bean on November 7. On November 9, the old notes were scrapped. Two days later, I was heading to the bank in a borrowed car to deposit these notes. I took a detour to Gangakhed taluka, where I had to pick up my friend (Nirwal), who also wanted to deposit notes. Campaigning for the local council elections was underway in the taluka, which led to an inspection of our car. Local election commission officials seized our cash and alleged it was for campaigning, said Yadav, who owns six hectares of land in Parbhani district.

His friend Nirwal had lost Rs 35,000.

The two farmers from Marathwada eventually got their money back after an inquiry and a hearing by Income Tax officials was held in Aurangabad. However, the money was returned on January 9, well past the governments December 30 deadline to deposit old notes.

We went for a hearing where I presented the receipts of the sale at Prabhanis Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee on December 11. But, by the time the order to release our money was issued and finally reached the local election commission office, it was too late.

Yadav said he still felt optimistic at the time as the Prime Minister said another window would be open until March 31. So, for three days, Yadav and Nirwal camped outside the RBI office in Mumbai in January, but they were turned away. They were told only a court order could now come to their rescue. So, they decided to file a public interest litigation.

For Yadav, the loss of this cash has had a cascading effect on sowing this year. He managed to sow soya bean on 12 acres of land on June 7 after raising some credit, but the crop failed owing to inadequate rains, wiping out an initial investment of Rs 45,000. The farmer hopes to get his Rs 4.60 lakh back so he can sow cotton.

I think many citizens relied on Prime Minister Modis announcement on November 8 as well as the RBI notification issued later that day that an opportunity would be given until March 31 if for some reason citizens failed to deposit their notes until December 30. In the case of my petitioners, they are being penalised for not depositing money that was not with them in the first place, but with the government, said Dilip Taur, Yadavs advocate who also hails from Marathwada.

Taur said the RBI issued a notification again on December 30 stating an opportunity would be given only to those who were outside the country during this time period, which he said was unfair for many who were relying on a revised deadline.

Since the top courts observation on Tuesday, Taur has received several calls from other farmers in Maharashtra facing a similar predicament.

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Defense lawyer Sudeep Pasbola on Wednesday began the argument for convict Tahir Merchant against the capital punishment sought by the prosecution in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case.

There is nothing on record to show that Merchant even knew about the blasts. You cant put him on the same footing as Tiger Memon, Passbola argued. He further contended that the men he harboured were for arms training to avenge 1992, the planning of the blasts happened much later.

Pasbola referred to several confession statements of the accused previously convicted and contended that Merchant was not the key conspirator. Pasbola also argued against the view that the accused was given shelter by the Pakistani agency ISI just on the ground that their passports were not stamped when they entered the country.

Pasbola will continue his arguments on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the TADA court issued a notice to the Delhi police for seeking custody of gangster Abu Salem in a 1998 case saying that it would violate the extradition treaty.

Salem had on Wednesday moved an application asking the court to demand an explanation from the Delhi police for seeking his custody in 19-year-old case.

Salem alleged that the officers had come to court on Tuesday to seek his custody. However, they were advised not to file an application since the case was in its final stage and Salem would be sentenced. They were asked to take his custody from jail.

Salem said on Wednesday that the Delhi police had approached the court earlier this year as well. As the case did not feature on the list of extradition agreement, Salem claimed that his arrest in the said case would amount to illegal detention and violation of his extradition agreement with the Portuguese government.

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Mumbais Khushbu Kaushal, whose Facebook post about her experience in Georgia has gone viral, said on Thursday her experience in the eastern European country was nothing but an ordeal as she was made to spend hours at the airport and sent back to India without any proper explanation.

Kaushal shared her story on Facebook addressing the post to Archil Dzuliashvili, the Georgian ambassador to India, about the most humiliating night of her life in its capital Tbilisi. Her July 3 post has been shared by 3,800 people and over 4,000 have reacted.

I was treated like a common criminal. I was not provided with any water, food, place to rest when I was made to wait at the airport, the Bandra resident, who is back home, told the Hindustan Times.

Kaushal, who works with an advertising agency, said she started planning her trip to Georgia two months ago after watching a television show, where one of the characters recommended visiting the eastern European country.

It was then I realised that there is a country called Georgia and not just an American state. When the officer at the airport in Georgia asked me the purpose of my visit, I shared this with him and we shared a laugh. It was all pleasant until then and I thought it was a procedure, said Kaushal.

Kaushal said she produced her e-visa, which issued by the Georgian government, the letters from her employer, hotel bookings, the return air-ticket, bank statement and insurance among other documents required to travel to another country to immigration officials there.

She added she noticed another Indian man, who also had an e-visa, also being held at the airport in Tbilisi.

Kaushal said the Georgian ministry of external affairs issued the e-visa to her when she applied online for the same to visit the country. However, when she was being interviewed at the Tbilisi airport, the immigration officers did not mention anything related to the problem of her e-visa there, she claimed.

When Kaushal arrived at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, an Indian immigration officer told her that 90% Indian travellers were sent back from Georgia.

It seems to be true because after I shared my post on Facebook, people dropped their comments and I saw there was a group of six to seven girls, who were sent back, a man, who had a foreign conference to attend, and parents who were visiting their children too. If there is a problem with the e-visa, why is the Georgian government issuing the same? Kaushal asked.

It was her first trip to Europe for Kaushal who has been to Dubai and Thailand in the past. And when asked if she would want to visit Georgia again, Kaushal said she is scared.

I am scared to think of going back there again despite the fact that many Georgians were very friendly as they left an apology on my post; the Georgian media and the lawyers there were also willing to help me. But I am not sure how the Georgian government will behave with me. I dont know if they will put me in jail upon my second visit, she said.

An official from the embassy of Georgia told the Hindustan Times the problem was with the e-visa that Kaushal was carrying.

The Georgian ministry of interior affairs said in a statement that they have received Kaushals post on Facebook and the issue was transferred to competent authorities for the examination of the mentioned matter.

For the time being, we can tell you that she travelled to Georgia by e-visa. The Georgian entry visa was not issued by the Embassy of Georgia in New Delhi. Ambassador called her personally in order to find out the circumstances of the occurrence at the Airport. Communication with her was also reported back to Georgia, it added.
Mondays 10-hour traffic snarl after an LPG tanker overturned on Ghodbunder Road in Thane could have been cleared more quickly had the Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC) published the correct helpline numbers of its disaster management department in local newspapers on the same day.

The goof-up delayed rescue work as officials from the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) could not contact their counterparts in the MBMC. One of the numbers belonged to a dog squad in Thane.

The MBMC acknowledged the error and issued a corrigendum with the new numbers: 022-281117102 and 022-28117104.

When we got the news about the incident, we tried to get in touch with the MBMC as the area is under their jurisdiction. They had published a notice of helpline numbers on the same day. However one of the two numbers was answered by a dog squad in Thane while the other number was wrong. This delayed our response, said a TMC officer.

Manasvi Mhatre, officer in charge of the disaster management of MBMC, said, The notice was issued by the PWD department, which published the numbers last year too. We did not have an MTNL connection at the time, thus the numbers were different.

This year, we got new landline connections and had sent them (for the ad). However, the person typing the notice simply copied the old numbers.

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The family members of the 48-year-old Munawwar, who was shot and injured in a moving train on Wednesday evening near Loni in Ghaziabad, have lodged an FIR of attempt to murder against unidentified men. The railway police are banking on the statement of a girl who witnessed the shooting inside the train.

The girl, according to officials, saw one of the assailants who shot at Munawwar while he was sleeping on a berth in the train when it stopped at Behta railway station.

Munawwar sustained a gunshot injury on his jaw and was rushed to GTB Hospital in Delhi. Train passengers informed railway police about the incident when Delhi-Saharanpur Janta Express reached Loni railway station.

The doctors performed an operation and Munawwar is stable. He will survive. The statement of the girl helped us know that one man, aged around 22-25 years, fired the shot from the railway platform while the victim was lying on the berth. The girl was travelling along with her parents to Saharanpur and her family tried to stop her from making a statement to police. She still cooperated with us, said Randhir Singh, circle officer, railway police, Ghaziabad.

The officials said that a case was lodged with the railway police in Baghpat. Munawwar hails from Bansi Kheda village in Shamli district.

The girls statements will help us draw a sketch of the man who opened fire and escaped. Her identity is being concealed as her statement will also help the case. So far, we have not come across any motive behind the incident, Singh said.

Munawwars brother in law, Lukman, on Thursday has said they were alerted about the incident by a man claiming to an army personnel who got their phone number from Munawwars diary. The caller told them that there was some argument over sharing a seat and that led to the firing.

We still dont know the reason behind the incident. My husband has no rivalry with anyone and was returning after getting his checkup done at a hospital in Delhi. He health is ailing for the past two years and he never got involved in any altercation with anyone, said Aasma, Munawwars wife.

Senior rail police officers on Thursday also visited the hospital and enquired about Munawwars health and also sought details about his assailant. Senior officials have roped in several teams to trace the man who fired the shot.
Gautam Budh Nagar police on Thursday started the third phase of Operation Smile (muskaan) to recover children who have been reported missing from the district. The initiative is a part of the state-level drive that is going on in Uttar Pradesh.

On Thursday, Love Kumar, senior superintendent of police, Gautam Budh Nagar, along with other senior police officials decided to take all possible efforts to trace children who have been reported missing from Noida.

Kumar constituted 21 police teams to specifically work on this operation. These teams will be going to neighbouring states and districts to see if there are missing children who have been reported missing from the district.

Each team will have one assistant sub-inspector/head constable and two constables. These teams will be looking for 132 missing children from the district. These teams will get in touch with government officials of various districts in the state and other states to coordinate in finding the missing children, officials said.

Our teams will get in touch with various organisations and authorities working for the welfare of children to trace children missing from Gautam Budh Nagar. All neighbouring districts and states will be visited to find all missing children, said Suniti, superintendent of police (Rural), Gautam Budh Nagar.

Operation Smile was a brainchild of former Ghaziabad SSP, Dharmendra Singh, which turned out to be a successful step in tracing missing children. Operation Smile was launched in September 2014 to track and rescue missing children.

Taking inspiration from Ghaziabad polices Operation Smile, in which 227 children missing from the area were rescued in 2014 from different parts of the country in one month, the Union home ministry asked all states and union territories to start a similar drive.
The Patna high court on Thursday granted anticipatory bail to former SC-ST welfare department secretary SM Raju in a scholarship scam case.

Justice Birendra Kumar allowed the anticipatory bail application of Raju, an IAS officer, in the vigilance case lodged against him for his alleged involvement in irregularities in disbursement of scholarships to SC and ST students enrolled in various technical institutions.

Raju was posted as additional member, board of revenue, before he was suspended on January 12 for irregularities in distribution of scholarship among SC-ST students.

READ| Senior IAS officer suspended in scholarship scam

The state vigilance investigation bureau had lodged an FIR against Raju on November 29, 2016 on charges of corruption.

The FIR was lodged against Raju, then secretary in the welfare department, and 15 others, after detecting irregularities in disbursement of post-matric scholarships to SC-ST students pursuing technical education in institutions outside Bihar prior to 2014.

There were allegations that many middlemen had swindled crores of rupees through fake admission in institutions outside Bihar, many of which existed on paper only.

The vigilance bureau sent its teams to some colleges where students from Bihar were supposed to be studying, but found them to be registered on paper only. If some students were admitted, they left within a year and payment kept reaching the institutions even after that, sources in the vigilance said.

Sources said the guidelines laid down for scholarship distribution were clearly flouted in more ways than one and the middlemen seemed to have controlled the affair, as many institutions got money under the government welfare scheme without having any student.

The government ordered an inquiry by the vigilance investigation bureau following uproar over the issue in the Bihar legislative assembly. The BJP had insisted on a CBI inquiry into what it said was Rs 50-crore scam

Raju was in the thick of controversy in 2003 also and then leader of opposition in the Bihar Sushil Kumar Modi had sought his dismissal over corruption charges. Modi had advised the government not to accept the services of Raju following his suspension in Karnataka, where he had gone on deputation.
Islamic State (IS) militants holding out in Mosul on a strip of land along the Tigris River are increasingly using suicide bombers in a desperate attempt to slow the steady advance of Iraqi forces, military commanders said on Thursday.

Iraqi forces pushing towards the al-Maydan and al-Shareen districts in the northern Iraqi city broke the militants' defences and have reached within 200 metres (yards) of the riverbank.

But they encountered stiff resistance from a few hundred militants lodged among thousands of civilians in the Old City's maze of alleyways, particularly from foreign suicide bombers, Iraqi commanders said.

The military has predicted final victory this week after a grinding eight-month assault to oust IS from the once two-million-strong city.

Mosul is by far the largest city ruled by IS. It was here, three years ago, that the group declared the founding of its "caliphate" over parts of Iraq and neighbouring Syria.

Lieutenant General Sami Aridhi of the elite counter-terrorism service said IS militants were increasingly detonating explosives among civilians fleeing towards security forces and had even resorted to using women suicide bombers.

"They have begun to wait for the troops to reach them and then blow themselves up. They can't do any more than that," he told state television.

"They surge forward just to obstruct the troops, not to hold land or retain any other positions because God willing their end is clear to everyone and they are convinced that this is their end," he said.

Once Mosul has gone, IS-controlled territory in Iraq will be limited to areas west and south of the city where some tens of thousands of civilians live, and it is expected to keep up asymmetric attacks across the country.

Air strikes continued to rain down just beyond the frontline, and wounded soldiers, some displaying blast wounds, were evacuated.

Civilians interviewed on state TV said they had fled al-Maydan district, which is one of a handful of districts along the riverbank still in IS hands.

Prime Minister Haider Abadi declared the end of IS "state of falsehood" a week ago, after security forces took Mosul's medieval Grand al-Nuri mosque.

Months of grinding urban warfare have displaced 900,000 people, about half the city's pre-war population, and killed thousands, according to aid organisations.

The United Nations predicts it will cost more than $1 billion to repair basic infrastructure in Mosul, while Iraq's Kurdish leader said on Thursday in a Reuters interview that the Baghdad government had failed to prepare a post-battle political, security and governance plan.



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The Punjab and Haryana high court on Thursday got six more judges with the central government notifying names of six lawyers as its additional judges.

These are advocate Arvind Singh Sangwan; former additional advocate general Mahabir Singh Sindhu; former Haryana senior deputy advocate general Rajbir Sehrawat; senior advocate Anil Khetrapal; Sudhir Mittal, son of a senior high court advocate, and taxation lawyer Avneesh Jhingan.

While Jhingan is from the Punjab Bar, others are from the Haryana Bar. The list cleared by the high court collegium in June 2016 also included name of lawyer Harnaresh Singh Gill.

THE COURT STATUS Sanctioned strength: 85 Number of judges: 47 Shortage: 38 No of judges to retire this year: 4

Reports had suggested that the Supreme Court collegium in July last year had cleared the names of seven advocates. With these appointments, the number of judges at the high court will increase to 53 against the sanctioned strength of 85.

The logjam between the Centre and the Supreme Court over the memorandum of procedure for appointment to higher judiciary is believed the reason behind the delay in appointments.

No lawyer was appointed to the post since September 2014.

In December 2016, names of legal remembrancer and administrative secretary, Haryana (law and legislative department), Kuldip Jain; Faridabad district and sessions judge Inderjeet Mehta and Panipat district and sessions judge Anil Kumar Singh Panwars names were cleared by the high court collegium in December 2016 but are still under consideration.

The shortfall has virtually crippled the functioning of the court, with the number of cases before many of the judges crossing 100 per day. At least four judges of the high court are to retire this year. Justice Darshan Singh retired on Thursday.
After highlighting that municipal works wroth crores were allotted on single bids in the municipal corporations of Punjab by the former SAD-BJP government, local bodies minister Navjot Singh Sidhu has suspended four superintending engineers for awarding contacts on single or two bids.

Sidhu, while addressing the media on Thursday, said prima facie it is clear that 50 percent of the tenders worth crores were allotted on single bids in four municipal corporations of Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar. "Four SEs, two of Ludhiana (Pawan Sharma and Dharam Singh) and one each of Amritsar (PK Goel) and Jalandhar (Kulwinder Singh), are being suspended pending investigations. As many as 513 works were allotted on single bids -- half of total 1001 work orders which were scrutinised -- in these three MCs. Three contacts In MC of Amritsar, civil works under Hridaya project worth Rs 50 crore was awarded on single bid, another Rs 24 crore worth works were awarded on single bid for urban mission in Amritsar and Rs 15 crore worth in MC of Jalandhar.

Sidhu said a vigilance team had inspected files of civic works for Amritsar municipal corporation and found that a large number of work orders were issued on single or two bids through the e-tendering process.

"We then got inspected funds received through Urban mission and Hridaya schemes. Based on the findings, a decision was taken to check contracts awarded by MCs of Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Bathinda too duing 2016. It was found that the Municipal Corporation Act, 1976, which mandates that a house resolution is must for any work order above Rs 25,000 had been violated. Local government rules require certification that the rates of tenders are reasonable and comparable. But no such certification was done. The approval of the F&C committee of the municipal corporation too was not taken and the CVC guidelines too were flouted," he added.
A delegation of lawyers from Pakistan on Wednesday said that they will make effort to garner support from the community to defend Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan civil courts.

The lawyers delegation was addressing media persons at Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association (PHHCBA)office on the third day of their visit. The delegation includes Supreme Court of Pakistan advocate, Khalid Jamil, advocates from Lahore high court, Rana Mahmood Ahmad Joyia, Waseem Iqbal Butt, Mahmood Lashari, Muhammad Tayyab and Muhammad Latif.

So far, the matter was being heard in a military court. Hence, he could not have been represented by lawyers from civil side. When we go back, we will make efforts so that he gets counsel to defend himself. We will take up the matter with various Bar associations so that he is defended in civil courts, said, Mahmood Lashari, an advocate from Lahore high court.

Kulbhushan Jadhav, an Indian national, was declared as a spy by Pakistan and a military court awarded him death sentence on April 10. Later on May 18, International Court of Justice (ICJ) stayed the execution. Jadhav, according to Pakistan, was arrested in March 2016 through a counter intelligence operation in Balochistan. India says Jadhav was abducted from Iran.

The six-member delegation is in Chandigarh on a goodwill tour and said that intelligentsia in both the countries need to work towards strengthening ties. The delegation members as well as Bar members blamed a section in both countries who vitiate the atmosphere and do not allow good relations between the South Asian neighbours.

In the meet, president of PHHCBA, Anmol Rattan Sidhu, said that a delegation of the high court will visit Pakistan in November.
Sekhar Kammulas Fidaa is one of the most anticipated Telugu releases of this year. Best known for films such as Happy Days and Godavari, the 45-year-old filmmaker is awaiting a release after three years. His last outing was Nayanthara starrer Anamika, the Telugu remake of Vidya Balans Kahaani, which unfortunately tanked at the box-office. The makers have confirmed that the film will hit the screens worldwide on July 21 and its audio will be unveiled on July 10. The films motion poster and first look were very well received and it was quite evident that the film will be a heartwarming love story.

Kammula is known for his clean films that have substantial roles for women and can be watched by all sections of the audience. Fidaa stars Varun Tej and Premam fame Sai Pallavi, and this happens to be her Telugu debut. She happens to be one of the biggest highlights of the film and Telugu audiences are eagerly waiting to see her shine on screen. The film has music by Mickey J Meyer and there will be high expectations from his work. In the film, an NRI, played b Varun, falls head over heels for a girl from Telangana, played by Sai Pallavi.

Produced by Dil Raju, it is believed that the film will feature Varun Tej in his most romantic avatar yet. Apparently, when he heard the script, he immediately jumped at the opportunity as he didnt want to miss an offer to work with Kammula.

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Television actor Jennifer Winget feels that age should not be more than a number when it comes to actors getting opportunities in the film and television industry. While she feels that the idea of a heroine having a shelf life is gradually fading, she says that it will take time for it to completely vanish.

Id like to believe that the industry has come a long way. Female actors are no longer primarily known for their looks  their outstanding performances also get talked about. But its also true that the ratio of new faces being introduced, is far more than the current crop of talented actresses, says Jennifer, who has worked in shows such as Saraswatichandra and Dill Mill Gaye.



The actor doesnt understand why older male actors romancing younger heroines is considered normal,but vice versa is not accepted. Technically, the more mature the actor is, the better the performance, right? Its okay for a Bollywood actor to romance an actress half his age, but why not the other way round? she says.

Drawing a comparison with the West, Jennifer adds, We look to them for everything else, but I dont see Meryl Streep dealing with age as a barrier when acting in some of the best films cinema has to offer. But times are changing...Madhuri Dixit, Kajol, Sridevi, Priyanka Chopra... have all been carving a niche for themselves and its great, she says.

Jennifer, who acts in the show Beyhadh as Maya Sharma, has often been looked up to younger actors who aspire to make it big on small screen. Talking about this, she adds, This is both humbling and encouraging. Though it doesnt add to any pressure, the only challenge when you are leading by example, is to do so by your personality that goes beyond acting. So it feels worth it.

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Former Bigg Boss contestant Nitibha Kaul earned popularity when she was a part of the controversial show hosted by Salman Khan. After it got over, she was in the news for her closeness to one of the other contestants and also the winner of Bigg Boss 10, Manveer Gurjar. Now, Nitibha is back in spotlight again. This time, she was spotted partying with Shah Rukh Khans darling daughter, Suhana, along with a few of her friends at a club in Delhi.

Nitibha shared the photo with Suhana on her Instagram page on Monday and soon it went viral. And the question on everyones mind is whether there is any connection between the two.

Monday Night with @khushboobawa @ahujaraghav suhana khan A post shared by Nitibha Kaul (@nitibhakaul) on Jul 3, 2017 at 11:02am PDT

Meanwhile, on the professional front, Nitibha now anchors shows and also performs at clubs in Mumbai and Delhi. She also hosts a show on YouTube where she shares life hacks with her fans on a daily basis. She also hosted A Date To Remember on MTV. Sharing the news with her fans on her Insta page she wrote, I am hosting a show on MTV called A Date To Remember! So so so excited  Follow these pages to get all the updates @datetoremember (FB link in Bio) #datetoremember #mtv #newbeginnings #anchoring #excited. There were also reports that she has been getting offers and she might take up a few of them.

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The Chinese Army has carried out a military exercise on the Tibet plateau, deploying tanks and conducting live firing at a height of 5,100 metres for the first time, amid a standoff with Indian forces near Nathu La in the Sikkim sector that has taken bilateral ties to a new low.

The drill, which also involved the testing of new equipment, was conducted to evaluate the battle-readiness of Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) troops at altitudes of 15,000 feet and above, official Xinhua news agency reported.

The exercise assessed battlefield environment analysis, combat operations, synergies that need to be developed during battle, and also featured live fire shooting training and the testing of integration of military operations, the report in Chinese said.

A military truck convey during an exercise in the Tibet Autonomous Region. (Courtesy: China Military Online)

The report added that the hierarchy of the PLA, the worlds largest armed forces, wanted to test how the personnel and equipment fared in freezing altitudes and complex weather patterns.

Complex battle situations were simulated and troops were made to react to changing on-ground situations rapidly.

Last week, the Chinese military said it had conducted trials of a lightweight battle tank in Tibet near the Indian border. The 35-tonne tank has carried out trials in the plains of Tibet, PLA spokesman Col Wu Qian had said.

Asked whether the test targeted India, Wu said, The purpose is to test the parameters of the equipment and is not targeted against any country.

However, a report on the Guancha website said the tanks  called Xinqingtan in Chinese  were rolled out in an area of Tibet near the Indian border, and that Beijing was increasing its military buildup in the region as a show of force designed to deter the Indian military.

The new tanks technology and firepower, the report said, were more advanced than the Russia-made T-90s deployed by India.
A planned anti-G20 protest march in Germany by around 12,000 people was called off on Thursday after clashes between police and a hardcore of around 1,000 leftist demonstrators, police said.

The march was just declared off by organisers, Hamburg police said on Twitter after the march quickly descended into clashes a day ahead of the start of the two-day G20 summit.

German riot policemen catch a protester during the demonstrations during the G20 summit in Hamburg. (Reuters)

The police used water cannon and tear gas to clear a hardcore of masked anti-capitalist demonstrators.

Protestors threw stones, firecrackers and bottles at police.

Riot police in helmets charged in order to disperse the protestors wearing black hooded tops and masks.

Police expected around 100,000 protesters from around Europe, who say the G20 has failed to solve many of the issues threatening world peace, to gather for the demonstration dubbed Welcome to Hell by the anti-capitalist groups behind it.
Iraqi forces battled the last Islamic State group holdouts in Mosul on Wednesday, a day after the countrys premier feted the major victory over the jihadists in the northern city.

In neighbouring Syria, US-backed forces gained ground after air strikes by the international anti-IS coalition punched holes in the wall of the Old City in Raqa, where they are waging a parallel offensive against the jihadists.

Today, our advance was easier than yesterday, said Lieutenant Colonel Haider Hussein, a commander in Iraqs elite Counter-Terrorism Service.

We took control of more than 200 metres (yards) today and there are less than 200 metres remaining toward the Tigris River, Hussein said, referring to the waterway marking the eastern edge of remaining IS-held territory in the city.

More than eight months since the start of the operation, IS has gone from fully controlling Mosul to holding a limited area in the Old City on its western side.

But Iraqi troops in Mosul have faced tough fighting and a spike in suicide bombings in recent days, commanders have said.

The jihadists are using a new strategy in which they wait inside houses and when the soldiers enter the houses they fire bullets or blow themselves up, Hussein said.

The body of a woman said to have been suicide bomber shot before she could blow herself earlier in the day lay in the street near the house where the officer spoke.

Decaying corpses gave off a stench of death that permeated some streets, and a pool of half-dried blood spread out from the door of one house.

Streets were strewn with clothing and other objects left by civilians who were fleeing the fighting.

The enemy is not a regular army, said Brigadier General Nabil al-Fatlawi, a CTS commander.

- Major victory -

Its a street to street battle, said Fatlawi, who expects the battle to be over in a few days.

Despite the ongoing fighting, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi congratulated Iraqs people, security forces and the Shiite religious leadership on the achievement of this major victory in Mosul in remarks broadcast Tuesday night.

But automatic weapons fire and explosions on Wednesday made clear that the final stage of the battle for the city was not yet over.

Iraqi forces launched the operation to retake Mosul on October 17, advancing to the city, recapturing its eastern side and then setting their sights on its smaller but more densely populated west.

The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces -- an alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters -- have been battling IS in Syria, and made gains Wednesday in their drive to retake Raqa from the jihadists.

The SDF advanced and captured the strategic Saif al-Dawlah road leading towards the Old Mosque, said Nuri Al-Mahmoud, a spokesman for the Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG), which makes up a bulk of the SDF.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said the SDF had pushed forwards about 200 metres (yards) by midday (0900 GMT) on Wednesday.

They are now approximately 300 metres (yards) from the Old Mosque -- within firing range of it, said Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman.

Syrias civil war provided fertile ground for IS, which seized territory in that country and also overran large areas north and west of Baghdad.

The jihadists have since lost significant ground, but the recapture of Mosul and Raqa will not mark the end of the war against IS.

IS holds other territory in both countries, and is expected to revert to its insurgent roots in Iraq, carrying out bombings and hit-and-run attacks that were its hallmark in past years.
Pakistan attorney general Ashtar Ausaf Ali will act as Islamabads agent at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case, the media reported on Thursday.

Jadhav, an Indian national arrested by Pakistan in the restive Balochistan province last year, has been sentenced to death for alleged involvement in espionage and terrorism. India has sought his release or acquittal at The Hague-based court.

A communication issued by the foreign ministry informed the ICJ Registrar that Ali would be Pakistans agent in the case, while foreign affairs director general Mohammad Faisal will continue to act as co-agent.

The Dawn daily reported that after a meeting between ICJ president Ronny Abraham and the delegations of Pakistan and India on June 8 in the Netherlands, Ali informed the court about Islamabads intention to appoint an ad hoc judge to the bench for all proceedings, including the substantive hearing of the Jadhav case.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office has informed the ICJ that Pakistan has instructed government departments to give effect to the courts May 18 interim order staying Jadhavs execution, adding that legal process remained available to the him.

File photo of former Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav. (PTI)

In May, the ICJ had ordered Pakistan to stay Jadhavs execution until its final decision on Indias petition to annul his death sentence.

Pakistans Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the militarys media arm, says Jadhav allegedly admitted to his involvement in espionage, terrorism and subversive activities, and expressed remorse at the loss of life due to his actions.

It released what it said was a confessional video of Jadhav, the second since his arrest. In an earlier video, he purportedly admitted to working for RAW to stoke unrest and instability in Pakistan.

India denies Jadhav was a RAW agent but admits he is a retired naval officer.
The offensive to retake Mosul from Islamic State (IS) militant group has damaged thousands of structures in the historic Old City and destroyed nearly 500 buildings, satellite imagery released by the United Nations on Thursday showed.

Iraqi forces backed by the United States have pushed Islamic State into a 250-square-metre strip of territory along the Tigris River, prompting fighters to ramp up suicide bomb attacks, commanders said.

More than eight months of warfare have displaced 900,000 residents - about half the city's pre-war population - and killed thousands of civilians. The destruction is far greater than expected and is likely to cost billions of dollars to fix, according to the United Nations.

Images taken a week before the offensive began on June 18 showed damage to 2,589 structures with 153 destroyed. The Iraqi military and the U.S.-led coalition backing it pounded the city for months with air strikes and artillery before the onset of the ground offensive in October. IS also may have destroyed some buildings.

Five days later, as bombardment intensified, another 1,451 buildings had been damaged, including 43 more destroyed homes, according to the imagery documented by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research.

In the first 12 days of fighting inside the Old City, in which IS deployed dozens of suicide bombers, a further 1,496 structures were damaged, with 294 more destroyed. More damage is expected before the fighting ends.

IS rigged the historic Grand al-Nuri Mosque with explosives and razed it to the ground a week ago. The Old City along with 17 July district and areas around Mosul airport are the most heavily affected parts of the city, the U.N. has said.

In some of the most damaged areas of the Old City, such as Ammu Baqqal, Bab al-Tub and the Bazaar, almost no buildings appear to have escaped damage.

A statement with the maps called the analysis preliminary and said it had not been validated in the field. The dense construction of that part of the city, it said, meant the destruction might be underestimated.

The cash-strapped Baghdad government is expected to appeal to international donors to help rebuild Mosul. The U.N. is working with local authorities on plans to rebuild health, water and energy infrastructure.



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The Indian government has submitted more than 2,000 pages of material related to financial offences allegedly committed by businessman Vijay Mallya, whose extradition case came up before the Westminster Magistrates Court here on Thursday.

The chief magistrate, Emma Arbuthnot, set September 14 as the next date of hearing after Mallyas team sought time to go through the material, some of which was delivered to the team on Wednesday. Mallyas bail conditions will continue till December 4, the date for the full extradition hearing to begin.

Mark Summers, lawyer for the Crown Prosecution Service that is representing India, told the court there was excellent cooperation from the Indian government, and based on the material submitted, a prima facie case had been established against Mallya.

We are ready to proceed to a full hearing, Summers said. He told the magistrate the prosecution is keen for the hearing to begin earlier than December 4.

Vijay Mallya seen outside the Westminster Magistrates Court in London for a hearing in his extradition case. (HT Photo)

Mallya, exempted from appearing in court, attended the hearing and gave non-committal responses to waiting journalists: Let the CBI provide the evidence they have. We will also state our case. We are in court now, I have nothing more to say.

This was the third case management hearing after Mallyas arrest and bail on April 18 and a hearing on June 13. Mallyas legal team is scheduled to submit evidence related to the grounds it has raised to oppose his extradition.

The material submitted by New Delhi included an assurance about prison conditions in India (in some previous cases, the person whose extradition was sought had opposed it on the grounds that Indian prison conditions were not up to the required standard).

The Indian high commission said the documents included charge-sheets, supplementary charge-sheets, non-bailable warrant of arrest, evidence and witness statements.

Evidences regarding the falsities and misrepresentations made by Mr Vijay Mallaya and officials of the Kingfisher Airlines have also been provided. The UK side are satisfied with the material supplied by the Indian agencies and will be used by them appropriately during the extradition proceedings, the mission said.

Mallyas team sought time to study the material and suggested that besides the scheduled date of December 4, the court retain the option of scheduling it for April next year.

Unlike previous extradition cases that were unsuccessful because of the quality of paperwork or evidence that did not hold up in British courts, Indian sources said all necessary steps were taken to ensure there are no gaps in the Mallya case.

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A man in the US state of Florida accidentally shot himself in the penis after sitting on his gun. However, his travails dont end there  the Jacksonville native could face jail time for possession of a firearm because he is a convicted felon.

Cedrick Jelks incurred the injury when he sat in his Nissan  he had left the gun in the car and it accidentally went off, Jacksonville-based news outlet News4JAX reported. A friend said Jelks drove home in a panic and ran straight to the bathroom. When the friend followed him, she found Jelks injury and rushed him to hospital.

Because the injury involved a gunshot, police were called in to investigate, and they discovered Jelks had a prior conviction. The Miami Herald reported he had pleaded guilty in 2004 to cocaine possession.

Thus, Jelks possession of the gun could well get him into (even more) trouble  if prosecuted, he faces a minimum three-year prison sentence as well as a hefty fine.

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US President Donald Trump and other leaders of the Group of 20 top industrial and developing countries arrived in Hamburg on Thursday as police in Germanys second-biggest city braced themselves for a major protest by anti-globalization activists.

German chancellor Angela Merkel said she hoped the G20 leaders meeting Friday and Saturday would be able to find compromises and answers on a wide range of issues.

Merkel said leaders will address regulating financial markets, fighting terrorism and pandemics and combatting climate change, among other issues. She said free, rule-based and fair trade will be an important issue.

You can imagine that there will be discussions that will not be easy, she said. Globalization can be a win-win situation. It must not always be that there are winners and losers.

The northern German port city boosted its police force with reinforcements from around the country for the summit, and has 20,000 officers on hand to patrol Hamburgs streets, skies and waterways.

More than 100,000 protesters are expected in the city for the summit, with some 8,000 considered part of Europes violent left-wing scene, according to police.

Ahead of the summit, a Thursday evening demonstration is planned, which organizers have titled as G-20: Welcome to Hell.

While protests so far have been largely calm, city police chief Ralf Martin Meyer told ZDF television: We are skeptical as to whether this evening and tonight will remain peaceful.

Demonstrators have promised massive protests against Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, three of the more controversial guests at the summit. A large sign in a shop window near the summit venue featured pictures of the three with the slogan: We dont want that!

German riot police walk along a street before demonstrations during the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany. (REUTERS)

A large banner hanging from a building overlooking the congress center where the leaders will meet said: G20 Members: Respect the rule of law!

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Jacob Zuma were among the first to arrive on Thursday, while Trump joined in the late afternoon, flying in from a stop in Warsaw.

For the anti-globalization protest Thursday night, organizers said they were calling on the world to make Hamburg a focal point of the resistance against the old and new capitalist authorities.

Overnight, 10 cars were set ablaze outside a Hamburg Porsche dealership, which police are investigating as possibly summit-related.

Many other groups are calling for peaceful protests, and are pushing the G20 leaders for action on climate change, to address economic disparities in the world and a wide array of other issues. Some are even calling for the dissolution of the G20 itself so the United Nations becomes the platform for such discussions.

In the wake of Trumps recent decision to pull out of the Paris deal fighting climate change, the battle against global warming promises to feature prominently in discussions at the summit.

Merkel has rejected calls from some to push for a strong G19 statement  without the US  on climate change. That is something that Zhu Guangyao, a Chinese deputy finance minister, told reporters that Beijing also did not support.

The policies produced by the G20 should be by the consensus of all member states, he said. No one should be excluded.

Still, he added, China will firmly promote its policies taking more measures against climate change.

Activists are expressing concern, however, that the draft language being worked on for the closing G20 communique apparently calls for a global approach on climate change, which they fear could weaken national responsibilities.

On trade, Putin wrote in a guest article for Germanys Handelsblatt newspaper Thursday that politically motivated sanctions were being used as a form of protectionism.

Limits by one-sided, politically motivated sanctions on investment, trade and particularly technology transfer are becoming its hidden form, the Russian leader wrote.

The European Union and United States have imposed sanctions on Russia over its actions in Ukraine  for annexing the Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and for supporting separatists fighting the government in eastern Ukraine  a conflict that has cost 10,000 lives since April 2014.

Putin, however, wrote that such sanctions lead nowhere. He said they contradict the G20 principles of working together in the interests of all countries.
The Pakistani media has kept a close watch on Prime Minister Narendra Modis groundbreaking trip to Israel, with analysts debating the impact of the visit on Islamabad.

News channels have hosted talk shows in which the visit has been discussed extensively, while many newspapers have carried political commentary on it.

Influential English language daily Dawn, in an editorial on Thursday, commented: Amidst the tumult in global affairs, the Indo-Israeli relationship has emerged as a steady bilateral alliance, surprising to some, while others have been watching the ties between Tel Aviv and New Delhi grow over the decades.

The newspaper said the visit seems to have cemented the alliance between the two nations as the warm embrace between Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on the tarmac of Ben Gurion international airport on Tuesday showed.

Dawn noted the Indians had come a long way from their past policy regarding Israel and Palestine. India established relations with Israel as late as 1992, while former Palestine Liberation Organisation chief Yasser Arafat enjoyed great rapport with Indira Gandhi, calling her his sister. The editorial said those days of mutual support are clearly gone and Modi has no love lost for the Palestinians, as a meeting with Palestinian leaders was reportedly not on the cards.

Dawns commentary tried to draw parallels between Israels atrocious behaviour towards Palestinians and Indias towards Kashmiris.

Perhaps the Indo-Israeli embrace has provided an opportunity for Pakistan to highlight the Kashmir issue with Iran and others, in order to build world opinion against the atrocities unleashed upon both the Kashmiris and Palestinians, it said.

A similar theme was followed by other Pakistani news organisations. In his television programme, political commentator Farrukh Pitafi stated Islamabad was curious as to whether Israel would also help India crush the uprising in Kashmir.

Another commentator stated the visit suggested that Pakistan needed to take advantage and renew relations with Iran and other Arab countries in the region.

Meanwhile, Modis visit has reportedly sparked an interesting reaction in Iran, which has enjoyed cordial relations with India, but is at daggers drawn with Israel.
Gunmen shot and killed a Pakistani regional political party leader in the city of Quetta on Thursday, police said, the latest violence in the southwestern province of Balochistan.

Malik Naveed, 38, and his guard, Mohammad Zareef, 42, died en route a hospital after gunmen on two motorcycles attacked his car shortly after he had left his home, superintendent of police Ashraf Jattak said.

One of Naveeds relatives, who was with him in the car, was wounded.

Naveed is one of the leaders of the opposition Balochistan National Party, which advocates for more funds from the provinces rich natural resources to go to the indigenous ethnic Baluch people.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Baluchistan province, of which Quetta is the capital, has long been home to an insurgency by the nationalist and separatist groups, who accuse the central government of discrimination in distribution of revenues from oil, gas and minerals.

Taliban and al Qaeda militants, as well as Islamic State-aligned Sunni sectarian groups also operate in the province, which borders Afghanistan and Iran.

Violence in Baluchistan has raised concerns about security for projects related to the $57 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor, a planned transport and energy link between western China to Pakistans southern deep-water port of Gwadar.
Changing the mindset of North Koreas ruler Kim Jong-un needs concerted efforts by all international players, including India, said Enna Park, South Koreas ambassador for public diplomacy.

Park also spoke about how the new government in Seoul hoped to be a partner in Make in India, the smart cities and other infrastructure projects, and in defence.

North Koreas maverick ruler, Kim Jong-un, she said, was more dangerous than his father. The latter was prepared to negotiate about the end of North Koreas nuclear arsenal. But the son wants his country to be recognised as a nuclear weapons state and that denuclearisation is not negotiable.

Kims intention is to use his ability to threaten the US and the region to get leverage with Washington. He wants to offer to freeze his nuclear programme in return for economic assistance, regime guarantees and a peace treaty with the US. The ambassador said, I dont think the Americans will accept. [President] Trump has said he will not allow this to happen. But the new Seoul government wants a dialogue with Pyongyang as sanctions cannot be the only policy.

As for China, she said, it must recognise that if it allows North Korea to continue its nuclear programme, the whole region will placed in jeopardy.

The US is pushing China to play a constructive role because it is the only country with effective leverage on North Korea. She denied that the new Seoul regime was not going to reverse an earlier decision to allow a US theatre missile defence system. The decision will not be change, but due process has to be followed, she said.

Park has come to India following the election victory of South Korean president, Moon Jae-in, and the impeachment of his predecessor. Seoul is seeking to have a special strategic partnership with New Delhi that would include more regular summit-level meetings, talks between the foreign and defence ministries of the two countries, a dialogue of the national security councils and a closer partnership in foreign aid in third countries.

South Korea would be a most effective partner to work with when it comes to Make in India as it is particularly strong in manufacturing, she said. Of Koreas $ 5.8 billion of FDI in India, $ 3.4 billion was in manufacturing. She noted her country had already built a number of smart cities and South Korean firms were looking for partners to upgrade Indias railroad stations and construct high-speed trains.

A framework agreement for a $ 10 billion fund in concessional loans to build infrastructure has been agreed upon by the two finance ministers.

She said President Moon Jae-ins government was dedicated to a foreign policy more embedded in the democratic process. The previous Seoul government carried out foreign policy without any public consultation. We are practising peoples diplomacy, and our decisions will be a two-way street with our public.
An upscale Bangladeshi restaurant has banned foreign guests, fearing a repeat of last years deadly terrorist attack in a Dhaka cafe, the owner said on Thursday.

Lake Terrace, a reputed rooftop barbeque restaurant in the capitals northern Uttara neighbourhood, put a notice at its entrance saying no foreigners were welcome.

Shah Tanzil, the owner of Lake Terrace, said the order had come from his landlord. We had no choice but to follow the landlords instruction, he told AFP.

We are ashamed. But we cannot suddenly shut down our business as its our bread and butter.

The landlord of the five-storey building told local English newspaper, The Daily Star, he feared foreigners were the primary targets of the extremists.

Who would take the responsibility if something bad happens? he told the daily, on condition of anonymity.

Five armed young men entered the Holey Artisan Bakery last year in the citys diplomatic quarters and killed at least 22 people, mostly foreigners, after taking them hostage.

The Islamic State group claimed the attack, although the government blamed a homegrown Islamist extremist organisation.

The move to close the cafe to foreigners comes after a fresh warning apparently from an IS operative who said the group was expanding its operations in Bangladesh.

The US-based monitoring group SITE said Abu Shofiq Al Bengali had posted a message on Wednesday, warning of a strong trained brigade of thousand brothers in Bangladesh, Myanmar and the Indian state of West Bengal.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), an elite force fighting militancy in the Muslim-majority nation, said they were investigating the authenticity of the post.

We are verifying the statement, whether it is credible, RAB spokesman Mufti Mahmud Khan said.

Bangladeshi has seen a spate of fatal attacks on foreigners, secular rights activists and religious minorities in recent years.

The Holey Bakery cafe attack led to a major crackdown on Islamist militants, nearly 70 of whom have been shot dead by security forces.
Donald Trumps high-stakes trip to Europe, where he faces a prickly G20 meeting and animosity from traditional US allies, kicks off on a comforting note on Thursday  in front of a friendly crowd bussed in by his sympathetic Polish hosts.

Air Force One touched down in Warsaw on Wednesday for what is the US presidents second foreign outing after a European tour in May that exposed fierce mistrust.

His four-day trip starts in Warsaw, where he will deliver a major speech, before moving on to Hamburg for his first G20 summit, where tricky geopolitical currents  from rumbling transatlantic discord to increasingly difficult ties with China  will converge.

Looming large over the entire visit is Pyongyangs test of an intercontinental ballistic missile that could deliver a nuclear payload to Alaska. Tough-talking Trump had previously vowed North Korea would not be allowed to possess an ICBM, and leaders from rival and allied powers alike will be watching closely to see whether his threats were bluster or will crystallise into action.

After repeatedly urging Beijing to ratchet up the pressure on North Korea, Trump will hold what promises to be a testy meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Hamburg to trace the next steps.

Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40% in the first quarter. So much for China working with us - but we had to give it a try! Trump tweeted indignantly on Wednesday.

On Friday, Trump will hold a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin that will  amongst other things  be pored over for its significance to US domestic politics. Several of Trumps closest aides are under investigation for possible ties with Moscow, which US intelligence agencies say tried to tilt the election in the Republican candidates favour.

The scandal continues to eat away at his administration, with key White House staff being forced to hire their own lawyers and spend time rebuffing new allegations.

So far, Trump has been reluctant to acknowledge Russian interference in the election or criticise the veteran Russian leader and has branded allegations against his aides as fake news.

Even simple photographs of Putin and Trump shaking hands or meeting face-to-face pose a political risk for the US president and will likely be weaponised by his foes in the United States.

In Poland, Trump has a willing host in the form of President Andrzej Duda, whose right-wing politics resemble his own. Trump will take the stage at Warsaws historic Krasinski Square, with organisers expecting thousands to attend, many arriving on free buses laid on by Polands ruling party.

It is important that President Trump feel good about his visit to Poland, Stanislaw Pieta, a member of parliament for the Party of Law and Justice told the AFP.

While Warsaw may be the least barbed part of the trip, it is not without its own difficulties as Poles watch closely to see if Trumps reluctantly professed commitment to European security can be relied upon. Poland, like many countries in eastern and central Europe, sees Nato and its mutual defence pact as a major deterrent to Russian adventurism and a guarantee of hard-won independence.

Trump has professed to favour the alliances one-for-all-all-for-one commitment, but in the same breath has trashed European allies for not spending enough to defend themselves.

In public, European officials say the decades-old transatlantic partnership is inviolable and essential.

In private, they wonder whether it can survive four or eight years with Trump at the helm.
The United States is willing to work with Russia on establishing no-fly zones in Syria as part of a joint effort to stabilize the war-ravaged country, secretary of state Rex Tillerson said on Wednesday, ahead of Donald Trumps first face-to-face with Vladimir Putin.

In a wide-ranging statement, Tillerson said Russia had a special responsibility to help create stability on the ground -- or risk hobbling the fight against the Islamic State group.

Citing past cooperation in creating deconfliction zones in Syria, Tillerson made a strong case for both countries -- in spite of their unresolved differences on a number of issues -- to work together in Syria.

The United States is prepared to explore the possibility of establishing with Russia joint mechanisms for ensuring stability, including no-fly zones, on the ground ceasefire observers, and coordinated delivery of humanitarian assistance, he said.

Tillerson issued his statement before joining Trump in Europe, where the US leader will meet Putin for the first time on Friday on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany. Syria will loom large in their discussions.

It also came as US-backed fighters inched forwards in Raqqas Old City, in what Washington sees as a milestone in the campaign to defeat the Islamic State group in its de facto Syrian capital.

ISIS has been badly wounded, and is could be [sic] on the brink of complete defeat in Syria if all parties focus on this objective, Tillerson said, according to the written statement issued by the state department.

In order to complete the mission, the international community, and especially Russia, must remove obstacles to the defeat of ISIS.

We call upon all parties, including the Syrian government and its allies, Syrian opposition forces, and Coalition forces carrying out the battle to defeat ISIS, to avoid conflict with one another and adhere to agreed geographical boundaries for military de-confliction and protocols for de-escalation.

Russia, Turkey and Iran -- without the United States -- agreed in May to establish four de-escalation zones in Syria. These are supposed to include no-fly areas, where no warplanes can fly so as to guarantee the safety of civilians on the ground.

But on Wednesday, those countries said they had failed to agree on the details, such as the boundaries of the zones and who will police them.

Tillerson also said Moscow as a key backer of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had the responsibility of preventing his regime from further use of chemical weapons.
A disruptive passenger was removed from an Atlanta-to-Chicago flight after yelling at a flight attendant while letting her dog run through the cabin.

Passenger Michael Nash posted video of the altercation that took place before takeoff Wednesday on the American Airlines flight. Nash said the woman had reclined her seat while the plane was taxiing to the runway and yelled profanities after being asked to stop.

The video shows passengers yelling at the woman to sit down as she follows a flight attendant to the back of the plane with her dog by her side. The plane returned to the gate, and another video shows a man escorting her off the flight.

An Atlanta airport representative tells Chicagos WBBM-TV that the woman wasnt arrested and was rebooked on another flight.

American Airlines says the plane arrived in Chicago four hours late.
The EU and Japan on Thursday called for further sanctions against North Korea after Pyongyang tested an intercontinental ballistic missile in defiance of repeated UN resolutions.

"Today we agreed to call on the international community to strengthen measures aimed at further restricting the transfer of relevant items and technologies as well funding for North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes," EU president Donald Tusk said after talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

"In this regard, we appeal for the early adoption of a new and comprehensive UN Security Council resolution," Tusk said.

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NEW YORK - A U.S. district judge on Wednesday chastised Martin Shkreli, the boisterous former hedge-fund manager and pharmaceutical-industry executive, for speaking to the media during the early days of his trial for securities fraud.

"All your client has to do is stop talking in the courthouse and around the perimeter of the courthouse," a frustrated U.S. District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto said.

Shkreli has struggled to abide by his defense attorneys' advice to keep quiet since being charged in late 2015 with misleading investors in two of his hedge funds and the biopharmaceutical company Retrophin, all of which he founded. He has taken to YouTube to live-stream his thoughts and was kicked off Twitter earlier this year for harassing a journalist.

But for prosecutors and Matsumoto, the breaking point appears to have been a surprise visit Shkreli, 34, made last week to an overflow room in the courthouse filled with reporters. During the visit, Shkreli criticized the prosecution team from the Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn, mocking them as the "junior varsity" to the federal prosecutors in Manhattan.

"I think the world blames me for almost everything," he said before being called out of the room by his attorney.

Shkreli's attorney, Benjamin Brafman, said he was alerted by a U.S. Marshall that Shkreli was in the room and "ran" across the courthouse to pull him out.

"I was shocked by these comments and statements.  Any juror could have heard them," Matsumoto said.

Prosecutors asked that either Shkreli be ordered to keep quiet or the jury be semi-sequestered so they could not hear chatter in the hallways about the trial or comments made by Shkreli. Brafman said that his client was being "baited," particularly by a reporter who peppers him with questions when he leaves the courtroom. Maneuvering the 100 yards between the courthouse steps and the car sometimes requires Shkreli to deal with a scrum of 40 to 50 members of the media, a stressful situation for someone with anxiety such as Shkreli, Brafman said.

The judge told Shkreli to no longer speak to reporters about the case in the courtroom or on the street outside.
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Lorenzo Simonelli, chief executive of the new Baker Hughes, promised on Wednesday that he can find at least $1.2 billion in savings within the first two-and-a-half years after the merger of the Houston oilfield services firm with GE Oil & Gas.

Investors can be skeptical, Simonelli said in an interview on Wednesday. But some of the cost savings are straightforward, he said. For instance, the new firm, called Baker Hughes, a GE company, will save millions of dollars by combining materials purchases alone. Theres a lot of opportunity there, Simonelli said.
The Trump administration proposed a requirement that U.S. refiners use 15 billion gallons of conventional renewable fuels in 2018, while lowering targets for advanced alternatives that oil refiners have described as unattainable.

The proposal strikes a delicate balance on federal renewable fuel mandates by delivering a modest win to Midwest corn farmers supplying the bulk of traditional ethanol at the expense of companies producing next-generation alternatives.

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt said Wednesday the proposed volumes are "consistent with market realities." They're "focused on actual production and consumer demand while being cognizant of the challenges that exist in bringing advanced biofuels into the marketplace," he said.

The EPA proposal represents the Trump administration's first foray into the politically treacherous territory of the Renewable Fuel Standard, a program mandating biofuels in gasoline and diesel fuels that Congress established in 2005.

The program is loathed by oil producers and refiners but embraced by farmers, public officials and biofuel producers in Corn Belt states, such as Iowa, which play an outsized role in U.S. presidential contests. That unavoidable tension between oil producers and Corn Belt interests makes the program a "nightmare" for Republicans, said Kevin Book, managing director of Washington-based ClearView Energy Partners.

President Donald Trump promised to support ethanol while campaigning for president, and he reiterated that position in a speech in Iowa last month.

The ethanol industry is "under siege," but the Trump administration is saving it, the president told a crowd in Cedar Rapids.

The EPA's new plan will require 4.24 billion gallons of advanced biofuel in 2018, down from 4.28 billion this year and far lower than the 5.25 billion sought by the industry's leading trade group.

That quota includes 238 million gallons of cellulosic biofuel, a drop from 311 million currently. Cellulosic ethanol, typically made from cornstalks, switchgrass and other materials, has been commercialized at a slower pace than supporters had hoped. The EPA is also proposing a requirement for 2.1 billion gallons of biomass-based diesel in 2019.

The 15-billion-gallon quota for conventional renewable fuel, the highest allowed under federal law for that category, is mostly fulfilled by corn starch-based ethanol. It also mirrors the current 2017 requirement.

Under federal law, the EPA has until Nov. 30 to issue final biofuel quotas for 2018, opening a window for intense lobbying.

Shares of independent refiners without upstream oil production and substantial downstream fuel-blending infrastructure declined Wednesday on the news.

Billionaire Carl Icahn's CVR Energy, based in Sugar Land, fell as much as 4.1 percent. The price of soybean oil, an alternative to ethanol, slumped in Chicago trading, while prices for biofuel credits known as renewable identification numbers jumped.

The administration's decision to keep conventional biofuel targets intact sets up a clash with oil refiners. They had argued 15 billion gallons would exceed a 10 percent "blend wall," or the amount that can be easily blended into the fuel supply.

The breadth of the EPA's leeway on quotas is in doubt, as a federal court weighs a biofuel industry lawsuit challenging the agency's waivers issued under former President Barack Obama.
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From urban renewal to suburban sprawl, Houston's real estate market is going through one of its most dynamic times in decades. Get a sneak peek at our subscriber-only Looped In podcast below for interviews with the city's developers, deal makers and dreamers. This week on Looped In: Why Houston has so much parking. Click here to subscribe to HoustonChronicle.com.

***

Can legal weed stoke a real estate market?

That's what happened in Denver, where the value of industrial buildings has spiked from demand by cannabis growers and apartment rents doubled, in part, because the pot industry has attracted so many new residents from outside the state.

Pepe Breton operates Euflora, a marijuana operation in the Denver area. His business is now booming, but getting there had many challenges. Like when he first started calling around looking for retail space for his dispensary, most landlords hung up on him.

Now, Euflora has multiple locations, one of which was recently called "the Apple store of weed."

Houston Chronicle's Nancy Sarnoff and business editor Al Lewis met Breton at the National Association of Real Estate Editors conference last month in Denver. Al moderated a panel with Breton about how legalizing marijuana has changed the real estate market in the Mile High City.

Breton joined Nancy and Al by phone to talk about the challenges of his business and and how he's preparing for future markets to open up.

RELATED: A bill to decriminalize marijuana is getting a hearing in the Texas house
My heart sank when I learned this.

Target is getting rid of its Merona, Mossimo, Cherokee and Circo brands to make way for a revamped fashion lineup.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Target has unveiled four of the new brands - coming this fall - to replace the outgoing ones.

From the Target website: "Our new brands are all about the changing face of our guestswhat they need, what they're looking for from Target. When we took a close look at our existing assortment with this in mind, we saw a disconnect. We knew we'd need to refresh our offeringsand define new onesso our guests continue to love what they're discovering at Target and want to keep coming back, again and again."

Take a look at the lines. What do you think?
There was a time in Texas history -- from just before the days of the republic up until 1923 -- when death sentences were carried out by local authorities. Back then the method of executing a convicted criminal was by hanging.

During that time, 467 people were executed this way, 60 percent of which were African-American. Eighteen were hanged in Harris County. The executions were an event, with thousands gathering outside to catch a glimpse of the condemned or to hear his final words. Such scenes played out often in the 122 Texas counties that performed executions.

Veteran law enforcement officer West Gilbreath has researched these executions for his book, "Death on the Gallows: The Encyclopedia of Legal Hangings in Texas" (Wild Horse Press). Gilbreath, a captain with the University of North Texas Police Department, previously published a similar look at legal hangings in New Mexico.

What follows are e-mailed questions and answers with Gilbreath about this era in the state's criminal justice system.

After working on this book and "Death on the Gallows: The Story of Legal Hangings in New Mexico" were there any major differences in how the two states approached the death penalty?

Yes. Two very distinct differences. In New Mexico, if the trial was moved to a different county on a change of venue, and if the defendant was found guilty, the defendant was returned back to the county that had original jurisdiction to be executed. A good example was when Billy the Kid was found guilty in Dona Ana County for the murder of Lincoln County Sheriff William Brady and was returned back to Lincoln for execution. After his return, Billy shot and killed both deputies and escaped. The other noted difference is Texas allowed the defendant to waive their 30-day appeal, and to be sentenced to death immediately with an execution date. Men such as Henry Johnson, who was hanged in Kaufman County on May 30, 1903, was hanged within five days from the day he committed the rape. Or Dick Garrett in Shelby County who was hanged within four days.

In Texas, did you observe any significant differences in how counties handed out the death penalty? Were some parts of the state more apt to hand down the death penalty than others?

The biggest differences were the counties that contained large towns such as Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Ft. Worth. Counties with less population had less. North and Panhandle counties had far less than anywhere else. The other difference would be where the execution took place. Was the execution held openly to the public, or did the sheriff hold it privately in the jail? Also the method: Was the method a fall from the trap that was released by a lever, or the cut of a rope that held the trap in place? Or was the method a weight-and-pulley system, whereby [...] the person was jerked upward with such force that the jerk upward or the fall would break the neck. The media at times referred to this method as being "Jerked to Jesus."

Was there any particular crime you discovered in your research that stood out?

Executed in Harris County 1838: John Christopher Columbus Quick, murder 1838: David Jones, murder 1855: Johnson, murder 1856: John K. Hyde, murder 1870: Jake Johnson, robbery and murder 1880: Henry Quarles, murder 1882: John Cone, rape 1888: Burke Mitchell, murder 1888: William Caldwell, murder 1891: Henry McGee, murder 1892: Walter E. Shaw, double homicide 1897: Alexander Terrell, rape 1899: Pate E. Burton, robbery and triple homicide 1909: Marcellus Thomas, murder 1916: Louis Utley, murder 1916: Henry Sampson, robbery and murder 1916: Clarence Cooley, robbery and double homicide 1921: Harry L. Walker, robbery and murder 1922: Carl Parker, robbery and murder Source: "Death on the Gallows: The Encyclopedia of Legal Hangings in Texas." See More Collapse

Actually there are two incidents that stood out the most for me. The first being when members of the United States Army, 24th infantry, rioted in Houston on August 23, 1917. Sixty-three soldiers out of the 118 who were tried for murder, mutiny, aggravated assault and disobeying an order were found guilty. On the morning of December 11, 1917, 13 men were executed near San Antonio at Camp Travis. Another six were hanged on September 1918. This became Texas' largest mass execution and the second-largest in the nation. The other incident was the execution of Roy Mitchell, who was hanged on July 23, 1923, at Waco, McLennan County. He may have been Texas' first serial rapist and murderer.

You pulled from various media accounts to research these executions. What are your observations on how the media covered these events?

Some accounts of the crime and the defendants were very sensational and were covered very extensively on the front page with large, bold headlines, especially once the telegraph and railroad system was built where information and mail could flow faster and more accurately. When executions were public, the media would print the history of the crime and the trial, attempt to interview the defendant and provide a witness account of the last moments of the condemned on the gallows. [...] Did he confess on the gallows or make a last statement prior to the trap being sprung, which was very important to the witnesses.

Some newspaper accounts were vague. One reason is because everyone in the community already knew what occurred, or went to the trial, and then some of the newspaper sources did not feel the need to write about it. The media also assumed the reader was already aware of the story and never imagined that people would want to know and research this information a hundred or more years later. There also seemed to be a shift in the amount of information printed about the offense and the execution after the year 1900.

You mention the crowds that would come out to witness these executions. Based on your research, did you get a sense as to how Texans felt about the death penalty?

When executions were public, the stores would close and families from nearby counties would make the trip by horse, buggy, wagon and train. Estimates were in the thousands, 10,000 or more. The newspapers noted that hangings gathered more of a crowd than the approaching circus. Other sources described the event as having a carnival atmosphere. Men and women dressed in their finest clothes. This gave families, friends, neighbors an opportunity to visit and socialize. The witnesses present expected to be entertained. Many times, people running for a political office took the opportunity to stand on the platform to address all as to why they should elect him. Vendors would sell refreshments or photograph souvenirs. Many times the condemn sold items as well for money to be given in support of their families. They also saw this as a religious gathering. The clergyman took the opportunity to make a sermon, and hymns and gospel songs were sung by all. After the execution, the crowd would ask the sheriff to cut the rope used in the execution and hand out the pieces as souvenirs. Other times, pieces of wood from the gallows were taken. Once the executions were held privately inside the jail or enclosed in the jail yard, the sheriff would receive many requests asking for an invitation to be present, and hundreds would also gather outside the jails awaiting word that the execution had taken place.

In your research involving African-American defendants, did you get a feeling as to the certainty of the verdict? Did any case against a suspect seem tenuous or did it appear as if a suspect was being railroaded? Do you have a theory as to why so many of those hanged were African-American?

Did I get a feeling of the certainty of the verdict?

With 60 percent of black males being hanged, I would believe if a black male committed certain crimes, it was a good chance his fate was already sealed once he was arrested. Not only by the judge and jury but for fear of a lynch mob. Texas as a republic and later as a pre-Civil War state had laws making it the death penalty for murdering the slave's master. After the Civil War, sexually assaulting a white woman by a black male made the offense a capital offense.

Were any of the accused railroaded?

I'm sure there were. There were a lot of prejudicial feelings, especially during the reconstruction of Texas and the rights afforded to free slaves after the war. The jury many times already had their minds made up, especially if the crime involved the rape or murder of a white girl or a white woman by a black male. The raping or murdering of a white woman by a black male was considered one of the most horrible crimes imaginable at the time and society did not tolerate it. At trial, when the victim took the stand and identified the defendant as the person who committed the assault upon her, even after the defendant claimed he was innocent, did the victim correctly identify the offender? Or did she hope by identifying him as the offender that his conviction and death sentence, regardless if he was the correct person responsible, would bring both her and the community in which she resided to closure? I am sure some victims and even the members of the jury said to themselves, "It must be him because he is black and the police who arrested him said he did it."

When such crimes did occur, posses were immediately organized to track down the responsible person. Once captured, the sheriff had to do everything in his ability to make sure the suspect was not lynched or the jail overpowered to remove his prisoner from his care. The sheriff had to call upon the Texas Rangers and state militia, and swear in trusted citizens as special deputies to protect the jail, or sneak the prisoner out of the jail and quickly transport him to a stronger jail in a different town until the town folks calmed down or until trial. Regardless of the crime, the sheriffs took their oath seriously and protected the accused. Many times on the gallows, the African-Americans' address to the crowd that had gathered showed appreciation to the sheriff and his jailers for the kind treatment afforded to him.

Houston Chronicle front page reporting the execution of Carl Parker, the last execution carried out by the Harris County sheriff.




The top U.S. diplomat to the United Nations blasted Russia and China on Wednesday for "holding the hand" of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, as the Trump administration struggled to respond to Pyongyang's latest ballistic-missile test.

U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley chided Moscow and Beijing over their opposition to a Security Council resolution condemning North Korea and imposing greater economic sanctions for what she called its "sharp military escalation."

She also said Pyongyang was "quickly closing off the possibility of a diplomatic solution" and suggested the United States would continue to consider military action if necessary.

"One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces," Haley said during a Security Council meeting in New York. "We will use them if we must, but we prefer not to have to go in that direction."

Haley's pointed speech marked the latest effort by the Trump administration to rally allies and rivals around a common agenda to blunt North Korea's progress, days after Kim's regime tested an intercontinental ballistic missile with a range that experts said would put it within reach of Alaska.

But her remarks also illustrated the limits of the White House's options and lacked specifics about what concrete steps the administration is considering. The missile test marks a new level of advancement in Kim's pursuit of a nuclear weapon that could strike the continental United States. Analysts said a military confrontation could escalate quickly into a mass-casualty war on the Korean Peninsula and Japan, where the United States has stationed tens of thousands of troops.

The standoff cast a shadow as President Donald Trump prepared for his first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his second with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit, which opens Friday in Hamburg. Trump also will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the heads of U.S. allies Britain and Germany.

"We've been pretty consistent that we are never going to broadcast next steps," deputy White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters aboard Air Force One as the president traveled to a short stop in Warsaw on Wednesday.

Before leaving Washington, Trump revealed more frustration with Xi, whom he has personally lobbied to enact sanctions on Chinese banks that do business with North Korean companies. The U.S. Treasury Department announced last week that it would block the Bank of Dandong, along the border region between China and North Korea, from accessing U.S. markets. Officials said was the first of potentially greater sanctions by the United States.

On Twitter, Trump wrote: "Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40% in the first quarter. So much for China working with us - but we had to give it a try!"

Chinese data released in April showed China's trade with the North grew 37.4 percent during the first three months of the year compared with the same period in 2016. China said then that overall trade grew even as it complied with U.N. sanctions and stopped buying North Korean coal.

Russian and Chinese diplomats used the U.N. Security Council meeting to push their joint proposal for a suspension of North Korean nuclear and missile testing in exchange for a suspension of U.S. and South Korean military exercises. Both countries also condemned the U.S. antimissile system being deployed in South Korea and called for it to be removed.

Early Wednesday in Asia, U.S. and South Korean forces fired missiles, conducting joint military exercises that the U.S. Pacific Command cast as a show of "ironclad" resolve.

Daniel Pinkston, a lecturer in international relations at Troy University in Seoul, said he saw no chance Washington and Seoul would agree to halt joint exercises, calling it "a non-starter."

During the U.N. meeting, a Russian official questioned whether North Korea's missile was an ICBM, suggesting it was an intermediate-range weapon.

That prompted Haley to request a second turn at the microphone, during which she said: "If you see this as a threat, if you see this for what it is, which is North Korea showing its muscle, then you need to stand strong. If you chose not to, we will go our own path."

Danny Russel, who served as senior Asia director at the National Security Council under President Barack Obama, said Trump has a "rare blue moon" opportunity this week to meet with and rally the major players - China and Russia on one side and Japan and South Korea on the other - toward some sort of unified display of condemnation of North Korea.

"What the administration needs to do is get China and Russia around an approach, even if it is not as testosterone-rich and muscular as the U.S. would like, so that the basic geometry is five on one, not three on three," said Russel, now a diplomat in residence at the Asia Society in New York. "There is no formula, no path forward, other than war, that isn't built on some degree of common cause between Washington and Beijing."

Victor Cha, who served as senior Asia director at the NSC under President George W. Bush, said the U.S. sanctions on the Dandong bank were "a shot across the bow at the Chinese that what is happening is not working for us. It arguably gives [Trump] a stronger position going in" to the meeting with Xi.

The missile the Kim regime launched had been in the works for years. It flew higher and remained in the air longer than previous attempts, in what experts called a milestone for North Korea

South Korean authorities described North Korea's test as a two-stage missile with a range of about 4,300 to 5,000 miles - enough to reach Alaska and other parts of North America.

South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo said there is high probability that Pyongyang will stage another nuclear test and noted gains in its efforts to miniaturize a warhead - steps toward developing nuclear-tipped weapons capable of hitting the mainland United States.

Pyongyang's test appeared to catch the United States by surprise. The Pentagon initially mislabeled the activity as a test of an intermediate-range missile before reclassifying it Wednesday as an ICBM with a range of at least 5,500 kilometers.

Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, said that the missile "is not one we have seen before" and that it was launched from a site - the Panghyon airfield about 90 miles north of Pyongyang - that has not been used to test missiles before.

He emphasized that North Korea still has a number of steps to meet before a threat to North America is imminent, noting that Pyongyang has not yet demonstrated the ability to mount a nuclear warhead on a ICBM or show the lateral range necessary.

"But clearly, they are working on it," he said.

---

Rauhala reported from Beijing. Anne Gearan and Dan Lamothe in Washington contributed to this report.

- - -

Video: North Korea's latest ballistic missile flew 7 times higher than the International Space Station

North Korea successfully test fired an intercontinental ballistic missile July 3. The missile was launched into a steep arc sending it more than 1,700 vertical miles up before beginning its reentry into Earth's atmosphere. (Jason Aldag, Joby Warrick, William Neff / The Washington Post)

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HAMBURG, Germany - President Donald Trump brought a starkly populist and nationalistic message to Europe on Thursday, characterizing Western civilization as under siege and putting the United States on a potential collision course with European and Asian powers that embrace a more cooperative approach to the world.

Speaking in Warsaw ahead of his arrival here in Germany for a contentious Group of 20 summit, Trump delivered an address that was both provocative and short on specifics - arguing that Western values are increasingly imperiled by "radical Islamic terrorism" and extremism and casting himself as a champion in a vaguely defined clash of cultures.

"The fundamental question of our time is whether the West has the will to survive. Do we have the confidence in our values to defend them at any cost?" Trump said, speaking at a monument to a past struggle, the 1944 Polish resistance to Nazi occupation in World War II. "Do we have enough respect for our citizens to protect our borders? Do we have the desire and the courage to preserve our civilization in the face of those who would subvert and destroy it?"

Later in the day, Trump took to Twitter to proclaim that "THE WEST WILL NEVER BE BROKEN. Our values will PREVAIL."

The fiery address to a friendly crowd stacked with supporters of Poland's populist ruling party did not define those Western values in any detail, however, and was devoid of the kind of explicit endorsement of democratic ideals common among past U.S. presidents. Unlike President Barack Obama last year, for example, Trump did not direct any criticism at his host, Polish President Andrzej Duda, for a crackdown on press freedoms and for other restrictive policies.

And on the eve of a planned 30-minute meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump again refused to say definitively whether Russia had interfered in the U.S. elections, as U.S. intelligence agencies strongly assert, though he did rebuke Moscow for its "destabilizing activities" in Ukraine and elsewhere.

Trump's foreboding message in Warsaw stood in stark contrast to the more optimistic notes struck by Germany's Angela Merkel and other European leaders at the start of the G-20 summit here in Hamburg. The day's events included the formal announcement of a trade agreement between the European Union and Japan, a deal akin in size to the North American Free Trade Agreement and other multilateral pacts that Trump has vilified and sought to scrap or alter.

Besides trade, the two-day G-20 meeting highlights several other fissures between Trump and European leaders, including on climate change and immigration.

As protesters clashed with police armed with pepper stray and water cannons outside the summit Thursday, Trump and Merkel met directly for about an hour, according to German officials, who characterized the meeting as friendly but contentious, particularly on trade.

"The question is whether the Americans are still convinced that world trade always needs to be assessed according to one question, namely whether the U.S. is the winner, or whether we'll manage to convince the Americans that when everyone plays by the same fair rules, everyone will be better off," German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel told German broadcaster ARD afterward.

A U.S. account of the meeting made no mention of the tensions.

The stop in Poland - which Trump called "the geographic heart of Europe" - was both a symbolic and strategic choice for the new American president. The Eastern European nation is a critical U.S. ally and perhaps the European capital most welcoming to Trump's nationalist message.

Leaving little to chance at a tightly choreographed speech, Polish government officials arranged for buses to bring supporters into the city from the rural parts of the country, where the ruling party's support is strongest.

Poland is one of the few NATO countries that has met an agreement to contribute at least 2 percent of its gross domestic product to defense spending, an issue that Trump has repeatedly raised since the campaign. It was one of many things Trump praised Poland for on Thursday.

But Trump also said military spending alone is not enough to preserve Western civilization.

"Our own fight for the West does not begin on the battlefield," he said. "It begins with our minds, our wills and our souls. Today, the ties that unite our civilization are no less vital and demand no less defense than that bare shred of land on which the hope of Poland once totally rested."

Speaking with nationalist overtones, Trump praised Poland as an example of a nation that had persevered despite grave challenges, saying it offered "the story of a people who have never lost hope, who have never been broken, and who have never forgotten who they are."

Poland's current right-leaning, populist government has proven a natural ally for Trump. The country's Law and Justice Party has embraced some of the main pillars of Trump's candidacy, including a similar resistance to accepting Muslim refugees.

"While we will always welcome new citizens who share our values and love our people, our borders will always be closed to terrorism and extremism," Trump said Thursday. He also decried "the steady creep of government bureaucracy that drains the vitality and wealth of the people."

Trump's speech was also notable for its explicit commitment to Article 5, the collective security provision of the NATO treaty. "The United States has demonstrated not merely with words, but with its actions, that we stand firmly behind Article 5, the mutual defense commitment," Trump said.

Trump had notably left out a mention of Article 5 during a speech in late May at NATO's new headquarters in Brussels. Every U.S. president since Harry Truman in 1949 has pledged to honor the policy that an attack on an alliance nation is an attack on all of them.

In a day of mixed messages toward Russia, Trump used his Warsaw speech to offer his firmest rebuke of Moscow.

"We urge Russia to cease its destabilizing activities in the Ukraine and elsewhere and its support for hostile regimes, including Syria and Iran, and instead join the community of responsible nations in our fight against common enemies and defense of civilization itself," Trump said.

Earlier in the day, Trump struck a different tone. When asked during a joint news conference with Duda about Russian meddling in last year's U.S. election, Trump refused to say definitively that he believes Russia was responsible.

"I think it could very well have been Russia, but I think it could well have been other countries" Trump said. "Nobody really knows. Nobody really knows for sure."

Trump also used the appearance to continue his feud with CNN, saying the network has "been fake news for a long time." He called NBC "equally as bad, despite the fact that I made them a fortune with 'The Apprentice,' " a reference to the long-running reality show that starred Trump.

Shortly after arriving in Germany, Trump met with Merkel, with whom Trump has had a chilly relationship during his first months in office. Appearing briefly before the media, the pair appeared casual with each other and chatted freely. They shook hands while looking directly at each other - in contrast to their first meeting in Washington, when Trump declined a handshake in front of news cameras.

In a statement afterward, the White House said Trump and Merkel discussed a number of foreign policy and national security priorities, including the ongoing conflict between Qatar and Persian Gulf and Arab states, the North Korean crisis and the conflict in Ukraine.

Gabriel, the German foreign minister, said discussion of climate and trade issues "are still clearly contentious." He and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson were among those who attended the meeting.

Gabriel has often advocated for better relations between the West and Russia, and he said Germany was "very happy" about the Friday meeting scheduled between Trump and Putin.

"If relations between the United States and Russia continue to be as bad as they are now, this is bad for the whole world," he said.

Trump is also scheduled to meet Friday with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto. An earlier meeting between the two was canceled over Trump's insistence that Mexico pay for a vast new wall along the border between the two countries.

On trade, Trump is attempting to leverage the United States' economic power to negotiate deals in the country's favor, but foreign leaders appear increasingly ready to bypass the U.S. president.

On the eve of the G-20 summit, leaders from Japan and the E.U. announced their agreement on the broad strokes of a trade deal that will cover nearly 30 percent of the global economy, 10 percent of the world's population and 40 percent of global trade.

The announcement appeared to be a calculated rebuke of both the United States and Britain, which voted to leave the E.U. last year.

For Trump, another priority is shoring up support for his effort to contain North Korea after its defiant test of an intercontinental ballistic missile. Trump warned Thursday that North Korea could face "some pretty severe" consequences, but Washington also confronted firm opposition from Russia and China over any possible response.

Appearing briefly before the press before a dinner Thursday, Trump was asked by a reporter whether he had given up on Chinese President Xi Jinping to lean on North Korea to cease its activities.

"Never give up," Trump said.

"Are you disappointed?" the reporter persisted, referring to Trump's complaints in recent days that trade between China and North Korea has increased.

Trump didn't answer.

---

Wagner reported from Washington. Ana Swanson in Washington and Stephanie Kirchner in Berlin contributed to this report.

---

Video: Trump on Nazi occupation in Poland: 'That was tough'

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NOGALES, Mexico - In a hotel room illuminated by the fall sun, a social worker swabbed inside the cheek of Nohemy Alvares to collect a sample of her DNA.

A desperate search to find her son led Alvares to the U.S.-Mexico border, where nearly four years ago Gilver, then an impulsive 14-year-old chasing a dream, vanished in the vast desert expanse. By sending her genetic information out into the world, Alvares hopes that science might find her Gilver.

"I know my son is alive," Alvares insisted. "If he were dead, his DNA would be collected, like mine, only from a bone sample."

But making that connection between DNA samples isn't as easy as many think.

Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is capable of identifying a person from as little as a strand of hair. But tapping its potential is quite another matter. For one thing, there is no central repository for storing genetic material. A government database might have the DNA of an unidentified person, while the DNA of a family member, necessary for an identification, is stored in a private database unconnected to the government one.

If they do not share information, as is often the case, an identification may never be made.

The difficult challenge of identifying the migrants who have disappeared on their way to the United States - since 2000 more than 6,000 migrants have been found dead along the Southwest border - and countless other victims of Mexican drug cartels, is compounded by international borders and shifting immigration policies.

Amid this reality, teams of forensic anthropologists, academics and immigrant advocacy groups are cobbling together partnerships across the region broadly under the umbrella of the Forensic Border Coalition in an attempt to bring closure to grieving families.

"There's a gigantic fragmentation at every level, at the DNA level, at the justice system, in Mexico and the U.S.," explained Mercedes Doretti, director of the Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team, which was established in 1984 to investigate the cases of disappeared people killed during Argentina's military dictatorship.

Since 2010, the Argentine team, known as EAAF by its Spanish-language initials, has collected about 3,000 family reference DNA samples across Central America and Mexico. EAAF was assigned to a forensic commission in 2012 in the aftermath of several massacres in northern Mexico.

Doretti's team of forensic anthropologists was handed the remains of 200 people recovered from massacres in San Fernando, Tamaulipas, and mass graves in Nuevo Leon, which are kept in Mexico's attorney general's database. The remainder of EAAF's work is stored at Bode Cellmark Forensics, a private lab in Virginia.

Drawing leads to ID

As the forensic commission got underway, the bodies of hundreds more migrants were piling up all through the South Texas brush country. While Mexico and Central America pose one set of challenges to the practice of forensic science, the confounding variety of rules for handling the unidentified along the southwestern border offers up another, though none quite as muddled as in Texas.

Some counties have medical examiners to declare deaths, others rely on justices of the peace for those declarations, but all counties are required by Texas law to send a DNA sample to the Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS. The FBI program, administered by the University of North Texas, compares DNA against profiles of the unidentified human remains and missing-person reports collected in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, known as NamUS.

This didn't happen in the cash-strapped county of Brooks. The tiny county, with around 7,000 people, buried dozens of migrants at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Falfurrias under nameless markers, a common practice in border counties that lack the financial resources for a medical examiner.

By 2015, the Legislature ordered the Texas Forensic Science Commission to develop a method for collecting forensic evidence of unidentified bodies located near the border, and Texas State University's Forensic Anthropology Center in San Marcos was assigned the considerable task of exhuming human remains for identification.

"It was a mass disaster," said Kate Spradley, the assistant professor of anthropology at Texas State University leading the effort. "It is some of the most unpleasant work you can imagine."

Maria Dolores was identified using a child's drawing. Her remains arrived with more than 100 sets from Baylor University over the summer. Among her personal effects was a colorful sketch of an anthropomorphic heart, with arms, legs, hair and a face. A name was written on the drawing and envelope, and a prayer in Spanish and specific mention of Ecuador.

Confirming an identity

The Texas State forensic anthropologists created a missing persons profile for Maria Dolores on NamUS. A Google search turned up a flyer searching for a 28-year-old Ecuadoran woman last seen alive in Reynosa. Other biological details further developed their identification hypothesis. Still, they needed to locate the family.

Confirming the identity of Maria Dolores involved multiple lines of evidence, and DNA was the last. Texas State's partners in the non-governmental organization community found her siblings in New York, and her parents and children in Ecuador.

By law, the forensic anthropologists were compelled to provide CODIS a sample of Maria Dolores' genetic material. But her family preferred not to have their information in a U.S. government database, said Timothy P. Gocha, a forensic anthropologist with Operation Identification at Texas State University, so Bode's private lab was used instead, and within two weeks they had a match.

"Ideally every family missing someone would provide a DNA sample, and every agency working with unidentified persons would do the same," Spradley said. "In practice, it is quite complex, and ultimately the process is dependent on human analysts."

A cold hit occurs when nuclear DNA, collected from the blood or saliva of a parent, is linked to the DNA profile of an unidentified or missing person in NamUS. When the nuclear DNA of the unidentified person is degraded, such as with skeletal remains, mitochondrial DNA can be used to match human remains to maternal relatives.

And yet, of the more than 225 sets of remains in the Texas State University lab, just six have been identified through CODIS. Another 17 identifications were solved with the help of the Argentine team. Four are pending. The rest are still unidentified.

While Spradley and her crew busily unearth remains, Dr. Corinne Stern, Webb County's chief medical examiner, takes in the decomposing bodies collected above ground from 10 surrounding counties that lack resources or medical expertise. Last year, her office received 124 sets of remains.

A long shot

To be sure, the preponderance of migrant deaths along the U.S. border is fraught with bureaucratic complication, but this pales in comparison to the scope of migrants who disappeared in Mexico.

The likelihood of an unidentified person's DNA being deposited into the attorney general's database, the largest repository of DNA in Mexico, or the Scientific Police database under the National Security Commission, depends entirely on whether state forensic services take the time to enter the genetic information, which many are under no obligation to do. And still the profile is only useful if there is a family reference sample to compare the two.

Despite advances in recent years, it remains a long shot for most Central American families to find their lost loved ones in Mexico.

Nonetheless, Alvares joined a caravan of families from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua late last year to search for their missing sons and daughters in Mexico. They gave blood and saliva at stops along the way, recounting the disappearances to forensic investigators.

Alvares told of how Gilver was left with a smuggler while his older cousin went searching for water. She has filed missing person reports in Honduras and Mexico, and provided her DNA to databases across the region. Her last deposit was made with Colibri Center for Human Rights on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Back in Honduras, the uncertainty of his disappearance haunts Alvares' thoughts.

"He left with a dream," Alvares said. "I'm left with the pain of not knowing."
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United Airlines workers forced a woman flying from Houston to Boston to give up her son's seat, even though she paid nearly $1,000 for it.

Instead, the airline gave the seat to another passenger who paid $75 for that particular seat and forced the woman to hold her 2-year-old son in her lap for approximately three hours.

"Not a single airline employee on that flight asked me why I had a large child on my lap," Shirley Yamauchi, of Kapolei, Hawaii, said. "I didn't feel safe or comfortable, but I really didn't have a choice."

Yamauchi said she took a seven-hour flight from Hawaii to Bush Intercontinental Airport. She then had a five-hour layover before boarding the plane bound for Boston on June 29. Yamauchi said she and her son boarded the flight and that workers scanned both tickets with no problems.

The incident

After Yamauchi and her son took their assigned seats, a flight attendant came over and asked if she was the boy's mother. After saying yes, Yamauchi said the flight attendant left. Later, a man came over with a ticket that said he was now sitting in her son's seat. The man paid $75 for the seat, according to news station KITV 4 in Hawaii.

"I told the flight attendant about our situation, but she shrugged and told me the flight was full," Yamauchi said. "I paid $969 for my son's ticket."

The Federal Aviation Administration says parent's arms "aren't capable of holding your child securely, especially during unexpected turbulence." The FAA recommends having a child strapped into a seat for the duration of a flight.

United Airlines acknowledged that workers shouldn't have sold the seat to another passenger.

"On a recent flight from Houston to Boston, we inaccurately scanned the boarding pass of Ms. Yamauchi's son," United representatives said in a news release.

"As a result, her son's seat appeared to not be checked in, and staff released his seat to another customer and Ms. Yamauchi held her son for the flight. We deeply apologize to Ms. Yamauchi and her son for this experience. We are providing compensation as a goodwill gesture. We are also working with our employees to prevent this from ever happening again."

The response

Once she landed, Yamauchi said she spoke with United Airlines customer service, who she said were rude to her. She said United Airlines workers directed her to other employees whenever she asked why her son's seat had been given up. At one point, Yamauchi said she was even directed to the baggage area.

When she called customer service on the phone, Yamauchi said a United representative told her to wait until Thursday to file a complaint with an airline, since that's the day she's flying back to Hawaii. She said once she spoke with media outlets about the incident, United Airlines reached out to her. "They sent me a very lengthy email after it hit Hawaii news stations," Yamauchi said.

She didn't disclose exactly what United offered her for the incident, but she did say it wasn't satisfactory.

Yamauchi said she still plans to fly back on United to Hawaii, but still feels unsafe, especially after how the airline has treated customers in the past.

On April 9, Dr. David Dao was forcibly removed from a United Express flight in Chicago heading for Louisville, Ky.

On July 21, 2015, Ronald Tigner alleged he was pushed to the ground by a United employee.

He was 71 years old at the time. In another incident, classical musician Yennifer Correia said a United employee in Houston attempted to "wrestle" a violin from her.
AUSTIN - Attorney General Ken Paxton's wealthy friends and business contacts shelled out nearly a quarter of a million dollars last year to fuel the embattled Republican's long-running legal battle to shake off charges of securities fraud.

The contributions included a $10,000 gift from a Washington-area "dark money" group that favors limited government.

Paxton reported receiving $217,700 in gifts to his legal defense fund last year, according to his personal financial statement filed Friday. That's down from 2015 when the high-profile statewide elected official raised $329,000 for his defense team.

However, the gifts have grown the attorney general's legal defense fund to $546,700 over two years while Paxton inches closer to a much-anticipated trial in Houston and the 2018 election cycle, in which he is expected to run for another term as the state's top lawyer.

The contributions show Paxton has friends both in and out of Texas willing to contribute generously to his legal fight, said Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston and expert on executive corruption.

More Information By the numbers $217,700 Donations Paxton reported receiving last year for his legal defense fund. $546,700 Donations Paxton has reported receiving for his fund over two years. $61,000 Out-of-state contributions Paxton has received, including a $50,000 donation out of Arizona. See More Collapse

"These kind of donations from inside and outside the state from mega-donors tend to look like they're influencing the attorney general as the politics of the indictment naturally flow into the legal questions involved," said Rottinghaus.

Paxton, who is accused of failing to tell investors he would make a commission off their investments in a North Texas tech company, reported donations from 15 people or couples identified as "clients" and "family friends," according to state records. The largest contribution, $75,000, came from Carrie Parsons, an executive at Freeman, a business branding firm, and a campaign contributor. The gift from Parsons and her husband, both from Dallas, marks their second donation to the legal defense fund after giving the same amount the year before.

The second largest contribution of $50,000 came from Alfred and Janet Gleason of Green Valley, Ariz. Another $10,000 came from Plano car dealer Ray Huffines and his wife, Ann. Ray's brother is Sen. Don Huffines, a Dallas Republican. Another $5,000 came from McKinney City Councilman Don Day.

Paxton also received $10,000 from The Annual Fund Inc., a little-known conservative group, according to the Associated Press. Paxton's spokesman would not disclose who was involved in the group, saying only that the Annual Fund supports "the cause of limited government. So does Attorney General Paxton," and that "his conservative record has drawn the attention of many conservative groups and individuals across the country."

The funds coming from The Annual Fund Inc. are considered "dark money" because their contributors are not disclosed.

Tapping the gift law

More than $61,000 of contributions to the attorney general's legal defense fund came from out of state, including a $50,000 contribution out of Arizona, a $1,000 donation from Virginia and $150 check from Arkansas.

Half of the givers cut checks worth at least $10,000, according to the filing. Other large contributions came from McKinney, Frisco and Plano.

Paxton is prohibited from using campaign cash to pay his lawyers because the charges against him are unrelated to his tenure in office. Instead, he has tapped the state's gift law for the last two years, identifying gifts to aid his legal defense as allowable under the "independent relationship exception."

State law generally bans elected officials from accepting gifts if the official knows the giver is subject to their agency's authority. Elected officials are allowed to accept a gift from a relative or a longtime friend whose relationship has nothing to do with the officer's state duties.

The issue was a point of contention at the Texas Ethics Commission which had weighed for months an anonymous request from an employee at the attorney general's office about when someone could give a gift to an employee who works for the agency. The commission narrowly rejected a draft opinion last year that would have given Paxton legal cover to solicit gifts for his legal defense fund, but the commission did not bar him from using the gift law.

Due back in court July 27

Questions over Paxton's relationship with his gift givers became an issue last year amid revelations that Paxton accepted $100,000 from James Webb in 2015, although Webb's company was under investigation by his office for Medicaid fraud. The attorney general's office signed off on a $3.5 million settlement of a whistle blower lawsuit against the company, co-signing with the U.S. Justice Department. Paxton's office said the attorney general was not involved in the case, although an official with the Justice Department said his office was involved in the investigation.

Paxton was charged in 2015 with two counts of first-degree felony securities fraud for failing to disclose to investors he would make a commission off their investment in Servergy. He also faces one lesser count of failing to register with the state as an investment adviser.

He and his legal team are due back in a Houston criminal court on July 27 as the judge mulls Paxton's trial date. The judge will also decide whether to delay the trial while a team of three special prosecutors from Houston wrangles with the Collin County Commissioners Court over $205,000 in back pay the county refuses to pay.

Paxton's long-running legal battle has included multiple appeals in failed efforts to convince the court to throw out the criminal charges against him. However, a federal judge threw out similar civil charges brought against him by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission earlier this year.
At first glance, one might think U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and his potential Democratic opponent in 2018 Beto O'Rourke were in the wrong locations.

While Cruz was delivering a speech on Independence Day in McAllen in the heavily Democratic Rio Grande Valley, O'Rourke was in the northwest Texas and the Panhandle mingling at 4th of July festivities in Lubbock and then later outside of Amarillo in Canyon - both solidly Republican locations.

In McAllen, Cruz was speaking in a county that he lost badly in 2012 to Democrat Paul Sadler. Cruz carried just 31 percent of the vote in Hidalgo County.

And when O'Rourke was in Lubbock, he was in a county that Cruz won nearly 70 percent of the vote in 2012. In Canyon, he was standing in Randall County, a place Cruz won with 81 percent of the vote.

While neither Cruz or O'Rourke are much of a threat to win the counties they stood in on Tuesday, the visits are not as illogical as it might appear at first, said University of Houston political science professor Brandon Rottinghaus.

In the Panhandle, O'Rourke was living up to his stated mission of building a bridge to rural Texas, a voting demographic that statewide Democratic candidates have struggled with, Rottinghaus said. For O'Rourke it marked the second time he's been in Lubbock and Amarillo since April. For Democrats to win statewide in Texas for the first time since 1994, they need to not just win big in the big metros, but also cut into GOP support in mid-sized cities and places Republicans have dominated, Rottinghaus said.

Meanwhile, Cruz was making a 3rd stop in McAllen since December, according to The Monitor in McAllen. Rottinghaus said recent electoral history shows that if Republicans can win even 30 percent of the vote in Democratic strongholds like McAllen, it is hard for Democrats to run up big enough margins of victory to offset their losses in other more conservative parts of the state.

Cruz is expected to follow that visit up with a stop in Austin today for a town hall meeting to discuss veterans issues. That event is part of a three-city tour Cruz is on to highlight legislation he recently filed - the VA Information Technology Restructuring Act. That legislation would create a chief information officer position to modernize outdated software at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Cruz was in McKinney on Wednesday and is scheduled to be in Houston at noon on Saturday at the Sheraton Brook Hollow Hotel for a similar town hall meeting hosted by the Concerned Veterans for America, a Virginia-based non-profit advocacy group.
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Justice for all

Regarding "Texas police chief: 'I'm angry at police haters,'" Chron.com, Monday), one can appreciate the essential and challenging job law-enforcement officers perform -yet still want those officers who unnecessarily utilize excessive or deadly force be held accountable.

Speaking out against police brutality and abuse of power is not "cop hating." [San Antonio Police Chief] William McManus is framing this as an us-versus-them issue when we should all be on the same side.

When someone kills a law-enforcement officer, the justice system works as it should. The murderer is convicted and sentenced. All too often when a law-enforcement officer unnecessarily utilizes excessive or deadly force, justice is not served.

Steve Christy, posted via Facebook

Let providence decide

Regarding "Pope, Trump weigh in on case of U.K. child" (Page A6, Tuesday), for the grief that the parents of little Charlie Gard must feel right now, there must be no end. But deep down inside I feel that the court's decision not to allow further medical intervention to try to save the infant's life is ethically right.

Human life contemplates a qualitative as well as a quantitative aspect. It is through the former rather than the latter that we discern ourselves as distinctly human. Any other view reduces us to sterile matter and mere physical mechanism.

Medical science has done what it can to save the infant's life. It is now time to remove the life-support systems and let providence have its way. At this point, any other course of action is exploitative.

John L. Indo, Houston

Time for healing

Regarding "A birthday wish for our beloved nation" by Cele Keeper (Page A15, Monday), those of us, like Cele Keeper, who lived through a gentler, more reasonable generation dedicated to compromise for the greater good of all say "amen" to her perfectly expressed thoughts.

If you missed this one I urge you to retrieve and peruse this gem of concise contrast of our country's noble past with today's divisiveness. Somehow it holds out hope for healing our tomorrow.

Margaret McDonald, Friendswood

Too much to swallow

Regarding "Chowdown champion boosts record to 72 hot dogs" (Page A14, Wednesday), so-called competitive eating is nothing more than a celebration of gluttony, and doubly deplorable considering the number of people - around the globe as well as here in the United States - who are starving or severely malnourished.

Devoting 12 column inches, plus three full-color photos, to such depravity is astonishingly insensitive.

Please consider ignoring this annual spectacle, or at the very least relegating it to a small mention tucked away with equally noxious coverage of faux "celebrities" and socialites.

Bill Gould, Houston

College enrollment trends

Regarding "University enrollment is declining nationally. Texas campuses are seeing the opposite" (Chron.com, Wednesday), I'm sure the outrageous cost of tuition, combined with the high cost of living in places like California and New York, is a factor.

Unless you have wealthy parents who pay for everything or you're on a full scholarship, it's nearly impossible for a poor college student to afford a program in some places.

Tish Quimby, posted via Facebook
The Supreme Court has agreed to review the constitutionality of President Donald Trump's second executive order imposing a travel ban on nationals from six-majority Muslim nations. In doing so, they would do well to keep in mind a shameful incident in which the court approved executive orders that took this country over the brink, descending into what a dissenting justice called the "ugly abyss of racism."

During the campaign Trump pledged that he would enact a "Muslim ban" if he got into office. He later told his advisers to accomplish this in whatever way could escape the court's review. When his first executive order hit judicial snags he reissued a slightly different second one, which is what the Supreme Court will consider.

President Trump's lawyers want the court to ignore his campaign comments. That reminds me of a time when a president wanted to suppress evidence and the justices were happy to accommodate. That flight from the facts occurred in Hirabayashi, a 1943 decision that led to the more well-known Korematsu decision of 1944. These cases upheld the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the FBI arrested more than 2,000 Japanese resident aliens whose names they had compiled on a list. After a hasty investigation that falsely blamed espionage in Hawaii for Pearl Harbor, a plan was put into place for large-scale evacuation of Japanese-Americans from the West Coast, regardless of their individual conduct, background or citizenship.

President Franklin Roosevelt issued Executive Order No. 9066, which gave military commanders the right to designate exclusion zones. Congress then passed a law that made it a federal crime to disobey the military orders. "Excluded" Japanese-Americans were subject to a curfew and forced to gather in relocation centers from which they were sent to internment camps. More than 120,000 "Japanese" (including American citizens) were interned. Some German and Italian-American families also were interned in camps, like the one in Crystal City, Texas. For reasons both practical and racial, however, most were exempted from the final stage - relocation and internment - of the government's enemy alien regulation program.

The Supreme Court upheld the convictions of three Japanese-American defendants who refused to comply with parts of the orders. In his dissent to Korematsu, Justice Frank Murphy said the "exclusion of 'all persons of Japanese ancestry, both alien and non-alien,' from the Pacific Coast area on a plea of military necessity in the absence of martial law" overshot "the very brink of constitutional power" to fall into "the ugly abyss of racism."

The internment cases have lessons for the Supreme Court about evidence of racial or religious animus. When the Hirabayashi case was scheduled to be argued before the Supreme Court, the government's case had holes in it. The general in charge had written a final report in 1942 that contained the official rationale for the exclusion and internment scheme. The general claimed that he ordered a wholesale exclusion of all Japanese-Americans because their racial characteristics meant that it was impossible to distinguish loyal from disloyal members of the community. (Just as President Trump is now claiming that it is impossible to distinguish a terrorist from a non-terrorist Muslim.) The government therefore decided to suppress the embarrassing report. A high government official ordered the copies confiscated and destroyed. He also required the general to produce a revised version incorporating the still highly questionable position that the blanket orders were necessary because there was no time for individualized loyalty hearings.

Today, we see another executive order going up for review by the Supreme Court, alleged to be animated by the same type of unlawful bias, but against a specific religious group. The Trump Administration has produced no supporting evidence for its current order. Now it wants to revise its own reasoning retrospectively and have the court ignore evidence of animus toward Muslims that already is on the record. It is for that fact that the Supreme Court should pay attention to the errors of its past. To echo the words of a dissenting Supreme Court justice back then, the country today once again stands on the brink of falling into "the ugly abyss of racism" and religious intolerance.

Oren is a professor emerita at the University of Houston Law Center, where she taught courses in civil rights, conflict of laws and constitutional law.
Fresh off the long holiday weekend, it appears the reset button has been pushed on the upcoming special session of the Texas Legislature.

Mike Ward is on assignment this week so Quorum Report Editor Scott Braddock welcomed journalist Erica Grieder to the Texas Take Podcast. Grieder's work appears in The Week and The Economist, among other publications. She's also the author of "Big Hot Cheap and Right  What America Can Learn from the Strange Genius of Texas."

Here's some of what's covered on the show:

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick was rocked back on his heels and clearly on defense early in the week after Texas House Speaker Joe Straus opened a new line of attack on Patrick's push to restrict restroom access based on gender. In short, Straus said he is concerned that the legislation will cause some vulnerable transgender Texans to take their own lives; it is a population that already has a high suicide rate.

In an interview with the New Yorker, Straus said he rejected overtures from Patrick to resolve the issue because Straus was "disgusted by all this" and "I don't want the suicide of a single Texan on my hands."

Patrick's office pushed back, saying the Lt. Governor certainly doesn't want anyone to do harm to themselves and again argued he wants to protect women in public restrooms.

Straus, in the New Yorker interview, insisted the House is not obligated to address any of the 19 potential topics that may be added to the special session by Gov. Greg Abbott once a bill has been passed by the Senate to avoid a partial government shutdown.

Meantime, Texas is one of the few states cooperating, at least partially, with a request for voter data made by a Trump Administration commission investigating the president's suspicions of widespread voter fraud. What happened to this states' default position being adversarial with the federal government, regardless of party?

As the Houston Chronicle has reported, the Texas Senate's proposed property tax reform measures will not amount to any real savings for homeowners around the state. That's according to the Senate's point man on the issue, Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston. Bettencourt instead argues that the reforms aren't "tax cutting" measures but instead are meant to stave off more pain that would be otherwise felt if the legislation isn't passed.

Same-sex marriage is legal so why wouldn't same-sex benefits be guaranteed? The Texas Supreme Court has opened wide latitude for a lower court to overrule same-sex benefits in Houston.

Jonathan Saenz with a group called Texas Values said "It's clear that the payment of same-sex benefits by the City of Houston is still illegal under state law. We look forward to continuing our litigation in the trial court, where we are confident that we will secure judicial relief against the city of Houston's unlawful actions and we are thankful for the important role of Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Patrick and Attorney General Ken Paxton in this case."

Oh, and while some of his Republican colleagues were accused of hiding from voters in other states, Sen. Ted Cruz took the heat from Democrats in the Valley on July 4. Meantime, the Democrat who's announced a challenge to Cruz, Rep. Beto O'Rourke of El Paso, seemed to be having a great time in very Republican Lubbock.

We've got the lowdown on all the political meltdowns on the Texas Take, where you get the inside scoop in unvarnished, straight talk that every Texan can understand. From Mike Ward, the Chronicle's Austin Bureau chief, and Scott Braddock, editor of the Quorum Report, comes Texas' leading podcast about Lone Star politics.
A Texas County inmate who escaped June 26 from a transport van was captured Wednesday in Kentucky.

Sheriff James Sigman said via social media that Christopher Hunt, 33, was apprehended by U.S. Marshals in Lexington. Sigman shared a photo of Hunt sitting in a chair inside a jail facility with his hands and feet shackled. He was wearing a lucky shirt.

His escape from custody was preventable and his apprehension was a result of many hours of work by the Texas County Sheriff office and the U.S. Marshal service, Sigman said. The Sheriffs Office has taken many steps to correct the wrongs that occurred on June 26 that lead to Hunts escape and will continue to build and strengthen the Texas County Sheriffs Office.

Hunt, 33, was returning to the Texas County Jail from a court appearance in Phelps County when, according to a probable cause statement, he convinced the transport officer to pull over so he could vomit. As the officer opened the side door of the van, Hunt allegedly grabbed the door and slid it the rest of the way open. The transport officer said Hunt had already removed his wrist and leg restraints, and threatened to kill the transport officer if he attempted to stop him.

Hunt stole the vehicle and left the scene at a high rate of speed around 10:11 a.m. just south of Edgar Springs. The vehicle was discovered about an hour later near an abandoned home at the end of a county road. Hunts jail clothes were found inside.

Hunt, who was returning from a court appearance after entering a guilty plea and received a 20-year sentence in Phelps County Circuit Court at Rolla, was charged with escape from custody with a dangerous weapon, dangerous instrument or by holding hostage. Its a Class A felony.

Hunt was charged in September 2016 with multiple crimes following a pursuit in Wright and Texas counties. He was charged with two counts of tampering with a motor vehicle, three counts of assault or attempted assault of a law enforcement officer, armed criminal action and resisting arrest by fleeing, all felonies.

Hunt also was charged with first-degree robbery in Greene County in connection with a September car theft.
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For Corr, the overarching aim of the research was simple: With people working longer hours and more non-standard hours, we wanted to know if they still have time to do these basic health activities that prevent a lot of chronic diseases, she said.

The researchers found that no one was immune from work-related health impacts.

While blue collar workers had in their favour set working hours so they could have more structure in their week, the flipside was not having the opportunity to negotiate with managers to have time off or to ask for flexible hours. This situation was mirrored for lower level white collar workers. Middle managers got the worst of everything, Corr said.

They got the longer hours that were unpaid overtime, and they werent that flexible because they needed to be on the job and generally were unable to work from home. Senior management were lucky in that they had more autonomy over their working hours, so they could go home for dinner with the family and then go back to work on their laptop at home.

But that also meant they had this work-life bleed, and no one really stopped working; work seeped into the evenings and the weekends.
International animal protection organisation Humane Society International and the Korean Society for Alternatives to Animal Experiments are encouraging the countrys new administration to prioritise investment in more predictive, human-specific approaches to testing and medical research instead of cruel and often poorly predictive animal models [1]. In a joint submission to the Citizens Advisory Committee for Presidential Transition, the organisations contend that greater investment in leading-edge technologies such as human organs-on-a-chip, computational systems biology and related infrastructures are essential for advancing public health and economic growth alongside the European Union and the United States [2].

The main points of the proposed policy include:

Mandatory use of validated non-animal test methods by governmental ministries and industry, and support for improving infrastructure to promote the practice of these new methods

Support of human biology-based science with cooperation of ministries, academics and industries

In 2016, Korea revised its cosmetics legislation to require the use of animal testing alternatives where available. However, industries say that infrastructure and training are not sufficient in practice. In addition, the number of chemicals that requires submission of test data has extensively increased since the Act on the Registration and Evaluation of Chemicals (K-REACH) came in to effect in 2015. Yet unlike in the EU, the use of methods replacing animal testing in Korea is not widely encouraged, even though these methods are in general more predictive and have the potential to be more cost effective. Although Korea strives to be a world leader in bioscience research, more active effort is needed to share new technology across ministries and to harmonise with international policies, particularly in fields where animal use for testing is highest, such as medical research, pharmaceutical and pesticide testing.

Prof Lim Kyung-Min, HSI Korea science advisor and executive board member of KSAAE, said Our organizations look forward to working with the Moon Jae-in administration to advance science development policies that respect all lives and for Korea to lead the world in biological and medical research.

HSI is undergoing legislative discussion with Assembly members to prioritise the use of non-animal methods with increased support for infrastructure and to prevent repeat and redundant animal testing.

Contact:

Borami Seo, bseo@hsi.org

Note to editors:

1. Despite unprecedented investments worldwide, development of new drugs and other potential disease interventions remain elusive and immensely expensive, with more than 90 percent of compounds entering clinical trials failing to gain regulatory approval, despite appearing safe and effective in pre-clinical animal tests

2. Examples of large-scale, human-focused research in developed countries:
It's Pride season and as the London Pride parade approaches this Saturday, people will ask why we even need it.

Do they have a point? After all, aren't LGBT people fully assimilated into society now with the same rights as everyone else? They can get married, adopt children, and even enjoy Pride greetings from both the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament.

But these changes, whilst undoubtedly positive, mask a different reality. It's the reality of the many same-sex couples who are frightened of holding hands in public, because in large parts of the country they're at risk of verbal and physical attack. And even if that doesn't happen, they'll probably get accused of doing it to make a political statement, or rubbing it in people's faces. (After all, they couldn't possibly be holding hands just because they love each other).

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It's also the reality of the many teenagers who are perceived as gay - whether it's true or not - and therefore subjected to bullying and abuse by their peers.

Then there's the reality for many members of faith communities. Whilst there are wonderful and accepting communities of which LGBT people are full and active members, there are many where they're made to feel shameful for feelings they didn't choose, or under pressure to take part in conversion therapies that could be extremely damaging for their mental health.

There's also a different reality for many older LGBT people, including people with dementia. When they move into a care home, aside from all the normal worries, they're scared of revealing their identity - worried that homophobic staff will discriminate against them or abuse them when they're at their most vulnerable.

And even for those living the dream - getting married and living in an area where LGBT people are usually safe - they may have parents who refuse to come to their wedding, or family members who won't talk to them.

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Of course, a few Pride marches and events won't resolve all these issues or bring equality overnight. But when anyone, straight or LGBT, takes part in Pride, they send a message that LGBT people clearly - perhaps desperately - need to hear: you don't need to feel shame for who you love.
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Seventy-two years ago two American B-29 bombers flew over Japan on the most devastating military missions of all time. The bombs they dropped - known as 'Little Boy' and 'Fat Man'- didn't just slaughter over 135,000 people, they changed the course of human history. Almost everything and everyone near the bomb blasts were destroyed immediately - buildings and people ripped apart as if they were made of paper. Those who survived did so with lasting scars that should have served as a horrifying reminder to all of us of the moral repugnancy of using weapons of mass destruction.

In New York this week, the United Nations is on the brink of finally honouring the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki - by signing a treaty to ban nuclear weapons. After scores of meetings, in Oslo, Mexico, Vienna and, finally, at the UN Headquarters - this ground-breaking treaty is set to finally be adopted by the UN tomorrow.

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Despite Britain and other nuclear nations shamefully failing to turn up to the talks - the significance of this treaty cannot be overstated. I was at the talks last month, and saw for myself the power of countries working together on this most crucial issue.

A nuclear weapons ban follows in the footsteps of similar, and successful initiatives.

Chemical and biological weapons, cluster munitions, and landmines were all banned before full-scale decommissioning and disarmament began. History has taught us that stigmatising the weapons themselves, rather than the obvious hypocrisy of nuclear states lecturing non-nuclear nations, is the most effective way to prevent their proliferation.

The core obligations under Article I of the treaty prohibit states from using, deploying, developing, possessing and threatening to use nuclear weapons, under any circumstances. It also makes it illegal to assist, encourage or induce, in any way, anyone to engage in any activity prohibited to a state party under this treaty, extending the prohibitions to non-state actors as well.

Crucially the treaty also lays out the basic principles and pathways for how states that currently possess nuclear weapons can join this treaty. It recognises that conditions are not yet ripe to establish a time-bound programme immediately, but sets a clear trajectory for a world without nuclear weapons.

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This treaty alone won't rid our world of nuclear weapons- no legal text can do that. But it is a very important step towards nuclear disarmament, and will have far-reaching implications for UK nuclear policy and the replacement of Trident.

By pushing ahead with building a new fleet of SSBNs (the nuclear armed Submarines) the British Government will now be directly contravening a UN ban - and risk our standing in the world in the process. This is despite the Prime Minister herself saying last year that she "will continue to press for key steps towards multilateral disarmament".

History will not judge kindly a Government of any political persuasion who chooses to spend billions of pounds on an illegal nuclear arsenal, especially at a time when our public sector workers suffer crippling pay restraint and our local services are severely cut back.

When the UN banned chemical and biological weapons Britain stopped developing them and begin verifying their disarmament - now we can do the same with nukes.

It's worth noting that some nuclear weapon states have softened their opposition to the idea of a ban: China, India, and Pakistan all abstained from the vote last winter. The stand off between the USA and North Korea shows that the possession of these weapons does nothing to reduce tensions, and instead put the entire world at risk if they are used.

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Imagine what it would mean for Britain's standing in the world if we became the first nuclear weapons state to sign this treaty, and commit to ridding this country of these monstrous weapons of mass destruction.

To stop Trident replacement and plough the resources elsewhere is an act of political bravery because it means breaking from this country's imperial past and our history of imposing ourselves on others using our weaponry as a bargaining chip. But Britain is a modern country, without the need to be bound by our history, and we have a real chance to be leading the world at this most pivotal moment.
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Amidst the political drama of the last few weeks, you may have missed the publication of three thought-provoking reports on social mobility. But anyone interested in the state of social affairs in Britain today should take a look because they are incredibly revealing.

Worryingly, the Social Mobility Commission found that only 30 per cent of 18-24 year olds believe it is becoming easier to move up in British society; whilst more than half think where you end up in society is largely determined by who your parents are. A second report found that two decades of Government efforts on social mobility have failed to close the gap between Britain's 'haves and have nots.' It also highlighted concerns that, despite improving access to education and increasing employment, far too many policies take a short-term approach, and are not aligned to longer-term economic goals.

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Of course, it isn't all doom and gloom. For example, the Social Mobility Employer Index celebrated employers who are improving social mobility within the workplace. Of the 100 employers surveyed from 17 sectors - most of them household names, including Grant Thornton and KPMG - nearly three-quarters offer apprenticeships. And across the board, there are a number of initiatives underway to help get people from diverse backgrounds into different careers, from CV-blind application policies to employer engagement programmes in schools and colleges.

But while it's good to see such progress, as the other two reports show there are clearly still some issues to resolve.

1. Broadening access: Firstly, businesses need to open up more opportunities for young people to get their foot on the career ladder. Many already offer work experience placements to students but too often, it's still a case of 'who you know' to secure that opportunity in the first place. And according to the Sutton Trust, unpaid internships could cost someone who doesn't live in London up to 1000 per month. It's no surprise they - along with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on social mobility - are calling for a ban on unpaid internships.

All young people deserve the opportunity to gain an understanding of an industry, regardless of their background. Employers should proactively engage with schools and colleges to connect with students and provide both work experience opportunities, as well as informative, impartial careers advice to help direct people into the right routes.

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2. Look at the whole journey: Often when people talk about social mobility, they talk about getting people into a good school, onto an apprenticeship, or into a good university. But that's only part of the journey. Instead, social mobility should be about helping people progress and develop continuously throughout their careers.

That means giving more consideration to the different points of impact along an individual's personal journey, and supporting their progression after they have a foot in the door. Businesses need to look at their people's career progression and training needs to ensure that social mobility is driven throughout the workplace and into ongoing development programmes, such as management development, or even management apprenticeships.

3. Aligning to long-term goals: It's time for social mobility policies to be aligned to longer-term goals. As the recent report from the Social Mobility Commission showed, there have been a significant number of policies in the past 20 years - all with the goal of boosting social mobility. Some have been successful, but too many have been dropped, or not given enough time to embed - exactly what we found in our recent Sense & Instability report into skills policy too. What we need to see are policies aligned to longer-term economic goals. It's encouraging that the Social Mobility Commission has called for future governments to develop a cross-departmental social mobility plan, aimed at hitting 10-year targets. I hope the Government takes this recommendation forward.
The hashtag is an internet phenomenon that has given us a way to grasp the ever complicated world we live in.

Chris Messina first came up with the way we use the hashtag in a tweet back in 2007 when the hashtag wasn't even a click through hyperlink on Twitter.

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Back then, it was mostly known by Americanism, the 'pound sign' - one that you may remember from many automated recorded phone messages "end by pushing the pound key".

Of course, it's real name was and always will be Octothorpe, and has origins in the symbol , an abbreviation of the Roman term libra pondo, which translates as "pound weight".

But it's the story and impact of the hashtag that episode one of the new documentary mini-series 'The History of the Internet' explores - that has an important lesson to teach us about the way we use the internet.

Subscribe to listen on the go later with Apple Podcasts, RSS or listen now:

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Search 'History of the Internet' whereever you listen to your podcasts to subscribe in your app.

Watching the Netflix original movie version of best-selling novel hit The Circle this weekend, as this documentary series was on the cusp of launching filled me with both hope and terror.

If you don't know the story, take a bit of Facebook's almost religious office culture, plus Steve Job's Apple product launches and throw in Black Mirror's all too real dystopian story lines - and you should get a feel.

The Circle, a social media and all-in-one data cloud company says its mission is gathering data, making it open, all to protect you.

But just as with pretty much every free service you sign up to online, it relies on you trading your personal details - so you can enjoy or gain from its service.

As it turns out, The Circle is a global beast of a company. They have huge influence of worldwide governments which they wield, to make massive profits by selling the personal data.

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What does this have to do with the hashtag? Well, imagine if Chris Messina had copyrighted, or found some way to monetize the way he suggested the pound (#) sign is used? That would have resulted in a lot of dollar.

In this series, Chris Messina explains that when he dreamed up of the hashtag that he designed it with some principles, just like as the movie explores the original founder history of the fictitious company The Circle.

Instead, the future of the company was taken out of the founder's hands, and into directors who put profits first.

Chris set out for the hashtag to be different. For him, its principles are to be free and open, with no need for permission to use it.

It is something the hashtag has maintained, unlike many internet beasts that have had to monetize to stay online and in use.

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The difference and beauty of the hashtag to most technology and online trends are no-one and everyone owns a bit of its story.

Messina's invention and the story of The Circle both have a very similar message for us to take forward to into the way we use the internet as its domination of our lives exponentially grows.

"These systems don't need our permission, we need to manipulate them and turn them into tools that empower us" Chris Messina, Inventor of the Hashtag.

Your personal data is very valuable, think about what you trade it for. #JustSayin

Subscribe to podcast documentary series the History of the Internet, on Apple Podcasts, with RSS, audioBoom, or wherever you listen to your shows.
Ben Pruchnie via Getty Images

For several years, one of the things that has struck me is the public debate on children and young people. Politically and democratically, children and young people continue to get a raw deal. Sometimes they are seen as a problem to fix. Until they are 18, they are not taxpayers yet, cannot vote and have no one to represent democratically what matters to them or what they want for their future. They have to wait to be given a voice through their parents or people that believe in them enough.

Discussions tend to pigeon hole children and young people's issues around child protection, youth violence and families in crisis; election essentials such as schools or tuition fees and, if push comes to shove, children's mental health. But I wonder where the holistic funding or policy-related conversation about children and young people is taking place? And if that focused conversation existed, maybe there wouldn't be problems to fix?

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The recent debate about austerity, funding and policy revolves around Brexit, the NHS, schools and adult social care - all very critical issues. The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Children and the Chair of the LGA Children and Young People's Board, Cllr Richard Watts alongside others have warned that a lack of investment in children and young people is leaving councils struggling to keep up with demand for support and that early intervention funding is under threat. The experts are shouting about the funding crisis but the silent response is deafening whereas the response to adult social care has been acknowledged in the Queen's Speech. In the words of the President of the Association of Directors of Children's Services, Alison Michalska, we desperately need a 'country that works for children'.

The financial crisis and the response to it has been challenging to children and young people's wellbeing in the UK. When it comes to calls for better funding, local authorities are the Cinderella of the public sector even though they provide and commission essential services for building resilience in children and young people. Funding for local authorities has been cut by more than 40% since 2010 and is not a protected area of government spending. The funding and strategy for play, youth work and children's centres are becoming non-existent and early intervention services are left vulnerable. There is also a lack of homes at rents and prices that those on the average income can actually afford and could provide the stability a young person or family needs.

Then there are the 'invisible'. The costs of living in London and other parts of the country are so high that it puts pressure on young people and families that are on good incomes as well as low incomes. Where some of our young people such as care leavers have overcome challenges and appear to be getting on well on the outside, life can still be a struggle. The recent tragedies show us we can be a solid community that comes together. We want to dig deeper and consider the specific impact on children, young people and their parents or carers. We have to make sure that we hear everyone's voice.

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Creating a child and youth friendly country

I question whether the UN Convention on The Rights of the Child is taken seriously when the needs of children and young people are de-prioritised until something goes wrong such as the death of child or young person. It doesn't help that our national and local strategies for children and young people ebb and flow dependent on who is in power. For example, there was a serious commitment to Every Child Matters in 2004; now it is barely mentioned. It's legacy is dotted around different systems and sits behind the National Archives. Within public and third sector organisations, there is hardly any space or money to think, properly plan and make things happen in a way that makes sense for children and young people.

So, let's talk about public and third sector funding for children and young people. Let's talk about a single cross-party plan that creates a child and youth friendly country. Let's do something that shows that we love children and young people, that they are as important to the future of this country as the economy and that they are not just thoughts saved for local and national elections.

If we are serious about prevention and early intervention, we need a cross-party long term approach and financial commitment that is stuck to and isn't at the mercy of changing governments. At the same time, local authorities and its partners such as the NHS and police must think about how they lead, work together, shape and design things differently with children and young people at the centre of that approach rather than the silos that work for organisations.

Putting children and young people back onto the agenda

The Islington Fair Futures Commission is a pioneering approach. I couldn't be prouder knowing Islington Council has devised this forward-thinking initiative, founded on the basis that prevention is better than cure and asked me to chair it. We have put together some of the best minds - from parents to academics - covering all aspects of society that children and young people interact with. I'm proud to have young people with a range of experiences on the Commission too, to drive the scope of the conversation: because who better knows what affects young people from all walks of life than young people themselves?

With the new uncharted political landscape, there is an opportunity to reshape the conversation on children, young people and parents, putting their concerns and the barriers they face back onto the agenda. It demands a fairer future for them. It is each and every politician's responsibility to make that happen now and to work hard for the many children and young people in this country. We should use the political passion shown by young people during the recent election to create a different country with them.

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It is also important to acknowledge that much of what supports the resilience of children and young people is not solely about child protection and schools. The conversation has to be broader than this. It is also about developing local places and spaces including housing, their early childhood, what we need to equip them with for their transition through adolescence into young adulthood, their safety and involvement in the community, community cohesion and the practical as well as academic readiness for work.

The Commission is here to give a voice to the voiceless and lend an ear to those who have been crying out for change. Setting up this Commission is the first step in the right direction. It is my hope that this will be the first of many on our way to working hard for children and young people in our local authorities, towns, cities and the whole country.

Follow Jermain Jackman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/JermainJackman
Save the Children/Louis Leeson

The moment we brought 15-month-old Blessing* on board, she started crying hysterically. When I spoke to the woman carrying her she told me she wasn't her mother.

'I think her mother is in the clinic,' the woman said. But she wasn't there.

After a frantic search, I learnt the worst. Blessing's mother had drowned before our teams could reach their rubber dinghy. It was almost as though the infant could sense what had happened and knew she was now alone. Her mother had risked everything to seek safety and a better future for her daughter, only to lose her life in the Mediterranean.

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As horrifying as the situation was, it could have been so much worse. Had we been even a few hours later, many more would have not survived.

Save the Children/Louis Leeson

Earlier that day, Save the Children's search and rescue team had received a call from the Italian Coastguard telling us the position of a dinghy in distress. Ours was the only rescue vessel for many miles and it took us several hours to reach the location.

The team did everything they could to get ready, but no amount of training or planning could have prepared us for what we saw.

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As soon as the boat got close, I knew something was very wrong. There was an intense stench of fuel that became overpowering as the first people boarded our vessel.

With barely any time to process what was happening, many women were pulled on board by our rescue workers and started collapsing. Some were heavily pregnant and several had arrived with extremely distressed babies.

While we were helping to carry the most severe cases to our on-board clinic, more and more people continued to arrive. All were in excruciating pain.

We discovered that the fuel was leaking into the flimsy boat, which had taken on water because it could not withstand the weight of the 120-plus people crammed into it. By the time we arrived, the toxic mixture had spread everywhere, causing the most horrific chemical burns. In many cases, people's skin had come off and they had raw red wounds. Among these casualties were two men and two women - including the baby's mother - who had already perished.

Those who had escaped chemical burns were not unscathed. Our rescue team, who have been operating in the Mediterranean on a ship called the Vos Hestia since last year, say they have never seen a boatload of people in worse shape.

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Even before the group set out to sea, many were subjected to extreme beatings, torture, and rape along their journey and in particular in Libya. Some said they had been sold as slaves and treated like animals.

Their suffering was overwhelming. I will never forget the shock and panic on people's faces. I felt my own sense of shock that the world was allowing human beings to suffer like this.

As long as people experience war, violence and persecution at home, many will risk their lives to reach safety and far too many will die doing so.

This is why I now feel, more than ever, that Save the Children's work in the Mediterranean is crucial. We not only stop children and their families from drowning but we provide one of the few havens for people who are fleeing the unimaginable horrors they have experienced along their journey and in particular in Libya, where security has sunk to new lows.

Families come to Europe in search of safety but many of the people we rescue tell us that they had never intended to travel so far. They came to Libya in search of better opportunities but found the situation so unbearable that they were forced to leave in any way they could.

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For the many men, women and children staying in Libya the situation is only going to get worse. When EU leaders met this month, they agreed to speed up deployment of support for Libya's coast guards, which means people trying to escape the country will now be intercepted and returned. They also decided to close more stretches of Libya's southern border. Both policies will end up trapping more refugees and migrants in conditions which are being described as living hell.

Many speak of having become 'trapped' and say there was simply no way to make the journey back past the armed groups and smugglers in the desert. A man from the Gambia recently told me that when he tried to return to the Libyan border he was shot three times in the upper chest by groups patrolling the route.

Save the Children/Louis Leeson

The EU's continuing insistence on prioritising border control over saving lives has helped to fuel this barbarity and suffering. If we want to see these horrors stop, we must offer hope in the form of safe and regular routes into Europe, with humanitarian visas, resettlement and a more flexible system for reuniting children with their families when they become separated.

Save the Children and other NGOs have called on the EU to change their policies and think long-term. Many of the people we rescue come from countries in the grip of severe drought, hunger or war. Elsewhere, extreme poverty, inequality or lack of access to education drive people from their homes. If some of these long-term issues were addressed, perhaps babies like Blessing* and her family would never have undertaken this perilous journey.

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When Blessing* was rescued she was immediately placed in the care of our child protection team on board, who were working in coordination with experts on shore to ensure that all her needs would be met when she arrived on land. I have since seen a video of Blessing* laughing and smiling as case workers played with her and rocked her on a swing. It gave me such relief to hear that the baby had been received the best possible care in Italy thanks to the hard work of our team and the authorities on land.

But without her mother by her side, the world may not always be a kind place. Far too many other children will suffer the same fate if the EU doesn't re-assess its policies, and the international community does not act.
cta88 via Getty Images

When Cuadrilla, Ineos and other fracking companies set their sights on turning the English countryside into major gas fields a few years ago, they were relying on the fact that this would stay mostly below the radar, and they could simply get on with getting the drills in and raking in profits.

Several years on, this couldn't be further from the truth, as an unprecedented month-long Rolling Resistance kicks off in Lancashire this July. Organised by Reclaim the Power, hundreds of people from all across the country are making their way to a camp set up near Preston New Road. They are joining and amplifying the efforts of an incredibly strong and battle-hardy community which has dug in their heels in ever since the threat first appeared in Lancs. Rapidly formed groups like Frack Free Lancs and Preston New Road Action Group continue to cause fracking giant Cuadrilla costly delays and clear frustration.

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The resistance to fracking here doesn't just centre on the fact that fracking is a dirty, polluting and dangerous industry which threatens communities, our climate and health. On top of the environmental issues, the profound insult to democracy is that the people of Lancs already said no to fracking. In 2015, residents followed proper procedure to convince Lancashire county council to reject fracking. But then a year later, as local councillor Miranda Cox notes, the "ironically named Communities Secretary Sajid Javid" overruled this decision in Westminster, and decided to force fracking on a local area that is firmly opposed.

What does that mean? In her words, that "Our way of life is now under threat from an industry backed by distant central government".

The stir caused by attempts to frack in Lancashire is clear from the moment you arrive. The bus driver directed me to the site where Cuadrilla are trying to start fracking as almost a tourist destination, and fracking was the hot topic of conversation on the bus as we passed the gate. One passenger mentioned the earthquakes that had happened as a result of previous fracking attempts near Blackpool, and said about local residents here, "they're all very worried."

And they're not just worried - they're actively resisting. At Saturday's launch event for this month's renewed push against fracking, local councillors, parents, farmers and doctors all spoke about how they have spent months slowing Cuadrilla down at every turn. These people, many of whom freely admit they'd never have considered themselves activists, have been out day after day, rain or shine, using a variety of tactics to slow down and hopefully halt the turning of their beautiful countryside into "a sacrifice zone".

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One of the more seasoned campaigners on site told me she didn't think she'd have to use direct action to stop any drilling when they were meticulously going through the local democratic process to get the council to reject Cuadrilla's proposal.They had faith in that process. Now she's part of an incredibly well-organised community, who as well as organising round-the-clock watches outside the proposed site can spring into action to get more neighbours, friends and their children down whenever it looks like Cuadrilla is trying to move in more equipment.

The injustice of business and government forcing fracking on Lancashire has propelled this resistance far beyond the local area. And it's only going to get bigger this month.

A dairy farmer told the crowds gathering at the launch last Saturday about the damage fracking could cause to the soil and water he relies on. But he was clear: as a food producer, my worries ought to be your worries.

His call to action was echoed loud and clear by all the local speakers: There's a role for everyone here, and every individual is as important as the rest. Have your eyes open and get ready to tackle injustice.

One of the local campaigners told us this weekend that when it became clear government was giving fracking the green light, she invested in thermal underwear for a long cold winter of protest.

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Well now we prepare for a long hot summer of protest. Public and political support for fracking is at an all-time low. The fracking industry is up against it, facing ever more costly delays and losing the confidence of investors and its supply chain. The time to escalate is now.
If you've ever worked in an office, you know that you can't access any data you want. Some files are locked away from the everyday employee: out of sight and out of mind. Whether it's your boss' bonus, private emails between colleagues, company financials, performance reviews or information about yet-to-be-launched products and services, access to information is limited.

A lot of people are quite comfortable with this. However, a new survey we carried out found that over half (52%) of UK office workers would access sensitive company data if they knew they wouldn't get caught. In fact, far from being a moral issue, one in five (21%) cited a lack of technical skills as holding them back from attacking their employer.

So, what could tempt employees into accessing company information?

The survey revealed a mix of motives, from wanting to make sure they were being rewarded fairly, to having suspicions the company was unethical or corrupt, to straightforward curiosity and office gossip. What was clear, though, is that very unhappy employees are twice as likely to want to spy on company information than their happier peers.

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While disgruntled or angry employees only account for 26% of insider attacks, according to Forrester[i], they are the source of some of the most costly and difficult attacks to detect. The 2016 Sage Group data breach is just one example of an employee using an internal login to steal company data, temporarily rocking the reputation of the company and, indeed, its share price.

How should employers stop malicious insiders in their tracks?

First, we should recognise that most respondents weren't out to deliberately cause the company harm. The majority simply wanted to get their hands on information about themselves and engage in idle gossip; just 2% said they would be prepared to sell information to competitors for financial gain or to blackmail their boss.

The basic rule in defending against malicious insiders is to address the threat, not the individual. Privileged access - not people - is the true insider threat. The process of securing privileged accounts should be on-going with continuous evaluation and adjustments to improve security as the business and threat landscape changes.

To effectively protect against insider threats, organisations should minimise user privileges to reduce the attack surface, lock down privileged credentials, and control and monitor privileged accounts, which are consistently targeted by insider attackers.

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The threat from outside.....

While this survey highlights the potential mischief that employees can get up to without proper access controls, it's also an important reminder of the threat that cyber attackers posing as insiders could pose.

If more than half of everyday workers would be prepared to access sensitive data, it's not hard to imagine the damage a cybercriminal with advanced skills and malicious intentions could cause. They have no loyalty to the company and are more likely to be driven by financial or political motives over innocent curiosity.

Security teams have long known that one of the most effective ways for attackers to access sensitive data is to masquerade as a legitimate insider - using existing privileged credentials to achieve broad, unfettered access to a company's most valuable assets. With cyber skills advancing all the time, and cybercriminals hiding behind valid credentials to avoid being caught, companies must be more alert than ever to stop unwanted insiders in their tracks and protect their most valuable information.
If asked to name the biggest river delta in the Lower 48 US states, most people would probably get it right and say the Mississippi. But the second biggest? It's Mobile Bay in Alabama, which is so aquatically biodiverse it's been called North America's Amazon. You'll find up to 500 species of birds here, and every kind of wildlife from sharks to black bears.

These and other facts come tumbling from the lips of Chris Wiber, our guide on a boat tour of a tiny part of Mobile Bay (which is of course pronounced mo-beel and not mo-bile). We're less than ten miles from the centre of Mobile, the third-biggest city in Alabama, and Chris had only just switched on the engine when we see an osprey, then a pair of them on a nesting platform on top of a telegraph pole.

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'They winter in the Caribbean or South America,' Chris tells us, 'and they just got back here. In fact just before you guys got here they were making baby ospreys. They're about 4 lbs but they can carry a fish about 2.5 lbs. They can dive at 60mph and can go up to 3ft underwater. They mate for life. They go separately to their winter place, so they're pleased to see each other when they return.'

The osprey are followed by sightings of a brown pelican sitting on a post, and then a heron.

'That's the great blue heron,' Chris tells us. 'He's 4'6" tall and has a 7-foot wingspan.'

It's a mild late February day. I'm in Mobile for Mardi Gras, the oldest in the United States (take that, New Orleans), but a trip to the delta provides an escape from the parades and partying, a total contrast to the bead-catching and the buzz. Apart from Chris's narration and the murmur of the engine, there's quiet out on the water.

'By area,' Chris says, 'Alabama is more diverse than any other state. There are more types of freshwater fish here than anywhere in the USA. Alabama has 99 species of crawfish, more than anywhere else on the planet. It has more freshwater shellfish and more snails than anywhere in the world. Mobile Bay is also the rainiest place in the Lower 48.'

Not today, it isn't, as February in Mobile is like a British summer's day, with suntan cream essential most days.

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'By late summer these places are teeming with shark, both blacktip and bull sharks. We also have black bears in the delta.'

Chris points out a black willow tree.

'The bark has salicylic acid in it, and the Native Americans used it to treat headaches and other complaints. It's from this that aspirin was developed.'

We see a snowy egret, and Chris then tells us the amazing story of the cunning delta alligators. It was in Mobile Bay in 2013 that the first evidence of reptilians using tools was ever filmed. At nesting time egrets would be flying around looking for sticks and twigs for nesting material. The gators would lurk beneath the water holding a stick in their jaws, and just when the egret thought he'd got a stick the gator got a snack.

'We're not seeing any gators today,' Chris says, 'but it's a great day for birdwatching. We saw our first roseate spoonbill the other day. There's a crow over there. You know, crows are the smartest creatures on the planet. We see lots of bald eagles here too.'

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The only gator we saw all morning was in the Nature Center that's close by the WildNative tours office. It was stuffed. But gators or not, there's a mesmerising relaxing quality about being out on the water, watching for wildlife. It should be prescribed as therapy for anyone suffering from anxiety. In the distance, across the vast expanse of the bay, we see a road bridge, which we head towards and pass under.

'That,' Chris tells us, 'is the 6th-longest bridge in the USA. The Jubilee Parkway is 8 miles long and opened in 1978. This isn't your usual jubilee but it's an Alabama event when fish, shrimp, crabs and various sea creatures suddenly swarm into Mobile Bay. It happens usually at least once a year, and when it does we have parties, and catch lots of fish.'

We've been escaping our Mardi Gras party for a few hours, and it's been a total delight. Who knew that Alabama had such diverse wildlife, and such an incredible body of water?

'Before we end our visit,' Chris says, 'I want to share with you the two most amazing things I know about Alabama. The name 'mobile home' comes from Mobile. A local company started making and advertising them, and they were first called Mobile homes, but everyone thought it was mobile homes. And that company was called Sweet Homes Alabama, which is where Lynyrd Skynyrd got the title of their song from.'

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As soon as I got home I checked both those facts out. He was right.

How to Get There

The author's boat tour was with WildNative, who are at 30841 Five Rivers Boulevard, near Spanish Fort, about nine miles due east of Mobile. UK tour operators featuring Alabama include Audley Travel and Trailfinders.

More Information

See Alabama's official travel website, and the website for Visit Mobile.

Photos

All photos (c) Mike Gerrard.

The Author

Mike Gerrard is a British travel writer who spends half of each year in the USA. He especially loves travelling in the south and has been to Alabama several times. He is co-editor of the 101 USA Holidays website.
scarletsails via Getty Images

Donald Trump is clearly rattled. It seems he might be planning to sneak into the UK later this month to visit Theresa May. Both leaders have had second thoughts about the formal state visit they had planned for the Autumn, and rightly so. It would have provoked one of the biggest popular revolts in British history.

Earlier this year, Brits rose up in huge numbers following Trump's inauguration, first for the Women's March on 21st January, and then against his racist 'Muslim ban' the following month. The Stop Trump Coalition helped organise two large mobilisations in solidarity with the Muslim community during this period.

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What was notable about these demos was how well attended they were by those who had never been to a protest before, particularly the young. The sea of homemade placards above the eyeline signalled that it wasn't just the organised left out in force. This was the beginning of a new, youthful, mass movement ready to resist both Trumpism abroad, and our own government's complicity at home.

To make matters worse for Trump, in recent weeks the political climate has dramatically turned against his obsequious ally, May. The Tories' majority was eviscerated in the general election. This was partly because young people, sick of years of austerity, turned out in unprecedented numbers to vote for change, which they saw in Jeremy Corbyn and the vibrant movement behind him. For the first time in a generation, it feels like the Left is in the driving seat.

Now Theresa May's government hangs in the brink, precariously propped up by a small gang of homophobic bigots, the DUP, Britain's very own Trumpists. Would this coalition of chaos survive an anti-Trump uprising of up to a million strong? I doubt it.

On top of all this, Trump's own regime is in some difficulties domestically. His popularity is in the pits and his embattled cadre of loyalists struggle to rein in a ferociously hostile establishment.

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It's no surprise then, that mere days after the stunning British election results, Trump reportedly postponed the October visit indefinitely. If this report is correct (as I believe it is, given everything I've said), it's a victory of people power and a vindication of months of campaigning.

And if Trump and May think they can slip under our radar with an unofficial, snap visit, they're wrong. Although Sean Spicer has denied such a visit is imminent, thousands of us are on standby to mobilise in huge numbers nationwide if the President steps one foot into the UK, whether he visits Aberdeen, Birmingham, London or wherever. If we only get 24 hours notice, that's plenty. We've organised big demos at short notice before.
Feds Charge Fyre Festival Organizer With Fraud

Billy McFarland, the music tech entrepreneur behind the failed Fyre Festival, was arrested at his home on Friday and charged with one count of wire fraud. According to the New York Times, federal prosecutors allege that McFarland participated in a scheme to defraud investors by by misrepresenting his own stake in his company, Fyre Media.

________________________________________________

Joon H. Kim, the acting United States attorney for the Southern District of New York, said in a statement that fest organizer Bill McFarland "allegedly presented fake documents to induce investors to put over a million dollars into his company and the fiasco called the Fyre Festival.

Ties To Music Tech

While the Fyre Festival is what brought McFarland to the attention of the public at large and federal investigators, the charges instead stem from his company Fyre Media, which developed a mobile app that allowed promoters and talent buyers to bid on artists.

In the criminal complaint unsealed on Friday, prosecutors allege that McFarland represented that Fyre Media earned millions of dollars of revenue from thousands of artist bookings from at least July 2016 until April 2017. In reality, during that approximate time period, Fyre Media earned less than $60,000 in revenue from approximately 60 artist bookings, prosecutors said.

As well, according to the complaint, McFarland provided an altered brokerage statement that indicated that he owned shares of a specific stock worth over $2.5 million, when in reality he owned shares of that stock valued at less than $1,500.

In addition to the criminal charges, McFarland, and other Fyre Festival organizers including Ja Rule, are facing a dozen civil lawsuits over the collapse of the festival

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Despite the movie business currently being dominated by extended franchises, Edgar Wright has refused to direct sequels so far  theres the Cornetto trilogy, but Hot Fuzz can only be labeled a loose-fitting Shaun of the Dead sequel at best.

However, thanks to Baby Driver already being a relative success, Sony bosses are already asking whether the filmmaker could write and direct a sequel.

Speaking on Empires film podcast, as brought to our attention by Vulture, Wright revealed he sort of has an idea for a sequel. More importantly, the director has admitted hes tempted to actually make it.

The studio has asked me to think about writing a sequel and it is one of the ones that I might do a sequel to because I think theres somewhere more to go with it in terms of the characters, he said.

Films to get excited about in 2017 Show all 13 1 /13 Films to get excited about in 2017 Films to get excited about in 2017 Star Wars: The Last Jedi Director: Rian Johnson Rian Johnson Cast: Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, and Lupita Nyong'o Plot: No details yet, but it will continue directly on from Rey coming face-to-face with Luke at the end of The Force Awakens. Release Date: 15 December 2017 Films to get excited about in 2017 Thor: Ragnarok Director: Taika Waititi Taika Waititi Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Tessa Thompson, Jeff Goldblum, Karl Urban, and Mark Ruffalo Plot: Story details are minimal as of now, but Thor's third return to screen has already been teased to feature a loose adaptation of the famous 'Planet Hulk' storyline. Release Date: 27 October 2017 Films to get excited about in 2017 You Were Never Really Here Director: Lynne Ramsay Lynne Ramsay Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Alessandro Nivola Plot: A war veteran's attempt to save a young girl from a sex trafficking ring goes horribly wrong. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 Annihilation Director: Alex Garland Alex Garland Cast: Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tessa Thompson, and Oscar Isaac Plot: A biologist's husband disappears. She thus puts her name forward for an expedition into an environmental disaster zone, but does not quite find what she's expecting. The expedition team is made up of the biologist, an anthropologist, a psychologist, and a surveyor. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 Wonderstruck (image from Far From Heaven) Director: Todd Haynes Cast: Julianne Moore, Michelle Williams, and Amy Hargreaves Plot: The story of a young boy in the Midwest is told simultaneously with a tale about a young girl in New York from fifty years ago as they both seek the same mysterious connection. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 Mother (image of Darren Aronofsky) Director: Darren Aronofsky Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Michelle Pfeiffer, Domhnall Gleeson, and Ed Harris Plot: A couple's relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 The Killing of a Sacred Deer (image from The Lobster) Director: Yorgos Lanthimos Cast: Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, and Alicia Silverstone Plot: A surgeon forms a familial bond with a sinister teenage boy, with disastrous results. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 Blade Runner 2049 Director: Denis Villeneuve Denis Villeneuve Cast: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Robin Wright, and Jared Leto Plot: Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K, unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what's left of society into chaos. K's discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard, a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years. Release Date: 6 October 2017 Films to get excited about in 2017 Lady Bird (image of director Greta Gerwig) Director: Greta Gerwig Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, and Lucas Hedges Plot: The adventures of a young woman living in Northern California for a year. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara (image of director Steven Spielberg and star Mark Rylance) Director: Steven Spielberg Cast: Mark Rylance, Oscar Isaac Plot: The Kidnapping Of Edgardo Mortara recounts the story of a young Jewish boy in Bologna, Italy in 1858 who, having been secretly baptized, is forcibly taken from his family to be raised as a Christian. His parents' struggle to free their son becomes part of a larger political battle that pits the Papacy against forces of democracy and Italian unification. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 How to Talk to Girls at Parties Director: John Cameron Mitchell John Cameron Mitchell Cast: Elle Fanning, Ruth Wilson, and Nicole Kidman Plot: An alien touring the galaxy breaks away from her group and meets two young inhabitants of the most dangerous place in the universe: the London suburb of Croydon. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 The Dark Tower Director: Nikolaj Arcel Nikolaj Arcel Cast: Idris Elba, Matthew McConaughey, and Tom Taylor Plot: Gunslinger Roland Deschain roams an Old West-like landscape in search of the dark tower, in the hopes that reaching it will preserve his dying world. Release Date: 28 July 2017 Films to get excited about in 2017 Suburbicon Director: George Clooney George Clooney Cast: Matt Damon, Julianne Moore, Josh Brolin, and Oscar Isaac Plot: A crime mystery set in the quiet family town of Suburbicon during the 1950s, where the best and worst of humanity is hilariously reflected through the deeds of seemingly ordinary people. When a home invasion turns deadly, a picture-perfect family turns to blackmail, revenge and betrayal. Release Date: 24 November

Baby has got to a new place. Most sequels you have to contrive something so they go back to square one, unless theres somewhere deeper for them to go.

I think with Baby Driver theres more that you can do in that realm, and I sort of have an idea that if you did another you would subvert his involvement in the crime in a different way so hes not the apprentice anymore.

This Summer, Hollywood studios have suffered because of a marketplace inundated with sequels, yet Baby Driver has bucked that trend, having already grossed $45.9 million (35.5 million) from a $34 million (26 million) budget. And while a sequel is an interesting prospect, perhaps an Americanised Cornetto trilogy-style series with Baby Driver would be a better move.
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Lindsay Lohan has broken Hollywood ranks and emerged as a defender and champion of Donald Trump.

The 31-year-old actor might have appeared to endorse Hillary Clinton last year, saying she was a "fan" of his Democrat presidential rival, but she seems to have now had a change of heart.

Lohan has made an impassioned plea for people to stop bullying President Trump and start trusting him.

The former child star responded to a tweet from a Trump supporter praising Mr Trump for offering to help terminally ill baby Charlie Gard  the 11-month-old boy in Great Ormond Street Hospital whose parents lost a legal battle for him to be allowed to undergo a therapy trial in America.

"For all you cry babies at CNN whining about Trump beating up your logo take a look at what a real Potus and man does," the Presidents supporter said, referring to the controversial tweet Mr Trump shared attacking the US network.

THIS is our president, Lohan tweeted in response. Stop bullying him and start trusting him. Thank you personally for supporting the USA.

The actor, who rose to prominence for her roles in The Parent Trap and Mean Girls, then sought to defend the President, First Lady Melania Trump and some of the President Trump's children, praising them as kind people.

This is by no means the first time Lohan has voiced her support for the US President.

In February, she argued the nation should now get behind the President, saying: Look, I think always in the public eye youre going to be scrutinised, and he is the President, so you have to  you have to join him. If you cant beat him, join him".

Iran's 'Trumpism' contest Show all 10 1 /10 Iran's 'Trumpism' contest Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images

In November of 2016, Lohans spokesperson said she was calling on Mr Trump to join her at refugee camps in Syria and Istanbul because she had an eye opening experience in Turkey.

At the time, a spokesman for Lohan told The Independent: She just had an eye opening experience while she was there visiting and wants to show the whole world what is really happening over there.

Last year, a 2004 recording of the billionaire businessman making lewd and derogatory comments about Lohan, including speculating about what sex with her would be like, resurfaced.

Mr Trump and infamous radio shock jock discussed the then 18-year-old actor.

Shes probably deeply troubled and therefore great in bed, Mr Trump said at the time.
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J Willgoose Esq, frontman of the band Public Service Broadcasting, had never visited the mining communities of South Wales before he decided to write an album about them. Then again, hed never visited the outer reaches of the galaxy when he wrote the bands second album The Race for Space in 2015.

He has, however, spent years exploring the limits of human achievement by sampling archive recordings from the British Film Institute and setting them to music. For his latest project, he decided to turn his attention to the lives of ordinary people who persist against great odds. I wanted to write about everyday heroic deeds, he says down the phone from his home in south London. This album is about mining in one way, but its also about community and loss and dealing with the vanishing of something that previously defined you.

After settling on the valleys, Willgoose worried about barrelling into close-knit village communities and attempting to tell their story. Disaffection about the decline of manufacturing, including the closure of coalmines and steelworks, runs deep in South Wales.

He was reminded of it during the referendum, just a few weeks after he contacted the Ebbw Vale Institute, an arts centre built in 1849 by the local steelworks company, looking for a place to rehearse and record.

The day after the vote, a national newspaper splashed that Ebbw Vale, a town showered with EU cash, was the also the place with the highest proportion of leave voters in Wales, at 62 per cent. It lamented that EU funding was behind local roads, railway links and apprenticeship schemes trying to make life better despite unemployment at 40 per cent.

Willgoose says: The referendum got me thinking about young people [who are] so disenfranchised that they would roll the dice on their own future,

When he visited he found a pretty Welsh village in a state of disrepair, where teenagers rode BMXs round the carpark at the local Tesco on a Friday. I probably did the equivalent in south London when I was a teenager, Willgoose says. But I cant help thinking there were more opportunities.

Its a bit of a bleak industrial town, says Chris Phillips, events organiser for the Ebbw Vale Institute. Parochial, really. Weve been forgotten for so long, weve developed a siege mentality. Phillips caters for local taste by booking Nirvana and Thin Lizzy tribute acts to play at the 300 capacity venue in the Institute, which has become home to yoga classes, a cafe and youth drug and alcohol services. They are quite busy, Chris says.

When Public Service Broadcasting said they wanted to record somewhere in Wales, their management suggested plush Welsh studios like Rockfield, where Queen recorded Bohemian Rhapsody, or Monnow Valley, which has hosted the likes of Oasis, Manic Street Preachers and Iggy Pop. But Willgoose wanted something more DIY. They struck a deal with Phillips to build a studio in the gig venue for the whole of January. Phillips says they jumped at the chance: We had to move the Zumba classes and the patchwork quilt classes and kept everyone sworn to secrecy.

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In the meantime, Willgoose started digging at the South Wales Miners Library at Swansea University. He wanted to find the unsung heroes of the miners strikes, the ones who held the community together as their local economy collapsed around them.

Sian Williams, assistant librarian, helped Willgoose discover an interview with Christine Powell reflecting on the strikes of 1984 and 1985. She can be heard blazing a trail for women in They Gave Me A Lamp: I didn't see any reason why I shouldn't be out there doing what I was doing, why I shouldn't be in the support group.

Williams, assistant librarian, talks animatedly about how Public Service Broadcasting are helping with the librarys aim of sharing their material with a wider audience, particularly in the current climate. If you look at some of the fantastic orators and listen to their messages from the 1920s onwards, many of them are the same things we are hearing today, just in a different context, Williams says. I hope it will give people strength.

Willgoose sourced as much as he could from library recordings and film archives in Bristol and London, but he needed something more. The material wasnt really there for the stories we wanted to tell. I wasnt going to find a reading of Idris Daviess poem that would have been as good as getting James Dean Bradfield to sing it, he says. He was made up when Bradfield, frontman of Manic Street Preachers, recorded the version of Gwalia Deserta by the Welsh poet Idris Davies that became Turn No More.

Public Service Broadcasting returned to the Ebbw Vale Institute in June, after the record had been sent off for pressing, to play two sold out shows. Phillips and Williams were both there. I was actually very emotional, Williams remembers. I just was so overwhelmed by the sensitivity and the reaction from the miners, some of whom had travelled quite far.

Wayne Thomas, an ex-miner who worked down the pits for 20 years, was also there. Thomas became the director of a nearby colliery when the miners brought it into community ownership. He remembers striking as young man with a family to feed.

Ending mining is one thing, but the real thing was smashing the union. It wasnt worth what it cost my community, he says. For us it was a case of how desperate people were, they would go into cleaning jobs, stocking shelves, waiting for things to crop up.

Thomas says all of a sudden, without offering alternatives, the Government pulled the plug on the mining industry: Guys in their forties who were well respected in their industry were on the dole for the first time in their lives. They didnt know how to cope with it.

On the song Progress, Tracyanne Campbell from the Scottish band Camera Obscura repeats the line, I believe in progress, over a rousing instrumentation inspired by Kraftwerk, the metal machine musicians from Germany who celebrated all things industrial.

Willgoose knew this album had to explore the complexities of progress, balancing the inevitable decline of fossil fuels with the need for progressive social ideas. Its the ultimate double-edged sword, the relentless drive behind the human race, he says. You cant stop progress, even when whole communities are affected in a negative way. But you can view view society as a whole and take care of the people who are left behind.

Christine Powells voice returns to tell us about those left behind on Mother of the Valley. She laments the demise of the industry and its impact on the town: You get to realise what you mean about the death of a village and about the pit being the mother of the village. Its sounds romantic, but its not romantic at all. Its true.

Willgoose says this is how disenfranchised communities, desperate for alternatives, fall prey to the kinds of populist messages peddled by Nigel Farage and Donald Trump. Wayne Thomas agrees. For me the fight isnt over, Thomas says. This album reminds us that this is not a bygone era. Not when old farts like me are still dealing with the consequences.

Every Valley, the new album from Public Service Broadcasting, is out on 7 July via Play It Again Sam
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Katy Perry has sparked outrage for telling her pet dog nugget to go chase some koalas in an advert for an Australian department store chain.

This might sound fairly harmless to non-Australians or people who know little about koala bears but the problem of dogs attacking koalas is a big one in the country.

The RSPCA in Queensland, the second-largest Australian state, says it has taken in more than 170 koalas with 25 per cent of those victims of dog attacks.

Recommended Katy Perry managed to annoy a lot of Scottish people at Glastonbury

Myer, a mid-to-up market Australian department store, has been forced to pull down the advert which was branded disgusting by animal lovers and insensitive by one of the countrys leading wildlife charities.

The advert shows the pop superstar, who is the most followed person on Twitter and recently became the first person to reach 100 million followers on the site, telling viewers how they can win 8,000 free tickets to her next show in Australia, and then telling her teacup poodle: "Let's go and chase some koalas, Nugget!".

"This is just absolute ignorance from Perry and Myer, and inappropriate on so many levels," Gold Coast wildlife vet, Claire Madden, told The Courier-Mail.

"Perry is a role model to so many young people, and this just destroys all the good work we do to try to encourage people not to let their dogs come into contact with koalas."

According to the country's department of environment and heritage protection, on average roughly 110 koalas are attacked by dogs each year, and most attacks are fatal.

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The Australian Koala Foundation estimates there are fewer than 100,000 koalas left in the wild but that figure could potentially be as low as 43,000.

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Katy Perry I challenge you to come and spend a day with me (a wildlife vet) and learn first hand why your comment should NOT be streamed across the nation, Ms Madden said.

She added: "Koalas attacked by dogs is one of their biggest threats and primary reasons for presenting to wildlife hospitals across Australia.

"Come visit me and you will quickly learn how adorable and precious our koalas are and how undeserving your comment is."

A spokesperson for Myer said: We are aware of comments in relation to Katy Perry's Witness: The Tour advertisement and a particular reference made to koalas.

We are currently removing the material which references koalas.

Fans expressed their disappointment with the musician on Twitter, with one critic saying: Heard the radio ad and wasn't impressed by the koala chasing bit.

Another posted: Please tell Katy Perry that her puppy dog can't chase Koalas.

The Independent contacted a representative of Perry for comment.
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The United Nations cultural body Unesco has voted to leave the Great Barrier Reef off its in danger list despite recent widespread destruction of the World Heritage Site.

The decision, which was taken at a Unesco committee meeting in the Polish city of Krakow, allows Australia's conservative government to dodge political embarrassment and potential damage to the country's lucrative tourism industry,

We're taking every action possible to ensure this great wonder of the world stays viable and healthy for future generations to come, Australia's Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg told Australian Broadcasting Corporation Radio.

Australia's management of the Great Barrier Reef has come under sustained criticism amid the biggest ever coral die-off as a result of the strongest El Nino in 20 years, a weather event that scientists believe is exacerbated by climate change.

Eager to head-off charges that it was failing the World Heritage Site, which was recently pegged at being worth $56 billon to Australia, the Coalition government of Malcolm Turnbull lobbied all 21 Unesco members.

Australia's commitment to tackling climate change has been questioned by the government's lingering love affair with fossil fuels. Coal is the country's second-biggest export earner and the government is supporting a new $4 billion mine planned by Adani Enterprises which would ship millions of tonnes of coal through the waterways of the Great Barrier Reef.

Adani's Abbot Point terminal, located adjacent to the reef, would also need to be expanded to accommodate all the extra traffic. This, environmentalists claim, would release plumes of soil and debris over the reef, causing damage to its ecosystem.

An endangerment listing, as tragic as that would be, would be a more realistic representation of the state of reef and would at least force the federal government to act on climate change, said Alix Foster Vander Elst, Greenpeace Australia Pacific campaigner.

The Great Barrier Reef - In Pictures Show all 9 1 /9 The Great Barrier Reef - In Pictures The Great Barrier Reef - In Pictures Satelite image of the Great Barrier Reef NASA The Great Barrier Reef - In Pictures The Agincourt reefs are a small group of reefs known as ribbons that run parallel to the continental shelf on the very outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef Rex The Great Barrier Reef - In Pictures The Great Barrier Reef - In Pictures Soft corals in the Great Barrier Reef Rex The Great Barrier Reef - In Pictures Air view of the Agincourt Reefs which are a small group of reefs known as ribbons that run parallel to the Continental Shelf on the very outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Port Douglas in north-eastern Queensland, Australia Rex The Great Barrier Reef - In Pictures Helicopter cockpit and aerial view of Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, Queensland, Australia Getty Images/iStockphoto The Great Barrier Reef - In Pictures Bat fish and Parrot fish in Great Barrier Reef Getty Images/iStockphoto The Great Barrier Reef - In Pictures Green Turtle with Diver Underwater in Great Barrier Reef iStockphoto The Great Barrier Reef - In Pictures The great Barrier Reef Getty Images/iStockphoto

Despite endorsing Australia's management plan, the World Heritage Committee did express serious concern about the health of the reef.

It urged Australia to accelerate its efforts to improve water quality, describing it as essential to the overall resilience of the property.

Reuters
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Often overlooked as a less glamorous cousin of sauvignon blanc, in recent years albarino wines have been surging in popularity.

There was a time when three quarters of Spanish albarino didnt make it out of the country, but thats changing as drinkers discover its versatility. In fact, Waitrose wines buying manager, Jamie Matthewson, has predicted albarino will have its first truly mainstream moment in 2021.

Known as alvarinho in Portuguese, albarino is a white-wine grape common across north-western Spain and northern Portugal, where the cool, wet maritime climate is perfect for growing these hardy vines.

The grapes typically produce dry, acidic, wine wines with intense floral and citrus notes  think lime, grapefruit and nectarine  just the thing to ease you out of lockdown.

If you want to find some of the best value, look for wines you dont recognise, says Wine List founder Josh Lachkovic. Albarinos rise in popularity is a great example. Its typically lees-aged, which gives a creamy rich texture, but with high acidity and peach aromas. Its like a great sancerre at a fraction of the price.

Read more:

Weve tested dozens of albarinos to bring you a selection of the best; perfect for a luxurious dinner for two, a picnic with one other person, or storing up for summer parties come June 21.

You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism acrossThe Independent.

Pazo Senorans selection anada 2011, 13%, 75cl Pazo Senorans has built a reputation as one of the best albarino producers in Spain, routinely receiving scores of 90+ from Robert Parker, Decanter and other guides. This wine is a wonderful expression of albarinos strengths, creamy and structured with aromas of peach and nectarine and a mineral finish. If youre looking for a real treat, this the one to go for. Buy now 27.60 Decantalo.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Berry Bros & Rudd albarino by bodegas sucesores de benito santos 2019, 13%, 75cl The Berry Bros selection is an excellent and well-priced all-rounder, a crisp, refreshing glass for an early summer lunch. Its recommended as the perfect accompaniment to salmon, and we found it was an excellent fit, but it would go equally well with a roast chicken, or on its own. Buy now 13.95 Bbr.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Forrest Wines albarino 2019, 13%, 75cl Forrest, in Marlborough, were the first New Zealand growers to plant albarino, where the varietal took naturally to the rich clay soils. This is sweet on the nose and at the front of the mouth, with a delightful mango finish. Ideal if youre looking for something a bit different, or a reason to talk about how the Kiwi climate is remarkably similar to certain parts of Spain. Buy now 15 Highburyvintners.co.uk {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Casal de Ventozela alvarinho 2019, 13.5%, 75cl Just outside of Porto in northern Portugal, Casal de Ventoleza offers fine viticultural conditions. The Ferreira Cortinhas family have been making wine there since the Seventies, but only branched out into alvarinho in 2012. This is surprisingly full-bodied, with a richness from being aged oak barrels, yet still crisp and refreshing. Buy now 11.99 Majestic.co.uk {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Alberto Nanclares abarino 2019, 12.5%, 75cl Alberto Nanclares left a career in economics to set up his low-intervention winery in Cambados, Galicia. The result is an aromatic wine with a delightfully long finish and plenty of tropical fruit in the nose. Wonderful value. Buy now 11.75 Decantalo.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Waitrose Blueprint vina taboexa albarino, 12.5%, 75cl A fantastic value option from Waitrose Blueprint range. This has all the freshness you expect, with plenty of fruit and acidity. Just the thing to lift a picnic or have on standby for everyday drinking. Buy now 8.79 Waitrose.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Fefinanes albarino Rias Baixas 2019, 13.5% Rias Baixas is the most prestigious albarino area in Spain. These are not the hot, dusty plains you normally associate with Spain, but a climate more like England or Wales. Fefinanes is one of the oldest producers, having first bottled it in 1928. Its flagship wine lives up to their reputation: a soft, peachy wine with plenty of zest. Buy now 17 Thewinesociety.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Zarate alabrino Rias Baixas 2019, 12.5%, 75cl From the coldest, wettest sub-region of Galicia, Val do Salnes, where the climate is truly Atlantic, Zarate mixes some crisp pear in with the traditional citrus fruits. Fruity, refreshing, and exceedingly drinkable. Buy now 20 Bottleapostle.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Caixas albarino Rias Baixas 2019, 13%, 75cl Majestic customers named this as their favourite wine of 2019, and its easy to see why. Its a Rias Baixas classic, that sings with peaches, citrus zest and blossom. On a sunny afternoon, it will slip down. Buy now 8.99 Majestic.co.uk {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}
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Gordon Ramsay has revealed his method for cooking the perfect, juicy steak.

It goes without saying that the top chef first seasons the meat with salt and pepper on both sides. But what elevates his recipe is that he  hold onto your eyebrows  flambes the cut.

Ramsay, who is a judge on the US version of the competitive cooking show MasterChef, explains how to cook a steak in a characteristically tense video shared on his Facebook page. In it he says that after seasoning the steak on both sides in a dish, a splash of oil should be added to a pan. Then, placing the steak in the pan, he chucks in rosemary and a sprig of thyme and removes the meat to rest in a separate dish.

Recommended How to make the perfect scrambled eggs

The chef then adds butter, chopped mushrooms and garlic, to the pan. Ramsay then uses cognac to create a flame, which he places the steak into before adding a few spoons of stock and cream.

As the sauce boils, he coats the steak. To serve, he tops it with fresh parsley.

Even if you dont have any interest in making a steak, we recommend you watch the video purely for the fact that it has a chilling soundtrack that wouldnt be out of place in a crime thriller. It's pretty entertaining.

Ramsays definitive steak recipe comes after fellow top chef Anthony Bourdain revealed how to cook the perfect scrambled eggs. Bourdains secret is not beating the eggs to heavily, and splashing them straight into the pan rather them allowing them to sit. He also doesnt add water, or cream. "Its about the egg. Youre not making a quiche here," he told Tech Insider.
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Creamy, cold, and churned up into myriad flavours: you might be forgiven for thinking that ice-cream and gelato are the same. Surely, "gelato" is just Italian for ice-cream, and a word that infuriating foodies throw about to seem in the know. But you'd be very, very wrong. It's infinitely better.

Just like Italians have trumped Brits when it comes to better cocktails, salads and mastering practically every carbohydrate in existence from bread to potatoes, they've even had it right all along when it comes to churned up milk and cream. The Romans did, after all, invent the stuff. And as more and more gelatarias pop up across the country and Waitrose - where else? - has become the first UK supermarket to stock Italian gelato in its stores, it's just a matter of time before the dessert will be something as familiar as our old friend Mr Whippy. As Alex Beckett, global food and drink analyst at the Mintel forecasting agency who is an authority on ice-creams and its sub-categories like gelato and sorbet, excitedly confirmed to The Independent: gelato is set to topple ice-cream as the UK's favourite frozen treat.

So, here are the key differences between the two, which are important to know if you want to enter the year of the gelato like a true pompous foodie.

Gelato contains more milk than cream, making it freeze at a lower temperature and taste cooler, lighter and, arguably, more refreshing. Churned slower than ice-cream, it is more dense and has a more intense flavour. According to Maggie Rush, the president of the Ice Cream Alliance, the ingredients and the fact that it contains less air than ice-cream means it also has a short shelf life and generally must be sold the same day that it is made. As gelato must be produced in smaller batches, this makes it ripe for experimentation with the highest quality ingredients, from sweet lychee, to figs, black olives, and wasabi.

Newly-opened Swoon in Bristol has seen their sales sky-rocket in recent months (Swoon)

It's this combination of gut-busting variety and powerful flavours brought together in a cooler, denser dessert, that has me so hooked that I've found myself shunning a crisp glass of white wine in a dimly-lit bar for the bright lights of dessert parlours and their dinky tubs of gelato. Just last week on a balmy July evening at the food market near my house, I passed the bar and headed straight to the gelato stand without a second thought, as if pulled to it by an invisible force.

Intense pistachio. Moreish black sesame. Bitter coffee. Creamy stracciatella. My head was swimming with the possibilities. Two hours later, my friend and I left. But I hadnt even had a snifter of wine, and she, disappointed by the knock-off Aperol spirtz she was served, abandoned the full glass on the table. The gelatos, on the other hand, were demolished in minutes, in a flurry of groans, moans and eye rolls.

And I'm not alone in forging a new love affair with the dessert. Gelatos beautifully presented like roses or pressed into gourmet waffle cones are popping up across social media, gelatarias are opening up across the country from Swoon in Bristol, to Badiani at the Mercato Metropolitano in London, and the newly-refurbished Unico in the capital which offers delicious vegan takes on favourites like moody dark chocolate. Google searches for the term have reached their highest ever point in the UK. All of this is great news for someone like me who has a habit to prop up.

The quality of the gelato on offer in the UK is increasing and people are enamoured by the discernible flavour of gelato, which is less diluted than ice-cream, says Charlotte Vile, a spokeswoman for the Nationwide Caterers Association.

This, says Beckett, taps into the overall demand for healthier, artisanal, craft foods containing ingredients with an engaging story of provenance... and all the other buzzwords that make something a surefire hit these days.

Stunning photos of food by Anett Velsberg Show all 13 1 /13 Stunning photos of food by Anett Velsberg Stunning photos of food by Anett Velsberg Stunning photos of food by Anett Velsberg Stunning photos of food by Anett Velsberg Stunning photos of food by Anett Velsberg Stunning photos of food by Anett Velsberg Stunning photos of food by Anett Velsberg Stunning photos of food by Anett Velsberg Stunning photos of food by Anett Velsberg Stunning photos of food by Anett Velsberg Stunning photos of food by Anett Velsberg Stunning photos of food by Anett Velsberg Stunning photos of food by Anett Velsberg Stunning photos of food by Anett Velsberg

We are on the cusp of gelato becoming mainstream," says Beckett. "There is a latent understanding that it is high quality. Its just that supermarkets are so competitive it's hard for brands to break through into retail." He says once a global manufacturer like Unilever takes the plunge, gelato will be everywhere.

"We know that alcohol consumption is declining and people still want their treats. Ice-cream is one of the biggest treat foods out there. Millennials want to pay out for quality and authentic foods that have a clean label with fewer ingredients, he adds. Ice-cream struggles in UK, but in the US gelato has been its saviour. We expect to see the same thing happening here."

For Jacopo Cordero di Vonzo, the founder of Remeo, the Italian gelato snapped up by Waitrose and Ocado, it's not just data that plays into why he decided to bring gelato to the UK, but a bit of raw, carnal desire.

Remeo rolled out in UK stores this year (Remeo)

We are convinced that Gelato is a better product than ice-cream - tastier, healthier, sexier, he tells The Independent. "In the last five to ten years gelato has grown enormously in US and Brazil so we expect this to happen in the UK as well, and we are seeing this already."

Established gelaterias are already noticing a difference in sales. Our sales continue to grow year on year and if you needed any evidence to support that you just have to look at the queues that form outside our shop," says Owen Hazel, the co-owner of Jannettas in St Andrews, which has been open for over 100 years. "Where once our customers waited perhaps five to ten minutes they sometimes, during peak periods, have to wait 40 minutes."

I think the Brits are now embracing gelato, adds Jon Adams, who founded Brightons Gelato Gusto in 2012. "I think in general people today are more discerning about the food they eat. Brighton in particular is a very foodie city and people appreciate the fact that we are an artisan producer making small batches of fresh gelato and sorbetto each day above the shop and they are willing." Meanwhile, Swoon in Bristol says it has seen as 43 per cent rise in sales up on last year.

Gelato, it seems, is set to explode in popularity across the UK. But theres just one small problem to solve before it becomes embedded in British culture like it is in Italian, says Adams: "it would also be helpful if we had a little more sunshine."
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Sky is experiencing service issues, leaving thousands of broadband customers without internet access.

The company has told the Independent that approximately 32,000 Sky customers are affected.

Users located in the south east of the UK appear to be the hardest hit.

Gadget and tech news: In pictures Show all 25 1 /25 Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gun-toting humanoid robot sent into space Russia has launched a humanoid robot into space on a rocket bound for the International Space Station (ISS). The robot Fedor will spend 10 days aboard the ISS practising skills such as using tools to fix issues onboard. Russia's deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin has previously shared videos of Fedor handling and shooting guns at a firing range with deadly accuracy. Dmitry Rogozin/Twitter Gadget and tech news: In pictures Google turns 21 Google celebrates its 21st birthday on September 27. The The search engine was founded in September 1998 by two PhD students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, in their dormitories at Californias Stanford University. Page and Brin chose the name google as it recalled the mathematic term 'googol', meaning 10 raised to the power of 100 Google Gadget and tech news: In pictures Hexa drone lifts off Chief engineer of LIFT aircraft Balazs Kerulo demonstrates the company's "Hexa" personal drone craft in Lago Vista, Texas on June 3 2019 Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures Project Scarlett to succeed Xbox One Microsoft announced Project Scarlett, the successor to the Xbox One, at E3 2019. The company said that the new console will be 4 times as powerful as the Xbox One and is slated for a release date of Christmas 2020 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures First new iPod in four years Apple has announced the new iPod Touch, the first new iPod in four years. The device will have the option of adding more storage, up to 256GB Apple Gadget and tech news: In pictures Folding phone may flop Samsung will cancel orders of its Galaxy Fold phone at the end of May if the phone is not then ready for sale. The $2000 folding phone has been found to break easily with review copies being recalled after backlash PA Gadget and tech news: In pictures Charging mat non-starter Apple has cancelled its AirPower wireless charging mat, which was slated as a way to charge numerous apple products at once AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures "Super league" India shoots down satellite India has claimed status as part of a "super league" of nations after shooting down a live satellite in a test of new missile technology EPA Gadget and tech news: In pictures 5G incoming 5G wireless internet is expected to launch in 2019, with the potential to reach speeds of 50mb/s Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Uber halts driverless testing after death Uber has halted testing of driverless vehicles after a woman was killed by one of their cars in Tempe, Arizona. March 19 2018 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures The giant human-like robot bears a striking resemblance to the military robots starring in the movie 'Avatar' and is claimed as a world first by its creators from a South Korean robotic company Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi and Kaptain Rock playing one string light saber guitar perform jam session Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway resembling the giant panda is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway, resembling a giant panda, is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A concept car by Trumpchi from GAC Group is shown at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A Mirai fuel cell vehicle by Toyota is displayed at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A visitor tries a Nissan VR experience at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A man looks at an exhibit entitled 'Mimus' a giant industrial robot which has been reprogrammed to interact with humans during a photocall at the new Design Museum in South Kensington, London Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A new Israeli Da-Vinci unmanned aerial vehicle manufactured by Elbit Systems is displayed during the 4th International conference on Home Land Security and Cyber in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv Getty

The service issues started early this morning, at around 05:30am, according to DownDetector.

You might not be able to get online or make/receive phone calls due to a problem in your local area, Sky has said.

The company has also listed Baldslow, Battle, Beckley, Bexhill, Brede, Brightling, Brookland, Castleham, Cooden, Crowhurst, Guestling, Hastings, Iden, Lydd, Ninfield, Northiam, New Romney, Peasmarsh, Rye, Sedlescombe, Staplecross, Wittersham, Eastbourne, Hampden Park, Alfriston, Newhaven, Peacehaven, Polegate, Pevensey Marina, Pevensey, Seaford and East Dean as affected areas.

The Sky Help Team says it has engineers working to resolve the issues for customers in Sussex.

Update: East Sussex. Due to extent of the damage. Engineers are still working on repairs. Updates to follow. Sorry for any inconvenience, it tweeted earlier this morning.

It then followed up with: Update: Sussex - Engineers have located 7 separate breaks in the Fibre cables & are working to repair damage as quickly as possible.

The account is also tweeting affected users directly, and has told some of them that its engineers are "preparing cables now for splicing".

Sky says its engineers are "making good progress", and that normal service will be restored in Sussex this evening.
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Is bingeing a good thing? The mobile network Three would like to persuade you it is.

Its latest, just-announced phone tariff is called Go Binge and it encourages you to make the most of your 4G connection with streaming that doesn't impact on your monthly data total.

Not for just any streaming, you understand, but for four carefully picked apps. Theyre pretty good apps to choose, though: Netflix, TVPlayer, Deezer and SoundCloud.

Gadget and tech news: In pictures Show all 25 1 /25 Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gun-toting humanoid robot sent into space Russia has launched a humanoid robot into space on a rocket bound for the International Space Station (ISS). The robot Fedor will spend 10 days aboard the ISS practising skills such as using tools to fix issues onboard. Russia's deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin has previously shared videos of Fedor handling and shooting guns at a firing range with deadly accuracy. Dmitry Rogozin/Twitter Gadget and tech news: In pictures Google turns 21 Google celebrates its 21st birthday on September 27. The The search engine was founded in September 1998 by two PhD students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, in their dormitories at Californias Stanford University. Page and Brin chose the name google as it recalled the mathematic term 'googol', meaning 10 raised to the power of 100 Google Gadget and tech news: In pictures Hexa drone lifts off Chief engineer of LIFT aircraft Balazs Kerulo demonstrates the company's "Hexa" personal drone craft in Lago Vista, Texas on June 3 2019 Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures Project Scarlett to succeed Xbox One Microsoft announced Project Scarlett, the successor to the Xbox One, at E3 2019. The company said that the new console will be 4 times as powerful as the Xbox One and is slated for a release date of Christmas 2020 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures First new iPod in four years Apple has announced the new iPod Touch, the first new iPod in four years. The device will have the option of adding more storage, up to 256GB Apple Gadget and tech news: In pictures Folding phone may flop Samsung will cancel orders of its Galaxy Fold phone at the end of May if the phone is not then ready for sale. The $2000 folding phone has been found to break easily with review copies being recalled after backlash PA Gadget and tech news: In pictures Charging mat non-starter Apple has cancelled its AirPower wireless charging mat, which was slated as a way to charge numerous apple products at once AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures "Super league" India shoots down satellite India has claimed status as part of a "super league" of nations after shooting down a live satellite in a test of new missile technology EPA Gadget and tech news: In pictures 5G incoming 5G wireless internet is expected to launch in 2019, with the potential to reach speeds of 50mb/s Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Uber halts driverless testing after death Uber has halted testing of driverless vehicles after a woman was killed by one of their cars in Tempe, Arizona. March 19 2018 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures The giant human-like robot bears a striking resemblance to the military robots starring in the movie 'Avatar' and is claimed as a world first by its creators from a South Korean robotic company Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi and Kaptain Rock playing one string light saber guitar perform jam session Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway resembling the giant panda is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway, resembling a giant panda, is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A concept car by Trumpchi from GAC Group is shown at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A Mirai fuel cell vehicle by Toyota is displayed at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A visitor tries a Nissan VR experience at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A man looks at an exhibit entitled 'Mimus' a giant industrial robot which has been reprogrammed to interact with humans during a photocall at the new Design Museum in South Kensington, London Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A new Israeli Da-Vinci unmanned aerial vehicle manufactured by Elbit Systems is displayed during the 4th International conference on Home Land Security and Cyber in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv Getty

So if you have a Netflix subscription, you can now stream it as much as you like  binge on it, you see  without worrying that youll hit your data limit.

Even better, the tariffs that include Go Binge are compatible with Threes Feel at Home offering, where you can use your mobile in selected overseas destinations as if you were at home.

In other words, if youre in Australia, the USA, Spain or a bunch of other places, you can stream to your hearts delight with no fear of billshock.

Youll spot that not every streaming service is here.

Threes CEO David Dyson told me, It is a brand new offering, the first of its kind in the UK. We know there are a lot of people in the UK with Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Prime subscribers who access Amazon videos and so on, well, this is a platform we want to build from and it needs to be an open platform to comply with net neutrality guidelines.

He also said that Threes customers are some of the most data-heavy users in Britain, consuming on average 6GB of data a month.

Its clear they love to watch and listen to many forms of content. The devices and networks have enabled people to watch when and where they wish, instead of being confined to their homes. So people can make the most of their down time whether thats on a commute, in a park or even on the toilet. Which is an image to be left with.

Recommended New on Netflix UK July 2017

Netflix says that when people have come to the end of a TV series theyve binged on, they take on average three days before starting the next deep dive, snacking on standalone shows or movies in between. Its almost like were mourning the loss of the series.

This new tariff means theres no worry about the data consumption. Its not Threes cheapest tariff, so if youre on the lowest price line rental, say, and this appeals, then youll need to move up.

But its another clear sign from Three that it wants to be different, and offer services that, for now at least, no one else does.
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Deutsche Bank is preparing to move large parts of the trading and investment-banking assets it currently books in London to its hometown of Frankfurt in response to Britains exit from the European Union, people familiar with the matter said.

Germanys largest lender would move most of the business reported in London to a so-called booking centre in Frankfurt under the plan, said the people, who requested anonymity because discussions are not public.

The jobs of several hundred traders and as many as 20,000 client accounts will likely be shifted as well, said another person. The strategy, which is still being finalised and would be reviewed if the Brexit scenario changes, will probably be implemented over the next 18 months, the people said.

A year after Britains decision to exit the EU, the worlds biggest banks are eyeing potential alternative locations for some of their London operations. The turmoil triggered by Brexit has dovetailed with Deutsche Bank chief executive officer John Cryans desire to move the troubled lender closer to its base in Frankfurt, Germanys financial hub.

Its another milestone in what we call the Brexodus, said Gildas Surry, who helps oversee about 1bn (880,000) at Axiom Alternative Investments in London, including Deutsche Bank bonds and shares. Every single continental European bank is working on plans to repatriate their trading and plumbing in their home cities.

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UK Subsidiary

Deutsche Bank in March unveiled a new strategy that involves focusing the investment bank on corporate clients and highlighting the firms German roots, including appointing two German deputies to Mr Cryan. One of them, Marcus Schenck, assumed his role as co-head of the investment bank on 1 July.

If Britain were to lose passporting rights granted to EU members, Deutsche Bank would probably have to turn its London branch, where it books most of its UK investment-banking business, into a subsidiary that would require capital, according to one person. The transition to a Frankfurt booking hub would be gradual and will require investments in infrastructure, technology and office space, another person said.

Christian Streckert, a spokesman for Deutsche Bank, declined to comment.

Frankfurt has emerged as a winner of the Brexit vote, with Standard Chartered, Nomura, Sumitomo Mitsui and Daiwa Securities picking the city as their EU hub in recent weeks. Citigroup, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley are weighing a similar move.

The German city is home to the European Central Bank and BaFin, seen as one of the few EU regulators outside of London capable of handling the banks complicated derivatives businesses. Berlin has also drawn interest from some banks and financial technology firms due to its access to cultural offerings and startup scene.

Deutsche Banks plans for the Frankfurt booking centre are part of a two-year Brexit project that sees various team managers working to move accounts, processes, booking structures and legal entities to Frankfurt, one of the people said.

The German lender employs thousands of bankers and traders across London, one of the worlds biggest financial hubs. The lender reported about 5bn of UK revenue in 2016, almost one-fifth of its total and more than any other location apart from Germany and the US, an annual report shows.

They can move as many trading and investment assets to Frankfurt as they want, said Bill Blain, a strategist at Mint Partners in London. But the gravitational centre of the European financial universe will remain in London for some time - whatever Brexit we get.

The bank recently unveiled a plan for new UK headquarters scheduled to be ready by 2023. At the time, the move was hailed as a commitment to the City by the other co-head of the investment bank, Garth Ritchie, whos also the banks UK CEO. Deutsche Bank has suggested that as many as 4,000 jobs in the UK could be under consideration in a Brexit shake-up, depending on how the negotiations with the EU turn out. The lender had 8,575 employees in Britain at the end of 2016, according to the annual report.

Frankfurt is a much cheaper location and this is a great excuse to move a part of the business and all of its support functions to Frankfurt, said Christopher Wheeler, a bank analyst with Atlantic Equities.

Bloomberg
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Japan and the European Union agreed on Thursday to a free trade pact, creating the world's biggest open economic area and signalling resistance to what they see as US President Donald Trump's protectionist turn.

Signed in Brussels on the eve of meetings with Mr Trump at a summit in Hamburg, the political agreement between two economies accounting for a third of global GDP is heavy with symbolism. It leaves some areas of negotiation still to finish, though officials insist the key snags have been overcome.

Ahead of the G20 summit tomorrow, I believe Japan and the EU are demonstrating our strong political will to fly the flag for free trade against a shift toward protectionism, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told a joint news conference with EU institutional chiefs Donald Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker.

It is a strong message to the world.

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In the works for four years, it has been pushed over the line towards a final treaty signature in the coming months by the election of Mr Trump and his moves to ditch a Pacific trade pact that included Japan and leave talks with the EU in limbo.

Although some are saying that the time of isolationism and disintegration is coming again, we are demonstrating that this is not the case, European Council President Mr Tusk said.

There is no protection in protectionism, added Mr Juncker, the president of the executive European Commission, who played down any suggestion there would be further negotiating problems and said he hoped the treaty could go into effect early in 2019.

Alarm over 'America First'

Fears of cheaper import competition for European carmakers and Japanese dairy producers were among the thorniest issues, but officials said the two sides were driven by a shared alarm at Mr Trump's apparent shift away from multilateral open trading systems towards an aggressive America First policy.

Tariffs on much of their bilateral trade - which Mr Abe noted accounts for some 40 per cent of total world commerce - will be phased out over some years and other economic areas, such as Japan's public tender system, will be opened up.

Both sides, which are also forging a parallel cooperation agreement on broader political issues such as security, crisis aid and climate change, forecast that the deal will boost economic growth and employment in Japan and in Europe.

One detail to be ironed out is how complaints from business over how authorities apply the treaty will be dealt with. That is a touchy subject in Europe due to concerns that trade pacts give too much power to big multinationals. European parliaments nearly blocked a deal with Canada last year over such issues.

The European carmakers' lobby had called for at least seven years to phase out tariffs of up to 10 per cent on Japanese cars, and a senior EU official said they would not be disappointed.

Most EU food exports to Japan will see tariffs removed over time, although in some sensitive sectors such as cheese and other dairy products they will still be limited by quota.

More than 200 European products that benefit from geographic protections - for example Parma smoked ham must come from around the Italian city - would not face Japanese competition under those names, he added.

Scotch whisky might not benefit from such a deal, however, as Britain is due to leave the EU in 2019.

Tusk took the opportunity to scoff at arguments in Britain for Brexit on the grounds that London could cut itself better trade deals outside the Union. EU leaders say the weight of the combined economy can more easily crack open foreign markets.

In an ironic nod to Brexit supporters' rallying cry of Global Britain, Tusk, a former Polish premier, signed off a tweet confirming the Japan deal with the words Global Europe!

Reuters
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State schools students are performing better in their science A-levels than pupils at one of the countrys most expensive boarding schools.

According to a new league table measuring schools on their science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) expertise, boys from a number of free schools and grammars are more likely to do well than their peers at Eton College.

Reading School, King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys, and Sutton Grammar in Surrey have all been awarded top places in the Your Life league table, a government-backed campaign to promote science skills in school leavers.

A number of new specialist free schools  state schools run independently of local authority  are also proving to be performing well when partnered with universities.

Kings College London Mathematics School, which opened in 2014, comes top of the new table despite only making 24th place in traditional A-level rankings.

A similar free school sponsored by Exeter University comes fourth compared with a general A-level ranking of 168.

Pupils from Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form Free School in Norwich and Sidney Stringer Academy in Coventry also received top teaching for sciences.

The most expensive schools in the world Show all 10 1 /10 The most expensive schools in the world The most expensive schools in the world La Rosey, Switzerland This prestigious Swiss boarding school is believed to be the most expensive in the world. Le Rosey hosts pupils from seven to 18 and has been co-educational since 1967. The school takes in pupils from more than 60 countries, but allows no more than 10 per cent of its students to come from any one country in order to prevent a single nationality dominating. The school has two campuses  winter is spent in Gstaad, where pupils can make use of the ski slopes after their morning lessons. Come spring, the whole school will uproot to the Chataeau du Rosey in the village of Rolle by Lake Geneva. Le Rosey also boats a 1,000 seat concert hall, equestrian centre and 38-foot yacht. Notable alumni: Shah of Iran, Prince Rainier of Monaco and King Farouk of Egypt. Sir Roger Moore and Elizabeth Taylor also send their children here, along with John Lennons son Sean and Winston Churchills grandson. Fees: approx. 86,657 pa The most expensive schools in the world Aiglon College, Switzerland With a view of Mont Blanc, this high altitude school lends itself to outdoor pursuits. The school caters for boys and girls aged nine to 18 and is modelled on the traditional British Boarding school. Unlike most schools, however, the whole school body comes together for 20 minutes of meditation on three mornings each week. Notable alumni: Actor Michel Gill, Princess Tatiana of Greece and Denmark, Sheherazade Goldsmith Fees: up to 80,810 per year (upper school boarding) The most expensive schools in the world College Alpin International Beau Soleil Founded in 1910, Beau Soleil is one of the oldest private boarding schools in Switzerland. It is positioned 1,350 metres above sea level on the Swiss Alps and hosts pupils from more than 40 different nationalities aged 11-18. The curriculum is taught in both French and English and focuses on outdoor sports, with a ski slope and ice skating rink on site. Notable alumni: Racing driver Jacques Villeneuve, Princess Marie of Denmark, Prince Guillaume, Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg Fees: 79,528 College Alpin International Beau Soleil The most expensive schools in the world College du Leman International School, Switzerland Taking in children from as young as one year old, College du Leman teaches a bilingual programme of French and English up to age 18. The school campus stretches out across eight hectares and offers access to both Geneva city and the mountains. Pupils from more than 100 nationalities attend. Noteable alumni: Anna Ovcharova, Swiss, Russian figure skater Fees: 68,960 pa The most expensive schools in the world Leysin American School, Switzerland Another high-profile Swiss school, popular for its exclusive ski and snowboard facilities. LAS Students are allowed to spend Tuesday and Thursday afternoons on the mountain for sports. Despite its name, around 12 per cent of students are from the US. Notable alumni: According to Bloomberg, alumni include members of Saudi Arabias royal family, the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts. Fees: Approx 66,700 per year Leysin American School The most expensive schools in the world Institut auf dem Rosenberg With just 260 boarding pupils from over 40 countries, emphasis is placed on one-on-one time at the Institut auf dem Rosenberg. The school has a staff to student ratio of 1:4 and average class sizes of 8 students. Pupils can choose fromn one of five curricula, including British A level,s German Abitur and the Swiss Matura program. Notable alumni: Countless politicians and business leaders as well as international royalty  the school operates a strict privacy policy but most studenrts come from entrepreneurial families or are heirs to large businesses. Fees: 66,160 pa The most expensive schools in the world Think Global School The worlds first travelling high school takes pupils to four different countries each year  allowing pupils to experience subjects out in the field. The school has one teacher for every three students and has a 100 per cent pass rate for the International Baccalaureate qualification. Notable alumni: The school is only seven years old, but will no doubt become a popular choice with the next generation of rock stars children. Fees: 63,980. Sliding-scale scholarships offered. The most expensive schools in the world The American school in Switzerland (TASIS) The first US boarding school to be set up in Europe, TASIS lies on the Dollina dOro in the Swiss mountains. Fine art is central to the school curriculum and TASIS hosts its own Spring Arts Festival which attracts a number of famous artists and musicians each year. Notable alumni: American mountain climber Francys Arsentiev, Performer Jeanie Cunningham and Italian-American film director Francesca Gregorini Fees: 63,561 pa The most expensive schools in the world Brillantmont, Switzerland A family-run, traditional Swiss school for 130 years, Brillantmont overlooks Lake Geneva and sits just a five-minute walk away from Lausanne. Brillantmont boasts that 100 per cent of its students continue their studies to higher education. Notable alumni: kept suspiciously on the down-low Fees: 52,010 - 59,680 pa Brillantmont, Switzerland The most expensive schools in the world Hurtwood house, Surrey Hurtwood house, surrey Several of the best UK boarding schools top their fees around this mark. Set in an Edwardian mansion with 200 acres of grounds, Hurtwood House is one of the most unique. The school hosts just 340 pupils and is known for its focus on creativity and the arts  a recent school production of Chicago cost 75,000 to stage, according to Tatler. Notable alumni: Emily Blunt, Jack Huston, Hans Zimmer Fees: 39,555 pa

Eton College, which charges fees of more than 32,000 per year, appeared less favourably, however.

The elite boys boarding school  whose famous alumni include politicians and royals  was ranked 109th for STEM skills.

Lady Eleanor Holles, a girls independent school in southwest London, fell from 19th place nationally to 160th in the new tables.

Edwina Dunn, chairwoman of Your Life and chief executive of Starcount, which compiled the data, said the general league tables rewarded schools for grades rather than subjects, but modern rankings needed to measure how desirable pupils are for businesses and jobs.

(Your Life (Your Life)

The challenge of Brexit is upon us and the clock is ticking if we want to have the workforce we need to compete in the world," she said.

"School performance measurements should more closely reflect the skill requirements of the UK economy and reward subject expertise in the most demand skills areas."

The group has called for a "rethink" of how schools are assessed to give greater weight to the subjects that open up the most career prospects.

There are schools up and down the country that are doing a great job in preparing their pupils for the job market today and in the future.

 Education Secretary Justine Greening avoids question of which expert backs more grammar schools

In 2011, around one fifth of the UK workforce was employed in science-based roles, equating to 5.8 million people.

This number is expected to rise to 7.1 million by the year 2030, placing increasing pressure on the younger generation to leave school equipped with STEM skills.

Launching an All Party Parliamentary Group enquiry earlier this year into how well schools prepare pupils for careers, cross-party MPs urged for the STEM skills gap to be addressed in light of the current global climate.

Technological and business advances are made at an accelerated rate [and] young people must be provided with the ability to upskill and retrain to move fluidly between career sectors, said the groups chair, MP Danny Kinahan.

If we fail to adequately prepare new generations for this shift, we risk stifling the entrepreneurial spirit and ambition that makes Britain internationally competitive and culturally vibrant.

Responding to the new rankings, Heather Hanbury, Lady Eleanor Holles school headteacher, said the number of her pupils taking STEM subjects and achieving top grades was growing every year.

She told The Times: In a school where well over 60 per cent of sixth formers take Stem subjects and where we are investing heavily in computing, robotics and technology, we believe the future for Stem at LEH is fantastic."

Eton College has been contacted for a response.
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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has met the Queen while picking up an honorary degree in Edinburgh, and managed to make her majesty crack a rare smile while he was at it.

Mr Trudeau was awarded the degree of Doctor honoris causa by the University of Edinburgh in recognition of his commitment to equality and diversity. During his speech he praised Scotland for being a "strong partner" to Canada.

He later walked through the capital clutching his degree scroll before a private meeting with the Queen at the Palace of Holyroodhouse set up to honour her importance to Canada's history and to thank her for her continued dedication to Canada, his office said.

Recommended Justin Trudeau takes swipe at UK over Brexit

To the Queen's amusement, Mr Trudeau was filmed saying: "I've been offered an honorary degree at the University of Edinburgh. It probably dismays a number of my former professors to see a doctor now  even an honorary [one]".

Mr Trudeau was visiting Scotland on his way to the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, on July 7 and 8.

He is the second Canadian Prime Minister to receive an honorary degree from the university after Sir Wilfrid Laurier in 1902, who he described as his second favourite Canadian Prime Minister.

Accepting the honour, he said: From the people of Canada to the people of Scotland, thank you for being a strong partner to us in this new global era of so many challenges.

Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Show all 62 1 /62 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II on a walk-about in Portsmouth during her Silver Jubilee tour of Great Britain, 1977 PA Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II The future Britain's Queen Elizabeth II (R) pictured with her younger sister Princess Margaret (L) in 1933 AFP/Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II The 9-year-old Elizabeth attends an aristocratic wedding with her mother and younger sister. Later in that year with the death of her Grandfather and the Abdication of her Uncle Edward VIII she became first in line to the throne, 1936 Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II The coronation of King George VI in 1937, Elizabeth aged 10 became the heir apparent to the throne Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Elizabeth and her sister arrive at Waterloo station to say goodbye to their parents as they leave to tour Canada. Elizabeth was thought too young to escort her parents on the tour and was described as "tearful" as they departed. She and her parents made the first ever transatlantic telephone call during their time away, 1939 Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II The 13-year-old Elizabeth and her sister Margret address children who have been evacuated from the cities on BBC's 'The Chilrens Hour' She said "We are trying to do all we can to help our gallant sailors, soldiers and airmen, and we are trying, too, to bear our share of the danger and sadness of war. We know, every one of us, that in the end all will be well", 1940 Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Just before the end of the war Elizabeth took part in training to become an ATS officer. She is pictured learning to change a tire, 1945 AFP/Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II The official announcement of Princess Elizabeth and Phillip Mountbatten's engagement. The pairing was incredibly controversial as Prince Phillip had no financial standing and he was foreign born, the prince of Denmark and Greece (though he served Britain in the war and was given British Citizenship), 1947 Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II (in coach) and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh are cheered by the crowd after their wedding ceremony, on 20 November 1947, on their road to Buckingham Palace, London Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Elizabeth smiles at her first child, a month old Prince Charles. Charles was born on 14 November 1948 Corbis Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II The couples second child Princess Anne was born in 1950 Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Arriving back in England upon hearing the death of her father King George VI. The Kings health had been in decline for a number of years and Elizabeth had been filling in for him on an official visit to Australia by way of Kenya. As his heir Elizabeth became Queen aged 26 Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth's coronation took place on 2 June 1953. It was the first ever coronation to be aired live on television, being one of the most watched events in history with millions gathering around their TV sets to see the new monarch Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II standing next to her daughter Princess Anne, 1960 Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II President Eisenhower (centre) with the British Royal family (L-R) Prince Philip, Princess Anne, HM Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles and Captain John Eisenhower, at Balmoral Castle, Scotland, 1959 Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II as she turns to smile and talk to an unidentified officer, during the Trooping of the Colour by the First Battalion of the Jamaica Regiment at Up-Park Camp, Kingston, Jamaica, 1966 Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II walking cross country at the North of Scotland Gun Dog Association Open Stake Retreiver Trials in the grounds of Balmoral Castle in 1967 Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to the Chelsea Flower Show in London, a regular fixture in the royal calendar, 1971 PA Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh during their traditional summer break at Balmoral Castle. The highland retreat is one of the Queen's favourite places, each year, she heads off to Scotland for the summer. "It is rather nice to hibernate for a bit when one leads such a moveable life," she once said, 1976 Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II during a walkabout in Muscat while visiting Oman, 1979 PA Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II with some of her corgis walking the Cross Country course during the second day of the Windsor Horse Trials. The monarch is responsible for introducing a new breed of dog known as the "dorgi" when her corgi Tiny was mated with a dachshund "sausage dog" called Pipkin which belonged to Princess Margaret, 1980 PA Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II (L-R) the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince William, Prince Harry and the Prince and Princess of Wales after the christening ceremony of Prince Harry, 1984 PA Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II taking the salute of the Household Guards regiments during the Trooping of the Colour ceremony in London, 1985 PA Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Diana, Princess of Wales and Queen Elizabeth II as they smile to well-wishers outside Clarence House in London, 1987 AP Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II, with Chief Instructor, Small Arms Corp LT Col George Harvey, firing the last shot on a standard SA 80 rifle when she attended the centenary of the Army Rifle Association at Bisley, 1993 PA Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II South Africa's President Nelson Mandela greets Queen Elizabeth II as she steps from the royal yacht Britannia in Cape Town at the 1995's official start of the her first visit to the country since 1947 PA Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II smiles as she visits Bowring Park in St. John's, Newfoundland, on the third day of a 10-day official visit to Canada, 1997 Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh make their way into St. George's Chapel at Windsor for the annual Garter ceremony, 1999 AFP/Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II and Pope John Paul II as they meet at the Vatican, 2000 AP Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother leaving church by horse drawn carriage on the Sandringham Estate, Norfolk, 2000 PA Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth rides her horse in the grounds of Windsor Castle, 2002 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth arrives for the world premiere of James Bond movie "Casino Royale" at the Odeon cinema in Leicester Square in London, 2006 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth boards a scheduled train at Kings Cross station in London, 2009 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II planting a tree at Newmarket Animal Health Trust, during a royal visit which marked her 50th year as the charity's patron, 2009 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II talking with Pope Benedict XVI during an audience in the Morning Drawing Room at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh during a four day visit by the Pope to the UK, 2010 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II visiting the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 2010 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II receives flowers from the crowd during her visit to Federation Square in downtown Melbourne, 2011 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth watches a preview of her Christmas message wearing a pair of 3D glasses, studded with Swarovski crystals in the form of a "Q", at Buckingham Palace in central London, 2012 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Members of Britain's royal family (front L to R) Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles cheer as competitors participate in a sack race at the Braemar Gathering in Braemar, Scotland, 2012 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Britain's Prince Charles kisses the hand of his mother Queen Elizabeth at the end of her Diamond Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London, 2012 Reuters Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge laughs as Queen Elizabeth gestures during a visit to Vernon Park in Nottingham, 2012 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip attend a service for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul's Cathedral in London, 2012 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II meets young people during an official visit to The Shard building in central London, 2013 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Actress Angelina Jolie is presented with the Insignia of an Honorary Dame Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George by Queen Elizabeth II in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace, London, 2014 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh visit the Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red evolving art installation at the Tower of London, 2014 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at the State Opening of Parliament, 2015 AFP/Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II (L-R) Britain's Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge holding his son Prince George of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Harry (back), Prince Andrew, Duke of York (back), James, Viscount Severn (front), Princess Beatrice of York (back), Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Eugenie of York (back) stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace waiting to view the fly-past during the Queen's Birthday Parade, 'Trooping the Colour,' in London, 2015 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II The Trooping of the Colour is an annual celebration marking the Queen's birthday, 2015 Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Britain's Queen Elizabeth II stands with Kate the Duchess of Cambridge whilst pushing Princess Charlotte in a pram as they leave after attending the Christening of Britain's Princess Charlotte at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, 2015 AP Photo/Matt Dunham, Pool Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II arrives at the Broadway Theatre in Barking, 2015 Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II greets wellwishers during a 'walkabout' on her 90th birthday in Windsor in 2016 AFP via Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Members of the Royal Family during trooping of the colour in 2017 AFP via Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II The Queen waves at Prince Harry and Meghan after their wedding in 2018 POOL/AFP via Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex gesture during their visit to the Storyhouse in Chester, Cheshire in 2018 AFP via Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Prince Charles reacts as he sits with his mother Britain's Queen Elizabeth II during an event to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings, in Portsmouth in 2019 AFP via Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are joined by her mother, Doria Ragland, as they show their new son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, to the Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle Chris Allerton/Sussex Royal/PA Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II reacts as she visits the Haig Housing Trust in Morden in 2019 POOL/AFP via Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II takes her seat on the The Sovereign's Throne in the House of Lords next to Prince Charles, before reading the Queen's Speech during the State Opening of Parliament in 2019 POOL/AFP via Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II looks at the coffin of Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh during his funeral service at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle POOL/AFP via Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II and Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales pose alongside the tree which they planted to mark the start of the official planting season for the Queen's Green Canopy (QGC) at the Balmoral Cricket Pavilion, Balmoral Estate in Scotland POOL/AFP via Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Britain's Queen Elizabeth II cuts a cake to celebrate the start of the Platinum Jubilee during a reception in the Ballroom of Sandringham House, the Queen's Norfolk residence on February 5, 2022. - Queen Elizabeth II on Sunday will became the first British monarch to reign for seven decades, in a bittersweet landmark as she also marked the 70th anniversary of her father's death AFP/Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II arrives in Westminster Abbey accompanied by Prince Andrew, Duke of York for the Service Of Thanksgiving For The Duke Of Edinburgh on March 29, 2022 in London Getty

Mr Trudeau gave part of his speech in French and spoke of the links between the two countries.

He said: Fifteen per cent of Canadians have Scottish roots, so Canadians, including me, have a strong link and affinity with Scots.

He described the relationship between the two countries as a relationship based on a shared past and culture, all the more so as we share a certain number of priorities and values.

Mr Trudeau told graduates from the school of social and political science that things that are worth it are never easy as he urged them to be open to new challenges.

He said: If it excites you a lot and scares you a little, then you should probably do it. Be bold, be brave, be open to the incredible opportunities in front of you.

Class of 2017, we need you, the world needs you, so be the best version of yourselves and go make us all proud. Congratulations.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Mr Trudeau previously met the Queen in London shortly after his election in 2015 and they also met when Mr Trudeau was a young boy and his father Pierre was Canada's PM.

On Tuesday, Mr Trudeau visited Ireland, accompanied by his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and their young son Hadrien, where he met Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar for the first time.

His office said his visit to Ireland and the UK will serve to recognise the strong family ties, history and common purpose our countries share.

Press Association
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Build it and they shall come is the fundamental law of economics  if only according to Rick Perry, Donald Trumps Energy Secretary.

While touring a coal-burning power plant in West Virginia, Mr Perry attempted to explain the basic economic concept of supply and demand to reporters  but he may not have been the best teacher.

Here's a little economics lesson: supply and demand. You put the supply out there and the demand will follow, Mr Perry said, responding to a question about a shale gas boom, according to comments captured by S&P Global Market Intelligence.

The market will decide which of these  they're going to pick and choose, Mr Perry continued at Longview Power Plant. I mean, that's really pretty simple. All too often, you have in the last eight years, you have an administration that was over here putting its thumb on the economic scale as well as the technology scale because they said this is where we want to go.

Apparently, when a reporter tried to ask a follow-up question about the prevalence of shale gas, Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia stepped in.

If Mr Perry was referencing the economic theory that describes the interaction between supply and demand, then his explanation was incorrect.

According to the long-held theory, if the supply for a product is low but its demand is high, the price of the product is likely to increase. But if a product's supply is high and the demand for a product is low, then the product's price is likely to decrease.

Energy saving options in pictures Show all 4 1 /4 Energy saving options in pictures Energy saving options in pictures Nest Thermostat merges cool tech with neat design Energy saving options in pictures Swan has launched a halogen oven which promises faster cooking as well as energy saving and health benefits Energy saving options in pictures Duette blinds have a climate control insulating action so rooms stay cool in the summer months and warm in the winter Energy saving options in pictures Rainshower has a button on the handle that can be pressed to reduce the water used by 40%

However, there is a chance that Mr Perry could have been referencing Say's law of markets, an economic theory that argues supply is the origin of demand.

The US Department of Energy did not respond to CBS News request for clarification on what the former governor of Texas meant.
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Grenfell Tower has moved significantly three times since the deadly fire last month, twice forcing staff working inside to evacuate the building.

Alarms monitoring structural movement of the tower have been triggered on three separate occasions since being installed, after movement of more than five millimetres was detected.

Staff were withdrawn from inside the building as a precaution on two occasions, according to the Grenfell Response Team (GRT). No staff were on site when alarms sounded for a third time.

Scotland Yard said staff were temporarily stopped from working inside the tower while additional tests were carried out.

Officers only stopped people working inside the tower, and no one was asked to leave their property because of this," a spokesperson said. "Now those tests have been completed, work has re-started inside Grenfell Tower."

Dr Colin Davie, senior lecturer in civil engineering at University of Newcastle, told The Independent movement was obviously a concern if authorities were monitoring it so closely.

They are being very conservative if they are getting people out at that little movement," he said. "They are doing the right thing by looking after the people working inside a damaged building."

But residents were furious that workers were being evacuated while they were kept in the dark.

In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Show all 51 1 /51 In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police have released images from inside the tower where at least 58 people have died Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A still from a video shared by polices what appears to be a stationary bicycle sitting among the ashes In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A still from a video shared by police shows the remnants of a burnt-out bathroom In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Picture showing the lifts on an unknown floor Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emergency crews outside the front entrance to the tower Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Fire crews inspecting flats in the burnt out tower London Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Grenfell Tower is seen in the distance PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A drone flies near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire 'Theresa May Stay Away' message written on the messages of support at Latymer Community Church for those affected by the fire Ray Tang/REX In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire An aerial view of the area surrounding Grenfall tower Getty In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Donated shoes sit in the Westway Sports Centre near to the site of the Grenfell Tower fire Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Messages of support for those affected by the massive fire in Grenfell Tower are displayed on a well near the tower in London AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A local resident stands on her balcony by the gutted Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Messages of condolence are left at a relief centre close to the scene of the fire that broke out at Grenfell Tower, EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A police officer stands by a security cordon outside Latimer Road station Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Firemen examine the scorched facade of the Grenfell Tower in London on a huge ladder AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A search dog is led through the rubble of the Grenfell Tower in London as firefighting continue to damp-down the deadly fire AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn comforts a local resident (name not given) at St Clement's Church in west London where volunteers have provided shelter and support for people affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower David Mirzoeff/PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn hugs councillor Mushtaq Lasharie as he arrives at St Clement's Church in Latimer Road, where volunteers have provided shelter and support for people affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn meeting staff and volunteers at St Clementis Church in Latimer Road David Mirzoeff/PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Firefighters with a dog walk around the base of the Grenfell Tower REUTERS/Peter Nicholls In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emotions run high as people attend a candle lit vigil outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Debris hangs from the blackened exterior of Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman speaks to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman holds a missing person posters near the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Sadiq Khan speaking with a resident James Gourley/REX In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Ken Livingstone walks near the scene of the Grenfell Tower fire Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is confronted by Kai Ramos, 7, near Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Mayor of London Sadiq Khan speaks to a woman outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers distribute aid near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People gather to observe a vigil outside St Clement's Church following the blaze at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People light candles as they observe a vigil outside St Clement's Church following the blaze at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A man distributes food from the back of a van near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A firefighter is cheered near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A T-shirt with a written message from the London Fire Brigade hangs from a fence near The Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A young girl on her way to lay flowers near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire The remains of residential tower block Grenfell Tower are seen from Dixon House a nearby tower block Getty In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers prepare supplies for people affected by the Grenfell Tower block which was destroyed in a fire REUTERS/Neil Hall In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers move a car to make space for a lorry picking up supplies for people affected by the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People distribute boxes of food near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower bloc REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman touches a missing poster for 12-year-old Jessica Urbano on a tribute wall after laying flowers on the side of Latymer Community Church next to the fire-gutted Grenfell Tower AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A man looks at messages written on a wall near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Candles and messages of condolence near where the fire broke out at Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police carry a stretcher towards Grenfell Tower Rick Findler/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emergency services at Grenfell Tower Rick Findler/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police carry out a body from Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Rick Findler/PA Wire

Joe Delaney, a resident of the nearby Lancaster West estate, said there were major concerns among residents and the surrounding community over the structural integrity of the building.

We've been told anecdotally that the side of the tower facing Latimer Road station is due to partially collapse, but we have been told nothing at all, he told The Independent.

Theres no one to reassure anyone about anything. The only catastrophe they are trying to manage is a PR one. We havent even had a fire drill and have no alarms.

He said the only safety information circulated by GRT to residents was a press release that gave them absolutely no reassurances.

An on-site alarm system is now attached to the core of the building but previously an air horn was being used to alert people within the tower to structural movement.

Recommended I understand why the Grenfell Tower residents are so angry

A GRT spokesperson said: We appreciate the concern this may have caused and following a review of procedures today, the air horn will not be used again.

Separately, a number of businesses that back on to the tower were evacuated, further adding to the confusion.

Offices in Baseline Studios were closed by London Fire Brigade (LFB) due to their fire exits being blocked by ongoing work at the tower.

But Mr Delaney, who is currently staying in a hotel, said fire exits used by residents living above the businesses were also blocked.

That exit has been sealed off since the night of the fire, so I don't see what the issue was there. Our fire exits are just as blocked and no residents were evacuated," he said.

A LFB spokesperson said: A number of retail units which are very close to the Grenfell Tower cordon were evacuated today due to concerns about their fire exits being blocked because they back on to the investigation site. This was not because the tower was unstable but it was to ensure that people could leave safely in the event of a fire.

The Brigade is on site to explore how to ensure the fire exits can be accessed in a way which would allow the retail units to go back into use.
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US pop star Ariana Grande has paid tribute to Saffie Roussos, the youngest victim of the Manchester Arena bombing.

The eight-year-old was with her family when suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated a home-made device, killing 22 people including seven children.

Following a concert in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, Grande tweeted: Saffie, we're (thinking) of you baby alongside a birthday cake emoji.

The youngster, from Leyland, Lancashire, would have celebrated her ninth birthday on 4 July.

To mark the occasion her family chose to speak out, paying tribute to Saffie and remembering how she had looked forward to the concert.

Her older sister, Ashlee Bromwich, said the super fan was elated as she watched her idol on perform on 22 May.

She was Ariana Grande-obsessed, so to see how happy she was, it was just... obviously I had to go with her, she told the BBC.

Her father, Andrew Roussos, said: You couldn't be out with Saffie without having fun, but her dream was to be famous. It was her everything and we bought her the tickets for Christmas.

She was just counting the days, the seconds and it was just Ariana Grande until nine, 10 o'clock at night. And she would sing and dance every single song.

The explosion ripped through the arena foyer as thousands of fans, mostly young girls, left the venue following Grande's performance.

Mr Roussos, who said all hell broke loose after the bombing, was later told by a police detective that Saffie had died.

Manchester explosion in pictures Show all 37 1 /37 Manchester explosion in pictures Manchester explosion in pictures People running down stairs as they attempt to exit the Manchester Arena after a blast, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Twitter/@ZACH_BRUCE/ via REUTERS Manchester explosion in pictures Helpers attend to people inside the Manchester Arena after a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Armed officers guard outside a hotel near the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers are seen outside the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester, northern England Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police and fans close to the Manchester Arena, after reports of an explosion Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England, at a concert in Manchester Arena AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police stand by a cordoned off street close to the Manchester Arena Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of a reported explosion during a concert in Manchester, England, on May 23, 2017. British police said early May 23 there were "a number of confirmed fatalities" after reports of at least one explosion during a pop concert by US singer Ariana Grande. Ambulances were seen rushing to the Manchester Arena venue and police added in a statement that people should avoid the area AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An ambulance drives away from the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Police escort members of the public from the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman sits in the street in a blanket near the Manchester Arena as police guard the area following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena, where US singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester. At least 19 people have been confirmed dead and others 50 were injured, authorities said. It is being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise EPA Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Members of the public receive treatment from emergency service staff at Victoria Railway Station close to the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed this evening. Greater Manchester Police have have confirmed there are fatalities and warned people to stay away from the area Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police after a suspected terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Emergency services arrive close to the Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An amoured police vehicle patrols near Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A man carries a young girl on his shoulders near Victoria station in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers stand at the Miller Street and Corporation Street Crossroads, in front of the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police block a road near to the Manchester Arena in central Manchester, England AP Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police patrol near Victoria station in Manchester, northwest England. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police forensic officers leave the Manchester Arena as they investigate the scene of an explosion in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A forensic officer collects evidence on a walkway between Victoria station and Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman and a young girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande talks to police near Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Manchester explosion in pictures EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese speak to the media outside Manchester Town Hall after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Dave Higgens/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures The media gather behind a police cordon in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Danny Lawson/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures Ariana Grande concert attendees Karen Moore and her daughter Molly Steed, aged 14, from Derby, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Manchester explosion in pictures Signs saying 'We love Manchester' are displayed in a window in Manchester, England Getty Images

We've lost everything. We have, we've lost everything, because life will just never be the same, he said.

Press Association
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Police are appealing for information to help solve the mystery of a severed human finger found in a disused shop nearly seven years ago.

Detectives have remained baffled as to whose finger it was ever since a dog discovered it in the back yard of the empty shop in Woburn Walk near Londons Euston Station on December 4 2010.

Despite an extensive police search, no other human remains were found in the vicinity.

At one point, detectives thought the finger might have been blown off a victim of the July 7 2005 attacks, because of its proximity to where suicide bomber Hasib Hussain detonated his device on a double decker bus heading down Upper Woburn Place towards Tavistock Square.

But after DNA from the finger was compared to all victims and survivors, Scotland Yard investigators concluded it was not linked to the 7/7 attacks.

The DNA analysis confirmed it was a human finger, from a male, but there were no matches with any missing persons or crime reports from the time.

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The DNA has since been loaded onto the national missing person database, but officers are still no closer to making a match or knowing the circumstances of how the finger became parted from its owner.

Detectives are now appealing for the public to share any information they may have to help solve the seven-year mystery.

DC Tom Boon, from the Central North Command's Missing Persons Unit, said: It is quite the mystery.

We have now exhausted all lines of inquiry and have been unable to find out who the finger belongs to and how the finger became detached in the first place.

We are now appealing for the public to help us solve the case. If anyone has any information, no matter how small or insignificant they think it is, we would urge them to contact us. It would be great to be able to find out who the finger belongs to after all these years.

Anyone with information should contact the Central North Command's Missing Persons Unit on 07881 330963 or 020 8733 6543, or police via 101 or Twitter @MetCC.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
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Living in a nursing home is like playing Russian roulette, charities have warned, after it was revealed one in four of Britains social care services and a third of nursing homes are failing on safety.

Thousands of vulnerable people are at risk of failing to receive the right medication, being left to go hungry, and being ignored when they ask for help, said the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The news comes as it emerged the number of people with dementia in England and Wales is set to rise to 1.2 million by 2040, sparking calls for the Government to pay urgent attention to social care to avert a future crisis.

Theresa Mays controversial dementia tax policy, which caused chaos for the Conservatives during the general election campaign, was conspicuously absent from the Queens Speech.

The Prime Minister repeatedly refused to answer the crucial question of the level of any care cap, at one point referring to the policy as a concept.

Analysis by the CQC shows that 23 per cent of care homes, nursing homes and home care services require improvement on safety, while a further 2 per cent  343 services, in which almost 20,000 people are cared for  are inadequate.

When it comes to nursing homes, which care for people with the highest level of need, one in three were failing on safety.

Campaigners called the findings disturbing and called for action, not more words from the Government to stop the imminent collapse of the social care system, which they said has been devastated by cuts.

The CQC said staff shortages can mean there are not enough checks and balances in place to ensure people are getting the right medication and the right support to eat and to drink.

These are things you do not want to be happening to your loved one or mum, said Andrea Sutcliffe, chief inspector of adult social care.

 Jeremy Corbyn confronts Theresa May on how much social care budget has been cut

Issues seen by inspectors include people not getting help to go to the toilet in time, and being washed and dressed then put back to bed to make things easier for staff.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said services across the country were patchy and called for considerable investment in the sector.

Taken as a whole, this report is a graphic demonstration of why older people desperately need the Government to follow through on its commitment to consult on proposals for strengthening social care later this year, she said.

The report also makes a compelling case for why considerably more investment in social care is required. On nursing homes, she said: You can be lucky but it's a bit like playing Russian roulette.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said Government cuts to local authority funding had made attracting and retaining social care staff extremely difficult.

Recommended Nurses protest outside Department of Health over low pay

When care staff are paid minimum wage, getting a job in a supermarket can seem more appealing. Some carers are not even paid for the time it takes to travel between home visits, said Gary Kirwan, the RCNs senior employment relations adviser.

The few remaining registered nurses in the sector are overstretched and responsible for a large number of staff and residents. Care providers must improve pay and conditions to make it a more attractive career, with professional development and education prospects.

But underfunding remains the biggest issue. When cuts to local authority social care budgets put more pressure on the NHS, the Government must show it recognises that by giving councils adequate funding for care services.

Nicola OBrien, head of policy and campaigns at the Alzheimers Society, said people with dementia deserve better than what is currently provided.

It is disturbing that safety has been flagged as the biggest concern in care, when providers are caring for some of the most vulnerable adults in society, she said.

Without funding to put the right protocols in place, its no surprise that providers are being forced to cut corners. We need to see Government act before the care system collapses, with clear detail on consultation for reform that is backed up with action, not more words.

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their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A 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Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A 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Inspectors also raised concerns about organisations slipping down the ratings, with a quarter of those last rated as good deteriorating since their last inspection.

Ms Sutcliffe said failing services do not always treat people with dignity and respect  leading to situations that are completely and utterly unacceptable in the modern age.

So, services where we have gone in first thing in the morning and we've found people who have been got out of bed, washed, dressed and put back to bed because it's easier for the night staff to do it than the day staff, she said.

Ms Sutcliffe said other issues included a reliance upon agency staff who do not necessarily know the people they were caring for, and were therefore not able to provide the services needed.

A failure to carry out proper checks on staff and poor staff training had also been highlighted by inspectors.

More than 21,000 adult social care services in England have been given a rating by the CQC in five areas: safety; leadership, and whether a service is caring, effective and responsive to peoples needs.

Across these five indicators, 19 per cent of services require improvement, 2 per cent are inadequate, 77 per cent are good and 2 per cent are outstanding.

While most services are good and should be praised, Ms Sutcliffe said nursing homes continue to be the worry area, with only 67 per cent rated as good.

She said that many of these homes are struggling to retain and recruit good quality nursing staff and this has an impact on their ability to provide good services.

Just over 1,800 services rated as good previously have now been re-inspected.

Of these, a quarter have deteriorated from good, including 5 per cent that are now rated as inadequate. What it says to me is that there is a struggle for services to continue to maintain the high quality care that we know is vital and important for people, Ms Sutcliffe said.

That, I think, shows the fragility in the sector and that good quality care is potentially precarious and we need to make sure that we're focusing on it and that we're not complacent about those good quality ratings.

However, she added that four out of five services rated previously as inadequate had improved at the point of re-inspection.

Overall, inspectors looked at 1,493 community social care services, 5,511 agencies providing care in peoples homes, 10,858 residential care homes and 4,042 nursing homes.

Margaret Willcox, president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), said: This report recognises that there is a lot of great care provided by committed leaders and staff through high quality services to people in care homes and in their own home.

She said extra Government funding was welcome but did not meet increasing needs and costs.

The risk of adult social care approaching its tipping point is still real and we will focus on re-doubling our mutual efforts to ensure that the quality of care doesn't deteriorate and that older and disabled people and their families get the reliable, personal care they need and deserve.

Health minister Jackie Doyle-Price said: While this report shows that the vast majority of people receive good or outstanding adult social care, it is completely unacceptable that standards in some settings are below those rightly expected bycare users and their families.

That's why we have introduced tougher inspections of care services, provided an additional 2bn to the sector, and later this year we will be consulting on the future of social care in this country to put it on a stable footing for the future.

Shadow Health Minister, Barbara Keeley, said: This report confirms that the social care funding crisis caused by this Government is now seriously affecting the quality of care across the country.

Behind these statistics are thousands of vulnerable adults failing to get the medicines they have been prescribed, being ignored when they ask for help or having home visits missed.
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Investor fear and the prospect of a Jeremy Corbyn premiership means Brexit might never actually happen, political sources have claimed.

Speculation is reportedly growing that Britain may never leave the EU due to a combination of factors that make the decision less desirable.

BBC Newsnights Political Editor Nicholas Watt told the programme he was beginning to hear talk in some quarters that Brexit may never come to fruition.

I spoke to one leave supporter who now fears a combination of a stalling economy and investor fear over a possible Corbyn premiership could create a storm that could stall Brexit, he said.

I spoke to another person who is familiar with the Brexit process who said to me they think there is a strong chance it may not actually happen.

However, one source told him he was certain Brexit would happen due to the likelihood of legislation supporting the decision being passed through Parliament.

In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Show all 12 1 /12 In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European commission member in charge of Brexit negotiations with Britain, French Michel Barnier listens at the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty Images In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, delivers his speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg EPA In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt, President of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), addresses the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit priorities and the upcomming talks on the UK's withdrawal from the EU Reuters In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Michel Barnier, European Chief Negotiator for Brexit reacts during a meeting at the European Parliament in Strasbourg EPA In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Member of the European Parliament and former leader of the anti-EU UK Independence Party (UKIP) Nigel Farage wears socks with Union Jack flag at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty Images In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Nigel Farage, United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) member and MEP, addresses the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit priorities and the upcoming talks on the UK's withdrawal from the EU Reuters In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European commission member in charge of Brexit negotiations with Britain, French Michel Barnier gestures during speeches at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions The President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker (L) speaks with European commission member in charge of Brexit negotiations with Britain, French Michel Barnier at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt, President of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), addresses the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit priorities and the upcomming talks on the UK's withdrawal from the EU Reuters In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier delivers a speech during a plenary session at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions The European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France Getty Images

I spoke to one Brexiteer who is absolutely confident that Brexit will happen if only for one very simple reason, Labour divisions means the legislation paving the way for Brexit will get through Parliament, he said.

It comes two weeks after the UK began formal negotiations to leave the EU.

But negotiating terms are proving divisive with the Department of International Trade (DIT), led by Liam Fox, arguing the UK should prioritise trade deals outside the EU.

The department announced last week it will start talks on a US-UK trade deal in Washington on 24 July.

Meanwhile the Chancellor, Philip Hammond, is leading a drive for a lengthy transitional period, hoping to avoid a disastrous cliff edge for businesses as a result of leaving with no trade deal.

Officials working for Mr Hammond have written an unpublished paper challenging DIT's argument for non-EU trade.
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Brexit will undoubtedly damage Britains capacity to work with other EU countries on issues relating to foreign affairs and its ability to exert influence in the world, according to the former Conservative Foreign Secretary William Hague.

Speaking to the House of Lords EU external affairs sub-committee, Lord Hague, who is also a former Tory leader, added it could even be possible Britain would be in a position of advocating EU membership for countries in the Balkans while simultaneously negotiating to leave the bloc.

But when asked by peers how Brexit will affect the UKs relationship with the 27 other EU countries, he replied: Brexit will be damaging to our ability to work with other EU countries, obviously on foreign affairs and influence their outlook overall.

There is no doubt we are a big player in the foreign affairs council, bigger than we are in the financial and economic affairs of the EU. It is also true that they will want to consult us, to temper the gloom a little bit.

Lord Hague added that Britain should seek permanent membership of the EUs Common Political Security Committee which he said was very important to the UK. An arrangement of this kind would mitigate the damage that will undoubtedly be caused, he told peers.

The committee amplifies the UK's weight in the world by enabling it to lead a united response on issues like sanctions on Iran and safeguards of British interests in areas such as the Falklands, where Argentina recognises the solidarity among 28 countries that will be shown in response to any hostile actions, he said.

Former defence secretary and Nato secretary general Lord Robertson told the committee that the reduction in UK influence also came at a moment when Europe was having to take a bigger security role as the US downgraded the importance of the transatlantic partnership.

Cathy Ashton, the former EU foreign affairs representative, added: The big and most fundamental issue is that in the process of working up the way in which policy is developed and determining what Europes policy would be, we wont be in the room to either influence it in one way or another. That will be a loss to the European Union and potentially a loss to our capacity to develop policy.

I dont believe that Europe will do other than consult Britain. I think that there is a natural desire for the reasons that have been given: history and geography come into play in this. But it wont be the same.
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Donald Trump is reportedly planning to confront Theresa May over the case of terminally ill child Charlie Gard.

The White House is expected to raise the issue of the 11-month-old boy's treatment in a one-to-one meeting with the Prime Minister at the G20 summit.

The US President said this week he would be "delighted" to help Charlie, who is being cared for in London, after a UK court ruled his life-support machine should be turned off.

The Vatican also offered to treat the young boy amid growing international attention on a lengthy legal battle between his parents, who want to take him to the US for experimental therapy, and doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH.)

Downing Street is preparing for the subject to come up in a meeting with the President at the gathering of world leaders in Hamburg, the Daily Mail reported.

Their talks are likely to be dominated by the North Korea missile crisis and a post-Brexit trade deal, but Number 10 was said to be compiling a detailed briefing on Charlie's case in anticipation of questions from Mr Trump.

"The President is deeply moved by the heartbreaking situation facing Charlie Gard and his parents," a White House source told the newspaper.

"Although the President himself has not spoken to the family, members of the administration, assisted by British officials, have done so.

"President Trump has no desire to pressure the family in any way. However, he does want them to know that he is willing to provide assistance should they need any."

The President tweeted on Monday: "If we can help little Charlie Gard, as per our friends in the UK and the Pope, we would be delighted to do so."

But Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said yesterday decisions on the boy's treatment should be "led by expert medical opinion, supported by the courts".

Charlie suffers from a rare genetic condition which causes brain damage and muscle depletion and no one can be certain whether or not he feels pain, GOSH has said.

Successive legal attempts by Charlie's parents failed as judges in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court in London ruled in favour of doctors, while the European Court of Human Rights declined to hear the couple's appeal.

Doctors have agreed to give Charlie's parents, Chris Gard and Connie Yates, from west London, a few more days to spend with their son before his life support is switched off.

But the family said they had not given up hope and have been in touch with the White House after a US doctor offered to provide free treatment in a last-ditch attempt to save or extend the boy's life.

The Vatican's paediatric hospital has also offered to care for Charlie following an intervention from the Pope.

Charlie's mother said: "The support from the Pope and the President has given us hope. They are traditional men who believe in the family.

"They believe in our case and understand why we believe it is right to continue fighting so hard to save Charlie."

 Vatican hospital offers to care for Charlie Gard after Pope and Donald Trump tweet support

But the British government has backed medics at the centre of the case and stressed any any decisions about the infant's care should be in his "best interests".

Mrs May told MPs on Wednesday: "It is an unimaginable position for anybody to be in and I fully understand and appreciate that any parent in these circumstances will want to do everything possible and explore every option for their seriously ill child.

"But I also know that no doctor ever wants to be placed in the terrible position where they have to make such heartbreaking decisions.

"I am confident that Great Ormond Street Hospital have and always will consider any offers or new information that has come forward with consideration of the wellbeing of a desperately ill child."
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Brexit Secretary David Davis is on collision course with business leaders as the Government is warned Britain must remain in the single market and customs union until a final Brexit deal is in force.

It comes after Mr Davis said last month that while there will be a three-year transitional period until 2022, the UK will exit the customs union and tariff-free single market after March 2019  the end of the two year Article 50 timeframe.

But the demand from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), which represents 190,000 businesses, is for Government ministers to build a bridge from the end of the Article 50 process in March 2019 to the new deal in order to maximise stability and certainty for firms and avoiding a damaging cliff-edge.

In a lecture on Friday at the London School of Economics, director-general of the CBI Carolyn Fairbairn will say now is the time to be realistic about the negotiations, adding: Our proposal is for the UK to stay in the single market and a customs union until a final deal is in force.

Describing the CBIs approach as common sense, she will add: This would create a bridge to the new trading arrangement that, for businesses, feels like the road they are on. Because making two transitions  from where firms are now to a staging post and then again to a final deal  would be wasteful, difficult and uncertain in itself. One transition is better than two and certainty is better than uncertainty.

This is not about whether we are leaving the EU, it is about how. Once the Article 50 clock strikes midnight on 29 March 2019 the UK will leave the EU. She will also say that waiting until March 2019 is too late and that an agreement is needed fast in order for the stability of businesses in Britain.

The comments come ahead of a crucial two-day meeting between the Brexit Secretary and business leaders at Chevening House  his private country residence. Representatives are expected from manufacturing, retail, energy and transport, including the CBI and the British Chamber of Commerce, which are lobbying the Government to place business interests first in the negotiations in Brussels.

The call by the CBI is also backed by the manufactures organisation EEF, who added the absence of any clarity for British business makes it a sensible approach to transition.

Terry Scuoler, the organisations chief executive, added: With a reasonable transition period we can seek to maintain the economic benefits of participation in the single market and customs union. And move quickly to partially settling concerns expressed by many companies that the current approach to Brexit is akin to freewheeling.

Labours Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer said his party agreed with the call from CBI and that the country needs an early commitment to ensure strong transitional agreements, and that these should be on similar terms to those we currently enjoy.

Sir Keir added: Without that commitment, and without a bridge to new trading arrangements with the EU, there will be growing uncertainty for businesses and investment decisions will be delayed.

But the call from the CBI was immediately criticised by some leading the fight for Brexit during last years referendum. Gisela Stuart, the former Labour MP and Leave advocate, said the proposal increases the likelihood of negotiators in Brussels handing Britain a bad deal.

She continued: The big business lobby would prefer to ignore the mandate from the referendum of taking back control of our laws, borders, money and trade, and instead attempt to keep the UK in the EU by the back door.

Committing to stay in the EUs single market and customs union during a transition period would only serve to tie our hands in the negotiations, and make it more likely that the EU gives us a bad deal.

The CBI will also use the lecture to criticise the Governments contentious threat to EU leaders that no deal is better than a bad deal.

Rain Newton-Smith, the organisations chief economist, will add at the lecture on Friday: A no deal scenario would be costly for businesses and consumers. One of the most obvious costs would be tariffs. The UK would face tariffs on 90 per cent of its EU goods exports by value.

Under these the average tariff on UK goods exports to the EU would be around 4 per cent. If this were applied to total UK goods exports to the EU, the increase in tariff costs would be between 4.5 and 6 billion pounds per year. Thats 0.2 to 0.3 per cent of GDP per year.
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The EUs chief negotiator Michel Barnier has warned that it is impossible for the UK to have frictionless trade with Europe from outside of the single market.

Mr Barnier said that the full implications of leaving the EU appeared not to have been fully understood by British politicians.

Theresa May, Brexit Secretary David Davis and Chancellor Philip Hammond have all said they want to leave the single market while still having a customs arrangement that achieves frictionless borders.

The intervention from Mr Barnier will prove particularly difficult for Mr Davis, who is tomorrow hosting business leaders at an event to allay their fears that EU withdrawal will damage their ability to trade into Europe.

At a speech at the European Economic and Social Committee in Brussels, Mr Barnier said that after Brexit the UK will become a third country and that businesses should prepare for the uncertainty.

He said: I have heard some people in the UK argue that one can leave the single market and keep all of its benefits  that is not possible.

I have heard some people in the UK argue that one can leave the single market and build a customs union to achieve frictionless trade  that is not possible.

He said that Ms Mays negotiating position, including abolishing free movement, striking free trade deals and scrapping any role for the European Court of Justice (ECJ), implied the UK is leaving both the single market and the customs union.

How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Show all 8 1 /8 How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Weetabix Chief executive of Weetabix Giles Turrell has warned that the price of one of the nations favourite breakfast are likely to go up this year by low-single digits in percentage terms. Reuters How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Nescafe The cost of a 100g jar of Nescafe Original at Sainsburys has gone up 40p from 2.75 to 3.15  a 14 per cent risesince the Brexit vote. PA How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Freddo When contacted by The Independent this month, a Mondelez spokesperson declined to discuss specific brands but confirmed that there would be "selective" price increases across its range despite the American multi-national confectionery giant reporting profits of $548m (450m) in its last three-month financial period. Mondelez, which bought Cadbury in 2010, said rising commodity costs combined with the slump in the value of the pound had made its products more expensive to make. Cadbury How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Mr Kipling cakes Premier Foods, the maker of Mr Kipling and Bisto gravy, said that it was considering price rises on a case-by-case basis Reuters How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Walkers Crisps Walkers, owned by US giant PepsiCo, said "the weakened value of the pound" is affecting the import cost of some of its materials. A Walkers spokesman told the Press Association that a 32g standard bag was set to increase from 50p to 55p, and the larger grab bag from 75p to 80p. Getty How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Marmite Tesco removed Marmite and other Unilever household brand from its website last October, after the manufacturer tried to raise its prices by about 10 per cent owing to sterlings slump. Tesco and Unilever resolved their argument, but the price of Marmite has increased in UK supermarkets with the grocer reporting a 250g jar of Marmite will now cost Morrisons customers 2.64 - an increase of 12.5 per cent. Rex How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Toblerone Toblerone came under fire in November after it increased the space between the distinctive triangles of its bars. Mondelez International, the company which makes the product, said the change was made due to price rises in recent months. Pixabay How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Maltesers Maltesers, billed as the lighter way to enjoy chocolate, have also shrunk in size. Mars, which owns the brand, has reduced its pouch weight by 15 per cent. Mars said rising costs mean it had to make the unenviable decision between increasing its prices or reducing the weight of its Malteser packs. iStockphoto

He then set out the EUs three red lines  that free movement of persons, goods, services and capital are indivisible, that there can be no sector by sector participation in the single market, as desired by the UK, and that the EU must have autonomy to set its own rules, a reference to the ECJ.

He added: These three points were already made clear by the European Council.

But I am not sure whether they have been fully understood across the Channel.

Mr Barnier said that the decision to leave the EU would have consequences that had to be explained to citizens, businesses and civil society on both sides of the Channel.

 Minister appointed to negotiate Brexit wanted EU 'torn down'

He went on: Let me be clear, these consequences are the direct result of the choices made by the UK, not by the EU. There is no punishment for Brexit. And of course no spirit of revenge. Brexit has a cost, also for business in the EU27.

Business should assess, with lucidity, the negative consequences of the UKs choice on trade and investment. And prepare to manage them.

A Downing Street spokesman said the UKs position was that it would secure the most frictionless possible trade between the UK and the EU, adding that Londons position is clear when asked if Ms May understood the EUs stance.

Earlier this month the Chancellor gave a speech in which he tried to realign the Governments approach to Brexit, to one more focussed on jobs and the economy.

 Brexit: Tory ministers 'think Theresa May's red lines need loosening'

Mr Hammond explained that a comprehensive free trade agreement with the EU was the key to achieving a Brexit for Britain and that it would require frictionless borders, where goods can flow freely.

He said: Well almost certainly need an implementation period, outside the customs union itself, but with current customs border arrangements remaining in place, until new long-term arrangements are up and running.

Brexit Secretary Mr Davis has suggested Britain will walk away from negotiations if the EU refuses to offer free and frictionless trade.

On Friday he will meet business leaders at Chevening, amid concern that future trading arrangements will not protect current cross-border business interests.

In her Lancaster House speech in January Theresa May said: I want Britain to be able to negotiate its own trade agreements.

But I also want tariff-free trade with Europe and cross-border trade there to be as frictionless as possible.
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The Prime Minister has been accused of a dereliction of duty after revealing that climate change has been excluded from her top priorities at this weekends G20 summit.

Theresa May left it off her list of key objectives despite the issue likely becoming the central task of the meeting of world leaders, following Donald Trumps decision to quit the Paris Agreement on climate change.

The summit in Hamburg will see the Prime Minister meet Mr Trump one-on-one for the first time since he caused outrage by announcing the US would not implement the agreement as it stands.

Green campaigners reacted angrily to the Governments exclusion environmental issues from its key priorities, demanding richer G20 nations follow the example of less developed countries committing to clean energy by 2050.

It comes after the Government was repeatedly taken to court over its air quality plan and amid concern that a long-awaited 25-year environment plan has been shelved by Ms May.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said tackling climate change is to be the key objective of the summit following the USs withdrawal from the Paris climate pact.

In chairing the summit, Ms Merkel has said she will aim to guide discussions so that they furthered the goals of the agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2C.

But a senior UK Government official revealed the British G20 delegations four objectives would not include the issue.

Instead, Ms May will focus on cutting off terrorist financing, global migration, modern slavery and making the global economy work for everyone.

Green party co-leader Caroline Lucas MP told The Independent: It's extremely disappointing that the Government isn't priorisitising climate change at this summit.

With Theresa May set for a bilateral with Donald Trump she should be putting action on climate change at the top of the agenda  and pressing the US President to reverse his disastrous decision to pull out of the Paris Agreement.

Of course no one would argue that climate change should be the only topic at the G20  and the Government's other priorities are clearly extremely important. But for the greatest threat we face to be relegated from the top four priorities is a dereliction of duty from this Government.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told The Independent: "Climate change can only be effectively tackled with international cooperation. The Government should be pushing hard for greater action and coordination at the global level at the G20 but have failed to mention climate change in their four objectives.

"Theresa May must stand up for people and the planet and be prepared to speak out to put pressure on Donald Trump to change course on his catastrophic decision to pull out of the Paris Climate Agreement."

NGOs also said climate change should be at the top of the agenda, warning that it was real and its happening right now.

Oxfam campaign director Steve Price-Thomas said: In the aftermath of President Trumps decision to quit the Paris Agreement, its up to the rest of the G20 countries to honour and implement the deal.

Fossil fuels are not the future. While government subsidies for oil and coal only make the rich richer, the clean energy boom is creating opportunities for everyone. Weve seen some of the poorest countries in the world commit to 100 per cent clean and renewable energy by 2050  the G20 should follow their lead.

On Wednesday a senior UK government official confirmed the PM would have a one on one meeting with Mr Trump and was expected to raise climate change with the President.

He said that the UK remains fully committed to the Paris Agreement and that the British Government don't see any need for renegotiation.

However, Downing Street has yet to specifically rule out a re-negotiation or supporting Mr Trumps efforts to do so.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 11 November 2022 City workers attend a Remembrance Day ceremony at Lloyd's of London, in the City of London, to mark Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War PA UK news in pictures 10 November 2022 A grey heron lands on the river Dodder in Dublin on a sunny autumn morning PA UK news in pictures 9 November 2022 Australia and Spain play during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup group A match at the Copper Box Arena, London PA UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 Florence Kasumba, Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta and Lupita Nyongo attend the European Premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in London Getty UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA

At the start of June, the US President confirmed he would pull the US from the Paris Agreement.

Apparently misunderstanding the name of the treaty, he argued that he was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris.

We are getting out, but we will start to negotiate, and we will see if we can make a deal thats fair. And if we can, thats great, he said.

The leaders of France, Germany and Italy immediately issued a joint statement saying the Paris accord was irreversible and could not be renegotiated, but the UK has shied away from taking this explicit position.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson claimed on Thursday that the UK could act as a moderating force on the US Presidents more extreme policies.

He said: Our role, as the UK is to represent our own point of view, whether it is on Nato, the vital importance of Article 5 of Nato, whether it's on climate change, whether it's on the Iran nuclear accord - it's the UK that is actually helping, we think, to mitigate, to get some of those American attitudes and policies that are currently coming out of the White House into a better place.

But the British Governments own record on the environment is far from beyond question, especially given it is being taken to court for a third time over its latest attempt to produce an effective plan to reduce air pollution to within safe limits.

ClientEarth, a group of campaigning environmental lawyers, has twice successfully won court orders requiring Ministers to come up with a strategy that complies with European Union law.

A draft third attempt was published for public consultation shortly before the general election, but ClientEarth is due to argue that this latest version is still not good enough.

Green campaigners have also raised concerns that Michael Goves return to the cabinet, precipitated by Ms Mays need for political support in the wake of the election, has led to a key environmental plan being shelved.

The 25-year Government plan for the environment was first promised two years ago and had finally been expected in 2017, but The Independent revealed how officials now are not guaranteeing it coming this year.

News of a potential further delay follows fears that Mr Gove's appointment as Environment Secretary would mean a rowing back of protections, with Brexit providing the perfect cover.
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Jeremy Corbyn will sit down with the EUs chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier for discussions ahead of any snap UK election that could see the Labour leader installed at Downing Street.

Mr Corbyn said the meeting would allow him to outline Labours approach to Brexit for the EUs frontline negotiator, with tariff free access to the single market the partys main objective.

The Labour leader also said he would set out Labours support for the UK unilaterally guaranteeing EU citizens rights and maintaining similar consumer, labour and environmental regulation.

Mr Barnier gave a speech on Wednesday morning underlining his position, that the EU could not allow frictionless trade with the single market, while the UK did not accept the four freedoms, including freedom of movement.

Speaking to Bloomberg, he said: The single market is a concept that requires membership of the EU and so what we are looking for is tariff free access to the single market.

Our shadow team led by Keir Starmer has had many discussions with the EU officials, members of the European Parliament and we have a good relationship with socialist parties all across Europe who want to work with us in the future.

Ill be in Brussels next week to have an extended meeting with Michel Barnier to outline what our issues are.

Mr Corbyn said the meeting is necessary because the Government could fall apart at any moment, given it is hinged together by what he called a very strange deal with the Democratic Unionist Party.

 Corbyn: May 'found 1bn to keep her own job' but won't find funds to end public sector pay freezes

He added: I think things could change quite quickly, we could at some point have another election, I dont know when. But we are ready for it.

The Labour leader said his partys Brexit priorities included tariff free access to the European market and preventing the UK becoming an offshore tax haven, as suggested by some in Theresa Mays Government.

He added: [Our third priority is] that European nationals are guaranteed unilaterally, rights to remain in Britain with full citizenship and rights of family re-union, I think thats crucial, and that we maintain university connections across Europe and that we maintain a broadly similar level of regulation of consumer products, environmental and workers rights.

 Jeremy Corbyn speaks at rally in Hastings

It would be a partnership with Europe in the future but not membership of the European Union.

He said the outline he would give to Mr Barnier would be one of a jobs-first Brexit that protected employment opportunities.

Mr Corbyn pointed to companies who have supply chains on both sides of the English Channel, including UK-based ones like Nissan, Airbus and BMW.

He added: You cant break that up without a massive dislocation and job loss, not just in the companies themselves but in the local economy.

 Jeremy Corbyn's first Glastonbury in 60 seconds

So for example BMW decided not to invest further in its plant at Cowley, whats the effect on the local economy around that part of Oxford? Massive. Airbus in North Wales massive in that area, very important employer in that area.

They dont actually make a plane, they make important parts of it like the wings and take it over to Toulouse for assembly.

Speaking earlier in the day Mr Barnier set out the EUs three red lines  that free movement of persons, goods, services and capital are indivisible, that there can be no sector by sector participation in the single market, as desired by Ms Mays Government, and that the EU must have autonomy to set its own rules.
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Jeremy Corbyn has said he opposes the use of zero hours contracts by Glastonbury and would be happy to raise the issue with its organisers.

The Labour leader, who received rapturous applause from the festivals main stage, said the contracts should not have been used and pledged to abolish them if he wins power.

The Independent revealed last week how Glastonbury Festival hired hundreds of workers from across Europe on zero hours contracts and then fired them after just two days.

Mr Corbyns spokesman said there had been an explosion of insecure employment and that Labour is opposed to it.

Asked whether ticket prices should go up to allow organisers to pay more, he said it is up to Glastonbury how they run the event, but added: In terms of employment contracts, those contracts should not be taking place and we are opposed to them and when we are next in Government we will outlaw them.

Weve made quite clear we are opposed to those forms of contract everywhere.

Asked if he would raise it at Glastonbury next time if he goes, he said: Hes happy to raise it right now.

Glastonbury 2017 clean-up Show all 10 1 /10 Glastonbury 2017 clean-up Glastonbury 2017 clean-up Revellers and detritus are seen near the Pyramid Stage at Worthy Farm in Somerset during the Glastonbury Festival in Britain REUTERS Glastonbury 2017 clean-up Litter-picking staff collect discarded rubbish from the area in front of the Pyramid Stage at the end of the Glastonbury Festival of Music and Performing Arts on Worthy Farm near the village of Pilton in Somerset, South West England AFP/Getty Images Glastonbury 2017 clean-up Discarded nitrous oxide canisters are scattered on the ground in front of the Pyramid Stage at the end of the Glastonbury Festival of Music and Performing Arts on Worthy Farm near the village of Pilton in Somerset, South West England AFP/Getty Images Glastonbury 2017 clean-up A man rests as festival goers leave the Glastonbury Festival site at Worthy Farm in Pilton on June 26, 2017 near Glastonbury, England. Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts is the largest greenfield festival in the world. It was started by Michael Eavis in 1970 when several hundred hippies paid just A1, and now attracts more than 175,000 people Getty Images Glastonbury 2017 clean-up Rubbish is collected in front of the Pyramid Stage as festival goers leave the Glastonbury Festival site at Worthy Farm in Pilton on June 26, 2017 near Glastonbury, England. Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts is the largest greenfield festival in the world. It was started by Michael Eavis in 1970 when several hundred hippies paid just A1, and now attracts more than 175,000 peopl Getty Glastonbury 2017 clean-up Rubbish is collected in front of the Pyramid Stage as festival goers leave the Glastonbury Festival site at Worthy Farm in Pilton on June 26, 2017 near Glastonbury, England. Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts is the largest greenfield festival in the world. It was started by Michael Eavis in 1970 when several hundred hippies paid just A1, and now attracts more than 175,000 peopl Getty Glastonbury 2017 clean-up A man looks out the window of a bus as festival goers leave the Glastonbury Festival site at Worthy Farm in Pilton on June 26, 2017 near Glastonbury, England. Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts is the largest greenfield festival in the world. It was started by Michael Eavis in 1970 when several hundred hippies paid just A1, and now attracts more than 175,000 people Getty Images Glastonbury 2017 clean-up Seagulls fight over food scraps left in front of the Pyramid Stage as festival goers leave the Glastonbury Festival site at Worthy Farm in Pilton on June 26, 2017 near Glastonbury, England. Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts is the largest greenfield festival in the world. It was started by Michael Eavis in 1970 when several hundred hippies paid just A1, and now attracts more than 175,000 people Getty Images Glastonbury 2017 clean-up Festival goers leave following the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset PA Glastonbury 2017 clean-up Litter pickers collect rubbish in front of the Pyramid Stage as festival goers leave the Glastonbury Festival site at Worthy Farm in Pilton on June 26, 2017 near Glastonbury, England. Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts is the largest greenfield festival in the world. It was started by Michael Eavis in 1970 when several hundred hippies paid just A1, and now attracts more than 175,000 people Getty Images

Mr Corbyns spokesman would not say if he was prepared to boycott the event outright if nothing changes.

Organisers were accused of taking advantage of some 700 people signed up as litter pickers, expecting two weeks of paid employment, but who were let go after two days  leaving many stranded and out of pocket in the Somerset countryside.

Workers had travelled from countries including Czech Republic, Spain, Poland and Latvia after being handed zero hours contracts to help with the large-scale clean-up operation on Worthy Farm.

 Jeremy Corbyn at Glastonbury: Labour leader gives rousing speech before Run The Jewels set

Good weather, as well as the use of charity workers and on-site litter crews during the festival, meant there was less rubbish after the event finished and up to 600 workers are understood to have been laid off.

Mr Corbyn won a rapturous reception on-stage at last month's festival, with cheering crowds chanting his name to the tune of the White Stripes' Seven Nation Army.
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Robbie Gibb, the BBCs head of operations at Westminster, has been named as Theresa Mays new director of communications.

Mr Gibb, who has been with the BBC for 23 years, said on Twitter: I am pleased to announce I will be leaving the BBC to join the prime minister, Theresa May, as her new director of communications.

He has edited the Sunday and Daily Politics programmes for several years, and serves as Executive Editor for other programmes including Andrew Neils This Week, leaving him at least partly culpable for extremely stale jokes about Blue Nun wine and some curious Michael Portillo shirt choices.

Robbie Gibbs brother Nick is a junior education minister.

It was on a programme edited by Mr Gibb that junior Labour minister Stephen Doughty resigned on air, as part of a wave of resignations aimed at bringing down Jeremy Corbyn. Mr Corbyns communications chief Seumas Milne directly accused Mr Gibb of bias. Mr Gibbs letter in response was published on the BBC website, which said: I reject your suggestion that we orchestrated and stage-managed the resignation of Stephen Doughty.

Colleagues of Mr Gibb describe him as a Brexiteer. In 2001 he worked on Michael Portillos campaign for the Conservative leadership.

Previous holders of the role are the ex News of the World editor Andy Coulson and former BBC News chief Sir Craig Oliver, who left shortly after David Cameron announced his resignation.

Mr Gibb replaces Katie Perrior, who left shortly before the election campaign. She has since been fiercely critical of Theresa Mays former joint chiefs of staff Nick Timothy and Fiona Hill, who took over the media aspects of the Prime Ministers general election campaign, and resigned the morning after the disastrous election result.
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Theresa May will meet Donald Trump for one-on-one talks when she travels to the G20 in Hamburg this weekend, Downing Street has confirmed.

The Prime Minister and President are expected to use the bi-lateral talks to discuss the situation in North Korea, whose government has just successfully tested an intercontinental ballistic missile.

Ms May will also raise the Paris climate agreement with Mr Trump, who believes the treaty should be renegotiated to make it more favourable to the US.

She is expected to say the UK sees no need for negotiation  though Downing Street has yet to explicitly and definitively rule out changes.

Mr Trump has accepted the PM's invitation to visit the United Kingdom on a state visit but details of the trip  including a date  have yet to be confirmed.

It was reported that Mr Trump might make a "flying visit" to London with just 24 hours notice in order to stymie mass demonstrations against his presence in Britain.

A senior UK government official said: The PM and the President are expected to discuss the latest missile test by North Korea.

We are in agreement with the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson that global action is required to stop a global threat.

The PM will say it is essential the international community is united in condemnation of North Koreas actions.

Our focus is on working with the US and international community on how we can increase pressure and find a peaceful solution to the ongoing threat North Korea poses to international security.

In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour Show all 39 1 /39 In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud arriving for a reception ahead of a banquet at Murabba Palace in Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud being welcomed at Murabba Palace in Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump with King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud during a welcome ceremony with traditional sword dancers at Murabba Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud with US President Donald J. Trump and wife Melania during a welcome ceremony at Murabba Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump adjusts the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud Medal, after it was bestowed upon him by Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at the Royal Court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud presents U.S. President Donald Trump with the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud Medal at the Royal Court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 Palestinians print posters depicting US President Donald Trump in preparations for his planned visit, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, his daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband White House senior advisor Jared Kushner, before delivering his remarks to the Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump looks on as U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Muhammad bin Nayef exchange a memorandum of understanding Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 First Lady Melania Trump shares a laugh with a child during a visit to the American International School in the Saudi capital Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump holds a bilateral meeting with Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Israeli soldiers rest during preparations ahead of President Trump's landing in Tel Aviv, Israel Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 First Lady Melania Trump makes her way to board Air Force One in Riyadh as she heads with her husband the US President to Israel Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump board Air Force One for Israel, the next stop in Trump's international tour, at King Khalid International Airport AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Israeli soldiers wait for the arrival ceremony of US President Donald Trump at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv, Israel AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive aboard Air Force One at Ben Gurion International Airport in Lod near Tel Aviv, Israel Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump disembark Air Force One on arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump and his wife, US First Lady Melania Trump are welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, in Lod outside Tel Aviv, Israel EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sit during welcome ceremony in Tel Aviv AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US First Lady Melania Trump chats wife Sara Netanyahu as US President Donald Trump chats to Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a welcoming ceremony to welcome Trump at Ben Gurion International Airport Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump delivers a speech upon his arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump gestures during a press conference with Israel's President at the President's Residence in Jerusalem Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump watches as First Lady Melania Trump signs the guest book at the President's Residence in Jerusalem Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump walks with first lady Melania Trump in Jerusalem's Old City Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, in Jerusalems Old City Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump stands next to Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz at the plaza in front of the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and White House senior advisor Jared Kushner leave notes at the Western Wall in Jerusalem Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US First Lady Melania Trump touches the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Ivanka Trump, assistant and daughter of US President Donald J. Trump, touches the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump arrives in a vehicle to Saint Damaso's Court for a private audience with Pope Francis in Vatican City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis walks past Ivanka Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on the occasion of the private audience with President Donald Trump, at the Vatican AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis exchanges gifts with US President Donald Trump during a private audience at the Vatican Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis meets US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania during a private audience at the Vatican Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis with US President Donald J. Trump EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis gets into is car after meeting with US President Donald Trump AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 President Donald Trump and his wife Melania look at the frescoed ceilings during their visit to the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican L'Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald Trump security vehicles are seen in front of Air Force One before take off from Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump wave to reporters before boarding the Air Force One to Brussels, at the end of a 2-day visit to Italy including a meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican, at Rome's Fiumicino international airport AP

We will continue to play a central role at the UN - supporting resolutions on sanctions that will limit North Koreas ability to pursue its nuclear weapons programme.

The Prime Minister is also expected to raise climate change with the President, stressing that the UK remains fully committed to the Paris Agreement.

She will say that we don't see any need for renegotiation - we support the Paris Agreement because it delivers.
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Theresa May is to make cutting off funding for terrorists the centrepiece of her G20 negotiating goals, despite sitting on a report about whether Britains close ally Saudi Arabia funds terrorism.

The Prime Minister arrived in Hamburg for international talks with other leaders on Thursday night, where she will urge the international community to crack down on permissive environments for terrorist financing.

But her push drew accusations of hypocrisy on the basis of her close links with Saudi Arabia and refusal to release a Home Office report into whether the country has been using its oil cash to fund terrorism and extremism abroad.

 Saudi Arabia cuts ties with Qatar over terror links

On Monday Ms May phoned Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia and said she looked forward to deepening our close bilateral ties, according to a Downing Street readout of their conversation.

Another report by the Henry Jackson Society think tank released on Wednesday said there was a clear and growing link between Islamist extremists and Saudi Arabian cash, although the countrys embassy in London says its claims were categorically false.

But Ms Mays separate official Home Office report in to Saudi funding, commissioned in 2015 as a condition of Liberal Democrat support for supporting bombing in Syria, is yet to be released. The BBC has previously reported that the report is finished but may not ever be released because of its potentially embarrassing content.

The Home Office has previously admitted the contents of the report are very sensitive. Saudi Arabia is also attending the G20 in Hamburg this weekend, where Theresa May is flying on Thursday night for talks beginning on Friday.

Jeremy Corbyn said: If Theresa May is serious about cutting off financial and ideological support for terrorism, she should publish the suppressed report on foreign funding of UK-based extremism and have difficult conversations with Saudi Arabia, not hug Saudi and allied Gulf States even closer.

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said Ms May should raise the issue of funding for extremism in direct bilateral talks with Saudi Arabia at the Hamburg conference. He criticised her for sitting on the report.

If the Prime Minister was truly serious about this agenda she would release the report into foreign funding of UK based extremism and stop kowtowing to Saudi Arabia, he said.

Recommended Theresa May sitting on report on Saudi funding of UK extremists

Nations like Saudi are key exporters of extremist ideology around the world and yet we look the other way in exchange for massive arms deals. The Prime Minister should use the G20 as a chance to raise it with the King of Saudi Arabia face to face.

The Prime Minister can lecture banks or other leaders as much as she likes on what they should do, but she should get her own house in order first. She is a hypocrite."

The Government should get off their high horse and start to hold nations like Saudi Arabia to account.

Commenting on the unpublished report, a Downing Street spokesman told The Independent: Its currently being looked at to see what form the report can be published and when we have an update on that it will come to Parliament.

The Governments four main objectives for the talks are: a crackdown on terrorist financing; the global migration issue; modern slavery; and making the global economy work for everyone. The Government has also been criticised for failing to include climate change in its objectives, though a senior UK government official has said that the issue will be raised in planned bilateral talks with US President Donald Trump.

The febrile situation in North Korea, whose government recently successfully tested an intercontinental ballistic missile, is also likely to be a hot topic at the talks.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Speaking ahead of the G20 summit, the Prime Minister said: We know that the terrorist threat is evolving. We have seen the threat spread out of Syria and Iraq  into other countries and online. As we deny physical space to terrorists to operate in theatre, we must outpace the terrorist methodology as it develops to attack other vulnerable targets and increases inspired attacks.

We must therefore combat the threat from every angle. This includes taking measures against permissive environments for terrorist financing, and monitoring the dispersal of foreign fighters from battle.

We can change the balance of the fight when we work together and I am confident that through these efforts we will defeat the scourge of terrorism and our collective values will prevail.
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Theresa May is now as unpopular in Germany as Vladimir Putin, according to a new survey.

The Prime Minister and the Russian President both have an approval rating among Germans of minus 45, the YouGov poll found.

The low level of support for Ms May is likely linked to her tough rhetoric about the EU, particularly her promise to be a difficult woman during the Brexit negotiations.

The Conservatives' poor showing at the general election, where the party was expected to win but ended up losing their House of Commons majority, may also have had an impact.

Of the five major world leaders included in the poll, only Donald Trump (minus 71) is more disliked by German people.

The findings will come as a blow to Ms May as she prepares to travel to Hamburg for a meeting of the G20, where she will hold talks with several heads of state, including Mr Trump.

Ms May is likely to be particularly concerned by the fact she is more unpopular in the UK than other European leaders. Her rating of minus 27 is significantly lower than the plus 17 enjoyed by Emmanuel Macron and the plus three by Angela Merkel.

However, she remains more popular among British people than Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, who are both on minus 64.

The Prime Minister had a negative approval rating in all seven European countries surveyed, although she was significantly more popular than Mr Trump and Mr Putin in all but Germany.

The 6 most important issues Theresa May needs to address Show all 6 1 /6 The 6 most important issues Theresa May needs to address The 6 most important issues Theresa May needs to address Brexit The big one. Theresa May has spoken publicly three times since declaring her intent to stand in the Tory Leadership race, and each time she has said, Brexit means Brexit. It sounds resolute, but it is helpful to her that Brexit is a made up word with no real meaning. She has said there will be no second referendum and no re-entry in to the EU via the back door. But she, like the Leave campaign of which she was not a member, has pointedly not said with any precision what she thinks Brexit means Reuters The 6 most important issues Theresa May needs to address General election This is very much one to keep off the to do list. She said last week there would be no general election at this time of great instability. But there have already been calls for one from opposition parties. The Fixed Term Parliaments Act of 2010 makes it far more difficult to call a snap general election, a difficulty she will be in no rush to overcome. In the event of a victory for Leadsom, who was not popular with her own parliamentary colleagues, an election might have been required, but May has the overwhelming backing of the parliamentary party Getty The 6 most important issues Theresa May needs to address HS2 Macbeth has been quoted far too much in recent weeks, but it will be up to May to decide whether, with regard to the new high speed train link between London, Birmingham, the East Midlands and the north, returning were as tedious as go oer. Billions have already been spent. But the 55bn it will cost, at a bare minimum, must now be considered against the grim reality of significantly diminished public finances in the short to medium term at least. It is not scheduled to be completed until 2033, by which point it is not completely unreasonable to imagine a massive, driverless car-led transport revolution having rendered it redundant EPA The 6 most important issues Theresa May needs to address Heathrow expansion Or indeed Gatwick expansion. Or Boris Island, though that option is seems as finished as the man himself. The decision on where to expand aviation capacity in the south east has been delayed to the point of becoming a national embarrassment. A final decision was due in autumn. Whatever is decided, there will be vast opprobrium PA The 6 most important issues Theresa May needs to address Trident renewal David Cameron indicated two days ago that there will be a Commons vote on renewing Britains nuclear deterrent on July 18th, by which point we now know, Ms May will be Prime Minister. The Labour Party is, to put it mildly, divided on the issue. This will be an early opportunity to maximise their embarrassment, and return to Tory business as usual EPA The 6 most important issues Theresa May needs to address Scottish Independence Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP are in no doubt that the Brexit vote provides the opportunity for a second independence referendum, in which they can emerge victorious. The Scottish Parliament at Holyrood has the authority to call a second referendum, but Ms May and the British Parliament are by no means automatically compelled to accept the result. She could argue it was settled in 2014 AFP/Getty

She was most well-regarded in Norway, where her rating was minus 9, followed by Denmark (minus 10), Finland (minus 12), Sweden (minus 14) and France (minus 23).

Mr Putin sank to a score of minus 78 in Denmark while Mr Trump dropped even lower in the same country to minus 80.

Mr Macron and Ms Merkel, on the other hand, are hugely popular across Europe, although more so in other countries than their own. The highest rating in the survey is the plus 56 the German Chancellor scores in Denmark, closely followed by plus 50 for French President Mr Macron in Germany.

The two leaders, who have formed a close relationship at the heart of the EU, have double-digital approval ratings in every country bar France for Mr Macron, where he scored plus seven. Ms Merkel was on plus 17 in Germany.
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Tony Blair was not straight with the nation about the run-up to the Iraq war, Sir John Chilcot has said.

The chairman of the public inquiry into the conflict that started in 2003, which found the former Prime Minister had presented the case for war with unjustified certainty, said Mr Blair had been emotionally truthful in his account of events leading up to the war.

In an interview with the BBC, Sir John was then asked if Mr Blair was as truthful with him and the public as he should have been during the seven-year inquiry.

Recommended Ruling Blair has immunity from prosecution over Iraq war under review

He replied: Can I slightly reword that to say I think any prime minister taking a country into war has got to be straight with the nation and carry it, so far as possible, with him or her.

I don't believe that was the case in the Iraq instance.

A spokesman for Mr Blair told the BBC that all these issues had been dealt with.

Sir Johns report, published in July last year, found that former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein posed no imminent threat at the time of the invasion of his country in 2003, and the war was fought on the basis of flawed intelligence.

While giving evidence to the inquiry, Mr Blair denied he had taken the country to war on the basis of a lie over Husseins supposed weapons of mass destruction.

Asked if he felt Mr Blair had given the fullest version of events to the inquiry, Sir John said: I think he gave an  what was  I hesitate to say this, rather, but I think it was, from his perspective and standpoint, emotionally truthful and I think that came out also in his press conference after the launch statement.

I think he was under  as you said just now  very great emotional pressure during those sessions ... He was suffering. He was deeply engaged. Now in that state of mind and mood you fall back on your instinctive skills and reactions, I think.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

In a now infamous claim, Mr Blair told MPs Hussein was developing weapons of mass destruction, and later said intelligence showed the Iraqi tyrant could deploy chemical and biological weapons within 45 minutes.

Sir Johns report found Mr Blair presented the case for war with a certainty which was not justified based on flawed intelligence about the countrys supposed weapons of mass destruction (WMD) which was not challenged as it should have been.

The report said the UK chose to join the invasion of Iraq before the peaceful options for disarmament had been exhausted and military action was not a last resort.

Following the reports publication, Mr Blair said, while the Chilcot report contained serious criticisms, it showed there were no lies, parliament and the cabinet were not misled, there was no secret commitment to war, intelligence was not falsified and the decision was made in good faith.

PA
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Women in their 60s who lose their pension as a result of government welfare changes should take up an apprenticeship, the pensions minister has suggested.

Guy Opperman told MPs the Government has extended apprenticeship opportunitiesfor people of all ages and will not back down on plans to raise the pension age for women.

The claim prompted shouts of shame on you and disgraceful from campaigners in the public gallery in Westminster Hall where he was speaking at a debate on the changes.

MPs from a number of parties also demanded the Government act to help the 2.6 million women who are set to lose their pension payments as a result of a rise in the pension age to 66.

Recommended New Brexit minister slaps down fellow Tories trying to soften EU exit

Labour says 37 Conservative MPs back the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign, as do the 10 Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MPs that have agreed to prop up Theresa Mays minority government.

It means Ms Mays wafer-thin majority could be overturned should the House of Commons vote on the issue.

Mr Opperman claimed the Government had done a massive amount to help the women affected  including by helping older people into apprenticeships.

We have extended apprenticeship opportunitiesone of the best routes into skilled employmentfor people of all ages and gender, he said.

For example, in England in 2014 to 2015, 12 per cent of those starting apprenticeships were aged over 45.

Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in  and who's out? Show all 27 1 /27 Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in  and who's out? Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in  and who's out? Andrea Leadsom Andrea Leadsom has been appointed Secretary for Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Getty Images Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in  and who's out? Priti Patel Priti Patel has been appointed International Development Secretary PA Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in  and who's out? Alun Cairns Alun Cairns will stay on as Welsh Secretary Reuters Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in  and who's out? Karen Bradley Karen Bradley is now Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Rex Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in  and who's out? Greg Clark Greg Clark has been appointed Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy PA Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in  and who's out? James Brokenshire James Brokenshire has been appointed as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland PA Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in  and who's out? Stephen Crabb Stephen Crabb has resigned as Work and Pensions Secretary PA Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in  and who's out? Theresa Villiers Theresa Villiers will not return as Northern Ireland Secretary. She was reportedly offered a role by Theresa May, but turned it down, saying it was not one she felt could take on Getty Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in  and who's out? Chris Grayling Chris Grayling has been appointed Transport Secretary PA Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in  and who's out? Damien Green Damien Green has been appointed Work and Pensions Secretary Getty Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in  and who's out? Liz Truss Liz Truss has been appointed Justice Secretary Getty Images Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in  and who's out? Patrick McLoughlin Patrick McLoughlin who was Transport Secretary has been appointed Tory Party chairman and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Getty Images Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in  and who's out? Justine Greening Justine Greening has been appointed as Education Secretary Getty Images Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in  and who's out? Gavin Williamson Gavin Williamson is to become the new Government Chief Whip Reuters Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in  and who's out? Jeremy Hunt Jeremy Hunt will continue as Health Secretary Getty Images Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in  and who's out? Nicky Morgan Nicky Morgan lost her job as Education Secretary Reuters Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in  and who's out? Michael Gove Michael Gove has been sacked as Justice Secretary Reuters Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in  and who's out? John Whittingdale John Whittingdale left his job as Culture Secretary EPA Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in  and who's out? Oliver Letwin Oliver Letwin, the Chancellor for the Duchy of Lancaster, has been sacked from his role in the cabinet PA Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in  and who's out? Philip Hammond The former Foreign Secretary has been made Chancellor EPA Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in  and who's out? Boris Johnson Leading Brexit campaigner is given the role of Foreign Secretary Getty Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in  and who's out? Amber Rudd Leading Remain campaigner takes Theresa May's old job of Home Secretary PA Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in  and who's out? Michael Fallon Stays as Defence Secretary AP Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in  and who's out? Liam Fox The former Defence Secretary is named as head of new Department for International Trade PA Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in  and who's out? David Davis The former shadow Home Secretary and leadership rival to David Cameron is named Secretary of State for Leaving the European Union - aka Brexit minister PA Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in  and who's out? George Osborne Gone as Chancellor - and fails to secure any new role in May's government GETTY Theresa May's Cabinet: Who's in  and who's out? David Mundell The Conservative Party's only Scottish MP retains his role as Scottish Secretary Getty Images

In response, Labours Graham Jones asked Mr Opperman to clarify that he had just suggested that women aged 64 could go on an apprenticeship course.

Graham Morris, the Labour MP who secured the debate, said those affected by the changes are not looking for apprenticeships at age 64 but for some recognition of their contribution  sometimes over 44 or 45 years or more.

I ask the Minister to discharge his responsibilities; otherwise, the people may discharge this Government, he added.

Under plans introduced in 2011, women born after April 1953 will see the age at which they can claim their state pension rise to 66 in order to bring it in line with the age for men.

Critics say the plan was introduced too quickly and that those affected were not given enough notice. Many women say they did not receive letters informing them of the change and found out only through the media or from their MP.

During the debate, one DUP MP suggested his party could use its new alliance with Ms May to force the Prime Minister to back down.

Sammy Wilson said: During this Parliament we will work with the Government and use whatever influence, however minimal or maximal, to try to get a solution.

 Double Take: Economics Editor Ben Chu argues why the government needs to end austerity

A number of Tory MPs also spoke out against their partys policy.

Tim Loughton said there was an unfair, disproportionate burden on the women affected.

The problem is more widespread than we were ever led to believe, he added. It threatens real hardship for many of our constituents nownot at some stage in the future, but absolutely now.

Keith Simpson said his wife was one of those affected by the change and was incandescent with rage.

Another Conservative, Peter Aldous, said it was a very real problem for many women who face serious hardship. It will not go away.

The SNPs Mhairi Black said she had received an email from a woman whose friend had committed suicide over the changes and after seeing the general election result because she could not face what would happen to her.

However, Mr Opperman said it was not the Governments position that we will make further concessions on the changes.

He insisted enough was being done to help those affected into employment or retraining, including apprenticeships.

The changes were necessary in the context of an ageing society, he said, adding that the number of pensioners is going up dramatically.
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A five a.m. emergency phone call has led investigators to a home in Georgia where four children and a person believed to be their father have been found dead.

One child, reportedly a young girl, was reportedly found alive with injuries, but her condition is unknown.

The mother of the children has been questioned regarding the stabbing, and was charged later for the stabbings.

This is a horrendous crime not only for the victims but for the extended family, neighbourhood, and community, police said. We are hoping and praying that the remaining victim survives his/her injuries and makes a full recovery.

The mother reportedly called the police herself, and spoke spanish. There was difficulty communicating at the beginning of the call.

She was quickly taken into custody and right now she's at Gwinnett County Police Headquarters being interviewed, Gwinnett County Police Corporal Michele Pihera told reporters.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Right now we believe we have everybody involved in this crime, she continued, noting that she doesnt want the community to believe that the killer is at large.

The condition of the mother was not disclosed.

Each of the children killed in the Georgia home were under the age of 10, police have confirmed. The father is said to have been in his mid-30s.

The stabbings occurred in the area around the town of Loganville, which is outside of Atlanta.

The motive for the attack wasnt immediately known, or expressed by police investigating the case.

Police said that they believe the children, the father, and the mother all lived together in the same home, which is a single-story building with white paneling and black shutters. Following the murders, neighbours reportedly sat in their front yards as police investigated the nearby crime scene that they had taped off with yellow police tape.
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Donald Trump has said the US is thinking about pretty "severe things" with regards to North Korea.

He said the country was displaying "very, very bad behaviour", and that he would wait a few weeks or months to see what happened.

The comments were the president's first public comments since North Korea tested an intercontinental ballistic missile that could reach Alaska.

Inside the daily life in North Korea Show all 19 1 /19 Inside the daily life in North Korea Inside the daily life in North Korea People reading a newspaper at the metro station Inside the daily life in North Korea Thoughts of the leaders on the tram. They have about a dozen of these on every tram, all with different thoughts Inside the daily life in North Korea Young people training for a big upcoming festival Inside the daily life in North Korea People at the Pyongyang's annual marathon Inside the daily life in North Korea Many stars on one of the trolleys in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea An intimidating poster in a primary school in North Korea. Inside the daily life in North Korea Solar panels installed on a street lamp. Inside the daily life in North Korea A poster on the window next to one of the venues we visited in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea Kids playing football next to the Arch of Triumph. After a while tourists were allowed to join, so some of us did Inside the daily life in North Korea Class in an educational center in Pyongyang (where people over 17 years old can attend any classes they choose after school, for free) Inside the daily life in North Korea People waving at me during the Pyongyang marathon Inside the daily life in North Korea People having a great time dancing at a public park Inside the daily life in North Korea A metro driver in a metro station in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea Fireworks to mark the birthday of the Eternal President Kim Il Sung on our last night in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea My wonderful tour guide at a public park Inside the daily life in North Korea One of the parks in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea A person rowing some boats for the day at a river in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea The National War Museum Inside the daily life in North Korea Public park in Pyongyang

The president said that something will have to be done about the country. But he would not draw red lines and would not reveal exactly what he was planning, he said.

"It's a shame that they're behaving this way," Trump said of North Korea's leaders. "But they are behaving in a very, very dangerous manner, and something will have to be done about it."

Recommended America says it is prepared to use military force against North Korea

The U.S. has been considering a range of possible sanctions, economic measures and other steps in response to Pyongyang. The test of an ICBM marked a major technological advancement for North Korea that U.S. officials have described as intensifying the threat against the U.S. by bringing the North closer to being able to mount a nuclear warhead atop a missile that could hit American soil.

Trump's comments in Poland came as he opened his second visit to Europe, a trip that will include meetings with several European leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Later on Thursday, Trump planned to deliver a speech from Krasinski Square, the site of a monument commemorating the 1944 Warsaw Uprising against Nazi occupation. Polish media reports said the government, as part of its invitation to Trump, promised the White House a reception of cheering crowds. Plans call for ruling party lawmakers and pro-government activists to bus in groups of people from outlying provinces for the speech.

In his speech, Trump planned to call on Poland and all of America's European allies to stand united against extremism and other "shared enemies" that pose a threat to freedom and sovereignty  whether "from the South or the East," according to excerpts of his speech released by the White House in advance.

Trump started his first day in Europe at the Royal Castle, welcomed by President Andrzej Duda and a vigorous handshake in front of a white marble bust of Stanislaw August Poniatowski, the last king of Poland. The leaders then retreated to a room decorated with red walls for their private talks.

Additional reporting by Associated Press
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United Airlines has apologised to a passenger who was forced to give up her two-year-old son's seat and hold the child on a flight - until her leg and arm went numb.

Shirley Yamauchi, a middle school teacher from Hawaii, was bound for a teacher's conference in Boston last week, she told Hawaii News Now. Her travelling companion was 27-month-old Taizo, whose ticket she said cost as much as hers - nearly $1,000.

The first leg of Thursday's trip - Hawaii to Houston - went fine.

So did the layover.

But as Yamauchi and her son sat waiting for takeoff to Boston, a man walked up with the same seat number as Taizo, the mother told ABC affiliate KITV.

I told him, I bought both of these seats, she told the station. The flight attendant came by, shrugs and says, 'flight's full.'

A United spokesman told The Washington Post that Taizo's boarding pass had been improperly scanned and that because the toddler wasn't logged in to the system, his seat was released to a standby passenger.

The airline said it is trying to compensate the family for its mistake.

But at the time, Yamauchi said, she had only bad options.

I was told if we refund you anything right now, we're going to have to cancel the rest of your flight arrangements to Hawaii, she told KITV.

She told Hawaii News Now that she considered protesting, but was scared to make a scene. I started remembering all those incidents with United on the news. The violence. Teeth being knocked out, she said.

Recommended United Airlines plane catches fire after landing at Denver

In April, a passenger named David Dao refused to give up his seat on a United flight. He was dragged, battered and bloody, down the plane aisle by police - an incident that scandalised the airline for weeks, until it settled the passenger's lawsuit.

Dao's experience was among the worst in a long string of passenger horror stories on multiple airlines.

In the last few months alone, a pilot's rant before takeoff caused her passengers to flee the plane; a man in a wheelchair was forced to crawl up a staircase using his hands; and a beloved giant rabbit apparently died in midair.

I didn't want those things to happen to me, Yamauchi told Hawaii News Now, referring to Dao's dragging.

So the man with a standby ticket sat down in Taizo's seat, and the child crammed in with his mom.

That was against the safety advice of the Federal Aviation Administration, which strongly urges a separate seat for children; but Yamauchi said she had no better options.

He's 25 pounds; he's half my height, she told Hawaii News Now. She sent the station pictures of her son wedged in various positions on her lap, a container of milk balanced on the arm rest above him, somehow managing to sleep.

Meanwhile, Yamauchi said, her arm was smashed between the plane wall and her son for most of the three-and-a-half hour flight to Boston.

At the every end, he was standing up between my knees, she told KITV.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. 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Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

A United spokesman told The Post that the airline would compensate Yamauchi as a goodwill gesture and will work with employees to avoid a repeat of the mistake.

We deeply apologise to Ms Yamauchi and her son for this experience, the spokesman wrote in a statement, although he did not answer questions about why the child was allowed to fly without a seat, and whether it was safe.

The Washington Post
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California will host its own climate change conference on the Paris Agreement in 2018.

Governor Jerry Brown is looking to position the state as a leader in combating global warming on the heels of Donald Trump withdrawing the US from the global accord signed by nearly 200 countries.

The targets for carbon emissions reductions for each country and provisions to help poorer countries adapt to an already-changed planet were negotiated for two decades before the December 2015 signing.

Recommended Barack Obama makes dig at Donald Trump over Paris climate deal

President Barack Obama made it official in 2016, bypassing Congress to avoid a rejection of the deal by members who do not believe in the science behind climate change.

The summit set for 2018 in San Francisco will mark the first time a state is hosting a climate gathering aimed at upholding the goals of the Paris deal.

Mr Brown will announce the Global Climate Action summit on 6 July in a video message to the Global Citizen Festival in Hamburg, Germany where Mr Trump is meeting world leaders at the G20 summit.

Every other G20 country is part of the accord and China and India have become leaders in the solar power field.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has also put climate change on the agenda of the meeting, despite her clashes with Mr Trump on the topic.

She predicted some  difficult conversations during the summit.

The Trump administration's decision to roll back environmental regulations in the US through proposed federal budget cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency and measures like opening up land for XL Keystone pipeline have helped to make Mr Brown a name for Americans in disagreement with the President on the issue of carbon emissions and renewable energy.

He travelled to China earlier this year to discuss climate policy and will serve as a special envoy to states and regions at the UN's November climate conference in Germany.

"He doesn't speak for the rest of America," Mr Brown is expected to say in the video about the President, according to early remarks released by his office.

"We in California and in states all across America believe it's time to act."

In fact, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has said the US may still meet the targets despite Mr Trump, Energy Secretary Rick Perry, and EPA chief Scott Pruitt who do not think regulating human behaviour and the coal industry will help the environment.

10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Show all 10 1 /10 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A group of emperor penguins face a crack in the sea ice, near McMurdo Station, Antarctica Kira Morris 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Floods destroyed eight bridges and ruined crops such as wheat, maize and peas in the Karimabad valley in northern Pakistan, a mountainous region with many glaciers. In many parts of the world, glaciers have been in retreat, creating dangerously large lakes that can cause devastating flooding when the banks break. Climate change can also increase rainfall in some areas, while bringing drought to others. Hira Ali 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Smoke  filled with the carbon that is driving climate change  drifts across a field in Colombia. Sandra Rondon 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Amid a flood in Islampur, Jamalpur, Bangladesh, a woman on a raft searches for somewhere dry to take shelter. Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable places in the world to sea level rise, which is expected to make tens of millions of people homeless by 2050. Probal Rashid 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Sindh province in Pakistan has experienced a grim mix of two consequences of climate change. Because of climate change either we have floods or not enough water to irrigate our crop and feed our animals, says the photographer. Picture clearly indicates that the extreme drought makes wide cracks in clay. Crops are very difficult to grow. Rizwan Dharejo 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Hanna Petursdottir examines a cave inside the Svinafellsjokull glacier in Iceland, which she said had been growing rapidly. Since 2000, the size of glaciers on Iceland has reduced by 12 per cent. Tom Schifanella 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A river once flowed along the depression in the dry earth of this part of Bangladesh, but it has disappeared amid rising temperatures. Abrar Hossain 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A shepherd moves his herd as he looks for green pasture near the village of Sirohi in Rajasthan, northern India. The region has been badly affected by heatwaves and drought, making local people nervous about further predicted increases in temperature. Riddhima Singh Bhati 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A factory in China is shrouded by a haze of air pollution. The World Health Organisation has warned such pollution, much of which is from the fossil fuels that cause climate change, is a public health emergency. Leung Ka Wa 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Water levels in reservoirs, like this one in Gers, France, have been getting perilously low in areas across the world affected by drought, forcing authorities to introduce water restrictions. Mahtuf Ikhsan

Mr Guterres' optimism is likely due to the nearly a thousand mayors, state governors, and CEOs who have signed their own pact to keep fighting climate change.

Twenty Fortune 500 companies, including Apple, eBay, Gap Inc., Google, Intel, Microsoft, Nike, and several universities are among the signatories. A separate mayoral pledge was signed by over 200 cities to build a clean energy economy.

Lou Leonard, World Wildlife Funds Senior Vice President of Climate Change and Energy, told The Independent previously that these sub-national alliances are important because decisions about emissions-heavy sectors like transportation, ports, international shipping hubs, urban planning, and land use are all made at the local government level.

Mr Brown's climate conference will feature representatives of sub-national governments, businesses, investors, musicians, and others to highlight action to fight global warming and to "spur deeper commitment" from national governments.

A full list of attendees hasn't been released and it is unclear at this time if any foreign presidents or prime ministers plan to attend.

Building alliances to fight climate change has been a key piece of Mr Brown's time in office.

Former UN climate chief Christiana Figueres told The New York Times that the conference was evidence of the fact that the US economy continues to de-carbonise independent of federal policies.

Part of the issue is that only national targets have been used in the Paris Agreement.

To aid with efforts like Californias, the cities, and companies former New York City Mayor and UN envoy on cities and climate change Michael Bloomberg launched an effort with local governments and non-state actors to formally quantify the combined - and overlapping - emissions reduction pledges, which will be known as America's Pledge, and submit the report to the UN, Reuters reported.
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Donald Trump rejected the US militarys plan for tackling Isis because he thought it was too similar to Barack Obamas, reports suggest.

Despite the terrorist group having been all but driven out of Iraq and under threat of losing its strongholds in Syria, the White House is said to have asked officials to come up with new proposals in order to show that Mr Trump is different to his predecessor.

Military leaders are reluctant to fundamentally change a strategy that appears to be working, according to the Daily Beast, which quoted two US officials and a senior administration official.

Recent months have seen a number of successes in the battle against Isis. The militant group has been driven out of its former Iraqi stronghold of Mosul and opposition forces have surrounded its last remaining bastion, the city of Raqqa in Syria.

Fifty Isis leaders are reported to have been killed by US special forces since Mr Trump took office in January, although this is fewer than the 80 assassinated in the last six months of Mr Obamas presidency.

Air strikes against the group have increased in recent months, rising from an average of 440 a month in the last six months of 2016 to just under 800 a month now.

Mr Trump has so far made few changes to the US anti-Isis strategy but has repeatedly promised to publish a new and comprehensive plan for defeating the organisation.

During the presidential campaign, he claimed he had an absolute way of defeating Isis but refused to say what it was.

I dont want the enemy to know what Im doing, he said in 2015. Unfortunately Ill probably have to tell at some point, but there is a method for defeating them quickly and effectively and having total victory.

In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour Show all 39 1 /39 In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud arriving for a reception ahead of a banquet at Murabba Palace in Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud being welcomed at Murabba Palace in Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump with King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud during a welcome ceremony with traditional sword dancers at Murabba Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud with US President Donald J. Trump and wife Melania during a welcome ceremony at Murabba Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump adjusts the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud Medal, after it was bestowed upon him by Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at the Royal Court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud presents U.S. President Donald Trump with the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud Medal at the Royal Court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 Palestinians print posters depicting US President Donald Trump in preparations for his planned visit, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, his daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband White House senior advisor Jared Kushner, before delivering his remarks to the Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump looks on as U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Muhammad bin Nayef exchange a memorandum of understanding Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 First Lady Melania Trump shares a laugh with a child during a visit to the American International School in the Saudi capital Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump holds a bilateral meeting with Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Israeli soldiers rest during preparations ahead of President Trump's landing in Tel Aviv, Israel Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 First Lady Melania Trump makes her way to board Air Force One in Riyadh as she heads with her husband the US President to Israel Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump board Air Force One for Israel, the next stop in Trump's international tour, at King Khalid International Airport AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Israeli soldiers wait for the arrival ceremony of US President Donald Trump at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv, Israel AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive aboard Air Force One at Ben Gurion International Airport in Lod near Tel Aviv, Israel Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump disembark Air Force One on arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump and his wife, US First Lady Melania Trump are welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, in Lod outside Tel Aviv, Israel EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sit during welcome ceremony in Tel Aviv AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US First Lady Melania Trump chats wife Sara Netanyahu as US President Donald Trump chats to Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a welcoming ceremony to welcome Trump at Ben Gurion International Airport Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump delivers a speech upon his arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump gestures during a press conference with Israel's President at the President's Residence in Jerusalem Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump watches as First Lady Melania Trump signs the guest book at the President's Residence in Jerusalem Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump walks with first lady Melania Trump in Jerusalem's Old City Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, in Jerusalems Old City Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump stands next to Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz at the plaza in front of the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and White House senior advisor Jared Kushner leave notes at the Western Wall in Jerusalem Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US First Lady Melania Trump touches the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Ivanka Trump, assistant and daughter of US President Donald J. Trump, touches the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump arrives in a vehicle to Saint Damaso's Court for a private audience with Pope Francis in Vatican City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis walks past Ivanka Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on the occasion of the private audience with President Donald Trump, at the Vatican AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis exchanges gifts with US President Donald Trump during a private audience at the Vatican Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis meets US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania during a private audience at the Vatican Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis with US President Donald J. Trump EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis gets into is car after meeting with US President Donald Trump AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 President Donald Trump and his wife Melania look at the frescoed ceilings during their visit to the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican L'Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald Trump security vehicles are seen in front of Air Force One before take off from Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump wave to reporters before boarding the Air Force One to Brussels, at the end of a 2-day visit to Italy including a meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican, at Rome's Fiumicino international airport AP

He later said his plan was to ask US military generals to come up with one.

Im going to convene my top generals and give them a simple instruction, he said in September 2016. They will have 30 days to submit to the Oval Office a plan for soundly and quickly defeating Isis.

In May, the US President said he would hold a press conference in two weeks to lay out his Isis plan. Two weeks later, he said the announcement would be in a further two weeks.

Now over six weeks later, reports suggest the delay is in part because Mr Trump is determined to differentiate himself from Mr Obama and wants to make certain the two plans are different enough.

The main change implemented by the Republican to date involved delegating responsibility for authorising air strikes and special forces missions.

Whereas Mr Obama had been directly involved in signing off operations, Mr Trump has handed much of the responsibility to his Defence Secretary, Jim Mattis. Mr Mattis has, in turn, given more authority to military commanders.

Mr Trump has also ramped up operations against Isis and its affiliates in Afghanistan, Yemen and Somalia.
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Donald Trump has made his most explicit commitment yet that America will come to the defence of its Nato allies - a day before a much-anticipated meeting with Vladimir Putin.

The US President had been criticised during his first visit to Europe when he failed to refer to Natos Article 5, that part of its charter that commits members to the idea of mutual defence.

Yet after having defended his berating of those members of the 29-member organisation he said were not sufficiently contributing financially, he spelled out that he - in line with every other US President before him - was committed to Natos solidarity.

The President's comments were the most explicit yet about his commitment to Nato (Getty)

To those who would criticise our tough stance, I would point out that the United States has demonstrated - not merely with its words but with its actions - that we stand firmly behind Article 5, the mutual defence commitment, Mr Trump said.

Words are easy, but actions are what matters. And for its own protection, Europe - and you know this, everybody knows this, everybody has to know this - Europe must do more.

Mr Trumps speech came heavy with symbolism. He spoke in Krasinski Square, just feet from a memorial to the 1944 Warsaw uprising against the Nazis. Mr Trump spent much of his speech devoted to applauding the spirit and strength of the Polish people, and talked about their repeated takeovers and occupations.

 Donald Trump arrives in Poland ahead of G20 in Germany

However, on the eve of what is believed to be his first meeting with Mr Putin - and certainly his first as US President - Mr Trump also spoke about a broader threat to Western values and of the need to defend them.

Our freedom, our civilisation and our survival depend on these bonds of history culture and memory and more than ever. Poland is in our heart and its people are in that fight, he said.

I declare today for the world to hear the West will never, ever be broken, our values will prevail, our people will thrive and our civilisation will triumph.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Mr Trump spoke in a country that for decades was under Soviet rule. Its turn to the West after the fall of the communist government in 1989, its joining of Nato a decade later and the increased deployment of US troops on its soil, have angered Moscow.

Ahead of his scheduled meeting with Mr Putin in Hamburg, Mr Trump - who has spent the first months of this presidency fighting off allegations of collusion with Russia - also took the opportunity to call on Moscow to stop fomenting unrest around the world.

According to Reuters, while Mr Trump stopped stopped some way short of condemning Russia for allegedly meddling in the US election, he said Western interests were being tested by propaganda, financial crimes and cyber warfare.

We urge Russia to cease its destabilising activities in Ukraine and elsewhere, and its support for hostile regimes including Syria and Iran, and to join the community of responsible nations in our fight against common enemies and in defence of civilisation itself, he said.

He added: Americans, Poles, and the nations of Europe value individual freedom and sovereignty. We must work together to counter forces, whether they come from inside or out, from the South or the East, that threaten over time to undermine these values and to erase the bonds of culture, faith and tradition that make us who we are.
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Donald Trump poses an "existential threat" to humanity that must be countered with "urgent and dedicated" action, Noam Chomsky has warned.

"Ridicule is not enough" to defeat the US President, said the renowned academic, who called for direct activism to combat the Republican administration's policies.

The linguist and political philosopher identified Mr Trump's stance on global warming and nuclear weapons as the two biggest threats posed by his presidency.

He told the New York Times: "The most important issues to address are the truly existential threats we face: climate change and nuclear war.

"On the former, the Republican leadership, in splendid isolation from the world, is almost unanimously dedicated to destroying the chances for decent survival; strong words, but no exaggeration."

Mr Trump last month announced the US would withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change, while on Thursday he said he was considering "severe things" following North Korea testing an intercontinental ballistic missile.

Mr Chomsky warned the President's vow to strengthen and expand the country's nuclear arsenal, coupled with global tensions, "poses extraordinary dangers".

He said: "In these cases, citizen action can reverse highly dangerous programmes. It can also press Washington to explore diplomatic options - which are available - instead of the near-reflexive resort to force and coercion in other areas, including North Korea and Iran."

He added: "There are in fact many ways to combat the Trump project of creating a tiny America, isolated from the world, cowering in fear behind walls while pursuing the Paul Ryan-style domestic policies that represent the most savage wing of the Republican establishment."

 Stephen Hawking has a chilling warning about Trump and climate change

Referencing Mr Trump's position on climate change, Mr Chomsky said: "The performances are so utterly absurd regarding the 'post-truth' moment that the proper response might best be ridicule."

But he added: "Ridicule is not enough. Its necessary to address the concerns and beliefs of those who are taken in by the fraud, or who dont recognise the nature and significance of the issues for other reasons.

"Beyond that, what is needed is action: urgent and dedicated, in the many ways that are open to us."

A leading psychiatrist warned in May that Mr Trump's mental health posed an "existential threat" to the world because of his power to launch nuclear weapons.

John Zinner said the President's inability to feel guilt made humanity vulnerable to his inner rage.

Stephen Hawking has warned that Mr Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, signed by nearly 200 nations, could push the Earth over the brink to a point where global warming is irreversible.
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Support is growing for a congressional bill that could lead to Donald Trump being removed from office.

Democrats in the House of Representatives have tabled proposals for the creation of an 11-member, cross-party body called the Oversight Commission on President Capacity, which would be responsible for examining the US presidents mental and physical health.

Tabled by Maryland congressman Jamie Raskin and backed by 21 members of the House, the bill would see Mr Trump or any other US president forced from the Oval Office is he or she is deemed to be mentally or physically unfit for the role.

Recommended Donald Trump lashes out at China over North Korea trade

The bill was first introduced in April but support for the proposal has grown in recent weeks after Mr Trump launched a tirade of angry tweets against various opponents. Critics say his frequent Twitter outbursts and references to violence are a sign of a man who is not fit for office.

The billionaire businessmans public row with the hosts of MSNBC show Morning Joe and his tweeting of a mocked-up clip of him tackling and punching a figure with a CNN logo covering its face were widely condemned, including by members of Congress.

It comes amid speculation that the 25th Amendment to the US Constitution could be used to oust Mr Trump.

The amendment allows the Vice President to remove the president, with the backing of the majority of the cabinet or such other body as Congress if they believe the commander in chief cannot discharge the powers and duties of the office.

The proposed Oversight Commission could act as the body that gives consent for such an action.

In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour Show all 39 1 /39 In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud arriving for a reception ahead of a banquet at Murabba Palace in Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud being welcomed at Murabba Palace in Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump with King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud during a welcome ceremony with traditional sword dancers at Murabba Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud with US President Donald J. Trump and wife Melania during a welcome ceremony at Murabba Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump adjusts the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud Medal, after it was bestowed upon him by Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at the Royal Court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud presents U.S. President Donald Trump with the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud Medal at the Royal Court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 Palestinians print posters depicting US President Donald Trump in preparations for his planned visit, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, his daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband White House senior advisor Jared Kushner, before delivering his remarks to the Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump looks on as U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Muhammad bin Nayef exchange a memorandum of understanding Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 First Lady Melania Trump shares a laugh with a child during a visit to the American International School in the Saudi capital Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump holds a bilateral meeting with Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Israeli soldiers rest during preparations ahead of President Trump's landing in Tel Aviv, Israel Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 First Lady Melania Trump makes her way to board Air Force One in Riyadh as she heads with her husband the US President to Israel Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump board Air Force One for Israel, the next stop in Trump's international tour, at King Khalid International Airport AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Israeli soldiers wait for the arrival ceremony of US President Donald Trump at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv, Israel AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive aboard Air Force One at Ben Gurion International Airport in Lod near Tel Aviv, Israel Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump disembark Air Force One on arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump and his wife, US First Lady Melania Trump are welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, in Lod outside Tel Aviv, Israel EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sit during welcome ceremony in Tel Aviv AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US First Lady Melania Trump chats wife Sara Netanyahu as US President Donald Trump chats to Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a welcoming ceremony to welcome Trump at Ben Gurion International Airport Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump delivers a speech upon his arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump gestures during a press conference with Israel's President at the President's Residence in Jerusalem Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump watches as First Lady Melania Trump signs the guest book at the President's Residence in Jerusalem Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump walks with first lady Melania Trump in Jerusalem's Old City Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, in Jerusalems Old City Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump stands next to Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz at the plaza in front of the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and White House senior advisor Jared Kushner leave notes at the Western Wall in Jerusalem Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US First Lady Melania Trump touches the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Ivanka Trump, assistant and daughter of US President Donald J. Trump, touches the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump arrives in a vehicle to Saint Damaso's Court for a private audience with Pope Francis in Vatican City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis walks past Ivanka Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on the occasion of the private audience with President Donald Trump, at the Vatican AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis exchanges gifts with US President Donald Trump during a private audience at the Vatican Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis meets US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania during a private audience at the Vatican Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis with US President Donald J. Trump EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis gets into is car after meeting with US President Donald Trump AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 President Donald Trump and his wife Melania look at the frescoed ceilings during their visit to the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican L'Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald Trump security vehicles are seen in front of Air Force One before take off from Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump wave to reporters before boarding the Air Force One to Brussels, at the end of a 2-day visit to Italy including a meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican, at Rome's Fiumicino international airport AP

It would be responsible for investigating whether a president "is temporarily or permanently impaired by physical illness or disability, mental illness, mental deficiency, or alcohol or drug use to the extent that the person lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to execute the powers and duties of the office of President.

Numerous experts have questioned Mr Trumps mental state and suitability for the job. Last month, a group of psychiatrists claimed the Republican has a dangerous mental illness and was paranoid and delusional.

One Democrat congressman, Darren Soto of Florida, told NBC: "Given Donald Trump's continued erratic and baffling behaviour, is it any wonder why we need to pursue this legislation?"

"The mental and physical health of the leader of the United States and the free world is a matter of great public concern."

Mr Raskin, a professor of constitutional law, said the bill was not only about Mr Trump and would help remove other presidents who are deemed unfit for office.

We've got to make sure that we have a president who is able faithfully to discharge the duties of office," he told CNN. This is not just for one president  it's for all of the presidents. And I think we can come together in a bipartisan way."
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The International Criminal Court (ICC) has ruled that South Africa failed to comply with its obligations when it did not arrest Omar Hassan al-Bashir, the Sudanese president wanted by the court on charges of war crimes, during a visit  but said any further action was "futile".

The public gallery was packed as the court addressed for the first time on the obligation that member states of the ICC have to arrest and surrender the Sudanese president.

Mr Bashir remains in office and in addition to the visit to the African Union summit in June 2015, he has been travelling freely since two international arrest warrants were issues against him in 2009 and 2010. The leader was indicted by the ICC in 2008 over the deaths and persecution of ethnic groups in Sudan's Darfur province. Mr Bashir denies the charges.

Explaining the courts decision not to refer the case on to the UN Security Council or other ICC states, Presiding judge Cuno Tarfusser recalled that six countries had been referred to these mechanisms in the case of the arrest of Mr Bashir alone.

ICC member states Nigeria, Chad, Kenya, Malawi, Djibouti, the DRC and most recently Jordan, have all hosted Mr Bashir and allowed him to depart  some have even received him with guards of honour.

But there has been no actions against state parties that have failed to comply, Mr Tarfusser said, a little agitated. Due to this lack of action any referral to the UN [Security Council] would be futile.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

That statement painfully lays bare one of the most glaring shortcomings of the court  that it cannot do anything without the cooperation of the international community.

Fatou Bensouda, the international courts chief prosecutor, late last year blamed the Security Council for failing to help her to secure the arrest of Mr Bashir. As a result, the case against Mr Bashir is now hibernating.

But it was the UN Security Council who referred the Darfur case to the ICC in 2005. Usually disputes are limited to the 124 states which are party to the Rome Statute, the ICCs 2002 founding document. Sudan is not a member state  a fact that was also cited by South Africa in defence of letting Mr Bashir leave its soil.

Yet the ICC dismissed that argument. For the purposes of the situation in Darfur, Sudan is in an analogous situation to those of States Parties as a result of the UNSCs resolution ... And is under obligation to cooperate fully with the court,  it ruled.

I will have to refer this to my higher ups and then we will have to see if we will appeal, South African Ambassador to the Netherlands Vusi Bruch Koloane told The Independent shortly after the decision.

Central to the case was a disagreement about whether acting heads of state enjoy immunity. On Thursday, the court argued its jurisdiction superseded international diplomatic conduct which can protect heads of state from prosecution.

The decision is the latest in a string of rulings on the issue of arrest and could muddy the waters even more. The case law of the ICC is partly contradictory on the justification of the duty to arrest. The ICC itself formulated three different explanations in different rulings  The final word on this might have to be spoken by the Appeals Chamber, said Carsten Stahn, Professor of International Criminal Law and Global Justice at Leiden University.

Immunity for acting leaders is a longstanding source of conflict between the court and the African Union, who feel the court should not get involved in regime change. Thursdays ruling is unlikely to improve relations between the court and the African Union members, says William Schabas, Professor of International Law at Middlesex University. They were unhappy with the early rulings of the Court on the issue of immunity for Bashir, and showed it by allowing him to travel to their country. That is unlikely to change, he wrote in an email to The Independent.

The African Union called for a mass exodus from the Court in February, partially over the immunity issue, as well as accusation that the court is biased. Out of 10 investigations the court has conducted, 9 concern African countries. All three trials concern African leaders. And so far, ICC arrest warrants have only ever been issued for Africans.

South Africa formally notified the UN that it wants to withdraw from the ICC late last year. A domestic tangle on procedural grounds has delayed the process, but as recently as last week authorities made clear that they would press ahead with the withdrawal.

The ICC's decision not to refer South Africa might be intended in part to dissuade it from pulling out of the court, according to Mark Kersten, a legal scholar.

"I think this decision significantly raises the costs for South Africa to leave the ICC. The Court clearly listened to its concerns and there is a consensus that in not referring the government of South Africa to the Assembly of States Parties or the UN Security Council, the ICC was lenient, perhaps at a stretch even understanding of South Africas views. This makes it much harder for South Africa to justify leaving the ICC," he said.
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Donald Trump has reportedly had trouble getting a hotel room for the upcoming G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany.

His team apparently waited too long to book accommodations for the President and his travelling staff and were told none of the major hotels had vacancies, Buzzfeed reported.

The local newspaper Hamburger Abendblatt reported that the Four Seasons had to turn him away as they were full.

 Donald Trump ignoring stuff - a compilation

In an ironic twist for the hotel chain owner, every luxury hotel in town seemed to be booked up. There do not appear to be any Trump-owned properties in the northern German city.

Buzzfeed did some digging and found that King Salman of Saudi Arabia and his massive entourage are staying at the Four Seasons as well two other high-end hotels.

Recommended Watch Donald Trump speak ahead of G20 summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin is staying at the Park Hyatt and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will make camp at the Atlantic Kempinski with India and Canada.

However, the Hamburg government's Senate House will reportedly host him, while staff will likely stay at the US Consulate there.

This is not the first time a US official has had trouble with hotels in Germany. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had to stay several miles away - at a sanitarium outside of Bonn - from other leaders at the February G20 ministers' meeting.
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Austria has deployed four armoured vehicles along its Italian border and has 750 troops at the ready to prevent a future flux of migrants from crossing the border.

Officials confirmed the vehicles had been sent to the province that includes the Brenner Pass, a gateway to Italy for important trading partners such as Germany.

Italy warned last year that planned controls on a key trade pass would break EU rules on free movement.

Austrian Defence Minister Hans Peter Doskozil said he expecting controls at the border with Italy to be introduced "very soon", a comment which sparked fury in Rome.

Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern played down the dispute and praised cooperation with Italy, which is dealing with a surged in the number of migrants crossing the Mediterranean from North Africa, many of them fleeing war and poverty in their home countries.

Speaking during a joint press conference, Mr Kern told reporters Austria is preparing to introduce border controls at Brenner if there is a surge in migrant arrivals there, but that there was no need to at present.

"We are not deploying tanks at Brenner and I can emphasise again that cooperation with Italy is really good," he said, adding there was no indication the Italian government had lost control of the situation in the south of the country.

More than 85,000 refugees and other migrants have arrived in Italy by that route so far this year, making it the main point of entry into Europe.

Italy has repeatedly appealed to other European countries for help in dealing with the influx of people making the perilously journey of crossing the Mediterranean from North Africa.

Protesters during a rally against the Austrian government's planned re-introduction of border controls at the Brenner Pass border crossing to Italy in 2016 (Jan Hetfleisch/Getty Images)

This comes as Amnesty International warned that the EU's "reckless" operations in the Mediterranean was causing refugees to die as they attempt the sea crossing in unsafe boats.

The report claims EU naval operations destroyed many human smugglers' wooden boats, pushing people to make the crossing in less safe rubber dinghies instead.

Austria has said for more than a year that it will introduce border controls at Brenner if it needed to prevent another wave of arrivals.

In 2015, Austria took more than one per cent of its population in asylum seekers, who came mainly through Turkey, Greece and the Balkans.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

The wave of migrants coming through Austria in 2015 lifted support for the far-right Freedom Party.

A parliamentary election is due in October and immigration is likely to remain a major issue, with all three leading parties in favour of border security.

In a statement, Mr Kern and Mr Doskozil said: "We must prepare for a possible worsening of the situation (in Italy). One thing is clear: there cannot be a repeat of a situation like the one in 2015."

Additional reporting by agencies.
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Donald Trump warned the future of the West is in peril in speech in Poland ahead of a G20 meeting.

The warning, revealed by US officials, comes amid increasing tensions over North Korea and in the Gulf.

Mr Trump warned that the "fundamental question of our time is whether the West has the will to survive".

Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade Show all 8 1 /8 Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AFP/Getty Images Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AFP/Getty Images Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP

Mr Trump addressed crowds in Warsaw and is expected to focus on the importance of Poland and security concerns facing the world. He will also discussed the US relationship with the EU, officials said.

"This continent no longer confronts the specter of communism. But today were in the West, and we have to say there are dire threats to our security and to our way of life," he said. "You see whats happening out there. They are threats. We will confront them. We will win. But they are threats.

"We must work together to confront forces, whether they come from inside or out, from the South or the East, that threaten over time to undermine these values and to erase the bonds of culture, faith and tradition that make us who we are. If left unchecked, these forces will undermine our courage, sap our spirit, and weaken our will to defend ourselves and our societies."

Saying that people should be inspired by the spirit of the Warsaw uprising, Mr Trump said that "our freedom, our civilization, and our survival depend on these bonds of history, culture, and memory."

Trump is delivering the speech from Krasinski Square, the site of a monument commemorating the 1944 Warsaw Uprising against Nazi occupation. Polish media reports said the government, as part of its invitation to Trump, promised the White House a reception of cheering crowds. Plans call for ruling party lawmakers and pro-government activists to bus in groups of people from outlying provinces for the speech.

The White House did not respond to requests for comment on those reports. Scores of people lined darkened streets late Wednesday after Trump arrived to watch as the motorcade sped him and his wife, Melania, to their hotel.

After the speech, the president will head to Germany for the meeting of the G20.
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Refugees are dying in the Mediterranean because of "reckless" EU operations destroying smugglers' safest boats, Amnesty International has said.

The human rights group claims the EU has "turned its back" on a search and rescue strategy that was reducing mortality, in a new report, entitled "A Perfect Storm".

It argues that the search and rescue measures implemented in 2015 dramatically decreased death at sea, but EU governments have now shifted their focus to disrupting smugglers and preventing boats departing from Libya.

The EU naval Operation Sophia, also known as EU Navfor Med, destroyed so many of the wooden boats used by smugglers that huge numbers of people are now making the crossing on less safe rubber dinghies, Amnesty International said.

"With insufficient fuel, no life jackets or other safety features, and often with no means to call for help, such as a satellite phone, these boats have virtually no chance of reaching European coasts by themselves and they are in need of rescue from the moment they depart," the report states.

It added that in the first half of 2017, 73,000 refugees and migrants reached Italy by sea, 14 per cent more than in the same period the previous year.

It is estimated that by the end of June, 2,0030 people had died or gone missing when making the crossing.

The organisation warned that at this rate, 2017 could be the deadliest year for migrants in the Mediterranean.

The report said: "With 2.5 deaths for every 100 people attempting the crossing, 2016 was the deadliest year to date for refugees and migrants on the central Mediterranean. At current rates, the death toll in 2017 promises to be just as high, if not higher."

The EU has two operations in the region including the border control operation Triton, the military operation and Sophia which dedicated to destroying smugglers' boats.

The Italian navy also runs Mare Sicuro, a surveillance operation.

But Amnesty International said these operations were prioritising anti-smuggling operations, surveillance and maritime security instead of dealing with the humanitarian crisis.

The report blamed the "reckless EU strategy" for failing to stop departures from Libya and preventing further loss of life.

It said, the EU strategy was in fact "exposing refugees and migrants to even greater risks at sea".

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Amnesty International found that when refugees and migrants were disembarked back in Libya "they faced horrific conditions in detention, torture and rape."

It claimed Libyan coast guards working in cooperation with the EU were capsizing migrant boats in poorly carried out rescue operations.

In some instances, it alleged that the coast guards would also subject migrants to "forced labour, rape and other sexual violence" and "beat them with sticks or gun butts." Others were robbed of of their phones and money, it claimed.

People arriving in Italy were identified by Amnesty as hailing from Syria and African countries like Nigeria, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Senegal, Mali and Eritrea.

The majority were fleeing from political persecution, arbitrary detention and torture, rather than economic reasons, the report said.

John Dalhuisen, Amnesty International's Europe director, said: "If the second half of this year continues as the first and urgent action is not taken, 2017 looks set to become the deadliest year for the deadliest migration route in the world. The EU must rethink its cooperation with Libyas woefully dysfunctional coast guard and deploy more vessels where they are desperately needed.

Ultimately the only sustainable and humane way to reduce the numbers risking such horrific journeys is to open more safe and legal routes for migrants and refugees to reach Europe.
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A British actor who once starred alongside film stars like Tom Cruise and Johnny Depp is now "the first to put my hand up to volunteer" for operations against Isis in Syria.

Michael Enright joined the Kurdish rebel force YPG in 2015 after seeing footage of US journalist James Foley being beheaded by Mohammed Emwazi, known as Jihadi John.

The 53-year-old previously starred in films from Knight and Day starring Tom Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Mans Chest.

But despite brushing shoulders with A-listers, Enright said he wanted to find a higher purpose.

As an actor I played roles before where I was a SWAT team policeman going into a heavy situation. It looks very intense. In actual fact its not like that at all, he told The Sun. You just dont freak out about it until youre literally right on top of a fight.

Enright, who was given the name Mustafa Rojava by his Kurdish colleagues, is originally from Manchester, where a suicide bomber killed 23 people at an Ariana Grande concert in May.

In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Show all 30 1 /30 In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian family arrives at a checkpoint, manned by pro-government forces, at the al-Hawoz street roundabout, after leaving Aleppo's eastern neighbourhoods Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian woman, fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, reacts as she stands with her children in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood, after regime troops retook the area from rebel fighters Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian pro-regime fighters, gesture as they drive past resident fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian rebels withdrew from six more neighbourhoods in their one-time bastion of east Aleppo in the face of advancing government troops, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian rebels withdrew from six more neighbourhoods in their one-time bastion of east Aleppo in the face of advancing government troops, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian residents, fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, arrive in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood , after regime troops retook the area from rebel fighters Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian pro-regime fighters, gesture as they drive past residents fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian residents, fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, arrive in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood, after regime troops retook the area from rebel fighters Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian residents, fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, arrive in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian pro-regime fighter speaks with a child, as residents flee violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood. Syrian rebels withdrew from six more neighbourhoods in their one-time bastion of east Aleppo in the face of advancing government troops AFP/Getty Images In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Smoke rises as seen from a governement-held area of Aleppo, Syria Reuters In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian soldiers targeting rebels-held areas in the eastern neighborhoods in Aleppo, Syria. According to media reports, the army is now holding on 99 percent of Aleppois eastern neighborhoods EPA In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian pro-government forces patrol Aleppo's eastern al-Salihin neighbourhood after troops retook the area from rebel fighters Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian soldiers rest following the battle at al-Sheik Saeed neighborhood in Aleppo, Syria EPA In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian pro-government fighter walking past closed shops in the Bab al-Nasr district of Aleppo's Old City. Once renowned for its bustling souks, grand citadel and historic gates, Aleppo's Old City has been rendered virtually unrecognisable by some of the worst violence of Syria's war Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria The crucial battle for Aleppo entered its 'final phase' after Syrian rebels retreated into a small pocket of their former bastion in the face of new army advances. The retreat leaves opposition fighters confined to just a handful of neighbourhoods in southeast Aleppo, the largest of them Sukkari and Mashhad Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian civilans arrive at a checkpoint, manned by pro-government forces, at the al-Hawoz street roundabout, after leaving Aleppo's eastern neighbourhoods. Syria's government has retaken at least 85 percent of east Aleppo, which fell to rebels in 2012, since beginning its operation Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian civilians flee the Sukkari neighbourhood towards safer rebel-held areas in southeastern Aleppo Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrians celebrate in the government-held Mogambo neighbourhood of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, after rebel fighters retreated into a small pocket of their former bastion in the face of new army advances Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrians celebrate in the government-held Mogambo neighbourhood of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, after rebel fighters retreated into a small pocket of their former bastion in the face of new army advances. The fall of Aleppo would be the worst rebel defeat since Syria's conflict began in 2011, and leave the government in control of the country's five major cities Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian refugee Aliya inside the tent where she lives with her husband and ten children in a camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian refugee women and children outside the entrance to their tents in the refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA Wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA Wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian refugee woman outside the entrance to the tent where her family live, in the refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A vehicle drives past a mosque at night in Idlib, Syria. Picture taken with a long exposure Reuters In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Damaged buildings stand in the rebel-controlled town of Binnish in Idlib province, Syria Reuters In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria The night sky is seen through damaged windows in the rebel-controlled town of Binnish in Idlib province, Syria Reuters In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Damaged buildings stand in the rebel-controlled area of Maaret al-Numan in Idlib province, Syria Reuters

The attack in Manchester especially brought a lot of emotions. Im used to a lot of death, and terrorist attacks, but this was different, its my home town, he said.

I was heartbroken because of the age of the targets, those little girls.

He said the attacks in London Bridge and Manchester had hardened his heart and has made him all the more determined to fight.

Daesh are only tough guys when theyre fighting innocent, defenceless people," he said. "But Ive arrested and interrogated loads of them, and when their hands are tied they become sheep.

Im not going to leave until IS are gone. At which point Ill give all the Kurds a big kiss, then go home to Manchester and give my mother a big kiss.

Despite the militant group placing a 116,000 bounty on his head, Enright vowed to fight on.

Ill give Isis no quarter. I wont expect much mercy from them and I will not give them much mercy, that I can promise you, he said.

His comments came as Isis is slowly being squeezed out of its former strongholds in the Iraqi city of Mosul and the Syrian city of Raqqa.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi congratulated coalition troops earlier this week on their victory against Isis in Mosul, although fighting continues in small pockets of the city still under militant control.

Praise be to God, we managed to liberate (the city) and proved the others were wrong, the people of Mosul supported and stood with our security forces against terrorism, Mr Abadi said.

Instructions have already been issued on rebuilding the city - devastated by Isis improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and coalition bombing - and improving the security situation, he added.
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A Yazidi boy captured by Isis has told of the brutal tactics the group used to brainwash its child soldiers.

Arsem Ibraham was just 13 when the Islamist group attacked his people on Sinjar Mountain in Iraq in 2013.

He and the other boys who were captured were separated from the adults. The women and girls were sold into a sexual slavery while the adult men were murdered.

He told ITV News: Then they blindfolded me but I could still hear the shooting. Three shots into one man.

The boys who survived were then taken to Raqqa in Syria, Isis capital where they were forced to join something the group called The Caliphate Cubs.

Here he was trained how to fight for the group using rocket launchers and automatic rifles.

They were shown videos of suicide attacks and told to look up to the perpetrators.

He said he was taken to a military camp for six months and told he must kill Kurds and rebel groups like the Free Syrian Army as they were all infidels.

Kurdish authorities told CNN last year that as many as 600 Yazidi children had been abducted by the group but around 200 had managed to escape.

It said they feared they were being used as cannon fodder as the terrorists lose ground and fighters.

In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Show all 11 1 /11 In pictures: Isis' weapons factories In pictures: Isis' weapons factories A mortar round fin manufactured by Isis in Gogjali, Mosul, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Isis rocket components discovered in Gogjali, Mosul, Iraq in November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Isis mortars discovered near Karamlais, Iraq, in November 2016 CAR In pictures: Isis' weapons factories An Isis rocket launch frame in Qaraqosh, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories A memo from Isis' COSQC on quality control at a manufacturing facility in Gogjali, Mosul, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Electrically-operated initiators manufactured by Isis in forces Gogjali, Mosul, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Isis mortar tubes at a manufacturing facility in Karamlais, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories An Isis mortar production facility discovered in Gogjali, Mosul, in November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories An Isis weapons manufacturing facilities near Mosul in November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Stocks of French-manufactured Sorbitol, Latvian potassium nitrate and Lebanese sugar at an Isis weapons factory in Iraq Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories A destroyed Isis weapons facility in Qaraqosh, Iraq, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research

Isis is said to be putting its most experienced fighters on the front line and was using child soldiers in sentry positions and suicide bomb squads.

Arsem said: "Every day after training we were shown the latest videos of suicide attacks. We were told: 'Look up to these brothers'.

"We were told whoever blows themselves up will go to heaven. There will be 70 virgins waiting for us and rivers of wine."

There was talk of sending some of the boys through Turkey to launch attacks in Europe.

They said: 'Dont worry. We will do a big, big attack in Europe. Isis is working hard on that.

Coalition forces, backed by US-led air strikes, managed to push Isis out of its second city, Mosul in Iraq, last month. US-backed Kurdish forces are also closing in on Raqqa, Isis's 'capital' in Syria.

Arsem was captured by Kurdish fighters as they moved towards the outskirts of Raqqa and he will soon be reunited with his family.

He said he was looking forward to seeing his mother again and would tell her "I have been born again".
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The Israeli High Court of Justice has rejected a petition by the family of murdered teenage Muhammed Abu Khdeir to demolish the homes of the people who kidnapped him and burned him alive.

A Jewish man and two Jewish minors were convicted of burning alive the 16-year-old Palestinian in a forest outside Jerusalem in a revenge killing for the murder of three Israeli teenagers on the West Bank, who were buried the previous day.

Israel regularly demolishes the family homes of Palestinians who commit acts of violence against Israelis arguing it serves as a deterrent for future terror attacks.

Critics say the practice is unfair because it punished whole families for crimes committed by individuals.

But the Supreme Court Vice President Elyakim Rubinstein said the court was rejecting the petition to demolish the homes of Yosef Haim Ben-David along with two Israeli minors who took part in the killing because too much time had passed between the murder and the date of the petition being filled.

Abu Khdeir's family requested the demolition of the homes of their young son's killers in July 2016, two years after the murder.

In the petition, they wrote: "The state needs to operate in the same way against Jewish terrorists as it does against Palestinians. Just like the homes of Palestinian terrorists are sealed, the same should be done to Jews."

According to the Times of Israel, a month before the petition was filed, the Israeli Defence Minister told the family in a letter there was no need to demolish the homes of Jewish terrorists because attacks were too infrequent to warrant deterrence.

Speaking to Israeli news website Ynet, Abu Khdeir's father, Hussein Abu Khdeir, said: "There is no justice in the court system, which hands down decision according to the directives of the Israeli government. This kind of decision encourages a continued attack on us under the guise of the state."

The father and mother of Palestinian teenager Mohammed Abu Khdeir pray at his grave as they mark one year anniversary since his killing by Israelis who burned him alive in revenge for the murder of three Israeli teenagers in Shuafat, in Israel's annexed East Jerusalem

The family's lawyer also said the number of attacks by Jewish Israelis was increasing and that they should be deterred through the demolition of culprits' homes.

The High Court ruling stated anti-terror regulation that allows for home demolitions "applies equally to Arab terrorists and to Jewish terrorists, each case according to its circumstances".

Abu Khdeir was waiting for friends outside a mosque during morning prayers in Shuafat, East Jerusalem, when he was abducted on 2 July 2014.

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The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. 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Surveillance footage showed him being dragged into a car that drove into Jerusalem Forest, where his burned body was discovered just an hour later.

An autopsy showed he had soot in his lungs, indicating he had been burned alive after being beaten and forced to swallow petrol by his attackers.

Ben-David was handed a life sentence by the Jerusalem District Court and the two minors, who cannot be named for legal reason, received a 21-year sentence.
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The voice of Abdulkareem, 43, a former construction worker trapped inside the fast-shrinking Isis enclave in Mosul, trembles with fear as he describes the battle raging around him. He knows that it would be dangerous to try to escape, but it may be even more risky to stay where he is. He told The Independent in a phone interview: I cannot speak more loudly because they [Isis] will shoot me if they catch me talking on the phone.

Abdulkareem lives in the Dachat Barga neighbourhood near the al-Maydan district which is being heavily fought over as the Iraqi security forces pin Isis fighters, who may number only 300 combatants, in a small part of the Old City of Mosul with their backs to the Tigris River. It is a small area, but it is like Stalingrad in that the buildings wrecked by bombs and shells provide good defensive positions, says one observer, who wished to remain anonymous.

Abdulkareem can hear the sounds of fighting all around him in Dachat Barga, but he dare not go out and see exactly what is happening. We can hear the roar of the bombing and the mortar fire, he says. But we dont know whether it is the Iraqi army, the coalition airstrikes or Daesh [Isis]. A week ago, his sister and her husband were injured. A mortar shell hit their house, though nobody knew who fired it. He heard later that they were safe in the al-Farouq neighbourhood which had been overrun by Iraqi forces.

 The children of Mosul: Iraqi youngsters left psychologically damaged by ISIS war

The assault on Mosul by the Iraqi government started on 17 October last year and has now been going on for 262 days. The investment of the Old City, with its close packed houses and narrow alleyways, has been going on for a much shorter time, but many of its inhabitants have run out of food. We have only wheat grain to cook and eat, says Abdulkareem. We buy 10 litres of water for 15,000 Iraqi dinars (about 10). The water comes from deep wells dug since Isis captured Mosul three years ago, but petrol is needed to work the pump bringing up the water and this is often unavailable.

Nobody knows how many people are dying in the last stages of the siege as the last resistance of Isis is extinguished. Iraqi military commanders prematurely announce the capture of a neighbourhood long before it is secured. Hasan, who is working with a medical team searching the rubble for bodies, says that people are flooding out of the ruins when they think it safe to do so. We are receiving hundreds of civilians from Al-Farouq and Al-Maydan and the other surrounding areas of the Old City, he says. Most of the victims are women and children. Yesterday three women dressed in black were wearing explosive belts. They blew themselves up and killed dozens of civilians and wounded many others.

Some people have kept the dead bodies of their children and family members in their houses, because they will be shot if they try to go outside to bury them. A woman was trying to flee with her three children, says Hasan. The children were shot and the Isis militants let the woman go. This happened two days ago in a small neighbourhood in the old city called Dachat Barga.

The level of destruction in Mosul is worse than in any previous battle in Iraq, say senior UN officials. Some 900,000 people have fled the city and over a third of them are in camps. Lise Grande, the UN coordinator for humanitarian affairs in Iraq, is quoted as saying that the level of damage is far higher than we expected. Six districts, including most of the ancient Old City, have been totally destroyed while all the others have been damaged to a greater or lesser degree. Basic repairs to water, electricity and health care facilities will be costly, far greater than the UN had predicted. There are no precise figures for civilian casualties since the start of the siege, but the UN says there have been 15,000 trauma injuries sent for treatment.

People from Mosul who flee say they were confined to their houses by Isis who said they would be shot if they opened their door and set foot in the street. This makes the decision to escape particularly fraught, worsened by a fear that government forces suspect that groups escaping include Isis fighters and suicide bombers in disguise. Displaced people try to establish their credentials as opponents of Isis by denouncing each other as Isis sleepers.

In pictures: Mosul offensive Show all 40 1 /40 In pictures: Mosul offensive In pictures: Mosul offensive A doctor carries an Iraqi newborn baby at a hospital in Mosul, Iraq July 18, 2017. Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi girls play at a yard of a school in Mosul, Iraq July 18, 2017alal Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive A woman on crutches who is a relative of men accused of being Islamic State militants is seen at a camp in Bartella, east of Mosul, Iraq July 15, 2017. Picture taken July 15, 2017. Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive A displaced girl, who fled from home carries a doll at Hamam al-Alil camp south of Mosul, Iraq July 13, 2017. Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi federal police members and civilians celebrate in the Old City of Mosul on 9 July 2017 after the government's announcement of the "liberation" of the embattled city. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's office said he was in "liberated" Mosul to congratulate "the heroic fighters and the Iraqi people on the achievement of the major victory" AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive A picture taken on 9 July 2017, shows a general view of the destruction in Mosul's Old City. Iraq will announce imminently a final victory in the nearly nine-month offensive to retake Mosul from jihadists, a US general said Saturday, as celebrations broke out among police forces in the city. AFP In pictures: Mosul offensive Members of the Iraqi federal police raise the victory gesture as they ride on a humvee while advancing through the Old City of Mosul on 28 June 2017, as the offensive continues to retake the last district held by Islamic State (IS) group fighters. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Smoke billows as Iraqi forces advance through the Old City of Mosul on 26 June 2017, during the ongoing offensive to retake the last district held by the Islamic State (IS) group. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi man wearing the green scarf of the Shi'ite faith kisses an Iraqi Army soldier on safely reaching the Iraqi forces position as Iraqi civilians flee the Old City of west Mosul where heavy fighting continues on 23 June 2017. Iraqi forces continue to encounter stiff resistance with improvised explosive devices, car bombs, heavy mortar fire and snipers hampering their advance. Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive A picture taken from the inside of an Iraqi forces armoured vehicle shows residents walking through a damaged street as troops advance towards Mosul's Old City on 18 June 2017, during the ongoing offensive to retake the last district still held by the Islamic State (IS) group. Military commanders told AFP the assault had begun at dawn after overnight air strikes by the US-led coalition backing Iraqi forces. They said the jihadists were putting up fierce resistance. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi Army soldiers advance in a destroyed street after an Iraqi forces airstrike targeted an Islamic State sniper position 17 June 2017 in al-Shifa, the last district of west Mosul under Islamic State control. IS snipers, as well as car and suicide bomb attacks continue to hinder the Iraqi forces efforts to retake the final district. A series of airstrikes by Iraqi helicopter gunships attempted to hit multiple Islamic State sniper positions in al-Shifa. Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier frisks a displaced Iraqi man at a temporary camp in the compound of the closed Nineveh International Hotel in Mosul on 16 June 2017 which was recovered by Iraqi troops from Islamic State group fighters earlier in the year. A screening centre set up in the compound's fairgrounds sees a constant stream of Iraqis fleeing the battle for Mosul, awaiting their turn to be checked by the Iraqi forces who are searching for suspected Islamic State (IS) group members. The small fairground lies at the end of a pontoon bridge across the Tigris recently opened to civilians that is the only physical link between the two banks of the river. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqis staying at the al-Khazir camp swim in a river near the camp for internally displaced people, located between Arbil and Mosul on 11 June 2017. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi government forces drive on a road leading to Tal Afar on 9 June 2017, during ongoing battles to retake the city from Islamic State (IS) group fighters. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi policeman carries a poster bearing an image of Mosul's iconic leaning minaret, known as the "Hadba" (Hunchback), on 22 June 2017. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqis stand in line to receive food aid in western Mosul's Zanjili neighbourhood on 7 June 2017, during ongoing battles as Iraqi forces try to retake the city from Islamic State (IS) group fighters. Living conditions in Mosul have again deteriorated since the start of the Iraqi government's offensive on the city in October in which they retook a large part of the west of the city. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Displaced Iraqis carry lightbulbs and sacks as they evacuate from western Mosul's Zanjili neighbourhood as government forces advance in the area during their ongoing battle against Islamic State (IS) group fighters on 13 May 2017 AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) flashes the victory gesture as he patrols in western Mosul's al-Islah al-Zaraye neighbourhood on 13 May 2017 AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi army soldiers from the 9th armoured division on a truck flash the sign of victory as they drive back from Mosul to the town of Qaraqosh (also known as Hamdaniya) Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Members of Iraqi forces flash the sign of victory on their vehicle as they advance towards Hammam al-Alil area south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of Iraqi security forces gestures in Hammam al-Alil, south of Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi children, one flashing the sign of victory, greet Iraqi army's soldiers from the 9th armoured division in the area of Ali Rash, adjacent to the eastern Al-Intissar neighbourhood of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Peshmerga forces look at a tunnel used by Islamic State militants near the town of Bashiqa, east of Mosul, during an operation to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier takes a photograph with his phone as his comrade stands next to a detained man, whom the Iraqi army soldiers accused of being an Islamic State fighter, who was fleeing with his family in the Intisar disrict of eastern Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iranian Kurdish female members of the Freedom Party of Kurdistan (PAK) hold a position in an area near the town of Bashiqa, some 25 kilometres north east of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi families, who fled their homes in Hamam al-Alil, gather on the outskirts of their town Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Displaced people walk past a checkpoint near Qayara, south of Mosul, Iraq AP In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi families who were displaced by the ongoing operation by Iraqi forces against jihadists of the Islamic State group to retake the city of Mosul, are seen gathering in an area near Qayyarah In pictures: Mosul offensive A boy who just fled Abu Jarbuah village is seen with his family at a Kurdish Peshmerga position between two front lines near Bashiqa, east of Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi child eats a pomegranate upon the arrival of Iraqi forces in the village of Umm Mahahir, south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive People who just fled Abu Jarbuah village sit as they eat at a Kurdish Peshmerga position between two front lines near Bashiqa, east of Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive A couple who just fled Abu Jarbuah village are escorted by Kurdish Peshmerga soldiers Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Women carry a boy over a wall as civilians flee their houses in the village of Tob Zawa, Iraq AP In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier and a civilian ride a motorbike as smoke rises behind them, on the road between Qayyarah and Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of Iraqi forces, wearing a skull mask, waits at a checkpoint for people fleeing the main hub city of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier sits at a checkpoint in an area near Qayyarah Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi men prepare food portions for Iraqi forces deployed in areas south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi forces celebrate upon the arrival of vehicles bringing food to them Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi childen smoke cigarettes upon the arrival of Iraqi forces in the village of Umm Mahahir, south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of Iraqi forces distributes drinks to children in the village of Umm Mahahir, south of Mosul Getty

The dilemmas facing people within the last Isis strongholds in Mosul are explained by Abu Mohammed, 53, who last week fled the Old City with a group of civilians. Isis had, in fact, retreated from their neighbourhood, but they were not sure of this. The decision that they must all flee was taken by a man whom the people of our neighbourhood all respect. He was rich and helped people a lot until he had become bankrupt. This man asked us to move out of our houses and rush towards the Iraqi army.

When they reached Iraqi forces, they told them about some Daesh men with us. I know a teenager who was with our group. He was later arrested and turned out to be Daesh. He was Iraqi but not from Mosul. Abu Mohammed says that they suspected the teenager because he was looking healthy and well-fed and not suffering from starvation like the other civilians.

Iraqi government forces on the ground have never believed the propaganda line that Isis had no popular support among the Sunni Arab population of Mosul. They suspect that many refugees come from the families of Isis fighters or at least supported them. A UN aid worker said that she had never seen such terrified people as a group of young men of military age just before they were vetted by the Iraqi forces as possible Isis fighters.
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Tucked in the dark brown benches of the Ghriba Synagogue, people sip honey pepper Nemiroff vodka and Jim Beam whisky, and nosh on nuts and dried fruit. Before long, the synagogue starts to smell like the aftermath of a lively party: all booze and sweat. A live band plays rousing Arabic music, sung with enthusiasm by a Jewish man in a yarmulke.

With Israel recently moving to withdraw Arabic as an official language, its affirming and a bit surreal to see Jews  many of whom are Israeli  singing and celebrating in this ancient language.

Tunisias southern island of Djerba is known for drawing tourists to its whitewashed buildings, sandy beaches rimmed with turquoise water, and colourful souks. But its also notable as a bastion of coexistence. The small island is the home of the last Tunisian Jews, with one of the largest and most vibrant Jewish populations in the Arab world  and the oldest synagogue in Africa.

Every spring, international pilgrims descend on the island to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer and reaffirm the islands special commitment to harmonious living.

The main town of Houmt Souk has the colours and contours of a Greek island village, but everything is covered with a thin film of dust, lending a shabby vibe to the place. Women wrap themselves in scarves to block out the hot wind and sun, while men ride by on bikes, baskets bursting with baguettes. Blue doors and balconies are entangled with bougainvillea blossoms.

Eating and drinking are a big part of the Lag BOmer celebrations (Katie Nadworny)

Mat weaver Mohamed Khachas unassuming workshop is tucked away in Houmt Souk, on the second floor of a shaded courtyard. Mohamed, a Muslim, has been making mats for the Ghriba Synagogue for nearly 50 years.

His work is methodical and traditional: braiding and weaving palm fronds into traditional prayer mats that are used by both the Jews and Muslims of Djerba. Mohamed and his daughter Amal are emphatic about the significance of coexistence on the island.

"The most important thing for us is to show that in Djerba, in Tunis, in Tunisia, in the whole world, Muslims and Jews can live together, Amal says.

The Jewish population is centred on two enclaves on the inland section of the island: Hara Kebira and Hara Sghira, in the town of Erriadh. Gritty streets are home to vibrant street art, with the remains of 2014s international Djerbahood art project still visible throughout Erriadhs alleys and walls.

More hidden are the many small synagogues tucked away in its curving streets, a quiet reminder of the island's Jewish heritage. Ghriba Synagogue, however, is emphatically the opposite, unhidden and splendid.

The walls of Erriadh are peppered with street art from a cultural identity project in 2014 (Katie Nadworny)

Founded in 586 BC, contemporaneous with the destruction of the first temple in Jerusalem, the synagogue speaks to the 2000-year history of Jews in Tunisia. The Jewish population of the island  and of Tunisia as a whole  has diminished significantly in the last 70 years, with many leaving for France and Israel.

Despite terror attacks in mainland Tunisia in 2015, and the Israeli governments warnings to its citizens to stay away, the Ghriba pilgrimage remains an opportunity for Tunisian Jews to reconnect with their homeland. Perhaps thats why the annual event quickly starts to feel like a giant family reunion.

The courtyard in the Ghriba Synagogue complex is gleaming white with bright blue trim; long strands of red Tunisian flags criss-cross the open roof. The low buzzing of bustling activity inside begins early on the first day of the pilgrimage.

The synagogue itself quickly fills up with people in various interpretations of modesty  there are bare legs, off-the-shoulder tops and colourful head scarves.

Some of the more religious Djerban Jewish women wear jaunty hats decorated with flowers and rhinestones that would suit a 1920s flapper. Its required for these women to cover their hair after they are married, but as one pilgrim put it: We want to be beautiful!

The soft murmur of French, Arabic, and Hebrew fills the smaller chamber of the synagogue as women write messages on hard-boiled eggs: wishes for marriages, children and luck. Women tuck the eggs and their messages in a candle-lit crawlspace in the heart of the synagogue.

Under blue tiled arches, people say prayers and light thick white candles in long metal rows, while a visiting pilgrim leads a performance of traditional songs with the mingling crowd.

Ghriba Synagogue is decorated with red Tunisian flags (Katie Nadworny)

Not only Jews attend the festival. There are Muslims too, sometimes noticeable by the way they tie their headscarves, sometimes blending in with the other revellers. Locals and visitors from other parts of the country partake in the festivities and rituals, lighting candles and singing along.

Everyone is welcomed; the refrain thats constantly heard among the non-Jewish visitors is that they are all Tunisian, and everyone can enjoy the pilgrimage.

Out back and away from the noise of the band, men grill chicken and beef on wooden spits, and people sit together drinking beer. As the day draws to a close and Shabbat, the holy day of rest, draws near, the smell of fresh rain and the sound of security helicopters circling overhead accompany drumbeats as the pilgrims join a procession out of Ghriba Synagogue.

The call to prayer from the mosque next door mingles with the singing of the Jewish pilgrims, another reminder that on this island, the cultures are constantly layering.

Ghriba Synagogue welcomes those of all religions on Lag BOmer (Katie Nadworny)

After Shabbat finishes on Saturday night, people return to Ghriba to light candles and chant prayers, to take selfies and chat: to celebrate the synagogue and the fact of their togetherness. While many of the tourists depart for a dinner party at the islands one casino, the locals stay behind for one of the Lag BOmer holidays main rituals: the first haircut of a three-year-old boy.

People eat merguez sausages on sticks and make boozy toasts. Woman sit on one end of the long picnic tables and men on the other, but the groups mingle and children run back and forth. This religious ritual resembles a big family barbecue.

The boy whose curls will be cut basks in the attention, not suspecting that soon hes going to be the true star of the show. His haircut is accompanied by cheers and singing, as rabbis and family members each take a snip.

By the last day of the festival, the pilgrimage completely takes on a block party vibe as everyone starts to recognise each other. Inside the synagogue, two Tunisian Muslim girls in headscarves write wishes in Arabic on their hard boiled eggs. It's not their tradition, but it doesn't matter.

In Djerba, everyones eggs sit side by side in the heart of synagogue. As Amal in Houmt Souk put it: The most important thing for us is to be human.
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Carving slogans into a moss-covered hillside, knocking on doors asking for a bed for the night if tourist behaviour in Iceland appeared to have gone as far as possible, a group of Americans has taken it to a new nadir  by stealing a lamb and slaughtering it to eat.

Nine men travelling in camper vans were arrested in the East Fjords region this week when they were witnessed stealing the animals by locals getting meat for their barbecue.

The men  who were Afghan, resident in the US  were spotted by residents chasing animals in a field. There were nine of them together so I didnt want to go alone to talk to them, witness Bjarki Svavarsson, who called the police, told Mbl.is.

Svavarsson later approached the men in a group of four, including the farmer whose lamb had been taken, and accused them of stealing. He said: They were just shouting at us and lying. At first they wouldn't admit to anything and then they admitted to having taken a lamb. It was in a black bin bag in the back of the car and they had cut its throat.

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They told us they were saving the lamb from drowning after it had jumped into the sea.

But Svavarsson says that isnt true: They were just making stuff up. They were just getting meat for their barbecue.

The men were taken to the police station in nearby Faskrusfjorur, where they admitted stealing and killing the lamb. They were released after paying the farmer for the animal, plus a fine of 120,000 krona (906).

Iceland guide Gunnar Birgisson told The Independent that he was appalled by their behaviour. They werent hungry, they had plenty of money if they paid the fine on the spot. They were travelling in two expensive rental RVs. A fine isnt enough  they should be thrown out of the country.

But another local guide, who wished to remain anonymous, said matters are not so clear cut. Icelandic law allows people to eat food from government land. Its thought more as picking berries and herbs instead of killing animals, they said, adding that egg theft is already a problem in Iceland.

The lamb, of course, was private property  but the anything-goes attitude of tourists in Iceland could have blurred the boundaries.

The feeding off public land law is well publicised to tourists by the likes of Kuku Campers, which rent RVs to tourists. On its website, offering a "Natural Life" itinerary, Kuku Campers writes: As a measure to keep travellers alive in Iceland, there is a law here that allows anyone to eat anything of any government land property. You can't take anything with you but you can eat as you want. We've challenged many of our customers to live off nature for a week.

A whopping 20 per cent finish this challenge and receive a super size meal from KuKu Campers at KFC as a reward.

We know you are fed up with the urban life and want a genuinely natural experience. No problem, rent our KuKu van or tent along with a BBQ set and you can avoid supermarket shopping for as long as you want.

Information like this is bad for tourism, the guide said. Theyre encouraging people to leave as little money behind as possible. I guess they didn't imagine someone would actually kill livestock, but we get people from different cultures and traditions, so we really need to be careful with what we publish and say.

After The Independent asked KuKu Campers whether it thought its website was encouraging bad practices, Viktor Olason, Chief KuKu Officer, said the company would be changing the wording to be less misleading. He said: "We are only talking about eating from the land, such as picking berries, herbs and mushrooms. We are not mentioning hunting, fishing or any other form of killing live animals.

"We will however in light of this incident  which does NOT involve our customers  change the wording to be more specific without leaving our true spirit of being free spirited and focusing on the lighter side of life."

The guide said that there might be a cultural element in this instance too: There are no halal butchers in Iceland, as far as I know.

Birgisson added: Sadly this isnt the only sheep or lamb to be killed  its common for people to hit them with their cars.

But there are plenty of people who deserve to see Iceland over those who would steal and kill one to eat.
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India has had the highest number of selfie-related deaths according to new research.

A study found that between March 2014 and September 2016, 60 per cent of all selfie deaths, where a person dies while trying to take a picture of themselves, occurred in India.

According to Me, Myself and My Killfie: Characterizing and Preventing Selfie Deaths, a collaborative study by researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and Indraprastha Institute of Information Delhi, the country was the backdrop to 76 of the 127 reported selfie deaths in the 18 month period.

Its such a big issue, Mumbai police are even considering a proposal to designate 15 particularly dangerous sites in the city as 'selfiefree points', reported The Times of India.

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After a 17-year-old girl died at Marine Drive while trying to take a selfie with her friends on 28 June, police tweeted out a warning message.

It said: Don't make 'taking a selfie' mean 'taking your own life'."

Priti Pise drowned when a wave crashed onto the parapet and dragged her out to sea. Other selfie-related deaths in recent years have included engineering student Meenakshi Rajesh, 21, who slipped and drowned at Bandra Bandstand in May 2017 while taking a photo with her sister and mother.

Meanwhile Tarannum Ansari, an 18-year-old student, was swept into the Bandra sea while taking a selfie with her friends in May 2016.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Paramjeet Dahiya, told The Times of India: We deploy bandobast [police protection] at selfie points when the tide is high. When the weather is rough, we request people not to go near the sea to take selfies. The personnel on bandobast are sufficiently briefed not to let people pull dangerous stunts.

Outside of India, a dangerous trend of bear selfies was reported in 2014 in the US, which led to the US Forest Service warning against the dangerous practice. Visitor Centre staff routinely encounter unsafe situations as guests ignore their instructions and get too close to bears to take photos and videos, the Forest Service warned in a statement. Few listened though, and dozens of snaps were taken with the dangerous animals in the background.
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Some will agree and some will disagree with my musings on Charlie Gard, but I hope this piece will highlight that these situations are never as simple as you may think from the news.

Charlie's story has been all over both traditional and social media in the last few weeks. For the few of you who may have missed the details, he is a baby with a very rare genetic condition. The cells of his body cant use energy appropriately, leading to his organs and muscles being unable to function properly. For the last eight months he has been kept alive by technology on the intensive care unit at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) requiring round the clock intensive care. There is no known proven cure for his condition but at the moment he is stable and could, in theory, be kept alive for an indefinite period of time.

After months of deliberations and a battery of repeated tests and examinations, the medical team at GOSH are completely convinced Charlie has no chance of recovery. Thus they want to withdraw treatment and switch to palliative care i.e. managing any pain and distress whilst nature takes its course. Their tests done at GOSH have been suggestive of irreversible brain damage. In the opinion of the professionals at GOSH, Charlie will never breathe unaided, or swallow food, and he has little or no awareness of the world around him. He cannot see, hear or feel. He also reportedly has fits that are difficult to control. Charlie's parents refute this and are convinced Charlie responds to their voices and touch, and that he has far more awareness of the world around him than the professionals believe. They do not accept the view of the professionals at GOSH that his condition is irreversible.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died 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cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. 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City went on to win the match at Molineux Stadium three goals to nil. Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 16 September 2022 Members of the public stand in the queue near Tower Bridge, and opposite the Tower of London, as they wait in line to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, in London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 15 September 2022 Members of the public in the queue on in Potters Fields Park, central London, as they wait to view Queen Elizabeth II lying in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA

Charlies family searched all over the world for potential cures and identified a doctor in the USA who suggested that an experimental treatment called nucleoside therapy might offer some chance of stopping further deterioration of his condition; it is unclear as to whether this doctor feels this treatment could actually reverse his symptoms. This treatment has never been used on any human being with Charlies condition, although it has been used on children with similar mitochondrial diseases. There are also potentially side effects that could cause more harm than benefit.

Because there is no hard evidence that this treatment might help, and the medical opinion is that Charlies brain is damaged beyond any repair, the team at GOSH feel that it is not in the best interests of Charlie to transport him to the USA, that the risks far outweigh any potential benefits and ultimately the treatment would be futile, merely serving to prolong his suffering.

Charlie's family disagree. They created a huge social media campaign, assembling Charlie's Army. Their dreadful plight whipped up huge amounts of sympathy from the general public, playing to the idea of every parents worst nightmare, fighting heartless NHS medics to save their boy's life. They have crowdfunded enough money, over 1.2m, for him to be taken to the USA for this treatment. However, due to the complete lack of common ground between the medics and the family, Charlies case went to court and, after spending a lot of time weighing up the arguments, a judge ruled that Charlie should have active care withdrawn. His parents then appealed to the Supreme Court who ruled in favour of GOSHs view. His parents then went to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg who agreed with the previous judgement. As things stand at the moment, the doctors at GOSH legally have the right to switch to palliative care, but there is still debate as to whether he should be allowed to die at home or in a hospice.

The fundamental question here has to be about what the longer term expectation for Charlie is. If the outlook is dismal and his brain is not going to recover to the point where he will have any meaningful awareness of the world around him, and he will never be able to live independently of machinery, what possible good can come of prolonging the inevitable? However assessment of his brain function is the difficult one. He will already have undergone numerous objective assessments of his brain including MRI scans and electrical tests, and these are the best measure we have to work out the answer. Charlies parents disagree with the neurologist's opinions; I can only begin to imagine the agony they must be going through at being told that nothing more can be done, and their son is going to die, when they are convinced that the medical assessment of Charlie's brain function is flawed. What parents would not try any treatment, whatever the risks, and however slim the chances of it working, to keep their child alive?

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I have been in several situations in my career as a paediatrician where I have had to discuss the recommendation to switch from active to palliative treatment. No parent ever wants to have to make that decision; I have never expected parents to make that decision without having adequate time, information and discussion, however long that takes. I have been lucky enough till now to have been able to find common ground and for joint decisions to be agreed as to which way to go. With time and open, honest discussion, doctors can understand parental viewpoints and vice versa. This is never easy for families but dont believe that this is ever easy for the medical teams either. We are human too and I have shed tears many many times.

It is sad to hear about cases that end up having to go to court; I wonder how the gulf of understanding between the families and the teams looking after their children has been allowed to open up. A judges decision on what should happen is an unsatisfactory outcome for everyone compared to a plan negotiated and designed together. A verdict for care to be withdrawn means the parents will grieve for longer and will maybe never find resolution. If care is to be continued then medical teams will be going against what they believe to be ethically correct.

The other big issue in Charlie's case is the potential treatment in the USA. At first glance it seems a no-brainer; if it is the only hope then go for it, what is to be lost? But as ever it is more complex than that. There are inherent risks to life in transporting a critically ill child across the Atlantic aside from the expense. If hypothetically the treatment proposed had a 90 per cent chance of success and the risk of side effects was negligible then maybe that trip would be worth the risks. This view at GOSH is that it would be a treatment with at best a chance of stopping any further deterioration; it is not going to reverse his condition or cure him and any potential side effects in Charlies situation are unknown. The decision made in the court hinged around weighing the potential benefits against the potential risks and the judgement suggests that the risks outweighed any potential benefits.

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Comparisons have been drawn between not trying experimental chemotherapy in childhood cancer. This is different as in such situations there may be a chance of reversing the condition, and even so the childs level of brain function would need to be assessed. If a child had severe brain damage to the extent that they were dependent on intensive care, it is likely that the treatment would not be given as the long-term outlook would be poor regardless.

As adults, we can write living wills outlining the limits of intervention with which we would be happy if we were critically ill and unable to articulate our wishes. For sick children those decisions have to be taken by parents who then have to live with the consequences of their choices, as do the medics. It is hard to be objective as a parent, and medical teams always try to work together with parents to do what is more right than wrong. It is still sad even when this works; but sadder when common ground cant be found and the law has to become involved. To read much of the media coverage, one would think that the medical team were heartless ogres and just wanted to give up. It is always important to look at the bigger picture and ask the fundamental question that often gets forgotten in the emotion  what is in the best interests of the child? Not of the doctors, the nurses or even the parents; but of the child. Technology can keep human beings alive for a long time but there is more to being alive than a machine inflating your lungs and a tube feeding you into your stomach or veins. Quality of life, dignity and humanity all need to be taken into account; it seems these factors get lost all too often.

Many arguments have been made that life should be prolonged at all costs; I fundamentally disagree with this having seen many children over the years where, in retrospect, all that was actually achieved was prolonging the process of dying. Medical teams have been accused of playing God; I would contend that the act of intervening in any illness could be interpreted as playing God including what is currently being done actively at GOSH.

In situations such as this, the media have a field day. The medics are inevitably portrayed as cold-hearted self-appointed deities whilst the families are depicted as the victims of an uncaring health establishment that only cares about money and itself. It is a scenario that sells papers and appeals to that most basic human emotion of compassion.

The reality of these situations is never as black and white as what you will read over your cornflakes. The medical arguments will never be articulated in any detail, both because of their complexity but also because of issues around patient confidentiality. They can also seem very dry in comparison to the grief and anger of families.

As human beings we like things to be black and white, good guys versus bad guys, the establishment versus the little man. Unfortunately medicine inevitably operates in shades of grey and there is rarely a 100% right thing to do. Every decision is a balance of potential benefit against potential harm; even popping an ibuprofen for a headache is a calculated risk between easing a headache or getting horrendous heartburn. In situations such as Charlies, the medical teams involved will have relentlessly weighed up the potential benefits of continuing to keep him alive using artificial means and transferring him to the USA for an experimental treatment against the risks of transporting him there and the chances of this course of action having any significant beneficial effect on the long-term outcomes.

As a result of the binary media coverage, many people have developed fixed opinions on the situation on one side or the other, which they express passionately and loudly. The fact that people with as high a profile as the Pope and the President of the USA have become involved reflects how emotive this has become. Clinical staff at GOSH and anyone who expresses an even slightly contrary opinion (myself included) have been abused and insulted on social media when ultimately everyone involved genuinely believes that they have Charlies best interests at heart.

That his parents would want to try any means possible to find a way to improve things is beyond criticism; in fact I would argue that if parents did not consider this it would be abnormal. However, parents need to be able to make informed decisions and consider all the shades of grey, and it is disappointing to see how much of the media have portrayed this as a black and white issue without really representing all of the facts objectively.

As for Charlie, the situation has reached a level of unprecedented public interest. World leaders are involved. The Pope has offered for his care to be continued in Rome and President Trump has intimated he would support him coming to the USA. Who knows what the outcome will be? But everyone involved must learn from this, so that the Charlies of the future and their families can make the right decisions in the right ways, together with the medical teams caring for them, whatever those decisions may be.

Dr Ravi Jayaram is a consultant paediatrician. This piece was originally posted on Dr Jayaram's Facebook page
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On Friday and Saturday this week we shall witness in Hamburg a meeting of one of the worlds largest and most ineffectual international organisations. It is the G20, a gathering of the heads of the worlds 19 leading economies plus the European Union.

As usual, heads of several other countries and international organisations have been invited to attend as well, 37 in all. It means that if each participant makes a modest opening statement of, say, five minutes, three hours will have passed before any meaningful debate takes place.

But meaningful debate is, of course, not the point. On past form the meeting will produce a solemn and lengthy communique, probably entitled the Declaration of Hamburg, plus an action plan or two. These will have been pre-cooked by G20 officials under the stewardship of the Germans, whose turn it is to chair this annual diplomatic jamboree.

The documents will enshrine lofty aspirations on things like global trade and climate change. All the heads of delegation have to do is to sign on the dotted line. It is lowest common denominator diplomacy, papering over the conflicting national interests of participants.

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The G20 sprang from the financial crisis of 2008, with an ambition to create global cooperation on a scale that would preclude future crises of this kind. But you would be hard pressed to say how any of these meetings have made a practical difference.

Even by the low expectations of the last nine years, the Hamburg meeting may disappoint. It may actually damage international relations, already fraught enough. The reasons are both structural and contingent.

The meeting takes place with a large hole where the US used to be. America has since the Second World War anchored the international system through bodies like the G20. It has been able most of the time to make its values and interests benchmarks for international cooperation. But with the irruption of Donald Trump, the US itself has become untethered, its external policies confused and unpredictable, such that the American President can no longer lay claim to leadership of the western or any world.

International relations, like nature, abhor a vacuum. But though there are many pretenders  Xi, Putin, Merkel, Modi, to name but four  none is of a stature to fill the role once played by the US.

The fate of these grand conferences is to be hijacked by a crisis and for the spotlight to fall on the many bilateral meetings which take place outside the conference chamber. Hamburg is no exception. Once again, Trump is at the epicentre. The crisis du jour is North Koreas launch earlier this week of an intercontinental ballistic missile, a direct threat to the US.

 Donald Trump arrives in Poland ahead of G20 in Germany

In a rational world, Trump would sit down with Presidents Xi and Putin, the leaders of the two countries with the closest ties to Pyongyang, and hammer out a common strategy for dealing with Kim Jong-un. But Trump has already made things more difficult by blaming China for failing to control North Korea and putting public pressure on Beijing to stop trading with Pyongyang. Nor has it helped to accuse Russia of provoking instability.

Trump will have separate meetings with Xi and Putin. The scope for either meeting making relations worse is considerable. This is Trumps first encounter with Putin. The press has decided that it will provide the headline of Hamburg.

The meeting is vitiated by investigations back in the US into Trumps allegedly corrupt links with Russia. It is hard to see how he can have a cordial meeting with Putin without arousing suspicion back home, as happened when he met the Russian foreign minister in the White House last May. It looks politically impossible for Trump to give Putin comfort on his top priority, the lifting of economic sanctions.

More fundamentally, Trump has to decide whether Putin and Xi are partners or adversaries. Blowing hot and cold, as he has done with both, is no basis for a relationship.

 What is the G20?

The same might be said for Americas longstanding partners in Europe. Will he want to mend the fractious relationship with Merkel or send it further into the deep freeze? As things stand, Trump will find himself locking horns with all other G20 members on big-ticket issues like free trade and climate change.

As tear gas wafts over Hamburg, with thousands of anti-Trump demonstrators in the streets, I wonder if President Macron will come to regret his invitation to Trump to visit France on Bastille Day.

Sir Christopher Meyer is a former British Ambassador to the US
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Babies  they are just babies, a veteran Al Jazeera man roared last weekend about the Gulf states. They are childish, they are infantile, they are tribal. And I could understand his anger. Even Sheikh Tamim al-Thani, the present Emir of Qatar, has never had much love for the satellite television channel. It was his father Hamads toy. Indeed, when Hamad paid a formal visit to the Doha campus of Al Jazeera, Tamim  soon to overthrow his Dad  remained ostentatiously at the outer door. Now, of course, thanks to Saudi Arabia, Al Jazeera has become a symbol of Qatars national sovereignty.

Press freedom advocates have been lathering up their fury for the undemocratic Saudis, demanding that none shall touch the sacred studios of a Qatari channel that has in fact been pretty miserable in its reporting of Gulf Arab affairs over the years  not least events in the highly undemocratic emirate of Qatar itself. Last year  and early this year  Al Jazeera dispensed with many of its staff. And over the past twelve months, freelance journalists paid by the Qataris were told they were off the payroll. In the last four weeks, the Qataris have invited them back  only to discover that they were already on the Saudi payroll.

So the beacons of press freedom in the Gulf burn not as brightly as we might wish. Al Jazeeras Arabic channel  and its Live affiliate, which so openly supported the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt  were so harsh in their condemnation of Field Marshal President Abdul-Fattah al-Sissi of Egypt that they gave up any shred of impartiality. Several Live cameramen turned out, after Sissis coup detat, to have been members of the Brotherhood itself.

 President Trump says Qatar is a major funder of terrorism

But thats not really the point. The Qatar crisis  the inverted commas are necessary because this is a crisis as fake as the claims the Saudis are making against Qatar  is about taming the one Gulf nation which has the potential to outshine the Saudi kingdom and dictate the outcome of the Syria war. And it may well end in the destruction  real if not acknowledged  of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the GCC alliance of six Arab states which was nursed into life by the United States amid two earlier and very real crises: the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and the Iranian revolution. It will be the ultimate irony if a mad American Presidents go-for-em-boys speech in Riyadh last month brings this about.

Trumps boastful promise of lots of beautiful weapons for Qatar  followed by his Twitter post condemning Qatar for financially supporting terror  were just part of the comedy show for Americans who have grown used to their Commander in Chiefs insanity. But for the new Warrior Chief of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, defence minister and now Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman (MbS), it provided the power to command the GCC to do his bidding. Trump hates the free media. Saudi Arabia hates free media. And we forget  and the BBC seems to forget  that it was Mohameds uncle, King Fahd, who put paid to the first version of an independent international channel in the Middle East. The doomed BBC Arabic Television was put together between the BBC and a Saudi giant called the Muwarid Group.

But no sooner had the BBC started to air critical documentaries on the Saudis themselves  part of the remit of its impartial news service  than the Saudis shut them down. Orbit, a Muwarid subsidiary, simply switched the BBC off the satellite in April 1996. Many of the BBCs staff immediately emigrated  to the new Al Jazeera channel, which went on air from Qatar seven months later. The present Al Jazeera is thus the orphan stepchild of the earlier BBC version which the Saudis head-chopped from the air waves more than two decades ago. Of course, Al Jazeera carried graphic footage of the Palestinian intifadas, Arabs torn apart by American and British shellfire and dead British soldiers. But it was free to air Osama bin Ladens sermons, support the Muslim Brotherhood  millions of whose members, especially in Jordan and Egypt are not terrorists  and even advertise the Islamist political platform of the Al Nusrah/al-Qaeda front.

And here we reach a critical point in the story of the crisis in the Gulf. For when Nusrah underwent one of its regular name-changes  the further from al-Qaeda the better, of course  to Tahrir al-Sham, Al Jazeera gave its leader a two-part interview in which the Islamists could explain how much they loved Christians and their fellow Shiite Muslims and were worthy of being regarded as the only serious opposition to Bashar al-Assads regime in Syria. These two one-hour programmes on Al Jazeera were highly sensitive because Saudi Islamists  let us never suggest these might include the Saudi government  have always favoured the vicious Isis over the more political (though often equally cruel) Nusrah. Furthermore, the emergence of the new Nusrah/al-Qaeda on Al Jazeera coincided with the almost total collapse of the now imaginary Free Syria Army  hitherto supported by Barack Obama, David Cameron and other fantasists.

Qatar, in other words, was playing a leading role in the Syrian war, supporting a group which the Saudis opposed while at the same time maintaining a quiet relationship with the regime itself, helping to free hostages held by Nusrah in both Syria and Lebanon. Most recently, Qatar even opened new proxy relations with the pro-Assad Shia Hezbollah movement in Lebanon after it approved the sending of two senior officials of the Sunni Palestinian Hamas organisation  hitherto funded and supported by Qatar  to speak to Hezbollah. It also agreed to the handing over of a Sunni extremist hiding in the Palestinian Ein el-Helweh camp in Sidon to the Lebanese intelligence service.

On top of all this, Qatar has just announced its plan to raise liquid natural gas capacity by 30 per cent, increasing production from its North Field which it shares with Iran. US gas producers may struggle to compete. Iran, as oil magnates know all too well, is ready to increase production on its side of the North Field. No wonder the Saudis are outraged. And perhaps, soon, the Americans. Even more so if a post-war Syria permits Qatar to run a pipeline across its territory to the Mediterranean and to Europe. Qatar, in other words, now needs Iran more than it needs Saudi Arabia.

So cloaked with threats about terrorism, the Saudis, Emiratis, Bahrainis and Egyptians have turned upon this  for them  very dangerous little emirate. How can MbS maintain a conflict with the Shia of the Middle East  and especially Yemen  if Qatar is collaborating with the Iranians? And with Nusrah. And Assad. And if Qatar is helped  let us not forget this  by the Kuwaiti negotiators, who are no enemies of the Iranians, and the Omanis who are sending food to Qatar and who engaged in naval manoeuvres with the Iranians only three months ago.

For the rest of the world, the Gulf crisis only shames the Arabs. The Israelis must be clapping  though they are backing the Saudis  and the Palestinians are forgotten (as usual) and the war goes on in Syria (and Iraq) as usual, and we are all transfixed by the infantile and tribal quarrels of some of the wealthiest human beings on earth.
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The crowds that cheered for Donald Trump in Warsaws Krasinski Square may have been specially bussed in, but that did not seem to bother him.

As he spoke about Polands history and its role in defending what he claimed was a threat to Western civilisation, he repeatedly stopped to acknowledge cheers from the crowd. Thank you, he grinned, almost purring. Thank you.

And in case anyone missed all that cheering and the chanting of his name, the White House made sure to include it in a transcript of his remarks. It noted in parenthesis, that there was applause on 54 occasions in a speech for that lasted for around 35 minutes. Not bad.

It was easy to see why the Poles were happy. Here was the US President telling them how wonderful they were, and finally confirming Americas commitment to Natos Article Five, that part of its constitution that binds its 29 members to the notion of mutual defence. If someone attacks you, they attack all of us.

Trump had churlishly refused to do so on his previous visit to Europe, and had been criticised for his behaviour. But in Warsaw, a city that has for long periods echoed with the boots of foreign armies, there he was, spelling things out clearly.

To those who would criticise our tough stance, I would point out that the United States has demonstrated  not merely with its words but with its actions  that we stand firmly behind Article Five, the mutual defence commitment, he said.

 Trump and Polish president Duda connect over disapproval for 'fake news'

If Trumps ticking off of some of Polands most celebrated sons  You are the proud nation of Copernicus, think of that  sounded as if hed been scrolling through Wikipedia or the Lonely Planet on Air Force One, it was well received by his audience. Who could not cheer, when he declared: Poland is a land of great heroes.

It was easy, too, to see why Trump was so happy. There he was, 4, 457 miles from Washington DC, and a universe away from all his problems  the faltering progress of a health bill, his low approval ratings, the outcry over his misogynistic Twitter posts.

Speaking not so far from where, 30 years earlier, Ronald Reagan had gazed out over the Brandenburg Gate and urged Mikhail Gorbachev to Tear down this wall, Trump was standing at the geographic centre of Europe and offering himself as the man who for this generation would do no less than protect its people and its values.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Just as Poland could not be broken, I declare today for the world to hear that the West will never, ever be broken, he said, to more (applause.) Our values will prevail. Our people will thrive. And our civilisation will triumph.

It would be easy to say, that it is easy for Trump to appear presidential. But he has shown, repeatedly, that it is not. During the election campaign, and since his victory, the 71-year-old has shown himself to be anything but. Petty, narcissistic, mean-spirited, bullying and abusive, yes. But not presidential.

Yet what he confirmed on Thursday, is that when he is speaking before a crowd of people who like him  or at least a crowd of people who are cheering his name - he can be an effective communicator. He is not Reagan, he is not Obama, but he is a better orator than his opponents would have it.

In truth, this was just a warm-up for the real action. Trump now has to go to the G20, where he is going to be confronted by trade, climate change, and the fresh challenge of North Korea. There, it will not be enough for him to simply make speeches, but he will need to deliver. That will be when his pre-election boasts come true, or are shown up as mere bluster.

Bear in mind, he will be dealing with Angela Merkel, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. Theyre going to be a much tougher audience than the crowd that was cheering in the Polish sunshine. The Emperor will certainly need new clothes.
Thirty kilos of herbal cannabis has been found in air filters after the cargo was tracked through Dublin Port from Spain.

Revenue Customs officers and the Garda drugs and organised crime squads were involved in intercepting the haul in Co Meath, estimated to be worth about 600,000 euro on the streets.

The operation was carried out on Wednesday and involved authorities tracking the shipment of large cylindrical air filters in what they described as a "controlled delivery".

A man in his 30s was being questioned over the seizure.
Kerry and Mayo are the oldest counties in the country, the Census has revealed.

The average age of people in Ireland in April last year was 37.4 years old, up 1.3 years since 2011, with Fingal in north Dublin home to the most young people and an average age of 34.3.

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) also reported that Ireland 456 centenarians on census night, an increase of 17.2% on 2011.

Its report on age profiles found that in the average age in Kerry and Mayo was 40.2.

And it was also able to show the oldest and youngest towns in the country.

Balbriggan in Co Dublin the most youthful with the average age just 30.8, followed by Maynooth at 31.9, Ashbourne at 32,.2, Navan at 33.1 and Portlaoise at 33.2.

And the most ageing towns were Killarney, where the average age was 40.9, followed by Wexford at 39.4, Malahide 38.6 and Clonmel and Sligo both with an average age of 38.5.

The CSO noted Ireland's population, like most of western Europe, is ageing, and has been since the 1980s.

There are now 637,567 people over 65.

And the report said the Census showed since 2011 there has been a fall in the number of both children under four and the number of young adults aged 19 to 24.

CSO senior statistician Deirdre Cullen: "This profile report examines the age breakdown of Ireland's population and the characteristics of different age groups by geographic area, accommodation and household composition.

"It aims to build on the earlier results on age and sex composition."

The C ensus found 37% of the population is aged 45 and over, compared with 34.4% in 2011 and 27.6% in 1986.

In rural areas the average age is 2.4 years older than in towns and cities with the CSO noting the influence that third level colleges have on population due to the influx of 18-22-year-olds in some areas.

The Census also found that women are on average 1.3 years older than men.

And the report found that age dependency is growing, the number of people under 14 and over 65 compared to those of working age.

In 2011 it was calculated at 49% but last year it had risen to almost 53%.

The CSO said the number of people aged over 65 increased by 102,174 in the five years to April 2016 - twice the increase in the 15-64 age group.

Elsewhere, it said there were 76,207 children living in flats and apartments and 392,119 kids in rental accommodation.
Trump is effectively in charge of the landlord for his Washington Hotel

Shortly after Donald Trump won the presidential election, the US official who oversees the lease of his signature Washington hotel offered Trump's company an assessment of a report about its potential conflict of interest: four months later, the same official cleared Trump's company to keep its lease for the Trump International Hotel Washington DC throughout the president's time in office - a decision that may have saved Trump millions of dollars, based on a statement his lawyers made in a court filing in May.

One of Trump's companies operates the hotel in a building it leases from the federal government. Trump's election effectively put him in charge of his own landlord, the General Services Administration (GSA). The arrangement has drawn scrutiny from ethicists, lawyers and Democrats in Congress since November.

Kevin Terry, the GSA's contracting officer in charge of the hotel lease, referred to the issue in a November 11, 2016, email to Trump's company, forwarding an article from the news site 'BuzzFeed' that said his agency had acknowledged the potential conflict of interest.

"FYI - A fair amount of nonsense," Terry wrote. His email, which was obtained by Bloomberg News, went to two other GSA employees as well as to an executive with the Trump Organization, the umbrella group that oversees the president's various businesses.

The name of the Trump Organization recipient was redacted on the email, which GSA released in response to a request from a member of the public under the Freedom of Information Act. The request, which was also obtained by Bloomberg News, sought communications between Terry and Trump's oldest children, Ivanka Trump and Donald Trump Jnr. Ivanka Trump is now a top White House adviser to her father.

Terry didn't respond to a request for comment, nor did a GSA spokeswoman. Representatives for the White House and the Trump Organization also didn't respond to requests for comment sent last Friday morning.

The Washington hotel, where Trump headlined the first fundraiser of his 2020 re-election campaign on June 28, has been a focus of criticism over ethical concerns surrounding his business interests. In addition to raising questions about Trump's presence on both sides of the lease, ethicists and liberal groups have said people might patronise the hotel to try to curry favor with the president.

Lobbyists for the Saudi government disclosed in June that they'd spent more than $250,000 on lodging and food at the hotel, and three lawsuits pending in federal court allege that foreign governments' spending there would violate the US Constitution.

While a constitutional clause bans officials from accepting gifts or payments from foreign governments, Trump's lawyers say it doesn't forbid standard, arms-length business transactions.

They've pledged to donate the estimated income that Trump's hotel businesses earn from foreign governments to the US Treasury.

Another issue regarding the hotel centered on language in its lease that appears to bar elected officials from participating in the agreement - raising the question of whether Trump could retain his interest there as president.

"No member or delegate to Congress, or elected official of the Government of the United States or the Government of the District of Columbia, shall be admitted to any share or part of this Lease, or to any benefit that may arise therefrom," says the lease provision in question.

Trump's representatives argued that the president signed the lease three full years before his election. His lawyers said in a court filing in May that forcing him to give up his ownership interest "could result in enormous personal financial loss for the president".

After signing the lease in August 2013, Trump's company spent more than $200m renovating the building, which was formerly owned by the US Postal Service.

In a decision released on March 23 last, Terry determined that Trump's ownership didn't violate the lease terms, and his company was "in full compliance with the pact."

Terry wrote that his decision was "based on my review of the lease, discussions with tenant, and documents submitted by tenant."

Those documents said Trump himself would receive no income from the hotel while in office. Instead, the hotel will maintain any such earnings for its own business purposes, the correspondence said.

Soon after Terry's March decision was released, a coalition of ethicists, government watchdog groups and liberal organisations wrote to GSA's inspector general asking for a review of the determination.

The inspector general's office has neither confirmed nor denied that it's conducting a review. Last Friday, representatives of some of the groups that asked for one said Terry's November email would strengthen their case.

The email shows that "very early on GSA didn't take the potential of a conflict of interest very seriously," said Scott Amey, general counsel for the Project on Government Oversight, which signed the letter.

(Bloomberg)
Dublin City Council's rejection of Johnny Ronan's proposal to build Dublin's tallest building next to Tara Street station "demonstrates that the planning system has broken down".

That's what the design team at Mr Ronan's company, Ronan Group Real Estate (RGRE) have concluded in a statement issued to the Irish Independent on the refusal of city planners to knock back the developer's bid to construct a 22-storey (88m) tower comprising offices, a hotel and roof-top restaurant in the heart of the capital.

RGRE's team say they are "shocked and disappointed" by the decision to refuse permission for the scheme, given that it had been a "plan-led project" that had followed the detailed planning policies and objectives for the Tara Street scheme set down by the council itself.

Noting that the City Plan and the George's Quay Local Area Plan (LAP) had been prepared by the planning department of Dublin City Council and adopted by the full council following extensive public consultation, RGRE's designers highlighted the fact that those plans included the specific provision for an 88-metre high building on the Tara Street site.

Detailing the preparatory work they had carried out prior to submitting RGRE's application to develop an 88-metre tower at Tara Street, they said: "Over a period of 18 months, from October 2015 to March 2017, we had approximately 13 meetings with the local authority to refine our proposals for the Tara Street Station site at Tara Street.

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"We prepared over 30 different proposals for the site and reviewed the proposals from 42 different locations within the city, We complied with the adopted George's Quay Local Area Plan (adopted by Dublin City councillors on July 2, 2012), which allows for a 22-storey high building on the Tara Street site, and hired national and international experts to review and assess the proposals, and all to no avail."

While council planners said in their decision that Mr Ronan's proposed tower would have a "significant and detrimental visual impact" on the city's existing skyline, the developer's design team countered that the City Development Plan 2016 had identified the George's Quay area as a location for high buildings of over 50 metres.

In a detailed comment on the matter, RGRE's design team said: "The George's Quay Local Area Plan identifies the Tara Street site as the appropriate site for a high building of up to 22 storeys and 88 metres high. The Plan says it will serve as a distinctive landmark for the City at a key public transport node and will act as a visual counterpoint to Liberty Hall and as a termination of long distance views on a pivotal turning point in the River Liffey by the Loop Line Bridge. It is inevitable that any high building provided for on this site by the City Development Plan and George's Quay Local Area Plan would be visible from a wide range of locations around the city."

An assessment, carried out on RGRE's behalf by leading international city design expert Richard Coleman prior to the group's submission of its planning application, concluded that the Tara Street building would complement the Custom House, providing a counterpoint across the river. Mr Coleman said it would be seen as a backdrop of high-quality design to the redeveloped Hawkins House and Apollo House, and act as a landmark indicating the position of Tara Street Station and the River Liffey. He added that it would not be visible from most of Georgian Dublin and have very limited distance views from Trinity College and locations from the northside of the city centre.

RGRE says it intends to appeal the decision of Dublin City Council to An Bord Pleanala.
"We are seeing very little variation in the location effect of grass production," Teagasc Grass Specialist Michael O'Donovan told dairy farmers at Moorepark 2017.

He said that 10 years ago farmers would have come to Moorepark and said "they are below in cork they can produce 14t of grass no problem, they have dry land and all that".

But he said farmers can go away today and tell themselves that "the fellas in Westmeath and Galway can also grow plenty of grass.

"They mightn't win many All Irelands but they can grow grass," he joked.

Donovan said there is plenty of potential to grow grass in Ireland and the location where you are doesn't have much of an effect on the level you can produce.

"The man in charge of the grass dictates the level of production and the level of utilisation," he stressed.

"The challenge is to bring more grass into the system and utilise that grass. Plenty of guys will talk about milk yield per cow. But milk yield per cow is not a profitability index.

"Grass utilisation is the key KPI for us. If you can utilise more grass there is more profit in it for you.

"It you want to expand. you will need to grow more grass if you want to be efficient. Our focus has to be on grazing management. We have to get better at it," he told farmers.

Further expansion will depend on the adoption of Resilient Technologies which is the theme for todays open day, which is sponsored by FBD Insurance, and which is attracting thousands of farmers from all over the country and from abroad.

Teagasc Director Professor Gerry Boyle said: Its now over two years since milk quotas were abolished and dairy farmers have made significant productivity gains in that period.

"It shows how the technologies being applied at farm level, especially in relation to animal breeding and grassland management, are fuelling this expansion in a sustainable way.

Also in attendance the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed said Irish dairy farming is in a very positive position, but it must continue to focus on resilient technologies which allow us to maintain our competitive advantage in milk production.

"Our unique grass-based milk production, from family farms in Ireland, is a sustainable model. 2017 is designated as the Year of Sustainable Grassland to celebrate this most important productive and sustainable source of livestock nutrition.

The benefits of growing and utilising grass to its optimum, is well demonstrated by Teagasc here in Moorepark," he said.
Chris Martin says the company will prioritise the Irish market

Musgrave, the Cork-based retail group that controls the SuperValu, Centra and Daybreak brands, has returned to "normalised" profitability following years of challenging economic conditions, according to CEO Chris Martin.

He said the group was almost certain to maintain its focus on the domestic and Spanish markets for growth in coming years, after ditching its loss-making British operations in 2015.

Musgrave's reported group turnover was flat at 3.7bn last year, but on a comparable and constant-currency basis was 3.4pc higher. Group pre-tax profit, excluding a 15.5m net pension gain, after it closed its final defined benefit scheme last year, was 73m, compared to 38.1m a year earlier from continuing operations. The previous year's figure also excluded pension gain of 14.7m.

Asked if Musgrave would ever have the ambition to re-enter the British market, notwithstanding Brexit, Mr Martin told the Irish Independent that many global grocery retailers have been deciding to focus on their domestic markets.

"A lot of people are returning to their domestic markets, saying that's the real opportunity," he said. "The reality is that Musgrave and its brands are absolutely playing to that.

"I see that there is a real growth opportunity across the island of Ireland. We are looking, where appropriate, to go international."

That wider international move is being spearheaded by the SuperValu marketplace that Musgrave established on Alibaba's Tmall retailing platform this year, initially selling own-brand goods, such as cereals, jams, biscuits and tea.

It is primarily targeted at China-based shoppers.

Mr Martin said the experience so far had been "interesting".

Brexit posed a challenge, he acknowledged, but the Irish economy was now in a much stronger position than before.

"It (Brexit) is creating uncertainty," he said. "For food, there are challenges. The reality of a hard Brexit will mean tariffs and those tariffs will impact goods as they come from the UK to Ireland.

"We want to protect the consumer as much as possible from any impact of tariffs.

"For home-grown products, there is an opportunity for (Irish) suppliers to step in and service the Irish market. That shouldn't be forgotten.

"It's not all doom and gloom."

Sales at SuperValu, Ireland's biggest grocery retailer, rose 2.4pc to 2.67bn last year, while Centra sales were up 3pc at 1.59bn.
Had providence ordained a different path, Warwick Brady would be running Aer Lingus right now. In late 2014, the former EasyJet executive was poised to succeed Christoph Mueller at the Irish carrier.

But then along came Willie Walsh, the CEO of British Airways owner IAG, making what would be a lengthy but ultimately successful 1.34bn bid to buy the former state-owned airline. Brady retreated, not willing to take the plunge, it seemed, when uncertainty over the future of Aer Lingus's ownership loomed.

Yet, as one door closed, another creaked open.

In late 2015, EasyJet chief executive Carolyn McCall held talks with retailer Marks & Spencer to succeed Marc Bolland as its CEO. It appeared that Brady, who had been with EasyJet for eight years and was its chief operating officer (he also worked with Ryanair between 2002 and 2005 as its deputy operations director) was in the ascendancy.

"It's no secret that I was the internal succession plan and I had a broadly in-principle agreement with the board," he says. "Then it was announced that Carolyn was not going to M&S. Mid-summer, Brexit happened and she recommitted to the group for five-plus years, which obviously meant I was at a decision point."

Was he annoyed or frustrated about it?

"I wasn't annoyed; all the best-laid plans and all that. If I was going to be a chief executive, I had effectively several options: either go and be a corporate CEO somewhere in a non-airline business - or CEO of an airline (he had been CEO of Indonesia's Mandala Airline between 2008 and 2009), but there were restrictions about that for 12 months. Or I could do something a bit more entrepreneurial and take a FTSE-250 company and grow it."

And so Brady, a one-time acrobatic flying team tutor, landed at the Stobart Group last summer, initially 'consulting' and soon afterwards confirmed as its deputy chief executive. Following the Stobart Group's annual general meeting last week, he was formally appointed chief executive of the stockmarket-listed company, taking over from Andrew Tinkler, who now heads Stobart Capital, a connected unit that will hunt for investment opportunities, primarily in aviation.

Brady may not have got the Aer Lingus job, but ironically the Irish airline is now one of the most important elements of Stobart's business, which also includes a retained 12.5pc stake in Eddie Stobart Logistics, the now stockmarket-quoted company that runs the famous green, red and white trucks up and down the UK motorway network (it lost a 45m Tesco distribution contract in Ireland last year).

Stobart Air - whose previous incarnation was Aer Arann, before Stobart and other investors took control in 2010 - has a franchise agreement that started the same year to operate the Aer Lingus Regional network for Aer Lingus.

It will carry almost 1.5 million passengers on the turboprop service this year.

Aviation is the designated linchpin of the energy-to-engineering Stobart Group, whose assets include London Southend Airport - a facility the company is hoping can eventually be transformed into a significant gateway for the sprawling city.

But can Stobart make it work?

It has owned the airport since 2008 and has struggled to make inroads. Data from the UK's Civil Aviation Authority show that Southend handled 874,000 passengers last year, compared to 901,000 in 2015, and just 42,000 in 2011, when it was still being upgraded. Stobart hopes to handle 2.5 million passengers there by 2018.

There are 6.4 million potential consumers within an hour of Southend - about three times the catchment in Milan, according to the enthusiastic Brady, whose was born in South Africa and whose great-grandfather emigrated to the country from Ireland. But why haven't all those potential holidaymakers been using Southend, if it is so convenient?

"Southend was always a play on London capacity," he says, speaking at Stobart Air's office just a short distance from Dublin Airport, while admitting that the airport suffered from a lack of savvy marketing and that growing it takes time.

"I think it does take a few years. It has been lack of PR, no strategic view with the airlines. We're looking at all the airlines in Europe and asking, strategically, who fits this airport?"

Stobart Group has previously indicated that it has been in talks with a number of airlines, but Southend is still only served by Flybe (with flights operated under a franchise agreement that Stobart Air has with the regional carrier) and EasyJet. Brady insists that Stobart is now very close to luring others.

"By the end of the summer, we'll be announcing - or not," he says. "Two airlines are in deep negotiations and with two others we're talking money and the proposition."

Brady and Stobart Air's recently-appointed chief executive Graeme Buchanan, who is sitting in on the interview, both say Stobart can generate better returns at Southend than other operators can at other airports because the group owns the value chain. Stobart built a railway station, terminal and hotel at Southend and owns handling services there. Also, of course, it has the Flybe franchise.

And despite this asset, as well as biomass-energy-generating stations coming on stream and its railway engineering division, Stobart Group's latest annual report shows that it had assets, excluding cash, of 124.9m (142.3m) at the end of its last financial year in February.

Net assets, including intangibles, amounted to 387.5m. The group has about 140m of net cash. Revenue last year edged just 2.1pc higher to 129.4m, and it generated underling ebitda (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) of 35m, which was up 16.8pc. But why is the company boasting a 1bn market capitalisation and its shares are hovering at a record high?

The gregarious Brady anticipates the question, nodding his head as the stats are ticked off.

"The valuation is based on a few things," he says. "It's taking the operating businesses and doing a multiple on them, which is a small valuation. But this is why the valuation is 1bn: we have said we're going to return cash to shareholders through a regular dividend. The dividend will be about a 5pc or 6pc yield. We'll distribute that cash and we're divesting of non-strategic infrastructure, so we've got enough money to pay a dividend past 2022, at which time the operating cash will absolutely simply support the dividend."

So basically, Stobart is selling off non-core assets, reducing its cash balance to support the dividend payment in the anticipation that everything pans out within five years.

"We will take the cash and work with Stobart Capital and generate a 15pc investment rate of return with the cash we have," he adds. "In 2022, we'll have an operating cash flow of about 100m ebitda. We'll still have a 400m-plus balance sheet. We're trying to combine an entrepreneurial PLC with some of the off-balance sheet work."

This time last year, Stobart Air was on the cusp of being sold to Dublin-based CityJet, the regional carrier founded by Pat Byrne, who is now its executive chairman after the airline was acquired by him and backers last year from Germany's Intro Aviation.

It was expected that the deal would see Stobart Air valued at about 80m. The plan also unleashed a move by Stobart Air's chief executive at the time, Sean Brogan, to mount a management buyout of the operator. That was rebuffed and Brogan left. But the undercarriage later collapsed from beneath the proposed sale to CityJet too. It was no coincidence that the plug was pulled just a couple of months after Brady became involved with Stobart.

"We've got this airline that was going to be sold to CityJet," says Brady. "We had a price X, which then got chipped away with Brexit to Y. Clearly, I didn't think it was in the strategic interest of this business, when you've got a valuable franchise to the end of 2022 (in the poisonous aftermath of the deal being pulled, Byrne vowed to fight for that franchise when it comes up for renewal).

"These guys run a really good low-cost operation," Brady says of Stobart Air. "If you've got a well-run business that has a low cost base and a partner in Aer Lingus that's growing at 20pc across the Atlantic, and we've got exclusivity on 18 routes into the UK, why would I give that up? Why would I not optimise the value of that?"

Buchanan chimes in that the takeover by CityJet could have been sealed if things had moved more quickly. "The end of June was very achievable if they had approached it in the manner in which they said they were going to approach it, which was with very light-touch due diligence.

"They kind of got lost in the detail. We had a bit of a hiatus over July, with holidays. We tried to pick up the momentum again and in fairness, it was me trying to push it to conclusion through August. We had a close-out meeting in September. Everybody agreed that two weeks from there was achievable. Two weeks came and went and no-one was getting upset. We asked what was the problem? They were hard to communicate with. It got close, close, close and then never."

So is the relationship unsalvageable? The takeover itself would be tougher now, for sure. Stobart Air is now a wholly-owned unit of the Stobart Group (investors Invesco Perpetual and Cenkos, as well as Padraig O Ceidigh sold out their stakes in the aviation unit this year), so harder to prise away, especially when Brady has made it a key strategic plank of the group's overall growth plan.

"The two businesses are complementary, in that they're very much focused on wet lease and we're taking commercial risk," says Buchanan. CityJet has focused on growing its wet-lease business, where it supplies aircraft and crew on contract to other airlines, such as SAS and Brussels Airlines.

"We're different parts of the aviation spectrum. Ireland is a small market. I'd say their business is fundamentally growing outside of Ireland. Our business core is in Ireland and the UK. We're open to co-operation," he adds.

Brady also leaves the door ajar, saying that "absolutely" he would welcome CityJet flying out of Southend (a deal to do so prior to the takeover crumbling was canned once everything went sour).

"We have control of our decision-making," he adds. "Anything that helps us strategically grow, and bring us to a 2bn market cap by 2022, of course we'd be interested."

Within five years, says Brady, 60pc of Stobart Group's business will be aviation, 30pc will be renewable energy and 10pc rail. Stobart Air generated revenue of 122.5m in 2015 and a 483,000 pre-tax profit, compared to a 17.1m loss the year before. For 2016, revenue increased by a low, double-digit percentage and it posted a small loss.

"We'll do less flying, carry marginally less passengers, but be substantially more profitable in 2017 over 2016," says Buchanan.

Brady interjects: "We're not into big. We're into profitable."
The number of people registered fell 1.8pc from the figure in May to 259,200 (Stock image)

The number of people signing on the live register has dropped to the lowest recorded since October 2008 - but concerns have been raised over the number of young people that are signed on long term.

In June of this year, the number of people registered fell 1.8pc from the figure in May to 259,200, according to new figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

However, some 11,000 young people are unemployed long term, a figure that causes some concern for the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI).

The number of those aged under 25 signing on the live register in June 2017 was 31,732 - an increase of 1,479 compared to the May 2017 figure of 30,253.

"While we are disappointed at the increase in young people signing on, this can  in part  be explained by seasonal trends," James Doorley, NYCI deputy director said.

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"The overall decrease in youth unemployment since 2012 has been welcome; however, we must not lose sight of the underlying problem of long term youth unemployment. At 11,711, a substantial cohort of young people has been unemployed for 12 months or more, with 3,683 unemployed for 3 years or more."

Mr Doorley called on Government to commit to reducing the number of young people under 26 who are long term unemployed to under 5,000 by the end of 2018.

"It is vital we support young jobseekers into education, training and work experience and prevent the drift into long-term joblessness," he said.

The number of male claimants in the year to June 2017 dropped by 14.9pc to 148,900 while the number of female claimants decreased by 11.9pc to 110,300.

Last month also saw 29,852 new registrants on the live register with females making up 51.1pc of the new registrants.

Some 56,337 casual and part-time workers were on the live register in June, a percentage increase of 0.8pc on the previous year.

The Live Register is not a measure of unemployment, as people with part-time work can be entitled to benefits.
Motorists will end up being hit in the pocket after the Government approved changes to the law on insurance to boost the size of a compensation fund.

The decision by the Cabinet comes after a ruling in May by the Supreme Court on which fund should cover the cost of claims associated with collapsed Setanta Insurance.

Malta-registered Setanta collapsed three years ago. It had 1,750 claimants, most of whom have had to wait years to get a payout. Two months ago the Supreme Court said the State's Insurance Compensation Fund should cover the cost of the claims, and not the insurance industry's Motor Insurer's Bureau.

However, the Insurance Compensation Fund only meets 65pc of the cost of third-party claims.

Now the Government is to introduce a new bill so that in future the Insurance Compensation Fund covers the full cost of claims when an insurer collapses.

Insurers will be levied to meet the cost of boosting the compensation fund, but this is set to be passed on to motorists, experts said.

Setanta was incorporated and prudentially regulated in Malta but traded solely in the Irish market.

It offered some of the cheapest premiums in this market and had 75,000 policyholders when it was placed into liquidation in April 2014.

Now insurers will have to pay 2pc of their gross written premiums each year to ensure the Insurance Compensation Fund has sufficient funds to meet 100pc of third-party claims if another insurer collapses.

Insurance experts said that is likely to amount to around 27m a year, up to the point where the fund reaches 150m.

One expert said this is bad news for policyholders as insurers are certain to recoup this money from their customers.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said the provisions of the Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2017 would provide certainty in the event of another insurer going bust.
Key executives of Insurance Ireland had their mobile phones confiscated, with the contents to be used in any case the EU takes against insurers. (Stock image)

European Union investigators took away mobile phones, computer hard drives and documents when they raided the offices of Insurance Ireland.

It is also understood that the investigators from Europe's Competition Directorate are to be in Dublin for a week and are set to carry out a series of raids on insurance companies and other insurance bodies.

European officials are investigating the possibility that an insurance cartel is operating within the Irish motor insurance industry.

They are understood to have been preparing for the raid for months.

The EU authorities, accompanied by Irish competition watchdog personnel and gardai, were in the offices of Insurance Ireland until 10pm on Tuesday.

A state of panic pervaded Insurance Ireland's Dublin offices when the regulators swooped.

High-paid lawyers from law firm Arthur Cox were summoned by the industry body to observe the unprecedented raid.

This led to a situation where the small offices in the IFSC were crawling with people.

Close to 100 people were packed into the premises of Insurance Ireland, the representative body for insurers.

Some 45 officers from the EU and the Irish Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, lawyers for Insurance Ireland, and staff who normally work in the Insurance Ireland offices were bumping into each other, such were the numbers involved.

Executives

Key executives of Insurance Ireland had their mobile phones confiscated, with the contents to be used in any case the EU takes against insurers.

Individual Insurance Ireland executives were summoned and questioned from a list that the EU Competition Directorate was working off.

Passwords for computers and databases were demanded, files removed and computer hard drives were taken away.

One person familiar with the situation said: "They seemed to be very well prepared. The whole operation was forensic. They sought out named individuals and took their mobile phones. It almost had a military style to it."

He said the staff in Insurance Ireland were gripped by panic and disbelief.

Some workers were unable to leave until late in the evening, and food had to be ordered in.

The raids were prompted by allegations that motor insurers in this country are operating a cartel by price-fixing.

A cartel is a conspiracy against consumers to keep prices artificially high. A cartel usually means restricting new entrants to a market.

Motor premiums have been going up by as much as 70pc at times over the past three years.

It is understood a database with details about drivers and their claims history was the focus of the raids.

The EU officials are expected to be in Dublin until the end of the week, with more raids of insurance companies on their agenda.
A NEW EU audit is set to find that Ireland is in breach of European broadband targets.

The European Court of Auditors has picked Ireland as one of five countries measured to see whether agreed targets broadband rollout have been met.

However, the Government's latest delay on connecting 542,000 rural homes and businesses to broadband means that it is now set to fail the audit test.

All EU citizens are expected to get access to internet services of over 30 megabits per second (Mbs) by 2020. 30Mbs is considered to be the minimum acceptable level for modern internet services in the coming years.

At present, almost a third of the country has no access to broadband of 30Mbs or above.

The Government has signalled that its rural rollout scheme may not now begin connecting users until 2019, with further delays possible.

Communications Minister Denis Naughten has said that at least 200,000 businesses and homes will remain unconnected in 2020.

Under the EU's 'Digital Agenda', there are no specific sanctions or fines for failing to meet the broadband targets.

A separate target requires half of Ireland's broadband users to have access to speeds of over 100Mbs, a target that is more attainable through high-speed rollout in Irish cities and large towns. EU research suggests an increase of 10pc in broadband connections results in a 1pc GDP increase per capita per year.

Publication of the audit is planned for spring 2018.

rural broadband, p6
One third of rural homes say that slow and unreliable internet speeds currently prevent them and family members from working from home

Will 500,000 rural business and households see modern fixed broadband any time in the next five years?

Unfortunately, this is again an open question. The Government has shifted its timelines for the umpteenth time, moving the state-subsidised plan's availability back to 2019.

The delay is largely due to the same reasons as previous delays, a combination of trying to figure out who to cover and how to hand out a contract to do it.

"The National Broadband Plan (NBP) procurement process is complex and the overall timing remains dependent on a number of factors, including the time required by bidders," said a spokesman for the Government this week.

The complexity of the tender is accepted. But for rural businesses, time moves unforgivingly on. The economy has less and less patience for those outside broadband zones.

Depopulation in rural towns is reaching critical levels, with housing costs in infrastructure-rich cities now bearing the brunt of the one-way traffic.

So is this the last delay or are we set to keep hearing this excuse every six months for the next two years, with an actual commencement date of 2010 or 2021?

Unfortunately, it still looks unlikely that even the new delayed timeframe will be met. This is because there are still a handful of issues that could delay the process further.

Siro, the joint venture made up of Vodafone and the ESB and one of the shortlisted bidders for the National Broadband Plan, is "still reviewing" whether it will remain involved in the process.

If it pulls out, it could delay things further if the Government decides to replace Siro with another operator prior to issuing a tender or awarding a contract.

Siro's potential exit is happening because of a deal between the Government and Eir, where 300,000 rural homes previously on the Government's rollout map will have their broadband built by Eir.

Under the terms of that agreement, Eir agreed to extend its commercial broadband service to 300,000 additional homes and businesses in areas currently not served by high-speed broadband.

The Government says that this will be done by the end of 2018, with unspecified financial penalties applicable if Eir misses its deadline. Ninety per cent of the new Eir connections are to be fibre lines into homes, with the remaining 10pc based on existing phone lines.

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But it takes the easiest, most lucrative segment of the State's target list out of a possible tender. This means it is potentially harder, longer and more expensive for rival bidders (Siro and Enet) to make a contract work commercially, even if there is a state subsidy.

While Enet says that it is still firmly in the bidding process, a spokesman for Siro said that it is yet to conclude that remaining in the competition "makes commercial sense".

"We have to figure out whether it's for us or not," said the spokesman. "It's a big project and a big amount of money to commit."

The spokesman said that a decision would likely be made by September, when shortlisted bidders are required to submit detailed plans to progress further in the tendering process.

Siro's executive management, led by CEO Sean Atkinson, must first decide on its own preference. The company will likely then be required to consult with its joint shareholders, comprised of the ESB and Vodafone. In the case of Vodafone, local management may also have to consult with the mobile operator's parent company in London to get the all-clear for continuation of the project.

At present, all three shortlisted broadband bidders are working to create final estimates for the tender-bidding process. One telecom executive described it as "intensive and resource-hungry".

The shortlisted bidders are estimated to have cumulatively spent almost 10m in total on the NBP process so far.

Siro's potential exit may not be the only future delay. In its statement this week, justifying the delay, the Government explicitly referenced telecom operators' own need to prepare plans and bids.

"Overall timing remains dependent on a number of factors, including the time required by bidders," said a spokesman for Minister Denis Naughten.

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With one bidder openly expressing doubts about its future involvement, the Government is now under pressure to give remaining bidders leeway if they ask for more time at any stage.

There is also the ever-present threat of legal action by any disappointed party; this is a constant bugbear to infrastructural planning in Ireland.

The Government retains a more optimistic view of things. In particular, it is painting the deal with Eir to connect 300,000 premises as part of its promise to deliver broadband to rural Ireland.

"In 2016, only 52pc of premises in Ireland had access to high speed broadband," said a government spokesman.

"Because of the Government's commitment to the National Broadband Plan by the end of 2018, this will rise to at least 77pc of premises."

That 77pc is taken to include the 300,000 businesses and homes to be connected by Eir commercially.

On one hand, the Government makes a fair point. Who cares if it's a private operator or the State connecting you to affordable, decent broadband?

This time last year, the number of identified rural homes and businesses on the state's National Broadband Plan intervention list was some 850,000. By the end of 2018, it will be 542,000. Measured as a whole, Ireland will have narrowed its rural broadband deficit considerably in the space of 24 months.

"The Government's National Broadband Plan has been very successful in encouraging increased levels of investment by commercial operators," said the government spokesman. "This in turn means that more people will have access to high-speed broadband at an early date and also reduces the number of premises to be included in the state intervention."

This is also arguably true. It is very possible that much of the current private-sector fibre rollouts from Eir and Siro would not be happening without the spectre of the National Broadband Plan hovering in the background.

Nevertheless, that still leaves the question as to why it must be another 18 months until the start of connections to the remaining 542,000 businesses and homes still on the State's intervention list. Bearing in mind that the Government's own estimate is three to five years from start to finish, this means some of those businesses and households won't be connected until 2023.

Local chambers of commerce have been pleading with state planners to speed up delivery of the services, arguing that local businesses are being starved of vital resources.

They have some pretty grim statistics to back their requests up.

A recent Amarach survey reported that one in four rural dwellers say they "would be forced" to move to a city or large town without proper broadband.

Of rural homes that have some form of broadband, almost one in four uses the internet at home for work. And nearly 150,000 of those say that they choose to avoid commuting some or all of the time because they can connect to work through the internet.

Meanwhile, one third say that slow and unreliable internet speeds currently prevent them and family members from working from home and that their internet speed at home isn't fast enough for all their requirements.

What this indicates is that Ireland's 'digital divide' threatens rural infrastructure at an accelerated pace.

The irony of this is that when you give small Irish firms a taste of proper broadband, they use it to top international leagues in productivity.

Figures from the European Commission's recent Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) show that Ireland ranks first out of 28 countries in Europe when it comes to small firms selling online, turnover from ecommerce and cross-border ecommerce.

In this context, the opportunity foregone by delaying rollout for so long could be incalculable.

What of those private-sector rollouts?

Eir claims to have over 70,000 "regional" homes passed for fibre broadband, while its main competitor, Siro, has a similar number of premises passed in regional towns.

"We have 80,000 homes passed now," said the spokesman. "We just completed a rollout in Dundalk to add to Drogheda, Tralee and other towns around the country."

However, the company is behind its own schedule in terms of a national rollout. "We're about three or four months behind where we want to be," said the Siro spokesman. "Our target is to be passing 10,000 premises per month.

"In June, we finished off almost 9,000. We're happy that we're starting to hit cruising altitude on it. But we've only been doing it for two years and we've had to learn a lot in that time."

He said that Siro's customer sign-up rate was meeting the company's expectations. "Our ordering rate is in the low to mid-twenties (in percentiles) after 12 months. We're pleased with it."

Siro currently has 10pc of its staff allocated to working on the National Broadband Plan, with the remainder focused on building out a commercial service to towns around Ireland.

The Government is trying earnestly to get rural broadband rolled out around the country. Telecoms operators are keen to be involved. But the pace needs to pick up if rural Ireland is to be saved.
Investment firms may have to move thousands of jobs to the European Union after regulators said "letterbox entities" nominally based in the EU but in reality run from abroad will no longer be tolerated, lawyers and advisers say.

The proposal would affect UCITS, a type of mutual fund domiciled in the European Union, that hold about 9.1trillion of assets.

The move could see Luxembourg and Ireland - major centres for the sector - attract or create thousands of jobs in areas from governance to compliance if UK firms have to re-register within the EU, according to John Skelly, a Dublin-based principal at Carne Group, an adviser that helps set up UCITS funds.

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) said in May that passports to sell funds - effectively, a stamp of approval allowing fund managers to offer a product globally - should be rejected unless major decisions are made by management based within the EU.

Post Brexit it would hit the UK, where almost 1.1 trillion of UCITS fund assets are domiciled, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers.

UCITS products are often domiciled in Luxembourg and Ireland, but their fund managers can be based anywhere in the world to focus on local markets. ESMA, which could publish a second take on its opinion this week, said the guidance was prompted by Brexit as it seeks to avoid a race to the bottom in oversight standards.

"It could be a threat to the viability of UCITS at the global level," Dan Waters, managing director at fund management association ICI Global, said in an interview. "There are trillions of euros, dollars, pounds of investments going back and forth right now" through the products, and there's a chance that the regulator "could inadvertently build barriers around that."

ESMA, which does not have legislative powers, published the opinion as part of an effort to unify European regulators' approach to fund registration following Britain's vote to leave the EU. Since the Brexit vote, several nations have said they're keen to grab slices of Britain's financial industry.

The guidance on UCITS - an acronym for Undertakings for the Collective Investment of Transferable Security - is the first time ESMA has said that a certain amount of fund activity should be based in the EU, but it so far lacks specifics on what functions will have to be done in the bloc, lawyers say.

"The opinion seems to overreach" directives around fund regulation, said Simon Currie, a London-based partner at legal firm Morgan Lewis who advises clients on setting up operations in the EU.

"It's quite clear in the directives that you can delegate decision-making in connection with portfolio management to a third country." (Bloomberg)
Edgar Wright has said he is considering writing a sequel to Baby Driver after being nudged to do so by the films studio.

The British director, who is yet to make a follow-up to any of his movies, also said he has mulled over ideas of where next to take the critically-praised production.

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He told the Empire Film Podcast: The studio have asked me to think about writing a sequel.

Its one of the ones that I might do a sequel to because I think theres somewhere more to go with it in terms of the characters.

He said he cannot think of anywhere new to take Shaun Of The Dead or The Worlds End.

Hot Fuzz is the only other film of his that could withstand a sequel, he said, but fears it would lack the joy of watching the characters develop as they did in the original.

Wright, 43, said he already has ideas for a sequel to Baby Driver, which saw Ansel Elgort play a fledgling getaway driver who listens to music to battle his tinnitus.

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I sort of had an idea that if I do another one you would subvert his involvement in the crime in a different way so he is not kind of like the apprentice any more, Wright said.

The film has so far grossed more than 46,000,000 dollars (36,000,000) worldwide in the week since its UK and US release.

Film review aggregator metacritic gave it a score of 86, meaning it has received universal acclaim.
The summer is all about the blockbuster and Spider Man is flying the flag for Marvel this month, but there are a few other gems slipping through this month too...

Dunkirk

Releasing: July 21

The highly anticipated war flick from the director of Interstellar and the Dark Knight trilogy is an action thriller and all evidence points to an intense experience. It chronicles the British military operation that saved 330,000 lives as Allied soldiers were surrounded by German forces, and stars Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy, and Kenneth Branagh as well as our own Love/Hate star Barry Keoghan. It also features an appearance by Harry Styles. But don't expect a whole lot of dialogue. Nolan has revealed he relies mostly on visuals to the tell the story. We expect great things.

Here's the extremely intense TV spot released this week, followed by a featurette with Nolan and cast.

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Also, The Irish Film Institute (IFI) will screen Dunkirk in 70mm from July 21st. He chose to film on large format stock and the IFI will present it in one of his preferred formats.

Spider-Man Homecoming

Releasing: July 7

The appallingly titled Spider-Man Homecoming introduces us to a new Spidey in the form of British star Tom Holland. He's the third to tackle the role in 15 years after Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield. Because the Avengers Universe needed another character in the mix with Iron Man, Captain America etc etc. Whether we wanted him or not he's here and early buzz suggests he might just be the best. Better than that title at least.

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War for the Planet of the Apes

Releasing: July 7

Reviews Stateside have been stellar with critics claiming it's the best of the trilogy. That's saying something. It currently holds a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Directed by Matt Reeves it again stars Andy Serkis as Caesar with Woody Harrelson, Terry Notary, and Steve Zahn and sees the apes forced into conflict with an army of humans. Expect big budget special effects underpinned by a poignant story.

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The Beguiled

Releasing: 14 July

Sofia Coppola's drama stars Colin Farrell as an enemy soldier taken in by a Southern girls' boarding school during the Civil War. Kirsten Dunst, Elle Fanning and Nicole Kidman star as the women whose rivalry turns dangerous. Expect plenty of sexual tension and spectacular costumes and set design.

Check out the trailer and featurette with Coppola and cast:

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David Lynch: The Art of Life

Releasing: July 14

This documentary is one for fans of the Twin Peaks creator, but also anyone with an interest in how our formative years can shape us. Rapturously received on the festival circuit, the film, directed by Jon Nguyen, explores Lynch's early life and how he was inspired to become an artist. It features archival footage and home videos and gives an insight into a man who rarely speaks about his work.

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It Comes At Night

Releasing: July 7

Horror fans will not be able to resist this superior addition to the genre, which thankfully treads the less is more route to terror. Joel Edgerton stars as a man who learns that the evil stalking his family home may be only a prelude to horrors that come from within. That's all you need to know to avoid spoilers. Don't read about it, just see it. The trailer gives a good sense of the foreboding, terrifying atmosphere. And there's a featurette to whet your appetite even further...

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The Wall

Releasing: July 28

Doug Liman directs this tense thriller which focuses on two soldiers facing off with an Iraqi sniper, with just a wall between them. It promises plenty of tension and is thankfully an acceptable 81 minutes long so your nerves won't be too shredded by the time the credits roll. Aaron Taylor Johnson and WWE star John Cena star.

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Paw Patrol Mission Big Screen

Releasing: July 7

If you have smallies who need entertaining then you could do worse than this (thankfully only 60 minutes long) big screen outing for Paw Patrol!
Fans in Cork have already started queuing for tickets to Ed Sheeran's two Pairc Ui Chaoimh concerts which do not go on sale until Saturday at 9am.

Anthony Hayes from Ballyphehane, Cork, told Independent.ie that he has been queuing since Wednesday in an effort to surprise his 9-year-old niece with tickets for the concert.

"My niece loves him, she's always dancing around in the kitchen to him," he said.

Anthony said that the queue has now increased to 11 people, with everyone taking it in turns to go for food and toilet breaks in order to keep their precious places in the line.

"I've a seat and a blanket because we are obviously camping out at night. Last night we got Four Star pizza and Red FM sent us down food today," he added.

With Ed Sheeran set to be the first act to play in the renovated Cork venue next year on May 4 and 5, Anthony can't wait for the boost it will bring to the city.

"It'll bring so many people to the city and so much business which Cork badly needs," said Anthony who is preparing to go to Coldplay in Croke Park on Saturday.

Ticketmaster employees in Dublin do not expect Ed Sheeran fans to start queuing for tickets until tomorrow.

Sheeran's other 2018 Irish concert dates include: 9 May in Belfast's Boucher Playing Fields, 12-13 May in Pearse Stadium Galway and 16 and 18 May in Dublin's Phoenix Park.
Uzbekistan has no plans to rejoin a post-Soviet security bloc led by Russia, Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov said on Wednesday, indicating the country's policy would remain the same despite a leadership change.

A former Soviet republic of 31 million, run by strongman president Islam Karimov from 1989 until his death last September, Uzbekistan has had a rocky relationship with Moscow, and by extension the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

It suspended its membership in the bloc between 1999 and 2006 and then quit it altogether in 2012.


A devastated bride-to-be is in mourning after her fiance died following a fall during his stag do in Greece.

Emily Russ (31) from Carrickfergus, Co Antrim flew to Athens to be at the bedside of Ben Davies (32), a Conservative aide in the Welsh Assembly, but he passed away at the weekend.

Mr Davies had travelled to the party island of Mykonos with six friends for the stag week but was left in a coma after suffering a head injury in a fall, and was transferred to intensive care in a hospital in the Greek capital.

The couple were due to get married in two weeks' time.

East Antrim MLA John Stewart, who had been invited to the wedding in Cardiff later this month, described Mr Davies as a down-to-earth person who took a keen interest in Northern Ireland politics.

"He was a very, very nice guy. He had been over here and I had met him a few times," he said.

"He was highly articulate and intelligent - he was a political operative for the Conservative Party and I think he was also a member.

"He had a lot of questions about Northern Ireland politics and took a lot of interest. He was just a down-to-earth kind of guy, a nice guy.

"He was in a coma when he was transferred to Athens for treatment, but they were not able to revive him. I believe that when they tried to bring him out of the coma they couldn't resuscitate him."

Mr Davies had recently bought his first home in the Welsh capital ahead of his marriage.

During her vigil at his bedside, Emily posted on her Facebook page: "Positivity is the way forward! The boy is a fighter! Probably one of the main reasons why I love him so much!"

A friend of the couple said: "It's heartbreaking, they were meant for each other and were getting married in two weeks' time. It was all arranged, now they are making plans to bring him back for a funeral.

"He was a special man, very bright and funny with a big future ahead of him."

Mr Davies was deputy chief of staff for the Conservative group sitting in the Welsh Assembly.

He had studied history at the London School of Economics before going on to get an MSc in Russian and European Studies at Oxford.

Mr Davies worked as an adviser for the Liberal Democrats in the 2010 general election, helping Duncan Hames get elected as Wiltshire's first Liberal MP in 86 years. He later volunteered for the Conservatives in London before beginning a job with the party in the Welsh Assembly.

Party director Richard Minshull sent an email to Welsh Conservatives confirming his tragic death and paying tribute to him.

Mr Davies's colleague and friend Vincent Bailey said it was always an adventure being around him.

"I don't think any of us know how to cope with this, but my heart breaks for his fiancee Emily," he said.

"Ben was incredibly bright and such a big character - he will be impossible to forget, or replace.

"It's a huge shock because he was a good friend and so young. It's just terribly sad for everyone."

His friend Dex Torricke-Barton, a former speechwriter for Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg, was due to be an usher at the wedding but couldn't attend the stag do because of work commitments. He said Ben was looking forward to the wedding as Emily "made him truly happy for the first time".

Cardiff Conservative councillor Jayne Cowan said they campaigned together when she ran as a candidate for the Assembly.

"He was so bright and he had this fascinating sense of humour. You remembered when you're in his presence even if there's 10 other people there. He was special," she said.
A Department of Justice counter-terrorism unit needs more resources to deal with a "very significant" increase in its workload, a briefing for new minister Charlie Flanagan has revealed.

The department last night said action to address the need for increased financial, personnel and organisational resources is "already under way and will continue".

It comes against a backdrop of a series of deadly terror attacks in Britain and Europe in recent months. The Government's Draft National Risk Assessment for 2017 said while a terror attack here is currently considered "unlikely", it is "nonetheless possible".

The new briefing document lists supporting EU and international efforts to counter terrorism as among "key immediate issues" for the department's Security and Northern Ireland Division. It has responsibility for managing EU files dealing with counter-terrorism including law enforcement aspects of countering violent radicalisation. Officials noted the increased threat from international terrorism in Europe due to instability in the Middle East and north Africa and the "potential threat from 'foreign fighters'" returning to the continent.

"There is a very significant and sustained increase in business activity related to this policy area for this division and to address this properly there will need to be an increase in the current capacities," the document stated.

It also said gardai and immigration authorities have been given additional resources to counter the terror threat and the levels required will have to be kept "under close review" with Garda authorities.

Last night, a department spokesman said additional staff have already been made available in Ireland and Brussels and personnel requirements are "kept under constant and active review".

He said additional financial obligations arise from servicing an increased number or EU and other international meetings dealing with counter terrorism and costs "will be met as they arise".
A week on from the Jobstown trial verdict it remains unclear why the Director of Public Prosecutions did not take a firmer stance against the use of social media by parties with an interest in the case.

One of the defendants, Solidarity TD Paul Murphy, was warned by the DPP about tweets and retweets towards the end of the trial.

One of the retweets was of a message accusing gardai of being liars.

It would have been open to the judge to hold him in contempt of court, but she didn't after learning he had given an assurance the material was being deleted from his Twitter account.

Counsel for the DPP did not press the issue, even though they would have been well within their rights to do so.

Others who sailed close to the wind escaped without any sort of reprimand.

In a social media post, Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger said the defence legal teams were challenging what the judge had said in her charge to the jury, even though it is forbidden to report anything that happens in the absence of the jury. Had similar behaviour been engaged in by a newspaper or television channel, they could have expected the DPP to come down on them like a tonne of bricks.

One only has to look at the collapsed trial of Clare GP Patrick Carmody to see the tough penalties meted out when a contempt occurs.

Two newspapers were hit with the 480,000 cost of the trial after publishing articles containing matters discussed in the absence of the jury. A judge found the articles presented a potential risk of Dr Carmody not getting a fair trial.

During the Jobstown trial, a number of people tweeted evidence heard in the absence of the jury. They have faced no penalty.

It could be argued social media does not have the same reach or influence as traditional media, but it still amounts to publication and its reach can still be considerable. Mr Murphy, for example, has over 14,500 followers on Twitter.

Debate has raged in recent days as to whether new laws are needed to deal with contempt of court through social media. In reality, though, the DPP had the tools at her disposal to act.

It is a common law offence to deliberately disrupt court proceedings, make untrue allegations about a court or judge, or publish prejudicial material about a pending court case.

Some believe the DPP did not act in a firmer fashion out of fear the trial could be thrown off course or, worse still, collapse. But no official reason has been given.

If punitive action had been taken it would have sent out a clear message and would have acted to discourage irresponsible use of social media in connection with future trials.
An engineering company involved in lift installation has been fined 750,000 after a hotel lift catastrophically collapsed seven years after it had been installed.

And a file is being referred back to the DPP to go see if there can be further prosecution.

The lift, which was carrying a family of guests for a wedding party, suddenly dropped four storeys at the Killarney Plaza Hotel on July 9, 2011.

Those in the lift, three of whom were gardai, have suffered ongoing injuries as a result of the incident.

It was an accident waiting to happen, and was the result of historic damage incurred from the time of its installation, the Circuit Criminal Court in Tralee heard. Ellickson Engineering Ltd, who installed and maintained the lift for several years, once had assets worth 8m.

However, the company had gone into receivership a short time before the disastrous collapse and now the company has "effectively nothing", the court heard.

The company was found guilty last March of a breach of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act to do with the installation of the lift around April 2004.

The Daldoss Easy Life Lift was installed into what was an existing building because of space constraints.

It had special features for a refuge space so it could be safely maintained, the trial heard.

However wiring, brackets and switches in the electrics for the lift had not been installed, lift specialist Simon Nicholas Lancaster said. It was "an unsafe and hazardous" environment for workmen.

Anyone working on a breakdown of the lift "could potentially be crushed" should the lift move, he said. The lift could never be properly inspected.

On July 9, 2011, at around 2pm, the main sheave house collapsed as the lift approached the fourth level of the hotel.

The Meehan family, from Meath and Dublin, were trapped inside the lift carriage during the ordeal.

Judge Thomas E O'Donnell noted the charge related to the installation in 2004 - not the "appalling" injuries the Meehan family had received in 2011.

There had been no appearance, legal or otherwise, by Ellickson Engineering Ltd, of Kilmurry, Co Waterford. Under company law, therefore, the trial had to proceed with a not guilty plea. The case had been adjourned to yesterday to determine what assets were available so the fine could be determined, Jude O'Donnell noted.

Judge O'Donnell paid tribute to the Meehan family and said their injuries were ongoing. He noted they were pursuing civil claims against a number of parties.

The court was conscious the prosecution was against a company, a separate legal entity. However he was asking that the file be referred back to the DPP "to go behind the veil of incorporation given the very serious breach and the very serious injuries which ensued".

He imposed a 750,000 fine with three months to pay.
A 'Fair City' actor who bit and punched his ex-girlfriend is seeking more time to pay compensation, after handing over 1,000 in court.

Patrick Fitzpatrick (33), who is awaiting sentence for the assault, could face 12 months in prison.

His case can be finalised only by the judge who originally heard it. It was therefore adjourned for a week at Dublin District Court yesterday.

The court heard that Fitzpatrick was due to pay another 1,000 to his victim.

Fitzpatrick pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Theresa Gannon at his home at Hollytree Terrace, Ballymun, on September 4, 2015.

The court had heard that the victim was at the accused's home when he became aggressive.

He punched Ms Gannon's face twice and bit her right upper arm. She was left with bruising to her right eye, but the bite did not break her skin.

Fitzpatrick's barrister told Judge Deirdre Gearty that there was "a sum of money to be paid" in compensation and 1,000 was handed over to Garda Niall Carolan, to be given to the victim. Counsel said there was 1,000 outstanding.

She said there was also a probation report on the accused.

She asked Judge Gearty to adjourn the case until November.

However, the judge noted that the accused had pleaded guilty in February and the case had now been before the court three times to find the judge who heard the case, Judge John Lindsay.

Judge Gearty said it was better that Judge Lindsay decided what to do and adjourned the case until July 12. Fitzpatrick is excused from attending on that date.
Some gardai involved in a murder investigation acted with "great laxity" in how they dealt with evidence in the case, a defence barrister has told a murder trial jury.

Bernard Condon SC is giving his closing speech to the jury in the trial of Christopher McDonald (34), from the East Wall area of Dublin. Mr McDonald has pleaded not guilty to the murder of 36-year-old Keith Walker at Blanchardstown Pigeon Racing Club on the Shelerin Road, Clonsilla on June 12, 2015.

Mr Condon told the six men and six women of the jury that there was a problem with the evidence they had heard and that there was a "great laxity in the way some of the gardai have dealt with this case."

Counsel pointed to the fact that Detective Sergeant Paul Tallon had written in his statement that he found dark glasses along with the gun alleged to have been used in the killing, but no glasses were actually found. He said Det Sgt Tallon said during cross examination that he had no explanation for this. Mr Condon asked the jury would they accept that from a partner and suggested that what Det Sgt Tallon was saying was: "no explanation is better than a bad explanation". He added: "It is bordering on telling you to go and get stuffed."

He also pointed to an inconsistency in evidence given by a garda who had retrieved CCTV footage. The garda initially said the footage did not have a time stamp but later said that was a mistake. There were further questions over the taking of samples from Mr McDonald, with a doctor in the case saying that he took a sample from Mr McDonald's mouth. That conflicted with the evidence of the the garda who was present when the sample was taken.

Speaking for the prosecution, Denis Vaughan Buckley SC told the jurors that the evidence they had heard should convince them that Mr McDonald is guilty and he asked them to use their common sense.

Mr Condon's closing speech to the jury continues in front of Justice Patrick McCarthy this afternoon.
The annual process of allocating special needs assistants (SNAs) to schools will be fast-tracked next year, Education Minister Richard Bruton has promised.

Mr Bruton announced that a further 975 SNAs will be working in schools from September, bringing the total number to 13,990, up 7.5pc on last year.

But Mr Bruton and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar faced severe criticism over the timing of the announcement, which had left parents in the dark over whether their child will have necessary assistance in September.

The union Impact, which represents SNAs, has warned that it will ballot for industrial action at the start the new school year because of the Government's failure to announce SNA allocations before the end of the summer term.

Fianna Fail's education spokesperson, Thomas Byrne, said the delay made it difficult for management at schools to plan for the year ahead, while SNAs remained unsure whether they had a job to return to. The announcement is never made before June, but this year, and in 2015, it ran into after all schools had closed in July.
Some elderly nursing home residents are being forced to pay up to 100 a week in top-up fees, including "illegal" doctors' charges - even though they have a medical card, a damning report reveals today.

The revelations are made in a report from Age Action which has been contacted by scores of distressed families over the past two years.

The catalogue of nursing homes abuses includes additional fees charged for services such as social activities, incontinence wear and therapies which private nursing home owners say are not covered by the Fair Deal scheme.

The report highlighted the predicament of one woman, Michelle, whose mother had a full medical card but was charged for a "house doctor" fee.

Age Action Director of Advocacy Justin Moran said: "The nursing home refused to provide an itemised bill and, after it was confirmed to Michelle that such a charge was illegal, she engaged a solicitor."

She was told by the nursing home that if the charge was not paid they would stop providing care to her mother.

It cited another case where Conor's mother has a long list of additional services for which she is being charged - costing almost 4,500 a year.

When it was broken down, her monthly fees included 50 for incontinence wear, 222 for social activities, 100 for doctor services and a 10 surcharge on the three "free" chiropody visits a year.

Residents with limited means face charges ranging from 15 to 100 a week. In some cases nursing homes ask for a large cash deposit before admission which can be impossible for some families to afford.

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The report said nursing homes are entitled to charge for additional services beyond those covered by Fair Deal. "But the amounts being charged, the transparency of the system and in some cases the dubious legality of the charge can cause serious problems for residents and their families," it said.

While charges are normally set out in the resident's contract for care there is nothing to stop homes from changing them and imposing extra fees, putting particular stress on families with low income.

It has reached the point where even with the Fair Deal subsidy, the fees can make nursing home care unaffordable.

Mr Moran said while there is some truth in nursing homes claims they have to pass on the charges because the watchdog Hiqa insists the services be provided, it does not excuse "exorbitant fees".

Age Action wants the Department of Health to force all nursing homes to publish their fees online and amend the law to allow residents to opt out of paying for services they cannot take part in.

The National Treatment Purchase Fund should audit and regulate charges.

The HSE should assess if a resident needs therapies or supports, like incontinence wear, and take the costs into account when calculating their Fair Deal contribution.

In response, Tadhg Daly, of Nursing Homes Ireland, said the additional fees levied are "for services explicitly excluded under the Fair Deal scheme and are agreed with all residents in the contract for care".

He insisted the National Treatment Purchase Fund had "full access, by legislation, to all nursing homes' accounts and records" under 2009 legislation.

Hiqa inspectors examine contracts for care through their inspections, and in their report published in 2016 confirmed there are good levels of compliance.

"Like Age Action, Hiqa has previously highlighted the significant deficits in the provision of primary care services for residents in private and voluntary nursing homes.

"This represents discrimination of older people on the basis of where they reside," Mr Daly said.

He said HSE-run homes get a "disproportionate" amount of Fair Deal budget. There is a need for a level playing field, he said. A Fair Deal review was promised by June and this deadline has not been met.
One of the most senior figures within An Garda Siochana has claimed he was subjected to a "whispering campaign" after blowing the whistle on the notorious Templemore 'slush fund'.

Head of human resources John Barrett has launched a ferocious new attack on Garda management, in particular Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan.

In an extraordinary 88-page dossier, Mr Barrett quoted the book 'Lies in a Mirror' by Mr Justice Peter Charleton, specifically citing the chapter 'Dynamic of Evil', which argues that "deceit is the primary instrument for doing evil".

He added "truth and accountability must be found to have a genuine value" in the force.

Mr Barrett is seen within both Garda and Government circles as having taken a major risk in challenging Garda management over the Templemore issue.

He has already appeared in front of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), at which he refused to express full confidence in Garda management.

But his latest dossier, seen by the Irish Independent, will place further pressure on Commissioner O'Sullivan.

The dossier sets out a number of allegations including:

Fresh contradictions of previous testimony given by Ms O'Sullivan;

Claims that the alleged fraudulent flow of EU cash in to a Cabra bank account must be investigated further;

Allegations he was subjected to a "whispering campaign" as well as "spurious criminal allegations" by senior colleagues;

Claims that Commissioner O'Sullivan was trying to demote key civilian staff through new reporting structures introduced in the force.

Mr Barrett's allegations will be considered by PAC members as they prepare their final report into the Templemore scandal.

It's suspected that gross financial mismanagement led to the disappearance of 1.7m of taxpayers' money.

Public funds also went towards expensive meals and lavish gifts. A bank account linked to the college's laundry fund was used to pay loans to staff.

Well-placed sources last night told the Irish Independent the head of Garda Audit, Niall Kelly, is due to present the committee with fresh allegations today.

These are understood to centre upon the bank account in Cabra which was controlled by a retired senior member of the force.

EU funds channelled to the account are suspected of being appropriated for fraud.

The matter has been referred to GSOC and the European anti-fraud watchdog (OLAF).

The Irish Independent also understands that the Garda Fraud Squad will be called in to launch its own probe.

Ms O'Sullivan was due to submit fresh papers to spending watchdog by 4pm yesterday.

But Mr Barrett's claims will once again place the spotlight on the Garda Commissioner's future.

In his dossier, Mr Barrett said the efforts by him and others to blow the whistle met by resistance.

"A resistance which was sometimes subtle and at other times obscenely crude.

"It was a series of barriers hoisted against those who sought to identify, quantify and rectify the tangled web of abuses of taxpayers' funds," Mr Barrett said.

"I trust you and your committee will give due consideration to the degree of courage and resilience deployed by those who sought to bring these flagrant abuses of the public purse to light."
The European Union and Japan have reached an agreement on an enormous free trade deal, just two days before a G-20 meeting in Germany.

The deal will affect a majority of the commerce between the two economic giants.

Capping four years of negotiation, the deal will be officially endorsed on Thursday when Japanese Prime Minister and EU Council President Donald Tusk meet on the eve of the G-20 meeting to shake hands on the historic deal.

The economies of the European Union and Japan combined make up for an immense 28 percent of global output, creating one of the largest trade pacts ever proposed.

EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom said in a tweet, "We've reached political agreement at ministerial level on an EU-Japan trade deal we now recommend to leaders to confirm this at summit."

Malmstrom also tweeted the two sides "ironed out the few remaining differences," but setbacks such as translations and legal scrubbing are expected to take several months.
The CSO says the labour force participation rate  or percentage of people aged 15 and over excluding students, retirees and homemakers  is rising among women, across 24 of the 31 local authority areas. Stock picture

The gap between the number of women and men in the workforce has narrowed over the last five years while more females are also in full-time education, new Census data reveals.

There are now 929,967 women at work, up 9pc since 2011, compared with just over a million men, and the divide is closing.

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has also revealed the number of female homemakers has halved over the last 35 years, while the number of women students has doubled.

The number of women looking after the home or family has been falling since 1981, with the most recent inter-censal period showing a decline of 11.5pc to 277,380, a fall of 36,000.

Conversely, the number of men with this status rose by 15pc, to 20,747.

The CSO says the labour force participation rate - or percentage of people aged 15 and over excluding students, retirees and homemakers - is rising among women, across 24 of the 31 local authority areas.

More women aged 19-22 - the so-called college years - are also more likely to attend third-level. The gap in education attendance between men and women is most pronounced for 20-year-olds.

Figures showing the closing of the workforce gender gap come as a recent OECD report showed a 6.5pc difference in pay scales among men and women in this country.

Ireland also fares poorly when it comes to female boardroom representation, with an 18pc female participation rate, compared to 22pc in the UK and 34pc in France.

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The 'Census 2016 Summary Results Part 2' report says that education participation among women aged 19-22 stands at 59.5pc, compared with 52.8pc for men.

"The gap is widest among 20 year olds with 65.5pc of females indicating they were a student compared with 56.7pc of men," the CSO said. "For both sexes, rates have increased on 2011 with males increasing from 48.8pc in 2011 to 52.8pc in 2016, while female rates increased from 55.1pc to 59.5pc."

The benefit of remaining in education is also evident with lower unemployment rates among those with higher qualifications. It says that unemployment rates for women was higher when a primary or lower-secondary level of education was achieved, but lower for those with upper secondary or third level. Generally, unemployment among women with a third-level degree was 5.9pc compared with 6.5pc for men.

In the five years to April 2016, female labour force participation rates increased in 24 of the 31 administrative areas, compared with two for males. The largest growth was in Dublin City, which increased by 2.5pc to 59.4pc.

Fingal has the highest overall female participation rates at 60.9pc, but this is a fall of 0.8pc. This could be due to ageing and increased participation in education. The lowest female participation rate is in Cork City at 49.6pc.

While unemployment is falling, coupled with a sharp rise of 9.6pc to 293,000 in the number of non-nationals at work, black-spots remain.

Among the cities, Waterford has the highest unemployment rate at 18.8pc, while the highest county rate was in Longford at 30.6pc. This compares with a national average of 12.9pc at the time of Census 2016 in April last year.
The exterior of the St Kevins unit of St Annes/Our Ladys Hospital complex, which was ruined in the blaze. Photo: Cork Fire Brigade Twitter

A fire which badly damaged an historic structure ranked as one of Ireland's most haunted buildings is being treated as suspected arson.

The fire which almost gutted the St Kevin's unit of the St Anne's/Our Lady's Hospital complex is the third blaze to severely damage an historic structure in Cork in recent years.

Last year, the 18th century Vernon Mount mansion in Cork was destroyed when youngsters started a bonfire that quickly raged out of control.

Fires have also been started at the Good Shepherd complex.

The St Kevin's unit of the Our Lady's psychiatric hospital complex, which dates to 1893, was virtually gutted in the fire that was detected around 8pm on Tuesday night.

It hasn't been used as a mental health facility since 2001.

Video by: SEAN HENDERSON

Six units of Cork Fire Brigade, supported by a unit from Mallow, brought the blaze in the five-storey complex under control.

While the roof remains largely intact, three interior floors have collapsed.

The red-brick building ranks as one of Cork's iconic landmarks.

At one point, flames could be seen raging through the building roof. A tall plume of smoke from the blazing complex could be seen all over Cork's skyline.

Gardai are now investigating reports that three teenagers were seen running from the area as the first fire brigade units arrived.

Cork Fire Brigade official Gerry Myers said major damage was inflicted.

"The building is being examined by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Cork City Council's building control officials," he said.

"There is also an engineer on site.

"One of the gables collapsed inwards during the fire.

"Two other gables are now tilting outwards so the concern now is over the integrity of the building."

Councillor Mick Nugent said the destruction of yet another historic Irish building was "a shame".
Despite roundly criticising the Governments plans for pay-by-weight bin charges and organising rallies, left-wing TDs were not present as Fine Gael and Fianna Fail agreed a compromise to end their row on the issue. Stock picture

The political groups against bin charges have said they won't encourage households to stop paying, because they can't allow rubbish to pile up.

Solidarity-People Before Profit TD Brid Smith said her party's campaign is "only getting started". She said it has plans for a series of community meetings to find out what householders want to do, but admitted a different approach will have to be found compared with the anti-water charges campaign as people can't allow rubbish to pile up in the streets.

Similarly, a Sinn Fein spokesman said the decision to pay is a "personal" one.

"There are potential consequences for householders if they do not pay and therefore it would be irresponsible of Sinn Fein to encourage people to take that course of action," he said.

"We have already had nearly 20 protests across the State and more will be planned in the coming weeks and months."

Meanwhile, the Dail was devoid of any representatives from Sinn Fein and Solidarity-People Before Profit as a key debate on the new bin charges regime concluded without a vote being called.

Despite roundly criticising the Government's plans for 'pay-by-weight' bin charges and organising rallies, left-wing TDs were not present as Fine Gael and Fianna Fail agreed a compromise to end their row on the issue.

Under the deal a 'Pricing Watchdog Monitoring Unit' is to be given powers to tackle emerging cartels and target price-fixing. The arrangement has been described as a "grubby deal" by Sinn Fein - but its environment spokesperson Brian Stanley was absent when it came to calling a Dail vote.

"I could see that the debate was leading to a stitch up between Fianna Fail and Fine Gael and that they had the numbers to pass whatever they wanted regardless of whether a vote was called or not.

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"However, in retrospect I believe I should have called a vote to register Sinn Fein's outright opposition to these charges in the Dail," he said.

Similarly, People Before Profit Ms Smith had gone home before the 10pm conclusion.

Asked why the party didn't force a vote, she said: "That was my fault. Normally votes don't happen until Thursday. I was probably a bit naive about the procedures. I was there until after nine o'clock. I'd heard more of the speeches."

Fianna Fail sources told the Irish Independent they intend to highlight the absences if the parties continue to criticise them for not blunting opposing the pay-by-weight system.

"They shout about it and organise street protests but when it came to actually doing something about it they went missing," a senior source said.

Meanwhile, Environment Minister Denis Naughten told the Seanad that "rhetoric and grandstanding" will not change the Government's decision.

"What we are doing is most certainly not about imposing financial hardship on families.

"Using our bins properly will not only make a difference to our waste costs, it will also make an enormous difference to our environment and to our future," he said.

The minister said the choices facing the country are "stark".
President Moon Jae-in continues to send mixed signals over the North Korean nuclear and missile crisis.

After the North launched an intercontinental ballistic missile on Tuesday, Moon ordered troops to conduct a drill with the U.S. for a preemptive strike against the North. But no sooner had he arrived for a state visit in Germany than he told reporters a "peaceful resolution through dialogue" is needed. And yet it was Moon who proposed the joint drill to U.S. President Donald Trump as a show of force.

In a National Security Council meeting after the launch, Moon urged Pyongyang not to pass "the point of no return" and warned Pyongyang of firm retaliation should it cross over the "red line."

The situation changed for the worse when military analysts briefed Cheong Wa Dae officials that the Hwasong-14 missile the North launched shows that its technology has evolved to a level where it can develop a genuine ICBM with a range of more than 5,500 km.

A senior Cheong Wa Dae official said, "I believe a decision was reached that more than a verbal warning was needed."
Education Minister Richard Bruton has launched a blistering attack on left-wing parties, accusing them of crying crocodile tears over the bin charges controversy.

During heated Dail exchanges, the minister hit out at parties calling for the waste collection service to be brought back under the control of local authorities.

And when asked by People Before Profit TDs to explain what the Governments plan is, Mr Bruton replied: "I think youd know what is happening if you bothered to attend the Dail here the other night when these issues were being debated.

"You were marked absent when decisions were being made and when the position that is going to be introduced was being explained."

He added: "So its pretty crocodile tears to be shedding now when you dont do your responsibility to come in and deal with these issues."

The bin controversy was debated in the Dail on Tuesday night but representatives of Sinn Fein and Solidarity-People Before Profit left the chamber before the conclusion, meaning a Fine Gael/Fianna Fail deal passed without need for a vote.

Ms Smith accepted she was not present to force a vote but said she was present in the Dail until 9.30pm.

"In my naivety as a new TD I understood wed be voting on these motions and amendment today. Thats not going to happen," she said.

The Dublin South Central TD said her party intend to launch a campaign against the pay-by-weight system.

"When you talk about the motivation for keeping environment safe and clean. What is actually happening because of the profits and the monies to be made is that fly-tipping is being given the go ahead by this system.

"As the price increase therell be more and more fly-tipping. There was never single incident of it when the bins were in public control."

Ms Smith added: "People need their bins, they dont need this sort of abuse by the government."

However, Mr Bruton said people have to change their behaviour when it comes to waste.

"A lot of homes do not to the segregation, do not try to minimise their waste. The system that applies to half of the households in the country will now apply to all households,2 he said.

And in a final scathing attack on the Left, he said: "We all know the reason why the public sector is no longer in this business.

"Its because parties like your own told people not to pay, refused to allow increases in charges that would have allowed this to remain as a service in the public arena. You made conscious decisions to destroy that possibility."
A remarkable video (see below) has emerged of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner spewing out a thick cloud of vapour as it flies over Russia.

It was captured by pilot Lou Boyer from the cockpit of a passing 747, RT reports.

The clip is bound to fan the flames of conspiracy on some of the more incredulous online forums. The seemingly random appearance of contrails, as these lines of condensation are commonly called, is considered by a small but vocal online minority to be evidence of a global conspiracy.

Why do some planes emit long, lingering clouds, they ask, while others pass overhead without leaving a trace?

The conspiracy theory

The clouds are, according to some, in fact chemtrails  chemical or biological agents sprayed at high altitude for any number of top secret reasons.

So persistent is the chemtrail theory that it has been discussed on radio talk shows, raised by politicians, while US government agencies report calls from irate citizens demanding an explanation.

The trails which arouse the most suspicion are those that remain visible for a long time, dispersing into cirrus-like cloud formations, or those from multiple aircraft which form a persistent noughts-and-crosses-style grid over a large area.

So what possible reason would the worlds governments have for jettisoning vast quantities of chemicals into the stratosphere?

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Proponents of the conspiracy theory offer a variety of explanations. It is an attempt to control global warming, according to some, while others cite far more sinister goals, such as human population control, psychological manipulation, and military weapons testing.

The trails, it is claimed, are to blame for health problems and respiratory illness.

It is an attempt to control global warming," according to some. Others cite human population control, psychological manipulation, and military weapons testing.

These claims took root in the Nineties, with the publication of a US Air Force research paper about weather modification.

But the ability to change the weather isnt all pie-in-the-sky. Cloud seeding  where particles such as silver oxide are sprayed onto clouds to increase precipitation  is commonly used by drought-prone countries, and was part of the Chinese governments efforts to reduce pollution ahead of the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

The truth

Governments and scientific institutions have, of course, dismissed the theories, and insist those vapour trails which persist for longer than usual, or disperse to cover a wide area, are just normal contrails.

The variety of contrails seen in the sky is due to atmospheric conditions and altitude, they say, while grid-like contrails are merely a result of the large number of planes that travel along the same well-worn flight lanes.

The combination of high relative humidity and a nice sunrise gave this contrail a nice deep colour as the contrail created its own shadow, explained Lou Boyer, who captured the video above.

Patrick Smith, a US pilot, dismisses the conspiracy theory in his book about air travel, Cockpit Confidential.

Contrails are formed when humid jet exhaust condenses into ice crystals in the cold, dry, upper-level air  its not unlike the fog that results when you exhale on a cold day, he says.

Contrails are clouds, you could say. Water vapour, strange as it might sound, is a byproduct of the combustion within jet engines, which is where the humidity comes from. Whether a contrail forms is contingent on altitude and the ambient atmospheric makeup  mainly temperature and something known as vapour pressure.

I refuse to devote valuable page space to the so-called chemtrail conspiracy theory. If you know what Im talking about and wish to argue the matter, feel free to email. If you dont know what I'm talking about, dont worry about it.

In 2000, the Federal Aviation Administration, the US national aviation authority, teamed up with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), to create a detailed report aimed at dispelling the rumours once and for all.

It clearly didn't work. The EPA reissued the document as recently as 2015.

The report reads: Aircraft engines emit water vapour, carbon dioxide, small amounts of nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, sulfur gases, and soot and metal particles, formed by the high-temperature combustion of jet fuel, during flight. Of these emittants, only water vapour is necessary for contrail formation.

If the humidity is high (greater than that needed for ice condensation to occur), the contrail will be persistent. Newly formed ice particles will continue to grow in size by taking water from the surrounding atmosphere. The resulting line-shaped contrail extends for large distances behind an aircraft. Persistent contrails can last for hours while growing to several kilometers in width and 200 to 400 meters in height. Contrails spread because of air turbulence created by the passage of aircraft, differences in wind speed along the flight track, and possibly through effects of solar heating.

So now you know.

It concluded that persistent contrails pose no direct threat to public health but added: Contrail cloudiness might contribute to human-induced climate change.

So, while chemtrails are widely considered a myth, contrails themselves may actually be harming us by contributing to global warming.

There are a couple of other interesting facts about contrails.

Military aircraft will sometimes fly at a particular altitude to avoid producing them, and therefore evade detection.

Also, when a plane is travelling towards an observer on the ground, it may emit a contrail that appears to be vertical.

In November 2010, The Pentagon was left baffled by what was reported to be a mystery missile launch off the coast of California, but eventually concluded that it was an probably an aircraft contrail.

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Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
Pat Doherty of Harcourt Developments with Kerrie Sweeney of Titanic Foundation in Drawing Room 2. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.

Titanic Hotel Belfast is on course to open in weeks, and here we can reveal the first photos of the historic work-in-progress.

The luxury project, set in the Harland & Wolff headquarters and historic Drawing Offices next to Titanic Belfast itself, opens on September 10th.

The 28m/32m hotel is one of the most hotly-anticipated on the island, and will offer 119 rooms with spectacular views of Queen's Island and the Harland & Wolff cranes.

B&B rates start at 125 (midweek) and 175 (weekends) per room, but accommodation for its opening week is "almost sold out", according to the hotel.

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A penthouse starts at 400 on its website.

As well as deluxe rooms, the hotel will hold seven private event spaces making use of the offices of Thomas Andrews, Lord Pirrie and Mr Charles Payne.

Several of these will be open to the public, as will the main Drawing Offices, on tours starting with a six-week free exhibition that will tell the story of the building.

It will also feature a 166-seater dining room and bespoke cocktail bar.

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Titanic Hotel Belfast is operated by Harcourt Developments, with a 5m investment from the Heritage Lottery Fund aiding restoration of the Drawing Offices.

As can be seen in our galleries (above and below), the distinctive, arching spaces have been kept intact, with original moulding restored.

Most Floor and wall tiles were restored from the main building, with those surrounding the main bar identical to the tiles in Titanics swimming pool.

History and heritage helped build this hotel, and it can be seen in every aspect of the finish, from the carpet to the cornices," said John Doherty, Group Creative Director at Harcourt Developments, which will employ 75 people at the hotel.

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"We are working with the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Titanic Foundation to ensure Belfasts illustrious shipbuilding legacy is told in true style.

Paul Mullan, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund Northern Ireland, added:

It is thanks to National Lottery players and the 5m raised by them that this hugely important building has been restored and returned to sustainable use.

The Heritage Enterprise programme has been specifically designed to support ambitious projects such as this where the costs of restoration would be so high that it would not be commercially viable."

Belfast's tourist offering has gone up a gear in recent years, with the opening of a new Bullitt Hotel, EastSide Visitor Centre and CS Lewis Square, a 6 million extension to the five-star Fitzwilliam and, of course, Game of Thrones Season 7 on the way.

See titanichotelbelfast.com for more.

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North Korea has frequently warned that a full-scale conflict is about to break out on the Korean Peninsula.

Often dismissed as wild rhetoric, that nightmare scenario has become significantly more likely after the country's successful test launch on Tuesday of an intercontinental ballistic missile. Analysts have devised a number of scenarios of how tensions might develop into a conflict that would devastate the peninsula and, possibly, beyond.

A conventional war could cost the lives of one million people, according to some estimates, although that figure would rise sharply if either side resorted to weapons of mass destruction.

The three most likely scenarios are a limited pre-emptive attack by the US, a first strike by the North, and a sudden escalation of a minor clash into more generalised fighting.

There is little reason to believe that the outcome of any of the three scenarios will be anything other than devastating, said Daniel Pinkston, a professor of international relations at the Seoul campus of Troy University.

What if the US strikes first?

"The idea of a pre-emptive strike to degrade the North's growing nuclear capabilities was considered by the US back in 1993 and 1994, but they decided against it at the time and I think it would be even harder for such an attack to work today", Mr Pinkston said.

"The North Koreans have learned to disperse their assets, they are using hardened shelters and it would be very difficult to eliminate all those targets," he said.

There is also a high possibility that not all of the North's military facilities have been identified, while road-mobile tractor-erector-launcher vehicles for missile launches make it harder to track all the North's weapons.

Diplomatically it would be almost impossible for the US to secure international support. China, Pyongyang's main ally, and Russia hold veto votes in the UN Security Council, while South Korea and Japan would likely oppose such an attack as they would bear the brunt of any immediate retaliation.

And while the US could take unilateral action on the grounds of self-defence, Pyongyang would be unlikely to consider surgical strikes against its long-range missiles as anything other than a declaration of war.

What if North Korea attacks first?

The second scenario envisages a sudden attack by the North, most likely if it believes its enemies are planning an attack or an attempt at regime change.

One credible belief is that Kim Jong-un, the North Korean dictator, would rather go down fighting than be deposed and forced into exile, even if that meant widespread death and destruction. An estimated 10,000 artillery pieces and rocket launchers are aimed at Seoul, home to 10 million people and a mere 50km away. The North would attempt to move troops through tunnels that have been excavated beneath the demilitarised zone, land commando units in the South by submarine, and activate thousands of its sleeper agents who have infiltrated the South.

US military planners believe the North would initially attempt to physically overrun the South's defences by sheer numbers. South Korea has some 660,000 men under arms, while there are also 28,000 US troops stationed in the country. The North, in contrast, has more than one million men and women ready to fight.

They are also believed to have significant stockpiles of chemical weapons, including weapons that can be delivered by artillery shells.

A number of reports that the regime has developed biological and bactereological weapons have not been confirmed.

What is most likely scenario for war?

For Mr Pinkston, the third scenario is the most likely route to war on the pensinsula. "The biggest threat, I believe, is an accident, a miscalculation or a misunderstanding escalating very quickly," he said. "If, for example, one of the North's missile test launches went wrong and was heading for South Korea. ( Daily Telegraph London)
Following my letter (Irish Independent, July 3) regarding the Jobstown protest, many people were irritated that I identified myself as middle class. Unfortunately, they missed the context, so I would be most grateful if you would allow me to explain.

In Ireland, class is an economic term. It really has no relevance to a person's status or social standing in society. Middle class in Ireland is nothing to be proud of. In fact, most middle-class people fully understand that it is a badge of shame, and readily accept that they are fools and should be treated as such.

The term categorises a group of cynical Irish citizens who are easy to spot, with the following characteristics:

- They keep their head down, pay up and shut up;

- They contribute the highest amount of tax from their salaries, yet receive few subsidies from the State, such as third-level education grants or medical cards;

- The younger specimens are usually highly educated and, if working in Dublin, will increasingly find themselves living in commuter towns, as house prices in the capital soar beyond their reach;

- On the surface, they appear confident and competent - but this is just a defensive measure. Underneath, they know they are fools, they must be; otherwise they'd have figured out how to get social or affordable housing nearer their jobs, in the city centre, or at least on the Luas and Dart lines. Instead, on the long, daily commute, as they ponder their foolishness, they grow even more cynical than the older members.

However, there is hope for this group of fools. A rare, intelligent breed has emerged from the medical world: nurses and doctors have finally figured things out, said "enough is enough" and in their droves have flown the coop!

Fiona Barry

Thurles, Co Tipperary

Information no longer for the few

Some of the comment in the media on the 'Jobstown Six' trial seems to reject the verdict of the jury and the acquittal of the accused. Whatever happened to the maxim 'innocent until proven guilty'?

Some media commentators seem to lament the rising influence of social media in contemporary society and, by corollary, the declining influence of 'old media', which filtered news through a system of 'gatekeepers' who abided by customary rules and regulations as well as respect for the legal traditions.

But, as Bob Dylan sings, 'Things have changed'. Trying to hold back the rise of social media recalls King Canute's vain attempt to hold back the sea's tide.

Hugh McFadden

Harold's Cross, Dublin

It's clear - we need out of the EU

Cormac McQuinn and Claire McCormack reported (Irish Independent, July 4) the stark fact that the cost of Brexit to the beef and dairy sector is likely to be 1.2bn and that such exports were crucial to our economy of 4.8bn to the UK in 2016.

In another article on the same day, Neale Richmond writes: "Put simply, Brexit is a disaster for Ireland" and puts forward some improbable sticking plaster suggestions from his Seanad Special Committee that are nothing more than pie in the sky with no basis in reality.

It is quite certain that we face a complete national disaster and that it's time to start a serious debate about demanding autonomy from the EU to enable us to work out our own arrangements with the UK and control our destiny.

We cannot and must not let the other EU states - some with their own agendas - decide our future.

William Shortland

Blessington, Co Wicklow

Holy Hour to replace Happy Hour

I read your report (Irish Independent, July 4) on how an Italian priest sought to lure pilgrims to his church by doling out crisps and prosecco.

Italy, it appears, is currently roasting in a heatwave with temperatures shooting to 38C. The good padres is even promising air-conditioning.

What I want to know is has Fr Gianfranco Formenton, the parish priest of San Marino Church in the village of Trignano, in Umbrio, hit upon a means of reversing the trend of declining global congregations?

One wonders might similar inducements be offered here? A pint of plain and a packet of Tayto has lured many a God-fearing man down to the sanctuary of the pub in this country, so is there any chance that the landlords of our beautiful ornate churches and the nation's publicans might come together in a holy alliance, and ease the burden of the working man's soul?

There would be all kinds of synergies. The spirits would certainly be moved.

And if one over-indulged the confessional would be close at hand to start with a clean slate the following day.

I don't believe the country has been the same since we did away with the Holy Hour. But if the churches became pubs and visa versa we could have Holy Hours all day; God help us.

Tom O'Brien

Dalkey, Co Dublin

DUP wants it every way

The DUP is chastising the Irish Government and Taoiseach for sticking their noses into affairs north of the Border. The DUP needs to be reminded that this is the Irish Government's responsibility under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.

Furthermore, following the Brexit vote which the DUP campaigned for and was successful in achieving, it was Ian Paisley Jnr who advised all Northern Ireland citizens to apply for their Irish passports. You cannot have your cake and eat it too! So if you are happy to carry an Irish passport then please be gracious enough to take on board any advice or guidance given by the issuer.

It also seems to me that Arlene Foster is emboldened by the deal with the Tories and just like Theresa May is attempting to cling on to power at all costs. However, it must be remembered that under Mrs Foster's watch 400m literally went up in smoke in the cash-to-ash scandal, so a demand to step aside while the matter was being investigated was not unreasonable.

Neither is Dublin expressing its opinion.

Killian Brennan

Malahide Road, Dublin 17

Questions for Mr Coveney

Given the recent revelation that Simon Coveney questioned an Air Corps pilot who cancelled his flight to Cork, it might be worth putting a question to Mr Coveney.

Perhaps he could supply the taxpayers - who would have funded his flight to Cork - with details of the meeting that was so urgent that it required the use of a State aircraft, instead of going by road.

It must have been urgent if Mr Coveney felt the need to question a pilot over an aviation decision, taken in the interests of safety, instead of just jumping in his car.

Simon O'Connor

Crumlin, Dublin 12
Police use water canons during a protest against the G20 summit in Hamburg (AP)

German police have clashed with protesters in Hamburg a day ahead of the G20 summit, using water cannons, pepper spray and batons to disperse marchers after some attacked them with bottles and other objects.

The skirmishes came hours before the two-day gathering of the world's top economic powers gets under way on Friday morning in Germany's second-biggest city.

Its host, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, said she hoped the leaders would be able to find "compromises and answers" on a wide range of issues - although the prospects of finding common ground on climate change and trade were uncertain.

Thursday evening's protest as the G20 leaders arrived in Hamburg was titled "G20: Welcome to Hell", and a stand-off between anti-capitalist protesters and police developed before the march itself really got going.

Police said they repeatedly asked some demonstrators to remove their masks, to no avail. They then decided to separate the group from the rest of the march, which they estimated at 12,000 people in total.

Black-hooded protesters attacked a police vehicle with bottles and bricks, breaking its window.

Organisers quickly called an end to the march after the violence broke out, police said. Skirmishes continued, with police advancing down the street with two water cannons while being pelted with bottles.

A nearby building was plastered with the slogan "Borderless solidarity instead of nationalism: attack the G20". A small group on the roof set off fireworks. Police said windows at a furniture store and a bank were damaged. There was no immediate word on a number of arrests or injuries.

Many other groups are calling for peaceful protests and are pushing the G20 leaders for action to fight climate change and address economic disparities in the world. Some are even calling for the dissolution of the G20 itself so the United Nations becomes the platform for such discussions.

In all, more than 100,000 protesters are expected in Hamburg for the summit, with some 8,000 considered part of Europe's violent left-wing scene, according to police.

The northern port city has boosted its police with reinforcements from around the country and has 20,000 officers on hand to patrol Hamburg's streets, skies and waterways.

Ms Merkel is also hoping to keep things under control inside the city congress centre where the summit is being held. With guests including US president Donald Trump, Russian president Vladimir Putin and Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the search for compromises is expected to be challenging.

Ms Merkel said leaders would address regulating financial markets, fighting terrorism and pandemics and combating climate change, among other issues. She said "free, rule-based and fair trade" will be an important issue.

"You can imagine that there will be discussions that will not be easy," she said. "Globalisation can be a win-win situation. It must not always be that there are winners and losers."

In the wake of Mr Trump's recent decision to pull out of the Paris deal fighting climate change, the battle against global warming promises to feature prominently in discussions at the summit.

Ms Merkel has rejected calls from some to push for a strong "G19" statement - without the US - on climate change. That is something that Zhu Guangyao, a Chinese deputy finance minister, told reporters on Thursday that Beijing also did not support.

"The policies produced by the G20 should be by the consensus of all member states," he said. "No one should be excluded."

Still, he added, "China will firmly promote its policies taking more measures against climate change".

AP
A coffee bar on Australias Gold Coast has signposted the future of gourmet coffee consumption, with a nod towards coffee by drone.

Portside Coffee, located on the beautiful Queensland coastal region north of Tweed Heads, came up with the idea after local customer and cinematographer Jagen Gillet offered to lend his drone for the light-hearted take on a new business strategy.

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Although the bar does not actually deliver coffee in this way due to health and safety concerns, the management said support for the video had been huge since the bar posted it on YouTube.

Matthew Garrett, who works at the bar, said the post was just one example of how the crew liked to have fun with their patrons and keep thinking creatively about their engagement.

We just love doing great coffee, he said.

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The owner Jerry and I were in the bar one day and one of our customers, Jagen, said You know what, Ive got a drone , and we thought hang on a second, we could totally use that.

We would have been hung, drawn and quartered by any authority if wed actually started delivering coffee in that way, but we 100% would love to do it.

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Garrett said the cheeky team at Portside love having a laugh and a giggle, and constantly try to make the place as accessible as possible for people passing through.

He said: We have seen guys come through from truck stops that need a laugh but dont even have enough money on them to get a coffee, so we try to be open to everybody and push the boundaries of what we do.
Everyone loves a bad boy, the charismatic delinquent whos always breaking rules.

The latest recalcitrant rascal to steal peoples hearts is Timmy, a naughty penguin whose misdemeanours include stealing fish and pushing other penguins over.

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The serial offender has been listed as Naughty Penguin of the Month by the National Aquarium of New Zealand. Since being posted on their Facebook page, a picture of a new name and shame board has received 11K likes. And now everyones asking  who is Timmy?

Here is Timmy in action! Trying his best to steal from Draco Posted by National Aquarium of New Zealand on Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Well, the little blue penguin was found injured on a beach in Hawkes Bay on the North Island and taken to the aquarium in Napier. Fortunately, with the help of his own chiropractor, he was able to walk again. Hurrah! Now he spends days merrily swimming in the pool at Penguin Cove and enjoys flicking sand at his penguin pals. Tut tut.

Expand Close A view of Hawkes Bay (Thinkstock/PA) / Facebook

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Little blue penguins are the smallest in the species and grow to an average height of 25cm. Also known as fairy penguins or korora in Maori, theyre found around the coastline of New Zealand, the Chatham islands, Tasmania and southern Australia. Spending most of their time at sea, they come ashore between May and June to build nests in underground burrows or in rocks and caves, and to moult from November to March.

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And before you start hurling criticisms at the aquarium for championing some sort of aquatic authoritarian state  its worth noting that keepers reward good penguins too. This month, Betty was praised for waiting patiently for her fish although good behaviour hasnt necessarily earned her fans.

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If you want to come face-to-face with the marine A-listers, the aquarium offers close encounters daily at 9am and 1pm, where  for 39.50pp ($70 NZD)  you can hand-feed and hang out with Timmy and his pals for 45 minutes.

Arguably, its a long way to go for a penguin, but you can also keep up to date with the latest antics by following the aquariums Facebook page or on Twitter with #naughtypenguinofthemonth

Tune in to find out if Timmy will top the leader board next month, or  in a freak turn of events  Betty starts to misbehave.
Car production in Korea dwindled to the lowest in seven years in the first half of this year.

According to the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association, 2.16 million cars were manufactured here in the first six months, 33,000 fewer than a year ago and the lowest since the first half of 2010.

Hyundai made 883,590 cars, down 0.7 percent on-year, and Kia 774,514, down 3.5 percent. Production at GM Korea fell 4.3 percent and at Ssangyong 2.1 percent. Only Renault Samsung increased production by a healthy 12.9 percent to 134,811.
This is the moment a pod of dolphins joined a rescue crew out on exercise off the Scottish coast.

The friendly followers can be seen playfully jumping through the nearby waves alongside the RNLI boat, after being spotted near Fife in recent days.

Anstruther RNLI tweeted the video after the magnificent creatures were caught by the crew on Wednesday night  though its not known if they stuck around long enough to make friends.
Did you ever have a toy as a kid which you wished had a bit more oomph? A pedal-car begging for a V8 engine perhaps, or how about a super-charged BB gun?

Well, YouTube creator and craftsman Giacomo Di Muro is basically living your dreams  with a 4,000 PSI airsoft BB Gun

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Lately I really like to take toys and push them to their limit, Giacomo, from Italy, told the Press Association.

I envisioned this to be super fast in terms of BBs per second and I was seriously impressed by the results.

Looking at the destruction the gun caused, its not surprising Giacomo is happy with the results either.

An airsoft gun is powered using pressurised air and Giacomo managed to increase the rate of the BB guns rate of fire by coupling a vastly increased air pressure with more gun barrels  which is awesome, but didnt half make a mess

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Giacomo is a web serial entrepreneur who used to live in London and San Francisco, and he says he only started his venture into YouTube during a sabbatical year.

I started this venture to share things I make that you can actually touch unlike my web products, he said. Stuff got a little out of hand and now it became my new startup.

Now with over 450,000 subscribers and 41 million total views, Giacomo is a rising star on YouTube, and the BB gun is not the first toy to get his super-charging treatment  for example his take on the Nerf Gun is nothing short of lethal.

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If youd like to see more of Giacomos creations, go to his YouTube channel Giaco Whatever, or take a trip to his Facebook page.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un with scientists and technicians of the DPRK Academy of Defence Science after the testlaunch of the intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-14. Photo: Reuters

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un taunted the US yesterday after carrying out an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test, saying it was a "gift" to "American b******s" on their independence day.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un taunted the US yesterday after carrying out an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test, saying it was a "gift" to "American b******s" on their independence day.

The test of an ICBM on Tuesday was confirmed by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who said it marked "a new escalation of the threat to the world".

It marks a milestone for North Korea's missile programme and heightens concern in Washington about Pyongyang's declared pursuit of a nuclear-tipped missile that can reach the United States.

North Korea's Academy of Defence Science claimed the test marked the "final step" in creating a "confident and powerful nuclear state that can strike anywhere on Earth".

Warnings

Expand Close US President Donald Trump leaving the White House with his wife Melania for the G20 summit in Germany. Photo: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters / Facebook

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Whatsapp US President Donald Trump leaving the White House with his wife Melania for the G20 summit in Germany. Photo: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

The US "attempts to test our determination and ignores our warnings", the state-run Korea Central News Agency (KCNA) cited Mr Kim as saying.

After personally overseeing the launch of the Hwasong-14 missile, KCNA reported, "he said American b******s would be not very happy with this gift sent on the July 4 anniversary".

Breaking into peals of laughter, it said, he "added that we should send them gifts once in a while to help break their boredom".

The North Korean leader, who said the missile looked "as handsome as a good-looking boy", said the country would not negotiate with the United States to give up its weapons programme until Washington abandoned its hostile policy against the North.

The launch of the missile, which experts said was capable of reaching Alaska, was a direct rebuke to US President Donald Trump's declaration in January that such a test "won't happen".

Condemning North Korea's actions, Mr Tillerson said the test "represents a new escalation of the threat to the United States, our allies and partners, the region, and the world".

He added that the United States "will never accept a nuclear-armed North Korea".

Mr Tillerson called the Pyongyang government "a dangerous regime" and said the United States would seek "stronger measures" at the UN Security Council to hold the North Koreans accountable for the latest missile test.

"The deep strike precision capability enables the [South Korean]-US alliance to engage the full array of time-critical targets under all weather conditions," the US army said in a statement.

The Pentagon stated it was prepared to defend the US and its allies and to use all capabilities necessary against the growing North Korea threat.

South Korea's defence minister said yesterday he saw a high possibility of North Korea conducting a sixth nuclear test.

"North Korea's eventual goal is to weaponise its nuclear power, so I see a high chance that will happen," Defence Minister Han Min-koo told a parliamentary briefing in response to a question from a lawmaker about whether he believed North Korea would conduct a nuclear test soon.

"We know they're always prepared to conduct nuclear tests but so far we have not detected any unusual signs," Mr Han said.

The US Mission to the United Nations said Ambassador Nikki Haley had asked for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

The US tracked the missile's path for 37 minutes. Experts said a flatter trajectory might give it a range of almost 7,000km - an improvement on previous models and one that would put Alaska within reach.

Challenges

Russia and China have sought to defuse tension by suggesting Pyongyang halts nuclear and missile tests while the US and South Korea refrain from large-scale military exercises.

The joint statement, issued after talks between Russian president Vladimir Putin and Chinese president Xi Jinping, called the launch "unacceptable".

But it also said North Korea had "sensible concerns" and urged the US not to deploy its Thaad missile system - designed to intercept projectiles launched from Pyongyang - on the Korean peninsula. (Daily Telegraph London)

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
Madonna said the children's wing at a hospital in Malawi she has been building for two years completed its first surgery last week and will officially open July 11.

The Mercy James Institute for Paediatric Surgery and Intensive Care, located at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in the city of Blantyre, had a soft opening and is the first of its kind in Malawi. It was built in collaboration with the Malawian Ministry of Health.

"When you look into the eyes of children in need, wherever they may be, a human being wants to do anything and everything they can to help, and on my first visit to Malawi, I made a commitment that I would do just that," Madonna said.

"I'd like to thank everyone who has joined me on this unbelievable journey. What started out as a dream for Malawi and her children has become a reality, and we couldn't have done it without your support," she added.

Madonna adopted four children, David Banda, Mercy James, Stelle and Estere, from Malawi. The children's wing was named after 11-year-old Mercy.

The pop star's charity, Raising Malawi, has built schools in Malawi and has funded the new paediatric unit, which began construction in 2015. Madonna, 58, visited the site last year.

The children's unit includes three operating rooms dedicated to children's surgery, a day clinic and a 45-bed ward. It will enable Queen Elizabeth hospital to double the number of surgeries for children and will provide critical pre-operative and post-operative care. It also includes a playroom, an outdoor play structure and inspirational murals curated by Madonna and other artists.

Sarah Ezzy, executive director of Raising Malawi, said the charity has been working with Queen Elizabeth hospital since 2008, helping the hospital's chief of paediatric surgery, Dr Eric Borgstein, develop a training programme.

"Paediatric intensive care is not something that has formally existed in Malawi. There hasn't been any training on it. It's not part of the curriculum in nursing school (or) medical school. People had to leave the country to train... now people don't have to leave the country to train," Ms Ezzy said in an interview. "This facility is attached to the college of medicine and nursing so it will be a learning, teaching hospital."

Trevor Neilson, who works at Charity Network and has been advising Madonna's philanthropic efforts for the last six years, said "only someone like Madonna could do this. If you weren't Madonna, you would have given up a long time ago".

"Hundreds of thousands, if not millions of lives, will be saved by the hospital in the course of it operating," added Mr Neilson, who has worked on charity projects with Bill Gates, former US president Bill Clinton, Bono and others.

Madonna founded Raising Malawi in 2006 to address the poverty and hardship endured by Malawi's orphans and vulnerable children.

"Malawi has enriched my family more than I could have ever imagined. It's important for me to make sure all my children from the country maintain a strong connection to their birth nation, and equally important to show them that together as humans we have the power to change the world for the better," Madonna said.

AP
President Donald Trump and the first lady Melania wave from the Air Force One after arriving in Warsaw (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)

President Donald Trump opens his two-nation European visit expecting a warm welcome in Poland before he encounters what could be a frostier reception at an international summit in Germany.

His sit-down meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea's first launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile threaten to put the tycoon's skills as a negotiator to the test.

Mr Trump arrived in Warsaw late on Wednesday for a 16-hour visit that includes a keynote address to the Poles from Krasinski Square, site of a monument commemorating the 1944 Warsaw Uprising against the Nazis.

Scores of people who lined darkened roads waved American and Polish flags and recorded video of Mr Trump's motorcade as it sped him and his wife, Melania, to their hotel.

Mr Trump has scheduled talks with the leaders of Poland and Croatia and may hold a joint news conference - his first one abroad - with Polish President Andrzej Duda.

He will also meet the heads of a dozen countries bordered by the Baltic, Adriatic and Black seas. Collectively known as the Three Seas Initiative, the group aims to expand and modernise energy and trade with a goal of reducing the region's dependence on Russian energy.

Mr Duda told Polish broadcaster TVN24 on Wednesday that he wants to tackle concrete issues like energy security in the meeting with Mr Trump, not engage in "some general talk about world security".

Mr Trump recently devoted a week to US energy production.

Mr Trump will have to contend with escalating tensions with North Korea after it successfully launched its first intercontinental ballistic missile this week.

Asked, as he left the White House, what he would do about North Korea, the president just said: "We're going to do very well."

Mr Trump, who has been seeking China's help in containing Pyongyang's missile and nuclear weapons programmes, also tweeted his frustration with China for continuing to trade with North Korea.

He wrote: "So much for China working with us - but we had to give it a try!"

Chinese President Xi Jinping is among at least nine leaders Mr Trump is scheduled to meet later in the week in Germany during the Group of 20 summit of the world's leading rich and developing countries.

Mr Trump will hold face-to-face talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel immediately after he arrives in Germany on Thursday.

The president will also walk a fine line when he meets Mr Putin on Friday, at a time when relations between the two nations are at a low point.

The president is showing reluctance to adopt a harder line toward Russia amid conclusions by multiple US intelligence agencies that Moscow meddled in the 2016 presidential election to benefit Mr Trump.

There are continuing federal and congressional investigations into possible collusion between his campaign associates and Russian government officials.

Mr Trump's return to Europe follows a shaky inaugural visit in late May and signs of unhappiness around the globe with his presidency.

A recent Pew Research Centre survey of attitudes toward Mr Trump in more than three dozen countries found fewer than three in 10 respondents expressing confidence in his ability to do the right thing on international affairs.

Mr Trump's earlier visit was marred by several awkward encounters, including a tough speech to Nato members urging them to spend more on their armed forces.

There was an uncomfortable handshake with France's new president and a caught-on-camera moment when Mr Trump pushed past the prime minister of Montenegro to get to the front of a group photo opportunity.

Poland may offer him a chance to shine.

Polish media reports say the government promised the White House cheering crowds as part of its invitation.

Ruling party politicians and pro-government activists plan to bus in groups of people for Mr Trump's speech.

With Mr Trump's sights already set on getting re-elected in 2020, the visit to Poland could also be seen as a power play for battleground states like Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, home to hundreds of thousands of Polish-American voters.

AP
US pop star Ariana Grande has paid tribute to Saffie Roussos, the youngest victim of the Manchester Arena bombing.

The eight-year-old was with her family when suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated a home-made device, killing 22 people including seven children.

Following a concert in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, Grande tweeted: "Saffie, we're (thinking) of you baby" alongside a birthday cake emoji.

The youngster, from Leyland, Lancashire, would have celebrated her ninth birthday on July 4.

To mark the occasion her family chose to speak out, paying tribute to Saffie and remembering how she had looked forward to the concert.

Her older sister, Ashlee Bromwich, said the super fan was "elated" as she watched her idol on perform on May 22.

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"She was Ariana Grande-obsessed, so to see how happy she was, it was just ... obviously I had to go with her," she told the BBC.

Her father, Andrew Roussos, said: "You couldn't be out with Saffie without having fun, but her dream was to be famous. It was her everything and we bought her the tickets for Christmas.

"She was just counting the days, the seconds and it was just Ariana Grande until nine, 10 o'clock at night. And she would sing and dance every single song."

The explosion ripped through the arena foyer as thousands of fans, mostly young girls, left the venue following Grande's performance.

Mr Roussos, who said "all hell broke loose" after the bombing, was later told by a police detective that Saffie had died.

"We've lost everything. We have, we've lost everything, because life will just never be the same," he said.
An emergency worker at the site of a Malaysia Airlines plane crash near the settlement of Grabovo in the Donetsk region

Suspects charged with involvement in the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over war-torn eastern Ukraine will be tried in the Netherlands after Russia blocked efforts to create an international tribunal.

All 298 people onboard were killed when the plane was downed on July 17, 2014, on a flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur.

Separate inquiries by the Dutch Safety Board and a joint investigation team (JIT) run by Australia, Belgium, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Ukraine has determined that the Boeing 777 jet was hit by a Russian-made BUK missile.

The JIT said in September last year that the missile was fired from territory controlled by Russian-backed separatists and transported into rebel-held territory from Russia.

It has yet to name or formally indict suspects in the incident, although Dutch prosecutors have said in the past that they are likely to file murder and possibly war crimes charges.

Russia used its UN Security Council veto to block the creation of an international tribunal to try the case in July 2015, arguing it could "politicise" the issue.

Bery Koenders, the Dutch foreign minister, said yesterday the countries running the JIT had agreed that suspects would be prosecuted in a Dutch court.

In statement, Mr Koenders said the investigation relied on international co-operation because the crime scene remains "the scene of heavy fighting... which is still difficult to access".

He added, that prosecutors had faced "a great deal of disinformation and attempts to discredit the investigation". ( Daily Telegraph, London)

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
Female Islamic State militants are using children as human shields as the extremist group defends its last corner of Mosul's Old City against Iraqi troops, the military has said.

The militants' use of human shields has repeatedly slowed Iraqi advances throughout the near-nine-month offensive to retake the country's second largest city, and Iraqi commanders' frustration was on display as they watched surveillance footage from the front lines.

"The women are fighting with their children right beside them," Lieutenant General Sami al-Aridi said as he was briefed by an officer holding a tablet computer showing drone imagery.

"It's making us hesitant to use air strikes, to advance. If it weren't for this we could be finished in just a few hours."

Another officer in the command post suggested using Iraqi artillery, which would not require approval from the US-led coalition. "They're all Daesh, just kill them all," the commander said, referring to the IS group by its Arabic acronym.

"There are civilians there, but they are Daesh families," said another officer. Neither would agree to speak on the record, in line with military regulations.

"For a child, even if his father is a criminal, what has he done?" Lt Gen al-Aridi said. "At the same time, my men are still taking casualties. We had 14 wounded today already."

Women have also carried out suicide bombings against Iraqi forces. Three female suicide bombers hiding among fleeing civilians have killed at least three soldiers over the past week.

Prime minister Haider al-Abadi congratulated his forces on their "big victory" in Mosul on Tuesday, as they appeared to be on the verge of driving the militants from their last stronghold, but the grinding, house-by-house fighting continues.

It is unclear how many civilians remain in the militants' last enclave, which is less than one square kilometre, but the UN says 2,000 to 3,500 people have been fleeing on a daily basis.

The battle to retake Mosul has already forced 87,000 people from their homes, according to the UN.

IS militants captured the entire city in a matter of days in summer 2014, when they swept across northern and central Iraq. Iraqi forces, with the help of a US-led coalition, have since retaken most of that territory, and view Mosul as a decisive battle.

AP
Venture Leaders 2017: Swiss startups seek partners in Shanghai

By:Wang Jiaye | From:english.eastday.com | 2017-07-05 16:21

A safe drone by Flyability is flying at the pitch contest in Shanghai.

Ten high growth Swiss startups showcased their innovation programs and meet with and held talks with potential Chinese partners at Hua Qiao Building in Shanghai on July 1st, 2017.

It is the fourth time that the jury from Swiss Venture Leaders has selected the high-tech startups forming venture leaders China team. Co-organized with Swissnex China, the program brought the startups to Beijing, Tianjin, Dalian, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong for program display and as part of a business roadshow.

This year, the 10 Swiss companies, which come from four areas including TMT (Technology, Media, Telecom), environmental science and technology, health care and consumer products, and cover popular industries such as food safety, UAV, tumor diagnosis and big data.

Urban Farmers wins the most votes at the pitch contest in Shanghai. It is a global pioneer in urban farming, having established a global presence with operations in Switzerland, the Netherlands, US and Brazil. The photo shows the PK time between the representatives with the most and second most votes. The man on the left is the representative of Urban Farmers.

Flyability, a safe drone for inaccessible places received a lot of attention at the pitch contest in Shanghai. It enables new interactions and services using UAVs and solving two critical issues: collisions and injury risks. It avoids sending people into dangerous and confined spaces for the inspection of Energy, Heavy Industries, Oil & Gas and Maritime assets, according to the presentation by the representative of the company Xiaolin Briod-Wang.

Xiaolin and a safe drone

Xiaolin, the General Manager APAC of Flyability told the reporter that the products came onto the European and American market in May 2016, obtaining quite good sales volume. Now the company is expanding into the Chinese and Asian markets.
Shi'ite humanitarian aid organisation distribute aid packages to civilians in Al Ghizlane district as the battle against Islamic State's fighters continues in western city of Mosul, Iraq. Photo: Youssef Boudlal/Reuters

The population of Mosul has endured huge suffering in the war to take the northern Iraqi city back from Isil and trauma cases among civilians are sharply rising in the last stages of battle, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said yesterday.

Tens of thousands of civilians remain trapped among the shattered buildings and infrastructure in Isil's redoubt in the Old City by the western bank of the Tigris river, the aid organisation said.

Civilians who have managed to get medical treatment are suffering from burns, and shrapnel and blast injuries, while many women and children are in need of critical care and are under-nourished, an MSF official said.

But there was concern that only a small proportion of the civilian population were managing to get the medical attention they needed.

"Really, (there is) a huge level of human suffering," Jonathan Henry, MSF emergency co-ordinator in west Mosul, told a news briefing in Geneva after spending six weeks in Iraq.

"This is a massive population that has been traumatised from a very brutal and horrific conflict," he said.

Iraqi commanders have predicted final victory in Mosul this week after a grinding eight-month assault on the once two-million-strong city which has pushed Isil into a rectangle no more than 300 by 500 meters beside the Tigris.

The militants' brutality and the US-backed war to end their three-year rule has created an "extremely traumatic environment for people to flee from and to return to", affecting their mental health on a large scale, Mr Henry said.

Destruction

"The west (of the city) has been heavily destroyed. It's really mass destruction... similar to the blitz of World War II, hospitals have been destroyed, neighbourhoods are in ruins," he said.

The battles in the Old City's maze of narrow alleyways is fought house-by-house in streets packed with civilians and planted with multiple explosive devices by the militants, who are also using drones and suicide bombings.

Shrapnel and blast injuries, broken bones from collapsed buildings and burns are the main type of wounds seen by the MSF surgeons in west Mosul, said Mr Henry.

"One of our major concerns is we feel only a small percentage of the patients are reaching medical facilities," he said.

Half of the 100 war-wounded over the past two weeks at the MSF's 25-bed hospital were women and children in need of critical care and many were malnourished, he said.

"But the most urgent patients we feel are not able to leave the conflict area."

About 900,000 people, nearly half the pre-war population of Mosul, have been displaced by the fighting, taking shelter in camps or with relatives and friends, according to the aid group.
Four young children and their father have been found apparently stabbed to death in a home outside Atlanta, and police said the mother - a suspect in the case - was the one who called 911 to report the killings.

A fifth child, a girl, survived and was taken to hospital with injuries described as serious, police said.

The woman was detained by police after the bodies were found inside the home in Loganville, Gwinnett County police Corporal Michele Pihera told reporters at the scene. Police later issued a statement calling the mother a "suspect" in the deaths, although no charges have been filed.

"She was quickly taken into custody and right now she's at Gwinnett County Police Headquarters being interviewed," Cpl Pihera said. Police have not said whether she was injured.

"Right now we believe we have everybody involved in this crime," Cpl Pihera said, adding that she does not want people in the community to think that a dangerous person is at large.

Cpl Pihera told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the mother was speaking Spanish in the 911 call, which initially made it difficult for operators to communicate with her.

Early indications are that a knife was used to attack the five, though a medical examiner will make the final determination about the cause of death, she said.

The injured girl was still alive late on Thursday morning, police said in a brief update on the case.

The four children killed appear to be under age 10, Cpl Pihera said. Their father was in his mid-30s, she said.

Police initially said in a statement that a woman inside the home called police at 4.47am local time on Thursday to report a stabbing and officers answering the call found the five bodies inside.

Police said a motive was not immediately known.

AP
New Zealand justice minister Amy Adams talks to reporters after the apology in parliament (Nick Perry/AP)

New Zealand politicians have unanimously apologised for the "tremendous hurt and suffering" of hundreds of men who were convicted of homosexuality during the years it was treated as a crime.

Parliament took the rare step of issuing a formal apology to all those unfairly convicted under the antiquated laws.

MPs also approved the first stage of a Bill that will allow the men to have their criminal records wiped clean, legislation that comes four years after the South Pacific nation legalised same-sex marriage.

The measures were passed with unanimous approval among politicians from various parties.

"Today we are putting on the record that this House deeply regrets the hurt and stigma suffered by the many hundreds of New Zealand men who were turned into criminals by a law that was profoundly wrong, and for that we are sorry," said Justice Minister Amy Adams.

She said it was unimaginable today that consensual sex between adults would be considered criminal.

"It is never too late to apologise," Ms Adams told MPs. "While we cannot ever erase the injustice, this apology is a symbolic but important act that we hope will help address the harm and right this historic wrong."

The government estimates about 1,000 men will be eligible to have their convictions quashed. Most were prosecuted after 1965 and before 1986, when New Zealand decriminalised homosexuality. They were convicted of crimes such as indecency, sodomy and providing a place for homosexual acts.

Those with convictions will need to apply to have their cases assessed because the law did not distinguish between consensual and non-consensual gay sex, Ms Adams said.

Sex between women was never explicitly illegal under New Zealand law.

Opposition politician Grant Robertson quoted a man who was forced to resign from the army because of his sexuality.

"This conviction still leads, after 53 years, to self-hatred, worthlessness, unjustified guilt and shame," the unnamed man said, according to Mr Robertson. He said the law change would allow the man to feel some dignity in his final years.

Mr Robertson, who is openly gay, said he stood on the shoulders of those who had been convicted.

"The fact that I, as a gay man, can be out and proud and a member of parliament is but a small tribute to you," he said.

Ms Adams has said the convicted men will not receive any compensation, although Mr Robertson said that should be reconsidered.

AP
Donald Trump is set for his first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin (AP)

Donald Trump has called for Russia to stop fomenting unrest around the world, but pointedly stopped short of condemning Moscow for meddling in the US election.

On the eve of his first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Mr Trump delivered a speech in Warsaw, Poland, and vowed to confront "new forms of aggression" targeting the West.

Buoyed by an electrified crowd in Poland chanting his name, Mr Trump sought to show he was not overlooking Russian actions that have caused global consternation, especially from nearby nations in eastern and central Europe.

He warned that Western interests were being tested by "propaganda, financial crimes and cyber warfare", forcing Nato to adapt.

"We urge Russia to cease its destabilising activities in Ukraine and elsewhere, and its support for hostile regimes including Syria and Iran, and to join the community of responsible nations in our fight against common enemies and in defence of civilisation itself," he said in a speech in Warsaw's Krasinski Square.

It was a critique the president did not appear to extend to Russia's actions last year during the presidential campaign.

In a news conference before his speech, Mr Trump questioned the veracity of American intelligence about foreign meddling in the US election, arguing that Russia was not the only country that may have interfered.

"Nobody really knows for sure," the president said.

As US investigations into Russia's meddling forge ahead, he is under intense scrutiny for how he handles his first face-to-face session with Mr Putin.

US intelligence officials say the unpredictable Russia leader ordered interference into the 2016 election that took Mr Trump to the White House.

The pair plan to sit down on Friday in Hamburg, Germany, on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

Loath to cast a shadow on his election victory, Mr Trump has avoided firmly blaming Moscow for campaign hacking in the past, and on Thursday, he was similarly elusive.

He argued variously that it could have been Russia, probably was Russia and indeed was Russia, while insisting it could have been other countries too, adding: "I won't be specific."

The president sought to redirect scrutiny towards his predecessor, Barack Obama, accusing him of allowing Moscow to meddle on his watch.

Though the Obama administration warned Russia publicly and privately before Election Day to stop interfering, questions have since been raised about whether he acted firmly enough to stop the threat.

"They say he choked. Well, I don't think he choked," Mr Trump said. "I think he thought Hillary Clinton was going to win the election, and he said, 'Let's not do anything about it'."

Using information collected by the FBI, CIA and National Security Agency, the US national intelligence director last year concluded that Moscow was behind the hack of Democratic Party email systems and attempted to influence the 2016 election to benefit Mr Trump.

The Obama administration said the effort was directed from the "highest levels" of Russia's government - a reference to Mr Putin.

AP
The United States cautioned on Wednesday it was ready to use force if need be to stop North Korea's nuclear missile program but said it preferred global diplomatic action against Pyongyang for defying world powers by test launching a ballistic missile that could hit Alaska.

Why are the US and North Korea threatening military action?

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told a meeting of the U.N. Security Council that North Korea's actions were "quickly closing off the possibility of a diplomatic solution" and the United States was prepared to defend itself and its allies.

"One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces. We will use them if we must, but we prefer not to have to go in that direction," Haley said. She urged China, North Korea's only major ally, to do more to rein in Pyongyang.

Speaking with his Japanese counterpart on Wednesday, U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis underscored the "ironclad commitment" of the United States to defending Japan and providing "extended deterrence using the full range of U.S. capabilities," Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White said in a statement.

Mattis' assurances to Japanese Defense Minister Tomomi Inada came during a phone call to discuss the North Korean test, the statement said.

Taking a major step in its missile program, North Korea on Tuesday test launched an intercontinental ballistic missile that some experts believe has the range to reach the U.S. states of Alaska and Hawaii and perhaps the U.S. Pacific Northwest.

North Korea says the missile could carry a large nuclear warhead.

How have other nations reacted to the threat?

The missile test is a direct challenge to U.S. President Donald Trump, who has vowed to prevent North Korea from being able to hit the United States with a nuclear missile.

He has frequently urged China to press the isolated country's leadership to give up its nuclear program.

Haley said the United States would propose new U.N. sanctions on North Korea in coming days and warned that if Russia and China did not support the move, then we will go our own path.

She did not give details on what sanctions would be proposed, but outlined possible options.

"The international community can cut off the major sources of hard currency to the North Korean regime. We can restrict the flow of oil to their military and their weapons programs. We can increase air and maritime restrictions. We can hold senior regime officials accountable," Haley said.

Diplomats say Beijing has not been fully enforcing existing international sanctions on its neighbor and has resisted tougher measures, such as an oil embargo, bans on the North Korean airline and guest workers, and measures against Chinese banks and other firms doing business with the North.

Much of the burden of enforcing U.N. sanctions rests with China, Haley said.

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What will the US do next?

The United States might seek to take unilateral action and sanction more Chinese companies that do business with North Korea, especially banks, U.S. officials have said.

China's U.N. ambassador, Liu Jieyi, told the Security Council meeting that the missile launch was a "flagrant violation" of U.N. resolutions and "unacceptable."

"We call on all the parties concerned to exercise restraint, avoid provocative actions and belligerent rhetoric, demonstrate the will for unconditional dialogue and work actively together to defuse the tension," Liu said.

Donald Trump has warned North Korea he is considering "some pretty severe things" in response to the isolated nation's unprecedented launch of a missile capable of reaching the US.

The US president called on all nations to confront Pyongyang's "very, very bad behaviour".

Mr Trump, in his first public comments since North Korea tested an intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time, declined to offer specifics about what a US response might entail, although he called it a "threat" and said the US would "confront it very strongly".

"It's a shame that they're behaving this way," he said of North Korea's leaders. "But they are behaving in a very, very dangerous manner, and something will have to be done about it."

The US has been considering a range of possible sanctions, economic measures and other steps in response to Pyongyang.

The test of an ICBM marked a major technological advancement for North Korea that American officials have described as intensifying the threat against the US by bringing the North closer to being able to mount a nuclear warhead on a missile that could hit American soil.

Are tensions likely to rise between US and North Korea?

The United States has remained technically at war with North Korea since the 1950-53 Korean conflict ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty and the past six decades have been punctuated by periodic rises in antagonism and rhetoric that have always stopped short of a resumption of active hostilities.

Tensions have risen sharply after North Korea conducted two nuclear weapons tests last year and carried out a steady stream of ballistic missile tests

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said the ICBM test completed his country's strategic weapons capability that includes atomic and hydrogen bombs, the state KCNA news agency said.

Pyongyang willl not negotiate with the United States to give up those weapons until Washington abandons its hostile policy against the North, KCNA quoted Kim as saying.

"He, with a broad smile on his face, told officials, scientists and technicians that the U.S. would be displeased ... as it was given a 'package of gifts' on its 'Independence Day,'" KCNA said, referring to the missile launch on July 4.

What is Russia's stance on the military threat?

Trump and other leaders from the Group of 20 nations meeting in Germany this week are due to discuss steps to rein in North Korea's weapons program, which it has pursued in defiance of Security Council sanctions.

Russia's deputy U.N. envoy said on Wednesday that military force should not be considered against North Korea and called for a halt to the deployment of a U.S. missile defense system in South Korea.

He also said that attempts to strangle North Korea economically were "unacceptable" and that sanctions would not resolve the issue.

Is the US capable of defending itself against North Korea's missiles?

The U.S. military assured Americans that it was capable of defending the United States against a North Korean ICBM.

Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis noted a successful test last month in which a U.S.-based missile interceptor knocked down a simulated incoming North Korean ICBM.

"So we do have confidence in our ability to defend against the limited threat, the nascent threat that is there," he told reporters. He acknowledged though that previous U.S. missile defense tests had shown "mixed results."

The North Korean launch this week was both earlier and "far more successful than expected," said U.S.-based missile expert John Schilling, a contributor to Washington-based North Korea monitoring project 38 North.

It would now probably only be a year or two before a North Korean ICBM achieved "minimal operational capability," he added.

Schilling said the U.S. national missile defense system was "only minimally operational" and would take more than two years to upgrade to provide more reliable defense.
The messaging could not have been more transparent. On Monday afternoon, days before US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin meet face to face for the first time, twin statues of Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev were unveiled in Moscow.

The statues of the two statesmen credited with ending the last Cold War were a not particularly subtle call for Mr Trump and Mr Putin to channel their predecessors' spirits when they meet at the G20 in Hamburg later this week.

Expectations could not be much lower. The Trump-Putin meeting in Hamburg tomorrow afternoon puts an end to an excruciating geopolitical guessing game.

Since the 45th US president entered the White House on January 20, Mr Trump and Mr Putin have manoeuvred around one another in a diplomatic cross between a Mexican standoff and the courtship of medieval monarchs.

They have spoken several times on the phone, sent foreign ministers to one another's capitals, and engaged in an intricate game of diplomatic signalling and military muscle-flexing.

When Mr Trump fired Tomahawk missiles at Mr Putin's Syrian allies, for example, he made sure to warn the Kremlin in advance; Moscow bitterly denounced the attack in public, but refrained from doing anything about it.

But for all the ritualised flirting, an anticipated early summit between the two presidents - perhaps, early leaks suggested, a replay of the Reagan-Gorbachev summit in "neutral" Reykjavik - failed to materialise.

Even tomorrow's meeting feels more like a matter of duty than political will. As one Kremlin insider put it last month, if there is a G20 and the presidents of the US and Russia do not meet, it would look much stranger than if they did.

If that was not enough to dampen expectations, both administrations are tight-lipped about details of the engagement. A tentative schedule released by the Kremlin says the two men will meet for 15 minutes tomorrow - Mr Putin's last engagement before a press conference.

The Kremlin also said this will be a "fully fledged seated meeting", not a choreographed handshake.

Dmitry Peskov, Mr Putin's press secretary, has said the Kremlin would use the meeting to ask when Russia will get back two diplomatic compounds US authorities seized in 2016 - hardly the peak of geopolitical ambition.

Agenda

An educated guess says the two will also discuss Ukraine and Syria - the conflicts at the heart of the current US-Russia confrontation - and Mr Trump may bow to public pressure back home and complain about Russia's alleged interference in the 2016 US election. The White House is briefing that there is "no fixed agenda".

So why meet at all? The long wait is partly down to domestic pressure on Mr Trump over alleged links between his campaign and administration with the Kremlin. But it also reflects the deep nature of the rifts between the US and Russia.

Put bluntly, the current relationship between Washington and Moscow is a tangle of red lines that neither leader can afford to surrender. Whatever happens in Hamburg, few are expecting the kind of statesmanship shown by Mr Reagan and Mr Gorbachev in Geneva more than 30 years ago. But if Mr Trump can restrain his hand-crushing instincts, and if Mr Putin sits up straight, it may signal a modicum of goodwill. And that might be enough for both sides for now. ( Daily Telegraph, London)

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, Polish President Andrzej Duda and Polish First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda listen to U.S. President Donald Trump's public speech at Krasinski Square, in Warsaw, Poland July 6, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Barria

U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he gives a public speech at Krasinski Square in Warsaw, Poland July 6, 2017. REUTERS/Kacper Pempel

President Donald Trump was apparently by Polish First Lady, Agata Kornhauser-Duda when he attempted to give her a handshake on his state visit to Poland today.

Trump and his wife Melania were greeted by Polish President Andrzej Duda and his wife Agata Kornhauser-Duda during an event in Warsaw, on the first day of Trump's European tour.

Having shook the hand of the Polish President, Mr Trump moved towards greeting the Polish First Lady with a handshake but instead of receiving his handshake she moved past him to welcome his wife first.

Mr Trump appears somewhat disgruntled by the snub, which was caught on camera and has since been viewed extensively online.

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It is not clear if Ms Kornhauser-Duda planned to shake his hand after greeting Melania but Trump walks away waving at the crowd to take his seat place at the event shortly after.

Much has been made about Trump's handshake etiquette during his meetings with foreign leaders and it's not the first time he has been embroiled in handshake controversy.

During his first meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in May, commentators said that Mr Macron crushed Mr Trump's hand and won the first handshake battle that occurred between the pair.
Rex Tillerson said the Islamic State group may be on the brink of complete defeat (AP Photo/Cliff Owen, File)

The US is prepared to work with Russia to establish no-fly zones in Syria, secretary of state Rex Tillerson has said.

He said Washington is renewing an offer to co-operate with Russia in the Syrian conflict, including on military matters, ahead of President Donald Trump's meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin this week.

Mr Tillerson said the US is also open to jointly setting up a truce monitoring and humanitarian aid delivery mechanism.

His comments came as Mr Trump prepared to meet Mr Putin on Friday in Germany. He said the US-Russia co-operation would create stability in Syria as US-backed forces continue their assault on the Islamic State group.

Mr Tillerson said the group had been "badly wounded" and may be on the "brink of complete defeat," but added that Russia has to play a constructive role.
Despite predictions of a "red wave" rolling throughout the country  one in which Republican political candidates would cruise to victory up and down the ballot on the strength of nationwide frustration with crime, inflation and dissatisfaction with the Biden administration  Tuesday's midterm election delivered more of the same for many Rhode Islanders. In addition to Democratic victories in all the major statewide races, voters in North Kingstown, Narragansett and South Kingstown skewed overwhelmingly blue in General Assembly races and all local school boards and town council races. With the results of Tuesday's midterm election all but finalized pending a few outstanding mail-in ballots and certification, it appears local boards of government in Southern Rhode Island towns will see a large number of familiar faces. With that in mind, do you believe your local town and school committee seats are held by the best representatives available in your town? Why or why not? Let us know in this week's poll question below.

You voted:
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Sensex zooms over 1,100 pts; Nifty above 18,300; IT index top contributor Domestic benchmark indices in the fast lane today led by IT and Metal stocks outperforming. Both the Sensex and Nifty benchmarks were nearly 2% higher amid positive global cues. On the se... November 11, 2022 | 11-11-2022 2:00 pm

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The number of Black women-owned businesses is on the rise. According to the 2016 State of Women-Owned Businesses report, the number increased by 112 percent between 2007 and 2016, overshadowing the overall 45 percent increase among all women-owned firms.

Despite the rise in numbers, Black women-owned businesses tend to make less revenue than other businesses run by minority women, averaging $26,500 a year compared to a $68,982 average by all firms owned by minority women.

Victoria Beaty noticed the discrepancies firsthand when she moved from Indianapolis to Philadelphia to take an advertising position. She took on a client that was heavily focused on entrepreneurship and starting franchises, and she saw Black women struggle to make their mark.

We always had issues when it came to women, and there was such a small percentage of not only female franchise owners with the brand, but Black owners. It didnt help that in Philadelphia there was a lack of things to do as far as getting women together on a more professional basis so that they can grow, said Beaty. The challenges I see women of color facing range from not having capital and not being able to come up with startup money, to not knowing how to market yourself and utilize free resources like social media. It isnt just money, but having advocates who are able to give advice and experience.

Beatys desire to bring together female entrepreneurs and minority professionals led her to create Leading Change with Style, a one-day conference featuring panel discussions from local and national entrepreneurs. The conference gives attendees the opportunity to meet leaders in tech, fashion, social entrepreneurship and more, and develop relationships with like-minded individuals.

You may be in corporate America, you may have a side hustle, you may be a full-time entrepreneur, but we all have a need to be around like-minded people who like to do things outside of the norm, she said. You would be surprised at how many women want to help you. It provides an inclusive place for people to come listen and ask questions. Everyone is there for the same reason: to network, meet people and build relationships organically.

Leading Change with Styles upcoming event in Indianapolis will feature a host of panelists, including Claire Sulmers, founder of the Fashion Bomb Daily and author of The Bomb Life.

Sulmers says she has always had a passion for fashion and writing, but after being unable to find a job with a traditional fashion magazine, she started a blog that has now evolved into her full-time job. She is excited to share her years of wisdom with budding entrepreneurs.

A hobby can become a full-time job, like it has become for me. Now I travel all over the country speaking about entrepreneurship and going for what you want in life, she said. I hope that people are inspired and encouraged to take control of their lives, go for whatever they want, set goals, make moves and know that it is possible to live the life of your dreams.

Tickets for Leading Change with Style start at $25 and include brunch and bottomless mimosas. There will also be a vendor fair and small-business expo that is free for the public to attend. The event takes place on Sunday, July 16, from 11:30 a.m.3:30 p.m. at the Bitwell Event Center, 950 S. White River Parkway W. Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46221.

For more information, visit leadingchangewithstyle.com.

Leading Change with Style

-Sunday, July 16, from 11:30 a.m.3:30 p.m.

-Bitwell Event Center

950 S. White River Parkway W. Drive

Indianapolis, IN 46221

Featured Panelists:

-Host and moderator: Ebony Marie Chappel, editor-in-chief of the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper and Indiana Minority Business Magazine

-Claire Sulmers, founder of the Fashion Bomb Daily and author of The Bomb Life

-Tonya Rapley, founder of MyFabFinance.com

-Noell F. Allen, Esq., owner of A Total Solution CPA & Consulting Services Inc.

-Kyla Woods, owner of Crowd or Camera Communications Consulting

-Malina S. Jeffers, owner of Malina Simone Inc.

To learn more about each panelist, visit leadingchangewithstyle.com.
You all know by now that when it comes to crime, I have minimal sympathy for people who have bad things happen to them while theyre in the process of breaking the law.

With that said, my legal and journalistic training mandate getting the facts first before making a judgment call. You can do some informed speculation based on what you know at the time, but getting the facts first and straight tend to resolve a multitude of issues.

Someone needs to tell that to Indy CAN.

The social justice warriors are back, and they are calling for Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry to file criminal charges against two IMPD police officers involved in the shooting death of 45-year old Aaron Bailey last Thursday morning on the near-north side following a police chase.

In a statement, Indy CAN said, Prosecutor Terry Curry must immediately file criminal charges in this matter and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law. Police Chief Roach should challenge the narrative coming out of his force and do his part to support a fair and impartial investigation into the killing of Aaron Bailey. And everyone must demand accountability and justice for the loss of life.

First of all, there are two investigations taking place  one criminal and administrative. So the investigation these guys want is already being done. Secondly, the call for the immediate filing of criminal charges seems a bit premature, dont you think? If the investigation concludes that the officers acted outside the boundaries of the law, I have full faith that Curry will bring the appropriate charges. But would it really kill anyone to get the facts first?

And while were at it, remember that informed speculation concept I mentioned earlier. Heres a little of that right now: Bailey was not unfamiliar with law enforcement. According to my colleagues at RTV 6, hed been the subject of 16 police reports since 2014, including being a suspect in cases involving theft, robbery, auto theft and carjacking. And he managed to amass 11 felonies since 1996.

Secondly, from what we know at the moment, this wasnt an instance where the cops pulled up to a corner and Bailey started running. This incident occurred during a traffic stop at 1:45 a.m. at Burdsal Parkway and Riverside Drive. During the stop, which was nine minutes long, Bailey thought it would be a good idea to take off. So he did. He led police on a 2-mile chase, making a couple of turns before crashing near 23rd and Fall Creek.

Now, this is where we have to do some fact finding, because it is said that when the officers told Bailey to get out of the car and put his hands up, instead of reaching up, he reached down and then multiple shots were fired. He did not have a weapon, but his passenger was arrested on a drug charge.

Did the officers act appropriately? Thats what the investigation is for, and this is why we have grand juries and finders of fact. I understand the heightened anxiety between some communities and law enforcement, but Indianapolis is not one of them. If we were, there would have been a lot more issues surrounding the last 15 fatal police actions shootings since 2014.

So how about we get all the facts first, before forming a lynch mob? Getting all the facts and basing a decision on that evidence never harmed anyone, except those trying to push a narrative that the facts dont substantiate.

Abdul-Hakim Shabazz is an attorney, political commentator and publisher of IndyPolitics.org. You can email comments to him at abdul@indypolitics.org.
Earlier this week, Americans all over the country celebrated Independence Day, a celebration that recognizes Americas independence from Great Britain.

July 4, specifically, is a holiday that commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

On the days leading up to July 4 and certainly on that day, I found myself reflecting on select words and phrases that comprised the Declaration of Independence, the true intent of its authors and the current state of America.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

All men are created equal.

Unalienable rights.

Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

It all sounds so good, so promising, doesnt it?

On Monday, I had the privilege of attending the naturalization ceremony for 97 individuals who represented 31 countries. Each of the 97 individuals was eager to become American citizens.

It was an amazing event to attend. The spirit of patriotism among all who attended was evident. The look of excitement on the faces of each of the new citizens as their names were called made me proud to be a witness to such a monumental occasion. And then there was the look of hope and accomplishment in each of their eyes. It was as if they truly believed that they finally had it  a piece of the American pie.

There was one newfound citizen originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo who garnered a lot of attention. Jose Lusendes excitement was hard to ignore. As his name was called to receive his flag, Lusende enthusiastically stood up, extending his arms in an expression of pure elation.

Lusende is a personal friend of mine. As a matter of fact, he, his wife and their children are more like family. Ive known him for years, and his smile, his passion, his level of enthusiasm have always lifted my spirits  even if I was sad, uncertain, angry or even if my mind was trying to resolve one issue or another. It is hard for anyone  even the most stoic person  not to be happy or, at the minimum, have a smile on their face in Joses presence.

At the naturalization ceremony, I was so happy for Jose, but if I am honest, there was something else on my mind. I couldnt help but look at my friend  a Black male  so excited about finally becoming an American citizen while countless other Black men across the country shudder at being American, largely because they are Black and seemingly have a target on their backs.

My mind raced as I thought of the Black men in this country who were gunned down by police, including the most recent, Indianapolis resident Aaron Bailey. It is so intriguing to me at that moment how one Black man could be so proud to be an American while another probably detested the notion of being Black, male and American.

As I observed the naturalized citizens from Burma, Afghanistan, India and other countries, I couldnt help but think of the discrimination that people like them experience every day on American soil.

The irony of it all was mind blowing.

While at the ceremony, the more I found my mind reflecting on the ugly realities of the current condition of the United States, the more determined I became to focus on the present  the ceremony, the looks of excitement, the patriotic feel of the afternoon. And thats when my heart became light and filled with optimism.

All men are created equal.

Unalienable rights.

Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

In that moment, at that ceremony, those words felt right. They felt authentic. They felt attainable.

If only for that moment.
During the 2016 campaign, our 45th president once promised that he would be so presidential that it will be boring. If only. Instead, he has managed to irk even his Republican allies by wallowing in the muck of name-calling, yet again, belittling a woman for her looks. Morning Joe host Mika Brzezinski, 45 tweeted, was still bleeding from her facelift when he saw her during the New Years holiday. He also disparaged Brzezinskis intelligence and poked fun at her co-host Joe Scarborough. Dozens of Republicans, including leaders like House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin, have scolded the president on his language in the June 29 tweets. Some have used terms like civility and decency to distance themselves from his comments.

It is easy to scold this president on the indecent ways he speaks to, and of, women. It is easy to shake ones head at his juvenile tweets. Certainly, our president has the temperament of an unruly 8-year-old (and that is unkind to 8-year-olds). But we can spend so much time wondering about this presidents temperament that we can forget about his abhorrent policy initiatives that are far more dangerous than his mindless tweets.

At the same time that 45 is attacking cable news hosts, the Senate is supposed to be considering a health care plan that repeals the Affordable Care Act. There is no civility or decency in advocating for a health care plan that would leave more than 22 million people uninsured. There is nothing civil or decent in the president suggesting that Obamacare be repealed, even if there is no replacement for it. So while many hours of television time will be spent excoriating 45 for his silly tweets about the Morning Joe team, far more should be spent dealing with health care, with employment creation and with prison reform.

All eyes are on the president and his poison pen; Im not so sure thats a good thing. We should be equally concerned about other policy actions that are happening even as 45 is clowning on the public stage. He wakes up in the morning to send out mindless tweets, but his minions, who are neither tweeting nor clowning, are working to roll back our civil and voting rights.

Are decent Republicans an endangered species? Certainly, some Republicans will step up when 45 crosses the line on civility with his unhinged tweets. Too many others, though, are silent, not only in the face of misogynistic tweets, but also in the face of inhumane public policy. Because they have placed partisanship over common humanity, they have been silent in the face of draconian public policy, especially around health care. Those who have stood up, such as Nevada Sen. Dean Heller, have attracted the ire of the big-money alt-Trump regime, those deep-pocketed PAC funders who have attempted to bully Heller into supporting Trumpcare. Indeed, those Republicans who have bucked the 45 machine have found themselves unfairly attacked. Attacks on Republicans like Heller are ways to intimidate others into silence.

While 45 is tweeting insanity, immigrants who are honorably discharged veterans are being deported. They joined the armed services and served our country, not only because they are patriots, but also because they were promised citizenship in return for their service. Is there no decency? While 45 is doing his best imitation of a schoolyard bully, school administrators from both red and blue states are looking at the ways Trumpcare would affect poor children and pushing back on the horrible legislation. Both Democratic and Republican governors are appalled at the ways Medicaid cuts would hurt their constituents, but 45 is too busy tweeting or posturing to deal with his natural allies in the states.

Forty-fives tweets are simply the tip of the iceberg. They illustrate a lack of decency that is worse that the incivility of name-calling. The indecency and incivility in this administration is as much about flawed and inhumane public policy as juvenile name-calling. In criticizing 45s decency, lets keep our eyes on the prize. Our president is not just a clueless buffoon; he is a dangerous and clueless buffoon. We should focus on the danger more than the cluelessness.

Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author and founder of Economic Education. Her podcast, Its Personal with Dr. J is available on iTunes. Her latest book Are We Better Off: Race, Obama and public policy is available on Amazon.
Hundreds of years have passed since American colonists fought to be recognized as independent from Great Britain, and while this years Fourth of July celebration has come and gone, another hard-fought battle for recognition continues to play out.

Maurice Barboza has been working since the mid-1980s to erect a national monument  dubbed the National Liberty Memorial  honoring African-American patriots who contributed to the colonial cause in the Revolutionary War.

African-Americans werent just inhuman persons brought over from Africa and forced into slavery; they became Americans as soon as they landed and began burying people in the ground, Barboza said. Even though their liberty had been taken away from them, they decided they werent going to give up on America.

And Barboza is not giving up on his pledge to make the National Liberty Memorial a reality, despite encountering setbacks along the way.

Revolutionary roots

A portrait of his ancestor, Civil War soldier John Curtis Gay, inspired Barbozas boyhood interest in his familys military legacy, which led him to the discovery that his eighth maternal great-grandfather, Jonah Gay, fought in the Revolutionary War.

That revelation prompted Barboza to seek membership in Sons of the American Revolution; he encouraged his aunt, Lena Santos Ferguson, to pursue membership in SARs sister organization, Daughters of the American Revolution. Fergusons name might sound familiar; her attempt at joining the DAR revealed a racist bent within the organization, sparking threats of legal action, national headlines and a settlement that prompted, among other concessions, the creation of the DARs Forgotten Patriots publication that identifies African-Americans and American Indians who contributed to the cause during the American Revolution. The DAR also agreed to throw its support behind a national memorial honoring the legacy people of color left in the Revolution.

In 1986, President Ronald Reagan signed the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Act, establishing the nonprofit Black Revolutionary Patriots Memorial Foundation to raise funds to build a national memorial. Disagreements among Foundation members regarding the message of the memorial, a tediously bureaucratic and expensive design process, and other issues led to the dissolution of the group in 2005.

Source: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Dedicated to the proposition

Barboza lost no time in working to get the effort back on track, establishing the National Mall Liberty Fund DC (Liberty Fund DC) that same year to take up the mantle of the monument project. Since its creation, the group has made significant strides toward its goal.

We have land approved  the specific sites not approved, but the areas been approved  a general authorizing bill was approved by Congress at the end of 2012 and signed by the president in January 2013, Barboza said.

Three potential sites for the monument have been identified and approved, though Barboza said only one is viable.

That would be on the Mall, across from the Washington Monument, at 14th and Independence on the west side of the agriculture building.  Congress approved a second piece of legislation in 2014 which allows us to seek that site after an environmental assessment is undertaken.

Proposed future site of National Liberty Memorial

Barboza said the proximity of the memorial to USDA headquarters would be especially appropriate, given the fact that African-Americans were the backbone of American agriculture and the nations wealth.

In order to retain authorization from Congress, Liberty Fund DC has until September 2021 to raise 75 percent of the roughly $15 million needed to complete the project and to have a design and site approved.

Were optimistic that well be able to meet the deadline and raise sufficient funds, Barboza said.

Rally the troops

Barboza said its not uncommon for such an undertaking to develop over a period of several years. In fact, he said the idea for The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), which opened last September, dates back to the 1920s.

It was a tremendous effort to get that built, just to get the legislation approved, he said.

In addition to raising funds, Liberty Fund DC is focusing on raising awareness of the project and building public support through education.

The Revolutionary War is pretty remote for most Americans, so its a challenge to make them understand what this project means to the nations founding and to who we are today as a people, Barboza said.

To close that gap, Liberty Fund DC has been sharing information with community members in the African-American patriots hometowns. According to the organizations website, Liberty Fund DC has shared the names of over 3,000 local patriots with 426 cities, towns and counties in five states.

The group is also encouraging municipalities and state legislatures to propose and pass resolutions honoring local patriots, and sample resolutions can be found on the organizations website (libertyfunddc.com). Visitors to the site can also donate money to the cause, but Barboza said he hopes supporters will go further.

It would be helpful for people to not just go to the website and donate, but to also talk about it with (colleagues) if theyre members of the Sons or Daughters of the American Revolution, or theyre members of the NAACP or Urban League, if theyre supervisors of counties where theyre from, they should talk about it, they should approve resolutions.

Barboza has also tried to get the attention of the current White House administration. He hasnt received any response when hes reached out, but he said the project has a history of bipartisan support from within the White House, and hes hopeful that support will continue.

Its an extraordinary project, its around the block from the White House, its high-profile, and the president loves to dedicate things, Barboza said. This could be dedicated during the next four years. It might happen faster if the White House paid attention to it.

From his point of view, Barboza said supporting the National Liberty Memorial is a no-brainer.

If you believe in liberty and you believe in the principles of the Declaration of Independence, then you ought to support this project and believe it is meaningful and significant, not just for Americans, but for the image that we portray throughout the world.

Learn more about the National Liberty Memorial here.

***

Tips for researching your African-American patriot

Begin your search.

Start with yourself and go backwards, one generation at a time. Useful records to collect include birth, death and marriage certificates; obituaries, cemetery records and funeral cards; probate and land records; newspaper announcements; oral histories; military records and discharge papers; and federal and state censuses.

Work your way back to 1870.

For enslaved ancestors, the 1870 federal census is especially important because it is the first census taken after the Civil War and names all persons in a household. For free ancestors, the 1850 federal census is the first census to name all persons in a household. Approximately 15 percent of African-Americans were free when the Civil War began in 1861.

Continue your research in other records.

Findings in pre-1870 records are built on research in post-1870 records. Seek out marriage settlements, probate distributions and court records. Documenting lineage and service is easier in the New England states than in the Southern states.

Establishing your Patriot ancestor

Who served and how did they serve?

Military service is credited to those who served in campaigns against the British between April 19, 1775 and Nov. 26, 1783. Civil service is credited to those who conducted public business under the authority of the new federal, state, county and town governments. Patriotic service is credited to those who took action to further, or demonstrate loyalty to, the cause of American independence, such as taking the oath of fidelity, paying supply taxes, providing supplies or monetary aid or serving on a committee made necessary by the war.

Source: Daughters of the American Revolution. For more tips and resources, visit dar.org/national-society/genealogy.

***

African-American patriots in Indiana

At least five African-American patriots made their way to Indiana after the Revolutionary War, according to pension applications and information included in the Daughters of the American Revolution publication Forgotten Patriots.

George Burk enlisted in Virginia in 1779. He spent his time in the service guarding British prisoners at Albemarle Barracks. He was head of a Ripley Township, Johnson County, Indiana, household of five free colored in 1820 and seven free colored in 1830. He applied for a pension in Jefferson County, Indiana, in 1831.

Andrew Ferguson was born in 1765 in Virginia. He and his father were seized by the British but eventually escaped. He was drafted in 1870 at age 15 and served in 10 battles, including patriot victories at Musgroves Mill and Kings Mountain. Ferguson died in 1855 or 1856 (records vary) in Bloomington, Indiana.

William Hood was a mulatto boy who ran away from Henry Minson of Charles City County and was taken up in Halifax County, North Carolina, according to a December 1769 issue of the Virginia Gazette. He was head of a Rockingham County, North Carolina, household of seven other free in 1800. He was about 65 years old in 1818 and living in Jefferson County, Indiana, when he applied for a pension.

Moses Knight/McIntosh/Sharper was born in Africa and reared by General Alexander Mclntosh on the Big Pee Dee River in South Carolina. Also known as Moses Sharper or Moses Mclntosh, he enlisted in 1779 and served until 1782. He was a press master and delivered a boatload of corn from Culps Ferry to General Greenes army. After the Revolution he went to Washington County, Maryland, and married Mary Ann Hopewell. The family moved to Daviess County, Indiana, where Moses applied for a pension and died April 2, 1848.

***

Fast facts: African-Americans in the Revolutionary War

 African-Americans, both free and enslaved, fought alongside white soldiers on both the British/Loyalist and Continental/Patriot sides.

 The Continentals, including George Washingtons troops, had such a mixture of Black and white soldiers that a French staff officer referred to them as speckled. American combat troops were not integrated to the same extent until the Korean War 170 years later.

 For the most part, slaves who fought for the rebels remained the property of their masters. Enslaved Blacks who sided with the British didnt fare much better; the last royal governor of Virginia, Lord Dunmore, promised freedom for male slaves of rebels who joined British forces, but the offer secured lasting liberty for few.

 Slaves who departed with the redcoats when the conflict was over were in their new lands  Canada, England, Australia and Sierra Leone  still treated much as they had been before.

 After the war, London had about 10,000 Blacks in its population, some slaves or former slaves of Englishmen, some escaped Americans, some former or current sailors on navy vessels or merchantmen, including slave ships. In 1786, most of Londons impoverished Blacks were former Americans who had fought for the British.

Source: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Maurice Barboza (left) and his aunt, Lena Ferguson, hold a photo of John Curtis Gay, their ancestor who fought in the Civil War. Interest in Gay led Barboza to discover an ancestor who fought in the Revolutionary War.
Editors Note: On July 9, the Disciples of Christ elected Rev. Teresa Hord Owens to lead the denomination. While Rev. Owens is the first Black woman to lead a mainline Protestant organization in a solo capacity, we failed to mention Rev. Denise Anderson. Anderson, a Black woman, was elected co-moderator of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) last year alongside Jan Edmiston. This marked the first time that the P.C.(USA) elected women as moderators and elected two co-moderators of any sex. The P.C.(USA) traditionally elects a moderator and vice-moderator.

In a matter of days, Rev. Teresa Hord Owens will become the general minister and president of the Disciples of Christ. The appointment, pending an election on July 9 during the Disciples of Christ General Assembly in Indianapolis, will make Owens the first Black woman to lead a mainline Protestant denomination in North America.

Her nomination represents an opportunity for us to continue the important transformation of the church, said Chris Dorsey, Disciples of Christ president of higher education and leadership ministries. We seek to be a church that is more inclusive and more holistic, and she is the right person to help us do that.

Owens, a native Hoosier, was raised in Terre Haute and is a direct descendant of the free people of color who founded the Lost Creek settlement in Vigo County. She has been an active member of the Disciples denomination since she was a young adult, when she and her mother moved to Indianapolis and attended Second Christian, now known as Light of the World Christian Church.

Ministry, for her, is both familiar and familial.

My paternal grandfather was a Baptist minister in Terre Haute for nearly 30 years. I grew up in church, and even as a young adult I was a very active lay leader and worked with children and youth, Owens said.

Owens, who is married and has one son, shared that the arts are also a huge part of her familys life.

My husband, Walter, was a music teacher and is now the full-time minister of music at Salem Baptist Church in Chicago, she said. I love music, I love to sing and I play the piano. When I had the opportunity, I was really involved in the drama ministry in church, said Owens. When she was still living in Indianapolis, she and her husband wrote a musical entitled Emmanuel. Her son Mitchell, a graduate of Berklee College of Music, is a professional composer who has worked with Justin Timberlake, the Chicago Childrens Choir and a Korean record label.

After working in the corporate world for more than two decades, Owens enrolled in the University of Chicagos Divinity School, where she became dean and served for 12 years. She also pastored a small congregation at First Christian Church in Downers Grove, Illinois. This will be my third career wave, if you will, she said with a laugh.

This year marks a number of other significant moments for the history of the church. For one, it is the centennial of the founding of the National Christian Missionary Convention, a gathering of African-American Disciples. In the late 1960s, the group completed its decades-long efforts to merge with the predominately white Disciples of Christ.

This year we are celebrating 100 years since Preston Taylor, a Civil War veteran, businessman and philanthropist in Nashville, Tennessee, originally born into slavery, formed a ministry among African-American Disciples called the National Christian Missionary Convention. This adds an addition aspect of significance to (Owens) election this time, said Nathan Day Wilson, ordained minister in the Disciples Church of Christ and Director of Communications at Christian Theological Seminary.

She brings with her a deep understanding of institutional and organizational structure and culture; she is dedicated to the formation of leaders for church and public ministry, which she demonstrated by serving as a trustee at Christian Theological Seminary; and, at a time and in a country when it seems as though division and fragmentation is growing, Terri embodies the denominations commitment to wholeness as the first African-American woman to head a mainline denomination, he said.

Owens believes that her connection to this moment is pretty significant.

African-Americans have always been a very vital part of the Disciples of Christ, she said. Preserving this history and calling for more unity among members is a chief focus of hers.

The constant work that we have to do to live out the message that we are all one in Jesus Christ is ongoing. Its hard work, and it will continue to be in a society that is more divided now than it ever has been. Thats work I take seriously, said Owens. At the same time, Im very clear about my own identity as an African-American woman. I am who I am; that wont change. If the church is going to live out that calling of unity and oneness, it must allow me to be an African-American woman, without compromise.

Owens is also prioritizing innovation as a goal for the organization.

Part of what we have to restore is a commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ. What people are seeking is spiritual wholeness and wellness. People need and are searching for resources and communities in which they can feel whole and navigate, ways in which they can deal with the crazy circumstances of life, she said. Sometimes (congregants) are not inspired by the (church) structure and what they see on Sunday morning, and that congregation may not be committed to issues happening in their neighborhoods. The church must be relevant on all those fronts.
Actress Priyanka Chopra was one of the front row guests at the Giorgio Armani Prive couture show in Paris, which was also attended by Naomi Watts, Kate Winslet, and Sophia Loren.

Instagram/Priyanka Chopra

The designer's fall 2017 line was dominated by lean silhouettes, featuring mostly jackets and skirts in mixes of icy pastels through a range of evening wear.

A love affair with Paris in @armani ... #couture2017 #PCinParis #lookoftheday #armaniprive A post shared by Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra) on Jul 4, 2017 at 2:17pm PDT

Priyanka, who wore a high-low, white Armani dress, took to Instagram to share pictures from the event, which also saw the presence of French actress Isabelle Huppert and Chinese star Tang Wei.

Amazing to be with an exceptional group of women celebrating the house of @armani . Lovely evening. @naomiwatts #sophialoren #katewinslet @isabelle.huppert #tangWei A post shared by Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra) on Jul 4, 2017 at 2:24pm PDT

"Amazing to be with an exceptional group of women celebrating the house of @armani. Lovely evening. @naomiwatts #sophialoren #katewinslet @isabelle.huppert #tangWei," Priyanka posted.

Gimme some Paris.. gn world... Zzzzzz @armani A post shared by Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra) on Jul 4, 2017 at 3:50pm PDT

The 34-year-old Quantico actress made the most of her Paris trip and also posed in front of the Eiffel Tower.

This is right after Sonam Kapoor was the showstopper for her favourite designer duo, Ralph and Russo at the ongoing Paris Haute Couture Week 2017.

B E Y O N D. @sonamkapoor @ralphandrusso @michaelrusso1 @tamararalph #pariscoutureweek #parisfashionweek #couture #hautecouture #sonamkapoor A post shared by Rhea Kapoor (@rheakapoor) on Jul 3, 2017 at 10:58am PDT

She walked the ramp in a white bridal gown looking spectacular. We are immensely proud of these Bollywood hotties nailing at the international front. whether it's Hollywood movies, fashion week or chat shows, Sonam and Priyanka surely know how to stand out.

You go girls!
47-year-old Madhavan is more popular on the internet than some of the Bollywood A-listers today and do we even need to mention the reason? Popularly and fondly known as Maddy, Madhavans just one selfie is enough to break the internet.

For those who were living under a rock, Maddys latest Instagram picture, where he was sporting his salt hair and absolutely perfect jaw, had made millions crush on him all over again.

With the evening sun on my face .. beard gone .. feeling younger .. ha ha ha A post shared by R. Madhavan (@actormaddy) on Jun 11, 2017 at 10:45am PDT

The picture has more than one lakh likes on the Instagram. However, Maddy who was initially enjoying all the hearts, comments and shares coming his way expressed his bleak awkwardness and said,

Morning light post a shower.. feeling fresh after a good long nights sleep.. after the long travels ... A post shared by R. Madhavan (@actormaddy) on Jun 29, 2017 at 3:45am PDT

Now Im a little embarrassed and under pressure because I dont look like that all the time and I am trying to see if I can be accepted again as a normal-looking guy. That was an unprecedented amount of attention from the world. I am embarrassed and thankful at the same time."

Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein was one movie that released 16 years ago and left us all crushing on this man and till today, nothing much has changed.

In an interview with PTI, Maddy also spoke about his four-year break and work sabbatical before he made his comeback with Irudhi Suttru. Crediting his 3 Idiots co-star Aamir Khan, who inspired him to take that break, Madhavan has a legit reason for his work sabbatical. He said,

I obviously was a little anxious about the break. But there is no point in being a part of the film industry if I was not doing some good movies. I learned this from Aamir Khan; he took a four-year break during Lagaan. And, public memory is short when something is of less significance.

Talking about his equation with his co-actors and why he believes in maintaining a cordial relationship with everyone, he said,

A Sanjay Hingoo Suit.. A post shared by R. Madhavan (@actormaddy) on Jun 19, 2017 at 1:13am PDT

When Im involved in a project for six months, I dont want to create or grow anger or hatred. Everyone has some eccentricity, some flaws. When we balance and orient ourselves, it becomes a pleasant situation and then it turns into a mutual respect and then eventually it turns to a great amount of love."

On the work front, Maddy is all geared up for the release of his gangster-cop actioner Vikram Vedha directed by Pushkar and Gayathri.
1. From An Item Girl To A News Anchor, Veena Malik Calls PM Modi A Snake In A Hilarious Report

Veena, who was visibly upset on Modi and Israels PM Benjamin Netanyahus meeting went on a brutal rant on the show she anchored.

2. Renuka Shahane Stands Up For #NotInMyName, Posts A Strong Message On Facebook

Twitter

Renuka Shahane is known for voicing her strong opinion on social media always. And this time too, the actress wrote a long post under #NotInMyName. She spoke about the latest violence case that has been erupted in West Bengal where a 17-year-old boy has been arrested.

3. Madhavan Makes A Legit Point About Work Sabbatical, Says His 4 Year Break Was Inspired By Aamir

Morning light post a shower.. feeling fresh after a good long nights sleep.. after the long travels ... A post shared by R. Madhavan (@actormaddy) on Jun 29, 2017 at 3:45am PDT

In an interview with PTI, Maddy also spoke about his four-year break and work sabbatical before he made his comeback with Irudhi Suttru. Crediting his 3 Idiots co-star Aamir Khan, who inspired him to take that break, Madhavan has a legit reason for his work sabbatical. He said, I obviously was a little anxious about the break. But there is no point in being a part of the film industry if I was not doing some good movies. I learned this from Aamir Khan; he took a four-year break during Lagaan. And, public memory is short when something is of less significance.

4. Internet Is Tripping Over Rajkummar Rao's Transformation Pic, Converts It Into Hilarious Memes!

#AnActorsLife #Building a character. From Behen Hogi Teri to Trapped to currently shooting for #Bose. Nothing gives me more high than preparing and living a character. A post shared by Raj Kummar Rao (@rajkummar_rao) on Jul 4, 2017 at 10:42pm PDT

Yesterday, the actor took to his social media accounts to share a picture that described his drastic transformation for his roles. For the uninitiated, Rajkummar Rao didn't just go half bald, but he even gained 11 kg for his role in the upcoming film.

5. Tiger Shroff Feels Ban On Kids Reality Shows Is Not A Wise Choice As Studies Are Not Everything

Twitter

When asked if reality shows take away the innocence of children, Tiger told reporters today, Not really. It is great because it helps the child channelise all the restless positive energy and gives them a direction from a very early age. So, it is fantastic.
Indian Army avenged the death of CRPF Sub-inspector Sahib Shukla who died on Saturday fighting the terrorists in Srinagar. The army gunned down two terrorists who had holed up at Delhi Public School in Srinagar after a 14-hour long gunbattle. Two army personnel have also got injured in the operation, but their condition is said to be stable in hospital.

PTI

The army has also recovered large amount of arms and ammunition from the terrorists. The terrorist had managed to enter the Delhi Public School campus last evening. They were escaping after carrying out attack on 29th Battalion of CRPF at Pantha Chowk in which Sub-inspector Sahib Shukla had died and driver Nisar Ahmad had got injured.

When the terrorists entered to school, it was empty as by then all students and staff had left. Security forces cordoned off the campus immediately and started the operation across the seven building inside the campus.

PTI

On Sunday morning, the operation was launched, a police officer told NDTV. The gun battle resumed soon and it continued for 14 long hours. The police said in the evening the gun-battle is over and two militants have been killed.

"We want to ensure that the (school) building is safe, because the enemy has a nefarious design that the school buildings are destroyed and children have to ultimately abandon their studies. We will ensure that no such thing happens," Jammu and Kashmir's Director General of Police SP Vaid was quoted by NDTV.
BCCL/Representational Image

As counter-terror forces mount an offensive against terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, the gains are starting to show. As many as 92 terrorists were killed till July 2 this year, against 79 in the corresponding period of 2016. Read more

Here are more top news of the day:



1) PM Modis Diplomacy Stuns Pakistan. Here Is How Pakistani Media Has Covered His Israel Visit

AFP

Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Israel has left many countries worried and Pakistan is certainly one of them. While the world is witnessing an unprecedented welcome PM Modi got in Israel, Pakistans worries too have increased after it witnessed the chemistry between two PMs and the reflection of it can be seen in how the Pakistan media has covered Modis visit to Israel. Read more

2) AAP Leader Kumar Vishwas Calls Women Saamaan On The Kapil Sharma Show, Lands In Soup

BCCL

A police complaint has been lodged against Aam Aadmi Party leader and poet Kumar Vishwas by a woman for making derogatory remarks against females on The Kapil Sharma Show last week. Read more

3) In Order To Contain Law And Order Issues, Maharashtra Police To Use Cow Meat Detection Kit

DNA

Amid the chaos unleashed by unabated lynchings by self-proclaimed cow vigilantes, Maharashtra police are set to get cow meat detection kits to know if the meat seized from a vehicle, restaurant or anywhere else is beef (cow or bullock meat) or buffalo meat. Read more

4) As Border Stand-Off Tensions Escalate, India Asks China To Retreat From Bhutanese Territory

bccl/representational image

Making it clear that it will not buckle under heated rhetoric from China, India said a diplomatic resolution resulting in a Chinese pullback from Bhutanese territory would resolve the current border stand-off near the Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction. Read more

5) After Students, Women Lecturers In Mysore Fall Victim To 'Only Sari' Dress Code Diktat

Picture for representation/Rakesh Nair/BCCL

When it comes to imposing strict dress codes in institutions, students aren't alone. In Mysuru district, women lecturers have been told to wear only saris to their work. Read more
In an inspirational story, a 16-year-old girl in Rajasthan who was sent off to live with her husband in another village was rescued and brought back to school by her classmates. According to the story done by HT, she was married at the age of 11 to a man who was 12 years older to her as a bride exchange when her brother was married to a woman from her husbands family.

In the month of May, she was sent to her husbands house in the nearby village. As she was going to school, her classmates noticed her absence and they decided to bring her back to school after knowing the story.

Representational Image, Reuters

They complained to the police and district collector who tracked the girl down and sent her to the care of a child welfare centre. The classmates with help of teachers and others helped her return to her parents and later to the school. The girl now has expressed her wish to walk out of the marriage and continue her studies.

Recently a woman in Rajasthan who was married at 8 has cracked NEET to study medicine with the support of her family.

Meanwhile, the 16-year-old child bride is now back in school with her saviours--seven boys and six girls who stepped in when the adults were not doing their job.
When it comes to imposing strict dress codes in institutions, students aren't alone. In Mysuru district, women lecturers have been told to wear only saris to their work.

Reports state that the circular came into effect after a complaint was filed by one R Satish Kumar to the Higher Education Minister that women lecturers are wearing salwar-kameez to classes which is inappropriate.

Picture for representation/Rakesh Nair/BCCL

The circular issued by Umanatha MK, Joint Director reads, All lady lecturers in degree colleges are supposed to come in sarees and no lecturers are supposed to use mobile phones inside the classrooms.

The circular was forwarded to all 75 government colleges under Mysuru jurisdiction-reports TOI. Local reports state that the Joint Director also imposed 'a status report from the colleges of its implementation.'

The move, quite obviously, irked women teachers. Sridevi S, a teacher at college in Mysuru, told Bangalore Mirror, Asking us to come in sarees isnt the governments job. Are they the moral police? We are teachers and we know our limits.

Picture for representation/BCCL

H Prakash, president, Karnataka Government College Teachers Association told TOI that urged the education department to 'immediately withdraw' the circular and

Prakash condemned the move saying, "the concern of the students and the department must be whether or not we are imparting education, whether or not we are helping students, and not what we wear."

In the wake of opposition from teachers from all quarters and the commissioner's intervention., the department has been foced to consider a withdrawal of the rule.
Nostalgia has no space in realpolitik. However, in the case of Modis visit to Israel  billed as a milestone by both governments  we remember Indias legacy of solidarity and support for the Palestinian struggle for freedom, justice and equality and wonder which path India is taking now.

ap

For us Palestinians as well as for all those that have supported decolonization around the world, India is engraved in our collective consciousness as a stalwart of dignity, independence and international cooperation for a just and peaceful world.

bccl

The country that had suffered one of the longest colonisations in the world soon after independence became a major player in global politics. India built alliances that helped others gain freedom and promoted groundbreaking United Nations conventions that shaped international law.

afp

Unlike India, in 1947 Palestinians did not gain independence but our land was handed over to another coloniser. Israel was established on the ruins of Palestine, with the forced dispossession of the majority of Palestinians from their homes, rendering us one of the largest refugee populations in the world.

We recall fondly Indias principled opposition to this injustice. Until 1993, Indian passports were valid for all countries except for Israel and South Africa  acknowledging the apartheid and colonial policies committed by these allied regimes.

afp

Today, Israeli policies are reaching even higher levels of cruelty and atrocities.

Two million Palestinians live crammed together in the Gaza Strip, besieged and isolated from the rest of the world, surrounded on land, sea and air by the Israeli army, denied basic human rights. A 10-year old Palestinian child in the Gaza Strip has already lived through three Israeli massacres.

Just weeks ago Israel announced that it was cutting electricity supplies to the besieged population, adding to its long list of war crimes against Gazas civilian population.

In the West Bank, Palestinian communities are being forcefully pushed to live in Israeli-orchestrated ghettos surrounded by an eight-meter high concrete wall, that in 2004 was declared illegal by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

afp

Inspired by the South African struggle against apartheid, as well as Indias own freedom struggle, the Palestinian people launched a historic call in 2005 for worldwide boycotts, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israels regime of apartheid  a call that has given rise to a global movement that is succeeding in isolating Israel in the world stage for as long as it continues to oppress Palestinians.

Citizen action worldwide has forced corporations to close down their Israeli operations (e.g. Veolia, Orange) and artists, academics, trade unions and student unions joined the boycott. Through pressure from the movement, European governments have implemented measures to restrict investments and trade with Israel.

At a time we are making a historic progression in our struggle for human rights and dignity, India is moving in the opposite direction. Modi and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu have pledged to walk hand in hand into the future.

India has already become the major ally of Israeli war economy that perpetuates the occupation of our land.

Indias tax money has over the last two decades supported Israeli military industry with deals worth $12 billion dollars. The contracts awarded to Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) this year reached $2.6 billion, making up over half of Israels entire annual military export revenues.

reuters

In 2015, Israel has become Indias biggest source of arms and today none of its army divisions could make its equipment work without Israeli maintenance of the technology components.

This gives Israel effective control over the operational capacities of Indias defence forces.

Israel does not hide that it forges military ties in order to exert political influence. In Brazil, during a diplomatic rift with Israel in 2015, a high-ranking defence official warned that this would cause retaliatory delays in military contracts with Israel. Brazils former defence minister Celso Amorim retorted simply that hence it is time to diversify our suppliers and reduce excessive dependency on Israeli technology.

China faced worse: it was one of Israels biggest military partners until 2005 when the US instructed Israel to cut all military relations. The military equipment China had bought was grounded and given no maintenance.

afp

This pattern of Israeli interests and questionable benefits for India stays the same even in civilian cooperation between the two countries.

Israel wants to push through a Free Trade Agreement hoping to increase exports to India by 25%. At the same time, Israel offers only a tiny consumer market of 6 million people and those Indian companies doing business with Israel risk becoming complicit with Israels illegal occupation and potential targets of boycotts globally. India constitutes a fallback export market for Israel at a time when most European countries are reevaluating their trade relations with Israel, related to business operations in the occupied territories.

reuters

The Israeli red carpet for prime minister Modi is therefore clearly understandable - more exports, more Indian money flowing into its war economy. For India, this new alliance brings with its complicity with war crimes and abandoning a historic legacy that still today inspires Palestinians and people around the world.

reuters

As Palestinians, we continue to hold on to our friendship with India, based on principles of solidarity, democracy and human rights. I trust India will eventually take back its legitimate place in global politics and join us again on the path towards a future without apartheid.





Jamal Juma' was born in Jerusalem and attended Birzeit University, where he became politically active. Since the first Intifada, he has focused on grassroots activism. Juma' is since 2002 the coordinator of the Palestinian Grassroots Anti-Apartheid Wall Campaign and since 2012 the coordinator of the Land Defense Coalition, a network of Palestinian grassroots movements. He has been invited to address numerous civil society and UN conferences, where he has spoken on the issue of Palestine and the Apartheid Wall. His articles and interviews are widely disseminated and translated into several languages.

The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Indiatimes' editorial policy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Israel has left many countries worried and Pakistan is certainly one of them. While the world is witnessing an unprecedented welcome PM Modi got in Israel, Pakistans worries too have increased after it witnessed the chemistry between two PMs and the reflection of it can be seen in how the Pakistan media has covered Modis visit to Israel.

The Indian Express has done a story on how Pak media has seen PM Modi's visit to Israel in context to the Indian sub-continent and global perspective.

Reuters

Here is how some of the top publications in Pakistan covered PM Modis visit to Israel.

The Dawn

Perhaps the most known publication in Pakistan, The Dawn has said the PM Modis visit to Israel has presented Pakistan with an opportunity to build world opinion on the issue of Kashmir.  Indo-Israeli embrace was the title of the editorial of the newspaper on Thursday and said that it Pakistan an opportunity to build world opinion on the Kashmir issue.

It also tried to put Israels alleged atrocious behaviour towards Palestinians in comparison to their narrative of India using brute force upon Kashmiris.

AFP

Both right-wing governments in Tel Aviv and Delhi seem to be sharing notes on how to keep these restive populations in check, with the Israelis stifling Gaza and the Indians using the jackboot to crush the Kashmiris, the editorial says.

The Express Tribune

The Express Tribune has praised PM Modis foreign policy and how Pakistan has no such thing as foreign policy at present. Titled Of Rocks and Harder Places said that while Pakistan is engaged border management and its foreign policy is still a  distant dream.

AFP

The visit to Israel by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a heads-up for the world at large. Not only does India have a foreign policy that is changing the shape of the envelope, it has the capacity to see through, much to its advantage, the policies that emerge therefrom. The scale of welcome for Mr Modi when the entire Israeli cabinet turned out to greet him was itself an indicator that times were changing, the editorial states.

The News International

The News International referred PM Modi-Netanyahu meet as the meet of Similar minds. Both are religious fundamentalists whose zealotry has led them to demonise and massacre Muslims. It is no surprise that Modi is one of the only Indian leaders to have visited Israel before, going there in 2006 when he was chief minister of Gujarat and had already led a pogrom against Muslims, the editorial says.

Reuters

That both leaders are religious chauvinists only makes their alliance more dangerous." Modi has aligned himself with every anti-Muslim zealot around and his alliance of demagogues is a threat to every genuine movement for liberation in the world, the editorial says.

The Daily Times

The Daily Times has brought out editorial showing solidarity with Palestinians. In the editorial, When Modi met Bibi, is the titled of the editorial India could have used of its economic clout to persuade Israel in weakening its hold over the occupied territories.

Yet at heart, Modi is a hyper-nationalist who only speaks the language of neoliberal economics. In Netanyahu, he sees a friend who also believes in silencing dissent. The significance of Modi skipping a visit to Ramallah, the traditional home of the Palestinian Authority, cannot be overstated, the editorial says.
A priest has allegedly issued a diktat barring Dalits from performing or participating in a hawan to be held on the eve of Guru Purnima at Doomarkhan village under Uchana Kalan subdivision of Jind district. The priest, Sunil Pundit, had announced this during a meeting of the representatives of Doomarkhan and nearby villages on Sunday while discussing the preparations for the event to be held on July 9.

Representational Image

Doomarkhan happens to be the ancestral village of Union minister Birender Singh and his wife Prem Lata, who is BJP MLA from Uchana Kalan assembly constituency. Though Birender and Prem Lata remained inaccessible, their supporters maintained that the issue had been sorted out. "This was a motivated move to defame the village and the leaders," said Hari Singh, a Doomarkhan resident.

The incident came to light on Wednesday when the police booked the priest under Section 3 of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act at Narwana Sadar police station. The case was registered on the complaint of Sukhbir Singh, a Dalit leader, who was present at the meeting of the village held on July 2.

Representational Image

Sukhbir told TOI that he had been pressurised to withdraw the complaint. "For the past many years we had been part of the rituals performed on the eve of celebrations held at Baba Jitgar temple of the village. They have not only barred us from participating in the hawan but also made casteist remarks while referring to our community. We have submitted supporting evidence to the police as well," said Sukhbir.

It was the first such incident and it was being done to disturb the social fabric of the society in two villages, he said.

Jind SP Shashank Anand said a special investigation team (SIT) headed by Narwana DSP was probing the matter. "We are verifying the facts of the case. Meanwhile, our priority is to ensure that law and order situation should remain under control in the village. Villagers have formed peace committees as well," he added.
A ginormous iceberg, almost the size of Delware (mid-atlantic US state), is about to detach itself from one of the largest ice shelves in the Antarctic and float off the Weddell Sea, which is on the southern tip of South America.

always dive expeditions

This is an event that scientists foresaw and have been expecting this break from the Larsen C ice shelf. The shelf extends to over 100 miles long. According to the latest update from NASA and the University of California scientists only three miles of ice is still connected to the larger ice shelf.

Parts of the iceberg that have already detached from the shelf have started moving seaward and so straining the remaining ice to near breaking point.

cool antarctica

This anticipated event, on its own, will not affect global sea levels because the detached chunk of ice is already floating in the ocean. However, what scientists fear that this event could assist in destabilising the larger Larsen C ice shelf faster.

According to an analysis by the European Space Agency and a scientist at the University of Edinburgh, Noel Gourmelen, the iceberg itself will be enormous, in fact, one of the most enormous ones ever seen from Antarctica. It will contain about one trillion tons of ice.
In a really heartbreaking incident, several civilians have been reportedly killed by military men who mistook them for terrorists.

Soldiers in the Republic of Niger have killed 14 unarmed civilians after mistaking them for Boko Haram militants during a patrol in the remote southeast of the country.

This was revealed by a senior regional official on Thursday, NAN reports.

According to Yahaya Godi, Secretary-General of the Diffa region of southeast Niger, said Nigerien soldiers were patrolling a militarily restricted zone around the village of Abadam near Lake Chad on Wednesday afternoon when they opened fire on what turned out to be farmers.

Godi said: fourteen people are dead. Abadam is a village located in the red zone and has been prohibited for a very long time.

Any individual seen in the area is considered Boko Haram.

He said two of the dead were from Niger and the rest from neighbouring Nigeria, where Boko Haram is based and from which the jihadist group has sometimes carried out cross-border attacks into Niger, Cameroon and Chad.

It was not immediately clear why the civilians were in the restricted area and what made the soldiers open fire. Nigerien army officials were not reachable for comment.

One witness said the farmers had just finished eating when gunfire broke out, forcing them to flee.

The incident occurred three days after suspected Boko Haram militants killed nine people and abducted dozens more in southern Niger.

The attack raised concern about Nigers inability to stop Boko Haram crossing the desert border from their bases in Nigeria.

The Diffa region has seen intense fighting over the past year between Nigers army and Boko Haram.

Thousands of people have been displaced and many areas are off-limits.
The 74 year old political leader has made a huge mark in Nigeria with his name written on the sands of time with gold never to be washed away easily.

President Muhammadu Buhari might be sick and probably enduring some unpopular moments in his political career due to the crises in Nigeria but he has achieved a milestone in his life.

He has broken the nations record as the first Nigerian to enter the English dictionary. He is the first Nigerian to have a political term  Buharism named after him.

According to the Wikipedia, Buharism is a term rooted in the politics of Nigeria, referring to the economic principles and the political ideology of the military government of Nigeria headed by General Muhammadu Buhari from 31 December 1983 to 27 August 1985. This ideology shares common features with fascism; the government was a right-wing nationalist government that pursued corporatist economic programs and curtailed personal freedoms. Economic reforms were characterised as moving the political economy away from the control of a parasitic elite, and into the control of an emerging productive class. Buharism represented a two-way struggle: with external global capitalism and with its internal agents and advocates.

Buhari is widely hailed as a strong man of integrity who is cleansing Nigeria of the cancer of political corruption. His faltering health has constituted a setback but it is hoped that the All Progressives Congress chieftain and Fulani native will surmount the challenges before him for the betterment of Nigeria.

See screenshots about the concept of Buharism below:
The Federal Government is set to announce a new policy on community policing to help put an end to kidnapping, robbery and other violent crimes across the country.

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, who announced this on Tuesday in Abuja, explained that the policy would involve retired Inspectors-General of Police whose experience and expertise would be exploited to address the security challenges in the country.

Speaking during the launching of a book, Law on prevention and detection of crimes by the police in Nigeria, written by a retired IG, Dr. Solomon Arase, Osinbajo stated that the current security system was not efficient enough to address the security challenges facing the nation.

The acting President, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, stated that it was impractical for the IG to be in Abuja while controlling crimes in the remote parts of the country.

He said, There is no way we can continue running the police as constituted. Very soon, we would come out with a policy on community policing. For our brothers who have retired as IGs, they would have roles to play very soon.

For us to continue this old way of policing our country, I dont think it can work and it is not working. We have to look at other parts of the world, how they are doing it.

Sitting down in Abuja, an IG policing every part of the country and being in charge of the welfare of all policemen, there are concerns and challenges, but the challenges are supposed to be addressed.

He noted that the fear about decentralisation of the police was unnecessary and could be addressed, adding that the same concern was expressed before the granting of private television and radio licences.

He encouraged the elite to allow their children to join the force to improve the quality of the personnel.

A former Cross Rivers State governor, Donald Duke, called for state police and recruitment of more policemen, arguing that the decentralisation of the police was the greatest deterrent to crime.

We must quickly attain at least 500,000 federal police from the current 350,000 or thereabouts and about the same number at the state level. The decentralisation of policing and presence is the greatest deterrent to crime and allows for better monitoring and intelligence gathering, he said.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Modu Sheriff, has accused former ministers of the party of running Nigeria aground.

The National Chairman of the party, who spoke on behalf of the party in Abuja on Tuesday, also called on the former ministers to tell Nigerians the source of their wealth.

Sheriff said that it was unfortunate that the former ministers, whom he said were given the opportunity of running the country, ended adding to its woes.

The former governor of Borno State, who was reacting to the former ministers meeting in Abuja on Monday, said that the partys constitution did not recognise the umbrella under which the former ministers gathered.

At the meeting, the former ministers also backed Senator Ahmed Makarfis faction of the party, thereby incurring the wrath of the partys national chairman.

The former ministers forum also encouraged its members to contest the partys presidential primary in 2019, and equally promised to search for other credible persons that could pick the partys ticket even outside its fold.

Sheriff said that the former ministers had no constitutional backing to hold the meeting, adding that the gathering was unknown to the party.

The partys national chairman also said he would obey the outcome of the partys leadership case pending before the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court is expected to rule soon on who the authentic leader of the party between Sheriff and Makarfi.

Speaking through his deputy, Cairo Ojougboh, in Abuja, on Tuesday, Sheriff said that he would never recognise the group of the former ministers.

He said, We want to say first of all that the partys constitution is very clear and the organs of the party are specified  from the ward executive committee down to the national convention of the party. We dont have the forum of former ministers among the organs.

We take exception to the comments of this group of persons who met on Monday and called themselves Forum of PDP Former Ministers.

We want to say that under normal circumstances, in some countries, these are people who will not show themselves in the public.

These persons have a lot of money; they must tell Nigerians how they came about their money. Again, their opinion is that they can buy the party, but Sheriff has said no, that the party is not for sale.

Our position is very clear; they may not support Sheriff and the reason is because they know they cannot buy Sheriff. He is not for sale. Ordinarily, these people will not walk the streets (free). They were given opportunity to run this country, but they ran it aground.

But the former ministers said Sheriff should be ignored, adding that the former governor does not epitomise the PDP.

A former Minister of National Planning, Prof Suleiman Abubakar, while reacting to the comments by Sheriff, wondered how the former governor would build the factionalised party with the way he spoke.

He said, Ordinarily, Sheriff does not deserve our response. Is this how a man who wants to build a party talks? If his leadership is not in doubt, he wont be in court to defend his leadership status.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday has vowed to eliminate the dreaded ritual cult group, Badoo from Lagos, saying that they are not spirits that are invincible.

The governor, who spoke at the commissioning of a fire station in Epe area of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria said he did not believe that Badoo members were spirits and could disappear.

He, therefore, charged traditional rulers, especially in Ikorodu to wake up from their slumber by helping the government to nip in the bud rising waves of kidnapping and Badoo menace in the state.

Saying his government was seriously concerned about rampaging cases of kidnapping and Badoo menace in the state, Ambode said his government was wholeheartedly committed to safety of lives and properties in the state.

I just want to assure Lagosians that we are doing everything possible. We dont run the government on the pages of the newspapers, and thats why you see that we do not make comments on the newspapers, but we are trying as much as possible to make sure that we get these children back safely which is more important for us and also make sure that we tighten the security in our waterways to make sure that we support the security agencies in ensuring that the right things are done and then we keep pace, he said.

Ambode said it had come to the point that traditional rulers in the state must come together and speak to the baales in Ikorodu to nip kidnapping in the bud.

According to the governor, intelligence reports had it that some of the baales colluded with kidnappers to kidnap people in remote areas.

In his words: This is also a good opportunity for me to say this since the majority of our traditional rulers are here. We just want to pass a message to say that we need to come together and ensure that we speak to all our baales in the communities that we are having issues and also in Ikorodu to say that we must speak to ourselves.

We have intelligence here that some of these things are coming from within and our Kabiyesis and Obas need to do something as quickly as possible to arrest this decadence that we have here.

As far as the Badoo case is concerned, I dont believe that it has anything to do with a disappearing ghost. I dont also believe that the rituals can be taking place, without some people not being behind it. So, I challenge all our Kabiyesis and all our traditional rulers and Baales, we must arrest this situation as quickly as possible and show that traditional value that we have always been known for and then we would continue to support you.

However, the governor said the fire station was being commissioned to enhance safety of lives and properties in Epe, adding that his administration would deliver more fire stations across the State.

Source: ( PM News )
There is unrest among lawyers in Nigeria most especially in Rivers State following the abduction of two of their colleagues in the state.

The victims, identified as Ibim Opusunju and Carol Tolofari, who are the vice chairman and the secretary of the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria respectively, were whisked away on Sunday.

They were said to have been abducted at Isiokpo community in the Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state at about 5pm.

The lawyers were said to have boarded a bus owned by a transportation company, which was conveying passengers to Port Harcourt from Abuja.

Sources said the hoodlums hijacked the bus at Isiokpo and while some passengers were later released, the duo and a few other persons were taken away.

The Chairman JUSUN, Rivers State branch, Mr. George Sokari, called for the release of the two lawyers.

Sokari said, Ibim Opusunju, the vice chairman of JUSUN; and Carol Tolofari, the secretary of the union, were kidnapped on Sunday on their way to Port Harcourt after attending the National Executive meeting of JUSUN in Abuja.

We are appealing to the abductors to release them.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Nnamdi Omoni, said the police had intensified efforts to ensure that the lawyers and others were freed.

Meanwhile, an official of the Vehicle Inspection Service, identified simply as Mrs. Owumi, has beed abducted at her home in Amukpe, in the Sapele council area of Delta State.

It was gathered on Wednesday that the victim, who is the wife of a prominent chief in the area, Chief Tony Owumi, was kidnapped on Sunday alongside her children and one of their male tenants, but the hoodlums later freed the other victims.

A VIS officer, who pleaded not to be named said, The five gunmen waylaid Mrs. Owumis car as she drove out of her compound.

The state police spokesman, Mr. Andrew Aniamaka, had yet to react to the incident as of the time of filing this report.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
Unknown Gunmen have kidnapped the Baale of Shangisha, Chief Mutiu Ogundare, in Magodo, Lagos Mainland. He was said to have been abducted by three men along Center for Management Development (CMD) Road, Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA) on Wednesday . Unknown Gunmen have kidnapped the Baale of Shangisha, Chief Mutiu Ogundare, in Magodo, Lagos Mainland. He was said to have been abducted by three men along Center for Management Development (CMD) Road, Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA)

Sources said he was driving in the company of another chief when the abductors intercepted the vehicle and instructed the men to alight from the vehicle.

According to Vanguard, Ogundares abduction came barely months after he and other residents kicked against the installation of Oba of Shangisha, Oba Jamiu Lawal, claiming that Lawal doesnt belong to the ruling family in the community.

Source: ( Linda Ikeji )
Justice Mohammed Garba of the Court of Appeal in Lagos has given explanation why courts in Nigeria are yet to issue an order stopping the police from parading suspects who have not been declared guilty.

The presiding judge of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, Justice Mohammed Garba on Thursday in Lagos absolved the judiciary of blame in the parade of suspects by prosecutorial agencies.

Speaking at the annual Seminar/Workshop of the National Association of Judicial Correspondents Garba said the court could not make a pronouncement on the legality or otherwise of practice, which could be termed as media trial, because the matter was not brought before it.

Garba, who was represented by Appeal Court judge, Justice Ugochukwu Ogakwu, noted that media trial was now widespread among prosecuting agencies.

He said: Sadly, most of the agencies we have now who have both investigative and prosecutorial powers engage so much in media trial.

But, if they dont blow their trumpet, nobody will blow it for them and its only when they blow their trumpet as to what they are doing that we will know that they are actually working.

What can the judiciary do? The judiciary only works on what is brought before it. Unless there is a case that has been brought for judicial pronouncement, the judiciary will not make any pronouncement on whether it is wrong or not.

So, the judiciary is not self-activating, the jurisdiction of a court is only invoked when such a matter comes for judicial pronouncement and until such matter comes, the judiciary cannot do anything.

Garba described the choice of the theme of the seminar, which is Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015: Innovations, challenges and the way forward, as commendable.

He said the Act contained at least 27 innovative provisions that could revolutionise justice administration.

The judge also lamented that Nigeria appears to have the highest number of confessional statements used as basis of findings during police investigation.

He urged the police to do more investigation rather than waiting for a confessional statements to unravel a crime.

In his presentation the Managing Editor, Online and Special Publications, The Nation Newspapers, Lekan Otunfodunrin, reminded journalists of the constantly changing nature of their profession.

He urged them to keep up with technological innovations to improve their skills or risk losing their livelihoods to new media practitioners.

Otufodunrin said: New media has disrupted the traditional journalism which most of us were trained in and have been practicing for years. There is the need to be alert to new developments in our profession to avoid becoming a relic.

Not only has new technology demystified our long age claim to being Gate Keepers and turned us into purveyors of stale information, the economic recession is gradually strangulating our operations.

Instead of living in denial about our precarious circumstance or dismissing the threat of the new media, it is important that journalists get themselves well acquainted with the new trend in technology.
The Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday, passed a resolution to revive teaching of history in schools for nation building.

The House called on Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to direct relevant ministries and agencies of the state to revive and enhance the teaching of the subject.

The Assembly also called on the states ministry of education to brief the House committee on education on strategies needed to achieve the goal.

The Deputy Majority Leader, Olumuyiwa Jimoh, who moved the motion, said that there had been a decline in the teaching of history in schools.

Our history and collective patrimonies should be taught in schools to address some of the fundamental issues on nation building and give us direction. Without history, we are a lost race; it is through history we know our origin and tradition. We need to resuscitate it and make its teaching compulsory. Without our history, there is no way we can develop,.

Other lawmakers also decried the decline in history teaching in schools, saying that Nigeria had suffered much from the decline.

According to them, history is important for the socio-economic, cultural and political development of the nation.

The lawmakers decried the decision of the National Council of Education in 2007 that teaching of history was not necessary in schools.

The Chairman, House Committee on Education, Lanre Ogunyemi, said it was sad that history was no longer taught in many schools.

Ogunyemi said that subjects such as social studies, civic education and government could not replace history.

The importance of history to mankind cant be overemphasised because it helps us to remember the past and shape our future. No one can kill history no matter how he tries. The earlier we bring back teaching of history in our schools, the better for us,

In his submission, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa described history as a teacher. He said

History is like a teacher teaching us where we were, where we are, and the way to go. It is to our own advantage politically, economically, culturally and others. It is important to return history to our school curriculum.

Source: Yabaleftonline
A 40 year-old man identified as Victor Dashit, has been arrested by the Plateau State Police Command on Thursday for allegedly strangling his eight months pregnant wife, Irene.

According to the court spokesman,Terna Tyopev Victor is in our custody and investigation is ongoing. We shall soon take him to court.

He said that Dashit, a staff of the National Industrial Court, Jos who resides at New Abuja area of Jos, killed the wife, a 33-year-old teacher, at their farm in Kangang, on June 2.

Dashit, after killing the woman, invited his brother to help him to convey her to hospital after lying that she slumped few minutes after she complained of feeling dizzy.

A family source said that prior to the incident, the couple had faced lots of problems leading to persistent domestic violence.

He said that the situation got worse in May 2016, when the deceased caught her husband in bed with their house help, one Nora, in their home.

The woman woke up one night sometime in May 2016 and did not see her husband on the bed. After combing the entire house, she peeped into the house helps room and found her husband on her, the source said.

He said that Irene sent the girl out of the house, but the girl came back two months later and told the husband that she was pregnant.

Noras pregnancy aggravated the problems in their marriage; at a point, Irene fled to her parents house in Gindiri, but was persuaded to return to her husbands house by their Pastor.

The Pastor persuaded her to return in November 2016, after intervening in the quarrel. She became pregnant immediately.

She said that Irene had two daughters, while the baby, a male, removed from her womb after she died, did not survive.

A source at the Air Force Military Hospital, Jos where Irenes corpse was taken, said that the Dashit who brought the wife on June 2, had claimed that she slumped and died after complaining of dizziness.

The doctors confirmed her dead on arrival, but rushed her to the theatre for an emergency CS in a bid to save her unborn baby but brought out a dead child, the source said.

Further investigation by the medics, however revealed marks on her neck, which suggested that she was strangled.

The doctors quickly reported the matter at the Anglo Jos police station where Dashit owned up to strangling his wife, he said.

Tyopev, while describing the incident as unfortunate, blamed the development on alleged infidelity, saying that Dashit had equally confessed to impregnating his housemaid.

He confessed to holding the woman by the neck, but said he did not intend to kill her, he said.

Source:( PM News )
In an amendment bill passed to law by the Senate, students of the National Open University are now allowed to participate in the National Youth Service Corps(NYSC) and also able to attend Law school.

The Senate panel stated that the amendment would bring the National Open university at the level of other universities and to remove the perception of the public about the university in respect of the word correspondence, which gives the impression that the university is not a full-time university and, as such, seen as part-time.

Read the full reports:

These two concepts  correspondence and part-time  significantly affect the way the public views the programs run by the university. This has been the reason why the Law graduates of the school are not admitted into the Nigerian Law School as well as the reason for the non-inclusion of the graduates of the university into the National Youth Service Corps scheme.

Secondly, to include lnformation and Communication Technology as another means of providing tuition towards the advancement of learning throughout Nigeria. The National Open University, as currently run, depends critically on virtual learning and students individual research, hence, the need for improvement and introduction of helpful learning tools as presented by lCT. This will further deal with the challenge of limited access in the tertiary education sector.

Source: Yabaleftonline
A Nigerian pastor has landed in serious trouble after he was dragged to court for allegedly having carnal knowledge of a little girl.

A Minna Magistrates Court on Thursday in Minna ordered the remand of a 33-year-old clergy, Paul Aderinwa, in prison for allegedly r*ping a minor.

Aderinwa was arraigned on a count charge of rape, contrary to section 283 of the penal code law.

The Police Prosecutor, Insp Gunduma Ibrahim, told the court that one Oluwatoyin Joseph of Gurara reported the matter at Kpakungu Police Station on June 28.

Ibrahim told the court that the defendant, also a resident of Gurara, invited the daughter of the complainant to his house under the pretext of sending her on an errand.

He said the defendant deceitfully lured the teenager into his room and had carnal knowledge of her.

When the First Information Report Sheet was read to the defendant, he pleaded not guilty to the charge leveled against him.

The prosecutor thereafter prayed the court for an adjournment to enable police him complete investigation into the case.

He, however, objected to granting bail to the defendant on the grounds that it would jeopardize investigations and that the offence was not ordinarily bailable.

The Magistrate, Mariam Kings, held that her court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter.

She therefore ordered the police to forward the case file to the State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.

Kings, however, ordered the defendant to be remanded in prison and adjourned the case to August 2.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) arrested a suspected human trafficker at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos while attempting to facilitate the trafficking of a victim of out of the country. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) arrested a suspected human trafficker at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos while attempting to facilitate the trafficking of a victim of out of the country.

A victim who was in her early twenties and hails from Edo State was however, rescued and being counselled by officials of the Agency.

The arrest and rescue were done during a joint random profiling operations carried out at the MMIA between Wednesday June 28 and Thursday by NAPTIP-Joint Border Task Force (NAPTIP-JBTF) operatives, mentors and the United Kingdom border Police.

In the operations which lasted over 7 hours on the 2 days, targeted Airlines included Emirate heading to Dubai, Turkish Air heading to Istanbul, Egypt Air heading to Cairo; Ethiopian Airline heading to Addis Ababa; Qatar Ailine heading to Doha; Rwand Air heading to Kigali and another Emirate Air heading to Dubai.

During the operation, passengers were randomly profiled on the floor of the departure hall at the check-in counters. It was in one of such checks that the PVOT was intercepted on the Emirate Airline counter checking in to travel to Dubai while the suspect facilitating her movement was arrested.

While the suspect is presently answering question from NAPTIP investigators at its facility in Lagos, the victim has been sent to the shelter for adequate care.

Responding to this operation, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Julie Okah-Donli commended the operatives of the JBTF. She however, urged all international flight operators to imbibe all good practices in the fight against human traffickers. She however, promised to engage all Airline operators and tour operators to discuss their operation.

Source: ( Linda Ikeji )
Nigeria Police Force have unmasked Evans police allies who secured his release after he was arrested for a bank robbery in 2006.

A Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) identified as Tina has been accused of aiding the escape of kidnap kingpin Chukwudumeje George Onwuamadike (alias Evans) from police custody in 2006.The Nation reports.

Tinas unlawful action was unmasked by a Special Investigation Panel (SIP) constituted by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris to probe Evans 2006 arrest, transfer from Lagos State to Imo State and eventual release.

A senior police officer told reporters that his team apprehended Evans in 2006 after a bank robbery after the kidnap kingpin and his gang member had a gun duel at the National Theatre in Surulere, Lagos Mainland following a disagreement in sharing their loot, adding that the kingpin was shot and left to die.

According to the officer, Tina, who was a Superintendent of Police (SP) at the time, mounted pressure on them to release Evans and two of his members but when her request was not met, she went through Imo State Command, where a signal was sent for the transfer of the suspects.

As a result of these revelations, IGP Idris constituted a panel to investigate the 2006 arrest, transfer and eventual release of Evans and his members.

The panel was to identify all officers who had a hand in the matter, whether serving or retired.

According to a source, the panel has made reasonable progress in its investigation because almost all the officers that took part in the rape of justice have been identified.

He said the police might soon release statement on the issue.

The source said:
The Plateau Police Command on Thursday confirmed the arrest of a 40-year-old man, Victor Dashit, who allegedly strangled his eight months pregnant wife, Irene.

Victor is in our custody and investigation is on-going. We shall soon take him to court, its spokesman, Terna Tyopev, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos.

He said that Dashit, a staff of the National Industrial Court, Jos who resides at New Abuja area of Jos, killed the wife, a 33-year-old teacher, at their farm in Kangang, on June 2.

NAN investigation revealed that Dashit, after killing the woman, invited his brother to help him to convey her to hospital after lying that she slumped few minutes after she complained of feeling dizzy.

A family source said that prior to the incident, the couple had faced lots of problems leading to persistent domestic violence.

He said that the situation got worse in May 2016, when the deceased caught her husband in bed with their house help, one Nora, in their home.

The woman woke up one night sometime in May 2016 and did not see her husband on the bed.

 After combing the entire house, she peeped into the house helps room and found her husband on her, the source said.

He said that Irene sent the girl out of the house, but the girl came back two months later and told the husband that she was pregnant.

Noras pregnancy aggravated the problems in their marriage; at a point, Irene fled to her parents house in Gindiri, but was persuaded to return to her husbands house by their Pastor.

The Pastor persuaded her to return in November 2016, after intervening in the quarrel. She became pregnant immediately.

She said that Irene had two daughters, while the baby, a male, removed from her womb after she died, did not survive.

A source at the Air Force Military Hospital, Jos where Irenes corpse was taken, said that the Dashit who brought the wife on June 2, had claimed that she slumped and died after complaining of dizziness.

The doctors confirmed her dead on arrival, but rushed her to the theatre for an emergency CS in a bid to save her unborn baby but brought out a dead child, the source said.

Further investigation by the medics, however revealed marks on her neck, which suggested that she was strangled.

The doctors quickly reported the matter at the Anglo Jos police station where Dashit owned up to strangling his wife, he said.

Tyopev, while describing the incident as unfortunate, blamed the development on alleged infidelity, saying that Dashit had equally confessed to impregnating his housemaid.

He confessed to holding the woman by the neck, but said he did not intend to kill her, he said.

-NAN
In a determined bid to travel to Europe for greener pastures, a young Nigerian man, hid himself in front wheels of Medview Aircraft from Lagos to London.

SaharaReporters has exclusively shared the photos a Nigerian young man identified as Emmanuel Ugochukwu, who, on Saturday, stowed away in the front wheels of Medview Aircraft from Lagos to London.

The boy was said to have hidden in the plan heading to London from Lagos in an attempt to seek greener pastures abroad. He was found out by authorities who immediately returned in in the next available flight to Lagos.

See more photos below;
Acting President Yemi Osinbajo Thursday has replied the Senate over its call for the removal of Ibrahim Magu, acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Osinbajo categorically said nobody can remove Ibrahim Magu. He made this known in Kaduna on Thursday while commissioning a zonal office of the EFCC.

Represented by Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna, the acting president described Magu as a nightmare for corrupt people.

We have confidence in Magu to fight corruption to a standstill. He will remain the EFCC chairman as long as I remain the acting president and as long as Muhammadu Buhari remains the president, he said.

For those thinking that corruption is beginning to win this war, Magu will remain their nightmare for the next two years or six years as the case may be.

Making personal remarks, el-Rufai said over N500 million had been recovered from corrupt officials of the past government and some contractors in Kaduna.

He added that those officials would be handed over to the EFCC for prosecution.

El-Rufai said because of the zero tolerance his administration has for corruption, the anti-graft agency encouraged him to establish a zonal office in Kaduna.

The governor promised to allocate a piece of land to the commission for construction of its training school and staff quarters.

There is a brewing crisis between the legislature and executive over Magus position.

On Tuesday, the upper legislative chamber resolved to suspend the confirmation of nominees sent by the executive over Osinbajos support for Magu.

Ahmad Yerima, senator representing Zamfara west, had moved a motion to stop the confirmation of Lanre Gbajabiamila as the director-general of Nigeria Lottery Commission.

He wondered why Osinbajo would send a nominee to the senate after he said the upper legislative chamber did not have the power of confirmation.

Yerima was making reference to a statement made by Osinbajo when he spoke with select media organisations, including TheCable, in April.

Osinbajo had expressed support for the view of Femi Falana, human rights lawyer, that the executive did not need to send the name of Magu to the senate for confirmation.

There is an argument, whether or not we need to present him (Magu) for confirmation and thats a compelling argument from Femi Falana, Osinbajo had said.

His (Falana) argument is that under the constitution, section 171, and if you look at that section, it talks about the appointments that the president can make. They include appointments of ministers, ambassadors and heads of agencies such as the EFCC. In that same section 171, the constitution rightly said that certain appointments must go to the senate such as ministerial and ambassadorial appointments. Those of heads of agencies like the EFCC do not have to go to the senate. Thats what the constitution says. But the EFCC act, which of course as you know is inferior, says that EFCC chairman should go to the senate for confirmation.

I am sure that even a pocket book lawyer knows that when a legislation conflicts with constitution, its the constitution that prevails. I agree with Mr Falana that there was no need in the first place to have sent Magus name to the senate.

The senate rejected Magu on two different occasions.

Source: ( PM News )
The Leader of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has told all those that care to listen in an new interview with Channels TV, that it is either Biafra or death. He said, he would not be going to war if it turns out to be the last option for the actualization of his struggle for Biafra.

When asked if there is anything he can accept asides a Federation for Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu replied No. It is either Biafra or death.

Asked if he might go to war if that turns out to be his last resort, the IPOB leader who has a British passport asides his Nigerian passport, said , No because truth is a far more potent and deadlier weapon than bullets. No war. When I say Biafra or death, I mean I will keep pushing, either I am Alive or I die in the process. I wouldnt stop.

He also said that had sovereign National conference been convened by the powers that be, where every ethnic Nationality comes together to say what type of country do we want? Sit down, discuss and agree. I can begin to perhaps submit to the opposition.

According to him, it is way to late for him to submit to any opposition , It is way too late. They have killed so many people. They have ruined too many lives. They have wasted too many souls. How do we bring those people back

On the geographical makeup of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu said Rivers state, Bayelsa, Delta, Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Cross Rivers and Akwa Ibom. Basically South East and South South without Edo state. This also includes Igede Idoma

Reacting to Nyesom Wikes comment that he should not include Rivers in Biafra map, Kanu said He can not say that. It is for the people to decide.

He says he would not change his mind on the creation of Biafra even if the Federal government begins to look at all the issues he has hitherto raised.

No, because of the deceptions of the past. No trust. Abori was there, he was negotiating. Nothing happened in 1968 if I recall. And the CONFAB report, what became of it? How about the 3 Rs:Reconciliation, Reconstruction and heaven knows what else. What became of them? Nothing! The Calabar seaport is not working. Can you tell me why it is not working? How about that of Warri? Why must we allow only Lagos to function as a viable seaport?

Source: ( Linda Ikeji )
A Young boy spotted scavenging for food from a refuse dump. The boy spotted in Suleja, Niger State.

A Facebook user, identified as Precious Bliss, posted his pictures on the platform and disclosed that she saw the boy eating from a takeaway pack.

On Thursday, July 6, took to her social media page to post pictures of this unknown boy with the caption:
Heius, seful ANAF: Doi nemernici, ca nu-i pot numi inspectori Antifrauda, au amendat 4 tarani cu cate 30.000 de lei / Imi e rusine ca asemenea oameni lucreaza in ANAF
Hog Prices Closed Mixed Barchart - 32 minutes ago Lean hog prices were mixed on Friday with 12 to 52 cent losses through the April contract. The deferred contracts closed 10 to 15 cents in the black with May UNCH. The USDA National Average Base Hog Price... HEZ22 : 84.350s (-0.62%) HEJ23 : 94.100s (-0.13%) KMZ22 : 94.900s (-0.63%)

Friday Cotton Closes Triple Digits Higher Barchart - 32 minutes ago Cotton added 116 to 182 points to the upside on Friday after a brief pause for the WASDE numbers. That kept the board under the high on Tuesday, but ended as a weekly gain of 253 points. USDAs FAS... CTZ22 : 88.20s (+2.11%) CTH23 : 86.33s (+2.09%) CTK23 : 85.56s (+1.89%)

Wheats Close in Black on Friday Barchart - 32 minutes ago Wheat futures ended with +1% gains on Friday. KC HRW closed the strongest on Friday with 1.8% to 2% gains, leaving the Dec contract 10 1/4 cents in the red. CBT SRW closed between 1% and 1.3% higher across... ZWZ22 : 813-6s (+1.28%) ZWH23 : 835-2s (+1.15%) ZWPAES.CM : 7.4644 (+1.39%) KEZ22 : 943-4s (+1.97%) KEPAWS.CM : 9.0182 (+2.07%) MWZ22 : 945-6s (+1.53%)

Triple Digit Losses in Friday Cattle Barchart - 32 minutes ago The cattle complex faded on Friday on a recovery in the grain complex. Front month fat cattle futures ended the day $0.72 to $1.77 lower. December contracts were 13 cents weaker for the week. Feeder cattle... LEZ22 : 151.525s (-1.01%) LEG23 : 153.250s (-1.14%) LEJ23 : 157.050s (-0.91%) GFX22 : 176.950s (-0.94%) GFF23 : 178.575s (-1.72%)

Soy Prices Rally on Friday Barchart - 32 minutes ago Front month soy futures ended the day higher on a bounce back from Thursday. Beans closed with 1.6% to 1.9% gains of as much as 27 cents. That left the Jan contract at a net 12 1/4 cent loss for the week.... ZSX22 : 1455-4s (+1.75%) ZSPAUS.CM : 14.2086 (+1.90%) ZSF23 : 1450-0s (+1.90%) ZSH23 : 1453-6s (+1.80%)

Corn Markets Close in Black Barchart - 32 minutes ago Corn futures bounced back into the weekend with gains of 2 to 4 3/4 cents. USDA announced a private export sale of 209,931 MT of corn to Mexico this morning. The Ukraines Ag Ministry had 7.8 MMT of... ZCZ22 : 658-0s (+0.73%) ZCPAUS.CM : 6.5662 (+0.81%) ZCH23 : 663-0s (+0.53%) ZCK23 : 662-6s (+0.49%)

What are we buying? Blue Line Futures - 48 minutes ago The inflation impact on markets.

The Rally Continues, What's Next? Blue Line Futures - 54 minutes ago Our daily video . . .
Real estate developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch Inc. (SMR) intends to build a 185,000-square-foot self-storage facility in Lakewood Ranch, Fla. The four-phase project would eventually comprise seven storage buildings, including a pair of three-story structures. If approved, Big Jim Self Storage would be built on about 6.7 acres at 15107 Garnet Trail, in an area with no residential development, according to the source.

Phase one of the project would include a three-story building comprising 81,624 square feet and two single-story structures. Phase two would include a second three-story building comprising 50,859 square feet.

Though the projects plat and site plans are finalized, Manatee County, Fla., officials are waiting for staff recommendations before proceeding, principal planner Margaret Tusing told the source. SMR has also been involved in the development of Lakewood Ranch, a 31,000-acre master-planned community that includes corporate business parks, medical facilities, recreation areas, residences, retail and schools, according to the company website.

SMR will sell the Big Jim project to another developer once it receives county approval, according to Kirk Boylston, president of Lakewood Ranch Commercial Realty. We have a real lack of self-storage, Boylston told the source.

In addition to commercial and residential development, SMR is a land manager and agri-business, with interests in aggregate mining, cattle, citrus, turf and other activities. Its developing another 80,000 square feet of self-storage in Lakewood Ranch Business Park, near 44th Avenue E.

Big Jim operates eight self-storage facilities in Florida.
World Class Capital Group LLC (WCCG), which operates the Great Value Storage brand, has acquired a pair of self-storage facilities in the Denver metropolitan market for a combined $9.9 million from Business Property Trust LLC. The Best Bargain Storage properties together comprise 102,790 square feet in 724 units. Nate Paul, president and CEO of WCCG, purchased the assets through affiliate company GVS Colorado Holdings I LLC, according to the source.

The facility at 443 Laredo St. in Aurora, Colo., comprises 42,650 square feet in 323 units. Constructed in 1984, it sold for $4.9 million. The facility at 7273 Kearney St. in Commerce City, Colo., comprises 60,140 square feet in 401 units and was acquired for $5 million. The combined land size of both properties is 7.15 acres.

The buyer secured $8.18 million in financing from Irving, Texas-based C-III Commercial Mortgage LLC.

WCCG is a national real estate investment firm focused on acquiring, developing and managing real estate. Its portfolio includes investments in industrial, land, multi-family, office, retail and self-storage properties. The company is headquartered in Austin, Texas, with a significant presence in New York City.

Great Value Storage, a privately owned self-storage company, operates 65 self-storage facilities in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Tennessee and Texas.
Port Hope, ON (July 05, 2017)- At most short track events, starting at the front of the pack would be considered an advantage. Taking the green flag for the 60 lap Organics & Glass Late Model feature run Sunday, July 2 at Peterborough Speedways Chase for the Colours event from the outside pole didnt make any friends with Bryan Mercer. As hard as he tried, the second-generation racer from Port Hope, Ontario, who recently celebrated his 44th birthday, just couldnt get his car to hook-up on the top side of the track.

From the drop of the green flag, the lower line proved to be the quick way around the venue known as Canadas Toughest 1/3-Paved Oval. While he kept his focus on the front of the field, with occasional glances in the rear-view mirror, Bryan Mercer was also processing information from his spotter, who was looking for an opening that help the #81 Chevrolet SS get to the preferred racing groove. By the time that opportunity presented itself, he had dropped to fifth place in the running order.

Dayton Crombie always does a great job, Mercer said. Before the race got started, the crew and I talked about where wed be starting and how to get to where we needed to be. It was a 60-lap race and there was no way to win it on the first lapor even the 31st. Patience was going to be the key to getting the car to the checkered flag in one piece.

As if the stress of looking for a spot in the lower groove wasnt enough, Bryan Mercer had his window net come unfastened on the second lap of the race, forcing him to keep the car under control and drive with just one hand until the shows first caution flag.

After running a limited schedule over the last couple of years, Mercer says hes getting comfortable with his return to regular action at Canadas Toughest 1/3-Mile Paved Oval, where he currently sits in third spot in the Late Model point standings.

The car has felt great so far and with the right mix of speed and racing luck, Im pretty sure that our first main event win of the year is just around the corner.

For the 2017 season, Bryan Mercers program is supported by Sines Flooring, Durmach Tooling, Beyond Signs & Design, Cressman Tree Service, Glass One Autoglass, Facility Services, National Shunt Services, MASS Environmental, Everwood Property Maintenance, Murray OBrien  Re/Max, Erics Auto Body and Pioneer Gas Bar  Port Hope. Clarke Motorsports Communications provides media and public relations services for the #81 Late Model team.

Bryan Mercer returns to action at the years second Summer Toonie Night, with $2.00 spectator grandstand admission and a Fan Appreciation Autograph session  Saturday, July 8th  at Peterborough Speedway. Follow the team behind the scenes and at the track by liking the Mercer Motorsports page at www.facebook.com.

Prepared by: Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

clarkemotorsports@hotmail.com, www.facebook.com/clarkemotorsports

613.968.6410
Halifax, NS  (July 5, 2017) Mother Nature has not been very cooperative this season but this Friday fans will have lots of racing to cheer about at Strictly Hydraulics Night. Five divisions are slated to see action under the lights including the 23rd edition of the 50 lap Shriners Classic. Admission is $15.00 for Adults; Youth (8-15) are $5.00 and children 7 and under are free! Tickets are available at the gate on race day (cash only). Grandstand gates open at 5:00 PM with racing at 7:00 PM.

In the spotlight Friday night is the Strictly Hydraulics Legends division. A staple on the CARSTAR Weekly Racing Series for over a decade, the division has served as home to many racing veterans and a stop on the way up the ranks for the regions up and coming talent.

Take two for the running of the 23rd Annual Shriners Classic which was postponed on June 23rd due to rain  one of the biggest Sportsman races in Eastern Canada  is expected to draw big names to Scotia Speedworld to run for the coveted trophy. Russell Smith Jr (Lakeside) is a two-time and the defending champion of the event and on Friday will look to become only the third driver in event history to win three or more Shriners Classic races.

Pulse Heavy Duty Truck driver Megan Parrott (Beaver Bank) will join Tim Terry as co-host for the 23rd Annual Shriners Classic. Parrott is a two-time feature winner in the division, a graduate of the Hydraulics Plus Bandolero division and is a fan favorite within the CARSTAR Weekly Racing Series.

Shriners Classic Past Winners

1995  Gordie Ryan (#65)

1996  Troy Slaunwhite (#80)

1997  Terry Roma (#38)

1998  Ron Tibert (#64)

1999  Mel Tibert (#01)

2000  Harry Ross White (#18)

2001  Tony Leonard (#74)

2002  James Graves (#27)

2003  Craig Slaunwhite (#99)

2004  Terry Roma (#38)

2005  Terry Roma (#38)

2006  Sheldon Pemberton (#62)

2007  Craig Slaunwhite (#99)

2008  Harry Ross White (#18)

2009  Jeff Dillman (#08)

2010  Colby Smith (#77)

2011  Jeff Dillman (#08)

2012 Jeff Dillman (#0)

2013  Darren Wallage (#3)

2014  Jeff Dillman (#0)

2015  Russell Smith Jr (#44)

2016  Russell Smith Jr (#44)

Scotia Speedworld and the Dartmouth Shrine Club have raised over $341,000 since 1988, with proceeds going to the Shriners Burn Hospital and the IWK Remedial Seating Program. Be sure to pick up your 50/50 tickets at the track on Friday night and support these two worthy childrens charities.

About Scotia Speedworld:

Scotia Speedworld (SSW) is a 3/10-mile asphalt oval racing facility. SSW is the only track in Nova Scotia to host a weekly racing series, which runs May through September and features six different classes of racecars. SSW also hosts special events, including Monster Jam, Nitro Circus and the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour. SSW is located at Exit 6 on Highway 102, across from the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. For more information please click on www.ScotiaSpeedworld.ca or call our Event Hotline at (902) 873-2277 or our office at (902) 481-2514. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sswracing and follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/sswracing
When it comes to getting Asian investors and corporate leaders in the same room, both parties agree: Morgan Stanley is the best in the business.

The firm once again ranked best overall among Institutional Investors latest ranking of Asias Top Corporate Access Providers, this year earning praise from both investors and corporations themselves. The annual list  which Morgan Stanley has topped all five years  was redesigned this year to take into account both sides of the corporate access divide, with separate leaderboards ranking the best firms from both the buy-side and corporate perspective.

After tying for first last year with Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley was voted the singular best by both groups, with the firm earning recognition in 24 sectors covered by the buy-side survey, as well as finishing first in the corporate ranking. Credit Suisse slid to third in the buy-side rankings, while voted second by corporate participants. Bank of America Merrill Lynch, meanwhile, rated fifth among investors and sixth among corporates.

Both investors and corporations rated corporate access providers on their ability to coordinate meetings with executives, arrange site visits and factory tours, host investor conferences, and organize nondeal road shows  all particularly essential functions in Asian emerging markets, where investors typically face a less efficient flow of information, explains Michael Lau, chief operating officer of brokerage and investment firm CLSAs equity advisory division.

Lau, whose firm was voted the third best corporate access provider by corporate respondents, cited information asymmetries arising from language barriers and the overall diversity of Asian countries and markets among the key reasons why good corporate access providers were needed in the region.

The professionalization of the investor relation function amongst corporates is still developing, he says. Whereas developed markets typically have dedicated investor relations teams, many Asian emerging market corporates are reliant on their C-suite or board members to meet with investors.

And without the support of a dedicated investor relations team, actually meeting with management becomes that much more difficult, he adds. Furthermore, Lau says infrastructure and logistics remain a challenge when accessing management in emerging markets  meaning investors need on-the-ground know-how to ensure efficient corporate access arrangements.

Access to management has long been and continues to be a key input among our clients investment processes, he says. Our long history and dedication to the region by having research, sales, corporate access, roadshow, and execution teams located on the ground in all the major Asian markets... has enabled us to build strong relationships, trust with both investors and corporates, and efficient logistical capabilities.

CLSA was rated by corporates as the second-best firm at arranging one-on-one or small group meetings between investors and executives, beating out overall corporate access leader Morgan Stanley, which placed sixth in that category.

Both firms rated highly among corporate respondents for their investor conferences, with Morgan Stanley ranking first and CLSA coming in third. Credit Suisse, which hosted its 20th annual Asia Investment Conference last March, placed second. Morgan Stanley, for its part, hosted its 15th annual Asia Pacific Summit in Singapore last November.

Corporations also chose Deutsche Bank as the best at facilitating site visits and factory tours, and picked HSBC as the best host of nondeal road shows.

Kai Kaufmann, Asia Pacific head of corporate access at Deutsche Bank, says many fund managers would simply not proceed with their listed equity investment unless they met the issuers top management team, as they need several key questions answered before committing to an investment opportunity.

Does the way the CEO and CFO think about their companys market environment, strategy, and financial outlook support my views on the companys equity story and the valuation of its shares? Do I trust and like this management team? Do they have the integrity, knowledge, and leadership skills required to deliver on their communicated operational and financial targets? he asks. The only way to get satisfactory answers to these questions is to meet the top management in person.

From the buy-side perspective, Morgan Stanley, UBS, and Credit Suisse were named the top three corporate access providers in Asia, followed by Citi and Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Morgan Stanley earned recognition in 24 of the 29 sectors covered by the survey, including eleven first place finishes in categories including banks, basic materials, industrials, oil and gas, and information technology. The firm also ranked highest for providing access to corporate executives in China, Hong Kong, and India.

UBS, meanwhile, ranked in 21 sectors and placed first in five. Specifically, the firm earned praise within the consumer/discretionary and consumer/staples industries, as well as telecommunications and transportation. UBS was also voted the best corporate access provider in Australia and New Zealand.

Credit Suisse similarly earned top scores in five sectors on the buy-side survey, with recognition in 15 categories overall. The firm came first in the gaming and lodging, insurance, and technology hardware industries, and was also honored for its corporate access provisions in Indonesia and Malaysia.
This content is from: Portfolio

All I do is just listen to the Fed, and I believe them, says the manager of the Strategic Income Opportunities Fund.
The Government has announced plans to use offensive capabilities in a bid to curb the growing number of cyber attacks.Following the recent, high-profile ransomware attacks which have impacted both global and local businesses, the Government has directed the Australian Signals Directorate to go on the offensive to disrupt, degrade, deny and deter organised offshore cyber criminals.The Government has also set-up a military unit, under the Australian Defence Forces, called the Information Warfare Division which was launched earlier this week.The use of this capability, which is currently used to help target, disrupt and defeat terrorist organisations such as Daesh, is subject to stringent legal oversight and consistent with our obligations under international law, Dan Tehan, minister assisting the Prime Minister for cyber security said.Since its inception at the end of 2014, there have been more than 114,000 reports of cybercrime registered with the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (ACORN) with 23,700 reported in the last six months.Our response to criminal cyber threats should not just be defensive, Tehan continued.We must take the fight to the criminals.Tehan stressed that businesses must be proactive in protecting themselves online as cyber threats continued to rise.Speaking to Insurance Business after the recent Petya cyber attack, Samuel Rogers, national practice leader for cyber risk at JLT , said that businesses need to build a cyber secure culture to help curb risk.The biggest issue, and this is something insurers are paying attention to as well, is building an information secure culture within your organisation, Rogers said.The weakest link, when it comes to information security in any organisation, is between the person sitting in front of a screen and the computer itself.
Some of Australia's largest providers of travel insurance have made a long-awaited move welcomed by the public and mental health sectors. QBE Insurance and Cover-More Australia have recently revised their policies to scrap exclusions that deny cover to people who cancel or change travel plans due to a mental illness that develops after they take up a policy.According to Mike Emmett, Cover-More group chief executive, the change was something the travel insurance industry has neglected for too long, Sydney Morning Herald reported."We recognise the critical importance of incorporating specific cover for people with mental health conditions into our policies," Emmett said.QBE, meanwhile, amended its policy to provide cover due to a first diagnosis of a mental illness after a policy is purchased. The change was made following a landmark win of Victorian student Ella Ingram, who was denied her clam twice for a cancelled trip due to a mental illness, SMH said.A spokeswoman with the company said: "QBE is seeing an increase in travel insurance claims for mental illness, reflective of the increased frequency of diagnosis of mental illness."Commenting on the move, Mental Health Australia chief executive Frank Quinlan told SMH he hoped more insurers would "see the sense in removing such exclusions".Other travel insurers that offer varying degrees of mental illness cover under specific circumstances or added premiums include Bupa , InsureandGo, NRMA, CGU , and Budget Direct, the report said.
The German unit of Swiss insurer Baloise will use a new robo-adviser developed by Deutsche Banks Deutsche Asset Management (Deutsche AM), according to a report by finews.com.Baloise will be the first insurer to used Deutsche AMs robo-adviser, but other partners are set to follow, the report said. The insurer will offer the robo under the brand name Baloise Monviso. A website for the service is already up and running.Baloise will offer its clients Deutsche AM wealth-management services through the internet, and customers will be able to sing up for customized investment packages through Monviso. The entire service, from initial deposit to investment strategy, will be handled digitally, according to finews.com.The service is aimed at people who might not have as much to invest as high-net-worth clients, with a minimum required sum of 400 euros to participate.Deutsche AM expects that three to five other firms will sign up for the service, according to finews.com.
A global brand ranking has made for poor reading for the insurance industry with just three insurers making the top 100.The 2017 BrandZ Top Global Brands report, published by WPP and Kantar Millward Brown, rated Chinese firm Ping An as the most valuable insurance brand, coming in at 61 on the list with an estimated brand value of US$17.2bn.China Life took 78th (US$13.9bn) in the ranking whilst AIA were ranked 97th (US$11.6bn) in the report which measures brand equity based on interviews with more than three million consumers globally, as well as analysis of financial and business performance.In an insurance specific top 10, State Farm (US$9.2bn) and Allianz (US$6.3bn) rounded out the top five whilst global firms AXA and Zurich were also listed.The value of the Asian brands increased 676 percent over 10 years, while the US and European brand value declined 27 percent and 38 percent, respectively, the report noted.Challenges and opportunities for insurance brands remain on the horizon as demographic changes, societal trends and geopolitical uncertainty continue to impact the industry.Overall, insurance brands declined by 1% in value, as the connection between customer and brand remained relatively weak, due to digitisation and the commoditisation of the insurance sector.Businesses and individuals face many new threats, life events, and disruptions that are creating new opportunities for insurance brands to consider, Victoria Sakal, senior consultant at Kantar Vermeer, said.Sakal said that cyber remains a key area of growth as do changes to the sharing economy which have seen more small businesses require innovative cover.Insurance brands should also consider peer-to-peer insurance and on-demand options rather than buying an annual policy, consumers are looking for ways to buy insurance on an as-needed basis or for a specific occasion, Sakal continued.Brokers and insurers alike should look to provide more than risk transfer options. The report highlights as one example the use of telematics as a way to boost driver behaviours.As insurance firms position themselves into the lives of their customers as more than just a grudge purchase, brand value and trust will rise.The report also noted that millennials starting families presented the greatest opportunity for insurance firms.Insurers and brokers should consider how their current value proposition can best be communicated with these younger generations, the report advises, as well as becoming more positive in their outreach.Google were named as the most valuable brand in the world at US$245bn, followed by Apple (US$234bn) and Microsoft (US$143bn).





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New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in May signed a budget bill into law allowing self-driving and self-parking cars to be tested for one year on New York public highways.

Prior to this law going into effect, the technology was prohibited from being tested in New York because of a traffic law requiring all motor vehicles to be operated with at least one hand on the steering wheel, according to Stanley Zator, an attorney at New Jersey-based law firm Einhorn Harris, who recently spoke with Insurance Journals Elizabeth Blosfield about the new legislation in New York and its impact on the ever-changing technology around driverless cars and automated vehicles.

Vehicles to be tested in New York are required be operated with a human driver in the driver seat and carry a minimum of $5 million in liability insurance coverage following the passage of the new law, Zator added.

In addition to the new legislations impact in New York, Zator also discussed possible personal injury laws associated with driverless cars and automated vehicles and how negligence lawsuits could change in the future as a result.

We can already see some economic and political ramifications that are occurring in New York.

Insurance Journal: Could you start off with a brief introduction, explaining who you are and what you do?

Stanley Zator: Im an attorney and a member of the civil litigation department at the law offices of Einhorn, Harris, Ascher, Babarito and Frost, located in Denville, N.J. Were a fullservice law firm with approximately 30 attorneys. We provide legal solutions to our clientele through a wide variety of practice areas. My legal practice is devoted to representing individuals seeking insurance-related benefits in connection with bodily injury claims for auto accidents, medical malpractice, products liability and workrelated injuries.

IJ: Could you talk about some of the main differences between true driverless cars versus automated vehicles and some of the technological advances youve observed so far?

SZ: There is a distinction between selfdriving cars and driverless cars. Selfdriving cars are not fully automated. They require a certain degree of human interaction, which may require a human driver being behind the wheel and performing certain tasks in order to get the vehicle started on a given roadway before switching to something like an autopilot feature. Driverless cars, on the other hand, are completely autonomous without the need of human intervention. Ive often heard of them being referred to like something out of The Jetsons.

IJ: In terms of true driverless cars, from your perspective, what do you see as some of the main benefits?

SZ: I believe driverless cars can offer a number of benefits. The top three that stand out most to me involve safety, productivity and some environmental advantages. Reportedly, 95 percent of motor vehicle accidents result from human error. By removing humans from the equation, driverless cars have the potential to actually significantly reduce car accidents and the injuries that result from them. Driverless cars can also increase productivity for those that suffer from long commutes to work or experience significant traffic delays to where theyre traveling. Rather than being preoccupied by driving in gridlock traffic, the occupant of the autonomous vehicle can divert their attention away from driving and toward a more productive task that could make their lives more efficient. As far as the environments concerned, I think driverless cars have the potential to expand ride sharing and public transportation opportunities that could significantly reduce carbon emissions and result in a cleaner environment, which is actually something that, I think, is currently being done by way of a pilot program with selfdriving cars in Arizona.

IJ: On the opposite end of the spectrum, I was wondering if you could talk about some of the biggest challenges so far that you see driverless cars presenting?

SZ: A few challenges faced by driverless cars are definitely safety and cyber security, at least as it stands now. The technology for automated cars is still in the developmental stages, so there are a number of accidents involving driverless cars and selfdriving cars that have occurred over the past few years. From what I understand, further development and testing is required in order to operate these types of vehicles in adverse weather conditions, as well as more complex environments such as New York City. Obviously, there are added elements in that type of environment, such as a horsedrawn carriages, pedestrians and cars coming from every which way and direction. Its something thats a little bit more complex, and Im not sure that the technology has caught up to that just yet. As it relates to cyber security, theres a likelihood that driverless cars may be susceptible to hacking, which could result in vehicle theft among other crimes, as well as even terrorrelated issues.

IJ: What are some of the challenges personal injury lawyers in particular may run into trying to keep pace with the technology around driverless cars?

SZ: In my opinion, the biggest challenge that personal injury law may face is the potential that a legitimately injured claimant may lose his or her day in court because its not economically feasible to pursue the claim. What I mean by that is that driverless cars may actually shift our notions of liability from traditional negligence suits against a human driver to products liability actions against the manufacturers of these types of cars, as well as the software developers, among countless other developments that are involved in the actual production of these vehicles. In other words, fault wont be determined necessarily by human error, but a defect in the driverless car. Products liability cases, by their very nature, are very complex and costly. If the value of a given claimants injuries dont justify the cost of pursuing those types of cases, that claimant may potentially be turned away because it doesnt make good business sense for the attorney to pursue that case. It will definitely be interesting to see how the law accounts for this type of scenario and whether these types of plaintiffs may be forced to band together in some form of class action lawsuit to spread the risk and cost.

IJ: I know that on April 5th of this year, the New York City legislature approved a bill permitting the use of autonomous vehicles on New York public highways and it got signed into law in May by Governor Andrew Cuomo. What are some of the anticipated impacts that it might have in New York?

SZ: Governor Cuomo did, in fact, sign a budget bill into law allowing selfdriving and selfparking cars to be tested for one year on New York public highways. These vehicles must be operated with a human driver in the driver seat, so they have to be selfdriving cars. They must also carry a minimum of $5 million in liability insurance coverage. Prior to this law going into effect, this technology was actually prohibited from being tested in New York based upon a traffic law that required all motor vehicles to be operated with at least one hand on the steering wheel. As far as the impact on the state is concerned, I think Governor Cuomo is really hoping to create greater economic opportunities for New Yorkbased companies to be further involved in the development of this type of technology. Theres also a push to develop alternative ride sharing and public transportation options, particularly if youre looking down the road at New York City. In turn, you have taxi cab drivers and limo services who are undertaking their own efforts to ensure that theyre not becoming displaced by this type of technology. We can already see some economic and political ramifications that are occurring in New York.

IJ: With the passing of that legislation, what will personal injury lawyers need to keep in mind for the future?

SZ: It will be imperative for New York personal injury lawyers to become familiar with the ins and outs of the law that was recently passed by Governor Cuomo. It will certainly guide their factfinding investigations if they find themselves in this circumstance of representing an individual that was injured by a selfdriving car on a New York highway. I think moving forward, personal injury lawyers should always keep in mind that these changes in technology may result in significant changes to the law as well as the insurance industry, which will make it ever more important obviously to seek out continuing legal education opportunities, as well as engage in dialogue with their colleagues to best serve their clients.

IJ: Weve spoken about how this may impact New York, but are other states expected to follow suit as well?

SZ: Weve already seen a major push for testing in states outside of New York. Arizona, California, Pennsylvania and Florida come to mind, but I anticipate that this list will continue to grow as technology advances and vehicle safety increases.

IJ: To sum up everything weve talked about, what are some of the biggest opportunities and challenges regarding driverless car that well need to keep a close eye on going forward?

SZ: In short, the biggest advantages and challenges to keep an eye on will be, in my opinion, safety and cyber security. Once these issues can be resolved reliably to a satisfactory degree, I think youll see driverless cars integrated into society on a much wider scale.

Listen to the full audio interview here.

Topics Legislation Cyber Auto InsurTech Tech New York
Zurich Insurance Groups board of directors announced it will elect the former group CEO of Swiss Re, Michel M. Lies, as its new chairman. The election will be held at the groups annual general meeting on April 4, 2018.

He would succeed Tom de Swaan who has been chairman since 2013 and a member of Zurichs board since 2006.

Lies has been active in global insurance and reinsurance for almost 40 years, culminating in four years as group CEO of Swiss Re, a position he held until June 2016 when he retired.

Over the past four decades, his career has spanned both the life and non-life segments and has included significant periods with responsibility for growing businesses across Europe and in South America. He joined Swiss Re in 1978, initially working in the life market in Latin America before moving to Europe in 1983, and went on to hold a number of senior positions.

In 1994, he moved into the non-life sector, with responsibility for southern Europe and Latin America. He was appointed head of Swiss Res Europe division of the Property & Casualty Business Group in 2000. In 2005, he assumed the position of head Client Markets and was appointed member of the Group Executive Committee. From October 2010 until his appointment as group chief executive officer in February 2012, Lies served as Swiss Res chairman of Global Partnerships, which works with governments, international development bodies and NGOs to identify ways to jointly mitigate and address global risks and increase resilience. He served as Swiss Res group CEO until his retirement in 2016.

Lies has held a number of external board appointments, including serving as the chairman of the Global Reinsurance Forum, a board member of the Geneva Association, a member of Insurance Europes Reinsurance Advisory Board, a member of the board of directors of the Swiss American Chamber of Commerce, a voting member of the Conference Board and a board member of the Society for the Promotion of the Institute of Insurance Economics at St. Gallen University.

He holds a masters degree in Mathematics from the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich and has completed the Stanford Executive Program and the Senior Executive Program at Harvard.

On behalf of the board, I look forward to welcoming Michel to Zurich. This was a rigorous selection process, with high-quality candidates from across the business spectrum, said de Swaan, chairman of the board and of the Governance, Nominations & Corporate Responsibility Committee.

He brings a wealth of skill and insight gained from a very successful career in our sector, which, combined with his experience at the helm of an important Swiss company, make him the ideal next chairman. In the fast-changing environment in which we operate, his intellect, deep grounding in insurance and ability to deliver results will reinforce both the board and the business. I look forward to a smooth transition as we prepare for his election at the 2018 AGM, added de Swaan.

I am delighted to be joining Zurich, a business I have held in high regard for many years. I have worked extensively with insurance companies and understand the challenging and exciting landscape we are now in, said Lies. I am also equally aware of Zurichs strengths and the opportunities that lie ahead for it and look forward to contributing to it achieving its goals and realizing its full potential as a leader in the sector.

Source: Zurich Insurance

Topics Europe Swiss Re
Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd., the Toronto-based investment and insurance company, has successfully completed its acquisition of Allied World Assurance Co. Holdings, for US$4.9 billion  marking the companys largest purchase yet.

Indeed, Prem Watsa, chairman and chief executive officer, has described the Allied World acquisition as Fairfaxs most significant.

Built by CEO Scott Carmilani since its founding in 2001 by AIG and other investors, Allied World has had an extraordinary track record with an average combined ratio from inception of 90.7 percent and an average return on shareholders equity of 12 percent, said Watsa in a March 2017 letter sent to Fairfax investors.

Allied World writes $3.1 billion in business, and it has a major presence with the large brokers like Marsh, AON and Willis and with Fortune 1000 companies in the U.S., which is why it fits very nicely with our pre-existing businesses, said Watsa in the investor letter.

Watsa confirmed that Allied World will continue to be run by Carmilani, in line with Fairfaxs decentralized style, with no changes other than what he sees fit to implement.

We are not pursuing large cost synergies, as so many other organizations do upon merger or acquisition, he said. This is the beauty of the Fairfax approach: no execution risk and no disruption. Allied World will continue to be built under Scotts vision.

Watsa is often called the Warren Buffett of Canada, because he oversees an insurance conglomerate, bases his investments on their long-term value and runs his companies on a decentralized basis.

Fairfaxs other insurance holdings include Zenith National, which had a 2016 combined ratio of 79.7 percent; Fairfax Asia with a combined ratio of 86.4 percent; OdysseyRe at 88.7 percent; Northbridge at 94.9 percent; Brit at 97.9 percent, and Crum & Forster at 98.2 percent, said Watsa in his statement.

The companys 2016 acquisitions included the following:

Zurich Insurance Groups South African operations, now rebranded as Bryte Insurance.

AIGs insurance operations in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, Venezuela and Turkey.

Certain assets and renewal rights of AIG Europe in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. (Fairfaxs Central and Eastern Europe business is being written out of Luxembourg-based branch, Colonnade Insurance, which was set up in 2015 after acquiring QBEs business in the region).

An 80 percent interest in PT Asuransi Multi Artha Guna Tbk (AMAG), an established general insurer in Indonesia. (As part of the transaction, Fairfax entered a long-term bancassurance agreement with Panin Bank, an AMAG partner.)

In February 2017, the company announced it would pay $144 million for New Zealand insurer Tower Ltd., which Watsa said will give Fairfax a foothold in New Zealand and other countries in the region.

Related:

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions
Managing general agency and surplus lines insurance broker, J.M. Wilson, has Brenda Campbell to senior transportation underwriter in its Portage, Michigan, office.

She is responsible for quoting new and renewal transportation risks, and serving independent insurance agents in Michigan.

Campbell started at J.M. Wilson in November 2004, as an underwriting technician, assisting the transportation underwriters. She was promoted to transportation underwriter in 2006.

Source: J.M. Wilson

Topics Underwriting
In a landmark decision making it easier for citizens to sue government officials who violate their rights, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled that a Democratic appointee can seek damages for alleged political retaliation he suffered under former Republican Gov. Terry Branstad.

In a 4-3 decision, the court ruled that former Iowa Workers Compensation Commissioner Chris Godfrey can bring claims alleging that his property and liberty interests were violated by the partisan motivation of Branstad, Gov. Kim Reynolds and their aides. The court said it wasnt taking a position on the merits of Godfreys claims, which will head to trial along with his allegations that the defendants violated the Iowa Civil Rights Act by discriminating against him on the basis of sexual orientation.

The ruling marks the first time the court has allowed citizens to file lawsuits seeking monetary damages against government officials for alleged violations of rights protected under the Iowa Constitution. The case had been closely watched by government agencies at all levels in Iowa that had urged the court not to open the door to such litigation.

The majority held that damage claims can be brought under the Iowa Constitution if state law doesnt otherwise provide an adequate remedy for the alleged violation.

Godfrey, now chief judge of the board that decides federal workers compensation disputes in Washington, called the ruling a victory for individual rights.

Whatever the impact on my case, this is a decision that is really going to help Iowans who are impacted by improper government actions going forward. Thats a great thing, he said. This decision says that if the government is acting against somebody, the courts will be there to protect people. And we can have a jury thats going to listen to the facts and decide.

Dissenting Justice Edward Mansfield said the ruling will have far-reaching effects, potentially prompting scores of lawsuits from current and former inmates alleging they were wrongly incarcerated. But he said it may have little impact on Godfreys case if Branstad can show that he and his staff had legal reasons for demanding Godfreys resignation, cutting his pay and criticizing his performance.

It is the second Iowa Supreme Court ruling that has gone in Godfreys favor since he filed the lawsuit 5 1/2 years ago. In 2014, the court ruled that state officials can be ordered to personally pay damages if they break the law and were acting outside the scope of their employment. Taxpayers have spent roughly $1 million paying an outside law firm to defend the state in the case.

Godfrey was appointed by Democratic Gov. Chet Culver in 2009 and confirmed by the Iowa Senate to a six-year term as commissioner, a position that rules on appeals involving whether businesses and insurers must compensate injured workers. After Branstads election in 2010, he requested Godfreys resignation so that he could appoint his own commissioner.

Godfrey declined to step down, arguing that the job was supposed to be insulated from politics and that his term didnt expire until 2015. Branstad responded by cutting Godfreys pay from $112,000 to $73,000, the lowest allowed for the position. Branstad, Reynolds  then the lieutenant governor  and aides defended the actions by painting Godfrey as a poor commissioner who was hurting businesses. Godfrey says those statements were defamatory and alleges he was treated more harshly than other appointees because hes gay.

Godfreys lawsuit contends that their actions were politically motivated and damaged his career and reputation, violating his individual property and liberty interests guaranteed by the Iowa Bill of Rights. The June 30 ruling reinstates those claims, which had been dismissed by a judge on the basis that such lawsuits were not recognized in Iowa.

Branstad has said that he sought to oust Godfrey after hearing complaints about rulings from business leaders such as Beef Products Inc. founders Eldon and Regina Roth, top donors to his 2010 campaign. He has denied discriminating against Godfrey and noted he had the power to set his pay.

We are pleased the Supreme Court left intact the defendants affirmative defenses, which we believe will dispose of Mr. Godfreys case, said Branstads attorney, George LaMarca.

Related:

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Legislation Workers' Compensation Iowa Politics
Wisconsins cap on noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases is unconstitutional because it puts severely injured patients at a disadvantage, a state appeals court has ruled.

The 1st District Court of Appeals decision clears the way for unlimited compensation for pain, emotional anguish and loss of enjoyment or reputation.

The ruling stems from a case involving Ascaris Mayo. According to court documents, doctors didnt tell her she was suffering from a septic infection and as a result she fell into a coma and had to have all four of her limbs amputated after gangrene set in.

Mayo and her husband sued the doctors and the state malpractice compensation fund, an account doctors pay into to cover malpractice awards. A jury awarded her $15 million in noneconomic damages and her husband $1.5 million for loss of companionship.

Lawyers for the compensation fund moved to reduce the award to $750,000, the maximum compensation for noneconomic damages allowed under state statutes. The Mayos countered that the cap is unconstitutional.

A Milwaukee County judge sided with the Mayos, finding the cap was unconstitutional as applied in their case. The appeals court went further, ruling the cap is unconstitutional on its face. The court found the cap allows full awards for less severely injured patients but results in reduced awards for the catastrophically injured, amounting to an equal protection violation.

The court went on to say the cap doesnt achieve any of the Legislatures stated goals in adopting it.

Lawmakers included language with the cap that said it was designed to encourage doctors to practice in Wisconsin, contain health care costs by discouraging defensive medicine and providing certainty in damage awards as well as protect the solvency of the state compensation fund.

The number of doctors participating in the fund has grown every year and theres no data indicating a cap has any effect on physician retention anywhere, the court said. Doctors dont face any personal liability thanks to the state fund, which would appear to eliminate the need for defensive medicine. As for the funds solvency, claims against it have decreased since 2005 and as of 2014 the funds assets stood at about $1.2 billion, the court said.

We are left with literally no rational factual basis in the record before us which supports the legislatures determination that the $750,000 limitation on noneconomic damages is necessary or appropriate to promote any of the stated legislative objectives, the courts opinion said.

Attorneys for the fund and the doctors in the Mayo case didnt immediately respond to email messages seeking comment Wednesday morning. A voicemail left at the Wisconsin Medical Society seeking comment on the decisions impact also wasnt immediately returned.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Wisconsin Medical Professional Liability
A big part of risk management is acting to prevent problems before they happen  whether it involves the health and safety of employees, outside market forces, or mergers and acquisitions, according to the risk manager for one of the worlds largest companies.

As director of risk management for Benton Harbor, Michigan-based Whirlpool Corp., Scot Schwarting keeps an eye on myriad issues that impact or have the potential to impact the global appliance manufacturers operations. For Schwarting, effective risk management is about learning the business of an organization and using insurance tools to protect that business.

After graduating from North Central College in Naperville, Ill., with a biology degree, Schwarting was hired as a workers compensation adjuster for Liberty Mutual. Around five years later, he moved into a risk management position with one of his Liberty Mutual clients, the global food supplier OSI Industries, located in Aurora, Ill. From OSI, he was recruited to Whirlpool, where he has been for about 10 years.

Schwarting, who was named to the Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) Risk Management Honor Roll this year, is a strong believer in the use of data to find out what could go wrong and to prevent unexpected calamities.

As an example, he cited a case in which a potential workers compensation issue could have developed on a Whirlpool assembly line. Working with the companys health and safety organization, Schwarting and his team in 2013 began looking at data from one of the companys health centers, focusing on workers who were coming in and complaining about pain in the wrist and are given an aspirin or something else.

While all of those visits did not turn into workers comp claims, they were an indication of a possible problem. A system was put in place in the plants health center to find out what was going on. It recorded data from everyone who came in for treatment and the data was organized to reflect the occurrence of occupational visits versus visits for flu shots, or cold, or things like that. We found out that we had, on average, 82 to 85 percent more data about what was happening in the plant than we did by just managing an OSHA log or a workers compensation claim. It was digitized in a format that we could pull it and do an analysis on it, he said.

The data showed that 67 percent of all the occupational visits to the health center at that plant stemmed from one line. That was not visible when you just looked at workers compensation or OSHA (data). We walked the line with the appropriate people, the engineers. We made an adjustment to the line that didnt cost any money at all. It was just an adjustment to the way that the product was going down, Schwarting said.

Within six months the plant saw a dramatic change  a 62 percent reduction in accidents and workers comp claims. The plant beat its profit plan by $2.5 million for that year and over time another $4.5 million was taken off its balance reserves for incurred but not reported (IBNR) claims.

The Acquisition Proposition

Historically, Whirlpool has grown both organically and through acquisitions, and each merger or acquisition brings its own set of challenges when it comes to integrating them into the acquiring company. Such challenges are not unique to Whirlpool, Schwarting said. But every single time that you do it, what youre really trying to do is take a bowl of spaghetti and unwind all the strings.

For Schwarting, when assessing the risk in a merger or acquisition its important to start with the basics, like the physical elements of the properties being acquired. Where are the buildings at? How are they made? How are they constructed? Are they near things that have exposures? You do that as part of your due diligence, he said.

He described a situation with a large production facility the company had acquired in Brazil. In 2007, the insurance reports for the property program for that facility showed a probable maximum loss of $300 million. Then the financial crisis hit in 2008.

One of the things that you might recall about those years is that a large part of the emerging markets, like China, India and Brazil were growing rapidly, while the U.S. and Europe were facing the economic challenges. That $300 million risk in a very short period of time grew to be a billion-dollar probable maximum loss just because we were producing more product and more profit in those plants, and those plants didnt have sprinkler systems.

An enterprise risk management review showed that the escalation in probable loss was not really any longer an insurance problem  because I can rebuild a building because I have insurance. It was really a problem of, I cant replace us in the marketplace if we arent able to put product out there, and thats a shareholder issue. Once we recognized that it wasnt just an insurance issue, that it was something that we needed to protect the business and create resiliency for, the business opened up and committed to a large project  over seven years and millions of dollars to retrofit  our plants with sprinkler systems.

After addressing the physical properties, its time to look at the people involved, he said. What type of injuries are they having? What are the demographics or the age of the workforce where we are geographically? Its also important to determine the risk in terms of talent acquisition and retention.

Finally, a risk manager has to assess the products that are being made and how they are performing in the industry in areas such as warranty, extended warranty and product liability.

You go through all of those due diligence things. As youre doing it, and youre working with the business, you get a sense of the culture that led to whatever outcome you see from that due diligence, he said. Those are things that I can help with. Ultimately, we take away all of the key learnings and make sure that we institutionalize them across the globe.

Related:

Topics Workers' Compensation Risk Management
U.S. bank regulators disclosed on Wednesday how eight of the nations largest banks would wind themselves down in the face of collapse and gave American International Group Inc (AIG) and Prudential Financial Inc. an extra year to submit their doomsday plans.

The Federal Reserve and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) posted the public portions of living wills submitted by banks including Bank of America Corp., JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. Introduced in the wake of the global financial crisis of 2007-2009, the plans outline how banks would go bankrupt without needing a taxpayer bailout.

Regulators will scour the documents to make sure they are credible. Under the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act, the federal government has the power to carve up a bank if regulators do not believe its plan is workable and in recent years they have faulted more than a dozen banks for drafting overly optimistic or not credible plans.

The Fed and the FDIC gave insurers AIG and Prudential Financial until the end of next year to submit their living wills from an original deadline of the end of 2017. The extension was given to enable the companies to incorporate any guidance regulators may provide on their plans.

Regulators also posted plans from Bank of New York Mellon Corp., Citigroup Inc., Morgan Stanley, State Street Corp. and Wells Fargo & Co.

President Donald Trump wants to relax the living will process, reducing the frequency of having to submit a plan to once every two years and also give the banks more guidance on what to submit. He also wants to eliminate the role of the FDIC in reviewing the living wills.

The living wills are separate from the Feds stress tests, where banks demonstrate stability by showing how they would withstand economic shocks in hypothetical scenarios but failing either process is a black eye for bank bosses.

In June, the Fed cleared all 34 banks that underwent stress testing in 2017.

(Reporting by Pete Schroeder; Editing by Carmel Crimmins, Dan Grebler and Lisa Shumaker)
Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc. has appointed John Doyle as chief executive officer of its broker Marsh, effective immediately. Doyle will report to Marsh & McLennan Companies President and CEO Dan Glaser and continue to serve on the companys Executive Committee.

In this role, Doyle succeeds Peter Zaffino, who has accepted a leadership role at AIG. Zaffino had served as CEO of Marsh since 2011, and as chairman of Risk and Insurance Services since 2015.

The role of chairman of Risk and Insurance Services will not be filled, the company said.

Doyle was named to the newly-created role of president of Marsh in April 2016. Now, as both president and CEO of Marsh, Doyle will continue to oversee the firms global brokerage businesses while assuming responsibility for Marshs Global Risk & Specialties, portfolio businesses and operational functions.

Johns accomplishments and impressive track record of building strong client relationships and inspiring colleagues make him ideal to serve as president and CEO of Marsh, said Glaser. Todays appointment delivers on our strategic commitment to having the deepest and most talented executive leadership team in the industry.

Prior to joining Marsh & McLennan in 2016, Doyle was CEO for AIGs commercial insurance businesses worldwide. He was responsible for AIGs property, casualty, financial lines, specialty lines, institutional markets, and mortgage guaranty products and services. Previously, Doyle served as president and CEO of Chartis U.S. He left AIG in late 2015 following a management shake-up at the insurer by former AIG CEO Peter Hancock.

MMC CEO Glaser thanked the departing Zaffino for his meaningful contributions to our firm, and wished him continued success in the next phase of his career.

Marsh & McLennan further announced that effective immediately, Peter Hearn, president and CEO of Guy Carpenter, will report directly to Glaser and join the companys Executive Committee. Hearn, formerly the chairman of Willis Re, joined Guy Carpenter as its CEO in May 2016.

Related:
Zurich North America has hired Yosha DeLong as vice president of cyber underwriting, a role that expands Zurichs cyber resources as the cyber exposures continue to evolve beyond data security.

DeLong will lead the continued development of the companys cyber risk efforts, including coordinating and monitoring cyber as a peril across all lines of business. She also is accountable for the performance of the Security & Privacy portfolio through technical underwriting strategy and governance; product development; risk selection; and pricing.

Reporting to Joe Sullivan, technical director, Professional, Health, Accident and Warranty, DeLong is based in Schaumburg, Illinois, but will spend time in New York, New Jersey and Chicago as well.

DeLong has more than 20 years experience in the insurance industry having worked as both an underwriter and broker. She was most recently the London Regional Executive for Ironshore Europe Limited, overseeing all IronPro product lines for U.S. business written through London. Prior to her time at Ironshore, she was with Axis Capital.

Topics Cyber Underwriting
Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter has joined the ranks of state attorneys general who have sued manufacturers of opioid pain medication, alleging that deceptive marketing campaigns by the drug makers have fueled the states opioid epidemic.

On June 30 Hunter sued more than a dozen such drug manufacturers, alleging in the lawsuit that they executed massive and unprecedented marketing campaigns through which they misrepresented the risks of addiction from their opioids and touted unsubstantiated benefits.

We believe these companies are culpable for the tragic, heartbreaking number of Oklahomans who have become addicted or who have died as a result of the opioid epidemic in our state, Hunter said shortly after filing the lawsuit.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that opioids, including prescription painkillers, were factors in more than 33,000 deaths across the U.S. in 2015, and opioid overdoses have more than quadrupled since 2000.

Since 2009, Hunter said, more Oklahoma residents have died from opioid-related deaths than in vehicle crashes in the state. The lawsuit states that Oklahoma is one of the leading states in prescription painkiller sales per capita, with 128 painkiller prescriptions dispensed per 100 people in 2012.

We just cant let companies dehumanize the population, Hunter said. You almost feel like these deaths are just statistics on a spread sheet.

Among other things, the lawsuit seeks an injunction against the manufacturers marketing practices and monetary damages that Hunter said he hopes will be dedicated to rehabilitation of opioid-addicted Oklahomans.

Weve got to invest more in rehabilitation in this state, he said.

Hunter said former federal judge Michael Burrage, whose niece died from opioid-related causes in 2006, has been retained to prosecute the case on a contingency basis.

Although the lawsuit seeks damages for opioid-related costs, its also about much more, Burrage said. He said the ultimate goal of the lawsuit is to change the behavior of these companies.

They need to be honest when they make representations to doctors about the effect of a drug. With opioids the doctors were lied to, Burrage said.

Cleveland County District Judge Thad Balkman did not immediately schedule a hearing in the case.

The lawsuit is similar to one filed earlier in June by officials in Missouri. Hunter said lawsuits have also been filed against opioid manufacturers in Ohio and Mississippi.

In April, the Cherokee Nation sued distributors and retailers of opioids, alleging they contributed to an epidemic of prescription opioid abuse. The lawsuit alleged the companies created conditions in which vast amounts of opioids have flowed freely from manufacturers to abusers and drug dealers within the 14 northeastern Oklahoma counties that comprise the Cherokee Nation.

Last week, Hunters office filed five counts of second-degree murder against an Oklahoma doctor in the overdose deaths of at least five patients from the powerful painkillers and other drugs she prescribed.

Dr. Regan Nichols, 57, allegedly prescribed more than 3 million doses of controlled dangerous drugs from 2010-2014.

An investigator found that in 2010, Nichols prescribed one 47-year-old patient a total of 450 painkillers, muscle relaxants and anti-anxiety drugs. The patient died six days later.

Online court records do not indicate whether Nichols has entered a plea to the charges. Her attorneys, Thomas Adler II and Dan Good, did not immediately return telephone calls seeking comment.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Oklahoma Manufacturing Drugs
The Texas Department of Insurance  Division of Workers Compensation is accepting comments through July 7 on an informal draft rule that requires compounded drugs to be preauthorized.

The draft rule was created after the DWC analyzed compounded drug prescriptions for injured employees at the request of a Texas House committee and found that the cost of compounded drugs doubled from 2010-2014, and the average cost per prescription had risen to $829 in 2016. The division used its data on pharmacy billing and an ongoing audit of doctors practices in conducting the study.

According to the DWD, the numbers were concerning because compounded drugs arent recommended as first line medications in treatment guidelines for injured employees. After getting DWCs report, members of the House Committee on Business & Industry asked DWC to address the issues through a new rule.

In response, DWC announced an informal draft rule to require that compounded drugs be preauthorized.

Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved and the FDA does not verify their safety, effectiveness, or quality. The FDA has found that the labeling of compounded drugs often omits important information and that poor compounding practices can result in serious drug quality problems, such as contamination or medications that do not possess the strength, quality, and purity they are supposed to have. Additionally, the FDA has reported its concern that some compounders produce drugs for patients even though an FDA-approved drug may have been medically appropriate for them.

Given these safety concerns, Workers Compensation Commissioner Ryan Brannan said the preauthorization process strikes a sensible balance.

We want to make sure the use of these drugs is being reviewed and that physicians are considering efficacy and appropriateness of alternatives while still ensuring that patients who need compounded drugs will still be able to get them, Brannan said in the TDI-DWC announcement.

Concerns about compounded drugs arent unique to the Texas workers compensation system. In 2014, the Employee Retirement System of Texas began requiring preauthorization for all compounded drugs costing $300 or more. The change reduced ERS expenditures on those drugs from $35.7 million in Fiscal Year 2014 to $1.2 million in Fiscal Year 2015. In January, ERS tightened the requirements even more, requiring preauthorization for compounded drugs costing more than $50.

Brannan said there will be multiple opportunities for public and stakeholders to have input on the rule. He also noted that DWC will educate providers on the steps for preauthorization before any change takes effect. The agency is accepting comments on the informal rule through July 7.

Looking at the Issue

A May report by DWCs Research and Regulation group found that:

The number of compounded drugs increased from 18,020 prescriptions in 2010 to 26,380 in 2014.

The total cost of compounded drugs increased from $6 million in 2010 to $12 million in 2014.

The average cost per compounded drug prescription increased from $356 in 2010 to $829 in 2016.

Almost a third of compounded drug prescriptions were to treat back injuries.

Source: Texas Department of Insurance  Division of Workers Compensation

Topics Texas Workers' Compensation Drugs
Florida is famous for its catastrophic hurricanes, however, we also have our fair share of daily claims such as fire, vandalism and water losses. Florida is now becoming known for what is referred to as the Assignment of Benefit (AOB) crisis.

AOBs are typically a tool used by water dryout and remediation companies. These entities are not licensed or regulated so the State has a hard time cracking down on any reports of perceived fraud and abuse. Everyone has been calling for a legislative fix that would not create unnecessary burdens for policyholders with legitimate claims. Florida has been attempting, unsuccessfully, to get that fix passed for nearly five years and there appears to be no end in sight.

In the Summer of 2016, Floridas Insurance Consumer Advocate, ShaRon James, held a public forum with interested stakeholders in an attempt to find solutions. Everyone agreed on five key points that would go a long way toward solving the problem:

Licensing and regulation of all water remediation, restoration and other entities that engage in insurance claim repairs and/or restoration.

Prevent financial inducements relating to insurance claims with a strict limitation or ban on referral fees paid by contractors, etc.

Require contractors to provide policyholders with an estimate before they can enter into an AOB agreement.

Provide policyholders with a right to rescission to give them a chance to step back and make sound financial decisions

Limiting scope of AOBs to work actually performed by the party receiving the AOB.

Everyone agreed with these common sense fixes but when it came time to bring these solutions to lawmakers, the insurance industry consistently attempted to add additional anti-consumer language to proposed bills. This caused unnecessary disputes that resulted in another failure to pass meaningful legislation this year. Meanwhile rates continue to increase while coverage decreases and Floridians are paying the price.

Last month, Citizens Property Insurance Board of Governors, citing AOB abuse as the reason, approved a form change to their policies that restricts coverage for policyholders who have a non-weather related water loss. If approved by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation this change would allow Citizens to place an artificially low cap of $10,000 on water losses, unless the policyholder agrees to allow Citizens to use their own contractors to make repairs. Its a classic bait and switch. Policyholders will think they have purchased conventional homeowners insurance but will learn the truth only when they suffer a water loss.

The traditional concept of indemnity for Citizens policyholders would no longer exist if this measure is approved by OIR. Policyholders would no longer have a say in what repairs are being made in their own homes nor in who is doing those repairs. If a policyholder decides they feel more comfortable using their own trusted contractor, Citizens will penalize them with an artificially low coverage limit that they were not expecting.

Citizens CEO Barry Gilway confirmed in a recent letter published in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that this policy change would leave 25 percent of Citizens policyholders inadequately covered. Surprisingly, Gilway was also quoted as saying that these changes will in no way fix the assignment of benefits cost-driver that must be addressed by statute.

Why then would it be good public policy for Citizens to request these additional burdens and limitations on policyholders with legitimate claims?

Citizens has referred to their proposed managed repair program on these water losses as voluntary.

If Citizens truly wants to make their program voluntary they should not be restricting coverage that their policyholders have paid for simply because the policyholder wants to choose who is going to repair their home. Sadly, if this flawed policy change is approved, Citizens policyholders wont know theyve been led down the primrose path until its too late.

Related:

Topics Florida Legislation Contractors
A Kentucky pharmacist convicted of illegally distributing hundreds of thousands of prescription pain pills has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.

The U.S. attorneys office in Lexington said in a news release that 41-year-old Lonnie Hubbard was sentenced June 30. He was convicted in February on more than 70 counts, including money laundering and illegal dispensing of oxycodone, hydrocodone and pseudoephedrine.

Hubbard operated Rx Discount of Berea. He was indicted in 2015 on allegations that he distributed pseudoephedrine to others for the manufacture of methamphetamine.

Prosecutors said Hubbard sold to addicts and drug traffickers from Madison, Rockcastle, Laurel, Clay and other Kentucky counties. Customers visited pain clinics in Florida, Ohio, Tennessee, and Georgia to get illegitimate prescriptions from clinics. Hubbard would charge $600 to $1,000 to fill the prescriptions.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Drugs Kentucky
Jurors have found a Florida police chief not guilty of culpable negligence in the death of a woman who was accidentally shot during a citizens academy shoot/dont shoot exercise.

News outlets report that Punta Gorda Police Chief Tom Lewis was acquitted June 29.

Authorities say former officer Lee Coel mistakenly shot and killed 73-year-old Mary Knowlton during a role-playing scenario last summer. Prosecutors had argued that Lewis, as Coels boss, was partially responsible.

Lewis attorney told jurors that it was the officers failure to provide standard safety checks that led to the retired librarians death.

Coel has been charged with manslaughter, and his trial is set for next year.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Florida Law Enforcement
Gov. Jerry Brown is working with lawmakers, business groups and environmentalists to reach a deal on extending cap and trade, Californias landmark program aimed at slowing global warming.

Brown wants a consensus before lawmakers start summer recess on July 21. Reaching a deal this week means the Legislature can vote by Monday, the day before Jimmy Gomez heads to Congress from the state Assembly and takes his reliable cap-and-trade vote with him.

The program puts a limit on the states carbon emissions and requires polluters to buy allowances to emit greenhouse gases. Its the primary way for California to reach its ambitious goal of reducing carbon emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030.

If lawmakers do nothing, the program expires in 2020.

Key pieces of the negotiations are how to regulate local air pollution and contain the programs costs for businesses and consumers.

Assembly Democrats and environmental groups are pushing for a program that would give local air districts power to put additional emissions restrictions on oil refineries in their areas.

A group of 20 Democrats sent Brown a letter in June saying low-income neighborhoods and communities of color near oil refineries and other polluters are not seeing the health benefits of cap and trade. Companies can keep emitting pollutants if they have purchased enough allowances.

The oil industry wants to prevent additional greenhouse gas reductions on oil refineries.

The final deal may include a compromise, putting restrictions on how far carbon regulations can go while also outlining measures for reducing local air pollutants.

The sides also are debating whether to include a price cap on emissions allowances and how high to set it. Industry groups prefer a lower number, but environmental groups want to ensure its not so low that it removes incentives for reducing emissions.

Brown needs support from two-thirds of both chambers, so even one yes vote such as Gomezs is critical.

The Assembly Democrat has said he wants to stay in Sacramento to vote for a deal before becoming a member of Congress on July 11.

A new rule requires legislation to be in print for 72 hours before a vote, so a deal is needed by late this week to allow Gomez to participate in a vote by Monday.

With some Assembly Democrats non-committal, Brown has said he will look to Republicans for support. But their votes are not a sure thing either.

Nancy McFadden, Browns chief of staff, has said reauthorizing the program could improve the next auction for emissions allowances, set for August. Money from the auctions pays for high-speed rail, housing and energy conservation efforts.

Legal challenges and uncertainty over the programs future led demand for pollution permits to plummet last year.

We think we can have a fairly successful auction in August if the market sees California is serious about continuing this program beyond 2020, McFadden said June 21 during a panel discussion. If they have their doubts, and were kind of flailing, and the governor has said we need to do this, and there is no action, well see a market response in that August auction.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics California Legislation Energy Oil Gas Pollution
Denalis first Uber driver has hit the streets following Gov. Bill Walkers recent signing of a ridesharing bill.

The first thing Noah Treky, 36, did was turn on his Uber app after the governors approval in June, The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reported.

When I heard Uber was coming back to Alaska, I started keeping track of the news, Treky said.

Treky was an Uber driver in Nevada in 2015. After returning to Alaska in March, he carefully watched as the Legislature considered allowing Uber to operate in the state.

Treky works in housekeeping during the mornings at a development of private cabins. In the afternoon, he switches into Uber mode and is available until midnight.

If its in Denali, its gonna be me, Treky said.

General Manager Henry Wilton of Denali Transportation Services, the boroughs taxi company, said he isnt too worried about Uber stealing business.

The simple truth is, I have been wicked busy lately, Wilton said. Also, Uber bases their prices on the mileage between pickups and drop offs, he said.

Up here, eventually, that might hurt your bottom line as an independent driver, he said.

Related:

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Personal Auto
Patrick T F Schrievers Gert-Jan Hop

According to estimates, more than 30% of all investments into India have been structured through Mauritius or Singapore. Following the amendments to the India-Mauritius double tax treaty (DTA), the interaction thereof with the India-Singapore DTA (via the Protocol), the amendments to the India-Cyprus DTA, and the impact of the Multilateral Instrument (MLI) on treaties, foreign investors, structured funds and MNEs may look at exploring other jurisdictions such as the Netherlands for hosting investments into India.

To start off the treaties between India and Mauritius, Singapore and Cyprus had provided for residence-based taxation of capital gains. With the revision of these treaties, capital gains should (in principle) be taxed in India for entities resident in these countries. In other words, India should have the right to tax capital gains arising in India. Before foreign investors, structured funds or MNEs start exploring alternatives they should take note that the amendments to (for instance) the India-Mauritius DTA may (at least) theoretically have a limited scope and offer grandfathering provisions. In addition, any alternatives selected require careful consideration and possible revision of the upper-tier fund structure including the loss of beneficiary corporate law benefits.

Observing these conditions and taking notice of the recent international tax climate, as well as the MLI, the India-Netherlands DTA offers the following (beneficiary) ingredients that are valued when setting up companies in the Netherlands:

The India-Netherlands DTA provides for an exemption from Indian capital gains tax if a Dutch shareholder holds: a) less than 10% in an Indian company; b) in case of the sale of shares to a non-Indian resident purchaser; or,c) as a corollary from a group restructuring;

The India-Netherlands DTA includes a most favoured nation (MFN) clause. The MFN clause binds India to apply to the Netherlands any lower rate of withholding tax (WHT) or a scope more restricted than the rate or scope provided for in the India-Netherlands DTA on the said item of income. Hence, the most limited definition of, for instance, fees for technical services (FTS), in all treaties concluded by India can be applied by Netherlands residents; and

With respect to the definition of FTS, the language contained in the India-Netherlands DTA is restricted in comparison to other treaties. Further, the 10% rate mentioned in the India-Netherlands DTA is also the lowest rate applicable to FTS payments in Indian treaties. We would like to note that the wording of the India-Singapore DTA is more or less similar. Unfortunately this treaty has a service PE provision and has no MFN clause.

As a main benefit of the Netherlands we would also like to note that typically any dividends received and capital gains realised on active companies (regardless of the application of a treaty or directive) should be exempted by virtue of the Netherlands participation exemption (without a minimum holding period). Typically this is regarded as a strong feature of Netherlands taxation. Moreover the proposed amendments to the dividend WHT may benefit many investors into the Netherlands. The Netherlands government has proposed to extend the existing withholding exemption for participation dividends (involving active business structures) to parent companies established in countries with which the Netherlands has concluded a tax treaty. To avoid abusive situations the exemption will not apply to artificial arrangements and will only apply to active business structures. The legislative proposal is intended to become effective from January 1 2018. Without having to meet some of the stringent conditions under tax treaties (such as the limitation of benefits (LOB) provision in the Netherlands-US DTA) foreign investors and MNEs might (i.e. active business structures) end up with a full elimination of dividend WHT (together with the existing WHT exemption for interest and royalties). As a result, US companies may want to explore hosting their Indian investments via the Netherlands.

Attention is, however, required in respect of the impact of the effect of the MLI on (among others) the India-Netherlands DTA. Based on Indias and the Netherlands (provisional) list of reservations and notifications we expect the insertion of the principle purpose test (PPT) as a minimum standard. As per the PPT, the benefit of the tax treaty shall not be granted if obtaining such a benefit was one of the principal purposes of any arrangement or transaction. In addition to the PPT rule, it could be that also a simplified LoB clause (SLOB) is installed. The SLOB seeks to create supplementary conditions to be satisfied to avail the benefit of the Netherlands-India DTA. It is not fully certain, however, whether the Netherlands government followed this position. In any case, new structures need to be set-up with sufficient substance (i.e. active business structures). From a legal point of view the Netherlands or perhaps Luxembourg fund regimes might be helpful as well to support the economic rationale of setting up holding companies.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney has rejected claims that he tried to intimidate a pilot who refused to fly him to Cork for a meeting in 2015, because of fog.

The incident happened when Mr Coveney was Minister for Defence and emerged after internal emails which show the Air Corps being "very unhappy" with the ministers intervention were made public yesterday.

Speaking in the UK, where he was meeting with politicians in relation to Brexit, Mr Coveney said he did not feel reports about the incident reflected the truth.

"That wasnt the situation," he told RTE News. "Im a hands-on Minister in this brief like I have been in all of the briefs that Ive held. Ive picked up the phone and Ive spoken to captains on ships in the Mediterranean, Ive spoken to lead officers in the Golan Heights so I understand the issues that theyre facing to make sure that we understand them.

"This was another example of a hands-on conversation that I would have had but it certainly was not an attempt to influence a decision or to intimidate anybody. Anybody who knows me and has worked with me would know that that is not my style. I am an energetic and at times forceful minister, but I drive myself harder than anybody else that I work with and I have the utmost respect for the Defence Forces and the decisions that they make.

"I have huge respect for the Defence Forces in Ireland and I think its regrettable that this story seems to be telling a different story to that, which of course Im not happy about and I dont think reflects the truth."
US President Donald Trump has arrived in Poland ahead of an outdoor address in Warsaw and energy talks with European leaders.

Air Force One landed in Warsaw on Wednesday night to kick off Mr Trump's visit to Poland and Germany, where he will attend an international summit with world leaders.
A man found guilty of killing two former girlfriends, five years apart, following a long campaign for justice by his second victim's family has been jailed for life in the UK with a minimum term of 25 years.

Judge Mrs Justice Simler said Robert Trigg, 52, was responsible for causing the two women's "senseless deaths", and then lied about the circumstances.

Unemployed Trigg murdered Susan Nicholson, 52, in 2011, five years after he killed mother-of-four Caroline Devlin, 35, in her bed.

Foul play was ruled out following both deaths in Worthing, West Sussex, and Trigg, who has a history of domestic abuse against women, was initially treated as a bereaved partner rather than a suspect.

The death of Ms Devlin, whose body was found by one of her children on Mother's Day 2006, was originally recorded as being due to natural causes, an aneurysm, following a post-mortem examination.

And an inquest held in 2011 into Ms Nicholson's death ruled she died accidentally after Trigg claimed he inadvertently rolled on to her in his sleep while they were on a sofa.

But Ms Nicholson's parents refused to accept their daughter died accidentally and they launched a five-year campaign to challenge the inquest's conclusion.

Ms Nicholson's father, Peter Skelton, said they hired their own experts, including a pathologist and barrister, to prove she was murdered because the police would not listen.

His motivation for pursuing the case stemmed from his deep suspicions over how a heavily-built man like Trigg could roll over and suffocate his daughter on a narrow sofa.

Mr Skelton's persistence finally paid off as he saw Trigg, of Park Crescent, Worthing, convicted on Wednesday of his daughter's murder and Ms Devlin's manslaughter following a 10-day trial.

As he was led into court in handcuffs to be sentenced, Trigg said cryptically: "Isaiah 50, verse 11. They should be in here, not me."

Sentencing Trigg on Thursday, Mrs Justice Simler told him: "The grief and sadness of these two families will never leave them.

"These were senseless deaths and nothing can now restore their lives, nor can any part of this sentencing process restore them either.

"What you, the defendant, will do, I hope, is reflect on his role in causing these senseless deaths."

Ms Nicholson used to work at the exclusive Coutts bank and was promoted to the stocks and shares department before leaving banking to start a family. She had two sons.

In a victim impact statement, Ms Nicholson's mother, Elizabeth Skelton, said the family wanted answers over why she and her husband, both in their 80s, were able to bring Trigg's case to court and not the police.

She recalled hearing the news of her daughter's death, saying: "It was beyond belief. It was hard to accept that she was no longer with us. She wasn't just our daughter but our friend as well."

She said the fight for justice had caused "mental torture" which triggered a mild heart attack in her and caused depression in Ms Nicholson's brother.

In her statement, Mrs Skelton added: "Our fight still goes on. We want answers to unexplained questions and why it was that the police weren't able to bring it to court when us, Sue's parents in our 80s, managed to."

In a separate victim impact statement, Ms Devlin's son, Brandyn McKenna, said: "Our final message is that we don't want to think of our mother as dead and her memory will live on in our hearts forever."
The United States has warned that North Korea is "quickly closing off" the prospect of a diplomatic resolution to the crisis provoked by recent missile launches.

The Trump administration has launched a government-wide effort to identify options for confronting Pyongyang following its unprecedented intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch.

President Donald Trump and other senior officials raised the prospect of punishing countries that trade with North Korea - a threat aimed directly at China, Pyongyang's biggest benefactor.

In a tweet this morning, Mr Trump questioned why the US should continue what he sees as bad trade deals "with countries that do not help us".

At an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Wednesday, Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the UN, called Pyongyang's missile launch "a clear and sharp military escalation".

She warned that "the world has become a more dangerous place" and China has a key role in promoting peace and "preventing a catastrophe".

Ms Haley said the United States does not seek conflict - "in fact we seek to avoid it" - but she said the launch of an ICBM "is a clear and sharp military escalation" and the US is prepared to use its "considerable military forces" to defend itself and its allies "if we must".

"But we prefer not to go in that direction," she said. "We have other methods of addressing those who threaten us, and of addressing those who supply the threats. We have great capabilities in the area of trade."

She said she spoke at length to Mr Trump on Wednesday morning about "countries that are allowing, even encouraging trade with North Korea, in violation of UN Security Council resolutions".

"Such countries would also like to continue their trade arrangements with the United States," she said. "That's not going to happen. Our attitude on trade changes when countries do not take international security threats seriously."

The Security Council has imposed six rounds of increasingly tough sanctions on North Korea to try to rein in its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

Ms Haley said much of the burden of enforcing them rests with China, which is responsible for 90% of North Korea's trade.

"We will work with China," she said. "We will work with every country that wants peace, but we will not repeat the inadequate approaches of the past that have brought us to this dark day."

Ms Haley said the United States will circulate a new Security Council resolution in the coming days "that raises the international response in a way that is proportionate to North Korea's escalation".

- AP
Minister Donohoe released the figures in response to concerns expressed by Deputy Clare Daly over what she claims is the Central Banks inability to fill 200 available positions.

In the 17 months to May, the Central Bank had spent 1.1m on recruitment as it struggles to retain staff being tempted by lucrative packages in the financial services firms.

The bank has a team of 10 staff dedicated to recruitment and it spent 882,000 on fees last year. The overall 1.1m spend over the 17 months comes as the Central Bank reported last month a job vacancy rate of 11%, with 203 posts remaining unfilled.

The 295,335 spent in the first five months of this year includes agency placement fees, assessment tools, advertising, and executive search support services.

At the end of May, the Central Bank employs 1,618.3 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff  the figure was 1,515 at end of 2015.

Minister Donohoe replied: I am informed by the Central Bank that while recruitment for positions across the bank is challenging, and turnover in certain areas, including in financial regulation, is higher than optimal, it is not correct to imply that these challenges are having an impact on the operation of the bank.

The Central Bank has the ability to effectively re-prioritise to meet any increased level of demand and complexity, but where required to, the Central Bank will increase staff numbers as necessary.

He said the bank has filled 189 positions in the first half of 2017: Latest figures available show a net increase of 20 FTEs to the end of May 2017.
Speaking alongside Tanaiste and Enterprise Minister Frances Fitzgerald at the agencys half-year report, Mr Shanahan also said the IDA was satisfied regions outside Dublin were getting a fair share of the financial services jobs and projects that would be lured to Ireland as UK-based financial services companies are forced to relocate to keep a base in the EU.

Asked whether Dublin would benefit disproportionately from the number of financial firms setting up in Ireland because of Brexit, Mr Shanahan said experience showed banks set up bases in time outside the capital.

Amid Brexit and the uncertainty caused by President Trumps tax-cutting plans, a slowdown of investment flows detected in January, February and March has since been made up, he said.

Mr Shanahan said the IDA would likely set the targets for the number of financial services jobs it hopes to lure from the UK from the Brexit fallout in the autumn.

A number of UK-based financial services firms may be unwilling to publicly announce plans for the time being, he said. Brexit raised both opportunities and challenges because multinationals already based here and who rely on the UK market could be affected, he said.

There were now almost 200,000 jobs provided by foreign-owned companies across the State.

The number of IDA-linked jobs in Dublin and the Mid East has increased 6% to over 95,050; South West jobs have risen 5% to over 36,060; while there has been a 4% rise to 14,400 in IDA-related jobs in the South East.

The Mid West jobs count has climbed 10% to 17,140; the West has recorded an 8% increase to 22,070; the Border jobs count has risen 5% to almost 10,870; but Midlands jobs have risen by only 1% to 4,280.

The overall sentiment toward Ireland is overwhelmingly positive, Mr Shanahan said.

Most companies are planning on the basis that Brexit may be at the harder end of the spectrum, he said, but the prospects of a hard border doesnt come up in discussion because for many financial services the border is not a big impediment.

Obviously, it is a huge issue for other perspectives across the island of Ireland but firms have taken comfort from Irish and UK government pledges to make a frictionless border, he said.

Investment by technology and services firms was as strong as it has ever been, he said.
The teenagers parents appeared at Letterkenny District Court in Co Donegal charged with failing to ensure she attended school under the Education and Welfare Act.

The case of the girl, who is from east Donegal, had been adjourned from a previous occasion to see if there had been any improvement in the girls school attendance.

Judge Paul Kelly had warned the childs parents that if their child missed any school days in between the court appearances without a medical cert that he would send the girls father to jail.

The court heard the girl had since missed three days.

Niall McWalters, solicitor for the girl, said she had been off school because of an illness which stemmed from an asthmatic condition. No medical certificates were handed into court.

The solicitor said the situation had improved dramatically and the girl had just sat her Junior Cert and expressed a desire to complete her Leaving Certificate.

The familys solicitor said the girl was described bright and intelligent by her teachers.

Members of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency were in court for the hearing.

Judge Kelly said the girls parents, who sat at the back of the courtroom, had a responsibility to allow and encourage their daughter to get an education.

They have a responsibility to their child to make sure she attends school and receives a proper education. This does not mean taking her away for weekends or whatever, he said. Judge Kelly sentenced the girls father to 14 days in prison and fined her mother 500.

However, he deferred the sentence until October to see if the girl returned to school and how the case progressed.
During Finance Questions, junior minister Michael Darcy said he could not guarantee full repayment to the near 1,600 victims, but he and his officials would do their very best to ensure the best possible return.

He said the High Court can order payments out of the Insurance Compensation Fund up to 65%, or 825,000, whichever is the lesser. The liquidator has confirmed to the department that, as of June 20, the number of open claims is 1,578.

Mr Darcy told Fianna Fails finance spokesman Michael McGrath that 324 claims are ready for settlement which have been validated by the State Claims Agency.

The process for bringing these claims to the High Court for approval has commenced but a date has yet to be agreed, he said.

Over and above the 65% ICF, insurance compensation fund payment, it is expected that a proportion of the balance of money due to third-party claimants will be met from the proceeds of the distribution of Setantas assets on completion of the liquidation process.

However, it is not possible to say definitively at this stage what proportion of the claims this will amount to. Current indications are that this is unlikely to be sufficient to cover the entire 35% gap, however, he said.

In response, Mr McGrath said the system has failed the people in question.

Of course, the company itself failed the people and has principle responsibility, he said. The system of regulation and also the State failed them. Those involved have had their lives put on hold due to accidents, some of which happened well before the liquidation of Setanta in 2014.

Some involve serious injuries and the minister of state knows of one particular case in which fatalities were involved. There are court awards of which not one cent has yet been paid. This is fundamentally unfair.

Mr McGrath called on the minister to sit down with the insurance industry to agree a way of ensuring the claimants involved will get 100% of their claims.

In response, Mr Darcy said: The State simply cannot intervene at this stage. We will review it and see what the shortfall will be. However, we do not know what it is and we cannot commit to an open-ended shortfall at this moment.

I will give a commitment that I will work with everybody to achieve the best possible result.
IF HIS trophy cabinet is anything to go by, Tom Holland is quickly emerging as one of Hollywoods brightest young talents.

At just 16, the Londoner  a former BRIT School alumni  proved his chops as an actor when he landed his first big screen role in Juan Antonio Bayonas The Impossible, opposite Ewan McGregor and Naomi Watts, and went on to be named Breakthrough Actor of the Year by the National Board of Review and Young British Performer of the Year at the London Film Critics Circle Awards.

Just four years on and it looks as though the industry bigwigs sat up and took note.

For now, at the grand old age of 21, Holland  the most recent recipient of the Bafta Rising Star Award  barely has a day off, flitting from one blockbuster to the next.

Whats the time? he asks when we meet. Im on so many different time zones at the moment that my poor watch is like Can you please keep me at one time?

But Holland has a good excuse for being run ragged: hes mid-way through a gruelling world press tour for his biggest opportunity to date - the titular role in Marvels hotly anticipated Spider-Man: Homecoming.

Having made his cameo in the epic battle of Captain America: Civil War just last year, the handsome star (whose stand-out performance was enough to have cinemagoers asking Andrew Garfield, who?) will reprise the part of Peter Parker as he tries to prove his web-slinging guise is worthy of being an Avenger.

To play Marvels crown jewel, the most popular character in comic book history, is a dream come true for Holland.

Five years ago I was at the Empire Awards in London and one of the interviewers asked me if I could be a superhero, who would I be, he recalls.

I said, In ten years, Id like to be the Spider-Man after Andrew Garfield. I would never have guessed that it would have come true so quickly.

I pinch myself nearly every day, he confides. When I found out I got the part, I was jumping for joy, screaming and shouting  my poor little dog Tess was on my bed and was like, What are you doing? Relax!

Its a crazy thing to be able to say, he muses. I have been in my room as a kid saying I am Spider-Man since I was like five, but now actually being able to say it with some truth behind it is kind of insane.

The eldest of four sons of comedian, novelist and screenwriter Dominic Holland and his photographer wife Nicola Elizabeth (nee Frost), Hollands ability to captivate an audience was first seen when he made his West End stage debut back in 2008, having been cast as Billy in Billy Elliot the Musical.

But refreshingly, the young talent has never entertained the tag of stage school brat, and from his friendly and warm demeanour, it doesnt look like hes set to become a Tinseltown diva any time soon either.

Tasked with the brief to create a character we havent seen before, Holland is under pressure to bring Spider-Mans Peter Parker bang up to date as he features alongside the Marvel Cinematic Universe heroes for the first time.

Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, Parker - who returns home to where he lives with his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), under the watchful eye of his new mentor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr), tries to fall back into his normal daily routine.

But when the Vulture (Michael Keaton) emerges as a new villain, can he be the hero hes meant to be?

With the backup of superhero royalty, it looks likely.

He is like a safety blanket, Robert, states Holland, sitting comfortably in blue jeans, a navy short-sleeved shirt and military boots.

Hes always available to call up and be like, I dont know how to do this  can you help me? Hes always willing to help me out and give me advice and stuff, but the nice thing about Robert is were friends, adds the actor, whose final hurdle for the role was an on-screen chemistry test with the A-lister.

Hes just a nice guy; we can sit down and have dinner and comfortably just relax with each other for a really long time. And Im so lucky that he was willing to show up and help me out on this little picture...

One aspect Holland didnt require much assistance with, however, was the action sequences.

The trained gymnast and dancer, who admits to hitting the gym daily to get his body in good shape for the part, is no stranger to a back flip or two.

If I wasnt an actor Id be a stunt man, and the fact that I have been given the opportunity to do both is really fantastic, quips Holland, who recently starred in James Grays The Lost City of Z and will next appear in Alfonso Gomez-Rejons period drama, The Current War.

But there was one move in particular that tested even his capabilities.

It was the end of the day, they had wrapped me, and I went back to my trailer and ate two chicken burgers, he begins.

And then they were like Oh no theres been a mistake, we need you to come back to set.

I had to put on what we call a corset harness, which is a sort of Kevlar corset and then you put the Spider-Man suit on over the top.

I was basically sitting on my bum, holding on to a web which would then pull me 30-feet headfirst down a lift shaft and the more I scrunched over, the more I could feel these chicken burgers coming up... and because youre in the mask, if you throw up, you drown.

Its made the movie, so it was worthwhile, he concludes, with a laugh. [But] every time I see it I get nauseous.

So stunts, check. Body, check. But how does he fare in the heroic stakes?

I like to think Im a hero, he answers, before quickly adding: But not on his level. The slogan for our movie is Every day heroes can be superheroes every day and I think thats important to recognise that the real heroes are the teachers, the doctors, the people that look after us and make our world a better place.

I really enjoy going to visit childrens hospitals; its something that me and Sony feel very passionate about and its probably the highlight of the tour for me, says Holland, who will return for the yet untitled Spider-Man sequel, planned for 2019.

When I was a kid, Spider-Man had such a huge impact on me, so I like to be able to continue how I felt as a kid to kids all around the world, he finishes. So if I can do that I will be very happy.

Spider-Man: Homecoming is in cinemas now
Having spent yesterday in Poland, US president Donald Trump will meet with Central and Eastern European leaders today at a summit of the Three Seas Initiative.

Also today, before heading to the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, Mr Trump will address the Polish people.

Mr Trumps decision to visit Warsaw is no accident, and it could have far-reaching consequences for the European Union, and for Polands place in it.

Polish foreign policy is torn between two competing visions. One is based on a right-wing fantasy about resurrecting the pre-Second World War Intermarium project, which would give Poland an important leadership role in the region.

The other, affirmed by the opposition, envisions closer co-operation within the Weimar Triangle (France, Germany, and Poland).

Still, both sides are united in their belief that Poland should have a strong alliance with the US, and should support Ukrainian independence (though the right does harbour some grievances against Ukraine for various historical transgressions).

The Three Seas Initiative covers 12 countries from Estonia to Croatia, in an effort to improve regional energy and communications co-operation.

By creating a counterweight to the German-Russian Nord Stream project, which bolsters Russias energy monopoly in Europe at the expense of European solidarity, Polands initiative also represents the countrys own bid for regional leadership.

And, of course, the Three Seas participants constitute Natos eastern flank, where the US is deploying forces in response to Russian aggression in Ukraine.

What is the impetus for Mr Trumps visit? For starters, he and Polands de facto leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski both want to demonstrate that they are beloved leaders with many allies, and not isolated, deeply unpopular figures.

It is telling that Mr Trump has postponed indefinitely his initial plan to visit Britain, where he would have drawn large protests. In Poland, he can expect to be met by cheering crowds.

That, too, is no accident. Mr Kaczynski clearly sees an opportunity to put on a show for domestic consumption, by using Mr Trumps visit to demonstrate that Poland is a regional leader, rather than a black sheep.

As for Mr Trump, who still fancies himself more of a businessman than a politician, natural gas provides opportunities for deal making and job creation. But, for Europe, gas is much more than that.

For Russian president Vladimir Putin, its a political weapon; for Poland, its a means of security; for Germany, its all of these.

Germany is regarded by the Trump administration as an economic rival and by Poland as a potential security threat, owing to its energy alliance with Russia. If the US Congress approves new sanctions prohibiting co-operation with companies involved with Russian energy suppliers, the future of Nord Stream will be called into question. That would undermine German economic interests and create an opportunity for the US to sell gas to Europe.

As it happens, the first delivery of American liquefied natural gas recently arrived at a new gas terminal in Swinoujscie.

To achieve economic and political autonomy from Russia, and to establish a North-South axis as an alternative to the dominant East-West axis, it is crucial for Poland that such deliveries continue.

A third factor in Mr Trumps visit is his longstanding disdain for the EU. By visiting Poland before Germany, Mr Trump may be trying to create a split within the EU, similar to when newly admitted member states drew criticism from Old Europe for supporting the US invasion of Iraq in 2003. Still, it would be naive for Poland to trust Mr Trump.

The American president is not known for keeping his promises, and he is clearly fascinated with Mr Putin.

Indeed, one final motivation for Mr Trumps Poland trip is to defuse the ongoing investigations at home of the ties between his election campaign and Russia. By speaking in Poland, which has traditionally been seen as a vocal critic of Russia in the region, Mr Trump may be hoping to remove suspicion.

Either way, the Polish government will tout Mr Trumps visit as a great success, and a sign that Poland is rising from its knees.

Never mind that the visit could threaten Polands relationships with its closest allies: France and Germany.

At the same time, it is unlikely that Russian-German co-operation on the Nord Stream project would collapse.

The European Commission, once a strong proponent of Poland in its bid for energy independence, has no interest in opposing Germany, and is at odds with the PiS government on many issues.

Poland does not use the euro, and it is currently violating the rule of law and other EU norms, while refusing to participate in the EUs refugee response.

At this point, the last chance of integrating Poland into a European defence framework may have been lost already. Mr Trump and Mr Kaczynski have prepared quite a show. But fictions can have very real consequences.

Slawomir Sierakowski, founder of the Krytyka Polityczna movement, is director of the Institute for Advanced Study, Warsaw.
Yesterday, tribunal chair Judge Peter Charleton aired one of the strange coincidences. The witness was Laura Brophy, the counsellor who in 2013 made a catastrophic error in mistakenly describing a relatively innocuous allegation against Sgt Maurice McCabe as one of a most serious sexual abuse.

This followed a counselling session with Ms D, the daughter of a colleague of Sgt McCabe, who was retelling an allegation she had made some seven years before.

The allegation had been one of inappropriately touching her, and been investigated by the gardai and DPP, which recommended no prosecution.

Judge Charleton outlined a coincidence in timing between the counselling session in 2013 and another event in the life of the Garda whistleblower.

In early July 2013, a few weeks before Ms D attended counselling, Sgt McCabe was subjected to a disciplinary hearing. This concerned a computer which had gone missing from Bailieboro station in 2007 when he was station sergeant.

The computer had been seized from a child-abusing priest and there had been a suspicion it had contained child pornography. Sgt McCabe had nothing to do with the investigation or the storing of exhibits, yet when the matter came to light in 2010, he was the one targeted for disciplinary action. By then, he was reporting malpractice in the gardai and was not a popular figure among swathes of the force.

The disciplinary process eventually cleared him but the OHiggins commission noted it was understandable Sgt McCabe felt he had been targeted because of his whistleblowing.

Around the time that matter was reaching a head behind the closed doors of the force, a counselling session was taking place behind other closed doors.

Following that counselling session, Ms Ds allegation dating from 2006 was mistakenly recorded as one involving digital and anal penetration, and a threat against Ms Ds father if she told anybody about it. The information was erroneously lifted from an entirely separate case.

So now there were two issues involving child abuse associated with Sgt McCabe  both entirely false  doing the rounds.

Judge Charleton put to the counsellor, Ms Brophy, a hypothetical scenario around the matter. It is a coincidence of circumstances which would appear to indicate that if you were so minded by making this error deliberately it would have created an enormous amount of trouble for Sgt McCabe. So, in light of all that, would you countenance doing such a thing deliberately?

Ms Brophy recoiled at the suggestion. Theres no way I would ever do anything like that, she said. It is really unfortunate, I had no idea there was this other case that Mr McCabe was being asked about. I can see how it would be catastrophic. I would never be complicit in something like that.

Judge Charleton had to ask the question. His whole brief is to investigate whether there was a campaign to blacken Sgt McCabes name. And part of that will be to identify blunders, conspiracies, and coincidences.

The biggest blunder revealed yesterday was the failure to properly amend the biggest blunder of all. Once the erroneous allegation was discovered in May 2014, the error was corrected. But not really. The line that suggested Sgt McCabe had threatened the girls father was left in. Unbelievably, there was still a false allegation in circulation about Sgt McCabe.

The length of time the erroneous allegation remained unacted on must have been another blunder. The allegation entered the system in August 2013, and action was only initiated in April 2014. What if this case had involved somebody who was a danger to children? Where was the urgency?

The other effect of this slow train coming was that the erroneous, grievous allegation against Sgt McCabe was in circulation through all that length of time.

There was more messing about in the child protection services. Ms Brophy informed the service about the allegation because she had been told there was nothing on file about Ms D. Yet a report, compiled a few days later, refers to the previous allegation being on file.

Ms Brophy also confirmed to the tribunal that on discovery of the error, there was, as far as she knew, no effort to contact Sgt McCabe and tell him what had occurred.

So far, all of these issues appear to have an innocent explanation. The tribunals brief is to continue to probe to check whether, in the midst of blunders and coincidences, anything was used to attack Sgt McCabes character.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning could be boons to law enforcement personnel trying to predict and thereby avoid criminal behavior. But, according to a report at ZDNet from the Interpol World 2017 that is being held in Singapore, tricky privacy boundaries and limitations on the treatment of this data exist.

The report details the great advantages such technologies offer and points out, somewhat ominously, that lawbreakers are starting to use the same technologies to stay hidden and to learn as much about their targets as possible. The last section of the story focuses on the balance between AI and machine learning on one side and peoples right to privacy on the other. There seemed to be no conclusive answer to the issue of balance and boundaries. These issues are certain to proliferate as AI and machine learning become cheaper and more easily available.

This is the sort of question that will become more common:

A delegate then asked how this could impact tensions between privacy and security, especially as governments, in particular the US, sometimes overstepping the boundaries and the European Union especially sensitive about the need to protect data privacy.

It is not an academic question. As the conference was going on in Singapore, the U.S. Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, which was created via an executive order by President Trump in May, was largely being rebuffed in efforts to collect names, addresses, birth dates, political party affiliation, and the last four digits of Social Security numbers from the 50 states. At this point, 44 states have refused or limited the type of information provided, and the overall reaction has been harshly critical of the initiative.

It is unclear if there is a direct tie between the commission and the use of AI and/or machine learning. The main points are that such treatment of the data is possible and could happen. States reactions show a heightened awareness to the privacy rights of citizens and sensitivity to the dangers of misusing that information. CNN offers a detailed state-by-state rundown.

It is clear that the public is growing more aware and concerned. A Pegasystems survey found that 68 percent of about 6,000 respondents think that AI could improve their lives  but only 27 percent are willing to provide information to customer service that would make those improvements possible. Pegasystems pointed out that the current ambivalence  that people want the convenience AI brings but dont want to surrender the information that would make it possible  could be an opportunity for savvy companies capable of threading that needle. The survey found that online retailers (at 34 percent) is the most trusted segment to handle AI. Health care (at 27 percent) is second and banks (20 percent) are third. The government was named as trusted by a paltry 11 percent of respondents.

Carl Weinschenk covers telecom for IT Business Edge. He writes about wireless technology, disaster recovery/business continuity, cellular services, the Internet of Things, machine-to-machine communications and other emerging technologies and platforms. He also covers net neutrality and related regulatory issues. Weinschenk has written about the phone companies, cable operators and related companies for decades and is senior editor of Broadband Technology Report. He can be reached at [email protected] and via twitter at @DailyMusicBrk.
Yesterday I talked about the glimmer of good news, in that organizations are doing more to prepare for potential data breaches and manage overall security.

Improvements are good, but other research shows just how far we have to go to implement effective security plans, and just how difficult it is to keep up with cybersecurity threats.

For example, last month, the Information Security Forum (ISF) released its report, Threat Intelligence: React and Prepare, which found that threat intelligence is often failing organizations.

Threat intelligence should be able to provide a clear picture about past, present and predicted attacks against an organization. However, according to the report:

threat intelligence is failing to deliver on its promise: while 82 percent of ISF Members surveyed have a threat intelligence capability, with the remaining 18 percent planning one in the next twelve months, only 25 percent believe their capability is fully delivering the expected business aims.

ISF said five common problems are causing this threat intelligence letdown:

No common understanding/definition of threat intelligence

Very few able to identify all of the skills required for their threat intelligence capabilities, with large gaps in business implications

The ability to integrate threat intelligence into decision making

Management of threat intelligence capabilities

Uncertainty of how practical considerations, like the use of technologies or collaborations, affect threat intelligence

As Steve Durbin, managing director with ISF, explained in a formal statement:

To efficiently manage cyber risks, organizations must build an accurate view of the threats they face  their capabilities, intentions and actions  and respond accordingly. Many organizations are looking to threat intelligence for this view of their adversaries, but often find it to be ill-defined, costly to buy or produce, and difficult to integrate into decision making. This leads to a failure to deliver the expected business aims.

Durbin went on to say that managing threat intelligence capabilities requires three important elements: the production, content and use of threat intelligence. However, there is also the question of how prepared employees are to grasp the concepts and capability of threat intelligence. CompTIA released a study looking at the IT skills gap and found it is getting wider, at a time when new technologies are emerging and requiring more proficiency and more security.

So what can you do to make threat intelligence work for you? The ISF report has a straightforward list of nine steps that include developing a prioritized list of threat intelligence requirements and clear communications about threat intelligence to the users. But will you have someone on board who can understand the intelligence presented?

Sue Marquette Poremba has been writing about network security since 2008. In addition to her coverage of security issues for IT Business Edge, her security articles have been published at various sites such as Forbes, Midsize Insider and Toms Guide. You can reach Sue via Twitter: @sueporemba
Alibaba recently launched the Tianmao Jingling X1 or the Tmall Genie X1 on Wednesday. This marks the entry of the e-commerce giant from China into the smart home speaker wars.

The Tianmao Jingling X1 is primed to challenge current smart home speakers in the market right now such as the Google Home, Microsoft Cortana speaker, and recently released Apple HomePod. The smart speaker from Alibaba, however, is more of a direct competitor of the Amazon Echo. The Tmall Genie X1 looks a bit similar to the Echo with its cylindrical shape and a light ring that faces downward and lights up the base when triggered.

The Tmall Genie X1 also comes with a voice assistant called AliGenie but there's a catch. The Verge noted that AliGenie only speaks in Mandarin. This means only people who speak and understand the language can take advantage of the Tmall genie X1 smart speaker. It may also prove useful for those who want to learn a new language particularly Mandarin.

Alibaba is not the only Chinese company who's trying to penetrate the digital assistant market. CNBC reported that Baidu and JD.com have also released their own smart home speakers. Baidu, China's equivalent to Google which happens to be country's biggest search engine, has the Xiaoyu Zaijia smart speaker. JD.com, another huge e-commerce site in China, has its own LingLong DingDong.

Alibaba's Tmall Genie is available in limited beta and can be pre-ordered just by signing up on a particular website and waiting for further instructions which should be expected by the middle of July. Those who will be lucky enough to be selected will then be asked to complete the transaction. The Tianmao Jingling X1 can be had for499 or around $74. Once the purchase is complete, the buyers have to wait until July 17 during which the Alibaba smart home speakers aka the Tmall Genie X1 will be shipped.
Local Dems sweep; town rejects pot Every Democrat on the local ballot won their race Tuesday, including Jamestown resident Peter Neronhas re-election as the states top prosecutor, and local voters followed suit with the statewide trend...

Voters rebuff allowing retail pot sales in shops By a margin of 157 votes, the electorate decided Tuesday not to allow local businesses to cultivate, manufacture, test or sell recreational marijuana in Jamestown. The referendum to allow the...

School board agrees to contract with North Kingstown Jamestown students entering high school can continue to choose North Kingstown as their destination for grades 9-12. We are pleased to continue this historic partnership, said Ken Duva, superintendent of...
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Some local restaurant operators say they dont see negatives to allowing the sale of mimosas and Bloody Marys for brunch in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County.

Last week, Gov. Roy Cooper signed into law a bill referred to as the Brunch Bill, which gives local governments the option to pass ordinances to allow the sale of alcohol starting at 10 a.m. on Sundays instead of at noon.

I think its great, Lori Shaver, the owner of Mac & Nellis on Country Club Road in Winston-Salem, said Wednesday of the bill. Its advantageous for my business because we do Sunday brunch and we cant sell mimosas until 12:01 (p.m.). It also brings in more tax dollars for the county and state. Its kind of a no-brainer.

Shaver said she favors local government officials passing ordinances that would allow the earlier Sunday sales of alcohol.

Mac & Nellis currently opens at 11 a.m. on Sundays, but if the 10 a.m. sales on Sunday were approved here, Shaver said she would probably open earlier that day.

At Five Points restaurant on Stratford Road, manager Matthew Saseen said Sunday brunch is one of his busiest shifts.

He said he didnt foresee any negatives to allowing alcohol to be served at 10 a.m.

I cant tell you how many people, especially out of state, try to order a Bloody Mary and we have to tell them to wait, Saseen said. Because we open at 10 a.m. (on Sundays), it means we could start serving as soon as we open.

The Municipalities

Municipalities are already jumping at the chance to have earlier Sunday alcohol sales under the new bill.

On Monday, Carrboro became the first town to do so after its town council voted to allow alcohol sales starting at 10 a.m. on Sundays. The new liquor ordinance would go into effect immediately.

Then on Wednesday, the Raleigh City Council approved earlier Sunday alcohol sales.

The Winston-Salem City Council will consider in August whether to allow the earlier alcoholic beverage sales here. Mayor Allen Joines said the citys Public Safety Committee would take up the matter on Aug. 14.

Assuming a favorable outcome, it would then go to the full council in August, Joines said. I think it would be advantageous for us, particularly with our visitor community. It is an important part of our economy. I dont think it would be detrimental to churches.

A survey of council members found support for the measure, although one, Jeff MacIntosh, said his stance could change if he gets a strong pushback from constituents.

I have not heard anything from constituents, MacIntosh said. I have talked to people in the industry who are very much for it. As Winston-Salem becomes more of a destination for folks outside the community, I can see how that would help bring some additional businesses downtown.

Council Member Derwin Montgomery said hes not opposed to extended hours and that the change in the time allowed for the beverage sales is not a significant amount of time.

Council Member D.D. Adams called the earlier hours great for restaurants and for the city of Winston-Salem.

I feel it will be unanimous, Adams said, predicting no opposition on the council. This one has been coming for a while. I think it is time.

Council Member Robert Clark also voiced support:

I dont have any trouble if someone wants a mimosa with their eggs Benedict, Clark said.

Out in Clemmons, Mayor Nick Nelson said he wasnt sure which way the village council would go, but that he is personally in favor of the change. People and businesses can decide then for themselves whether to partake, he said.

Kernersville Mayor Dawn Morgan would say only that no one has approached her about putting the issue before the towns board of aldermen.

Lewisville Mayor Mike Horn said that dealing with the new law is not likely to be a high priority for the town unless citizens demand action. Besides, he said, Lewisville doesnt have a brunch-style restaurant that might want the extended hours anyway.

But the Rev. Ron Baity, pastor at Berean Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, said he is always opposed to the further distribution of alcohol because of the influence it has on our society. The more it is accessible, the more the possibility exists that there will be more carnage on the highway and broken homes.

Forsyth County

At the county level, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners has not discussed the bill, said Commissioner David Plyler, the boards chairman.

Plyler said he would prefer to get specific details about the bill before commenting about it.

What generally happens is we get into a conversation about these things and something comes up that we didnt know about, Plyler said.

Commissioner Don Martin said he has read news reports about the bill and personally doesnt have a problem with it.

Basically, I think that if youre talking about two hours, youre probably not going to end up with increased alcoholism or drugs for drivers any more than we probably already have, Martin said.

Commissioner Gloria Whisenhunt sees a decision on the bill as more a municipality decision than one for the county because there are more restaurants in the local cities, towns and villages than in the county.
A Chinese court has ordered a mental hospital to issue a public apology and pay compensation to a 38-year-old man after forcing him to undergo conversion therapy. The man was committed to the institution by his wife in 2015. He was subjected to forced medication and injections for 19 days after being diagnosed with sexual preference disorder. The courts ruling [AP report] turned on the fact that the man did not pose a danger to himself or others and did not take a stance on the practice of conversion therapy itself.

LGBTQ+ rights and anti-homosexuality laws have been a matter of international controversy for decades, and have been receiving increasing attention and scrutiny in the past few years. In June the lower house of the German Parliament voted 393-226 [JURIST report] to legalize same-sex marriage. In April Nigeria prosecutors in Kaduna charged 53 men [JURIST report] for celebrating an LGBTQ wedding in violation of the states law against unlawful assembly and the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act . A day earlier Human Rights Watch and other advocacy groups had urged [JURIST report] UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to investigate alleged abuse against LGBT people in Chechnya. According to the open letter, about 100 gay and bisexual men were detained, tortured, murdered or went missing under the authority of Chechen officials.
The EU and Japan formally agreed upon an outline on Thursday for a free-trade deal between two of the worlds largest economic powers. Although the deal still requires further negotiations, it is expected [AFP report] that 99 percent of trade deals between Japan and the EU will be liberalized. Additionally, the outline calls for [BBC report] the two entities to cooperate on other issues such as fighting climate change. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe [BBC profile] met with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and European Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels, Belgium on the eve the G20 summit meeting to sign the deal which has been in planning stages since 2012. The deal gained momentum due to an increase in protectionist policies and the withdrawal [JURIST report] of the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) [NYT backgrounder]. Japan and other Asia-Pacific members of the TPP agreed to move forward [JURIST report] with their deal despite the US backing out. Proponents of the deal between Japan and the EU hope it will send a clear message that many highly-developed democracies are still committed to free trade partnerships that will benefit a global economy.

International trade involving the US has been a point of contention under the Trump administration. The move to withdraw from the TPP represented a fulfillment of a campaign promise [JURIST report] for Trump, and a repudiation of one of former president Barack Obamas most ambitious accomplishments, first passed in June of 2015 [JURIST report]. A statement [text] on the official White House website suggests that the president intended to use a threat of similar withdrawal from NAFTA [official website] to renegotiate the trade deal with Canada and Mexico. In May Robert Lighthizer sent a letter [JURIST report] to Congress communicating the Trump administrations intention to begin the process of renegotiating. However, concerns remain that withdrawing or threatening to do so from such trade deals such like the TPP could ultimately be to the nations detriment long term; Senator John McCain issued a statement [text] concerning the TPP cancellation, calling it a serious mistake that will have lasting consequences for Americas economy.
French judge Catherine Marchi-Uhel was appointed [press release] as Head of the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism on Monday to collect evidence concerning persons involved in Syrian war crimes over the last six years. Marchi-Uhel has experience in criminal law, transitional justice and human rights, and worked for the UN concerning various international affairs. Marchi-Uhel will gather evidence and prepare cases concerning suspected war crimes contributors, with the goal of taking the cases to trial.

This past December, the General Assembly created the Mechanism under resolution 71/248, describing it as the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of those Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011. The Mechanism is primarily charged [JURIST report] with collecting, consolidating, preserving, and analyzing evidence of human rights violations, and facilitating and expediting independent criminal proceedings in accordance with standards of international law. The Mechanism will work closely with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria [official profile], which was established by the UN Human Rights Council [official website] in 2011.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) [official website] ruled [decision, PDF] Thursday that South Africa violated its obligation by failing to arrest Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir [official website] when he visited the country in 2015. Two arrest warrants [text, PDF; second warrant, PDF] have been issued for Al-Bashir involving numerous charges [materials] including crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes of genocide. South Africa contended that because Al-Bashir has immunity from criminal proceedings under customary international law that had not been waived in Sudan the court was precluded from compelling South Africa to detain and surrender him. Although the Chamber disagreed, it declined to refer the country to the UN Security Council because doing so would not foster cooperation. Additionally, South African domestic courts had found that the government had breached its obligations under its domestic legal framework by not arresting Omar Al-Bashir and surrendering him to the Court. Because the South African Government has withdrawn an appeal against the domestic courts ruling, the Chamber concluded that the government has accepted its obligation to cooperate with the Court.

There has been significant criticism of the Sudanese government and the conflict in the Darfur region. Since 2003 the region has faced civil unrest from conflict between the government and rebel groups. In February UN Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Sudan Aristide Nononsi called for [JURIST report] the Sudanese government to protect civilian rights in Darfur. In January the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and international sanctions Idriss Jazairy praised [JURIST report] former US president Barack Obamas recent decision to lift all US sanctions on Sudan. In September Amnesty International reported that the Sudanese government used [JURIST report] chemical weapons on civilians in a region of Darfur between January and September 9 2016.
The New Zealand Parliament [official website] on Thursday formally apologized to the hundreds of men who were criminally convicted under antiquated anti-homosexuality laws. The countrys House of Representatives stated [Twitter account] that it apologizes to those homosexual New Zealanders who were convicted for consensual adult activity, and recognize[s] the tremendous hurt and suffering those men and their families have gone through, and the continued effects the convictions have had on them. Lawmakers also unanimously approved the first stage of a bill [materials] that provides an expungement scheme for convictions for a historical homosexual offense if the conduct constituting the offense, if engaged in when the application for expungement was made, would not constitute an offense under the laws of New Zealand. Under the bill, approximately 1,000 men will be able to have their convictions quashed. New Zealand decriminalized [AP report] homosexuality in 1986 and legalized same-sex marriage four years ago. The bill provides no entitlement to compensation regardless of any fines or losses incurred from the conviction.

LGBTQ+ rights and anti-homosexuality laws have been a matter of international controversy for decades, and have been receiving increasing attention and scrutiny in the past few years. Earlier this week a Chinese court ordered [JURIST report] a mental hospital to issue a public apology and pay compensation to a 38-year-old man after forcing him to undergo conversion therapy. In June the lower house of the German Parliament voted 393-226 [JURIST report] to legalize same-sex marriage. In April Nigeria prosecutors in Kaduna charged 53 men [JURIST report] for celebrating an LGBTQ wedding in violation of the states law against unlawful assembly and the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act. A day earlier Human Rights Watch and other advocacy groups had urged [JURIST report] UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to investigate alleged abuse against LGBT people in Chechnya. According to the open letter, about 100 gay and bisexual men were detained, tortured, murdered or went missing under the authority of Chechen officials.
HOLDREGE  New long-term residential leases at Johnson Lake and Plum Creek were approved Monday by the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District Board of Directors.

About 30 Johnson Lake residents attended the meeting in Holdrege.

Linda Aust of Omaha said most of her lake neighbors are happy with lease terms, except they would prefer a 30-year rolling lease rather than the 30-year fixed lease approved by the board.

Several other landowners had made similar pleas at the boards June 23 committee meeting, saying a rolling lease  continuously for 30 years with a year added annually  would be better for the resale value of their homes.

We feel that (fixed-year) is the direction we should go, CNPPID General Manager Don Kraus said, adding that fixed-year leases are used at all other similar housing sites. He added that Nebraska Public Power District has a 30-year fixed lease with no financing or refinancing issues.

The vote to approve the term and rates was nine in favor, Director Robert Dahlgren of Bertrand against, and Directors Ronald Fowler and David Rowe abstaining because they are Johnson Lake leaseholders.

Lease documents soon will be posted on the www.cnppid.com website and will be mailed to leaseholders.

A big step toward settling the lease issue came at the Feb. 6 board meeting when the directors approved a Power and Recreation Committee recommendation to maintain current lease rates from March 1, 2018, through February 2024.

Kraus said then that the revised rate plan allows Johnson Lake leaseholders to complete payments on the sanitary improvement district before they see an increase in lot lease fees.

The new lease has annual rate increases of 3 percent, beginning on March 1, 2024, and for the balance of the 30-year lease. A 3 percent increase would be $67.50 on the current $2,250 annual lease fee for a tier one (lakefront) lot at Johnson Lake.

The fee for current leases that date to 1995 is 5 percent of the average appraised fair market value of the lots, with values adjusted every 10 years after new appraisals.

A huge concern for Johnson Lake residents was that significant increases in property values seen in recent years would greatly increase the 5 percent fee, perhaps beyond what some families who have owned homes there for generations could afford.

When the six-year rate freeze and then 3 percent annual increase were approved Feb. 6, Johnson Lake Development Inc. President Jean Edeal said, This was a little bit of a surprise. ... This road to finding an agreeable lease has been a long one.

On Monday, the board also approved a hardship policy based on Nebraskas Homestead Exemption. It allows some original leaseholders to qualify for exemptions from the full rate.

Lake homeowner Don Hutchens of Lincoln said the work toward an agreeable lease has been adversarial for three years. He added that the rate change for the new lease was appreciated.

I hope you recognize the investments people have made to that leased land, Hutchens said, and the value of the tax payments made.

I hope that in the future, the leaseholders are viewed more as caretakers of your property, he said, and that is acknowledged by the directors when JLDI representatives request maintenance and improvement funds.

Hutchens also said leaseholders may be a valuable asset at times when Central needs supporters.

We want to do the best we can for everybody here, said David Nelson of Upland, the newest member of the Central board. Can we please everyone? Probably not.

In other business Monday, the CNPPID board approved a water service agreement with the Tri-Basin and Lower Republican natural resources districts for a proposed project to transfer high Platte River flows, when available after all more senior water rights have been filled, into the Republican Basin for interstate compact compliance.

The plan is to divert water from CNPPIDs E-65 Canal, then under Highway 23 west of Smithfield and into the east branch of Turkey Creek for conveyance to the Republican River between Oxford and Edison.

LRNRD Assistant Director Scott Dicke of Alma said the two NRD boards already approved agreement terms, but they still must vote on the written agreement approved by the Central board.

Also Monday, the CNPPID board:

- Was told by Civil Engineer Cory Steinke that Lake McConaughy is at 85.6 percent of capacity, at just under 1.5 million acre-feet, but will be declining. Inflows haver dropped to 627 cubic feet per second, and releases are at 3,100 cfs.

- Was told by Natural Resources Manager Mike Drain that the staff is working with Nebraska State Museum specialists to remove a prehistoric rhinoceros skull found at Lake McConaughy and transfer ownership to the museum.

- Was told by Irrigation Division Manager Dave Ford that irrigation is in full swing and canals are at capacity. The fight against aquatic vegetation continues.
KEARNEY  A former Kearney Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center staffer faces up to three years in prison for inappropriate sexual contact with a teen at the facility.

Samantha Halstead, 29, pleaded no contest to second-degree sexual abuse of a protected individual, a felony, Wednesday in Buffalo County District Court.

Halstead had been a licensed provisional mental health practitioner at YRTC. She resigned her position Aug. 29 before being arrested by the Nebraska State Patrol

In exchange for her plea, Buffalo County Attorney Shawn Eatherton agreed not to file additional charges based on actions at YRTC, records say. Eatherton also wont oppose probation for Halstead at the time of sentencing, if she qualifies.

Marsh accepted Halsteads plea and ordered the state probation department do a presentence investigation. During a presentence investigation, the state probation department compiles background information on a defendant  including family and criminal history, employment, and psychological and chemical dependency  to help the judge issue an appropriate sentence.

Court records say Halstead has completed a sex offender evaluation, and the results will be released to Marsh.

Sentencing will be in August.

Details outlining the incident have been sealed.

@HubChic
A prosthetic arm stolen from a Grand Island man Saturday night was returned to its grateful owner Wednesday after the family paid a $200 reward.

Terry Fishell had the appendage back Wednesday afternoon, only a couple of hours after someone stepped forward.

Family members used 16 exchange sites in Central Nebraska to publicize the theft and offer the reward. Those online sites are aimed at people in Hall, Adams, Merrick and Hamilton counties.

The artificial arm was inside a bag stolen from his truck, which was parked near his house in northeast Grand Island.

Fishell, 48, has two jobs. Hes worked as a diesel mechanic at Grand Island Express for 12 and a half years. He also works at the Pump and Pantry at Highway 281 and Stolley Park Road.

Fishell kept his Pump and Pantry uniform, the artificial arm and deodorant in the bag in his truck.

Fishells niece, Elizabeth Logue, called attention to the theft on the internet.

If the prosthesis could be located, she wrote, the reward would be paid, no questions asked.

At about 2 p.m. Wednesday, Logue received a Facebook message from a male, who said he found the prosthesis in a dumpster.

I went ahead and paid the $200 reward, Logue said.

She doesnt care if the caller was involved in the crime or not. The family will not press charges.

Some people make jokes about artificial limbs, but its not a laughing matter, Logue said.

Her uncle relies on the device to do his job. He cannot go without it, she said. Thats how he cares for his family.

He considers it part of his body, said Logue, who lives in Marquette.

Fishell and his wife have three children.

He lost his left arm 21 years ago to a meat grinder while he was working at Montfort.

Asked if he wanted to comment on the incident, Fishell offered just a thank you for getting it back to me.

The family got an assist from people on the internet. The posting got more than 286 shares, Logue said.
Credit President Donald Trump for softening his stance on immigration to allow youths and young adults brought to the United States illegally by their parents to continue staying here. Trump may understand that although the youths are technically illegal, they had no say in their parents bringing them to the United States, and as long as theyre hurting nobody, they can stay.

In Nebraska there are 3,000 young immigrants protected by DACA, the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals program. Sometimes referred to as dreamers, these young people are taking advantage of opportunities afforded them in Nebraska by holding jobs or attending college. They have lived most of their lives here and regard Nebraska as their home.

President Barack Obama instituted DACA in 2012. Eliminating it had been a theme during Trumps campaign, but he hasnt followed through. If he plans to keep DACA, Trump has made a reasoned and humane decision because so many DACA enrollees, including those who are studying at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, are doing nobody harm, but instead are contributing to our state through their employment and educational advancement.

Not everyone sees things Trumps way. Among them is Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson, who is among a handful of state attorneys general who are urging Trump to eliminate or phase out DACA. Peterson drew criticism from organizations that support DACA and view dreamers as innocent victims of their parents decisions. These DACA supporters claim Peterson has it wrong, to which the attorney general responds that, as Nebraskas top law enforcement officer, his fidelity is to the constitution.

We can appreciate Petersons position. DACA was established by a former presidents executive order, and as such, it could be done away with tomorrow, if thats what Trump decides.

Because dreamers are innocent, yet so vulnerable, we appreciate the humanity in Trumps hesitation to follow through on tough campaign rhetoric. Trump must see that DACA has proven to be a successful program, including in Nebraska.
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China's Ambassador to Canada Lu Shaye participates in an interview at the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Canada, in Ottawa on Thursday, June 29, 2017. The Trudeau government should spend less time bowing down to Canadian journalists preoccupied with human rights and get on with negotiating an important free trade agreement with China, says the country's ambassador. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
A man walks by a TV screen showing a local news program reporting about North Korea's missile firing at Seoul Train Station in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, July 5, 2017. North KoreaAos newly demonstrated missile muscle puts Alaska within range of potential attack and stresses the PentagonAos missile defenses like never before. Even more worrisome, it may be only a matter of time before North Korea mates an even longer-range ICBM with a nuclear warhead, putting all of the U.S. at risk. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Dear KFBers, weve got loads of interesting stories on our Major Headlines you missed today feature, Enjoy!

Some highly-placed personalities are behind Badoo cult

National Leader of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, Gani Adams, has

alleged that some highly placed personalities are involved in the

notorious cult group, Badoo, that have carried out series of attacks in

the Ikorodu town. He made the allegation in a recent interview.

For about two and half years, our coordinators in Ijede have been

giving us a lot of information about Badoo. We realized that some

highly-placed personalities were involved.



They use vacancy adverts, among others, to lure would-be Badoo members

and they put up some telephone numbers. When you call the numbers, they

will call you to come to their office and they will give you money for

empowerment, like N250,000.

From what we have gathered, they normally buy the (bloodstained) handkerchiefs for N500,000, N1m or N1.5m.

A common man cannot afford that money. It is being organised by some

prominent people. The Lagos State Government plays partisan politics

with the lives and property of people whereas the first duty of

government, whether federal, state or local, is to make sure the lives

of the citizenry are protectedhe said

In an interview with TVC yesterday, Adams refuted claims that some

monarchs were behind the secret cult group. According to him, he can

agree with allegations that some chiefs and groups are members of the

cult but he would never agree that a monarch is involved in the cults

activities.

Magu Will Be EFCC Chairman As Long As Buhari And I Remain In Office  Osinbajo

The Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo has said that as long as he remains

the Acting President and President Muhammadu Buharis mandate as

president subsists, Ibrahim Magu will continue in office as the chairman

of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

He made the declaration in Kaduna at the commissioning of the Zonal

office of the EFCC. According to Professor Osinbajo, he will remain the

EFCC chairman as long as I remain the Acting President and as well as

Muhammadu Buhari remains the President.

Police Service Commission Approves Redeployment Of Four Commissioners

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the redeployment of

four Commissioners of Police for effective and efficient policing.

The affected officers are: Johnson Kokumo, the Commissioner of Police,

Armament, is now in charge of the Edo Command; David Akinremi, the

Commissioner of Police and Deputy Force Secretary, is now in charge of

the Taraba Command.

Others are: Garba Umar, redeployed from Bayelsa Command to Anambra

Command and Lawan Ado, Commissioner of Police, General Investigation,

FCIID, is now to head the Kwara Command.

The Head, Press and Public Relations of the commission, Mr Ikechukwu

Ani, made this disclosure in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Zambian President Declares State Of Emergency

Zambian President Edgar Lungu has invoked a state of emergency in the

country after a series of apparent arson attacks, in a move likely to

trigger fresh accusations of government authoritarianism.

Several fires, including one that burnt down the main market in the

capital Lusaka on Tuesday, were described by Lungu as premeditated acts

which if left unchecked could have serious consequences.

My government has decided to invoke Article 31 (leading) to a state of

public emergency, Lungu said in a nationally-televised address.

The state of emergency will be officially imposed after approval by parliament.



Zambia has enjoyed relative stability in recent years, but political

tensions have been high this year after the arrest and continued

detention of opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema.

Hichilema narrowly lost elections last year to Lungu, and has alleged that the result was rigged.

Hichilema was arrested in April on treason charges after his convoy allegedly refused to give way to the presidential motorcade.

He has since been moved to a maximum security prison and it is unclear when he will return to court.

Amnesty International has said Hichilema and five others arrested from his United Party for National

Development (UPND) are victims of a cynical ploy to silence all political opposition in Zambia.

The fire in Lusaka on Tuesday immediately led to accusations of blame

traded between Lungus Patriotic Front (PF) party and the UPND.

FG Will Publish Looters Names, Says Malami

The Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), on Wednesday said the Federal Government would publish the names of treasury looters intermittently after it must have met some conditions.

A Federal High Court in Lagos had earlier on Wednesday gave a ruling

compelling the Federal Government to immediately release to Nigerians

information about the names of high-ranking public officials from whom

public funds were recovered and the circumstances under which funds were

recovered, as well as the exact amount of funds recovered from each

public official.

Justice Hadiza Shagari gave the order while delivering judgment in a

suit filed against the Federal Government by a human rights advocacy

group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project.



The Federal Government had last year, through the Ministry of

Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, disclosed that it had

recovered cash sums of N78,325,354,631.82, $185,119,584.61,

3,508,355.46 and 11,250, among others, between May 29, 2015 and May

25, 2016.

The names of persons from whom the funds were recovered were, however, not made public.

SERAP had last year filed the suit, seeking a court order to compel the Federal Government to make the names public.

In a judgment on Wednesday, Justice Shagari, upheld the groups argument

that by virtue of the provisions of Section 4 (a) of the Freedom of

Information Act 2011, the defendants are under a binding legal

obligation to provide the plaintiff with up-to-date information as

regards the names of the high-ranking public officials from whom the

funds were recovered as well as the circumstances under which the

stolen public funds were returned.

SERAP had, in its suit marked FHC/CS/964/2016, contended that by

releasing the names of the looters, the Federal Government had nothing

to lose.

While answering reporters questions at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Malami said the list would be published intermittently.

He said, Let me place it on the record that we have Freedom of

Information Act in place. And the government is fully aware of its

responsibility.

But we have to take into account and consideration, the fact that there

are some factors that have to be considered as far as making these

disclosures are concerned.

There are matters that are sub judice in court. There are matters of reconciliation, compilations and other associated things.

On the need and compliant basis, the Federal Government has been making public necessary statements.

The disclosure will definitely be made, but it is contingent on

reconciliation of associated considerations as they relate to sub judice

principles; as they relate to concluding, reconciliation and

confirmation of figures.

So that has been done and the government will at the appropriate time

make necessary disclosures perhaps intermittently against the background

of the prevailing conditions relating to the pendency of certain things

and associated things.
A Kilkenny man who dismissed a team of lawyers during his trial for murder, and recalled his own nephew to cross-examine him himself, faces a retrial following a successful appeal.

Tadgh Butler (36), with an address at Seafield in Tramore, Co Waterford but originally from Kilkenny had pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to the murder of Michael O'Dwyer (25) at that address on January 10, 2014.

Butler dismissed his legal team on day six of his trial for murder and recalled his nephew, Mr Anthony O'Grady, which saw a radically different version of events put to him by Butler compared to what had been put to him earlier by Butler's lawyers on his instructions.

The latter version alleged that Butler had accidentally stabbed the deceased when struggling to take a knife off Mr O'Grady - a suggestion which was vehemently denied by Mr O'Grady.

Butler was unanimously found guilty by a Central Criminal Court jury after two hours and 26 minutes of deliberations and he was given the mandatory life sentence by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy on May 15, 2015.

He successfully appealed his conviction on Monday with the Court of Appeal holding that the trial judge ought to have advised him that the new version of events he put to his nephew in the witness box could not have been considered by the jury without hearing sworn evidence in relation to it.

Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Denis Vaughan Buckley SC, told the Court of Appeal today/yesterday(THURSDAY) that his instructions were to seek a retrial.

Butler was remanded in custody to appear before the Central Criminal Court on Monday next.

Giving judgment in the Court of Appeal on Monday, Mr Justice Alan Mahon said the trial judge was entitled to use his discretion to insist the trial should continue in the interests of justice at a time when the prosecution's case had almost closed. The decision to force Butler's hand in this way did not result in the his trial becoming unfair.

However, there was an onus on the trial judge, over and above that which is present when an accused is legally represented, to ensure, as far as reasonably practicably possible that the accused would not take any step which might weaken any line of defence he had clearly adopted.

Mr Justice Mahon said it was clear Butler's line of questioning was intended to establish that he had accidentally stabbed the deceased.

In his closing speech to the jury, Butler recounted again the new version of events put by him to his nephew.

It was almost certainly the case Butler did not understand that in order for the jury to consider his version of events, it was necessary that they should hear it as sworn evidence, Mr Justice Mahon said.

While such would have been in the basic knowledge of a lawyer it is unlikely to have been known by a lay person.

Mr Justice Mahon said the Court of Appeal was in no way suggesting that a trial judge should step into the shoes of an accused's discharged legal advisor.

He said the trial judge was correct in his instruction to the jury that unsworn statements made by Butler in the course of the trial, either when cross examining Mr O'Grady or during his closing speech to the jury, were not evidence, and could not be considered as such by the jury.

He said the trial judge correctly told the jury that it could not consider as evidence Butler's suggestion that his stabbing of the deceased was accidental because Butler had not given that evidence under oath.

In these particular circumstances, the trial judge ought to have gone further than reminding Butler of his entitlement to give evidence under oath. The trial judge should have advised him that if he did not do so, or call other evidence on his behalf, the jury could not consider the new version of events as they had not heard sworn evidence in relation to it.

On that basis, Mr Justice Mahon, who sat with Mr Justice George Birmingham and Mr Justice John Edwards, said the court was satisfied that the conviction ought to be quashed.

Mr Justice Mahon said the Court of Appeal would in due course hear submissions on wether a re-trial should be ordered.

Giving background, Mr Justice Mahon said four men, on the date in question, were drinking in a house in Co Waterford when a row broke out. It was alleged that Butler fatally stabbed Mr O'Dwyer in his side.

Another of the men present, Mr Anthony O'Grady made a statement claiming that he had witnessed Butler stabbing the deceased but at trial Mr O'Grady professed a lack of memory and his statement was admitted by direction of the trial judge under Section 16 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006.

There was also evidence from Butler's ex-partner to the effect that when visiting Butler in jail, he told her that he had stabbed the deceased.

On day six of his trial for murder, Butler parted company with his legal team, led by Brendan Grehan SC, and sought an adjournment to appoint a new team of lawyers.

The trial judge offered Butler the choice of either re-engaging his legal team or proceeding with the case and representing himself.

Mr Grehan, having consulted with Butler, sought leave that he and his team be permitted to discharge themselves from the case because their new instructions were radically different to his pre-trial instructions on which he had conducted the trial up to that point.

Counsel indicated that Butler now wished to recall the prosecution witness, Mr O'Grady, and put a totally different version of events to him.

In pressing for an adjournment to engage a new legal team, Butler said he was unable to represent himself and did not wish to do so.

He told the trial court: I feel that I am not getting a fair trial because of the evidence that I have heard in this case and I should have said this, you know, from the start, but I didn't actually know the way this case was going to play out and there is... my life is at stake here in this case and I feel that I need more time for, to put a proper defence, to be able to have a fair trial in this case.

Prosecution counsel, Denis Vaughan Buckley SC, requested the court to direct the trial to continue.

The trial judge ruled: I take the view that the case should proceed. At this juncture you must take responsibility for the course which you have adopted and it is your responsibility.

Butler then recalled Mr O'Grady and cross examined him which saw a radically different version of events put to him by Butler compared to what had been put to him earlier.

Counsel for Butler in the Court of Appeal, Michael Bowman SC, maintained that he was clearly unfamiliar with basic legal concepts including the principle that evidence is not made up of submissions or comment from the body of the court but is given under oath in the witness box and that the jury could not rely upon comment or submissions in arriving at its verdict.

This misapprehension led to a situation where the accused did not call any evidence to support the defence raised belatedly, as he believed that this was not necessary and that references he made in his closing speech to the jury, did not constitute evidence for consideration by the jury.
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Funding has been approved for the design and planning stage of 80 new housing units at Croker's Hill on the Kennyswell Road in Kilkenny.

At a cost of 14 million, the scheme is one of the largest approved outside of Dublin and Cork this year. Minister for State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government John Paul Phelan confirmed the news this week.

Kilkenny County Councils housing stock has been under pressure for some time and this is a welcome first step in helping to meet the housing needs of families and individuals in the region, said the local TD.

This marks the progress to design and planning stage for these 80 new homes. Ill be liaising closely with officials in Kilkenny County Council and within my own Department to ensure that this project progresses at pace.

The news follows an announcement in March that a sum of 6.7 million has been allocated for infrastructural work to facilitate the development of hundreds of new homes in the west of the city, as well as two new schools.
* Construction companies soar on post-disaster demand hope

* Banking sector falls on profit-taking

By Ayai Tomisawa

TOKYO, July 6 (Reuters) - Japanese stocks edged down on Thursday morning as ongoing tensions around North Korea continued to sap risk appetite, while the retail sector underperformed on dismal earnings from convenience stores.

For the overall market, shares were on the defensive on continued tensions in the Korean peninsula after North Korea fired a missile into Japanese waters on Tuesday.

Investors are also focused on major events this week such as U.S. jobs data and the Group of 20 nations' meeting in Germany, where U.S. President Donald Trump and other leaders are expected to discuss steps to rein in North Korea's weapons programme.

The Nikkei dropped 0.3 percent to 20,018.87 in midmorning trade, and the broader Topix shed 0.1 percent to 1,616.43.

"Investors took profits on stocks such as financials, which gained recently on rising U.S. yields," said Nobuhiko Kuramochi, a strategist at Mizuho Securities. "They are risk averse now, and they want to secure profits before they see the outcome of G20 meeting."

Kuramochi also said demand for overbought Japanese financial companies, which invest in high-yielding products such as foreign bonds, will be determined by whether benchmark U.S. 10-year yields rise to 2.4 or 2.5 percent in the coming weeks. They are currently trading above 2.3 percent.

The banking sector fell 0.5 percent, with Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group dropping 0.7 percent and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group declining 1.0 percent.

The retail sector also lost ground, falling 0.6 percent.

Convenience-store operator Lawson Inc shed 3.6 percent after its operating profit dropped 6.9 percent on the year to 16.25 billion yen for the first quarter ended May. Ministop Co stumbled 3.5 percent after it posted an operating loss of 269 million yen for the first quarter ended May. Meanwhile, retail investors sought investment opportunities in shares in construction companies in the Kyushu region on post-disaster damage repair demand after the region was hit by heavy rain overnight.

Parts of Fukuoka prefecture on the southwestern island of Kyushu were hit by 774 mm (30.5 inches) of rain in nine hours on Wednesday, about 2.2 times the amount of rain that falls in a normal July, NHK national television said. Evacuation centres were set up at schools and government buildings on high ground amid reports of landslides and flooded roads.

Engineering services provider Kyudenko Corp surged 4.5 percent, civil-engineering firm Wakachiku Construction Co jumped 10 percent, while Aso Foam Crete Co , which provides pine line filling, also soared 10 percent.

(Editing by Sam Holmes)
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(The opinions expressed here are those of the author, a columnist for Reuters.)

By Andy Home

LONDON, July 5 (Reuters) - Wanna buy into one of the hottest commodities in town?

No, it's not lithium. That's so much last year's thing. We're talking about cobalt. And this one's really hot.

On the London Metal Exchange (LME) the price for three-month cobalt has leapt from $32,750 per tonne at the start of January to a current $58,500.

This stellar near 80-percent price surge mirrors what happened to lithium prices a year or so ago.

The linkage is both metals' evolution from niche applications to mainstream usage in the batteries that are now powering the green technology revolution.

If a minimum $58,500 bet is a bit too much for you, some bright hedge fund guys have come up with a cheaper option.

For just nine Canadian dollars you can now buy a share in Cobalt 27 Capital Corp , which made its C$200 million ($150.7 million) debut on Canada's Venture Exchange last month. Cobalt 27 describes itself as a "pure-play cobalt investment vehicle", an alternative to investing in producers such as Glencore , for whom cobalt is one small part of a much wider portfolio.

Just don't tell the automotive guys. Because if Cobalt 27 is right in its assessment there is much more upside to the cobalt price, there's going to be some sort of reaction to a bunch of investors holding physical stocks of a strategic metal in short supply.

GETTING PHYSICAL

Cobalt 27 has used a sizeable chunk of its IPO proceeds to exercise options to buy a total 2,157.50 tonnes of physical cobalt. To put that figure into perspective, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimates global production of refined cobalt was 97,400 tonnes in 2015.

The metal will be stored in LME warehouses operated by C. Steinweg (Baltimore, Rotterdam and Antwerp) and the Vollers Group (Rotterdam).

A smaller part of the proceeds will be used to purchase royalties and cobalt streaming agreements from eight exploration-stage properties.

Seven are prospects in Canada, three of them operated by Palisade Resources Corp, and one in Vietnam, operated by Asian Mineral Resources .

The company's ambition is to add to this list.

In essence, Cobalt 27 will offer capital appreciation, assuming the price of cobalt does indeed rise, and cash flow from royalties.

The whole thing is the brain-child of Pala Investments, which describes itself as "a multi-strategy investment company focused on the mining and metals value chain".

Cobalt 27 Chairman and Chief Executive Anthony Milewski is also a managing director of the Pala team.

Pala is the largest shareholder with 19.64 percent at the time of the IPO, although the stake may have fallen slightly as an over-allotment option has since been partially declared. Part of Pala's holding represents payment for the supply of 626 tonnes of cobalt under one of the physical supply options.

Pala was one of several funds to have scooped up physical cobalt last year, which was when the metal first emerged from the specialist shadows into the investment limelight. Another was Green Energy Metals Fund, part of the Portal Capital investment group, which is the second-largest shareholder in the new public entity having also supplied physical metal.

Not all of the cobalt sellers chose to convert to Cobalt 27 shares. According to the company's final prospectus, "a total of 961.9 metric tonnes of cobalt are being acquired for cash".

But Pala and Portal evidently think there is more to come from the cobalt story.

THE ONLY WAY IS UP?

Or to quote Cobalt 27's prospectus, "the company believes strong cobalt demand, coupled with challenged supply due to a lack of primary cobalt mines and political instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is the largest supplier of mined cobalt, creates an attractive proposition for cobalt price appreciation."

This is a market that is widely viewed by analysts as being in transition from a state of supply surplus to one of shortfall.

And as Cobalt 27 is happy to remind us, "in 2008, during the last multi-year cobalt supply deficit, the price of cobalt exceeded US$50/lb". That's equivalent to just over $110,000 per tonne.

There are any number of uncertainties in trying to forecast the price in such a fast-evolving market as cobalt, or lithium for that matter. Everyone agrees that the electric vehicle revolution has arrived but beyond that there is no consensus as to how fast it might evolve. And what sort of batteries will those vehicles use?

Noting that cobalt is currently used in six main types of lithium-ion battery, analysts at RFC Ambrian write that "what the demand for cobalt as a constituent for future batteries will be is open to question." ("The Alchemist, Issue 31: Cobalt", July 2017).

If prices rise too fast, they argue, battery makes will try and reduce the amount of cobalt used, even if they can't eliminate it altogether.

Ambrian's conclusion is that cobalt demand in the year 2021 could be anything from marginally lower to 80 percent higher than today.

Pala and Portal evidently believe in the more bullish of those scenarios.

SUPPLY CHAIN VS SPECULATORS

The irony is that if they're right and the cobalt price does go stratospheric, it will be because there's not enough of it around to meet burgeoning demand from the battery sector.

And that's going to draw a lot of unwelcome attention from a physical supply chain desperately seeking spare units.

There's a precedent for this sort of manufacturer-speculator showdown in the industrial metal space.

In 2010 JPMorgan and BlackRock near simultaneously filed prospectuses for copper funds backed by physical metal.

Copper processors were outraged.

They viewed the funds as competition for physical units in a market that was at that stage suffering chronic supply shortfall.

Although the regulatory and legal reactions were eventually cleared, such was the furore in the copper industry that neither fund was ever launched.

Those two funds envisaged combined holdings of around 180,000 tonnes of copper, equivalent to less than 1 percent of global refined metal production at the time

Cobalt 27's holding is already more than double that level in terms of global output.

Might it too risk the wrath of a supply chain struggling to keep up with demand?

Only time will tell, but if that scenario does materialise, it will, of course, mean that Cobalt 27's fund backers will have already been rewarded for their bullish views.

(Editing by Susan Thomas)
By Mai Nguyen

HANOI, July 6 (Reuters) - Discounts in Vietnam and Indonesia, Asia's top coffee exporters, widened as world coffee prices rose, but trading was thin in both markets, traders said on Thursday.

Rising prices of the London ICE September contract boosted local coffee price in Vietnam, the world's largest robusta producer, to 46,000-46,500 dong ($2.02-$2.04) per kg from 45,100-45,200 dong a week earlier, traders said.

The ICE September contract hit an over two-month high on Friday at $2,177 per tonne, but closed at $2,157 per tonne on Wednesday, Thomson Reuters data showed.

As London price increased, discounts of the 5-percent black and broken grade 2 robusta quoted by traders widened to $20 per tonne to the September contract, from $10-$20 discounts last week, traders said.

But trade was thin as importers asked for discounts of $40-$50 on low demand amid the summer holidays, said Phan Hung Anh, deputy director of Anh Minh Co, a coffee-trading firm based in Daklak, Vietnam's largest coffee-growing province.

Coffee exports from Vietnam will drop an estimated 15.5 percent to 829,000 tonnes in the first half of this year from the same period in 2016, the government said last month. In rival Indonesia, robusta grade 4, 80 defects was quoted post holiday at a discount of $60 per tonne to the London September contract, compared with a $30 discount to the July contract two weeks earlier.

A trader said pricing this week is unusual because the gap between bidding and offering prices are wider than normal.

Some traders are being "greedy", the trader said. ($1=22,742 dong)

(Reporting by Mai Nguyen; Additional reporting by Mas Alina Arifin in Bandar Lampung; Editing by Gopakumar Warrier)
(Corrects headline to say one-year)

CAIRO, July 6 (Reuters) - The average yields on Egypt's six-month and one-year treasury bills were mixed at an auction on Thursday, data from the central bank showed, as foreign purchases of Egyptian debt continued to grow.

The average yield on the 182-day bill rose to 21.150 percent from 21.032 percent at the last sale on July 2, while the yield on the 364-day bill dropped to 20.981 percent from 21.047 percent in a similar auction.

Appetite for Egypt's domestic debt has increased since the central bank floated the pound currency in November as part of an International Monetary Fund loan agreement aimed at reviving the economy.

Foreign holdings in Egyptian government securities reached 180.7 billion Egyptian pounds ($10.13 billion) as of July 4, the head of public debt at Egypt's Finance Ministry, Sami Khallaf, said.

Egypt attracted $9.8 billion in foreign investment in domestic debt instruments in the 2016-2017 fiscal year that ended in June, compared to $1.1 billion the previous year, the finance ministry said this week. ($1 = 17.8300 Egyptian pounds)

(Reporting by Eric Knecht; editing by Andrew Roche)
By Andrew Torchia

DUBAI, July 6 (Reuters) - The Saudi Arabian central bank's foreign assets, which the government has been liquidating to cover a budget deficit caused by low oil prices, fell at the slowest pace for a year in May, official data showed on Thursday.

Net foreign assets shrank by a little over $1 billion from the previous month to $492 billion, their lowest level since May 2011. It was the smallest drop since assets increased for a single month in May 2016.

On a year-on-year basis, foreign assets shrank 14.2 percent in May. They hit a record high of $737 billion in August 2014 before starting to fall along with oil prices.

Reasons for the slow drop in May were not immediately clear, but the government's fund transfers often swing widely depending on payments for infrastructure projects and investment plans.

The state budget deficit shrank sharply in the first quarter of this year but analysts do not believe that pace of improvement has continued, since oil prices have fallen back and Riyadh has eased some austerity steps to aid economic growth.

The government restored financial allowances for civil servants that were originally cut as an austerity measure last September, and it has not proceded with a previously announced plan to hike domestic fuel and power prices around mid-year.

Officials have not revealed a new date for the energy price hikes. The government also plans to launch a programme of payments to poorer Saudis to help them cope with such austerity measures but that scheme, originally due to start at mid-year, has also not gone ahead.

Bank lending data released by the central bank on Thursday suggested private sector business activity remains sluggish.

Outstanding bank loans to the private sector shrank 0.7 percent from a year earlier in May, after a 0.3 percent drop in April. It was only the third time in 11 years that bank lending shrank; the first time was in March this year, when it declined 0.1 percent.

(Reporting by Andrew Torchia; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
By Bruno Federowski

SAO PAULO, July 6 (Reuters) - Brazil's stocks and currency slipped on Thursday on lingering concerns over a political crisis, but shares of power utilities rallied due to a planned regulatory overhaul of the sector.

Demand for Brazilian assets has fizzled in recent months as traders feared a corruption scandal could delay the implementation of President Michel Temer's ambitious agenda, which is seen as critical to fuel long-term economic growth.

The Brazilian real weakened 0.4 percent, the biggest decliner among Latin American currencies, which were mostly flat. The Colombian peso , however, strengthened 0.3 percent, tracking rising crude oil futures.

Brazil's benchmark Bovespa stock index fell 0.7 percent, weighed down by blue-chips such as lender Itau Unibanco Holding SA and beverage producer Ambev SA . Shares of miner Vale SA also fell on the back of lower iron ore prices.

Still, the index's losses were limited by a rally in shares of power utilities after the government announced that plans to overhaul power sector rules could lead to higher rates and lower taxes. Shares of state-controlled utility Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras SA , or Eletrobras, which would benefit directly from the revamp, soared as much as 15 percent, their biggest daily increase in four years.

Wider emerging markets mostly weakened, extending Wednesday's selloff triggered by proposals to nationalize South Africa's central bank. The South African rand held near seven-week lows even as the central bank tried to calm investors' nerves by stressing its independence was enshrined by the constitution regardless of ownership.

Key Latin American stock indexes and currencies at 1535 GMT: Stock indexes daily % YTD %

change change

Latest MSCI Emerging Markets 1006.66 -0.32 17.12 MSCI LatAm 2539.50 -0.29 8.81 Brazil Bovespa 62706.88 -0.71 4.12 Mexico S&P/BVM IPC 50063.88 -0.47 9.69 Chile IPSA 4820.42 -0.58 16.12 Chile IGPA 24116.97 -0.51 16.32 Argentina MerVal 22487.48 0.24 32.92 Colombia IGBC 11024.10 0.06 8.85 Venezuela IBC 122973.02 -0.54 287.86

Currencies daily % YTD %

change change

Latest Brazil real 3.3063 -0.44 -1.73 Mexico peso 18.3280 -0.13 13.18 Chile peso 665.8 -0.02 0.74 Colombia peso 3074.6 0.27 -2.38 Peru sol 3.255 0.06 4.88 Argentina peso (interbank) 17.1000 0.29 -7.16 Argentina peso (parallel) 17.26 -0.29 -2.55 (Reporting by Bruno Federowski; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)
BRUSSELS, July 6 (Reuters) - Eurozone creditors are set to give their final go-ahead to the release of loans to Greece on Friday under a political agreement reached in June, a euro zone official said on Thursday.

Greece needs new loans under its current 86 billion euro ($98 billion) bailout programme, the third since 2010, to pay debt due this month.

In a meeting in June, euro zone finance ministers reached a political deal to disburse 8.5 billion euros of new financial aid to Athens. But the actual disbursement was linked to some conditions that needed to be fulfilled by Greece. "I am very convinced that smallish issues will be cleared up by tomorrow afternoon," a euro zone official said on Thursday.

On Friday the board of directors of the European Stability Mechanism, the euro zone bailout fund, will hold a conference call where they are expected to give their green light to the release of funds, the official said.

"I'm quite sure that outstanding measures will be judged as having been fulfilled," the official added.

The big outstanding snag was a case involving three former privatisation officials from Italy, Spain and Slovakia, who had been charged in Greece with breaches of duty during the sale in 2015 of state properties.

Euro zone finance ministers said Athens should grant immunity to the three before fresh loans could be unblocked.

Greece dropped the charges against them last week. Euro zone finance ministers will gather on Monday in Brussels for a regular meeting where Greece is not on the agenda, suggesting that pending issues will be solved before the meeting. ($1 = 0.8786 euros)

(Reporting by Francesco Guarascio @fraguarascio; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
DUBAI, July 6 (Reuters) - Shares in Saudi Arabia's cement and steel sectors surged in early trade on Thursday after the government cut export tariffs, but Gulf stock markets were mostly weak after a slide in oil prices.

The Saudi government said it was cancelling all export duties on steel for two years to encourage local industries, and would slash cement export tariffs by 50 percent.

Najran Cement jumped 6.2 percent in unusually high volume and was the top gainer in Riyadh after 35 minutes of trade. All other stocks among the top 10 gainers were also from the building materials sector, including Al Yamamah Steel Industries , which rose 2.1 percent.

Building materials producers have been hurt hard in the past couple of years by a construction industry slump caused by the government's austerity policies.

Qatar's index fell 0.5 percent. Four Arab states decided in a meeting in Cairo on Wednesday not to slap fresh sanctions on Qatar for now, but voiced disappointment at its "negative" response to their demands and warned of the possibility of further action against Doha.

In Dubai the index was down 0.5 percent, hit by a 1.4 percent drop in shares of blue chip Emaar Properties and a 0.9 percent fall in peer DAMAC Properties In Abu Dhabi, Dana Gas fell 1.4 percent after sources told Reuters that London's High Court planned to hold a full hearing in September on efforts by the company to restructure $700 million of its Islamic bonds.

A High Court judge upheld an interim injunction there blocking holders of the sukuk, due to mature in October, from enforcing claims against Dana. But he also ordered Dana to cancel an injunction in a court in the emirate of Sharjah and seek a stay of its proceedings there. The Abu Dhabi index was down 0.6 percent.

(Reporting by Celine Aswad; Editing by Andrew Torchia)
* Four of top 10 gainers in Saudi are cement stocks

* Saudi market down for third day on profit-taking

* Dana Gas drops on sukuk legal case

* Qatar flat after Arab alliance meets

* Egypt's EFG Hermes surges from four-month low

By Celine Aswad

DUBAI, July 6 (Reuters) - Shares in Saudi Arabia's cement and steel sectors rose on Thursday after the government cut export tariffs, but Gulf stock markets were mostly weak after a slide in oil prices.

The Saudi government said it was cancelling all export duties on steel for two years to encourage local industries, and would halve cement export tariffs.

Analysts said top-line growth of cement and steel companies was not expected to get a huge boost, but the news was positive for a building materials sector that has been hit hard by the government's austerity policies in the past couple of years.

"Despite some companies having obtained a licence to export six months ago, competition from other Asian markets is stiff and the demand outlook is relatively subdued," said a Riyadh-based cement sector analyst.

"Any rise in exports will still do little to reduce the supply glut in the local market."

Najran Cement , one of the companies with an export licence, rose 2.6 percent in its heaviest volume since February and three other stocks among the top 10 gainers were also from the cement industry. Al Yamamah Steel Industries climnbed 1.7 percent.

The Riyadh index , however, fell 0.9 percent, its third straight session of losses. The banking sector was the main drag with heavyweight National Commercial Bank dropping 0.6 percent to 50.50 riyals, pulling further away from a 22-month intra-day high hit of 58.00 riyals on Sunday.

Elsewhere, Qatar's index edged down 0.1 percent as 21 shares rose and 12 declined. Foreign funds, which have been net buyers of Qatari shares this week, were neutral on Thursday while non-Qatari Gulf investors were net sellers, bourse data showed.

Four Arab states decided in a meeting in Cairo on Wednesday not to slap fresh sanctions on Qatar for now, but voiced disappointment at its "negative" response to their demands and warned of the possibility of further action against Doha.

The index is down 10.1 percent since June 5, when the diplomatic crisis erupted. Fund managers believe further sanctions, such as a pull-out of bank deposits, remain quite possible in coming days or weeks, but they may hurt the Qatari economy rather than cripple it.

In Abu Dhabi, Dana Gas fell 1.4 percent after sources told Reuters that London's High Court planned to hold a full hearing in September on efforts by the company to restructure $700 million of its Islamic bonds.

A High Court judge upheld an interim injunction there blocking holders of the sukuk, due to mature in October, from enforcing claims against Dana. But he also ordered Dana to cancel an injunction in a court in the emirate of Sharjah and seek a stay of its proceedings there. The Abu Dhabi index edged down 0.4 percent.

In Dubai the index lost 0.5 percent in very low volumes, hit by a 1.4 percent drop in blue chip Emaar Properties and a 1.8 percent fall in peer DAMAC Properties .

Cairo's stock index rose 0.3 percent in quiet trade as 16 blue chips advanced and 13 declined. Credit Agricole Egypt jumped 6.9 percent in thin volume and inevstment bank EFG Hermes surged 2.9 percent from a four-month low.

HIGHLIGHTS

SAUDI ARABIA

* The index lost 0.9 percent to 7,204 points.

DUBAI

* The index fell 0.5 percent to 3,401 points.

ABU DHABI

* The index declined 0.4 percent to 4,396 points.

QATAR

* The index edged down 0.1 percent to 8,923 points.

EGYPT

* The index edged up 0.3 percent to 13,370 points.

KUWAIT

* The index added 0.1 percent to 6,680 points.

BAHRAIN

* The index fell 0.1 percent to 1,311 points.

OMAN

* The index rose 0.1 percent to 5,120 points.

(Editing by Andrew Torchia)
STOCKHOLM, July 6 (Reuters) - Sweden's central bank bought 1.125 billion Swedish crowns ($132.66 million) of government bonds in a reverse auction as part of its quantitative easing programme, it said on Thursday. It bought 625 million crowns of 2020 bonds at an average yield of -0.334 percent and 500 million of 2023 bonds at 0.201 percent. Investors offered to sell the Riksbank 2.7 billion crowns and 1.6 billion crowns in the two bonds respectively. ($1 = 8.4804 Swedish crowns)

(Reporting by Stockholm Newsroom; editing by Niklas Pollard)

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
WARSAW, July 6 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Thursday the United States would confront the threat from North Korea very strongly and urged nations around the world to show Pyongyang that there would be consequences for its nuclear and missile program.

Trump, speaking during a news conference in Warsaw, said there were "severe things" that the United States was considering with regard to North Korea but noted that he would not draw a red line.

(Reporting by Jeff Mason and Roberta Rampton; editing by Andrew Roche)
Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) Regional CEO Asia Mark Mitchell speaks during an exclusive interview with The Korea Times at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul, June 28. / Courtesy of AGCS





By Park Hyong-ki, Nam Hyun-woo



Allianz Group sold off its life insurance subsidiary in Korea despite big losses last year but the world's top-tier financial group still sees potential in Korea in corporate and specialty insurance.



In an interview with The Korea Times, Mark Mitchell, Asia CEO of Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS), stressed that Korea's corporate insurance market is still undervalued and there is a great chance for the firm to grow.



"I think Korea is a very competitive market, but I don't consider it to be saturated," Mitchell said.



"We see a lot of similarity between the type of businesses we would like to drive globally and the type of industries existing in Korea, such as technology, automotive and pharmaceutical. Our appetite for businesses is typically focused on such industrial risks, so it is quite a neat match."



Last week, AGCS announced that it has opened a Korean branch as it gained the license of the financial regulator.



It was the first non-life insurance license issued in 10 years and a comeback of Allianz's non-life unit in Korea in 14 years. Allianz Group had set up a fire and marine insurance business here in 2002 but it closed just a year later.



The sale of the group's life insurance unit in Korea created more debate. Allianz Life Korea was sold to China's Anbang Insurance last year. The deal came as a shock as the life insurer was sold at a mere $3 million, approximately 1 percent of its initially estimated price.



Mitchell stressed that the operations of Allianz's life insurance and property & casualty businesses are "very much separated," and the AGCS sees the Korean corporate insurance market as having huge potential.



According to him, the evolution of Korea's economy created risks for businesses. One of those risks is business interruption, which has become an emerging risk especially for Korean companies, many of which have supply chains or manufacturing factories overseas.



"Let's say a Korean company is approaching an insurer in Russia to buy an insurance product to have its assets in Russia covered," he said. "But the local Russian company (insurer) might not be able to match the coverage which the Korean company is familiar with."



Mitchell said that only an insurer with a global network and consistency within its products across borders can help the Korean company.



That is one of the overseas strategies for many Korean non-life insurers. They tend to have branches or other types of network posts in other countries so that other Korean firms there can rely on them.



"It's true that some domestic companies do have licenses in some other countries and globally they tend to follow the significant Korean investment overseas," Mitchell said. "But when those customers go beyond the borders and enter 20, 30 or 50 countries, those Korean domestic insurers don't have the network to match the likes of AGCS."





Innovative products'



By opening the Korea branch, AGCS expanded its branches to 31 countries across the globe. Though the firm sounds unfamiliar to Korean businesses, it has been active in providing products to companies and properties in Korea for several years.



One of the known properties covered by AGCS in Korea is Incheon Bridge, which connects the mainland of Incheon and Yeongjong Island where the Incheon International Airport is located.



Globally, it is known for insuring landmarks including Petronas Twin Towers, Taipei 101 and Kingdom Tower. Also, AGCS has insured major Hollywood movies, including all 24 James Bond productions and The Fast and the Furious series. Mitchell said AGCS insures "more than 50 percent of the Oscar-winning movies."



Mitchell noted one of AGCS' distinctive products is protection on cyber risks which are gaining significant attention due to recent high-profile cyber attacks, including ransomware and distributed denial-of-service.



Coincidentally, a day before the interview, a global hacking group threatened to conduct cyber attacks on Korean banks and brokerage houses.



"After some of the recent events, including the one that happened overnight, there is a growing awareness in the business community that this is a broad level topic now," he said. "And that companies need to take action both in terms of trying to improve their own security to prevent such attacks but also to buy insurance."



"Cyber has been the key growth area for Korea. A single incident can lead to severe business interruption, loss of market share and cause reputational damage. Korea is not unique in that respect."
President Moon Jae-in speaks about peace on the Korean Peninsula, inter-Korean relations and unification at the old city hall of Berlin, Germany, Thursday. The non-profit Korber Foundation invited the President to the event. / Yonhap



By Yi Whan-woo

President Moon Jae-in said Thursday he will seek to pursue a peace treaty with North Korea, taking a step forward for inter-Korean reconciliation despite Pyongyang's test-firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) two days earlier.

Moon's pledge comes after North Korea and China have repeatedly called for the signing of a peace treaty with the United States to formally end the Korean War and settle the security crisis on the peninsula.

The President appeared to be seeking U.S. support in his push for a peace treaty as the U.S., on behalf of the United Nations, signed the 1953 armistice agreement with North Korea and China. South Korea was not among the signatories.

"We should make a peace treaty joined by all relevant parties at the end of the Korean War to settle a lasting peace on the peninsula," Moon said during his Korean-language invitational speech at the Korber Foundation, a nonprofit think tank in Berlin. "I will take a comprehensive approach to North Korean nuclear issues to pursue the peace treaty along with complete denuclearization (in the region.)"

The President is currently in Germany to attend the G20 summit in Hamburg from Friday to Saturday.

Moon, who received support from U.S. President Donald Trump on resuming inter-Korean dialogue in their summit last week, said he was willing to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un if certain conditions were met.

"When the right conditions are fostered and when there is a chance to reverse the current tension and situation of confrontation on the Korean Peninsula, I am ready to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at any time and any place," he said.

Moon added that North Korea may be facing its "last and best chance" to return to dialogue considering that South Korea and the U.S. have agreed on a peaceful denuclearization of the peninsula, and that they will not maintain a hostile policy toward Pyongyang.

"I make this clear here and now. We do not want North Korea to collapse, nor will we seek any form of unification by absorption," he said.

Citing that German unification was possible through bipartisan cooperation, Moon called for a need to legalize agreements made between the two Koreas for "enduring freedom."

To ensure co-existence and co-prosperity across the border, the President promised to lay out a new economic roadmap, saying "economic cooperation will be the critical cornerstone to settle peace on the peninsula."

Among the possible economic exchanges will be linking railroads across the demilitarized zone, expanding an inter-Korean railway network to Russia and Europe via Pyongyang -- starting in Busan -- and building a natural gas pipeline across the two Koreas to Russia

"By doing so, South and North Korea can prosper together as a bridge connecting the continents and seas. All this can be possible if the two sides carry out their joint declaration made during the Oct. 4, 2007 summit," he said.

The President vowed for consistent inter-Korean exchanges on civic and humanitarian grounds, saying they were a "process of healing every Korean's pain and producing harmony."

He pointed out that there are still over 60,000 family members who are separated by the Korean War and that their average age is 81.

Moon said natural disasters such as floods and wildfires as well as infectious diseases spread regardless of borders so that cross-border measures will be needed.

Regarding North Korea's dire human rights record, the President said South Korea will "speak out" with the international community while bolstering humanitarian aid for civilians.

Moon's speech followed Pyongyang's test-launch of a Hwasong-14 missile, the most serious provocation since he took office May 10.

The U.S. purportedly sought for peace talks with North Korea secretly under the Barack Obama administration. But the plan was scrapped after the Kim regime carried out its fourth nuclear test in January 2016.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in, left, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the joint press conference after the reception with military honors in the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, July 5. / Yonhap



South Korea's President Moon Jae-in has said the North's weapons test this week indicated it is close to mastering intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) technology, voicing concerns that its rocket development was "much faster than expected."

During a dinner meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday (Berlin time), Moon also said Pyongyang's escalatory provocations call for stronger sanctions, but pressure must be applied to bring it to the negotiating table, not to undermine peace.

"The current level of the North's nuclear and missile programs is a problem, but what is more troubling is their development is proceeding much faster than expected," Moon was quoted by his spokesman as saying during the Berlin talks before the Group of 20 summit.

Moon, however, pointed out that even though the missile's striking range might have been extended, questions still remain over its accuracy and capability to carry a nuclear warhead.

"But given the current pace of their (weapons) development, we are in a serious situation where we cannot relax, and I believe the United States may think so too," Moon added.

The North claimed Tuesday that it had succeeded in its first ICBM test, with the missile reaching a top altitude of 2,800 kilometers before splashing into the East Sea, some 930 km away from the launch site.

The latest provocation, which drew international condemnation and calls for tougher sanctions, posed a policy dilemma to Moon, angling for dialogue with the reclusive regime in a shift from the erstwhile sanctions-centric approach.
Han Kon-ju

By Lee Kyung-min

Former Korea Times President-Publisher Han Kon-ju died at the age of 80, his family said Wednesday.

Born in 1937, he began to work for the country's first English daily, the sister paper of the Hankook Ilbo, as a staff reporter in 1962.

Han was promoted to business editor in 1982 and served as managing editor from 1991 to 1994. He served as chief executive editor in 1994 before being promoted to president-publisher in 1997. He retired in January 1998.

Han graduated from Kyungbock High School in Jongno-gu, central Seoul, in March 1954. He majored in English language and literature at Yonsei University.

Han is survived by his wife, Lim Song-ja, 78, and three sons _ Dae-soo, Min-soo and Sung-soo.

Those who wish to pay respects to the late president can visit the St. John's Catholic Church in Bundang, Gyeonggi Province. The funeral is scheduled for Friday.
Mun Moo-il

By Lee Kyung-min

Mun Moo-il, President Moon Jae-in's choice as prosecutor general, is expected to better protect the human rights of suspects, as part of his prosecutorial reform drive, analysts said Thursday.

The former head of the Busan High Prosecutors Office recently told a 15-member task force that the prosecution should strengthen its role in protecting human rights as a public institution.

The team, preparing for his confirmation hearing at the National Assembly scheduled for July 20, said discussion is underway to come up with drastic self-reform measures including banning overnight interrogation and guaranteeing the right to full and fair representation.

Mun will seek to focus more on securing physical evidence rather than testimony, amid criticism that suspects often confess to their alleged wrongdoings under duress or other coercive interrogation methods.

His efforts to increase proper interrogation began in 2014 when he headed the Seoul Western Prosecutors' Office. Mun instituted a system in which suspects evaluated whether prosecutors listened to their claims, or dismissed them with presupposition.

The system, whereby the suspects evaluated the prosecutors who interrogated them on a scale of one to five, initially drew a backlash from prosecutors citing efficacy, efficiency and possible interference in the investigation.

But the Seoul Eastern Prosecutors' Office implemented it later saying it was exemplary management by a high investigative body. The Ministry of Justice named the Seoul Western Prosecutors' Office as the best unit for its outstanding efforts for human rights protection.

Meanwhile, the much-stressed duty to protect human rights, according to other investigative bodies, could be efforts to lay the groundwork to justify the police remaining under the supervision of the prosecution.

Under the ostensible cause of protecting human rights, which more often than not have been severely abused during police interrogations, the prosecution can easily justify controlling the police to monitor abuse. This will enable prosecutors to continue to monopolize the right to open or close investigations, seek arrest warrants and indict suspects.

Meanwhile, at the confirmation hearing, Mun will be grilled over a high-profile corruption case involving Sung Wan-jong, a former chairman of Keangnam Enterprises who committed suicide. He left behind a suicide note in which he wrote the names of politicians to whom he gave bribes.

Of the eight high-profile politicians, Mun did not indict six, all of whom were loyalists to former President Park Geun-hye. It drew fierce criticism for exempting them from accountability due to their close ties with the most powerful figure in the country.

Mun will be grilled over his earlier pledge to promptly set up an independent body that can investigate and indict high-ranking public officials and their family members, including senior prosecutors. The demand to set up such a body has been growing amid numerous corruption cases in the prosecution.

"Corrupt public officials are the major enemy of the country and its people, even more so for the organization to which they belonged. I understand what the public expects of me," he said, reiterating his stance to launch sweeping prosecutorial reform.
By Kim Hyo-jin



B-1B strategic bombers of the U.S. Air Force may drop live bombs in a joint exercise in South Korea as early as Friday instead of conducting a simulation-based bombing drill, military sources said Thursday.



The bombing exercise is aimed at striking North Korea's nuclear and missile facilities  a show of force following the North's test-firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Tuesday.

In past exercises the U.S. Air Force has dropped dummy bombs filled with cement or followed a simulation-based training program.



The B-1B Lancers, based at the Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, have been dispatched to the peninsula several times recently and the ROK Air Force has conducted regular exercises with them  generally after a provocative military action by the North.

"B-1B strategic bombers plan to fly here as early as Friday and if the weather permits, are highly likely to drop live conventional bombs or guided precision munitions in the drill," a source said.













The U.S. may send more strategic military assets to the peninsula to counter the North's missile threats, the source added.



One day after the North tested an ICBM, Seoul and Washington launched ballistic missiles in a joint drill. This was the first time that the allies fired ballistic missiles in reaction to a North Korean provocation.



A military official said B-1Bs have been dispatched here twice a month on average amid rising military tension on the peninsula.



The latest over-flight was June 20 after the death of Otto Warmbier, an American college student who was released from the North in a coma after being detained for 17 months.



It was also after President Moon Jae-in's special presidential adviser for unification, security and foreign affairs, Moon Chung-in made a controversial remark where he suggested a willingness to reduce the scale of the allies' military exercises and the frequency of the dispatch of strategic assets to the peninsula if North Korea suspended its nuclear and missile programs.



The dispatch then was construed as the U.S.'s circuitous expression of discontent with Moon's remark.



The strategic bombers flew over the East Sea five hours after Pyongyang fired a ballistic missile May 29. They also took part in a joint exercise with South Korean fighters May 1.



The B-1B Lancer is capable of reaching the peninsula from Guam in just two hours with a load of up to 56 tons of munitions. It is the fastest of the U.S. military's three major multi-role, long-range bombers including the B-52 Stratofortress and the B-2 Spirit.
Michael Shellenberger and 27 renowned professors and environment groups have urged President Moon Jae-in to reconsider phasing out nuclear energy. / Screen captured from environmentalprogress



By Lee Han-soo

Michael Shellenberger, dubbed a "Hero of the Environment" by Time magazine, and 27 renowned professors and environment groups have urged President Moon Jae-in to reconsider phasing out nuclear energy.

"There is a strong consensus among climate policy experts that an expansion of nuclear energy will be required to significantly reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality," Shellenberger wrote in a letter Wednesday.

The letter also said that solar and wind power are not alternatives to nuclear power in Korea and the nation would need land five to 14 times that of Seoul to match the energy capacity generated by nuclear energy.

It said most other nations that reduced nuclear energy have turned to fossil fuel plants, which take little space and produce more energy than solar and wind.

As a result, it has led to higher emissions in nations like Germany, Japan and the U.S.

The letter also said that giving up nuclear energy would profoundly undermine the Korea Electric Power Corporation's (KEPCO) efforts to compete for nuclear construction contracts abroad.

"Buyer nations would rightly question why they should buy nuclear plants from a nation phasing out its nuclear energy," the letter said.

It noted that KEPCO's role in global competition for nuclear construction is important following the financial failures of French nuclear giant Areva and Japanese-owned and U.S.-based Westinghouse. If Korea starts phasing out nuclear energy, only Russia and China would be left to compete in the global market, the letter said.

"Over the last 20 years, South Korea has earned a global reputation for its ability to build well-tested and cost-effective nuclear plants," the letter said. "South Korea is the only nation where the cost of nuclear plant construction has declined over time."

The letter recommended that President Moon speak with a wide range of energy and environmental scientists and experts before making any final decision.
Outside the High Court in Admiralty on Wednesday, the daughter Yeung Pui-ying (left) and son Yeung Kai-yui of Chan Yuen-lam, who died after receiving blood therapy treatment in Hong Kong in 2012.



Daughter testifies her mother had not mentioned the experimental treatment but saw her face turning black



By Chris Lau





A woman complained of pain more intense than during labour after receiving an "experimental" cancer treatment at a Hong Kong beauty clinic days before her death, a court heard on Wednesday.

The daughter of Chan Yuen-lam, 46, recalled taking her to an outpatient clinic on the night of October 3, 2012, hours after she underwent Cytokine-induced killer cell (CIK) treatment, where she was given drugs for flu.

Yeung Pui-ying told the High Court on Wednesday her mother had neither mentioned the treatment nor the beauty chain, but she saw her face turning black.

"It is more painful than giving birth," Chan had told her.

She was admitted to Ruttonjee Hospitalthe next day, diagnosed with septicaemia, and died on October 10.

Her death came a week after CIK treatment atthe Hong Kong Mesotherapy Centre of DR Group in Causeway Bay. Prosecutors claim the procedure, which involves blood being taken, processed and reintroduced into the body, was unproven and should not have been used on non-cancer patients. Two other women whohad the same treatment suffered severe injuries from blood poisoning.

Group owner Dr Stephen Chow Hon-wing, employee Dr Mak Wan-ling and laboratory technician Chan Kwun-chung each plead not guilty to manslaughter by gross negligence.

Yeung said they went by taxi to see another doctor on October 4 but her mothertold the driver to go the centre. On arriving at about 11am, her mother had asked to see a Dr Mak , but was told she was conducting surgery elsewhere.

An ambulance was called about an hour later and Chan was taken to the Wan Chai hospital.

Yeung said her mother spoke to Mak when she arrived at the hospital, and this was when she first learned about the treatment.

The trial continues on Thursday before Mrs Justice Judianna Barnes Wai-ling.
An artist's impression of China's Type 095 nuclear-powered attack submarine.



Top naval engineer says new propulsion system will put PLA Navy way ahead' of US



By Minnie Chan





The US Navy's Pacific fleet used to mock Chinese submarines for being too noisy and too easy to detect, but that has largely been remedied in recent years and China is now on the cusp of taking the lead in a cutting-edge propulsion technology.

Naval experts said the new technology would help China build more elusive submarines, but might also prompt the United States to ramp up anti-submarine warfare measures.

In a recent interview with China Central Television, Rear Admiral Ma Weiming, a leading Chinese naval engineer, showed a component of a new Integrated Electrical Propulsion System (IEPS) for naval warships in a laboratory. He said the system, which turns all the engine's output into electricity, and a rim-driven pump-jet had been fitted to the People's Liberation Army Navy's newest nuclear submarines.

"This is one of our work team's first world-leading projects, which has been used on [China's] next-generation nuclear submarines," Ma said in May. "[Our technology] is now way ahead of the United States, which has also been developing similar technology."

Ma's exalted status in the PLA Navy was highlighted by a photograph of then navy commander Admiral Wu Shengli holding an umbrella for Ma during an inspection of the PLA Naval University of Engineering in Wuhan, where Ma works, on a rainy day in June last year. The photo, posted on the social media website of the PLA's Navy Magazine, sparked public curiosity about why the commander would give such "preferential treatment" to a rear admiral.

Ma told CCTV "the ultimate goal" of developing the new propulsion system "was aimed at solving the problem of deploying high-energy radio-frequency (HERF) weapons on board", hinting that China was close to emulating the US in that regard.

HERF, a form of directed-energy weapon, can fire highly focused energy at a target, damaging it accurately and quickly. Directed-energy weapons require vast amount of electricity  something IEPS can deliver  and can counter the threats posed by fast missiles such as ballistic missiles, hypersonic cruise missiles and hypersonic glide vehicles. Besides China, the US, Russia and India are also developing them.

The CCTV report did not say which types of Chinese submarines would use the pump-jet propulsion system, but mainland military websites said they believed Ma had hinted at the new-generation, nuclear-powered Type 095 attack submarines and Type 096 ballistic missile submarines.

Collin Koh Swee Lean, a submarine expert from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University, said Ma's remark showcased the growing scientific and technological maturity of China's submarine development.

"In the long term, if the pump-jet propulsion is declared fully operational and tested successfully ... future [Chinese] submarines would be equipped with pump-jet propulsion as a standard design feature," he said, adding that the new technology would also benefit other naval shipbuilding projects, such as surface warships.

"The operational/strategic ramifications would be that China would muster stealthier submarines ... and this essentially broadens various options for Beijing where it comes to the peacetime use of its naval capabilities."

A rim-driven pump-jet has a ring-shaped electrical motor inside the pump-jet shroud, which turns the vane rotor inside the pump-jet cavity to create thrust. The design reduces noise by removing the shaft and also creates fewer water bubbles, making it even quieter.

Modern American and British submarines already use pump-jet propulsion, but Koh said the technology had not been adopted more widely because its design was complex, and just a few countries could support the technology with "a good deal of funding and technical expertise".

Beijing-based naval expert Li Jie said China had put a lot of resources and encouragement into developing cutting-edge technologies, including the pump-jet, air-independent propulsion (AIP) for non-nuclear submarines and other measures as part of its efforts to make Chinese submarines stealthier.

"Both the ultra-quiet engine and AIP will help Chinese subs to elude foes as high concealment is very important to all nuclear attack subs," Li said. "Quieter subs means stronger stealth capability, which will help them to conduct surprise attacks when necessary."

China has built Asia's largest submarine base at Yulin, on the south coast of Hainan, near Sanya. The base features underground submarine facilities with tunnel access, shielding Chinese submarines that enter the South China Sea from the prying eyes of US reconnaissance satellites. That's prompted American warships and aircraft to conduct more close surveillance operations in the disputed waters, which are claimed wholly or in part by mainland China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

Koh warned it was foreseeable that the US Navy would ramp up anti-submarine warfare measures to detect, classify and track Chinese submarines if they were harder to detect after being fitted with pump-jet propulsion and other stealth equipment.

"This more intensified cat-and-mouse game would also result in the risk of underwater accidents ... between submarines or with surface ships," he said. "The quieter the submarine is, the greater the likelihood of such navigational safety hazards and, potentially, they could cause diplomatic incidents in the context of those maritime disputes and of course, the persistent Sino-US divergence in views over foreign military activities in coastal states' exclusive economic zones. "

The Chinese navy is likely to begin construction of the Type 096 submarines, which will be armed with 24 JL-3 intercontinental submarine-launched ballistic missiles, in the early 2020s, according to the Pentagon's annual report to the US Congress this year.

Ma, 57, became a household name in 2011 when he announced during a speech to accept a national technology award that his team had successfully developed a Chinese electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS).

Ma, a PLA deputy to the National People's Congress, has since been asked by the media at the annual sessions of the national legislature when his EMALS will be fitted to China's next-generation aircraft carriers.

"I am very unhappy because I have no power to decide when my EMALS will be used," a frank Ma told reporters on the sidelines of this year's NPC session in Beijing in March. "But I dare to tell you that the EMALS developed by my working team is more advanced and reliable than the US system to be used on their Ford-class aircraft carrier."

The first of America's Ford-class carriers, the first US vessel to use EMALS, completed sea trials in May.

Sources close to the navy told the South China Morning Postearlier this year that Ma's EMALS might be fitted on China's third-generation nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the Type 003. However, the Central Military Commission, chaired by Xi, has not decided when the Type 003 will be built, and construction work has not yet started on the second-generation Type 002.

The PLA Navy has two aircraft carriers, the Liaoning, a refitted Soviet carrier commissioned in 2012, and the domestically built Type 001A, which was launched on April 26. They are both conventionally powered platforms featuring ski-jump take-off ramps.

Xi has urged the PLA to pursue a "strong army dream", but when asked by the Post whether he hoped to see his EMALS fitted to a Chinese aircraft carrier one day, Ma said he "never has any dreams" and was focused on finding practical projects for his team that would release its potential.

"Whether the new technologies will be used never bothers me, because I've found that my task is to cultivate talent, meaning I have to create more opportunities for them and help them solve problems," Ma said. "For example, compared with the US, China couldn't devote as much funding to developing the electromagnetic aircraft launch system and advanced arresting gear (AAG) system, but I understood that our valuable resource was that I could mobilise my hundreds of talented students."
A man from Springfield pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. The conspiracy resulted in the murder of a Mexican citizen, Oscar Adan Martinez-Gaxiola.

Anthony Donovan, 20, of Springfield, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David Rush to charges in an indictment handed up on July 20, 2016. Those charges are participating in a conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and use, carriage, and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, resulting in murder.

By pleading guilty, Donovan admitted he participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene, Dallas, Webster and Christian counties from April 28, 2015, to April 26, 2016.

Donovan is the fourth member of the conspiracy to accept a deal and plead guilty in this case. The others are Brooke Beckley, 20, and Jourdan McGinnis, 28, both of Nixa, and Nathaniel Lee, 19, of Seymour. The others who are charged are Yovanny Aroldo Mendivil-Balderrama, 23, a Mexican citizen; and Joshua Applegate, 18, of Fordland.

In addition to the drug-trafficking conspiracy, Donovan, Beckley and Lee each admitted to the murder of Martinez-Gaxiola on April 25, 2016, in Webster County.

Investigators said Beckley worked out an agreement with Mendivil-Balderrama that, if she killed Martinez-Gaxiola, she would get more time to pay a debt for drugs that she bought from Mendivil-Balderrama. Investigators say Lee and Joshua Applegate agreed to help Donovan and Beckley with the ambush murder. They said Martinez-Gaxiola was trying to collect the debt owed by Beckley when he was killed.

Mendivil-Balderrama's case is pending in federal court. His trial could start on Oct. 30 unless he also reaches a plea agreement with prosecutors.

Applegate is charged with second-degree murder in state court instead of federal court because he was only 17 at the time of the murder; his case is set for trial on Oct. 30 in Dallas County, where it was moved from Webster County to try to ensure a fair outcome.

Under federal statutes, Donovan, Beckley, Lee and McGinnis are each subject to sentences of up to life in federal prison without parole for these crimes. The maximum statutory sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of presentence investigations by the United States Probation Office.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Missouri State Highway Patrol; the sheriff's departments in Christian. Greene County, Lawrence, Webster counties; the police departments from Seymour, Rogersville, and Springfield; and the Combined Ozarks Multijurisdictional Enforcement Team (COMET) investigated this case.
Historic ties of north Meck span throughout region Though the north Mecklenburg area didnt see significant population growth until a few decades ago, its rich history dates back to the Revolutionary War. That was the basis of...

An easier-than-expected first mammogram experience HUNTERSVILLE  Scheduling a cancer screening probably ranks somewhere on your to-do list between "clean out the garage" and "donate those clothes that don't fit." Sure, you'll get to it at...
A map of America as seen through books. L.A.s own Book Show reaches out to readers. And a couple of literary events that venture beyond the bookstore. Heres a few literary links for your midweek (and post holiday) slump.

A literary treasure map

Critic-at-large Susan Straight has penned this gorgeous essay for Granta, which comes with an interactive map of The American Experience in 737 Novels.

This is a map of what I read, what changed my life, from the time I was three until yesterday, when I added one more book, Straight writes, and there it is, at the bottom of the page: a map of the U.S., dotted with books like landmarks. (A big, juicy count of 127 titles hovers over Southern California.) She wanted to create a map of the literary nation, a beautiful evocation of how we are truly a nation of village and city and prairie and brownstone, of Rockies and bayous and mesas. Novels give to every reader someone elses home.

I love the idea of exploring the country through books, while also getting an exhaustive  and yet still very personal  catalog of the fiction that has mattered to a writer. Its micro and macro on a number of levels, and Im enjoying zooming in on various regions to discover what books Straight chose to represent them.

Now, whos up for response piece, a travelogue to each region, reading all 737 books along the way. Road trip anyone?

Book Shows pay it forward program

In a note posted on its website, Book Show owner Jen Hitchcock beseeched patrons near and far to partake in a pay-it-forward campaign to raise funds for the quirky, carnival-themed independent bookstore in Highland Park, which is struggling financially.

For every donation received, writes Hitchcock, I will apply a red star sticker to the spine of a book or books that match the donation amount. These books will then be available for free for those who need help in purchasing a book. By donating you are helping to make books more accessible to everyone in the community and at the same time helping Book Show to get past a difficult time and keep our doors open.

In addition to selling hard-to-find indie books and zines, Book Show hosts a number of creative events  like a night collage and cry night and potluck-workshop dinner poems  and has become a vital space in the Northeast L.A. literary community. Book Show lovers: Pony up. Long live Book Show.

Events

The L.A. chapter of the Sisters in Crime writing group presents its 10th anthology, LAst Resort, (you see what they did there?) at Vromans 4 p.m. Saturday. Two editors and a whopping 16 authors will converge for a lively town hall discussion on the inspiration behind each story, and why the City of Angels makes the perfect backdrop for mystery and crime fiction. Sisters in Crime supports women who write mysteries, and if you read mysteries by women, heres a chance to support them.

And while bookstore readings are standard fare  comfortable, beloved, sustaining  its sometimes nice to switch it up. At 7 p.m. Thursday, downtown art gallery 356 Mission hosts the launch for performance artist Brontez Purnells debut novel, Since I Laid My Burden Down. Purnell will be in conversation with Bradford Nordeen, guest curator at the Broad museum, and, doubly unusual for a weekday reading, will also screen his pornographic short film, 100 Boyfriends Mixtape. Cant make it? Theres another chance to catch Purnell next week, when he headlines this months Hard to Read on Tuesday at the Standard Hotel in Hollywood.

agatha.french@latimes.com

@agathafrenchy
Hobby Lobby, the private Oklahoma company that won a landmark Supreme Court case by pleading that its business was run according to rigorously moral Christian principles, has been caught importing millions of dollars worth of smuggled Iraqi antiquities.

Thats according to the U.S. attorney in Brooklyn, N.Y., which said Wednesday that it had extracted a settlement of $3 million from the company and forced it to forfeit thousands of artifacts.

Hobby Lobby said in a statement that it made the purchases of biblical material and other artifacts as an expression of the companys mission and passion for the Bible. It said that it did not fully appreciate the complexities of the acquisitions process, resulting in some regrettable mistakes.

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The acquisition of the artifacts was fraught with red flags.  U.S. attorney, Brooklyn, N.Y.

The company said it imprudently relied on dealers and shippers who, in hindsight, did not understand the correct way to document and ship these items.

The prosecutors indicated, however, that Hobby Lobby knew well that it could be stepping into legal quicksand.

The prosecutors said that Hobby Lobby had been warned by an expert in 2010 that the artifacts might very likely have been looted from Iraqi archaeological sites. According to the governments complaint, the unidentified expert told the company in a memo, I would regard the acquisition of any artifact likely from Iraq.as carrying considerable risk.

The acquisition of the artifacts, the prosecutors added, was fraught with red flags.

Among other signs, Hobby Lobby received conflicting information where the artifacts had been stored prior to the inspection in the United Arab Emirates. In addition, Hobby Lobby representatives had not met or communicated with the dealer who purportedly owned the artifacts, nor did they pay him for the artifacts. Instead, the company wired payments to seven personal bank accounts held in the names of other individuals.

When the objects arrived at Hobby Lobby locations in the U.S., they bore labels that falsely and misleadingly described their contents as ceramic tiles or clay tiles (sample).  Eventually, customs authorities intercepted some of the shipments and the scheme fell apart.

The case suggests at least on the surface that there are limits to Hobby Lobbys adherence to moral principles, leaving aside the prosecutors contradiction of the companys claim of ignorance.

Hobby Lobby, it will be remembered, scored an important victory over the Obama administration in 2014. Thats when the Supreme Court ruled that, because the family that owned the chain felt so strongly that certain contraceptives violated Christian principles, it should be permitted to shun the Affordable Care Acts mandate that all health insurance plans provide birth control without deductibles or co-pays.

The decision vastly expanded religious exceptions to general laws, which previously had been granted to genuinely religious organizations or individuals participating in religious rites. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, in dissent, memorably predicted that the court was thereby venturing into a minefield. Shes been proved right many times as more people and companies with tenuous connections to religious organizations claim similar exemptions. Another such case will come before the court in its October term.

The antiquities in the new case were estimated by a consultant to be worth $11.8 million. Hobby Lobby paid $1.6 million for them.

Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com.

Return to Michael Hiltziks blog.

UPDATES:

9:12 p.m.: This post has been updated with details from the government lawsuit.
In a bid to promote its deals to consumers, Amazon.com Inc. started displaying current discounts compared to their historic price tags  a strategy that it calls the was price.

The was price was introduced as the e-commerce giant faced legal challenges and mounting criticism for allegedly exaggerating discounts through its previous pricing strategy, which was based on list prices derived from manufacturers, vendors and competitors.



For the record: An earlier version of this post stated Consumer Watchdog filed its petition with California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerras office and the Federal Trade Commission. It should have said the FTC and the Justice Department.

But a fresh study by Consumer Watchdog alleges that was prices, along with before-sale prices and list prices, continue to deceive consumers into thinking that theyre getting a bigger bargain than they actually are.

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The Santa Monica-based nonprofit taxpayer and consumer advocacy group looked at hundreds of products sold by Amazon in June and found nearly 4 in 10 listings displayed fictitious discounts.

The report comes more than three months after Consumer Watchdog filed a petition calling on California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra to investigate Amazon after a separate study by the group alleged that the company was regularly using inflated list prices to give the appearance of larger savings.

On Thursday, Consumer Watchdog filed another petition calling on the Federal Trade Commission and the Justice Department to look into Amazons current pricing scheme.

The new reference prices seem to be just as bogus, said John M. Simpson, privacy project director for Consumer Watchdog, which is urging the FTC to consider the study when it reviews Amazons recent $13.7-billion bid for Whole Foods Market.

Amazon dismissed the study, describing it as misleading.

We are obsessed with maintaining customer trust, and work hard to provide meaningful reference prices. We use a variety of systems to validate reference prices provided by manufacturers, vendors and sellers against actual prices recently found across Amazon and other retailers, the company said in a prepared statement.

Amazons controversial list pricing has already sparked a class-action lawsuit, which is currently being heard at the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in Pasadena. In January, the company was fined $750,000 by Canadas Competition Bureau for misstating discount claims.

Its not just Amazon that has gotten into trouble for inflating savings to consumers. Amazon rival Overstock was fined $6.8 million by a California judge in 2014 for misstating its discounts. In December, the Los Angeles city attorneys office sued JC Penney, Sears, Kohls and Macys, accusing them of falsely advertising their sale prices.

In its latest study, Consumer Watchdog looked at 1,005 Amazon listings for common products like cameras and detergent and found 462, or 45%, had some form of reference price  an umbrella term for either a list price, was price, before sale price or a price crossed-out with a line, which the study refers to as a strikethrough price.

By comparison, Consumer Watchdogs March report looked at 4,000 products and found that only 28% contained reference prices, suggesting that Amazon has been increasing its use of the advertising despite heightened criticism.

Its unclear precisely how the different reference prices are determined and when and how theyre used.

Amazons shifting approach to these prices suggests that the firm is seeking to reconcile increasing legal and public scrutiny with its continuing need to represent itself to consumers as a bargain retailer, the study said. The result is a shifting landscape that can prove hard for consumers and regulators to keep up with.

To examine the recent reference prices, Consumer Watchdog used a price tracking site called Tracktor, which was able to determine the accuracy of Amazons reference prices within the last 901 days  more than enough time to encompass definitions of recent past.

Researchers found that 12 of 44 was prices and 83 of 99 before sale prices and 81 of the 182 list prices were greater than any price found on Tracktor. Meanwhile, none of 137 strikethough prices exceeded the maximum price found on Tracktor.

This suggests that Amazon can accurately represent prior prices if it wishes, the studys authors wrote.

Consumer Watchdog said Amazon inflated its reference prices an average of 70% above to the highest price found for the listed products on Tracktor.

Among the examples cited in the study was a box of Hammermill printer paper advertised for $9.29 that displayed a was price of $17.78. Researchers found the paper was consistently sold for about $9 over the last year except for four periods of one or two days in which Amazon raised the price above $17.

In another example, a Seachunk messenger bag on sale for $22 displayed a before sale price of $149. Researchers said they could not find an instance in which the bag was sold for more than $26 in the last two-and-a-half years.

david.pierson@latimes.com

Follow me @dhpierson on Twitter

UPDATES:

11:15 p.m.: This article was updated to include a statement from Amazon.

This article was originally published at 4 p.m.
California and 17 other states on Thursday sued Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, alleging she unlawfully delayed new federal regulations designed to protect student loan borrowers from being ripped off by for-profit colleges and other schools.

The rules, which would have made it easier for students to have loans forgiven if they were defrauded or deceived, were developed by the Obama administration and had been set to take effect last Saturday.

But last month DeVos delayed their implementation and launched an effort to rewrite them, arguing they were unfair to students and schools while putting taxpayers at risk for significant costs.

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The suit, filed by attorneys general from 18 states plus the District of Columbia, said DeVos move violated the Administrative Procedures Act because she did not satisfy the standards for a delay, and also failed to give the proper notice or offer the public time to comment.

The suit also criticized DeVos for saying a reason for the delay was a pending legal challenge to the regulations by the California Assn. of Private Postsecondary Schools. The reference to the pending litigation is a mere pretext for repealing the rule and replacing it with a new rule that will remove or dilute student rights and protections, the suit said.

California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra was among the officials, all Democrats, who filed the suit. Students shouldnt have to worry that their American dream will be stolen by unscrupulous purveyors of a sham college education, he said.

The Trump administration should do everything in its power to protect our students, Becerra said. These regulations should be implemented because theyre good for students and because thats what the law requires.

The suit, led by Massachusetts Atty. Gen. Maura Healey, was filed in U.S. District Court in Washington.

These rules served as critical protections against predatory for-profit schools that exploit hard-working students  students who are simply trying to invest in their own education and future, said New York Atty. General Eric Schneiderman, who also was among those filing the suit.

A spokeswoman for DeVos did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.

The regulations, known as borrower defense to repayment, were developed after a series of high-profile collapses of for-profit chains such as Corinthian Colleges Inc. and ITT Technical Institute left thousands of students stranded.

The rules were adopted in November and designed to streamline the loan-forgiveness process for students who have been defrauded or deceived.

They were to have taken effect July 1 along with a new gainful-employment rule that would have limited the amount of debt that students at career-training schools  for-profit and not-for-profit  could take out relative to the incomes they were expected to earn.

Schools that exceeded the limits would risk losing their ability to offer federal student aid.

The for-profit college industry strongly opposed the new rules. In May, the California Assn. of Private Postsecondary Schools filed a federal lawsuit to block the borrower defense rules from going into effect.

Becerra and seven other state attorneys general, along with the District of Columbia, filed a motion to intervene in that suit, saying they wanted to make sure the regulations were adequately defended.

On June 14, DeVos announced she was delaying the borrower defense and gainful employment rules as part of a a regulatory reset.

The Obama administrations efforts missed an opportunity to get it right, she said.

DeVos plans to hold two public hearings this month on the rules and said her aim is to protect students from predatory practices while also providing clear, fair and balanced rules for colleges and universities to follow.

She specifically cited the pending litigation against the borrower defense regulations as a reason for delaying those rules.

Twitter: @JimPuzzanghera

jim.puzzanghera@latimes.com

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Builder Paul Matt  whose firm constructed the Broad art museum and other L.A. landmarks  died Friday after a nine-week battle with cancer. He was 85.

In a career that spanned seven decades, Matt worked on the Salk Institute in San Diego and the Crystal Cathedral in Orange County before co-founding Matt Construction in 1991 with his son and brother.

Matt Construction served as the general contractor for the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, which opened last month, and the $125-million overhaul of the Petersen Automotive Museum, completed in 2015.

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Other high-profile restorations include the Wilshire Boulevard Temple, the Hollywood Bowl and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

Hed show up to work at 7 a.m. and wouldnt leave until 6:30 for 25 years, said son Steve Matt, chief executive of the firm. He worked until he was 85. It was a fountain of youth for him.

The Santa Fe Springs company boasts 250 employees and annual revenue that tops $500 million.

Steve Matt said his fathers greatest trait was knowing how to draw on other peoples strengths, which led to a deep trust with everyone he worked with  including clients, architects and employees.

Architect Brenda Levin, who worked on the Wilshire Boulevard Temple with Paul Matt, said he became one of her biggest advocates when she started her own firm in 1980  as a woman in a mans industry.

I could call him any time and hed pick up the phone and give me good counsel, Levin said. He was a mentor and a supporter to me and filled so many informal roles throughout my career.

Matt partnered over the years with various L.A. power players, including Eli Broad. The billionaire art collector chose Matts firm to construct his $140-million Bunker Hill art museum, which opened in 2015, as well as the Broad Contemporary Art Museum at LACMA.

We will miss Pauls collaborative spirit, innovative thinking and his willingness to take on the most challenging of projects, Broad said in a statement.

Born in Rome, N.Y., in 1932, Matt served in the Air Force before working as a welder on the Dalles Dam that spanned the Columbia River in Oregon. Thats where he got his first taste of construction.

Then he began his professional career in the industry as a surveyor for the George A. Fuller Co. He was promoted to job superintendent in 1962 overseeing the Salk Institute in San Diego, working alongside legendary architect Louis Kahn.

Matt was employed at general contractor C.L. Peck for 22 years and worked on the Crystal Cathedral in Orange County and the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in downtown L.A. before he started his own company.

Matt is survived by his second wife, Cathy, and three children from first wife  Steven, Colleen and Neil  as well as brothers Francis, Alan, Karl and Vincent, sister Rose Marie and 11 grandchildren.

Matt, who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, died at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach. He was a resident of the city for more than 45 years.

jack.flemming@latimes.com

@jflem94
Not long after the pizzeria Zume opened for business last year, its kitchen staff noticed a problem with some of its pizzas: they had holes in them.

It wasnt the fault of the workers, who rolled out intact dough bases. There wasnt a kitchen mole prodding holes. It wasnt even the recipe  a Zume pizza base can handle its fair share of toppings. It was the robots.

Josh Goldberg, 38, is the chief technology officer of the Mountain View, Calif., pizza joint. Although most pizzerias dont have an engineering staff, let alone a CTO, Zume prides itself on its use of automation to make operations more efficient.

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It estimates its kitchen can make 10 times more pizzas than a pizzeria with a comparable staff. It has a robot that squirts tomato sauce onto its pies. It has a robot that spreads the sauce, mimicking the movements of Zumes head chef. Theres a robot arm (similar to those found in auto manufacturing facilities) that puts the pie in the oven. And, as of this month, theres a robot that presses the dough into a perfect circle.

So if the company has a non-human problem, its Goldbergs problem.

A pizza sauce-spreading delta robot nicknamed Marta spreads marinana on a pie at Zume Pizza. (Josh Edelson / For the Times)

Observing operations in the companys lab-like kitchen, Goldberg watched as the human cooks spun glossy blobs of dough and placed them on the conveyor belt. He watched as a camera hovering above snapped a photo of the dough so it could inform the other robots of the pizzas size, shape and precise location. Another camera detected the center of the pie and instructed a nozzle to squirt sauce, and a delta robot  the kind used on assembly lines  used a spiral movement to spread it. Humans topped the pizza with pepperoni, fresh basil and cheese.

And just as the pizza was about to be put into the oven, Goldberg found the problem.

There was a small gap between two conveyor belts. If both kept moving, then the pizza would glide along without any problems. But if the conveyor belts stopped for as little as two seconds, part of the pizza would sink into the gap, creating a tear when the machines started up again.

Fixing the problem was easy enough. Goldberg just had to program the conveyor belt to not stop when a pizza was passing over the gap.

But there are always new problems.

Robots need calibrating, code needs to be updated. Whenever theres a change in the dough or sauce recipe, the robots must be taught new ways to work with different textures and consistencies.

Josh Goldberg controls a robot whose sole purpose is to take a pizza off the conveyor belt and put it into an 800-degree oven. (Josh Edelson / For The Times)

Thats why Zume has a team of 20 software engineers. And its 20-person kitchen staff doesnt just prep ingredients; many have been trained to work with the robots. Its entire culinary team uses project management tools such as Jira and Kanban, which are typically used by software engineers at tech companies for managing projects and fixing bugs. And other staff, such as delivery drivers and line cooks, are being trained in data science.

We have fewer people, but we pay them much higher rates with full benefits as opposed to having a proliferation of lower-skilled workers, said Julia Collins, Zumes co-founder and co-chief executive.

The goal isnt end-to-end automation, Collins said. There are still things that humans do better than machines, such as prepping ingredients, making sauce, developing recipes and knowing when something isnt right with a pie. But automation and software enables Zume to reduce costs, make more pizzas, predict what pizzas people want before they order them and, eventually, take on the big pizza chains.

At least thats what investors  including the venture capital firm SignalFire  are betting. Theyve put more than $23 million into the company.

Zume is a new player in the better pizza movement, in which upstart chains such as Blaze and 800 Degrees have built big followings by offering higher quality ingredients with the speed and convenience of Dominos and Pizza Hut. And with its focus on robotics, Zume joins a small but growing wave of eateries  so far rooted in the Bay Area  that see automation as a way to reduce costs.

To expand its operations, the company says it wont need to invest heavily in kitchens or storefronts. It will need only a single new robot-equipped kitchen in each new metropolitan market, relying on its fleet of oven-equipped trucks, each with the capacity to bake and deliver more than 200 pizzas a day  about the number of pies a single pizzeria sells.

Ultimately, its a company that can scale and become the best option for delivered pizza against any of the incumbents, said Chris Farmer, a SignalFire investor.

But if it succeeds, it has the potential to eliminate lots of repetitive jobs. The restaurant industry is projected to employ 14.7 million people in 2017  about 1 in 10 working Americans  according to the National Restaurant Assn.

Joe Pawlak, managing principal at restaurant industry market research firm Technomic, says its more likely that robots will alter restaurant jobs than erase them.

Automation will change the complexion of the workforce more than it drastically changes numbers, he said.

Thats because many diners want food thats hand-crafted and made with care  not put together an on assembly line, he said. Pawlak believes the restaurant industry workforce could grow more sophisticated as robots pick up some of the more repetitive jobs.

Collins, the Zume executive, sees an opportunity to train todays low-skilled workers for tomorrows robot wrangling, and to create high-tech jobs where they previously didnt exist  such as Goldbergs role at the pizzeria.

Im the every-technology minder, said Goldberg, who oversees Zumes robots, conveyor belts, software, apps, and the ovens built into the trucks that let the company cook pizzas while they are being delivered.

Goldberg got his start in electrical engineering in the 1990s before making the switch to software development. He worked at an e-publishing company at one point, spent nearly a decade developing software and systems for online dating sites, and has run his own web-hosting business on the side. His last food service industry job was 23 years ago when he worked in a bagel shop.

Josh Goldberg never thought hed work in food service again. Now the software engineer oversees Zumes pizza-making robots. (Josh Edelson / For The Times)

When I told people I was leaving my old job and going to make pizza, they thought I was joking, he said.

But as automation becomes more pervasive, a growing number of his peers are finding work in industries that previously had no need for them.

One of the big pushes came decades ago when car manufacturing became automated, and software engineers found themselves building the machines that built the machines. As automation enters new industries  food, finance, healthcare  he believes engineers will find themselves in places they never imagined. In San Francisco, engineers already are working at automated coffee shops, quinoa restaurants and, soon, burger joints.

Previously confined to a desk, Goldbergs engineering duties now have him going back and forth between Zumes engineering office and the kitchen next door. He works with Zumes chefs to figure out what technology they need to get the robots to follow the culinary teams recipes.

To update the robots software, Goldberg must unlock a metal closet a few feet from the pizza conveyor belts. Its filled with wiring that controls all of the robots  and can be accessed only in person to prevent a hacker from taking control of the pizza assembly line.

Its one way the job differs from other engineering gigs.

If its virtual and someone says, Hey look, this thing is on fire, it just means the process has gone wrong, Goldberg said. Here, if something is on fire, they could be speaking literally.

Times staff writer Alexa DAngelo contributed to this report.

tracey.lien@latimes.com

@traceylien

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On the surface, actor Denis Arndt appears very much like the character he plays in Heisenberg: comfortably masculine and fit, in blue jeans and a plaid shirt. When show time arrives at the Mark Taper Forum, All I do is put on a different shirt and change jeans, he says with a laugh.

The similarities end there, as his character, the Irish-born butcher Alex Priest, finds his long isolation interrupted by the interest of a much younger woman (played by Mary-Louise Parker) and the sudden possibility of romance and reengagement with the world. For Arndt, the role in Heisenberg is among the most meaningful in a long, busy career as a migratory arts worker in theater, film and television. It delivered a Tony nomination for lead actor in his Broadway debut last year  at age 77.

I was prepared for this. This was prepared for me, he says with a smile, sitting in his dressing room at the Taper, where opening night for Heisenberg is set for Thursday. The material there, my insight, my chemistry with this woman, her incredible skill  its too much fun to use all the tools in my box.

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As he speaks, a preview performance of the Simon Stephens play is still hours away, and Arndt has his door propped open, a bouquet of flowers sitting beside a row of mirrors. Above his head, a TV monitor shows the stage, bare except for the plays two simple tables and chairs that provide an austere setting for 80 minutes of layered drama and comedy.

Arndt has played the part for two years, first in the 2015 premiere production off-Broadway, followed by a Broadway run that ended in December, both directed by Mark Brokaw. Arndt suggests that the play would still be running in New York if a stage had only been available. (The production grossed more than $4.5 million during 12 weeks of previews and regular performances, according to the Broadway League.) Instead, it arrives in Los Angeles this week with its original cast and director intact.

I dont think any of us would consider doing it without each other, says Brokaw, who has directed Parker several times since the 1990s. They have a very particular charisma together. I feel like Im watching two lifetimes collide up there onstage.

Arndt considers Alex one of the defining roles of his 45-year acting career. The play begins in a London train station, where a curious, energetic woman named Georgie unexpectedly kisses him on the back of his neck and playfully engages the older man in conversation. Early in this first encounter, Alex abruptly asks, Why are you talking to me?

It works as a laugh line but also reveals something of a character late in life, someone whos not accustomed to being spoken to or noticed during his daily routines. His butcher shop draws few customers, and he lives alone with his memories, regrets and love for music.

I really feel a lot of distance between myself personally and Alex, because I do have kids, and I have had a life, and I have done a lot of things. Alex, not so much, says Arndt, who lives in Ashland, Ore. Hes dealt with however his life turned out in a very mature, stoic kind of way. He says, Im not in the least bit strange, and he really isnt. His is one of those lives of quiet desperation.

The play, with a title in reference to physicist Werner Heisenbergs uncertainty principle, follows its own uncertain trajectory. The invasive Georgie sends the old butchers life off its otherwise predictable course, though the womans reasons for doing so remain uncertain. She speaks of an ex-husband who may or may not be alive, who may or may not have ever existed, and describes a grown-up son who has fled to America. Georgie may feel genuine affection for Alex, or she may be a grifter  or both.

The part of Alex came to Arndt with little warning. The original off-Broadway production had cast a different actor who dropped out days before rehearsals were to begin. Tony-winning director Doug Hughes suggested Arndt, and by chance Brokaw had just seen Arndt in The Night Alive at the Geffen Playhouse in L.A.

Arndt was sent the script. After three quick readings, he wanted the part, and within days he was in rehearsals in New York. The premiere run on the tiny basement stage of the Manhattan Theatre Club was exceptionally intimate.

His character is revealed slowly in the interaction between the two actors. He has an ability to get things down to its essence, Brokaw says. He has a great stillness about him onstage that is demanding and totally perfect for this character  who feels like he has his life totally under control. This woman comes into his life who exposes that he truly doesnt.

Key to that was the chemistry with Parker.

Luckily, I liked her, and she liked me. Within three or four days, it just started to bloom, Arndt recalls. There is no action in this play. The only action is inside the transaction between the two characters. Thats what carries the substance, what elicits nuance, innuendo and meaning.

Denis Arndt and Mary-Louise Parker during a rehearsal of the play Heisenberg at the Mark Taper Forum. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

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She loves doing it, and I love doing it. Its a skate. The ice is black. Both skaters have really sharp skates, and you go out there and see what happens every night. Its exciting.

When the play moved to the larger Samuel J. Friedman Theatre the following year, it marked a milestone for Arndt. Though hed worked in New York over the decades, including for producer Joseph Papp at the Public Theater and at Shakespeare in the Park, he had never acted on Broadway.

Ill tell you this, he says of New York. Its hell of a lot more fun being in town in a big hit.

His first experiences as an actor were in high school, but after graduation he joined the Army in 1957 and became a helicopter pilot. He spent nine years in the service, including more than a year and a half flying combat missions in Vietnam.

The costumes were great and all the props worked. It was one of my best roles: Army aviator, he says with a smile, then turns serious regarding how the experience of Vietnam has stayed with him in other ways. There is a part of me, that in certain circumstances, I can still feel the same anger that I felt at the betrayal. ... What did we learn from 58,000 boys and girls dead?

He got out in 1966 and piloted helicopters as a profession, flying private missions for research, exploration and development, hauling men and steel for oil drilling operations inside the Arctic Circle. Flying in Alaska was one of the most healing things that happened to me over the course of reentering society.

Its a skate. The ice is black. Both skaters have really sharp skates, and you go out there and see what happens every night.  Actor Denis Arndt, on performing Heisenberg with Mary-Louise Parker

In 1971 while studying in Seattle at the University of Washington, Arndt auditioned for a play and got the part, as though a circle had been closed. He continued to explore local theater, but it took time for him to accept that acting was his life. It was always: Wait until the 11th hour and take the best offer, he says. If the best offer was that I could go fly a helicopter on a forest fire, maybe that would be the best offer. But that never turned out to be the best offer.

He acted full time along the West Coast, calling himself the I-5 Player for all the freeway hours he logged. He was cast in plays from contemporary to Shakespearean, from Washington to the Old Globe in San Diego, plus roles for TV and film.

In 1988 he was cast as husband to Mary Tyler Moore in the short-lived but critically lauded CBS series Annie McGuire, which led to years of regular TV work for producers Steven Bochco and David E. Kelley and various episodes of L.A. Law, Picket Fences, Life Goes On, The Wonder Years and Columbo. He was one of the interrogators of Sharon Stone in the notorious scene from the 1992 erotic thriller Basic Instinct.

For a time, he kept a small house in Sherman Oaks but maintained his Oregon home base.

If you can do what you need to do in three takes, in this business youll work. Its as simple as that, he says of his experience in Los Angeles. I was lucky enough to be a fast study and I could take changes as they came, and I would come in, shoot from the hip ... and go back to Oregon. I raised three kids up there.

A purity and simplicity to Heisenberg excite him. The stripped down production is almost subversive as the two actors move the chairs and tables in the moments between scenes.

This one is not a spectator sport, Arndt says. You cant come in and sit down and not be involved in this piece. Which makes it really exciting and also very dangerous because theres nowhere to hide.

         

Heisenberg

Where: Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A.

When: 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 2:30 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays; ends Aug. 6

Tickets: $25-$95 (subject to change)

Information: (213) 628-2772 or CenterTheatreGroup.org

Running time: 1 hour, 20 minutes

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Few people knew of the existence of David Lowerys A Ghost Story before it was announced late last year as part of the lineup for Januarys Sundance Film Festival. It seemed unusual that the filmmakers follow-up to his big-budget Disney reboot Petes Dragon would be something so secretive and under the radar, even more unusual considering that it featured prominent stars Rooney Mara and Casey Affleck.

The project reunites the trio from Lowerys 2013 romantic drama Aint Them Bodies Saints, this time crafting a mournful consideration of love and loss. In the new film Mara and Affleck play a couple living together in a house and after he dies in a car crash she is left alone, grappling with her grief. Except that she is unknowingly under the silent watch of his ghost, who exists under a bedsheet with cut-out eyes. When she eventually moves out of the house, the ghost remains, unstuck from time for a journey of his own.



For the record: An earlier version of this story quoted Rooney Mara as saying I was a really, really strange, geeky child. The quote has been updated to I was a really, really strange, picky child.

Lowery financed the low-budget film partly with his own money. He reached out directly to Affleck and Mara, bypassing typical channels so that the actors own agents didnt know they were doing the project until just before it began.

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Im inherently a secretive person, said Mara. Its just fun and exciting to do something in secret. And also, theres no pressure, there arent these weird expectations, it really felt like making something for ourselves.

Review: Casey Affleck goes under the sheet in David Lowerys haunting, melancholy A Ghost Story 

The movie was a platform for Lowery to grapple with a number of his own issues, including professional anxieties he had before making Petes Dragon, and an artistic desire afterward to make something small and simple, alongside domestic complications of whether to continue to live in Texas or move to Los Angeles.

The filmmakers growing unease came to a head when he was contemplating whether to buy a rare poster for Vincent Gallos movie The Brown Bunny, and his mind went to some extreme places to rationalize the decision.

I decided not to get it because ultimately I would be dead and wouldnt care about it and the world would end and the poster would be gone, Lowery said. I decided not to buy something nice for my house because existence was meaningless. And that wasnt a healthy place to be in. So I bought the poster, framed it and decided I needed to fix this problem in myself and this movie was a way to do that.

He entered into the project intending to make a feature film, but as a way to assuage his own uncertainties he would tell himself and his collaborators that it might end up as a short film or an art installation or he might even just scrap the whole thing.

I didnt know if the ghost would work, said Lowery. I thought it just might be too silly of a concept to function the way I hoped it would. I always hoped that shape and symbol and character and presence would be maybe a little bit amusing from time to time but ultimately a very emotional presence in the film.

Its just fun and exciting to do something in secret... It really felt like making something for ourselves.  Rooney Mara

For the films internal mythology of how a ghost operates, its relationship to time and place, Lowery drew mostly from what he calls the meta-continuity of other movies  a little Poltergeist, a bit of Beetlejuice and ideas from assorted other places.

There was some amount of trial and error in creating the seemingly simple ghost costume  We initially thought we would just put a sheet over Caseys head and that would be it, said Lowery  with an internal architecture being created to maintain the shape of the cut-out eyes and flowing folds.

The movie was shot in the summer of 2016, as Affleck was already on his way to winning an Oscar for his performance in Manchester by the Sea, which had premiered at Sundance earlier that year. (A Ghost Story can be time-stamped partly by where the actor was in growing out the scraggly hair and prodigious beard for his upcoming film, Light of My Life, which he wrote, directed and stars in.)

Affleck was later unavailable for some reshoots, and so the films art director David Pink stepped in as a substitute ghost. Lowery said that even he is now unsure who is under the sheet in some specific shots.

I was under it for some of the time, but some of the time I wasnt, allowed Affleck.

Noting that The Elephant Man is one of his favorite movies and that images from that film have stuck with him since he was very young, Affleck said his own scenes while shrouded by the sheet are among his favorite moments ever as an actor.

And Im not saying that facetiously. I just loved, I dont know, not being seen, Affleck said. More than anything it was a kind of humbling reminder of how much the director is doing for the actor and how much the other person in the scene is doing for the actor. It works so well because of Rooney and David.

The two things Im looking forward to having been under the sheet is all of the reviews that say that it is my most expressive and best performance, I am counting on those coming out, said Affleck. And I cant wait, I want to see the YouTube version of this movie where someone dubs in all the dialogue for the ghost.

Even more than Affleck under a sheet, when the film premiered at Sundance it seemed just about anyone who saw it walked out talking about the scene in which Mara, overtaken by grief, eats an entire pie, much of it in a long unbroken take.

It was certainly something that popped out at me when I read it, that was one of the things I was really excited to do, Mara said. So it doesnt surprise me that its something that jumps out of the movie. It was such a unique way of showing grief, weve never seen anything like that before. And Id actually never had pie before, that was my first and last pie.

Come again? How is it that Rooney Mara had never eaten pie before? (I asked that same question, noted Lowery.)

I just dont really have a sweet tooth and I was a really, really strange, picky child, she said. Something about pie always grossed me out and I just never tried it before. And this came along and I tried making them switch it to something else, but David really wanted it to be pie, so we did pie.

Perhaps speaking to the intense closeness of the collaboration between the actors and filmmaker, Mara also recalled that during one take of a shot in which she and Affleck cuddled in bed, she actually fell asleep.

As a movie born from both professional anxieties and more personal concerns, Lowery noted that making A Ghost Story has had genuine therapeutic value for him (and that he and his wife recently bought a house in Dallas.).

I cant put it in words yet what Ive gained from making this film, Lowery said. Im in a better place as a filmmaker, Im in a better place as a husband, and Im in a better place as a human being. The existential crisis I was undergoing when I set out to make this now has receded in the rear view to a large extent. Now when I watch the movie I feel at peace, I feel very comforted by it.

One pivotal part of the film remains an enigmatic mystery. Maras character likes to leave a note behind in places where she lives and departs, and like the whispered farewell at the end of Lost in Translation, just what was on the note is not revealed.

Mara alone knows what was written on that note, as it was painted into the crack of a wall of a house that was then demolished.

I will never tell, she said. Let us keep one secret to ourselves.

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In an admiring appraisal of Peter Straubs 1979 horror novel, Ghost Story, Stephen King once wrote, We need ghost stories because we, in fact, are the ghosts. Is this really such a difficult or paradoxical idea when you consider how short our lives are in a wider life-scheme where redwoods live two thousand years and the Galapagos sea turtles may live for a thousand?

King couldnt have been writing about the similarly titled new film A Ghost Story, but he might as well have been. As spare and precise in its effects as Straubs novel was lurid and extravagant, this latest feature written and directed by David Lowery (Petes Dragon) isnt a horror story exactly, unless you count the horror of permanent solitude. Opening in domestic contentment, moving through personal anguish and ending with a cosmic lament, its a simple, wrenching story of love and loss that pries open a window onto eternity.

 Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara star in A Ghost Story.

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That sounds like a lot of thematic baggage for a movie that runs just shy of 90 minutes and plays out in long stretches of anxious, watchful silence. But one of the lessons of this quietly gripping movie, and of the American art-film tradition to which it belongs, is that stillness can conceal troubling depths, and even seemingly small moments can be rife with meaning and implication.

Much of the story unfolds in the rural Texas home of a young couple, unidentified by name or back story but invested with credible warmth and sensitivity by Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara. Our sense of intimacy with them is startling. Working with cinematographer Andrew Droz Palermo, Lowery films his characters in a nearly square frame whose rounded edges and muted colors evoke the look of old film footage  an evocative choice for what turns out to be a home movie in more ways than one.

One night the couples slumber is disturbed by the banging of keys on the piano in their living room, though a subsequent search reveals no sign of an intruder. Still, despite the reassuring tenderness of the scene that follows  a nearly five-minute shot of husband and wife back in bed, wrapped in a sleepy embrace  something vaguely sinister lingers in the air, as if they were being watched by an unseen, uninvited guest.

Within moments the man is dead, killed in an off-screen car accident  a shocking tragedy that gets an absurdist spin when he returns as a silent, slow-moving figure wearing a thick white sheet with two small eye-holes. Hiding your lead actor beneath a third graders Halloween getup is a pretty risky conceit, but here it plays as both disarming and deeply amusing, not least because it supplies an utterly logical medical explanation for why a restless spirit might look like that in the first place.

One startling scene, in which Mara stress-eats an entire pie in one take, is like an Ingmar Bergman meltdown and a Bela Tarr parody rolled into one.

The primitiveness of Afflecks costume in some ways recalls the low-rent, matter-of-fact magic of the great Thai director Apichatpong Weerasethakul, whose films (including Tropical Malady and Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives) often unfold along the porous boundaries between this world and the next. Its not the only example of the films deadpan-prankster sensibility, as if Lowery and his two leads were trying to keep their experiment from becoming too lugubrious. One startling scene, in which Mara stress-eats an entire pie in one take, is like an Ingmar Bergman meltdown and a Bela Tarr parody rolled into one.

But in the end A Ghost Story is too patient, and too committed to its own idiosyncrasies, to seem anything but sincere. We follow this costume-shop apparition as he roams the grounds of his old home, bearing solemn witness to his partners unshakable sorrow. At times the film suggests a gender-swapped retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice: Although husband and wife are separated by death, they remain united by the extremity of their anguish, by the unwavering steadiness of the ghosts gaze, and above all by the tight, box-like confines of the movie screen. (The barrier of a white sheet scarcely keeps Affleck and Mara from emoting even more affectingly here than they did in Lowerys 2013 noir romance, Aint Them Bodies Saints.)

Individual moments are drawn out so slowly that you feel trapped in them alongside the characters, but what gives the film its particular poignancy is the way it makes those moments feel both attenuated and fleeting  a reminder of how little time we are granted together on this astral plane. Before long the woman leaves, and her husband is forced to look on helplessly as she is replaced by a steady stream of new occupants.

At times A Ghost Story flirts with the tried-and-true conventions of the haunted-house tale: The lights begin to flicker, books and knick-knacks fly off their shelves, and in time another ghost rears its white-sheeted head. But Lowery seems less interested in exploiting the trappings of horror than in using them to heighten his characters isolation. The houses new occupants  including a philosophically inclined party guest (Will Oldham) who gets a soliloquy that accounts for maybe half the movies dialogue  exist less to be terrorized than to remind us that we are all, in the end, just passing through.

The astonishing narrative free-fall of the third act is best left for the viewer to discover. Suffice to say that time, if not space, turns weirdly elastic, and Daniel Harts moody score rises to an almost ecstatic level of doomy portent. Even still, we are reminded of happier days for this couple, in flashbacks (or are they flash-forwards?) that provide subtle clues as to the nature of our protagonists unfinished business.

These scenes are a warning to look closer and listen carefully, to appreciate the deeper meaning of moments that might otherwise seem insignificant  a lesson that applies well beyond the domain of the movie theater. If we in fact are the ghosts, as King suggested, then perhaps its best if we learn how to watch.

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A Ghost Story

Rating: R, for brief language and a disturbing image

Running time: 1 hour, 27 minutes

Playing: Arclight Cinemas, Hollywood; the Landmark, West Los Angeles

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justin.chang@latimes.com

@JustinCChang

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In Lost in Paris, a charmingly featherweight comedy about three accident-prone eccentrics running around the City of Light, its only a matter of time before someone falls into the Seine.

That someone turns out to be a Canadian tourist named Fiona (Fiona Gordon), who is walking across a bridge over the river when she makes the mistake of asking a runner to take her photo. She smiles for the camera and, echoing the runners movements, gently jogs in place. Gravity and bad luck do the rest.



For the record: An earlier version of this review incorrectly credited the photo to Kino Lorber, and identified Paris as City of Lights.

The gag is beautifully staged, but what stays with you isnt just the precision of the acrobatics (or the hilarity of the photo when we finally get a good look at it). Its the sympathetic expression on the face of the runner, who is left holding Fionas phone and dashes after her even as shes swept downriver. Cruel comic mishaps may be this movies raison detre, but they are softened at every turn by the gentle humanity of the citys inhabitants, and by the unspoken sense that everything will turn out fine in the end.

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Everything does turn out fine, and so does Lost in Paris, the fourth feature showcase for the Brussels-based husband-and-wife burlesque performers Gordon and Dominique Abel. (The previous films they made and starred in, Liceberg, Rumba and The Fairy, were co-directed with Bruno Romy.) Honed through years of circus experience and steeped in the grand French physical-comedy tradition of Jacques Tati and Pierre Etaix, their deft and inventive antics invariably leave a smile on your face even when their inspiration begins to wear a little thin.

Their latest is a brightly hued, cleverly orchestrated bit of nonsense that, at 83 minutes, neither overstays nor understays its welcome. The movie begins in a snowy Canadian hamlet where Fiona, a middle-age librarian, receives a letter from her aunt Martha (Emmanuelle Riva), who left town decades ago to move to Paris. Now 88, Martha asks Fiona to come visit her and keep her from being packed off to a retirement home  a sad prospect that, given the unusually circuitous route the letter takes to arrive on Fionas desk, doesnt seem too surprising.

Fiona seems to have inherited some of her aunts dottiness, and Gordon makes her a gawky delight to watch. She lands in Paris in a bright green outfit that contrasts sharply with her ginger hair, her oversized red backpack and the maple-leaf flag sticking out of the top, looking for all the world like a sentient Christmas tree. Within hours of her arrival, shes taken that tumble into the Seine and lost her bag and her passport, which fatefully wind up in the hands of Dom (Abel), a homeless drifter whose elfin features promise a healthy dose of mischief.

Its no surprise to note that, in line with the various alternate cinematic universes in which theyve popped up, Dom and Fiona will turn out to be improbable soul mates. That much is clear from the moment we see Dom whisk Fiona out of her seat and twirl her around a dance floor in a sequence that, as gracefully composed by cinematographers Claire Childeric and Jean-Christophe Leforestier, lets us take in the actors spectacularly Gumby-limbed bodies in long, unbroken takes. (That Dom happens to be wearing Fionas yellow sweater makes the scene even funnier.)

Although rife with pratfalls, near-misses, crazy coincidences and mistaken identities, Lost in Paris is a whirligig contraption that never turns frenetic or throws too much at you. Its like a Jean-Pierre Jeunet farce on Xanax, with a soothing dose of Wes Anderson whimsy for good measure. Its also a fond if inadvertent farewell to Riva, who died earlier this year (several months after the film premiered at festivals), and whose storied performances in Hiroshima, Mon Amour, Leon Morin, Priest and Amour gave moviegoers little indication of her screwball potential.

At one point, the picture stops gently in its tracks so that Martha can reunite with an old friend (Pierre Richard, another French cinema legend), and the camera zooms in on their feet as they go through a delicate soft-shoe routine. Its the loveliest of throwaways, but also an emblematic moment in a movie that moves to its own loopy, life-affirming beat.

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Lost in Paris

In French and English with English subtitles

Unrated

Running time: 1 hour, 23 minutes

Playing: Laemmles Playhouse 7, Pasadena, and Laemmles Royal Theatre, West Los Angeles

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justin.chang@latimes.com

@JustinCChang
Music documentaries are thick on the land, and political ones are numerous as well, but Mali Blues is different in that it artfully combines hypnotic music with definite societal concerns.

If you are a fan of world music, youre aware of the terrific sounds coming out of the West African nation whose musical citizens include the great Ali Farka Toure and the Tuareg band Tinariwen.

And if youre a movie person, you remember 2014s Timbuktu, the Oscar-nominated film that dramatized what happened when radical Islamists took over that storied city in Mali.

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As Mali Blues documents, those fanatics banned playing and even listening to music, causing musicians to flee for their lives to the countrys relatively more liberal south and sending shock waves through the entire Malian music community.

Directed by veteran German documentarian Lutz Gregor, Mali Blues shows how the musicians reacted and provides generous amounts of their music as part of the mix.

One reason for the shock waves is the centrality of music to Mailian culture.

I cant imagine a life without music, says Fatoumata Diawara. It would be like the Earth stopped turning.

Diawara, a world music star, is the first musician Mali Blues introduces us to. Raised in Mali, she is now returning to Bamako, the capital city. Her life story, only gradually revealed, is the films through line.

Featured next is Ahmed Ag Kaedi, leader of the Tuareg band Amanar, a guitar virtuoso in a white turban who fled to Bamako from his northern city of Kidal and misses it terribly.

For Kaedi, loud and noisy Bamako is worse than prison. All he wants to do, besides play music, is return to the desert near his home, where you dont hear a motor for 20 days.

The last two musicians introduced are quite different. Bassekou Kouyate plays an instrument called the ngoni and is in the centuries-old line of traditional griots.

By contrast, Master Soumy is a completely up-to-date rapper whose works include a song against Islam extremism, where he declaims lines like murder and torture, explain your Islam.

Though these musicians may be far from alike, they are all so disturbed by what is happening in their country that they join in a concert for peace. Its great to be an African, one of them tells the audience. Its best to be a Malian.

Mali Blues spends most of its time with Diawara, not only because she is as charismatic as any movie star (she, in fact, had a small role in Timbuktu) but also because her personal story of running away from home as a teenager to avoid a forced marriage is so compelling.

I left to write my own story with my own pen, is how she puts it. I decided to face my own life in song.

Easily the films most compelling section shows Diawara returning for the first time to the village where she was raised, her tumultuous welcome, and a song she performs to a women-only group in which she speaks out about the horrors of female circumcision, still very much an issue in the area.

Mali Blues ends on a happier note, with Diawaras first-ever concert in Mali, at the riverbank Festival sur le Niger in Segou. As in the entire film, the emotion is strong, the music joyous.

++++++++++++

Mali Blues

No rating

Running time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Playing: Laemmles Music Hall, Beverly Hills

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kenneth.turan@latimes.com

@KennethTuran

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Writer-director Keoni Waxman has collaborated with actor Steven Seagal on more than a half-dozen feature films plus the cable TV series True Justice, but their latest international crime thriller, Cartels, is more like a movie that takes place in the general vicinity of the aging action star than a proper Steven Seagal vehicle.

Cartels (originally titled Killing Salazar) stars Luke Goss as U.S. Marshal Tom Jensen, whos tasked with protecting an imprisoned Russian drug lord (Florin Piersic Jr.) from his former employee, brutal assassin Bruno Sinclaire (Georges St-Pierre). As skeptical government agent John Harrison, Seagal spends most of the movie interrogating Jensen in a framing device that looks back on an operation gone wrong.

As a budget-priced spin on Sicario  with elaborate paramilitary action sequences peppered into a story about how lawmen become compromised when they work with crooks  Cartels is passably entertaining. Goss has charisma, the plot takes some clever turns and the luxury hotel where most of the action takes place is easier on the eyes than the abandoned warehouses and airfields where these pictures are usually shot.

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But Seagals roughly 15 minutes of screen time are ultimately a distraction  especially when he gets his own clumsy fight scene with St-Pierre. With his thick leather coat, bushy goatee, tinted glasses, and whispery monotone voice, he looks like an ordinary schlub in a Steven Seagal costume. He makes the movie more marketable  but at what price?

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Cartels

Rating: R, for strong violence, language and some drug use

Running time: 1 hour, 40 minutes

Playing: Monica Film Center, Santa Monica

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The punitive system does not work. By the time those words are spoken in Alan Clarkes devastating 1979 film, Scum, the viewer will scarcely be in need of further persuasion.

A ferocious expose of life in Britains notorious borstals, or youth detention centers, the movie tells you much that you probably already know about incarcerated young men, their vicious pecking orders and the corrupt authorities overseeing their rehabilitation. But it tells it with scalding wit and coolly riveting style, in the visual equivalent of spare, brilliant prose that occasionally bleeds (and bleeds and bleeds) into poetry.

Newly restored by Kino Lorber, the film set to play a week-long run at Cinefamily is the uncensored, 96-minute version of a controversy-stirring project that originated in 1977 as a television play. Directed by Clarke and written by Roy Minton, that meticulously researched 78-minute production was commissioned as part of the BBCs Play for Today anthology series, but was withheld from broadcast due to its shocking violence.

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Clarke, showing the fearlessness that would cement his reputation as one of the U.K.s most uncompromising social realists, responded by remaking the material in 1979 as a theatrical feature that proved even more graphic and unsparing in its treatment of the borstals dehumanizing conditions.

The charges of obscenity and calls for censorship that greeted the new version were, if anything, a testament to its excoriating power. When it was finally shown on television in 1983, by which point the borstal system had been reformed, Clarkes ghastly depiction of officially sanctioned violence, rape, suicide and other horrors had already taken on the stench of truth.

In conventional prison-drama fashion, Scum brings us into its grotty world through the eyes of a newly arrived inmate. If the heavy-set Carlin seems fresher than most, its probably because hes played by a twentysomething Ray Winstone, looking impossibly young and smooth-cheeked, with nary a visible trace of the gravel-voiced tough guys he would later play in movies like Sexy Beast.

Well before the end of Scum, however, you can already see that beefy prototype taking shape. Carlin may keep his head down at first, replying yes, sir to every barked command, but he instinctively understands the laws that govern this white-walled Gehenna. After taking more than his fair share of soul-crushing punishment from fellow inmate Banks (John Blundell), the wings menacing designated daddy, Carlin swiftly retaliates with a handily improvised weapon (that billiard table in the recreation room isnt just for show) and a clear understanding of the ruthlessness that will be required of him to not just survive, but prevail.

Carlins brutal rise to power makes for a compelling central narrative, albeit one that, under Clarkes pitiless, clear-eyed gaze, never runs the risk of tilting into exploitation. No less fascinating is the rather less conventional route taken by Archer (a superb Mick Ford), an unusually well-spoken and intellectually gifted inmate who enjoys trolling the warders at every step. He does this by playfully adopting all manner of faddish personal convictions, from vegetarianism to Islam; the latter offense earns him an audience with the chaplain while underscoring the hypocrisy of this ostensibly Christian institution.

The juxtaposition of Carlins and Archers very different strategies lends Scum the outline of a dialectic. But the films chief narrative accomplishment is the astonishingly detailed picture it sketches of the internal forces at work. We learn something of the grubby economy of life behind bars, as well as the venal motives driving the warders, who maintain order by empowering their most thuggish charges.

We learn something too of the uneasy coexistence between the borstals white and black inmates, even if the latter tend to remain on the periphery of the drama. Among the more prominent black characters are Angel (Alrick Riley), a boy who arrives the same day Carlin does, and Toyne (Herbert Norville), an older youth who is dealt one of the films most tragic hands.

Without ever abandoning a realist framework, Clarke and Minton skillfully advance several plot lines concurrently, bringing their characters different experiences into tight focus and showing them all, in the end, to be equally wretched. Its this realization that lends such shattering force to the movies climactic scenes, in which the voices of the inmates are raised in unison at long last, only to be drowned out by a cruel and deafening silence.

Its hard to watch Scum today (that sentence could end right there) without seeing its narrative and stylistic influence on numerous British prison dramas that have emerged since, Steve McQueens Hunger and David Mackenzies Starred Up not least among them. Its a reminder of the enduring if underappreciated legacy of Clarke, who worked primarily in television and succeeded in putting his aesthetic signature on what has historically been considered a writers medium.

In Scum, one of only three features he directed for the big screen, Clarke finds a bleak beauty in an institution devoted to controlling, yet also propagating, all manner of human ugliness. His visual style serves the material at every turn, but you can see the controlled mastery in the way he moves the camera, testing out the carefully choreographed long takes that he would deploy to such chilling effect in films like his 1989 short, Elephant.

There is calculation in this fluid aesthetic. But there is clarity in it too, as if Clarke were saying that to tear down a broken system from within, you have to start by seeing it whole.

------------

Scum

Rating: R

Running time: 1 hour, 36 minutes

Playing: Cinefamily, Los Angeles

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 

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justin.chang@latimes.com

@JustinCChang

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After being posted, taken down, and reposted, former British Vogue fashion director Lucinda Chambers less-than-flattering account of life in fashion publishing has been amended at the demand of Conde Nast lawyers.

Vestoj, the fashion-focused web site that on Monday published Chambers first-person account of her 36 years as a Vogue editrix, today put a note above the article reading: Following the original publication of this article, weve been contacted by lawyers on behalf of Conde Nast Limited and Edward Enninful OBE and have been requested to amend the interview. This request has now been granted.

The web site on Wednesday briefly took the article down, but then reposted it, explaining that the articles sensitive nature led to the decision, but that it was being put back up in its entirety.

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It appears now that the only change to the article has been to the section where Chambers, who in May parted ways with British Vogue, claimed to have been fired by incoming editor in chief Edward Enninful in three minutes and that no one at the magazine knew it was coming.

In the now-deleted section, Chambers explained her perception that management, her editor at the time, h.r. and even the magazines chairman were unaware or her firing and recounted running into the magazines publisher right after she was let go and him expressing shock and surprise at the development.

Conde Nast had already taken issue with this account of Chambers firing and on Thursday reiterated its stance that, in addition to it being usual for an incoming editor to make some changes to the team, any personnel changes are done with the full knowledge of senior management. The company declined to comment further.

Anja Aronowsky Cronberg, Vestoj editor in chief and publisher, as well as a senior research fellow at London College of Fashion, confirmed that the article was amended on Thursday and that the offending passage was Chambers account of her firing.

Considering this is a David and Goliath fight, I dont have the financial means to enter into, I made the requested changes, Cronberg said.

As for whether Chambers personally has been threatened with any legal action over the article, Cronberg didnt speculate, but said, I suspect Lucinda is under a lot of pressure right now.

All I know is that challenging power in those ways has a cost, she added.

Chambers could not be reached for comment.

British Vogue is going through some big staff changes under Enninful, who is set to lead the publication officially starting Aug. 1.

Vogue veteran Grace Coddington is set to return to the publication as a contributor after having worked there for 19 years before becoming creative director of U.S. Vogue. Film director, producer, screenwriter and video artist Steve McQueen will also be joining as contributing editor, alongside Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss, who was already working with the magazine under Alexandra Shulman, Enninfuls predecessor.

This week has also seen deputy editor Emily Sheffield announce her decision to leave the magazine and more changes are expected over the coming weeks.

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When Americans think about the grill, we tend to think of steak and burgers. When Italians think about the grill  la griglia  they may think of steak too, but more often sausages or, in summer, fish and seafood. That country, after all, is a giant peninsula surrounded by seas and dotted with inland lakes and rivers. In the heat of summer, much of the population moves to the water to tan, chat, drink and eat seafood. The grill might be in a luxe restaurant on a cliff overlooking the sea, or in the tiny kitchen of a palm leaf-topped shack on the beach  or made of a rudimentary metal grid precariously balanced on anything a few feet from the car door.

On that grill you might find sturdy bread being toasted for bruschetta and perhaps an assortment of sea life  from a slab of fish to squid or shrimp, maybe even clams or mussels. The great lazy move of using a slab of bread as your base is that everything is done on that simple outside grill.

Missing are many of the gadgets we find indispensable (Fathers Day gifts, those complicated bits of equipment Sur la Table likes to sell). Instead, theres a lack of fear (grilling is not a NASA Mars experiment), just some wood or charcoal, and the most rudimentary of tools for poking at the fire and moving the food around. What is indispensable? Olive oil for brushing and seasoning the fish, a juicy lemon, salt and maybe a sprig or two of herbs.

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Recipe: Bruschetta alla Matalotta 

Often, condiments are added after the food comes off the grill as the flavors of a simple marinade or a few additional ingredients are absorbed by the hot fish or seafood. This could be capers, a couple tablespoons of tomato sauce or chopped tomatoes, a handful of parsley.

When your instrument is simplicity, you become attuned to each note. Sometimes the fish itself is the condiment, not used as the main event but as the flavoring agent. Less is often more when it comes to food, especially when you have high-quality ingredients  a quick brush of olive oil followed by a flurry of salt is often all you need.

There is no complicated application of smoke or sauces to obscure whats there. Rather, the finished dish is transparent; what you see is what there is.

The grill needs to be clean and well-oiled. It helps to have a good spatula with a thin edge  I love my flexible fish spatula. You need tongs that are long enough to keep your hand out of the fire but not so long or heavy that you lose the ability to maneuver. Ive seen magnificent whole fish cooked over twigs and dry grape vine cuttings. Because fish and seafood cook so quickly, there really isnt incentive to source hardwood  its too hot and takes a while to burn down to coals. The goal is the eating, not the creation of fire.

About the bread for your meals base: Italians toast or grill bread without oil, instead adding it later. Oil is prized and flavorful and, especially if its of exceptional quality, deserves to be tasted raw. So the order of preparation is to first toast the bread, then scrape the bread with garlic, then drizzle (or, for some of us, drench) it with oil, then finish with some good, crunchy salt. Paying attention to how you grill and season the bread ensures that even this base of your dish pops.

A healthy drizzle of olive oil prepares grilled bread to be the base for bruschetta alla Matalotta. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

Because youre grilling bread, theres no need to heat up the kitchen with boiling pots of water for pasta. Decide whats going atop the bread and start grilling the items that will take longer. Your fish will be last, as creatures born in water tend to cook very quickly. You can mix in any summer vegetables, but think simply: a few vertical slices of zucchini grilled and then sliced crosswise; or a fat red sweet pepper charred, skins slipped off and cut into strips; even zucchini flowers, stripped off the stem and torn into a few pieces. A base of raw, chopped tomatoes (or not) and a handful of parsley leaves, a glug of oil, a squeeze of lemon and voila! Or rather, eccola!

This bruschetta is a salute to the Sicilian dish tonno alla Matalotta, typically tuna cooked in a sauce of tomatoes, mint and capers. Ill buy big eye or albacore, or another sturdy fish with meaty flakes (halibut, say, or red snapper or sea bass), or take the fishmongers suggestion. (I source fish using the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch resources.) Fish steaks are usually cut much thinner for the Italian grill so that they cook quickly. I use the so-called Canadian fish rule: 10 minutes per inch of fish cooked at high heat, though if you like your tuna barely cooked, a quick flash on each side is all youll need. You dont need a lot of fish to make a generous bruschetta; Italians are thrifty cooks.

If youve never cooked with the catmint that Italians know variously as mentuccia or nepitella, try to find some at your local farmers market or grow a pot of it. Its beautiful and has a subtle aroma and flavor, somewhere between oregano and mint. As for the capers, I prefer them salt-packed, rather than pickled, because the flavor is more complex and floral. If I use big capers, I give them a rough chop so the flavor is more diffused through the dish. However, if all thats available are pickled capers, dont stress  theyre fine but strong, so use half the amount, taste, then adjust.

One of the many joys of Italian grilling is its simplicity  so much so that actually making this bruschetta dish will take less time than reading this article. So go outside, light your grill and just make dinner.

Kleiman ran Angeli Caffe for 27 years. Shes the longtime host of KCRW-FMs Good Food and a member of the James Beard Foundations Whos Who of Food & Beverage in America.

food@latimes.com

@latimesfood

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Scouting for evidence of erosion, the primary danger facing Californias highway bridges, is a lifes work for Kevin Flora.

On a recent weekday morning, the state Department of Transportation engineer gunned the outboard motor of an inflatable skiff and scooted over murky water on a mission to inspect a 53-year-old 405 Freeway bridge that spans a stretch of the San Gabriel River  a spot loaded with trash and teeming with green sea turtles wide as manhole covers.

Using GPS and sonar equipment, it didnt take Flora long to find what he was looking for: holes up to 10 feet deep and 30 feet wide in the riverbed and around the foundations of the bridge that carries an average of 282,000 vehicles a day just north of the Orange County line.

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The problem here, he said, raising his voice to be heard above the din of freeway traffic, is that this bridge is just downstream from the mouth of a paved flood-control channel that funnels turbulent stormwater into an earthen-bottom section of the river.

Caltrans student assistant Rami Gharaibeh prepares a small inflatable boat with bridge engineer Kevin Flora. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

A sea turtle pokes his head above water in the San Gabriel River. (Los Angeles Times Staff / Los Angeles Times)

Its among 230 state highway bridges slated for repairs, reinforcement or replacement, officials said, because theyre prone to scouring  degradation caused by swiftly moving water.

A bridge fails every 10 days in the United States, and its usually due to scour that undermined their foundations, said Jean-Louis Briaud, a professor of civil engineering at Texas A&M University.

Bridges built before 1990 are the ones that fall down, he said. The good news is that since the 1990s, the number of scour-related failures in California and across the nation has been going down because of regulatory requirements prompted by the 1987 collapse of a New York state thruway bridge, which killed 10 people.

A tractor-trailer drives along the 405 Freeway interchange and connectors as it passes over the San Gabriel River near Seal Beach. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Under legislation signed by Gov. Jerry Brown in April, California motorists will start paying higher gas and diesel taxes in November to provide funding for, among other state transportation projects, reducing the backlog of road and bridge repairs.

In Southern California, bridges targeted for replacement include the Trancas Creek Bridge, built in 1927, on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.

Caltrans bridge engineer Kevin Flora, right, and student assistant Rami Gharaibeh float up the San Gabriel River to inspect the foundations of the pillars supporting the 405 Freeway span over the waterway. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

On Friday, Floras inspection of the 65-year-old Whitewater bridge on the 10 Freeway  about five miles west of Palm Springs  followed a circuitous route along rocky paths, braided channels surging with snowmelt and concrete galleries covered with graffiti.

This bridge is a big concern for us, he said. The riverbed has been scoured down 15 feet to the bridges footing, in a river that has a habit of abruptly shifting course during storms.

If it shifts again, it could undermine the footing, he said. So, we plan to reinforce the foundation with deep piling.

In the meantime, the bridge has been fortified with massive boulders and outfitted with highly sensitive tilt meters to monitor its movement.

Louis.Sahagun@latimes.com

@LouisSahagun

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USC names retired aerospace executive Wanda Austin as acting president, announces Nikias departure By Harriet Ryan USC appointed a retired aerospace executive as interim president and laid out a detailed plan for selecting a permanent leader Tuesday, ending speculation about whether outgoing President C.L. Max Nikias might remain in the post. Nikias, embattled over his administrations handling of a campus gynecologist accused of sexually abusing patients, relinquished his duties after a meeting of USCs board. The trustees tapped one of their own, Wanda Austin, an alumna and former president of the Aerospace Corp., to temporarily run the university. The trustees also approved the formation of a search committee and the hiring of firm Isaacson, Miller to coordinate the selection of a successor. A second search company, Heidrick & Struggles, will also advise trustees. Read More Facebook

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Ex-student sues elite Brentwood School after teacher is charged with sexually abusing him By Richard Winton A former student sued the elite Brentwood School on Monday in the wake of a female teacher being charged with repeatedly having sex with the minor, alleging that other faculty members encouraged the unlawful behavior and failed to report it to authorities. The lawsuit accuses the private school, whose students include the children of many of Hollywoods elite and L.A.s powerful, of acting negligently and allowing Aimee Palmitessa to abuse and batter the teenager sexually. The suit alleges that the student was abused in summer 2017 after one of the schools counselors offered words of encouragement to the then-17-year-old, identified in the suit as only John Doe, to engage in an illegal relationship with the teacher. Read More Facebook

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Civil jury vindicates fired Montebello school executives in whistleblower case By Howard Blume The Montebello school district is in dire straits  at risk of insolvency and under apparent criminal investigation. An outside audit in July found some teachers earning more than $200,000 a year, as well as improper raises, excess paid vacation time and inappropriate overtime, sick leave and car allowances. Fixing the district and pinpointing blame could take time. Read More Facebook

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L.A. schools fall short on safety measures, new report warns By Howard Blume After the mass shooting at Floridas Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February, Los Angeles school officials reassured parents that much had been done to keep local schools safe. California had tougher gun laws, after all, and the school district paid close attention to students mental health. But a new report issued Monday by a panel convened to take a close look offers some cause for concern, flagging inconsistent campus safety measures, thinly spread mental health staff and inadequate coordination between the school district and other public agencies. With the stakes this high, we must strive to do better, said L.A. City Atty. Mike Feuer, who assembled the panel. Read More Facebook

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L.A. school district says more are graduating, but rate may not show it By Howard Blume The L.A. Unified School District has hopes of continuing its winning streak this year with another record graduation rate, but the official numbers may not show it. A senior district administrator warned the board Tuesday that graduation rates were likely to decline 2% to 3% across the state, even though L.A. Unified is likely doing better than ever in producing graduates, he said. The issue is that the state will now count high school students who transfer to adult school as dropouts, said Oscar Lafarga, who heads the districts office of data and accountability. Previously, schools treated these students as though they had simply enrolled in another high school, he said. Read More Facebook

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Betsy DeVos to California: Not so fast on that federal education plan By Joy Resmovits In April, Californias top education officials breathed a sigh of relief. After months of debate and back-and-forth with Betsy DeVos staff, they had finalized a plan to satisfy a major education law that aims to make sure all students get a decent education. The state focused on aligning its plan to fulfill the requirements of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act with Californias Local Control Funding Formula, which gives extra money to districts to help students who come from low-income families, are in the foster system or are English learners. But this week, DeVos team said not so fast. Jason Botel, the U.S. Department of Educations principal deputy assistant secretary, sent California education officials a letter asking for more information in such areas as measuring student progress, graduation rates and English learners. In an unsigned statement, the California Department of Education declared itself surprised and disappointed because officials thought  after a meeting with federal officials in Washington  that they were on the right track to get approval. Now the Every Student Succeeds Act plan will be up for discussion once again at the July meeting of the State Board of Education. The U.S. Department of Education has already approved most state plans. Every Student Succeeds is the Obama administrations 2015 replacement for the No Child Left Behind Act. Facebook

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L.A. school board sets a new goal: prepare every grad to be eligible to apply for Cal State or UC By Sonali Kohli Last month, Los Angeles school board president proposed a spate of highly ambitious mandates aimed at ensuring that every district graduate be eligible to apply to one of the states public four-year universities by 2023. By the time the L.A. Unified school board unanimously approved the resolution Tuesday, the original language had been watered down. The goal is no longer that in five years 100% of students meet the long list of benchmarks, which include not just college eligibility for graduates but first-grade reading proficiency and English fluency by sixth grade for all students who enter the district in kindergarten or first grade speaking another language. The original college-readiness goal, for example, called for 100% of all high school students to be eligible to apply to one of the states four-year universities. Now the goal seems to offer more wiggle room: Prepare all high school graduates to be eligible to apply to a California four-year university. Read More Facebook

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We have been hurt. More women say they were mistreated by USC gynecologist By Richard Winton USC student Anika Narayanan says she vividly recalls her first appointment with Dr. George Tyndall at the campus health center, alleging that he made several explicit comments during an examination she felt was inappropriate and invasive. When she came back for a second visit in 2016 after a nonconsensual sexual encounter, he allegedly chastised her, she said in a civil lawsuit and at a press conference Tuesday. He asked me if I had forgotten to use a condom again,  said Narayanan, 21. At one point, she said, Tyndall asked if I did a lot of doggy style,  she said. Read More Facebook

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L.A. Unified gives inspector general brief contract extension By Howard Blume The Los Angeles school board on Tuesday extended the contract of Ken Bramlett, its inspector general, by three months, though his job is far from secure and questions remain about the future direction of his watchdog office. Board members also unanimously promoted Vivian Ekchian, who had been the runner-up for the superintendents job, to deputy superintendent  the districts No. 2 position. Both moves had elements of peacemaking between different factions on the board. Read More Facebook

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USCs handling of complaints about campus gynecologist is being investigated by federal government By Harriet Ryan The U.S. Department of Education announced Monday that it has launched an investigation into how the University of Southern California handled misconduct complaints against a campus gynecologist, the latest fallout in a scandal that has prompted the resignation of USCs president, two law enforcement investigations and dozens of lawsuits. In revealing the inquiry by the departments Office of Civil Rights, officials rebuked USC for what they alleged was improper withholding of information about Dr. George Tyndall during a previous federal investigation. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, who has been criticized for taking a less vigorous approach to examining sexual misconduct than predecessors, called for a systemic examination of USC and urged administrators to fully cooperate. Read More Facebook

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Judge to sentence woman and her boyfriend for the murder of an 8-year-old that led to L.A. child welfare reforms By Marisa Gerber A woman and her boyfriend are expected to be sentenced Thursday for the torture and murder of an 8-year-old boy whose killing in 2013 provoked public outrage, prompted sweeping reform of Los Angeles Countys child welfare system, and led to unprecedented criminal charges against social workers who handled the childs case. Pearl Sinthia Fernandez, 34, faces life in prison without the possibility of parole for her role in the death of her son, Gabriel. A jury decided last year that her boyfriend, Isauro Aguirre, 37, should be executed. When paramedics arrived at the boys Palmdale home in May 2013, Gabriel had slipped out of consciousness. He had a fractured skull, broken ribs, burned skin, missing teeth and BB pellets embedded in his groin. A paramedic would later testify that every inch of the boys small body had been abused. Read More Facebook

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L.A. Unifieds spending out of step with similar school systems, task force says By Howard Blume The Los Angeles school district is out of step with similar school systems, spending more on teachers pay and health benefits and less on activities that could enhance student learning, according to a new report by an outside task force. The L.A. Unified School District Advisory Task Force did not make specific recommendations, but instead posed a series of questions it said the district needs to answer to make sure its funding is aimed at providing a full opportunity for all students to succeed. What were trying to say is: Lets put the data on the table. Lets look at the truth. Lets be transparent and here are the numbers, said task force member Renata Simril. This is not to say that  we should cut teachers salaries. Read More Facebook

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Top USC medical school official feared dean was doing drugs and alerted administration, he testifies By Paul Pringle A former vice dean of USCs Keck School of Medicine testified Tuesday that he feared the schools then-dean, Dr. Carmen A. Puliafito, could be doing drugs and expressed concerns about his general well-being to the universitys No. 2 administrator before Puliafito abruptly left his job in 2016. Dr. Henri Fords testimony at a hearing of the state Medical Board marks the first suggestion that any USC administrator had suspicions about Puliafitos possible drug use before he stepped down. A Times investigation in 2017 found Puliafito led a secret second life of using illegal drugs with a circle of young criminals and addicts. Puliafito testified about his behavior at the hearing Tuesday, saying he took drugs with one young woman on a weekly basis. Ford said that he decided to alert USC Provost Michael Quick after receiving reports in early 2016 that Puliafito was partying in hotels with people of questionable reputation, and that he came to worry about his mental stability. Read More Facebook

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Why L.A. Unified may face financial crisis even with a giant surplus this year By Jessica Calefati With more than half a billion dollars socked away for next school year, the Los Angeles Unified School District hardly seems just two years from financial ruin. Its a scenario that is especially tough to swallow if youre a low-wage worker seeking a raise or a teacher who wants smaller classes. But budget documents show that todays $548-million surplus cannot be sustained  and that even basic services face steep, seemingly unavoidable cuts because of massive problems barreling the districts way. Theres a disconnect between the rosy short-term picture and what we know is coming, said board member Kelly Gonez. Read More Facebook

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We have failed: Top USC officials try to reassure students amid gynecologist scandal By Joy Resmovits Top administrators at USC are reaching out to students in the wake of misconduct allegations against the universitys longtime gynecologist, acknowledging failings and vowing reforms as they try to address growing outrage over the revelations. Several USC deans have sent out messages trying to reassure students and faculty that the university is committed to changing. We have failed, wrote Jack H. Knott, dean of USCs Sol Price School of Public Policy, in a May 24 letter. What happened is antithetical to everything we know is right. Read More Facebook

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Rick Caruso is named chair of USCs trustees, vows swift investigation of gynecologist scandal By Thomas Curwen The University of Southern Californias board of trustees has elected mall magnate Rick Caruso to be the new chair of the board, giving fresh leadership as the university navigates a widening scandal involving a longtime campus gynecologist. The move marks the latest effort by USC to address the case, which has sparked a criminal investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department and dozens of civil lawsuits. More than 400 people have contacted a hotline that the university established for patients to make reports about their experience with Dr. George Tyndall. In his first act as chairman, Caruso announced that the white-shoe L.A. law firm OMelveny & Myers would conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the gynecologists conduct and reporting failures at the clinic. He set an ambitious timeline for the review, pledging it would conclude before students return for the fall semester. Read More Facebook

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UC Berkeley students persistence helps win more liberal rules for in-state tuition By Teresa Watanabe Ifechukwu Okeke thought shed be a shoo-in for in-state tuition when she was admitted to UC Berkeley for fall 2016. She had moved to the United States from Nigeria in 2012 to go to Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga. By the time she got her acceptance to transfer to UC to study molecular and cell biology, she had lived in California four years. She had a California drivers license, bank account and rental records as proof. UC Berkeley, however, ruled she was a nonresident  which meant she would have to pay nearly $27,000 more. Read More Facebook

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State medical board calls former County-USC doctor a sexual predator, suspends his license By Matt Hamilton A UCLA cardiologist has been temporarily stripped of his medical license after state regulators described him as a sexual predator who assaulted three female colleagues when he was working and training at L.A. County-USC Medical Center. Read More Facebook

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Global California 2030 aims to get more students learning more languages By Joy Resmovits Tom Torlakson (Andrew Seng / Associated Press) Outgoing state Supt. of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson on Wednesday announced a new statewide effort to encourage students to learn more languages. Called Global California 2030, its goal is to help more students become fluent in multiple tongues. Torlakson said that by 2030, he wants half of the states 6.2 million K-12 students to participate in classes or programs that lead to proficiency in two or more languages. By 2040, he wants three out of four students to be proficient enough to earn the State Seal of Biliteracy. Torlakson announced the initiative at Cahuenga Elementary School, which offers a dual-language immersion program in English and Korean. Californias public school students speak more than 60 languages at home, and 40% come to school with knowledge of a language other than English. Torlakson called his plan a call to action that invites parents, legislators, educators and community members to pool resources to expand language offerings in schools and get more bilingual teachers trained. He said the state already is working with Mexico and Spain to expand a teacher-exchange program. Fluency, the plan argues, can help students succeed economically  and language acquisition can help their overall critical thinking. The initiative builds on Proposition 58, a ballot initiative passed in 2016 that undid an earlier requirement that English learners be taught in English-immersion classes unless their parents signed waivers. Torlakson recently visited Mexico and met with that countrys education secretary. They later signed a pact to increase collaboration, particularly in language education. This [Global California 2030] is great follow-through on Toms part and very important, Patricia Gandara, a UCLA education professor who hosted the Mexico meeting, said in an email. It hands over a plan to move forward in an area in which California has a unique advantage, but must seize the opportunity. Facebook

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Jury convicts man of murder in 2015 slaying of UCLA student found inside her burning apartment By Marisa Gerber A jury on Tuesday convicted a man in the 2015 slaying of a UCLA student found dead inside her burning apartment  a gruesome stabbing case that led to a fierce rebuke of the police response amid concerns that the killing could have been prevented. The panel deliberated for about six hours before finding Alberto Medina, 24, guilty of murder, arson, burglary and animal cruelty. On Sept. 21, 2015, firefighters found the charred body of Andrea DelVesco inside her apartment after responding to the complex a block from campus. The 21-year-old student  an Austin, Texas, native known to her sorority sisters as a fearless giver who befriended others with ease  was stabbed at least 19 times, authorities said. Read More Facebook

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LAPD begins sweeping criminal probe of former USC gynecologist while urging patients to come forward By Adam Elmahrek The Los Angeles Police Department said Tuesday it is investigating 52 complaints of misconduct filed by former patients of USCs longtime campus gynecologist as detectives launch a sweeping criminal probe into the scandal that has rocked the university. LAPD detectives also made an appeal for other patients who feel mistreated to come forward, noting that thousands of students were examined by Dr. George Tyndall during his nearly 30-year career at USC. More than 410 people have contacted a university hotline about the physician since The Times revealed the allegations this month. Tyndalls behavior and practices appear to go beyond the norms of the medical profession and gynecological examinations, said Asst. Chief Beatrice Girmala. We sincerely realize that victims may have difficulty recounting such details to investigators. We are empathetic and ready to listen. Read More Facebook

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At L.A.'s only school for the deaf, parents want leaders who speak the same language By Anna M. Phillips Ever since her son was 6 months old, Juliet Hidalgo has been bringing him to the Marlton School, a low-slung building in Baldwin Hills that for generations has been a second home for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in Los Angeles. Marlton staff taught Hidalgos brother and sister, both of whom are deaf. The school was where her deaf son learned to make the signs for milk and food. Hidalgo had planned to enroll her daughter, taking advantage of a popular program that allows hearing children to learn American Sign Language alongside their deaf siblings. But after more than a decade of involvement, she and other family members are considering withdrawing their children. They are not alone. Read More Facebook

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Fueled by unlimited donations, independent groups play their biggest role yet in a California primary for governor By Ryan Menezes An unprecedented amount of money from wealthy donors, unions and corporations is flowing into the California governors race, giving independent groups  unrestricted by contribution limits  a greater say in picking the states chief executive than ever before. The groups have already spent more than $26 million through Thursday, the most ever spent by noncandidate committees in a gubernatorial primary, according to a Times analysis of campaign finance reports. California elections have always been expensive, and the future is even more expensive, said Jack Pitney, a political science professor at Claremont McKenna College and a former state Republican leader. The stakes are very real. Read More Facebook

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2 hurt in Indiana middle school shooting; suspect in custody, authorities say By Associated Press Authorities say two victims in a shooting at a suburban Indianapolis school are being taken to a hospital and the lone suspect is in custody. Bryant Orem, a spokesman for the Hamilton County Sheriffs Office, said in a news release that the victims in Friday mornings attack at Noblesville West Middle School are being taken to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis and their families have been notified. He says no other information is available about the victims. Orem said the suspect is believed to have acted alone and was taken into custody. No additional information about the suspect was made public. Read More Facebook

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For new L.A. schools chief Austin Beutner, some key unions are giving no honeymoon period By Howard Blume In the less than two weeks since Austin Beutner took charge of Los Angeles schools, unions representing teachers and administrators have staged a job action and a protest. Theyve made it clear that they will not give the new superintendent the traditional honeymoon period, and they are bashing him for his wealth and lack of experience running either a school or a school district. Beutner is a billionaire investment banker with zero qualifications, local teachers union President Alex Caputo-Pearl told members in a phone alert urging them to participate in a Thursday afternoon rally in Grand Park. The board is saying that billionaires who made their money blowing institutions up and making money off it know best  not the education professionals who have dedicated our careers to working with students. Read More Facebook

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Pressure grows on Board of Trustees amid USC gynecologist scandal By Paul Pringle USCs large and powerful Board of Trustees is coming under growing pressure to provide a stronger hand as the university faces a crisis over misconduct allegations against the campus longtime gynecologist that has prompted calls for President C.L. Max Nikias to step down. Allegations that Dr. George Tyndall mistreated students during his nearly 30 years at USC have roiled the campus, with about 300 people coming forward to make reports to the university and the Los Angeles Police Department launching a criminal investigation. USC is already beginning to face what is expected to be costly litigation by women who say they were victimized by the physician. So far, the trustees to whom Nikias reports have expressed sympathy for the women who have come forward and launched an independent investigation while also publicly backing the president. Read More Facebook

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UC regents approve leaner budget for Janet Napolitano By Teresa Watanabe University of California regents on Thursday unanimously approved a leaner, more transparent budget for President Janet Napolitano, moving to address political criticism over the systems central office operations. The $876.4-million budget for 2018-19 reflects spending cuts of 2%, including reductions in staffing, travel and such systemwide programs as public service law fellowships, carbon neutrality and food security. Napolitano shifted $30 million to campuses for housing needs and $10 million to UC Riverside to support its five-year-old medical school. She also permanently redirected $8.5 million annually to help enroll more California students, as required by the state. Read More Facebook

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USCs Academic Senate calls on university president to resign after a series of scandals By Matt Hamilton The body that represents USCs faculty called on President C.L. Max Nikias to resign Wednesday in the wake of relevations that the universitys longtime gynecologist faced years of accusations of misconduct by students and colleagues at the campus health clinic. The Academic Senate took the vote late Wednesday afternoon after a fiery town hall meeting attended by more than 100 faculty members, many of whom voiced outrage over Nikias and the Board of Trustees leadership. The vote came a day after the trustees executive committee stood firmly behind Nikias, saying it has full confidence in his leadership, ethics and values. At the town hall meeting, Senate President Paul Rosenbloom said he did not think Nikias or Provost Michael Quick committed wrongdoing but that the university president deserved criticism for a lack of transparency. Read More Facebook

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Californias public universities on the way to getting a big longed-for boost in funding By Teresa Watanabe The University of California and California State University systems are poised to get major funding boosts that will help them enroll thousands of additional state students and eliminate the need for tuition increases in the coming school year. A key Assembly budget panel on Wednesday approved $117.5 million in new funds for the UC. A Senate panel approved a similar sum last week. The same committees recently approved even more funding for the Cal State system. Read More Facebook

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UC regents to scrutinize Janet Napolitanos office budget in a step toward stronger oversight By Teresa Watanabe University of California regents this week plan to scrutinize the budget of President Janet Napolitano, whose office came under political fire last year for questionable spending and murky accounting. Regents will vote on the proposed $876.4-million budget for 2018-19 during their two-day meeting, which starts Wednesday, at UC San Francisco. They also will discuss state funding, financial aid, online education and transfer student policies. Board Chairman George Kieffer said regents are stepping up to exert stronger oversight of the presidents office after a blistering state audit last year found financial problems including an unreported $175 million budget reserve. Read More Facebook

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State legislative panels approve major funding boost for Cal State By Teresa Watanabe After months of intensive lobbying, Cal State University has convinced two key legislative panels to approve funding to enroll nearly 11,000 more students, hire more faculty and expand housing aid to those without shelter this fall. An Assembly budget panel on Tuesday approved $215.7 million more for Cal State, adding to Gov. Jerry Browns proposed $92.1 million general fund increase. A Senate budget panel approved a similar increase last week. The extra funding  which went beyond Cal States own request to the Legislature of $171 million  is still subject to final budget negotiations with Brown. But the actions by the Senate and Assembly panels amount to a demand from Democrats that the governor hike higher education spending. Cal State University is the workhorse undergraduate university serving hundreds of thousands of Californians, said Assemblyman Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), who heads the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance. We need more graduates for the California workforce and higher education is the ticket to the middle class. Cal State Chancellor Timothy P. White hailed the actions, but said it was too soon to celebrate. The CSU has a singular focus on helping students earn high-quality degrees sooner, and the entire university community has rallied to reinforce that message to our states lawmakers, he said in a statement. The actions taken thus far by the Assembly and Senate are promising and show that our message is being received, but there is still work to be done. Funding for the University of California was not taken up Tuesday as originally scheduled. McCarty would not comment on sticking points but said he was confident that a resolution would be reached this week. Were looking to provide resources above whats in the governors budget, but negotiations are ongoing, he said in an interview. State per-student funding is not what it once was, leaving both Cal State and the UC in a tough financial squeeze. Both systems raised tuition last year after a six-year freeze on higher costs. For this year, Cal State had asked for funding to enroll an additional 3,621 students, but both the Senate and Assembly panels approved three times that amount. Cal State, the largest public university system in the nation, turned away 32,000 eligible students last year because its campuses werent able to accommodate them. The panels asked that at least $50 million of the extra funding be used to hire more tenure-track faculty to help boost graduation rates. The Assembly panel also approved one-time funding of $5 million to ease hunger on campuses and $14 million for rapid rehousing pilot projects at three campuses, offering needy students rental support and short-term case management. Other items approved include $5 million to support the CSU Long Beach Shark Labs research on sharks and beach safety and $2 million for equal employment opportunity practices. This post has been updated to include comments from Assemblyman Kevin McCarty and Cal State Chancellor Timothy P. White. Facebook

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Faculty members call for USC president to step down: He has lost the moral authority to lead By Matt Hamilton Two hundred USC professors on Tuesday demanded the resignation of university President C. L. Max Nikias, saying he had lost the moral authority to lead in the wake of revelations that a campus gynecologist was kept on staff for decades despite repeated complaints of misconduct. Read More Facebook

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Gun battle, negotiations lasted 15 minutes before Texas school shooter was apprehended, sheriff says By Molly Hennessy-Fiske Minutes after a school shooter opened fire in an art class last week, killing 10 people and wounding 13, including a local police officer, fellow officers returned fire in a protracted gun battle before isolating the suspect, the local sheriff said Monday. Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochesset praised first responders as well as Santa Fe Police Officer John Barnes, who was working as a resource officer at the school the day of the shooting. Their actions, he said, prevented the attack from spreading to other classrooms and potentially claiming additional victims. As officials continue to probe last Fridays shooting at Santa Fe High School, students are worried about returning to the scene of the attack when classes resume next week. Read More Facebook

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6 women sue USC, alleging they were victimized by campus gynecologist By Richard Winton Six women filed civil lawsuits Monday alleging that a longtime gynecologist at the University of Southern California sexually victimized them under the pretext of medical care and that USC failed to address complaints from clinic staff about the doctors behavior. One woman alleged Dr. George Tyndall forced his entire ungloved hand into her vagina during an appointment in 2003 while making vulgar remarks about her genitalia, according to one of the lawsuits. Another woman alleged that Tyndall groped her breasts in a 2008 visit and that later he falsely told her she likely had AIDS. A third woman accused the doctor of grazing his ungloved fingers over her nude body and leering at her during a purported skin exam, the lawsuit states. The wave of litigation comes as USC continues to grapple with the scandal, which legal experts said could prove costly to the university as scores of former patients come forward about their experiences with the gynecologist. Read More Facebook

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Fatalities reported in Texas high school shooting; suspect arrested, officials say By Associated Press Houston-area media citing unnamed law enforcement officials are reporting that there are fatalities following a shooting at a local high school Friday morning. Television station KHOU and the Houston Chronicle are citing unnamed federal, county and police officials following the shooting at Santa Fe High School, which went on lockdown around 8 a.m. The Associated Press has not been able to confirm the reports. The school district has confirmed an unspecified number of injuries but said it wouldnt immediately release further details. Assistant Principal Cris Richardson said a suspect has been arrested and secured. Read More Facebook

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This student followed the new L.A. schools chief on his first-day tour Melissa Barales-Lopez, a senior at Garfield High School followed Supt. Austin Beutner on his first day on the job, as he toured a variety of programs around the Los Angeles Unified School District. Heres what she took from the experience. LAUSD students and staff alike are looking for a personal champion, someone who will address and improve the difficulties afflicting their education.  What LAUSD students need is someone whos willing to listen and learn, someone who can understand the current issues affecting their schools and act to efficiently amend them, someone who can unlock the full potential of LAUSD students and enable them to reach their goals. During the entirety of his first day, superintendent Austin Beutner did indeed demonstrate a willingness to learn. Posing questions to teachers and students, Beutner engaged with the student communities he encountered to gain a better comprehension of the minutiae and nuances that distinguish each school inside an overwhelmingly large district. From inquiries about Grand View Boulevard Elementary Schools dual language program to questions regarding the services of LAUSDs after-school program, Beyond the Bell, Beutner revealed he has a lot to learn about the system. But, Beutner also showcased a willingness to tackle challenges head-on on his first day. Read More Facebook

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USC let a gynecologist continue treating students despite years of misconduct allegations By Matt Hamilton For nearly 30 years, the University of Southern Californias student health clinic had one full-time gynecologist: Dr. George Tyndall. Tall and garrulous with distinctive jet black hair, he treated tens of thousands of female students, many of them teenagers seeing a gynecologist for the first time. Few who lay down on Tyndalls exam table at the Engemann Student Health Center knew that he had been accused repeatedly of misconduct toward young patients. The complaints began in the 1990s, when co-workers alleged he was improperly photographing students genitals. In the years that followed, patients and nursing staff accused him again and again of creepy behavior, including touching women inappropriately during pelvic exams and making sexually suggestive remarks about their bodies. Read More Facebook

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Cal State trustees to discuss Browns latest budget proposal, which they say still falls $171 million short By Joy Resmovits Just how much money does California State University need to serve its students? In recent years, this question has been front and center for the nations largest public university system. Cal States leaders say that to keep their campuses quality from slipping, they need much more money than the state is giving them. This year, theyre also at odds with Gov. Jerry Brown on the question of whether any extra money should come in one-time bursts or be ongoing. Read More Facebook

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On his first day as L.A. schools chief, Beutner plans a day of visits across the district By Howard Blume L.A. Unifieds new superintendent, Austin Beutner, will kick off his first day of work on Tuesday with a choreographed tour of the nations second-largest school district, from the San Fernando Valley to Carson. His day is scheduled to begin at 5:15 a.m. at a school bus depot and end more than 12 hours later at a parent meeting at Garfield High School. Along the way, Beutner is expected to be joined by school district administrators, L.A. Unified board members and the vice president of the union that represents school bus drivers. Though he will be covering a lot of ground, Beutners tour has him skipping Tuesdays school board meeting, when board members are expected to discuss labor negotiations in closed session. Read More Facebook

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Cal State trustees to discuss Browns latest budget proposal, which they say still falls $171 million short By Joy Resmovits Just how much money does California State University need to serve its students? In recent years, this question has been front and center for the nations largest public university system. Cal States leaders say that to keep their campuses quality from slipping, they need much more money than the state is giving them. This year, theyre also at odds with Gov. Jerry Brown on the question of whether any extra money should come in one-time bursts or be ongoing. Read More Facebook

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Why a handful of rich charter school supporters are spending millions to elect Antonio Villaraigosa as governor By Ryan Menezes California voters have seen a barrage of sunny television ads in recent weeks touting former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosas record on finances, crime and education, aired by Families & Teachers for Antonio Villaraigosa for Governor 2018. But the group is, in fact, largely funded by a handful of wealthy charter-school supporters. Together they have spent more than $13 million in less than a month to boost Villaraigosas chances in the June 5 primary  at a time when his fundraising and poll numbers are lagging. Reed Hastings, the founder of Netflix, jump-started the group with a $7-million check, by far the largest donation to support any candidate in the election. Their efforts are part of a broader proxy war among Democrats between teachers unions  longtime stalwarts of the party  and those who argue that the groups have failed low-income and minority schoolchildren. Read More Facebook

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Talking schools with L.A. Unifieds new superintendent By Anna M. Phillips Austin Beutner, who officially starts Tuesday as the new superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, is taking on a famously difficult job at a particularly difficult time. The school board is divided and did not back him unanimously. The nations second-largest school district has deep-seated problems, including declining enrollment, lagging academic achievement and rising pension and healthcare costs that eat away at its budget. The 58-year-old former investment banker and former L.A. Times publisher has years of experience in the financial world but none as an educator. Earlier this week, he sat down with the Times education team to discuss the challenges facing the district, which has about 60,000 employees and 500,000 students in traditional public schools. He did not talk about his plans  saying repeatedly, stay tuned  but he spoke in broad terms about his mindset in approaching the tough decisions ahead. Read More Facebook

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Suspect detained, authorities search campus after reports of armed man at Palmdale high school By James Queally One person has been detained after a report of an armed man at a Palmdale high school sparked a massive law enforcement response Friday morning. The suspect was spotted at 7:05 a.m. on the campus of Highland High School in Palmdale, according to Sheriffs Department spokeswoman Nicole Nishida. The person was detained in a nearby parking lot, according to Nishida, who did not know whether that person was an adult or juvenile. Deputies at the scene are clearing the school methodically, and students will be transported home via school buses once the campus is deemed safe, Nishida said. Read More Facebook

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The education of Bertha Perez: How a UC Merced custodians disenchantment led to a political awakening By Robin Abcarian Its the third day of a three-day strike, and UC Merced custodian Bertha Perez is taking a break from a picket line at the universitys unremarkable entrance, an intersection with stop lights. Photos from other UC campuses this week have shown big crowds of striking service workers  members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees  marching and chanting pro-labor slogans as they try to force the University of California back to the negotiating table. But here, at UC Merced, whose handful of big buildings rise from a flat expanse of farmland, the picket line is tiny, maybe two dozen workers and a few students. Its not a big-city-style show of force. Then again, a union sympathizer is banging relentlessly on a snare drum, so its noisier than youd expect. Read More Facebook

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Ref Rodriguez resigns from teacher credentialing commission By Howard Blume Ref Rodriguez appears during a court appearance. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) Los Angeles school board member Ref Rodriguez has resigned from the states Commission on Teacher Credentialing, which oversees the integrity and quality of Californias teachers. Rodriguez faces felony and misdemeanor charges for political money laundering. Separately, his former employer, a charter school organization, has accused him of improperly authorizing checks to a nonprofit under his control. Rodriguez has denied wrongdoing. Rodriguezs resignation from the state body was effective May 4, days after he cast a crucial vote as part of a narrow majority that voted to authorize contract negotiations with Austin Beutner to become superintendent of the L.A. Unified School District. Beutners first official day on the job is Tuesday. Rodriguez remains in his $125,000-a-year position on the Los Angeles Board of Education. The mission of the state body is to ensure integrity, relevance, and high quality in the preparation, certification, and discipline of Californias teachers. Critics had questioned Rodriguezs continued service on the commission, given that teachers can be suspended from work if they face criminal charges. They also can lose their jobs for lapses in personal behavior, such as excessive drinking, with the potential to affect their performance. Police in Pasadena arrested Rodriguez on a Friday afternoon in March for public drunkenness. He was not charged in the incident and has apologized. The state commission reviews teacher discipline cases and can take action to remove a teachers credential to work in a California classroom. The commission has 15 members. Rodriguezs departure was disclosed in a one-sentence announcement on the agencys website. Facebook

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School board members request for restraining order against blogger is rejected By Priscella Vega An Orange County Superior Court judge on Wednesday denied a school board members petition for a permanent restraining order against a Huntington Beach blogger. Attorney Jeffrey W. Shields filed the petition on behalf of Ocean View School District trustee Gina Clayton-Tarvin, 46, who alleged in court documents that Charles Keeler Johnson, 56, has threatened her on social media and at school board meetings, causing her to fear for my own safety and for that of my immediate family members. Johnson, who goes by Chuck and publishes HBSledgehammer.com, said the trustee tried to stifle his freedom of speech. He also contended that Clayton-Tarvin took his blog posts and Facebook comments too seriously and out of context, saying anyone who is afraid of metaphors has serious issues. Read More Facebook

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Deal with workers averts one-day strike that could have shut down L.A. schools By Howard Blume Los Angeles school district and union officials announced a contract agreement Tuesday night that averted a one-day strike planned for next week. The pact, which runs through June 2020, removes one labor problem from the desk of incoming Supt. Austin Beutner  whose first day on the job would have coincided with the strike. Plenty of other challenges remain. Read More Facebook

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UC labor strike expands with show of support from more unions By Teresa Watanabe Fong Chuu is a registered nurse who has assisted with countless liver transplants, kidney surgeries and gastric bypasses during 34 years at UCLA. Working with her are scrub technicians who sterilize equipment, hand medical instruments to the surgeon and dress patient wounds. They are a team, Chuu says, which is why she walked off her job Tuesday in support of those technicians and other members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299. The 25,000 member AFSCME local, the University of Californias largest employee union, launched a three-day strike Monday. Read More Facebook

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We are humans too: Voices of UCLAs striking custodians, hospital aides and imaging technicians By Joy Resmovits Demonstrators parade in front of Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) This week, thousands of UC employees are staging a three-day strike for better pay and working conditions. On Monday, more than 20,000 custodians, cooks, lab technicians, nurse aides and other members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299 walked off their jobs. By Tuesday, two more unions joined in sympathy strikes. The union and UC reached a bargaining impasse last year. The university has said it wont meet the workers demands. The strikers said they wanted better pay, more equity in the allocation of work, stable healthcare premiums and an end to the universitys use of contract workers. These are their stories. Read More Facebook

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Massive UC workers strike disrupts dining, classes and medical services By Joy Resmovits A massive labor strike across the University of California on Monday forced medical centers to reschedule more than 12,000 surgeries, cancer treatments and appointments, and campuses to cancel some classes and limit dining services. More than 20,000 members of UCs largest employee union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299, walked off their jobs on the first day of a three-day strike. They include custodians, gardeners, cooks, truck drivers, lab technicians and nurse aides. Two altercations involving protesters and people driving near the rallies were reported at UCLA and UC Santa Cruz. At UCLA, police took a man into custody Monday after he drove his vehicle into a crowd, hitting three staff members. They were treated for minor injuries at the scene and released, said Lt. Kevin Kilgore of the UCLA Police Department. Read More Facebook

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Sen. Kamala Harris to skip UC Berkeley commencement in support of striking workers By Teresa Watanabe California Sen. Kamala Harris has canceled plans to deliver UC Berkeleys commencement address this weekend in support of UC workers who are on strike over wages and health benefits. Due to the ongoing labor dispute, Sen. Harris regretfully cannot attend and speak at this years commencement ceremony at UC Berkeley, said a statement from Harris office issued Monday. She wishes the graduates and their families a joyous commencement weekend and success for the future. They are bright young leaders and our country is counting on them. UCs largest employee union, the 25,000-member American Federation of County, State and Municipal Employees Local 3299, launched a three-day strike Monday and had earlier called for a speakers boycott. The union and university reached a bargaining impasse last year and subsequent mediation efforts have failed to produce an agreement. The union is asking for a multiyear contract with a 6% annual pay increase while the university is offering 3% annual increases over four years. UC Berkeley Chancellor Carol Christ will deliver the keynote address instead, the university announced. About 5,800 students are expected to participate in the ceremony Saturday. Facebook

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School mural depicting Trumps bloody, severed head sparks controversy By Gary Warth A Chula Vista school mural that depicts the bloody, severed head of President Trump on a spear sparked a controversy that prompted officials to cover it and issue a response distancing themselves from the work. The statement also said the artist will alter the painting. We understand that there was a mural painted at the event this past weekend that does not align with our schools philosophy of non-violence, read the statement from MAAC Community Charter School director Tommy Ramirez. We have been in communication with the artist  who has agreed to modify the artwork  to better align with the schools philosophy. Read More Facebook

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New blackface incident at Cal Poly prompts calls for state investigation By Kim Christensen Cal Poly San Luis Obispo officials have asked the state attorney generals office to investigate after a new photo of a white student in blackface surfaced on a fraternity groups private Snapchat. I am outraged, Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong said in a video address Friday to the campus. These vile and absolutely unacceptable acts cannot continue. We must not allow these acts to define us as an institution. Armstrong said the latest photo was intended to imitate an incident last month in which a white member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity was photographed at a party wearing blackface. Read More Facebook

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More than 50,000 UC workers set to strike this week but campuses will remain open By Teresa Watanabe More than 50,000 workers across the University of California are set to strike this week, causing potential disruptions to surgery schedules, food preparation and campus maintenance. The systems 10 campuses and five medical centers are to remain open, with classes scheduled as planned. UCs largest employee union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299, plans to begin a three-day strike Monday involving 25,000 workers, including custodians, gardeners, cooks, truck drivers, lab technicians and nurse aides. Read More Facebook

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New L.A. schools chief Beutner pledges to listen, learn and take action By Howard Blume New Los Angeles schools Supt. Austin Beutner proved Wednesday that hes a quick learner even without an education background. Like countless public officials before him, he appeared at an important event  his first speech and news conference  with a photogenic background of students. His message  that he would put those students first  seemed heartfelt if hardly original. Nor was it a huge surprise that he pledged to push cooperatively but unflinchingly to improve the districts academic performance and stabilize its finances. As an introduction, Beutner, a former investment banker who made a fortune on Wall Street, offered little flash, but that was partly the point. Read More Facebook

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In a school lockdown, one student takes stock of the stressful scene At the beginning of lunch one day late last month, Duarte High School, Northview Middle School, and California School of the Arts-San Gabriel Valley were advised by the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department to go into lockdown mode due to police activity in the immediate area. Phalaen Chang, a junior at the California School of the Arts, wrote a series of notes on her iPhone while she sat in a room with her classmates. By the time the lockdown ended an hour later, she wrote, she knew which of her friends would hold open the door for others, be the ones calming others down, be the ones barricading the doors. She knew that all of them have the potential to be such strong people. Read More Facebook

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Tale as old as time: L.A. Unified superintendent pick follows a historical pattern of outside-the-box choices By Joy Resmovits L.A. Unified has long gone back and forth between picking insiders and outsiders to run the nations second largest school district. The choice of Austin Beutner, announced Tuesday, places the district squarely back in the outsider camp  months after a consummate insider, Supt. Michelle King, announced that she had cancer and would not return to the job. Check out this timeline of former L.A. superintendents to see how the school board members have changed their minds, sometimes favoring leaders who come from the world of education and sometimes executives from elsewhere, recruited to shock the system into change. At one point, the district hired someone from the military  retired Navy Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, who served as superintendent from 2006-2008. In hiring Brewer, board members had opted for a non-educator  largely because they sought a fresh thinker, unwedded to the bureaucracy, unafraid to make bold, even unorthodox moves, reads a 2008 Times story. Facebook

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Austin Beutner named superintendent of Los Angeles schools By Howard Blume Austin Beutner, a philanthropist and former investment banker, on Tuesday was named superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, the nations second-largest school system. His selection was the biggest move yet by a Los Angeles school board majority elected with major support from charter school advocates. The decision came after lengthy public testimony, most of it in support of the other remaining finalist, interim Supt. Vivian Ekchian, who is well known within the school system. Beutner, 58, has no background leading a school or school district. Less than 2 years ago, a school board with a very different balance of power named Michelle King, a former teacher who rose through the district throughout her career, to L.A. Unifieds top job. Read More Facebook

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Hearing delay gives both sides more time in Ref Rodriguezs potential trial By Howard Blume Ref Rodriguez and his attorneys will have more time to prepare their defense against charges of political money laundering, a judge ruled Monday. The preliminary hearing in the case had been scheduled to begin May 9, but that date will now be pushed back to July 23 per the ruling from L.A. Superior Court Judge Deborah S. Brazil. Rodriguez, 46, faces three felony charges of conspiracy, perjury and procuring and offering a false or forged instrument, as well as 25 misdemeanor counts related to the alleged campaign money laundering. Read More Facebook

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L.A. school board poised to name Beutner as superintendent By Howard Blume The Los Angeles Board of Education is poised to select philanthropist and former investment banker Austin Beutner to be the next superintendent of the nations second-largest school system. Barring a last-minute development, the only mystery is whether Beutner emerges with four or five votes from the boards seven members. Terms of his contract already have been under discussion, according to sources close to the process who requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak. The selection of Beutner, 58, who has no experience managing a school or a school district, would be a signal that the board majority that took control nearly a year ago wants to rely on business management skills instead of insider educational expertise. Read More Facebook

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Teacher walkouts in Arizona and Colorado continue national debate on money for schools By Michael Livingston Following the lead of teachers who walked off the job in other states in recent weeks, thousands of teachers and their supporters took to the streets in Arizona and Colorado for the second day in a row to demand better pay and more funding for education. Read More Facebook

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Three decades before the #MeToo movement, UC San Diego led the way against sexual assault By Teresa Watanabe When Nancy Wahlig first started her fight against sexual assault, one company was marketing a capsule for women to stash in their bras and then smash to release a vile odor. Because of the very nature of society, the only person who can prevent rape is the woman herself, read a 1981 advertisement for the Repulse rape deterrent. Ideas about how to prevent sexual violence have come a long way since then, and Wahlig has helped lead that evolution on college campuses. In 1988, she started UC San Diegos Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC), the first stand-alone program at the University of California. Today, she remains the systems most senior specialist. Read More Facebook

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Andres Alonso withdraws from consideration for L.A. schools job By Howard Blume Andres Alonso, believed to be one of three remaining finalists to lead the Los Angeles school system, has withdrawn from consideration. The remaining known candidates in the confidential search are former investment banker Austin Beutner and interim Supt. Vivian Ekchian. Alonso, 60, announced his decision on Twitter on Thursday night, saying he had notified the L.A. Unified School District on Monday. The exit of Alonso, the former Baltimore schools chief, seems to solidify the front-runner status of Beutner, who also was a former L.A. Times publisher and a Los Angeles deputy mayor. He held each of those positions for about a year. Read More Facebook

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Heres why the apparent increase in autism spectrum disorders may be good for U.S. children By Karen Kaplan The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among American children continues to rise, new government data suggest. And that may be a good thing. Among 11 sites across the U.S. where records of 8-year-olds are scrutinized in detail, 1 in 59 kids was deemed to have ASD in 2014. Thats up from 1 in 68 in 2012. Normally, health officials would prefer to see less of a disease, not more of it. But in this case, the higher number is probably a sign that more children of color who are on the autism spectrum are being recognized as such and getting services to help them, according to a report published Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read More Facebook

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UC shelves tuition increase for now, in hopes of getting more state funding By Teresa Watanabe University of California regents will not vote on a tuition increase next month, shelving the plan for now in hopes that state lawmakers will come through with more funding. Raising tuition is always a last resort and one we take very seriously, UC President Janet Napolitano said Thursday in a statement. We will continue to advocate with our students who are doing a tremendous job of educating legislators about the necessity of adequately funding the university to ensure UC remains a world-class institution and engine of economic growth for our state. Last week, Cal State Chancellor Timothy P. White said the 23-campus system no longer would consider a plan to raise tuition for the 2018-19 academic year. But unlike Cal State, UC officials have not taken a tuition increase off the table entirely. Read More Facebook

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A chemical spill, unchecked eyewash stations, poor training: Audit details Cal States lax lab safety By Joy Resmovits In May 2016, two bottles tumbled off a poorly supported shelf and broke, leading to a chemical spill in a Sacramento State University lab. The liquid got onto one students legs and soaked anothers feet. Five employees cleaned up the mess, even though no one knew for sure what it was and whether it was dangerous. They called fellow employee Kim Harrington, their union representative, to let her know what happened. Read More Facebook

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After blackface incident, minority students at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo say they dont feel welcome By Hailey Branson-Potts Aaliyah Ramos was walking through the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus last year when a prospective student approached her. Ramos was the only black person, the young woman said, that she and her mother had seen that day. They asked about the quality of education and the diversity of the student body. Ramos, a mechanical engineering student, didnt want to sugarcoat the truth: Cal Poly long has been predominantly white. But she told the young woman  who also was black  that she didnt want to discourage her from applying, because that wouldnt help with diversity at a school where only 0.7% of students are African American  the lowest percentage of any university in the California State system. Read More Facebook

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El Camino Real Charter High School in Woodland Hills wins the 2018 U.S. Academic Decathlon By Carlos Lozano El Camino Real Charter High School in Woodland Hills has won the 2018 U.S. Academic Decathlon, officials said. The winner was announced early Saturday at a ceremony in Frisco, Texas. More than 600 students from the U.S., Canada, China and the United Kingdom gathered there over the last three days to compete in the 37th annual U.S. Academic Decathlon. Congratulations to El Camino Real Charter High School for another impressive victory, said Vivian Ekchian, interim superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Your academic stamina and competitive spirit to win is remarkable. The entire L.A. Unified family is so proud of you. Read More Facebook

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Anticipation mounts as L.A. school board meets over superintendent selection By Howard Blume The Los Angeles Board of Education is reconvening in closed session Friday at noon as anticipation mounts about the choice of the next leader of the nations second-largest school system. The presumed front-runner is former investment banker and philanthropist Austin Beutner, but interim Supt. Vivian Ekchian and former Baltimore Supt. Andres Alonso also are in the running. Most district insiders appear to be rooting for Ekchian, who has spent her entire career in education within the school system. After her 10 years as a teacher, her roles have included head of human resources, chief labor negotiator and regional administrator for campuses in the west San Fernando Valley. Shes managed the district since September, when then-Supt. Michelle King went on medical leave and chose Ekchian to fill in for her. King, who is battling cancer, never returned and announced her retirement in January. Numerous influential civic leaders have urged  and pressured  the board to select Beutner. Also lending their weight have been advocates for charter schools, which are independently operated, growing in number and competing for students with district-operated campuses. Four of the seven board members  enough to control the outcome  were elected with major financial support from charter supporters. Beutner has two ongoing connections with the L.A. Unified School District. The first is his leadership of an outside task force that is making recommendations on how to improve the school system. The second is his charity, Vision to Learn, which supplies glasses to low-income students. The charity and the school system are in a dispute at the moment over who is responsible for delays in providing services to students as part of a $6 million contract, half of which is paid for by L.A. Unified. Unlike Ekchian and Buetner, Alonso, who currently teaches at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, has no deep-seated local constituency, but the prospect of his selection has generated some excitement. While in Baltimore, Alonso was recognized for pushing for progress at low-performing schools, and for being willing to take strong action. While in Baltimore, he also weathered a test-score cheating scandal and occasionally rocky relations with the teachers union. But by the time he resigned, after six years, he and union leaders seemed to be working together without rancor. Leaders of some community groups have split from the pro-Beutner camp. They worry that Beutners approach to confronting the districts financial problems could shut out their voices or involve severe economic cutbacks that would undermine programs that are helping students. Some prefer Ekchian; some Alonso. Theyve been reluctant to speak out publicly because theyll have to work with whoever is selected, but they have tried to get the ear of board members. On Friday morning, one leader of a community group decided to come out in favor of Alonso. L.A. Unified has the opportunity to bring in an instructional leader of color with a history of success, said Alberto Retana, president and chief executive of Community Coalition, which works on behalf of low-income students and families in South Los Angeles. If we have a shot at that, we should go for it  because its in the best interests of our kids and of our community. Retana said his statement was not meant to criticize Beutner or Ekchian but to alert board members that there also is community support for Alonso. Facebook

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Cal State leader shelves proposed tuition hike: Its the right thing to do, but its not without risk By Joy Resmovits Cal State, the nations largest public university system, will no longer consider a plan to raise tuition for the 2018-19 academic year, Chancellor Timothy P. White announced Friday. The decision is a bet that Sacramento will come through in the end. If Cal State loses that bet, it could mean cuts to campus programs. White said in an interview that Californias economy is strong enough that families should not be shouldering the burden of higher college costs. Read More Facebook

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L.A. students to participate in national walkout activities on Friday By Joy Resmovits Students are taking to the streets again Friday to protest gun violence on the 19th anniversary of the Columbine school shooting. Starting at 10 a.m., students at many schools will spend 13 seconds honoring the 13 people  12 students and one teacher  killed on that day in Littleton, Colo. After that, theyll participate in a host of different activities. Within L.A. Unified, one school is having an open-mic event for students to talk about school violence, and lawmakers are visiting campuses to hear students thoughts. According to a central hub for organizing the protests  written by the students of Ridgefield High School in Connecticut  the walkouts are intended to drive the political change necessary to curb school violence. The day is also a time for students to interact on an elevated platform they have never had before, the site states. It is a day of discourse and thoughtful sharing. Bringing together communities and students to get a national discussion rolling. Organizers have suggested using the event to convey the importance of curbing gun violence to legislators. They are encouraging students to push legislation that would ban assault weapons and tighten up rules around who can buy guns and how. Over 2,500 schools nationwide are expected to participate. In L.A., some students  at campuses including Eagle Rock High School, the Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts and Bravo Medical Magnet  plan to walk out. Students from various schools expect to join area marches, including those in Santa Monica and Huntington Park. Other schools are hosting career days and voter registration drives. At 1 p.m., students plan to start a rally in front of L.A. Unified headquarters. For the record: An earlier version of this article stated that 12 teachers and one student were killed in the Columbine shooting. The opposite is true: twelve students and one teacher died. Facebook

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Stabbing of popular student devastates South El Monte High School; teen friend suspected in slaying By Sonali Kohli When administrators at South El Monte High School called Jeremy Sanchezs parents to say he never showed up for class Wednesday, his father began to worry. It was unusual for the 17-year-old junior to miss school, so his father filed a missing persons report and assembled two of Jeremys close friends to look for the popular student-athlete. Their search took them to a scenic stretch of the San Gabriel River Trail, where one of the friends  a 16-year-old boy  made a tragic discovery. Among the bushes in the riverbed near Thienes Avenue and Parkway Drive was Jeremys body, punctured with stab wounds, according to Lt. John Corina of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. Read More Facebook

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Racist fliers spark outrage at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo By Alene Tchekmedyian Soon after Neal MacDougall arrived on the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus Tuesday, the professor noticed university police standing outside a restroom near his office. A racial slur against African Americans had been scrawled in red marker on a stall wall. Later, he discovered a series of racist fliers pinned up next to his door. Someone had also slashed posters hed hung outside his office supporting students in the country illegally. The discovery was the latest controversy on the prestigious campus  which the president said is less than 55% white  that MacDougall said demonstrates a culture of racism at the university. Last week, photographs emerged of white fraternity members, including one in blackface, flashing gang signs. Read More Facebook

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The superintendent waiting game, paying for L.A.'s College Promise, Princetons slave history: Whats new in education By Joy Resmovits Acting LAUSD superintendent Vivian Ekchian is a finalist for the permanent job. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) In and around Los Angeles: The L.A. Unified school board spent 10 hours interviewing and discussing candidates for superintendent. When they adjourned after 10 p.m., they said they would reconvene on Friday. Who is paying for Mayor Eric Garcettis much-touted College Promise, a program that promises two years of community college for LAUSD grads? In California: The Legislature is considering a proposal that would boost K-12 education funding for black students. When the cost of living is taken into account, California has the highest rate of child poverty. Nationwide: The families of two children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School are suing Alex Jones and Infowars for saying the school massacre never occurred. Princeton will name two spaces  an arch and a garden  after slaves who lived or worked on the campus. Facebook

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L.A. school board meets privately with finalists and debates choice for school district leader By Howard Blume The Los Angeles Board of Education adjourned late Tuesday after spending more than 10 hours interviewing candidates and trying to reach a decision on who would be the next leader of the nations second-largest school system. When the meeting finally recessed at 10:11 p.m., a spokesman announced only that the school board would reconvene Friday at noon. Going into the days meetings, there were apparently four finalists, according to sources who could not be named because they were unauthorized to speak. Read More Facebook

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Two Sandy Hook families sue Alex Jones and Infowars for saying the school massacre never happened By David Altimari Families of two children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School have filed lawsuits in Texas against controversial radio host Alex Jones for continually claiming the massacre never happened. Neil Heslin, the father of Jesse Lewis, and Leonard Pozner and Veronique De La Rosa, whose son Noah Pozner died in the massacre, filed separate lawsuits late Monday in Travis County, Texas. The lawsuits allege that Jones defamed the parents by constantly calling them crisis actors and insisting the shooting was a false flag operation; they also claim Jones accusations have led to death threats against the Sandy Hook families by Jones followers. Read More Facebook

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Beutner emerges as a top pick for L.A. schools superintendent amid last-minute jockeying By Howard Blume Austin Beutner has emerged as a leading contender to run the Los Angeles school district, with backers saying he is smart enough and tough enough to confront its financial and academic struggles. Though he does not have a background in education, the former investment banker has in the last year examined some of the districts intractable problems, serving as co-chair of an outside task force with the support of then-Supt. Michelle King. Sources inside and outside the school district said Beutner appears to have more support on the seven-member board than other finalists, and his name could come up for a vote as early as Tuesday. Read More Facebook

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Challenge at Chicago school construction site: Watch for 38,000 unmarked graves By Nereida Moreno A 15-year effort to build a school in Chicagos Dunning neighborhood is underway with an unusual complication: Construction workers are taking careful steps to avoid disturbing human remains that may lie beneath the soil. The $70-million school is to be built on the grounds of a former Cook County Poor House, where an estimated 38,000 people were buried in unmarked graves. Among the dead are residents who were too poor to afford funeral costs, unclaimed bodies and patients from the countys insane asylum. There can be and there have been bodies found all over the place, said Barry Fleig, a genealogist and cemetery researcher who began investigating the site in 1989. Its a spooky, scary place. Read More Facebook

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Oklahoma teacher walkout winds down despite lawmakers failure to meet demands By Washington Post Oklahomas largest teachers union has announced an end to a walkout that has drawn thousands of educators out of classrooms and to the state Capitol demanding greater investment in the states schools, which have endured the nations steepest funding cuts. The announcement Thursday from the Oklahoma Education Assn. does not necessarily end the protests at the Capitol, as teachers not affiliated with the union vowed to stay longer. Instead of a walkout, the union and school districts across the state have said they plan to send delegations of teachers to Oklahoma City to keep the pressure on lawmakers. Teachers and their supporters have also promised to push education issues to the forefront of November elections, when the state chooses a new governor. As school districts begin to reopen, the protests may lose steam. The Legislature is not in session Friday, and observers are waiting to see what happens Monday, when lawmakers return. Read More Facebook

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Most Californians are worried about school shooting threats and oppose arming teachers, survey finds By Joy Resmovits Hamilton High School student Aiyana Dabriel holds a sign during a March 14 walkout in support of the Parkland shooting victims. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Most Californians are worried that a school shooting like the one that occurred in Parkland, Fla., in February could shed blood closer to home, a new survey found. Some 73% percent of adults and 82% of public school parents said they were very concerned or somewhat concerned about school shootings. The Public Policy Institute of California surveyed 1,704 adults in the state by phone just after the March for Our Lives protest against gun violence. Latino and black respondents were significantly more likely to be concerned about school violence than white or Asian respondents, the institute found. Two-thirds of adults and public school parents said they opposed letting more educators carry weapons in school. The response differed across party lines, with 86% of Democrats and 69% of independents voicing their opposition, while 60% percent of Republicans said they would support a measure to arm educators. The poll, which had a margin of error of 3.2% in either direction, also asked Californians about school funding, educational issues in the governors race and the impact of immigration enforcement on students. You can find the full results here. Facebook

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Californias largest virtual charter school network agrees to contract with its teachers By Anna M. Phillips Nearly four years after teachers at Californias largest online charter school voted to unionize, they have reached a deal to increase pay and create job protections, according to a spokesman for the California Teachers Assn. The contract, which is still tentative and subject to ratification, is a victory for the teachers union. Although charter schools are publicly funded, most are privately managed and their employees arent protected by labor contracts. Under the terms of the contract  the result of years of negotiation and legal wrangling  approximately 500 teachers working for California Virtual Academies will no longer be at-will employees who can be dismissed for almost any reason. Their average salary will rise to just over $45,000, according to union estimates, a figure that remains far below the norm for traditional public school teachers. Still, it is an improvement over the previous average of $38,000. The accord also places a limit on the number of students each teacher is responsible for monitoring in online homeroom classes. Were very satisfied with the gains we made, said teacher Brianna Carroll, president of California Virtual Educators United. I think were going to see some extraordinary changes in our schools. According to Carroll, teachers at California Virtual Academies  better known as CAVA  had grown frustrated with the organizations foot-dragging and were making preparations to go on strike when CAVAs leadership agreed to the deal. CAVA and K12, the Virginia-based for-profit company linked to its schools, did not immediately respond to an email Tuesday asking for comment. The network currently operates nine virtual charter schools across California. In 2016, the charter network agreed to pay $8.5 million to settle claims of false advertising, misleading parents and inadequate instruction. The state attorney generals office had also accused K12 of controlling the charters for its own financial benefit. Neither CAVA nor K12 admitted to wrongdoing in the settlement. A year later, the state imposed a $2-million fine on CAVA after an audit found that it had misspent public funds. The network disputed the findings. Facebook

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School board approves a new formula for funding high-need schools By Sonali Kohli L.A. schools will soon get more money if they are located in neighborhoods with such problems as high levels of gun violence and asthma. The Los Angeles Unified school board voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt a new formula to determine how to dole out some funding to schools, based not only on the characteristics of the student populations but on the traumas that affect the communities around campuses. The new formula will be applied to $25 million in funding next fiscal year and about $263 million annually in future years  a small part of the districts $7.5 billion annual budget. Read More Facebook

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Protesters demand Ref Rodriguez resignation outside school board meeting By Sonali Kohli Students, parents, teachers and UTLA marching outside the board meeting chanting "Ref resign" pic.twitter.com/W0LRWZSIXY  Sonali Kohli  (@Sonali_Kohli) April 10, 2018 A few dozen parents, students and teachers marched outside the Los Angeles Unified School Board meeting Tuesday, some calling for board member Ref Rodriguez to resign the week after news broke that he was taken into custody on suspicion of being drunk in public at a Pasadena bar and restaurant. Rodriguez was not cited or charged in that incident, but was held for more than five and a half hours before being released. The school board member faces felony and misdemeanor charges for political money laundering. He is accused of getting more than two dozen people people to donate to his campaign for his school board seat with the understanding that he would reimburse them. He stepped down from his post as school board president after he was charged last fall, but he did not give up his seat on the board. He has pleaded not guilty to three felony counts of conspiracy, perjury, and procuring and offering a false or forged instrument, as well as 25 misdemeanor counts related to the alleged campaign money laundering. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May. He cant give his full focus to our students, said Rebecca LaFond, a Highland Park parent whose three children marched with her as she chanted, Ref resign. One daughter marched in front of her, using a drum stick to hit the bottom of a gallon-size empty water jug. Our kids deserve someone who has the utmost ethical standards representing them, LaFond said. The protests continued into the board meeting, where some addressed Rodriguez directly, calling on him to step down during public comment portions of the meeting. Rodriguez, through his chief of staff, declined to comment. Some parents outside the board meeting did not know about the charges against Rodriguez but came out to protest the possibility of sharing their school campuses with charter schools. Protesters also oppose colocation  not all of the parents are here to ask Ref Rodriguez to step down pic.twitter.com/1Co8zQ9zSi  Sonali Kohli  (@Sonali_Kohli) April 10, 2018 Cynthia Martinez said her son, who goes to Christopher Dena Elementary School in Boyle Heights, has been bullied in the past by students from a charter school sharing the campus. She said she didnt know who Rodriguez was. Some parents and teachers are worried about losing computer labs, robotics rooms and fitness centers if they are required to share their campus with charter schools, said Ilse Escobar, a parent community organizer for United Teachers Los Angeles. The issues of Rodriguez and colocation are related, Escobar said. Rodriguez is part of a majority on the school board elected with financial backing from charter school supporters, and many parents, she said, feel that the school board is compromised if he is a part of it. Staff reporter Howard Blume contributed to this post. Facebook

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Delaine Eastin tries to gain momentum in the California governors race, one voter at a time By Seema Mehta Delaine Eastin was a sophomore in high school when a drama teacher urged her to try out for a part in The Man Who Came to Dinner. She hesitated until he told her: This is a metaphor for your whole life. If you never try out, you will never get the part. Eastin auditioned and won the role. Decades later, the advice sticks with the former state schools chief, this time in her unlikely run for governor. Despite calls for more women in leadership roles in state politics following sexual misconduct allegations in Sacramento, Eastin has been largely overlooked in the race, lagging far behind her Democratic rivals in fundraising and the polls. Read More Facebook

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Arizona high court rejects in-state tuition for DACA recipients By Associated Press Young immigrants granted deferred deportation status under a program started by President Obama are not eligible for lower in-state college tuition, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled Monday. The unanimous ruling will affect at least 2,000 students attending the states largest community college district and hundreds more at other colleges and the states three public universities. The Maricopa County Community Colleges District and state universities said they would begin raising tuition immediately for the coming school year. Read More Facebook

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New York high school students injured when bus strikes overpass By Associated Press A charter bus carrying teenagers returning from a spring break trip Sunday night struck a bridge overpass on Long Island, seriously injuring six passengers and mangling the entire length of the top of the bus. The crash happened shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday on the Southern State Parkway in Lakeview, according to New York State Police. One of the six injured passengers had very serious injuries, said State Police Maj. David Candelaria. Thirty-seven other passengers suffered minor injuries. Read More Facebook

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Some good news for California in national student test scores By Joy Resmovits Every two years, the nations fourth- and eighth-graders are tested in math and reading  and newly released results from last years tests give California at least a little reason to be pleased. The 2017 results  out Monday night  were mostly flat nationwide compared with 2015, though the average score in eighth-grade reading went up. But while that improvement largely came from the increased scores of the highest-performing students, California eighth-graders showed some reading progress from the lowest levels to the highest. Read More Facebook

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Under state control, Inglewood school districts financial picture worsened By Anna M. Phillips When Eugenio Villa agreed to return to the Inglewood schools for a second tour last summer, he knew the district remained one of Californias most troubled. Inglewood Unified had been nearly insolvent when it was taken over by the state Department of Education in 2012. Six years later, its enrollment was still declining. Its school buildings were tired  some edging into decrepitude. Its test scores and graduation rates were still below the state average. And the public was out of patience. Still, Villa, who had signed back on as the districts chief business official, was shocked at what he found when he arrived in June 2017. Two years earlier, he had left the school system on what he thought was firm ground. Read More Facebook

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Charter school group drops two lawsuits against L.A. Unified By Howard Blume A charter schools advocacy group last week announced that it would end two long-running lawsuits in which it was seeking more classroom space and construction money from the Los Angeles school district. The decision, the California Charter Schools Assn. said, reflects better relations between charter schools and the L.A. Unified School District. But the move also suggests that the litigation, which already contributed to significant gains for area charters, was unlikely to produce much more. It takes time, money and effort to litigate, said Ricardo Soto, general counsel for the charter group. Maybe its better to see if we can find the time and opportunity for collaboration. Read More Facebook

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L.A. school board member Ref Rodriguez is arrested on suspicion of public intoxication By Richard Winton Los Angeles school board member Ref Rodriguez was arrested recently on suspicion of being drunk in public at a Pasadena restaurant, the latest trouble for an elected official who faces political money-laundering charges. Pasadena police took Rodriguez into custody on March 16, according to city spokeswoman Lisa Derderian. Officers arrested Rodriguez at about 4:30 p.m. at the Yard House restaurant and bar at the Paseo Mall and held him in jail for more than five-and-a-half hours. Rodriguez was ultimately released without being cited or charged, Derderian told The Times. Other details about the arrest were not available, she said. Read More Facebook

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Kentucky teachers rally at Capitol over state budget By Associated Press Thousands of Kentucky teachers filled the streets near the state Capitol in Frankfort on a cold, overcast Monday to rally for education funding. Teachers and other school employees gathered outside the Kentucky Education Assn. a couple of blocks from the Capitol chanting, Stop the war on public education and holding or posting signs that say, Weve Had Enough. Were madder than hornets, and the hornets are swarming today, said Claudette Green, a retired teacher and principal. Read More Facebook

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After the most expensive school board election in U.S. history, charter school backers on Thursday will formally assemble their first-ever majority on the Los Angeles Board of Education with a mixture of high expectations and significant challenges.

Charter forces for years have criticized the mammoth school district as blocking needed reforms, pandering to employee groups and simply failing to significantly improve the education of L.A. students. Now, they will be in their best position ever to bring about change, and that brings both pressure and opportunity.

Near the top of the pro-charter agenda is likely to be an easier process for approving new schools and renewing existing charters, which advocates have long decried as too difficult. They also want charters to take over more space on district-owned campuses.

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Some hardcore charter backers have favored a more radical agenda: a massive charter school expansion or even using charters as the vehicle to dismantle the school system entirely.

Nick Melvoin defeated the most recent L.A. school board president, Steve Zimmer, in a May runoff. (Michael Owen Baker / For The Times)

A closely watched agenda

But the new board, which meets for the first time Thursday, must also confront familiar limitations, including vastly underfunded retiree health benefits and steep increases in mandatory payments to state pension funds. Like the old board, this one still has a traditional school district to run, the second-largest in the nation. And continued charter growth exacerbates district finances, because when students exit the district, they carry with them state and federal funding.

For better or worse, the district bureaucracy, which at times has fought to limit the growth of charters, remains entrenched. The outgoing board helped see to this in June with a contract extension for Supt. Michelle King.

If the charter school advocates expectations are to simply increase market share and create a deregulated environment for themselves, they will be disappointed, and they should be, said Charles Kerchner, professor emeritus and senior research fellow at Claremont Graduate Universitys School of Educational Studies. The big issue is whether the new reform board continues what Ive called the Charter School War or ends the war and claims the very large peace dividend.

Kerchner suggested a new, nonpartisan goal: How to design a 21st century school system rather than whether the old system should be charter-friendly or not.

Charters are privately managed public schools that operate like nonprofit organizations within the school district. Most are nonunion  labor, especially the teachers union, spent millions in the board races, although not as much as the pro-charter forces. L.A. has more charters and more students in them  about 16% of total enrollment  than any other school system.

Ref Rodriguez appears to have the inside track to become the next president of the L.A. school board. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Making it easier for charters

A possible starting point for the new board would be easier and more extensive access for charters on district campuses. Securing locations to operate has been a fundamental problem for charters in Los Angeles, with its high real estate prices. State law requires districts to provide charters with classroom space that is reasonably equivalent to that of district-operated programs.

Disputes over what this means have landed repeatedly in court. But charters can expect no immediate relief, because its too late to make changes for the coming school year.

In addition, it isnt clear that the new board members, Nick Melvoin and Kelly Gonez, side fully with charters based on recent interviews. They appear sympathetic to parents at traditional schools who have furiously objected to surrendering space that is currently being used for such things as after-school programs, tutoring, drama groups and computer labs.

Another expected push  making it easier to get new charters approved and existing charters renewed  would depend on changing how the district evaluates charters.

Right now, a group of civil servants reviews new charter applications and renewals. Its a process developed over two decades and involves a review of data, collecting reams of documentation and conducting a small number of school visits.

Charters would welcome a simpler, faster process as well as feedback about how they are doing. But those changes could require more resources and be subject to legal review, among other things.

Historically, board members, even pro-charter ones, have rarely overruled recommendations of the charter office. The vast majority of charters received positive evaluations.

Charter school backers have high expectations of the first-ever charter-friendly majority on the L.A. school board. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Who will lead the school board?

The first step Thursday is for the seven board members to elect a new board president from among their own  a much-watched ritual full of symbolism but also an early sign of political force.

After an election cycle that burned up $15 million, Melvoin and Gonez will join incumbents Monica Garcia, who was reelected in March, and Ref Rodriguez to make up a charter-friendly majority. They could see to it that Garcia or Rodriguez holds the gavel for the next 12 months.

Rodriguez, the co-founder of one of the largest charter groups operating in the Los Angeles Unified School District, appears to have the inside track.

In addition to presiding over meetings, the president frequently acts as district spokesperson, lobbies other officials on behalf of the school system and assigns board members to committees, which can increase or limit their influence.

The most recent board president, Steve Zimmer, leaves behind a power vacuum after losing to Melvoin in a May runoff. Zimmer treated his post as a full-time job and became something close to a second superintendent, with an outsize influence on the policies that King carried out.

An altered power dynamic favoring Garcia appeared to be evolving in June, when staff members prepared a presentation that seemed to align with Garcias push on a controversial measure before the board. Her goal was to transfer federal aid away from some schools and to concentrate more of it instead at campuses that serve the highest percentage of low-income families. The measure fell short, for now, when the full board tabled its consideration.

If nothing else, the episode showed flexibility on the part of King and her staff in adjusting to a new political reality. Moreover, members of the pro-charter bloc have indicated no objection to portions of Kings preexisting agenda, such as making district schools better competitors with charters and expanding district-run program that parents want.

In any event, they are unlikely to move against King quickly, barring a real or perceived crisis for which they choose to hold her responsible.

With their win in hand, charter backers have toned down their rhetoric. There are, for example, no public statements about a controversial proposal by backers to massively expand the number of charter schools in L.A.

Charter schools in Los Angeles share a common goal of providing every child with access to high-quality public education regardless of the type of school they attend, said Laura J. McGowan-Robinson, a senior vice president with the California Charter Schools Assn.

Union ready to fight

Labor unions, the other major power force in school district politics, have promised no honeymoon period for a pro-charter board. The leadership of the teachers union has been especially restive.

We expect the new school board members to represent all students and build the civic institution of public education, not tear it down, said Alex Caputo-Pearl, president of United Teachers Los Angeles. While we hope the new board members understand this, we also know who bought the last election, and we know the battle ahead to get the schools our students, educators and communities deserve. Were ready to continue that battle.

howard.blume@latimes.com

Twitter: @howardblume

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A landowner who objects to a condition of a building permit but proceeds with the project anyway cannot later successfully sue to have that condition removed, the California Supreme Court decided unanimously Thursday.

The state high court ruled against two homeowners in Encinitas who built a seawall to prevent their houses from sliding into the ocean.

While building the wall, the owners went to court to challenge two conditions of a permit from the California Coastal Commission.

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One denied them the right to replace stairs to the beach that had been destroyed in a storm, and the other required the owners to obtain a new permit for the seawall after 20 years.

The crucial point is that they went forward with construction before obtaining a judicial determination on their objections, Justice Carol A. Corrigan wrote for the court.

As a result, Corrigan said, they forfeited their right to have the permit condition overturned.

In general, permit holders are obliged to accept the burdens of a permit along with its benefits, the court said.

Barbara Lynch and Thomas Frick, owners of adjacent oceanfront properties on the top of a steep bluff in Encinitas, brought the case.

The city approved a permit in 2009 to replace their wooden seawall with a concrete structure, but a Coastal Commission permit also was required.

While the commission was considering the application, a heavy storm caused the bluff below Lynchs house to collapse. Part of the seawall and the lower portion of a stairway to the beach were destroyed.

The owners applied for a new permit to destroy the old seawall and replace it and the stairs.

Coastal Commission staff recommended the new seawall be approved. It was to be located eight feet inland from its previous location and would leave more room on the beach for recreation.

But the staff urged the commission to reject the stairway under a policy that discourages private access stairs on the bluff.

The commission approved the project without the stairway under a 20-year permit. It required the owners to apply for a new permit to change or remove the seawall or extend its authorization before the expiration date.

The owners built the seawall but went to court to challenge the denial of the stairway and the 20-year expiration date.

They contended they could not have waited to build until the litigation concluded because their homes were in jeopardy.

If that were the case, the owners should have obtained an emergency permit for a temporary seawall while the litigation proceeded, the court said.

The owners obtained all the benefits of their permit when they built the seawall, Corrigan wrote. They cannot now be heard to complain of its burdens.

Because the court ruled the owners waived their right to challenge the conditions, the justices did not decide whether they were legal.

A lawyer for the homeowners said the ruling would make it more difficult and extremely costly for property owners to fight unlawful conditions by the Coastal Commission.

It is particularly bad for small-property owners, said John Groen, executive vice president and general counsel of the Pacific Legal Foundation, a nonprofit that advocates for private property rights and represented the owners without charge.

The court has shrunk their right to move forward with projects under protest while litigation proceeds, he said. Instead, they will be forced to put their lives and projects on hold for years while a court battle over an unlawful condition goes on.

He said the seawall was certified to last 75 years and cost $1 million.

Sarah Christie, legislative director for the Coastal Commission, said the ruling reflected mainstream legal principles.

You can build your project, or you can sue, but you cant do both, she said. This is a mainstream legal concept that applies far beyond the Coastal Commission.

She noted that the League of California Cities and the American Planning Assn. had filed arguments in support of the state because the ruling will apply to all sorts of permits.

maura.dolan@latimes.com

Twitter: @mauradolan

UPDATES:

12:45 p.m.: This article has been updated with comment from the Coastal Commission.

This article originally published at 12:25 p.m.
A recently discovered gray wolf pack is now the second-known family of the endangered species to call the Northern California wilderness home, state wildlife officials confirmed Wednesday.

Known as the Lassen Pack, the family includes two adult gray wolves and at least three pups.

The pups and the groups matriarch were tracked this summer crossing into industrial timberlands and private and public properties throughout western Lassen County, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The pack also has ventured into Plumas County.

The familys arrival comes two years after the first pack of gray wolves was spotted in the area since the 1920s. In 2014, state wildlife authorities added gray wolves to California's endangered species list.

A gray wolf photographed in Lassen County in 2016. (California Department of Fish and Wildlife)

First clues of a wolf pack

Biologists first suspected that California could have a new wolf pack last summer and fall. At the time, cameras positioned along remote trails in Lassen County photographed two gray wolves traveling together.

Scientists collected scat samples and determined one of the wolves was male. The wolf came from Oregon and was born into a group known as the Rogue Pack. The collected samples indicated the other wolf was female, but her origins were not known.

The photos and DNA results sparked the curiosity of scientists throughout the region.

Capture and release

In May, biologists from the U.S. Forest Service found evidence of wolves in the Lassen National Forest. Later, scientists with the Fish and Wildlife Department initiated a plan to collar one of the animals.

They tried for 12 days to trap one of the wolves.

Then on June 30, biologists caught the 75-pound adult female.

After examining her, biologists discovered she had given birth to pups in the spring, Deana Clifford, the departments senior wildlife veterinarian, said in a statement. During the examination, researchers collected genetic and other biological samples from the wolf.

The biologists determined she was in excellent condition, Clifford said. She then was fitted with a collar so scientists could better track her movements in the Lassen National Forest.

The next day, biologists were conducting a follow-up check on the female wolf when they found pup tracks. They later discovered the pups and female wolf had been photographed by U.S. Forest Service cameras.

The pups were gray in color and were serendipitously photographed playing in front of the camera, the Fish and Wildlife Department said.

Biologists are hoping the tracking device attached to the female wolf will give them a better understanding of what she prefers to eat as well as her reproduction habits, survival practices and daily patterns.

Five gray wolf pups captured on a trail camera in Northern California in early August are members of the first established pack in the state in decades. (California Department of Fish and Wildlife) (California Department of Fish and Wildlife)

The Shasta Pack

In 2015, the first confirmed pair of gray wolves birthed five pups in eastern Siskiyou County.

The bunch, known as the Shasta Pack, was the first pack in the state in nearly 100 years.

Although the packs current status is not known, one of the pups was spotted in northwestern Nevada in November 2016, according to the Fish and Wildlife Department.

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Overall crime in Los Angeles has nearly leveled off at the midyear mark, Police Chief Charlie Beck said Thursday, calling 2017s numbers a sign that police are making progress against the citys stubborn uptick in crime.

As of July 1, overall crime was up less than 1% when compared with the first six months of 2016  notably lower than the 6.6% increase the LAPD reported halfway through 2016 and the 12.7% jump the year before.

Beck announced the figures at the weekly meeting of his civilian bosses on the Police Commission. He later credited the progress to a variety of factors: shifting department resources to target violent crime, improving predictive policing to help stem property crime, adapting to changes in legislation and a relentless focus on crime from LAPD brass.

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Beck also said he hoped that by the end of the year, the city would see crime drop. If overall crime ultimately falls this year, it will mark the first such decrease since 2014.

I am cautiously optimistic, Beck said. But well see.

The most significant change this year has been in violent crime, which Beck said has risen about 1%. In both 2016 and 2015, the LAPD reported double-digit increases in violent crime at the midyear mark.

Still, homicides increased about 2% in the first six months of this year, Beck said, which he attributed in part to a 2.4% jump in gang-related killings. The number of gunshot victims across the city rose by roughly 4%. Aggravated assaults, he added, were about even.

Beck said the departments efforts to target violent crime  which largely have hinged on shifting Metropolitan Division officers to neighborhoods hit hardest by violence  stabilized us.

Faced with the citys first major crime increase in more than a decade, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced in 2015 that the LAPD would double the size of its elite Metropolitan Division. The LAPD flooded crime hot spots with Metro officers, concentrating on areas where gangs were active or where violence had recently flared.

Much like anything in life, its the constant application of things that you believe in and that work, Beck said. Sometimes theyre more effective than others, but over time, they will always succeed.

The president of the union representing rank-and-file officers noted, however, that violent crime was still significantly higher than it was in 2013. The leveling off is nothing to get too excited about, said Craig Lally of the Los Angeles Police Protective League.

With the hot summer months upon us, a season that typically brings more crime with it, now is not the time for anyone to pat themselves on the back, but rather, now is the time for Chief Beck to sharpen his pencil and create a plan to restore safety in our neighborhoods, he said.

kate.mather@latimes.com

@katemather

UPDATES:

7:25 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from the president of the union that represents rank-and-file LAPD officers.

This article was originally published at 12:55 p.m.
For decades, the Road Home has served the citys neediest population, providing beds, meals, showers and laundry service for hundreds of people a night, mostly single men.

Then, as demand began to explode five years ago with homeless families showing up in growing numbers, the Road Home found itself in a fatal spiral.

Within the homeless services community, it became viewed as a vast, barracks-like crash pad that reflected an outmoded, and inefficient, homeless policy.

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At the same time, the aging two-story cinder-block building was falling out of sync with its surroundings west of Salt Lake Citys expanding downtown. Its neighbors now include a high-end outdoor mall one block to the north, a Hilton Homewood Suites one block to the south, and closer still, a hip restaurant in the historic Rio Grande train station.

All the while, the shelter and a Catholic Charities community center across the street from it had become magnets for the most intractable element of the homeless population, the drug addicted and the dealers who prey on them.

The streets to the west and east of the Road Home have become a mini skid row, with men and women and even families sleeping under tarps or on the bare sidewalk, some using intravenous drugs with indifference to anyone watching.

Now, dramatic change is coming.

People camp in front of the historic Rio Grande train station just south of the Road Home shelter in Salt Lake City. (George Frey / For The Times)

After a wrenching public debate, city, county and state elected officials have decided to shut down the Road Home and build three new, smaller shelters with public and private funds.

Were changing our shelter model from a large, one-size-fits-all crisis center to something that is tailored to individual needs, said Shaleane Gee, Salt Lake Countys director of special programs and partnerships.

A key strategy will be increasing coordination between the homeless services and other county systems, such as healthcare, schools and criminal justice, Gee said.

The Road Home, designed for 800, routinely serves about 1,000 people on busy nights. Cots are squeezed into the directors office, and there is little space to adequately provide services that can help get people off the streets.

Case management, housing navigators, drug and alcohol treatment, health screening and employment counselors will be baked into the new, more manageable facilities, rather than squeezed into spaces that were never meant for them.

The nonprofit corporation that has operated the Road Home since 1988 has been retooled as a quasi-county agency to manage the construction, scheduled to be complete within two years.

James Woolf, director of shelter operations at the Road Home homeless shelter, checks on bins full of clothing donated for the homeless. (George Frey / For The Times)

The effort started with a committee convened by county Mayor Ben McAdams in response to community pressure to move the Road Home, an idea he opposed.

If the shelter is not working in one location and, if you pick up and move the same model, its not going to work, McAdams said.

He assembled a committee of civic leaders to examine the homeless services system from top to bottom. The group concluded that an overhaul was needed.

The Road Home is not serving anyone well who was on our committee, from business owners to residents to shelter providers to other service providers, McAdams said.

The Legislature appropriated $20 million to buy land and build new shelters, threw in some operating money and also passed a bill that gave the mayors of the city and county the power to designate sites and override zoning restrictions. A $4-million donation from a real estate investor primed a campaign that already has reached $15 million of its goal to fund the $52-million project.

Brent Dalton, day shift supervisor at the Road Home shelter, hangs up donated childrens coats in the warehouse. (George Frey / For The Times)

But the program has encountered both political and humanitarian obstacles.

Facing intense opposition, Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski backed off a proposed site in a residential neighborhood, and four shelters became three, with two in the city and one in the county.

McAdams, seeing opposition to every location he considered, finally chose a semi-rural site near a county jail in the suburb of South Salt Lake, provoking its mayor to accuse him of delivering a lethal blow to the community.

Acknowledging that the squalor on the streets around the Road Home fuels opposition to the new shelters, McAdams said the city and county are launching a new effort to clean the area. Police will begin targeting drug dealers, and the county will pay for jail space in other states to relieve the overcrowded corrections system.

Even if the political storm passes, the plan faces skepticism from homeless service providers over a key requirement imposed by the Legislature in funding the bill.

The Road Home must close by June 2019, eliminating 1,100 beds. The new shelters, two slated to have 200 beds each and one 300, will replace only 700 of those beds.

Glenn Bailey, executive director of an advocacy group called Crossroads Urban Center, calls the Road Homes closure a politically motivated move that will force hundreds more people onto the streets.

Its going to fail, Bailey said. As we get closer to that deadline, we will agitate for a better solution.

McAdams initially favored a slow transition, allowing the Road Home to remain open as long as homeless people showed up at its doors.

People linger outside Salt Lake Citys Road Home shelter on Rio Grande Street in view of the Gateway, a high-end retail shopping center. (George Frey / For The Times)

Now he says he is confident that intense services with an emphasis on housing, coupled with the citys plans to spur affordable housing construction, will allow for fewer beds to get more people off the streets.

Our goal is to reduce the demand for shelter by focusing on the pipeline, McAdams said.

One part of the pipeline is the jail system.

We found over a third of people who are homeless who are using our shelter today will spend on average three months or more in the Salt Lake County jail, McAdams said.

The county has received a grant to start a rapid rehousing program for homeless people leaving the jails. The University of Utah is picking clients for the program to conduct a random trial, the first of its kind in the country, McAdams said.

Few doubt that the new shelters will be more effective than the Road Home.

Despite efforts to provide services tailored to each homeless persons needs, the Road Home has had to impose military-like order to serve so many people. Each morning, men file out of dorms that hold 12 to 120 bunks. Cleaning crews go through, filling plastic bags with trash and sponging the mattresses and steel shell bunks with disinfectant.

James Woolf, director of shelter operations at the Road Home, walks through a dorm. (George Frey / For The Times)

As each dorm is ready, the men congregating outside come back through intake processing, each swiping the plastic bar code that identifies them in the Homeless Management Information System.

Executive Director Matt Minkevitch already is focused on the first phase of decommissioning his shelter  a July 15 deadline to obtain housing for 34 families squeezed into the Road Home after the agencys 300-bed family shelter on the outskirts of town filled up last year.

Its more than just solving for 34, Minkevitch said. Beyond that, we have to take into account the number of families that are coming to us and the flow out of our other facility. Weve serviced about 500 families here in the last year and a half.

Once over that hurdle, Minkevitch will have just two years to shepherd hundreds more men and women out of the shelter to avoid a massive eviction.

He acknowledged being apprehensive, but offered one insight that could work in his favor.

An analysis of the Road Homes clientele over a five-year period showed that 60% of its beds were occupied by only 13% of its residents.

The new shelters will offer more in-depth services aimed at getting long-term residents  those who stay six months or more  into housing. Those efforts, he hopes, will free up shelter beds for people who are able to quickly get back on their feet.

That person, by vacating the shelter if theyve been in the shelter 180 nights, Minkevitch said, were going to serve anywhere between five to 15 people with that bed.

doug.smith@latimes.com

@LATDoug

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Dr. Spencer Johnson, author of Who Moved My Cheese? and co-author of The One Minute Manager, among the bestselling books of all time, has died. He was 78.

Johnson was a little-known childrens book author in the early 1980s when he met Ken Blanchard at a cocktail party in San Diego and the two decided to write a parable for business leaders. They self-published One Minute Manager, sold thousands of copies on their own and then struck a deal with a major New York publisher. The book has sold more than 15 million copies.

Johnson then took a story hed told to friends about two mice and two mouse-sized humans maneuvering through a maze and turned it into a 98-page allegory about change, Who Moved My Cheese? Its sold more than 25 million copies, spawned teen and childrens versions, and become such a pop culture touchstone that its been parodied in comic strips and books.

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He was a special, creative guy who impacted the world in so many ways, Blanchard said.

Johnson died Monday from pancreatic cancer at Scripps Hospital in Encinitas, according to his family.

Born in Watertown, S.D., and raised in Los Angeles, Johnson grew up planning to be a physician. He attended USC and then earned a medical degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland, did clerkships at the Mayo Clinic and Harvard Medical School, and then went to work for a medical devices company. Thats where he discovered his knack for writing.

He was put in charge of the informational material handed out to prospective patients. To his mind, it was unreadable. He rewrote it.

He learned that he could take subjects that overwhelm most people and distill them down to the core of what they are, said Margret McBride, his literary agent. He would then take that and put it into a story thats enjoyable to read, that can be read in about an hour, and that when youre done you feel like a different person.

What he did is, he took the cobwebs out of your brain.

Johnson had written a 43-volume series of childrens books called ValueTales with his first wife, Ann Donegan, when he met Blanchard. They put together One Minute Manager in a matter of weeks. It wrote us, Blanchard said. They knew they were on to something when they spoke at a national restaurant convention and then after the presentation sold 1,200 copies of the self-published book in 30 minutes.

During negotiations with William Morrow & Co., the publisher balked at charging $15 for the book, the price the authors had been getting. Youre being a little too Little League, Johnson said, and started to walk out of the meeting.

A deal was struck that included offering readers a money-back guarantee. Very few took them up on it, and the book became so successful it spawned a whole One Minute industry for Blanchard that continues today. Two years ago, the original One Minute book was rewritten for the current business environment and it, too, became a bestseller.

In the late 1980s, Johnson moved to Hawaii with his second wife, Lesley Bostridge, and in 1998 wrote a story about two mice, one named Sniff and one named Scurry, and two tiny people, Hem and Haw. Who Moved My Cheese? still regularly appears on lists of bestselling business books.

His other popular titles include Peaks and Valleys and The Precious Present.

He was always very pleased when someone would tell him how much one of his books meant to them, said Nancy Casey, his editor and executive assistant. He loved to mentor people, loved to help them tap into their own success.

But he did not love the trappings of fame, which is why his books never included his photo on the jackets. He wanted to be able to go out in public and not be recognized. When a person picks up one of my books and starts reading it, he once told McBride, his agent, I want the relationship between them and the words to be private. A photo of me is a distraction.

She recalled how one time when his publisher insisted on photos, Johnson posed for them with his back turned, sitting at his desk.

He wasnt offended by the various parodies that arose in the wake of Who Moved My Cheese? McBride said he would quip about imitation being the sincerest form of flattery. It says a lot that someone would take a year or so trying to make fun of something I did, she remembered him saying.

Johnson divided his time in recent years between homes in Hawaii and New Hampshire. He moved back to San Diego about six months ago while undergoing cancer treatment.

He is survived by three sons, Emerson, Christian and Austin; a brother, Hugh; and a sister, Constance Johnson. He was predeceased by a son, Cameron.

john.wilkens@sduniontribune.com

Wilkens writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Cook County in Illinois once again recorded the largest black population of any county in the U.S., but it carries that title with less conviction than previous years as more African Americans move to outlying suburbs or warmer states in the South and West, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

Between 2015 and 2016, more than 12,000 black residents left Cook County, an increase from the previous year when about 9,000 residents left.

The greater Chicago area, which for the census includes parts of Indiana and Wisconsin, has lost nearly 46,000 black residents since 2010. That exodus is larger than in any other metropolitan area in the country.

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Ive noticed people have been leaving the city of Chicago, absolutely, said Corey Brooks, pastor of New Beginnings Church in Chicagos predominantly black Woodlawn neighborhood. Families, especially, and some single-parent households with young males. I think those two factors are contributing to the numbers youre seeing.

Some of those who left Chicago and Cook County relocated to other parts of the state, but Illinois still recorded a population drop of about 10,000 black residents between 2015 and 2016, more than any other state. Experts say it is an indication that the majority of the states black flight is occurring in Chicago.

The black exodus is part of a larger pattern of general population decline in the region. Illinois dropped by 37,508 people in 2016, losing more residents than any other state, and Chicago was the only city among the countrys 10 largest to drop in population. Between 2015 and 2016, the greater Chicago area lost 19,570 residents.

Dozens of former residents surveyed by the Chicago Tribune over the last year whove packed up cite a variety of reasons for leaving: high taxes, the state budget stalemate and the weather. But whats propelling black flight isnt quite the same as whats driving out the citys white population.

Africans Americans are leaving in search of stability, experts say, hoping to find stable incomes and safe neighborhoods, something they feel Chicago isnt offering them. The city of Chicago lost 181,000 black residents between 2000 and 2010, according to census data.

Brooks said one of the factors contributing to Chicago violence is a shortage of jobs.

Its not just gang violence retaliation, he said. "[Violence] is about economics. People cant eat. People cant sustain their families.

William Frey, a demographer with the Brookings Institution, said he thinks the trend points to conditions beyond just crime.

People move from the city to the suburbs for a host of things, crime being one of them. But I wouldnt expect those people to move from a whole metropolitan area. Something biggers going on, he said, referencing the region and states general population loss.

As are other Illinois residents, black residents are flocking to warm-weather states  something demographers are calling reverse migration. During the years after the economic recession of the late 2000s migration to those states slowed, but its heated up again as states in the South have better job opportunities and affordable housing.



Its possible younger African Americans are heading South for cultural reasons, too, perhaps to reconnect with relatives in a region steeped in black history, experts say.

The greater Atlanta area in 2016 had the largest numerical increase in black residents in the U.S., gaining more than 46,000 black residents, according to census data. But Fulton County, where most of Atlanta sits, still has far fewer black residents (458,000) than Cook County (about 1.3 million). Cook County has had the largest number of black residents of any county since at least 2010.

Brooks, the South Side pastor, says the consequences of so many black residents leaving each year is that these neighborhoods will deteriorate or lose their identities, and potentially succumb to gentrification.

Unless we all come together as a community to try and resolve these issues ourselves, unless we build businesses and create jobs, he said, well be left with communities [ravaged] by crime, violence and a bad economy.

Eltagouri writes for the Chicago Tribune.

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The fate of Joe Arpaio, who embraced the moniker Americas Toughest Sheriff, rests with a judge after lawyers wrapped up closing arguments Thursday at his criminal trial on the topic that helped Arpaio win a nationwide reputation immigration.

Arpaio, who held six terms as sheriff of Arizonas Maricopa County before losing reelection last November, is accused of criminal contempt for defying a judges 2011 court order to refrain from racially profiling Latinos during patrols.

The question at the center of the trial, which started in late June in a federal court in Phoenix, is whether Arpaio intentionally violated the courts order to stop Sheriffs Department personnel from racially profiling during patrols.

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In order to win a conviction, prosecutors must prove Arpaio intentionally violated the judges order. Despite acknowledging that he prolonged patrols which targeted Latinos after the judges 2011 order, Arpaio insists any profiling was not intentional.

The case was not heard by a jury. If U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton finds Arpaio guilty of the misdemeanor charge, the 85-year-old could face up to six months in jail.

The brash and outspoken Arpaio won national fame  or infamy, depending on the point of view  for policies that made incarceration tough (such as housing inmates in canvas tents) or possibly humiliating (such as forcing inmates to wear pink underwear). Most of all, he was known for crackdowns on illegal immigration.

With 4 million people, Maricopa County is Arizonas largest county and home to Phoenix. According to Pew Research Center data from 2014, 30% of country residents are Latino, almost double the number from 1990.

Arpaios latest legal battle has drawn the attention of many immigrant activists who say a conviction would mean a long-delayed comeuppance.

But Arpaios tough immigration tactics have also drawn support, including that of President Trump, who invited Arpaio to stand alongside him at rallies during his presidential campaign. Until last fall, he coasted to reelection every four years.

A defiant Arpaio once boasted that that he continued to crack down on immigrants illegally in the country even after complaints alleging profiling by his department. After [the Justice Department] went after me, we arrested 500 more just for spite, Arpaio told supporters in Houston in 2009 during a fundraiser for an anti-illegal-immigration group.

Arpaios latest legal fight is one of a series he has faced over the years. In years past, was able to project a defiant tone after prevailing in court. For example, in 2009, his attorneys argued successfully that then-U.S. District Judge Mary H. Murguia could not hear his case impartially because her twin sister was the leader of the National Council of La Raza, a prominent advocacy group.

But in recent years, hes suffered courtroom setbacks.

In 2013, a judge found that Arpaios deputies had systematically profiled Latinos during traffic stops as they tried to find people in the country illegally.

In January 2015, U.S. District Judge David Campbell found that Arpaio improperly used a law intended to combat identity theft. Instead, his department employed the law to round up more than 800 men and women in the country illegally during workplace raids. The judge called the use of the law unconstitutional.

Read the latest immigration headlines >> 

melissa.etehad@latimes.com

Follow me on Twitter @melissaetehad

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Lets begin with a statement that is widely accepted as fact: Russia interfered in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

Officials from the intelligence community  the FBI, NSA, CIA and 14 other agencies  have unanimously concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered hacking during last years campaign. Democrats and Republicans alike on Capitol Hill agree.

Even so, nearly six months into President Trump s administration, he still finds it difficult to place the blame solely on Russia.

Now, on the eve of his first face-to-face meeting with Putin, Trump hinted Thursday that other countries could have meddled in the election.

What does that mean? Which countries? Is this new rhetoric from Trump?

Some answers:

What exactly did Trump say?

During a joint news conference in Warsaw with Polish President Andrzej Duda, an American reporter asked Trump the following:

Will you, once and for all  yes or no  definitively say that Russia interfered in the 2016 election? asked NBC News reporter Hallie Jackson.

I think it could very well have been Russia, but I think it could well have been other countries, Trump said. I think a lot of people interfere. I think its been happening for a long time.

What are the other countries?

Its unclear. In Trumps response to the initial question, he answered this on his own.

I wont be specific, he said.

Has the intelligence community ever indicated other countries interfered in the election?

No  at least not publicly.

In January, the U.S. intelligence community released a report that specifically highlighted Russias attempts to influence the election. The report did not mention any other countries.

We assess with high confidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an influence campaign in 2016 aimed at the U.S. presidential election, the report concluded.

Moreover, the report noted Russias goal was to undermine public faith in Hillary Clinton, Trumps Democratic challenger.

How has Trump responded to the intelligence communitys conclusions on Russia?

For months, hes battled with the intelligence community  at times questioning their integrity while castigating leakers within the agencies.

When it comes specifically to Russian hacking, Trump has offered a mixed bag of viewpoints.

He has alluded to China and other countries, but has not provided evidence or support from the intelligence agencies.

In January, weeks ahead of his inauguration, Trump released a statement about Russia meddling in the election. It came on the same day the report from the intelligence community was released.

While Russia, China, other countries, outside groups and people are consistently trying to break through the cyber infrastructure of our governmental institutions, businesses and organizations including the Democrat National Committee, there was absolutely no effect on the outcome of the election, he said in a statement.

More recently, though, he has repeatedly castigated former President Obama for failing to do anything about Russian hacking during the 2016 campaign  and in the process, seemed to implicitly acknowledge that Russia had, in fact, interfered.

The real story is that President Obama did NOTHING after being informed in August about Russian meddling, Trump tweeted last month.

What else did Trump say in Warsaw?

Trump did not make matters any clearer at his news conference. In one response, he essentially threw up his hands on the topic.

I think it was Russia, but I think it was probably other people and/or countries, Trump said. Nobody really knows. Nobody really knows for sure.

As he has in the past, he went on to compare the intelligence communitys assessment of Russia to an earlier blunder. Prior to the United States invasion of Iraq in 2003, intelligence officials said Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. After the U.S. overthew Hussein, officials acknowledged that the Iraqi leader had not had the weapons.

I remember when I was sitting back listening about Iraq, weapons of mass destruction, how everybody was 100% sure that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. Guess what? That led to one big mess, Trump said. They were wrong and it led to a mess.

Trump is in Europe. What are people back home saying about his comments?

Usually its frowned upon for a president to speak critically of fellow Americans while on foreign soil.

Trump threw that norm to the side Thursday.

He criticized Obama again as having done nothing to stop Russian interference, while also casting doubts on the intelligence communitys work.

Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank), ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, said Trumps comments undermine U.S. interests.

The president's comments today, again casting doubt on whether Russia was behind the blatant interference in our election and suggesting  his own intelligence agencies to the contrary  that nobody really knows, continue to directly undermine U.S. interests, Schiff said in a statement. This is not putting America first, but continuing to propagate his own personal fiction at the country's expense.

Schiff called on Trump to address Russias meddling when he meets with Putin on Friday.

Trump must have the courage to raise the issue of Russian interference in our elections directly with President Putin, otherwise the Kremlin will conclude he is too weak to stand up to them, he said. That would be a historic mistake, with damaging implications for our foreign policy for years to come.

R. Nicholas Burns, a former ambassador to NATO under the George W. Bush administration, said Trumps comments were clearly out of sync with those giving him intelligence briefings.

The U.S. intelligence community is rarely united on any issue, Burns said on CNN, speaking of Russian hacking. They've been united for six months on this issue in their public report to the American people.

kurtis.lee@latimes.com

Twitter: @kurtisalee

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Four young children and their father were found slain in a home outside Atlanta early Thursday, and police say the mother, who called 911 to report the killings, has been charged with their deaths.

The five were apparently stabbed to death. A fifth child, a 9-year-old girl, survived and was hospitalized with injuries described as serious, police said.

The woman was detained by police after the bodies were found inside the home in Loganville, Gwinnett County Police Cpl. Michele Pihera told reporters at the scene. Police later charged 33-year-old Isabel Martinez with five counts of malice murder, five counts of murder and six counts of aggravated assault.

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She was quickly taken into custody, and right now shes at Gwinnett County police headquarters being interviewed, Pihera said. Police have not said whether she was injured but said she was cooperating with investigators, though they were not releasing a motive for the slayings.

Right now we believe we have everybody involved in this crime, Pihera said, adding that she does not want people in the community to think that a dangerous person is at large.

Pihera confirmed that the 911 call came from an adult woman who was inside the home. Pihera says police believe the suspect made that call.

Pihera said the caller was speaking Spanish, which initially made it difficult for 911 operators to communicate with her. The county sheriffs office said Martinez is being held for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement but didnt provide further details.

Early indications are that a knife was used to attack the five, though a medical examiner will make the final determination about the cause of death, Pihera said.

The hospitalized girl, Diana Romero, was in serious but stable condition Thursday evening, police said.

The four children killed have been identified as Isabela Martinez, 10; Dacota Romero, 7; Dillan Romero, 4; and Axel Romero, 2. Their slain father was Martin Romero, 33, Pihera said.

Psychologists and others who study cases of mothers accused of killing their children say its not as uncommon as people might believe. But media coverage often focuses on dramatic cases, such as Andrea Yates, who was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the 2001 drowning deaths of her five children.

Other cases get less attention, as when a woman hides or leaves a newborn, or in childrens deaths blamed on neglect, said Cheryl Meyer, a professor of psychology at Wright State University in Ohio.

She co-wrote two books on mothers who have killed children, based on an analysis of about 1,000 cases during the 1990s. That amounts to one death every three days. If anything, the total based on media reports at the time underestimates the reality, she said.

In cases where mothers kill intentionally, Meyer said there is often another influence, such as mental health issues, postpartum depression or the loss of a close loved one.

We like to classify these women as pariahs, that they arent at all like us, Meyer said. I found that was not the case.

Police initially said in a statement that a woman inside the home called police at 4:47 a.m. Thursday to report a stabbing and officers answering the call found the five bodies inside.

Outside the single-story home with white paneling and black shutters, neighbors sat in their yards Thursday. Crime-scene tape surrounded the home and parts of the yard in the Loganville area, about 30 miles east of Atlanta.

Some neighbors in the small, largely Latino neighborhood said they had no clue anything was amiss in the home until police mobbed the scene Thursday morning. The neighbors said the Spanish-speaking family had moved to the community recently, and their children seemed happy playing with other neighborhood kids.

Victoria Nievs said the childrens mother had recently suffered the death of her father.

Jim Hollandsworth is a spokesman at the Path Project, a nonprofit organization that runs an after-school program that the familys children participated in. He said the family had been in the community for a few months. While the children spoke English as a second language, he said, they were fluent.

Its awful. Its devastating. Everyone is in complete shock, he said. The kids were engaged in what were doing. They were happy. They were fantastic kids with a bright future.

UPDATES:

9:55 p.m.: Updated with family names and ages.

1:25 p.m.: This article was updated throughout with additional details, including the suspects relationship to the victims.

This article was originally published at 6:45 a.m.
Good morning, and welcome to the Essential California newsletter. Its Thursday, July 6, and heres whats happening across California:

TOP STORIES

The Pug Queen of L.A. and a rescue dog from Iran

Katy Kargosha recently traveled to Iran to rescue a severely disabled pug named Chance. The dog had been abandoned beside a Tehran highway, and the New Orleans resident escorted him to Los Angeles. This rescue mission was a success, and Chance has a new home with one of Hugh Hefners former live-in girlfriends, Izabella St. James, a.k.a. the Pug Queen. Los Angeles Times

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Catching up with one of Californias richest

Patrick Soon-Shiong lately has been battling turbulence surrounding his business interests, which is nothing new for the South Africa native. Hes faced skeptics and short-sellers  traders who bet on stock prices to drop  with his past companies, yet ended up making huge sums for himself and shareholders who stuck with him when the companies were sold. This time around, two cancer-fighting start-up firms that he took public in the last two years have rolled up major losses and each of their stocks has tumbled more than 70% from their highs. Los Angeles Times

Plus: NantWorks, the Culver City company controlled by Soon-Shiong, has taken over the operator of half a dozen California hospitals, including St. Vincent Medical Center near Los Angeles MacArthur Park and St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood. Los Angeles Times

Not so hot on the Games

A recent poll by the International Olympic Committee suggests that Los Angeles residents support hosting the 2024 Summer Games at a lower percentage than has been touted by the local bid committee. Los Angeles Times

L.A. STORIES

The heat returns: A heat wave settling over Southern California this week could break records from the coast to the mountains, while the potential for thunderstorms may increase the risk of dry lightning sparking a fast-growing wildfire. Los Angeles Times

How about a run? Heres a twist on mental health: going running with your therapist in Redondo Beach while discussing lifes problems. Los Angeles Times

History lesson! Learn here how the Sepulveda Canyon became the 405 Freeway. As recently as 1934 that mighty river  the 405 freeway  was only a modest stream, a winding, unpaved road that snaked through the Santa Monica Mountains. KCET

Also on the 405: The children of the couple who survived a fiery plane crash on the 405 Freeway in Costa Mesa released a statement thanking all of those who helped their parents through the harrowing incident. ABC 7

IMMIGRATION AND THE BORDER

The court rules: Minors who enter the U.S. without permission must be given a court hearing to determine whether they can be released, a federal appeals court panel decided unanimously Wednesday. Los Angeles Times

About immigrant veterans: The Pentagon is considering pulling out of a deal it made with thousands of noncitizen recruits with specialized skills: Join the military and well put you on the fast track to citizenship. NPR

Plus: Andy de Leon served in Vietnam and is one of an estimated several thousand veterans expelled from the United States since 1996, when deportation of immigrants with certain convictions became mandatory, with no judicial discretion. The Desert Sun

Giving thanks: A refugees story: from Camp Pendleton to the American Dream. USA Today

POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT

Catching up on the questions: Last week a story about Californias failed 50-year-old housing law generated lots of questions from readers. Here are some answers to some of the questions you asked. Los Angeles Times

Democratic party reboot? Two Silicon Valley titans, Mark Pincus and Reid Hoffman, are launching a new group to rethink the Democratic Party. Recode

Down on the farm: Central Valley farmers want Kamala Harris to be more like Dianne Feinstein and less like Barbara Boxer. Los Angeles Times

New gubernatorial candidate: Former Assemblyman David Hadley, a Republican, announced plans Wednesday to run for governor of California, joining a growing field of candidates vying for the seat in 2018. Los Angeles Times

CRIME AND COURTS

Taped disaster: Dramatic new footage shows a new angle of the deadly Asiana Airlines crash in 2013 at San Francisco International Airport. SF Gate

Snitch case: Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens testified Wednesday that her deputies may have flouted rules regarding jailhouse informants, but that such conduct was committed only by a few. Los Angeles Times

Confidants on the stand: Friends of Robert Durst must testify in his murder trial. New York Times

Keeping up with the Kardashians: Reality star Rob Kardashian may have run afoul of Californias revenge porn law Wednesday after he posted sexually explicit images he said were of the mother of his child, Blac Chyna, on Instagram and Twitter. Los Angeles Times

All those fireworks: As firefighters throughout Southern California snuffed out small blazes on the Fourth of July, several people, including children, were hurt in fireworks-related incidents. Los Angeles Times

Tragic story: An Antioch man who worked tirelessly to send his three children to college was shot and killed in a robbery that turned deadly Monday. East Bay Times

THE ENVIRONMENT

Join the pack: A rare family of wolves has been found in Northern California. Its pretty fabulous news for California and for wolves, one expert said. Sacramento Bee

Bee attack: A man working at a date orchard in Riverside County died this week after being stung by a swarm of bees, his family and fire officials said. Los Angeles Times

CALIFORNIA CULTURE

New show alert! Snowfall is a new show about the early days of L.A.'s crack cocaine epidemic. Times TV critic Lorraine Ali writes that the show paints a picture very different from that of todays opioid crisis. Back then, urban communities were the target, the drug of choice couldnt be had at a clinic, and there was little sympathy from the media or lawmakers for those who became hopelessly addicted. Los Angeles Times

A pioneer: Herma Hill Kay, who pushed for the rights of women and minorities as the first female dean of the University of California at Berkeleys law school, died on June 10 at her home in San Francisco. New York Times

Try this at Costco: Costco, often secretive about its merchandising strategy, is selling a Shake Shack-style cheeseburger made with an organic beef patty at a few of its fast-food courts in Southern California. Orange County Register

Great grub: Filipino cuisine is continuing to grow in Los Angeles. Heres a guide to whats out there. LAist

CALIFORNIA ALMANAC

Los Angeles area: sunny Thursday and Friday. San Diego: showers Thursday, partly cloudy Friday. San Francisco area: partly cloudy Thursday, sunny Friday. Sacramento: sunny Thursday and Friday. More weather is here.

AND FINALLY

Todays California memory comes from Jack Ferrucci:

I was a witness to the World War II incident that has been dubbed, facetiously, The Battle of Los Angeles. The battle took place in the early hours of Feb. 25, 1942, a time when people living on the West Coast were suffering a severe case of jitters following Japans surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. A 9-year-old at the time, I was awakened by the firing of anti-aircraft guns that had been installed in my Santa Monica neighborhood. I looked out my bedroom window to see numerous searchlight beams trained on a slow-moving object in the night sky. I watched the spectacle for a minute or two and then went back to sleep. (The massive artillery barrage hit nothing. The mysterious object in the sky vanished off the coast, never to be seen again. Later conjecture was that it was a meteorological balloon, known to have been released over Los Angeles that day.)

If you have a memory or story about the Golden State, share it with us. Send us an email to let us know what you love or fondly remember about our state. (Please keep your story to 100 words.)

Please let us know what we can do to make this newsletter more useful to you. Send comments, complaints and ideas to Benjamin Oreskes and Shelby Grad. Also follow them on Twitter @boreskes and @shelbygrad.
Another bid by President Trump to repeal and replace a major Obama administration achievement recently got a boost when the Environmental Protection Agency, now led by anti-environmentalist Scott Pruitt, moved to repeal a 2015 clean water rule. Thats a shame.

The Waters of the United States rule was meant to protect the drinking water supply for more than 100 million Americans by clarifying which waterways are covered by the landmark Clean Water Act of 1972, which limits the chemicals and other pollutants that can be discharged into navigable U.S. waters. The interpretation of previous rules was muddied by a pair of U.S. Supreme Court decisions, and the 2015 rule brought a good measure of clarity.

When Trump in February signaled his intention to scrap the rule, which is widely known as WOTUS, he complained that it covers puddles and ditches and gets in the way of farmers trying to feed a hungry nation and builders trying to keep the economy on track.

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Thats pure Trump  remolding the facts to suit his purposes. The clean water rule might indeed apply to a small pond, but only if it connects with larger waterways and therefore allows any pollutants dumped in it to spread through tributaries to the nations drinking water supply. As for ill-defined puddles, the rule expressly excludes them. It does apply to irrigation ditches that function as tributaries of downstream waters, but thats merely a reiteration of preexisting rules. It expressly excludes ditches that fill up only after it rains.

Pruitt appears to be quite at home with the presidents contempt for fact and science. A strong proponent of Trumps ill-considered decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement, Pruitt on Friday announced an initiative to critique climate science by recruiting people to debate each side of an issue on which the vast majority of the scientific community long ago reached consensus.

That hostility might explain why both of them dislike the Waters of the United States rule so much. It relies on science to determine whether bodies of water are interconnected and thus protected under federal law, although it acknowledges that science cannot always provide a bright line boundary to determine where water begins or ends. Trump and Pruitt apparently would make that determination based on the convenience of polluters.

The WOTUS rule has never been fully implemented. It has been blocked in court because of lawsuits by more than a dozen states, including Oklahoma  where the suit against the Environmental Protection Agency was filed by then-state attorney general and now-EPA administrator Pruitt.

Repealing the rule is one thing  although that wont necessarily be simple or come without legal challenges. But then what? A new rule-making process can be long and cumbersome, and there will no doubt be lawsuits to keep water sources pure, and lawsuits to allow them to be sullied. The administration will likely continue to reject science (and clean water) in the name of decreasing regulations on polluters. Lawyers, at least, will be happy. As long as they dont drink the water.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook
Sen. Ted Cruz has a litmus test for his Republican Senate colleagues: Do they care more about cutting health insurance premiums than protecting people with preexisting conditions?

Granted, Cruz (R-Texas) wouldnt put it that way. But the amendment hes seeking to add to the Senate GOPs bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act sets up a choice just that stark.

At issue are the policies sold in the individual market, which serves the roughly 20 million Americans who arent covered by large employers group plans. About half of those consumers receive federal subsidies, which they use to buy policies sold on the new state insurance marketplaces (or Obamacare exchanges, such as Covered California).

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If the problem posed by the ACA is high premiums, neither Cruzs proposal nor the other GOP plans are a solution. Theyre a squeeze-the-balloon trick.

Cruzs proposal would let insurers that offer policies on the Obamacare exchanges that comply with the ACAs insurance reforms also offer policies that dont comply with Title I of the act. Title I includes provisions that are crucial to people with preexisting conditions, including prohibitions on charging them higher premiums, canceling their policies after they submit claims or withholding coverage for 10 essential health benefits, such as prescription drugs.

The effect would be to segment the market again into separate risk pools  one for healthy people who dont need comprehensive policies or coverage of potentially expensive risks, and another for those who do. The former would presumably impose considerably lower costs on insurers and so would pay lower premiums. The latter would see the opposite as insurers pushed riskier and costlier customers away from the less comprehensive policies, either directly (by denying their applications) or indirectly (by excluding coverage for their preexisting conditions).

The subsidies offered by the bill would mitigate some of that pain, with a couple of caveats. First, the bill would slash the value of the subsidies, tying them to policies that cover only about half the consumers projected medical costs (the ACA ties subsidies to policies that cover more than 70% of projected medical costs) and offering them only to people earning less than 350% of the federal poverty level (the ACAs limit is 400%). Second, taxpayers would have to pick up the tab for rising premium costs, so in effect the pain would be transferred from one group of Americans to another, albeit larger, one.

In fairness to Cruz, the current version of the Senate bill would give states considerable freedom to let insurers segment their populations and offer cheaper policies just to the healthy. Cruzs proposal is just more aggressive, giving insurers that capability in any state where they sell ACA-compliant plans.

Regardless, if the problem posed by the ACA is high premiums, neither Cruzs proposal nor the other GOP plans are a solution. Theyre a squeeze-the-balloon trick. A real solution would tackle directly the thorny problem of growing treatment costs. That includes the mind-boggling price of some breakthrough drugs, the enormous amount spent treating people with preventable chronic diseases, and the rampant inefficiencies of a healthcare system built to profit from illness, not wellness.

Addressing the broad issue of healthcare costs would also help the nearly 300 million covered by employer and government insurance programs, not just the 20 million in the individual market. But its a tough nut to crack, something that will take years to accomplish. And consumers in some states cant wait years for relief. Premiums are rising fast in their Obamacare exchanges, and insurers are fleeing.

In the short term, the solution isnt to take more people out of those risk pools, as Cruzs proposal would do. Its to bring more people in.

Look at the results in California and other states that decided to operate their own insurance exchanges and to promote them aggressively. According to a new federal report  by the Trump administration, no less  Covered Californias pool of customers was 20% less risky  and consequently 20% less costly  than that of the average federally run exchange. The difference reflects the states decision not to let insurers sell grandfathered policies that didnt comply with the ACA, preventing insurers from keeping their healthiest customers out of the risk pool. Its also evidence of the work the state did to sign up people for coverage, in contrast to the lackluster or even counterproductive efforts in many states whose leaders opposed the ACA.

Having a huge population also helps. With that in mind, Congress should let smaller states jointly create regional insurance markets with much larger risk pools. Lawmakers should launch aggressive efforts to sign up more people for coverage, rather than letting the Trump administration refuse to enforce the penalties for going uninsured. The more healthy people who obtain coverage, the lower premiums will be. And they should look for ways to help more moderate-income Americans handle the higher cost of comprehensive coverage, rather than trying to lower premiums by letting insurers sell flimsier policies.

None of these approaches are likely to be on the table until the current repeal and replace efforts run out of steam. With some luck, the proposal pushed by Cruz will harden the split between the most and least conservative elements in the Senate GOP, and the real work on improving the ACA can begin.

jon.healey@latimes.com

Twitter: @jcahealey
Suppose President Trump declared much of California, Nevada and Oregon  states that just happened to vote against him  off-limits to economic development and recreational use. Suppose he barred all mining, grazing, agriculture and even camping from these states federal lands (roughly 46% of California, 85% of Nevada and 53% of Oregon) under a law to preserve national monuments of scientific and historical interest.

According to some environmentalists and legal scholars, we would have to live with this result. They believe a president can permanently designate federal land as a monument and restrict its uses  even if were talking about millions of acres (138 million acres in the example above), far removed from any real historical or scientific significance, and over the objections of the states involved.

But a presidential power to create permanent national monuments flies in the face of the plain text of federal law, the conventional relationship between presidents and Congress and historical understandings of executive power. Trump has the right to reverse the national monuments created by previous presidents without an act of Congress, but by the same token, the Constitution creates a check by allowing future presidents to reverse Trump too.

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In late April, Trump announced a plan to reconsider the size of recently designated national monuments, principally those that withdrew vast amounts of land in the West and in the oceans near Hawaii and New England from some forms of economic development. His orders sparked a firestorm of criticism from environmentalists and sympathetic public officials, who have argued in these pages that Trump cannot undo a national monument once declared by a past president.

Its simply unrealistic to pretend that acts created by unilateral presidential decrees cannot be undone in the same manner.

The power to create national monuments derives from the Antiquities Act of 1906. Its a broad presidential power, although monuments must be limited to the smallest area necessary to preserve landmarks and other objects of interest. Like many federal laws, the Antiquities Act delegates authority to the executive branch but does not address how to undo the use of the power. Those who defend permanent, unchangeable national monuments argue that the acts silence on reversal means reversal is impossible. But there is no reason to believe that the Antiquities Act can uniquely evade the fundamental principles that apply throughout our government and laws.

Almost every grant of power, by Constitution or statute, implicitly also includes the power of reversal. Congress has no express authority in the Constitution to repeal a law, but it does so by passing new laws. The Supreme Court doesnt have express authority to overrule a past precedent, but it does so in a later decision. As the federal courts have recognized, the president can fire Cabinet officers or abrogate treaties (both of which require Senate advice and consent), even though the Constitution doesnt mention it. No Congress, Supreme Court or president can bind their successors from using their branchs constitutional powers.

The courts have applied the same legal principle of reversal when Congress delegates lawmaking power to the executive branch, as in the Antiquities Act. For example, agencies granted authority to issue regulations also can revoke or modify them, and presidents often repeal executive orders, many of which are based on statutory powers. The courts have never held that the underlying statutory authority once used cannot be revoked.

Indeed, those who claim that the Antiquities Act does not grant a reversal power cannot find a single case in another area of federal law that supports that contention. To override the norm, legislators have to clearly limit reversal powers in the original law; the plain text of the Antiquities Act includes no such limits.

Those who consider monument proclamations sacrosanct place most of their hopes in a cursory legal opinion issued by U.S. Atty. Gen. Homer Cummings in 1938. No court has ever approved of the Cummings opinion. Our research explains the many holes in its reasoning, including Cummings mistaken reliance on an 1862 attorney general opinion that interpreted a different law, with utterly different facts, and, in any case, reached a conclusion contrary to Cummings position.

In a letter to the Interior Department, California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra asserts that Trump cannot legally revoke or reduce six national monuments in California. Besides his reliance on Cummings flawed opinion, Becerras statutory citations dont help his case. He primarily cites ambiguous comments made in House committee deliberations related to the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. But that is a separate statute, on a different subject, that did not alter the text or plain meaning of the Antiquities Act. If thats the best that California officials have on their side in this debate, they should lose.

Californians and others who want to maintain national monuments without change should focus on the merits of the designations rather than magical legal thinking. No president is likely to significantly disturb a national monument that enjoys strong local support. The public comment period for land-based monuments, including all those in California identified for review, is open until July 10. Comments on marine monuments under review are due by July 26.

Prior presidents acted unilaterally to create or vastly expand several national monuments. Its simply unrealistic to pretend that acts created by unilateral presidential decrees cannot be undone in the same manner.

Todd Gaziano is the executive director of the Pacific Legal Foundations D.C. Center and its senior fellow in constitutional law. John Yoo is a law professor at UC Berkeley and a visiting scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. They are the authors of an AEI paper on national monuments.

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To the editor: Sandy Banks is right to raise the issue of gun violence by law enforcement, but she is wrong to make the police responsible for it. The source of the problem is how we define the law enforcement task and the tools we provide to carry out the task. (Horrific videos arent solving police shootings, but better training might, Opinion, July 2)

Its folly to give officers guns, then vilify them when they use one. We as a community need to rework how we maintain public order and then provide appropriate tools to accomplish the job.

Other models like that in England, where most police do not carry guns, exist. In 2015, the Guardian newspaper reported that there were 59 fatal police shootings in the U.S. over the first 24 days of 2015 versus 55 in England and Wales for the preceding 24 years.

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Americans need to look objectively at the results of our decisions and rethink our approach. And when it comes to assigning blame, we should look in the mirror.

Eric Foxman, West Hills

..

To the editor: Banks accurately suggests personnel selection and improved training as two solutions. I would suggest that part of the problem is viewing American police as a single entity.

Each state and the federal government has its own system for selecting and training peace officers. Californias Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), begun in 1956, lays out the minimum training requirements for all full-power peace officers in the state. I suggest a national POST system for all law enforcement officers in America.

To get states to buy into this system, the federal government could reimburse them for each officer who satisfactorily completes training through a reinvigorated version of the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration established in 1968.

Perhaps we should consider Germany and England, where new officers spend at least two years at police college. In my experience, basic and in-service training are critical to good policing.

Richard Goff, Ventura

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Kamala Harris works to forge relationship with Central Valley

Sen @kamalaharris talking grapes with Fowler Packing Co president Dennis Parnagian in the fields outside metro Fresno pic.twitter.com/smVuRfbSpQ  Cathleen Decker (@cathleendecker) July 5, 2017

The drought may be over in the minds of urban Californians, quite literally washed away by huge accumulations of rain last year that filled reservoirs and left the states mountains covered with snow even now.

But the farmers and others in the Central Valley, veterans of multiple drought-and-flood cycles, know the reprieve is only temporary. On Wednesday they pressed new U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris to work to ensure a more reliable source of water for the nations most bountiful farming region.

This area is drying on the vine, Ryan Jacobsen, executive director of the Fresno County Farm Bureau, told Harris during a roundtable with Central Valley officials.

A long-term solution can only come through federal and state action to protect the areas water supply, he said.

Jason Phillips, chief executive of the Friant Water Authority, said recent rainfall had done little to stem problems caused by nearly a decade of drought.

A canal that runs from Fresno to north of Bakersfield sunk in some places as much as 2 feet in two years, he said, wreaking havoc on a system that operates on the force of gravity.

We cannot get all the water to our growers, he said.

The meeting between Harris and nearly two dozen agriculture and water officials was meant to ease what is typically a fraught relationship between the states Democratic leaders  all of whose power bases are in metropolitan areas  and the mostly Republican Central Valley powers that traditionally look at them with skepticism.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein has worked for two decades to aid the agricultural industry  at the roundtable, several nodded as Harris referred to the senior senator as an incredible warrior for the area.

But Harris predecessor, former Sen. Barbara Boxer, was allied more with environmental groups that have fought dams and other water systems. As a result, she was viewed negatively by many here.

Harris was intent Wednesday on persuading the Central Valley representatives of her interest in places beyond her base in Alameda and San Francisco counties.

They, on the other hand, worked to convince her to be more in the Feinstein mold on issues important to the area  from reliable water to immigration programs to environmental protections that take into consideration the areas needs.

President Trump was highly popular in much of the Central Valley, apart from Fresno County, which leans Democratic because of its metropolitan shadings. But some issues important to the valley cut in politically unorthodox ways.

Republicans here are more concerned than those elsewhere with passing a plan that would give legal status to immigrants, on whom agriculture depends. With undocumented workers worried about deportation, and the border tightening to those not yet here, the labor supply has already shrunk, farmers said.

Theyre out there working, being productive people, said farmer Joe Del Bosque. They work hard for us, and we have nowhere to reach.

Del Bosque said he recently held a training session for new workers. Of the 200 people who showed up, only a handful were born in the United States, he said.

Environmental regulations prized by Democrats elsewhere are often frowned on by some party members here and blamed for the areas water difficulties.

Several of the participants lobbied Harris for her support of dams that have long been under consideration by federal and state officials, particularly the Temperance Flat Dam, which would be constructed on the San Joaquin River.

Harris offered no assurances on the topic to the group on Wednesday. Afterward, speaking to reporters, she also did not take a position.

One of the things that were going to have to figure out ... is what is the right solution for that, she said of a plan to construct the Temperance Flat Dam and several others. Is it going to be about the building of dams? Is it also going to be about looking at  also looking at  other sources of renewable and sustainable reliable sources?

Both sides signaled they did not expect an alliance on all fronts. But Harris said she would serve as an advocate for farmers during the crafting of a new farm bill and other measures before the Senate.

William Bourdeau, executive vice president of the politically influential Harris Farms, told the senator he wished the majority of her supporters who reside in urban areas would have a better understanding of the risks and challenges of farming.

We need somebody to explain the symbiotic relationship we have, he said.

I agree with you completely, she replied.
President Trumps speech in Warsaw cast the fight against terrorism as a clash of civilizations, adopting a framework that his two predecessors had determinedly avoided and linking it to his controversial policies on immigration.

The speech on Thursday offered extended praise for what Trump described as the unique virtues of Western civilization, which he said faced dire threats.

Those, he said, emanate from the south or the east  apparently a thinly veiled reference to the Islamic world  and could erase the bonds of culture, faith and tradition that make us who we are.

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The fundamental question of our time is whether the West has the will to survive, he said, one of nearly a dozen times that he invoked the idea of will during the course of the approximately 40-minute speech.

Trump had expressed similar ethnocentric ideas during his presidential campaign, but had never before described them at such length.

If we are looking for a Trump doctrine, this is as close as we are going to get, said Michal Baranowski, the director of the German Marshall Fund office in Warsaw and an expert on Polish and European politics. It is not a foreign policy doctrine  it is almost a manifesto.

The speech marked a shift from the rhetorical stance Trump took just a few weeks ago when he was in Saudi Arabia. In a speech on terrorism in Riyadh, the Saudi capital, he said that this is not a battle between different faiths, different sects, or different civilizations. This is a battle between barbaric criminals who seek to obliterate human life, and decent people of all religions who seek to protect it.

The more pointed language of his Warsaw speech reflected the influence of the two strongest advocates of populist nationalism among Trumps advisors, his strategist, Stephen K. Bannon, and his policy advisor, Stephen Miller, who wrote much of the speech. Although Miller had a strong hand in the Saudi speech as well, the language in that address was heavily negotiated in advance.

Trumps words also departed sharply from the approach taken by his predecessors.

Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, both Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama repeatedly rejected the idea that the fight against terrorism should be seen as a battle between the West and Islam or any other culture.

Bush, for example, in one of his most extensive explanations of his policies, five years after 9/11, described the war against terrorism as one in which all civilized nations are bound together in a struggle between moderation and extremism.

Obama went further, repeatedly insisting that terrorism did not pose an existential threat to the U.S. the way communism or Nazism had.

Trump, by contrast, speaking in front of a monument to Polands resistance to the Nazis in World War II and praising the country for resisting Soviet domination, explicitly linked the fight against what he labeled radical Islamic terrorism to those earlier struggles.

The question now is whether we have the confidence in our values to defend them at any cost, he said. Do we have enough respect for our citizens to protect our borders? Do we have the desire and the courage to preserve our civilization in the face of those who would subvert and destroy it?

And he linked that need for defense to his immigration policies. While we will always welcome new citizens who share our values and love our people, our borders will always be closed to terrorism and extremism of any kind, he said.

As in the battles of the last century, Trump said, today, the West is also confronted by powers that seek to test our will, undermine our confidence and challenge our interests. We must work together to confront forces, whether they come from inside or out, from the south or the east, that threaten over time to undermine these values and to erase the bonds of culture, faith and tradition that make us who we are.

The belief that a shared Western culture is under assault in Europe and the U.S. has been one of the underpinnings of the administrations immigration policies, including Trumps much-debated temporary ban on travel to the U.S. from six mostly Muslim nations.

Miller and other architects of Trumps plans argue that high levels of immigration have damaged social cohesion in Europe and threaten to do the same in the U.S.

Trumps speech, a White House official said, was designed in part to demand from U.S. allies a commitment not just of money, but of will to fight Islamic extremism. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to comment on internal discussions.

Trumps aides see the immigration restrictions they have pushed for as an example of that kind of will. The president and his advisors have sharply criticized German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other European leaders for not being willing to more sharply restrict the entry of refugees from the Middle East.

Both Bush and Obama feared that casting the fight against terrorism as a battle between the West and Islam would help extremist groups and undermine U.S. allies in the Middle East.

As a candidate, Trump disregarded such concerns, declaring last spring in a televised interview with Anderson Cooper on CNN that I think Islam hates us.

The line between the religion and radical ideology is very hard to define. Its very hard to separate. Because you dont know whos who, he said then.

Since Trump took office, he has avoided that sort of language. But the approach to Islam has been a topic of sometimes heated debate within the administration.

Shortly before Trumps trip to the Mideast, his national security advisor, H.R. McMaster, publicly suggested that the president might avoid using the label radical Islamic terrorism.

McMaster and his allies succeeded in keeping the term out of Trumps remarks in Riyadh. As Thursdays speech showed, however, it has since made a comeback.

Lauter reported from Washington and Bennett from Warsaw.

david.lauter@latimes.com

Twitter: @DavidLauter

brian.bennett@latimes.com

Twitter: @ByBrianBennett

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UPDATES:

3:25 p.m.: This article was updated with additional analysis and quotes from the speech.

This article was originally published at 9:45 a.m.
New legislation from a Bay Area assemblyman would dramatically expand public access to police body camera videos in California.

The measure, Assembly Bill 748 from Assemblyman Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), would make public footage from police shootings and other cases considered to be in the public interest, such as police uses of force or violent political protests.

Right now in many communities theres a level of distrust with law enforcement, Ting said. I believe that having more transparency, more openness will create more trust on both sides.

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Tings legislation seeks to break a stalemate at the state Capitol on whether to ensure public access to body camera videos. The technologys use has proliferated after protests over disputed law enforcement incidents began in earnest following the 2014 police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo.

Since then, lawmakers have been deadlocked over whether the public should be allowed to see the videos, reflecting an intraparty split among Californias ruling Democrats over the deference given to local law enforcement. Without statewide rules, police departments have generally considered the footage to be potential criminal evidence that is exempt from disclosure under Californias public records laws, and they dont make the videos public outside of a courtroom. In some high-profile cases, such as disputed police shootings in El Cajon and Los Angeles, law enforcement officials have publicly revealed surveillance footage in hopes of quelling protests. The Los Angeles Police Commission is currently studying whether the LAPD should release body camera videos.

Ting said the rules should be the same across California so everyone would know when footage would be released.

There is clearly a need to have clear and consistent guidelines across the board, he said.

The legislation renews debates over whether the state should err on the side of transparency or privacy when considering the videos public release. Under the bill, police departments could still hold videos back permanently by arguing that privacy concerns outweigh the public interest or withhold them for up to three months if they believe the release would substantially impede an active investigation.

But Cory Salzillo, legislative director for the California State Sheriffs Assn., said the bill ignores the unique circumstances facing criminal and internal investigators. The decision over whether to release footage should continue to be in the hands of local police and prosecutors, he said.

No two cases are alike, Salzillo said.

Other states are grappling with similar concerns. Nearly two dozen states have passed legislation regulating public access to camera footage, according to the nonprofit Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. In most cases, the bills have restricted some public availability of the videos. Last month, Pennsylvania lawmakers passed a measure blocking the release of police body camera and dashboard camera videos.

Tings proposal, which is being introduced late in the legislative year, would have to clear both houses of the Legislature before lawmakers adjourn in mid-September. The bill is scheduled for its first hearing next week in the Senate Public Safety Committee.

liam.dillon@latimes.com

@dillonliam

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In a rebuke to President Trumps disengagement from worldwide climate change efforts, Gov. Jerry Brown told an international audience Thursday the president doesnt speak for the rest of us and unveiled plans for a global environmental summit in San Francisco next year.

The announcement, at a convening of climate activists in Hamburg, Germany, coinciding with Trumps arrival there for the G-20 summit of world leaders, signals once more how Brown and other American leaders aim to galvanize continued efforts against climate change, even as the federal government moves in the opposite direction.

Its hard to grasp the mortal danger that climate change represents, Brown said in an interview with The Times. I believe that California, New York, France and Germany and the other countries  we have to get our act together, strengthen our commitment and bring as many nations along as we can.

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Whether Brown and his American cohorts, including Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, will ultimately be able to take sufficient action to curb global warming is uncertain, but they are already succeeding in undercutting the authority of the White House to set the U.S. agenda on climate. Since Trump quit the Paris accord on climate change, California and a dozen other states have vowed to not only stick with the agreement, but also step up their emission reduction efforts to push the rest of the country along. A coalition of cities committed to the climate action outlined in Paris  led by Garcetti  has swollen from a few dozen members to 331 in the last few weeks.

Brown and other American climate crusaders see the G-20 meeting as a crucial moment. Several world leaders who will attend the summit have already signaled that they will confront Trump on climate issues during its proceedings, and a move is afoot to conclude the meeting with a written reaffirmation of commitment to the Paris guidelines that would ostensibly be signed by every G-20 every nation except the U.S.  underscoring how far out of alignment with the rest of the world Trump is on the issue.

But even before the summit began, unity among the other countries was already starting to fray. While Western European leaders vowed to push the issue, countries such as Russia, Indonesia and Turkey were expressing less bombast. Saudi Arabia  which is still bullish on climate action but is also eager to remain in good diplomatic standing with the U.S. amid its dispute with fellow American ally Qatar  is also hedging.

With his video announcement Thursday to attendees of the Global Citizen Festival in Hamburg, Brown aimed to shore up opposition to Trumps climate moves and send a signal that the U.S. can maintain a leadership role despite the president.

Its up to you and its up to me and tens of millions of other people to get it together to roll back the forces of carbonization and join together to combat the existential threat of climate change, Brown said in his video, appearing in a leafy setting with a blazer and no tie. Yes, I know President Trump is trying to get out of the Paris agreement, but he doesnt speak for the rest of America. We in California and in states all across America believe its time to act, its time to join together and thats why at this climate action summit were going to get it done.

Host of next United Nations climate conference turns to California in the global warming battle 

Browns message was projected into the arena, and the audience burst out in applause when the governor said Trump doesnt speak for the rest of the U.S.

Trump was not invited to speak at the festival because his policies dont align with its goal of supporting global health, climate and gender equality, said a source involved in organizing the festival. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Argentinian President Mauricio Macri and other leaders took the stage to speak about climate change and education to the crowd of 12,000.

The planned 2018 California summit, Brown told The Times, would signify the biggest state in the union is the venue for a worldwide convocation of states, regions and entrepreneurs and others who want to do something serious about climate change.

This wouldnt be the first time San Francisco was home to a confab on climate, noted Tom Steyer, the hedge fund billionaire-turned-climate activist.

Whats different about this summit is its a specific statement by Gov. Brown that the people of the United States do not follow the policies  do not believe the policies  on energy and climate espoused by our presidential administration, Steyer said.

Browns role as a climate emissary predates Trumps presidency. In 2015, he helped start the Under2 Coalition, an international pact to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and he traveled to the Paris climate talks later that year. But that global stature has taken on added significance under the new administration, which has so far signaled hostility to many of the climate and environmental policies that Brown has embraced.

Last month, Brown discussed climate change with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, an unusual level of engagement between the Chinese head of state and a governor. (Energy Secretary Rick Perry, by contrast, did not meet with Xi in a recent trip to China).

He wants to make clear that if you cant look to Washington, you can look to California on progressive environmental policy, said Ann Carlson, professor of environmental law at UCLA.

Among the leaders working with Brown to ensure the U.S. is a de facto participant in the Paris accord is Bloomberg, the former New York City mayor. An official climate envoy to the United Nations, Bloomberg has been working to broker an arrangement with the world body in which America would stay in the agreement  even though Trump has opted out. Those involved in negotiating the Paris accord, which was signed by President Obama, have said there is no way the U.S. could formally participate. But the world leaders eager to keep the momentum in the fight against climate change have lately signaled they will work with the coalition of cities and states to keep the U.S. engaged.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the effort in a speech in Lisbon this week.

In the United States, this push is generating at the level of cities, in some states and in the business world a very strong commitment towards the green economy, he said, according to the Agence France-Presse news agency. He also remarked that Bloomberg is convinced that the United States will be able to reach the targets it set itself under the Paris accord.

The federal government is crucial for policy to succeed in the long run, but states can fill a role while Trump is in office, said Jody Freeman, a Harvard law professor who served as White House counselor for energy and climate change in the Obama administration.

This is just is of a piece of that effort to say, Look, the U.S. isnt stalling even though the Trump administration is committed to these rollbacks of climate and energy policy,  Freeman said. I think its all for the good in keeping momentum going and signaling to the world that the subnational governments are still interested in moving forward.

While Brown has basked in his global climate role, closer to home he has strained to chart a path forward for Californias signature tool to combat global warming, the cap-and-trade system, which requires companies to purchase permits to release greenhouse gas emissions.

The governor hopes to reauthorize the system through 2030, but securing a two-thirds vote in the Legislature to guard against potential legal challenges has led to a backroom tug of war pitting oil companies, manufacturers and agricultural interests against environmentalists and advocates worried about local air quality.

Jerry Brown is working very hard to try to get to a compromise on extending Californias flagship climate policy, but it is a compromise, said Michael Wara, a professor of energy law at Stanford. It is complicated and messy. And it involves trade-offs that sometimes mean giving up environmental benefits in order to placate legacy fossil fuel industries that are still politically important in California.

Environmental justice advocates argue Browns administration has hewed too closely to policies sought by industry groups.

He is putting his political muscle behind a compromise that benefits, really singularly, [the oil] industry  the people who brought us this problem, said Parin Shah, senior strategist at the Asian Pacific Environmental Network. Jerry Brown has the power to rally tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, millions of Californians for truly transformative climate policy. He is not doing that.

Brown acknowledged cap-and-trade negotiations have been a struggle, but he pushed back against accusations that he is too aligned with oil industry goals at the expense of advancing the states global warming fight.

Its about taking steps that are moving decisively in the right direction but are the product of consensus and widespread negotiation, Brown told The Times. Given the scope of the challenges posed by climate change, he said, finding solutions will not be a walk in the park.

Decarbonizing the world  its like going from the Roman Empire to Christianity, Brown said. Its a total paradigm shift.

Mason and McGreevy reported from Sacramento, and Halper from Washington. Special correspondent Catherine Stupp in Hamburg contributed to this report.

melanie.mason@latimes.com, evan.halper@latimes.com, patrick.mcgreevy@latimes.com

Twitter: @melmason, @evanhalper, @mcgreevy99

Gov. Jerry Brown, Americas unofficial climate change ambassador in the Trump era, heads to China

A California-led alliance of cities and states vows to keep the Paris climate accord intact

Updates from Sacramento
Trump promotes sons Justice with Judge Jeanine interview President Trump promoted via Twitter an interview with his son Eric Trump just before it aired Saturday night on Fox News Justice with Judge Jeanine. Eric Trump on @JudgeJeanine on @FoxNews now!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 21, 2018 Eric Trump called into the show to defend his father from criticism prompted by the first government shutdown in more than four years, as well as a series of Womens March events that saw protesters in dozens of cities take to the streets to oppose the presidents policies. .@EricTrump joined me over the phone from Mar-a-Lago ! pic.twitter.com/Hro3TzUW52  Jeanine Pirro (@JudgeJeanine) January 21, 2018 Speaking to host Jeannine Piro  who is reportedly an old friend of the presidents  Eric Trump offered effusive praise for his father, ticking off glowing statistics to illustrate the strength of the U.S. economy and gains against Islamic State fighters overseas. My fathers working like no ones ever worked before to bring back this country and to fulfill his promise to make America great again, said the executive vice president of the Trump Organization. He also repeated a sentiment recently expressed on Twitter by his father: That Democratic lawmakers forced a government shutdown on the anniversary of the presidents inauguration in a bid to distract from his achievements. You look at this whole government shutdown, and the only reason they want to shut down government is to distract and to stop his momentum, Eric Trump said. I mean, my father has had incredible momentum. Hes gotten more done in one year than arguably any president in history. Facebook

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Trump tweets: a perfect day for all Women to March President Trump hailed the nationwide Womens March gatherings Saturday. On Twitter, the president called it a perfect day for all Women to March, seeming to imply that those taking part were celebrating his administrations accomplishments: Beautiful weather all over our great country, a perfect day for all Women to March. Get out there now to celebrate the historic milestones and unprecedented economic success and wealth creation that has taken place over the last 12 months. Lowest female unemployment in 18 years!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 Participants in the marches across the United States were actually seeking to deliver a powerful rebuke to Trumps policies and mount a crucial mobilization for this years midterm elections. But Trump continued to tout his administrations unprecedented success in tweets sent later in the day: Unprecedented success for our Country, in so many ways, since the Election. Record Stock Market, Strong on Military, Crime, Borders, & ISIS, Judicial Strength & Numbers, Lowest Unemployment for Women & ALL, Massive Tax Cuts, end of Individual Mandate - and so much more. Big 2018!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 The Trump Administration has terminated more UNNECESSARY Regulation, in just twelve months, than any other Administration has terminated during their full term in office, no matter what the length. The good news is, THERE IS MUCH MORE TO COME!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 21, 2018 In addition to the roll call of major American cities where womens marches took place  including New York, Washington, Los Angeles, Dallas, Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta  protesters also raised their voices in suburbs and small towns, reflecting the aim of coalescing a broad-based movement on the anniversary of Trumps inauguration to oppose the presidents stance on immigration, healthcare, racial divides and an array of other issues. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Laura King. Facebook

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Trump calls shutdown a present from Democrats By Associated Press President Trump is blaming Democrats for the government shutdown  tweeting that they wanted to give him a nice present to mark the one-year anniversary of his inauguration: This is the One Year Anniversary of my Presidency and the Democrats wanted to give me a nice present. #DemocratShutdown  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 That comes after Senate Democrats late Friday killed a GOP-written House-passed measure that would have kept agencies functioning for four weeks. Democrats were seeking a stopgap bill of just a few days in hopes that would build pressure on Republicans, and they were opposing a three-week alternative offered by GOP leaders. Democrats have insisted they would back legislation reopening the government once theres a bipartisan agreement to preserve protections against deporting about 700,000 immigrants  known as Dreamers  who arrived in the United States illegally as children. Trump on Saturday accused Democrats of holding our Military hostage over their desire to have unchecked illegal immigration: Democrats are holding our Military hostage over their desire to have unchecked illegal immigration. Cant let that happen!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 Democrats are laying fault for the shutdown on Republicans, who control both chambers of Congress and the White House and have struggled with building internal consensus. In a series of tweets hours after the shutdown began, the president tried to make the case for Americans to elect more Republicans to Congress in November in order to power through this mess: Democrats are far more concerned with Illegal Immigrants than they are with our great Military or Safety at our dangerous Southern Border. They could have easily made a deal but decided to play Shutdown politics instead. #WeNeedMoreRepublicansIn18 in order to power through mess!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 He noted that there are 51 Republicans in the 100-member Senate, and it often takes 60 votes to advance legislation: For those asking, the Republicans only have 51 votes in the Senate, and they need 60. That is why we need to win more Republicans in 2018 Election! We can then be even tougher on Crime (and Border), and even better to our Military & Veterans!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 #AMERICA FIRST!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 The stopgap spending measure won 50 votes in the Senate, including five from Democrats. Although the House and Senate were in session Saturday, it was unclear whether lawmakers would take any votes of consequence. Trump had been set to leave Friday afternoon for a fundraiser at his estate in Palm Beach, Fla., where he intended to mark the inauguration anniversary. But he remained in Washington and ended up scrapping his plans to attend the Saturday fundraiser. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweet casts doubt on likelihood of averting shutdown President Trump appeared to cast doubt on the likelihood of reaching a deal to avert a government shutdown Friday night in a tweet. Trump also sought to blame Democrats for what would be the first shutdown since 2013. His message came just hours before the midnight deadline by which lawmakers must pass a measure to fund government agencies, or some operations will cease. Not looking good for our great Military or Safety & Security on the very dangerous Southern Border. Dems want a Shutdown in order to help diminish the great success of the Tax Cuts, and what they are doing for our booming economy.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 Despite last-minute negotiations Friday between Trump and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, Congress remained deadlocked over a spending bill and the federal government was headed toward a shutdown at midnight. Senate Democrats  joined by some GOP deficit hawks and immigration allies  were set to filibuster a stopgap funding bill approved by the House on Thursday. A Senate vote was planned for 10 p.m. Eastern, and even White House officials predicted it would fail. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Lisa Mascaro. Facebook

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Trump signs surveillance law after confusing tweets By Associated Press President Trump on Friday signed a bill into law to renew a foreign intelligence surveillance program, announcing his action in the latest in a series of confusing tweets about the spy program: Just signed 702 Bill to reauthorize foreign intelligence collection. This is NOT the same FISA law that was so wrongly abused during the election. I will always do the right thing for our country and put the safety of the American people first!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 19, 2018 Trumps tweet on Jan. 11 created chaos in the House just before it voted to reauthorize what is known as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. He linked the intelligence program to a dossier that alleges his presidential campaign had ties to Russia. That caused people to wonder if he didnt support the program that allows U.S. spy agencies to collect intelligence on foreign targets abroad. Trump and other Republicans have alleged that Obama administration officials improperly shared the identities of Trump presidential transition team members mentioned in intelligence reports. Democrats say there is no evidence that happened. Shortly before the House vote, and after conferring with House Speaker Paul Ryan, Trump did an apparent about-face. This vote is about foreign surveillance of foreign bad guys on foreign land, he tweeted. We need it! Get smart! In his tweet announcing that he had just signed the bill, Trump wrote: This is NOT the same FISA law that was so wrongly abused during the election. I will always do the right thing for our country and put the safety of the American people first! There are no obvious links between the dossier Trump spoke of, which includes salacious but unsubstantiated allegations against him, and the reauthorization of the spying program, or between the program and Trumps oft-repeated claims that the Obama administration conducted surveillance on Trump Tower during the presidential campaign. Facebook

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In tweet, Trump suggests that Pennsylvania trip is a political one The White House press office was once again forced to walk back a tweet from President Trump on Thursday morning after he described a trip to Pennsylvania later in the day as a political one  a statement that would force the Republican Party, not taxpayers, to pay for the journey. The White House had said Trump was going to an industrial equipment company outside of Pittsburgh to highlight the good economy and new tax cuts, making it an official, policy-oriented event. It was widely assumed that the trip had a political cast  the area is holding a special election to fill a congressional seat vacated by a Republican who resigned. Trump, by his tweet, seemed to confirm that politics was the whole purpose: Will be going to Pennsylvania today in order to give my total support to RICK SACCONE, running for Congress in a Special Election (March 13). Rick is a great guy. We need more Republicans to continue our already successful agenda!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018 Trump later shared via Twitter a pair of video clips of his speech at H&K Equipment, in which he touted the tax cuts he signed into law just before Christmas and tried to turn the conversation back to his accomplishments after weeks dominated by distractions, including questions about his mental health and comments about immigration that some considered racist: Departing Pittsburgh now, where it was my great honor to stand with our incredible workers, and to show the world that AMERICA is back - and we are coming back bigger and better and stronger than ever before! pic.twitter.com/kWPgylqFzj  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018 AMERICA will once again be a NATION that thinks big, dreams bigger, and always reaches for the stars. YOU are the ones who will shape Americas destiny. YOU are the ones who will restore our prosperity. And YOU are the ones who are MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! #MAGA pic.twitter.com/f2abNK47II  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018 The Republican National Committee, rather than the White House, is supposed to pay for political travel so that taxpayers are not financing party activities; for trips that combine policy and politics, parties have split the cost under past presidents. Neither the RNC nor the White House responded to emails sent Thursday asking who would pay. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders released a statement later Thursday suggesting that taxpayers would foot the bill. She insisted that Trump would be conducting government business while in Pennsylvania. Read More This post contains reporting from the Associated Press and Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook

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Trump tweets praise of Bob Dole after awarding him Congressional Gold Medal By Associated Press Former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole knew the art of the deal before President Trump published the 1987 book of the same name. The two shared a stage under the Capitol dome Wednesday as Dole, 94, accepted Congress highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold Medal, for his World War II service and decades of work in the House and Senate. Trump later praised Dole in a tweet, attaching to his message a video composed of clips from the ceremony: Today, we witnessed an incredible moment in history  the presentation of Congress highest civilian honor to our friend, and true AMERICAN HERO, Bob Dole. #CongressionalGoldMedal pic.twitter.com/qNQqDLRmCk  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 17, 2018 At the ceremony, the president saluted Dole as a patriot and gave tribute to Doles struggle as a veteran who worked his way back from a grievous shoulder wound he suffered in Italy. He knows about grit, said Trump. But it was Doles penchant for working across the aisle that earned him his latest award, according to the legislation. Bob Dole was known for his ability to work across the aisle and embrace practical bipartisanship, reads the legislation Trump signed in September. Some of the awards 300 recipients include George Washington and Mother Teresa, according to the Congressional Research Service. Read More Facebook

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Trump touts report that seeks to link terrorism cases with immigration By Joseph Tanfani The Trump administration on Tuesday released a report attempting to link terrorism with migration, arguing that it was evidence of the need to dramatically reshape the nations immigration system. New report from DOJ & DHS shows that nearly 3 in 4 individuals convicted of terrorism-related charges are foreign-born. We have submitted to Congress a list of resources and reforms....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 ....we need to keep America safe, including moving away from a random chain migration and lottery system, to one that is merit-based. https://t.co/7PtoSFK1n2  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The report, ordered by President Trump in an executive order last year, said that 75% of the 549 people convicted of terrorism charges since 9/11 were born outside the U.S. Administration officials called that a sign that the U.S. needs to scrap its policy of family preferences for visas, which they call chain migration, and a diversity visa lottery program. But the report did not specify how many  if any  of the convicted terrorists entered the country through those means. It also did not detail how many of the convictions were related to attacks or plans in the U.S. versus overseas and how many involved people who went to fight overseas for the Islamic State or another terrorist group. Those details were not available, officials said. The report, due last year, is being released in a highly charged moment in the immigration debate, as Trump and some Republicans in Congress seek tough new border and immigration measures in return for a deal protecting the 690,000 people in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Trump also fired off a pair of tweets on the topic earlier Tuesday: We must have Security at our VERY DANGEROUS SOUTHERN BORDER, and we must have a great WALL to help protect us, and to help stop the massive inflow of drugs pouring into our country!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The Democrats want to shut down the Government over Amnesty for all and Border Security. The biggest loser will be our rapidly rebuilding Military, at a time we need it more than ever. We need a merit based system of immigration, and we need it now! No more dangerous Lottery.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The focus of our immigration system should be assimilation, a senior administration official said on Tuesday, speaking on condition that his name not be used. He said the nation should give priority to potential immigrants who speak English, who have an education and those who are committed to supporting our values  not family members of people already here. The official said the timing of the report was coincidental. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweets welcome to president of Kazakhstan By Associated Press President Trump said Tuesday that he and the president of Kazakhstan are united in a shared determination to prevent North Korea from threatening the world with nuclear devastation. Trump and President Nursultan Nazarbayev discussed North Korea along with other issues during meetings at the White House. Today, it was my honor to welcome President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan to the @WhiteHouse! pic.twitter.com/TerYFZViax  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 Trump said Kazakhstan, once part of the Soviet Union, is a valued partner in our efforts to rid the Korean peninsula of nuclear weapons. Together we are determined to prevent the North Korean regime from threatening the world with nuclear devastation, he said, as both presidents addressed journalists between meetings. Nazarbayev noted that his country once had one of the worlds largest nuclear arsenals but voluntarily gave it up after the Soviet Union collapsed. He said his country is in talks with Iran, which was the focus of a global deal that lifted some economic sanctions in exchange for Irans curbing its nuclear program. Trump has sharply criticized the Iran nuclear deal and threatened last week to pull out soon unless other countries fix what he says are terrible flaws. Read More Facebook

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Trump falsely claims his approval rating among black Americans has doubled By Alex Wigglesworth President Trump lashed out at the news media Tuesday morning in a tweet denouncing the special counsel investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election and possible collusion among members of his campaign team. Do you notice the Fake News Mainstream Media never likes covering the great and record setting economic news, but rather talks about anything negative or that can be turned into the negative. The Russian Collusion Hoax is dead, except as it pertains to the Dems. Public gets it!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 It wasnt immediately clear exactly what prompted the presidents tweet, but it appeared as though he was watching Fox & Friends. A short time later, Trump tweeted a headline from a report that aired during that mornings episode: 90% of Trump 2017 news coverage was negative -and much of it contrived!@foxandfriends  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The segment focused on the latest survey results from conservative watchdog Media Research Center, which purportedly analyzed the evening news broadcasts on ABC, CBS and NBC from Jan. 20 to Dec. 31 and found that 90% of the statements made about Trump were negative. Study: 90% of Trump media coverage in 2017 was negative pic.twitter.com/vbrwup4Drg  FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) January 16, 2018 But believe it or not, through all this negative coverage, they did a survey of 600,000 people about how black America views this president, co-host Brian Kilmeade said. His numbers have actually doubled in approval. Trump highlighted the statement in another tweet: Unemployment for Black Americans is the lowest ever recorded. Trump approval ratings with Black Americans has doubled. Thank you, and it will get even (much) better! @FoxNews  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 But its not true. The claim appears to have originated from a misreading of data from the online polling firm SurveyMonkey, according to factcheck.org. The firm polled 600,000 Americans in 2017 and found that Trumps approval rating among blacks actually dropped from 23% early in his presidency to about 17%, as of the week ending Jan. 3. Some conservative outlets, including Breitbart, produced an average from those and other SurveyMonkey figures and compared them to the scores Trump received from black voters in the 2016 exit polls. That methodology is not sound. And since the statistics measure different things, the comparison is misleading. Facebook

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Trump goes after senator who surfaced his immigration remark By Associated Press President Trump turned his Twitter torment Monday on the Democrat in the room where immigration talks with lawmakers took a famously coarse turn, saying Sen. Richard J. Durbin misrepresented what he had said about African nations and Haiti and, in the process, undermined the trust needed to make a deal. Senator Dicky Durbin totally misrepresented what was said at the DACA meeting, Trump tweeted, using a nickname to needle the Illinois senator. Deals cant get made when there is no trust! Durbin blew DACA and is hurting our Military. Senator Dicky Durbin totally misrepresented what was said at the DACA meeting. Deals cant get made when there is no trust! Durbin blew DACA and is hurting our Military.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2018 Trump was referring to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which protects young people who came to the United States illegally as children. Members of Congress from both parties are trying to strike a deal that Trump would support to extend that protection. Trump also cast doubt on the likelihood of reaching an agreement in tweets sent earlier Monday: Statement by me last night in Florida: Honestly, I dont think the Democrats want to make a deal. They talk about DACA, but they dont want to help..We are ready, willing and able to make a deal but they dont want to. They dont want security at the border, they dont want.....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2018 ...to stop drugs, they want to take money away from our military which we cannot do. My standard is very simple, AMERICA FIRST & MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2018 On a day of remembrance for the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Trump spent time at his golf course with no public events, bypassing the acts of service that his predecessors staged in honor of the civil rights leader. Instead, Trump dedicated his weekly address to Kings memory, saying Kings dream and Americas are the same: A world where people are judged by who they are, not how they look or where they come from. That message was a distinct counterpoint to words attributed to Trump by Durbin and others at a meeting last week, when the question of where immigrants come from seemed at the forefront of Trumps concerns. Some participants and others familiar with the conversation said Trump challenged immigration from shithole countries of Africa and disparaged Haiti as well. Without explicitly denying using that word, Trump lashed out at the Democratic senator, who said Trump uttered it on several occasions. Read More Facebook

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Trump thanks pundit for laudatory Fox & Friends spot By Alex Wigglesworth President Trump thanked Fox News personality Stuart Varney after Varney praised Trump during an appearance on Fox & Friends. In a pair of tweets early Sunday, Trump quoted from Varneys commentary, in which he argued that Trump deserves more credit for the booming economy. The pundit, who also hosts a show on Fox Business Network, cited moves by some corporations to raise workers minimum wage or pay out one-time bonuses in response to the GOP tax cuts. President Trump is not getting the credit he deserves for the economy. Tax Cut bonuses to more than 2,000,000 workers. Most explosive Stock Market rally that weve seen in modern times. 18,000 to 26,000 from Election, and grounded in profitability and growth. All Trump, not 0...  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 14, 2018 ...big unnecessary regulation cuts made it all possible (among many other things). President Trump reversed the policies of President Obama, and reversed our economic decline. Thank you Stuart Varney. @foxandfriends  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 14, 2018 Varney was reacting to a quote from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), who on Thursday called the bonuses handed down to workers pathetic in comparison to the gains corporations are expected to see from the tax cuts. In terms of the bonus that corporate America received versus the crumbs that they are giving to workers to kind of put the schmooze on is so pathetic, Pelosi told reporters. Its pathetic. Varney shot back Sunday that the bonuses, along with explosive stock market growth, are enriching all Americans. This is a huge shot in the arm, its the result of this tax cut deal and I think President Trump should get the credit for it, he said. .@Varneyco Sets the economic record straight after Nancy Pelosi calls U.S. mass bonuses crumbs pic.twitter.com/BvjIHGm3HE  FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) January 14, 2018 The sweeping tax plan passed last month lowers the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and cuts personal income taxes. Analysts say the benefits will largely flow to corporations and the wealthy, as theyre more likely to be in positions to share in corporate profits. For instance, Wells Fargo & Co., which responded to news of the tax overhaul by announcing it will raise workers pay to at least $15 an hour, also reported that it expects to pay an effective tax rate of 19% this year, down from about 31% in previous years. That should amount to tax savings of more than $3 billion annually. On average, middle-class Americans are expected to see a very small tax cut in the near term and a tax increase after 2025, when all of the tax cuts for individuals expire. The tax cuts for corporations, however, are permanent.  This post contains reporting from Times staff writer James Rufus Koren. Facebook

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Trump touts MLK proclamation in tweet, but ceremony is overshadowed by reports of racist remarks By Associated Press President Trump signed a proclamation Friday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, noting the contributions of a great American hero. Today, it was my great honor to proclaim January 15, 2018, as Martin Luther King Jr., Federal Holiday. I encourage all Americans to observe this day with appropriate civic, community, and service activities in honor of Dr. King's life and legacy. pic.twitter.com/samlJsz1Nt  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018 Overshadowing the event was mounting backlash from Trumps comments during a private meeting with lawmakers the day before. A short time after the meeting, which was called to discuss a possible immigration deal, reports emerged that Trump had asked participants why the United States should accept immigrants from shithole countries in Africa, Central America and the Caribbean. Illinois Sen. Richard Durbin, the Senates second-ranking Democrat, appeared to confirm those reports on Friday. Trump did not respond Friday to several questions about the incident, including whether he actually used vulgar language to describe African nations, or if he is racist. The president said at the White House that love was central to the slain civil rights leader. Trump said the nation celebrates King for standing up for the self-evident truth Americans hold so dear, that no matter what the color of our skin or place of our birth, we are all created equal by God.  This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook

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Trump criticizes Democrats in tweet calling for stricter immigration rules President Trump hit out at Democrats on Thursday night in a tweet calling for stricter immigration rules. Trump wrote that members of the party seem intent on having people and drugs pour into our country from the border with Mexico: The Democrats seem intent on having people and drugs pour into our country from the Southern Border, risking thousands of lives in the process. It is my duty to protect the lives and safety of all Americans. We must build a Great Wall, think Merit and end Lottery & Chain. USA!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018 It wasnt immediately clear exactly what prompted the tweet. Earlier Thursday, Trump rejected a bipartisan compromise to resolve the standoff over so-called Dreamers, young immigrants who were brought to the United States illegally as children but have temporary permits to work, attend school or serve in the military. The president drew widespread condemnation after reports emerged that he had asked participants in an Oval Office meeting about the proposal why the United States should accept immigrants from shithole countries in Africa, Central America and the Caribbean. Read More Facebook

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Trump touts bill aimed at improving border screening for fentanyl By Associated Press President Trump signed legislation Wednesday aimed at giving Customs and Border Protection agents additional screening devices and other tools to stop the flow of illicit drugs. Speaking at a surprise bill-signing ceremony while flanked by members of Congress from both parties in the Oval Office, Trump described the bill as a significant step forward in the fight against powerful opioids such as fentanyl, which he called our new big scourge. He echoed that language Thursday in a tweet: Yesterday, I signed the #INTERDICTAct (H.R. 2142) with bipartisan members of Congress to help end the flow of drugs into our country. Together, we are committed to doing everything we can to combat the deadly scourge of drug addiction and overdose in the United States! pic.twitter.com/ELZvFol5Lo  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2018 The legislation will pay for new portable and fixed chemical screening devices to detect and intercept fentanyl at ports of entry and in the mail, along with other laboratory equipment and personnel, including scientists. Trump has made fighting the opioid epidemic a centerpiece of his administration, though critics say he hasnt dedicated nearly enough money or resources to make a difference. Trump suggested during his remarks on Wednesday that hed like to take a more aggressive approach to the drug crisis  but the countrys not ready for what he has in mind. So were going to sign this. And its a step. And it feels like a very giant step, but unfortunately, its not going to be a giant step, because no matter what you do, this is something that keeps pouring in, he said. And were going to find the answer. There is an answer. I think I actually know the answer, but Im not sure the countrys ready for it yet, he added. Does anybody know what I mean? I think so. Facebook

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Trump applauds news that Toyota-Mazda plant is slated for Alabama By Associated Press Japanese automakers Toyota and Mazda on Wednesday announced plans to build a mammoth, $1.6-billion joint-venture plant in Alabama that will eventually employ about 4,000 people. President Trump lauded the news in a tweet: Cutting taxes and simplifying regulations makes America the place to invest! Great news as Toyota and Mazda announce they are bringing 4,000 JOBS and investing $1.6 BILLION in Alabama, helping to further grow our economy! pic.twitter.com/Kcg8IVH6iA  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 Good news: Toyota and Mazda announce giant new Huntsville, Alabama, plant which will produce over 300,000 cars and SUVs a year and employ 4000 people. Companies are coming back to the U.S. in a very big way. Congratulations Alabama!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2018 Several states had competed for the project, which will be able to turn out 300,000 vehicles per year and produce the Toyota Corolla compact car for North America and a new small SUV from Mazda. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and company executives held a news conference to announce that the facility is coming to the Huntsville area not far from the Tennessee line. Production is expected to begin by 2021. The decision to pick Alabama is another example of foreign-based automakers building U.S. factories in the South. To entice manufacturers, Southern states have used a combination of lucrative incentive packages, low-cost labor and a pro-business labor environment, because the United Auto Workers union is stronger in Northern states. Read More Facebook

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Trump highlights call for border wall in tweets on visit with Norways prime minister By Associated Press President Trump praised Norways prime minister in a tweet on Wednesday after Erna Solberg became the first foreign leader to visit with the president in 2018. Today, it was my great honor to welcome Prime Minister Erna Solberg of Norway to the @WhiteHouse - a great friend and ally of the United States! Joint press conference: https://t.co/qWR1BhfQZI pic.twitter.com/PJvwznjRCO  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 Trump also shared via Twitter a video clip of a joint news conference he held with Solberg on Wednesday afternoon. In the clip, Trump responds to a question from a reporter by saying there can be no bipartisan immigration deal absent funding for his long-promised wall along the U.S. border with Mexico. Republican and Democratic lawmakers have been seeking a solution for hundreds of thousands of so-called Dreamers, young people who were brought to the United States as children and are living here illegally. The United States needs the security of the Wall on the Southern Border, which must be part of any DACA approval. The safety and security of our country is #1! pic.twitter.com/4CFzQXb5aS  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 We need the wall for security, we need the wall for safety, we need the wall for stopping the drugs from pouring in, Trump said Wednesday.  Any solution has to include the wall because without the wall, it all doesnt work. On Tuesday, Trump drew widespread attention when he said during a meeting with a bipartisan group of lawmakers that he would be agreeable to signing a stand-alone bill to protect the Dreamers, before moving on to a more comprehensive immigration bill. That contradicted the Republican consensus that Dreamers fate needed to be part of a broader immigration bill that would include some version of Trumps promised border wall and other immigration reforms. Trump backed away from a stand-alone Dreamer bill in subsequent tweets and public comments. Read More This post contains reporting from Los Angeles Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook

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Trump praises Cabinet in tweet touting meeting By Associated Press President Trump promoted a meeting of his Cabinet on Wednesday, sharing via Twitter a link to a video of the session posted on the White House YouTube account. In his tweet, Trump thanked his Cabinet for working tirelessly on behalf of our country and wrote that the last year has been one of monumental achievement. I want to thank my @Cabinet for working tirelessly on behalf of our country. 2017 was a year of monumental achievement and we look forward to the year ahead. Together, we are delivering results and MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! https://t.co/ptXa1hAPwW pic.twitter.com/yv6RALkQf3  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 The former reality television star continued to dispense accolades at the meeting Wednesday, greeting reporters in the Cabinet Room by saying: Welcome back to the studio. Then he proceeded to relive a Cabinet Room session from the prior day, when he had allowed reporters and TV cameras to stick around for much of his meeting with a bipartisan group of legislators on the thorny issue of immigration. It was a tremendous meeting. Actually, it was reported as incredibly good. And my performance  you know, some of them called it a performance  I consider it work, Trump said. Trump went on to say he had received letters from news anchors calling it one of the greatest meetings theyve ever witnessed. He added that the media will ultimately support Trump in the end, because theyre going to say, if Trump doesnt win in three years, theyre all out of business. Asked for examples of letters received from news anchors, the White House said it had received private communications. It also offered a series of positive on-air comments and tweets from journalists about the unusual access to the meeting. During his remarks, Trump swung from praising his own meeting coverage to telling journalists that they were dependent on his presidency for ratings to threatening a strong look at libel laws. Still, Trump thanked the journalists in front of him, joking: Youve gotten very familiar with this room. I appreciate your nice comments yesterday. Facebook

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Trump blasts DACA ruling in tweet calling courts broken and unfair By Lisa Mascaro President Trump denounced the federal courts Wednesday as broken and unfair after a district judge in San Francisco issued a nationwide injunction keeping protections in place for so-called Dreamers. Trump tweeted: It just shows everyone how broken and unfair our Court System is when the opposing side in a case (such as DACA) always runs to the 9th Circuit and almost always wins before being reversed by higher courts.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 On Tuesday night, U.S. District Judge William Alsup in San Francisco temporarily blocked the Trump administrations decision to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, which has protected from deportation some 700,000 people who came to the country illegally as children. Alsup granted a request by the state of California, the University of California and other plaintiffs to stop Trump from ending DACA on March 5. The administrations decision to end DACA, which was announced in September, was based on a flawed legal analysis, Alsup wrote in his decision. Dreamers would be irreparably harmed if their DACA protections, which allow them to live and work legally in the U.S., were stripped away before the courts had a chance to fully consider their claims, he ruled. The action is the mirror image of a ruling in 2015 by a federal judge in Texas who ruled in favor of that state when it sought to block President Obama from expanding DACA to include the parents of Dreamers. Trump administration officials praised that judicial ruling. By contrast, they sharply criticized Alsups decision. Read More Facebook

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Trump thanks lawmakers for productive immigration meeting, says deal must include border wall President Trump thanked a bipartisan group of lawmakers for participating in a meeting on immigration legislation on Tuesday. Much of the discussion involved so-called Dreamers, an estimated 700,000 young people who were brought to the country illegally as children and are now facing deportation. In a tweet, Trump wrote that there was strong agreement to negotiate a bill to protect Dreamers, as well as put into place some of the reforms favored by Republicans. Thanks to all of the Republican and Democratic lawmakers for todays very productive meeting on immigration reform. There was strong agreement to negotiate a bill that deals with border security, chain migration, lottery and DACA. https://t.co/SdqAQ3aL3z pic.twitter.com/8DYHZHspAy  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 The most notable exchange of the meeting came when Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the San Francisco Democrat, asked Trump whether he would be agreeable to signing a stand-alone bill to protect the Dreamers, before moving on to a more comprehensive immigration bill. Yeah, I would like to do it, Trump responded. The statement drew widespread attention because it contradicted the Republican consensus that Dreamers fate needed to be part of a broader immigration bill that would include some version of Trumps promised border wall and other immigration reforms. Trump later backed away from a stand-alone Dreamer bill, tweeting that a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico must be part of any deal: As I made very clear today, our country needs the security of the Wall on the Southern Border, which must be part of any DACA approval.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 Pressure has been mounting for Congress to broker an immigration deal by Jan. 19 as part of a must-pass budget package to fund the government. This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook

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Trump thanks officers and veterans in tweets President Trump doled out a slew of accolades Tuesday via Twitter. He thanked the nations law enforcement officers, including in his message a hashtag denoting a day of appreciation organized by a national support group for law enforcement families. On behalf of the American people, THANK YOU to our incredible law enforcement officers. As President of the United States - I will fight for you, and I will never, ever let you down. Now, more than ever, we must support the men and women in blue! #LawEnforcementAppreciationDay pic.twitter.com/Qb4uxB4JRm  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 Trump later expressed gratitude for federal immigration agents, in particular: .@ICEgov HSI agents and ERO officers, on behalf of an entire Nation, THANK YOU for what you are doing 24/7/365 to keep fellow Americans SAFE. Everyone is so grateful!#LawEnforcementAppreciationDay

President @realDonaldTrump https://t.co/HXCpTlruVo  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 The president thanked veterans as he cited his administrations efforts to curb the number of veteran suicides by improving mental health treatment for the high-risk group: Today, it was my great honor to sign a new Executive Order to ensure Veterans have the resources they need as they transition back to civilian life. We must ensure that our HEROES are given the care and support they so richly deserve! https://t.co/0MdP9DDIAS pic.twitter.com/LP2a8KCBAp  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 Trumps tweet included photos of the president signing an executive order Tuesday directing the secretaries of Defense, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs to develop a plan to provide seamless access to mental health and suicide prevention resources for 12 months for members leaving the armed forces. Also on Tuesday, Trump touted a law he signed the day before designating the birthplace of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. a national historic park: It was my great honor to sign H.R. 267, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park Act, which redesignates the Martin Luther King, Junior, National Historic Site in the State of Georgia as the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. https://t.co/Qe0b6HBFTY pic.twitter.com/QTgaqTawPT  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 And he thanked House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) for sharing a video compilation comprised of clips of politicians and commentators praising the GOPs tax cut bill: Thank you @GOPLeader Kevin McCarthy! Couldnt agree w/you more. TOGETHER, we are #MAGA https://t.co/QaxtqpyXTR  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018  This post contains reporting from the Associated Press and Times staff writer Alex Wigglesworth. Facebook

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Trump hails tax bill in tweets recapping speech to farmers By Associated Press Connecting with rural Americans, President Trump on Monday hailed his tax overhaul as a victory for family farmers. Farm country is Gods country, Trump told the annual convention of the American Farm Bureau Federation. Trump became the first president in a quarter-century to address the federations convention. His Southern swing also included a stop in Atlanta for the national college football championship game. Cant wait to be back in the amazing state of Tennessee to address the 99th American @FarmBureau Federations Annual Convention in Nashville! #AFBF18



On my way now - join me LIVE at 4:00pmE: https://t.co/QaljAqekdD. pic.twitter.com/Wm7Io0hYT8  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 Joined by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and a group of Tennessee lawmakers, Trump said most of the benefits of the tax legislation are going to working families, small businesses, and who  the family farmer. The package Trump signed into law last month provides generous tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest Americans, and more modest reductions for middle- and low-income individuals and families. In every decision we make, we are honoring Americas PROUD FARMING LEGACY. Years of crushing taxes, crippling regs, & corrupt politics left our communities hurting, our economy stagnant, & millions of hardworking Americans COMPLETELY FORGOTTEN. But they are not forgotten ANYMORE! pic.twitter.com/MdYS7xnukQ  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 The president vastly inflated the value of the package in his speech, citing a total of $5.5 trillion in tax cuts, with most of those benefits going to working families, small businesses and who? The family farmer. The estimated value of the tax cuts is actually $1.5 trillion for families and businesses because of cuts in deductions and the use of other steps to generate offsetting tax revenue. We have been working every day to DELIVER for Americas Farmers just as they work every day to deliver FOR US. #AFBF18 pic.twitter.com/QDH7fvFkZ7  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 From Nashville, Trump traveled to Atlanta to watch Alabamas Crimson Tide and Georgias Bulldogs face off Monday night in the College Football Playoff National Championship. We are fighting for our farmers, for our country, and for our GREAT AMERICAN FLAG. We want our flag respected - and we want our NATIONAL ANTHEM respected also! pic.twitter.com/16eOLXg6Fi  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 Before departing for the game, Trump referenced his ongoing defense of the American flag and the national anthem, saying there was enough space for people to express their views. We love our flag and we love our anthem, and we want to keep it that way, he said. Facebook

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Trump tweet hails drop in unemployment rate for African Americans By Associated Press President Trump touted a drop in the unemployment rate for African Americans on Monday in a tweet. African American unemployment is the lowest ever recorded in our country. The Hispanic unemployment rate dropped a full point in the last year and is close to the lowest in recorded history. Dems did nothing for you but get your vote! #NeverForget @foxandfriends  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 The rate fell to 6.8% in December, the lowest level since the government began tracking such data in 1972. The reasons range from a greater number of black Americans with college degrees to a growing need for employers in a tight job market to widen the pool of people they hire from. Trump also hailed the development via Twitter on Saturday. His latest tweet on the topic came about an hour after it was discussed during an episode of Fox & Friends, according to Mediaite. Facebook

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Trump talks up the economy and dresses down the media in Sunday tweets With President Trump cheering from the sidelines, the White House on Sunday pressed its defense of the presidents fitness to govern, as fired former aide Stephen K. Bannon reversed course and apologized for his role in a new books explosive portrait of Trump. The presidents critics, meanwhile, said Trumps stream of taunts and insults in response to the book  Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, released last week  served only to underscore the authors unsettling portrayal of Trumps year-old presidency, depicting a leader whose own aides consider him childish, ignorant and dangerously erratic. Trump provided more ammunition Sunday morning, as he continued to attack the book via Twitter while preparing to depart Camp David for the White House: Leaving Camp David for the White House. Great meetings with the Cabinet and Military on many very important subjects including Border Security & the desperately needed Wall, the ever increasing Drug and Opioid Problem, Infrastructure, Military, Budget, Trade and DACA.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 Ive had to put up with the Fake News from the first day I announced that I would be running for President. Now I have to put up with a Fake Book, written by a totally discredited author. Ronald Reagan had the same problem and handled it well. So will I!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 The most vehement defense of Trump on Sunday came from senior advisor Stephen Miller, a onetime Bannon acolyte who distanced himself from his former mentor. In a combative appearance Sunday on CNNs State of the Union, Miller called the book grotesque and writer Michael Wolff the garbage author of a garbage book. Trump is known to closely monitor aides televised performances in putting forth his case, and he gleefully weighed in within moments of Millers televised clash with host Jake Tapper. CNN has long been a particular target of Trumps ire. Jake Tapper of Fake News CNN just got destroyed in his interview with Stephen Miller of the Trump Administration. Watch the hatred and unfairness of this CNN flunky!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 Trumps reaction, however, seemed to bolster Tappers on-air depiction of Miller as using his appearance on the show to play to the president rather than addressing questions put to him. I get it  theres one viewer that you care about, the host said exasperatedly after Miller turned the discussion repeatedly to negative news coverage of the president while deflecting specific queries. Later on Twitter, Trump took up two themes that have been prevalent on his social media feeds recently. The president again went after the news media, tweeting that the recipients of his self-proclaimed most dishonest & corrupt media awards of the year, which he promised earlier in the week to announce on Monday, would actually be revealed the following Wednesday: The Fake News Awards, those going to the most corrupt & biased of the Mainstream Media, will be presented to the losers on Wednesday, January 17th, rather than this coming Monday. The interest in, and importance of, these awards is far greater than anyone could have anticipated!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 Trump later lauded a New York Post opinion piece that compared him favorably with his predecessor, President Obama, as well as Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. In quoting the op-ed, Trump initally misspelled consequential as consensual, but he deleted those tweets and re-sent the messages. His is turning out to be an enormously consequential presidency. So much so that, despite my own frustration over his missteps, there has never been a day when I wished Hillary Clinton were president. Not one. Indeed, as Trumps accomplishments accumulate, the mere thought of...  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 ...Clinton in the WH, doubling down on Barack Obamas failed policies, washes away any doubts that America made the right choice. This was truly a change election  and the changes Trump is bringing are far-reaching & necessary. Thank you Michael Goodwin! https://t.co/4fHNcx2Ydg  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 Trump also continued talking up the economy, which has been enjoying a period of strong gains. The Stock Market has been creating tremendous benefits for our country in the form of not only Record Setting Stock Prices, but present and future Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. Seven TRILLION dollars of value created since our big election win!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 In addition to Miller, other senior administration officials made the rounds of Sunday news talk shows to decry the claims made in Wolffs book. CIA Director Mike Pompeo said Wolffs characterization of Trump as averse to digesting classified briefing material was ludicrous, and the ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, insisted that that those around Trump love their country and respect their president. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Laura King. Facebook

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Responding to book that mocks his intelligence, Trump tweets hes like, really smart By Tracy Wilkinson President Trump declared himself a very stable genius on Twitter on Saturday and later in a televised news conference called the author of a book that questioned his mental fitness a fraud. His comments came on a bone-cold day at Camp David during a weekend retreat with top administration officials and Republican congressional leaders strategizing on the years legislative agenda, including matters such as infrastructure, immigration, welfare reform and national security. Now that Russian collusion, after one year of intense study, has proven to be a total hoax on the American public, the Democrats and their lapdogs, the Fake News Mainstream Media, are taking out the old Ronald Reagan playbook and screaming mental stability and intelligence.....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 ....Actually, throughout my life, my two greatest assets have been mental stability and being, like, really smart. Crooked Hillary Clinton also played these cards very hard and, as everyone knows, went down in flames. I went from VERY successful businessman, to top T.V. Star.....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 ....to President of the United States (on my first try). I think that would qualify as not smart, but genius....and a very stable genius at that!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 Still, Trumps explosive rebuttal to author Michael Wolffs claims not only opened the day, but it also ensured the presidents capability to fill the highest office in the land was a topic that would not go away. In his early-morning tweets, Trump said two of his greatest assets have been mental stability, and being, like, really smart. He noted that his former Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, played these cards [about competence] very hard and, as everyone knows, went down in flames. I went from VERY successful businessman, to top T.V. Star to President of the United States (on my first try). Read More Facebook

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In morning tweets, Trump touts job numbers and takes digs at news media By Associated Press President Trump used Twitter on Saturday morning to tout a drop in the unemployment rate for African Americans. He also used the tweets as an opportunity to take digs at media outlets whose past coverage he has found to be critical. The African American unemployment rate fell to 6.8%, the lowest rate in 45 years. I am so happy about this News! And, in the Washington Post (of all places), headline states, Trumps first year jobs numbers were very, very good.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 The unemployment rate for African Americans fell to 6.8% in December, the lowest level since the government began tracking such data in 1972. The reasons range from a greater number of black Americans with college degrees to a growing need for employers in a tight job market to widen the pool of people they hire from. Still, the rate for black workers remains well above those for whites and some other groups, something experts attribute in large part to decades of discrimination and disadvantages. Robust job creation has lowered unemployment for all Americans. U.S. employers added nearly 2.1 million jobs in 2017  the seventh straight year that hiring has topped 2 million. In his tweet, Trump praised a report that noted the numbers, touting the fact that it appeared in the Washington Post (of all places). Minutes later, Trump renewed his attack on an ABC News reporter who was suspended last month after filing an erroneous report on Michael Flynn, Trumps former national security advisor. Brian Ross, the reporter who made a fraudulent live newscast about me that drove the Stock Market down 350 points (billions of dollars), was suspended for a month but is now back at ABC NEWS in a lower capacity. He is no longer allowed to report on Trump. Should have been fired!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 The reporter, Brian Ross, was reportedly reassigned within ABC News upon returning from his unpaid suspension. But on Saturday, Trump wrote that he should have been fired. Trumps tweets came hours before he was set to host congressional Republicans and administration officials at Camp David. The meeting scheduled to begin at midmorning Saturday was expected to touch on the budget, infrastructure, immigration, welfare reform and the shape of the midterm election this fall. Facebook

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Trump commends Sen. Rand Paul after he proposes eliminating all U.S. aid to Pakistan President Trump commended Sen. Rand Paul after the Kentucky Republican announced plans to introduce legislation that would eliminate all U.S. aid to Pakistan. Trump tweeted Friday night: Good idea Rand! https://t.co/55sqUDiC0s  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 On Thursday, the Trump administration announced it was suspending security assistance to Islamabad until the country moves aggressively against local militants who have attacked U.S. troops in neighboring Afghanistan. Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration at the apparent inability of Pakistani authorities to rein in militants who cross out of the countrys rugged tribal areas to attack U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson. Facebook

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Trump continues to lash out at Sloppy Steve Bannon in tweets on tell-all book By Associated Press President Trump is praising a major Republican donor family for distancing themselves from his former advisor Steve Bannon. Trump tweeted Friday: The Mercer Family recently dumped the leaker known as Sloppy Steve Bannon. Smart!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 Trump has continued to lash out at Bannon over an explosive new book that quoted his former aide as questioning Trumps competence and describing a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower among Donald Trump Jr., Trump campaign aides and a Russian lawyer as treasonous and unpatriotic. On Thursday, billionaire GOP donor Rebekah Mercer issued a statement distancing her family from Bannon. Mercer is a co-owner of Breitbart, the populist website Bannon helps run. I support President Trump and the platform upon which he was elected, Mercer said. My family and I have not communicated with Steve Bannon in many months and have provided no financial support to his political agenda, nor do we support his recent actions and statements. The book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, quickly shot atop Amazons best-seller list, and the publisher moved up its release date by four days, to Friday. Trump took up the topic again on Twitter on Friday night, denouncing both Bannon and the books author, Michael Wolff, in starkly personal terms: Michael Wolff is a total loser who made up stories in order to sell this really boring and untruthful book. He used Sloppy Steve Bannon, who cried when he got fired and begged for his job. Now Sloppy Steve has been dumped like a dog by almost everyone. Too bad! https://t.co/mEeUhk5ZV9  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 Trumps message linked to a meme depicting a parody book cover titled, Liar and Phony, that featured a photo of Wolff and disparaging quotes about the author. In a tweet sent earlier Friday morning, Trump suggested the book was intended to serve as a distraction from the FBIs investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, which Trump wrote is proving to be a total hoax. Well, now that collusion with Russia is proving to be a total hoax and the only collusion is with Hillary Clinton and the FBI/Russia, the Fake News Media (Mainstream) and this phony new book are hitting out at every new front imaginable. They should try winning an election. Sad!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 That came amid reports that Trump directed his White House counsel to tell Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions to not recuse himself from the Justice Departments Russia investigation. Trumps effort to keep Sessions, a vocal and loyal supporter of his election bid, in charge of an investigation into his campaign offers special counsel Robert Mueller yet another avenue to explore as his prosecutors work to untangle potential evidence of obstruction. Read More Facebook

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Trump praises the economy ahead of meetings at Camp David By Associated Press President Trump is praising the strength of the U.S. economy ahead of meetings at Camp David with congressional Republicans. Trump tweeted early Friday: Dow goes from 18,589 on November 9, 2016, to 25,075 today, for a new all-time Record. Jumped 1000 points in last 5 weeks, Record fastest 1000 point move in history. This is all about the Make America Great Again agenda! Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. Six trillion dollars in value created!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 The president also told reporters on the South Lawn that the tax cuts are really kicking in after Congress passed a package of tax cuts at the end of 2017. And the president praised the December jobs report, which found U.S. employers added 148,000 jobs in December and the unemployment rate stayed at 4.1%, the lowest level since 2000. The modest but steady pace of hiring is a reassuring sign for investors who have been buoyed by the just-passed Republican tax plan and have been sending stock market indexes roaring to uncharted heights. The president is meeting with Republican congressional leaders and members of his Cabinet on Friday and Saturday to discuss the 2018 agenda. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweets as Dow crashes through 25,000 By Associated Press President Trump dispatched a congratulatory tweet as the Dow Jones industrial average rose above the 25,000-point mark Thursday, just five weeks after its first close above 24,000. Dow just crashes through 25,000. Congrats! Big cuts in unnecessary regulations continuing.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 After the Dow closed above 25,000, Trump shared a graphic depicting the stock indexs record-setting rise. MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! pic.twitter.com/iONbr1DkVk  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 Later in the day, the president was back on Twitter, complaining that news outlets had barely covered the stock market milestone. He suggested that the strength of the economy would be the biggest story on earth, had it unfolded during the presidency of his predecessor. The Fake News Media barely mentions the fact that the Stock Market just hit another New Record and that business in the U.S. is booming...but the people know! Can you imagine if O was president and had these numbers - would be biggest story on earth! Dow now over 25,000.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 The Dow broke past 1,000-point barriers in 2017 on its way to a 25% gain for the year, as an eight-year rally since the Great Recession continued to confound skeptics. Strong global economic growth and good prospects for higher company earnings have analysts predicting more gains, although the market may not stay as calm as it has been recently. The Dow has made a rapid trip since it reached 24,000 points Nov. 30, partly on enthusiasm over passage of the Republican-backed tax package, which could boost company profits this year with across-the-board cuts to corporate taxes. Read More Facebook

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Trump reacts to Fire and Fury book in tweet lashing out at author and Sloppy Steve President Trump lashed out at the author of a soon-to-be-released book about the chaotic first year of his presidency Thursday night. In a tweet, Trump called Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, a phony book and claimed that hed never spoken to its author, Michael Wolff. Look at this guys past and watch what happens to him and Sloppy Steve! Trump wrote. He appeared to be referring to former White House chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon, whose stunning criticisms of Trump and his circle figure prominently in the title. I authorized Zero access to White House (actually turned him down many times) for author of phony book! I never spoke to him for book. Full of lies, misrepresentations and sources that dont exist. Look at this guys past and watch what happens to him and Sloppy Steve!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 Trumps tweet came hours after he had his lawyer demand that Henry Holt & Co. and Wolff stop publication the book. Instead, the publisher expedited the books release to Friday, four days before it was slated to hit bookstore shelves, in response to unprecedented demand. Published excerpts on Wednesday and Thursday whetted that appetite and roiled Washington. Bannons comments, including that it was treasonous and unpatriotic for Trumps son Donald Trump Jr., son-in-law Jared Kushner and campaign manager Paul Manafort to have met in 2016 with Russians said to have dirt on Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, prompted Trump on Wednesday to rebuke his former advisor, saying Bannon had lost his mind. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writers Brian Bennett and Alex Wigglesworth. Facebook

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Trump thanks senators who attended meeting on immigration President Trump tweeted thanks to Republican senators who attended a meeting about possible immigration legislation on Thursday. In his message, Trump also listed his top priorities when it comes to any type of overhaul of the nations immigration system. Thank you to the great Republican Senators who showed up to our mtg on immigration reform. We must BUILD THE WALL, stop illegal immigration, end chain migration & cancel the visa lottery. The current system is unsafe & unfair to the great people of our country - time for change!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Trumps tweet echoed his remarks at the beginning of Thursdays meeting, when he insisted again that constructing a border wall and overhauling two legal immigration programs must be part of any deal with Democrats to protect the so-called Dreamers from deportation. Two-year deportation protections and work permits given under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program begin to expire March 6 under an executive order. Trump announced in September that he was ending the Obama-era program, but told Congress to draft a law to continue protections for people brought to the country illegally as children  a group that has widespread public support. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Brian Bennett. Facebook

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Trump resumes Twitter war against kneeling NFL players President Trump has resumed his Twitter war against NFL players who kneel during the national anthem to protest social injustice and racial inequality. In a tweet early Thursday, Trump replied to a supporter who shared a meme that appears to depict family members lying on the grave of a fallen soldier with the caption: This is why we stand. Show this picture to the NFL players who still kneel! Trump wrote. So beautiful....Show this picture to the NFL players who still kneel! https://t.co/tJLM1tvbvb  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 The president has denounced players who kneel during the anthem in previous tweets. Hes also called for the firing of players who do so. His latest message came amid news that the NFL finished the regular season with TV ratings that fell nearly 10% below the previous season. Analysts attribute the drop to controversies facing the league, as well as changing viewing habits and a possible saturation point in the number of games available. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writers Stephen Battaglio and Alex Wigglesworth. Facebook

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Trump credits himself with facilitating talks between North and South Korea By Associated Press President Trump says his tough stance on nuclear weapons on the Korean peninsula is helping push North Korea and South Korea to talk. Trump tweeted early Thursday: With all of the failed experts weighing in, does anybody really believe that talks and dialogue would be going on between North and South Korea right now if I wasnt firm, strong and willing to commit our total might against the North. Fools, but talks are a good thing!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 That assertion is in conflict with some of the presidents own statements. Last year, he ridiculed Secretary of State Rex Tillerson for talking about negotiations with the North. This week, Trump seemed open to the possibility of an inter-Korean dialogue after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a rare overture toward South Korea in a New Years Day address. But Trumps ambassador to the United Nations insisted that talks wont be meaningful unless the North is getting rid of its nuclear weapons. The overture about talks came after Trump and Kim traded more bellicose claims about their nuclear weapons. In his New Years Day address, Kim repeated fiery nuclear threats against the United States. Kim said he has a nuclear button on his office desk and warned that the whole territory of the U.S. is within the range of our nuclear strike. Trump mocked that assertion Tuesday evening in a tweet. Facebook

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After disbanding his vote fraud panel, Trump still says voting system is rigged By Brian Bennett One day after disbanding his troubled voter fraud commission without any findings of fraud, President Trump continued to call the U.S. voting system rigged and said states should require that Americans have voter-identification cards. In two tweets on Thursday morning, Trump blamed the commissions failure on the lack of cooperation from mostly Democrat States that refused to hand over voter rolls because they know that many people are voting illegally. However, voting supervisors in Republican-led states refused as well, objecting on privacy and other grounds. Many mostly Democrat States refused to hand over data from the 2016 Election to the Commission On Voter Fraud. They fought hard that the Commission not see their records or methods because they know that many people are voting illegally. System is rigged, must go to Voter I.D.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 As Americans, you need identification, sometimes in a very strong and accurate form, for almost everything you do.....except when it comes to the most important thing, VOTING for the people that run your country. Push hard for Voter Identification!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Despite Trumps assertions, analysts have not found evidence of widespread voter fraud. Trump created the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity in May after alleging, without proof, that millions of illegal votes were cast for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. Trump was elected after winning a majority in the electoral college, but the nationwide count showed Clinton received nearly 3 million more votes. The commission sought personal data on voters across the country and faced mounting lawsuits in recent months over privacy concerns. Read More Facebook

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Trump touts another good day for stocks, credits tax cut By Associated Press President Trump touted another good day for the stock market Wednesday in a tweet. Stock Market had another good day but, now that the Tax Cut Bill has passed, we have tremendous upward potential. Dow just short of 25,000, a number that few thought would be possible this soon into my administration. Also, unemployment went down to 4.1%. Only getting better!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Big gains for technology and healthcare stocks helped U.S. indexes set records again Wednesday. Some analysts attributed the surge to investor enthusiasm for Trumps $1.5-trillion tax cut. All told, Wall Street analysts estimate the tax package should boost earnings for companies in the Standard & Poors 500 index by roughly 8% this year. Thats much more generous than the average tax cut of 1.6% that middle-class families will receive, according to the Tax Policy Center. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 The public has been less enthusiastic about the tax law. A Monmouth University poll last month found that nearly half of Americans disapproved of it, with only 26% in support. Still, as Trump also noted on Twitter, some workers have seen a benefit: So far, dozens of companies have announced bonuses and higher minimum wages as a result of the tax cut. AT&T, Comcast, Bank of America, and American Airlines have all pledged to pay $1,000 bonuses to their employees. Some 40 U.S. companies have responded to President Trumps tax cut and reform victory in Congress last year by handing out bonuses up to $2,000, increases in 401k matches and spending on charity, a much higher number than previously known. https://t.co/bmWrwWzxMR  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Investors also appear less concerned than many politicians about how the additional profits will be used. The Trump administration says it expects companies will plow much of the extra profit back into their businesses, purchasing more software, machinery, and other equipment. Those investments will make workers more productive and provide a key boost to the economys long-run growth. They should also boost wages and salaries for employees. Opponents of the tax law respond that companies are more likely to pass the windfall on to shareholders in the form of higher dividend payments and share buybacks, which raise the price of those shares still in investors hands. Previous cuts in corporate tax rates, in the United States and overseas, havent always led to higher wages. For Wall Street, its all good, at least in the short run. Most analysts take the view that either way, companies and the economy will benefit. Facebook

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Trump reacts to death of Mormon Church president By Associated Press President Trump mourned the death of Mormon Church leader Thomas S. Monson on Wednesday evening. Trump tweeted a link to a statement in which he said that Monson demonstrated wisdom, inspired leadership, and great compassion and delivered a message of optimism, forgiveness, and faith. Melania and I are deeply saddened by the death of Thomas S. Monson, a beloved President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...https://t.co/ETD3fWtfU3  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 A church bishop at the age of 22, Monson became the youngest church apostle ever in 1963 at the age of 36. He served as a counselor for three church presidents before assuming the role of the top leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in February 2008. After a life of church service, Monson died Tuesday at his home in Salt Lake City, according to church spokesman Eric Hawkins. He was 90. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweets that Iranian protesters will see great U.S. support at the appropriate time By Associated Press President Trump continued to express support for Irans anti-government protesters on Wednesday. In a tweet, Trump commended the protesters and pledged that the United States will support them at the appropriate time. Such respect for the people of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government. You will see great support from the United States at the appropriate time!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 Trumps tweet Wednesday morning came as Iranian Ambassador Gholamali Khoshroo sent a letter to United Nations officials complaining that Washington was intervening in a grotesque way in Irans internal affairs. The President and Vice-President of the United States, in their numerous absurd tweets, incited Iranians to engage in disruptive acts, the ambassador wrote to the U.N. Security Council president and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The U.S. didnt immediately respond to the letter, which maintains that Washington has crossed every limit in flouting rules and principles of international law governing the civilized conduct of international relations. At least 21 people have been killed and hundreds arrested in Iran during a week of anti-government protests and unrest over economic woes and official corruption. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people took part in counter-demonstrations Wednesday backing the clerically overseen government, which has said enemies of Iran are fomenting the protests. Trump has unleashed a series of tweets in recent days backing the protesters, saying Iran is failing at every level and declaring that it is time for change in the Islamic Republic. Facebook

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Trump congratulates Sen. Orrin Hatch upon news of his retirement By Associated Press President Trump congratulated Sen. Orrin Hatch for an absolutely incredible career upon news of Hatchs impending retirement. In a tweet Tuesday afternoon, Trump called Hatch a tremendous supporter and wrote that he will be greatly missed in the Senate. Congratulations to Senator Orrin Hatch on an absolutely incredible career. He has been a tremendous supporter, and I will never forget the (beyond kind) statements he has made about me as President. He is my friend and he will be greatly missed in the U.S. Senate! pic.twitter.com/0VjzLEeHTl  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Hatchs decision to retire from the Senate after four decades lets the Utah Republican walk away at the height of his power after helping to push through an overhaul of the tax code and persuading Trump to downsize two national monuments. Retirement also preserves the 83-year-olds legacy by allowing him to avoid a bruising reelection battle that would have broken his promise not to seek an eighth term. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweet exaggerates progress in improving veterans care By Associated Press President Trump played up tremendous progress in improving care for veterans in his first year on Tuesday in a tweet. His message linked to an Instagram video describing eight accomplishments that show Trump is fighting for our veterans. But it overstates the impact of these steps. We will not rest until all of Americas GREAT VETERANS can receive the care they so richly deserve. Tremendous progress has been made in a short period of time. Keep up the great work @SecShulkin @DeptVetAffairs! https://t.co/ir25vW15hx pic.twitter.com/OtuzIgxMn6  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Of the eight achievements cited, two are ceremonial proclamations recognizing National Veterans and Military Families Month and National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Two are pieces of legislation that extended the troubled Veterans Choice program on a temporary basis. This became necessary because the Trump administration repeatedly miscalculated the amount of taxpayer dollars available to pay for care from private doctors outside the Veterans Affairs system when veterans had to endure long waits for treatment at VA medical centers. The departments poor budget planning caught lawmakers off guard. A fifth claim involves telehealth, a step letting doctors practice medicine across state lines using digital technology. Announced in August, it has yet to take full effect because a proposed VA regulation hasnt been completed. The VA wants authority to practice across state lines to come from legislation, not a regulation. On Wednesday, the Senate approved a telehealth measure that now goes to the House. A sixth claim refers to legislation that streamlines the appeals process for disability compensation claims within the VA. This step has had limited effect so far because it applies to new disability claims, not the 470,000 pending claims. The last two initiatives make it easier for the VA to discipline employees. The department has pointed to more than 1,300 employees who have been fired under Trumps watch. Because their infractions are not detailed in public documents, the effect on veterans care is not fully known. Facebook

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Trump unleashes his first tweetstorm of 2018 By Noah Bierman President Trump clearly didnt resolve to change his Twitter habits this year. With nine disparate tweets over three hours on Tuesday morning, the first working day of 2018, Trump continued to exploit social media to be the most aggressive commentator in chief in American history. For any other president, his posts would have made for a monumental day of (mis-)statements. Yet for Trump, the series  attacks on political foes and media, provocations of foreign leaders and self-praise for events he had nothing to do with  was all but unremarkable. His Twitter barrage  sent between 7:09 a.m. and 10:16 a.m.  reflected a familiar gamut after nearly a year in office: Attacks on political foes: Nearly 14 months after his election, Trump called for the jailing of Huma Abedin, Crooked Hillary Clintons top aid (his misspelling, another occasional feature of Trump tweets). Crooked Hillary Clintons top aid, Huma Abedin, has been accused of disregarding basic security protocols. She put Classified Passwords into the hands of foreign agents. Remember sailors pictures on submarine? Jail! Deep State Justice Dept must finally act? Also on Comey & others  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 In the same tweet, he disparaged the Deep State Justice Dept, headed of course by his appointees, calling on it to act against James B. Comey, the FBI director he fired for investigating the Russia thing. Diplomatic provocations: Trump again called North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Rocket man, ridiculed the volatile nuclear-armed foe for recent military defections and openly speculated about potential talks between North and South Korea. Sanctions and other pressures are beginning to have a big impact on North Korea. Soldiers are dangerously fleeing to South Korea. Rocket man now wants to talk to South Korea for first time. Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not - we will see!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not  we will see! Trump wrote. Later Tuesday, Trump tweeted: North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times. Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 Also later Tuesday, Trump tweeted an attack on Pakistan, his second in as many days, and added a new one against Palestinians: It's not only Pakistan that we pay billions of dollars to for nothing, but also many other countries, and others. As an example, we pay the Palestinians HUNDRED OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS a year and get no appreciation or respect. They dont even want to negotiate a long overdue...  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 ...peace treaty with Israel. We have taken Jerusalem, the toughest part of the negotiation, off the table, but Israel, for that, would have had to pay more. But with the Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace, why should we make any of these massive future payments to them?  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Undermining media: Trump offered Congratulations! to A.G. Sulzberger, who took over as publisher of the New York Times this week. The Failing New York Times has a new publisher, A.G. Sulzberger. Congratulations! Here is a last chance for the Times to fulfill the vision of its Founder, Adolph Ochs, to give the news impartially, without fear or FAVOR, regardless of party, sect, or interests involved. Get...  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 ....impartial journalists of a much higher standard, lose all of your phony and non-existent sources, and treat the President of the United States FAIRLY, so that the next time I (and the people) win, you wont have to write an apology to your readers for a job poorly done! GL  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 But the two-part post was really yet another slam against a perceived media foe: Trump said the paper had a last chance to fulfill its journalistic mission, and accused it of relying on phony sources and substandard reporters  just days after he granted another exclusive interview to the paper. As a bonus, the tweet contained a recycled falsehood, that the paper apologized after the election for reporting on him unfairly. It didnt. Trump later said on Twitter that he would soon announce the most dishonest & corrupt media awards of the year. Stay tuned! I will be announcing THE MOST DISHONEST & CORRUPT MEDIA AWARDS OF THE YEAR on Monday at 5:00 oclock. Subjects will cover Dishonesty & Bad Reporting in various categories from the Fake News Media. Stay tuned!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 The president also tweeted a quote from Fox Business Networks Lou Dobbs Tonight, which aired a segment praising Trumps first-year accomplishments. Dobbs reportedly joined Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday for a gala to celebrate New Years Eve. President Trump has something now he didnt have a year ago, that is a set of accomplishments that nobody can deny. The accomplishments are there, look at his record, he has had a very significant first year. @LouDobbs Show,David Asman & Ed Rollins  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 Taking credit: Trump congratulated himself for policing the border with Mexico, an area where his policies and anti-immigration rhetoric are believed to have had some effect on reducing illegal crossings. Thank you to Brandon Judd of the National Border Patrol Council for your kind words on how well we are doing at the Border. We will be bringing in more & more of your great folks and will build the desperately needed WALL! @foxandfriends  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 He took credit for employee bonuses by companies after he signed Republican tax cuts into law last month. Companies are giving big bonuses to their workers because of the Tax Cut Bill. Really great!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 But the jaw-dropper was Trump congratulating himself for planes not crashing. Since taking office I have been very strict on Commercial Aviation. Good news - it was just reported that there were Zero deaths in 2017, the best and safest year on record!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 It was the safest year on record worldwide, but the American streak without commercial jet passenger deaths goes back to 2009. Trump, who has promoted deregulation as one of his top accomplishments, has not signed off on any new airline safety regulations. The White House pointed to new security screening of passengers, to electronic devices to prevent terrorist attacks and to Trumps support for privatizing air traffic control  a proposal that has gotten nowhere in Congress. Falsehoods: Trump said President Obama, in brokering the 2015 nuclear arms limitation deal with Iran, foolishly gave money to the brutal and corrupt Iranian regime. He didnt. The people of Iran are finally acting against the brutal and corrupt Iranian regime. All of the money that President Obama so foolishly gave them went into terrorism and into their pockets. The people have little food, big inflation and no human rights. The U.S. is watching!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 The nuclear deal, which included major U.S. allies as signators, released Irans own funds that had long been frozen. Trumps art of the deal: When Trump sees a big deal looming, he often blasts the other side  to gain leverage, as hes written. This week he resumes a showdown with Democratic lawmakers over funding the government and immigration protections for so-called Dreamers, who were brought to the country illegally as children. Democrats are doing nothing for DACA - just interested in politics. DACA activists and Hispanics will go hard against Dems, will start falling in love with Republicans and their President! We are about RESULTS.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Trump, who in September ordered a gradual end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, sought to shift blame for the resulting controversy, saying Democrats are doing nothing for DACA and are just interested in politics. Trump has insisted that any help for Dreamers be paired with funding for a border wall and a crackdown on legal immigration. Democrats, and some Republicans, are opposed. Read More Facebook

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In tweet, Trump suggests U.S. will withdraw financial assistance to Pakistan By Shashank Bengali Pakistan lashed out Monday after President Trump accused its leaders of lies & deceit and suggested the United States would withdraw financial assistance to the nuclear-armed nation it once saw as a key ally against terrorism. It was the presidents latest broadside against Pakistan after a speech in August in which he demanded its leaders crack down on the safe havens enjoyed by Taliban militants fighting U.S.-backed forces in neighboring Afghanistan. The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 1, 2018 U.S. Ambassador David Hale was summoned to the Foreign Ministry to discuss the presidents statement, U.S. Embassy spokesman Richard Snelsire said. Pakistan lodged a strongly worded protest and asked for clarification about Trumps comments, according to two foreign office officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Pakistans prime minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, called a Cabinet meeting for Tuesday and a meeting of the National Security Committee on Wednesday to discuss Trumps New Years Day tweet. Read More Facebook

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Trump continues to tweet in support of Iranian protesters By Laura King President Trump expressed renewed support Sunday for protesters in Iran, declaring that people are finally getting wise as to how their money and wealth is being stolen and squandered on terrorism. In a tweet from his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, the president said the nationwide economic protests that began on Thursday  and have taken on wider political overtones as they have grown in size  were a signal that Iranians will not take it any longer. Big protests in Iran. The people are finally getting wise as to how their money and wealth is being stolen and squandered on terrorism. Looks like they will not take it any longer. The USA is watching very closely for human rights violations!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017 Trump has tweeted about the protests for three days straight as Iranians took to the streets despite a heavy police presence, tear gas and scores of arrests. The defiance gained urgency after two people were reported shot to death in the city of Dorud, about 200 miles southwest of Tehran. As the conflict escalated, Iranian authorities on Sunday slapped a temporary ban on Instagram and the messaging app Telegram, which were widely used to fan protest fervor. Iran, the Number One State of Sponsored Terror with numerous violations of Human Rights occurring on an hourly basis, has now closed down the Internet so that peaceful demonstrators cannot communicate. Not good!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017 Irans leaders already are casting Trumps increasingly effusive expressions of support for the demonstrators as opportunistic meddling and are painting the demonstrators as foreign pawns, adopting a strategy that some analysts say could jeopardize the legitimacy of the nascent antigovernment protests. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweets condolences after Colorado deputies are shot in ambush, one fatally By Associated Press A man fired more than 100 rounds at sheriffs deputies in Colorado early Sunday, killing one and injuring four others, before being fatally shot himself in what authorities called an ambush. Two civilians were also injured. President Trump expressed sorrow, writing on Twitter: My deepest condolences to the victims of the terrible shooting in Douglas County @DCSheriff, and their families. We love our police and law enforcement - God Bless them all! #LESM  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017 Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock said deputies came under fire almost
Trump called him my African-American. But he has few kind words for the president. By Mark Z. Barabak (Mark Z. Barabak/Los Angeles Times) On the day that changed his life, Gregory Cheadle almost stayed in bed. He was tired  he traveled a lot in his long-shot bid for Congress  but asked himself: How often does a candidate for president come to the far reaches of Northern California? And why pass up a crowd and the chance to hand out more fliers? So Cheadle roused himself that June 2016 morning and secured a spot up close when Donald Trump swooped in for a rally at Reddings municipal airport. It was hot, the atmosphere was loose and Trumps patter seeming more stand-up comedy than campaign spiel. He went into one of those sidelong digressions, about protesters and an African American  great fan, great guy  and, by the way, whatever happened to him? It was then, Cheadle said, he raised his hand and jokingly shouted, Im here. Trump looked and pointed, his voice a throaty rumble. Look at my African-American over here! he exclaimed. Are you the greatest? In the days and weeks that followed Cheadle was attacked on social media and harassed by people who dug up his phone number and email address. For a time he stayed home, too nervous to venture outside. All, he said, because the media portrayed him as something he was not and never has been: a Trump sycophant. Read More Facebook

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Trump quietly signs Russia sanctions bill By Noah Bierman President Trump quietly signed legislation Wednesday that imposes new sanctions on Russia and limits his ability to remove them, according to two White House aides. Trump signed the bill without cameras or an immediate press release. He had opposed imposing new sanctions on Moscow but had little choice after a nearly unanimous Congress approved the bill, guaranteeing they would override a veto. The bill, which also imposes new sanctions on Iran and North Korea, prevents American companies from investing in many energy projects that are funded by Russian government interests. It also prevents Trump from unilaterally lifting the sanctions. It thus marked an unusual move by Congress to tie the presidents hands on foreign policy. Trump did not want to give up that leverage. But the vote in Congress was a strong sign that lawmakers do not trust Trump to stand up to Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom Trump has repeatedly praised, and the widening federal investigation into possible coordination last year between his presidential campaign and Moscow. Passage of the sanctions bill already has sparked a harsh reaction in Moscow. Putin announced last week that the United States would need to shed 755 personnel, including U.S. diplomats, from its embassy and consulates in Russia. President Obama expelled 35 Russian diplomats, said to be spies, from the United States last December. A White House aide said a statement would be issued later Wednesday. Facebook

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Senior GOP senators serve notice: No action on healthcare at this point By David Lauter Trump administration officials continue to push the Senate to take another run at healthcare legislation, but on Monday senior Republican senators pushed back, making clear that theyre done with the topic for now. Theres just too much animosity and were too divided on healthcare, Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah), the head of the Senate Finance Committee, said in an interview with Reuters. I think we ought to acknowledge that we can come back to healthcare afterward, but we need to move ahead on tax reform, Hatch said. His remarks were quickly followed by others in GOP leadership positions. I think its time to move on to something else, Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri told CNN. If the question is do I think we should stay on healthcare until we get it done, I think its time to move on to something else. Sen. John Thune of South Dakota also chimed in. Until someone shows us how to get that elusive 50th vote, I think its over, he told reporters. The remarks seemed a coordinated effort to respond to administration officials, including budget director Mick Mulvaney and Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price, who said over the weekend that they wanted the Senate to keep working on healthcare. Last week, the Senate defeated several different Republican plans to repeal all or part of the Affordable Care Act. The votes made it clear that with unified Democratic opposition to repeal, and divisions among Republicans, the campaign to overturn the law has stalled out, at least for now. Congress faces several other pressing issues that will be demanding lawmakers attention, including deadlines at the end of September to raise the federal debt ceiling and fund government agencies for the coming fiscal year. And the administration is eager to move on tax proposals, with officials rather optimistically saying they hope to see votes by November on a tax package that is not yet written. Facebook

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Good news for Atty. Gen. Sessions: Trump has 100% confidence in Cabinet By Noah Bierman To Q re Sessions, spox Sanders says Trump has 100% confidence in Cabinet. Last wk she wouldn't say if he had it in Sessions. Kelly effect?  Jackie Calmes (@jackiekcalmes) July 31, 2017 President Trump has called Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions beleaguered and even VERY weak, but Sessions seemed to get good news from the White House press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, on Monday. Trump has 100% confidence in all of his Cabinet secretaries, Sanders said in response to a question about Sessions job status during the daily White House briefing. Last week, when speculation about Sessions was rife, Sanders repeatedly declined opportunities to provide assurances that the attorney general enjoyed the presidents full confidence. Trump himself said time will tell when he was asked last week about Sessions. The willingness to tamp down speculation about Sessions may reflect the arrival Monday of retired Gen. John F. Kelly as the new White House chief of staff. He is tasked with restoring order to the administration. Sanders also batted down reports that the White House was discussing moving Sessions to another post, as secretary of Homeland Security. That job became vacant Monday after Kelly was sworn in as Trumps new chief of staff. Sanders said the White House has had no conversations about any Cabinet members switching jobs. Republican senators have publicly opposed firing Sessions, and a couple have objected to shifting him to another post as well, given that it could appear that Trump is trying to affect the investigations of himself and his campaign in the context of Russias election interference. Trump has said publicly that his frustration with Sessions, once among his closest allies, stems from Sessions decision to recuse himself from the Russia investigation, an act that led to the appointment of a special counsel. Facebook

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Can Trump really cut health insurance payments for members of Congress and their staff? It would be easy By Lisa Mascaro Reeling from the failure to repeal the Affordable Care Act, President Trump now threatens to block federal funding that lawmakers and their staff rely on to help buy health insurance. Trumps threats are not empty. The administration could simply stop the payments -- which are provided to Capitol Hill lawmakers and staff much the way many employers help pay employees monthly insurance premiums -- by dashing off new federal regulation. But the easy attack on lawmakers skims over what many say was a complicated, but fair-minded, compromise made during the Obamacare debates several years ago. Under Obamacare, if lawmakers want insurance through their employer - the federal government - they are required to buy policies through the ACA exchanges. There had been great criticism at the time, largely from opponents of the healthcare bill, that lawmakers and congressional staff should not be exempt from the law. The argument was they should have to live under it. So they did. Usually those buying individual insurance on the exchanges can apply to see if their income and geographic area allow them to qualify for a federal subsidy. For lawmakers, though, that was prohibited. Instead, they get the regular employer contribution they did before, much in the same way other workers do when their companies buy insurance. For federal workers, the government covers about 70% of the costs, about the same paid by employers in the private sector, according to Kaiser Family Foundation. The administration affirmed that federal support for lawmakers and their staffs in an Office of Personnel Management regulation issued in 2013. To cut those funds off, Trump administration could simply reverse course, and issue another regulation changing the rules. Trump appeared ready to do so in a series of weekend tweets. Why should Congress not be paying what public pays, Trump tweeted over the weekend. If a new HealthCare Bill is not approved quickly, BAILOUTS for Insurance Companies and BAILOUTS for Members of Congress will end very soon. But such a move would likely cause an uproar in Congress. Its not just members of Congress, but also their staffs, who would have to pay full price for their insurance. Stopping Trumps action, though, seems tough. It would require Congress to pass legislation ensuring the federal payments would continue to be made. Few lawmakers would likely take up that cause. And even if Congress were able to pass a bill protecting the payments, it seems doubtful Trump at this point would sign it into law. Facebook

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U.S. hits Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro with sanctions By Associated Press Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro celebrates the results of Sundays election in Caracas. (Ronaldo Schemidt / AFP/Getty Images) The Trump administration has hit Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro with financial sanctions. The move comes after Venezuela held a weekend election that will give Maduros ruling party virtually unlimited power in the South American country. The Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control announced the sanctions against Maduro in a brief statement on Monday, a day after the Venezuelan vote to elect a constituent assembly that will rewrite the constitution. A longer explanation from the White House was also expected. The administration imposed sanctions on more than a dozen senior current and former Venezuelan officials last week, warning the socialist government that new penalties would come if Maduro went ahead with Sundays election for the assembly. Facebook

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Anthony Scaramucci is out as White House communications director By Brian Bennett Anthony Scaramucci, the brash New Yorker who was announced little more than a week ago as President Trumps White House communications director, was ousted Monday before he had even officially taken the job. John F. Kelly, the newly sworn-in White House chief of staff, told Scaramucci around 9:30 a.m. EDT that he was going to be replaced, according to a person close to White House. In a statement officially announcing the move, the White House said Scaramucci felt it was best to give Chief of Staff John Kelly a clean slate and the ability to build his own team. While Scaramuccis time at the center of the presidents circle was short, it was consequential, prompting the resignations of first Sean Spicer as White House press secretary and then Reince Priebus as chief of staff. The most notable firings and resignations in the Trump administration >> A former hedge fund executive on Wall Street, Scaramucci, who enjoyed media attention, also had come on strong stylistically, highlighted by a profane tirade against colleagues Priebus and Trump strategist Steve Bannon in an exchange last week with a New Yorker reporter. The abrupt shift in Scaramuccis status seemed to reflect Kellys mission to bring order to the chain of command within the chaotic administration. In getting Scaramucci to leave, Kelly was undoing Trumps own hiring decision. Scaramucci had told reporters when he was hired that he would be reporting directly to the president at Trumps request, bypassing the normal chain that would have the communications director -- like all staff -- report to the chief of staff. Scaramuccis unusually short tenure reflects a moment of extreme turbulence in the White House, which has been embroiled in infighting as it confronts low poll numbers for the president, a floundering legislative agenda and the investigations involving Russian meddling in last years presidential election. After word spread of Scaramuccis ouster, Spicer, who resigned when Scaramucci took over but was still working in the White House, walked out of his office to a throng of reporters. Is this a surprise party? he asked. UPDATE 12:15 p.m.: This story has been updated throughout with additional details and background. This article was originally published at 11:49 a.m. Facebook

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Trump swears in John Kelly, says ex-secretary of Homeland Security will do an even better job as chief of staff By Noah Bierman President Trump swore in his new chief of staff, John F. Kelly, on Monday morning, formalizing a shake-up in his top ranks that was announced Friday evening with word of the resignation of Reince Priebus. We look forward to - if its possible - an even better job as chief of staff, Trump said to Kelly, formerly the secretary of homeland security. Ill try, sir, Kelly replied. JOHN KELLY is now chief of staff. Sworn in during ceremony in Oval Office minutes ago. pic.twitter.com/dMEQ4rhpFA  Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) July 31, 2017 Trump is hoping that Kelly, a retired general, will retool and bring order to a White House that has struggled with low poll numbers, staff infighting, a faltering legislative agenda and an investigation into Russian election meddling and potential collusion and obstruction of justice. Yet Trump said the administration has done very well after a reporter asked what would be different under Kelly. He cited the unemployment rate, the thriving stock market and unnamed polls that, he said, show high business confidence. Were doing very well. We have a tremendous base, he said.The country is optimistic. And I think the general will just add to it. Trump praised Kellys performance at the Department of Homeland Security, where Kelly focused on immigration issues at the southern border, as record-shattering, with very little controversy. There was no word on whom the president might name to replace Kelly at the department. Trump reportedly has considered moving Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions there from the Justice Department, reflecting his unhappiness with the attorney general, but Republican senators preemptively have signaled their opposition to such a move. Facebook

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Risky investigation, stalled agenda  Trumps in trouble, so heres his strategy By Noah Bierman (Spencer Platt / Getty Images) Hosts of Southern Californias Morning Answer radio show were wrapping up a two-hour live broadcast from a white tent just outside the West Wing last week and marveling at their access to Cabinet secretaries and prominent administration figures. If youre a Trumpkin, host Brian Whitman told his listeners on AM 870, this is like fantasy camp. The White Houses daylong hospitality for Salem Radio Network, a nationwide chain of Christian and conservative stations, underscored President Trumps continued courtship of  and increased dependence on  core supporters as he confronts a stalled agenda and increasingly perilous investigations into whether his campaign colluded with Russia and he subsequently sought to obstruct the inquiries. Read More Facebook

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Obamacare vote isnt the only sign of GOP resistance to Trump By Noah Bierman In the year since Donald Trump won the Republican presidential nomination, party leaders have been reluctant to challenge a man who has formed a tight bond with conservative voters, even when he upset party orthodoxies and norms of presidential behavior. But that reticence is breaking down. A convergence of contentious issues, as well as embarrassing infighting and shake-ups at the White House, have a number of Republicans suddenly in open resistance to Trump on a number of fronts. Read More Facebook

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Trump ousts Reince Priebus as chief of staff in latest White House shake-up By Noah Bierman John Kelly (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) President Trump ousted his beleaguered chief of staff, Reince Priebus, naming Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly to replace him Friday in the latest White House shake-up as the administration struggles to emerge from bitter staff infighting and a stalled legislative agenda. Trump announced the abrupt reshuffle in three posts on Twitter hours after the Senate killed his latest plans to rewrite President Obamas signature healthcare law, dealing another harsh blow to the White House. The tweets, sent as Trump was returning on Air Force One with Priebus after a speech on gang violence in New York, caught Capitol Hill and others off guard even though Priebus stature in Trumps inner circle has been in sharp decline for some time. Read More Facebook

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Putins spokesman accuses U.S. of political schizophrenia By Associated Press Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov attends a meeting in Moscow on June 21. (Sergei Karpukhin / EPA) Russia urged the United States on Monday to show political will to mend ties even as it ordered sweeping cuts of U.S. embassy personnel unseen since Cold War times. President Vladimir Putins spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said it will take time for the U.S. to recover from what he called political schizophrenia, but added that Russia remains interested in constructive cooperation with the U.S. We are interested in a steady development of our ties and are sorry to note that we are still far from that, he said. Peskovs statement followed Sundays televised comments by Putin, who said the U.S. would have to cut 755 of its embassy and consulate staff in Russia, a massive reduction he described as a response to new U.S. sanctions. The Russian Foreign Ministry had previously said that the U.S. should cut its embassy and consular employees to 455, the number that Russia has in the United States. Along with the caps on embassy personnel announced Friday, it also declared the closure of a U.S. recreational retreat on the outskirts of Moscow and warehouse facilities. Moscows action is the long-expected tit-for-tat response to former President Obamas move to expel 35 Russian diplomats and shut down two Russian recreational retreats in the U.S. over reports of Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. Facebook

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White House urged to refrain from Obamacare sabotage as Trump mulls subsidy cutoff By Laura King A pair of prominent lawmakers urged President Trump on Sunday not to sabotage the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, in the wake of failed Republican efforts to scrap his predecessors signature legislative achievement. But Trump urged GOP senators to try again to push through some version of repealing and replacing the law, even though Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said last week it was time to move on to other matters. Trump senior advisor Kellyanne Conway said the president would decide in coming days whether to block subsidies that are a crucial component of the existing healthcare law. Hes going to make that decision this week, and thats a decision that only he can make, Conway said on Fox News Sunday. Two of the lawmakers who blocked the Senate GOP repeal plan last week, however, criticized the administrations continued efforts to overturn the law. Sen. Susan Collins, the Maine Republican who steadfastly rejected a series of GOP healthcare measures last week, blamed the Trump administration for encouraging instability in the insurance markets by continuing the uncertainty over whether the subsidies  cost-sharing payments that reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs for poorer Americans  would continue. Im troubled by the uncertainty that has been created by the administration, Collins said on NBCs Meet the Press. She contested Trumps characterization of the payments as an insurance company bailout. Thats not what it is, she said, calling the reduction payments vital assistance to low-income Americans. And Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said further action on healthcare should be done in a bipartisan manner and not rushed. You cannot do major entitlement reform singlehandedly, and you wouldnt do major legislative initiatives singlehandedly, she told reporters in Alaska. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) echoed Collins criticism of Trumps threat to stop making the cost-sharing payments. You know, I really think its incomprehensible that we have a president of the United States who wants to sabotage healthcare in America, make life more difficult for millions of people who are struggling now to get the health insurance they need and to pay for that health insurance, he said on CNNs State of the Union. Prior to heading out for a day at his Virginia golf property, Trump tweeted that Republican senators should press ahead with efforts to scrap Obamacare -- a day after he tauntingly exhorted them not to be quitters in the quest for a legislative victory for him. Don't give up Republican Senators, the World is watching: Repeal & Replace...and go to 51 votes (nuke option), get Cross State Lines & more.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 30, 2017 The White House budget director, Mick Mulvaney, on CNNs State of the Union, said it was official Trump administration policy that the Senate should keep working to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, eschewing an August recess if necessary. Senators, he said, need to stay, they need to work -- they need to pass something. Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price, while acknowledging a responsibility to follow the law -- Obamacare -- also signaled that Trump was not accepting defeat in efforts to get rid of the measure. Our goalas well as the presidents goal, is to put in place a law, a system, that actually works for patients, he said on Meet the Press, adding, You cant do that under the current structure. Facebook

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Frustrated in defeat, Trump threatens healthcare of voters  and lawmakers By Joseph Tanfani Frustrated by the failure of the Obamacare repeal in the Senate, President Trump on Saturday threatened to end federal subsidies for healthcare insurance  for Congress as well as the rest of the country. After seven years of "talking" Repeal & Replace, the people of our great country are still being forced to live with imploding ObamaCare!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 29, 2017 If a new HealthCare Bill is not approved quickly, BAILOUTS for Insurance Companies and BAILOUTS for Members of Congress will end very soon!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 29, 2017 If a new HealthCare Bill is not approved quickly, BAILOUTS for Insurance Companies and BAILOUTS for Members of Congress will end very soon! Trump tweeted, fuming about Congress failure to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which he said was imploding. Such a move could cause havoc and much higher premiums in insurance markets, since many low- and moderate-income people depend on those subsidies to help cover the cost of their policies. Through a series of administrative maneuvers by Congress and the Obama administration, members and their staffs also benefit from those subsidies. Targeting congressional healthcare might score Trump some populist points with his base, but it would likely come at a cost of poisoning his relationship with Congress. Just making the threat on Saturday highlights how far things have eroded between Trump and top GOP lawmakers. And it comes a day after Trump pushed out former Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, an establishment Republican who was the GOP congressional leaderships trusted liaison in the White House. Trump actually has a jarring amount of leverage over thousands of congressional staff who depend on employer health care contribution. https://t.co/lRPmrmDIJs  Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) July 29, 2017 Trumps longstanding threat to let the health insurance plans fail would come with its own political price. The federal government sends about $600 million a month to insurance companies to help cover the cost, and Trump is threatening to cut that off to allow Obamacare markets to collapse. His goal is to pressure Congress to send him a repeal bill, but so far the strategy has failed. The confidence Trump has expressed that if he followed through with the threat the fallout would land not on him but on Democrats, because they created Obamacare, is not widely shared in Washington. If health care collapses, voters will blame Trump and the GOP.



That's what happens when you control the White House and Congress. pic.twitter.com/iEjEGyapAL  Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) July 29, 2017 Facebook

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Iran condemns new U.S. sanctions, vows to pursue missile program By Ramin Mostaghim Iran defied Washington and condemned new U.S. sanctions over its development of missiles capable of being armed with nuclear warheads. We will continue with full power our missile program, Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi told state television IRIB on Saturday, dismissing new sanctions passed by Congress last week as, hostile, reprehensible and unacceptable. Its ultimately an effort to weaken the nuclear deal, Ghasemi said, adding, The military and missile fields  are our domestic policies and others have no right to intervene or comment on them. Iran had agreed to limit its nuclear activities under the 2015 agreement with the U.S. and other world powers in exchange for sanctions relief. Ghasemi argued Saturday that the U.S. had violated that agreement by linking the missile program to the nuclear deal and restricting Iranian banking activities in the U.S. He argued that Irans latest missile tests dont break the agreement because the weapons are defensive. The new wave of pressure on missile projects in Iran will push the Islamic theocracy into a corner, predicted Iran analyst Hojjat Kalashi in Tehran, noting that the government of President Hassan Rouhani, who was reelected in May, is coping with an economic downturn and may step back from the compromise nuclear deal. The new Iran sanctions bill, which also targets Russia and North Korea, was passed by the House and Senate this week. It would penalize those involved in Irans ballistic missile program as well as those who do business with them, impose an arms embargo on Iran and label its Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps a terrorist group. White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders has said President Trump will sign the bill. On Friday, the U.S. was joined by Britain, France and Germany in condemning Irans recent launch of a satellite-carrying rocket and warned that it violated a United Nations resolution implementing the 2015 nuclear deal. In a joint statement, they urged Iran to stop developing missiles and rockets capable of carrying nuclear warheads that have a destabilizing impact on the region. In response to a rocket launch Thursday, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on subsidiaries of an Iranian company involved in Tehrans ballistic missile program. But Nader Karimi Juni, an analyst close to Rouhanis government, said Iranian leaders dont believe the U.N. and European powers will ultimately back the U.S., and so Iran will not compromise on missile projects and will remain defiant. Facebook

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Trump jabs U.S. mayors, who push back, calling president out of touch with cities By Kurtis Lee (Spencer Platt / Getty Images) President Trump wants police to know that he  not mayors  has their back. Ive met police that are great police that arent allowed to do their job because they have a pathetic mayor or a mayor that doesnt know whats going on, Trump said Friday in a speech before police officers in Brentwood, N.Y. The comments from Trump, who in his address highlighted crime in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles, drew applause from some in attendance. In a statement following Trumps remarks, the United States Conference of Mayors, a bipartisan group, released a statement pushing back against the president. The presidents comments today prove how out of touch he is with the realities of life in American cities. Mayors number one priority is  and always will be  the safety and protection of their residents, said New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, the groups president. There is no daylight between the mayors of our cities and the uniformed officers who work tirelessly to keep us safe every single day. During the speech Trump called on police and immigration officials to be rough with suspected gang members in cities nationwide. In a recent interview with The Times, former New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, who recently launched a $200-million initiative to empower city governments and mayors, stressed the key to good governing is experience as a manager  something, he said, Trump was not. Bloomberg added that the mayors are much more in tune with the needs of residents than the federal government. You got to remember a mayor and the local city council are much closer to the public than the governor and the state legislature, or the president and the federal legislature. So if the public is in favor of something, the local officials know it and they get held responsible, he said. Facebook

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The growing parade of exits under Trump administration By Len de Groot A lot of people have left President Trumps early administration  Chief of Staff Reince Priebus was replaced Friday. The White House communications department has been the scene of many of the recent turnovers as it wrestles to craft a message sometimes at odds with Trumps frequent tweeting. At the National Security Council, there has been a leadership struggle since Michael Flynn resigned in the face of pressure over undisclosed contacts with Russia. One appointee was fired over comments he made at a private function. Others have been removed as Flynns successor, H.R. McMaster, has moved to add loyalists to the council. Here are the most noteworthy departures: Read More Facebook

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Trump urges officers and immigration officials to be rough on animals terrorizing U.S. neighborhoods By Barbara Demick ( (Evan Vucci / Associated Press)) President Trump on Friday called for police and immigration officials to be rough with suspected gang members in order to rid the country of animals he said are terrorizing communities. Please dont be too nice, Trump told police recruits at Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood, a heavily Latino suburb of New York City. Like when you guys put somebody in the car and youre protecting their head, you know the way you put the hand  like, dont hit their head, and theyve just killed somebody?  You can take the hand away. He implied that he was satisfied with rough handling of suspects by the police. When you see these thugs being thrown into the back of a paddy wagon  you just see them thrown in, rough, he said. Scoffing at calls for what he describes as political correctness, Trump also renewed his pledges to build a wall along the Mexican border. He accused the Obama administration of admitting criminals into the United States. Read More Facebook

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Analysis: In a Washington run by men, two overshadowed Republican women make their point on healthcare By Cathleen Decker In a Washington that has grown demonstrably more testosterone-fueled since President Trumps inauguration, it took two Republican women to secure the end of a long effort to repeal and replace Obamacare. They were the same two women  Maine Sen. Susan Collins and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski  who had been excluded from the 13-member working group drafting the Republican bills. Nobodys being excluded based upon gender. Everybodys at the table, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell had said of his all-white-males group. In the early hours of Friday, the duo was overshadowed by the more dramatic and unexpected no vote from Sen. John McCain of Arizona. There was reason for the attention lavished on McCain  a war hero and veteran senator returns to the Capitol days after a dire cancer diagnosis. But without both Collins and Murkowskis steadfast opposition, his vote would have been meaningless. Also largely overlooked: Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono, a Democrat who like McCain made an arduous trip to Washington despite her recent diagnosis of late-stage kidney cancer. Social media buzzed Friday with praise for the women senators from many fronts, including from men. But from many women, there was also a sense of familiarity at being ignored or taken for granted. Read More Facebook

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Clinton Foundation donor who was denied a visa settles leak case against the U.S. By Joseph Tanfani A billionaire Nigerian businessman and major Clinton Foundation donor banned from entering the U.S. two years ago on terrorism grounds has settled a lawsuit against the U.S. government. Gilbert Chagoury last year sued the FBI and other government agencies in U.S. District Court in Washington, saying he had been damaged by what he described as improper government leaks to the Los Angeles Times. The Times reported last year that Chagoury had been denied a visa to travel to the U.S. in 2015 on suspicion that he had provided aid to terrorist groups. One document, citing unverified information from an unnamed source, said that Chagoury  who is of Lebanese heritage  had funneled funds to Hezbollah, the Lebanese militia and political group designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. Chagoury, an ardent Lakers fan who for decades lived part of the year in Los Angeles, angrily denied that he ever provided funds for terrorism. He said the publicity forced him to sell his Beverly Hills mansion at a loss and caused a bank to close his account. A philanthropist, Vatican ambassador and longtime friend of Bill Clinton, Chagoury once was invited to the White House after contributing to a Democratic get-out-the-vote campaign. He donated at least $1 million to the Clinton Foundation. Emails released last year showed that a Bill Clinton aide pushed Hillary Clintons aides at the State Department to get Chagoury access to top U.S. diplomats. In the settlement filed in court on Friday, the Justice Department said Chagoury has never appeared on the list of Specially Designated Nationals, figures such as terrorists and narcotics traffickers who are generally barred from doing business in the U.S. The government did not grant Chagourys request for a court hearing to dispute the reports that led to his exclusion from the U.S. As I have often said, I have loved America my whole life because it was the land of freedom and justice, he said in a statement, adding that he hopes the agreement will help repair his reputation. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Chagoury, who lives most of the time in Paris, has not applied for another visa, said his spokesman, Mark Corallo. Facebook

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Trump ousts Priebus, announces John Kelly as new chief of staff President Trump announced via Twitter on Friday that he had named retired Gen. John Kelly, head of the Department of Homeland Security, as White House chief of staff, replacing Reince Priebus. I am pleased to inform you that I have just named General/Secretary John F Kelly as White House Chief of Staff. He is a Great American....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 28, 2017 ...and a Great Leader. John has also done a spectacular job at Homeland Security. He has been a true star of my Administration  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 28, 2017 I would like to thank Reince Priebus for his service and dedication to his country. We accomplished a lot together and I am proud of him!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 28, 2017 Read More Facebook

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Rep. John Delaney of Maryland to run for president By Associated Press Rep. John Delaney of Maryland says hes running for president, instead of governor or reelection, in 2018. Delaney, a Democrat, announced his plans in a statement Friday. The politically moderate banking entrepreneur is in his third term in Marylands 6th Congressional District, which includes western Maryland and a large section of Montgomery County, the states largest county. The 54-year-old is worth roughly $90 million and is one of the Houses wealthiest members. He spent about $2 million to help finance his first House race in 2012. His consideration of a possible Maryland gubernatorial bid months ago quickly drew interest in his House seat. Several candidates already have expressed interest in running for the seat. Facebook

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McCain set to head back to Arizona to undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatments By Kurtis Lee (Shawn Thew / EPA) Sen. John McCain is headed home. Hours after McCain spurned his party and voted in opposition to a GOP measure to repeal the Affordable Care Act, the senators office announced Friday he will return to Arizona to undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatments for his recent diagnosis of brain cancer. McCain, 80, was found this month to have a brain tumor known as a glioblastoma. He is scheduled to return to Washington in September after his initial treatments. The glioblastoma  an aggressive type of cancer  was discovered when McCain had a blood clot removed from above his left eye. According to the Mayo Clinic, which is overseeing McCains treatment, glioblastoma is difficult to treat. After returning to Washington this week and voting in favor of opening Senate debate on repeal, McCain was among three Republicans early Friday morning to vote in opposition to a so-called skinny bill that would repeal the ACA, known as Obamacare. The move by McCain, who has served in the Senate since 1987, has drawn the ire of members in his own party and some in the right-wing media. Facebook

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McCains surprise vote doomed GOP healthcare bill, but did it open the door for Senate bipartisanship? By Lisa Mascaro Sen. John McCain is usually happy to spar with reporters, but he ducked into an elevator ahead of the Senate healthcare vote late Thursday without saying a word about how he would vote. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, though, already knew the answer. The Democratic leader had been talking with the Arizona Republican all week  four, five times a day  ever since McCain returned to work after being diagnosed with brain cancer. Earlier in the week, McCain had dramatically salvaged the stalled GOP bill by voting to begin debate, only to go on to deliver a blistering speech against his own party leaders partisan, closed-door process in crafting it. Weve been spinning our wheels on too many important issues because we keep trying to find a way to win without help from across the aisle, he told them. Were getting nothing done. Schumer and McCain have been longtime colleagues, a kind of frenemies who seem like throwbacks to an earlier era of Congress. They worked together on big legislation, including the 2013 immigration overhaul  grand ideas that seem all but impossible in todays Congress. They had plenty to discuss. About the Senate, about it working again, about working together, and about how this bill was so poor for the American people, Schumer said. And he knew that, so did half his colleagues, but he had the courage to vote no. The moment stunned the Senate when McCain stepped up to cast his vote  a single down-turned finger  dooming the healthcare bill. Audible gasps filled the galleries, which were packed with onlookers. But his vote  along with no votes from Republicans Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska  did more than shelve the long campaign to repeal the Affordable Care Act. It cracked open a new divide in the Senate, which seems to be split not so much between Republicans and Democrats, but by those senators who want to work together versus those stuck in hardened partisan tribes. Read More Facebook

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U.S. hits Iran with more sanctions in response to satellite launch By Associated Press The United States is slapping Iran with new sanctions in response to its launch of a satellite-carrying rocket into space this week. The sanctions target six Iranian subsidiaries of the Shahid Hemmat Industrial Group. The Treasury Department says that group is central to Irans ballistic missile program. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says the sanctions illustrate deep U.S. concerns about Irans missile testing and other actions. He says the U.S. will continue countering Irans ballistic missile program, including Thursdays provocative space launch. The U.S. has said that launch flouted a U.N. Security Council resolution because the technology is inherently designed to be able to carry a nuclear payload. The sanctions come as the Trump administration continues debating its Iran policy and whether to scrap the 2015 multilateral deal that limits the development of Irans nuclear capabilities. Facebook

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Political betrayal. McCain vote against Obamacare repeal draws ire from conservative writers By Kurtis Lee (Cliff Owen / AP) Though John McCain was one of three Republicans who helped Democrats squash the legislation to repeal Obamacare, conservative media is homing in on the Arizona senator for spurning his party in the healthcare vote. Here are some of todays headlines: John McCain: Traitor to the conservative cause (Washington Times) McCain, who was recently diagnosed with brain cancer, has been a staunch opponent of Obamacare, but in the end he could not support the so-called skinny repeal measure put forward by his colleagues in the Senate. In this piece, Cheryl K. Chumley, jabs McCain for his vote. For American voters expecting their Republican-dominated House, Senate and White House to honor their years of repeal promises and actually, well, repeal Obamacare, McCains thumbs-down was a face-slap moment that will be remembered in history as a textbook classic case of political betrayal, she writes. McCains odd definition of leading the fight to stop Obamacare (National Review) This article is simple  its a quick compare-and-contrast of McCains recent comments versus his vote on Friday. Last year, during a tough reelection, McCains campaign ran a television ad that boasted the senator is leading the fight to stop Obamacare. But last night his office put out a statement noting the GOP Senate bill did not offer a replacement to actually reform our health care system and deliver affordable, quality health care to our citizens. The author of this piece, Jim Geraghty, concludes: Its very difficult to characterize McCains decision as leading the fight to stop Obamacare. Thats more like leading the fight to keep Obamacare in place while you continue to look for a replacement that you like better. John McCain burns Mitch McConnell sides with Democrats (American Spectator) When McConnell, the majority leader, stood on the Senate floor Friday after the bills failure, he was clearly annoyed. McCains no vote had led to applause moments earlier from Democrats. In a move thats no surprise to anyone, John McCain voted against the embarrassingly named Skinny Repeal, voted against his party (or is it his party?) and voted to keep Obamacare going as is, writes Melissa Mackenzie. Facebook

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Meet the two female GOP senators who opposed the healthcare bill from the start By Kelcey Caulder Sen. John McCain shocked Republicans and Democrats alike with his vote early Friday morning to kill the latest Republican effort to repeal Obamacare. But McCain was not the only Republican to play a role in blocking the final version of the overhaul bill. Two female Republican lawmakers, Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, also voted against the bill. Collins has opposed repeal and replace efforts from the beginning, and Murkowski has also been critical of much of what the Senate Republican leadership has proposed. Collins said it would be a big mistake for Republicans to pass legislation without trying seriously to work with Democrats to reach bipartisan solutions. Instead, she called for both parties to work together to improve the healthcare system. Murkowski and Collins were the first from their party to come out against repealing the ACA without having new, replacement legislation on the table. In statements posted on Twitter, Collins, who voted against the same proposal in 2015, said she did not think it was constructive to repeal the law without a replacement, while Murkowski encouraged senators from both sides of the aisle to work together to address healthcare issues. I will vote no on the motion to proceed to repeal the Affordable Care Act without a replacement. I voted against this same proposal in 2015. pic.twitter.com/Szuke5zYNL  Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) July 18, 2017 My recent statement on the Senate Healthcare Process: pic.twitter.com/j19Ok1KwWw  Sen. Lisa Murkowski (@lisamurkowski) July 18, 2017 The two senators were also the only Republicans to vote against opening debate on repeal of Obamacare earlier this week. Their opposition to Republican healthcare efforts has drawn a lot of criticism within the party, some of it expressed in vulgar, even violent terms. Georgia Rep. Buddy Carter said in an interview Wednesday with MSNBC: Somebody needs to go over there to that Senate and snatch a knot in their ass. A Texas congressman said the female senators narrowly avoided an Aaron Burr-style showdown with him. President Trump publicly rebuked Murkowski on Twitter for her vote. Senator @lisamurkowski of the Great State of Alaska really let the Republicans, and our country, down yesterday. Too bad!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 26, 2017 Trump has not criticized Collins by name for her vote, but warned Tuesday at a rally in Ohio that any senator who votes against repeal and replace is telling America that they are fine with the Obamacare nightmare, and I predict theyll have a lot of problems. Facebook

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The current Senate GOP effort to repeal Obamacare is dead. Now what? By Noam N. Levey (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) The sudden collapse of the GOPs Senate campaign to repeal or replace the Affordable Care Act does not mean the issue disappears. Significant problems and challenges remain, particularly for Obamacare insurance marketplaces. The defeat increases the odds that Congress will begin to look at a more limited approach to shore up the current law and stabilize markets. The GOPs repeal effort may return, but in the meantime heres a look at what a temporary fix might look like: Read More Facebook

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Paul Ryan responds to the failure of the GOP healthcare bill By Associated Press House Speaker Paul Ryan said Friday that hes disappointed and frustrated by the failure of Republican healthcare legislation in the Senate. But Ryan said in a statement that we should not give up after promising for years to repeal and replace Obamacare. We were sent to Washington to fulfill the pledges we made to our constituents, the statement said. While the House delivered a bill to repeal and replace Obamacare, unfortunately the Senate was unable to reach a consensus. At the same time, the speaker said that overhauling the tax code is at the top of the Houses list of priorities. He pledged to pursue historic tax reform in the fall. He issued his statement as the House prepared to leave Washington for its annual August recess. The House passed legislation repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act in May. But after a failed vote early Friday in the Senate, its not clear if GOP leaders will be able to resuscitate the efforts. Facebook

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Economic growth rebounded to 2.6% annual rate in second quarter By Jim Puzzanghera The Port of Los Angeles (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) The U.S. economy rebounded this spring after a weak winter, expanding at a solid 2.6% annual rate as consumers picked up their spending pace, the Commerce Department said Friday. Total economic output, also known as gross domestic product, for the April-through-June period was in line with analyst expectations for a bounce-back based in part on pent-up demand. The economic growth rate was more than double the 1.2% pace in the first quarter. That figure was revised down Friday from an earlier estimate of 1.4%. After the winter blues, the economy has rebounded, said Sung Won Sohn, an economist at Cal State Channel Islands. Read More Facebook

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Never mind healthcare. President Trump has made slogans great again By Mark Z. Barabak ( (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)) His promise to repeal and replace Obamacare has crashed and burned. Tax reform hasnt gotten far. The White House is in disarray, and big plans to rebuild the nations infrastructure have hit a brick wall. But there is one unimpeachable triumph President Trump can point to: Hes made great again great again. The Make America Great Again 2016 campaign slogan  limned in block letters and emblazoned on countless cherry-red ball caps  has been reimagined, repurposed and cheekily appropriated for countless pitches and commercial products. Apart from the now-familiar caps, mercantile options include aprons, beanies, beer cozys, coffee mugs, hoodies, leggings, swimsuits, T-shirts, water bottles and, for the special someone, Donald Trump Make America Great Again Womens Booty Shorts. But MAGA, as the president short-hands the phrase in Twitter posts, is also popping up in places having little or nothing to do with politics: on a catwalk at New Yorks Fashion Week, high in the sky promoting classical music in Phoenix, on the menu at an Italian restaurant in Atlanta. Read More Facebook

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If Adam Schiff is Californias next U.S. senator, he might want to thank President Trump By Mark Z. Barabak (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) The road to elected office can be long and winding and is not always paved with the best of intentions. Some politicians  think of the Kennedys or the Bush family  are born to the trade. Others are borne by tragedy. Former Santa Barbara Rep. Lois Capps succeeded her husband when he died of a heart attack. Former New York Rep. Carolyn McCarthy was spurred to run when her husband was killed and her son gravely wounded in a mass shooting on the Long Island Rail Road. Typically, though, the ascension is more methodical, one rung after the next, often with a pinch of right-place, right-time fortune thrown in for good measure. Lately that bit of luck has visited itself on Adam B. Schiff, in the form of Russian meddling and a president who hurls tweets like poison thunderbolts. Read More Facebook

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Kris Kobach says Trumps voter fraud panel will keep voter data secure. Some states arent buying it By Kurtis Lee (Jessica McGowan / Getty Images) After weeks of legal battles and bipartisan pushback from top election officials nationwide, President Trumps voter fraud commission has renewed a message for the states: Its safe to pass along your data about voters. Individuals voter registration records will be kept confidential and secure throughout the duration of the commissions existence, Kris Kobach, vice chairman of the commission, wrote in a letter sent late Wednesday to all 50 secretaries of state. Even so, by Thursday, much of the criticism that greeted an earlier request from the commission was repeated by election officials and activists, who have expressed concerns about privacy and have called the panel both a sham created by an insecure president and a tool to suppress votes. Trump  without evidence  has repeatedly alleged that 3 million to 5 million illegal votes were cast in last years presidential election. (Trump prevailed in the electoral college, while Democrat Hillary Clinton won the popular vote by about 3 million votes.) Read More Facebook

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President Trump said our guys are rougher than the violent gang MS-13. What did he mean? By Brian Bennett (SAUL LOEB / AFP ) When President Trump said this week his administration is going after bloodthirsty criminal gangs like the notoriously violent MS-13, he added a menacing flourish: Our guys are rougher than their guys. The comment raised concerns that Trump was instructing immigration agents to use excessive force when going after suspected gang members. Not so, Trumps top spokeswoman said on Thursday. I think the president means that our guys are going to do whatever it takes to protect Americans, protect American lives, protect our borders, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in response to a question about what Trump meant by rougher. Trump wants people to do their jobs, not go beyond the scope of what they should do, Sanders said. Trumps comment came during a rally in Youngstown, Ohio, on Tuesday night. We are throwing MS-13 the hell out of here so fast, he said, boasting that his administration is liberating towns and cities from gangs. And, well, I will just tell you this, were not doing it in a politically correct fashion, Trump added. Were doing it rough. Our guys are rougher than their guys. Trumps comment was meant to boost morale among immigration officers looking to arrest and deport gang members, said one senior administration official, who would speak only without being identified to discuss the presidents thinking. As part of Trumps crackdown on immigrants in the country illegally, he has instructed the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency to target a suspected gang member for deportation before that person has been convicted of a crime, said ICE director Thomas Homan. Homan joined Sanders at her daily briefing at the White House. The two spoke to preview the presidents Friday trip to Long Island, N.Y., where he will tout his administrations efforts against MS-13 and other gangs. For Trump, who grew up in Queens, recent headlines about MS-13 violence in central Long Island have hit close to home. In April, four young men were found hacked to death in a park in Central Islip, N.Y., a senior administration official told reporters Thursday night. He is a New Yorker and he knows New York, the administration official said. It is absolutely a personal issue. And he knows whats happening in New York -- and its not just Long Island -- is a tragedy and there are communities like that all across America. Facebook

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Boy Scouts chief apologizes for presidents political rhetoric at national Jamboree. Trump wont By Brian Bennett President Trump wont apologize for a surprisingly political speech this week to Boy Scouts that provoked a backlash for his attacks on his predecessor, his election rival, dissident Republicans and the news media. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders delivered that word on Thursday, just after a top executive of the Boy Scouts of America issued an apology on behalf of the organization for allowing the political rhetoric to occur during Trumps address Monday evening at the National Scout Jamboree held in West Virginia. Michael Surbaugh, the organizations chief executive, in a statement extended his sincere apologies to those in our Scouting family who were offended by the political rhetoric that was inserted into the jamboree. He noted that the groups invitation to the president to speak was in keeping with a long-standing tradition since 1937; eight of 11 incumbent presidents have attended. But, Surbaugh wrote, we have steadfastly remained non-partisan and refused to comment on political matters. We sincerely regret that politics were inserted into the Scouting program. At the White House, however, Sanders indicated that neither she nor Trump saw any reason to apologize, or considered his remarks in any way out of line. I was at that event and I saw nothing but roughly 40,000 to 45,000 Boy Scouts cheering the president on throughout his remarks, Sanders said. I think they were pretty excited that he was there and happy to hear him speak to them, she added. Sanders said she had not seen the statement from the Boy Scouts chief. During his rambling 38-minute speech to the Scouts in Glen Jean, W.Va., Trump criticized Hillary Clinton and President Obama and singled out congressional Republicans who were not in lockstep with him on healthcare. He got much applause and supportive chants from his audience, and even credited the Scouts -- who are too young to vote -- for being among the millions who elected him. But almost immediately, the Boy Scouts organization was inundated with protests from former Scouts, parents and others angered by the presidents partisan words. Facebook

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Trumps words kind of hurtful, Sessions says, but he has no plans to resign By Joseph Tanfani President Trumps scathing criticisms have been kind of hurtful, Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions said Thursday, even as he again signaled that he wants to stay on the job. He wants all of us to do our job, and thats what I intend to do, Sessions said in an interview with Tucker Carlson of Fox News. Separately, Sessions told the Associated Press that it hasnt been my best week  for my relationship with the president. He made the comment in El Salvador, during a visit to highlight joint efforts to take on the MS-13 gang. The attorney general said he hadnt met with Trump but looked forward to talking to him about it. If he wants to make a change, he has every right, Sessions said. I serve at the pleasure of the president. Ive understood that from the day I took the job. But, he said, I believe with great confidence that I understand what is needed in the Department of Justice and what President Trump wants. I share his agenda. The comments were the first this week on the subject from Sessions, who has been subjected to harshly critical tweets from Trump for three days. The president has called him weak and said he wasnt aggressive enough in going after leakers. Last week, after Trump criticized Sessions in a New York Times interview, Sessions told reporters he planned to stay on as long as it was appropriate. Sessions has seemed to redouble his attempts this week to win back the presidents favor. He announced another crackdown on so-called sanctuary cities that dont cooperate with immigration enforcement and on Friday traveled to El Salvador to highlight arrests of MS-13 gang members, both favorite topics of the president. The Justice Department also plans to address leaks next week. Sessions said his department was stepping up leak investigations. Some people need to go to jail, he said. The president has every right to ask the DOJ to be more aggressive on that, and we intend to. On Wednesday evening, after Anthony Scaramucci , Trumps incoming communications director, falsely claimed in a tweet that hed been the victim of a leak, Sessions chief spokeswoman released a statement agreeing that leaks are undermining the government and promising to aggressively pursue leak cases wherever they may lead. Trump has made it clear that he is most angry with Sessions for recusing himself from supervising the ongoing investigation into his administrations ties with Russia. But Sessions defended that decision. I understand his feeling about it because this has been a big distraction for him, he said on Fox. Im confident I made the right decision, the decision thats consistent with the rule of law, and an attorney general who doesnt follow the law is not very effective at leading the Department of Justice, he said. In the interview, Sessions reached back to Trumps campaign slogan to praise the president as a strong leader. He is determined to move this country in the direction that he believes it needs to go to make it great again, he said. Sessions has received considerable support in recent days from conservative Republicans, including many of his former Senate colleagues. On Thursday, Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) went to the Senate floor to discourage Trump from moving against Sessions, saying that the Senate would not allow the president to make a recess appointment that would bypass the normal confirmation process. A recess appointment would allow Trump to appoint a person who could serve without confirmation until the start of 2019. Such appointments can only be made if the Senate formally takes a break, which senators of both parties have said they will avoid in order to prevent Trump from avoiding confirmations. If youre thinking of making a recess appointment to push out the attorney general, forget about it, Sasse said. The presidency isnt a bull, and this country isnt a china shop. 1:55 p.m.: This post was updated with additional remarks by Sessions and remarks by Sen. Ben Sasse. 5:50: This post was updated with additional quotes from Sessions interview. Facebook

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For Trump White House, cable television becomes the venue for intramural sniping By Noah Bierman President Trump and his aides love to complain about leaks from within the White House. But on Thursday, the infighting was out in the open. The incoming communications director, Anthony Scaramucci, in a morning phone call broadcast on CNN, compared the West Wing to a fish that stinks from the head down, implying that White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus is responsible for at least some of the leaks. Later, Trump press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders declined to come to Priebuss defense and say whether Trump has full confidence in his chief of staff. Another Trump advisor, Kellyanne Conway, used a prison analogy for the broader backstabbing among aides, telling Fox News that her West Wing colleagues were using the press to shiv each other. While the knifings might suggest a new level of chaos in a White House known for it, the style is all Trump. As a businessman, he has a history of fostering rivalries among his employees. He always did sort of like competition, backstabbing, infighting kind of stuff, said Barbara Res, who spent nearly two decades as a top executive in Trumps real estate business. He set people up to do that. Trump led the charge this week, using his Twitter account and an interview with the Wall Street Journal to ridicule his attorney general, Jeff Sessions, one of Trumps first and most prominent campaign supporters. By Thursday, both Priebus and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson were seeing their fates publicly debated, less than a week after Sean Spicer was forced out as press secretary after months of speculation and presidential slights. The Priebus intrigue was amplified by Scaramucci on Twitter and in the CNN interview. He blamed Priebus for leaking Scaramuccis personal financial disclosure forms -- which are publicly available -- and suggested that Trump encouraged Scaramuccis offensive in a phone conversation the two men had just before the aide dialed into CNN. When Sanders was asked about the Scaramucci-Priebus dustup, she said that the president likes healthy competition on his staff. The president likes that kind of competition and encourages it, Sanders said. The result is a White House that increasingly suggests the presidents former way of life. As the star of a reality TV show, he fomented internal competition and firings among apprentices; their cable television appearances, meanwhile, recall the confessionals familiar to reality show fans, in which characters confide directly to the camera their anger or enmity toward others on the show. The primary attribute for a successful tenure in the Trump White House is masochism, tweeted Rick Wilson, a longtime Republican operative and Trump critic. The repeated evidence of dysfunction and the high level of insecurity among Trumps core aides help explain the White Houses inability to focus on its agenda. Trumps critics voiced suspicions on Twitter that the public staff blow-up was a deliberate distraction from the struggle in Congress to pass a healthcare bill, as well as from the ongoing investigations into potential collusion between his presidential campaign and Russia and the backlash to Trumps surprise Twitter announcement on Wednesday that transgender people will be barred from military service. But those issues also were being heavily covered on cable news. The stories that were overshadowed were those Trump was trying to promote: a deal his administration helped strike with Foxconn to build a production facility in Wisconsin, possibly creating thousands of new jobs, and nascent efforts to craft a tax overhaul plan. Facebook

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Democrats criticize financial industry backgrounds of two Trump bank regulator nominees By Jim Puzzanghera Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). (Joe Raedle / Getty Images) Senate Democrats on Thursday criticized the financial industry backgrounds of President Trumps nominees for two key banking regulatory positions, arguing they would not protect the interests of average Americans. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and others sharply questioned Joseph Otting, the former chief executive of Pasadenas OneWest Bank, and investment fund manager Randal Quarles during a confirmation hearing by the Senate Banking Committee. Trump nominated Otting to be the comptroller of the currency, a powerful regulator of national banks. Quarles has been tapped to be the Federal Reserves vice chairman for supervision, who is in charge of the Feds oversight of the nations largest bank holding companies and other regulatory efforts. The two are expected to be friendlier to the banking industry than recent Democratic appointees. Read More Facebook

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Senator warns Trump there will be holy hell to pay if he fires Sessions By Joseph Tanfani A prominent Republican Senator issued a blunt warning to President Trump not to interfere with the Russia investigation, saying any effort to get rid of special counsel Robert S. Mueller III could be the beginning of the end of the Trump presidency. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, told reporters Thursday that there will be holy hell to pay if Trump fires Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions, a favorite of conservatives who represented Alabama in the Senate for 20 years. Grahams warning was the sternest yet from Senate Republicans to Trump about the potential consequences of firing either Sessions or Mueller. The chairman of the Senate judiciary committee, Sen. Charles Grassley, (R-Iowa), issued his own warning in a tweet Wednesday night, saying his committee would not take up a nomination of a replacement attorney general this year, which is required before the Senate can vote to confirm. Everybody in D.C. Shld b warned that the agenda for the judiciary Comm is set for rest of 2017. Judges first subcabinet 2nd / AG no way  ChuckGrassley (@ChuckGrassley) July 27, 2017 Starting with an interview in the New York Times last week and continuing with a three-day barrage of critical tweets, Trump has raged at Sessions for his decision to recuse himself from supervising the investigation into the Russian attempts to influence the election, and into whether anybody involved in Trumps campaign participated in the scheme. Trump also has bitterly complained about Mueller, whom he has accused of leading a witch hunt, and Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod J. Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller and who is now supervising the probe. Justice Department regulations say that only the attorney general, or in this case Rosenstein acting in his place, can fire the special counsel. If Sessions were gone, Trump could try to appoint a replacement willing to carry out the firing. Graham said he will introduce a bill next week that would require court review if anyone tried to fire a special counsel who was investigating the president. I think Ill get all the Democrats and I hope to get a good number of Republicans, he said, adding that the enacting such a law is not just for Trump but for any future president. We need a check and balance here. Graham said Trumps campaign to marginalize and humiliate the attorney general is not going over well in the Senate or among conservatives. He also said Trump, who has called on Sessions to investigate his former rival Hillary Clinton, has gone way beyond what is acceptable in a rule of law nation. This is not draining the swamp, he said. What hes interjecting is turning democracy upside down..taking 200-year-old concepts that were a nation of laws and not men and trying to turn it upside down. Sen. Graham: "Any effort to go after Mueller could be the beginning of the end of the Trump presidency." https://t.co/6Pd60LrGRU pic.twitter.com/EXBOwBC35C  ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) July 27, 2017 Facebook

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Watch live: White House news briefing with Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders Facebook

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Trump administration threatens to retaliate against Alaska for GOP senators Obamacare repeal vote, news site reports By Noam N. Levey The Trump administration threatened to block federal aid to Alaska in an effort to bully one of the Republican senators opposed to the current Senate GOP push to roll back the Affordable Care Act, according to a report by the Alaska Dispatch News. The news site reports that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on Wednesday called Alaska Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan with a warning that Murkowskis vote had put Alaskas future with the administration in jeopardy. According to the report: Sullivan said the call from Zinke heralded a troubling message. Im not going to go into the details, but I fear that the strong economic growth, pro-energy, pro-mining, pro-jobs and personnel from Alaska who are part of those policies are going to stop, Sullivan said. I tried to push back on behalf of all Alaskans.  Were facing some difficult times and theres a lot of enthusiasm for the policies that Secretary Zinke and the president have been talking about with regard to our economy. But the message was pretty clear, Sullivan said. The threat followed disparaging comments made by the president about Murkowski, including a Twitter attack Wednesday morning Senator @lisamurkowski of the Great State of Alaska really let the Republicans, and our country, down yesterday. Too bad! Trump wrote. Murkowski dismissed the presidents attacks in an interview with MSNBC. Were here to govern. Were here to legislate, she said. Were here to represent the people who sent us here. And so every day shouldnt be about campaigning. Every day shouldnt be about winning elections. How about just doing a little bit of governing around here? Thats what Im here for. Murkowski and Maine Sen. Susan Collins were the only Republicans who voted against a procedural motion Tuesday to begin debating legislation rolling back the 2010 healthcare law, often called Obamacare. Sullivan, also a Republican, voted in favor of advancing the bill. Murkowski has urged a more open process to develop the legislation, which Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) has put together behind closed doors without committee hearings or input from Democrats. A spokeswoman for Zinke did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Facebook

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Iran angered by report that Trump wants additional nuclear inspections By Shashank Bengali Iran responded angrily Thursday to reports that the Trump administration would push for inspections of military facilities to ensure Tehran is complying with the 2015 nuclear deal. Iran will not succumb to further pressure, Hamid Reza Taraghi, a hard-line analyst who is close to Irans leadership, told The Times. Taraghi did not say whether Iran would refuse inspectors access to military facilities but insisted the Islamic Republic was complying with the agreement, which required Iran to shelve its nuclear program in exchange for relief from economic sanctions. President Trump has said he wants to tear up the deal and doesnt believe Iran is complying, although his administration certified it was in a report to Congress this month. The Associated Press reported Thursday that Trump was pushing for inspections of suspicious Iranian military sites, either to prove that Iran was violating the deal or force it to refuse, which could cause the agreement to collapse. Iranian officials have argued in the past that inspections of military sites would be off-limits. But under the agreement it signed with the United States and five other world powers, Iran agreed to the so-called Additional Protocol, which allows U.N. inspectors limited access to any site where illicit nuclear activity is suspected. Taraghi, a former lawmaker, said the Additional Protocol allowed for snap inspections and that international inspectors had installed closed-circuit cameras in all nuclear-related facilities. They have access to everything going on here on the ground, Taraghi said. What else do they want to know? It was not immediately clear what military sites the Trump administration was seeking to have inspected, or whether it had evidence that Iran was breaching the terms of the deal. U.N. inspectors monitoring Irans compliance had not requested access to military facilities as of July 25, according to a paper published Thursday by Mark Fitzpatrick, executive director of the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Washington. If US has good evidence of #Iran violations, then an inspection request is warranted, Fitzpatrick tweeted. A request designed to trap Iran into saying no isnt. Facebook

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Top U.S. general says Pentagon will not change policy on transgender troops until White House acts By W.J. Hennigan The nations senior military officer said Thursday that there will be no modifications to Pentagon policies for now despite President Trump social media posts declaring a ban on transgender troops in uniform. Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, wrote in a memo to commanders and senior enlisted leaders of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines that the military will continue to treat all of our personnel with respect. Dunford said Pentagon policy on transgender troops would not change until the White House has issued Trumps directive to Secretary of Defense James Mattis through formal channels  not on Twitter  and the secretarys office issues guidance on implementation to the service chiefs. Its unclear when that might happen. The unusual memo appeared intended to calm widespread confusion and concern at the Pentagon, which was blindsided when Trump wrote Wednesday that Pentagon would not accept or allow transgender troops to serve in any capacity. The presidents posts appeared to reverse a year-old Pentagon policy that allowed transgender soldiers to openly serve for the first time, and to seek sex reassignment surgery, hormone therapy and other treatments at military hospitals. Trumps surprise announcement not only marked a retreat for the Pentagon push to bar gender-based discrimination. It also was an about-face for Trump, who had repeatedly vowed his support for the LGBT community during the campaign last year. The posts raised questions about the fate of thousands of transgender service members, including some deployed overseas, and whether they would be kicked out of the military under Trumps directive. Dunfords memo appeared to address those fears, at least for the short term. There will be no modifications to the current policy until the Presidents direction has been received by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary has issued implementation guidance, he wrote. In the meantime, we will continue to treat all of our personnel with respect, he added. As importantly, given the current fight and the challenges we face, we will all remain focused on accomplishing our assigned missions. In his tweets, Trump said he had decided to bar transgender troops because the military cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail. Experts said neither justification was accurate or fair since the expected medical costs were negligible and transgender troops have been openly serving for the past year without disruption. The sweeping declaration drew rebuke from war veterans and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocacy groups, who vowed to challenge Trump in federal court if self-identified transgender service members are forced out of the military. VoteVets, a liberal military veterans advocacy group, said Thursday it had collected more than 20,000 signatures from veterans, military families and other supporters to oppose the ban. Facebook

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Analysis: Trumps war against elites and expertise By Cathleen Decker (Saul Loeb / AFP/Getty Images) When President Trump campaigned this spring at the Hermitage, the home of Andrew Jackson, one part of his predecessors approach got a special endorsement. It was during the Revolution that Jackson first confronted and defied an arrogant elite. Does that sound familiar? Trump asked to laughs from his audience. When Trump ally and National Rifle Assn. President Wayne LaPierre teed off six weeks later on Americas greatest domestic threats, he cited not homegrown terrorists but what he termed the three most dangerous voices in America: academic elites, political elites, and media elites. The rhetoric against elites came from two men who would seem to be card-carrying members of the club: LaPierre made more than $5 million in 2015, the most recent year for which his compensation was publicly released. Trump lived before his inauguration in a gold-plated home in the sky above New Yorks Fifth Avenue, a billionaires luxurious domain. Yet for Trump and his allies, a war on elites has been central to the campaign which put him in the presidency and has maintained the loyalty of his core voters. Trump has taken particular aim at entities that could counter his power, which has helped stoke the ardor of his political backers. Read More Facebook

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Top Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway says colleagues using the press to shiv each other By Noah Bierman White House staffers continued their angry campaign against leaks -- and each other -- as top advisor Kellyanne Conway used vivid language in a Fox interview Thursday to denounce colleagues who are using the press to shiv each other in the ribs. The comments came shortly after Anthony Scaramucci, the new White House communications director, delivered his own attack on leakers -- all but blaming Reince Priebus, the White House chief of staff -- in an interview on CNN. If the Trump White House at times resembles a reality show, cable television has become the confessional booth where the players vent their anger at each other. That dynamic was on vivid display Thursday morning. Kellyanne Conway: "Now, there are leaks, and then there are people using the press to shiv each other in the ribs. Thats different." (Fox)  David Wright (@DavidWright_CNN) July 27, 2017 Conway largely backed Scaramucci without explicitly taking sides in his public war against Priebus, whom he publicly suggested leaked Scaramuccis financial disclosure forms to the press. The forms are public and available through a request. We just have to cut down on people thinking its cute and its popular and it somehow enhances their resume and their portfolio for later on to curry favor with folks who are more interested in covering the style and not the substance here, Conway said of those who leak to he press. Asked specifically whether she agrees with Scaramucci that Priebus leaked the financial forms, Conway passed on the opportunity to defend Priebus. Leakers are easier to figure out than many think, she said, perhaps ominously given Scaramuccis threats to fire suspects. This West Wing is a very small place. Facebook

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Warfare in the West Wing breaks into the open as Scaramucci takes aim at Priebus By Brian Bennett A knife fight for control of the West Wing broke into the open Thursday morning as President Trumps new communications director Anthony Scaramucci lashed out at White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus in a televised interview, accusing Priebus of leaking and standing in the way of Trumps agenda. The fish stinks from the head down, I can tell you two fish that dont stink, OK, and thats me and the president, Scaramucci said, calling in to CNNs morning show New Day. I dont like the activity thats going in the White House, he said. Scaramucci, who had said the day he was named to the White House job that he and Priebus were like brothers, drastically amended that in the interview, comparing the two of them to the brothers who, in the Bible, were the characters in the first murder. Some brothers are like Cain and Abel, other brothers can fight with each other and get along. I dont know if this is reparable or not  that will be up to the president, he said. Scaramucci on his relationship with Reince: "Some brothers are like Cain and Abel." Uh, Cain killed Abel. https://t.co/UQ8F9HiXLx  Dan Merica (@merica) July 27, 2017 President Trump has a track record of encouraging rivalries among people who work for him. Scaramucci said he had spoken with Trump for 15 minutes to go over what he was going to say before he called CNN, implying his warning to Priebus carried Trumps backing. Trump, Scaramucci said, has given me his full support and his full blessing. When Scaramucci was hired, Trump told him he would report directly to the president, bypassing the chief of staff, and setting up the clash that played out Thursday on national television. If you want to talk about the chief of staff, we have had odds, we have had differences. When I said we were brothers from the podium, thats because were rough on each other, Scaramucci said. The tension between Scaramucci and Priebus flared after Politico published a story Wednesday about Scaramuccis publicly available financial disclosure form showing he still stands to profit from his stake in an investment firm he founded. The disclosure form was available to the public because Scaramucci had been nominated earlier this year for a job at the Export-Import Bank of the U.S., and the forms become public 30 days after they are filed. But Scaramucci, in a tweet Wednesday night, seemed to imply Priebus had leaked the form to make him look bad, or knew who did, and called for an FBI investigation. He later deleted the tweet, apparently after being informed that the form was not leaked. Over the last five days, Scaramucci said to CNN, he has done a major amount of work interviewing assistants to the president and communications staff. He also had dinner with Trump on Wednesday night in addition to his phone conversation with the president Thursday morning. The two of them want everyone to know we have a very, very good idea of who the leakers are, who the senior leakers are, in the White House, he said. Scaramucci took aim specifically at Priebus for leaking details about internal White House discussions and maneuvers. If Reince wants to explain that hes not a leaker, let him do that, Scaramucci said. Scaramucci appears to be giving voice to Trumps frustration with people in the White House the president believes are slowing down policy efforts, even though Trump has shown a pattern of repeatedly stepping on his own efforts on healthcare, job creation and other initiatives with unplanned tweets on topics such as Russia, transgender troops and unfounded allegations of voter fraud. There are people inside this administration who think its their job to save America from this president, Scaramucci said. Its not their jobs ... to rein him in or do things to him that slow down his agenda. People in the Washington are back-stabbers, Scaramucci said. Im more of a front-stabbing person. Facebook

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Scaramucci tweets, then deletes, confusing statement that referred to information in Politico report as a leak By Colleen Shalby In a now deleted tweet, incoming White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci sent out a confusing statement Wednesday night, addressing information reported earlier by Politico as a leak. The article reported on Scaramuccis financial disclosures. According to Politico, those details had been filed with the Office of Government Ethics, so its unclear what  if anything  was leaked information. Scaramuccis tweet further confused as it ended with White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus Twitter handle. Just before those characters, he noted that he intended to contact the FBI and the Justice Department. Some speculated that Scaramucci was implying that Priebus was behind the leak. But in a new tweet roughly two hours after the original, he tweeted what appeared to be a clarification, correcting a headline of news site Axios. Wrong! Tweet was public notice to leakers that all Sr Adm officials are helping to end illegal leaks, he tweeted, ending it  once again  with Priebus handle. Wrong! Tweet was public notice to leakers that all Sr Adm officials are helping to end illegal leaks. @Reince45 pic.twitter.com/AB0reseuX1  Anthony Scaramucci (@Scaramucci) July 27, 2017 Five days ago, Scaramucci, responding to a question about reported tensions between him and the chief of staff, said he and Priebus are a little bit like brothers, where we rough each other up a little, which is totally normal for brothers. 10:15 p.m. PT: This post was originally published at 8:52 p.m. It was updated with information from Scaramuccis new tweet. Facebook

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Senate Judiciary chair fires off warning to Trump about Sessions By David Lauter Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa), the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, fired off an unmistakable warning to President Trump on Wednesday evening: Dont even think about trying to get a new attorney general confirmed this year. Trump has been publicly tormenting Jeff Sessions, appearing to want to push the attorney general into stepping down from his job. But in a tweet, Grassley made it clear that if Trump pushed Sessions out, he would have to live with an acting attorney general for a long time. Everybody in D.C. Shld b warned that the agenda for the judiciary Comm is set for rest of 2017. Judges first subcabinet 2nd / AG no way  ChuckGrassley (@ChuckGrassley) July 27, 2017 Any nominee for attorney general would have to pass through the Judiciary Committee before getting a confirmation vote, so Grassleys no way would be a formidable barrier. Grassley has been an administration loyalist on nearly all issues so far, but as a veteran senator, he has a strong independent streak and, as previous administrations have found, he can be implacable if angered. His message comes as conservative allies rally support for Sessions. Several other Republican senators have spoken out in favor of the attorney general, a former colleague who was well liked during his years as senator from Alabama. Senate Democrats already have said they would use procedural motions to prevent the Senate from formally going on a recess this summer, blocking Trump from making a recess appointment that would bypass the Senate. Republicans used similar maneuvers to block recess appointments by President Obama. If Sessions were to step down and not be replaced, Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein would become acting attorney general. Trump has been critical of Rosenstein as well as Sessions, so that option presumably would not appeal to him. Facebook

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Under fire from Trump, Sessions should stay focused on his job, White House says By Joseph Tanfani (Alex Brandon / Associated Press) In spite of a daily barrage of Twitter attacks from President Trump, the White House press secretary said Wednesday that Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions should stay focused on performing his duties as the nations top law enforcement officer. You can be disappointed in someone and still want someone to continue to do their job, Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Wednesday, hours after Trump criticized Sessions for the third straight day  this time for not replacing acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe. Sessions was one of Trumps earliest and most loyal supporters, but the relationship has turned icy as Trump continues to seethe about Sessions decision to step aside from supervising the investigation into alleged Russian interference with last years election. Sessions was at the White House for meetings Wednesday, the second time this week hes visited the West Wing, but once again did not see Trump, Sanders said. Sanders did not clear up the main question surrounding Trumps strategy of publicly battering the attorney general: If the president is so unhappy, why doesnt he simply fire Sessions? Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Wednesday that Trumps apparent attempt to humiliate Sessions into quitting was a sign of weakness. To me, weakness is when you play around the edges, and you dont use the power you have, Graham said in an interview on CNN. Sanders said that Trump wants Sessions to continue to lead the Department of Justice. He wants him to focus on things like immigration, leaks and a number of other issues, she said. One of Trumps public complaints has been that Sessions hasnt been aggressive enough in pursuing leakers of classified information. In fact, the Justice Department is expected to announce next week some leak prosecutions. On Tuesday, Sessions also announced new measures to cut off some federal funds to so-called sanctuary cities that dont cooperate with immigration enforcement, another favorite issue for the president. But Sanders added that, at this point, a leak investigation would not salvage Sessions standing with Trump. I dont think thats the nature of the relationship, she said. In two tweets Wednesday morning, Trump criticized Sessions for not replacing McCabe, whose wife ran for office as a Democrat in Virginia in 2015. He suggested that McCabe had a conflict of interest in his duties as deputy director of the FBI during the investigation of Hillary Clintons handling of classified emails as secretary of State, although McCabe did not move into that job until months after his wifes campaign was over. McCabe took over the bureau as acting director when Trump fired James B. Comey in May. Sanders also declined to answer a question on why Trump did not fire McCabe himself, saying only that Trump looked forward to seeing his nominee as FBI director, Christopher Wray, be confirmed by the Senate soon. Facebook

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Trump, on Twitter, announced a ban on transgender service members. Now the military has to figure out what he means By Brian Bennett (Alex Brandon / Associated Press) President Trump surprised even the Pentagon on Wednesday morning by his unexpected announcement, via Twitter, of a ban on transgender service members. The military has not had a chance to decide how to put such a ban into effect, acknowledged Trumps top spokeswoman, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, as she fielded numerous questions on the topic later from White House reporters. Secretary of Defense James Mattis, who was on vacation, wasnt informed until Tuesday that Trump had decided to bar transgender service members from serving in any way. Sometimes you have to make a decision and once he made a decision, he didnt feel it was necessary to hold that decision, Sanders said. The president concluded, based on consultations with his national security team, that allowing transgender individuals to serve erodes military readiness and unit cohesion, she said. White House and Pentagon officials had been discussing details of medical coverage for transgender service members on active duty. But Trump went far beyond that with his series of tweets that the military will not accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the military. It will be up to the Defense Department to determine the specifics of the policy, including whether active-duty transgender service members will be kicked out of the military, Sanders said. Estimates of the number of current service members who are transgender range from 1,300 to about 16,000. The implementation policy is going to be something that the White House and Department of Defense will have to work together to lawfully determine, Sanders said. I would imagine the Department of Defense will be the lead on that, she added. Trumps tweets overshadowed other announcements he had planned to make Wednesday about adding manufacturing jobs to the economy and donating $100,000 of his second-quarter paycheck to the Department of Education to support science and math education. The president has expressed concerns since this Obama policy came into effect, Sanders said. She added that the president considered allowing transgender people in the ranks is a very expensive and disruptive policy. At one point, an exasp
WASHINGTON: The International Monetary Fund on Friday unveiled a $50 billion proposal to end the COVID-19 pandemic by vaccinating at least 40% of the population in all countries by the end of 2021 and at least 60% by the first half of 2022.



Doing so, IMF officials say, would inject the equivalent of $9 trillion into the global economy by 2025 due to a faster resumption of economic activity, with rich countries potentially benefiting the most.



The pandemic has killed more than 3.5 million people across the world, and projections point to highly unequal health prospects well into 2022, which poses "severe risks" for the world, including heightened chances of social unrest and geopolitical tensions, the IMF said.



Across Africa, just 2% of the population has been vaccinated, compared to 40% for the United States and 20% in Europe. Barring quick action, many poor nations will not see large percentages of their populations vaccinated until 2023, the IMF said.



IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva told a health summit hosted by the European Commission and Group of 20 major economies that it made sense for rich economies to boost donations to ensure a faster end to the pandemic.



"Advanced economies - asked to contribute most to this effort - would likely see the highest return on public investment in modern history, capturing 40% of the GDP gains and roughly $1 trillion in additional tax revenues," she said in her prepared remarks.



The proposal, drafted by IMF chief economist Gita Gopinath and staff economist Ruchir Agarwal, builds on efforts already underway by the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, United Nations, World Health Organization and other groups.



Implementing the plan would cost some $50 billion, with $35 billion to be paid for by grants from rich countries, private and multilateral donors, and the remaining $15 billion to be funded by national governments using low- or no-interest financing available from multilateral development banks.Reuters




The sun was just beginning to set on Independence Day as police Officer Trevor Jones cruised up Joann Street on Costa Mesas Westside hunting for illegal fireworks.

The windows of his unmarked patrol car were open a crack so he could better hear the resounding booms of banned pyrotechnics such as cherry bombs, bottle rockets and aerial shells. He peered carefully up and down the neighborhood, where families and friends gathered outside to celebrate the holiday with food, music and fireworks  some legal and some not.

Its all fun until something bad happens, Jones said. We want people to enjoy their Fourth of July, but do it safely and not have any injuries as a result of it.

Jones stopped the car on the corner of Joann Street and Pamela Lane and watched as a firework on the ground began to emit white sparks.

Lets see what theyre up to, he said, pausing a moment to watch. Well, that one looks legal.

Just as he began to pull away, the sounds of a loud whistle and explosions shooting from the device jolted him to attention.

Jones questioned a group of people at the scene about whether they had any more such fireworks, and when told they didnt, he left without issuing a citation.

From the roof of a parking garage next to the Triangle Square entertainment center, Officer Trevor Jones scans Costa Mesa for illegal fireworks the evening of July 4. (Spencer Grant / For the Daily Pilot)

Last year, Costa Mesa issued 79 citations related to illegal fireworks, about three times the number handed out the year before, according to police. The number of citations issued Tuesday was not immediately available.

The classic mark of illegal fireworks, and what makes them easier for law enforcement to identify, is that they typically shoot fireballs and other explosives into the air, Jones said.

Safe and sane fireworks  those that have the state fire marshals seal of approval on the packaging  dont shoot aerials or cause loud explosions. They are legal to set off in Costa Mesa on the Fourth of July.

If you purchase them from anywhere else other than a [city-permitted] stand, its probably not safe and sane, said Costa Mesa fire Battalion Chief Kevin Diamond, who helped police officers identify illegal fireworks Tuesday night.

In California, it is a misdemeanor to possess, store, use or transport fireworks that dont have the seal of approval. Doing so is punishable by a $1,000 fine and jail time. Sale of illegal fireworks and possession of more than 100 pounds of them is a felony.

Fireworks were involved in about 11,100 injuries treated in emergency rooms nationwide in 2016, according to a Consumer Product Safety Commission report, which did not specify the types of fireworks involved in the injuries.

The majority of injuries  about 69%  were burns, though some people sought treatment for contusions, lacerations and foreign objects in their eyes as a result of fireworks use, data show.

Of the four people nationwide who died using fireworks in 2016, three of them were lighting mortars.

Many Costa Mesa residents have regularly complained about the widespread use of banned fireworks, which also include firecrackers, with some saying their neighborhoods sound like war zones around the holiday.

But residents who dont want their celebrations hampered by what they see as overbearing and unnecessary rules skirt the law. Some, Jones said, genuinely dont realize the difference between legal and illegal types of fireworks, so he takes time to explain.

Costa Mesa police employed proactive measures leading up to the holiday this year in an effort to quell the use of illegal pyrotechnics in the city.

During undercover sting operations over the past three weeks, officers seized more than 2,000 pounds of illegal fireworks that were being sold online, according to the Police Department.

Cadets hung fliers in neighborhoods where people typically use illegal fireworks, and the department posted reminders and videos on social media and placed digital billboards at the entrances to the city to remind people of the zero-tolerance policy for illegal fireworks.

Still, banned devices filled the air with noise and light Tuesday, and officers were out in force trying to stop them.

As soon as one fireworks call was cleared, another popped up.

Seen from Officer Trevor Jones patrol car, safe and sane legal fireworks burn on the side of a Costa Mesa street on July 4. (Spencer Grant / For the Daily Pilot)

On Ross Street, a family sat on the roof of their home to watch as their neighbors set off mortars that lighted the sky in shades of green, white and red. Car alarms set off by the thunderous blasts sounded in the distance.

Nearby, two 14-year-old boys stood in a field of dry grass next to a park shooting off a roman candle  which ejects exploding shells  toward the second story of a house in front of them.

After a brief chat with Jones about the difference between legal and illegal fireworks and where to safely set off the legal ones, the boys handed over their stash of roman candles, which one of the boys told Jones he found in a trash can.

Did they know the difference? Jones said as he climbed back into his car. Probably not. Im not looking to bust these kids, but we try to educate them so they make better decisions when theyre older.

At about 9 p.m. at one home on the Westside, more than 50 people standing on the street setting off fireworks became angry when Jones pulled up to write citations and confiscate the contraband.

Aerial fireworks launched from the homes backyard exploded overhead as Jones, backed up by other officers, wrote tickets for two men and took what fireworks they were willing to hand over.

Officers dont have the authority to enter someones home without consent to search for illegal fireworks, which presents an enforcement challenge when people set them off in backyards, Jones said.

Theres not much we can do in that case, he said.

People in the crowd hollered every time a firework exploded above their heads. A few yelled profanities at the officers, while others questioned whether the police were planning to cite every person using illegal fireworks.

Its a question Jones is asked frequently.

We may not get them all, but were going to do the best we can, he said.

hannah.fry@latimes.com

Twitter: @HannahFryTCN
My housebound spouse was getting cranky; he clearly craved a breath of fresh mountain or desert air. I talked him into an ideal off-season combo for us: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, at the foot of the Cuyamaca mountains, paired with the wooded San Diego County hamlet of Julian. What I didnt confess upfront: Im a bit of a glutton for pie.

But I digress.

In early March we drove into the colorful patchwork of Anza-Borregos desert lilies, phacelia, dune evening primrose and purple verbena. Bonus viewing: the massive mythical and whimsical metal sculptures that dot the roads in Borrego Springs.

Then a winding drive up to Julian at 4,200 feet, and, yes, pie.

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The tab: $140 for a night at the cozy Julian Lodge, and $75 for meals and sweet treats (plus $64 for frozen take-home pies to share). No charge for the fresh air.

The bed

Our getaway stay was at the friendly Julian Lodge Bed and Breakfast (2720 C St., [760] 765-1420), steps from the compact downtowns historic buildings (ubiquitous plaques explain their colorful stories). The updated rooms feel old-timey, and our fellow guests shared their pie preferences at the sunny breakfast buffet.

The meal

Who says pie isnt a meal? OK, we enjoyed skillet trout and homemade cream of zucchini soup at the Julian Grille (2224 Main St., [760] 765-0173), where we people-watched through the front windows of this 1920s bungalow. But mostly we sampled sweets for two days. Winner, pie: the apple mountain berry crumb with cinnamon ice cream at Julian Pie Co. (2225 Main St., [760] 765-2449). Guess whos a new member of their Frequent Pie-r Club? And favorite cookie: the sugared pie crust cookie (which reminded my spouse of the ones his mother made) at Apple Alley (2122 Main St., [760] 765-2532), a homespun bakery and cafe.

The find

The must-reserve-ahead tour at the California Wolf Center (Tall Pine and KQ Ranch roads, Julian; [760] 765-0030), where we refreshed our understanding of wolf, dog and coyote history, apex predators, cooperative programs with ranchers  and got a close-up view of endangered Mexican gray wolves.

Lesson learned

I needed to walk off that pie, so we headed to the nearby hills. First up: Near the Stonewall Mine (where gold was discovered in the 1870s) we wandered along a quiet loop path above Lake Cuyamaca, past grazing deer and gangs (yes, really) of wild turkeys. Then, after another pie tasting session (more adventurous visitors to Julian can try the hard cider or wine tours) we headed to the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve, where a more strenuous hike under red-trunked manzanitas offered great vistas of the mountainous San Diego back country. Ready for more pie?
Can a hot cup of tea cool you down on a scorching afternoon in the desert? Several studies say it can, which means elegant afternoon tea services at some of Las Vegas classiest hotels are perfect for chilling out.

Wynn Las Vegas is the latest resort to offer a calming afternoon tea, a British tradition that typically includes sweet pastries, petite sandwiches and plentiful pots of tea.

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Guests can indulge in sweet and savory offerings at Wynns recently opened Terrace Lounge, located near the main entrance. The menu includes sandwiches that merge curried chicken salad with red grapes, plus freshly baked scones. (In keeping with the British custom, diners should first cover the scone with jam and then top it with clotted cream.)

The tea service is offered daily from 12 to 4 p.m. Its priced at $47 per person, with optional Champagne pairings at an additional cost.

Tea-infused cocktails are also available a la carte. The Tea-jito, for instance, combines Cruzan rum infused with herbal citrus-mint white tea, lime juice and club soda.

Reservations: Wynn Las Vegas, (702) 770-7000

Afternoon tea is a long-standing tradition at the Four Seasons Las Vegas. For $35 (or $50 with champagne), guests enjoy tea service at Verandah from 3 to 4 p.m.

There are organic black, green and herbal teas to sip while noshing on bites such as a sandwich of cucumber, grilled artichoke and olive tapenade on sourdough bread, plus pastries such as fig upside-down cake.

Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. Info: Four Seasons Las Vegas, (702) 632-5000

There are seatings for tea from 11:45 a.m. through 4:15 p.m. at the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas.

Guests are sure to be tempted by savoring offerings such as chicken curry, trumpet mushroom and Asian pear served in a sesame cone.

The service, priced at $40 (more with Champagne), comes with stunning views of the Strip.

Reservations: Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas, (888) 881 9367

But back to those studies about tea cooling you off. Ollie Jay of Canadas University of Ottawa told Smithsonian Magazine that drinking tea on a hot day  does result in a lower amount of heat stored inside your body, provided the additional sweat thats produced when you drink the hot drink can evaporate.

The practice of afternoon tea was started in the early 19th century by the seventh Duchess of Bedford after she complained of having a sinking feeling in the late afternoon. Thats according to the British website Afternoon Tea, which lists tea places throughout Britain.

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In Vegas, pot may now be legal. But dont even think about lighting up on the Strip

Check out Vegas remarkable public art, from Popeye to a winged jackalope

travel@latimes.com

@latimestravel
This photo by staff photographer Bruce Cox accompanied the following article in the June 25, 1964, Los Angeles Times:

Test engineer John Hand stepped confidently into an inferno of blazing gasoline Wednesday, and then stepped out unscathed  almost.

The aluminized fire protection suit which he was demonstrating to officials at the County Fire Dept. Test Center at 1320 N. Eastern Ave. had protected him from the 3,000-deg. flames, all right, but it had become a little singed in the process.

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Being something of a coward, I dont think Ill try it again, Hand admitted as he gazed apprehensively at a hole scorched in his flashy coveralls.

But the suit did what it was intended to, he added. I stayed cool as a cucumber in there.

The suit, developed for rescue work by Protection, Inc., of Los Angeles, is designed to give temporary protection to firemen working close to high temperature blazes, Hand said.

Two advantages over conventional asbestos suits are the relatively low cost and durability of the aluminized suit, he said.

Fire Chief Keith Klinger praised the new outfit, saying ones like it may well be the fire uniforms of the future.

Aluminized suits are in common use for fire protection today.

This post was originally published on Jan. 27, 2015.

See more from the Los Angeles Times archives here
When President Trump visited a NATO meeting and a Group of 7 summit on his first trip abroad as U.S. leader in May, some European leaders hesitated to say too much about his controversial views on such issues as trade, immigration and the environment.

But two months later, they appear more willing to make moves with or without affirmation from the U.S.

On Thursday, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and European Council President Donald Tusk announced a sweeping free trade agreement between the 28-nation European Union and Japan. When he took office in January, Trump canceled the Trans-Pacific Partnership, President Obamas free trade agreement with 11 Pacific Rim countries.

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The European Union has become a global point of reference on issues as diverse as climate change and terrorism, Juncker and Tusk said this week.

Among leaders attending the Group of 20 summit of industrialized nations in Hamburg, Juncker and Tusk arent the only ones who see Trumps recent rejection of the Paris agreement on climate change  which sets a cap on emissions thought to cause global warming  and multi-country free trade agreements as a chance for the continent to lead on those issues.

While we seek chances to cooperate for everyones benefit, globalization is seen in the American administration as a process which isnt about win-win situations but about winners and losers, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in an interview published Wednesday in the newspaper Die Zeit.

She told the German Parliament last week that it would be delusional if any leaders avoid working with other countries on global issues such as climate change and trade, which will be in focus during the leaders discussions on Friday and Saturday in Hamburg.

Merkel, who will lead the summit, has emerged as an advocate for globalization and free trade.

She has been more outspoken than most of her counterparts from other European countries. Her relationship with Trump quickly became fraught after he publicly criticized Germanys trade surplus this year and threatened to slap tariffs on German cars that are imported to the U.S.

Merkel and Trump met in Hamburg on Thursday. A German government spokesman said they discussed North Korea, the Middle East and the conflict in eastern Ukraine during their hourlong meeting in a hotel. German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson were also at the meeting.

We already know his different approach, we know what hes said, we know the uncertainty it has created, said Norbert Roettgen, a German member of Parliament from Merkels Christian Democratic Union party.

Some European member states dont believe anymore that Trump can redeem himself. They think there is not much to expect. Others might not expect much either but are not ready to play the America bashing game, said Pierre Vimont, an analyst at the Brussels-based think tank Carnegie Europe who was previously a French ambassador to the U.S.

But Trumps visit has highlighted fault lines dividing European countries, with Poland hosting him before the G-20 summit. Polish politicians touted the visit as a sign that the two countries have especially strong ties.

Ahead of Trumps one-on-one meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the G-20 summit on Friday, Eastern European countries were especially worried that any agreement between the two leaders could stir tension in the region.

Thousands of protesters marched in Hamburg on Thursday, calling for G-20 leaders to address such issues as climate change and economic problems worldwide. Authorities used water cannons to disperse some protesters who police said threw bottles and other objects.

Trump will return to Europe next week for a World War I anniversary ceremony with French President Emmanuel Macron, who recently advertised his own spin on Trumps campaign slogan: Even without the U.S. involved, the Paris climate agreement will make our planet great again, Macron said in an official video.

It was only days after returning from Europe in May that Trump announced he would take the U.S. out of the Paris agreement. European leaders have lined up to voice their disappointment in Trumps decision.

To some extent this second visit is a way of finding out if Trump is really sticking to his line or showing any opening on cooperating on trade and environmental agreements, Vimont said.

Leaders are expected to sign off on a new climate action plan on emissions during the summit. They are also set to discuss a list of growing political crises, including North Koreas missile tests.

Stupp is a special correspondent.

UPDATES:

2:45 p.m.: This article was updated with information on protests.

10:45 a.m.: This article was updated with information about the meeting between German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Trump.

This article was originally published at 9:55 a.m.
Muslim groups in Malaysia and Indonesia have called for a boycott of Starbucks because of the coffee chains support for LGBT rights.

Malaysian group Perkasa, which supports a hard-line form of Islam and nationalism, this week called on its more than 500,000 members to stay away from Starbucks coffee shops. This week and last, leaders of Indonesias second largest mainstream Muslim group, Muhammadiyah, with an estimated 29 million members, denounced the chain.

The groups were apparently reacting to comments made several years ago by former CEO Howard Schultz in support of gay rights that drew renewed attention amid an increasingly anti-LGBT climate in both of the predominantly Muslim countries.

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Perkasa said in a statement that the Malaysian government should revoke the trading license given to Starbucks and other companies such as Microsoft and Apple that support LGBT rights and same-sex marriage.

Amini Amir Abdullah, who heads Perkasas Islamic affairs bureau, said Muslims should stay away from Starbucks because its pro-gay rights policy is against Islam and Malaysias constitution.

Sodomy is illegal in Malaysia and punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Homosexuality is not illegal in Indonesia, the worlds most populous Muslim nation, but a case before the Constitutional Court is seeking to criminalize gay sex and sex outside of marriage.

A boycott Starbucks hashtag was briefly popular on Twitter in Indonesia, and shares of the company that operates Starbucks in the country fell sharply this week. But its stores in the capital, Jakarta, appeared as popular as ever.

Gavin Bowring, a Malaysia analyst at risk consulting company Eurasia Group, said the boycott was unlikely to amount to much but reflected a growing tendency toward conservatism and strict adherence to Islamic principles.

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Building by booby-trapped building, students work to reclaim Mosul University

Bedouins in the West Bank hold fast to their land  as pressure builds for them to leave

A schism among Syrian rebel fighters threatens to slow down the battle against Islamic State
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi capped a historic three-day visit to Israel on Thursday with a barefoot stroll along the Mediterranean shore with Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.

The two leaders exuberance for warming bilateral ties has taken the form of bear hugs, greetings on social media and pledges for increased trade and cooperation.

Modi and Netanyahu on Thursday paid their respects to Indian soldiers killed fighting with the British Army during World War I before taking a spin on the beach in an Israeli-designed mobile desalination buggy.

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The two sipped water produced by the machine, served in wine glasses, before Modi hitched up his pants and waded ankle-deep into the surf. Netanyahu did not roll up his slacks, which got soaked.

Israeli agriculture and water technologies have been a major draw for Indian investment and the subject of several deals signed during Modis visit.

India admires the success of [the] people of Israel in overcoming adversity to advance, innovate and flourish against all odds, Modi said Wednesday at a joint press conference highlighting water and agricultural technology.

Netanyahu touted Israels ties with the worlds most populous democracy as a marriage made in heaven, while Modi proclaimed that their goal was to build a relationship that reflects our shared priorities and draws on enduring bonds between our peoples.

Though India kept a frosty distance from Israel during the Cold War, aligning itself with the Soviets and favoring the Palestinian cause, the last two decades have seen New Delhi forge ever closer diplomatic and trade relations with Israel.

Bilateral trade has skyrocketed from $200 million in 1992, when India and Israel established diplomatic ties, to $4.16 billion in 2016, according to the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv. Even so, that figure remains far below Israels nearly $40 billion in annual bilateral trade with its largest partners, the United States and the European Union.

Both countries appear set on reducing that gap. Billions of dollars in Israeli arms sales to New Delhi have formed the bedrock of diplomatic detente.

Israel is Indias third-largest supplier of weapons after the United States and Russia. Earlier this year, Israels state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries announced over $2 billion in air and missile-defense contracts with India.

Modi and Netanyahu, both leaders of nationalist parties, said they discussed greater security cooperation, encompassing counterterrorism and cybersecurity. Amid a handful of high-level trade agreements, three Israeli defense firms announced a new deal to provide India with top-of-the-line combat drones.

Modis visit, the first by an Indian prime minister, marks 25 years of diplomatic relations. He visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial, embraced a boy whose parents were killed in a 2008 massacre in Mumbai carried out by Islamist militants, and addressed an ecstatic crowd of Indian Jews in Tel Aviv.

Modi did not meet with any Palestinian officials during his visit. Indian and Palestinian officials say there was no snub, noting that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas visited Modi in India in May.
All material is subject to strictly enforced copyright terms & conditions and cannot be repurposed or reproduced.  19882022 Latin American Financial Publications Inc.
Dodge Durango SRT starts at $64,090

Jul 6, 2017, 12:36pm ET

All customers will receive a one-day session at the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has announced pricing details for its new Dodge Durango SRT.

Billed as America's fastest and most powerful three-row SUV, the Durango SRT starts at $64,090 (including $1,095 freight). The price includes a one-day session at the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving in Chandler, Arizona.

With a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 under the hood, the SUV delivers 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Drivers can expect to launch from zero to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, while the NHRA has certified a quarter-mile time of 12.9 seconds.

Designers have broadened the Durango body to fit its 20x10-inch black wheels. The functional SRT hood contributes to its sporty appearance and helps cool the engine.

Selectable drive modes include a sport mode that slashes shift times an sends 65 percent of torque to the rear wheels. Switching to the track setting enables 160-millisecond shifts and a 70-percenet torque split to the rear.

The Durango SRT represents a savings of nearly $4,000 compared to the similarly equipped Grand Cherokee SRT. For the ultimate in performance and an 11.6-second quarter mile, the Jeep will soon be available with FCA's Hellcat V8.

Live images by Brian Williams.
Jul 5, 2017, 6:59pm ET

Hyundai retires Azera from US market

With sales down by 30 percent, the Azera exits as Hyundai attempts to further distinguish the premium Genesis brand from mainstream models.

The Hyundai Azera has been officially retired from the company's US portfolio for the 2018 model year.

The upscale sedan has struggled to maintain sales volume in recent years. Deliveries dropped by around 30 percent in the first half of 2017, cementing its status as the company's least-popular nameplate.

The Korean automaker suggests the Azera has become less relevant as the 2018 Sonata moved upmarket. Retiring the sedan also indirectly reinforces a multi-brand strategy, reducing overlap between Hyundai's mainstream offerings and the premium Genesis stable.

"Though distinct from the Hyundai brand, the Genesis brand continues to broaden the appeal of its mid-luxury G80 and premium luxury G90 models with attributes appealing to buyers holding the Azera on the periphery of purchase consideration," the company says.

The Azera will presumably live on in other markets as the Grandeur.
Jul 6, 2017, 11:37am ET

LeEco money troubles mount; founder resigns as assets frozen

Still the company\'s executive director and largest shareholder, Jia Yueting wants to focus his efforts on bringing Faraday Future\'s FF91 to market.

LeEco's billionaire founder, Jia Yueting, has resigned from his role as chairman as the company continued to face financial uncertainties.

Citing Chinese newspapers, Reuters suggests a Shanghai court recently froze $182 million in assets owned by LeEco or Jia.

"Please give LeEco some time, please give LeEco car some time, we will pay back creditors, suppliers and any other debts," he wrote on his WeChat social media account.

The controversial executive may have stepped down from CEO of the publicly traded company, however he will retain his position as executive director and remain its largest shareholder.

"Resigning from listed company CEO job and many other important roles is all aimed at making FF91 go to production and hit the market as soon as possible," he wrote, referring to Faraday Future's electric vehicle.

The move will undoubtedly raise even more questions as Faraday Future attempts to recruit investors to help fulfill its production ambitions. The company recently told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that it needs to raise $1 billion in financing to move forward with factory construction.
Spied: 2019 Kia K900 caught with a partially exposed interior

Jul 6, 2017, 11:45am ET

Kia\'s updated flagship soldiers on with a second generation.

The new 2019 Kia K900 was caught testing in California this week, where spies were treated to a look at its interior, which appears to be complete. These photos give us a peek beneath its extensive camouflage.

Kia and Hyundai have sent mixed messages when it comes to differentiating their luxury flagship models. Now that Hyundai no longer has the Equus in its lineup (thanks to a re-alignment moving it under the company's luxury arm, Genesis), Kia's luxury sedan has a bit more room to make an identity for itself.

It's an opportunity Kia seems to be embracing. The new K900 seems to be adopting a more upright nose (not unlike the new Kia GT Stinger's) and, judging by the hood camouflage, may also pick up some hood vents similar also seen on its smaller sibling.

Inside, we see a lot of luxurious carry-over cues from the current K900. There appears to be an abundance of stitched leather (see the doors, steering wheel and center console). The analog-style clock remains on the center console as well.

One new touch that caught our eye immediately is the unique steering wheel treatment. This wood-trimmed off-center-spoke design doesn't even appear to be a shared part with the new Genesis G90, which makes it a welcome differentiation for Kia's take on long-wheelbase luxury.

This is the second time the new K900 has been caught, and its exterior camo remains largely unchanged. We'll probably have to wait until next year (or perhaps Los Angeles at the earliest) to get a look at it undisguised, and we expect it will go on sale late in 2018 as a 2019 model. Stay tuned.

Photos by Brian Williams.
Jul 5, 2017, 3:58pm ET

Tesla Fremont factory labeled 'predator zone' by female workers

The company is currently fighting a lawsuit alleging \'pervasive harassment,\' unequal pay and retaliation for speaking out.

Tesla's Fremont factory is back in the spotlight as the company fights a lawsuit alleging "pervasive harassment" of female employees, according to a Guardian report.

Former engineer AJ Vandermeyden's lawsuit claims the company has failed to address complaints of gender discrimination. She claims female employees frequently have to deal with sexist comments from superiors, fewer promotions, lower pay and retaliation for raising concerns.

Vandermeyden argues that she was fired for speaking out, but Tesla claims she was terminated for "falsely attacking our company in the press," according to quotes published by the Guardian.

The report suggests some of the concerns were echoed by "more than 20 women" at a town hall meeting attended by 70-100 people, including CEO Elon Musk. One attendee allegedly labeled the factory a 'predator zone' for harassment.

The Guardian report includes excerpts from an e-mail sent from Musk to employees. Without addressing Vandermeyden by name, the executive bemoaned incidents in which workers from "a less represented group" were given a job or promotion "over more qualified highly represented candidates" and then decided to "sue Tesla for millions of dollars because they felt they weren't promoted enough."

Speaking to Jalopnik, Tesla claimed the Guardian falsely tied the email to Vandermeyden's dispute.

"This is taken out of context of the original email and it would be misleading to re-report that in your article," the company said.

The British newspaper not long ago published another feature focusing on complaints of unsafe working conditions at the Fremont factory. Musk responded by promising to personally visit the assembly line and perform any task that may have caused injury, promising to make the facility the safest auto factory in the world.
Jul 6, 2017, 10:37am ET

Toyota's new Plano, TX, headquarters officially opens

The opening marks the end of Toyota\'s move from California to Texas.

Toyota officially opened the doors on its new, $1-billion corporate headquarters in Plano, TX, Thursday, capping off a move from Torrance, CA, that began nearly three years ago.

Construction of the new headquarters facility alone took more than two years and prompted the relocation of some 3,000 employees. An additional thousand employees will be hired locally to fully staff the operation.

"The opening of our new headquarters in Plano is an extraordinary next step in Toyota's 60-year journey in the United States," Toyota North America CEO Jim Lentz said in the announcement.

With team members from four different companies together in one campus location, we believe this will inspire greater collaboration, innovation, and faster decision making as we turn to and lead the future of mobility, all with an eye on our customers," Lentz added.

The new facility sits on Toyota's 100-acre campus and boasts an 8.79-megawatt solar panel array, a 400,000-gallon rainwater harvesting system, and drought-resistant landscaping to suit the local Texas climate.

Toyota's new facility is just the beginning. The company plans to invest $10 billion elsewhere in its American operations over the next five years.
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Five people have been arrested after a man suffered a gunshot wound in a Leicestershire village at the weekend.

The injured man, 26, is in a stable condition in hospital following the shooting in Sileby, near Loughborough, in the early hours of Sunday.

Leicestershire Police confirmed he was treated for a gunshot wound during the incident in Gibson Road.

A force spokeswoman said the injury was not life-threatening or life-changing.

Inquiries are underway to determine how he came to be injured, she said.

The force said three men  aged 19, 25, and 26  and a 25-year-old woman were arrested at addresses in Skegness, Lincolnshire, on Tuesday.

Firearms officers were present during the arrests in the interest of officer and public safety, the force said.

The woman and the 19-year-old man have been released from police custody but remain under investigation.

The others remain in custody where they are being questioned by officers.

The fifth person, a 21-year-old woman, was arrested at an address in Loughborough this morning.

She has been taken into police custody.

In a statement, the force said: A 26-year-old man was injured in the incident and remains in hospital.

Inquiries are being made into how he sustained his injuries.
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Leicesters deputy mayor Rory Palmer is set to become a member of the European Parliament, it has emerged this evening.

Under the system used for European elections, the Eyres Monsell city councillor will automatically succeed Glenis Willmott, one of Labours East Midlands MEPs.

He ran in the European elections of 2014 but did not secure enough votes for automatic entry to the Parliament.

However, his name remained top of a list of candidates who would enter the legislature in the event of a fellow East Midlands MEP, of any party, standing down.

Ms Willmott has sat in the European legislature for almost 12 years.

In a statement today, she confirmed she is to stand down in October.

She said: It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as your MEP in the East Midlands and thank you for the fantastic support you have given me over the years.

Leicester South MP Jonathan Ashworth tweeted: GlenisWillmott retires in October. She has been a great champion for the East Midlands and a brilliant European Parliament Labour Party leader.

And congratulations to Rory Palmer who will succeed Glenis.

I know he will be a strong voice for us over these next two years in the EU.

The Leicester Mercury has not yet been able to contact Councillor Palmer.
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Seven people have been arrested this morning in a series of police raids targeting car crime.

Officers executed search warrants at addresses in the Braunstone area of Leicester in response to a series of thefts from vehicles in the past few weeks.

Many of the thefts have seen tools stolen from traders vehicles.

Some vehicles were outside their owners homes, while others were in car parks.

Leicestershire Police said warrants were executed in the Golf Course Lane area today.

Four men, aged 18, 25, 25 and 40, a 16-year-old youth and two women, aged 18 and 19, were arrested on suspicion of theft offences.

All were taken into custody.

The force said officers recovered a number of vehicles from the locations along with a quantity of power tools which they believe had been stolen.

Detective Inspector Helen Nurse said: While our inquiries continue into these incidents, we would like to take this opportunity to urge drivers to remove their belongings, including any tools and equipment from their vehicles.

Please lock your vehicles securely, and park them so they cant be accessed to deter thieves from breaking in or stealing them.

We would encourage anyone who has had tools stolen and hasnt contacted police to do so.

Any information you have such as serial numbers will help us reunite stolen property with its rightful owner.

Our officers are out in communities stressing the importance of keeping vehicles and contents secure, whether you park them at home or in a public place.

The force is running a number of initiatives to reduce vehicle crime, including additional officers patrolling hotspots and posting leaflets in public areas, such as local hotels.
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Two care home workers have been suspended and an investigation launched after a photograph appeared on social media apparently showing them asleep on duty.

The picture, posted on a Twitter account called Good Carer last week, was said to have been taken at the Westroyd Care Home in Shepshed.

An investigation into the incident has now been launched by the homes owner, the agency who supplied the care workers, Leicestershire County Councils safeguarding service and the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The home is split into two units, the House and the Lodge. The House provides care for elderly people while the Lodge cares for people living with dementia.

A spokesman for Four Seasons Health Care, which runs Westroyd Care Home, said: When we saw the photograph we notified the Leicestershire County Council safeguarding team and the CQC and instigated a joint investigation together with the care staffing agency, which is still on-going.

Meanwhile the agency workers in the photograph are suspended from working in the home.

He added: If any carer was napping while they should be looking after elderly residents, that would be a serious disciplinary matter.

However, it would be wrong to make assumptions and the investigation needs to establish whether the people in the photograph were meant to be on duty at that time or were on a break and whether they were actually asleep.

(Image: Google Maps)

He said members of the companys senior regional team is currently checking to make sure policies and procedures were being correctly followed to ensure the welfare of residents.

The spokesman said Four Seasons Health Care had a whistle-blowing policy which encouraged residents, relatives and staff to flag up any concerns about care or the conduct of colleagues.

Fosse Healthcare, an agency which provides nurses and health care assistants to hospitals and homes, confirmed that the two workers pictured were currently suspended.

A spokesman said: We were informed of a complaint against two members of Fosse's staff regarding a shift at a Four Seasons Care Home on June 26.

As a result we have commenced a full review of the complaint, including interviewing the individuals involved.

He added: As a matter of policy the two members of staff were immediately suspended from work while we complete our review.

Leicestershire County Council which is responsible for making sure vulnerable adults are cared for properly, has also been told about the alleged incident.

A council spokesman said: Clearly, this is a concern, and we are aware that the owners of the care home have taken immediate action.

We will work closely with them and the CQC in ensuring the safety and well-being of residents, which is always our priority.
The search is underway to find Irelands best young entrepreneurs of 2018!

If you are aged between 18 and 35 and either have a business idea or have already started a business, enter #IBYE today for your chance to win a share of the 50,000 county investment fund available to young entrepreneurs in Laois or the even larger fund available for winners of the national categories.

Its free to enter and there are also hundreds of places on Business Bootcamps to be won.

Last year, more than 180 young entrepreneurs won investment funding of between 3,000 and 15,000 each for their business through #IBYE.

Apply online before the closing date  Friday, September 29th. Entries can be made online at the #IBYE website

Last year Kelly Lou Ging of Kelly Lou Cakes reached the National Final of the competition.

Kelly Lou was the winner in her category of Best Established Business for her well known Kelly Lou Cakes, based in Portlaoise.

Her fellow competitors - Francis Cosgrave of Sonrimor Ltd and Alan Meredith of Alan Meredith Studio featured in the Best Business Idea and Best Business Start-up categories respectively.
Laois County Councillors have called on the Minister for Communication, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughton, to retain full services and jobs in Portlaoise Mail Centre.

After a recent warning by An Post to staff of drastic cost cutting measures, a letter has been sent to the Minister at the request of Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald, asking that the full service provided in Portlaoise be maintained into the future, given the economic consequences for Portlaoise and its environs.

Speaking to the Leinster Express, Cllr Fitzgerald said the sorting office was a fantastic business in Portlaoise.

I want to make sure the Minister knows the amount of productivity in Portlaoise Mail Centre, and the level of expertise there. They employ a lot of temporary staff at Christmas. It is one of the best in the country, she said.

Her motion was seconded by Cllr Willie Aird, who called it our Intel.

We need to ensure it is safeguarded. It is a huge employer. There were rumours they were closing Athlone but that was scuppered because it is in the Ministers constituency. If they take letters away, it puts pressure on the centre in Portlaoise, he said.

He asked for a letter to also go to Minister Flanagan.

Staff were warned of cost cuts by An Post CEO David McRedmond last April.

An Post is considering the removal of letter sorting at Portlaoise mail centre, and to concentrate instead on more profitable parcel sorting.

It may also close two of its four sorting centres, at Portlaoise, Athlone, Cork and Dublin, with more than 400 rural post offices also under threat of closure.
The ORourke Ballet school in Kildare are hosting a raffle for a very special girl in the school, Clodagh Daly on July 15 next.

Clodagh was born on 31 October 2012. At five-weeks-old she was diagnosed with Stage 4S Neuroblastoma a form of paediatric cancer. She is in the high risk category for Neuroblastoma.

Clodagh is the daughter of Tammy from Newbridge and John, an instructor in the artillery school in the Curragh Camp, from Cork. The school is appealing for local businesses to donate to the raffle.

Her favourite hobby is ballet and she'll be performing in a show with the school on July 15, said school owner Alibhe ORourke.

We are hoping to have a raffle at the show to fund her treatments so are appealing to all local businesses to donate anything possible.

Clodagh is currently undergoing multi-phase treatment in Crumlin Childrens Hospital, Dublin, in the care of an exceptional team of Doctors and Nurses.

Neuroblastoma is described as a cancer that generally only affects children under 5 years of age. Due to the peculiarities of Clodagh's individual case, who was first diagnosed at a few weeks old, there is an extremely high (70%) chance of relapse, should she be declared cancer-free the first time round. In 2014 Clodagh was treated by way of a clinical trial at Helen De Vos Childrens Hospital in Michigan to prevent a relapse and eradicate the cancer at stem cell level.

READ MORE Fundraiser for baby Clodagh's treatment in Amercia

However according to medical experts relapsed Neuroblastoma returns many times more aggressive and potent than it originally was. Because of this, currently in Ireland there is only very limited treatment options offered to relapsed Neuroblastoma cases.

Experimental therapies are being developed in other countries that could potentially offer hope to Neuroblastoma patients and their families but these are very expensive. Despite the cost, which even at conservative estimates is in the hundreds of thousands, one of these experimental therapies may some day be Clodagh's only chance of survival.

Clodagh's mom and dad, Tammy and John, are now reaching out to get all the help they can, to give their little girl the best possible chance at a normal, healthy and cancer-free life.
A Kildare couple are joining RTE television host and hotelier Francis Brennan on his latest Grand Tour, where he takes a group of paying guests on the surprise trip of a lifetime.

The Leaders Kilmeade Notes correspondent, Kay Lawler, writes:

Faraway places with strange sounding names for Gearoid and Nuala May from Fontstown who will light up the screens on RTE 1 television on Sunday next, 9 July, when Francis Brennans Vietnam Grand Tour will air.

The programme was filmed last April with Francis leading a party of twelve, including our two intrepid Kilmeadeites, who followed the very popular hotelier and his distinctive flag for two weeks.

Nuala and Gearoid hadnt a clue of their destination until they arrived in Dublin Airport. A three thousand kilometre trip, kicking off in Hanoi, capital city of Vietnam, awaited them.

They then headed west to the idyllic rural retreat of Mai Chau and from there they travelled northeast to cruise around the magical islands of Halong Bay, then south to Ho Chi Minh City, notorious for its seven and a half million motorbikes (I wonder did Gearoid and Nuala have a go)? The tour continued further south to the Mekong Delta, before taking in the floating markets of Can Tho City.

The Vietnam 'Grand Tourers' - photo via RTE

The 2017 group, twelve paying guests, ranged in ages from 23 to 80, a challenge for Francis to put together an itinerary to suit all ages, and with the tropical climate of Vietnam, this surely tested the stamina of all of them.

Nuala is not giving too much away apart from just saying what a beautiful country they visited, so we will have to wait and see what unfolds over the next six weeks. So, make sure you tune in next Sunday night at 8.30p.m. RTE 1 television.

Im really interested to see if Gearoid, the possessor of a fine singing voice, will warble in Vietnam. They say its a long long way from Clare to here... but it surely is a long long way from Fontstown to Ho Chi Minh City, so for all of the Kilmeadeites who will be glued to the TV next Sunday, we look forward to being transported from our living rooms to Vietnam for half an hour every week for the next six weeks.

Beir bua Gearoid and Nuala.
The mother of a 36-year-old woman with severe psychiatric problems has thanked the local District Court judge for helping to get her daughter into the Central Mental Hospital.

The woman has been charged with assault causing harm on at the Accident and Emergency Department of Naas District Hospital on June 10 last, and of assault at the hospitals Lakeview Psychiatric Unit on March 1.

When the case was called at Naas District Court on July 5, Garda Inspector Patsy Glennon said at the outset that the State is alleging that the woman tried to suffocate another person by putting a plastic bag over their head. There were other people in the waiting room in the A&E where the incident took place at the time.

The Court was told that if the incident had gone on for another minutes she could be facing serious charges.

Judge Desmond Zaidan was told that the woman was not fit to attend Court.

Her mother then took the stand and said her daughter was in the Central Mental Hospital in Dublin and needed ongoing psychiatric treatment.

The mother said her daughter had a bipolar disorder, which was diagnosed when she was 18 years old.

The mother said doctors had decided her daughter was not bipolar but had a personality disorder and had taken her off previous medication days before the incident on June 10.

The mother said she met with the doctors and wanted to get her daughter help and keep her safe. Something will happen to her or she will do something, the mother said she told the doctors. They said we will do something when it happens.

The Court was told the woman was pregnant and there was a question over whether she got pregnant when in the psychiatric unit.

She had attended Lakeview initially because of a number of overdoses. She had also cut herself.

The mother said originally doctors had diagnosed bipolar schizophrenic condition. He daughter has all sorts of treatment, including electric shock.

Three days before the alleged incident she was in Lakeview but they had no bed for her.

Since she was taken the the Central Mental Hospital, it appeared as if she had stabilized, said the mother.

She told Judge Zaidan: I am here to day to to say thanks for getting her to where she can get properly assessed and a plan put in place for her.

The mother said long term treatment was the way forward.

Judge Zaidan said they will not keep someone in the Central Mental Hospital unless they are seriously unwell.

He adjourned the case for two weeks.

The mother asked for a months adjournment.

Judge Zaidan said that his hands were by the law, which, applied to this case, he described as ridiculous.

He said he could only adjourn the case for two weeks and then, if appropriate, at that stage, for another two weeks.

He said the woman may not fit to give instruction to her defence team.

He adjourned the matter to July 19.
A young man who appeared at Naas District Court today (July 6) was attacked by another prisoner after evidence of his case was given.

Justin Geoghegan, of 19 Glenkeen Park, Fair Green Village in Portlaoise was charged with an alleged incident of assault causing harm to his mother, Fiona Geoghegan, and criminal damage to property at 52 Hazelwood Manor, Block C, Newbridge on February 5 2016.

Mr. Geoghegan pleaded guilty and was remanded to a week in custody until Thursday July 13, and as he sat down in Court, another man in custody struck him in the face.

The 27-year-old was bleeding heavily and was ordered by Judge Desmond Zaidan to be brought to hospital immediately.

The man who punched Mr. Geoghegan was in custody on 15 charges.

He was dragged from the courthouse by Gardai.

Judge Desmond Zaidan said he was shocked by it.

Ive said it so many times about security in this courthouse. What happened shouldnt have happened. To be assaulted in that way in a courtroom is unacceptable. Nobody has a right to do that. Its wrong.

Judge Zaidan told Inspector Mel Smyth that the Gardai and Priosn Service need to review the way people in custody are dealt with, to which Inspector Smyth said he will be sending a report out this evening.
The Liberal MP who tried to introduce a bill which would have given referenda to Scotland and Wales on devolution back in the early 70s has died at the age of 90 at his home in Newtonmore.

James Davidson represented the constituency of Aberdeenshire West from 1966-70 when he stood down for family health reasons.

His funeral will take place at St Brides Church, Newtonmore at 12 noon on Friday 14 July.

From Wikipedia:
The Lib Dems were praised today by Politics.co.uk editor Ian Dunt over shadow Brexit Secretary Tom Brakes comments on the Brexit Bill.

Tom said:

Last year the Government estimated that an EU-Japan Free Trade Deal could be worth 5 billion annually to the UK economy  roughly 200 per household. Sadly, by the time the agreement with Japan gets fully ratified, it is very likely the UK will be out of the EU.

Despite a change in public opinion, the Prime Minister still insists on pursuing an economically illiterate hard Brexit, which will cost us this deal as well as access to the EUs existing pool of trade deals with 54 other countries.

Whilst the EU continues to strike trade deals with major economies around the world, Liam Fox and his team have so far failed to secure a single commitment, despite racking up 240,000 in taxpayer-funded air miles.
Jamie Stone completed the quartet of Liberal Democrat Commons maiden speeches today. Watch it here:

Note the tribute to Charles Kennedy and the illustrious people who contested the seat in centuries gone by.

Thank you for calling me to speak, Madam Deputy Speaker, and may I congratulate you on your appointment?

It is a great honour to speak in this House. I am the first member of my Stone family ever to be elected as an MP, and standing here I like to think of my mother and father looking down on me with pride. I also owe sincere thanks to my wife Flora and my three children. Without their support and great help, the likelihood of my being elected to this place would have been rather smaller.

It is customary for new Members to mention their predecessors. Dr Paul Monaghan is a passionate nationalist and while here he took a close interest in middle east matters, the welfare of former inhabitants of the Chagos islands and, in particular, animal welfare. That is his record. I acknowledge it and thank him for it.

In addition, I really must mention my great friend who once represented part of my constituency, the late Charles Kennedy. He is much missed and will never be forgotten, by me in particular. I was for a time his constituency chairman.

Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross is the second largest and most remote constituency on the UK mainland. For that reason it presents special challenges to the Scottish and UK Governments. Sparsity of population, distance and severe winter weather all necessitate taking a different approach to the delivery of vital services. What works in Surrey or Glasgow is not necessarily going to work at all where I come from.

For that reason, recent changes to local maternity services in my constituency, which involve greatly increased numbers of pregnant mothers having to make a 200-mile round trip to Inverness, are causing great concern. Therefore, within the rules of this House pertaining to devolved Scottish Government matters such as health, I give notice that that issue is of the greatest importance to me and that I shall use my role as an MP to do everything in my power to address it.

Equally, lack of access to suitably fast broadband is proving to be a drag anchor to many local businesses in my constituency. That is particularly unfortunate when we are trying to promote tourism in this most beautiful area. The importance of operating efficiently online cannot be over-exaggerated. If local tourist businesses are to compete in a global market, they depend on that type of service. Again, I give notice of the importance of the subject to me and, given the opportunity, I will have much to say about it in the future.

My constituency and its constituent parts have an interesting history. For instance, I am absolutely prepared to bet that Members do not know that he whose portrait hangs among others in the Strangers Dining Roomthe Whig leader, Charles James Foxwas the Member for my hometown of Tain in Easter Ross. In the 1784 general election, Fox fought a particularly energetic campaign to win his seat here, by which I mean Westminster, which he represented. He was helped by the great beauty of her age, Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, who was strongly suspected to have been his lover at the time, but it was absolutely to no electoral avail. Owing to a legal challenge, the result lay unconfirmed for over a year. Fox strongly suspected that his distant cousin George III and Pitt the Younger lay behind this evil stratagem, and it served only to deepen his dislike for George III. But Fox had cunning friends, who dreamed up a wheeze. They made him a burgess of Kirkwall in Orkneya burgess is a freemanand because of that he was very quickly duly elected to the pocket burgh of Tain and the Northern Burghs. And so he represented my home town until his Westminster result was ultimately cleared, after which he resigned.

>Would that my own efforts to be elected to represent my home town had been as easy of those of Charles James Fox. I could elaborate on the fact that Malcolm MacDonald stood for my constituency. Indeed, the uncle of the right hon. Member for Mid Sussex (Sir Nicholas Soames), one Randolph Churchill, also contested the seat. Given the time available, however, I will save that for another day.

I am sorry that the hon. Member for Na h-Eileanan an Iar (Angus Brendan MacNeil) is not here today, because I want to quote some Gaelic to amuse your good self, Madam Deputy Speaker, and to test Hansard. We have a saying:

Togar carn mor de chlachan beaga,

which means:

The mighty cairn is built of little stones.

I do hope that this particular stonemyselfmay play a suitable part in the mighty cairn that is democracy in this special place.
A MAN who received a five-year suspended sentence for his role in an aggravated burglary in County Limerick wrote to gardai eight months later offering to help with their investigations.

The trial of two men who are charged with aggravated burglary and falsely imprisoning three pensioners in Ballyluddy, Pallasgreen, five years ago is continuing at Limerick Circuit Court.

Alongside both those accused, a third man is also pleading not guilty to a separate case of aggravated burglary and false imprisonment at Sunville House, Pallasgreen, on April 16, 2012.

The jury heard this Wednesday that William Gammell, 32, was arrested on June 6, 2012, in relation to the aggravated burglary at the Creed family home in Ballyluddy, Pallasgreen on May 31, 2012.

On July 20, 2014, Gammell received a five-year sentence, which was suspended, for that offence.

Sergeant Mike Reidy, of Henry Street garda station, gave evidence that on the morning of April 9, 2015, while he was stationed at Bruff garda station, he received a hand-written letter in his postal tray from Gammell.

He told the court that Gammell wrote that he wished to declare that he was willing to help gardai in the Creed family case or in any investigation.

Gardai called to his house to confirm that he had left the note in the garda station, and Sgt Reidy said Gammell was willing to make a voluntary statement regarding his knowledge of the case and his involvement. He presented to Bruff garda station that afternoon for interview.

Anthony Sammon, SC, for one of the accused, put it to Sgt Reidy that Gammell had claimed that he was beaten by gardai who attended his house on June 6, 2012, when 11 gardai called to his home, including members of the Regional Support Unit, as part of their investigations.

Mr Sammon said that Gammell had alleged that he was badly beaten, kicked, punched and stomped on the face.

Sgt Reidy said that he never witnessed any assault, and that if he had observed any injuries he would have called for medical assistance.

At no stage was it communicated to me that he was assaulted as outlined, he told the court.

The court earlier heard that the three elderly Creed siblings living in the home were left battered and covered in blood after two armed and masked men burst into their isolated farmhouse and robbed them.

The two accused in the Creed case, Patrick, 52, and Philip Roche, 24, who both reside at Kilcronan Close, Clondalkin, Dublin, deny the aggravated burglary and false imprisonment charges at the home of William, Nora, and Christina Creed, at Ballyluddy, Pallasgreen, Co Limerick, on May 31, 2012.

A third accused, Alan Freeman, 37, of Pearse Park, Tipperary Town, who is on trial for the Sunville burglary, has denied the charge, alongside Patrick and Philip Roche.

One of them rushed at me and knocked me to the ground, Willie Creed, 79, told gardai. He was stabbing me on the head with a screwdriver. There was blood running down along my face.

The court heard the three pensioners were beaten, tied up, and threatened their throats would be cut if they didnt hand over cash.

The Creeds told gardai the raiders were armed with a butchers knife, a screwdriver, sticks, and iron bars.

They asked for money and they said they knew we had three pensions and a lot of land, Willie Creed told gardai. They told us they would cut our throats. One of them said hed cut off my hands.

Chrissie Creed, 77, told gardai she was saying prayers in her bedroom when she heard her sister Nora screaming. She said when she came out of her bedroom she saw two men standing over (Nora), and Willie had blood on his head.

She said she tried to phone her brother Tommy for help, but one of the raiders grabbed the phone and threw it to the ground. He laid into me, hitting me. He threw me across the room. I thought they were going to kill us, she told gardai.

The court heard the Creeds had saved up 5,000 to pay for work on the farm, but this had been stolen in the burglary.

During the aggravated burglary at Sunville House, Pallasgreen, on April 16, 2012, Ann and Gerry Garvey and three of their four children were held at gun point at their home by a three-man armed and masked gang. The trial continues.
AN OUT-OF-USE shop unit in William Street in Limerick city is set to become a new Credit Union branch.

The former Currys/PC World unit at 67 William Street has been closed since 2015.

But now, the Caherdavin and District Credit Union has sought planning permission to refurbish the premises.

There will also be new signage above the door.

The move has been welcomed by both local councillor John Costelloe and Mags Brown, the voluntary Caherdavin community centre manager, who said it is a good sign their local credit union is growing.

In supporting documents to the council, the architect Healy and Partners states the Caherdavin Credit Union is planning to refurbish and refit the entire unit at the ground and first floors to suit the needs of their banking services to the local community.

They say the premises represents an ideal fit for the Caherdavin Credit Unions activities.

Among other reasons, this is because existing staff amenities, canteen and sanitary facilities need no amendment for staff needs.

Speaking to the Limerick Leader, Ms Brown said: The Credit Union is a core supporter of our community. We should support this venture wholeheartedly. Its a good sign the Credit Union is growing, as were all shareholders in it.

Cllr Costelloe also welcomed the news  but expressed concerns over parking at William Street.

It will mean there is more footfall and traffic for the area. My only concern would be around parking in the area. A lot of people double park in William Street and it can be a nightmare at times, he said, That said, the Credit Union is one of Irelands greatest institutions.

Currys/PC World closed in 2015, and has only been used sporadically since then, for seasonal pop-up stores.

The most recent occasion it was in use was for Halloween back in October.
MORE than 200 people have contacted Limerick City and County Council to have their say on the 9m improvement works to OConnell Street.

Over a two-week period, the local authority invited feedback on the plans, which will see Limericks main street transformed.

The councils preferred design sees a reduction of traffic to just one lane, and the creation of a public plaza at the Crescent.

On top of this, taxi ranks will be shifted to side streets, with another focal point located at the junction of Bedford Row, Thomas Street and OConnell Street.

But many people have criticised the local authority for not being bold enough with the scheme.

Social entrepreneur John Moran, the Rubberbandits and Copenhagen-based architect Mick Bradley co-signed a letter urging council members to be more ambitious in the design.

Our#liveablelimerick Superblock concept. Commute to edge, wander through on foot/bike with WAV/delivery access and a rapid orbital shuttle. pic.twitter.com/MqBHMknTCp  John Moran (@moranjohna1) June 30, 2017

One ambitious submission from Ruby Sundays cafe, based at 84 OConnell Street, in the heart of Georgian Limerick, suggested putting a roof over the main street and some surrounding roads.

Submission to @LUCROCLimk Let's Be Brave Put A Roof Over Limerick & have all our futures covered..... pic.twitter.com/fAKCwDc6Bs  Ruby Sundays (@RubySundays) June 30, 2017

This leaves an urban pedestrianised green living zone from OConnell Street to the Thomas Street junction to OConnell Street to Hartstonge Street junction with the middle part of OConnell Street roofed. In doing so, we create a community area, a culture area, a city living decorated with cafes, craft business, boutiques, bars, businesses and restaurants thats both green and roofed.

Metropolitan mayor Cllr Sean Lynch urged the inclusion of accessible toilets on the main street must be included.

When we are doing the public realm, we must make sure there are toilets there which are fit for purpose. Some people looking at them may appear fine, but they may have hidden disabilities, so its important to make sure when we are consulting, we keep in mind people with disabilities and the elderly. I want to be a champion for people with disabilities, the mayor said.

A spokesperson for the Council said that 195 physical submissions had been received, but when the views expressed through Twitter using the #LiveableLimerick hashtag had been added in, this climbs to well over 200.

They said the local authority is delighted with the level of engagement.

It shows that people are taking an interest in the development of Limerick and we value their input, the spokesman added.

Each submission will now be assessed and will form part of the design review for the reimaging of OConnell Street.
AN award of 10.6m to a young Limerick woman who has been left paralysed after contracting a rare disease is not excessive given her catastrophic injuries, her family has said.

Patricia Ingle, 28, spent over 1,000 days in hospital when she was left paralysed and brain-damaged when she contracted a disease, allegedly from a parrot in a pet store in Limerick, in 2008.

Nine years on, her family said that she continues to require a mini-industry of health professionals for her 24-hour care. She remains dependent on a ventilator, has to be tube fed, is in a wheelchair, and requires constant care.

Ms Ingle has received four payments since 2011 now totalling 10.6m, varying from 1.9m to 3.7m, as well as a payment of 3m for the next three years, which was approved in the High Court this week by Mr Justice Kevin Cross. Further payments to Ms Ingle will be reviewed again in 2020, her family confirmed.

It was claimed she suffered her injuries after contracting chlamydia psittacosis  an airborne infection which can be transferred from birds to humans  while working at the Petmania store at Ennis Road, in 2008. She also alleged her condition was negligently mismanaged by the HSE.

It looks and sounds like an awful lot of money but Patricia's injuries were catastrophic and it all goes to her care, said her father Pat.

She requires care 24/7, including a care nurse and a health care assistant, night and day. She has also requires speech therapy, a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist and a psychologist.

Her speech has improved greatly, and she is able to come off the ventilator for some time during the day, but remains constantly on it at night, he explained.

Mum Annette Ingle said her daughter would give anything not to be in a wheelchair, but unfortunately theres nothing we can do about that.

Shes a great girl. There really is no stopping her. She keeps trying and refuses to give up. She has sessions with her therapists every day, except at the weekends, because she needs a break too. We were told that Patricia would never be able to come off a ventilator and be able to breathe on her own again, but she has done that and she is the one who instigates everything, she told the Limerick Leader.

Patricia has said I could be angry but what's the point, as I wouldn't have any life then.

She said her daughter also wishes to help others in rehabilitation, especially those who are losing hope, and give talks to nurses and carers.

She has repeatedly expressed her wish to speak to those in Dun Laoghaire rehabilitation centre, and her attitude is 'I have wheels and can travel.'

She said her daughter is now frequently recognised in public, following her TV appearances and the publication of her book, 'I am Free', which was launched by broadcaster Miriam O'Callaghan.

Her plans of building her dream home in Murroe, Co Limerick, on a site most suitable to her unique and self-evident needs are currently before An Bord Pleanala, following a single objection.

Upon her release from hospital, Patricia had three wishes - to write a book about her journey to recovery, to have a party and to build a house. She has now fulfilled two of those wishes.

She also hopes to travel to Florida on holiday, as she was due to travel there just before she fell ill.

It was all booked and paid for. It was our gift to her. She wants to continue what she was planning to do up to that time. Flying to Florida would be a big logistical operation, and we dont know how well do that yet.

Despite her medical difficulties, she said Patricia tries to live as normal a life as possible. She goes to concerts and on weekends away, loves cooking with an assistant and has taken up art.

One of her paintings, which she posted online, is of a ballerina dancing in the rain, underneath an umbrella, with the caption: Life isnt about waiting for the storm to pass  its about learning to dance in the rain.

She has also posted videos on YouTube detailing her progress, showing her attempts to stand up and raise her leg. Simple I know, but not for me yet, she wrote. This August 5 marks the six-year anniversary since her release from hospital.
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Brendt Christensen (middle) , the 28-year-old Illinois man charged with kidnapping Zhang Yingying, and the two images sketched by Lin Yuhui. [Photo/People's Daily Online]

Champaign, Illinois -- Brendit Christensen, charged with kidnapping a visiting Chinese scholar, will be held without bond until trial, ruled a federal judge on Wednesday.

During the second hearing, which lasted about 25 minutes, US Magistrate Judge Eric Long said that Christensen, 28, presents a danger to the community and the risk of non-appearance at future court proceedings.

Christensen, a master's degree holder in physics from the University of Illinois, was arrested on June 30 for reportedly kidnapping Zhang Yingying. Zhang has not been found and police believe she is no longer alive. Sunday marks one month since her disappearance.

According to the allegations in the federal criminal complaint made public during Wednesday hearing, Christensen reportedly talked about the ideal kidnapping victim while under surveillance and there's audio of him describing how Zhang fought and resisted after he brought her back to his Champagne apartment. He also allegedly threatened another person to whom he had made incriminating statements.

"The facts speak to the very danger the defendant presents to the community," Assistant US Attorney Bryan Freres said. "The circumstances of the case indicate the defendant used violence."

China's acting Consulate-General in Chicago Liu Jun said the consulate spoke with the FBI after the hearing on Wednesday and requested them to step up efforts and find Zhang as soon as possible. "This is the most urgent task at the moment," Liu said. "They have put in the best detectives and are working on the case around the clock. But it does take time."

Liu said the consulate will keep following the case and keep focus on two demands of Zhang's family members: finding Zhang as soon as possible and bringing those responsible to justice.

The FBI, the University of Illinois Police Department, the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement are investigating the case. Assistant US attorneys Freres and Eugene Miller are prosecuting the case.

Christensen's defense attorney Evan Bruno said outside the courthouse that the defense team wasn't surprised by the outcome of the hearing. "In a case like this it's not unusual for bail to be denied," Bruno said.

Christensen's attorneys argued for a bail during the hearing, saying that keeping Christensen in the Macon County Jail, which is about an hour away, put them at a disadvantage. "We just wanted the judge to take that into consideration when determining whether this defendant would have the ability to meet with us and work on his case," said Tom Bruno, Christensen's another attorney.

"It's not real evidence at all yet," said Bruno when asked about the evidence presented against Christensen. "One of the founding principles of the American system of justice is the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses against you.  We're entitled to test that evidence to see if it's reliable."

Members of Zhang's family attended the second hearing on Wednesday and the first hearing on Monday. Christensen in prison jumpsuit remained silent at the hearing.

A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for July 14, but it could be waived if the grand jury returns an indictment before then.
BERLIN - Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Thursday that Beijing hopes Seoul can attend to China's major concerns and handle relevant issues properly so as to clear the obstacles for the development of bilateral ties.

Xi made the remarks while meeting with his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in here ahead of a G20 summit in the northern German port city of Hamburg.
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Political events in the Bay Area

Fundraiser: The Ladies of the Resistance are hosting a benefit for the American Civil Liberties Union. The event is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Spark Social San Francisco, 601 Mission Bay Blvd. N. For information: www.facebook.com /events/1786441441667992

Documentary: A screening of Get in the Way on Georgia Democratic Rep. John Lewis work advancing civil rights in the 1960s and his other efforts to enact change nonviolently. The film will begin at 1:30 p.m. at Niles Discovery Church, 36600 Niles Blvd., Fremont. For information: http://bit.ly/2tLLsum

Peace talk: The East Bay and San Francisco branches of Womens International League for Peace and Freedom present historian, author and activist Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, who will discuss the history of wars and gun violence and possible solutions. The free event is from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Eric Quezada Center, 518 Valencia St., San Francisco. For information: www.wilpfeastbay.org

Israel/Palestine: The Jewish Voice for Peace and the American Friends Services Committee discuss human rights in Israel and the Palestinian territories, and how to confront prejudice in the United States. The talk begins at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo, 300 E. Santa Inez Ave. For information: www.sanmateopeaceaction.org

Environmental action: A conversation with the Sierra Clubs executive director and local environmental justice groups on what people can do to take action against President Trumps environmental agenda. The event is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the International Hotel Manilatown Center, 868 Kearny St., San Francisco. For information: http://bit.ly/2rWxPUs

Health care film: A free screening of Now Is the Time: Healthcare for Everybody and discussion on single-payer health care. The event is at 7 p.m. at Or Shalom Jewish Community, 625 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco. For information: (415) 469-5564 or www.orshalom.org
Bill Evers, a San Francisco attorney who co-founded the League to Save Lake Tahoe and served as head of the Mayors Office of Economic Development under both George Moscone and Dianne Feinstein, has died.

Mr. Evers died June 28 at his home in Pacific Heights after a short illness. He was 90, and he had still been driving to work at his law office on Van Ness Avenue.

During a long and distinguished career, Mr. Evers switched between private practice and public service. He was a partner in law firms Pettit, Evers & Martin and Evers & Hendrikson, and was there at the start of the Planning and Conservation League and People for Open Space, later renamed the Greenbelt Alliance. He also served a term as chairman of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission.

An activist in eradicating urban blight, he chaired the Citizens Committee for Sign Improvement, which successfully fought to get free-standing billboards removed from residential neighborhoods in San Francisco, in the 1960s.

Mr. Evers was involved in the opening of the Alpine Meadows ski area, which opened in 1961, and Boreal Ridge, which opened in 1964.

When you are super energetic and you live 90 years, you get a lot of stuff done, said his son Elliot Evers, a San Francisco investment banker. He was a man of incredible integrity, curiosity and love.

Willam Dohrmann Evers was born May 6, 1927, a fourth-generation Californian. On his mothers side, the Dohrmann family owned and operated the Emporium department store. His father, Albert John Evers, was a noted San Francisco architect with the firm Ashley and Evers. Among his designs was the long-gone Hamms Brewery, noted for its twinkling sign of a glass filling with golden beer.

Mr. Evers grew up in Ross and then his family moved to San Francisco, where he graduated from Lowell High School in 1945. He rowed crew for Yale, class of 1949, and graduated from Boalt Hall law school at UC Berkeley in 1952.

Mr. Evers soon took a position as a legal assistant with the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington. While there in 1957, Mr. Evers hit on his legacy idea during a dinner with Jim McClatchy, publisher of the Sacramento Bee. They had both grown up spending summers on the west shore of Lake Tahoe and were concerned about development of its shoreline.

By the end of the dinner, they had shaken hands to form the Tahoe Improvement and Conservation Association. Mr. Evers returned to San Francisco to build the organization, which later became the League to Save Lake Tahoe.

In the late 1950s, Lake Tahoe was facing some of the most serious environmental threats in its history, said league President Darcie Goodman Collins. Bills leadership helped turn the tide against those threats, and set our organization on a path to continue protecting Tahoe for these past six decades.

The league now has 6,000 members and an annual budget of $2.7 million. It is known far and wide for its Keep Tahoe Blue bumper sticker campaign.

While building the league, Mr. Evers also helped form the firm Pettit, Evers & Martin, specializing in government work and labor law. He was managing partner for 12 years, during which the firm grew from seven to 70 attorneys.

By the late 1970s, Mr. Evers was involved in public policy, and in 1977 he served as president of SPUR, the San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association. A year later, Mayor Moscone tapped him to run his Office of Economic Development, a post Mr. Evers kept under Mayor Feinstein after Moscone was assassinated in November 1978.

While at Yale, Mr. Evers had met Edwina Benington at a school mixer with Vassar. They were married while he was at Boalt and they raised four children on Jackson Street in San Francisco. After 26 years of marriage, they divorced, and in 1978 Mr. Evers married Britte-Marie Bittan Emblad. In addition to his own four children he adopted her two.

Mr. Evers was a member of the Bohemian Club for 55 years, serving as camp captain of the Hill Billies, and also belonged to the Pacific-Union Club. He ran daily for years. When he could no longer run, he rode a bike, and when he could no longer ride, he took daily walks.

In his later years, he became involved in the Gladstone Institutes, a nonprofit medical research institution in San Francisco. Mr. Evers was a founding member of the Presidents Council and served as chair of the Stem Cell Science Team.

Survivors include his wife; sons Elliot of San Francisco, John of Santa Rosa and Will of San Francisco; daughter Anne Hitz of Pacifica; and stepchildren Dr. Peter Emblad of Mill Valley and Marianne Emblad of San Francisco.

A memorial service will be private. Donations in his name may be made to the League to Save Lake Tahoe, Gladstone Institutes or Roots of Peace.

Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com Instagram: @sfchronicle_art
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The Trump administration forged ahead with its commitment to boosting domestic fossil fuel production Thursday, directing more public lands to be opened for oil and gas extraction  a move that could bring new drill rigs to California.

The state hasnt seen new onshore oil and gas leases offered up on federal land in four years because of environmental fights. The order signed by Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on Thursday has some environmentalists fearing that de facto moratorium will soon end.

At minimum, the administrations action will intensify the push by energy companies to broaden drilling across Californias prime oil country, in the interior Central Coast region and the southern San Joaquin Valley, and promises a new round of drawn-out conservation battles.

Zinkes order calls for federal oil and gas leases to be auctioned off at least four times a year in every state where reserves are available. That charge does away with what the oil industry says are sometimes concerted efforts to delay or thwart lease sales and hamper energy exploration.

The order also seeks to reduce the nations backlog of drilling applications through speedier approval of oil- and gas-extraction permits.

The administrations action applies to 700 million acres of underground mineral reserves managed by the Bureau of Land Management, mostly in the West. It does not apply to national parks or national forests.

California ranks as the nations third-biggest producer of onshore oil and the 13th-biggest for natural gas. About 12 million barrels of oil and 9 billion cubic feet of natural gas were produced through some 500 leases on public lands in the state in 2016, according to the Bureau of Land Management.

Still, the oil industry has long complained that too much acreage is off-limits  10 percent of the states production is on federal land  and that environmental regulations governing drilling are unnecessarily cumbersome.

This executive order is a positive first step, but production on federal lands is a complicated process with oversight roles by a number of state and federal regulatory agencies, said Rock Zierman, chief executive officer of the California Independent Petroleum Association.

The American Petroleum Institute said the administrations action would benefit the industry nationally, allowing it to invest in projects that would create jobs and benefit consumers through lower energy prices.

Environmentalists, who had far greater access to the Obama administration than they do to President Trump, predicted a gloomy future for federally owned open space.

Were coming off a Fourth of July weekend when a number of Americans are out enjoying their public lands, and heres Zinke and Trump threatening to turn them into oil and gas fields, said Hollin Kretzmann, staff attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, a group that has opposed drilling in California. This new directive could have far-reaching consequences. Even where you see no wells today, theres potential for oil and gas activities to expand.

Speaking at a news conference in Washington, Zinke said the order was part of Trumps broader America first energy policy, which has included several attempts to expand oil and gas development both onshore and off. In April, the administration issued a directive for the Interior Department to consider expanding ocean drilling, a review that is ongoing.

Were going to be a fair and prudent partner, but were not going to be an adversary to creating wealth and opportunity on some of our public lands, Zinke said.

Zinke criticized the Obama administration for putting off lease sales, saying the federal Mineral Leasing Act requires quarterly auctions. He also said oil and gas companies have been forced to wait an average 257 days for reviews of drilling applications on federally leased land even though the law limits the approval process to 30 days.

As of Jan. 31, the Bureau of Land Management had 2,802 unprocessed applications for mineral development, according to the Interior Department.

In California, the prime area for exploration is in Kern County, where most the of the states extraction is done now. The Bureau of Land Management also controls land in Tulare, Fresno, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Monterey counties, where drilling could also expand.

Some areas have local protections in place, which would complicate any efforts to issue new oil and gas leases. In Monterey County, for example, residents voted last year to ban fracking and new oil development, though courts have put the prohibition on hold while a legal challenge is heard.

In any case, the orders effects will probably not be felt for at least a year in California. A pair of lawsuits over the Bureau of Land Managements lease sales are forcing the agency to redo the way in which it auctions drilling rights. In the meantime, no new leases can be offered.

The agency has not said when it expects to complete its new leasing plan, but plaintiffs in the case say it probably wont be until well into 2018. Even then, the plaintiffs are prepared to go back to court if they need to make sure the plan is ecologically sound.

Their fear is that drilling will not only destroy the publics enjoyment of federal lands and potentially litter the areas with industrial waste, but hasten climate change by increasing fossil fuel use.

The BLM and Interior Department under Trump are so ideological with their head in the sand that their environment analysis will probably be woefully insufficient, said Brendan Cummings, conservation director for Center for Biological Diversity, which brought the successful suits. And the very desire of them to go full bore with leasing regardless of the consequences makes any new leases legally more vulnerable.

Kurtis Alexander is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kalexander@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kurtisalexander
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A man was recently caught trying to smuggle meth in aloe vera bottles through the Colombia Solidarity International Bridge, according to federal authorities.

Sergio Aguilar Hernandez, 41, was charged with importation of methamphetamine and conspiracy to import the meth. On June 22, a federal judge ordered him detained pending trial.

On June 15, Aguilar-Hernandez arrived at the Colombia Solidarity International Bridge in a red 2007 Freightliner tractor transporting a shipment of gypsum wall board.

He declared he did not have fruits, plants, vegetables, medications or narcotics, according to a criminal complaint filed June 19.

READ MORE: Police: Laredo man broke into Santo Nino home to steal Xbox games, power tools

He allegedly stated he only had apples and a case of aloe vera bottles.

"Aguilar claimed ownership of the case of aloe vera bottles and stated he has so much because he likes to drink them," states the complaint.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers inspected the content of the bottles. CBP said the content of the bottles tested positive for 22 pounds of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $452,383.

RELATED: Here's how Laredo celebrated Independence Day

Homeland Security Investigations special agents followed up on the case. He agreed to speak to special agents.

"Aguilar stated he was told not to drink the contents of the aloe vera bottles. At that time, he was in the Laredo ... area and believed the aloe vera bottles contained drugs," states the complaint.
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This article was first published on NerdWallet.com.

For some of the 44 million U.S. student loan borrowers, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program is an incentive to pursue generally low-paying careers like teaching, firefighting and nonprofit work despite relatively high student debt. The government program offers tax-free loan forgiveness after 10 years for qualifying public servants.

But only a few hundred people are on track to get forgiveness this fall, according to data the U.S. Department of Education presented to financial aid professionals last year. October is the soonest borrowers can receive forgiveness through the program.

The program rules are complex and may lead some borrowers to make mistakes that compromise their eligibility. Common missteps include having missing or incorrect information on employment certification forms, or having ineligible loans, according to the data. Some borrowers end up working for ineligible employers without realizing their employer doesnt qualify.

Federal loan servicers, the main point of contact for loan borrowers, may not always help. Hundreds of consumers have complained that servicers block their progress toward forgiveness by providing inaccurate information, processing payments incorrectly or botching the certification forms, according to a June 2017 Consumer Financial Protection Bureau report.

Borrowers can look out for these PSLF missteps to ensure they stay on track for loan forgiveness.

1. Having the wrong type of loans

Borrowers loans must be in the federal Direct Loan Program to qualify for PSLF, which is not the case for nearly 19 million people  or 44% of federal student loan borrowers  who have loans in other federal programs, according to 2017 Department of Education data. Those borrowers nondirect loans are ineligible for PSLF unless they first join the Direct Loan Program by consolidating their debt.

And, in that case, payments wont count toward PSLF until those borrowers consolidate into direct loans.

2. Misunderstanding qualifying payments

To be eligible, borrowers must work full time while making 120 qualifying monthly payments, meaning the payments were made:

After Oct. 1, 2007

Through a qualifying repayment plan (generally an income-driven plan)

For the full payment amount due

No later than 15 days after the due date

While the borrower was employed full time by a qualifying organization

To benefit from PSLF, borrowers must make at least some payments on an income-driven plan, a federal repayment plan that caps borrowers payments at a percentage of their income. If federal loan borrowers stay on the standard 10-year plan, theyll fully repay their loans by the time they qualify for forgiveness.

Only one qualifying payment counts per month, which means paying extra each billing cycle wont help borrowers achieve forgiveness faster. The payments dont need to be consecutive. They dont count if theyre made while the borrower is in school, during the loan grace period or while the loan is in deferment or forbearance.

3. Working for the wrong type of employer

Federal direct loan holders who work full time for the government, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or an organization providing a qualifying public service may be eligible for PSLF, regardless of their job title. For instance, a full-time janitor at a public school could qualify.

Its not about what you do, says Betsy Mayotte, director of consumer outreach and compliance for the Center for Consumer Advocacy at the Boston-based nonprofit American Student Assistance. Its about who you work for.

Borrowers who are on the job hunt and considering PSLF should check that the employer qualifies before accepting an offer.

Until borrowers have made their 120 qualifying payments, they should submit employment certification forms to the Department of Education to confirm that their work qualifies.

4. Falling for fraudulent promises of forgiveness

Dozens of companies use false claims to con borrowers, a NerdWallet investigation found. They promise to reduce or eliminate loans and charge high fees to enroll people in free federal programs.

For instance, Obama student loan forgiveness is a popular scam. The term gets more than 18,000 online searches per month, but no such program exists.

Beware of companies that collect high upfront fees or charge recurring monthly amounts, two signs that an offer is likely too good to be true.

The future of Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has proposed cutting PSLF, which started in 2007 during the Bush administration. Critics of the program argue its too expensive and disproportionately benefits graduate and professional school students, many of whom have six-figure debt loads.

If the proposed cuts go into effect, loans made before July 1, 2018, would be still be eligible for the program.

Teddy Nykiel is a staff writer at NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email: teddy@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @teddynykiel.

The article Want Your Student Loans Forgiven? Avoid These 4 Mistakes originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Moving Kings

By Joshua Cohen

Random House. 256 pp. $26

---

Admit it: You picked up Joshua Cohen's 800-page epic "Witz" but decided life was too short. A few years later, you thought maybe you'd tackle his 600-page "Book of Numbers," but a novel by the New York novelist Joshua Cohen about a New York novelist named Joshua Cohen sounded like a postmodern migraine.

Now you're out of excuses. Granta recently named Cohen one of the best young American novelists, and his new book, "Moving Kings," is a svelte comic triumph that concentrates his genius. Here, in a story inflected by verbal dexterity but not overwhelmed by it, Cohen explores themes of power and Jewish identity with the same insight that has justly attracted praise from some of the country's most sophisticated writers.

"Ye shall know them by their vehicles," he begins with mock-Biblical solemnity. These vehicles are trucks that belong to David King, president of King's Moving, known throughout the New York metropolitan area for its corny TV commercials. Sadly, the success of David's business life belies the failure of his personal life. His wife has left him after a vicious divorce, and despite giving his college-age daughter everything, including a brownstone in Crown Heights, she's a spoiled wreck.

Just as David is feeling desperate for family validation, he receives an email request to host his Israeli cousin Yoav, who recently finished his mandatory military service. David is not a particularly religious man - "His brain wasn't wired for prayer, just panic" - but the Jewish state offers him something essential: "The ideal of it, the abstraction - to have family in the country was to have the country in the family." And so, freighted with wildly overblown expectations, Yoav is invited, "like a son, arriving from across the seas."

Yoav is not entirely as expected: neither an impressive Israeli warrior nor the likely heir of a moving empire. Holed up in one of David's spare apartments crammed with repossessed furniture, he finds civilian life and particularly civilian life in the United States baffling. When is the weekend? Who are the Jews and who are the goyim? It doesn't help that he speaks English with an "Exeter/Devonshire/American media mongrel accent, like that of an effeminate Berber pirate." But nonetheless, for a few days David parades Yoav around like a hero to a host of "cooing Jews"and then puts him to work on one of his moving crews.

The clash of expectations between a rough American businessman and an Israeli innocent abroad provides the basis for some smart comedy, and Cohen is particular adept with moments of silly absurdity. He also exercises a fantastically agile style that pushes hard against the banisters of traditional grammar. The novel's voice freely veers into these characters' minds, picking up their thoughts and accents, mixing with the narrator's own straight-faced asides.

But for all its domestic humor, there's barbed wire running through this story, stretching tight from New York to the West Bank. The moving business, after all, is not just a matter of transporting happy families to bigger homes. Much of David's profit is squeezed from evictions: emptying people's apartments as their lives careen toward ruin. The nefarious nature of that work first drops into the novel in the form of an impassioned letter reproduced without introduction or comment. Addressed to "Whom It May Concern At The Bank," it's written by a desperate single mother who describes the horror of being forcibly removed from her home. "I was sleeping in bed with My son," she writes. "He was scared and scared Me by messing His pjs and screaming. He did not understand how You could just enter Our House like it was Yours in the night and start packing everything, start taking everything." Her plaintive cry, which we know will go unanswered, echoes the misery of so many others without enough money or sophistication or connections to enjoy an unviolated life.

For Yoav, it's a familiar cry. He heard it all the time while serving in Israel. Breaking into Palestinian homes, hustling the frightened residents out, searching through their possessions: It was not so different from what he does now in New York where, Cohen writes, "his weapons were the harness and dolly, his uniform a blue zipup onesie. ... Who would've guessed that the army had been training him for moving?" Some of the places they're sent to empty have been grotesquely desecrated before they show up; some of the evictions even attract violent protesters, just as they did 5,000 miles away on that strip of contentious land.

This comparison would feel irritatingly polemical if Cohen didn't subsume it in a larger lament for the plight of powerless people - including Yoav. Tasked with cleaning out yet another house lost in foreclosure, hauling and packing and hauling and packing, Yoav drifts back to his military training: "What did it mean that it was always easier to labor than to question, always easier to sweat than to ask? It dulled the mind but that wasn't all, it also dulled whatever muscle was responsible for judgment. What was effective, what wasn't. What was wrong and what was right. This was actually the most traumatic lesson of the army, that the most atrocious things they'd ever done were just the products of repetition."

As subtly as water seeps into sand, the comedy drains from this story, and we're left in the stark moral desert where Yoav is stranded. Speaking to another young Israeli who works for Cousin Dave, Yoav complains, "We've always just been forced to become who we are and still everyone has an opinion about it, treating us like we chose this." Leaving the army, even leaving Israel, has made no difference. "Everywhere we go we're Israelis, and if not that, we're Jews. Everywhere we're the Jews of Jews," he says. "The only way I can separate myself from it all, in the minds of other people, even in my own mind, is to admit to what a piece of s--- I was as a soldier."

As "Moving Kings" hurtles toward its explosive conclusion, Cohen keeps expanding the implications of his story. Suddenly, the disparate tragedies of our world feel oddly connected by the bodies of the powerless set against one another.
China Lion Films

Although its release coincides with this year's 20th-anniversary celebration of Hong Kong's return to Chinese rule, "Our Time Will Come" is too defiant to be welcomed with open arms in Beijing. Veteran Hong Kong director Ann Hui's account of resistance to Japan's occupation of the British colony in the 1940s extols rebellion, not governmental authority.

Fictionalized from actual events, the sumptuously photographed drama centers on Lan (Zhou Xun), a teacher before the Japanese closed the local schools. After she helps smuggle out a noted author (Guo Tao), the young woman is recruited by the insurgents' swashbuckling leader (Eddie Peng Yuyan). Lan eventually learns that her ex (Wallace Huo Chienhwa) has infiltrated the occupation headquarters, where he discusses classical Chinese verse with a Japanese officer (Masatoshi Nagase, who also portrayed another poetry lover in "Paterson").
Bernd Schuller/Sony Pictures Cla/TNS

Georg Elser came within 13 minutes of having a great story, one worth deluxe cinematic treatment. He also came close to becoming a hero and preserving the lives of 50 million people. Instead, he killed eight people  eight of the wrong people  and accomplished nothing. Not only that, but his movie isnt so good, either.

Elser, the subject of the German drama 13 Minutes, was a carpenter and cabinet maker who, in November 1939  with World War II barely under way  planted a time bomb under the podium where Adolf Hitler was set to speak. The event, in Munich, was a commemoration of the unsuccessful Beer Hall putsch, in which the Nazis tried to overthrow the government in 1923. Usually, Hitler spoke for two hours. Usually after an hour he hadnt even started screaming yet. But this time he spoke for one hour only and, leaving his jackals wanting more, he said goodbye and took off. Thirteen minutes later, the place blew up.
The Dalai Lama is an agent of love. He walks the Earth as a living example of altruism and compassion.

But even he admits to a temper when it comes to Tibets continued frustrations with China, and the possibility that because of politics, he may be the 14th and final Dalai Lama.

Mickey Lemles The Last Dalai Lama?, a follow-up to his 1991 film, shows a Dalai Lama at peace entering his ninth decade, even with so much uncertainty surrounding him. His influence has grown stronger than ever, transcending geographical boundaries and even religious differences. He sheds light and love and integrity in my direction, a high Catholic official says with a bit of awe  one of many religious heads who have found inspiration from the Buddhist leader.

Much of Lemles film simply travels with the Dalai Lama as his influence is seen in classrooms, religious centers and political capitals around the world. One of his greatest strengths is as a listener, but he is an accessible speaker as well, laughing easily and conveying simple ideas (fear and anger weaken the immune system) that can influence a life.

Lemle lets the viewer soak in the Lamas glory  for a little too long  before addressing the question in the title. The Dalai Lama fled Tibet to India in 1959, and has since sought for Tibetan independence or cultural autonomy from China. The Chinese government has claimed the right to choose the next lama. Its a stalemate that may end the line of Tibetan spiritual leaders.

Lemle shows a Lama who is making the most of his time left now at age 81, with a charming passion for insects, an ease around children, and a growing power to inspire great artists and politicians. The documentary interview MVP is President George W. Bush, who in retirement painted a portrait of the Dalai Lama, and thoughtfully and sincerely praises his wisdom.

Composer Philip Glass, who tells his own beautiful story of friendship with the Dalai Lama, contributes a stunning score with Tibetan musician Tenzin Choegyal. The Last Dalai Lama? is set up to be a sad movie. But the more an audience member sees the beauty left in the Buddhist leaders wake, the more it becomes clear that his influence has the power to continue generations beyond his passing.

Peter Hartlaub is The San Francisco Chronicles pop culture critic. Email: phartlaub@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @peterhartlaub

The Last

Dalai Lama?

Documentary. With the Dalai Lama, Richard Davidson and George W. Bush. Directed by Mickey Lemle. (Not rated. 82 minutes.)
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The Harris County Chapter of the Texas German Society will meet at 6:45 p.m., Thursday, July 13, at the Trini Mendenhall Sosa Community Center, 1414 Wirt Road.

Bernice Mistrot, secretary of Washington Cemetery Historic Trust and a member of the Harris County Historical Commission, will give a talk entitled "History of the Washington Cemetery, formerly the German Society Cemetery."

Her talk will describe both the history of the cemetery and the current restoration projects underway by Washington Cemetery Historic Trust and Glenwood Cemetery.

Call 281-531-0822 or 713-524-3988 for more information.
President Donald Trump's election fraud commission has been unsuccessful, with nearly every state refusing to hand over the voter registration data the commission is asking for. Louisiana, a solid Republican state, is one of those. I talked to Secretary of State Tom Schedler, R, about why. Our conversation has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Q. Let's start from the beginning. What was your reaction in January, when the new president said millions of illegal votes cost him to lose the election?

A. As secretary of state of Louisiana, I take exception to that. I don't think we have a bunch of illegal votes being cast in Louisiana. Our list maintenance, I would put it up against any state.

Louisiana has been a photo ID state since 1987. We don't have same-day registration. We don't have automatic registration. We're not an all-paper ballot state. So I think the safeguards we do have give me somewhat of a comfort zone that maybe didn't exist 30 to 40 years ago. A lot of the prejudice against Deep South Louisiana go back to the mid-60s, when we were a pre-clearance state. I often tell people, much to my conservative principles, that Louisiana deserved to be on that.

We had a disparity of over 40 percent between African American and Caucasian votes in elections. I'm proud to tell you today that disparity is less than a point and a half. When's the last time you heard Louisiana named a problem in an election?

We have a drastically different state than what we were then, and I stand on the process we have here. The U.S. Constitution gives the rights of the states to have the time, place and manner of elections.

Q. ... Louisiana's history with voting rights, did you take Trump's accusations about voter fraud personally?

A. I'm a big boy. I've been doing this for 30 years. Yeah, you don't like somebody saying that, but it's not so much personal to me. We've seen an erosion of voter participation and voter confidence across the state, so anytime someone brings into question the integrity of elections, that doesn't help the situation.

And usually, people who are saying that really don't understand the voting system. My job here is to make the process easy, efficient, practical, accessible, but make it damn hard to cheat.

Q. And you realize your criticisms sound like they extend to the voter fraud commission Trump put together?

A. Yes and no. After hearing me talk, you're probably like: 'This guy is like California and Virginia and adamantly against an investigation.' You know what, I welcome the investigation. I think it's time to put the concerns to rest once and for all. We got Democrats calling voter suppression. We got Republicans claiming voter fraud. We got it coming from all angles, and at the end of the day, it diminishes voter participation. It's a difficult thing in the states for us to fight.

So let's get the questions answered once and for all. If Donald Trump's comments are totally off base, it seems to be the other side would want to show he's wrong. If he's right, I would hope all Americans, no matter what your political stripes, would be in agreement: Let's clean it up.

[Editor's note: No study has shown the existence of widespread voter fraud.]

Q. So what could this commission do differently to get your cooperation?

A. It was the way (it) was approached. If you look at Kris Kobach's letter, on the first page he only asks for publicly available voter rolls that are legal under your state law.

But then he goes on to get into some things that get a little out there: Social Security numbers, mother's maiden name, date of birth and the like. Only yesterday in an interview did he finally say what he should have said from the get go: 'I'm only asking for public information that anybody can get. I'd like to get A, B, C, D and E, but if your law doesn't allow it, that's okay.'

Q. And would you have handed that data over?

A. I would have been a little less verbal, I would have just said: Hey, Kris, this is where you get the public information that's available. It's address, name, party affiliation and frequency of voting. It's readily available to anyone. He forced all of us - after being besieged with thousands of tweets and emails from both side of the political equation, saying: 'Don't give out my personal information.' So I made a very steadfast deal that no Louisiana information that encompasses Social Security number, mother's maiden name, date of birth, will ever be released under my administration, Tom Schedler.

And let me get the hypocrisy of politics today for just a moment. Five years ago I was sued by Eric Holder's Department of Justice regarding we didn't with 'sufficient vigor' register people to vote at social services office. They wanted me to produce in discovery the voter registration lists that included the birthday, the Social Security number, the mother's maiden name and the code of how to manipulate the data. I refused, I was defending the confidentiality of people's voting information. And I will continue to do that. I didn't give this to Obama. I'm not giving it to Trump.

Q. I think the difference between the two administrations - and perhaps why there's been such a visceral reaction to this request - is the president accused states like yours among others, as trying to hide something. The White House said refusing to give over the data is "a political stunt" on the states' part.

A. I wouldn't necessarily disagree with you. I think they have created this environment. I think, done in a different way, this could have been accomplished. And it still can be accomplished. I'm passionate about the integrity of elections, and there are tools to do this very thing from a state level.

There is a Homeland Security list called the SAVE list that purportedly has 15-20 million illegal aliens that are in this country. Can you imagine how valuable that could be to the states, when they register someone, to be able to cross check against that list to determine if they are a citizen?

Q. Are states under attack in terms of their election integrity?

A. I don't know if we are under attack, but it goes back to: There are so many people engaged in this that don't have a clue how elections are run. It's beyond me.

Things have become so caustic, and the sad thing is that it's spilled over now into the most precious right we have as Americans, the vote. And that's what's so frustrating to me, no matter who is claiming fraud or whatever. Damnit, bring forth the proof. Bring forth the proof that the Russians did something on Election Day. I'm so tired of this back and forth and nobody brings the proof.

Q. What other advice would you give Trump and this voter commission to get states to participate?

A. Take the time to study and learn the system, learn what people are doing, and learn what elections are. I say that to Donald Trump, I say that to anybody in Washington, D.C. Learn the system and then you can criticize it.

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WASHINGTON - After President Donald Trump announced a temporary travel ban in January, academic leaders were swift to condemn it, and to warn that it would shut out some of the world's most talented scholars.

But a national study of admissions officers found that, at least as of May, international students remain interested in studying in the United States, with overall demand holding steady compared to previous years.

"The situation is not as dire as what had been predicted," said Rajika Bhandari of the Institute of International Education, which led the survey along with other higher-education associations. "The entire calendar year has been marked by a great deal of anxiety and concern, as well as speculation, in the higher education sector about whether everything happening nationally may have a significant negative impact on international student enrollment this fall," with some even worrying about a precipitous drop.

The stakes are high: More than a million students from overseas are pursuing a college education in the United States, and they contribute more than $36 billion to the national economy, according to IIE.

Trump's plans, keeping people from several majority Muslim countries from entering the United States to protect national security, are still in flux. Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to allow a limited version of the ban to take effect, carving out exceptions that appear to exempt university students, faculty and lecturers. The court will consider the case in October.

Many university officials have sought to reassure international applicants and help them navigate the shifting national policy.

Schools reported a 2 percent drop in the number of international students who were accepted for undergraduate programs beginning in the fall and have committed to attend, from 26 to 24 percent, but that mirrored the drop in the percentage of U.S. students committing to attend.

But students from the Middle East reported great concern about getting visas - Trump has promised "extreme vetting" - and about whether they will feel welcome in the United States.

University officials remain worried about whether students from the Middle East will be able to come, and whether they will choose to, Bhandari said.

The results varied by region and by institution, the survey found.

Impact might be greater at the graduate level: Nearly half of all universities reported a substantial drop in the number of accepted international master's students committing to attend, according to a separate survey by the Council of Graduate Students conducted in May.

The undergraduate survey was done by the Institute of International Education in partnership with the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers, the Council of Graduate Schools, the National Association of College Admissions Counselors, and NAFSA: Association of International Educators in May. One hundred and sixty-five colleges responded.

It's a snapshot, Bhandari said, giving a glimpse into the evolving situation nationally as it stood in May. Fall enrollment numbers will be closely watched by university leaders, as well.
A 2013 Hyundai Genesis may be headed to the Edwardsville Police Department, after its driver was charged recently with driving under the influence and driving with a suspended license.

The incident happened just after 7 p.m. on June 19 on Route 157 in Edwardsville, near the Sunset Hills Country Club.

According to court records, the car was pulled over by Edwardsville Police Officer Randall Luttrell who had reportedly observed that the Genesis was weaving and had turned without signaling just before striking the curb.

The driver smelled of alcoholic beverage and admitted to drinking beer, according to a sworn statement from Luttrell.

The driver, according to the statement, was unable to perform a portable breath test and was subsequently arrested for DUI.

He was taken to the Edwardsville Police station where he made several attempts to perform a breath test but was unable to, according to the statement.

The next day - June 20 - Samson Siame, 35 of Collinsville, was charged with one count of aggravated driving while under the influence, a Class 4 felony.

A court record search showed that Siame had two previous arrests for DUI in Madison County.

His bond was set at $30,000.
The arts-and-crafts retailer Hobby Lobby has agreed to pay a $3 million fine for illegally smuggling thousands of ancient clay artifacts into the United States from Iraq, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.

Under a civil complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, Hobby Lobby will forfeit thousands of cuneiform tablets, clay bullae and cylinder seals it falsely labeled as "samples" and shipped through the United Arab Emirates and Israel.

The Oklahoma-based company brought more than 5,500 artifacts for $1.6 million in December 2010 from an unidentified dealer in an acquisition prosecutors said was "fraught with red flags." Hobby Lobby got conflicting information about where the artifacts had been stored and never met or communicated with the dealer selling them, according to court documents. When it came time to pay, the company wired money to seven separate bank accounts.

Before the sale, the complaint says, an expert on cultural property law warned Hobby Lobby that artifacts such as cuneiform tablets and cylinder seals may have been looted from archaeological sites.

A United Arab Emirates-based dealer sent 10 packages to three different corporate addresses in Oklahoma City, with shipping labels reading "ceramic tiles" or "clay tiles (sample)," according to the complaint. U.S. Customs and Border Protection later intercepted five shipments, all of them falsely declaring that the artifacts came from Turkey. A final shipment containing about 1,000 clay bullae arrived at one of Hobby Lobby's addresses from Israel in September 2011. That one also misrepresented the artifacts' country of origin, according to the complaint.

Hobby Lobby, whose owners are evangelical Christians, said it began collecting a "variety of Bibles and other artifacts" in 2009 with the goal of preserving them for future generations. In a statement on Wednesday, the company said it "did not fully appreciate the complexities of the acquisitions process" and relied on dealers who did not understand how to properly ship the items.

"We should have exercised more oversight and carefully questioned how the acquisitions were handled," Hobby Lobby President Steve Green said in the statement.
Ivanka Trump thrust her paid family leave plan back into the spotlight this week, penning a defense of the White House's proposal for The Wall Street Journal. The program, she wrote, would not be an entitlement, as her critics have charged, but "an investment in America's working families."

The missive came after the newspaper's right-leaning editorial board slammed Trump's proposal in May, arguing it would open the door for future Democrat administrations to beef up the benefit at great expense.

But the president's eldest daughter, who is also one of his official West Wing advisers, faces a bigger political hurdle than unfavorable opinion columns. Liberal lawmakers won't back the plan, arguing it doesn't go far enough to support low-income parents. And Republicans aren't getting on board, either - not even the GOP leaders who support the idea of paid leave.

Take Sen. Marco Rubio, Fla., who met with Trump last month to discuss child-care policy. Rubio has praised the First Daughter for tackling an issue Republicans have only recently begun to address - the party's traditional stance is that a healthy economy would support families better than a broad government mandate - but he has not endorsed Trump's particular proposal.

"Ivanka Trump has been a leader on making pro-family issues an essential piece of tax reform," his office said in a June statement. "The meeting between Ivanka Trump and members of Congress demonstrates the momentum for this push."

Applauding momentum for Trump's pro-family efforts, however, isn't the same as explicitly supporting her plan.

"Ivanka faces a major dilemma in having to construct a plan that appeals to both Republican lawmakers and the long-time advocates of paid leave on the left," said Samuel Hammond, a policy analyst at the libertarian Niskanen Center. "Too generous, and the plan will be dead in the water. Too weak, and the left will excoriate her. It's not an enviable position to be in."

Currently, the United States doesn't guarantee a single day of paid time-off for new parents.

The White House plan that Trump is promoting would provide six weeks of paid family leave to new mothers and fathers whose employer doesn't supply the benefit, to be paid through the nation's unemployment insurance system.

The estimated cost would reach $25 billion over 10 years, and the president's proposed budget cuts from other national programs would cover it, according to the Office of Management and Budget.

Rubio's approach to paid leave is starkly different. Two years ago, he pitched a new Child Tax Credit worth $2,500 per child, becoming the first GOP presidential candidate to release a proposal on the issue. He has also backed tax cuts for companies that provide paid leave to their employees. (Rubio's office wouldn't comment on Trump's plan.)

Then there's Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., who has advocated for more support of working parents for years. Trump met with her last month, too.

Fischer, however, has other thoughts on how the country should handle paid leave.

Earlier this year, she introduced a bill that would create a tax break for businesses that cover paid leave for employees after the birth of a child. As for Trump's plan - well, she doesn't seem to be wild about it.

"Senator Fischer appreciates Ivanka's work on the issue and is continuing to push her proposal (the Strong Families Act) that she introduced three years ago," her press secretary Brianna Puccini said in an email.

Another conservative lawmaker Trump has reportedly met with is Rep. John Katco, R-N.Y., who last year proposed allowing workers to prepare for maternity or paternity leave with a tax-free savings account.

Asked if Katco endorses Trump's vision on paid family leave, his deputy chief of staff Erin O'Connor replied in an email, "Rep. Katko has introduced his own measure" and provided a link to the details.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, meanwhile, sponsored a measure last year that would have allowed companies and workers in the private sector to convert overtime wages into paid family leave.

He has not offered thoughts on Trump's proposal. "I'll be sure to let you know if the Leader makes a statement on this," a representative for McConnell wrote in an email.

Staffers for Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., who sponsored the overtime bill with McConnell, were more blunt, asserting the lawmaker has not thrown his support behind the First Daughter's plan.

Trump's proposal might never become a bill, but the president's daughter has already won a tough battle: sparking a robust, bipartisan debate around paid leave, said Aparna Mathur, an economist at the American Enterprise Institute, a right-leaning think tank.

"I think the idea is not to propose a plan but to get both sides first to say that a policy is needed," said Mathur, who discussed paid leave with Trump at the White House last month, "then work with both sides to decide on the actual plan."

The fact that lawmakers can't seem to agree on one approach "makes a lot of sense," she said. "I think they are wary of offering a concrete plan and then facing pushback on the details, rather than having people support the policy in general."
New York City officials were investigating whether a parolee's anger at police led him to shoot and kill a veteran police officer in an early morning ambush that authorities described as an assassination.

Alexander Bonds, on parole since 2013 after serving seven years in prison, approached Officer Miosotis Familia's vehicle in the Bronx at 12:30 a.m. and fired through the window, striking Familia in the head, police said.

Familia, a 12-year NYPD veteran was inside the large vehicle known as a mobile command post at the time of the shooting and was taken to a hospital in extremely critical condition where she later died. Her partner was not wounded in the attack.

Two other officers shot and killed Bonds, 34, about a block away from the scene of Familia's shooting after he drew a revolver, police said. A bystander was shot during that encounter and is in stable condition, police said.

Familia was "unjustly targeted and murdered in a cowardly, unprovoked attack," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. "She will be remembered for her years of service and for the example of selflessness that she set protecting people on our streets."

A police spokesman said Familia did not know Bonds.

Ten months earlier, Bonds posted an 11-minute video to his Facebook page that complains about mistreatment at the hands of officers during his incarceration, and he suggested that he would fight a police officer if he encountered one on the street.

In addition to the robbery, Bonds served more than six months in prison in 2004 for selling a controlled substance.

"I'm not playing, Mister Officer. I don't care about a hundred police watching this s---. You see this face. You see this face or anything, leave it alone. Trust and believe," he said in the video.

"I'm not hesitating. It ain't happening," Bond added. "I wasn't a b---- in jail, and I'm not gonna be a b---- in the streets."

A law enforcement official told The Post that NYPD believes the video to be authentic and is investigating it further.

The shooting was reminiscent of the 2014 killings of two New York police officers who were shot at point-blank range while sitting in a police car in Brooklyn. The gunman in that ambush had declared his intention on Instagram to kill officers as retribution for the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, black men who were killed by police that year.

"It's clear that this was an assassination," New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said at the time. "These officers were shot execution-style, a particularly despicable act which goes to the heart of our society and our democracy."

In 2016, law enforcement fatalities spiked to their highest level in five years, with 135 officers killed in the line of duty, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, a nonprofit group that monitors line-of-duty deaths. Of those, 64 officers were fatally shot, a 41 percent increase from the previous year, according to the Memorial Fund. Nearly one in three officers fatally shot was killed in what were deemed to be ambush attacks.

Two ambushes in July 2016 largely contributed to the increase: In Dallas, a gunman targeted officers patrolling a protest over deadly police shootings of civilians, killing five officers and wounding nine others.

Ten days later, an attacker in Baton Rouge killed two police officers and a sheriff's deputy before he was felled by a sniper.

In November, two Iowa police officers sitting in their squad cars were killed in a pair of ambush attacks. A San Antonio officer writing a ticket was ambushed and killed not long after.

These episodes helped fuel an uptick in police officer deaths last year.

Overall, law enforcement line-of-duty deaths have declined since the 1970s, when twice as many police officers were fatally shot each year and twice as many officers were killed annually.

New York Police Commissioner James O'Neill announced Familia's death in a post on Twitter early Wednesday, writing "#NYPD PO Miosotis Familia has been assassinated in an unprovoked attack on cops assigned to keep NYers safe. Keep her family in your prayers."

Familia, 48, was a mother of three, said Patrick J. Lynch, president of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association.

Vivian Gomez, who lived in the same Bronx apartment building as Familia, said Wednesday that she would often see Familia in passing.

"When our paths crossed, she was either coming to or from work. I know she loved the job," Gomez told The Post. "I never heard her say a negative thing about her job. Oftentimes, people would gripe about the hours, the long days. I never heard her say, 'I dislike my job' or 'It's tough.' She always had a smile on her face.

"I know there's a lot of distress about lack of justice in our community," Gomez continued. "She's a real face behind the badge."

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The Washington Post's Wesley Lowery and Julie Tate contributed to this story.
A major New York hospital has offered to admit Charlie Gard, the terminally ill infant at the center of worldwide controversy who has drawn sympathy and support from Pope Francis and President Donald Trump.

New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Columbia University Irving Medical Center said they would admit and evaluate Charlie "provided that arrangements are made to safely transfer him to our facility, legal hurdles are cleared, and we receive emergency approval from the FDA for an experimental treatment as appropriate," the hospital said Thursday in an email statement to The Washington Post.

The decision comes amid an emotionally charged fight for Charlie after a British hospital planned to disconnect the terminally ill infant from life support and declined to move him to the Vatican's children's hospital for care.

A hospital spokesman in Rome told The Washington Post on Wednesday that London's Great Ormond Street Hospital turned down the offer, citing legal reasons, but officials were working on a solution.

The U.S. hospital said another option could be to ship the experimental drug to Great Ormond and provide instructions on administering it to Charlie, provided the FDA gives clearance.

Bambino Gesu Children's Hospital President Mariella Enoc said in the statement that doctors at the hospital in Rome who study rare diseases are in contact with international experts, including in the United States, "to develop a protocol for experimental treatment for Charlie."

Charlie's story has captured worldwide attention as his parents, Chris Gard and Connie Yates, fought in court to be able to try an experimental treatment in the United States to save their son. The case was taken to the European Court of Human Rights, which declined to hear the matter last week, upholding previous court rulings that the therapy would not help him and it was in his best interest to prevent further suffering by withdrawing life support.

Tension mounted after Charlie's parents appeared in a tearful video statement last week, saying doctors were planning to remove Charlie from life support last Friday at the London hospital.

They later said the hospital decided to postpone the termination of care.

It has since turned into a heated debate about a child's life and death.

The pope said last week on Twitter that "to defend human life, above all when it is wounded by illness, is a duty of love that God entrusts to all."

Then Trump tweeted that the United States "would be delighted to" help. White House spokeswoman Helen Aguirre Ferre said that the president is seeking to help a family in a "heartbreaking situation" and that members of his administration had spoken to the family in calls facilitated by the British government.

Charlie's mother told the Daily Mail that the support has given them hope.

"They are traditional men who believe in the family," she said of Frances and Trump. "They believe in our case and understand why we believe it is right to continue fighting so hard to save Charlie."

But one medical expert says such hope could do more harm than good.

British professor Robert Winston, a well-known fertility expert, said, "These interferences from the Vatican and from Donald Trump seem to me to be extremely unhelpful and very cruel, actually," according to the Daily Mail.

He said Wednesday on "Good Morning Britain" that he does not believe the doctors in London are trying to assert authority but rather "they're trying to take an ethical decision based on the judgment of what they know and, ultimately, I think we have to respect what their knowledge is." He added, "If they say that this mutation is so severe that really this is something which would be even more cruel to have this child travel, that is something which I think one really has to respect."

He added, however, the parents should be allowed to make that decision.

Charlie was born in August with a rare genetic condition called infantile-onset encephalomyopathic mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome, or MDDS, according to court records.

Weeks after birth, Charlie was struggling to hold up his head and was not gaining weight. At the two-month mark, he had become lethargic and his breathing had become shallow, court records show.

The child was transported to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, where he has remained since. Earlier this year, doctors concluded that nothing more could be done for him.

In a British court ruling in April, Justice Nicholas Francis of the Family Division of the High Court of Justice wrote that there was "unanimity among the experts" that the experimental therapy Charlie's parents wanted to try could not repair structural brain damage and noted that the treatment had never even been tested on mice.

The Italian news agency ANSA reported Monday that officials at Bambino Gesu Children's Hospital planned to ask their counterparts in London whether Charlie could be moved from that facility to Rome.

"We know that it is a desperate case and that there are no effective therapies," Enoc, president of the Bambino Gesu Children's Hospital, said at the time. "We are close to the parents in prayer and, if this is their desire, willing to take their child, for the time he has left to live."

Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said in a statement that Francis has called for Charlie's parents to be able to care for him until his death.

"The Holy Father follows with affection and emotion the case of little Charlie Gard and expresses his own closeness to his parents," the statement read, according to Vatican Radio. "For them he prays, hoping that their desire to accompany and care for their own child to the end is not ignored."

A spokesman for the Bambino Gesu Children's Hospital said that it is too early to know what will happen, saying "it's an unfolding story."
North Korea's first-ever launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile poses a new threat to the United States, just as one of the Pentagon's main weapons designed to defeat ICBMs gets back on track after a recent history of failures.

Pyongyang's use of the two-stage Hwasong-14 ICBM on Tuesday appeared to catch the United States by surprise, and was initially labeled Monday night by the Pentagon as the testing of a intermediate-range missile. Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, said Wednesday that the Defense Department reassessed its characterization Tuesday and identified it as an ICBM capable of ranging at least 5,500 kilometers, to Alaska. By then, numerous independent experts had already determined it was an ICBM.

Davis said Wednesday that the missile "is not one we have seen before," and that it was launched from a site - the Panghyon airfield about 90 miles north of Pyongyang - that has not been used to test missiles before. But he suggested that North Korea still has a number of steps to meet before there is an imminent threat to North America, noting that Pyongyang has not yet demonstrated the ability to mount a nuclear warhead on an ICBM or show the lateral range necessary to hit it.

"But clearly, they are working on it," Davis said. "Clearly, they seek to do it. This is an aggressive research-and-development program on their part, and it is one that we have sought from the beginning with our ballistic missile defense system to be able to outpace it."

The United States has built a web of missile defense weapons around the Pacific over the last few years, while continuing to call for a diplomatic solution. But one of the main cogs in it - missile interceptors known as the ground-based midcourse system - have struggled in testing. The Pentagon's top weapons tester, the Directorate of Operational Test and Evaluation, assessed last year that it had demonstrated only a limited ability to defend the United States, citing its 10 for 17 success rate at the time in hit-to-kill intercept tests.

The program got a boost May 30 when the long-awaited - and previously delayed - 18th test to destroy a mock ICBM over the Pacific was successful.

The U.S. missile-defense network in the Pacific includes ground-based missile interceptors at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California and Fort Greely in Alaska; Navy ships armed with a missile-intercept system known as Aegis; and surface-to-air Patriot missile batteries that are in several locations. Davis said Wednesday that the Pentagon is confident it can shoot down an ICBM now, and said the threat posed by North Korea is still "nascent."

"This has been done before," he said. "It's something we have mixed results in, but we also have an ability to shoot more than one interceptor."

Missile defense is only one of several difficult military calculations confronting the Pentagon on North Korea. Any conventional U.S. military strike on Pyongyang would have to factor in the hundreds of pieces of artillery and rocket launchers that North Korea has aimed at Seoul, a city of 25.6 million people that is among the most densely packed in the world. The United States also keeps about 28,500 troops in South Korea as a deterrent to a North Korean invasion, and the military frequently says that their motto is that they are "Ready to Fight Tonight" if necessary.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, when asked about a potential war with North Korea last month, said during an interview with CBS's "Face the Nation" that a direct conflict would include "probably the worst kind of fighting in most people's lifetime," citing the weapons aimed at Seoul specifically.

"This regime is a threat to the region, to Japan, to South Korea," said Mattis, who has not issued a public comment since the ICBM launch. "And in the event of war, they would bring danger to China and to Russia as well. But the bottom line is it would be a catastrophic war if this turns into a combat if we're not able to resolve this situation through diplomatic means."
The Trump administration is prepared to consider joint stability operations with Russia in Syria, including no-fly zones, cease-fire observers and coordinated deliveries of humanitarian aid, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said late Wednesday.

In a statement issued as he departed for Europe, where he will join President Donald Trump in Germany on Thursday, Tillerson said that the United States and Russia have successfully cooperated in establishing deconfliction areas in Syria to avoid contact between their air operations.

Trump plans to meet Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin outside a Group of 20 summit that both are attending in Hamburg. Tillerson's statement appeared designed to set an agenda for that meeting, framing the discussion in ways that the White House has declined to do in public.

In brief remarks at Joint Base Andrews before taking off, Tillerson recalled his own characterization of U.S. relations with Russia as being "at a very low point."

"We're at the very beginning," he said of Trump's first face-to-face meeting with Putin, and "at this point it's very difficult to say what Russia's intentions are in this relationship. And I think that's the most important part of this meeting, is to have a good exchange between President Trump and President Putin over what they both see as the nature of this relationship between our two countries."

U.S.-backed local ground forces fighting the Islamic State and forces backing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad that are supported by Russia have moved increasingly closer to one another in southern Syria, bringing U.S. and Russian warplanes into closer proximity. In recent weeks - although Moscow has claimed to have cut deconfliction contacts with Washington - U.S. officials have said significant progress has been made between them in drawing lines to avoid one another.

"Our military leaders have communicated clearly with one another to make sure no accidents occur between our two countries in the Syrian theater," Tillerson said. "This cooperation over deconfliction zones process is evidence that our two nations are capable of further progress."

Separate from the fight against the militants, Russia, Iran and Turkey have called for the establishment of four safe zones in the western part of the country where Assad's forces, with Russian and Iranian assistance, are fighting Syrian rebels. The United States is not a formal participant in those talks, but U.S. officials have said they may be willing to take over monitoring of one of the zones in Syria's southwest corner where the borders of Jordan and Israel are endangered.

Although Trump, like President Barack Obama before him, has said he is not interested in a direct U.S. role in Syria's civil war, the administration has become increasingly convinced that the permanent defeat of the Islamic State there is not possible while that war continues.

"With the liberation of Raqqa now underway," Tillerson said, "ISIS has been badly wounded, and it could be on the brink of complete defeat in Syria if all parties focus on this objective. In order to complete the mission, the international community, and especially Russia, must remove obstacles to the defeat of ISIS and help provide stability that prevents ISIS from rising anew from the ashes of their failed and fraudulent caliphate." ISIS is an acronym for the Islamic State.

Raqqa, the militants' de facto Syrian capital, has been under assault by U.S. aircraft and artillery, and the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, since late spring. On Monday, U.S. officials said the SDF had achieved a "key milestone."

Having decimated much of the heavily populated west, Assad and his backers have begun heading eastward through the desert toward Islamic State fighters south of Raqqa. U.S. military officials have said they welcome any contribution to the anti-ISIS fight, as long as it does not impede or conflict with U.S. operations.

Following the G-20 summit, Tillerson will travel to Ukraine and to Turkey.

- - -

The Washington Post's Carol Morello contributed to this report.
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Over 100 community members and San Antonio officers marched Wednesday evening to remember and celebrate the life of Officer Miguel Moreno. .

Amanda Eddie, one of the organizers of the Back the Blue March, said the event also was meant to show support for Officer Julio Cavazos and both officers families.

Its something that we feel the community should do, Eddie said.

Officers Moreno, 32 and Cavazos, 36, were shot during a June 29 confrontation with Andrew Bice near San Antonio College. Moreno and Cavazos were both taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Moreno died Friday. He was the 14th officer killed in the line of duty since 2000. Cavazos was released from the hospital Tuesday.

Michael Thornton thanked the marchers at the San Antonio Public Safety Headquarters. Thornton and Moreno were both members of the 2008 Bravo class at the San Antonio Police Departments academy.

We choose to police in San Antonio for a reason, Thornton said. Its because of the people here that we chose to police here.

Debi Solis, the wife of a sergeant for the SAPD Central Patrol, said that even though she hadnt met Moreno, his death still  hurts. Moreno also was a member of the Central Patrol.

The police families are all families, Solis said. Every time they lose someone  it hurts quite a lot.

Martha Sanchez said she would see Moreno at least once a week because he worked with the San Antonio Independent School District.

We all felt safe when they (SAPD officers) were there, Sanchez said. Im going to miss him, dearest.

A banner signed by officers and community members will be donated to Morenos family, Eddie said.

Marissa Martinez said her husband and Moreno worked the same shift and became close friends. Both families socialized and helped each other out.

Miguel was very quiet person, not your outspoken, really loud person, Martinez said. You are going to read a bunch of (good) things about him  Its a matter of what few things I can pick right now.

Morenos viewing and service will take place from 5-9 p.m. Thursday at the Porter Loring Downtown. The public is invited, SAPD said. After 9 p.m., only officers will be able to attend.

Martinez said Morenos smile is what she and he husband will remember the most.

He always had just a really nice smile, a wonderful smile, Martinez said.
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SAN ANTONIO  Multiple police cars and heavily armed SWAT units locked down an area north of downtown Thursday blocks from where a police officer was killed and another hospitalized in a shootout last week.

An officer at the scene, in the 500 block of E. Evergreen St., said police were outside the residence since 10:30 a.m. Thursday.

Dept. Chief Roy Waldhelm said around 2:30 p.m. that law enforcement decided to "back off" from the standoff and make contact with the suspect, identified as Richard Ruiz Jr., at a later date. Ruiz was later arrested about 5:30 p.m. on a charge of evading arrest and a parole violation, according to police records.

Waldhelm said police eventually determined Ruiz was not involved in the original disturbance, in which someone threatened to burn the neighbors house down, and that his warrants were something police "will be able to take care of later."

RELATED: 2 officers down in shooting north of downtown, 1 suspect killed, another detained

Ruiz came onto police radars last week shortly after two San Antonio Police Department officers were shot a few blocks away at Howard and Evergreen. Ruiz allegedly made a "gesture" to police at the scene, according to the officer.

"It was something like 'It's not over.' [Those officers] got shot and it wasn't over. He could've been tweaked out. I don't know," the officer said.

Thursday morning, Ruiz and his father, Richard Ruiz Sr., were inside the residence on Evergreen, which is owned by another family member.

Around 10:30 a.m. Thursday, someone inside the home threatened to burn down the neighbor's house, where another family member lives, according to police.

Officers responded to the scene, at which point both Ruiz Sr. and Jr. holed up inside. Police later coaxed Ruiz Sr. outside, but Ruiz Jr. remained in the residence, surrounded by heavily armed SWAT officers.

RELATED: 'Last night, there was no laughing': SAPD officer describes grim mood at roll call after shooting

The officer said the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force was also looking for Ruiz Jr.

A relative at the scene, who declined to be named, claimed both men are meth addicts and "get tweaked" at the home.

"(Ruiz Jr.) will be up for days," he said. "I seen him one time rolling around on the ground just howling. It's like what the f--- is your problem, dude."

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Twitter: @calebjdowns
On June 25, David Lynch shocked TV land into submission with the latest and, so far, greatest episode of his Twin Peaks revival.

The eighth episode, titled simply The Return, Part 8, set off so much social media buzz, even TP agnostics needed to know what the fuss was about. Since the show took a break on July 2, anticipation for this Sundays follow-up to the now-infamous Part 8 is unbearable.

Im sure you have friends who are either wowed or furious over Part 8. Those who thought the new Twin Peaks would be a return to cherry pies, damn good coffees and dancing jazz-dwarfs have long since run for the hills. That leaves the rest of us to deal with mid-sex couples mutilated by white Slenderman spirits, Se7en-style serial killings, Michael Cera doing the worlds worst and best Marlon Brando impersonation, and suggestions that our favorite characters (Audrey Horne, Laura Dern as Diane) have been raped by Killer BOB in Agent Coopers body (Kyle MacLachlan).

All this weirdness reached a cosmic climax when Lynch and Showtime unleashed Part 8, challenging minds like the Red Room episode (Zen, or the Skill to Catch a Killer) did on April 19, 1990. But now, with the artistic and financial freedom of cable TV, Lynch has gone extra miles into the avant-garde, the obtuse, the weird.

Reflect back, if you can, to a time before Part 8 existed. I chuckle when I think of all those poor souls who felt rewarded by the previous weeks Part 7. Finally! After weeks of whirling around in Lynchian circles, the story moved forward.

Dougie Jones (a walking-vegetable version of Coop) briefly snapped out of his sleepwalking Mr. Hulot shtick, when he and Naomi Watts defended themselves against dwarf hitman Ike the Spike. At the TP Police Department, character names and key plot points from original Twin Peaks were dropped like Double R hotcakes. Even Angelo Badalamentis famous dirge to Laura Palmer, that menacing two-chord vamp, made its return.

I liked Part 7. But I liked when Lynchs TP imagery strayed into the avant-garde even more. We got a taste of that in Part 3s first 20 minutes, but nothing has come close to capturing that deeply alienating pathos  until now.

In the first half of Part 8, Lynch brutally severs the umbilical cord of the story  for the better. Musically, nothing remotely close to nostalgia soothes the audience; either Krzysztof Pendereckis shrill strings shatter our ears, or Badalamentis music warbles in a never-changing, gut-churning baritone.

The only character that carries over from Part 7 is Mr. C (the evil hair-dude version of Cooper). In a car with his accomplice, he moves the story about an inch and a half behind, referring to a murder he committed way back in Part 2. Otherwise, Lynch cruelly extends time by endlessly drifting down a lost highway.

Mr. C is shot  and from there, his corpse is enveloped by the Dancers of the Black Lodge. The silent, charcoal-skinned woodsman, who haunted the jails and morgues of previous episodes, is multiplied by 10. His sick clones swarm the not-dead corpse of Mr. C, as the shooter drives away in terror.

Later, a shock performance at the Road House by the Nine Inch Nails (who the what now?!) only heightened my fears. Spread the infection where you spill your seed, Trent Reznor sings  a disturbing recap of the death and carnage unleashed by the Black Lodge into our world. Sex, love, pop plush; hardly anything sunny or optimistic remains, even ironically, in the new Twin Peaks.

But its the second half where Part 8 claims its place as the most mind-expansive hour of TV this season. In a wordless interlude that evokes Kubricks 2001, the repetition of Werner Herzogs Fata Morgana, the piercing and chilling sounds of Penderecki and Hiroshima, Lynch dates the start of modern mans doom to July 16, 1945: the date of the Trinity Test, the first detonation of a nuclear weapon near Socorro, N.M. The 2001 stargate sequence, with the psycho-colors and undulating choir, is the obvious point of comparison, but its a dissatisfying one. Kubricks stargate had a harmonic, digital wonder to it, 30 years before computers were what they are now; in 2017, thanks to the Internet and social media, Lynchs Revelation montage reveals an abstracted disgust with where humans have gone.

In 30 minutes, Lynch gives us a testament of mans ignorance  his blundering fall into disgrace, and how he has corrupted moral folk like Laura Palmer and two bashful 50s tweens who peck on the lips after a school dance. The best method actors could never replicate the genuine rapport between these two young actors of color, a rapport that is shattered in the episodes final image of isolation. Its so sickening, and its suggestion so shocking, your mind is left numb in pain at lifes pain and sorrow. And this garmonbozia is never puked back up.

I fear none of this will be terribly interesting if you dont care about or follow Lynchs work. Which is a shame, since there isnt any other American film artist who has so boldly (and successfully) crossed the lines between pop and avant-garde, between convention and alienation, with such spiritual zest.

To follow Lynchs life story through Twin Peaks, old and new  to explore his minds dreams and fears  is to recognize the courage of someone who puts the darkest of humanity up on the screen for folks to contemplate. Atomic annihilation, the fear of losing that girl or guy to forces of evil, the body revolting against its master mind: Lynch lays it all bare, in the only moral way available.

Carlos Valladares is a Chronicle staff writer. Email: cvalladares@sfchronicle.com

Twin Peaks: The Return, Part 9, 9 p.m. Sunday, July 9, Showtime
Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Seasonal & Current Events, Politics

By Legislator Anker's Office Published: July 05 2017

On Tuesday, July 4th, Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker joined the Village of Shoreham at their annual Independence Day celebration.

Shoreham, NY  July 5, 2017  On Tuesday, July 4th, Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker joined the On Tuesday, July 4th, Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker joined the Village of Shoreham at their annual Independence Day celebration. The holiday began with a parade through the village and included festivities that lasted throughout the day.

The 4th of July is a time to celebrate our countrys independence, and to thank the men and women in our military that fight every day to protect our freedom, said Legislator Anker. I would like to thank the Village of Shoreham and Mayor Ed Weiss for hosting this wonderful celebration each year. I am proud to be a part of this special event.
Nature & Weather, Local News, National & World News, Health & Wellness, Politics

By Long Island News & PR Published: July 06 2017

Six Attorneys General Move To Intervene In Lawsuit Over Chlorpyrifos  Common Pesticide That Harms Childrens Neurological Development.

New York, NY - July 6, 2017 - New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman is leading a coalition of six Attorneys General in taking legal action against the Trump administration over a toxic pesticide shown to harm childrens neurological development.

The Attorneys General moved to intervene in a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, after filing legal objections with the EPA last month. In March 2017, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt took action that allowed the continued use of chlorpyrifos on food crops even while the agency failed to identify a safe level for the pesticide. Chlorpyrifos is widely used, including on fruits and vegetables consumed by infants, young children, and pregnant women, and is shown to negatively impact proper development and functioning of the central nervous system and brain.

Again and again, the Trump EPA has chosen special interests over the health and safety of New Yorkers and all Americans, said Attorney General Schneiderman. Job Number One for the EPA should be protecting Americans wellbeing, especially that of our children. Yet the administration is jeopardizing our kids health, allowing the use of a toxic pesticide for which it cant even identify a safe level. When the Trump administration refuses to follow the law, Attorneys General stand ready to step up and fight back.

Joining Attorney General Schneiderman in the motion to intervene are the Attorneys General of Maryland, Massachusetts, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia. Click here to read the filing

The Attorneys General charge that the EPA failed to make a key safety finding needed to continue to allow levels of chlorpyrifos on fruits and vegetables consumed by the public. They are seeking to intervene in League of United Latin American Citizens et al v. Pruitt, in which environmental, human health, and farmworker groups are asking the Court to find that the EPA cannot lawfully continue to allow chlorpyrifos tolerances  or permitted residues  on food without finding that they are safe.

In 2014, two members of the group sought help from the Court to compel the EPA to take final action on their petition to revoke all chlorpyrifos tolerances and eliminate its use on food. In November 2015, the Agency proposed a revocation of all chlorpyrifos tolerances on food, finding that it was unable to conclude that the risk from aggregate exposure meets the applicable safety standard under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (Food Act). In December 2015, the Court directed EPA to take final action by the end of 2016; in November 2016, the EPA issued a second notice related to the proposed rule, again noting that the use of chlorpyrifos on food continues to present a risk that does not meet the Food Acts safety standard.

In an abrupt change of position, on March 29, 2017, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt issued an administrative order denying the 2007 petition by the non-governmental organizations, and blocked the proposed rule revoking chlorpyrifos tolerances. Although EPAs order left food tolerances in effect, the agency failed to make a key safety finding under the Food Act. The Food Act requires EPA leave tolerances in effect only if it finds them to be safe, and to revoke tolerances if the Agency is unable to determine that the levels are safe. Administrator Pruitts March 2017 order puts off until October 2022, if not longer, any decision on whether to revoke or modify current residues or tolerances for the pesticide.

In June 2017, the coalition of non-government organizations challenged the EPA Administrators order in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Seattle. The Attorneys General seek to intervene in that case, and also have filed a legal objections with EPA directly, arguing that the Administrators order leaving in place current chlorpyrifos residues on food violates the Food Act because they have not been found safe.

Chlorpyrifos is one of the most widely used insecticides in the United States. It is used on numerous food crops, including those consumed by infants and young children such as apples, strawberries, bananas, pears, peaches, nectarines, and cherries. Residues of the pesticide have been repeatedly documented in baby foods and juices. The USDAs Pesticide Data Program shows that detection of chlorpyrifos residues is common on many foods. For example, residues were found on over 42% of almonds sampled in 2007 and 2008 (the only two years almonds were tested).

The pesticide acts by inhibiting an enzyme that is key to the proper development and functioning of the central nervous system and brain. Several studies have shown that children born to women exposed to chlorpyrifos during pregnancy had cognitive and motor development delays in the first three years, and structural changes in the brain, lower working memory and IQ scores at age seven, and movement disorders (including arm tremors) by age eleven.

Chlorpyrifos has been subjected to regulatory review for nearly 20 years, and its toxic harms are well-documented. Most recently, EPAs own scientists twice were unable to identify a safe level for the pesticide on food.
Local News, Crime

By Long Island News & PR Published: July 06 2017

The suspect, described as white and in his late 40s to early 50s, demanded cash from a teller and fled after the teller complied, police say.

SCPD are investigating a robbery that occurred at a Commack bank on Wednesday, July 5.

Commack, NY - July 6, 2017 - Suffolk County Police Major Case Unit detectives are investigating a robbery that occurred at a Suffolk County Police Major Case Unit detectives are investigating a robbery that occurred at a Commack , New York bank on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at 1:20 p.m.

A man entered Suffolk Federal Credit Union, located at 6150 Jericho Turnpike, at 1:20 p.m. and demanded cash from a teller. The teller complied and gave the man cash from the drawer. The man fled on foot.

The man was described as white, in his late 40s to early 50s, approximately 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 6 inches tall with a thin build and salt and pepper colored hair. The man was wearing a white tank top and blue jeans.
Local News, Crime, Community, Charity & Cause, Politics

By Long Island News & PR Published: July 06 2017

New Veterans Docket Day will Help Rectify Traffic Matters, Including License Suspensions, to Avoid Appearing Before Criminal Court.

Suffolk County, NY - July 6, 2017 - Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone today announced the first in the nation Suffolk County Veterans Traffic Court to help veterans lift or avoid driver license suspensions. Earlier this year, the County Executive directed the Suffolk County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency to establish a specialized Veterans Docket Day to assist veterans in rectifying any issues involving traffic violations pending before TPVA. While the vast majority of veterans criminal court traffic matters are a result of a suspended license, this new approach seeks to reduce the need for a veteran to appear before a criminal court and resolve their matters in a timely fashion.

This program will serve as a statewide model for how veterans can avoid a lengthy court process and keep their drivers license intact, said Suffolk County Executive Bellone. We have an obligation to resolve any outstanding issues for our brave servicemen and women on the front end before they lead to larger problems down the road.

Veterans Docket Day provides the opportunity for honorably discharged or current veterans who have traffic, parking or red light camera citations pending before TPVA to participate in a special conference with a prosecutor. These conferences are held prior to the general public and will be provided a lengthier time to understand in greater detail the circumstances involving each case. Veterans will receive consideration based upon their military status, medical status, and their financial situation. This may include those dealing post-transition issues such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Suffolk County Legislator Steve Stern said: "As Chairman of the Veterans Committee of the Suffolk County Legislature, and as the author of the Housing Our Homeless Heroes Act, I applaud County Executive Bellone and the Traffic and Parking Violations Agency for this important 'first in the nation' initiative to assist our at-risk veterans. As our veterans return home, many from multiple deployments, it is vital that we ensure that something as simple as a traffic violation does not lead to unemployment, inability to pay child support and potential homelessness. It must continue to be our solemn obligation to protect those who protected all of us and this program is an important and effective way to provide assistance to our veterans and have a beneficial impact on public safety as well.

Suffolk County Legislator Thomas F. Barraga said: The Vehicle Traffic Court of Suffolk County is an innovative, progressive program that should be duplicated nationwide, designed to help those veterans who need assistance in resolving traffic violations.

In addition to an expedited process and longer conference with a prosecutor, Veterans Docket Day will help facilitate a complete avenue of reform, understanding and assistance for veterans. There will also be support groups present on VDD to assist veterans in addressing other issues that they may want to resolve. The Agency anticipates a concerted effort with town, local and village Justice Courts in Suffolk and Nassau counties to establish open lines of communication in order to help Veterans find a complete and fair resolution.

The program differs from a veterans court within a criminal court venue, as the agencys program will help resolve the initial infractions, which may be the underlying cause of a criminal charge. If a motorist is ticketed for an aggravated unlicensed operation of motor vehicle, the motorist is suspended due to unpaid or unanswered tickets, in many cases, those tickets are under the jurisdiction of the Agency and in the reaming cases, the tickets are most likely under the jurisdiction of the town, local and village justice court.

Veterans Docket Day is held at the Suffolk County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency in Hauppauge on the third Friday of the every month at 2:00 P.M. The program may include, but is not limited to, the following considerations:

Veterans will be conferenced before the general public.

Prosecutors will give Veterans more comprehensive conference, including time to discuss the causation of all events that led them to the agency.

Assessment of consequences/penalties based upon ability to pay fines and offering alternatives to fines.

Consideration on red light camera citations and parking fines.

Assistance in regaining their license to drive expeditiously; attempt to remove any barriers associated with the agency to licensing.

Provide DMV forms as necessary to assist with matters such as the reapplication for a drivers license.

Thomas Ronayne, Director of the Suffolk County Veterans Services Agency, said: "This court represents another innovative way that Suffolk County serves our veterans. By assisting veterans with traffic and parking violations matters we will actually be providing support far beyond that courtroom as it should be.

Ken Rosenblum, Associate Dean and Director of Touro Law Center Veterans & Servicemembers Rights Clinic (Retired) said: "You can tell the character of a community, local or national, by how it treats its veterans. In the past, particularly with our Vietnam vets, our nation has fallen short of the mark. But Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Traffic and Parking Violations Agency Executive Director Paul Margiotta, Veterans Service Agency Director Tom Ronayne and the entire Suffolk team have stepped up big time with this program that addresses the critical needs of our vets, particular those less fortunate, and assures that their issues and concerns will be addressed with the patience, dignity and compassion they have earned by their service and sacrifice. The Suffolk program is a model for the nation."

Many veterans  including those who have recently returned from service overseas  are confronted with steep monetary fines that have accumulated over time due to prior traffic violations. As a result, veterans are placed in a difficult position between having to pay costly fines without the necessary resources or risk losing their New York State Drivers License. Veterans also may unknowingly be driving with a suspended drivers license or have incurred traffic violations due to post-transition issues stemming from their military service.

There are numerous reasons that veterans tend to accrue more traffic violations than the general population. Many of the same instincts and specialized training that kept service members alive overseas can become dangerous habits back here at home. Defensive driving courses across the country teach drivers to scan roadways and attempt to predict the actions of other drivers. However, many veterans  especially those with PTSD  similarly scan but have been trained to watch for certain types of vehicles that may indicate a danger on the battlefield. Veteran drivers also may habitually scrutinize overpasses and bridges for signs of an ambush and can remain wary of slow-moving vehicles, which could mean trouble or simply impede a swift departure.

The Veterans Traffic Court has selected Presiding Judge Allen S. Mathers, a fellow veteran, to overseethese cases. Mathers, a Captain in the Coast Guard and retired National Guardsman, has provided legal assistance to members of every military service branch and has served as a Referee on the District and Supreme Court levels for more than 25 years.

Implementation of this program comes at no additional cost to the taxpayer but does have significant public benefits. Once a veterans driving privileges are restored, more opportunities to find gainful employment are available - thus adding to thelocal tax base.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced today that Aaron Travis Daniels, a 20-year-old from Columbus, Ohio, pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).

Daniels (pictured on the right*) was arrested on Nov. 7, 2016 at an airport in Columbus, Ohio before he could fly to Trinidad. His ultimate destination was to be Libya, where he hoped to join the Islamic State.

Daniels admitted that he attempted to travel abroad to provide material support to ISIS, Acting Assistant Attorney General Boente said in a statement. Identifying, thwarting and holding accountable individuals who attempt to provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations is a top priority of the Department of Justice.

Daniels communicated with at least one significant Islamic State operative, according to the DOJ. [See FDDs Long War Journal report: Ohio man allegedly communicated with an Islamic State external attack planner.]

Daniels was in contact with an Islamic State operative known as Abu Isa Al Amriki, who acted as a recruiter and external attack planner. According to the DOJ, Daniels said at one point that it was al Amriki who suggested he go to Libya to support jihad. Daniels also wired money to an intermediary for Abu Isa Al Amriki. When Daniels arrest was first announced last year, the DOJ specifically cited a sum of $250 he sent to an Islamic State operative in Jan. 2016.

Al Amriki and his wife, an Australian national known as Umm Isa Amriki, were killed in an airstrike near Al Bab, Syria on Apr. 22, 2016. Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook announced their deaths in early May 2016, saying that Abu Isa al Amriki was a Sudanese national also known as Abu Saad al Sudani. Al Amriki (Al Sudani) was involved in planning attacks against the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, Cook said at the time. Both al Sudani and his wife were active in recruiting foreign fighters in efforts to inspire attacks against Western interests.

Indeed, al Amriki and other online recruiters for the Islamic State corresponded with a number of recruits in the US and throughout the West. In some cases, they sought to direct would-be jihadists to commit terrorist attacks inside their home countries. But in other cases, such as Daniels, they recruited young men to wage jihad abroad. [See FDDs Long War Journal report, The future of counterterrorism: Addressing the evolving threat to domestic security.]

Daniels (also known as Harun Muhammad and Abu Yusef) faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, according to the DOJ.

Just weeks after Daniels arrest, the Islamic State lost its safe haven in Sirte, Libya to a coalition of local forces backed by the US and its Western allies. The self-declared caliphate referred to Sirte as one of its three most important capitals, almost on par with Mosul, Iraq and Raqqa, Syria. And Abu Bakr al Baghdadis propagandists repeatedly called on the groups supporters to travel to North Africa.

The US bombed Islamic State two training camps south of Sirte in January, citing the presence of external attack planners tied to operations in Europe.

*The photo of Daniels was released by the Franklin County Sheriffs Office and first posted online by various media outlets.

Thomas Joscelyn is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Senior Editor for FDD's Long War Journal.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
Qassem Soleimani

On July 3, Major General Qassem Soleimani, the chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Qods Force, spoke at an Iran-Iraq war veterans gathering in his home province of Kerman.

Soleimani praised the Islamic Republics decades-long effort to take the mantle of the Palestinian cause and boasted that Tehrans influence in the Middle East has expanded as a result of the Syrian war. He excoriated Saudi Arabia, as well as domestic Iranian critics of the Guard Corps. And the general also lamented the drop in religious observance in Iran.

Soleimani hailed the importance of Qods Day, established by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini to call for Israels destruction and express support for Palestinians. Tehran-sponsored Qods Day celebrations were held in several countries last month. [See FDDs Long War Journal report: Qods Day commemorations highlight Tehrans global reach.]

One of the important and valuable innovations of Imam Khomeini was making central the systems policies on the Palestinian issues, and the Imam (may the almighty God be pleased with him) hoisted the flag of mahdavi in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Soleimani said. Mahdism is belief in the Mahdi, or the 12th Shiite Imam, who would rise before judgement day.

Soleimani then chastised some Arab countries who are surrounding the oppressed Palestinians. Tehran has accused Arab states of selling out the Palestinian cause, because these same Arab nations have expanded ties with Israel over shared concerns about Iranian power.

The Islamic Republics global defense of the oppressed peoples of Iraq and Syria has increased Irans global popularity, Soleimani claimed. Other evidence suggests the opposite has happened: over the past decade, Tehrans regional policies have led to sharp drops in Irans favorability rating in the Middle East and around the globe.

The target of the takfiri terrorists was to bring the Islamic Republic to the ground with these conspiracies and to make it kneel in front of this religious sedition, Soleimani claimed. He elaborated: Those who were behind this sedition and fanned it also had this imagination. This is while the greatness and strength of the Islamic Republic of Iran after the emergence of DAESH [the Islamic State] and toward the end of DAESH increased tens of times.

Like other senior Iranian officials, Soleimani has claimed that the Islamic State was a conspiracy weaved by Tehrans enemies to target the Islamic Republic. Although Iranian-backed forces and the Islamic State fight one anther in Iraq and Syria, Tehran has used the Sunni jihadist groups rise to justify its involvement abroad and its own jihad to defend Shiite shrines from virulently anti-Shiite extremists.

Soleimani boasted about the Syrian regimes rising fortunes, though he failed to mention that Russias military intervention was essential in turning the tide of war. One day, Syria faced many problems, and today the Syrian government becomes stronger every day, he stated. The global belief today is that the Syrian system is undefeatable.

Soleimani spoke about the expansion of Tehrans operations in Syria during the war. Several years ago in Syria, we didnt have relations with individuals and movements more than the numbers of fingers, while we have relations with hundreds of thousands today, he boasted. While some countries that argued with us, dont defend Syrias government, [they] are standing next to the Islamic Republic today and have changed their policies.

The Qods Force chief lauded the rise of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a conglomeration of Iraqi militias dominated by IRGC-backed factions. He omitted the fact that US air support has been crucial in the anti-Islamic State campaign.

The Iraqi army is moving as a national, powerful Islamic army. This is due to popular forces. Something similar happened in our country, he said, referring to the formation of the IRGC and the Basij paramilitary. Tehran aspires to consolidate its gains in Iraq through the vehicle of the PMF. [See FDDs Long War Journal report: Qods Force commander to advance Tehrans influence as ambassador to Iraq.]

The Iranian general mocked Saudi Arabia: If theres a lot of oil in a countrybut mad logic rules, terrible events happen, and mad things like war with Yemen happen and these ignorant individuals are incapable of extinguishing this fire. As the civil war in Yemen enters its third year, Soleimani has overseen increasing Iranian support for Houthi fighters and allied forces loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh. The Houthi-Saleh alliance seeks to stymie the Saudi and UAE-led coalition.

The Islamic Republic has been the victor of all events that have happened in the region, Soleimani claimed.

He also praised the IRGCs missile strikes on Islamic State positions in Syria last month, saying this had several good benefits, one that it showed the Islamic Republic has the will to act, and the principle of will was more important than the result. Israeli sources say Irans missile strikes were largely unsuccessful, with only one projectile striking their targets. Soleimanis statement could be read as an admission that not all the missiles struck their targets. Regardless, he emphasized that the missile strikes highlighted the training of experts in building precise missiles.

I have witnessed many scenes of missile raining down including American missiles, he explained. He cited a Quranic verse in his praise, arguing this movement of the corps was truly, It was not you who threw when you threw; God is the One who threw.'

On domestic politics, Soleimani had strong words for critics of the IRGC, indirectly criticizing President Hassan Rouhani. In the Islamic Republic, were all responsible towards martyrs, society, religion and our country. The biggest betrayal is to cast doubt toward the foundations of this system. He continued, saying none today must weaken the corps. This is likely a reference to Rouhanis recent criticism of the IRGC during and since the presidential campaign. [See FDDs Long War Journal report: The Revolutionary Guards long shadow over Irans presidential election.]

Do not compare the corps with metarget me, not the corps, he said. Without the corps, there wouldnt be a country.

Soleimani acknowledged the drop in religious observation in Iran, though he sought to deflect blame from the regimes practice of shoving its version of religiosity down peoples throats. We must not make people pessimistic toward religion and make society fear the devout, because turning people away from religion leads to higher divorce rate, and social corruption grows with reduction in values, he said.

How is it that some seek to make society afraid of the religiously devout? This is a wrong strategy and policy.

A Revolutionary Guard commander once admitted that only five percent of Irans mosques are fully operational during the year.

Amir Toumaj is a independent analyst and contributor to FDD's Long War Journal.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
On June 29, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that Abdirahman Sheik Mohamud, a 25-year-old US citizen and resident of Columbus, Ohio, pleaded guilty to various terror-related charges. The charges focused on Mohamuds 2014 trip to Syria, where he was trained by and fought for Al Nusrah Front, then al Qaedas official branch in the country. Mohamuds plea came nearly two years ago, in Aug. 2015, but it was sealed because of an ongoing investigation.

Al Nusrah instructed Mohamud (pictured on the right*) to return to the US and commit an act of terrorism, according to a statement of facts produced for his case. Little is publicly known about Nusrahs instructions, but Mohamuds case provides additional details concerning the groups potential threat to the West at the time.

Within months of Mohamuds return to the US, the Obama administration began targeting al Qaedas so-called Khorasan Group in Syria. The name Khorasan Group caused significant confusion within the US. In reality, it was simply an al Qaeda cadre tasked with plotting against the West, among other duties. Some of its leaders were embedded within Al Nusrahs ranks. It is not clear if the government thinks someone within the unit directed Mohamud, or if other Al Nusrah members told Mohamud to attack inside the US.

Mohamuds brother, Abdifatah Aden, first joined the jihad in Syria. The statement of facts cites a private message Mohamud sent Aden in Sept. 2013. In it, Mohamud praised his brother for being a soldier, while committing to follow in Adens footsteps as a fellow foreign fighter.

Within months, the two were planning Mohamuds own trip to Syria. Mohamuds travel plans came together during the first four months of 2014. He became a naturalized US citizen on Feb. 18, 2014, applied for a passport one week later, and gathered $1,000 for his brother. Mohamud also obtained a communication device for Aden.

Mohamud left for Syria on Apr. 18, 2014. He purchased a one-way ticket to Athens, Greece via Istanbul, Turkey. Instead of continuing to his final destination, Mohamud stayed in Istanbul, where he worked with his brother and multiple facilitatorsaligned with Nusrah to arrange his trip across the border. The money Mohamud gathered in the US for Aden was given to one of these facilitators.

Throughout much of the Syrian war, Turkey provided a permissive environment for jihadist facilitators. Both the Islamic State and Nusrah, which broke off from Abu Bakr al Baghdadis enterprise, have utilized middlemen in Turkey to shuttle new recruits and operatives. Mohammed Islambouli, a senior al Qaeda figure who has reportedly led the Khorasan contingent, has lived and openly operated in Istanbul.

Within one week of leaving the US in Apr. 2014, Mohamud was in Syria with his brother.

Nusrah provided Mohamud with fitness, weapons and tactical training. He told someone in the US that his training included how to enter a structure and kill persons inside. Mohamud also engaged in a firefight and expressed his desire to die fighting in Syria, according to the statement of facts.

While still with Nusrah in Syria, Mohamud sent a video to a person in the US showing individuals who were training him.

Aden died while fighting in Nusrahs ranks on or about June 3, 2014. Days later, on June 8, his brother Mohamud returned to the US with bad intentions.

Lady Al Qaeda

The statement of facts provides some clues as to what Mohamud may have been thinking. Even before returning to America, Mohamud conducted some web searches on his phone. He visited the website for the Federal Bureau of Prisons and conducted searches using the phrases fort worth texas prison inmate search, aafia Siddiqui and fmc carswell.

Aafia Siddiqui (seen on the right) has been dubbed Lady Al Qaeda in the press. She was tried and convicted in the US on charges stemming from her attempt to kill Americans who were questioning her in Afghanistan in July 2008. US authorities also allege that she assisted senior al Qaeda personnel, including 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. In September 2010, she received a prison sentence of 86 years.

Al Qaeda has repeatedly agitated on Siddiquis behalf.

In Nov. 2010, for example, Ayman al Zawahiri released a message entitled, Who Will Avenge the Scientist Aafia Siddiqui? Zawahiri called on Pakistanis to take the only available path, that of jihadwhich will liberate Aafia Siddiqui. Abu Yahya al Libi, a senior al Qaeda manager who was subsequently killed in a US drone strike, called on Muslims to avenge Siddiqui in a Dec. 2010 message entitled, Aafia SiddiquiCaptivity and Oppression, So Where Are the Heroes? [See FDDs Long War Journal report, Analysis: Lady al Qaeda in propaganda.]

Al Qaeda has produced numerous propaganda statements highlighting Siddiquis supposed plight in the years that followed. The group has attempted to tap into deep anti-American sentiment and exploit the conspiracy theories surrounding her case.

Mohamud was apparently interested in taking up Siddiquis cause for himself. According to press reports, Siddiqui has been imprisoned at the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Carswell, which is one of the phrases Mohamud searched on  in addition to Siddiquis name and other related terms.

After returning to the US, Mohamud attempted to recruit multiple individuals for his plan to kidnap and murder American soldiers. He told an unnamed person that his plan was to lay low and recruit others for his plot, which involved killing military officers or other government employees or people in uniform.

He told another individual that he wanted to do something big, such as capturing and executing soldiers in Texas.

In Sept. 2014, Mohamud taught several people how to fire a handgun. Two months later, in Nov. 2014, he purchased an airline ticket from Columbus, Ohio to Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas, although this flight was later changed.

The newly released statement of facts does not identify the Nusrah member(s) who told Mohamud to return to his adopted home country and kill Americans. Nor are the facilitators Mohamud communicated with even after departing Syria identified. Such details are crucial for understanding how Mohamuds plot unfolded.

US targeting al Qaeda members in Syria

In Sept. 2014, the US government began a targeted air campaign against al Qaeda operatives tasked with plotting against the West. This was just a few months after Mohamud left Syria that prior June. A number of al Qaeda veterans, planners and other operatives were killed in the months and years that followed. Did Mohamud meet with or receive instructions from any of them? We do not know.

There is another interesting angle to Mohamuds story. Publicly, Al Nusrah Front leader Abu Muhammad al Julani said that Ayman al Zawahiri had directed him and his men not to attack the West, because Zawahiri didnt want such terror plots to taint the groups large role in the insurgency against Bashar al Assads regime.

The directives that come to us from Dr. Ayman [al Zawahiri], may Allah protect him, are that the Al Nusrah Fronts mission in Syria is to topple [Bashar al Assads] regime and its allies, Julani explained during a friendly interview with Al Jazeera in 2015. Concurrent with Assads planned downfall, Al Nusrah was ordered to reach a mutual understanding with other factions to establish a righteous Islamic rule.

We have received guidance to not use Syria as a base for attacks against the West or Europe so that the real battle is not confused, Julani told Al Jazeera. However, he conceded that maybe the mother al Qaeda organization is plotting against the West, just not from Syria. Julani emphasized that this directive came from Zawahiri.

However, after a short stint training with and fighting for Nusrah, Mohamud set his sights on an attack inside the US. Perhaps the plot was not going to be attributed to Nusrah and many details are unknown. But the US military has repeatedly cited the presence of anti-Western operatives in Syria. Some of them openly threatened America on social media, while others were connected to high-profile, anti-Western operations in the past. Nusrah itself celebrated the Sept. 11, 2001 hijackings during an infamous video released in mid-2015.

Regardless, Nusrahs primary mission from the beginning was to embed itself deeply in the anti-Assad insurgency and build more popular support for the jihadists cause, ultimately planning to build an Islamic emirate in northwestern Syria. A high-profile attack in the West attributed to Nusrah could have made the US and its European allies take the groups paramilitary forces more seriously, thereby multiplying the threats to its longer-term plans.

In July 2016, less than two years after Mohamud sought to kill American servicemembers, Nusrah was rebranded as Jabhat Fath al Sham (JFS). In January, JFS then merged with several other groups to form Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS). While these moves have generated some controversy within jihadist circles, including al Qaeda, the creation of HTS was intended, in part, to further insulate the jihadist cause from Western threats.

Mohamud, who was born in Somalia, is not the first US citizen to plead guilty to various charges after traveling to Syria for jihad. In Jan. 2016, the DOJ announced that another naturalized US citizen, Amin al Baroudi, pleaded guilty to charges based on his support for Ahrar al Sham, which was allied with Al Nusrah at the time.

But Mohamuds case is noteworthy because he returned from Syria with the intent to lash out at his fellow Americans.

Mohamud admitted to traveling overseas, providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, and receiving training from terrorists, Acting Assistant Attorney General Boente was quoted as saying in the DOJs statement. He also admitted to returning to the United States and planning to conduct an attack on American soil.

*The photo of Abdirahman Sheik Mohamud was released by the Franklin County Sheriffs Office and posted online by the Associated Press and other media outlets.

Thomas Joscelyn is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Senior Editor for FDD's Long War Journal.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
US African Command, or AFRICOM, struck Shabaab troops as they massed in southern Somalia yesterday. AFRICOM described the attack against al Qaedas branch in Somalia as a self defense strike despite the fact that the operation was offensive in nature.

AFRICOM announced the strike in a press advisory that was released today. The number of Shabaab fighters killed or wounded was not disclosed, but AFRICOM said it would continue to assess the results of the operation.

On July 4, at approximately 6:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, working from actionable intelligence, the Department of Defense conducted a successful collective self-defense strike operation against an al-Shabaab troop concentration, according to AFRICOMs statement. The Shabaab fighters massed approximately 300 miles southwest of Mogadishu, or close to the border with Kenya.

While AFRICOM described the attack against a Shabaab formation as a self defense strike, according to the AFRICOM press release, US forces were not operating anywhere near the assembled Shabaab fighters as they were targeted.

The US military has masked offensive operations against Shabaab as self defense strikes since the beginning of 2016. AFRICOM has described airstrikes launched during other offensive operations against Shabaab targets such as training camps and IED factories as self defense strikes and defensive fires missions. Last year, AFRICOM described nine such operations as defensive in nature. The Department of Defense has even justified airstrikes on Shabaab training camps, such as the one in Raso on March 5, 2016, as defensive operations.

The last self defense strike in Somalia in 2016 took place on Sept. 28, when combined forces raided a Shabaab IED factory near Galcayo and killed nine fighters. AFRICOM launched one more so-called self defense strike in Somalia on Jan. 7, 2017. In that attack, US aircraft attacked Shabaab fighters after they opened fire on Somali, African Union, and US forces as they raided a Shabaab-held ton in the south.

However, an attack on June 11 against a Shabaab command and logistics node was not defined by AFRICOM as a self defense strike.

The US military has been launching airstrikes and naval bombardments, as well as special operations raids against Shabaab and its predecessor, the Islamic Courts Union, since 2006. Many of these raids were in direct support of military operations, such as airstrikes and naval bombardments in 2007 that supported Ethiopias invasion to depose the Islamic Courts Union.

The Long War Journal has recorded 32 such operations against Shabaab or the Islamic Courts since 2006 (see list below). The number of US military operations in Somalia may well be higher, however, it has been difficult to track strikes against Shabaab as there are multiple actors involved in targeting the group, including Kenyan and Ethiopian sources. The US military has not released statements for every encounter. Additionally, for a long period of time, Iranian news outlets muddied the waters by attributing every nearly every action against Shabaab in southern Somalia as a US drone strike. Verifiable press reporting has also been inconsistent.

AFRICOM has loosely described raids against targets such as IED facilities and training camps as counterterrorism operations, when in reality these are military operations since they are often launched against well-defended and well-defined targets in areas under direct Shabaab control. Like other al Qaeda branches, Shabaab controls a significant amount of territory and operates a military, intelligence and services, and governs areas it controls.

US operations targeting Shabaab since 2007:

July 4, 2017  AFRICOM strike Shabaab forces as they amassed 300 miles south of Mogadishu.

June 11, 2017  US forces killed eight Shabaab fighters in an attack that targeted a command and logistic node in southern Somalia.

Jan. 7, 2017  US forces launched a self-defense strike near Gaduud during a counterterrorism operation to disrupt Shabaab. No Shabaab fighters were killed.

Sept. 28, 2016  US forces kill nine Shabaab fighters during a raid on a Shabaab IED factory near Galcayo.

Sept. 26, 2016  US forces kill four Shabaab fighters during raids on training camps near Kismayo.

Sept. 5, 2016  The US launched two self-defense strikes near Tortoroow after a large Shabaab force attacked a a Somali-led counterterrorism operation. Four Shabaab fighters were killed.

Aug. 30, 2016  US forces killed two Shabaab fighters after they attacked a Somali counterterrorism force near Gobanale.

June 21, 2016  US troops conducted a self-defense strike against Shabaab, killing three. The operation was conducted after it was assessed the terrorists were planning and preparing to conduct an imminent attack against US forces.

May 31, 2016  Somali troops, backed by US forces, killed Shabaab member Mohammed Dulyadeen, a.k.a. Mohammed Kuno and Kuno Gamadere, during an operation near Gaduud.

May 27, 2016  The US killed Abdullahi Haji Daud, a senior military commander for Shabaab, in south-central Somalia.

May 13, 2016  The US launched defensive fire missions which took place in remote locations in Somalia under al-Shabaab control.

May 12, 2016  The US launched defensive fire missions which took place in remote locations in Somalia under al-Shabaab control.

May 12, 2016  The US launched defensive fire missions which took place in remote locations in Somalia under al-Shabaab control.

May 9, 2016  The US launched defensive fire missions which took place in remote locations in Somalia under al-Shabaab control.

March 31, 2016  The US killed Hassan Ali Dhoore, a dual hatted al Qaeda and Shabaab leader who also served in the Amniyat, in an airstrike.

March 10, 2016  US special operations forces targeted a Shabaab training camp in Awdigle raid.

March 5, 2016  The US military announced that it launched an airstrike which targeted a Shabaabs Raso Camp north of the Somali capital of Mogadishu. The US justified the strike on al Qaedas official East African branch by saying that fighters there posed an imminent threat. More than 150 Shabaab fighters are said to have been killed.

Dec. 2, 2015  US killed Abdirahman Sandhere, a.k.a. Ukash, a senior Shabaab leader, and two other associates in an airstrike.

March 12, 2015  The US military confirmed that it killed Adan Garaar, a senior official in the Amniyat and a key operative responsible for coordinating al-Shabaabs external operations in a drone strike.

Feb. 3, 2015  US troops targeted and killed Yusuf Dheeq, the head of the Amniyat.

Dec. 29, 2014  US forces killed Tahlil Abdishakur, the leader of the Amniyat, in an airstrike in Somalia

Sept. 1, 2014  The US military killed Ahmed Godane, the co-founder of and emir of Shabaab, also known as Sheikh Mukhtar Abu Zubayr, in an airstrike south of Mogadishu.

Jan. 25, 2014  A US airstrike killed Sahal Iskudhuq, a senior Shabaab commander who served as a high-ranking member of the Amniyat.

Oct. 23, 2013  A US drone strike killed Anta Anta the mastermind of al Shababs suicide missions.

Oct. 5, 2013  US special Operations Forces targeted Shabaabs external operations chief Abdulkadir Mohamed Abdulkadir (Ikrima), but fails to capture or kill him. A Swedish and a Sudanese Shabaab fighter were killed.

Jan. 2012  A US airstrike killed Bilal al Berjawi, a British national of Lebanese descent.

Sept. 2009  US special operations forces killed Saleh ali Nabhan, a top al Qaeda and Shabaab leader who was involved in the Kenya and Tanzania bombings

May 2008  A US airstrike killed senior Shabaab and al Qaeda leader Aden Hashi Ayro.

March 2008  A US airstrike targeted a safe house in Somalia.

Spring 2008  The US killed Aden Hashi Ayro and Sheikh Muhyadin Omar in an airstrike in the spring of 2008. Before his death, Ayro was the leader of Shabaab.

June 2007  US targeted Saleh ali Nabhan, a top al Qaeda and Shabaab leader who was involved in the Kenya and Tanzania bombings

Jan. 2007  The US military targeted Abu Taha al-Sudani (or Tariq Abdullah), Qaedas leader in East Africa, and either Fazul Abdullah Mohammed and Saleh Ali Saleh Nabhan, both who . Fazul is al Qaedas operations chief for East Africa, while Sudani is the chief strategist and ideologue. Sudani is thought to have been killed in that airstrike (Shabaab said he was killed in an airstrike in 2007.)

Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
Properties / Hotels

Spread across six acres, the land for sale, which has direct access to two world-class beaches, is perfect for the development of a five-star boutique resort with a luxury villa component.

Jul 06, 2017 | By Staff Writer











If youre looking to invest in a beachfront property in Thailand, youre in luck. Real estate firm Coldwell Banker has a stunning private peninsula on Koh Lanta up for sale, and its a perfect piece of land for resort living in the tropics.

Surrounded by nature, the lush peninsula is a five-minute drive away from Koh Lantas biggest five-star property, Pimalai Resort & Spa. It boasts direct access to two beaches, including the Ao Nui Beach  which was voted the islands top beach by Lonely Planet. Measuring approximately 15 Rai (24,000 sqm or six acres), the asking price for the plot of land is THB 225 million.

In case youre new to Koh Lanta, the beautiful, unspoiled island is located off the Andaman Coast of Southern Thailand in the Krabi Province, and stretches over 30km from North to South. Nearest airports are Krabi, Trang, and Phuket, with daily international flights to Krabi from Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Kuala Lumpur, Chiang Mai and Doha (via Qatar Airways), plus Sweden, Denmark and Finland during peak season. Expansion of Krabi International Airport is also in the works, which will result in increased passenger capacity to 5 million by 2020.

But getting to Lanta from the nearest airports isnt quite as straightforward: youll need to take a car to a pier and take a ferry. On the island, you may need to take another ferry or car to your destination. While its not as easy to get to than other, more commercial, Thai islands (for now), Lantas gorgeous white sandy beaches, coral reefs, splendid natural landscape more than make up for the trek. Moreover, there are plans in place to make the island even more accessible in the near future, including the building of a new bridge that will connect the Lanta islands to the Krabi mainlands, with expected completion by 2023.

Accessibility and amenities within Koh Lanta is also improving. A new bridge connecting Koh Lanta with Koh Lanta Noi has recently been completed and is significantly reducing journey time. A four-lane road is currently being built between this new bridge and the Old Town. Government-built water supply is also available and there is access to electricity grid and fiber optic cables.

For more information about the sale of this private peninsula in Koh Lanta, Thailand, get in touch with Mr. Adam Taugwalder at +66 85 554 4347 or adam@coldwellbanker.co.th in Bangkok or Mr. Norbert Witthinrich at +66 81 891 6143 or norbert@coldwellbankerphuket.com.
Style / Fashion

With this visual guide, Luxuo would like to banish once and for all, the idea that one cannot wear suits in sunny Singapore simply because its hot. With these mens style tips courtesy of Pitti Uomo, theres simply no excuse to be poorly dressed.

Jul 06, 2017 | By Jonathan Ho

Lets just end clear up a few points of contention when it comes to Singaporean men and style (or lack thereof): First, yes, there is a mens fashion scene in Singapore. Yes, sometimes, Singapore mens style tilts into the gender-bending or the hilariously impractical but one perspective is that personal style is born of experimentation. Second, Singapores perpetual summer weather renders any kind of style beyond t-shirt, shorts or that mind-numbing G2000 office uniform impractical. Finally, that the days of British Colonialism are over and Asian men dont look good in suits. Well, lets just say that the last two points are untrue and this Pitti Uomo Visual Guide has the proof!

Pitti Uomo Visual Guide for Stylish Menswear in Singapores Perpetual Summer

Lets solve the first problem  its too hot in Singapore to wear a suit! Well, it is time to embrace the linen suit. Better yet, make it a double breasted linen suit like the sort loved by novelist Mark Twain.

Singaporean men should embrace the Linen Suit

Linen is exceptionally breathable because it features a thread count much lower than those of other fabrics including cotton. The materials nature is well suited (no pun intended) for summer and humid climates thanks to its comfort and high moisture absorbency. Though linen suits are traditionally not recommended for the office (due to the material being easily crumpled), simply turning up to any Singapore corporate environment in one would instantly elevate the level of formality in the office.

Sans linen, suits for summers hot weather can be half-lined also

If white or cream feels a little like a day at a wedding or at the horse races, this half-lined wool-linen Hugo Boss suit with slim peak lapels odd to suit any occasion. Dress down as suit separates with dark denims should you need to wear it out for a night in town or for a weekend jaunt. For a more relaxed look, linen blazers can be paired with classic summer t-shirts or polo shirts

Dress down your suit jacket with a polo shirt

Youve spent over $1000 on your suit and like any true blue Singaporean male, youre going to want to milk the value for all that its worth. In that case, dress your suit down with a polo shirt and white denims from Ermenegildo Zegna. If youre wondering if a baby blue blazer and a blue cotton pique polo jersey is just one cerulean hue too many, then youre in luck because BEAMS Fashion Director and Buyer, Shuhei Nishiguchi, showed men how to pull of blue-on-blue at the recent Pitti Uomo 92. In espadrilles no less.

Effortless mens style through colour blocking

Nishiguchi is also a prime exemplar on effortless mens style through color blocking. Hot weather climates can be a dampener on the mood but unlike autumnal and wintry climes, you have the option for colour saturation. Pick a core colour for your ensemble and then direct your chosen garments and layers around your outfit. Here, a checked blazer truely pops with the solid colours beaneath it. The black tie strong anchors and keeps the eye catching outfit a little down to earth.

If colour blocking feels a little adventurous, you can try going in different direction by still using the concept of colour blocking but only within the limited range of a few earth tones or monotones. You dont have to be colourful to be loud, but you can use a limited palette range to make a statement in subdued shades of sand and stone, with pale-blue shirts and grey ties. Of course, the option is still there to make your outfit pop with a pair of coloured chinos.

Walk on the wild side, go sockless

Its true, going sockless in sunny Singapore increases risk of stinking up the leather lining of your shoes/or sneakers by a sweaty degree. There are a few solutions for this  liberal application of foot powder or talcum into the confines of said shoe or, theres the no-show sock. Mens haberdashers like Ermenegildo Zegna and Hugo Boss offer a variety of colours, that said, Luxuos style advice would be to go with a flesh tone or beige. Failing that, a darker shade to mimic the shadow of a shoes interior.

Improve your summer style game with a short suit

Why stop at socks (or not wearing them)? Take Summer style up a notch by experimenting with short-suit. Granted, a full on safari short suit with panama hat might be a little daunting, which is why we recommend the season-essential Suitsupply Bennington shorts which exemplify laid-back refinement. Cut just above the knee from a lightweight blend of linen and cotton by Di Sondrio, this off-white pair features side adjusters, a small cuff, and mini flap coin pocket. Pair with your blazer and sneakers like so, and youre comfortably dressy yet casual.

Improve your sneaker game with the Ermenegildo Zegna Tiziano Sneaker

A High Top designer sneaker reinvented by Alessandro Sartori for Ermenegildo Zegna Couture, featuring the iconic Triple Stitch logo. Ermenegildo Zegna Tiziano Sneakers are designed around a clean, minimist form of the ankle boot, the sneakers are given a contemporary twist by lateral cuts and stitching, a favourite feature is the signature Ermenegildo Zegna Couture Triple Stitch detailing- its a bold choice, assured to turn heads.

While sneakers are stylistically in-offensive, something like a pair of Double Monk Straps can be sartorially divisive. For some, its an acquired taste, for others, the double monk strap can be quite daunting, and so, for those looking for something dressier than boat shoes or car shoes for the weekend, you might want to look at this Ermenegildo Zegna brushed-off dark brown loafer. In a pinch, these loafers can pull double duty as work shoes (caveat: you dont work in a heavily corporate environment like a legal office, if you, we suggest Oxfords, not brogues  damn you Kingsmen).
Limon, Costa Rica is a lush green mountainous paradise and the perfect vacation spot if you love outdoor beauty and adventure!

Limon, Costa Rica

The fourth stop on our Panama Canal cruise adventure was Limon, Costa Rica (first: Aruba, second: Colombia, third: Panama). And, woah! Mountains! I knew Costa Rica had rain forests, but I never expected the gorgeous mountain landscape. As a mountain lover, this was a pleasant surprise. Our excursion for Limon was a jungle river tour followed by the Veragua Rainforest tour  you wont believe the animals we saw in the wild!

Thank you so much to Princess Cruises for hosting Wesley and me on our long overdue nearly forgotten honeymoon. We had a blast, and of course opinions expressed are my own, unless theyre Wesleys. In which case, Ill let you know.

Love this? Pin it to your TRAVEL BOARD for later!Follow Mama Loves Food on Pinterest for more easy recipes!

Pulling into port at Limon was breathtaking. I stood at the deck railing watching the mountains until my coffee ran cold. I am a mountain addict. Have I mentioned, I really like mountains? Theyre like the ocean, but tall, so more people can see them. Thank you mountains. We appreciate you.

Also, I think more people should have colorful houses and shops. I just cant help but smile when I see pink, and green, and turquoise buildings! Dear HOA, lets rethink the neighborhood color palette, eh?

The first leg of our excursion was a river cruise through the jungle. It was swampy, hot, and really really really beautiful. I feel like Ive been using that word a lot. Perhaps its time to pull up a thesaurus, but the fact remains. It was beautiful.

Wesley and I are junkies for those shows that show how people live around the globe, so seeing the homes and businesses along the river was really neat. Ive always dreamed of traveling the world and living in vastly different environments for a period of time.

This had my wheels totally turning. Its something I love about cruises too  being able to see so many environments in one trip.

Do you see the sloth??? DO YOU SEE THE SLOTH?!!! P.S. There were sloths in the trees! Also monkeys, and snakes, and lizards! And birds too. The guide was very adamant that no one heckle the monkeys (why would you heckle a monkey?!) because they will fling poo at you.I have five kids.

I do not need poo flinging on my grown-up only vacation. No. Thank. You.

Following the river tour we had some fresh fruit for snacks (*ahem* the BEST pineapple I have ever had. Period. Full stop.) and then hopped on the bus to head up up up to the top of a mountain for our tour at the Veragua Rainforest and Research Center. As much as I love mountains (a lot), Im not a super huge fan of driving up them.

But no one else seemed worried, so I put on a brave(ish) face and we made it there alive and well.Almost as soon as we arrived, we saw a cute little snake (it really was tiny!) hanging out on a palm tree limb next to the handrail. The guide told is it was an eyelash viper. And if it struck you, you had 15 minutes to get to a hospital. But we were in the middle of the jungle. So please dont try to touch it. Make a wide berth.We did just that.

After walking around and seeing the facilities for a bit, we took a gondola ride up and down the mountain. This was my favorite part of the day. The views were incredible and we saw several more monkeys in the tree! I also practiced my Spanish a little with the gondola operator.

We were so high up that we could see our cruise ship in port even though we had driven over an hour to get to where we were! The facility also offered zip-lining, but Im a bit of a chicken, so we stuck with the gondola.

We also saw wild bananas that the guide said are terrible and the monkeys wont even eat, a teensy tiny red tree frog (again, super poisonous), and wild culantro.

Not to be confused with cilantro, which is what we grow in the U.S.Despite the different spelling and leaf shape, they smell and taste very similar!

At the base of the gondola was a climb to see the two-tiered Puma Waterfall. The overlook was super close to the waterfall itself, so I didnt get any great pictures, but I can assure you it was quite pretty.

Im not quite as addicted to waterfalls as I am mountains, but Id say theyre up in my top three favorite naturey things.We do a lot of hiking when we travel, and finding a mountain with a waterfall is basically vacation jackpot. So, jackpot Costa Rica. Well done.

Before hopping back on the bus, we were treated to an authentic local meal of arroz con pollo with red beans and plantain. It was delicious. Really, really, really delicious.

And Im saying that as someone who grew up in south Florida and has had a whole lot of arroz con pollo (rice with chicken) in her life. Yum.

Where weve cruised

Europe

Copenhagen, Denmark | Berlin, Germany | Tallinn, Estonia | St. Petersburg, Russia | Helsinki, Finland | Stockholm, Sweden

Caribbean, Central, and South America

Cozumel, Mexico | Belize City, Belize | Roatan, Honduras | Grand Cayman Island | Costa Maya, Mexico | Ochos Rios, Jamaica | Limon, Costa Rica | Panama City, Panama | Cartegena, Colombia | Aruba

Alaska and Canada

Vancouver, British Columbia | Whittier, Alaska | Skagway, Alaska | Juneau, Alaska | Hoonah, Alaska

Must-read cruising tips

Behind those clouds is the highest point in Costa Rica and the national park there is called La Amistatd (translation: friendship) because it borders Panama. From that vantage point, you can see both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans!

Have I made you want to book a cruise yet? Because going through all these pictures, Ive made myself want to schedule another one STAT. If youre considering taking a cruise, I cant encourage you enough to check out all the incredible destinations and itineraries that Princess Cruises has to offer. Princess hosted us on this trip, but I can assure you, all opinions are my own. I heart cruises, yo.
The next person to be appointed will be the thirteenth to hold the role in 12 years  and the third in just two months
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is closely watching Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic trip to Israel+ as it can have serious implications on strategic stability in the region, a media report said on Wednesday. The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan officially does not comment on bilateral visits of other heads of governments and states, but it is closely following Modi's trip since it can have serious implications on strategic stability in the region. "Israel has long been a major supplier of arms and other defence equipment to India and those deals have deliberately been kept secret by the two sides. However, the two countries are now more open and publicly talk about their deepening defence cooperation," the daily said.

India got access to some of the most modern defence technologies of America through Israel, defence analyst Lt-Gen (retd) Amjad Shoaib was quoted as saying by the daily. Gen Shoaib said India had greatly benefited from the defence and military ties with Israel. Dr Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, an international affairs expert, said growing defence cooperation between India and Israel would disturb strategic balance in the South Asian region. The Quaid-e-Azam University professor believes Israel assistance can propel India's missile programme, something that would undermine Pakistan's policy of maintaining credible deterrence, the daily reported. "One of the subjects on which the Indian media has created a lot of hype is the threat emanating from terrorism. It has worked hard to relate terrorism with Pakistan and blame it for virtually any terror incident occurring anywhere in India," the daily said. PTI
This is the text of an essay presented at the Conference on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Pensamiento Critico (Critical Thought) magazine which took place in Havana on February 21, 2017. Pensamiento Critico was a monthly magazine published in Cuba from 1967 until 1971. Edited by Fernando Martinez Heredia (1939-2017), the magazine was part of an open discussion about Marxism within the Cuban revolution, in which many rejected the stale Stalinist approach taken by the Soviet manuals on marxism-leninism

Frank Josue Solar Cabrales is a Cuban communist and lecturer at the Universidad de Oriente in Santiago de Cuba. We publish his essay here as we think that, starting from an appraisal of Pensamiento Critico, he makes a number of very sharp and relevant points about the situation in Cuba today and the way forward for the Cuban revolution.

The distance that separates us today from the first issue of Pensamiento Critico (Critical Thought) is exactly the same as the distance between this revolutionary, intellectual adventure and the October Revolution: half a century. The coincidence in this case is not limited to random chance.

The Russian and the Cuban Revolutions unleashed the creative energy of the masses, who, for the first time, had a sense of ownership over everything and brought everything under their control. The revolutions created an atmosphere of free and open debate, sparked and supported by a wave of revolutionary struggles throughout the world, and entrusted their fate to the success of those struggles. Similarly, the unfavourable outcomes of the class struggle internationally caused setbacks in both revolutions, although to very different degrees in each case.

In the final years of the USSR, the revolutionary tendencies that sought to defend socialism were demanding a return to the traditions of Lenin and the Bolsheviks to find support for their positions. Today, the bureaucratic model of socialism of the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe has collapsed, and we are now faced with the real threat of capitalist restoration. We can find the way forward in our own history, in the original contributions of our kind of Cuban Bolshevism of the first decade of the Revolutionof which Che and Fidel were the main exponents, and of which Pensamiento Critico was part in its own right. Fidel turned to this original source at another vital juncture in the Cuban Revolution, in the 1980s, when the process of rectifying errors and negative tendencies began.

Pensamiento Critico was the intellectual product of the Revolution, at a time when theoretical education was felt to be an urgent necessity. In contrast to the later impoverishment of social thought, the magazine displayed a diverse range of international left ideas in its publications. The only criteria for selection were quality and intellectual rigour. All the main exponents of revolutionary thought were featured in the paper, including schools of thought, theses, and theories that were opposed to the positions of the editorial board. This was part of the freedom of thought, democratisation of knowledge, and wide access to culture brought forward by the Cuban Revolution. It reflected the great themes that were crucial to all social inquiries of the time: Revolution, the struggles for national liberation and popular resistance, the economic structures of domination, the theory of socialism.

Since it was shut down in 1971, Pensamiento Critico can only be related to the most creative and liberating period of the Cuban Revolution, and not to the mistakes that came laterthat is, the part of the Revolution that is not the Revolution. Today, five decades later, Pensamiento Critico still serves its purpose, and its short and intense five years of existence still provide a useful tool for the advancement of freedom and socialism in Cuba. Of course, for its recovery to be truly valuable for us today, it must be creative and not a mechanical copy.

Today, almost nobody talks about the socialist transition. To some, it appears to be an outdated concept, but it is essential to our task that we reopen this debate. It must be urgently recovered for its political, theoretical, and methodological usefulness. Establishing communism as our main goal does not only provide the utopian horizon to push us forward, but also the ideal point of reference with which we can contrast our daily reality and practices during the transition.

Socialism is more than a state, a model, a fixed moment, or a specific mode of production. Rather, it is a period of transition, a process in motion. It is a path more than it is a point of arrival. From this point of view, which is the classical view, socialism is the period of construction of communism, and its fundamental objective is to consolidate the communist way of life over the capitalist. This was the conception of radical Cuban revolutionaries in the 1960s, when they talked about the parallel construction of socialism and communism.

The Revolution and its conquests would not have been possible within the limits of sustainability of the technocrats and capitalists. From a narrow, purely economistic view, the conquest of every justice and the guarantee of a decent livelihood for all people would never be sustainable. That could only be a dream of mad men or fanatics. But the social development achieved by Cubans in so many aspects of life during the past 60 years has reached the level of the developed capitalist world, going far above the existing material conditions of reproduction. This goes beyond what would have been achievable on a small island if a Socialist Revolution had not removed the limits of what appeared possible.

The market and the economic categories of capitalism do not work for building socialism. They must be understood as a necessary evil that must be tolerated during a transitional period. But the gradual elimination of these tendencies is precisely one of the indicators of the progress of socialism in the transition. If adverse circumstances make it necessary to extend such measures, we should understand and explain the situation as a setbackas Lenin did when he applied the New Economic Policy (NEP), and never as a step forward towards communism. In other words, the capitalist market and mechanisms of production can be used circumstantially for us to survive and recover, but not to generate the wealth and material base necessary for socialism, because they can only lead to capitalism.

All of this starts from a widespread misconception, reinforced by common sense: socialism is very fair and works wonders to secure cultural and social rights, but economically it is a disaster, it is inefficient and does not create wealth, nor does it stimulate production and growth. Therefore, it seems clear that the solution should be to combine the best of both systems. Let us utilize the proven efficiency of capitalist economic mechanisms to produce wealth, and the socialist political model to distribute it as fairly as possible, in particular to assist the ones who are most in need. This is the old reformist dream of social democracy, forever unfulfilled because it is completely disconnected from reality. The pragmatist Chinese proverb sums up their idea in a sentence: It doesnt matter if a cat is black or white, so long as it catches mice.

The color of the cat makes no difference. Of course, whether the cat catches mice is a matter of concern to socialismthe more the better. But it also matters how it is catching them. We should see socialism not as a mere system of more or less fair distribution of wealth, but rather as the creation of a new culture, with new social relations, new human beingsalong with the material basis necessary to satisfy peoples needs. This purpose cannot be served by any kind of economic development, much less one that is based on the exploitation of the labor of others, which engenders selfishness, inequality, and poverty. Misery and inequity cannot be normalized.

The economic growth necessary for socialism must be achieved through socialist means, and not through capitalisms worn-out tools. It is not even a question of a parallel development of the so-called material basis for socialism and the new man as two distinct, simultaneous processeson the one hand socialist economics, and on the other hand communist morality. Instead, as Che said, they are one and the same process.

We cannot use the old whips of capitalism if we wish to achieve true emancipation. Rather, the only way to increase productivity and generate economic growth by socialist means, is through consciousness, education, the formation of new men and women, and new social relations of production among them. In this sense, genuine workers control over politics and the economy is not secondary, but the necessary condition for the transition, and the only way it can develop the productive forces in a socialist sense.

To understand the transitional period as a process of tension between the old refusing to disappear and the new struggling to be born, does not mean to accept these contradictions as normal and tolerable. We must identify and know them well, in order to resolve them in the direction of socialism. That is to say, our role is not that of a doctor watching over the health of the old capitalist order, but rather that of a midwife working with all our strength to aid the painful birth of a new world of justice.

Revolutionary Marxism, apart from being a guide to action in the transformation of society, must be more than a tool for analyzing and understanding how capitalism works. It must also serve for a rigorous and honest examination of society in the socialist transition, to provide an account of its tendencies and contradictions, assess its progress and regressions, and anticipate its development. Otherwise it would cease to be an instrument for liberation, and would become a mere theory to legitimize those in power.

Left criticismat least one worthy of such a nameis not dangerous to the Revolution, but to the bureaucracy. Left criticism is what Che made when he warned about the dangers threatening the construction of socialism, and about the possibility of capitalist restoration in the USSR. It is what Fidel did constantly throughout the revolution, for instance when on November 17th 2005 he attacked corruption and the new rich. And it is also what Raul continues to do when he warns us of the need for an anti-capitalist, anti-imperialist ideology; to never lose sight of the problems affecting the people; and to the present and future generations of leaders to always maintain the outlook that this is a revolution of the masses, by the masses, and for the masses.

Today, this left criticism is more necessary than ever to avoid capitalist restoration in Cuba. The unity of all revolutionaries is a precondition for the strengthening and defense of the Revolution from attacks by imperialists and the right wing. But its use by the bureaucracy could serve to defend the illegitimate interests of a small group, which would ultimately endanger the Revolution, and would prepare its defeat without the possibility of a strong reaction. We cannot forget the lessons of history.

The accusation by a corrupt, usurping bureaucracy against left-wing revolutionaries of jeopardizing unity and aiding the enemy led to the murder and exile of thousands of communists in the Soviet Union. This consummated the bureaucratic counterrevolution, which exterminated the generation of Bolsheviks who made the revolution alongside Lenin, opening the way in the long run for capitalist restoration. The same bureaucracy that accused revolutionaries of undermining the unity of the people later became the new capitalist class. The vast communist ranks, accustomed to uncritically obeying the leaderships line as to preserve unity, were unable to take action to prevent this.

The experience of socialism in the 20th century shows that unity is essential to defend the Revolution, but unity alone is not enough to further its development and prevent its defeat. Revolution must come with popular control over the bureaucracy, that is, as an effective exercise of popular power and a purposeful act of critical left thought.

What kind of socialism? As Francois Houtart says, neither the one thats a jokesocial democracy, nor the one thats fearsomestalinism. Of course, most of the regimes that called themselves socialist in the 20th century had nothing to do with real socialism. Mistaking the Stalinist model, which spread throughout the world to different degrees, for true socialism is like mistaking the Inquisition with primitive christianitywhich was revolutionary, collectivist, and tied to the popular masses. The socialism that we strive for here and around the world is in favor of freedom and equality; the kind of socialism which points to a society of free associated workers, where the free development of the individual is the condition for the development of all, and where power and property belong to all. A new world, with no Cesars and no bourgeois. A revolutionary cannot settle for less.

Source (Spanish Original): Pensamiento Critico en la transicion socialista
SPRINGFIELD -- Barings LLC, the investment management arm of Springfield's MassMutual, has about 250 employees in Tower Square but is encouraging -- to borrow the company's words -- some employees to relocate to Barings' new headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Word of the job transfers spread in June after Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. announced that it would try to sell Tower Square, the downtown home for Springfield's Barings employees. MassMutual has owned the office and retail complex for more than 45 years.

MassMutual has approximately 300 workers in Tower Square, including around 250 Barings employees, according to James Lacey, MassMutual's vice president of media relations.

MassMutual formed Barings LLC a year ago, merging four of its investment services arms including Babson Capital Management, which had been located in Tower Square.

Lacey provided a written statement from Barings:

"Barings continually evaluates its office footprint and will grow in areas where the firm believes it can be the most effective in servicing its global clients and attracting and retaining top talent. As a result of the integration last year the new Barings has 41 offices globally, with eight in the northeast U.S. including Springfield, Hartford, Boston, New York, New Haven, Glastonbury, Foxboro and Stamford. Barings is committed to maintaining a presence in the Northeast, and also encourages relocations to their corporate headquarters in Charlotte where it makes sense from a business perspective."

Lacey has said the decision to sell Tower Square doesn't lessen MassMutual's commitment to Springfield, either in a business sense or in terms of contributions to charities here. MassMutual offices will remain in the tower, he said.

He said MassMutual has Tower Square in its portfolio of investment properties that are bought and sold according to market conditions. And with the $950 million MGM Springfield casino resort project due to open in 2018, this seemed like the right time to market the building.

Also, the hotel in the Tower Square complex is losing its affiliation with the Marriott chain. The hotel gets a new name later this month: The Tower Square Hotel Springfield.

No asking price is set for Tower Square, but the city of Springfield has the whole complex assessed at $34.2 million.

Tower Square was completed in 1971 on a 4-acre block at the intersection of Bridge and Main streets. MassMutual built Tower Square in cooperation with civic and business leaders interested in sparking a downtown resurgence.

Tower Square has 1.6 million square feet of space -- about the same size as Holyoke Mall at Ingleside. At Tower Square, 370,000 square feet is in the 28-floor office tower. The mall portion totals 180,000 square feet. Tower Square also contains a parking garage and the 265-room Marriott Hotel.

The complex was known as Baystate West until 1996 and is connected by pedestrian bridges to Monarch Place, City Stage and the former federal building at 1550 Main St.
NORTHAMPTON -- Lawyer Jesse Adams said it's "an absolute honor" to defend unpopular clients charged with serious crimes in Massachusetts.

"I've always believed it's important to fight for the underdog," he said. "The person who the odds are stacked against, because the state has so much power."

Adams is one of 21 young lawyers recently chosen for the Massachusetts Bar Association Leadership Academy. The new initiative is designed to empower an emerging generation of attorneys for leadership positions within the profession and greater community.

The competitive program seeks those who not only wish to be ambassadors for the legal profession, but have a history of civic engagement.

Adams, who has served as a Forbes Library trustee and member of the Northampton City Council, apparently fit the bill.

The recruits attended workshops hosted by luminaries such as Ralph D. Gants, chief justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court; former U.S. Attorney Wayne Budd, and Superior Court Chief Justice Judith Fabricant.

One session included Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, a lawyer herself; Suffolk Construction CEO John Fish, dubbed "Boston's most powerful builder;" former Boston Corporation Counsel William Sinnot; and Valerie Yarashus, a leading litigator and president of the state's bar association.

"One of the key takeaways was 'don't be afraid to fail,'" said Adams. "And also the importance of guarding your character, reputation, and integrity."

A workshop on interacting with the media featured Carl Stevens, longtime reporter for WBZ in Boston, and District Court Judge David Frank, a former trial attorney. They provided practical tips for public speaking and for dealing with the press.

"One piece of advice was to talk slow and think fast," said Adams.

Adams, president-elect of the Hampshire County Bar Association, was recently named an "up and coming lawyer" by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. He is a 2007 graduate of Western New England University School of Law, and is admitted to the bar in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

He declined to speak specifically about his past and present cases, some of which have featured potentially unsympathetic clients.

He is now defending Laura Reilly, an Easthampton woman charged with misleading police after the disappearance of 39-year-old Jo Ringer of Clarksburg. "Laura Reilly had nothing to do with the disappearance of Jo Ringer," Adams told a judge.

Last year, Adams negotiated reduced charges and probation for Herschel Levine, a Northampton teacher initially charged with indecent assault and battery. In 2015, he took the case of Brian Abair, charged with embezzling $2,000 in a charity fundraising scam.

"I guess I enjoy the challenge," said Adams. "Sometimes you meet your client for the first time in lockup. You have to win their trust, get police reports, and go before a judge in a very short time.... It's your job to tell their story, and explain why they should be treated fairly, given the circumstances."

Jury trials are the most interesting part of the job, said Adams. "You have to use your powers of oration and persuasion, and think on your feet," he said. "It's a performance, but it's more than that. You're telling the story of your client's innocence."

Political observers in Northampton have speculated whether Adams plans to run for elected office again. After winning four two-year terms as an at-large city councilor, Adams resigned in May of 2016, saying he wanted to focus on his law practice. By then, it had become apparent he was frustrated with the nine-member body.

"My focus right now is to be successful in private practice while serving the legal profession and the greater community," he said. Adams becomes president of the Hampshire County Bar Association in September of 2018.

Mary Serreze can be reached at mserreze@gmail.com
Springfield native Theodor S. Geisel's heirs are engaged in a legal battle over a planned mash-up book that marries one of his popular Dr. Seuss children's books to the sci-fi TV series "Star Trek."

The legal battle began after ComicMix launched a Kickstarter page to fund a "Star Trek"-themed version called "Oh, the Places You'll Boldly Go!," which mimicked the Geisel's writing style and lifted the title of his 1990 best-seller "Oh, the Places You'll Go!"

The new book would be written by Ty Templeton and "Star Trek" scripter David Gerrold, who wrote the popular episode "The Trouble With Tribbles."

The campaign to fund printing and distribution of the book prompted cease-and-desist letters from both CBS Studios, owners of "Star Trek," and Dr. Seuss Enterprises. When the authors did not respond, Seuss' heirs sent Kickstarter a takedown notice and the crowdfunding site disabled the campaign after it had raised nearly $30,000. The lawsuit followed.

However, a federal judge in Southern California recently granted a partial motion to dismiss the suit by Dr. Seuss Enterprises, finding that the work copies many aspects of Seuss' original, though it's no more than "necessary to accomplish its transformative purpose."

"This case presents an important question regarding the emerging 'mash-up' culture where artists combine two independent works in a new and unique way," Judge Janis Sammartino wrote.

The court sided with ComicMix on Seuss' trademark claims relating to the title of the book and the unfair competition claims, granting the motion to dismiss with leave to amend.

Dr. Seuss Enterprises filed a first amended complaint seeking to fortify its case, noting it has licensed properties that have adapted the title "Oh, the Places You'll Go!"

"The new complaint shows even more clearly that all claims should be dismissed," ComicMix said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. "We remain committed to our position: 'Oh, The Places You'll Boldly Go!' is a work fully protected by fair use. And it's fun, too. We look forward to showing it to the world at long last."
A wax sculpture of President Donald J. Trump stopped onlookers dead in their tracks on Wednesday after the soon-to-be-open Dreamland Wax Museum put the president on display to celebrate America's 241st birthday.

This time, it wasn't the president's tweets or political views that divided people, they questioned whether or not the figure really looked like President Trump.

The Dreamland Wax Museum is scheduled to open sometime this month but Vice President of Sales, Micheal Pelletz has been rotating sculptures in and out of the storefront windows to excite people about what they have to look forward to.

Pelletz says that people have stopped to pose and take pictures with the artwork expressing how "life-like" the sculptures look.

Some, beg to differ.

"The face on the picture I have on my phone is more, like, slim, and more full," 12-year-old Raichel Berman told The Boston Globe. "In that," she said, pointing at the statue, "it's more, like, small. It goes with the body of the wax, but it doesn't go with what he looks like."

Her mother also agreed saying that the sculpture looked less like the president and more like Sen. Ted Kennedy.

Others were quite impressed as they stopped to take pictures with the figure and some actually thought the president was present for the Fourth of July celebrations.

The Washington Post reported, Pelletz put the president on display for Independence Day but has been taken it down and placed it in the Oval Office display for people to view later this month.
Four suspects are at large following what one victim says was a violent home invasion in Boston's Hyde Park neighborhood.

Boston Police responded to 767 Harvard Ave. around 4:30 a.m. for a reported robbery, when they encountered a 59-year-old woman who said she was the victim of a robbery, assault and kidnapping overnight at her home on Beaver Street in Hyde Park.

According to a statement by Boston Officer Rachel McGuire, the woman told police that four men broke into her home through a window and held her at gunpoint. The suspects then allegedly assaulted the woman and ransacked her home before kidnapping her to obtain cash. The woman told police the suspects forced her into her car, drove to an ATM and made her withdraw cash before she was dropped off on Harvard Avenue.

The woman was transported to Faulkner Hospital with non-life-threatening facial injuries, according to Officer McGuire.

Two male suspects allegedly made off with the woman's car, a blue, 2012 KIA Soul with the license plate 3VH745, while the two other trailed behind in a white Honda that was smoking.

Boston Police are seeking the four suspects who were described by the woman as black, possibly Hispanic or Cape Verdean males, as well as the two cars they were reportedly driving.

Anyone with information is urged to contact BPD's tip line at 1-800-494-TIPS (8477).

This is a developing story.
WAREHAM - One man was killed and another hospitalized after their motorcycles collided in Wareham early Wednesday morning, Massachusetts State Police said in a statement.

The crash, which occurred as both riders were headed north on Route 495 just short of Exit 2, killed 29-year-old East Wareham resident Jordan Pina, police said.

Pina was transported from the scene of the crash to Rhode Island Hospital where he died of his injuries, according to authorities.

The other motorcyclist, a 47-year-old man from Wareham, was injured and also taken to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment. Police did not release details on the severity of his injuries.

Why the two riders collided has not yet been determined. Police said the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

No further information has been released at this time.
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Student loans could be in for a big shakeup in the coming months as President Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress set out to remake the complex business, potentially eliminating benefits and protections that borrowers depend on.

Roger Yu , USA TODAY

Full Story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2017/07/05/proposals-change-student-loan-rules-could-upend-industry/99594768/
When Americans travel abroad, the culture shocks tend to be unpleasant. Robert Lockes experience was different. In buying a charming if rundown house in the picturesque German town of Goerlitz, he was surprised  very pleasantly  to find city officials second-guessing the deal. The price he had agreed was too high, they said, and in short order they forced the seller to reduce it by nearly one-third. The officials had the sellers number because he had previously promised to renovate the property and had failed to follow through.

Eamonn Fingleton

Full Story: https://www.forbes.com/sites/eamonnfingleton/2014/02/02/in-worlds-best-run-economy-home-prices-just-keep-falling-because-thats-what-home-prices-are-supposed-to-do/#450b48e96ad0
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The Bozeman Field School http://bozemanfieldschool.org/ will focus on "place-based, expeditionary learning," said Andy Harris, co-founder and board chair. "This town, this state, the northern Rockies  this is our classroom."

As an independent, secular school, it will be the only high school in the Gallatin Valley that isnt either public or religious.

The new school will open Aug. 22 with an expedition  the first of four week-long expeditions planned during the school year, which illustrate the schools philosophy that getting outside of the classroom is a great way to gain an education.

By Gail Schontzler Chronicle Staff Writer

Full Story: http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/education/new-private-high-school-opening-in-bozeman/article_394bfd54-9478-5c3a-a67b-98d4a4dd00e0.html
Mark Zuckerberg is talking up universal basic income  the guaranteed distribution of cash stipends to cover basic expenses  as a possible new safety net as technology automates more jobs, putting more people out of work.

"This is a novel approach to basic income in a few ways. First, its funded by natural resources rather than raising taxes. Second, it comes from conservative principles of smaller government, rather than progressive principles of a larger safety net. This shows basic income is a bipartisan idea," Zuckerberg wrote.

Jessica Guynn , USA TODAY

Full Story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2017/07/05/mark-zuckerberg-praises-universal-basic-income-on-alaska-trip/103447704/
2017-07-18 09:00:00

Online

Contact:

Starting July 2017, InBIA is excited to launch a newly designed webinar series to its members and the broader entrepreneurial support community. This new monthly webinar series will cover a variety of professional development topics including, but not limited to: how to more efficiently run your organization, maximize your resources, how to better serve your entrepreneurs through unique programming concepts, and other related topics. At the conclusion of each webinar, InBIA members will be invited to engage in further discussion inside of the "Exchange", InBIAs member-only online community platform that houses the latest industry resources and fosters global collaboration. Members will be able to access the webinar recording, presentation and other supplementary materials if applicable. Not an InBIA member and would like more information? Visit our membership page!

The first webinar, How Small Town Incubators Can Be Successful, covers a fascinating case study from a successful, replicable rural economic development program: the Technology Villages program. This program was designed to assist communities in various stages of development to create and operate centers, and the Technology Villages program completed a five-year pilot in South Carolina as a Clemson University initiative within the Institute of Community and Economic Development assisting five communities from representative economies across South Carolina. The pilot illustrated how low-cost incubators located in rural communities can successfully generate technology companies while sustaining program accelerator operational costs from public and private sources.

Webinar overview

The webinar will include a 20  25 minute presentation allowing for an estimated 20 minutes of robust Q & A. The webinar will be an overview of a rural incubator network that incorporated five small town or rural communities in South Carolina, and the presentation of the program will highlight:

Unique aspects of small town incubator philosophy and structure

Funding methods that could aid and assist in the development of similar oriented incubation programs

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Karl Kelly

/ CEO, Stirius Inc., Founder, Technology Villages program

Karl Kelly is creator of the Technology Villages program, a hybrid internet-consultant program designed to support new technology company formation and development in rural and non-metropolitan areas. The Technology Villages program supports approximately 40 new technology companies annually in five community centers across South Carolina. Technology Villages has served greater than 100 emerging and established companies in thirty years in biopharmaceuticals, energy, advanced materials, automotive, software, life sciences and medical devices.

Karl also enjoys over thirty-five years of experience in technology-company and entrepreneurial development, marketing, technology transfer and product commercialization working in senior leadership positions in both corporate and startup companies. Specific personal entrepreneurial experience includes life sciences and aquaculture veterinary therapeutics. Karls international and domestic experience includes United States, Europe, Asia, Mexico, Caribbean, Australia and Canada.

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Bozeman is a rapidly growing city with a high quality of life in part due to the easy access to the outdoors, burgeoning tech industry, and cultural experiences it offers.
"Igniting Hope; Building Resilience: Suicide Prevention in Missoula"

July 10

A panel of local experts will discuss Missoulas and Montanas high rates of suicide, and efforts to address it, at City Club Missoulas http://www.cityclubmissoula.com monthly forum Monday, July 10, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Missoulas Doubletree Hotel.

"Over the least three years, suicide has claimed the lives of well over 100 Missoula County residents," said City Club board member Susan Hay Patrick, chair of Project Tomorrow Montana, a county-wide effort to combat suicide. "Montana has always had one of the highest suicide rates in the country, and the rate in Missoula is disturbingly high," she said. "No other single cause of death in Missoula suddenly and tragically claims the lives of so many of our family, friends and coworkers. City Club wants to educate our community about this public-health crisis, and how everyone can play a role in preventing suicide."

Panelists include Anton Johnson, outreach specialist for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Missoula Vet Center; Kathy Mangan, executive director of Red Willow Learning Center; Kim Seeberger, Missoula County chief deputy treasurer, who lost a teen daughter to suicide and became a suicide-prevention trainer in Missoula; and Matt Taylor, an organizational consultant with a long history of suicide-prevention work locally, statewide, nationally and internationally. Johnson, Seeberger and Taylor serve on the Project Tomorrow Montana leadership team; Mangan is a leader in local efforts to address trauma and build resilience through mind-body healing services.

City Club Missoula forums are open to the public. City Club Missoula runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Missoulas Doubletree Hotel, 100 Madison St.

Registration is required at http://www.cityclubmissoula.com. To pay at the door by check, email [email protected] and indicate if you want lunch  $16 per person for members, $20 per person for general public  or the no-lunch option of forum-only for $10.

Payment is required for late cancellations and unclaimed reservations.
The Montana Main Street Program and the Community Technical Assistance Program (CTAP) are happy to forward along the following funding opportunities:
Two more mid-level dealers wanted in an alleged national drug conspiracy were apprehended last week, authorities said Thursday.

Oakley Lynn Sparks, 35, of 710 7th C St. in Marion, was arrested last Thursday, June 29 in Myrtle Beach, S.C. and charged with conspiracy to traffic marijuana, conspiracy to traffic cocaine and aiding and abetting continuing a criminal enterprise.

Kelsey L. England, 37, of 3392 Julia Court in Claremont, was captured in Hickory on Friday, June 30 and charged with conspiracy to traffic marijuana, conspiracy to traffic cocaine and aiding and abetting continuing a criminal enterprise.

Both have been wanted since a roundup of mid-level dealers on June 15.

The investigation into this drug conspiracy began last summer with a probe of activity at the 100 Stacy Farm Road residence of 36-year-old Jamie Leonard Tate. In the investigation, it was determined that Tate and 35-year-old Dwayne Bullock, of Newton, conspired with numerous people to traffic and distribute hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine and marijuana, as well as lesser amounts of cocaine and heroin.

On April 18 of this year, authorities began rounding up the main suspects in the conspiracy, raiding areas simultaneously in McDowell, Burke and Catawba counties, locations believed to be used for storing and distributing narcotics. This particular raid netted over 20 pounds of meth and an estimated $500,000 in cash.

Seven were apprehended that day, and another was captured in Maryland in May. Two of the major players in the conspiracy remain at large.

Four mid-level dealers were arrested on June 15 and six more of them were on the run, including Sparks and England. Since that time, five of the six mid-level fugitives have been apprehended. Authorities said all 10 conspired with Tate and Bullock to distribute methamphetamine in McDowell and Burke counties.

Still wanted are the following:

 Dwayne Bullock, 35, of 100 17th St. West in Newton, on six counts of conspiracy to traffic heroin, three counts of conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine and one count of continuing a criminal enterprise.

 Evan Saunders Lipford, 40, of 514 Rocky Ford St. in Morganton, on three charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to sell and deliver methamphetamine and one charge of aiding and abetting continuing a criminal enterprise.

 William Jackie Pearson, 66, of 129 Stephens Drive in Morganton, on three counts of conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine and one count each of conspiracy to manufacture a Schedule II controlled substance and aiding and abetting continuing a criminal enterprise.

Anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of Bullock, Lipford or Pearson is asked to call the McDowell County Sheriffs Office at 652-2235, the McDowell County 911 communications center at 652-4000 or McDowell County Crime Stoppers at 65-CRIME (652-7463). Now, you can also text your tips to Crime Stoppers. Text MCDOWELLTIPS and your information to 274637 (CRIMES). With Crime Stoppers, your identity remains anonymous, and you could receive a cash reward.
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The concept behind tissue engineering is simple: grow the patients stem cells in the laboratory, add them to a scaffold material, and you have a laboratory-grown organ. But few patients have benefited from this technology so far. Could change be on the horizon? Share on Pinterest The bowel is difficult to repair, owing to the complexity of the processes it normally performs. Scientific studies are frequently hailed as bringing novel, breakthrough treatments to patients. But the stark reality is that a long road must be travelled to turn a discovery in the laboratory into a viable clinical option. For patients with severe gastrointestinal problems, new solutions are sorely needed; current medical treatments are marred with problems. And complications such as this affect many people. For instance, babies with short bowel syndrome have a small intestine that is too short, making it unable to absorb nutrients properly. This condition affects around 25 in 100,000 newborns per year in the United States and can leave them with lifelong complications. Short bowel syndrome can also occur when part of the intestine has to be removed due to cancer or other diseases. Also, when the anal sphincter becomes damaged during childbirth  as a result of either cancer surgery or old age  patients can experience fecal incontinence. As many as 26 percent of women are reported to experience fecal incontinence after vaginal birth. To address these problems, a research team from the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine in Winston Salem, NC, has been developing new therapies for both anal sphincter injuries and short bowel syndrome. But what is the likelihood of these new therapies ever reaching the patients, many of whom are in desperate need of better treatment options?

Tissue-engineered bowel Khalil N. Bitar, Ph.D., a professor of regenerative medicine, explains the teams approach, saying, Our goal is to use a patients own cells to engineer replacement tissue in the lab for devastating conditions that affect the digestive tract. The small intestine is a complicated tissue. It consists of muscle cells that are essential for the contraction and forward propulsion of the food, as it moves through the gut. These cells must be aligned in a precise way to allow contraction to happen. Nerves are essential to stimulate the muscle cells to contract. Similarly, in the sphincter, both muscle and nerve cells need to work closely together for normal function. This co-operation between different cells is one of the biggest challenges in tissue engineering. Although cells naturally grow and work together in the body, different cells are mostly grown in isolation in the laboratory. Dr. Bitars team has spent years developing a precise method that allows them to grow muscle cells that are precisely aligned in one direction, and connect with nerve cells when they are added to the cell culture a few days later. In a recent paper in published in Tissue Engineering Part C: Methods, the researchers transferred sheets of both cell types to small hollow tubes, which would make up the structure of the small intestine. The tubes were then implanted into the lower abdomen of rats for 4 weeks, to allow blood vessels to infiltrate the structure. After this acclimatization phase, the tubes were attached to the small intestine of the rats, where they stayed in place for 6 weeks. Importantly, the researchers found that after this period, the cells of the lining of the gut, or epithelial cells  which are essential for nutrient uptake from food  had started to migrate into the tube. They also found food in the tubes, indicating that digestion was taking place and that this food was actively being moved through the tubes. A major challenge in building replacement intestine tissue in the lab is that it is the combination of smooth muscle and nerve cells in gut tissue that moves digested food material through the gastrointestinal tract, Dr. Bitar explains. Our results suggest that engineered human intestine could provide a viable treatment to lengthen the gut for patients with gastrointestinal disorders, or patients who lose parts of their intestines due to cancer. Khalil N. Bitar, Ph.D. The team is now planning to test the tubes in a larger animal model. Their latest study , which is published in Stem Cells Translational Medicine this week, demonstrates the feasibility of using an engineered anal sphincter in a large animal model to restore fecal continence, something they have been working on for more than 10 years. Building on their previous work in a rat model, they used a similar approach of combining muscle and nerve cells to produce a ring-like structure, which they then transplanted into rabbits with fecal incontinence. Their results showed that after 3 months, the engineered sphincters were functional, with both the muscle and the nerves present. Fecal continence was restored in rabbits receiving the transplant. Longer follow-up studies are currently taking place. But Dr. Bitar and his team are, of course, not the only researchers working on tissue-engineered solutions in this field of research.

Cells and scaffolds Tracy Grikscheit, M.D., an associate professor of surgery and research investigator at the Saban Research Institute at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles in California, uses a mixture of cells taken from the intestine and adds them to a tubular scaffold structure. Her approach differs from Dr. Bitars in that it includes epithelial cells. Dr. Grikscheit demonstrated that this approach leads to good epithelial cell coverage in the tube, as well as improvements in intestinal function in both rat and mouse models. In the mouse study, muscle and nerve cells did develop in the graft, although they were not aligned the same way as native tissue, as Dr. Bitar is trying to replicate with his approach. James Dunn, M.D., a professor of surgery and bioengineering at the Stanford School of Medicine in California, and his team have developed a new method of rapidly expanding intestinal stem cells. The long-term aim is to produce cells that can be used to treat different intestinal problems. Levilester Salcedo, M.D., and Massarat Zutshi, M.D., of the Department of Colorectal Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, and colleagues used bone marrow stem cell injections to show improvements in anal sphincter function after removing 25 percent of the sphincter in a rat model. Progress is clearly being made in tissue engineering of the gastrointestinal tract. But how soon will patients see the benefit?
Identical twins may exchange T cells through cord blood before birth.

Key immune system cells produced before birth may survive well into adulthood, according to new research published in PLOS Computational Biology.

The findings provide new insights into the immune system's T cells, each of which possesses receptor proteins that allow it to recognize a specific pathogen. Throughout life, every person maintains a unique but highly diverse set of different T cells with receptors that recognize different pathogens. This enables protection against a wide range of diseases.

Since unique T cell receptors are created through a random process of DNA arrangement, even genetically identical twins differ in their precise set of distinct T cells. However, previous studies have shown that identical twins share more T cell receptors than would be statistically expected.

In the new study, Mikhail Pogorelyy and colleagues from the Ecole normale superieure in Paris, and the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, address this excess of T-cell clone sharing between genetically identical twins.

The team used a statistical model of T cell receptor formation to analyze receptor DNA sequences in blood samples from adult pairs of identical twins. The analysis suggests that the degree of T-cell clone sharing between twins is greater than can be explained simply by shared genomes. Instead, the scientists propose, twin embryos may exchange T cells through cord blood before birth.

"As a result, the immune system of one twin has cells that were generated in the other twin and vice versa," says study co-author Thierry Mora.

These findings, combined with further statistical analysis of T cell receptor DNA sequences from unrelated adults of varying ages, suggest that some T cell clones created before birth may persist in the body for about 40 years. "This longevity of clones implies that any 40 year old person can still have clones that were produced before birth," Mora says.

These results could shed new light on the observation that the exact same T cell receptors are sometimes found in multiple unrelated adults. If T cell clones created before birth can stick around for decades, they might account for a substantial amount of shared T cells between any two unrelated people. Indeed, the diversity of T cell receptors generated before birth is known to be lower than in adults, increasing the odds of two unrelated people sharing the same receptor.

Article: Persisting fetal clonotypes influence the structure and overlap of adult human T cell receptor repertoires, Pogorelyy MV, Elhanati Y, Marcou Q, Sycheva AL, Komech EA, Nazarov VI, et al., PLOS Computational Biology, doi: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005572, published 6 July 2017.
SAN DIEGO

July 6, 2017

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Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico

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Mexico

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/PRNewswire/ -- Medical Marijuana, Inc. (MJNA), the first publicly traded cannabis company in the, today announced that its subsidiary HempMeds Mexico received international media attention during the July 28, 2017 inauguration of HempMeds Mexico's first office in. Coverage also included the Company's appointment of medical cannabis activist and Por Grace Foundation founder Raul Elizalde as President inA Huffington Post article, "Monterrey: de ciudad industrial a meca de la marihuana medicinal," or ": from industrial city to medical marijuana mecca," and other news coverage from major international and nationalnews outlets discuss the opening of HempMedsnew office inand recent medical cannabis reforms that are sweeping the country. Mexico President Pena Nieto signed a bill into law, 2017 that officially legalized the cultivation, production, and use of cannabis products with less than 1% THC for medical use in Mexico.An article from Forbes, "5 retos para la venta de marihuana medicinal en Mexico," or "5 challenges for the sale of medical marijuana in," discusses HempMedsstrategy for cannabidiol (CBD) product development, scientific research, and education in"We appreciate the outpouring of support that we received at the opening of the first HempMedsoffice in, which reflects a growing demand for the Company's zero-Tetrahidrocannabidiol (THC) Real Scientific Hemp Oil-X (RSHO-X)," said Medical Marijuana, Inc. CEO Dr.. "The extensive coverage that we received from both local and international media is a testament to the worldwide interest in cannabis reform happening in, and the efforts of HempMedsto provide products for this rapidly expanding CBD hemp oil market."Coverage from the event included:Follow the link here for more information on HempMedsand here for its historic first-year milestones.HempMedsMexico is a Mexico-based company that made history by being the first company to receive a COFEPRIS federal government import permit for the cannabis product RSHO-X for a medical indication. HempMeds Mexico plans to work directly with the Mexican government to safely and legally provide access to CBD hemp oil products. For more information, please review the company's website at: http://www.hempmeds.mx.We are a company of firsts. Our mission is to be the premier cannabis and hemp industry innovators, leveraging our team of professionals to source, evaluate and purchase value-added companies and products, while allowing them to keep their integrity and entrepreneurial spirit. We strive to create awareness within our industry, develop environmentally-friendly, economically sustainable businesses, while increasing shareholder value. For details on Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s portfolio and investment companies, visit www.medicalmarijuanainc.com.To see Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s video statement, click here. Shareholders are also encouraged to visit the Medical Marijuana, Inc. Shop for discounted products.This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties.The statements in this press release have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. The Company does not sell or distribute any products that are in violation of the United States Controlled Substances Act. The Company does sell and distribute hemp-based products.Andrew Hard Chief Executive Officer CMW Media P. 888-829- 0070 andrew.hard@cmwmedia.com www.cmwmedia.com

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/forbes-bloomberg-global-press-cover-medical-marijuana-inc-subsidiary-hempmeds-mexico-first-office-opening-in-monterrey-mexico-300483941.html



SOURCE Medical Marijuana, Inc.




Well, it's Monsoon and staying up with your gym routine ain't that easy. But here are Bollywood hotties Alia Bhatt, Sushmita Sen & Sunny Leone giving us the boost we need to hit the gym.

If you need some inspiration then these gorgeous divas are the best people to look up to for fitness mantra. From shedding those extra kilos to getting that perfectly toned body, they have done it all. These actors not only work out regularly but also keep giving us a glimpse of their fitness regime to pep us up and hit the gym.

We bet there is no soul on Earth who doesn't desire and admire Sunny Leone's sexy figure. That body of hers can literally raise the mercury. Well, that's Sunny. But getting that body ain't easy man! She dedicates a good amount of time sweating it out.

Sharing a picture from her workout session, the actress took to Instagram and shared a picture of her performing yoga. From getting that posture perfectly to learning the art of yoga to its core, Sunny does it all right. She captioned the picture, "Morning Yoga inferno with @jillianmichaels thanks for my 30mins quicky!! haha.

Morning yoga inferno with @jillianmichaels thanks for my 30min quicky!! Haha A post shared by Sunny Leone (@sunnyleone) on Jul 4, 2017 at 8:40am PDT

Alia Bhatt is one of those actors who has worked really hard to get that willowy figure of hers. From the time she made her debut till date, her body has gone through drastic change and people admire her.

The 'Highway' actress often shares her workout videos with celebrity trainer Yasmin Karachiwalla who is famous for getting many in shape. And as it was her birthday Alia took to Instagram and wished her trainer posting a picture of her workout and captioned it, "Happy Birthday to the person who will Literally always have my back :) @yasminkarachiwala love you yas.

Well, we got to agree Yasmin has transformed Alia's body and she rocks in every attire; be it a bikini or a high slit-dress, she can carry everything gracefully.

Happy birthday to the person who will LITERALLY always have my back :) @yasminkarachiwala love you yas  A post shared by Alia  (@aliaabhatt) on Jul 4, 2017 at 12:27am PDT

Wondering how does Miss Universe get that body that makes many go gaga even today? Ahhunlike many, Sushmita Sen sweats it out dancing. Grooving to a peppy number she keeps away stress and we just feel like following her workout routine. After all, who doesn't like dancing?

Sushmita shared a video where she is seen shaking her sexy body with her lovely daughters Alisah and Renee on latest hit Despacito. She captioned the video, #despacito, another song that's been on repeat, Alisah, Renee & yours truly...living in the moment, learning to be light on our feet & strong in our stance!!!

Now that you have got your dose of fitness inspiration, what are you doing here? Go sweat it out!
Since India is the third largest generator of carbon emissions, it was high time for us to take a huge step in order to help reduce our impact on earth. It's a proud moment for all of us as the state of Madhya Pradesh set a new Guinness World Record this Sunday when about 1.5 million volunteers worked together and planted more than 66 million tree saplings along the Narmada river.

 Twitter/Shivraj Singh Chouhan

And if that wasn't impressive enough the volunteers managed to do it all in just 12 hours. That's more than five and a half million trees an hour.

And this is not even the first massive tree-planting initiative. Last year, nearly 50 million trees were planted in Uttar Pradesh in 24 hours.

 Twitter/Shivraj Singh Chouhan

As a part of the Paris Agreement, which Donald Trump famously pulled out of, India agreed to increase its forests by five million hectares by 2030. Regarding this subject, Mr Modi told a press conference, "The protection of the environment and the mother planet is an article of faith."

And this huge tree-planting initiative is the perfect step towards that!

 Twitter/Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, boasted the achievement, "I am extremely proud to happily share that people of Madhya Pradesh successfully planted 6.63 Crore saplings today."

I am extremely proud to happily share that people of Madhya Pradesh successfully planted 6.63 Crore saplings today. #MPPlants6CroreTrees pic.twitter.com/5jlJcApomi  ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) July 2, 2017

The main aim for this mass-planting event was to raise awareness for the nation's "make India green again" plan. Chouhan further added, "I am greatly indebted to all who are planting trees today. We will be contributing significantly in saving nature. By participating in a plantation, people are contributing their bit to climate change initiatives and saving the environment."

India is going green!
Anybody who has studied science knows HC Verma was the go-to god of physics. His two-volume book Concepts Of Physics' was the bible for every science student and no one could explain the subject better than he did.

 Twitter

A couple of days ago, the legendary Harish Chandra Verma, physics professor at IIT Kanpur and an experimental research physicist in nuclear physics, announced his retirement after a 38-year long career.

Finally locked my IITK lab and submitted the keys to Office. End of 38 years of formal teaching and research.  H C Verma (@HCVermaIITK) July 1, 2017

After his announcement, the internet was flooded with emotional farewell messages on Facebook and Twitter, with people getting both nostalgic and grateful to the man who helped them achieve their dreams.

But, H. C. Verma might be done with teaching Physics but he sure as hell isn't done writing books about it. Since Professor Verma couldn't finalize the name of his new book, he decided to send out a tweet asking people on Twitter for suggestions.

Concept of physics        ,        suggest name  H C Verma (@HCVermaIITK) July 4, 2017

And, people did come through, well, kind of. Here's what everyone suggested :

Physics for cows, with Nuclear physics of cows  vipin 305 (@vipin_305) July 4, 2017

       #HCVERMA            ,   HCVERMA      ??  Lakhan Kumar (@Navangtuk) July 4, 2017

Bh se bhautiki  Yash Tiwari (@vandalistiwari) July 4, 2017

Naam Kuch Bhi Ho... First Copy Humare Rohit Shetty Ko Dena Sir jii...Unko Iski Sakt Jarrorat Hai!! ?? Newton's law ki Dhajjiya Udaya Isne!  A_myth Shah (@As_seenby_u) July 4, 2017

Well, Twitter will always be Twitter. Do you have any suggestion for the name?
The Swedish government, with its proclaimed "feminist foreign policy", has been under pressure to reveal how Sweden voted when the UN elected Saudi Arabia to the UN Commission on the Status of Women in April.Her press secretary did however note that the normal practice is to accept the nominations made by different regions, and that Sweden generally follows this practice.On Tuesday, the daily Svenska Dagbladet published a story based on written answers from the Foreign Ministry on how many voted in favour and against Saudi Arabia's nomination, and how many countries abstained.Out of the 54 member states in the Ecosoc council, where the vote was carried out, 47 countries voted in favour and 7 abstained. The Ministry later clarified that voting no was not a possible option, but would not reveal whether Sweden voted yes or abstained.Considering the status of women in Saudi Arabia, there has been strong criticism, not only in Sweden, against the decision to elect it as a representative on the Commission on the status of Women. The human rights organisation UN Watch has called it "absurd", and in Sweden, the leader of the Liberal party said that it would mean a "collapse for the feminist foreign policy" if it turns out that Sweden voted in favour of Saudi Arabia joining the commission. After the vote, Belgium's prime minister has said that he "regrets" that his country voted in favour, blaming it on "a regrettable diplomatic mix-up".In its reply to Svenska Dagbladet, the Swedish Foreign Ministry writes that the region of Asia nominated five countries for the five seats allocated to Asia in the women's commission: Irak, South Korea, Japan, Turkmenistan and Saudi Arabia. And with that the outcome was pretty much decided.
The World's Best Low-Cost Long-Haul Airline Norwegian will commence service from both Austin and Chicago to London and it will add new routes from Boston and Oakland to Paris. Norwegian will also increase the frequency of its highly successful New York City to Paris route by complementing its daily service out of John F. Kennedy International Airport with a six-weekly service from Newark Liberty International Airport. Additionally, the airline's Los Angeles to Paris service will be increased by two weekly flights.

"We are excited to add Chicago and Austin to our ever-growing U.S. network. We will now offer nonstop service from 15 U.S. cities to 13 European cities, no other airline can rival that. Within just a year, we have added seven U.S. gateways, creating much greater access for even more Americans to save a tremendous amount of money, and still get to experience one of the world's best airlines," said Bjrn Kjos, Norwegian's Chief Executive Officer.

Norwegian launched transatlantic flights to London back in 2015 and the airline now offers 11 routes from the U.S. to this iconic European city. Service to Paris was launched last July, and with the addition of flights from Boston and Oakland, Norwegian now offers six routes from the U.S. to the French capital. Last month, the airline added nonstop service from the U.S. to Barcelona and in November, Norwegian will introduce direct flights to Rome.

The world's fastest-growing airline has already announced 25 new routes from the United States this year, with an additional six scheduled for 2018. Within the last few months, Norwegian has also announced service from London to Singapore, which does connect with some U.S. flights to London, and from London to Buenos Aires, which will launch in February 2018.

Service from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to London Gatwick will launch on March 27, 2018, and operate three times per week.

Service from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport to London will launch on March 25, 2018, and initially operate four times per week.

Service from Boston's Logan International Airport to Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport will launch on May 2, 2018, and operate four times per week. Norwegian already offers nonstop flights from Boston to Copenhagen, London and Oslo.

Service from Oakland International Airport to Paris will launch on April 10, 2018, and operate four times a week. Norwegian already offers nonstop flights from Oakland to Barcelona, Copenhagen, London, Oslo, Rome and Stockholm.

Service from Newark to Paris will launch on February 28, 2018, and operate six times per week. Norwegian already offers nonstop flights from Newark to Barcelona and Rome.

Economy launch fares to London from Chicago and Austin start as low as $174 and $249, respectively, one-way, including taxes; fares to Paris from Boston and Oakland start from $149 and $229, respectively, one-way, including taxes. The lowest fares in Norwegian's Premium Cabin to London from Chicago and Austin start at $579 and $689, respectively, one-way including taxes; Premium fares to Paris from Boston and Oakland start at $609 and $815, respectively, one-way including taxes. Premium service includes a dedicated check-in counter, additional luggage allowance, fast track security, lounge access, priority boarding, sleeper seats, all meals and drinks.

All fares are now available for sale on Norwegian's website. Additionally, the website's low fare calendar displays the lowest available fares to all of Norwegian's destinations.
The fuse on fireworks in the city of Davenport has fizzled out.

After giving the new state law that permitted fireworks use and sale a trial run, the Davenport City Council has decided to reinforce its previous ban on their use within in city limits for the time being.

"We felt it was important we gave our citizens an opportunity to see if responsible use could happen under those guidelines, and I think we have all been concerned with some of the irresponsible use that we have experienced over the last few weeks," Mayor Frank Klipsch said during Wednesday's committee-of-the-whole meeting.

In early May, former Gov. Terry Branstad signed a bill into law that permitted the use and sale of fireworks from June 1-July 8 and Dec. 10-Jan. 3.

The state law prevented cities and counties from banning sales, but did give them the authority to enforce an outright ban or limit the window of use.

Along with the city of Bettendorf and Scott County, the Davenport City Council elected to follow state guidelines, while taking a wait-and-see approach to altering the window for use.

The intent was to consult among government entities so that restrictions were uniform throughout the county, but given the level of abuse, city officials said, Davenport has decided to enforce the moratorium until it can draft a stricter ordinance.

Fireworks complaints soar; eastern Iowa cities taking action WATERLOO -- If there was a honeymoon period with Iowa's new fireworks law, it's over as far as some city officials in Waterloo, Cedar Falls, E

Alderman Mike Matson, 7th Ward, who was an outspoken critic of the new law, motioned to invoke a moratorium effective immediately.

"Everybody sees the trash and I think we're up to 48 tents in the city of Davenport selling them whereas Des Moines is five or six," Matson said. "The noise and explosions and calls everyday we experience (include) five major injuries, three serious injuries which needed to be transported out of town, two structure fires, one vehicle fire, four major fires outside of a building, so it's pretty significant."

City Attorney Tom Warner, however, said a motion was not necessary to limit use.

As Warner explained, the city's decision to follow the new state law did not remove its current ordinance, which banned fireworks use, and instead it could decide to start enforcing it once again.

"The city's ban on fireworks was suspended," Warner said. "We suspended enforcement on that to give the state law an opportunity to demonstrate whether it was going to be effective or not, and what the parameters should be."

While the Council did not need to vote on returning to its ban, the general consensus was that some action was needed to combat the level of abuse.

Alderwoman Rita Rawson, 5th Ward, admitted she had not had a good night's sleep in two and a half weeks.

"I think it's important we need to go back to the ban to send a strong message that this behavior has not been OK," Rawson said.

Several members of the public voiced support for the ban, including Sandra Irwin, a former licensed pyrotechnician.

"This is an extremely alarming issue," Irwin said. "Our city staff is already overworked. Our police and fire staff is extremely overworked and understaffed and, honestly, underpaid."

Iowa mayor proposes re-banning fireworks after citizens report 150 violations SIOUX CITY | Sioux City Mayor Bob Scott is so fed up with the bangs of illegal fireworks at 

City Administrator Corri Spiegel said the fireworks ordinance would come up as a discussion item at a future management update meeting and then return to City Council for approval in August.

Although the city imposes a small fine on violators of the ordinance, Klipsch directed the staff to study increasing fines as a detractor.

"Put some teeth in the ordinance and maybe that, in a sense, would discourage some people in the off chance they would get caught," Klipsch said. "Send a strong message in advance if you do this and you get caught, it's X-hundred dollars or I don't know what it's going to be, but it's a much more stringent requirement."
SIOUX CITY | Sioux City Mayor Bob Scott is so fed up with the bangs of illegal fireworks at night, he brought up making them off-limits again at the next City Council meeting.

"I will be proposing ... a ban on fireworks next Monday," he said in a Facebook post at 11:10 p.m. Monday. "If people won't adhere to our rules then it makes no sense to allow them going forward. I am sorry for those citizens that have to endure this for one more day."

The mayor told the Journal Tuesday afternoon he didn't wish to elaborate further, but said he would also support council action to pare the number of days fireworks can be ignited to three or four.

According to an ordinance passed by the council in May, adults in Sioux City can discharge fireworks from June 25 to July 4 on private property. The ordinance allows them to go off between 1 and 11 p.m. on July 4 and the weekend days immediately preceding the holiday, and between 1 and 10 p.m. on the other days. The city also allows fireworks discharge Dec. 30 to Jan. 1 to celebrate the New Year's holiday.

There have been more than 150 citizen calls to police reporting a fireworks violation since June 25.

Man loses hand in Iowa fireworks accident SIOUX CITY | A man lost his hand Monday night in a fireworks mishap on Sioux City's north si

As of Tuesday evening, Scott's Facebook post had over 350 comments, more than 330 likes and other reactions, and over 190 shares.

"I shared it and said, 'Count me in, Mayor, I'll be your second vote," said Councilwoman Rhonda Capron on Tuesday. "Nobody is respecting the laws and our rules and that's our problem. It's common sense. That's all we are asking -- you can't be firing them off at a quarter to two in the morning."

Capron likened the town to a "war zone" from the noise and expressed concern about the nuisance created for the elderly, veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and pets. She said the council would more than likely reduce the number of days they are legal.

"We aren't trying to take them away," she said. "We want to find a happy medium ... We shouldn't have to tell people to use common sense, but that's what we are asking."

To keep up with the calls, police have added extra patrol officers solely focused on investigating fireworks violations. People who are caught are fined $250 if on private property after hours, and $500 on public property.

Local fire officials have reported a number of appendage injuries due to fireworks, including a man losing his hand on Sioux City's north side. There were also reports of grass fires sparked by the pyrotechnics.
MEADE TOWNSHIP  One person was injured in a two-vehicle crash that took place on Filion Road recently.

According to the Huron County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called to the scene around 4:10 p.m. Tuesday, where 19-year-old Devin W. Thoms, of Port Hope, was traveling west on Filion Road and approaching the intersection at Pinnebog Road. A witness said Thoms rolled through the intersection and collided with a southbound vehicle, driven by 72-year-old Bore Ristovski, of Washington, Michigan.

Thoms said he believed the intersection was a four-way stop.

As a result of the crash, a passenger in the Ristovski vehicle, 69-year-old Blaga Ristovski, was taken by ambulance to Huron Medical Center for treatment.
The leadership at Glock Inc. says that the U.S. Army's decision to select Sig Sauer to make its new Modular Handgun System was driven by cost savings, not performance. The gun maker is also challenging the Army to complete the testing, which the service cut short, to see which gun performs better.

Two weeks have passed since the Government Accountability Office released the findings behind its decision to deny Glock Inc.'s protest of the Army's MHS decision.

Now Josh Dorsey, vice president of Glock Inc., said that Glock maintains that the Army's selection of Sig Sauer was based on "incomplete testing" and that Sig Sauer's bid was $102 million lower than Glock's.

"This is not about Glock. This is not about Sig. And it's not about the U.S. Army," Dorsey, a retired Marine, told Military.com. "It's about those that are on the ground, in harm's way."

It comes down to "the importance of a pistol, which doesn't sound like much unless you realize, if you pull a pistol in combat, you are in deep s***."

Dorsey maintains that the Army selected Sig Sauer as the winner of the MHS competition without conducting the "heavy endurance testing" that is common in military and federal small arms competitions.

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Military.com reached out to both the Army and Sig Sauer for comment on this story, but the service did not respond by press time.

The Army awarded Sig Sauer a contract worth up to $580 million Jan. 19. Sig Sauer beat out Glock Inc., FN America and Beretta USA, maker of the current M9 9mm service pistol, in the competition for the Modular Handgun System program.

The 10-year agreement calls for Sig to supply the Army with full-size XM17 and compact XM18 versions of its 9mm pistol to replace the M9s and compact M11s in the inventory.

The service launched its long-awaited XM17 MHS competition in late August 2015 to replace its Cold War-era M9 9mm pistol. The decision formally ended the Beretta's 30-year hold on the Army's sidearm market.

From January to September 2016, the Army conducted what Dorsey calls initial, phase one testing and not "product verification testing described in the solicitation" which is the only way to determine which of the MHS entries meets the Army's requirements for safety, reliability and accuracy, according to Glock's legal argument to the GAO.

On August 29, 2016, the Army "established a competitive range consisting of the Glock 9mm one-gun proposal and the Sig Sauer 9mm two-gun proposal, according to the GAO's findings.

Dorsey argues that the GAO's description of "competitive range" means the both Glock's and Sig Sauer's submissions "are in fact pretty much the same."

But the GAO describes Sig Sauer 320 as having lower reliability than Glock 19 on page 11, footnote 13 of its findings.

"Under the factor 1 reliability evaluation, Sig Sauer's full-sized handgun had a higher stoppage rate than Glock's handgun, and there may have been other problems with the weapon's accuracy," GAO states.

To Dorsey, that "says it all."

"When you have stuff in the GAO report that says their stoppage rate is higher than ours -- that's a problem," Dorsey said.

Sig Sauer's $169.5 million bid outperformed Glock's $272.2 million bid, according to GAO, which made the Sig Sauer proposal the "best value to the government." The Army's initial announcement of the contract award to Sig Sauer described the deal as being worth up to $580 million, but the reason for the discrepancy is not clear.

"So one of the least important factors as they said in the RFP would be the price; that is what became the most important factor," Dorsey said.

"So let's think about that for a minute ... you are going to go forward making that decision now without completing the test on the two candidate systems that are in the competitive range? Does that make sense if it's your son or daughter sitting in that foxhole somewhere?"

Glock also argued that the Army's testing only went up to 12,500 rounds when the "service life of the selected pistol is specified to be 25,000 rounds," according to Glock's legal argument to GAO.

"We are not asking for them to overturn Sig," Dorsey said. "All we ask is for them to continue to test, so that the Army can be ensured that it has the best material solution for its soldiers. Make it fair, make it full and open; transparent and let's see where the chips fall.

"Fundamentally, Glock is going to continue to do what we always do. It is never over for us. It's always on those that go into harm's way and as long as they are in harm's way, we will continue to knock on doors and offer the best material solution to the handgun requirement because in my heart, I believe we do have the best material solution."

Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.
The Trump administration announced new levels for renewable fuel use Wednesday, drawing a mixed reaction from Iowa lawmakers and industry groups.

The Environmental Protection Agency proposed that 15 billion gallons of conventional renewable fuels, which would include corn-based ethanol, be blended into the nation's fuel system in 2018, the same as this year, but it actually cut the amount of advanced biofuels for 2018 to 4.24 billion gallons, down from 4.28 billion this year.

The EPA said the new proposals, which are preliminary, are "consistent with market realities."

This is the first time the Trump administration has weighed in on targets for renewable fuels, an area that has consistently pitted renewable fuel groups against oil producers and refiners.

"We are proposing new volumes consistent with market realities focused on actual production and consumer demand while being cognizant of the challenges that exist in bringing advanced biofuels into the marketplace," EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt said in a statement announcing the results.

Industry groups praised the ethanol figure. Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, said the 15 billion figure represents a campaign promise kept.

However, the levels for advanced biofuels drew concern and criticism. The biodiesel target for 2019 was set at 2.1 billion gallons, the same as the level EPA announced Wednesday for 2018.

"Unfortunately, a change in administrations did not change the EPAs under appreciation for the potential of U.S. biodiesel production," Shaw said. "Keeping biodiesel levels frozen at 2.1 billion falls short of U.S. industry capabilities, even before imports are considered."

Tom Brooks, general manager of Western Dubuque Biodiesel in Farley, and chairman of the Iowa Biodiesel Board, said: If these volumes stand, the U.S. could restrict one of its most powerful opportunities to support American manufacturing of energy." He and others said it was the first ever reduction in the category since creation of the Renewable Fuel Standard, or RFS, in 2005.

Cellulosic biofuel targets would fall from 311 million gallons to 238 million next year, according to the EPA proposal.

The American Petroleum Institute applauded the EPA's announcement but said it didn't go far enough.

Todays proposal reaffirms the importance of RFS reform, as it is essential that Americans have access to fuels they want and can safely use in their vehicles," said the institute's Downstream Group Director Frank Macchiarola. "Congress must fix this broken, outdated program."

Across the political spectrum, reaction varied. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said the EPA is bringing predictability and stability to the renewable fuel industry, although she added, "I am disappointed biodiesel levels are not higher."

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, said she was pleased with the ethanol figure but said there is room for growth in the biodiesel target. They both said they would continue to work to promote the industry.

The only Democrat in Iowa's congressional delegation, Rep. Dave Loebsack, said the new figures represented a betrayal by the president.

For all of President Trumps promises to fight for rural America, it appears he once again has turned his back on Iowas farmers and rural communities," he said. "Never in its history has the EPA reduced the amount of advanced biofuels required to be used in the U.S. under the Renewable Fuel Standard."

The EPA's proposal now opens up a comment period on the plan.
Marine Maj. Jasmin Moghbeli's grade school dream of becoming an astronaut has wavered only once: during her combat deployment to Afghanistan as an AH-1W Super Cobra pilot from 2009-10.

"Had I been offered to leave and go be an astronaut, I don't know that I would have said yes at that time," Moghbeli told Military.com in a June interview, "because I loved what I was doing in that moment."

Regardless, Moghbeli said, the dream has served as a guiding force throughout her distinguished 12-year Marine Corps career, shaping her plans and giving added purpose to years of intensive work and study.

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Last month all of that work came to fruition. NASA announced that Moghbeli would be one of 12 astronaut candidates selected to undergo a two-year training and evaluation period for entry into the 58-year-old astronaut program.

When Moghbeli got the news, she immediately called her parents, her hands shaking with excitement and disbelief.

"They were at a pizza place when I called them and [my dad] was crying so much he couldn't even drive home," she said. "So I think that says something about how much it meant to me and my family."

Moghbeli, 33, has seldom taken the easy path. She was born in Germany to Iranian parents, Fereshteh and Kamy Moghbeli, who moved to the United States when she was eight months old. She grew up in Baldwin, New York, and remembers first knowing she wanted to become an astronaut in the sixth grade.

"I did a report on Valentina Tereshkova, the first female in space, a [Russian] cosmonaut. I think the reason I chose her was I was pretty adventurous, but I always loved math, I always loved science, even as a little kid," Moghbeli said. "And then we got to dress up as the person, I had my little space suit and it just kind of, as a little kid, fanned the flames of getting me excited about space exploration."

After high school, Moghbeli had initially planned to attend the U.S. Naval Academy, but then was offered a spot at the world-class Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering.

After school, Moghbeli knew she wanted to pursue military aviation, a common gateway for NASA selectees. At a career fair her junior year, she learned about a Marine Corps leadership program that allowed college students to attend Officer Candidates School over the summer with no military obligation. She went that summer before starting her senior year, and she knew her path was set.

"Once you end up going through Officer Candidates School you just, there's just pride in the Marine Corps. And there was no way I was going to go to any other branch after going through that," Moghbeli said. "So yeah, that's how I ended up in the Marine Corps. And I'm glad I did; I love it."

In the Marine Corps, Moghbeli eventually trained on Super Cobras, ultimately completing three deployments with the twin-engine attack helicopter. She was deployed twice aboard ship with the 13th and 31st Marine Expeditionary Units, and in 2009 was sent to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan in Helmand province with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, nicknamed "Scarface."

The deployment proved a busy one.

"We did lots of different stuff, of course close air support -- as an attack helicopter pilot, that's the bread and butter -- but escorts on the ground and for other aircraft that don't have defensive weapons capabilities, doing reconnaissance missions, and just overhead support of the patrols going out so several different missions sets," she said.

In the Afghan desert, the dream of being an astronaut seemed a distant one. But Moghbeli was still biding her time and building her skill sets.

"I didn't think I was ready yet and I had what NASA was looking for," she said. "I kind of waited until I was like, 'all right, I've got what I think they're looking for, so I'm going to apply this time.'"

After a 2012 deployment to Okinawa, Moghbeli was accepted into U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, undergoing training and eventually receiving an assignment to her current post as quality assurance and avionics officer for Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 in Yuma, Arizona.

When NASA opened its application process most recently, in December 2015, she knew she was ready to apply. It began with a surprisingly simple USA Jobs application, she said. But then the interview rounds began at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The first lasted three days; the second a week. Already, she said, she was developing close bonds with her fellow candidates and the space center staff.

When news arrived that Moghbeli had made the cut, her squadron responded by affectionately pranking her, wrapping her desk with streamers and ribbons.

"There were signs posted all over the squadron saying, 'to her it is rocket science,'" Moghbeli said. "It's been cool."

Moghbeli knows she wants to go to space someday, but she is also fascinated by NASA's human factors research and ongoing efforts from commercial companies, including Boeing and Space-X, to send Americans to space on commercially crewed vehicles. Apart from all that, she's excited about participating in outreach to children, who may have big dreams like she did.

"I think as an astronaut you can have that much more impact on future generations and I'm really excited about that," she said.

Moghbeli joins a long tradition of Marine Corps astronauts that dates back to the very first astronaut class in 1959 and the legendary Marine Col. John Glenn. She said she continues to cherish her Marine Corps identity and hopes she can continue to add to the legacy.

"Becoming an astronaut, it's something that, yes, it's going to require a lot of hard work and dedication, but there's a lot of luck involved at the end of the day. So it's not something you can bank on getting," she said. "I never did anything where, had I not gotten a shot, I wouldn't have been happy doing what I'm doing."

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at@HopeSeck.
Camp Lejeune Town Halls Aim to Help Those Exposed to Toxic Water. Heres How You Can Go.

Retired Marine Master Sgt. Jerry Ensminger made it his mission to tell the world that if they lived or served on Camp Lejeune...
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Thursday that the U.S. military was ready to meet North Korea's new ICBM threat but war on the peninsula was not an immediate option.

"I do not believe this (ICBM) capability in itself brings us close to war because the President's been very clear, and the Secretary of State's been very clear, that we are leading with diplomatic and economic efforts," Mattis told reporters at the Pentagon.

"However, the military remains ready in accordance with our alliance with Japan, with Korea," Mattis said. "We stand ready to provide options if they are necessary."

Mattis' remarks came as South Korean President Moon Jae-in renewed his willingness to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un "anytime, anyplace" to ease tensions even as President Donald Trump said that Kim could face "severe" consequences.

"I think we'll just take a look at what happens over the coming weeks and months," Trump said of North Korea. "It's a shame that they're behaving this way. Something will have to be done," Trump said in Poland ahead of his trip to the G-20 economic summit in Hamburg, Germany.

On the sidelines of the G-20 Friday, Trump was to hold a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to press Beijing to increase pressure on North Korea. Trump was also to hold his first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Earlier Thursday in Hamburg, Trump met with Moon and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on North Korea's test launch Tuesday of a missile that was first classified by the U.S. military as an IRBM, or Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile, and then later classified as an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile.

The missile reached a height of 1,731 miles, the military said, and landed in the Sea of Japan about 540 miles off the North Korea coast and within Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone. Later analysis showed that with a flattened trajectory the missile could have hit Alaska.

North Korea said the missile was a new type of two-stage missile called the Kwasong-14. At a briefing Wednesday, Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, confirmed that the missile was a new type and said that it carried a dummy warhead that may have survived re-entry into the atmosphere, which would be a milestone for North Korea's missile and nuclear programs.

In remarks to the Korber Foundation, a non-profit think tank in Germany, Moon said that "When the right conditions are fostered and when there is a chance to reverse the current tension and situation of confrontation on the Korean Peninsula, I am ready to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at any time and any place."

Moon, a liberal human rights lawyer who was elected on May 10, has seen the North conduct six missile tests since he came into office. North Korea has also conducted six underground nuclear tests, the latest one coming in September 2016.

Despite Moon's offer of peace talks, Kim Jong-un has re-committed North Korea to becoming a nuclear state with the ability to hit the U.S. mainland.

On Wednesday, Kim declared that North Korea was determined to "demonstrate its mettle to the U.S." and would never put its weapons programs up for negotiation.

North Korea's propaganda outlets said Kim was present for the launch of the ICBM and described him as "feasting his eyes" on the missile as it ascended.

"With a broad smile on his face," Kim urged his scientists to "frequently send big and small 'gift packages' to the Yankees," the official Korean Central News Agency said.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at richard.sisk@military.com

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PLYMOUTH | A baby injured in a two-vehicle crash near Plymouth last month died Wednesday.

Joseph Ebeling, 1 month, was pronounced dead at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, where he was flown after the crash, according to a news release from the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's Office.

The accident occurred around 5:30 p.m. June 25 at the intersection of 305th Street and Thrush Avenue south of Plymouth.

The infant was a passenger in a vehicle driven by McKenna Blong, 18, Mason City, who was traveling east on 305th Street and failed to stop at a stop sign at the Thrush Avenue intersection, authorities say.

Jack Shade, 53, Plymouth, who was traveling north, struck Blong's vehicle on the passenger side.

Blong and Shade also were injured in the crash.

Blong was cited for failure to obey a stop sign.

 Mary Pieper
ROYAL OAK, MI - You've seen him on TV non-stop for the last 30 years. We caught up with "Full House" star Dave Coulier while he's back home visiting in Metro Detroit.

The St. Clair Shores, Michigan native played Uncle Joey on "Full House" for 8 seasons from 1987 - 1995 and is now back on "Fuller House" on Netflix. Coulier has a seminar at Mark Ridley's Comedy Club in Royal Oak on Sunday, July 9 where he will talk about how he "failed his way to success."

In our interview in the video above, Coulier talks about shooting season 3 of "Fuller House," growing up in Michigan, and the "Full House" prop his dog ate. Off camera Coulier hinted Netflix may renew "Fuller House" for three more seasons.

You also know Coulier as the host of "America's Funniest People." He's done voice work on "The Real Ghostbusters," "Muppet Babies" and "Robot Chicken," among many other shows. Along the way he's won a couple of Emmy Awards.

Upcoming show: Coulier will discuss his career as a stand-up comedian and actor and take audience questions at his seminar at Mark Ridley's Comedy Club. "Failing Your Way To Success (A Lifetime in Show Business)" on Sunday, July 9, 2017 at 2pm at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle. Tickets are $25 each. *This event is for ages 17+.
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market held its monthly food truck rally on Wednesday, July 5.

Around 15 vendors offered all types of food ranging from pizza, to donuts, to crepes.

The event is hosted by Ann Arbor Farmers Market on the first Wednesday of every month, and future rallies will be held on August 2, September 6 and October 4.

To see photos from the event, view the gallery above.
BAY CITY, MI -- Mike Thelen knows what type of show The Cool City Car Show and Cruze presents to its audience.

"We're not a hot rod show, we're not an oldies show -- we're an everybody show," Thelen said. "We'd like to see every car, every make and model there."

Event organizers are also hoping for big crowds when the 22nd annual Cool City Car Show motors into town Friday, July 7, and Saturday, July 8.

About 500 vehicles are expected to be on display for the two-day event, Thelen said. The show coordinator estimates about 10,000 people attend each year.

This year, Friday's car cruise shifts to the Midland Street Business District for a post-cruise street party. It's previously been held at Bay Lanes. Saturday's car show remains in downtown Bay City.

"We thought it'd be nice to get down to Midland Street and hopefully try to help the bars have a boost that night and that weekend," Thelen said. "We thought it would be a great place for a street party."

The street party is open to the public.

There's still time for those interested to register for the car show. Cost is $20 if paid by 5 p.m. Thursday, July 6. After that time, the price jumps to $25. Participants can register the day of the event.

Registration for the car cruise begins at 2:30 p.m. Friday at the entrance of the Hampton Towne Centre Mall, 1415 W. Center Road.

The cruise begins at 5:30 p.m. through the streets of Essexville and Bay City. It concludes on Midland Street for the afterparty featuring live music.

The route for the cruise begins by heading westbound on M-25 before heading north on Pine Road in Essexville. The cars then make a right turn past Essexville-Hampton Garber High School onto West Borton Road and then makes a left onto Knight Road.

After taking a left onto West Hampton Road, the cars cruise down Woodside Avenue across the Saginaw River before arriving on Midland Street.

On Saturday, registration for all vehicles starts at 8 a.m. at the Delta College Planetarium, 100 Center Ave. The show opens at 9 a.m. to the public.

The winner of the "exhaust rapping" award is to be decided at 11 a.m. Saturday, when participants compete to see whose muffler can roar the loudest. It takes place at the intersection of Washington and Center avenues.

"It's amazing how loud some of these cars are," Thelen said. "It's pretty neat."

An awards presentation caps the car show at 3 p.m.

There are 94 trophies to handout over the weekend, Thelen said. There are 65 Best of Show trophies, 20 Best Finish trophies and nine extra-large trophies given out for various categories including best custom, best original and best engine.

Money raised through the event is donated to the American Cancer Society. Thelen said over the past 15 years, about $238,000 has been donated to the organization.

This year, Thelen said event organizers are hoping to raise a minimum of $25,000 for the American Cancer Society.

"We just hope to put up a bunch of money for the American Cancer Society," he said.

Last year, 200 cars participated in the cruise, despite rain. An afterparty followed at Bay Lanes. About 400 vehicles participated over the weekend.

The car show started in 1995 on Bay City's West Side with 25 cars participating.

Twenty-two years later, event organizers are hoping for sunshine, 500 cars and thousands of people in attendance, Thelen said.

"We have a huge variety of vehicles," he said. "It's not any kind of specialty show. It's cool people come down there and see everything. There's just great variety to look at."
BAY CITY, MI -- The Michigan Supreme Court denied Menards' appeal in a lawsuit that stems from a woman's death after she was hit by a car in the parking lot of the retailer's Bay County location six years ago.

A decision was made by the Michigan Supreme Court on Friday, June 30, according to court filings.

Menards was sued after a pickup truck struck Virginia Rawluszki, a shopper who was leaving its location in Bay County's Monitor Township store in 2011, according to a summary of the case. Rawluszki suffered a serious brain injury and later died from it, the summary states.

Rawluszki was walking on the yellow-striped crosswalk alongside the store, the summary states. The driver was "carelessly cutting across a parking space" and did not see Rawluszki as he made a left-hand turn.

Rawluszki's daughter, which court filings show is Denise Fowler, sued Menards for not putting a stop sign at the crosswalk. A trial court denied Menards' motion for summary disposition, according to records. The issue went to the Court of Appeals, where it was also denied. In November of that year, the Michigan Supreme Court remanded the case to the Court of Appeals.

Fowler said Menards "had a duty to take extra measures" to install signage or traffic stops to warn of crossing pedestrians, according to an unpublished opinion. Menards argued that parking lot dangers are open and obvious, the unpublished opinion states.

The appeals court concluded the trial court reached the right result and found "there is a duty on the part of the landowner to install crosswalks in a reasonable and prudent manner," according to the unpublished opinion.

Friday's decision by the Michigan Supreme Court lets the appeals court's decision stand.

Philip L. Ellison, the attorney representing Rawluszki's family in the higher courts, said the next steps are to get the case heard by a jury in a Bay County court. He said the process could take a couple months.

Ellison said he is "very pleased" with the Michigan Supreme Court's decision. He said it gives his client the opportunity to make their case to a jury.

An unusual aspect about this case is that it went up to the Michigan Supreme Court before a jury had a decision, Ellison said.

Ellison said the jury will decide if Rawluszki's death is attributed to the crosswalk and a lack of signage at the Menards store. The attorney questioned why big box stores allows cars to drive on crosswalks close to store entrances and exits.

"It doesn't make any sense to me," Ellison said.

Ellison said the driver of the pickup has settled the case through an insurance company. Now it's up to a jury to see if Menards has some liability and responsibility, he said.

"I think once they hear exactly what happened within these circumstances, I think the jury's going to be surprised by how free-wheeling and lack of control there is in front of these stories where a lot of busy traffic is going by," Ellison said.

Ellison added pedestrians have a right-away on a public road, not a parking lot.

"It's imperative to the store owners that cars and people know how to safely interact with each other in the parking lots and in crosswalks," he said.

Bay City attorney Alan R. Sullivan, who is representing Menards, declined to comment due to the pending case.
CHARLES CITY | The Iowa Court of Appeals Thursday vacated the prison sentence a Charles City man received last year for child pornography, stating he is eligible for a deferred judgment.

Jeffrey Kirk, 54, is to be re-sentenced in Floyd County District Court. A hearing date has not been set.

Kirk received a prison sentence of up to two years after pleading guilty to one misdemeanor count of sexual exploitation of a minor.

Charles City man gets prison sentence for child porn CHARLES CITY | A Charles City man who police say had pornographic images of children on his 

He had pornographic images of children on his cell phone. Investigators say Kirk had downloaded the material from the internet.

During sentencing District Court Judge Peter Newell stated some crimes are so serious that the defendant should not receive a deferred judgment even if he or she doesn't have a prior criminal history.

Thursday's appeals court ruling states it's up to the state legislature to determine which crimes are not punishable by a deferred judgment.

When someone receives a deferred judgment and successfully completes probation, the charge is stricken from his or her record.

 Mary Pieper
MASON CITY | A Mason City traffic stop led to a police chase, an arrest and a felony drug charge early Thursday morning.

Mason City police say Troy Wiebke, 42, of Mason City is the driver of a vehicle that was first stopped by an officer near Hy-Vee Drug Store.

An officer stopped the vehicle for a traffic offense just after midnight Thursday morning, according to a news release from the department. As the officer approached the vehicle, the driver sped off.

The officer was unable to catch the vehicle due to evasive actions taken by the driver, Mason City police said in a statement.

Several other officers began to search the area. Another officer spotted the vehicle near 12th Street Northwest and North Pierce Avenue and pursed the vehicle.

The driver eventually abandoned the vehicle near city limits after driving over a tire deflation device placed by another Mason City officer, west of 12th Street Northwest and North Eisenhower.

The Cerro Gordo County Sheriffs Department and Iowa State Patrol assisted with creating a search perimeter. A Winnebago County Sheriffs Deputy and K-9, Yeira, responded to assist in the search.

Yeira located the driver within a few minutes, police say. Wiebke was found hiding in a marshy area, not far from where the vehicle was abandoned.

Wiebke was transported to the Cerro Gordo County Jail and is held for $12,000 cash or surety bond. He is facing 10 charges total.

He faces two felony charges:

 Possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver

 Eluding

He faces eight misdemeanors:

 Improper brake light

 Unsafe entry onto a sidewalk or driveway

 Interference with official acts

 Passing contrary to highway markings

 Driving on the wrong side of a two lane highway

 Failure to obey a stop sign

 Driving while barred

 Possession of drug paraphernalia

No court date has been set.
MASON CITY | A 19-year-old from Mason City convicted of attempted murder following a shooting on the Southbridge Mall plaza was sentenced Wednesday to up to 30 years in prison.

During his sentencing hearing, Revell Toney apologized for shooting Stephen Williams, 25, also of Mason City, on Oct. 23.

"I deserve what I get," Toney said, noting he made the decision to take drugs that night, which he says led to the shooting.

"I want to become a better person," he said.

A Cerro Gordo County jury found Toney guilty in May on the attempted murder charge, as well as possession of a firearm by a felon.

Toney must serve 17 years of his attempted murder sentence before being eligible for parole.

He was ordered to pay nearly $8,000 in restitution to the Crime Victims Compensation Program.

Toney also was sentenced to up to five years in prison Wednesday on the firearm possession charge, to be served concurrently with the attempted murder sentence.

In addition, his probation was revoked on Floyd County felony convictions of theft and burglary, and he was ordered to serve up to five years in prison consecutive to the attempted murder sentence.

We clearly understand that Mr. Toney is young man, but he is a very violent young man, said Cerro Gordo County Attorney Carlyle Dalen during Wednesdays hearing.

To shoot someone multiple times in the middle of our town is so violent, he added, noting many other people were on the mall plaza at the time.

A doctor testified during trial that a fragment from a bullet that entered Williams' left buttock came extremely close to his ureter, and if it had hit the ureter it could have led to fatal blood poisoning.

Public defender Letitia Turner asked District Court Judge Colleen Weiland to sentence Toney to up to 25 years rather than up to 30 years, stating he was drinking alcohol and taking Xanax the night of the shooting.

Part of Toneys defense during trial was that his judgment was impaired at the time of the shooting because of the combination of Xanax and alcohol.

Toney told Weiland the third-degree burglary and second-degree theft charges in Floyd County were related to his stealing iPhones, intending to sell them to make some money.

He said he was 17 at the time and was out on the streets alone.

I was just making bad decisions at a young age, Toney said.

Weiland noted Toney only violated the terms of his probation once, but what a violation.

She said he not only armed himself while on probation, but was taking drugs he shouldnt have been taking and shot someone.

Weiland also said the burglary and theft charges in Floyd County are totally separate from the shooting and Toney should face consequences for both crimes.
Ashwani Gujral of ashwanigujral.com told CNBC-TV18, "I am not impressed with Reliance Industries' 1-1.5 percent move. To make those large moves, big money has to come in. it has to move 2-4 percent and that is what will provide momentum to the market to Reliance. Yes, it is moving up, possibly will cross Rs 1,450 but again there is enough on both sides."

"For the day, you will have most ideas on the upside. Reliance Capital is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 657, target of Rs 680. Vedanta is a buy with a stop of Rs 256, target of Rs 272. Gruh Finance is a buy with a stop of Rs 450, target of Rs 475. Ashok Leyland is your stock of the day because that is where you can get continuation. That is a buy with a stop of Rs 98, target of Rs 110. Jindal Steel & Power is a buy with a stop of Rs 126, target of Rs 138," he said.

: Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd
By Satish Gupta of astrostocktips.in

Todays planetary position: Moon will be transiting in Scorpio, Jupiter in Virgo, Lord Rahu in Leo. Lord Saturn in Sagittarius. Mercury in Cancer. Venus in Taurus. Mars & Sun in Gemini. Ketu in Aquarius. Pluto in Sagittarius. Neptune in Aquarius & Uranus in Pisces.

Rahu kal time: - 13:30-15:00

Following sectors will be receiving astrological support:

Tyre: Ceat , Balkrishna Industries, MRF, Apollo Tyres, etc.

Timing is most crucial element in investing or trading. This timing can be known through financial astrology. Astrology is only science which can predict future correctly & guide us about sectors which have to outperform.

Every year with commencement of new Samvat (Hindu New Year), astrologically, based on planetary position, certain new sectors start getting strong astrological support & start outperforming, while some others sectors which were performing earlier start underperforming. Some sectors/stocks remain laggards. Stocks of astrological supported sectors outperform resulting in exorbitant gains irrespective of market behaviour, either bull market or bear market.

Predicting bullish sectors of next Samvat 2074

Every year we release sectors of new Samvat in the month of March/April when new Samvat starts. But this year, we shall prepone release of next Samvat sectors, which are going to get strong astrological support & stocks from those sector outperform markets. Purpose of releasing sectors of next Samvat earlier is that investors & traders should get maximum advantage of down trend of markets by good timing.

We firmly believe that these special astrological positions present very unique opportunities to investors and traders both. This opportunity, if utilised properly, can safeguard your existing portfolio and simultaneously optimise your future investments and trading also. Successful investing and trading is all about good timing only.

Needless to mention our innumerable past predictions, where most stocks from the SECTORS of SAMVAT gave exorbitant returns & certain stocks appreciated by over 500 percent.

During current Samavat 2073 among other sectors  dyes/chemical/sugar sector received strong astrological support & outperformed and gave exorbitant return. Many stocks from dyes/ chemical sector appreciated by over 500 percent.

Sectors which get very strong astrological support are not normally affected by downfall in the market.

: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on moneycontrol.com are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
The government will shortly begin work on finalising the broad contours of Air Indias (AI) privatisation plan that will likely involve valuing the non-core assets including prime real estate in Delhi and Mumbai separately from the national carriers main aeronautical operations.

A three-year old note Guidelines for Monetisation of Real Estate Assets will likely serve as the guiding framework for the Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tasked with working out the roadmap to sell off Indias debt-laden national airline.

Air Indias properties that could be sold off include: freehold land and residential flats at Palavanthangal Village and IA Staff Housing Colony spread across 19.13 acres in Chennai, another free hold land plot of land in Annasalai in Chennai, Airlines House (the headquarters of erstwhile Indian Airlines) located in Gurudwara Rakabganj Road, Delhi, another 16,188 sq mt of premises at Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Delhi, staff quarters in spread across 30 acres in south Delhis plush Vasant Vihar, eight flats of 1900 sq feet each in New Delhis Asiad Village, about 20 acres of free hold land and buildings in Central Training Establishment, Hyderabad, the iconic Air India building in Mumbais Nariman Point, building at old airport, Kalina, Santacruz, Mumbai, office building, NITC, Santa Cruz, Mumbai, land at CIDCO Plot, Nerul in Mumbai and property in DLF, Qutab Enclave, Phase-III, Gurgaon, Haryana.

It also has properties in Nairobi, Hong Kong and Mauritius among others.

While formulating Air India's Financial Restructuring Plan in 2012, consulting and audit firm Deloitte had also recommended proper monetisation of its immovable assets.

Later, when AI has finalised its Turnaround Plan (TAP) and Financial Restructuring Plan (FRP), monetisation of its realty assets formed an important ingredient. The former UPA government, which had approved Rs 30,000 crore TAP for Air India, it had also approved a real estate monetisation plan to the tune of Rs.5000 crore over the next 10 years period with the annual target of Rs.500 crore from 2013 onwards.

The finance minister headed GoM, which has Nitin Gadkari, Suresh Prabhu and Piyush Goyal as members along with aviation minister Ashok Gajapathy Raju, will also study and suggest ways to treat the unsustainable debt of Air India; hiving off certain assets to a shell company and demerger and strategic disinvestment of the airlines three profit-making subsidiaries.

Also read: IndiGo expresses interest in buying a stake in debt-laden Air India

Air India Transport Services (AITS), Hotel Corporation of India, Air India Charters, Air India Engineering Services (AIES) and Airlines Allied Services are the five subsidiaries of Air India.

The airline, surviving on a-Rs 30,231-crore government bailout package, has accumulated losses of around Rs 52,000 crore and as much debt. The package, approved by the previous government in 2012, called for staggered equity infusion over nine years.

It has so far received Rs 23,993 crore under the package.

The Jaitley-panel will decide on the method of valuation and also on the politically contentious question of how much residual stake should government retain, on the lines of Hindustan Zinc and Balco which allows it to have board positions and voting rights.

Also read:Cabinet gives OK to strategic sale of Air India, panel to study various options

A 2007 estimate pegged the airline's gross value, including aircraft and other assets at Rs 40,000 crore. This assessment, however, did not include the valuation of the subsidiaries.

Air India, over the years, has also acquired priceless artefacts from all over the world, which has immense value. The Jaitley-panel will also decide on short listing of artefacts that can be monetized, appointment of global art houses to value these artefacts and eventually sell these auction.

The government will likely press from a substantial valuation for the premium slots that airline has across major international airports. It has eight pair of slots at London Heathrow and a number of good slots across European airports including Frankfurt, Milan, Rome, Vienna, Stockholm, besides many in the US.

Oman Air recently bought a pair of slot in London Heathrow for USD75 million, which implies Air Indias slots would be value at more than Rs 4,000 crore.

The tricky question, however, will be to deal with the debt. Air India's current total debt stands at about Rs 52,000. About half of thisRs 25,000 crore is for funding aircraft acquisition, while the remaining is mainly unsecured working capital debt.
Representative image. (REUTERS)

For all you know, Dilip Pendse could have had a career as glorious as current chairman N Chandrasekharans at the Tata Group. He was certainly one of Ratan Tatas most trusted lieutenants at one point, tasked with building the groups non-banking financial services arm Tata Finance way back in 1996.

Not only did he build Tata Finance, he was credited for turning it into Indias largest finance company at the time. If his peers are to be believed, Pendse was nothing short of a financial genius whose brilliance had bought him good favour among the top brass of the Tata Group, so much so that he met with Ratan Tata in the latters own home regularly to discuss company and group matters.

Instead, things took a turn for the worse in 2001 when some of Pendses unauthorised dealings in connivance with some other Tata Group entities came to light, resulting in him getting sacked. Not only did Pendse disgrace himself, he destroyed a respectable career spanning over 20 years and his actions caused the company to report a loss in excess of Rs 400 crore.

It all started when Pendse allegedly routed money raised from Tata Finances deposit holders, through two subsidiaries  Inshallah Investments and Niskalp Investments  to various stocks such as Himachal Futuristic Communications and Veerangana Software.

When these stocks tumbled during the dot-com crash of 2000-01, questions were raised about the safety of deposit holders money. When Tata Finance decided to raise around Rs 90 crore through a rights issue, the Securities and Exchange Board of India started investigating the matter.

In July 2001, the Tata Group acknowledged these losses and said that the board of directors for Tata Finance had identified some unauthorised transactions, including diversion of funds to some associate companies, whose affairs were managed by the then-management of Tata Finance.

The charges pressed against Pendse were severe -- criminal conspiracy, forgery, misappropriation of funds  just to name a few. He, of course, claimed that none of the transactions in question had been done without the approval of the groups top officials, including Tata himself. Tata, of course, denied it.

At the 2002 annual general meeting of VSNL, now a part of Tata Communications, Ratan Tata said that he was only recently informed about the matter by Pendse himself. If I was involved, why would he contact me? said Tata.

However, Pendse himself had a different story to tell. In an interaction with the media, the former Tata Finance MD said that he and Ratan Tata used to regularly discuss matters pertaining to the group and Tata Finance. The two often met both in office and at Tatas home after office hours, in meetings lasting between 30 and 45 minutes.

This practice was followed after my taking over as the managing director of Tata Finance till almost the end of 1998 and early 1999. Thereafter, I continued to meet him frequently, though not on a specific day. I had meetings with him not only in his office but even at his house after office hours, Pendse was quoted as saying.

In June 2016, SEBI finally barred Pendse and three other entities from accessing the capital market for manipulations at the time of Tata Finances rights issue back in 2001. The order stated that SEBI had found the entities in question guilty of mismanaging the affairs of the company with an intention to commit fraud on investors.

Just over a year after SEBIs decision, Dilip Pendse was found hanging from the ceiling fan in his office on Wednesday, with a suicide note that said that no one else was to be considered responsible for his death. The police have ruled out any foul play and have registered a case of accidental death.

The former Tata Group man is survived by his wife, with whom he lived, and two sons who work abroad. From a career that could have turned into something worth talking or even writing about, to taking his own life, Pendse certainly saw both ends of the spectrum during his lifetime.
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Drug maker Dr Reddys which is going through a challenging phase with declining sales and profits said it expects to reverse the slide in FY18 as it sees pricing pressure to be less severe and more calibrated in the US, coupled with pipeline of complex generic launches.

We also have an excellent pipeline of complex generics to be introduced to the country in FY18, and expect to do better through this effective upgrade of our portfolio mix, Dr Reddys Chairman Satish Reddy and co-chairman and Chief Executive Officer GV Prasad said in a joint statement in the companys latest annual report.

US contributes close to 50 percent of Dr Reddy's generic business.

The company said the turnaround will also be led by proprietary product offerings in US, complimented by traction of its biosimilar business in emerging markets.

The company expects to see pick-up of over-the-counter portfolios in Russia and the CIS, the US and India, as well active pharmaceutical ingredient business delivering with US FDA overhang easing on its facilities.

Your company went through what is called a perfect storm when several negative factors simultaneously came into play, Dr Reddys chairman Satish Reddy and co-chairman and chief executive officer said in a joint statement in the companys latest annual report.

Most importantly, the management is united in putting aside the results of FY2017 and in striving for higher growth and better profitability in FY2018, the statement added.

Dr Reddys dropped four places in FY17 among Indian drug maker, to be the fifth largest drug maker in terms of sales.

The company was hit by US FDA regulatory overhang which led to lack of approvals and pricing pressures in US market, Venezuela write-off and sub-par performance of Indian formulation business due government initiated drug price controls.

Two API units at Srikakulam and Miryalaguda, and formulation plant at Duvadda, near Visakhapatnam, which is an oncological sterile injectable facility received warning letter in November 2015.

The company responded subsequently with remedial action. Based on its corrective action, the US FDA re-inspected these three plants between February 2017 and April 2017.

While the company received an establishment inspection report (EIR) or closure of inspection from US FDA for its Miryalaguda facility, it still awaits clearance for its other two facilities in order to resolve the warning letter.

The warning letter put on hold the approval of several key drugs, including high value added injectables and complex generics, to the US from the last quarter of FY16 and throughout FY17. The pipeline blockage affected revenues, margins and profits, additional costs of conducting remedial work, including the use of international consultants, also reduced profits.

We have, since November 2015, significantly invested in processes, automation, detailed documentation of each batch and standard operating procedures, and have further strengthened our quality management systems, the company said.

We also believe that the shift in the US regulators approach from what has gone wrong to what can go wrong is for the long term good of the industry, the company added.
Cement has been taxed at 28 percent under the new tax regime GST as compared to 30 to 31 percent in the previous system of taxation. The reduction in cement prices as a result of this fall in the tax rate is expected to vary from state to state.

Throwing more light on the above development, Sanjay Gupta, CEO, Star Cement said the company has implemented GST from July 1 and have taken a price cut of Rs 10-15 per bag. The price cut will vary from state to state but the average would be around Rs 12/bag, he added.

He said the company is expecting an impact on volumes due to GST for one quarter because of slow offtake in June and the situation is still same in early part of July.

He said 75 percent of their dealers have already migrated to GST and the rest are in the process, and hopes that migration will be smooth for dealers. The migration is likely to get completed by July 15, post which volumes will be back to normal.

The company is targeting sales volume growth of 10-12 percent in FY18, he said.

With regards to subsidy payments, he said as of FY17 end the outstanding was Rs 700 crore from the government, out of which Rs 62 crore were received in May and expect Rs 11-12 crore in next few days. Going forward, expect Rs 200 crore to come in terms of subsidy by FY18.
Following a board meeting, budget airline IndiGo announced on Thursday it is not interested in buying national Air India's entire operations.

The low-cost carrier is focused on Air India's international operations and Air India Express and has concerns about acquiring all of Air India's business, IndiGo promoter Rakesh Gangwal said in a concall.

The management said that they do not have a desire to take all of Air India's debt and that acquiring all of Air India's subsidiaries is an "impossible task".

Gangwar also said that it was about time that IndiGo enters the long-haul international market, with or without Air India. The journey to a making IndiGo a global low cost carrier will be gradual, he added.

The IndiGo management said that Air India would provide rapid growth for India's largest carrier by market share.

Another promoter Rahul Bhatia said IndiGo is not looking at having a joint-ownership of Air India with the government.

Soon after the government gave an in-principle approval for disinvestment of Air India, IndiGo, owned by InterGlobe Aviation, had expressed unsolicited interest in buying a stake in the state-owned carrier.

The Union Cabinet on June 28 had given an in-principle approval for disinvestment of debt-laden state-run carrier Air India.

Stretched thin by competition from leaner and budget airlines, Air India is reeling under a debt of over Rs 52,000 crore, with about Rs 28,000 crore in working capital debt, and about Rs 4,000 crore in interest burden alone. The national carrier has not turned profit in 10 years.

From commanding a 35% share in mid 2000s, Air Indias domestic market share has reduced to just 14%. The airline stands behind IndiGo and Jet Airways in the pecking order. On the overseas traffic to and fro India, it has a 17% share.

Earlier in June, Tata Group chairman N Chandrasekaran had informal talks with the government. Media reports also suggested that the Tatas could get Singapore Airlines on board for a minority stake.
Air India

Day after the Union Cabinet gave in-principle approval for Air India divestment, budget carrier IndiGo has expressed interest in purchasing a stake in the debt-laden national airline.

As the Indian Government embarks on the journey of privatizing Air India  kindly treat this letter as our expression of interest in acquiring the international airline operations of Air India and Air India Express, IndiGo President Aditya Ghosh wrote to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Its time for India to take back its fair share of international traffic, he wrote indicating IndiGos ambitions to grab a pie of the Indias international air traffic.

Heres the copy of the Ghoshs letter to the Civil Aviation Ministry

Elaborating on the divestment plans, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday had said government has decided to set up a committee to explore various options including strategic divestment of the loss-making airline and its five subsidiaries. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will head the inter-ministerial panel. The decision was based on the recommendations of Niti Aayog.

The committee will consider the quantum of disinvestment to be made the universe of bidders, according to a government statement.

According to media reports, Tata Sons officials led by Chairman N Chandrasekaran are known to have already met up with top officials in the aviation ministry to express their interest in buying the airline.

Tata Sons has stakes in Air Vistara and AirAsia India.

The committee will also study and suggest ways to treat the unsustainable debt of Air India; hiving off certain assets to a shell company and demerger and strategic divestment of the airlines profit-making subsidiaries.

Air India Transport Services, Hotel Corporation of India, Air India Charters, Air India Engineering Services and Airlines Allied Services are the five subsidiaries of Air India.

The airline, surviving on a Rs 30,231-crore government bailout package, has accumulated losses of around Rs 52,000 crore and as much debt. The package, approved by the previous government in 2012, called for staggered equity infusion over nine years.

It has so far received Rs 23,993 crore under the package.

The airline reported an operating profit of Rs 105 crore in 2015-16 though this was contested by Comptroller and Auditor General which said it was actually an operating loss of Rs 321 crore. The national carrier hasnt made a net profit in at least a decade.

Air India has a 14 percent market share in the domestic market and 17 percent share of the overseas traffic flying to and from India.

Clearly, indicating his ministrys views on the issue, Jaitley had recently earlier said the government should have ideally exited the airline 15 years ago and that he saw no reason why the private sector couldnt be allowed to handle the remaining passengers in the domestic market when it was already managing the 86 percent.
Representative image

Vietnam has extended an Indian oil concession in the South China Sea and begun drilling in another area it disputes with China in moves that could heighten tensions over who owns what in the vital maritime region.

The moves come at a delicate time in Beijing's relations with Vietnam, which claims parts of the sea, and India, which recently sent warships to monitor the Malacca Straits, through which most of China's energy supplies and trade passes.

Vietnam granted Indian oil firm ONGC Videsh a two-year extension to explore oil block 128 in a letter that arrived earlier this week, the state-run company's managing director Narendra K. Verma told Reuters.

Part of that block is in the U-shaped 'nine-dash line' which marks the vast area that China claims in the sea, a route for more than USD 5 trillion in trade each year in which the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan also have claims.

A senior official of ONGC Videsh, who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter, said interest in the block was strategic rather than commercial, given that oil development there was seen as high-risk with only moderate potential.

"Vietnam also wants us to be there because of China's interventions in the South China Sea," the official said.

Vietnam's state-run PetroVietnam declined to comment on the concession, which was first granted to India in 2006 but had been due to expire in mid-June.

Conflicting territorial claims over the sea stretch back many decades but have intensified in recent years as China and its rivals have reinforced their positions on the rocks and reefs they hold.

Far to the south of block 128, drilling has begun in a block owned jointly by Vietnam's state oil firm, Spain's Repsol and Mubadala Development Co of the United Arab Emirates.

Deepsea Metro I, operated by Odfjell Drilling Ltd., has been drilling in the region since the middle of last month on behalf of Spain's Repsol SA, which also has rights to neighbouring block 07/03, Odfjell said.

Odfjell declined to comment on the specific location of its vessel, but shipping data from Thomson Reuters Eikon showed it was in oil block 136/3, which also overlaps China's claims.

Odfjell's Eirik Knudsen, Vice President for Corporate Finance and Investor Relations, referred further queries to Repsol, which declined to comment. PetroVietnam made no comment.

COMPETING MARITIME CLAIMS

When asked about the activity, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China opposes anyone "carrying out unilateral, illegal oil and gas activities in waters China has jurisdiction over."

"We hope the relevant country can act on the basis of maintaining regional peace and stability and not do anything to complicate the situation," he told a briefing in Beijing.

Chinese General Fan Changlong cut short a visit to Vietnam and a friendship meeting at the China-Vietnam border was cancelled around the time the drilling began.

The centuries-old mistrust between China and Vietnam is nowhere more evident than in their competing maritime claims, despite their shared communist ideology and growing trade.

Asked about the most recent drilling, Vietnamese officials said their Chinese counterparts have started raising concerns about cooperation with both Repsol and ExxonMobil Corp. of the United States, which is developing the USD 10 billion "Blue Whale" gas concession off central Vietnam.

They said Chinese officials also expressed concern at Vietnam's evolving security relationships with the United States and Japan, both of which have offered moral support for its South China Sea claims and help for Vietnam's coastguard.

Tensions with China were being contained, however, and had not yet reached crisis proportions, they said.

"We know they are unhappy again, but we are resisting the pressure it is a traditional part of our relations with Beijing," one official said privately. "Other parts of the relationship remain strong."

Underlining the relationship between India and Vietnam, Vietnamese deputy prime minister Pham Binh Minh told a forum in New Delhi this week that India was welcome to play a bigger role in Southeast Asia - and specifically the South China Sea.

Hanoi's growing defence and commercial ties with India are part of its strategy of seeking many partnerships with big powers while avoiding formal military alliances.

The pace has picked up since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration took office in 2014 and sought to push back against China's expanding presence in South Asia by raising its diplomatic and military engagement in Southeast Asia.

India is providing naval patrol boats, satellite cover to monitor Vietnam's waters and training for its submarines and fighter pilots - more military support than it is giving to any other Southeast Asian country.

On the agenda are transfers of naval vessels and missiles under a USD 500 million defence credit line announced last year.

Next week, the navies of India, the United States, and Japan will hold their largest joint exercises in the Bay of Bengal.
Allowed | Farming operations (Image: PTI)

Since the state assembly elections in April 2017 when political parties touted loan waivers as an electoral pledge, state governments have come under pressure to announce farmer-friendly measures.

Not surprisingly, big states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra and Karnataka announced loan waivers even as their crop loans collectively worked out to nearly Rs 88,000 crore. These governments would naturally pass on the burden to tax payers by borrowing more.

Loan waivers have been known to destroy the creditworthiness of farmers,. Banks become wary of funding them as they know recovery would be difficult. This, in turn, affects agriculture and rural growth in the medium term.

Other state governments might be faced with a similar dilemma as the country heads into elections in a couple of years. Debt as a way of financing agriculture growth will increasingly face a hurdle. Realising the need for an alternate source of funding, the government is perhaps contemplating giving agriculture an industry status.

Farm Crisis: Why Bumper Harvests Are Becoming Painful For Indian Farmers

Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that she was in favour of according industry status to the agriculture sector. She said: "We are talking about FDI in plantation crops, so why not have more money come in to ensure greater production in agriculture. Agriculture is going to be the biggest component of our exports and, therefore, yes I would be in favour of agriculture being accorded industry status."

But does giving industry status solve the problems of the sector?

Lets first look at what will according industry status mean for agriculture. Granting industry status gives a fillip to investments and bring down costs of operation as the sector gets organised with bigger players coming in. In terms of exports, it will help build brand India.

But the biggest benefit will be in terms of labour reforms. A survey conducted by Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) in a district in Odisha found that 98 percent of youth in the district were not interested in agriculture. FES has been demanding that agriculture be given an industry status and the people involved in the sector be given the status of labourers.

An industry status would help in tackling issues like food security, climate change and migration, etc. Job security among the rural youth will help revive agriculture. Further, provisions for retirement benefits will bring in a sense of security among the farming community.

Also, with experienced players coming in, there is enough room for a complete integration of the agriculture sector which will make farm-to-fork a reality. Losses and wastages can come down and employment generation will be high. Dependence on monsoon can be reduced as money investments can be directed to water harvesting and drip irrigation.

Though the advantage of declaring agriculture as an industry are many, the ground reality is that it will be politically difficult to implement.

The first noise will come from politicians who will shout that farmer land will be bought by industrialists without really understanding the facts or the ground reality. The fact that the land acquisition bill is not passed yet is a clear sign that the government will have a tough battle in its hands.

Even if the government manages to give the agriculture sector an industry status the big question is who will invest in it. Companies have been successful in collective farming in India where they have bought their agro produced by agreeing to an arrangement with the farmer. They are not keen on dirtying their hands by getting into actual farming activity. They are happy with a hands-off low-cost model. Further, few would be interested in managing labour and adding costs and human resources related issues.

Allowing industry status will not solve the long-term problem of agriculture. But lost-cost timely loans and visibility of pricing of its final products will go a long way towards addressing this problem. The sooner the government realizes and implements it the better it would be for the farmers. Else we might continue to see loan waivers for a long time.
Union minister for railways Suresh Prabhu called for private players to invest in the countrys railways and logistics sector at the third conference on logistics organised by confederation of Indian Industries (CII) in Panaji Wednesday, reported Time of India .

Opening the sector for private players would help railways cut debt and improve its turnover. In April 2017, Reuters reported railways had missed earnings targets for the third straight year, which added to its piled-up debt.

The union minister for railways also added the government has been exploring ways to promote multi-modal transportation systems that would aid logistics and economic growth. "We need to have an integrated multi-modal transportation system, implemented. We are working very closely with the other ministries to make it happen. We are preparing a plan for 2030 and that plan will be applicable to 2050," Prabhu added. According to the report, the multi-modal transportation plan will integrate various modes of transportation including roads, metro systems, bus service and water. The plan will also encourage private freight terminals and private rolling stock.

The railway ministry is also keen to boost its revenues by diversifying the freight cargo, according to Times of India.
Forty-four states and the District of Columbia have refused to provide certain types of voter information to the Trump administration's election integrity commission, according to a CNN inquiry to all 50 states.

State leaders and voting boards across the country have responded to the letter with varying degrees of cooperation -- from altogether rejecting the request to expressing eagerness to supply information that is public.

Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, vice chairman of the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, which President Donald Trump created by executive order in May, sent a letter to all 50 states last Wednesday requesting a bevy of voter data, which he notes will eventually be made available to the public.

The order came months after Trump claimed without evidence that millions had voted illegally in the 2016 presidential election. When states began to express concerns about the legality of his administration's efforts to investigate voter fraud, Trump called them out on Twitter on Saturday, questioning whether they were hiding something.

"Numerous states are refusing to give information to the very distinguished VOTER FRAUD PANEL. What are they trying to hide?" Trump tweeted.

The information the commission is seeking includes registrants' full names, addresses, dates of birth, political parties, the last four digits of their social security numbers, a list of the elections they voted in since 2006, information on any felony convictions, information on whether they were registered to vote in other states, their military status, and whether they lived overseas.

The vice chairman's letter twice requests only "public" voter information, and Kobach clarified the specifics of his request Friday: "Every state receives the same letter, but we're not asking for it if it's not publicly available," he told The Kansas City Star.

Kobach also told CNN's Anderson Cooper last week, "Whatever a person on the street can walk in and get, that's what we would like."

Kobach cited a Pew Center on the States study from February 2012 that called for revisions of state voter registration lists.

"The Pew Center estimated last year that 1.8 million deceased people are still on the voter rolls throughout the states," Kobach told Cooper. "They said that's an estimate. They think it's a low estimate. Now, for the first time, we can actually bounce the states' voter rolls against the Social Security administration's own database to find out how many of those people actually are on the voter rolls."

The Kansas secretary also addressed the criticism from several secretaries of state over the past few days that the commission might be seeking to legitimize Trump's assertions that widespread voter fraud cost him votes last November.

"First of all, the commission is not to prove or disprove what the President speculated about in January," Kobach said. "The purpose of the commission is to find facts and put them on the table. Importantly, it's a bipartisan commission."

But the commission, which is chaired by Vice President Mike Pence, seemed to misunderstand voter privacy laws nationwide. Every state that responded to the commission's letter said it could not provide Social Security numbers, for example. Others said they consider information such as birth dates and party affiliations to be private.

What's more, Kobach asked states to supply the information through an online portal. Many states have rejected this specific request, noting that the commission should file a voter information request through established state websites, as any other party would.

As of Tuesday afternoon, two states -- Florida and Nebraska -- are still reviewing the commission's request. Another two states -- Hawaii and New Jersey -- have not returned CNN's request for comment. And while six states are still awaiting a letter from the commission, four of them -- New Mexico, Michigan, South Carolina and West Virginia -- have already pledged not to provide voters' private information. The other two of those six states, Arkansas and Illinois, have not released statements ahead of receiving the letter.

Just three states -- Colorado, Missouri and Tennessee -- commended Kobach's attempt to investigate voter fraud in their respective statements.

"We are very glad they are asking for information before making decisions," said Colorado Secretary of State Wayne Williams, a Republican. "I wish more federal agencies would ask folks for their opinion and for information before they made decisions."

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, also a Republican, echoed Williams' sentiment in a statement Friday: "The commission's questions are fair and we will be glad to assist in offering our thoughts on these important matters," he said. "I look forward to working with Sec. Kris Kobach and the commission on its findings and offer our support in the collective effort to enhance the American people's confidence in the integrity of the elections process."

Other states were more critical. Nineteen openly criticized the commission's request.

"The President's Commission has quickly politicized its work by asking states for an incredible amount of voter data that I have, time and time again, refused to release," said Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler, a Republican, on Monday afternoon. "My response to the Commission is, you're not going to play politics with Louisiana's voter data, and if you are, then you can purchase the limited public information available by law, to any candidate running for office. That's it."

Mississippi's Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, also a Republican, took the criticism a step further.

"My reply would be: They can go jump in the Gulf of Mexico, and Mississippi is a great state to launch from," Hosemann said in a statement Friday. "Mississippi residents should celebrate Independence Day and our state's right to protect the privacy of our citizens by conducting our own electoral processes."

Three state leaders also raised doubts about the integrity of the commission itself, and many questioned the existence of widespread voter fraud.

"This entire commission is based on the specious and false notion that there was widespread voter fraud last November," Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, a Democrat, said Thursday. "At best this commission was set up as a pretext to validate Donald Trump's alternative election facts, and at worst is a tool to commit large-scale voter suppression."

"Given Sec. Kobach's history we find it very difficult to have confidence in the work of this Commission," Connecticut Sec. of State Denise Merrill, also a Democrat, said in a statement Thursday, pointing to what she alleged was Kobach's "lengthy record of illegally disenfranchising eligible voters in Kansas."

As Kansas' secretary of state, Kobach backed a national cross-referencing system to allow states to check their voter rolls for overlaps, which drew criticisms that the system was too prone to allowing legitimate voters to be purged from voting systems. Kobach also fought unsuccessfully in court for the ability to require verification of citizenship on voter registration forms.

State of Play: Where do the states stand?

Alabama: "This office will not share any information not already available to the public. ..." Secretary of State John Merrill said in a statement Friday. "The Secretary of State's Office will comply with the request if we are convinced that the overall effort will produce the necessary results to accomplish the Commission's stated goal without compromising the integrity of the voter rolls and the elections process in Alabama,"

Alaska: The Division of Elections will release only public information, according to a press release from Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott Friday. "State law allows only some information to be public. Public information does not include: last four numbers of SSN, date of birth, or residence address," among other data.

Arizona: "We will only make available the same redacted information that is available to the general public through a public records request," Secretary of State Michele Reagan said in a statement Friday. "Social security numbers, Date of Birth and identifying information such as Mother's maiden name will not be transmitted. Arizona's voters can expect to have their personal information remain private and safe."

Arkansas: "We have not yet received a letter. When we do, we will review it," Assistant Director of Communications and Education Chris Powell told CNN Monday, adding, "We're keeping an eye out for it."

California: "I will not provide sensitive voter information to a commission that has already inaccurately passed judgment that millions of Californians voted illegally. ..." Secretary of State Alex Padilla said in a statement Thursday. "California's participation would only serve to legitimize the false and already debunked claims of massive voter fraud made by the President, the Vice President, and Mr. Kobach. The President's Commission is a waste of taxpayer money and a distraction from the real threats to the integrity of our elections today: aging voting systems and documented Russian interference in our elections."

Colorado: "We are very glad they are asking for information before making decisions. I wish more federal agencies would ask folks for their opinion and for information before they made decisions," Secretary of State Wayne Williams said in a press release Thursday, which noted that his office will release voter-roll information that is public under state law but withhold data that is confidential.

Connecticut: "Given Secretary Kobach's history we find it very difficult to have confidence in the work of this Commission," Secretary of State Denise Merrill said in a statement Thursday.

District of Columbia: "The best thing I can do to instill confidence among DC residents in our elections is to protect their personal identifiable information from the Commission on Election Integrity. Its request for voter information, such as social security numbers, serves no legitimate purpose and only raises questions on its intent. I will join leaders of states around the country and work with our partners on the Council to protect our residents from this intrusion," DC mayor Muriel Bowser said in a statement.

Delaware: "Releasing this information to the White House would not serve the mission of safeguarding the fairness and integrity of elections in Delaware and would not be in the best interests of Delaware voters," said State Election Commissioner Elaine Manlove said in a statement Monday. Sec. of State Jeffrey Bullock echoed the sentiment in the same statement: "Delaware will not be a party to this disingenuous and inappropriate campaign against one of the nation's foundational institutions."

Florida: "We have received the letter. We are reviewing it," Director of Communications Sarah Revell told CNN Monday. The Florida Senate, meanwhile, has written letter in opposition to the commission's request.

Georgia: "The Georgia Secretary of State's Office will provide the publicly available voter list," Press Secretary Candice L. Broce told CNN Friday. "As specified in Georgia law, the public list does not contain a registered voter's driver's license number, social security number, month and day of birth, site of voter registration, phone number, or email address."

Hawaii: No response to CNN.

Idaho: "We are interpreting this as a public records request from the Commission," Secretary of State Lawerence Denney said in a statement Monday. "As such, Idaho law requires me to respond ONLY with the non-exempt public records available under the request." The statement also noted that "while additional information is requested in the letter (such as driver's license and the last 4 of a voter's social security number), that information is NOT considered public and Secretary Denney could not be compelled, outside of a specific court order detailing the need for and intended use of such data, to provide that information under Idaho Public Records statutes."

Illinois: The Illinois State Board of Elections has not yet received the letter, a spokesperson told CNN Monday.

Indiana: "Indiana law doesn't permit the Secretary of State to provide the personal information requested by Secretary Kobach," Secretary of State Connie Lawson tweeted Friday. "Under Indiana public records laws, certain voter info is available to the public, the media and any other person who requested the information for non-commercial purposes. The information publicly available is name, address and congressional district assignment.

Iowa: "We will follow that process if a request is made that complies with Iowa law. ..." Secretary of State Paul Pate tweeted Friday. "However, providing personal voter information, such as Social Security numbers, is forbidden under Iowa Code."

Kansas: "Only "publicly available" information will be shared with the Commission," Secretary Kobach's spokeswoman Samantha Poetter told CNN Friday. "Any person in Kansas can obtain it. It is the basic information -- name, address, etc. -- not the sensitive information like last four SSN. That information is not publicly available, and therefore it is not part of the request."

Kentucky: "As the Commonwealth's Secretary of State and chief election official, I do not intend to release Kentuckians' sensitive personal data to the federal government. ..." Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes said in a statement Friday. "The president created his election commission based on the false notion that "voter fraud" is a widespread issue -- it is not. Indeed, despite bipartisan objections and a lack of authority, the President has repeatedly spread the lie that three to five million illegal votes were cast in the last election. Kentucky will not aid a commission that is at best a waste of taxpayer money and at worst an attempt to legitimize voter suppression efforts across the country."

Louisiana: "The President's Commission has quickly politicized its work by asking states for an incredible amount of voter data that I have, time and time again, refused to release," Secretary of State Tom Schedler said in a statement Monday. "My response to the Commission is, you're not going to play politics with Louisiana's voter data, and if you are, then you can purchase the limited public information available by law, to any candidate running for office. That's it."

Maine: "Maine citizens can be confident that our office will not release any data that is protected under Maine law, to the commission or any other requesting entity," Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap said in a press release Friday. The statement noted that Maine law allows the release of the voter's name, year of birth, residence address, mailing address, voter status, voter record number and any special designations indicating uniformed service voters, overseas voters or township voters, but not Social Security number.

Maryland: "The assistant attorneys general representing SBE have considered the request and have determined the disclosure is prohibited by law," Attorney General Brian Frosh said in a tweet Monday, adding in a second tweet, "I find this request repugnant; appears designed only 2 intimidate voters and 2 indulge the President's fantasy that he won the popular vote."

Massachusetts: The state's voter registry is not a public record and information in it will not be shared with the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, Communications Director Brian S. McNiff told CNN Friday.

Michigan: "As in most other states, Michigan law does provide for disclosure of some basic public voter information," Secretary Ruth Johnson's office said in a Facebook post Monday. "Political parties, candidates and news organizations routinely request and receive this data. State law for decades has allowed anyone to review voter lists to ensure election integrity. ... Michigan will certainly not go beyond what is legally required in any response to this data request, and we are highly sensitive to people's desires to keep what is private as private."

Minnesota: "I will not hand over Minnesota voters' sensitive personal information to the commission," Secretary of State Steve Simon said in a statement Friday. "As I've said before, I have serious doubts about the commission's credibility and trustworthiness. Its two co-chairs have publicly backed President Trump's false and irresponsible claim that millions of ineligible votes were cast in the last election. They, along with other recent appointees, appear to have a strong interest in steering the commission toward their predetermined conclusions and outcomes. I fear that the commission risks becoming a partisan tool to shut out millions of eligible American voters."

Mississippi: "My reply would be: They can go jump in the Gulf of Mexico, and Mississippi is a great State to launch from," Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann said in a statement Friday. "Mississippi residents should celebrate Independence Day and our State's right to protect the privacy of our citizens by conducting our own electoral processes."

Missouri: "The commission's letter asks for 'publicly-available' information, which we would share with any person or organization making an open records request,"Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft said in a statement Friday. "We will protect Missourians' private information. The laws of each state are different, and in Missouri, some of the data requested by the commission is open to the public. We plan to comply by providing publicly-available information per state law. The commission's questions are fair and we will be glad to assist in offering our thoughts on these important matters. I look forward to working with Sec. Kris Kobach and the commission on its findings and offer our support in the collective effort to enhance the American people's confidence in the integrity of the elections process."

Montana: Secretary of State Corey Stapleton won't release voters' birthdays or Social Security numbers to the president's commission on election integrity, director of elections and voter services Derek Oestreicher told the Independent Record Friday.

Nebraska: "The Secretary of State has not had a chance to review the request submitted," a spokesperson told CNN Monday.

Nevada: "While this request has understandably raised concerns with privacy advocates, voter registration information in Nevada is generally available for public inspection under state law, including name, address, date of birth, and whether the voter participated in a prior election," Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske said in a statement Friday. "Election officials in Nevada do, however, collect certain information that is not considered a public record under state law and is therefore not available for public inspection. This information includes: Social Security Number; Driver's License Number; DMV Identification Card Number; and Email Address."

New Hampshire: "There's no information (here) someone can't publicly get anyway," Secretary of State Bill Gardner told the Concord Monitor Friday. "People have the right to purchase it, only what's public by law."

New Jersey: No response to CNN.

New Mexico: "My office has not yet received the letter from President Trump's election commission requesting the personal information of New Mexico voters," Democratic Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver said in a statement Friday. "That being said, I will never release the personally identifiable information of New Mexico voters protected by law, including their social security number and birthdate. Further, I will not release any other voter information like names, addresses or voting history unless and until I am convinced the information will not be used for nefarious or unlawful purposes, and only if I am provided a clear plan for how it will be secured."

"It seems to maybe be a fishing expedition or a witch hunt of some kind, and I'm very concerned about that," Toulouse Oliver said Tuesday on CNN's New Day.

New York: "The electoral process is sacred and New York law has strong safeguards in place to prevent sharing of sensitive voter data and harassment against those who exercise their right to vote...New York refuses to perpetuate the myth voter fraud played a role in our election...We will not be complying with this request and I encourage the Election Commission to work on issues of vital importance to voters, including ballot access, rather than focus on debunked," said Governor Andrew Cuomo in a statement Friday.

North Carolina: "Integrity of our elections is critical, and a recent State Board of Elections investigation already found there was no evidence of significant voter fraud in North Carolina," Gov. Roy Cooper said in a statement on Twitter Friday. "My staff has told the State Board of Elections that we should not participate in providing sensitive information beyond what is public record as it is unnecessary, and because I have concerns that it is an effort to justify the President's false claims about voter fraud."

North Dakota: In an email to CNN Friday, Deputy Secretary of State Jim Silrum said: "We will answer those questions on the survey that North Dakota law allows us to answer."

Ohio: "After each of the last three federal elections, I instructed the bipartisan boards of elections to conduct a review of credible allegations of voter fraud and voter suppression" Secretary of State Jon Husted said in a statement Friday. "The results of this review is already in the public domain and available to the Commission. Additionally, voter registration information is a public record and is available online. The Confidential information, such as the last four digits of a voter's Social Security number or their Ohio driver license number is not publicly available and will not be provided to the Commission. In responding to the Commission, we will have ideas on how the federal government can better support states in running elections. However, we will make it clear that we do not want any federal intervention in our state's right and responsibility to conduct elections. Every Sec. of State in the country should welcome the opportunity to describe what they do to ensure the integrity of the elections in their respective states."

Oklahoma: "Full or partial Social Security numbers are not publicly available under Oklahoma law," said Bryan Dean, public information officer for the Oklahoma State Election Board, in an email to CNN Friday. "We will provide the Commission with the publicly-available information they requested, just as we would anyone who requested the information. We are required to provide public information upon request under the Oklahoma Open Records Act. We commonly get requests for our voter list. I would estimate I get at least two or three requests per day for it. We have instructions available on our website for requesting that data."

Oregon: "Oregon policy prohibits disclosure of some of the information you requested, such as social security numbers and drivers' license numbers ..." Secretary of State Dennis Richardson said in a letter Friday. "It is my duty to follow these statutes. Oregon law provides that any person may receive a statewide list of electors upon payment of $500. It is a violation of Oregon law for voter registration data to be used for commercial purposes."

Pennsylvania: "In addition, I have serious reservations about the true intentions of this effort in light of the false statements this administration has made regarding voting integrity, the historical suppression of voting rights, and the way that such data has been used in the past ..." Gov. Tom Wolf said in a letter Friday. "That said, like any citizen, you are welcome to purchase the publicly available voter file from the Pennsylvania Department of State. It can be purchased at pavoterservices.pa.gov for $20."

Rhode Island: "We are reviewing Secretary Kobach's request for information" Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea said in a statement Friday. "I will safeguard the privacy of Rhode Island voters and respond only with data that is already publicly available. I will not release social security information or any information that was requested by Secretary Kobach regarding felony status, military status, or overseas citizen information."

South Carolina: "By law, the SC Election Commission maintains the list of registered voters for all 46 counties (1/3) ... They are required to make the list available to the public upon request and Social Security numbers are never disclosed (2/3) ... Constitution ensures voters ballot choices will always be secret. Americans have died protecting this freedom (3/3)," Gov. Henry McMaster tweeted in a string of statements Monday. According to The Post and Courier, however, South Carolina officials had not received a letter from the commission as of Friday. A senior official confirmed to CNN Monday evening: "The SC Elections Commission is responsible for the data but the governor is supportive of making all public information available to the president's advisory committee. All information that is readily available to the general public should be made available to the committee."

South Dakota: Secretary of State Shantel Krebs' spokesman, Jason Williams, said in an email to the Associated Press that Krebs "will not share voter information with the commission."

Tennessee: "Although I appreciate the commission's mission to address election-related issues, like voter fraud, Tennessee state law does not allow my office to release the voter information requested to the federal commission," tweeted Secretary of State Tre Hargett.

Texas: According to the Associated Press on Friday, Texas election officials will provide public voter information to the election commission. While Secretary of State Rolando Pablos didn't list what records would be sent to the commission, he said in a statement he will protect private information.

Utah: "Ensuring the integrity of the election process is the highest priority of my office," Lt. Gov. Spencer J. Cox said in a statement Friday. "There has been no evidence of mass voter fraud in Utah and we look forward to helping the federal government better understand the steps we have taken to ensure the security and validity of Utah's elections. ... While my office is required to provide public records to this Commission, as we would to any other person or entity, I assure the voters of Utah that we will only provide information that is otherwise available to the public."

Vermont: "I wholeheartedly disagree with premise of this Commission: namely, that there is widespread voter fraud," Secretary of State James C. Condos said in a statement Friday. "There is no evidence of the kind of massive fraud alleged by President Trump, Vice President Pence or Secretary of State Kobach. I believe these unproven claims are an effort to set the stage to weaken our democratic process through a systematic national effort of voter suppression and intimidation. ... My focus is to protect Vermont citizens from bogus attacks on our democracy. I will not release any more information about Vermont voters than is available to any citizen requesting our voter file."

Virginia: "I have no intention of honoring this request," Gov. Terry McAuliffe said in a statement Thursday. "Virginia conducts fair, honest, and democratic elections, and there is no evidence of significant voter fraud in Virginia. This entire commission is based on the specious and false notion that there was widespread voter fraud last November. At best this commission was set up as a pretext to validate Donald Trump's alternative election facts, and at worst is a tool to commit large-scale voter suppression."

Washington: "We are required by law to provide public records upon request," Sec. of State Kim Wyman tweeted Thursday. "Other requests from fed elections commission will be considered thoughtfully. ... Info that is NOT public record=your SS# (even last 4), DL #, phone #, email, language preference. We ensure this info remains private."

West Virginia: "Number one, we've never received a letter," Secretary of State Mac Warner's communications director, Mike Queen, told the Charleston Gazette-Mail Friday. "Number two, we can't see whether every state has received a letter, I don't know what states were selected or anything like that, but we haven't received it. Number three, we would never release Social Security numbers."

Wisconsin: "Wisconsin statutes do not permit the state to release a voter's date of birth, driver license number or Social Security number," said Michael Haas, administrator of the Wisconsin Elections Commission, said in a statement Friday. "State statutes permit the WEC to share confidential information in limited circumstances with law enforcement agencies or agencies of other states. The Presidential Commission does not appear to qualify under either of these categories. The WEC does not have the discretion to deny a request for the public information in the voter registration database if the required fee is paid. By administrative rule, the price is $12,500 for the entire statewide voter file, and Wisconsin law does not contain any provision for waiving the fee for voter data."

Wyoming: "I'm going to decline to provide any Wyoming voter information," Secretary of State Ed Murray told the Casper Star-Tribune on Monday. "It's not sitting well with me. ... Elections are the responsibility of states under the Constitution. I'm wondering if this request could lead to some federal overreach. ... I have not experienced any secretary of state who has expressed any concerns or worry about fraud or some type of nefarious activity occurring that jeopardizes their respective election process."

This story is being updated as new information comes in, and added background on the origins of the commission.
Increasing national wealth by curbing black money and tax evasion, and distributing the economic benefits to all is the main objective of GST, says Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu.

"The main aim of GST, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed as Good and Simple Tax, is to simplify the taxation process, reduce the burden of taxes (which will eventually happen automatically) and ensure compliance of tax payment.

"This will curb black money and lead to increase in national income and reduce the tax burden on people as the number of tax-payers will go up," Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu told reporters at Atkuru village near Gannavaram this afternoon.

"Some people are deliberately trying to create apprehension among people over GST. Any reform will cause some trouble initially.

"There was some trouble immediately after demonetisation. In a way, we get used to things but if we change a bit and go ahead, tax evasion will reduce. Also, the tax burden will reduce and the middlemen system will vanish," he pointed out.

"These are all the thoughts of the Prime Minister. The intention is to ensure all benefits provided by the government reach the targeted people properly. Hence, the Direct Benefits Transfer scheme. Ultimately, the aim is to increase national wealth so that it is properly distributed to the (deserved) people," Naidu said.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu decried criticism that Goods and Services Tax (GST) was enforced without a proper planning.

"GST was deliberated for more than 15 years and only then was it implemented. It became a law only by consensus. If there are any contentious issues, the GST Council will meet every month to sort them out," he said.
business Mauritius signs MLI to combat multinational tax avoidance Mauritius has signed the multilateral convention to implement tax treaty related measures to prevent base erosion and profit shifting but leaves India DTAA out of the multilateral instrument (MLI).
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) shake hands with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu as they deliver joint statements during their meeting in Jerusalem July 4, 2017. REUTERS/Debbie Hill/Pool - RTX3A1F7

As many as 12 strategic pacts envisaging investments worth USD 4.3 billion were signed between Indian and Israeli companies at the first meeting of CEO forum in Tel Aviv today, according to Ficci.

"The forum identified and stressed on the need to realise opportunities in focus sectors identified during the first meeting of CEOs forum. There was a consensus that the current trade volume amounting to just over USD 4 billion has the potential to reach USD 20 billion in the next five years. To realise this goal, the forum underlined key recommendations to two heads of states," the industry body said in its statement.

Post the meeting, the forum members called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and the co-chair from both sides submitted a brief meeting outcome report to them for developing a future course of economic engagements.

"It is a very exhilarating for me to share that during this historic visit of our prime minister to Israel, 12 MoUs are signed between Indian and Israeli companies," Ficci President Pankaj Patel said.

Must Watch: Why Is Israel Called A Startup Nation?

The CEOs from both sides also identified focus sectors for mutual collaboration that included agriculture, irrigation, water treatment, urban infrastructure, transport (including high-speed railways and metro), pharma, life- sciences, digital technologies, IT and ITes, start-ups and innovation and defence and homeland security.

Shraga Brosh, co-chair from the forum from Israeli side said, "We have identified great business opportunities for Israeli companies in India in sectors such as transport infrastructure, including roads, railways, civil aviation and traffic management systems, smart cities, renewable energies, water and environment, automotive, food, naval and aerospace industries and defence."

During the forum meeting, Invest India promoted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry shared that a dedicated desk has been set up in their organisation to promote Israeli investments into India and partnerships between India and Israel. It will act as a single-window agency providing comprehensive services for all Indo-Israel ventures.
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Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC) has concluded the buyout of majority stake in debt-ridden Adhunik Power and National Resources for Rs 2,800 crore.

A majority of the 24-member consortium, led by the State Bank of India, sold stake in the Kolkata-based power firm under the 15:85 structure, where for the first time lenders would receive Rs 420 crore as upfront cash on sale of distressed assets.

Edelweiss ARC has paid around Rs 313 crore in the deal concluded last week, as a few banks are yet to sell their part, according to officials aware of the development.

One of the officials said banks sold debt worth Rs 3,116 crore for Rs 2,800 crore to Edelweiss ARC under 15:85 structure where 15 percent was paid in cash (Rs 420 crore) and the balance Rs 2,380 crore will be in the form of security receipts (SR) paid over five to seven years.

Edelweiss also bid for 35 percent equity stake for Rs 50 crore. After the deal, Edelweiss Group will have majority stake in the company. The banks had called for bids to sell this stake earlier this month through the Swiss Challenge method.

Edelweiss emerged as the sole bidder, after some others including SREI Infrastructure and OPG Power Ventures backed out. The consortium of lenders had acquired 51 percent stake in the power company on conversion of their debt into equity under the Reserve Bank of Indias strategic debt restructuring (SDR) scheme.

Siby Antony, CEO of Edelweiss ARC, said, We are open to buying power assets which are under power purchase agreements (PPAs). Adhunik is the first successful SDR deal and we will buy more bad loans going forward.

With this, Edelweiss holds 51 percent stake in Adhunik Power; two private equity firms  SBI Macquarie and IDFC PE  hold 25 percent stake while 24 percent is held by promoters, the Agarwals of Adhunik Group.

Edelweiss now plans to appoint former NTPC Managing Director T Sankaralimgam as senior advisor. The company has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Jharkhand state to set up a 1,080 MW thermal power plant.

In December 2015, lenders had decided to convert a large portion of their loans to equity using RBIs SDR scheme. In November 2014, after a delay in repayments by more than 60 days, the SBI-led consortium had initiated a corrective action plan (CAP) under the joint lenders forum (JLF). Lenders had also extended the firm additional short-term loans of Rs 295 crore.
The other IPO which also received huge responses were Happiest Minds Technologies and Chemcon Speciality Chemicals, which was subscribed 150.98 times and 149.3 times respectively. Interestingly, both these stocks have seen bumper listing gained over 100 percent. Let's see how the IPO subscription and listing happened in 2020 so far, considered only IPOs issue size over Rs 100 crore.

Amber Enterprises, maker of air conditioners and washing machines sold by LG, Voltas and several other Indian and multinational companies, is exploring the possibility of listing on the stock exchanges by the first quarter of next financial year, according to a source familiar with the development.

The company plans to raise Rs. 500 crores-Rs. 600 crores via the initial public offering (IPO).

Hong Kong-based private equity company ADV Partners holds around 30 percent stake in Amber.

The company has appointed Edelweiss Securities and IDFC Bank as merchant bankers for the share sale process, the source told Moneycontrol.

Since the bankers were recently appointed, the quantum of stake sale by the promoters and an existing private equity investor and the number of fresh shares to be issued has not been firmed up.

The Gurugram-headquartered company was set up in 1992 by Kartar Singh. It is a contract manufacturer of various consumer durables like microwave ovens, refrigerators and air conditioners for both residential and commercial purposes. It also makes heat exchangers, injection moulding components and auto parts.

Ambers client list includes Panasonic, Godrej, Whirlpool, Philips and the Indian Railways. It has factories more than nine factories, most of them located in the north -- Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh. Pune in Maharashtra houses its factory outside the north.
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In the backdrop of the Indian IT industry continuing to deny reports of mass layoffs, an employee of a tech firm has circulated a recording of his sacking, in which he was allegedly told to put in his papers as part of the company's "restructuring plans".

In the recording, a human resources executive can be heard asking the employee to resign as part of a corporate decision.

In the 6:45-minute long audio clip, the HR executive is asking the employee to put in his papers by 10 am the next day or his services at the company will be terminated.

Listen to the audio clip here:

Cost optimisation is happening at the company and your name is part of that list. If you can put in papers we will be treating it as a normal exit with June 15 as last working day, if not, we will be sending you a termination letter, the HR executive said.

This is followed by a few minutes of the employee trying to reason with the HR about such a short notice, his good performance in the past and lack of clarity and options in front of him.

She tells him that as part of the offer letter signed by all employees at the time of joining, the company reserves all rights to let the associates go whenever it wants, with the basic salary.

After some more haggling, and a round of please understand my situation, the conversation ends with the employee saying: Thats very unfortunate madam.

A screenshot of the LinkedIn profile of the HR manager, purportedly from Tech Mahindra, in the audio clip is also being circulated along with the recording.

When checked, the said profile was found to be unavailable on LinkedIn. However, one of the two managers named in the conversation was found to be a Bengaluru-based Tech Mahindra employee. But Moneycontrol could not locate the profile of the second manager mentioned in the footage.

Tech Mahindra did not reply to Moneycontrols email seeking comment on the authenticity of the tape.

Moneycontrol could not independently verify the authenticity or timeline of the recording.

A Tech Mahindra employee who did not wish to be named said that the perception of people being laid off is weighing on employees minds within the company, but was unaware of any mass firing.

But one thing is for sure  all bench people are getting laid off at most of the locations. Earlier people on bench used to get 60 days to find a project, but now we hear that time has been reduced to 20 days only, the employee added.

The news of mass layoffs in the Indian IT industry has been doing the rounds for a few months now. While the industry and individual companies have consistently denied reports of mass layoffs, industry experts have conceded that there is a move to reduce the number of people on bench.

Bench is a layer of employees who are not assigned to projects, and kept ready for upcoming projects. As cost pressures increase, companies are looking at just-in-time hiring.

This is not the first time an employee has recorded an exit-related conversation. In January 2015, recording of a Chennai-based female employee of Tata Consultancy Services during her exit interview had surfaced.

Similarly, a Capgemini employee based in Gurgaon had recorded her exit interview and uploaded it on YouTube in May, where she can be heard having an argument with two company executives.

According to an industry expert who did not wish to be identified, IT companies are looking to let go of people on bench, those who have generic skills and those on projects where the company may not have visibility on getting more business from clients. Most of this exercise was carried out by companies in the April-June period.

Legally, there is nothing the employees can do since they get paid basic salary for one, two or three months as per contract, said this person.

The only option for them is to either identify newer skills or compromise on salary or job quality for the next job.

neha.alawadhi@nw18.com
The Finance Ministrys Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) will meet the selected merchant bankers today on the proposed sale of its shares in power sector lender Power Finance Corporation (PFC).

Edelweiss Securities, Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Equities are the merchant bankers advising the government on the share sale.

Besides PFC, Rural Electrification Corp, NHPC Ltd, Rail Vikas Nigam, RITES, Indian Oil Corp, NTPC are Steel Authority of India are among the companies the government plans to sell its stake in.

The government intends to disinvest 10 percent of PFCs equity out of its shareholding of 66.35 percent. PFCs equity comprises 2.64 billion shares. At todays trading price of Rs. 125 on the National Stock Exchange, sale of PFCs 10 percent equity will fetch the government Rs. 3300 crores. This is an erosion of around Rs. 500 crore from second fortnight of May when it selected the merchant bankers.

The government plans to raise Rs 72,500 crore through sale of its shares in various companies in the ongoing financial year that ends March 31. It aims to achieve this by raising Rs 46,500 crore via minority stake sales, Rs 15,000 crore through strategic stake sales and Rs 11,000 crore from the listing of various public sector insurance companies.

It has so far raised around Rs. 6800 crore through minority stakes sales in HUDCO, National Aluminium Company, Larsen & Toubro and Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilisers.
Answer: McDonald's

An employee's refusal to sign an offer has led to another roadblock for McDonalds in New Delhi.

Harish Sharma, head of CPRL (Connaught Plaza Restaurant Limited Licensing) has rejected the offer as he wants to follow the directors' suit. CPRL's Director Vikram Bakshi had refused to take the offer of being the authorised signatory for renewal of the health licences in March and reiterated his decision in the recent board meeting.

Bakshi said he will not sign the licence as he was aware of the declining product quality and is afraid of further prosecution, referring to his ongoing case with the giant. Hence, he requested the American company, who have representatives on the board, to assign another executive.

The American fast food giant had decided to appoint its own executive in the joint venture with Connaught Plaza Restaurants Private Limited (CPRL) as authorized signatory for renewal of licenses.

CPRL controls McDonald's in the Northern and Eastern regions of India.

Last month, 43 Mcdonalds stores had shut shop in the capital due to non-renewal of health and eating licenses even after the deadline.

Aysel Melbye, a McDonalds board nominee, told Business Standard that in 2013, Bakshi and she were authorised to renew the licences, but now the former is backing out of it.

Yes, it is correct that foreign nominee directors do not want to take the onus of signing the renewal of licences by themselves even though the Indian directors have agreed to authorise them. I have been the sole signatory to the licences till 2013. The foreign nominee directors want the responsibility to be thrust on an employee of CPRL," Bakshi told Business Standard.

The current situation is mainly due to Bakshi's refusal to sign the licences, said Barry Sum, corporate relations director, Asia Foundational Markets, McDonald's. The only solution, he added, is to assign another signatory than the CPRL directors.

If the stores are not reopened in three months, McDonald's could account a loss of at least Rs 60 crore, the report said.
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Redington (India) promoter Harrow Investment Holding today offloaded five percent stake in the firm for Rs 250 crore through an open market transaction.

According to the website of Redington (India), the firm has alliances with brands like Apple, Samsung, LG and Panasonic, among others.

Harrow Investment Holding sold 1.99 crore shares or 4.98 per cent stake in Redington (India), as per the bulk deal data available with Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

The shares were disposed of at an average price of Rs 125, valuing the transaction at Rs 249.37 crore, as per the data.

As of March quarter, Harrow held 8.2 per cent stake in Redington (India).

Among the buyers of the shares are Norges Bank on Account of the Government Pension Fund Global, which bought 1.19 crore shares, and Reliance Mutual Fund, which purchased 70 lakh shares of the firm.

Shares of Redington (India) ended 6.89 per cent higher at Rs 135.75 apiece on BSE today.
Moneycontrol News

Jumbotail, an online marketplace for food and grocery has raised USD 8.5mn in Series A from Kalaari Capital and Nexus Venture Partners.

The company plans to utilize the funds for building technology and enhance operational capabilities.

Manufacturers and brands can instantly get direct and highly targeted access to thousands of retailers and institutional customers through the Jumbotail platform without needing to invest in expensive physical distribution networks. Jumbotail also opens up the Kirana network to financial institutions looking to extend credit in a cost-effective and scalable manner, said Ashish Jhina, co-founder & COO, Jumbotail.

Founded in Nov 2015 by S. Karthik Venkateswaran and Ashish Jhina, Jumbotail offer products such as staples, spices, dry fruits, packaged foods, and FMCG products.

Sellers (traders, manufacturers and brands) can list their food, grocery and FMCG products on the Jumbotail Marketplace, which is accessible to customers through a mobile app available in 4 languages - Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi and English.

"98% of Indias food and grocery consumption is via Kirana stores. Jumbotail brings tech-centric innovation to address massive inefficiencies in terms of product discovery, distribution costs, stock outs, and pricing. We are excited by their ability to eliminate information asymmetry, aggregate previously unavailable demand and supply data, and significantly improve economic outcomes for manufacturers, brands, financial institutions and kirana owners," said Bala Srinivasa, Partner, Kalaari Capital.

"Jumbotail is going after a very large but inefficient market that requires very strong first-principles approach towards solving challenges across commerce, efficient fulfilment, payments and credit via their platform. We feel this team and their technology platform has a shot at solving these challenges to create enduring value for the kirana / horeca segment over the next few years," said Sameer Brij Verma, Director, Nexus Venture Partners

Nexus Venture Partners had earlier invested USD 2 million in the company.
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Geojit Research's research report on Glenmark Pharma

Glenmark Pharma (GNP) reported below expected revenue growth of 6.5% YoY (3.1% QoQ) mainly due to weak US sales along with closer to 15% price erosion in the US base business. Although the company has exclusive rights to sale gZetia in US, its US revenue (41% of total revenue) increased by 53% YoY (lower than expected) and declined by 19% QoQ primarily due to lower gZetia sales in Q4FY17. As a result, the company reduced its Zetia sales guidance to USD180-200mn from the earlier guidance of USD200-250 mn. Further, lingering effect of demonetisation impacted the Indian business also. Hence, revenue from Indian business grew at a moderate pace of 7% YoY (12% QoQ) in Q4FY17. Notably, the management has lowered its revenue growth guidance to 12-15% for FY18 from its earlier estimate of 15-20% owing to lower gZetia exclusivity sales and pricing pressure in the US. The company is targeting 10 to 15 new ANDA launches in the US in FY18.

The company expects gZetia sales to improve in Q1FY18 as compared to Q4FY17 as it is having another two and half months of exclusivity. Moreover, in spite of high base in the US, the company expects FY18 to be a stronger year on the back of new product launches. However, we are sceptical on strong gZetia sales given the poor show in Q4FY17. Further, pricing pressure is likely to continue considering higher competition. Hence, we have lowered our EBITDA margin estimates by 130 bps over FY17-19E. Accordingly, we value the stock at 16x (19x earlier). We expect revenue/PAT to grow at a CAGR of 6%/7% over FY17-19E. Meanwhile, we believe that recent sharp correction in the stock price has factored in all the negatives. Hence, we changed our rating to BUY from Hold with a downward revised TP of Rs 774 based on 16x FY19E PE versus Rs1,039 on 19x FY19E PE.

For all recommendations report, click here

The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts/broking houses/rating agencies on moneycontrol.com are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

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crude_300_64552660

Sushil Finance's commodity report on Crude oil

Oil prices tumbled about 4 percent on Wednesday, ending their longest string of daily gains in more than five years, as climbing OPEC exports and a stronger dollar spurred selling. Oil traders hope vacationing motorists heading for the beach in July will help U.S. gasoline demand heat up along with sweltering summer temperatures, helping drain crude inventories. Oil exports by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries climbed for a second month in June, Thomson Reuters Oil Research data showed. The rise came despite OPEC's vow to rein in production until March 2018 and came on the heels of Reuters' monthly OPEC production survey which found output jumped to a 2017 high last month as Nigeria and Libya continued to pump more. Both OPEC members are exempt from the output cut deal.

We expect crude oil prices to trade sideways ahead of EIA Crude oil Inventory Data.

For all commodities report, click here

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts/broking houses/rating agencies on moneycontrol.com are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

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Shares of Punjab National Bank rose over 3 percent intraday on Thursday as investors cheered an upgrade call on the stock.

The global brokerage firm believes that the incremental risk reward has turned favourable in case of the stock. The current valuation adequately captures any asset quality risks.

The near-term provisioning will remain elevated given the lower coverage of 41%, but the large stock of prudentially written-off NPAs provides comfort on recoveries or upgrades, the report from Nomura said.

Having said that, it said the pain point for the stock could be the pre-provisioning operating profit. The system loan growth, it added, remained anaemic at 5 percent year on year. This coupled with MCLR migration implies pressure on this to continue.

On the valuations front, it said that it revised down FY18F PAT by 56%, but FY19F remains largely unchanged.

At 11:59 hrs Punjab National Bank was quoting at Rs 142.15, up Rs 5.10, or 3.72 percent on the BSE. It touched an intraday high of Rs 142.75 and an intraday low of Rs 139.75.
Answer: Kochi Metro

The Telangana government has permitted the L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad Limited to complete all the three corridors of the elevated Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) project by November 2018, except for a six kms stretch.

"After detailed technical presentations by the concessionaire L&TMRHL, independent engineer Louis Berger, and HMRL and several rounds of discussions, the government has permitted the concessionaire to complete the entire Hyderabad Metro Rail project other than the 5 km stretch in the Old City and about 1 km stretch between Hitec city and Raidurg, latest by November 2018," an official release said.

The project was initially scheduled to be completed by July 2017, but delays like land acquisition and other issues have resulted in the project overshooting the deadline.

"The original construction period ended yesterday. Some delays have occurred in completion of the project by the originally stipulated date due to multiple court cases in acquisition of some critical properties etc. The government has agreed for this extension of 17 months," HMRL Managing Director NVS Reddy said.

While granting extension, the state Government has advised L&TMRHL and HMRL to gear up for launching the completed stretches of the project in the next few months and also to complete corridor-I (Miyapur-LB Nagar: 29 km) and corridor-III (Nagole-Hitec city: 27 km) by the end of this year.

L&TMRHL is developing the 72-km elevated HMRL project across three corridors.

The HMRL project is the worlds largest public-private partnership project (PPP) in the sector.

Telangana Chief Secretary SP Singh reviewed the progress of the project on July 3 and instructed both the Collectors of Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy districts and GHMC Commissioner to complete acquisition of the remaining properties quickly for widening of roads in Sultan Bazar, Nampally areas, and for implementing the project in the remaining few stretches, the release added.

MIM Chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi tweeted, "Why is Old city being left out, L&T & HMR must explain the reasonsour party wants Metro Rail in Old city.
Mauritius signed the Multilateral Base Erosion Profit Shifting (BEPS) Convention Agreement today leaving India's Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) out of the Multilateral Instrument (MLI).

On June 7, over 65 countries including India signed the Multilateral Base Erosion Profit Shifting Convention Agreement to avoid treaty abuse - base erosion and profit shifting.

Arun Giri of Taxsutra.com explains that the "overriding worry" was probably the grandfathered investments could be lifted.

India and Mauritius have been in a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) since 1983 (amended in 2016).

The India-Mauritius DTAA

Until last year, India did not have the rights to charge capital gains on investments chanelled through Mauritius. Investors took advantage of this loophole and this was often referred as the "Mauritius route" where investors would open their companies in Mauritius and avoid paying tax in both the economies.

In India, the sale of shares, within a year for listed and two years for unlisted entities, is taxed at 15 percent. However, last year the tax treaty was amended and this meant that India now has the rights to capital gains.

However, last year the tax treaty was amended which allowed India to tax such investments. As a result, tax from roughly one-fifth of India's FDIs are now added to the government's kitty.

The amended treaty tackles the lagging issues of tax abuse and aims to curb revenue loss in both the economies. Finally, the losses made by India due to loophole before the amendment, have been exempt.

However, because the amendment will take time to settle, the transition period is between April 1 2017 and March 31 2019. In this period, investors will be given the Limitation of Benefits (LOB) with a 50 percent reduction in the tax rate.

However, if the business in Mauritius spends less than Rs 27 lakh within this year, he will not fall under LOB.

What does the MLI agreement say?

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development developed the Tax Treaty proposes to resolve disputes among MNCs, exploition of tax gaps, shifting to low or no profit regions and avoidance of fraudulent companies.

This treaty also helps to avoid the rising cases of "treaty shopping." Treaty shopping is when the businessperson is not a resident of any of the two countries - where his/her business is located and where he/she is doing business. Hence, he/she claims not to be a taxable person and avoids tax.

All the economies in the treaty agree to a minimum BEPS package. The modifications will be made by 2018. And the economies which have agreed to the treaty, have to stand by their choice.

However, the ultimate goal will remain the same and the modifications will be made around it.
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Generics only prescription if implemented by the government could potentially shave-off between 5-10 percent value of the Rs 1.15 trillion Indian Pharmaceutical Market (IPM) even if generic drugs replace 20 percent of branded drugs, according to latest report by credit rating agency ICRA.

The prices of branded generics are 30-50 percent cheaper than branded generic segment, said ICRA.

While it will not be possible to completely eliminate branded drugs, even 20 percent replacement in the medium to long term can lead to 5-10 percent reduction in value of IPM, ICRA added.

ICRA says the likelihood of implementation of gazette notification in current form to be slow process owing to operational issues such as lack of adequate infrastructure like qualified pharmacist, monitoring by government officials and availability of quality generic drugs.

The near term impact is not expected to significant, ICRA said.

However, it signifies the intent of the government of India to curb medicine prices, ICRA said.

Domestic formulations contribute from 20-40 percent of the revenues of leading Indian Pharma companies.

The impact will be higher for companies having higher proportion of revenues from domestic formulations business such as Cipla, Torrent Pharma, Cadila Healthcare, Lupin, Sun Pharma and Glenmark.

In September 2016, government amended the Indian Medical Council rules through gazetted notification to compulsory prescribe drug generic name while earlier it was optional in nature.

This was followed by notification in April 2017 to adhere to the prescribed change lest suitable disciplinary action will be taken by the authorities.

Subsequently, amendments were made to Drug and Cosmetic Rules, 1945 making mandatory for doctors to prescribe generic name two font larger than trade name.

However, the above notifications do not restrict doctors to prescribe branded drug name along with generic drug name.

Generic only prescription if implemented will shift the influencing power from doctor to pharmacist with pharmacist dispensing medicines which yields maximum profit to him.

Pharmacists associations or group purchasing organizations may directly procure high volume generic medicines to improve their margins as they can easily dispense their own brands for generic drug prescription.

The pharma companys promotional budgets will be more directed towards pharmacist compared to existing practice of promoting primarily to doctors leading to reduction of field sales force.
Yogi Adityanath

The Uttar Pradesh government under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will provide a free kit of condoms and contraceptives to newlywed couples as a shagun (auspicious) kit, according to a report in The Indian Express.

The move is being done to mark the central governments Mission Parivar Vikas to be launched on July 11, the World Population Day.

The nayi pahal kit, as it is being called, will consist of contraceptives as well as condoms and is to be distributed by ASHA workers across 145 selected districts in seven states.

The kit will also come with brochures, guidelines and important information on practice of safe sex, family planning and giving gaps between the births of children.

Mission Parivar Vikas, an initiative under the Centre, is targeting districts across seven BIMARU states with High Fertility Rate (HFS), namely Uttar Pradesh, along with Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Assam and Jharkhand.

The selected districts under the seven HFS contribute to 28 percent of the countrys population, which in actual numbers comes out to about 330 million people.

The selected districts also have a substantial impact on maternal and child health indicators as about 25-30 percent of maternal deaths and 50 percent of infant deaths occur there.

Another alarming statistic about these districts is 79 per cent of adolescent mothers.

The aim is to prepare newly wed couples about responsibilities of married life, Times of India quoted Avneesh Saxena, project manager, Mission Parivar Vikas, as saying. The nayi pahal kit will also contain a pack of towels and handkerchiefs, a nail-cutter, a comb and a mirror set, Saxena added.

For those unable to read or write, ASHA workers have been instructed to communicate with the newlyweds.

Authorities at the Primary Health Centers will be maintaining details of the kits given while all ASHA workers will have to maintain record by taking feedback from the couples.

"The measure is welcome in a state where sex education is taboo despite a pressing need," said Anshumali Sharma, a social activist associated with Childline told the Times of India.

The Mission was started keeping in mind the broader framework of achieving the targeted replacement level fertility goal of 2.1 by 2025.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) shake hands with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu as they deliver joint statements during their meeting in Jerusalem July 4, 2017. REUTERS/Debbie Hill/Pool - RTX3A1F7

India and Israel today launched a five-year technology fund, reminiscent of a fund that boosted the Jewish state's ties with US over four decades, and agreed to holds talks for an investment protection treaty in a bid to boost trade and business ties.

A joint statement, issued during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's unprecedented visit to Israel, identified start-ups as among areas for boosting bilateral ties.

The two nations agreed to put USD 4 million a year for five years into the Israel India Innovation Initiative Fund, or I4F, said the statement issued after Modi's talks with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu.

The MoU, between the Indian Department of Science and Technology and the National Authority for Technological Innovation of Israel, "will play a seminal role in enabling Indian and Israeli enterprises to undertake joint R&D projects leading to development of innovative technologies and products that have potential for commercial application," it said.

Must Watch: Why Is Israel Called A Startup Nation?

Besides getting Israeli technology firms to invest in India, the fund aims to spur Indian firms to open development centres in the Jewish state and invest in their technology ecosystem.

Modi and Netanyahu "underlined the need to boost bilateral cooperation in innovation and entrepreneurship and called for greater collaboration in the field of start-ups," it said.

The Israel-US Binational Industrial Research and Development Fund, the model for I4F, has invested in almost 1,000 projects since 1977, helping generate USD 10 billion in indirect and direct revenue.

"The two prime ministers agreed that negotiations would be conducted on an agreement for the protection of investments in order to encourage bilateral investments from both sides," the joint statement said.

Indo-Israel trade has grown from about USD 200 million in 1992, when they established diplomatic ties, to nearly USD 4.2 billion last year.

"The two prime ministers noted the importance of realising the full potential of bilateral trade and investment. They tasked the India-Israel CEO forum to come up with early recommendations in this regard," the statement said.

Recognising the importance of facilitating movement of business-person, India and Israel underlined their expectation that the granting of multiple entry visas to business people for up to five years will encourage greater economic and commercial exchanges.
Modi_Israel_Nethanuahu

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi hugged his friend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he seemed to have angered Palestine.

A report in CNN has put the spotlight on the absence of Palestine. The report further states that it is upset with Modi.

Palestinian Authority (PA) Deputy Foreign Minister Tayseer Jaradat told CNN, We would prefer it if the prime minister of an important country, like India, who is visiting the region, should also visit Palestine when he visits Israel.

The article further says that the Palestinian frustration with India started more than a year ago when India abstained from a UN Human Rights Council vote, which shocked the Palestinians. Historically, India was one of the main supporters of the Palestinian political movement.

Must Watch: Why Is Israel Called A Startup Nation?

Read More: http://www.news18.com/news/india/palestine-sees-red-over-pm-modis-historic-visit-to-israel-1453631.html
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during a joint statment with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu during their meeting in Jerusalem July 4, 2017. REUTERS/Debbie Hill/Pool - RTX3A1FA

People of Indian origin in Israel will get the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards even if they have undergone the compulsory army service here, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced.

Addressing the Indian diaspora here at an event which was also attended by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi also said that direct flights would be launched between Delhi, Mumbai and Tel Aviv to encourage people-to-people contacts.

He said an Indian cultural centre would also be opened in Israel, fulfilling a long-pending demand of the Indian diaspora here.

He said he had heard about problems being faced by the people of Indian origin in getting the OCI cards.

Must Watch: Why Is Israel Called A Startup Nation?

The Indian government has simplified the rules and even those who have undergone the compulsory military service in Israel will get the OCI cards, the prime minister said to the cheering by the crowd.

Modi said the Jewish nation had links with India dating back to centuries but the fact that no Indian prime minister had travelled here in 70 years "raises questions", an apparent swipe at the previous governments of India.

"For the first time in 70 years, an Indian prime minister has landed here to seek your blessings," he said amid chants of "Modi, Modi".

Describing Netanyahu as "my friend", Modi said the kind of welcome extended to him since his arrival here yesterday cannot be forgotten by anyone.

Hailing Israel, particularly its innovations and scientific advancements, he said the country has demonstrated that the number and size does not matter but it is the spirit that matters.

Modi said there were about 600 Indian students in Israel who can contribute to the future of the relationship.

He remembered former Israeli prime minister Shimon Peres, saying he had worked tirelessly for the humanity.

Referring to Moshe Holtzberg, an 11-year-old Israeli who was saved by an Indian nanny during the Mumbai terror attack of 2008, Modi said it had shown how life succeeds over terrorism. He had met Moshe earlier in the day.

Modi also recalled the contribution of the Indian army in liberation of Jerusalem and Haifa during the World War-I. He will be travelling to Haifa tomorrow to pay his tributes to them.

In his 60-minute speech, Modi talked about various programmes initiated by his government and said these were aimed at the betterment of the common people.

Netanyahu, who spoke before Modi said the partnership between India and Israel was "made in heaven and was happening here now."

He said he and Modi had decided on a vast programme and the Indian diaspora was "a bridge". "We love you," he added.

"We have decided to cooperate in so many areas.... We are building this future today, between two democracies," the Israeli prime minister said.
TORONTO, July 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Copper Lake Resources Ltd. (TSX-V:CPL) (Frankfurt:W0I) ("Copper Lake" or the "Company") announces that, further to its news release on May 1, 2017, it has issued an aggregate total of 1,008,000 common shares and 490,800 warrants to settle interest indebtedness of $50,400 owing as at April 28, 2021 on its outstanding convertible debentures. The warrants were issued to arm's length parties, and are exerciseable at $0.05 per share until April 28, 2021. The shares issued and any shares issued upon exercise of the warrants are subject to a hold period expiring on October 31, 2017.



Early Warning Report

Paul Mcgroary, of Northamptonshire, England and a director of the Company, announces that he has received an aggregate total of 900,000 common shares on conversion of the convertible debentures held by him (see the Company's news release on May 1, 2017) and 108,000 common shares under the interest settlement described above, to settle a total of $5,400 in debt owing. Mr. Mcgroary also received 11,191,273 shares on the liquidation of Marshall Lake Mining Limited, which distribution of shares occurred on June 03, 2017 and which plan was disclosed in the news release on September 29, 2016. As such, he will beneficially own 10% or more of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares on a partially diluted basis, after taking into consideration options and warrants held by him.

Mr. McGroary beneficially owns a total number of 12,835,939 common shares, representing 12.6% of the current total issued and outstanding common shares (prior to the debt settlement, 12,727,939 shares or 12.6%). In the event that Mr. McGroary exercises the options and warrants held by him, he would beneficially own 17,843,575 shares, or 17.5% assuming no other options or warrants are exercised. Mr. McGroary intends to evaluate his investments in the Company and may increase or decrease his shareholdings as he determines for future investment purposes.

This early warning is being disseminated as required by NI 62-103 and NI 62-104 in connection with the filing of an early warning report. A copy of the early warning report may be found on www.sedar.com under the Company's profile.

About Copper Lake Resources

Copper Lake Resources Ltd. is a publicly traded Canadian company currently focused on advancing two significant properties located in Ontario, Canada:

The Marshall Lake VMS copper, zinc, silver and gold property is an advanced exploration stage property located 120 km north of Geraldton, Ontario via good all weather gravel road from the Trans-Canada Highway and just 22 km north of the main CNR rail line.



Copper Lake currently has a 68.75% interest in the property and has the option to increase its interest to 75% by incurring additional expenditures of $670,000 by July 15, 2018. The Company can further increase its interest to 87.5% by taking the project to bankable feasibility stage.



The Norton Lake nickel, copper, PGM property (69.79%) is located approximately 100 km north of the Marshall Lake property.

On behalf of Copper Lake Resources Ltd.

Terrence MacDonald

Director and Interim CEO

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed this news release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Light-emitting diode (LED) street lamps illuminate a road in Langen, Lower Saxony, May 23, 2013. Light-emitting diodes are taking over public spaces, saving thousands of euros in energy costs, although the price will deter households from making the switch for some time. LEDs are up to eight times more efficient than incandescent bulbs used in most homes but are still at least 10 times as expensive. The more expensive a lamp, the longer it needs to burn to write off the price, so it is more viable to use them in streets and hospitals than in homes where lights are off more than on. The town of Langen on Germany's North Sea coast has done the sums and two years ago became the first in Europe to replace its 2,583 street lights with LEDs at a cost of 1.7 million euros ($2.2 million). The town now spends about 79,000 euros a year to run its street lights - more than 60 percent less than before. Picture taken May 23. To go with story ENERGY-EFFICIENCY/LED REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer (GERMANY - Tags: BUSINESS SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY) - RTX1076O

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Haifa today, but a proposal mooted by NDMC more than two months ago to rename a prominent road in Lutyens Delhi after the Israeli city is still in limbo.

The New Delhi Municipal Council had proposed in April that Teen Murti Marg and Teen Murti Chowk be renamed Haifa ahead of Modi's visit to Israel, the first by an Indian prime minister.

"No final call has been taken on the proposal yet. It was deferred in the April meeting and has not been taken up since then. We are not sure whether it will be scrapped totally or reconsidered later," NDMC Vice Chairman Karan Singh Tanwar told PTI.

In a meeting on April 24, some council members had claimed the proposal had been passed but the civic body chairman, Naresh Kumar, had announced hours later that the issue was deferred.

Must Watch: Why Is Israel Called A Startup Nation?

The proposal has not been taken up in any council meeting since then.

The prime minister, who is on a three-day visit to the Jewish nation, will be visiting Haifa to pay homage to Indian soldiers who fought in the World War I.

The Israeli city was liberated from Ottoman occupation by Indian soldiers during the war.

A large number of Indian soldiers of the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade died during the battle to free the city and nearly 900 are buried in Israel.

September 23 is celebrated as Haifa Day in India and Israel every year as a mark of respect for the soldiers who lost their lives in the battle and to mark the end of 400 years of Turkish control over the city.

Demands to rename Teen Murti Road and Chowk have been made over the past few years by different organisations, including the RSS.

Senior RSS functionary Indresh Kumar had said in 2015 that the government should acknowledge the role played by the three regiments of the Indian Army in the Battle of Haifa in 1918.

According to the Ministry of Culture, a "wrong impression" has been built about the Teen Murti Chowk that it has something to do with Mahatma Gandhi.

"The Teen Murti Chowk was named to mark the role of the three cavalry regiments. But no one knows this today. The moment people think of the Teen Murti they think of Gandhiji's monkeys. This is a wrong impression that needs to be corrected," it had earlier said.

Teen Murti Bhavan, the residence of India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and now a museum, is at the Teen Murti crossing.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an exchange of co-operation agreements ceremony in Jerusalem July 5, 2017. REUTERS/Amir Cohen - RTX3A43R

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and underlined the need for the establishment of a just and durable peace in the region that has been marred by years of conflict.

"We also discussed the situation in West Asia and wider region. It is India's hope that peace, dialogue and restraint will prevail," Prime Minister Modi said after holding wide- ranging talks with his Israeli counterpart on the second day of his landmark visit.

Later, a joint statement issued by the two sides said the two Prime Ministers discussed the developments pertaining to the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

"They underlined the need for the establishment of a just and durable peace in the region," it said.

Must Watch: Why Is Israel Called A Startup Nation?

The two leaders "reaffirmed their support for an early negotiated solution between the sides based on mutual recognition and security arrangements," it added.

Ahead of his visit, Modi, who is the first Indian prime minister to visit the Jewish state, had said that India believes in a two-state solution in which both Israel and a future Palestinian state coexist peacefully.

India supports all efforts to find an acceptable solution to all the pending issues, including Jerusalem, he had said.

"A final-status agreement should respect the sentiments and address demands of all affected parties," Modi had said.

The two-state solution envisions independent Israeli and Palestinian states coexisting side by side peacefully. The Palestinians see east Jerusalem as their future capital.

During his historic three-day visit, Modi did not travel to Ramallah, the seat of the Palestinian Authority, to meet with Palestinian leaders, as is common for visiting foreign dignitaries.

The move is seen as a significant departure from the past when Indian leaders always visited Palestinian territories while visiting Israel.

Modi, however, had met Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in New Delhi in May.

India for the first time has de-linked its relationship with Israel from its traditional support to Palestine. It hopes to leverage its relationship with Israel to attract more investment, and gain from Israeli cutting-edge technology and defence.

The West Asian region has been marred by conflict between Israel and Palestine and battle against the ISIS terror group, civil wars in Syria, Libya and Yemen. Millions of people have fled their homes in Iraq and Syria due to conflict.
The second hearing of liquor baron Vijay Mallyas case will take place today at Londons Westminster Magistrate court.

Former Kingfisher Airlines owner Mallya left India and has been residing in London since March 2016, after his failed Kingfisher Airlines bailed out on paying Rs 9000 crore in loans owed to top Indian banks.

A joint committee of Enforcement Directorate and CBI had visited London in June to discuss the case with British government and agencies.

The Scotland Yard (British Police) arrested Mallya for fraud allegations which triggered an official extradition process in the British courts. He was released after a few hours, after he paid a bond of 6,50,000 pounds.
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi dubbed Narendra Modi as a "weak PM" for not raising the issue of H-1B visa in his talks with US President Donald Trump and for playing down the use of the term "Indian-administered Kashmir" by the US.

The Congress on its Twitter handle also criticised Modi's recent US visit, saying it was merely a photo opportunity and the main issues were bypassed.

Gandhi tweeted some links of media reports that said "H- 1B didn't figure in Modi-Trump talks" and "MEA accepts US use of 'administered Kashmir'".

"India has a weak PM," he tweeted.

India had played down the usage of "Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir" by the US in a statement issued during Modi's visit to the country last month, saying similar terms have been used in the past too.

The Congress today tweeted, "While it was a great photo opportunity, the main issues were bypassed on Narendra Modi's trip to the United States. #Unfruitful #WeakModi."

It also posted a picture captioned "no priority for Indian interests" along with the tweet.

"PM Modi should have made an effort to ensure that issues of visas and the tech industry were discussed," it tweeted.

Senior Congress spokesperson Anand Sharma said the prime minister's visit has purely been transactional as he has not been able to firmly articulate India's interests and also convey the country's concerns.

Sharma said the Congress had cautioned the prime minister before he went to America that he should secure credible assurances from President Trump on H-1B visa issue and also on unhindered movement of Indian professionals. "It was the duty of the prime minister to convey this," he said.

"But PM has singularly failed. The very fact that he did not muster the courage nor did he feel that it was his duty as India's prime minister to raise this issue with Donald Trump. He lacks the courage of conviction which is a matter of great sadness for the country," he said.

Sharma also accused the prime minister of "succumbing to pressures of US pharmaceutical companies" as it is his duty to ensure that Indians get affordable medicines.

The Congress had yesterday attacked Modi over his frequent foreign trips, saying they had not benefited India "even a bit" and that only time would tell about the gains from his current visit to Israel.

Senior AICC spokesperson Ajay Maken claimed Modi's last "64 visits in more than 3 years" have catered only to domestic Indian audience through "televised shows" instead of ensuring concrete gains for the country.

The Congress had earlier urged Modi to take up during his meeting with Trump, the issues of H-1B visa, racial attacks on Indians and cross-border terrorism from Pakistan.
NDA presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind today said that the president's post is above politics and his effort will be to take every state in the country towards prosperity.

A president never belongs to any party. All people irrespective of caste, creed and religion, state are equal. Vote bank is not important for me but development matters, Koving said addressing BJP legislators here.

Kovind, accompanied by union ministers Raj Narendra Singh Tomar and Kiren Rijiju, BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav, Lok Sabha MP Ram Vichar Nittam and North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convenor Himata Biswa Sharma, arrived here in the morning for a day-long visit to garner support of the MLAs of Arunachal Pradesh.

He said his dream is of a developed India and equitable development for all sections of the people and regions. Equality among states and people should be the mantra so that the country develops.

Appreciating the people of the state for their skill in speaking Hindi, Kovind said "I feel like I am with the people from my home state Uttar Pradesh.

"Arunachal Pradesh with its rich cultural heritage may be a small state, but for me it is equally important like UP and other states of the country," he said adding the isolation syndrome of the people of the North East has been removed after NDA came to power at the Centre.

Kovind also convened a separate meeting with the nine legislators of People Party of Arunachal (PPA), a constituent partner of NEDA, where the MLAs extended their support to him.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu said that though the vote value for Arunachal is eight against one vote in comparison to UP where it is 208 against one, all the 47 BJP legislators including two independents and nine PPA MLAs would vote for Kovind ensuring his victory.

Khandu lauded Kovind for beginning his north east visit from the state and urged him to give more focus on NE especially Arunachal Pradesh keeping in mind the states strategic location.

Earlier, Tomar said that many political parties who are not with NDA are supporting Kovind, while Rijiju said that it was for the first time that a presidential candidate visited Arunachal Pradesh as earlier all the decisions were taken only in Guwahati.

Madhav urged the legislators to ensure their presence in the state capital on the voting day.
Moneycontrol News

In yet another move for the government-private sector link-up for benefits with Aadhaar, Microsoft is integrating the 12-digit unique ID with Skype Lite.

The primary reason for the Aadhaar integration is to enable users to authenticate the identity of the user, especially in case of job interviews.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has confirmed that once the Aadhaar-verified Skype chat is over, the 12-digit ID will be purged from the website.

What is Skype Lite?

The lighter version of the popular video calling app Skype from Microsoft was designed especially for India keeping in mind the slow speeds of most mobile data internet connection which cannot take on the loads of video-conferencing.

Skype Lite is designed keeping in mind the low mobile data speeds in India, and can run even on a 2G connection.

How does Aadhaar-Skype link work?

Both the persons can verify their identities at the beginning of the video call by requesting Aadhaar verification. To confirm the identity, the user has to click on Verify Aadhaar Identity and following that enter their Aadhar number, which is then to be validated with a one-time password (OTP).

Once the process is done, they have the option of choosing whether to share their Aadhaar information with the other person to confirm the identity.

As per a statement given out by Microsoft: For example, you may wish to make a Skype Lite call to an important business client or government representative  by using Aadhaar, both parties can verify their identity at the beginning of the call to prevent impersonation fraud.

Why is Aadhaar Entering the Private Sector?

Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identity number based on biometric and demographic data for Indian residents. The Aadhaar Project was created by the United Progressive Alliance government in 2009 to reduce leakages in the countrys welfare programs.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and the government both allow access to Aadhar data of people by private companies through Authentication User Agencies, which are both governmental and non-governmental entities.

Recently a range of private companies have started using it, some of the examples of which are HDFC, Authbridge and so on, from which fresh security concerns are emerging.

New rules of the government rapidly rolling in making Aadhaar compulsory for banking, I-T, mobile subscription and PAN accounts, sharing ones Aadhaar number online has become a risk to ones identity and may have chances of leaking personal and sensitive information.

What are the security concerns ?

The filing of the Aadhaar and its usage across various government data portals has raised several security concerns by analysts and computer science experts, most of them pointing at two alarming concerns of the hour.

Firstly, Aadhaar vouches for authentication without consent, unapproved filing, tracking and surveillance of individuals.

Secondly, there is a lack of legal framework in the country to protect the privacy of individuals in such cases of digital integration.

A report by computer science researchers at IIT-Delhi reveals that the biggest threat to privacy in the case of Aadhaar comes from insider leaks, and the structure is not well-designed to provide protection from insider leaks, which often requires a third party auditor under an independent administrative control.

Despite the UIDAIs repeatedly stressing that the system is hack-proof and that data cannot be leaked, other websites known to use Aadhaar have been leaking data online.

Is Aadhaar even compulsory ?

The Aadhaar Act of 2016 also does not make Aadhaar mandatory for citizens in any way.

A Supreme Court ruling in 2015 clearly read, "... the Aadhaar card Scheme is purely voluntary and it cannot be made mandatory till the matter is finally decided by this Court one way or the other."

The apex court had also set up a constitutional bench to hear Aadhaar case.

As for the Aadhaar database, the UIDAI mentions it is encrypted using the highest available public key cryptography (PKI-2048 and AES-256) with each data record having an in-built mechanism to detect any tampering. UIDAI says that even if a hacker attempted to decrypt it using millions of computers, it would take him billions of years to crack the code.

Whats the law?

Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016 permits private companies to use Aadhar data to establish identity of an individual for any purpose.

There is no specific law passed by Parliament for protection against breach of privacy of individuals in India. A bill, Privacy Bill, 2011, was drafted by the UPA-II government but is hanging fire since then.

As per a report in The Quint, Usha Ramanathan, an independent legal researcher who has been tracking Aadhaar since 2009, says,

There is Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act 2016, which, among other things, makes it clear as the blue sky on a cloudless day that the Aadhaar Act could never have been a Money Bill. It allows private companies to use the UID database for establishing the identity of an individual for any purpose.

Earlier in May, the Central government had admitted in Court towards the leaking of Aadhar data and maintained that there was no leakage by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).

Advocate Arghya Sengupta while arguing the case on behalf of the government told the bench that leakage was by various other government departments and state agencies, and might have occurred on account of balancing transparency and data protection concerns.

Appearing for retired Major General S G Vombatkere and social activist Bezwada Wilson, Divan questioned how the Finance Act could make getting Aadhaar mandatory when the Aadhaar Act said obtaining UID was completely voluntary.

This scheme makes whole-time surveillance  from cradle to the grave  possible. This is perhaps the worst project possible under our Constitution. Entire architecture of Aadhaar is worthless as far as information security is concerned. We are concerned with one-seventh of the total population of the world in the wake of a scheme where degree of invasion is extremely high and protection much low, said Divan.

With more and more private data companies having access to Aadhar, the need to the hour is to make a part of policy of the government to provide individuals some control over the data that the private forms collect and some control over how the data is utilised.
Dhirubhai Ambani

If you dont build your dream, someone else will hire you to help them build theirs. These words were written by Dhirubhai Ambani, a businessman who left no stone unturned in the quest to make his dreams come true. His success story is celebrated till today and is considered by many to be the perfect rags-to-riches tale.

Ambani, who was ranked by Forbes in 2002 as the worlds 138th-richest person with an estimated net worth of USD 2.9 billion, passed away on July 6 the same year.

On this 15th death anniversary, Moneycontrol takes a look at the little known facts about the business tycoon who changed the style of doing business In India.

Humble beginnings

The man who was awarded the Padma Vibhushan for his contributions in trade and industry came to Mumbai from small-town Gujarat with savings of just Rs 500 to build an empire that is now worth billions.

From selling bhajias to being a part of the Richie Rich club

In his early days, the business tycoon sold bhajias to the Mount Girnar pilgrims. Little did anyone know that he would become the founder of Reliance Industries, Indias largest textile and petrochemical company.

From spinning mill to Vimal

Ambani, who had set up his first textile mill at Naroda in Gujarat in 1966, probably holds a world record in setting up a 10,000 tonne polyester yarn plant in just 14 months. The mill also became a turning point for him as he went to create a big textile empire and launched his own brand, Vimal.

Master of all trades

Dhirubhai Ambani was unable to complete his education after Class 10 because of financial troubles, but he still knew how to turn the share market in his favour. Not knowing market jargons did not stop this yarn trader from ruling D-Street.

Marketing man

It was Ambanis people skills that created a huge demand for the initial public offering of Reliance Industries in 1977. A total of 58,000 investors, including small investors, had subscribed for the IPO. After this, the company became a household name in India.

From 70 crore to 70,000 crore

Ambanis hard work and perseverance that helped him turn Reliance Industries into a Rs 75,000 crore company in 2002 from a Rs 70 crore company in 1976. This stellar growth earned the company a place in the global Fortune 500 list, the first-ever Indian private company to do so.

(Disclosure: Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd)
By CNBCTV18.COM

"If there's a country in the world which is really going to affect everyone else and which is vulnerable, it's got to be China today," Kenneth Rogoff, economics professor at Harvard University, told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Thursday.

Soaring debt levels in China were a serious concern as the fallout of any crisis would hit everyone else, said a former International Monetary Fund (IMF) economist on Thursday.

"If there's a country in the world which is really going to affect everyone else and which is vulnerable, it's got to be China today," Kenneth Rogoff, economics professor at Harvard University, told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Thursday.

"The whole region's dependent on China... so I certaintly think you could see (the export of) a recession out of China," added Rogoff, who was chief economist and research director at the International Monetary Fund from 2001 to 2003.

His comments came as the world second-largest economy grapples with growing pains, while trying to rein in high debt levels.

"They are trying to keep up their growth, (but) there are lot of factors that would constrain it, particularly as they move from being export-led to domestic-driven," he added.

Just as shifting gears to a consumption-led economy has been tough for everyone else, it would also be difficult for China, Rogoff said. China has fueled its explosive growth via a massive credit buildup.

"China has a lot of capacity to absorb its credit problems, because in some sense, the private sector has a government shell over it, but it depends on rapid credit growth to grow," he said. "When they slow down credit, growth slows down. So you don't necessarily have to have cascading defaults to have a pretty sharp drop in growth," he said.

Concerns over China's economy have grown as policy makers' stimulus efforts have also spurred a leverage buildup.

In late May, Moody's Investors Service expressed concern that China's effort to support economic growth would spur higher debt levels, and the ratings service downgraded the mainland's sovereign credit rating to A1 from Aa3, changing its outlook to stable from negative.

In a recent note, Nomura estimated that China's outstanding non-financial sector debt hit 191.3 trillion yuan ($27.96 trillion), or 251 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in the first quarter, up from 158.3 trillion yuan, or 231 percent of GDP, at the end of 2015.

Moody's estimated that the government budget deficit in 2016 was "moderate" at around 3 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). But it expected the government's debt burden would rise toward 40 percent of GDP by 2018 and 45 percent by the end of the decade.

Official data put total government debt at the end of 2016 was 37 percent of GDP, the Institute of International Finance said in a May note.
The standoff in Doka La region has taken another twist with officially controlled Chinese media calling for the `independence of Sikkim and for the liberation of Bhutan from the Indian 'control.

The highly nationalistic daily 'Global Times', which is affiliated to the Communist Party of Chinas mouthpiece Peoples Daily led the charge asking the government to scrap the previous agreements with India and support the secessionist elements in Sikkim.

"...Beijing should reconsider its stance over the Sikkim issue. Although China recognized India's annexation of Sikkim in 2003, it can readjust its stance on the matter. There are those in Sikkim that cherish its history as a separate state, and they are sensitive to how the outside world views the Sikkim issue. As long as there are voices in Chinese society supporting Sikkim's independence, the voices will spread and fuel pro-independence appeals in Sikkim," the paper wrote in its editorial.

Similarly, the paper also urged the government and global powers to oppose Indias hegemony over Bhutan, which it termed as the result of India following the colonialist policies of imperial Britain. "India has startling control and oppression over Bhutan, and as a result, Bhutan has not established diplomatic ties with its neighbor China or any other permanent member of the UN Security Council. Through unequal treaties, India has severely jeopardized Bhutan's diplomatic sovereignty and controls its national defense," opined the editorial.

The paper in another article had claimed that China could counter India's advantage in high-altitude warfare by exploiting the countries weakness such as dependence on foreign imports of military goods.

The Chinese media is often used by the state to put pressure on countries during diplomatic stand-offs. The recent rhetoric comes after the Chinese envoy to India, Luo Zhaohui had on Wednesday said that China had ruled out a compromise in the military standoff.
A map of Qatar is seen in this picture illustration June 5, 2017. REUTERS/Thomas White/Illustration - RTX3910P

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said that a boycott of Qatar will remain in place after the Gulf emirate rejected conditions to end a diplomatic crisis.

"The boycott will remain," he said at a news conference in Cairo after meeting with his counterparts from Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates over the crisis.
LETHBRIDGE, Alberta, July 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robix Environmental Technologies, Inc. (Robix or the Corporation) (CSE:RZX) (Frankfurt:R0X) announced today that it has accepted the resignation of Mr. Nathan Hansen as President & CEO of the Corporation. Mr. Robin Ray has been appointed by the Board of Directors to serve as Interim President & CEO. Mr. Ray has been serving as CFO since the inception of the Corporation and is very familiar with the Corporation.



The resignation and interim appointments will take effect immediately.

Mr. Peter Teunissen, CPA, has been appointed as CFO of the Corporation. Mr. Teunissen has been active with the Corporation since early 2017, having been an integral part of the consolidation of the financial statements of the Corporation with Formation Fluids Management ("FFM") through the 2017 annual audited statements and the most recent quarterly statements. Mr. Teunissen has considerable experience in the role of CFO of public and private companies. Mr. Teunissen is CEO of Leverage Consulting Group, a management consulting firm focused on transitioning and start-up companies. Peter has 10+ years in accounting & finance, both reporting and operations. Peter started his career with Meyers Norris Penny & Collins Barrow in their small business groups and considers himself a hands-on CPA, becoming involved in operations where possible while engaging teams with an understanding of the bigger picture. Peter has served as the CFO for Unified Valve, a PSV services shop, Corporate Controller in various residential, commercial & land development projects and Contract CFO contracts servicing Heavy haul, Downhole cementing, drilling, water hauling & various other O&G services.

About Robix:

Robix is focused on the worldwide market for oil containment, recovery and cleaning equipment specifically for the oil spill protection, oil production and water cleaning and purification industries. To that end, Robix has commercialized its C Series Clean Ocean Vessel and the P Series Stationary Platform; both are based on a patented revolutionary oil recovery technology. The C Series is a vessel that recovers oil in rough ocean waters, lakes, rivers and tailings ponds in virtually any conditions. The P Series is an oil recovery platform designed to accelerate oil recovery from settling ponds at production facilities. The Company also offers a suite of Hydro Cycle Water purification and cleaning products.

No stock exchange or any securities regulatory body has reviewed the contents of this news release.




Passengers on Qatar Airways flights to the US can now carry laptops and other electronic devices on board with the US authorities lifting the restrictions on the Doha-based airline.

Qatar Airways is the fourth airline on whom the restrictions have been eased by the US. During this week, the curbs on Emirates, Etihad Airways and Turkish Airlines were lifted.

In May, the US had banned large electronic devices like laptops and cameras as cabin baggage on US-bound planes from 10 foreign destinations, mostly in Muslim-majority countries. Qatar Airways today said all personal electronic devices can be carried on board all departures from Doha's Hamad International Airport to destinations in the US.

"Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport have met with all requirements of the US Department of Homeland Security's new security guidelines," it said in a statement. Passengers travelling to the US from 10 airports, were barred in March from carrying large electronic devices as cabin baggage. The airports included those at Doha, Dubai and Istanbul.

On Wednesday, Emirates said the electronics ban has been lifted on its flights from Dubai International Airport to the USA. "... if you are travelling to the US from Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, you can carry all your electronic devices on board," Turkish Airlines said on Wednesday.

Earlier this week, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways said passengers on its flights to the US from Abu Dhabi airport can carry electronic devices on board.
The chronicle of a life split between urban Manhattan and rural Montana.
Send items for Worship News to religion@thereporteronline.com. Address questions to Nancy March, editor, at nmarch@thereporteronline.com. Deadline is noon Thursday to appear in the Saturday Worship News and Notes. Presentation of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church has one more Sidewalk Ukrainian...
Friends In Pink is still on the radar and growing every year
English Finnish

Helsinki, Finland, 2017-07-06 17:15 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Digitalist Group Plc Stock Exchange Release 06 July 2017 at 18:15



Digitalist Group acquires the parent company of Wunderkraut Sweden AB and sets up a web technology competence center in Stockholm

Digitalist Group Plc (Digitalist Group) has signed an agreement by which the Swedish company NodeOne Group AB, a parent company of Wunderkraut Sweden AB (Wunderkraut Sweden) becomes part of the Digitalist Group subject to certain closing conditions of the acquisition to be fulfilled. With the closing of the acquisition, Digitalist Group expands its operations to Sweden and strengthens its web design and development offering significantly. As a result of the acquisition, Digitalist Group will also bring the full power of its Discover  Design  Delivery offering portfolio to the Swedish market for clients to enjoy one-stop shop for all digitalization needs. Wunderkraut Sweden enjoys a strong reputation as leading digital and web development company in Sweden and enjoys extraordinary client satisfaction with a world-class team delivering continuous engagements and projects.

NodeOne Group ABs consolidated group revenue per 31 December 2016 was SEK 37.3 million, EBITDA SEK 2.77 million and profit SEK 2.74 million.

Wunderkraut Sweden is a Swedish digital and web development company with a pioneering track record in helping brands adopting new web technologies without compromising the user experience and easy-to-use services. Wunderkraut Sweden has a solid client base, strong references and serves a great variety of clients across industries in Sweden. With the merger, 45 people will form the basis of Digitalist Sweden. Wunderkraut was also selected as one of Swedens best places to work by Great Place to Work(R) in 2016.

We are absolutely thrilled to have Wunderkraut Sweden to join Digitalist Group. Our companies share a very similar mindset and vision about the future and we have been very impressed with the way they operate as a one team and exceed their clients expectations continuously. Web and digital development is moving into the new era and Wunderkraut Sweden is a recognized pioneer of modern web services using open source solutions. We are now better prepared than ever to serve and co-create end-to-end solutions not only with new clients in the region but also with our existing Scandinavian clients such as Spotify, Viking Line, Nordea, Telia and Color Line, states Sami Paihonen, CEO at Digitalist Group.

We are happy to share a long-term confidence and dedication in a strong digitalization offering with the Digitalist Network. Wunderkraut Sweden has a long history of working together with international partners and clients and we look forward to being part of Digitalists impressive global outlook, states Magnus Leijonborg, CEO at Wunderkraut Sweden.

Information about the transaction

In the closing of the transaction, all the shares of NodeOne Group AB will transfer to Digitalist Group. As a result of the transaction, the subsidiaries Wunderkraut Sweden AB, Wunderlive AB and imBridge AB owned by NodeOne Group AB would become part of the Digitalist Group. As compensation, the Digitalist Group would issue in a directed share issue (Share Issue) a maximum total of 37,500,000 new Digitalist Group shares (Consideration Shares) to be subscribed for by the current owners of NodeOne Group AB in a share exchange.

The purchase price of the shares of NodeOne Group AB is approximately SEK 44 million, which purchase price will be adjusted under the terms set out in the purchase agreement by the closing of the transaction on 31 August 2017 on the basis of the target companys profit and loss account and balance sheet per 31 July 2017. NodeOne Group AB is owned by seven Swedish companies (Sellers). After the arrangement, the key persons of Wunderkraut Sweden would continue to work for the company.

The Share Issue would take place by the decision of the Board of Directors of Digitalist Group in deviation from the shareholders pre-emptive subscription right on the basis of the authorisation given by the Annual General Meeting of Digitalist Group on 29 March 2017 in connection with the closing of the corporate transaction. The Consideration Shares issued in the Share Issue would be issued in order to develop the groups business and finance the corporate transaction, so there is a weighty financial reason for the Share Issue and the deviation from the pre-emptive right of the shareholders within the meaning of the Finnish Limited Liability Companies Act. The share issue is conditional upon the closing of the corporate transaction and the approval of the share subscriptions. The subscription price of the Consideration Shares and the final amount of shares issued for subscription in the Share Issue will be determined on the basis of the terms of the transaction at closing.

The subscription of Consideration Shares and the transfer of NodeOne Group ABs shares into the ownership of Digitalist Group would take place in connection with the closing of the transaction.

The Consideration Shares will represent a total maximum of approximately 9.2 per cent of Digitalist Groups shares and votes after the Share Issue if the Share Issue is carried out in full. The Consideration Shares would entitle to full dividends possibly distributed by Digitalist Group and to other distribution of assets as well as carry other shareholder rights in the company starting from when the Consideration Shares have been entered in the Trade Register and the shareholders register of the company. 60 per cent of the Consideration Shares are subject to a lock-up period of twelve (12) months  three (3) years as of their issuance as separately agreed.

The transaction is conditional, among other things, that Digitalist Groups largest shareholder Tremoko Oy Ab will give at closing a conditional commitment limited to a period of ten trading days from the listing of the Consideration Shares to buy a maximum of altogether 11,250,000 Consideration Shares, to be agreed separately at closing, from three designated Sellers after the transaction is carried out and the Consideration Shares are listed and if certain conditions are met.

DIGITALIST GROUP PLC

Board of Directors

For more information, please contact:

Digitalist Group Plc

CEO Sami Paihonen, tel. +358 50 502 1111, sami.paihonen@digitalistgroup.com

NodeOne Group AB / Wunderkraut Sweden AB

CEO Magnus Leijonborg, tel. +46 763 15 84 22, magnus.leijonborg@wunderkraut.se
Letter to editor: Voting is necessary to protect democracy
Education

Montgomery County Community College will present the spring installment of the interview/talk show program Issues and Insights April 20 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Science Center room 214, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The programs will be simulcast to the Colleges West Campus in South Hall room 216, 101 College Drive, Pottstown. Dr. Kolsky will offer a humorous presentation, Carrots, Sticks and Politics: A State of the Nation and the World Message. In this speech, he will provide his interpretation of domestic and international politics and then welcome questions from the audience for discussion. Issues and Insights, is free and open to the public. For information, contact Dr. Thomas Kolsky, professor of political science, at 215-641-6380 or tkolsky@mc3.edu.

Montgomery County Community Colleges STEM Scholars Program will host a STEM Jam! open house April 25 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Advanced Technology Center at the Colleges Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The drop-in event is designed for students interested in learning more about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Activities will include STEM program information and career advising, STEM speakers throughout the day from industry and academia, micro-helicopter and robotics competitive obstacle courses and demonstrations and static models of STEM student and faculty work. For more information about STEM Jam! or STEM programs at MCCC, contact William Brownlowe at wbrownlowe@mc3.edu or 215-641-6644, or Robin Zuhlke at 215-619-7440 or rzuhlke@mc3.edu.

Temple Ambler, located at 580 Meetinghouse Road, presents the following events:

International Club Global Bazaar April 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Ambler Campus International Club invites all students, faculty, staff and the community to celebrate a multitude of diverse cultures, which will be showcased at the organizations Global Bazaar. This family friendly event will highlight cultural traditions and celebrations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South American, North America and Africa through music, entertainment, food and informative displays developed and presented by students at the Ambler Campus. Young visitors will be provided with passports, which they may get stamped at each country they visit. Prizes will be awarded to world travelers who talk to cultural representatives, answer questions about the countries theyve visited and take part in fun-filled activities designed to help them learn about the rich diversity of cultures found throughout the world. Refreshments will be served. The event is free. For more information, call 267-468-8108 or e-mail tuc36466@temple.edu.

EarthFest 2011 April 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 75 exhibitors, including the Philadelphia Zoo, The Franklin Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Elmwood Park Zoo and the Insectarium, will take part in EarthFest 2011. School students of all ages are invited to attend and develop displays of their own. EarthFest partner the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society also offers its Kids Grow Expo, featuring the Junior Flower Show, as part of the event. For more information, call 267-468-8108 or e-mail duffyj@temple.edu.

Annual Spring Plant Sale May 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The plant sale  an Ambler Campus tradition dating back to the early 1900s  will feature woody plants and perennials in portable sizes, hardy trees, shrubs, and vines, native plants that are attractive to wildlife, herbs, and hanging baskets. There will also be numerous special plants for sale to highlight Amblers special anniversary year. Garden books and garden tools will also be available for sale. Students, staff, and volunteers from the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture and the Ambler Arboretum Advisory Committee will be available to answer questions. All proceeds from the Spring Plant Sale will support the Ambler Arboretum Fund and the Pi Alpha Xi National Honor Society. Information: 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary.

June Homecoming/Louise Bush-Brown Garden Dedication June 5 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. (June Homecoming), Bright Hall Lounge; 2 p.m. (Garden Dedication), Ambler Campus Formal Perennial Gardens. Tickets  June Homecoming: Participant  $18 per person; Sustainer  $25 per person; Benefactor  $40 per person. The 2011 June Homecoming, sponsored by the School of Environmental Design Alumni Association, will include the Alumni Association annual meeting and luncheon. June Homecoming will be followed by the formal dedication of Temple University Amblers Formal Perennial Gardens as the Louise Bush-Brown Formal Gardens. During this 100th anniversary of the campus, Temple University Ambler and the Ambler Arboretum of the Temple University is honoring Louise Bush-Browns many contributions to the history of the campus by formally dedicating the gardens in her honor. During the program, campus Executive William Parshall will welcome guests, Ambler Arboretum Director Jenny Rose Carey will speak about the Bush-Browns and the history of the garden, and an official ribbon cutting will be held for the Louise Bush-Brown Formal Garden. Following the ribbon cutting, guests are invited to take a tour of the gardens, which will wend their way to the Campus Greenhouse for the School of Environmental Designs annual Plant Auction. Information (Garden Dedication): 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Information (June Homecoming): 215-482-0722. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary.

Northview Garden Tour and Fundraiser for the Ambler Arboretum June 12 from noon to 5 p.m. Call for reservations. Tickets: $15 per person or $20 at the door. In addition to the gardens of the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University, Arboretum Director Jenny Rose Carey has a garden oasis all her own right in Ambler  Northview. Visitors will have the opportunity to take self-guided tours throughout the many gardens, where garden experts will be available to answer questions about the various designs. The Ambler Keystone Chapter of the Womans National Farm and Garden Association will also provide tea and refreshments. All proceeds from the tours will support the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University. Information or to register: 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary.

The Senior Adult Activities Center of Montgomery County, 536 George Street, Norristown, will hold the following events:

SAAC Adult Day Care, an alternative to Nursing Home Care is available  for information call 610-275-1960

Volunteers are needed for Meals on Wheels Program (call the number above)

SAACs Fifth Avenue Boutique opens Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Exercise with Theresa will be held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1 p.m.

Dance class is held every Monday at 10 a.m.

Tai Chi is held every Monday at 10 a.m.

Yoga is held every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.

Line Dancing is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

Dancing with Joan is held every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

Sculpture Class is held Wednesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Why Should I Learn Spanish? will be held Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Generations On-Line computer classes for seniors will be held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.  4 p.m.  computers are available during those hours.

Health Living will be held every Tuesday at 1 p.m.

Boomer U will hold the following events. Boomer U is located at 45 Forest Avenue, Ambler. Registration & payment is required for all events: 215-619-8863.

Pilates Class is held Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. First class is free; please bring a mat. For information call 610-291-5376.

Blue Bell School of Dance, 921 Penllyn Blue Bell Pike, Blue Bell, hosts Argentine Tango Classes and a Milonga dance party every Friday evening. Lessons start at 8:30 p.m. followed by dancing at 9:30 p.m. Andrew Conway, master Argentine Tango dancer, instructor and performer and his partner Linda Chase will instruct. All levels welcome and no partner is needed. Refreshments will be served. Fee is $12 per person and includes lesson and dancing. Information: 215-634-1101 or www.amoretango.com.

The Montgomery Hospital Medical Center will offer the following classes:

Childbirth Education Class- all parents are invited to participate, including those who are delivering at

other hospitals. For more information on maternity services or classes, call 610-270-2020.

CPR and First Aid Courses are offered for beginners to experiences health care providers. Call 610-270-2313.

The Ambler SAAC (Senior Adult Activities Center), located at 45 Forest Ave in Ambler will hold the following events:

Tai Chi every Monday and Thursday at 11 a.m.

Yoga is every Tuesday at 1 p.m. and Friday at 10:30 a.m.

Strength and balance training every Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Armchair Aerobics is held every Monday at 10 a.m.

Gourmet Weight Wise every Thursday at 12:30.

Fitness Center and Pool Room open daily 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Diabetes Education Center will offer day and evening classes each month. Health insurance pays for diabetes education classes. Preregistration is required. Call 610-270-2301.

For Kids & Families

The Ambler Kiwanis Club will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt April 26 at 10 a.m. in Ambler Borough Park, located just off of the intersection of Hendricks Street and Valley Brook Road. Members of the Wissahickon Key Club will assist Kiwanians in hiding thousands of wrapped chocolate eggs in a designated area of the park. Also hidden will be plastic colored eggs, which are redeemed for prizes. Elementary school children are separated by age.

Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation will hold its 21st annual Storybook Egg-Stravaganza April 15 fom 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Upper Dublin Township Building. Toddlers and preschoolers love this annual event where photo opportunities with favorite friends abound! Treasures are collected from UDP&Rs assortment of lifesize cutouts of favorite cartoon characters from Disney, Sesame Street, Nickelodeon and other well-known animation. Children can have their picture taken with Bugsy OHare; bring your own camera. And dont forget a basket for goodies! $7 for UD residents; $12 for non-residents. Pre-register at 215-643-1600 ext. 3443.

Splash Week is a free week-long program that teaches children and families basic swimming skills and water safety practices. All YMCA branches will host multiple classes each day from April 11 to 15. For more information, contact the Ambler Area YMCA at 215-628-9950.

Healthy Kids Day is April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day is filled with fun, engaging and artistic activities that cultivate healthy living as part of the YMCAs larger efforts to help more kids and families become physically active. All activities are free and open to the community. For more information, contact the Ambler YMCA at 215-628-9950. No reservation is required.

The Ambler Area YMCA has added several new programs for area youngsters. Classes are held late afternoons or evenings on various weekdays. For more information, visit philaymca.org or call 215-628-9950.

Basic Beading: Ages: 10+. Wednesdays 7 to 7:45 p.m. This class will teach you the fundamentals of wiring and stringing along with how color can be used to create unique and vibrant beadwork design. You will create various jewelry including earrings, bracelets, charm pendants and much more! Supplies will be provided. Bringing your own jewelry pliers or tools would be a plus.

Messin with the Masters: Ages: 8-12. Thursdays 7 to 7:45 p.m. Learn about some of the worlds greatest artists. You will be inspired to create your own Starry Night with oil pastels and tempera paints, a tissue paper painted Monet garden, a Picasso head using scraps of paper, a Georgia OKeeffe clay flower bowl and a Rousseau jungle collage.

Super Scientist: Ages: 5-7. Mondays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Well be concocting chemistry experiments such as making slime, mixing potions and having fun with magnet magic. Your budding little scientist will enhance his/her creative thinking and motor skills and to top it off will learn that science can be serious fun.

Wacky Junk Art: Ages: 8-12. Thursdays 6 to 6:45 p.m. Why throw it away! Instead join us to make household junk into aliens from outer space, wacky specs, crazy hats, body masks or a recycled train.

Globe Trotters: Ages: 4-6. Tuesdays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Youre never too young to start thinking globally. Each week, we explore a new country through crafts, games, music, stories and even some taste-testing. A perfect introduction to our great big world!

Crazy about Crafts: Ages: 5-7, Thursdays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Let your childs creative juices flow with our fun arts and crafts projects each week. Fine motor skills and creative thinking skills will be enhanced with this crafty class.

Come out and join the Ambler Area YMCAs Teen and Junior Leaders Club. Participants are given the freedom to plan community service projects year round and truly make a difference in the lives of people in need. Those in Teen and Junior Leaders also attend leadership retreats all along the East Coast three times a year and meet other leaders who are doing the same great work in their respective areas. Dont miss out on this inspiring opportunity. Teen Leaders, ages 13-17, meet every Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Junior Leaders, ages 10-12, will begin in the spring and will meet every Monday. For more information, contact Mike Miles, Teen Director, 215- 628-9950 x 1540 or mmiles@philaymca.org.

Did you know that the new Ambler Area YMCA holds childrens birthday parties at its site for members and non members as well. The Ambler Y does all the work from start to finish and birthday parties include a personalized cake, ice cream, beverage and paper products. Parties are held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and include two party hosts to lead activities, set-up, clean-up and assist with serving. You can have a Splash Party for children ages six to 12 in the new zero depth entry pool with water slide and spray fountains. Up to 25 children have exclusive use of the pool area with 30 minutes in the party room. Sports Parties are offered for kids ages four to 12 with age appropriate activities and games, and sports such as floor hockey, soccer, basketball or dodge ball. Children ages three to five years of age will enjoy parties in the Family Active Center with use of the Moon Bounce and organized activities, such as parachute play and songs. For information, 215-628-9950 ext. 1583.

Community Events at the Ambler Y:

-YAchievers YMCA Achievers is a developmentally based, extracurricular, educational and team mentoring program designed to help students in grades five through 12 prepare for fulfilled livelihoods in college and beyond. Participation is free and all students in this program receive a free YMCA membership. Registration for the 2009 program begins now. You do not need to be a YMCA member to utilize these special services. Call 215-628-9950 to register.

Greater Norristown Art Leagues Childrens Weeklong Summer Art Camps will be held at 800 West Germantown Pike in East Norriton, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday throughout the summer. The cost per session is $125 per student for ages 6 and up. Jo Ann Cooksey Bono teaches an introduction to basic drawing skills and techniques from 10 a.m. until the lunch break each day. In the afternoon sessions, Mary Vogel Lozinak involves the students in hands on projects such as collage, papermaking, T-shirt printing, 3D design and sculpy clay. Fridays Graduation Day includes an art show, awards ceremony and reception for parents, siblings, grandparents and friends. All supplies are included. Students provide their own lunch. A refrigerator is available and the building is air-conditioned. This is the 15th year to run this successful program. Both instructors are professional artists with State Police and Child Abuse Clearances. To register, call Jo Ann at 610-279-1008, or register on-line at www.gnal.org.

Health

Dresher Physical Therapy is hosting an interactive seminar discussing its Golf Assessment Progam April 30 from 10 a.m. to noon at Dresher Physical Therapy, 1075 Virginia Drive, Suite 200, Fort Washington. Physical therapist Chris Miller, certified through the Titleist Performance Institute, will discuss why your body may be the most important piece of golf equipment you invest in and how this can drastically improve your game. $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Call 215-619-4545 to reserve your spot.

The Chestnut Hill Center for Enrichment, Center on the Hill and Chestnut Hill Hospital will host a Senior Health and Resource Fair April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Chestnut Hill Presbyterian Church, 8855 Germantown Ave. The event is free. For more information, call 215-248-0180 or e-mail chseniors@cavtel.net.

The Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center is hosting Help Yourself to Health, a new six-week workshop for older adults with ongoing health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, heart disease and others. The free workshop will take place at the Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center, 45 Forest Ave. on six Thursdays, May 12 through June 16 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Although there is no charge to participate, registration is required. To register, call 215-619-8863.

The Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center is sponsoring an eight-week program called A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls. Presented by the Montgomery County Health Department, this workshop will be held on Tuesdays, May 3 to June 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ambler Center, 45 Forest Ave. If you pre-register by April 27, the fee is only $5! Registration at the first class is $10. (Checks should be payable to SAAC and will benefit our Meals on Wheels program that serves homebound seniors.) A workbook will be provided and refreshments will be served. Call 215-619-8863 to register or for more information.

Fort Washington Wellness Center classes are ongoing. There are several offered during lunch or right after work, for your convenience: Boot Camp from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday; Zumba is MWF from 11 a.m. to noon and Friday at 4 p.m.; there are 25 cycling classes; Ashtanga and Vinyasana Yoga and Pilates; and a group Womens Strength Training class M-F from 10 to 11 a.m. Questions, call Cathy DeMarco at 215-641-1245.

Following the success of other local area programs, Impact Sports and Upper Dublin Parks and Recreation are delighted to team up again to offer a spring program for the 2011 season! Upper Dublin area children ages 3-5 years old can attend a Sports Program featuring their favorite sports games; soccer, rugby, hockey, track and field, basketball, and more. The program will start on April 27 and run through June 1. Cost for the program is $85 for the six weeks. The classes will be running 12- 1 p.m.; 1- 2 p.m.; 2- 3 p.m. For more info or to register, call Upper Dublin Township on 215 643 1600 or visit their website a http://www.upperdublin.net.

Spring Aquatic Programs  UDHS Pool:

-Summer is just around the corner  Community Aquatic Programs at the UDHS Pool can help get you into shape! Programs begin in March; preregistration is required.

 Shallow Water Aerobics  Two 5-week programs, Wednesday nights, 8-8:45 p.m., $40R/$50NR.

 Adult Swim Instructions  Two 5-week programs, Wednesday nights, 7-8 p.m., $50R/$60NR

-Open Rec Swims are fun for the whole family! Come out on Fridays from 7-9 p.m. or Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. and enjoy use of the pool and diving area. Fridays are offered through June 17; Saturdays are offered March 12-May 21.

-Join a growing group of adult lap swimmers and water walkers. Lanes are set aside evenings and weekends for use; lanes are shared. Monday  Thursday from 7:30-9:30 p.m.; Fridays from 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays (March 12-May 21) from 1-4 p.m.

-Private Swimming & Diving Lessons for ages 3-adult are offered at the UDHS Pool through a partnership with the Upper Dublin Aquatic Club (UDAC). Visit the UDAC website for more information, www.udac.us, and click the link to UDHS Private Lessons.

-Looking for local programs for US Masters Swimming (adults) or Water Polo (all ages)? UDAC and UDSD are working together to develop programs that will be offered at the UDHS Pool. Add your name to Interest Lists by emailing slohoefer@upperdublin.net. emails will be sent about clinics and program start dates.

Questions about Community Aquatic Programs at the UDHS Pool, group use of the pool or pool rental? Contact Susan Lohoefer, Facility & Community Affairs Manager at slohoefer@upperdublin.net or call 215-643-8800 x8994.

SilverSneakers Fitness Program. The Healthyways SilverSneakers Fitness Program is a result-oriented program that enables older adults to take charge of their health. The program is an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle and socially oriented programing. Members of the program are eligible for a free YMCA membership, with use of the pool and exercise equipment, along with customized classes designed for older adults who want to improve their strength, flexibility, balance and endurance. If you are a subscriber to Independence Blue Cross (Personal Choice 65 PPO) or Keystone 65 HMO, Bravo Health, or Health Options Programs (HOP), call the Ambler Area YMCA, 215-628-9950 or Hatboro Area YMCA, 215-674-4545. You can also visit www.silversneakers.com.

Zumba Fitness offers Zumba dance/fitness classes at Academy of Dance and Music/BBAD Studio located at 1524 DeKalb Pike in Blue Bell (behind Sherwin Williams). Classes are offered three times a week: Tuesdays at 6 p.m., Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. For a free trial pass for your first class, email us at info@danceandmusic.biz or call 610-277-2557. For more info, visit our site at www.academyofdanceandmusic.org.

Chestnut Hill Health Systems presents the following Health Education Programs:

FITNESS CLASSES

Golden Yoga: A Breathing, Stretching and Relaxation Class. Fridays, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Lea Auditorium, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. Registration for four classes at a time required. Golden Yoga is Classical Yoga, adapted by the SKY Foundation, to accommodate those who have difficulty getting up and down from the floor. The program includes postures, breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques, all performed while sitting in a chair and standing. Registration required. Call 215-247-3029. Cost: $20 for 4 classes per month.

Tai Chi: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:30  9:30 a.m. Springfield Residence, 8601 Stenton Ave. Classes, for the novice or beginner/intermediate student, are designed to improve balance, power, posture, coordination, flexibility and mental focus. Slow, gentle movements are modified to most everyones abilities. For more information or to sign up for a free introductory class, call 215-882-2804. Cost: $8 per class/paid monthly.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Weight Loss Surgery Support Group: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 7-8 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. Join us for a monthly get-together where well share information for those interested in weight loss surgery, learn from guest speakers discussing current news on issues including lifestyle modification, nutrition and exercise and provide ongoing support for those who have completed surgery. Registration required. Call 215-753-2000.

Breast Cancer Networking Group: Fourth Tuesday of the month 5:30  7 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. A free, confidential support group for women living with a diagnosis of breast cancer designed to provide a forum for sharing information, feelings and concerns associated with breast cancer. Facilitated by Tish Wakefield, LCSW, Oncology Social Worker. Registration required. To register or for more information, call 215-248-8047.

New Moms Support Groups Tuesdays 10:30 a.m.  12 p.m.; contact Jeanine ORourke, MSW or 2:30  4 p.m.; contact Susan Schack, Ph.D Volunteer Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. The Center for Postpartum Depression at Chestnut Hill Hospital is pleased to offer two new support groups to support new moms. Both groups will be run by experienced mental health professionals who really get it when it comes to new motherhood and juggling relationships, extended family, work/family balance and self-care. If you are experiencing new mom challenges that often heighten anxiety and involve hormonally driven depression, join us for an informative and supportive forum to connect with other moms. Infants are welcome. $30 per session (flexible based on need). Registration is required. Call Dr. Schack, 646-265-2484, or Ms. ORourke, 215-206-2931.

Man to Man Prostate Cancer Support Group Third Thursday of the month 8-9 a.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. A networking group for men diagnosed with prostate cancer designed to provide education, support and encouragement. Spouses and partners welcome. Harry M. Baer, MD, Chief, Urology Division, will host Ask the Doctor. Registration required. Call 215-248-8325.

Contact the Senior Center by phone 215-248-0180 or email (chseniors@cavtel.net) with your questions about these programs or any of our on-going activities and classes.

Holy Redeemer HomeCare and Hospice seeks compassionate and emotionally mature volunteers to provide support to local hospice patients and their families in Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. Volunteers may also assist with pet therapy and administrative work within the hospice department and are requested to have daytime availability. Hospice patient care volunteers visit with patients in their homes or nursing facilities once a week for two to three hours. They provide emotional support and companionship to patients and family members, assist with errands or provide respite for caregivers. Bereavement volunteers support the families of hospice patients following the loss of a loved one, while administrative volunteers assist with typing, mailings and/or filing. Hospice care workers provide a great service to families and loved ones of hospice patients. Many volunteers also report a great deal of personal satisfaction as a result of their services. Patient care and bereavement volunteers complete an application and attend an 18-hour volunteer training program that covers the medical, psychological and spiritual aspects of hospice volunteering. Day and evening training programs are offered. To sign up for volunteer opportunities in Pennsylvania, contact Holy Redeemer Volunteer Coordinator Jean Francis at 215-698-3737 or email jfrancis@holyredeemer.com.

Librarytalk

Upper Dublin Public Library, 805 Loch Alsh Avenue, Ft. Washington, 215-628-8744

www.upperdublinlibrary.org

APRIL CHILDRENS PROGRAMS:

Storytimes: Please register in the library.

o Wee Ones: 0 to 23 months Thursdays and Fridays 10:30 to 10:50 a.m.

o Tiny Tots: age 2. Wednesdays 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. and Fridays 11 to 11:20 a.m.

o Jr. Book Lovers: ages 3 to 6. Tuesdays 10:30 to 11 a.m.

o Bedtime Storytimes: 7 to 7:30 p.m. April 20 and 27. Wear your jammies, bring your teddy & hear Miss Barbara read bedtime stories! For ages 3 to 6.

APRIL TEEN PROGRAMS:

North Hills Library Teens April 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. Movie Matinee

APRIL UDPL ADULT PROGRAMS:

NEW! ESL Conversation Group. Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. Interested in practicing your English in a safe and caring environment? Come to our conversation group and improve your skills! Please register with Kay Klocko at 215-628-8744 or kklocko@mclinc.org.

One-on-One Computer Mentoring. Get personalized assistance from experienced computer volunteers! Sign-up for a one-hour session. Limit one session per month. Please register  contact info above.

Book Groups Please register with Kay Klocko 215-628-8744.

o Daytimers: April 21 at 1:30 p.m. Tired of book groups where you all read the same book? Read any fiction or non-fiction book on this months theme: Explorers. Please register.

Meetings:

Annual Meeting of the Friends of UDPL: April 14 at 1 p.m.

Board of Directors: April 20 at 7 p.m.

Blue Bell Library www.wvpl.org Upcoming Events: The Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 650 Skippack Pike (Route 73) in Blue Bell, is diagonally across from the Blue Bell Inn. Call 215-643-1320 or visit their website at www.wvpl.org.

For children and teens at Blue Bell:

* Story times with guitar music by Miss Michelle, the singing librarian.

* Mondays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages.

* Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. for all ages.

* Fridays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages.

* Family Movies, new releases, second Saturdays of the month at 1:30 p.m.

* May 14  Despicable Me

* June 11  Alpha and Omega

* Special Events

* April  watch for date of spring/Easter events

* April 14 at 4:30 p.m.  Junior Lego Club for children ages 3 through 5. Parents and caregivers need to stay with children.

* April 14 at 7 p.m.  Jeopardy for ages 11 to 18. Test your book and library knowledge for prizes. Sign up to be a contestant. No sign up to be in the audience. Snacks provided.

* April 16 at 1 p.m.  Adult Mystery Book Group discussing The Beekeepers Apprentice by Laurie King.

* April 16 at 1:30 p.m.  Childrens event for One Book, Every Young Child celebration. Story and craft for book Whose Shoes?

* April 19 at 7 p.m. and April 26 at 1:30 p.m.- Adult book group discusses The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester. Group led by Adam Button.

* April 30 through May 3  Friends book sale with about 10,000 items for sale for children, teens and adults.

* May  sign up for Science in the Summer

* June  sign up for Enrichment Programs for Elementary-Age children

* June  sign up for Summer Reading, all ages

For adults at Blue Bell:

* Daytime Book Discussion Group  fourth Tuesday, Jan  April at 1:30 p.m.

* April 26  The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester

* Night-time Book Discussion Group  third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.

o April 19  The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester

* Art Series with Dr. Sheldon Weintraub, docent at The Barnes and speaker at local colleges

o April 27 at 2 p.m. The Art of Looking at Art-Is She Nude or Is She Naked?

*Mystery Book Discussion Group, third Saturday of the month at 1 p.m.; new mystery theme each month; www.wvpl.org/programs

* Yoga on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. $20 for eight classes; $5 per drop-in class.

* Tai Chi on Mondays at 3 p.m. with Dr. Kurt Findeisen. $20 for eight classes; $5 per drop in class.

* Philadelphia Museum of Art presents class on their Marc Chagall exhibit, April 13 at 2 p.m.

* Giant Book Sale, April 29  May 3

o Starts with almost 10,000 items for children and adults!

o Held during library hours.

o Preview for members of the Friends of the Library, April 28 at 7 p.m.

o Join the Friends and attend the preview sale. Modest fee to join.

* Blooms at Blue Bell Gardening Series

o May 11 at 1 p.m.  Summer Bulbs by PA Horticultural Society

* Knitting group Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Work on your project or observe and learn. The groups continue year-round in the community room.

* Socrates Cafe discussion group every Monday at 7 p.m. You pick the topic to discuss each week. No sign-up, nothing to read.

* Bridge every Friday at 12:30 p.m. New players welcome.

* Mah Jong every Wednesday at 1 p.m. New players welcome.

*Chess every Wednesday at 7p.m. for adults and teens 14 and older.

* Movie Matinee showing recent releases every Thursday at 2 p.m. April 14: Maos Last Dancer; April 21: Welcome to the Rileys; April 28: Conviction; May 5: Inception; May 12: Inside Job; May 19 The Kings Speech; May 26 The Fighter; June 2 Rabbit Hole; June 9 Black Swan; June 16 127 Hours

* Ongoing like-new, year-round book sale for adults & children during library hours

* Library opening at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday!

Ambler Library, a branch of the Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 209 Race St., 215-646-1072. www.wvpl.org. All the following events occur at the Ambler Library.

* Story times with guitar music by Miss Michelle, the singing librarian.

* Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages.

* Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. for all ages.

* For adults:

* Beading Group meets the first and third Monday of every month at 1 p.m. Work on your own projects or come to watch and learn.

* Free Family History Lookup with Connie Briggs. Email Connie for an appointment at the Ambler Library. conniebriggs@comcast.net

* Special Events:

* April 14 at 1:30 p.m.  Book Group discusses Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian.

* April 19 at 7 p.m.  Travel to Paris with world traveler Harry Balin. Tea and scones at 6:30 p.m.

* April 21 at 7 p.m.  Art with Sara for children in fourth through seventh grades.

*May 2 at 6:30 p.m.  Discuss the movie Lone Star with Temple Professor Lisa Hawkins. Watch the movie ahead of time.

*May 10  Robert Capucci discusses Art into Fashion. Tea and scones served at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m.

*May 12 at 1:30p.m.  Book Group discusses The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman.

*May 17  Tour the gardens of Devon and Southwest England with Lois McMullen. Tea and Scones at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m.

*June 13 at 6:30 p.m.  Discuss the movie Blade Runner with Temple Professor Lisa Hawkins. Watch the movie ahead of time.

Meetings and Lectures

The Unisys Blue Bell Retiree Group will meet in the Church on the Mall in the Plymouth Meeting Mall April 14 at 1:30 p.m. Kathy Sacket Young, director/trainer with the North Penn YMCA, will speak on Keeping Fit in Retirement. For more information, contact Membership Committee Chairperson Jerry Feldscher at 610-275-3538 or President Al Rollin at 215-368-4833.

The next FWBA meeting will be April 28 at the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Washington. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m.; meeting from noon to 1 p.m. Leon Singletary, Principal, First Contact HR and FWBA Executive Board, will present: Social Media: How to Use It To Get More Business. Lunch is provided courtesy of the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Washington. Members are welcome to bring a guest. An RSVP is requested by return email or 215-628-0313.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern PA is hosting a information sessions over the next few weeks on how to become a Big Brother. The information sessions will take place: April 16 at noon, April 19 at 8 a.m. and April 28 at 6 p.m. All sessions will be held at the groups Norristown Office,t 530 DeKalb St., Norristown. For more information, call 610-277-2200.

The North Penn Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) normally meets on the third Tuesday of each month from now until May. Meetings are held at the William Penn Inn on Route 202 and Sumneytown Pike, Upper Gwynedd, PA. Social hour starts at 5:30 p.m., dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., and the technical program begins at 7 p.m. Cost with reservation is $28 for members. Members without reservations and guests pay $30. Students with reservations pay $15. Reservations may be made by noon on the Monday preceding the meeting by phoning 215-371-1854 or emailing the reservation to northpennima@yahoo.com northpennima@yahoo.com. Information about the North Penn Chapter is available at http://northpenn.imanet.org/.

LeTip, a professional organization of men and women who are dedicated to the highest standards of competence and service meets every Tuesday at Cedar Brook Country Club, 180 Penllyn Pike, Blue Bell at 7 a.m. -meeting officially starts at 7:16 a.m. and ends at 8:31 a.m. Our purpose is the exchange of business tips, leads, and referrals. Each business category is represented by one member and conflicts of interest are disallowed. Guests are welcome to visit any of our breakfast meetings.

Every third Thursday of month, Sunrise Assisted Living of Blue Bell (795 Penllyn Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422, 215-619-2777) serves as a satellite site to 148th Legislative district PA congressman Mike Gerber from 10 a.m. to noon. Stop by for help needed with things such as disability placards and license plates, vehicle registration, utilities issues, birth/death certificates,property tax/rent rebates, etc. Notary services arranged by appointment.

The Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is an action-oriented organization dedicated to promoting its members and the economic health of eastern Montgomery county. The Chamber is committed to serving as a catalyst by uniting business, community agencies, government and education to make our county a great place to live and work. For information, call 215-887-5122 or visit www.emccc.org.

Do you have a fear of public speaking? Blue Bell Toastmasters Club can help. We meet from 7 to 9 p.m., on the second and fourth Tuesday at the Marriott Courtyard, located on Route 202, directly across from the Montgomeryville Mall. Learn how to improve communication and leadership skills in a friendly and supportive environment. Guests are welcome. Admission fee: $5. For more info, visit www.bbtoast.org.

The PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce will hold the following meetings (for reservations to any of the following, email info@PennSuburban.org)

-Breakfast News Network, 7:30-8:45 a.m. at Normandy Farm Hotel (1401 Morris Road, Blue Bell, PA 19422) $15 members, includes full buffet breakfast. Join us for a networking program at Normandy Farm Hotel every Thursday morning for breakfast, business news, informative speakers, and plenty of networking. The cost includes a full breakfast buffet. Copies of the business cards will be made available to those who would like them.

The BNI, Fort Washington Chapter meets every Monday at The Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Pennsylvania Ave., Fort Washington for a networking meeting. Meetings are from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Visitors are welcome. The only cost to attend is the cost of your meal. For information or a reservation to attend, please call Luanne Cram at 215-947-7784, or visit our Internet site at: http://www.BNIDVR.Com and click on the menu item Find a Chapter.

For the past seven years, people have enjoyed participating in WVWAs Adopt-a-Tree program. Individuals can support the Association in its reforestation efforts by purchasing native trees to be planted. Supporters can plant their adopted tree or have WVWA volunteers will plant it. Trees cost $30 each. If you would like to volunteer or purchase a tree(s), please contact: Bob Adams at Bob@wvwa.org or call: 215-646-8866 for more information. Check www.WVWA.org for directions and maps.

Sustainable Upper Dublin, http://sustainableupperdublin.org, meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at the Upper Dublin Township Building, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington, PA 19034. Please send any questions to suec@sustainableupperdublin.org or call 610-996-6316. To learn more about Sustainable Upper Dublin, view or join the discussion at http://googlegroups.com/group/sustainableupperdublin.

Special Events

The Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard will hold its first nutrition class April 19 at 10 a.m. at the Community Cupboard, 150 N. Main St., Ambler. Lynne Sinclair, a nutritionist from Abington Memorial Hospital specializing in diabetic nutrition, will conduct the class. Topics will include healthy eating, beneficial foods, recipes, making meals with every day foods, and how to use unfamiliar produce. A healthy snack will be provided.The class is is open to all residents in Montgomery County.

The Historical Society of Fort Washington presents The History of Conshohocken April 19 at 8 p.m. at the Clifton House, 473 Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington. Jack Coll will present an illustrated program on the history of the Borough of Conshohocken. Coll is a longtime resident of Conshohocken and a member of the Conshohocken Historical Society. He is co-author with his son, Brian, of the Arcadia Then and Now Series book Conshohocken. He has also done books Conshohocken and West Conshohocken Sports and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Italian Feast. He has taken many photos for the Conshohocken Record and the Norristown Times Herald. This program is free. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, call 215-646-6065.

Taste of the White House Soiree featuring former White House Chef Walter Scheib will take place April 29 at 6 p.m. at Manufacturers Golf & Country Club in Fort Washington to celebrate HealthLinks 10th anniversary and honor its founders, the Eugene Jackson Family. The evening will heat up with a Chef Meet & Greet, followed by a specially selected presidential menu. Gala tickets are $150 per person. Proceeds benefit HealthLink, a free clinic providing compassionate, quality medical and dental care to uninsured, working adults in Bucks and Montgomery counties who fall in between the health care cracks. Go to http://tasteofthewhitehouse.charityhappenings.org to make reservations online or lend support through sponsorship. For event information, call 267-699-0124 or email jmarushak@healthlinkmedical.org.

The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association will hold an open house at the Evans-Mumbower Mill April 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. The Mill is at the corner of Swedesford and Township Line Roads in Upper Gwynedd. The open house is free but donations are welcome. For more information, call 215-646-8866 o email info@wvwa.org.

The Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce will host Breakfast With Your County Commissioners and State Representatives April 21 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Fort Washington, 432 W. Pennasylvania Ave. Commissioners: James R. Matthews (Chairman), Joseph M. Hoeffel (Vice Chair), State Representatives: Todd Stephens (District 151) and Josh Shapiro (District 153). Register onlineat www.emccc.org. $10 for EMCCC member; $20 for non-members.

Upper Dublins Districtwide Allied Art Show will be held April 27 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in the Upper Dublin High School Athletic Complex.

The Rev. Alfred Muli, chaplain at Fort Washington Estates, will be the featured speaker at the Kiwanis sponsored breakfast observing the National Day of Prayer May 5 at 7 a.m. at the William Penn Inn. The breakfast is open to the public ($15). Reservations can be made by calling 215-646-4356 or by emailing georgesaurman@Juno.com.

The Upper Dublin Shade Tree Commission invites people to participate in its spring bare root planting events, sponsored in part by Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation and Friends of Robbins Park. On April 9, zix trees will be planted at the Evelyn B. Wright Park & Community Pool, 401 Logan Ave., North Hills, at 9 a.m., followed by the planting of 10 trees at Sheeleigh Park, Loch Alsh Avenue and Douglas Street, Ambler, at 10:15 a.m. On April 29, students from Upper Dublin High School will join the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to plant 16 trees in Robbins Park, Butler Pike and Meetinghouse Road, Ambler, to help launch the societys Million Trees campaign. This event will occur in conjunction with Temple Amblers EarthFest. Experienced tree-tenders are sought to assist the students. For more information,contact Ron Ayres at 215-653-0421 or 215-483-4348.

The Friends of the Wissahickon and the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association are teaming up once again to clean the Wissahickon Creek from top to bottom April 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. This spring marks the 41st anniversary of Wissahickon Valley Watershed Associations annual Creek Clean Up, and the second year that FOW has teamed up with WVWA. Volunteers of all ages will clean the creek, the surrounding trails and the many tributaries of the Wissahickon Creek. Armed with bags, volunteers will be assigned to sections of the creek. Following the clean up, all volunteers are invited to WVWAs Talkin Trash picnic in Fort Washington State Park, with food provided by Whole Foods Market of North Wales. The pavilion is located on Mill Road in Flourtown. To help out in Montgomery County, all volunteers must be pre-assigned a section of the Wissahickon Creek to clean. Please contact Bob Adams, WVWA director of stewardship, at 215-646-8866 ext. 14 or bob@wvwa.org. To work with the Friends of the Wissahickon in Philadelphia, meet at the pavilion along Forbidden Drive, a short distance south of the intersection of Forbidden Drive and Northwestern Avenue. Limited parking is available along Northwestern Avenue and other nearby streets. Volunteers are encouraged to bike or carpool to the event. To participate, register at www.fow.org. Contact Kevin Groves with questions at 215-247-0417 ext. 105 or groves@fow.org.

Montgomery County Community Colleges International Club invites the community to the second annual International Festival April 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The rain date is April 26. The International Club will transform the outside quad area into multicultural celebration with various performances by dancers, singers and musicians. Artists will share their artwork at various display tables. Activities include games, raffles, Easter egg decorating and henna tattoos. Students will have samples of international cuisine at tables representing different countries and will serve food from various local ethnic restaurants. Throughout the evening, volunteers will accept donations and will raffle gift baskets and prizes to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity. Donations of food, international clothes and prizes are needed. Volunteers, including artists and performers, are welcome. For more information or to sponsor an activity, contact Gillian Nel, International Club president, at gnel9277@students.mc3.edu or 267-974-0163.

The Arts and Humanities Division at Montgomery County Community College is partnering with the Philadelphia Writers Conference to host Memoirs Matter: How Life Stories (Including Yours) Can Transform Your Relationship to Literature April 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Advanced Technology Center room 101, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The event is free and open to the public. In the first part of this two-hour seminar, professor and author Robert Waxler will explain how writing his two memoirs affected his life as well as his relationship to literature. In the second part, blogger and workshop leader Jerry Waxler will present a sequence of steps to help writers find their own story. For information, contact Dana Resente at dresente@mc3.edu.

The Maple Glen Garden Club will hold its fourth annual Plant Sale on May 7 from 8 to 11 a.m. Perennials, shrubs, vegetables and native plants grown by the club members will be sold. The club uses the plant sale proceeds to fund community projects, a college scholarship and community plantings. The sale will be held in the 500 block of Coach Road, Horsham, as part of a neighborhood garage sale. Plants will be sold at bargain prices. For more information, email MapleGlenGardenClub@gmail.com.

The Relay for Life Craft Show is looking for local crafters to participate in show, which will be May 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Wissahickon High School track, 521 Houston Road, Ambler. There is a $10 entry fee, and 20 percent of sales are donated to the American Cancer Society. Participants will receive a 6-foot table under a tent. For information, contact Joanne at joannescoles@comcast.net or Mindy at mcamsilver@comcast.net.

Spring House Estates is hosting its annual book fair on April 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. and April 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Included will be hardback and paperback used books. Spring House Estates is located at 728 Norristown Road, Lower Gwynedd.

The PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce will present the Penn Suburban/Hatfield Joint Business Card Exchange April 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Univest Bank Lansdale Area Financial Service Center, 120 Forty Foot Road, Hatfield. The event is free. To make reservations, visit PennSuburban.org/Events. Join Univest National Bank and Trust Co. for a spring-inspired Business Card Exchange at its newest office in the Hatfield Pointe Shopping Center. Come out and meet members of Univests executive management team while enjoying fine food and beverages.

13th Annual Community Reading Day Kick-off Breakfast Get Together April 26 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the North Wales Area Library, 233 Swartley St., North Wales. The event is free. To make reservations, visit PennSuburban.org/Events. For more information, contact the chamber office at 215-362-9200 or info@pennsuburban.org. Join presenting sponsor Verizon, chamber staff and fellow members for the Community Reading Day volunteer get together. The Community Reading Day program allows volunteers to read a designated book to second-grade students throughout 38 area public and private schools and present the book as a gift to each class. Even if you are not a volunteer, you are cordially invited to stop by to network, enjoy coffee and pastries.

Ambler Mennonite Church is hosting a Spring Craft Show and Flea Market May 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rain date will be May 28. The community is invited to shop the great craft booths, find some gifts and deals, as well as enjoy home baked goods and tasty lunch specials. Childrens activities are planned. All vendors are encouraged to contact the church at 215-643-4876 or AmblerMennonite@verizon.net. Advertising, signage, customer parking and a shuttle to auxiliary parking at nearby lots for vendors will be provided. 10 foot by 10 foot spaces can be rented for $5 each and tables for an additional $5 each. All proceeds from space and table rentals go toward school kits for children around the world. The church is located at the corner of East Mt. Pleasant Avenue and North Spring Garden Street, Ambler.

The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association presents The Life & Times of Aquatic Insects in the Wissahickon Creek April 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. Join WVWA for a hands-on program. RSVP required: www.wvwa.org or 215-646-8866. WVWA member fee: $5 per person / $15 per family. Non-WVWA member fee: $10 per person / $20 per family.

The photography exhibition Natures Palette by photo-artist Judy Miller will run March 18 to May 19 at the Art in the Storefront gallery, 41 E. Butler Pike, Ambler.

JPRN  Networking For People in Transition & People Who Can Help Them  Unemployment remains high. JPRN, the Jarrettown Professional Relationship Network can help. Are you trying to network your way to a new job? Do you have expertise or contacts that can help people in transition? Is your company or organization looking for people in the area? This is a free outreach program to support those seeking work, involve people with contacts and networking know how, and involve local companies. Meetings held monthly at Jarrettown United Methodist Church, Limekiln Pike.

Pennsylvanias Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) grant program is now open for the 2010-11 heating season. Grants are based on income, family size, type of heating fuel and region. Additional information, such as specific income limits, and applications for LIHEAP grants are available online via the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) website at www.compass.state.pa.us. Applications are available at most public officals district offices, county assistance offices, local utility companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies.

Begin your holiday shopping at Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation! Entertainment books for 2011, Philadelphia North, are now on sale at $30 each. Regal/United Artists movie tickets are on sale for just $7.50 each, and tickets to the Adventure Aquarium, Baltimore Aquarium, and the Philadelphia Zoo are also available. Discounted ski vouchers to area mountains will be arriving in December; call 215-643-1600 x3443 for more information. Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

RSVP of Montgomery County and the Wissahickon Valley Public Library have partnered again to offer the public their popular free mock interview sessions. The mock interviews are conducted by RSVP volunteers who are retired professionals, some of whom were in hiring positions themselves. Packets of information which include a sample employment application and interviewing tips with mock interview questions are available at the library to pick up prior to a scheduled mock interview or will be sent via email once the interview is scheduled. To schedule your interview, please contact Janis Glusman at RSVP 610-834-1040, ext. 16. The library is also offering a free resume review service. Bring in your current resume and the professional reference staff will assist you with hints and tips on capturing your work history accurately.

Registration for Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation summer playgrounds, Camp B.I.G. and Small Folks, X-Zone, and sports camps has began. Register online at www.upperdublin.net/store, or at the UDP&R office, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington. Call 215-643-1600 x3443 for more information.

Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation and Danielles Espresso Cafe presents Mornings at Mondaug Bark Park April 16 and May 21 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Meet fellow dog lovers. These events include complimentary coffee, treats for people and pups and raffles/giveaways.

Upper Dublins Annual Spring Flea Market will be held June 4 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reserve a table, or come and shop. Tables are $15 for UD residents, $20 for non-residents. This successful event occurs rain or shine. Refreshments available. Call 215-643-1600 ext. 3443 to register for a table.

Regal movie tickets available for purchase at Upper Dublin Township Parks & Recreation. Reduced rate: $7.50 per ticket. Some restrictions apply. Call 215-643-1600 x3443.

Whitpain Township Parks & Recreation movie tickets $7.50 Regal Cinemas, United Artist & Edwards Cinemas on sale throughout the year Monday  Friday from 9 a.m.  4 p.m.

Whitpain Township Parks & Recreation Camp Sign-ups for Stony Creek Day Camp  Stony Creek Tracers and Park n Tots. Register on-line at www.whitpaintownship.org OrCome to Township Building with check or Visa MasterCard Monday  Friday from 9 a.m.  4 p.m. For additional information call 610.277-2400 ext. 374

Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation offers exciting new programs for the fall:

-Returning favorites include UK Elite Petite Soccer, Tiny Dancers, Kiddie Tennis, Fun-nastics, Messy Playtime, Little Chefs, and more. Babysitters Training will be offered in November and December. Continuing Adult Fitness Classes include Cardio Circuit, Core & More, Yoga, Boxing, and Adult G.Y.M. For more information call 215-643-1600 x3443. Register for programs online at www.upperdublin.net/store.

Music and Theater

The community is invited to a Cantors Concert April 16 at 8 p.m. Congregation Beth Or, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen. Listen and hum-along to the Yiddish, pop tunes and classical music performed by Congregation Beth Ors own Cantor David Green and his special guest, Cantor Irvin Bell, from Temple Beth Israel in Deerfield Beach, Fla. The cantors will be accompanied by Mark Sobol and his Klezmer musicians. Tickets are $18 in advance and $25 at the door. RSVP with payment to Barb Murtha, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen, PA 19002, or call 215-646-5806 ext. 220.

Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse will host the Jameson Sisters May 14. Doors open at 7:30 pm, performance at 8:00 pm. Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse is located at the corner of Rte. 202 & Sumneytown Pike, Gwynedd. $5 suggested donation. Light refreshment available at a modest cost. For further information, call 215-393-9576 or visit gwyneddmeeting.org/coffeehouse.html.

Celebrate patriotism through song with Gwynedd-Mercy Colleges choir, the Voices of Gwynedd, as it presents Hear America Singing April 15 at 8 p.m. The choir will perform song selections from all over the country, including Georgia on My Mind, New York State of Mind, and a medley including Philadelphia Freedom and Allentown. The performance will end with When the Saints Go Marching In to acknowledge the choirs upcoming tour in New Orleans. Hear America Singing will take place in the Julia Ball Auditorium, located in St. Bernard Hall. Parking is available in lots A, C and D. Admission is free.

The Choristers will present Anton Dvoraks Stabat Mater April 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church in Ambler. The choir will be accompanied by a 41-piece orchestra. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens, $10 for students and children are free. Tickets will be sold in advance or at the door. For more information, call 215-542-7871 or visit TheChoristers.org

Religious News

The Staircase Gallery at Or Hadash: A Reconstructionist Congregation in Fort Washington will feature the work of Emily Ennuat-Lustine. The artist will be showing paintings and graphics inspired by her own personal spiritual journey and quest for meaning. Some of the works to be shown have been inspired by Biblical Psalms and writings. Her work has been shown at Abington Art Center, Cheltenham Arts Center and Old City Gallery of Jewish Art among others. The exhibition is open Friday evenings starting Feb. 18 after Shabbat services. Gallery hours are: Mondays through Thursdays 10-4:30, Fridays 10-3 and following Shabbat Services and Sundays 10-1. The synagogue is located at 190 Camp Hill Road in Fort Washington. For additional information contact the synagogue office at 215-283-0276.

Reunions

St. Matthews High School Conshohocken Class of 1961 is looking for classmates. For details, contact Greg Marincola at 215-646-2239, 215-740-1296 or gregcola@comcast.net.

Olney High School Class of 1971 is Lloking for classmates for a 40th reunion Oct. 28. For details, contact Judy at ohsclassof71@yahoo.com or 215-870-7572.

Abington High School Class of 1961 is seeking classmates for a 50-year reunion to be held Oct. 14-15, 2011.Visit the website, www.abington61.com, for details or call 215-947-1779.

Overbrook High School class of January 1956 is having a 55 year reunion on May 22, 2011 at the Bala Golf Club in Philadelphia. For information please contact overbrookreunion56@comcast.net

Germantown High School Class Of January 1961 is looking for classmates for 50th year reunion to take place in May of 2011. Please contact: 215-362-9148, 856-577-0659 or samdelcomo@comcast.net

The June 1961 class of Germantown High School is holding their 50th reunion on May 15, which will be a brunch. For further details please contact Linda Dorfman Alten at lindaalten@yahoo.com or call 215-441-8411.

Support

New Life Presbyterian Church in Dresher, will host GriefShare, a special seminar and support group which will run on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m., from March 7 through June 6. At each meeting there will be a DVD about the grief process, discussion and reference to a grief workbook. Preregistration is required to secure a place in the group and to purchase a GriefShare notebook (for a one-time fee of $15). The notebook goes along with the 13-week schedule covering such topics as: living with grief, the effects of grief, and stuck in grief. For more information or to register, call: Sandy Elder at 215-884-5149.

PUPS (People Understanding Parkinsons) A self-help group for those adjusting to a new diagnosis or dealing with the early stages of Parkinsons Disease. Meets fourth Tuesday of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m., at Abington Health Center, Schilling Campus, Willowood Building, 2510 Maryland Road, Suite 251, Willow Grove. For more information or to RSVP, contact Lorna at 215-542-2931.

The North Penn Visiting Nurse Associations Meals on Wheels program is looking for volunteers to pack or deliver meals to the elderly and infirmed. Meals are packed and delivered mornings, Monday through Friday. You can volunteer for as many days per week or month as you would like. Packaging meals requires approximately 2-1/2 hours of your time each day and involves making sandwiches, packaging food into individual serving containers and packing coolers with the meals. Delivering meals requires approximately 1-1/2 hours of your time each day and involves loading coolers into your car and delivering a route of approximately 10 to 15 stops. The Meals on Wheels program is also in need of emergency, winter-weather volunteers to pack and deliver meals in bad weather. North Penn VNA is located at 51 Medical Campus Drive in Lansdale and delivers meals in the Lansdale, North Wales and Blue Bell areas. For more information or to volunteer, please call Bridget, North Penn VNA Meals on Wheels coordinator at 215-855-8296.

Elkins Park Area CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) meets the first Tuesday of every month, 7- 8:30 p.m., at Einstein at Elkins Park Hospital in Elkins Park. For information on CHADD or ADHD, please see our website www.chadd.net/249 or call Claire Noyes at: 215-779-6656.

Center for Loss and Bereavement, 3847 Skippack Pike, Skippack (610-222-4110) www.bereavementcenter.org Offers professional counseling for individuals, couples, children and families dealing with issues of loss and bereavement. Six-week adult support groups: Newly forming young adult grief support group  every other Wednesday, 7  8:15 p.m. (free of charge); Monthly loss of child support  second Mondays, 7-8:15 p.m.; Six-week young loss of spouse/partner  Thursdays, 10-11:15 a.m.; Other groups scheduled as interest is shown for suicide loss support, adult loss of parent, motherless daughters, adult loss of sibling, coping with chronic illness and disability and mens loss of spouse. Nellos Corner Family Bereavement program offers peer grief support groups for ages 4 through teen and their caregivers  Every other Tuesday or Wednesday (free of charge) Local chapter of Parents of Murdered Children also meets at the Center. Registration required. Call for further information.

CHADD is a national organization for children & adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder, providing education, advocacy and support for individuals and their families with AD/HD. Einstein at Elkins Park Hospital, 60 Township Line Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027, will host children & adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder on the First Tuesday of each month 7  8:30 p.m. Free, no childcare provided.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphias Kehillah of Old York Road is sponsoring a free Caregiver Support Group for individuals who care for an elderly person with cognitive and/or physical impairments. The group meets at SarahCare Adult Day Care Center, 101 Washington Lane, Suite G-6, Jenkintown, Pa., on the first Wednesday of each month. Patty Rich,
LEAP Global Partners launches its first early stage fund, LEAP Partners I



Invests in disruptive Latino-led companies: Listo and PayStand

PALO ALTO, Calif., July 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LEAP Global Partners announced the launch of its first early stage venture capital fund, LEAP Partners I. LEAPs mission is to develop, connect and invest in talented Latin American entrepreneurs working on impactful global solutions in the areas of finance, marketplaces, health, education, shared economy and media. The first fund, LEAP Partners I is a cross-border partnership with a strategic Limited Partner network that includes members of some of the most prominent family-owned enterprises in Mexico, as well as US investors, and will primarily focus on US Latino and Mexico based entrepreneurs.

We are excited to launch a first of its kind, cross-border venture capital fund seeking to invest in one of the largest untapped entrepreneur opportunities: the Latino entrepreneur, said Roman Leal, Managing General Partner of LEAP Partners I. Only one percent of all venture capital-backed companies is Latino-owned. Our hope is that our investment fund, strategic LP network and co-investment partners will serve as a catalyst for the next wave of global innovation by identifying, connecting and investing in the most talented entrepreneurs across the Americas.

In conjunction with the first close of its fund, LEAP announced its early stage investments in two disruptive Latino-led companies in California: Listo of San Jose and PayStand of Scotts Valley.

"LEAP has the unique opportunity to serve as a bridge between Latin America and US Latino-led startups, beginning with companies headquartered along the West Coast Technology corridor," said Giovanni Rodriguez, a Forbes contributor and advisor to startups and regional hubs that support them. "With investments in companies based in Silicon Valley, Scotts Valley, and with a pipeline of potential investments down the coast of California, LEAP is already beginning to light up that corridor while blazing a new path that others might follow."

Jeremy Almond, CEO of PayStand notes, one of the most compelling parts of working with the LEAP team is their focus on partnering with startups to help them grow beyond just a US. centric business. The partners at LEAP have the operating experience and the connections, to help startups lead the next wave of digital transformation across the Americas.

LEAP is ready to support the growth of the next generation of innovation through strategic partnerships and its cross-border network.

We are excited to collaborate with LEAP Global Partners in our journey to provide life changing financial services to the large underserved US Hispanic community, said Samuel Ulloa, Co-Founder of Listo. LEAPs cross-border network and strategic partnerships will help fuel Listos growth and enable us to reach and help millions of hardworking families across America.

About LEAP Global Partners

LEAP Global Partners is an early stage venture capital firm aimed at identifying and investing in the most impactful technologies created by the most talented entrepreneurs across the Americas. Through its in-house accelerator, LEAP Innovation Lab, LEAP accelerates its portfolio companies utilizing a range of tech, growth and professional services. Together, with the collaboration of strategic investors, enterprises and governments, LEAP maximizes returns for all partners & stakeholders. For more information, visit www.leapglobalpartners.com.

About Listo

Listo is a socially responsible consumer facing company that offers life changing financial services to the hard-working yet underserved Latinos in the US in a highly transparent and aspirational way. Listo leverages technology to empower the community with relevant and insightful information to help them make smarter decisions about their financial goals putting them on a path toward a healthier and brighter financial future. Listo is built by an immigrant team that had previously built a billion-dollar company, with domain expertise in financial services and the Latino communities in particular.

About PayStand

PayStand's mission is to use modern Internet, Blockchain, and SaaS technologies to transform B2B payments. PayStand's revolutionary "Payments as a Service" model creates a smart billing & payment network that can digitize receivables, automate processing, reduce time-to-cash, lower transaction costs, and enable new revenue. Enterprises from manufacturers and distributors, to software platforms and service providers use PayStands flexible platform to integrate digital payments into their websites, invoices, billing systems, mobile applications, and ERPs. For more information, visit www.paystand.com.

Disclaimer:

This press release is for information purposes only and is issued by LEAP Global Partners to members of the financial press and media and the information contained herein should not be construed as investment advice. This is not an offer or solicitation to sell securities of, or financial interests in, the Fund. Investment in the Fund is limited to a restricted pool of investors, namely Accredited Investors and others not requiring disclosure by prospectus as defined under applicable securities laws.

For more information, please contact Eva Carrillo at eva@leapglobalpartners.com or 628-236-9506.
July 06, 2017

The Undeniable Pattern Of Russian Hacking (Updated)

Updated below

A wide review of news sources finds an undeniable patter of international "Russian hacking" claims:

Many, if not all such accusation, are based on say-so by some anonymous "official" or self-promoting "expert".

Many, if not all such accusation, are rebutted within a few days or weeks.

News about any alleged "Russian hacking" is widely distributed and easy to find.

News of the debunking of such claims is reported only sparsely (if at all) and more difficult to retrieve.



Source: Jeff Darcy, Cleveland.com - bigger

Examples:

Ukraine

United States

Germany

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The undeniable patter of "Russian hacking" is that any claim thereof is likely not true and will be debunked in due time.

These remarks on the "Russian hacking" allegation in relation to the U.S. election are therefore quite appropriate:

President Trump again cast a skeptical eye on intelligence community assessments that Russia interfered with the 2016 presidential election, saying Thursday while on a visit to Poland that "nobody really knows for sure" what happened.

...

Trump also compared the intelligence about Russian interference with the faulty assessment that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction in 2002, which provided President Bush with a justification to go to war. "Guess what, they were wrong, and that led to one big mess," he said.

Update (June 7 3:00am Est):

To frame today's Trump-Putin talks at the G20 meeting in Hamburg (and to prove the above, timely post correct?) U.S. media issued three new story today implicating "Russian hacking". The stories are made up of rumors, fearmongering and of reports of banal phishing attempts on some administrative systems. While all three implicate Russia they naturally contain ZERO evidence to anything related to that country.

In the very likely case that the above described pattern of "Russian hacking" holds, all three stories will be debunked within the next few days or weeks.

Posted by b on July 6, 2017 at 13:35 UTC | Permalink

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Getting busted for crimes at Walmart in Morganton is a continuing trend. Find out who was charged June 1  28.

The following charges were served on Sunday, June 4:

 Chad Ashford Causby, 29, of 1880 Zion Road, in Morganton, was charged with felony larceny by destroying antitheft device. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $5,000 secured bond.

 Ashley Nichole Gienger, 22, of 620 Thomas Drive, in Newton, was charged with felony possession of methamphetamines and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $5,000 secured bond.

The following charges were served on Wednesday, June 7:

 Jennifer Nicole Steffey, 36, of 3640 Owens Mountain Ave., in Connelly Springs, was charged with misdemeanor larceny of property. She was cited and released. Her trial date was set for July 25.

 Michael James Chapman, 46, of 5334 Hayes Waters Road, in Morganton, was charged with felony larceny by destroying antitheft device. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $10,000 secured bond.

More Information Officer W.A. Miller with the Morganton Department of Public Safety was called to Walmart in response to a drone being stolen, according to a police report. Chapman had removed a drone from its box and stuffed it down the front of his pants, the report said. Miller located Chapman and asked if there was anything he should know about. Chapman replied, "a drone."

 Elisha Lynn Crump, 26, of 4787 McCall Town Road, in Granite Falls, was charged with misdemeanor larceny by trick and contributing to the delinquency of a minor and neglect. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $500 secured bond. Her trial date was set for June 27.

More Information H.K. Kania with the Morganton Department of Public Safety arrived at Walmart in response to a larceny. Crump had concealed merchandise and left without paying, according to a police report. She also handed items to her 9-year-old daughter and allowed her to conceal them in a small purse, the report said.

The following charges were served on Thursday, June 8:

 Chante Nicola A Davis, 28, of 3539 NC 181, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor larceny of property. She was cited and released. Her trial date was set for June 27.

 Brandon Jerel Ervin, 31, of 2657 NC 126, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor larceny of property and failure to appear or comply. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $3,000 secured bond. His trial date was set for July 25.

The following charges were served on Saturday, June 10:\

 Jamie Leighanne Suttlemyre, 21, of 640 W Concord St., in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor larceny of property. She was cited and released. Her trial date was set for July 25.

 Taylor Nicole Patton, 20, of 103 Ross St., in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor larceny by trick. She was cited and released. Her trial date was set for July 25.

The following charge was served on Monday, June 12:

 Samantha Danielle Norton, 24, of 1815 Conley Road, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor larceny of property. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $500 secured bond. Her trial date was set for June 27.

The following charge was served on Wednesday, June 14:

 Mandy Elisa Austin, 40, of 1530 Cube Drive, in Valdese, was charged with two counts of misdemeanor failure to appear or comply and one misdemeanor count each of larceny of property, possession of stolen goods, resist, delay or obstruct a public officer and possession of a schedule II, III, IV controlled substance. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $13,000 secured bond. Her trial date was set for July 25.

The following charges were served on Thursday, June 15:

 Clarence Hunter A Gallion, 21, of 112 Linville St., in Morganton, was charged with felony possession of methamphetamines and one misdemeanor count each of larceny of property, possession of stolen goods and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $10,500 secured bond.

 Chad Michael Reed, 40, of 2736 New Lane, in Morganton, was charged with felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance and one misdemeanor count each of larceny of property, possession of stolen goods and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $10,500 secured bond.

The following charges were served on Sunday, June 18:

 Carlos Roberto Alvardo, 19, of 517 W Fleming Drive, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor larceny of property. He was cited and released. His trial date was set for June 26.

 Ruben Polales, 18, of 517 W Fleming Drive, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor larceny of property. He was cited and released. His trial date was set for June 27.

The following charges were served on Tuesday, June 20:

 Dawn Renae Effler, 43, of 90 Kilgore Drive, in Marion, was charged with misdemeanor larceny of property. She was cited and released. Her trial date was set for July 31.

 Chelsey Ledford, 16, of 140 Falcon Crest, in Old Fort, was charged with misdemeanor larceny of property. She was cited and released. Her trial date was set for July 31.

 Natalie Ashton Effler, 19, of 90 Kilgore Drive, in Marion, was charged with misdemeanor larceny of property and possession of stolen goods. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $1,000 secured bond. Her trial date was set for July 31.

 Leonard Patrick Ramsey III, 22, of 56 Kilgore Drive, in Marion, was charged with misdemeanor larceny of property. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $1,000 secured bond. His trial date was set for July 31.

The following charges were served on Thursday, June 22:

 Barbara Ann Caldwell, 57, of 1683 Roy Caldwell St., in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor larceny of property. She was cited and released. Her trial date was set for July 25.

More Information Caldwell was arrested for stealing four steaks totaling $76.72

 Kyle Lee Isaac, 28, of 2277 US 70 W, 1, in Morganton, was charged with one count each of felony larceny of motor vehicle parts, felony possession of stolen goods and misdemeanor larceny of property. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $16,000 secured bond. His trial date was set for July 19.

 Phyllis Smith Solesby, 54, of 3976 Causby Drive, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor larceny of property. She was released on a written promise to appear for a trial date set for July 25.

 Rita Gale Hensley, 60, of 440 Walker Road, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor larceny by trick. She was cited and released. Her trial date was set for July 25.

 Rita Shay Hensley, 43, of 4444 Burkemont Road, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor larceny by trick. She was released on a written promise to appear for a trial date set for July 25.

The following charges were served on Friday, June 23:

 Consuelo Michelle Chambers, 42, of 2105 Us 70 E, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor larceny of property. She was cited and released. Her trial date was set for July 25.

 Alex Brian Carson, 31, of 408 Highridge Drive, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor larceny of property. He was cited and released. His trial date was set for July 25.

The following charge was served on Sunday, June 25:

 Rory Marshall Clark, 34, of Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor larceny of property and possessing stolen goods. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $1,000 secured bond. His trial date was set for July 25.
The Dames Chicken in Waffles in Greensboro, Big Ed's Chicken Pit in High Point and Slappy's Chicken in Winston-Salem are just a handful of chicken joints found on the Great Carolina Fried Chicken Map.

The map, produced by the creators of the Great NC Beer Map and Great NC BBQ Map, was announced today which, appropriately, is National Fried Chicken Day. It will be available in August.

North Carolina-based EDIA Maps will release the printed road map that details over 300 fried chicken dishes across North and South Carolina.

All the fried favorites are included, from biscuits and sandwiches, to chicken-and-waffles, Nashville-style hot chicken, Korean double-fried, smoked-fried, wings, and two styles that originated in the Carolinas  dipped chicken and Calabash chicken.

When we started this map, we really didnt expect to uncover fried chicken traditions that were unique to the Carolinas, said EDIA Maps co-owner and creative director Amanda Fisher. We understood that both North and South Carolina had long-established fried chicken traditions but what we didnt realize  and it seems that few people do  is that we have two fried chicken styles that started right here.

Dipped chicken is said to have been created in the 1940s in Salisbury. It is fried chicken dipped in a Piedmont, or Lexington-style, barbecue sauce.

Calabash chicken is a lightly-breaded method of battering much like the fried seafood of the coastal fishing village of Calabash.

The map includes restaurant addresses, phone numbers and hours. Each restaurant has a symbol identifying their most popular style of fried chicken.

The map also includes the history and culture of fried chicken.

Though it comes in map format, the depth of what we provide is really more like a guidebook, said Fisher. When we create a map, we go deep into the subject matter and synthesize all we learn to present it in an infographic style thats intuitive and easy to understand.

Maps will be available at ediamaps.com. Folded road maps are $9.99 and unfolded poster versions are $29.99.
NEBO  An upset bid was filed on Monday for Mountain Harbour Marina.

Zach and Kristy Stout of Alamo, California , filed an upset bid of $1,102,500 with the Burke County Clerk of Court. The deposit required was $55,125, according to the filing.

The latest bid upset the bid of JNH Properties, which bid $1.05 million on June 26 for the 4.45-acre marina. JNH Properties is a limited liability corporation of Debbie and Tim Newton, who list a Morganton address for the company, according to filings with the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State.

The marina is located at 9066 N . C . 126 in Nebo.

The latest bid will remain open for 10 days from Monday in the case of another upset bid. The end of the 10-day period is Thursday.

The next upset bid has to be for 5 percent more or $750, whichever is greater, according to court officials. That means the next upset bid, if there is one, would need to be $1,157,625, the court filing says.

The marina ended up on the auction block due to a foreclosure on the Deed of Trust of Farr Enterprises, according to the notice of foreclosure sale.

According to filings with the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State, Laura Aulgur is the president and registered agent of Farr Enterprises and John Aulgur is its secretary. The last filing from the corporation with the state was for 2015.

U.S. Bankruptcy Court documents say Farr Enterprises filed Chapter 11 in February 2010 but the filing was closed in October 2010 after a plan for payments over a five-year period was made. Farr Enterprises made all regular monthly payments until it came time to make a balloon payment, when foreclosure proceedings were initiated. A foreclosure sale date was set for July 5, 2016. A balloon payment of $295,842.31 was due to Reid and Patsy Scott, who held a promissory note and deed of trust, which was subordinate to a deed of trust to Morganton Federal Savings and Loan for $790,000, according to court documents.

Farr Enterprises, however, filed the current case of Chapter 11 on July 1, 2016 , to stop the sale and renegotiate the balloon payment, according to court documents.

The creditors are Morganton Federal Savings and Loan, Reid and Patsy Scott and the U.S. Small Business Administration, according to court records.

On May 11, Farr Enterprises filed its Chapter 11 plan, which included changing the terms of the balloon payment to Morganton Federal Savings and Loan for an additional 13 years at 6 percent interest; to adjust the balloon payment due to the Scotts for an additional 13 years at 5 percent interest; and to maintain monthly payments to the U.S. Small Business Administration on contract terms, according to court documents. The Scotts and Morganton Federal Savings rejected the plan.

The court prohibited Farr Enterprises from altering the plan of the first Chapter 11 with the second Chapter 11 filing, according to court documents. The court also dismissed Farr Enterprises case.

Sharon McBrayer is a staff writer and can be reached at smcbrayer@morganton.com or at 828-432-8946.
SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aerojet Rocketdyne, Inc., a subsidiary of Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AJRD), successfully conducted a series of hot-fire tests on a Power Processing Unit (PPU) for an Advanced Electric Propulsion System (AEPS) designed to advance the nations commercial space capabilities as well as support NASAs plans for deep space exploration. The tests were conducted at NASAs Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

The Power Processing Unit successfully demonstrated stable operation of the propulsion system and responded appropriately to all of our planned contingency scenarios, said Julie Van Kleeck, vice president of Advanced Space and Launch Programs and Strategy at Aerojet Rocketdyne. This is a critical step in providing advanced Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP), which is necessary for affordable cargo and logistics transportation in support of human missions to Mars.

Aerojet Rocketdyne has a long successful history designing and developing electric propulsion systems, and we look forward to maturing high power Hall systems for multiple applications, including NASA, defense and commercial missions, said Aerojet Rocketdynes CEO and President Eileen Drake. Congratulations to everyone involved in advancing this critical technology that will change the way humans explore space.

The tests were performed in conjunction with NASAs Technology Development Unit thruster and a Xenon Flow Control Unit. They are being conducted as part of a $65 million contract that NASA awarded Aerojet Rocketdyne in April 2016. Under the contract, Aerojet Rocketdyne will develop, qualify and deliver five 12.5 kilowatt Hall thruster subsystems, including thrusters, PPUs and xenon flow controllers. The AEPS Hall thrusters deliver twice the thrust when compared to Aerojet Rocketdynes state-of-the-art XR-5 Hall thrusters, which are presently used to deliver government and commercial satellites to their geosynchronous orbit. According to NASA, work performed under the contract could increase spacecraft transportation fuel efficiency by 10 times over current chemical propulsion technology.

Aerojet Rocketdyne is maturing the thruster system under development at Glenn with support from NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, to a flight system capable of 23,000 hours of life. This flight propulsion system will form the core of SEP vehicles that NASA can use for efficient transportation of habitats and cargo needed for human exploration of deep space destinations beyond low-Earth orbit.

Aerojet Rocketdyne received the contract from NASA as part of the Solar Electric Propulsion Technology Demonstration Mission, which is funded under the Space Technology Mission Directorate.

Aerojet Rocketdyne is an innovative company delivering solutions that create value for its customers in the aerospace and defense markets. The company is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader that provides propulsion and energetics to the space, missile defense and strategic systems, tactical systems and armaments areas, in support of domestic and international markets. Additional information about Aerojet Rocketdyne can be obtained by visiting our websites at www.Rocket.com and www.AerojetRocketdyne.com.
Younger investors are shunning stable income stocks in favour more volatile growth companies; taking on more risk relative to older investors, according to online trading platforms.

Utility stocks SSE (SSE) and Centrica (CNA) are among the top 20 FTSE 350 dividend paying stocks, each paying 6% yields, while National Grid (NG.) offers a 5.1% yield.

But despite these attractive income offerings, for investors between 30 to 45 years old, these stocks fail to make the cut.

Utility stocks are not proving popular with our younger investors. They seem to want stocks that are quite volatile. They like volatility so they can move and jump around  buying there and selling there. Thats why they like tech stocks and Bitcoin and they trade them frequently, said Jordan Hiscott, chief trader at ayondo markets, the online trading platform.

Separate data provided by The Share Centre painted a similar picture. Among investors aged 60 years and older, National Grid and United Utilities were among the top five most bought companies in the past six months. However, these two stocks did not appear on the most bought stocks list for younger investors at all.

Small Oil and Gas Stocks More Popular

Instead, over the past six months, the most bought companies among investors aged 18-59 years old were small natural resources exploration companies Sirius Minerals (SXX), 88 Energy (88E) and UK Oil & Gas Investments (UKOG), according to the Share Centre.

Looking at the more detailed breakdown by age, Sirius Minerals was the most bought stock in June among 18-25 year olds, and 26-40 year olds, followed by 88 Energy.

Data provided by investment platform Tilney also showed that Sirius Minerals is the second top stock bought by the 18 to 45 years old investors over the past month. A European oil and gas exploration company Sounds Energy (SOU) came fourth on the top five most bought lists at Tilney.

Helal Miah, investment research analyst at The Share Centre, said that these basic resources exploration companies potentially provide a very high and quick return to investors if these groups drilling projects succeeded.

Once these companies granted regulatory approval, their share prices sky-rocket. Any positive news from these companies can see a huge spike in share price, said Miah.

Sirius Minerals is a producer of multi-nutrient fertilisers. The company currently organised into one business division: the UK segment. The stock is up 57.6% year to date. Sirius Minerals have a more volatile share price  as seen last year that its shares came down 60% from the peak level at 45.5p in August last year to 18p in December. Despite the strength of the companys share price so far this year, the current level is still lower than the Augusts peak level.

Looking at blue-chip stocks, Ayondos Hiscott said pharma stocks GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and AstraZeneca (AZN) were popular among investors aged 30 to 45 years old, thanks to their attractive yields and the prospect of the next generation of drugs. GlaxoSmithKline pays a 4.9% yield while AstraZeneca pays a 3.9% yield, according to Morningstar data.

You are Never Too Old or Too Young for Lloyds Bank

Investors from different age groups may favour different sectors, but no matter your age, Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY) is the top traded company of the year. Data from The Share Centre showed that for investors between 41 to 59 years and above 60 years old, Lloyds is on top of the most bought companies list, while the bank was the most bought stock by 18-25 years old in March and May.

Miah said it was not too much of a surprise to see a stark contrast between investments made by experienced investors and their younger counterparts, particularly given that the investment objectives for both cohorts vary dramatically.

On one hand, you have a group of investors that are getting closer to their retirement age and are therefore hunting companies that will offer them the income they desire to ensure a comfortable life. Indeed, the years of experience theyve encountered means theyve been there and done that, for the use of better words, and are therefore aware of the gains and losses to be made, so a preference for tried and trusted companies is likely to be desired.

Contrastingly, we have a younger group of investors that are likely to be investing for their future and are perhaps yet to get a grip of risk versus reward. What is surprising to me is the fact that this group are opting for such high-risk companies with volatile histories and recovery stories.
Congress Considering Appraisals as Part of Housing Reform

CoreLogic, which maintains it employs "the largest panel of appraisers in the country," looked at the possibilities for regulatory changes to the industry in a recent article in its Insights blog. Stuart Pratt, CoreLogic's global head of Public Policy and Industry Relations says the issue of housing finance reform remains high on the congressional to-do list and, while not at the epicenter of the broader reform discussions, "Addressing the challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities facing the appraisal industry is a topic that is gaining greater levels of attention in the halls of Congress."

Members of both the House and Senate are looking at a diverse, but interconnected, series of appraisal issues which include ways to address localized shortages of appraisers, figuring how to strike a balance in appraisal independents, and debating the larger role of the federal government in industry regulation.

More specifically, Pratt expects the relevant congressional committees to debate the role of the federal government relative to state agencies when it comes to industry oversight and the creation of operating standards and how to make the independence of appraisers as mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act effective in protecting taxpayers, consumers and appraisers from the effects of undue influence. The reemergence of the discussion of appraisal independence, Pratt says, is timely given the new challenges facing the industry.

Some areas, both urban and rural, have supply and demand issues because of a net decrease in active appraisers. This can create service gaps and transaction delays in key markets. There is leadership from some groups, Pratt points to the Appraisal Foundation, in removing unnecessary barriers into the field and, he said, properly structured and implemented reforms could attract more young people into the profession.

Likewise, actions such as removing excessive and sometimes repetitive education requirements could entice military veterans "with unique skills sets" into appraising as a second career. A recent hearing by the House Veterans Affairs (VA) Committee focused on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' appraisal program. Pratt said this "highly constructive" hearing explored ways to leverage the VA network and its own appraisal program to address the service issues that are present in rural areas.

"It was encouraging to see Members of Congress discuss how to effectively balance people, processes, and technology to maximize service outcomes, while maintaining the integrity of accurate valuations. This type of smart modernization, incorporating industry-leading modeling, analytics, and consortium databases, will be critical in shaping the evolution of our nation's appraisal system," Pratt said.
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United Airlines workers forced a woman flying from Houston to Boston to give up her son's seat, even though she paid nearly $1,000 for it.

Instead, the airline gave the seat to another passenger who paid $75 for that particular seat and forced the woman to hold her 2-year-old son in her lap for approximately three hours.

DRAGGING INCIDENT: Physician who was dragged off flight settles with United

"Not a single airline employee on that flight asked me why I had a large child on my lap," Shirley Yamauchi of Kapolei, Hawaii told Chron.com. "I didn't feel safe or comfortable, but I really didn't have a choice."

Yamauchi said she took a seven-hour flight from Hawaii to Bush Intercontinental Airport. She then had a five-hour layover before boarding the plane bound for Boston on June 29. Yamauchi said she and her son boarded the flight and that workers scanned both their tickets with no problems.

After Yamauchi and her son took their assigned seats, a flight attendant came over and asked if she was the boy's mother. After saying yes, Yamauchi said the flight attendant left. Later, a man came over with a ticket that said he was now sitting in her son's seat. The man paid $75 for the seat, according to news station KITV 4 in Hawaii.

UNITED CONTROVERSY: Lawsuit against United Airlines filed by passenger shoved at IAH in Houston



"I told the flight attendant about our situation, but she shrugged and told me the flight was full," Yamauchi said. "I paid $969 for my son's ticket."

The Federal Aviation Administration says parent's arms "aren't capable of holding your child securely, especially during unexpected turbulence." The FAA recommends havinga child strapped into a seat for the duration of a flight.

United Airlines acknowledged that workers shouldn't have given the seat away to another passenger.

"On a recent flight from Houston to Boston, we inaccurately scanned the boarding pass of Ms. Yamauchi's son," United Airlines representatives said in a press release.

"As a result, her son's seat appeared to not be checked in, and staff released his seat to another customer and Ms. Yamauchi held her son for the flight. We deeply apologize to Ms. Yamauchi and her son for this experience. We are providing compensation as a goodwill gesture. We are also working with our employees to prevent this from ever happening again."

MUSICIAN VS. UNITED: United Airlines looking into Houston employee who allegedly 'attacked' musician

Once she landed, Yamauchi said she spoke with United Airlines customer service, who she said were rude to her. She said United Airlines workers directed her to other employees whenever she asked why her son's seat had been given up. At one point, Yamauchi said she was even directed to the baggage area.

When she called customer service on the phone, Yamauchi claims a United Airlines representative told her to wait until Thursday to file a complaint with an airline, since that's the day she's flying back to Hawaii. She said once she spoke with media outlets about the incident, United Airlines reached out to her.

"They sent me a very lengthy email after it hit Hawaii news stations," Yamauchi said.

She didn't disclose exactly what United offered her for the incident but she did say it wasn't satisfactory.

Yamauchi said she still plans to fly back on United Airlines to Hawaii, but still feels unsafe, especially after how the airline has treated customers in the past.

IMPROVING: United hopes to improve flight connections at Bush airport

On April 9, Dr. David Dao was forcibly removed from a United Express flight in Chicago heading for Louisville, Kentucky.

On July 21, 2015, Ronald Tigner alleges he was pushed to the ground by a United employee. He was 71 years old at the time. In another incident, classical musician Yennifer Correia claims a United employee in Houston attempted to "wrestle" a violin from her.
Thousands of youngsters in U.S. immigration custody are entitled to judicial hearings that could lead to their release, to either a parent or another adult, a federal appeals court ruled Wednesday.

The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco rejected the governments argument that laws passed after a 1997 lawsuit settlement gave a federal agency sole authority over the custody of unaccompanied minors who entered the country illegally. The court said the agency, the Office of Refugee Resettlement, keeps the youngsters locked up for months or even years without giving them an explanation for their confinement or a chance to dispute it.

The laws, passed in 2002 and 2008, sought to protect a uniquely vulnerable population by increasing their legal protection, Judge Stephen Reinhardt said in the 3-0 ruling. If Congress had intended to terminate the settlement agreement in whole or in part, it would have said so.

Nearly 60,000 unaccompanied minors, mostly from Central America, were taken into custody after crossing the border during the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. A lawyer for the youths in Wednesdays case said the aggressive immigration enforcement policies of President Trumps administration would only increase their need for legal protection.

Were going to see more children in custody for longer periods, said Holly Cooper, a UC Davis law professor and co-director of her schools Immigration Law Clinic. We need to provide judicial oversight for kids in immigration custody.

The hearing before an immigration judge would not entitle minors to release on bail, but instead to learn why they are being held and, with a lawyers help, to challenge the governments claim that they would pose a danger if released. If the judge finds no such danger, the Office of Refugee Resettlement must still determine whether they can be turned over to a parent or other responsible adult or agency.

Most of these kids have a suitable custodian, usually a parent, and the federal office would have little justification for keeping them locked up if they pose no danger, Cooper said.

The court said one immigrant, identified as Hector, was taken into custody in August 2015 at age 15 and sent to a juvenile detention facility in Yolo County while his mother in Los Angeles pleaded for his release. The federal office turned him over to her 16 months later without explanation, the court said. It also cited the case of a 9-year-old boy who was held for nearly a year and a half before being reunited with his parents in Texas.

The 1997 settlement that led to the laws at the center of Wednesdays case stemmed from a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles in 1985. As part of the settlement, the government agreed to minimum standards for the housing and treatment of noncitizens under age 18, including their right to a hearing before an immigration judge.

The 2002 and 2008 laws transferred supervision over the youths to the newly established Office of Refugee Resettlement. President Barack Obamas administration cut off the legal hearings in 2015, contending that the laws had voided the settlement.

Wednesdays ruling upheld a federal judges Jan. 20 decision, challenged by the Trump administration, that reaffirmed the settlement.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@egelko
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A Boerne man was sentenced to three years probation in the U.S. District Court in San Antonio Thursday for hacking into his former employer and shutting down the companys trading system.

Brian Neal Bond, 40, who had held a number of other tech jobs in the area, hacked into computers at Advisors Asset Management, a Colorado-based financial planning firm, according to court documents. He pleaded guilty in March to one count of computer intrusion and damage.

He paid his former employer more than $10,000 to compensate for its losses.

Bond had worked for the company in its facility in Boerne, Texas for several years as the facilitys information technology help desk manager, according to court documents.

He left the company in April 2015, but beginning in June 2015 and continuing to January 2016 he continued to access the companys computers  more than 100 times. Bond admitted to on January 12, 2016 shutting down the companys trading system, and deleting a file that was essential to the trading systems ability to operate, according to court documents.

When Bond filed a motion to dismiss in February, he claimed he was able to access to the computers because his password had never been restricted after he left the company.

Bond did not procure any personal or financial data from any entry, nor did he share any such information, according to the filing. He also did not realize or attempt to realize any profit from the access.

Bond was said to have left the company on good terms, according to court documents. He left AAM to work for a local office of Camber Corporation, a federal contractor that provides technical services to U.S. Courts, according to court documents.

He also had his own local company called Bond Computers, according to his LinkedIn profile. And he may have also spent time working for San Antonios Globalscape from May 2016 to February 2017, according to a copy of his resume uploaded to what appears to be a personal website. Bond declined to comment for this story.

Globalscape spokesman Mike Spinney said he could neither confirm nor deny whether Bond worked at the data services company.

He is a really good person, who made a bad decision, his lawyer Kevin Collins, told U.S District Judge Xavier Rodriguez. He added that Bond reached out to the company and apologized on his own before there was even an inkling of a criminal case.

Bond apologized Thursday to both the court and the company, and Collins said Bond is trying to do what he can today to provide for his four children and wife.

Hes had a long fall from grace, Collins said. He had good employment with very good pay; he now mows lawns.
Valero Energy Corp. is suing Pacific Gas and Electric for more than $75 million over a power outage that knocked out one of Valeros California refineries and led to regulatory sanctions for the San Antonio-based refiner.

The May 5 power outage took out the main and backup power provided by California-based PG&E to the 165,000-barrel-a-day refinery in Benicia, California, forcing the facility to burn or flare petrochemicals under emergency shutdown procedures, according to the June 30 lawsuit.

The sudden power outage put the refinerys employees and the neighboring community at risk of explosions, fires, and serious injury or death, Valero said in its lawsuit.

The acts and omissions of PG&E were deliberate, willful, oppressive, and malicious, inasmuch as they were made with deliberate indifference to these consequences for Valero, and thereby justify an award of exemplary or punitive damages, Valero said in the filing.

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District, a local regulatory agency, sanctioned Valero for six safety violations.

Under an agreement between Valero and PG&E, the refinery was to be given at least a weeks notice prior to a power outage to allow for proper shutdown of the equipment. The refinery resumed normal operations on June 5, a month after the power outage.

In an emailed statement PG&E spokeswoman Deanna Contreras said the safety of our customers, employees and the general public is always our top priority. We have engaged an outside, third party engineering firm to conduct a review of the 18-minute power outage on May 5. We continue to partner with Valero and the City of Benicia to prevent similar power disruptions.

An investigation into the flaring is ongoing said Lisa Fasano, a spokesperson for the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

The PG&E lawsuit that Valero has filed will have no bearing on what were doing, she said. Were still investigating, were still working with Valero, and (the lawsuit) will have no bearing on the investigation.

Valero spokeswoman Lillian Riojas said in a news release that PG&E has a responsibility to provide reliable power to all customers, especially to critical infrastructure such as refineries.

PG&E must take responsibility for the damages it caused to ensure reckless power outages with potentially significant consequences never happen again, she said.

rdruzin@express-news.net

@druz_journo
An armed-robbery suspect killed by a police officer after he pistol-whipped and gunned down a gas station clerk in an Antioch holdup was identified by authorities as a 42-year-old El Cerrito resident.

Zepp Crouchet was shot dead by an Antioch police officer on Monday about 8:30 p.m. after robbing and shooting a 57-year-old father of three working at the Valero gas station at 1801 Hillcrest Ave., police said.

A patrol officer saw the robbery taking place and tried to intervene, but the victim, Mohammad Jawad Ataie, had already been fatally shot, police said. The officer, whose name was not released, confronted Crouchet inside the gas stations mini market and discharged his firearm once, striking the suspect in the torso, police said.

Crouchet fled the scene on foot and was not initially found. He was found dead on Tuesday morning near his car on the 100 block of West 20th Street, nearly a mile and a half away from the gas station, police said.

Crouchet pistol-whipped and shot Ataie twice prior to the officer intervening, police said.

Ataie had been working at the gas station for the past five years, said Asad Noori, who owns the business.

He always had a smile, Noori said of Ataie.

Sahib Singh, 30, was working behind the counter at a 7-Eleven across the street from the Valero when Ataie was killed. From a window of the convenience store, Singh said he saw Crouchet running away slowly from the gas station as a police officer chased after him.

Singh said he then saw Crouchet climb a white-picket fence and fall into the yard of a house. He said the officer returned to the gas station to check on Ataie a short time later.

A GoFundMe account was set up Monday to help Ataies family with funeral costs. As of Thursday morning, 544 people had donated more than $36,500.

He was a hard worker, a relative said of Ataie, who asked that his name not be used. He was a loving, great husband.

The Contra Costa County district attorneys office is investigating the officer-involved shooting in keeping with protocol for such incidents.

Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani
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Is there anything as brutal as trying to tick off your 10,000th step of the day in Houston's scorching summer heat? It's enough to drive runners and weekend warriors inside, in search of an air-conditioned treadmill.

But a new study out of Austria found that you might not derive as many benefits from an indoor workout as you would from sweating outside.

The study, published this spring in the scientific journal PLOS One, tracked subjects who participated in outdoor hikes, and indoor treadmill walks, collecting feedback about how much they enjoyed the activity. Turns out, the participants had more positive feedback after the outdoor hikes.

While the outdoor hike was more strenuous than the treadmill activity, participants reported they felt the hike was less strenuous. As a result, participants said they enjoyed the outdoor activity more, and they recorded being in a better mood after the hike than the treadmill walks.

Why? Researchers think the sense of accomplishment, and positive attitudes associated with breathing in all that fresh air have a lot to do with it.

This is important, the researchers say, because people are more likely to keep up with a workout they enjoy than one that feels tedious.

The researchers explain, "From a public-health oriented perspective with increasing obesity rates, it is essential for health professionals to recommend efficient and pleasant forms of physical activity. According to the hedonic theory people choose and maintain forms of physical activity they enjoy."

Sounds lovely. But it's not so easy to find an outdoor workout in Houston that will keep you coming back through the peak of summer, right? That's why we've put together this list of fun outdoor activities that will keep your mind off the heat while you burn calories. Enjoy:

1. Kayak the bayou. Yeah, that's a thing now. You'll get a great upper body workout during a kayak session. And if it gets too hot, you can always splash yourself with some water for a little cool down. Read more here.

2. Ride a B-Cycle. You don't need to own a bike to get a good cardio workout riding through the city's winding trails. Just rent one of the hundreds of B-Cycles posted throughout town for a couple hours, and enjoy the wind on your face. Read more here.



3. Stand-Up-Paddleboard Yoga. Just imagine: Outdoor yoga where falling is half the fun. Like kayaking, this offers a chance to cool off with a few splashes of water when things get too steamy. And there are plenty of places popping up all over the area with SUP Yoga options. Read more here.

4. Run through Hermann Park. We're not saying you should attempt this in midday, but if you can squeeze an outdoor run into your schedule in the wee hours of morning, or just around twilight, you'll find it's not a total no-go during the summer months.

5. Outdoor volleyball. Houston's been seeing a surge in places to play volleyball lately. And while it can get hot and sticky, the new volleyball bars opening up around town will offer you a chance to cool down with a cold one. Plus, the researchers say it's important to have fun -- and who doesn't love hanging out with friends? Read more here.
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Days after a San Antonio police officer was killed and another hospitalized in a shootout near downtown, two young girls are helping restore morale for the men and women in uniform.

"This kid doesn't know it, but she made my night," said SAPD Officer Cliff Burns on Facebook of a touching impromptu interaction Monday.

Burns posted a photo of him standing back-to-back with a young girl who he said ran up to him for a quick photo-op July 3.

"She came sprinting up when she saw my car at a Valero and she was so happy to see a police officer," he said. "She wants to be one when she grows up. She was curios, energetic and sweet."

"Thinks have been kind of dark around here lately. I really needed this," Burns said in the post.

RELATED: SAPD stunned by recent officer slayings: 'It seems like we just went through this'

Over in the downtown area on Wednesday, a woman captured a tender moment between her granddaughter Paige and eight SAPD officers.

Martha Bosquez was not immediately available to return requests for comment, but explained the scene at the Luby's location in the 900 block of N. Main.

"[...] she walks up to the table and ask them 'May I pray for you to be safe & so that God may take care of y'all,'" the post reads. "I must say that every one of them bowed their head when they got done eating."

Bosquez added that one of the officers thanked the family.

Reactions to Bosquez's post were entirely positive, including one woman who said: "I bet they really need that right now."

On June 29, Officers Miguel Moreno and Julio Cavazos were on patrol near San Antonio College when they went to approach a man in the area. When they stepped out of their patrol vehicle, Andrew C. Bice, 34, opened fire on the officers, striking Moreno in the head and Cavazos in the chest.

Moreno succumbed to his injuries June 30 and Cavazos was released from the hospital Tuesday.

Moreno is the second San Antonio police officer to be killed in the line of duty within eight months. Det. Benjamin Marconi was shot and killed in November 2016 while issuing a traffic citation, the first officer to be killed in the line of duty since December 2013.

For the San Antonio Police Department, the week following Moreno's death has felt all too familiar.

RELATED: 'Last night, there was no laughing': SAPD officer describes grim mood at roll call after shooting

"It seems like we just went through this and now we're doing it again," said Sgt. Jesse Salame, a spokesman for SAPD.

On Facebook, users loved Burns' photo. One commenter said they hoped the girl would follow her dreams.

"So glad she was able to shine some light and bring a smile to your face during this time," they said.

The post has more than 4,000 likes and dozens of comments.

"Children bring out the best in all of us and their honest, curiosity and happiness are to be admired! It's the small things in life," reads a post on the San Antonio Police Department Facebook page.

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @kbrad5
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STAMFORD  The mayors office has complied a list of some 130 roads it says are a top priority for paving over the next two years, the only time David Martin has released an inventory of deteriorating streets during his time in office.

Whether the city can afford to fix the roads is a separate issue. Martin told the Board of Finance last week it could cost up to $20 million, while the city has set aside only $3.5 million for road repairs in the fiscal year that started this month.

The list came out of a $144,000 citywide survey launched last year to identify Stamfords worst roads. Among them are sections of Broad Street, Greenwich Avenue and Atlantic Street, which are the citys highest priority for repaving in the coming months.

The mayor has said he inherited a flawed system from previous administrations for determining which city streets most need repairs.

Whoever complained the loudest got paving and usually it was in a neighborhood dead-end street, he said. It usually wasnt the worst road in the city and it rarely had any volume on it.

Residents have long complained of potholes and uneven pavement throughout nearly 350 miles of city roads. Stamford also has nearly 50 miles of state roads  including Long Ridge and High Ridge roads, Washington Boulevard, the Merritt Parkway and Interstate-95  that are maintained by the state Department of Transportation.

The mayor offices declined to release the full list to the Advocate this week, saying it wasnt final. Martins spokeswoman, Elizabeth Carlson, said it would be shared next week.

This is all a continuous process, Martin said. There is a lot of technical work that has to be done and we dont have anyone in the city capable of doing that technical work except me, so I end up doing a lot of it.

Carlson said the mayors office would consider eventually putting the list online, but does not have plans to do so now.

A hot-button issue, paving has become part of the upcoming mayoral race in which Martin is seeking re-election. Martins Republican challenger, Barry Michelson, was at the Board of Finance meeting where Martin spoke last Thursday.

Martin, a Democrat, has had more than three years to address horrific road conditions, Michelson said in a statement sent this week.

The people of Stamford have suffered through crumbling infrastructure for years, he said. We experience pothole after pothole and many know all too well the trials of repairing or replacing a tire as a result.

Martin told the board  in a presentation he will also make to city representatives  that the highway department has turned its focus to lasting fixes.

Besides an ineffective system for identifying bad roads, the method the city used previously to patch potholes made it so that they had to be fixed an average of 2.2 times, Martin said. The city dumped cold asphalt patching for more effective hot patching.

With the hot stuff, which is very hot  its about 350 degrees  and using a machine versus a 50-pound hand roller, its much better at compacting, much better at bonding to the street, and we have very limited call backs to holes anymore, traffic and road maintenance supervisor Thomas Turk said.

Highway crews recently paved Westover Road, Roxbury Road, Janes Lane, Rock Rimmon Road and Mayapple Road with combinations of milling, paving, micro-sealing and hot patching.

Next up for paving, according to Martin, are parts of Shippan Avenue, Atlantic Street, Bedford Street, Forest Street, Haig Avenue, Summer Street and West Broad Street, for a total of $2.5 million.

Despite the citys poor track record, Martin blames up to 80 percent of road problems on shoddy road cuts by utility companies, which board members disputed.

There are bad conditions on roads that have had no utility work done, Board of Finance Vice Chairwoman Mary Lou Rinaldi said. That is some of it, but not all of it.

Martin plans to ask the Board of Finance for a $2.5 million appropriation, in addition to the $3.5 million already in this years budget, for paving projects. The highway department will have spent its entire 2017-18 allocation by the end of the summer, Martin said.

Its going to cost a lot more than the $3.5 million thats in the budget right now, he said. We have allocated all of the funds and were out of money at this point.
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You know the old sayings of the PR and media biz about just spell the name right, or the variation, bad publicity is better than no publicity.

Surely Vince and Linda McMahon (the latter is now head of the Small Business Administration in President Donald Trumps administration) are longtime practitioners of these black arts. They know how to let highbrow disdain roll off their thickened skin like a SmackDown beef hunk flung out of the ring.

So when Trump uses a doctored-up, 10-year-old WWE video  Battle of the Billionaires, no less  to express disdain for CNN, dont expect the McMahons to get all defensive and outraged.

Trumps Sunday retweet of a Reddit message-board video was the talk of the news and internet. It showed Trump simulating a take-down and punch-out of WWE CEO Vince McMahon, only in the altered version a box with CNN takes the place of McMahons head. At the end an imitation CNN logo appears  FNN, Fraud News Network.

The tweet, part of Trumps continuing war on the media over its coverage of his presidency, evoked outrage and worry that it would incite violence against journalists. But one Trump defender, homeland security adviser Tom Bossert, said: No one would perceive that as a threat; I hope they dont.

Neither of the McMahons had anything to say about it. An email and call to the Stamford headquarters of WWE went unanswered. An inquiry with the office of Linda McMahon at the SBA was met with a curt SBA declines to comment.

About the only WWE-related person who had anything to offer was former wrestler Jerry The King Lawler, one of the voices on the original video. In a tweet, he said it was pretty cool to be part of the presidents salvo at CNN.

Some WWE fans replied that while they admire The King, inciting violence on the media by a sitting United States president is not only deplorable  its just wrong, as one tweeter put it.

A call for oversight

If youre a Trump true-believer, you may not realize how many unbelievers think the president of the United States is, well, more than a bit psychologically challenged.

One of them, U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., (full disclosure: Congressman representing the area where I live outside D.C.) came up with the idea to form an 11-member oversight commission, whose job it would be to determine if the president is physically and mentally capable of holding office under the Constitutions 25th Amendment.

As a legislative proposal, its not going anywhere. But although it has earned Raskin a spate of cable-news channel appearances, one wonders how much support it really has among Democrats on Capitol Hill.

One fellow Democratic rep who is definitely not enthusiastic is Rep. Jim Himes. Hes no wallflower when it comes to criticizing Trump, goodness knows.

But in the grand scheme of things, questioning the presidents sanity is pretty much a non-starter, he said.

Donald Trump is a symptom of a problem, Himes said. Donald Trump only gets elected because we Democrats have stopped speaking compellingly to broad swaths of the country.

Rightly or wrongly, the heartland voters who swung the election to Trump are worried about jobs and how theyre going to educate their kids, Himes said.

Theyre not super-focused on the 25th Amendment or the emoluments clause, which Sen. Richard Blumenthal has used as the basis for a lawsuit challenging Trumps business enterprises deriving income from foreign governments while he occupies the White House. Himes signed on to the lawsuit when Blumenthal filed it last month.

When you bring up Russia, the emoluments clause or impeachment, they roll their eyes, Himes said.

I think the president is in violation of the emoluments clause, he said, but me talking about that isnt going to help us win House seats in Ohio in 2018.

Tragedy inspires scholarship fund

The anniversaries of the stabbing death of Kevin Sutherland in the D.C. Metro system dont get any easier for his parents, Doug and Theresa Sutherland, of Trumbull

Kevin, 24, was killed on July 4, 2015, by a mentally unstable assailant trying to rob him of his cellphone. He had been on his way to Union Station to meet friends for a drive up to Philadelphia.

There are few positives that can offset such a horrendous loss. But the Sutherlands say they are gratified by the public response to the Kevin Joseph Sutherland Memorial Fund, which provides scholarships for students at American Universitys School of Public Affairs. (AU was Kevin Sutherlands alma mater.)

Now Kevin Sutherlands last employer, New Blue Interactive in D.C., has established a Kevin Sutherland Internship Fund. It aims to give financial assistance to AU students who mostly serve in unpaid internships on Capitol Hill and elsewhere in Washington.

Such internships can be difficult for students of limited family means  one of Kevins pet peeves, as his father, Doug Sutherland, put it.

The new fund is halfway to the $50,000 investment level, after which awards can be drawn from investment earnings.

Information on both funds can be found at bit.ly/HonoringKevin.

dan@hearstdc.com
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DANBURY  A nanny accused of abusing three small children in her care pleaded guilty to some two dozen charges Thursday as her case was headed to trial.

More than two years after authorities said she burned a three-year-olds hand and leg on a hot stove, lifted one child by the hair and trapped another in a toy box, the case against Lidia Quilligana, 32, was set to go to trial in State Superior Court in Danbury.

But as court officials were preparing to hear evidence in the case, Quilliganas attorney and prosecutors began negotiating a plea deal. Prosecutors agreed to reduce a first-degree assault charge, which would have carried a 10-year minimum sentence, to a lesser charge in exchange for Quilliganas pleading guilty to all other charges and throwing herself on the mercy of the court.

The nanny, who gave birth to her third child in December while in jail, pleaded guilty to 24 counts of risk of injury to a minor, a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and one count of the reduced charge, second-degree assault, which carries a term of up to five years in prison.

Her sentence will be determined by Judge Kevin Russo and delivered August 22.

Quilligana pleaded to at least half of the counts under the Alford Doctrine, which means that she refutes some of the facts of the case but recognizes that the state has enough evidence for a conviction.

Painful video evidence

Quilligana was arrested in March 2015 after the childrens mother discovered the abuse on footage from four video cameras that had been placed around the house. Court documents show that the mother had installed the cameras after she discovered bruises on the children.

Assistant States Attorney Warren Murray outlined the abuse that the children, including twin one-year-olds, suffered under Quilliganas care. The twins, he said, on several occasions where slapped in the face and pushed to the ground.

Murray said one video shows Quilligana holding the three-year-old childs hand to a hot burner on the stove for more than five seconds, and another shows the nanny picking up the girl and forcing her leg onto the hot stove as the girl screamed and struggled to get away.

She then hurled the child head-first into the ground, Murray said.

He also said the three-year-old, who suffered most of the nannys abuse, likely suffered from hypothermia after a morning bath.

While the bath itself was not visible in the video, the prosecutor said the girl was unable to walk and was staggering through the room when the nanny was done giving her a bath. The girl was shivering severely for more than a half hour and was unable to stand  clear indications, Warren said, that hypothermia had set in.

Besides punching and kicking the children, sometimes in the face, the nanny also forced the three-year-old girl to lick scraps of food that had fallen onto the chair, much like a dog, Murray said, adding that there were also incidents where the girl would be dragged through the house or picked up by her hair. One video showed the nanny spinning the girl around in the air, held only by her hair.

The prosecutor said the video also showed the nanny trapping the three-year-old into a toy chest for nearly a half hour while she sat on top of the box. At one point, the prosecutor said, she opened the box to punch the child in the face only to close it again.

Murray said later in the abuse, the nanny stuck a hot spoon into the girls mouth, and despite the obvious signs of pain on her face, the girl was completely submissive during the event.

Outside support

More than a dozen members of the Bikers Against Child Abuse Connecticut chapter appeared at the hearing and sat in the courtroom in support of the victim and her family.

No child should live in fear, read the slogan on the groups jackets.

While family members of the victim declined to comment, a friend of the family noted that the children continue to struggle from the abuse. The friend added that the family is raising $25,000 for a therapy dog for the children through a GoFundMe page.

Quilligana, who is being held on a $1 million bond, will be sentenced on the charges when she is scheduled to return to court on Aug. 22. Murray asked that as part of the deal, Judge Kevin Russo is being asked to review the video prior to handing down his sentence.

dperrefort@newstimes.com
Two-Houston area congressmen toured their Gulf Coast districts by helicopter Thursday afternoon to better understand efforts at building the so-called Ike Dike coastal barrier, and pledged their ongoing support in Congress for the project.

Repbulican congressmen Randy Weber and Brian Babin pointed to issues that extend beyond the Gulf Coast, including national security and the economy, in their statement of support for the project.
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Sgt. Franklin Patterson smiled out of the car window as he and his family led the 49th annual Forest Cove Independence Day Parade on Tuesday, July 4.

He is nearly 96 years old and a World War II veteran.

Patterson, a Forest Cove resident, is known as an American hero to others in his community.

Forest Cove resident Vizi Caldwell feels it's important to continue honoring veterans like Patterson.

"The fact that there are so few WWII vets left makes it important that we recognize them in some way," said Vizi Caldwell.

Patterson is a veteran of D-Day on June 6, 1944, also known as the Normandy landings.

He was a part of the 12th Infantry whose heroism at Luxembourg during the Battle of the Bulge merited the Presidential Unit Citation for valor in action.

The unit, under the leadership of Col. Russell Reeder, led the Utah Beach assault landing. They also aided in ending Operation Luttich in August 1944.

In all, his regiment braved five campaigns in Europe during World War II.

The night before the parade, Vizi Caldwell and her husband Sam Caldwell helped decorate the Pattersons' car.

Sam Caldwell stressed the significant impact people like Patterson have had on the United States, saying that if it were not for veterans, the nation might be very different than it is today.

After the parade, family and friends enjoyed food and live patriotic music.

The annual Forest Cove Independence Day Celebration is a community effort and a tradition for several Forest Cove and Kingwood area residents.
JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. - Her day begins following a man on a red motorcycle as he bumps down a rutted road past palm trees and cement block houses. An assault rifle is slung across his back.

While her partner stares at the video feed from an armed Air Force drone, Courtney, 29, a staff sergeant and intelligence analyst, fires off questions and compiles a running narrative.

"What's the driver wearing?" she asks, keeping one eye on the action as she types.

"Black Western wear," says Aaron, 20, the airman assisting her.

The motorcycle driver is speeding through Qaim, an Islamic State-controlled city in western Iraq, where the midday sun has driven temperatures over 100 degrees.

Courtney is sitting in a chilly cubicle, where purplish-pink overhead lights, designed to make the video stand out, give the room a feeling of perpetual dusk. It's the start of another shift at this base outside Hampton, Virginia, on a recent morning in mid-June.

For more than three years, this has been Courtney's war - 10 hours a day, four days a week, thousands upon thousands of hours of live video footage from Iraq and Syria.

It is an existence characterized by long stretches of boredom and grim flashes of action as she helps guide pilots' decisions on when to shoot and watches the last seconds of another person's life. The Air Force allowed a Washington Post reporter to spend a day with a team of its analysts - the first time a journalist was allowed to spend a full shift watching their secret work - on the condition that their last names were withheld for security reasons.

With President Donald Trump likely to send thousands more troops to Afghanistan and maintain a military presence in Iraq indefinitely, some airmen will spend most of their careers immersed in the war zone, watching an ever-expanding flood of live video. Trump's proposed defense budget would continue the rapid growth in worldwide drone missions. The Air Force is on pace to fly as many as 70 missions a day next year, up from fewer than 15 missions a day a decade ago

"Our airmen never get to unplug," said Lt. Col. Alison Kamataris, the deputy commander of the 497th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group here.

Infantrymen typically serve nine- to 12-month combat tours; pilots deploy for four months. Even U.S.-based drone pilots rotate off war duty every three or four years.

"We don't have the same ability to give breaks to train or innovate," Kamataris said of her analysts.

Air Force officials are just beginning to grapple with the long-term effects of this life. For now, they mostly have questions: How long before the intensity of the troops' war zone experience begins to overwhelm the relative quiet of their lives off-base? Can repeated exposure to remote killing over a long career lead to moral exhaustion? What should Air Force officials do to rebuild boundaries between the war zone and home - "combat and the cul-de-sac," in the lingo of the modern Air Force - that technology has obliterated?

Courtney, meanwhile, has more immediate concerns. On this morning, she is both watching life in a distant city and waiting to see whether her name is on a list, due to be released in about an hour, of airmen selected to go to officer training school. The promotion would free her from the daily grind of the video feed and give her broader responsibilities overseeing airmen and positioning Air Force intelligence assets on the battlefield.

A few cubicles away, her fellow airmen, anticipating good news, have bought a celebratory cake. "It's going to be a sad cake or a happy cake," she says. "Either way, we're having cake."

Courtney was working as a paralegal at a law firm near her home town in Louisiana and weighing law school when she first applied to be an Air Force officer. The Air Force had seemed like a chance to serve and see the world.

When she wasn't selected for officer training in 2013, she decided to enlist as an intelligence analyst, a job that would put her quickly into the fight. Unlike most enlistees, she has a college degree.

Courtney is the first link in a chain that runs from her base in Virginia to the air operations center in Qatar to the drone pilots scattered across the United States. The targets are chosen by commanders who rely on voice intercepts, satellites, human intelligence, high-altitude surveillance planes and the analysis of people such as Courtney.

Only a few months into her work here, she was looking for a gathering of Islamic State fighters in northern Iraq. She found their trucks parked in the desert and, as the drone's camera panned, spotted the fighters who were firing their weapons into a mass of about 50 unarmed men, packed shoulder to shoulder in a ditch.

The fighters rumbled past two more mass graves before coming to a stop on the side of the highway. Courtney scanned the area for women and children. There were none, so the Air Force planes let loose.

Courtney's next job was to tally the dead. "I hadn't witnessed anything that gruesome before," she says. "It was shocking." She stayed after work to talk with Air Force mental- health counselors. The next day she was back behind the screen.

The toughest part of the job, she says, has been forgetting about it when she goes home and not second-guessing decisions. "We're at war," she says. "We don't experience bullets flying, but our decisions have direct impacts on people's lives."

Analysts such as Courtney typically take part in strikes or witness acts of killing every two to three weeks. In between, they spend hours upon hours watching scenes of everyday life unfold on their screens: children playing, women shopping, men gathering for evening prayers.

Now Courtney and her partner are orbiting a crossing over the Euphrates River, moving from Iraq into Syria.

"On the south side of the river there's a ferry carrying a white truck and two adult males," Aaron says. "It looks like there's also a motorcycle on board."

"Yeah, it's a motorcycle," Courtney says, leaning in for a better look.

Neither she nor Aaron can make out any weapons, which suggests it's just another scene of everyday life inIslamic State territory.

She checks her watch and notices it's a few minutes before 10 a.m., when the list of airmen selected for officer training is due to be released online.

Another airman takes her place behind the video screen. Courtney slides her chair a few feet to her left and logs onto the Air Force personnel website. A banner at the top of the screen reads: "Active FY17 Officer Selection Board Updates!" But the names have yet to post.

"A lesson in patience," she says, drumming her fingers on the desk.

She refreshes the page a few more times. Nothing.

Courtney's colleague watches as the drone moves from the river crossing to a suspected Islamic State "operations center," which on the screen looks like almost every other blocky, cement house in eastern Syria. A woman in a black abaya glides past, trailed by a child.

Courtney, still waiting, pops her knuckles and refreshes the screen. "Oh, goodness gracious," she whispers under her breath.

Eventually, another airman who has also applied for an officer slot tells her to type PSDM, short for "personnel services delivery memorandum," into the website's search bar.

It takes only a few seconds for Courtney to scan the list and realize she's not among the airmen who were selected. She looks to see whether any other intelligence analysts were picked and texts her disappointing news to a friend: "No cigar. Only 63 selected."

A deep breath, and then she's back to the drone feed.

"There's a child in the alley to the south of the building," Aaron is saying.

"What?" Courtney asks, an edge of sadness and frustration in her voice.

For the next few hours, the pace is unrelenting. They orbit a warehouse complex, another Islamic State "operations center," an enemy checkpoint. They follow a truck, a motorcycle and then another truck.

Courtney's immediate supervisor, a tech sergeant, approaches her cubicle and asks gingerly about the officer list.

"Sorry," he says.

"Don't be," she replies, her eyes fixed on the screen. "That makes nobody feel better."

"You'll make it next time," he offers.

Courtney's job is to watch the video feed and make judgments: Are the people on the screen civilians or enemies? Do they pose a threat to U.S. troops or allies? Does it make more sense to shoot now, or wait and see where they go or what they do?

To mitigate civilian casualties she keeps a tally of men, women and children in the area. She makes note of anyone who crosses her screen.

"One previously unobserved adult male pushed a wheelbarrow on the south side of the target building," Courtney writes while observing a suspected Islamic State drone factory. "He took a box - already present in the wheelbarrow - into the building."

She types her observations in a chat room that is monitored by dozens of U.S. military and intelligence officials around the world, where even the smallest details can have life-or-death consequences. After U.S. and coalition airstrikes last September mistakenly killed 62 Syrian troops, a military investigation honed in on communications among the pilots, commanders and the analysts, who had doubts about the target.

"A single word made the difference between shooting and not shooting," said an Air Force intelligence officer who oversees operations at the base here.

To sharpen the analysts' vigilance, the Air Force is experimenting with different lighting schemes. And to help with stress, particularly after strikes that result in civilian casualties, a psychiatrist and mental-health counselor have been assigned full-time to the operations floor.

"Our suicide and suicidal ideation rates were way higher than the Air Force average; they were even higher than for those people who had deployed," said Col. Jason Brown, commander of the 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing. "Something had to be done."

The suicide rates in the small community have fallen with the introduction of the mental- health teams, Brown said. The stressors, though, haven't diminished. In the past three years, Air Force officials said there has been a tenfold increase in weapons expended on the battlefield. The heavier fighting has meant more scenes of carnage on the feed.

In some instances, the demands of urban combat and a more aggressive approach to the war have meant taking shots even when analysts determine civilians are present. The number of allowable civilian casualties can vary with the importance of the target.

"For us, it can be kind of demoralizing," says Christopher, a tech sergeant and Courtney's immediate supervisor on this day. "We're aware of civilians," he says, but the analysts don't set the limits for pilots. "We can't tell them, 'This is your cutoff,' " Christopher says.

"We're shifting," Courtney says as her drone heads for what she is told is a suspected Islamic State war "spoils camp."

"That's an interesting name," says Aaron, who assumes it's a place where the Islamic State stashes captured loot.

Night has fallen in the desert, and the men at the camp are stretched out on mats under the stars.

"Was that a cigarette he just tossed?" Aaron asks, pointing to one of the men on the screen.

"Yeah," Courtney says. "This doesn't really seem nefarious."

In fact, it looks like a typical Bedouin campsite. Camels lope across the screen. No one appears to be armed.

Courtney's squadron commander pulls her aside to offer her some words of encouragement on becoming an officer.

"The service didn't see fit this time," he says. "But it doesn't mean no. It just means not right now."

She walks back to her cubicle, passing people eating her celebration cake. A few minutes later she's back at the screen, transiting to the next location in her target deck: an Islamic State safe house. She studies the cluster of buildings, the curve of the road and the placement of the satellite dishes on the roofs.

"Hey, I've been here before," she says. "I just recognized it."

"It's like driving through your home town," Aaron replies. "You get familiar."

Courtney watches a man shoo a dog and children at play. Her relief arrives and boots up his computer a few minutes before 4 p.m.

"Your eyes are free," he tells her.

She stands up and stretches.

Her first call when she leaves the building is to her parents to let them know she wasn't selected for officer training. Early the next morning, she's back in her chair, back in the war, floating somewhere over Syria.
TOKYO - The U.S. government's confirmation that the missile North Korea fired Tuesday was an intercontinental ballistic missile has suddenly made the prospect of a North Korean ICBM flying through the sky over Japan and toward the United States a more realistic possibility. Although security-related legislation that came into force in March 2016 made it legally possible for Japan to intercept such a missile, such an operation can only be conducted under strict conditions, and high technological barriers also remain.

The legislation incorporates three new conditions on the use of force set forth by a Cabinet decision in July 2014 to reflect a change in the interpretation of the Constitution. These conditions are: an armed attack occurs and threatens Japan's survival; there are no other appropriate means to protect Japan's people; and use of force is restricted to the minimum necessary. Only if these three conditions are met would Japan be able to use force and shoot down a ballistic missile heading toward the United States.
A group of 19 state attorneys general are suing Education Secretary Betsy DeVos for delaying an overhaul of rules to erase the federal student debt of borrowers defrauded by colleges.

"With no notice, with no opportunity for comment  the DeVos team is trying to cancel this rule," Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, who is leading the lawsuit, said on a call with reporters Thursday. "It is important that we take action where we see activity by the federal government, Secretary DeVos and the Department of Education, that is unsustainable, unfair and illegal."

The complaint, filed in U.S. District Court on Thursday, accuses the Education Department, which did not immediately respond to requests for comment, of violating federal law by halting updates to a regulation known as the borrower defense to repayment. The rule, which dates to the 1990s, wipes away federal loans for students whose colleges used illegal or deceptive tactics to get them to borrow money to attend. The Obama administration revised it last year to simplify the claims process and shift more of the cost of discharging loans onto schools.

Before the changes could take effect July 1, DeVos suspended them last month and said she would convene a new rulemaking committee to rewrite the borrower defense regulation, reviving a process that took nearly two years to complete. Proponents of the revised rule were livid that DeVos made a unilateral decision without soliciting or receiving input from stakeholders or public.

Photo for The Washington Post by Sarah L. Voisin

DeVos said the delay was necessary as the department fought a federal lawsuit by a group of for-profit colleges in California seeking to block the rules. State attorneys general, including those from Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., argue in their lawsuit that the case is "a mere pretext for repealing the rule and replacing it with a new rule that will remove or dilute students rights and protections." Many of those same attorneys were involved in a motion last month to intervene in the California lawsuit to prevent the rules from being blocked.

The secretary also said the Obama administration created "a muddled process that's unfair to students and schools, and puts taxpayers on the hook for significant costs." But consumer advocates and liberal lawmakers contend that the changes achieve exactly the opposite by speeding up loan discharges and having colleges foot more of the bill.

To limit financial risk to taxpayers, the new rules expand the conditions under which colleges have to get a letter of credit from a bank assuring the availability of at least 10 percent of the total amount of federal financial aid funds it receives. Among the circumstances that would trigger a letter are lawsuits filed by federal agencies, defaults on debt obligations and enforcement action taken by an accreditation agency.

"For almost two years, we worked with other state AGs, schools, lenders, the department, a variety of stakeholders to come up with a rule that would protect students and ensure that schools and taxpayers would be treated fairly," Healey said.

The financial obligation and complexities of the new regulations created consternation among some colleges and universities. In announcing the rule delay, DeVos said she was trying to provide "clear, fair and balanced rules."

The secretary said the suspension will have no impact on the tens of thousands of pending claims because the old regulation remains on the books, but state attorneys general say the existing statute doesn't go far enough to protect students.

The first set of changes that were supposed to take effect this month would have, for instance, limit the ability of schools to require students to sign mandatory arbitration agreement and class action waivers that are commonly used by for-profit colleges to thwart legal action by students. That stipulation in the new rules was the basis of the California lawsuit.

"It's important that students have their day in court," Healey said. "All aspects of this rule are important and I'm concerned about any action to undermine or strip any of what's in the borrower rule."

Few people used the defense until 2014, when the collapse of for-profit giant Corinthian Colleges ushered in a deluge of claims at the Education Department. That forced the agency to fix the system and create a new standard to judge appeals for debt relief.

DeVos's critics say that by delaying the borrower defense changes, she has handed a victory to for-profit colleges and Republican lawmakers that have fought against the rules for years. They say she is showing a clear bias in favor of for-profit schools with the delay and the decision Friday to halt a component of the gainful employment rule.

That regulation threatens to withhold federal student aid from vocational programs whose graduates consistently end up with more debt than they can repay. Career schools had until July 1 to inform students about programs that failed to meet the standard set out by the department, but DeVos extended to deadline by a year.

"Betsy DeVos is bending over backwards to make it easier for fly-by-night schools to cheat students and bury them in mountains of debt," Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., said in a statement Thursday. "Secretary DeVos might not like it, but her job is to serve students - and we will make sure she does."
Back from her first overseas trip to visit U.S. military personnel, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., warned that the Trump administration is creating a "diplomatic vacuum" in Afghanistan by leaving key State Department posts unfilled at a time when a "whole-of-government strategy" is needed to end the 16-year-old conflict.

The Trump administration has been working for several months on a new plan for Afghanistan and Pakistan, but internal debates among the White House, the Pentagon and the State Department have delayed this even as militants continue to mount attacks in both countries. U.S. military leaders have asked to deploy 3,000 to 4,000 more troops to Afghanistan, a request that probably will be fulfilled by President Donald Trump.

Warren traveled this week to Afghanistan, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates as part of a bipartisan congressional delegation, making her overseas debut as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Back in her Cambridge, Massachusetts, living room on Thursday just 16 hours after returning home, Warren made clear: "I'm not there on a troop increase."

"No one on the ground believes there is a military-only solution in Afghanistan. No one," she said. "From the heads of state to the young man who walked us from one building to another in the embassy compound. No one - people at the forward operating base to anyone we stopped."

"The Trump administration needs to define what winning in Afghanistan is and how we get to that," the senator added. "They owe it to the deployed forces to provide the American people with a comprehensive, whole-of-government strategy that has not only a military angle, but also an economic and diplomatic plan."

Trump has yet to nominate a U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan or neighboring Pakistan, two countries destabilized for years by terrorist groups that freely move across a porous border. Senior State Department positions entrusted with overseeing U.S. policy for Afghanistan and Pakistan remain vacant, and the acting director of the Office of the Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan and her deputy stepped down last month as the administration is poised to close the stand-alone office, launched by veteran diplomat Richard Holbrooke.

Warren said she is perplexed by the administration's decisions. "They're not only talking about cutting up and down at the State Department, but also leaving major diplomatic posts unfilled. That's dangerous," she said.

One of several Democratic senators talked about as a potential 2020 presidential candidate, Warren has long been a target of Trump, who has been derided for nicknaming her "Pocahontas" - a reference to her claim of being part Native-American, which was questioned during her 2012 Senate campaign.

The overseas trip marked the most visible demonstration of Warren's work on defense matters - an area she is less known for after years of focusing on the nation's economic recovery and financial regulatory reform.

Warren said she "committed to do my homework" when she joined the Senate Armed Services Committee, hiring policy experts for her staff and seeking out "extra reading and extra policy briefings from our government" and outside experts.

"But part of doing my homework is going and seeing it with my own eyes. There's no amount of briefing that substitutes for standing on the ground and looking around. Nothing takes the place of talking to the people who are trying to execute on American foreign policy every single day," she said.

Warren's views on the situation in Afghanistan echo those of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., chairman of the Armed Services Committee, who led the delegation, and Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C., McCain's longtime friend and a fellow defense hawk.

Speaking with reporters on July 4 before departing the country, McCain predicted that the conflict in Afghanistan would continue "on a low-burning simmer for a long time to come." But he reiterated that only an aggressive U.S. effort to bolster Afghan military actions would force the Taliban to negotiate. "That won't happen unless they feel they are losing," he said.

Graham said he would tell Trump that "he needs to pull all our troops out" or build on the request for 3,000 to 4,000 more personnel.

Warren said she agreed with McCain and Graham that Trump and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson are creating "a diplomatic vacuum" in Afghanistan by not traveling to meet with top leaders and by leaving acting officials in charge of the U.S. Embassy and other diplomatic and economic projects.

"Look, the people who are there are doing their best, but they don't have the perceived authority they need to get the job done," she said.

The delegation also included Sens. David Perdue, R-Ga., and Sheldon Whitehouse D-R.I.

In her conversations with U.S. military and diplomatic officials in Afghanistan, Warren said, she got no sense of how much longer it will take Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and top generals to deliver their plans to Trump or whether they are developing a more regional approach to account for the situation in Pakistan - as Tillerson has promised. In Pakistan, the senators were flown by helicopter to Wanna, in South Waziristan, to observe how the Pakistani army is clearing the border region of insurgents. Warren called the Pakistani military's work there "a real success story."

"They've put a lot of effort into changing an area that was largely controlled by terrorists into an area that the government now controls," she said, noting that the project is working because "they could fly in foreign visitors and they're beginning to try to set up a local market, and civilians are beginning to come into the region."
Estimados amigos,

Les doy cordialmente la bienvenida a este Blog informativo con articulos, analisis y comentarios de publicaciones especializadas y especialmente seleccionadas, principalmente sobre temas economicos, financieros y politicos de actualidad, que esperamos y deseamos, sean de su maximo interes, utilidad y conveniencia.

Pensamos que solo comprendiendo cabalmente el presente, es que podemos proyectarnos acertadamente hacia el futuro.

Las convicciones son mas peligrosos enemigos de la verdad que las mentiras.

There are decades when nothing happens and there are weeks when decades happen.

You only find out who is swimming naked when the tide goes out.

No soy alguien que sabe, sino alguien que busca.

Only Gold is money. Everything else is debt.

Las grandes almas tienen voluntades; las debiles tan solo deseos.

Quien no lo ha dado todo no ha dado nada.

History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.

If you know the other and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.

We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share.This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity.
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TOKYO - Monkey D. Luffy, Roronoa Zoro, Nami and other characters from the popular Japanese series "One Piece" are no longer limited to manga and anime. Now, the "real" characters welcome visitors to Tokyo Tower, where they sing and dance on stage.

Tokyo One Piece Tower is a theme park dedicated to Eiichiro Oda's creation, with the aim of cashing in on its popularity both at home and abroad. The world of "One Piece" has been re-created, set on Tongari Island, which is a new base for Luffy and his Straw Hat Crew members. There are also 20-minute live performances by actors playing the characters, as well as other attractions, shops and restaurants.

"One Piece" has been serialized since 1997 in the Shukan Shonen Jump weekly manga magazine. It has also become a media franchise with a TV anime and films.

"One Piece" follows the adventures and many battles of Luffy, a young man who aspires to become a pirate king by using his special powers. The work features lots of distinctive characters, both among the hero's allies and his enemies.

According to Shueisha Inc., the magazine's publisher, the 85th volume of "One Piece" in comic book form was recently published, and all copies of the series printed in Japan so far have exceeded 350 million. There have been at least 66 million translated copies printed in more than 42 countries and territories, mainly in the West and Asia. The anime has also been broadcast in more than 40 countries and territories.

Tokyo One Piece Tower opened in March 2015 at the iconic structure in the nation's capital.

"We believed we could take on the demand created by a permanent facility, where fans can come anytime to have fun, rather than [visit] a temporary event," said a spokesperson.

To mark the 20th anniversary of the serialization of "One Piece," an original character created under Oda's supervision has been added to the live show. A special exhibition is also under way, which features reproductions of Oda's original drawings of the best-of-the-best scenes, such as Luffy's first encounters with his crew members, displayed along with new illustrations the mangaka drew for the event.

At the facility, staff members who can speak various foreign languages are always available. The badges they wear indicate the languages they can speak.

Erjol Muarem, a staff member from Albania, wears two badges - for English and Korean. "I can also speak some Italian; I watched the 'One Piece' anime in Italian in my homeland," he said. "I can speak a little Japanese, too."

The Albanian said the best thing about "One Piece" is its thrilling episodes and various distinctive characters. "I really enjoy talking with visitors," he said. "I look forward to coming to the tower on the mornings of my work days."

The theme park does not make public the number of visitors it receives, but as many as 6,000 people are said to visit on some days. Foreign visitors initially accounted for 30 percent of the total, but that has now increased to nearly 40 percent and sometimes even exceeds 50 percent. Half of them come from Chinese-speaking regions, according to the theme park.

A visitor from California said it was a huge delight to visit this "pilgrimage" site for "One Piece." "I greatly enjoyed the powerful dancing and singing [in the show]," he added.

- - -

Another must-visit place for "One Piece" enthusiasts, particularly those who like cosplaying, is J-Cos! - where people can transform into their favorite characters from the Shukan Shonen Jump manga magazine.

J-Cos! opened in April at J-World Tokyo, a theme park in Tokyo's Ikebukuro district dedicated to manga from the weekly magazine.

The new attraction offers costumes for more than 10 characters from not only "One Piece," but also three other popular Shukan Shonen Jump manga - "Dragon Ball," "Naruto" and "Gintama," in addition to makeup kits. Visitors can enjoy the attractions and dine at the theme park while in costume.

Foreigners account for about 10 percent to 15 percent of the total number of visitors to J-World Tokyo, but the percentage increases to about 40 percent at J-Cos! alone, according to operator Namco Ltd.

Admissions at the door to Tokyo One Piece Tower cost 3,200 yen ($28.25 U.S.) for adults, 2,700 yen for junior high and high school students, and 1,600 yen for children aged 4 to elementary school age, all of which include the show.

The basic charge for cosplaying at J-Cos! is 3,500 yen, excluding admission fees, which are 800 yen for high school students or older and 600 yen for children aged 4 to junior high school age.
Pope John Paul II was making an apostolic visit to Colombia in 1986 when a spontaneous encounter with a 10-year-old boy signaled the arrival of a new era in the papacy.

"I know you; you're the pope," the child exclaimed as he approached the pontiff. "You're the same one I saw on television."

Several of his predecessors had appeared on radio and TV, but John Paul more than any pope before him harnessed the power of the media to reach the faithful and to project the image of vitality and holiness that defined him during his 26-year pontificate.

The co-architect of that image, John Paul's confidant and chief spokesman, was Joaquin Navarro-Valls - a former psychiatrist, journalist and onetime bullfighter who led the Holy See's media office for more than two decades.

Navarro-Valls, described during his tenure as the most visible Vatican official after the pope, died July 5 at his Roman residence. He was 80. Opus Dei, the Catholic organization to which he belonged as a celibate numerary, said the cause was pancreatic cancer.

Navarro-Valls was working as Rome correspondent for the Spanish daily ABC in 1984 when John Paul, then six years into his papacy, persuaded him to oversee the Vatican media operations.

The appointment of a suit-clad Spaniard was a startling change for the ordained members of the Italian-dominated Roman Curia. But John Paul had grown dissatisfied, according to biographer George Weigel, with what other Vatican officers called "the way we do things here."

"It was revolutionary," Weigel, the author of "Witness to Hope: The Biography of Pope John Paul II," said in an email, not only because Navarro-Valls "was a layman but because he was a competent layman."

Weigel joked that Navarro-Valls helped bring "Vatican communications into the twentieth century - the first-half of the twentieth century." Even under his leadership, some journalists complained about the opacity of operations at the Vatican, comparing it to the Kremlin.

Particularly during the sexual abuse scandal that emerged in the early 2000s, in which church officials were shown to have systematically covered up rampant abuse by priests over generations, the hierarchy was widely seen as being slow to publicly and fully address the crisis.

But in the context of the Catholic Church, a supremely traditional organization whose leaders had long communicated with the congregation through formal addresses and by such means as the papal bull, John Paul represented an astonishing revolution.

Through Navarro-Valls' careful choreography, John Paul became the pope millions of Catholics saw speaking to reporters aboard airplanes, "cradling children, praying at the Wailing Wall, hosting millions at an open-air Mass, chatting to Castro in Havana," a reporter for the London Guardian once wrote.

John Paul, who was a patron of the conservative Opus Dei movement, displayed a deep affinity for Navarro-Valls. The two shared a direct phone connection and conferred with one another for up to two hours a day.

Under Navarro-Valls' leadership, the Vatican opened its online information service, offered daily bulletins and issued statements in multiple languages. ( Navarro-Valls spoke five.) It also became increasingly willing to challenge world leaders on behalf of the pontiff.

One noted incident came in 1994, when Vice President Al Gore represented the United States in Cairo at a United Nations conference on population concerns. The United States supported a U.N. statement of a woman's right to "fertility regulation," a position the Vatican considered tantamount to the defense of abortion rights.

Navarro-Valls rebuked Gore for suggesting, in that debate, a tie between the genocide in Rwanda and the African nation's dense population.

"To this I could respond that the population density of Japan is much greater than that of Rwanda," Navarro-Valls said, "and there is no danger of people killing themselves there."

He was similarly blunt with Cuban officials when John Paul made his historic visit to the communist nation in 1998. When the Cuban government proposed limiting TV coverage of the trip, Navarro-Valls wryly noted, according to Weigel, that the Cubans could not pretend to be unequipped for the event, as they had given "blanket coverage to the reinterment of Che Guevara."

During the sexual abuse scandal, Navarro-Valls was criticized when he attempted to link homosexuality with child abuse, arguing in an interview with the New York Times that "people with these inclinations just cannot be ordained."

But he played perhaps his most prominent role in the final days of John Paul's life, as the pope succumbed to Parkinson's disease. With the gravitas of his medical training, Navarro-Valls offered detailed updates on the pope's health. At least one time, in a fashion uncharacteristic of a spokesman but revealing of his relationship with the pope, Navarro-Valls lost his composure.

John Paul died April 2, 2005. Navarro-Valls led the media office for not quite two years into the pontificate of his successor, Pope Benedict XVI, before retiring.

Joaquin Navarro-Valls was born in Cartagena, Spain, on Nov. 16, 1936. He studied medicine, specializing in psychiatry, at the universities of Granada and Barcelona and studied journalism at the University of Navarre in Spain, according to Opus Dei.

He joined the religious organization in his 20s and worked on its communications efforts after transitioning to journalism from medicine. He once told the Times that he was interested in "the question that arises in psychiatry of how the media in general, including advertising, influence human attitudes, both for better and for worse."

He became president of the Foreign Press Association of Italy, a post that helped bring him to John Paul's attention.

Survivors include a brother.

In keeping with the traditions of spokesmen, Navarro-Valls sought to keep attention on his boss. An interviewer once asked him why John Paul "cared so much about relations with the media."

"Your question could easily be turned around," Navarro-Valls replied. "How is it that the media cared so much about John Paul II? . . . The reason for this interest, certainly, had to do with his magnificently expressive ways. But also, and perhaps most importantly, because of . . . the ideas and thoughts that his wonderful expressiveness clothed so well."
LIBERTY, Mo. (AP)  A suburban Kansas City, Missouri, man is jailed on $250,000 bond after being accused of molesting a couple's 1-year-old girl he was baby-sitting before being pummeled by the girl's father.

KMBC-TV (http://bit.ly/2szKnqf ) reports that Clay County prosecutors have charged 26-year-old Jayson Newlun with statutory sodomy.
WESTPORT  A fixture of the Representative Town Meeting for over a decade, Eileen Lavigne Flug will soon resign her seat in favor of a new appointment as Westports assistant town attorney.

Flug, a District 9 representative since 2005 and RTM moderator since 2013, will replace Assistant Town Attorney Gail Kelly at the end of the month. Along with her involvement in town government, Flug has legal experience as an attorney at a Washington, D.C., law firm and general counsel at a New York City company. To become assistant town attorney, she will join Connecticut-based law firm Berchem, Moses & Devlin P.C. as senior counsel.

It just seemed like it was natural for me to apply my legal background and my interest in the town and also my experience in the town, Flug said.

The town attorney highlighted those duel elements of Flugs experience.

She has a comprehensive understanding of the town government, having served as RTM moderator, Town Attorney Ira Bloom said.

In addition, she has really a very, excellent legal background having worked for a prominent firm and shes held other important legal position in her career, so I think shes the ideal choice.

As moderator, Flug often parsed RTM rules and protocol and would seek the town attorneys and assistant attorneys opinions as she shepherded the 36-member town body. On whether her legal opinions will be consistent with Kellys and Blooms, Flug said she could not comment on legal issues that may come before her in the new role.

After 12 years on the RTM, Flugs new post will require her to resign. As moderator, one aspect shes enjoyed most is researching town laws, she said, so when the assistant town attorney position opened, it felt like the right fit and an opportunity to put her legal background to use for the town. She noted she already knows most of her future colleagues well and has great respect for the towns leadership.

Ive loved being on the RTM. Its a great institution, I believe, Flug said. To me, the podium represents democracy.

As assistant town attorney, she will handle day-to-day legal matters for the town: reviewing contracts, agreements and requests for proposal, handling Freedom of Information Act requests and attending Board of Selectmen and RTM meetings.

She knows the issues; she knows all the elected and appointed officials; she knows the town hall employees, Bloom said, so I think with that background and her understanding of the charter and the ordinances and her legal background, she can hopefully step right into the job.

A 1988 law school graduate, Flug serves as of counsel at Cohen and Wolf P.C., a Connecticut-based law firm with a Westport office.

Flug intends to resign from the RTM sometime after its next meeting, July 11.

The town charter dictates the deputy moderator  Velma Heller, RTM-9  will take over as moderator, and the RTM will elect a new deputy moderator following Flugs resignation.

lweiss@hearstmediact.com; @LauraEWeiss16
If John Pratt were an international criminal mastermind, he would fly to Paris, don an all-black suit and ski mask and sneak into the elegant French baroque building that serves as headquarters for the Bureau International des Poids et Measures.

His mission: "To set the whole world's system of mass into disarray," Pratt said. "This is my dastardly plan."

In this hypothetical scenario, Pratt slips past the security guards, disables the alarm system and picks the lock on a temperature-controlled, airtight safe deep in the bowels of the BIPM. Inside, he finds his target: a small, platinum and iridium cylinder weighing exactly one kilogram. It's the kilogram, crafted in 1889 to serve as the single standard by which all other kilograms are measured. People call it "le grand K."

"I'd take out a nail file, and I'd scratch a little bit off," Pratt said. Then he'd slip back into the night. "And the next time they take the thing out" (to test the accuracy of the world's other kilograms) "everything else will be wrong."

But Pratt is not a criminal mastermind. He's a public servant, the chief of quantum measurement at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, which oversees weights and measures in the United States. And he doesn't want to tamper with the global system of mass. He wants to revolutionize it.

Pratt and his colleagues at NIST are part of an international effort to redefine the kilogram based on a fundamental universal constant - a physical quantity in nature, like the speed of light or the electric charge of a proton, that never changes regardless of when and where you are. And on Friday, the NIST team got their most precise measurement ever for this constant.

"It's not obvious that it's a big deal, but it's a big deal," Pratt said. With this new measurement, "we could switch from a 19th-century definition of mass to a more 21st- or 22nd-century definition of mass. We could get it based on an idea more than an object. And that's just beautiful, and I'm proud of our species for getting to this place."

Here's the problem with the current standard kilogram: It's losing weight. It now is ever-so-slightly lighter than the once-identical "witness" cylinders stored in labs around the world. Scientists don't know whether the BIPM prototype is losing mass, perhaps because of loss of impurities in the metals, or if the witnesses are gaining mass by accumulating contaminants.

Either way, the whole thing is a "huge inconvenience," Pratt said. Several years ago, NIST had to reissue certificates for its kilograms because they were 45 micrograms off the French prototype - about the weight of an eyelash. This meant that companies that produce weights based on the NIST standards had to reissue their own weights, and they were not happy about it. Lawmakers were called. NIST was accused of being incompetent. In the end, it turned out that the problem stemmed from le grand K, not NIST.

If that seems like a lot of uproar over an infinitesimal change in the mass of an object, consider this: The effectiveness of filters on diesel engines is determined by measuring the mass of the soot they capture - in micrograms.

"There's a lot that rides on these sorts of things that people take for granted," Pratt said. "Like breathing."

Scientists agree it's long past time to retire le grand K. Using this 19th-century technology for 21st-century physics is like trying to get to Mars on a rocket powered by a steam engine. It just isn't going to work.

So in 2014, at the quadrennial General Conference on Weights and Measures (yep, that's a thing), the scientific community resolved to redefine the kilogram based on Planck's constant, a value from quantum mechanics that describes the packets energy comes in. If physicists could get a good enough measure of Planck's constant, the committee would calculate a kilogram from that value.

"But it's a very difficult constant to measure," Pratt said. He would know: He and his colleagues at NIST have spent much of the past few years trying to come up with a number accurate and precise enough to please the finicky physics community.

They're using a tool called a Kibble balance. Instead of balancing the scale with weights, Pratt and his colleagues use electromagnetism. An electrical current is sent through a coiled wire, generating a magnetic field that creates the upward force needed to balance the scale. Scientists can figure out the strength of that field by pulling on the coil. If you know the voltage, the current and the velocity at which the coil was pulled, you can calculate the Planck constant with extreme precision.

On June 30, the day before the deadline to submit a value to the weights and measures committee, the team at NIST was finally ready to release its result. Based on 16 months' worth of measurements, it calculated Planck's constant to be 6.626069934 x 1034 kgm2/s.

Don't be alarmed by this small, strange number. The most important thing about the NIST measurement isn't so much the number (though that's also a big deal) as the uncertainty: just 13 parts per billion. This means that the NIST scientists think their measurement of Planck's constant is within 0.0000013 percent of the correct number.

When the International Committee for Weights and Measures announced that it would reconsider the kilogram definition, it said it would require three measurements with uncertainties below 50 parts per billion, and one below 20 ppb. But with the new NIST measurement, the world now has at least three experiments below 20 ppb - another was conducted by a Canadian team using a Kibble balance, the third by an international group that calculates the Planck constant based on the number of atoms in a sphere of pure silicon.

The weights and measures committee will meet this month to establish a global value for Planck's constant by averaging the values calculated at NIST and other labs. And in 2018, at the next General Conference on Weights and Measures, the scientific community will draft a resolution to redefine kilogram based on this constant.

"I can't stress enough how impressed I am at humanity for being able to pull this stuff off," Pratt said.

We're lucky Pratt decided to use his powers for good instead of evil. These are weighty matters.
An internet cafe employee was assaulted last month by a man who refused to pay for his use of a computer at the establishment, according to police who are now searching for him.

The NYPD says the man pictured on the right made use of the internet services at Time Internet Cafe in Flushing, Queens on June 22nd. However, when a 19-year-old employee pressed him to pay for the privilege, the man allegedly knocked the employee down and choked him, before fleeing to parts unknown.

The internet cafe employee was treated at the scene for cuts and bruises to his face and neck. The suspect is described as being in his 20s, and was last seen wearing a blue button down shirt and blue jeans.

In May, a grand jury declined to indict a man who had been accused of stabbing a teenager who reportedly attacked him at a different Flushing internet cafe, after the man refused to give his seat up to the teenager.

Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime stoppers website or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.
In 1990, Shari Smith took a 100-year-old building north of Auburn, in the tiny village of Willard and transformed it into an elegant, five-star restaurant.

Now, 27 years later, after serving up exquisite wine, food and service, Shari at the Willard Hillton will be closing its doors on Saturday, July 15.

"So many people have eaten there and loved it," said Smith's daughter, Timmi Baird, who has managed the eatery for the last seven years.

Even though the restaurant will soon close its doors, the passion and creativity of Smith will carry on.

"She is not afraid to put things together and try them," Baird said. "She trained so many chefs and others during her 27 years. She will live on forever through them. Her passion is part of them."

Smith's passion for teaching is leading her in a new direction.

"The restaurant business is hard to be in for five years, let alone 27 years. The last few years, she has been teaching cooking classes for people at the East End and Saginaw Valley State University.

Having a child who has started kindergarten has changed priorities for Baird, along with bringing back memories of her own upbringing.

"I remember when I was little and not having our parents at home at night," Baird said. "I couldn't do that to my child."

Baird was 6 months old when Shari's opened.

"I grew up in a stock pot; instead of a teething ring, I had a rack of lamb," Baird stated in a Feb. 8, 2015 Daily News article.

Even though Baird's entire life has been Shari at the Willard Hillton, Smith's journey to Willard has taken her from coast to coast. The trek began in fifth grade when she decided her life's ambition was to be a chef.

After graduating from Dow High, she headed east where she graduated at the top of her class from the Culinary Institute of America and was voted as the Student Most Likely to Succeed. From the East Coast, she ventured west to Lake Tahoe where she became the first female ever named a sous-chef at Harrah's gourmet five-star Summit Restaurant. Then she continued working in Lake Tahoe  four years for a French chef at Chez Villaret, followed by three years at Evan's American Gourmet Cafe.

Then it was time to return to her Midwest roots by purchasing the Willard Hillton at 1506 W. Beaver Road.

Located in Bay County's Beaver Township, the building has served many functions. As the Beaver Hotel, the late 1800's building has housed the local jail, general store and saloon along with the hotel.

"The Willard Hillton began serving food and drink just after the repeal of Prohibition in 1933. Prior to that, the building was a hotel, gas station, blacksmith shop and other things," said former owner Jim Hutton in a March 19, 1984 Daily News article.

The previous owner before Hutton, changed the name to the Willard Hillton, signifying the village of Willard.

Hillton was added because of the many luxury cars in its parking lot at dinnertime, mostly from Dow Chemical executives. Ironically, before purchasing the hotel, Hutton worked for three years for the Hilton Hotel Corp.

For those wishing to relive memories of their fine dining at Shari at the Willard Hillton, they can contact the restaurant at 989-662-6621 or visit shariatthewillardhillton.com
Doha, Qatar

The confrontation between Qatar and its neighbors worsened Wednesday as four Arab nations vowed to press ahead with the punishing air, sea and diplomatic blockade they imposed one month ago after they accused Qatar of financing terrorism and working too closely with Iran. Qatar rejected an ultimatum that expired Tuesday.

Meeting in Cairo, foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain said they were "disappointed" by the response and stepped up their criticism of Qatar, which they say is meddling in the affairs of their countries.

The four countries have issued 13 demands, including the closing of Al-Jazeera, Qatar's influential television channel, and the abandonment of Qatar's foreign policy, which includes support for a variety of Islamist factions.

In London, Qatar's foreign minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, accused his country's foes of "clear aggression" and said Qatar was ready for a lengthy standoff, having developed new supply routes for food, construction materials and other imports.
Washington

The White House is backing a health care proposal that would make it easier for insurance companies to avoid complying with consumer protection standards, siding with some of the most conservative senators, though Senate Republican leaders remain leery of the idea.

The proposal, advanced by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is one of many being analyzed by the Congressional Budget Office as Senate Republicans try to muster votes for their bill to repeal major provisions of the Affordable Care Act. It could help bring conservatives, such as Rand Paul of Kentucky and Ben Sasse of Nebraska, aboard, but it may do little to ease the concerns of moderates like Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.

Under the proposal, insurers could sell almost any kind of health plan they wanted as long as they offer at least one plan that complied with federal mandates like those in the Affordable Care Act, including maternity care, emergency services and mental health coverage.

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Marc Short, President Donald Trump's director of legislative affairs, said over the weekend that they supported the proposal. On Wednesday, Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., the leader of the House's hard-line Freedom Caucus, announced that he would back the Senate's health bill if the Cruz plan were included.

Cruz says his plan would fix a problem he sees in the Affordable Care Act. "Obamacare's insurance mandates caused premiums to skyrocket," he said. One of those mandates requires insurers to cover 10 types of benefits, including drug abuse treatment, prescription drugs and pediatric care.
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Central Texas police have arrested a man believed to be the driver behind a hit-and-run accident July 4 that left an off-duty Comal County corrections officer dead.

The Comal County Sheriff's Office announced that Cynthia Young, 60, who worked for the department, was killed Tuesday in Marble Falls after a fireworks show.
AUSTIN  Texas and more than two dozen other states are refusing to fully comply with a sweeping and unprecedented White House request to turn over voter registration data, including sensitive information like partial Social Security numbers and party affiliation.

Texas Secretary of State Rolando Pablos said his office will share any publicly available information with Trumps Presidential Advisory Commission on Voter Integrity as requested, including the names, addresses, dates of birth and political party affiliations of the states more than 15 million voters. But the state will not be sharing partial Social Security numbers that the Trump commission asked for because that information is not part of voter rolls.

The Secretary of States office will provide the Election Integrity Commission with public information and will protect the private information of Texas citizens while working to maintain the security and integrity of our states elections system, Pablos said. As always, my office will continue to exercise the utmost care whenever sensitive voter information is required to be released by state or federal law.

Pablos comments come as governors in some states have flat-out refused a request by the commission to hand over data. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, took to social media to blast the Trump administration for trying to collect the voter data.

NY refuses to perpetuate the myth voter fraud played a role in our election. We will not comply with this request, Cuomo said on Twitter.

Mississippi rejected the request on privacy and states rights grounds.

They can go jump in the Gulf of Mexico, Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, a Republican, said Friday. Mississippi residents should celebrate Independence Day and our States right to protect the privacy of our citizens by conducting our own electoral process.

President Donald Trumps ire made news Saturday when he blasted out on Twitter: Numerous states are refusing to give information to the very distinguished VOTER FRAUD PANEL. What are they trying to hide?

Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, a Democrat, called the effort a waste of money.

The president created his election commission based on the false notion that voter fraud is a widespread issue  it is not, Grimes said. Kentucky will not aid a commission that is at best a waste of taxpayer money and at worst an attempt to legitimize voter suppression efforts across the country.

Congressman Marc Veasey, D-Fort Worth, introduced a bill in late June that would ensure no taxpayer funds would be used to support the presidents commission to investigate acts of voter fraud, according to a statement from his office issued last week.

As the President continues to press his blatantly false claim that voter fraud cost him the popular vote in the 2016 presidential election, he endangers the sanctity of our nations democracy, said Veasey, who represents parts of Dallas and Tarrant counties. The commissions mission to study non-existent voter fraud cases has nothing to do with ballot security and everything to do with voter suppression and discrimination.

Using an executive order, Trump created his commission May 11 to go after what he has told Republicans were 3 million to 5 million illegal votes cast in the 2016 election  a claim that has not been verifiable.

That commission is led by Vice President Mike Pence and Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who authored the letter last week to election officials around the nation, including Texas Pablos.

Brooke A. Lewis and Chronicle wire services contributed to this report.

jeremy.wallace@chron.com
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A former foot soldier for the Zetas was sentenced in San Antonio on Thursday to 12 years in prison for his role in the cartels drug-smuggling operations and bloody reign in northern Mexico.

Gustavo Rodriguez Costilla, 28, faced life in prison for gun and drug-trafficking charges, but U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez granted a prosecution motion for leniency, and gave him a dozen years.

Rodriguez was a witness in last years gore-filled trial in San Antonio of his co-defendant, Zetas regional boss Marciano Chano Millan Vasquez.

Millan, like Rodriguez, began as a sicario, a hitman or foot soldier, and rose in 2013 to lead the drug gangs Piedras Negras plaza (smuggling corridor) across from Eagle Pass. Judge Rodriguez sentenced Millan to seven life sentences for drug-trafficking related crimes that included 29 killings, among them a 6-year-old girl he chopped up with an ax in front of her parents while she was still alive.

Millan was tried and convicted here under a U.S. law that permits defendants be prosecuted for killings in another country as long as those violent acts were part of a drug conspiracy with connections to the United States.

RELATED: Seven life sentences for ex-Zetas boss who took part in slaughters

Gustavo Rodriguez was indicted in May 2016 on gun and weapons charges shortly before he was set to be released from federal prison for weapons charges in Del Rios federal court.

As part of a plea deal in San Antonio, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to drug distribution and weapons trafficking charges in exchange for his cooperation and testimony.

His assistance was significant and substantial, thats why weve asked for a substantial reduction, Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell Leachman told Judge Rodriguez.

Gustavo Rodriguez testified at trial that he was part of a massive jailbreak in September 2012 at a lockup near Piedras Negras in which he was among 130 inmates freed by the Zetas. It was one of the biggest escapes in Mexicos history.

According to other testimony and Mexican officials, the Zetas controlled the jail and used it to dispose of numerous people who had gotten crossways with the cartel. They burned the bodies in barrels at the jail and deposited the ashes in a tributary of the Rio Grande, officials said.

In June 2013, Rodriguez was found living with a relative in Eagle Pass, and had several rifles and guns. He was sentenced to 37 months in prison for weapons charges, but days before his release in May last year, he was indicted in the larger Zetas case with Millan.

Leachman told Judge Rodriguez that agents did not know about Gustavo Rodriguezs involvement as a sicario for the Zetas until shortly before he was indicted last year.

At trial, Rodriguez testified that after the jailbreak, he was sent to a camp in the countryside to train for three months, then joined a group of sicarios who brazenly patrolled Piedras Negras armed with AK-47 and AR-15 rifles and rocket launchers.

RELATED: Mexico transfers Zetas cartel leader to border prison in Mexico

Rodriguez testified that on at least seven occasions he joined Zetas leaders in a field while trucks loaded with people believed to be members of rival drug gangs rolled up, and deposited them for questioning.

They would investigate them, they would see where they were from, who they worked for, he testified. They would just have them kneel down on the ground, and they would get a bullet in the head.

Rodriguez described the questioning as more of a kangaroo court than a serious effort to determine whether the victims had really helped the Zetas enemies. He said he witnessed other Zetas sicarios execute as many as 80 people.

gcontreras@express-news.net

Twitter: @gmaninfedland
A 7-year old boy in Manor, Texas fell victim to a surprise attack when a pit bull mix burst through its home's front door earlier this week and attacked.

Brison Aldridge was playing with other boys in his neighborhood's cul-de-sac around 7:30 p.m. in what his mom described as "a daily activity."

Shauna Allen-Aldridge, Brison Aldridge's mother, told mySA.com that the supposed safety of the area was a selling point for her family to move to the area.

But Monday evening, while vacuuming her van in the driveway, Shauna Aldridge was interrupted by a child who said her son was being attacked by a dog.

READ ALSO: Photos show aftermath of Texas bee swarm attack; man stung 'close to 150 times'

Thankfully, Shauna said, neighbors had immediately jumped into action and pulled the dog off of her son.

Brison Aldridge was rushed to the emergency room at Dell Hospital where his mom said six deep lacerations required sutures and he had an X-ray, as doctors feared Brison's kidneys could have been punctured from the dog bites.

In the video captured by a neighbor's security camera, Brison is seen being attacked by the dog, which Shauna Aldridge claimed is known to be aggressive. She said her son has never been allowed into the house where the dog resides.

Shauna Aldridge believes that the owners were on their way to take the dog on a walk as their front door was open, but before they could put the dog on a leash, he had raced out the door.

The concerned mother said the pit bull mix has had a history of tearing up a neighbor's fence and attacking other animals, though this is the first time she's heard of the dog attacking a child.

RELATED: Delta mauling by dog owned by Marine puts focus on 'support animal' rules

At this moment, no charges have been filed, but Shauna Aldridge said she has turned the matter over to an attorney. She said the dog has no vaccines and is not registered.

The pit bull mix was taken by an animal control unit Monday evening and will stay in their possession for at least 10 days, she said.

Shauna Aldridge said the owners of the dog have yet to approach her family or check on her son's condition.

She said her son is recovering form his wounds, but seems to be weary of going outside.

"We are just so grateful it wasn't worse," Shauna said.

This attack is one of about 9,500 dog bite injuries that require hospitalization in the U.S. annually, according to Dogs Bite, a group that tracks dog attack trends, primarily pit bulls.

The organization has reported one fatal dog attack occurring this year so far. Two-month-old Skylar Dean Julius of San Marcos was attacked by her family's dog, a German shepherd, resulting in her death on January 17.

jthorpe@express-news.net

@jerilynnthorpe
Bradley Ledgerwood, 36, is a proud Republican and an enthusiastic fan of President Donald Trump.

Hes also on a fast track to becoming one of Trumps fabled Forgotten Men.

Ledgerwood has been enamored with politics all his life. An active member of the Craighead County Republican Committee and the Northeast Arkansas Political Animals lunch club, he serves as an alderman for 342-person Cash, Ark.

Physically disabled, Ledgerwood participates in these activities only through the help of two government-funded programs that are now on the chopping block: Medicaid and legal aid.

Youve no doubt heard lots about threats to the first of these, given Republican efforts to wring $800 billion from the federal low-income health insurance program. So lets focus on the second, which has received almost no attention, despite facing an existential threat from both the president and House Republicans.

At 2, Ledgerwood was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which left him unable to walk, stand, bathe himself, eat or use the bathroom without assistance.

His mother cares for him full time and has done so for many years. She was able to quit her job and provide around-the-clock care as a result of a special Medicaid program designed to help people with serious disabilities avoid institutionalization. The program pays for hours worked by in-home caregivers, which can include family members.

In Ledgerwoods case, the state has consistently determined that he qualifies for 56 hours of care, the maximum. At least, it did until last year.

Thats when the Arkansas Department of Human Services abruptly cut Ledgerwoods weekly hours nearly in half, despite the fact that his medical needs had not changed. With minimal explanation, officials claimed that a new computer algorithm determined that he did not need so much care.

This cut would devastate the familys precarious finances. His mother contemplated returning to work and sending Ledgerwood to a nursing home.

That would destroy my life, he says in no uncertain terms. Fiscally minded voter that he is, he adds that institutionalization would also cost the state multiple times more money than family-provided home care.

Alongside six other plaintiffs with disabilities, Ledgerwood sued the state  and won. The case is on appeal.

Ledgerwood was able to secure legal representation, through Legal Aid of Arkansas, one of 133 programs that receive grants from the Legal Services Corp., a congressionally established nonprofit that funds civil legal services for about 2 million low-income people each year.

And low-income families, whether in red-state America or blue, need a lot of legal help.

In the past year, 7 in 10 low-income families experienced at least one civil legal problem, according to a recent University of Chicago NORC survey done for the Legal Services Corp. Such problems include foreclosures, domestic violence (getting a restraining order, for example), custody disputes, debt repayment or neglectful landlords.

A Navy veteran I spoke with last weekend, 47-year-old Mario Figueroa of Daytona Beach, Florida, credited his local legal aid program with saving his life. He had fought on his own for two decades to convince the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide medical treatment and disability benefits for his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder. He was successful only after seeking representation from Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, another Legal Services Corp. grantee.

In the skinny budget released in March, Trump proposed eliminating the Legal Services Corp. entirely. At the time, this produced bipartisan pleas for robust funding for the organization. Nonetheless, last week a House appropriations subcommittee passed a bill that would slash the organizations funding by roughly a quarter, from $385 million to $300 million.

For now, Ledgerwood still supports Trump (He reminds me a lot of Ronald Reagan) and remains confident that his president and his party will have his back.

But, he says, If I lose my lawyer and my services, I may feel a little differently.

crampell@washpost.com
State is watching

I live in a country where the head of state wants to know my name, address, personal ID number, party affiliation and who I have voted for.

I live in:

a) North Korea;

b) China;

c) Russia;

d) none of the above.

Roy E. Elizondo, Fair Oaks Ranch

Cummings is right

Re: Amend agenda, Your Turn, Sunday:

The letter writer seems to have a selective memory when he bemoans Rep. Elijah Cummings insistence that Donald Thump be impeached.

He conveniently forgets the Republicans tried to do pretty much the same thing to Barack Obama while doing everything in their power to prevent him from accomplishing anything.

Obama was superbly educated and a serene presence in the White House.

Thump cannot seem to be able to read or speak much above a sixth-grade level.

I think Mr. Cummings is onto something.

Blake Olson

GOP descriptives

Donald Trump. Embarrassing.

Republican Senate, Republican Congress. Missing in action.

Richard Caldwell, Boerne

Bad behavior

All the adjectives and verbs in the world cannot describe the whole story of the presidents behavior.

The nation, the Republican Party and his supporters have accepted his behavior as normal. The only people who cannot understand this behavior are the media and our foreign leaders. We are laughed at and ridiculed.

How long can this type of conduct be condoned by our elected officials and the American public?

Adolfo S. Gomez

Known misogynist

I was both embarrassed and disgusted by the presidents crude attack on Mika Brzezinski. Any man calling a woman low IQ  crazy and referring to a bloody face-lift is despicable.

Donald Trumps assistant press secretary said Americans knew what they were getting when they elected him. Given Trumps personal attacks on Megyn Kelly and Carly Fiorina and his locker room talk about fondling women, she was right. Those who voted for Trump knew what they were getting.

Every Republican senator and representative interviewed on various news outlets after the incident denounced Trumps remarks.

But when these people worked for his election, they had to have known they were helping to elect a misogynist.

Ken Phelps

Everyone pays

Sen. Chuck Schumer says, the Republican bill is rotten to the core.

Seriously? Democrats have no solution, as if the status quo can be maintained. Our current system is imploding. My medical insurance cancels at the end of this month.

I have a modest proposal. The CBO says 22 million will lose their coverage if the Senate health bill passes, which is unacceptable. What is also unacceptable is to expect the top 1 percent of taxpayers to bail out the system. Nearly half of America pays no federal income taxes.

Here is the solution: A flat tax on all income and entitlements dedicated to support health care. Like the current taxes that put a surcharge on the top 1 percent for Obamacare, let this be the first step to a flat tax to fund all government services. Everyone participates, for a change. Lets see what Schumer says to that  pay as you go.

Finally, do away with the Obamacare tax surcharge on Americas job creators and risk-taking investors. Everyone pays, and everyone participates who chooses to.

Jim Daniell

Well put, columnists

Re: No pain, no gain when fixing health care, Kathleen Parker, Other Views, June 30; and In immigration debate, even truth is controversial, Ruben Navarrette, Other Views, June 30:

These two recent columns are worth quoting.

Kathleen Parker: Health insurance and pre-existing conditions are fundamentally incompatible. Sick person A gets insurance coverage only if healthy person B helps pay for it.

Ruben Navarrette: The problem with the pro-immigrant left, rather than confront the unpleasant fact that they condone law-breaking, they try to change terms like illegal to undocumented and construct this no-fault fantasy land where no one did anything wrong.

Kudos to both writers.

Leonard Denney, New Braunfels

Global skepticism

Pew Research polled 37 countries on their attitudes of leaders like Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

We know that Putin has a horrible history with Georgia, Ukraine, Crimea and now in Syria. Yet, when it comes to positive ratings, Putin is at 27 percent, while Trump is at 22 percent. In our country, Trump rates a little better with the help of fake news outlets that almost always support his behavior and decisions.

His low ratings could be because of his constant lying, as documented recently by the New York Times. No wonder no one can trust him internationally.

Forget the current issues, like affordable health care, fair tax reform and his recent threats to Syria, Russia and Iran. Replacing Trump instead of the ACA may be the best way to return to the good old days of Obamas 64 percent rating.

Adam Castillo

Progressive council

Amid the disheartening Trump and Abbott/Patrick legislative fiascoes, there is a bright spot. San Antonio now has a new, future-looking mayor and City Council. I am proud of Mayor Ron Nirenbergs and the councils thoughtful resolutions on climate and compassion.

I look forward to their progress in governing for all the people of San Antonio, not just the chosen few.

Barbara Moschner
Gov. Jerry Brown sought Thursday to bolster his position as Americas de facto climate czar, urging the world to defy President Trump and join him in San Francisco next year for a climate action summit.

In a prerecorded video address to the Global Citizen Festival in Hamburg, Germany, Brown put forth his most direct challenge to Trump, who will meet Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a Group of 20 summit in the same city, the second-largest in Germany.

The California summit will be held in San Francisco in September 2018, Brown said, marking the first time a state has sponsored an event in support of the Paris climate agreement, a landmark deal ratified by 148 nations that Trump declared he would withdraw from two months ago.

Its up to you and its up to me and tens of millions of other people to get it together to roll back the forces of carbonization and join together to combat the existential threat of climate change, Brown told festival participants.

President Trump is trying to get out of the Paris agreement, but he doesnt speak for the rest of America, the governor said. We in California and in states all across America believe its time to act, its time to join together and thats why at this climate action summit were going to get it done.

Brown urged the worlds scientists, government leaders, entrepreneurs, musicians, mathematicians, professors and students to come join us at the California summit. The idea is to spur deeper commitment to fighting global warming, according to the governors office.

Hundreds of thousands of people have gathered in Hamburg for the Global Citizen Festival, which featured bands like Coldplay and speeches by world leaders. As many as 100,000 protesters with varying agendas, including opposition to capitalism and globalization, have also descended on the German city, which has responded with a massive security force.

The governor has been an outspoken critic of Trump, who has called global warming a hoax and bashed the Paris agreement as a bad deal for the United States, while also seeking to protect the oil and gas industries from climate regulations.

Calling the presidents decision to pull out of the Paris accord outlandish, Brown has vigorously defended Californias efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions. He helped inspire a climate-friendly backlash from mayors, governors and local leaders when he called for states to forge alliances supporting the Paris deal.

California and Germany were early backers of the Under2 Coalition, an international climate pact that now has the blessing of 175 cities, states and nations representing nearly 40 percent of the global economy. Brown met last month with Barbara Hendricks, the German environmental minister, to discuss the fight against the planets warming.

The Under2 coalition was a precursor to the Paris accord, with the same goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions so that temperatures dont rise more than 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels  the point at which scientists expect catastrophic problems.

Brown recently traveled to China as Americas unofficial climate ambassador, and he met at the governors mansion with Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, who served as president of this years U.N. conference on climate change.

In California, he has been fighting to reauthorize cap and trade, a market system that rewards companies that reduce greenhouse gases with carbon credits and requires polluters to buy those credits.

In March, Brown reaffirmed Californias commitment to the Clean Power Plan, which includes the most ambitious greenhouse gas emission-reduction targets in North America. It is part of legislation the governor signed in 2015 that requires California to generate half of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The governor has also vowed to reduce petroleum use in cars and trucks by up to 50 percent within the next 15 years.

Polls have shown that the vast majority of Americans believe global warming is happening and that carbon emissions should be reduced.

Former U.N. climate chief Christiana Figueres, who introduced Brown to the crowd in Hamburg, said the California climate summit will send a strong message to the Trump administration  which is exactly what many California legislators want him to do.

This is California at its best, really leading the world as weve done so many times, and refusing to be sidetracked by a president who wants to take us backward in dangerous ways, said Rep. Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael. Its a great way to say the United States is still in.

Peter Fimrite is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: pfimrite@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @pfimrite
Governor Andrew Cuomo is squarely in charge of the MTA. He's the official best equipped to prioritize crucial repair work, and establish new funding streams to chip away at the authority's staggering $38-billion-and-growing debt. But politicians in New York Citymayors and would-be mayors, council members and their 2017 challengersare not powerless, a coalition of transportation advocates argued Thursday.

The Riders Alliance, Regional Plan Association, Transportation Alternatives and others gathered outside the City Hall R subway station to present policy guidelines they believe could improve affordable transit by bus, subway, bike and foot without intervention or assistance from Albany. The focus is on tested ideas over flashy ones: more protected bike lanes, more select bus service, more money for the MTA's capital and operating funds. Advocates also called on Mayor de Blasio to fund half-price MetroCards for New Yorkers living in poverty, estimated to cost $212 million per year. Last month, de Blasio dismissed a $50 million pilot as cost-prohibitive, despite endorsement from a majority of the City Council.

"There is no doubt that with the crisis facing our subways today, Governor Cuomo needs to take charge and find the plan and funding necessary," Riders Alliance Director John Raskin said. "But that doesn't mean there's nothing the city can do."

One way to increase funding for the subway, advocates argue, is for City Hall to quickly release the $2.5 billion commitment it made to the MTA's 2015-2019 Capital Plan back in 2015. That money is currently tied to Governor Cuomo's $8.3 billion commitment, which won't be released until other funding streams, including the MTA's previous capital plan and federal grants, are exhausted (Governor Cuomo recently announced an additional $1 billion commitment, which is similarly vague on the from where and by when).

New York City could also leverage some of the land value generated when City Hall votes to rezone a neighborhood, advocates said. These controversial up-zonings have been met with pushback from East New York to East Harlem. One positive example, according to the Riders Alliance, is a $220 million Grand Central Terminal renovation in exchange for special zoning to accommodate a planned 63-story office tower One Vanderbilt in Midtown East. The developer was granted air rights in exchange for a major public transit renovation.

Elena Conte, policy director at the Pratt Center for Community Development, insisted that from her organization's perspective, this is by no means an endorsement of all rezonings. Instead, she said, mandatory improvements like new bus lines and protected bike lanes should be "linked and tied" to neighborhood rezonings in neighborhoods like Long Island City and Downtown Brooklyn, which bring thousands of new residents to already-strained transit options. This way, she said, residents will have another bargaining chip.

City Hall did not immediately comment on the funding proposals.

Advocates say they are planning to send a copy of the policy priorities to every declared candidate for city office in 2017, including borough presidents and district attorneys. Other priorities include reduced fares for NYC commuters who live along the Long Island Railroad and MetroNorth (an MTA-spearheaded pilot is in the works this year), and the controversial Move New York plan that would impose tolls on some NYC drivers (de Blasio recently said the plan is "not part of my vision.")

The groups call for the expansion of CitiBike to the outer boroughs with deeper discounts, possibly with city funding, and applaud de Blasio's commitment to double the number of bike lanes in NYC by 2020. Transportation Alternatives in particular calls for additional Vision Zero funding, taking into account federal uncertainty, as well as NYPD enforcement of the Right of Way Law.



(Emma Whitford / Gothamist)

The plan also calls for a new bus route across the Williamsburg Bridge to accommodate L train riders during the impending shutdown, and permanent overhauls along major L train corridors: 14th Street in Manhattan and Grand Street in Brooklyn. Bus expansion requires city-state coordination: MTA supplies the buses, while the city controls road design.

There is no mention in the plan of the Brooklyn Queens Connector, a controversial multi-billion streetcar project that Mayor de Blasio championed in his 2016 State of the City address. The plan has the endorsement of some city planners and multiple real estate developers, but has been dismissed by many at the neighborhood level as a so-called "gentrification express," apparently routed to benefit new residential towers on the Queens and Brooklyn waterfront.

During a question-and-answer session on Thursday, we asked the coalition twice to explain why the BQX is excluded from their 2017 action plan. Do the groups endorse the project? Denounce it? Deem it unworthy of discussion? At least Transportation Alternatives and the RPA have backed the streetcar.

"It's not in the comprehensive agenda that all of our groups can agree on together," Riders Alliance Director John Raskin said. "And this is really a consensus document."

A spokeswoman for City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito did not immediately comment on the proposals.
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General information

At the invitation of the Ukrainian authorities, the North Atlantic Council (NAC) chaired by NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg, will visit Ukraine on 9-10 July 2017.

A meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission with the President of Ukraine, Mr. Petro Poroshenko will take place on 10 July.

During the visit, the Secretary General will deliver an address at the Parliament of Ukraine. The North Atlantic Council and the Secretary General will also meet the Speaker of the Parliament and Heads of the Parliamentary Factions.

The Secretary General and the NATO Ambassadors will visit an exhibition presenting achievements of 20 years of NATO-Ukraine co-operation. Outreach activities will also be organized, during which NATO Ambassadors will engage with members of the civil society.

During the visit, the Secretary General will also have a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Mr. Volodymyr Groysman.

The same day, the Secretary General and the Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration will inaugurate the new premises of the NATO Representation to Ukraine.



Media coverage and accreditation:

The media program will be communicated on the NATO website (www.nato.int). Media accreditation will be done by the institutions hosting each event, who will also provide facilities for media.

NATO will provide visual coverage from all media events; some events are tentatively scheduled to be streamed live on the NATO website (to be confirmed closer to the event) and made available on satellite via Eurovision Geneva.

Still photos, audio and video recordings will be available on the NATO website.

Key media events and details for media accreditation are below.

Media coverage of the opening of the Exhibition presenting achievements of 20 years of NATO-Ukraine co-operation (Mystetskyi Arsenal National Art and Culture Museum Complex)

For media accreditation and details:

Vice-Premiers office - klymchuk.ap@gmail.com; +380 (44) 256 62 21

Coverage of the opening remarks of the NATO-Ukraine Commission meeting followed by

Joint press conference of the NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg and the President of Ukraine, Mr. Petro Poroshenko (Presidential Administration).

Live webstream, available via Eurovision Geneva

For media accreditation and details:

Presidential Administration - apu@apu.gov.ua; +380 44 255 78 13; +380 44 255 63 18

NATO Secretary Generals address to the Parliament of Ukraine

Live webstream, available via Eurovision Geneva

For media accreditation and details:

Parliament of Ukraine - http://iportal.rada.gov.ua/fba; +380 44 255 35 71

Visual opportunity for the inauguration of the new premises of the NATO Representation in Ukraine with the participation of the Secretary General and the Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.

For media accreditation and details:

Vice-Premiers office - klymchuk.ap@gmail.com; +380 (44) 256 62 21

Contacts:

NATO Press and Media Section:

Alina Coca

Email: coca.alina@hq.nato.int

Ukraine:

Contacts mentioned above for each event.
(As delivered)

Prime Minister Abe, welcome back to NATO. It is a great pleasure and great honour to have you here and you have been here before and its always great to welcome back a good friend of NATO to the NATO Headquarters.

Three years ago, you came here to sign a Partnership and Cooperation Programme with the Alliance. On that day, you called Japan and NATO natural partners and I totally agree with you. Japan is NATOs longest-standing partner from outside the Euro-Atlantic area.

We have worked together for years to help stabilise Afghanistan. Your outstanding financial contributions - including to NATO Trust Funds - are deeply appreciated. We have also worked side-by-side to counter piracy off the coast of Somalia and I appreciate Japans contribution of staff officers to NATO, in particular to support us on the important work we do on Women, Peace and Security. This will allow us to deepen our cooperation even further. Including in the areas of information-sharing, and participation in training and exercises.

In the future, we could also look into further maritime cooperation and expand our dialogue on security challenges. We should seek to deepen our cyber defence cooperation, where NATO sees Japan as a key partner.

Because global challenges require global responses.

We also very much value our political dialogue with Japan on issues of mutual concern, including North Korea. Since last December, we have addressed the North Korean threat at two Council meetings with our four Asia-Pacific partners: Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

Pyongyang continues its nuclear and ballistic missile tests. And the missile ranges are increasing. All of these nuclear and missile tests are a clear breach of UN Security Council Resolutions and a threat to international peace and security.

Our position on North Korea is very clear. North Korea must comply with its international obligations. Stop all activities related to its ballistic missile and nuclear programmes. Abandon all existing weapons of mass destruction programmes once and for all.

And engage in real dialogue with the international community.

Prime Minister Abe, thank you again for coming to NATO HQ and thank you for the kind invitation to visit Tokyo later this year.

I look forward to working with you to further deepen our valuable and important partnership and cooperation.

So thank you so much.
Allied and Ukrainian experts gathered in Kyiv on 4 July 2017 to discuss present and future cooperation in the area of emerging security challenges and security-related advanced technologies.

During the meeting of the 15th Joint NATO-Ukraine Working Group on Scientific and Environmental Cooperation, participants exchanged views regarding several Science for Peace and Security (SPS) projects. These projects address a wide variety of emerging security challenges such as counter-terrorism, cyber defence, and the detection and clearance of mines and unexploded ordnance, with the aim of forging networks, supporting capacity-building and helping the country to deal with the negative effects of the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

Since 2014, Ukraine has been the largest beneficiary of the SPS Programme, said Ambassador Sorin Ducaru, NATOs Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges. Many of the ongoing activities have brought about tangible results, positively benefitting local populations and helping Ukraine to cope with the results of the ongoing conflict, stated Ambassador Ducaru in his opening remarks. Dr Strikha, Ukrainian Deputy Minister for Science and Education, underlined the strong impact the crisis has on the scientific community in Ukraine: 17 Ukrainian universities and 10 research institutions of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine had to be re-located as a result of the conflict.

Several SPS flagship projects are part of the Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP) for Ukraine, endorsed at the 2016 NATO Summit in Warsaw. An SPS flagship project is assisting Ukraine in the area of humanitarian demining by enhancing the capacity of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) in undertaking demining operations in eastern parts of the country. A multi-year initiative for the development of a 3D mine detector will ensure the sustainability of the activities. Furthermore, field exercises, organised by NATOs Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre in Ukraine and Montenegro in 2015 and 2016 respectively, demonstrated the added value of the cooperation between Ukrainian and Allied scientists and experts in disasters and incidents. With the current crisis in Ukraine, we need to continue to strengthen practical cooperation between NATO and Ukraine. The SPS Programme offers a great tool to do so and it demonstrates our commitment to support Ukraine, underlined Ambassador Ducaru.

Just recently, in March 2017, a fire at the ammunition depot in Balaklia, Kharkiv region destroyed valuable equipment. The SPS Programme rapidly delivered the needed equipment to enable Ukrainian demining teams to successfully clear the territory of Balaklia town and nine settlements in the vicinity. This support forms part of a larger project under the CAP to enhance the capacity of the SESU in undertaking humanitarian demining operations in areas affected by the conflict in Eastern Ukraine. To ensure the sustainability of the demining activities, scientists from Norway and Ukraine launched a new SPS project in 2016 to develop a 3D mine detector, allowing the SESU to conduct faster, cheaper and safer clearance of former conflict zones and help to avoid victims among civilians and the military.

Another SPS flagship project under the CAP has trained Ukrainian paramedics and has developed a multinational telemedicine system for emergency situations in Ukraine. Telemedicine can add tremendous value in the aftermath of disasters and crises by allowing international medical specialists to provide real-time recommendations to first responders at emergency scenes or in combat zones. At the conference, Ambassador Ducaru announced that, in the context of its support for the establishment of national paramedics centres in Ukraine, the SPS Programme will deliver specialist equipment, including patient simulators and manikins, medical training devices as well as multimedia IT equipment permitting practical and interactive training.
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While the leading countries in space exploratory are busy planning their conquest to Mars, Japan has announced its plan to send a manned-mission to the moon by 2030.

The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) presented its proposed lunar mission to a panel at Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, which is in charge of the country's space exploration programs.

In a report from CNN, a spokesperson from JAXA noted that sending a manned-mission to the moon could cost an enormous fortune. Due to this, the agency plans to join to a multinational manned lunar probe. Japan hopes that its technological contribution to the lunar mission could land them a space in the multinational lunar probe. Preparations for the mission will begin in 2025.

This is the first time that the Japanese government voiced out its intention in conquering the moon. Further details regarding the lunar mission and other space projects of JAXA will be unveiled in March 2018 during the International Space Exploration Forum.

If Japan's lunar mission comes into fruition, they will be the third Asian country to send a man in the moon, following China and India. However, Japan will be the fifth country worldwide to plant their flag in the moon, after the two giants in space exploration, the United States and Russia.

Asian countries are becoming more active in the field of space science. Just last year, China announced its plans to send a rover in Mars by 2020 and send another manned mission in the moon in the coming years. On the other hand, India have temporary halted its manned-mission after successfully planting their flag in the moon in 2008. India sent a probe to Mars in 2014 and is planning to launch an unmanned-mission to the moon in the first half of 2018.

While Japan is concentrating on the moon, the U.S. has their sights on Mars. A bill passed by the congress and signed by President Donald Trump directs NASA to send a manned-mission to Mars in 2033.


The great-grandmother of a 4-year-old boy found chained, malnourished and beaten in an apartment in Mexico says she had believed he was being raised by his father.

Virginia Sanderson was there for her grandson's birth at Palomar Hospital in Escondido, California, she told NBC 7. She even helped raise him for a while.

"Just a little sweet, innocent, Sanderson recalled.

On Tuesday, June 27, authorities rescued the boy from an apartment in Mexico City. Two people, identified as an aunt and uncle, were arrested.

The boy was admitted to the hospital with multiple injuries. A photograph released by authorities showed a silver chain binding his thin legs.

"It's just not right. It's not right at all. Somebody has got do something," Sanderson said.

She added, "We have to pray for him. That's the most important thing for his safety."



She told NBC 7 that her granddaughter had lost custody of the child and she thought the boy was being raised by his father in Mexico. But she saw her great-grandson's father in Escondido, just two weeks ago.

Mexico City's prosecutors believe the boy is an American citizen. The U.S. Embassy has yet to determine if that is true, though Sanderson said she has proof.

"He's a citizen of the United States and he should be here. They had no right to send him away, out of this country. No right at all," Sanderson said.

The family knows the child is hospitalized and being treated for several injuries.

It is still unclear how he ended up in Mexico City.

No further information is available.
Tech titans in the Bay Area are doing right by their employees.

Or so says Indeed's 2017 list of best places to work.

Coming in first place is San Francisco-based Salesforce, an enterprise software company that was founded in 1999 and today employs more than 10,000 people.

Why? Due to Salesforce's "culture of 'Ohana' (which means family) and its spirit of philanthropy," according to Indeed, a search engine for jobs. In fact, CEO Marc Benioff has tapped his Golden Retriever, Koa, as the company's Chief Love Officer.

Salesforce employees have also praised the benefits and work-life balance they enjoy.

Airline companies, Southwest, of Texas, and Jetblue, of New York, came in second and third on Indeed's list, which is based on 15 million reviews by employees of Fortune 500s.

Not surprisingly, Facebook and Google rounded out the top five positions.

Located in Menlo Park, Facebook has between 5,000 and 10,000 workers, one of whom said, "They give you opportunities to become a better version of yourself, which gives them the return of a happy, more proficient employee."

Google, which is headquartered in Mountain View, has a team that is 10,000 people strong and yet "continues to inspire its employees," Indeed said in a blog post.

"There might be thousands of people working at Google; however, you have a voice and you will be heard," said one employee who works at the tech company that was created in 1998.



The final Silicon Valley behemoth to crack the top 10 was Cupertino's Apple, which shares eighth place with Nike.

Here are 20 of the best places to work in 2017:
A small group of protesters and a team of attorneys flocked to San Francisco International Airport Thursday as President Donald Trumps new criteria for visa applicants from six Muslim-majority countries went into effect.

The executive order will impact people traveling to the United States from Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Iran and Yemen. The new rules will be in place at 5 p.m., according to guidelines issued in a cable sent to all U.S. embassies and consulates, the Associated Press reported.

The move comes after the Supreme Court partially restored what was widely criticized as a ban on Muslims.

In the Bay Area, lawyers will be volunteering their time to help any travelers stuck in limbo.

The travel ban generated lot of concern at the SFO's international terminal late Thursday.

Shaz Iqubal's family came in from Pakistan -- not on the ban list -- late Thursday and is still worried about his family being treated unfairly.

"We were worried they would be questioned," Iqubal said.

Many Muslim families late Thursday said they were relieved to see loved ones exit customs.

Visas that have already been approved will not be revoked, officials say. Travelers from one of those countries applying for entry to the U.S., however, must have a parent, spouse, child or son- or daughter-in-law already here. Other family members like grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins will not be eligible.

Christina Sinha will be among attorneys who will set up on-site legal clinics just outside the international arrivals terminal at the airport. An attorney with the Asian Law Caucus, Sinha mobilized to SFO in January when Trumps original travel ban was issued.
San Franciscos Treasure Island has gone through a myriad of incarnations over the years: host of the 1939 Worlds Fair  Naval base  forlorn neighborhood on the bay. But its next phase could be its most intriguing  art hub.

A new plan by San Franciscos Arts Commission and the Treasure Island Development Authority is expected to generate up to $50 million in development fees on the island to fill it with art over the next 20 years.

While the island undergoes a massive redevelopment project that will fill it with new homes and businesses, the new Treasure Island Arts Master Plan maps out a path to create one of the worlds most unique art destinations.

I think its a vision to ensure that Treasure Island is a world class destination for arts and culture, said Tom DeCaigny, Director of Cultural Affairs for the San Francisco Arts Commission. But also an incredible place for all the new residents that will be living there.

DeCaigny said the plan will start with three large art pieces over the next two years. One piece will anchor a new ferry landing, another will greet visitors coming to the island and a third will be installed at a hilltop park on Yerba Buena Island.

I think one of the most exciting things about the arts master plan for Treasure Island, DeCaigny said, is the opportunity to really be on the ground level on one of the largest developments in San Franciscos history.

The arts commission has yet to release a request for proposals  but some new art is already on tap. Artist Tom Loughlin is creating a 25-foot steel circular sculpture built from three massive 12-ton girders salvaged from the old Eastern span of the Bay Bridge.

Loughlins sculpture, which he self-funded, is scheduled to be installed this fall and will perch on the islands Western edge, with unfettered views of the bay. The sculpture will vibrate with low frequencies that will create a low hum of sound.

Theres this panoramic view of San Francisco, of both spans of the Bay Bridge, Loughlin said. The whole Bay Area is really visible from the spot and I love it as a place for the sculpture.

The island is currently in a state of construction upheaval. Large mounds of dirt sit on the great lawn behind a chain link fence. Some vintage hangars used by artists have been torn down. Loughlin views the island as a blank canvas with the potential to be known for more than just its spectacular views.

Its an amazing thing, Loughlin said, and its an amazing new chapter in the history of the island.

In a way, the island is coming full circle. It was constructed of dredged sand and quarried rock during the thirties to host the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition  an extravaganza that featured numerous statues, buildings and fountains of various scale. Some of the original buildings remain as relics of a long lost era.

Almost a hundred years ago it was a public gathering place for people to learn about each other and learn about the world, Loughlin mused. So I guess in some ways its going back to its origins.

The island has long had the distinction of being a place famous for its views of somewhere else. But planners hope its sweeping redevelopment and slate of new art will inspire residents and visitors to look inward.

We like to think of public art as the vehicle in which we are defining a neighborhood, DeCaigny said. We do hope that the master plan results in art being infused throughout the island.
Add a so-called "moving hotel" to your options when planning out your next trip to Southern California.

Cabin provides a new type of overnight bus that travels from San Francisco to Los Angeles. A one-way ride starts at $115.

Journeys from each destination will leave at 11 p.m. and arrive around 7 a.m. Patrons will be able to enjoy their own sleep cabin, Wi-Fi and select beverages. While this may not sound like much, creators Tom Currier and Gaetano Crupi worked for over a year to perfect the concept.

The duo refers to the bus as a moving hotel on their website, guaranteeing style and security during the trip.

If unconvinced whether the bus would make for a sweet slumber, Cabin reassures customers that each sleep pod was meticulously thought out. The company states each pod has a privacy curtain, high quality bedding and insulated walls to reduce sound. It is also noted that the driving routes were meticulously mapped out in order to provide riders with minimum disruptions.

Individual amenities are also paired with a communal restroom and lounge area.

While most trips are booked through September, you can reserve a future spot on the companys website.
The suspect in a hit-and-run crash in Concord, which killed two boys, left a 3-month-old baby in critical condition and severely injured their mother, was slapped with murder charges on Wednesday, according to the District Attorney's Office.

The suspect, identified as Lemuel Wilson, faces two counts each of murder and driving under the influence, and one count of leaving the scene of an accident. His bail has been set at $2 million.

The children's mother Aida Reyes was faced with a heartbreaking task on Wednesday, her sister said.

"She had to pick caskets for her kids," Gabriela Reyes said.

The 35-year-old man has a spotted past, according to police, and was arrested for battery and forgery just three days before the horrific collision.



The suspect and his brother are accused of threatening to shoot and kill Nordstrom staff at Stoneridge Mall in Pleasanton on June 24, according to a police report. An employee claimed that Lemuel Wilson pushed him and sought to press charges. Having received multiple complaints, police arrested the man for making criminal threats and battery.

Officers then searched Lemuel Wilson and found a .40 caliber handgun bullet. A sweep of his vehicle also led police to an embossing machine  that is used to imprint symbols onto blank credit cards, a credit card scanner, and hundreds of credit cards in the suspect's name.

The list of possible charges against Wilson grew to include intent to forgery due to his possession of card scanning devices, making counterfeit credit cards, and being a felon in possession of ammunition for a firearm. NBC Bay Area has learned that the suspect's lengthy criminal past also includes at least two prior DUIs and drug charges.

The man reportedly pled not guilty to the slew of recent charges, only to take a drive Friday night that ended in two deaths.

"He got out on Thursday and he killed my babies on Friday," Aida Reyes said.

Vincent Reyes-Rothenberg, 5, and Lorenzo Reyes, 10, who had just left a drive-in movie, were killed in a hit-and-run crash on state Highway 4, the Contra Costa County coroner's office said.

The young brothers were in a gray 2006 Dodge Durango that was traveling on the on-ramp from Solano Way to westbound Highway 4 around 10:55 p.m. Friday, according to the California Highway Patrol.

At the same time, a silver 2004 Infiniti sedan was traveling west on Highway 4 and took the Solano Way off-ramp, which is adjacent to the on-ramp, but veered off the off-ramp and slammed into the left rear side of the Dodge, CHP officials said.

The collision caused the boys to be ejected from the car, which was pushed to the edge of the on-ramp, while the Infiniti crashed through a fence and stopped just feet from the door of a nearby Kinder's restaurant, according to the CHP.

The two boys were pronounced dead at the scene. A third child, 3-month-old Luciano, who was restrained in a car seat, suffered major injuries and was taken to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland.

The boys' 35-year-old mother, Aida Reyes, also suffered major injuries and was taken to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek.

Witnesses identified the Infiniti driver as Wilson, who fled the scene and ran across the highway.

Officers notified all regional hospitals of Wilson's identity in case he showed up for treatment of injuries from the crash. He went to Highland Hospital in Oakland to seek care, said a friend of the victims' family. Hospital officials notified the CHP, and officers arrived to interview Wilson. He was officially taken into custody at 12:35 a.m. Sunday on suspicion of two counts of vehicular manslaughter, hit-and-run causing great bodily injury and driving on a suspended or revoked license.

Speaking outside the hospital where her baby is still fighting for his life, Aida Reyes on Wednesday expressed her frustration at the situation.

"If you are a multiple offender on a DUI charge, you should be sitting in jail regardless of what it is," she said.

NBC Bay Area's Terry McSweeney and Sergio Quintana contributed to this report.
WWE said Thursday it is investigating a "vulnerability of database" after a security firm announced earlier this week it had uncovered an unprotected database that was open to anyone.

Bob Dyachenko, from the security firm Kromtech, told Forbes hed uncovered a huge, unprotected WWE database containing information on more than 3 million users. Dyachenko also claimed that it was open to anyone who knew which web address to search, according to Forbes.com.

The leak in the WWE database, included users home and email addresses, birthdates, earnings, ethnicity, childrens age ranges, genders and more. The database was stored on an Amazon Web Services S3 server without username or password protection. Dyachenko said it was not clear which branch of the WWE Corporation the database came from.

WWE said in a statement posted on the company's website that it is working with Amazon Web Services, the cybersecurity firms Smartronix and Praetorian Cybersecurity Solutions to investigate the breach.



"Although no credit card or password information was included, and therefore not at risk, WWE is investigating a vulnerability of a database housed on Amazon Web Services (AWS)," the statement said.
For Russian President Vladimir Putin, a meeting with U.S. counterpart Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Germany offers a long-sought opportunity to negotiate a rapprochement with Washington. But controversy over the Trump campaign's ties with Russia will loom over the talks, making any agreements unlikely.

Rarely in recent history has a meeting of two heads of state generated so much excitement, anxiety and hope.

The Kremlin views Friday's encounter as a watershed moment that could ease Russia-West tensions. Some in the U.S., meanwhile, worry that Trump could make unjustified concessions to Russia.

Amid investigations into possible collusion with Moscow by Trump's campaign, any deal with Putin would expose Trump to more criticism. And if the two fail to get along, that would further exacerbate tensions between Moscow and Washington and put them on a collision course in regions around the world.

"If Putin comes to the conclusion that even if Russia and the U.S. reach agreement, Trump would be unable to implement it for domestic policy reasons, he would lose interest in seeking an agreement," said Dmitri Trenin, the director of the Carnegie Moscow Center.

In Poland on Thursday, Trump hinted that Russia interfered in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, but partly blamed former president Barack Obama for not stopping the meddling.

"A lot of people interfere. It's been happening for a long time," Trump said in Poland. Asked specifically whether he planned to discuss the issue with Putin, Trump demurred.

"They say he [Obama] choked. Well, I don't think he choked," Trump said. "I think he thought Hillary Clinton was going to win the election, and he said, 'Let's not do anything about it.'"

Putin, a KGB veteran who once described himself as an "expert in personal communications," always focuses closely on trying to establish warm ties with his counterparts. Kremlin-watchers say Putin meticulously prepares for meetings with foreign leaders, studying their track records and personal habits.

"He believes that personalities  not states, armies or companies  determine the course of global events," Trenin said.

Fyodor Lukyanov, the head of the Council for Foreign and Defense Policies, said even if Putin and Trump develop a good rapport, Trump's ability to deliver on his promises will be a key factor for the Russian leader.

"If Putin has a positive view, as a minimum he will give (Trump) more time to sort things out," he said. "But he could possibly conclude that he (Trump) may not succeed in sorting things out and, moreover, doesn't really want an honest deal. If Putin decides it's not going to work, he will drop all constraints."

The tense environment for the Trump-Putin meeting contrasts with the Kremlin's early expectations.

The Kremlin was very pleased with Trump's presidential victory, since he promised to improve ties with Russia and praised Putin during the campaign. It had hoped for a quick meeting after Trump's inauguration in January, but U.S. congressional and FBI investigations into links between Trump campaign aides and Russia blocked an early encounter.

In the last few months, Moscow's hopes that Trump could act to lift the sanctions imposed on Russia over the Ukrainian crisis have withered. Putin and his lieutenants have also become increasingly impatient about U.S.-Russia ties remaining at a freezing point.

"We realize that the situation is difficult and relations with Russia have become hostage to the U.S. political infighting, but so what?" Putin foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov said this week. "We have difficulties of our own."

Russia and the U.S. have struggled to even set a specific time for Friday's meeting and the White House says there's "no specific agenda" for it. When the two presidents finally sit down for a talk, sharp differences remain on a wide range of issues, from Syria and the Ukrainian crisis to nuclear arms control.

While Trump has said the U.S. and Russia could pool efforts to fight the Islamic State group in Syria, Moscow's firm support for Syrian President Bashar Assad makes any agreement unlikely.

Moscow responded angrily when Trump ordered a missile strike on a Syrian base in April after a chemical attack blamed on Assad's forces, and was also vexed by the U.S. downing of a Syrian warplane in June. After last month's incident, the Russian military suspended a hotline with the U.S. to prevent mid-air incidents and warned that it would track U.S.-led coalition aircraft as potential targets over Syria.

And when the White House warned last week that Assad was preparing for another chemical attack and would "pay a heavy price" if he launches it, Russia responded by offering the Syrian ruler a tour of its air base.

Even though the Russian and U.S. militaries in Syria have worked out a way to avoid collisions, the situation could grow more unstable if Putin and Trump fail to get along, Trenin warned.

Bitter differences over Ukraine haven't been resolved. Some U.S. lawmakers have been pushing the White House to approve the delivery of weapons to the Ukrainian military in response to Moscow's support for separatists in eastern Ukraine  a move that would cross a red line for the Kremlin.

Also clouding Friday's meeting are Washington's concerns about Russian violations of a landmark Cold-War era nuclear arms deal. Moscow has rejected those claims and instead accused the U.S. of breaching the pact.

The only issue where observers think a deal could be made is President Barack Obama's decision in December to shut down Russian Embassy compounds in Maryland and on Long Island, New York. The Kremlin emphasized this week that it has shown remarkable restraint by failing to respond tit-for-tat and warned that its patience is running out.

U.S. officials have indicated that Washington expects Moscow to make some trade-offs in exchange for the two properties, but analysts in Moscow say the Kremlin isn't prepared to bargain on this.

"I would be surprised if Vladimir Putin offers any concessions in exchange for restoring what Russia sees as its inalienable rights," Trenin said. "If no agreement is reached, Russia will take retaliatory measures, which could trigger new U.S. moves."
On the eve of his first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Donald Trump vowed Thursday to confront "new forms of aggression" targeting the West and called for Moscow to stop fomenting unrest around the world. Yet he pointedly stopped short of condemning Russia for meddling in the U.S. election.

Buoyed by an electrified crowd of thousands in Poland chanting his name, Trump sought to show he wasn't overlooking Russian actions that have elicited global consternation, especially from nearby nations in eastern and central Europe. He warned that Western interests were being tested by "propaganda, financial crimes and cyber warfare," forcing NATO to adapt.

"We urge Russia to cease its destabilizing activities in Ukraine and elsewhere, and its support for hostile regimes including Syria and Iran, and to join the community of responsible nations in our fight against common enemies and in defense of civilization itself," Trump said in a speech in Warsaw's Krasinski Square.

It was a critique that the president did not appear to extend to Russia's actions last year during the presidential campaign. In a news conference before his speech, Trump questioned the veracity of American intelligence about foreign meddling in the U.S. election, arguing that Russia wasn't the only country that may have interfered.

"Nobody really knows for sure," Trump said.

Opening his second overseas trip as president, Trump also warned North Korea that he's considering "some pretty severe things" in response to the isolated nation's unprecedented launch of a missile capable of reaching the U.S. Though he declined to offer specifics on the U.S. response, Trump called on all nations to confront the North's "very, very bad behavior."

He also stated unequivocally that the U.S. stands "firmly behind Article 5," the NATO provision requiring the U.S. to defend other member nations if they come under attack. On his inaugural trip to Europe in May, Trump declined to affirm that commitment, to the dismay of U.S. allies who said it cast doubt on his allegiance to the alliance.

As U.S. investigations into Russia's meddling forge ahead, Trump is under intense scrutiny for how he handles his first face-to-face session with Putin. U.S. intelligence officials say the unpredictable Russia leader ordered interference into the 2016 election that brought Trump to the White House.

From Poland, Trump took a short flight to Hamburg, Germany, where he was meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and having dinner with leaders of South Korea and Japan later Thursday.

Trump and Putin plan to sit down together on Friday in Hamburg, on the sidelines of the G-20 summit of industrialized and developing economies. Asked, in Poland, whether he planned to discuss election meddling with Putin, Trump demurred.

But back in Washington, pressure was mounting from Trump's critics in Congress for him to forcefully confront Putin. California Rep. Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House intelligence panel, urged Trump to "have the courage" to raise the election issue directly, while several Senate Democrats insisted it would be a "severe dereliction" of Trump's duties if he doesn't.

Loath to cast a shadow on his election victory, Trump has avoided firmly blaming Moscow for campaign hacking in the past, and on Thursday, he was similarly elusive. He argued variably that it could have been Russia, probably was Russia and indeed was Russia, while insisting it could have been other countries, too, and adding: "I won't be specific."

The president sought to redirect scrutiny toward his predecessor, Barack Obama, accusing him of allowing Moscow to meddle on his watch. Though the Obama administration warned Russia publicly and privately before Election Day to stop interfering, questions have since been raised about whether he acted aggressively enough to stop the threat.

"They say he choked. Well, I don't think he choked," Trump said. "I think he thought Hillary Clinton was going to win the election, and he said, 'Let's not do anything about it.'"

Using information collected by the FBI, CIA and National Security Agency, the U.S. national intelligence director last year concluded that Moscow was behind the hack of Democratic Party email systems and attempted to influence the 2016 election to benefit Trump. The Obama administration said the effort was directed from the "highest levels" of Russia's government  a reference to Putin.

"Mistakes have been made" by U.S. intelligence, said Trump, issuing a reminder that America's spy agencies had once been confident that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, creating "one big mess" in the form of the Iraq War. Though Trump has made similar statements before, it was an extraordinary public expression of doubt about U.S. intelligence capabilities by a president while standing on foreign soil.

In his first public comments since North Korea tested an intercontinental ballistic missile this week, Trump declined to offer specifics about what a U.S. response might entail, though he called it a "threat" and said the U.S. would "confront it very strongly." Trump said it wasn't certain he'd follow through on the severe steps he was weighing, adding that he does "not draw red lines."

"It's a shame that they're behaving this way," Trump said of North Korea's leaders. "But they are behaving in a very, very dangerous manner, and something will have to be done about it."

The U.S. has been considering a range of possible sanctions, economic measures and other steps to confront Pyongyang. The test of an ICBM marked a major technological advancement for North Korea that U.S. officials have described as intensifying the threat against the U.S. by bringing the North closer to being able to mount a nuclear warhead atop a missile that could hit American soil.

Trump used part of a joint news conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda to attack several U.S. news organizations for their coverage of his presidency. That elicited some sympathy from Duda, who suggested that he, too, was covered unfairly.

"We don't want fake news," Trump said.

Before his address to the Polish people, the president joined first lady Melania Trump for a wreath-laying ceremony at a monument commemorating the 1944 Warsaw Uprising against Nazi occupation. Crowds waving U.S. and Polish flags gathered near TV screens erected in the square to broadcast the visiting American's speech.

A spokesman for the Warsaw police, Sylwester Marczak, told The Associated Press that some 15,000 people attended Trump's Krasinski Square speech.

Associated Press writers Josh Lederman, Vivian Salama and Jill Colvin contributed to this report.
Chipmaker Qualcomm is asking U.S. trade regulators to ban iPhone imports, according to a new lawsuit.

Apple has allegedly infringed on six of Qualcomm's patents that improve iPhone battery life, according to Qualcomm. Now San Diego-based Qualcomm wants Apple to pay damages, CNBC reported.

"Apple continues to use Qualcomm's technology while refusing to pay for it," Don Rosenberg, executive vice president and general counsel of Qualcomm, said in a statement.

Qualcomm ultimately wants regulators to investigate which phones use cellular processors from Qualcomm's competitors, and halt sales of iPhones that violate the patents.



CNBC was seeking a response from Apple.
Twitter, she married him. It just took a while.



Almost three years after Llia Apostolou sent a joking message on Twitter in search of a blind wedding date, she and the stranger who answered her made it to a different wedding: their own.



Apostolou, a social media manager from London, explained the romantic saga on her blog. She and a friend went to a pub on Valentine's Day in 2014 to "distract ourselves from our singleness" when she saw a photo of Paul Gibson pop into her Twitter feed.

[NATL] Celebrity Hookups: David Foster, Katharine McPhee Marry

"I cant explain what happened next, I felt something shift in my heart," Apostolou said on the blog. "Perhaps it was the whiskey, but I wanted to know you."

A few months later, still in search of a date to her sister's wedding the coming weekend, Apostolou sent that joking tweet.



Are you a man? Can I borrow you for a wedding next weekend? Bonus points if you can source a baby that I can pretend is mine too.  Llia Apostolou (@Llia) July 6, 2014

Gibson responded almost immediately, and the two exchanged light-hearted messages about the idea, even joking about getting married themselves.

@Llia I can do this, I've got a suit and everything!  out of context philgibson01 (@philgibson01) July 6, 2014

She writes, "So our conversation moved from tweets, to direct messages, to long and rambling emails about our lives."

And three years later, that Twitter exchange took them to the altar  and Apostolou's callback to the moment when their romance took off has gone viral, getting retweeted more than 15,000 times.

Almost exactly three years later, I can say... Reader, I married him.  https://t.co/4Gldzbbsw2  Llia Apostolou (@Llia) July 5, 2017

Apostolou said in another Twitter message that she and Gibson are unavailable to speak to the media because they are on their honeymoon.

Footage shows towering flames in San Francisco as crews battle a fire caused by a gas explosion.
Police in Rehoboth, Massachusetts arrested a man for driving recklessly and leading police on a dangerous chase on Wednesday.

Police attempted to stop a red Mercedes Benz on Tremont Street that was driving 75 mph in a 35 mph zone. The driver did not stop and attempted to speed away from the police cruiser.

The officer driving the vehicle lost control during the chase and struck another vehicle at a stop sign. No injuries were reported.

The driver was soon located on the back deck of a residence at 45 Slater Street.

Police arrested Michael L Montanez, 28, of Taunton, Massachusetts and charged him with speeding, passing in a no passing zone, marked lanes violation, refusing to stop for police, reckless operation, attaching plates, uninsured motor vehicle and unregistered motor vehicle.

He was held on $240 cash bail and is scheduled to appear at Taunton District Court on July 6.
MISSOULA  Tropical jungles in Central America host hundreds of different plants while Montanas forests only support dozens. Isnt that just because jungles get more rain and sun?

What sounds like a simple answer overlooks some really complicated science. University of Montana fire ecologist Andrew Larson was part of a 50-author study to sharpen that understanding. And the result shows plant communities depend on good enemies as much as good resources.

This is the most difficult study Ive tried to explain, Larson said last week after the project was published in Science magazine. We cant pick up everything we know from the tropics and use it to explain forests here. We couldnt take a tropical biologist and turn them loose in the Rattlesnake, because they couldnt fully explain what they see any more than someone from Montana going down to Costa Rica. Were going to have to learn some new things to explain and understand whats going on.

The research also builds support for an old idea, broached in the 1970s by ecologists Daniel Janzen and Joseph Connell. They suggested jungles teemed with rare species not just because there was lots of fertile soil and water and sun, but because it was easier to be rare than common in a competitive environment.

Imagine growing up in a farming town like Malta or a big city like Seattle. Children of a Malta farmer can successfully find work growing wheat for the family or on another farm. But the children of a baker in Seattle would probably fail if they opened another bakery next to Mom and Dad. Theyd have more success with a furniture repair shop or a bookstore  occupations that would struggle in a small farming town.

Similar patterns play out in forests. Tropical jungles in Central America display dozens or hundreds of species not only because theres more water and heat near the equator, but because the rarity of each individual species makes it harder for a specialized bug or disease to find victims. Thats known as rare species advantage.

Conversely, offspring of tropical species struggle in the shadow of their parents because the mature plants hog the few resources theyve specialized in consuming. This falls under the mouthful term conspecific negative density dependence.

Move toward the harsher environments of the temperate zones (like North America), and the pattern changes. Plant species may team up with allies like underground fungi to make the best of limited resources. We wind up with extensive forests of lodgepole pine or prairies covered with a few species of grass.

The 50 authors from 12 countries who contributed to this finding asked an enormously important question that has been on the minds of scientists since Darwin, said David J. Skorton, secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Until now, there was no satisfying answer to the question of why there are so many species of trees in tropical forests.

This study, convened by the Smithsonian Forest Global Earth Observatory network, used 24 research plots 25 to 60 acres in size. Each had a team of ecologists individually tagging, measuring, and identifying everything bigger than half an inch in diameter  every year. Former UM wildlife biology graduate Joe LaManna led the project as a post-doctoral student at Washington University.

It took thousands of hours to generate all that data, Larson said. You can learn a lot from a satellite, but you cant do this. You have to get out in the field and track performance and demography.

Larson was responsible for three of the sites, in Yosemite National Park, southwestern Washington and Utah. As the project progresses -- it will continue after publication of the study -- he hopes to add a Montana plot to the inventory.

One thing the study shows is how the relationships with friends and enemies changes as species move from the tropics to the temperate zones. In the jungle, the kaleidoscope of rare plants jumbled together makes it hard for a predator to concentrate on the weaknesses of a particular species. The same principle keeps one species from becoming dominant because it would support an equally dominant predator that would overwhelm it in a boom-and-bust cycle.

But the pattern changes as landscapes get closer to the poles. As the resources get limited, specialization pays off even as it encourages specialized enemies. That may stem from the need to take advantage of whatever the tougher habitat offers. But it also might mean that changes in climate, like more seasonal rains or heat waves, could have amplified impacts on how temperate forests look.

Papers like this one are exciting, because weve documented a strong global pattern, Larson said. Weve speculated about this, but no one had the huge amount of data needed to show it.
A home health aid is facing numerous charges after police in Weymouth, Massachusetts, said she made several withdrawals from a client's bank account.

Police arrested Theresa A. Jensen on June 27 following a lengthy investigation. She was charged with 28 counts of larceny, assault and battery on a person over 60, and drug possession.

Police said the investigation began June 19 when 88-year-old Josephine Lally's daughter went to authorities after discovering 35 fraudulent ATM withdrawals from her mother's account between February and June. The amounts varied but most were for $500.

Lally remains upbeat, even after the incident.

She used to tell me she loved me, said Lally. Im scrimping and saving trying to save my money and stretch it and then to think somebody couldnt care less.

Lallys family members started becoming concerned when they saw her bank statements, and noticed thousands of dollars missing.

I thought I was careful, said Lally.

The family focused immediately on Jensen, a certified nursing assistant, who had been helping Lally at her Weymouth apartment every day for the last two years.

She just doesnt realize the concept of money, said Lally. Never thinks of saving it. Shes the only person I know whos broke on payday.

Once police were notified, they set up surveillance at the Citizens Bank where most of the transactions were being made. Investigators linked security camera photos of Jensen using Lallys bank card around town, and when Jensen showed up at Lallys apartment for work one day, they moved in and arrested her.

When questioned by police, Jensen admitted that she had withdrawn cash many times by using Lallys Citizens Bank ATM card, according to police records.

Lally says she never gave the woman her card or her PIN.

When she made the bed in the bedroom, she rooted around in the bureau and found the cards, said Lally. And then when Id go to the bank shed always put her head very down and looked. It annoyed me.

Court documents show Jensen, who worked for Homewatch Caregivers in Weymouth, is accused of taking over $16,000 in cash.

Well I forgive her, said Lally. The laws the law.

Jensen has been fired from her agency. The company says they did perform a background check and they are very surprised by whats happened.

Neither Jensen nor her attorney have returned phone calls for comment. It's unclear when she will appear in court to face charges.
The Massachusetts House and Senate are preparing to vote on a new state budget.

Both chambers have scheduled formal sessions Friday. The spending plan will cover the 2018 fiscal year that began July 1.

Leaders of the six-member conference committee charged with hammering out the compromise offered few details about the final bill.

Slumping tax revenues that left an estimated $430 million hole in the just-completed 2017 fiscal year have complicated efforts to reach a compromise between House and Senate versions of the new budget.

The compromise budget is subject to an up-or-down vote in both chambers. It cannot be amended.

Republican Gov. Charlie Baker will have 10 days to review and sign the budget and issue any vetoes.

Massachusetts government has continued to function thanks to an interim budget.
A 17-year-old was seriously injured when he crashed into a moving SUV Thursday in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, according to police.

The accident occurred around 4 p.m. at the intersection of Boutelle and St. Bernard streets.

The boy was taken to a hospital in Worcester, where he is in critical condition. It was not clear if he was wearing a helmet.

Police have not released the identity of the boy. They initially reported he was 14 years old, but later updated his age.

According to police, a preliminary investigation shows the teen ran a stop sign and crashed into an SUV. He is believed to have been on his way to a park.

The driver remained on the scene. No charges have been filed against her, but the crash remains under investigation.

Children and other people were in the vehicle. They were also taken to a hospital after being shaken up.

Tim Guilfoil, who lives in the neighborhood, says he witnessed the incident.



"The boy ran into the car, its like he just didnt stop coming down the street, but there is a stop sign, on a bike just gambling no one was coming," Guilfoil said.

Aerial footage from NBC Boston's Sky Ranger helicopter showed police vehicles and officers at an intersection on Boutelle Street. Police tape is cordoning off a section of the street and a bicycle can be seen on its side in the street.



Several area streets were closed as a result of the crash.
Authorities say a 5-year-old child was injured after falling out of a ride during a carnival in central Indiana.

Police in Lebanon says the child was on the "Clown Around" ride at the Fourth of July Carnival in Memorial Park and wasn't properly buckled in a seat Monday night when the ride started. Police say people screamed to stop the ride, but the child was struck before the ride was halted.

The child was treated at an emergency room and released.

The ride was from Milton-based Poor Jack Amusements. Gary Bohlander, an owner and operator of the company, tells The Lebanon Reporter that the ride operator is on paid leave amid an investigation. He said the ride was inspected on Tuesday by the state and was cleared for use.
The United States and European governments are urging tougher international pressure on Syria over a sarin gas attack and stepped-up efforts to find the perpetrators.

The international chemical weapons watchdog OPCW held a special meeting on Wednesday in The Hague, after confirming in a recent report that sarin was used in the April attack on the town of Khan Sheikhoun. The report didn't say who was responsible for the attack, which killed more than 90 people.

U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Ward says "there should be no doubt" Syria's government was behind the attack. European delegates strongly condemned the attack, urging Syria to cooperate with the investigation.

Syrian President Bashar Assad denies using chemical weapons. Russia's Vladimir Putin said he believed the attack was staged by those seeking to blame Assad.
If youre hanging out in Connecticut this summer, be sure to check out these delicious made in Connecticut food and beverages. From chocolate to hot sauce to hot dogs, Connecticut is a tiny gastronomic paradise and you should take advantage.

Hummel Brothers Hot Dogs

A Connecticut mainstay since the Great Depression, Hummels Brother Hot Dogs produces high quality hot dogs as well as cold cuts, spiral-cut ham, corned beef, and pastrami. Pick them up at your local grocer and use them at your next summer barbecue.

Bridgewater Chocolate

A mix of two worlds, Bridgewater Chocolates are American-style chocolates made with European-quality ingredients. They produce a variety of different chocolates including truffles, caramels, turtles, toffees, hazelnut pralines, and much more.

Red Rooster Gourmet Cookies

The store may be no bigger than a laundry room, but dont underestimate baker Kimberly Welch and her giant, soft, luscious cookies. Red Rooster cookies has been pleasing the sugar tooth of all ages up and down the shoreline since it first opened its doors in 2011. Check out their storefront in Guilford and try out fan favourite cookies like Baileys Irish Butter, and Butter Pecan, and Red Rooster Signature.

Warrens Foods

Since it opened in 2008, customers cant get enough of Warrens relishes and salsa . Completely natural, gluten free, and Kosher as well as made with no preservatives. The relish comes in three varieties mild, medium, and hot, depending on how much fire your tongue can withstand.

Lamothes Sugar House

Vermont isnt the only maple syrup king of New England - Connecticut also is a top purveyor of this heavenly sweet confection. Lamothes Sugar House in Burlington not only produces several varieties of maple syrup, it also produces coffee, maple syrup candy, maple coated kettle corn and nuts, pancake mix, and much more. Check out their showroom and country store.

Dragons Blood Elixir

As it name suggests, Dragon's Blood Elixir makes fiery hot sauces and condiments to compliment your favorite dishes. The chef behind the sauce, Doug Crane, uses only locally produced ingredients from places like Woodstock Orchards, Fabyan Sugar Shack, and Quiet Corner Coffee Roasters. For the mild eater, try their Maple Roasted Apple sauce and for those that like to test their limits, give their Wild Elephant Deterrent a try (it is advised to keep a fire extinguisher on hand).

Foxon Park Sodas

With unique flavors such as Iron Brew, White Birch Beer, Gassosa, Foxon Park Beverages are like no other. Voted Best of Connecticut by CT Magazine ten years running, customers love for Foxon Park shows no signs of diminishing.

Matthews 1812 House

Established in 1979, Matthews 1812 House is family business dedicated to producing delicious cakes, cookies, bars, and more. The Farmhouse is familiar with media attention and has been featured in the New York Times, Country Living, Food Network, and Good Morning America. Try out their original fruitcakes or be a little naughty and try their chocolate bourbon pecan torte.

Palmieri

Designated as the first food service spaghetti sauce, Palmieri has been producing delicious tomato sauce since 1920 when Anna and Alphonse Palmieri moved to New Haven from Italy. Always one for quality over quantity, Palmieri only uses the freshest ingredients and the finest imported spices for their lines of sauces.

Deep River Potato Chips

Everyone loves a good potato chip and Deep River Snacks knows how to deliver a flavorful and crunchy chip that is sensation in Connecticut, across the United States, and in Canada. The chips are uniquely fried in sunflower oil and which has lower levels of trans fat and keeps fresher and healthier for longer. Go adventurous with their Honchos Tortilla Chips or stick to the original with their Classic Kettle Chip. Either way, Deep River chips wont disappoint.
A 6-year-old Connecticut girl is in the hospital after she nearly drowned in Killinglys Alexander Lake on the Fourth of July.

I think the whole issue here of the potential tragedy yesterday, Avery Tillinghast, who held his own party on the lake Tuesday, said.

Tillinghast said the child was a guest at his daughters party a few houses down from his.

Authorities said tragedy was averted thanks to the quick thinking of a nurse who administered CPR to the little girl. Police have released few other details about led up to the incident. Theyve said the girl was taken to the hospital but her condition is unknown.

"A lot of prevention has taken place but this incident will certainly make people more aware of that type of potential issue," Tillinghast added.

Parents know how important life jackets are but experts said it shouldnt be the only line of defense against drownings.

Parents, spend the time to make sure if your young children are in the water that youre in the water with them and when youre swimming in a lake or on a beach, choose a beach or a lakefront that has a lifeguard, said Kevin Borup, the associate director of the Injury Prevention Center at Connecticut Childrens Medical Center.
Cigna has announced it is pulling out of the individual market in Connecticut starting in 2018.

A company spokesman confirmed that the company notified individual medical plan holders that their off-exchange individual and family medical PPO plans will be discontinued in 2018. The move will not impact current plans through the end of the 2017 plan year, nor will it affect individual and family dental plans.

The company said they have a small customer base for individual plans in the state, and offering them is not sustainable for their business. It will not affect employer-sponsored plans.

Our decisions are based on where we can provide customers with access to the best combination of affordability, quality, and overall value. In this way, we view each market as a discrete opportunity to test and learn, in order to offer sustainable and affordable health benefits in the communities we serve, Cigna spokesman Joe Mondy wrote in a statement to NBC Connecticut.

The move comes amid uncertainty about the state of the Affordable Care Act and a possible Republican replacement.

The decision not to offer plans for 2018 is a difficult one, as we know that it will cause disruption for customers who will have to seek different healthcare coverage options for next year, Mondy said.
For law enforcement in Connecticut, the unprovoked attack that killed NYPD Officer Miosotis Familia is a reminder that police officers can become targets simply by putting on the uniform.

NYPD investigators said Familia was sitting inside a police command vehicle with her partner in the Bronx on Wednesday morning when a man with a gun ambushed them.

Police later confronted and killed the suspect, 34-year-old Alexander Bonds, after he pointed the gun at them, police said.

Familia was a mother of three and 12-year veteran of the NYPD.

Were grieving for the officers family, were grieving especially for her kids, New Haven Police Department spokesman Officer David Hartman said. This resonates through our building and the police department buildings across the state and country.

Hamden Police Chief Thomas Wydra learned about this latest murder of an on-duty police officer from a news alert.

It is obviously a horrifying reminder of how dangerous police work can be, Wydra said. Especially for those out in our streets and our neighborhoods who put on a uniform and get in a marked car.

Neither Hamden nor New Haven Police are planning any direct changes following the fatal shooting of Familia, but it serves as a reminder for officers to always be aware of their surroundings.

We tend not to sit in the patrol car with our head down in the computer writing reports, Hartman said. Rather, you pair up with somebody in another car and write the reports while somebody can look out for you.

Hartman said he hopes Familia can be remembered for her career of serving and protecting in the countrys largest city.

She needs to be remembered for being the hero she had been for over a decade and Im sure thats the way people will see her, Hartman said.

Members of the Hamden Police Department will likely attend whatever arrangements there are to honor Familia, Wydra said. He added that his have officers have unfortunately attended too many NYPD funerals.
The Montana Supreme Court denied Wednesday a new trial for a Butte man serving a life sentence for killing his infant daughter in August 2013.

Attorneys for Matthew Blaz argued that jurors should not have heard about Blaz's conviction for assaulting his wife about a month before 53-day-old Mattisyn Blaz was killed.

In Wednesday's ruling, five justices said both victims suffered head injuries, the assaults indicated Matthew Blaz had a pattern of resolving family issues with violence and both assaults happened at the family's home with no other witnesses, thus making the first assault relevant evidence at trial.

The justices also noted jurors were instructed not to use evidence of other crimes to prove Blaz's character.

"This instruction successfully cured any unfair prejudice that might have occurred," Justice Jim Rice wrote.

Justices Laurie McKinnon and Dirk Sandefur disagreed, saying there was nothing "inherently unique and distinctive" about the two assaults that would point to Blaz as the only suspect, except that in both cases Blaz acted with bad character.

The assaults differed in several ways, including that Mattisyn's mother was injured in the first case, but Mattisyn was not; Blaz was intoxicated in the first case, but not the second and the first assault was directed at an adult while the second was directed at an infant, McKinnon wrote in her dissent.

McKinnon wrote that there is a substantial risk that Blaz was convicted not for what he did, but for having committed a past assault. She and Sandefur said they would have ordered a new trial with that evidence excluded.

Separately, the state supreme court said the lower court erred in not giving Blaz credit for 318 days he served in jail pending trial. Credit was given in the verbal sentence, but not the written sentence. The justices ordered the court enter an amended judgment.
A Connecticut lawmaker is trying to make it so that all vehicles can alert drivers if a child is left in the back seat once the car is turned off.

This year, at least 17 children have died nationwide from being left in a hot car.

Senator Richard Blumenthal wants to change that number to zero.

He plans to introduce the HOT CARS ACT, which stands for Helping Overcome Trauma for Children Alone in the Rear Seat.

The HOT CARS ACT will require cars to be equipped with sensors that alert parents when they are leaving a child in the back seat. And I predict that these sensors on cars will be as common as seat belts, Blumenthal said.

If a child is still in the car when the engine has turned off, thats when the sensor would alert the driver. While the details of how theyd be alerted are unknown at this time, parent of two little girls, Sara Vollaro, of Hebron, thinks automakers could look at a sensor connected to car seats.

"Maybe theres some sort of sensor within the car seat system. They click when we have to click our car seats in now  (like) if it knows you have a car seat then it will know to check it, Vollaro said.

On July 7, 2014, 15-month-old Benjamin Seitz, of Ridgefield, lost his life when he was accidentally left inside a car by his father.

Now sensors are sold as aftermarket devices and they are equipped in some car models.

Kevin Borrup, associate director of the Injury Prevention Center at Connecticut Childrens Medical Center, said he welcomes any lifesaving technology because accidents do happen.

"It can be difficult to see if a child is in the back seat, especially infants. The American academy of pediatrics recommends that a child be rear facing until the age of two, so its understandable that a child that young and youre driving, they may fall asleep and not make a sound and its very difficult to see from the front of the car whether that rear facing seat is occupied, Borrup said.

Blumenthal said there may be grandchildren or other peoples children that get in the car. He said if the device is made into a standard in the auto industry, the cost will be fairly inexpensive. The actual cost is unknown at this time.
For the past several months, Toyota has been busy putting the finishing touches on its brand new North American Headquarters in Plano and getting its employees moved in.

Now, the automaker says it's ready to open the doors of its massive facility to the rest of the world.

Toyota hosted a grand opening celebration there Thursday night, complete with a ribbon cutting.



Located in the Legacy West development near the Dallas North Tollway and Sam Rayburn Tollway, the campus is made up of about a half-dozen buildings covering 2 million square feet.

Toyota's North American corporate offices, a branch of its financial unit, and a division of Lexus will all share the space.

When it's fully up and running, more than 4,000 employees will work there.



The company said most of those employees are moving to North Texas from other states. About 1,000 of those employees will be local hires.



North American CEO Jim Lentz said Thursday about 200 jobs were still available. A list of open positions can be found here.



Leaders in Plano have called the project a "game changer" for the city. In addition to the new jobs and new residents it's bringing to the city, they point out that Toyota has invested roughly a billion dollars to make the move happen.

They also estimate the facility will generate $70 million in new tax revenues over the next ten years.


A Dallas man is skeptical of new evidence which suggests missing aviator Amelia Earhart survived an island landing in the South Pacific 80 years ago.

"I'm pretty sure the Lockheed Electra, Amelia and Fred Noonan are probably at the bottom of the Pacific," said Bruce Bleakley, director of the Frontiers of Flight Museum.

A team of investigators from the History Channel uncovered the evidence, including a never-before-seen photo which they believe shows Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, alive in Japanese custody in the Marshall Islands.

"I don't know if I could recognize my own mother if that were her in the photograph," Bleakley said. "I'd say it's a long shot."

Bleakley once visited the small island where the photograph was taken.

"There was still some of the local natives there alive that remembered seeing the white woman and the white man at that time," said Bleakley, who flew onto the island in 1972 while serving in the U.S. Air Force.

But he doesn't believe navigator Fred Noonan would have taken Earhart so far off their original course.

"We would have to believe that he made an 850-mile error," Bleakley said. "I just don't think that's possible."

"The atmospheric conditions at the time, and the cloud cover at the time and several other factors probably combined to make it difficult for them to find this tiny little speck out in the middle of nowhere," Bleakley said.

The Frontiers of Flight Museum displays several items related to Earhart and her disappearance, including a model replica of her plane and a copy of the search grid the U.S. Navy used to look for her.

MORE: "Amelia Earhart: The Lost Evidence" airs Sunday, July 9, on the History Channel.
Two years removed from a brazen attack on the Dallas Police Department Headquarters and there is still concern about a lack of basic security measures in place at its seven patrol division substations.

Two years is unacceptable, said Mike Mata, President of the Dallas Police Association, the citys largest police union.

Mata said that his nearly 2,800 DPA officers deserve, at the least, a security fence around the parking lots of the substations  Central, North Central, Northeast, Northwest, South Central, Southeast and Southwest.

In June 2015, a suspect in an armored van opened fire on Dallas PD headquarters  shooting more than 100 rounds from a semi-automatic rifle  and planted four bags, one of which contained pipe bombs, at the property.

One of the bombs was placed by a vehicle in an unsecured parking lot at headquarters and it exploded before it could be defused by the bomb disposal robot.

Since then, there has been a Dallas police officer acting as a de facto security guard in the substation parking lots 24 hours a day.

That one officer cannot adequately cover an entire parking lot, said Mata, who is a Sergeant in the Northeast patrol division. Aside from that, it is a waste of manpower.

In recent months there have been at least two incidents that have added further concern for safety.

In February, an unidentified gunman fired nine rounds from a moving vehicle into the South Central patrol substation. The bullets shattered glass and caused other property damage, but no one was hurt.

In April, a man was arrested at the Southwest patrol substation. He had a mask, two loaded guns and told an officer that he intended to shoot, according to a police official at the time.

The city of Dallas released a statement Thursday to NBC 5:

"Construction bids for security upgrades at Dallas Police Headquarters [were] due to be received on Friday June 9, with contract award expected to be on the August Council agenda. Work is expected to begin in October and be completed in March 2018.

"Lobby enhancements at all seven patrol stations have begun, and materials are on order. Lead times are approximately eight weeks and material for the first substation is anticipated in early July. Installation is expected to take a month or less at each location and all seven patrol station lobbies are scheduled to be complete in October."
Mark Hughes finds himself avoiding downtown Dallas these days.

Being there brings back the fear, confusion and bitterness of July 7, 2016, when a man fatally shot five police officers and wounded seven others during a protest.



"It's a surreal feeling right now, a lot of emotions. It's actually one of the first times I've been back," he said, sitting just a few yards away from the spot where his life changed. "Still, to this day, people come up and say, 'I know you, you're the shooter.'"

Hughes, the owner of snow cone stands, was among the hundreds of people who filled downtown Dallas that night to protest the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. Unlike the vast majority of protesters, Hughes came to the rally and march armed with a rifle.

"It was more than just a gun to me. The gun was just symbolism of what we were facing in the movement at that time," he said. "We had Philando Castile and Alton Sterling, two men who were gunned down by police officers. [Castile] had the lawful right to carry a gun."

Shortly after the first shots were fired, Hughes' brother, Cory, told him to give his rifle to a police officer.

"My first instinct was, 'Why am I going to give my gun over if they're shooting?'" Hughes said. "That's when Cory took it upon himself to go get the police officer like, 'Take my brother's gun. I don't want them to mistake him as the person doing the shooting.'"

It happened anyway. In a press conference hours after the ambush shooting and later on Twitter, Dallas police released a picture of Hughes carrying his rifle. They called him a "suspect" and asked the public for help finding him.

Hughes had no idea the police were looking for him.

"I received a phone call from an individual telling me that I was the suspect, that I was the person they said was doing the shooting. The first thing that came to my mind was they're going to kill me out here. I was angry. I was frightened. I feared for my life. I was confused and didn't know what to do," Hughes said.

Hughes said he thought he had done the right thing when he surrendered to police. He had the business card of the officer who took his gun and gave it to a detective. He thought clearing his name was going to be easy.

He was wrong.

"[The detective] came back in the room and he said, 'I have good news and bad news for you. I found the officer who had your rifle and he corroborated your story. The bad news is I have witnesses who say they saw you shoot your rifle.' That's when I knew I went from a person assisting the police officers  trying to clear my name  to now being a suspect," Hughes recalled.

Hughes was released several hours later. He was cleared of any wrongdoing, but the damage to his reputation was done.

"When they released me, we walked out into a room full of officers. They have TV screens up, and at that moment I looked up and I saw CNN. I saw my image come across the screen, and that's when I knew this was huge," he said.

In the days and weeks that followed Hughes said he received numerous threats. His five children had to stay with relatives for their own safety, and Hughes closed the snow cone stand he owns and operates.

"There were notes left that said stuff like 'cop killer' and 'payback.' People would drive by or just sit and watch," Hughes said. "For someone that wanted to feel as if they were helping police out with the manhunt they put out, I feared for my family."

The threats have since stopped, but Hughes still harbors some bitterness. He understands that police were under pressure that night and mistakes can be made in the heat of a volatile situation. But he feels that he could have been treated better.

"I had a rifle out there. Bringing me in and questioning me, I have no problem with that. But to release me as the suspect before you even spoke to me, before you have any evidence, that was reckless and dangerous," Hughes said in frustration. "I believe right is right, and wrong is wrong. If you make a mistake, correct it."

A year later Hughes is gradually rebuilding his reputation as one of the best snow cone makers in North Texas. Most of all he just wants to be himself again, someone who is known for his peaceful demeanor and activism  not as a suspect.

"The best thing I can do is be a voice for the community. Show my face and let them know I'm not walking around with my head down. I'm a man that's trying to make a living and provide for my family like any other person," Hughes said.
There are lots of snow cone stands in North Texas, but few may pack as much flavor as The Snow Cone Lady in Frisco.

Im ornery sometimes and sometimes Im as sweet as my snow cones, said Mary Mathis.

For 35 years, Mathis has been a fixture in Frisco. Known to most people as The Snow Cone Lady, its not uncommon for people to drive from all over to visit her stand on Elm Street.

I dont think any other snow cone has this flavor and the ice is good, said Jennifer Blythe of San Antonio, who made a stop while visiting family in Frisco.

Over the years Mathis has developed more than 50 home-made syrups.

She compares herself to a mad scientist, waking up early in the morning to mix flavors and test new ones.

Its in the way I blend them. Hours and hours of blending, said Mathis. I dont mean to brag, but I think they just taste better.

That confidence came after an uncertain start. Mathis started the stand when she was a single mom in need of a way to provide for her family. And shes kept it going, keeping prices low, to provide other parents a break.

I try really hard to think about what people need in their life, said Mathis. They need happiness. They need their kids. And they need to see their kids smile.

MORE: The Snow Cone Lady opens at 2 p.m. daily from April to early fall. The stand posts daily updates on their Facebook page.
The heirs of a Florida man who hid his wife's body in a freezer so he could continue collecting her Social Security benefits have repaid the government for the money he took, authorities said Friday.

The U.S. Attorney's Office said in a news release the heirs sold Allan Dunn's condo in Sun City Center, a retirement community south of Tampa, and paid $15,743 to the Social Security Administration.

Prosecutors said Margaret Dunn died at home in 2002 and Allan Dunn hid her body in the freezer, officials said. He then collected her Social Security benefits until he died in 2010.

Following his death, authorities learned Dunn's wife was dead. The heirs, who didn't know Dunn had hidden his wife's body, agreed to waive their right to inherit the condo and sold it.
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Storms swept through North Texas Wednesday evening, bringing heavy rain, strong wind gusts and lots of lightning strikes.

Lightning may have caused a house fire in Southlake near the Timarron Country Club. Nobody was injured, but the fire left major damage.

An apartment building caught fire in Frisco after a suspected lightning strike, fire officials said. There were no reported injures in the fire at the Village of Chapel Creek Apartments on the 5700 block of Parkwood Boulevard.

And lightning is also suspected of starting a house fire on the 1000 block of Great Meadow Drive in Allen, where there were no injuries.

Firefighters from North Richland Hills, Haltom City and Hurst responded to a call for a swift-water rescue on the 6200 block of Onyx Road, near Fossil Creek Park, at about 11 p.m. Officials said three young teenagers decided to go tubing on the rain-swollen Fossil Creek, but when the water became turbulent they attempted to get back to shore.

Two of them made it out of the creek, and the third climbed onto a log, where rescuers were able to reach the teen late Wednesday.

In North Fort Worth, emergency crews went door-to-door to check on people whose homes were flooded along Terminal Road and Hardy Street. About two-and-a-half inches of rain fell in a short time, turning many streets into rivers.

The American Red Cross is assisting families who were flooded out of their homes. Fort Worth fire officials say there were seven homes damaged by flooding, affecting 17 people.



"It was falling hard and fast. The wind was blowing hard," said resident Ronda Davis.

"I've been living here since 1986. Never been this bad. Never seen it this bad," resident Maria Esbindola added.

David Gonzales and his daughter, Krista, have lived in the neighborhood for 35 years.

"The water just kept rising until it came in the house, and it's probably still all the way in the garage," Krista Gonzales said.
California Gov. Jerry Brown plans to convene a climate conference next year, his latest action to position the state as a leader in battling global warming as the White House recedes.

The summit set for 2018 in San Francisco will mark the first time a state is hosting a climate gathering aimed at upholding the goals of the Paris climate agreement, an international pact to fight global warming that President Donald Trump is exiting.

Brown announced the Global Climate Action summit on Thursday in a video message to the Global Citizen Festival in Hamburg, Germany. His announcement comes as Trump is in Hamburg for a meeting of the Group of 20 economic powers, which includes many European allies that encouraged the president not to withdraw from the Paris agreement.

The Trump administration's decision to roll back environmental regulations in the United States and withdraw from the international agreement has elevated Brown's profile on the world stage. He traveled to China earlier this year to discuss climate policy and will serve as a special envoy to states and regions at the United Nation's November climate conference.

"Yes, I know President Trump is trying to get out of the Paris agreement, but he doesn't speak for the rest of America," Brown said in the video. "We in California and in states all across America believe it's time to act."

Brown's climate conference will feature representatives of subnational governments, businesses, investors, musicians and others to highlight action to fight global warming and to "spur deeper commitment" from national governments. A full list of attendees hasn't been released, and it's unclear if any foreign presidents or prime ministers plan to attend.

"It's up to you and it's up to me and tens of millions of other people to get it together to roll back the forces of carbonization and join together to combat the existential threat of climate change," Brown said in the video.

Building alliances to fight climate change has been a key piece of Brown's tenure. He's already launched a multi-state effort to keep the country on track to meet the Paris goals and created an alliance of subnational governments aimed at slowing the warming of the planet.

Meanwhile in Sacramento, Brown is struggling to reach consensus on a bill to reauthorize California's cap-and-trade program, the cornerstone of the state's efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
A former nursing assistant who was extradited from his native Guatemala to face charges of sexually abusing eight female patients at a Tarzana hospital is due in a Van Nuys courtroom Friday, while two of his alleged victims expressed relief that he is back in custody.



Ramon Eduardo Rodas Gaspar, 48, had been a fugitive since he failed to appear in court for a July 2006 hearing, nearly a month after a $150,000 bond was posted on his behalf.



Gaspar was arrested Feb. 13 in Guatemala and extradited back to Los Angeles last Friday, according to Deputy District Attorney Cindy Waterman with the Extradition Services Section.



Gaspar was initially charged with three counts involving two alleged victims at what was then known as Encino-Tarzana Regional Medical Center. He was subsequently charged with counts involving six other alleged victims at the hospital, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.



He is facing seven counts of sexual battery by fraud, five counts of sexual penetration by a foreign object and three counts of sexual battery on an institutionalized victim, according to the District Attorney's Office.



All of the charges are felonies. The criminal complaint alleges that the crimes occurred between January 2005 and April 2006. Former patients reported being sexually assaulted by Gaspar after surgery, some while still under the effects of anesthesia, according to the Los Angeles Police Department, which began an investigation in June 2006.



On Thursday, two alleged victims told reporters at the LAPD's West Valley Station they had waited 10 long years for news of Gaspar's re-capture.



"For so many years, I waited and waited for that call to come and I pleaded for that call to come," alleged victim Courtney R. said. "I picked it up and I heard, 'I've been waiting 10 years to place this call.' And I just started crying."



Courtney was the first woman to come forward.



She said Gaspar assaulted her just before she was released from the hospital. "You know I was sick, I was in pain," she said. "He had scrubs on. He had a badge so you know the things he was doing made sense at that time. Until finally, upon discharge, is when he actually committed the sexual assault. I realized what had happened and I went to the LAPD."



LAPD Detective Ninette Toosbuy said she remained determined to bring Gaspar to justice over the past decade, vowing that she wouldn't retire until he was found and returned to Los Angeles.



She said his crimes were particularly egregious because he was in a position of trust.



"It's one of the few professions where that professional can tell you to undress. 'Please disrobe for me because I need to examine you,'" Toosbuy said. "And we do it without question. Why? Because we trust them."



Alleged victim Anna B. told reporters she was assaulted in a shower.



"It was my first shower. I hadn't been able to bathe for days," she said. "I was so relieved to get out of my bed and be able to shower. And that's where it occurred (at) that time."



Gaspar -- who worked at the hospital for about two years -- was arrested June 15, 2006, and booked on suspicion of three felony counts of sexual assault.



Several additional alleged victims came forward after police issued a news release about Gaspar on July 7, 2006, resulting in additional charges being filed against him, police said.



Gaspar skipped bail soon afterward and disappeared with his wife and 6- year-old son, according to the LAPD.



The case was featured on the Fox Broadcasting series "America's Most Wanted" and investigators learned Gaspar had fled to Guatemala. He is being held without bail.
The husband of a woman lost at sea broke his silence on social media. He went on Facebook to tell the world he and his wife's baby girl have moved to England.

Now, that post is gone. It appears Lewis Bennett removed it just days after posting it.

It's been more than a month since Isabella Hellmann disappeared while on vacation with her husband, Bennett.

Bennett said their boat hit some kind of object in the ocean off the coast of the Bahamas. When he looked for his wife, she was gone.

His latest Facebook post let Isabella's family know exactly where her baby girl is and now they have a new campaign to bring Emelia back.

In a recent post in Spanish, Isabella's sister shared a flyer that reads "We need your mom and we need you! You are all that we have now."

Isabella's family is not happy that Bennett left the U.S. with the baby. His Facebook post said that he returned to the U.K. to seek comfort from his family and friends to begin the healing process.

Bennett wrote on Facebook that he's encountered negativity and hopes "in the future a reconciliation will occur for all parties concerned, if not for my sake, but for Emelia's."

Many people responded to the post, but Bennett has since removed it. According to Isabella's family, they have not spoken to him since he picked up the baby from their home right before leaving the country.

Bennett is a part of an FBI investigation into Hellmann's disappearance. The FBI has never called the investigation a criminal one, but did execute a search warrant at the couple's Delray Beach condo last month. The FBI has not released any new information on the investigation.

Isabella's close friend said because the investigation is still open, they still have hope they will learn exactly what happened at sea.

Bennett's post also said that contrary to media reports, he and Isabella loved each other very much.
Residents from around South Florida again met in front of the Doral offices of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio on Thursday, urging him to not support the health care bill currently being considered.

Rubio has not said whether or not he will vote for the bill, which has been a source of controversy as the administration of President Donald Trump continues its push to replace the policies of former President Barack Obama.

Protesters gathered outside @marcorubio's Doral office urging him not to support health care bill being considered https://t.co/2pwIqWnx4u pic.twitter.com/S3hUegqGSe  NBC 6 South Florida (@nbc6) July 6, 2017

"We respect these activists right to protest, however it should not interfere with the ability of Senator Rubio and his staff to serve the people of Florida, nor should it disrupt the private businesses located near our offices," Olivia Perez-Cubas, Rubio's spokeswoman, said in a statement.



The Senates Republican leadership delayed a potential vote on their version of the bill after reports that they did not have enough support from party members to pass it.

Last week, close to 50 people came out to Rubios office urging the senator to vote no on the bill.
What to Know A gunman shot seven staff members inside Bronx Lebanon Hospital, one of them fatally, before taking his own life.

The gunman has been identified as Dr. Henry Michael Bello, a former family doctor at the hospital who resigned in 2015

Dr. Tracy Sin-Yee Tam, 32, was killed in the shooting. She normally worked in the clinic but was covering a shift for another doctor.

One of the doctors wounded in last Friday's rampage shooting at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital vividly recalls the moment the "angry" gunman, dressed in black boots and a white lab coat, stormed the room and began firing.

Dr. Tariq Hassan was working on the 16th floor when Henry Bello, a former doctor who worked at the hospital, entered with a "big rifle" and shot at people.

Hassan was the first one hit, shot in the wrist and hand, but didn't realize it right away.

"The response on my body was amazing," he told News 4 Thursday from his hospital bed, where he continues to recover. "I fell down, but I didn't feel any pain at all."

"I didn't even know where he had hit me," said Hassan. "I just closed my eyes and I was still hearing the shots. The screaming was there."

He says he then began to feel the pain set into his hand.

"I tried to open my eyes and I was able to see around me. What I saw was the shooter actually putting gasoline (around the room) and he was about to light it," said Hassan.

"And I realized at that moment, I'm not dead. And maybe I should run."

Hassan said he started to run toward the shooter, "but I was getting drowsy, bleeding. I was just standing there. I saw the washroom door open, and I just ran into it and locked it."

Eventually, he was able to stagger to the 12th floor, where fellow staffers leaped into action. They carried him down nine floors to the operating room, SWAT teams clearing the way.

Diana Ruiz, an administrative assistant, previously described to News 4 how she and her colleagues went on autopilot to help her friend Hassan: "There was no time to think."

Hassan, an internist originally from Pakistan, says he just wants to get back to work.

A seventh doctor, 32-year-old Tracy Sin-Yee Tam, was killed before Bello used the rifle to commit suicide on the 17th floor of the hospital after failing to set himself on fire.

Bello, bent on killing a doctor sources said he had blamed for getting him terminated from the house physician job he held at Bronx-Lebanon from August 2014 to February 2015, used his old ID to gain access to the building. He was enraged that a specific doctor he'd asked for was not there, sources said.

NBC 4 New York exclusively reported Bello had been fired from a city job a week before the shooting spree. The latest termination was another setback for Bello, who had recently moved out of a men's homeless shelter on 30th Street in March and into his own apartment.
What to Know The gunman who shot an NYPD officer to death as she sat in a mobile command post is identified as 34-year-old Alexander Bonds

Bonds, who also went by the name John Bonds, had been on parole for a robbery case in Syracuse

Bonds, an ex-convict, once ranted online about his treatment in prison and about police getting away with killing people, authorities said

The gunman who ambushed and shot an NYPD officer sitting inside her mobile command vehicle Wednesday morning, killing her, was a 34-year-old ex-convict out on parole for robbery, officials say.

A motive in the shooting is still not clear, but Alexander Bonds of the Bronx, who also went by the name John Bonds, once ranted online about his treatment in prison and about police getting away with killing people. He had also expressed an anti-government sentiment in online posts, according to a law enforcement official.

Bonds had been on parole for a robbery case in Syracuse, police said. He had also been arrested six times in New York City, including in 2001 when he kicked and punched police officers while wearing brass knuckles, law enforcement sources told News 4.

#NYPD PO Miosotis Familia has been assassinated in an unprovoked attack on cops assigned to keep NYers safe. Keep her family in your prayers pic.twitter.com/yhRB7H5bvi  Commissioner O'Neill (@NYPDONeill) July 5, 2017

Prison records show Bonds had a long history of disciplinary problems behind bars, according to The Associated Press. He was written up more than two dozen times while in prison after pleading guilty to a 2005 robbery in Syracuse. Some of the disciplinary knocks are top-level violations such as assaulting an inmate or fighting.

A parole board cited his "poor institutional behavior" and "lengthy history" of arrests in denying his 2012 bid for parole. He was released in 2013 under a provision that sometimes allows parole without a board's input.



Detectives were searching his apartment in the Longwood section of the Bronx Wednesday, searching for clues as to why Bonds pulled the trigger. He lived at several addresses after leaving prison, including Queens and Manhattan, sources said.

In a video posted on Facebook in September, Bonds ranted about the treatment of civilians by officers and talked about how hard life was behind bars, according to The Associated Press. The photos of Bonds posted on the page match a police mugshot.

"Don't think every brother, cousin, uncle you got that get killed in jail is because of a blood or crip or Latin King killing them. Nah, police be killing them and saying that an inmate killed them," he said in the video.

Aside from the police rant, Bonds' Facebook page mostly consisted of inspirational quotes and quizzes.

Neighbors in the Bronx described Bonds as quiet.

NYPD Officer Miosotis Familia, 48, was stationed in a mobile command post in the Bronx, looking down and writing in her memo book when Bonds walked up and fired through the passenger side window after midnight, Police Commissioner James O'Neill said.

Bonds was seen in surveillance footage marching up to the post "with purpose," officials said.

The bullet struck Familia in the head. Her partner immediately radioed in for assistance.

An anti-crime team consisting of a sergeant and a police officer who were in uniform encountered Bonds running about one block away from the scene of the shooting, O'Neill said.

They confronted Bonds, who then took out a gun and pointed it at them. The officers then fired at him and killed him, O'Neill said. A silver revolver was recovered at the scene.

Another person, believed to be a bystander, was also struck by a bullet in the stomach, police said. The man is in stable condition.

The officer was taken to an area hospital in extremely critical condition, authorities said. She later died. Familia was a 12-year veteran of the NYPD and a member of the 46th Precinct.

A law enforcement official said the gun Bonds used in the shooting was stolen from West Virginia. Federal ATF agents have been working with the NYPD to trace the history of the gun. Authorities said Wednesday afternoon that the firearm was stolen from West Virginia.



Bonds was a convicted felon, which means he could not legally purchase a gun and shouldn't have had access to a weapon.
What to Know A vigil was held just steps from where an NYPD veteran was ambushed Wednesday morning in what Gov. Cuomo called a senseless assassination"

Family members, fellow police officers, Mayor de Blasio and NYPD Police Commissioner James ONeill were among those paying their respects

Police are trying to establish the motive for the shooting, focusing on a video posted on what appears to be the suspect's Facebook page

An emotional vigil was held Wednesday just steps from where a 12-year NYPD veteran was ambushed hours earlier as family, friend and colleagues struggle to come to grips with what Gov. Cuomo has called a senseless assassination.

Officer Miosotis Familia, 48, was working her early shift, sitting in a RV-like mobile command unit near 183rd Street and Morris Avenue in the Bronx, when police say 34-year-old Alexander Bonds shot her through the passenger window. Police say Familia never saw the shooter coming. Her partner desperately radioed in for help and the mother of three was taken to the hospital in extremely critical condition. She later died.



Flowers, handwritten notes and posters still lined the sidewalks outside Familias 46th Precinct stationhouse Thursday, hours after family members, fellow police officers, Mayor de Blasio and NYPD Commissioner James ONeill gathered to pay their respects at the building where she spent her entire career. Some officers were visibly distraught, crying and hugging one another.

Co-worker J. Rodriguez described the slain officer as "a beautiful person with everybody, the prisoners and the people. Very humble and very happy.

On Thursday afternoon, Familia's body was transported from Bellevue Hospital to a funeral home in the Bronx.



Familia joined the NYPD later than most people, working as a nurse for much of her adult life. Friends who know her best said both professions were a natural fit because she lived to take care of others. She was her mothers caregiver and leaves behind three children, a 20-year-old daughter and two 12-year-old twins.

We cant believe this happened, Democratic Sen. Marisol Alcantara said while fighting back tears.

Bonds, who had been on parole for a robbery case in Syracuse, was gunned down by officers a block away from the crime scene following a brief chase. Bonds was sentenced in 2006 to six years and 10 months to eight years in the case, and was released on parole in May 2013, with a supervision completion date set for May 2018.

We pray that she finds rest and that her three children find solace and peace, ONeill wrote in a letter to the NYPD force.

Cuomo directed that flags on all state government buildings be flown at half-staff in memory of Familia.



Meanwhile, police are trying to establish the motive for Wednesday's shooting, which O'Neill described as an officer being "assassinated in an unprovoked attack on cops." Familia apparently had no previous contact with Bonds.

New video from a nearby bodega, moments after Familia was shot, shows a hectic scene with chaos and fear in the street as people heard the gunshots.

I live two blocks away and I heard police sirens for a good 10-20 minutes, Shawn Smith of Morris Heights said.

Bonds, also known as John Bonds, was arrested in New York City at least six times for charges including selling drugs and assaulting police with brass knuckles in 2001.

I guess he saw a moment of weakness for her, Allen Martinez of Tremont said. He basically wanted to commit suicide.

Now as the investigation continues, law enforcement sources said authorities are paying attention to a video posted on what appears to be Bonds Facebook page back in September. In the video, Bonds is allegedly rambling that law officers got away with killing and abusing people, he warned them to leave him alone or "we gonna do something."

"I'm not playing, Mr. Officer. I don't care about 100 police watching this," the suspect said in the page otherwise filled largely with inspirational quotes and quizzes.

"It's time for people to wisen up," he added.

While he railed in his video about how inmates are treated behind bars, prison records show he had been written up more than two dozen times for disciplinary reasons - mostly for relatively minor infractions, but sometimes for top-level violations such as attacking an inmate or fighting.
What to Know A vigil was held just steps from where an NYPD veteran was ambushed Wednesday morning in what Gov. Cuomo called a senseless assassination"

Family members, fellow police officers, Mayor de Blasio and NYPD Police Commissioner James ONeill were among those paying their respects

Police are trying to establish the motive for the shooting, focusing on a video posted on what appears to be the suspect's Facebook page

At the start of her midnight shift, NYPD officer Miosotis Familia was in a mobile command post, writing in her notebook, when a gunman strode toward her.

She never saw Alexander Bonds coming before he shot her in the head through the passenger-side window, killing her before officers ultimately killed him, police said.

Police are investigating what may have prompted Wednesday's shooting, which NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill described as an officer being "assassinated in an unprovoked attack on cops."

"Officer Familia was murdered for her uniform and for the responsibility she embraced," O'Neill said in a message to officers Wednesday night. "For the NYPD, regularly achieving lower and lower crime figures means absolutely nothing when one of our own is brutally shot and killed."

A 12-year NYPD veteran, the 48-year-old Familia had come to police work later in life than most on a force where the average recruit is 26. She had been a nurse and medical assistant first, according to her profile on the career site LinkedIn. A mother of three who lived with her own mother in the Bronx, she felt a calling to help her community, friends said.

"She'd give you the shirt off her back," said Tom Ritter, 59, a plumber who lived downstairs from Familia and said she treated his now-22-year-old son like one of her own children.

"She was the sweetest person you ever want to meet," Ritter said.

Familia worked her entire police career in the Bronx precinct where she was killed while staffing the RV-like command post, stationed to help combat rising crime in the neighborhood after a triple shooting in March.

Her policing earned praise even from a woman whose husband she had arrested.

"She gave me good advice, like a mother to a daughter," said Keisha Williams, 31, who said her husband was arrested on a marijuana charge last year. "She's good, but she's a tough cookie. She's a good cop. I'm just sad it was her."

Attorney General Jeff Sessions called the shooting "the latest in a troubling series of attacks on police officers over the past two years."

While tensions have been running high in recent years between police and black people around the country, there was no immediate indication the killing had a racial dimension. Bonds was black; Familia was black and Latina, her family having come from the Dominican Republic. She apparently had no previous contact with him.

Still, the attack recalled the 2014 ambush killings of two NYPD officers who were gunned down in their cruiser by a man who had announced online moments before that he was planning to shoot two "pigs" in retaliation for the police chokehold death of Eric Garner in New York. The gunman then killed himself.

Bonds, also known as John Bonds, had a violent history and had vented his anger about police in a Facebook video last September. Rambling that law officers got away with killing and abusing people, he warned them to leave him alone or "we gonna do something."

"I'm not playing, Mr. Officer. I don't care about 100 police watching this," the 34-year-old said in a Facebook page otherwise filled largely with inspirational quotes and quizzes.

"It's time for people to wisen up," he added.

He had been released in 2013 after being sentenced to eight years in prison for a 2005 armed robbery in Syracuse. He had other arrests, including one in 2001, when as a teenager he was accused of attacking an officer with brass knuckles.

While he railed in his video about how inmates are treated behind bars, prison records show he had been written up more than two dozen times for disciplinary reasons - mostly for relatively minor infractions, but sometimes for top-level violations such as assaulting an inmate or fighting.

Early Wednesday, Bonds was caught on video leaving a convenience store, then moving tightly along the wall, pulling a hooded sweatshirt over his head and walking purposefully toward the command post vehicle with gloved hands, according to police. The video didn't capture the shooting itself but showed him running away with a gun in his hand, police said.

Familia's partner frantically radioed for help, and officers caught up with Bonds about a block away and killed him in a hail of about 20 bullets when he pulled a stolen revolver, police said. He didn't get off a shot, authorities said.

All the NYPD's new patrol cars have bulletproof glass, and older vehicles are being fitted with window inserts to harden them against gunfire. But there are no plans to do the same with the rolling command centers, officials said.
Despite a drop in costumed character arrests in Times Square over the past year, police have reported a rise in complaints, and a majority of visitors to the Crossroads of the World say theyve had negative interactions with the characters, according to advocates and reports.

In late 2016, the city created designated commercial activity zonesfor performers, costumed characters, and other solicitorsin Times Square pedestrian plazas. Yet, complaints have surged regardless of the new enforcement.

[NATL] Top News Photos: Pope Visits Japan, and More

Police officials say the arrests and complaints are for offenses ranging from aggressive panhandling to assault and grand larceny.

The year before the zones were installed, from June 2015 to June 2016, police reported 36 costumed character arrests, according to DNAinfo, which cited the NYPD.

By comparison, within the past year, between June 2016 and June 2017, the number of costumed character arrests dropped to just eight, the NYPD told DNAinfo. However, within the same time frame, police issued a total of 271 summonses for commercial activity zones, DNAinfo reported.

[Photos-NY Subscription Service] Consumer Reports Ranks America's Supermarkets From Best to Worst

Earlier this year, the Times Square Alliance surveyed 215 people, including Times Square-based employees, businesses, property owners, residents, and passersby.

According to a spokesperson for the Alliance, the survey results found that 51 percent of the 215 reported having an unpleasant interaction or negative experience with a costumed character or solicitor despite the presence of the activity zones.

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By comparison, the Alliance conducted a similar survey the year prior, in the fall of 2015 before the commercial activity zones existed, where only 26 percent of 3,930 surveyed reported unpleasant interactions with solicitors in the area.

Alliance president Tim Tompkins tried to reason why complaints may have risen since the zones were installed.

Feb 5, 2019; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron (37) celebrates with right wing Chris Wagner (14) and center Joakim Nordstrom (20) after defeating the New York Islanders at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

While behaviors are better, you still have some folksespecially the CD sellersstray[ing] 10, 15, 20 feet from the designated activity zones, Tomkins told DNAinfo.

Police said that solicitors and performers who stray outside the marked zones will typically receive summonses for their behavior. However, many costumed characters lament the new restrictions to do their business.

It was better [before the zones] because we could walk all over, a 26-year-old Super Mario impersonator told DNAinfo. He is to appear in court next month for allegedly taking a photo with a tourist outside one of the zones. He says he must support his family in Peru with the money he makes in Times Square.

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Four young children and their father were found slain in a home outside Atlanta early Thursday, and police say the mother  now charged with their deaths  was the one who called 911 to report the killings.

The five were apparently stabbed to death. A fifth child, a 9-year-old girl, survived and was hospitalized with injuries described as serious, police said.

The woman was detained by police after the bodies were found inside the home in Loganville, Gwinnett County police Cpl. Michele Pihera told reporters at the scene. Police later charged 33-year-old Isabel Martinez with five counts of malice murder, five counts of murder and six counts of aggravated assault.

"She was quickly taken into custody and right now she's at Gwinnett County Police Headquarters being interviewed," Pihera said. Police have not said whether she was injured but said she was cooperating with investigators, though they were not releasing the motive for the slayings.

"Right now we believe we have everybody involved in this crime," Pihera said, adding that she does not want people in the community to think that a dangerous person is at large.

Pihera confirmed that the 911 call came from an adult woman who was inside the home. Pihera says police believe the suspect made that call.

Pihera said the caller was speaking Spanish, which initially made it difficult for 911 operators to communicate with her. The county sheriff's office said Martinez is being held for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement but didn't provide further details.

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Early indications are that a knife was used to attack the five, though a medical examiner will make the final determination about the cause of death, Pihera said.

The hospitalized girl, Diana Romero, was in serious but stable condition Thursday evening, police said in a brief update on the case.

The four children killed have been identified as Isabela Martinez, 10; Dacota Romero, 7; Dillan Romero, 4; and Axel Romero, 2. Their slain father was Martin Romero, 33, Pihera said.

Psychologists and others who study cases of mothers accused of killing their children say it's not as uncommon as people might believe. But media coverage often focuses on dramatic cases, such as Andrea Yates who was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the 2001 drowning deaths of her five children.

Other cases get less attention, as when a woman hides or leaves a newborn or in children's deaths blamed on neglect, said Cheryl Meyer, a professor of psychology at Wright State University in Ohio.

She co-authored two books on mothers who have killed children, based on an analysis of about 1,000 cases during the 1990s. That amounts to one death every three days. If anything, the total based on media reports at the time underestimates the reality, she said.

In cases where mothers do kill intentionally, Meyer said there is often another influence, such as mental health issues, postpartum depression or the loss of a close loved one.

"We like to classify these women as pariahs, that they aren't at all like us," Meyer said. "I found that was not the case."

Police initially said in a statement that a woman inside the home called police at 4:47 a.m. Thursday to report a stabbing and officers answering the call found the five bodies inside.

Outside the single-story home with white paneling and black shutters, neighbors sat in their front yards later Thursday. Crime scene tape surrounded the home and parts of the yard in the Loganville area, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) east of Atlanta.

Some neighbors in the small, largely Hispanic neighborhood said they had no clue anything was amiss in the home until police mobbed the scene Thursday morning. The neighbors said the Spanish-speaking family had moved to the community recently, and their children seemed happy playing with other neighborhood kids.

Victoria Nievs said the children's mother had recently suffered the death of her father.

Jim Hollandsworth is spokesman at the Path Project, a nonprofit organization that runs an after-school program that the family's children participated in. He said the family had been in the community for a few months. While the children spoke English as a second language, he said, they were fluent.

"It's awful. It's devastating. Everyone is in complete shock," he said. "The kids were engaged in what we're doing. They were happy. They were fantastic kids with a bright future."
A former Pennsylvania jail guard has admitted to assaulting an inmate by pepper spraying his genitals.

Former Lackawanna County guard Scott Blume acknowledged Wednesday to Judge Michael Barrasse that he assaulted Damian Kellogg in September. The Times-Tribune reports that Blume faces a maximum of two years in prison.

The incident was captured on surveillance video, and showed Blume arguing with Kellogg after he was ordered to change into a different uniform. Blume then grabbed Kellogg by his throat and sprayed him twice with pepper spray through a slot in the cell door.

First Assistant District Attorney Gene Riccardo said the plea signified Blume's acceptance of responsibility.

A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after a pre-sentencing investigation.
A child-sized casket containing the embalmed internal organs of an infant that was found on a Philadelphia sidewalk was dumped there by a New Jersey funeral home worker, police said Thursday.

Police got a call Monday night that a small white casket had been found in a black trash bag, not far from several cemeteries. Inside, officers found no body but a black garbage bag with the internal organs belonging to a three-to-four-month-old baby.

"It was shocking to say the least," Capt. Malachi Jones said. "It begs the question: Where is the baby?"

Initially, police thought the casket had been dug up from one of the nearby cemeteries, but an investigation revealed none had any disturbed graves.

"It was basically a whodunit," Jones said.

On Tuesday, the New Jersey funeral home director reached out to Philadelphia police and said an employee had admitted to dumping the casket, saying he had no idea there were any remains inside.

The child's funeral was last Thursday, and just before the service, the latch on the coffin broke, Jones said. Funeral home workers transferred the child's body to a new casket, and the broken one was placed in a work car, he said. It's not clear why the organs -- which were removed as part of an autopsy -- were left in the broken casket.

Police have been in touch with the child's family, and they hope to reunite the organs with the baby's body. However, the child has already been buried, so the remains would have to be exhumed in order to bury the organs with the baby, Jones said.

"The family is quite upset," he said.

It's unclear why the employee dumped the casket, and why he did it in Philadelphia. The name of the funeral home hasn't been released.

No charges have been filed, but the investigation is continuing.
Police arrested two teen girls accused of robbing two cab drivers, a mother and daughter visiting their family from Ecuador, and a Domino's Pizza.

Kemonie McKee, 16, of Philadelphia and Synia Martinez, 15, were both arrested and charged with robbery, assault, conspiracy and other related offenses.



Police say the girls first targeted a cab driver on June 19 shortly before 9:30 p.m. The teens called the cab driver to the 100 block of Glendale Road in Upper Darby, according to investigators. When he arrived, one of the girls began talking to him to distract him while the second girl pulled out a gun and aimed it at his head, police said. They then allegedly stole the cab driver's phone and $100.

About two hours later the girls called another cab driver to the 200 block of Copley Road in Upper Darby and used the same method to rob him once he arrived, investigators said. The teens allegedly stole $80 in cash during the second incident. The cab drivers were not hurt in either incident.

"Cab driver arrives, starts a conversation, next thing you know he's got a gun to his head," Chitwood said.

On June 21, the girls robbed a Domino's Pizza on the 6400 block of Race Street in Southwest Philadelphia, police said. A surveillance photo of one of the suspects during that robbery was obtained by NBC10.



Philadelphia Police

On June 23, the two girls allegedly robbed a mother and daughter from Ecuador who were visiting their family in Upper Darby. Martha Chacon, 52, and her mother Maria Cardenas, 86, said they were both leaving their family members' home on Kent Road at 9:40 a.m. when they were approached by the two girls.

"She came up close to me, got really close and put the gun right here," Chacon said.

The girls allegedly shoved Chacon in the chest and took her purse which contained $200. They then struggled with Cardenas before hitting her in the arm with a gun and taking her purse which contained $700 and other items, according to police.

"I didn't want to let go," Cardenas said. "I grabbed my little purse with two hands. I had money, my watch, some other little things. They even took my denture that was inside."

After robbing the mother and daughter, the teen girls left the scene in a dark gray Hyundai Sonata which was captured on surveillance video, police said. Police say a third suspect was driving the getaway vehicle.

Surveillance

On Sunday, McKee surrendered to Upper Darby Police while Martinez was taken into custody by Philadelphia Police Tuesday. Both teen girls are being charged as adults.

Upper Darby Police

Police also say two anonymous people donated $1000 each to Chacon and Cardenas.


Britain's foreign secretary has backed U.K. court decisions preventing the parents of a terminally ill child from taking him abroad for experimental treatment, despite an offer of help from a Vatican hospital.

Boris Johnson's comment Wednesday came during a previously scheduled call in which Italy's foreign minister raised the hospital's offer to treat 11-month-old Charlie Gard, who is suffering from a rare genetic condition that has damaged his brain and left him unable to breathe without assistance.

Charlie's parents want to take him to the United States for an experimental medical treatment they believe may prolong his life, but a succession of judges have backed specialists at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London who say the therapy won't help Charlie and may cause him to suffer.

"The foreign secretary said this was a deeply tragic and complex case for all involved, and said it was right that decisions continued to be led by expert medical opinion, supported by the courts, in line with Charlie's best interests," Johnson's spokesman said in statement.

President Donald Trump and Pope Francis brought international attention to the family's legal battle this week by commenting on a case that pits the rights of parents to decide what's best for their children against the responsibility of authorities to make sure children receive the most appropriate care.

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said Tuesday that the Holy See would do everything possible to overcome legal obstacles to bringing Charlie to Rome for treatment. Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano raised the offer from the Bambino Gesu children's hospital in his call with Johnson.

Earlier, British Prime Minister Theresa May told the House of Commons that she understands Charlie's parents are trying to do what's right for their child, but that in cases like this doctors are forced to make "heartbreaking decisions."

"I am confident that Great Ormond Street Hospital have and always will consider any offers or new information that has come forward with consideration of the well-being of a desperately ill child," May said.
Under increasing pressure from the community, Mayor Kevin Faulconer unveiled his $80 million plan to address San Diego's expanding homeless problem Wednesday.

San Diego's housing problem is now being called a crisis, with entire city blocks turned into encampments downtown. Faulconer's plan starts with setting $50 million aside to create permanent housing for the homeless.

NBC 7 spoke with the president and CEO of Alpha Project, Bob McElroy, who has been serving the homeless in San Diego through his organization for more than 30 years. McElcroy said the problem is the worst it's ever been.

"I've never seen, you know, many times when this was a warehouse district, homeless folks were kind of a hidden little secret, a dirty little secret," said McElroy.

The latest numbers show more than 9,100 homeless individuals reside in San Diego County, with nearly 30 percent more people sleeping on downtown streets over the past year.

"But now it's just blatant, all over the streets, all over the sidewalks. Because we don't have a central intake facility. We don't have a place for people to go. There's no alternative right now to being homeless," said McElroy.

Nearly six months after calling homelessness his administration's top priority, Faulconer unveiled his three-year strategic plan.

"We all know the best way to start ending the cycle of homelessness for some is putting a roof over their head," said Faulconer.

"Particularly for those suffering with mental health and mental illness issues. So the fact that we're targeting that population with significant additional dollars, I think it's going to make a huge difference," he added.

The program offers financial incentives to private landlords who rent to homeless individuals in San Diego.

City leaders have called this strategy a tried-and-tested model. This has already housed 800 veterans in a similar initiative.

City officials said they do not expect the private sector entrepreneurs to lose money on social programs. The goal is to help private landlords make money, while also solving the homeless crisis.

McElroy said he is optimistic to see so many different players finally working together to solve this problem in San Diego.

"I've stood at hundreds of press conferences over the decades," said McElroy. "But to see all the different parties that used to work separately, all working together now, it has to happen."

Altogether, the plan will create permanent housing opportunities for 3,000 people. Implementing the plan will likely be the most challenging part for the city.
One person was injured Thursday afternoon during an adverse chemical reaction in a chemistry lab at the University of Maryland College Park.

The victim sustained injuries to the facial area, and was decontaminated and taken to a hospital for treatment, Prince George's Fire spokesman Mark Brady posted on Twitter.

Prince George's Fire is investigating the reaction, which Brady described as small, at the university's chemistry building.

A Prince George's Fire hazmat team is on the scene at 8501 Regents Drive, assisting UMd. Physical Plant and Chemistry officials with evaluation and cleanup, Brady said.

The chemistry building was evacuated shortly after the incident, and Regents Drive between Field House Drive and Stadium Drive was closed to traffic, according to the UMd. Police Department. The building and street have since reopened.
Two men in their 30s were killed in District Heights, Maryland, early Thursday.

Prince George's County officers were called to the 6600 block of Atwood Street at 12:55 a.m. after someone heard gunshots. When they arrived, they found two men with multiple gunshot wounds lying in the parking lot of an apartment complex.

Phillip Michael, 34, of southeast D.C. and 31-year-old Kenneth Edmonds of District Heights were pronounced dead at the scene.

Loved ones wept in the parking lot Thursday morning. Police place dozens of evidence markers where shell casings fell.

One neighbor said violence there is rare.

"This is a pretty good neighborhood," she said. "You don't see or hear too much."

No arrests were made immediately.

Anyone with information that can help police is asked to call 301-772-4925.
Portions of Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts were evacuated Thursday after a truck tested positive for potentially explosive material.

U.S. Air Force officials said security forces detected a concern during a routine vehicle inspection around 9 a.m., causing the base to take "response actions."

That included the closure of the base's Vandenberg Gate near Route 2A and evacuation of several nearby base facilities. An area around the gate was also evacuated and a perimeter set up extending 1,500 feet from the truck. The vehicle in question was a moving truck owned by Big Foot Moving & Storage out of Acton.

The Air Force announced shortly after 1 p.m. that the truck had been cleared. The base has returned to normal operations and everyone who was evacuated allowed to return.

No one was injured.



"It was the right call by the U.S. Air Force and it was the right response," Massachusetts State Police Maj. Fran Leahy said Thursday afternoon. "We realize there was an inconvenience to some of the people who work and live here, but given the times we live in, we operate in an abundance of caution."

Pallets with what officials described as "potentially concerning residue" were removed from the truck and taken to a specialized facility for additional testing.

"We're confident that there is no explosive or energetic material that was encased inside that truck," said Sgt. William Qualls, commander of the state police bomb squad. "However, we did get a positive reading from those containers, so we are sending that to the lab to get a determination as to what exactly has caused our systems to pop positive for explosives."

Bob Harris, the operations manager for Big Foot Moving, said the owner was at Hanscom working with authorities. They said the company was at Hanscom in order to move a new recruit onto the base.

The Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc. President and CEO Mike Bavuso issued this statement.

"Big Foot Moving & Storage employees and company personnel complied with all request of state, federal and military authorities managing the inspection and investigation. Our vehicle and personnel have been cleared and we are thankful that the incident has been resolved. We assure our customers that we take this matter very seriously. The safety of our crew, customers and their goods is of utmost importance to us. We thank all the authorities and military personnel for their thoroughness and their commitment to protecting our country every day."

Operations Manager Bob Harris explains that the pallets in the box trucks are used for military shipments that they do almost every day.

"They come from everywhere, from overseas, everywhere," he said.

Harris confirms two of his drivers were delivering household items to a military member on base. He would not disclose who hired Big Foot Movers or whose items were inside the box truck.

Footage from NBC Boston's Sky Ranger showed police removing more than 20 boxes and what appeared to be a mattress from the back of the truck.

Operations at other parts of the base continued despite the distraction, including civilian air service at Hanscom Field.

Massachusetts State Police said they were notified of a "suspicious truck" around 9:45 a.m. that had been stopped by base security at Hanscom's Gate 1. A standard screening of the truck and its cargo revealed indicators of potentially hazardous material. A second screening also came back positive. State police then responded to the scene and a canine unit also detected potential evidence of explosives.

The FBI, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the state Fire Marshal's Office are also assisting in the investigation.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker said he was briefed on the situation, but was not able to say much because the investigation was still ongoing.

Hanscom Air Force Base is located predominantly within Bedford, Massachusetts, with portions extending into the adjoining towns of Concord and Lincoln.

The Air Force base has been in existence since 1941 and has served as a major military research center.


A woman was held at gunpoint during a violent home invasion and assault in Boston's Hyde Park neighborhood and then left at the side of the road, according to authorities.

Police said they received a call around 4:30 a.m. Thursday for a report of a robbery near Beaver Street in Hyde Park, and that the caller said the victim was at New Calvary Cemetery on Havard Avenue in Mattapan.

When police arrived at the scene where the victim was, she told them that she was at her home on Beaver Street when four males entered her home through the window. She told police the suspects held her at gunpoint, assaulted her and ransacked her home.

Two of the suspects then allegedly forced the woman into her vehicle, drove her to an ATM and forced her to withdraw cash before dropping her off on Harvard Avenue in Mattapan. She said the two suspects then drove off in her Kia Soul with the other two following them in a white Honda with smoke coming from the vehicle.

Authorities say the victim's car was found early Thursday afternoon on Alexander Street in the city's Roxbury neighborhood.

The victim was found by Karen Seck, who was on her way to the gym early Thursday morning.

"She basically just told me that four guys left her there to die," she said.

Seck said the victim was shaken and beaten when she found her.

"She had a lot of swelling on her face, right side of her face," she said. "She had actually said that she was hit in the face with a gun."

The victim was taken to Faulkner Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening facial injuries.

As the director of adult day health at Kit Clark Community Center, Seck said she hopes police find the suspects quickly.

"This woman lives alone in a big house. I can't imagine what's going through her mind now and if she wants to continue to live alone in that big house," she said.

Anyone with information regarding the vehicles or the suspects is asked to call Boston police at 1-800-494-TIPS (8477).
MISSOULA  When Vince Werner, a 95-year-old World War II veteran, saw the B-17 Flying Fortress land on the tarmac outside the Museum of Mountain Flying on Wednesday, he grasped his walker and ran out to meet it.

Werner left the walker behind to climb a ladder into the plane  the same model in which he served as a navigator for 98 days, from April 3 to July 9, 1944.

Werner waited at the museum along with about 30 other people for the aircraft to arrive from Lewiston, Idaho. A Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bomber, B-24 Liberator heavy bomber, North American B-25 Mitchell, and P-51 Mustang fighter all arrived as part of the Collings Foundation Wings of Freedom Tour.

Since 1989, the Collings Foundation, a nonprofit that hosts living history events, has traveled the country with vintage aircraft to educate the public about American history through direct participation. For a fee, visitors can tour the aircraft on the ground, or go for a ride. The foundation owns the only B-24 of 18,000 built that can still fly.

When Werner approached the B-17, his face lit up with recognition. With his crew, he flew south to Brazil, over the Atlantic Ocean to west Africa, and then up to Italy. The planes had a 2,000-mile range before they needed to refuel. Flying 1,900 miles over the ocean was a test of his navigation skills, since only blue water was visible.

You did it by two means of navigation. You did it by knowing what your air speed was and changing that to what it could be at 9,000 ft above sea level, Werner said. You could see the waves on the water and their intensity, and that would show you your wind direction and how much you need to correct it.

They flew during the spring equinox, and crossed the equator, where the sun was directly above them. This gave him a unique opportunity to do a fix, which typically requires finding three stars at night that make a triangle, and remaining inside the triangle, Werner said.

Well I had the biggest thrill that day of flying over the equator and the spring equinox, Werner said. So the sun, the single body, was up directly above, so I could get a shot on it as it went from east to west, and I got a fix on a single body out in the middle of the Atlantic.

The Wings of Freedom national tour pays tribute to those who flew, built, maintained, and benefited from the aircraft during and after the war. Jamie Mitchell, flight coordinator for the Collings Foundation, said the tour serves to unite an older generation of veterans with kids who need to learn about their countrys history.

Its just awesome to come out here and you can see the planes and you can touch them, Mitchell said. Where else can you walk through a one-of-a-kind B-24? You can hear the engines start up, you can smell the exhaust, listen to everything and even get some oil on your hands if you want to.

Dave Lester, 73, came from Florence to see the aircraft. Two of his uncles flew B-17s during the war. One of them served as a combat bomber, and the other flew new bombers from Miami across the Atlantic and up through Europe to drop them off and retrieve the crippled aircraft. Theyd return to the United States in planes that were barely flyable, Lester said, with missing wing pieces, holes in the fuselage.

We were in war, fighting for our entire survival, and they did whatever it took, Lester said.

After he retired, Lester bought himself a plane and learned to fly. Now he takes his 1946 Ercoupe out whenever he wants.

While waiting for the aircraft to land, Werner shared his experience with other curious visitors. Another World War II veteran, Chester Heien, 98, also came to the exhibit. His great-granddaughter played among the planes in the museum. Another boy said hes been waiting to see a B-17 since he was 5 years old.

Werner said the B-17 is a beautiful plane, and a classic from that era. But he didnt just come to see it.

I knew it was happening today and I think the story is always good to share, Werner said. Well, theres history and theres personal history. And Im lucky to be here.

Flights on the B-17 or the B-24 cost $450 per person; B-25 flights costs $400 per person; and P-51 flights cost $2,200 for a half-hour and $3,200 for a full hour. To explore the aircraft on the ground, adults pay $15, children under 12 pay $5, and veterans go for free.

The Wings of Freedom Tour will be on display for ground tours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 12 noon Friday. Thirty-minute flights are usually scheduled before or after these times.

For reservations or information, contact the Collings Foundation at 800-568-8924.
Authorities are still investigating a Maine shooting that killed three people and injured another man.

State police said autopsies on the three victims are expected to be finished Thursday.

The victims' killer, Carroll Tuttle, was killed by sheriff's deputies during a confrontation in Madison. His autopsy is expected to take place on Friday.

The victims who were killed were Tuttle's wife, 52-year-old Lori Hayden, their 25-year-old son Dustin Tuttle and 57-year-old neighbor Michael Spaulding.

The man who was injured in the shootings, Harvey Austin, is still being treated at Eastern Maine Medical Center. Austin, who police say is distantly related to Lori Hayden, is expected to survive.

Detectives are still interviewing people and are working with the state's medical examiner to determine the shootings' motive.

Michael Spaulding's son told us that his father may have been killed in a jealous fit of rage. He said Tuttle accused his father of having an affair with Hayden.

"It was a very irrational situation, from what I do understand," Michael Spaulding Jr. said. "It's not fair."
The state's top Democratic lawmakers clashed Wednesday over who's to blame for the failure to pass two key pieces of legislation: an overdue state budget and a highly-watched bill making changes to the state's voter-approved recreational marijuana law.

Speaker Robert DeLeo late Wednesday issued a statement asking House negotiators working to hammer out a compromise marijuana bill to suspend their talks until a final state budget is approved and sent to Republican Gov. Charlie Baker's desk.

DeLeo said it's important to get the budget bill wrapped up for the fiscal year that began July 1. He said he believes lawmakers can get a budget to Baker this week.

"A key reason for our consistently high bond ratings has been our commitment to balanced, on-time spending plans," DeLeo said. "In light of Standard & Poor's recent decision to downgrade Massachusetts' bond rating, we need now more than ever to get a budget done."

DeLeo said ongoing negotiations on a final budget and final marijuana bill have never been linked by the House and "tying unrelated negotiations together for political leverage does a disservice to the residents of the commonwealth."

Senate President Stan Rosenberg issued his own statement, saying that the "mischief makers are once again at work."

"The Senate has not and will not link the budget and marijuana negotiations. Period." Rosenberg said. "The Senate is fully committed to continuing negotiations on both the budget and marijuana legislation simultaneously."

Negotiations on both bills are taking place behind closed doors at the Statehouse.

The six-member marijuana conference committee missed last Friday's self-imposed deadline and resumed talks Wednesday.

The House voted to repeal the recreational marijuana law approved by Massachusetts voters last fall and replace it with a bill that calls for sharply higher taxes on legal pot sales and more control for local officials over marijuana stores in their communities.

The Senate passed a bill that keeps the current law with a number of proposed changes.

State government has continued to operate despite the lack of a new budget because of a temporary stopgap budget intended to avoid a shutdown as negotiations continue between House and Senate conferees charged with coming up with a final spending plan for the 2018 fiscal year.

Part of the problem is lawmakers are struggling to address a tax revenue shortfall that has thrown in doubt the assumptions on which the state's $40.3 billion budget is based.

According to the latest estimates from Baker's administration, the revenue shortfall for fiscal 2017, which ended on Friday, is around $430 million.

Last month, S&P Global Ratings downgraded Massachusetts' bond rating, citing the state's failure to rebuild its rainy day fund. The agency said the state's reserves peaked at fiscal year 2012 levels, declined through 2014, and stagnated.

The agency also pointed to the state's "tendency to experience revenue volatility, elevated debt levels, and below-average pension funded ratio."
A US Navy Sailor who grew up in in the Oakville section of Watertown was among seven service members killed last month off the coast of Japan when their Navy destroyer the USS Fitzgerald collided with a container ship.



Sonar Technician 3rd Class Ngoc "Tan" Truong Huynh, 25, was laid to rest on Thursday, which was also when his former hometown honored him at a mermorial service.

"This is one of our kids. He's from our town," said Tom Dematteis, a U.S. Navy Veteran who is among those in Watertown who wanted to make sure the young sailor's life is remembered. "It is a brotherhood and a sisterhood," he said of the bond between those who serve.

Huynh was in eighth grade when his family moved to Connecticut. He later graduated from Watertown High School before attending Naugatuck Valley Community College. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2014.

Huynh's family has since left Connecticut and moved to Oklahoma.

"We need to celebrate his life and honor his service and ultimately his sacrifice," said Dematteis.

Huynh only lived in Watertown for a few years, but his life and now his death have had an impact.

A memorial service was help Thursday, July 6 at 2 p.m. at the Oakville Green on Route 73 in the Oakville section of Watertown. A funeral service took place at the same time in Oklahoma, where his family now lives.

The local ceremony was spearheaded by the Watertown-Oakville Veterans' Council.

"It doesn't matter if you know them personally," said Mickey Corcoran of the Veterans' Council. "Being a veteran is like a family."
Two New Hampshire men are accused of shoplifting nearly $2,000 in merchandise from a Price Chopper grocery store in Lebanon on July 4.

Philip Canale, 50, and Anthony Hutchinson, 29, both of Mack Avenue in Lebanon, are each facing a charge of felony theft.

Lebanon police say they responded to the Price Chopper on Plainfield Road around 12:30 p.m.

Loss prevention officers said the suspects put the items in a cart and tried to leave the store without paying. The suspects then left the cart behind and fled in a vehicle after being approached.

Police located the suspects in a vehicle on Plainfield Road.

They were arraigned on July 5. Canale was held on $12,500 cash bail and Hutchinson was held on $7,500 cash bail. It's unclear if they have attorneys.
Police are continuing to search for an armed and dangerous man wanted in connection to a an overnight murder in Wendell, Massachusetts on Wednesday.

A warrant has been issued for Lewis H. Starkey III for murder, assault to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He is accused of shooting and killing 48-year-old Amanda Glover, inside his home on West Street in Wendell.

Investigators said he then drove to his work - Specialized Trucking Company in Chicopee - where he allegedly fired a shotgun at a worker there. The worker was behind glass and suffered only minor injuries from the broken glass.

Starkey fled the scene when his gun malfunctioned. He is believed to be driving a red 2013 Lincoln MKX with Vermont plate QLTMKR.

Police say that anyone who sees Starkey should not approach him and instead call 911 or 508-820-2121.
A Vermont toddler has died after being found unresponsive in a pool in Montpelier Wednesday, according to state police.

Troopers responded to a home at 196 Pine Ridge Road at 11:07 a.m. where two-and-a-half-year-old Alexander James Lowell-Henry was being assisted by first responders.

After he was stabilized, he was transported to the University of Vermont Health Network - Central Vermont Medical Center, where he died around 10 p.m.

Alexander was in the custody of the Vermont Department for Children and Families and was in the care of a foster family at the time of the incident.

The Vermont DCF released a statement Thursday afternoon.

"Each incident of a child fatality is a tragedy. Everyone in our Department feels the loss of a child and our hearts go out to the family said DCF Commissioner Ken Schatz in the statement. Any incident of a child fatality is unique, and is thoroughly reviewed.

An investigation is on-going.


More fresh expressions of church life in Norfolk More fresh expressions of church life in Norfolk



Participants on a year-long mission course in Norwich have learned about re-imagining 'church' and celebrated a commissioning evening on July 3.

The Fresh Expressions course seeks to transform communities and individuals through championing new ways of being church. Christians from a wide range of denominations attend the year-long part-time course which has resulted in thousands of new congregations being formed alongside more traditional churches.



Bishop Jonathan Meyrick, Bishop of Lynn was at the Commissioning Service at St Albans Church, Norwich to congratulate each person who completed the most recent course. The 45 participants, who came from a wide range of churches in the region, were also congratulated by Rev Canon Sally Gaze, Team Rector in the Tas Valley, who is the facilitator in Norwich diocese for the course which has been running in area since 2006.



Dozens of fresh expressions of church life have sprung up across the Norwich diocese in recent years. Across the UK, many Fresh Expressions range from a youth congregation in a skate park to a surfer church, as well as church fellowships in cafes, pubs, schools and community centres.



More vibrant expressions of church life were shared in Norwich this week by a number of participants on the course. Lois Wiltshire has launched The Oaks community group as a fresh expression of life at the ecumenical Bowthorpe Church. The group, open to all, supports visitors in a wide range of crafts and practical interests, with a special welcome for those with dementia and their carers.



The many topics of the Fresh Expressions course range from the mission of God, vision and calling, discipleship and evangelistic strategies. There are also workshops on mens ministry, youth and sports, rural outreach, special needs groups and church life on new housing estates.

Three more courses are planned in the region for 2018. For course details, please email Rev Canon Sally Gaze at: sally@tasvalley.org





Pictured: Lois Wiltshire with Bishop Jonathan Meyrick, Bishop of Lynn and Mike Gibbs, representing the leadership of Bowthorpe Church. The Oaks has an open day this Friday, July 7, from 10am to 3pm.








Transforming Norwich AGM hears of future plans Transforming Norwich AGM hears of future plans

The AGM of ecumenical churches group Transforming Norwich yesterday (July 5) heard the Bishop of Norwich talk about prayer and the executive team outline the past year and its future plans.
Multiple news outlets in Seattle and the tech press report that Microsoft plans to announce a significant reorganization in an effort to refocus its cloud computing division. In the process, a lot of people are going to lose their jobs.

The Seattle Times, Puget Sound Business Journal, Bloomberg and TechCrunch all cite sources claiming that the news could come this week, and that could mean layoffs in the thousands.

The Seattle Times said it was unclear what groups would be affected and where they are located but that the move would be to get its sales teams to emphasize its cloud computing products instead of pushing packaged software.

The Puget Sound Business Journal predicted the news would come Wednesday, July 5, but that has not happened.

The group likely to be affected is the Worldwide Commercial Business group under Judson Althoff and Jean-Philippe Courtois. Its a part of the global sales and marketing group. Job cuts were expected to be in local markets rather than across the board.

Last September, Althoff told The Seattle Times that Microsoft had had the wrong approach to selling cloud computing products by treating them much like its packaged software offerings and that he planned to change the sales pitch.

It was a flawed strategy to try to sell Azure like, Do you want fries with that? Althoff told the Times.

Microsoft's recent cloud computing moves

There have already been some moves in this area. At the beginning of June, ZDnet noted Microsoft consolidated some of its cloud computing, AI and data platform business units into a new Cloud AI Platform organization, which would oversee Microsoft Azure and other data science groups.

And the reorganization rumor comes just days after Microsoft acquired Cloudyn, which offers cloud services management and monitoring tools to help companies stay within their budgets. Bills for cloud services, which charge for everything you use, have a habit of running away, and keeping an eye on your monthly usage is a really good idea.

Cloudyn supports cloud services monitoring on Microsoft Azure, as well as Amazon, Google and Openstack. Microsoft did not say if Cloudyn would continue to support the competition, but youd have to think if Microsoft cuts them off, there will be hell to payespecially from the European Commission, which just loves to slap Microsoft with billion-dollar fines.

Since Cloudyn is privately held, Microsoft did not disclose what it paid for the firm. It also has not given a timeline for the deal to be finalized or for any work on further integrating Cloudyn and Azure.
By PTI

KOLKATA: With GST coming into place from July 1, tea traders, brokers along with Tea Board and tax commissioners have sorted out the billing issue on how to impose the new tax during auctions.

"The billing issue relating to imposition of GST at the auction houses has been sorted out", secretary of Calcutta Tea Traders Association (CTTA) Kalyan Sundaram told PTI.

Sundaram said that auction (sale number 27) in Calcutta will start today from 2pm and continue till Saturday lunch time. This sale was supposed to be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, but was postponed due to the billing issue on how to raise GST (both CGST and SGST) invoice after auction is complete.

According to him, it had been decided that once tea is sold at the auctions, the producers would raise a tax invoice to the broker. This tax invoice would comprise 2.5 per cent SGST and 2.5 per cent CGST. Unless this was done, then buyers, sellers and brokers would not be able to avail of input tax credit.

Auctions and Guwahati and Siliguri had started from 9 am today, he said, adding that at Coonoor it was also being held today. Auction at Coimbatore would start later, he said.

Sundaram said that Tea Board had organised a workshop comprising Assam's tax commissioner, commercial tax commissioner of West Bengal and Commissioner of Central Excise.

KOLKATA: With GST coming into place from July 1, tea traders, brokers along with Tea Board and tax commissioners have sorted out the billing issue on how to impose the new tax during auctions. "The billing issue relating to imposition of GST at the auction houses has been sorted out", secretary of Calcutta Tea Traders Association (CTTA) Kalyan Sundaram told PTI. Sundaram said that auction (sale number 27) in Calcutta will start today from 2pm and continue till Saturday lunch time. This sale was supposed to be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, but was postponed due to the billing issue on how to raise GST (both CGST and SGST) invoice after auction is complete. According to him, it had been decided that once tea is sold at the auctions, the producers would raise a tax invoice to the broker. This tax invoice would comprise 2.5 per cent SGST and 2.5 per cent CGST. Unless this was done, then buyers, sellers and brokers would not be able to avail of input tax credit. Auctions and Guwahati and Siliguri had started from 9 am today, he said, adding that at Coonoor it was also being held today. Auction at Coimbatore would start later, he said. Sundaram said that Tea Board had organised a workshop comprising Assam's tax commissioner, commercial tax commissioner of West Bengal and Commissioner of Central Excise.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Nokia and Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi on Wednesday signed a patent licensing agreement where Xiaomi will acquire key patent assets from Nokia.

Xiaomi is one of the worlds leading smart phone manufacturers and we are delighted to have reached an agreement with them, said Rajeev Suri, president and CEO of Nokia. Adding, In addition to welcoming such a prominent global technology company to our family of patent licensees, we look forward to working together on a wide range of strategic projects.

Under the agreement, Nokia is poised to provide network infrastructure equipment. The equipment will aim to deliver high-capacity, low-power requirements, which are expected by large web providers and data centre operators. Both the companies will collaboratively work on IP routing based on Nokias newly announced FP4 network processor, optical transport solutions for data centre interconnect and a data center fabric solution.

Nokia has licence deals with leading handset makers Apple and Samsung Electronics, but the agreement with Xiaomi is the Finnish companys first one with a Chinese phone maker.

Suri also mentioned that both the companies have agreed to explore opportunities for further cooperation in areas such as Internet of Things, augmented and virtual reality and artificial intelligence.

As a company seeking to deliver more exciting technological innovations to the world, we are excited at the opportunity to work more closely with Nokia in the future. We are committed to building sustainable, long-term partnerships with global technology leaders, said Lei Jun, chairman and CEO of Xiaomi.

NEW DELHI: Nokia and Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi on Wednesday signed a patent licensing agreement where Xiaomi will acquire key patent assets from Nokia. Xiaomi is one of the worlds leading smart phone manufacturers and we are delighted to have reached an agreement with them, said Rajeev Suri, president and CEO of Nokia. Adding, In addition to welcoming such a prominent global technology company to our family of patent licensees, we look forward to working together on a wide range of strategic projects. Under the agreement, Nokia is poised to provide network infrastructure equipment. The equipment will aim to deliver high-capacity, low-power requirements, which are expected by large web providers and data centre operators. Both the companies will collaboratively work on IP routing based on Nokias newly announced FP4 network processor, optical transport solutions for data centre interconnect and a data center fabric solution. Nokia has licence deals with leading handset makers Apple and Samsung Electronics, but the agreement with Xiaomi is the Finnish companys first one with a Chinese phone maker. Suri also mentioned that both the companies have agreed to explore opportunities for further cooperation in areas such as Internet of Things, augmented and virtual reality and artificial intelligence. As a company seeking to deliver more exciting technological innovations to the world, we are excited at the opportunity to work more closely with Nokia in the future. We are committed to building sustainable, long-term partnerships with global technology leaders, said Lei Jun, chairman and CEO of Xiaomi.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: BJP MLA Majinder Singh Sirsa on Wednesday alleged that firms close to PWD minister Satyendra Jain were favoured while awarding contracts for hiring mechanical cleaning machines, and demanded a probe against him.

The AAP government has violated rules for hiring mechanical sweepers to clean the roads. The government hasnt followed the CPWD guidelines, said Sirsa.

Sirsa alleged that the sweepers hired by the government are Euro-III compliant, but only Euro 4 vehicles are allowed to ply on Delhi roads as per the directions of the Supreme Court and the NGT.

As per government guidelines, no vehicle registered outside Delhi can operate intra-city services even if it has national permit. However, the sweepers hired by the government are registered in UP and other states, he said.

Sirsa said the Delhi Jal Board hired iron body tankers for carrying water, violating WHO and the government guidelines. Only steel body tankers are allowed to carry water. It is surprising that the government has approved use of iron body tankers.

Meanwhile, the state BJP president Manoj Tiwari held a social media meet where he discussed the opportunities given by various social media platforms and how on many occasions fake accounts can spread misinformation among the masses.

We have to make positive use of social media and whenever there is a sensitive issue before forwarding posts we must try and cross check contents said Tiwari.

NEW DELHI: BJP MLA Majinder Singh Sirsa on Wednesday alleged that firms close to PWD minister Satyendra Jain were favoured while awarding contracts for hiring mechanical cleaning machines, and demanded a probe against him. The AAP government has violated rules for hiring mechanical sweepers to clean the roads. The government hasnt followed the CPWD guidelines, said Sirsa. Sirsa alleged that the sweepers hired by the government are Euro-III compliant, but only Euro 4 vehicles are allowed to ply on Delhi roads as per the directions of the Supreme Court and the NGT. As per government guidelines, no vehicle registered outside Delhi can operate intra-city services even if it has national permit. However, the sweepers hired by the government are registered in UP and other states, he said. Sirsa said the Delhi Jal Board hired iron body tankers for carrying water, violating WHO and the government guidelines. Only steel body tankers are allowed to carry water. It is surprising that the government has approved use of iron body tankers. Meanwhile, the state BJP president Manoj Tiwari held a social media meet where he discussed the opportunities given by various social media platforms and how on many occasions fake accounts can spread misinformation among the masses. We have to make positive use of social media and whenever there is a sensitive issue before forwarding posts we must try and cross check contents said Tiwari.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Delhi Police have registered a case against three Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs for allegedly manhandling and abusing a woman in the state assembly premises.

The AAP called the FIR as an act of "vendetta politics".

The three MLAs are Amanatullah Khan (of Okhla), Somnath Bharti (Malviya Nagar) and Jarnail Singh (Tilak Nagar), said Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Jatin Narwal.

They have been accused of assaulting a woman with "an intent to outrage her modesty and using words or gestures to hurt a woman", the police said.

The incident happened on June 28 and after the woman recorded her statement on June 29, the police sought legal opinion on the matter, sources said.

In her statement, the complainant accused the three MLAs of roughing her up and abusing her.

"I had gone to see the proceedings of the House, but could not get a pass for the Visitor's Gallery. While I was standing outside the building, some men, including Khan and Singh, who were a part of a scuffle that was taking place there, came towards me," she claimed in her complaint.

She said they pushed her and shoved her. She was later taken to a room where she was assaulted, threatened and beaten up by Singh and Khan, she said. The duo was later joined by Bharti who abused her, she claimed.

The police said they were scanning CCTV footage from the area to establish the sequence of events.

The AAP dispensation, in its tenure of a little over two years, has had an uneasy relationship with the police, with 15 of its MLAs being arrested for charges ranging from rioting, outraging the modesty of woman and sexual harassment to criminal intimidation and assault.

Bharti, who has been named in the FIR, called it a "transgression of the rights of a legislator".

"This FIR is also wholly unconstitutional, in addition to being completely void of merit," he posted on Twitter.

Bharti also alleged that the complainant was brought in the assembly premises by the leader of the opposition in the legislative assembly, Vijender Gupta.

Calling the "attack" on the complainant "anti-woman", Gupta said his office had facilitated her entry, but it was restricted only to his office and not to the House.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh, however, called the development "vendetta politics".

"This is vendetta politics by the Centre. We are surprised that the police has arrested only 15 of our MLAs (since coming to power)," he said at a press conference here.

AAP Delhi unit spokesperson Saurabh Bhardwaj said the record of the Delhi Police was "very poor" when it came to cases against AAP MLAs.

"The force always faces flak by the judiciary whenever they take such cases to court," he said.

Khan was arrested twice by the Delhi Police last year in two separate cases of molestation and criminal intimidation lodged against him by his sister-in-law and a Jasola resident in September and July respectively.

Bharti was arrested for allegedly assaulting and trying to kill his wife Lipika Mitra in 2015. He was arrested in September last year for allegedly inciting a crowd to damage a fence in AIIMS and of misbehaving with the hospital's security personnel.



NEW DELHI: Delhi Police have registered a case against three Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs for allegedly manhandling and abusing a woman in the state assembly premises. The AAP called the FIR as an act of "vendetta politics". The three MLAs are Amanatullah Khan (of Okhla), Somnath Bharti (Malviya Nagar) and Jarnail Singh (Tilak Nagar), said Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Jatin Narwal. They have been accused of assaulting a woman with "an intent to outrage her modesty and using words or gestures to hurt a woman", the police said. The incident happened on June 28 and after the woman recorded her statement on June 29, the police sought legal opinion on the matter, sources said. In her statement, the complainant accused the three MLAs of roughing her up and abusing her. "I had gone to see the proceedings of the House, but could not get a pass for the Visitor's Gallery. While I was standing outside the building, some men, including Khan and Singh, who were a part of a scuffle that was taking place there, came towards me," she claimed in her complaint. She said they pushed her and shoved her. She was later taken to a room where she was assaulted, threatened and beaten up by Singh and Khan, she said. The duo was later joined by Bharti who abused her, she claimed. The police said they were scanning CCTV footage from the area to establish the sequence of events. The AAP dispensation, in its tenure of a little over two years, has had an uneasy relationship with the police, with 15 of its MLAs being arrested for charges ranging from rioting, outraging the modesty of woman and sexual harassment to criminal intimidation and assault. Bharti, who has been named in the FIR, called it a "transgression of the rights of a legislator". "This FIR is also wholly unconstitutional, in addition to being completely void of merit," he posted on Twitter. Bharti also alleged that the complainant was brought in the assembly premises by the leader of the opposition in the legislative assembly, Vijender Gupta. Calling the "attack" on the complainant "anti-woman", Gupta said his office had facilitated her entry, but it was restricted only to his office and not to the House. AAP leader Sanjay Singh, however, called the development "vendetta politics". "This is vendetta politics by the Centre. We are surprised that the police has arrested only 15 of our MLAs (since coming to power)," he said at a press conference here. AAP Delhi unit spokesperson Saurabh Bhardwaj said the record of the Delhi Police was "very poor" when it came to cases against AAP MLAs. "The force always faces flak by the judiciary whenever they take such cases to court," he said. Khan was arrested twice by the Delhi Police last year in two separate cases of molestation and criminal intimidation lodged against him by his sister-in-law and a Jasola resident in September and July respectively. Bharti was arrested for allegedly assaulting and trying to kill his wife Lipika Mitra in 2015. He was arrested in September last year for allegedly inciting a crowd to damage a fence in AIIMS and of misbehaving with the hospital's security personnel.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: The University of Hyderabad, which witnessed protests lasting a few months over suicide of research scholar Rohith Vemula last year, has made it mandatory from this academic year (2017-18) that all those who take admission in the university will have to sign an affidavit saying that they, "will not participate in any protest/demonstration which is not in accordance with the laid down rules and regulations of the university."

The move by the central university comes two years after English and Foreign Language University in Hyderabad passed the same order in 2015 making it mandatory for students who take admission in the university to sign a similarly worded undertaking.

The UoH affidavit not just prohibits students from participating in protests and demonstrations but also from criticizing the administration on social media and disrupting classes or obstructing activities on campus. It also says that the university reserves the right to take any disciplinary action against any student who flouts these rules.

The two-page document, which students have to sign, also reads: "I will abide by the rules and regulations of the university and shall obey and strictly adhere to the instructions of the university authorities from time to time."

While students of the University are up in arms against the affidavit, an official from the university downplayed the issue, saying, We take a similar declaration from students for anti-ragging. It is nothing but a part of the compendium of forms, similar to what even the staff have to sign when joining the varsity. Signing the document does not mean students will be giving up the right to expression."

Citing University Grants Commission's (UGC) Students Minimum Entitlement - 2013 guidelines, the UoH Students Union said students could form unions and protest to express their thoughts and expression and that the university had no right to curtail the constitutional right of students to hold protests whenever required.

Munna Sannaki, a PhD scholar from the University, said, "Even we dont want to protest and spend our time on it, but the university administration does not pay heed to us when we approach them through any other way."

Students union president, Kuldeep Singh Nagi, also raised the point that there was no discussion about the affidavit in Academic Council (AC) meeting.

However, a senior university official countered the argument saying that AC meetings were held for discussions on academics-related issues, whereas the issuance of the affidavit fell under administration's purview.

HYDERABAD: The University of Hyderabad, which witnessed protests lasting a few months over suicide of research scholar Rohith Vemula last year, has made it mandatory from this academic year (2017-18) that all those who take admission in the university will have to sign an affidavit saying that they, "will not participate in any protest/demonstration which is not in accordance with the laid down rules and regulations of the university." The move by the central university comes two years after English and Foreign Language University in Hyderabad passed the same order in 2015 making it mandatory for students who take admission in the university to sign a similarly worded undertaking. The UoH affidavit not just prohibits students from participating in protests and demonstrations but also from criticizing the administration on social media and disrupting classes or obstructing activities on campus. It also says that the university reserves the right to take any disciplinary action against any student who flouts these rules. The two-page document, which students have to sign, also reads: "I will abide by the rules and regulations of the university and shall obey and strictly adhere to the instructions of the university authorities from time to time." While students of the University are up in arms against the affidavit, an official from the university downplayed the issue, saying, We take a similar declaration from students for anti-ragging. It is nothing but a part of the compendium of forms, similar to what even the staff have to sign when joining the varsity. Signing the document does not mean students will be giving up the right to expression." Citing University Grants Commission's (UGC) Students Minimum Entitlement - 2013 guidelines, the UoH Students Union said students could form unions and protest to express their thoughts and expression and that the university had no right to curtail the constitutional right of students to hold protests whenever required. Munna Sannaki, a PhD scholar from the University, said, "Even we dont want to protest and spend our time on it, but the university administration does not pay heed to us when we approach them through any other way." Students union president, Kuldeep Singh Nagi, also raised the point that there was no discussion about the affidavit in Academic Council (AC) meeting. However, a senior university official countered the argument saying that AC meetings were held for discussions on academics-related issues, whereas the issuance of the affidavit fell under administration's purview.
Varsha Mohan By

Express News Service

KOCHI: Yemen-native Eassa Ali Mohammed Ali is happy to be in Kerala. The 31-year-old student, who completed his masters in Linguistics from Kerala University and emerged the topper, has now extended his ICCR scholarship from the University. He has been accompanied by 10 other students from the Republic of Yemen. This, according to him, is the first time, such a large batch of students from Yemen is receiving the scholarship.

PIC: Manu R Mavelil



Eassa, who was a Bachelors student at the Department of Translation, College of Languages in Sanaa University, had not expected he would remain in Kerala for his masters. A student has the choice to opt for three Universities and is alloted a University depending on the availability of seats.

If there are no seats available in either of the the three Universities, the college will decide on a University for the student. In fact, I had not even chosen KU as an option. However, Kerala is nice and the people here are very friendly, which is why I am happy to be here, said the father of two.



Eassa has also served as a teacher at the Sanaa University. The Government in Yemen instantly appoints students as teachers if they get a first rank in their Bachelors degree, he said.

Eassa taught for three years post his Bachelors in Translation after which he applied for the scholarship.



Even though, he did not have much money to pursue his higher studies, it was his desire to learn more that brought him here. I had to even sell my car and furniture to pay for the flight charges for my family to bring them here, said Eassa.



Eassas plan is to do research. For me, learning is a continuous process while teaching means serving society. I believe that teachers and media are two major influences that can change society, he said. He hopes to go back to Yemen one day and become a professor at Sanaa University.

Kerala is a safe place

In broken Malayalam he says, I am fluent in my mother tongue Arabic as well as English. I know a little bit of French and Somali. Eassa feels thankful to Kerala for another reason as well. War and violence is very common in Yemen. People can get killed anytime. I thank Kerala for giving me and my family a two-year-old period of peace. We feel safe here, he said.

KOCHI: Yemen-native Eassa Ali Mohammed Ali is happy to be in Kerala. The 31-year-old student, who completed his masters in Linguistics from Kerala University and emerged the topper, has now extended his ICCR scholarship from the University. He has been accompanied by 10 other students from the Republic of Yemen. This, according to him, is the first time, such a large batch of students from Yemen is receiving the scholarship. PIC: Manu R Mavelil Eassa, who was a Bachelors student at the Department of Translation, College of Languages in Sanaa University, had not expected he would remain in Kerala for his masters. A student has the choice to opt for three Universities and is alloted a University depending on the availability of seats. If there are no seats available in either of the the three Universities, the college will decide on a University for the student. In fact, I had not even chosen KU as an option. However, Kerala is nice and the people here are very friendly, which is why I am happy to be here, said the father of two. Eassa has also served as a teacher at the Sanaa University. The Government in Yemen instantly appoints students as teachers if they get a first rank in their Bachelors degree, he said. Eassa taught for three years post his Bachelors in Translation after which he applied for the scholarship. Even though, he did not have much money to pursue his higher studies, it was his desire to learn more that brought him here. I had to even sell my car and furniture to pay for the flight charges for my family to bring them here, said Eassa. Eassas plan is to do research. For me, learning is a continuous process while teaching means serving society. I believe that teachers and media are two major influences that can change society, he said. He hopes to go back to Yemen one day and become a professor at Sanaa University. Kerala is a safe place In broken Malayalam he says, I am fluent in my mother tongue Arabic as well as English. I know a little bit of French and Somali. Eassa feels thankful to Kerala for another reason as well. War and violence is very common in Yemen. People can get killed anytime. I thank Kerala for giving me and my family a two-year-old period of peace. We feel safe here, he said.
By Express News Service

KOCHI: In the second time in less than two years on his foreign tours, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dug into the cosmopolitan history of Kerala, particularly of the ancient port town of Kodungallur, to find inspiration for gifts for his hosts.

Modi on Tuesday presented Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with replicas of two sets of relics from Kerala regarded as key artifacts in the long Jewish history in India. During his visit to Saudi Arabia in April 2016, the Prime Minister had gifted Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud with a gold-plated replica of the historic Cheraman Juma Masjid, said to be the oldest mosque in the Indian sub-continent, located in Kodungalloor.

Modi on his Israel visit gifted the replicas of two sets of copper plates believed to have been inscribed in the 9-10th century CE. The first set is a cherished relic for the Cochin Jews in India. It is regarded as a charter describing the grant of hereditary royal privileges and prerogatives by Hindu King Cheraman Perumal (often identified as Bhaskara Ravi Varma) to Jewish leader Joseph Rabban.

According to traditional Jewish accounts, Joseph Rabban was later crowned as the Prince of Shingli, a place in or equated with Cranganore (old, anglicised name of Kodungallur). Jews in Cranganore enjoyed religious and cultural autonomy for centuries before they moved to Cochin and other places in Malabar. Jews would even place in each coffin a handful of earth from Shingli regarded as a holy place and considered a second Jerusalem.

The replica of plates was made with the cooperation of the Paradesi Synagogue in Mattanchery. The second set of copper plates is believed to be the earliest documentation of the history of Jewish trade with India. These plates describe the grant of land and tax privileges by the local Hindu ruler to a church and the oversight of trade in Kollam to West Asian and Indian trading associations.

The West Asian association included Muslims, Christians, Zoroastrians and a group of Jews who signed in Judeo-Persian and possibly also in Arabic and Pahlavi (Middle Persian). The replica of these plates was made possible with the cooperation of Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church in Tiruvalla.

Modi also presented Netanyahu with a Torah scroll donated by Keralas Paradesi Jewish community. Handwritten over a century back, the scroll had been dedicated to the Paradesi Synagogue in Kochi built in 1568. The Torah is enclosed in a wooden case and adorned with silver sheets. There is also a metal crown covered in gold sheets in floral ornament style bearing motifs... typical of south India, said a tweet from the PMO.

A warm gesture

Modi on his Israel visit gifted the replicas of two sets of copper plates believed to have been inscribed in the 9-10th century CE. The first set is a cherished relic for the Cochin Jews in India. The second set of copper plates is believed to be the earliest documentation of the history of Jewish trade with India

KOCHI: In the second time in less than two years on his foreign tours, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dug into the cosmopolitan history of Kerala, particularly of the ancient port town of Kodungallur, to find inspiration for gifts for his hosts. Modi on Tuesday presented Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with replicas of two sets of relics from Kerala regarded as key artifacts in the long Jewish history in India. During his visit to Saudi Arabia in April 2016, the Prime Minister had gifted Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud with a gold-plated replica of the historic Cheraman Juma Masjid, said to be the oldest mosque in the Indian sub-continent, located in Kodungalloor. Modi on his Israel visit gifted the replicas of two sets of copper plates believed to have been inscribed in the 9-10th century CE. The first set is a cherished relic for the Cochin Jews in India. It is regarded as a charter describing the grant of hereditary royal privileges and prerogatives by Hindu King Cheraman Perumal (often identified as Bhaskara Ravi Varma) to Jewish leader Joseph Rabban. According to traditional Jewish accounts, Joseph Rabban was later crowned as the Prince of Shingli, a place in or equated with Cranganore (old, anglicised name of Kodungallur). Jews in Cranganore enjoyed religious and cultural autonomy for centuries before they moved to Cochin and other places in Malabar. Jews would even place in each coffin a handful of earth from Shingli regarded as a holy place and considered a second Jerusalem. The replica of plates was made with the cooperation of the Paradesi Synagogue in Mattanchery. The second set of copper plates is believed to be the earliest documentation of the history of Jewish trade with India. These plates describe the grant of land and tax privileges by the local Hindu ruler to a church and the oversight of trade in Kollam to West Asian and Indian trading associations. The West Asian association included Muslims, Christians, Zoroastrians and a group of Jews who signed in Judeo-Persian and possibly also in Arabic and Pahlavi (Middle Persian). The replica of these plates was made possible with the cooperation of Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church in Tiruvalla. Modi also presented Netanyahu with a Torah scroll donated by Keralas Paradesi Jewish community. Handwritten over a century back, the scroll had been dedicated to the Paradesi Synagogue in Kochi built in 1568. The Torah is enclosed in a wooden case and adorned with silver sheets. There is also a metal crown covered in gold sheets in floral ornament style bearing motifs... typical of south India, said a tweet from the PMO. A warm gesture Modi on his Israel visit gifted the replicas of two sets of copper plates believed to have been inscribed in the 9-10th century CE. The first set is a cherished relic for the Cochin Jews in India. The second set of copper plates is believed to be the earliest documentation of the history of Jewish trade with India
By Express News Service

VIJAYAWADA: Union Minister for Urban Development M Venkaiah Naidu has cautioned against certain sections spreading rumours on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) issue for creating panic among the people. Speaking to mediapersons at Swarna Bharat Trust in Atukur, near Vijayawada on Wednesday, he asked traders and trade organisations to refrain from staging agitations and instead represent their grievances to GST Council. The Council is open to address the problems of different sections of the industry, said Naidu.

He said that the GST was not an individual decision, but was made taking every State into confidence. It is not the decision of the Centre, but the GST council which consists of Finance Ministers of all the States, he clarified.

He said that after considering the representations from the farming community and the respective State governments on their behalf, GST was reduced to five per cent on fertilizers and tractor spare parts were kept in the 18 per cent bracket just before the day GST rolled out.

Under GST, 80 per cent of the goods have been kept in the lower tax bracket (18 per cent) to benefit of the poor. He stressed that prices of several commodities are decreasing following the implementation of GST. He clarified invoices can be generated manually and can be uploaded once a month from computers in the business establishments or from internet centres.

VIJAYAWADA: Union Minister for Urban Development M Venkaiah Naidu has cautioned against certain sections spreading rumours on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) issue for creating panic among the people. Speaking to mediapersons at Swarna Bharat Trust in Atukur, near Vijayawada on Wednesday, he asked traders and trade organisations to refrain from staging agitations and instead represent their grievances to GST Council. The Council is open to address the problems of different sections of the industry, said Naidu. He said that the GST was not an individual decision, but was made taking every State into confidence. It is not the decision of the Centre, but the GST council which consists of Finance Ministers of all the States, he clarified. He said that after considering the representations from the farming community and the respective State governments on their behalf, GST was reduced to five per cent on fertilizers and tractor spare parts were kept in the 18 per cent bracket just before the day GST rolled out. Under GST, 80 per cent of the goods have been kept in the lower tax bracket (18 per cent) to benefit of the poor. He stressed that prices of several commodities are decreasing following the implementation of GST. He clarified invoices can be generated manually and can be uploaded once a month from computers in the business establishments or from internet centres.
By PTI

MUMBAI: Tahir Merchant, convicted in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case last month, did not attend any of the conspiracy meetings, his lawyer today argued before the TADA Court here and sought leniency for him.

The special court for Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) cases last month convicted Merchant, extradited gangster Abu Salem and four others in the case.

The defence lawyers today began their arguments on the quantum of sentence. The TADA court judge G A Sanap, while convicting Merchant, had held that he was one of the conspirators.

The CBI has sought death penalty for him. Merchant's lawyer Sudeep Passbola said his client did not attend the conspiracy meetings which preceded the March 1993 blasts and there was no evidence to show that he was aware of RDX being smuggled into the city.

Passbola also said that people were sent to Pakistan for arms training to deal with a 1992-like situation (when riots erupted in Mumbai following the demolition of Babri Masjid), and it was only after their return that Tiger Memon, the absconding mastermind of the conspiracy, decided to use them for carrying out blasts.

Among other things, Merchant was accused of sending people to Pakistan for arms training. Passbola also refuted the CBI's claim that Merchant had good relations with Pakistani Army and the country's intelligence agency, ISI.

He was acting at somebody else's instructions and was not "in commanding position", the lawyer said. The arguments would continue tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the court issued a notice to Delhi police today, seeking their reply, as the case for which they are seeking the custody of Abu Salem is not covered by the extradition agreement between Portugal and India.

Delhi police have approached the court seeking Salem's custody for a case registered in the national capital.

However, as per the agreement with Portugal under which Salem was extradited in 2005, he can be tried in only nine cases (including the 1993 blasts case). The Delhi case is not a part of the list.

MUMBAI: Tahir Merchant, convicted in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case last month, did not attend any of the conspiracy meetings, his lawyer today argued before the TADA Court here and sought leniency for him. The special court for Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) cases last month convicted Merchant, extradited gangster Abu Salem and four others in the case. The defence lawyers today began their arguments on the quantum of sentence. The TADA court judge G A Sanap, while convicting Merchant, had held that he was one of the conspirators. The CBI has sought death penalty for him. Merchant's lawyer Sudeep Passbola said his client did not attend the conspiracy meetings which preceded the March 1993 blasts and there was no evidence to show that he was aware of RDX being smuggled into the city. Passbola also said that people were sent to Pakistan for arms training to deal with a 1992-like situation (when riots erupted in Mumbai following the demolition of Babri Masjid), and it was only after their return that Tiger Memon, the absconding mastermind of the conspiracy, decided to use them for carrying out blasts. Among other things, Merchant was accused of sending people to Pakistan for arms training. Passbola also refuted the CBI's claim that Merchant had good relations with Pakistani Army and the country's intelligence agency, ISI. He was acting at somebody else's instructions and was not "in commanding position", the lawyer said. The arguments would continue tomorrow. Meanwhile, the court issued a notice to Delhi police today, seeking their reply, as the case for which they are seeking the custody of Abu Salem is not covered by the extradition agreement between Portugal and India. Delhi police have approached the court seeking Salem's custody for a case registered in the national capital. However, as per the agreement with Portugal under which Salem was extradited in 2005, he can be tried in only nine cases (including the 1993 blasts case). The Delhi case is not a part of the list.
By IANS

BHOPAL: The 'Kisan Mukti Yatra', taken out on Thursday to pay homage to the six protesting farmers killed by police in Madhya Pradesh's Mandsaur district, has been halted by the police and as many as 300 persons arrested.

Swaraj Abhiyan chief Yogendra Yadav, activists Medha Patkar, Paras Saklecha were among the detained.

"The people involved in the Yatra have been arrested on the allegation of disrupting peace. Till now, as many as 300 persons have been arrested," Superintendent of Police Manoj Singh told IANS.

Communist Party of India-Marxist state unit chief Badal Saroj told IANS: "The Yatra, which began from Bhudha village, has been halted at Guddeli village. These people were going to Peepli Mandi where farmers were killed in police firing."

The marchers included Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan convenor V.M. Singh, Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Sabha General Secretary Hannan Mollah, CPI-M leader Subhashini Ali, Swaraj India's Yogendra Yadav, social activist Medha Patkar, Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghathan's founder Raju Shetti, farmers and women.

The Yatra, which began under the leadership of the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee, has representatives of more than 100 groups of farmers from all over the country. Their demands include loan waivers and fixing the maximum support price of the crop yield based on recommendations by the M.S. Swaminathan Committee.

"All of them have lifted ploughs on their shoulder while the farmers are waiving green flags," AIKSC state chief Jaswinder Singh said.

"From Madhya Pradesh, this Yatra will go through Maharashtra and Gujarat to reach New Delhi on July 18, where a tribute will be paid to the six farmers killed in Mandsaur," he added.

Tight security arrangements have been made for the Yatra and police forces have been deployed at many places.

The 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 five farmers were killed in police firing in Mandsaur.

BHOPAL: The 'Kisan Mukti Yatra', taken out on Thursday to pay homage to the six protesting farmers killed by police in Madhya Pradesh's Mandsaur district, has been halted by the police and as many as 300 persons arrested. Swaraj Abhiyan chief Yogendra Yadav, activists Medha Patkar, Paras Saklecha were among the detained. "The people involved in the Yatra have been arrested on the allegation of disrupting peace. Till now, as many as 300 persons have been arrested," Superintendent of Police Manoj Singh told IANS. Communist Party of India-Marxist state unit chief Badal Saroj told IANS: "The Yatra, which began from Bhudha village, has been halted at Guddeli village. These people were going to Peepli Mandi where farmers were killed in police firing." The marchers included Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan convenor V.M. Singh, Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Sabha General Secretary Hannan Mollah, CPI-M leader Subhashini Ali, Swaraj India's Yogendra Yadav, social activist Medha Patkar, Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghathan's founder Raju Shetti, farmers and women. The Yatra, which began under the leadership of the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee, has representatives of more than 100 groups of farmers from all over the country. Their demands include loan waivers and fixing the maximum support price of the crop yield based on recommendations by the M.S. Swaminathan Committee. "All of them have lifted ploughs on their shoulder while the farmers are waiving green flags," AIKSC state chief Jaswinder Singh said. "From Madhya Pradesh, this Yatra will go through Maharashtra and Gujarat to reach New Delhi on July 18, where a tribute will be paid to the six farmers killed in Mandsaur," he added. Tight security arrangements have been made for the Yatra and police forces have been deployed at many places. The 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 five farmers were killed in police firing in Mandsaur.
Aishik Chanda By

Express News Service

KOLKATA: Communal strife-torn Basirhat town and neighbouring villages in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal remained tense on Thursday as a BJP worker succumbed to injuries inflicted during clashes on Wednesday. However, no fresh violence was reported on Thursday.

BJP worker Kartik Ghosh, 60, who sustained serious injuries on this neck during a violent clash between residents of Tyatra and Paikpara villages, 3 km from Basirhat town, on Wednesday, breathed his last at R G Kar Medical College here on Thursday. At least eight others seriously injured in the violent clashes between two communities since Monday are being treated at various hospitals in Kolkata.

On the other hand, police made 51 arrests in the past two days. Thirty nine people were arrested on Wednesday and produced in the court on Thursday. We have got their police custody while 12 fresh arrests were made on Thursday, an official at Basirhat Police Station told The New Indian Express.

However, relatives of those arrested claimed that arrests were made arbitrarily. My son Salim Mondal of Madhyampur village was picked up while on the way to the market, said Sakira Bibi. Another woman claimed that her son was returning home from work at Bangladesh border. My son Safiqul Mollah of Amtala village drives export trucks laden which stone chips from India to Bangladesh. He was returning home from the border. Police asked him to show the way to a nearby village and brought him directly to the police station, said Marjina Bibi.

Meanwhile, under the directive of BJP president Amit Shah, the ruling party at the Centre has formed a three-member representative committee of MPs Om Prakash Mathur, Meenakshi Lekhi and Satyapal Singh to visit strife-torn Basirhat. The three-member MP team would visit Basirhat on July 9. But before that, a state BJP team led by MP Roopa Ganguly will visit the house of our BJP worker who has died in the violence, state BJP secretary Sayantan Basu told The New Indian Express.

Asked about probabilities of police stopping them from visiting the riot-torn region, the state BJP secretary said, Police may try to stop us but we will go ahead with our visit to Basirhat tomorrow.

Responding to West Bengal Mamata Banerjees allegations of BJPs hand behind communal violence in North 24 Parganas district, BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said in a press conference on Thursday:When the situation in the hills went out of control, Mamata Banerjee saw foreign hand. Now, when she is unable to handle the rising incidents of communal violence throughout West Bengal, she is seeing BJPs hand behind them.

To Mamata Banerjees proposal to form peace committees to subside the violence, Ghosh said: Such proposals are in her imagination only. Her baseless comments are instilling more fear in the minds of the people. TMC is trying to increase its influence among the riot-affected people through these proposed peace committees. He also alleged that 400 BSF jawans deployed in the region were not being used for patrolling inside the villages and were only being used to conduct route marches along the main roads.

KOLKATA: Communal strife-torn Basirhat town and neighbouring villages in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal remained tense on Thursday as a BJP worker succumbed to injuries inflicted during clashes on Wednesday. However, no fresh violence was reported on Thursday. BJP worker Kartik Ghosh, 60, who sustained serious injuries on this neck during a violent clash between residents of Tyatra and Paikpara villages, 3 km from Basirhat town, on Wednesday, breathed his last at R G Kar Medical College here on Thursday. At least eight others seriously injured in the violent clashes between two communities since Monday are being treated at various hospitals in Kolkata. On the other hand, police made 51 arrests in the past two days. Thirty nine people were arrested on Wednesday and produced in the court on Thursday. We have got their police custody while 12 fresh arrests were made on Thursday, an official at Basirhat Police Station told The New Indian Express. However, relatives of those arrested claimed that arrests were made arbitrarily. My son Salim Mondal of Madhyampur village was picked up while on the way to the market, said Sakira Bibi. Another woman claimed that her son was returning home from work at Bangladesh border. My son Safiqul Mollah of Amtala village drives export trucks laden which stone chips from India to Bangladesh. He was returning home from the border. Police asked him to show the way to a nearby village and brought him directly to the police station, said Marjina Bibi. Meanwhile, under the directive of BJP president Amit Shah, the ruling party at the Centre has formed a three-member representative committee of MPs Om Prakash Mathur, Meenakshi Lekhi and Satyapal Singh to visit strife-torn Basirhat. The three-member MP team would visit Basirhat on July 9. But before that, a state BJP team led by MP Roopa Ganguly will visit the house of our BJP worker who has died in the violence, state BJP secretary Sayantan Basu told The New Indian Express. Asked about probabilities of police stopping them from visiting the riot-torn region, the state BJP secretary said, Police may try to stop us but we will go ahead with our visit to Basirhat tomorrow. Responding to West Bengal Mamata Banerjees allegations of BJPs hand behind communal violence in North 24 Parganas district, BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said in a press conference on Thursday:When the situation in the hills went out of control, Mamata Banerjee saw foreign hand. Now, when she is unable to handle the rising incidents of communal violence throughout West Bengal, she is seeing BJPs hand behind them. To Mamata Banerjees proposal to form peace committees to subside the violence, Ghosh said: Such proposals are in her imagination only. Her baseless comments are instilling more fear in the minds of the people. TMC is trying to increase its influence among the riot-affected people through these proposed peace committees. He also alleged that 400 BSF jawans deployed in the region were not being used for patrolling inside the villages and were only being used to conduct route marches along the main roads.
By Express News Service

THRISSUR: Amma president Innocent on Wednesday apologised to the media for the misbehaviour meted out to journalists at the June 29 AMMA press meet. He termed the behaviour of actor-turned-MLAs Mukesh and Ganesh at the press meet unfortunate, saying most of what they said was on the spur of the moment. Nevertheless, their actions brought ignominy to the outfit and affected my image too, he said.

He rubbished rumours of him stepping down as president of the actors outfit.

I have not thought of resigning even in my dreams. I have been at the helm of AMMA for the past 14 years. There were times when I decided to step down but was forced to lead it, he told reporters at his residence in Irinjalakuda. Innocent said he had personally sought Dileeps explanation after the latters name came up in the matter.

He maintained he was innocent. He cannot be punished just because the police summoned him to record his statements, said Innocent, adding, If anybody from AMMA is involved in the incident or is convicted, strict action will be taken against the person.

Reiterating his support to the victimised actress, Innocent said AMMA did not discuss the matter at its general body meet as it was under investigation and sub-judice. He said no actress had approached AMMA complaining of actors misbehaving with them.No actress has been sidelined from AMMAs leadership. But it is not possible to bring them to the fore through reservation, he said.On Ganesh writing a letter to him demanding AMMA be disbanded, Innocent said though the actor-politician raised several valid points, his demand was very unfortunate.

Dont play innocent, WCC members tell AMMA chief

Members of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) on Wednesday criticised the remarks by the president of Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) Innocent who said the Malayalam Film Industry was totally free of sexual exploitation.

We strongly oppose his statement. We have already understood cinema is a field where existing social equations and relationship hierarchy get reflected similarly. Most of the newcomers or those who seek chances in the industry are forcefully exploited by the upper echelons of the industry, the members said in a post on the official WCC page in Facebook. They said WCC members had remarked on casting couch system existing in the industry.

Probe in right direction: CM

The Chief Minister has said the probe into the actor assault case was in the right direction. None of the accused will escape. The police had arrested those who assaulted the actor without much delay. Cops were behind the case even afterwards, he said. Pinarayi said police have been given full freedom. Those who did wrong, how big the fish be, will be netted by the police, he said while addressing a meeting of leaders of womens organisations here on Wednesday.

THRISSUR: Amma president Innocent on Wednesday apologised to the media for the misbehaviour meted out to journalists at the June 29 AMMA press meet. He termed the behaviour of actor-turned-MLAs Mukesh and Ganesh at the press meet unfortunate, saying most of what they said was on the spur of the moment. Nevertheless, their actions brought ignominy to the outfit and affected my image too, he said. He rubbished rumours of him stepping down as president of the actors outfit. I have not thought of resigning even in my dreams. I have been at the helm of AMMA for the past 14 years. There were times when I decided to step down but was forced to lead it, he told reporters at his residence in Irinjalakuda. Innocent said he had personally sought Dileeps explanation after the latters name came up in the matter. He maintained he was innocent. He cannot be punished just because the police summoned him to record his statements, said Innocent, adding, If anybody from AMMA is involved in the incident or is convicted, strict action will be taken against the person. Reiterating his support to the victimised actress, Innocent said AMMA did not discuss the matter at its general body meet as it was under investigation and sub-judice. He said no actress had approached AMMA complaining of actors misbehaving with them.No actress has been sidelined from AMMAs leadership. But it is not possible to bring them to the fore through reservation, he said.On Ganesh writing a letter to him demanding AMMA be disbanded, Innocent said though the actor-politician raised several valid points, his demand was very unfortunate. Dont play innocent, WCC members tell AMMA chief Members of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) on Wednesday criticised the remarks by the president of Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) Innocent who said the Malayalam Film Industry was totally free of sexual exploitation. We strongly oppose his statement. We have already understood cinema is a field where existing social equations and relationship hierarchy get reflected similarly. Most of the newcomers or those who seek chances in the industry are forcefully exploited by the upper echelons of the industry, the members said in a post on the official WCC page in Facebook. They said WCC members had remarked on casting couch system existing in the industry. Probe in right direction: CM The Chief Minister has said the probe into the actor assault case was in the right direction. None of the accused will escape. The police had arrested those who assaulted the actor without much delay. Cops were behind the case even afterwards, he said. Pinarayi said police have been given full freedom. Those who did wrong, how big the fish be, will be netted by the police, he said while addressing a meeting of leaders of womens organisations here on Wednesday.
By PTI

BEIJING: The "atmosphere" is "not right" for a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, a Chinese official said today amidst a standoff between the armies of the two countries in the Sikkim section.

China also "strongly" urged India to pull back to avoid the situation from getting worse and lead to "some more serious consequences."

While India said that Modi will hold meetings with leaders of countries like Canada, Japan, and the UK on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, there was no mention of any scheduled bilateral meeting with Xi.

The "atmosphere is not right" for a bilateral meeting between Xi and Modi, a Chinese Foreign Ministry official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

On the sidelines of the G20 summit, which starts tomorrow, a meeting of BRICS leaders is scheduled to take place. The grouping comprises India and China in addition to Russia, Brazil and South Africa.

China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan tri-junction for the past three weeks after a Chinese Army's construction party attempted to build a road. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.

China reiterated its position today during a briefing by Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang.

Geng expressed hope that "India can immediately withdraw the border troops to the Indian side of the boundary to uphold the peace tranquillity of the China and India border areas".

"We strongly urge India to pull back to the Indian side of the boundary to avoid the situation from getting worse and have some more serious consequences," he said.

Pulling back the troops "is the pre-condition for any meaningful peace talks between the two sides," he told a media briefing here.

Asked about a possible meeting between Modi and Xi on the sidelines of the G20 summit, he said "relevant information"

will be released in a timely manner. He did not elaborate.

China's state-run media yesterday quoted Chinese analysts as saying that Beijing would be forced to use a "military way" to end the standoff in the Sikkim sector if India refuses to listen to the "historical lessons" being offered by it.

Asked about Indian minister of state for defence Subhash Bhamre's remarks that the standoff can be resolved diplomatically and Chinese soldiers should leave the Bhutanese territory to reduce tension in the area, Geng said, "We noted the statement".

"We have said many times that the illegal entry of Indian border troops at the defined section and mutually recognised boundary is different in nature from previous frictions at the undefined part of the boundary," Geng said.

Geng rejected allegations that Chinese troops entered Bhutan's territory. Bhutan has already lodged a protest with China saying that the road being built by Chinese troops was in its territory.

He said the area is "undisputable" and Dokalam has always been under the "effective jurisdiction of China."

China and Bhutan have held 24 rounds of talks, he noted, adding that China has never breached the accepted conventions in the area.

He accused India of illegally entering Chinese territory China, "thus hindering the negotiation process between China and Bhutan."

However, India has said it is "deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India".

Geng questioned India's apprehension that the strategic road being built by China in Dokalam area in the Sikkim sector could hand China the advantage as Beijing may use it to cut off India's access to its north-eastern states.

"I don't understand why building of a road by China can bring serious risk to India. China building road on its own territory is a justified action by a sovereign state," he said.

Without mentioning the massive infrastructure development undertaken by China in Tibet and at other parts of the Line of Actual Control, Geng also accused India of building infrastructure along the border without taking into consideration China's security concerns.

BEIJING: The "atmosphere" is "not right" for a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, a Chinese official said today amidst a standoff between the armies of the two countries in the Sikkim section. China also "strongly" urged India to pull back to avoid the situation from getting worse and lead to "some more serious consequences." While India said that Modi will hold meetings with leaders of countries like Canada, Japan, and the UK on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, there was no mention of any scheduled bilateral meeting with Xi. The "atmosphere is not right" for a bilateral meeting between Xi and Modi, a Chinese Foreign Ministry official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. On the sidelines of the G20 summit, which starts tomorrow, a meeting of BRICS leaders is scheduled to take place. The grouping comprises India and China in addition to Russia, Brazil and South Africa. China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan tri-junction for the past three weeks after a Chinese Army's construction party attempted to build a road. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region. China reiterated its position today during a briefing by Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang. Geng expressed hope that "India can immediately withdraw the border troops to the Indian side of the boundary to uphold the peace tranquillity of the China and India border areas". "We strongly urge India to pull back to the Indian side of the boundary to avoid the situation from getting worse and have some more serious consequences," he said. Pulling back the troops "is the pre-condition for any meaningful peace talks between the two sides," he told a media briefing here. Asked about a possible meeting between Modi and Xi on the sidelines of the G20 summit, he said "relevant information" will be released in a timely manner. He did not elaborate. China's state-run media yesterday quoted Chinese analysts as saying that Beijing would be forced to use a "military way" to end the standoff in the Sikkim sector if India refuses to listen to the "historical lessons" being offered by it. Asked about Indian minister of state for defence Subhash Bhamre's remarks that the standoff can be resolved diplomatically and Chinese soldiers should leave the Bhutanese territory to reduce tension in the area, Geng said, "We noted the statement". "We have said many times that the illegal entry of Indian border troops at the defined section and mutually recognised boundary is different in nature from previous frictions at the undefined part of the boundary," Geng said. Geng rejected allegations that Chinese troops entered Bhutan's territory. Bhutan has already lodged a protest with China saying that the road being built by Chinese troops was in its territory. He said the area is "undisputable" and Dokalam has always been under the "effective jurisdiction of China." China and Bhutan have held 24 rounds of talks, he noted, adding that China has never breached the accepted conventions in the area. He accused India of illegally entering Chinese territory China, "thus hindering the negotiation process between China and Bhutan." However, India has said it is "deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India". Geng questioned India's apprehension that the strategic road being built by China in Dokalam area in the Sikkim sector could hand China the advantage as Beijing may use it to cut off India's access to its north-eastern states. "I don't understand why building of a road by China can bring serious risk to India. China building road on its own territory is a justified action by a sovereign state," he said. Without mentioning the massive infrastructure development undertaken by China in Tibet and at other parts of the Line of Actual Control, Geng also accused India of building infrastructure along the border without taking into consideration China's security concerns.
By AFP

BRASILIA: Lawyers for Brazil's President Michel Temer presented their defence against corruption charges that threaten to drive him from office, denying allegations that he took a USD 150,000 bribe.

They filed a written defence to a committee in Congress tasked with drawing up a recommendation on whether he should face trial over the allegations.

Temer faces a series of hearings before lawmakers vote on whether he should face a criminal trial over claims he accepted the bribe from a meatpacking firm.

He has denied the accusation, which has made him the first sitting Brazilian president to face formal criminal charges.

"He committed no crime," said his lawyer Antonio Claudio Mariz de Oliveira after filing the written defence.

"This accusation is not against an ordinary citizen. It is against the president of the republic and against Brazil."

Police arrested an adviser of Temer's with a suitcase full of money, which prosecutors allege was destined for Temer as a bribe.

A video has also emerged of Temer apparently approving the payment of hush money to a jailed ally. Temer's lawyer said yesterday that video was "technically doubtful."

Former vice-president Temer took over as president last year after his leftist predecessor Dilma Rousseff was impeached on charges of budgetary wrongdoing which she branded a "coup."

Temer is trying to push through reforms to save Brazil from recession. But his time in office has been blighted by the resignations of ministers and corruption claims creeping ever closer to his door.

Left-wing deputy Alessandro Molon told reporters yesterday the government wanted to hurry up the procedures in congress. But he estimated that the full final vote may not take place until August.

The charges come against the backdrop of a sweeping graft investigation which has uncovered systemic corruption in the political and business elite in Latin America's biggest country.

BRASILIA: Lawyers for Brazil's President Michel Temer presented their defence against corruption charges that threaten to drive him from office, denying allegations that he took a USD 150,000 bribe. They filed a written defence to a committee in Congress tasked with drawing up a recommendation on whether he should face trial over the allegations. Temer faces a series of hearings before lawmakers vote on whether he should face a criminal trial over claims he accepted the bribe from a meatpacking firm. He has denied the accusation, which has made him the first sitting Brazilian president to face formal criminal charges. "He committed no crime," said his lawyer Antonio Claudio Mariz de Oliveira after filing the written defence. "This accusation is not against an ordinary citizen. It is against the president of the republic and against Brazil." Police arrested an adviser of Temer's with a suitcase full of money, which prosecutors allege was destined for Temer as a bribe. A video has also emerged of Temer apparently approving the payment of hush money to a jailed ally. Temer's lawyer said yesterday that video was "technically doubtful." Former vice-president Temer took over as president last year after his leftist predecessor Dilma Rousseff was impeached on charges of budgetary wrongdoing which she branded a "coup." Temer is trying to push through reforms to save Brazil from recession. But his time in office has been blighted by the resignations of ministers and corruption claims creeping ever closer to his door. Left-wing deputy Alessandro Molon told reporters yesterday the government wanted to hurry up the procedures in congress. But he estimated that the full final vote may not take place until August. The charges come against the backdrop of a sweeping graft investigation which has uncovered systemic corruption in the political and business elite in Latin America's biggest country.
By IANS

LEH: Thousands of Tibetans on Thursday morning joined in the 82nd birthday celebrations of their spiritual leader the Dalai Lama here.



Large crowds donning traditional dresses began to assemble since morning at the Shiwatsel Phodrang complex on the outskirts of Leh for the birthday celebrations.



"Special prayer sessions were held for the long life of His Holiness," a Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) spokesperson told IANS.



The Dalai Lama, revered by the Tibetans as a "living god", attended the prayers and blessed the gathering.



Tibetan Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay also attended the celebrations here.



Officials of the Dalai Lama's office said the spiritual leader would stay in Shiwatsel Phodrang till July 30.



During his visit, he would participate in religious ceremonies, conduct meditational retreat and deliver teachings at Diskit Monastery in the Nubra Valley, Padum in Zanskar area and the Shiwatsel teaching ground in Leh.



The Dalai Lama's sermons on ethics, non-violence, peace and religious harmony have made him one of the 20th century's most revered spiritual leaders.



Born on July 6, 1935, at Taktser hamlet in northeastern Tibet, the Dalai Lama was recognised at the age of two as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso.



He fled Tibet after a failed uprising against the Chinese rule in 1959.



The Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his non-violent campaign for democracy and freedom in his homeland. Since fleeing to India, he has spent his time in exile pushing for autonomy for Tibet.



India is home to around 100,000 Tibetans.

LEH: Thousands of Tibetans on Thursday morning joined in the 82nd birthday celebrations of their spiritual leader the Dalai Lama here. Large crowds donning traditional dresses began to assemble since morning at the Shiwatsel Phodrang complex on the outskirts of Leh for the birthday celebrations. "Special prayer sessions were held for the long life of His Holiness," a Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) spokesperson told IANS. The Dalai Lama, revered by the Tibetans as a "living god", attended the prayers and blessed the gathering. Tibetan Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay also attended the celebrations here. Officials of the Dalai Lama's office said the spiritual leader would stay in Shiwatsel Phodrang till July 30. During his visit, he would participate in religious ceremonies, conduct meditational retreat and deliver teachings at Diskit Monastery in the Nubra Valley, Padum in Zanskar area and the Shiwatsel teaching ground in Leh. The Dalai Lama's sermons on ethics, non-violence, peace and religious harmony have made him one of the 20th century's most revered spiritual leaders. Born on July 6, 1935, at Taktser hamlet in northeastern Tibet, the Dalai Lama was recognised at the age of two as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso. He fled Tibet after a failed uprising against the Chinese rule in 1959. The Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his non-violent campaign for democracy and freedom in his homeland. Since fleeing to India, he has spent his time in exile pushing for autonomy for Tibet. India is home to around 100,000 Tibetans.
By PTI

BEIJING: Ratcheting up its rhetoric against India, a state-run Chinese daily today warned that Beijing may support "pro-independence appeals in Sikkim" if New Delhi does not stop pursuing "regional hegemony" through the border face-off.

"In the past, China was wary of India playing the Dalai Lama card, but this card is already overplayed and will exert no additional effect on the Tibet question. But if Beijing adjusts its stance on India-sensitive issues, it could be a powerful card to deal with New Delhi," state-run Global Times said.

The paper, known for its aggressive rhetoric, said that China should reconsider its stance over Sikkim.

"Although China recognised India's annexation of Sikkim in 2003, it can readjust its stance on the matter," the daily said.

"There are those in Sikkim that cherish its history as a separate state, and they are sensitive to how the outside world views the Sikkim issue. As long as there are voices in Chinese society supporting Sikkim's independence, the voices will spread and fuel pro-independence appeals in Sikkim," it added.

Sikkim is a powerful card against the Dalai Lama, it said.

The tabloid daily of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) also accused India of exerting "startling control and oppression over Bhutan."

"As a result, Bhutan has not established diplomatic ties with China or any other permanent member of the UN Security Council. Through unequal treaties, India has severely jeopardised Bhutan's diplomatic sovereignty and controls its national defence," it said.

It also accused India of imposing a "similar coercive policy on Sikkim before".

"The small neighbours revolts over sovereignty in the 1960s and 1970s were brutally cracked down on by the Indian military. New Delhi deposed the king of Sikkim in 1975 and manipulated the country's parliament into a referendum to make Sikkim a state of India. The annexation of Sikkim is like a nightmare haunting Bhutan, and the small kingdom is forced to be submissive to India's bullying," it said.

The daily said that India after its independence inherited the brutal colonial policies of Britain and pursued "regional hegemony at the sacrifice of tiny Himalayan nations".

"New Delhi's regional hegemony is boldly shown by the border face-off this time. Using the excuse of 'helping Bhutan protect its sovereignty', India brazenly obstructs China's road construction in Chinese territory," it said.

The daily was apparently referring to Bhutan's diplomatic protest to China accusing that the Chinese troops of constructing the road in Doklam, a territory claimed by both nations.

"New Delhi's regional hegemony is swelling to a tipping point. The country has to pay for its provocations," The daily said.

"With certain conditions, Bhutan and Sikkim will see strong anti-India movements, which will negatively affect India's already turbulent northeast area and rewrite southern Himalayan geopolitics," it warned.

"The Sino-India relationship is complicated. Beijing is more powerful yet unwilling to face a confrontation with New Delhi. But meanwhile, we must have enough tools to deter India from provocations," it added.

The newspaper also carried an article quoting a security analyst as saying that India should "drop delusion of military strength" with China as the military gap between the two countries is bigger than in 1962.

"In 1962, the People's Liberation Army still achieved an overwhelming victory in the military conflict against the Indian army with really poor logistics conditions. Nowadays, the situation is entirely different from 1962, so we hope India will not do anything irrational for its own good, otherwise it will pay more than in the past," Hu Zhiyong, a research fellow at the state funded Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, said.

"Not only militarily, but economically and technologically, India has no comparison to China at this moment. We have no hostility to India and we really want to cooperate with India to improve our ties. The door of peaceful resolution is always open as long as India doesn't shut it," Hu said.

BEIJING: Ratcheting up its rhetoric against India, a state-run Chinese daily today warned that Beijing may support "pro-independence appeals in Sikkim" if New Delhi does not stop pursuing "regional hegemony" through the border face-off. "In the past, China was wary of India playing the Dalai Lama card, but this card is already overplayed and will exert no additional effect on the Tibet question. But if Beijing adjusts its stance on India-sensitive issues, it could be a powerful card to deal with New Delhi," state-run Global Times said. The paper, known for its aggressive rhetoric, said that China should reconsider its stance over Sikkim. "Although China recognised India's annexation of Sikkim in 2003, it can readjust its stance on the matter," the daily said. "There are those in Sikkim that cherish its history as a separate state, and they are sensitive to how the outside world views the Sikkim issue. As long as there are voices in Chinese society supporting Sikkim's independence, the voices will spread and fuel pro-independence appeals in Sikkim," it added. Sikkim is a powerful card against the Dalai Lama, it said. The tabloid daily of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) also accused India of exerting "startling control and oppression over Bhutan." "As a result, Bhutan has not established diplomatic ties with China or any other permanent member of the UN Security Council. Through unequal treaties, India has severely jeopardised Bhutan's diplomatic sovereignty and controls its national defence," it said. It also accused India of imposing a "similar coercive policy on Sikkim before". "The small neighbours revolts over sovereignty in the 1960s and 1970s were brutally cracked down on by the Indian military. New Delhi deposed the king of Sikkim in 1975 and manipulated the country's parliament into a referendum to make Sikkim a state of India. The annexation of Sikkim is like a nightmare haunting Bhutan, and the small kingdom is forced to be submissive to India's bullying," it said. The daily said that India after its independence inherited the brutal colonial policies of Britain and pursued "regional hegemony at the sacrifice of tiny Himalayan nations". "New Delhi's regional hegemony is boldly shown by the border face-off this time. Using the excuse of 'helping Bhutan protect its sovereignty', India brazenly obstructs China's road construction in Chinese territory," it said. The daily was apparently referring to Bhutan's diplomatic protest to China accusing that the Chinese troops of constructing the road in Doklam, a territory claimed by both nations. "New Delhi's regional hegemony is swelling to a tipping point. The country has to pay for its provocations," The daily said. "With certain conditions, Bhutan and Sikkim will see strong anti-India movements, which will negatively affect India's already turbulent northeast area and rewrite southern Himalayan geopolitics," it warned. "The Sino-India relationship is complicated. Beijing is more powerful yet unwilling to face a confrontation with New Delhi. But meanwhile, we must have enough tools to deter India from provocations," it added. The newspaper also carried an article quoting a security analyst as saying that India should "drop delusion of military strength" with China as the military gap between the two countries is bigger than in 1962. "In 1962, the People's Liberation Army still achieved an overwhelming victory in the military conflict against the Indian army with really poor logistics conditions. Nowadays, the situation is entirely different from 1962, so we hope India will not do anything irrational for its own good, otherwise it will pay more than in the past," Hu Zhiyong, a research fellow at the state funded Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, said. "Not only militarily, but economically and technologically, India has no comparison to China at this moment. We have no hostility to India and we really want to cooperate with India to improve our ties. The door of peaceful resolution is always open as long as India doesn't shut it," Hu said.
By Associated Press

MADISON: A gunman killed three people and wounded a fourth today before being fatally shot by deputies, authorities said.

It was Maine's deadliest shooting since 2015.

The shootings happened at several locations along a country road that runs behind the Skowhegan Fairgrounds, and Somerset County deputies ended the rampage by killing the gunman, said Steve McCausland of the Maine Department of Public Safety.

The condition of the wounded person wasn't immediately clear. Police also didn't immediately release the identities of the gunman or victims and declined to further discuss the investigation.

The investigation was focusing on a home where a neighbour said there had been a party and fireworks the night before, on the Fourth of July. Police remained at the site Wednesday afternoon, said neighbor Wayne Parlin, whose driveway was blocked by investigators.

The shootings happened about 4 miles from the center of town in Madison, a town of about 4,800 residents in central Maine.

The attorney general's office sent investigators to the scene to review the use of deadly force by sheriff's deputies.

It was the deadliest shooting in Maine since November 2015, when a 3-year-old girl was the only survivor of a rampage in the town of Oakland in which a gunman killed his girlfriend and the youngster's parents before taking his own life.

MADISON: A gunman killed three people and wounded a fourth today before being fatally shot by deputies, authorities said. It was Maine's deadliest shooting since 2015. The shootings happened at several locations along a country road that runs behind the Skowhegan Fairgrounds, and Somerset County deputies ended the rampage by killing the gunman, said Steve McCausland of the Maine Department of Public Safety. The condition of the wounded person wasn't immediately clear. Police also didn't immediately release the identities of the gunman or victims and declined to further discuss the investigation. The investigation was focusing on a home where a neighbour said there had been a party and fireworks the night before, on the Fourth of July. Police remained at the site Wednesday afternoon, said neighbor Wayne Parlin, whose driveway was blocked by investigators. The shootings happened about 4 miles from the center of town in Madison, a town of about 4,800 residents in central Maine. The attorney general's office sent investigators to the scene to review the use of deadly force by sheriff's deputies. It was the deadliest shooting in Maine since November 2015, when a 3-year-old girl was the only survivor of a rampage in the town of Oakland in which a gunman killed his girlfriend and the youngster's parents before taking his own life.
Pinhas Inbari By

Express News Service

TEL AVIV: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wasnt doing a mere lip service when he said his country was keen to make with India. Tel Aviv, according to sources, has taken an unprecedented decision to assemble Israeli missiles in India.

Among several agreements clinched by the nations on Wednesday, the most critical one was to establish a joint company between the Israeli Aerospace Industry and an Indian company (name not disclosed) to build and maintain missiles in India. The deal is pegged to be worth around $1 billion, while another $2 billion deal, led by Israeli defence major Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is likely to follow. This effectively means India and Israel will build a joint military industry.

PM Modi hugs Moshe Holtzberg (11),

a survivor of the 26/11 Mumbai terror

attack. Dear Mr Modi, I love you and

your people in India, said the child | PTI

Both Prime Ministers repeatedly stressed partnership. So, what may begin as assembling of Israeli technology could soon, probably, develop into a joint industry, the sources added. Right now, most Israeli defence equipment are produced by factories in the US. Experts say Tel Avivs decision could be perceived by the Trump administration  which also has an America First policy  as endangering its interest. Interestingly, earlier last month, US defence major Lockheed Martin also agreed to produce F16s in India, while Modi was on a visit to the US.

While the deal was not a secret, emphasis was laid on civil cooperation, not because the countries preferred talking economy over warfare, but to avoid irritating the United States. Senior sources say it was kept low-key to avoid annoying Washington with new competition. China is also a reason. Israel maintains good relations with China  but the relations between China and India are problematic and it is better not to make big noise.

However, the stress laid on non-military issues was not without a reason. Sources said Indias infrastructure need is as urgent as any military or security ones. Here again, Israel can provide the technology that India needs.

It was clearly evident that both Modi and Netanyahu were emphasizing their personal friendship to indicate that relations between their countries are not based on mere interests but are founded on shared values  much like between the US and Israel. Partners of values and talents, and sisters in democracy. This was how Netanyahu described the unique relations between the two nations when he hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for lunch at the King David hotel in Jerusalem. Modi, on his part, warmly thanked his host using Hebrew words to emphasise the friendship.

There were three consecutive meetings between the two sides on Wednesday, in the same hotel where Netanyahu hosted Modi for lunch. Sources in the Israeli PMO say one such meeting was within a small exclusive group  almost tete-a-tete. Not much was said about this meet, but judging from the mood in Israeli corridors, there is good reason to believe that Netanyahu urged his Indian counterpart to withdraw from the anti-Israeli bloc in the UN.

The Palestinians are obviously concerned. A Palestinian writer in the London-based A-Rai al-Yom said Modis visit to Israel, by-passing Ramallah is already a defeat for Palestine. However, it had been decided earlier that the Palestinian issue would not be publicly discussed during Modis trip, perhaps indicating that the issue is still a matter of disagreement between the allies. To put it in perspective, despite the robust relations with America  Washington disagrees with Israel on the future of the West Bank.

We also discussed the situation in West Asia and wider region. It is Indias hope that peace, dialogue and restraint will prevail, Modi said later in the day regarding Israel-Palestinian peace process. The two leaders reaffirmed their support for an early negotiated solution between the sides based on mutual recognition and security arrangements, read a joint statement.

TEL AVIV: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wasnt doing a mere lip service when he said his country was keen to make with India. Tel Aviv, according to sources, has taken an unprecedented decision to assemble Israeli missiles in India. Among several agreements clinched by the nations on Wednesday, the most critical one was to establish a joint company between the Israeli Aerospace Industry and an Indian company (name not disclosed) to build and maintain missiles in India. The deal is pegged to be worth around $1 billion, while another $2 billion deal, led by Israeli defence major Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is likely to follow. This effectively means India and Israel will build a joint military industry. PM Modi hugs Moshe Holtzberg (11), a survivor of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. Dear Mr Modi, I love you and your people in India, said the child | PTIBoth Prime Ministers repeatedly stressed partnership. So, what may begin as assembling of Israeli technology could soon, probably, develop into a joint industry, the sources added. Right now, most Israeli defence equipment are produced by factories in the US. Experts say Tel Avivs decision could be perceived by the Trump administration  which also has an America First policy  as endangering its interest. Interestingly, earlier last month, US defence major Lockheed Martin also agreed to produce F16s in India, while Modi was on a visit to the US. While the deal was not a secret, emphasis was laid on civil cooperation, not because the countries preferred talking economy over warfare, but to avoid irritating the United States. Senior sources say it was kept low-key to avoid annoying Washington with new competition. China is also a reason. Israel maintains good relations with China  but the relations between China and India are problematic and it is better not to make big noise. However, the stress laid on non-military issues was not without a reason. Sources said Indias infrastructure need is as urgent as any military or security ones. Here again, Israel can provide the technology that India needs. It was clearly evident that both Modi and Netanyahu were emphasizing their personal friendship to indicate that relations between their countries are not based on mere interests but are founded on shared values  much like between the US and Israel. Partners of values and talents, and sisters in democracy. This was how Netanyahu described the unique relations between the two nations when he hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for lunch at the King David hotel in Jerusalem. Modi, on his part, warmly thanked his host using Hebrew words to emphasise the friendship. There were three consecutive meetings between the two sides on Wednesday, in the same hotel where Netanyahu hosted Modi for lunch. Sources in the Israeli PMO say one such meeting was within a small exclusive group  almost tete-a-tete. Not much was said about this meet, but judging from the mood in Israeli corridors, there is good reason to believe that Netanyahu urged his Indian counterpart to withdraw from the anti-Israeli bloc in the UN. The Palestinians are obviously concerned. A Palestinian writer in the London-based A-Rai al-Yom said Modis visit to Israel, by-passing Ramallah is already a defeat for Palestine. However, it had been decided earlier that the Palestinian issue would not be publicly discussed during Modis trip, perhaps indicating that the issue is still a matter of disagreement between the allies. To put it in perspective, despite the robust relations with America  Washington disagrees with Israel on the future of the West Bank. We also discussed the situation in West Asia and wider region. It is Indias hope that peace, dialogue and restraint will prevail, Modi said later in the day regarding Israel-Palestinian peace process. The two leaders reaffirmed their support for an early negotiated solution between the sides based on mutual recognition and security arrangements, read a joint statement.
By AFP

BERLIN: South Korean President Moon Jae-In called today for toughened sanctions against the North after its first successful test of an intercontinental ballistic missile, as he condemned Pyongyang for the "major provocation".

"That is a major threat and provocation. North Korea should stop immediately and that's why we will examine possibilities of ramping up sanctions," said Moon in Berlin before talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

"At the G20 summit, we will discuss this with various government representatives," he said, two days before the gathering of world leaders in the port city of Hamburg.

Moon is due to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Donald Trump tomorrow evening.

G20 host Merkel also spoke out in favour of punitive action against the North, saying that discussions between her and Moon later today "will focus on how best we can react, how we can keep up the pressure, how we can further ramp up sanctions".

"This is a concern that lies close to our hearts because we know from our own experience what a divided country means, and how happy we were when we were able to restore German unity in 1989," said Merkel.

The pro-Western and pro-Soviet states of West and East Germany reunified after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, becoming one of the most stable and prosperous democracies in the world.

BERLIN: South Korean President Moon Jae-In called today for toughened sanctions against the North after its first successful test of an intercontinental ballistic missile, as he condemned Pyongyang for the "major provocation". "That is a major threat and provocation. North Korea should stop immediately and that's why we will examine possibilities of ramping up sanctions," said Moon in Berlin before talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. "At the G20 summit, we will discuss this with various government representatives," he said, two days before the gathering of world leaders in the port city of Hamburg. Moon is due to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Donald Trump tomorrow evening. G20 host Merkel also spoke out in favour of punitive action against the North, saying that discussions between her and Moon later today "will focus on how best we can react, how we can keep up the pressure, how we can further ramp up sanctions". "This is a concern that lies close to our hearts because we know from our own experience what a divided country means, and how happy we were when we were able to restore German unity in 1989," said Merkel. The pro-Western and pro-Soviet states of West and East Germany reunified after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, becoming one of the most stable and prosperous democracies in the world.
DECATUR  A first-time candidate from Springfield has joined the growing field of Democrats looking to challenge Rep. Rodney Davis in the 13th Congressional District.

Betsy Dirksen Londrigan announced Thursday that she will seek to challenge Davis, R-Taylorville, in the November 2018 election.

Londrigan, who has never held public office, has worked as a fundraiser for U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Springfield, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation.

In an interview Thursday afternoon, Londrigan said she has long been OK on the sidelines for campaigns, but the recent negativity and increased uncertainty over health care in the country has convinced her to take a more hands-on approach.

Ive seen a change in the people in the district, she said. People may have been disgruntled or angry from time to time, but they werent scared. And Ive seen that change in people, and theres no room in our politics for people to be scared.

What Londrigan says she has seen the most fear about is potential changes made to the Affordable Care Act, with Davis and other Republicans throwing their support being the American Health Care Act, which could allow states to charge older clients to pay more for their coverage or for insurers to place lifetime limits on patients.

Access to health care is a personal concern for Londrigan, who recounts her own experience getting treatment for her son, Jack, eight years ago. Jack, then 12 years old, was bitten by a tick and developed Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. The rare disease forced him into intensive care for 21 days, which included septic shock and 10 days in a medically induced coma, she said.

No family should be put in danger of bankruptcy because of an unexpected medical emergency, and people with pre-existing conditions need confidence they will be able to afford their healthcare, she said.

The goal, she said, should be for a bipartisan plan to fix the Affordable Care Act.

Fix whats broken, then we can get everyone to the table, she said. We have brilliant minds in the country, we can work on it in a bipartisan way.

From there, Londrigan said she would have to see legislation to know what future changes could improve access to health care, such as a single-payer system.

The non-health issue that Londrigan hopes to focus on is education, specifically the more than $1.3 trillion of student debt currently held by Americans across the country. Along with looking for ways to provide relief, not only for the students but the parents and grandparents who co-signed on loans, Londrigan said it is important to change the dialogue on ways students can make a good living.

Not everyone needs a four-year college, she said. I think we need to change dialogue about that. We have great community colleges, and apprenticeship programs.

Londrigan, 46, enters a Democratic field that already includes David Gill, a Bloomington physician who ran against Davis in 2012, and Benjamin Webb, an English teacher at University High School in Normal.

State Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, has publicly stated an interest in running against Davis, who will seek his fourth term in office.

Londrigan said she could relate to the issues facing the district because of her familys upbringing in Central Illinois.

Theyre my people, theyre in my bones, she said. And I think theyre ready for a fresh voice and somebody who is hearing them. And I think theyre ready for a new voice in Washington.

Davis has been a perpetual target for Democrats for his entire time in Congress, representing a 14-county district that goes from Champaign-Urbana to Springfield and down to the Metro East area in southern Illinois. He initially won the district in 2012 by 1,002 votes, or 0.03 percent of the total cast.

A competitive race is almost certain to be an expensive affair, with Davis campaign committee reporting $579,804.34 on hand at the end of March, according to filings with the Federal Election Commission.

Londrigan has not filed any campaign contributions with the FEC as of Thursday afternoon, as she said she has just now started to raise money. As of now she has not had any backing from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, but said she would welcome their support along with smaller, grassroots contributions.

Im confident I can raise the resources to have a competitive race, Londrigan said.
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Like an exotic bird of prey that migrates back every other year, national Democratic strategists are expected to again circle downstate Illinois in 2018, intent on wrenching two putatively vulnerable congressional districts away from Republicans.

On paper, its easy to see why they keep returning.

Illinois 12th and 13th districts are held by two relatively new Republican incumbents: Mike Bost of Murphysboro, in the 12th District, and Rodney Davis of Taylorville, in the 13th.

The 12th was, not that long ago, home base to one of Congress most powerful and longest-serving Democrats. The 13th was drawn by Democrats to include the states flagship university and its rich cache of young, left-leaning voters. Neither Bost nor Davis has ever broken 60 percent in a general election  a low bar for incumbents in todays gerrymandered political landscape.

In theory, both districts should be ripe for the taking. But its a theory that has repeatedly failed to translate into reality. Both incumbents have been targeted by national Democrats each time theyve run in the past. Yet each victory margin has been wider than the one before.

Still, Democratic strategists say next year could be different. The election of Republican President Donald Trump, they say, has angered and revived downstate Illinois once-dominant, lately dormant Democrats. Wide fields of potential Democratic challengers are lining up early in both districts.

Both Congressman Bost and Congressman Davis voted for the repeal bills (to undo Obamacare), which would be devastating for Southern Illinois families and older Americans, said Rachel Irwin, spokeswoman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Both these representatives will be held accountable.

While Democratic challengers can be expected to play up the controversial health care vote, the Republican incumbents will almost certainly play the Nancy Pelosi card, reminding voters that a Democratic takeover of Congress will mean putting the unpopular Democratic leader from California in the third-highest position in the country.

Regardless of who the Democrats select, their nominee will have a difficult time justifying lockstep support for Nancy Pelosis extreme agenda in Washington, Bost spokesman George OConnor said in an email. ... [W]e are confident that we have the values, the message, and the resources to stop Nancy Pelosi from taking control of this seat.

National ranking sites list both Republican incumbents as odds-on favorites  but not sure things  for re-election next year. The Cook Political Report, for example, downgraded Davis district in May from Solid Republican to Likely Republican.

Downstate Illinois has trended away from Democrats, and Davis appeared to have locked down this seat last year, states the site. But in a wave environment, this Democratic-drawn seat could still come into play.

In the 13th District, Davis, seeking his fourth term, has been a perpetual target for Democrats for his entire tenure in Congress, in part because of the way he initially won the seat in 2012: by 1,002 votes, or 0.03 percent of the total cast. It was the second-closest congressional race in the country that year.

Though Davis won two subsequent elections with percentages in the high 50s  including a solid victory over former Madison County Chief Circuit Judge Ann Callis in 2014  that first near-loss continues to entice national Democrats.

Among Davis potential Democratic challengers next year is Bloomington physician David Gill, the nominee who almost beat Davis in 2012 and who has tried again since with less success. Also considering a run is Illinois state Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, who as an African-American woman could bring new political complications to the contest.

Springfield fundraiser Betsy Londrigan has been floated as a potential Democratic candidate. Montgomery County Board member Dillon C. Clark of Litchfield also may run. And there has been talk in the party of drafting state Sen. Andy Manar of Bunker Hill, a popular rural Democrat, but he has so far demurred.

Davis spokesperson Ashley Phelps argued that Davis has cultivated a bipartisan approach to lawmaking that is unusual in todays Congress, and said he will continue to stress his core issues of jobs and economic development. You have seen Congressman Davis make a lot of progress with swing voters and Democrats alike, she said.

The fact that national Democrats keep targeting the seat, she said, isnt surprising, given its demographic mix and political history. Democrats drew this district, so theyre always going to keep trying.

Davis campaign records show he had almost $580,000 cash on hand at the end of March. Bost had a little over $205,000.

The 13th district stretches from the St. Louis region and includes Decatur, Springfield and Champaign-Urbana.

The other downstate congressional district, the 15th, runs along the entire southern half of the states eastern border and reaches across to the edge of the Metro East. Eleven-term incumbent Rep. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville  who faced no Democratic opponent in his 2016 re-election  is considered safe.

Bost first won his 12th District seat in 2014, unseating one-term Democrat Bill Enyart. Prior to Enyart, powerful longtime Rep. Jerry Costello, D-Belleville, had held the seat for 25 years.

Bosts ascension has stood as a key example of Southern Illinois political transformation in recent years from Democrat to Republican  making it symbolically as well as numerically urgent to Democrats to get the seat back. Bost, now seeking his third term from his Carbondale-area base, already faces more than a half-dozen Democrats who say they might run next year.

It was a field of relative unknowns until last week, when St. Clair County States Attorney Brendan Kelly confirmed to the Post-Dispatch that he is strongly considering seeking the Democratic nomination for the district in March. Kelly indicated he could have an announcement as early as next week.

A Kelly nomination, with St. Clair Countys Democratic machine fully behind it, could make the November 2018 general election a regional showdown between the urban-suburban Metro East and a large, mostly rural swath of southwestern Illinois. The 12th District includes runs from Metro St. Louis south to Cairo and east past Mount Vernon.

Rep. Bost is proud to stand on his record in Congress, which includes legislation hes introduced to help our steelworkers combat unfair foreign trade practices, to empower our farmers and small business owners, and to ensure our veterans get the quality care they deserve, said the statement by OConnor, Bosts spokesman. Rep. Bost continues to receive broad-based support from across the district and across the political spectrum.

Other possible Democratic challengers for Bosts seat include David Bequette of Columbia; Nathan Colombo of Carbondale; Adam King of Alton; Pat McMahan of Mascoutah; Chris Miller of Roxana; and Dean Pruitt of Millstadt.
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 28F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 28F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph.
Scientists from the Britain's Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology have for the first time, clearly pictured what the deposits typically seen in a person with Alzheimers disease look like. This is a breakthrough in neurodegenerative diseases. The latest study showing the structure of tau protein was published in the journal Nature.

Alzheimer's disease is the change in tau protein that results in the breakdown of microtubules in brain cells. Mechanism of disease. two neurons: healthy cell and neuron with Alzheimers. Tau hypothesi. Image Credit: Designua / Shutterstock

For this effort the researchers looked at the brain tissues of a 74-year-old woman who had died. She was suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers disease typically means progressive dementia or loss of memory and brain functions. It has been seen earlier that brains of individuals who study from this condition develop tangles of a protein called tau. These tangles or knots of protein spread throughout the brain. As they grow in numbers, they tend to worsen the symptoms. Tau tangles have been known to scientists and the medical fraternity for decades now. What was not known was how these tangles actually look like.

As a first, this team of researchers took detailed images of the tau inside the patients brain tissues. Using computer software they recreated how the tangles might look microscopically. While a picture of these proteins could not be something especially interesting or fascinating to most people, scientists believe that a detailed knowledge of how it looks to help develop drugs to control their growth. If the chemical structure of what is to be targeted is known clearly, it is but natural that drugs could be developed to fight it. According to Dr Sjors Scheres, one of the researchers, drugs aimed at the disease protein till date was akin to shooting in the dark. Now researchers have provided a concrete structure against which the weapons could be used more definitively. Why this study opens a new era in neurodegenerative disorders is clear. Other brain proteins that cause these diseases such as beta amyloid protein deposits in Alzheimers disease or alpha synuclein in Parkinsons disease, can now all be clearly photographed and better understood explained researchers.

According to co researchers Dr Michel Goedert this was the first time a high resolution structure from human brain tissue was determined for these debilitating diseases. Not only drug development in these diseases, it could also help us understand the disease more clearly.

For this study the lab used a technique known as cryo-electron microscopy at 3.43.5 A resolution. They mapped the finer details of the structure of the tau protein. In Alzheimers disease there are two types of abnormal proteins or neurofibrillary lesions as they are termed, in the brain. While tau filaments are formed within the nerve cells of the brain, beta amyloid proteins are formed outside the nerve cells in the form of filaments. Tau proteins in normal brains can help in nerve function. But among patients with Alzheimers they tend to get into clumps and tangles within the nerve cells. The images show that the filament cores of the tau protein are made up of two identical protofilaments that have residues 306378 of tau protein. These form a cross-/-helix structure or coils around each other much like the DNA strands do.

Researcher Sjors Scheres said that this study can help show which parts of the filament formation of these tau proteins are actually important in the development of the disease and eventually could be drug targets.
Using texts, emails, Skype and other digital communication methods can improve the health care experience of younger patients.

That is the conclusion of new research, led by the University of Warwick and King's College London, which examined case studies from 20 NHS specialist clinical teams from across England and Wales.

A 'first look' scientific summary about the research has just been published on the NIHR Journals Library.

Young people with long-term health conditions often disengage from health services, resulting in poor health outcomes. In an attempt to address this, NHS clinicians are using digital communication to reverse this. However, so far it's been unclear whether this has been effective; there are gaps in evidence as to how it might work, its cost and ethical and safety issues.

The research, which was conducted between 2013-2016 was led by Professor Frances Griffiths from the Warwick Medical School and Jackie Sturt, Professor of Behavioural Medicine in Nursing at King's College London. Professor Griffiths said: "NHS policy prompts more widespread use of digital communication to improve health care experience.

"Digital communication enables timely access for young people to the right clinician at the time when it can make a difference to how they manage their health condition. This is valued as an addition to traditional clinic appointments, and can engage those otherwise disengaged. It can enhance patient autonomy, empowerment and activation."

Interviews were conducted with 165 young patients, aged 16-24 years, who live with a long-term health condition, along with 173 health professionals, including 16 information governance specialists. Overall, 79 clinical observations took place.

The researchers wanted to establish if 16-24 year olds involved in their own health care improves as a result of using digital communication with their clinicians could improve, and to identify associated costs and necessary safeguards.

The findings suggest that benefit is most likely, and risks will be mitigated, when digital communication is used with patients who already have a relationship of trust with the clinical team, and who need to have flexible access, such as when transitioning between services, treatments or lived context.

The study noted the implications for clinicians. The main cost driver is staff time. However, the researchers believe that this is likely to be offset by savings elsewhere in the health service. Young people and clinicians can mitigate risks of this approach by using common sense approaches to avoid increased dependence on clinicians, inadvertent disclosure of confidential information and communication failures. The researchers also noted that clinical teams need to be proactive in their approaches to ethics, governance and patient safety.

Professor Jackie Sturt commented, "Digital communication is already happening between health professionals and young people, and it's clearly something young people want. We think the NHS should be proactive in creating guidelines and helping clinicians to engage young people via digital communication. There are obviously risks, but also the potential for real benefits."
The Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California(USC) is one of four institutions in California to receive a multimillion R35 grant from the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) in 2017. The seven-year, $6.9 million grant will support research on lung cell regeneration that could lead to new therapies for common lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Grant recipient Zea Borok, MD, professor of medicine, chief of the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine and director of the Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, is exploring how cells in the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange takes place, regenerate.

"Without alveolar cells, you can't breathe properly, or you can go into respiratory failure and die. That's the endpoint of a lot of common lung diseases," Borok said.

Borok's research program is using different methods, including stem cell research, to learn more about how these cells are maintained and repair themselves.

"Understanding the mechanisms that promote -- or prevent -- alveolar epithelial cell regeneration will provide valuable insight into how the lungs repair themselves after injury and could open the door to new therapies for lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis," Borok said.

Pulmonary fibrosis, which primarily affects people 50 years of age and older, is a progressive disease that causes scarring in the lungs. Symptoms include shortness of breath or a dry cough. Its cause is unknown.

"The median survival rate for pulmonary fibrosis is three to five years, and current treatments are limited. New drugs have been developed that will stabilize, but not cure, the condition. Lung transplantation is the only other option. There is a tremendous need for new therapies," Borok said.

The NHLBI's R35 grant program, which was launched in 2016, offers stable multiyear funding for emerging and outstanding researchers. By funding an investigator's overall research program rather than a specific project, the grant is designed to provide more opportunities for pursuing novel research.

"This generous grant from the NIH is a recognition of Dr. Borok's exceptional contributions to alveolar epithelial cell research, and it will enable her to chart new territory in this field of study," Rohit Varma, MD, MPH, dean of the Keck School of Medicine, said. "We are looking forward to seeing where the science takes her."
A new study published in The Gerontologist finds that states could save tens of millions of dollars -- and help more Americans with dementia remain in their communities -- if their caregivers took part in a program designed to improve their emotional and physical well-being so that they were able care for their spouses or partners effectively at home.

Although estimates of the prevalence and incidence of dementia in the US vary, the number of affected people is large and increasing with the aging population. The economic burden of dementia, particularly the cost of nursing home care, is substantially borne by state Medicaid programs. More than two-thirds of Medicaid's budget has historically been spent on the elderly and disabled, and the program is the largest single payer of nursing home services in the country, financing about one-third of the total spending. Nearly one of every two dollars spent on long-term care in Minnesota comes from Medicaid.

Researchers here estimated savings, from the state payer perspective, from offering the New York University Caregiver Intervention (NYUCI), a well-studied caregiver support and counseling program, to eligible Minnesota Medicaid enrollees.

The NYUCI has a substantial evidence base built on several randomized controlled trials; the initial trial included 406 caregivers followed for as long as 18 years. The NYUCI consists of six sessions of individual and family counseling within 4 months of enrollment, tailored to meet the needs of the primary caregiver and family, recommendation to participate in an ongoing support group, and availability of additional telephone counseling as needed. The program has been validated in additional trials, and translated in multiple demonstration projects, including seven US states, the largest of which was in Minnesota, with 280 participants in fourteen urban and rural sites.

Researchers predicted and compared costs to Medicaid of care for residents with dementia in Minnesota over 15 years with and without implementation of the NYUCI for their family caregivers.

The model predicts a more than two-fold increase from 2011 to 2026 in the prevalence of Minnesota Medicaid eligibles with dementia living with a spouse or adult child caregiver .If their caregivers participated in an intervention such as the NYUCI, approximately 5-6% more eligibles with dementia would remain in the community annually from 2014 on, so that over 15 years 17% fewer would die in nursing homes. After 15 years, Minnesota Department of Human Services could realize savings of $40.4 million if all Medicaid eligibles/caregivers took part in such a program.

The model was informed by analysis of Minnesota data, and literature on the epidemiology, natural history, costs, and evidence-based management of the disease.

The researchers suggest that it may be possible to save even more money if the NYUCI was provided via video teleconferencing, which would eliminate counselor travel costs. This would increase the net savings to $52.2 million.

The results of this study suggest that improved caregiver support services can moderate the growing burden of dementia on government budgets, even without a breakthrough in drug treatments for dementia. But because it takes time to realize savings from a program like the NYUCI, the frequently short time horizon of legislative fiscal notes presents a challenge to adoption. In deciding on program value it may be important to distinguish cost-effectiveness from return on investment and take long-term impact into consideration.

Dr. Steven Foldes, the study's lead author, said, "Elected officials throughout the US recognize that they must find a way to pay for the increasing number of people with dementia who will need public support for nursing home care. We've known for years that this proven counseling and support program helps caregivers cope and keep loved ones at home longer. Now we know that this program could also ease the burgeoning fiscal burden for Medicaid. We've extended our earlier study to carefully estimate just how much a state like Minnesota could save over 15 years."

"This study demonstrates the potential net cost savings to Medicaid that would result from widespread use of a counseling and support intervention for family caregivers of people with dementia," said Foldes. "The cost of residential care for Medicaid eligibles with dementia clearly is of greatest relevance from a state health policy perspective. The current model is an important update of earlier models that shows that significant net cost savings are achievable from this primary payer perspective."
The researchers from the University of Exeter analyzed clinical data from over 4,500 patients across the UK who were later diagnosed with bowel cancer. In a study published in the British Journal of Cancer, they looked at whether pre-existing illness affected the time it took them to get a cancer diagnosis, making it one of the first studies to investigate this.

They found that if you have a single serious illness or mental health issue unrelated to cancer, such as depression or heart disease, your bowel cancer is diagnosed on average 10 days later than usual , a 13% increase from the usual time taken for a diagnosis. This could go up to over one month when patients had multiple illnesses. These illnesses may take up a lot of time in visits to the GP and leave not enough time available to investigate symptoms or signs linked to cancer.

A bowel cancer sign or symptom which can be explained by a pre-existing condition, such as stomach pains, delayed cancer diagnosis by 9 days on average, a 12% increase from the usual time taken for a diagnosis. These cancer signs and symptom can be explained by the additional illness that the patient has so doctors are 'led astray', making it more difficult to arrive at a cancer diagnosis.

They also found that if you have Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), it can delay a bowel cancer diagnosis by 26 days.

Professor Jose Valderas, one of the lead researchers from the University of Exeter Medical School, said: "When you're trying to diagnose cancer, other illnesses can be a distraction either because they also require attention or because they can mask what would otherwise be flagged as a possible sign of cancer.

"It's vital that doctors realise that existing illnesses make a diagnosis of cancer more difficult and stay alert to recognize signs and symptoms of cancer as such. It's also important that patients flag symptoms with their doctor as early as possible, whether it's unexplained weight loss or changes to your bowel habits."

Professor Willie Hamilton, one of the lead researchers from the University of Exeter, said: "A ten day delay may not sound much but it may be the difference between a well-planned admission and an emergency admission with a complication. This really matters - as the complications may kill."

The study, 'Comorbid conditions delay diagnosis of colorectal cancer: a cohort study using electronic primary care records' is published in the British Journal of Cancer. Authors are Luke TA Mounce, Sarah Price, Jose M Valderas, and Willie Hamilton.

Commenting on the study, Deborah Alsina MBE, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer UK, said: "As symptoms of bowel cancer can relate to later stage of disease it is important that delays in diagnosis are minimized. While the delays highlighted in this study are relatively small, if they add onto delays in patients presenting to their GP with symptoms, or in a diagnostic appointment, they become more serious. Currently around 20% of people are diagnosed with bowel cancer as an emergency when outcomes are generally poorer and almost 50% in later stages of the disease when it is harder to treat. "This interesting study highlights another aspect of the complexity of diagnosing bowel cancer as the majority of patients have multiple conditions. Therefore finding quicker, more effective ways to identify and diagnose these patients is crucial to help GPs and other clinicians identify or rule out bowel cancer quickly to give people the very best opportunity for successful treatment. Bowel cancer is after all, treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early."

Source: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/news/featurednews/title_592291_en.html
Watching television sometimes gets a bad rap--especially where children and screen time are concerned--but not all of it's deserved.

A recent University of Michigan study of low-income mothers found that when they watch parent-approved, educational programming with their child, television is viewed as a positive tool. Moms also report largely positive experiences when managing their child's media use, which challenges negative assumptions about low-income mothers and screen time management.

In the study, 296 low-income moms were asked about beliefs and rules regarding their 4-to-8-year-old child's television watching behavior, how they manage screen time and if they allow television during meals.

The amount of screen time children should be allowed, in particular TV--which is still the most popular electronic medium--is a huge issue in all demographics, but perhaps even more so for low-income children, said first author Sarah Domoff, a researcher at the U-M Center for Human Growth and Development and assistant professor at Central Michigan University.

That's because television watching is a risk factor for obesity, and low-income children watch more TV and have higher obesity rates than higher-income peers.

Understanding how mothers manage television for kids can foster positive, nonshaming conversations between clinicians and low-income parents about TV, which could ultimately help reduce screen time, Domoff said.

Five themes emerged during questioning. Mothers said that what their children watch on television is more important than how much. To that end, they focus on restricting programming and set time limits only in extreme cases.

The mothers in the study were confident in the programming choices they make for their children and put much thought into appropriate television. This challenges the assumption that low-income mothers experience problems managing their child's media use, Domoff said.

Positive experiences outweigh negative ones and challenges seem to reflect specific child factors or situational stressors, such as meal or bedtime. Moms also expressed concern about the effect of violent programming, but don't worry as much about commercials.

"That's important because we know that exposure to advertisements for fast food or sugar-sweetened beverages has been implicated as a risk factor for child obesity," Domoff said.

Mothers said their children vary in how much television they want to watch, with some demanding more than others--say, to fall asleep or eat. In cases where mothers worry about a child watching too much, they limit viewing time as well as restricted programming.

Researchers also found that moms enjoy the time they spend sharing quality programming with their children--especially watching their children learn.

"That's important because for families with fewer resources, watching television was something they valued, and it appeared to be an important activity that they enjoyed," Domoff said.

Finally, whether a mother allows television during meals depends on her goals. If she views meals as time for talking and family bonding, she doesn't allow television. However, if meals are viewed strictly as time for children to eat, mothers are more likely to allow television if it helps achieve that goal.

"Meals can be a very stressful time in some households," Domoff said. "The mother might need to get to a second job on time and need the child to eat quickly. Allowing television during the meal might encourage certain children to eat and help the mother accomplish her goals."

However, Domoff said that TV use during meals is also a risk factor for obesity, and other strategies to help children eat should be encouraged.
With worldwide cardiovascular deaths at an all-time high, European scientists have developed a new handheld scanner that can read your heart's vital signs like a supermarket barcode reader can scan items at the checkout, allowing a GP to diagnose even preclinical patients for the early onset of a disease.

According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the world today. In 2015 over 17.3 million people, roughly 30% of all global deaths, died as a result of cardiovascular conditions, such as coronary heart disease, heart attacks or strokes.

CVDs can be identified using a number of medical tools, including cardiac biomarkers, cardiac catheterization, chest x-ray, electrocardiogram (ECG), Holter monitoring, and cardiac MRI.

However, because they are complicated or expensive, routine early forecasting of CVD is impossible in large populations at present.

This new diagnostic tool developed by the EU's Horizon 2020 collaboration 'CARDIS', (or 'CARdiovascular disease Detection with Integrated Silicon Photonics'), can read your heart's vital signs with one click of a button, similar to the way a handheld supermarket scanner can scan barcodes at the checkout.

Heart Vibration Mapping

Employing 'Laser Doppler Vibrometry', a technique using photonics technology, the device can pick up vital information about the status of the heart using light, in a fast and inexpensive way.

It works by harnessing the 'Doppler Effect', the phenomenon used to observe changes in pitch of light or sound from a fixed point, and commonly experienced when an ambulance siren passes and changes in tone.

Using the 'Doppler shift' of the reflected light, the scanner builds up a 'vibration map' of the chest and heart area, which can highlight the tell tale signs of CVD, such as plaque build-up, arterial stiffness, arterial stenosis or heart dyssyncrony. Project coordinator Dr.Mirko de Melis explains:

"Our device employs the latest photonics technology, allowing a user to make measurements of the vibration characteristics of the heart without even touching it."

"A stiff artery creates a faster pulse pressure from the patient's beating heart. By measuring the 'pulse wave velocity', we can assess the stiffness of the arteries using light and make informed judgements, long before the onset of cardiovascular disease."

Although there are a number of vibration sensors that exist for this purpose, LDV is non-invasive and provides a much higher degree of accuracy in a fraction of the time.

"At present, millions considered to be low or moderate risk are walking around undiagnosed.

"It is our long term goal to place such a device in the hands of the GP, the first point of contact for the mass population, as part of a routine health examination."

Delay, Halt or Reverse

"The screening of potential sufferers, who are in their early 40s, would delay the onset of the condition by 5-10 years. Assuming a sufferer would comply with the health advice given and adopted a change in lifestyle, this device allows the medical professional to halt or even reverse CVD," De Melis said.

The CARDIS team believe the key to the success of a mass screening programme at the GP-patient level are the inexpensive and portable nature of the new laser scanner:

"Our device would be cheap, easy to use and extremely effective. With cost of an Echocardiographer anything above EUR 100k, and an arterial tonometer at EUR 5000-EUR 6000, the CARDIS scanner would be reasonably priced at around EUR 1500. However it is the potential savings on our health services caused by the early diagnosis and prevention of CVD that will be the most rewarding," De Melis explained.

While the EU consortium is happy with their demonstration model, CARDIS will be ready to unravel their prototype in the summer of next year.

Administrated in Belgium at the Inter universitair Micro-Elecronica Centrum, with Medtronic being the Technical coordinator, the CARDIS project received a grant of EUR 3,629,207.51 from Horizon 2020 via the Photonics Public Private Partnership.

Participants from six European countries include: (Netherlands) Medtronic Bakken Research Centre BV, Universiteit Maastricht; (Germany) SIOS Messtechnik; (Belgium) Universiteit Gent, Fundicio BVBA; (United Kingdom) Queen Mary University, (University of London); (Ireland) University College Cork, National University of Ireland; (France) Institut National de la Santeet de la Recherche Medicale.
Helping patients to better manage stress and improve coping strategies related to pain may minimize the need for opioids following ankle fracture surgery, according to new research appearing in the July 2017 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

The U.S. is facing an opioid epidemic, with millions of people dependent on or misusing prescription painkillers such as codeine, morphine, oxymorphone, tramadol, hydrocodone or oxycodone. In 2015 alone, more than 15,000 people died from overdoses involving prescription opioids. A 2016 Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation survey found that one in three patients (34 percent) who took opioids for at least two months reported being addicted or dependent.

"Opioid-centric pain relief strategies have led to safety concerns without adequately relieving pain," said lead study author David Ring, MD, PhD, associate dean of comprehensive care and professor of surgery and perioperative care at the Dell Medical School at The University of Texas. "This is the latest in a series of studies demonstrating that pain relief after surgery or injury has more to do with calm and reassurance (self-efficacy) than with medication. Getting comfortable seems mostly about giving your body time to heal."

In the study, researchers sought to determine if opioid intake was associated with disability, satisfaction with surgery and pain relief, both at the time of suture removal (one-to-two weeks after surgery) and at the follow-up appointment, between five and eight months later. The study involved 99 adult patients at suture removal, and 59 of these patients at follow-up appointments. Disability, satisfaction and pain were measured through questionnaires.

Among the results:

No association was found between opioid intake and disability, satisfaction with the surgery or satisfaction with pain management at the time of suture removal, or at follow-up appointments.

Opioid use was independently associated with more reported pain with activity, and greater catastrophic thinking (excessive worry/rumination leading to anxiety and preventing patients from taking proactive steps to ease pain and discomfort) at suture removal and at follow-up appointments.

Greater disability (limited mobility) also was associated with catastrophic thinking and a poor response to the surgery and pain.

Eighty-three percent of patients (84) were using opioids at the time of suture removal. That number decreased to 14 out of 59 (24 percent) at the follow-up appointments.

The study authors say the results "demonstrate the need for a comprehensive approach to pain relief after surgery, including optimization of the patient's mindset and circumstances (with effective coping strategies being most important) in addition to the use of analgesics, elevation, ice, and other physical strategies."

Dr. Ring said "compassion, communication and coordination" are key to minimizing opioid use following injury or surgery. "The pre-operative discussion of pain relief is important. Patients also should be screened for symptoms of depression, less-effective coping strategies, and/or the risk for misuse."

If necessary, doctors should consult or partner with social workers, psychologists or psychiatrists to assist at-risk patients.
It's a mark on your skin you've never noticed before. It's a spot with irregular borders, or a mole that seems to be changing. Maybe it's a wound that does not heal.

Is it melanoma? These days, the only way to be sure it's not the relatively rare but potentially lethal skin cancer is to get a biopsy and consult a pathologist.

However, the poke and punch of traditional melanoma biopsies could, in the near future, be avoided. UC Santa Barbara undergrad Abhishek Bhattacharya is using the power of artificial intelligence to help people ascertain whether that new and strange mark is, in fact, the deadly skin cancer. Bhattacharya, a biology and computer science student in UCSB's College of Creative Studies (CCS), has so far proven a 96 percent accuracy rating with his neural network model.

"We're applying computer vision to solving medical problems," said Bhattacharya, who, along with UC San Francisco (UCSF) physician and professor Dexter Hadley, developed the melanoma project and trained the neural network model to judge images of skin irregularities and predict whether the mark, mole or lesion is cause for concern.

Several factors make melanoma -- the rarest form of skin cancer -- difficult to detect. While skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, according to the American Cancer Society, melanoma accounts for only about one percent of skin cancers. Also, the disease can develop as a new mole, but it often develops over existing moles, and in some cases can be mistaken for scars and benign growths.

Additionally, other factors such as time constraints, priority of other illnesses and patient embarrassment frequently result in patients and doctors putting melanoma screening on the backburner. The result could be a dangerous oversight: Left unchecked, the tumor can spread to other parts of the body, including bones, organs and other tissue. Early detection is key to survival.

"What we're trying to do is something humans can't do," said Dr. Hadley," and humans can't predict under-the-skin pathology from looking from the top." Visual inspection is subjective, he said, even by physicians using a dermatoscope to see superficial and subsuperficial skin features and trained in the ABCDE (Area, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolution) protocol. However, the cancer is dangerous enough that when in doubt, physicians tend to err on the side of caution.

"You want to be oversensitive about this," said Dr. Hadley, who specializes in precision medicine. For roughly every 30 excisions of suspicious moles and lesions, he estimated, one proves to be a melanoma.

And now machine learning can offer a better way. Taking advantage of major gains in computing power and big data -- and inspired by how human brains work -- scientists have figured out how neural network models, such as those that exist at the UCSF Institute for Computational Health Sciences, can be trained to predict whether a mole or lesion is melanoma based on images gathered from the world wide web.

"It's an iterative process, essentially," said Bhattacharya. Using loads of images scraped from the web, with labels indicating the type of skin lesions in those images, the neural network model learns what visual aspects are closely associated with melanoma diagnoses. This project uses a "convolutional neural network," the architecture of which is modeled on an animal's visual cortex.

"Basically an image is just an array of values, which tells it to be red or blue or green, for instance, and together you get an image," Bhattacharya said. "And when a computer sees an image, it's seeing a matrix of numbers." As the model processes the image, different neurons on different layers are activated by various aspects of the image, in the same way that signals travel from neuron to neuron in our brains. Some lower-level neurons might be activated by edges and blobs of color, Bhattacharya said, but higher-level neurons could be more concerned with fuller concepts and classifications.

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Like a human brain, the more practice the neural network model gets, the better it is at determining what the image might indicate. Fortunately, despite the rarity of melanomas -- and hence relatively few images of them -- the researchers were able to utilize "transfer learning." With this method, the model was "pre-trained" in making fundamental recognitions and distinctions between images of everyday objects derived from a large repository called ImageNet, and then given medical images to inspect.

Three or so years ago, the researchers achieved roughly 85 percent accuracy with just a few hundred images. Since then, with more images and more refinement, the degree of accuracy has climbed to 96 percent -- better than that of humans.

Still, Bhattacharya pointed out, the success rate "should be taken with a grain of salt," as it still needs to be proven within a clinical setting. While a head-to-head test between the neural network model and a dermatologist looking at images might prove the model the winner, its efficacy in a real-world medical scenario is yet to be demonstrated.

"We really want to get this into the hands of clinicians," Bhattacharya said. As the research team works to make that happen, Bhattacharya, Hadley and other physicians have teamed up to launch a company called SkinIQ, aimed at bringing artificial intelligence to skin cancer detection. The team hopes to create a mobile app that will allow people -- especially those who live in remote areas with little access to skin experts -- to make their own assessments as to whether they may or may not have melanoma.

The soon-to-be college senior has also made presentations and garnered awards and recognition for his work, including a second place-ranked paper at a meeting of the American Medical Informatics Association in San Francisco last March. In 2016 he received honorable mention and was the only UCSB representative at the annual UC Berkeley Big Ideas Competition. His work has contributed to numerous successful academic grants, including the prestigious and inaugural UCSF Marcus Program in Precision Medicine Initiative.

As Bhattacharya enters his senior year at UCSB, with medical school on the horizon, he points to the College of Creative Studies as setting him up for success. In particular, he credits his CCS faculty advisor Phill Conrad and research mentor Linda Petzold (a professor in the departments of computer science and mechanical engineering) for enabling his entry into translational medicine and precision medicine -- emerging fields in which data, technology and innovation propel rapid developments and progress in the treatment and cure of diseases.

Bhattacharya will continue to work in collaboration with Dr. Hadley at UCSF's Institute for Computational Health Sciences at the intersection of medical and data science, but he attributes his solid foundation to CCS.

"CCS has really been great," he said, adding that the idea for the use of the neural network for medicine was born at UCSB. "When I came here, I knew I wanted to do biology and computer science. Those are my loves."
Sub-Saharan Africa is in the midst of a rapidly expanding diabetes epidemic that could have devastating health and economic consequences for the region unless quick and decisive action is taken to turn the tide, according to a major new report from a Lancet commission co-led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

The report from the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Commission--the first comprehensive examination of diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa--will be published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology on July 6, 2017.

"We were alarmed by both the magnitude of the problem, the speed at which diabetes has evolved, and how poorly health systems are responding," said Rifat Atun, professor of global health systems at Harvard Chan School and one of three lead authors of the report. "And because diabetes is a risk factor for other catastrophic illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure, its increasing prevalence could propel a huge wave of chronic disease in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa."

The Commission--a multidisciplinary group of more than 70 clinicians, experts in public health and health systems, economists, and social scientists--worked for three years on the report, analyzing health data from 2004-2013 from more than 39,000 people from 12 countries, and data on the quality and effectiveness of 6,096 healthcare providers from four countries. The report provides an up-to-date analysis on the burden of diabetes across sub-Saharan Africa, as well as challenges for health systems and potential solutions. According to the report, more than 90% of diabetes cases in sub-Saharan Africa are type 2 diabetes, suggesting that modifiable risk factors are major contributors to the burden of disease.

Some of the Commission's main findings:

As economies in sub-Saharan Africa transition from lower- to higher-income, diabetes' prevalence in some countries has reached almost 22% in the adult population and as high as 30% in men and women aged 55-65 years, spurred in part by growing and aging populations, changes in lifestyle and eating habits, urbanization, and changing work practices.

Currently, only half of those with diabetes are diagnosed, and of those, only 1 in 10 are receiving treatment.

After decades of focusing on infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, health systems are largely unprepared for dealing with the growing diabetes burden.

If nothing is done to address the problem, the overall cost of diabetes in the region could nearly triple to more than $59 billion by 2030--1.8% of the region's gross domestic product. Costs would result from loss of labor productivity--from premature death, people leaving the workforce early, sick leave, and diminished productivity at work due to poor health.

A concerted effort from communities, national governments, and international agencies is necessary to bring diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa under control, the authors wrote. The report called for more research to better understand the nature and magnitude of diabetes prevalence in each country in the region; financial resources from nations and international partners; training for community-based health workers in diabetes prevention and control; and the use of new technologies to aid in screening, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment.
Pioneering research using the tropical zebrafish could provide new insights into the genetic basis of myopathy, a type of human muscle disease.

An international research team, led by Professor Philip Ingham FRS, inaugural Director of the University of Exeter's Living Systems Institute -- has taken the first steps in determining the central role a specific gene mutation in a poorly characterised human myopathy.

Myopathies are diseases that prevent muscle fibres from functioning properly, causing muscular weakness. At present, there is no single treatment for the disease, as it can develop via a number of different pathways.

One particular type is nemaline myopathy, which primarily affects skeletal muscles and can lead to sufferers experiencing severe feeding and swallowing difficulties as well as limited locomotor activity.

Mutations in a specific gene, called MY018B, have recently been found to be present in people exhibiting symptoms of this disease, but the role these mutations play in muscle fibre integrity has until now been unclear.

In this new research, the Ingham team, based in Singapore and Exeter, has used high-resolution genetic analysis to create a zebrafish model of MYO18B malfunction; this research takes advantage of the remarkable similarity between the genomes of zebrafish and humans, -- which have more than 70 per cent of their genes in common.

The Singapore/Exeter team found that the MYO18B gene is active specifically in the 'fast-twitch' skeletal muscles of the zebrafish, typically used for powerful bursts of movement. Crucially, by studying fish in which the MYO18B gene is disrupted, they were able to show that it plays an essential role in the assembly of the bundles of actin and myosin filaments that give muscle fibres their contractile properties.

The team believe this new research offers a vital new step towards understanding the cause of myopathy in humans, which in turn could give rise to new, tailored treatments in the future.

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The leading research is published in the scientific journal, Genetics.

Professor Ingham, said: "The identification of a MYO18B mutation in zebrafish provides the first direct evidence for its role in human myopathy and gives us a model in which to study the molecular basis of MYO18B function in muscle fibre integrity."

A pioneer in the genetic analysis of development using fruit flies and zebrafish as model systems, Prof Ingham is internationally renowned for his contributions to several influential discoveries in the field of developmental biology over the last century.

This is the latest research by Professor Ingham that has revealed important links between the processes that underpin normal embryonic development and disease.

His co-discovery of the 'Sonic Hedgehog' gene, recognised as one of 24 centennial milestones in the field of developmental biology by Nature, in 2004, led directly to the establishment of a biotechnology company that helped develop the first drug to target non-melanoma skin cancer.

The research comes at the University of Exeter holds the official opening of the Living Systems Institute with an Opening Symposium event, from July 5-6 2017.

Two Nobel Laureates, Sir Paul Nurse FRS and Christiane Nusslein-Volhard ForMemRS, who separately won the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine, will deliver keynote speeches as part of the opening event.

The high-profile event, held at the University's Streatham Campus marks the official opening of the LSI -- a 52 million inter-disciplinary research facility designed to bring new, crucial insights into the causes and preventions of some of the most serious diseases facing humanity.
Hebrew University doctoral student Suaad Abd-Elhadi has won a Kaye Innovation Award for her work on a new diagnostic approach that could pave the way for early diagnosis of one of the most common and debilitating neurodegenerative disorders.

Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in humans, after Alzheimer's disease. It is typically characterized by changes in motor control such as tremors and shaking, but can also include non-motor symptoms, from the cognitive to the behavioral. An estimated seven to 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson's disease, with medication costing approximately $2,500 a year, and therapeutic surgery costing up to $100,000 dollars, per patient.

Making an accurate diagnosis of Parkinson's, particularly in early stages and mild cases, is difficult, and there are currently no standard diagnostic tests other than clinical information provided by the patient and the findings of a neurological exam. One of the best hopes for improving diagnosis is to develop a reliable test for identifying changes in the severity of the disease. This will allow drug companies to test potential drugs at higher efficacy.

Now, a novel diagnostic approach developed at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Faculty of Medicine could pave the way toward such a test. Working under the supervision of Dr. Ronit Sharon, at the Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), PhD student Suaad Abd-Elhadi developed the lipid ELISA, an approach that could lead to earlier detection of Parkinson's, along with better tracking of the disease's progression and a patient's response to therapy.

How the ELISA works

ELISA stands for "enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay." An assay is a procedure used in laboratory settings to assess the presence, amount and activity of a target entity, such as a drug, cell or biochemical substance. ELISA is a common assay technique that involves targeting cellular secretions.

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In the case of the lipid ELISA, the cellular secretion of interest is a specific protein called the alpha-Synuclin protein. This protein serves as a convenient biomarker that is closely associated with the tissues where Parkinson's disease can be detected, along with the neurological pathways the disease travels along, causing its characteristic symptoms.

The development of a simple and highly sensitive diagnostic tool that can detect Parkinson's biomarkers could lead to a minimally invasive and cost-effective way to improve the lives of Parkinson's patients. Toward this end, Abd-Elhadi has recently demonstrated a proof of concept to the high potential of the lipid-ELISA assay in differentiating healthy and Parkinson's affected subjects. She is now in the process of analyzing a large cohort of samples, including moderate and severe Parkinson's, and control cases, as part of a clinical study.

The Hebrew University, which holds granted patents on the technology through its technology transfer company Yissum, has signed an agreement with Integra Holdings for further development and commercialization.

2017 Kaye innovation Award

In recognition of her work, Suaad Abd-Elhadi was awarded the Kaye Innovation Award for 2017.

The Kaye Innovation Awards at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have been awarded annually since 1994. Isaac Kaye of England, a prominent industrialist in the pharmaceutical industry, established the awards to encourage faculty, staff and students of the Hebrew University to develop innovative methods and inventions with good commercial potential, which will benefit the university and society. For more information about the 2017 Kaye Innovations Awards, visit http://bit.ly/kaye2017.

Source: http://new.huji.ac.il/en/article/35134
New research by scientists at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in the United Kingdom and Indiana University School of Medicine gives the most detailed view yet of tau protein structures found in Alzheimer's disease.

The team of the MRC scientists-;led by Michel Goedert, MD, PhD, and Sjors Scheres, PhD-;along with IU Distinguished Professor Bernardino Ghetti, MD, and Assistant Research Professor Holly Garringer, PhD, of the IU School of Medicine Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, are the first to present high-resolution structures of tau filaments from the brain of a patient with a confirmed diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Ghetti said their findings, published online July 5 in Nature, represent one of the major discoveries of the past 25 years in the field of Alzheimer's disease research.

"This is a tremendous step forward," Dr. Ghetti said. "It's clear that tau is extremely important to the progression of Alzheimer's disease and certain forms of dementia. In terms of designing therapeutic agents, the possibilities are now enormous."

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Tau proteins are a stabilizing element in healthy brains, but when they become defective, the proteins can form bundles of filaments-;or tangles- known as the primary markers of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. But tau filaments are invisible at the light microscope, Dr. Ghetti said, and without high-resolution images showing their atomic structure, it has been difficult to decipher their role in the development of these diseases.

That's why the research team used an imaging technique called cryo-electron microscopy, which studies samples at very low temperatures, to see atomic-level detail in the structures of these proteins. Dr. Ghetti and Dr. Garringer studied multiple brain areas and DNA of the Alzheimer's disease patient to facilitate the analysis of tau proteins by cryo-electron microscopy.

Dr. Ghetti said the new images and analysis could help scientists better understand the molecular mechanisms that cause Alzheimer's disease and identify new strategies for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Ghetti is an international leader in research on the neuropathology of dementia. He is the founder and first director of IU School of Medicine's Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center (1991 to 2013), leader of the neuropathology of dementia laboratory and the founder of the International Society for Frontotemporal Dementias (2011).

Dr. Goedert is internationally known for his contribution to the biology of tau and other proteins involved in neurodegeneration.

Dr. Scheres is one of the most advanced experts in the study of the structure of protein machinery.

Source: http://news.medicine.iu.edu/releases/2017/07/atomic-structures-tau-protein-alzheimers-disease.shtml
It is a known fact that microbes on farms protect children from asthma and allergies. But even non-microbial molecules can have a protective effect: Immunologists from the University of Zurich have shown that a sialic acid found in farm animals is effective against inflammation of lung tissue. This study opens up a wide variety of perspectives for the prevention of allergies.

More and more people suffer from allergies and asthma. In the past decades, these diseases have massively increased in industrialized countries. Today, about 30 percent of children have allergies - with the exception of farm children. Among farm children, the disease is increasing less dramatically than in the case of their friends who live in the same village, but not on a farm. Microbes that occur in higher amounts and greater diversity on farms protect farm children from allergies and asthma. An environment that is not highly hygienic has a positive effect on the development of the immune system as it learns not to react to harmless materials as is the case with allergies.

A sialic acid acts as protection

Not only microbes protect against asthma evidently, but also farm animals: Petting cats and cows and drinking farm milk can also prevent asthma, as the team of researchers headed up by Remo Frei of the Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research from the University of Zurich in cooperation with the Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK-CARE) in Davos and the Children's Hospital of Eastern Switzerland in St. Gallen: "Early childhood contact with animals and the consumption of food of animal origin seems to regulate the inflammatory reactions of the immune system," says immunologist Frei. His study shows that a non-microbial substance, a sialic acid, is responsible for this mechanism. This substance is wide spread in vertebrates - and therefore in many farm animals - but missing in the human organism: N-Glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc).

Antibodies as measure for contact with farm animals

Based on a genetic mutation, humans do not produce Neu5Gc. They can absorb sialic acid through contact with animals or by eating food of animal origin and integrate it into their glycoproteins. Contact with Neu5Gc triggers an antibody reaction in humans which can act as a measure for contact with Neu5Gc, that is, with farm animals. The researchers led by Remo Frei have measured the concentrations of Neu5Gc antibodies in the serum samples of children collected within the scope of two epidemiological studies financed by the European Union (PARSIFAL and PASTURE study).

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Data comparison of more than a thousand children

As a comparison of the Neu5Gc antibody concentration of over a thousand children and the occurrence of asthma has clearly shown, "Farm children have many more antibodies against Neu5Gc in their blood - and children with more antibodies suffered considerably less from asthma," Frei says. The positive effect of sialic acid Neu5Gc on the respiratory system was confirmed using a mouse-model: The Neu5Gc molecules consumed with food improved the pulmonary function of the mice, therefore reducing asthma symptoms.

From farm effect to allergy prevention

To understand the mechanism of how Neu5Gc affects the human immune system, researchers analyzed various cells of the immune system that play a role during an inflammatory reaction. With an interesting result - both in the children tested and on the animal model: Contact with Neu5Gc did not reduce immunoglobulin E, the antibody that frequently occurs during allergic reactions, but it initiates an anti-inflammatory reaction of the immune system. "This takes place through so-called regulatory T-cells, which have an increased presence," Frei explains. "These T-cells dampen incorrect responses of the immune system and have a strong anti-inflammatory effect. Our research results open up opportunities for transferring the protective effect of farms to all children. In this way, we can possibly lay an important foundation stone for effective allergy prevention."
A study by an international team of researchers from University College London and the University of Liverpool published in The BMJ predicts that dementia will affect more than 1.2 million people in England and Wales by 2040.

Credit: Ocskay Mark/Shutterstock.com

The researchers, who aimed to forecast the burden of dementia, say that this increase of 57% from 2017 is due to people living longer. With 23 billion as the present estimated cost of dementia to the UK economy, accurate projections are critical for defining future needs. However, existing predictions presume the rate of dementia to be stable and hence may not be precise.

Thus, the study team framed a mathematical model (IMPACTBetter Ageing Model) that took into account the trends of the disease, the death rates, and the effects of increasing life expectancy for a more accurate prediction of the future burden.

Data from 18,000 men and women from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) were used in the research. ELSA was started in 2002 for tracking the health of a representative sample in England aged 50 and above.

Random selection of participants was done in six waves from 2002 to 2013. Tests to evaluate memory, verbal fluency, numeracy function, and basic life activities (e.g., getting in or out of bed, dressing, and eating) were conducted at every wave. Dementia was identified by these assessments, and was complemented by a doctors diagnosis or through interviews with carers.

The team after resolving the effects of dropouts from the study found a decline in the rate of dementia by 2.7% per year between 2002 and 2013.

Based on the results, the researchers conclude that the number of newly diagnosed cases of dementia has decreased however there is a substantial increase in the number of people living with the condition due to increased life expectancy and declined number of deaths by other causes like heart diseases.

There are currently 800,000 people in England and Wales with dementia, but this could increase to over 1.2 million by 2040, based on the calculations in the study.

"The risk of developing dementia at any given age is going down over time, shifting dementia to later years in life, says Dr. Sara Ahmadi-Abhari, lead author from University College London.

This decline is mainly because of improvements in healthcare and adopting healthier lifestyles. Our estimate of 1.2 million people with dementia by 2040 is based on the assumption that the decline in risk of developing dementia continues to the future. She also adds that if public health efforts fail and the risk of developing dementia does not continue to decline, the growth in numbers of people living with dementia will be much larger, reaching 1.9 million by 2040.

Although the authors list a few study limitations that might have induced bias, Professor Eric Brunner, the senior investigator remarks:

Our results have significant policy implications in terms of care needs and public spending and act as a benchmark to measure the impact of possible dementia prevention initiatives."

Emiliano Albanese at the University of Geneva, also added that the study confirms the need for high-quality epidemiological studies in monitoring the actual changes in dementia prevalence, incidence, and associated mortality over time.
Ahead of the G20 in Hamburg this week (7-8 July), a special issue of The Lancet examines Germanys health system and the countrys emerging role as a leader in global health.

The two-paper Series is led by authors from the Berlin Institute of Technology (TU Berlin) and the Geneva Graduate Institute (IHEID), and accompanied by a Comment from Germanys Minister of Health, Hermann Grohe.

Resilient health system, but potential overtreatment should be addressed

The German health system is the worlds first social health insurance system and has proven remarkably resilient over its 135 year history marked by revolutions, wars, economic crises, and the separation and re-unification of the country. A series of gradual reforms, especially in the early years, has expanded the population groups and benefits covered, achieving near universal health coverage. Since its inception, the health system has been based on the principles of solidarity and self-governance.

Today, as the health system increasingly encourages competition and market orientation, the principles of solidarity and self-governance have not been lost, leading to good access to health care, without substantial shortages or waiting times.

The populations growing satisfaction with the health system does not suggest a need for fundamental reform, but the practice of self-governance, with limited state control, has led to an oversupply of medicines, excess in inpatient beds and issues delivering continuity of care.

For instance, Germany has a bed capacity of 65% above the EU15 average, with a high mean of hospital days per person (1.74 day per person; compared to 0.71 in Denmark). A trend that has yet to be publicly acknowledged is the increase in consumption of medicines by more than 50% from 2004 to 2015, raising potential concerns about over prescribing.

Professor Reinhard Busse, Berlin Institute of Technology, and co-author of the Series says:

As the world progresses towards Universal Health Coverage, Germanys health care system provides an interesting example to look at, potentially providing lessons for other countries. The German system is based on the founding principle of self-governance, and the decision making authority for health is kept outside of politics. The main role of government is as a steering and regulatory capacity. This has led to a high quality health system, improved through gradual improvements, rather than dramatic reform. However, signs of potential overtreatment, and concerns about continuity of care point to the need to further improve quality and cost effectiveness of the system.

Global health: policies and funding should match political commitment

Through its presidencies of the G7 and G20 Summits, and amid concerns about the long-term political and financial commitment of the USA and UK, Germany has emerged as an increasingly visible player in global health. This new role has also been propelled by strong governmental leadership at the highest level, influential engagement during and following the Ebola virus disease outbreak and strong support for the World Health Organization.

However, to claim leadership, the authors warn that the country role must also increase its financial commitment to reach the 0.1% target of official development assistance for health. Germany has the potential to be a strong partner helping fund and drive global health research, especially in low income countries but it will also need to increase its expertise in global health and strengthen its academic institutions in this area.

While the country has been praised for welcoming 1.2 million refugees in 2015 and 2016, access to health care for refugees and migrants is lower than in some other countries. Additionally, Germanys contribution to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control was mixed, and tobacco advertising in cinemas and on buildings is still not banned in Germany. The authors call on Germany to resolve these incoherencies in its domestic and international policies.

Dr Ilona Kickbusch, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva and co-author of the Series says:
Automaker Tata Motors today announced a reduction in the price of its passenger vehicles by up to Rs 2.17 lakh, making available the GST benefit to its customers. "Following the rollout of GST, we have decided to pass on the entire benefit to our customers. We are offering a price reduction of up to 12 percent ranging between Rs 3,300 and Rs 2,17,000, depending on the model and variant," Tata Motors President, Passenger Vehicles Business Unit, Mayank Pareek said in a statement.The company "whole-heartedly" welcomes the initiative by the Union government for introducing GST and bringing in a uniform tax across the country, he added. "This will enhance the ease of doing business and usher in a new era for the economy in general and especially, for the automotive industry," Pareek said.Yesterday, Mahindra and Mahindra announced a reduction in prices of its utility vehicles and SUVs by up to 6.9 percent on an average. Similarly, the company reduced prices of small commercial vehicles.
New Delhi: Having a joint ownership with the government in Air India will be a "very very difficult proposition", IndiGo founder Rakesh Gangwal said on Thursday.



While virtually ruling out the possibility of running Air India along with the government, he also cautioned that it would be a "Shakespearean tragedy" if the national carrier's international assets go to a foreign entity.



Soon after the Cabinet gave its in-principle approval for disinvestment of Air India, IndiGo expressed its interest to acquire the airline's international operations as well as Air India Express.



In a detailed conference call with investors and analysts, Gangwal along with co-founder Rahul Bhatia provided their perspective on the bid for Air India and plans for low cost long haul international flights.



"Our view is that a joint venture or a joint ownership with the government is at best a very very difficult proposition and we would not go down that path. The government has owned and managed Air India for 50 years and is looking to divest of itself right now. One would even wonder if truly at the end of the day when the thinking is all done, whether the government itself would be interested in wanting a partnership," Gangwal said.



Air India, which is surviving on taxpayers' money, has a debt burden of more than Rs 52,000 crore.



"From our perspective as a corporate entity which has public shareholders and takes on this responsibility very seriously, we would not go down a path where there would be a joint venture or even a minority or majority stake which the government would own... May be a good model but we cannot bring value to that proposition," he noted.



IndiGo has been expressing concerns over the country's international air traffic being captured by Gulf carriers.



Against this backdrop, Gangwal said that if a foreign airline was to get hold of Air India's international assets such as slots and landing rights, then the economic interests of that particular entity would be maximised.



"... if by chance, the international assets of Air India actually get acquired by a state-owned entity, it potentially could play out as a Shakespearean tragedy.



"World politics is unpredictable. Look no further than the state boycott that is going on in the Middle East and for us, the idea that a foreign nation would control a large part of India's domestic and international air transport network is very difficult to wrap one's head around," Gangwal said.



The consequences and implications, literally of outsourcing Air India's transportation should raise serious

policy issues, he added.



According to him, Air India's international operations would be a so-called canvas, a new sheet of paper and the biggest asset sitting in there would be the negotiated route structures.



"Another big asset, you may find it strange, is many many of their employees. They know a lot of good things about the business," he added.



While noting that IndiGo is focused narrowly on Air India's international operations and Air India Express, Bhatia said that would help the carrier in becoming a major international player.



In a witty remark, Gangwal compared the conference call to attending a board meeting in a swim suit.



"This is an interesting call with financial analysts and investors since we are only sharing our thoughts and vision and not numbers. It is like going to a corporate board meeting in a swim suit," he said.



IndiGo, which has ambitious expansion plans for the domestic sector, expects to add around 50 more planes.



"In fact, during fiscal year 2018, between the A320s and the ATRs, we expect to add almost 50 aircraft a remarkable number and we have built the internal capability and muscle to execute on that plan," Gangwal noted.
Tel Aviv: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday invited the Israeli industry to participate in 'Startup India' initiative, saying his government has done a lot to improve the ease of doing business and is positioning the country as a global manufacturing hub.



"We have resolved number of regulatory and policy issues facing businesses and companies. We've worked very sincerely for ease of doing business," Modi said at the launch of India-Israel CEO's Forum here.



Memorandums of Understanding worth over $ 5 billion were signed during the Prime Minister's visit.



Referring to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Modi said it is by far the biggest business and economic reform of India. "Now, we are moving towards modern tax regime, which is transparent, stable and predictable," he said.



Modi, who is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel, further said his government was "positioning" India as a global manufacturing hub with a view to take advantage of the young population. He also talked about country's flagship programme 'Make In India'.



Observing that Israel is known as 'start-up nation', he said "it has a unique sense and ecosystem for innovation and incubation. Credit must go to the Israeli entrepreneurs".



"There is lot of potential for #IndiaIsrael partnership in @startupindia. I am happy that India-Israel start-up bridge has been formally launched today," India's External Affairs Ministry said in a tweet quoting Modi.



Modi, along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, also established an innovation bridge between start-ups and innovators of Israel and India for a better world.



Speaking at the event, Netanyahu said together the two countries have tremendous potential.



"...potential not only in markets but in creating new possibilities, new opportunities. We just saw this in crop protection or in water, the cleaning of water, or in energy, or in any field, in any field," said the Israeli Prime Minister.



He added that the Israeli side in the forum comprises people who run some of the most important companies, "and they do so with great talent and with great skill. You have brought similar people from India".



"We are making a partnership here, a real one, to excel in innovation for both our peoples and for the entire world," he said.



India-Israel CEO Forum, which met for the first time on Thursday, set a target to increase the bilateral trade from the current $4.13 billion to $20 billion within five years.



The forum also set up six joint committees covering start-ups, pharma and life sciences, homeland security, agriculture, energy and water management.



The India-Israel start-up bridge was launched to encourage start-ups of the two nations to work together and come up with innovative solutions to tackle challenges in the agriculture, water and healthcare sectors.
New Delhi: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday said the first move towards the landmark Goods and Services Tax (GST) was made by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government 17 years back, and not the Congress.



The Vajpayee government constituted a task force which in 2003 submitted a report saying central and state levies should be merged or unified into a GST, he said at a public rally on the new tax regime.



Jaitley said the government changed in 2004 and the incoming Congress saw merit in the argument mooted in the report.



The then Finance Minister P Chidambaram in 2006 spoke of GST and set 2010 as deadline for rolling out the new indirect tax regime, he said, adding he could not implement the plan. In 2011, the then Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, who is now the President, introduced a Constitutional Amendment to bring GST.



But the UPA could not get all states onboard because they could not resolve how to compensate losses to manufacturing states arising because of GST being a destination-based tax, he said.



Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, was clear from day one that India has to be unified economically and devised not just a compensation formula, which was put in the Constitution

Amendment Bill, but also got all the 29 states and six union territories on board to agree to the new tax.



India has 29 states and seven union territories but the Finance Minister apparently did not include Chandigarh as that Union Territory has not be consulted separately because it is

part of Punjab and Haryana in such negotiations.



Jaitley said Prime Minister Modi not just got the bill approved in the Parliament but also got states and UTs to pass their laws, with Jammu and Kashmir Assembly being the last to pass a resolution on Wednesday adopting GST.



Taking a dig at the Congress, he said the GST was in the party's election manifestos but at the last moment it did flip-flops as it was not sure if the new tax regime would pay off. They felt if GST clicks they will say they were part of the process that led to the new regime and if it failed the government could be blamed, he said.



GST, he said, has integrated the nation as an economic entity by replacing over a dozen state and central levies with just one tax and one rate. The new tax regime will go a long way in benefit the economy and businesses, he added.
Low Sugar intake is often recommended by doctors and health consultants for people of all ages to maintain good health. According to a study conducted by Queens Mary, University of London on the data collected from Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), high-intake of Sugar during pregnancy has been linked to doubling the chances of Asthma in the kids. The study involved 9,000 mothers who conceived in the 90s and their children were monitored thereafter. By the time these kids were 7-years-old, they were analyzed for allergies and allergic asthma. The cohort study found that the kids whose mothers who took free sugars like aerated drinks and junk food during their pregnancy were more prone to allergies and allergic asthma.

The study compared top 20% mothers who took free sugars with bottom 20% whose sugar intake was quite moderate. The results were apparent that the offsprings of top 20% mothers had an increased risk of 38% to allergies and 101% to allergic asthma. According to World Health Organization (WHO) 235 million people across globe suffer from Asthma and children constitute a major part of this. As the study is still in its early stages, the researchers want to try and confirm results with different cohorts. And in the meantime, the researchers have recommended the moms-to-be to keep the sugar intakes quite moderate to ensure healthy offsprings who are less prone to allergens and allergic asthma.

High-Sugar intake is also often prohibited by gynecologists to pregnant women and there are a number of tests that pregnant women undergo during their pregnancy to monitor blood sugar levels. Its not just refined sugar that women need to avoid. Junk food, aerated drinks, sugar syrups high in fructose, refined flour, certain fruits like ripened banana, ripened papaya, ripened mango, packaged fruit juices, whole fruit juices should be avoided as they can trigger blood sugars instantly.

It is always good for the mothers-to-be to take full responsibility of the life growing inside them and restrain from food addictions and indulgence in frizzy drinks, junk food and over-eating. Precaution taken during these 9 months is quite rewarding and ensures that the children are stronger, healthier and their body less prone to allergies, life-long.
Mumbai: Taher Merchant, convicted in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case last month, did not attend any of the conspiracy meetings, his lawyer on Wednesday argued before the TADA Court and sought leniency for him. The special court for Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) cases last month convicted Merchant, extradited gangster Abu Salem and four others in the case.



The defence lawyers on Wednesday began their arguments on the quantum of sentence.



The TADA court judge G A Sanap, while convicting Merchant, had held that he was one of the conspirators. The CBI has sought the death penalty for him.



Merchant's lawyer Sudeep Passbola said his client did not attend the conspiracy meetings which preceded the March 1993 blasts and there was no evidence to show that he was aware of RDX being smuggled into the city.



Passbola also said that people were sent to Pakistan for arms training to deal with a 1992-like situation (when riots erupted in Mumbai following the demolition of Babri Masjid), and it was only after their return that Tiger Memon, the absconding mastermind of the conspiracy, decided to use them for carrying out blasts.



Among other things, Merchant was accused of sending people to Pakistan for arms training.



Passbola also refuted the CBI's claim that Merchant had good relations with Pakistani Army and the country's intelligence agency, ISI.



He was acting at somebody else's instructions and was not "in commanding position", the lawyer said.



The arguments would continue tomorrow.



Meanwhile, the court issued a notice to Delhi police today, seeking their reply, as the case for which they are seeking the custody of Abu Salem is not covered by the extradition agreement between Portugal and India.



Delhi police have approached the court seeking Salem's custody for a case registered in the national capital.



However, as per the agreement with Portugal under which Salem was extradited in 2005, he can be tried in only nine cases (including the 1993 blasts case).



The Delhi case is not a part of the list.


New Delhi: Ambedkar University Delhi released its first cut-off list for admission to undergraduate courses on Wednesday.



The university reserves 85% seats for students from the National Capital Territory (NCT), has released two lists. One for NCT candidates and the other for non-NCT candidates.



However, non-Delhi aspirants changing streams will still have to meet the 100% demand in history, sociology and psychology.



The cutoffs for NCT students separate for science, commerce and arts streams have been set between 88.75% and 93.75% in economics and 88% and 93% for mathematics, lower than in most Delhi University colleges.



The second cut-off list will be released by the university on July 10, 2017. The third list will be released on July 14, 2017 and the fourth on July 18, 2017. The admission process will begin from July 6, 2017. For other updates and information the students can visit the website. The classes will begin from August 1.



In 2016, the students who wanted to pursue Sociology and History, the cut-off list demanded 100% marks as well. While the Non Delhi students who studied commerce in class XII had to score 100% to get admission to BA (Hons) English History, Psychology, Sociology, and Humanities and Social Sciences.
Beijing: The Chinese Army is carrying out exercises replicating real battle scenarios in Tibet, testing new equipment, including a light battle tank, amid the biggest standoff between India and China after 1962.



The exercises were being carried at an altitude of 5,100 metres, PTI quoted the Chinese language service of the state-run Xinhua news agency reported from the Tibetan capital Lhasa. Besides testing the new equipment, the exercises involve conducting live firing exercises.



The exercises also involve combat operations command, combat synergies, live fire shooting training, and comprehensive inspection of arms integration, the report said. The simulation also involves offensive and defensive training.



Last week, Chinese Defence spokesman Colonel Wu Qin told the media that the trials of the tank, reportedly weighing about 35 tonnes, were taking place during military exercises.



Xinhua has also released photos of the exercises on its website. The exercises were being held in the backdrop of heightened India-China tensions at Dokalam area in the Sikkim sector.



China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan tri-junction for the past three weeks after a construction party of the Chinese Army attempted to build a road. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.



(With inputs from PTI)
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) in reply to the Kannada Development Authority (KDA) has stated that it was the Union Urban Development Ministry that instructed BMRCL to use 3 languages  State official language, Union official language and English.Earlier, in 2016, when BMRCL inaugurated the first few underground metro stations in Phase-1, only two languages  Kannada and English were used. Immediately, a letter was sent to the BMRCL by Union Urban Development Ministry that BMRCL should implement the three language policy in the upcoming metro stations.The newly inaugurated Phase-1 stretch duly followed instructions from the Centre and used Hindi in its metro boards.However, the KDA is not happy with BMRCLs reply. KDA President, Professor SG Siddaramaiah is hopeful that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will act immediately and get the Hindi letters removed.We have to see the legal aspect of the reply. Can a Ministry issue instructions or should it come from the Parliament? The Centre says it funded the metro project, but the money paid from the state in form of taxes to centre were used here, said SG Siddaramaiah.Meanwhile, the Karnataka BJP has taken a stance against the Centre and its senior leaders. State leaders feel that Hindi should not be imposed and that the Centre should understand local sentiments.We are against Hindi imposition. If the CM removes all Hindi signage from the boards, we will support the government, said BJP MLA Dr Ashwatnarayana.The Karnataka BJP blames the state government for letting the issue turn into a crisis.The state government from the beginning should have rectified the mistake. The Congress Party is playing politics with peoples sentiment, added Dr Ashwatnarayana.
In Chinese, the character for crisis is the same as the character for opportunity, this is among a bouquet of Chinese proverbs that have been repeatedly quoted by world leaders in the recent past. The character of current standoff between India and China seems to be somewhat similar. Even as the rhetoric around border issues has raised tempers on both sides, the billion-dollar business continues as usual.



Amid escalation of the standoff around Dokalam area, three senior ministers of the Narendra Modi government travelled to mainland China this week for multilateral and bilateral meetings.



Union Human Resource Minister Prakash Javdekar returned to Delhi on Thursday morning from Beijing. He was in the Chinese capital to attend the 5th meeting of BRICS education ministers.



At the conclusion of the BRICS education ministers meeting, a bilateral meeting was also held between Javdekar and the Education Minister of China, Chen Baosheng.



At Tianjin on Thursday morning, Health Minister J P Nadda participated in BRICS Health Ministers conference. He informed the gathering that National Health Policy of India, 2017 was aligned with United Nations sustainable development goals.



Similarly, Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma was also touring China. He was at Tianjin to participate in the second BRICS Culture Ministers Conference. In his keynote address, Sharma said he looks forward to ideas and initiatives to take forward cultural cooperation among BRICS countries and said that July 6 meeting will be a game changer.



Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi left for Germany, after his three-day visit to Israel, to participate in G-20 summit which would also be attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Chinese foreign office in Beijing, however, made it clear on Thursday that atmosphere was not right for a bilateral or a pull-aside meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the summit.
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The state-run Chinese media continued to fuel the Doklam fire "advising" Beijing to rethink its stance on Sikkim and Bhutan.An editorial in Global Times says voices in Chinese society supporting Sikkim's independence... will spread and fuel pro-independence appeals in Sikkim.China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Doklam area in Sikkim sector near the Bhutan trijunction for the past 20 days after a Chinese army's construction party came to build a road. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Doklam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.The Global Times article also accuses India of control and oppression over Bhutan. Bhutan has not established diplomatic ties with its neighbor China or any other permanent member of the UN Security Council.... Through unequal treaties, India has severely jeopardised Bhutan's diplomatic sovereignty and controls its national defense, it claimed.The standoff between the Indian and Chinese troops had started after Bhutan, which has close diplomatic and military ties with India, protested to Beijing about the People's Liberation Army troops building the road in the strategic location close to the 'Chicken's Neck' tri-junction. Bhutan has no diplomatic ties with China.The Global Times article alleged that the annexation of Sikkim is like a nightmare haunting Bhutan.Sikkim became a part of India in May 1976 and is the only Indian state which has a demarcated border with China. The lines are based on a treaty signed with the Chinese in 1898.The state-run media, however, has asked the countrys leadership to ignore the Chinese recognition of Sikkim as an Indian state and readjust its stance on the matter.In further provocation, it also accused India of playing the Dalai Lama card in the past, but said it will now exert no additional effect on the Tibet issue as India has overplayed the card. Calling the India-China relationship as complicated, it said Beijing is more powerful yet unwilling to face a confrontation with New Delhi.China does not have an independent media and this state-run paper is just a surrogate voice of the government.India has called for a diplomatic solution to the standoff and maintained that Chinese soldiers must leave the Bhutanese territory to reduce tension in the area. "I think the issue can be resolved at the diplomatic level. The Chinese troops should stay where they were earlier. China is approaching towards Bhutanese territory. We want them not to come forward, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said on Wednesday."This is our security concern and this is our stand. Bhutan's King had yesterday given a statement that Chinese (troops) are entering into its territory. This tension can be resolved at the diplomatic level. Across the table we can solve all the problems," Bhamre said.
New Delhi: An Indian Prime Minister for the first time visited the cemetery of Indian soldiers at Haifa. Soldiers from three different princely states -- Jodhpur, Hyderabad and Mysore -- had fought and died under British command, successfully fighting Ottoman Turks in 1919 in and around Haifa.



Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday saluted the Indian soldiers, who laid down their lives during the World War I while protecting the city of Haifa from the Ottoman Empire forces, saying the sacrifices made by them were a mark of enduring bond between the two nations.



Four years after Indian soldiers had liberated Haifa from Turk rule, in 1922, Teen Murti memorial was constructed to honour the bravery of Indian soldiers. They had, with just lances and swords, defeated Turks, who were fighting with heavy artillery and machine guns and had ruled over Haifa for 402 years.



It was in September 1918 when lancers from the 15th (Imperial Service) Cavalry Brigade, from the three princely states, fighting under the leadership of British General Edmund Allenby, defeated the Turkish-German forces.



It is for this reason that on Prime Minister Modi's final day of his visit to Israel, this connection between Haifa and Teen Murti needs to be revisited.



As per government's statement, released after Prime Ministers of India and Israel visited the cemetery, "The three bronze statues at Teen Murti represent the Hyderabad, Jodhpur and Mysore Lancers who were part of the 15 Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade. The brigade carried out the victorious assault on the fortified city of Haifa on 23rd September 1918, during World War I. There are various accounts of this battle  all narrate the brave valour with which the Lancers undertook the assault on the garrisoned town protected by a joint force of Ottomans, Germany, Austria and Hungary. The capture of Haifa cleared a route for the Allies to supplies to the city through the sea."



The Indian Army commemorates September 23 every year as Haifa Day to pay its respect to the brave Indian soldiers who fought in, what today is part of the Gaza Strip, in the autumn of 1918.



The Indian Brigade was a part of the Allied Forces sweeping northwards through Palestine in what is seen as the last great cavalry campaign in history.



Modi also unveiled a plaque commemorating the bravery of Major Dalpat Singh, known as the 'Hero of Haifa', who died fighting the Turks, and is remembered for his critical role in the liberation of the city.



"I am deeply honoured to stand here today to salute the valiant Indian soldiers, who led down their lives for the liberation of Haifa during the WW I," Modi wrote in the guest book.



"The exceptional bravery and supreme sacrifice of Major Thakur Dalpat Singh MC, the "Hero of Haifa" and his men will be remembered forever and continue to inspire generations to come. Next year, the centenary of the battle of Haifa will present another opportunity to mark this enduring bond between India and Israel," he wrote.



Earlier this year, the New Delhi Municipal Council had passed a resolution to rename the "Teen Murti Marg" to "Teen Murti Haifa Marg", ahead of Prime Minister Modi's visit to Israel. While the proposal was floated, it has yet to accepted by the council.


New Delhi: The standoff between Indian and Chinese troops at the Doklam plateau is now officially the longest between both countries since the 1962 war.



There have been similar face-offs in the past, but this time it seems extraordinary for the optics and messaging surrounding the altercation.



For starters, the Chinese are publically ratcheting up the pressure, climbing the escalation ladder, one day at a time. This, for a country which believes in saving face in public is something quite extraordinary in itself.



Its clear the Chinese are not backing off. Virtually every day there is a stinging press statement by their Foreign Ministry spokesperson. Contrast that with the singular statement that has been issued by the MEA so far, and that too, only after an official statement by the Government of Bhutan.



The facts on the ground are contested by both sides. China says Indian troops have violated sovereign Chinese territory and intruded and have set the withdrawal of troops as a pre-condition for any negotiation. India says it was only after the Chinese tried to build a road, unilaterally changing the status quo, and it was upon a request from the Royal Bhutan Army that the Indian troops got involved.



India demands an immediate restoration of the status quo, which means the Chinese should stop building a road in this sensitive tri-junction.



But it would be unwise for us to view the developments in Doko La in isolation.



Indias boycott of the Belt and Road Initiative Forum in Beijing in May has been taken as a personal insult to Chinese President Xi Jinping. One Belt, One Road is as much a personal project to Xi as Swachh Bharat is to Prime Minister Modi.



In hindsight, India should not have boycotted the Forum despite its valid and legitimate sovereignty concerns regarding CPEC. Even countries like America and Japan, who dont enjoy the best of relations with Beijing, sent token representatives to the forum. India could have done the same.



Worse, this boycott came just a few months before the Chinese Communist Party goes into its 19th party Congress in October. This Congress will pave the way for Xi Jinpings second term in power.



At a time when there is going to be intense jockeying between the various power factions of the CPC, this public insult to the CPCs General Secretary Xi Jinping is something the Chinese would find hard to brook.



Xi is also the Chairman of the Central Military Commission and there is a greater amount of jockeying this year by the men in uniform for positions in the Central Committee. At a time such as this, Xi Jinping cannot afford to be seen as soft or conciliatory towards India.



But there are larger ramifications to this current standoff that should worry India.



The Chinese have unleashed a barrage of government as well as media propaganda to change the narrative around the Doklam plateau. Much like they did in the case of the islands dispute with Japan.



Until 2012, it was well recognised by both sides that the islands were disputed but operational control belonged to Japan and China will keep quiet about it. But starting September of that year, China unleashed a series of diplomatic, military and media maneuvers which have now, five years down the line, changed the reality on the ground.



China now effectively controls the islands. Thats the new normal. I worry if this latest flare up at Doklam is just the beginning of ushering in a new normal in this dispute.

The concern for India is this: how does it defend its security and strategic concerns while being on the sovereign land of one of its closest allies and friends Bhutan.



There is a section within Bhutans opposition and also in its business community which would prefer to go for a swap with China on the contested Doklam plateau in exchange for the northern hills which are much greater in area and significance to the Bhutanese.



With elections slated next year, these divisions within Bhutans political class will only further sharpen.



The Chinese have very tactically tried to test the Bhutan-India friendship at such a sensitive time. If not handled carefully, India could end up in the same situation vis-a-vis Bhutan as it found itself with Nepal some years ago.
China has ruled out a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg. Officials in Chinese Foreign Ministry say the atmosphere is not right for talks amid a standoff between the armies of the two countries in the Sikkim section.

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New Delhi: China has said no to a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and its president Xi Jinping in Hamburg on the sidelines of the G20 meet, but there apparently is a big catch.



Top sources have told CNN-News18 that it was Beijing in fact which asked for the meeting in the first place before going back on its word on Thursday amid a standoff between the armies of the two countries in the Sikkim section."The atmosphere is not right for a bilateral meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi," PTI had quoted a Chinese Foreign Ministry official said ahead of the G20 Summit.



Sources said the grandstanding was because the Chinese side did not want to project Xi in a poor light ahead of the 19th Party Congress in China."Since the Chinese Communist Party goes to its 19th Party Congress in October, China was changing its stand under domestic political compulsions," a source said.



At a time when there is going to be intense jockeying between the various power factions, a public insult to the CPCs General Secretary Xi Jinping was something the Chinese found hard to brook.



Xi is also the Chairman of the Central Military Commission and there is a greater amount of jockeying this year by the men in uniform for positions in the Central Committee. At a time such as this, Xi Jinping couldn't afford to be seen as soft or conciliatory towards India.



The current standoff between India and China over Doko la, which China shows as its territory on the map, has escalated to never-seen-before levels post the 1962 war in which the two countries engaged militarily.



China's state-run newspaper Global Times on Thursday published an editorial suggesting Beijing reconsider its stand vis-a-vis Sikkim. In further provocation, the newspaper said: "There are those in Sikkim that cherish its history as a separate state, and they are sensitive to how the outside world views the Sikkim issue," adding that as long as there are voices in Chinese society supporting Sikkim's independence, "the voices will spread and fuel pro-independence appeals in Sikkim".


: Amid China 's aggressive posturing in the Asiatic region, India and Vietnam discussed "concrete and feasible" steps to protect their interests while seeking to bolster their strategic bilateral ties.Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Vietnam Pham Binh Minh, who concluded his four-day visit to India on Thursday, told PTI in an interview that the two sides also discussed the progress of implementation of the high-level agreements between them for creating a stable and facilitating framework to help their relations grow more "substantively".The Vietnamese leader's visit comes in the midst of growing maritime aggression of China in the South China Sea as also its military stand off with India in the Sikkim sector. Vietnam and several other countries, including Brunei and the Philippines, are involved in territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea, seen as a potentially explosive diplomatic issue in east Asia.China has also been objecting to India's oil exploration projects in maritime areas offered by Vietnam in the South China Sea, claiming that it enjoys indisputable sovereignty there. However, India has been dismissive of Chinese objections, insisting its cooperation with Vietnam was as per international laws and that it would like the cooperation to grow.Talking about the economic ties between the two countries, the Vietnamese leader said many of India's major corporations are investing in various projects in Vietnam such as the Tatas in Long Phu II thermal power plant in Soc Trang and ONGC Videsh in oil and gas exploration on Vietnam's continental shelf."During his visit, apart from participating in the India-ASEAN ministerial meet on July 4, he held bilateral meetings with Indian leadership, including President Pranab Mukherjee and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.After the meeting with Swaraj, the MEA issued a statement saying both sides reiterated their support for peace, stability, security, safety, freedom of navigation and over flight, and unimpeded commerce based on the principles of international law, as reflected notably in the UNCLOS.The reiteration of their stand came as the two sides noted the order issued by the Arbitral Tribunal, constituted under the UN Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS), on the dispute between China and the Philippines which said Beijing did not have sovereign ownership over several disputed islands in the South China Sea. China had rejected the order.Noting that many issues pertinent to bilateral relations were discussed during his talks here, the Vietnamese leader said they exhanged views on "concrete and feasible measures appropriate to the situation of each country as well as the international and regional state of affairs in order to substantively and effectively implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2016".In the interview, the Vietnamese deputy prime minister also talked about cooperation in the areas of trade, defence and security."The establishment of the Strategic Partnership in 2007, which was upgraded to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September 2016, has created an important framework for our bilateral cooperation to expand and deepen in all areas: politics and diplomacy, defense and security, economy and trade, science and technology, and education and training, among many others," he said.Economically, India is among Vietnam's top ten trade partners, with a bilateral trade turnover of USD 7 billion, he said, adding by the end of May 2017, India's total registered FDI in Vietnam stood at USD 772 million, with 145 investment projects.
This 86-year-old UK Man Wants to Rent a Garden to Frolic Around Naked
Srinagar: A Kashmiri army man from volatile Pulwama and posted at North Kashmir's Baramulla district has been reported missing from his unit with AK rifles and ammunition. He has been missing since Wednesday night.



Official sources told News18 that Zahoor Ahmad Thakur of 173 Territorial Army regiment of Indian army, went missing from Gantmulla area of Baramulla district.



The arms and ammunition held by the Army man, who hails from Pulwama, are also missing and police have launched a manhunt to track him.



There are apprehensions that the said army man may have fled with militants but police have not confirmed this so far.







Police have alerted all nakas and kept a tab on his friends and relatives to see if he gets in touch with them. Police are maintaining vigil at his Sirnoo village home too.



Early this year, a cop hailing from Shopian had joined Hizbul Mujahideen ranks along with decamped rifles.
Islamabad: Pakistan's Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf will represent the country against India at the International Court of Justice in the case involving Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court.



The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed the ICJ registrar at Peace Palace in The Hague that Ausaf would be the "agent" for Pakistan in the case whereas Foreign Affairs Director General Dr Mohammad Faisal would continue to act as the "co-agent".



The term "agent" is described as a top functionary of the government who leads the delegation to represent a country and usually opens arguments or presents a framework followed by the legal team in the ICJ.



This also means that all future exchanges or information between Pakistan and the ICJ will be made through the Attorney General's office.



Soon after a meeting between ICJ President Ronny Abraham and delegations of Pakistan and India on June 8 in the Netherlands, Ausaf had informed the world court about Pakistan's intention to appoint an ad-hoc judge to the ICJ bench for all proceedings, including the substantive hearing in the Jadhav case.



Pakistan has dismissed India's consular access request to Jadhav more than 15 times. India has accused Pakistan of repeatedly violating the Vienna Convention by doing so.



India had approached the world court in May seeking provisional stay to execution of Jadhav which was granted.



The 15-member bench backed India's contention that there had been a violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations as New Delhi's requests for consular access to its national had been denied 16 times.



Pakistan, which announced the death sentence on Jadhav on April 10, claims its security forces arrested him from its restive Balochistan province on March 3 last year after he reportedly entered from Iran.



However, India maintains that he was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy.


The Political Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in India, Li Ya, has in a statement claimed that there was no substance to Indias claim that the Doklam area belongs to Bhutan. Li Ya further claims that China had many old records to prove that Doklam belonged to China In a video issued by the Chinese Embassy of a briefing by Li Ya on the latest development in Doklam area, the counsellor states that for resolving the stand-off between both armies , India would need to withdraw its troops unconditionally and with immediate effect as a precondition for any meaningful dialogue between India and China I have been to the India-China and Bhutan-China border area many times and have first-hand knowledge about Doklam... the section is delimited by the convention between China and Great Britain relating to Tibet and Sikkim in 1890. In essence, Chinas territorial sovereignty has been undermined by the Indian troops, said Li Ya.Based on my knowledge, work on the India-China and China-Bhutan boundary affairs in the past decade, I would like to say that Indias positions and claims are groundless. We have strong evidence to prove that Doklam belongs to China. The area has always been the traditional pasture for Chinese border inhabitants, the counsellor added.Attempting to prove his point that Doklam belonged to China, Li Ya claimed that archives of the Xizang autonomous region still retained some receipts of the grass tax being paid by Bhutanese herdsmen.Since Doklam is a part of Chinese territory, activities conducted by China in the area are within our sovereignty. It is the Indian side that has trespassed into Chinese territory and changed the status quo . This is not acceptable to China. Indian troops must pull back immediately and unconditionally, said Li Ya.China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Doklam area in Sikkim sector near the Bhutan trijunction for the past 20 days after a Chinese army 's construction party came to build a road. Doka La is a pass in India which adjoins the Doklam plateau in Bhutan. China is also embroiled in a dispute with Bhutan over Doklam.Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Doklam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region . China and Bhutan are engaged in talks over the resolution of the area. Bhutan, however, has no diplomatic ties with China and it is supported militarily and diplomatically by India.India on June 30 expressed deep concern over China constructing the road in the disputed area and said it had conveyed to Beijing that such an action would represent a significant change of status quo with "serious" security implications for India.India has pushed in more troops in a non-combative mode to strengthen its position in the area . This is the longest standoff between the two armies since 1962 . The last one, which carried on for 21 days, occurred at Daulat Beg Oldie in the Ladakh division of Jammu and Kashmir in 2013, when Chinese troops entered 30 km into Indian territory till the Depsang Plains and claimed it to be a part of its Xinjiang province.
It has been envisioned as the modern Silk Route. A project close to Chinese President Xi Jinpings heart. After all, the President himself introduced the One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative in 2013. But getting all stakeholders on board has been a task for the Asian giant. India has redflagged the OBOR/Belt & Road initiative (BRI) pressing Beijing to address serious sovereignty concerns arising out of its ambitious land and sea connectivity plan.



In May this year, a heads of state/government summit touted by the Chinese media as the event of the year, saw no participation from India. New Delhi boycotted the event by refusing to send even an official as representative at the summit. In a sharp statement the Ministry of External Affairs said connectivity projects must be pursued in a manner that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity, accusing Beijing of violating the basic norms of engagement.



Indias concern stem directly out of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the Belt and Road initiative. The CPEC passes through Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and poses a security risk for India. There are also environmental concerns. as well as worries about it creating a debt burden, but, most importantly, it was a question of India's territorial integrity as a participation would have given legitimacy to Pakistan's occupation of Gilgit-Baltistan.



It was this boycott that seems to have not gone down well with China. It was widely seen as a snub and many believe this explains the present ratcheting up of rhetoric by China over the Doklam stand-off. The stand-off has now been on for over 3-weeks, during which India has issued just one statement calling upon China to display utmost restraint. India expressed concern over Chinese action of building a road in Doklam saying it would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India.



What has surprised many are the series of reactions from China. Asking India to withdraw its troops from its territory, Chinese Ambassador in India Lou Zhaohui terming the situation as grave, Chinese foreign ministry ruling out a bilateral meeting between Xi and Modi on the sidelines of the G 20 summit in Hamburg (a meeting that was not scheduled in the first place) and Chinese editorials threatening a repeat of 1962.



Sources believe that the belligerence being shown by China is an indication of both Bejing and its embassy in Delhi carrying a few bruises. According to sources Beijing, realises that without India on board there will be questions on the viability of OBOR.



Just ahead of the OBOR summit, China had made attempts to placate India by suggesting CPEC could be renamed. The Chinese Ambassador suggested during a speech at the United Services Institute in May that Beijing could consider renaming the China Pakistan Economic Corridor to assuage Indias concerns. The speech was put up on the Chinese embassy website, but curiously the sentence disappeared from the website soon and was reported by the India media. It did not help Beijings cause as India still gave the summit a miss. As a source described it: It was a trick that crashed badly



About a month ago, on June 9, Prime Minister Modi exchanged a warm handshake with Xi Jinping and the two smiled for the cameras at Astana during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. Xi made yet another indirect attempt to persuade India by indicating it was taking a mature view of Indias OBOR protest. He had said the two countries should respect each other's core concerns and properly handle differences. But less than a week later, June 16, the incident in Doklam unfolded, triggering off what is now the longest stand-off in decades.




As the India-China standoff in Dokalam Plateau nears three weeks, there does not appear to be an immediate solution in sight. No doubt, diplomats in South Block , and their counterparts in Beijing, would be working overtime, but the shrill rhetoric from the official Chinese media will only make their job much more difficult.The current Chinese approach is in sharp contrast to how it has handled similar occurrences in the past.The Demchok incident of April 2013 was extensively covered in India but there was no mention at all of the face off in the Chinese media. In fact the first official reaction appeared only a year later in July 2014 when the Chinese military spokesperson acknowledged that last year there was some incident in the border region. All these issues have been properly resolved through negotiations.The September 2014 intrusion in Chumar was clearly a deliberate and planned action as hundreds of Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC).It was an attempt to construct a road and pressurise India in an area where both sides had differing perceptions of the border. The timing coincided with the Chinese President Xi Jinpings visit to India and, equally pertinent, the Kashmir floods of 2014 which had cut off the main Srinagar-Leh highway into Ladakh.Even as hundreds of troops faced each other, there was no coverage in Chinese media. The first official statement came after one week when the Chinese spokesperson said, China and India attach great importance to the incident...With immediate and effective communication, this has been effectively controlled and managed. He went on to say, China hopes to continue to work with the Indian side to safeguard peace and tranquility in the border areas and solve the border issue through consultation and dialogue.The Chinese tone and tenor is markedly different this time. The government controlled media is replete with talk about war, betrayal and teaching bitter lessons. An editorial in the Global Times warned that India can choose to return to its territory with dignity, or be kicked out of the area by PLA. Conditions and preconditions that are normally discussed behind closed doors are being conveyed through press conferences and YouTube videos.In my view, the current standoff is more than just the tri-junction issue and is a manifestation of the state of India-China relations which, in recent times, have seen more divergence than convergence. Differences have emerged over support to Pakistan, membership of Nuclear Suppliers Group, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Masood Azhar, One Belt One Road and Afghanistan. Both countries are seemingly getting drawn into rival international groupings.With two rising powers in Asia, it is perhaps inevitable that some rivalry will take place, particularly as the border remains unsettled. It is also not surprising that this rivalry will play out in neighbouring countries.If Nepal is to be wooed with Chinese money, Bhutan is sought to be coerced by military power. If India backs down in its support to Bhutan, its influence and standing in the region will be seriously weakened. This is what gives the current face off a dimension which is larger than a routine border incident.Enough has been written about the respective positions of the three countries on the location of the tri-junction. Notwithstanding cartographic justifications, nations must carefully weigh the outcome of their actions in a realistic geopolitical framework.In an environment where there is extreme sensitivity to the boundary issue and disputes are measured in yards, Chinese attempts to construct a new road in a disputed area was an unnecessary provocation. Maintaining the status quo in such areas has been one of the major reasons for peace along the border. Since the Chinese have violated the status quo, they must take steps to restore it.I am sure that quiet diplomacy is at work to resolve the crisis, but loud elements in the media also need to be restrained. Sometimes words uttered to meet populist sentiment can limit the options available to policy makers. Verbal pistols need to be holstered so that a peaceful resolution can be found, one in which both sides can claim some kind of victory.It is hoped that the crisis can be diffused quietly, but the larger question will remain. There is a serious need in both countries to review the future of India-China ties which are today clouded with suspicion and mistrust.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi hugged his friend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he seemed to have angered Palestine A report in CNN has put the spotlight on the absence of Palestine . The report further states that it is upset with Modi.Palestinian Authority (PA) Deputy Foreign Minister Tayseer Jaradat told CNN, We would prefer it if the prime minister of an important country, like India, who is visiting the region, should also visit Palestine when he visits Israel .The article further says that the Palestinian frustration with India started more than a year ago when India abstained from a UN Human Rights Council vote, which shocked the Palestinians. Historically, India was one of the main supporters of the Palestinian political movement.Jaradat is quoted as saying the Palestinians feel that India has decided to enhance its cooperative relationship with Israel at the expense of the Palestinians.In May, Modi hosted Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for a state dinner in New Delhi. The Indian Prime Minister had then reaffirmed the country's commitment to a two state solution and the Palestinian cause.In an interview with the Times of Israel, Indian Ambassador to Israel, Pavan Kapoor, said, We will continue to work with the Palestinians because we do support their cause. But at the same time we want to keep our relations with Israel independent of their relationship with Palestine.
New Delhi: A standoff between Indian and Chinese troops continues at the border tri-junction with Bhutan. Asserting its claim over the Doklam region, the Chinese media, which is seen as a proxy for the Chinese establishment, has said that the precursor to any talks is a withdrawal of troops by India. But Beijing stirred the hornets nest after an op-ed in the state-run Global Times urged the Chinese government to rethink its stance on both Bhutan and Sikkim. The statement threatens to complicate an already tense situation but this is not the first time Sikkim has caused conflict between the two Asian giants.



Sikkim as a British Protectorate



In 1890, the Anglo-Chinese Convention, an agreement signed between the British and Chinese monarchies, Sikkim was declared as a protectorate of the British Empire. Over the next few decades, Sikkim became a full-fledged Princely State in British Colonial India.



Post-1947: Indian Protectorate



When the British left India, all Princely States, including Sikkim, became independent nations. A popular vote was conducted, over whether Sikkim should become a part of the Indian Union, and the people rejected the proposition. Sikkim continued to be an independent nation but in 1950, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru facilitated the signing of the Indo-Sikkim Treaty, under which Sikkim became an Indian protectorate. Sikkim would continue to be a sovereign nation but in matters of external affairs, defense and communications, it would defer to India.



Merger with India and Chinese Reaction



While Sikkim became a Constitutional monarchy under Indian suzerainty, anti-royal protests continued to break out in the Himalayan state. The Sikkim National Congress, a pro-India group, led the protests against the Chogyal of Sikkim. In 1975, the Prime Minister of Sikkim urged the Indian Parliament to merge Sikkim into the Union. In April, the Indian Army marched into Gangtok and disarmed the palace guards. A referendum was held and the people of Sikkim voted overwhelmingly, with a 97.5% majority, to join the Indian Union. In May 1975, the Kingdom of Sikkim became the 22nd state in the Union of India.



China, however, refused to acknowledge the democratic referendum as legitimate. Beijing continued to regard Sikkim as an independent nation, which it regarded as being occupied by India. China claimed that the referendum was conducted by India under military occupation.



Long-standing Issue



After Sikkims accession to India, several high-level meetings were held between New Delhi and Beijing. Despite visits from then External Affairs Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Prime Ministers Rajiv Gandhi and PV Narsimha Rao and Chinese premiers Li Peng and Jiang Zemin, Sikkim continued to be a thorn in Sino-Indian relations. It was finally in 2003 that a compromise between the two nations led to a thaw. China agreed to officially recognize Sikkim as an Indian state on the condition that India declared Tibet as a part of China. However, the biggest development on the India-China freeze over Sikkim came with the opening of the ancient Himalayan pass Nathu La in 2006 as a border crossing. The two nations agreed to allow trade through the route, which laid to rest the dispute over whether Sikkim was a part of Indian territory.
Tel Aviv: While addressing the Indian diaspora, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Israel is the land of martyrs and the country has proved that size and number doesn't matter for them. Praising Israel and its people, Modi added that every nation's development is in the spirit and self-determination of its citizen and not in its size.



"Israel is the land of martyrs. Many families here must have a personal story of sacrifices. They have personal tales of martyrdom. I bow to their valor," Modi said.



"Numbers and size doesn't matter, Israel has proven that," Modi said.



Modi also said that People of Indian origin in Israel will get the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards even if they have undergone the compulsory army service.



PM Modi, who is scheduled to visit the city of Haifa on Thursday to pay homage to the Haifa Indian Cemetery, also pointed out the role of role of Indian soldiers in the liberation of Jerusalem and Haifa.



The Haifa Indian Cemetery is a homage to Indian war heroes who laid down their lives in world wars during the liberation of Haifa. Indian Army, every here on September 23 marks 'Haifa Day'.



"I pay my homage to Second Lieutenant Ellis Aston, who was known by the name 'Indian Aston'. He served in Maratha light infantry. Indian soldiers had played a role behind the independence of Haifa. I'm going there to pay homage," Modi said.



Saying, "Jews are great people," Modi also recalled Indian Jew Army officer, Lieutenant General Jacob Farj Rafael, who played a prominent role in 1971 Indo-Pak war.



"I went to Benjamin's (Netanyahu) house yesterday and we talked till late night. He gifted me a picture of the liberation of Jerusalem by the Indian soldiers," Modi said.



He further drew parallels between Indian and Israeli culture, saying, "our cooperation is of tradition, culture and mutual trust and friendship".



"In our Puranas there's a similarity, we celebrate Holi and Israel marks Purin. We celebrate Diwali and in Israel, Hanukkah is celebrated," he said.



The Prime Minister also recalled the spiritual link between India and Israel and said that it was the Indian Sufi saint Baba Fareed, who meditated in Jerusalem in the twelfth century.



He further wished the Indian players, who arrived here to mark the Maccabiah games.



"I was happy to know, that Maccabiah games are beginning tomorrow and I wish people of Israel for this. And I m happy that India has also sent its team, and Indian players are present here, I wish them best wishes," Modi said.



(With agency inputs)
: A Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activist, who was stabbed by an unruly mob on Wednesday evening, succumbed to his injuries at a hospital in Basirhat in Bengal's North 24-Parganas district, which has witnessed a series of clashes over an "objectionable" Facebook post by a student.The victim has been identified as Kartik Ghosh (49). The incident took place last evening when a mob raided his tea stall and allegedly looted all valuables and cash. When he protested, Kartik was stabbed multiple times.The assailants fled before the local police could reach. The incident once again flared up the unrest as a large number of paramilitary forces were rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control.Kartik was rushed to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday, 6 pm.Speaking to News18, Jishnu Basu, RSS's General Secretary in South Bengal, said, It is a very unfortunate incident and we are in a state of shock over the clashes which are taking place in Basirhat . We strongly condemn this incident.The murder took place hours after West Bengal Chief Minister urged people to maintain peace in the areas.While condemning the clashes, she said, Somebody posted a picture on Facebook and police arrested that youth. Then, where is the problem? I would like to warn those involved in the clashes not to play with fire.Mamata claimed that there were some religious leaders from both Muslim and Hindu community behind the clashes. I am sorry to say that some religious leaders are doing this in exchange for money. This is shocking. Please dont try to judge my patience limit. I am not in favour of any particular community, she said.Trouble started a few days ago after Saurav Sarkar, a class 12 student, uploaded an "objectionable post" on Facebook at Baduria in North 24 Parganas. After receiving a complaint, the police immediately arrested Saurav.Soon after the post, a large number of Muslims reached Baduria Police Station demanding Saurav be handed over to them. As the police refused to comply, the mob went on a rampage.BJP state President Dilip Ghosh said, We wanted the immediate arrest of the accused, and demanded the central government's intervention in the matter. The law and order situation in Bengal ran into rough weather and the Chief Minister is sitting ideal.Meanwhile, BJP is sending a central team to Basirhat. Senior leaders like Minakshi Lekhi, Om Mathur and Satyapal Malik are expected to reach on Friday to examine the ground realities
Wow! RK 420 in a US Casino gambling to improve his health!! ED must find out from where his $$ came from. pic.twitter.com/4UeUgg9yNN  Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) July 5, 2017

Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy tweeted a photograph purportedly of superstar Rajinikanth gambling in a US casino and demanded an Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe into the actors wealth.RK 420 is how Swamy refers to Rajinikanth in his tweets.The tweet marks the senior BJP leaders sharpest attack on Rajinikanth since the latter dropped strong hints of joining politics.Earlier, Swamy had questioned Rajinikanths credentials as a Tamizhan, saying his political debut would spell disaster."He has no future in politics. A new generation of very educated Tamilians who are assertive, influential now want national politics to come to Tamil Nadu. He is unsuitable for becoming the chief minister of Tamil Nadu," Swamy had said.Over several interactions with his fans in May, Rajini had said the political system needed cleansing and that he would not allow "wrong people" to join him if he took the political plunge.Despite frequent speculation, the 66-year actor has avoided making any explicit commitment on entering politics.
Kolkata: Fresh tension was reported in West Bengal's Basirhat area on Thursday forcing the police to lob tear gas shells and resort to baton charge even as the state government decided to ban some organisations for allegedly instigating people.



"There may be some reports of small incidents, but the situation is under control," a senior official at the state secretariat asserted.



"Fresh tension brewed up at Basirhat town and station area after the communal clashes in Baduria in the district. Police had to lob teargas shells and resort to baton charge to disperse an unruly crowd," a senior police officer said.



Police and BSF personnel immediately rushed to the area to bring the situation under control, he said.



The state cabinet decided to ban the organisations after they were allegedly found instigating people in communal riots, a state minister said.



It was also learnt that if these organisations try to hold any meeting or rally, they will have to inform the police and seek prior permission.



"Police will run a check on their records and then only give permission for holding rallies and meetings," the minister said.



"Some strategies were chalked out during today's cabinet meeting to control the situation in Basirhat," he said.



On whether a BJP delegation, which is planning to visit Baduria on Friday, will be allowed to enter the area, a senior state government official said, "Prohibitory orders are already in place in the area. No gathering is allowed as per rules and the administration and police will take steps per the provision of law."



The official said four companies of paramilitary forces (around 400 personnel) already present in Baduria are "enough" to maintain law and order situation there.



"The number of forces present there (in Baduria) is enough... At the moment we do not require more forces there...We have been asking for forces from the Centre for the hills, but not getting that," he said.



North 24 Parganas district officials said life in Baduria and surrounding areas, where communal clashes broke

out, returned to normal.



Shops and markets reopened, bus services resumed and local residents started coming out of their homes.



However, Internet services continued to be disrupted and paramilitary forces and police remained posted in the troubled areas.



"Everything is back to normal. There are no reports of any problem from anywhere in Baduria. We are keeping a strict vigil so that nothing untoward happens. Till then police postings will continue here," the official said.



Baduria and its adjoining areas, including Keosha market, Banshtala, Ramchandrapur and Tentulia, witnessed a communal flare-up following a post by a youth on Facebook earlier this week. Though the youth was arrested, members of two communities clashed, set up road blockades, damaged shops and set fire to vehicles.



To control the situation, the state government has temporarily suspended internet services in four police station areas of Basirhat, Baduria, Swarupnagar and Deganga to check the spread of rumours through social networking sites.



Asked about when Internet services will resume, the official said, "A thorough review of the situation will be done before a decision is taken in this matter."



The clashes had triggered an unprecedented spat between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Governor K N Tripathi, whom she accused of acting like "a BJP block president" and "threatening" her.



Director General of Police Surajit Kar Purakayastha has requested people to refrain from spreading hatred and not to step into any kind of provocation. "Those spreading rumours and indulging in hate posts and false propaganda shall not be spared. Please respect the law of the land. Malicious efforts to create divides and attempts to take law in own hands will be sternly dealt with. Please don't heed rumours," the DGP said.
Lucknow: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad on Thursday expressed confidence that the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya will be hassle free as there was a BJP government in Uttar Pradesh.



There is BJP government in the state at the moment, so there wont be any hassle in the construction of the temple. Last month, we contacted the Commercial Tax Department officials and they immediately issued the form 39 which was stopped for almost a year, senior VHP leader Triloki Nath Pandey said.



This statement came after three trucks reached Ayodhya loaded with stones from Rajasthan for the temple's construction.



Pandey said, Three trucks loaded with stones have reached Ayodhya from Bharatpur, Rajasthan for the construction of Ram Temple, but overall we will need around 100 truck stone. The stones have been stored at VHP headquarters in Karsevakpuram as of now.



Meanwhile, senior lawyer and counsel in the Babri demolition case Zafaryab Jilani said, "This is a political agenda and they want to tell their parliamentary area that they are serious about making the temple. It will not make any difference. The only thing which will start is the communal tension for sure. This is a pre-planned strategy of BJP, VHP and RSS altogether.



Khalid Ahmed Khan, one of the people related to the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi case said, Stones coming in for the construction of the temple is a political gimmick and BJP is trying to give a message to the people that they are serious about the construction of the temple. However, this will not make any difference to the case. We have full confidence in the Supreme Court and the Constitution.



Giving his reaction over this incident, senior Congress leader PL Punia said, This work in Ayodhya has been going on for a long time, but till today I have not heard this statement of BJP or RSS that we will forcefully construct a temple there. Whether it is Yogi or anybody else, everyone has said that only after the decision of the court the temple will be built. "



Former VC of Lucknow University, Roop Rekha Verma said that the matter is under consideration in the Supreme Court. Therefore, such activities are illegal and against the country. This can offend communal harmony.



In the year 2015, an attempt was made to collect stones from all over the country for the construction of Ram Mandir, but the then Samajwadi government had banned two truck stones after it arrived. The commercial tax department refused to issue Form 39 to bring the stones.
Union Finance minister, Arun Jaitley can see raised brows of women in India for levying 12% GST on sanitary napkins. The State Finance Minister of Mumbai, Sudhir Mungantiwar raised his voice against the GST tax slab on Sanitary Napkins when he was presented sanitary napkins in protest by women workers of Nav Nirman Sena. There has been a list of Womens Organizations standing in opposition to impose GST on sanitary pads.



Shalini Thackery, the first daughter-in-law from a politically powerful family, expresses her agitation against GST. She quoted that womens menstruation are those four days that give life to humanity. She is rigorously against imposing tax on such a basic commodity.



The overall conditioning needs to change and India should stop behaving like Ostriches, said Ratna Pathak Shah, the famous Indian actress and director.



Actress Konkona Sen Sharma and TV and film producer Ekta Kapoor also stated that a basic commodity like sanitary pads should be tax-free under GST. If you dont have any control over your bodily function, how can it be considered to be taxed under luxury goods, aptly remarked by Konkona at a films promotion.



Pooja Singh, secretary of an NGO in Meerut, said A majority of women in India are unable to afford sanitary napkins because of the cost. This is when it is a necessity for them and concerns both sanitation and menstrual health of a woman. By imposing 12% GST on sanitary napkins, the government has tried to make a mockery of women.



All women demand that the product should be made tax free. The government made Sindoor a tax free commodity and turned a deaf ear to the appeal of millions of women by treating sanitary napkins as a taxable item that too in the second slab of 12%. What image is the government trying to brand of an Indian woman by making kumkum, sindoor, bindi, alta and bangles as tax free and imposing 12% GST on a basic commodity like Sanitary Napkins that women are biologically necessitated to use worldwide!


A post shared by Ralph & Russo (@ralphandrusso) on Jul 5, 2017 at 1:31am PDT

The after party. In @ralphandrusso #hautecouture and @chopard : @namratasoni : @thehouseofpixels A post shared by Rhea Kapoor (@rheakapoor) on Jul 4, 2017 at 8:16am PDT

After stirring up a storm at the ongoing Paris Haute Couture Week, Neerja star Sonam Kapoor returned to Mumbai on Wednesday night. The Bollywood diva - who sashayed down the runway in Paris as a showstopper dressed in a white embellished peplum gown, courtesy Armani - looked nothing less than a supermodel at the Mumbai airport.The 34-year-old who upped the glamour quotient at the airport by flaunting her perfectly toned midrib in a crop top, was snapped sporting Anamika Khanna separates which included floral printed crop top, matching wide-legged pants and a jacket. The actress let her hair loose in side parting and completed her look with nude makeup, a pair of stylish sunglasses and minimal accessories.Be it Sonam's on-screen fashion selections or off-screen sartorial choices, the actress has always managed to turn heads in whatever she sports. The B-town star looked extremely comfortable in the chic outfit as she walked towards the airport's exit. Take a look.(Photo: Sonam Kapoor snapped at Mumbai airport/ Yogen Shah)Earlier, the actress was spotted with Arizona Muse attending the Ralph & Russo 'Beasts and Beauties' ball alongside Creative Director, Tamara Ralph in Paris.Dressed in a beautiful lilac Ralph and Russo gown with her tresses tied in a low bun with center parting, perfect makeup by Namrata Soni and diamonds from Chopard, Sonam looked nothing less than a fairytale princess at the fashion brand's after party at the Paris Haute Couture Week.
Bigg Boss fame Veena Malik is back to creating controversy again - this time by ranting against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in her present avatar as a television anchor.In her programme 'Breaking News with Veena Malik' on Pak TV, the Pakistani starlet is seen pouring out a lot of hate against PM Modi and his historic meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.Her anchor read, as clear from a clip tweeted by Pak TV, is no professional journalism at work but just a parroting of divisive, standard issue anti-India propaganda.Veena was in news earlier in India during her days at the Bigg Boss house, where she bonded with fellow contestant Ashmit Patel.Pakistani actress last made headlines when she ended her three-year-old marriage with Asad Khattak after a family court granted them divorce. They got married in December 2013 in a court in Dubai and have two children.The court in Lahore had accepted Veenas khula (divorce) application and ruled in her favour after non-pursuance of the case by Mr. Khattak.
Image: Yogen Shah

Image: Instagram/ Arjun Kapoor

Image: Yogen Shah

Image: Yogen Shah

Ranveer Singh is one of the leading actors of this time. From his 'Bread Pakora ki kasam' to 'No it was epuke' dialogue in Dil Dhadakne Do, the quirky actor has always struck a chord with the youth. Popular as portable charger of Bollywood, Ranveer is claimed to be always high on life and style, by his contemporaries and directors. His devil may care attitude oozes confidence in the right amount and this makes him the youth icon of today. He debuted in the industry as Bittu Sharma and so naturally played his character that even after five years of its release, students still connect with the character.Ranveer is known for venturing into areas that were never touched before by the Bollywood' s stars. He endorsed condoms. This was considered to be the territory of either a sexy model or an upcoming actress, with a sultry voice. This guy changed the set definition of condom ads from sultry voice overs to a peppy rap song which was catchy and thus established the brand like never before. Then when this guy endorsed a food brand like nobody ever did. 'My name is Ranveer Ching' became the anthem for all Ranveer lovers.When made his debut, Ranveer was not classified as the most handsome hero, he didnt have any immediate filmy family connections and Karan Johar thought that this guy was not a hero material and he proved that he is not conventional at all, either look wise or film-wise. He has a varied genre in his kitty, from rom-com like Band Baaja Baarat to the critically acclaimed Lootera in which he played a character totally opposite his true nature. The quirkiness of this guy was portrayed well in Dil Dhadakne Do.It is his talent and talent alone that has made him the home-boy of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, a title which earlier used to belong to none other than Salman Khan. After a raw and passionate Ramleela and an incredible performance in period-drama Bajirao Mastani, Singh is again working with Bhansali in another magnum opus, Padmavati.He grew up watching Anil Kapoor and Govinda and it was they who inspired him to be an actor. While studying in America this Sindhi boy used to work in Starbucks impressing ladies with a fake hardcore Indian accent.So the quirkiness runs in the blood of Ranveer from times immemorial. This guy is crazy and entertains everyone with his craziness. Who could forget the Krissh video he did as a dare given to him by Hrithik Roshan? He did what other celebrities generally refrain from doing. He danced in the middle of a busy road in Mumbai, during a red light, without celebrity tantrums and vanished before anyone could realise what just happened.Ranveer's controversial participation in All India Bakchods Roast was another unconventional act he did which was loved by the majority of the young population of the country. He along with Arjun Kapoor, laughed on himself and made jokes about his own movies and acting without any hesitation.His unabashed attitude, his candour and his quirk, when it comes to fashion, just cant be ignored. Whether it is casuals or formals, the actor can impress his fans with utmost ease. Bandhgala, floral pants, loud tees, velvet shweranis; anything and everything can keep his spirit alive.Girls want him, boys want to be him. This one man has the nations women wooed in a heartbeat! While a lot of actors opt to keep mum about their personal affairs, Ranveer is so vocal about it, that it has started to give the real life boyfriends some serious troubles! Hes all in for a public display of affection when it comes to his ladylove Deepika Padukone, hes all mushy when it comes to working with her, hes also so smitten by her that his eyes do the talking.From promoting Deepikas XXX: The Return of Xander Cage back home to do a Facetime while collecting an award on her behalf; is there anything this man hasnt done? In the most recent heart-winning act, the actor took to social media to announce that she completes him; not just professionally but personally too. "Leela to my Ram... Mastani to my Bajirao... Best Actress to my Best Actor".The face of India is changing; with more than 50% of Indian population being young, major population look out for anything and anyone that is crazy, cool and quirky, that can match their energy and their aims without being superficial, and Ranveer Singh has everything. This guy is daring, doesnt shy away from upsetting conventional rules, knows his jobs and is always trying out new things, thus making him the Cool guy in the Bollywood fraternity.Heres wishing the actor, dancer, copywriter, style icon and most importantly, the much-loved entertainer a sparkling birthday!
Jodhpur: Actor Salman Khan may appear before the court of the District and Sessions Judge at Jodhpur today for verification of bail bonds submitted by him in a case of illegal possession of arms that he allegedly used to kill blackbucks in 1998.



Salman was acquitted by the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate on January 18, 2017 under Arms Act case. He had filed a bail bond in a higher court, the District and Sessions judge, in the case.



Salman and a few other Bollywood actors were accused of poaching blackbucks on the night of October 1, 1998 during the shooting of Hindi movie Hum Saath-Saath Hain. The Dabangg star was also accused of carrying and using illegal arms, after which a case under the Arms Act was registered against him.



Salman may also remain present in hearing of a case of poaching of blackbucks at Kankani village near Jodhpur -- which also happened during the shooting of the film in 1998.



However, neither the advocate H.M. Saraswat representing Salman in the local courts, nor the police officials have confirmed Salman's arrival.



The state government on March 7 filed an appeal challenging the decision of the Chief Judicial Magistrate acquittal of Salman. This is pending for adjudication in the District and Sessions court.



"Khan has to come for verification of bail bonds before the appellate court as it is a legal procedure," said Jitendar Singh Khichi, a lawyer practicing in the criminal side at the High Court.



"It is not necessary to come tomorrow and Khan may also file an application seeking exemption from personal appearance for tomorrow," Khichi said while talking about the possibility.



Besides, final arguments in a case against Salman and other film stars for alleged poaching of two blackbucks in Kankani village near Jodhpur will also begin from Thursday.



Salman and others are continuously filing applications for exemption from personal presence as they reside elsewhere, but on Thursday if Salman is here he will have to remain present before the court.




Actor Salman Khan - who was expected to appear before the court of the District and Sessions Judge at Jodhpur today for verification of bail bonds submitted by him in a case of illegal possession of arms that he allegedly used to kill blackbucks in 1998 - wont be able to make it, sources reveal.



While the actors lawyers have already reached the court, he is unlikely to be present.



The actor was acquitted by the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate on January 18, 2017 under Arms Act case. He had filed a bail bond in a higher court, the District and Sessions judge, in the case.



Salman along with other Bollywood actors were accused of poaching blackbucks on October 1, 1998 while filming Hum Saath-Saath Hain.



Salman was also accused of carrying and using illegal arms, after which a case under the Arms Act was registered against him.



The state government on March 7 filed an appeal challenging the decision of the Chief Judicial Magistrate acquittal of Salman. This is pending for adjudication in the District and Sessions court.



"Khan has to come for verification of bail bonds before the appellate court as it is a legal procedure," said Jitendar Singh Khichi, a lawyer practicing in the criminal side at the High Court.



"It is not necessary to come tomorrow and Khan may also file an application seeking exemption from personal appearance for tomorrow," Khichi said while talking about the possibility.



Besides, final arguments in a case against Salman and other film stars for alleged poaching of two blackbucks in Kankani village near Jodhpur will also begin today.



Salman was also expected to be present in hearing of a case of poaching of blackbucks at Kankani village near Jodhpur -- which also happened during the shooting of the film in 1998. The case has been adjourned till July 22.





(With inputs from IANS)




Our favourite teenage Spidey superhero is back with Spiderman: Homecoming and this time it's his home Universe where he will be seen spinning webs and defeating villains. Marvel Cinematic Universe is all set to welcome the young superhero with his own spin-off after he made his debut in Captain America: Civil War.By the looks, posters and trailer, Spiderman: Homecoming looks like a typical sassy film made for the teenage fan base of the hero, as well as give a newer look to morbid McGuire and somewhat chirp Garfield's character.The plot starts where the Civil War ended, with now Iron Man to mentor him and Stark Industry to fund his suit, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) had to go out in full swag. Plus the present day setup of the film makes Spiderman more technologically advanced and even smarter than his predecessors.Directed by Jon Watts, the tech-savvy, more sassy version of red spider-suit hero has a lot riding on it. Apart from carrying the expectations of his predecessors, the film also has to find its own niche in crowded and popular Avengers' Universe.Will the film be able to prove itself as the perfect Homecoming for young Spiderman? Will it be able to bring it the swag in an otherwise tragic world of orphaned Peter? Will Tom Holland be able to fill in the shoes of Tobey Maguire? Sameeksha from News18 is inside the theatre to find out.
At quarter to four sharp on Wednesday evening, Congress MP from Assam's Silchar, Sushmita Dev, was at 24 Akbar Road for the daily media briefing.There had been a buzz in Delhi's political circles since morning that the Congress may come out in support of the Trinamool Congress after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a frontal attack on the West Bengal Governor, Keshari Nath Tripathi This Governor should be recalled. He should be sacked. No Governor has the right to reprimand an elected Chief Minister, Sushmita said, endorsing TMCs position. Mamata Banerjee had alleged on Wednesday that Governor Tripathi had "threatened and humiliated" her. The spat between the Chief Minister and the Governor came as communal clashes broke out in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district on the night of July 4 following an "objectionable" Facebook post.Not far from the Congress office, just a few hundred meters down the road, West Bengal Congress President Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. It was a scheduled meeting. The Murshidabad MP had sought an appointment to discuss the Darjeeling violence, Basirhat communal clash and the persecution of political opponents in the state.And precisely the time when Congress spokesperson sought West Bengal Governors dismissal, Chowdhury walked out of the Home Ministers residence to describe the state governor as a thorough gentleman.Whenever I have been to him, the Governor has behaved very well. He is a thorough gentleman, he told reporters who were waiting outside. We do not know why she (Mamata) is peeved. We want to know. Then we will also protest.Chowdhury has been a vociferous critic of the Mamata Banerjee government, opposing any truck with the TMC leadership. The central leadership of the party, of late, has tilted towards the ruling dispensation after failing to strike a fine balance between the Left and the TMC, which has more than three dozen MPs in Parliament.The Centre and the state units of the party, of late, havent been on the same page, especially on some critical issues. While the state unit wants to send its own nominee to the Rajya Sabha in elections slated shortly, the Congress high-command is willing to accommodate CPM General Secretary Sitaram Yechury for lone seat opposition can win.
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar left for Rajgir to recuperate from some form of illness hours before Congresss presidential nominee Meira Kumar was to arrive in Patna for a three-day visit.



Speculation were rife for the last two days that Nitish might avoid a meeting with Meira Kumar as he has openly endorsed NDAs nominee Ramnath Kovind in the race for Raisina Hills.



Going by itinerary of Meria Kumar, who is arriving in Patna on Thursday evening, Chief Ministers latest move has made it clear that he would not be able to meet her.



After arrival at 5pm, Meira Kumar is scheduled to meet elected representatives of her party Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) which has extended support to her.



Meira Kumar will leave for her native place in Chandwa on Friday where she will participate in an event organized in remembrance of her father Babu Jagjivan Ram, former deputy prime minister and prominent Dalit leader. She will return to Patna on Saturday and address a press conference before leaving the state.



Nitish Kumars decision to back Kovind rattled his alliance with Congress and RJD in the state which, many says, may not last long. Though Lalu and Nitish have spoken in conciliatory tones after initial outbursts at each other, but latters continuous attack on Congress has jeopardized efforts of opposition unity before 2019 general elections.



In a calculated move Nitish has refrained to say anything about Meira Kumar as she was projected by Lalu Yadav and Congress as Bihar Ki Beti, and his party Janata Dal (United) has attacked her directly.



Party spokesman Neeraj Kumar said, She claims to be Biahr Ki Beti but chose to go to Gujarat first. She should have come here (Bihar).



On the possibility of a Meira-Nitish meeting, he referred to the protocol. If she wants to meet Nitish, she should take prior appointment, Neeraj Kumar said.



While RJD has refrained from commenting on Nitishs reluctance to meet Meira Kumar, Congress took a jibe at the CM. Slamming JD(U) comments, Congress spokesman Dileep Chaudhary said, She does not require a certificate from anyone to be called Bihar Ki Beti. It is a matter of fact.



Referring to reported illness of Nitish Kumar, he laughed saying, If you are unwell, more people will come to see you.
Patna: Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi is believed to have warned his party leaders against targeting Congress ally and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar to calm the waters within the Mahagathbandhan.



Rahul's gesture was reciprocated by CM Nitish who hinted that he will go with the Opposition in the forthcoming vice-presidential election. Media reports suggested that Rahul instructed his leaders not to criticise the Bihar Chief Minister.



Bihar Congress president Ashok Choudhary confirmed to PTI that he had a meeting with Gandhi earlier this week in Delhi but refused to divulge the details. The reports said that Gandhi, during his meeting with Choudhary, hinted that action would be taken against leaders issuing statements against Kumar.



Rahul was on a vacation when the Congress-JD(U) spat broke out. Senior Congress leader Gulam Nabi Azad was the first to target Nitish when Bihar CM extended support to the National Democratic Alliance's candidate, Ram Nath Kovind, for the Presidential election. Azad had alleged that Nitish wanted to ensure the defeat of 'Bihar ki Beti' Meira Kumar.



People having one ideology take one decision while those with many ideologies take different decisions, Azad had said, apparently referring to JD (U)'s long association with BJP.



Some state leaders of the Congress subsequently attacked Kumar, who returned the fire by questioning Congress's shift from the ideologies of Mahatama Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.



The JD(U) chief made it clear that his party was no "pichlagoo" (camp follower) of any party. The war of words between the JD(U) and the Congress threatened the Grand Alliance government in Bihar, which includes the Congress and RJD of Lalu Prasad. Kumar's bonding with Rahul Gandhi is well known in political circles.



It is also known that it was at Gandhi's intervention that the Congress had put pressure on Prasad to announce Kumar as the chief ministerial candidate on the eve of the 2015 Bihar Assembly poll.



The patch up between the two parties seems to have come at the right time as the combined opposition presidential candidate Meira Kumar is arriving in Bihar today on a three-day visit.



She is scheduled to meet Congress and RJD legislators and parliamentarians. However, no meeting with chief minister Kumar has been fixed.



Reacting positively to the Congress gesture, JD(U) has hinted that it could side with the opposition in the August vice-presidential poll.



"If our party is invited to participate in a meeting of the opposition to discuss the issue of vice-presidential election, we will certainly attend," JD(U) national spokesman K C Tyagi told PTI over phone.



JD(U) would support the united opposition's candidate in the vice-president election, provided it is invited and consulted, he said.



Asked who would represent JD(U) in the proposed opposition's meeting, Tyagi said that it would be decided by Kumar and senior party leader Sharad Yadav.



Choudhary, who is also the education minister in the Nitish Kumar-led government, told PTI, "We expect JD(U) would be with us in the vice-presidential poll."



(With inputs from PTI)
The founder of China's struggling tech group LeEco, Jia Yueting, on Thursday pledged to take full responsibility for the company's debt troubles amid a deepening financial crisis and after some of the company's assets were frozen. Jia, writing in a post on his public WeChat account, apologised for causing worry, pledged to pay back LeEco's debts and to stick to its ambitious electric vehicle project. "Please give LeEco some time, please give LeEco car some time, we will pay back creditors, suppliers and any other debts," Jia wrote.Concerns about Jia's position at LeEco were raised after Chinese newspapers reported this week that he was no longer LeEco's legal representative. Additionally, earlier this week $182 million of assets owned by Jia or the firm were frozen by a court in Shanghai. The online record of China's national enterprise credit information publicity system does show that in June LeEco Holdings' legal representative changed from Jia to another company executive Wu Meng. Jia pointed out in the WeChat post that he still has an important role at LeEco."I am still LeEco's executive director and largest shareholder, resigning from listed company CEO job and many other important roles is all aimed at making FF91 go to production and hit the market as soon as possible," Jia said, referring to LeEco's luxury electric car concept under Faraday Future in the US. While many analysts said LeEco's expensive ambition in electric vehicles caused the biggest financial problem for the Netflix-to-Telsa-like conglomerate, Jia was emphatic in the post that LeEco remains committed to its car strategy, with its "dream to revolutionise the auto industry" remaining "undefeatable".
Seoul's Incheon International Airport has deployed a small fleet of robots programmed to help travelers with everything from finding their gate and their boarding times to getting a local weather forecast for their travel destination in an initiative that's become a growing trend among international hubs.



Starting this month, fliers passing through South Korea's largest airport can consult one of five LG Electronics guide robots roving the terminal, dispatched to help lost or hapless travelers.



After inserting and scanning their boarding pass, travelers are provided with their flight information, a map of the airport, weather data, along with the distance and time it takes to get to their boarding gate on a large touchscreen display.



For now, the blinking, talking robots named Troika can answer questions in English, Chinese, Japanese and Korean.



The guides can also escort lost or harried passengers to their gate.



Along with serving as airport staff, another set of robots will be dispatched to help clean the airport terminal.



The Airport Cleaning Robot is described as a "super-sized robot vacuum" built with smart sensors and multiple cameras to clean tiles and carpet floors without bumping into harried passengers and colliding into crowds.



The guide robots at Incheon are being dispatched ahead of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Games.



Incheon isn't the first airport to hire robot staff.



Last year Dutch carrier KLM carried out a pilot project at Amsterdam Airport Schipol with the debut of Spencer, a robot tasked with escorting passengers to their boarding gate.



In Taiwan, at Taipei Songshan Airport, EVA Air passengers are greeted by a Chinese-speaking robot named Pepper, while another works at the Taoyuan International Airport's VIP lounge.



Last fall, Mineta San Jose International Airport in California debuted a trio of robots to help travelers find the services and amenities they need inside the airport as well as entertain them.
Cairo: Four Arab states refrained on Wednesday from slapping further sanctions on Qatar but voiced disappointment at its "negative" response to their demands and said their boycott of the tiny Gulf nation would continue.



Qatar earlier in the day accused Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt of "clear aggression" and said the accusations cited when they severed ties a month ago "were clearly designed to create anti-Qatar sentiment in the West".



The four Arab nations accuse Qatar of supporting terrorism and allying with regional foe Iran, which Doha denies. Their foreign ministers met in Cairo on Wednesday after a deadline they gave Qatar to meet 13 demands expired.



They had been expected to consider further sanctions at the gathering, but announced no new measures.



"The response the four states got was overall negative and lacked any content. We find it did not provide a basis for Qatar to retreat from its policies," Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said, reading out a joint statement after the meeting.



"The political and economic boycott will continue until Qatar changes its policies for the better," Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir told a news conference.



Qatar's response to the demands has not been made public.



The United Arab Emirates' minister of state for foreign affairs, Anwar Gargash, said in a tweet that Qatar faced "greater isolation, incremental measures and reputational damage" if it did not heed the demands.



"For any real discussion with Doha to gain traction, it has to be responsible for past actions and recognise the necessity of changing course. The message from Cairo is zero tolerance for terrorism, (a) powerful message from Arab world to international community. Qatar can't miss the bus," Gargash said.



Shoukry later told an Egyptian privately-owned broadcaster that the demands were non-negotiable.



"The matter from the beginning was not up for negotiations... there is no middle ground," he told the On television channel.



The foreign ministers said they would meet again soon in the Bahraini capital, Manama, but gave no date. Intelligence chiefs from the four countries also met in Cairo on Tuesday night, officials said.



The worst inter-Arab rift for many years has aroused deep disquiet among Western allies who regard the region's ruling dynasties as essential partners in energy and defence.



The Arab countries have demanded Qatar curtail its support for the Muslim Brotherhood, shut down the pan-Arab al Jazeera satellite TV channel, close a Turkish military base and downgrade its relations with rival Iran.



Turkey, the biggest regional power to stand by Qatar, has sent to Doha 100 cargo planes with supplies since its neighbours cut air and sea links. It has also rushed through legislation to send more troops to its base in Doha.



Two contingents of Turkish troops with columns of armoured vehicles have arrived since the crisis erupted on June 5.



Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday dismissed calls for closure of the base and said the list of Arab demands amounted to an unlawful intervention against Qatari sovereignty.



Saudi Arabia's Jubeir said he hoped Turkey would stay neutral and Egypt's Shoukry rejected any non-Arab interference.



Qatar along with Turkey backed a Muslim Brotherhood government in Egypt before it was overthrown in 2013. The Arab states have demanded Qatar sever any links to the Brotherhood and other groups they deem to be terrorist, ideological or sectarian.



Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump by telephone about Qatar, Sisi's office said on Wednesday.



"The visions of the two presidents on dealing with current regional crises were in line, especially when it comes to reaching political settlements which contribute to regional security and stability," Sisi's office said in a statement.



Trump has voiced concern to both sides. Qatar, a small peninsular country protruding into the Gulf, hosts the biggest US military base in the region as a bulwark against Iran.



US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson also spoke by phone with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday, a State Department official said.



Shoukry said Trump's call had not affected the statement coming from the foreign ministers.



The Qatari foreign minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, told a session of London's Chatham House think-tank that Doha was continuing to call for dialogue to settle the dispute.



He said that this was "despite the separation of 12,000 families, despite the siege that is a clear aggression and an insult to all international treaties, bodies and jurisdictions."



Qatar Girds For Long Stalemate



He suggested Qatar, the world's biggest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and second largest gas exporter after Russia, was preparing for a more protracted rift.



"What we've done in the last few weeks is develop different alternative for ways to ensure the supply chain for the country not to be cut off."



Qatar announced on Tuesday that it planned to raise LNG production capacity by 30% in the next five years.



Company and industry sources told Reuters that the West's three biggest energy firms are lobbying Qatar to take part in a huge expansion of its gas output, handing Doha an unintended but timely boost in the dispute.



Qatar has invested heavily in infrastructure projects in Western countries and works closely with the United States and other allies on Syria's civil war.



"Reading between the lines, the blockading countries (are) demanding that we have to surrender our sovereignty to end the siege, something which... Qatar will never do," Sheikh Mohammed said.



Responding to the accusation that it has drawn too close to Iran, he said Doha had to live alongside Tehran since the two states shared an offshore gas field.



Gulf newspapers close to their governments appeared also to see little prospect of any immediate deal.



The editor of the Abu Dhabi government-linked al-Ittihad newspaper wrote that Qatar, with a population of two million compared to Saudi Arabia's 31 million, was "walking alone in its dreams and illusions, far away from its Gulf Arab brothers".



Qatari officials say the Gulf states' demands are so stiff they suspect they were never seriously meant for negotiation.



German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, on a tour of Gulf countries, said he was cautiously optimistic the feuding states would reach a solution once they had talks.



"But it is also possible that it will continue to be difficult for some days," he told reporters in Kuwait where he met with the Gulf state's ruler who is mediating in the crisis.



Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed al-Khalifa said any decision on ending Qatar's membership of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) would come from the GCC itself and that such a measure would be considered when it next met.
London: British Prime Minister Theresa May will hold talks with Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Hamburg, a UK government official told AFP.



The bilateral meeting on Friday comes as both leaders face tough challenges on the world stage, with May stumbling through the Brexit process and several of Trump's aides under investigation for possible ties with Russia.



The G20 in Germany will likely be dominated by North Korea's testing of an intercontinental ballistic missile which could reach the US, prompting Trump to declare he had run out of "patience" with the Pyongyang regime.



On the eve of the summit he will meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, while Friday will see Trump hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.



The US president touched down in Europe on Wednesday evening, starting his four-day trip in Warsaw where he will be hosted by Polish President Andrzej Duda.



Trump's second foreign tour follows his visit to Italy in May for the G7 summit, during which he clashed with other leaders on climate change.



He has found a cautious ally in Britain's leader, who hotfooted to Washington just days after Trump was elected in the hope she could secure the promise of future trade ties once the UK leaves the European Union.



But the visit received huge criticism at home, with a petition against May's offer to Trump of a state visit to London attracting more than 1.8 million signatures.



The prime minister's office said it is not aware of plans for Trump to visit the UK in the next few weeks, following reports that the US president could arrive at short notice in a bid to avoid mass protests.
Paris: Saudi Arabia, which is leading a four-country blockade of Gulf neighbour Qatar, on Thursday accused Doha of being behind over 23,000 Twitter accounts it blames for trying to stoke dissent in Saudi Arabia.



We found over 23,000 Twitter accounts driven by Qatar, some of them linked to accounts calling for revolution in Saudi Arabia, Information Minister Awwad Saleh al-Awwad told AFP during a visit to Paris. They included the @mujtahidd account, which claims to have the inside track on the Saudi royal household and has over 1.8 million followers, he said.



The account, which has backed Qatar, claimed that Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates had set out to overthrow Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani but decided against after coming under pressure from the United States, an ally of both Riyadh and Doha.



Al-Awwad accused a London-based Saudi dissident, Saad al-Faqih, of being behind the account, together with Qatar. While some of @mujtahidds claims have proven false, it reported the death of Saudi King Abdullah in 2015 a few hours before the news was officially announced.



Some of the other accounts identified by Riyadh as being Qatari proxies were behind calls for protests by the jobless on April 21, he said. In the end, there were no major demonstrations in Qatar, with police flooding the capital.



Further calls for protests during the holy fasting month of Ramadan also went largely unheeded. They failed, al-Awwad declared. His remarks came as Saudi Arabia vowed to push on with its month-old boycott of Qatar after the emirate refused to meet a list of demands to end the diplomatic crisis.



These include Doha ending support for the Muslim Brotherhood and closing its flagship broadcaster Al Jazeera. Saudi Arabia and its supporters have severed air, sea and ground links with Qatar, cutting off vital routes for imports including food. Qatar has dismissed the demands as unrealistic.


With the aid of summer student research, Randolph College is working on a plan to keep Lynchburg communities strong and steadfast in the face of predicted climate change.

Two students, rising juniors Arnav Upadhyay and Shataaxi Joshi, are presenting research theyve gathered on climate resilience locally at the colleges Summer Research Symposium on Friday, alongside 15 other Randolph students whove been working on different research projects. Upadhyay and Joshis work will contribute toward the colleges continuing Climate Action Plan.

Randolph College pledged Second Natures Resilience Commitment in January, already having signed whats now the Presidents Climate Commitment in 2006. Second Nature is a Massachusetts-based nonprofit focusing on sustainability in college campuses.

The Resilience Commitment binds campuses to develop a Climate Action Plan with set deadlines and steps in community engagement. Within a year of implementation, it requires formation of a campus-community task force  a goal Randolph is envisioning as a group of Lynchburg community stakeholders involved in transportation, utilities and other sectors. By next spring, the college hopes to develop a workshop itll host for those community stakeholders, getting feedback and input from them to hone goals in improving community resilience.

Randolph College President Bradley Bateman also signed the climate declaration We Are Still In at the beginning of June. That declaration commits signatories representing businesses, institutions of higher education, states and localities to the Paris climate agreement despite President Donald Trumps announcement the U.S. would withdraw from the agreement.

"The future of the College, as well as the world, depends on a collective effort to reduce our carbon footprint and make the planet a better, cleaner place," Bateman stated in a news release at the time.

Karin Warren, Herzog Family chair of Environmental Studies and professor at the college, and Sara Woodward, sustainability coordinator and alumna of the college, have been working with the students on their summer research. Titled Resilient Randolph: Analyzing Risks and Establishing Measurable Strategies for Campus-Community Climate Resilience, the project lays the groundwork for the plan outlined in the Resilience Commitment.

While the Climate Commitment focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emission and reaching carbon neutrality, the Resilience Commitment deals more with softening the impacts of climate change on the campus and the community.

Resiliency is more like how a system  our school, our community, is able to adapt, mitigate and bounce back to something it previously was before some external force kind of changed it around, Upadhyay said. So in terms of climate resiliency, based on research weve done so far, Lynchburgs going to be facing problems of more extreme temperatures, heat waves for longer periods of time; theres going to be more precipitation during storms.

Stuff like that is obviously going to affect our demand for water, our demand for electricity, so what ultimately were trying to do is come up with some sort of plan to help us mitigate or adapt to whatever changes that climate may have on us, he continued.

Upadhyay has researched climate change data and weather patterns. He said hes found within the next few decades, Lynchburg likely will see double the number of high-temperature days, which will cause a drain on electricity usage for heating and cooling.

Part of Joshis work has focused on reviewing how the citys existing programs and plans already line up with goals for climate change resilience. For instance, Warren said the downtown utility and streetscape project thats replacing old water pipes will help mitigate flood hazards and improve water quality.

Thats our first step; to just see whats already being done so that we can try to get an idea of what could be done to help the city be resilient in the face of the changes that are coming, that are already starting to happen in our community, she said.

Both students have reviewed the citys comprehensive plan, and Joshi has reviewed where both Randolph and Lynchburg have taken actions that aid resiliency and where theres room to grow for both.

Though the city already works to mitigate runoff and flooding, Warren said climate change will aggravate that issue. Neighborhoods might consider improving resiliency by diversifying sources of power, using things like rooftop solar panels within the community. Increased peak demand for electricity during those extremely hot days could be mitigated by more efficiency across the grid.

Neither student is an environmental studies major or minor: Upadhyay is a business major, and Joshi is a psychology major. Upadhyay said he plans to continue taking environmental studies classes in order to better understand what could be in store in the future when it comes to a crossroad between the environment and economics. Joshi said though shes devoted to her psychology studies, she was interested in localizing a project on climate change.

You dont have to be an environment major to know more about whats going on in terms of environment, she said.

Woodward said Randolph faculty and students already are attentive to food deserts and areas of poverty in the city  people and places that will be impacted more severely by climate change. One potential role Randolph could play in resiliency planning would be serving as a shelter for those affected populations.

Part of the students work includes a stakeholder document, outlining the future impacts of climate change on Lynchburg and the challenges those people can plan for.

Were just planning to engage all the stakeholders, plus the community in general and talk to them about why  building community resilience is important, Joshi said.

 The idea of this workshop is to bring together stakeholders who all have expertise and ideas from different segments of the community  getting their feedback, getting their advice on how we can look as a community, as an integrated whole and helping to plan, Warren added.

Lynchburg City Manager Bonnie Svrcek said that climate commitments like We Are Still In, signed by Randolphs president and Governor Terry McAuliffe, are a reaction to what President Trump had declared and not something that the city would typically take part in.

Within the city, she said recent projects like the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court and newer school buildings have been built to more sustainable standards, and officials want to make the streets as pedestrian friendly as possible.

We do the best we can to be environmentally sensitive within common sense and boundaries, she said, emphasizing the balance between the costs of being more environmentally responsive and the return on that investment.

Rick Barnes, professor of psychology and environmental studies at Randolph, has been on the colleges Sustainability Council since it was founded in 2002 as the Environmental Issues Council. He said the councils mission has remained relatively constant, though the resiliency commitment adds focus to the element of protection against those future conditions.

Its more inclusive, I think  it avoids some of those arguments that people get into about the legitimacy of climate change  because we do need to be prepared for future changes of weather, he said.

Through the groups project, Barnes said Warren will be updating Randolphs environmental sustainability plan and help the council to focus its sustainability efforts at the college.

After the students present their findings, Warren said the council will be working with interns and other students to help organize the workshop and communicate with stakeholders, aided by that stakeholder document. Upadhyay and Joshi also will present their research at the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Educations October conference in San Antonio.

We want to be of service to our community, and this is how we can do it, Warren said.
Connect and Sign

Sandrine Rattan, coordinator of the event, said the event was to provide a platform for existing and potential entrepreneurs to connect directly with stakeholders who are in the business of entrepreneurial development.

She said at the forum: This is not an expo. It is a forum opened to young people interested in business plan development, interested in obtaining a loan, interested in mentorship, network expansion, investment, legal support, business accounts and interested in different kinds of demands. Stakeholders such as Amcham (American Chamber), UWI Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business, Auxesis Business Services, First Link Business Services, the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), National Entrepreneurship Development Company Limited (Nedco), The Youth Training and Employment Partnership Programme (YTEPP) and host YBTT (Youth Business of Trinidad and Tobago) the host of Connect and Sign 2017, were all on hand to provide the support for which entrepreneurs were looking.

Rattan said, Its the first of its kind (forum)being held in Trinidad, and an event where things are happening in real time. The event was open to everyone in, or interested in business.

At the UTT booth, Inshan Meahjohn, Assistant Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Technology Commercialisation, UTT told Business Day his team comprised representative of UTTs Student Recruitment Services - Knowledge TT, which is an online free portal for training and its Ustart incubator programme to help people start businesses and accelerate businesses.

He said: UTT is quite unique in that the university offers 56 academic programmes, and those programmes are in many diverse areas such as maritime, aviation, engineering, fashion and agriculture. He surmised: What that means is that our students come out with very unique marketable skills. He also said: Many times we produce a work force graduate, and what UTT has the ability to work with are a whole host of mentors within the university.

We have a physical space of 5,000 square feet in Frederick Settlement, Eteck Park in Caroni, a physical incubator, and a virtual incubator for people who dont need the physical services. We will also be providing very shortly, loan funding as well at the university.

So we are providing a 360 degrees (of) service including the physical location, the mentorship and traffic. The UTT incubator is designed for staff and students and alumni, and currently they are producing in the incubator, the support of 50 companies, some of which are looking at exporting in the agri processing industry. He added that UTT is producing companies, because they were properly and academically trained, properly integrated into the programmes and then they handle them in the incubator side to form a business.

Meahjohn explained: We get a student from day one, and that student is mentored by his lecturers. We get to understand if he has the ability to take risks, can he work with other students? Can he handle failure before he even gets to the point of the characteristics of entrepreneurship? We have entrepreneurial courses that are embedded but the universitys focus is really technical skills. He also said, even if there is a service that UTT does not provide, they work with the other stakeholders in which to do so.

Anil Seepaul, Centre Coordinator - ETIIC, the training arm of Nedco (National Entrepreneurship Development Company Limited) stated that ETTIC provides training services as well as business advisory services.

Anyone can just walk in to any of the branches in Barataria, San Fernando or Chaguanas and get advice on their business, how to keep better records, or advice on how to launch a new product, or advice on how to tender for a contract. We have training courses specific to those areas. In addition, you can speak with a business advisor as well. And as if that is not all Seepaul said there is also a conference room that you can rent, to meet with anyone if the need arises.

Nedco will fund all business with the exception of primary agriculture business, that is crop cultivation, animal husbandry and all agro related products.

However, if one chooses to go into agro processing, Nedco will fund that.

Manager - Business Development, Auxesis Business Services, Jason Charles said: We actually help small businesses grow and we have persons who are interested in getting into business grow into developing their business. We are essentially a firm that deals with convenience. Seepaul stated that ETTIC allows the entrepreneur to concentrate on their core competencies.

He said: We are about convenience so if you are a baker we allow you to concentrate on baking while we handle all the operational aspects of the business like administrative, accounting, legal, business planning, registration services, graphic designing, trademarking services. He also said the good thing about them is that they dont have standard pricing. What they do is meet with the person, have initial consultations with the person and develop... depending on what stage you are, we are about helping people as well.

The cost for a new entrepreneur will be far different from someone who is in an energy industry company.

We price according to the entrepreneurs needs, he said adding that they are about training as well, and offer idea generation.

He said sometimes you have decisions that need to be made, so they play a devils advocate, so that the entrepreneur can get an objective opinion to help them guide their decisions for their businesses.

Stacy Charles, Liaison Officer, Business Incubator, UWI Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business, the first commercial business incubator in the TT said their entrepreneurs are given access to training and resources at the ALJ GSB, and are currently in partnership with YBTT to maintain a formal relationship with all the incubators in TT.

It is actually free to get into the business booster programme and you dont have to be a student at ALJ or have an MBA.

What the selection committee basically looks for is creativity and innovation through your business plan which you will have to submit for entry, said Charles.

Charles also said UWI-ALJ GSB Business Booster, also known as Biz Booster is the first CBI in TT. We are a virtual incubator but our entrepreneurs are given access to training and various resources at the UWI ALJ GSB.

We are currently on our third cohort incubator and recently took BizBooster to Tobago.
2,170 scored below 30%

At a news conference yesterday at the ministrys Port of Spain office which was also attended by Chief Education Officer Patricia Mc David, the ministrys permanent secretary Angela Sinaswee-Gervais and TTUTA head Lynsley Doodhai, Garcia gave a breakdown of the statistics of this years exam.

He noted, a little dip in the number of pupils overall, scoring over 50 percent, from 64.84 percent last year to 63.22 percent this year.

For Language Arts, Garcia saw a huge improvement in pupils scoring over 50 percent from 62.8 percent last year to 76.4 percent this year. Garcia did not offer figures for Math.

He did not present figures for Creative Writing, saying this subject was held under conditions of the Continuous Assessment Component (CAC) last year but as an exam paper this year, so no valid comparison could be made.

Garcia said the proportion of pupils scoring over 90 percent overall was now 14.25 percent, up from 12.17 percent last year.

For Language Arts this figure of high-achievers was 14.74 percent, up from 0.8 percent last year.

Our Evaluation Department will have to look at it, a great disparity, he said. Garcia lamented that some pupils have poor literacy and numeracy despite seven years of primary schooling.

Francis said a remarkably high number of pupils are scoring zero in the SE A Exam, even as otherwise competition is getting tighter at the higher end of the scale to the extent that to get your first choice, you would need a perfect score.

Francis lamented the crisis where a cohort of 100 pupils enter secondary school but only 20 ultimately graduate.

My heart, my soul and my mind are focused on those at the other end of the scale. We cant afford to have 2,000 young people on the cusp of secondary school who are unable to read or write, Francis said.

He lamented that the proportion of pupils failing to reach 30 percent remains as troubling as had been seen last year. Some are likely challenged by undiagnosed issues, he lamented, adding that the Ministry must focus more attention on these pupils.

Citing a constituents child who had scored just five percent in Math and six percent in Language Arts, Garcia said such a pupil lacks the foundation to start secondary school, advising, It is in their interest to build on their foundation. However, Garcia and Mc David sent different messages as to whether parents of low-scoring pupils under 13, could insist their child move on to secondary school, rather than re-sit the SE A.

Posed this question, Mc David said no, but minutes later Garcia said yes.

It is not an option. It is ministrys policy that under 30 percent (and under 13 years old) will be asked to re-sit, Mc David said. Garcia cited a Cabinet policy document that said low-performing pupils have the opportunity to repeat, but the document did not say if parents could refuse that offer. It is up to the parent to accept that opportunity or not. When asked if the head table was giving two conflicting statements, Garcia cut off the reporter mid-question to accuse him of trying to drive a wedge between himself and Mc David.
Horrific sexual, mental abuse

Attorneys for the woman have written the Solicitor General and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development indicating their intention to sue for negligence and violation of the childs constitutional rights. The child and his mother are represented by Anand Ramlogan SC, Ganesh Saroop, Alvin Pariagsingh and Jayanti Lutchmedial.

The attorneys pre-action protocol letter was sent yesterday.

According to the letter, the child, while at the home was the victim of constant sexual harassment and abuse by both staff and residents who would force him to perform sexual favours.

According to the letter, he was placed at the St Michaels Home for Boys by a Siparia magistrate in 2012 when he was nine. While there, the mother said, he developed abnormal obesity and speech disorders.

Two years later he was diagnosed by Dr Jacqueline Sharpe with, Prader-Willi Syndrome, and that his weight and speech challenges were as a result of this genetic condition.

Our instructions are that from day one, (the child) was subjected to intense bullying and abuse from the other residents and staff of the Home. We are instructed that both staff and students of the Home would often humiliate him for being obese and speaking funny, the lawyers said in the letter. Initially arrangements were put in place for the child to receive speech therapy and other medical treatment on the advice of Dr Sharpe.

This situation changed drastically in or around the latter part of 2014 when the management of the Home was changed. The change in management of the Home resulted in a cessation of medical treatment and associated therapy. As a result, (the child) has now developed significant behavioural issues which are difficult to manage, the attorneys said.

The childs mother made several attempts to intervene and he was referred for medical treatment. According to the ten page letter, it was further reported that officials at the home were unwilling to say much except to confirm that the childs physical and sexual abuse was horrific, and an official request was made to send the child to the St Anns Hospital to undergo psychiatric evaluation.

This was done in October, 2016, as a temporary measure. The lawyers have indicated that they will be seeking to ask the court to refer the matter to the Director of Public Prosecution as they claim there is a cover up by state institutions which have abandoned their duty of care by the shameful and disgraceful attacks on the child.
Trini ISIL fighters are terrorists

She said for them to leave this country and go abroad with the intention to fight with ISIL means they would have had to be radicalised to a strain of violent Islam extremism.

She said followers of ISIL are not Muslims but followers of that violent strain of Islam and if Trinidadians and Tobagonians are being radicalised to that kind of violence then the country should be concerned because ISILs strategy is not just to deal with the near enemy but for quite some time now it has adopted the Al-Qaeda strategy of the far enemy, encouraging those so inclined that if they cannot join them in Syria, they can commit certain acts in support of its ideology wherever they are. She said people would have been seeing the videos of such attacks in the media.

Francois said ISIL has expanded and its global reach is not just Iraq and Syria but throughout the world including anyone it can convince to support it.

Francois was one of the panelists at a workshop on the Fourth Round Mutual Evaluation Report, an update on the proposed changes to the countrys AML/ CFT framework and a look at the emerging threat of terrorist activity, held at the Westmoorings office of the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

EXTREMISM IS AN IDEOLOGY Speaking on the impact of terrorism and terrorist activities in TT and the countrys remedies, she said the authorities have to counter that by presenting a different alternative, pointing out that this country has mainstream Muslims who have been living as a society and have been included in the society and they can be presented as an alternative to the violent extremism of ISIL.

She said these mainstream Muslims must be included in a counter message because law enforcement cannot monitor every person who returns from the ISIL frontline, which she estimated at about 150 people. She said the intention must be to prevent the radicalisation of people in TT because the country does not have the resources to monitor all those people who have returned. She said the Islamic extremism preached by ISIL is an ideology and one cannot defeat an ideology with a gun but one needs an ideology to replace it.

In an interview with Newsday, she said this country has achieved many successes in complying with the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force. She said most of the necessary legislation has been passed although there are a few outstanding matters, such as laws to regulate non-profit organisations, money value transfer services and legislation to regulate credit unions. However, she said the country has had moderate to low ratings in respect of showing how effectively it is implementing its legislation but within the last year has made significant strides to show that it has substantially progressed in making the AML/CFT laws more effective in TT.

DANGER IN NON-COMPLIANCE One of the recurring issues was the lack of prosecutions under the legislation, but while she admitted we are not there yet, Francois said that law enforcement had charged 16 people with offences for such crimes as drug trafficking, money laundering and fraud and these charges were important to show that the country is committed to making its AML/CFT system strong. During the panel discussion, Belinda James, head of compliance at RBC, Caribbean Banking, said the biggest danger in this countrys failure to fully comply with the AML/CFT regulations is the threat of the loss of its corresponding banking relationships which would have the effect of shutting local banks out of the US clearing system.

She said this would have implications for people who are exporting and would need to have access to the US clearing facility for payments.

She added that there has been increased scrutiny of the country by its corresponding banking partners and they are looking more closely at transactions, asking more questions and are generally concerned about the rising risk within the country. She said if TT moves to a position similar to some of its Caricom neighbours whose correspondent banking partners are actually shutting down relationships, this country could suffer a significant shift.

However, she said the country was nowhere close to that situation and was lucky to have good relationships with its correspondent banks and was keeping the communication lines open. We are open to feedback, we are addressing concerns with certain clients where necessary, we are responding to questions. She said there was sometimes resistance from the public to some of the questions asked by financial institutions during their know your customer exercises.

However, James said if the bank is asked about a particular transaction by its correspondent bank it has to go to the client for the information, adding that it wasnt that the bank was accusing the client of any wrongdoing but it was an attempt to pacify or satisfy the correspondent banks request for additional information. She said once local banks are able to convince their corresponding banks that they are doing what they need to do to manage risk, the local financial system should be all right.
No One Will

Ever Smash

Stuff Quite

Like He Did
Sweets turned sour early last Saturday in Florida when a pregnant woman and her brother were arrested following a cupcake fight, Fox 5 reports. Police say 24-year-old Latanya Daugherty and 30-year-old Eddie Yaddow were arguing about who should punish her child when Daugherty threw cupcakes at her brother. Yaddow then allegedly wiped cupcake frosting in his sister's hair and kicked her in the stomach. The siblings were arrested after police were called to the home, and Daugherty was charged with misdemeanor battery domestic violence. Yaddow was charged with felony aggravated battery. According to the Smoking Gun, police determined Yaddow's reaction to being hit with cupcakes exceeded a reasonable response in self defense" because he knew his sister was four to six weeks pregnant when he kicked her in the stomach. (Read more cupcakes stories.)
Mister bartender, tear down this wall. NPR reports Utah's "Zion Curtain" law is officially history as new alcohol reform legislation passed in March took effect Saturday. The old Zion Curtain law forced restaurants to erect partitions to block customers from seeing their drinks being poured or mixed and to protect children from seeing how cool bartending is. In heavily Mormon Utah, even restaurants that only served beer had to put up barriers, according to Smithsonian. Restaurants complained that such barriers were unsightly and didn't even prevent children from seeing alcohol being consumed, the AP reports. Restaurant owner Joel LaSalle tells NPR the law "probably cost us $350,000 in sales" over the past two years because "people didn't want to ... face a frosted glass wall instead of a bartender."

LaSalle's was one of the first restaurants to have their partition removed, smashing the frosted glass and celebrating what he calls a "hallelujah moment" with champagne. The Salt Lake Tribune reports dozens more restaurants are in the process of having their barriers removedpending approval by the state. Restaurants now have a choice: stick with the Zion Curtain partition, keep minors 10 feet away from where liquor is poured, or erect a partial wall or railing separating the dining area and bar area. But it's not all good news for Utah's drinkers. The new law also increases the markup on liquor, wine, and some beers by about 2%. (Two Utah towns make this list of America's 10 least boozy cities.)
Celebrity chef Sean Brocks post-work partying benders were so notorious that colleagues began using his surname as slangto "get Brocked"for boozing it up after a long shift. But industry stars are applauding the chefs open dialogue about addiction following a candid New York Times profile on his life after rehab. Hours after an intervention in January, the chef, as famous for his bourbon collection as his haute Southern culinary stylings at his Husk eateries in Nashville and Charleston, SC, was on a plane to Arizona. He spent six weeks in rehab at the Meadows, known for treating the likes of Tiger Woods and Michael Phelps. In therapy he began to unwind the complicated tangle that the autoimmune disease affecting his sight wrought on his life and delve into past traumas that left him emotionally suspended.

The only emotion I knew was anger, he told the Times. I was miserable and angry at the world. Brock was diagnosed with PTSD, and has since exchanged his stash of high-end bourbon worth thousands for meditation, continued therapy, and healthy eating. Per Grub Street, luminaries in the restaurant world are applauding Brock for his openness on mental health, which he hopes will inspire people in an industry that the Health and Human Services department ranked highest in substance abuse. Food journalist and creator of the site Chefs with Issues Kat Kinsman tweeted, "It matters when Jay-Z mentions his therapist and Sean Brock talks about rehab. It chips away at the stigma, word by word." And chef Matt McCallister told D Magazine that though he doesnt use the industry as an excuse for his own addictions, its a story that definitely hits home. (Read more celebrity chef stories.)
When friends gathered last week at a vigil for missing University of Illinois scholar Yingying Zhang, they had no idea the man suspected of killing her was in their midst. But Brendt Christensen not only attended the June 29 event at the university's Urbana-Champaign campus while under FBI surveillance, but was recorded there describing the "characteristics of his ideal victim" for an abduction and pointing out people who fit that description, says federal prosecutor Bryan Freres, per CNN, which has a photo of Christensen among the crowd. Zhang, who authorities say got into Christensen's car at a campus bus stop on June 9, is still missing but presumed dead.

Police previously said Christensen researched kidnappings online weeks before he was recorded saying he held Zhang against her will in his apartment. At last week's vigil, he also allegedly threatened the safety of an individual to whom he'd related incriminating information, reports the News-Gazette. That person went to police, reports CNN. Christensen was arrested the day after the vigil and denied bail in a hearing on Wednesday, based in part on the recordings described by prosecutors, reports the Chicago Tribune. Christensen's lawyer had argued the 28-year-old should be released because the jail in which he is held is an inconvenient distance from his lawyers' office. (Read more kidnapping stories.)
Police in South Carolina say they're searching for an inmate who's extremely dangerousand has managed to break out of a maximum-security prison for the second time since he began serving a life sentence in 2004. Jimmy Causey, 46, has been missing from the Lieber Correctional Institution since around 2pm Wednesday, the AP reports. In his previous escape, he broke out of the Broad River Correctional Institution in Columbia in 2005 with convicted murderer Johnny Brewer by hiding in a trash truck. After three days on the run, they were recaptured at a motel 100 miles away on Interstate 95 when a pizza delivery driver recognized them and tipped off authorities.

Residents near the Ridgeville, SC, prison have been urged to "remain vigilant, keep vehicles and homes secured" while the search continues. Causey, who first went to state prison for grand larceny in 1992, is serving a life sentence for kidnapping prominent Columbia attorney Jack Swerling and his wife and daughter, the Post and Courier reports. He held the lawyerwho had represented him in previous casesat gunpoint and demanded money. During the trial, the court heard that Swerling had managed to get reduced sentences for Causey on two occasions in the 1990s, but Causey still held a grudge about having been sent to prison at all. (Read more prison break stories.)
It was a long and bloody weekend in Chicago, where police say at least 102 people were shot between Friday afternoon and early Wednesday, 15 of them fatally. Police say they're "perplexed" and "frustrated" by the scale of the gun violence, which comes after a relatively peaceful Memorial Day weekend, reports the Chicago Tribune. Almost half the shootings happened in the last 12 hours of the long weekend, between 3:30pm Tuesday and 3:30am Wednesday. According to Tribune data, 72 people were shot over the Fourth of July weekend in 2013, which was the last time it spanned four full days.

The deployment of an extra 1,300 police officers in the city failed to stop the violence, the BBC reports. Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi says many of the shootings happened when petty disputes escalated into somebody pulling a gun. "People drinking all day and then things escalating ... It's just enormously frustrating," he says. Guglielmi says a review of the weekend will include a look at whether the new "ShotSpotter" system, which tries to quickly deploy officers when shots are heard, might have been affected by fireworks. (President Trump has sent more federal agents to the city.)
President Trump is in Poland, where he gave his first press conference of the trip Thursday alongside Polish President Andrzej Duda, covering a wide range of topics including natural gas, Russian election meddling, North Koreaand "fake news." Asked about interference in the 2016 election, Trump declined to give a yes-or-no answer on whether he thought other countries were involved, reports the New York Times. "I think it was Russia, and it could have been other people in other countries," he said. "Nobody really knows," he added, noting that US intelligence agencies have been wrong before, including before the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Speaking at Warsaw Castle, Trump also said North Korea will face consequences for its "very bad behavior," the BBC reports. "I have some pretty severe things that we're thinking about," he said. He also praised the strong alliance between the US and Poland. Duda, who has had his own problems with the media, nodded as Trump denounced "fake news" in response to a question about CNN. "NBC is nearly as bad, despite the fact that I made them a lot of money on The Apprentice," Trump said. Reuters reports that Trump is due to deliver a speech in Warsaw later Thursday in which he will condemn "the steady creep of government bureaucracy," according to excerpts released by the White House. (Read more President Trump stories.)
Any clue about the disappearance of Amelia Earhart should thrill Ric Gillespie, who's spent nearly three decades trying to solve the 80-year-old case. But a lost photograph included in a History documentary, which purportedly shows that Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan survived a 1937 plane crash in the Marshall Islands, is actually rather dull, Gillespie says. The head of the International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR) tells TMZ he's known about the photo for a year but doesn't believe it shows Earhart or Noonan. Of course, a photo proving the pair reached the Marshall Islands would put a damper on TIGHAR's search for Earhart's bones on Nikumaroro. But Gillespie says the overall evidence disputes the documentary's theory.

For one thing, Earhart's plane didn't have enough fuel to reach the Marshall Islands after taking off from New Guinea, Gillespie says. He adds that the photo simply shows two indistinguishable white people in an area known to host missionaries at the time. It's "absolute myth," he tells USA Today. Dorothy Cochrane of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum isn't 100% against the idea that Earhart and Noonan crashed in the Marshall Islands, were taken captive by the Japanese military, and later died in Saipana theory that's percolated since the 1960s, per the Guardian. But she says she "can't really comment definitively" on a "blurry photograph," per Smithsonian, and suggests investigators instead stick to the facts known so far. (One theory claims Earhart lived to be 86.)
Layoffs potentially numbering in the thousands started Thursday at Microsoft, CNBC reports. The company states the layoffs aren't motivated by a desire to cut costs but rather to address sales at the company, specifically in regards to its cloud-computing products. Sales of Azure, Microsoft's cloud-services product, grew 93% last quarter. Approximately 3,000 people could be laid off as part of the reorganization, largely in sales. Three-quarters of the layoffs are expected to hit workers outside the US, though the Seattle Times reports some layoffs will affect workers at Microsoft headquarters in Washington state.

While the layoffs have been rumored since last week, Microsoft stock dropped slightly Thursday when they became a reality, GeekWire reports. "Like all companies, we evaluate our business on a regular basis," a Microsoft spokesperson says. "This can result in increased investment in some places and, from time to time, redeployment in others." Layoffs at Microsoft aren't unusual at this time of year, what with the company's fiscal year ending June 30. Last July, Microsoft laid off nearly 3,000 people from its smartphone and sales teams. (Read more Microsoft stories.)
Typically, the resignation of the director of the Office of Government Ethics wouldn't generate many headlines, but this year is a little different. Walter Shaub has had an unusually high-profile role over the past six months, so much so that the Washington Post reports he's attained "near-cult status" among critics of President Trump. Shaub announced Thursday that he's stepping down from his five-year term six months early, though he said he wasn't pressured to do so. "It's clear that there isn't more I could accomplish," said Shaub, who has clashed with Trump publicly. His agency first made news at the end of November with a series of tweets, mimicking Trump's own style, urging the president to fully divest from his business. When Trump stopped short of that, Shaub called his action "wholly inadequate."

Another notable disagreement came when the OGE said Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway should be disciplined for plugging Ivanka Trump's business during an interview. The White House opted not to do so. Shaub is leaving to take a senior position at the Campaign Legal Center, where he intends to advocate for stronger government ethics, reports the New York Times. "OGE's recent experiences made it clear that the ethics program needs to be strengthened," he said. Trump will get to appoint the next director to a five-year term, an appointment that will need Senate approval, notes Politico. (Read more Office of Government Ethics stories.)
A 22-year-old security guard has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of a Virginia grandfather whose family says he was playing Pokemon Go in an effort to connect with his grandchildren. WTKR reports Johnathan Cromwell was working as a security guard for a Chesapeake neighborhood last January when 60-year-old Jiansheng Chen, who didn't speak English, pulled up in his van. Chen's family says he was in the area to capture Pokemon. Prosecutors say Cromwell shot at Chen more than six times, striking him four times in the chest, according to WAVY. Cromwell claims he was acting in self-defense. NBC News reports an attorney for Citywide Protection Services says Chen drove his van at Cromwell.

But prosecutors say Cromwell fired at Chen as he was driving away, with his first shots entering the driver's side window. They say he moved around to the front of the van and fired more shots. When police arrived at the scene, Cromwell allegedly asked a detective about the accuracy of his shooting. Cromwell was charged with second-degree murder in February. That charge was upgraded to first-degree murder Wednesday. He's also charged with the use of a firearm in commission of a felony. Cromwell's father accuses prosecutors of "trying to make an example" of his son for "political" reasons. He says "there's no ground for" the new charge. (Read more Pokemon Go stories.)
PM Narendra Modi with his Israeli counterpart during his visit

New Delhi : Calling Israel as the land of martyrs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that when it comes to courage, size and number does not count. Here are five things that define the India-Israel relationship today:

Defence: India is Israel's top destination for arms exports, buying 41 per cent of export between 2012 and 2016, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, an independent global conflict and arms-research institute.

Israel is India's third-largest source of arms, with a 7.2 per cent share of imports between 2012 and 2016, next to the US (14 per cent) and Russia (68 per cent).

The earliest signs of collaboration came during the 1962 Sino-Indian war, when Israel provided India military aid. Israel also assisted India during two wars with Pakistan in 1965 and 1971.

India reciprocated during the six-day war in 1967 by providing Israel with spare parts for French-made Mystere and Ouragan aircraft as well as AX-13 tanks (also French-made).

The highlight of the partnership was Israel's supply of artillery shells during the Kargil war in 1999 when India faced a shortage.

In the late 1990s, a crucial defence deal was the Indian purchase of Barak 1, an air-defence missile, bought specifically for its capability to intercept US-made Harpoon missiles deployed by Pakistan.

India's imports of unarmed aerial vehicles (UAVs) have almost all been from Israel. Of 176 UAVs purchased from Israel, 108 are Searcher UAVs and 68 are Heron UAVs.

In April 2017, India and Israel signed a $2 billion deal for an advanced medium-range surface-to-air missile system, which will provide the Indian army the capability to shoot down aircraft, missiles and drones at ranges of up to 70 km.

In September 2016, tests were conducted of the jointly developed Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile with a range of 70 km, intended to equip three guided-missile destroyers of the Indian Navy.

India successfully tested the Israeli-made SPYDER quick-reaction surface-to-air missile in May this year. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to deploy this system on its western border.

India and Israel also closely cooperate on counter-terrorism issues through a joint working group on counter-terrorism.

Diplomacy: Several ministerial and high-level official visits to Israel preceded Modi's tour. These included visits by then Home Minister L.K. Advani in 2000, former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in 2008, Home Minister Rajnath Singh in 2014, President Pranab Mukherjee in 2015 and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in 2016.

Three Indian naval ships, destroyer INS Mumbai, frigate INS Trishul and tanker INS Aditya, made a goodwill visit at the Haifa port in May 2017 to mark 25 years of full diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Agriculture: An Indo-Israel agriculture action plan for 2015-18 is operational, and 15 of the proposed 26 centres of excellence in agriculture are being developed in India with Israel's help to showcase the latest technology to Indian farmers.

Phase-I (2010-12) and phase-II (2012-15) of the agreement are complete, according to a reply to the Lok Sabha.

India has benefited from Israeli technologies in horticulture mechanisation, protected cultivation, orchard and canopy management, nursery management, micro-irrigation and post-harvest management, particularly in Haryana and Maharashtra.

Every year, more than 20,000 farmers visit the Agricultural Centre of Excellence at Gharaunda in Karnal, Haryana, where a nursery produces hybrid seedlings -- including tomatoes, cherry-tomato, colored capsicum, cucumbers, eggplant and chilli pepper-grown in small, individual cells, ready to be transplanted into containers or a field.

There was a five-to 10-fold increase in crop yields with an accompanying 65 per cent reduction in use of water and noticeable decrease in the use of pesticides and fertilisers, according to a December 2014 report on the Indo-Israel Agriculture Project.

Water Management: On June 28, 2017, the Union cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Israel on the National Campaign for Water Conservation in India.

Technologically-adept Israel has developed water-management technologies, located as it is in a semi-arid region with limited sources of fresh drinking water.

India and Israel had earlier signed an MoU on water resources management and development cooperation in November 2016.

Trade: Israel was India's 38th-largest trading partner, with trade of $5.02 billion (Rs 33,634 crore) in 2016-17, down 18 per cent over 2012-13. The trade balance stood in India's favour at $1.10 billion (Rs 7,370 crore) in 2016-17.

Mineral fuels and oils are India's leading export to Israel, worth $1.01 billion in 2016-17.

India's major imports from Israel in 2016-17 included natural or cultured pearls and precious stones, worth $1.11 billion.

Trade in diamonds accounts for nearly 54 per cent of the bilateral trade. Nearly 40 diamond dealers from India have opened offices at the Israeli diamond exchange in Ramat-Gan. Some of these dealers have been active in Israel for nearly 30-40 years.

The Israeli government has proposed measures such as "offering export insurance, liberalising the aviation sector and granting longer-term visas". The aim is to boost Israeli exports to India by 25 per cent over the next four years and tourists to 80,000 annually.

"Relations with Israel are significant for India because of cooperation in agriculture, defence and science/technology," Uttara Sahasrabuddhe, professor of international relations at the University of Mumbai, told IndiaSpend.

"Israel has been giving key weapons systems to India, including missiles; it has given us those weapons which we could not directly buy from the US for ideological reasons; cooperation in counter-terrorism from information sharing to techniques/doctrine of counter terrorism," Sahasrabudde said. "It is also an important source of foreign investment, if tapped with care. The visit of the Indian PM will indicate that New Delhi has come out of the old mindset."

(In arrangement with IndiaSpend.org, a data-driven, non-profit, public interest journalism platform, with whom Chaitanya Mallapur is an analyst. The views expressed are those of IndiaSpend. Feedback at respond@indiaspend.org)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu during joint press address

New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India and Israel have agreed to cooperate in the fight against terrorism and growing radicalization.

"India has suffered first hand the violence and hatred spread by terror, so has Israel," Modi said while jointly addressing the media with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu after delegation-level talks.

"The Prime Minister and I agreed to do much more together to protect our strategic interests and also cooperate to fight growing radicalization," Modi said.

Modi, who arrived in Israel on Friday, is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the Middle Eastern country. The two countries are celebrating this year the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

Modi said the goal of India and Israel was to build a relationship that reflected the shared priorities and drew on the enduring bonds between people of the two countries.

"We regard thriving two-way trade and investment flows as the bedrock of a strong partnership."

He said he and Netanyahu had productive discussions not only on bilateral cooperation but also on issues of global peace and stability.

On people-to-people ties, Modi said that while there had been an increase in the number of Israeli tourists visiting India, more and more Indian students were coming to Israel for higher studies.

Netanyahu said Modi's visit had been "a deeply moving moment" for him personally.

He said while the Israel-India match was a match made in heaven, he and Modi had agreed to go ahead with their plans with "feet firmly planted on the ground".

"We are being challenged by the forces of terrorism. We will cooperate in this area," he said.

Netanyahu said he and the Indian leader discussed cooperation in many areas, including agriculture and water management.

Following Wednesday's talks, India and Israel signed seven agreements, including three on cooperation in space technology, two on water, one on agriculture and one on setting up an India-Israel industrial R&D and technological innovation fund.
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New Delhi:

The Delhi Police has registered a case against three Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs for allegedly manhandling and abusing a woman in the assembly premises recently.



In her complaint, the woman has accused Okhla AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, Malviya Nagar MLA Somnath Bharti and Tilak Nagar MLA Jarnail Singh of abusing and thrashing her on June 28, the police said.



I had gone to see the proceedings of the House, but could not get the pass for the Visitors Gallery. And, while I was standing outside the building, a group of men, who were engaged in a scuffle, came towards me.



They pushed and shoved me. I was later taken to a room and kicked, she claimed in her complaint.



AAP leader Sanjay Singh, however, called the development vendetta politics.



This is vendetta politics by the Centre. We are surprised that the police has arrested only 15 of our MLAs (since coming to power), he said at a press conference in New Delhi.



AAP Delhi unit spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj said, The record of Delhi Police has been very poor when it comes to cases against AAP MLAs. The force always faces flak by the judiciary whenever they take such cases to court.
New Delhi:

Veteran actress Sridevi's upcoming release 'Mom', has been one of the most anticipated movies of the year. And while the movie will hit the screen this Friday, Sridevi has got one of the best reaction for her movie ahead of its release.



While talking to Times Of India, that it was her daughter Jhanvi's reaction that left her overwhelmed. "My younger one, Khushi, hasn't seen the movie. She has seen some parts and has loved it. But Janhvi saw the whole movie. Her first reaction was that she came up to me and just hugged me. She couldn't speak. It was overwhelming. And I felt nice about it. I was happy that the film had really moved her," Sridevi was quoted as saying.



The actress is making a comeback in Bollywood with 'Mom' after a gap of three years. She was last seen in Gauri Shinde's 'English Vinglish' in 2012. Sridevi was also seen Tamil fantasy-adventure movie 'Puli' in 2015.



Talking about Mom, the veteran actress asserted that the movie is extremely special to her and that she is really satisfied with it.



"Yes, it's a very special film. Every film that I do is close to my heart but Mom is most special. It's a thriller, suspense, emotional drama, a family film - all put into one," Sridevi added.



Helmed by Ravi Udyawar, 'Mom' also stars Akshaye Khanna and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in key roles who are all praises for Sridevi.



However, Sridevi admitted that while Akshaye is an amazing actor, she is a huge admirer of Nawaz.



"Both Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Akshaye Khanna are great actors. Akshaye is very quiet otherwise, but when he gives a shot before the camera, he's amazing. He has a strong personality. When it comes to Nawazuddin, I am a huge admirer of his. I have seen all his films and I wonder how he can portray so many different kinds of characters! I am really happy working with him," she added



'Mom' will hit the screens on July 7.

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New Delhi:

Popular reality show Bigg Boss 11 got the tinselvile buzzing ever since it was announced. Indeed, the speculations about the contestants of the show was quote obvious. However, the show made the heads turn after it was reported that superstar Salman Khan won't be hosting the eleventh season of Bigg Boss.



It was reported that Salman has opted out of the show owing to his professional commitments and that Akshay Kumar will replace him as the host of Bigg Boss 11. Indeed, the reports raised a lot of eyebrows. But these media reports turned out to be mere rumours. According to a report published in Catch news, not Akshay but Salman Khan will continue to host the popular reality show.



On the other hand, the official Twitter hand of Bigg Boss also retweeted a post of Colors CEO Raj Nayak who had shared the promo of Bigg Boss 11 starring Salman Khan.



Besides, the Bigg Boss offical handle on Twitter continues to tag Salman Khan in its post regarding auditions of Bigg Boss dropping major hints about the superstar being a part of the show

Register now and be one of the lucky winners to get an entry into the Bigg Boss house. #BB11 @iamappyfizz @oppomobileindia @BeingSalmanKhan pic.twitter.com/J0EfdmDomn a Bigg Boss (@BiggBoss) July 4, 2017



Certainly, the latest reports have come as a sigh of relief for the Salman fans.



Talking about Akshay Kumar, he will be seen on the small screen but not on Bigg Boss 11 but as a judge on 'The Great Indian Laughter Challenge.



A source reportedly told Mumbai Mirror, "Once Akshay is done with the international sjppt pf Gold, his comedy show will replace Remo D'Souza's Dance Plus 3 on Stare Plus as its format is somewhat similar to the talent hunt show which is on air currently."



"Besides Akshay it has three popular comedians playing mentors to the contestants but he weill have the final say on who goes ahead in the competition. dicussion are on with leading comedians who will play mentors but no names have been finalised yet," the source added.
New Delhi:

Amid Chinaas aggressive posturing in the Asiatic region, India and Vietnam discussed aconcrete and feasiblea steps to protect their interests while seeking to bolster their strategic bilateral ties.A



Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Vietnam Pham Binh Minh, who concluded his four-day visit to India on Thursday, told PTI in an interview that the two sides also discussed the progress of implementation of the high-level agreements between them for creating a stable and facilitating framework to help their relations grow more asubstantivelya. A



The Vietnamese leaderas visit comes in the midst of growing maritime aggression of China in the South China Sea as also its military standoff with India in the Sikkim sector. A Vietnam and several other countries, including Brunei and the Philippines, are involved in territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea, seen as a potentially explosive diplomatic issue in East Asia.



China has also been objecting to Indiaas oil exploration projects in maritime areas offered by Vietnam in the South China Sea, claiming that it enjoys indisputable sovereignty there. However, India has been dismissive of Chinese objections, insisting its cooperation with Vietnam was as per international laws and that it would like the cooperation to grow.



Talking about the economic ties between the two countries, the Vietnamese leader said many of Indiaas major corporations are investing in various projects in Vietnam such as the Tatas in Long Phu II thermal power plant in Soc Trang and ONGC Videsh in oil and gas exploration on Vietnamas continental shelf.a



During his visit, apart from participating in the India-ASEAN ministerial meet on July 4, he held bilateral meetings with Indian leadership, including President Pranab Mukherjee and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. A



After the meeting with Swaraj, the MEA issued a statement saying both sides reiterated their support for peace, stability, security, safety, freedom of navigation and over flight, and unimpeded commerce based on the principles of international law, as reflected notably in the UNCLOS.A



The reiteration of their stand came as the two sides noted the order issued by the Arbitral Tribunal, constituted under the UN Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS), on the dispute between China and the Philippines which said Beijing did not have sovereign ownership over several disputed islands in the South China Sea. China had rejected the order.A



Noting that many issues pertinent to bilateral relations were discussed during his talks here, the Vietnamese leader said they exhanged views on aconcrete and feasible measures appropriate to the situation of each country as well as the international and regional state of affairs in order to substantively and effectively implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2016a. A



In the interview, the Vietnamese deputy prime minister also talked about cooperation in the areas of trade, defence and security.



aThe establishment of the Strategic Partnership in 2007, which was upgraded to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September 2016, has created an important framework for our bilateral cooperation to expand and deepen in all areas: politics and diplomacy, defense and security, economy and trade, science and technology, and education and training, among many others,a he said.



Economically, India is among Vietnamas top ten trade partners, with a bilateral trade turnover of USD 7 billion, he said, adding by the end of May 2017, Indiaas total registered FDI in Vietnam stood at USD 772 million, with 145 investment projects.

DPM/@FMPhamBinhMinh & @SushmaSwaraj signed Action Programme for the implementation of YYYY comprehensive strategic partnership in 2017-2020 pic.twitter.com/GrO13MG0XJ a Viet Nam Diplomacy (@MOFAVietNam) July 4, 2017

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Hyderabad:

Witnessing successful campaign of political strategist Prashant Kishor, YSR Congress has roped him in for Andhra Pradesh poll strategy. Kishor had helped the successful campaign of BJP, JD(U)-RJD combine in Bihar and the Congress in Punjab in different elections.

YSR Congress president and Opposition leader in Andhra Pradesh Y S Jaganmohan Reddy held a meeting with party leaders in which Kishor was present.

Prashant Kishor, whom we taken on board as a consultant, was introduced (to party leaders) in the meeting (in Hyderabad yesterday), YSR Congress MP P Mithun Reddy informed.

Kishor is expected to give inputs to YSRC on strengthening the party organisation besides preparing strategies to take on the ruling TDP headed by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

Having failed to gain power in AP in the 2014 elections soon after the bifurcation of undivided AP, the YSR Congress is determined to wrest power in 2019.

Also Read | Special status only way for development of Andhra: Jagan

Besides helping BJP in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Kishor was reportedly successful in offering a sound strategy to the Mahagathbandhan in the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections.

He was also reportedly the brain behind incumbent Chief Minister Amarinder Singhs strategy in Punjab assembly polls, though he faced flak from a section of Congress workers in Uttar Pradesh.

Also Read | Punjab Polls: AAP one of the 'Toughest Competitors,' says Prashant Kishor

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New Delhi:

The Political Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in India, Li Ya, on Thursday said that Chinese activities in Dokalam is within its sovereignty and it is Indian side which has trespassed into Chinese territory.

China's activities in Dokalam within its sovereignty. Indian side trespassed into Chinese territory and changed status quo, said Li Ya.

Li said that India crossed delimited boundary into other countrys territory in name of security concerns, which won't be acceptable to sovereign state

As far as solution is concerned Indian troops must pull back to Indian side of the boundary unconditionally and immediately. This is the precondition for any meaningful dialogue between China and India, said Li Ya.

Earlier on Wednesday, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said that the border standoff between Indian and Chinese armies at the Sikkim sector can be resolved diplomatically and Chinese soldiers should leave the Bhutanese territory to reduce tension in the area.

I think the issue can be resolved at the diplomatic level. The Chinese troops should stay where they were earlier. China is approaching towards Bhutanese territory. We want them not to come forward, Bhamre said.

This is our security concern and this is our stand. Bhutans King had yesterday given a statement that Chinese (troops) are entering into its territory. This tension can be resolved at the diplomatic level. Across the table we can solve all the problems, he further added.

For the past 19 days, China and India have been betrothed in a standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan trijunction. The standoff began after a Chinese armys construction party came to build a road.

Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region. China and Bhutan are engaged in talks over the resolution of the area. Bhutan, however, has no diplomatic ties with China and it is supported militarily and diplomatically by India.

On the standoff, the Ministry of External Affairs had said India was deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India.

Also read: Sikkim standoff: Issue can be resolved at diplomatic level, says MoS Defence

Also read: Sikkim standoff: China says could issue travel alert for citizens visiting India

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Chennai:

Consider the demand of theatre owners and distributors to withdraw the 30 per cent local body tax imposed on the film industry, said Tamil superstar Rajinikanth on Wednesday.

Keeping in mind the livelihood of lakhs of people in the Tamil film industry, I sincerely request the TN GOVT to seriously consider our plea, the actor said in a tweet as the the strike by exhibitors entered its third day.

Rajinikanth is currently in the US for a regular health checkup.

The 66-year-old actor, who was shooting for his upcoming film Kaala Karikalan, left for the US on June 29.

Nearly 1,000 cinema halls in the state have remained shut since July 3 with exhibitors going ahead with their stir to protest imposition of 30 per cent local body tax in addition to 28 per cent GST.

Senior officials of the Tamil film producers council, South Indian Artistes Association along with theatre owners and distributors, who met Chief Minister K Palaniswami on Monday, decided to continue their protest, as the meeting did not yield any positive result.

The issue also echoed in the ongoing Assembly session yesterday with opposition parties DMK and Congress raising it. Municipal Administration Minister S P Velumani told members that the government would give due consideration to problems of all sections of people.

Besides the local tax, a GST of 18 per cent has been fixed for tickets priced below Rs 100 and 28 per cent for those above Rs 100.

Association members had also met Finance Minister D Jayakumar who assured them that the government was with them and the matter required a decision at the policy level.

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New Delhi:

Amidst the ongoing border row between the Indian and Chinese armies in the Sikkim sector, China on Thursday said the "atmosphere" was "not right" for a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg.

"The atmosphere is not right for a bilateral meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi," a Chinese foreign ministry official said ahead of the G20 summit in the German city of Hamburg from Friday.

China and India have been engaged in a stand-off in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan tri-junction region for the past 19 days after a Chinese army's construction party attempted to build a road. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.

There were reports that Modi and Xi may meet on the sidelines of the G20 Summit to resolve the standoff. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Geng Shuang expressed hope that "India can immediately withdraw the border troops to the Indian side of the boundary to uphold the peace tranquillity of the China and India border areas".

"I think this is the pre-condition for any meaningful peace talks between the two sides," he told a media briefing here when asked about the meeting between Modi and Xi on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

Geng, however, said the BRICS leaders meeting which will be attended by Modi and Xi will take place on the sidelines of the summit tomorrow. On the possibility of a Xi-Modi meeting, Geng said relevant information will be released in a timely manner. China's state-run media yesterday had quoted Chinese analysts as saying that Beijing would be forced to use a"military way" to end the standoff in the Sikkim sector ifIndia refuses to listen to the "historical lessons" being offered by it.

Also Read: Will India, China be able to resolve Sikkim Standoff in G20 summit?

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New Delhi:

A Territorial Army soldier has left hisA camp in Baramulla of Kashmir along with his service rifle (AK 47). Zahoor Ahmad Thokar has left the camp on Wednesday night and suspected to have joined militants.

The Jammu and Kashmir policeA hasA launched a massive search operation to find Zahoor but he could not be traced so far.A

Army officer AK Singh said its not very serious matter but Army will take strict action so that such incidents don't repeat.A

Bohot zyada chinta ka vishey nahi hai, hum sakht kadam uthayenge taake aisa dobara na ho:AK Singh,GoC Kilo force on jawan missing with AK-47 pic.twitter.com/nwgUlVDzgx a ANI (@ANI_news) July 6, 2017

A

Zahoor AhmadA Thoker, a resident of Pulwama district inSouth Kashmir and he took away his service rifle and three magazines.

An alert has been sounded and security forces have been directed to remain vigilant as the jawan could have joined militant ranks, officials told news agency PTI.

J&K: Territorial Army jawan Zahoor Thakur missing with a AK-47 from his camp in Baramulla's Gantmulla, Police has begun an investigation.A pic.twitter.com/RMg928TNeF a ANI (@ANI_news)A July 6, 2017

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New Delhi:

National Conference on Thursday said that party legislators will boycott the rest of the legislative session as a protest.

The National Conference issued a statement in this regard alleging that the protest against the governments conspiracies to trample the aspirations of the people by demolishing the states special status.

On Wednesday, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah dubbed passing of resolution over GST implementation in the state as a sham and questioned there was absolutely no clarity on constitutional safeguards for the state.

Jammu and Kashmir: National Conference legislators will boycott remaining part of the legislative session as a protest: NC Statement  ANI (@ANI_news) July 6, 2017

"With absolutely no clarity of what 'constitutional safeguards' the BJP-PDP government in J&K has agreed with the centre, the sham resolution passes," Omar had written on Twitter.

Protest against the Governments machinations to trample the aspirations of the people by demolishing the States special status: NC  ANI (@ANI_news) July 6, 2017

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly had adopted a resolution for implementing the GST in the state amid protests by the NC and the Congress.

Also Read: Former J-K CM Omar Abdullah praises PM Modi's statement on cow vigilantism

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New Delhi:

Justices J Chelameswar and Justice Ranjan Gogoi of the Supreme Court on Wednesday said that Justice C S Karnans case calls for revisiting the process of selection of judges to the constitutional courts.



The two judges, who concurred with the main judgement passed by a seven-judge bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar, said this case highlighted the need to set up an appropriate legal regime to deal with situations where the conduct of a judge of a constitutional court requires to take corrective measures, other than impeachment.



Surely there must be other ways of dealing with such cases. The text of the Constitution is silent in this regard. May be it is time for the nation to debate this issue, they said.



Justices Chelameswar and Gogoi said the conduct of Justice Karnan during pendency of the proceedings constitutes criminal contempt falling both under the heads of scandalising the court as well as interference with the proceedings of the apex court.



In our view, the contemnor is therefore liable to be punished for the contempt of this court, the bench said.

This case, in our opinion, has importance extending beyond the immediate problem. This case highlights two things, (1) the need to revisit the process of selection and appointment of judges to the constitutional courts, for that matter, any member of the judiciary at all levels; And (2) the need to set up appropriate legal regime to deal with situations where the conduct of a Judge of a constitutional court requires corrective measures - other than impeachment to be taken, it said.

ALSO READ: Former Calcutta HC judge CS Karnan arrested by CID in Supreme Court contempt case



Ironically, Justice Chelameswar was a part of five-judge constitution bench in which he was the lone dissenting judge who has held as valid the appointment of judges through the National Judicial Appointment Commission (NJAC) Act. The Act was struck down by the apex court.



In the minority judgement delivered by him, he had found fault with the existing mode of appointment of judges for higher judiciary through collegium system. In the recent past, when there was a tussle between the judiciary and the executive over the appointment of judges, he had reportedly skipped the meeting of the collegium and has been insisting that there should be reasoning given by the judges in the collegium on selection and rejection of judges.



While writing the judgement for himself and Justice Gogoi, Justice Chelameswar said there is no doubt that such conduct on the part of Justice Karnan has brought disrepute to the judicial system and has the potential of shaking the confidence of the average citizen in the system.



The two judges said Justice Karnan has not shown the slightest remorse which could be a mitigating factor and such conduct and action, if tolerated, would certainly reflect an element of weakness in the system and no such weakness can be allowed to enter the system.



They said since his elevation to the bench, Justice Karnans conduct has been controversial and obviously, there is a failure to make an assessment of the personality of the contemnor at the time of recommending his name for elevation.



Our purpose is not to point fingers at individuals who were responsible for recommendation but only to highlight the systems failure of not providing an appropriate procedure for making such an assessment.



What appropriate mechanism would be suitable for assessing the personality of the candidate who is being considered for appointment to be a member of a constitutional court is a matter which is to be identified after an appropriate debate by all the concerned - the Bar, the Bench, the State and Civil Society. But the need appears to be unquestionable, the bench said.



It further said it was only sad to point out that apart from the embarrassment that this entire episode has caused to the Indian Judiciary, there are various other instances (mercifully which are less known to the public) of conduct of some of the members of the judiciary which certainly would cause some embarrassment to the system.



It said the framers of the Constitution were people of a great sense of patriotism and maturity, men and women who maintained high standards of civic morality.



Obviously, they expected those who are to be chosen for the higher constitutional offices or to be appointed to public service would be chosen by assessing their suitability (efficiency and integrity) by employing appropriate standards, it said.



The bench said that the makers of the Constitution were conscious of the fact that ascendance to higher offices need not necessarily always guarantee rectitude and the incumbent of any constitutional office could resort to behaviour inconsistent with the nature of the office and standards of conduct expected.



Thereafter, provisions were made in the Constitution for impeachment of holders of various constitutional offices, starting from the President of India, it said, adding that when it came to the members of the constitutional courts, it was visualised that there can be such occasions.



But the standards and procedure for impeachment of judges are much more rigorous for reasons obvious, it said. There can be deviations in the conduct of the holders of the offices of constitutional courts which do not strictly call for impeachment of the individual or such impeachment is not feasible. Surely there must be other ways of dealing with such cases. The text of the Constitution is silent in this regard. May be it is time for the nation to debate this issue, the bench said.



Justice Karnans name was recommended for elevation by the Collegium of the Madras High Court comprising the then Chief Justice and two senior most judges. He was appointed on March 30, 2009.



Referring to the laws in foreign lands, the court said that Great Britain, from where India has adopted the present legal system, abolished the offence of criminal contempt on the ground of scandalising the court pursuant to the recommendation of their Law Commission.



It said that in this regard, the American law appears to be more liberal with greater emphasis on freedom of speech but the apex court does not wish to undertake any elaborate analysis of it.



However, in India scandalising the court is still recognised to be an act constituting contempt of court. Though what is the activity which constitutes scandalisation of the court is not defined or very precisely explained in the... cases, individuals were held guilty of contempt of court on the ground that their deeds scandalised the court, it said.

ALSO READ: Supreme Court refuses to hear Justice CS Karnan's plea to stay order

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Kolkata:

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday accused the BJP of misusing social media to spread rumour leading to communal riots and said that her government has decided to raise a peace-keeping force to maintain sectarian harmony in the state.

Social media is being misused. They (BJP) are spreading rumours through social media. This is a trend of the BJP ... a modern design of the party ... That is why we are trying to caution common people, Banerjee told reporters at the state secretariat this evening.

The government has decided to raise a peace-keeping force involving local people mandated to maintain peace with assistance from the state administration and police, she said.

Banerjee announced her governments decision to raise the peace-keeping force, to be called Shanit Bahini, amid the prevailing communal strife in the North 24 Parganas district, threatening to derail the states inter-faith harmony.

Shanti Bahini would be be stationed at over 60,000 booths across the state to maintain the communal harmony, the chief minister said.

Pointing fingers at the BJP, the chief minister said a conspiracy was on to foment trouble and communal tension in the state.

Also read: Mamata's allegation baseless, meant only to emotionally blackmail people: Keshari Nath Tripathi

Shanti Bahinis would keep an eye on elements trying to disrupt harmony in its locality, she said adding the members of the mandir (temple) and masjid (mosque) committees too would be urged to join the league.

This is BJPs modern design ... I have seen images of some incidents happening outside the state and the country, shown as happening here. I want the people to be alert in this regard, Banerjee said.

The BJP has no license to incite riots. But they are doing it. They are spreading hatred among people, she said.

Posting the photograph of an incident that happened in Bangladesh, they (BJP) were trying to spread a rumour that there had been a communal riot in West Bengal, she said, referring to a rumour of stampede in Gangasagar Mela, which, she said, had not happened at all.

The chief minister alleged the BJP has been hatching the conspiracy against her party and the government because it failed to fight TMC politically, economically, socially and on developmental issues.

We have been noticing this for quite sometime. There has been a conspiracy going on. Some people are trying to stop Trinamool Congress speaking for peoples cause, she said.

There was a meeting in south Kolkata. If it had been in an area with people from mixed communities, then a communal flare up could have taken place ... and the BJP is doing this directly under their party flag, she alleged.

Elaborating on the role of the peace-keeping force, Banerjee said, They will be on look out for people trying to create division in the society and disrupt its peace.

The police alone cannot do everything. These Shanti Bahinis will be in every booth of the state. Local police stations will form Shanti Bahinis involving the youth, students and peace-loving people from the locality, she said.

Also read: WB communal violence: 400 BSF personnel sent to Baduria; shops closed, internet services disrupted

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New Delhi:

A report by think-tank Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has claimed that Political parties spent far more money than they collected during assembly elections in five states in 2016. As per the report, they spent more than Rs 573 crore although they had raised only Rs 355 crore.

The figures are cumulative for national and regional parties put together during the polls to the assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

"Total funds collected by the national parties during the five state assembly elections held in 2016 was Rs 287.89 crore and total expenditure incurred was Rs 188.12 crore," said the report.

Regional parties collected a total of Rs 67.22 crore and incurred an expenditure of Rs 213.97 crore, it added. "Many political parties, while declaring their election expenditure in cash/cheque, have not included the expenditure incurred by them on their candidates.

Hence, the difference in the total expenditure by the parties in cash/cheque (Rs 402.09crore) and that under various heads (Rs 573.24 crore)," it said. National and regional parties spent a total of Rs 573.24crore during assembly elections 2016, including on publicity to candidates, travel expenses, other expenses and lump sum to candidates.

ALSO READ: Hope parties will revisit their decision to boycott GST event: Jaitley

Among the national parties, BJP collected the maximum funds of Rs 131.72 crore which formed 45.75 per cent of the total funds collected by the 6 national parties at the central and state levels for the five state assembly elections, the report by ADR said.

Out of total expenditure of Rs 112.14 crore, BJP incurred maximum expenditure of Rs 84.36 crore at the central level. At the state level, maximum expenditure was incurred by Kerala state unit (Rs 14.11 crore) followed by West Bengal (Rs 5.70 crore) and Assam (Rs 4.03 crore).

Congress spent the second highest amount of Rs 41.49crore, of which Rs 14.57 crore or 35.12 per cent of the total expenditure was at the central level and second highest at the West Bengal state unit (Rs 10.63 crore), followed by Assam state unit (Rs 10.02 crore), an analysis by ADR showed.

Among the regional parties, SP collected the maximum funds of Rs 35.66 crore. DMK spent the highest amount of Rs97.34 crore, followed by AIADMK Rs 64.72 crore.

Funds from the central office of BJP formed 65.53 percent of the total funds collected by the party at the central and state levels. The central headquarters collected a total of Rs 86.31 crore and the second highest amount of Rs 41.88 crore was collected by the West Bengal state unit of BJP, it said. Congress came in second as it collected Rs 94.23 crore.

READ: Issue of EVM tampering now stands closed, says CEC Nasim Zaidi

CPM's Kerala and West Bengal state units collected more than the central headquarters. While Kerala state unit collected Rs 28.79 crore (55.49 per cent of total funds collected by the party), West Bengal state unit collected Rs 17.54 crore (33.81 per cent of total funds collected by the party). BSP declared that the party collected no funds at the central or state levels for the five state assembly elections.

National parties spent a total of Rs 137.46 crore on publicity, while regional parties declared a total of Rs119.33 crore under the same head, ADR said.

While the national parties spent Rs 51.04 crore on travel expenses, regional parties incurred Rs 23.46 crore. National parties declared giving Rs 151.65 crore to their candidates for election expenditure, while regional parties spent only Rs 60.89 crore on their candidates.

As per the ADR report, national parties spent the maximum under media advertisement (Rs 82.08 crore), while regional parties declared spending more than the national parties in the same category (Rs 95.49 crore).

It further said that national parties declared spending Rs 30.68 crore and Rs 24.7 crore on publicity materials and public meetings respectively, while regional parties spent Rs 13.64 crore and Rs 10.2 crore under the respective heads.

National parties spent 93.12 percent of their total travel expenses or Rs 47.52 crore on their star campaigners and only 6.89 per cent or Rs 3.52 crore on travel of their party leaders.

Regional parties spent 54.52 percent of their total travel expenses or Rs 12.79 crore on their star campaigners and the remaining 45.48 per cent or Rs 10.67 crore on travel of their party leaders, it said.

National and regional parties collected a total of Rs 190.23 crore at the central level, in cash and by cheque. The most preferred mode of collection was by cheque where parties collected Rs 197.32 crore which formed 55.57 per cent of the total funds collected at the state and central levels.

With PTI inputs

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New Delhi:

Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre on Wednesday said that the border standoff between Indian and Chinese armies at the Sikkim sector can be resolved diplomatically and Chinese soldiers should leave the Bhutanese territory to reduce tension in the area.



I think the issue can be resolved at the diplomatic level. The Chinese troops should stay where they were earlier. China is approaching towards Bhutanese territory. We want them not to come forward, Bhamre said.



This is our security concern and this is our stand. Bhutans King had yesterday given a statement that Chinese (troops) are entering into its territory. This tension can be resolved at the diplomatic level. Across the table we can solve all the problems, he further added.

ALSO READ | Sikkim standoff: China says could issue travel alert for citizens visiting India



The ministers remarks came a day China demanded that India correct its mistakes by pulling back its troops immediately and accused the latter of trampling on the principles of the Panchsheel pact.



China had ruled out a compromise in the military standoff with India and put the onus on New Delhi to resolve the grave situation, Chinese envoy to India Luo Zhaohui said on Tuesday.



For the past 19 days, China and India have been betrothed in a standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan trijunction. The standoff began after a Chinese armys construction party came to build a road.



Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region. China and Bhutan are engaged in talks over the resolution of the area. Bhutan, however, has no diplomatic ties with China and it is supported militarily and diplomatically by India.



On the standoff, the Ministry of External Affairs had said India was deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India.



With PTI inputs.

ALSO READ | Sikkim row: China accuses India of trampling on Panchsheel pact, asks it to pull back troops

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New Delhi:

Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) secures the India-China border at the eastern state Sikkim. Areas as far as Padamchen and the last post Lungthung are also taken care of by soldiers of SSB. The current border stand-off between Indian and Chinese soldiers over the construction of a road by the latter in Dokalam area near the Bhutan trijunction. China claims Dokalam as a part of its Donglang region.

At present, China and Bhutan are engaged in talks over the resolution of the area. However, Bhutan has no diplomatic ties with China and it is supported militarily and diplomatically by India. Dokalam is also Indias last military post on the trijunction of its boundary with Bhutan and China. China consistently tries to interfere in the northern and eastern sections of Sikkim and India raises obstruction to such actions.

ALSO READ: PM Modi-President Xi unlikely to solve 'Sikkim Standoff' in G20 Summit

The SSB has increased its vigilance in Sikkim as tensions keep on flaring between India and China. News Nation went to the border region at Sikkim to find out the tough situations that the SSB soldiers live in. The soldiers are given special kinds of homes special clothes and food to help them remain vigilant and counter the tough natural conditions there.

READ: 'Atmosphere not right' for Xi-Modi meet in G-20 Summit at Hamburg

Despite facing the wrath of nature and being in a confrontational situation with the Chinese army, the SSB soldiers don't flash an eyelid. They sing nationalist songs to keep their morale high and their life is highly inspirational.

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New Delhi:

BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on Thursday filed PIL in Delhi High Court in Sunanda Pushkar case. Swamy sought court monitored probe and re-investigation by Delhi police.

Sunanda was found dead in a suite of a five star hotel in South Delhi on the night of January 17, 2014. A year later, a murder case was registered.

Earlier, the new medical board submitted its report on Sunanda Pushkars death. It said that the cause of her death is inconclusive. The report was given to Delhi Police's SIT.

This board was constituted in March 2016. It was set up on instructions of director general health services. It was formed when then Commissioner of Police BS Bassi said AIIMS had failed to reach conclusion.

AIIMS autopsy department also could not find the reason behind Sunanda's death in November 15, FBI had said Sunanda's death is unnatural but ruled out radioactive poisoning.

Also read: Sunanda Pushkar murder case: Shashi Tharoor says, I have nothing to hide

Also read: Sunanda Pushkars death mystery unsolved: New medical board report declares cause of death inconclusive

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New Delhi:

The issue of rising farmers suicide cannot be dealt with overnight, the Supreme Court asserted on Thursday while agreeing with the governments appeal for a year to show effective results of its pro-farmer schemes like Fasal Bima Yojana.

We are of the view that the issue of farmers suicide cannot be dealt with overnight. It is justified on behalf of the Attorney General to seek time for effective results, a bench of Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice D Y Chandrachud said.

The bench granted time to the Centre and fixed the PIL filed by NGO Citizens Resource and Action Initiative (CRANTI) for hearing after six months.

Attorney General K K Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, referred to various pro-farmer measures being taken by the NDA government and said that for showing effective results, the government should be given adequate time.

He said that out of 12 crore farmers, 5.34 crore farmers have already been covered under various welfare schemes, including the Fasal Bima Yojana.

Also Read: Farmers' suicide: Sachin Pilot blames agricultural policies of BJP govt

Venugopal also said that almost 30 per cent farm land has been covered under the crop insurance scheme and the figure will substantially rise by the end of 2018.

The court, which initially said that the number of farmer suicides was rising, later agreed to the contention of the government and granted it time.

The bench, meanwhile, asked the Centre to consider the suggestions of senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, representing the NGO CRANTI, in formulating measures to deal with the issue of farmer suicides.

Also Read: Centre should address real issue behind frequent farmers suicide in country, says Supreme Court

The bench was hearing the PIL raising the issue of farmer suicides in Gujarat, which was later expanded pan-India by the Supreme Court.

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New Delhi:

In order to make a strategy for the upcoming vice presidential elections 2017, the opposition parties are all set to meet on July 11 in Delhi.



The process of filing nominations for the August 5 vice presidential election began on July 4 with the Election Commission issuing notification. Neither the ruling NDA nor the opposition has so far announced their respective candidates for the post of vice president.



The last date of filing the nominations is July 18. The election is set to take place on August 5, 2017. Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi announced the dates and schedule for the Vice-Presidential at a press conference on June 29.

ALSO READ | Vice-presidential poll: Election Commission issues notification, process of filing nominations begins

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New Delhi:

Internet services remained suspended in the North 24 Paragans district of West Bengal while section 144 will also remain imposed in the affected areas including violence hit Basirhat and Baduria.

Communal clashes erupted in the North 24 Paragans district of West Bengal on Monday after a Hindu teenager posted an offensive post about the Prophet Mohammed on social networking site Facebook. The boy was later arrested by the Police.

The communal clashes intensified on Tuesday and many incidents of torching bikes and other vehicles reported. The Border Security Force (BSF) on Wednesday joined local police to control the worsening situation. BSF all day patrolled the area to restore calm.

Chief Minister of West Bengal has blamed BJP for spreading the riots in the state for political gain while BJP, on the other hand, said the wild appeasement of the Muslim community by the CM has been the reason for the communal riots.

#UPDATE WB: Sec 144 remains imposed in all affected areas including Basirhat&Baduria.Internet services remain suspended in North 24 Parganas  ANI (@ANI_news) July 6, 2017

Suggested Read: Mamata Banerjee accuses BJP of misusing social media to spread rumour leading to communal riots

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New Delhi:

The credibility of liquid nitrogen came into question after a Delhi businessman landed up in a hospital after consuming it. The 30-year-old man went to a Gurugram pub on April 13 and ordered a cocktail laced with liquid nitrogen. Within seconds after consuming the cocktail twice, he felt uneasiness and his stomach got swelled. The doctors had to remove a part of his stomach in order to save him. This life-threatening incident has raised several questions on its credibility.



But what liquid nitrogen actually is?



It is a colourless and odourless nitrogen, which is in a liquid state at extremely low temperature. It has a density of 0.807 g/ml at boiling point. It is produced with a process called fractional distillation, in which air is compressed and heated until the gas turns into a liquid state. It is used in making drinks and other things including ice-creams and deserts look attractive. It is one of the few chemical substances that can be transported from one place to the other.



It is advised that the liquid nitrogen should be consumed after the liquid evaporates from it. The amount of this particular nitrogen should not be more than the prescribed rules. It can lead to severe disasters if taken without liquid being evaporated. So, it is advised that one shouldnt consume it without taking all precautionary measures.

ALSO READ: Delhi businessman drinks liquid nitrogen cocktail, burns hole in stomach
New Delhi:

After a successful Israel trip, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will set off for three-day Germany visit to attend much anticipated G20 Summit in Hamburg on Thursday night, an official said.

PM Modi's G20 summit visit comes in the backdrop of rising tension between India and China over the dispute on Sikkim border. However, the two leaders are not expected to meet during the summit to settle the issue.



Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday confirmed that PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings on sidelines of G20 Summit with Argentina, Canada, Italy, Japan, Mexico, ROK, UK and Vietnam and that there was no change in his schedule, so far.



Apart from G20 Summit, PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will also attend the BRICS summit, but it is quite unlikely that the two Asiatic powers will bring up the bilateral issue on an international platform.



Earlier in the day, China also said the "atmosphere" was "not right" for a bilateral meeting between the Indian Prime Minister and Chinese President in Germany.

Suggested read: 'Atmosphere not right' for Xi Jinping-Modi meet in G-20 Summit, says China



"The atmosphere is not right for a bilateral meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi," a Chinese foreign ministry official said ahead of the G20 summit in the German city of Hamburg from Friday.



China and India have been engaged in a stand-off in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan tri-junction region for the past 19 days after a Chinese army's construction party attempted to build a road. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.



Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Geng Shuang expressed hope that "India can immediately withdraw the border troops to the Indian side of the boundary to uphold peaceful tranquillity of the China and India border areas".



"I think this is the pre-condition for any meaningful peace talks between the two sides," he told a media briefing here when asked about the meeting between Modi and Xi on the sidelines of the G20 summit.



China's state-run media on Wednesday had quoted Chinese analysts as saying that Beijing would be forced to use a"military way" to end the standoff in the Sikkim sector ifIndia refuses to listen to the "historical lessons" being offered by it.

Suggested read: Will India, China be able to resolve Sikkim Standoff in G20 summit?

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Islamabad:

Pakistan's Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf will represent the country against India at the International Court of Justice in the case involving Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed the ICJ Registrar at Peace Palace in The Hague that Ausaf would be the "agent" for Pakistan in the case whereas Foreign Affairs Director General Dr Mohammad Faisal would continue to act as the "co-agent".

The term "agent" is described as a top functionary of the government who leads the delegation to represent a country and usually opens arguments or presents a framework followed by the legal team in the ICJ.

This also means that all future exchanges or information between Pakistan and the ICJ will be made through the Attorney General's office.

Soon after a meeting between ICJ President Ronny Abraham and delegations of Pakistan and India on June 8 in the Netherlands, Ausaf had informed the world court about Pakistan's intention to appoint an ad-hoc judge to the ICJ bench for all proceedings, including the substantive hearing in the Jadhav case.

Also Read: Jadhav files mercy plea, India slams Pakistan over 'confessional video'

Pakistan has dismissed India's consular access request to Jadhav more than 15 times. India has accused Pakistan of repeatedly violating the Vienna Convention by doing so.

India had approached the world court in May seeking a provisional stay of the execution of Jadhav which was granted.

The 15-member bench backed India's contention that there had been a violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations as New Delhi's requests for consular access to its national had been denied 16 times.

Pakistan, which announced the death sentence on Jadhav on April 10, claims its security forces arrested him from its restive Balochistan province on March 3 last year after he reportedly entered from Iran. However, India maintains that he was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy.

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New Delhi:

Pakistan on Wednesday successfully test-fired short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile 'Nasr'in presence of its Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Hailing the training launch, Pak Army Chief hits on India and said the launch of "Nasr Puts 'cold water' on India's 'cold start'doctrine. Cold Start is a military doctrine developed by the Indian Armed Forces for use in a likely war with Pakistan.

"Nasr Puts 'cold water' on 'cold start'!" COAS.



COAS witnessed training launch of 'SSM Nasr' with enhanced range and manoeuvrability.(1of2) pic.twitter.com/RWH6rsrVrS a Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) July 5, 2017

"Pakistan has successfully undertaken a series of training launches and tests and trials during the current week for validation of new technical parameters of 'Nasr' with enhanced range from 60 km to 70 km and flight maneuverability," the military's media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a tweet announcing the successful launch of the missile.

He said Pakistan will go to any length to ensure regional peace and stability. He also supported government's efforts for peace through talks.

"Our strat cap is a guarantee of peace agnst belligerent neighbour & only meant to ensure, no one thinks war remains an option", COAS(2 of2) pic.twitter.com/oMU4bZNnse a Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) July 5, 2017

"We wholeheartedly support all government efforts at peace through dialogue. Our capability is only meant to ensure [peace]; no one thinks war remains an option," another tweet said.

President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and services chiefs congratulated the scientists and the nation over successful launch of the missile.

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Ashley HomeStore is making Norwalk the brands first store in lower Fairfield County, taking over the former Staples store on Richards Avenue.

Staples closed its store at 50 Richards Ave. earlier this year as part of a consolidation, with the retailer having two other Norwalk locations on Main Avenue and Westport Avenue. The office supply retailer reached a $6.9 billion agreement last week to be taken private by Sycamore Partners, which intends to split off Staples U.S. retail operations from its delivery services and Canadian stores.

The new Ashley HomeStore in Norwalk is being opened by the licensee of existing stores in Orange and Brookfield, with information not immediately available on an opening date and hiring plans following a query by Hearst Connecticut Media. The store conversion will cost $85,000 in initial renovations, according to a filing with Norwalk City Hall.

Ashey HomeStore is the largest U.S. furnishings retailer by sales, according to trade publication Furniture Today, with reported 2016 revenue of $3.8 billion representing a 9 percent increase from the year before. The Arcadia, Wis.-based company opened 100 stores last year to push its total to 700 in all, including more than 560 in the United States.

That dwarfs the U.S. total of Danbury-based Ethan Allen, which had the second-highest total among conventional furniture retailers at just under 190 U.S. locations, including a location on Main Avenue in Norwalk that Ethan Allen is in the process of winding down.

As the case for Ashley HomeStores Brookfield location on Federal Road and Orange store on Boston Post Road, the Norwalk site is just off heavily trafficked Connecticut Avenue, just up from Exit 13 on Interstate 95 in a prized spot anchored by Costco, Walmart and other major retailers.

Ashley HomeStore will vie with any number of rival chains in Norwalk and beyond, to include Raymour & Flanigan just up Connecticut Avenue, which itself includes Ashley furnishings in its showrooms; Bobs Discount Furniture in Stamford and Bridgeport; and Jordans Furniture in New Haven.

And shoppers have any number of other options, from upscale boutiques like Lillian August and Connecticut Design Center in Norwalk; to independents like Affordable Mattress and Furniture and Oriental Furnishings along the citys West Avenue; to specialty stores like Ikea in New Haven or Pier 1 Imports.

Pier 1 closed a Westport store last year while keeping its Norwalk location that is adjacent to the planned Ashley HomeStore showroom. In a late June conference call, new Pier 1 CEO Alasdair James described todays home furnishings sector as increasingly competitive.

The role of stores in todays world is changing as our customers gravitate toward more experience-driven environments, James said. Were seeing positive results from the recent introduction of in-store events that are designed to improve the overall experience.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; www.twitter.com/casoulman
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DANBURY - The case against a nanny accused of burning a three-year-old girls hands and legs on a hot stove is slated to go to trial Thursday in Superior Court.

Lidia Quilligana, 32, who worked as a nanny for a Danbury family two years ago, was charged in March 2015 with 23 counts of risk of injury to a minor and one count of first-degree assault for what authorities said was repeated abuse of a three-year-old girl and twin one-year-old siblings in her care.

Police said Quilligana was recorded on a nanny cam beating and burning the 3-year-old girl shortly before her arrest. Authorities said she also is seen force-feeding the girl before slapping her, knocking her to the ground and jumping on her.

In the footage, you can see the absolute fear and pain from the trauma in (the little girl's) facial expressions, police wrote in the arrest warrant affidavit. At one point, I observed Quilligana pick (the child) up by the throat with two hands and toss her to the ground.

Quilligana had previously rejected a plea deal offered by prosecutors that would have called for a 25-year prison sentence suspended after 17 years.

The girls mother, whose name is being withheld by The News-Times, told police that she had secretly installed video cameras in the home in December 2014 after she had become suspicious about bruises on her daughter's body. Quilligana had been working for the family as a nanny for about one year.

When the mother came home from work in March 2015, Quilligana told her that the girl had burned herself while they were making pancakes, according to court documents. But the video told another story.

It showed Lidia hitting my daughter, force-feeding her something ... and then pushing my daughter's hands on the stove burner to burn her, the mother told police, according to court documents. The abuse began right after I left for work (that) morning.

Quilligana, who is being held on a $1 million bond, gave birth to a child - her third - in December while being held in jail.

Jennifer Tunnard, who represents Quilligana, had argued recently that more than a dozen counts against her client should be withdrawn, noting that some of the charges stemmed from the same incident and would constitute double jeopardy if she were convicted.

A Superior Court judge, however, dismissed the motion.

The case is scheduled for trial before Superior Court Judge Kevin Russo. Quilligana had previously elected for a court side trial rather than a jury trial.

dperrefort@newstimes.com;
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NEW MILFORD  Emily Sterk was just about to accept a place in a doctoral rogram when she learned she was a recipient of a Fulbright grant and would instead spend the next academic year teaching English in Colombia.

It took me a few weeks to even acknowledge it happened, said Sterk, 22, of New Milford. Even now, Im leaving in a few weeks and it still doesnt seem real.

Sterk is among 80 recipients in the federal supported Fulbright Student Program who will have teaching assistantships in Colombia. She will teach English at Universidad Nacional in Bogota, the countrys capital, with seven or eight other Americans, from July 25 to May 31.

Im deeply humbled and honored, Sterk said. Im very much looking forward to having this experience and living in a foreign country for a year.

Participants in the Fulbright Student Program are also required to spend 20 to 30 hours each week on a project in addition to their teaching responsibilities. Sterk said she hopes to work on digital literacy or blogging within the community, but shell select the project once shes there and has a better feel for the residents needs.

Sterk caught the travel bug while a student at Washington and Jefferson College, in Washington, Penn. She graduated this May with a degree in Spanish and English, along with a minor in gender and women studies.

In the summer of 2015, Sterk received a scholarship from the colleges Vira I. Heinz Program for Women in Global Education, allowing her to leave the country for the first time. She visited Cuba to learn about how censorship there affects print journalism and other media outlets.

Less than a year later, Sterk studied abroad again, this time spending a semester in Ecuador.

Theyre allowing me to grow and build my confidence as well as learning about the world around me, she said.

These trips and encouragement from her professors inspired her to apply for the Fulbright scholarship. She began researching Colombia last summer and worked on the grant application continuously in August and September.

The application included two essays, three letters of recommendation and a language evaluation to ensure she can speak Spanish.

Sterk plans to earn her doctorate in Latin American literature at Pennsylvania State University when she returns next year. She said this experience will help her achieve her ultimate goal of becoming a college Spanish professor.

She began learning Spanish as a seventh-grader at Schaghticoke Middle School, but said she didnt really participate in class until she got to college level and began studying abroad and participating in smaller classes. Her honors project focused on Cuban-American literature and writers, which she presented at a graduate-level conference in Miami and again at the University of Pittsburgh during her senior year.

These experiences extended my love for Spanish, Sterk said. Its no longer bound to textbooks and literature. It now encompasses travel and interacting with those in Spanish cultures.

kkoerting@newstimes.com; 203-731-3345
VILNIUS, Lithuania, July 6, 2017 /CNW/ -- Microdrones is honored to announce that GeoNovus, a leading provider of geospatial equipment, will now offer Microdrones unmanned aerial mapping packages to surveying, mapping, and construction companies in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.

"Three weeks ago we hosted our summer event for surveyors. We demonstrated the Microdrones mdMapper1000 for 50 customers and received a lot of positive feedback, especially for its rugged platform," said Sarunas Prokopimas, GeoNovus CEO.

GeoNovus has exceptional experience in UAVs, surveying, and photogrammetry. They offer a full range of solutions, training, and support for geospatial professionals.

"Our customers are not interested in toys," said Prokopimas. "They need a professional solution that will optimize their workflow and ROI."

"We researched the market before signing on and concluded that not too many UAV developers have a long-lasting presence and can guarantee they'll be in business in the future," explained Prokopimas. "We appreciate Microdrones' commercial history since 2005, professional R&D and responsive support team, all essential for distribution success."

"GeoNovus customers have the option to choose between three platforms to best fit their needs, including advanced products with direct georeferencing to minimize GCPs and flight time. This will cut costs and save time in the field and on post-processing, since the data is collected more efficiently," explained Prokopimas. "We also like that these systems can be equipped with various sensors, according to customers' business requirements. We're very interested in the upcoming LiDAR solution!"

Available immediately, GeoNovus is offering Microdrones' mdMapper packages, complete solutions that include aircraft, sensors, and software  everything companies need for aerial mapping. These packages were designed for simple training and easy use to allow users to get started quickly:

mdMapper200

mdMapper1000

mdMapper1000DG

accessory kits (Some of the available options include inspection, multispectral, thermal, and soon LiDAR and methane gas detection kits.)

"Offering these systems opens new opportunities for us," remarked Prokopimas. "The UAV market is booming. Trimble mapping and surveying equipment distribution is a good combination with Microdrones UAVs."

Microdrones is equally excited to be working with GeoNovus.

"GeoNovus is an outstanding, knowledgeable team that is dedicated to supporting customers," said Jens Lutomski, Microdrones' Sales Manager for Europe. "They work tirelessly to ensure the companies they work with are successful."

To learn more about GeoNovus, visit http://www.geonovus.lt/.

SOURCE Microdrones

For further information: Sara Furlong, Content Marketing Manager, Microdrones, [email protected], 1-315-264-9214, http://www.microdrones.com

Related Links

http://www.microdrones.com


OTTAWA, July 6, 2017 /CNW/ - The Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, today issued the following statement on the decision adopted by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee on Wood Buffalo National Park World Heritage Site at the 41st Session in Krakow, Poland:

"The Government of Canada recognizes the Outstanding Universal Value of Canada's 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is committed to their ongoing protection. We respect the World Heritage Committee's decision regarding recommendations about the state of conservation of Wood Buffalo National Park World Heritage Site.

Canada is committed to addressing and responding to the World Heritage Committee in the requested timelines as part of our ongoing commitment to protecting Canada's heritage places now, and for future generations.

A true response to this report will only be possible through collaboration at all levels within Canada - between federal, provincial, and territorial governments, through engagement with all eleven Indigenous partners, and through consultations with industry and other key stakeholders.

We are currently working with partners to develop an action plan guided by the World Heritage Committee's recommendations. Our co-operative management committee strives to respect both the mandate of Parks Canada and the cultures and traditions of Indigenous Peoples.

We know that further engagement and capacity-building with Indigenous communities is essential to ensuring the successful implementation of the action plan.

We are confident that through this collaboration, and by making use of the best available science and traditional knowledge, we can preserve the outstanding universal value of Wood Buffalo National Park and address the critical issues identified by the World Heritage Committee.

We are committed to securing the future of Wood Buffalo National Park World Heritage Site, so that it remains a treasured place with Outstanding Universal Value for generations to come."

Associated Links

Wood Buffalo National Park

UNESCO World Heritage Centre

SOURCE Parks Canada (Georgian Bay and Ontario East Field Unit)

For further information: Marie-Pascale Des Rosiers, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 613-462-5473, [email protected]; Media Relations, Parks Canada Agency, 855-862-1812, [email protected]
OTTAWA, July 5, 2017 /CNW/ - Introducing Odin, Orion, Osawaw, Oscar, Oceana, Olela, Orbit, Orenda, Otis, Olaf, Obelix, Officer, Ogilvie and O Canada, the 14 RCMP foals who now have names, thanks to the creativity of young Canadians.

This spring, to celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary, the RCMP's "Name the Foal" contest invited young people from across the country to submit original names starting with the letter "O". These names were given to 14 foals born at the RCMP breeding farm in Pakenham, Ontario. One winner from each province and territory was selected, and for the first time, one entry submitted by a school class was selected.

The winning names were submitted by:

Haley, age 6, Wainwright, Alberta  Odin

 Rayne, age 10, Nakusp, British Columbia  Orion

 Bella, age 5, Thompson, Manitoba  Osawaw

 Drew, age 6, Hanwell, New Brunswick  Oscar

 Vanessa, age 9, Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador  Oceana

and  Kinsley, age 5, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories  Olela

 Marykate, age 4, Halifax, Nova Scotia  Orbit

 Nanuq, age 9, Gjoa Haven, Nunavut  Orenda

 Owen, age 8, Nepean, Ontario  Otis

 Evan, age 10, Souris, Prince Edward Island  Olaf

 Manix, age 6, Gatineau, Quebec  Obelix

 Vadym, age 8, Kelliher, Saskatchewan  Officer

 Isaiah, age 9 Whitehorse, Yukon  Ogilvie

 School class entry: Grade 2, Greenfield Elementary

Summerside, Prince Edward Island  O Canada

All winners receive a 2017 Musical Ride pennon, a t-shirt, a set of 2017 Musical Ride trading cards, a horse and rider leaf pin, a framed photo of the foal they named, and a certificate signed by the RCMP commissioner. All but two of the winners will receive their prizes in person at one of the stops on the Musical Ride's Canada 150 tour.

"Seeing the excitement and joy on the kids' faces as they received their prizes in front of such big audiences was so rewarding for us," says Insp. Pat Egan, officer in charge of the Musical Ride. "We think the names the kids suggested are great, and we look forward to next year's contest, when the names will start with the letter "P"."

For more information on the contest, please contact Karin Parisien at the RCMP Musical Ride Branch, 613-998-0754 or visit the RCMP website at www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

http://www.rcmp.gc.ca/en/news/2017/rcmp-announces-winners-popular-name-the-foal-contest

SOURCE Royal Canadian Mounted Police

For further information: For media inquiries: Royal Canadian Mounted Police Media Relations, [email protected], (613) 843-5999
The leadership of the All progressive Congress in kogi state have passed a vote of confidence on senator Dino Melaye who represents Kogi We...

The leadership of the All progressive Congress in kogi state have passed a vote of confidence on senator Dino Melaye who represents Kogi West in the Senate.





According to a communique issued at the end of APC Kogi state leaders meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday, July 5th, 2017, the leaders declared total support for all the positions canvassed by Senator Dino Melaye in matters of Kogi State, saying the lawmaker took up the struggle on behalf of the good people of the State.

The party, however, expressed worries over the political bickering vis-a-vis the state of affairs in Kogi State under Governor Yahaya Bello.

The leaders while giving approval to all the steps taken so far by the State Executive of the APC in Kogi State led by its Chairman, Alhaji Haddy Ametuo also observed that the State Government under Governor Yahaya Bello is not only in a confused state of affairs, but heading towards political cul-de-sac.

The communique reads in parts  The Governor Yahaya Bellos anti-party activities led to the loss of 2 APC Senatorial seats, one House of Representatives seat and 2 State House of Assembly members seats to the opposition party (PDP) thereby causing a huge set-back to our Party in Kogi State.

Those positions mentioned above were won during the 2015 elections before Alhaji Yahaya Bello joined the APC and his subsequent emergence as the Governor of Kogi State.

The only senatorial seat left for the Kogi State APC family in the Senate is being harassed by Governor Yahaya Bello and cohorts as evidenced by the on-going charade, known as re-call exercise, which is pregnant with forgeries and absurdities.

We are concerned that many weeks after the submission of the Chief Tony Momohs Reconciliation Report, the National Leadership of our Party, APC, is yet to take any step towards the implementation of its recommendations.

They also admonished the Independent National electoral commission (INEC ) not to waste its scarce resources in sustaining the ongoing recall being allegedly perpetuated by the Government of Kogi State.

The 20 APC Kogi leaders who signed the communique are Senator Alex Kadir, Senator Mohammed Salami Ohiare, Senator Nicholas Ugbane, Senator Dangana E Ocheja, Senator Abdulrahman Abubakar, Rt. Hon Clarance Olafemi, Rt. Hon Abdullahi Bello, Hon James A Faleke, Hon Mohammed Idris and Alhaji (Prince) Mohammed Audu.





Others are Hon Duro Meseko, Alhaji Abubakar Rajab, Pharm. A. Zakari, Chief Michael Ozovehe, Chief Lawrence Gbenga Asagun, Hon (Dr) Idris Jimoh, Engr. S. A. Ezekiel, Dr Tom Ohikere Alhaji Sanusi Abubakar and Alhaji Haddy Ametuo.
The attacks cast doubt on the Nigerian governments claim that the jihadist group is on the back foot and may mark an end to a lull since April of Al-Barnawis deadly attacks on military targets.





In the latest attack late Tuesday, Islamist fighters in pickup trucks raided and razed a military base in Kamuya village in Nigerias ravaged Borno state.





Boko Haram attacked the (military) base around 5:30 pm (1630 GMT) and the troops engaged them in battle, a military source from the town of Biu told AFP.





The base was burnt from RPG (rocket propelled grenade) shelling and two soldiers were injured, said the military officer, who asked not to be named as he was not authorised to speak on the incident.

The jihadists were later pushed back after military reinforcements arrived 30 kilometres (18 miles) away from Buni Yadi in neighbouring Yobe state, said the military source.





The officers account was corroborated by Mustapha Karimbe, a member of a local militia in Biu assisting the military in fighting Boko Haram.





Boko Haram gunmen attacked Kamuya military barracks yesterday evening and burnt it down. They injured two soldiers, said Karimbe.





In January jihadists from Al-Barnawis faction riding on camels killed at least three soldiers in a midnight raid on the same military base.





Residents told AFP at the time that Boko Haram fighters were hiding in the nearby Ajigin forest.

Boko Haram, which has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, has been gripped by a power struggle over the future of the insurgency.





One faction is led by Abu Musab Al-Barnawi, the son of Boko Harams founder Mohammed Yusuf, who was named leader by the IS high command last year.





Although IS declared Al-Barnawi leader of the breakaway faction he is believed to be heavily influenced by Mamman Nur, a close ally of the late Yusuf, while longtime Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau controls the other faction.





Earlier on Monday fighters said to be loyal to Al-Barnawi separately attacked two military bases in which at least three fighters and a soldier were killed, the Nigerian military said in a statement.





Boko Haram terrorists of Mamman Nur extraction attacked 81 Division Task Force Battalion in Gulumba Gana village of Bama district in the countrys northeast, said the military.





Troops repelled the attack and recovered arms and explosives from the fleeing jihadists, it said.





Later that day another group from the Mamman Nur faction launched an attack on troops at a base in Logomani village in Dikwa district.





Three Boko Haram jihadists and a soldier were killed while a militant was captured alive.





Nigerias government maintains that Boko Haram is a spent force in disarray, despite the attacks and an increase in suicide bombings targeting security checkpoints, mosques and camps for the displaced.

At least 20,000 people have been killed since the insurgency began in 2009.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakars wife, Titi, yesterday told an Ikeja High Court that Pastor Nsikak Akpan-Jacobs, whom she allegedl...

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakars wife, Titi, yesterday told an Ikeja High Court that Pastor Nsikak Akpan-Jacobs, whom she allegedly made the managing director of her firm, THA Shipping and Maritime Services, sold her property for N918 million without her consent.She claimed that Akpan-Jacobs used the money to fund his governorship campaign in Akwa Ibom State.Mrs. Atiku spoke while testifying before Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye in a suit which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) instituted against Akpan and one Abdulmalik Ibrahim and Dana Motors.The defendants are facing a 14-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and fraudulent conversion of properties belonging to THA Shipping Maritime Services Limited.Mrs. Atiku, under cross-examination by Akpan-Jacobs counsel, Mr. Amos Ibe, described the pastor as her former errand boy .She maintained that she made him her firms managing director because he was a pastor and someone she trusted.She told the court that Akpan-Jacobs took a huge loan from First Bank and used her company, THA Shipping and Maritime Services, as collateral.He did this without the knowledge of the board of directors. He started selling the companys properties when the bank started asking for their moneyI did not know that it would turn out like this or I would have documented all our transactions, she said.Mrs. Atiku further told the court that she made Akpan the managing director pending when her partner, Fred Holmes, who had 25 per cent shares in the company would finish his contract with Julius Berger.Akpan did everything on my behalf as I was still in the active civil service as at that time and I could not leave my post then.Akpan gave me a breakdown of expenses incurred and I still have the breakdown, but he never signed it.Being the one with the largest share, I contributed N49 million to buy the land on which the company is situated at No 63A Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, while my German partner Holmes, brought two cranes from Germany.He even at one point forged my signature. We put a caveat emptor on the property warning prospective buyers, but Dana Motors went ahead and bought the property claiming that they had an agreement with the managing director to collect back their money should any litigation arise.My lawyer later got to know that the property was sold for N918 million, which Akpan claimed was used to offset the loan he collected from the bank and also pay off other loans. All this he did without my knowledge, Mrs. Atiku maintained.Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye thereafter adjourned the matter till today for continuation of trial.
The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has restated its stand against restructuring of Nigeria, s...

The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has restated its stand against restructuring of Nigeria, saying it was referendum or nothing as restructuring would not work out because of lack of trust and confidence among the ethnic groups that make up Nigeria.However, a former Nigerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, UN, and one-time chairman of State and Local Government Creation Committee during late General Sani Abachas military regime, Chief Arthur Mbanefo, has disagreed with referendum, saying it would be difficult and costly and requested instead, that adequate publicity be given the 2014 confab report, which Ndigbo and some other tribes are clamouring for its implementation.This is even as Ohanaeze Ndigbo asserted that the issues concerning the Igbo be tackled as Igbo are the single largest ethnic group in Nigeria and the second in population in all states outside Igboland.According to Ohanaeze,after the indigenous people in every state in Nigeria, the Igbo are the next highest in number.MASSOB in a statement by its National Secretary, Comrade Ugwuoke Ibem Ugwuoke therefore, insisted that the best option for Igbo is Biafra through a referendum. Ugwoke said: Though MASSOB is not against the agitators of restructuring or implementation of true federalism, we believe that such adventures will never be actualised because there is no trust and confidence among the regional ethnic leaders.The corrupt and parasitic political, religious and traditional leaders of Hausa-Fulani will always frustrate the move for political balance of Nigeria federalism. MASSOB however commended the leadership of Ohanaeze Youth Council for its consistency and eloquence on the issue of the struggle for the actualization of Biafra and warned against alleged plan to by some Igbo leaders to blackmail the councils leader, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro.Insisting on rejection of restructuring, the statement said: MASSOB under our leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu, has insisted that we are not interested in restructuring of Nigeria because the foundation and intention of establishing Nigeria as a state do not favour restructuring.
As controversy continues to trail the eligibility of Ibrahim Magu to remain Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) boss, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo said as long as he remains the Acting President, no one would remove Magu from office.Recall the embattled Magu had been rejected by the National Assembly a couple of times.Osinbajo spoke through Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State shortly before the commissioning ceremony of the EFCC zonal office in Kaduna on Thursday.According to Osinbajo, he had discussed with President Muhammadu Buhari over the issue of Magu, and the President said as long as he remains President, Magu would not vacate the anti-corruption seat.Osinbajo said, We have every confidence in Magu to fight corruption to a standstill.He will remain the EFCC chairman as long as I remain the Acting President and as well as Muhammadu Buhari remains the President.It is our belief that Magu will continue to remain a nightmare for corrupt people for years to come.In his own welcome address, Governor El-Rufai had disclosed that he had recovered over N500 million quietly from corrupt past government officials and contractors without anybody knowing.He, however, added that those corrupt officials will be handed over to the EFCC in due course for prosecution.He said he encouraged the establishment of EFCC zonal office in Kaduna because the State has zero tolerance for financial bad behaviour.El-Rrufai promised the Commission a land for its training school as well as staff accommodation.The Commission can continue to count on us for our support for EFCC. We have set aside a land in Kaduna for your training school,El-Rufai said.
Former Minister of Communication, Major-General Tajudeen Olarewaju, retd, has revealed how he, late ex-Nigeria Permanent Representative to ...

Former Minister of Communication, Major-General Tajudeen Olarewaju, retd, has revealed how he, late ex-Nigeria Permanent Representative to United Nations, UN, Maitama Sule, prevented the death sentence the regime of late Gen Sani Abacha, rtd, passed on ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and others.





In a statement he signed, Olarewaju also named onetime National Security Adviser, NSA, Alhaji Ismaila Gwarzo as being involved in commuting the death sentence.

Olarewaju revealed that the trio had embarked on a diplomatic mission which resulted in the commuting of the death penalty to 25 years jail term by Abacha.

The former Minister made the disclosure while stressing that the the memory of Sule will remain evergreen in Nigeria and the global community due to his contributions to national and global peace.

He said, A Nigerian delegation led by the late Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Sule comprising myself and former NSA Gwarzo had gone on a diplomatic mission in Switzerland to meet with American delegation comprising Ambassador McHenry, then Assistant Secretary of State on Security Susan Rice and Assistant Secretary of State on Africa George Moose sent by then United States President Bill Clinton.

The Maitama Sule-led Nigerian team demanded the release of the trio of General Olusegun Obasanjo, General Shehu YarAdua and Alhaji MKO Abiola.

Sule, a former Petroleum Minister died over the weekend in Cairo, Egypt while he was undergoing treatment for an undisclosed illness.

His body arrived the country on Tuesday and has since been buried in Kano.




The Plateau State Police Command, on Thursday, confirmed the arrest of a 40-year-old man, Victor Dashit, who allegedly strangled his eight ...

The Plateau State Police Command, on Thursday, confirmed the arrest of a 40-year-old man, Victor Dashit, who allegedly strangled his eight months pregnant wife, Irene.





Victor is in our custody and investigation is ongoing. W shall soon take him to court, its spokesman, Terna Tyopev, said in Jos.

He said that Dashit, a staff of the National Industrial Court, Jos who resides at New Abuja area of Jos, killed the wife, a 33-year-old teacher, at their farm in Kangang, on June 2.

NAN investigation revealed that Dashit, after killing the woman, invited his brother to help him to convey her to hospital after lying that she slumped few minutes after she complained of feeling dizzy.





A family source said that prior to the incident, the couple had faced lots of problems leading to persistent domestic violence.

He said that the situation got worse in May 2016, when the deceased caught her husband in bed with their house help, one Nora, in their home.

The woman woke up one night sometime in May 2016 and did not see her husband on the bed. After combing the entire house, she peeped into the house helps room and found her husband on her, the source said.

He said that Irene sent the girl out of the house, but the girl came back two months later and told the husband that she was pregnant.

Noras pregnancy aggravated the problems in their marriage; at a point, Irene fled to her parents house in Gindiri, but was persuaded to return to her husbands house by their Pastor.

The Pastor persuaded her to return in November 2016, after intervening in the quarrel. She became pregnant immediately.

She said that Irene had two daughters, while the baby, a male, removed from her womb after she died, did not survive.

A source at the Air Force Military Hospital, Jos where Irenes corpse was taken, said that the Dashit who brought the wife on June 2, had claimed that she slumped and died after complaining of dizziness.

The doctors confirmed her dead on arrival, but rushed her to the theatre for an emergency CS in a bid to save her unborn baby but brought out a dead child, the source said.

Further investigation by the medics, however revealed marks on her neck, which suggested that she was strangled.

The doctors quickly reported the matter at the Anglo Jos police station where Dashit owned up to strangling his wife, he said.

Tyopev, while describing the incident as unfortunate, blamed the development on alleged infidelity, saying that Dashit had equally confessed to impregnating his housemaid.

He confessed to holding the woman by the neck, but said he did not intend to kill her, he said.
Scores of medical doctors trooped out again in Osogbo, the state capital to protest the mutilation of their salaries, salary arrears and poor condition of hospitals across Osun State.The doctors were led by the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Osun State chapter, Dr. Tokunbo Olajumoke during the protest held on Thursday.This protest came a month after a similar protest was held by the doctors over the same issues.The doctors, who chanted anti- government songs marched from the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo to the popular Olaiya Junction to Oke Fia Roundabout described Governor Rauf Aregbesola as being insensitive to their suffering.The NMA chairman, who later addressed journalists said salaries of doctors had been slashed drastically, saying they were now receiving a paltry 30 percent of their salaries while the state government was taxing them based on the 100 percent of the salaries.He said that the doctors were not carried along when the governor decided to order that their salaries should be slashed.He said, Our protest is not only centred on our salaries but state hospitals lack equipment and drugs. The conditions of our hospitals are bad. There are no drugs, the most expensive drugs in many hospitals are paracetamol and other painkillers.We say no to obnoxious tax regime, we say no to amputated salaries and we want our hospitals to work in the interest of the people, who can not afford to seek treatment abroad.After todays protest, we will review our strategies and we will come up with a more drastic action and that is why we are calling on major stakeholders in the state to talk to the governor. We cannot give half treatment to our patients because we are being paid amputated salaries.We have done everything humanly possible but the governor is recalcitrant. We also will not allow our rights to be trampled upon and keep silent.The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Adelani Baderinwa, when contacted on the telephone appealed to the protesting doctors to show understanding with the government.He said, Our appeal to the doctors is that they should take the ethics of their profession seriously, they should consider the financial status of Nigeria which Osun State is part of. There should be synergy and understanding between the government and the doctors on the need to save lives. This administration was never found wanting in the area of workers welfare including the doctors who the economy was better than it is now.The commissioner said Aregbesola had done more than other previous leaders especially in the health sector but he pleaded with the doctors to show understanding with the state government.
Fresh revelations have exposed Nigerian police officers aiding Billionaire kidnapper Chukwudumeje George Onwuamadike (alias Evans) Niger...

Fresh revelations have exposed Nigerian police officers aiding Billionaire kidnapper Chukwudumeje George Onwuamadike (alias Evans)has learntA policewoman accused of aiding suspected kidnap kingpin to escape justice in 2006 is still in the police.It was gathered that the woman, simply identified as Tina, is now a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP). She was unmasked by a Special Investigation Panel (SIP) constituted by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris to probe Evans 2006 arrest, transfer from Lagos State to Imo State and eventual release.After the suspects arrest last month, a senior police officer told reporters that his team apprehended Evans in 2006 after a bank robbery.The officer had claimed that Evans and his gang members had a gun duel at the National Theatre in Surulere, Lagos Mainland after a disagreement in sharing their loot, adding that the kingpin was shot and left to die.According to the officer, Tina, who was a Superintendent of Police (SP) at the time, mounted pressure on them to release Evans and two of his members but when her request was not met, she went through Imo State Command, where a signal was sent for the transfer of the suspects.As a result of the revelations, IGP Idris constituted a panel to investigate the 2006 arrest, transfer and eventual release of Evans and his members.The panel was to identify all officers who had a hand in the matter, whether serving or retired.According to a source, the panel has made reasonable progress in its investigation because almost all the officers that took part in the rape of justice have been identified.He said the police might soon release statement on the issue.The source said: I can tell you that Tina is not the womans real name but I wont give you her name. I can also tell you shes now a CSP and still in service. So many officers took part in that 2006/2007 release of Evans and they are being investigated. The panel has made progress and almost all of them have been identified. An official statement might be release by the authorities soon.The fundamental rights suit filed by Evans has been assigned to Justice Babs Kuewumi of the Federal High Court in Lagos for adjudication.The case, a source said, has been returned to the registry for temporary assignment to another judge who will sit during the courts long vacation.The vacation judge handles only urgent motions and cases bordering on human rights violations before they are re-assigned permanently to other judges.The source said: The case was assigned to Justice Kuewumi. But due to its nature, the judge felt it would be better handled by a vacation judge.He felt it would not be ideal to adjourn it for hearing until after the long vacation in September.So, it was the judge who gave parties the July 13 date to appear before the vacation judge after studying the file.The court will begin its nine-week annual vacation on Monday. It will resume on September 8.A statement by Chief Registrar Emmanuel Gakko reads: The Federal High Court of Nigeria hereby wishes to notify the general public, lawyers and litigants that the courts annual vacation for the year 2017 shall commence from Monday, 10th July 2017 and would end onFriday, 8th September 2017.The court would therefore resume on Monday, the 11th day of September 2017.Two judges  Justice Abdulazeez Anka and Justice Chuka Obiozor  will take turns to sit during the vacation in the Lagos division.It was not immediately clear who will sit first during the vacation.Evans sued the Inspector-General of Police for alleged violation of his fundamental rights.He is praying the court to compel the police to charge him rather than detaining him indefinitely since June 10.Evans is also demanding N300million damages and an apology for the alleged violation of his rights.In the fundamental rights enforcement suit filed on his behalf by a Lagos lawyer, OlukoyaOgungbeje, the suspected kidnapper said his continued detention without trial was illegal.The police, Lagos Commissioner of Police, Special Anti-Robbery Squad and the Lagos State Police Command are the other respondents.Alternatively, Evans is seeking an order compelling the respondents to immediately release him unconditionally.Evans argued that the respondents ought to have charged him to court in line with Sections 35 and 36 of the Constitution.In a 27-paragraph affidavit in support of the motion deposed to by Evans father, Stephen Onwuamadike, it was averred that the applicant had been subjected to media trial without any courts order.The father said since his sons arrest, all his family members has been denied access to him while reporters were granted unfettered access to him.An Assistant Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, said Evans detention was to allow for thorough investigation.All those who want Evans released did not know that the police had obtained a 90-day warrant to detain him, said Kyari, who led a special squad that smashed Evans gang.Evans had also reportedly denied instructing any lawyer to file a suit on his behalf.I have no hand in any case filed against the police and I did not speak with any lawyer or my father to file a case on my behalf, he was quoted as saying in a television interview.Ogungbeje, however, told our correspondent that he was instructed by Evans family to file the action.The lawyer said Evans father was personally in court to depose to an affidavit in support of the case.
Senate yesterday asked its Committee on Marine Transport to investigate anallegation of $3billion fraud against the Nigerian Ports Autho...

Senate yesterday asked its Committee on Marine Transport to investigate anallegation of $3billion fraud against the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).It followed a point of order by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, representing Delta Central.Omo-Agege said the alleged fraud was in connection with the activities of the Joint Venture Enterprises of the NPA, namely, the Lagos Channel Management, the Bonny Channel Company, and the Calabar Channel Management Company Limited.He noted that both the Lagos Channel Management and the Bonny Channel Company were established in August 2005 for the management and routine maintenance dredging of Lagos and Bonny navigation channels. The Calabar Channel Management Company Limited, according to him, was established for the management and capital dredging of the Calabar channel.Omo-Agege said although the aforementioned companies were conceived to operate a public-private partnership (PPP) model and to reduce financial burden on the Federal Government, the NPA has expended over$1billion and $2billion on the Lagos Channel Management and the Bonny Channel Company from 2005 till date.He noted that despite the huge expenditure, significant dredging is yet to commence on the Calabar channel, notwithstanding that the Calabar channel is an economic gateway to the Northcentral and Northeast geo-political zones.He stated that in spite of the financial commitments of the NPA to some of its joint ventures, empirical facts, evidence and data  including current Admiralty Charts from Lloyds of London  show that the purported claims of daily maintenance dredging are questionable.He added: This is because the depth profiles of the Lagos and Bonny channels have remained at the same height of 13 meters for over 11 years.Furthermore, in the 2017 Budget of the NPA, the Lagos Channel Management and the Bonny Channel Company have requested for N23 billion and N20 billion respectively.Following Omo-Ageges submissions, the Senate mandated its Committee on Marine Transport to investigate the dredging activities, books, and NPAs records; the Lagos Channel Management Limited; the Bonny Channel Company Limited; and the Calabar Channel Management Company Limited.Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki gave the Marine Transport Committee one week to report back to plenary.
ENGLEWOOD - A tribute of candles, flowers and photos continue to grow Wednesday outside the Luna Lounge as a missing woman's friends call for justice.

Jennifer Londono

Body parts believed to be the remains of Jennifer Londono washed up in the waters of New York City last weekend and blood believed to be hers was found in a man's bathtub, according to reports.

Londono, who came to the United States as a teenager, opened the Luna Lounge just a month ago after having worked nearby as a bartender, said her longtime friend Marcela Toro.

"She didn't have any troubles with anybody," Toro said Wednesday. "She was trying to grow little by little, start making some more money."

Londono opened her Englewood business on June 8. She vanished on June 25 from Union City, according to reports.

Police sources told the N.Y. Daily News a leg found in the Hudson River over the weekend and a torso discovered in the Red Hook Channel off Brooklyn are believed to be Londono's remains.

A tattoo with a Sanskrit word found on the leg is identical to one that Londono had, according to Toro. The Daily News reported Londono's mother identified the tattoo.

Toro said she placed flowers outside Luna Lounge on Monday. On Tuesday, friends gathered for an emotional vigil, posting videos and photos on social media.

"She was a very sweet and loving person," an emotional Toro said. "She didn't deserve this. We hope they find the person who did this."

#JusticeForJennyLondono #RIP Mi nina nunca te olvidaremos. Siempre viviras en nuestros Corazones Posted by Diana Pena Tineo on Monday, July 3, 2017

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP -- A 63-year-old man was taken to an area hospital for evaluation after he threatened police officers with a knife and barricaded himself inside a Bordentown home Wednesday, authorities said.

Family members asked police to check on the man over concerns about his "mental well being," according to a statement from the department. Police arrived at the Liberty Avenue residence around 3:20 p.m. and met with the man when he threatened officers.

Officers tried to negotiate with the man and brought family members to the home in an attempt to resolve the incident, police said. When those efforts failed, township police alerted the New Jersey State Police's specialized tactical unit, known as TEAMS.

Troopers went inside the house about three hours later and took the man into custody without further incident, authorities said.

"The subject was then transported to a local hospital for crisis treatment," the statement said. "Police are not releasing the subject's name at this time due to this being a medical incident."

There were no reported injuries. In the statement, Bordentown Township Acting Police Chief Brian Pesce praised officers for "displaying tremendous restraint" in the response.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc and on Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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When we analyze consumer complaint cases, sometimes the consumer is right, sometimes the consumer is wrong and sometimes, there's enough blame to go around.

Before you get yourself into a situation where you may need Bamboozled's help, brush up on your rights and responsibilities.

Here are four things every consumer should know.

Do your homework

When we write about a consumer's mess, it's not uncommon for our more critical readers to object. They often blame the victim, saying the consumer should have known better or should have done more research.

We'll never blame the victim, but yes, there are plenty of times when a consumer who was wronged didn't take the right steps before doing business with a troublemaker.

You have a responsibility to take those steps -- to do research -- before you hire anyone.

There's a lot you can learn before signing on the dotted line or handing over your cash.

Most companies have a paper trail. For example, you can check to see if a company is registered or licensed by the appropriate government agency or if it belongs to any trade organizations. Of course, being properly registered or joining an industry group doesn't mean a company will do the right thing by consumers, but it increases the chance it's on the level.

You need to take it further, though. Here's a guide to show you how you can access public records -- the same items Bamboozled checks when it researches companies.

Don't forget the power of a simple Google search. Typing in the name of a company and the word "complaints" or "lawsuit" will bring you to message boards and other websites where consumers share their experiences.

Understand contracts

If you contract with a company for any kind of job, it's your responsibility to know what you're signing.

Read every word of the contract. If there's something you don't understand, ask someone to help you.

Really. There's nothing wrong with asking for help.

You also need to know your rights. In New Jersey, thanks to the Consumer Fraud Act, there are certain items that must be on most contracts, such as the start and end dates for a job.

Some companies don't care about the rules while others aren't as knowledgeable as they should be. That's why you can't leave it to the company. But before you sign, make sure it's right. If it's not right, that's a red flag.

Check out this consumer brief by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs to brush up on the law.

Keep meticulous records

When we contact for a service or buy a product, we don't expect things to go bad. But sometimes they do.

The better your recordkeeping, the more ammunition you'll have to be made whole.

If you purchase a product, save the receipt. Sounds simple, but you might not think of it when you get a $20 hair dryer or an inexpensive electronic for your kid.

Also save whatever packaging and paperwork that comes with the product. It may detail any guarantees or warranties, and it may provide serial numbers or other identifiers that may come in handy.

If you're contracting for a service, grab a notebook and start a timeline list.

Even if things are going well, every time you have contact with a company, write down the date, the name of the person you spoke to and what the conversation entailed. If a dispute arises, your notes will help you remember all the details you'll need.

Learn how to complain

If you're unable to get satisfaction through a company's customer service channels, there are plenty of other ways to get attention for your complaint.

First, put yourself in the shoes of the customer service rep. These folks are just doing their jobs, and if you start out nasty, you're less likely to get the result you're hoping for.

Getting more with sugar than vinegar? So true.

Keep your emotions in check. Stick to the facts. Be firm, but be nice -- at least at the start.

If you can't get satisfaction using a company's 800-number, try contacting the company via social media, such as Facebook or Twitter. No company wants unhappy customers posting negative comments online, so they're often quick to respond. Some companies even have social media pages dedicated to helping consumers.

Here are some tips on how to use social media to your advantage.

If you're not a social media fan, you can go the traditional route, writing letters to top brass at the company. Consider an EECB, or "Executive E-mail Carpet Bomb." An EECB is basically when you pull out all the stops to track down the correct contact information for higher-ups who can get your problem solved.

Check out these tips to writing an effective complaint letter.

If a company is unresponsive, it's time see which government agency handles complaints like yours. There's a watchdog agency out there for just about every consumer issue. Here's some help in finding the right one for your problem.

Also consider contacting your legislators. Like companies, some are more responsive than others, but those who enjoy helping constituents can apply a little pressure to get your problem resolved.

If all else fails, you might need to file a lawsuit. Depending on the amount of your loss, you might choose to represent yourself or find an attorney who will fight on your behalf. The New Jersey Courts' website will tell you everything you need to know.

Don't forget you can always give Bamboozled a try. Even if we can't take on your case, we might have some helpful suggestions.

We're here to help.

Have you been Bamboozled? Reach Karin Price Mueller at Bamboozled@NJAdvanceMedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KPMueller. Find Bamboozled on Facebook. Mueller is also the founder of NJMoneyHelp.com.

Stay informed and sign up for NJMoneyHelp.com's weekly e-newsletter.
EAST ORANGE -- A robbery suspect with a handgun was arrested after an approximately three hour-long standoff at an East Orange house Wednesday night, officials said.

Police were investigating an armed robbery on Birchwood Avenue around 7 p.m. when the suspect spotted officers and ran into the back door of a residence on nearby Hawthorne Place, city spokeswoman Connie Jackson said.

After the suspect barricaded himself in the building, off Central Avenue, two residents got out safely, according to the spokeswoman. Negotiators from the East Orange police and Essex County Sheriff's Office communicated with the suspect by cell phone before he surrendered around 10:30 p.m.

Officers with the Newark police division's SWAT team assisted at the scene.

Charges were pending against the suspect, who was identified as 26-year-old Jeremy J. Hyman, of East Orange, officials said.

There were no reports of any injuries.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc and on Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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NEW JERSEY STATE PARK SERVICE TO CELEBRATE 60th ANNIVERSARY OF BARNEGAT LIGHTHOUSE

STATE PARK ON MONDAY, JULY 10

(17/P72) TRENTON  The New Jersey State Park Service is celebrating the 60th anniversary of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park on Monday, July 10, with events showcasing the historic and natural significance of the landmark lighthouse and park on the northern tip of Long Beach Island.

The awe-inspiring Barnegat Lighthouse has weathered the test of time, thanks to the care of many people dedicated to ensuring this beacon will stand tall for future generations, said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin. On behalf of the New Jersey State Park Service, I encourage the public to help us celebrate the 60th anniversary of this park that preserves the lighthouse and its adjacent maritime forest, giving visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time.

I also thank the Friends of Barnegat Lighthouse for their strong commitment to this historic site through their interpretive and educational programs.

The 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. celebration will feature talks by the Friends of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, guided tours of the maritime forest trail, tours of the Barnegat Light Schoolhouse Museum that houses Old Barneys original Fresnel lens, a presentation by the New Jersey Lighthouse Society, a talk about the United States Life-Saving Service, and guided walks to see rare beach-nesting birds.

At 2 p.m., a ceremony will be held to rededicate the bust of George Meade who, prior to leading the Union to victory at the Battle of Gettysburg as a major general, designed Barnegat Lighthouse and other lighthouses along the East Coast in the 1850s.

Visitors can also enjoy extended hours for climbing Barnegat Lighthouse from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., providing a unique opportunity for sweeping evening views of the coastline. The top of the lighthouse is accessed by a 217-step spiral staircase.

We hope history buffs, lighthouse fans and those who appreciate nature will join us to celebrate Old Barney and Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, said Park Superintendent Cynthia Coritz. We especially hope that anyone who was at the park opening 60 years ago will come and bring photos they have for a scrapbook we will create, as well as any relatives of General Meade and Boris Blai, founder of the Long Beach Island Foundation and sculptor of the Meade bust.

The parks celebration coincides with the borough of Barnegat Lights celebration of Discover Barnegat Light Day, featuring tours of the docks at Viking Village, a U.S. Coast Guard station tour, car show, special merchant events, and a concert.

Standing 175 above sea level, the current lighthouse was constructed in the latter 1850s to replace an earlier and much smaller structure Meade deemed inadequate. Then a lieutenant with the Army Corps of Topographical Engineers, Meade designed the new brick tower to better guide mariners past dangerous shoals fed by sand from the inlet.

Old Barneys light first shined on the night of Jan.1, 1859. It was equipped with a beehive-shaped, kerosene-fueled Fresnel lens made up of 1,000 glass prisms that could be seen up to 19 nautical miles (22 statute miles) out to sea.

Over the years, Old Barney and the land around it were pounded by storms and erosion, leading to various efforts to protect the structure. Today the lighthouse is protected by a sea wall.

Numerous efforts helped protect the lighthouse from being lost to deterioration, weather and eroding shoreline. It was turned over from the federal government to the state in 1926 for historical conservation.

The lights functional use diminished with the anchoring of the Barnegat Lightship offshore in 1927, at which time the lighthouse was decommissioned.

On July 11, 1957, the bronze bust of Meade was unveiled at the official dedication of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park during ceremonies replete with bunting and fanfare.

On Jan. 1, 2009, a new replica light was switched on to mark the 150th anniversary of the lighthouse, the result of efforts by the state park service and the nonprofit Friends of Barnegat Lighthouse.



The history of the lighthouse is showcased in illuminating exhibits at the park.

The 32-acre park preserves a maritime forest of black cherry, sassafras, eastern red cedar and American holly, and is an important resting and feeding area for migratory birds. There are few forests like it remaining in New Jersey. An ADA-compliant walkway and picnic area provides access along Barnegat Inlet.

Admission to the park is free. There is a $3 fee to climb the lighthouse for those 12 and over, and $1 for children ages 6 through 11. Children age 5 and under are free.

The park is located at 208 Broadway and Long Beach Boulevard in Barnegat Light. For more information on the state park and lighthouse, including GPS coordinates, visit: www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/barnlig.html

For more from the Friends of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, visit: http://www.friendsofbarnegatlighthouse.org/

For more information on Discover Barnegat Light Day, visit: http://welcometolbi.com/event/discover-barnegat-light-day/

###
WASHINGTON  With thousands of south Louisiana homeowners receiving startling increases in the cost of their flood insurance, members of the Louisiana congressional delegation said Thursday they have run out of patience waiting for FEMA to explain what went into calculating the new rates.
A federal regulator has given the go-ahead for Bass Pro Shops to buy Nebraska-based outdoors retailer Cabelas, the companies announced Wednesday.

The Federal Trade Commission, charged with preventing monopolies and maintaining competition within industries, was investigating the deal for potential competitive issues.

Cabelas and Bass Pro said in a regulatory filing Wednesday that the FTC told the companies Monday it had closed its investigation, which could have been a major roadblock for the deal.

FTC approval was one of the major regulatory hurdles the deal faced since it was announced in October last year.

The agency could have halted the deal entirely by filing a lawsuit, or forced Bass Pro and Cabelas to sell some stores to a competitor in markets where they both operated.

Now, investors will likely turn their attention to the sale of Cabelas Worlds Foremost Bank, a subsidiary that operates the companys credit card. The bank must be sold before the deal with Bass Pro can close, and the sale of the bank also requires regulatory approval. Meanwhile, the Oct. 3 merger deadline, after which all parties could walk away from the deal, is not that far off.

That part of the deal also hasnt been without its problems.

Capital One was originally slated to acquire Worlds Foremost and operate the Cabelas credit card in partnership with Bass Pro.

Not long after the $5.5 billion deal between the three parties was announced, Capital One said it probably wouldnt be able to get approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (due to an unrelated issue with the OCC) in time for the Oct. 3 merger deadline.

Cabelas said at the time it would explore alternative structures for the deal.

Enter Synovus Financial Corp. The Georgia bank stepped up in the spring to help get the deal done. Synovus will serve as a sort of middle man for the deal. The plan is for the bank to acquire Worlds Foremost and then promptly offload the credit card receivables to Capital One. Cabelas shareholders were originally to get $65.50 per share as part of the buyout, but will get $61.50 per share after restructuring to include Synovus.

Its still unclear whats in store for Sidney, Cabelas hometown of roughly 6,800 about six hours west of Omaha where some 2,000 people work for Cabelas. The two companies combined headquarters will be in Bass Pros home of Springfield, Missouri.

Bass Pro has said it will maintain significant operations in Sidney, but its still unclear what jobs will remain or how many.

Typically, when a company buys out its competitor, it saves money by eliminating dual functions  like the accounting or legal departments  from the acquired company.

While analysts have praised the Synovus part of the deal as a clever workaround, its still unclear what federal bank regulators will think of it. Synovus filed an application to acquire Worlds Foremost on April 19.
KALONA  This small town has become a landmark in the organic-farm movement, and it has nothing to do with foodies or hippies.

Instead it has been Amish farmers who, in their suspenders and wide-brimmed hats, have helped develop one of the densest clusters of organic farms in the United States. More than 90 operations certified by the Agriculture Department have emerged within a 10-mile radius, producing, among other things, corn, soybeans, eggs and, perhaps most important, milk.

This is our living and our way of life, said Eldon T. Miller, 71, an Amish dairy farmer here. A little over 20 years ago, Miller began holding informational meetings in his basement about organics, and the idea slowly spread across the area.

The question for small organic dairy farmers is how long they can hold out against growing competition from very big dairies producing large volumes of organic milk that, in the view of many here, does not deserve the label.

A glut of organic milk has sunk prices across the United States, threatening livelihoods and rekindling long-standing suspicions that some of the large organic dairies that have emerged are swamping the market with milk that does not meet organic standards. Over the years, some of these very large dairies, most of them in the West, have been cited for violating organic rules by the USDA or inspection agencies. To the chagrin of many here, most have been allowed to continue operating.

Then, last month, The Washington Post reported that one of the nations largest dairy producers, Colorado-based Aurora Organic Dairy, a supplier to Walmart, Costco and Albertsons, appeared to fall short of organic grazing standards.

Nobodys real happy right now, said James Swantz, an Amish father of eight who milks about 70 cows here. Wed like to know what our milk check will be, and right now we cant tell.

Over the past year, the price of wholesale organic milk sold by Kalona farms has dropped by more than 33 percent. Some of their milk  as much as 15 percent of it  is being sold at the same price as regular milk or just dumped onto the ground, according to a local processor. Organic milk from other small farmers across the United States is also being dumped at similar rates, according to industry figures.

At first, when the prices started falling, the guys here were just really mad, said Phil Forbes, a liaison between the Amish farmers here and the company that buys their milk and sells it under a brand called Kalona SuperNatural, which can be found at Whole Foods and similar grocers. But its been going on so long, theyre telling me, I cant keep going much longer at these prices. What kills me is the customers of those big brands think its something like a small Amish farmer who is producing the milk. But the reality is quite different.

* * * * *

The central issue in the debates over whether the mega-dairies are producing legitimately organic milk revolve around the concept of grass-fed.

Organic cows are supposed to be grass-fed during grazing season, and many consumers prefer grass-fed milk in the belief that grazing is more natural, is better for the cows and produces higher-quality milk. It is one of the reasons that people pay roughly double for milk with the USDA Organic label.

Organic dairies, on the other hand, have an incentive to skimp on grazing: A grass-fed cow produces less milk; keeping a cow in a feed lot eating grain boosts production. Adding to the suspicions about the industry, there is statistical evidence of a curiously large increase in the amount of milk each organic cow is producing.

Between 2008 and 2015, the number of organic cows in the United States rose from 202,000 to 229,000, a jump of about 13 percent. The amount of organic milk products, however, rose from 1.8 billion pounds to 2.4 billion pounds, a 35 percent jump, according to USDA statistics.

Why did the amount of organic milk rise almost three times as fast as the number of organic cows? Some of the increase in production is attributable to better practices, said Edward Maltby, chief of the Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance. Some of it could be from the larger dairies reducing the amount of grazing to the very minimum required by the regulations.

But the reason for such a large jump, Maltby said, also has to do with the increase in those mostly larger herds where the cows are fed in the barn instead of going out to pasture as the organic regulations require.

* * * * *

Another reason for skepticism about whether the milk from these large dairies is truly organic arises from the perception that enforcement of USDA Organic standards has been lax.

To manage enforcement, the USDA relies on inspection agencies hired by the farmers. The Cornucopia Institute, a Wisconsin-based watchdog group representing small farmers and consumers, has filed repeated complaints against some of the massive dairies out West. But even when violations are reported, punishments can be mild.

Ten years ago, for example, the USDA found willful violations of organic standards at Aurora because of, among other things, a lack of grazing.

In 2008, an inspection agency found that the Rockview Farms operation in Nevada was violating the organic pasture requirement and suggested that related dairy records could have been falsified. In 2010, an inspection agency proposed suspension of a large Arizona dairy, known as Shamrock, for denying pasture to its herd.

In those three cases, however, the USDA did not fine the dairies for the violations of organic rules even though the agency has the power to do so.

These investigations all began with Cornucopia, not the USDA or the inspection agencies.

The USDA has shown a remarkable lack of interest in whether these big organic dairies are really organic, said Mark Kastel of the Cornucopia Institute. Most times, they dont even investigate. And when they find a problem, theres very little punishment, if any. Its a gross betrayal of the spirit of the organic law.

Many retailers, thus far, have continued to trust the USDA Organic seal on milk from the large mega-dairies. The Post reported last month that, based on visits to pastures and a chemical analysis of the milk, Aurora appears to be falling short of organic grazing requirements. In response, Aurora said it operates according to organic standards.

Reactions from the major retailers that use Aurora milk as their house-brand milk were varied. Walmart would not say whether it will continue to use Auroras organic milk.

Costco said it has investigated but will continue to use Aurora: Costco Wholesale has discussed with Aurora and otherwise investigated recent media statements concerning Aurora, John Sullivan, a company senior vice president and general counsel, wrote in an email. Costco has satisfied itself that its continued reliance on the [National Organic Program] certification of Auroras organic milk remains appropriate.

From Albertsons: Aurora is a minority supplier to Albertsons for our O Organic brand today and we will continue to ensure through our agreement with [inspection agency Quality Assurance International] that they are compliant with all Organic standards.

The USDA said it is reviewing the information provided in The Posts reporting, but others said the agency ought to be doing more enforcement. The USDA ought to have boots on the ground at Aurora, said Richard Mathews, former assistant deputy of the USDA office that oversees the organic program and other efforts. But they dont. They should be looking at farmers. They should be looking at certifiers. If theyre not doing that, theyre not doing it right.

* * * * *

While consumers might picture organic milk coming from a small family farm, the reality is often quite different.

Much of that milk is being produced by huge dairies with thousands of cows, including a few with herds of more than 10,000 animals. By contrast, the average herd at an organic dairy is about 100 cows, and in Kalona the herd sizes are even smaller. The large dairies are staffed by employees rather than family members.

The difference between the mega-dairies and the typical organic dairy is not just a matter of scale. Most of the large, new dairies have emerged in Western states  Colorado, Texas, Arizona and New Mexico  where the weather is drier and pasture is harder to grow, but where the land is cheaper.

But it is the vast scale of the mega-dairies out West that raises suspicions around Kalona.

The larger the herd, the more pasture is required to feed it. But at a certain point, the acreage needed to feed a herd grows so large that its impractical to expect a cow to walk all the way to the pastures outer edges to graze and then back to the barn, typically twice day, to get milked. Some farms do have multiple milking facilities.

We know with that high concentration of cows that its impossible to meet the grazing rule, Swantz said. Theyre not organic. No way.

During a break driving a steel-wheeled tractor over his fields, Amish farmer Glen Mast asked, Fifteen thousand cows out there, and thats certified organic?

The cows would go hungry looking for grass, Miller said, asserting that the Iowa pasture is better than any out West. Those cows probably get as much cactus as grass.

The Kalona farmers say the organic movement dovetails with Amish ideals. The higher prices on organic products allow their small farms to turn a profit, allowing community members to stay on the farm and away from town. (Their tractors have steel wheels to lessen the temptation to head off the farm, too.) And some said they had harbored doubts about the health effects of the chemicals they had used on their fields before going organic.

The Amish are more inclined to doing things naturally, Mast said as his oldest son worked a tractor. Mast, 38, has seven children, ages 1 to 14. We have large families, and we have a close connection to the soil.

But critical to the future of organic dairy, several here said, is for the USDA and the inspection agencies to enforce the organic rules on the large players in the industry.

The little guy is getting hurt here, said Bill Evans, who shares ownership with a trust of Amish farmers of the processing company behind the Kalona SuperNatural brand. The USDA really needs to apply the rules. Otherwise, its not a fair game.
Mrs. Rauner and the Ounce of Prevention Fund wants Illinois taxpayers to pay more - yes, more.

SPRINGFIELD - Oh, to be a fly on the wall of the Rauners' these days... Diana Rauner, the governor's wife, presides over an early childhood group that wants the Illinois General Assembly to diss her husband's budget veto.

"Over the long holiday weekend, the Illinois General Assembly worked in a bipartisan manner to end the unprecedented budget impasse, passing a full-year budget for FY2018 and the revenue increases needed to fund that budget," a statement issued by Ounce of Prevention said Wednesday. "The governor vetoed the bills and the Senate has voted to override that veto. We strongly urge the House of Representatives to now follow the Senate in voting to override the governors veto."

They support the rejected budget because it provides "significant funding" for initiatives from which their group's efforts will benefit.

"We applaud the members of the General Assembly in both parties who took the tough vote to try to end this impasse. We hope the House can take one more important vote to move Illinois forward."

Mrs. Rauner was not private during her husband's 2014 campaign that she was a committed Democrat.
SPRINGFIELD - With the help of 10 Republican House members, House Speaker Mike Madigan gathered 71 votes to override Governor Bruce Rauner's budget veto - and hike Illinois income taxpayers' bills by 32%.

All the Leftists and Democrats are celebrating that Illinois has its first budget in two years - and here's how they're announcing it:
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Culture vultures can lap up Nottingham finest landmarks with exclusive night-time access while raising money for a good cause.

The Culture Crawl, in aid of Maggie's cancer caring centre, returns for a third year on Friday September 29.

As well as a chance see the stunning architecture, there will be music, storytelling, refreshments and one or two surprises along the way.

The eight-mile walk attracted more than 150 participants last time and organisers hope make it bigger and better for 2017.

The event gives participants a chance to see Nottingham in a new light. Venues confirmed so far include Lakeside Arts, Wollaton Hall, Nottingham Castle and the National Justice Museum.

It raises money for the cancer caring centre in the City Hospital grounds. With free emotional and practical support from professionals, Maggies Nottingham offers a way of living well with cancer.

Cancer patients, at various stages of diagnosis and treatment, are amongst the walkers.

Centre head Kate Martin will be joining them. She said: "Discovering our city as the sun sets and taking in its sights and cultural gems is quickly becoming a calendar highlight.

As a charity Maggies Nottingham relies on donations to continue to develop our unique, high quality programme of support. I really hope the local community gets behind the event to help us support as many people living with cancer, as well as their family and friends, across the East Midlands.

The walk will end at the National Justice Museum in High Pavement, where walkers will be awarded medals.

Nicola Burley, commercial and development executive director, said: Weve got a tremendous amount of history in our museum and we look forward to taking part to help such a worthwhile cause.

Registration for the event is 20 and participants are asked to raise a minimum of 80. A fundraising pack with ideas to help walkers reach the target is available from the centre or online.

An early bid registration rate of 15 is available until August 1 where entrants will go into a prize draw with a chance to win a meal for two at MemSaab, tickets for The Tempest at the Djanogly Theatre at Lakeside Arts and 75 worth of vouchers to spend at Moleface Pubs such as The Wollaton and the Larwood and Voce.

You can register here.
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Millions of pounds is invested in tobacco companies by the councils responsible for public health, the Post can reveal.

The pension fund, which is administered by Nottinghamshire County Council and used by several other organisations throughout the county, has 85,728,471 currently invested in tobacco companies.

It has 18,270,051 worth of shares in Imperial Tobacco, 57,062,838 in British American Tobacco, 4,731,484 in Philip Morris, 1,671,729 in Japan Tobacco and 3,992,369 in Altria, the parent company of Philip Morris according to the latest available figures.

The pension fund is administered by a group from the county council, which is also made up of stakeholders from the city council, district councils, and representatives from the 50 other organisations were are involved in the pension scheme.

The city council and county council have both come out strongly against smoking in recent years, and are both responsible for maintaining public health, including smoking cessation services, within their respective districts.

Last year, the county council became one of the first in the country to ban its staff taking cigarette breaks, and the city council announced a voluntary ban on people smoking at events such as the Beach, Winter Wonderland and Riverside Festival.

Nottingham County council pensions chief, Nigel Stephenson, said the investments had been made decades ago, and that without a sound financial case, the council could not by law sell the shares it owns in the companies.

He said: How far up the chain do you go, do you stop investing in the companies that make the paper for the cigarettes, or the growers growing the tobacco, or the shops and supermarkets that are selling it?

Decisions made by the pensions committee are about how much investment, or what share of the investment would be in equities, bonds, alternates or property, they dont make individual decisions like lets invest in this company or that company.

A lot of the tobacco companies have moved into smoking alternatives. Companies do realise that the number of people who smoke is decreasing, and they need to help themselves survive by moving into other markets.

Asked whether he can he see a day when the pension fund does sell its tobacco shares, Mr Stephenson said: Who knows. If they dont do so well we will make a decision not to invest in them.

In February of this year, the council commissioned a report to look into the possibility of selling their shares in tobacco companies, also known as divesting from tobacco.

Its author, independent adviser William Bourne, looked into the feasibility and desirability of selling tobacco shares, and found: The law is clear that to pursue a policy of divesting from tobacco, the fund would need to show either that there is a financial case for doing so, or that there would be no significant financial detriment from doing so.

A financial case for divestment cannot be made.

Tobacco companies have historically been an attractive investment for pension funds because for many years they have paid their investors substantially higher and consistently growing dividends compared to the broad market.

That characteristic is unlikely to change, although at the margin the growth of vaping and other methods of inhaling nicotine make their future a little less certain.

I conclude that the practical objections are sufficient to make the case that there would be a significant financial detriment to the fund if it were to choose to divest from tobacco, and that the fund does not have legal grounds for proceeding with divestment.

But Professor Bob Berry, Boots professor of accounting and finance at the University of Nottinghams Business School, said the task of finding a combination of more ethical companies whose financial performance mimicked that of a tobacco company could most likely be achieved by one of his MBA students over the course of a summer.

Speaking to the Post, he said: If someone had come to me around Christmas time and said heres a project for one of your more able students, Id have bitten their hand off, because were always looking for difficult problems for talented students to look at.

Its a well-defined mathematical problem. If they said we will give a 500 prize to a student from an East Midlands business school who can create a product which replicates a tobacco company, Im pretty sure they would get some answers. Its certainly not impossible.

However the professor also said: The responsibility of the pension fund is to provide for the benefits of current and future workers, and that takes precedent over all else. None of their pensioners are going to be impressed if they turn round and say we cant pay your pension because we invested ethically.

The evidence that tobacco shares do better on average than non-tobacco shares is strong. Using the Financial Times All World Yield measurement, which takes into account the average profits from all companies, measured against the Financial Times tobacco yield, shares in tobacco companies performed 1.1 percent better over the course of last year.

In 2015, the average tobacco yield was 4.4 percent, compared to an all-world yield of 2.5 percent. The year before, tobacco shares yielded 4.6 percent, compared to 2.6 percent for non-tobacco shares.

Leader of the Labour group on the county council, Alan Rhodes, said: It does seem wrong to be putting so much investment into tobacco companies, and I do think its something that needs to be re-examined, but we must appreciate that at a time when any investment is subject to low returns we do have to remember the obligation to make profit.

I think most people, including members of the pension committee would be uncomfortable with that investment, but if weve got a legal duty then in a way were caught between a rock and a hard place, and that makes it difficult to not invest in whats known to be profitable areas.

A host of other household names are also included in the investment funds portfolio, from almost half a million pounds in Ferrari, to 1.3m in Heineken, 9.4 million in the Daily Mail, 200,000 in Ladbrokes, 15.6m in Rolls-Royce, 1.4m in bookies William Hill.

Locally, there is also 1.275 invested in Walgreens Boots Alliance, the company which owns Boots, and 301,000 in Trinity Mirror, the company which owns the Nottingham Post, among many other newspapers.

The city council declined to comment on the issue.
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Nottingham Forest are reportedly in talks with Premier League champions Chelsea over Michael Hector.

The Reds are said to be holding negotiations with Antonio Contes Blues about signing the defender on a season-long loan deal.

It is understood there has been a lot of interest in the 24-year-old, who spent last season on loan in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt, playing 22 league games and helping them to a mid-table finish in Germanys top flight.

But the City Ground is expected to be his next destination.

Jamaica international centre-back Hector was signed by Jose Mourinho for Chelsea almost two years ago in a 4m deal from Reading, but he has so far not played a single first team game at Stamford Bridge, spending the 2015/16 season back on loan with the Royals.
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Premium eyelash curlers, tweezers and nail filers worn by Hollywood stars will be distributed in the UK and Ireland by a Nottinghamshire firm after it bought exclusive marketing rights.

QVS Global UK Ltd, based at Wheatcroft Business Park in Edwalton, has acquired the iconic global Tweezerman brand.

Found in shops such as Harrods and Selfridges, the American company makes premium beauty tools for brow grooming, face and lashes, manicure, pedicure, hand, foot and nail care, cosmetic brushes and mens personal care products.

QVS, which employs 13 staff, is already the biggest beauty tools and accessories supplier to the likes of Tesco and Asda with other brands.

Founder and managing director Ajay Sethi said: We are very excited about bringing the iconic Tweezerman brand into our portfolio.

Adding such a high-quality, high awareness brand gives our retail customers in the UK and Ireland the opportunity to grow their beauty tools category.

Were looking forward to working with the US brand owners to strengthen the Tweezerman presence in the UK and Ireland.

Tweezerman is one of the most recognised and trusted brands in the beauty industry and has been the choice of Hollywood stars, supermodels, make-up artists and professionals for over 35 years, setting the highest standards of quality, reliability, innovation and service.
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A man has been arrested after police raided a property in Radford as part of a money laundering operation.

Police officers, cars and vans could be seen around the Today Grill House, on the corner of Hartley Road and Radford Boulevard, this morning.

Police have arrested a 38-year-old on suspicion of being in possession of criminal property in relation to the police activity.

A statement released by Nottinghamshire Police said: "Officers swooped in on a property in Hartley Road today (July 6) as part of an ongoing investigation into possible fraudulent activity.

"There was some disruption around the 'Today Grill House' and a car wash that operates at the back of the property during the operation which was run in partnership with Community Protection and the Gangmasters Licensing Authority.

"Nottinghamshire Police has a dedicated financial investigation team within its Organised Crime Department that work with the community and partners to investigate financial crime.

"The impact of this type of crime on a victim can be life changing and we would like to hear from anyone who has concerns or thinks they have been affected."

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting incident number 149 of July 6.

One resident inside the building was asleep in his flat at the time of the raid.

Dumitru Visan, 37, said: "I saw police in the building, they came into my flat and asked me to leave.

"I was scared because they woke me up, I work nights so I was still asleep.

"I asked what happened but they've not told me."

Joe Howden, 45, lives opposite the building.

He said: "The whole building was surrounded by the police.

"I looked out of the window and saw some coppers in one of the top rooms.

"There's always something going off in the area."

Nearby resident Amanda Nunn, 38, said: "I think it's scary.

"I went to drop my daughter off at school this morning and when I came back I saw the whole building surrounded."

And 53-year-old Mohammed Habbes said: "I was just passing by dropping my kids off a school.

"When I saw it I though it must be terrorism or drugs, something major because of the amount of police. It's just a bit worrying.

"You expect to see things like this in London, Birmingham, not Nottingham. This sort of thing seems to be increasing."
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Police have revealed that 105 people from Nottinghamshire have been referred to them under the Prevent scheme over the last year due to concerns about their extreme views.

Suspects with either Islamist or extreme right wing views are among those who have been reported, along with individuals who want to travel to conflict zones or those showing an interest in explosives.

Since April 2016, there have been 105 Prevent referrals across Nottinghamshire.

Sergeant Michelle Giddy, of Nottinghamshire Police, who works on prevent referrals, said: "Prevent referrals are made for a wide range of reasons, encompassing concerns about extreme views held by people with many different ideologies or behaviours.

"As well Islamist or right wing extremism other referrals include individuals wanting to travel to conflict zones to fight against IS to those showing an interest in explosives without a clear ideology."

The Nottinghamshire figure is similar to that in Derbyshire, where police say around 100 people referred to them each year over fears about their extremist views.

Nationally, around 4,000 cases are reported to police each year.

Sgt Giddy added: "In terms of comparison, Nottinghamshire is not classed as a 'priority area' and the number and type of referrals is reflective of this."

The figures are recorded as part of the national 'Prevent ', which is described as a strategy of safeguarding people and communities from the threat of terrorism.

Prevent is part of the Government Counter Terrorism strategy and is designed to tackle the problem of terrorism at its roots.

Police and crime commissioner for Nottinghamshire, Labour's Paddy Tipping, said that he thinks the Prevent scheme is on the whole successful, but queried what role police officers should play in administering the scheme.

Speaking to the Post, he said: "I have always wondered why police officers are the key figures in prevent. There's an argument that counsellers, social worker, teachers and religious leaders should be running it.

"There are now nine pilot schemes across the country where the police aren't running it, and we're waiting to see the results of those schemes.

"There is a view across some sections of society that Prevent is spying on people. If it wasn't police officers but other occupation groups that were running it then that could help.

"I have seen a number of success stories, by and large I think it's pretty successful, but we have to convince people that they're not being spied on. There were a difficulties with that in the West Midlands but on the whole it's gone well in Nottinghamshire and Nottingham.

"Without exception, every mosque in the county has a sensible approach to extremism. We regularly meet with chairmen and leaders of the mosques in Nottinghamshire, and to a person they're completely against extremism."

Prevent is one of four parts of the Government's counter-terrorism strategy, known as Contest. The other elements are: Protect, which aims to shield key infrastructure; Prepare, which encompasses mitigating the effects of an attack; and Pursue, which detects and disrupts terrorists and terror preparation.

Anyone can make a prevent referral, but some professions including teachers and those working in the NHS are legally obliged to report concerns to Prevent teams.

Once a referral is made, police will undertake a risk assessment, often with other agencies, and consult on the best course of action.

It comes after for Asda workerRyan Counsell, formerly of Russell Road, Forest Fields, was jailed in March after being found guilty of preparing acts of terrorism, and possessing terrorist material.

Police searched Counsell's home after discovering he bought military equipment online in August 2015. He had purchased multiple items, including:

Heavy duty military-style boots

Combat trousers

Camouflage clothing

Knee and elbow pads

Rifle magazine pouches

Cheek pad which could be attached to the stock of a rifle.

Nottinghamshire Police were not able to confirm or deny whether he was on a Prevent watch list prior to their arrest.

A police spokesperson said: "We do not comment on individual cases but Prevent is not a criminal investigation. Prevent aims to safeguard individuals from being drawn into terrorism or extremism."
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For what price would you sell your first doll or teddy bear?

Whilst you are thinking about that, many people when faced with emptying the family home (a nest from which they themselves have flown long ago) are brought to tears when they chance upon objects that, in an instant, transport them back to their earliest and often happiest days - their childhood.

Such sentimentality might explain why the middle-aged sometimes collect, and pay handsomely for, the toys of their childhood.

It is easy to see that once bitten and smitten with dolls and teddies, they begin seriously to collect.

The bisque, glazed porcelain or wax-headed dolls that were made in France and Germany from the mid-19th to the early 20th century are familiar to most people. Some of the French dolls represent the finest and most valuable in existence.

One Parisian beauty of 1915 by master doll maker Albert Marque sold at auction in America in 2015 for $310,000. The current world record price is 242,500, paid at auction in London for an extremely rare, frankly creepy, Kammer & Reinhardt doll in 2014. Ostensibly similar versions can be picked up for 200, or less.

The prices of collectable dolls over the last ten years has yo-yo'd, the value of the finest such as those by Bru spiralling upwards, but the prices paid for mass-produced dolls by German makers such as Armand Marseille  whose dolls' heads are always marked AM followed by a mould number - falling by two thirds.

A cabinet of antique dolls is quite a sight, what about an entire house full?

Over the years I have known many collectors of dolls, but none so extraordinary or for that matter so utterly charming as the three elderly Nottingham sisters, the Misses Morrison.

They lived together in the Victorian terraced house their grandfather had built in Hyson Green for there entire lives.

The youngest, Nora, who died aged 98 in 2016, dedicated her life to dance and was a gifted ballet teacher.

Many Post readers will have fond memories of the Morrison School of Dance in Clarendon Street, but how many knew that behind the front door of their house off Gregory Boulevard was a veritable museum of dolls?

There were hundreds of them dating from the 19th century to the present day, a huge family of children for three childless women who spent their long lives bringing the magic of dance to Nottingham youngsters.

Eventually, even they had to part with some, and around 90 went under the hammer at the Auction House.

A Kammer & Reinhardt bisque headed character doll with weighted hazel glass eyes, complete with pink kid leather shoes sold for 2,200; but I was amazed when that hammer price was matched by a Daily Mirror felt Teddy Tail doll of the 1930s or 40s.

Last month a delightful group of seven small 19th century painted wood peg dolls, in their original clothes, caused a stir at Mellors & Kirk when the price shot to 8,000 (9,600 with buyers premium). The explanation lies in the fact that these are true examples of folk art but are also highly desirable to doll collectors.

Some of the best public collections of antique toys and dolls are in the Museums of Childhood at the Victoria & Albert Museum (Bethnal Green); Edinburgh; and, nearer to home, the National Trusts Sudbury Hall in Derbyshire.

Much research has been done into the reason why dolls of whatever kind are important in a childs development. What is certain is that ancient Egyptian children had them over 4,000 years ago, and dolls with moveable limbs that would be familiar to us exist from as early as 200BC.

Across all cultures over recorded history dolls have been to children a little friend. Simultaneously runs the long history of dolls made for magical purposes or rituals but that, as they say, is another story.

Nora Morrison and her sisters lived in a real, silent dolls' house devoid of the laughter of real children. But that, they brought to many others through the magic of dance.

Nora, darling youre dancing as if your life depends upon it, is a famous line from Ibsens The Dolls House; it may also be said of this much-loved Nottingham character.

See more from the auction house at www.mellorsandkirk.com
The Service points to "the state's failure to fully enact a timely budget for the fiscal year that began July 1, and its failure to achieve broad political consensus on how to move toward balanced financial operations."

In a press release Wednesday, Moody's said that they've placed the state's rating "under review for possible downgrade" from its current next to junk "Baa3" status.

SPRINGFIELD - House Speaker Mike Madigan's budget will bring in more tax dollars with its income tax hike if the House overrides the governor's veto, but without needed reforms, the state's bonds may still reach "junk" status, according to Moodys Investors Service.

The review also applies to several related state debt ratings: the Baa3 assigned to sales-tax backed Build Illinois bonds and the Ba1 ratings assigned to Illinois subject-to-appropriation bonds, the convention center bonds issued by the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority and bonds issued under the state's Civic Center program.

Illinois has outstanding debt of about $32 billion, of which 82% is general obligation.

The decision to place the state's ratings under review for downgrade incorporates Moody's expectation that the legislature will implement revenue increases, overriding the governor's vetoes. It also addresses Illinois' most pressing credit challenges: its severely underfunded pensions and a backlog of unpaid bills, which has doubled during the past year.

Moody's says the plan lacks broad bipartisan support, which may signal shortcomings in its effectiveness once implemented. In addition, the state's baseline tax collections declined in fiscal 2017, suggesting that any tax increase may yield less revenue than anticipated in coming months.

And the state's failure to address long-term issues could be the nail in the ratings' coffin.

So far, the plan appears to lack concrete measures that will materially improve Illinois' long-term capacity to address its unfunded pension liabilities. A June 30 order from a federal judge that the state accelerate payments owed to Medicaid managed care organizations and service providers cast doubt on the state's immediate ability to keep up with its statutory pension contribution schedule while also meeting obligations for debt service, payroll and school funding. The state anticipates addressing its approximately $15 billion backlog of payments owed partly through a bond offering that probably will rank among the largest in the state's history. This component of the state's broader fiscal plan leaves Illinois not only dependent on market access to ease liquidity pressures, but also facing a significant increase in its tax-supported debt burden. Moreover, the effectiveness of the state's strategy to contain and reduce its deferred bills, once the backlog-financing debt has been issued, remains to be seen.

If Moodys decides to downgrade Illinois, Illinois will be the first state in the nation to ever fall to junk status.
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After travelling around Europe, Alessia Cacaveri was frustrated at the lack of helpful guides for planning a trip.

Now she has taken it into her own hands by creating her own travel app with three friends.

They believe Grumgo will provide easy city guides to tourists and take the hassle out of planning a break.

The app also helps the holiday-makers experience a personalised trip by knowing where to go next through the use of travel psychology and technology.

Miss Cacaveri, originally from Italy and now living in Sneinton, and her friends set up the firm after returning from a city break last year feeling disappointed at the lack of time to plan an itinerary and activities beforehand with a full-time job.

Keen traveller Miss Cacaveri, 28, said: Think of it as a very sophisticated and automated best friend who knows what makes you happy and is also an expert local guide.

Whether you dont have time to plan, dont like planning or simply cant be bothered, all you need to do is let Grumgo guide you and recommend personalised and relevant itineraries and activities for an enhanced travel experience.

Ive always been an avid traveller, but only after starting a full-time job I realised how difficult and time-consuming it is to plan a trip properly, thats why we set up Grumgo.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to discover a city, a place, in a unique way, in a way that makes them smile. Whether you are travelling for pleasure or business, even if you are in Paris - or Rome or Budapest - only for two days, we believe that your experience should be truly yours.

The firms main office is based in Geovation Hub, Clerkenwell in London  but Miss Cacaveri works remotely in Nottingham.

The company is run by the four co-founders, and was set up with the support of family and friends  along with Nottingham Trent Universitys Enabling Innovation project backing.

Miss Cacaveri was previously a student in London studying English and Creative Writing, and then became a content writer in Nottingham  and said that despite not knowing much about the tech world, she is still learning.

Looking to the future, she added: We want Grumgo to become the go-to app for every traveller, the one tool that really transforms your travel experience during your trips, but also when at home by inspiring your desire to travel.

At first, Grumgo will focus on city breaks with plans to expand in the future. Our imminent launch will cover two European cities - London and Rome.

"But we are confident that we will be able to accelerate our expansion to more cities very quickly and cover at least three more by the end of 2017.
The Nebraska Country School Association is hosting its second Nebraska Country School Conference, hosted by the University of Nebraska-Kearney and the College of Education on July 14-15 in Kearney.

Those interested in preserving and learning about the rich history and pioneer spirit of one-room teachers, students and country schools should consider attending. The two-day agenda, campus directions and registration forms may be found at: nebraskacountryschoolassociation.org/2017conference/

The conference on July 14 will feature presentations by historians and experts about the history of the Orphan Train Movement; The Willa Cather Foundation; Ardis Yosts schoolhouse birthday gift; the Blizzard of 1888; The Dry and Dusty Lands of the Dust Bowl; The Genoa Indian Industrial School; NET production of Last of the One Room Schools; and an evening banquet featuring former Sen. Sandy Scofield at the Arch Museum in Kearney.

The conference July 15 features the UNK College of Education, the One Room One Teacher Wall of Honor, the Trails and Rails Museum in Buffalo County, the Kearney County Historical Museum and their country school buildings and lunch at Burchells White Hill Farmhouse, with guest speaker, Gary Zabokrtsky, Remembering My One Room Country School Days.

In addition, nominations are still being accepted for country school teacher honorees for One Room Heroes, a collection of stories and photographs about country schools, classrooms and special teachers who taught in one-room schools across Nebraska. Details about submissions may be found at nebraskacountryschoolassociation.org/one-room-heroes/.
The North Platte City Council took steps to encourage local people in their endeavors to create activities in North Platte.

A proposed event on Aug. 5 submitted by the Mid-West Mopars organization was approved by the council. The event is a motor sport event that organizers hope will grow into the future.

I am asking the council to allow us to close off Victoria Lane from East State Farm Road to Walker Road, said Rich Hulse, club coordinator. It will be a one-eighth mile run. There will be no track prep so that basically slows the cars down. Primarily these will be street vehicles.

Hulse said he would like to see this event develop into the largest car enthusiast event in the state.

But we need this foundation (event) here to make sure we dont have any problems, Hulse said.

Council member Andrew Lee said he appreciated the effort from Hulse.

I just want to say one thing I really, really like about this idea of yours, Lee said. That is youre not really asking much of us but to close a road thats not heavily used. Youre wanting to make an entrepreneurial type event to attract people to this town.

Hulse said he needs to have the road closed for six hours for the event and after working out some of the logistics of possible traffic issues, the board voting 8-0 to approve the request.

The second item on the agenda was a familiar one to the council as Brandon McCook, coordinator for the proposed BMX308 track requested permission to use a portion of city property known as South Park.

Following a lengthy discussion, the council voted to grant permission to BMX308 for use of the land with the stipulation McCook and his organization could raise the necessary funds within nine months.

One of the issues we have in raising funds is that we have a lot of people interested in helping us, but we cant raise the money until the council gives us permission to use the property, McCook said.

Bunny Hinde, BMX308 committee member, affirmed the struggle was having to wait on the city to make a decision.

Council members had numerous questions, but decided the best route to go was to make the motion to approve the use of the land by BMX308 and to work out the details of an agreement once the group had raised enough funds to build the track.

The council also heard from Josh Osterhoudt, of Broken Bow, and track operator of the Tri-City BMX track in Kearney was on hand to offer his input.

We dont pay a fee (in Kearney) for the use of the property, Osterhoudt said. The city requires an insurance agreement. The Parks and Rec Department mows and helps maintain it.

Osterhoudt said a major portion of the maintenance work is done by volunteers, which is similar to McCooks proposal with the BMX308 track in North Platte.

Although details will need to be worked out for an official agreement, the council decided to get on board with the project and McCook said he will get started right away raising the needed funds.

I want to say a big weight has been lifted, McCook said in an interview after the meeting. But now its a different weight. Instead of the waiting on the city, now were actually moving forward and Im putting on a different hat.

McCook said instead of being the organizer, he now becomes the fundraiser.

Now the empowerment is there so now I can say, yes, the city has given us the authority to say if we raise the money, we have the use of the property, McCook said.

The initial size of the property BMX308 will need is 20 acres of the 100-plus acres the city owns at the location known as South Park.

The final agenda item was a permanent change of regular city council meetings from 7:30 to 5:30 p.m. There was not a unified consensus on the issue, but the council voted 5-3 to change the meeting time.
A Hershey teen will be competing for the title of National American Miss later this year.

Katie Hoatson, 19, was crowned National American Miss Nebraska in June and will go on to compete in the national competition at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, in November.

Hoatson is the daughter of Dave and Traci Hoatson and graduated from Hershey High School. She currently attends the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Hoatson first got involved in pageants because she dreamed of being a motivational speaker and felt pageants could open the door to that. Hoatson said she competed in other pageant systems but feels shes found the right fit in the National American Miss program.

I specifically like NAM because the scoring is truly reflective of inner beauty, Hoatson said. The pageant doesnt have a swimsuit competition, for example.Their title holders are all different shapes and sizes and you dont have to fit into societys mold of beauty standards to win this title, she said.

Hoatson will head to Disneyland on Nov. 19 and said shes looking forward to spending time with her family and meeting other titleholders. Shell be required to compete in resume, formal wear, personal introduction, interview and community involvement. NAM also has several optional categories of competition. Hoatson plans to compete in the spokesmodel, actress, runway model, academic achievement and heart of services competitions, but said she may take on more.

Shell be competing for scholarships and prizes including a 2017 Ford Mustang Convertible.

While the NAM system doesnt require competitors to have a platform, Hoatson believes having a title gives her the opportunity to spread awareness about issues that are important to her. Shes chosen to promote self-acceptance and confidence through Bask in Your Beauty: Body Positivity.

I plan on speaking around the state mainly to schools  about body positivity and growing confidence, Hoatson said. I want to advocate for this because we live in a generation where a lot of kids base their self worth off of likes or comments they get on social media.

Hoatson said that she believes shed beautiful, despite not looking like someone on a magazine cover and she hopes she can inspire others to be more confident. She believes that women sometimes feel like they are abnormal because they dont look like women portrayed in pop culture.

She also believes people should try not to make assumptions about someones health based on their size. She said that although she works out and eats well, shes still considered overweight as a size 12-14.

Someone may look at me and assume Im unhealthy, Hoatson said. We cant assume someones eating habits by looking at them ... I think a big part of my talks are trying to get rid of these assumptions.

Hoatson said teaching someone to value themselves, rather than be ashamed can make a huge difference. Once she began to accept her own worth, she lost 40 pounds.

We need to teach boys and girls that they are of great value and need to take care of their physical and mental health, because the world needs them, Hoatson said. Helping all men and women find confidence is not promoting bad habits but celebrating them as individuals aside from anything they may be going through. I feel that no matter what your circumstance, everyone deserves to feel wanted, important, confident and beautiful.
The story told in the heartwarming comedy "The Tin Woman" is a special one for Linda Fortunato, artistic director of Munster's Theatre at the Center.

"This will be the Chicago (area) premiere of the play," said Fortunato, who is a fan of playwright Sean Grennan's work.

"The Tin Woman" begins previews July 13 with an official opening scheduled for July 16 at Theatre at the Center. The production continues through Aug. 13.

Fortunato, who is the director of TAC's play, said she was involved with a reading of the play during the first drafts of Grennan's work and then saw a production of it at the Peninsula Players in Wisconsin.

"I fell in love with the play and felt audiences would love it," said Fortunato, about choosing the show as part of TAC's 2017 season. The storyline follows a woman who has a heart transplant and what she goes through afterward.

Fortunato said actress Erin Noel Grennan, playwright Sean's sister, who stars as lead character Joy, actually inspired her brother to write "The Tin Woman."

"Erin had come across a newspaper article about a similar situation," said the artistic director. 'She cut out the article and gave it to her brother."

Fortunato said although she hasn't experienced anyone close to her going through a transplant, she said "I've done a lot of reading on the subject."

Grennan, she said, tells the story with sensitivity, humor and much heart.

"He does a great job of creating fascinating characters," she said, explaining that his characters are always so accessible and real.

"The Tin Woman," Fortunato said, features a 'great blend of drama and humor" in telling a story that is really quite serious.

Lead character Joy, after receiving her heart transplant, must try to figure out what's next in her life and how best to live that life. Her encounter with the family of the donor makes for some interesting interactions.

According to Fortunato, "The Tin Woman" also sheds awareness onto the subject of transplants and the emotions recipients and donor families go through.

In addition to actress Erin Noel Grennan, other actors starring in the show include Doogin Brown, Annabel Armour; Steve Pickering; Kayla Kennedy; and Jenn Marshall.

Fortunato said she's happy to be working with actress Erin, who starred in the original mounting of the play in Wisconsin.

"I've known her for many years," the director said. Fortunato said Grennan is approaching this production with a fresh sensibility. The script for "The Tin Woman," the director said, is "rich in subject matter and so rich in relationships.

"It's a very emotional piece. It's funny, dramatic and a sad piece layered with a positive feeling."
Kurt Gillins, director of Valparaisos Memorial Opera Houses production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, is a veteran of the beloved musical from both sides of the stage.

In the '90s, he performed as both Joseph and one of his brothers in past area productions. In 2003, he helmed a production of Joseph for the Opera House.

Given his history with the musical, he has an idea why the play remains a favorite for both audiences and theater companies.

Its so upbeat, he said. Its a great story. Its got great music. Its just so much fun.

Opening July 14 and running through July 30, Joseph, which is based on a story in the Bibles Book of Genesis, is the story of its title character who, despised by his brothers, is sold into slavery. Years later, Joseph emerges as the most powerful man in Egypt and his brothers finds themselves confronted with their past actions.

Joseph was penned by musical stage royalty Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, whose joint works together include fellow sensations Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita.

Containing songs such as Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door and King of My Heart, Joseph made its debut on Londons West End in 1973 and made it to Broadway nine years later, where it received a half dozen Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical and Best Choreography.

In the early '90s, Joseph took Chicago by storm with a production that starred Donny Osmond in the title role.

While remaining true to the tale, Gillins and Memorial House are approaching Joseph as a rock concert experience rather than a musical.

The set is just a 24-foot-wide, 12-step staircase, Gillins said. The cast is just running up and down the stairs.

Mike Ruf is Joseph and Katelyn Leonard-White is the narrator, leading a cast of nearly three dozen performers, in Memorial Opera Houses production of Joseph.

They are joined onstage by Aaron Duncil as the Pharaoh, Abe Ringenberg as Josephs owner, Potiphar and Tricia Sabocik as Potiphars wife, Mrs., Potiphar, who has eyes for Joseph.

The one thing I wanted to stress with this show is that, because this is a young cast and some dont have a lot of theater experience, that this be an experience for them, Gillins said. I didnt want this to just be about being in a show, but about building a community while honing their craft.

Next up for Memorial Opera House is a production of the comedy You Cant Take it With You, scheduled to open Sept. 15.
CROWN POINT  A 26-year-old man is accused of molesting a young girl in East Chicago.

Paris J. Murray was charged Thursday in Lake Criminal Court with four felony counts of child molestation.

Police allege Murray abused the now 10-year-old girl between 2013 and 2015 at his apartment in the 3500 block of Block Avenue, according to a probable cause affidavit.

The girl told officers Murray groped her and forced her to engage in sexual activities when she was 6 or 7 years old.

Murray was convicted in October 2015 in Lake Criminal Court of cocaine possession, a level 6 felony, and sentenced to 12 months in jail, which he served while awaiting disposition, according to court records.

He is currently charged in Marion County with carrying a handgun without a license, resisting law enforcement and possession of marijuana, records state.

He posted bond in that case April 11.

Murray was wanted by police Thursday afternoon. He is not afforded bond on the new charges, according to court records.
CROWN POINT  A criminal court judge denied a bond reduction Thursday for a 20-year-old Gary man accused last month of attempted murder in a shooting that injured two people.

Judge Salvador Vasquez determined after hearing arguments at a court hearing that Jarod DeAngelo Johnson would remain jailed on a $125,000 bond.

Johnson was charged June 21 in Lake Criminal Court with two counts of attempted murder, among other lesser offenses, on allegations he shot a 19-year-old pregnant woman and an 18-year-old man, according to Gary police.

The man and woman were shot June 13 in the area of West Fifth Avenue and Madison Street in Gary.

Johnson was arrested June 29 on a warrant. He entered a plea of not guilty at Thursday's court hearing and requested his bond be reduced to $50,000.

Johnson told the judge at the hearing he had only recently returned to Gary after living for 2 1/2 years in Atlanta. He said he had found occasional employment through a temporary work agency since his return, and he would continue to work if he were released on the reduced bond.

The state objected to the bond request, arguing that the defendant was a danger to the community and a flight risk.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Nadia Chivers said Johnson has had nine contacts with law enforcement in Indiana and Georgia, with charges ranging from criminal trespass to marijuana possession. Johnson was also convicted of battery as a juvenile, according to Chivers.

Johnson is next scheduled to appear in court Aug. 25.
VALPARAISO  A 21-year-old Lowell woman underwent a seven-hour surgery Monday and remains on a ventilator after suffering a paralyzing injury that police said was caused by her former boyfriend.

Dalton Corning, 22, of Hebron, has been charged with felony counts of domestic battery and aggravated battery, according to officials.

Corning is accused of lifting Brittany Ortell over his shoulder at his home late Saturday morning and dropping her on the back of her neck, according to charging information. When Ortell arrived at the hospital, doctors determined the blow broke her C5 vertebrae and left her paralyzed.

The Times typically does not identify victims of violence. Sherry Ortell, of Lowell, and mother of the victim, granted permission to do so.

Brittany Ortell spent nearly seven hours in surgery Monday for a procedure that should have lasted two hours, according to Sherry Ortell.

The young woman suffered more damage than expected, she said. The ligaments in Brittany Ortell's neck were torn, which required surgeons to open the back of her neck to provide stabilization.

Her C5 vertebrae was removed and was replaced with plates and pins, her mother said.

It was hoped she would be taken off the ventilator Wednesday, but that had not happened by mid-afternoon, her mother said.

"She is resting comfortably under very heavy sedation with a low-grade fever," Sherry Ortell said.

Her daughter's legs are paralyzed, though it appears she has some use of her arms, Sherry Ortell said. It is unclear how much use of her legs or arms she will recover.

"One step forward and one step back," Sherry Ortell said.

While no longer a couple, Brittany Ortell and Corning have a 3-year-old daughter.

An initial criminal hearing was held Wednesday before Porter Superior Court Judge Roger Bradford and bond was set for Corning at $20,000 surety and $2,500 cash.

A gofundme account has been set up to help cover medical costs for Brittany Ortell.
INDIANAPOLIS  The Hoosier senator most often required to tell his colleagues "no" announced Wednesday that he definitely is saying "yes"  to retirement.

State Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, the powerful chairman of the budget-writing Senate Appropriations Committee, will end his legislative career Sept. 30 with three years remaining in his seventh term.

"I've been honored to join with so many outstanding legislators as we have worked to move Indiana forward," Kenley said. "During my final session, we achieved two major goals  passing another strong balanced budget and developing a long-term road funding plan for Indiana.

"It's now time for others to have the opportunity to serve Hamilton County and our great state."

In addition to shepherding five state budgets into law, Kenley, 72, was sponsor of legislation to permanently cap Indiana's property tax rates, eliminate the business inventory and inheritance taxes, establish the state's college savings program and take over the financially struggling Gary Community School Corp.

State Sen. Karen Tallian, D-Ogden Dunes, the top Appropriations Democrat, said she's been honored to work alongside Kenley to prioritize state spending.

"Although we have not always agreed on public policy, our mutual respect for each other led us to work well on budgets and other impactful legislation," Tallian said.

"Sen. Kenley's retirement will be a great loss to the Senate and to the state of Indiana as a whole."

Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb said he plans to remain in touch with Kenley, since few others so well understand Indiana's finances.

"Even though he won't be in the Senate chamber come January, and he'll have a little more time to spend at his ranch in Texas, he will continue to contribute to our state's success in countless ways," Holcomb said.
GARY  Police on Thursday released more details about a crash Wednesday in the city's Miller section that left one man dead and injured five others, including children.

Police were dispatched about 4:20 p.m. to a crash in the area of U.S. 20 and Clay Street involving two cars and a semitrailer pulling a car carrier, Lt. Dawn Westerfield said.

Lake County coroner's investigators pronounced a man dead at 5:25 p.m. at the scene. The man's identity has not yet been released pending notification of family, the coroner's office said.

The vehicles involved included a Chrysler Aspen, GMC Envoy and the car carrier, Westerfield said.

The Lake County Sheriff's Department assisted with crash reconstruction. Gary police are handling other investigative matters, Westerfield said.

Indiana State Police assisted with traffic control at the scene and inspection of the truck, spokeswoman Sgt. Ann Wojas said.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call Sgt. Michael Jackson at 219-881-7485.
GARY  Authorities resumed a search Thursday for a possible drowning victim off the shore of Lake Street Beach, but did not find anyone, said Lt. Shawn Brown, a conservation officer with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Brown said they have not been notified of any missing persons and no drowning had been confirmed as of 5 p.m. Thursday. He said authorities could resume searching again but only if they hear otherwise.

Gary police were notified about 8:30 p.m. Wednesday of a male swimmer at Lake Street Beach who was past the buoys and struggling, Lt. Dawn Westerfield said.

A search began around dusk Wednesday, after a Gary police officer on beach patrol reported he had lost sight of the swimmer, Brown said.

The swimmer was wearing red shorts and was last seen about 300 yards offshore, he said.

Gary firefighters responded to the beach for a possible drowning, and DNR was notified, said Mark Jones, the Fire Department's chief of operations. The Lake County Sheriff's Department helicopter and Lake County Marine Unit also assisted.

The search was called off late Wednesday after it was too dark to continue, Westerfield said.

The sheriff's helicopter returned to aid the search Thursday morning, and the crew reported Lake Michigan was especially clear, Brown said. While the crew could see the lake bottom a couple of hundred yards out, they didn't spot a person, he said.

Authorities did not find any abandoned vehicles overnight in the area of the beach, Brown said. DNR planned to search farther offshore using sonar Thursday morning, he said.
NEW YORK - With all the recent problems affecting train service in and out of Penn Station, there's a renewed push to get a major rail project back on track.

A draft environmental impact study was released Thursday on a proposed new rail tunnel under the Hudson River.

It predicts the project would ease congestion on the current tunnel, which was badly damaged during Hurricane Sandy and is over a hundred years old.

The study details how the "Gateway Project" would affect life and traffic on Manhattan's West Side, as well as the overall benefits to the region.

Youll have a more reliable ride here into Penn Station. It ties in very well with the other Penn Station improvements going on. And the idea is to make sure, going forward, and for future generations, we have the capacity for the New York region to continue to grow and build the kind of economy we want our children and grandchildren to have," said John Porcari of the Gateway Development Corporation.

The existing tunnel carries more than 450 Amtrak and New Jersey Transit trains in and out of Manhattan daily.

Lawmakers from New York and New Jersey have called on Washington to help fund Gateway.

The final version of the impact study will be released by next March.
Opponents of the horse carriage industry are taking a new approach to spotlight the issue.

The "Campaign to Limit Horse Carriages on City Streets" is releasing a new TV ad, obtained exclusively by NY1.

This comes after the group failed to win support in the City Council last year.

Mayor Bill de Blasio had been trying to negotiate a deal to restrict the carriages. He promised to shut down the industry on day one of his administration.

"This is not about ending the horse carriage industry. This is about finding a compromise and things we can agree on, like fewer streets and hopefully fewer horses," said Chris Coffey, a NYCLASS spokesperson.

A spokeswoman for the New York City horse carriage industry dismissed the ad as a waste of time and money. She said she thinks New Yorkers are sick of the issue, and also said the horses that drive the carriages are healthy and well taken care of.
Educators welcome proposal for Te Reo in schools

6 July 2017





NZEI Te Riu Roa has welcomed a new report that outlines a plan for Te Reo Maori to become a core curriculum subject.





Te Taura Whiri I Te Reo Maori (Maori Language Commission) commissioned the NZCER report, which proposes raising the status and increasing the use of Te Reo by making it a core curriculum subject beginning in Year 1 in 2020 until it is included in all levels up to Year 13 by 2037.





NZEI President Lynda Stuart said teachers understood the importance of nurturing Te Reo for all New Zealanders but often didnt feel equipped or confident enough to teach it effectively.





This proposal is a good move and a strong plan that can be implemented effectively over time as teachers are supported to increase their Te Reo proficiency, she said.





We encourage the government to embrace this proposal and resource it to become a reality.





Learning languages is already part of the curriculum and Te Reo is the language of Aotearoa. Normalising Te Reo makes learning more inclusive for Maori children and must be part of our commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi.
When his father died, in 2011, Jay Wilde inherited the family cattle farm, in Ashbourne, UK. He has been constantly sending cows to the slaughterhouse ever since, but he recently decided he couldnt do it anymore, so he gave away his heard of 59 cows to an animal sanctuary, where they will live out the rest of their natural lives in peace.

59-year-old Wilde has been a vegetarian for 25 years, so having to sell animals to be killed for meat was particularly difficult, but he had promised his father that he would take over the family farm. Having to send off the animals to the slaughterhouse after seeing them grow under his eyes and spending time with them was extremely unpleasant, and the farmer recently decided that he couldnt bear to do it anymore.

Photo: Jay Wilde

I began to see that cows recognize each other, and theyve got very good memories, Jay Wilde told the Vegan Society. They experience a range of emotions  they can be sad, happy, bored or excited. They do also have facial expressions. You can tell what a cow is thinking by looking at them. Ive even seen cows cry.

Cows are conscious of what goes on around them ,they have personalities and an inner life, the farmer adds. Theyre not just units of food. Knowing them personally makes it more difficult to think about eating them.

Photo: Jay Wilde

After taking over the farm, Wilde began making major changes. He converted it from a dairy farm to one that raised cattle for organic beef, because he couldnt bear having to separate cows from their babies to take their milk. The animals would become distressed and took a long time to get over their separation. But just selling young cows to the slaughterhouse didnt make him feel much better, so he eventually stopped doing it.

After getting in touch with the Vegan Society, he learned that he could grow food without having to slaughter animals, and when he asked what would happen to his cows, they put him in touch with Hillside Animal Sanctuary, a rescue center near Frettenham, in Norfolk, which was willing to take in his whole heard. There, they would live out their lives essentially as pets.

Photo: Jay Wilde

When Jays brother-in-law heard about his idea, he told him that he was insane for even considering giving away cattle that could fetch up to 40,000 ($52,000) at the market, but all he was interested it was walking away with a clear conscience.

I know farmers are supposed to have a very matter-of-fact attitude about their animals and think theyre only here as a crop but, when you know them, you do realize that they do have individual personalities, Jay Wilde told The Derby Telegraph. Theyre alive, not in a human way, but they do have their own experience of the world and it must be terrifying to be sent for slaughter. It just didnt feel a good thing to do.

Photo: Hillside Animal Sanctuary/Facebook

Jay says he didnt switch to a vegetable farm earlier due to a lack of imagination, but now that he can finally do what he loves without constantly feeling guilty, he wants to make the best of it. Weve got a huge range of brick buildings on the farm which are unused. Were hoping to turn those into a vegan restaurant, a vegan teaching kitchen and accommodation for people who would like to come and help on the vegetable growing. A vegan holidays sort of thing, he says.

He has kept 11 of his cows on the farm, as pets, and plans to use their manure as natural fertilizer for the vegetable farm. The rest of the cows, 30 of which are pregnant, have already arrived at the sanctuary, where they live peacefully alongside 300 cattle and 2,000 horses, donkeys and ponies.

Jay is a real pioneer, which we hope will inspire other farmers to move towards more compassionate and sustainable farming methods that dont involve animals, Tom Kuehnel, the Vegan Societys campaign officer, told The Independent.
Selamat Riayadi, a 16-year-old boy from South Sumatra, Indonesia, recently married his sweetheart, 71-year-old Rohaya. The two are apparently so in love with each other that they threatened to take their own lives if their families didnt give their blessing for the controversial union.

Its not exactly clear how and when Selamat and Rohaya fell in love, but what we do know is that the two have become husband and wife on Saturday, during a wedding ceremony held at the house of their village chief, in Karangendah Village, South Sumatra. The wedding was held at night, to keep the number of visitors to an acceptable number, because their controversial love story had already attracted curious visitors from neighboring villages. Even so, hundreds of people attended the special wedding.

As you can imagine, the 55-year age gap between the newlyweds wasnt easily overcome, especially since neither of their families saw their marriage as appropriate. And while Selamat somehow managed to convince his parents to give him their blessing and even attend the ceremony, Rohaya had a more difficult time getting her family to approve. She was a widow who had already been married twice and had a 19-year-old son, so her 75-year-old brother  her closest living relative  feared that the marriage would shame their family.

Selamat did things by the book, and first asked Rohayas son if he could ask her hand in marriage. The young man was shocked, but told him that he may agree to it, but asked him to check with their local leader as well, a man named Kuswoyo. He was more than a little surprised by the request as well, but agreed to marry them, if they received the blessings of their families, as tradition required.

Unfortunately, Rohayas brother, Raup, would not hear of it, so the two lovebirds went to their local leader together, and threatened to take their own lives if a solution to get them married was not found. One way or another, they would be together, they said.

The man had no choice but to speak with Raup, and after explaining the situation to him, and how serious his sister and her beloved were about the marriage, he reluctantly agreed. On Saturday, the two were wed by Kuswoyo, at his house in Karangendah, and Raup was there as a guardian of their marriage.

Photos and videos of the unusual wedding have been doing the rounds on Indonesian social media and online news sites for the past four days, but some people still cant believe the event actually took place. I cant say I blame them, its definitely not the sort of thing you see every day, but Kuwoyo himself confirmed that the wedding is very real, in a phone interview with Indonesia newspaper Detik.

Another thing thats very hard to believe is that the two are actually in love, and that there was no financial motivation for their union. But, Kuwoyo again claims that the two are both financially disadvantaged, so there were no economic factors involved. Apparently, Selamat gave Rohayas family a dowry of a mere Rp 200,000 ($15).

Selamat has moved into Rohayas house, and they are both over the moon after getting married.

While their wedding is definitely controversial, according to several Indonesian news sources Ive seen, the publics reaction to it has been generally positive. Kuwoyo said that hundreds of people have been visiting the newlyweds to congratulate them on their union and give them their best wishes.

The official minimum age of marriage in Indonesia is 16 for girls and 19 for boys, but there is also a thing called nikah siri, which, according to Coconuts Jakarta, is a type of marriage that follows religious norms but is not recognized by the state. The practice is apparently not considered a violation of the law and is practiced throughout the Indonesian archipelago.

Believe it or not, this is the second such wedding weve featured this year. Back in February, we wrote about the unusual wedding between 28-year old Sofian Loho Dandel and 82-year-old Martha. They were also from Indonesia.
Dana Klinghoffer, who stepped down as VP-corporate communications at Fox News Channel in April, will handle PR for the launch of Megyn Kellys morning program on NBC in the fall.

Dana Klinghoffer

Shes been with FNC since 2003, rising from the media relations coordinator slot.

Kelly departed Fox in January, receiving a salary of $17M per-year.

Shes been hosting the Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly newsmagazine since early June.

The program, which has featured interviews with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and InfoWars founder Alex Jones, has generated lackluster ratings.
Participants discussed the latest developments with regards to the implementation of the BEPS Project in the light of the debates taking place in the working groups of the Committee on Fiscal Affairs. A special workshop was dedicated to the Base erosion and profit shifting and the steps necessary to sign this convention. Participants were also updated on the progress of work regarding the toolkits addressing the specific needs of developing countries. Finally, the discussions allowed identifying the priorities of the countries of the region and their needs in terms of capacity building and training.

06/07/2017 - Fifty delegates representing 10 countries gathered in Cotonou (Benin) on 3-5 July 2017 for the second regional meeting of the Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) for French speaking countries. These regional meetings offer participants from around the world the opportunity to provide their views and input to the Inclusive Framework on BEPS.
Agricultural News

OSU Summer Crops Conferences Kick Off Next Week- Meetings in Ardmore, El Reno, Afton and Alva

Crop producers across Oklahoma should plan now to attend one of four Oklahoma Crops Conference events taking place in July- starting next week.





"The conference sites collectively represent one of the premier agricultural events of the year, focusing on all critical crops grown in a region and highlighting research-based best management practices designed to help growers get the most out of their operations," said Josh Lofton, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension cropping systems specialist.





Free of charge and open to the public, the conference sites are scheduled for Ardmore, July 10; El Reno, July 13; Alva, July 17 and Afton, July 20. Each meeting will begin at 9 a.m. and finish at approximately 3 p.m. A donor-sponsored lunch will be provided free of charge to participants.







The Ardmore event will take place at OSU's Institute for Agricultural Biosciences. The El Reno event will take place at the OSU Cooperative Extension Conference Center. The Afton event will take place at the Leonard Family Farms operation. The Alva meeting will be held at the Northwest Technology Center.







"Given current prices of Oklahoma commodities, it is important growers take full advantage of every opportunity to increase productivity while at the same time minimizing inputs," Lofton said. "Information provided will include a number of new recommendations coming about from current research undertaken by OSU's Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources."





Topics will include timely and relevant information about important regional production systems, encompassing pasture, wheat, soybean, sorghum, corn, canola, sesame, cropping systems, no-till and cover crops, among others.





"We will also be showcasing a detailed prospective on risk management relative to Oklahoma cropping systems and what some options would be for growers to maintain or increase profits with lower risk practices," said David Marburger, OSU Cooperative Extension small grains specialist.





Although each conference event is free and open to the public, participants are asked to RSVP for the specific site they will be attending by contacting Lofton by email at josh.lofton@okstate.edu or by phone at 405-744-3389, or Marburger by email at david.marburger@okstate.edu or by phone at 405-744-9617.





"Having a head count really aids with our planning and helps ensure we have sufficient numbers of lunches, refreshments and conference materials on hand," Marburger said.





Lofton and Marburger expressed special thanks to lunch sponsors Oklahoma Sorghum Commission, Oklahoma Wheat Commission, Oklahoma Wheat Growers Association, Oklahoma Soybean Board and the Oklahoma offices of the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education organization.







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Adam Lambert used to sing on cruise ships and small theater productions.

And then he auditioned for American Idol. By the end of that season, he had placed second, become a pop sensation and performed with members of Queen.

It led to a successful solo career as well as several festival and arena tours fronting Queen alongside original members Brian May and Roger Taylor.

Before Queen + Adam Lambert landed in Omaha on Saturday, we caught up with Lambert about the tour, his solo career, connecting with huge audiences and stepping into iconic frontman Freddie Mercurys shoes.

Q. So what is it like standing behind the stage, ready to step out and front Queen? Do you think at all about how Freddie Mercury would do it?

A. When we first started working together, I was very intimidated by that idea. Immediately when this came together, I was honored. It was an opportunity I was never gonna pass up.

But it was scary. I mean, Freddie.

Over the past five years, weve seen that it worked and the audience loved it, and weve grown more connected as a band. We have a lot of fun together.

The music itself has gotten into my body like it is in their bodies.

Q. So youre more comfortable with that now? You kind of got thrown into playing with the band right away.

A. The first show that we did was in the Ukraine. It was for like a quarter of a million people. It was huge. I had nine days of rehearsal to prep for that. It was a lot to wrap your head around. But I like being challenged as an artist. I think it was good for me and it taught me a lot and it has continued to.

Q. How do you stay true to the original while making it your own thing?

A. Its a really interesting process. I dont try to overthink it. And I dont try to imitate Freddie. That would be a cop out. I also try not to take it too far from the original either. That would be sort of sacrilegious. Its also a case of taking a second of thinking of what the intention of the song was. Why was it written? What was the story behind it?

When I get that story behind each song, I know what I want to get out of it.

Q. Is it still a little surreal to be onstage with Queen?

A. Well do a certain song and I dont know. The connection with each other and the audience all at once. Theres quite an energy that can happen. Its hard to predict when its gonna hit me. Oh my god, this is crazy. This is my life.

Ill run into friends and theyre like, This is so weird, dude. Youre, like, in Queen.

Q. Whats it like doing this tour compared to your solo tours? Its obviously on a different scale.

A. The budgets are slightly different. (laughs) Yeah, its fun. Its a huge show. Were selling out everywhere. Its a success.

I was lucky enough to sell out my dates on my solo tour, but they were much smaller.

I think its gonna be really fun. I think audiences are gonna love the show. If you saw us the first time around, dont let that be a deterrent to coming back. Its gonna feel different.

Im gonna have new outfits. Thats arguably the most important part. (laughs) I love putting a new outfit together. Im like a kid on Halloween.

Q. How is what youre doing with Queen different from what youre doing on your own? Generally speaking, I dont think the pop landscape is as open as it was.

A. Everyone would agree with that. Thats the thing about top 40 and pop music. Its always evolving and changing. One of the things Im noticing and I love is that anything goes stylistically. A lot of different genres are being explored.

The underlying similarity is ... a good song being a good song. Thats why theirs has stood the test of time. Its got heart, its got great melody and its performed with passion. Those things will never go out of style. People always respond to those three ingredients.

Q. So how about you? Do you have any new music coming?

A. Ive been working on stuff for the past six months. I have some great songs. I dont actually know yet when Im going to unveil them. Its been great to be working on my own stuff during this hiatus. Its been good. Im excited to. I never like to repeat myself. Its definitely a different sound from my last project. Im excited to be doing something different.
GRAND ISLAND, Neb.  A prosthetic arm stolen from a Grand Island man Saturday night was returned after the family paid a $200 reward.

Terry Fishell had the appendage back Wednesday afternoon, a couple of hours after someone stepped forward.

Family members had publicized the theft and offered the reward.

The artificial arm was inside a bag that was stolen from Fishells truck, which was parked near his house in northeast Grand Island.

Fishell, 48, has two jobs. He has worked as a diesel mechanic at Grand Island Express for 12 years.

He also works at a Pump and Pantry.

Fishell kept his Pump and Pantry uniform, the artificial arm and deodorant in the bag in his truck.

Fishells niece, Elizabeth Logue, called attention to the theft on the Internet.

If the prosthesis could be located, she wrote, the reward would be paid, no questions asked.

She said she didnt care if the caller was involved in the crime or not.

About 2 p.m. Wednesday, Logue received a Facebook message from a male, who said he found the prosthesis in a dumpster.

I went ahead and paid the $200 reward, Logue said.

Her uncle relies on the device to do his job.

He cannot go without it, she said. Thats how he cares for his family.

Fishell and his wife have three children.

He lost his left arm 21 years ago to a meat grinder.

Asked if he wanted to comment on the incident, Fishell offered, just a thank you for getting it back to me.

The family got many Internet assists. A posting got more than 286 shares, Logue said.
FRANKFURT, Germany (AP)  Competing visions of world trade are set to collide at the Group of 20 summit of world leaders in Hamburg, Germany, this week.

U.S. President Donald Trumps America First approach faces off against the European Union and its support for broad free trade agreements, with the Europeans touting a new, far-reaching pact they are completing with Japan.

The summit takes place with the global economy in fairly good shape; the International Monetary Fund sees growth rising from 3.1 percent last year to 3.5 percent this year and 3.6 percent in 2018. But trade among countries has not recovered to the levels from before the global financial crisis.

Increasing trade is credited by economists for raising global growth and prosperity over the past decades. Its benefits, however, have been unevenly distributed among workers and industries.

Heres whats on the table when the big shots sit down together on Friday.

U.S. vs. the world?

Trumps views on trade will put him at odds with most other major leaders.

He says free trade deals that enable goods to pass borders without import taxes or regulatory hurdles have hurt American companies and workers. He is particularly focused on countries that sell more to the U.S. than they buy from American companies. At the G-20, those include China, Japan and Germany.

The summits host, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, said recently that anyone who thinks that they can solve the problems of this world with isolationism and protectionism is making an enormous mistake.

The European Union is expected to underline that approach by announcing the outlines of a free trade agreement with Japan today. The EU also recently completed a trade deal with Canada, whereas Trump pulled the U.S. out of an Asian pact.

In my view, it will be 19 against one at the G-20, and the European Union will try to take over the role of the U.S. in respect to trade, said Claudia Schmucker, head of the program on globalization at the German Council on Foreign Relations.

The 28-country EU had been discussing the deal with Japan for four years, but the timing of the announcement is symbolic.

Its a direct answer to what Trump stands for, Schmucker said.

Steeling for conflict

The Trump administration has other countries on edge about one trade issue in particular: steel.

The U.S. government is investigating the possibility of putting new barriers on steel imports based on national security considerations.

The investigations primary justification was China, which has flooded international markets with cheap exports, lowering prices and hurting steelmakers in other countries. U.S. import taxes imposed as a countermeasure have already sharply reduced Chinese steel imports. So those hardest hit by new barriers could potentially be countries like Canada, Brazil, South Korea, Mexico and EU producers.

If the U.S. acts based on the rarely used national security exemption, other countries could follow suit, said Jeffrey J. Schott, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Theres a lot of uncertainty about what is going to be done, because the administration is fighting among themselves, Schott said. They realized that there are countries that dont want to be sideswiped by U.S. actions.

A French official said that if some measures had to concern European exports, we would obviously react very quickly, and we are getting prepared.

Read the fine print

Trump is likely to spar with other countries over how strongly to support free trade in the final statement representing what everyone agrees on. The statement, while nonbinding, helps set the tone for global policy.

The previous G-20 statement from 2016 to avoid protectionism in trade and investment in all its forms was replaced at a smaller G-7 meeting this year with an emphasis on trade thats free, fair and mutually beneficial.

It should be noted that countries havent always lived up to that free-trade commitment. Yet the statements language is relevant, said analyst Schmucker from the German Council on Foreign Relations.

To have at least a common understanding in favor of free trade is something valuable, she said.

Trade war?

So has it come to a trade war? No. The Center for Economic Policy Research says in a trade report for the first six months of the year that G-20 protectionist measures aimed at the U.S. actually diminished during the period, while U.S. trade policy moved in favor of domestic firms.

Thats not necessarily a win for Trump, says Manfred Elsig, professor of international relations at the University of Berns World Trade Institute.

The other countries have so far not started to retaliate, he said. I think the Trump administration would probably look at the data and say, We are on the right path.

My reading of the data is different. Everyone is watching and waiting. Once they are significantly hit by this protectionist agenda, they will start retaliating. And that is a place that no one wants to be.
A riding lawn mower valued at $4,000 was among the landscaping equipment reported stolen in two recent break-ins at Mercy High School.

The schools maintenance manager told police Wednesday that he discovered the riding mower and two push mowers were missing from a detached garage at the school at 48th Street and Woolworth Avenue. The push mowers were valued at $600 and $100, according to a Police Department report.

Also taken was a sledgehammer, a weed trimmer and a backpack blower valued at $400.

The manager told police that the weed trimmer and blower were taken between June 22 and June 29. Its possible that the garage had been left unlocked, he said.

The three mowers and sledgehammer were taken between June 29 and Wednesday, he said. Police found pry marks on the walk-in door of the two-car garage.

The school will review surveillance video in an attempt to identify the thieves.
IOWA CITY (AP)  Iowa State University officials worked with utilities lobbyists for weeks to draft a law uprooting the states renewable energy research center, newly released emails show.

Iowa State announced in March that it would support transferring the 27-year-old Iowa Energy Center to the executive branch.

The announcement stunned supporters of the university-based center, which was directed to cancel its search for a new director and pull back several loans, emails show.

Lawmakers in April approved a bill transferring the center to the Iowa Economic Development Authority, giving it a more industry-friendly mission and eliminating its funding source in 2022. The move was a victory for Iowas gas and electric utilities, which fund the center through an assessment on their revenues and have questioned some of the centers research on solar energy.

The center has been a national leader in energy efficiency and alternative energy research, promoting biofuels, wind and solar, and savings at government buildings. But powerful utilities had increasingly questioned the centers direction and management, making it a political headache for Iowa State administrators.

The university released emails about the transfer plan in response to a request from Rep. Abby Finkenauer, D-Dubuque. They reveal that Iowa State lobbyist Kristin Failor discussed legislation that was being drafted in secret on Feb. 24 with lobbyists representing MidAmerican Energy and rural electric cooperatives.

I got confirmation from both of them that we all want this to be amicable and supportive and they (in no way) want this to look like a power grab because we did something wrong, Failor wrote to Sarah Nusser, Iowa States vice president for research.

Nusser told the centers interim director, Mufit Akinc, on Feb. 26 that the transfer was highly likely to happen. She said the university was starting to do some quiet planning but was not ready to notify the centers dozen employees, who would face layoffs.
A Minnesota man was injured Wednesday when his motorcycle collided with another vehicle in Cass County, Iowa, authorities said.

Thomas Radniecki, 65, of Oklee, Minnesota, was on a Honda at an Interstate 80 exit ramp near Lorah when the wreck occurred about 2:45 p.m., the Iowa State Patrol said.

Radniecki did not yield at a stop sign at Highway 71 and collided with a four-door Chrysler, the patrol said. The agency did not release the vehicles model.

The Chrysler was southbound on Highway 71. It was driven by Suzanne Mcrae, 54, of Strathroy, Ontario. Neither she nor a passenger was injured. Both were using seatbelts, the patrol said.

Radniecki was taken by helicopter to Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic, then also by helicopter to the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

The State Patrol didnt release his condition.

Radniecki was wearing a helmet, the patrol said.
Reports of fireworks-related injuries and damage continue to be filed after Fourth of July celebrations.

On Tuesday, a Council Bluffs man lost his right thumb and damaged several fingers in Nebraskas Washington County. Jacob Howell, 29, was taken by medical helicopter to the Nebraska Medical Center after being injured at a family gathering.

Howell, who was listed in fair condition Wednesday, also suffered burns to his chest, Washington County Sheriff Mike Robinson said.

The injury occurred while Howell was lighting artillery shell fireworks and rolling them on the ground, Robinson said.

The artillery shells are designed to explode in the air after being placed in a mortar tube and ignited.

A Washington County deputy was first on the scene and gave Howell medical aid. He was joined by medical personnel from Blair and Fort Calhoun.

Deputy Cody Peters did a great job of applying a tourniquet right away, Robinson said. The medics from Fort Calhoun and Blair said our guy was able to get the bleeding stopped.

Howell was injured about 2:45 p.m. at a Fourth of July celebration outside a home in the unincorporated town of De Soto, which is between Fort Calhoun and Blair on U.S. Highway 75.

Fireworks injuries kept Omaha-area hospitals busy. The Methodist Health System, which includes Methodist Hospital and Methodist Womens Hospital in Omaha and Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, reported 14 fireworks-related cases, including a fracture, since officials started tracking the numbers June 30. All of the injured were treated and released, a spokeswoman said.

The CHI Health system reported 26 fireworks-related injuries in its five metro-area hospitals from Saturday through Tuesday. And from June 25 through Tuesday, Nebraska Medicine hospitals treated 24 people for fireworks-related injuries.

Fireworks also kept the Omaha mayors hotline hopping, with about 200 fireworks-related calls received since Friday, a spokeswoman said. Mayor Jean Stothert has said she wants to shorten the time people can set off or sell Independence Day fireworks in Omaha from 10 days to five.

We estimate about 200 calls, emails and messages (were received) Friday through (Wednesday) morning, spokeswoman Carrie Murphy said. Many of these are people expressing support or opposition to the mayors request ... others are complaining about fireworks after the 11 p.m. cutoff time.

Stothert also has proposed not allowing fireworks to be set off until later in the day  noon rather than 8 a.m.

In Lincoln on Monday, police and fire crews went to 706 Yukon Court after a report of damage from a homemade explosive device. A 21-year-old man was ticketed on suspicion of possession of a destructive device, said Lincoln Police Department spokeswoman Angela Sands.

The incident occurred about 7 p.m. when a homemade device that included a five-pound piece of metal was shot into the air and came crashing through the roof of a neighbors house, Sands said. The metal went through the first floor and ended up in the basement.

Sands said no one was injured.
(Mattern) brings tremendous experience and ability to her new position, Papillion Police Chief Scott Lyons said in the release.

Mattern started as a Papillion officer in December 2002. During her time with the department she has worked with the patrol division, the criminal investigations unit and the crime prevention unit. Shes currently a training officer and Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies manager.
WARSAW, Poland (AP) - On the eve of his first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Donald Trump vowed Thursday to confront "new forms of aggression" targeting the West and called for Moscow to stop fomenting unrest around the world.

He pointedly stopped short of condemning Russia for meddling in the U.S. election.

Buoyed by an electrified crowd of thousands in Poland chanting his name, Trump sought to show he wasn't overlooking Russian actions that have elicited global consternation, especially from nearby nations in eastern and central Europe. He warned that Western interests were being tested by "propaganda, financial crimes and cyber warfare," forcing NATO to adapt.

"We urge Russia to cease its destabilizing activities in Ukraine and elsewhere, and its support for hostile regimes including Syria and Iran, and to join the community of responsible nations in our fight against common enemies and in defense of civilization itself," Trump said in a speech in Warsaw's Krasinski Square.

It was a critique that the president did not appear to extend to Russia's actions last year during the presidential campaign. In a news conference before his speech, Trump questioned the veracity of American intelligence about foreign meddling in the U.S. election, arguing that Russia wasn't the only country that may have interfered.

"Nobody really knows for sure," Trump said.

Opening his second overseas trip as president, Trump also warned North Korea that he's considering "some pretty severe things" in response to the isolated nation's unprecedented launch of a missile capable of reaching the U.S. Though he declined to offer specifics on the U.S. response, Trump called on all nations to confront the North's "very, very bad behavior."

He also stated unequivocally that the U.S. stands "firmly behind Article 5," the NATO provision requiring the U.S. to defend other member nations if they come under attack. On his inaugural trip to Europe in May, Trump declined to affirm that commitment, to the dismay of U.S. allies who said it cast doubt on his allegiance to the alliance.

As U.S. investigations into Russia's meddling forge ahead, Trump is under intense scrutiny for how he handles his first face-to-face session with Putin. U.S. intelligence officials say the unpredictable Russia leader ordered interference into the 2016 election that brought Trump to the White House.

From Poland, Trump took a short flight to Hamburg, Germany, where he was meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and having dinner with leaders of South Korea and Japan later Thursday.

Trump and Putin plan to sit down together on Friday in Hamburg, on the sidelines of the G-20 summit of industrialized and developing economies. Asked, in Poland, whether he planned to discuss election meddling with Putin, Trump demurred.

Loath to cast a shadow on his election victory, Trump has avoided firmly blaming Moscow for campaign hacking in the past, and on Thursday, he was similarly elusive. He argued variably that it could have been Russia, probably was Russia and indeed was Russia, while insisting it could have been other countries, too, and adding: "I won't be specific."

The president sought to redirect scrutiny toward his predecessor, Barack Obama, accusing him of allowing Moscow to meddle on his watch. Though the Obama administration warned Russia publicly and privately before Election Day to stop interfering, questions have since been raised about whether he acted aggressively enough to stop the threat.

"They say he choked. Well, I don't think he choked," Trump said. "I think he thought Hillary Clinton was going to win the election, and he said, `Let's not do anything about it."'

Using information collected by the FBI, CIA and National Security Agency, the U.S. national intelligence director last year concluded that Moscow was behind the hack of Democratic Party email systems and attempted to influence the 2016 election to benefit Trump. The Obama administration said the effort was directed from the "highest levels" of Russia's government a reference to Putin.

"Mistakes have been made" by U.S. intelligence, said Trump, issuing a reminder that America's spy agencies had once been confident that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, creating "one big mess" in the form of the Iraq War. Though Trump has made similar statements before, it was an extraordinary public expression of doubt about U.S. intelligence capabilities by a president while standing on foreign soil.

In his first public comments since North Korea tested an intercontinental ballistic missile this week, Trump declined to offer specifics about what a U.S. response might entail, though he called it a "threat" and said the U.S. would "confront it very strongly." Trump said it wasn't certain he'd follow through on the severe steps he was weighing, adding that he does "not draw red lines."

"It's a shame that they're behaving this way," Trump said of North Korea's leaders. "But they are behaving in a very, very dangerous manner, and something will have to be done about it."

The U.S. has been considering a range of possible sanctions, economic measures and other steps to confront Pyongyang. The test of an ICBM marked a major technological advancement for North Korea that U.S. officials have described as intensifying the threat against the U.S. by bringing the North closer to being able to mount a nuclear warhead atop a missile that could hit American soil.

Trump used part of a joint news conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda to attack several U.S. news organizations for their coverage of his presidency. That elicited some sympathy from Duda, who suggested that he, too, was covered unfairly.

"We don't want fake news," Trump said.

Before his address to the Polish people, the president joined first lady Melania Trump for a wreath-laying ceremony at a monument commemorating the 1944 Warsaw Uprising against Nazi occupation. Crowds waving U.S. and Polish flags gathered near TV screens erected in the square to broadcast the visiting American's speech.

A spokesman for the Warsaw police, Sylwester Marczak, told The Associated Press that some 15,000 people attended Trump's Krasinski Square speech.

Copyright 2017, the Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
A fact of life in Nebraska is that sooner or later, the state will face the return of drought. Its a familiar part of the climatic cycle in our part of the country.

Nebraska fortunately has had a generally drought-free period in recent years, moving beyond the brutally parched conditions of 2012. That year, groundwater levels shrank significantly in parts of the state, and Lake McConaughy fell to only 54 percent full.

This year, drought has returned just to our north, with severe conditions afflicting much of the Dakotas and Montana.

Only 9 percent of South Dakota is not suffering from drought, U.S. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., said during a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing last week.

I dont know how it can get much worse for ranchers out there, U.S. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., said during the same hearing. If they are making it, they are making it day to day right now, and they dont know how they are going to make it to the winter.

Recent cattle sales in those drought-stricken states have skyrocketed.

In response, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has authorized emergency grazing on Conservation Reserve Program lands set aside for ecological protection.

USDA also granted permission for CRP landowners within 150 miles of drought-affected counties to donate hay from those lands to farmers in the affected area. This means hay donations are allowed from producers throughout Nebraskas Sand Hills.

At present, drought conditions have not extended south into Nebraska. Perhaps they wont.

Still, a survey of nearly 5,000 wells statewide by the University of Nebraska-Lincolns Conservation and Survey Division found that water stress returned in 2016 to some areas of central and western Nebraska. And last week the National Drought Mitigation Center at UNL classified the Sand Hills and south-central Nebraska as experiencing abnormally dry conditions.

Whatever lies ahead, Nebraskans can always benefit by being prepared for the return of drought, whether the dire conditions strike only part of the state or its entirety. That proactive mindset can help a cattle or row-crop producer in managing an agricultural operation, as well as helping a business or household in handling its water use.

The cycle, sooner or later, is bound to turn.
President Donald Trumps Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity wants Nebraska Secretary of State John Gale to produce the names, party affiliations, addresses, voting histories, felony convictions, military service and the last four digits of Social Security numbers of all voters (Gale urged to reject request for voter data, July 4 World-Herald).

This is dangerous. Why should any national partisan government official need this data? The party wants it because a political dossier is easily created with this data when combined with facts from Facebook, Amazon and Google. It is clear that, with computers and statistical inferences, either party can now create an effective national voter preference and personality profile on everyone.

This data will be used to perpetuate the party in power. For example, customized messages can be sent to specific voters. Also, potential political activists can be identified earlier by the party and either nurtured or destroyed with fake news. Party leaders and lobbyists of either party will use this data to increase polarization and reduce compromise.

Why would any fair-minded Nebraskan want to help either political party build an economic and personality voter dossier?

The question is, will John Gale give up this valuable personalized data for the short-term benefit of his political party, or will he protect our traditional values of privacy for the long-term benefit of the people?

Steven M. Watson, Omaha
Andhra Pradesh on a high as liquor stocks worth Rs 200 crore purchased

India

oi-Anusha

Liquor sales in Andhra Pradesh are going through the roof despite the state renewing licenses of merely 30 percent liquor shops. The Excise year for Andhra Pradesh is July to June and this time around, within four days, the Excise Department has already recorded sales of stock worth close to Rs 200 crore.

Women activists, especially organisations that have been fighting against liquor stores in unauthorised localities claim that the spurt in sales is all thanks to 'belt shops'. Almost 7- percent liquor shops in Andhra Pradesh are awaiting license for the new Excise year but sales are already breaking records. Rights organisations have blamed unchecked, illegally operating liquor shops that dot the highways or well as residential localities as responsible for the phenomenon.

The Andhra Pradesh government on Tuesday issued a government order denotifying state highways as major roads along districts. The order effectively ensured that multiple shops that sold liquor were up and running, with or without a license. "There is no record of how much sale has taken place. On a district level, we do not maintain it but the head office is in charge," is the response we got from the Excise DC at Ongole when asked about the spurt in sales. He also added that the head office was yet to be fully functional.

However, numbers from AP Breweries Corporation Ltd indicate that stocks worth Rs 18 crore were purchased on July 1, Rs 57 crore on July 2 and Rs 75.01 crore on July 3. Liquor worth Rs 59 crore were sold on July 4. With a minister deeming Beer, a healthy drink, people in Andhra Pradesh have accused the government of encouraging liquor sales by turning a blind eye to unauthorised 'belt shops'.

OneIndia News
7th Pay Commission: Hectic campaign against betrayal of NDA govt starts

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The central government employees have decided to review their agitation seeking revised allowances from July 2016 as per the 7th Pay Commission. A National Secretariat meeting of the Confederation of Central Govt Employees & Workers will be held at Income Tax Office (ITEF Office), BENGALURU on 9th August 2017 (09-08-2017 - Wednesday). The meeting will commence at 10.30 am.

The following is the agenda for the meeting:

7th Pay Commission related issues: Review of agitational programmes organised by Confederation and the present position of various demands raised in the Charter of Demands - Future course of action.

Non-implementation of revision of Pay & Pension of Autonomous Body Employees and Pensioners - Possibility of organizing a joint meeting of all Autonomous body employees organizations and Pensioners organizations for deciding future course of action.

Problems of the affiliated organizations of Confederation.

Financial review.

Hectic campaign against NDA government:

Meanwhile a hectic campaign against what has been called as a betrayal of the NDA government has been called for. Unions say, "go far a hectic campaign against the NDA Government's attitude towards the Government employees and All Affiliates are requested to popularize the stand taken by the Confederation and Federations of various sections of employees and built unity among the employees.

Also appeal to all affiliates to participate actively in the joint protest programme being organized by Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers across the country, the note also states.

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Story first published: Thursday, July 6, 2017, 8:12 [IST]
Ambedkar University Delhi releases first cut off, new courses introduced

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

The Ambedkar University Delhi has released its first cut off list for admissions to UG courses The university, which reserves 85% seats for students from the National Capital Territory (NCT), has released two lists - one for NCT candidates and the other for non-NCT candidates. Admissions under the first cut-off list will be done between July 6 and 8.

The second and third list will be released on July 10 and July 14 respectively, while admissions would begin on August 1.

For B.A. (Hons.) Economics, the cut-off for commerce students from Delhi was 93.75%,.For students from outside NCT the cut-off was 97.35%.

Making it difficult for students from outside NCT to secure a seat, the university has asked for 100% marks from commerce students looking to pursue B.A. (Hons.) History, Sociology and Psychology.

Non-Delhi students who studied commerce in Class XII had to have a score of 100% to get admission to B.A. (Hons.) English, History, Psychology, Sociology, and Humanities and Social Sciences.

New courses:

The Kashmere Gate campus offers B.A. (Hons.) Economics, B.A. (Hons.) English, B.A. (Hons.) History, B.A. (Hons.) Mathematics, B.A. (Hons.) Psychology, B.A. (Hons.) Sociology, and B.A. (Hons.) Social Sciences and Humanities.

Karampura campus offers B.A. (Hons.) Economics, B.A. (Hons.) English, B.A. (Hons.) Psychology and B.A. (Hons.) Social Sciences and Humanities.

Karampura campus has introduced the B.Voc. in Early Childhood Centre Management and Entrepreneurship, B.Voc. in Retail Management and B.Voc. in Tourism and Hospitality.

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Story first published: Thursday, July 6, 2017, 11:18 [IST]
Xi Jinping tells Chinese army to prepare for war, fight and win it

Beijing to use 'Sikkim Independence' card to deal with India, reports China media

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

New Delhi, July 6: Amid the India-China border standoff, the Chinese official media on Thursday warned India that Beijing may well begin supporting "pro-independence appeals in Sikkim, if India does not reconsider its stance on Sikkim issue.

Supporting Sikkim's independence will be a powerful card to deal with New Delhi, said an editorial in Global Times, run by Communist Party of China.

The editorial spoke of how people in Sikkim being sensitive on how the world views them. It insisted that China could support Sikkim breaking away from India by supporting, pro-independence appeals there.

"As long as there are voices in Chinese society supporting Sikkim's independence, the voices will spread and fuel pro-independence appeals in Sikkim," said Global Times.

Brushing aside India's concerns, Beijing and its strictly-controlled media have launched a well thought-out verbal offensive against New Delhi, even suggesting that China should take a fresh look at India's annexation of Sikkim.

The editorial accused India of having brutally cracked down on Sikkim's revolts over sovereignty in the 1960s and 1970s.

India's annexation of Sikkim "is like a nightmare haunting Bhutan", the state-backed publication said.

Global Times yet again alleged India of coercing Bhutan to play on its side in this latest border dispute, which involves China constructing a road in the Donglang area in Sikkim. "control" India has over Bhutan is evident in this border dispute, it said.

Using the excuse of 'helping Bhutan protect its sovereignty,' India brazenly obstructs China's road construction in Chinese territory," said Global Times.

The newspaper said Beijing should lead a worldwide effort to restore Bhutan's sovereignty.

"China should lead the international community in restoring Bhutan's diplomatic and defense sovereignty. Unfair treaties between India and Bhutan that severely violate the will of the Bhutanese people should be abolished. China needs to put more efforts into establishing diplomatic ties with Bhutan at an earlier date as well."

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Story first published: Thursday, July 6, 2017, 12:37 [IST]
Buying drugs was as easy as online shopping for Hyderabad school students

India

oi-Anusha

Pick up the phone, talk to the dealer, place the order, pay online using credit cards or bitcoins and get drugs delivered. That is how easy it was for dozens of school and college students in Telangana to get high-end narcotics like LSD and MDMA.

The Telangana Prohibition and Excise Department officials have so far arrested ten persons, including two on Thursday, involved in a drug racket that trapped schools students as young as 13 or 14 years old as clients. Out of the ten arrested, one is barely 20 years old. "Apart from the 20-year-old who is still studying, seven other accused are settled in good jobs. They hold B.Tech, Hotel Management degrees and one is even an MBA graduate," said Akun Sabharwal, the Director of the Department of Prohibition and Excise.

Peddlers used darknet, bitcoins to supply drugs from Chicago to Hyderabad school students

School and college children featured in the client list of those arrested and to many people's shock, students belonged to over two dozen schools and colleges. Children are said to have spent anywhere between Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 to acquire drugs popularly referred to as Ecstasy and Acid.

Most transactions took place online. Once a regular client refers another new client, drug dealers would supply narcotics on payment. The link would then extend every time another youngster is introduced to drugs. Officials caught some drug pushers redhanded while supplying narcotics to school children.

A special investigation team that is probing the case has decided to keep the identity of the schools as well as the students confidential. While the department has issued an advisory to 26 schools and 27 colleges, names of the students have not been revealed even to school authorities. In the advisory, the department has asked schools to sensitise teachers and students about substance abuse. "Watch out for erratic/deviant behaviour in students," the department has advised schools.

"We are neither revealing the identity of the children nor intend to arrest them. Children who were caught buying drugs when we arrested the peddlers have been handed over to their parents with instructions to take them to rehabilitation centres. A call centre has been set up at our office so we call parents of those students whose names are featuring in the contacts of these peddlers in form of e-mails, WhatsApp or phonebooks. We are suggesting counselling or treatment," Akun Sabharwal added.

Out of the eight arrested, three procured drugs from online and supplied it to pushers who then delivered it to clients, in most cases, young students. The racket, officials say was active in the Greater Hyderabad area. The peddlers' client list mostly included children hailing from other parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and living in hostels in Hyderabad. Officials also found that just two persons, one from Delhi and another from Bengaluru were out of station clients.

OneIndia News
Darjeeling adopts barter system to fight shortage of cash, essential items

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Darjeeling, July 6: Life in Darjeeling came to a standstill as pro-Gorkhaland parties continued with their indefinite bandh on Thursday. Due to the ongoing strike, the people in the hills are facing cash and essential items' shortage.

However, the residents have come up with ingenious methods to fight against all odds. The people of Darjeeling have gone back to the age-old barter system to sustain themselves in these difficult times.

Shopkeepers have started selling food and other essential items in exchange of goods and materials from buyers instead of regular currency notes.

Because of the bandh, banks and ATMs are running short of money. Moreover, flow of good and essential items have almost stopped as vehicles from the plains have been stopped from plying in the hills.

Instances like shopkeepers selling biscuits and noodles in exchange of vegetables from buyers have become a regular feature in Darjeeling. Since shops are not allowed to open, shopkeepers are selling things from backdoor.

Otherwise, people are also depending on the goodwill of each other to keep their kitchen running.

Schools, colleges and hotels also remained closed in the hills except for some emergency services. Internet services remained suspended for the 22st consecutive day. Several boarding schools have extended their vacancies due to this ongoing unrest in the hill which has started from June 8.

The bandh has entered the 22nd day on Thursday. On Wednesday, violent incidents were reported from Darjeeling. In one instance, four police personnel were severely injured after a clash broke out between the security forces and locals. The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) supporters set ablaze a TMC office and North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) ticket counter.

This time, the GJM is spearheading the protest to demand the separate state of Gorkhaland. Over the last few weeks, other pro-Gorkhaland parties too have joined the GJM to demand their homeland.

The entire crisis in the hills began after the Mamata Banerjee government announced the decision to make Bengali compulsory for all schools. The anti-Bengali protest soon metamorphosed into pro-Gorkhaland agitation. Last month, three supporters of the GJM were allegedly killed in a police firing.

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Story first published: Thursday, July 6, 2017, 11:09 [IST]
Despite strictures over Pune land deal, Eknath Khadse set to return as minister

India

oi-Anusha

Despite a one-man inquiry commission passing strictures against senior Maharashtra BJP leader Eknath Khadse in the Pune land deal case, he is all set to return as a minister. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah over re-inducting the former minister into the cabinet.

The official number two in the Maharashtra government, Khadse, was forced to resign as the Revenue Minister following allegations of being involved in a land scam in Pune. Fadnavis had, in 2016, appointed Justice D S Zoting, a former judge of the Bombay High Court, to probe the charges against him. The report was submitted to the government on June 30 but despite the report not giving a clean chit to Khadse and passing strictures against him, the Maharashtra Chief Minister is mulling re-inducting Khadse into the cabinet.

While the report does not recommend criminal proceedings against Eknath Khadse, the committee is said to have made observations against him. The ball is now in Devendra Fadnavis' court and senior ministers in the Maharashtra government are confident that talks are underway to re-induct the tainted former minister.

Khadse had resigned in 2016 after which an inquiry committee was set up to probe allegations levelled against him. Earlier in June this year, Amit Shah held a closed-door meeting with Khadse during his visit to Mumbai fueling speculation that Khadse's reinduction was imminent. While Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is also not averse to Khadse's entry, an FIR against him in the same case may prove a deterrent.

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Story first published: Thursday, July 6, 2017, 8:25 [IST]
Mandsaur police firing: Officials deny permission to farmers to hold rally

India

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Mandsaur (MP), July 5: Farmers' plan to launch a vehicle rally on Thursday from the site of last month's police firing here has hit a roadblock with the police administration vowing not to give permission for the stir.

The ryots want to start the nationwide-rally on tractors and four-wheelers from Pipalia Mandi -- the place where five farmers were killed in police firing during an agitation on June 6. On the other hand, the district administration is not giving permission to the farmers' outfits to start the rally from the town, around 17 km from the district headquarters, saying tension still prevails in the area.

"We won't allow farmers to hold a condolence meeting at (nearby) Bahi-Phanta area (to mourn the death of the five farmers) and then take out the rally from Pipalia Mandi," collector O P Shrivastava told PTI over phone. "Tension still prevails in Pipalia Mandi. Besides Bahi -Phanta is a place from where a four-lane road passes.

Traffic on that road will come to a halt if farmers arrive for the condolence meeting on their tractors," he added. The collector said the farmers are adamant on assembling at Bahi-Phanta and then coming to Pipalia Mandi for a public meeting to start the rally.

However, shops were burnt during the farmer stir at Pipalia Mandi and the area is "still tense", he said "Farmers are free to start their rally from any other place in the district. We don't want to curtail the democratic rights of any person or group," Shrivastava contended. "We have made some preventive arrests," he said, but did not elaborate.

Ujjain division range Inspector General of Police Madhu Kumar said adequate security arrangements are being made to maintain law and order. "Nothing (untoward) will happen. We will handle the situation," he said. Notwithstanding the administration's tough stance, a farmer leader said there will be no change in venue. "We are going to take out the rally from Pipalia Mandi," Madhya Pradesh Kisan Sabha president Jaswinder Singh, who has already reached Mandsaur, said. "Farmer leaders from different parts of the country are coming to Pipalia Mandi. They will demand that a memorial be built for the farmers killed in police firing," he added.

"More than 150 farmer organisations are going to take part in the rally," he said. Police "excesses" on farmers have increased. Police are threatening cultivators and asking them not to take part in the agitation, Singh alleged.

The vehicle rally has been organised by farmer outfits to demand remunerative prices for agriculture produce and waiver of farm loans, among other things, he said. Singh said the rally will pass through Maharashtra, Gujarat and reach New Delhi on July 18 where farmers are planning to hold a demonstration in front of Parliament.

The vehicle march will continue from the national capital and culminate at Champaran in Bihar on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Singh added. "We want immediate implementation of the Swaminathan Commission report (on welfare of farmers)," he added.

"The implementation of the report was one of the promises made by the BJP in its manifesto. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had later announced the report will be implemented, but nothing has happened yet," he added.

Among other things, the commission had recommended fixing the minimum support prices (MSPs) for crops at levels at least 50 per cent more than the weighted average cost of production.

PTI
Dokalam: Move out with dignity or get ready to be kicked out, China tells India

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Move out with dignity or get kicked out was a message from China to India while referring to the stand off at the Dokalam area in Sikkim. In one of the editorials in the Chinese state media, Indian troops were asked to move out of the area and the situation was referred to as worryingly tense.

Two newspapers in China, Global Times and China Daily, warned India of consequences if it 'incites' China. While China's nationalistic tabloid Global Times said India should be taught a "bitter lesson", China Daily said India should look in the mirror.

In an editorial by the Global Times, it was said that India will suffer great losses than it did in 1962 if it incites border clashes. It also claimed that the Chinese public was infuriated by India's 'provocation.

In its editorial it also said, "We believe the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) is powerful enough to expel Indian troops out of Chinese territory. The Indian military can choose to return to its territory with dignity, or be kicked out of the area by Chinese soldiers."

"We need to give diplomatic and military authorities full power to handle the issue. We call on Chinese society to maintain high-level unity on the issue. The more unified the Chinese people are, the more sufficient conditions the professionals will have to fight against India and safeguard our interests. This time, we must teach New Delhi a bitter lesson."

"If New Delhi believes that its military might can be used as leverage in the Donglang area (referred to as Dokalam or Dok La), and it is ready for a two-and-a-half front war, we have to tell India that the Chinese look down on their military power," the editorial also said.

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Story first published: Thursday, July 6, 2017, 6:19 [IST]
Humane side of Darjeeling protest: Group of people save policeman caught in clash

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

Amid raging battle cry for separate Gorkhaland by GJM activists supporters a media report has surfaced which throws light on the humane aspects of the Gorkha people. In fact, activists are still engaged in clashes with police in Kalimpong district on Wednesday as the indefinite shutdown in the Darjeeling hills entered the 21st day.

The Darjeeling Chronicle, A Facebook page posted called- Darjeeling Spirit- about protesters helping put a policeman caught on the wrong side. The post says, according to an eyewitness, as the police started to lathicharge, the crowd dispersed and in the milieu, a lone policeman ended up being on the wrong side of the police-public divide. Had it been elsewhere the lone cop would probably have been beaten to death, but that is what sets the people of our region apart from the rest of India and perhaps the world.

But a group of women and a man helped him to safety. It is this unflinching spirit of humanity, this "Darjeeling Spirit" that we are all seeking to preserve. The post urged the people of the city to be kind to men and women in uniform who are in the city to perform their duties.

We are hopeful that this act of kindness by these brave women and man will inspire a thousand others to be kind and gentle to the men and women in uniform... most of them are here, just doing their duty...

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Story first published: Thursday, July 6, 2017, 19:04 [IST]
India, China can resolve border dispute diplomatically, says Subhash Bhamre

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, July 6: The border standoff between armies of India and China at the Sikkim sector can be resolved diplomatically and Chinese soldiers should leave the Bhutanese territory to reduce tension in the area, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said on Wednesday.

"I think the issue can be resolved at the diplomatic level. The Chinese troops should stay where they were earlier. China is approaching towards Bhutanese territory. We want them not to come forward."

"This is our security concern and this is our stand. Bhutan's King had on Wednesday given a statement that Chinese troops are entering into its territory. This tension can be resolved at the diplomatic level. Across the table we can solve all the problems," Bhamre said.

Bhamre's comments came on a day China accused India of trampling on the principles of the Panchsheel pact and demanded that India correct its mistakes by pulling back its troops immediately.

Chinese envoy to India Luo Zhaohui had said that China had ruled out a compromise in the military standoff with India and put the onus on New Delhi to resolve the grave situation.

China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan trijunction for the past 19 days after a Chinese army's construction party came to build a road.

Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.

China and Bhutan are engaged in talks over the resolution of the area. Bhutan, however, has no diplomatic ties with China and it is supported militarily and diplomatically by India.

On the standoff, the Ministry of External Affairs had said India was "deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India".

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Story first published: Thursday, July 6, 2017, 8:39 [IST]
India should draw inspiration from North Korea, says Karnataka Governor

India

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

Bengaluru, July 6: Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala on Wednesday said India should take inspiration from the scientific successes of small nations, including North Korea.

He was speaking at the convocation ceremony of IISc during which 625 students were given degrees and 52 awarded medals for their academic performance. President Pranab Mukherjee presided over the event.

Vala, who is no stranger to controversy stirred up fresh row as the autocratic country runs a rogue atomic programme and the regime is the worst human rights violator.

His statement has come at a time when North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile, sparking off a worldwide outcry. Though his speech hinted at taking inspiration from scientific research across the globe, it was overshadowed by his North Korea remarks.

"We should take inspiration from Indian Space Research Organisation, from Israel, from Japan and any other nation, including North Korea which is progressing in Atomic Energy," he said.

In 2015, Vala was criticised for addressing a joint sitting of the legislature in Hindi, the first governor to so in a state where the primary language is Kannada.

Vala, also hailed scientist CNR Rao, who heads the scientific advisory council to the Prime Minister, for his contributions to chemistry and his humility.

Focus on developing research

Pranab Mukherjee sought to put the focus on developing research within the country. "For too long, academia and industry have neglected research. Unless we make investment in basic research, we cannot make further progress," he said.

Similarly, he warned that the advantages that India possessed during the early days of the Information Technology growth was diminishing, while challenges of global competition were increasing. "We require excellent teachers, bright students, conducive atmosphere, good laboratories that keep pace with rapidly-changing technology," said Mukherjee.

OneIndia News
Mamata's Muslim outreach has turned into cynical appeasement

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Bengal is on the brink of a communal conflagration. The communal clashes in Baduria which has led to a war of words between the Chief Minister and Governor was triggered by a posting on Facebook.

There were comments on the social media about the Great Calcutta Killing of 1946. In the incident thousands were killed and the incident was triggered by Muslim League leader MA Jinnah's call to observe August 16 that year as "Direct Action Day" for attaining Pakistan.

Prohibitory orders continue in Baduria, West Bengal amidst communal flare up

Comments on this incident are circulating in the social media which leads to the question whether they are being intentionally done. West Bengal especially the southern part have witnessed communal clashes. A communal clash has been reported almost every fortnight especially from the Howrah, Hooghly and 24 Parganas. In 2013 alone there have been 103 instances of communal clashes.

These districts are close to the Bangladesh border and these incidents indicate a pattern of systematic rioting. Is it a pattern aimed at pushing out the 8 per cent Hindu population from Bangladesh? The population of Hindus in Bangladesh has already fallen from 37 to 8 per cent since independence.

This brings us to the question whether the mighty appeasement policy of Mamata Banerjee has led to such rioting. The rioting has been brazen in nature. A communal riot can trigger off at the slightest of provocation.

Mamata's Muslim outreach:

Let us revisit the Malda incident where 2.5 lakh people under the banner of the Idara-Shariya blocked the National Highway 34 to protest against remarks made about Prophet Mohammad. The mob set several buses and police ablaze. The media had reported that in the clash several police officers were injured and one RSS activist was shot. What was ironic was that there was no spill out following the Muzzafarnagar riots of 2013. However the Malda riots were a result of a comment that was made in January 2017. The rioting took place a month later.

Don't cover up your lapses, WB Governor tells Mamata Banerjee

Many have accused Mamata of appeasing the Muslim community which constitutes 30 per cent of the vote bank. She understood the importance of Muslim support during the Nandigram agitation of 2007. There was police firing during the protest and the CPI(M) recaptured the area. In all this the Muslim support for Mamata swayed in her favour.

Mamata also did took full advantage of the suspicious death of Rizwanur Rehman in 2009. It was alleged that he committed suicide after being tortured by the police in Bengal which was then ruled by the CPI(M). Rehman was turned into a hero.

She then went on to name Rizwanur's brother and Feroza Bibi, the mother of a person killed in the Nandigram violence as candidates in the 2011 poll. Both went on to win the elections.

In 2012, Mamata announced an allowance of Rs 2,500 each for each imam. She also extended a stipend of Rs 1,500 to the thousands of muezzins who give the call to prayers at Mosques. While the Calcutta High Court struck her decision down saying it was discriminatory in nature, she found her way around it. It was then decided that the money would be given through the Wakf Boards.

Cynical appeasement:

The West Bengal government was quick to ban the telecast of a drama that was scripted by Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen. The ban was in place after some Muslim fundamentalists raised objections. She also barred the entry of Salman Rushide into Kolkata after protests were staged. Further she went on to make Urdu the second official language in districts where Muslims comprise more than 10 per cent of the population.

When Mamata stood up for the cause of Muslims during the Nandigram riots and death of Rizwannur, she was seen as a champion of the cause. She did raise some valid issues and this even yielded in votes which ultimately helped her crush the CPI(M) in the state.

However there was a price to pay and this championing of the cause turned into complete cynical appeasement. She fell trap to the Muslim leaders who never let anyone take them for granted. They can assure her of a 30 per cent vote bank as they hold sway over the masses.

Advantage taken:

Some would say that Mamata has fallen trap to her own policy of appeasement. She has practically lost control over the big-wigs in the Muslim community. Muslim dominated areas in Kolkata such as Metiaburz, Pak Circus, Rajabazar and Khiddepore have been witnessing an increasing number of illegal constructions.

Allegations of land grab have been reported several times. Government land too has been acquired illegally while the state administration watched like mute spectators.

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Story first published: Thursday, July 6, 2017, 10:56 [IST]
Modi should not repeat Nehru's China mistakes

India

oi-Prabhpreet

By Prabhpreet

The recent face-off between the armed forces of India and China in the Sikkim area has again raised tensions between the two countries. This is not the first time, and in all probability, it will neither be the last, when disputes related to one or more areas along the more than 3000 km long border between the two nations have brought them at loggerheads.

In fact, issues directly related to the border, which is still not clearly demarcated, led to a war between the two in 1962. It was a brief yet damaging war for India which caused the loss of life of its soldiers and also had a major demoralising effect on the government and the people of the country.

No matter what stand the government of India, under various parties, has maintained since then, the general consensus, away from the nationalistic fervour, is that the blame for the conflict lay mostly on the door of India's handling of the problem.

Forget Pakistan, it's China India should worry about

Specifically on the role of and decisions taken by, the then government under the leadership of the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. It is generally believed that it was due to a complete mishandling of the relationship between the two countries by Nehru on multiple fronts.

And the similarities of the causes of the conflict between the neighbours that still exist should make sure that the current Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, does not repeat the mistakes of the first.

Nehru's mishandling of China

The benefit of hindsight for all observers of the war of 1962 has allowed them to explain the causes behind it and lay the blame clearly on Nehru. The same advantage has also existed for all prime ministers since, as it does for Modi.

Like now, then too, it was a dispute related to the border that led to the conflict. The failures, on the part of Nehru and his government, were not only on just the one issue of the border, they were also related to those of diplomatic manoeuvring and strategy that was adopted in terms of China.

Firstly, the Nehru government went on an all out blitz of committing its wholehearted support for the new Communist Chinese government at the time- though it was the complete opposite of the new democratic India and ignoring controversies related the border that already existed- through clear and visible support for it at the international forums such as the United Nations etc. This was accompanied by the close relations between Nehru and his Chinese counterpart Zhou Enlai. Enlai had even visited India four times in the period of 1954 to 1957.

Though Nehru's overly friendly zeal towards the Chinese might not necessarily be considered gravely problematic, the about turn on this once the border issues started to raise their heads which came up due to historical claims by both sides for common territories and India's unilateral changing of various maps that had existed then and had been the base of diplomatic measures and discussions to solve the issue, can surely be

These led to a relationship, which for a brief period witnessed mutual cooperation at the international level and was hoped to continue in a way best described by "Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai," to a state of war.

The Congress government instructed the Army to build posts along the border, which was not, like today, clearly demarcated, and led to claims and counter claims by both countries of their territorial sovereignty being compromised.

Such an aggressive approach by Nehru, which has been termed as the 'forward policy' was a drastic change from his initial stand. This change along with other teething problems, which still exist today, on the topics such as Tibet and the political asylum granted to the Dalai Lama by India quickly pushed both nations into a military conflict.

While it would be difficult to ascertain the reasons behind Nehru's volte-face, the conditions similar to current times have been pointed to as possible causes. These include attempts to pacify the growing unrest and criticism, related to what was termed as China's aggressive approach, in Parliament, by the media and among the general public. As well as wrong advice from those close to him.

Even if Nehru's handling of the situation cannot be considered the sole reason behind the war, with the strategy of China also a cause, the point that his better handling of the situation would have minimised the losses in the war or even stopped it from ever taking place cannot be ignored.

Modi needs to learn from Nehru's mistakes

Modi and the current BJP regime at the centre would do well to learn from Nehru's mistakes and ensure they are not repeated, since most of the issue that existed then, still do. The hope being that the situation would be handled better than how it was by the Indian government back then.

Nehru's approach towards the Chinese Premier was not much different from that of Modi towards Chinese President Xi Jinping. Such a common approach between the first and the current Indian prime ministers lies in their overall form of diplomacy of reaching out to foreign leaders to build relations between the countries.

This approach by Modi, in all honesty, could be considered reasonable and logical given the growing importance of both countries not only to each other but also the world. Care though must be taken that it does not come at the cost of ignoring crucial missteps from the other side which could be to the detriment of India.

Though this would ensure not repeating Nehru's first mistake, it would be even more important to not follow in his footsteps when it comes to his shift in strategy to an extremely aggressive one. The current statements seem to point towards the aggressive rhetoric still being followed when it comes to border tensions with China.

With the Army's of India and China again entering into a conflict at the tri-junction between the two and Bhutan, since June 6th of this year, a lot of aggression has been vented from both sides.

The current Indian Defense Minister, Arun Jaitley, was quick to remind the Chinese that India of today was not the same as that of 1962. The Chinese side responded by reminding India that neither was China. Earlier statements by Indian Army Chief of the country being prepared for a two and half front war, clearly pointing to Pakistan and China, also drew sharp criticism from the opposite side.

Barbs continue to fly between the countries almost on a daily basis between the countries since the current controversy began. Which seems to be aimed at, like during the Nehru regime, pleasing the domestic audience.

The Modi-government would do well to remember how what could be considered a scuffle at the border and some ill-advised steps from India, were allowed to get out of hand and turn into a war in Nehru's reign. Especially since in the present scenario, both nations with high stakes on the line, not only economic but also geopolitical among others, cannot afford a war.

Modi's biggest challenge yet

Prime Minister Modi has till now, at least in terms of domestic politics, shown that he is able to learn from the mistakes of his predecessors and opponents. And it would not be too difficult to believe that he would do the same when it comes to China.

The details of the problem at the border between the two nations this time are different from those under Nehru. Issues related to the northern sector of Jammu and Kashmir and in the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA, now known as Arunachal Pradesh) had led to the war. The current tensions come in the middle sector along the state of Sikkim, where China has accused Indian troops of crossing over to its side in the Dokalam sector and India has defended its action based on its relationship with Bhutan.

The overall problem of handling of the situation seems to be quite similar to earlier. It is here that Modi's biggest and trickiest challenge yet in terms of foreign policy lie. Many would argue that such a standing should be reserved for Pakistan, the truth is while Pakistan issue might be in the spotlight far more often given the circumstances prevalent in Kashmir. It is China, with the nature of the border it has with India and their standing in the world, along with the trade between the two, the history of their relationship, etc., that clearly outweighs any other major challenge.

Particularly since India can use its military strength to tackle Pakistan, when it comes to China it cannot do the same. As this might make matters go out of hand and lead to a war that no one, including the rest of the world, can afford. Modi like Nehru cannot refuse to acknowledge the reality of India's military preparedness for a battle with China.

Nehru's tenure and legacy were tarnished due to the defeat to China, and India's relation with the country has been one of the most difficult problems faced by prime ministers since. The reality that the two countries have come closer, particularly in the last decade or so, with continuous and growing dependence on each other has just made an already difficult situation even more so.

This has made the task Modi is faced with less than enviable and how he handles it could well define the success or failure of his foreign policy, as it did Nehru's.

He would do well not to let the compulsions of satisfying the domestic arena come in the way of finding a resolution to the present crisis, which in terms of the geopolitical reality would neither be winning a war or losing it, but only the maintenance of peace followed by a concrete effort to be able to demarcate the entire border.

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NEET 2017: Other state students seek medical seats, HC wants reply

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

NEET 2017: The Gujarat High Court has sought a reply on a petition challenging the government order that granted only students who studied class 10 and 12 within the state the eligibility to seek admission to medical courses in the state.

A group of students called the amended rule 4(3) of the Gujarat Professional Medical Educational Courses (Regulation of Admission in UG Courses) Rules a violation of article 14 of the constitution.

The division bench of Chief Justice R Subhash Reddy and Justice V M Pancholi asked the state government to grant interim relief to students in such cases and consider them as eligible candidates.

"The said rule, if permitted to hold the field, would result in creation of class within the class of students, who otherwise form same class," the petitioners said. One of them added that he had studied for class 10 boards in Bengaluru and class 12 in Gujarat, making him ineligible for a seat in his home state according to the new rule despite a high score in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test.

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Story first published: Thursday, July 6, 2017, 8:32 [IST]
Dalit man in Kerala beaten up by wife's brother allegedly for not converting to Christianity

In UP, ex-pradhan thrashes Dalit girl, throws her out of school over uniform

In Rajasthan, Dalit man thrashed for using water from pot 'meant' for upper castes

Rajasthan Dalit bride defies discrimination, rides a horse to her wedding

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Jaipur, July 6: The Dalits in India have long been denied several rights by the upper caste Hindus in the name of caste system. The discrimination against the Dalits is so vicious that the members of upper caste in many places still don't allow brides and grooms to enjoy all the rites and rituals which others follow as a part of a wedding ceremony.

Often we hear Dalit grooms stopped from riding horses or brides' fathers denied to invite musicians to play songs during wedding.

However, in recent times several stories have come into light where "new-age" Dalits, who as a mark of protest against caste discrimination, have defied rules forced upon them by the upper caste.

Recently, a young Dalit bride rode a horse to reach the mandap (wedding venue) in Rajasthan. The young woman's step is seen as a mark of defiance against Dalit discrimination.

What Leela Meghwal (23) did was something no Dalit in Gudha Durjan village of Pali district had ever dared.

Her "bold" step has been hailed by many at a time when atrocities against the Dalits are rising.

It is mark of defiance against discrimination .A Dalit bride rides on horse in Rajasthan pic.twitter.com/txlDRmVcu0  Narayan (@BarethNarayan) July 3, 2017

However, sadly the family of Leela had to seek police protection to conduct her wedding as they were being threatened by a group of upper caste persons after they came to know about the bride's plan to ride a horse during her wedding.

A team of police officials reached the village and Leela rode the mare on Sunday night with the police escorting her.

"The bride's family members had lodged a complaint that some influential people of upper caste had warned them against carrying out the bride's procession on a mare," the SHO Khinwara police station, Rajuram Seervi, told PTI.

On Monday, Leela married Himmata Ram at a ceremony under police protection, Seervi said.

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SC stays HC order which quashed TN PG Medical admissions

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Candidates who applied for admissions to PG medical courses in Tamil Nadu can smile. The Supreme Court has stayed an order of the Madras High Court which had quashed the PG medical admissions for the year 2017.

While issuing the order the SC observed that admission processes must not be stayed. There cannot be such interim orders quashing medical admissions, the Supreme Court also observed.

The Madras High Court had quashed the merit list notified by the State government dated May 6 for admissions to PG medical courses in the State quota.

As a consequence, the entire admission process for over 1,000 seats in government colleges and government quota in self-financed colleges, which was concluded on May 31, has to be redone by the State government after preparing a fresh merit list, strictly in according with the regulations of the Medical Council of India (MCI).

A Division Bench of Justices Rajiv Shakdher and R. Suresh Kumar passed the interim orders on a batch of pleas moved by S. Praneetha and others assailing the legality of the merit list issued by the State.

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Story first published: Thursday, July 6, 2017, 12:36 [IST]
90 Percent of Indias Online Skill Gaming Industry Says 28 Percent GST over GGV Will Be Catastrophic

GST collections up by 16.6% to Rs 1.52 lakh crore in October, says Centre

Stern action will be taken against traders 'jacking' up prices post-GST: Kerala CM

India

pti-PTI

Thiruvananthapuram, July 6: The Kerala government on Wednesday said stern action will be taken against those hiking prices of commodities following the launch of Goods and Services Tax.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the government viewed the present increase in prices of commodities very seriously.

The government has already established a mechanism to file complaints on increase of prices of commodities, he said in a press release.

He added that Kerala has already raised the issue before the Centre.

Earlier, state Finance Minister T M Thomas Isaac urged the central government to take steps to check tendency in trade and business to make undue profits following the launch of the GST.

Kerala wants the Centre to set up an anti-profiteering authority at the national-level, he said.

In a letter to his counterpart at the Cenre, Arun Jaitley, Isaac claimed that though prices of many commodities had come down due to GST, the consumer was not getting its benefit.

Many traders were making profits by imposing the GST on the pre-GST price, he said, adding hotels and restaurants were doing this the most.

"It has been noticed hotels and restaurants and outlets selling daily consumables instead of giving discounts because of reduction of tax or at least keeping price at the same level had increased the prices," he alleged.

"The hotel and restaurant industry has added 12-18 per cent GST tax on the price of food fixed in the pre-GST scenario," Isaac said.

"This has resulted in drastic increase in the cost of food items creating a negative impression on GST among people," the minister said.

Isaac felt that detailed matrix on commodity-wise tax incidence would enable the state to take up an awareness campaign, which would go a long way in controlling unreasonable pricing and avoiding resentment among people.

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Story first published: Thursday, July 6, 2017, 11:35 [IST]
This Purnima, UP CM Yogi Adityanath will be 'guru' to his disciples

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Lucknow, July 6: This July 9, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will don the mantle of a guru to bless his disciples.

On the occasion of Guru Purnima at his abode Gorakhnath Temple, Yogi will be performing his teacher's role, reports TOI.

The CM will spend July 8 and 9 in his parliamentary constituency and on the second day, as the mahant of the Gorakhnath temple, he would sit in his chair as "guru" as crowd of his disciples would offer their respect by applying 'tika' (vermilion ) and offering fruits. In turn, Yogi would bless his disciples.

After becoming the CM, Yogi continues to follow most of religious customs he has been following as the head of the Gorakhnath temple. During the Navaratara in April, he not only observed fast, but also organised 'kanya pujan' ritual at the CM residence. He was also the first CM in 16 years to have visited the Ramjanmabhoomi in Ayodhya to offer prayer before Ram Lalla.

Now, he will celebrate the festival in which people pay respect to their mentors and teachers. Yogi will arrive in Gorakhpur on July 8 and after attending officials works, would retire for the night at Gorakhnath temple.

Saints likely to push for Ram Temple from Guru Poornima

A push for construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya is likely to gain momentum from Guru Poornima on July 9 when saints gather at the Naradanand Ashram in Sitapur to chalk out a roadmap in this regard. "Saints from different akhadas of Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring states will be assembling at the ashram to discuss and deliberate on the construction of a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya," Swami Vidya Chetanaiya Maharaj, who heads the Nardanand Ashram (in Sitapur), said.

"Guru Poornima is on July 9 and it will mark the beginning of a campaign to gather support from not only the saints, but also from the common public for construction of the Ram temple," he told.

Referring to his June 27 meeting with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Chetanaiya Maharaj said, "We are confident that the commencement of construction of a grand Ram temple will begin well before 2019."

Oneinda News
Will BJP benefit from Ram Mandir in the UP Polls: ABP CVoter snap poll says yes

VHP gears up for Ram mandir construction as trucks laden with stones arrive in Ayodhya, UP

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Lucknow, July 6: It looks like the Hindu right-wing group, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, is firm on the construction of the Ram mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, even as the title dispute in the Ramjanambhoomi-Babri Masjid case is pending before the Supreme Court.

According to news agency ANI, three trucks loaded with stones arrived in Ayodhya's Ramsevak Puram on Wednesday under the supervision of the VHP for the purpose of construction of Ram mandir.

Stones loaded on 3 trucks arrived in Ayodhya's Ramsevak Puram y'day under the supervision of VHP for purpose of construction of Ram Temple pic.twitter.com/HmeTzowCE9  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) July 6, 2017

Earlier, two more stone-laden trucks were brought in by the VHP to Ayodhya on June 19 for the same purpose.

According to the members of the VHP, hundreds such trucks filled with construction materials for the Ram temple will arrive in the coming days. The VHP has announced that the construction of the temple in the disputed site would start within a year.

In December 2015, the VHP had ferried stones in two trucks for the construction of the temple. However, the then Samajwadi Party government in the state banned the import of more stones by the right-wing group.

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Faizabad divisional commissioner Manoj Mishra, the receiver of the Babri masjid/Ram Janambhoomi premises appointed by the Supreme Court, told The Wire, "The import of stones by the VHP has not been banned either by any court or by any authority and they are keeping the stones in their private premises."

Khaliq Ahmad Khan, a party to the case from the Babri masjid side, said, "We will protest the arrival of stones, we will approach the receiver of Babri site and demand to stop the arrival of stones."

Surya Kant Pandey, senior CPI leader, said, "The Muslim community is living in fear, one can easily relate this time to the times of 1947 when partition happened, and the VHP's increasing illegal activities in Ayodhya are demoralising the minority community. When the matter is before the court, such activities are openly a contempt of court and it must be stopped."

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Story first published: Thursday, July 6, 2017, 8:44 [IST]
Mamata's party has replaced 'Rule of Law' by 'Rule by TMC law': Rijiju

Schoolgirls in Purulia get self-defence training to fight eve-teasers

West Bengal: CID nabs drug peddler with over one kg heroin

Bengal communal violence: BJP team to violence hit areas; fresh violence in Basirhat

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chief Amit Shah on Thursday constituted a team that will submit the report to the party President after visiting the communal violence affected areas in West Bengal.

A team comprising Om Mathur, Meenakshi Lekhi, Satyapal Singh and Kailash Vijayvargiya will visit the areas affected by the clashes over the Facebook post.

Meanwhile, fresh violence reported on Thursday in Basirhat in North 24 Paraganas district following the imposition of section 144 after clash over the Facebook post. When protesters blocked the road police used tear gas to disperse the mob.

Earlier, a person injured in the Basirhat communal violence died at a Kolkata hospital.

Basirhat is the epicentre of the violence that began in Bengal's North 24 Parganas. Adjoining areas, including Keosha market, Banshtala, Ramchandrapur and Tentulia, witnessed a communal flare-up following a post by a youth on Facebook earlier this week.

Internet services continued to be disrupted and paramilitary forces and police remained posted in the troubled area.

But shops and markets reopened, bus services resumed and locals started coming out of their homes

OneIndia News
Modi, Nethanyahu watch demo, drive mobile water filtration plant at Dor beach

International

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday visited Dor beach where they were given a demonstration of a mobile seawater desalination unit.

Modi was also given a demonstration of a mobile water filtration plant at the beach and both the leaders along with officials tasted the pure water. Modi and his counterpart also rode the mobile filter water plant on the beach.

Israel is a pioneer in using the desalinised sea water for agriculture which has, in fact, played a key role in transforming Israel from a water deficit state to water surplus state.

India is looking forward to utilise such a technology to reduce its dependency on monsoon.

India and Israel already have an agreement on desalination which was signed when Israeli President Reuven Rivlin visited India last year.

Earlier today, Modi and Netanyahu laid floral wreaths at the Haifa Indian Cemetery that contains the graves of 49 Commonwealth servicemen killed in World War I.

In a highly sombre atmosphere, Modi and Netanyahu also jointly unveiled a plaque commemorating Major Dalpat Singh, who led the Jodhpur Lancers.

OneIndia News
Dokalam face off: China likely to issue advisory to its citizens in India

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

China has said that it would decide on whether or not to issue a travel advisory to its citizens in India amidst the stand off at Dokalam. "The Chinese government attaches great importance to safety and lawful rights and interests of overseas Chinese citizens in accordance with the security condition of the relevant countries," Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters here. "We will decide whether or not to issue a travel alert," Geng said as he was responding to a question about write-ups in Chinese media cautioning Chinese investors in India.

China also said that it has a "basic consensus" with Bhutan on the boundary and there is no dispute between two countries in the Doklam area.

The standoff between troops of India and China at Doklam area started after Bhutan, which has close diplomatic and military ties with India, protested to Beijing about the People's Liberation Army troops building a road in the strategic location close to chicken neck tri-junction. "I can say that we have been stressing that Doklam belongs to China since ancient times. It was under the effective jurisdiction of China without any dispute.

China and Bhutan had about 24 rounds of boundary talks," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a media briefing answering a question about Bhutan s protest.

"Although the boundary between the two countries is yet to be settled but we have basic consensus on the boundary and there is no dispute between both of us that Doklam belongs to China," he said. Geng said China had been acting according to the agreements between the two countries and Doklam had been under the effective jurisdiction of China.

"Chinese activities (road building) in the relevant area does not violate relevant agreements and does not alter the status quo. The Bhutan side also knows it clearly. We will work together with Bhutan through friendly negotiations and jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas," he said.

China said today that it was weighing its options on issuing a travel alert for citizens visiting India depending on the security situation following the border standoff in the Sikkim section.

Yesterday, a leading official newspaper in Beijing warned Chinese companies operating in India to be be alert and take steps to avoid being hit by anti-China sentiment. An article in the Global Times called on Chinese firms to reduce their investments in India in view of the tension. Since the standoff on June 6, when the People's Liberation Army destroyed bunkers of the India Army claiming the area belonged to China, Chinese media have carried several pieces blaming India for escalating border tension and "reminding" the Indian Army about the 1962 war. Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim.

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Israelis of Indian origin hail Modi's OCI announcement

International

pti-PTI

Tel Aviv, Jul 6: Indians in Israel, specially Jews, have expressed "joy" with Prime Minister Narendra Modi "surpassing" their expectations in addressing some of their key concerns and making them feel proud of their roots.

"I was almost in tears. We knew that Prime Minister Modi has tried to invigorate the Indian diaspora across the world and make them feel proud of their roots. He has connected so well with them everywhere he has gone and has not forgotten to reach out to them," Yona Maliker, who immigrated from Seoni, a place near Nagpur, 33 years ago, said.

"It was joy beyond belief to hear at the way he passionately talked about our connection with our motherland. It is a historic visit the Indian Jews will remember for a long time," Maliker said.

Modi "touched the nerve" of all Indian communities living in Israel by bringing up stories that they could relate to.

"He had something cheerful to say about the Bene Israel, the Cochinis, the Baghdadis, the Bnei Menashe but also did not disappoint Indian students and a small group of caregivers who work in Israel," Brajesh, a student from Bihar at the Hebrew University noted.

"Extending the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards to all Indians in Israel, irrespective of their army service, is the 'biggest gift' I think he could give us and he didn't disappoint," Sybil Ezekiel, who immigrated to Israel from Kolkata in 1970 where she studied at Jewish Girls School, he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced yesterday that people of Indian origin in Israel will get the OCI cards even if they have undergone the compulsory army service in the country.

"I want my children and my nephews and nieces, who all take pride in their Indian descent to stay connected to our roots. Everybody in Israel has to serve in the army and that cannot be the reason for denying them OCI. The prime minister touched our hearts with the words he used while extending us this gift," she said.

Sam Satamkar, a 70-year-old Indian Jew of Bene Israel, who came all the way from Beersheva in southern Israel said that the Indian Premier "surpassed" all expectations by even going ahead to make an announcement regarding opening of an Indian Cultural Centre in Israel.

Noah Massil, who was the founder President of Organisation of Indian Jews in Israel and the editor of a Marathi journal, Maiboli, a magazine that was referred by Modi in his speech, was "overwhelmed" at the announcement regarding the Indian cultural centre.

"We have reached out to Indian and Israeli authorities regarding the creation of such a thing and pursued it for many years. Prime Minister Modi has fulfilled a long cherished dream which will help keep our next generation engaged with our motherland," Massil said.

A lot of Indian Jews, who attended Prime Minister Modi's event yesterday, said the way the Indian premier went around talking about the Indian Jews has helped "raise their stature" and "made them feel proud".

"We always took pride in our roots. We always tried to tell everybody that ours was the only country that never discriminated against the Jews. Our ancestors lived there in harmony with respect," David Nagani, a bus driver in Jerusalem from the Bene Israel community, said.

"But people hardly listened to us because India never came out in the open so strongly regarding its ties with Israel and the diplomatic relations were established so late," he said.

"Suddenly, Prime Minister Modi comes here. Our PM Benjamin Netanyahu extends him the welcome never given to any world leader. And everybody seems to hear us," he said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who also accompanied Modi during his meeting with the Indian community, said, "Prime Minister, these are the Jews of India. They love India, they love Israel. They love our friendship."

"There was a time, a few decades ago and a few years ago, when this natural partnership was somehow frozen. There was a young woman, her name was Tzipora Meir, a young Jewish woman in Cochin. She wrote an essay 50 years ago, just before the Six Day War, and the essay was the deep desire she had to see the partnership between India and Israel," Netanyahu said.

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Modi gifts two sets of Kerala relics to Israel

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu replicas of two sets of relics from Kerala. These are regarded as key artefacts of the long Jewish history in India.

They comprise two different sets of copper plates that are believed to have been inscribed in 9-10th Century, the PMO tweeted.

The first set of copper plates is a cherished relic for the Cochin Jews in India. It is regarded as a charter describing the grant of hereditary royal privileges and prerogatives by the Hindu King, Cheraman Perumal (often identified as Bhaskara Ravi Varma) to the Jewish leader Joseph Rabban.

According to traditional Jewish accounts, Joseph Rabban was later crowned as the Prince of Shingli, a place in or equated with Cranganore.

Cranganore is where Jews enjoyed religious and cultural autonomy for centuries, before they moved to Cochin and other places in Malabar.

Local Jews once placed in each coffin a handful of earth from Shingli/Cranganore that was remembered as a holy place and a "second Jerusalem."

The replica of these plates was made possible with the cooperation of the Paradesi Synagogue in Mattancherry, Kochi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday night gifted his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu replicas of two sets of relics from Kerala, regarded as key artefacts of the long Jewish history in India.

They comprise two different sets of copper plates that are believed to have been inscribed in 9-10th Century, the PMO tweeted.

The first set of copper plates is a cherished relic for the Cochin Jews in India. It is regarded as a charter describing the grant of hereditary royal privileges and prerogatives by the Hindu King, Cheraman Perumal (often identified as Bhaskara Ravi Varma) to the Jewish leader Joseph Rabban.

According to traditional Jewish accounts, Joseph Rabban was later crowned as the Prince of Shingli, a place in or equated with Cranganore.

Cranganore is where Jews enjoyed religious and cultural autonomy for centuries, before they moved to Cochin and other places in Malabar.

Local Jews once placed in each coffin a handful of earth from Shingli/Cranganore that was remembered as a holy place and a "second Jerusalem."

The replica of these plates was made possible with the cooperation of the Paradesi Synagogue in Mattancherry, Kochi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Isreali Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with replicas of 2 sets of relics from Kerala that are regarded as key artefacts in the long Jewish history in India. Photo courtesy: @PMOIndia

The second set of copper plates is believed to be the earliest documentation of the history of Jewish trade with India.

These plates describe the grant of land and tax privileges by the local Hindu ruler to a church. And oversight of trade in Kollam to West Asian and Indian trading associations.

West Asian association included Muslims, Christians, Zoroastrians, as also a group of Jews, who signed in Judeo- Persian and possibly also in Arabic and Pahlavi (Middle Persian).

The plates bear their signatures that appear to have been cut into the plates by a local workman unfamiliar with the script, the PMO tweeted.

The replica of these plates was made possible with the cooperation of Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church in Thiruvalla, Kerala.

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Story first published: Thursday, July 6, 2017, 6:09 [IST]
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Modi's Israel visit has serious implications on strategic stability in the region: Pakistan Media

International

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Islamabad, July 6: While Indian Prime Minister's historic visit to Israel is hitting headlines across the world, neighbouring country Pakistan is closely watching Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to Israel, as it can have serious implications on strategic stability in the region, a media report from Pakistan said on Wednesday.

The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan officially does not comment on bilateral visits of other heads of governments and states, but it is closely following Modi's trip since it can have serious implications on strategic stability in the region.

Dr Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, an international affairs expert, said growing defence cooperation between India and Israel would disturb strategic balance in the South Asian region.

The Quaid-e-Azam University professor believes Israel assistance can propel India's missile programme, something that would undermine Pakistan's policy of maintaining credible deterrence, the daily reported.

"One of the subjects on which the Indian media has created a lot of hype is the threat emanating from terrorism. It has worked hard to relate terrorism with Pakistan and blame it for virtually any terror incident occurring anywhere in India," the daily said.

Israel has long been a major supplier of arms and other defence equipment to India and those deals have deliberately been kept secret by the two sides. However, the two countries are now more open and publicly talk about their deepening defence cooperation," the daily said. India got access to some of the most modern defence technologies of America through Israel, defence analyst Lt-Gen (retd) Amjad Shoaib was quoted as saying by the daily.

Gen Shoaib said India had greatly benefited from the defence and military ties with Israel.

See what the Pakistani media said on PM Modi's visit:

The Dawn

Titled 'Indo-Israeli embrace', an editorial in Dawn on Thursday says PM Modi's meeting with Netanyahu provides Pakistan an opportunity to "build world opinion" on the Kashmir issue. Comparing Israel's "atrocious behaviour" towards Palestinians to the "brute force" India has "unleashed" upon Kashmiris, the Dawn editorial states the Indo-Israel relationship has emerged as a "steady bilateral alliance."

The Nation

The Nation's editorial 'Breaking Silence' questions the timing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei's call for support for the "oppressed Muslims in Kashmir" earlier this week given PM Modi's visit to Israel - the first in 70 years. Opining that Khamenei's remarks may have been prompted by the urge to remind India what a friendship with Israel might cost, the edit adds that PM Modi's visit translates to India standing with an enemy of the Muslim bloc.

The Daily Times

The Daily Times, which stands in solidarity with Palestinians, in an editorial titled 'When Modi met Bibi', opines that India could have made use of its "economic clout" to influence Israel in weakening its hold over occupied territories.

"Yet at heart Modi is a hyper-nationalist who only speaks the language of neoliberal economics. In Netanyahu, he sees a 'friend' who also believes in silencing dissent. The significance of Modi skipping a visit to Ramallah, the traditional home of the Palestinian Authority, cannot be overstated," the editorial says.

Oneindia News (with agency inputs)
OCI cards for people of Indian origin in Israel despite Army training: Modi

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that people of Indian origin in Israel will get the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards even if they have undergone the compulsory army service here.

In his address to the Indian diaspora here at an event which was also attended by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi also said that direct flights would be launched between Delhi, Mumbai and Tel Aviv to encourage people-to-people contacts.

He said an Indian cultural centre would also be opened in Israel, fulfilling a long-pending demand of the Indian diaspora here.

He said he had heard about problems being faced by the people of Indian origin in getting the OCI cards.

The Indian government has simplified the rules and even those who have undergone the compulsory military service in Israel will get the OCI cards, the prime minister said to the cheering by the crowd.

Modi said the Jewish nation had links with India dating back to centuries but the fact that no Indian prime minister had travelled here in 70 years "raises questions", an apparent swipe at the previous governments of India.

"For the first time in 70 years, an Indian prime minister has landed here to seek your blessings," he said amid chants of "Modi, Modi".

Describing Netanyahu as "my friend", Modi said the kind of welcome extended to him since his arrival here yesterday cannot be forgotten by anyone.

Hailing Israel, particularly its innovations and scientific advancements, he said the country has demonstrated that the number and size does not matter but it is the spirit that matters.

Modi said there were about 600 Indian students in Israel who can contribute to the future of the relationship.

He remembered former Israeli prime minister Shimon Peres, saying he had worked tirelessly for the humanity.

Referring to Moshe Holtzberg, an 11-year-old Israeli who was saved by an Indian nanny during the Mumbai terror attack of 2008, Modi said it had shown how life succeeds over terrorism. He had met Moshe earlier in the day.

Modi also recalled the contribution of the Indian army in liberation of Jerusalem and Haifa during the World War-I. He will be travelling to Haifa tomorrow to pay his tributes to them.

In his 60-minute speech, Modi talked about various programmes initiated by his government and said these were aimed at the betterment of the common people.

Netanyahu, who spoke before Modi said the partnership between India and Israel was "made in heaven and was happening here now."

He said he and Modi had decided on a vast programme and the Indian diaspora was "a bridge". "We love you," he added.

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Story first published: Thursday, July 6, 2017, 5:51 [IST]
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Pakistan condemns 'harassment of relatives' of Kashmiri separatist Umar

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Islamabad, July 6: Pakistan on Wednesday strongly condemned the National Investigation Agency (NIA) notice served to two uncles of Kashmiri separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq asking them to report to the NIA headquarters in New Delhi for questioning.

The Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson, responding to a question on the NIA serving notice to Molvi Manzoor Ahmed and Molvi Shafat Ahmed, "strongly condemned the coercive, pressure tactic by India as a concerted attempt to harass the Kashmiri leadership and subjugate the indigenous Kashmiri struggle to the oppressive Indian regime".

Earlier, NIA had arrested Shahid Islam, a close aid of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, on "trumped up charges of terror financing", he said.

He further said that intimidating relatives of Kashmiri leaders and psychologically torturing them through such reprehensible moves serves no purpose but adds to the long list of grave human rights violations committed by India against unprotected Kashmiris.

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Modi, Israeli PM lay wreaths at Haifa Indian Cemetery

International

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

Haifa, July 6: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday laid floral wreaths at the Haifa Indian Cemetery that contains the graves of 49 Commonwealth servicemen killed in World War I.

Haifa was captured by the Mysore and Jodhpur Lancers from Turkish and German forces on September 23, 1918.

In a highly sombre atmosphere, Modi and Netanyahu also jointly unveiled a plaque commemorating Major Dalpat Singh, who led the Jodhpur Lancers.

"Hailing the hero of Haifa. The leaders unveil plaque commemorating Major Dalpat Singh whose bravery in this battle is folklore," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted.

Blue Berets, as the UN peacekeeping forces are better known, from India were present on the occasion. The two leaders also wrote on the visitors' book at the cemetery.

On the third and last day of his visit to Israel, Modi, accompanied by Netanyahu, arrived here by helicopter.

Later, on their way to Tel Aviv, they will stop at a beach where Modi will be given a demonstration of a mobile water filtration plant.

PM Modi pays tribute at cemetery for Indian soldiers of WWI in Haifa #IndiaIsraelFriendship pic.twitter.com/AgoZe6KIEX  ANI (@ANI_news) July 6, 2017

What is Haifa battle?

Israeli port city of Haifa was a strategic supply base. On September 23, 1918, the 15th (Imperial Service) Cavalry Brigade comprising lancers from the regiments of princely states- armed only with lances (a kind of spear) and swords- attacked positions held by Ottoman Turks in and around the city of Haifa.

Eventually, the Indian cavalry brigades fighting under the leadership of British General Edmund Allenby helped liberate Haifa. A total of 1,350 German and Ottoman prisoners were captured by the two Indian regiments, including the confinement of two German officers, 35 Ottoman officers, 17 artillery guns and 11 machine guns. About eight soldiers were dead and 34 wounded, while 60 horses were killed and another 83 injured.

Back home, every year on September 23, the Indian Army celebrates 'Haifa Day' to commemorate the Indian soldiers martyred during the Battle of Haifa, hailed as one of the bravely-contested battles of World War I, reports Indian Express.

Even, Delhi's Teen Murti memorial was constructed in 1922 in the memory of the Indian soldiers who served present day Gaza strip, Israel and Palestine during the World War I under British India Army.

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Russia intervened in US presidential elections: Trump

International

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Russia could have interfered in the US presidential elections 2016, US President Donald Trump said. The statement comes just a day before his first face to face meeting with the Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump, speaking to reporters in Poland, cast doubt on the assertion that 17 intelligence agencies had found that Russia had intervened in the election, saying it had only been three or four.

"I've said it very simply. I think it could very well have been Russia. I think it could well have been other countries. I won't be specific. But I think a lot of people interfere," Trump said during a visit to Warsaw.

Trump also repeated his claims that former President Barack Obama knew that Russia was meddling in the election.Trump said Obama "choked" and "did nothing" because he believed Democrat Hillary Clinton would win the election.

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Story first published: Thursday, July 6, 2017, 15:35 [IST]
Trump likely to announce bid for presidency next week

Trump to donate first paycheck to restore Civil War battlefield

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Washington, July 6: The Interior Department on Thursday announced that a portion of Donald Trump's first paycheck as the US President will be used to fund restoration projects at a Civil War battlefield.

Interior Department Secretary Ryan Zinke on Wednesday said the portion of the salary -- $78,333.32 -- which Trump in April announced he was donating to the National Park Service, will support restorations at the protected area in Sharpsburg, Maryland, which commemorates the Battle of Antietam, reports CNN.

While visiting the battlefield, Zinke said: "The President's donation will allow generations of Americans to learn about our history and heritage on this sacred site."

Zinke also announced an additional $7.2 million in grants for the American Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants programme, which works to preserve battlefield lands.

On the campaign trail, Trump promised that, if elected, he would donate his White House salary to a worthy cause.

Under existing federal law, the President is required to accept the $400,000 salary that comes with the office.

The Battle of Antietam was a critical one in the Civil War, and it remains the single bloodiest day in American history, CNN reported.

Nearly 23,000 soldiers were left dead, injured or missing on September 17, 1862.

Just days after the battle former President Abraham Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation, which would eventually free slaves living in Confederate states.

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Story first published: Thursday, July 6, 2017, 10:03 [IST]
US Ambassador Nikki Haley warns of military action against N.Korea

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Washington, July 6: North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missile launch (ICBM) test a "clear and sharp military escalation" and military action remained on the table, said US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, the media reported.

"The US is prepared to use the full range of our capabilities to defend ourselves and our allies...One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces. We will use them if we must, but we prefer not to have to go in that direction," Haley said on Wednesday while addressing a UN Security Council meeting on the North Korean ICBM launch.

The Indian-American called for an "escalated diplomatic and economic response" against Pyongyang, reports CNN.

She also warned other countries supporting North Korea that the US could halt trade with them if they do not stop aiding the Pyongyang regime.

"There are countries that are allowing, even encouraging, trade with North Korea in violation of UN Security Council resolutions," Haley said.

"Such countries would also like to continue their trade arrangements with the US. That's not going to happen."

Haley called out China specifically, noting that 90 per cent of North Korea's trade is with Beijing.

"Much of the burden of enforcing UN sanctions rests with China," she said, adding "We will work with China ... but we will not repeat the inadequate approaches of the past that have brought us to this dark day."

The UN Security Council meeting came in response to North Korea's first ICBM test on Tuesday, which US officials assess was a new kind of missile that had a range of about 5,500 km, capable of hitting Alaska, reports CNN.

Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to the UN Liu Jieyi criticised North Korea for launching an ICBM but also was critical of the US and South Korea for deploying the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (Thaad) missile system (THAAD) in Seoul.

Liu said the Thaad deployment "seriously undermines the strategic security interests" of China and was "not conducive" to de-nuclearising the Korean Peninsula.

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Global DNA Sequencing Service Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022: QuintaraBio, Eurofins, Genewiz

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This report studies the global DNA Sequencing Service market, analyzes and researches the DNA Sequencing Service development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeSource BioScienceGenScriptThermofisherNucleicsGenHunter CorporationLGC LimitedSciGenom LabsFasteris SACeMIA SAMicrosynth AGQuintaraBioEurofinsGenewizFill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaMarket segment by Application, DNA Sequencing Service can be split intoAgricultureMedicalOther4 Global DNA Sequencing Service Market Size by Application (2012-2017)4.1 Global DNA Sequencing Service Market Size by Application (2012-2017)4.2 Potential Application of DNA Sequencing Service in Future4.3 Top Consumer/End Users of DNA Sequencing Service5 United States DNA Sequencing Service Development Status and Outlook5.1 United States DNA Sequencing Service Market Size (2012-2017)5.2 United States DNA Sequencing Service Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)6 EU DNA Sequencing Service Development Status and Outlook6.1 EU DNA Sequencing Service Market Size (2012-2017)6.2 EU DNA Sequencing Service Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)Read Comprehensive Overview of Report @7 Japan DNA Sequencing Service Development Status and Outlook7.1 Japan DNA Sequencing Service Market Size (2012-2017)7.2 Japan DNA Sequencing Service Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)8 China DNA Sequencing Service Development Status and Outlook8.1 China DNA Sequencing Service Market Size (2012-2017)8.2 China DNA Sequencing Service Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)9 India DNA Sequencing Service Development Status and Outlook9.1 India DNA Sequencing Service Market Size (2012-2017)9.2 India DNA Sequencing Service Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)10 Southeast Asia DNA Sequencing Service Development Status and Outlook10.1 Southeast Asia DNA Sequencing Service Market Size (2012-2017)10.2 Southeast Asia DNA Sequencing Service Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Polysorbate Market Projected to Gain Significant Value During 2015  2021

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Polysorbate represents a class of emulsifiers used in food preparation, pharmaceuticals, and personal care and beauty products. Polysorbates are oily liquids made up of fatty acids and sorbitan. They are produced by reaction of sorbitol and polyol with ethylene oxide. Polysorbate function includes dispersion of oil in water as opposed to water in oil. Brand names for polysorbates include Tween, Canarcel, Scattics, and Alkest.To access full report @In beauty and personal care ingredients, polysorbate serves as a surfactant creating emulsions, facilitating the ingredients to combine better, making the product more effective. Polysorbate 20 is a commonly used in anti-aging products, facial cleansers, and hair styling gels. In cosmetic creams, polysorbate 40 serves as an emulsifier to stabilize essential oils in water. Polysorbate 80 is used commonly in cold creams, baby lotions, bath oils, and suntan lotions. Polysorbate 85 is commonly used in tanning lotions.In foods, polysorbate is commonly used in ice creams, making them easier to handle and preventing them from melting rapidly. Polysorbate is also used in products like flavored mouth drops, as a wetting agent, to help the flavor spread. They are also used in powdered drink products, such as hot cocoa mix as emulsifiers. Polysorbate is a commonly used ingredient in the influenza vaccine. It also assists in emulsifying medicines like amiodarone.A sample of this report is available upon request @The global polysorbate market is segmented into source, type, end-use, and region. Sources for polysorbate include plants (palm, olive, bay tree, etc.), animals (cow, sheep and pork fat), and synthetic source. Polysorbate types include Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 40, Polysorbate 60, and Polysorbate 80 etc. The number followed by Polysorbate signifies the fatty acid type associated with the polyoxyethylene sorbitan part of the molecule. To be specific, 20 signifies monolaurate, 40 signifies monopalmitate, 60 signifies monostearate, and 80 signifies monooleate. Global polysorbate market is segmented on the basis of its end-use which includes use in food industry, medical and pharmaceutical use, and use in cosmetics. The global polysorbate market is further segmented on the basis of manufacturing technology used. Region wise, the global polysorbate market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan, Asia Pacific (APEJ), and MEA.Continuously rising demand from the end use industry plays a vital role in the growth of the global polysorbate market. Growing demands for the bio based products also fuel the growth of the global polysorbate market. Increasing awareness about the use of quality skin care products is also a growth driver for the industry. Growing demand in food and beverage industry due to rapid industrialization is expected to fuel the growth of the polysorbate market.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Availability of natural alternatives restrains the growth of the polysorbate market. Turkey-red oil and coconut oil, owing to their emulsifying properties, can serve as an alternative to polysorbate. Coconut oil is an all-natural and safe alternative to polysorbate. It keeps water and oil from separating and also gives a pleasant scent. Borax or sodium borate is a natural alkaline mineral which when mixed with beeswax, serves as a natural alternative to polysorbate. Polysorbate can cause minor side effects on sensitive skin such as skin irritation.Some of the major players identified in the global polysorbate market are Evonik Industries, Avantor Performance Materials, NOF America corporation, Solenis, Croda International, Camden-grey Essential Oils, Mohini Organics Pvt. Ltd., M S Mehta & Co, Shine-Sarod Nigeria Limited, Chimi Gostaran Saba ( C. G. S. ), Reachin Chemical Co., Ltd. Guangzhou Runhua Food Additive Co., Ltd, Wmc marketing, Gulf Care Factory, and Mukasa Distributors Ltd. etc.Key geographies evaluated in this report are:North AmericaU.SCanadaEuropeFrance, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UKEastern EuropeCISAPACChinaIndiaJapanAustraliaOthersLatin AmericaArgentinaBrazilOthersKey features of this reportDrivers, restraints, and challenges shaping the Polysorbate market dynamicsLatest innovations and key events in the industryAnalysis of business strategies of the top playersPolysorbate market estimates and forecasts(2015 -2021)About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Gold Nanoparticles Market | Future Demand & Growth Analysis with Forecast up to 2023

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According to the American Nano Society, nanotechnology is a field of science which deals with the study of nano size. In medical field, gold nanoparticles, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and calcium phosphate are majorly utilized nanoparticles. These particles collectively accounted for a market share of over 30%.However, of these gold nanoparticles have witnessed the significant growth due to their ease of preparation, low toxicity , and ability to attach to specific biological molecules for diagnosis or treatment. Furthermore, there are majorly four types of gold nanoparticles available such as gold nanorods, gold-silica nanoshells, gold colloid, and gold-gold sulphide nanoparticles. Advent of new technology enabled the ability of nanoparticles to pass through the blood vessels and detect the tumor location or deliver drug at the targeted site. Gold nanoparticles are also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis, fungal infections, cancer, heart diseases, various infections, and tumors.The color scattered by gold nanoparticles helps in biological imaging.Increasing investment in R&D activities, growth of gold nanomaterials in countries such as China, Taiwan, and South Korea, demand for compact devices, and superior conduction and optical properties of gold nanoparticles are key factors expected to drive the global gold nanoparticles market in the future. Additionally, increasing acceptance of gold nanoparticles to treat cancer due to their higher efficacy is anticipated to show positive impact on the gold nanoparticles market. Presently, nanotechnology is in infancy stage however, owing to anticipated launch of gold nanoparticles in the future is anticipated to pull the market growth. Currently, several nanodrugs are under clinical trials such as Aurimmune and Auroshell. Aurimmune (Cytimmune Sciences, Rockville, MD) is a gold nanoparticle attached to a recombinant human tumor necrosis factor  (TNF-). rhTNF-  has the ability to accumulate in the tumor and exert its antitumor activity. Similarly, Auroshell is under advance clinical trial for the treatment of head and neck cancer. However, biocompatibility of gold nanoparticles is a major issue which is expected to challenge the market growth. Thus, to overcome the restrain, companies like nanoComposix developed an ecofriendly method for biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles.View Report Gold nanoparticles market can be majorly segmented based on application and end users. Depending on the application of gold nanoparticlesin the medical field they could be further segmented into drug delivery or therapeutics, biomarkers, contrast agent, DNA delivery, and radiotherapy. By end users gold nanoparticles market is segmented into pharmaceuticles, cosmetics, and biomedical industry. Geographically, gold nanoparticles market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa, and rest of the world. Gold nanoparticles used in drug delivery or in therapeutics application segment accounted for the largest share of the market in 2013. In geography segment, North America dominated the glod nanoparticles market in 2013 by accounting more than 30% share due to increasing R&D expenditures by the companies and universities, and expanding medical diagnostic field. Europe was identified as the second largest market in 2013, accounting for over 20% of the total market revenues. In addition, Europe gold nanoparticles market is anticipated to expand at a stable rate in the near future due to increasing demand of nanoparticles. Asia - Pacific is anticipated as the fastest growing market for gold nanoparticles in the future due to increasing prevalence of diseases such as cancer, and HIV, technological advancements, and increasing awareness of physicians about the nanoparticles.Some of the key players operating in the gold nanoparticles market include BBI Solutions, NanoSphere, Inc., Nanostellar, Inc., Sigma Aldrich Corporation, and Cytodiagnostics, Inc. In addition, other emerging companies include Metalor Technologies SA, and Johnson Matthey.Request a brochure of this report to know what opportunities will emerge in the rapidly evolving Gold Nanoparticles Market during 2015- 2023About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Antihypertensive Drugs Market | Future Demand & Growth Analysis with Forecast up to 2023

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Human health is being affected by various factors which include rapid urbanization, demographic ageing and the globalization of unhealthy lifestyles. Hypertension is one of the keyhealth issuesthat are observed in both developed as well as developing countries. It is a silent, invisible killer that rarely causes symptoms and is one of the key risk factors forcoronary heart disease and ischemic as well as hemorrhagic stroke. Hypertension can also lead to various other problemssuch as renal impairment, visual impairment, heart failure and retinal hemorrhage. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 7.5 million deaths globally are caused due to hypertension, and it accounts to 12.8% of the total deaths. Globally,in 2008 prevalence of hypertension was observed to be around 40% in adults aged 25. According to the National Health and Nutrition Evaluation Survey, ithas been noted that in United States from 2007 to 2010,81.5% of the population is aware of their hypertension condition, out of which 74% are being treated and only 52.5% are under control.Theantihypertensive drugs market based on the therapy area is classified into diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide and indapamide), calcium channel blockers (nifedipine, felodipine and diltiazem), angiotensin receptor blockers or ARBs (losartan), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)inhibitors (captopril, lisinopril and perindopril), beta blockers vasodilators (atenolol and propranolol), alpha blockers (clonidine, guanabenz), and renin inhibitors.Diuretics being the first line of treatment for hypertension holds the major share of the market. All these drug classes (drugs) have shown to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The drugs are administered either as a single or combined dose depending upon the stage of hypertension, whilethe choice of drugs depends upon the patients medical history and current conditions.View Report On the basis of the geography, the antihypertensive market can be segmented into North America, Europe, AsiaPacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa.The global antihypertensive market is dominated mainly by North America and Europe. According to the WHO, the prevalence of hypertension is highest in Africa and lowest in Americas. In Africa more than 40% of the adults suffer from hypertension and many of them remain undiagnosed due to the high cost of medications.The increased genericization by the local companies can be a challenge for the market. Similarly, in recent years, there has beena significant improvement in the management of hypertension contributing to a strong decline in the death rates in North America and Western EuropeThe change in lifestyle, elevated stress level, and rise in prevalent population, early detection and penetration of combined dose would be the main factors to drive the growth of antihypertensive market. The patent expiry for major drugs such as Diovan (Novartis), Cozaar (Merck),Revatio (Pfizer), Exforge (Novartis), Atacand (AstraZeneca), Avapro (Sanofi Aventis), BIopress(Takeda) and Benicar (Daiichi Sankyo), along with low diagnostics rate and increased generic penetration would result in the antihypertensive market slowdown, but the novel antihypertensive drugs in the pipeline can recover the losses of patent expiration.Some of the major key players in the global antihypertensive market includes Novartis AG, Pfizer Inc., Sanofi S.A, Johnson & Johnson Ltd., Daiichi - Sankyo, Merck & Co., AstraZeneca Plc.,Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited and Lupin Limited.Request a brochure of this report to know what opportunities will emerge in the rapidly evolving Antihypertensive Drugs Market during 2015- 2023About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Vacuum Ironing Table Sales Market Report 2017

Global Vacuum Ironing Table Sales Market Report 2017

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Ask a complete & professional report sample, please send message to tinaning@qyresearch.com or visit atThe Vacuum Ironing Table Industry Market Research Report 2017 is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Vacuum Ironing Table industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Vacuum Ironing Table market analysis is provided for the international market including development history, competitive landscape analysis, and major regions development status.Secondly, development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures. This report also states import/export, supply and consumption figures as well as cost, price, revenue and gross margin by regions (United States, EU, China and Japan), and other regions can be added.Then, the report focuses on global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials, equipment and downstream consumers analysis is also carried out. Whats more, the Vacuum Ironing Table industry development trends and marketing channels Aare analyzed.Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered. In a word, the report provides major statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.In a large and developing economy, rapid changes in the industry make it necessary for professionals to keep themselves updated with the latest market dynamics. QYResearch can offer the ability to quickly respond to these changes determines the success of a business enterprise.Global Vacuum Ironing Table market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Vacuum Ironing Table sales volume, Price (USD/Dose), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingCompany 1Company 2Company 3Company 4Company 5Table of contents:1 Vacuum Ironing Table Market Overview2 Global Vacuum Ironing Table Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application3 United States Vacuum Ironing Table (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4 China Vacuum Ironing Table (Volume, Value and Sales Price)5 Europe Vacuum Ironing Table (Volume, Value and Sales Price)6 Japan Vacuum Ironing Table (Volume, Value and Sales Price)7 Southeast Asia Vacuum Ironing Table (Volume, Value and Sales Price)8 India Vacuum Ironing Table (Volume, Value and Sales Price)9 Global Vacuum Ironing Table Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data10 Vacuum Ironing Table Maufacturing Cost Analysis11 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers12 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders13 Market Effect Factors Analysis14 Global Vacuum Ironing Table Market Forecast (2017-2022)15 Research Findings and Conclusion16 AppendixRelated Reports:Global Vacuum Ironing Table Sales Market Report 2017Europe Vacuum Ironing Table Sales Market Report 2017China Vacuum Ironing Table Sales Market Report 2017USA Vacuum Ironing Table Sales Market Report 2017India Vacuum Ironing Table Sales Market Report 2017Korea Vacuum Ironing Table Sales Market Report 2017Japan Vacuum Ironing Table Sales Market Report 2017Contact Details:Company Name: QYResearch CO.,LIMITED | focus on Market Survey and ResearchTina| Sales ManagersEmail: tinaning@qyresearch.com Tel: 0086-20-22093278(CN)Web:QYResearch focus on Market Survey and ResearchQYResearch established in 2007, focus on custom research, management consulting, IPO consulting, industry chain research, data base and seminar services. The company owned a large basic data base (such as National Bureau of statistics database, Customs import and export database, Industry Association Database etc), experts resources (included energy automotive chemical medical ICT consumer goods etc industries experts who own more than 10 years experiences on marketing or R&D), professional survey team (the team member with more than 3 years market survey experience and more than 2 years depth expert interview experience),Excellent data analysis team (SPSS statistics and PPT graphics process team); QYResearch has always pursuit product quality, adhere to the quality is the soul of business.Room 2311 VILI International Building No.167 Linhe West Road Tianhe District
Global Aluminum Pigment Powder Industry 2017 Market Research Report

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SummaryIn this report, the global Aluminum Pigment Powder market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Aluminum Pigment Powder in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Aluminum Pigment Powder market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingBASF SEAsahi Kasei CorporationMetal Powder Chemical Ltd.Alba AluminiuAltanaCarl SchlenkNihonboshitsuCarlfors BrukToyalSun ChemicalCarl SchlenkMetaflake Ltd.Zhangqiu Metallic Pigment Co. Ltd.Hefei Sunrise Aluminum Pigments Co. Ltd.On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoLeafing Aluminum Pigment PowderNon-leafing Aluminum Pigment PowderOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate of Aluminum Pigment Powder for each application, includingPaints & CoatingsPlasticsPersonal CarePrinting InksOthersThe Global Aluminum Pigment Powder Industry 2017 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Aluminum Pigment Powder industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Aluminum Pigment Powder market analysis is provided for the international market including competitive landscape analysis, and major regionsdevelopment status.Secondly, development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures. This report also states import/export, supply and consumption figures as well as cost, price, revenue and gross margin by regions (America, Europe and China), and other regions can be added.Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered.In a word, the report provides major statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Sample request,please email: josephine@qyresearch.comTable of Contents1 Industry Overview of Aluminum Pigment Powder2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Aluminum Pigment Powder3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Aluminum Pigment Powder4 Capacity, Production and Revenue Analysis of Aluminum Pigment Powder by Regions and Manufacturers5 Price, Cost, Gross and Gross Margin Analysis of Aluminum Pigment Powder by Regions and Manufacturers6 Consumption Volume, Consumption Value and Sale Price Analysis of Aluminum Pigment Powder by Regions and Applications7 Supply, Import, Export and Consumption Analysis of Aluminum Pigment Powder8 Major Manufacturers Analysis of Aluminum Pigment Powder9 Marketing Trader or Distributor Analysis of Aluminum Pigment Powder10 Industry Chain Analysis of Aluminum Pigment PowderMain chapter showed:4 Global Aluminum Pigment Powder Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.1 Global Aluminum Pigment Powder Consumption by Regions (2011-2016)4.2 North America Aluminum Pigment Powder Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.3 Europe Aluminum Pigment Powder Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)5 Global Aluminum Pigment Powder Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Aluminum Pigment Powder Production and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)5.2 Global Aluminum Pigment Powder Revenue and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)Thank you for reading the essay.If you are interested in it or have any questions,plesase contact me.QYRESEARCH CO., LTDJosephine Luo - QYResearch Report Global SalesEmail: josephine@qyresearch.comWeb:QYResearch established in 2007, focus on custom research, management consulting, IPO consulting, industry chain research, data base and seminar services. The company owned a large basic data base (such as National Bureau of statistics database, Customs import and export database, Industry Association Database etc), experts resources (included energy automotive chemical medical ICT consumer goods etc industries experts who own more than 10 years experiences on marketing or R&D), professional survey team (the team member with more than 3 years market survey experience and more than 2 years depth expert interview experience),Excellent data analysis team (SPSS statistics and PPT graphics process team); QYResearch has always pursuit product quality, adhere to the quality is the soul of business.Room 2311 VILI International Building No.167 Linhe West Road Tianhe District Guangzhou City Guangdong Province 510610 China
Global Automotive Brake Valve Industry 2017 Market Research Report

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SummaryIn this report, the global Automotive Brake Valve market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Automotive Brake Valve in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesEUChinaJapanSouth KoreaIndiaGlobal Automotive Brake Valve market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingRobert BoschContinentalKnorr-BremseBremboAisin SeikiWabcoTRWNissin KogyoMandoHitachi AutomotiveAkebono BrakeDURANabtescoNisshinboHaldexTaiho KogyoWanxiang QianchaoDongfengFawerAnguSORL Auto PartsOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoPneumatic Brake ValveHydraulic Brake ValveOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate of Automotive Brake Valve for each application, includingPassanger CarCommercial VehicleThe Global Automotive Brake Valve Industry 2017 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Automotive Brake Valve industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Automotive Brake Valve market analysis is provided for the international market including competitive landscape analysis, and major regionsdevelopment status.Secondly, development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures. This report also states import/export, supply and consumption figures as well as cost, price, revenue and gross margin by regions (America, Europe and China), and other regions can be added.Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered.In a word, the report provides major statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Sample request,please email: josephine@qyresearch.comTable of Contents1 Industry Overview of Automotive Brake Valve2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Automotive Brake Valve3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Automotive Brake Valve4 Capacity, Production and Revenue Analysis of Automotive Brake Valve by Regions and Manufacturers5 Price, Cost, Gross and Gross Margin Analysis of Automotive Brake Valve by Regions and Manufacturers6 Consumption Volume, Consumption Value and Sale Price Analysis of Automotive Brake Valve by Regions and Applications7 Supply, Import, Export and Consumption Analysis of Automotive Brake Valve8 Major Manufacturers Analysis of Automotive Brake Valve9 Marketing Trader or Distributor Analysis of Automotive Brake Valve10 Industry Chain Analysis of Automotive Brake ValveMain chapter showed:4 Global Automotive Brake Valve Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.1 Global Automotive Brake Valve Consumption by Regions (2011-2016)4.2 North America Automotive Brake Valve Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.3 Europe Automotive Brake Valve Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)5 Global Automotive Brake Valve Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Automotive Brake Valve Production and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)5.2 Global Automotive Brake Valve Revenue and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)Thank you for reading the essay.If you are interested in it or have any questions,plesase contact me.QYRESEARCH CO., LTDJosephine Luo - QYResearch Report Global SalesEmail: josephine@qyresearch.comWeb:QYResearch established in 2007, focus on custom research, management consulting, IPO consulting, industry chain research, data base and seminar services. The company owned a large basic data base (such as National Bureau of statistics database, Customs import and export database, Industry Association Database etc), experts resources (included energy automotive chemical medical ICT consumer goods etc industries experts who own more than 10 years experiences on marketing or R&D), professional survey team (the team member with more than 3 years market survey experience and more than 2 years depth expert interview experience),Excellent data analysis team (SPSS statistics and PPT graphics process team); QYResearch has always pursuit product quality, adhere to the quality is the soul of business.Room 2311 VILI International Building No.167 Linhe West Road Tianhe District Guangzhou City Guangdong Province 510610 China
Global Stand up Paddle Board Paddle Market 2017 : C4 Waterman, SlingShot, BIC SUP, Coreban

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Global Stand up Paddle Board Paddle Market 2017A market study based on the " Stand up Paddle Board Paddle Market " across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Stand up Paddle Board Paddle Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Stand up Paddle Board Paddle industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Stand up Paddle Board Paddle market on the basis of this analysis.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here :Top Manufacturers Analysis Of This Research Report1. Starboard - Windsurf2. Naish Surfing3. BIC SUP4. Coreban5. Exocet6. F-one SUP7. Clear Blue Hawaii8. C4 Waterman9. SlingShot10. RRD Roberto Ricci DesignsThe report studies the industry for Stand up Paddle Board Paddle across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Stand up Paddle Board Paddle market & dynamics of demand and supply of Stand up Paddle Board Paddle into consideration. The ' Stand up Paddle Board Paddle ' research study covers each and every aspect of the Stand up Paddle Board Paddle market globally, which starts from the definition of the Stand up Paddle Board Paddle industry and develops towards Stand up Paddle Board Paddle market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Stand up Paddle Board Paddle market is classified and analysed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Stand up Paddle Board Paddle market. The geographical segmentation of the Stand up Paddle Board Paddle industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the worldwide market for Stand up Paddle Board Paddle is determined by evaluating the various industry participants, production capacity, Stand up Paddle Board Paddle market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Stand up Paddle Board Paddle market worldwide.Enquire Here :The global Stand up Paddle Board Paddle market 2017 is also analysed on the basis of product pricing, Stand up Paddle Board Paddle production volume, data regarding demand and Stand up Paddle Board Paddle supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, and market attractiveness analysis has been used in the research to present a comprehensive study of the industry for Stand up Paddle Board Paddle across the globe.About Us :Market and Research are a trusted brand in the research industry with capability of commissioning complex projects within a short span of time with high level of accuracy. At Market and Research, we believe in building long term relations with our clients. Our services cover a broad spectrum of industries including Energy, Chemicals and Materials, Automotive and Aerospace.Contact Us :Market and ResearchUnited States
Strategic Assessment of Emerging Technologies in Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) Market by 2023

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Automatic Number Plate Recognition Soars as Governments Step Up Security StandardsThe growing pressure of congested roads on civic bodies and need to develop cities with technologically advanced solutions is leading to a positive adoption rate of automatic number plate recognition systems. The market for these systems is also witnessing a healthy expansion due to benefits offered by ANPR systems in curbing the number of road accidents. The initiatives taken by governments to increase the public safety by identifying criminals through number plates of their vehicles is also anticipated to boost the growth of the global automatic number plate recognition market.According to the research report, the global automatic number plate recognition market was valued at US$477.8 mn in 2014 and is expected to reach US$1,436.1 mn by 2023, expanding at a CAGR of 12.8% between 2015 and 2023. The growing importance of traffic enforcement rules and regulations along with the need to step up security and surveillance techniques have provided a huge impetus to this market. However, the inability of automatic number plate recognition systems to read a range of languages, different fonts, font sizes, and designs is hampering the effectiveness of this technology. Furthermore, the limitation of these systems to identify the number plate through layers of dust is also challenging the market growth.Browse The Report:Europe Leads Market as U.K. Remains the Hub of Technological Innovation for ANPR SystemsEurope holds the leading share in the global automatic number plate recognition market as the U.K. is considered to be the home to the technological innovations in the ANPR technologies. The stringent traffic regulations and initiatives taken by governments to enhance the road safety for the citizens is also boosting the deployment of ANPR systems in this region. This trend is especially seen in countries such as the U.K., Italy, Germany, and France. Owing to these reasons the automatic number plate recognition market in Europe is estimated to reach US$451.4 mn by 2023, expanding at a CAGR of 10.1% in terms of revenue.Adoption of ANPR Systems in Government Sector Holds Promise for the Global MarketOut of the various end users of ANPR systems, the government sector, which includes homeland security, traffic department, and defense, is the leading segment of the market. This segment is expected to prosper in the forecast period due to a high adoption rate of these systems in the police departments, government offices, public parking authorities, and traffic departments. However, the adoption of ANPR systems in commercial sectors is also expected to soar due to growing number of shopping malls, multiplexes, and other public utility spaces that will need improved security solutions in times to rising terror attacks.Make an Enquiry @Some of the leading players operating in the overall automatic number plate recognition market are NDI Recognition Systems Ltd., Vigilant Solutions Inc., Q-Free ASA, Genetec, Inc., Siemens AG, PIPS Technology Ltd., Tattile Srl, Vysionics Intelligent Traffic Solutions Ltd., and Bosch Security Systems. These players are emphasizing on the integration of ANPR engines and ANPR cameras to offer a thorough product to the consumers and to remain ahead in the competitive market. Product innovation such enhancing the night vision capabilities of the cameras will help the companies to stand out with their products in the overall market.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a next-generation provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendationsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global wingtip shoes Market Opportunities, Sales, Growth and Regional Analysis By 2022

wingtip shoes

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wingtip shoes MarketA market contemplate in light of the " wingtip shoes Market " over the globe, as of late added to the archive of Market Research, is titled 'Worldwide wingtip shoes Market 2017'. The examination report investigations the verifiable and in addition introduce execution of the overall wingtip shoes industry, and makes forecasts on the future status of wingtip shoes showcase on the premise of this examination.CLICK HERE to FREE Sample Report @:The report thinks about the business for wingtip shoes over the globe taking the current business chain, the import and fare measurements in wingtip shoes advertise and elements of interest and supply of wingtip shoes into thought. The " wingtip shoes " investigate think about spreads every single part of the wingtip shoes showcase all inclusive, which begins from the meaning of the wingtip shoes business and creates towards wingtip shoes advertise divisions. Further, every fragment of the wingtip shoes advertise is arranged and investigated on the premise of item sorts, application, and the end-utilize businesses of the wingtip shoes showcase. The land division of the wingtip shoes business has additionally been shrouded finally in this report.The focused scene of the overall market for wingtip shoes is controlled by assessing the different business members, creation limit, wingtip shoes market's creation chain, and the income produced by every producer in the wingtip shoes showcase around the world.Inquiry Here @:The worldwide wingtip shoes advertise 2017 is likewise broke down on the premise of item evaluating, wingtip shoes creation volume, information in regards to request and wingtip shoes supply, and the income collected by the item. Different deliberate apparatuses, for example, venture returns, achievability, and market engaging quality examination has been utilized as a part of the exploration to display a thorough investigation of the business for wingtip shoes over the globe.About Us:QYResearch Group is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. QYResearch Group also carries the capability to assist you with your customized market research requirements including in-depth market surveys, primary interviews, competitive landscaping, and company profiles. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics. QYResearch Group is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air.Contact US:Joel John3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442,United StatesTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651
Urea Formaldehyde Market size demand will increase by 2017 - 2022

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This report studies Urea Formaldehyde in Global market, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2012 to 2016, and forecast to 2022.Get exclusive sample copy of this report @This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringBASF CorporationBayerChevron Phillips Chemical CompanyDuPont CorporationEastman Chemical CompanyExxon Mobil Chemical CompanyHexion.Buy a copy of this report for single user price of 3500 USD @By types, the market can be split intoUrea Formaldehyde PowderUrea Formaldehyde SolutionBy Application, the market can be split intoParticle BoardPlywoodMoulding CompoundsRoofing MatsOthersBy Regions, this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want)North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaTable of Contents:1 Industry Overview of Urea Formaldehyde1.1 Definition and Specifications of Urea Formaldehyde1.1.1 Definition of Urea Formaldehyde1.1.2 Specifications of Urea Formaldehyde1.2 Classification of Urea Formaldehyde1.2.1 Urea Formaldehyde Powder1.2.2 Urea Formaldehyde Solution1.3 Applications of Urea Formaldehyde1.3.1 Particle Board1.3.2 Plywood1.3.3 Moulding Compounds1.3.4 Roofing Mats1.3.5 Others2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Urea Formaldehyde2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Urea Formaldehyde2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Urea Formaldehyde2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Urea Formaldehyde3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Urea Formaldehyde3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Urea Formaldehyde Major Manufacturers in 20163.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Urea Formaldehyde Major Manufacturers in 20163.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Urea Formaldehyde Major Manufacturers in 20163.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Urea Formaldehyde Major Manufacturers in 20164 Global Urea Formaldehyde Overall Market Overview4.1 2012-2017E Overall Market Analysis4.2 Capacity Analysis4.2.1 2012-2017E Global Urea Formaldehyde Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis4.2.2 2016 Urea Formaldehyde Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)4.3 Sales Analysis4.3.1 2012-2017E Global Urea Formaldehyde Sales and Growth Rate Analysis4.3.2 2016 Urea Formaldehyde Sales Analysis (Company Segment)4.4 Sales Price Analysis4.4.1 2012-2017E Global Urea Formaldehyde Sales Price4.4.2 2016 Urea Formaldehyde Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment).To view this report @Who we are:Research Trades has team of experts who works on providing exhaustive analysis pertaining to market research on a global basis. This comprehensive analysis is obtained by a thorough research and study of the ongoing trends and provides predictive data regarding the future estimations, which can be utilized by various organizations for growth purposes.We distribute customized reports that focus on meeting the clients specific requirement. Our database consists of a large collection of high-quality reports obtained using a customer-centric approach, thus providing valuable research insights.Reach at us:Address: Flat No.10, Wing C, S. No. 245/4/2+245/5/1, Baner, Pune-411045Email: sales@researchtrades.comCall us: +1 6269994607
Global Handheld Imager Market to expand $3.5bn by 2023

Global Market Insights, Inc.

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Handheld Imager Market trends are analyzed from recent past with an eye on coming years in this report that also offers projections for handheld imager industry targeted at helping in business decisions. The industry research report Handheld Imager Market share to exceed USD 3.77 billion by 2023; as per a new research report by Global Market Insights, Inc.Escalating terrorist attacks and criminal nuisances across the globe will push global handheld imagers market. Security concerns, especially at airports and stations due to the heavy crowd, is propelling the demand for handheld imagers across the globe. With the advent of technology, these imagers provide excellent features, such as barcode scanning, age verification, document scanning. Furthermore, prominent industry players are continuously investing in research activities to propose new thermal camera-based handheld imagers that will combat the fierce situational threat by ensuring adequate security.Request for a sample of this research report @Based on product trends, handheld imagers market is fragmented into IR scanner, millimeter wave scanner, stud finder, and microbolometer. IR scanner industry is forecast to dominate the industry in the years ahead, driven by the excellent characteristics of these scanners such as inventory control, high-quality output, and time-efficiency. In addition, IR scanners, which are used for scanning and printing output codes from the computer will further fuel market demand, especially in the construction sector. Stud finder industry is also expected to witness substantial growth rate at a CAGR of 17% CAGR over 2016 -2023.Millimeter wave scanners, which help sense objects hidden in an individuals clothing through electromagnetic radiation will also lucratively contribute to market growth. Airport security is one sector where these scanners are increasingly used for sensing any possible threat. Millimeter wave scanner handheld imagers industry is projected to grow heavily at an annual rate of 17% over 2016-2023.North America handheld imagers industry accounted for the largest share in terms of revenue in 2015, and is poised to grow significantly at a CAGR of 12% over the period 2016-2023. High prevalence of criminal activities will prompt handheld imagers market to prosper in this region. Strict regulatory framework regarding security concerns at airports will stimulate U.S. handheld imagers industry.Browse key industry insights spread across 84 pages with 37 market data tables & 29 figures & charts from the report, Handheld Imager Market Size By Application (Medical, Security, Industrial, Construction), By Product (Millimeter Wave Scanner, IR Scanner, Stud Finder, Microbolometer), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook, Application Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016  2023 in detail along with the table of contents:Asia Pacific market is anticipated to witness noteworthy growth at an annual CAGR of 13% over 2016 -2023. High-security requirements will also enhance the regional demand. Moreover, the rising need to synchronize the scanning process to achieve overall cost reduction will result in substantial growth in India and China handheld imagers industry.Ability to detect weapons, explosives, and other dangerous objects will also propel the regional demand. Driven by cost effectiveness, Europe is also expected to be one of the prominent regions to exhibit significant growth over the coming six years.Medical application, which is actively partaking in the handheld imagers market, is anticipated to have a steady growth in future owing to the increasing patient health concerns. Advanced features, such as antimicrobial and aggressive decoding performance is having a positive influence on handheld imagers industry.Although security application accounts for a large share of the market, handheld imagers market from the industrial segment is also expanding considerably owing to high product efficiency and durability.Some of the notable players of the handheld imagers industry include Bosch, DRS Technologies, Zircon Corporation, Fluke Corporation, FLIR, Stanley Black & Decker and ULIS.Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @Table Content of Handheld Imager MarketChapter 1 Methodology & Scope1.1 Research Methodology1.1.1 Initial data exploration1.1.2 Statistical modeling and forecast1.1.3 Industry insights and validation1.2 Data SourcesChapter 2 Executive Summary2.1 Handheld imager industry 3600 synopsis, 2012 - 20232.1.1 Business trends2.1.2 Regional trends2.1.3 Application trendsChapter 3 Handheld Imager Industry Insights3.1. Industry segmentation3.2. Industry size and forecast, 2012 - 20233.3. Industry ecosystem analysis3.4. Industry impact forces3.4.1. Growth drivers3.4.1.1. High demand across application industries3.4.1.2. Technological innovation3.4.2. Industry pitfalls & challenges3.4.2.1. Unsuitable in certain environments3.5. Growth potential analysis3.6. Porters analysis3.7. Competitor landscape, 20153.8. PESTEL analysisBrowse Related Reports: Aerial Imaging Market Size By Application (Government, Agriculture & Forestry, Civil Engineering, Military & Defense, Energy, Insurance, Commercial), Industry Outlook Report, Regional Analysis, Application Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2015  2022About Global Market InsightsGlobal Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:
Forecast On Macadamia Market Global Industry Analysis and Trends till 2026

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Macadamia nut was introduced in the early 1960s to the Kenyan highlands from Australia. Macadamia is a member of the family Proteaceae, native to Australia. Australia and Hawaii are the major producing areas of macadamia with others including eastern and southern Africa, and Central and Latin America. Several species of macadamia exist in Australia but only two species such as M. tetraphylla and Macadamia integrifolia and their hybrids are grown commercially. Production of macadamia nuts in Australia is mainly in eastern shore of Australia (northern New South Wales and south-eastern Queensland). Currently, Hawaii is the largest producer of global macadamia, accounting for around 70 percent of total macadamia production worldwide followed by Australia, around 22 percent, rest is produced by other countries including Malawi, South Africa, Kenya, Guatemala, Mexico, California, Costa Rica, Brazil, New Zealand and China.Tree nuts include almond, cashew, hazelnut, pistachio, walnut, macadamia, and pecan. Currently, macadamia accounts for around only one percent among all the tree nuts available across the globe. Almond nut dominates the nut segment, accounting for around 34 percent. Increasing health claims for macadamia have witnessed a surge in recent years, which if succeeded is expected to increase the consumption of macadamia nuts among consumers.Request Report Sample@Global Macadamia Market Segmentation:On the basis of application the global macadamia market is broadly segmented into food industry, and cosmetics industry. In food industry macadamia is widely used in confectionaries including chocolate bar, chocolate covered candy, ice cream and other baking products. In cosmetics industry it is used in shampoos, sunscreens, soaps and others.Geographically, global macadamia market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa. Currently, North America and Western Europe account for major market share for macadamia however, Asia Pacific excluding Japan is expected to grow significantly in the forecasted years.Global Macadamia Market Dynamics:Owing to increasing variety of applications of macadamia, various workshop are taking places in order to increase the international trade for macadamia and since capitalise the growing demand for macadamia. Adoption of macadamia in chocolate and ice cream among consumers is expected to drive the demand for global macadamia in the near future. The biggest restraint for macadamia market is increasing crop losses due to immature nuts and moldy / rotten nuts. The crop losses due to these type of nuts accounts for around 50 percent of the total macadamia wastage globally. Thereby, reducing inclination of crop growers for macadamia and thus, hampering the market growth.There is a high opportunity to increase the market share of macadamia in terms of revenue across countries such as Mexico, China, South Africa and others. Companies are investing in these countries through promotional activities in order to increase the footprint of macadamia worldwide.Visit For TOC@Global Macadamia Market Key Players:Some of the key players operating in the global macadamia market are Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corp., Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company, MacFarms, Wondaree Macadamias, NAMBUCCA MACNUTS Pty Ltd, Golden Macadamias, Royal Macadamia (Pty) Ltd., Kenya Nut Company Ltd. and MWT Foods Australia.About Us  Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Trends in the Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System Market 2016-2026

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With the increasing rate of cardiovascular disease constant innovation and advancement in technology has become paramount. In the field of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) introduction of endoscopic vessel harvesting system market has open up newer opportunities for companies. Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is a procedure for restoring the blood supply to the heart muscle due to blockage or narrowing of one or more coronary arteries. Traditionally, the technique involved in harvesting procedure was open vein harvesting (OVH) which involved a single continuous skin incision. With the recent advancement in technology, the process is less invasive by endoscopic vessel harvesting (EVH) this technique reduces leg wound morbidity because of small incisions compared to open vein harvesting. Endoscope is a medical instrument used for capturing a picture inside a hollow area, which is connected to a video camera and inserted through a small incision that is made in the leg. The saphenous vein inside the leg is viewed by the endoscope and helps the surgeon in identifying and to remove the vein with minimal pain to the leg.According to Center of Disease Control and Prevention, around 3,95,000 CABG surgeries were performed in the United States in 2013. The endoscopic vessel harvesting system market is mainly driven by the incidence and prevalence rate of coronary diseases. Moreover due to benefits such as less invasive modality, including a lower infection rate, fewer wound complications, improved cosmesis, and greater patient satisfaction physicians and patients are opting for this treatment. High pool of geriatric population and awareness programs among surgeons will drive the endoscopic vessel harvesting system market. However, endoscopic vessel harvesting system market has some restraints, lack of skilled professionals in the developing countries and unstable reimbursement regulations are hampering the growth of endoscopic vessel harvesting system in developing countries. Apart from this the presence of alternative therapies may hinder the growth of the endoscopic vessel harvesting systems market.Request Report Sample@The Global endoscopic vessel harvesting system market is segmented on the basis of product type and regional presence:Segmentation based on product typeDisposableReusableGeographically the endoscopic vessel harvesting system market is segmented into five key regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and MEA region.CABG is most common type of heart surgery performed in North America region as per University of Michigan. North America followed by Europe are currently leading in the endoscopic vessel harvesting system market as high incidence of coronary disease due to sedentary lifestyle pattern adopted in these region and availability of all the types of minimally invasive CABG surgeries. The endoscopic vessel harvesting system market in Asia Pacific is expected to deliver tremendous growth due to the growth in per capita income in Asian countries and increase in medical tourism industry. With the growing access of public with healthcare professional and expanding economy china is expected to be the fastest growing market for endoscopic vessel harvesting system.Visit For TOC@Some major companies in the endoscopic vessel harvesting system market are Maquet Holding B.V. & Co. KG., OLYMPUS CORPORATION, Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation., Med Europe S.r.l. (Elite Life Care), Sorin Group Inc., Saphena Medical, Inc and Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation.About Us  Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Application Security Market Trends, Strategy, Applications Analysis and Growth by Forecast to 2023

Application Security Market

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Market Highlights:On the basis of regional analysis the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. North America region is generating highest market share in the application security market owing to better network infrastructure, digitization and higher technology implementation. Digitization in North America is mainly due to the invention of advanced technology and economies benefitting from it. North America region is leading due to presence of major players from the region in the application security market.The implementation of software Application Security Market solutions by both small and medium enterprises is increasing rapidly, especially one into banking and finance. The application security is gaining demand as organization seek to increase their business productivity by shifting from on-premise to cloud based. The initial low cost, saving amount spent on infrastructure, automatic software upgrading and seamless integration is driving the market of cloud based application security solution.Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 30 market data tables and figures spread over 100 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on Application Security Market -Forecast to 2023.Major Key Players: Veracode (U.S.) HPE (U.S.) Synopsys (U.S.) IBM (U.S.) WhiteHat Security (U.S.) Qualys (U.S.) Checkmarx (Israel) Acunetix (Malta) Rapid7 (U.S.) Trustwave (U.S.) High-Tech Bridge (Switzerland), Contrast Security (U.S.)Request a Sample Report @Application Security Market Segmentation:The application security market has been segmented on the basis of deployment, solution service, business department, organization size and vertical. Testing type segment, is bifurcated into static application security, dynamic application security and interactive application security. Static application security testing empowers developers by monitoring their code constantly and detecting security flaws at initial stage of development. It provides quick solution to problems related to high risk issues without the disturbing the process of application build.Market Research Analysis:The application security market in North America region is growing due to high adoption of cloud solutions by enterprise and need to improve application security in organizations. Changing banking regulation, that requires changes in documents and financial transaction is driving the market in the region. According to the study, the application security market will remain steady in Europe region. Asia-Pacific market is estimated to be one of the fastest growing market as enterprises are continuously investing into research and development of application security market.Increasing IT landscape is boosting the market in the region. The region is witnessing high adoption of internet of things and bring your own device technology by enterprises. Developing countries such as India and China are adopting application security software at a large scale owing to increasing IT infrastructure, digitization and robust industrialization that is boosting the market in the region. By vertical segment, BFSI and retail sector is driving the application security market. The region is witnessing high growth in application security market due to growing technological advancement in cloud, analytics and mobile technologies.Regional Analysis:The regional analysis of application security market is being studied for region such as Asia Pacific, Americas, Europe and Rest of the World. The increasing demand for deploying IT tools is driving the market in North America region. The increasing adoption of advanced technologies and presence of major market players are key factors driving market growth in the region. AsiaPacific region is expected to be the fastest growing market due to the high adoption of application security solutions in developing countries and growing IT infrastructure.Access Report Details @Intended Audience: Investors and consultants System Integrators Government Organizations Research/Consultancy firms Technology solution providers IT Solution ProvidersTable of Contents1 Market Introduction1.1 Introduction1.2 Scope of Study1.2.1 Research Objective1.2.2 Assumptions1.2.3 Limitations1.3 Market Structure2 Research Methodology2.1 Research Type2.2 Primary Research2.3 Secondary Research2.4 Forecast Model2.4.1 Market Data Collection, Analysis & Forecast2.4.2 Market Size EstimationContinuedList of TablesTable 1 Application Security Market, By ComponentTable 2 Application Security Market, By Testing TypeTable 3 Application Security Market, By DeploymentContinuedList of FiguresFigure 1 Research TypeFigure 2 Application Security Market: By Component (%)Figure 3 Application Security Market: By Testing Type (%)ContinuedAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by Solutions, Application, Logistics and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 524/528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Robotic Vision Market Analysis and Value Forecast Snapshot by End-use Industry 2016-2026

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Robotic vision comprises of vision algorithm, calibration, temperature software & cameras that are used to identify and determine the position of all the objects in robot workplace. Apart from identification and navigation, robotic vision also facilitate robots to analyse, interpret, extract and characterize the image information and to make description accordingly. Robotic vision technology provides several benefits including improvement in quality, reliability, safety and productivity. Performance of robotic vision depends on the effective communication between robot system & application and control over the environment.Robotic Vision Market: Drivers and RestraintIntelligent homes are specifically designed for the ageing population, where robots are capable to assists the elderly people in day-to-day tasks. The demand for intelligent homes is continuously increasing, as the ageing population is growing with significant rate across the globe. Increase in demand for intelligent homes, government regulations about sanitation in food processing industry and rising need of precise, safe and reliable vision guided robots in different verticals are major driving factors of the robotic vision market.However, high initial investment and lack of global standards for robotic implementation are some of the major challenges for the robot vision market.Request Report Sample@Robotic Vision Market: SegmentationRobotic Vision market can be classified on the basis of component, application and type.On the basis of component, the market can be bifurcated into hardware and software. Hardware segment consists of camera, sensors, lightning, and optics. Camera, sensors, lightning and optics incorporate with each other in order to facilitate the collapsible free movement of robot in environment. Camera, lightning and optics are used to capture the images while sensors allows obstacle free movement of robots. Software segment is composed of object tracking and image processing software.Robotic vision has high demand in wide range of industries including food processing, automotive and aerospace for several applications. On the basis of applications, the robotic vision market is segmented into inspection & testing, material handling, manufacturing, assembling and packaging. Manufacturing and packaging are the dominating segments in the category, as the governments across the major countries maintain stringent sanitation standards in food processing & packaging industry.On the basis of type, the market can be categorised in to 3D and 2D. 3D vision is more precise and capable of providing accurate dimensional data of an object. Currently, 3D robotic vision systems are more expensive than 2D and restricted for specialised operations.Segmentation on basis of Region:Robotic Vision Market is segmented into 7 key regions- North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa.Robotic Vision Market: Region-wise OutlookNorth America was the largest market of robotic vision in terms of consumption in 2015. US was the leading market in the region, as there was significant growth in rate of deployment of reliable and precise vision guided robot systems in food and manufacturing industries in 2015.By the end of year 2015, Asia Pacific was the fastest growing market for robotic vision, due to significant growth in demand for industrial robots in manufacturing and automotive industries in the region. China, South Korea and Japan were the leading regional markets in Asia Pacific.Robot vision market in Europe is driven by the metal, automotive and food & beverage industry. Germany was the largest market in the region in terms of volume consumption in 2015.Visit For TOC@Robotic Vision Market: Key PlayersOmron Adept Technologies, Inc (US),? ComauS.p.A.(Italy), MVTec Software GmbH (Germany), Matrox Electronic Systems Ltd. (Canada), ABB Ltd (Switzerland), Point Grey Research, Inc. (US),Cognex Corporation (US), Matrox Electronics Systems Ltd (Canada), Keyence Corporation (Japan), IVISYS (Sweden).About Us  Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Fluorite Market Dynamics, Segments and Supply Demand 2016-2026

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The smart contact lens contains a wireless chip and miniaturized sensor for monitoring of physiological parameters such as glucose levels in tears of a diabetic patient or intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients. These sensors are embedded inside the two layers of soft lenses and a tiny hole in the outer layer allows the tear to flow into the sensor which measures the necessary parameters and data is transmitted to the wireless device for storage, via hair-this antenna. U.S. FDA has recently approved a smart contact lens to continuously monitor intraocular pressure in patients of glaucoma, which is the major cause of irreversible blindness. Triggerfish smart contact lens is a single use lens worn for 24 hours by glaucoma patients. According to Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute, U.S., 60.5 Mn people across the world are affected with glaucoma and the number is expected to increase to 79.6 Mn by 2020. Advances in ophthalmology and contact lens technology would thus be beneficial for glaucoma patients and also to the manufacturers of innovative products such as smart contact lens. Currently many companies are working on the smart contact lens technology to apply it in various health aspects. Google Inc. is developing a smart contact lens with Alcon, an eye care division of Novartis AG, which can detect the blood glucose levels from the tears and is expected to launch in the global market in next 5-6 years.Smart Contact Lens Market: Drivers and RestraintsAdvances in ophthalmology and growing demand for the more efficient and revolutionary glaucoma management approaches are the factors expected to drive the growth of global smart contact lens market. Increasing prevalence of glaucoma, increasing cases of diabetes related complications such as eye disorders, cataract and blindness, expanding aging demographics with presbyopia (long-sightedness), rising demand for user-friendly and self-monitoring devices are some other factors expected to fuel the growth of global smart contact lens market. According to American Diabetes Association, diabetes patients are 40% more susceptible to the glaucoma and 60% more likely to develop cataract than people without diabetes and the susceptibility to diabetes related glaucoma increases with age.Request Report Sample@Smart Contact Lens: SegmentationThe global smart contact lens market has been classified on the basis of application, end user and geography.Based on application, the global smart contact lens market is divided into following:Continuous Glucose MonitoringIntraocular Pressure MonitoringBased on the end user type, the global smart contact lens market is divided into following:Home Care SettingsClinicsSmart Contact Lens: OverviewIntraocular Pressure Monitoring application type segment would constitute the global market for smart contact lens in 2016. In March 2016, United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Triggerfish Sensor which helps ophthalmologists to identify the best time to measure the intraocular pressure, which can eventually damage the vision of a patient. Triggerfish is the only FDA approved smart contact lens so far while Googles smart lens technology for continuous glucose monitoring and correction of presbyopia is under clinical investigation and would launch in the global market. The technology is expected to transform the way of management of chronic diseases such as diabetes and glaucoma. For instance, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Korea is involved in the development of a combination of smart contact lens and eyeglass which can be used to monitor a diabetes and dispensing of medication on-demand.Smart Contact Lens: Regional OverviewRegion wise, the global smart contact lens market is classified into regions namely, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East and Africa.North America leads the global smart contact lens market followed by Europe. The clinical trials for Triggerfish Sensor have been conducted in countries such as France, Denmark, India, Canada, Spain, Israel, Germany, Belgium, Poland and Switzerland.Visit For TOC@Smart Contact Lens: Key PlayersSome of the key players in global smart contact lens market are Sensimed AG, Google Inc., Novartis AG, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Innovega Inc. and others.About Us  Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Tourniquet Market Research Report by Key Players Analysis 2023

Tourniquet Market

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The global tourniquet market is characterized by the rising popularity of disposable tourniquet cuffs as concerns regarding bacterial infections from the use of reusable cuffs gather momentum. Despite having the advantage of durability and low cost, the segment of reusable tourniquet cuffs is expected to lose to disposable cuffs over 2015 to 2023.This highly dynamic and competitive market features the presence of a large number of tourniquet suppliers. The market is driven by the demand for technologically advanced devices. Increased attempts from companies to introduce innovative products, such as the A.T.S.3000 manufactured by Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., are expected to intensify the competition further, states TMR in a recent report. The top vendors in the market, Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. and Stryker Corporation have their operations in North America, leading to a saturated marketplace.This 75 page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the Tourniquet Market. Browse through 10 data tables and 30 figures to unlock the hidden opportunities in this market:Besides industrial accidents, slips, and falls, road accidents are one of the most common causes of serious limb injuries across the world. The WHO states that in 2013, nearly 1.24 mn people died worldwide due to road accidents. Moreover, several millions suffer serious fractures and limb injuries from road accidents every year across the world. The WHO also mentions in a report that only 28 countries in the world, accounting for a mere 7% of the worlds population, have comprehensive and well defined road safety laws.Lenient countries are thus highly susceptible to witnessing an increased number of accidents triggered by risk factors such as drinking and driving, speeding, and failure to use motorcycle helmets. The rising numbers of consumer vehicles entering the roads every year, especially in developing countries, also leverage the risk of road accidents in the absence of proper traffic rules and regulations.As tourniquets form one of the first lines of treatment for emergency orthopedic injuries and accident patients, the rising numbers of road accidents will require an increased number of tourniquets in hospitals and other healthcare settings over the future. Developing countries in Asia Pacific, in a bid to improve their healthcare infrastructures and enhance the management of accident cases, will be the leading consumers of tourniquets.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Tourniquet Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market:Rising healthcare expenditures across developed and developing countries is also boosting the demand for tourniquets across hospitals and trauma centers. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services revealed that healthcare spending in the U.S. increased from 3.6% in 2013 to 5% in 2014.Developing countries such as India, China, and Philippines are witnessing financial support from their respective governments and provisions for enhancing healthcare services to the populations.North America is presently the leading regional market for the tourniquet market; it accounted for a dominant 53.3% share in the global market in 2014. A huge rise in road accidents and excellent healthcare facilities, combined with the presence of two of the worlds leading tourniquet device and systems manufacturers have worked in favor of the regional market. However, Asia Pacific will lead to the most lucrative growth opportunities for the global tourniquet market, which will exhibit a 9.9% CAGR from 2015 to 2023 in the region.The market had an opportunity worth US$184.6 mn in 2014 and is expected to expand at a healthy 9.3% CAGR from 2015 to 2023, and rise to US$408.6 mn by 2023. Hospitals emerged as the largest end-users of tourniquet systems and cuffs in 2014, accounting for a massive 73.3% share in the global market.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Operating Room Equipment Market Research Report Forecast to 2023

Operating Room Equipment Market

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About 42% of the global operating room equipment market was in the hands of a large number of regional players in 2014, finds Transparency Market Research (TMR) in a new study. This highly fragmented market witnesses a towering presence of about five key players  including Siemens Healthcare, Stryker Corporation, and GE Healthcare  that hold significant shares from the remainder. GE Healthcare, for instance, held close to 19% of the operating room equipment revenues in 2014, which was the single largest in that year.According to Transparency Market Research, all key players are showing a common trait of heavy investments in research and development in operating room equipment innovations. Successful innovations have allowed these players to maintain major revenue shares for the time being.This 102 page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the Operating Room Equipment Market. Browse through 6 data tables and 18 figures to unlock the hidden opportunities in this market:Ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) are a relatively modern approach towards out-patient surgical solutions. They cater specifically to those surgical procedures that do not require a patient to stay overnight in a hospital.In the U.S., in 2012, there were more than 5,000 Medicare-approved ASCs, as the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services had revealed. There was a rise in 24% for the Medicare payments made to ASCs between 2007 and 2012, explains a TMR analyst. This establishes the already set importance of ASCs in developed economies, and the demand for ASCs is only expected to grow even further over the coming years, she adds. As a result, vendors of operating room equipment are expected to find a high scope of growth in similar regions.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Operating Room Equipment Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market:High population density and rapidly improving healthcare infrastructure are the two biggest reasons for globally present companies for operating room equipment to find sustainable options in the Asia Pacific and Latin America regions. This applies especially to India, where the rapid growth of multispecialty hospitals is creating a high demand for hybrid operating rooms. Fortis Healthcare, Wockhardt Hospitals, and Apollo Hospitals, to name a few, are where entrants to Asia Pacific can look to, says the analyst.Additionally, the massive presence of an overseas patient pool due to the rise of medical tourism is creating an optimistic scope of growth for both hospitals and operating room equipment sales. In the case of Brazil, Mexico, and other Latin American countries hold a high percentage of unmet medical needs. This gap in supply and demand, coupled with the growing healthcare expenditure through improved disposable incomes of patients will be beneficial for the proliferation of operating room equipment providers in the region.The global operating room equipment market is expanding at a CAGR of 6.68% within a forecast period from 2015 to 2023. This market will be valued above US$42 bn in 2023, after being recorded around US$24 bn in 2014. A major contribution to this growth rate is made by the movable imaging products segment, which is progressing at a CAGR of 8.20% within the same forecast period.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Pediatric Ultrasound Market would register a CAGR of 4% from 2017 to 2025

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Progressive Markets has published a report, titled, Global Pediatric Ultrasound Market - Size, Trend, Share, Opportunity Analysis & Forecast, 20142025. As per the report, the global pediatric ultrasound market generated a revenue of $252 million in 2015 and is estimated to reach $332 million by 2022, registering a CAGR of 4% from 2016 to 2022. The report offers a comprehensive analysis of drivers & restraints, top impacting factors, detailed segmentation, market size & forecasts, and key market players. The study is a helpful source of information to gain insights on untapped geographies, recent market status, major market trends, and market size projections by 2022. It benefits market players, investors, stakeholders, VPs, and new entrants to gain detailed understanding of the current market conditions and outlook toward future to devise strategies for growth.Sample Report Available Here @The report provides an executive summary of the global pediatric ultrasound market to help management executives and investors to save time to roll out strategies for growth and quantify opportunities. It also helps them to devise plans by considering a future-centric approach. Key benefits of the market are outlined along with outlining dominating segments. Market research methodology is highlighted in the research to help readers determine sources of data, information, and statistics. Primary and secondary methodology are mentioned along with highlighting analyst tools & models in the study.A market overview is offered in the report along with key findings and market dynamics. Top impacting factors, key winning strategies, and investment pockets are outlined to assist market players, new entrants, and investors devise their next moves. Porters Five Forces analysis is offered in the study to help market players develop strategy for business and determine level of competition. Market share analysis for key segments are offered for 2015 with the help of tabular and pictorial format. Market dynamics are provided in the study in terms of drivers, challenges, and opportunities.Enquire About Report @Technological advancements in ultrasound devices, increase in prevalence of pediatric chronic heart diseases, rise in consciousness about diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases in children, and low threat of exposure to ionizing radiations are factors driving the global pediatric ultrasound market. Lack of skilled and dedicated pediatric sonographers and limitations of ultrasound imaging are challenges manufacturers need to overcome. Untapped geographies and investments in emerging economies present new opportunities in the industry. These insights help to determine steps to be taken to experience growth by tapping into growth driving factors and weighing up opportunities.The report offers a detailed segmentation of the global pediatric ultrasound market based on age group and geography. Based on age group, the market is classified into newborns (04 weeks), infants (4 weeks to 1 year), toddlers (13 years), preschoolers (46 years), school-aged children (613 years), and adolescents (1319 years). In 2015, newborns and adolescents segments contributed the highest revenue, accounting for around half of the total market share. The adolescents segment is the fastest growing segment, growing with a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period. This is attributed to rise in the prevalence of high blood pressure, obesity, and smoking among adolescents that leads to cardiac disorders. Geographically, the market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. These insights are helpful to determine dominating segments, devise strategies for expansion, and increase user base.The report offers a detailed analysis of key market players operating in the global pediatric ultrasound industry. Company overview, business segments, and business performance of each player are outlined in the research. Moreover, key strategic moves taken and developments are also offered in the study. Key market players operating in the industry are Analogic Corporation, Esaote SpA, Fujifilm Corporation, General Electric Company, Hitachi, Ltd., Koninklijke Philips N.V., Mindray Medical International Limited, Samsung Medison Co. Ltd., Siemens AG, and Toshiba Corporation. These information is helpful to determine competitive intensity and open up opportunities for collaborations, agreements, and partnerships. These insights are helpful for investors to determine investment feasibility.Table Of ContentCHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION1.1 Report description1.1 Key benefits1.2 Key market segment1.3 Research methodologyCHAPTER 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY2.1 CXO perspectiveCHAPTER 3 MARKET OVERVIEW3.1 Market definition and scope3.2 Key findings3.3 Porters five forces analysis3.4 Market dynamics3.5 Key player positioning, 20153.6 Industry trendsCHAPTER 4 WORLD ULTRASOUND MARKET FOR PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY, BY AGE GROUP4.1 OverviewCHAPTER 5 WORLD PEDIATRIC ULTRASOUND MARKET FOR CARDIOLOGY , BY REGION, 2015-20225.1 Overview5.2 North America5.3 Europe5.4 Asia-Pacific5.5 LAMEARead Complete Report With TOC@Progressive Markets is the answer to every possible business query. It is a market research and business consulting firm, headquartered in India with an aim to deliver up-to-date executive support to foster overall growth of an organization in its domain. With more than 442 syndicate and customized research reports for 11 industry verticals at hand, the plausible resolutions to your business concerns are just one-query away. The company offers client-centric customizations on research reports to cater to their operational segment and geography.Progressive Markets was found with an initiative to bridge the gap between enterprises and global opportunities. It is driven by the sole motive to build an effective channel to communicate up-to-date qualitative and quantitative market intelligence with all-scale participants. The company makes use of primary corporate research and secondary inputs from trusted sources to build its own reference base. It maintains consistency in quality as it keeps itself updated with changes in market dynamics and gauging its net effect on global business trends.Contact Us:5933 NE Win Sivers Drive,#205, Portland, OR 97220,United States.Int'l: +1-971-202-1575Toll Free: ++ 1-800-910-6452Fax: +1-800-792-5285help@progressivemarkets.com
Smart Glass in Automotive Market to Expand with Significant CAGR During 2016 - 2026

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A smart glass is a type of glass that modifies and controls the light properties passing through it as per the variation in the light intensity, fluctuation in voltage and heat variation. Initially the scope of the smart glasses was limited to only construction and architectural purposes but nowadays it has widen to aviation, rail, marine and automotive. Rapid research and development in this segment has attracted many private players and government agencies to invest in this technology. Due to this reason the number of players offering smart glass to the automotive company has increased significantly in the recent years. Also the countries like China and India offer tremendous opportunity for automotive market growth, so smart glass manufacturers are trying to expand their business in these emerging economies. There are wide applications of smart glass in any automotive that includes rear and side view mirror, sunroofs, windshield, backlights and sidelights so the smart glass in automotive has a healthy growth potential in the further future. Also there are safety regulations pertaining to the glass used in automotive these days and this leads to the increased usage of this smart glasses in order to be in line with the norms of a specific region. The global smart glass in automotive market is anticipated to have a lucrative CAGR in the forecasted period.To view complete report @Global Smart Glass in Automotive Market: Drivers and RestrainsIncreasing global automotive market and the essential glasses being deployed in these automotive is the key driving factor for the global smart glass in automotive market. Also automotive consumers are becoming aware about this technology and for their luxury and comfort they are implementing this technology in their vehicles that is bolstering the aftermarket of smart glass. Also mandatory rules and regulations of some countries for the safety and security of the passengers is another factor forcing the vehicle owners to deploy smart glasses, thereby leading to growth of smart glass in automotive market. However, high cost associated with these smart glasses are making people to think twice before opting for this technology. Also in some developing regions vehicles users are not aware about this technology. Aforementioned factors might hamper global smart glass in automotive market growth.A sample of this report is available upon request @Global Smart Glass in Automotive Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the global smart glass in automotive market is segmented into seven regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan and Middle East and Africa (MEA). Western Europe is the leading region in the global smart glass in automotive market due to the deployment of essential smart glasses in the vehicles being manufactured especially in Germany. Asia Pacific is the second major contributor in the global smart glass in automotive market due to presence of automobile giants such as Maruti Suzuki India Limited, Hero MotoCorp Ltd and other companies, which has led towards installation of smart glass in automobiles. Companies such as General Motors Company, The Ford Motor Company are having a significant contribution in the North America, thus making it a considerable market in the global smart glass in automotive market. Japan is well established in the automotive market, so smart glasses are used on a large scale by the automobile manufacturers in this region. Latin America and Middle East and Africa are at a nascent stage in the global smart glass in automotive market but is anticipated to record modest growth during the forecast period.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Global Smart Glass in Automotive Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in the global smart glass in automotive market are as follows:PPG IndustriesSAGE ElectrochromicsGentex Corp.Research Frontiers, Inc.Hitachi Chemicals Co. Ltd.View, IncGlass Apps.AGC, Ltd.SmartGlass International Ltd.Scienstry IncRavenBrick LLCPleotint, LLCAbout UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Gas Hydrates Market Opportunities and Forecast Assessment, 2016-2026

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Gas hydrates are also known as methane hydrates and are cage-structured lattices of water molecules which contains methane, the foremost component of natural gas. Gas hydrates are crystalline, naturally occurring, ice-like substances which is poised of gas particles bonded in a cage-like arrangement. Gas hydrates are a rigorous arrangement of natural gas but are less concerted as compared to liquefied natural gas. Gas hydrates occur in beneath of the sediment outer continental margins in foremost regions of Siberia and Alaska. Gas hydrates occur in a modes of occurrence and varied range of geologic settings. These regions include host lithology, gas hydrate in abundance, and distribution inside the burial depth, sediment matrix, water depth, and several others. The key regulatory factor on where gas hydrate forms is availability of methane and lithology.Gas Hydrates Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe major factors driving the growth of gas hydrates market are growing demand of oil and gas across the world, gas hydrates end-user adaptability. Moreover, the market is seen as an opportunity in gas sector as most of the major gas & oil players across the world are doing an advanced research to drive methods for extraction of gas hydrates from ocean. Although, recently India and Japan, are launching aspiring projects to examine the feasibility of gas hydrates. These initiative projects from major countries will help to answer significant questions on the properties of the design of the production system, the host reservoir, and, the economics and costs of hydrate recovery. The geological survey performed by U.S. has a dynamic research program to certificate the geographic factors to measure the volume of gas stored gas hydrate accumulations in U.S and that regulate the occurrence of gas hydrates. The factor restraining the growth of gas hydrates market is climate warming, as enormous volumes of methane are stowed across the globe in the sea floor in the form of solid methane hydrates. Gas hydrates signify an abundant energy reserve for the world. But on other hand it cause climate warming, however, could cause the hydrates to unsettle. The gas hydrates is a greenhouse gas, which can emit without any usage into the atmosphere and also can quicken the climate change.Request For Report Sample@Gas Hydrates Market: Market SegmentationThe gas hydrates market is segmented into four parts based on the product type, application type, distribution channels, and geography.Based on the type the gas hydrates market is segmented into:Onshore gas hydratesOffshore/ Marine gas hydratesBased on the application type the gas hydrates market is segmented into:VehicleCommercialIndustrialOthersGas hydrates Market: Regional OutlookRegarding geography, gas hydrates market has been categorized into five key regions including North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, APEJ, Japan, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Gas hydrates market is expected to register healthy CAGR during the forecast period. Asia-Pacific represents the significantly high market share and grow with comparatively high CAGR in forecast period. North America is experiencing the rapid increase in the production capacity of gas hydrates as demand for oil and gas in the region is rising at faster pace. The gas hydrates market is projected to register healthy growth in coming five years due rising consumption of gas hydrates across globe in future. Gas hydrates market for Asia Pacific is also expected to witness rapid growth during the forecast period primarily attributed to the growth of oil and gas industry, especially in China and India.Request For TOC@Gas Hydrates Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in the upcoming prominent gas hydrates market are:-Global Oil & Gas AGPetroChinaRoyal Dutch ShellSinopecTotal SAValero EnergyOthersABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Mobility as a Service Market Scenario, Leading Players, Segments Analysis and Growth by Forecast to 2023

Mobility as a Service Market

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Mobility As A Service Market  Overview:The Mobility As A Service, or MaaS is new concept of service that provides the new opportunities to improve customer travel choice and support greater efficiency in how our transport services are provided to them to travel without facing any difficulties. Mobility as a Service is a new means of transportation system has broader scope to transform the way we choose the transportation medium to travel from one place to another and provides an opportunity for policy makers to secure benefits to improve the travelling experience of the people. In a nutshell, Mobility as a Service or MaaS is a new ways of getting people to their destination and new ways for them to pay for transport services.The study indicates that Mobility as a Service Market has generated high travel demand on transport networks and Mobility as a Service Provider has managed the mobility needs of both workplaces and employees that may support a reducing the traffic in peak hours. It describes a shift away from personally owned modes of transportation and towards mobility solutions that are consumed as a service.The technological development that is simultaneously taking place in many sectors makes it possible to turn mobility into a service. Wireless broadband, smart phones, other portable smart devices and location services have become more widely used and intelligent cars have entered the markets. Information also plays a key role. Transport information together with the transport and communications infrastructure form a platform on which transport services can be further developed.MaaS will consequently become an environment friendly transportation through the deployment of fleet-based, alternative powertrain vehicles and reduced congestion through improved utilization rates of available resources. Autonomous operation will rule out the excess expenses such as Drivers Pay, insurance costs, etc. Increase utilization rates and enable over the air-based self-servicing and preventive maintenance. The total variable cost per mile will get reduced to an extent that significantly undercuts the cost of car ownership and enable MaaS ecosystem development.Request a Sample Report @Major Key Players: Lyft (U.S) Car2Go (U.S) Uber (U.S) Hailo (U.K) Bridj (U.S) Ridepal (U.S) Ola (India) Make my trip (India) Wiwigo (India) Grabtaxi (Singapore) Didi Dache (China) Lecabs (France) Cabify (U.S)Mobility As A Service Global Market  Segments:The Global Mobility As A Service Market is segmented in to 5 key dynamics for the convenience of the report and enhanced understanding;Segmentation By Type : Comprises Bus, Cab, Flight, and others.Segmentation By Application : Comprises Personalized application service, Dynamic Journey management, Flexible payment, Transactions Journey planning.Segmentation By Services: Comprises E hailing services, Bike sharing, Car sharing, Pop up bus services, Self-Driving car, Available routes, Pricing information, MaaS customer transaction validation, Real time asset/vehicle position, Asset usage by customers, Ride sharing, Transport Operator assets and other services.Segmentation By End Users : Comprises Public sector, Private sector, and others.Segmentation By Regions : Comprises Geographical regions - North America, Europe, APAC and Rest of the World.Mobility As A Service Market  SynopsisFuture of MaaS Market: Mobility will to a greater extent become a service in which physical mobility and digital services merge into a high-quality door-to-door service that meets the users' needs. In the future various transport service chains should work seamlessly together. This means a holistic change in the entire transport system and in the roles of the transport operators.In the future transport system, the users will be actively involved in planning the system. The private sector has the responsibility for innovations and service development and the role of the public sector is to enable the change and provide favorable operating conditions. The responsibility for innovations and service development lies with the private sector.Browse Full Report Details @Regional Analysis:The regional analysis of Mobility as a Service market is being studied for region such as Asia pacific, North Americas, Europe and Rest of the World. Technological advancements in ease of transportation system to handle traffic control and cover the distance in time has driven the market of Mobility as a Service in North America.The study reveals that Europe region is also showing the positive sign towards online mobility services at a very rapid pace in the Mobility as a Service market during the forecast period as MaaS is providing best services to travel and security to the travelers. Asia-Pacific countries like China, Japan and India have shown considerably fair share in the Mobility as a Service market but will be growing fast in coming time.Table of Contents1 Market Introduction1.1 Introduction1.2 Scope of Study1.2.1 Research Objective1.2.2 Assumptions1.2.3 Limitations1.3 Market Structure:1.3.1 Global Mobility As A Service Market: By Type1.3.2 Global Mobility As A Service Market: By Application1.3.3 Global Mobility As A Service Market: By Services1.3.4 Global Mobility As A Service Market: By End User1.3.5 Global Mobility As A Service Market: By RegionContinuedList of TablesTable 1 Mobility As A Service Market, By TypeTable 2 Mobility As A Service Market, By ApplicationTable 3 Mobility As A Service Market, By ServicesContinuedList of FiguresFigure 1 Research MethodologyFigure 2 Mobility As A Service Market: By Type (%)Figure 3 Mobility As A Service Market: By Application (%)ContinuedAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureMarket Research FutureOffice No. 524/528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune  411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Global Quartz Stone Market Research Report 2017: Compac, Vicostone, Dupont, LG Hausys, Cambria

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This report studies Quartz Stone in Global market, especially in North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia and India, focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with capacity, production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringCOSENTINOCaesarstoneHanwha L&CCompacVicostoneDupontLG HausysCambriaSanta MargheritaQuartz MasterSEIEFFEQuarellaSamsung RadianzTechnistoneZhongxunSinostoneBitto(Dongguan)OVERLANDUVIISTONEPolystoneOrdanMeyateGelandiBlue Sea QuartzBaoliyaQianyunFill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Market Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue, market share and growth rate of Quartz Stone in these regions, from 2011 to 2021 (forecast), likeNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaSplit by product type, with production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoMeasurementQuartz SurfaceQuartz TileOthersSplit by application, this report focuses on consumption, market share and growth rate of Quartz Stone in each application, can be divided intoResidential QuartzCommercial QuartzTable of ContentsGlobal Quartz Stone Market Research Report 20171 Quartz Stone Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Quartz Stone1.2 Quartz Stone Segment by Type1.2.1 Global Production Market Share of Quartz Stone by Type in 20151.2.2 Measurement1.2.3 Quartz Surface1.2.4 Quartz Tile1.2.5 OthersRead Comprehensive Overview of Report @2 Global Quartz Stone Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Quartz Stone Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.2 Global Quartz Stone Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.3 Global Quartz Stone Average Price by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.4 Manufacturers Quartz Stone Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Quartz Stone Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Quartz Stone Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Quartz Stone Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Quartz Stone Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 Global Quartz Stone Capacity and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 Global Quartz Stone Production and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.3 Global Quartz Stone Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.4 Global Quartz Stone Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.5 North America Quartz Stone Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.6 Europe Quartz Stone Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.7 China Quartz Stone Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Global Telecom Managed Service Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022: Sprint, Unisys, Amdocs, Tech Mahindra

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This report studies the global Telecom Managed Service market, analyzes and researches the Telecom Managed Service development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeCisco SystemsEricsson ABHuawei TechnologiesInternational Business MachinesVerizon CommunicationsAT&TCenturylinkNTT Data CorporationComarch SAGTT CommunicationsSprintUnisysAmdocsTech MahindraFill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaMarket segment by Type, Telecom Managed Service can be split intoManaged Data CenterManaged NetworkManaged Data and InformationManaged MobilityManaged CommunicationManaged SecurityMarket segment by Application, Telecom Managed Service can be split intoSmall EnterprisesMedium EnterprisesLarge EnterprisesTable of ContentsGlobal Telecom Managed Service Market Size, Status and Forecast 20221 Industry Overview of Telecom Managed Service1.1 Telecom Managed Service Market Overview1.1.1 Telecom Managed Service Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Telecom Managed Service Market Size and Analysis by Regions1.2.1 United States1.2.2 EU1.2.3 Japan1.2.4 China1.2.5 India1.2.6 Southeast AsiaRead Comprehensive Overview of Report @4 Global Telecom Managed Service Market Size by Type and Application (2012-2017)4.1 Global Telecom Managed Service Market Size by Type (2012-2017)4.2 Global Telecom Managed Service Market Size by Application (2012-2017)4.3 Potential Application of Telecom Managed Service in Future4.4 Top Consumer/End Users of Telecom Managed Service5 United States Telecom Managed Service Development Status and Outlook5.1 United States Telecom Managed Service Market Size (2012-2017)5.2 United States Telecom Managed Service Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)6 EU Telecom Managed Service Development Status and Outlook6.1 EU Telecom Managed Service Market Size (2012-2017)6.2 EU Telecom Managed Service Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)7 Japan Telecom Managed Service Development Status and Outlook7.1 Japan Telecom Managed Service Market Size (2012-2017)7.2 Japan Telecom Managed Service Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Global Warehouse Management System Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022: SAP, Infor, TECSYS

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This report studies the global Warehouse Management System market, analyzes and researches the Warehouse Management System development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeEpicor SoftwareJDAManhattan AssociatesOracleSAPInforTECSYS...Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaFill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Market segment by Type, Warehouse Management System can be split intoAdvancedIntermediateBasicMarket segment by Application, Warehouse Management System can be split intoAutomotiveHealthcareChemicalsMetal & MachineryOthersTable of ContentsGlobal Warehouse Management System Market Size, Status and Forecast 20221 Industry Overview of Warehouse Management System1.1 Warehouse Management System Market Overview1.1.1 Warehouse Management System Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Warehouse Management System Market Size and Analysis by Regions1.2.1 United States1.2.2 EU1.2.3 Japan1.2.4 China1.2.5 India1.2.6 Southeast AsiaRead Comprehensive Overview of Report @2 Global Warehouse Management System Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Warehouse Management System Market Size (Value) by Players (2016 and 2017)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in Future3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 Epicor Software3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Warehouse Management System Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent DevelopmentsAbout UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Under the new strategic partnership policy, select Indian companies would be called for building the copters with a foreign partner at an Indian facility.

By Ajit Kumar Dubey: With the Russian Kamov-226T copter not meeting its requirements, the Navy is soon going to issue an expression of interest for procuring 110 light utility helicopters to be manufactured by an Indian firm in collaboration with a foreign firm.

Kamov-226T helicopter has been chosen to be built in a joint venture between Russia and Indian Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for supplying 200 copters to the Army and Air Force for similar requirements of replacing their vintage fleet of Cheetah and Chetak copters.

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"As the strategic partnership policy has been cleared by the government, an Expression of Interest would be issued to the Indian firms by the Defence Ministry in the next few weeks to buy 110 copters, which would be under the 'Made in India' project," government sources told Mail Today.

The sources said the Kamov 226T does not meet the naval requirements and therefore, a fresh tender would be required for buying the copters for the maritime force, they said.

The Navy flies Chetak copters for both shore-based and warship operations for search and rescue and surveillance operations along with a limited number of Dhruv copters for the force.

INDIAN FIRMS LIKELY TO TAKE PART

A number of Indian firms including Mahindra, L&T and Bharat Forge are likely to take part in the tender for which the foreign partner would be searched for separately by the force. The tender had been in the making for a long time. The force had to wait for more than two years for even starting the tender process as the government was formulating the strategic partnership policy during this time.

In his previous stint as the defence minister in September 2014, Arun Jaitley had scrapped a previous tender for acquiring 56 light utility copters in which scam-tainted tor in the early days of the Narendra Modi government.

Jaitley at that time had scrapped the deal in favour of 'Make in India' in defence sector in the early days of the Narendra Modi government.

Under the new strategic partnership policy, select Indian companies would be called for building the copters with a foreign partner at an Indian facility with an aim of developing and promoting the local defence industry.

FOREIGN VENDORS TO PARTICIPATE

Foreign vendors to participate in the tender include Airbus Helicopters from Europe, Russian Helicopters, Sikorsky and Bell Helicopters from the US.

Navy has suffered badly in field of procuring new copters for its depleting fleet, as one of its tenders to buy 16 copters from American firm Sikorsky had to be scrapped due to issues over price and delays in acquisition.

The Navy is also looking to come out with a fresh tender for acquiring 123 Naval Multirole Helicopters (NMRH) through the Make in India route and that is touted to be one of the biggest copter tenders in the world.

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Its only success in case of acquiring new copters has been in buying 16 new ALH Dhruv helicopters in partnership with the Indian Coast Guard, which is also buying an equal number of them.

Also Read:

Defence Ministry scraps Rs 6,500 crore Navy helicopter deal, bargains hard on price

Defence ministry finalises strategic partnership model to manufacture submarines, fighter jets

Also Watch:

Chinese helicopter violates Indian airspace, flies over Uttarakhand for 4 minutes

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Clinical Trials Market Value Share, Analysis and Segments 2015-2025

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Clinical trials are research studies performed on humans to gain specific information about biomedical interventions such as novel vaccines, devices, treatments and drugs and thereby generating safety data. Clinical trials are regulated by health authorities and ethics committees.Documents required for performing clinical trials are investigators brochure (IB) which include current and relevant scientific information about the investigational product, United States Food and Drug (FDA) form 1572, protocol and amendments, inform consent, other written information for participants, recruitment advertisement, financial disclosure form (FDF), master clinical trial agreement (MCTA), institutional review board (IRB) approval, medical licensure, training records, laboratory accreditation, visit monitor reports, miscellaneous document, signature sheet and documentation of investigational drug destruction. The International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) brings together regulatory authorities of Europe, the United States, Japan and experts from pharmaceutical industry to frame and regulate the technical and scientific aspects of pharmaceutical product registration. The Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) states rules and standard guidelines for clinical trials. ICH guidelines are followed as law by several countries in the world.Request For Report Sample@Clinical trials are conducted in four phases namely, Phase I, II, III and IV. Phase I is conducted for safety, phase II is conducted for efficacy, phase III is conducted for final confirmation of safety and efficacy and phase IV is conducted for post sales studies. Risk to participants involved in clinical trials decreases from phase I to phase VI. Number of participants increases from phase I to phase IV resulting in increasing cost of trials. Based on the phases of clinical trials, global clinical trials market is segmented as follows:Phase IPhase IIPhase IIIPhase IVBased on indication, global clinical trials market is classified as follows:Blood disordersOphthalmologyAutoimmune diseasesCirculatory diseasesCancerGenitourinary diseasesCongenital diseasesMusculoskeletal diseasesCentral nervous system (CNS)InfectionsDermatologyMetabolic disordersCardio vascular system (CVS) diseasesGastrointestinal diseasesMental disordersOthersBeing relatively costly process, in order to reduce economic burden on company and shift focus on core business activities, many companies outsource their clinical trial activities to contract research organizations (CROs). Contract research organizations provide services such as clinical trial management, clinical research and preclinical research. Factors such as advancement in technology and increasing demand of innovative solutions in healthcare industry are driving the market of global clinical trials towards growth. On the other hand, factors such as high cost and stringent regulations are restraining the growth of clinical trials market globally. Geographically, the global clinical trials market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World.Visit For TOC@North America is the leading consumer of global clinical trials solutions, followed by Europe. Ample availability of funds to outsource clinical trials serves as the major growth driver for the North America clinical trials market. Asia-Pacific demonstrates impressive growth potential for clinical trials market and is expected to show the highest growth rate as compared to other regions in the world. Countries such as India are attractive markets due to advantages such as availability of skilled practitioners and availability government support in terms development of outsourcing hubs thus attracting pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to outsource clinical trial activities to CROs in this region. Some of the market leaders contributing to the global clinical trials market include Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk A/S, Ranbaxy Laboratories, Ltd., Sanofi Aventis A.S. and Roche Group.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Digital X-Ray Equipment Market Value Share, Analysis and Segments 2015-2025

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Two-dimensional images produced by x-ray radiation is the practice of projectional radiography, also known as plain film radiography. Digital X-Ray equipment is utilized in medical imaging of human body. X-rays are ionizing radiations that possess the energy to penetrate human tissue. Digital x-rays interact with human tissues and generate diagnostic images. The human tissues are exposed to a beam of x-ray which is also known as primary beam. It passes through the body and gets absorbed by the human tissues. This process of absorption of the primary beam by human tissues is known as attenuation. Attenuation is the key function that results in formation of digital x-ray images through Digital x-ray equipment. The dense anatomy of the body such as the bones absorb more x-rays than the thin anatomy of the body. The primary x-ray beam after attenuation is known as remnant beam. The remnant beam is received by image receptor of the Digital x-ray equipment. The dense anatomy appears white while the thin anatomy appears black on radiographs produced by Digital x-ray equipment.Digital X-Ray Equipment Market: Drivers & RestraintsDigital x-ray uses x-ray to view the internal anatomy of the irregularly composed opaque tissues. The opaque tissues highly vary in their density and x-rays are the most efficient electromagnetic radiations that represent clear digital images through digital x-ray equipment. X-rays are safe radiations for the living tissues and digital x-ray images can be generated of every body organ. The digital x-ray equipment market is majorly driven by novel technological advancements, increasing healthcare expenditure, rise in ageing population and disease prevalence. The digital x-ray equipment market is also witnessing highly competitive scenario that has led to large number of improved digital x-ray equipment launches. Moreover, digital x-ray equipment are less expensive yet more efficient than other radiography equipment. Digital x-ray equipment provides quick healthcare delivery and improves workflow. The digital x-ray equipment has the limitation of in-depth imaging. The digital x-ray equipment is based on transmission of the x-ray beam and this exposes only the surfaces of the human anatomy under observation. The details of the human anatomy are not revealed by the digital x-ray equipment.Request For Report Sample@Digital X-Ray Equipment Market: SegmentationDigital x-ray equipment market is classified on the basis of product type and geography.Based on product type, the global Digital X-Ray Equipment market is segmented into the following:Digital Radiography (DR)Computed Radiography (CR)Retrofit Radiography SystemDigital X-Ray Equipment Market: OverviewDigital X-Ray Equipment is widely used in the imaging of all human body tissues and has become a part of routine checkup. Digital x-ray equipment deliver medical imaging in the standard safety radiation dose. Digital x-ray imaging is one of the most important pillars of medical imaging. The global Digital x-ray equipment market is expected to expand at an exceptional double digit CAGR during the forecast period 2015 to 2025.Digital X-Ray Equipment Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, global Digital X-Ray Equipment market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a remarkable CAGR owing to the improving healthcare facilities and infrastructure. Also the expanding middle class population in the region is expected to add significant value to the digital x-ray equipment market. Moreover, the countries of New Zealand, Australia, India, China and Japan have ample potential and availability of advanced diagnostics and therapeutics. The APAC region also contributes favorably to the global medical tourism and further to the global digital x-ray equipment market.Visit For TOC@Digital X-Ray Equipment Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market players in global Digital X-Ray Equipment market are Siemens AG, Philips Healthcare, Canon USA Inc., Shimadzu Corporation, GE Healthcare, Varian Medical Systems, Agfa-Gevaert N.V. Healthcare, Hitachi Medical Corporation, Toshiba Medical Systems, Fuji Medical Systems and China Resources Holding Medical Equipment Company Limited. The competition in digital x-ray equipment market is majorly based on technological advances in digital x-ray equipment and the pricing of the digital x-ray equipment.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Non Fusion Spinal Devices Market Trends, Regulations And Competitive Landscape Outlook to 2025

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Spinal implants are devices used to treat disproportion of spine, provide stability and strengthen the spine of patients. These devices are broadly segmented as fusion and non-fusion spinal devices. Non-fusion technologies into spinal surgery has improved outcomes by providing patients to retain at least some movement and flexibility in the spine.Non fusion spinal technologies and disc diagnostic devices are used for the patients who are suffering from the problem of gradual disc damage, degenerative disc disease often results in disc herniation and chronic back or neck pain.According to WHO, back pain affects people of all ages, from children to the elderly, and is a very frequent reason for medical consultations. It is difficult to estimate the incidence of back pain as the incidence of back pain is already high by early adulthood and symptoms tend to recur over time. The lifetime prevalence of non-specific (common) back pain is estimated at 60% to 70% in industrialized countries.Request For Report Sample@Non Fusion Spinal Devices Market: Drivers and RestraintsNon fusion spinal technologies and disc diagnostic devices global market is driven by aging population, increase in the number of obesity patient, and rise in the demand for minimally invasive surgery proceduresNon fusion spinal technologies and disc diagnostic devices market is driven by new technological advancements. The huge population afflicted from obesity and back pain problem drives the global market. However, unstable reimbursement policies act as a major barrier for this market.Non Fusion Spinal Devices Market: SegmentationNon fusion spinal technologies and disc diagnostic devices market is segmented into following types:Artificial Discs ReplacementCervical Discs ReplacementLumber Discs ReplacementDynamic Stabilization DevicesInterspinous Process Decompression (IPD) DevicesPedicle Screw-Based Dynamic Stabilization SystemsAnnulus Repair DevicesNon Fusion Spinal Devices Market: OverviewWith rapid technological advancement and wide acceptance of non-fusion spinal technologies and disc diagnostic devices among patients with back pain problem, the global non fusion spinal technologies and disc diagnostic devices market is expected to grow at healthy CAGR in the forecast period (2012-2025).Non Fusion Spinal Devices Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, global non fusion spinal technologies and disc diagnostic devices market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa.North America contributes the largest market share as the degenerative disc disease affects almost 50% of the U.S. population above age 40 years. Asia pacific shows the fastest growth due to large number of population.Visit For TOC@Non Fusion Spinal Devices Market: Key PlayersSome of the key participating players in this market are Medtronic Inc., Stryker Corporation, Zimmer Holdings Inc., DePuy Synthes and others.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
New Trends of Lithotripsy Devices Market with Worldwide Industry Analysis to 2025

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Lithotripsy is a procedure that helps to break the process of urolithiasis. Urolithiasis is the process of forming stones in the kidney, bladder, and/or urethra. Kidney stones are a common cause of blood in the urine and pain in the abdomen, flank, or groin. Kidney stones occur in 1 in 20 people at some time in their life.Lithotripsy is a procedure that uses shock wave to break up stones in the kidney, bladder, or ureter. After the procedure, the tiny pieces of stones pass out of rom the body by the help of urine.Many parts of the world are now suffering from the stones disease which poses a major health hazard affecting 20% of the general population worldwide. In the U.S alone, up to 12% of men and 6% of women will develop urolithiasis at some point of life. In Thailand, the highest prevalence rate of 16.9% was reported in the Northeast provinces, while in Middle Eastern countries, the lifetime prevalence of kidney stone is even high.Request For Report Sample@Lithotripsy Devices Market: Drivers and RestraintsPresently, lithotripsy devices global market is driven by the aging population, technological advancement, increasing incidence of urolithiasis.Lithotripsy devices market is driven by geriatric population, technological advancement, increasing incidence of urolithiasis, and growing number of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy procedures being performed. However, adverse effect of lithotripsy shock waves which can often result in hypertension, diabetes, and in some cases permanent loss of functional renal volume act as major barrier for this market.Lithotripsy Devices Market: SegmentationLithotripsy devices global market is segmented into following types:Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy SystemIntracorporeal Lithotripsy SystemLaser LithotripsyElectrohydraulic LithotripsyMechanical LithotripsyUltrasonic LithotripsyLithotripsy Devices Market: OverviewWith the rapid technological advancement and increasing incidence of urolithiasis, the lithotripsy devices global market is expected to have healthy growth rate in the forecast period (2012-2025).Lithotripsy Devices Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic region, global orthopedic power tools market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa.The European region is estimated as the largest regional market in the world, whereas, Asia-Pacific market is estimated to be the fastest growing market during the forecast period. The growth of Asia-Pacific is likely to be supported by strong adoption potential for advanced technologies, due to rapidly growing awareness about technology and medical infrastructure, in this region.Visit For TOC@Lithotripsy Devices Market: Key playersSome of the key participating global players in this market are as Siemens AG, Medispec Inc., Olympus corp., Boston Scientific Corp., Direx Group and others.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Savory Ingredient Market Regulations and Competitive Landscape Outlook to 2025

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Savory ingredients are kind of flavor enhancer which possess the property to modify flavors in food without contributing to any separate flavor of their own. Savory flavors are primarily used while manufacturing processed savory products such and snacks, frozen savory meal and others. Savory ingredient enables to provide pleasant sense of taste and smell especially by reason of effective seasoning. Savory ingredient play an important role in enhancing the umami flavor of the product which is supporting its growth in the current scenario.Savory Ingredient Market SegmentationSavory ingredient market is segmented on the basis of form which includes liquid, powder, paste and spray dried. Among all these segments powder is expected occupy the major position on the pie. Easy usage and mixing properties with other ingredient is expected to drive its growth during the forecast period. Moreover, liquid is expected to show healthy growth in savory ingredient market in the near future. In addition spray dried savory ingredient is currently an emerging product in savory ingredient market, however it is expected to account for substantial growth within next five to six years.Request For Report Sample@Savory ingredient is also segmented on the basis of ingredient type which includes yeast extract, hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP), hydrolyzed animal protein (HAP), monosodium glutamate (MSG), nucleotides and others. Among all these segments monosodium glutamate is expected to contribute highest in terms of revenue. Monosodium glutamate properties such as it act as thickening and stabilizing agent in food products. Moreover it is cost effective which are supporting monosodium glutamate growth in the near future. In addition, yeast extract act as a fermenting ingredient. It also enables to reduce salt level from food content. Thus yeast extract is expected to account for substantial growth in next five to six years.Savory ingredient market is further segmented on the basis of application which includes food Industry pet food industry, others. Among all these segments food industry is expected to have a strong presence in savory ingredient market as compared to remaining segments. Increased consumption of processed savory and culinary food products across the globe is expected to be the prime factor driving the growth of savory ingredient market during the forecast period. Also, pet food industry is expected to show a substantial growth in the near future. Food industry is further sub-segment as dips, soups, instant noodle & sauces, meat & seafood, bakery products & savory snacks, others (baby food). Among all these sub- segment meat and sea food is expected to be dominant in terms of revenue contribution followed by savory snacks. Increased consumption of frozen and processed meat and sea food is predicted be the major factor contributing to the market growth of savory ingredient.Geographically, North America is expected to be the major contributor in terms of value followed by Europe. However these region is predicted to show a stable growth in the near future. Increasing awareness among the consumer regarding the ill effects of consuming processed food may affect the growth of savory ingredient in these regions. In developing countries of Asia Pacific region China is expected to dominate the market in terms of savory product consumption followed by India. Moreover Japan is expected to show a substantial growth during the forecast period. High volume consumption of sauces and noodles is predicted to be the supporting factor in the growth of savory ingredient market across the country.Savory Ingredient Market DriversRising disposable income in developing regions has led the consumer to get inclined towards processed savory and culinary food product which is predicted to support the growth of savory ingredient market in the near future. Moreover, savory ingredient is cost effective, due to which manufacturers is using it various reason such as stabilizer, emulsifier, thickening agent and others in food products which also expected to fuel its growth during the forecast period.Visit For TOC@Savory Ingredient Market Key PlayersSome of the key companies operating in savory ingredient market includes Tate & Lyle PLC, Kerry Group Plc., Lesaffre Group, Royal DSM, Synergy Flavors and Diana Group among others.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global Data Centre UPS Market Research 2017 - top players Schneider Electric, Belkin International, Eaton, Clary, Emerson, Toshiba

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Data Centre UPS Market Research Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.In this report, the global Data Centre UPS market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Data Centre UPS in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesEUChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwanGlobal Data Centre UPS market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingSchneider ElectricBelkin InternationalEatonClaryEmersonGeneral ElectricToshibaGamatronic Electronic IndustriesOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoBattery-OperatedFlywheelOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate of Data Centre UPS for each application, includingSmall Data CentresMedium Data CentresLarge Data CentresIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Table of ContentsGlobal Data Centre UPS Market Research Report 20171 Data Centre UPS Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Data Centre UPS1.2 Data Centre UPS Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Data Centre UPS Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Data Centre UPS Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Battery-Operated1.2.4 Flywheel1.3 Global Data Centre UPS Segment by Application1.3.1 Data Centre UPS Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Small Data Centres1.3.3 Medium Data Centres1.3.4 Large Data Centres1.4 Global Data Centre UPS Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Data Centre UPS Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 United States Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 EU Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 South Korea Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 Taiwan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Data Centre UPS (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Data Centre UPS Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Data Centre UPS Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)2 Global Data Centre UPS Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Data Centre UPS Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.1 Global Data Centre UPS Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Data Centre UPS Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Data Centre UPS Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global Data Centre UPS Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers Data Centre UPS Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Data Centre UPS Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Data Centre UPS Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Data Centre UPS Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Data Centre UPS Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 Global Data Centre UPS Capacity and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 Global Data Centre UPS Production and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.3 Global Data Centre UPS Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.4 Global Data Centre UPS Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.5 United States Data Centre UPS Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.6 EU Data Centre UPS Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.7 China Data Centre UPS Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.8 Japan Data Centre UPS Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.9 South Korea Data Centre UPS Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.10 Taiwan Data Centre UPS Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)4 Global Data Centre UPS Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)4.1 Global Data Centre UPS Consumption by Region (2012-2017)4.2 United States Data Centre UPS Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.3 EU Data Centre UPS Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.4 China Data Centre UPS Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.5 Japan Data Centre UPS Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.6 South Korea Data Centre UPS Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.7 Taiwan Data Centre UPS Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)5 Global Data Centre UPS Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Data Centre UPS Production and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.2 Global Data Centre UPS Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.3 Global Data Centre UPS Price by Type (2012-2017)5.4 Global Data Centre UPS Production Growth by Type (2012-2017)6 Global Data Centre UPS Market Analysis by Application6.1 Global Data Centre UPS Consumption and Market Share by Application (2012-2017)6.2 Global Data Centre UPS Consumption Growth Rate by Application (2012-2017)6.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities6.3.1 Potential Applications6.3.2 Emerging Markets/Countries7 Global Data Centre UPS Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Schneider Electric7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Data Centre UPS Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 Schneider Electric Data Centre UPS Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Belkin International7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Data Centre UPS Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Belkin International Data Centre UPS Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Eaton7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Data Centre UPS Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 Eaton Data Centre UPS Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 Clary7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.4.2 Data Centre UPS Product Category, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Product A7.4.2.2 Product B7.4.3 Clary Data Centre UPS Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 Emerson7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.5.2 Data Centre UPS Product Category, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Product A7.5.2.2 Product B7.5.3 Emerson Data Centre UPS Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.5.4 Main Business/Business OverviewContinued...Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market Segments And Key Trends 2016-2026

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Remote patient monitoring devices supports in monitoring of patients physical condition. Patient does not need to visit the medical practitioner. Digital technology is used in remote patient monitoring devices to gather health and other forms of medical data to securely pass on to healthcare providers situated at different location for clinical review. The accuracy of remote patient monitoring devices allows reliable diagnosis, leading to a more specific and efficient treatment. Remote patient monitoring devices helps to reduce costs of hospital stays by continuing to monitor patient condition, irrespective of patient location and also it helps to reduce overcrowding at clinics and diagnostic centers. Remote patient monitoring devices systems are used for continuously monitoring important physiological parameters like, heart activity, body temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate and other clinical conditions. Remote patient monitoring devices is based on real time data sharing which helps physicians to take vital decisions to ensure better patient treatment. Physician and healthcare providers are extending the use ofremote patient monitoring devices to enhance the excellence of patient care and reduce expenses by prognosis.Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market: Drivers & RestraintsRemote patient monitoring devices market is fueled by great technological advancements. The increasing incidence and prevalence of chronic diseases like heart conditions and diabetes requires compulsory life-long monitoring will also contribute to remote patient monitoring devicesglobal market. Increase in geriatric population around the globe is leading to enhanced global market forremote patient monitoring devices. Awareness among the medical practitioners and improved private sector and government involvement in remote patient monitoring devices is supporting the global market for remote patient monitoring devices dwell in developing countries. Deficiency of trained and expert professionals are hampering the growth of remote patient monitoring devices.Request For Report Sample@Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market: SegmentationGlobal remote patient monitoring devices market is segmented as following:By Product Type:Heart Rate MonitorsBlood Pressure MonitorsHeart MonitorsBreath MonitorsSleep Apnea MonitorsBlood Glucose MonitorsWeight MonitorsBody Temperature MonitorsInfusion PumpsBy End User:HospitalsAmbulatory Surgical CentersHomecare settingsRemote Patient Monitoring Devices Market: OverviewIncreased technological improvement, rise in the incidence and prevalence of chronic diseases along with increase in aging population, enhanced demand for remote monitoring, private sector and government involvement in remote patient monitoring devices, the global market for remote patient monitoring devices market is expected to have a healthy growth rate in the forecast period (2016-2026).Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, global remote patient monitoring devicesmarketis segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa.North America is the leading global remote patient monitoring devices market due to the high volumes of surgical procedures being performed. Also, the availability of established healthcare infrastructure, high influence of healthcare to economy are the reasons for the high demand in North America. Europe is also a lucrative market for remote patient monitoring devices due to rapid technological advancement in terms of healthcare sector. Asia Pacific market is expected to grow at a good rate as compared to NA and Europe as there is ample market opportunity in countries like India and China due the large population.Visit For TOC@Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market: Key PlayersSome of the key participating global remote patient monitoring devicesmarketare Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., AMD Global Telemedicine, Honeywell International Inc., Omron Healthcare, Smiths Medical, Medtronic, and others.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Companion Diagnostics Market Growth, Trends and Value Chain 2016-2026 by FMI

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Companion diagnostics are tests to understand which patient can be benefited from a certain drug or what dosage should be prescribed based upon patients clinical diagnosis, which provides evidence required for the successful and harmless use of an equivalent drug or biological product to treat the medical condition. These are medical instruments that support doctors to elect which treatment and dosage should be given to patients personalized to their necessity.Companion Diagnostics is utilized to ascertain who would benefit from treatment and it comes in handy to identify if someone cannot be cured, but also conversely can be harmed by use of specific drug used for their ailment. Technological advancements has brought a lot of changes in the method of disease treatment. Companion diagnostics is characterized by growing requirement for enhancedpersonalized patient treatment that gives healthcare providers and their patients an assurance about the treatment result in a positive way, contrary to traditional treatment procedure. Major impact of companion diagnostic will been on oncology therapy area.Request For Report Sample@Companion Diagnostics Market: Drivers and RestraintsPresently, companion diagnostics global market is driven by the technological advancement in healthcare industry, increase in various treatment procedures. Number of companion diagnostics can be given approval for a single drug as scientific knowledge advances with practical application of treatment. Although, cost related with latest technology acts as a key barrier for the growth of global companion diagnostics market.Companion Diagnostics Market: SegmentationCompanion diagnostic global market is segmented into following segments:By ApplicationColorectal CancerBreast CancerLung CancerMelanomaUrologyGastric CancerBy TechnologyImmunohistochemistryMolecular DiagnosticsIn-situ HybridizationFISHCISHReal Time PCRGene SequencingBy RegionNorth America (U.S., Canada)Latin America (Mexico. Brazil)Western Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K, Spain, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand)JapanMiddle East and Africa (GCC, S. Africa, N. Africa)Companion Diagnostics Market: OverviewWith rapid technological advancement, increase in the incidence of chronic disease, rise in aging population, increasing adoption rate of treatment of chronic disease, increase in number of prevalence of chronic disease around the globe are the factors expected to boost the companion diagnostics market over the forecast period.Companion Diagnostics Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, global companion diagnostics market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa.North America is the leading market for companion diagnostics because of rapid technical inventions, huge investment on research and development in this region. Whereas, Asia-Pacificand Europeis projected to grow at a significant growth due to large consumer base, rising government initiatives for enhancing healthcare infrastructure, and high disposable income.Visit For TOC@Companion Diagnostics Market: Key PlayersSome of the key participating global players in companion diagnostics market global market are ARUP Laboratories, Roche Molecular Systems Inc., Dako Inc., Qiagen Ltd., bioMerieux Inc.,Ventana Medical Systems Inc., Abbott Molecular Inc., Myriad Genetics Inc.,Biogenex Laboratories, Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH and others.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Black Pepper Market Forecast By End-use Industry 2016-2026

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Black Pepper is a pungent hot-tasting powder spice prepared from dried and ground peppercorns, used to flavor food. It is also known as king of spices because it contains rich anti-oxidants and other nutrients. The high demand for pepper presents an attractive market opportunity for new vendors to enter the market. In the present market scenario, it is estimated that the new crop of black pepper accounts for nearly 30% to 35% of the market. The high demand is expected to increase the price of black pepper, thereby increasing the profit margin of the vendors in this market.Apart from this, black pepper powder is also used to make medicines. It often used to cure stomach upset, bronchitis, and cancer. It is sometimes applied directly to the skin for treating nerve pain(neuralgia) and a skin disease called scabies. Black peppers are also used typically as a counterirritant for pain.Request For Report Sample@Black Pepper Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe black pepper market is directly influenced by the growing processed food industry. The rise in consumption of bakery products, confectionery products, and ready-to-eat and ried food in the developed economies is driving the market for the spice. The recent trend of using natural flavor enhancer has also catalyzed the growth of the global market. In the year 2013-15, the global pepper consumption is estimated at around 400,000 tons and has been increasing steadily. Increasing demand from Far East countries, which have started using more pepper in cooking, has been quite significant in driving the global black pepper market. Growth in the cosmetics industry is also directly influencing the pepper market. Due to the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of black pepper, it is often included in skin care products.As stated earlier, that the market is experiencing a major year on year increase in demand for black pepper. But unfortunately, this demand is not backed by adequate supply, which has proved to be a major restraint in this market. This is majorly due to the intensive crop losses in various parts of the world, especially in India & Brazil. Sudden climatic changes and untimely rainfall has significantly led to the fall in the yield of black pepper.Black PepperMarket: SegmentationThe global black pepper market can be broadly segmented on the basis of; type, end use and application. On the basis of type, the market can be further segmented into  organic and inorganic. Based on end use, the market can be segmented into bakery and confectionery products, frozen products, soups, sauces & dressing, beverages, meat & poultry products, snacks and convenience food, and others. Based of application, the black pepper market can be segmented into food & beverages, health care and personal care & cosmetics.Black PepperMarket: Region Wise OutlookGeographically, the global black peppermarket is segmented into seven regions which are ; North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), and Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Japan.Vietnam, followed by Brazil, India & Indonesia are the leading producer of black pepper in the year 2014 globally.India saw a fall in its average production in the same year. The leverage of large scale production and productivity helps Vietnam growers to offer world's lowest price tags.In terms of export, Vietnam leads the market globally. U.S. market continues to be the largest importer of black pepper from Vietnam. While most markets like India, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Netherlands, Spain have seen an increase in their imports, except Germany. German market recorded a drop in imports from Vietnam. Thus, with a market share of approximately 50% per cent in the global market, Vietnam has been able dominate the market.Visit For TOC@Black PepperMarket: Key PlayersSome of the major companies operating in global black peppermarket are Baria Pepper, British Pepper and Spice, Catch, Everest Spices, McCormick, MDH, Agri food Pacific, Akar Indo, Brazil Trade Business, DM AGRO, Gupta Trading, Pacific Production, PT AF, Silk Road Spices, The Spice House, Vietnam Spice Company, Visimex, and Webb James, Olam International Limited.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Foaming Agents Market Estimated to Flourish by 2015 to 2021

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Foaming agents are used create foam in food products and also used to add flavour to the food products. Various types of foaming agents include Gelatin and Lecithin.Gelatin is used in various food products to stabilize the foam. However, Lecithin is primarily used for converting juices to foams. Foaming agents are of various types including natural and artificial foaming agents. Natural foaming agents such as Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria are used in various applications such as carbonated beverages, juices and beer. These foaming agents are especially used in products that require enhanced foaming properties.Global foaming agents market is segmented on the basis of type, application and region. Based on the type, food foaming agents is segmented into natural and artificial. Of which, the natural foaming agent is the leading segment in terms of revenue contribution, followed by the artificial foaming agents. The natural foaming agent is the dominating segment, as companies are primarily manufacturing natural foaming agents in order to meet the rising preference of the customers for the food products that contain natural ingredients. On the basis of application food foaming agents, segmentation includes beverages and dairy. Of which, beverage segment is expected to be the dominating segment over the forecast period due the expanding market for the beverage such as alcohol globally, However, followed by the dairy, dairy segment is expected to witness consistent growth in the coming four to five years. Global foaming agents market is segmented on the basis of the region into North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, Middle East and Africa and Japan.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @The Global foaming agents market is expected to witness robust growth over the forecast period due to the expanding beverage and dairy industry. Globally among all regions, North America is the most dominating segment followed by other regions. In North America, U.S. is expected to contribute highest market share, followed by other countries during the forecast period. North America is expected to contribute maximum market share owing to the high consumption of food products, especially in the dairy segment. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to witness fast growth in the next four to five yearsA major factor that fuel the growth of foaming agents market includes the growing demand of consumers for the food products that are superior in taste. Another factor that is expected to boost the demand of foaming agent is increasing consumption of beverages such as alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. Moreover, application of foaming agent in beverages such as alcohol is the cost-effective method for releasing foam in drinks. However, major factor that is expected to hinder the growth of foaming agents is adverse effects related to the consumption of food products in beverage and dairy segmentRequest to View Tables of Content @Major companies operating in Foaming Agents are Nature S.A., Bergen International, Adams Food Ingredients Ltd, Desert King International, Garuda International Inc., Kerry Inc., RIKEN VITAMIN Co., Ltd. Companies operating in foaming agent market are adopting strategy to launch numerous foaming agents in order to cater to the evolving demand for foaming agents especially from food and beverage industry. Companies are also adopting a strategy to expand its geographical reach in order to increase its market presence and grab the maximum untapped and potential market related to foaming agents. Companies operating in foaming agents market are also adopting a strategy to increase the revenue by manufacturing foaming agents tailored for the specific application.To view complete report @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
By PTI: Jalandhar, Jul 6 (PTI) Jalandhar police have arrested five people from different parts of the city and seized 1.6 kg of narcotics and other intoxicants from them.

According to SSP Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, in Goraya area of the city, a person was stopped by the police for his involvement in suspicious activities and during the search 1.6 kg of opium was seized from him.

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The person has been identified as Rajveer Singh, a resident of Ludhiana, he said.

In another incident, Bhullar said, four people were arrested by the police, seized a large quatity of intoxicant capsules from them.

Cases have been filed against all the accused and they are being interrogated, he added. PTI SRT RB BDS RB

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Dehydrated Food Market is Expected to Generate Huge Profits by 2015  2021

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Drying or dehydration is a process through which moisture or water content is removed from the food. Removing of water content from food makes them lighter and smaller. It helps in preservation of food for longer period of time. Dehydrated food do not require any refrigeration while preserving at home or at the time of consumption. Moreover, dehydrated food is ideal for preserving seasonal fruits and vegetables. Dehydrated food offer high nutritional value, easy storage properties and availability at low price, which is driving the demand of dehydrate food across the globe.Dehydrated food market can be segmented on the basis of technology which includes spray dried, freeze dried, vacuum dried, sun dried, hot air dried and others. Traditionally among all these segments sun dried process of dehydration was the major segment in terms of usage by food manufacturers followed by hot air dried process. However due to the introduction of new technology spray dried is expected to account for largest share in terms of market revenue contribution, followed by freeze dried during the forecast period. Vacuum dried segment is expected to show a consistent growth as compared to others. Limited usage in food products is expected to be the restraining factor for the growth of vacuum dried technology in dehydrated food market in the near future.Furthermore, dehydrated food market can also be segmented on the basis of types. This includes dehydrated dairy products, dehydrated fruits, dehydrated meat products, dehydrated vegetables and others. Among all these segment meat products is expected to account for largest market share followed by dairy products. Increasing demand for enhanced year around availability of processed and canned meat products among the manufacturers is expected to support the demand of dehydrated meat products in the near future. Moreover the dehydrated fruits and dehydrated vegetables segments respectively are expected show a favorable growth during the forecast period. This is attributed to rising demand of seasonal fruits and vegetables.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @Dehydrated food market can also be segmented on the basis of region. Globally, North America is expected to account for the major market share. In North American region the U.S is expected to be the major contributor in terms of revenue followed by Canada. Increased consumption of meat products in North America is expected to support the demand of dehydrated food products across the region. Europe is also expected to be one of the prominent contributor in dehydrated food products market in terms of revenue followed by Asia Pacific. Among all the countries in the European region United Kingdom is expected to contribute the highest during the forecast period. Moreover in terms of production of dehydrated food China is expected to be one of the prominent producer of dehydrated food products. In addition, China is one of the largest meat products producer along with prime producer of various seasonal fruits and vegetables. This is expected to contribute towards significant growth in the country.Request to View Tables of Content @Rising demand of food products with longer shelf life coupled with the increasing demand of seasonal products across the year is supporting the growth of dehydrated food market during the forecast period. Moreover, increasing demand of food manufacturers for preserving food product for longer period so that they could use it as an ingredient in their final product is also fuelling the demand of dehydrated food market during the forecast period.Some of the international players operating in dehydrated food market are General Mills Inc., Ting Hsin International Group, Unilever China Ltd, Ajinomoto Co. Inc., House Foods Corp, Nissin Food Holdings Co. Ltd. and Kraft Foods Inc, among others.To view complete report @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Electricity Transmission Towers Market Rugged Expansion Foreseen by 2025

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Electricity transmission towers are units that support power carrying conductors, i.e. overhead power lines between the generating end station and the local end substation. Electricity transmission towers play a vital role in delivering power through overhead lines by structurally supporting heavy high-voltage conductors. To transmit maximum power (110 kV or above) through overhead lines, typically towers have a height varying between 15 meters and 55 meters to withstand the tension. Normally, for heavy power transmission, HVDC (high-voltage direct-current) technology is used in long distance transmission to reduce power losses, and limit voltage drops; these DC conductors carry uniform voltage throughout their cross-sectional area. At maximum efficiency, the sending-end voltage should be equal to the receiving-end voltage, without any voltage drop out.To view complete report @Electricity (both power and energy) is a commodity that can be traded in a market place, such as to transmit electricity to a rural place, where the generated power is delivered to consumers, known as end users and also to manufacturing industries. In this process, transmission towers are essential to carry power, which drives the electricity transmission towers market. Aging tower infrastructure necessitates replacement with new towers, and hence drives the electricity transmission towers market.Electricity transmission towers have high tensile strength, and are designed as per the power rating of the conductor and supply frequency to withstand natural calamities and temperatures without losses. Transmission towers carrying high tension conductors with ground level clearance must be designed appropriately after calculating SAG. SAG is defined as the difference between the level between points of support and the lowest point on a conductor. Electricity transmission towers consist of the following parts: Boom of transmission tower, Transmission tower body, Peak of transmission tower, Cage of transmission tower, Cross arm of transmission tower, Stub/ anchor bolt and base plate assembly transmission tower, Leg of transmission tower.A sample of this report is available upon request @For residential or short distance purposes, electricity transmission towers are selected on the basis of usage and capacity of power conductors, whereas for long distances all the factors to be considered. Increasing population and growing demand for electricity drives growth of the electricity transmission towers market. Developing countries in the APAC region, such as India and China are estimated to hold a relatively high market share due to power deficiency, and lack of power supply in rural areas. After Asia Pacific, Europe is forecasted to capture a relatively high market share due to a high necessity for power in the increasing number of industries. North America and the Middle East collectively hold the third spot in terms of market share, owing to increase in industries, manufacturing, and oil and gas. Growing demand for electricity across the globe has created new opportunities for the global electricity transmission towers market.Global Electricity Transmission Towers Market: SegmentationThe global electricity transmission tower market can be segmented in a number of ways, of which two prominent classifications can be derived on the basis of type and design. The global electricity transmission tower market, segmented on the basis of type: AC, DC. The global electricity transmission tower market, segmented on the basis of design: Lattice, Tubular Steel, Concrete, Wood.Global Electricity Transmission Towers Market: Key Trends and DriversGrowing demand for electricity and an increased rate of industrialization in developing countries drives the growth of the electricity transmission tower market. Aging infrastructure and increasing rate of bulk power transmission across long distances drives growth of the electricity transmission towers market. Varying steel prices, availability of steel, and import and export restrictions may impact the electricity transmission towers market.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Global Electricity Transmission Towers Market: Market ParticipantsExamples of some of the market participants identified across the value chain include Zhejiang Shengda Steel Tower Co. Ltd., Prysmian S.p.A., Nanjing Daji Iron Tower Manufacturing Company Ltd., Weifang Changan Steel Tower Stock Company Ltd., Associated Power Structures Pvt. Ltd., Karamtara Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd., and Nexans S.A.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
X-Ray Crystallography Market Estimated to Flourish by 2016  2022

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X-Ray Crystallography is the study of crystal structures, when an X-ray beam bombards them. The diffraction pattern is created by the X-ray diffraction technique, produces wavelengths, which are in the same order of magnitude and interatomic distances. Currently, X-ray crystallography has gained popularity for determining protein structure and biological macromolecules. The scientists can reconstruct the molecular crystalline structures; X-ray crystallography technique is being used for research on protein structures and is being extended to examining enzymes, viruses, protein- nucleic acid complexes, protein-ligand interactions in recent times. The commercial applications of X Ray Crystallography include examination of crystalline structures in DNA, bones and teeth, cosmetics, electronic chips, jewels and artefacts, pharmaceutical drug discovery etc.To promote research and discovery in the field of X Ray Crystallography, for celebrating the important role of this technique UNESCO declared the year 2014 as an International Year of Crystallography. This declaration was made with an intent to promote X-ray Crystallography as a potential tool for making new discoveries, acknowledging the major role played by this technique in understanding the pre-existing natural and mad made atomic structures.The technique has led to discoveries of many new biological, organic, and organometallic compounds. Furthermore, these newer areas of application have broadened the commercial appeal of this technique, as it is becoming a powerful and precise technique for examining crystalline single structures. The X-Ray Crystallography Market is segmented based on type of devices, X-Ray Crystallography Diffractometers, X-Ray Crystallography Reagents, X-Ray Optics, CCD (Charge Coupled Device) Detectors, Cryoprotectants, and Others.The manufacturing industries engaged in rigorous research and development activities in the field of material science, chemicals, physical and atomic science will be the prime end users in this market, besides academics and research institutes engaged in the field of material and chemical sciences. Moreover, key market players engaged in research and development in the field of biotechnology, pharmacy, cosmetic industries, and others would have a constant demand for X-ray crystallography. The technique has gained widespread popularity in hospitals and research laboratories due to its clinical applications in examining atomic composition of the crystalline structures in human body.On the basis of end users X-Ray Crystallography market is segmented into pharma companies, life science and biotechnology companies, hospitals and research laboratories, CROs, technology vendors and other end users. Geographically, North America (U.S and Canada) dominate the X-Ray Crystallography market followed by Europe as leading manufacturers such as Agilent Technologies Inc., are domiciled in these regions having majority of their operations in local regional markets.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @The potential drivers for this specialized and niche market includes demand side factors from research and development organisations. A wide range of commercial applications along with numerous important landmark discoveries has made X-ray crystallography more useful, accurate in the past few years. Moreover, this market would boost advent of new molecules for pharmaceutical drug discovery. Exhibitions and conferences prove to be a great platform for the promotion of X-Ray Crystallography as it provides scientists, developers and manufacturering companies an opportunity to introduce their ongoing projects, products, and research to new as well as existing customers.Request to View Tables of Content @The major players in the X-Ray Crystallography market include Bruker Corporation, GBC Scientific Equipment Pty Ltd, Materials Science International, GmbH, MVB Scientific, Moxtek, Inc., PANalytical B.V., Rigaku Corporation, Shimadzu Corporation, and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. among others.To Know About Latest Report Click Here:About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Prebiotics Market: Global Survey, Trends, Outlook, Overview and 2022 Forecast

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Market Research Future Published a Half Cooked Research Report on the Global Prebiotics Market has been projected to grow over 7% post 2022Market Overview:Prebiotic products market has gained immense recognition in recent years due to various health benefits. Prebiotics market has been growing due to increase in usage in food and beverages such as supplements, health drinks, etc. Prebiotic acts as a support system to probiotics, as body itself doesnt digest the fibers but the good bacteria in the gut digests these fibers enhancing digestive and general health. Prebiotic powders are unaffected by temperature, pH or time, which are major key driving points for this market. The health benefits provided by prebiotics are medically proven, several chronic digestive disorders or inflammatory bowel disease are proven to be cured by prebiotic supplements. Hence global prebiotic market has been estimated to grow over 7% post 2022.Request a Sample Report @Key Players:The key players profiled in Prebiotics are Abbott Laboratories (U.S.), Beneo-Orafti Sa (Germany), Bright Dairy & Food Co., Ltd. (China), Cargill Incorporated (U.S.), Cosucra Groupe Warcoing Sa (Germany), Shandong Bailong Chuangyuan Bio-Tech Co (China), Volvox Ltd (Hungary), Nas Gida Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi (Turkey), Aura Glob Trade Jaroslaw Paul (Poland) And Parmalat S.P.A (Italy)Market Research Analysis: Increase in the disposable income and negative health effects of junk food has been strong driving factors for improved prebiotic sales Among the various prebiotics applications, convenience food like breakfast cereal and snack bars are gaining higher attention from the consumer groupsAccess the market data and market information presented through more than 60 market data tables and 25 figures spread over 110 numbers of pages of the project report Prebiotics Market - Forecast to 2022Reasons to Buy: The study includes detailed market analysis of macro and micro-markets It covers market segmentation by source, delivery format and application It helps in identifying region-wise major suppliers and understand consumption patterns The report will provide useful and premium insights that will support in investments for prebiotics consumption and allied companies providing details on the fast growing segments and regions In addition, it will provide key findings that will help the companies to improve profitability by using supply chain strategies, cost effectiveness of various products mentioned in the report The data used in the report is primarily based on primary interviews with the major producing companies and industry experts and also supported by authentic industry data from secondary sourcesAccess Report Details @Intended Audience Prebiotics manufacturers Confectionary product manufacturers Dairy product manufacturers Snack product manufacturers Retailers, wholesalers E-commerce companies Traders, Importers and exportersAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.ContactAkash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Global Refrigerated Display Cabinets Market 2017 : Illinois Tool Works, Hoshizaki International, Lennox International

Refrigerated Display Cabinets

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The Market Research Store report offers majority of the latest and newest industry data that covers the overall market situation along with future prospects for Refrigerated Display Cabinets market around the globe. The research study includes significant data and also forecasts of the global market which makes the research report a helpful resource for marketing people, analysts, industry executives, consultants, sales and product managers, and other people who are in need of major industry data in a ready-to-access format along with clear presentation of graphs and tables.The report comprises the current size of the Refrigerated Display Cabinets market. It also provides with different types of product segments of the global market. Furthermore, the Refrigerated Display Cabinets market research report gives an in-depth information about the overall market and various product segments and their growth trends. The future market forecasts about the global Refrigerated Display Cabinets market are also covered in the research report. In addition, the overall market potential is further described in the report along with different countries around the globe.Browse Complete Report with TOC @The latest and the newest trends of the Refrigerated Display Cabinets industry are also included in this report. Moreover, overall global market size, the market size by product segment, growth rates of the global market along with and different product segments of the market, and various product segments with their value and volumes evaluation are also included in the research report.The Market Research Store report offers the global market potential rates of the Refrigerated Display Cabinets market along with various product segments. The research report provides an overview of the current market situation, historic development, and future outlook of the Refrigerated Display Cabinets market. It also tracks the industry developments trends and identifies the global market opportunities. The report helps to plan and develop precise marketing, market expansion, market-entry, and other business strategies through identifying the major market prospects and opportunities.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The data in the report is clearly presented which can be easily integrated into presentations and internal reports.MarketResearchStore.com is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations.Joel JohnSuite #8138, 3422 SW 15 Street,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803
Pain Drug Delivery Market Size, Status and Forecast 2016 - 2022

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Pain drug delivery system is an effective therapy for managing pain, whether it be a chronic nonmalignant pain, a cancer pain, or a spasticity. Medications usually circulate throughout the body in bloodstream, whereas pain drug delivery systems releases medication directly into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord, which leads to fewer drug side effects. Pain drug delivery systems help lessen chronic pain caused by failed back surgery syndrome, cancer pain, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, causalgia, arachnoiditis, and chronic pancreatitis. Such drug delivery systems used for pain management also helps reduce the spasticity caused by cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain injury and spinal cord injury among others. Pain drug delivery systems do not eliminate the source of pain or cure any underlying disease, but help to manage the pain.According to the British journal of anesthesia, prevalence of chronic pain is higher for instance, 10.1%-55.2% of the population in 2010. In U.S., about 30% of the population is suffering from chronic or recurring pain. Approximately, two-third of the population experience chronic pain for more than 5 years. In U.S., the cost of chronic pain is approximately US$100 billion a year. Growing prevalence of various types of cancers is a major factor driving the market. For instance, there were an estimated 14.1 million cancer cases around the world in 2012. As per WHO statistics, this number is expected to increase to 24 million by 2035. Also rising geriatric population, increasing prevalence of diseases such as osteoarthritis, diabetic neuropathy and chronic arthritis, moreover increasing healthcare expenditure and disposable income are some of the key factors driving the growth for the global pain drug delivery market.The opportunities for the market growth includes agreements and collaborations of drug delivery system manufacturers with pharmaceutical companies. This will help in the growth of the drug delivery manufacturers, by assisting the pharmaceutical companies with their manufacturing processes, innovative technologies, new drug development, and regulatory procedures. However, product recalls of drug delivery systems is one of the major restraint for this market which will in-turn affect the R&D expenditure for development of such products. Considering the technological trends, targeted drug delivery technologies based on loaded nano-carriers (nano-shells or nanoparticles) are also attracting interest, which will ultimately lead to the growth of the market.The global pain drug delivery market is segmented based on technology, application and geography. By technology the global, market of pain drug delivery is segmented into transdermal drug delivery system and intrathecal drug delivery systems among others. By application, the global pain drug delivery market is categorized into oncology, neurological disorders, pulmonary diseases, and hormonal disorders among others. Oncology projected a higher growth rate. For instance, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the incidence of cancer based on projections, will be greater than15 million in 2020.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @By geography, the global pain drug delivery market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), the Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Latin America. North America dominated the global pain drug delivery market due to growing geriatric population and regulatory and healthcare reforms like the U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. For instance, the population aged 65 and over is projected to be 83.7 million in 2050, which is twice that estimated in 2012. Moreover, presence of advanced healthcare infrastructures, reimbursement policies and adoption of innovative products are also driving the market in North America. Asia Pacific is expected to expand in the coming years due to the large patient pool, increasing R&D investment, rising healthcare expenditure along with government funding and initiatives, increase in disposable income, and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases.Request to View Tables of Content @Some of the key players in the global pain drug delivery market are Medtronic, Flowonix Medical Inc., Aveva Drug Delivery Systems, Prosolus Pharmaceuticals, 3M, and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.To Know About Latest Report Click Here:About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
North America Smart Factory Market - By Products (Machine Vision Systems, Industrial Robotics, Control Devices, Sensors, Communication Technology, Others), Technology, End-Users, Region, Trends, Forecast - (2017 - 2022)

North America Smart Factory Market

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The North American smart factory market was valued at USD 59.11 billion in 2016 and is projected to reach USD 96.77 billion by 2022, registering a CAGR of 8.74%, during 2016-2022 (the forecast period).The combination of digital and physical worlds has revolutionized the automation industry, thereby, enabling optimum performance. Major manufacturing companies, at present, are capable of achieving zero production waste, and shorter time to market. Effortless monitoring and reduction of waste and speed of production are some of the factors accelerating the North American smart factory market.Request sample copy of the research report at:North American Smart factory, by ProductsBased on products, the market is segmented into machine vision (MV) systems, industrial robotics, control devices, sensors, communication technologies, and others. North American MV systems can be classified on the basis of products used for inspection, monitoring, and other purposes. Moreover, the image processing and outputs of each product vary accordingly, along with the level of sophistication required for its setup.North America witnessed a strong growth in 2015, as the number of industrial applications increased in automotive, oil & gas, and other sectors. However, in 2016, the market decelerated because of the increasing cost associated with raw materials, and new governmental regulations. The industrial robotics market is expected to have a significant share of the North American smart factory market, due to the increasing advantages of automation. Industrial robots provide a wide range of benefits, such as increased efficiency, improved safety, optimized cost, fast processes speed, and increased reliability.The increasing requirement for automation has spurred the demand for industrial robotics. The control devices segment is driven by factors, such as Increasing need for advanced technologies across various industries Integration of safety devices Increasing investment in manufacturing industries and augmenting complexity in electronics & semiconductors Growing demand from semiconductor, automotive, packaging and assembly industriesThe North American market for smart factory is segmented, based on the sensors type, into proximity sensor, position or velocity sensor, force or pressure sensor, and vibration or acceleration sensor. These sensors collect data related to machines condition and environment, thus, are used in controlling and optimizing the entire process.Read more details of the research report at:Technological innovations have improved the capabilities of sensors in many folds; moreover, this increasing trend is expected to accelerate the market growth. The market for machine condition monitoring is also growing with the increasing awareness on the subject. In addition, the communication segment has been sub-segmented into wireless communication technologies and wired communication technologies. Wired communication technologies sub-segment held the largest market share, whereas the wireless communication technologies sub-segment is expected to witness the highest growth rate, during 2017-2022 (the forecast period).North American Smart factory, by TechnologyBased on the technology segment, ERP systems held the largest market share in 2016, followed by DCS and PLM. HMI systems are expected to witness the fastest growth in this segment. Moreover, PLM systems are anticipated to witness a significant demand growth, followed by MES, and others, during 2017-2022 (the forecast period). HMI systems are used in process control, factory floor, machines, portable handheld devices, etc. This technology is used in various appliances, automotive, medical, vending machines, digital signage, building & industrial automation. Increasing complexity of various systems and machines, coupled with the need to reduce risks & costs, is expected to drive the HMI systems market. With the increasing importance of synchronizing and supplementing among organizations business processes, the demand for ERP solutions is expected to bolster the market.The demand for MES among industries is rising, as using them in the manufacturing unit, the standard of production is developing; moreover, the rate of production has also been increasing. Further, the product quality has improved because of the latest and modern technologies of the MES system. Improvements in supplier and inventory management are being witnessed, further, encouraging most of the industries to implement the MES system in their manufacturing units. The DCS applications are included in heavily established manufacturing facilities, attractive outlook for renewable & nuclear sectors, increasing production of chemicals, therefore, are to drive the market, during 2017-2022 (the forecast period)The SCADA market for the oil & gas sector is expected to grow because of the advanced functional features of modern SCADA systems that facilitate the up-stream development and new production. Moreover, SCADA systems are enabling energy companies to operate in the remote and hostile environments. With the discovery of shale formations, the unconventional gas and crude oil supplies have experienced an unprecedented pace. Further, the increased requirement to reduce machine downtime and growing adoption of automation are the driving factors responsible for the growth of PLC market, thus accelerating the North America smart factory market, during 2017-2022 (the forecast period).North American Smart factory, by End-User IndustryThe automotive sector is anticipated to be the largest consumer of smart factory systems in North America. Oil & gas, and aerospace & defence are the other major end-user industries of smart factory systems. Pharmaceuticals is projected to be the fastest-growing market segment, followed by food & beverage. The market for smart factory systems, in the semiconductor, mining, and others segments, is expected to witness an acceleration, in the coming years.All the countries in the North American region have been undergoing a manufacturing revolution, which is initiating the fourth industrial revolution. The first three industrial revolutions were driven by the introduction of steam power, the assembly line, and early automation, and the evolution of machine intelligence, thus, are expected to fuel the Industry 4.0. Recent developments in electronic intelligence help measuring and modifying the various process of the equipment, along with helping several factories to communicate over a wide area. The evolution provides a number of benefits such as increased efficiency, safety, flexibility and quality, lower production costs, improved maintenance, and energy savings.North American Smart factory, by CountryNorth America is the largest market for smart factory solutions, with a major share held by the United States. Canada was relatively stable during the recessionary period and has gained more visibility. The industrial sector is growing steadily, along with the increasing influence of internet on the sales of industrial goods. This, further, results in the increased demand and labour safety concerns at work.Rockwell Automation acquired Maverick TechnologiesRockwell Automation, Inc. acquired, the leading systems integrator, MAVERICK Technologies, to expand its domain knowledge and help deliver innovative control and information solutions, to customers in industries such as food & beverage, chemical, and oil & gas.Deal Value - UndisclosedThe acquisition supports the Rockwell Automation growth strategy of helping customers increase global competitiveness by adopting the Connected Enterprise, a vision that connects information across the plant floor, with the entire enterprise to drive new business value.We will continue to deliver our domain expertise, now with the power of a Fortune 500 industrial automation leader at our side, - Paul Galeski, MAVERICK founder, and CEO.The combination of our global industrial automation leadership, with MAVERICKs platform-independent domain expertise will help our customers reduce complexity and realize unprecedented productivity. - Ken Champa, senior vice president, Rockwell AutomationLincoln International acted as the exclusive financial advisor to MAVERICK, working closely with the management team and shareholders throughout the sale processRockwell made several acquisitions recently, including Devens, Mass-based MagneMotion, a leading manufacturer of intelligent conveying systems, in the first quarter and Alpharetta, Georgia-based automation control products.Notable Market Developments ABB acquired Svia Automation Solutions to expand ABBs portfolio of advanced and vision integrated applications, which benefits original equipment manufacturers (OEM), and computer numeric control (CNC). Cognex acquired two 3D vision companies, E.N. Snape and AQSense, to expand its 3D vision capabilities GE and Reliance Industries have formed a partnership to drive digital transformation in the industrial world Schneider Electric and the CoSMo Company signed a partnership agreement to optimize their asset management Bosch and IBM agreed to cooperate with each other for the development of IoT and Industry 4.0.Our Ultrasonic Sensors Report Covers: Market trends & dynamics Latest News & developments Porters five force analysis Segmentation by products, technology, industrial Verticals Investment analysis Deep-dive insightsEnquire more details of the report at:Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customized reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialization. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clients.Hector CostelloSenior Manager  Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas  75204, U.S.A.
Peer-to-Peer Lending Market By End User - Consumer Credit, Small Business, Student Loans and Real Estate 2017

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Albany, New York, July 6, 2017 : Recent research and the current scenario as well as future market potential of "Peer-to-Peer Lending Market (End User - Consumer Credit, Small Business, Student Loans and Real Estate; Business Model -Traditional P2P Model and Marketplace Lending Model) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024" globally.This report aims to provide a detailed and vital analysis of the global peer-to-peer market along with revenue and growth forecasts for the period from 2014 to 2024. The global financial crisis, subsequently resulted in the emergence of the peer-to-peer lending outside of the traditional financial system especially in countries such as the U.S., the U.K. and Europe. Typically, the peer-to-peer lending business provides a unique and transparent platform to individuals, small businesses, and start-ups to invest or borrow money in few clicks.Get PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @The report offers an in-depth study of the market drivers, restraints, and growth opportunities. Using these factors, the report identifies various trends expected to impact the market during the forecast period from 2016 to 2024. It includes a comprehensive coverage of the underlying economic, environmental, and technological factors influencing the peer-to-peer market. It provides the competitive landscape and analysis of key players in the global peer-to-peer market in order to highlight the state of competition and to identify the various business strategies adopted by them. In this report, the global peer-to-peer lending market is segmented on the basis of end-users and business models and geographies and explains the penetration of each market segment within various geographies, and how these segments have accelerated the growth of the market as a whole.The end-users segment of the peer-to-peer lending market is classified into consumer credit, small business, student loans, and real estate and the business models segment is classified into traditional P2P model and marketplace lending model. Geographically, the global market for peer-to-peer lending has been segmented into five regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World (Middle East and Africa and Latin America). The market size and forecast for each region has been provided for the period from 2014 to 2024 along with the CAGR (%) for the forecast period from 2016 to 2024. The study also includes qualitative analysis of the competitive scenario for major countries/regions in these geographical segments.The report includes an overview of the market strategies, annual revenues, and the recent developments of key companies operating in the market. The key market participants profiled in this study include LendingClub Corporation, Prosper Marketplace, Inc., CommonBond Inc., Upstart Network Inc., Funding Circle Limited, CircleBack Lending, Inc., Peerform, Social Finance Inc., Pave, Inc., and Daric Inc.Market Segmentation:Global Peer-to-Peer Lending Market Analysis, By End-Users, 2014  2024 (US$ Bn)Consumer CreditSmall BusinessStudent LoansReal EstateGlobal Peer-to-Peer Lending Market Analysis, By Business Model, 2014  2024 (US$ Bn)Traditional P2P ModelMarketplace Lending ModelMake an Enquiry of this report @In addition, the report provides cross-sectional analysis of the peer-to-peer market with respect to the following geographical segments along with select country market estimates:North AmericaThe U.S.Rest of North AmericaEuropeThe U.K.FranceGermanyRest of EuropeAsia-PacificChinaAustraliaRest of Asia PacificRest of the WorldMiddle East and Africa (MEA)Latin AmericaResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.ResearchMoz90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States
Global Smart Fabrics and Textiles Market Size, Industry Analysis, News study, Innovation, Overview, Growth Rate, Share and Forecasts 2017

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"The Latest Research Report Global Smart Fabrics and Textiles Market Research Report 2017 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"About Smart Fabrics and Textiles MarketIn this report, the global Smart Fabrics and Textiles market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Smart Fabrics and Textiles in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Smart Fabrics and Textiles market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingGet Sample copy of this Report @TextronicsMillikenToray IndustriesPeratechDuPontClothing+Outlastd3o labSchoeller Textiles AGTexas InstrumentsExo2Vista Medical Ltd.Ohmatex ApSInteractive Wear AGView Report @On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoPassive Smart Fabrics and TextilesActive Smart Fabrics and TextilesUltra-Smart Fabrics and TextilesOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate of Smart Fabrics and Textiles for each application, includingMilitary UsesCivil UsesHealthcare UsesOtherSend An Enquiry Request @Table of ContentsGlobal Smart Fabrics and Textiles Market Research Report 20171 Smart Fabrics and Textiles Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Smart Fabrics and Textiles1.2 Smart Fabrics and Textiles Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Smart Fabrics and Textiles Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Smart Fabrics and Textiles Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Passive Smart Fabrics and Textiles1.2.4 Active Smart Fabrics and Textiles1.2.5 Ultra-Smart Fabrics and Textiles1.3 Global Smart Fabrics and Textiles Segment by Application1.3.1 Smart Fabrics and Textiles Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Military Uses1.3.3 Civil Uses1.3.4 Healthcare Uses1.3.5 Other1.4 Global Smart Fabrics and Textiles Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Smart Fabrics and Textiles Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Smart Fabrics and Textiles (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Smart Fabrics and Textiles Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Smart Fabrics and Textiles Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)2 Global Smart Fabrics and Textiles Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Smart Fabrics and Textiles Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.1 Global Smart Fabrics and Textiles Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Smart Fabrics and Textiles Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Smart Fabrics and Textiles Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global Smart Fabrics and Textiles Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers Smart Fabrics and Textiles Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Smart Fabrics and Textiles Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Smart Fabrics and Textiles Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Smart Fabrics and Textiles Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Smart Fabrics and Textiles Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 Global Smart Fabrics and Textiles Capacity and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 Global Smart Fabrics and Textiles Production and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.3 Global Smart Fabrics and Textiles Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.4 Global Smart Fabrics and Textiles Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.5 North America Smart Fabrics and Textiles Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.6 Europe Smart Fabrics and Textiles Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.7 China Smart Fabrics and Textiles Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.8 Japan Smart Fabrics and Textiles Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.9 Southeast Asia Smart Fabrics and Textiles Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.10 India Smart Fabrics and Textiles Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)4 Global Smart Fabrics and Textiles Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)4.1 Global Smart Fabrics and Textiles Consumption by Region (2012-2017)4.2 North America Smart Fabrics and Textiles Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.3 Europe Smart Fabrics and Textiles Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.4 China Smart Fabrics and Textiles Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.5 Japan Smart Fabrics and Textiles Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.6 Southeast Asia Smart Fabrics and Textiles Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.7 India Smart Fabrics and Textiles Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)5 Global Smart Fabrics and Textiles Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Smart Fabrics and Textiles Production and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.2 Global Smart Fabrics and Textiles Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.3 Global Smart Fabrics and Textiles Price by Type (2012-2017)5.4 Global Smart Fabrics and Textiles Production Growth by Type (2012-2017)MarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. 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Pharmacy Benefit Management Services Market : Evolving Industry Trends 2017 - 2025

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Global Pharmacy Benefit Management Services Market: SnapshotServing as a middleman between drug manufacturers, pharmacies, and healthcare insurance companies, vendors operating in the global pharmacy benefit management services market could be advantaged by the rising costs of several drugs. Insurance companies and insurers are expected to heavily rely on pharmacy benefit management services to lower drug costs. Moreover, pharmacy benefit management services are considered as key players in the overall healthcare space, which could raise their value even more.Vendors are recommended to cash in on the various revenue streams available to make profit in the global pharmacy benefit management services market. These could be service fees for operating mail-order pharmacies, processing prescriptions, and negotiating with drug manufacturers, insurance companies, and pharmacies. The negotiation power could be strengthened by establishing contracts with some of the largest insurance companies in healthcare. As a result, new contracts are anticipated to bolster the growth of pharmacy benefit management services with up to a double-digit boost to stock price.Request Sample Copy of the Report @As more number of pharmacy benefit management services enter into contracts with insurers, the competition in the global market is prognosticated to aggravate further. Since consolidation allows participants to fortify their negotiation power and increase in size, there could be a telling number of mergers and acquisitions in the global pharmacy benefit management services market. Owing to inherent synergies between them, pharmacy benefit management services and pharmacies could also enter into consolidation. Pharmacy benefit management services are prophesied to create a network of retail pharmacies for distributing drugs by negotiating contracts with different pharmacies.Pharmacy Benefit Management Services Market: Brief AccountPharmacy benefit management services play an integral role in the healthcare industry, with its unique function of administrating pharmacy products, and focusing on real time interaction between various entities. The key trends of this process are governed by laws and regulations. The various functions of pharmacy benefit management services are: process and payment of prescription drugs, development and maintenance of formulary, negotiation of discounts, contracting with pharmacies, and rebates with drug manufacturers. These services are provided with the help of different tools that help to target specific problems for intervention, and most of the times are customized on the basis of clients requirement.Request TOC of the Report @The different tools that are used in pharmacy benefit management services are: pharmacy networks, mail service pharmacies, formularies, electronic prescribing, manufacturer discounts, clinical management, and pharmacy discount cards. The factors driving the pharmacy benefit management services market are Medicares emerging models of care integrate pharmacy, and execution and escalation of drug benefit programs. Although high upfront cost and low awareness related to the system is restraining the growth of the pharmacy benefit management services market.Pharmacy Benefit Management Services Market: Segment AnalysisThe most integral and highly preferred applications of pharmacy benefit management services are members administration, formulary management, E-prescribing, and E-dispensing, accompanied with processing of claims. Thus, formulary management lists approved prescription medications that abide to specific protocols, and are arranged on the basis of served programs. E-prescribing and E-dispensing are highly important elements of pharmacy benefit management program, as most of the misplacements and drug abuse cases are a result of error in prescriptions and dispensing.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@Pharmacy Benefit Management Services Market: Regional OverviewGeographically, North America is the largest market for pharmacy benefit management due to the availability of modern healthcare information technologies, government support, and efficient infrastructure. The high awareness about wellbeing, health, and high expenditure capacity of patients, would indirectly act as a driving factor for the growth of pharmacy benefit management services in the European and North American market.One of the industry trends observed was the proliferation of healthcare facilities and institutes from Asia Pacific region, catering to clinics and institutions, particularly large hospitals. The increasing density of population in Asia demands well integrated, time-efficient, and accurate drug dispensing services, majorly focused in China, India, Japan, and South Korea. Hence, emerging economies such as China and India are the key regional markets in the overall Asia Pacific market.The Rest of the World is also observed to be another potential market during the forecast period from 2014 to 2020. The potential economies such as South Africa, Argentina, Brazil and Middle-Eastern Countries, were observed to be the emerging untapped markets for the application of this technology.Pharmacy Benefit Management Services Market: Key PlayersThe companies operating in the pharmacy benefit management services market are: Express Script, Cigna, CVS Health, and Catamaran among others.CVS health is the only pharmacy chain with its own services arm and owned 30% share in the managed medicaid market in the year 2014, with an estimated growth of 40% through 2016. The applications of pharmacy benefit management services are expected to be the leading driving factor for overall development and rising market share of CVS Health in the U.S.About TMR Research :TMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
By PTI: New Delhi, Jul 6 (PTI) More than 21,000 additional central paramilitary forces have been deployed in Jammu and Kashmir for the security of Amarnath yatra and ahead of the first death anniversary of Hizbul militant commander Burhan Wani.

"We are well prepared to handle any situation in Kashmir. We have sent 214 companies of central forces to control any situation which may arise on July 8 and during Amarnath yatra," Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi told reporters here.

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A single company of central paramilitary force comprises 100 personnel.

These forces are in addition to the state police forces and those deployed for anti-militancy duties.

Four districts of Jammu and Kashmir-- Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian and Anantnag -- have been on the boil since the killing of the Hizbul Mujahideen militant in an encounter with security forces on July 8, 2016.

Over 80 young men from these areas had taken to arms since the encounter, official sources from the state had said earlier.

Seventy-six civilians and two police personnel were killed during the five-month unrest in the Valley following Wanis killing.

The state government has also announced 10-day holidays for all educational institutions from July 6.

The holidays coincide with a protest schedule issued by the United Jehad Council (UJC), an amalgam of militant organisations operating in the Valley.

The UJC had announced the protest programme on Monday in connection with what it called the first death anniversary of Wani.

The Centre has also announced additional security for the revered Amarnath yatra.

The 40-day long yatra began on June 28. So far more than 90,000 pilgrims have paid obeisance at the cave shrine located at an altitude of 3,888-metre in south Kashmir. PTI ACB SRY MIN SRY

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Disposable Medical Device Sensors Market by Product, Technology, and Application - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2025

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A research study titled, Disposable Medical Device Sensors Market by Product, Technology, and Application - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2025 published by Crystal Market Research, states that the disposable medical device sensors market is projected to be around $8 billion by 2025.Disposable medical sensors are portable or handheld devices used for therapeutics, diagnostics and patient monitoring. CMOS image sensors are used for capsule endoscopy applications. With constant decrease in the size of electronic devices, a camera can be fitted in a swallowable capsule. Creating such devices has been possible because of CMOS image sensors. These sensors aid in high resolution 3D imaging. Moreover, CMOS technology assists in manufacturing of radiation resistant devices that are much sturdier as compared to CCD-image sensors. Implantable sensors are used in medical research to measure parameters such as pressure, force, torque and temperature inside human body. With advancements in micro-fabrication and nano-fabrication technologies, these implantable sensors can be incorporated into implants providing unique and personalized data for each patient which can be used to optimize the diagnosis process. During the past few years disposable medical sensors market has been growing rapidly and is expected to grow consistently during the forecast period.Browse full research report with TOC on Disposable Medical Device Sensors Market by Product, Technology, and Application - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2025 at:Strip sensors market dominated the global disposable medical sensors market in 2016, owing to their rising usage in disease diagnostic processes and glucose monitoring tests. However, ingestible sensors market is anticipated to grow with the fastest rate over the forecast period due to increasing demand for capsule endoscopes and smart pills.Image sensors market is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period due to their primary applications in capsule endoscopy procedures. Biosensors market held the largest share of the overall market in 2016 owing to the rising demand for these sensors in drug development processes.U.S. dominated the North American disposable medical device sensors market in 2016 followed by Canada. This can be attributed to the large scale adoption of sensor oriented medical devices for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Europe is the second largest market for disposable medical device sensors, due to rising adoption of technologically advanced medical devices coupled with high purchasing power in the region.The major companies operating in this market emphasize on product development for ensuring competitive advantage. For instance, in May 2014, Honeywell International, Inc. launched Nanopower Anisotropic Magnetoresistive Sensor ICs which provide high level of magnetic sensitivity to be used in medical applications such as medication dispensing cabinets and infusion pumps.Request a sample copy of Disposable Medical Device Sensors Market Research Report @Some of the major players competing in the global disposable medical device sensors market are STMicroelectronics, Given Imaging, Inc., Honeywell International, Inc., Covidien Plc., Medtronic, Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., Smiths Medical, Philips Healthcare, Measurement Specialties and Sensirion AG.Key Findings of the Research Study: Strip sensors segment accounted for almost half of the overall market in 2016.This large share can be attributed to their benefits such as ease of use, cost effectiveness and non-infectious nature. Biosensors segment accounted for nearly two-third share of the global market in 2016 owing their large scale adoption in study of bio-molecules and their interactions as well as in drug development processes. Ingestible sensors market is expected to grow at a double digit CAGR during the forecast period owing to their increasing applications in capsule endoscopes and smart pills. North America held nearly two-fifth share of the global market in 2016 followed by Europe. This large market share can be attributed to the large scale usage of sensor-based disposable medical devices in hospitals. Asia-Pacific market will grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period owing to the growing per capita income, rise in geriatric population and increasing demand for advanced healthcare technologies.Inquire more about this report at:About Crystal Market ResearchCrystal Market Research is a U.S. based market research and business intelligence company. Crystal offers one stop solution for market research, business intelligence, and consulting services to help clients make more informed decisions. It provides both syndicated as well as customized research studies for its customers spread across the globe. The company offers market intelligence reports across a broad range of industries including healthcare, chemicals & materials, technology, automotive, and energy.Contact:Akhil V.304 South Jones Blvd, Suite 1896,Las Vegas NV 89107,United StatesToll Free: +1-888-213-4282Email: sales@crystalmarketresearch.comBlog:Website:
Global Narrowband IoT Chipset Market Research Report 2017 - Huawei, Ericsson, Vodafone Group, Qualcomm Incorporated, Intel Corporation, Samsung, Nokia

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Latest Research Report titled " Global Narrowband IoT Chipset Market Research Report 2017 " features Key Market Players, Segments, Applications. Report Presents Global Market Survey, Growth, Challenges and Forecast.In this report, the global Narrowband IoT Chipset market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Narrowband IoT Chipset in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), covering- United States- EU- China- Japan- South Korea- TaiwanGet a Sample Research PDF with TOC:Global Narrowband IoT Chipset market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players including- Huawei- Ericsson- Vodafone Group- Qualcomm Incorporated- Intel Corporation- Mistbase Communication System- Samsung- Verizon Communications- Nokia- U-Blox Holding- CommsolidOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into- Standalone- Guard Band- In-BandOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate of Narrowband IoT Chipset for each application, including- Agriculture- Automotive- Energy- OthersTable of Contents:2 Global Narrowband IoT Chipset Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Narrowband IoT Chipset Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.1 Global Narrowband IoT Chipset Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Narrowband IoT Chipset Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Narrowband IoT Chipset Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global Narrowband IoT Chipset Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers Narrowband IoT Chipset Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Narrowband IoT Chipset Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Narrowband IoT Chipset Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Narrowband IoT Chipset Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, ExpansionBrowse more details at:3 Global Narrowband IoT Chipset Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 Global Narrowband IoT Chipset Capacity and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 Global Narrowband IoT Chipset Production and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.3 Global Narrowband IoT Chipset Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.4 Global Narrowband IoT Chipset Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.5 United States Narrowband IoT Chipset Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.6 EU Narrowband IoT Chipset Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.7 China Narrowband IoT Chipset Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.8 Japan Narrowband IoT Chipset Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.9 South Korea Narrowband IoT Chipset Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.10 Taiwan Narrowband IoT Chipset Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)About UsResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at:
CAM Software Market 2017 to 2022 Top Manufacturers - Autodesk, Mastercam, SolidCAM, Bobcad, ManyCam, Edgecam, MecSoft, ZWsoft

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Global CAM Software Industry Report offers market size, share, overview, segmentation by types, application, countries, key manufactures, cost analysis, industrial chain, sourcing strategy, downstream buyers, marketing strategy analysis, distributors/traders, factors affecting market, forecast and other important information for key insight.This report studies the global CAM Software market, analyzes and researches the CAM Software development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, like: Mastercam, Autodesk, SolidCAM, Bobcad, ManyCam, Edgecam, MecSoft, ZWsoft, Cimatron Group, GRZ Software, PTC, Camnetics, Inc. and UcamX.Request a Sample Copy of Global CAM Software Market Research Report @Market segment by Regions/Countries, Global CAM Software Market report covers are United States, EU, Japan, China, India, Southeast AsiaMarket segment by Type, CAM Software can be split into: Mono Functional and Multi-FunctionalMarket segment by Application, Global CAM Software Market can be split into: Machine Tool Industry, Automobile & Train Industry, Shipbuilding Industry, Aerospace & Defense Industry, Other Applications.Enquire about this report @Major Points in Table of Contents:Global CAM Software Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022Industry Overview of CAM Software MarketGlobal CAM Software Market Competition Analysis by PlayersGlobal CAM Software Market Company (Top Players) ProfilesGlobal CAM Software Market Size by Type and Application (2012-2017)United States CAM Software Market Development Status and OutlookEU CAM Software Market Development Status and OutlookJapan CAM Software Market Development Status and OutlookChina CAM Software Market Development Status and OutlookIndia CAM Software Market Development Status and OutlookSoutheast Asia CAM Software Market Development Status and OutlookMarket Forecast by Regions, Type and Application (2017-2022)CAM Software Market DynamicsMarket Effect Factors AnalysisResearch Findings and ConclusionFor More Info on Market Research @Related Reports: -Global CAM Software Market Research Report Forecast 2017 to 2021The Global CAM Software Market Research Report Forecast 2017-2021 is a valuable source of insightful data for business strategists. It provides the CAM Software industry overview with growth analysis and historical & futuristic cost, revenue, demand and supply data (as applicable). The research analysts provide an elaborate description of the value chain and its distributor analysis.Centralize market research purchases across your entire organization in one place.Marketstudyreport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Market Study ReportThe Green Suite #4594,Dover, DE 19901United StatesPhone: 1-201-355-0868US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketstudyreport.comWebsite:News:/news
Global Travel Insurance Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2022

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"The Report Global Travel Insurance Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"About Travel Insurance MarketThis report studies the global Travel Insurance market, analyzes and researches the Travel Insurance development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeAllianzMunich Re GroupAIGAssicurazioni GeneraliPrudentialACE&ChubbManulifeGet Sample Copy of this report @UnitedHealthcare GlobalMapfreAXATokio Marine HoldingsChina Pacific insuranceHanse MerkurPing An Insurance (Group) Company of ChinaPeople's insurance company of ChinaChina LifeSompo Japan NipponkoaMarket segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaView Full Report @Market segment by Type, Travel Insurance can be split intoMedical ExpenseTrip CancellationTrip DelayProperty DamageOtherMarket segment by Application, Travel Insurance can be split intoDomestic TravelOutbound TravelSend An Enquiry Request @Table of ContentsGlobal Travel Insurance Market Size, Status and Forecast 20221 Industry Overview of Travel Insurance1.1 Travel Insurance Market Overview1.1.1 Travel Insurance Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Travel Insurance Market Size and Analysis by Regions1.2.1 United States1.2.2 EU1.2.3 Japan1.2.4 China1.2.5 India1.2.6 Southeast Asia1.3 Travel Insurance Market by Type1.3.1 Medical Expense1.3.2 Trip Cancellation1.3.3 Trip Delay1.3.4 Property Damage1.3.5 Other1.4 Travel Insurance Market by End Users/Application1.4.1 Domestic Travel1.4.2 Outbound Travel2 Global Travel Insurance Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Travel Insurance Market Size (Value) by Players (2016 and 2017)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in Future3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 Allianz3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Travel Insurance Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 Munich Re Group3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Travel Insurance Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 AIG3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Travel Insurance Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 Assicurazioni Generali3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Travel Insurance Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.4.5 Recent Developments3.5 Prudential3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.5.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.5.4 Travel Insurance Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.5.5 Recent Developments3.6 ACE&Chubb3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.6.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.6.4 Travel Insurance Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.6.5 Recent Developments3.7 Manulife3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.7.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.7.4 Travel Insurance Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.7.5 Recent Developments3.8 UnitedHealthcare Global3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.8.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.8.4 Travel Insurance Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.8.5 Recent Developments3.9 Mapfre3.9.1 Company Profile3.9.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.9.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.9.4 Travel Insurance Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.9.5 Recent Developments3.10 AXA3.10.1 Company Profile3.10.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.10.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.10.4 Travel Insurance Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.10.5 Recent Developments3.11 Tokio Marine Holdings3.12 China Pacific insurance3.13 Hanse Merkur3.14 Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China3.15 People's insurance company of China3.16 China Life3.17 Sompo Japan NipponkoaMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.Mr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA: Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
North America Silo Bags Market to Grow Moderately at 4.8% CAGR during 2016-2026

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The need to provide optimal protection for agricultural produce is coming at a great price for North American farmers and agroindustrialists. Serving this purpose, silo bags are likely to lose out in terms of demand, owing to rising prices of raw materials. Future Market Insights latest report on North Americas silo bags market indicates that undulating prices of raw materials such as polyethylene films is curbing the production of silo bags. Contingent upon the monotony of this scenario in the years to come, North Americas silo bags is less likely to soar at a steady momentum, and will probably exhibit revenue growth at 4.8% CAGR.Nonetheless, the decline in demand for silo bags across North America is not solely orchestrated by volatility of raw material prices. Future Market Insights report, titled Silo Bags Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016-2026, predicts that strict environmental regulations associated with industrial use and large-scale production of plastic films is restraining a cost-effective production of silo bags. Silo bags, made from raw materials such as polyethylene or polypropylene films, are another burden on such regulatory authorities as dumping waste silo bags leads to environmental degradation. Key findings of the report indicate that through 2026, more than 90% of North Americas silo bags revenues emanate from sales of polyethylene bags, which further aggravates the environmental regulatory conditions.Request For Report Sample@The report reveals that in terms of volume, the consumption of silo bags in the US and Canada will exhibit a 4.4% CAGR. In 2016, the market has been estimated to be valued at US$ 31.8 Mn, and is expected to exceed a little over US$ 50 Mn by 2026-end. During this forecast period, the demand for 75-meter silo bags will remain high and bring in more than US$ 25 Mn in revenues towards the end of 2026. Also, over two-third of the markets value is accounted by sales of silo bags for protection of grains. The demand for silo bags is also predicted to gain traction for forage applications, revenues from which are expected to soar steadily at 5.1% CAGR. The report further projects that US will dominate with more than 80% share, while Canadas silo bags market will gain traction by showcasing a value CAGR above 5%.Another factor that is expected to inhibit the growth of North Americas silo bags is the aggressive competition for securing higher profits. Leading manufacturers of silo bags in the region are faring the markets cut-throat competitive landscape by providing a product line with extra features. The overall profitability behind the sales of basic silo bags gets comprised and distorts the demand influx. The report has profiled key players in North Americas silo bags market, which include Grain Pro, Inc., IPESA  Rio Chico SA, GEM Silage Products, RKW Hyplast NV, Grain Bags Canada, Blue Lake Plastics, LLC., BagMan LLC., Canadian Tarpaulin Manufacturers LTD., Temudjin Flex-Pack BV, and KSI Supply, Inc.Send an Enquiry @ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Wireless Health Market by Technology, Component, Application, and By End User - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2025

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A research study titled, Wireless Health Market by Technology, Component, Application and End User - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2025 published by Crystal Market Research, states that the wireless health market is projected to be around $309 billion by 2025.In wireless health, the traditional medicines are combined with wireless technology for diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease. Patients physiological condition can be determined by wireless healthcare devices. Markers of the chronic diseases can be monitored by wireless health which will lead to more effective management of these diseases. Wireless health can be useful in monitoring blood pressure, fluid stats and cardiac function of a patient for effective management. This reduces hospital stays and emergency room visits. Wireless health can also be used in communicating health information about a patient suffering from trauma present on field. Wireless health allows patient to live his life without restricting the interaction between the patient and clinician to a specific time and place. Wireless health helps in offering diagnosis, monitoring and treatment to patients in places where it is difficult to reach. It helps the clinical workforce to diagnose and monitor huge populationby means of automated monitoring.Browse full research report with TOC on Wireless Health Market by Technology, Component, Application and End User - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2025 at:The software market will witness considerable growth during the forecast period as the awareness about the advantages of healthcare IT is on the rise across the world. Increasing adoption of software applications related to different healthcare processes such as diagnostics and patient monitoring will drive the growth of this market over the forecast period. The WPAN segment accounted for the majority of the wireless health market in 2016. The high security features of the technology along with low cost implementation have majorly contributed to the robust growth of this market.Patient-specific application segment accounted for the largest share of the market in 2016, due to rise in adoption of patient specific products and need for quality healthcare. Services providers segment accounted for the major share of the overall market in 2016, due to large number of healthcare providers adopting wireless health solutions to deliver high quality health care.U.S. held the major share of the North America wireless health market in 2016 owing to the huge spending on healthcare IT in the country. According to a survey conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services in May 2016, nearly all the hospitals in the U.S. are using certified Electronic Health Records to manage patients health records. Emerging countries such as China and India are aggressively adopting wireless health technologies.Strategic collaborations and product development are the major strategies adopted by the companies operating in the global wireless health market. For instance, in August 2016, Philips Healthcare and Qualcomm Life Inc. collaborated to leverage Philips Health Suite and Qualcomm Lifes 2net platform to advance personalized connected healthcare. Likewise, in October 2014, Philips Healthcare collaborated with Eseye, a global provider of M2M cellular connectivity, for supplying Multi-IMSI AnyNet connectivity for their telehealth platform, Philips Motiva. Moreover, in November 2016, Smiths Medical launched PharmGuard interoperability software for smart pump programming.Request a sample copy of Wireless Health Market Research Report @Some of the key players in the global wireless health market are AT &T, Inc., Cerner Corporation, Alcatel-Lucent, Omron Corporation, Verizon Communications, Inc., Qualcomm, Inc.,Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc., Aerohive Networks, Inc., Philips Healthcare, and Vocera Communications, Inc.Key Findings of the Research Study: The software segment is expected to witness lucrative growth during the forecast period due to rapid adoption of healthcare IT software products by the industry. The WPAN segment accounted for the largest share in the wireless health market in 2016 as it is widely used to link wireless healthcare devices with computers. The Bluetooth segment accounted for the largest share of the WPAN market in 2016 owing to its low cost application. North America accounted for the major share of the global wireless health market in 2016 due to the large scale adoption of wireless healthcare devices and software solutions in the countries such as U.S. and Canada. Asia-Pacific market will experience robust growth during the forecast period due to rapidly increasing internet penetration and adoption of wireless medical devices.Inquire more about this report at:About Crystal Market ResearchCrystal Market Research is a U.S. based market research and business intelligence company. Crystal offers one stop solution for market research, business intelligence, and consulting services to help clients make more informed decisions. It provides both syndicated as well as customized research studies for its customers spread across the globe. The company offers market intelligence reports across a broad range of industries including healthcare, chemicals & materials, technology, automotive, and energy.Contact:Akhil V.304 South Jones Blvd, Suite 1896,Las Vegas NV 89107,United StatesToll Free: +1-888-213-4282Email: sales@crystalmarketresearch.comBlog:Website:
Metabolomics Market by Technique and Application - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2025

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A research study titled, Metabolomics Market by Technique and Application - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2025 published by Crystal Market Research, states that the metabolomics market is projected to be around $2.5 billion by 2025.Metabolomics is identification and quantification of the complete set of metabolites in a biological system. Metabolomics are used in wide range of applications such as drug testing, toxicological studies, and detection of diseases such as Alzheimers and necrosis by using biomarkers. Biomarkers are traceable substances that are inserted into an organism either for disease diagnostic or to examine health parameters. Metabolomics can also help in diagnosis of different subtypes of Alzheimers disease for permitting morecontrolled therapies. The biomarkers can be used for diagnosis and prognosis of malignant tumors. Metabolomics is also used to improve the detection of various cancers such as kidney, prostate, liver, and pancreas.Browse full research report with TOC on Metabolomics Market by Technique and Application - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2025 at:High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) segment occupied the largest share of metabolomics market in 2016 and is expected to maintain its dominance during forecast period. This can be attributed to number of factors such as high speed and accuracy of technique. Biomarker discovery segment occupied the largest share of the overall market in 2016, due to factors such as enhancement in effectiveness and reliability of metabolic profiling of biomarkers for drug discovery and diagnosing malfunction metabolites.U.S. accounted for the major share of the North American metabolomics market in 2016, owing to factors such as easy availability of technologically advanced products, rise in adoption rate of personalized medicines, and highly developed healthcare infrastructure. Emerging markets such as China and India will exhibit favorable growth during the forecast period with rising emphasis on biopharmaceutical research and development activities in these countries.Key players in the global metabolomics market include LECO Corporation, Agilent Technologies, Inc., Waters Corporation, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Shimadzu Corporation, Human Metabolome Technologies, Inc., Metabolon, Inc. and Bruker Corporation. Product development is the key strategy adopted by the major players operating in the global market to expand and strengthen their product portfolio and increase their market share. For instance, in May 2016,Agilent Technologies Inc. introduced The Agilent 5110 ICP-OES to its lineup of inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometers. This new system will facilitate more accurate ICP-OES analysis.Likewise, in November 2016, Metabolon, Inc. launched the Meta IMD test that speeds up the diagnosis of inherent metabolic disorders.Request a sample copy of Metabolomics Market Research Report @Key Findings of the Research Study: HPLC segment held the largest share of the global metabolomics market in 2016, owing to accuracy and reliability of the technique. Biomarker discovery segment held the major share of the metabolomics market in 2016, owing to the high efficiency of metabolic biomarkers for managing diseases at the metabolic level. North America held around two-fifth of the global share of the overall market in 2016, due to rise in adoption rate of personalized medicines and easy access to technologically advanced products. Asia-Pacific market is projected to grow with the highest CAGR over the forecast period as a result of rise in age related disorders and prevalence of high unmet medical needs.Inquire more about this report at:About Crystal Market ResearchCrystal Market Research is a U.S. based market research and business intelligence company. Crystal offers one stop solution for market research, business intelligence, and consulting services to help clients make more informed decisions. It provides both syndicated as well as customized research studies for its customers spread across the globe. The company offers market intelligence reports across a broad range of industries including healthcare, chemicals & materials, technology, automotive, and energy.Contact:Akhil V.304 South Jones Blvd, Suite 1896,Las Vegas NV 89107,United StatesToll Free: +1-888-213-4282Email: sales@crystalmarketresearch.comBlog:Website:
Solar Photovoltaic Material Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024

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"The Report Solar Photovoltaic Material Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"About Solar Photovoltaic Material MarketGlobal Solar Photovoltaic Material Market: OverviewSolar photovoltaic materials are the materials that are used in manufacturing of solar panels or modules which are installed for generating electricity. Solar photovoltaic materials are basically of two types crystalline and thin film. Crystalline is further divided into polycrystalline and gallium arsenide whereas thin film is of three types namely amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, and copper indium diselenide. Out of all the solar photovoltaic materials, polycrystalline is the most dominant material because of its good efficiency and easy manufacturing process. Thin film materials like cadmium telluride and copper indium diselenide is expected to grow in the near future.The report estimates and forecasts the solar photovoltaic material market on the global, regional, and country levels. The study provides forecast between 2016 and 2024 based on volume (kilo tons) and revenue (US$ Mn) with 2015 as the base year. The report comprises an exhaustive value chain analysis for each of the product segments. It provides a comprehensive view of the market. Value chain analysis also offers detailed information about value addition at each stage. The study includes drivers and restraints for the solar photovoltaic material market along with their impact on demand during the forecast period.Get Sample Copy of this report @The study also provides key market indicators affecting the growth of the market. The report analyzes opportunities in the solar photovoltaic material market on the global and regional level. Drivers, restraints, and opportunities mentioned in the report are justified through quantitative and qualitative data. These have been verified through primary and secondary resources. Furthermore, the report analyzes substitute analysis of solar photovoltaic material and global average price trend analysis.Global Solar Photovoltaic Material Market: SegmentationThe study provides comprehensive view of the solar photovoltaic material market by dividing it into end-user and geography. The solar photovoltaic material market has been segmented into crystalline, polycrystalline, cadmium telluride, copper indium diselenide and others. End-user segments residential, commercial, and industrial have been analyzed based on historic, present, and future trends.View Full Report @Regional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for solar photovoltaic material in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa (MEA). Additionally, the report comprises country-level analysis in terms of volume and revenue for end-user segments. Key countries such as the U.S., France, Germany, Italy, the U.K., China, India, Japan, South Africa, Mexico, and Brazil have been included in the study. Market segmentation includes demand for individual end-users in all the regions and countries.The report includes Porters Five Forces Model to determine the degree of competition in the solar photovoltaic material market. It comprises qualitative write-up on market attractiveness analysis, wherein end-users and countries have been analyzed based on attractiveness for each region. Growth rate, market size, raw material availability, profit margin, impact strength, technology, competition, and other factors (such as environmental and legal) have been evaluated in order to derive the general attractiveness of the market. The report comprises price trend analysis for solar photovoltaic material between 2016 and 2024.Send An Enquiry Request @Global Solar Photovoltaic Material Market: Competitive AnalysisThe report covers detailed competitive outlook that includes market share and profiles of key players operating in the global market. Major players profiled in the report include BASF SE, Mitsubishi Material Corporation, Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation LLC, LDK Solar Co. Ltd., Okmetic, Wacker Chemie AG , Applied Materials, Inc, Shin-Etsu Chemicals Co., Ltd., Atecom Technology Co., Ltd., Topsil GlobalWafers A/S, Silicor Materials, Inc., Targray Technology International, Inc. Company profiles include attributes such as company overview, number of employees, brand overview, key competitors, business overview, business strategies, recent/key developments, acquisitions, and financial overview (wherever applicable).Secondary research sources that were typically referred to include, but were not limited to company websites, financial reports, annual reports, investor presentations, broker reports, and SEC filings. Other sources such as internal and external proprietary databases, statistical databases and market reports, news articles, national government documents, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market have also been referred for the report. In-depth interviews and discussions with wide range of key opinion leaders and industry participants were conducted to compile this research report. Primary research represents the bulk of research efforts, supplemented by extensive secondary research. Key players product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents were reviewed for competitive analysis and market understanding. This helped in validating and strengthening secondary research findings. Primary research further helped in developing the analysis teams expertise and market understanding.The global solar photovoltaic material market has been segmented as follows:By Material TypeCrystallinePolycrystallineCadmium TellurideCopper Indium DiselenideOthersBy End UserResidentialCommercialIndustrialBy RegionNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaEuropeGermanyFranceU.K.ItalySpainRest of EuropeAsia PacificChinaIndiaJapanASEANRest of Asia PacificMiddle East & AfricaGCCSouth AfricaRest of Middle East & AfricaLatin AmericaChileBrazilMexicoRest of Latin AmericaTable of Content1. Preface1.1 Research Highlights2. Assumptions and Research Methodology2.1 Assumptions and Acronyms Used3. Executive Summary3.1 Solar Photovoltaic Material Market4. Market Overview4.1 Product Overview4.2 Market Indicators5. Market Dynamics5.1 Drivers5.2 Restraints5.3 Opportunity Analysis5.4 Porters Analysis5.5 Value Chain Analysis6. Solar Photovoltaic Material Market Analysis by Material Type6.1 Key Findings6.2 Introduction6.3 Global Solar Photovoltaic Material Market Value Share Analysis, By Material Type6.4 Global Solar Photovoltaic Material Market Forecast by Material Type6.5 Global Solar Photovoltaic Material Market Attractiveness Analysis by Material Type7. Global Solar Photovoltaic Material Market Analysis by End User Type7.1 Key Findings7.2 Introduction7.3 Global Solar Photovoltaic Material Market Value Share Analysis, By End User Type7.4 Global Solar Photovoltaic Material Market Forecast by End User Type7.5 Global Solar Photovoltaic Material Market Attractiveness Analysis by End User Type8. Solar Photovoltaic Material Market Analysis by Region8.1 Solar Photovoltaic Material Market Value Share Analysis, By Region Type8.2 Solar Photovoltaic Material Market Forecast, By Region Type8.3 Solar Photovoltaic Material Market Attractiveness Analysis, By Region Type9. North America Solar Photovoltaic Material Market Analysis9.1 Key Findings9.2 North America Solar Photovoltaic Material Market Overview9.3 North America Market Value Share Analysis, By Material Type9.4 North America Market Value Share Analysis, By End User9.5 North America Market Forecast by Material Type9.6 North America Market Forecast by End User Type9.7 North America Market Value Share Analysis, By Country9.8 North America Market Forecast by Country9.9 North America Market Attractiveness Analysis by Material Type9.10 North America Market Attractiveness Analysis by End User Type9.11 Market TrendsMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.Mr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA: Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Global Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Market Research Report 2017

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"The Report Global Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Market Research Report 2017 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"About Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment MarketThis report studies the Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment market status and outlook of global and major regions, from angles of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries; this report analyzes the top manufacturers in global and major regions, and splits the Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment market by product type and applications/end industries.The large downstream demand for Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment has been and still remains fairly stable. The Global market size for Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment reached 262.28 M USD in 2016 from 255.17 M USD in 2012.Get Sample Copy of this report @The major players in global Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment market includeOrbotechSoonhanAgilentKOH YOUNGMirtecViscomVi TechnologySakiOmronCyberopticsNordsonCamtekMJCTakanoFigure Global Market Size (Million USD) Status and Outlook 2012-2022View Full Report @Source: Annual Reports, Secondary Information, Press Releases, Expert Interviews and QYResearchGeographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with output/production, consumption, revenue, market share and growth rate of Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesEuropeJapanSouth KoreaOthersTable Global Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Revenue (Million USD) Comparison by Regions (2012-2022)Regions201220162022Market Share (%) in 2022CAGR(2016-2022)United States42.5444.3843.1715.90%-0.46%Europe54.2856.705921.73%0.66%Japan56.8558.4661.5922.68%0.87%South Korea68.6469.6474.2327.34%1.07%Others32.8633.1033.5512.36%0.23%Total255.17262.28271.54100%0.58%Source: Annual Reports, Secondary Information, Press Releases, Expert Interviews and QYResearchSend An Enquiry Request @On the basis of product, the Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment market is primarily split intoArray TestCell TestModule TestTable Global Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Production/Production (Units) and Revenue (Million USD) Market Split by Product TypeMarket Segment by Type2016201720182019202020212022Array Test2548264127042824294930423148-Change (%)3.20%3.65%2.39%4.44%4.43%3.15%3.48%Cell Test180187190195207217233-Change (%)4.65%3.89%1.60%2.63%6.15%4.83%7.37%Module Test1229129813761400141814741515-Change (%)3.89%5.61%6.01%1.74%1.29%3.95%2.78%Total3957412642704419457447334896-Change (%)3.48%4.27%3.49%3.49%3.51%3.48%3.44%Source: Secondary Literature, Press Releases, Expert Interviews and QYResearchOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report coversLCDsLEDsOthersTable Global Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Consumption (Units) by Application (2016-2022)201220162022Market Share (%)2022CAGR(2016-2022)LCDs24712838351371.76%3.62%LEDs2472963697.53%3.74%Others693823101420.71%3.54%Total34113957489671.76%3.61%Source: Secondary Literature, Press Releases, Expert Interviews and QYResearchTable of Contents1 Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Market Overview11.1 Product Overview and Scope of Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment11.2 Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Segment by Types (Product Category)51.2.1 Global Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Production (Units) and Growth Rate (%) Comparison by Types (2016-2022)51.2.2 Global Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Production Market Share (%) by Types in 201661.2.3 Array Test61.2.4 Cell Test81.2.5 Module Test91.3 Global Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Segment by Applications111.3.1 Global Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Consumption Comparison by Applications (2012-2022)111.3.2 LCDs121.3.3 LEDs141.3.4 Others161.4 Global Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Market by Regions (2012-2022)181.4.1 Global Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Revenue (Million USD) Comparison by Regions (2012-2022)181.4.2 United States Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Status and Prospect (2012-2022)191.4.3 Europe Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Status and Prospect (2012-2022)201.4.4 Japan Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Status and Prospect (2012-2022)201.4.5 South Korea Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Status and Prospect (2012-2022)211.5 Global Market Size of Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment (2012-2022)221.5.1 Global Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Revenue (Million USD) Status and Outlook (2012-2022)221.5.2 Global Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Capacity, Production (Units) Status and Outlook (2012-2022)232 Global Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Market Competition by Manufacturers242.1 Global Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)242.1.1 Global Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Capacity (Units) and Share (%) by Manufacturers (2012-2017)242.1.2 Global Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Production (Units) and Share (%) by Manufacturers (2012-2017)272.2 Global Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)302.3 Global Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)332.4 Manufacturers Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area, Product Types352.5 Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Market Competitive Situation and Trends372.5.1 Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Market Concentration Rate372.5.2 Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Market Share (%) of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers372.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion383 Global Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Capacity, Production, Revenue by Regions403.1 Global Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Capacity and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)403.2 Global Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Production and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)423.3 Global Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Revenue and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)443.4 Global Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Capacity, Production (Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)463.5 United States Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Capacity, Production (Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)473.6 Europe Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Capacity, Production (Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)473.7 Japan Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Capacity, Production (Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)483.8 South Korea Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Capacity, Production (Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)484 Global Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions504.1 Global Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Consumption by Regions (2012-2017)504.2 United States Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)524.3 Europe Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)534.4 Japan Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)534.5 South Korea Flat Panel Display (FPD) Inspection Equipment Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)54MarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. 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United States Anatomic Pathology Market Strategies and Forecasts, 2017 to 2022

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In this report, the United States Anatomic Pathology market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Ask for sample copy @Geographically, this report splits the United States market into seven regions:The WestSouthwestThe Middle AtlanticNew EnglandThe SouthThe Midwestwith sales (volume), revenue (value), market share and growth rate of Anatomic Pathology in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast).Buy a copy of this report for single user price of 3800 USD @United States Anatomic Pathology market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Anatomic Pathology sales volume, price, revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingAgilent Technologies, Inc.Bio SBBiogenex LaboratoriesDanaher CorporationF. Hoffmann-La Roche AG.Laboratory Corporation of America HoldingsNeogenomics Laboratories, Inc.Quest Diagnostics IncorporatedSakura Finetechnical Co., Ltd.Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.For report customization @On the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume, revenue, product price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoInstrumentsConsumablesHistopathologyCytopathologyOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate of Anatomic Pathology for each application, includingDisease DiagnosisDrug Discovery & DevelopmentTable of Contents:1 Anatomic Pathology Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Anatomic Pathology1.2 Classification of Anatomic Pathology by Product Category1.2.1 United States Anatomic Pathology Market Size (Sales Volume) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.2.2 United States Anatomic Pathology Market Size (Sales Volume) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Instruments1.2.4 Consumables1.2.5 Histopathology1.2.6 Cytopathology1.3 United States Anatomic Pathology Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 United States Anatomic Pathology Market Size (Consumption) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Disease Diagnosis1.3.3 Drug Discovery & Development2 United States Anatomic Pathology Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1 United States Anatomic Pathology Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.2 United States Anatomic Pathology Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.3 United States Anatomic Pathology Average Price by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.4 United States Anatomic Pathology Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.4.1 United States Anatomic Pathology Market Concentration Rate2.4.2 United States Anatomic Pathology Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Players/Suppliers3 United States Anatomic Pathology Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 United States Anatomic Pathology Sales and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 United States Anatomic Pathology Revenue and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.3 United States Anatomic Pathology Price by Region (2012-2017)4 United States Anatomic Pathology Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by Type (Product Category) (2012-2017)4.1 United States Anatomic Pathology Sales and Market Share by Type (Product Category) (2012-2017)4.2 United States Anatomic Pathology Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)4.3 United States Anatomic Pathology Price by Type (2012-2017)4.4 United States Anatomic Pathology Sales Growth Rate by Type (2012-2017)View this report @Who we are:Research Trades has team of experts who works on providing exhaustive analysis pertaining to market research on a global basis. This comprehensive analysis is obtained by a thorough research and study of the ongoing trends and provides predictive data regarding the future estimations, which can be utilized by various organizations for growth purposes.We distribute customized reports that focus on meeting the clients specific requirement. Our database consists of a large collection of high-quality reports obtained using a customer-centric approach, thus providing valuable research insights.Reach at us:Address: Flat No.10, Wing C, S. No. 245/4/2+245/5/1, Baner, Pune-411045Email: sales@researchtrades.comCall us: +1 6269994607
By Pramod Madhav: According to a RTI report, the Golden Bay resort, located at Kovathur in Chennai did not obtain a clearance from the Pollution Control Board or Coastal Regulatory Zone.

The Golden Bay resort, became famous after AIADMK interim general secretary VK Sasikala locked up 122 party MLAs on February 22 this year to prevent them from joining the O Pannerselvam camp.

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For 14 hours, there was no information on where the MLAs were. Even Sasikala stayed at the resort after the Supreme Court convicted her in the disproportinate assets case. Close to 600 guards and nearly a thousand private guards were emploed to protest the resort from OPS camp. It was here that Edapadi K Palanisamy was announced as the next chief minister of Tamil Nadu. So in general, the degradation of AIADMK evidently began in Golden Bay resort.

But another shocker about the resort has been unearthed by a recent RTI report. The resort which is constructed right next to the sea has broken many laws. The main one seems to not follow the Coastal Zone law where as per 'High Tide' and 'Low Tide' data, construction of any building would be prohibited from 500 to 1000 meters.

Cognisance has been taken by Central Pollution Control Board on the report acquired by MR Thyagarajan and KA Selvakumar in the form of RTI which has now directed Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to take appropriate action.

Authorities also claim that if Pollution Control Board takes serious action against Golden Bay resort, entire East Coast Road will be in trouble as the whole coastal section is filled with illegal constructions.

Also Read

Sasikala effect: Golden Bay resort ratings pulled down on Google

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Propylparaben Market Insights with Key Company Profiles - Forecast to 2024

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Propylparaben, also known as nipasol, is a chemical which belongs to the family of parabens. Parabens are esters of parahydroxybenzoic acid or parahydroxybenzoates. Different types of parabens include methylparaben, ethylparaben propylparaben and butylparaben among others. Propylparaben is an odourless white crystalline powder. It occurs naturally in many plants as well as insects. However, the commercially used propylparaben is artificially synthesized. Propylparaben, similar to other chemicals of the paraben family, is widely used as preservatives. Owing to its antimicrobial property, propylparaben is used as additives in several applications such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and food.Obtain Report Details @:Propylparaben is an effective microbial preservative even at low concentration. Food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals can all spoil due to microbial actions of bacteria and fungi if they do not contain preservatives. Propylparaben kill microorganisms and prevents unwanted microbial growth of bacteria and fungi. Moreover it can be used over a range of mediums such as acidic and alkaline; however it is more effective in acidic medium. Due to its low production cost, propylparaben is extensively used in a variety of health care products such as moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, deodorant and sunscreen. It is also used as additives in personal care products which include makeup items such as lipsticks, mascaras, eye shadows and foundations. Propylparaben is apparently non toxic to humans and other mammals due to which it is suitably used as preservatives in a wide range of drugs and can be absorbed in several ways such as orally and injections.Most of the chemicals belonging to the paraben family are similar in structure and applications. Owing to toxic effects on humans, the demand for paraben based additives has reduced considerably. In 2014 the European Union banned the usage of five paraben chemicals namely benzylparaben, pentylparaben, phenylparaben, isobutylparaben and isopropylparaben. The usage of benzylparaben comprising cosmetic has also been restricted in South Asia after research studies have highlighted that benzylparaben disrupts hormonal activities. However the demand for propylparaben is at a boom because of its non toxic nature and effective application as an antimicrobial additive.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @:North America accounts for the largest market for propylparaben whereas Asia Pacific is the fastest growing market. Presence of international manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics in North America, especially in the U.S., has boosted the demand for propylparaben. The demand for propylparaben in Asia Pacific is increasing owing to the rise in disposable income and improving lifestyles. However, most of the countries in south Asia rely on imports to meet up the demand for propylparaben. China and Japan are the two largest manufacturers of this chemical in Asia Pacific. Despite the decreasing demand for paraben chemicals in Europe, the demand for propylparaben is increasing. Propylparaben received the approval from the European council whereas other major paraben compounds were banned owing to their toxic effects. The growing food processing industry in South America and Middle East is driving the demand for propylparaben in Rest of the World. The market for propylparaben faces serious threat from the increasing demand for organic and water-based antimicrobial additives, the latter being eco-friendly. However the key end user industries of propylparaben especially the food processing and pharmaceutical industries are growing globally, owing to which the demand for propylparaben is expected to increase during the forecast period.Argos international, Cameo Health Care, Anhui Leafchem Co., Ltd., Alta Laboratories Ltd and Hainan Zhongxin Chemical Co., Ltd. are some of the key manufacturers and suppliers of propylparaben.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207
Global and China Snowboard Bindings Market 2017 Top Players - Atomic Skis, Nidecker, Roxy, Burton, Drake

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This report studies Snowboard Bindings in Global market, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2012 to 2016, and forecast to 2022.To begin with, the report defines the Snowboard Bindings market and segments it based on the most important dynamics, such as applications, geographical/regional markets, and competitive scenario. Macroeconomic and microeconomic factors environments that currently prevail and also those that are projected to emerge are covered in this report.The reports analysis is based on technical data and industry figures sourced from the most reputable databases. Other aspects that will prove especially beneficial to readers of the report are: investment feasibility analysis, recommendations for growth, investment return analysis, trends analysis, opportunity analysis, and SWOT analyses of competing companies. With the help of inputs and insights from technical and marketing experts, the report presents an objective assessment of the Snowboard Bindings market.Download Free Sample Report @For technical data and manufacturing plants analysis, the report analyzes Snowboard Bindings leading suppliers on capacity, commercial production date, manufacturing plants distribution, R&D Status, technology sources, and raw materials sources.This report also presents product specification, manufacturing process, and product cost structure etc. Production is separated by regions, technology and applications. Analysis also covers upstream raw materials, equipment, Downstream client survey, Marketing channels, Industry development trend and proposals. In the end, the report includes Snowboard Bindings new project SWOT analysis, Investment feasibility analysis, Investment return analysis, and Development trend analysis. In conclusion, it is a deep research report on Global Snowboard Bindings industry. Here, we express our thanks for the support and assistance from Snowboard Bindings industry chain related technical experts and marketing engineers during Research Teams survey and interviews.Access Full Report @Other important aspects that have been meticulously studied in the Snowboard Bindings market report are: Demand and supply dynamics, import and export scenario, industry processes and cost structures, and major R&D initiatives. The new opportunities they present to market players have been mentioned in the report. A detailed segmentation evaluation of the Snowboard Bindings market has been provided in the report.About Fior MarketsFior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Contact UsMark StoneSales ManagerOffice-102, Sanskriti AspirationsBaner Road, Pune,MH 411045IndiaPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Detail Industrial and Market studies Report 2017

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"EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Market Report 2017" The Report covers current Industries Trends, Worldwide Analysis, Global Forecast, Review, Share, Size, Growth, Effect.Description-In this report, the EMEA Blood Clot Retrieval Devices market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Geographically, this report split EMEA into Europe, the Middle East and Africa, With sales (Units), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Blood Clot Retrieval Devices for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast)Europe: Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Benelux;Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Israel, UAE and Iran;Africa: South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt and Algeria.Get Sample Report With TOC @EMEA Blood Clot Retrieval Devices market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Blood Clot Retrieval Devices sales volume (Units), price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingBayer HealthCare LLCBoston Scientific CorpArgon Medical DevicesMedtronic PlcTeleflex IncorporatedPenumbraAngioDynamicsTerumo CorporationJohnson and JohnsonECKOS CorporationOn the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume (Units), revenue (Million USD), product price (USD/Unit), market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoMechanical EmbolusRemoval DevicesPenumbra Blood Clot Retrieval DevicesStent RetrieversUltrasound Assisted DevicesOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume (Units), market share and growth rate of Blood Clot Retrieval Devices for each application, includingHospitalsDiagnostic CentersClinicsAmbulatory Surgical CentersTable of ContentsEMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Market Report 20171 Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Blood Clot Retrieval Devices1.2 Classification of Blood Clot Retrieval Devices1.2.1 EMEA Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.2.2 EMEA Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Mechanical EmbolusRemoval Devices1.2.4 Penumbra Blood Clot Retrieval Devices1.2.5 Stent Retrievers1.2.6 Ultrasound Assisted Devices1.3 EMEA Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 EMEA Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-20221.3.2 Hospitals1.3.3 Diagnostic Centers1.3.4 Clinics1.3.5 Ambulatory Surgical Centers1.4 EMEA Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Market by Region1.4.1 EMEA Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Middle East Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 Africa Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 EMEA Market Size (Value and Volume) of Blood Clot Retrieval Devices (2012-2022)1.5.1 EMEA Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 EMEA Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)2 EMEA Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Competition by Manufacturers/Players/Suppliers, Region, Type and Application2.1 EMEA Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Market Competition by Players/Manufacturers2.1.1 EMEA Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales Volume and Market Share of Major Players (2012-2017)2.1.2 EMEA Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Revenue and Share by Players (2012-2017)2.1.3 EMEA Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sale Price by Players (2012-2017)2.2 EMEA Blood Clot Retrieval Devices (Volume and Value) by Type/Product Category2.2.1 EMEA Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 EMEA Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.3 EMEA Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sale Price by Type (2012-2017)2.3 EMEA Blood Clot Retrieval Devices (Volume) by Application2.4 EMEA Blood Clot Retrieval Devices (Volume and Value) by Region2.4.1 EMEA Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.4.2 EMEA Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Revenue and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.4.3 EMEA Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales Price by Region (2012-2017)3 Europe Blood Clot Retrieval Devices (Volume, Value and Sales Price), by Players, Countries, Type and Application3.1 Europe Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales and Value (2012-2017)3.1.1 Europe Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.2 Europe Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.2 Europe Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales and Market Share by Type3.3 Europe Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales and Market Share by Application3.4 Europe Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales Volume and Value (Revenue) by Countries3.4.1 Europe Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales Volume by Countries (2012-2017)3.4.2 Europe Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Revenue by Countries (2012-2017)3.4.3 Germany Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.4.4 France Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.4.5 UK Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.4.6 Russia Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.4.7 Italy Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.4.8 Benelux Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4 Middle East Blood Clot Retrieval Devices (Volume, Value and Sales Price), by Region, Type and Application4.1 Middle East Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales and Value (2012-2017)4.1.1 Middle East Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.2 Middle East Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.2 Middle East Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales and Market Share by Type4.3 Middle East Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales and Market Share by Application4.4 Middle East Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales Volume and Value (Revenue) by Countries4.4.1 Middle East Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales Volume by Countries (2012-2017)4.4.2 Middle East Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Revenue by Countries (2012-2017)4.4.3 Saudi Arabia Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.4.4 Israel Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.4.5 UAE Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.4.6 Iran Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5 Africa Blood Clot Retrieval Devices (Volume, Value and Sales Price) by Players, Countries, Type and Application5.1 Africa Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales and Value (2012-2017)5.1.1 Africa Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.1.2 Africa Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.2 Africa Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales and Market Share by Type5.3 Africa Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales and Market Share by Application5.4 Africa Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales Volume and Value (Revenue) by Countries5.4.1 Africa Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales Volume by Countries (2012-2017)5.4.2 Africa Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Revenue by Countries (2012-2017)5.4.3 South Africa Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.4.4 Nigeria Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.4.5 Egypt Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.4.6 Algeria Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)6 EMEA Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Manufacturers/Players Profiles and Sales Data6.1 Bayer HealthCare LLC6.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors6.1.2 Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Product Type, Application and Specification6.1.2.1 Product A6.1.2.2 Product B6.1.3 Bayer HealthCare LLC Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.2 Boston Scientific Corp6.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors6.2.2 Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Product Type, Application and Specification6.2.2.1 Product A6.2.2.2 Product B6.2.3 Boston Scientific Corp Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.3 Argon Medical Devices6.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors6.3.2 Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Product Type, Application and Specification6.3.2.1 Product A6.3.2.2 Product B6.3.3 Argon Medical Devices Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.4 Medtronic Plc6.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors6.4.2 Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Product Type, Application and Specification6.4.2.1 Product A6.4.2.2 Product B6.4.3 Medtronic Plc Blood Clot Retrieval Devices Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.4.4 Main Business/Business OverviewResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Researchmoz Global Pvt. Ltd.90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States,Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free),Tel: +1-518-621-2074
Business Process as A Service (BPaaS) Market : Key Trends and Forecast Research Report 2017 - 2025

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Global Business Process as a Service (BPaaS) Market and Cloud BPM Market: SnapshotThe different segments that constitute the public cloud services market are software as a service (SaaS), business process as a service (BPaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and infrastructure as a service (IaaS). Among these, the global Business Process as a Service (BPaaS) and cloud business process management (BPM) market spells a lot of opportunity for IT companies. In the years ahead, the market is predicted to generate massive revenues and rise at a stellar CAGR on the back of deployment of automated business software and different business processes over cloud.Their take-up amongst companies has been swift enough so far as it is cost effective and results in more effective use of available resources. This in turn, proves profitable to the company in the long run. However, concerns about data security in a public platform like cloud has posed a challenge to the market. Nevertheless, powered primarily by the banking, financial services and insurnace (BFSI) and communication technology segments, the market is slated to grow at a healthy clip in the years ahead.Request Sample Copy of the Report @North America, being an early adopter of technologies, has been a major driving force of the the global Business Process as a Service (BPaaS) and cloud business process management (BPM) market. Going forward, Asia Pacific is predicted to clock maximum growth. The competitive landscape is fragmented on account of the presence of a copious number of small and large business process outsourcing companies. To up their ante, most players are focused on building cutting-edge products and services leveraging process automation software, business analytics, and social media platforms.Global Business Process as a Service (BPaaS) Market and Cloud BPM Market: OverviewThe global Business Process as a Service (BPaaS) and cloud business process management (BPM) market is a multibillion dollar opportunity for IT companies. The market is expected to be one of the top grossing segments for the IT industry in the next few years, expanding at a remarkable CAGR over the reports forecast period.BPaaS and cloud BPM refer to a business process layer on the top of cloud-based services such as infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS) and software as a service (SaaS). These solutions offer enterprises with numerous advantages such as virtualized workplaces, transparency in business processes, informed decisions, flexibility, accelerated performance, simplified operations, and informed decisions. BPaaS and cloud BPM encompass business process service for vertical as well as horizontal business processes through a high featured platform to deliver automated business outcomes.Request TOC of the Report @To avoid vendor locking and increase the cost effectiveness of the process execution, BPaaS and cloud BPM solutions are widely adopted to develop network among partners, employees, suppliers, distributors and other participants in a business module so as to deliver high value process outcome. The vast demand for these solutions across the globe is compelling an increasing number of IT companies to foray into the market and gain competitive advantage in the growing market. Companies are doing so by developing multi-purpose platforms capable of providing a complete range of solutions for all business processes.Global Business Process as a Service (BPaaS) Market and Cloud BPM Market: SegmentationThe global market for BPaaS and cloud BPM is segmented on the basis of criteria such as solutions, deployment model, service consumers, applications, and geography.On the basis of solutions, the market is segmented into platform and services. On the basis of deployment model, the market is segmented into on-premise and hosted model. On the basis of service consumers, the market is segmented into enterprise and small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). On the basis of applications, the market is segmented into: retail, banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), communication and technology, healthcare, government, supply chain and manufacturing, and consumer goods. Furthermore, the market is segmented on the basis of geography into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World (RoW).Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@Global Business Process as a Service (BPaaS) Market and Cloud BPM Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe vast rise in the need for agility of a number of business processes, with a view of containing the overall costs of operating diverse business operations is one of the key factors driving the demand for BPaaS and cloud BPM solutions in the business world. Moreover, the development of software and automated outsourcing, trend of employing cloud computing technology, and the high need of cost-effective business processes to survive amid intense competition in the global market are also driving the market.However, data security and compliance concerns, especially with organizations wanting to retain conventional IT infrastructure, cautious approach of higher management, and outages and third party dependence are some of the key factors challenging the growth prospects of the market. Nevertheless, BPaaS and cloud BPM solutions are expected to witness high growth in the near future owing to the vast rise in demand for virtualization and automation across workplaces, especially of organizations with geographically spread offices. BPaaS and cloud BPM solutions provide verifiable cost and efficiency-related results for such globally spread businesses, irrespective of different needs of business process and organizational structures.Some of the key vendors operating in the market are Capgemini, Cognizant, ADP, CSC, Ebuilder, Accenture, IBM, Fujitsu Limited, Oracle, Wipro, SAP, WNS, Northgatearinso, Genpact, Nuevora, Verecloud, Adaptive Planning, and Xerox ACS.About TMR Research :TMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Global Cloud System Management Software Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022

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ReportsWeb.com added Global Cloud System Management Software Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022 to its vast collection of research Database. The report is spread across 104 pages and supported by 14 company leaders.The Global Cloud System Management Software Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022 is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Cloud System Management Software industry. In a word, This report studies Cloud System Management Software in Global market, especially in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia, focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with capacity, production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer. Key companies included in this research are BMC Software, VMware, CA Technologies, Orcale, Cisco Systems, IBM Corp, Red Hat, Servicenow, Microsoft, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Adaptive Computing, Dell, HP and Redhat.Browse complete report @Market Segment by Region, this report splits Global into several key Region, with sales, revenue, market share and growth rate of Cloud System Management Software in these regions, from 2011 to 2022 (forecast), like United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. Firstly, Cloud System Management Software Market segment by Type, Cloud System Management Software can be split into Public System Management Software, Private System Management Software and Hybrid System Management Software. Market segment by Application, Cloud System Management Software can be split into BFSI, Retail, IT & Telecom, Government and Utilities and Other.Request for Sample @Major points from Table of Contents:1 Industry Overview of Cloud System Management Software2 Global Cloud System Management Software Competition Analysis byPlayers3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 BMC Software3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Cloud System Management Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 VMware3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Cloud System Management Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 CA Technologies3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Cloud System Management Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.3.5 Recent Developments4 Global Cloud System Management Software Market Size by Type and Application (2012-2017)5 United States Cloud System Management Software Development Status and Outlook6 EU Cloud System Management Software Development Status and Outlook7 Japan Cloud System Management Software Development Status and Outlook8 China Cloud System Management Software Development Status and Outlook9 India Cloud System Management Software Development Status and Outlook10 Southeast Asia Cloud System Management Software Development Status and Outlook11 Market Forecast by Regions, Type and Application (2017-2022)12 Cloud System Management Software Market Dynamics13 Market Effect Factors AnalysisList of Tables and FiguresFigure Cloud System Management Software Product ScopeFigure Global Cloud System Management Software Market Size (Million USD) (2012-2017)Table Global Cloud System Management Software Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure Global Cloud System Management Software Market Share by Regions in 2016Figure United States Cloud System Management Software Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure EU Cloud System Management Software Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure Japan Cloud System Management Software Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure China Cloud System Management Software Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure India Cloud System Management Software Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure Southeast Asia Cloud System Management Software Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure Global Cloud System Management Software Market Share by Type in 2016Figure Public System Management Software Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2017)Figure Private System Management Software Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2017)Figure Hybrid System Management Software Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2017)Figure Global Cloud System Management Software Market Share by Application in 2016Table Key Downstream Customer in BFSIFigure Cloud System Management Software Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate in BFSI (2012-2017)Table Key Downstream Customer in RetailFigure Cloud System Management Software Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate in Retail (2012-2017)Table Key Downstream Customer in IT & TelecomFigure Cloud System Management Software Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate in IT & Telecom (2012-2017)Table Key Downstream Customer in Government and UtilitiesFigure Cloud System Management Software Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate in Government and Utilities (2012-2017)Table Key Downstream Customer in OtherFigure Cloud System Management Software Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate in Other (2012-2017)Table Cloud System Management Software Market Size (Million USD) by Players (2016 and 2017)Figure Cloud System Management Software Market Size Share by Players in 2016Figure Cloud System Management Software Market Size Share by Players in 2017Table BMC Software Basic Information ListTable Cloud System Management Software Business Revenue (Million USD) of BMC Software (2012-2017)Figure BMC Software Cloud System Management Software Business Revenue Market Share in 2016Table VMware Basic Information ListTable Cloud System Management Software Business Revenue (Million USD) of VMware (2012-2017)Figure VMware Cloud System Management Software Business Revenue Market Share in 2016Table CA Technologies Basic Information ListTable Cloud System Management Software Business Revenue (Million USD) of CA Technologies (2012-2017)Figure CA Technologies Cloud System Management Software Business Revenue Market Share in 2016Place a Direct Purchase Order of Complete Report @Contact Info:Name: Sameer JoshiEmail: sales@reportsweb.comOrganization: ReportsWebPhone: +1-646-491-9876ReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. 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Global Market For India Regenerative Uninterruptible Power Supply By Product, Technology and Application During The Forecast Period 2016 - 2024

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Market For India Regenerative Uninterruptible Power Supply By Product, Technology and Application During The Forecast Period 2016 - 2024" to its huge collection of research reports.This research study analyzes the market for regenerative uninterruptible power supply (UPS) in India in terms of revenue (US$ Mn). The regenerative UPS market in India has been segmented on the basis of product type, technology type (braking application), application, and geography.The geographical segmentation includes four zones  major players in the India regenerative UPS market. The report features a detailed regional segmentation with market growth forecasts for the 2016?2024 period (major players in the India regenerative UPS market). For the research, 2014 has been taken as the base year, data for 2015 is estimated, while all forecasts have been given for the period from 2016 to 2024. Market data for all the segments has been provided at the zonal level from 2016 to 2024. The report provides a broad competitive analysis of companies engaged in the regenerative UPS business in India. The report also includes the key market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, and opportunities affecting the regenerative UPS market. These market dynamics were analyzed in detail and are illustrated in the report with the help of supporting graphs and tables. The report also provides a comprehensive analysis of the regenerative UPS market in India with the help of Porters Five Forces model. The analysis helps in understanding the five major forces that affect the structure and profitability of the market. The forces analyzed are bargaining power of buyers, bargaining power of suppliers, threat of new entrants, threat of substitutes, and degree of competition.The high-level analysis in the report provides detailed insights into the regenerative UPS business in India. There are currently numerous drivers of the market. The most prominent drivers include growing industrial sector, rising demand for power, high industrial power deficit, and integrated services provided by regenerative UPS suppliers. Growth dynamics of Indias manufacturing industry by various zones are also considered for market analysis. Market attractiveness analysis was carried out for the regenerative UPS market in India on the basis of application. Market attractiveness was estimated on the basis of common parameters that directly impact the market in different zones.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The regenerative UPS market in India has been segmented into four zones: East Zone, West Zone, North Zone, and South Zone. Regional data has been provided for each sub-segment of the regenerative UPS market in India. Key players in the market include Emerson Network Power (India) Pvt. Ltd., Riello PCI India Pvt. Ltd., Yaskawa Electric India Pvt. Ltd., Hitachi Hi-Rel Power Electronics Pvt. Ltd., Sew-Eurodrive India Pvt. Ltd., Bonfiglioli Transmissions Pvt. Ltd., and ARVI Systems & Controls Pvt. Ltd. The report provides an overview of these companies, followed by their financial details, business strategies, and recent developments.Regenerative Uninterruptible Power Supply Market: By ProductRegenerative ConverterSinusoidal PWMMatrix ConverterRegenerative Uninterruptible Power Supply Market: By TechnologySpindle DrivesDecanter CentrifugesElevatorsOthersRegenerative Uninterruptible Power Supply Market: By ApplicationPharmaceutical IndustryFood & Beverage IndustrySteel IndustriesOil & GasMining IndustriesPaper MillsOthersRegenerative Uninterruptible Power Supply Market: By RegionEast ZoneWest ZoneNorth ZoneSouth ZoneMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
World Marzipan Market- Evolving Product, Application & Regional segment with Players Renshaw, Atlanta Poland S.A., Lubeca forecast 2021

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A new research report is published by HTF Market Intelligence on 'World Marzipan Market Research Report 2021(Covering USA, EU, China, South East Asia, Japan and etc)' having 112 pages.SummaryMarzipan is a kind of confection consisting primarily of sugar or honey and almond meal, sometimes augmented with almond oil or extract and so on. In the report, it includes the direct consumption of marzipan paste and used as a raw material of cake.Request a sample report @The Marzipan market research report provides the newest industry data and industry future trends, allowing you to identify the products and end users driving Revenue growth and profitability.The industry report lists the leading competitors and provides the insights strategic industry Analysis of the key factors influencing the market.The report includes the forecasts, Analysis and discussion of important industry trends, market size, market share estimates and profiles of the leading industry Players.The market is expected to expand at 2.01% CAGR over the period between 2016 and 2021.Read Detailed Table of Content @Global Marzipan Market: Product Segment AnalysisFinished productsSemi-finished productothersGlobal Marzipan Market: Application Segment AnalysisDirectCakeOthersGlobal Marzipan Market: Regional Segment AnalysisUSAEuropeJapanChinaIndiaSouth East AsiaBuy this report @The Players mentioned in our reportNiedereggerZentisOdense MarcipanGeorg LemkeCarstenRenshawAtlanta Poland S.A.LubecaMoll MarzipanMake an enquiry before buying this Report @HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the Accurate Forecast in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their Goals & Objectives.Contact Us:HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJNew Jersey USA  08837sales@htfmarketreport.com+1 (206) 317 1218 (US)
Increasing Demand For Digital Asset Management In Global Market Segmented By Solutions, Deployment Model, Application And Geography, 2017 - 2025

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Increasing Demand For Digital Asset Management In Global Market Segmented By Solutions, Deployment Model, Application And Geography, 2017 - 2025" to its huge collection of research reports.Digital asset management helps in storing and managing important data for future reference and access. The market for digital asset management is expected to witness strong growth during the forecast period owing to the increasing application in marketing and sales. Furthermore, the use of DAM for video management solutions is also set the drive the demand for the market.There are several factors aiding the demand for digital asset management market. The global emergence of rise in labor wages is resulting into the need for process automation in order to increase the efficiency at workplace. The use of DAM reduces expenses by eliminating the time needed for searchingthe files, posting files to desired locations,re-creating missing files, and delivering them via FTP, discs, or drives. Furthermore, it improves the revenue by creating and delivering assets and campaigns for more devices and platforms. In addition, it improves the collation at work by distributing teams which work together towards a desired goal.Going further, the case of increasing labor wages has led to the need for automation in manufacturing industries. Moreover, the use of automation not only reduces the need for human labor but also increases the efficiency of operation and reduces the chances of human error. Furthermore, processing industries such as chemical processing, pulp and paper, oil refineries are gradually shifting towards automation to sustain in the competitive environment. The increase demand for process automation is directly driving the need for digital asset management as it is used for storing, organizing and retrieving rich media and managing digital rights and permissions which are essential in any automation process.The changing global scenario portrays the increased demand for digital marketing solutions and applications in different organization for various purposes such as asset analytics and other lifecycle and rights management. Moreover, the enterprises have started focusing on the high value of data which needs to be stored securely. In addition, it is difficult to manage and maintain complex data sets manually. The use of DAM helps the IT department in organizing the data and securing it from unwanted access. This factor is further driving the demand for DAM globally.However there are certain issues which are limiting the growth of the DAM in the global market. The high cost of DAM software is one of the primary factors hindering the growth of the market. Furthermore, the security concerns of the data stored in cloud based DAM software is another factor limiting their demand in the market.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Global Data Asset Management Market: SegmentationThe global digital asset management market has been segmented by solutions, deployment model, application and geography. By solutions, the market has been categorized intoasset & metadata archiving, video management, web content management, creative tool integration and lifecycle & rights management among others. Furthermore, the market has been segregated by deployment model into enterprise, on premise and cloud deployment model among others. By application, the market has been segmented into marketing, sales, information technology and photography and graphic designing among others. Each of the segmented has been studies in different regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America.Global Data Asset Management Market: Scope of the ReportThe global report of digital asset management market also includes the key trends expected to affect the demand and supply of the asset management systems in future. Moreover, the market attractiveness of the various types of solutions have been included in order understand the future opportunities of these segments. The global market of digital asset management has been tracked in terms of revenue from 2017 to 2025 where in 2016 has been considered as the base year of the study.The report also includes a detailed company profile of the major players which includes the company overview, product segments, and financial performance over the last three years, SWOT analysis and the business strategies adopted by them. The key players profiled in this report include IBM Corporation (U.S.), Hewlett Packard Enterprise (U.S.), Dell EMC (U.S.), Oracle Corporation (U.S.), Boeing (U.S.), Amazon Web Services (U.S.), Microsoft Corporation (U.S.), Commvault (U.S.), Symantec Corporation (U.S.), Opentext Corporation (U.S.) and Canto, Inc. (U.S.).The Global Digital Asset Management market can be segmented as follows;-Global Digital Asset Management Market, By SolutionsAsset & Metadata ArchivingVideo ManagementWeb Content ManagementCreative Tool IntegrationLifecycle & Rights ManagementOthersGlobal Digital Asset Management Market, By Deployment ModelEnterpriseOn-premiseCloudOthersGlobal Digital Asset Management Market, By ApplicationMarketingSalesInformation TechnologyPhotography & Graphic DesigningOthersGlobal Digital Asset Management Market, By GeographyNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaMexicoEuropeU.K.Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Wind Power in Netherlands - Capacity, Generation, Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), Investment Trends 2017-2030

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Albany, New York, July 6, 2017 : Recent research and the current scenario as well as future market potential of "Wind Power in Netherlands, Market Outlook to 2030, Update 2017 - Capacity, Generation, Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), Investment Trends, Regulations and Company Profiles" globally."Wind Power in Netherlands, Market Outlook to 2030, Update 2017 - Capacity, Generation, Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), Investment Trends, Regulations and Company Profiles" is the latest report from GlobalData, the industry analysis specialists that offer comprehensive information and understanding of the wind power market in Netherlands.Get PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @The report provides in depth analysis on global renewable power market and global wind power market with forecasts up to 2030. The report analyzes the power market scenario in Netherlands (includes conventional thermal, nuclear, large hydro and renewable energy sources) and provides future outlook with forecasts up to 2030. The research details renewable power market outlook in the country (includes wind, small hydro, biopower and solar PV) and provides forecasts up to 2030. The report highlights installed capacity and power generation trends from 2006 to 2030 in Netherlands wind power market. A detailed coverage of renewable energy policy framework governing the market with specific policies pertaining to wind power is provided in the report. The research also provides company snapshots of some of the major market participants.The report is built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, secondary research and in-house analysis by GlobalDatas team of industry experts.ScopeThe report analyses global renewable power market, global wind power (Onshore and Offshore) market, Netherlands power market, Netherlands renewable power market and Netherlands wind power market. The scope of the research includes -- A brief introduction on global carbon emissions and global primary energy consumption.- An overview on global renewable power market, highlighting installed capacity trends, generation trends and installed capacity split by various renewable power sources. The information is covered for the historical period 2006-2016 (unless specified) and forecast period 2016-2030.- Renewable power sources include wind (both onshore and offshore), solar photovoltaic (PV), concentrated solar power (CSP), small hydropower (SHP), biomass, biogas and geothermal.- Detailed overview of the global wind power market with installed capacity and generation trends, installed capacity split by major hydropower countries in 2016 and key owners information of various regions.- Power market scenario in Netherlands and provides detailed market overview, installed capacity and power generation trends by various fuel types (includes thermal conventional, nuclear, large hydro and renewable energy sources) with forecasts up to 2030.- An overview on Netherlands renewable power market, highlighting installed capacity trends (2006-2030), generation trends(2006-2030) and installed capacity split by various renewable power sources in 2016.- Detailed overview of Netherlands wind power market with installed capacity and generation trends and major active and upcoming wind projects.- Deal analysis of Netherlands wind power market. Deals are analyzed on the basis of mergers, acquisitions, partnership, asset finance, debt offering, equity offering, private equity (PE) and venture capitalists (VC).- Key policies and regulatory framework supporting the development of renewable power sources in general and wind power in particular.- Company snapshots of some of the major market participants in the country.Make an Enquiry of this report @Reasons to buy- The report will enhance your decision making capability in a more rapid and time sensitive manner.- Identify key growth and investment opportunities in Netherlands wind power market.- Facilitate decision-making based on strong historic and forecast data for wind power market.- Position yourself to gain the maximum advantage of the industrys growth potential.- Develop strategies based on the latest regulatory events.- Identify key partners and business development avenues.- Understand and respond to your competitors business structure, strategy and prospects.ResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.ResearchMoz90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States
Ethyl Linalyl Acetate Market Size, Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016  2024

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Ethyl linalyl acetate market is largely driven by the fragrance industry. Fragrance has become one of the most essential part in daily lives of people. Rising demand for aromatic scents in air fresheners and perfumes industry is driving the fragrance market greatly. The global air freshener industry was valued close to USD 10 billion and is likely to grow at a steady rate in the forecast period. Guests arriving in malls, multiplexes and hotels feel rejuvenated and good when the surrounding air is fresh and consist of mild fragrance. These factors are leading the air fresheners industry which in turn is fueling the ethyl linalyl acetate market demand.Purchase This Report by calling Global Market Insights, Inc. at 1-888-689-0688 (Toll Free) or 1-302-846-7766.Ethyl linalyl acetate market is also driven by the hospitality industry. It is one of the leading sector which uses such aroma as they need to greet and provide their guests with the best possible service and experience. Studies claim that about 75% of the people are attracted to the pleasant fragrance and would happily visit several times. Research also claims that about 90% of the people walk-out if they do not like the smell of the surroundings. These factors will have positive effects on the global ethyl linalyl acetate market.Request for table of contents of this research report @The product is toxic to aquatic life and may result in long lasting effects. It may also cause serious eye and skin irritation if directly in contact. Also, due to its combustible nature, the chemical needs to be stored and used with caution. It is also recommended to use the product at a concentration level of maximum 40% due to its hazardous nature. These factors can hinder the ethyl linalyl acetate market growth in near future.Based on the end-user industries, the global ethyl linalyl acetate market can be segmented into cosmetics, personal care, fragrances and household cleanings. Cosmetics has become an inevitable part in daily lives of people. Due to increasing disposable income and rising standard of living, people are more focused on using cosmetics for grooming purpose and to look & feel confident. It also helps in making a good impression on peers and clients. Apart from cosmetics the product also finds its uses in personal care products such as toiletries and oral care. In toiletries, the product finds its specific use in body gels and soaps.Browse Full Report summary @Reasons to Buy This Report:1. Ethyl Linalyl Acetate Market size & share forecast by product & application 2017-20242. Growth drivers, pitfalls & industry challenges3. Ethyl Linalyl Acetate Market growth opportunities & emerging business models4. Competitive benchmarking with market share analysis and company profilesThe global perfumes market was valued close to USD 40 billion in 2016 and is likely to grow at a moderate CAGR. Changing lifestyles in the corporate world are urging people to use perfumes and other fragrances to keep themselves fresh and confident. Also, young population round the globe are demanding more fragrance due to ample varieties in perfumes and deodorants. Developing countries with rising GDP and awareness of self-grooming & hygiene are driving the global ethyl linalyl acetate market on a large scale.The Global Ethyl Linalyl Acetate Market Report Consists of,1. Methodology and Scope2. Executive Summary3. Global Ethyl Linalyl Acetate Industry Insights4. Industry segmentation5. Industry size, forecast and growth expectations, 2017 - 20246. Industry ecosystem analysis Raw material insights7. Technology insights8. Regulatory framework9. Industry dynamics10. Key growth opportunities11. Porter's analysis12. Company market share, 201713. PESTEL analysis14. Regional price trends15. Global Ethyl Linalyl Acetate Product Insights16. Global Ethyl Linalyl Acetate Application Insights17.Global Ethyl Linalyl Acetate Regional Insights18. Competitor ProfilesMake an inquiry for purchasing this report @Key global Ethyl Linalyl Acetate market share contributors are Accion S.A., Cargill Inc., Galactic, Jost Chemical Co., Nutrena, Tyson Food Inc., Anheuser-Busch InBev NV, Corbion, Henan Jindan Lactic Acid Technology Co Ltd., Land O'Lakes Inc., Provimi, Shenzhen Esun Industrial Co., Ltd., Shaanxi Sciphar Hi-Tech Industry Co., Ltd., Qingdao Health Food Co., Ltd., Xian Aladdin Biological Technology Co., Ltd., etc. Most of these players have presence across other segments of value chain. For instance, players based in China namely Qingdao Health Food Co., Ltd., Xian Aladdin Biological Technology Co., Ltd are extensively involved in manufacturing and trading Ethyl Linalyl Acetate across the globe.About Global Market Insights:Prominent players operating in the global ethyl linalyl acetate market include BASF SE, Pell Wall Perfumes, Penta Manufacturer, Moellhausen S.p.A., A. B. Enterprises, CPL Aromas, CG Herbals, Givaudan, Bell Flavors & Fragrances and China Flavors & Fragrances Co. Ltd. to name a few.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone:1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Connect with us: Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook
Air India has one of the most valued artworks of more than 300 artists from across the world, which are missing.

By Mausami Singh: Former civil aviation minister Ajit Singh has hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party government demanding a probe into missing paintings from Air India's collection in Mumbai.

Ajit Singh served as the civil aviation minister from 2011 to 2014, and had also presided over the meetings where discussion about these artwork came up.

Renowned artist Jatin Das had sent a letter to director of the airlines alleging that his painting that was commissioned by Air India in the 1990s had reached the open market.

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The Rashtriya Lok Dal leader said, "Air India is probably the only airline that has a very good collection of paintings. I remember in the turnaround plan when assets were being discussed for monetisation this process was restarted to see where these paintings are? Whether they have an inventory? Now if this incident has happened it will be and should be investigated."

Air India has one of the most valued artworks of more than 300 artists from across the world, including Anjolie Ela Menon, B Prabha and VS Gaitonde, besides MF Hussain and Dali, the value of which runs to over Rs 300 crore but no proper inventory is being maintained.

"As I mentioned in the turnaround plan the paintings issue was also discussed. It was decided to find out the location and then do valuation of the paintings. So this process was started, its a complicated process because nobody has maintained the inventory. There was also a plan that there should be an exhibition held to display these valuable paintings that were assessed at 300 crores," he said.

The former minister also expressed his concern over the manner in which the inauguration of the museum in Mumbai was being postponed time and again. Terming it as a loss for the government flyer be said only a proper investigation would reveal the reasons.

Also read

Is endgame near for the disaster called Air India?

Paintings from Rs 200-crore collection go missing from Air India's Mumbai headquarters

Air India flight AC failure: Pilot violated SOP, will probe incident, says DGCA

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The report offers forecasts of the overall Satellite Manufacturing Market over the global level as well as on regional levels

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Global Satellite Manufacturing Market: SnapshotWith both developing and developed countries focusing on space missions and looking forward to enhance their communication technologies, the demand for satellite manufacturing is increasing with every passing day. The installation of satellite technology is intense in many countries as they witness high demand for advanced digital streaming of contents. The fueling demand for commercial satellites along with military satellites is likely to play a key role in the growth of the global satellite manufacturing market.The advent of wireless connectivity has triggered the demand for satellites in a large amounts. To meet the needs arising from different sectors, satellite manufacturers are focusing on expanding their manufacturing facilities. The rising employment satellites in warfare situations and life-threatening weather conditions has led to its rising use in border protection and maritime surveillance. This has further resulted in the advent of innovative and advanced image-enhancing devices such as high resolution cameras and remote-sensing technology for improving the quality of the earth observation pictures that are satellite based.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Satellite launches are mainly achieved employing launch vehicles that can be only used once and carry a freight to the orbit. However, the producers are developing space launch vehicles that are reusable instead of the regular expendable launch systems. These new systems can be reused and helps in minimizing costs as well related to satellite manufacturing. Collaborations and development of novel technologies are the core ideas of manufacturers to attain a firm position in the market in the years ahead.Global Satellite Manufacturing Market: OverviewCurrently the implementation of the satellite technology is significantly high in developed regions as they exhibit high demand for digital content. However in the course of the coming years, the market in developed regions will witness stagnation thus compelling market players to shift focus towards emerging nations.The report presents insights into the various factors chalking success for enterprises operating in the global satellite manufacturing market. Besides this, it also lists the various restraints that will pose challenge to the market players. Compiled with the intent of helping readers gain a holistic perspective about the market, the report includes exhaustive information obtained via trusted and industry-leading research methodologies.Request TOC of the Report @Global Satellite Manufacturing Market: Trends and OpportunitiesSeveral factors are aiding the expansion of the global satellite manufacturing market, the primary driver being the rising demand and application of commercial satellites. The increasing penetration worldwide, coupled with the exceptionally rising number of wireless connectivity uses and users, is further supporting growth of the global satellite manufacturing market. Other major driver of the market is the rising demand from defense sector.Despite witnessing exponential growth, the global satellite manufacturing market is mired by several challenges. For instance, leading market players are struggling with the decreasing government investment. The economic slowdown witnessed across major economies around the world also had an adverse impact on the market. Another big challenge that is inevitable to create bottleneck is the need to impose space debris as per regulations.Nevertheless, experts foretell that the global satellite manufacturing market is likely to witness robust growth in the forthcoming years. For instance, the increasing demand for high power and HTS due to the expanding internet connectivity will create significant opportunities for the markets growth.Global Satellite Manufacturing Market: Regional OutlookAmong the regions exhibiting the most lucrative opportunities, the Americas will enjoy dominance in the market as per recent researches. As major markets such as Canada, Brazil, Mexico, and the U.S. are domiciled in the region, which also boasts sophisticated infrastructure and high participation in space programs, the leading companies will focus more on capitalizing on opportunities existing therein. In addition, SpaceX and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which hold credit of major innovations in the satellite manufacturing market are located in the U.S. This explains the dominance of the Americas in the global market.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@However, in the forthcoming years, the market is also expected to witness rising opportunities in Europe and across the emerging economies of Asia Pacific.Global Satellite Manufacturing Market: Vendor LandscapeThe global satellite manufacturing market has significantly benefited from business strategies adopted by the leading companies such as APCO Technologies SA., Boeing, Lockheed Martin Corp., Indian Space Research Organization, Orbital Sciences Corp., and Thales Group. In order to gauge the competition prevailing in the global satellite manufacturing market, the report therefore profiles some of the leading companies operating therein. In this section, it covers information pertaining to the companys financial report, product portfolio, recent mergers and acquisitions, and business strategies that prove to be most successful.SWOT analysis is also conducted on the companies profiled to study their strengths and weaknesses. The analysis also helps in the determination of potential threats and opportunities that these companies are likely to witness over the course reports forecast period.About TMR Research :TMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Netherlands Biopower Market: Capacity, Generation, Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), Investment Trends, Regulations and Company Profiles & Outlook to 2030, Update 2017

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ResearchMoz presents this most up-to-date research on "Netherlands Biopower Market: Capacity, Generation, Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), Investment Trends, Regulations and Company Profiles & Outlook to 2030, Update 2017"."Biopower in Netherlands, Market Outlook to 2030, Update 2017 - Capacity, Generation, Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), Investment Trends, Regulations and Company Profiles" is the latest report from GlobalData, the industry analysis specialists that offer comprehensive information and understanding of the Biopower market in Netherlands.The report provides an in-depth analysis on global renewable power market and global Biopower market with forecasts up to 2030. The report analyzes the power market scenario in Netherlands (includes conventional Hydro, nuclear and renewable energy sources) and provides future outlook with forecasts up to 2030. The research details renewable power market outlook in the country (includes Wind, small hydro, biopower and renewable) and provides forecasts up to 2030. The report highlights installed capacity and power generation trends from 2006 to 2030 in Netherlands Biopower market. A detailed coverage of energy policy framework governing the market with specific policies pertaining to Biopower market development is provided in the report. The research also provides company snapshots of some of the major market participants.The report is built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, secondary research and in-house analysis by GlobalDatas team of industry experts.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @ScopeThe report analyses global renewable power market, global biopower (Biomass and Biogas) market, Netherlands power market, Netherlands renewable power market and Netherlands biopower market.The scope of the research includes -- A brief introduction on global carbon emissions and global primary energy consumption.- An overview on global renewable power market, highlighting installed capacity trends, generation trends and installed capacity split by various renewable power sources. The information is covered for the historical period 2006-2016 (unless specified) and forecast period 2017-2030.- Renewable power sources include wind (both onshore and offshore), solar photovoltaic (PV), concentrated solar power (CSP), small hydropower (SHP), biomass, biogas and geothermal.- Detailed overview of the global biopower market with installed capacity and generation trends, installed capacity and generation split by major biopower countries in 2016.- Power market scenario in Netherlands and provides detailed market overview, installed capacity and power generation trends by various fuel types (includes thermal conventional, nuclear, large hydro and renewable energy sources) with forecasts up to 2030.- An overview on Netherlands renewable power market, highlighting installed capacity trends (2006-2030), generation trends(2006-2030) and installed capacity split by various renewable power sources in 2016.- Detailed overview of Netherlands biopower market with installed capacity and generation trends and major active and upcoming biopower projects.- Deal analysis of Netherlands biopower market. Deals are analyzed on the basis of mergers, acquisitions, partnership, asset finance, debt offering, equity offering, private equity (PE) and venture capitalists (VC).- Key policies and regulatory framework supporting the development of renewable power sources in general and biopower in particular.- Company snapshots of some of the major market participants in the country.Reasons to buy- The report will enhance your decision making capability in a more rapid and time sensitive manner.- Identify key growth and investment opportunities in Netherlands biopower market.- Facilitate decision-making based on strong historic and forecast data for wind power market.- Position yourself to gain the maximum advantage of the industrys growth potential.- Develop strategies based on the latest regulatory events.- Identify key partners and business development avenues.- Understand and respond to your competitors business structure, strategy and prospects.Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Global Pipe Insulation Market Growth Rate Analysis during 2017-2022

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Global Pipe Insulation Market 2017 report spread across 122 pages gives Market Segment Analysis by Key Manufacturers, Regions, Types and Applications. Pipe Insulation is thermal or acoustic insulation used on pipework. This report studies the Pipe Insulation used in commercial market.Order copy of report atScope of the Report:This report focuses on the Global Pipe Insulation market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers: North America (USA, Canada and Mexico); Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy); Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia); South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.); Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa). Market Segment by Type, covers: Fiberglass, Polyurethane, Calcium Silicate, Elastomeric rubber, Others & Market Segment by Applications, can be divided into: Educational, Healthcare, Commercial (Stores, malls, etc.), Office, Communications (Data Centers).Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers: Owens Corning, Johns Manville, Knauf Insulation, ITW, Armacell, K-flex, Rockwool, Aeroflex USA,Inc.Complete report is available atThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Pipe Insulation market.Chapter 1 to describe Pipe Insulation Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force.Chapter 2 to analyze the top manufacturers of Pipe Insulation, with sales, revenue, and price of Pipe Insulation, in 2016 and 2017.Chapter 3 to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017.Chapter 4 to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Pipe Insulation, for each region, from 2012 to 2017.Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions.Request for discount atChapter 10 and 11 to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017.Chapter 12 Pipe Insulation market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022.Chapter 13, 14 and 15 to describe Pipe Insulation sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.ReportsnReports.com is your single source for all market research needs. Our database includes 500,000+ market research reports from over 95 leading global publishers & in-depth market research studies of over 5000 micro markets.Ritesh Tiwari,+ 1 888 391 5441sales@reportsandreports.com
Sound Sensor Market Size, Trends, Growth, Analysis and Forecast Report 2017-2025

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The Insight Partners, Global Sound Sensor Market Analysis to 2025 is a specialized and in-depth study of the Sound Sensor industry with a focus on the global market trend. The report aims to provide an overview of global Sound Sensor market with detailed market segmentation by product/application and geography. The global Sound Sensor market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Sound Sensor players and offers key trends and opportunities in the market.Request Sample Copy atThe report provides a detailed overview of the industry including both qualitative and quantitative information. It provides overview and forecast of the global Sound Sensor market based on product and application. It also provides market size and forecast till 2025 for overall Sound Sensor market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South America (SAM), which is later sub-segmented by respective countries and segments. The report evaluates market dynamics effecting the market during the forecast period i.e., drivers, restraints, opportunities, and future trend and provides exhaustive PEST analysis for all five regions.View Complete Report atAlso, key Sound Sensor market players influencing the market are profiled in the study along with their SWOT analysis and market strategies. The report also focuses on leading industry players with information such as company profiles, products and services offered, financial information of last 3 years, key development in past five years.List of Key Company ProfilesAPI Technologies CorpHoneywell International Inc.Teledyne Microwave SolutionsVectron InternationalCTS CorporationBoston Piezo-Optics INC.Phonon CorporationPanasonic CorporationCeramTecEpson Toyocom CorporationPlace a Direct Purchase Order atContact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.comAbout Us:The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Media, and Telecommunication industries.Pune, India
Global IT Operations and Service Management (ITOSM) Market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.5% by 2024 - Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast

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ResearchMoz added Latest Research Report titled " IT Operations and Service Management (ITOSM) Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024 " to it's Large Report database.The research report on IT operations and service management (ITOSM) market provides a detailed analysis of how various organization use ITOSM solutions that helps to monitor, identify and recognize an irregular behavior of IT infrastructure and IT services and provide solutions aimed at improvement in management of the IT infrastructure. The IT operations and service management (ITOSM) market report provides analysis for the period from 2014 to 2024, wherein the period from 2016 to 2024 is the forecast period, 2015 is considered the base year, while data from 2014 has been considered as historical data. The report provides complete outlook of all the major countries across the geography of Asia Pacific, Latin America, North America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa (MEA). The Further, it also covers all the major trending factors and technologies supporting the growth of ITOSM market. Since not all the regions project similar growth, the reports also highlights the major factors supporting market expansion with respect to the region. In addition, opportunities that are anticipated to influence the market are also included in this report.Request for Sample PDF of Premium Research Report with TOC:Cloud computing is a dynamic trend that has significantly impacted on the way that business are operated. The increasing prevalence of cloud solutions has brought change in the operating models of an enterprise. Consolidation and centralization being the major advantage of the cloud based solutions, it has significantly accelerated the demand for ITOSM tools, and the report explains significance and impact of the factors trending and driving the market. Moreover, the report includes a broad coverage of underlying economic, environmental, and technological factors influencing the ITOSM market. An impact analysis of the key trends has additionally been provided for each geographic area in this report, keeping in mind the end goal to give an inside - out analysis of the situation of the ITOSM market, on a worldwide premise. The ITOSM market valuations are the outcome of our thorough market exploration, primary interviews, and in-house expert panel opinions.Read All ICT Market Research Reports @Table of Contents1. Preface1.1. Research Scope1.2. Market Segmentation1.3. Research Methodology2. Executive Summary2.1. Global IT Operations and Services Management Market Snapshot2.2. Global IT Operations and Services Management Market Revenue, 2014  2024 (US$ Mn) and Year-on-Year Growth (%)3. Global IT Operations and Services Management Market Analysis, 2014  2024 (US$ Mn)3.1. Key Trends Analysis3.2. Market Dynamics3.2.1. Drivers3.2.2. Restraints3.2.3. Opportunities3.3. Global IT Operations and Services Management Market Analysis, By Type, 2014-2024 (US$ Mn)3.3.1. ITSM3.3.2. ITOM3.4. Global IT Operations Management Market Analysis, By Type, 2014-2024 (US$ Mn)3.4.1. Configuration Automation and Discovery3.4.2. Event Management3.4.3. Cloud Provisioning3.4.4. Workload and IT AutomationAbout ResearchMozResearchMoz is the world's fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMoz's service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Contact Us:Mr. Nachiket Ghumare90 State Street, Albany NY, United States - 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074 / Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at:Follow me on Blogger at:
Solar Street Lighting Market Opportunity, Segment and Key Trends 2024.

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The solar street lighting market worth USD 2.9 billion in 2015, is anticipated to surpass USD 15 billion by 2024. According to a report by Global Market Insights, IncIncreasing emphasis on the eco-friendly environment, free from carbon footprints, is expanding the business space for Solar Street lighting market globally. With the growing demand for energy conservation, Solar street lighting has become quite a popular means of off-grid power supply.SSLs are units using solar energy to illuminate streets or other open areas, generally installed in two modes- Standalone and Grid connected. An estimate says that in 2013, approximately 1.2 billion people, i.e. 17% of the global population had no access to grid electricity, with rural population contributing towards the most of it.Request for Sample Copy of this Report:The rising demand for off-grid power supply has built a huge opportunity landscape for the street light manufacturers. Moreover, favorable regulations from the government to support the use of SSLs is also boosting its market size. These are considered to be viable street lighting solutions owing to their low maintenance cost, easy working, eco-friendliness, and most importantly, the curtailed energy burden on the national economy.The technology has gained high significance owing to its extensive use across the residential, industrial, and commercial sectors. In 2015, the solar street lighting market for the residential sector accounted for USD 630.8 million, and is expected to witness heavy gains over the coming years. Growing trends of solar buildings, increasing residential projects, cost-effectiveness, and rising energy conservation awareness is expected to drive the residential solar street lighting market demand. The residential SSL market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 22.62% (in terms of volume) over the period of 2016-2024.Browse key industry insights spread across 246 pages with 452 market data tables & 16 figures& charts from the report, Solar Street Lighting Market Size by Product (Standalone, Grid Connected), By Luminaries (LED, CFL), By Application (Residential, Commercial, Industrial) Estimated to Reach USD 15,388.8 Million by 2024, Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Europe, Germany, UK, France, Indian, China, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, New Zealand, Malaysia, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Nigeria, Brazil, Peru), Application Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016  2024 in detail along with the table of contents:Rural electrification programs coupled with government initiatives to regulate greenhouse gas emissions will boost the SSL demand in the commercial sector. The commercial solar street lighting market share is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 20.23% over 2016-2024. Industrial SSL market is expected to reach 2.09 million units by 2024.LED and CFLs are the two most popular luminaries being used for the Solar street lighting. The LED solar street lighting market size valued 3.04 million units in 2015, is estimated to expand its share at a CAGR of 20.89% over the coming eight years. Also, owing to the increasing number of solar street lighting projects worldwide, the CFL market will witness significant gains, registering a CAGR of 12.2 % over the timeframe of 2016-2024.The global SSL market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 20% over the period of 2016-2024. The Asia Pacific is estimated to be a major region to promote the SSL market growth over the coming years. India and China are estimated to be the major revenue pockets for the APAC market. It is estimated that over 800 million people in APAC are deprived of grid power supply which fosters the huge demand for lighting solutions across this region. India SSL market size was approximately 22.36 million units in 2015, and is forecast to grow its share at a rate of 19.43% over the tenure of 2016-2024.Solar Street Lighting Market Press Release @The US solar street lighting will also witness noticeable growth over the coming years. Stringent government regulations pertaining to the energy conservation and reducing carbon footprints will drive the preference for non-conventional energy resources over the traditional ones. The US SSL market size is expected to witness a CAGR of 21% over the coming eight years.Rural areas can be a broad opportunity ground for the industry players, as these areas are the major SSL demand drivers. For instance, Philips, one of the key players in this market, has developed Solar Gen 2, the most cost-effective and efficient solar street lighting solution worldwide. Solar Gen 2 matches the capacity of conventional electricity grid, serving approximately 1.6 billion rural population deprived of electricity. Other notable participants of the SSL market are Solektra International, Omega Solar, Urja Global Ltd, Sunna Design, VERYSOL GmbH, Solar Street Lights USA, and Dragons Breath Solar.About Global Market Insights, Inc.Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.29L Atlantic Avenue, Suite L 105Ocean View Delaware 19970 United StatesEmail: sales@gminsights.com
Mobile Payment Transaction Services Market Report 2017, Trends, Analysis, Share, Estimates and Forecasts to 2022.

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According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Mobile Payment Transaction Services market is growing at a CAGR of 39.6% during the forecast period 2015 to 2022. The key drivers for growth of the market include convenience and immediacy. However, security associated with mobile based transactions is the major factor restraining the market growth. As such, a horde of mobile money propositions like carrier billing are still highly pertinent to consumers with no credit cards or as a expedient way of purchasing apps in app stores and online content.Money transfer segment accounted for more than 50% share of the mobile payment transaction market in 2014. On the other hand, merchandise purchase segment is expected to gain grip during the forecast period. More than 20 percent of mobile payment users utilized selected online wallets such as PayPal or Google Wallet in the United States. Rising NFC option is how retailers are utilizing mobile money together with other key retail elements like, rewards, offers, and loyalty to remain significant on the high street. With huge sections of the population unbanked so far vigorously using feature phones to access mobile money services and pay for physical goods, bill payments, money transfer, or accessing digital goods and services persist to rule.Some of the key players in global mobile payment transaction services market are Braintree, Clinkle, Google Wallet, MasterCard, MoneyBookers, Paypal, SinglePoint, Venmo, Visa, LevelUp and WorldPay.For More, Please Visit:Purposes of mobile transactions Covered: Ticketing Money Transfer Merchandise Purchase Bill Payment Other PurposesTechnologies Covered: WAP/ WEB USSD SMS Mobile Payment Transactions NFCRegions Covered: North Americao USo Canadao Mexico Europeo Germanyo Franceo Italyo UKo Spaino Rest of Europe Asia Pacifico Japano Chinao Indiao Australiao New Zealando Rest of Asia Pacific Rest of the Worldo Middle Easto Brazilo Argentinao South Africao EgyptWhat our report offers:- Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments- Market share analysis of the top industry players- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants- Market forecasts for a minimum of 7 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional markets- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancementsFor More, Please Visit:We offer wide spectrum of research and consulting services with in-depth knowledge of different industries. We are known for customized research services, consulting services and Full Time Equivalent (FTE) services in the research world. We explore the market trends and draw our insights with valid assessments and analytical views. We use advanced techniques and tools among the quantitative and qualitative methodologies to identify the market trends. Our research reports and publications are routed to help our clients to design their business models and enhance their business growth in the competitive market scenario. We have a strong team with hand-picked consultants including project managers, implementers, industry experts, researchers, research evaluators and analysts with years of experience in delivering the complex projects.STRATISTICS MRC17049 King James Way, Gaithersburg,MD, 20877, USA
Global Hydrogen generator market share to surpass USD 1.32 billion by 2024

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The Hydrogen Generator market worth USD 800 million in 2015, is estimated to surpass a revenue of USD 1.32 billion by 2024. According to a report by Global Market Insights, IncThe vivid growth of industrial hydrogen applications across sectors such as chemical processing, fuel cells, refinery, and petroleum is soon going to result in hydrogen generator turning into a billion-dollar market.Hydrogen generators are primarily the units installed to produce hydrogen. Depending on the requirements of the industrial process, the hydrogen generator deployment is mainly done either as an onsite generator or a portable generator.Request for Sample Copy of this Report:The government initiatives towards a sustainable environment by reducing fuel emissions and dependency on non-renewable energy resources also play a vital role in increasing the hydrogen generator market size. The rising trend of green fuel use across the industrial, commercial, and residential sectors will also heavily boost the industry share. Hydrogen generator offers high operational reliability and is considered to be a convenient and secure hydrogen storage and delivery source free from the hassles of cylinder handling.The expanding automotive industry will bring enormous growth prospects for the overall market. Increasing adoption of electric vehicles is encouraging the growth of hydrogen fuel stations in turn stimulating the market growth. The government is also encouraging the use of electric vehicles over the conventional means of transport owing to the eco-friendliness, reduced fossil fuel dependency, and operational cost-effectiveness of the former.Key automobile manufacturers such as Ford Motors, Nissan, GM, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Toyota, and Tesla Motors are also significantly sharing the electric vehicle business space. It is estimated that the global electric vehicle sale will surpass 7 million units by 2024. This will in turn result in a comprehensive increase in the fuel cell demand. Hydrogen generator application in the fuel cell market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6% over the period of 2016-2024.Browse key industry insights spread across 85 pages with 106 market data tables & 9 figures & charts from the report, Hydrogen Generator Market Size By Product Type (Onsite Generators, Portable), By Process Type (Steam Reformer, Electrolysis, Others), By Capacity (2,000 Nm3/h) By Application (Chemical Processing, Petroleum Recovery, Fuel Cells, Refinery, Others), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook, Application Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016  2024 in detail along with the table of contents:The refinery industry is another major growth prospect for the hydrogen generator market. It is estimated that the hydrogen consumption in refineries accounts for 12 billion standard cubic feet per day. The demand for hydrogen in the processing of crude oil into refined fuel such as gasoline and diesel and removing the impurities from these fuels are expected to catalyze the application growth. Hydrogen generator application in refineries is forecast to surpass USD 120 million by 2024. The food and beverage industry is also supporting the hydrogen demand owing to its application in removing contaminants such as bacteria and viruses from the food items.The refinery, oil & gas, and chemical processing industries usually adopt the onsite installation method, which is predicted to dominate the industry with a CAGR of 5% over the timeframe of 2016-2024. Portable hydrogen generators are popular amongst the transportation and construction industries and are estimated to record an annual growth rate of 5.8% over the coming eight years.Hydrogen Generator Market Press ReleaseGlobal hydrogen generator market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5% over the period of 2016-2024. North America market accounted for USD 300 million in 2015, and is estimated to witness substantial gains over the coming period. The growth can be attributed to the rising demand across power generating plants & refueling stations and growing trend of green fuel across this region. The U.S. and Canada will be the major revenue pockets for the North America hydrogen generator market.Asia Pacific, primarily led by South Korea and Japan, will also grow significantly over the coming years owing to rising demand across the refinery sector, growth in the petroleum industry, and stringent government regulations across this region. The Asia Pacific market is estimated to register a CAGR of 6% over the period of 2016-2024.Some of the major players in this market are Linde AG, Air Products & Chemicals, Inc., Hydrogenics Corporation, Air Liquide SA, McPhy Energy, Airgas Inc., Praxair Inc., and Idro Energy.About Global Market Insights, Inc.Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.29L Atlantic Avenue, Suite L 105Ocean View Delaware 19970 United StatesEmail: sales@gminsights.com
Butane Market Research Analysis, Application, Trend & Forecast, 2015 - 2022

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Global Butane Market size is predicted to surpass 266 million tons with projected gains higher than 2.8%. Rising LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) demand due to its acceptance as domestic fuel, specifically in APAC and Africa, is projected to promote global industry trends. Governments all across the globe are encouraging its usage to reduce greenhouse emissions and coal dependency. They are providing subsidy on LPG to promote its usage as domestic fuel.Butane market price trend is projected to soften during forecast timeline due to crude oil movement. Rising use of auto gas due to operational cost advantages as compared to oil based fuels like gasoline is projected to promote industry demand. It possesses high energy ingredients and burns easily as compared to other fuels. Use of auto gas as fuel is growing rapidly during past few years owing to ecological advantages.Request for Sample Copy of this Report:However, pollution of underground water due to leakage of methyl tert-butyl ether along with growing demand for ethanol as a replacement for gasoline is anticipated to hinder growth of global butane market in future.Global butane market is segmented into various applications like LPG, refinery and petrochemicals.LPG segment was biggest and contributed higher than $121 billion for 2014. Rising demand for heating fuel in cold locations along with use of fuel for cooking purposes in APAC is anticipated to promote demand of butane for LPG production. Furthermore, most of the Asian and European nations have been accepting LPG as transportation fuel.Petrochemical segment contributed higher than 16.1% of total demand and is projected to expand substantially during forecast timeline. Growth of the segment in middle east is projected to promote the demand during forecast timeframe.Butane Market Size By Application (Refinery, Petrochemicals, LPG), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook, Application Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2015  2022Global butane industry is segmented into geographical locations like North America, MENA, Latin America, APAC and Europe.APAC, led by India and China butane market, contributed key industry share and produced revenue about $57.1 billion for 2014. Increase in population and growing requirement for energy, specifically in rural areas of China and India for cooking is projected to stimulate the demand for butane.MENA (Middle East and North Africa) market share contributed more than 18.1 % of total size for 2014. Rising use of LPG as feedstock in replacing for natural gas & crude oil in factories and chemical sectors has enhanced the product demand in the region. This region is projected to experience exceptional growth owing to growth in countries like Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar.Key industry participants profiled in the report include British Petroleum, ExxonMobil Corporation, Valero Energy Corporation, Royal Dutch Shell, Tyumen Oil Company, Perenco, Total S.A, Air Liquide, Energy Corporation of America, Chevron Corporation, ConocoPhillips Company, Sinopec Group and China National Petroleum Corporation.About Global Market Insights, Inc.Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.29L Atlantic Avenue, Suite L 105Ocean View Delaware 19970 United StatesEmail: sales@gminsights.com
Electric Vehicle Chargers Market Report- Global Industry Analysis, Advancements, Market News, Growth Analysis and Forecast From 2011 till 2022

Electric Vehicle Chargers

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https://www.bigmarketresearch.com/global-amlodipine-besylate-professional-survey-report-forecast-2017-2021-market

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https://www.bigmarketresearch.com

The electric vehicle charger is charging for different kinds of new energy electric vehicles, its function is similar to the gas station inside the tanker, it usually have two kinds in charging manner classification, AC and DC. Alternate current electric car charger is relative cheaper than the direct current Electric Car Chargers.The Global Electric Vehicle Chargers market is estimated to reach 1.87 Billion USD in 2017. In the report, HeyReport says Commercial dominates the largest Application share in 2017. The objective of report is to define, segment, and project the market on the basis of type, application, and region, and to describe the content about the factors influencing market dynamics, policy, economic, technology and market entry etc.Request for Sample for Electric Vehicle Chargers Market Report @Manufacturing processes and cost structures are discussed along with raw material and equipment suppliers. In addition, in-depth analysis of types and applications is covered in the study with the help of figures offering insights on market share in similar format presented in ReportRegional analysis for the Electric Vehicle Chargers market is offered on the basis of market size, sales, sale price, and growth rate. In addition, import, export, supply, and consumption analysis are included for each region.Table of Content for Electric Vehicle Chargers Market2 Industry Chain2.1 Industry Chain Structure2.2 Upstream2.3 Market2.3.1 SWOT2.3.2 Dynamics3 Environmental Analysis3.1 Policy3.2 Economic3.3 Technology3.4 Market Entry4 Market Segmentation by Type4.1 Market Size4.1.1 Global Slow AC Market, 2011-20164.1.2 Global Fast AC Market, 2011-20164.1.3 Global Fast DC Market, 2011-20164.2 Market Forecast4.2.1 Global Slow AC Market Forecast, 2017-2022Continue Report Description with TOC @Following regions are analyzed for Electric Vehicle Chargers Market:Asia-PacificNorth AmericaEuropeSouth AmericaMiddle East & AfricaMajor manufacturers are analyzed in the report based on company profile, specifications, types, and contact information. Furthermore, comprehensive analysis of capacity, production, cost, price, and revenue of each manufacturer is covered.Following manufacturers are analyzed for Electric Vehicle Chargers Market:ChargepointABBEatonLevitonBlinkSchneider ElectricSiemens and moreInquire for Purchasing Report@Global market size in terms of volume & value, growth rate, sales, and sale price are analyzed for the historic period. Moreover, an extensive analysis of market size of types, applications, and regions is offered for the forecast period. The feasibility and SWOT analysis for new project investment is explored along with marketing distributor analysis.Data & statistics are provided with the help of figures and tables to help market players, investors, and stakeholders gain thorough understanding. Research conclusions are presented at the end of the report.Split by product type, with production, revenue, price, and market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoSlow ACFast ACFast DCSplit by application, this report focuses on consumption, market share and growth rate of Electric Vehicle Chargers in each application, can be divided intoCommercialResidentialBy Installation LocationOutdoorIndoorBig Market Research Provide Latest Market Insight From Past Analysis to Future Trend.5933 NE Win Sivers Drive, #205, Portland, OR 97220U.S. & Canada Toll Free: + 1-800-910-6452UK: + 44-845-528-1300, India: +91 20 66346070Fax: +1 (855) 550-5975Email: help@bigmarketresearch.comWeb:
The whole matter has now brought into focus the precious works of art Air India has been commissioning and collecting right since JRD Tata's time.

By India Today Web Desk: The total evaluated price of the paintings from a collection featuring renowned artists like MF Husain and Jatin Das, which went missing from the Air India headquarters in Mumbai, has been estimated to be over Rs 750 crore.

The case of the missing paintings had come to light after Jatin Das was contacted for a painting that he had made for Air India, for verification prior to sale. Das had painted it way back in 1991 and till a few years ago, it was hanging at the Air India lounge in the International Airport.

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The whole matter has now brought into focus the precious works of art Air India has been commissioning and collecting right since JRD Tata's time.

When contacted by India Today, Air India CMD Ashwini Lohani and his team refused to say anything, but sources said the paintings could have gone off the radar and entered the black market for famous works when the airport terminus building was shifted.

A press release today stated that the airline since March 2016 has been carrying out an audit of its collection and that it will be over by September 2017.

Top sources have revealed that Air India at one time had 7000 odd paintings and artefacts, and the ongoing audit has so far tracked only 3500 odd pieces in the Mumbai HQ of Air India and in Air India offices.

As of now, there is no clue as to where the rest of the items are, and a probe is on to figure out the matter.

Also Read:

Paintings from Rs 200-crore collection go missing from Air India's Mumbai headquarters

Missing Air India paintings: RLD leader Ajit Singh demands probe

Watch Video: Air India loot: Top artists' paintings missing, probe ordered

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Global Intra-Operative 3D Navigation Systems Market Growth Forecasted during the period 2017-2022

Market Research Hub

http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1174585

http://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/global-intra-operative-3d-navigation-systems-market-research-report-2017-report.html

http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=enquiry&repid=1174585

https://www.industrynewsanalysis.com/

Intra-operative navigation system are rated useful in minimally invasive surgery (MIS). This factor is surely boosting the market for such systems on the global level. To study in detail, Market Research Hub (MRH) has added a new report titled Global Intra-Operative 3D Navigation Systems Market Research Report 2017, to its vast repository. This research study is a complete evaluation of various factors such as production, consumption, revenue, as well as market share. Also, this report highlights growth for the concerned market at a double-digit CAGR during the period 2017-2022.Request Free Sample Report @Intra-operative navigation system are growing popular in the medical sector, primarily for carrying out surgeries without much hassle. These surgeries are carried out using specialized surgical instruments and arthroscopes that are inserted through a small incision. Also, in most of these systems, the different 3D anatomical structures can be developed properly with the use of advanced computer graphics algorithms. Presently, the market for intra-operative navigation systems is active in regions such as North America, China, Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia and India. Also, manufacturers like Medtronic, Zimmer, Brainlab AG, Siemens Healthcare, GE Healthcare, Hitachi Medical Systems, XION GmbH and NeuroLogica Corp, are seen as the top players from this sector.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Intra-Operative 3D Navigation Systems in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Intra-Operative 3D Navigation Systems market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingMedtronicBrainlab AGZimmerGE HealthcareSiemens HealthcareXION GmbHHitachi Medical SystemsNeuroLogica CorpOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into:Neurosurgery Navigation SystemSpinal/Trauma Surgery Navigation SystemENT Navigation SystemOrthopedic Surgery Navigation SystemOtherOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate of Intra-Operative 3D Navigation Systems for each application, including:HospitalsClinicsOtherBrowse Full Report with TOC @Table of content:Global Intra-Operative 3D Navigation Systems Market Research Report 20171 Intra-Operative 3D Navigation Systems Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Intra-Operative 3D Navigation Systems1.2 Intra-Operative 3D Navigation Systems Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Intra-Operative 3D Navigation Systems Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Intra-Operative 3D Navigation Systems Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Neurosurgery Navigation System1.2.4 Spinal/Trauma Surgery Navigation System1.2.5 ENT Navigation System1.2.6 Orthopedic Surgery Navigation System1.2.7 Other1.3 Global Intra-Operative 3D Navigation Systems Segment by Application1.3.1 Intra-Operative 3D Navigation Systems Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Hospitals1.3.3 Clinics1.3.4 Other1.4 Global Intra-Operative 3D Navigation Systems Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Intra-Operative 3D Navigation Systems Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Intra-Operative 3D Navigation Systems (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Intra-Operative 3D Navigation Systems Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Intra-Operative 3D Navigation Systems Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)Make an Enquiry @About Market Research Hub:Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of Research Reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of medical equipment market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.Contact Details:90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (US-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: press@marketresearchhub.comRead More Industry News @
Silicon Anode Battery Market 2017 - Panasonic Corporation,Samsung SDI,LG Chem Ltd.,BYD Co. Ltd.,Amprius, Inc.

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https://goo.gl/cCwi7R

http://www.apexresearch.biz

Apex Research, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Silicon Anode Battery Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Silicon Anode Battery Market" from view of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries. The research report analyses and provides the historical data along with current performance of the global Silicon Anode Battery industry, and estimates the future trend of Silicon Anode Battery market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Silicon Anode Battery Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This Report1 Panasonic Corporation2 Samsung SDI3 LG Chem Ltd.4 BYD Co. Ltd.5 Amprius, Inc.6 XG Sciences, Inc.7 Boston-Power, Inc.8 Nexeon Limited9 Enovix Corporation10 California Lithium Battery, Inc.The market research report explores the Silicon Anode Battery market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Silicon Anode Battery Market". The research report studies the entire value chain from raw material to end user industries. The report also shares import/export statistics along with production and consumption for all major regions and countries. Moreover, the research study classifies the Silicon Anode Battery market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Silicon Anode Battery. Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Silicon Anode Battery market. The report further provides production, capacity, price per region, gross margin, production cost, for all major regions and countries listed in report.The competitive landscape of the global market for Silicon Anode Battery is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Silicon Anode Battery market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Silicon Anode Battery market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Silicon Anode Battery market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Silicon Anode Battery production volume, data pertaining to demand and Silicon Anode Battery supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Silicon Anode Battery along with detailed manufacturing sources. The report also shares list of major raw material manufacturers along with their manufacturing locations. Detailed raw material price trend analysis along with manufacturing cost analysis is also incorporated into the report. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, SWOT analysis and market attractiveness analysis has been implemented in the research study to present a comprehensive, detailed study of the industry for Silicon Anode Battery across the world.About UsApexResearch offer reports from top publishers and update to serve you with immediate on-line access to professional insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends. Customers can buys different reports across various categories such as Chemical and Material, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Food and beverages, Automobile and various sectors. Our Website offers safe and secure online ordering experience, convenient payment options.Contact UsFrank ValadezBusiness Development Executive| sales@apexresearch.biz
Advanced Visualization Systems Market Expecting Worldwide Growth by 2021

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/advanced-visualization-systems-market.asp

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/5276

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/5276

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com

Advanced visualization system is a medical instrument equipped with technically advanced software that displays numerous aspects of a living cell efficiently. This system decreases the turnaround time of clinicians for the result being reported to patient. Advanced visualization system bring revolutionary product in the market that is widely utilized in pathology laboratory. Advanced visualization systems are widely utilized in radiology, cardiology, neurology, nephrology and hematology.Get access to full summary @:Radiology is considered as the most promising segment in the global market and accounted for the largest market share in advanced visualization systems application market. Radiology is widely utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. As the prevalence of cancer is increasing rapidly in the global population and thereby increasing the uptake of radiology. As an instance American Cancer Society (ACS) estimated that by 2030, the global cancer cases are expected to reach 21.4 million. Thus, rising incidences of cancer cases supports the growth of advanced visualization systems market.Likewise, cardiovascular diseases also significantly contributed in the global market growth of advance visualization systems. The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease, ischemic heart disease, cardiac failure and arrhythmias is increasing rapidly. National Health Service (NHS) stated that cardiovascular disease is one of the leading cause of death in the U.K every year. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that about 600,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year. Thus, rising number of people diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases propels the demand for advanced visualization systems market.Technological advancement is primarily accounted for the global market growth of the advanced visualization systems. Advancement in computer software and hardware change the impact of advanced visualization tools in the global market. Moreover, developments in the area of AV technology (3D) and PACS module integration are also directly linked to the global market growth of advanced visualization systems.A sample of this report is available upon request @A remarkable progression in the field of advanced visualization systems has been the move from a thick client to a thin client server and to cloud technique. Technical complexities associated with existing advanced visualization systems would restrict the global demand of advanced visualization systems. Moreover, high cost associated with the diagnosis procedure of advanced visualization systems would also account for the market hindrance during the study period.North America and Europe are observed to be the largest advanced visualization systems market due to major market players based in these regions. Moreover, extensive technological advancement accentuates the advanced visualization system market in these regions. In addition, strong demand of technologically advanced pathology test is also a factor that would accentuate the advanced visualization systems market in North American and European regions.Asian and Latin American regions are fuelled by the presence of untapped opportunities due to extensive increase in the healthcare infrastructure. Asia-Pacific is considered as an emerging market due to growing market penetration in this region. The market for advanced visualization systems in Asia-Pacific region will grow at the highest CAGR during the study period owing to increased government spending on healthcare programs and strong economic growth. Moreover, increasing number of new diagnostic centers and hospitals with advanced imaging equipment will also drive the growth in AsiaPacific Region.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Major market players contributing the market share of the global advanced visualization systems market include Fujifilm Holding America Corporation, Qi Imaging, Vital Images, Inc., GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthcare, TeraRecon, Inc. and others.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Send Rakhi to India and Make Brother Stunned with Unique Rakhi through Sendrakhi.com

https://www.sendrakhi.com/city/delhi

https://www.sendrakhi.com/city/mumbai

https://www.sendrakhi.com/

https://www.sendrakhi.com/

Based in India, Sendrakhi.com is a leading online rakhi and gift portal that offers an amazing collection of Rakhi. One can easily send Rakhi to India from any corner of the world in just a few clicks.New Delhi, Tuesday, July, 06, 2017:Today many Indians are spread worldwide and the festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with same zeal and energy. However, with the passage of time, it is getting a bit difficult for both brothers and sisters to join for the festivity on the eve of Raksha Bandhan. Using the internet, it is practically possible to Send Rakhi to India from any country with the help of online Rakhi portal. Sendrakhi.com is a recognized online platform that allows one to Send Rakhi to Delhi () and other parts of the country and adds charm to the festival.Sendrakhi.com is a leading online Rakhi store that offers one to Send Rakhi to Mumbai,() Hyderabad, Chennai and others parts of India. This year if a brother is busy in his routine schedule and able to come for the Rakhi celebration, then do not feel disheartened. Just explore the huge collection of online Rakhi store and select the best rakhi for the brother. Make the dearest brother feel special who lives in other city and sending unique Rakhi online.While having a discussion with the authorized executive of the portal revealed, At Sendrakhi.com, we are here to help you in all possible ways so that even your brother can feel home. Send Rakhi to Bangalore for a brother who lives there and makes him remembers all the Tom and Jerry fight you used to have with him in childhood. Relive all those wonderful moments once again and make him feel valued on this Raksha Bandhan. Today, to send Rakhi to India is no more a tough task if you are settled in abroad. Therefore, just in case you have not bought Rakhi for brother yet, then go for online Rakhi shopping at our portal and make your brother feel special. Nowadays, many sisters send Rakhi to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and other places to their brother and make him feel special on the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan.The online portal offers one a vast array of Rakhi online such as Zardosi Rakhi, Pearl Rakhi, Stone Studded Rakhi, Lumba Rakhi, Cartoon Rakhi, Golden Rakhi, Bracelet Rakhi, Kids Rakhi, Rudraksha Rakhi, Kundan Rakhi and much more.On further discussion, the authorized executive of the portal further stated, Raksha Bandhan is a sacred festival that is celebrated by all groups of people irrespective of their age, caste, place and religion. Slowly, its charm can be seen all across the world and this has given rise to the increasing trend to send Rakhi to India () from USA, Australia, UK, Singapore and other places.Apart from Rakhi, one can also send Rakhi gift hampers such as Rakhi with Sweets, Rakhi with Chocolates, Rakhi with Flowers, Rakhi with Dry Fruits, Rakhi with Greeting Cards, Rakhi with Sweets & Chocolates and a lot more.Sendrakhi.com is the ultimate e-commerce platform that let you send Rakhi to India. One can hassle-freely send Rakhi to Delhi and other parts of the country and worldwide using this online Rakhi shop. To add charm to the festivity for a brother who lives in Mumbai, Send Rakhi to Mumbai along with some gifts such as Chocolates, Sweets, Dry Fruits, Cakes and much more and make him feel special and be a reason for his smile. For more information, please feel free to visit the website of the Company.ContactSendrakhi.comAddress:Primo Gifts Pvt. Ltd.P-11,2nd Floor Pandav NagarMayur Vihar 1New Delhi-110091India: 91-8510934032Email: support@sendrakhi.comWebsite-
Molecular Diagnostics and NAT Market is Expected to Generate Huge Profits by 2021

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/molecular-diagnostics-nat-market.asp

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/5291

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/5291

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com

Molecular diagnostics is the application of medical and microbiological technologies to the medical imaging science, in order to analyze biological markers present in the proteome and genome, which also includes the study of how an individual express his/her genes as proteins. The is an important diagnostic and patient monitoring technique, which not only diagnose the disease but also access the risks involved in treatment and suggest suitable therapies for the patients.Get access to full summary @:Nucleic acid test, or nucleic acid amplification test (NAT/NAAT) is another molecular technology used in identification of a bacterium or virus. NAT comprises of all the tests and technologies used to identify genetic material of infecting virus or organism.The market of molecular diagnostics is segmented on the basis of technology used in the diagnostic purposes, such as, amplification technologies, amplified gene detection technologies, DNA and oligonucleotide microarrays, and gene sequencing. Amplification technologies further segmented into multiple displacement amplification, ligase chain reaction, bio-barcode amplification assay, nucleic acid sequence based amplification, branched DNA and others. DNA microarrays are sub-segmented into array comparative genomic hybridization. Gene sequencing technique is divided into next generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing, whereas amplified gene detection technique is divided into microplate based flow cytometry and high resolution melting analysis.Further, the market is segmented on the basis of applications in the diagnosis of various diagnosis, such as, HIV diagnosis, influenza virus detection, hepatitis virus detection (hepatitis B and hepatitis C), STD testing, tuberculosis (Tb), Chlamydia testing, herpes simplex virus diagnosis, HPV, and many others. Moreover, molecular diagnostic tests are also applicable in the case of cancer, prenatal testing and disease risk management. The market for NAT is divided on the basis of various nucleic acid tests, such as, ligase chain reaction, reverse transcriptase PCR, quantiplex bDNA tests and others.A sample of this report is available upon request @Moreover, the market is segmented on the basis of geography, such as, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World (RoW). At present, the North American region is the most prominent market, owing to extensive diagnostic practices and R&D. However, Asia-Pacific and some countries in RoW region are expected to show very lucrative growth in the upcoming period, owing to enhanced awareness and growth in research and diagnostic technologies.The market is driven by various growth propellers, such as, increased prevalence of infectious diseases, extensive R&D in diagnostic and medical imaging field, development of advanced diagnosis equipment due to technological growth and increased demand for sophisticated diagnostic tests by patients and healthcare professionals. Increased prevalence of chronic infectious diseases is one of the most prominent drivers of the market growth.According to WHO, AIDS is the worlds first deadliest disease. As of 2012, around 35.5 million people of the world suffers from AIDS and in 2012, AIDS killed around 1.6 million people. Further, technological innovations are another market driver. Due to development of various technologically sound devices, the reliability of tests has been increased and it fuels the market growth. On the other hand, major growth hurdles include technological limitations and lack of awareness in certain region of the world and high costs associated with testing and equipment maintenance. Major opportunities include the development of cost-effective and hyper-accurate diagnostic tests and equipment, accomplished by awareness campaigns across the globe.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Major players operating in this market include Roche Diagnostics, Inc., Abbott Diagnostics Care, Becton, Dickinson and Company, GenMark Dx, Siemens Healthcare, AutoGenomics and others.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Global Tonic Wine Market 2017 - Buckfast Abbey, Leonard J Russell Snr, Campari Group, Scotland's, Sainsbury's

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https://www.fiormarkets.com/report-detail/73182/request-sample

www.fiormarkets.com

www.9dimenreports.com

The Report describe Tonic Wine Introduction, product scope, market overview, opportunities, risk, driving force also to analyze the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue, and price, market type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2017 to 2022The Tonic Wine market research report distils the most essential aspects of the market and presents them in the form of a comprehensive and cohesive document. The findings of this report have been obtained via a balanced mix of both primary and secondary research. Interviews of C-level executives in the Tonic Wine market form a chunk of the qualitative analysis contained in this report.Access Full Report @To begin with, the report defines the Tonic Wine market and segments it based on the most important dynamics, such as applications, geographical/regional markets, and competitive scenario. Macroeconomic and microeconomic factors environments that currently prevail and also those that are projected to emerge are covered in this report.With a view to deepen the scope of the analysis, the report also tracks milestone developments and regulations that have shaped the Tonic Wine market thus far. To help readers effectively plan their future strategies, the report provides a set of expert recommendations. The analysts working on the report have successfully identified expected policy changes, industry news and developments, and trends and opportunities  this information can be harnessed by companies to strengthen their market presence.Other important aspects that have been meticulously studied in the Tonic Wine market report are: Demand and supply dynamics, import and export scenario, industry processes and cost structures, and major R&D initiatives.Download Free Sample Report @Based on all of this information, the report provides recommendations and strategies to the following market participants: New players, investors, marketing departments, regulatory authorities and suppliers/manufacturers. The Tonic Wine market research study has been composed using key inputs from industry experts. Furthermore, the extensive primary and secondary research data with which the report has been composed helps deliver the key statistical forecasts, in terms of both revenue and volume. In addition to this, the trends and revenue analysis of the Global Tonic Wine market has been mentioned in this report. This will give a clear perspective to the readers how the Tonic Wine market will fare worldwideFior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Fior Markets provides you the full spectrum of services related to market research, and corroborate with the clients to increase the revenue stream, and address process gaps.Contact UsMark StoneSales Manager2566, Lincoln StreetPrinceton,New Jersey 08540USAPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
Global Terpenes Market 2017 - Arora Aromatics, Mentha & Allied Products, AOS Products, Kraton, Natural Fractions

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This report studies the Terpenes market, Terpenes are a large and diverse class of organic compounds, produced by a variety of plants, particularly conifers, and by some insects such as termites or swallowtail butterflies, which emit terpenes from their osmeteria. They often have a strong odor and may protect the plants that produce them by deterring herbivores and by attracting predators and parasites of herbivores. The difference between terpenes and terpenoids is that terpenes are hydrocarbons, whereas terpenoids contain additional functional groups.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Terpenes in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Request For Sample Report @Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversArora AromaticsMentha & Allied ProductsAOS ProductsKratonNatural FractionsInterstate CommoditiesHimachal Terepene ProductsYASUHARA CHEMICALJiangxi Jishui Xinghua Natural SpiceMarket Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversPineneLimoneneOthersAccess Full Report With TOC @Market Segment by Applications, can be divided intoCosmeticPharmaceuticalFoodOthersThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Terpenes market.Chapter 1, to describe Terpenes Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Terpenes, with sales, revenue, and price of Terpenes, in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Terpenes, for each region, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 12, Terpenes market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Terpenes sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.About Fior MarketsFior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Contact UsMark StoneSales ManagerOffice-102, Sanskriti AspirationsBaner Road, Pune,MH 411045IndiaPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
Global Torque Transducer Market 2017 - PCB, Himmelstein, Sensor Developments Inc, Westzh, Minebea

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The Report describe Torque Transducer Introduction, product scope, market overview, opportunities, risk, driving force also to analyze the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue, and price, market type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2017 to 2022The report begins with a broad introduction of the Torque Transducer market and then drills deeper into specific segments such as application, regional markets, end-users, policy analysis, value chain structure, and emerging trends. The Torque Transducer market report makes a case for investments in particular regions based on a realistic view of their regulatory environment, manufacturing dynamics and availability of skills and resources. Also, recommendations are made based on regions and market segments that are not poised for appreciable growth in the near future.Access Full Report @The Torque Transducer market and its dynamics are evaluated using industry leading tools and techniques. A qualitative analysis forms a sizeable portion of the research efforts as well. With emerging changes on the horizon, the Torque Transducer market is poised for certain important change. It is imperative that market players gear up for these changes. The report helps companiesboth new and establishedto identify white spaces and opportunities for growth in the Torque Transducer market.The leading companies in the Torque Transducer market are profiled to offer a complete overview of their growth strategies, financial standing, product and services pipeline, as well as recent collaborations and developments.The reports analysis is based on technical data and industry figures sourced from the most reputable databases. Other aspects that will prove especially beneficial to readers of the report are: investment feasibility analysis, recommendations for growth, investment return analysis, trends analysis, opportunity analysis, and SWOT analyses of competing companies. With the help of inputs and insights from technical and marketing experts, the report presents an objective assessment of the Torque Transducer market.Download Free Sample Report @A detailed segmentation evaluation of the Torque Transducer market has been provided in the report. Detailed information about the key segments of the market and their growth prospects are available in the report. The detailed analysis of their sub-segments is also available in the report. The revenue forecasts and volume shares along with market estimates are available in the report. The competitive landscape of the market presented in the study profiles the most prominent players in the market.Fior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Fior Markets provides you the full spectrum of services related to market research, and corroborate with the clients to increase the revenue stream, and address process gaps.Contact UsMark StoneSales Manager2566, Lincoln StreetPrinceton,New Jersey 08540USAPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
Global Water Clarifiers Market 2017 - SUEZ (GE), Pentair, Evoqua, Veolia Water, Murugappa, Aquatech International

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This report studies the Water Clarifier market. A clarifier is generally used to remove solid particulates or suspended solids from liquid for clarification and (or) thickening. Concentrated impurities, discharged from the bottom of the tank are known as sludge, while the particles that float to the surface of the liquid are called scum.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Water Clarifiers in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Request For Sample Report @Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversSUEZ (GE)PentairEvoquaVeolia WaterMurugappaAquatech InternationalWesTech EngineeringOvivoHydro InternationalSAVIParkson CorporationTonka WaterMonroe EnvironmentalEnvirodyne SystemsIon ExchangeJiangsu SanhuanMarket Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversRectangularCircularOthersAccess Full Report With TOC @Market Segment by Applications, can be divided intoMunicipalIndustrial Water TreatmentOthersThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Water Clarifiers market.Chapter 1, to describe Water Clarifiers Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Water Clarifiers, with sales, revenue, and price of Water Clarifiers, in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Water Clarifiers, for each region, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 12, Water Clarifiers market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Water Clarifiers sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.About Fior MarketsFior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Contact UsMark StoneSales ManagerPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
Global Refrigeration Equipments Market 2017 - Dover, Whirpool, Daikin Industries, Danfoss, Illinois Tool Works

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The Report describe Refrigeration Equipments Introduction, product scope, market overview, opportunities, risk, driving force also to analyze the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue, and price, market type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2017 to 2022The study Global Refrigeration Equipments Industry 2017 is a detailed report scrutinizing statistical data related to the Global Refrigeration Equipments industry. Historical data available in the report elaborates on the development of the Refrigeration Equipments market on a Global and national level. The report compares this data with the current state of the market and thus elaborates upon the trends that have brought the market shifts.Access Full Report @The market forces determining the shaping of the Refrigeration Equipments market have been evaluated in detail. In addition to this, the regulatory scenario of the market has been covered in the report from both the Global and local perspective. Market predictions along with the statistical nuances presented in the report render an insightful view of the Refrigeration Equipments market.The demand and supply side of the market has been extensively covered in the report. The challenges the players in the Refrigeration Equipments market face in terms of demand and supply have been listed in the report. Recommendations to overcome these challenges and optimize supply and demand opportunities have also been covered in this report.Growth prospects of the overall Refrigeration Equipments industry have been presented in the report. However, to give an in-depth view to the readers, detailed geographical segmentation within the Global Refrigeration Equipments market has been covered in this study. The key geographical regions along with their revenue forecasts are included in the report.Download Free Sample Report @The competitive framework of the Refrigeration Equipments market in terms of the Global Refrigeration Equipments industry has been evaluated in the report. The top companies and their overall share and share with respect to the Global market have been included in the report. Furthermore, the factors on which the companies compete in the market have been evaluated in the report.This report also presents product specification, manufacturing process, and product cost structure etc. Production is separated by regions, technology and applications. Analysis also covers upstream raw materials, equipment, downstream client survey, marketing channels, industry development trend and proposals. In the end, the report includes Refrigeration Equipments new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, investment return analysis, and development trend analysis. In conclusion, it is a deep research report on Global Refrigeration Equipments industry. Here, we express our thanks for the support and assistance from Refrigeration Equipments industry chain related technical experts and marketing engineers during Research Teams survey and interviewsFior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Fior Markets provides you the full spectrum of services related to market research, and corroborate with the clients to increase the revenue stream, and address process gaps.Contact UsMark StoneSales Manager2566, Lincoln StreetPrinceton,New Jersey 08540USAPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
Anurag Basu shares his inspiration and motivation behind making Jagga Jasoos and the hairdos of Ranbir Kapoor and Tintin.

By India Today Web Desk: Jagga Jasoos, starring ex-flames Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif, has been making headlines for quite some time now. Be it the interesting trailer or ex-flames Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif's off-screen banter, Jagga Jasoos is making a lot of noise ahead of its release.

The look of Ranbir Kapoor, who plays Jagga in the film, has been discussed at length ever since it was released. The boy with the quiff will immediately remind you of the detective-cum-reporter, Tintin who we all have grown up reading and loving.

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Looks like Jagga, the teenage detective, is an ode from director Anurag Basu to his childhood superhero Tintin. The director told Mid-Day, "When I was a child, I had stacks of Tintin's comics in my room."

Anurag Basu said that through Jagga Jasoos, he wanted to pay homage to all the art, literature, comics, that have influenced his work.

"I used to love adventure stories when I was a kid. The setting and details of such stories often stay at the back of your mind, and resurface when you are creating something of your own. Jagga Jasoos is my childhood playing out on screen," added the Barfi director.

Ranbir Kapoor's Tintin quiff has been the talk of the town ever since the trailer of Jagga Jasoos hit the web.

"I am aware that the hairdo is the most obvious point of discussion," Basu said, adding, "I wanted to give Ranbir a unique hairdo. This look wasn't my first choice. When we started trying out different looks, there was one we liked, but it did not make him look very childlike, which was essential. No other look, apart from this one, matched our narrative. It's a coincidence that it is the same as that of Tintin."

Jagga Jasoos, which also stars Saurabh Shukla, Sayani Gupta and Brijendra Kala apart from Ranbir and Katrina, will release on July 14.

ALSO READ | Govinda no longer in Jagga Jasoos, says he's thankful to Anurag Basu for clarifying

ALSO READ | Jagga Jasoos trailer out: Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif take you on a magical journey

ALSO WATCH | Ranbir Kapoor opens up on break-up with Katrina Kaif: I'm over it

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Global Roof Waterproof Coatings Market 2017 - Nippon Paint, Valspar, Akzonobel, PPG Industries, Gaco Western

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The Report describe Roof Waterproof Coatings Introduction, product scope, market overview, opportunities, risk, driving force also to analyze the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue, and price, market type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2017 to 2022Global Roof Waterproof Coatings Industry 2017 is a comprehensive, professional report delivering market research data that is relevant for new market entrants or established players. Key strategies of the companies operating in the market and their impact analysis have been included in the report. Furthermore, a business overview, revenue share, and SWOT analysis of the leading players in the Roof Waterproof Coatings market is available in the report.Access Full Report @Combining the data integration and analysis capabilities with the relevant findings, the report has predicted strong future growth of the Roof Waterproof Coatings market in all its geographical and product segments. In addition to this, several significant variables that will shape the Roof Waterproof Coatings industry and regression models to determine the future direction of the market have been employed to create the report.The report begins with a market overview and moves on to cover the growth prospects of the Roof Waterproof Coatings market. The current environment of the Global Roof Waterproof Coatings industry and the key trends shaping the market are presented in the report. Insightful predictions for the Roof Waterproof Coatings market for the coming few years have also been included in the report. These predictions feature important inputs from leading industry experts and take into account every statistical detail regarding the Roof Waterproof Coatings market.Download Free Sample Report @Statistical forecasts in the research study are available for the total Roof Waterproof Coatings market along with its key segments. The key segments, their growth prospects, and the new opportunities they present to market players have been mentioned in the report. Moreover, the impact analysis of the latest mergers and acquisition and joint ventures has been included in the report. The report also provides valuable proposals for new project development that can help companies optimize their operations and revenue structure.The competitive landscape of the market presented in the study profiles the most prominent players in the market. The business overview, recent developments, key strategies, and revenue share of key market players in the Global Roof Waterproof Coatings market have been covered in the research report. Moreover, the latest events and their impact on the Global Roof Waterproof Coatings industry have been presented in the report. In addition to this, the report features strategic recommendations that will help new entrants or established players optimize their ROI.Fior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Fior Markets provides you the full spectrum of services related to market research, and corroborate with the clients to increase the revenue stream, and address process gaps.Contact UsMark StoneSales Manager2566, Lincoln StreetPrinceton,New Jersey 08540USAPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
World 3D Projector Market- Evolving Product, Application & Regional segment with Players HITACHI, Sharp, Vivitek forecast 2021

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A new research report is published by HTF Market Intelligence on 'World 3D Projector Market Research Report 2021(Covering USA, EU, China, South East Asia, Japan and etc)' having 111 pages.Request a sample report @SummaryThe 3D Projector market research report provides the newest industry data and industry future trends, allowing you to identify the products and end users driving Revenue growth and profitability.The industry report lists the leading competitors and provides the insights strategic industry Analysis of the key factors influencing the market.The report includes the forecasts, Analysis and discussion of important industry trends, market size, market share estimates and profiles of the leading industry Players.Read Detailed Table of Content @The market is expected to expand at 6.12% CAGR over the period between 2016 and 2021.Global 3D Projector Market: Product Segment AnalysisUnder 2000 Lumens2000-4000 Lumens4000-10000 LumensAbove 10000 LumensGlobal 3D Projector Market: Application Segment AnalysisBusinessEducationHomeCinemaLive eventOthersGlobal 3D Projector Market: Regional Segment AnalysisUSAEuropeJapanChinaIndiaSouth East AsiaBuy this report @The Players mentioned in our reportBenQSonyEpsonNECPanasonicAcerHITACHISharpVivitekOptomaViewSonicJVCMitsubishiInfocusJianguoricohNewmineMake an enquiry before buying this Report @HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the Accurate Forecast in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their Goals & Objectives.Contact Us:HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJNew Jersey USA  08837sales@htfmarketreport.com+1 (206) 317 1218 (US)
Synthetic Graft Market is Expected to Witness Dynamic Growth in Future!!

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Graft is a material used in the treatment of delayed fracture unions, in spinal fusions, to bridge major bone defects or fill cavities created by tumor removal, cysts, or other causes. A synthetically derived material such as hydroxylapatite or calcium sulphate, which is intended to fill, supplement, or reconstruct periodontal or bony defects, is termed as a synthetic graft. This synthetic graft material is composed of biocompatible calcium phosphate materials that are similar to that of the bone and other organ parts and are capable of bonding chemically to the bone and other organ parts of body.Obtain Report Details:Synthetic materials are produced by sintering or heating up, of chemically formed compounds that subsequently bond together to form a graft. Different procedures are employed in the production of synthetics and many different chemical compounds are utilized, which bind together to form a synthetic graft. The physical properties of synthetics such as composition, morphology, etc., are reproducible, since they are chemically produced and are also part of a controlled manufacturing process. Most synthetics are cleared by the FDA as a bone void filler. Most common materials used in synthetic graft are hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate, biphasic calcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, etc.The global synthetic graft market is driven by the increase in number of orthopedic surgeries, dental surgeries and facial surgeries, and increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases are the major factors contributing to rising demand for synthetic graft. The rising number of bone grafting procedures performed annually, at the global level, has created a shortage of allograft material which has stimulated key players interest in developing and supplying synthetic graft to meet the ever increasing demand for graft. Technological advancements in development of synthetic graft and adoption of new technology by key players has further led to the adoption of synthetic graft, as it is associated with benefits such as sterility, reduced morbidity, ease of availability in comparison to allograft or auto graft. A major advantage of employing synthetic graft is that it is not associated with risk of any kind of disease, which has increased the usage of synthetic graft among end-users.The global synthetic graft market can be segmented into product type, application, end-user, and region. In terms of product, the market can be segmented into cement grafts and ceramic grafts. In terms of application, the synthetic graft market can be segmented into bone graft and vascular graft. The bone graft market can be further sub-segmented into carniomaxillofacial, dental, orthopedics, spinal surgery, and others. The vascular graft segment can be further sub-segmented into coronary artery disease, aneurysm, vascular occlusion, and renal failure. The bone graft segment is likely to dominate the synthetic graft market during forecast period due to rising incidence of accidents, orthopedic surgeries, and spine related surgeries. In terms of end-user, the market can be segmented into hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, specialty clinics, and others.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report:In terms of geography, the global synthetic graft market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America held a major share of the synthetic graft market, followed by Europe. Technological advancements in synthetic graft development, increase in healthcare expenditure, and rise in awareness regarding new technology and available products among the end-users are key factors contributing to the expansion of the synthetic graft market in North America. The market in Asia Pacific is expanding rapidly due to rising incidence of medical tourism in the region. Furthermore, factors such availability of high quality treatment at affordable prices as compared to developed nations is a major factor fuelling the expansion of the synthetic graft market.Key players operating in the global synthetic graft market include Biomatlante,Graftys, Medtronic Inc, Ceramisys Ltd, NuVasive, Inc., Wright Medical Group N.V., Smith & Nephew Inc, Orthovita, Inc., and Zimmer Biomet and others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a U.S.-based provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Smart Homes and Buildings Market 2022 - Top Players Cisco Systems, Emerson Electric, Honeywell International, Siemens, Robert Bosch, Control4 Corporation

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Smart Homes and Buildings Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022" to its huge collection of research reports.This report studies the global Smart Homes and Buildings market, analyzes and researches the Smart Homes and Buildings development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeCisco SystemsEmerson ElectricHoneywell InternationalSiemensRobert BoschControl4 CorporationLeviton ManufacturingUnited TechnologiesTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaMarket segment by Type, Smart Homes and Buildings can be split intoEnergy ManagementLighting ControlHVAC ControlSafety and SecurityOtherMarket segment by Application, Smart Homes and Buildings can be split intoGovernment OrganizationsResidential UsersCommercial UsersOtherIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Table of ContentsGlobal Smart Homes and Buildings Market Size, Status and Forecast 20221 Industry Overview of Smart Homes and Buildings1.1 Smart Homes and Buildings Market Overview1.1.1 Smart Homes and Buildings Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Smart Homes and Buildings Market Size and Analysis by Regions1.2.1 United States1.2.2 EU1.2.3 Japan1.2.4 China1.2.5 India1.2.6 Southeast Asia1.3 Smart Homes and Buildings Market by Type1.3.1 Energy Management1.3.2 Lighting Control1.3.3 HVAC Control1.3.4 Safety and Security1.3.5 Other1.4 Smart Homes and Buildings Market by End Users/Application1.4.1 Government Organizations1.4.2 Residential Users1.4.3 Commercial Users1.4.4 Other2 Global Smart Homes and Buildings Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Smart Homes and Buildings Market Size (Value) by Players (2016 and 2017)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in Future3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 Cisco Systems3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Smart Homes and Buildings Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 Emerson Electric3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Smart Homes and Buildings Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 Honeywell International3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Smart Homes and Buildings Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 Siemens3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Smart Homes and Buildings Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.4.5 Recent Developments3.5 Robert Bosch3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.5.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.5.4 Smart Homes and Buildings Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.5.5 Recent Developments3.6 Control4 Corporation3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.6.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.6.4 Smart Homes and Buildings Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.6.5 Recent Developments3.7 Leviton Manufacturing3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.7.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.7.4 Smart Homes and Buildings Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.7.5 Recent Developments3.8 United Technologies3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.8.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.8.4 Smart Homes and Buildings Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.8.5 Recent Developments4 Global Smart Homes and Buildings Market Size by Type and Application (2012-2017)4.1 Global Smart Homes and Buildings Market Size by Type (2012-2017)4.2 Global Smart Homes and Buildings Market Size by Application (2012-2017)4.3 Potential Application of Smart Homes and Buildings in Future4.4 Top Consumer/End Users of Smart Homes and Buildings5 United States Smart Homes and Buildings Development Status and Outlook5.1 United States Smart Homes and Buildings Market Size (2012-2017)5.2 United States Smart Homes and Buildings Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)6 EU Smart Homes and Buildings Development Status and Outlook6.1 EU Smart Homes and Buildings Market Size (2012-2017)6.2 EU Smart Homes and Buildings Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)7 Japan Smart Homes and Buildings Development Status and Outlook7.1 Japan Smart Homes and Buildings Market Size (2012-2017)7.2 Japan Smart Homes and Buildings Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)8 China Smart Homes and Buildings Development Status and Outlook8.1 China Smart Homes and Buildings Market Size (2012-2017)8.2 China Smart Homes and Buildings Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Treatment Devices Market (2017  2025) : Industry Survey & Outlook

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Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy, is nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate gland. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, which excretes urine from the bladder outside the body. Enlargement of the prostate gland leads to blockage of the urethra, thus causing problems during urination. It involves stromal and glandular epithelial hyperplasia, which occurs in the periurethral transition zone surrounding the urethra. The symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia includes urinary hesitancy, straining in initiating urination, dribbling, decreased force of stream, feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, frequent urination, dysuria and nocturia. Benign prostatic hyperplasiais is distinguished by progressive development of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to prolonged obstruction of urine. The prevalence of LUTS due to benign prostatic hyperplasia increases with increasing age. In around 80% of men, moderate to severe symptoms are observed between the age of 60 to 80 years. The treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia are therapeutic and surgical procedures.Obtain Report Details @Benign prostatic hyperplasia occurs in almost all men. It is not cancer, and about 50% of men aged over 75 years have some symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is usually caused by abnormal hormonal balance, and changes in cell growth. Increasing aging population worldwide, increasing prevalence and incidence of benign prostatic hyperplasia is a major driving force for the benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment device market. Increase in awareness of prostate cancer and urological disorders, new and innovative device development, and high rate of adoption of minimally invasive devices for treatment is further driving the growth of the market. High unmet needs associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia have encouraged key players to invest in research and development activities to develop novel devices at low cost for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia which has further contributed to the market growth globally. Medication treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia usually leads to invasive procedures and leads to side effects due to which key players are taking initiatives to invent new devices which offer less invasive treatment for enlarged prostate treatment.The global benign prostatic hyperplasia market can be segmented by procedure type and end users. By procedure type, the market is segmented into laser based procedure and other energy based procedure. Laser based procedures can be segmented further into holmium lasers, green light laser, and thulium laser based devices. Other energy based procedures are transurethral microwave thermotherapy, transurethral needle ablation, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), water-induced thermotherapy, prostatic artery embolization, and prostatic implants. Prostatic implants are further segmented into stents and prostatic urethral lift devices. By end users, the market is segmented into hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, specialty clinics, and others. Hospitals account for the dominant market share of the benign prostatic hyperplasia market due to high rate of hospitalization of patients suffering from urological disorder in hospitals and early adoption of new devices in hospitals.Geographically, the global benign prostatic hyperplasia market is distributed over North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America is projected to hold a significant share in the market due to the rising prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia, rise in geriatric population, and increase in healthcare expenditure. Alliances between public and private sectors for the development of low-cost medical devices, and favorable reimbursement policies are also likely to propel the market in North America. The high incidence of urological disorders, rising incidence of benign prostatic hyperplasia in developing countries, and investment from key players in emerging economies with huge patient population are anticipated to drive the market in the Asia Pacific region.Fill The Form To Gain Deeper Insights On This Market @Major players operating in the benign prostatic hyperplasia market include Endo International, Karl Storz, Lumenis, Olympus, Urologix, NeoTract Inc. Boston Scientific Inc., Urotech Inc., and others.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global System in Package (SiP) Technology Market 2022 - Top Players Toshiba, Samsung, Fujitsu, Amkor, Renesas Electronics, ASE Group

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global System in Package (SiP) Technology Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022" to its huge collection of research reports.This report studies the global System in Package (SiP) Technology market, analyzes and researches the System in Package (SiP) Technology development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeToshibaSamsungFujitsuAmkorRenesas ElectronicsASE GroupJiangsu Changjiang ElectronicsChipmos TechnologiesPowertech TechnologyTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaMarket segment by Type, System in Package (SiP) Technology can be split into2-D IC Packaging2.5-D IC Packaging3-D IC PackagingMarket segment by Application, System in Package (SiP) Technology can be split intoConsumer ElectronicsAutomotiveTelecommunicationAerospace &DefenseOtherIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Table of ContentsGlobal System in Package (SiP) Technology Market Size, Status and Forecast 20221 Industry Overview of System in Package (SiP) Technology1.1 System in Package (SiP) Technology Market Overview1.1.1 System in Package (SiP) Technology Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global System in Package (SiP) Technology Market Size and Analysis by Regions1.2.1 United States1.2.2 EU1.2.3 Japan1.2.4 China1.2.5 India1.2.6 Southeast Asia1.3 System in Package (SiP) Technology Market by Type1.3.1 2-D IC Packaging1.3.2 2.5-D IC Packaging1.3.3 3-D IC Packaging1.4 System in Package (SiP) Technology Market by End Users/Application1.4.1 Consumer Electronics1.4.2 Automotive1.4.3 Telecommunication1.4.4 Aerospace &Defense1.4.5 Other2 Global System in Package (SiP) Technology Competition Analysis by Players2.1 System in Package (SiP) Technology Market Size (Value) by Players (2016 and 2017)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in Future3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 Toshiba3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 System in Package (SiP) Technology Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 Samsung3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 System in Package (SiP) Technology Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 Fujitsu3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 System in Package (SiP) Technology Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 Amkor3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 System in Package (SiP) Technology Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.4.5 Recent Developments3.5 Renesas Electronics3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.5.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.5.4 System in Package (SiP) Technology Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.5.5 Recent Developments3.6 ASE Group3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.6.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.6.4 System in Package (SiP) Technology Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.6.5 Recent Developments3.7 Jiangsu Changjiang Electronics3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.7.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.7.4 System in Package (SiP) Technology Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.7.5 Recent Developments3.8 Chipmos Technologies3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.8.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.8.4 System in Package (SiP) Technology Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.8.5 Recent Developments3.9 Powertech Technology3.9.1 Company Profile3.9.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.9.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.9.4 System in Package (SiP) Technology Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.9.5 Recent Developments4 Global System in Package (SiP) Technology Market Size by Type and Application (2012-2017)4.1 Global System in Package (SiP) Technology Market Size by Type (2012-2017)4.2 Global System in Package (SiP) Technology Market Size by Application (2012-2017)4.3 Potential Application of System in Package (SiP) Technology in Future4.4 Top Consumer/End Users of System in Package (SiP) Technology5 United States System in Package (SiP) Technology Development Status and Outlook5.1 United States System in Package (SiP) Technology Market Size (2012-2017)5.2 United States System in Package (SiP) Technology Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)6 EU System in Package (SiP) Technology Development Status and Outlook6.1 EU System in Package (SiP) Technology Market Size (2012-2017)6.2 EU System in Package (SiP) Technology Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)7 Japan System in Package (SiP) Technology Development Status and Outlook7.1 Japan System in Package (SiP) Technology Market Size (2012-2017)7.2 Japan System in Package (SiP) Technology Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) in Netherlands, Market Outlook to 2030, Update 2017 | Researchmoz

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Solar Photovoltaic (PV) in Netherlands, Market Outlook to 2030, Update 2017 - Capacity, Generation, Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), Investment Trends, Regulations and Company Profiles" to its huge collection of research reports."Solar Photovoltaic (PV) in Netherlands, Market Outlook to 2030, Update 2017 - Capacity, Generation, Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), Investment Trends, Regulations and Company Profiles" is the latest report from GlobalData, the industry analysis specialists that offer comprehensive information and understanding of the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market in Netherlands.The report provides in depth analysis on global renewable power market and global Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market with forecasts up to 2030. The report analyzes the power market scenario in Netherlands (includes conventional thermal, nuclear, large hydro and renewable energy sources) and provides future outlook with forecasts up to 2030. The research details renewable power market outlook in the country (includes hydro, small hydro, biopower and Solar Photovoltaic (PV)) and provides forecasts up to 2030. The report highlights installed capacity and power generation trends from 2006 to 2030 in Netherlands Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market. A detailed coverage of renewable energy policy framework governing the market with specific policies pertaining to Solar Photovoltaic (PV) is provided in the report. The research also provides company snapshots of some of the major market participants.The report is built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, secondary research and in-house analysis by GlobalDatas team of industry experts.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @ScopeThe report analyses global renewable power market, global Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market, Netherlands power market, Netherlands renewable power market and Netherlands Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market. The scope of the research includes -- A brief introduction on global carbon emissions and global primary energy consumption.- An overview on global renewable power market, highlighting installed capacity trends, generation trends and installed capacity split by various renewable power sources. The information is covered for the historical period 2006-2016 (unless specified) and forecast period 2017-2030.- Renewable power sources include wind (both onshore and offshore), Solar Photovoltaic (PV), concentrated solar power (CSP), small hydro power (SHP), biomass, biogas and geothermal.- Detailed overview of the global Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market with installed capacity and generation trends, installed capacity split by major Solar Photovoltaic (PV)power countries in 2016 and key owners information of various regions.- Power market scenario in Netherlands and provides detailed market overview, installed capacity and power generation trends by various fuel types (includes thermal conventional, nuclear, large hydro and renewable energy sources) with forecasts up to 2030.- An overview on Netherlands renewable power market, highlighting installed capacity trends (2006-2030), generation trends(2006-2030) and installed capacity split by various renewable power sources in 2016.- Detailed overview of Netherlands Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market with installed capacity and generation trends and major active and upcoming Solar Photovoltaic (PV) projects.- Deal analysis of Netherlands Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market. Deals are analyzed on the basis of mergers, acquisitions, partnership, asset finance, debt offering, equity offering, private equity (PE) and venture capitalists (VC).- Key policies and regulatory framework supporting the development of renewable power sources in general and Solar Photovoltaic (PV) in particular.- Company snapshots of some of the major market participants in the country.Reasons to buy- The report will enhance your decision making capability in a more rapid and time sensitive manner.- Identify key growth and investment opportunities in Netherlands Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market.- Facilitate decision-making based on strong historic and forecast data for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market.- Position yourself to gain the maximum advantage of the industrys growth potential.- Develop strategies based on the latest regulatory events.- Identify key partners and business development avenues.- Understand and respond to your competitors business structure, strategy and prospects.1 Table of Contents1 Table of Contents 21.1 List of Tables 51.2 List of Figures 62 Executive Summary 72.1 Fall in OECD Countries Carbon Emission despite a Global Rise during 2010-2015 72.2 Technological Advancements and Government Support Driving Global Renewable Power Installations 72.3 Thermal Power is the Dominant Source in Netherlands Power Capacity Mix 72.4 Renewable Sources Expected to Witness Maximum Growth in Netherlands Power Market 83 Introduction 93.1 Carbon Emissions, Global, 2001-2016 93.2 Primary Energy Consumption, Global, 2001-2025 113.3 Solar Photovoltaic (PV), Global, Technology Definition and Classification 133.4 Report Guidance 144 Renewable Power Market, Global, 2006 - 2030 154.1 Renewable Power Market, Global, Overview 154.2 Renewable Power Market, Global, Installed Capacity, 2006-2030 164.2.1 Renewable Power Market, Global, Cumulative Installed Capacity by Source Type, 2006-2030 164.2.2 Renewable Power Market, Global, Cumulative Installed Capacity Split by Source Type, 2016 and 2030 184.2.3 Renewable Power Market, Global, Net Capacity Additions by Source Type, 2016-2030 204.2.4 Renewable Power Market, Global, Comparison by Cumulative Installed Capacity of Technology, 2016-2030 224.3 Renewable Power Market, Global, Power Generation, 2006-2030 244.3.1 Renewable Power Market, Global, Power Generation by Source Type, 2006-2030 244.3.2 Renewable Power Market, Global, Power Generation, Source Comparison Based on Power Generation, 2016-2030 264.4 Renewable Power Market, Global, LCOE Comparison of Power Generating Sources, 2014-2014 285 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Market, Global, 2006-2030 325.1 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Market, Global, Overview 325.2 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Market, Global, Installed Capacity, 2006-2030 335.2.1 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Market, Global, Installed Capacity Share by Region, 2016 and 2030 355.2.2 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Market, Global, Installed Capacity Share by Country, 2016 and 2030 375.3 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Market, Global, Power Generation, 2006-2030 395.3.1 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Market, Global, Generation Share by Region, 2016 and 2030 415.3.2 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Market, Global, Generation Share by Country, 2016 and 2030 436 Power Market, Netherlands, 2006-2030 456.1 Power Market, Netherlands, Overview 456.2 Power Market, Netherlands, Installed Capacity, 2006-2030 466.2.1 Power Market, Netherlands, Cumulative Installed Capacity by Fuel Type, 2006-2030 466.2.2 Power Market, Netherlands, Share in Cumulative Installed Capacity Split by Source Type, 2016 and 2030 486.2.3 Power Market, Netherlands, Net Capacity Additions by Fuel Type, 2016 and 2030 506.2.4 Power Market, Netherlands, Comparison of Technologies Based on Installed Capacity, 2016-2030 526.3 Power Market, Netherlands, Power Generation, 2006-2030 546.3.1 Power Market, Netherlands, Power Generation by Fuel Type, 2006-2030 546.3.2 Power Market, Netherlands, Comparison of Technologies Based on Power Generation, 2016-2030 577 Renewable Power Market, Netherlands, 2006-2030 597.1 Renewable Power Market, Netherlands, Overview 597.2 Renewable Power Market, Netherlands, Installed Capacity, 2006-2030 607.2.1 Renewable Power Market, Netherlands, Cumulative Installed Capacity by Source Type, 2006-2030 607.2.2 Renewable Power Market, Netherlands, Cumulative Installed Capacity Split by Source Type, 2016 and 2030 637.2.3 Renewable Power Market, Netherlands, Net Capacity Additions by Source Type, 2016-2030 657.2.4 Renewable Power Market, Netherlands, Comparison of Renewable Power Sources Based on Installed Capacity, 2016-2030 677.3 Renewable Power Market, Netherlands, Power Generation, 2006-2030 697.3.1 Renewable Power Market, Netherlands, Power Generation by Source Type, 2006-2030 697.3.2 Renewable Power Market, Netherlands, Comparison of Renewable Power Sources Based on Power Generation, 2016-2030 72Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
UK Protection Insurance 2017: Term and Whole of Life | Now Available at Researchmoz.us

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "UK Protection Insurance 2017: Term and Whole of Life" to its huge collection of research reports."UK Protection Insurance 2017: Term and Whole of Life", covers the market for individual regular premiums, concentrating on the main market for all types of consumers seeking their own cover. Taking protection as a whole, it focuses on the major and closely related product lines of term and whole of life insurance that broadly provide financial compensation in the risk-measured event of death or severe health issues. The report examines the size of the protection market over time, and how the distribution landscape is changing and being impacted by technology and direct propositions. It discusses the top market players and their propositions. The report forecasts how the size of the market will change over the next five years, discusses consumer engagement with protection products, and highlights how providers propositions are likely to change in the future.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The UK life protection market for regular, individual premiums has entered a quiet period, with a new normal level of business of reduced contracts and premiums since 2013. With the protection market fairly stable in terms of premiums, the real story lies in changes in distribution. The non-advised channel is starting to gain momentum for term products that can be easily commoditized. Term distribution is expected to move away from independent financial advisors (IFAs) and begin to mirror the general insurance market, where policies are sold directly and through aggregators. Providers propositions are also changing. Policies are becoming more personalized to individual risk, with insurers developing policies for specific risk groups. Providers are also trying to actively help their customers manage their health.Scope- The protection market is dominated by a few key players. Legal & General holds the largest share of the term market, whereas SunLife holds the largest proportion of the whole of life market.- Providers are trying to actively help their customers manage their health by investing in diagnostic healthcare technology, launching wellbeing apps, and providing customers with virtual GP services.- Following the Retail Distribution Review, robo-advice and technology will help bridge the advice gap for less affluent consumers.Reasons to buy- Understand how customers perceive protection products and what can be done to make them more attractive.- Remain competitive by discovering how providers are changing their propositions.- Discover how technology and robo-advice are being used to simplify the distribution of protection products.- See how the UK protection market is forecast to grow over the next five years.Table of Contents1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 31.1. Protection has reached a new normal, but innovation is coming 31.2. Key findings 31.3. Critical success factors 32. MARKET DYNAMICS 92.1. Introduction 92.2. The protection market remained steady in 2016 102.2.1. The UK protection market has reached a new normal of lower business levels since the RDR 102.2.2. Term products dominate the protection market 112.3. The term market dictates the performance of the total protection market 122.3.1. The term market recorded slight growth of 2.0% following four years of decline 122.3.2. Growth in mortgage lending is an opportunity for term policy providers 142.3.3. But providers are finding it difficult to sell life insurance alongside a mortgage 152.3.4. Mortgage lending will begin to slow, reducing the opportunity for term products 152.4. Whole of life is a market of two halves 162.4.1. The whole of life market has returned to its decline after a year of growth 162.4.2. Whole of life premiums have been propped up by rate increases 163. DISTRIBUTION 193.1. The RDR changed the distribution landscape 193.1.1. The total protection market shows a decline in the restricted advice channel 193.2. Term products are still dominated by IFAs 203.2.1. The non-advised channel is making gains in the term market 203.2.2. Non-mortgage term products are driving changes in distribution in the term market 213.2.3. Distribution for mortgage-related term products remains fairly steady 213.2.4. Term products have the higher capacity to be commoditized and sold on a direct basis 223.3. Distribution of whole of life products is as divided as ever 233.3.1. The majority of guaranteed acceptance products are sold without advice 233.3.2. Underwritten whole of life policies are complex and so are distributed through IFAs 233.4. Technology is being used to improve the customer journey 243.4.1. Protection products are lacking in ease of purchase compared to other industries 243.4.2. Distribution will begin to echo the general insurance market as self-service will grow 243.4.3. To operate directly, customer journeys have started to be streamlined 253.4.4. Growth is predicted for life insurance aggregators 253.4.5. Robo-advice will fill the advice gap for the less affluent 263.4.6. Aviva has a calculator to help customers understand how much cover they need 273.4.7. Certua will launch a robo-life service where policies can be adapted to customer needs 273.4.8. NAB has a digital advice service to empower those without an IFA 283.4.9. Exaxe has launched a robo-advice platform 283.4.10. Legal & General is considering entering the robo-advice space 283.4.11. Royal London has launched machine learning mortgage protection 293.4.12. Concierge services could be adapted for the life insurance market 293.4.13. Artificial intelligence is being used to manage claims with greater efficiency 294. COMPETITION 314.1. The life insurance market is dominated by a few key players 314.1.1. Legal & General dominates the individual term assurance market 314.1.2. SunLife holds the largest share of the whole of life market 314.1.3. Legal & General offers a range of life insurance policies 324.1.4. Aviva has a term assurance policy in addition to an over 50s life insurance policy 334.1.5. SunLife offers term family life insurance and an over 50s policy 344.1.6. Competitive advantage will be gained through innovative products and direct distribution 344.1.7. Vitality has brought innovation to the market by rewarding healthy customers 344.1.8. Virgin Money has partnered with BGL to launch a new life insurance product 354.1.9. Royal London partners with Post Office Money to launch new life insurance products 355. THE MARKET GOING FORWARD 375.1. The protection market is forecast to remain steady 375.1.1. Distribution will have the largest impact on the protection market towards 2021 375.2. Customer engagement with protection policies could be improved 385.2.1. Uptake of life insurance could be increased 385.2.2. Life insurance policies should be framed differently 395.2.3. Protection insurance is still regarded as being too expensive 395.2.4. Providers need to be more empathetic with their customers 405.3. Protection products are becoming more personalized 405.3.1. Wearable healthcare technology will be able to assess the risk of particular individuals 405.3.2. Facial analytics has been developed to estimate life expectancy 405.3.3. Genomic profiling could be used to assess risk in the future 415.3.4. Personalization could create an uninsurable underclass 425.3.5. Royal London has launched a specialist policy for diabetics 425.3.6. Pulse Insurance launched cover for individuals with HIV 435.4. Providers want to help individuals manage their health 435.4.1. Providers could offer wearable technology that diagnoses and manages medical conditions 435.4.2. Aviva has invested in technology to detect early signs of cancer 445.4.3. Life insurance providers are launching their own wellbeing apps 445.4.4. Providers are launching digital healthcare and virtual GP services 446. APPENDIX 466.1. Abbreviations and acronyms 466.2. Bibliography 466.3. Further reading 48Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Telecom Service Revenue In Saudi Arabia Is Estimated To Expand At A CAGR Of 4.2% During 2017-2022

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Saudi Arabia: Mobile Network Upgrades, Fiber Expansion and Digital Transformation to Remain Key Focus Areas for Operators" to its huge collection of research reports."Saudi Arabia: Mobile Network Upgrades, Fiber Expansion and Digital Transformation to Remain Key Focus Areas for Operators", is a new Country Intelligence Report by GlobalData, provides an executive-level overview of the telecommunications market in Saudi Arabia today, with detailed forecasts of key indicators up to 2022. Published annually, the report provides detailed analysis of the near-term opportunities, competitive dynamics and evolution of demand by service type and technology/platform across the fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice, mobile data and pay-TVmarkets, as well as a review of key regulatory trends.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The telecom service revenue in Saudi Arabia is estimated to expand at a CAGR of 4.2% during 2017-2022, due to growth in mobile data and fixed broadband segments. Growing consumption of data services backed by proliferation of 4G services and growing investments in fixed Internet infrastructure will be the key factors behind the growth. Pay-TV revenue will show considerable growth with DTH being the largest segment. The overall telecom service market will be dominated by STC and Mobily through 2022. The grant of unified licenses to Zain KSA and Mobily will increase competition in the market. The country's digital transformation initiatives supported by KSA Vision 2030 and the accompanying NTP will open up further opportunities for operators, vendors and investors.The Country Intelligence Report provides in-depth analysis of the following -- Regional context: telecom market size and trends in Saudi Arabia compared with other countries in the region.- Economic, demographic and political context in Saudi Arabia.- The regulatory environment and trends: a review of the regulatory setting and agenda for the next 18-24 months as well as relevant developments pertaining to spectrum licensing, national broadband plans, number portability and more.- A demand profile: analysis as well as historical figures and forecasts of service revenue from the fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice, mobile data and pay-TV markets.- Service evolution: a look at changes in the breakdown of overall revenue between the fixed and mobile sectors and between voice, data and video from 2017 to 2022.- The competitive landscape: an examination of key trends in competition and in the performance, revenue market shares and expected moves of service providers over the next 18-24 months.- In-depth sector analysis of fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice, mobile data and pay-TV services: a quantitative analysis of service adoption trends by network technology and by operator, as well as of average revenue per line/subscription and service revenue through the end of the forecast period.- Main opportunities: this section details the near-term opportunities for operators, vendors and investors in Saudi Arabia's telecommunications markets.Scope- The overall telecom service revenue in Saudi Arabia will grow at a CAGR of 4.2% during 2017-2022, mainly driven by growth in mobile data and fixed broadband segments- Mobile revenue will account for 76.1% of total telecom revenue in 2022; mobile data will witness a CAGR of 10.5% during 2017-2022.- The top two operators, STC and Mobily will account for 75.2% share of overall service revenue in 2017. We expect competition to intensify after Mobily and Zain acquired unified license from the regulator.- Government plans for the country's digital transformation and supporting ICT infrastructure and platforms development will support telecom growth in KSA.Reasons to buy- This Country Intelligence Report offers a thorough, forward-looking analysis of Saudi Arabia's telecommunications markets, service providers and key opportunities in a concise format to help executives build proactive and profitable growth strategies.- Accompanying GlobalDatas Forecast products, the report examines the assumptions and drivers behind ongoing and upcoming trends in Saudi Arabia's mobile communications, fixed telephony, broadband markets, and pay-TV, including the evolution of service provider market shares.- With more than 20 charts and tables, the report is designed for an executive-level audience, boasting presentation quality.- The report provides an easily digestible market assessment for decision-makers built around in-depth information gathered from local market players, which enables executives to quickly get up to speed with the current and emerging trends in Saudi Arabia's telecommunications markets.- The broad perspective of the report coupled with comprehensive, actionable detail will help operators, equipment vendors and other telecom industry players succeed in the challenging telecommunications market in Saudi Arabia.Table of ContentsTable of contents 3Executive summary 4Market and competitor overviewRegional context 6Economic, demographic and political context 7Regulatory environment 8Demand profile 15Service evolution 17Competitive landscape 18Major market players 19Segment analysisMobile services 24Fixed services 28Pay-TV 32Identifying opportunitiesOpportunities in the market 34About the authors 35Country Intelligence Report coverage 36Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Construction in Indonesia - Key Trends and Opportunities to 2021 | Now Available at Researchmoz.us

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Construction in Indonesia - Key Trends and Opportunities to 2021" to its huge collection of research reports.Indonesias construction will continue to thrive over the forecast period (20172021), driven by investment in infrastructure, energy and residential projects. The construction industrys output grew by 6.2% in 2016 in real terms, following an average annual growth of 6.6% during the preceding four years.Growth was supported by favorable demographics, and public and private sector investment in infrastructure and residential construction projects, leading to an increase in demand for the construction industry. Government investments under the National Medium Term Development Plan 20102014 to develop the countrys infrastructure also supported growth during the review period.Focus on the development of transport infrastructure and the construction of affordable housing units will be key growth drivers during the forecast period. Industry growth will also be supported by the Development Program 20152019, under which the government aims to develop the countrys transport infrastructure.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The industrys output value in real terms is expected to record a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.68% over the forecast period, compared to 6.49% during the review period (20122016).Despite government support for infrastructure development and the countrys favorable demographics, the Indonesian construction industry is expected to face challenges over the forecast period. Notably, limited funding, land acquisition problems, project delays and political corruption are expected to limit growth potential during the early part of the forecast period.SummaryTimetrics Construction in Indonesia Key Trends and Opportunities to 2021 report provides detailed market analysis, information and insights into the Indonesian construction industry, including:The Indonesian construction industry's growth prospects by market, project type and construction activityAnalysis of equipment, material and service costs for each project type in IndonesiaCritical insight into the impact of industry trends and issues, and the risks and opportunities they present to participants in the Indonesian construction industryProfiles of the leading operators in the Indonesian construction industryScopeThis report provides a comprehensive analysis of the construction industry in Indonesia. It provides:Historical (2012-2016) and forecast (2017-2021) valuations of the construction industry in Indonesia using construction output and value-add methodsSegmentation by sector (commercial, industrial, infrastructure, energy and utilities, institutional and residential) and by project typeBreakdown of values within each project type, by type of activity (new construction, repair and maintenance, refurbishment and demolition) and by type of cost (materials, equipment and services)Analysis of key construction industry issues, including regulation, cost management, funding and pricingDetailed profiles of the leading construction companies in IndonesiaReasons To BuyIdentify and evaluate market opportunities using Timetric's standardized valuation and forecasting methodologies.Assess market growth potential at a micro-level with over 600 time-series data forecasts.Understand the latest industry and market trends.Formulate and validate strategy using Timetric's critical and actionable insight.Assess business risks, including cost, regulatory and competitive pressures.Evaluate competitive risk and success factors.Key HighlightsGovernment focus on the development of the countrys infrastructure ahead of the 2018 Asian Games is expected to support growth in the Indonesian construction industry over the forecast period. Accordingly, under the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 20152019, IDR4.8 quadrillion (US$360.6 billion) will be invested in the countrys infrastructure projects in the 20152019 period.To improve the country's infrastructure, reduce logistics costs and enhance connectivity in Southeast Asia's largest economy, the government is focused more on the expansion of the countrys rail, road, harbors, airports and other core transport infrastructure. Accordingly, in its 2017 budget, the government increased expenditure on infrastructure development by 22.1%, going from IDR317.1 trillion (US$24.0 billion) in the 2016 budget to IDR387.3 trillion (US$29.3 billion) in the 2017 budget.According to Bank Indonesia, the quarterly average Residential Property Prices Index (RPPI) for 16 cities grew by 3.2%, going from 187.4 in 2015 to 193.4 in 2016. The REPI of small houses rose by 4.3%, going from 208.8 in 2015 to 217.8 in 2016, while that of medium houses rose by 3.4%, going from 185.3 to 191.6, and large houses rose by 1.8%, going from 166.3 to 169.2 during the same period.Government efforts to balance supply and demand for energy are expected to support growth in the energy and utilities construction market over the forecast period. Demand for electricity is projected to increase due to industrialization, urbanization and population growth. Accordingly, in June 2016, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources approved Rencana Umum Penyediaan Tenaga Listrik (RUPTL) 20162025, a ten-year electricity supply business plan.Housing supply in Indonesia is low compared to demand, which provides opportunities for residential developers. Consequently, the government is focusing on affordable housing in order to address the countrys chronic housing shortage. Accordingly, the government launched a five-year One Million Houses Program in mid-2015.Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
By PTI: New Delhi, Jul 6 (PTI) Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu today said people who speak against the "national ethos, values and culture" and impose their views on others must be avoided.

Naidu, whose statement comes two days after a Jammu and Kashmir minister told a National Conference leader in the assembly that he could lynch him, also spoke of the late Syama Prasad Mookerjee, founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the precursor to the BJP.

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He fought for the unity of country and sacrificed his life for the integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India, Naidu said.

"We should take inspiration from him about the need for national integration. We must avoid, ignore people who make noises, speak against the national ethos, values and culture, and then try to dictate their views on us. No, this is not acceptable."

He was addressing a conference of Prasar Bharatis Regional News Unit.

"India is a free country, and everybody has got freedom, but this is constitutional limit and others have no right to take their freedom also...including their language, culture, food habits. No other person has the right to dictate to them.

"This is very clear and that is the governments policy and no human being can call himself great by hurting or hitting the other human being," the Information and Broadcasting minister added.

Naidu also asserted that what is happening in certain parts of the country should be "isolated" and "condemned". They should not be "highlighted" to defame the country and the society.

The BJP is an alliance partner in the PDP-led government in Jammu and Kashmir.

"I can lynch you here," state minister Imran Ansari had told National Conference leader Devender Rana in the legislative assembly during a discussion on implementation of GST.

Naidu also told the conference that more emphasis should be given to regional languages and dialects in the process of disseminating news. PTI PR MIN

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Healthcare Scanners Market Segmentation and Analysis Research Report to 2024

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Healthcare scanner are used to Imaging of different body part which create visual representations of the interior of a body for clinical analysis and medical intervention, as well as visual representation of the function of some organs or tissues. The healthcare industry is continuously evolving as new and emerging technologies to improve and extend lives. Healthcare scanner market will play a key role in the future of medical diagnostics and therapeutics. Imaging systems enable medical professionals to make processes within the human body visible so that they can diagnose pathological changes and precisely target therapeutic procedures. Demand for such systems is expected to be particularly strong in developing economies. Scanners are used for different disease conditions such as cancer, heart disease, Parkinsons disease etc. According to American Academy of neurology Alzheimers disease is ranked as the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. 5.4 million Americans are currently diagnosed with Alzheimers disease and the number will triple to 16 million by the year 2050.Read the Comprehensive Overview of Healthcare Scanners Market:Different type of scanner functions differently, such x-ray scanners use ionizing radiation for imaging whereas ultrasound scanner use sound wave to create images of the inside body. Other healthcare scanners use radio wave, magnetic field and radiopharmaceuticals for imaging of inside body. Effective, safe, and high quality imaging is important for medical decision-making. The growing focus on R&D to provide high-quality imaging for better diagnosis and treatment of diseases is a critical factor that drives the global demand for healthcare scanner market. The improved health care policy and increasing availability of medical equipment has been increased the global imaging-based procedures.The factors such as growing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular, respiratory, cancer etc., growing number of diagnostic imaging procedures, increasing number of geriatric population, improving healthcare infrastructure in emerging markets, technological advancement and growing awareness for early diagnosis will drive the overall healthcare scanner market globally. However, high cost of diagnostic imaging systems, procedures and risk of high radiation exposure, are some factors that will hinder the overall healthcare scanner market growth globally.Healthcare Scanners Market is segmented By Product Type, By Application, By End Users and By Geography. By Product type includes Positron emission tomography (PET) scanner, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scanners, Computed tomography (CT) scanner, Ultrasound Scanner, X-Ray film Scanner. In medical imaging, especially X-ray based examinations and ultrasonography, are crucial in a variety of medical treatment. By Application includes cardiology, Neurology, Cancer, Respiratory and others. By End Users includes Hospitals, Clinics, Ambulatory surgery centers and Diagnostic centers. By Geography it includes North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa.Geographically, the market is dominated by North America, followed by Europe, Asia Pacific. Growth in the North America segment is primarily driven by aging baby boomers, high end-user purchasing power, sophisticated healthcare infrastructure, and reimbursement policies. According to Epilepsy foundation the average incidence of epilepsy each year in the U. S is estimated at 150,000 or 48 for every 100,000 people. Asia pacific is expected to grow at a highest rate due to booming healthcare sectors, increasing incidence of chronic diseases, rising awareness about the benefits of early disease diagnosis, growing medical tourism in APAC countries, and increasing government initiatives will fuel the overall healthcare scanner market in Asia Pacific. Emerging markets, including China, India, Australia, South Africa and Brazil have become attractive destinations for companies engaged in the development and marketing of healthcare scanner products.Request for the Sample Report:Some of the Key players in this market includes General Electric Company, Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Philips Healthcare, Toshiba Medical Systems, Mediso, Cubresa, Fujifilm Holdings, Shimadzu Corporation, Carestream Health, Hitachi Medical Corporation and others.About TMRTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Facial Aesthetic Remodeling Market Set to Surge Significantly During 2017  2025

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Facial Aesthetic Remodeling is a cosmetic procedure entails a comprehensive evaluation of the nature of art, culture or beauty by altering the structure, style or form of something through the treatment of conditions including skin laxity, scars, excess fat, cellulite, wrinkles, moles, skin discoloration, etc. and restore the youthful appearance of the human face. As ageism in industrialized societies is rapidly increasing, as one ages, facial aesthetic units gradually become distinct and lose due to a contour of the facial skeleton, the location of facial ligaments, differences in skin thickness and composition of subcutaneous tissue, so the demand for Facial Aesthetic Remodeling services is also emerging significantly. Facial Aesthetic Remodeling includes surgical and nonsurgical procedures which provide a solution to the most advanced aesthetic enhancements and reshape the structure of the body to improve appearance and confidence. Facial Aesthetic Remodeling ability to provide dramatic benefits without surgery has made these procedures more accessible and aided in their increasing popularity which has caused something of a revolution in the anti-ageing industry. The treatment employed dermal facial fillers, injections of Botox, chemical peels, laser hair removal, etc. The most popular procedure of Facial Aesthetic Remodeling is Botox which injected into the Facial muscles without affecting it, and as a result, makes the skin smooth, the effect of Botox last for approximately for three to four months. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 14.2 million non-minimally invasive facial aesthetics treatments were carried out in the USA in 2014, Botox was a clear favorite with over 6.3 million procedures followed by Dermal Fillers with 2.2 million procedures in total. . The market of Facial Aesthetic Remodeling have tremendous opportunity to grow since these procedures have the potential to provide high-technology skin care without involving significant discomfort.Facial Aesthetic Remodeling Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe Desire to enhance the beauty and physical appearance among women with Increase in Awareness of the facial aesthetic procedures among the general public is the major factor that drives the Facial Aesthetic Remodeling Market. The increase in efforts of Facial Aesthetic Industry on developing non-invasive dermal fillers that help to address aging more efficiently with the rise in disposable income due to increase in job opportunities in developing countries is also expected to fuel the market revenue for Facial Aesthetic Remodeling over the forecast period. However, high expenses of treatments, and certain side effects associated with the procedures can hamper the growth of the Facial Aesthetic Remodeling market to some extent.Facial Aesthetic Remodeling market is expected to extend at a noteworthy development rate crosswise over regions due to the rise in per capita expenditure on healthcare in the developed nations and increasing incidence of accidents. Continuous research by Pharmaceutical Companies to develop certain methods for tightening loose skin to restore a youthful look as well as to expand their potential revenues which will lead to increase in the Facial Aesthetic Remodeling market. The rise in patients demand to treat more areas with the wider range of products and techniques can also drive the Facial Aesthetic Remodeling market that is expected to have a meteoric growth over a forecast period.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @Facial Aesthetic Remodeling Market: Region-wise OutlookA geographic condition regarding for Facial Aesthetic Remodeling market, it has been segmented into five broad regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, and the Middle East & Africa. North America represents the largest Facial Aesthetic Remodeling market due to rising demand for the use of minimally invasive techniques and increasing population of elder people. Asia-Pacific regions are also relied upon to show high development rate in Facial Aesthetic Remodeling market because of increasing in research centers and high spending on latest technologies along with peer group encouragement that would propel the Facial Aesthetic Remodeling market growth.Request to View Tables of Content @Facial Aesthetic Remodeling Market: Key Market ParticipantsSome of the major apps for Facial Aesthetic Remodeling market constitute: Allergan, Galderma SA, Merck KGaA, Takeda Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, Cynosure Inc, Merz Aesthetics, Suneva Medical.To Know About Latest Report Click Here:About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Shingles Treatment Market is Expecting Worldwide Growth by 2017  2025

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Shingles is an excruciating skin rash. It is brought about by the varicella-zoster infection  a similar infection that causes chickenpox. While it isnt an existence debilitating condition, shingles can be extremely excruciating. Antibodies can help diminish the danger of shingles, while early treatment can help abbreviate a shingles disease and decrease the possibility of difficulties. It is unrealistic to have shingles on the off chance that you have never been presented to chickenpox or the varicella infection that causes it. Once uncovered, the infection can lay lethargic for a considerable length of time. Indeed, the latent infection may never create any issues. However, in few individuals, it might reactivate in different circumstances. Shingles is most normal in individuals beyond 50 years old; about portion of all cases happen in men and lady matured 60 or over. Be that as it may, the infection may return in individuals of any age who have beforehand had chickenpox. As indicated by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are an expected one million instances of shingles detailed each year in the U.S. Besides, CDC expresses that around one in each three individuals in the U.S. will create shingles in their lifetime. Side effects incorporate skin rashes, nerve pain, vision loss, chills, resentful stomach, muscle shortcoming, skin disease, and scarring. Treatment for shingles incorporates antiviral prescriptionacyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. These medications help abbreviate the length and ease the seriousness of the sickness. Advance, analgesics may help mitigate the torment.Global Shingles Market: Drivers and RestraintsShingles market has influenced the demand in recent years. The expanding cooperation between the key players for securing the Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) keeping in mind the end goal to manufacture the molecule through licensed innovation is relied upon to drive overall growth of shingles treatment market . The healthcare market is boosting 20% a year. Current drugs/vaccines for shingles treatment are now creating an intensive market to keep patients healthier and minimize costs by neglecting unnecessary hospitalizations. Medications include: Acyclovir (Zovirax), Valacyclovir (Valtrex), and Famciclovir (Famvir). The expanding predominance of vaccines combined with developing interest for quick acting and more productive medications is assessed to drive overall market growth. The expanding ageing population is filling the predominance of diseases, for example, skin infections and cancer. Pervasiveness of shingles is expanding over the globe, fuelled fundamentally by expanding maturing populace. It is assessed that around 190,000 individuals in the UK get shingles each year, the majority of them matured more than 50.North America and Europe are relied upon to all in all record for a noteworthy share of the shingles treatment market. It is fundamentally determined by rising demand in the U.S. and U.K., while the market in Europe is relied upon to be driven by expanded remedial request from European Union. Developing interest for antiviral prescriptions, over-the-counter pain medicines and topical anti-infection agents for shingles treatment. Likewise, the risk of side effects and infection increments with age, yielding a higher rate in grown-ups matured 60 years or more. Troublesome manufacturing procedures of this medication is in charge of its high value, which confines its utilization.However, high price of antibodies is constraining inoculation drive in developing economies, described by insufficient protection scope. The significant worry among social insurance specialists is lessening in postherpetic neuralgia from the shingles vaccine. Zostavax has been fruitful to a specific degree in lessening postherpetic neuralgia because of the impact of the immunization on diminishing danger of creating herpes zoster. Better results of Shingrix would be a help for exceedingly lucrative worldwide shingles treatment market. Uncertainty by the government regulations, also low guidance from doctors in selecting proper anticoagulant, reimbursement coverage may be weak sometimes and accuracy or medical technology infancy is concern to a certain extent during the forecast period.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @Geographically, the Shingles market is segmented into five regions, namely North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). Overall medications and treatments are rapidly growing at a healthy CAGR. North American region has a huge market owing to large number of manufacturers, technological advancements with increasing ageing population and growing brand awareness about the upcoming drugs and treatments. North America, shingles treatment market account for maximum share of the market by volume followed by European countries. A few nations including France, Japan, and Spain have received good nonexclusive policies that urge medical experts to recommend drugs for full treatment. Vaccines for shingles are expected to witness lucrative development over the forecast period. Asian countries (mainly China and India) and Latin American countries (mainly Brazil) are having more growth opportunities for market players in the forecast period. China is required to be a developing business sector for key pharmaceutical organizations because of the nearness of target population and high neglected clinical needs. Higher growth of Shingles market is mainly due to the increasing awareness among healthcare sectors/patients and penetration of top manufacturers in the untapped segment to capture more market. In Asia pacific regions pharmaceutical industries are starting to make acquisitions, now improving the efficiency of the healthcare delivery system as well as workforce in other sectors too.Request to View Tables of Content @The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geographies, and applications.To Know About Latest Report Click Here:About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
North America Bedsores or Pressure sores Market Major Manufacturers, Trends, Demand, Share Analysis to 2027

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Market Research Future.com add new report of North America Bedsores or Pressure sores Market Research Report forecast to 2027 it contains Company information, geographical data and Table of ContentNorth America Bedsores or Pressure sores Market Research Report device types (low tech devices and hi-tech devices) -forecast to 2027North America Bedsores or Pressure sores Market: OverviewBedsores are also known as Pressure ulcers, pressure sores or decubitus ulcers are mostly found in the aged people and people who spend excessive time on bed. Bedsores or pressure sores can be prevented and avoids by the support surface devices which mainly includes mattresses, cushions, special overlays and beds. Bedsores regularly create on skin that spreads bony areas of the body, for example, the heels, lower legs or ankles, hips and tailbone. Individuals most at danger of bedsores are those with a medical or restorative condition that restricts their capacity to change positions, obliges them to utilize a wheelchair or limits them to a bed for quite a while. Expanding large aged population and developing focus on bedsores or pressure sores are the major driving factors that have increased the growth of North America pressure ulcer device market.Get a Copy of Sample Report @North America Bedsores or Pressure sores Market: Key PlayersThe key players present in the North America Bedsores or Pressure sores Market are ArjoHuntleigh, AB, Covidien PLC, Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc, Invacare Corporation, Stryker Corporation, Talley Group Limited, Paramount Bed Holdings Co., Ltd. and among others.North America Bedsores or Pressure sores Market: Market Growth InfluencerLow-tech device portion represented the huge share in the North America pressure relief devices market. The strength of this market segment is significantly because of prevention and avoidance of ulcer and cost adequacy. Foam based sleeping pad, air filled mattress, gel filled mattress among certain others are the low-tech device are commercially available in the market. Additionally, increasing geriatric population all around also highlights the interest for pressure relief devices. but, technical or specialized complexity, prerequisite of talented staff and high cost of the gadgets are some of the elements confining the interest of pressure relief devices to some degree amid the estimate time frame. The growing factor of this market was upheld by rising inclination among large patients for gel filled sleeping pads, as usage of these beddings empowers simple repositioning on the bed.North America Bedsores or Pressure sores Market: Market SegmentationFor the purpose of this study, North America Bedsores or Pressure sores Market is segmented into device types and by geography.By device types, the market is segmented into: Low-tech Device Foam Based Mattress Air Filled Mattress Gel Filled Mattress Others Hi-Tech Device Kinetic Bed Dynamic Air Therapy BedBrowse Full Report Details @North America Bedsores or Pressure sores Market: Regional AnalysisNorth America represented the biggest share in the global pressure relief devices market. Expanding commonness of bedsores or pressure sores, increasing awareness and rising interest for different propelled mattress pushes the market in North America. For example, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) expressed that around 2.5 million individuals in the US are determined to have Bedsores or Pressure sores every year. Europe was the second biggest business sector for pressure relief devices in terms of revenue. Increasing geriatric populace is one of the conspicuous components pushing the market of pressure relief devices in the region.The reports also covers brief analysis of Geographical Region includes:AmericasNorth America US CanadaEvery report of Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain the deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The report gives the clear picture of current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value and volume, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report also gives a broad study of the different market segments and regions.Get a Good Discount @ContinueWe are thankful for the support and assistance from North America Bedsores or Pressure sores Market Research Report forecast to 2027 chain related technical experts and marketing experts during Research Team survey and interviews.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Media Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Procurement Software Market Top players, Market share and growth rate and Worldwide Forecast to 2023

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Procurement software is characterized as a product program that empowers association to complete their buy procedure naturally and oversee stock of merchandise.Expanding interest for programmed buy prepare is one of the significant driving component that backings in the development of acquirement administration Market. The robotization in buy handle replaces the customary, manual upkeep of records. The capacity completed by Procurement software incorporates requesting and buying items or administrations, choosing, electronic treatment of installments, giving obtainment office detail report of item requested, subtle elements investigation of every item requested and supporting right requests, coordinating and getting receipt and request. There are numerous Procurement software in the market, out of which e-obtainment programming is boosting the market. The investigation shows that medium and little measured endeavors are having high usage of acquirement programming and the majority of the undertakings utilize cloud based Procurement software.Procurement software market division is done on the premise of arrangement these incorporate cloud construct and with respect to start. Cloud based acquirement programming empower association by controlling expense and help them in accomplishing higher edge of benefit. It encourages modernize source to pay prepare through mechanization and social cooperation. Association can fortify their business by utilizing social coordinated effort and accomplish quicker outcomes by conveying cloud based obtainment programming. It can control the cost and lessen hazard in settling acquirement handle. The market of Global Procurement Software will achieve USD 9 Billion by 2023, and is required to develop at a CAGR of 10%.Get a Copy of Sample Report @E-obtainment Software can be worked in both on-preface and cloud based. This product empower association in supplanting challenges cause by receiving conventional obtainment prepare. Issues, for example, discovering right class of items, reasonable provider for improving the business, not able to discover the sum spent on buy, much measure of time is spent on non-esteem including exercises. What's more, the examination additionally shows that e-acquisition programming limits every one of these challenges confront by association, by giving precise arrangement. It involves components, for example, index administration, end-to-end obtainment cycle, order and endorsements, electronic information trade and keeping up association with providers as far as improvement in regards to contract and understanding. Moreover, the cloud based innovation, for example, programming as an administration (SaaS ) and stage as an administration (PaaS) will keep on boosting the market , and speak to a twofold digit compound yearly development rate. Additionally, by the use of these product different enterprises are being profited, particularly the one into inventory network and coordinations bolster.Key Players: International Business Machines Corporation (U.S.), Oracle Corporation (U.S.), Proactis (U.K.), SAP SE (Germany), Infor (U.S.), Coupa Software Inc. (U.S.), Epicor Software Corporation (U.S.), Zycus (U.S.), JDA Software Group, Inc. (U.S.), Cvent Inc. (U.S.), Mercateo (U.K.) among others.Get a Well Discount @Study Objectives of Procurement Software Market: To give point by point investigation of the market structure alongside figure of the different fragments and sub-portions of the obtainment programming market. To give bits of knowledge about variables influencing the market development. To examine the obtainment programming market based doorman's five drive investigation and so forth. To give chronicled and estimate income of the market portions and sub-sections as for four fundamental topographies and their nations North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (ROW). To give nation level investigation of the market as for the present market size and future forthcoming. To give nation level investigation of the market for fragment on the premise of arrangement, sort, association sort and vertical. To give vital profiling of key players in the market, exhaustively breaking down their center capabilities, and drawing an aggressive scene for the market. To track and investigate aggressive advancements, for example, joint endeavors, key organizations together, mergers and acquisitions, new item improvements, and research and improvements in the procurement software market.Browse Full Report Details @Segments:Procurement Software Market for segment on the basis of By Deployment, By Type, By Organization Type and By Vertical.Procurement Software Market by Deployment: On-Premise On-CloudProcurement Software Market by Type: Spend Analysis E-sourcing E-procurement Contract Management Supplier Management OthersProcurement Software Market by Organization Type: Small and Medium Size Large Business EnterprisesProcurement Software Market by Vertical: Retail Automotive Travel & Logistics Electronics IT & Telecommunication Mining OthersRegional Analysis:The regional analysis of procurement software market is being studied for region such as Asia pacific, North America, Europe and Rest of the World. North America region accounts for largest share in procurement software market owing to better network infrastructure, technological advancement and higher digitization across industries in logistics and support. Europe region is one of the prominent player in procurement software market due to increase adoption of e-procurement solution in supply chain management. Whereas, Asia Pacific is expected to grow with a highest CAGR by 2023.Intended Audience Investors and consultants System Integrators Government Organizations Research/Consultancy firms Technology solution providers IT Solution Providers Supply Chain & Logistics Organizations Original Equipment ManufacturersContinueWe are thankful for the support and assistance from Procurement Software Market Research Report- Global Forecast 2023 chain related technical experts and marketing experts during Research Team survey and interviews.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Media Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Global Marine Electric Vehicles Market Expected to grow with Major Industry Players - Boesch Motorboote, Duffy Electric Boat, Ruban Bleu, Torqeedo

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Global Marine Electric Vehicles Market by Type (UUV, MUV, Space Craft, BUUC, Workboats, and Others) and by Geography - Forecast To 2021Market Synopsis of Global Marine Electric Vehicles MarketThe Global Marine Electric Vehicles Market is relied upon to develop at a CAGR of around 10% amid 2016-2021. The key variables driving the development are developing interest for electric vehicles, expanded acquirement of unmanned submerged vehicles to perform basic operations, and developing business request.According to the MRFR investigation, components controlling the market are wellbeing imperatives and poor framework, many-sided quality appended to current battery innovation, extend constraint, and cost related with batteries.Sample Report Available atGlobal Marine Electric Vehicles Market Key PlayersSome of the key players in the Global Marine Electric Vehicles Market are Boesch Motorboote, Duffy Electric Boat, Ruban Bleu, Torqeedo, Triton Submarines, Corvus Energy, Electrovaya, Saft, and Wartsila.Study Objectives of Global Marine Electric Vehicles Market To give nitty gritty examination of the market structure alongside figure for the following 5 years of the different portions and sub-fragments of the Global Marine Electric Vehicles Market To give bits of knowledge about components influencing the market development To dissect the Global Marine Electric Vehicles Market in light of different components value investigation, store network examination, doorman's five constrain investigation and so on. To give verifiable and gauge income of the market sections and sub-fragments regarding four primary topographies and their nations North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (ROW) To give nation level investigation of the market concerning the present market size and future imminent To give nation level examination of the market for portion by vehicle sorts To give key profiling of key players in the market, thoroughly breaking down their center skills, and drawing an aggressive scene for the market To track and break down focused improvements, for example, joint endeavors, key collusions, mergers and acquisitions, new item advancements, and research and advancements in the Global Marine Electric Vehicles MarketGlobal Marine Electric Vehicles Market Target AudienceMarine Electric Vehicles OEMsManned and Unmanned Electric Vehicles OEMsComponent and Systems SuppliersPotential InvestorsKey executive (CEO and COO) and strategy growth managerThe reports also cover country level analysis:Americas (North & Latin)USCanadaBrazilOthersEuropeGermanyFranceItalySpainU.KRest of EuropeAsia  PacificChinaIndiaJapanAustralia/New ZealandRest of Asia-PacificMiddle East & AfricaUAE,KuwaitIsraelRest of Middle East & AfricaBrowse Full Report Details @The market report for Global Marine Electric Vehicles Market of Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain the deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The report gives the clear picture of current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value and volume, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report provides details information and strategies of the top key players in the industry. The report also gives a broad study of the different market segments and regions.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Telecom Power Systems Market - Reporting and evaluation of recent industry developments

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Telecom power systems assist telecommunication services in cases of grid power fluctuations and interruptions. The intersection of the telecom industry with information technology (IT) has resulted in the evolution of the telecom power systems market. The rising penetration of telecom towers in rural and off-grid areas and the recent disposition of small cell power systems used for LTE are predicted to fuel the demand for telecom power systems over the forecast period. The exponential growth of mobile data traffic and telecom operators has led to the development of network coverage in rural as well as metropolitan areas. The substantial use of mobile devices in urban areas has enhanced the incorporation of femtocells and picocells which need DC power systems. The rising adoption of hybrid power systems is estimated to contribute to the growth of telecom power systems over the forecast period. The lack of grid connectivity in rural areas is projected to stimulate vendors across the globe to implement hybrid systems as they involve energy-efficient and cost-effective solutions in light of the environmental concerns caused by the over-utilization of non-renewable sources to power telecom industries. Owing to the considerable decline in renewable energy sources across the globe, the cost structure for installation and the required equipment for hybrid system that is energy efficient and cost effective in comparison to traditional power supply systems.The increasing consumer inclination toward reducing the carbon imprint of the telecom industry and the expansion of telecom infrastructure to off-grid areas such as Africa and Asia are expected to create additional scope for the telecom power systems market.Obtain Report Details @The market has been segmented by grid type into the on-grid, off-grid, and bad grid divisions. Bad grid held the dominant market share in 2016 and is anticipated to retain its position over the forecast period. A majority of the population dwells in the rural areas devoid of telecommunication networks and electricity. The rising demand for grid-based power systems across these areas is likely to drive the telecom power systems market. Based on component, the telecom power systems market has been divided into the following categories: inverters, rectifiers, heat management systems, convertors, generators, and others. On the basis of power source, the market has been split into the following segments: diesel solar, diesel battery, diesel wind, and others. Diesel solar-based hybrid systems help decrease the cost of operation, maintenance, and logistics by reducing the runtime of diesel & fuel consumption. Government initiatives to promote solar PVs and the implementation of green telecom power solutions in multiple source-based systems are predicted to enhance the advancement of telecom power systems over the next few years.In terms of geography, the telecom power systems market is distributed over North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. Asia Pacific is likely to witness rapid growth over the forecast period, propelled by the growing infiltration of telecom towers in rural areas in order to widen the mobile connectivity and subscriber base in this region. Expansion of the LTE and 3G networks too has fuelled the need for telecom power systems in Asia Pacific. Europe constituted the dominant market share in 2016 and is likely to remain so over the forecast period. Implementation of green power alternatives to reduce operational costs, powering telecom sites and addressing the infrastructural changes mobile network companies in this region is expected to drive the market over the forecast period.Developing economies is growing at an accelerating growth in the telecom sector as it demands for high infrastructural changes for reliability and cost effectiveness. Key players in the telecom power systems include GE Industrial Solutions, Huawei Technologies Co., Schneider Electric, Delta Electronics, Cummins Power Generation, Ascot Industrial srl, Myers Power Products, Eaton Corporation, Universal Power Drives, and Vertiv Co., among others.Fill The Form For An Exclusive Sample Of This Report @The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Transparency Market Research90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Applicant Tracking Systems Market - Trends and Opportunities for the Industry by 2024

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An applicant tracking system (ATS) is an application software that enables the electronic handling of recruitment needs. These systems can be accessed online by enterprises at different levels depending on the company needs, allowing companies to collate and analyze job applicant data. An Applicant tracking system is also known as candidate management system, the software is used by enterprises to recruit employees more efficiently. ATS can also be used to post job openings on a corporate website or job board for screening resumes as well as generating interview requests to deserving candidates through e-mail. Individual applicant tracking, automated resume ranking, pre-screening questions, response tracking, multilingual capabilities requisition tracking, and customized input forms are some of the features included within the software. Firstly, information present within the database is used for screening candidates; subsequently, applicant testing, scheduling interviews, checking references, managing the hiring process, and completing paperwork also comes under this process. The global market for applicant tracking systems has been segmented on the basis of deployment model, end user, and geography. Based on deployment model, the market has been segmented into cloud and on-premises. Market segmentation based on end user includes healthcare, automotive, retail, and government among others.Obtain Report Details @On the basis of geography, the global applicant tracking systems market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.The key benefits of applicant tracking systems are increase in efficiency along with saving time that helps in sorting applicant data, automating the whole procedure, and freeing up time that can be spent elsewhere. In addition, it is the reduction of recruitment related costs, improving overall cost per hire, along with improvement in internal mobility within an organization that are key factors that have also positively driven the market. Furthermore, it also provides companies with a database for just in time recruitment of candidates to draw from as and when needs arise. Moreover, the talent intelligence through these applicant tracking systems allows making informed decisions especially for recruitment in critically skilled positions. With all these drivers, presence of certain restraints has a negative impact on the overall market demand. It is seen that applicant tracking systems look only for resumes that meet the exact position requirements, thereby sidelining the borderline candidates which at times reduces the total number of candidates. Moreover, automated systems cannot be completely reliable and may at times reject even the deserving candidates. Along with this, sometimes this software may limit the information provided by applicants as a result of character restricted application fields. This may lead to elimination of a perfectly suitable candidate for the desired position. Considering all these factors, rise in demand for skill based professionals for defined job roles is likely to provide various opportunities for this market in the next few years.Geographically, North America and Europe have been the key regions driving the market demand for applicant tracking systems globally. Faster and timely access to desired applicant related data along with the dearth of job specific candidates has been a few major drivers for this market. Asia Pacific is one of the fastest growing markets in terms of application with China, India, and South Korea being key countries driving the market. It is seen that growth in automation and digitization along with high demand for saving company time and costs towards a particular candidate has been driving this market in Asia Pacific.Fill The Form For An Exclusive Sample Of This Report @Some of the key players operating in the global applicant tracking systems market include Taleo Corp. (U.S.), Jobvite (U.S.), International Business Machines Corporation (U.S.), iCIMS Inc. (U.S.), ADP LLC (U.S.) and SAP SuccessFactors Corp. (U.S.) among others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Transparency Market Research90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Asia Pacific Diabetes Pen Market - Future Demand and Growth Analysis with Forecast 2023

Asia Pacific Diabetes Pen Market

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Market Scenario:Diabetes is the metabolic disease where there is increase in blood sugar level. Increase in blood sugar level is due less or no insulin secretion by body. Diabetes is now a days becoming a major problem in many countries. Increasing prevalence of diabetes, government initiatives are the major driving factor for the market. Introduction of diabetic pen has help diabetic patient to administer insulin at their home itself. Asia Pacific is the fastest growing market for the diabetic pen. Asia Pacific diabetic pen market is expected to grow at CAGR of ~ 7% during forecasted period 2017-2023. India and China has the major share of the market.Segmentation Asia Pacific Diabetes Pen market has been segmented on the basis of- By product used which includes Insulin Pens and Insulin Pen Needle On the basis of usage which includes reusable pens and disposable pens On the basis of distribution channel which include Hospital Pharmacy, Retail Pharmacy, Online Sales, and Diabetes Clinics On the basis of End user they are Hospital, clinics and Others On the basis of region they are India, Japan, China, Australia, Republic of Korea and Rest of Asia Pacific.Request a Sample Report @Study Objectives Asia Pacific Diabetes Pen Market Research Report To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 6 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the Asia Pacific Diabetes Pen Market. To provide the detail information about drivers and factors restraining the market growth. To analyze Asia Pacific Diabetes Pen Market based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, porters five force analysis etc. To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to Asia-Pacific region and their countries- India, Japan, China, Australia, Republic of Korea and Rest of Asia Pacific. To provide the trends and opportunities in Asia Pacific Diabetes Pen Market. To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective To provide overview of key players and their strategic profiling in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the marketBrowse Report Details @Key Players for Asia Pacific Diabetes Pen market Roche Diagnostics AstraZeneca plc. Johnson & Johnson Abbott Laboratories Biocon Ltd. Dexcom, Inc. (U.S.) Becton-Dickinson Owen Mumford Ltd. Jiangsu Delfu Co. Novo Nordisk A/S Ypsomed AG Medtronic plc, and Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Eli Lilly and Company Sanofi S.A. Wockhardt Ltd.Intended Audience Diabetes Pen Suppliers Diabetes Pen manufacturers Research and Development (R&D) Companies Medical Research Laboratories Academic Medical Institutes and UniversitiesRegional AnalysisOn regional basis Asia Pacific is segmented into India, Japan, China, Australia, Republic of Korea and Rest of Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific is the fastest growing market in the world due to increase in the diabetic population and new research and development in the field of diabetic devices. India and China is the most populated countries where there is the major chances of increasing the diabetic population. Total diabetic population of India and China in 2012 is 61 million and 90 million respectively.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Spain Fermentation Ingredients Market is required to accomplish USD 1,530 million by 2023 with growth rate of 3.46%

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Market Research Future adds new report of Spain Fermentation Ingredients Market Research Report- Forecast to 2023 it contains Company information, geographical data and Table of ContentReport Description:Spain fermentation ingredients market is projected to reach USD 1,530 million by the year 2023 with growth rate of 3.46%. Andalusia and Catalonia together holds more than 50% of market share in 2017 as large fermentation ingredients companies are located in Catalonia and Andalusia. Spain is the third major country for production of fermentation ingredients for chemical and pharmaceuticals application which is supporting the growth of the market in Spain. Madrid will witness higher growth rate during the forecast period.On the basis of type, Alcohol (i.e. Ethanol, butanol, BDO and Acetone) and Antibiotics (i.e. Beta-lactam, tetracycline and clavulic acid) fermentation ingredients holds more than 50% market share in the year 2017 as in Spain majority of fermentation ingredients is used for chemical and pharmaceutical application. Amino acid is projected to grow at higher rate during the forecast period. Polymers and organic acids together holds more than 30% of market share in the year 2017due to increasing demand of polymer over organic acid in Spain.Request a Sample Report @Liquid form of fermentation ingredients holds more than 55% market share in the year 2017, as in Spain majority of fermentation ingredients such as alcohol and organic acid are produced in the form of liquid. Dry form is projected to grow at higher rate compare to liquid form during the forecast period due to increasing demand of polymer and industrial enzymes from last few years.Increasing awareness about application of fermentation ingredients in personal care and pharmaceutical products is driving the growth of fermentation ingredients market. Rising popularity of food and beverages products made by using fermentation ingredients is boosting the market growth in Spain. Introduction eco-friendly production system from fermentation ingredients manufacturers and advance technologies in fermentation process is also influencing the growth of the market. Rising production of sugar cane, beet, tapioca and corn is playing the major role in the growth of fermentation ingredients market in Spain.Key Findings The Spain Fermentation Ingredients market is projected to reach USD 1,530 million by 2023 of 3.46% In Spain, application of fermentation ingredients in pharmaceutical is growing at higher rate of 3.83% In Spain., Alcohol fermentation ingredients type holds the major market share for the year 2017Browse Report Details @Key PlayersThe leading market players in the Spain Fermentation Ingredients market primarily are Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. The Dow Chemical Co Cargill, Incorporated E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. Evonik Industries AG Novozymes A/S UquifaKey players are focusing on expansion of their fermentation ingredient business. From six years, strategy of product launch and expansion of the fermentation ingredients business together holds around 50% of strategy share by key players. Acquisitions and agreement are two main factors which are contributing more than 40% of strategy share as it helping company to enhance their fermentation ingredients production capacity and to capture more market share in Spain and other regions in Europe.Target Audience Fermentation Ingredients Manufacturers Food and beverage Industry Chemical Industry Pharmaceutical Industry Retailers and wholesalers Traders, importers and exportersRequest Table of Contents for this Report @Regional and State wise Analysis of Spain Fermentation Ingredients market Development and Demand Forecast to 2023 MarketThe reports also cover region level analysis:Spain Andalusia Catalonia Madrid Valencian Community Rest of SpainAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
The man identified as Kartik Ghosh, who was injured in the clashes in Basirhat, died in a Kolkata hospital.

By India Today Web Desk: A scuffle broke out between BJP workers and police in front of RG Kar hospital in Kolkata after one person, who was injured in Basirhat clashes, died.

The BJP has claimed the person to be its supporter.

The man identified as Kartik Ghosh was brought to the capital city on Tuesday in critical condition.

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According to media reports, 21 people have been injured in the violence since it began on Monday night and out of the injured, eight people have been shifted to Kolkata's RG Kar hospital in critical condition.

The communal violence began after a teenager shared the viral defamatory Facebook post. The class 11 student allegedly made a blasphemous post about Prophet Mohammed. After the post went viral, a mob ransacked his house on Monday night.

Soon, large groups came out on the streets in various parts of Bashirhat and Barasat sub-division of the district, protesting against the Facebook post and demanding death sentence for the teenager.

The anger in the people seemed to be about the police intervention in the matter and why the matter was not left in the hands of the mob who would have given instant justice.

The government has already deployed 400 paramilitary personnel in the riots-hit town to control the situation.

Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry has sought a report from the West Bengal government over the communal clashes.

With inputs from Indrajit Kundu

ALSO READ:

Uneasy calm in Bengal's Basirhat hit by communal violence

West Bengal's 24 Parganas tense following communal clashes over Facebook post

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Global Audio Interfaces Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022

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Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Audio Interfaces in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application..Complete report is available atMarket Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversFocusrite Audio Engineering Ltd.PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc.Universal AudioZoom CorporationSteinberg Media Technologies GmbH (Yamaha)RolandMackie (LOUD Technologies Inc.)M-AudioBehringer (Music Group)MOTUIK MultimediaRMETascam (TEAC Corporation)ESI Audiotechnik GmbHLexiconAudientGet a SAMPLE Request atMarket Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversUSBFirewireMIDIThunderboltOtherMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoAmateursProfessionalTable of ContentChapter 1, to describe Audio Interfaces Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Audio Interfaces, with sales, revenue, and price of Audio Interfaces, in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Audio Interfaces, for each region, from 2012 to 2017;Get Discount atChapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 12, Audio Interfaces market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Audio Interfaces sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourcePurchase this report atContact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.Pune:505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Worldwide Nutricosmetics Market is anticipated to develop at CAGR of 7.5% from 2016 to 2022

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Market Research Future adds new report of Global Nutricosmetics Market Research Report- Forecast to 2022 it contains Company information, geographical data and Table of ContentMarket Scenario:Nutricosmetics are nutritional supplements which supports the function and structure of skin, hair providing a better health to them. These products contain antioxidants and nutrients that helps in treating number of skin, hair and nail problems. The demand for nutricosmetics is expected to increase greatly in the coming years especially in developed countries where nutricosmetics are becoming an important part of personal care products. Nutricosmetics are mainly available in liquid, pill and tablet form which contains variety of healthy ingredients including omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin C. Research and development activities by manufacturers have provided numerous options to consumers which is driving the market growth in the coming years. Globally the market for nutricosmetics is expected to grow by 7.5% from 2016 to 2022.Key Findings: Nutricosmetics which contains fortified water are greatly demanded along with herbal teas and fruit juices Liquid nutricosmetics is expected to grow tremendously compared to pill nutricosmeticsRequest a Sample Report @Market Segments:Nutricosmetics market has been segmented On the basis of Type, which includes liquid, pill, tablet On the basis of Ingredient, the market is segmented into vitamins, fatty acids, carotenoids On basis of Application, market is again segmented into skin care, hair care, heart health, digestive health, weight managementObjectives of Nutricosmetics Market In depth study about market segments and sub-segments Estimating and forecasting market size with respect to type, ingredient, application and region Analyzing key driving forces influencing the market Region level market analysis and market prediction for North America, Europe, Asia, along with rest of the world (ROW). Doing the value chain & supply chain analysis Understanding the competitive structure of the market and status of the product in the same with respect to their demand and supply. Doing a competitive strategy analysis of key stakeholders in the market Analysis of past market trends, current technology used, and present government regulations required.Browse Report Details @Key PlayersThe key players profiled in the nutricosmetics market are Laboratoire PYC (France) Calamansa (Spain) Nutrikosm (Spain) Croda International Plc. (U.K.) NutraQ AS (Norway) PLT Health Solutions (U.S.) Plandai biotechnology (U.K.) Natreon Inc. (U.S.)Intended Audience Nutricosmetics manufacturers Cosmetics manufacturers Pharmaceutical Industry Retailers & wholesalers E-commerce companies Traders, importers and exportersRequest Table of Contents for this Report @Regional AnalysisThe global nutricosmetics market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World (RoW). Among this Asia Pacific has the major market share followed by Europe. In North America the demand for liquid forms is increasing than compared to tablets. In Middle East, there are few nutricosmetics products available in the market and consumers are using collagen supplements and powder for anti-aging health related benefits.The nutricosmetics market is segmented under the following regions:North America US Canada EuropeEurope Germany France Italy Spain UK Rest of EuropeAsia-Pacific China India Australia Singapore Rest of Asia PacificRest of the world Brazil Argentina Saudi Arabia South AfricaAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
E Cigarettes & Vapourizer Global Market Research Methodology, Research Scope Forecast 2022

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According to Publisher, the Global E-Cigarettes & Vapourizer Market accounted for $7.47 billion in 2015 and is anticipated to reach $28.57 billion by 2022 growing at a CAGR of 21.1% from 2015 to 2022. Growing demand for distribution channels of e-cigarettes and accessories is the primary factor favouring the market growth. Furthermore, increasing number of brands, innovative product launches and product customizations are some of the drivers favouring the market growth. However, uncertain regulatory framework, increasing incidents of e-liquid poisoning and compatibility issues are some of the restraints hampering the market growth. New taxes on e-cigs in cities like Washington, D.C., are damping sales, as are new regulations, like measures passed this year in Indiana that require manufacturers to secure permits and list ingredients. The industry also is awaiting final rules from the Food and Drug Administration, which could require federal approval for nearly all flavored liquid nicotine juices and e-cig devices.For more information about this report:Disposable E-Cigarette segment commanded the largest share in 2015, while Rechargeable E-Cigarettes is growing at the highest CAGR durig the forecast period. North America is expected to witness highest growth rate over the forecast period. Europe being one of the largest markets in the e-cigarette industry it is hub to provide conflicting regulatory regimes.Some of the key players in this market include Japan Tobacco, Inc., First Union, International Vapor Group, Inc., Marlboro, Lorillard, Inc., Pacific Smoke International, British American Tobacco Plc (Bat), Cloudcig, Steamlite, Smokefree, Victory Electronic Cigarettes Corporation, Altria Group, Inc., Reynolds American Inc., Puff Ecig, Bull Smoke, Feellife Bioscience International Co. Ltd, Fontem Ventures, Philip Morris International, Inc., Ballantyne Brands, Llc and Nice Vapor.Composition Covered:- Flavors- Nicotine- Diluents- E-LiquidsProducts Covered:- E-go Electronic Cigarette and Tank- E-Cigars- Rechargeable E-Cigarette- Disposable E-Cigarette- Personal Vaporizers and Mods- E-Pipes- Other ProductsComponent Covered:- Cartridge- Clearomizer- Battery- Rebuildable Atomizer- Atomizer- CartomizerDistribution Channel Covered:- Online- Retail- Pharmaceuticals- Convenient stores- OthersRequest Sample Copy atRegions Covered:- North America- US- Canada- Mexico- Europe- Germany- France- Italy- UK- Spain- Rest of Europe- Asia Pacific- Japan- China- India- Australia- New Zealand- Rest of Asia Pacific- Rest of the World- Middle East- Brazil- Argentina- South Africa- EgyptWhat our report offers:- Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments- Market share analysis of the top industry players- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants- Market forecasts for a minimum of 7 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional markets- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements1 Executive Summary2 Preface3 Market Trend Analysis4 Porters Five Force Analysis5 Global E-Cigarette and Vaporizer Market, By Composition6 Global E-Cigarette and Vaporizer Market, By Product7 Global E-Cigarette and Vaporizer Market, By Component8 Global E-Cigarette and Vaporizer Market, By Distribution channel9 Global E-Cigarettes and Vapourizers Market, By Geography10 Key Developments11 Company profiling11.1 Japan Tobacco, Inc.11.2 First Union11.3 International Vapor Group, Inc.11.4 Marlboro11.5 Lorillard, Inc.11.6 Pacific Smoke International11.7 British American Tobacco Plc (Bat)11.8 Cloudcig11.9 Steamlite11.10 Smokefree11.11 Victory Electronic Cigarettes Corporation11.12 Altria Group, Inc.11.13 Reynolds American Inc.11.14 Puff Ecig11.15 Bull Smoke11.16 Feellife Bioscience International Co. Ltd11.17 Fontem Ventures11.18 Philip Morris International, Inc.11.19 Ballantyne Brands, Llc11.20 Nice VaporInquire before Buying atContact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Battery Energy Storage System Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size 2024 | Research Report

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Demand for energy conservation is increasing and considering the depleting level of energy resources, numerous companies emphasize on efficient energy consumption techniques. Rising population coupled with increasing industrial activities are likely to raise the demand for battery energy storage systems during the forecast period. Battery energy storage systems have been increasingly utilized in the production of renewable energy sources such as solar cell, wind turbine.Browse Market Research Report @The battery energy storage system market has expanded considerably in recent years due to increasing demand for renewable energy sources. Some important applications of battery energy storage systems include electrification of grid and this requires large amount of renewable energy resources, thus contributing to the consistent increase in demand for battery energy storage system. Gradual advancement in energy storage technology leads to significant cost reduction and enhances the efficiency of battery energy storage system. This, in turn, is likely to boost its demand in the market during the forecast period.Battery energy storage system requires substantial amount of space and infrastructure set up. The considerable installation cost and complexity in regulation for setting up proper infrastructure is estimated to restrain the potential growth prospect of the battery energy storage system market during the forecast period. During round trip inefficiencies considerable amount of energy is lost and this factors hinder the expansion potential of the market.A battery energy storage system allows integration of renewable energy and fossil fuel sources. This system utilizes intermittent energy, which is projected to offer a growth opportunity for the market during the forecast period. Rural electrification has been a major agenda of the government and in emerging economies such as China and India this issue gets substantial government support. Battery energy storage systems have been majorly used in areas where grid power is very weak. Increasing application of renewable sources is estimated to propel the battery energy storage system market during the forecast period.In terms of connection type, the battery energy storage system market can be segmented into On-grid and Off-grid. The battery energy storage system is a new method of generating and distributing power energy. Considering the present trend of using significant amount of renewable energy, the on-grid battery energy storage system segment held considerable share of the market, as this system install substantial storage capacity and gets legal support for required infrastructure. Off-grid battery energy storage systems are majorly demanded by countries in the sunbelt regions where solar radiation is very high. Off-grid battery energy storage systems have been increasingly deployed in remote areas where electrification and efficient usage of renewable resources is a challenge.In terms of application, the battery energy storage system market can be segmented into residential, transportation, non-residential, utility, and others. The transportation application segment held dominant share of the market due to increasing utilization of batteries in battery driven cars and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Different types of batteries such as lithium ion, Li-Ion polymer find maximum application in different types of vehicles. These lithium-ion based batteries are lightweight and are highly energy efficient, and thus, these factors boost the demand for battery energy storage systems in vehicles The residential segment is projected to expand rapidly during the forecast period due to government initiatives for supplying electricity to every single house. Increasing usage of solar power plants, wind energy in these batteries are also likely to drive the demand for battery energy storage system in the market during the forecast period.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Battery Energy Storage System Market . Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market @In terms of region, the battery energy storage system market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. Asia Pacific held a prominent share of the market due to the rise in number of housing units in the region, latest trend of using renewable energy, and significant number of industrial belts.Key player operating in the global battery energy storage system market include ABB Ltd., General Electric Co., Tesla Motors Ltd, and Siemens AG.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
2-Methylpropene Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share 2024 | Research Report

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2-Methylpropene Market: SnapshotThe rising consumption of gasoline and lubricant additives and rubber products in the automotive and aviation industries, the expansion of existing production facilities, especially in Asia Pacific, and an increase in the bio-based production of 2-methylpropene have been known to significantly drive the 2-methylpropene market across the globe.The global 2-methylpropene market is poised to register a steady CAGR of 7.07% from 2016 to 2024 in terms of revenue. In view of this, the opportunity presented by this market is likely to rise from US$26.99 bn in 2015 to reach US$49.91 bn by 2024. In terms of volume, the 2-methylpropene market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.21% during the forecast period.This 195 page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the 2-Methylpropene Market . Browse through to unlock the hidden opportunities in this market @Globally, the prices of 2-methylpropene are increasing year-on-year due to its wide range of applications. The demand for bio-based 2-methylpropene for the production of jet fuel in the aviation sector is expected to propel the demand for as well as prices of 2-methylpropene during the forecast period.Soaring Demand for 2-methylpropene in Aviation and Automobile Industries Propelling Global MarketIn terms of product, the 2-methylpropene market has been classified into butyl rubber, polyisobutylene, MMA monomer, isooctane, MTBE, and others. By value, isooctane held the leading share of 36.67% in 2015, closely followed by MTBE. Isooctane is used as an octane booster for gasoline and as a primary component in aviation gasoline due to its prominent antiknock characteristic. Majority of isooctane is produced in refineries by distilling petroleum. However, isooctane is also produced from 2-methylpropene. The demand for MTBE is declining and is fast being replaced by isooctane as a gasoline additive.By way of application, the 2-methylpropene market has been segmented into rubber manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, fuel and lubricants, adhesives and sealants, antioxidants, agrochemicals, and others. In terms of value, fuel and lubricants accounted for the dominant share of 63.86% in 2015. Steady growth in the global automotive industry has boosted the consumption of gasoline and lubricant additives as well as rubber products. An increase in the demand for 2-methylpropene in the aviation and automobile industries is therefore expected to propel the global 2-methylpropene market during the forecast period.Demand for 2-methylpropene to be Comparatively Higher in APACFrom a geographical standpoint, the 2-methylpropene market has been segmented into North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific (excluding Japan), Japan, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the 2-Methylpropene Market . Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market @In terms of value, North America constituted the dominant share of 34.16% in 2015, closely followed by Asia Pacific (excluding Japan) with a 32.16% share that year. While North America leads in terms of installed production capacity, it is expected to lose market share in terms of demand owing to the bans imposed on the usage of MTBE.Geographically, the high demand for MTBE in Asia Pacific (excluding Japan) has resulted in the expansion of existing 2-methylpropene production facilities in China. The demand for 2-methylpropene in APAC is rising at a rate higher than any other region. Even though the demand for MTBE is declining in developed countries such as the U.S., Germany, and Russia, a significant volume of 2-methylpropene-based isooctane is being utilized as gasoline additives in the automotive sector in these countries.Prominent players in the global 2-methylpropene market include BASF SE, Evonik Industries AG, LyondellBasel Industries NV, TPC Group, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, Songwon Industrial Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Zibo Qixiang Petrochemical Group Ltd., Heilongjiang Anruijia Petrochemical Co., Ltd., and Shandong Yuhuang Chemical (Group) Co., Ltd.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.9ContactTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Folic Acid Global Market 2017 by Revenue, Application, Type, Analysis and Forecast to 2022

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The Folic Acid Market 2017 Report offers detailed analysis of the Folic Acid market over the last five years, and provides extensive market forecasts by region/country and sub sector. It covers the key technological and market trends in the Folic Acid market. It further lays out an analysis of the factors influencing the supply/demand for Folic Acid, and the opportunities/challenges faced by industry participants. It also acts as an essential tool to companies active across the value chain and to the new entrants by enabling them to capitalize the opportunities and develop business strategies.For more information about this report:In particular, it provides an in-depth analysis of the following:Market overview: detailed analysis of the whole value chain (upstream & downstream) , insights into technological developments, and an extensive analysis of costs analysis from the aspects of raw materials, labor costs and etc.Market size and driving factors: comprehensive analysis of the global Folic Acid market during the 2012-2022 period, including market volume & value, growth and development trends, demand drivers and stimulators for Folic Acid. It also provides an insight on the spending pattern and application pattern in different regions around the world.Competitive landscape analysis: exhaustive analysis of top players on the market performances (sales and market position) , strengths & weaknesses, opportunities and threats. It also provides the current consolidation trends in the industry and the challenges faced by industry participants.Request Sample Copy atWorldwide supply/demand pattern: analysis of the key markets in each region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, ChinaMiddle East & Africa) , providing an analysis of the top segments of Folic Acid expected to be in demand.Tends forecast: analysis of regional demand and growth trends, all the numbers, both - sales & volume, at each level of the detail are estimated till 2022, to give a glimpse of the potential market size in terms of value in this market.Table of Content:Part 1. Exclusive SummaryPart 2. MethodologyPart 3. IntroductionPart 4. Market LandscapePart 5. Segmentation by Type (Volume & Revenue)Part 6. Segmentation by Application (Volume & Revenue)Part 7. North American Folic Acid MarketPart 8. European Folic Acid MarketPart 9. Asia Pacific Folic Acid MarketPart 10. Chinese Folic Acid MarketPart 11. Market ForecastPart 12. Company ProfilesInquire for Report atContact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Melitracen Global Market 2017 by Revenue, Application, Type, Analysis and Forecast to 2022

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The Melitracen Market 2017 Report offers detailed analysis of the Melitracen market over the last five years, and provides extensive market forecasts by region/country and sub sector. It covers the key technological and market trends in the Melitracen market. It further lays out an analysis of the factors influencing the supply/demand for Melitracen, and the opportunities/challenges faced by industry participants. It also acts as an essential tool to companies active across the value chain and to the new entrants by enabling them to capitalize the opportunities and develop business strategies.For more information about this report:In particular, it provides an in-depth analysis of the following:Market overview: detailed analysis of the whole value chain (upstream & downstream) , insights into technological developments, and an extensive analysis of costs analysis from the aspects of raw materials, labor costs and etc.Market size and driving factors: comprehensive analysis of the global Melitracen market during the 2012-2022 period, including market volume & value, growth and development trends, demand drivers and stimulators for Melitracen. It also provides an insight on the spending pattern and application pattern in different regions around the world.Competitive landscape analysis: exhaustive analysis of top players on the market performances (sales and market position) , strengths & weaknesses, opportunities and threats. It also provides the current consolidation trends in the industry and the challenges faced by industry participants.Request Sample Copy atWorldwide supply/demand pattern: analysis of the key markets in each region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, ChinaMiddle East & Africa) , providing an analysis of the top segments of Melitracen expected to be in demand.Tends forecast: analysis of regional demand and growth trends, all the numbers, both - sales & volume, at each level of the detail are estimated till 2022, to give a glimpse of the potential market size in terms of value in this market.Table of Content:Part 1. Exclusive SummaryPart 2. MethodologyPart 3. IntroductionPart 4. Market LandscapePart 5. Segmentation by Type (Volume & Revenue)Part 6. Segmentation by Application (Volume & Revenue)Part 7. North American Melitracen MarketPart 8. European Melitracen MarketPart 9. Asia Pacific Melitracen MarketPart 10. Chinese Melitracen MarketPart 11. Market ForecastPart 12. Company ProfilesInquire for Report atContact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Machine to Machine Connections Market Good Growth Detected in the Near Future

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Machine to machine refers to connection between devices using certain communication channels that can be wired or wireless. Machine to machine connections are used for analyzing the measurement between mechanical or electronic devices and for transmission of automated data. Field deployed wireless devices embedded with sensors and complementary wire line access are some of the key components of a machine to machine connection system. Machine to machine technology enables networked devices to exchange information and perform actions without manual assistance of humans.Telemetry is one of the most well-known type of machine to machine connections. Machine to machine connections are also often used for remote monitoring, management of warehouses, and form an important aspect of traffic control, logistics, supply chain management and others. Machine to machine connections are built to be device or task specific and do not have a standardized connected device platform. The global machine to machine connections market is growing and maturing owing to the presence of telecom service providers, application service providers, and telecom equipment providers, and innovative revenue models presented by service providers.Obtain Report Details @Machine to machine connection devices are being increasingly used in the healthcare sector to monitor real time vital statistics and for the provision of medication. These devices are also used on a large scale in the retail sector to gain better shopping experiences via personalized digital signage. Therefore, widespread use of machine to machine connectivity devices in the healthcare and retail sector are expected to drive the growth of the global machine to machine connections market. Advent of internet of things also plays a key role in enhancing the demand and growth of the market.The global machine to machine connections market can be segmented based on technology, applications, end-users, and region. In terms of technology, the market can be further segmented into wired technology, wireless technology, and cellular technology. Wireless technology enabled machine to machine connectivity devices comprise in-built radios for the transmission and retrieval of data. The use of wireless technology enabled machine to machine connectivity devices ensures safe and efficient machine to machine communication in the healthcare sector, industrial sector, commercial work places, and at homes.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Machine to Machine Connections Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market@Based on applications, the market has been further segmented into utility companies, traffic control, telemedicine, and telemetry. Utility companies use machine to machine connections for the harvesting of energy products and billing consumers. The harvested energy products are oil, natural gas, and others and usually more than two machine to machine connectivity devices communicate with each other in a synchronized manner. Machine to machine connectivity devices in these cases are widely used in oil drilling sites to detect all the important parameters which help in indicating the presence of oil. Traffic control is a very common area of application of machine to machine connectivity devices. These devices help in monitoring speed and volume of traffic at a particular traffic control system. High end software are used for the transmission of traffic information. Further, machine to machine connections are used in telemedicine for monitoring heart conditions and correcting any errant rhythms of the heart of a heart patient. Moreover, in telemetry, machine to machine connections are used for the purpose of transmission of information over hundreds of miles. Large scale demand for oil due to increasing population and a growing automotive sector is expected to lead utility companies to acquire the largest market share over the forecast period. Owing to rapid technological improvement and development of the healthcare sector, the telemedicine application segment is anticipated to expand with the highest CAGR over the forecast period.In terms of region, the market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East &Africa, and Latin America.Key players operating in the machine to machine connections market are Texas Instruments, Deutsche Telekom AG, AT&T Inc., Sierra Wireless, Vodafone Group PLC, Sprint Corporation, Gemalto, Intel, Telefonica, S.A, Telit Communications, Verizon Communications Inc., Cisco Systems Inc. and Jasper Technologies Inc. Among others.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to rovide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Mechanical Hand Tools Market is poised to reach USD 20,516.3 million with a CAGR of 3.67% Worldwide by 2023

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Pune, India, June, 2017/MRFR Press Release/- Market Research Future published a cooked research report on Global Mechanical Hand Tools Market Research Report- Forecast 2023  Market Analysis, Scope, Stake, Progress, Trends and Forecast to 2023.Market Synopsis of Mechanical Hand Tools Market.The need for mechanical hand tools is gradually rising owing to factors such as, growing demand from construction industry coupled with increasing industrialization, growing application industries, increasing demand from household applications and among others. Mechanical hand tools are widely used in the construction industry. The rise in the number of manufacturing plants, where hand tools are majorly used, will lead to the growth of mechanical hand tool market. The industrial sector is expected to grow and would increase in demand for professional hand tools kit, thus leading to the growth of the market. On the other hand, the need for hand tools is likely to increase with the increase in the demand for wooden furniture. The key factors responsible for the growth of the furniture market are growth in construction and renovation activities. Increase in the number of single-person and two person households, has resulted in the increase in demand for small and convenient furniture.The global Mechanical Hand Tools market has witnessed a moderate growth over the past few year and it has been analysed that the market will grow at the same pace during the forecast period. This market was valued at USD 16,044.1 million in 2016 and is poised to reach USD 20,516.3 million with a CAGR of 3.67% during the forecast period.Get a Copy of Sample Report @Key Players Robert Bosch Tool Corporation (U.S), Stanley Black & Decker, Inc (U.S.), Snap-on (U.S.), TOYA SA (Poland), Metabowerke GmbH (Germany), Hilti Corporation (Liechtenstein), Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd (TTI) (Hong Kong), Makita Corporation (U.S.) Wurth Group (Germany), Klein Tools (U.S.) and others.Market Segmentation:The global mechanical hand tools market has been segmented into:By Type Hand Service Tools Edge Tools Hand Saw OthersBy Application Construction Industry Decoration Industry Household ApplicationBrowse Full Report Details @Regional AnalysisGeographically, North America has emerged as the leading market for mechanical hand tools market consuming around 35.3% market share in 2016. US is one of the leading country in terms of consumption owing to the rising construction sites and rapid industrialization. Asia-Pacific region has registered itself as the fastest growing region with a CAGR of 4.00% during forecast period. Whereas Europe stood on third rank in terms of value.Target Audience Organizations Manufacturer Research Institute / Education Institute Potential InvestorsProduct Analysis Product matrix which gives a detailed comparison of the market for different recycled product typesAdditional Information Regulatory Landscape Pricing Analysis Macroeconomic IndicatorsGeographic Analysis Geographical analysis across 15 countriesCompany Information Profiling of 10 key market players In-depth analysis including SWOT analysis, and strategy information of related to report title Competitive landscape including emerging trends adopted by major companiesGet a Well Discount @The report for Global Mechanical Hand Tools Market of Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain the deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The report gives the clear picture of current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value and volume, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report provides details information and strategies of the top key players in the industry. The report also gives a broad study of the different market segments and regions.ContinueWe are thankful for the support and assistance from Global Mechanical Hand Tools Market Research Report- Forecast 2023 chain related technical experts and marketing experts during Research Team survey and interviews.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Media Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Voice and Speech Recognition Market Heating Up due to the Growing Demand from Industries

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Voice and speech recognition form a smaller part of the biometric systems. Speech recognition refers to the process of converting spoken words into digitally modified and stored set of words with the help of telephones and microphones.The speed which measures how well the software matches with a human speaker and accuracy which measures the number of errors made during the conversion of spoken words into digitalized data, are the two parameters which assess the quality of a speech recognition system.The voice recognition system analyses the identity of the speaker behind a particular voice. It analyses the voice between different speakers by studying the behavioral patterns of different people, such as the concerned persons voice pitch, speaking style, accent and others, and also studies the shape and size of the mouth and throat of the concerned person.Rise in adoption of voice and speech enabled applications in smart phones, growing use of speech and voice recognition technology in mobile banking services, integration of speech and voice recognition techniques in consumer electronics, and advent of internet of things, are some of the factors which are expected to play a crucial role in driving the growth trajectories of the global speech and voice recognition market.Obtain Report Details @However, impaired speech, lack of accuracy, and improper encoding, leading to error in data processing, and lack of efficient training to recognize different voices are some of the factors which are expected to diminish the growth of the global voice and speech recognition market.Adoption of voice and speech recognition techniques in other consumer electronics devices apart from smart phones, such as refrigerators, thermostats, mixer and grinders, and others are expected to create further growth opportunities in the global voice and speech recognition market.The global voice and speech recognition market has been segmented based on type, technology, and geography. Based on technology, the market has been further sub-divided into voice recognition technology and speech recognition technology. Based on type, the market has been segmented into artificial intelligence and software technologies. Artificial intelligence is used in voice and speech recognition techniques to study the thought process of human beings with the help of computers and robots. Software technologies are used to analyze recording documents at work.Software technologies work in sync with emails and Microsoft Office. Further, the market has been segmented based on end-use industry and geography. Based on end-use industry, the market has been segmented into consumer electronics industry, automotive industry, healthcare, military and defense, and others. Voice and speech recognition technique finds maximum usage in the consumer electronics industry owing to growing number of voice and speech enabled applications in smart phones. However, the healthcare sector is anticipated to be the fastest growing end-use industry segment owing to widespread use of voice and speech recognition techniques for health checkups and for connecting a doctor and patient in the absence of physical presence of both.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Voice and Speech Recognition Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market@In terms of region, the market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. Asia Pacific is projected to lead the market due to rise in production of smart phones and other consumer electronics. Investment in research and development for automated speech recognition systems in the healthcare sector is also expected to play a crucial role in driving the growth trajectories of the voice and speech recognition market in this region. Further, large scale implementation of biometric systems owing to increasing security concerns is also expected to push the market further, thereby making Asia Pacific the fastest growing market.Key players operating in the voice and speech recognition market are Microsoft Inc. (U.S), Nuance Communications (U.S.), M2SyS LLC (U.S.), Advanced Voice Recognition Systems (U.S.), Sensory Inc. (U.S.), MMODAL Inc. (U.S.)., LumenVox LLC. (U.S.), VoiceBox Technologies Corp. (U.S.), Agnitio S.L (Spain), Biotrust (Netherland), and ValidSoft UK Limited (U.K.) among others.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to Provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, during PM Modi's Israel visit, subtly snubbed Pakistan when he seemingly said that no democratic countries lie between India and Israel.

By Dev Goswami: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday capped off his three-day visit to Israel. After a visit to the Haifa World War I memorial and a trip to the Olga beach, he flew to Hamburg in Germany for a two-day Group of Twenty (G20) meeting that begins Friday.

The Indian prime minister's historic visit to Israel was marked by a remarkable display of friendship between Modi and counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. The two spent most of the trip together with Netanyahu coming to receive Modi at the Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv on Tuesday. On Thursday, the Israeli PM saw Modi off as the Indian PM departed for Germany.

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During one of the several Modi-Netanyahu moments, the Israeli prime minister seemingly said there are no democratic countries that lie between Israel and India. To India's neighbour, Pakistan, that comment may have appeared to be a snub, even though it doesn't even recognise Israel as an official state.

Netanyahu's comment came during a light moment when he spoke about how Modi had inspired him to take up yoga.

"When I do a relaxing Tada-asana in the morning and I turn my head to right, India is the first democracy I see and when Modi does a relaxing Vasisthasana and he turns left, Israel is the first democracy he can see. So in fact we have in India and Israel two sister democracies," Netanyahu said.

WORLD BETWEEN INDIA, ISRAEL

India and Israel are separated by around 4,500 kilometers, as a crow flies, and a number of countries, including Pakistan and Iraq - both official democracies.

Notably, apart from Jordan, which borders Israel and is not a complete democracy, none of the countries that fall between India and Israel (Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Iraq) have current diplomatic ties with Israel.

However, it may not have been just PM Modi's presence that prompted Netanyahu to leave Pakistan and Iraq out the list of countries that are democratic. Both Islamabad and Baghdad have never officially recognised the State of Israel.

In fact, Pakistan and Israel's official relations are so fraught that Pakistani passports carry the inscription, 'This passport is valid for all countries of the world except Israel.'

Netanyahu's remarks are unlikely to be given too much weight in Islamabad, but they are bound to sting. Especially considering how Pakistan 'closely watched' Modi's Israel visit, as an Express Tribune report said on Wednesday.

HISTORIC VISIT

Modi's trip to came in the 25th anniversary year of India and Israel establishing diplomatic ties. This was the first time a sitting Indian prime minister visited the Middle Eastern state.

Modi's visit marked a departure from the notoriously secretive manner in which India has treated its relations with Israel.

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During his trip, Modi and his Indian delegation focused on signing agreements relating to space, agriculture and water conservation. This too marked a slight change in India-Israel relations, which have mostly focused on defence and security. Notably, just ahead of Modi's visit, India and Israel signed a $2 billion deal to supply India with missile defence systems.

However, security and terrorism, especially cyber security, did find mentions during Modi and Netanyahu's meets and public addresses.

On the very first day of his trip, Modi referenced his visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial: "Yad Vashem tells us that those who believe in humanity and civilised values must come together and defend it at all costs...As such, we must resolutely oppose the evils of terrorism, radicalism and violence that plague our time."

PM Netanyahu struck a similar cord, saying India and Israel face common challenges with respect to terrorism. One of these challenges is "to defeat the forces of terror that's on rampage through the world and threaten both our countries. We must stand together in this battle. We have to defeat terrorism," the Israeli prime minister said.

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India and Israel also called for strong action all those who encourage support and finance terrorism, or provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups.

ALSO READ | As Modi, Netanyahu bond on a beach, Kerala CM calls Israel terrorist state

ALSO READ | India-Israel relation over the years: Ten defining developments

WATCH | Netanyahu: Ramanujan greatest mathematician, PM Modi's enthusiasm for yoga inspirational

--- ENDS ---
Multi-Chip Module Packaging Market Trends Forecast 2025

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Multi-chip module packaging has received wide range of attention in the electronics industry. Multi-chip module packaging has been applied in the advanced and high end systems.The technology primarily focuses on leveraging surface mount and integrated circuits (IC) processing technology. The Multi-chip module was primarily designed for multiple ICs (integrated circuits) to increase their application as a single package.The market has been segmented into by end use industry automotive, aerospace and defense, consumer electronics, telecommunications and healthcare among others. The market for multi-chip module packaging by region has been segmented into, Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, MEA (Middle East and Africa) and South America.Obtain Report Details:Multi-chip module packaging is playing a prime role in the microelectronic systems and modern electronic miniaturization. The elimination of individual chip packages significantly reduces the inter-chip propagation delay along with power consumption of the whole system.Moreover, increasing demand for further miniaturization of aerospace and defense systems, consumer products, medical devices and LED arrays are anticipated to contribute in the positive growth of the multi-chip module packaging market globally. The design of multi-chip modules varies depending on the end use application and complexity of the electronic devices.Low power consumption owing to shorter interconnects lengths, enables miniaturization and smaller package; increased reliability with decreased number of interconnects between components are some of the prime attributes of multi-chip modules which are propelling the application in different end use industries. It is cost effective solution and flexible to integrate in any semiconductor devices.RF wireless modules, high end communication devices, LED packages, power amplifiers, portable computers and other wearable gadgets among others are some of the prime application areas of multi-chip module packaging market. Additionally, military and aerospace avionics, servers and other high end microelectronics are some of the application field of multi-chip module packaging.Aerospace and defense and automotive industry are major end use industry for multi-chip module packaging market. Improved performance, lower power consumption and high integration density are some of the prime characterization of multi-chip module packaging, which in turn is fueling the application in different end use industries.Cyclical nature of semiconductor industry may be considered as one of the restraining factor which may inhibit the growth of the multi-chip module packaging market. However, application of multi-chip module in satellite communication is one of the prime opportunities for the market.In 2016, North America held the largest market share in terms of revenue for the multi-chip module packaging market, followed by Asia Pacific and Europe. The U.S. is leading the multi-chip module packaging market in North America.China, Japan, South Korea and India among others are some of the major market contributing in the positive development of the market for multi-chip module packaging. Germany, U.K., Italy and France among others are contributing positive share in the multi-chip module packaging market. Brazil, Argentina are anticipated to contribute positive growth over the forecast period from 2017 to 2025.In Middle East and Africa, there has been considerable advancement and development in the field of electronics and other industries for instance, telecommunication and automotive field is stimulating the demand for multi-chip module packaging market.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Multi-Chip Module Packaging Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.Texas Instruments Inc. (The U.S.), Palomar Technologies (The U.S.), Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (The U.S.), Tektronix, Inc. (The U.S.), Micron Technology, Inc. (The U.S.), Maxim Integrated (The U.S.), API Technologies Corporation (The U.S.) and Intel Corporation (The U.S.) are some of the key players operating in the multi-chip module packaging market globally.Acquisition and merger and long term and short business allowances with raw material suppliers and component distributors are some of the major strategies abide by the companies in the multi-chip module packaging market globally.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions.About TMRTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact TMR90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email:sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Heart Attack Diagnostics Market Research Report | Trends, Opportunities and Forecast up to 2024

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Heart attack diagnosis is associated with intensive care of patients battling with life threatening conditions, which requires sophisticated invasive monitoring devices and life support systems. Heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs due to reduced or total cut off of oxygenated blood supply to the heart muscle. It is one of the major causes of death observed worldwide and needs to be diagnosed rapidly and accurately. According to Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, about 735,000 Americans suffer from heart attack every year. Occurrence of heart attacks is increasing in adults as well as in geriatric population across the globe due to unhealthy lifestyle habits, high cholesterol levels, high BMI, and growth in tobacco and alcohol consumption.The demand for heart attack diagnostic devices has increased owing to rise in need for continuous monitoring of individuals, accessibility for patient, changing lifestyle, higher investments in R&D, and technological advancement. Further, various international organizations and government across the globe are creating awareness about monitoring devices among the population.Several factors are responsible to propel the heart attack diagnostics market, but few factors are likely to continue to restrain the growth of the market in the near future such as the low Medicare reimbursements provided for the peripatetic cardiac outpatient telemetry electrocardiogram (ECG).The heart attack diagnostics market can be segmented on the basis of test, end-user, and geography. In terms of test, the market can be divided into electrocardiogram (ECG), blood test, chest X-ray, echocardiogram, coronary catheterization (angiogram), exercise stress test, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Among these, ECG has a wider application and contributes to tremendous growth of the market. End-user of this market includes hospitals, specialty clinics, and pathology among others.View Report-In terms of geography, the heart attack diagnostics market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. In terms of market revenue, North America is estimated to dominate the global heart attack diagnostics market owing to increased adoption of technologically advanced diagnostic equipment. The Asia Pacific market is projected to grow at a higher rate owing to high incidence of heart attacks and soaring death rates due to heart diseases.The heart attack diagnostics market is highly fragmented due to involvement of many recognized as well as emerging players in this market. Key players involved in the heart attack diagnostics market include Abbott Laboratories, Beckman Coulter, Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc., Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, GE Healthcare, Life Sign LLC, Hitachi Medical Systems, and Schiller AG.Request a brochure of this report to know what opportunities will emerge in the rapidly evolving Heart Attack Diagnostics Market during 2016- 2024About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Memory Implants Market Research Report | Trends, Opportunities and Forecast up to 2024

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Global Memory Implants Market: OverviewMemory implants are useful in controlling the voluntary actions of the brain in people who suffer from brain damage due to stroke, Alzheimers, and disruption of neural network. The memory implant market plays a key role in the overall neurological research industry. A number of researchers are working on developing remarkable memory implants that can perform various functions including pain management and controlling of heart beats, and controlling symptoms of Parkinsons disease, sleep apnea, and various neurology diseases. Though, advanced technology in the healthcare industry might have succeeded in bringing down the mortality rate, there is still dearth of treatments and drugs to help eradicate neurological diseases associated with older population.On the basis of technique, the market can be segmented into stereotactic implantation, electrophysiological mapping, and others. The global market for memory implants may be classified on the basis of procedure into microelectrode mapping, non-invasive, macro electrode, system-level, and simulation approach. Based on end users, the market can be divided into clinical research organization, healthcare service providers, and others.The report presents a comprehensive overview of various factors contributing to the expansion of the global memory implants market. It also offers insights into challenges that the market could face over the forecast period. The prevailing trends in overall market operations are also studied in the report in detail.View Report-Global Memory Implants Market: Key TrendsThe reason for the development and commercialization of the global memory implant market is the escalating geriatric population and increasing initiative in terms of neurological clinical trials Moreover, various applications of memory implants in orthopedic implants, breast implants, intraocular lens, dental implants, and cardiovascular implants are significantly adding value to the demand growth of the said market. On the other hand, memory implants could be used for controlling human behavior, thus many researchers are of the opinion that memory-enhancing devices can be misused, thereby limiting the market growth.Based on technique, stereotactic implantation is a minimally-invasive form of intervention, which is used to locate the memory implants inside the body. This technology is mostly used for the treatment of Parkinsons disease. Electrophysiological mapping is widely used to finalize the target selection for memory implants with the help of microelectrode or semi-microelectrode techniques.Global Memory Implants Market: Regional OverviewGeographically, the global memory implants market can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. It is estimated that North America will account for a major share in the market due to a large patient pool suffering from Alzheimers. The number of people living with Parkinsons disease is extremely high in European countries, thus the market for memory implants in this region is projected to receive a significant boost by 2025. Asia Pacific is another promising market for memory implants owing to the high geriatric population, especially in Japan.Global Memory Implants Market: Key PlayersThe report profiles some of the prominent competitors operating in the market. It also provides insights into the threats and opportunities that the companies are expected to witness in the coming years. Some of the players in the global memory implants market are Bausch and Lomb Incorporated, Abbott Laboratories, Alcon Laboratories, Biomet Incorporated, and Boston Scientific Corporation.Request a brochure of this report to know what opportunities will emerge in the rapidly evolving Memory Implants Market during 2016- 2024About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
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In an effort to get a piece of the natural and organic foods market, Campbell Soup Co. is adding Tualatin-based Pacific Foods to its portfolio in a deal worth $700 million.

Pacific Foods, founded in 1987 as a tofu company, specializes in organic soups, broths and non-dairy milks. The company's products are carried by such local retailers as New Seasons Market and Fred Meyer, and other stores throughout the country.

The acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approval, will allow Pacific Foods to stay in Tualatin, where it employs more than 500 at its manufacturing plant and corporate offices. According to a news release from Pacific, Campbell plans to maintain and invest in its existing Tualatin facility.

The purchase will give Pacific Foods access to increased capacity, distribution and marketing opportunities, the Oregon company said in a statement.

In a Facebook post, Pacific chief executive Chuck Eggert said he never expected his company to grow like it has.

"Today, a whole lot of people like what we do," he wrote. "The pressure to grow, however, is inherent in business. When we started looking at our options for increasing capacity  really what we can do to scale organics and provide more people with high quality, nourishing foods at prices they can afford  we realized we couldn't do it alone."

Denise Morrison, Campbell's president and chief executive, called Pacific "an excellent fit" for the company's portfolio, which includes Pepperidge Farm, Bolthouse Farms, V8, Swanson, Pace and Prego.

"Campbell and Pacific Foods believe in making food that we are proud to serve at our own tables using simple, recognizable ingredients," she said.

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Star of the evening, however, was Nidhi Agarwal, who makes her debut alongside Tiger in the new romantic drama, Munna Michael.

By Mail Today Bureau: Bollywood heartthrob Tiger Shroff turned out at an advance screening of the much-awaited Hollywood biggie Spider-Man: Homecoming on Tuesday evening.

Tiger has dubbed for the superhero's voice in the film's Hindi version, and is excited about the new Spidey flick. He was spotted happily posing for the shutterbugs all evening, and he did look dapper in a pale blue striped shirt that he teamed with basic blue denims and black sneakers.

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Star of the evening, however, was Nidhi Agarwal, who makes her debut alongside Tiger in the new romantic drama, Munna Michael. Nidhi and Tiger arrived for the screening after a quick press meet at a suburban Mumbai five-star, and naturally, the duo did not have time for a wardrobe change.

Nidhi arrived for the screening making a killer LBD statement, the same as she did at the media event before. The lenspersons gathered at the Spider-Man screening could not get enough as she struck her poses for the photo-ops, looking ravishing in her long-sleeved designer black short dress.

To max out the impact, Nidhi chose to do away with any sort of jewellery, and teamed her sexy dress with matching heels and deep red nail polish. Nidhi and Tiger have lately been spotted together at numerous hotspots in Mumbai. While the overall effort is meant to give a smart push to the publicity of their upcoming film, there is buzz enough to suggest the two young actors are the new BFFs in B-Town.

The gossipvine has also been abuzz with rumours that Nidhi recently broke up with her Bangalorebased boyfriend. Tiger, on the other hand, has already declared that all reports about him dating Disha Patani are baseless.

As they shared the spotlight at the Spider-Man screening, the buzz only became stronger about these two.

Also spotted at the screening were Chetan Bhagat with wife Anusha, actor Claudia Ciesla and filmmaker Puneet Malhotra. Spider-Man: Homecoming is schedule to release in India on July 7 along with the rest of the world.

Also Read:

Tiger Shroff counts the benefits of maths with school kids in Mumbai

Ananya Panday in Student Of The Year 2 opposite Tiger Shroff?

--- ENDS ---
Sources say Atrey's case is a story of the right man at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Commando Anubhav Atrey from the 113 Battalion of the BSF featured in a documentary made by the National Geographic Channel on the force.

By Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu: Once hailed as a hero, BSF commando Anubhav Atrey is now in a downward spiral.

The assistant commandant from the 113 Battalion of the Border Security Force, who featured in a documentary created by the National Geographic Channel on the agency that's India's first line of defence, is now facing court martial over a "civilian death".

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Atrey purportedly got into trouble over self-defence action that resulted in the death of a Bangladeshi teenager last year in a suspected case of cross-border gold smuggling.

The incident took place on May 14 last year when the officer was deployed at Banpur post of BSF in Krishnaganj village of West Bengal's Nadia district.

The killing sparked a furore in Bangladesh at a time when BSF chief KK Sharma was on a visit to Dhaka for talks with his counterpart, putting pressure on the force to act against one of its own.

COMPARISONS DRAWN BETWEEN ATREY AND MAJOR GOGOI

Many officers have drawn comparisons between Atrey and Major Leetul Gogoi of the Army's 53 Rashtriya Rifles branch, who, in a controversial move, tied a man to a jeep in Kashmir's Budgam district and used him as a human shield against stone-pelters. Gogoi got the backing of the Army chief, even earning a commendation card from him.

Sources say Atrey's case is a story of the right man at the wrong place at the wrong time.

According to sources close to the officer, on the night May 13, 2016, the intelligence branch of BSF passed on information to the troops of possible gold smuggling near the Indo-Bangla fence. The officer gathered a team of 7, armed with one pumpaction gun, a non- lethal weapon, and INSAS rifle, and waited in ambush for the smugglers.

WHAT HAPPENED

In his statement to the court of inquiry, the officer said, "There were 12-15 gold smugglers who came close to the fence with 2 carrying packets of gold articles to be thrown across to the huts in the Indian side, while 10 of them were carrying sharpedged weapons (machetes or da). But at 10 am, as the smugglers came close to the fence, the BSF constable in the team rushed without any arms to apprehend the suspects."

In the panic which followed, the officer said he sensed that the smugglers speaking in chaste Bengali told each other "niye jaai (drag the constable into Bangladeshi territory)".

Another one said, "maar", which the officer said meant that there was a life-threatening situation for his junior. Atrey said he decided to use the non-lethal weapon, firing the first shot in the air.

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The second shot was taken following the standard operating procedure (SOP) at the waist from a distance of 40-50 metres as the miscreants did not honour his appeal and became more aggressive. The shot hit a boy who later died in Bangladeshi territory. Based on an understanding between the BSF and BGB, the border guarding force of Bangladesh, patrol parties on both sides keep a mix of lethal and non-lethal weapons.

After this the smugglers ran to safety across the fence. Minutes later, the commandant informed the officer that the Bangladeshi force had informed them of a "civilian death".

The two forces held a flag meeting where the BGB was allegedly convinced by the officer's explanation. But facing heat from Bangladeshi media and the incident looming large over successful talks between the Indian and Bangladeshi contingent, sources say, Atrey became a scapegoat. The court of inquiry blamed the BSF troops for faulty planning but did not recommend any action. But before Atrey could heave a sigh of relief, he was called in for further recording of evidence. The officer who left a teaching job in Kendriya Vidyalaya says he now regrets his decision.

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MORE ABOUT ANUBHAV ATREY

Ranked 4th in the all-India ranking in the central armed police force examination in 2010, Atrey had the option of joining the CISF but chose BSF. He went on to win accolades, becoming a gold medallist in 2015, beating commandos from 23 CAPF and state police in a countrywide competition.

Atrey even got a DG's commendation card.

Sanjiv Sood, former ADG with BSF, said, "Major Gogoi got an unfair backing, as he was in violation of law. But in this case, Anubhav Atrey went according to the principle of law...The inquiry has let him down. He has to now face the harrowing process of court martial. I believe a wrong message has gone to jawans and officers."

Mail Today spoke to another officer privy to the probe, who said, "The court of inquiry has been fair. The teenager killed was a boy who got a large wound on his back. The photos and postmortem was shared by the Bangladeshi authority." He said field visit by senior officers also punctured Atrey's theory that he shot below the waist.

Another officer said, "The gold smuggling angle is also not holding true." Atrey, who was shunted out to Samba following the incident, is back with his battalion in south Bengal where he says he has got a letter informing him of court martial proceedings.

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Also Read:

Probe ordered against BSF officer who played porn clip during officers' meet

BSF guns down two Bangladeshi nationals who tried to enter India illegally

Also Watch:

BSF gets its first woman combat officer after 51 years

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The video message by former Hizbul Mujahideen leader Zakir Musa hails Burhan Wani as the propagator of caliphate.

By Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu: Zakir Musa the former Hizbul Mujahideen who quit the indigenous terror group in the Kashmir valley over differences with mastermind in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir is back with a new video.

In a four-minute video, which several on several social media platforms, Musa has paid tribute to 22-year-old Burhan Wani who was killed by security forces in July 8, last year. The video message hails Burhan Wani as the propagator of Caliphate.

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Musa broods saying Wani laid down his life for Khilafat. "Burhan and militants did not do this for the love of country (freedom), but he laid down his life for the establishment of caliphate/khilafat. Will meet Burhan soon," he said.

While there has been deep division within Kashmir based terror operatives, with intelligence sources saying only a handful of terrorist have lent their support to caliphate cause.

Another source in the intelligence said that Zakir Musa was being demonised for invoking caliphate least realizing Burhan was doing the same.

SNIDE AT THOSE SLAMMING WANI

Musa said that people who now refer to Burhan Wani as 'rebel', 'freedom fighter' and even 'bhagat singh' had called him an Indian agent once.

He also made snide remarks against people who said that those who retorted and abused Burhan, now hail him.

The video message showed several pictures of the deceased terrorist with Musa, sending out a message of proximity between the two.

With the recent spate of terror attacks on state police, Musa again called the Jammu Kashmir Police 'asteen ka samp' snake of the sleeve.

He added that "they will be taught a lesson."He also said that terrorist should avoid sharing their locations with any one and should head to jungles and hills. "Dont get pin pointed," he told other Jihadi's.

In an audacious move, a recruitment drive is planned on the first death anniversary of militant commander Burhan Wani.

It will certainly be called audacious if the army, police or paramilitary forces had planned it. However, they are contemplating curfew on July 8. There were even talks about imposing curfew in the region.

MUSA'S EXPANSION PLANS

This comes in the backdrop of intelligence input that Musa is looking to expand his group of supporters. Musa, whose following has dwindled since his split with HM, has sent out whatsapp messages, saying he is willing to recruit 450 militants.

The recruitment which is planned for July 8 is called Tral Bharti (Tral induction). The message doing the rounds is that those recruited will be tested for physical fitness. And those who will be recruited will receive weapons distributed by Musa.

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"There is heightened sense of vigil in the state and the police are taking all steps to keep law and order in check. This includes the social media platforms, where intelligence agencies are keeping a watch," spokesperson of MHA and former DG of JK Police told India Today.

Also Read:

Exclusive: Zakir Musa could be the first al-Qaeda commander in India, say intel inputs

Video claims Zakir Musa's Taliban-e-Kashmir provided info to forces about LeT militants killed by Army

WATCH | Separatist leaders under house arrest ahead of Hizb terrorist Burhan Wani's death anniversary

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Posters of Hizbul terrorist Burhan Wani, who was killed by security forces on July 8 last year, have been pasted across villages in south Kashmir ahead of his death anniversary.

By Ashraf Wani: Ahead of the proposed rallies by separatists in Kashmir to observe the first death anniversary of slain Hizbul commander Burhan Wani on July 8, his posters have been pasted across different villages in south Kashmir.

In some posters, people have been asked to take part in pro-Azadi rallies in different parts of Kashmir.

Police have made elaborate security arrangements to prevent any such congregations by arresting many ring leaders and separatists from many areas of Kashmir. Separatist leaders in Kashmir have been put under house ahead of Wani's death anniversary.

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SECURITY ON ROADS LEADING TO TRAL TIGHTENED

Security has also been beefed up on all roads leading up to Tral, the hometown of Burhan Wani.

Moreover, in order to prevent any untoward incident from taking place, Jammu and Kashmir Police has ordered the blocking of all social media sites on lease line in Kashmir Valley after 10 pm on July 6, until further notice.

A notification by the IGP, Kashmir Zone in Srinagar directing that all social media sites be blocked. A notification by the IGP, Kashmir Zone in Srinagar directing that all social media sites be blocked.

While mobile internet services have been totally blocked, people will be allowed access to broadband internet but not social networking sites. This has been done in the wake of apprehension of misuse of internet services by anti-national elements.

PAKISTAN RELEASES VIDEOS

Meanwhile, ahead of Wani's anniversary, Pakistan has released several videos hailing the Hizbul commander and projecting the Indian Army and our security forces in a derogatory light.

Its online propaganda shows a majoritarian Hindu government oppressing the Muslim minority.

In a video that went viral on social media recently, former Hizbul Mujahideen commander Zakir Musa was seen paying a tribute to his predecessor Burhan Wani. Musa had said that Wani laid down his life for the establishment of a Caliphate in the Valley.

Also read | Pakistan unleashes social media propaganda ahead of Burhan Wani's death anniversary

Also read | Zakir Musa hails Burhan Wani in new video, says slain Hizb commander wanted 'caliphate' in Valley

WATCH VIDEO

--- ENDS ---
Other accused have also been identified and will be arrested soon, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Munir Ahmad Khan said

By Press Trust of India: The Jammu and Kashmir Police today said it had cracked the case of lynching of a police officer here last month by arresting "three to four" persons.

Other accused have also been identified and will be arrested soon, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Munir Ahmad Khan said here.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Ayub Pandith was stripped and lynched by a mob outside Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta area of old Srinagar on the night of Shab-e-Qadar on June 22, triggering an outrage in Kashmir.

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OTHER ARRESTS SOON: IGP

"We have been able to identify the real persons involved in that case and we have arrested three-to-four persons. We will be arresting others also," Khan said.

"We have been able to recover the belongings (of the DySP) such as the identity card and the pistol," the IGP added.

He said the investigation was going in the right direction.

"I can say 60 per cent of the investigation we have completed and we have cracked the case. I will be holding a separate press conference after a couple of days once I complete around 90 per cent of the investigation," he said.

Pandith was killed after he allegedly opened fire at a group of people who had caught him clicking pictures near the mosque.

Also read: DSP Ayub Pandith lynching: Are policemen the new target of terror agents in Valley?

Also read: DSP Mohammed Ayub Pandith's was the first mob lynching of a cop in three decades of Kashmir unrest

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

--- ENDS ---
Goose Creek, SC (29445)

Today

Light rain early. Partial clearing overnight. Low 64F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Light rain early. Partial clearing overnight. Low 64F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
The reports have not mentioned when the test took place, but the Global Times reported it on Thursday in apparent signalling to India, in a report headlined "India urged to drop delusion of military strength".

By Ananth Krishnan: The People's Liberation Army's Western Theatre Command has recently held an armoured brigade military drill in Tibet at 5,100 metres above sea level for the first time to "test combat readiness".

The official Xinhua News Agency reported from Lhasa that the drill also included the PLA's most advanced battle tank, the Type 96B and was aimed at testing "full combat readiness".

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The report, dated July 3, showed pictures of the Type 96B tank in action for the first time. It did not mention the date of the drill but said it was a first-ever exercise at 5,100 metres for the armoured brigade and the 96-B and was aimed at "carrying out battlefield environment analysis, combat operations command, combat coordination and other real combat and live-fire shooting training" to test integration of military operations.

The report said the drills were aimed at "paying close attention to officers command skills training, command and control systems, combat unit synthesis and combat readiness" in the "complex high altitude environment of the Tibetan plateau".

The drill was also reported on Thursday by the Global Times in apparent signalling to India, in a report headlined "India urged to drop delusion of military strength".

The report came as a retired PLA General, Zhu Heping who is a former vice president of the PLA Air Force Command College, said India would not be able to stop China's road construction in Doklam, which triggered the stand-off with Bhutan on June 16 opposing the road into what it sees as its territory.

INDIA'S TRESPASS

"India's trespass shows its stance to China. Actually it is a very small and narrow area where troops of a large scale cannot be fully deployed," Maj. Gen. Zhu (retired) said.

"Do you think a few military vehicles and soldiers on the border will stop China's development and its border construction?" he asked. "The Chinese military is becoming stronger and stronger and leaving the Indian military farther behind. India's provocation won't affect the general situation or take any effect."

The Thursday report said the "PLA Western Theater Command recently sent an armoured cavalry brigade in a military drill in regions 5,100 meters above sea level, the first time a PLA armored brigade is exercising in this type of environment. Photos released by Xinhua show that the brigade is armed with China's most advanced main battle tank, the Type 96B."

The 96B has been described as the "pillar" of China's tank fleet. The China Daily reported in August that the tank would be the "backbone" of China's tank force though it has had reported teething troubles.

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THE PILLAR OF CHINA'S TANK FLEET

"The Type-96B is the strongest variant of the Type-96 family and is truly an advanced, third-generation main battle tank," military expert Gao Zhuo told the paper. "The PLA will use it to replace the old tanks such as the Type-59 and Type-69 models."

The China Daily said by 2016 China had 7,000 tanks in active service, including about 2,000 Type-96s and Type-96As, as well as about 600 Type-99s and Type-99As, all made decades ago. It quoted the China North Industries Group as saying the 96 series "has a high-performance 125 mm smoothbore gun, an improved, more powerful engine, newly developed transmission gear and a state-of-the-art fire-control system".

Separately, the Global Times quoted another expert, Hu Zhiyong of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, as saying China was better prepared than in 1962.

"In 1962, the People's Liberation Army still achieved an overwhelming victory in the military conflict against the Indian army with really poor logistics conditions. Nowadays, the situation is entirely different from 1962, so we hope India will not do anything irrational for its own good, otherwise it will pay more than in the past," Hu said.

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INDIA HAS NO COMPARISON WITH CHINA

"Not only militarily, but economically and technologically, India has no comparison to China at this moment. We have no hostility to India and we really want to cooperate with India to improve our ties. The door of peaceful resolution is always open as long as India doesn't shut it."

Song Zhongping, a retired official of the PLA Rocket Force, added that "India's military has more experience in mountain combat, but it has at least three key weaknesses.

First, its weapons are mostly imported, so how could it maintain supply after if it engages in total war with China? Second, its logistics are poor, because its plan to build 73 highways for military logistics by 2020 is only a third complete. And third, its weapons [from different countries] aren't compatible in one comprehensive combat system and its long-range missiles are not accurate at all," he said.

Also Read:

Did Israeli PM Netanyahu just make India and China 'sautans' with his 'marriage made in heaven' comment?

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Time to teach India 'bitter lesson greater than 1962', says Chinese media

Doklam standoff: China says India misleading, demands withdrawal to 'avoid worse situation'

WATCH | China's public statements on border situation a sign of bullying?

--- ENDS ---
NORMAL  In six weeks, Bloomington-Normal will have a Portillo's.

The Chicago-style hot dog chain will open its Normal location at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 15, according to the company's website.

"Were almost a month away from opening, which is exciting, Nick Scarpino, vice president of marketing and public relations, said Wednesday. Its all happening very fast."

Construction is nearing completion at 202 Landmark Drive  former site of a Motel 6 hotel  on the 9,000-square-foot building expected to have a double drive-thru lane, seating for 250 and a 1930s Prohibition theme.

The town of Normal has agreed to give developer Bloomington Landmark $1.875 million in future sales tax receipts from the restaurant  which could total as much as $2.5 million with interest  to subsidize demolition and construction.

The restaurant will employ 200 when it opens and 150 over the long term; many of the jobs will be part time.

Hiring is scheduled to continue through Aug. 12 via open, in-person interviews at the Candlewood Suites at 203 Susan Drive in Normal. Applicants also can go to portillos.com, said Scarpino.

Weve got a lot of great people already hired, but were always on the look out for more. ... Were always hiring managers, crew chiefs, crew, day, night, evening, weekend, Scarpino said. "We anticipate a really big opening because of how many people are interested in working for us as well.

The restaurant will host several "sneak peek" meals shortly before opening. All spaces for those meals were reserved as of Wednesday.

Portillo's, based in suburban Oak Brook, announced in April 2016 it would open a Normal location.

Of whether Portillo's might open a second Bloomington-Normal location, CEO Keith Kinsey said in April that the community "is a perfect size" for just one.

"That's why it was so important for us to find the right location (in) what I call the focal point of the community," he said of the Veterans Parkway spot.
Cocaine  A Bloomington man was sentenced to five years in prison on drug charges.

Robert White, 30, of the 800 block of West Market Street, pleaded guilty to unlawful delivery of cocaine in August 2016. Eight other drug offenses were dismissed in the plea agreement.
By PTI: New Delhi, Jul 6 (PTI) Former Coal Secretary H C Gupta has challenged before the Delhi high court his conviction and two-year jail term awarded by a special court in a coal scam case.

Gupta, who was the Coal Secretary from December 31, 2005 to November 2008, also sought regular bail from the high court in the matter since the interim relief granted by the trial court, in order to enable him to file an appeal against his conviction and jail term, comes to an end on July 20.

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A high court bench of Justice Vinod Goel today admitted the appeal and issued notice to the CBI which was accepted by agencys counsel Tarannum Cheema.

The court tagged his application with the similar plea of another accused, Pawan Kumar Ahluwalia, the Managing Director of convicted firm Kamal Sponge Steel and Power Ltd (KSSPL) -- in the case which will come up for hearing on July 10.

Advocate B S Mathur, appearing for Gupta, sought setting aside trial courts May 22 judgement, awarding him jail term for irregularities in the allocation of Madhya Pradesh based Thesgora-B/Rudrapuri coal block to KSSPL.

He claimed that the trial court was wrong in convicting and sending him to jail in the case.

The trial court had awarded Gupta and two serving senior officials two-year imprisonment in the case, besides imposing a fine of Rs one crore on KSSPL.

Ahluwalia was awarded three-year jail term by the court for misrepresenting facts in its application before the Ministry of Coal (MOC) which was then headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Besides Gupta, then joint secretary K S Kropha and then director K C Samaria in the MOC were handed down punishment for cheating, criminal conspiracy and corruption.

They became the first public servants to be convicted and sentenced for the coal block allocation scam, unearthed during the previous UPA regime.

Besides the jail term, the trial court had also imposed a fine of Rs one lakh each on the three bureaucrats in the case. Ahluwalia was also directed to pay a fine of Rs 30 lakh.

While holding them guilty of multiple offences, the court said Gupta, Kropha and Samria had entered into a "criminal conspiracy" with KSSPL and Ahluwalia to commit "criminal misconduct " for procuring coal block allotment for KSSPL.

All the convicts were, however, granted bail on a personal bond of Rs one lakh and one surety of like amount soon after the sentence was announced, to enable them move the high court challenging the trial court verdict.

CBI had in October 2012 lodged an FIR in the matter, but on March 27, 2014, it had filed a closure report in the case. The court had rejected the closure report on October 13, 2014 and summoned Gupta and others as accused.

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The CBI had alleged that the firm had misrepresented its net worth and the existing capacity, adding that the state government had also not recommended the firm for the allocation of any coal block.

The court had on October 14 last year framed charges against the accused.

As many as ten more coal cases are pending against Gupta and the proceedings are going on individually. The Supreme Court had last year dismissed his plea seeking a joint trial in all these cases. PTI UK PPS HMP AG ARC

--- ENDS ---
BLOOMINGTON  When the state House takes up the governor's veto of the budget package, which includes tax hikes, Thursday, Bloomington-area lawmakers are likely to continue voting against it.

State Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, said he has been a no vote on the legislation. He said that's an indication of where he stands, but he also said, We'll see what tomorrow brings and take it from there.

State Rep. Tom Bennett, R-Gibson City, said he also will oppose overriding Gov. Bruce Rauner's veto.

Everyone wants this to be done and over with, Bennett said in an email to The Pantagraph, but he opposes the measures because the budget is not balanced and does little to pay down the backlog of bills. His other reasons include the tax hikes and a lack of reforms needed to help turn the Illinois economy around, he said.

State Rep. Keith Sommer, R-Morton, did not respond to an email from The Pantagraph.

State Sens. Bill Brady and Jason Barickman, both Bloomington Republicans, voted "no" when the Senate overrode the veto Tuesday.

Bill Brady, selected by Republican senators to be their next leader, acknowledged the Senate's bipartisan cooperation and complimented senators from both parties, but he said he could not support the package "because it is incomplete.

"We need a comprehensive solution for this state," he said. "Weve negotiated in good faith, but I regret to say, that we have not come to a conclusion on that solution."

Barickman said in a statement, Its extremely disappointing that after all the progress we have made in negotiations, Democrats would simply ram through an unbalanced budget that doesnt offer any fixes or reforms for the systemic issues that continue to plague Illinois."

He said: "This budget does little to nothing to pay down the massive bill backlog nor will it stop the constant exodus of people and jobs from our state. We need bipartisan solutions, not more of the same failed ideas and policies that got us here.

No vote was taken Wednesday in the House because too few members attended to reach the quorum needed for action. Fewer than 60 of the 118 members were there.

Dan Brady said he did not attend Wednesday's House session because he was told Tuesday there would not be enough people present for a vote.

I saw it as a waste of time, money and effort, said Brady, adding, For the life of me, I don't know why the session was called.

Bennett and Sommer were at Wednesday's session. They and Brady also were in Springfield on Tuesday.

As for Thursday, Brady said, It's widely anticipated there will be a vote and I will be there.
CHICAGO (AP) Democratic Senate President John Cullerton is urging the Illinois House to also override the governor's vetoes of a $36 billion budget plan.

The Senate reversed Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner's vetoes earlier in the week. The Democrat-run House is poised to take an override vote on Thursday afternoon. Successful overrides would put the budget into law.

Cullerton spoke to reporters Thursday after a speech before the City Club of Chicago, a civic engagement organization.

The Chicago Democrat calls it a lean budget with $3 billion in cuts. The plan is financed with a $5 billion income tax increase.

Rauner has blasted the budget plan, saying it doesn't include reforms he's pushed since taking office in 2015.

On Wednesday, he implored lawmakers not to override his veto, calling the plan that includes a large income tax increase a "disaster" that will not solve the state's many financial problems.

"This is not just a slap in the face to Illinois taxpayers. This is a 2-by-4 smacked across the foreheads of the people of Illinois," he told reporters at a bar on Chicago's far South Side, not far from Indiana. "This tax hike will solve none of our problems. In fact, in the long run, it will make our problems worse, not better."

The first-term Republican, who has been deadlocked with Democrats controlling the Legislature since taking office in 2015, said he would do "everything possible" to persuade House lawmakers, who are poised to take an override vote Thursday. That includes 15 House Republicans who broke ranks and voted in favor of the measure last weekend, including Central Illinois lawmaker Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth.

Lawmakers have been in session for two weeks, capped by a flurry of activity on Tuesday, when the Senate sent a $36 billion spending plan to the governor funded with a permanent 32 percent income tax increase. Rauner rapidly vetoed it, only to have the Democratic-controlled Senate just as swiftly override him.

The House, which had approved the fiscal blueprint Sunday night with veto-proof majorities, has failed to summon enough members the last two days to take action. Fewer than 60 of the House's 118 members answered quorum calls on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Deputy Majority Leader Lou Lang, a Skokie Democrat, mentioned some members who were dealing with deaths of relatives or friends.

With a $6.2 billion annual deficit and $14.7 billion in overdue bills, disaster is around the corner. The United Way predicts the demise of 36 percent of all human-services agencies in Illinois by year's end. Billions of dollars in road construction work is shutting down. Public universities have been cut to the bone and face a loss of academic accreditation.

No other state has come close to Illinois when it comes to a budget impasse. The standoff entered a third straight year on July 1.

Credit-rating houses have threatened to downgrade the state's creditworthiness to "junk," signaling to investors that buying state debt is a highly speculative venture.

Rauner dismissed the possibility of another downgrade for Illinois, which already has the worst credit rating of any U.S. state.

"Don't listen to Wall Street. Don't listen to a bunch of politicians who want power," he said after local business owners talked about rising property taxes and residents going to nearby Indiana to shop and fill up on gas. "Listen to the people of Illinois."

On Wednesday, a major credit-rating agency put Illinois under review for a downgrade even if lawmakers override Rauner's veto. Moody's Investors Service said that while lawmakers have made progress, the package the House will consider Thursday does not address the state's massively underfunded pensions or do enough to pay down bills.

Rauner has sought pro-business reforms in conjunction with a budget, including a property tax freeze and term limits, and blames the state's failures on Democrats in power, largely Madigan. Democrats have said many of Rauner's reforms would hurt the middle class.

Government has limped along for two years on the strength of court-ordered spending, but the state comptroller says the treasury will be $185 million short of what's needed to cover basic services by August.

The budget bills are SB6 and SB9 .

-- Associated Press Writer Sara Burnett also contributed to this report.
Expera Introduces Prepara Food Processing Papers

Prepera papers keep individual food slices neatly separate and wrapped, while easily releasing from products that have been vacuum packaged, frozen, or thawed.

July 6, 2017 - Expera has continued to customize its line of food packaging and processing papers with its newly launched brand Prepera Food Processing Papers.

According to Expera, Prepera papers keep individual food slices neatly separate and wrapped, while easily releasing from products that have been vacuum packaged, frozen, or thawed. Expera produces layout sheets for raw and pre-cooked applications as well as paper-based solutions designed to address a variety of needs in today's refrigerated and frozen food categories.

Prepera papers are used in a wide variety of applications and they have the flexibility necessary for unique and demanding applications, said Robyn Buss, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Expera. Whether it's bacon layout, or an interleave application for cheese or meat, these papers are safe, sustainable, and provide the food release properties necessary for all types of performance.

The new line of Prepera papers are designed to resist oil, grease, and water and are available in low to high wet-strength varieties.

Prepera papers are custom-designed in multiple color options and we have monthly runs, explained Buss. These are strong papers that prevent fluids from passing through, achieving a high-level of performance for multiple end-use applications.

Expera's Prepera papers can be produced with bleached, natural, blended and post-consumer waste recycled options and can carry Chain of Custody certification through FSC, SFI or PEFC certification schemes.

Expera Specialty Solutions is a leading North American manufacturer of specialty paper products for use in the tape, pressure-sensitive release liner, industrial and food packaging segments. To learn more, please visit: www.expera.com.

SOURCE: Expera Specialty Solutions
A Ghost Story

A mournful tale of a restless spirit told with great visual poetry by director David Lowery. Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara play a couple living in a home who are sometimes awoken in the dead of night by inexplicable spooky noises. Casey Affleck's character dies in a car crash and his spirit returns to the home (in a sheet with holes cut out for the eyes) to silently, and helplessly, watch as his girlfriend goes through her stages of grief and moves on. He is anchored there and watches as families and others come and go in the house. His frustration at times causes him to scare the tenants with flickering lights, books flying off the shelf, and dishes smashing against the wall. The interminable length of the early scenes at first annoyed me. But eventually I got into the rhythm of the movie, helped immeasurably by the dreamy score by Daniel Hart, and was surprised at how moved I was by the end.

Lady Macbeth

Set in 19th century England, young innocent Katherine (Florence Pugh) is sold into marriage to a drunken lout (Paul Hilton) who rejects her sexually. Her vile, unpleasant father-in law (Christopher Fairbank) chastises her constantly about her wifely duties and glares at her across the dinner table. She isn't even allowed to step outside the house. But eventually Katherine begins to rebel against the constraints, including daily walks across the moor, and even entering a tempestuous affair with a stable hand (Cosmo Jarvis) that sets into motion a murderous plan against those that stand in the way of her love life. Her actions are so evil her maid (Naomi Ackie) is struck mute. There is a chilly, austere mood to William Oldroyd's diabolical film that serves it well. And while the audience is in Katherine's corner in the beginning of this masterful, dark tale she is frighteningly unsympathetic at the end.

The Midwife

Intensely moving new film by Martin Provost (who directed the sublime Violette) with two astonishing lead performances by Catherine Frot and Catherine Deneuve. Catherine Frot plays Claire, working in a maternity clinic in Paris, who is warm and loving to her patients at work, but at home is uptight, inflexible and rather lonely. She's a single mother but her son is in medical school and is living with his girlfriend. Out of the blue she hears from a woman from her past- Beatrice (Catherine Deneuve), her father's former girlfriend who deserted them years ago. She's come to town with brain cancer wanting to make amends. Beatrice is the complete polar opposite of Claire -- a boozy, chain-smoking, gambler, mess of a human being with her heart on her sleeve. Claire, still hurt by her, does soften and takes Beatrice in after her operation and Beatrice's impulsive, non-conformist ways start to rub off on her. Claire even surprisingly (for her) opens her heart to a kindly truck driver (Olivier Gourmet). There's real humor and great tenderness in the film, and the joy of watching these extraordinary actresses inhabit their characters with fiery complexity.

Kill, BabyKill

Courtesy Kino Lorber

This is a stunning restoration of Mario Bava's 1966 macabre masterpiece about an Italian village haunted by a giggling, malevolent, ghost girl all in white with long blonde hair and her ever-present bouncing white ball (an image appropriated by Federico Fellini in his wonderfully perverse Toby Dammit starring Terence Stamp). This is part of a terrific 21-film Bava retrospective at New York City's Quad Cinema in July. Mario Bava (1914 - 1980) was the son of a special effects photographer, who worked his own way from cinematographer to director. Flourishing in genre films, his major strengths were in gothic horror like Black Sunday (1960), his eerie masterpiece about a reincarnated witch (starring saucer-eyed queen of horror Barbara Steele), Black Sabbath (1963), Hatchet For The Honeymoon (1970), A Bay Of Blood (1971), Lisa And The Devil (1973), and Baron Blood (1972). And then there's the unforgettable Blood And Black Lace (1964), his glorious technicolor "giallo" thriller which showed his mastery of creating a menacing mood. Bava was a true horror visionary who influenced countless directors and nobody could do better with smoke, cobwebs and lighting to create a shadowy nightmare world than he. Seeing these films in a cinema is a mind-altering experience.

Amnesia

In Barbet Schroeder's evocative new film, a radiant Marthe Keller portrays a woman in her 50s named Martha, living in Ibiza in the 1990s, who has turned her back on her German roots. A former cellist, she lives spartanly without electricity in her seaside home. Her anger and disgust over World War II has made her turn her back on anything German. She refuses to speak the language, drink German wine, even get into a Volkswagen. A young German DJ and electronic music composer named Jo (Max Riemelt) moves nearby and stirs her emotions. There is a revelatory scene when Jo's mother and grandfather (Bruno Ganz) arrive, and during a dinner conversation about the past, secrets and lies are exposed. Director Barbet Schroeder's film is a return to form and the gorgeous Mediterranean locale and appealing quality of both Keller and Riemelt propel this movie into surprising, emotionally resonant, territory.

Killing Ground

A ruthlessly suspenseful Aussie thriller about a loving couple, Ian (Ian Meadows) and Sam (Harriet Dyer), who set off to a campground near Gungilee Falls -- a remote wooded area -- on New Year's Eve. What could possibly go wrong in the country that brought us the film Wolf Creek? There's actually a fractured time narrative at work with a family camping near the Falls a few days earlier and the brutal acts of two neanderthal friends (Aaron Pedersen and Aaron Glenane) and a pitbull who have "gone hunting." Actually, the flashbacks make this even more unbearably tense. Directed with brutal economy by Damien Power, and marvelously acted, one wonders why anyone ever vacations after seeing movies.

Splash photo courtesy Kino Lorber


Ava DuVernay will write and direct a five-part scripted series based on the true story of the Central Park Five for Netflix, according to Variety. Oprah Winfrey, who has worked with DuVernay before on "Selma" and "Queen Sugar," has signed on as an executive producer.

This is the second project DuVernay will create for Netflix, after her widely successful documentary about the prison industrial complex, "13th," aired in 2016.

"I had an extraordinary experience working with Netflix on '13th' and am overjoyed to continue this exploration of the criminal justice system as a narrative project with Cindy Holland and the team there," DuVernay said. "The story of the men known as Central Park Five has riveted me for more than two decades. In their journey, we witness five innocent young men of color who were met with injustice at every turn  from coerced confessions to unjust incarceration to public calls for their execution by the man who would go on to be the President of the United States."

The Central Park Five refers to the notorious case of five black teenagers from Harlem who were wrongly convicted of the brutal rape of a white woman in New York City's Central Park in 1989. All five men were exonerated in 2014 and reached a settlement with the city. At the time of the case, Donald Trump paid for full page advertisements in all four daily New York newspapers obtusely calling for the restoration of law and order to the city and of the death penalty to the state. The series will span from the initial questioning of the five in 1989 to the overturning of their convictions in 2014.

"This is one of the most talked-about cases of our time and Ava's passionate vision and masterful direction will bring the human stories behind the headlines to life in this series," Cindy Holland, vice president of original content for Netflix said. "After powerfully reframing the public conversation about criminality and injustice in '13th,' Ava now turns a new lens to a case that exposes deep flaws in our criminal justice system."



[h/t Variety]



Image via BFA
This month, PAPER asks 7 LGBT influencers and creatives to share their stories of all things Pride. From coming out to first kisses, from feeling included to a wild night out, our cast shares it all. Just like the LGBT flag, the memories that unfold are colorful and beautiful, representing an array of experiences and perspectives.





For many, seeking acceptance, New York City is a refuge. That couldn't be more true for trans model, writer, and nightlife host Avie Acosta who left Oklahoma for the big city, finding a community and finding herself along the way. On her life changing move, she says, "I didn't move to be the same person that I was before. I just always want to be someone different, someone better."

Here, shot entirely on Google's Pixel phone, she talks navigating her way through an industry of binaries (Mens and Womens), using her new found freedom in NYC to create things of her own, and exploring a world outside of labels by coining the phrase "Who isn't she?"









Filmed at North Brooklyn Farms
When a policeman ended up amid Gorkhaland agitators, he was quickly saved by the same protesters because that's the spirit of Darjeeling.

By India Today Web Desk: West Bengal has been in news since the last month.

The Gorkha community of Darjeeling is demanding a different state on the basis of linguistic and cultural differences with Bengali culture.

Protests have been going on in the state for years now, but in June this year, the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) called for an indefinite strike, which was opposed by the state government.

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Since then mass rallies, violent protests and lathicharges have become a common sight in Darjeeling and the agitation is going on without a pause.

Yesterday, the indefinite shutdown in the hills entered its 21st day, GJM supporters carried out a rally in Kalimpong after which a clash between them and the police took place. The clash was triggered by pelting of stones and bottles at the police by GJM supporters. Police had to use force to disperse the crowd.

Interesting fact is that, yesterday night, a Facebook page named The Darjeeling Chronicle , posted a photo of a policeman being helped by the agitators during the clash.

According to the Facebook page, when the police started to lathicharge, the crowd dispersed and in this chaos a policeman ended up on the agitators' side. Seeing him alone some men and women ran to protect him from the angry mob, risking their own safety.

"Had it been elsewhere the lone cop would probably have been beaten to death, but that is what sets the people of our region apart from the rest of India and perhaps the world," read the post. "It is this unflinching spirit of humanity, this 'Darjeeling Spirit' that we are all seeking to preserve."

Well, in an atmosphere where people being lynched has become a daily news, this incident gives some relief and is really a great example of humanity where the people understood that the policeman was just carrying out his orders.

--- ENDS ---
While the dust is still settling on yesterday's utter mess, Blac Chyna's lawyer Walter Mosley has revealed that the model will be seeking legal action against the father of daughter Dream, Rob Kardashian.

After Rob posted a series of nude photos of Chyna on his social media yesterday, TMZ reported that Rob's behavior was unlikely to be considered criminal because Chyna liked the photos herself, therefore proving Rob's actions caused her no "emotional distress"  required to violate Californian law.

Nonetheless Mosley is still advising Chyna how best to proceed, so she doesn't have to deal with Rob's Twitter fingers in the future.

"I am exploring all legal remedies and protections available to my client at this time in attempts to best advise her on how she may want to proceed," Mosley shared.

Chyna herself did, in fact, eventually respond to Rob's outburst in a now-deleted Snapstory, seemingly accusing her former lover of domestic abuse.

"Rob u did all this but u beat me up and try act it never happen!!!!!" She wrote. "U put hand on me I swear on god!!!! On my kids but I'm supposed to be quiet because you're a Kardashian."

While we might never know exactly what transpired between the two, we sure as hell have now realized the two are in a very toxic entanglement.

[h/t Cosmopolitan]



Image via Getty
LCD Soundsystem's synth and electronic master Gavin Russom came out as a transgender woman in a new profile with Pitchfork today. In the detailed piece, Russom delves into her her journey exploring her trans identity over the past four decades, talks about what coming out might mean for her music, and questions both the internalized transmisogyny she's identified in herself as well as the harassment and violence she has experienced over the years from others.

Russom joined LCD in 2010 during the making of 2010's This Is Happening. Even aside from her work with LCD, she's an established name in music, known for creating custom analog synthesizers for James Murphy's DFA Records, her work with Delia Gonzalez and the Crystal Ark and her solo output, mostly under the name Black Meteoric Star.

Last year, after touring and recording with LCD, Russom took some time off from work, dating and social media apps to focus on herself. During that period, she found support in New York City's vibrant community of trans women and the space she needed to make the transition that was forty-two years in the making. To mark the occasion, Russom shared a new photo Pitchfork "that reflects how I feel comfortable expressing myself, feminine pronouns, and I'm using my old name."

In the profile, Russom reflects on how the society we live in has shaped her perceptions of what it means to be trans:



"I had my own internalized societal prejudices. I have spoken publicly about trans rights previous to my transition, and if anybody would have asked me, 'Do you think a trans woman can be a synthesizer technician?' I would have said absolutelya trans woman can do anything she wants. But I noticed as I started transitioning, there were all of this internalized transphobia and all kinds of other garbage that I actually carried with me.

With my transition, there was that horrifying realization of, 'Oh my god, this stuff gets to your blood.' I experienced transmisogyny towards myself. But there's also something wonderful about that too, because it felt like now I could see it. And if I can see it, I can accept it and say unfortunately, this is the reality of living in a dysfunctional culture. It made it really scary to talk to people and walk through a lot of self-doubt."

Russom also talked about how denying her identity both to the public and at times herself led to self-destructive behaviors like substance abuse. Of addiction, she said, "In the past, it consistently clouded or interrupted my ability to get into the kind of relationship with myself I needed to. I had to really work on that stuff and get it out of the picture."

She also credits the diverse community of trans women she's now linked to with helping her come into her own:

"Support groups should be everywhere in the whole entire world. Part of it is the blessing of being in New York City and part of it is that there have been people out there doing a lot of very hard work. Most of them, I would say, are trans-identified people of color. I feel a tremendous gratitude to know there are people out theremany of whom have much less of a degree of privilege than I dowho have been fearless enough to do the work."

Of the relationship between her identity, newfound sense of freedom and her music, Russom said:



"There may be people who are fans of either LCD or of my own music who really don't have any experience with these things. It's so easy to develop prejudices when you've never encountered a person in whatever group you're prejudiced against. I hope there's an opportunity to be of service and share my experience [in a way that's] true to the music."

Russom will DJ publicly for the first time as a trans woman on July 13th during Femme's Room, a monthly party celebrating femme and queer culture at Chicago's Berlin nightclub on the eve of LCD's headlining set at the Pitchfork Music Festival.

You can read the full interview here.



[h/t Pitchfork]

Image via Gavin Russom
This week, during a National Theatre Platforms discussion for the West End revival of Angels in America, Andrew Garfield jokingly declared himself a gay man, but "just without the physical act  that's all." His reasoning for calling himself a gay man is that he binge-watched RuPaul's Drag Race on his day off with friends. The logic speaks for itself.

Before we go on, let's make one thing clear: Garfield had no ill intentions. The actor was discussing his role in the revival, where he portrays Prior Walter, a gay man who battles AIDS during the '80s crisis that killed thousands in the LGBT community. He voiced his concerns over taking the role, asking "what right did I have to play this wonderful gay role?" when he is a straight man. He even clarified his sexuality by stating "as far as I know, I am not a gay man," before going on to explain how he prepared for the role  which is where the well-publicized statement comes in. In short, good intentions, but poor delivery.

His joke is undeniably misinformed and insensitive, as it wrongly perpetuates the notions that all gay men enjoy the same things and a straight man enjoying them automatically makes him gay, which reduces the nuances and diversity of a vibrant community. It further brings up concerns of appropriation from the LGBT community, and how straight people can easily immerse themselves in gay culture and jokingly claim sexualities without dealing with any consequences of actually being queer. But Garfield was not trying to harm anyone or sincerely say that he is gay because he gets his life from drag queens, as we all do, and if we can't laugh at straight people's naive fuck-ups, then what are we doing with our lives?

But what's even more concerning is how certain people and publications are treating his joke like a serious statement and a revolutionary potential coming out of sorts, clinging on to the hope that Garfield just might play for the boys' team. Anyone who treats this throwaway joke remark as a major story are perpetuating the false notion that one can be gay without actually being attracted to the same sex, and that's just as, if not more than, dangerous as making the comment in the first place. It is inherently impossible to be gay without sexual attraction or "the physical act," but when a straight actor like Andrew Garfield not ruling out a same-sex relationship is celebrated by the (gay) media, it gives people the completely wrong idea.

So instead of only chastising Mr. Garfield for the idiotic remark (ok, a little jabbing is required), let's take this opportunity to remind ourselves and everyone else how to cover a straight person taking some part in gay culture: one cannot eliminate the "sex" from sexual orientation, and one should not encourage straight actors to do so in the name of gay-baiting. It only adds more unnecessary hurt and keeps inaccurate stereotypes alive. Now that we're clear, who's up for some Ru?

Image via Getty


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In May Patently Apple posted a report titled "Qualcomm Plans Retaliation against Apple and ask the International Trade Commission to Stop iPhone Sales." It was reported then that Qualcomm was preparing to ask the International Trade Commission to stop the iPhone, which is built in Asia, from entering the country, threatening to block Apple's iconic product from the American market in advance of its anticipated new model this fall. Today Qualcomm did just that.

Today Qualcomm announced that it is filing a complaint with the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) alleging that Apple has engaged in the unlawful importation and sale of iPhones that infringe one or more claims of six Qualcomm patents covering key technologies that enable important features and functions in iPhones. Qualcomm is requesting that the ITC institute an investigation into Apple's infringing imports and ultimately issue a Limited Exclusion Order (LEO) to bar importation of those iPhones and other products into the United States to stop Apple's unlawful and unfair use of Qualcomm's technology.

The Company is seeking the LEO against iPhones that use cellular baseband processors other than those supplied by Qualcomm's affiliates. Additionally, Qualcomm is seeking a Cease and Desist Order barring further sales of infringing Apple products that have already been imported and to halt the marketing, advertising, demonstration, warehousing of inventory for distribution and use of those imported products in the United States.

"Qualcomm's inventions are at the heart of every iPhone and extend well beyond modem technologies or cellular standards," said Don Rosenberg, executive vice president and general counsel of Qualcomm. "The patents we are asserting represent six important technologies, out of a portfolio of thousands, and each is vital to iPhone functions. Apple continues to use Qualcomm's technology while refusing to pay for it. These lawsuits seek to stop Apple's infringement of six of our patented technologies."

The six patents, U.S. Patent No. 8,633,936, U.S. Patent No. 8,698,558, U.S. Patent No. 8,487,658, U.S. Patent No. 8,838,949, U.S. Patent No. 9,535,490, and U.S. Patent No. 9,608,675 enable high performance in a smartphone while extending battery life. Each of the patents does so in a different way for different popular smartphone features; https://www.qualcomm.com/iphone-infographic While the technologies covered by the patents are central to the performance of the iPhone, the six asserted patents are not essential to practice any standards in a mobile device or subject to a commitment to offer to license such patents.

Qualcomm today also filed a complaint against Apple in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California alleging that Apple infringes the same six patents in the complaint filed in the ITC. The complaint seeks damages and injunctive relief.

Qualcomm expects that the ITC investigation will commence in August and that the case will be tried next year.

Qualcomm Pushes Issue with President of South Korea at Washington Event

Qualcomm is certainly freaking out of late. It was reported by the Korea Times on in the last week that The Qualcomm chairman reportedly expressed dissatisfaction over a fine levied by Korea's antitrust watchdog in a meeting with President Moon Jae. In December Patently Apple covered this in a report titled "Korea's Antitrust Agency Hits Qualcomm with Record $865 Million Fine for Excessive Licensing Fees to Phone Makers."

Qualcomm's chairman made the complaint at the Korea-U.S. Business Summit, which was jointly hosted by the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington D.C. last Wednesday during President Moon's visit to the country, according to reports.

President Moon as well as the heads of the two chambers of commerce and some Korean and American major business leaders, including Qualcomm Chairman Paul Jacobs, were at the closed meeting before the official dinner.

Jacobs also said that Qualcomm will play important role in future of info-tech development along with Korean companies. But he also said that Korean Fair Trade Commission's (FTC) penalty on Qualcomm was "unfair," that it doesn't suit the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA). Jacobs further noted that "These rights and others are supposed to be guaranteed to U.S. companies under the KORUS FTA, yet the Korean FTC declined to implement these fundamental procedural safeguards."

Despite Qualcomm's appeal, the firm is facing similar investigation by antitrust regulators in the EU and Taiwan, and global companies like Apple, Intel and Samsung Electronics are confronting Qualcomm.

I'm sure the new South Korean President wasn't impressed being cornered and pressed on this matter at the Washington event. It sure makes Qualcomm look very, very desperate.

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Volkswagen Returns To Iranian Market After 17-Year Absence

07/05/17

Source: RFE/RL

Volkswagen (VW) says it is returning to the Iranian market for the first time in 17 years. The German automaker said on July 4 that it will resume selling cars in Iran from next month after signing a contract with local importer Mammut Khodro to offer Tiguan compact SUVs and the Passat family car, mainly at dealerships in the Tehran area.

"By returning to Iran, the Volkswagen brand is filling another blank spot on the global automobile map," Anders Sundt Jensen, the company's project manager for Iran, said in a statement.



Volkswagen is the market leader in Europe with brands including VW, Porsche, Skoda, and Seat. It pulled out of the Iranian market in 2000 due to the leveling of international sanctions against the Islamic republic.



French carmakers Renault and PSA Group have also announced plans to return to Iran since economic sanctions tied to its nuclear program were lifted in January 2016.



Based on reporting by AFP, dpa, and Bloomberg
A 21-year-old airhostess aspirant was stabbed by a man multiple times in East Delhi's Mansarovar Park area. She later died in a hospital.

By India Today Web Desk: She wanted to fly high, travel the world by becoming an airhostess. She was near to realising her dream. But her world came crashing down on Tuesday (July 4).

A 21-year-old woman was stabbed multiple times by a man on a busy street in Mansarovar Park area of East Delhi. The incident was captured by CCTV cameras installed in the neighbourhood.

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The woman was admitted to GTB Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries today.

HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED:

At about 5:30pm on Tuesday, Shalu (name changed) went to a shop just outside her house. As she was busy buying some stuff, a man identified as Adil, 21, approached her. The two soon started having an argument. Suddenly, Adil took out a knife and stabbed Shalu multiple times. She tried to save herself and ran inside the shop but he followed her and continued to attack her. Locals rushed to the spot but the attacker fled the spot. The woman's family and police were informed. She was rushed to the hospital in a critical condition. She died today. The police have registered a case against against Adil and efforts are on to nab him. Police said that Adil had earlier been arrested from Mansarovar Park on charges of auto-lifting. Locals said that accused Adil and the woman knew each other. Initial investigations suggest that the incident was a case of one-sided love affair.

ALSO READ:

Mumbai: Girl stabbed to death by 22-year-old man on busy road

Delhi horror: Man stabs wife 25 times in front of son

WATCH: Caught on camera: Delhi woman stabbed 22 times by jilted lover

--- ENDS ---
Trumpism Cartoon Contest: Iranian, Greek artists win the top prizes

07/05/17

Source: Tehran Times

TEHRAN - Hadi Asadi from Iran and Michael Kountouris from Greece have won the first prizes in two categories of the International Trumpism Cartoon and Caricature Contest. Asadi received the prize for his work in the caricature section and Kountouris was awarded for his creation in the cartoon category in a ceremony held at the Art Bureau in Tehran on Monday.





The winning entry by Hadi Asadi of Iran



"This movement was organized in the line with the soft war and we made contact with most of the master cartoonists in the world," the director of the contest, Masud Shojaei-Tabatabai, said in his brief speech.



"The mass participation of the international cartoonists in the contest proclaims the legitimacy of our logic," added Shojaei-Tabatabai who was an organizer of the International Holocaust Cartoon Contest in Iran.



In the cartoon section, Saeid Sadeqi from Iran and Mauricio Parra from Colombia won the second and third prizes.



Joaquin Aldeguer from Spain was selected as runner-up in the caricature section while Brazilian caricaturist Eduardo Baptisto was presented with the third prize.



Groups of cartoonists were also awarded honorable mentions in both categories.





see all winning entries at the

International Trumpism Cartoon and Caricature Contest



The Organization for Sacred Defense Artistic and Cinema Affairs held the contest in collaboration with the Art Bureau.

Related Article:

Why Are These Iranians 'Really, Really Happy With Trump'? - But in President Trump the United States has a new, colorful president who denounces Iran, and Iranian hard-line groups cannot believe their good luck. This Monday, at a cartoon and caricature contest where the only goal was to make fun of President Trump, the zealots were back in force. -Thomas Erdbrink, New York Times
Iran's Supreme Leader Comes to Judiciary's Defense After Rouhani Criticizes Problematic Arrests

07/06/17

Source: Center for Human Rights in Iran

Iran's supreme leader is continuing his public criticism of newly re-elected President Hassan Rouhani, this time accusing him of not doing enough to aid the judiciary in protecting the "dignity of the Islamic system." "The judiciary should be a pioneer in establishing public rights within the society ... and confront anyone who violates laws," said Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on July 3, 2017 during a speech outside his residence in Tehran to judicial officials.



Ayatollah Khamenei with the Judiciary Chief Sadegh Larijani on July 3, 2017

(photo by Mehr News Agency)



The ayatollah appeared to be responding to Rouhani's comments a day earlier about "problems" with the way the judiciary issues summons.

"We must have a reason if we summon someone," said Rouhani at a national conference of judicial officials in Tehran on July 2. "We can't summon someone and then find a reason. We need sufficient reason first. This is what our Constitutiondemands."

"One of the president's duties is to carry out the Constitution and helping the judiciary is part of that," he added. "The president should be concerned with the judicial branch as much as the government and take action if he sees problems in the implementation of the law."

Iran's judiciary plays the paramount role in suppressing dissent and prosecuting dissidents, often on charges of "acting against national security."

Working closely with intelligence services, the judiciary has for decades tried a wide range of opponents and critics, from students and street protestors to civil society activists and political reformers in trials lacking evidence and not conforming to fundamental standards of due process.

Several journalists, civil rights activists and politicians were arrested in the months leading up to Iran's presidential and local council elections on May 19, 2017, including six administrators of pro-Rouhani channels on the popular Telegram messaging network.

During his July 3 speech, Khamenei also indirectly claimed Rouhani wasn't doing enough to uphold the Islamic Republic's so-called revolutionary principles.



Ayatollah Khamenei meeting Judiciary officials on on July 3, 2017

(photo by Mehr News Agency)



"Where the state is in danger, protecting the dignity of the Islamic system becomes more important," said Khamenei in a veiled rebuff of Rouhani's pledges to protect citizens' rights. "The people are observant and should not feel like the judiciary does not effectively deal with all offenders."

He continued: "Certain people constantly say that there are parts of the Constitution that have not been implemented, but they never mention Article 8, which is about stopping evil-doers, and don't pay attention to this important obligation."

According to Article 8, encouraging good deeds and discouraging evil "is a universal and reciprocal duty that must be fulfilled by the people with respect to one another, by the government with respect to the people, and by the people with respect to the government."

In October 2014, the "Plan on Protection of Promoters of Virtue and Preventers of Vice," which aims to implement article 8 by dispatching local units to monitor the observance of virtue in Iran, received preliminary approval in Parliament, but has remained dormant since conservative lost their majority in the February 2016 parliamentary elections.

In September 2014, Nasrin Sotoudeh, a prominent human rights lawyer and former political prisoner, strongly criticized the bill in an interview with the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI).

"Dispatching unidentified and untrained individuals to promote virtue among the citizens is completely against the law, legal principles, and legal rationale, and is a menace to the citizens and must be stopped right here," she said.

"...The officials must think to themselves whether their own daughters, wives, and sisters would match the principles of [those who consider themselves] 'preventers of vice,' and if not, should they be forced to pay this high price?" she added.

By describing the judiciary as the "flag-bearer" in defending the rights of the people, Khamenei sided with conservative ally Chief Justice Sadegh Larijani.

For his part, Larijani responded to Rouhani's criticism of the judiciary by accusing those who challenge the authority of the supreme leader, the judicial system and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of "sedition."

The peaceful protests against the 2009 presidential election results-which were disputed by two presidential candidates at the time who remain under extrajudicial house arrest and which were violently repressed by the state-are often referred to as the "sedition" by state authorities.

Speaking at Tehran's Friday Prayer gathering on June 30, 2017, Deputy Judiciary Chief and Spokesman Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei warned that attacks against the IRGC and the judiciary were indications of a "new sedition" in progress.

The comments may have been a defensive response to other comments made by Rouhani, who on June 22 jokingly remarked that the private sector "does not dare compete" with companies and other private enterprises owned by the IRGC because "they have the guns and the media."
Detained Pro-Rouhani Telegram Channel Admins Repeatedly Denied Legal Counsel Three Months After Arrests

07/06/17

Source: Center for Human Rights in Iran

More than one hundred days after a group of social media supporters of President Hassan Rouhani were arrested by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the detainees are still being denied access to legal counsel, according to one of their lawyers. "I went to Evin Prison with a letter in my hand from the judge to sign a contract to represent my client Nima Keshvari," Mohammad Taher Kanani told the Iranian Labor News Agency (ILNA) on July 2, 2017. "But I was not allowed to see my client and was told that I had to first become my client's lawyer and then be able to see him."



Mohammad Taher Kanani

The lawyer representing telegram channel admin Nima Keshvari



"But how can I become his lawyer without seeing him and signing a contract?" he added. "This is a violation of attorney-client privileges."

Kanani was eventually allowed to read the contract over the phone to Keshvari, who signed it, but the IRGC agents in Evin Prison refused Kanani's request for a face-to-face meeting with his client.

Ahead of the May 19 presidential election, Keshvari, Ali Ahmadnia, Mojtaba Bagheri, Sobhan Jafari-Tash, Javad Jamshidi, and Saeed Naghdi-all administrators of reformist news channels on the popular Telegram messaging network-were arrested between March 14 and 16.

Despite being denied legal assistance, some of the six have been charged and will soon face trial, according to the head of the Tehran Province prosecutor's office, Alireza Esmaili, who made the comment to ILNA on July 5 without providing details.

Based on Article 48 of Iran's Criminal Code of Procedure: "In the preliminary investigation stage of cases involving crimes against internal and external security, as well as organized crimes... both sides of the dispute can choose a lawyer or lawyers from a list approved by the judiciary chief."

Pressured by concerned family and friends, on June 30 Keshvari ended an 11-day hunger strike to protest his prolonged detention while being denied access to a lawyer.

A few days earlier, Ali Mojtahedzadeh, an attorney representing two other detained Telegram admins, Javad Jamshidi and Sobhan Jafari-Tash, contradicted Judiciary Spokesman Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei's claim that the hunger strikes were merely a "rumor."

"The esteemed deputy judiciary chief gave an interview yesterday and denied that the hunger strikes ever took place," Mojtahedzadeh told ILNA on June 27. "Yet one of the detainees, Mr. Naghdi, has just broken his hunger strike and we don't know how the others are doing."

"The families of the detainees have asked me to help, but I have not been able to meet them," he added. "The judiciary should explain why."

Mojtahedzadeh previously told ILNA on June 21 that the arrests were the result of "political differences" between an unspecified party and the Rouhani government.

Attorney Mostafa Tork Hamadani said on June 21 that he had been denied a meeting with the detainees in Evin Prison.

"This is against the law. I will follow up this matter," he said.



cartoon by Amin Montazeri, Ghanoon daily



Heydar Valizadeh, another reformist channel admin on Telegram who is free on bail, criticized the government of President Hassan Rouhani for not doing enough to end his colleagues' continuing detention.

"Unfortunately the government has not taken any serious steps other than serving us slogans despite the fact that all of them were staunch supporters of (Rouhani's) government and spent years defending him in every capacity," said a June 20 post on Valizadeh's Telegram channel, which has since been deactivated.

In mid-March 2017, two months before Iranians voted in the presidential election, IRGC agents arrested a group of admins of 12 reformist-aligned Telegram channels, deleted the channels' content and changed the names.

A month later, the judiciary accused Rouhani's Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi of colluding with the detained admins.

"Regarding this particular case, there are matters that relate to the intelligence minister himself," said Ejei on April 12 while commenting on the case.

A photo had previously been shared on social media showing the minister posing with some of the detained admins.

Administrators of popular social media and online sites in Iran customarily meet with government officials as both sides try to win support and access.

"I don't know of any crime the admins may have committed for which I share responsibility," said Alavi in response to Ejei. "It looks like they may have been arrested because of me."

On June 6, the families of five of the detainees went to Parliament and asked for an investigation into their loved ones' cases.

Article 90 of the Constitution authorizes the legislature to investigate complaints from the public against all state branches and report their findings to the public.

"These arrests could be interpreted as the IRGC's interference in the presidential election as a military institution, which is barred by the Constitution," wrote reformist MP Mahmoud Sadeghi in an open letter to IRGC commander General Mohammad Ali Jafari on March 18, 2017.

On March 17, four reformist members of Parliament had demanded an explanation for the arrests from Rouhani.

"Foremost we expect your excellency to resolve this problem, but if no action is taken, we will invite the four ministers involved, namely the ministers of intelligence, justice, interior and Islamic guidance... to Parliament and pursue this matter until the truth becomes clear and the rights of the detainees are restored, even by impeaching the relevant ministers if need be," said the letter signed by MPs Elias Hazrati, Abdolkarim Hosseinzadeh, Bahram Parsaie and Mohammad Ali Vakili.

Alavi answered the MPs' questions in a closed parliamentary session on June 6. No details have been made public.

Rouhani, who called for an investigation into the arrests in late March, has followed up by criticizing the judiciary for making arbitrary arrests.

"We must have a reason if we summon someone," he said at a national conference of judicial officials in Tehran on July 2. "We can't summon someone and then find a reason. We need sufficient reason first. This is what our Constitution demands."

"One of the president's duties is to carry out the Constitution and helping the judiciary is part of that," he added. "The president should be concerned with the judicial branch as much as the government and take action if he sees problems in the implementation of the law."
Iranians To Take Part In Hajj Despite Tensions With Saudi Arabia

07/06/17

Source: RFE/RL

Iran says its citizens will be able to take part in this year's hajj pilgrimage despite continued tensions with regional rival Saudi Arabia.





Pilgrims performin hajj ritual at Kaaba in Mecca in May 2016

(photo by Mehdi Ghasemi, ISNA)



Iran's semiofficial ISNA news agency quoted Ali Qaziaskar, a representative of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ai Khamenei, as saying on July 5 that the National Security Council approved last month a decision to allow Iranian citizens to take part in the pilgrimage.



Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Ministry said its officials will be deployed to Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina to provide consular services to Iranian pilgrims during this September's hajj.



Iran boycotted the 2016 hajj after a stampede the previous year killed at least 2,426 pilgrims. Iran had the highest death toll, with 464 killed.



The two countries severed diplomatic ties in January 2016 after Iranians stormed the Saudi Embassy in Tehran in protest against the execution of a prominent Shi'ite cleric.



Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and dpa

Copyright (c) 2017 RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org
A virtual private network (VPN) service can help you safeguard your identity, location, and activities online. When looking for a VPN youll want to consider your options carefully. For instance, a VPN should keep your internet usage private and secure but not at the expense of too speed. If anonymity is a concern, you should look for a VPN with clear and transparent data collection policies. The number of available servers and country locations a VPN offers is also important if you are trying to get around region locks. And finally, extra perks arent necessary but could sweeten the deal.

Our in-depth VPN reviews cover all these issues and more, so you can choose the best VPN service for your needs. Whether your primary concern is anonymity, streaming your favorite shows from another country, speeds, or price, weve got picks for each category. Below that you can find information about how we test and what to look for when choosing a VPN.

Granted, not everyone wants a full-fledged VPN servicealthough it should be a priority if online privacy is important to you. You might just want a VPN for occasional usewhen youre using public Wi-Fi, for instance. If so, check out our roundups of best free VPNs for Chrome and best free VPNs for Windows for our recommendations, and caveats about a free VPNs limitations.

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Best VPN services

1. ExpressVPN  Best VPN overall Pros Consistently good speeds

Easy-to-use desktop program

Broad device support Cons Logs data transfer amounts

More expensive than many competitors Its hard to select the best overall VPN. Some services are weaker on privacy, but are significantly easier to use with tons of features, while others could stand an interface redesign. For many years we chose the best VPN based purely on privacy, but that is no longer the sole concern of most people when choosing a VPN. Privacy is important, to be sure, but so are performance, extra features, a wide country selection, and ease of use. ExpressVPN has it all, making it our top choice for VPNs. ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs weve tested, and it has a very easy-to-use app. Its servers are all diskless, running everything in RAMa welcome practice thats become fairly standard these days. ExpressVPN also has wide device support, as well as a smart DNS feature for set-top boxes, consoles, and more. Its not the cheapest VPN out there, but you do get solid value for the price, and the service is regularly bringing in third-party auditors to bolster its privacy credentials. Read our full ExpressVPN review 2. NordVPN  Best VPN for features Pros Excellent speeds

Enough features to appeal to power users and novices

No-logs policy

Diskless servers Cons Expensive If you like ExpressVPNs speeds and features, but want something a little different, NordVPN is also an excellent choice. Nord is arguably more feature-filled than ExpressVPN, and the service is just one part of a larger suite of privacy and security focused products. The desktop app is very easy to use, and offers a lot of different features including access to the TOR network over VPN, multi-hop VPNs, and ad-tracker and malware blocking. NordVPN has gone a long way to bolster user trust. After years of not being transparent, the company is now upfront about whos running the show, it also undergoes third-party audits, carries out vendor assessments, and uses diskless servers. Read our full NordVPN review 3. Mullvad  Best VPN for privacy Pros Good speeds

Higher level of anonymity possible than with most VPN services

Windows desktop is easy to use Cons Not guaranteed to work with Netflix

Lacks the extra services that some VPNs offer

No password protection for your account Best Prices Today: As Hotspot Shield is to speeds, so Mullvad is to privacy and anonymity. Weve never seen another VPN that actively resists knowing who you are the way Mullvad does. Mullvad doesnt ask for your email address, name, or anything else. Instead it assigns a random account number that acts as your identifier and login. Mullvad accepts payments using standard methods such as credit cards and PayPal, but you can also mail your payment in cash to remain as private as possible. Mullvad has a no-logging policy and doesnt collect any identifying metadata from your usage. Mullvad is also fast, ranking within our top five for speeds. Though oddly we did find that on Windows, Mullvads OpenVPN configuration was actually faster than its Wireguard implementation. Read our full Mullvad review 4. IVPN  Best VPN for privacy runner-up Pros Excellent speeds for its U.S., UK and European servers

Interface is easy to understand

Default WireGuard protocol connects quickly Cons Its on the expensive side at $100 per year

Server network is under 100 servers Best Prices Today: Coming in behind Mullvad is IVPN. This Gibraltar-based VPN recently moved to dumping email-based identifiers and going with randomly assigned account numbers instead. Similar to Mullvad, it accepts a variety of payment options for privacy including cash, as well as the standard credit cards, PayPal, and other options like Bitcoin and Monero. IVPN doesnt rank as one of our fastest VPNs, but it does have acceptable speeds for most casual uses. Another option is OVPN. This VPN doesnt go to the levels that Mullvad and IVPN do, but it does only require a username and password to create an account. OVPN doesnt require an email address, though you can add one as a backstop for account recovery should you forget your password. OVPN doesnt rank in our top 10 for speeds, but its just outside the top performers at number 12. Read our full IVPN review 5. Hotspot Shield  Fastest VPN Pros Very fast

Large country selection and plenty of servers Cons Domain visits are recorded, though not tied to you

Expensive While our pick for best overall VPN, ExpressVPN, boasts above-average speeds, Hotspot Shield is on another level. No other service comes close to hitting the speeds weve seen with this service. This isnt just a one-off occurrence either; Hotspot Shield has consistently been at the top with speeds that are 12 to 15 percentage points above the competition. In our tests, Hotspot Shield maintained around 67 percent of the base speed. Thats substantially faster than youll see with most VPN servicesthough your experience may vary. On the downside, Hotspot Shield doesnt allow for a way to pay anonymously and its privacy policy may not sit well with some. Still, Hotspot Shield has excellent speeds, its desktop application is very nice, and as a bonus it works with U.S. Netflix. Read our full Hotspot Shield review 6. AirVPN  Best VPN for torrents Pros Excellent speeds

Detailed real-time information about the network

Good pricing with many subscription options Cons Team is largely anonymous Torrents get a bad rap, and if were honest, thats for good reason. Using torrents is the number one way to download pirated material including movies, TV shows, music, and games. But thats not all there is to torrenting. Its a very efficient way to download legitimate software such as Linux distributions and authorized content from sites such as BitTorrent Now. Whatever your reasons, when it comes to torrenting, a VPN makes it easierespecially if the network youre on blocks torrenting. There are many VPNs among our top picks that could be used for downloading torrents, but our preferred choice is AirVPN. This no-frills VPN has a reasonable number of servers and country locations, really good speeds, excellent network transparency, and a focus on user protection. The price is also right at about $58 a year. Read our full AirVPN review 7. AVG Secure  Best VPN for novices Pros Good speeds

Allows an excellent 10 simultaneous connections Cons Does log some data

No real customizability for power users If you want something thats all about ease of use then AVG Secure is a good choice. First, it comes from a known and trusted security company, so there are fewer worries about data security than with one of the independent services. The key thing with AVG Secure is that the interface is easy to understand and use. It has a big Change location button to help you select the country youd like to appear to be in. The app also tells you what your current IP address is and how long youve been connected to the VPN. Thats pretty much it. This VPN also works with streaming services and it has P2P servers. One thing it doesnt have is a lot of extra features, which is actually perfect for anyone looking for a no-frills VPN. Read our full AVG Secure review 8. Private Internet Access  Best budget VPN Pros Good number of extra features such as multi-hop and split tunneling

Diskless servers

Allows for up to 10 simultaneous connections Cons App panel locked to lower-right corner of screen

New ownership may give some users pause Best Prices Today: Choosing the best VPN for you can often come down to price. When thats the case its hard to beat Private Internet Access. Its got very good speeds and an everyday price of just $40 for a full year. It really is hard to beat for that simple reason. This no-frills VPN offers a good server and country count. Plus, advanced users can adjust their level of data encryption, data authentication, and handshake protocols. Read our full Private Internet Access review 9. PersonalVPN  Best U.S.-based VPN Pros Reasonably priced

Fast servers in many locations around the world

Good for power users and novices Cons Not a lot of extra or specialized features

Tiered pricing has odd choices for premium features Best Prices Today: If you want a VPN based in the good ol USA, we recommend WiTopias PersonalVPN. The speeds are good, the price is right, and the app is very easy to use. Its true that a lot of VPN review sites stress the importance of having a VPN thats outside of the so-called Five Eyes countries, which includes the U.S.some will even say to avoid the Fourteen Eyes. The idea being that if you use a U.S.-based VPN your activities may end up being secretly monitored by Western authorities. Snowden revealed such truths back in 2013. But if youre using a VPN to access your accounts for Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other U.S.-based service, then staying outside the Fourteen Eyes is more or less pointless. Sure, that VPN with an exotic locale may be able to easily ignore U.S. subpoenas for data, but the American online services you use are another story. Besides if an American VPN does you wrong, itll be a lot easier to hold it to account than one based in Singapore, or even Sweden.

What is a VPN?

VPNs create a secure tunnel between your PC and the internet. You connect to a VPN server, which can be located in the United States or a foreign countrysay, France or Japan. Your web traffic then goes through that server to make it appear as though youre browsing from that servers location, and not from your actual location.

When youre using a VPN, its difficult for others to snoop on your web-browsing activity. Only you, the VPN service, and the website youre visiting will know what youre up to.

A VPN can be a great response to a variety of concerns, such as online privacy, anonymity, greater security on public Wi-Fi, and, of course, spoofing locations.

While a VPN can aid privacy and anonymity, I wouldnt recommend fomenting the next great political revolution by relying solely on a VPN. To become an internet phantom (or as close as you can realistically get to one), it takes a lot more than a $5 monthly subscription to a VPN.

Beyond that, a VPN is an excellent choice for staying secure while using Wi-Fi at the airport or your local cafe. Hackers sitting on public Wi-Fi can try to hack your PC, but a VPN makes that task much harder.

Finally, you may want a VPN to spoof your location to download content you shouldnt have access to, but this too has limits. A VPN used to be the go-to solution to watch U.S. Netflix overseas. That changed in 2016 when Netflix opened up to almost every country on Earth. Since then, the company has invested a lot in detecting and blocking VPN users. Even people using a VPN inside their own country will be blocked by Netflix if detected.

There are VPNs that can fool Netflix, but they are rare and there are no guarantees these services will outsmart Netflix forever.

Beyond Netflix, a VPN can help to download an Android app that is only available on a foreign version of Google Play, or stream content from regionally restricted services such as the UK-bound BBC iPlayer or Disney Plus.

One final note of caution: Do not rely on your VPN to protect banking information on an open Wi-Fi connection. Whenever possible, leave online financial dealings for home over a hard-wired connection.

What to look for in a VPN

Before anything else, understand that if you want to use a VPN you should be paying for it. Free VPNs typicall sell your browsing data in aggregated form to researchers and marketers, or give you a paltry amount of data transfer every month. Either way, a basic rule of thumb is that a free VPN will not protect your privacy in any meaningful way.

The next thing to consider is a VPNs logging policies. In other words, what kind of data is a service collecting about you and your VPN activity, and how long is that data saved?

Privacy is the basic principle of a VPN, and what good is it to avoid passive government surveillance only to have a VPN provider record all your website visits?

Ideally, a VPN will say it only keeps logs for the briefest of periods. Some providers, for example, only log activity in RAM during a session or automatically send all records to oblivion once theyre created. Other providers may keep records for a few hours, days, weeks, or even months.

VPN policies also vary when it comes to personal information. Some VPNs want to know very little about you, preferring users sign on with a pseudonym and pay with Bitcoin. Thats a little exotic for most people, which is why many services also accept PayPal.

Paying this way isnt ideal for privacy, but it means the VPN doesnt have your payment information on recordthough it would be available from PayPal.

After the logging policies, you want to know how many servers the VPN offers and how many country connections it has. The number of servers provides an idea of how much load a VPN can take before slowing to a crawl due to overwhelming traffic.

The country connections, meanwhile, matter most to those who want to spoof their location; however, non-spoofers should also make sure there are connections in their home country. If you live in Los Angeles, for example, and want access to American content, then youll need a VPN that provides U.S. connections. It wont work to try and watch Amazon Prime Video over a Dutch VPN connection, because as far as Amazons concerned your computer would be in the Netherlands.

Some users will also want to research a VPN providers peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing policies. There are VPNs that block torrents. Others turn a blind eye to them, but will sell you out in a heartbeat should you be up to no good. P2P is not our main focus here, but we will note in each review whether a particular provider allows file sharing or not.

Finally, how many devices does a VPN support from a single account? In this age of smartphones, tablets, laptops, and PCs, a VPNs cost should include licensing for at least five devices. Also, a provider should have Android and iOS apps to make it easy to connect a smartphone or tablet to the service.

How we tested

We judge VPNs on a variety of criteria including overall connection speeds, privacy protection, usability of the interface, country choices, server count, and cost.

Speed tests are kept as simple as possible. We connect to five different global locations for a given VPNtypically North America, Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, and a wild card somewhere in Asiaon three different days at different times of the day running the test at each location multiple times.

Before the test begins we check the speed of our base Wi-Fi connection using an online speed test. Then we connect to the VPNs servers around the world and run the speed test again. We then show each result, average them out, and calculate the average as a percentage of the base speed.

Remember that internet speeds can vary wildly based on location, routers, PCs, time of day, connection type, the load on the VPN and speed test servers, and numerous other factors. In other words, our test results will likely differ from yours. For that reason, consider our speed results only as a rough guide for how each VPN performs.

Judging server choices by country is also kept simple. We expect a VPN to offer a variety of country connections with a minimum of at least 20.

Privacy and anonymity is judged on the guarantees the companies make, as well as its reputation from any news items were aware of that may impact the trustworthiness of these claims. We also take a look at the data encryption, authentication, and handshake protocols used.

Finally, for pricing we expect to pay $60 per year, and anything over that needs to justify its cost with extra features or unique selling points of some kind.

Other notable VPNs

There are many more worthwhile VPNs than just our favorites listed above, including AVG Internet Security, CyberGhost, ESET Security Premium, FastestVPN, Hide.me, HMA Pro 4, OVPN, Trend Micro Maximum Security, Windscribe Pro, Perfect Privacy, PrivateVPN by TrunkSpace Hosting, PureVPN, Speedify 10, VPNCity, ClearVPN, Malwarebytes Privacy, TorGuard, VeePN, AceVPN.com, and SurfEasy.

Well keep evaluating new ones and reevaluating services weve already tested on a regular basis, so be sure to come back to see what else weve put through their paces.

FAQ 1. Is it legal to use a VPN? Yes! It is perfectly legal in most countries, including the United States, to use a VPN. While using a VPN, you might find some websites that try to block your connection, but this is an individual websites use policy and has nothing to do with the legality of the VPN itself. One thing to note though, while its legal to use a VPN, some of the activities done while using a VPN might be illegal. Such things as downloading pirated copyrighted content or accessing dark web markets are illegal whether you use a VPN or not. 2. Do VPNs protect against malware and computer viruses? No, a VPN connection itself does not protect you from malware and computer viruses. It does however encrypt your internet traffic and keep prying eyes from accessing your browsing history. Some VPN services, such as Nord VPN, do however provide additional security features such as ad and malware blockers. Additionally, many antivirus suites now offer VPN services along with their security features. Although VPNs and antivirus software are used for different purposes, there is still a degree of overlap that makes using both tools together beneficial. 3. Will a VPN affect my internet speeds? Most likely you will see a moderate speed decrease to your internet while using a VPN. This is mainly due to the process of your internet traffic being rerouted and encrypted through a VPN server before heading on to its destination. The amount of latency you will experience through this process is down to what countrys server you choose to proxy your traffic through. If you choose a server located on the other side of the world, then you will notice a much greater hit than if you were to connect to a server nearby in your same country. Thankfully, most modern VPNs should have the infrastructure to maintain high-speed, secure data transfer rates. So its likely you can still browse and stream with no noticeable impact while using a reputable VPN like those listed above. 4. Will a VPN make me anonymous online? Unfortunately, its not as simple as just turning on your VPN and disappearing off grid. While VPNs certainly offer better privacy and security, they dont make you completely anonymous. There are a mindbogglingly number of ways that companies track you across the internet and a VPN isnt capable of blocking all of them. For example, when you sign into a website, your identity is revealed to that website. Or when you log into your Gmail account while using a VPN, Google can now collect cookies based on your browsing. 5. How many servers should my VPN have? There is no set number of servers that make one VPN better than another. However, most major VPN providers offer between 3,000 to 5,000 servers. Also, we recommend avoiding any paid services whose providers have under 1,000 servers as this may be an indication that the company is not yet well established, meaning that there is a higher chance for reliability issues. It is common for VPN providers to advertise the number of servers they have, but this is largely a marketing gimmick and doesnt generally equate to the quality of the VPN provider itself. Things such as the spread of server locations and server quality are as important, if not more so, than the number of available servers.

Editors note: Because online services are often iterative, gaining new features and performance improvements over time, our reviews are subject to change in order to accurately reflect the current state of the services.

Want to find the perfect VPN for a specific use? Check out some of our other best VPN roundups to learn more:
NordVPN is a popular VPN service with good speeds, the unbelievable ability to access U.S. Netflix from abroad, and an interface that suits both power users and novices. The company is fairly reluctant to say whos behind it, however, with very few people putting a public face on the company.

NordVPN in brief:

P2P allowed: Yes. Dedicated servers.

Yes. Dedicated servers. Business location: Panama

Panama Number of servers: 3,000+

3,000+ Number of country locations: 58

58 Cost: $69 (billed annually)

$69 (billed annually) VPN Protocol: OpenVPN

OpenVPN Data encryption: AES-256-CBC

AES-256-CBC Data authentication: TLS 1.2 with 2048-bit DH

TLS 1.2 with 2048-bit DH Handshake encryption: SHA2  512

Panama-based NordVPN is a popular choice among VPN users and is also the recipient of much praise from experts. After spending some time with the service, its not hard to see why. First off, NordVPN lets you watch U.S. Netflix from anywhere in the worlda rare feat these days. NordVPN also manages to create an interface thats simple yet feature-rich enough to satisfy power users willing to dig a little deeper.

Its not a perfect VPN by any means, but its a service that will have broad appeal.

When you first fire up NordVPN, youre confronted with a world map and a marker for each country where it has servers. The map is zoomed-in by default otherwise it would be too difficult to choose from the many servers located in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

As you can tell from the map, the country selection is impressive, with nearly 60 state-level locations to choose from. If you just want a connection inside the United States or the United Kingdom without thought to a specific server, just click the place marker for that country; NordVPN will then automatically connect you.

Note: This review is part of our best VPNs roundup. Go there for details about competing products and how we tested them.

Update 10/28/19: NordVPN recently revealed that one of its servers was hacked in early 2018. This news event does not change our recommendation as the risk to users was very low. The attack was against a single misconfigured server run by one of NordVPNs contractors in Finland. The hackers were able to extract an expired TLS key, which cannot be used to decrypt user traffic. No customer account information was revealed during the intrusion. The hackers couldve used the stolen TLS keys to impersonate the NordVPN website in a targeted attack, but it appears that didnt happen. For anyone who is concerned about the attack, an option is to go with a VPN service that is directly responsible for its server network and does not use third parties, such as Mullvad or VyprVPN.

NordVPN NordVPNs default interface.

If you just need a solid VPN server regardless of location, hit the Connection wizard button, and NordVPN will connect you to the closest server.

For those who cant stand the map approach, clicking the List option in the upper-left corner of the map summons a slide-out panel from the right. Here, NordVPN lists all of its country options in an alphabetized list, along with options for its P2P, Onion over VPN, Double VPN, Anti DDoS, and Dedicated IP servers (more on all this later).

But for those interested in getting into the minutia of the NordVPN network, select Servers from the desktop programs top menu.

NordVPN NordVPNs detailed server selection.

Again, you are confronted with a list similar to what we just saw. This time, however, theres a small hamburger menu icon to the right of each country name. Click on any country you want, and you can pick the server of your choice from the NordVPN network. The individual server listings will show you how far away a given server is and what its current load is, with 100 percent being maximum capacity.

Power users will also want to look into NordVPNs Settings where you can find standard VPN features like a kill switch that terminates your connection automatically when you disconnect from the VPN. NordVPN ups the ante on this a little bit since it has two kill-switch options. You can just have a generic kill switch that cuts off your internet if the VPN connection drops. Alternatively, you can use an app-specific kill switch under Settings > App Kill Switch. If, for example, you were using a torrenting app to download the latest version of Ubuntu, and you only wanted to do that over a VPN, then NordVPN could halt that application should your VPN connection drop.

Theres also an auto-connect option so you dont have to bother choosing a server, and other general options. For those who really want to dig deep theres even a system log you can look at.

Features and services

NordVPN has a number of specialized servers that VPN power users will want to take note of. The first are the P2P servers, which allow file-sharing traffic. NordVPN has an interesting feature where if you start running a file-sharing program on a non-P2P server it will automatically shift you to a dedicated P2P option.

NordVPN also provides three dedicated TOR servers for those who want to combine the anonymity of the TOR network with the VPN. The nice thing about this feature is that you dont have to be using the dedicated TOR browser. NordVPN takes care of all the configuration and routing for you. Once you connect to one of the services Onion over VPN servers, you are on the TOR network.

NordVPN NordVPN offers a number of specialized servers including P2P, Double VPN, and Anti DDoS.

There are also Double VPN and Anti DDoS servers for those inclined to use them. Double VPN is supposed to give you extra anonymity by routing your traffic through two VPN servers such as the U.S. and Canada, or Taiwan and Hong Kong. Anti DDoS, meanwhile, is supposed to provide a more stable connection with an advanced stability checking system.

For users in countries where connecting to a VPN is not allowed or generally blocked, NordVPN offers obfuscated servers that make it easier to connect to its service. This feature also adds servers in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates that brings NordVPNs country count up to 60. Finally, there are dedicated IP servers where you can purchase an IP address that only you use. Static IPs are available in the U.S., Germany, UK, and the Netherlands.

One final new feature is the addition of a built-in ad blocker and server-level antivirus called CyberSec.

NordVPN allows six devices to connect simultaneously from a single account. It offers applications for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, and proxy extensions for Chrome and Firefox. It also has tutorials on how to use NordVPN on routers, Linux, Raspberry Pi, and Chrome OS.

Performance

NordVPNs overall average speed has increased since we last looked at the VPN. Previoulsy the score was 39.43 percent of the base speed across five different country locations. This time that score jumped to 49.33 percenta gain of nearly 10 percentage points. Every country we tested with came back with more than acceptable speeds for 1080p video streaming and other demanding tasks.

Oh yeah, and U.S. Netflix works

Through some form of witchcraft, NordVPN has figured out how to consistently get around Netflixs VPN filters. The company has dedicated support pages explaining how to watch Netflix and Hulu on NordVPN servers. Netflix is accessible from any U.S. server on NordVPN, while Hulu only works with a specific range. These workarounds seem to change from time to time so we wont list them here. Just refer to NordVPNs support pages to troubleshoot any difficulties.

Privacy, anonymity, and trust

Google A Google Street View image of the office building where NordVPN is located.

NordVPN only asks for an email address and password when you create an account. Payment methods can be via credit card, PayPal, or Bitcoin meaning you can get about as anonymous as realistically possible short of paying with cash.

NordVPNs privacy policy states unequivocally that is doesnt log any of your activity.

The company is based in Panama, and has a business address of 50th Street Global Plaza Tower, Panama City, Panama. However, the company doesnt list any of its team members on the company site. Being a security firm, for privacy reasons we do not disclose identities of our staff nor management, a company representative said via email.

The company also says it doesnt track you, but its terms of service note that it does use tracking cookies for analyzing trends, administering the site, tracking users movements around the site and to gather demographic information about our user base as a whole.

I find it troublesome when even one person wont stand behind the company as CEO, CTO, founder, or some other high-level position. There are a few public NordVPN employees, but only in the marketing and PR departments.

Conclusion

NordVPN is a well-performing VPN with a great user interface, a good amount of respect for privacy and anonymity, and the advantage of accessing U.S. Netflix overseas. Overall, Id like to see upper management in this company take accountability for the service theyve created.

If youre looking for ultimate privacy and security, you can probably do better than NordVPN. That said, anyone looking to access their U.S.-based streaming services from anywhere in the world would do well to look at this service.

Editors note: Because online services are often iterative, gaining new features and performance improvements over time, this review is subject to change in order to accurately reflect the current state of the service. Any changes to text or our final review verdict will be noted at the top of this article.
Its been a long time coming, but Bixby has finally found its voice. Samsung has begun pushing out the final piece of its AI package, Bixby Voice, to all Galaxy S8 phones in more than 200 countries and territories. Before long, millions of people will be saying, Hi Bixby to summon the new assistantthough Bixby still only supports English and Korean despite the worldwide rollout.

While we might not need another AI assistant on our phones, Bixby is actually a pretty good companion to Google Assistant. Its a little slow on the trigger at times, but I was impressed with how well it was able to understand me. And Bixby isnt a clone of Google Assistant or Sir eitheri. Samsungs AI is more servant than smartie pants, carrying out phone tasks that would normally require numerous steps. Heres everything you need to know to get started.

Update 10/20/17: Samsung has announced Bixby 2.0 which opens the AI assistant up to third-party developers and will let you it to control your smart appliances. See the Bixby 2.0 section below for more information.

Setting up Bixby Voice

How do I know if I have it?

Like all of Samsungs updates, Bixby Voice will be a staggered release that will vary depending on your carrier. Once its available, your phone should alert you to the change, but there are a couple of ways you can check to see of its been pushed to your handset.

IDG You should see a Bixby Voice icon on the Bixby Home screen. If you dont, head over to the About page to see if an update is waiting.

First, swipe left to get to the Bixby Home screen. If Bixby Voice is live, youll see a new b symbol next to the Bixby Vision eye and Bixby Reminders bell icons. If you dont see it, tap the overflow menu in the top right and select Settings. Then tap the About Bixby option and it will tell you if there are any available updates.

Youll need to update your other Galaxy apps. To do that, open the Galaxy Apps store, tap the overflow menu icon in the top right, then My Apps, and Update. If any apps need to be updated, they will appear on the next screen. If Bixby Voice is one of them, once it finishes updating youll be ready to go.

In later versions of Bixby, the b icon has been replaced with a gear icon that lets you toggle the side button on and off. If you see it, youre on the latest version and Bixby Voice is active

How do I get started?

To start using Bixby, swipe over to the Bixby Home screen and it should walk you through the setup process, which is pretty simple. In the screens that follow, youll practice saying, Hi Bixby, and try out a few commands. Additionally, there are a few general options in the Bixby Home Settings menu, including background color, feedback sounds, speaking style, and notifications.

IDG Bixby Voice only works with Samsung apps at launch, but more are on the way.

What apps does Bixby work with?

At launch, Bixby will only work with a handful of Samsungs own apps:

Bixby Vision

Calculator

Camera

Clock

Contacts

Gallery

Internet

Messages

Phone

Reminder

Settings

Weather

What about third-party apps?

At launch, Bixby is only designed to work with the apps above, but Samsung is looking to bring Bixby Voice to more apps quickly, including some popular third-party apps. The Bixby Labs tab in the Home Settings shows you what apps are in development and lets you opt in to test them. Bixby Labs already includes some intriguing upcoming apps, including Instagram, YouTube, Play Music, Maps, Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Twitter.

Using Bixby Voice

How do I summon Bixby?

There are two ways to summon Bixby. You can say, Hi Bixby or you can press and hold the phones side button. A small blue circle will appear in the left corner of the screen ready to receive your request. Just know that the side button works like a walkie-talkie, so youll need to keep it pressed until you finish your command.

IDG When you summon Bixby it will appear as a small blue icon on your home screen.

Can I use Bixby on the lock screen?

Sort of. You can summon Bixby on the lock screen by either pressing the button or saying Hi Bixby like usual. However, youll need to unlock your phone before it can actually perform your request.

Can I type commands to Bixby?

Yes! When you summon Bixby youll see a Full Screen button to the right. Tap it and Bixby will expand to fill the whole display. Then select the Search Commands field in the center and youll be able to type to Bixby instead of talk to it.

IDG Samsung offers a handy list of questions for each of the Bixby Voice-enabled apps.

How do I know what I can ask?

A lot of it is trial and error, but you can see a list of suggested questions for each app in Bixby Home. Tap the overflow menu, select Apps with voice, and choose the app you want. Inside each youll find a list of actionable requests.

Can I correct Bixby?

Samsung wants to get Bixby up to speed as quickly as possible, so after each request is completed (or not), a question will appear on the screen asking, How was my response? Tap Great and youll get 5 XP points. Tap Lets improve and and Bixby will take you to a screen where you can select words that were misunderstood or describe what went wrong.

IDG As you use Bixby youll advance through its levels and unlock feaures.

Wait, XP points? Whats that?

Samsung has gamified Bixby Voice to encourage people to use it. As you level up, youll unlock features (these seem to just be background colors for now). You can track your level on the My Bixby page.

Bixby Voice features

While youll need to use Samsungs apps to take advantage of Bixby at launch, theres a lot you can do with them. Here are some examples:

General commands

You can launch any app with Bixby just by saying Open and the app name. Or you can say, Open Chrome as a pop-up to enter that mode. You also can say, Take a screenshot to capture whats on your screen, or Close recent apps to clear out your carousel. Basically, if your S8 can do it, theres a good chance Bixby can assist.

Camera

Ask Bixby to take a selfie, and it will open the camera app and flip to the front camera, with a countdown timer that gives you three seconds to perfect your pout before the shutter snaps. You can also say things like, Take a picture with the rear camera, Turn the flash off, or Turn off HDR, and it will oblige. And when youre in the camera app, you can say, Hi Bixby, take a picture and it will capture the moment.

Calculator

You can use Bixby Voice to calculate simple equations. If you say, Whats 6 plus 3 or Whats 12 percent of 900, it will open Calculator, input the equation, and show you the solution. However, if you want to multiply the answer by 3, youll need to start a new equation. It doesnt understand what to do when you say, Times 3 or Multiply that by 3. It doesnt get conversions either. If you ask how many pints are in a cup, it will take you to the conversion section of the Calculator, but after asking what you want to convert, it will say, Turns out Im not able to do that. But it shouldnt be too long before it can.

Bixby Vision

Bixby Vision has been live since the Galaxy S8 debuted, and Bixby Voice doesnt add much to enhance it. It does, however, make it easier to use. You can say, Open Bixby Vision, or Search Bixby Vision, and the Vision-enabled camera will open. Or you can say, Translate this text or Show nearby restaurants, and it will launch the appropriate section of Bixby Vision. But youll still need to interact with the screen to find things. And you need to be specific. If you ask something general like, What is this? or How much does this cost? Bixby isnt smart enough to trigger Vision to find the answer.

Settings

Bixby Voice really shines when it comes to the Settings app. You can toggle and tweak all sorts of settings on your Galaxy S8 using Bixby, from turning off W-Fi, to turning on the flashlight, to raising the brightness. You can also say things like, Turn on power-saving mode, How much data have I used this month, and Change the wallpaper, and Bixby will take you to the proper screen and perform the action. Itll even display your IMEI number if you ask. I tried dozens of queries and couldnt find a settings command that it didnt understand. Its 100 percent Bixbys strongest suit.

Bixby Voice works as youd expect when it comes to making calls. Say something like, Call mom on mobile and itll start a phone call. For incoming calls, you can say, Accept or Decline, though its just as easy to tap the screen. You can also easily add a contact or see someones info just by asking. You can say, Block the last number, which is helpful for spam calls, or Show missed calls to see what you missed. You can also ask Bixby to block a specific number or person, open the dialer, or turn off the ringer.

Bixby 2.0

Samsung has announced the release of Bixby 2.0, which will be a bold reinvention of the platform, according to Samsung. Heres what we know about it so far:

Smart appliances

The main feature of Bixby 2.0 will be integration with smart devices and appliances, including TVs, refrigerators, home speakers, or any other connected technology you can imagine. At first, Bixby will mostly limited to Samsung devices, but Samsung has plans to expand it to a wide range of others.

Developer SDK

The launch of Bixby 2.0 will bring a software developer kit that third-party device makers can integrate into their products like they do with Alexa and Google Assistant. It will begin as a private beta program for select developers before opening up to the entire developer community.

Voice improvements

Samsung says Bixby 2.0 will have enhanced natural language capabilities for more natural commands and complex processing. Additionally, it will allow for multiple user recognition. Bixby 2.0 will be able to distinguish between users and adjust its responses according to the person talking, a similar feature to one unveiled for Google Home earlier this year.

Bixby marketplace

Samsung also plans to allow users to use Bixby 2.0 to make purchases, saying it plans to roll out a variety of revenue models to enable developers to monetize the Bixby experience. Its unclear how this work work, but presumably it would tie into Samsung Pay.

Bixby tips

Turn off the Bixby button

IDG Samsung has finally given us a way to disable the dreaded Bixby button.

Galaxy S8 and Note 8 phones include a button just below the volume rocker that summons Bixby when pressed. It can be a real nuisance, and Samsung has finally responded with a way to turn it off. Youll need to be on version 2.0.03.3 or later of Bixby Home to see the option, so if youre not seeing it, head over to the Galaxy Apps store and update your apps. The update introduces a gear icon next to the overflow menu. Tap it, and youll see Bixby key toggle appear. Tap it once to disable the side buttons functionality. Even when its off, however, you can still hold down the button for a second or so to bring up Bixby Voice.

Check your history

If you want to see the most recent things youve asked Bixby to do, you can find it on your personalized Bixby page. Go to Bixby Home, tap the overflow menu, and select My Bixby. Thats where youll see your activity, as well as a few settings shortcuts and tutorials. It appears to keep a running list of every interaction, so you can scroll through your whole conversation history to see how far its come.

Set up quick commands

When you first start using Bixby, it will prompt you to use pretty specific commands, like Open phone and call Chris. But as you use it, youll quickly discover that it can understand shortcuts like, Call Chris, or Message Mom, too.

Additionally, you can add shortcuts to specific commands to cut down on what you need to say. After you ask it to do something, youll see an Add quick command option below your request. Tap it and you can give Bixby an alternative string for that command. For older queries, youll need to hit up your conversation history. Go to My Bixby, tap Conversations, and youll see a Suggest another phrase button below each prior request. Tap the one you want and youll be able to type out a new way to say it.

Enable dictation

IDG Bixby Voice will transcribe your words, but only when using the Samsung Keyboard.

Inside the Hello Bixby settings youll find a Dictation on keyboard toggle. Turn it on and Bixby will transcribe your words on command whenever youre using the keyboard. You can activate it by either holding down the Bixby key or pressing the microphone key on the keyboard. But youll need to use the Samsung Keyboard for now. To switch, press the keyboard icon at the right of the navigation bar.
The much heralded meeting between the Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta and the Parliamentary select Committee on Finance over the controversial 3% VAT rate has ended with little change.



If anything, the Finance Minister has promised to engage more with the public on the flat rate policy that has set members of the Association of Ghana Industries on a collision course with their counterparts at the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA).



The Minister was invited by the committee to explain and possibly announce the suspension of the policy which took effect Jul 1, 2017. The 3% VAT rate is an amendment of Value Added Tax Act, 2013 (Act 870)



The amendment gives legal backing to a new VAT Flat Rate Scheme (VFRS) that will facilitate collection of VAT & National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) on the supply of goods by wholesalers and retailers; and classifies the supply of financial services, domestic air transportation and sale of immovable property by real estate developers as exempt supplies.



The implementation of the tax policy has triggered some deep seated controversy.



Some industries, manufacturers and importers claim the implementation of the new tax law will lead to the increase of prices of goods and services, a claim government and officials of the Ghana Revenue Authority have been quick to dispute.



Members of the AGI have been at the forefront in challenging the propriety of the new VAT law. The Minority in Parliament has also waded into the controversy. A former Deputy Finance Minister was vehement in his criticism of the new tax regime.



Describing it as a 419 or a fraudulent taxation regime, Casiel Ato Forson said government must listen to the concerns of manufacturers and importers and withdraw the tax. All of a sudden the VAT burden instead of it being reduced has become an increase. This is because the value added flat rate only relates to retailers. For some reason, the government decided to include wholesalers.



If you are to extend to wholesalers it is an imposition of an additional tax," he said, adding, "what they are doing is a 419 way of imposing taxes on the ordinary Ghana. They tricked Ghanaians into introducing additional tax.



But the Finance Minister after his engagement with members of the Parliamentary select committee on Finance said there will be no turning back on the law.



Joy News reported the Minister as saying the meeting with the MPs was successful.



According to minister, his attention has been drawn to the possibility of double taxation or the cascading effect of the policy and that his government will seriously look at.



He added there will be series of engagement with all stakeholders to ensure the policy is implemented smoothly.











Source: Joy News









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Shareholders of Agricultural Development Bank (adb) have voted to limit the power of the government to appoint all directors of the board.



Before the decision was taken at an emergency Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday, the government, which currently controls 32.3 percent shares in adb, had the power to elect all members of the board.



The shareholders declared that the government should be restricted to the selection of only three board members to allow all those holding more than 10 percent of the shares to also select some of the board members at the AGM called by Belstar Capital Limited, which controls 34 percent of the shares.



The shareholders amended Section 74 of the banks regulation to reflect the current situation.



The changes became necessary after the floatation banks shares on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE).



Currently, the fate of Daniel Aseidu, who is the banks Managing Director, is hanging, because a new board is going to be constituted to run the affairs of the bank.



Deputy Managing Director of Belstar Capital Limited, Patrick Kingsley-Nyinah said his outfit called for the emergency AGM because our interest is clearly misunderstood in this whole business.



He said the purpose of calling this Extraordinary General Meeting was to change the regulations of the company to reflect the new shareholders. You will recall that the government of Ghana and Bank of Ghana were the sole shareholders of adb shareholding until the Initial Public Offer (IPO), which was effected in December 2016.



Because the offer was successful, we had about 430 plus change stakeholders coming into the company, and the company was subsequently listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange.



Owing to the change in the composition of the shareholders, it was appropriate for the investors to have a say in the affairs of the bank through their representatives at the board level.



So if you have 450 people, out of the 325 million cedis that was raised by adb during the IPO , Belstar and its associated companies contributed GH312 million, so you will not put your GH312 million and not want to at least have a say in the direction of the company, he explained.



The regulations had to be changed. It wasnt going to be possible for the other shareholders to appoint the directors, because the old regulation had it that there were only two shareholders, Bank of Ghana and government and that has changed, he said.



Apart from Belstar Capital (34 percent) and the government (32.3 percent), other shareholders include Starmount Development Company Limited (11 percent), Bank of Ghana (9.5 percent), EDC Capital (6 percent), adb Employees (5 percent), with the rest of the shares going to the public.

Source: Daily Guide









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Nach Baliye 8 winners Divyanka Tripathi and Vivek Dahiya are headed to Europe for bringing in their first anniversary.

By India Today Web Desk: After gifting themselves Nach Baliye 8 trophy as anniversary gift, one of the hottest couples of Indian TV, Divyanka Tripathi and Vivek Dahiya, are on a Europe trip to bring in their wedding anniversary on July 8.

The couple were spotted at the airport leaving for the trip. While we hear that Vivek has kept the location a surprise for Divyanka, sources suggest that the two are headed to Europe for sure.

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It will be the couple's second trip to Europe after their France and UK holiday late last year. This time, the duo will explore another part of Europe for their first anniversary.

Have a great time, guys!

--- ENDS ---
AS African countries move inexorably toward rapid urbanisation, with populations in the various capital cities set to grow massively, the issue of security will be one of the major problems to deal with.



Researchers predict that in 2030, Lagos, Cairo and Kinshasa will each have to cater for over 20 million people, while Luanda, Dar es Salaam and Johannesburg will have crossed the 10 million mark.



By 2035, close to 30 million people could live in Lagos alone, turning Nigerias commercial hub into the largest megacity on the continent.



When it comes to investments in infrastructure, industrial and commercial structures, and affordable formal housing, African cities have, until now, failed to keep pace with the concentration of people.



In Dar es Salaam, 28 per cent of residents live at least three to a room; in Abidjan, that number rises to 50 per cent; and in Lagos, two out of three people dwell in slums.



The well-to-do are turning to gated-communities in their various cities in the hope that they will be better secured than their compatriots living in slums. But it this really the case? Taking Ghana as an example, a global research project on Safe and Inclusive Cities (SAIC) has shown that wealthy gated-communities in the country are less safe from crime than low-income areas in urban areas. Could this be the same for other over-crowded African cities?



Over a three-year period  from 2013 to 2016  a research team from the University of Ghana Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research undertook a study to discover the link between crime and poverty in urban Ghana, focusing on neighbourhoods in Accra, Kumasi, Sekondi-Takoradi, and Tamale.



The study was part of the SAIC global research programme supporting 15 multidisciplinary teams working in 40 cities across sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Latin America to find the connections between urban violence, poverty and inequality.



The findings were presented at a three-day conference recently in Nairobi, organised by the African Leadership Centre (ALC) in conjunction with the Department for International Development (DfID) in the UK and Canadas International Development Research Centre (IDRC).



The Ghana research team, headed by George Owusu, Martin Oteng-Ababio, Adobea Y. Owusu, and Charlotte Wrigley-Asante, noted: In Ghana, crime is not limited to poor areas and this is where the relationship becomes unclear. The relationship between incidence of crime and perception of crime is also complicated.



Household surveys show that crime rates in low and middle-income areas were much higher than high-income areas, with personal thefts against individuals most reported. However, more affluent areas reported a higher sense of fear and perceived crime as a significant issue.



In such wealthy areas, fortressing (building high walls with barbed wire on top of properties) intended to prevent crime may actually increase it. Links to the community tend to reduce crime over the long term, but fortressing seems to weaken residents links to the community, the report added.



The research team found that low-income areas were made secure by the watchful eyes of neighbours who were more likely to be home. They were also not inhibited by the high walls and other features that tend to limit natural surveillance  the ability of residents and passers-by to observe who is coming and going.



However, the researchers found that the wealthyenjoyed higher levels of policing. They therefore called for equitable policing, regardless of income to ensure greater safety for all neighbourhoods.



The researchers recommended that homes and neighbourhoods should be designed to maximise natural surveillance and the development of community ties so that neighbours could look out for one another. The team acknowledged that Ghana was experiencing rapid urbanisation and significant economic growth that was accompanied by poor urban governance, which could potentially increase levels of poverty and cause a dramatic rise in crime and violence.



The University of Ghana team looked at why lower levels of poverty were not helping to reduce crime and prevent violence. The answer is that Western theories of how crime and poverty are linked do not adequately explain these dynamics in Ghana, the team found.



The SAIC project, funded by DfID and the IDRC, was meant to give experts in the Global South the chance to find solutions to urban poverty, violence and inequality in their cities. According to the IDRC, in some cities in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Latin America, up to 80 per cent of people live in sprawling slums that lack infrastructure, quality basic services and effective governance.



In a policy brief on the research findings, the IDRC said: They [researchers]focused on what works  and what doesnt  to make cities safer for all citizens, providing fresh insight on issues shared round the world. SAIC results have shed light on strategic areas where further research is needed to reduce both violence and inequality in the burgeoning cities of the Global South.



Results have deepened our understanding of vulnerabilities of women and youth and are helping to inform the IDRCs Governance and Justice Programme.

Source: Business Day Ghana









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President of Groupe Nduom, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, has called on authorities in the Central Region to create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive if they want to attract more investors into the region.



The area, he explained, should be provided the basic amenities that businesses will depend on for operations as the absence of such things will push away potential investors from the region.



Speaking at the opening of the Edina Bakatue Festival of the people of Elmina, Dr. Nduom bemoaned the poor state of road infrastructure in the region, especially in the Elmina area, which houses a chain of his companies.



The poor road network alone, he added, was enough ground for any investor to relocate to a different place where he/she would not suffer transportation challenges.



He also bemoaned the non-cooperative nature of authorities in consulting and involving business owners in decision making when indeed it was such private businesses that provide livelihood to majority of people in the area.



He therefore, called on the new administration not to follow the poor example of the leaders in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) regime whose actions did not promote the growth of private businesses in the area.

Source: Today









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The Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) has given a week ultimatum to the management of Volta Star Textiles Limited to return to the negotiation table with its workers or risk industrial disharmony.



Its Deputy National General Secretary in-charge of operations, Morgan Ayawine, insists the continuous delay in negotiating for conditions of service could affect the work output of employees of the company.



He said this when he sworn into office a seven-member Local Labour Union executives of the Volta Star Textiles Limited.



Established in 1968 to produce grey baft for textiles manufacturing industries, Volta Star has over the years been bedeviled with labour unrest and grappling with production challenges. The company, which should have a workforce of over 2,000 staff excluding management, has a staff strength of 1,100.



A number of workers have been laid off due to the dwindling fortunes and challenges of the factory. Permanent workers receive monthly salaries ranging between GHC250 and GHC300, something the workers say is woefully inadequate. Some workers have even not been paid for eight months.



There have been continuous agitations by workers who believe they are being exploited, and are thus demanding increase in salaries. But the demand of the workers has not gone down well with management of the company and has failed to agree to negotiate with the workers through the labour union of ICU.



The Local Union Chairman, Bright Sikanku accused management of failing to agree on a common salary range and also freezing promotions.



Meanwhile, acting Managing Director of Volta Star, Jerome Dunyo, has assured the workers of management preparedness to rebuild strong relationship between them and the workforce of the factory.





Source: 3news.com









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The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has reiterated the commitment of his government to the exploration and discovery of oil in commercial quantities onshore, specifically in the Voltaian Basin.



According to President Akufo-Addo, 17 years ago, during the presidential campaign of then candidate John Agyekum Kufuor, he gave a solemn pledge to the people of Takoradi, in the Western Region, that, if elected, his government will concentrate attention to discovering oil in commercial quantities.



I believe God will be on our side once again under another NPP administration to strike more oil and gas. President J A Kufuor made it happen off shore. The focus now is also to explore opportunities on shore. That is why my government is committed to intensifying efforts towards the discovery of oil and gas on shore in the Voltaian Basin, he said.



President stated that the commitment of the national oil company, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), to find oil and gas in the Voltaian Basin, is reassuring, and was delighted about this bold step.



My government is totally committed to giving Dr K K Sarpong and his team all the support they need to make this happen. I have been briefed that all the necessary preparatory work has been done to commence initial seismic survey. Approval for the award of the contract for the seismic survey will be given soon, he said.



President Akufo-Addo made this known on Thursday, July 6, 2017, after turning on the valves on the FPSO John Agyekum Kufuor to signal the formal production of oil in commercial quantities from the Sankofa oil and gas fields.



Govt outlines oil objectives

With the oil industry increasingly becoming an important contributor to the countrys economy, President Akufo-Addo indicated that the efficient management of petroleum resources and its associated revenues is a national priority.



By judiciously managing the countrys petroleum resource, he assured that government will ensure the welfare of its people, promote employment, improve the environment, and strengthen trade and industrial development in the country.



In accordance with the NPPs 2016 Manifesto, President Akufo-Addo stressed that his government will ensure that the petroleum sector remains a significant contributor to financing nationwide industrial development, and thus generating resources that can be used for rapid development of national infrastructure, increasing agricultural productivity, accelerating job creation and for enabling a paradigm shift in the structure of the economy towards increased industrial value-added production.



Additionally, government, he stated, is laying the basis for continued development of the petroleum sector, by ensuring that our petroleum industry remains an attractive area for investment; and promoting linkages of the petroleum sector with other sectors of the economy, and avoiding the curse of the sector remaining an enclave.



Improving transparency in the management of the countrys oil and gas resources and strengthening the Public Interest Accountability Committee (PIAC) to enhance further transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector, he added, is of the utmost importance to his government.



Government, he added, is developing, in collaboration with the private sector, the Western Region into a regional oil services hub with a first class port facility; and is aggressively investing in education and skills enhancement of Ghanaians to manage the sector through the Accelerated Oil & Gas Capacity Development Programme.



The accomplishment of these policy objectives, President Akufo-Addo added, will help us fulfill our vision for the energy sector to become a modern, diversified, efficient, and financially sustainable Energy Economy that will ensure that all Ghanaian homes and industries have access to adequate, reliable, affordable and environmentally-sustainable supply of energy, to meet their needs and to support the accelerated growth and development we all desire for the country.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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President Akufo-Addo has reiterated his commitment to pushing for the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).



It was one of the key manifesto promises the New Patriotic Party (NPP) made during the 2016 electioneering campaign which ushered the party into power.



Speaking at an orientation for newly appointed MMDCEs at the Institute of Local Government in Accra yesterday, the president noted, It is a well-known fact that I belong in the group that has always advocated for the direct popular election of chief executives; it is now a manifesto commitment of the ruling NPP party so you must be aware that it is going to be fulfilled.



Indeed, the process for the amendment of the Constitution will soon be underway which will make you the last batch of chief executives to be appointed under the current system.



President Akufo-Addo is therefore poised to push for the passage of the law that would make the position of MMDCEs elective in the year 2020.



Justification



To those of them who would be interested in going for the elections under the new system, the president indicated, Your conduct and your performance will determine whether you will earn the confidence of your electorate.



In spite of the fear expressed by some people over the decision to get MMDCEs elected, President Akufo-Addo said, I do not think there is anything to fear in the direct election of chief executives.



According to him, It should lead to a deepening of our democracy and better accountability; it is time to make it work.



He was of the belief that this is a good time to be in-charge of the district, municipal and metropolitan areas.



According to Nana Addo, In our pursuit of aggressive industrialization and value addition to agricultural produce, the district is the focus in modernizing agriculture, improving production and efficiency, achieving food security, as well as profitability for our farmers; the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEG) will be implemented at the constituency level where the allocation of the equivalent of $1 million annually will be used to finance infrastructure and other facilities in the localities.



Once established, President Akufo-Addo assured, The development authorities for the Northern, Middle and Coastal Belts will serve as the primary executing agencies under IPEG to oversee the implementation of the $1 million, one constituency project.



He stressed the fact that the one village, one dam policy initiative, like all the innovative initiatives to the economy, are all local initiatives and therefore expressed the hope that a genuine sense of fair competition would come into the operations of the various district assemblies across the country.



Charge



We should be able to see the difference in the quality of schools from one district to the other, due to the quality of the supervision. We should be able to judge for ourselves quite soon what one district does with its $1 million and compare with what another district does with its, the president charged.



You have the opportunity to change your districts from places where people move from, to places where people move to; let your factories thrive and you will discover that people will move to your districts instead of the current situation where our young and strong people move to Accra and Kumasi, President Akufo-Addo declared.

Source: Daily Guide









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The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) in 2016 recorded a general growth in all aspects of its operations at the Tema and Takoradi Ports.



The Ports recorded the growth in vessel traffic, cargo traffic, transit, container traffic, GJT container deliveries, and reefer terminal container deliveries.



Mrs Esther Gyebi-Donkor, General Manager, Corporate Marketing and Public Affairs at the GPHA, disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency in Tema.



Mrs Gyebi-Donkor stated that the Ports documented 1,521 vessel calls in 2016 as against the 2015 vessel call of 1,514 representing a marginal growth of 0.46 per cent.



She said the Ports handled 13,414,784 metric tonnes of cargo in 2016 compared to the 12,145,496 metric tonnes recorded in 2015, this she said represented a growth of 10.45 per cent adding that imports grew by 8.43 per cent while exports leaped by 25.32 per cent during the period.



Total transit traffic handled in the Port in 2016 was 862,377 metric tonnes as against the 722,508 metric tonnes handled in 2015 representing a growth of 19.36 per cent.



She added that 903,277 Two Twenty-Foot (TEUs) container traffic was handled by the Port in 2016 showing a 13.70 per cent growth rate over the 2015s 794,452 TEUs handled.



Mrs Gyebi-Adjei indicated that the Golden Jubilee Terminal delivered 96,108 TEUS which was a substantial increase of 35 per cent over the 2015 figure of 71,362 TEUs



The reefer container terminal in 2016, saw 24,894 TEUs delivered, showing 132 per cent increase over the 10,702 TEUs delivered in 2015.



She added that transit terminal also delivered a total of 44,125 TEUs in 2016 representing a 59 per cent positive variance compared to the 2015 deliveries of 27,810 TEUs.



She stated that stevedoring services at the Port were being provided by GPHA and 10 private stevedoring companies adding, her outfit controls 25 per cent, while the private companies operated pre-determined quota of 75 per cent



She explained that this formed part of GPHAs Hybrid Port Management System which allowed for increased private participation with expanded role of private sector management and operations of the Port.

Source: GNA









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Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.
The General Overseer of Royal House Chapel (Ahenfie) has revealed that the locals of Denkyira-Obuasi in the Central region have been cursed following the lynching of a young military officer a few weeks ago.



Major Maxwell Adam Mahama was murdered with broken blocks, cudgels and shot several times by a marauding mob in the Upper Denkyira district following a false alarm that he was an armed robber.



Speaking during a 30-day prayer and fasting event at Cedar Mountain Chapel Assemblies of God Church, East Legon, Rev. Sam Korankye Ankrah pronounced no youth will go past 33 years in the town  the age of Maj. Mahama when he was murdered in cold blood.



Rev. Ankrah, who serves as the Apostle General of the Royal House Chapel International, a church in Ghana with more than 30,000 members, also prophesied that there will be no leader in the town, having killed a commander of an army.



However, Rev. Ankrah, who is the first vice president of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, said the people of Denkyira-Obuasi can atone for their sins with a three-day special fasting led by men of God.



Maj. Mahama was buried June 9, 2017. He was posthumously promoted from Captain to Major by President Akufo-Addo on the recommendation of the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. O.B Akwa.





Source: starrfmonline.com









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An Accra Magistrate court has discharged thirteen suspects allegedly involved in the lynching of the military officer, Major Maxwell Mahama.



The thirteen are part of an initial 32 charged with murder during the last hearing of the case a fortnight ago.



Their discharge followed a decision by the state to have them released. According to the prosecution their investigations into the matter informed the decision. He also told the court that the state intends to use some of the discharged suspects as witnesses in the case.



The rest of the nineteen suspects which include one woman are still facing the charges of murder and conspiracy to with murder.



Meanwhile, 13 other suspects are currently on the run.



The deceased, Major Mahama, an officer of the 5th Infantry Battalion, is said to have been on his daily jogging routine on Monday [May 29, 2017], when some angry youth of the town attacked him, allegedly on suspicion of being an armed robber.



The Police subsequently arrested over fifty suspects who had fled the town to other regions in the country.



The court earlier ordered the police to relocate seventeen-year-old boy, Ebenezer Asamoah, one of the suspects to a borstal home when he is remanded until the police are able to establish that he is eighteen.









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Mrs Gifty Eugenia Kusi, Deputy Western Regional Minister has visited Mbease Nsuta in the Prestea Huni/Valley district after an old abandoned pit caved in and claimed 17 lives.



The Deputy Minister was with Mr Benito Owusu Bio, Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resource.



The incident happened on Sunday at about 1530 hours, but as at Wednesday only one body had been recovered by a rescue team comprising of the Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, National Disaster Management Organization and Golden Star Bogoso Prestea Limited.



The body had since been deposited at the Prestea government hospital morgue for autopsy.



Five additional bodies had also been discovered in a cage within the pit and the team is making tireless efforts to retrieve them.



Mrs Kusi in a brief address revealed that the Prestea Huni/Valley district Assembly had already provided money to foot bills that would be incurred throughout the rescue period.



She wished the rescue team well and assured them of the Western Regional Minister's and the government's support.



The Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources on his part said his Ministry's attention had now been drawn to this aspects of illegal mining.



He said in terms of environmental degradation, that type of mining did not lead to pollution much but rather more deaths.



He said for instance when the Mbease Nsuta disaster occurred the information delayed before reaching the Ministry because those involved knew they would be arrested for engaging in illegal mining operations.



The Deputy Minister indicated that he had to convince them that people had been trapped underground so they should help rescue them.

Source: GNA









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US intelligence officials say the unpredictable Russia leader ordered interference in the election that brought Trump to the White House.

By AP: On the eve of his first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Donald Trump questioned the veracity of American intelligence about foreign meddling in the US election, arguing Thursday that Russia wasn't the only country that may have interfered.

"Nobody really knows for sure," Trump said.

Opening his second overseas trip as president, Trump also warned North Korea that he's considering "some pretty severe things" in response to the isolated nation's unprecedented launch of a missile capable of reaching the US Though he declined to offer specifics on the US response, he called on all nations to confront the North's "very, very bad behavior."

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As US investigations into Russia's meddling move ahead, Trump is under intense scrutiny for how he handles his first face-to-face session with Putin. US intelligence officials say the unpredictable Russia leader ordered interference in the election that brought Trump to the White House.

Trump and Putin plan to sit down on Friday in Hamburg, Germany, on the sidelines of an international summit.

Loathe to cast a shadow on his election victory, Trump has avoided firmly blaming Moscow for campaign hacking in the past, and on Thursday, he was similarly elusive. He argued variably that it could have been Russia, probably was Russia and indeed was Russia, while insisting it could have been other countries, too, and adding: "I won't be specific."

"A lot of people interfere. It's been happening for a long time," Trump said in Poland. He did not specifically say whether he planned to discuss the issue with Putin.

The president sought to redirect any scrutiny toward his predecessor, Barack Obama, accusing him of allowing Moscow to meddle on his watch. Though the Obama administration warned Russia publicly and privately before Election Day to stop interfering, questions have since been raised about whether he acted aggressively enough to stop the threat.

"They say he choked. Well, I don't think he choked," Trump said. "I think he thought Hillary Clinton was going to win the election, and he said, 'Let's not do anything about it.'"

Trump said the CIA had informed Obama about the hacking months before the election but added that "mistakes have been made." Though Trump has made similar statements before, it was an extraordinary public expression of doubt about US intelligence capabilities by a president while standing on foreign soil.

In his first public comments since North Korea tested an intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time this week, Trump declined to offer specifics about what a US response might entail, though he called it a "threat" and said the US would "confront it very strongly." Trump said it wasn't certain he'd follow through on the severe steps he was weighing, adding that he does "not draw red lines."

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"It's a shame that they're behaving this way," Trump said of North Korea's leaders. "But they are behaving in a very, very dangerous manner, and something will have to be done about it."

The US has been considering a range of possible sanctions, economic measures and other steps in response to Pyongyang. The test of an ICBM marked a major technological advancement for North Korea that US officials have described as intensifying the threat against the US by bringing the North closer to being able to mount a nuclear warhead atop a missile that could hit American soil.

Trump's comments came as he opened his second visit to Europe, a trip that will also take him to Germany for the Group of 20 economic summit, where he'll meet with Putin.

Later on Thursday, Trump planned to deliver a speech from Krasinski Square, the site of a monument commemorating the 1944 Warsaw Uprising against Nazi occupation. Polish media reports said the government, as part of its invitation to Trump, promised the White House a reception of cheering crowds. Plans call for ruling party lawmakers and pro-government activists to bus in groups of people from outlying provinces for the speech.

In his speech, Trump planned to call on Poland and all of America's European allies to stand united against extremism and other "shared enemies" that pose a threat to freedom and sovereignty - whether "from the South or the East," according to excerpts of his speech released by the White House in advance.

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Trump started his first day in Europe at the Royal Castle, welcomed by President Andrzej Duda and a vigorous handshake in front of a white marble bust of Stanislaw August Poniatowski, the last king of Poland. The leaders then retreated to a room decorated with red walls for their private talks.

Also read

Trump tweets mock video of himself tackling, punching CNN logo

After North Korea launches missile, Trump's angry tweet suggests China could end this

--- ENDS ---
This feels like it was a long time coming, but either way it had to have been satisfying.

Martin Shkreli, he of the Most Hated Man in America infamy, is currently the subject of a securities fraud trial in the US. Its a serious trial, but Shkreli has been doing everything in his power to turn it into a complete circus.

Shkreli has repeatedly blabbed to media outside the courthouse  at one point stating that he does what he wants  and has lashed out at the prosecution, the judge, and the witnesses called during the case. At one point, Shkreli labelled the prosecution as junior varsity.

Its not the mark of a petulant child, but (although it is a bit). Shkreli is acutely aware of his public notoriety; the case had a hard time finding jurors because hes both so well known and so universally loathed. Turning the trial into a farce would have the intended knock-on effect of potentially reaching potential jurors and diminish the cases outcome.

The prosecution is absolutely wise to this, and Shkrelis antics have irritated the presiding Federal Judge so much that shes finally snapped and officially told him to cram it with walnuts.

US District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto accepted a motion filed by the prosecution gagging Shkreli from flapping his gums to media both inside and outside the courthouse.

Matsumoto noted, with a certain level of exasperation it should be said, that the order laid down to Shkreli is extremely straightforward.

All your client has to do is stop talking in the courthouse and around the perimeter of the courthouse.

It is only a matter of time before Shkreli, or a member of the public who is repeating Shkrelis statements, exposes one or more jurors to precisely the sort of extrajudicial evidence or commentary and our system forbids.

I was shocked that there were these comments, these statements. Theres a great risk jurors will be exposed.

Or, to translate from legalese down to laymans terms: Shut yer fuckin mouth, m8.

Shkreli was also accused of Tweeting about the case, despite being banned from the website, via a secret alt account @BLMBro. Though at the time of writing that account has been suspended.

Shkreli is being tried on eight counts of wire and securities fraud, stemming from his time as portfolio manager of two hedge funds, and as the founder of the pharmaceutical company Retrophin.

Source: NBC.

Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty.
Because politics in 2017 is arguing for several days about a single video, were going to feed the beast just a teeny bit longer.

You might recall that the biggest story of this week was Trump  the President of the United States  posting an edited WWE video of himself clotheslining someone with a CNN logo for a head. This is because of all the media institutions Trump considers fake news, CNN is his most loathed.

Then it was revealed that the original source of the video was a user on Reddit with the charming nom-de-plume of HansAssholeSolo  who had a pretty dodgy post history full of overt racism and anti-Semitism. No proof was ever provided that Trump actually got the video from HansAssholeSolo and not some other secondary source, but regardless it isnt a great look.

But then it gets much, much weirder. HansAssholeSolo himself, who had begun deleting his post history as soon as the media caught wind of it, eventually issued an apology for his post history, basically claiming he was trolling and that he is in no way this kind of person.

Fine. Whatever. But then it got stranger  CNN ran an article by journo Andrew Kaczynski about how they managed to identify HansAssholeSolo by information in his Reddit history. It featured this passage:

After posting his apology, HanA**holeSolo called CNNs KFile and confirmed his identity. In the interview, HanA**holeSolo sounded nervous about his identity being revealed and asked to not be named out of fear for his personal safety and for the public embarrassment it would bring to him and his family. CNN is not publishing HanA**holeSolos name because he is a private citizen who has issued an extensive statement of apology, showed his remorse by saying he has taken down all his offending posts, and because he said he is not going to repeat this ugly behavior on social media again. In addition, he said his statement could serve as an example to others not to do the same. CNN reserves the right to publish his identity should any of that change.

(I have kept CNNs censorship of the word ass because its funny to me.)

That last sentence made people do a bit of a double-take. It sure sounds a lot like blackmail  like CNN would publish this private citizens information if they didnt think he was sufficiently apologetic. Right-wing media went absolutely nuts with this.

CNN essentially blackmailed a private citizen because he made fun of CNN. Let that sink in.#CNNBlackmailhttps://t.co/lNxosMyENT  Paul Joseph Watson (@PrisonPlanet) July 5, 2017

Even lefties were a little uncomfortable. Yes, it was clear HansAssholeSolo had made some reprehensible, shameful posts, but internet justice is rarely equitable. CNN publishing his personal info could be a disproportionate response from a very powerful corporate entity, and could lead to some unpleasant and unintended outcomes.

Of course, as always, it seems like in the bloodlust a lot of incorrect facts were being shared. Kaczynski took to Twitter to shoot down a rumour that HansAssholeSolo was just a teenaged kid  something which even Trumps son (not particularly known for his fact-checking nous, to be fair) spread:

So I guess they werent effective threatening the admin so they go after & bully a 15 y/o? Seems in line w their standards #CNNBlackmail https://t.co/u8YmNnLonj  Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) July 5, 2017

Kaczynski clarified in a tweet that HansAssholeSolo is actually a middle-aged man. Which kind of makes his racist Reddit trolling even more pathetic, but you know.

Need to point out again HanAssholeSolo is a middle aged man. People claiming hes 15 are wrong. Some are intentionally spreading this.  andrew kaczynski ?? (@KFILE) July 5, 2017

Now CNN have issued a statement about the whole kerfuffle, standing by their story and claiming that those who interpreted their comments as blackmail are not correct.

CNN decided not to publish the name of the Reddit user out of concern for his safety. Any assertion that the network blackmailed or coerced him is false. The user, who is an adult male, not a 15-year-old boy, apologised and deleted his account before ever speaking with our reporter.

Well there you go. 2017 is, without any question, the most insanely stupid time to be alive.

Source: CNN.

Photo: Reddit.
First we had brazilian waxing. Then we had vajazzling. Now, we have putting glitter inside your vagina.

Passion Dust Intimacy Capsules are glitter-filled capsules you shove up your vagootz before sex.

And because we humans are a particularly extra species, the capsules have taken the internet by storm.

PASSION DUST is a sparkalized capsule that is inserted into the vagina at least 1 hour prior to having sexual intercourse, reads the website. As the capsules becomes increasingly warmed and moistened by the natural vaginal fluids it will begin to dissolve releasing the sparkling, candy flavored PASSION DUST inside of the capsule.

A post shared by Madam Butterflie (@madam.butterflie) on May 23, 2017 at 6:38am PDT

The capsules are made from gelatin, starch-based edible glitter, acacia (gum arabic) powder, Zea Mays starch and vegetable stearate, which the product sellers, Pretty Woman inc, reckon are totally safe to insert your vaginal cavity.

Sure, it sounds like a one way ticket to a cut-up, yeast-infected vaginae, but the website reckons if that happens its totally your stupid vaginas fault anyway:

If youve ever had vaginal issues, you had them before you used Passion Dust anyway. If youve ever had a yeast infection, Im sure it wasnt caused by glitter; it just happens sometimes (Oh, the joys of being a girl!).

If youre not convinced these capsules are a bad idea, the websites FAQ warn of the potential for asthma attacks if the glitter particles are ingested through oral sex. Yum as.

Medical professionals have already come out to condemn the product, with US-based Dr. Jen Gunter penning a blog post warning people not to use the (currently sold out) product:

Just because something is safe for your lips, for example glitter lip gloss, doesnt mean it is safe for the vagina. After all one can remove lip gloss and lip bacteria doesnt control your gastrointestinal track or protect you from gonorrhea or HIV. Is it safe to gargle might be a better first step in the quest for vagina glitter, but even then the mucosa and anatomy are so different it is really best to not put an untested substance vaginally, she wrote. Vaginal injury and granulomas aside the point of the vaginal glitter appears to be for him, you know because a vagina au naturel just isnt enough. I hate, hate, hate the messaging behind this (and all other vaginal enhancement products). Why do we have to shame women inside and out?

And our favourite line?

A vagina isnt a craft show.

Amen.

Source: The Independent.

Photo: Beauty Boulevard.
Rob Kardashian is pond scum. Lower. The pus that infects the mucous that cruds up the fungus that feeds on the pond scum.

If you havent caught up on this mornings drama, the 30-year-old sock designer launched a full-scale revenge porn attack against Blac Chyna  former fiancee and mother to his cute daughter Dream Kardashian  on social media.

As well as sharing a video she allegedly sent to him that shows her hooking up with some bloke named Daryl Stanley (who goes by the name Ferrari), Rob shared a bunch of X-rated images showing Chyna nude  including a full-frontal cross shot.

He also levelled accusations of a drug problem at her, and posted a photo from hospital that he claims was taken just before she got US$100,000 worth of plastic surgery after giving birth to Dream.

Not only is his sharing of such explicit images without Cynas consent a total dog act, it could land him in serious legal trouble.

Lisa Bloom, the big-wig LA attorney who repped Mischa Barton in her recent revenge porn case, told RadarOnline.com he could face criminal charges and even jail time.

Chyna could also sue for emotional distress, according to Lisa Bloom.

If I represented Ms. Chyna I would immediately obtain domestic violence restraining orders to protect her rights and block future acts. I would also advise Ms. Chyna that she likely has a private right of action against Mr. Kardashian for money damages for the emotional distress he has surely caused her. In other words, she could consider suing him as well.

Bloom also encouraged Chyna  who responded to Robs outburst with claims he abused her  not to let him get away with it.

I encourage Ms. Chyna to stand up for her rights against this vicious attempt to shame her. Every woman has the right to decide which images of her own body will be made public. Rob Kardashian should be ashamed of himself.

Robs Instagram account has since been shut down, but the video that shows Chyna hooking up with Ferrari remains on his Twitter feed, while the intimate shots of her are now property of the Internet-at-large.

Source: RadarOnline.

Photo: Instagram / @robkardashian.
Increasingly alarming reports are circulating about an island in Thailand where a number of tourists have met their untimely  and suspicious  demise in the past few years.

Be warned: the rest of this story is basically like a slow-burning horror movie but in real life. Its really messed up.

Seven foreigners have died mysteriously on the island of Koh Tao in the past three years. While two have been confirmed as murders  Hannah Witheridge and David Miller, who were found gruesomely killed in 2014  the other five have been dismissed as suicides or accidents.

However, a British backpacker who claims to have just barely escaped with his life is saying that the place is run by a mafia whove been on the island for generations, who are most likely responsible for all the deaths, and who threatened to kill him, too.

Sean McAnna told reporters that he overheard men discussing the deaths of Witheridge and Miller in a bar shortly after the murders took place. When they realised hed heard them, he said they told him they would frame him for the murders.

They just said to me, We know you killed them. Youre going to hang yourself tonight and we are going to watch you hang. You will die tonight. So I just ran.

McAnna said he fled into a supermarket, posting a plea for rescue on Facebook: Thai mafia are trying to kill me, please help.

He told journalists:

I genuinely thought I was going to die. They would have taken me up into the hills to hang me and make it look like it was a suicide. I think they needed a scapegoat. I think they might know who the killers are.

McAnna ended up being escorted to his hotel by police, but fearing that they were corrupt, he hid in the jungle overnight before hopping a boat the hell outta there.

All this was back in 2014, and two locals ended up being convicted for the murders.

In the last three years, though, five other tourists have died  two found hanged on the island, one in the ocean at the bottom of a 50ft drop, one at the bottom of a swimming pool, and one whos said to have died after mixing antibiotics with alcohol  though authorities have never provided a toxicology report.

Then there are the mysterious fires in peoples hotel rooms, the dodgy autopsies  Elise Dallemagne, who was found hanged and half-eaten by lizards in April this year, was cremated before her mother could see her body  and the fact that the other tourist found hanged, French man Dimitri Povse, had his hands tied behind his back. Local cops couldnt explain that one.

In fact, the local police have been extremely fucking cagey, saying about Dallemagnes death: This news is so old already, it has been misunderstood. There is no more to say.

I dont mean to editorialise, but, uh, yes there is. There is much, much more to say. Mostly: for the love of God, stay the fuck off that island.

Source: News.com.au.

Image: Arterra / Getty.
Heres the wildest yarn youll read all day, bar none.

US arts-and-crafts chain Hobby Lobby  literally a place you go to buy craft supplies and sewing kits has agreed to pay $3 million to the government and hand over thousands of illicit Iraqi artefacts. Yes, you read that right: illegal Iraqi artefacts.

not quite like this, but close

The agreement to hand over the goods came after the Department of Justice lodged a civil forfeiture action via a civil suit which the company was almost certain to lose.

Hobby Lobby did what  Matt Pearce (@mattdpearce) July 5, 2017

For unknown reasons which may or may not be related to forbidden magic and arcane rituals, the company agreed to buy 5,500 ancient artefacts, including cuneiform tablets, clay bullae and cylinder seals, for $1.6 million back in 2010.

This was just after a lawyer warned them that such a purchase of cultural property likely from Iraq, including cuneiform tablets and cylinder seals, carries a risk that such objects may have been looted from archaeological sites in Iraq.

Hobby Lobby funding ISIS would be the greatest story of the modern era  Sam Biddle (@samfbiddle) July 5, 2017

The company also tried to hide the importation of the artefacts to Oklahoma City by incorrectly labelling shipments as ceramics and samples.

A reminder: this is a chain of arts-and-craft stores. Hobby Lobby was best known to non-US citizens for its vehement opposition to Obamacares employer health insurance mandates, which got them painted as a very, very conservative Christian organisation. Now this.

Theres a lesson in this for all of us, I think: if a lawyer tells you not to import thousands of looted Iraqi artefacts in secret shipments to your arts-and-crafts chain headquarters, do not do it.

Source: The Daily Beast.

Photo: Indiana Jones.
Victoria Police are seeking information on three men suspected of assaulting another in a Brunswick club, leaving the victim blind in one eye.

The 26-year-old man was attacked inside a Phoenix Street venue around midnight on May 26.

He told police that hed been in a verbal confrontation with the three men outside the venue earlier in the night, which ended when he entered the venue.

Later, the men approached him in the club, and began shoving him. Security were able to intervene, however the men returned and punched the victim in the head.

He fell to the ground, and police state the men continued to hit him in the head. The trio fled the scene before police could arrive.

The victim sustained serious injuries as a result of the attack, which necessitated two surgeries. Police say he has not been able to return to work after the incident.

Police have released the images and descriptions of two men theyd like to speak to regarding the incident.

One has been described as in his early 20s with a moustache, and with his hair in a ponytail at the time of the incident.

via Victoria Police.

The other, also in his early 20s, was seen with long curly hair and a cap.

via Victoria Police.

Anyone with information regarding the incident has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: The Age / Victoria Police.

Photo: Benoit Balanca.
PEDESTRIAN.TV has partnered with Pepsi Max Vanilla to show yall vanilla is anything but basic.

Need proof of his talent? Check the below layered Rita cake  ft. caramelised pineapple, salted bourbon caramel, passionfruit bavarois, toasted coconut cream, coconut chew, brown sugar pecans, ginger cake, ginger crumb, and his signature flourish, torched meringue.

A post shared by Andrew Bowden (@andybowdy) on May 16, 2017 at 1:07am PDT

As you can see, Bowdy seriously knows whats good.

This is why Pepsi Max Vanilla requested Bowdys expert input in sculpting the dessert portion of The Vanilla Kitchens menu. This sell out pop-up assembled a first class team of foodies  including Mitch Orr (ACME), Jimmy Hurlston (Guilty, Easeys) + Andres Walters on the cocktail front (The Lobo Plantation, Kittyhawk)  to demonstrate that vanilla is anything but basic. The result of their collective creativity? A three-course meal + three bespoke cocktails so incredible we needed a cold shower post-consumption.

Bowdy told PEDESTRIAN.TV that the experience was great as it allowed him to have a fiddle with flavours.

It was a fresh change. Ive been doing cakes for nearly two years and it was good to be able to do a plated dessert again, he said.

On the vanilla front specifically, Bowdy believes the ingredient shines as a compliment to whatever other ingredients youre cooking with or to bring out the flavours of whatever youre eating.

Vanilla definitely enhances things, he says. I enjoy vanilla. It tastes fantastic.

Given that Bowdys cake creations are game-changing in their own right, we asked him for tips so that yall can take your own baking efforts to new realms of impressive. Surprisingly, hes not actually a huge fan of cake in general  and while this might seem counterintuitive, its his dislike of generic cakes that makes his so special.

You go to birthday parties and theres a cake, and it wouldve been sitting out for three days before you actually get it. I dont particularly enjoy eating just cake, which is why I add heaps of mousse and other things.

Additionally, he reckons its about adding various tastes throughout your creation to really give it that summin-summin.

I try and pack in as much flavour as I can. I approach it in the same way I would a dessert  just making sure that its got some crunch in there, that its a little bit salty. Aim to have every mouthful be different, which is why I splatter different flavours into the mousse.

Simple advice, but extremely effective.

For those of you wanting to max out your food game (as in, actually crack into the business), Bowdy has some sound advice for you.

Be prepared to work. Give it time. Always take in advice people are offering, even if you agree with it or not, because, in the end, theyre probably going to be right. Chefs these days expect everything to happen right now. Ive been a chef for 11 years and for 8 of those years no one knew who I was.

Yes, be patient, young padawans.

Best of luck getting your pro-chef on next time youre baking your lil heart out, crew. We know youre capable of taking your dessert game to the max, even if your skills are currently at the level of a potatos.

Photo: @andybowdy / Instagram.
Another day, another social media feud.

This time the biff is between customers of a Moreton Bay butcher and an assertive vegan activism group, Unapologetic Vegans Australia.

The Squealing Pig opened last week, offering a range of locally sourced  as much as possible  meat products.

Yeah, its a bit of a crass name, but yknow pigs do squeal. It is a noise they make when they are stoked, rolling in mud. And also, presumably, when they are slaughtered for food, as the vegan group has made very clear in the 83 one-star reviews theyve posted on the butchers Facebook since Monday.

This group though are hardcore, describing themselves on Facebook as abolitionist vegans who have no tolerance for carnist ways.

Carnism, in case you are uneducated like me, apparently was coined by a vegan activist in 2001, to describe the ideology of people who think it is okay to enjoy Christmas ham.

Anywho, the group rally against meat-eaters (and also plain old vegetarians/pescatarians) and their violent and sick lifestyles. They are also anti horse riders, people who visit the zoo, and vegans who just arent up to scratch, i.e. people who wear secondhand animal products like leather, fur and wool.

The Squealing Pigs owner Gary Thompson said he never meant to offend anyone:

I just thought it was a catchy name. I dont have anything against vegans, I respect their right to have an opinion, but they are putting peoples jobs and livelihoods at risk by trying to discredit our business.

He has blocked some of the really bad comments, calling me a cruel man and a sick bastard.

But his customers  and a group of meat-lovers  have come to the shops defence, posting rival five-star reviews, and heckling the vegans on the page mostly with pictures of meat.

And also with this frankly delightful meme:

That show of support (2.2K five-star reviews) means that The Squealing Pig are still rated 4.9/5 on Facebook, out of 2.3K reviews.

Source: News.com.au.

Photo: Facebook.
After her jerk scumbag ex Robert Kardashian posted intimate pictures of her on Instagram, as well as vile accusations on Twitter, his ex Blac Chyna responded in perhaps the best possible way: by flashing her diamonds on Snapchat.

The videos have Chyna showing off a diamond watch, three diamond wings, and two diamond-encrusted Cartier bracelets, all to the tune of Drakes Cameras.

Mischa Bartons lawyer in her revenge porn case, Lisa Bloom, spoke out earlier, saying that Chyna could consider suing the scumrag for emotional distress.

Turns out Chynas lawyer, Walter Mosley, will be looking into that. I am exploring all legal remedies and protections available to my client at this time in attempts to best advise her on how she may want to proceed.

If charged under revenge porn laws in California, Kardashian could be sentenced to six months in jail for distributing non-consensual pornography.

Robert Kardashians Instagram account was suspended for nudity, but three accounts have popped up since, which cannot at this time be verified.

One of those accounts has republished all of the awful pictures and comments, while the other two feature the same Instagram Story of Robs big dumb mug.

Source: The Sun / People.

Photo: Gabriel Olsen / Getty.
Election Commission sources are hopeful that the Supreme Court will hear its application and allow it to resume linking of Aadhaar to Electors' Photo Identity Card (EPIC).

By Kumar Shakti Shekhar: The Election Commission (EC) is waiting eagerly for the Supreme Court to hear its application and allow it to resume linking of Aadhaar to Electors' Photo Identity Card (EPIC). An application from EC requesting the apex court to permit it to go ahead with the linkage of the two crucial documents is already pending.

Sources in the EC said, "We are hopeful that the Supreme Court would positively consider our application in the larger interest of a fair and transparent electoral system."

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The hope among the EC officials arises from the apex court allowing the Centre to link Permanent Account Number (PAN) with Aadhaar on June 9. The court has also allowed the central and state governments to use Aadhaar in various services.

Several union ministries have filed applications with the Supreme Court to allow respective schemes to be linked to Aadhaar.

As a result, Aadhaar is now accepted as a valid identity proof by the governments for availing services such as opening of bank and insurance accounts, bank transactions, passport application, telephone and mobile phone connections, buying rail tickets and availing concessions.

Aadhaar was first used to pass on the subsidies of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) such as in the purchase of LPG cylinder and payment of MGNREGA. As of now, over 90 centrally-sponsored schemes from 19 ministries are implemented through DBT, which itself is linked with Aadhaar.

ELECTION COMMISSION LAUNCHES NERPAP

On February 27, 2015, the Election Commission issued guidelines for linking EPIC with Aadhaar as part of the National Electoral Rolls Purification and Authentication Programme (NERPAP). It launched the programme on March 3.

One of the major objectives of NERPAP was to check multiple entries in electoral rolls and to make them error-free. For this purpose, Aadhaar number of electors was collected through various modes throughout the country.

EC received the first hurdle in the form of various objections. People and organisations made various representations and complaints apprehending that a number of deletion of names of voters from the electoral rolls by booth-level officers (BLOs) might take place for not furnishing Aadhaar number.

Secondly, complaints were also made apprehending the misuse of Aadhaar database. Some also asked whether EPIC cards would become redundant after furnishing Aadhaar number.

EC went on the defensive. It was forced to clarify that Aadhaar was not mandatory but only optional. It said no electoral service would be denied to the voters on the ground that they had not submitted their Aadhaar number. It also clarified that non-furnishing of Aadhaar number would not be a ground for rejection of application for new enrolment against an application for new enrolment. Similarly, the name of existing voters would not be deleted from the electoral roll for not furnishing Aadhaar number.

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EC explained that Aadhaar number was being collected for authentication of details of the voters. However, it assured of confidentiality and security of data during the process of feeding and seeding.

SUPREME COURT ORDER ON AADHAAR

But a Supreme Court order dated August 11, 2015 put paid to EC's ambitious plan to link Aadhaar to voters' I-card. While delivering judgment in a writ petition [Justice (retd) KS Puttaswamy and another versus Union of India and others), the apex court ordered stopping of the production of Aadhaar card as a condition for obtaining any benefits.

The court said that Aadhaar card would not be used for any purpose other than PDS scheme and for distribution of foodgrains, cooking fuel such as kerosene and LPG cylinder.

In the light of this order, EC suspended the linking of Aadhaar with EPIC with immediate effect.

But by then, EC had already collected and linked the Aadhaar cards of about 31 crore voters.

HOPE REKINDLES

However, the Centre has started filing applications ever since the Aadhaar Act was published in the Gazette on March 25, 2016.

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Further, the Supreme Court's order on June 9 permitting the Income Tax department to link PAN with Aadhaar has kindled hope among several departments, including the Election Commission. Once it obtains the permission, it would resume its ambitious project of linking Aadhaar with voters' I cards.

Also read | Not everyone needs to link PAN with Aadhaar. What about you? Read to find out

Also read | Cyber criminals dupe bank holders by seeking details of Aadhaar on pretext of linking to PAN

WATCH VIDEO

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A group of protesters took to ABC 27 News studios to voice their concerns with Sen. Pat Toomey Wednesday evening.

More than 100 protesters showed up outside of the town hall meeting featuring the Republican senator. Though Toomey has come under fire for failure to hold face-to-face town halls with constituents, the protest Wednesday centered on health care and asking Toomey to vote no on the Republican health care bill.

The protesters gave voice to concerns that millions would have their insurance coverage slashed, as well as the proposed cuts to Medicaid in the Republican health care bill. Admittance to the town hall was by invitation only, spurring the protests outside of the station.

Harrisburg police said six people were arrested and charged with a summary offense of simple trespassing. Protesters initially blocked entry to the event and knocked over barricades, until the arrests were made and the behavior stopped, police said.

Protesters blocking the entrance to ABC 27 are moved by police before Sen. Toomey arrives for a TV townhall. @PennLive pic.twitter.com/EZvnsZOr3d  James Robinson (@jrobinsonphoto) July 5, 2017
STEELTON--Developers who build in downtown Steelton will pay zero new taxes for improvements over 10 years under a new program announced Thursday.

Developers who build elsewhere in the borough also would get a full tax break on improvements for five years with that break gradually reduced by 20-percent in each of the following years.

Homeowners would qualify for the tax breaks too, if, for example, they added a porch or replaced the siding on their home.

The tax abatement program, which is made possible under the state's Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act, makes the borough one of four municipalities in Dauphin County to offer tax breaks to entice economic development and improve its housing stock.

The program already has helped to initiate two projects in Steelton, according to borough officials, who staged a 12:30 p.m. news conference Thursday to talk about the program.

The news conference was held on the site of one project, called Renaissance Row, located on six acres of mostly vacant lots on North Front Street directly across the street from borough headquarters.

The development by the Chariot Companies, of Philadelphia, eventually will feature more than 80,000-square-feet of commercial space and 46 one- and two-bedroom apartments in three, three story buildings.

A long-planned townhouse project on Adams Street - just off Front Street - featuring 12 affordable homes is also expected to break ground later this year and will benefit from the new incentive.

The tax-break program is Steelton was designed to be "bold and simple," borough officials said Thursday.

There are no provisions for the projects to create jobs, meet minimum requirements for minority participation or pay prevailing wage, like the tax-break program that recently was approved in neighboring Harrisburg. The city hired an administrator specifically to oversee the program and ensure compliance with the various requirements.

In Steelton, however, officials said their 10-year tax break require sdowntown Steelton getting a facelift thanks in part to $0 tax deal for developersnothing but a desire to build in Steelton.

"There are LERTA's that can be confusing and sometimes very difficult in order to meet the guidelines," said Steelton native and Dauphin County Commissioner George Hartwick III. "This one related to Steelton is straightforward and I think sends a clear message that Steelton is open for business."

The benefits provided under Steelton's program are the maximum allowed under law, said Mayor Maria Romano Marcinko.

A Mexican restaurant and several buildings will be demolished under the Renaissance Row project that could bring a grocery store to downtown Steelton, said Borough Manager Doug Brown.

The utility poles and fencing that currently on the lot will be buried to help expand the footprint for the project.

The townhomes on Adams Street, meanwhile, will represent the first new residential development in years. The apartments will be lease-to-own for prices in the mid $90,000, according to Gary Lenker, executive director of the Tri-County Housing Development Corporation, which is partnering with the Dauphin County Redevelopment Authority on the project.

Construction of each unit is expected to cost as much as $135,000 but the county approved using nearly $200,000 in federal housing funds and $125,000 in gaming grants to subsidize a portion of the cost.

Both projects could break ground as early as this fall or next spring.

Steelton officials said they did not have any other projects targeted under the tax-break plan yet. But they said they want to get the word out to developers and businesses and believe the borough can be competitive.

"There are very few LERTAs in the state with an offer this simple," Hartwick said. "We don't want to put up a lot of red tape for people to do business in Steelton."

Additional information about the tax abatement program can be found later today on the borough's website.

The other municipalities in the county with tax-abatement programs include Harrisburg, Lykens and Hummelstown. While Harrisburg has a citywide LERTA, the other municipalities offer tax breaks for small, targeted areas or projects.

Harrisburg hired a "LERTA administrator" to oversee its program, which has attracted 35 applications.
By PTI: By Barun Jha Hamburg, Jul 6 (PTI) Fighting terrorism, climate change and global trade will be at the core when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders from the worlds other top economies assemble here for a two-day G20 Summit beginning tomorrow.

Any possible meeting between Modi, who is expected to have a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines during his two-day stay in this port city, and Chinese President Xi Jinping will be keenly watched in the wake of the recent spat between the two countries over developments near Sikkim.

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The Summit, with a theme of Shaping an Inter-connected World, is taking place at a time when differences have emerged among several leaders expected to be present -- mostly on publicly stated views of the US President Donald Trump -- including on issues like climate change and open trade.

Other top leaders expected to be present include Russias Vladimir Putin, Turkeys Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Frances Emmanuel Macron and Theresa May of the UK.

The Group of Twenty is made up of 19 countries and the European Union. The countries are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the UK and the US.

While Hamburg happens to be city of birth for the Summit host and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, it is also known as an anti-establishment bastion of Left-wing radicals.

At least 30 protests are expected to be held here ahead of the Summit that may attract thousands of people, including from anti-capitalist groups. Local authorities expect these protests to remain peaceful and around 15,000 police personnel will be deployed to protect the venue. Besides, nearly 4,000 personnel will keep a tab on the airport and train security.

While counter-terrorism and economic reforms will dominate the discussions, the 12th G20 Summit will also discuss issues like free and open trade, climate change, migration, sustainable development and global stability.

Modi, who is reaching Hamburg after a visit to Israel, said in a Facebook post before his departure from India that he is looking forward to "engaging leaders from other G20 countries on the vital issues affecting our world today that have a bearing on economic growth, sustainable development, and peace and stability".

The prime minister said the world leaders will review progress on decisions since the Hangzhou Summit last year and deliberate on issues of terrorism, climate, sustainable development, growth and trade, digitisation, health, employment, migration, womens empowerment, and partnership with Africa.

He further said he is looking forward to the opportunity to meet leaders on the sidelines of the Summit to exchange views on bilateral matters of mutual interest.

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The Summit will begin tomorrow with Merkel welcoming the world leaders, followed by G20 Leaders Retreat where the topic of discussion will be fighting terrorism.

The first working session will be on global growth and trade, followed by the second session on sustainable development, climate and energy.

The world leaders will also attend a musical concert tomorrow evening, followed by a dinner for them and their spouses.

The second day of the Summit will begin with the third working session on partnership with Africa, migration and health while the fourth working session will be on digitisation, womens empowerment and employment.

These two will be followed by a closing session on Saturday evening, after which a joint statement by the G20 leaders will be issued. PTI BJ RAM ARD

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PHOTOS: Petoskey celebrates Veterans Day 2022

Petoskey's American Legion taught local elementary students how to fold the flag during the Veterans Day ceremony on Friday, Nov. 11 in Pennsylvania Park.
PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will be present at a closed-door meeting of leaders of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).

By India Today Web Desk: With terrorism, climate change and global trade expected to dominate the discussions, the two-day G20 Summit will kick off today at the German city of Hamburg. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hoping to raise some key issues affecting India.

Although no official bilateral meeting has been planned with Chinese President Xi Jinping and PM Modi in the wake of the recent standoff between the two countries over boundary issues in Sikkim, a meeting looks inevitable.

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The Ministry of External Affairs has said Modi will take part in a BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Leaders' meeting. So naturally Modi and Xi will be on the same table in the closed-door chat between the leaders of the five nations.

The theme chosen for this year's G20 Summit is "Shaping an Inter-connected World".

Issues like free and open trade, migration, sustainable development and global stability are also expected to come up during the discussions.

WHAT'S ON AGENDA AT G20:

"Over two days on 7th and 8th July, I look forward to engaging leaders from other G-20 countries on the vital issues affecting our world today that have a bearing on economic growth, sustainable development, and peace and stability," PM Narendra Modi had said.

"We will review progress on decisions since the Hangzhou Summit last year and deliberate on issues of terrorism, climate, sustainable development, growth and trade, digitalisation, health, employment, migration, women's empowerment, and partnership with Africa.

"As in the past, I look forward to the opportunity to meet leaders on the sidelines of the Summit to exchange views on bilateral matters of mutual interest."

On the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meetings with leaders of Canada, Japan, and the UK, has already been confirmed.

WHAT IS G20:

The 'Group of Twenty' is made up of 19 countries and the European Union. The countries are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the UK and the US.

This will be the 12th meeting between the leading industrialised and emerging economies.

G20 SCHEDULE:

DAY 1:

The G20 Summit will begin tomorrow with a welcome address by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. At the 'G20 Leaders' Retreat' fight against terrorism will be on the agenda.

The first working session will be on 'global growth and trade', followed by the second session on 'sustainable development, climate and energy'.

The world leaders will also attend a musical concert in the evening, followed by a dinner for them and their spouses.

DAY 2:

The second day of the Summit will begin with the third working session on 'partnership with Africa, migration and health' while the fourth working session will be on 'digitisation, women's empowerment and employment'.

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These two will be followed by a closing session on Saturday evening, after which a joint statement by the G20 leaders will be issued.

Also read:

China hints Modi-Xi meet at G20 unlikely as 'political foundations damaged'

India responds to Chinese claim: There was no Modi-Xi meeting planned at G20

Also watch:

China's public statements on border situation a sign of bullying?

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U.S. SPR reserves shrink as shale oil offers supply buffer

Bloomberg/Daniel Acker



Drawdowns continues as White House pledges to sell more. Rising domestic output to offset need for a flush SPR.

NEW YORK

Petroleumworld 07 06 2017

U.S. strategic crude stockpiles have dropped to the lowest level in more than 12 years as the shale boom reduces the nation's need for an emergency buffer against shortages.

Inventories declined by about 13 million barrels over 17 consecutive weeks as the Energy Department delivered supplies it sold in recent months. That brought stocks down to 682 million as of June 30. In two sales held in January and February , the agency sold almost 17 million barrels of crude from its salt caverns in Texas and Louisiana to companies including Chinese state-owned PetroChina Co. Ltd.

The SPR sales have less impact than in the past because the U.S. doesn't need that much in storage, said Vikas Dwivedi, senior analyst at Macquarie Capital (USA) Inc. "You only need 60 days of your net import of crude and products in the emergency stockpiles."



Crude oil and refined product net imports stood at 4.23 million barrels a day for the week ended June 23, down from a record high of 14.4 million in November 2005. "Given the fact that we don't net import that much any more, we only really need 300 million barrels," of SPR crude, Dwivedi said in a phone interview from Houston.

The U.S. set up the reserve in the aftermath of an oil embargo in 1973-1974, when several Middle East states cut off oil supplies to the U.S. Construction of the first surface facilities began in June 1977.

These drawdowns won't end any time soon. The Trump administration has plans to sell another 270 million barrels of crude from the SPR over the next decade to help reduce the country's debts. This is over and above the 190 million-barrel sale planned for 2018-2025.

"As soon as Trump got elected, we knew they were not going to be able to finance their plans for tax cuts ," said Dwivedi. "So anything that looks like a piggy bank will get broken."

Storm Buffer

The reserve has acted as a buffer against natural disasters along the U.S. Gulf Coast, particularly hurricanes. In September 2005 , President George W. Bush authorized the emergency sale of 30 million barrels of crude from the SPR after Hurricane Katrina swept through the Gulf of Mexico, causing massive damage to oil production facilities. Three years later, Hurricanes Gustav and Ike disrupted crude supply to several refineries along the Gulf Coast, prompting the release of 5.39 million barrels of SPR crude. These on-loan barrels were repaid in 2009.

The country's emergency needs can now be covered with domestic crude supply, which is about 80 percent higher than a decade ago, thanks to developments in horizontal drilling and fracking that boosted production from areas that had been too expensive to tap. Domestic output reached 9.35 million barrels a day last month, the highest since August 2015, and is forecast to increase to above 10 million a day early next year.

The growth in U.S. production has been spread out all over the country, and not concentrated in areas like the Gulf of Mexico, where fields are prone to weather hazards, Dwivedi said. "We won't knock off producing shale wells because of a storm."






This piece, titled, The New Plague, depicts life in Philadelphia in the age of COVID. Artist and educator Raphael Tiberino began painting at the age of four and has been in the spotlight as a professional creative for over 25 years.
In a bold bid to become more relevant, West Chester-based TV-shopping network QVC will merge with the St. Petersburg, Fla.-based Home Shopping Network to better compete against the likes of Amazon and Walmart as more consumers use smartphones and other devices to find the best deals online.

The combined company will make the third-largest U.S. online and mobile retailer, and will be large enough to be listed as one of the S&P 500 stocks, according to QVC chief executive Michael A. George.

QVC's owner, Liberty Interactive, plans to acquire the 62 percent of HSN it doesn't already own, hoping to strengthen its legacy TV channels. The goal is to cut costs yet be more innovative, enticing shoppers with more brands and products. Liberty, built by cable-TV pioneer John Malone, will be renamed QVC Group after the deal's scheduled closing later this year. George will run both brands, which will continue to operate separately.

The companies plan to cut at least $75 million in yearly spending by eliminating duplication in management, administrative, and information technology spending, Liberty Interactive CEO Greg Maffei told investors on a conference call. Even with the savings, analysts noted it could take several years to raise profit margins. "Three to five years, that's a pretty long horizon," noted Citigroup analyst Jason Banizetl. George said the companies were making conservative projections but results could improve sooner.

QVC employs around 2,200 at its headquarters and QVC Studio Park in West Chester, and more than 150 at a warehouse near Bethlehem for Zulily, the Seattle-based mobile-shopping retailer that QVC bought two years ago to invigorate its online sales. "It is too early to speculate on effects from the consolidation," said QVC spokeswoman Jane Crawford. QVC also has a warehouse near Lancaster with 1,500 workers.

HSN was the original U.S. home-shopping channel, founded in 1977. It now derives half of its revenue from e-commerce, featuring more than 50,000 products on its website.

QVC is now larger, with around 8 million regular customers and 183 million boxes shipped last year, compared with 5 million customers and 50 million packages for HSN. The companies estimate the shopper counts include 2 million people who are active at both companies.

Combined, they expect sales to total $14 billion a year. Employment would total 27,000, before merger-related layoffs.

Both QVC, which is especially dependent on women's clothing, and HSN, which sells more electronics and operates the Cornerstone group of retail brands, have lately faced weak sales and have cut jobs as the three QVC and two HSN channels faced stiff competition, especially from the retailing juggernaut of Amazon.

HSN boss Rod Little told investors that his company "was not happy with its performance" and hoped that combining with QVC would make the business stronger.

QVC's George said the combined company would be "well-positioned to help shape the next generation of retailing." The acquisition would allow the company to boost its scale, spur development of its mobile and online platforms, and optimize its programming, cross-marketing, and finances.

Plans for the rivals to merge were proposed and then canceled in the past, and rumored at times over the years. Maffei said it was time to do the deal because Liberty's share price has lately strengthened relative to HSN's.

The all-stock purchase of HSN is valued at $2.1 billion, or around $40.36 a share. That's a nearly 30 percent premium to HSN's recent stock value, but far below the company's 2015 high of over $74 a share. Liberty would also take on around $500 million in HSN debt. Liberty initially rose in trading Thursday, but fell 30 cents, or 1.2 percent, to close at $24.16.

HSN stock jumped $8.40, or 26.8 percent, to $39.70.

Joseph N. DiStefano 215.854.5194 JoeD@phillynews.com @PhillyJoeD
By PTI: London, Jul 5 (PTI) Scientists have discovered fossils of a prehistoric crocodile in Madagascar that had enormous serrated teeth similar to those of the fearsome T-rex dinosaur.

The findings fill the gap in a million-year-long ghost lineage of Notosuchia, which was earlier unknown in the Jurassic period.

The full name of the predatory crocodyliform (nicknamed Razana) is Razanandrongobe sakalavae, which means "giant lizard ancestor from Sakalava region."

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Deep and massive jaw bones armed with enormous serrated teeth that are similar in size and shape to those of a T-rex strongly suggest that these animals fed also on hard tissue such as bone and tendon.

A combination of anatomical features clearly identify this taxon as a Jurassic notosuchian, close to the South American baurusuchids and sebecids, that were highly specialised predators of terrestrial habits, different from present-day crocodilians in having a deep skull and powerful erect limbs.

"Like these and other gigantic crocs from the Cretaceous, Razana could outcompete even theropod dinosaurs, at the top of the food chain," said Cristiano Dal Sasso, of the Natural History Museum of Milan in Italy.

Razanandrongobe sakalavae is by far the oldest - and possibly the largest - representative of the Notosuchia, documenting one of the earliest events of exacerbated increase in body size along the evolutionary history of the group.

"Its geographic position during the period when Madagascar was separating from other landmasses is strongly suggestive of an endemic lineage," said Simone Maganuco from Natural History Museum of Milan.

"At the same time, it represents a further signal that the Notosuchia originated in southern Gondwana," Maganuco said.

The research was published in the journal PeerJ. PTI MHN MHN

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Joe and Theresa Lynch behind their son Dan Lynch, a 19-year-old recovering from head injuries after being jumped by some guys near Temple.Thursday, June 22, 2017. STEVEN M. FALK / Staff Photographer Read more

Somewhere inside Hahnemann University Hospital, there's a piece of 19-year-old Dan Lynch's skull.

Doctors had to remove it to keep the Northeast Philadelphia teenager's brain from swelling after he and his cousin were attacked by a bunch of guys near Temple University on May 20.

A couple of weeks later, police arrested a Bensalem teen, William Riddle, 19, and charged him with several offenses, including aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person.

Lynch, who was knocked unconscious, doesn't remember what happened, but eyewitness accounts and video footage paint a disturbing picture.

Lynch and a male cousin who attends Temple had just dropped off a female cousin around 3:30 a.m. when they passed by a house near 16th and Oxford.

From the front, they heard one of the guys say: "You're on the wrong fing block."

Lynch and his cousin didn't stop. "I don't fight," Lynch said. "I prefer to talk it out."

A video shows the cousins walking by and then four guys following close behind. A few minutes later, the same guys are shown running past the camera.

In the interim, someone or several someones punched Lynch, maybe kicked him. He landed on the concrete, hard. His cousin threw himself on top of him to protect Lynch from additional blows. He was also hurt. But he got up. Lynch didn't.

"He saved my life," Lynch said.

Next thing Lynch knew, he was waking up inside a hospital, three days after a nearly three-hour surgery, alive but critically injured. In addition to multiple breaks to his skull, his jaw was fractured.

Suddenly, instead of walking at graduation from Father Judge High School, the teen was sitting in MossRehab with his head stapled together.

Instead of hanging out with friends and family, he was trapped inside his house fighting off headaches. He may never remember what happened to him, but he won't forget the pain it has caused.

Instead of having the time of his life before he buckled down and went to trade school, everything was on hold.

That's the side of violence that we don't talk enough about, how even when victims miraculously make it through, their lives change. Sometimes for a long time, sometimes forever.

How the act of violence is sometimes just the beginning of a very long road for victims. One that many take alone.

Lynch is lucky in that regard. He has support from family and friends. His cousins chipped in to buy him a pair of fancy sunglasses to keep the sun out of his eyes and the headaches at bay during walks. One cousin put on a helmet to walk with him around the neighborhood so Lynch didn't feel bad about having to wear one during his recovery.

Doctors told Lynch's parents, Joe and Theresa, that they are optimistic about their son's recovery. The staples in his head were removed. His appetite is back. He feels well enough to needle his parents for a dog. Doctors will put his skull back together sometime in August or September.

His folks know how much worse it could have gone. When the hospital called the night of the attack to tell them their son was there, they tried to keep it together when staff would only tell them that doctors were working on the teenager.

But at the hospital, when a security guard who spotted Joe asked if he was Mr. Lynch, he almost lost it.

"I wondered if he saw it on my face or if he knew something we didn't yet," he said. "I knew we were in trouble. I knew it was bad."

As grateful as he is that his son survived the attack, Joe Lynch wishes he could go back in time.

To the hours before his son went out for the night.

Or nine days before, when maybe this all could have been avoided.

Nine days before Riddle allegedly assaulted Lynch, the teen pleaded guilty to harassment and assault in an unrelated case out of Bucks County. He was sentenced to 23 months in prison, time served, then immediately paroled. Judge Wallace Bateman Jr., through an assistant, said both parties had agreed to the sentence, which was within sentencing guidelines.

Riddle is also awaiting a preliminary hearing in another case out of Philly, where he is charged with fleeing police and reckless endangerment.

Why was he out? Lynch's parents wonder. And will he get off easy again when he goes before another judge next month?

Good questions. They deserve answers.

Riddle is due in court in August. Instead of enjoying their summer, Lynch and his family will be inside a Philadelphia courtroom.

"You don't realize when you see on the news that there was a car accident or a shooting and the person is listed in critical condition, that their lives are turned upside down," said Joe Lynch. "People think, 'Oh, he lived.' But no, you don't know what's going on. You don't realize it's just the beginning."
Detail from Elizabeth Okie Paxtons Sick a-Bed (1916). Oil on canvas. (Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts) Read more

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts has acquired 32 works of art  by gift and purchase  which serve to bolster the museum's effort to build its contemporary holdings and add to its growing body of art by women, academy officials said Wednesday.

The works include the purchase of Elizabeth Okie Paxton's Sick a-Bed, which the Boston School artist first showed at the academy's prestigious annual exhibition in 1916. The academy also purchased Joan Semmel's provocative Indian Erotic (1973), almost the antithesis of Sick a-Bed.

Semmel's piece, which was created during the feminist artist's rethinking of figurative art in the early 1970s, is an intense depiction of copulation.

"She was one of the most important figurative painters ever," said the academy's curator of contemporary art, Jodi Throckmorton. Semmel was the academy's 2017 commencement speaker.

"That we were missing her as a figurative painter and a feminist was a major gap," said Throckmorton, who added that the purchase sought "actively to build on" the academy's Linda Lee Alter collection. In 2010, Alter donated to the academy 400 works by female artists.

The Paxton painting serves as a kind of bookend to Semmel  a painting of a child's sick bed, far removed from the active feminist arousal of Indian Erotic.

Anna Marley, the academy's curator of historic American painting called the Paxton work a gem.

"It is a master work by an artist who is widely thought to be as gifted a painter as her husband, William McGregor Paxton, though," Marley noted, "like many women artists, she did not achieve the financial success and recognition of her more well-known husband."

The purchase of a number of other works was also announced Wednesday, including a Paul Chan sculpture and installation that was exhibited earlier this year in the academy's Morris Gallery. Throckmorton likened it to a "floating puppet" of the kind often seen billowing outside car dealerships.

But rather than hawking cars, Chan's "black-hooded figure conjures haunting images of marginalized populations," Throckmorton said, "and provides poignant commentary on our current political and cultural climate."

The academy also purchased a large mixed-media panel by William Villalongo; a Robyn O'Neil drawing; two mixed-media pieces by Marcy Hermansader; six Gilbert Lewis paintings and drawings; a mixed-media textile wall hanging by Jessica Willittes; and a video work by Nhi Vo.

In addition to making purchases, the academy has received a number of gifts, including six photographs from the 1970s by Philadelphia photographer Judy Gelles. The images explore the impact of motherhood on the young artist.

The academy also received three photographs by Bruce Katsiff; four busts by Harry Rosin (1897-1973), who studied at the academy and lived for many years in Bucks County; two paintings by Francis Speight (1896-1989), who taught at the academy for nearly four decades; one print by Elizabeth Osborne, former longtime member of the academy faculty; and one painting by Robert Gwathmey, who attended the academy, taught at several area institutions, and was active in progressive social causes to the degree that the FBI routinely kept him under surveillance.

Academy officials said about $352,000 from acquisition funds was used to purchase works.
Tova Du Plessis, the South African immigrant behind Essen bakery, cooked up a big batch of bobotie, a curried minced meat stew with a custard topping that is her homeland's national dish.

Saw Maran Tan, a Burmese refugee, brought Devil's Chicken Curry, a Malaysian dish he perfected while working in that country as a chef before he settled here. And Pat O'Malley, pastry chef and co-owner of Hungry Pigeon and a native of Iowa, prepared an American gas-station classic: deep-fried cherry hand pies.

The occasion was the first in a series of dinners dreamed up by Angelina Branca, owner of Sate Kampar, to bring together Philadelphia chefs to celebrate the restaurant industry's rich diversity, while raising money to help the local immigrant population.

Last week, Branca and six other local chefs and one cidermaker realized the first of what Branca is calling the "Muhibbah dinners." Muhibbah is a Malay word meaning "people of multiple cultures and diverse backgrounds coming together in peace and tolerance." According to Branca, Muhibbah was an essential part of her daily life when she was growing up in Kuala Lumpur, such as the occasional times she remembered when Ramadan and Chinese New Year overlapped for a night and when cities merged their celebrations for a festival, converging their different ethnic traditions.

Branca wanted to bring that same spirit of cultural cohesion to Philadelphia, because of its large immigrant and refugee populations and because those same groups, Branca said, often go unappreciated.

"Immigrants and refugees are the people that keep things running in this country," Branca said. "They're in every kitchen, on every farm. But most of us only see what they produce, not the people behind it."

Branca conceded that even she had not fully grasped the contributions of America's immigrant population when she moved here 17 years ago as a corporate intercompany transfer. She had worked in strategic planning at IBM and as a senior director at Deloitte and Fujitsu. Ultimately, she decided to leave when her work became more about politics than the things she enjoyed.

It was only after she opened her restaurant that she was exposed to the undocumented community  "people who came here trying to survive."

Especially at this time when anti-immigrant sentiment is being expressed, Branca wanted to do more for the immigrant communities that she encountered in the restaurant industry. That's why, for the Muhibbah dinners, Branca partnered with (and will donate all of the event's profit to) the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), one of only three organizations in Philadelphia helping to resettle refugees and immigrants seeking asylum.

The final menu included representatives and their recipes from four different continents, many of whom had picked up other cultural influences on their way to the United States.

Tan, for example, comes from Burma, but fled to Malaysia in the late 1990s. His Devil's Chicken Curry dish is actually a blend of Portuguese and Malaysian cuisines, as Tan cut his culinary teeth in the multicultural kitchens of Kuala Lumpur, before finally receiving refugee status and emigrating to the United States in 2014.

Sam Jacobson, a British immigrant and owner of pie shop Stargazy, brought spherical blood sausages on skewers. One undocumented chef from Indonesia, who asked not to be named, prepared a crunchy fried tempeh. Top Chef-winning Nick Elmi  who grew up in western Massachusetts to Sicilian and Irish parents and now serves French cuisine at his restaurant, Laurel  cooked a cured swordfish in an homage to his Italian roots.

The meal was framed by two pours of a cider prepared by Ben Wenk, seventh-generation local farmer and founder of Ploughman Farm Cider. The "collaboration" cider, which Wenk is calling Muhibbah, uses three kinds of Pennsylvania apples and an array of Malaysian spices. A portion of the cider's profit will go to HIAS.

Branca prepared a rice salad called Nasi Ulam Raja, which used to be very popular in Southeast Asia, but has been dying out. The salad's titular herb, ulam raja, which Branca described as having "at once the flavor of parsley and mango," is so rare that Branca had to grow the plant herself just for this meal.

The dinner's finale, prepared by Hungry Pigeon's O'Malley (who previously ran the bakery operations at Balthazar in New York City), contributed a uniquely American cuisine  gas-station junk food. O'Malley served his perfected version of a fried cherry pie, served in folded wax paper so guests could take them "to-go."

Among the dinner's attendees was Philadelphia Mayor Kenney, who has been vocal during his term about his support for Philadelphia's immigrant and undocumented populations. On his first day in office, Kenney reinstated Philadelphia's sanctuary-city status, which had been rescinded by former Mayor Michael Nutter.

"I come from a family of Irish refugees myself," Kenney said. "I see today's immigrants as people just like my family, people who want to feel safe in their houses, in their streets  people who want to taste democracy and revel in it."
In a darkened room at CHOP Primary Care, Cobbs Creek, physician Chris Renjilian set up a projector and debriefed doctors, nurses, and other staff on a new intervention that the office will begin offering to patients in its care.

The medical breakthrough in question? Prescription-strength outdoor play.

"As primary-care pediatricians, one of our goals is to help children get more active. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 60 minutes a day of outside play," he said. "This is something we already spend a lot of time screening for and talking to families about."

Now, they'll actually be able to prescribe it, in the form of customized, detailed action plans that are tailored to connect kids with Philadelphia's park system at a time when children are spending far less time in nature than doctors say is needed for healthy development of motor skills, social competence, problem-solving abilities, and even eyesight. It's an antidote to the plague psychologist Richard Louv described as nature-deficit disorder.

The initiative, called NaturePHL, is a collaboration between CHOP, the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Department, and the National Forest Service.

Launching in August in the form of a pilot program at CHOP's primary-care offices in Cobbs Creek and Roxborough, NaturePHL will be a standard part of all check-ups for kids age 5 to 12, integrated right into their electronic medical records.

Every patient will be screened, given a brief message about the importance of outdoor play, and referred to a new website, NaturePHL.org, that provides a guide to local parks. Some  perhaps those struggling with obesity or attention-deficit disorder  will get more comprehensive counseling; a detailed park prescription for an outdoor activity such as a hike, a scavenger hunt, or a visit to a playground; and a referral to a "nature navigator." That's a community health worker who will help create a detailed plan, figure out how to overcome barriers to getting outside, or even join the patient on a park visit.

It's not the first park-prescription program: Similar ones have launched around the country, including one in Washington, D.C., created by a network of community health centers and the National Park Service that reported a 22-minute average boost in weekly activity.

The Philadelphia organizers intend to undertake the most comprehensive study yet of whether such programs work and how best to undertake them. They hope to analyze whether the program will lead doctors to talk about the importance of outdoor play more, whether kids in the program actually spend more time outdoors, and what effect, if any, it has on their health and well-being.

"There really isn't any research out on parks-prescription programs, their effectiveness and their impact on health," said Michelle Kondo, a scientist with the National Forest Service. "We're still figuring out what's important to measure and what you can quantify."

It might involve using GPS trackers to check whether kids are complying with the prescriptions, or monitoring changes in a patient's heart rate, blood pressure, cortisol levels (which indicate stress), core strength, and attention.

Until now, she said, "these studies have been done with college students, for example, taking them on a bus ride out to the forest and hooking them up to machines as they sit or walk in the forest  not often with urban residents in their own neighborhoods."

Renjilian was a pediatric resident at CHOP when he began talking about the idea with staff at the Schuylkill Center.

"The story of NaturePHL is really a story of shared goals. Philadelphia parks advocates want to encourage use of green space," he said. "And I think a lot of pediatricians struggle because they know they have a responsibility to talk to their patients and families about physical activity and physically active play, but that's really hard to do. We fall short in giving advice that is efficient, but also sufficiently personal, local, and specific. There's a knowledge gap there. Most pediatricians don't live in the same neighborhoods as their patients, and we're very aware of that."

NaturePHL aims to fill that gap with a website that maps Philadelphia parks and lists such features as playgrounds, bathrooms, swimming pools, and wheelchair accessibility. Mary-Grace Gorman of the Parks & Recreation Department said the hope was that a new demographic would also get connected to activities and programs the department was already running in city parks.

As Renjilian presented the initiative to CHOP staff, physician Nicole Jaffe asked what organizers expected, based on focus groups, to be the most common question. "Are the parks on here screened for safety? That's the biggest concern I get from my patients, and if I'm endorsing it," Jaffe said, "I want to know that there is a low probability of something going down there."

There's no simple answer, though. "What is safe?" Renjilian asked.

The hope is that the website will help families evaluate that. A team from the Schuylkill Center has been conducting "park audits" to list the features of each park, and the center plans to add photos and a forum for user reviews and user-submitted photos.

"The idea is, maybe if you can see what the park looks like, you might think it's safer," said Elisa Sarantschin, the NaturePHL program coordinator for the Schuylkill Center.

Although the website was designed in collaboration with CHOP, Sarantschin hopes that the general public will look to it as a resource and that pediatricians in other health systems around the city can begin introducing the program to patients over the next several years.

Kondo is thinking even bigger. "The Forest Service would also like to be part of providing tools to other cities and other groups wanting to start parks-prescription programs."

Such nationwide initiatives have shown success in the past. One, Reach Out and Read, targeted literacy by providing a brief message from a pediatrician, along with a new book, to young children during checkups. Researchers found that the result was children's language development advanced by three to six months.

Wedging these conversations into a 15-minute pediatrician visit may be challenging, but the hope is, if there's a patient whose body-mass index has been creeping up over several visits, the doctor might set aside a couple of minutes to talk about options.

"We're the ones who are going to have to do this. This has to be practical," Renjilian told the group at CHOP. "But for kids with obesity, other than telling them to go outside, there was nothing to give them. Now we have NaturePHL."
Speaking to India Today, Meghwal reiterated that the GST Council implemented a well-thought out bill and ensured rational tax brackets also.

By Pooja Shali: Taking a dig at the Congress on the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Minister of Finance for State, Arjun Ram Meghwal on Thursday said the Congress is attacking the Union government because there is no better reason at hand.

Speaking to India Today, Meghwal reiterated that the GST Council implemented a well-thought out bill and ensured rational tax brackets also.

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Meghwal maintained, "Former finance minister is questioning different (seven) rates and referring to 18 per cent cap but for the farmers and their crop produce, some items had to be retained at zero per cent, and accordingly for other goods. This is a well thought out decision by the government."

CHIDAMBARAM CALLED GST IMPERFECT

Earlier in the day while addressing a press conference in Delhi, Former finance minister, P Chidambaram called the law "imperfect and a mockery" of the GST, as was envisaged by the UPA.

The Union government has hailed the GST midnight launch as a historic economic reform.

However, many sectors witnessed loud and visible protests against the GST. Small-time traders especially the apparel markets kept shops shut for days, claiming their business will suffer with the GST and may push them into losses.

Accepting the confusion prevailing amongst some people, MoS Finance quoted the master class being organised by government. "Cloth merchants are facing problems and we are attempting to resolve their issues. Most questions pertain to bill generation, registration and migration to the GST. Every day, the government is trying to respond to all the queries," he added.

The government claims that feedback has been positive as received on social media and through different outreach channels.

Also read: Current GST imperfect, should have been delayed by two months: P Chidambaram

Also read: Modi government trying to double farmers' income by 2022: Arjun Ram Meghwal

--- ENDS ---
The senior Congress leader demanded that real estate, electricity and petroleum products must be brought under GST.

By India Today Web Desk: Almost a week after the rollout of the landmark Goods and Services Tax (GST), the Congress today called it "imperfect" and a "mockery" of the original draft, and added that it should have been delayed by at least two months since it fails to achieve its purpose in its current form.

"The GST rollout should have been delayed by two months. The GST Network should have undergone a dry run before implementation," former Finance Minister P Chidambaram said in a press conference in New Delhi.

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"This is not the GST the UPA government had envisaged. It's imperfect, a mockery of GST," Chidambaram said, adding that his party, the Congress, will press for the reduction in rates and an 18 per cent cap.

"The aim was that one indirect tax will subsume all other indirect taxes. This GST fails to achieve that," he said.

The senior Congress leader demanded that real estate, electricity and petroleum products must be brought under GST.

Citing the example of the crisis in the Tamil Nadu film industry, Chidambaram said there are seven rates in the current GST. On top of that, the states have also been allowed to impose their own taxes, which is creating the crisis.

"It is not the true GST. There must be a trial run for two months to allow the industry and companies to clear their stocks and then a proper rollout should have happened from September," he said.

On the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly passing the GST Bill, Chidambaram said it does not dilute Article 370. "For Jammu and Kashmir, it is possible to implement GST without diluting Article 370. For that, you need deliberation, not the acrimony," he said.

Also read: India's GST rates highest in the world: All about GST in India and other countries

Also read: Tamil Nadu theatres call off strike over GST just before Friday releases

--- ENDS ---
By Arpan Rai: Students in Delhi University will now have to wraps their heads around the historic goods and services tax (GST) that has flustered many across the country since its unveiling on July 1.

GST, hailed as the country's biggest tax reform since Independence, replaced a thicket of federal and state levies while transforming Asia's third-largest economy into a single market. In a meeting this week, the varsity's academic council approved the inclusion of GST in the curriculum of commerce programmes such as B Com (Hons), B Com (Prog) and BA (Prog).

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It has also recommended this to the university's executive council.

The move aims to help commerce students comprehend the newly introduced tax reform. The "one nation one tax" section will be taught from this academic session as the council wants changes in the course contents of B Com (Hons) in accordance with recent developments on GST.

TOP COLLEGES IN AGREEMENT

The attempt has also brought the top colleges in agreement. "So far, goods and services tax was not included in the curriculum. Going by the status quo, it is important that students understand the tax well. We are awaiting a formal notification from the university and will include it in the curriculum for this academic year," said Reena Chadha, professor at Shri Ram College of Commerce. The university is the first in line to include the tax in the curriculum as Rajesh Jha, professor at Rajdhani College and an academic council member, pointed out that the executive is most likely to sanction the inclusion.Experts say GST should help widen the country's tiny tax base, free up internal trade, make it easier to do business and reduce the clout middlemen wield at state borders. Governments had been trying to introduce the reform for at least 10 years, but had failed to get the support of Parliament.

The tax will be taught to students in B Com (Hons) in third and fifth semesters while B Com (Prog) students of fifth and sixth semester will have a paper on GST and Customs law. If approved by the executive council, it will also be taught to BA (Prog) students in the third and fourth semester. In a meeting concluded last week, the academic council accepted the recommendations made by the faculty of commerce and business.

WHAT THE STUDENTS WILL BE TAUGHT

Students will be taught the constitutional framework of indirect taxes before GST, which include taxation powers of union and state governments, the concept of VAT, rationale and structure of GST, GST council, GST network, state compensation mechanism and registration, etc.

The curriculum is also expected to include levy and collection of GST, which will cover taxable events like supply of goods and services, places of supply like within state, interstate, import and export, time of supply, valuation rules, taxability of reimbursement of expenses, and exemption from GST.

"Tax has now been simplified for our country with GST. Revenue generated from GST will be generated in a manner that will benefit India. Economists are already expecting the tax revenue to reach 2 trillion from 1 billion so students should be apprised with the times they will have to work in," said Dr Bhibhu Pratap Sahu, an assistant professor at Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Khalsa College.

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Students will be taught shortcomings of pre-GST indirect taxes.

Also Read:

Foreign languages remain hot favourite among DU aspirants

High cut-offs result in sluggish pace of admission in Delhi University

Also Watch:

AAP's proposal for 80% Delhi quota in DU colleges: Should admissions be on merit?

--- ENDS ---
A Twitter user recounted her experience in Delhi's Hauz Khas Village, where she witnessed a group of stone-cold sober men trying to abduct a woman last Wednesday night.

By India Today Web Desk: Sexual assault, for a person of any gender or none, is something that is worse than you can imagine. We know it is real, that it is happening around us, and we are always talking about it.

But until it happens to us, or right in front of our eyes, we cannot exactly understand the horrors of a sexual assault.

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For a female resident of Delhi, it happened on Wednesday night at Hauz Khas Village.

The woman, who chose to remain unnamed, described on Twitter how she witnessed a group of men -- stone-cold sober -- trying to force a woman into their car.

"Hey. So I'm going to describe what happened last night at Hauz Khas Village. As we were leaving, we had to walk from HKV to Aurobindo," the Twitter user begins her thread.

She went on to narrate the account where "a car full of men heading towards HKV" took a U-turn after noticing a girl with her drunk friend.

"They stop, two guys get out and you hear 'Bas gaadi mein daalo', they start following the girl. She's busy dealing with drunk friend," she tweets.

She then describes the scene where "3-4 guys in car" and "2 guys on foot" start closing in on her.

That is when this Twitter user and her friends intervene, and seeing them, the group of men "get back in car" and "wait a while".

But they don't give up.

"2 guys get out again this time they go straight at the girl & the car is ready so they can grab her & toss her in. They surround her," the woman writes.

"This is when I run upto the car & ask them what's up. They say nothing, go away. I say, you are stalking this girl, f*ck off. They laugh," she describes, pointing out how unfazed these men were by the confrontation.

So much so, they resort to threatening the Twitter user: "They say 'isko drop kar denge kahin' zyada bolegi toh tereko bhi kahin le jayenge. I threaten to call cops. They don't seem fazed."

At this point, a friend of the Twitter user's came in, and she loudly asked him to call the police, trying to scare the men off. Upon noticing that she had boys with her, they "get worried".

After this, as the Twitter user describes, the two men chasing the girl on foot "get back into the car". Nonetheless, they "still lurk around and I keep shouting, they finally leave when I try to take video".

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She further writes that she has "listed all details here including partial plate number, time of incident and location,".

"These guys spent a while calculating how best to spot a girl & had a fully planned method of how to abduct. They weren't drunk," she adds.

"These were guys who very methodically had a plan to abduct & rape a woman. They weren't doing it on impulse. They came here for this."

TWITTERATI'S REACTION

As always, there were some people who came forward to congratulate the woman on her courage and quick-thinking, while others who questioned the verity of the account.

"F*ck man. so glad you were there to help tho, that was really brave. wish i had any faith in the police doing anything," tweeted a woman in response.

"Kudos to u guys! Just wondering how many such cases happen regularly that the girl doesn't even share with anyone," a man commented on the thread.

Meanwhile, others weren't so convinced.

"Hard to believe you did all this but did not take proper car no," wrote a particular Twitter user

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Another person wrote: "Twitter pe rant kar sakte ho. legal tarike se kaam nahi?"

WHAT ABOUT POLICE?

After being tagged to the post multiple times, Delhi Police responded on the thread saying that "the matter has been referred to @DCPSouthDelhi [Deputy Commissioner of Police South Delhi] for necessary action."

For more on Hauz Khas village...

26-year-old raped in Delhi's Hauz Khas village: What we know so far

Delhi Police, NSG conduct mock drill at HKV

Delhi shocker: Woman raped near posh Hauz Khas Village

26-year-old woman raped after being offered ride in Hauz Khas

--- ENDS ---
Uranus and Neptune are a distinct class of planets in the solar system. The gas giants Jupiter and Saturn are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium. The ice giants Uranus and Neptune, by contrast, are believed to have formed further from the sun where ices would have been more common. As a result, these are water worlds (although the water is under tremendous pressure and believed to be in an ionic state and mixed with ammonia and methane). Above the water are atmospheres of hydrogen and helium and below rocky cores. However, the report notes that with our current knowledge, Uranus and Neptune, challenge our understanding of planetary formation, evolution and physics. We also have learned that planets of their size are a common class of worlds orbiting other stars.

We need to return to these worlds to both understand our own and other planetary systems.

In one way, exploring the solar system is like building medieval cathedralsit is a process that takes generations. If the plans laid out in the report come to fruition, almost six decades will pass between the Voyager 2 flybys of these worlds and their next visit. Approximately a quarter century will pass from today to arrival. This is not unusual. Nearly a quarter century will also pass between the first serious discussions Im aware of for a dedicated mission to Europa and the expected arrival of the Europa Clipper spacecraft. Now is the time to begin serious planning to take advantage of the good flight opportunities around 2030.

The goal of the report is to provide the planetary community a range of options it can use when they consider goals for planetary exploration in the 2020s and early 2030s. That process, called the Decadal Survey, looks across the solar system and recommends a balance of missions to address top scientific questions within the expected budget. The last Survey, covering 2013 to 2022, ranked a mission to Uranus as the third priority after a rover to cache Martian samples and a mission to explore the habitability of Europa. Available funding allowed development of those latter two missions to begin this decade. The possible start of work on a mission to Uranus was deferred to the 2020s. With that delay, the changing alignment of the planets opens up the alternative to explore Neptune instead of Uranus.

The first use of the report will be by a committee conducting a mid-term assessment of the current Decadal Survey. According to Dwayne Day, the study director of the National Academies' mid-term assessment, the review committee has already been briefed about the ice giants study, and has also heard from the Outer Planets Assessment Group about future outer planets missions. Dr. Day was involved in running the planetary decadal. He notes that one of the challenges that group faced was that few planetary mission studies had been done prior to the last Decadal Survey, which limited the options the survey members had when they started. That created a crush during the study to develop new mission concepts and conduct mission evaluations while the survey was underway. Having the ice giants study in hand prior to the development of the next Decadal Survey is a real asset.

The report is a menu of options: perform a flyby only (not recommended), orbit Uranus or Neptune or both (each have unique characteristics), possibly deliver a probe that would enter the atmosphere (recommended), and carry 3, 7, or 13 (recommended) orbiter instruments. Theres also a choice of launch vehicles.

With all these options, it can be difficult to answer what was my basic question in reading the report: When we return, how will we explore whichever world is prioritized in the next Decadal Survey? In this post, I take one set of options and look at that question. For anyone reading the report, this generally follows Option 5 for a Uranus orbiter but with seven instead of three orbiter instruments listed for this option. I also look at how the goals would change if Neptune were selected instead.

I recommend Jason Davis' post on the Planetary Society's blog for additional background on the scientific reasons for returning to these worlds.
Glock has been chosen as the next generation pistol by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). The contract will be fulfilled through Glock's Canadian law enforcement distributor, Rampart Corp.

"We are excited to be working with the OPP, which is one of Canada's premier law enforcement agencies, and look forward to a long relationship with it," said James Cassells, Glock Canadian Sales Manager.

The OPP is one of North America's largest law enforcement agencies with more than 6,200 uniformed officers, 3,100 civilian employees, and 800 Auxiliary officers. It provides essential services that ensure the safety and security of the people of the Province of Ontario and is responsible for policing over one million square kilometers of land and waterways. The OPP further provides frontline policing services to more than 320 Ontario municipalities and patrols over 126,000 kilometers of provincial roadways. It has many specialized units, including drug enforcement, aviation, explosive disposal, search and rescue, canine, and emergency response.

For more information, visit https://us.glock.com/.
Officer Miosotis Familia (Photo: NYPD)

The veteran NYPD officer who was ambushed and killed while in her patrol vehicle early Wednesday was a mother of three who had recently returned to work following an injury.

Officer Miosotis Familia, 48, had been out sick with a leg injury and only returned to full duty last month at the 46th Precinct, where she worked the midnight shift, sources told the New York Post.

Police union boss Patrick Lynch honored Familia as a hero Wednesday morning.

Police officer Miosotis Familia, the mother of three, gave her life protecting a neighborhood that had been plagued by gang gun violence. Fully knowing the dangers that she faced, she suited up in uniform everyday and stood tall against those who threaten and terrorize the good folks of the Bronx, the president of the Patrolmens Benevolent Association said in a statement.
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(Reuters)  U.S. President Donald Trump has employed tough rhetoric in response to North Koreas missile tests, but his options appear limited in dealing with a challenge that has vexed his Oval Office predecessors.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called Pyongyangs test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile on the eve of Tuesdays U.S. Independence Day a global threat, as experts cautioned that Alaska may now be within range.

Most options for cracking down on Pyongyang fall into four categories: economic sanctions, covert action, diplomatic negotiations and military force.

ECONOMIC SANCTIONS

North Korea is already among the most heavily sanctioned nations, facing numerous strictures to limit its ability to conduct commerce, participate in international finance and trade in weapons and other contraband.

Despite those measures, most analysts agree that U.S. and multilateral sanctions have not prevented North Korea from advancing its fledgling nuclear weapons capability, said a report last year from the U.S. Congressional Research Service.

Reuters has reported that Trump is focusing his North Korea strategy for now on tougher sanctions, possibly including an oil embargo, banning its airline, intercepting cargo ships and punishing Chinese banks doing business with Pyongyang.

U.S. officials have expressed doubt about how much further China is willing to go to pressure its defiant North Korean ally  despite Beijings increasing frustration with Pyongyangs missile launches and nuclear tests.

Beijing has long feared that economic collapse in North Korea would flood China with refugees and leave it to deal with chaos on the Korean peninsula.

In a statement on Tuesday, Tillerson said: Any country that hosts North Korean guest workers, provides any economic or military benefits, or fails to fully implement UN Security Council resolutions is aiding and abetting a dangerous regime

COVERT ACTION

The United States, with help from Israel, temporarily set back Irans nuclear program via a computer virus called Stuxnet, which destroyed thousands of centrifuges used to enrich uranium.

The United States tried, but failed, to deploy a version of the Stuxnet virus to attack North Koreas nuclear weapons program in 2009 and 2010, Reuters reported in 2015.

One former high-ranking intelligence official briefed on the program said the effort was stymied by North Koreas utter secrecy and extreme isolation of its communications systems.

That same secrecy is responsible for what U.S. officials have consistently described as limited U.S. intelligence about the North Korean governments inner workings.

Another semi-covert approach would be for Washington to use electronic warfare or cyber attacks to disable North Korean missiles during or shortly after their launch.

The high failure rate of the Norths missile tests has prompted speculation that the United States is already doing so. The New York Times reported earlier this year that the U.S. military was working hard on missile defenses that would involve sabotage rather than traditional anti-missile interceptors.

DIPLOMACY

The Trump administration has said it is open to diplomatic negotiations with North Korea, but only under the right conditions. The talks need to be aimed at denuclearization, Washington has said.

There have been no official negotiations for seven years. In February 2012, the United States and North Korea announced an agreement in which the North would suspend operations of its Yongbyon uranium enrichment plant, allow international inspectors to verify the suspension, and implement moratoriums on nuclear and long-range missile tests.

In return, North Korea would get badly needed food aid.

In April of that year, the North attempted to launch a satellite on a three-stage rocket, in what Washington said was a violation of the agreement because of the rockets potential military uses. While Pyongyang denied it had breached the agreement, the deal was suspended.

While China has responded to previous North Korean tests of suspected ICBM technology by agreeing to tougher U.N. sanctions, it emphasized on Tuesday its call for a return to talks with North Korea by signing a joint statement with Russia.

Under a plan devised by Beijing, North Korea would suspend its ballistic missile program in return for a moratorium on large-scale military exercises by the United States and South Korea, which Washington and Seoul say are essential to maintain defense readiness.

MILITARY FORCE

Military options available to Trump range from a sea blockade aimed at enforcing sanctions to cruise missile strikes on nuclear and missile facilities to a broader campaign aimed at overthrowing leader Kim Jong Un.

North Korea has threatened to ruthlessly ravage the United States if Washington chooses to attack.

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has warned the consequences of any military action would be tragic on an unbelievable scale. Any U.S. military action brings severe risks for U.S. ally South Korea.

On the same program, Trump national security adviser H.R. McMaster has indicated military force is a last resort. Its time for us to undertake all actions we can, short of a military option, to try to resolve this peacefully, he said.

(Writing by Warren Strobel and Lesley Wroughton; Editing by Peter Cooney)
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Desperate to distract from their failing effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act, the Republican Party took to Twitter on Wednesday to attack Hillary Clinton and sarcastically ask her to come up with her own health care plan.

Unfortunately for them, Clinton shot back quickly, directing them to take a look at the detailed health care plan she put forward during the campaign, a proposal that would preserve Obamacare but improve on it.

She even gave them permission to run with the plan, since the unpopular bill theyre currently trying to pass would be devastating for millions of Americans.

Tweet:

Right here. Includes radical provisions like how not to kick 23 mil ppl off their coverage. Feel free to run w/it.https://t.co/jBMFBJpSP7 https://t.co/zZoA16Ym03  Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) July 5, 2017

Clintons response came after the Republican Party posted a video on social media, asking Clinton, Wheres your plan?

The fact that Republicans think they could pull one past the former Secretary of State on a complicated policy issue like health care shows just how lost they are in their effort to kick more than 20 million Americans off their health insurance.

Not only is the former Democratic nominee one of the most knowledgeable political figures around, but health care has been one of her pet issues for decades.

Still, despite the fact that Clinton won the popular vote by 3 million ballots in 2016, the American people know the government is under complete Republican control. They want to know what their plans are, not see them launch desperate attacks on Clinton.

The GOP may not have a clue about what theyre doing when it comes to health care, but Hillary Clinton showed on Wednesday that she has no problem handing over her health care proposal for the good of the country.

Your move, Republicans.
By Indo-Asian News Service: After Shoojit Sircar urged authorities to ban children's reality shows, actress Neha Dhupia says such platforms give children confidence and direction early on in life. However, she feels they must not compromise on their education for anything.

Neha, who has judged children's reality show Chhote Miyan Dhaakad, was present for the launch of a mattress brand here on Tuesday when she was asked to comment on the issue.

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She said: "I think a bit differently about it (than Shoojit). It's a competitive world, so I have to stand for everything that I endorse. I have judged a kids' reality show and the most important thing is that as authorities, we know what exactly happens there.

"I respect what Shoojit mentioned in his tweet, but the other side is that these kids are well looked after, they are sent to school. When they are shooting for the show for a period of two to three weeks, in that period they get a tutor in their own private environment."

"I feel it (reality shows) gives them confidence, a stage to perform and gives them direction may be 10 years early in their life. If somebody at the age of 9 or 10 realises that they want to become an actor, there is no harm if a platform or stage is provided to them."

"But at the same time, I am a firm believer in education. I feel whatever your dream is, kids should ensure that they complete their education and then take it forward wherever they want to go."

Sircar had tweeted: "Humble request to authorities to urgently ban all reality shows involving children. It's actually destroying them emotionally and their purity."

Also read: Karanvir Bohra to host talent reality show for twins called India's Best Judwa

--- ENDS ---
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Rachel Maddow obliterated Donald Trump on Wednesday, saying that no other president  Republican or Democrat  would have taken the inconceivable step of giving Russian President Vladimir Putin a sit-down meeting.

Maddow said the administrations decision to grant a bilateral, G20 meeting with the Russian president is unimaginable, and she laid out the many reasons why Trump shouldnt show Putin that kind of respect.

Video:

#Maddow slams Trumps decision to meet with Putin: What has he done to earn a meeting with the U.S. president? pic.twitter.com/8qEa6Qb2Qs  Sean Colarossi (@SeanColarossi) July 6, 2017

Maddow slammed the president:

How has [Putin] earned a face-to-face, full-scale, bilateral meeting with the U.S. president? What has he done to deserve that meeting and that respect  other than launching a massive cyber attack on our presidential election last year and threatening to shoot down U.S. jets over Syria just a couple weeks ago and sending their Russian fighter jets to buzz American ships and planes all over the world, and these new credible allegations that Russian firms are selling weapons and oil to North Korea, as North Korea is shooting off an ICBM. Other than that, what has Putin done to earn this since Crimea? I dont know, maybe there is something that Vladimir Putin has done thats really nice alongside that other stuff, but whatever it is, we the public dont know about it. And he is, nevertheless, getting a bilateral meeting with the American president because of something.

The MSNBC star added that Trumps actions on the world stage go beyond party: Had Jeb Bush become president or any normal Republican become president  it would be inconceivable that any of this thats happening right now would be happening  In normal Republican politics, let alone in Democratic politics, what is happening today and what will happen over the course of this week is inconceivable. We are in territory now that, until very recently, would have been unimaginable within American politics.

Because of the secrecy surrounding the Trump administrations ties to Russia, its hard to know exactly why this president is catering to the Kremlin at a time when the U.S. should be taking a tough stance against them.

After all, the Russians did wage an attack on last years presidential election, as Maddow pointed out  an attack that we are still trying to get to bottom of.

What we do know, however, is that the Russian cyber attack helped Trump win last years election, and Trump has a hard time shunning anybody that helps him advance his own self-interest.

For Donald Trump, there is no contest between protecting Americas democracy and rewarding those who help him gain personally  he will choose himself every single time.
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Donald Trumps phony commission to investigate non-existent pro-Clinton voter fraud in last years presidential election continues to devolve into a full-blown dumpster fire, a new report indicates.

According to The Hill, the commission  already under fire for unethical activity  may have violated the law.

More from the report:

But [head of the commission, Kris Kobach] did not address the question of whether his office complied with federal law in issuing its request for public information. And if the commission didnt follow the rule of law, the resistant states might have another effective argument. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act, information requests from agencies and other federal entities are supposed to first be submitted to the Office of Management and Budgets Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA).  The law also requires that agencies justify their requests for public information, specify how it will be used and provide assurances that data will be protected. The law also obliges the agencies to estimate how many hours it will take entities to respond. It does not appear that the commission submitted its request to OIRA before sending a letter to states asking for voter information. Experts say the failure to do so would be significant, since states would be under no obligation to respond to requests that violate federal law.

The news that Trumps commission may have violated federal law comes hours after it was reported that all 50 states have refused to give Donald Trump all or part of their voter data, yet another humiliation for the White House who cant even get red states to do their bidding.

It also comes days after the commission was slapped with a legal complaint alleging that Kobach, the man heading up the panel, was using it to promote his own campaign to become the governor of Kansas.

From the start, Trumps voter fraud commission was a complete sham built upon the tinfoil hat idea that the president only lost the popular vote because of illegal activity, even though there has never been evidence to support such a claim.

The commission has since devolved into a complete embarrassment for the administration  one that appears to have violated federal law.
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Trumps voter fraud commission has fallen flat on its face as nearly every state in the country has refused to turn over voter data to the White House.

The Washington Post reported, In a rare display of bipartisanship, officials in nearly every state have said they will partially or fully refuse to comply with President Trumps voting commission, which has encountered criticism and opposition after issuing a sweeping request for voter data nationwide. Even as some of the resistance centers on Trump and members of his commission, the broader responses from the states indicate a strong and widespread belief that local officials should be managing elections and that the White Houses request for volumes of information went too far.

There was near universal agreement from the states that what Trump asked for was either unconstitutional or a violation of state law. It is not surprising that this White House would not bother to check state law or have their request reviewed to make sure that what they asked for from the states was actually legal.

The vast majority of states were not going to be so reckless as to turn over the sensitive personal information of their voters to the White House whose motives were suspect. Trump tried to go beyond asking for standard voter information, which is why he was correctly shot down.

This president has suffered another humiliation as the checks and balances that limit executive power remain alive and well, and will not let Donald Trump act like a king.
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Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells plan to quickly pass a secret health care bill that would end coverage for 22 million Americans hit more snags, as the vote on the bill was delayed for an additional week because Republicans still dont have the votes to pass it.

Politico reported, Senate Republicans are highly unlikely to vote next week to repeal Obamacare and are tentatively preparing for a vote in approximately two weeks, according to senators and officials on Capitol Hill and in the White House. The Congressional Budget Office is reviewing legislative language sent by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell; the Senate parliamentarian must weigh in on controversial proposals; and GOP leaders still have not forged a bill that can get 50 votes. Those factors are likely to push the pivotal roll call closer to the end of July than immediately after the July 4 recess.

The vote on advancing the legislation to a final vote is increasingly looking like it may happen at the end of the month, and if the bill runs into any more hurdles, it will not meet the GOPs goal of passage before the August recess. The legislation has to be voted on before Congress leaves for the August because the calendar for the rest of the year is packed with other issues. The debt ceiling will need to be raised, and Ryan and McConnell are aching to get to work on tax reform legislation. If the healthcare bill doesnt pass before the end of July, there is a possibility that McConnell pulls the plug on the whole effort, because he is more interested in tax reform than healthcare.

There is still no clear path to 50 votes for this legislation. Sens. Dean Heller and Susan Collins look like firm no votes, and Republicans who dont want Medicaid cut have not seen anything close to what they want in the legislation. Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska has joined Collins in working on an amendment to keep Planned Parenthood funded, and if Republicans insist on defunding Planned Parenthood, the bill could be doomed.

Mitch McConnells plan was to draft this legislation in secret and pass it as quickly as possible, but now he is stuck in healthcare quagmire where he is in between two factions of his own party.

The healthcare bill has gone spectacularly wrong for McConnell, which is why no one should be surprised if he gives it one try at the end of July with the idea that failure means that Obamacare repeal is dead.
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CNNs Jim Acosta is accusing Trump of faking his news conference overseas by calling on a reporter who applied for a job in his White House.

Video of Acosta on CNN:

Acosta was outraged because Trump only took two questions, and he gave one of them to US Daily Mail political editor, David Martosko, who discussed joining the Trump White House last month, possibly as press secretary.

Martosko tossed a softball to Trump about CNN, If I may, if I may, I have to ask you about this, since you started the whole wrestling video thing, what are your thoughts about what has happened since then? CNN went after you and has threatened to expose the identity of a person they said was responsibility for it. I think Id like your thoughts.

Trump did his usual routine about CNN being fake news, and thus half of the Presidents press conference was dedicated to a question from a potential employee that allowed him to attack the free press.

Acosta also went off on Twitter:

Trump finally held a news conference overseas. But he took a question from a friendly reporter and then attacked CNN as "fake news."  Jim Acosta (@Acosta) July 6, 2017

Isn't it a "fake news conference" to take a question from a reporter who is essentially an ally of the White House? https://t.co/vD7DgAZXIv  Jim Acosta (@Acosta) July 6, 2017

The other question that Trump was asked came from NBCs Hallie Jackson and it resulted in this disaster of Trump refusing to admit that Russia hacked the election:

.@HallieJackson: You THINK it was Russia, your intelligence agencies say it WAS Russia, why wont you say it was? https://t.co/uUyeTu9chV  NBC News (@NBCNews) July 6, 2017

It is bad enough that this president wont take questions from anyone besides friendly conservative media outlets, but to go overseas and rig a press conference in front of the entire world sends a bad message to other nations.

US freedoms and democracy are under assault from Trump. If any other president were accused of holding a fake press conference, it would dominate the headlines, but sadly, a level of acceptance of diminished press freedoms may be setting in.

It is a legitimate question to ask why this president wont take questions from or give interviews to non-conservative outlets.

What Trump did in Poland was a farce that reeks of the sort of banana republic authoritarianism that Trump wishes for the United States to become.
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Trump spoke to the people of Poland, and the message that he delivered to them was that being invaded by Nazis and Soviets was trouble and tough.

Video:

Trump said, In 1920, in the Miracle of Vistula, Poland stopped the Soviet army bent on European conquest. Then, 19 years later in 1939, you were invaded yet again, this time by Nazi Germany from the west and the Soviet Union from the east. Thats trouble. Thats tough.

The President who is under federal investigation because his presidential campaign may have colluded with the Russians to undermine democracy warned that the West is in danger, Our own fight for the West does not begin on the battlefield  it begins with our minds, our wills, and our souls. Today, the ties that unite our civilization are no less vital, and demand no less defense, than that bare shred of land on which the hope of Poland once totally rested. Our freedom, our civilization, and our survival depend on these bonds of history, culture, and memory.

The fight for the West also begins with stopping a president who may have collaborated with Putin to undermine US democracy.

Trumps schtick doesnt play well on the world stage. As the issues get bigger, Donald Trumps mind gets exposed as smaller. Anytime this president speaks, there is a more than 50/50 possibility of some type of embarrassment resulting from his words.

Donald Trump is a small man who cant lead on the big stage. Trump is a damaged president with no credibility, little knowledge, and a cloud of scandal hanging over his head. He cant do the job as president, and every time he tries, Trump reveals why he is failing at home and abroad.
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White House ethics chief Walter Shaub is resigning later this month, and while he says that he wasnt pushed out by Trump, Shaub makes it clear in his resignation letter that he views this administration as placing profiting off of the presidency above all else.

Here is Shaubs letter of resignation:

The Washington Post reported, In an interview, Shaub said he was not leaving under pressure, adding that no one in the White House or the administration pushed him to leave. But the ethics chief said he felt that he had reached the limit of what he could achieve in this administration, within the current ethics framework.

In a statement provided to PoliticusUSA, Shaub via the Campaign Legal Center made it clear that there are problems within the Trump administration, I have had the honor and privilege of serving the American public at the U.S. Office of Government Ethics under three presidents  George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. In working with the current administration, it has become clear to me that we need improvements to the existing ethics program. I look forward to working toward that aim at Campaign Legal Center, as well as working on ethics reforms at all levels of government.

The White House is so unethical that Shaub resigned in the hopes of being able to push for more reform from outside of the Office of Government Ethics. Trump is deeply conflicted, and with the Russia scandal soaking up the headlines, the fact that the Trump family has been rampantly profiting off of the presidency has been somewhat overlooked.

The Shaub resignation is a big alarm bell that signals that there is a vast level of corruption within the Trump administration. Donald Trump and his family are abusing the presidency for personal enrichment. Shaubs resignation should be a big story, and hopefully, it will bring the Trump Emoluments Clause violations the attention that they deserve.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Showers and a possible thunderstorm during the evening will give way to partly cloudy skies after midnight. Low 64F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Showers and a possible thunderstorm during the evening will give way to partly cloudy skies after midnight. Low 64F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
By PTI: into: Chamling

New Delhi, Jul 6 (PTI) Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling today said that the direct impact of Gorkhaland agitation on life of the people of Sikkim must be looked into with utmost seriousness.

"Given the inter-state ramifications of the Gorkhaland agitation and treating it as merely a West Bengal issue is not adequate," he said in a statement today.

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He alleged that trucks carrying essential goods, commodities and petroleum products were being ransacked right in the presence of the West Bengal police.

"In some cases, it has been learnt that West Bengal police itself is overseeing unloading of petroleum products and other goods meant for Sikkim," he said.

In the statement issued, Chamling said Sikkim borders three countries and the potential threat to national security is a matter of supreme importance.

Indian and China are having stand off near the northern border of the state.

"The only access to the rest of the country is through the state of West Bengal. Due to the agitation and prevailing law and order situation, Sikkim is sandwiched between these constraints for the need and requirement of Sikkimese people and the States economic development," he said clarifying about his reported statements where he was quoted as saying that Sikkim did not chose India to become sandwich between China and West Bengal.

"Any conspiracy to misquote me so as to imply any anti- national comment is utterly abominable and strongly condemned," he said.

The government of India and all the concerned authorities should safeguard the interest of Sikkim from these hazards and constraints, he said.

"As far as the national security is concerned, the Government of India is appropriately handling the matter. We fully support its efforts, which is addressing the national security concerns in the best interest of our country," he said.

He also said that the state has already borne a loss of over Rs 60,000 crore because of three-decade old agitation in neighbouring state (West Bengal).

He said that in the agitation related violence on NH10, Sikkims only road link with the rest of the nation, over 5,000 vehicles have been vandalised and more than 50 people (drivers and passengers) have been killed during the period.

"The persistent unrest, consequential uncertainty and constant threat to life have been faced by the Sikkimese people all these years," he said.

Chamling said that this callousness towards the people of Sikkim is a huge insult to their human dignity and national pride.

"Sikkims allegiance to the Nation is unexampled and unquestionable, as the Sikkimese people chose to become Indians through a resoundingly pro-India verdict in a historic referendum and thereafter Sikkim became 22nd State of the Union of India," he said.

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Chamling said the people of Sikkim are proud to be Indian citizens and they have proven their loyalty to their beloved country through unquestionable commitment towards nation building ever since the merger. PTI ABS SMJ

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WASHINGTON  Oh, those charts.

President Donald Trump passed one around on Twitter in recent days, and it showing spending on Medicaid rising for years in the future under the stalled Republican health care bill. You'd never know from his chart's mountain-climbing line , or his rhetoric, that the bill would inflict deep cuts in the program.

A drawing can be made to show what the person making the display wants people to see, even using correct numbers, but in a way that obscures reality. Similarly, Vice President Mike Pence had a chart onstage weeks ago showing how enrollment under the Obama-era health law fell far short of predictions. That's only because Pence and his chart ignored the estimated 12 million low-income people covered under the overhaul's Medicaid expansion.

Trump's tweet came during a week of tussling over the Senate Republican health bill, a White House cheerleading session for U.S. energy and assertions by the president on trade  subjects producing a variety of statements that call for scrutiny.

A sampling:

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TRUMP: "For many, many years, the United States has suffered through massive trade deficits. That's why we have $20 trillion in debt. So we'll be changing that."  Remarks Friday in meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and aides.

THE FACTS: Trump's comments suggest he could use a refresher in how the economy works. Trade deficits are not why the U.S. has nearly $20 trillion in national debt.

Because the U.S. imports more than it exports, it has a negative trade balance, or a deficit. Of course, many of the goods that the U.S. imports are popular with consumers so a deficit isn't necessarily negative. Americans may buy coffee from Central America, electronics from China, cars from South Korea and jeans sewn in Turkey.

The national debt is a separate thing. It's the debt accumulated from budget deficits year after year, when the federal government must borrow because it spends more than it collects in taxes. The total public debt outstanding is $19.8 trillion.

If Trump seeks to reduce that figure, he would probably need to do some combination of cutting spending, increasing tax revenues and fueling significantly faster economic growth.

TRUMP: "Our new American Energy Policy will unlock MILLIONS of jobs & TRILLIONS in wealth. We are on the cusp of a true energy REVOLUTION."  tweet Friday.

THE FACTS: It's hard to see how any government policy could yield the results Trump predicts. Despite a recent boom, the energy sector employs fewer workers than it did a decade ago. The Labor Department said there are 655,300 jobs in mining coal and extracting oil and natural gas, down from a peak of 1.18 million jobs in 1981. And a report in January from the authoritative Energy Information Administration shows that the entire energy generation sector - including solar, wind, hydroelectric, nuclear and bioenergy - employs 2 million people.

TRUMP: "As you all know, I approved the Keystone XL pipeline and the Dakota Access pipeline in my first week. Thousands of jobs, tremendous things are happening."  remarks Thursday on energy.

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THE FACTS: His timing is off and his boast about jobs leaves out the fact that almost all the employment is temporary.

In his first week, Trump signed orders asking TransCanada to resubmit its application to build Keystone XL and requiring the Army Corps of Engineers to reconsider its earlier refusal to grant an easement needed to finish the Dakota Access project. Both projects had been blocked by the Obama administration and Trump undoubtedly revived them, but his Jan. 24 orders did not approve them. That came later.

The U.S. government estimated Keystone XL will create 42,100 jobs directly and indirectly in the U.S. for up to two years. Once the pipeline is complete, operating it would support an estimated 50 jobs. The recently completed Dakota Access pipeline is expected to support several dozen permanent jobs.

TRUMP, on how he braced for trouble when he revived the pipeline projects: "I thought I'd take a lot of heat. I didn't take any heat. I approved them and that was it. I figured we'd have all sorts of protests. We didn't have anything."  remarks on energy.

THE FACTS: Hundreds of authorities went into the Standing Rock protest camp in late February, clearing it out and arresting 46 people. Trump is wrong to say there were no protests. But they were much diminished by the time he took his action. Protesters had declared victory in December when the Army Corps ruled against the easement, freezing the project. The Standing Rock Sioux, the tribe at the center of the protests in North Dakota, told demonstrators through the winter that it was time to go home.

TRUMP: "The #AmazonWashingtonPost, sometimes referred to as the guardian of Amazon not paying internet taxes (which they should) is FAKE NEWS!"  tweet Wednesday.

THE FACTS: This convoluted accusation of fake news from The Washington Post sideswipes Amazon for supposedly not paying "internet taxes," which are not really a thing. In any event, Amazon.com collects state sales taxes in all 45 states that have such taxes, as well as the District of Columbia, according to its website. State governments have sought to capture sales taxes lost to internet retailers, though they have struggled with a 1992 Supreme Court ruling that retailers must have a physical presence in a state before officials can make them collect sales tax.

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos bought The Washington Post in 2013, without the involvement of Amazon.com Inc.

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SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, White House spokeswoman, on why she thinks the Congressional Budget Office is credible on matters involving revenue and spending but not reliable in predicting 22 million people would lose coverage under the Republican bill: "The CBO is a budget office ... We don't always agree that it does a great job predicting coverage." She added: "I think when they focus on the budget side, that's probably a good thing."  briefing Tuesday.

THE FACTS: She's cherry-picking. It's a Washington ritual to talk up favorable findings from the CBO and talk down negative ones.

She likes the office's budget projections because they anticipate a cut in the deficit and health-related taxes as a result of the legislation. She dislikes the nonbudget projections that anticipate a substantial rise in the uninsured.

But the two cannot be unlinked: A law's effects on the budget can only be forecast if analysts make assumptions on how that law changes people's behavior. The expectation that fewer people would buy health insurance under the Republican bill is central to measuring the bill's impact on federal finances.

The CBO is highly respected on Capitol Hill for its impartiality, and its projections, while sometimes far off, are considered more reliable than those by other analysts. But that doesn't stop partisans from assailing the office's credibility when it suits them  Democrats did the pummeling when they didn't like CBO forecasts on Obama's law.

As Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina put it earlier this year: "We like the CBO when they agree with us. When they don't, they're a bunch of losers."
2nd Street celebrity Abe Sauer  the king of the coffee cart neighboring Mayo Clinic and bus stops  is opening one of the most outright jolly and eccentric coffee shops you will ever set foot in.

Like something straight out of a Wes Anderson film, Old Abe Coffee Co. pulled out all the stops when tag-teaming with local painter Bobby Marinez to create a quizzical and curious coffee shop at 832 7th St. NW, Rochester. As a father of three, Abe wanted to offer a solution for families looking to spend days together but needing to appease all ages.

Theres a childrens room next to the walk-in area where you order and sit down to drink your Old Abe War Eagle cold brew. Hatted giraffes and a shelf imitating the Plummer building set the scene in this all-generation-inclusive coffee shop, so have no fear bringing a toddler or two after a day at Cooke Park. Comic books litter the walls on the way towards the back nook, where a proud pink cow waits as you peruse "X-Men.".

Abe plans on opening softly to the neighborhood in early to mid July, then revealing a broader announcement once the bumps are worked out. The hours will be mid-morning to early evening Wednesday to Saturday, which will be adjusted as time goes on.

Old Abe Coffee Co. neighbors thriving local businesses such as Forager, Kinney Creek, Dwell Local, Nupa, and Taqueria El Sueno. Being close to Kutzky Park, this strip of businesses offers something bigger than selling a product  it provides intimacy, walkability, a shared sense of community, and novelty. People can walk or bike to places 5 minutes away from their homes, unlike the death trap of biking down Broadway; 7th Street rehabilitates the sense of community Rochester lost when they mapped out a city for automobiles in the 70s during the IBM and Mayo Clinic boom years.

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Because of the rise in automobiles, there is a carwash neighboring Old Abes new coffee shop. Do not park there, as there is ample street parking all along 7th Street. There is also bountiful bike parking.

Humble enough to name his company after a Civil War animal hero, Old Abe is most proud of the 5-star reviews for both his product and customer service. He will soon offer a more extended menu, including food such as sushi rice bowls, vegan grilled cheese, a vegetarian Cubano sandwich, and his signature vegan banh mi. He is also proud of doing something no one else in Rochester has done as a coffee cart vendor and living up to being a "truly one of a kind Minnesota business." Hes proudest, though, of customers who dont park in the carwash lot.

Abe will continue to vend from his unmistakable coffee cart, but he sees his new shop as a complement to the neighborhood  its quirky and offhand enough to catch your attention, but the warm and whimsical drinks will make you want to stay. Taking influences everywhere from China to New Orleans, boredom is not on Abe Sauers menu.
In the past two years, Chinese investment in India has grown almost six times with the foreign direct investment jumping from 1 billion dollars in 2014 to 6 billion dollars in 2015.

By Mausami Singh: As tension continues to escalate between India and China, it can have a spiralling impact on the trade relations between the two countries. With speculations rife in the Chinese media over an economic backlash in India against Chinese companies, would the trust deficit impact the business ties between the two Asian giants?

It was not so long ago that China's President Xi Jinping visited India and both countries saw a rejuvenation of economic ties. Ever since then, China's exports to India have grown at an exponential pace.

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China's big manufacturing sector has increasingly looked at the consumerist Indian middle class as a lucrative market. If Chinese media reports are to go by, the recent standoff in Doklam has certainly given the Chinese economists sleepless nights. A recent report in state-controlled media expressed concerns over an economic backlash in India as territorial issues can easily stir up patriotic feelings in Indians.

Although economists feel that if trust deficit impacts trade relations, the loss for China would be greater.

CHINESE INVESTMENTS IN INDIA

In the past two years, Chinese investment in India has grown almost six times with the foreign direct investment jumping from 1 billion dollars in 2014 to 6 billion dollars in 2015. "As far as exports are concerned, it is obvious China considers India a hot investment destination and knows that India is the answer for boosting it's manufacturing sector. Last year, Chinese exports to India stood at a whopping 60 billion dollars as compared to India's miniscule 16 billion dollar export to China, widening the trade deficit between the two Asian Giants," says economist Akash Jindal.

In the present scenario, the heightened border tension could adversely pact the investment scenario.

The truth is whipping up anti-China sentiments is not a new phenomenon. Last year, when China blocked India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the Shiv Sena burnt Chinese flags and raised slogans to boycott Chinese goods.

However, experts say that in the past few years China has been struggling as it has lost a bit of its sheen and has been vocal about emulating India's market.

Also read: Doklam standoff: Chinese media says Beijing should back Sikkim independence

Also read: China hints Modi-Xi meet at G20 unlikely as 'political foundations damaged'

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

--- ENDS ---
A review of the nation's medical schools found Mayo Clinic School of Medicine is one of the best at minimizing the amount of student debt.

Mayo's med school ranked fifth among 110 medical schools throughout the country, with an average indebtedness of $69,695, according to a recent study .

The rankings, put together by Student Loan Hero  a website dedicated to providing students and graduates with solutions to organize, manage and repay their student loans  uses data from the U.S. News & World Report rankings of the Best Medical Schools.

Student Loan Hero ranked the schools using three factors: the level of indebtedness for medical school graduates, the cost of annual in-state tuition to attend the medical school full time and the percentage of students receiving institutional aid in the form of scholarships or grants.

The ranking notes "despite having the highest tuition rates of any of the top 20 medical schools, Mayo Clinic's scholarships and grants significantly offset these costs."

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Mayo Clinic graduates have some of the lowest levels of medical school debt, according to the survey, with students owing about $95,100 less than the study's average.

The site notes that "although being a doctor can be a rewarding profession, the cost of medical school can be a huge barrier for aspiring students," and points to the $164,800 national average for medical school student debt.

"This level of debt results in financial and career stress, and can make doctors feel weighted down," said Elyssa Kirkham, the study's lead researcher in an email. "It can even affect career choices if a graduate feels financial pressure to pursue higher pay, even if it's not an otherwise interesting or appealing position."

The school, with an annual tuition of $49,900 also gives about 91 percent of its students some sort of financial aid, according to the rankings.

Outranking Mayo's medical school for the top four spots were East Carolina University (Brody),with an average debt of $112,692; University of New Mexico, with an average debt of $126,783; Baylor College of Medicine, with an average debt of $99,882; and Texas A&M Health Science Center, with an average debt of $128,797.

Some of the top average debts are higher than Mayo's because of how each of the three factors are weighted -- the average indebtedness is weighted at half, and annual tuition and the portion of students receiving scholarships and grants, are each weighted at a quarter.

"Graduates of the Mayo Clinic can command high pay and have more career opportunities, but won't be held back by high levels of medical school debt," Kirkham said. "Financially, this puts them far ahead of the pack."

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Concerns about letting the 103-year-old Kutzky House fall into disrepair will be heard next month, but the Rochester City Council received a preview Wednesday night.

"We have seen demolition by neglect in the past," Rochester resident Nancy Slocumb told the council. "I think it's going to continue to happen."

Tanya Ragan, a Rochester native who is president of Dallas-based Wildcat Management, urged the council to be careful not to set precedent by rewarding activity that allows more historic properties to deteriorate.

"Rochester has already lost 50 percent of its historic buildings," she said, noting she has worked to move and restore historic properties in Texas.

On Wednesday, the council agreed to listen to more testimony on the topic, even though several members said they don't think new information will come to light.

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"I think people need to be heard," council member Mark Hickey said.

At question is a request to demolish the Kutzky House, which was moved to the 800 block of First Street Southwest to make way for construction of the Nicholas Apartments, 722 W. Center St., in 2014. At the time, the house had been deemed as potentially historic, and the council approved allowing it to be moved with plans to transform it into a rental complex with three units.

Since moving the house, the roof and interior wall plaster were removed, exposing problems that could not be remedied without added expense, according to Brad Clemens, of Key Builders, which was contracted by Nicholas LLC to work on the building.

Clemens told the Historic Preservation Commission last month that $260,000 already was spent on moving the building, and another $605,000 would be needed to renovate it for use, which makes it infeasible to consider as a rental property.

On Wednesday, council member Mark Bilderback said the council had failed to make sure the expected steps were taken.

"We failed in protecting this house, and we've failed in protecting others," he said.

While a new Heritage Preservation Ordinance addresses the issue of demolition by neglect, he said it may not be strong enough to protect future buildings. He said holding another public hearing on the Kutzky House will not address the problem.

"I don't know what anybody can tell me to make it better," he said.

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Council member Michael Wojcik agreed the council held some liability but noted the Adamson family, which owns Nicholas LLC, and developer Mac Hamilton have responsibility based on promises that were made.

"This is really on them," he said.

As a result, he said the council owes it to residents to hear their concerns about the fate of the house that once was home to August and Bertha Kutzky, early settlers of Rochester who owned land that became part of the Kutzky Park Neighborhood.

In the end, the council voted 6-1 to hold an Aug. 7 public hearing. City Council President Randy Staver was the only member voting against the hearing.

"I've seen the materials. I've read through them. I've heard the presentations. I don't see that there's anything more to learn, personally," he said.
HUDSON, Wis.  The suspect who escaped custody on June 25 in Red Wing was captured in Wisconsin on Thursday.

On June 25, Goodhue County Sheriff's deputies responded to a report of a man driving on a suspended license and, after a short vehicle chase, apprehended Taner J. Sward, 25, of Zumbrota. Sward, who crashed his vehicle in the pursuit, was taken to Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Red Wing after complaining of injuries, according to a Goodhue County Sheriff's report.

While being transferred back to law enforcement custody, Sward, who was wearing handcuffs, broke away from his escort and ran into the nearby woods. Law enforcement searched, but were unable to find him, the report states.

That changed Thursday when Sward showed up outside a Hudson, Wis., movie theater. A spokesman for the Hudson Police Department said officers had been tipped of Sward would be there. When the police arrived, Sward again ran into nearby woods, leading officers on a chase. When spotted in a residential area nearby moments later, he again ran into the woods and was eventually captured.

Sward was later charged with misdemeanor resisting or obstructing an officer. He is also being held on felony warrants from Minnesota.
Concerns about tearing down two apartment buildings near downtown Rochester weren't enough to stop plans for a new six-story mixed-use building known as Residence at Discovery Square.

A single tenant of the two apartment buildings asked the Rochester City Council to rule against the project, noting it would displace her and her neighbors. Refusing to give her name, she spoke through a sign-language interpreter, raising concerns about the loss of affordable housing.

While Mark Dickson of Oxford Property Management said developers have committed to pricing 20 percent of the building's 143 apartments as affordable housing, the speaker said the proposed rent will be higher than what she currently pays, which is already 70 percent of her income.

While voicing sympathy for her situation, Council Member Michael Wojcik said it could not affect the final decision.

"It's not one of the criteria that we can base a decision on this project on," he said, noting the promise of affordable housing will be part of a future tax-increment financing agreement.

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That agreement is expected to price at least 28 of the apartments as affordable to households earning 60 percent of the area median income. Dickson said that would be $825 for a studio apartment.

While the issue of housing affordability couldn't be used to sway a final decision, the council did take time to consider modifications to the plan prepared by the Historic Southwest Neighborhood Association.

Council members said they appreciated some of the details outlined by the neighbors, such as guidelines for a loading zone, but they noted the document was submitted too late to ensure the changes were part of the final approval.

"This is a lot to throw on at the last second," Council Member Nick Campion said after planning and zoning staff members indicated they hadn't had a chance to review the requests.

Dickson said he added the list as an indicator that the developers were willing to work with the neighborhood to make improvements. He said he wanted to add it to the official record, but didn't intend it to change the documents being reviewed.

"Most of them are in the plan already," he said of items on the list. "Maybe all of them are in the plan already."

Wojcik said the new list featured some details that weren't in the submitted plan and not including them was a risk.

"If we don't codify it meaningfully, we've done nothing," he said.

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Several council members cited an earlier conversation regarding the Kutzky House, which included expectations that were not made part of the final conditions of a plan approved by the council.

At the same time, City Attorney Terry Adkins said the proposed conditions submitted Wednesday failed to meet the needs of an official plan, leaving room for interpretation and possible conflicts with other existing conditions.

"This thing is ripe for the law of unintended consequences," he said.

While the development plan was approved in a 5-2 without the neighborhood association's additions, Council Member Mark Bilderback said he expects the developers and neighbors will continue to work together.

"This relationship has come a long way from where it started," he said, hoping the effort with continue to grow.

Wojcik and Campion voted against the approval, saying they wanted to make some of the neighborhood requests official.

"If it's not in the conditions, word are wind," Campion said.
FIFTY LAKES  Kevin Woizeschke peered through binoculars at a pair of loons gliding across the water.

Woizeschke, a nongame wildlife biologist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, was in a boat on West Fox Lake about 30 miles north of Brainerd. He was looking for loons wearing a silver leg band that holds a tiny geolocator tag.

"These geotags are $700 each," Woizeschke said. "The information that is on them is even way more valuable than that."

That information includes estimates of the bird's location and how deep it's been diving. For scientists trying to learn more about where loons are spending their time, that knowledge is priceless.

Researchers have been trying to figure out whether Minnesota's beloved loons were affected by the BP oil spill seven years ago in the Gulf of Mexico. They think they've established the connection.

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Now they're seeking federal money to help restore the damage to the state's loon population, estimated at about 12,000 birds  the most of any U.S. state except Alaska.

Carrol Henderson, the DNR's nongame program wildlife supervisor, has led the DNR's loon research since the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster.

"Over the last seven years, we've kind of put all the pieces together to correlate the status of Minnesota's loons, their behavior, their migration, their feeding activities, to the places that were most affected by the oil spill," Henderson said.

After loons hatch, they fly south and don't return to Minnesota until they're 3 years old. So scientists knew there was a good chance young Minnesota loons were in the gulf in April 2010 when the BP spill dumped nearly 5 million barrels of oil.

But they wanted to know if the loons were going to the most heavily polluted areas. So, they captured dozens of loons and implanted or banded them with tracking devices.

They also took samples of the birds' blood, fat and feathers to test for contaminants, either from the petroleum itself or from the chemical used to disperse the oil in the gulf.

"We found out that they're diving all the way to the bottom where the oil would have settled," Henderson said. "They're picking it up; it's in their feathers. It's in their blood. It's in their eggs the following spring. They're bringing this back to Minnesota."

Researchers don't yet know whether the contaminants will affect the loons' life span or reproduction. Loons don't mate until they're 5 years old, so some of the affected birds are just starting to have chicks.

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But now that the research has confirmed Minnesota's loons were directly impacted by the oil spill, scientists want to start working to restore the damage.

Henderson hopes to hear any day whether the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will grant Minnesota $6 million from the BP settlement for the first phase of a 15-year loon remediation plan. If that's successful, additional money could follow.

"We have more loons than any other state in the lower 48 states, and we like to keep it that way," he said.

Some of the funds would be used to restore shoreline habitat on loon nesting lakes and protect deep, cold lakes that support fatty fish called cisco that loons eat before migrating south.

Money also would go to promotion of nontoxic fishing tackle because lead poisoning is one of the biggest causes of loon mortality.

The DNR also wants to partner with lake associations to create a loon-friendly designation for lakes, Henderson said.

That's good news for loon lovers such as Jim Sand, who lives on Big Fish Lake near Cold Spring. Sand is a longtime volunteer with the Minnesota Loon Watcher program, which helps keep tabs on the number of loons throughout the state.

Sand and other lakeshore owners usually put out three nesting platforms every year on Big Fish Lake. This year, the lake association raised $2,000 in donations for a fourth platform, plus devices to keep boats away. It's the type of project that could benefit from federal funding.

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Henderson said it will be important to track the success of the restoration program to demonstrate to federal officials that it actually is increasing the loon population.

"We want to make sure that in Minnesota, it does make a difference," he said.
Propagating Hindi as a 'national language' is seen by many as one among many of the RSS brainchild Bharatiya Janata Party's ways of spreading the right-wing agenda.

By Ekta Handa: "If it is claimed by anyone that by passing an article in the Constitution of India one language is going to be accepted by all by a process of coercion, then I say, Sir, that that will not be possible to achieve. Unity in diversity is India's keynote and must be achieved by a process of understanding and consent and for that a proper atmosphere has to be created."

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These were the words said by Shyama Prasad Mukherjee during one of the meetings of the Constituent Assembly while discussing the issue of languages in 1949.

Never would have the forefathers of our constitution thought that 70 years after India's independence the issue of 'Rashtra Bhasha' would be raised. While the world is struggling with problems like poverty, cross-border terrorism, global warming, some Indians are more worried about a 'national language'.

Union Minister, M Venkaiah Naidu, while speaking to media, commented that it is important to learn the 'rashtra bhasha', which is Hindi in his opinion, as most people in our country speak Hindi. Shortly after Naidu's comment, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj announced that particulars on passports will now be printed in Hindi, meaning that personal details of the passport holder (which was earlier printed in English) will also be printed in Hindi.

To justify this move by the government, Swaraj argued that passports of all Arab countries are in Arabic, German passports are in German while Russia has their passports in Russian.

Then why can't we have our passports in Hindi, is her question. Sounds logical, doesn't it? But what Swaraj forgot was that Hindi is not the national language of India. While a majority of Germans and Russians speak German and Russian respectively, that is not the case with India.

According to data of the 2001 census, Hindi is the mother tongue of less than 30 per cent of the Indian population. Now a question for our honorable ministers, does 30 per cent of a country's population count as 'most of the people'?

In another incident, the first phase of the Bengaluru metro which was inaugurated on July 1 faced flak when signboards were printed in three languages - Kannada, English and Hindi. According to law, it is compulsory for the central government bodies to have signs in English, Hindi and the official language of the state. State bodies are exempt from this rule.

Following criticism, the chief minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah asked the metro board to explain as to under which rules were the names of metro stations printed in the three languages. Politicians, activists and citizens joined hands in protesting against the move. An online movement with #NammaMetroHindiBeda is active since then. The hashtag means "We don't need Hindi in our Metro".

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Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, DMK leader MK Stalin condemned the BJP in a Facebook post where he alleged that the authorities have replaced English names of milestones in the state with Hindi text.

The above mentioned incidents are being seen as a way of spreading Hindi hegemony in the country.

National conference leader Omar Abdullah responded to Naidu's infamous comment with this.

When did we get a National Language? https://t.co/vINtnoDBLB- Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) June 24, 2017

Earlier in April, a proposal was sent to the President suggesting to make it compulsory for government employees to have a working knowledge of Hindi which was rejected by the President.

Several other suggestions were approved under which Union Ministers including the President himself were expected to give speeches in Hindi in the Parliament. A suggestion that was accepted was to make it compulsory for central government offices to purchase Hindi newspapers and magazines.

In a recent column in The Hindustan Times, historian Ramchandra Guha argues, "The BJP's predecessor, the Jan Sangh, held that a nation could be united and strong only when its citizens adhered to the same religion and spoke the same language. Ironically, the best - rather, worst - exemplar of this outdated model of nationalism is Pakistan, which the Jan Sangh hated and the BJP hates even more. The Jan Sangh's slogan of 'Hindi, Hindu, Hindustan' was a direct adaptation to Indian conditions of Jinnah's idea that only one who is a Muslim and speaks Urdu can be a true Pakistani."

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India is a diverse country and its founding fathers believed in preserving the idea and ideal of 'unity in diversity'. If an argument is put forward that the country's administration do not care if people are killing people in the name of religion and a set of people are determined to spread hatred using language as a tool, the counter argument would be that the administration is trying to make Hindi the common language to solve the very problem.

If that's what the government is aiming for, let English be the only official language, and let every citizen be taught English. If a Malayali or a Tamil or a Kannadiga is expected to learn Hindi, which is as alien to him as English, might as well learn English that could be used outside India too.

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GN Devy, the chairperson of People's Linguistic Survey of India (PLSI) -- which was published in 50 volumes containing 72 books -- is an ardent lover of languages. The survey found out that though there are 780 different languages spoken in the country, around 250 languages have been lost over the past 50 years.

The PLSI was the second language survey conducted in India after George Abraham Grierson, an Irish linguist scholar who conducted the Indian Linguistic Survey in 1898 to 1928.

The virtues of freedom upon which the foundation of this country is based upon do not seem to be in sync with the policies of our present government.

It is crucial to understand that more than half of this country's population does not resonate with the idea of "Hindi nationalism" or "Hindu nationalism" and the 30 per cent or less Hindi speaking citizens of this country are not a representation of the entire population of India.

#FYI - Hindi, along with English, is India's Official Language. There is no provision for a national language in the constitution of India.

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President Trumps visit to Poland  a great U.S. ally and a nation with strong personal links to ours  has become the latest pretext for Trump bashing by the U.S. media. The Washington Post (paper edition) tells us, darkly, that Trump shares ideological affinities with Polands right-wing ruling party. In particular, he shares its aversion to immigration by Muslims and its combative relationship with the press.

The Post also suggests that the visit is a slap in the face of European allies, especially Germany, who are estranged to some degree from the current Polish government. In addition, it tells us that Trump picked Poland because the ruling party will be able to bus in cheering crowds from rural areas. The folks in Warsaw are too sophisticated to like Trump, the Post assures its readers.

Thus, Trumps visit to Poland serves as a perfect confluence of anti-Trump talking points. Hes a right-winger; hes anti-Muslim; hes anti-free press, hes against the European alliance; he depends on rubes for support; hes an egomaniac in search of adoring crowds.

But one key anti-Trump talking point cannot be enlisted  the bogus Trump-Putin collaboration theme. As the Post gets around to acknowledging, grudgingly, very late in its story:

Poland also remains a strategically critical European nation that is particularly sensitive to the threat of rising Russian power. Despite Trumps efforts to pursue warmer relations with Putin, the Polish government expressed optimism that Trump remains committed to the security of Central and Eastern Europe. Its important that the president will be there and he will hopefully confirm again the U.S. commitment to NATO and to our cooperation, said Piotr Wilczek, Polands ambassador to the United States. For us, his visit to Poland before meeting with President Putin sends a very strong message.. . . Poles were really afraid that it would be President Trump having a very successful summit with President Putin and sitting at the table together with Putin and making divisions or [establishing] a new order for this part of the world  that was a real threat here, said Michal Kobosko, director of the Atlantic Councils Warsaw office. This has not materialized yet, so Poles are looking with some optimism toward Trump.

(Emphasis added)

Actually, the opposite seems to be materializing. In the speech President Trump delivered today in Poland, he reaffirmed the bond between the United States and its European allies, calling their pact as strong as ever.

In fact, he expressly affirmed his commitment to Article 5, the collective security provision of the NATO treaty. Trump stated: The United States has demonstrated not merely with words, but with its actions, that we stand firmly behind Article 5, the mutual defense commitment.

These are the magic words, the absence from which in some Trump speeches has given the mainstream media fits. Yet, its presence in this speech doesnt get a mention until the back half of the Posts story.

In addition, Trump rebuked Russia:

We urge Russia to cease its destabilizing activities in the Ukraine and elsewhere and its support for hostile regimes, including Syria and Iran, and instead join the community of responsible nations in our fight against common enemies and defense of civilization itself.

This too isnt mentioned until relatively late in the Posts report. By then, the Post has complained about the speechs dark nationalism, the supposed Trump rift with Germany, and even his unwillingness to say with certainty that Russia interfered in the 2016 election.

The darkness of Trumps speech is actually its virtue. Trump stated:

The fundamental question of our time is whether the West has the will to survive. Do we have the confidence in our values to defend them at any cost? Do we have enough respect for our citizens to protect our borders? Do we have the desire and the courage to preserve our civilization in the face of those who would subvert and destroy it?

If Trumps critics were serious about countering Russia and defending Europe, they would be asking the same questions (with the possible exception of the one about immigration, at least as applied to the U.S.). The left cant have it both ways. It cant be the case both that no one is out to subvert or destroy our civilization and that we must maintain our commitment to defending Europe, while obsessing over the Russian threat.

And after the Poland visit, it cant be the case that Trump is under the sway of Putin. Its still early in his presidency, but so far Trump is, I think, the hardest-line U.S. president on Russia/the Soviet Union since Ronald Reagan.

Barack Obama was the least hard-line.
At the RealClearPolicy site, editor M. Anthony Mills has posted a good summary of Professor Philip Hamburgers critique of the administrative state  the regime of administrative law promulgated and administered by administrative agencies  set forth this year in the inspired Encounter Books pamphlet The Administrative Threat.

I recently noted Professor Hamburgers pamphlet here. I wrote about Professor Hamburgers great work of scholarship on the subject  Is Administrative Law Unlawful? (2014)  for National Review in A new old regime.

Mills interviews Professor Hamburger in the podcast below (34 minutes). If you have any interest in the subject, this is worth your time.

Toward the end of the podcast they take up the anti-democratic impetus of the case for the administrative state. Some early progressives were quite candid about this, Professor Hamburger writes in the pamphlet. Wilson complained of the necessity of the old-fashioned need to persuade voters. He was particularly worried by the diversity of the nation, Professor Hamburger notes, which meant that the reformer needed to influence (this is Wilson speaking) the mind, not of Americans of the older stocks only, but also of Irishmen, of Germans, of Negroes.

Professor Hamburger writes: Rather than try to persuade such persons, Wilson welcomed administrative governance. The people could still have their republic, but much legislative power would be shifted out of an elected body and into the hands of the right sort of people.
Highly-placed sources in the Modi government have told India Today that New Delhi had not made any request for a bilateral meeting between Modi and Jinping.

By India Today Web Desk: Shortly after China claimed a meeting between its President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit was unlikely as Indian troops "had damaged the political foundations of bilateral relations", India responded by saying no such meeting in Hamburg was planned in the first place.

Highly-placed sources in the Modi government have told India Today that New Delhi had not made any request for a bilateral meeting between Modi and Jinping. Sources added that neither side had made any formal request for a bilateral meeting, and therefore there is no question of a meeting being cancelled.

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In response to a query regarding Prime Minister's schedule in Hamburg, an official spokesperson said Modi is visiting Hamburg from July 6-8 for the G20 Summit. His pre-planned bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit are with Argentina, Canada, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, United Kingdom, and Vietnam.

In addition, he will also participate in the BRICS leaders' meeting. "There is no change in the Prime Minister's schedule," he said.

There were reports from Beijing this morning that China had called off a scheduled bilateral meeting between India and China on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Hamburg.

WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR: China had earlier claimed that a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit was unlikely as Indian troops "had damaged the political foundations of bilateral relations between China and India". A standoff on Doklam plateau next to Sikkim has ratcheted up tension between the neighbouring giants, who share a 3,500 km border. Informed sources said the "atmosphere is not right" for the meeting between the two leaders because of the current stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the Sikkim sector. Beijing has said that the unconditional withdrawal of Indian troops from Doklam remained a precondition for any meaningful dialogue. "As for the arrangement of the bilateral meeting (at G20) between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi, I have to point out that recently Indian troops trespassed into China and obstructed normal activities of Chinese troops in the Doklam region," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang. "This endangers China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and damaged the political foundations of bilateral relations between China and India," Geng said. "We hope India can immediately withdraw border troops to the Indian side of the boundary," he added. "I think this is the pre-condition for any meaningful peace talks between the two sides." China has said it was absurd for India to use the excuse of Chinese road-building to cross over their border, and accused India of militarising its side of the frontier. According to the Chinese interpretation of events, Indian guards crossed into China's Donglang region early in June and obstructed work on a road on the plateau. Troops from the two sides then confronted each other close to a valley controlled by China that separates India from Bhutan - a close Indian ally - and gives China access to the so-called Chicken's Neck, a thin strip of land connecting the Indian mainland to its northeastern regions. India has said it had warned China that construction of the road near their common border would have serious security implications.

Also read: Doklam standoff: Chinese media says Beijing should back Sikkim independence

Also read: China hints Modi-Xi meet at G20 unlikely as 'political foundations damaged'

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

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The two leaders presented a series of agreements between India and Israel for cooperation on satellite technology, water and agriculture, as well as the creation of a USD 40 million innovation fund.

By India Today Web Desk: India and Israel on Wednesday signed seven agreements to increase cooperation in key sectors like space, agriculture and water conservation after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held in-depth talks with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.

Also, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit marks the 25 years of establishment of diplomatic relationship between India and Israel. In the joint statement released after talks between India and Israel, both the countries have called for taking strong measures against terror organisations and also against those who encouraged, supported and financed terrorism.

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The two leaders presented a series of agreements between India and Israel for cooperation on satellite technology, water and agriculture, as well as the creation of a USD 40 million innovation fund.

The agreements are part of efforts to extend relations in civilian areas between both countries, with Israel already selling India an average of USD 1 billion per year in military equipment.

The MoUs signed:

1. MoU for setting up of India-Israel Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation Fund (I4F)

2. MoU for conservation of water in India

3. MoU on State Water Utility Reform in

4. India India-Israel Development Cooperation-3-year work program in Agriculture (2018-2020)

5. Plan of cooperation regarding cooperation in atomic clocks

6. MoU regarding cooperation in GEO-LEO optical link

7. MoU regarding cooperation in electric propulsion for small satellites

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Our goal is to build a relationship that reflects our shared priorities and draws on enduring bonds between our peoples. Our belief in democratic values and economic progress has been a shared pursuit."

India is Israel's biggest client in defence technology and both sides committed to extending that relationship with a special emphasis on PM Modi's Make In India campaign that asks foreign vendors to ensure the transfer of technology to Indian partners with the goal of reducing India's dependence on foreign arms.

Interested in General Knowledge and Current Affairs? Click here to stay informed and know what is happening around the world with our G.K. and Current Affairs section.

To get more updates on Current Affairs, send in your query by mail to education.intoday@gmail.com

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Speaking during during India Today's Make in India Summit and Awards 2017, Union Minister of Law and Justice, Electronics and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad had an interesting story to tell. Here's what he said.

Union Minister of Law and Justice, Electronics and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad at India Today Make in India Awards. (Photo: India Today)

By India Today Web Desk: During his recent US trip, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his government's biggest achievement has been to root out corruption.

"I humbly state that whatever work my government has done in the last three years, till now there is not even one taint or blot on this government," PM Modi said addressing the Indian diaspora in Virginia.

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That the Modi government takes pride in presenting itself as a taint-free regime was once again put forth today by Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Minister of Law and Justice, Electronics and Information Technology during India Today's Make in India Summit and Awards today.

"Sir, aap iss kursi pe baithiega ya badal doon? Pahle jo do mantri iss par baithe the unmein se ek jail mein hain aur dusre bhi mushkil mein. (Sir, will you sit on the same old chair? Previous two ministers who sat on it are in trouble.)," Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

"I told him I will sit on the same chair and do my duty," the Union Minister added.

WHAT ALL RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD SAID:

I thank the India Today Group for recognising entrepreneurs. I have had the opportunity to lead different departments and with my experience I can say that the real change is brought by entrepreneurs and the job of the government is to facilitate and encourage them. I am happy that India Today Group has taken that lead. The Narendra Modi government's first mantra is govern, to perform, reform and transform. And every initiative must center around this basic premise. Digital India, Make in India, Start up India, Stand up India, Smart City project are all new initiative designed to fullfil the larger objective of - to govern, perform, reform and transform. These all projects have been designed to empower the common people of India. The Modi government is working towards unshackling the economy of India. The license, quota, permit raj has killed several initiatives. Ease of doing business is important and we have removed many hurdles in that regard. I am proud to say that this government is a taint-free government. Good governance is of no use unless it is preceded by good politics. Politics of integrity is the first mantra of good politics and that's what we are doing. Indian digital economy is expected to touch 3 trillion mark by next 5 to 7 years. This government believes in multi-stakeholder performance and we are open to ideas. The story of BSNL is very straight. When Atal Bihari Vajpayee left office, BSNL was in profit of Rs 10,000 crore. When Manmohan Singh government left office, BSNL was in loss of Rs 8000 crore. We managed to bring the operating profit of BSNL up by Rs 1000 crore. But MTNL is still a sad story, I concede that.

ALSO READ:

110 light utility helicopters to be bought under 'Make in India' project

Defence Ministry scraps Rs 6,500 crore Navy helicopter deal, bargains hard on price

Defence ministry finalises strategic partnership model to manufacture submarines, fighter jets

--- ENDS ---
"US President Donald Trump's visit to Poland emphasises our ties and high quality of the Polish-US alliance", Polish President Andrzej Duda said at a joint conference with President Trump at Warsaw's Royal Castle on Thursday.

On Thursday morning, Presidents Duda and Trump held a face-to-face meeting followed by plenary talks of the Polish and US delegations. "I am very glad about this visit to Warsaw, which is one of the first foreign visits paid by the US president, since it emphasises our ties and high quality of the Polish-US alliance", President Duda went on. May be of interest to you President's speech at a joint conference with President Trump at Warsaw's Royal Castle "It shows that we are and that we see each other as loyal partners cooperating in many fields, among others, in NATO. And this was one of the subjects of my face-to-face conversation with President Trump and of plenary talks of our delegations", the Polish head of state said after a face-to-face meeting with President Trump and plenary talks of the Polish and US delegations.

"I hope that Poland will soon sign a long-term contract for LNG gas delivery, diversifying in this way supplies of this important raw material", Polish President Andrzej Duda added.

"We spoke about economic contracts, not only military ones, which also concern security, including gas deliveries to Poland", President Duda said. The Polish president reminded that the first US LNG shipment reached Poland on June 8. "It turned out a success; there were no problems, no obstacles which could have made this shipment not reach Poland's Swinoujscie terminal. And this opens up the road to more contracts", President Duda went on. "I hope that a long-term contract for LNG deliveries from the US will be signed soon. And that this will mark the beginning of diversification of deliveries of this extremely important raw material to Poland", President Duda stressed.

"During the plenary meeting of our delegations we talked about the presence of American troops in Poland, strengthening the security in our part of Europe and at the same time the NATO's eastern flank. We also discussed the situation in Ukraine as well as the upcoming Zapad-17 (Russian) military exercises to take place in Belarus", President Duda said. He added that the talks also concerned contracts for Polish army's modernisation.

During the talks President Trump was accompanied by Secretaries of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin and Commerce Wilbur Ross, Presidential National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster, Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law and one of his closest aides, and head of the Economic Council at the US president Gary Cohn.

President Duda was accompanied by deputy PM and Development and Finance Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski, Interior Minister Antoni Macierewicz, Government Commissioner for gas infrastructure Piotr Naimski and presidential officials: head of the President's Office Halina Szymanska, National Security Bureau head Pawel Soloch, President's top aide Minister Krzysztof Szczerski, president's spokesman Krzysztof Lapinski and Poland's ambassador to the US Piotr Wilczek.

At 10:55 a.m., Polish and Croatian Presidents Andrzej Duda and Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic will officially welcome heads of delegations of the Three Seas countries, and US President Donald Trump at 11:05 a.m.

The transatlantic session of the Three Seas summit started at 11:10 a.m. in the presence of the US president, who met his Croatian counterpart Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic at 12:15 p.m.

At 1:00 p.m., the heads of delegations of the Three Seas countries attended President Trump's address to the Polish people at Krasinskich Square.

The US president left for Germany in the afternoon.

The Three Seas Initiative seeks to strengthen ties among countries between the Black, Baltic and Adriatic Seas. It is a joint idea by the presidents of Poland and Croatia that concerns the economic cooperation of 12 countries in Central and Eastern Europe as well as the Balkans in areas such as energy, transport and digitisation. The initiative brings together Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Croatia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania and Austria. (PAP)
More than 150 "huge infrastructure projects" can be carried out in Central and Eastern Europe, Polish President Andrzej Duda said at the Three Seas Summit in Warsaw on Thursday, referring to an expert study commissioned by his Croatian counterpart Kolinad Grabar-Kitarovic.

May be of interest to you Remarks by the President at the Transatlantic Session of the 2nd Summit of the Three Seas Initiative "As heads of state we should support cooperation in the Three Seas area, including economic and political cooperation. I count on our governments and our local governments to become involved, but I especially count on businesses and hope these undertakings will be implemented", President Duda said.

"Let me just remind you, so that you know what the prospects are, that our friends from Croatia (...) have an expert opinion which shows that 157 huge infrastructure projects can be implemented in our part of Europe", he added.

Speaking at the Three Seas Summit in Warsaw President Donald Trump said the Three Seas initiative will rebuild the whole region. It will also guarantee the local infrastructure, just like the region's obligations regarding security and freedom, will tie Central Europe to the whole of Europe and the whole of the West.

The US President also affirmed American support for the creation of the Three Seas business forum so that the region's countries could use the best talent to design the best energy projects. This would mean operating below costs and before time. Donald Trump said he loved such projects.

The US President added new infrastructure was of prime importance. He also expressed hope the Three Seas countries would pursue similar goals to America's. Donald Trump said America was doing great things, stressing its stockmarket was very bullish, unemployment lowest for 16 years and the US Army becoming ever stronger.

The US President said America would seek to extend access to energy markets, lower barriers to energy trade, and boost energy security. He said the Three Seas initiative had potential to reach all of those goals very quickly. This is because the region has great people, who will accomplish this really quickly. Donald Trump congratulated the region's countries on having already begun the most vital projects. He said they would open up Central Europe to greater access to energy markets and remove barriers to energy trade.

Speaking at a joint press conference with his Croatian counterpart, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic,President Duda said the main objective of the Three Seas initiative was to develop infrastructure and make the region more secure. This includes energy security, in Central Europe and by extension, in the whole of the European Union.

Andrzej Duda emphasised that this was a vital task. The region had to be made more cohesive and even better linked to Western Europe.

The region has to catch up with the West in terms of transport infrastructure, that is, roads and railways, but also telecommunications and energy. In the West this has been steadily developed since the end of the second world war, in line with the principles of the social market economy, the President stressed.

Andrzej Duda added the region's heads of state were providing a sort of umbrella over the whole initiative. "We want to encourage our central and local governments to cooperate, but this is first and foremost about business cooperation. That is why today we have made a joint declaration which points towards our future actions and our objectives", the President explained.

"We have decided to create a business forum of the Three Seas countries. We have also decided to organize a meeting of our foreign affairs aides, who will thrash out future lines of action."

The Romanian president on Thursday offered for his country to organize the 3rd summit in Bucharest, next year, Andrzej Duda added.

"We were delighted to accept this invitation. We hope that, having worked hard throughout the next year, we will be able to sum up our achievements in Bucharest. We hope that in the meantime, fresh deals will be struck for further concrete investments, apart from those already underway", the President concluded.

The joint Polish-Croatian Three Seas Initiative is not directed against anyone; just the opposite, it seeks to enhance cohesion in Europe, the European Union and the transatlantic community, Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic declared on Thursday.

Grabar-Kitarovic described the Three Seas Initiative as an informal mechanism for cooperation among presidents "to exchange views and launch projects that can involve civil society and business".

The Three Seas Initiative seeks to strengthen ties among countries between the Black, Baltic and Adriatic Seas. It is a joint idea by the presidents of Poland and Croatia that concerns the economic cooperation of 12 countries in Central and Eastern Europe as well as the Balkans in areas such as energy, transport and digitisation. The initiative brings together Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Croatia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania and Austria. (PAP)

THE SECOND SUMMIT OF THE 3 SEAS INITIATIVE

Joint Declaration

Presidents and their representatives gathered at the Second Summit of the 3 Seas Initiative, representing 12 EU member states located between the Adriatic, the Baltic and the Black Seas: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia:

Agreeing with the notion that the countries within the 3 Seas Initiative with their potential constitute a dynamic region, whose development depends, among others, on the coordinated efforts of the whole region;

Highlighting their successful European connectivity along the East-West axis achieved thanks to such financial instruments as the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF), as well as the synergy effect of the existing and future macro-regional strategies implemented by the European Union;

Recognizing the long-established, successful regional and subregional mechanisms which have fostered extensive cooperation and development among our countries and continue to be important actors in strengthening cohesiveness;

Being convinced that enhanced infrastructure, economic and social cooperation/ interconnectivity of the 3 Seas Initiative countries along the North-South and East-West axis is in the interest of all participants of the 3 Seas Initiative, as well as the entire European Union;

Taking note of the significance and validity of challenges resulting from the differences of transport, energy and telecommunications networks in the region of the 3 Seas Initiative, which constrain the dynamic growth of economic relations among our countries and ought to be further developed;

Taking advantage of the available instruments allowing for their further development, which will in turn facilitate the process of achieving, strengthening and cementing the unity of the European Union;

Hereby acknowledge the high value of intensified cooperation in the form of the 3 Seas Initiative, focused on supporting investments in the fields of the economy, transport connectivity, energy infrastructure, environmental protection, R&D and digital communication within the 3 Seas Initiative region;

Hereby underline the fact that the 3 Seas Initiative is a flexible Presidential Forum which provides political support to foster a more effective cooperation of governments, business entities and non-governmental organizations interested in boosting regional bonds, while recognizing that achieving concrete results within this Initiative requires an active involvement of the respective governments and working contacts among respective Presidential representations;

Hereby point out that the 3 Seas Initiative has the following priorities: enhanced transportation connections of our region to develop and further integrate into the trans-European transport (TEN-T) network, implementation of the Unions Energy policy objectives, promote business character of joint economic projects, full synergy with the EU policies;

Hereby agree that the 3 Seas Initiative is a useful platform that adds to an efficient and cohesive European Union. The development of cooperation among the 3 Seas states is contributing to the development of the entire European Union, which will, as a result, remain ambitious, united and resilient as a whole.

Hereby reaffirm that the 3 Seas Initiative is open to interested business entities from all over the world and global partners;

Hereby reaffirm that the 3 Seas Initiative shall function on the basis of several principles, most importantly: membership of the EU, long-term nature of joint plans, openness to business circles, as well as better defining and promoting drivers of modernization in the region;

Hereby welcome the establishment of the 3 Seas Business Forum which shall bring together economic entities interested in economic cooperation aimed at enhancing economic bonds within the region.
Weve come to your nation to deliver a very important message: America loves Poland, and America loves the Polish people.

The Poles have not only greatly enriched this region, but Polish-Americans have also greatly enriched the United States, and I was truly proud to have their support in the 2016 election.

It is a profound honor to stand in this city, by this monument to the Warsaw Uprising, and to address the Polish nation that so many generations have dreamed of: a Poland that is safe, strong, and free.

President Duda and your wonderful First Lady, Agata, have welcomed us with the tremendous warmth and kindness for which Poland is known around the world. Thank you. My sincere  and I mean sincerely thank both of them. And to Prime Minister Szydlo, a very special thanks also.

We are also pleased that former President Lech Walesa, so famous for leading the Solidarity Movement, has joined us today, also.

On behalf of all Americans, let me also thank the entire Polish people for the generosity you have shown in welcoming our soldiers to your country. These soldiers are not only brave defenders of freedom, but also symbols of Americas commitment to your security and your place in a strong and democratic Europe.

We are proudly joined on stage by American, Polish, British, and Romanian soldiers. Thank you. Thank you. Great job.

President Duda and I have just come from an incredibly successful meeting with the leaders participating in the Three Seas Initiative. To the citizens of this great region, America is eager to expand our partnership with you. We welcome stronger ties of trade and commerce as you grow your economies. And we are committed to securing your access to alternate sources of energy, so Poland and its neighbors are never again held hostage to a single supplier of energy.

Mr. President, I congratulate you, along with the President of Croatia, on your leadership of this historic Three Seas Initiative. Thank you.

This is my first visit to Central Europe as President, and I am thrilled that it could be right here at this magnificent, beautiful piece of land. It is beautiful. Poland is the geographic heart of Europe, but more importantly, in the Polish people, we see the soul of Europe. Your nation is great because your spirit is great and your spirit is strong.

For two centuries, Poland suffered constant and brutal attacks. But while Poland could be invaded and occupied, and its borders even erased from the map, it could never be erased from history or from your hearts. In those dark days, you have lost your land but you never lost your pride.

So it is with true admiration that I can say today, that from the farms and villages of your countryside to the cathedrals and squares of your great cities, Poland lives, Poland prospers, and Poland prevails.

Despite every effort to transform you, oppress you, or destroy you, you endured and overcame. You are the proud nation of Copernicus  think of that  Chopin, Saint John Paul II. Poland is a land of great heroes. And you are a people who know the true value of what you defend.

The triumph of the Polish spirit over centuries of hardship gives us all hope for a future in which good conquers evil, and peace achieves victory over war.

For Americans, Poland has been a symbol of hope since the beginning of our nation. Polish heroes and American patriots fought side by side in our War of Independence and in many wars that followed. Our soldiers still serve together today in Afghanistan and Iraq, combatting the enemies of all civilization.

For Americas part, we have never given up on freedom and independence as the right and destiny of the Polish people, and we never, ever will.

Our two countries share a special bond forged by unique histories and national characters. Its a fellowship that exists only among people who have fought and bled and died for freedom.

The signs of this friendship stand in our nations capital. Just steps from the White House, weve raised statues of men with names like Puaski and Kosciuszko. The same is true in Warsaw, where street signs carry the name of George Washington, and a monument stands to one of the worlds greatest heroes, Ronald Reagan. And so I am here today not just to visit an old ally, but to hold it up as an example for others who seek freedom and who wish to summon the courage and the will to defend our civilization.

The story of Poland is the story of a people who have never lost hope, who have never been broken, and who have never, ever forgotten who they are.

This is a nation more than one thousand years old. Your borders were erased for more than a century and only restored just one century ago. In 1920, in the Miracle of Vistula, Poland stopped the Soviet army bent on European conquest. Then, 19 years later in 1939, you were invaded yet again, this time by Nazi Germany from the west and the Soviet Union from the east. Thats trouble. Thats tough.

Under a double occupation the Polish people endured evils beyond description: the Katyn forest massacre, the occupations, the Holocaust, the Warsaw Ghetto and the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, the destruction of this beautiful capital city, and the deaths of nearly one in five Polish people. A vibrant Jewish population  the largest in Europe  was reduced to almost nothing after the Nazis systematically murdered millions of Polands Jewish citizens, along with countless others, during that brutal occupation.

In the summer of 1944, the Nazi and Soviet armies were preparing for a terrible and bloody battle right here in Warsaw. Amid that hell on earth, the citizens of Poland rose up to defend their homeland. I am deeply honored to be joined on stage today by veterans and heroes of the Warsaw Uprising.

What great spirit. We salute your noble sacrifice and we pledge to always remember your fight for Poland and for freedom.

This monument reminds us that more than 150,000 Poles died during that desperate struggle to overthrow oppression.

From the other side of the river, the Soviet armed forces stopped and waited. They watched as the Nazis ruthlessly destroyed the city, viciously murdering men, women, and children. They tried to destroy this nation forever by shattering its will to survive. But there is a courage and a strength deep in the Polish character that no one could destroy. The Polish martyr, Bishop Michal Kozal, said it well: More horrifying than a defeat of arms is a collapse of the human spirit.

Through four decades of communist rule, Poland and the other captive nations of Europe endured a brutal campaign to demolish freedom, your faith, your laws, your history, your identity  indeed the very essence of your culture and your humanity. Yet, through it all, you never lost that spirit. Your oppressors tried to break you, but Poland could not be broken.

And when the day came on June 2nd, 1979, and one million Poles gathered around Victory Square for their very first mass with their Polish Pope, that day, every communist in Warsaw must have known that their oppressive system would soon come crashing down. They must have known it at the exact moment during Pope John Paul IIs sermon when a million Polish men, women, and children suddenly raised their voices in a single prayer. A million Polish people did not ask for wealth. They did not ask for privilege. Instead, one million Poles sang three simple words: We Want God.

In those words, the Polish people recalled the promise of a better future. They found new courage to face down their oppressors, and they found the words to declare that Poland would be Poland once again.

As I stand here today before this incredible crowd, this faithful nation, we can still hear those voices that echo through history. Their message is as true today as ever. The people of Poland, the people of America, and the people of Europe still cry out We want God.

Together, with Pope John Paul II, the Poles reasserted their identity as a nation devoted to God. And with that powerful declaration of who you are, you came to understand what to do and how to live. You stood in solidarity against oppression, against a lawless secret police, against a cruel and wicked system that impoverished your cities and your souls. And you won. Poland prevailed. Poland will always prevail.

Thank you. You were supported in that victory over communism by a strong alliance of free nations in the West that defied tyranny. Now, among the most committed members of the NATO Alliance, Poland has resumed its place as a leading nation of a Europe that is strong, whole, and free.

A strong Poland is a blessing to the nations of Europe, and they know that. A strong Europe is a blessing to the West and to the world. One hundred years after the entry of American forces into World War I, the transatlantic bond between the United States and Europe is as strong as ever and maybe, in many ways, even stronger.

This continent no longer confronts the specter of communism. But today were in the West, and we have to say there are dire threats to our security and to our way of life. You see whats happening out there. They are threats. We will confront them. We will win. But they are threats.

We are confronted by another oppressive ideology  one that seeks to export terrorism and extremism all around the globe. America and Europe have suffered one terror attack after another. Were going to get it to stop.

During a historic gathering in Saudi Arabia, I called on the leaders of more than 50 Muslim nations to join together to drive out this menace which threatens all of humanity. We must stand united against these shared enemies to strip them of their territory and their funding, and their networks, and any form of ideological support that they may have. While we will always welcome new citizens who share our values and love our people, our borders will always be closed to terrorism and extremism of any kind.

We are fighting hard against radical Islamic terrorism, and we will prevail. We cannot accept those who reject our values and who use hatred to justify violence against the innocent.

Today, the West is also confronted by the powers that seek to test our will, undermine our confidence, and challenge our interests. To meet new forms of aggression, including propaganda, financial crimes, and cyberwarfare, we must adapt our alliance to compete effectively in new ways and on all new battlefields.

We urge Russia to cease its destabilizing activities in Ukraine and elsewhere, and its support for hostile regimes  including Syria and Iran  and to instead join the community of responsible nations in our fight against common enemies and in defense of civilization itself.

Finally, on both sides of the Atlantic, our citizens are confronted by yet another danger  one firmly within our control. This danger is invisible to some but familiar to the Poles: the steady creep of government bureaucracy that drains the vitality and wealth of the people. The West became great not because of paperwork and regulations but because people were allowed to chase their dreams and pursue their destinies.

Americans, Poles, and the nations of Europe value individual freedom and sovereignty. We must work together to confront forces, whether they come from inside or out, from the South or the East, that threaten over time to undermine these values and to erase the bonds of culture, faith and tradition that make us who we are. If left unchecked, these forces will undermine our courage, sap our spirit, and weaken our will to defend ourselves and our societies.

But just as our adversaries and enemies of the past learned here in Poland, we know that these forces, too, are doomed to fail if we want them to fail. And we do, indeed, want them to fail. They are doomed not only because our alliance is strong, our countries are resilient, and our power is unmatched. Through all of that, you have to say everything is true. Our adversaries, however, are doomed because we will never forget who we are. And if we dont forget who are, we just cant be beaten. Americans will never forget. The nations of Europe will never forget. We are the fastest and the greatest community. There is nothing like our community of nations. The world has never known anything like our community of nations.

We write symphonies. We pursue innovation. We celebrate our ancient heroes, embrace our timeless traditions and customs, and always seek to explore and discover brand-new frontiers. We reward brilliance. We strive for excellence, and cherish inspiring works of art that honor God. We treasure the rule of law and protect the right to free speech and free expression.

We empower women as pillars of our society and of our success. We put faith and family, not government and bureaucracy, at the center of our lives. And we debate everything. We challenge everything. We seek to know everything so that we can better know ourselves.

And above all, we value the dignity of every human life, protect the rights of every person, and share the hope of every soul to live in freedom. That is who we are. Those are the priceless ties that bind us together as nations, as allies, and as a civilization.

What we have, what we inherited from our  and you know this better than anybody, and you see it today with this incredible group of people  what weve inherited from our ancestors has never existed to this extent before. And if we fail to preserve it, it will never, ever exist again. So we cannot fail.

This great community of nations has something else in common: In every one of them, it is the people, not the powerful, who have always formed the foundation of freedom and the cornerstone of our defense. The people have been that foundation here in Poland  as they were right here in Warsaw  and they were the foundation from the very, very beginning in America.

Our citizens did not win freedom together, did not survive horrors together, did not face down evil together, only to lose our freedom to a lack of pride and confidence in our values. We did not and we will not. We will never back down.

As long as we know our history, we will know how to build our future. Americans know that a strong alliance of free, sovereign and independent nations is the best defense for our freedoms and for our interests. That is why my administration has demanded that all members of NATO finally meet their full and fair financial obligation.

As a result of this insistence, billions of dollars more have begun to pour into NATO. In fact, people are shocked. But billions and billions of dollars more are coming in from countries that, in my opinion, would not have been paying so quickly.

To those who would criticize our tough stance, I would point out that the United States has demonstrated not merely with words but with its actions that we stand firmly behind Article 5, the mutual defense commitment.

Words are easy, but actions are what matters. And for its own protection  and you know this, everybody knows this, everybody has to know this  Europe must do more. Europe must demonstrate that it believes in its future by investing its money to secure that future.

That is why we applaud Poland for its decision to move forward this week on acquiring from the United States the battle-tested Patriot air and missile defense system  the best anywhere in the world. That is also why we salute the Polish people for being one of the NATO countries that has actually achieved the benchmark for investment in our common defense. Thank you. Thank you, Poland. I must tell you, the example you set is truly magnificent, and we applaud Poland. Thank you.

We have to remember that our defense is not just a commitment of money, it is a commitment of will. Because as the Polish experience reminds us, the defense of the West ultimately rests not only on means but also on the will of its people to prevail and be successful and get what you have to have. The fundamental question of our time is whether the West has the will to survive. Do we have the confidence in our values to defend them at any cost? Do we have enough respect for our citizens to protect our borders? Do we have the desire and the courage to preserve our civilization in the face of those who would subvert and destroy it?

We can have the largest economies and the most lethal weapons anywhere on Earth, but if we do not have strong families and strong values, then we will be weak and we will not survive. If anyone forgets the critical importance of these things, let them come to one country that never has. Let them come to Poland. And let them come here, to Warsaw, and learn the story of the Warsaw Uprising.

When they do, they should learn about Jerusalem Avenue. In August of 1944, Jerusalem Avenue was one of the main roads running east and west through this city, just as it is today.

Control of that road was crucially important to both sides in the battle for Warsaw. The German military wanted it as their most direct route to move troops and to form a very strong front. And for the Polish Home Army, the ability to pass north and south across that street was critical to keep the center of the city, and the Uprising itself, from being split apart and destroyed.

Every night, the Poles put up sandbags amid machine gun fire  and it was horrendous fire  to protect a narrow passage across Jerusalem Avenue. Every day, the enemy forces knocked them down again and again and again. Then the Poles dug a trench. Finally, they built a barricade. And the brave Polish fighters began to flow across Jerusalem Avenue. That narrow passageway, just a few feet wide, was the fragile link that kept the Uprising alive.

Between its walls, a constant stream of citizens and freedom fighters made their perilous, just perilous, sprints. They ran across that street, they ran through that street, they ran under that street  all to defend this city. The far side was several yards away, recalled one young Polish woman named Greta. That mortality and that life was so important to her. In fact, she said, The mortally dangerous sector of the street was soaked in the blood. It was the blood of messengers, liaison girls, and couriers.

Nazi snipers shot at anybody who crossed. Anybody who crossed, they were being shot at. Their soldiers burned every building on the street, and they used the Poles as human shields for their tanks in their effort to capture Jerusalem Avenue. The enemy never ceased its relentless assault on that small outpost of civilization. And the Poles never ceased its defense.

The Jerusalem Avenue passage required constant protection, repair, and reinforcement, but the will of its defenders did not waver, even in the face of death. And to the last days of the Uprising, the fragile crossing never, ever failed. It was never, ever forgotten. It was kept open by the Polish people.

The memories of those who perished in the Warsaw Uprising cry out across the decades, and few are clearer than the memories of those who died to build and defend the Jerusalem Avenue crossing. Those heroes remind us that the West was saved with the blood of patriots; that each generation must rise up and play their part in its defense and that every foot of ground, and every last inch of civilization, is worth defending with your life.

Our own fight for the West does not begin on the battlefield  it begins with our minds, our wills, and our souls. Today, the ties that unite our civilization are no less vital, and demand no less defense, than that bare shred of land on which the hope of Poland once totally rested. Our freedom, our civilization, and our survival depend on these bonds of history, culture, and memory.

And today as ever, Poland is in our heart, and its people are in that fight. Just as Poland could not be broken, I declare today for the world to hear that the West will never, ever be broken. Our values will prevail. Our people will thrive. And our civilization will triumph.

So, together, let us all fight like the Poles  for family, for freedom, for country, and for God.

Thank you. God Bless You. God bless the Polish people. God bless our allies. And God bless the United States of America.

Thank you. God bless you. Thank you very much.

(The White House's press office on Thursday published the transcript of US President Donald Trump's address to the Polish nation in Krasinski Square in central Warsaw).
India, Japan and the US are to participate in a series of exercises to address the variety of shared threats to maritime security in the Indo-Asia Pacific.

By Indo-Asian News Service: Warships, submarines, aircraft and personnel from India, Japan and the US are to participate in the Malabar exercise in the Bay of Bengal from July 7-17, amid reports of the presence of Chinese warships in the Indian Ocean.

Malabar 2017 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises that has grown in scope and complexity over the years to address the variety of shared threats to maritime security in the Indo-Asia Pacific, a US embassy statement said.

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The exercise will feature both ashore and at-sea training.

While ashore in Chennai, training will include subject matter expert and professional exchanges on carrier strike group operations, maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations, surface and anti-submarine warfare, medical operations, damage control, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), helicopter operations, and visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations.

EVENTS PLANNED AT-SEA PORTION

The at-sea portions will be conducted in the Bay of Bengal and are designed to advance participating nations' military-to-military coordination and capacity to plan and execute tactical operations in a multinational environment.

Events planned during the at-sea portions include liaison officer professional exchanges and embarks; a photo exercise; submarine familiarization; high-value unit defence; air defence exercises; medical evacuation drills; surface warfare exercises; communications exercises; search and rescue exercises; helicopter cross-deck evolutions; underway replenishments; gunnery exercises; VBSS exercises; and anti-submarine warfare, the release said.

Participants from the US Navy include the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) with embarked Carrier Air Wing 11; the guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59); guided-missile destroyers USS Howard (DDG 83), USS Shoup (DDG 86), and USS Kidd (DDG 100); a P-8A Poseidon aircraft; and a Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine.

MARITIME FORCES ARE NATURAL PARTNERS

Indian, Japanese and US maritime forces have a common understanding and knowledge of a shared working environment at sea. Each iteration of this exercise helps to advance the level of understanding between our Sailors, and we hope to be able to continue this process over time. As members of Indo-Asia-Pacific nations, our maritime forces are natural partners, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen our bonds and personal relationships, it said.

The Japan Maritime Self Defense Force ships JS Izumo (DDH 183) and JS Sazanami (DD113) will be participating in the exercise.

The Indian flotilla is expected to have six to seven frontline warships.ALSO READ:

China deploys submarine in Indian Ocean Region even as India-China standoff continues

Chinese navy warships return home from Karachi Port

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Warship INS Chennai set to sail, 122 AIADMK MLAs and ministers onboard

--- ENDS ---

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EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP  A bill to require all New Jersey school boards to provide instruction on and make accommodations for transgender students passed in both the state Assembly and Senate on June 29.

The bill, A-4652 and S-3067, is meant to create a safe, inclusive and accepting school environment for transgender students.

Atlantic County legislators Sen. Jim Whelan and Assemblymen Chris Brown and Vince Mazzeo voted in favor of the bill, which was approved 59-15-3 by the Assembly and 25-10 by the Senate. Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove and Sen. Christopher Connors of 9th Legislative District, which covers parts of Galloway and Port Republic, voted no, and Assemblyman Brian Rumpf did not vote. It will now head to Gov. Chris Christie for his review.

If approved and signed into law by Christie, the legislation would require the commissioner of education to develop guidelines for school districts regarding the learning environment of transgender students, a step that could provide much-desired clarity for local school districts such as Egg Harbor Township.

Last winter, as the township Board of Education struggled with public outcry both against and in support of a proposed policy on transgender students, it unanimously approved a resolution calling for the state Department of Education to provide "clear" guidance on how the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination pertains specifically to schools.

Amended in 2006 to include gender identity and expression as a protected category, NJLAD prohibits discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation. However, it stops short of specifically addressing how school boards should implement the law in schools.

The EHT board, which is being sued by a transgender student for alleged discrimination and harassment he experienced at the high school, voted down the policy in March, but transgender-rights supporters have continued to attend monthly meetings, asking consistently for the board to reconsider the policy.

The new legislation provides specific guidance, including a definition of terms relevant to understanding transgender issues, information on how to maintain confidentiality and privacy concerns regarding a students transgender or transitioning status, procedures for maintaining official school records and the use of preferred pronouns that correspond to a students gender identity.

The bill also provides for equal opportunities for participation in physical education and in gender-segregated school activities in accordance with the students gender identity and use of restrooms and locker rooms. It calls for professional development to ensure staff are knowledgeable about the issues and for the addition of developmentally appropriate pamphlets and books in school libraries, counseling offices and nurses offices.

The commissioner also would have to review the guidelines periodically and update them as appropriate in accordance with state or federal laws and regulations concerning the rights of transgender students.

Egg Harbor Township Board of Education President Lou Della Barca said in an email he is "sure our board and district will continue to follow the laws of the state of New Jersey."

Board member Pete Castellano, who helped draft the resolution to the state, said he was pleased to see the legislation making headway.

"If signed, this bill would do exactly what we asked for in the resolution; it would give all N.J. school districts clear and consistent guidance on how to apply the NJ Law Against Discrimination in our schools, Castellano said. That specific guidance would make it easier for the board to adopt a policy, as it would clear up much of the confusion we have had to deal with in the past."

Senior Emily McGrath, 17, one of the most vocal supporters of transgender rights within the district, said if signed, the legislation could be a good start  but it's just a start.

If anything, it would just show EHTs school board that this is an issue around the whole state, and it would hopefully clarify any questions and concerns for the public, she said.

McGrath went on to say she would like the district to implement a full plan, not just a policy.

A policy is not enough to effect the change that is needed, even though thats a good start, she said, adding she'd like the district to form a committee to focus on sexual and gender-identity issues.

Assemblywoman Marlene Caride, D-Bergen, Passaic, a sponsor of the bill, said the legislation sends a message that these students matter.

Schools need to set the right tone. If we cultivated intolerance, children will pick up on that and think it is OK to bully others who are deemed different, Caride said in a news release. No one deserves to be mistreated because of who they are. These guidelines send a clear message to transgender children that we support them, and that discrimination and harassment of any form will not be tolerated.
ATLANTIC CITY  Over a dozen people lined up outside the shuttered Trump Taj Mahal Thursday morning to get a first crack at the 60-day liquidation sale that will clear the casino hotel of all of its contents.

The doors opened at 10 a.m. and people quickly began gathering televisions, furniture and the limited amount of poker tables available.

Kim Fantazzia, 54, of Margate, was one of the first people in the door and purchased two five-foot ornamental urns for $240 each.

"These are going to look perfect next to my fire place," Fantazzia said as she checked out. "I just saw them and knew that I had to have."

Some used to the event to look for home furnishings.

"We just got a new apartment and we have to fill it up," said Bianca Pizarro, 24, who was there with her boyfriend, Lukas Montanez, 27, both of Atlantic City.

Both Pizarro and Montanez used to be card dealers at the Taj. They left the casino after its owners threatened to close in 2015 during an ugly bankruptcy case.

"We really thought it was going to close then," she said.

Jason Bourne, a Maryland resident who comes to the city once a month, said he used to play at the Taj frequently and enjoyed staying in the suites near the top of the Taj Tower.

"It used to have some of the best suites in the city," he said. "It's a shame they let the building deteriorate like it did."

For sale are iconic chandeliers, white elephants, artwork, a limited number of poker tables, furniture and other light fixtures at bargain prices.

One of the most popular items for early visitors were televisions that were taken from the hotel rooms.

"Why would I go to Wal Mart and spend $400 on a TV when I can get one here for cheap?" said Gerald Winchester, who was the first person in line Thursday morning.

He added that he used to walk to the Taj everyday from his Atlantic City home and play the slot machines.

Everything will be gone in 60 days, guaranteed, said Donald Hayes, president of National Content Liquidators, who is in charge of the sale.

Anything with President Donald Trumps name on it is not for sale. All of that was taken off the site after the resort closed in October.

The slot machines and card tables on the casino floor have also been removed and are not for sale. There was no information on whether they will be re-purposed for the new Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, which is scheduled to open next Memorial Day weekend.

Anyone interested in purchasing the chandeliers, which run from $7,500 to $35,000, must hire a moving company with insurance to take them from the building.

The hotel rooms are in the same condition they were left in when the resort closed. The only exception is the televisions, which have been taken out and stored downstairs. They can be purchased for about $50, depending on the size.

Nine-player poker tables are being sold for $550. A 10-player table is going for $650. The chairs with the Taj logo on the back are sold separately at $39 apiece.

Other items for sale include the EGO sign that used to stand outside the club next to the casino. Full bedsets and linens also can be purchased.

On the Boardwalk outside the property Wednesday afternoon, Lee Smith, 44, and his son, Jonathan Smith, 17, both said they would have been interested first in buying a slot machine had they been available, followed by a gaming table.

Janna Meachem was sitting outdoors eating with Daniel Prendergast Wednesday evening near the Taj.

Asked what he might like to buy, the first thing that came to Meachems mind was as many gaming tables as possible.

Prendergast agreed and said, I would take it home and just play. Packs of cards, they have probably got millions of those, Prendergast said.

Hard Rock International and investors Joe Jingoli and Jack Morris plan to spend $500 million renovating and rebranding the property. The Hard Rock project is expected to generate more than a 1,000 construction jobs and 3,000 permanent jobs, according to Hard Rock. The group paid $50 million for the property, according to federal records.

The India-themed Taj closed in October after an up-and-down history. At one point Trump referred to the property as The Eighth Wonder of the World.

The property went through multiple bankruptcies and closed following a strike by its main workers union.

Hayes, who has been in business for 42 years, said the fact that Trump is now president of the United States did not affect the prices of the items.

He was previously hired by Trump to conduct liquidation sales at other buildings, including the Barbizon Plaza in New York, which was featured in Trumps best-selling book The Art of the Deal.

He also conducted the liquidation sale at the Sands Casino Hotel in Atlantic City before it was demolished in 2007.

Hayes said people are welcome to line up before the 10 a.m. Thursday sale start time outside the propertys main entrance on Virginia Avenue.

The parking garage will not be open. Anyone interested in attending will have to find their own parking at another casino or somewhere else in the city.

Staff photographer Edward Lea contributed to this report.
ATLANTIC CITY  Local beach residents and lifeguards say beaches were packed July 4, but on Wednesday, they were less crowded as tourists headed home from the long weekend.

There are a lot less people on the beach, Beach Patrol Chief Steve Downey said. It was about one third of what we had over the weekend.

Lifeguards estimated about 100,000 people were on the beach Sunday, the biggest crowd the lifeguards have ever seen, Downey said.

City lifeguards noticed a significant drop at the beach Wednesday in the number of visitors due to the chilly water temperature. They also noticed a decrease in swimmers. As of 5 p.m., two people had been rescued from the water.

Tuesday saw 13 rescues, which Downey said was moderate for a July 4 beach day.

Longports volunteer fire department also had a busy July 4 weekend.

On Friday, the fire department launched a brand new unit called the Marine 3, which had its first rescue Sunday, said Longport Fire Chief Levon Clayton.

Firefighters and EMTs were training when they came across a 12-foot boat with two men on-board that was sinking off the 33rd Avenue beach. Neither of the men was wearing life jackets, Clayton said. Marine 3 rescued the men and brought them back to the fire station.
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Aaron Carter, the singer-rapper who began performing as a child and had hit albums starting in his teen years, was found dead at his home in Southern California. He was 34. Representatives for Carters family confirmed the singers death Saturday. They did not provide any immediate further comment. A sheriff's official says deputies responding to reports of a medical emergency found a person deceased at the home in Lancaster. Aaron Carter, the younger brother of Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys, performed as an opening act for Britney Spears as well as his brothers boy band, and appeared on the familys reality series, House of Carters.
OCEAN CITY  The Cape May County Prosecutors Office is reviewing whether to move forward with the case of five men from Pennsylvania charged in the July 4 assault of Ocean City lifeguards, Ocean City police said.

The Prosecutors Office referred questions to the city Police Department.

City police Capt. Steve Ang said because the charge is considered indictable  fourth degree or higher  the Cape May County Prosecutors Office will review the case to see if it will take it before a grand jury.

Otherwise, the case will be remanded back to Municipal Court.

Breland J. Roach, 26, and Qwanayzia N. Nelson, 23, both of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Harold E. Corbin, 25, and Darnell M. Willingham, 29, both of Philadelphia, were all charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct after a July 4 beach fight that involved both police and lifeguards.

A fifth man, Trevis Willingham, 34, of Philadelphia, was charged with disorderly conduct.

A new video of the melee from Fox 29 shows a crowd gathered at the Eighth Street beach with police officers on the sand trying to subdue one of the suspects, who was fighting back. Bystanders are yelling, Stop. In another portion, a police officer and a lifeguard are seen on the sand wrestling with some of the subjects.

The video also shows one man running away to the boardwalk, where he is said to have tried to flee through Gillians Wonderland Pier before police stopped him.

Fox 29 identified the man as Roach, who was arrested in Pennsylvania two weeks ago on drug charges, but Ang could not confirm his identity.

Police said the incident took place around 4:30 p.m. when lifeguards confronted a group of beach goers for rowdy behavior.

We got complaints from people around, vulgar language, appeared to be very intoxicated, disturbing and not allowing the people around them to enjoy their day on the beach, Ang said. Normally, the lifeguards go over and we get cooperation. This one went bad. It didnt work out that way.

Ang said when confronted, the men began pushing the guards. When police arrived, the men allegedly began fighting with officers, too.

Nobody was hurt, Ang said. It was more like pushing and shoving.

Rowdy beach crowds are not something Ocean City Police typically deal with in the dry  or liquor-sale-free  family-friendly resort.

This is new to us this year. We havent had an incident that escalated to this level. We have had complaints about alcohol consumption. Were having a lot of issues with that this year, I think more so than past, Ang said.

He said police are sending officers to ride up and down the beach on four-wheel vehicles to keep an eye on crowds.
By India Today Web Desk: One of the highly anticipated Telugu films this year, Jai Lava Kusa, is gearing up for a release. On Thursday, the makers released the first look teaser from Jr NTR's film, which is currently doing the rounds on social media. Apart from Jr NTR's majestic screen presence, the highlight of the trailer is when he says, "To kill that Ravana you had to cross the ocean. But to kill this Ravana you need an ocean of courage."

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Recently, the film was in news when a raw footage and some pictures were leaked on the internet. The team quickly reacted and the culprits were identified and arrested.

Being directed by Bobby, the film features Junior NTR in triple roles. For one of his roles, he will be seen wearing prosthetics. Jr NTR's look is being handled by Hollywood makeup artist Vance Hartwell, popular for his work in films such as The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Shutter Island.

Made on a big budget, the film has Raashi Khanna and Nivetha Thomas as the leading ladies, while Bollywood actor Ronit Roy will be playing the prime antagonist.

Jai Lava Kusa is slated to release on September 21.

ALSO READ: Sundeep Kishan's Nakshatra trailer is out

ALSO READ: Ranbir Kapoor says Prabhas was amazing in Baahubali

ALSO READ: Rajini selfie video goes viral

WATCH HERE: Jai Lava Kusa Teaser

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BARNEGAT TOWNSHIP  All Barnegat resident Thy Cavagnaro could remember from fleeing Saigon when she was 1 years old was the fire chasing her and her family of five, including her younger brother, who was only 18 days old.

It was a harrowing experience, Cavagnaro said. I heard all of the details from my parents. The fire was chasing us. I had nightmares about it for about a year.

Cavagnaros family fled the former South Vietnamese capital in 1975 when their neighborhood was bombed.

My uncle was the captain of a warship, and my entire family was able to escape, she said.

Jason Groome detained following charges in drug-selling scheme None of Jason Groomes family members, including his son, a highly touted professional baseb

Now, the 43-year-old wants to use her own money to build a Vietnam veterans memorial at Barnegats Gazebo Park to honor those who sacrificed their lives in the war.

Township Committee voted 5-0 Tuesday to send her proposed design to local veterans groups for their consideration and recommendations, Mayor Albert Bille said.

To escape Vietnam, Cavagnaros family took a moped to a transport boat that would take them to her uncles boat, which broke down, she said. From there, they had to be towed into international waters to then take a cargo ship to Guam and get on a flight to one of the four refugee camps in America at the time.

The family landed at the camp in Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, where they were then sponsored by a church in East Brunswick, Middlesex County. A member of the congregation took them in for a year, she said.

During that time, they helped us learn English to a more proficient level and helped us get jobs so we could buy our own house, Cavagnaro said.

Flounder length and bag limits set for the season All the rules adopted by the state earlier this year for summer flounder size, bag limits an

The 43-year-old submitted her idea for the memorial to the Barnegat Township Committee at an April meeting. She sought feedback from five Vietnam veterans to make sure the memorial wouldnt offend anybody.

Bille said she originally submitted the proposal without a location or design in mind.

We looked all over town and found that Gazebo Park would be the best location, he said.

The VFW and American Legion will have to approve the design and proposed location because there is already a memorial honoring veterans at the park.

Since the existing memorials are only 31 inches by 28 inches, ours will not overpower them and will remain about the same size or smaller, Cavagnaro said. Based on browsing headstone prices online, were assuming this will cost several thousand at least.

She hopes the memorial will be done before Veterans Day for a dedication.

Cavagnaro also wants to honor veterans in Barnegat by hosting a series of Thank You nights, also at her and her husbands expense. They will be held at a venue owned by a veteran, she said.

She is inviting veterans in small groups for drinks and food to get to know them and thank them for their time.

Vietnam veterans may contact her at jimmythy@comcast.net.
New Jersey is too often the last in the nation to make a sensible change, such as its unique and onerous ban on pumping ones own gasoline. The state acquired another such shameful status last month.

A court in Wisconsin struck down the states ban on the sale of home-baked goods, leaving only New Jersey among the 50 states to continue this excessive and unnecessary level of restriction.

Readers may recall buying home-baked goods at a fund-raiser. Thats because its legal to sell them for a charitable purpose, just not for a profit.

That undermines one of two arguments still made in favor of New Jerseys ban. State Sen. Joseph Vitale, D-Middlesex, has refused to allow a bill overturning the ban to be considered by the health and human services committee he chairs. He said in March the sale of home-baked goods is a threat to public safety and public health. But the threat is OK if its for a good cause?

The judge in the Wisconsin case stated emphatically the ban has no real or substantial connection to consumer protection. He added that no one in the 48 states allowing sales has suffered serious injury or illness from an improperly made baked good.

The bill that Vitale is blocking from a vote already has passed the Assembly twice. It specifies that approved home-baked goods must be nonhazardous foods that dont require refrigeration or further cooking for safe eating. In short, thats nearly all baked goods, except for cheesecake and a few others.

A group of home bakers in North Jersey has been pushing state legislators for several years to adopt the approach proven by the rest of the nation.

As matters now stand, a home baker who wants to make a little money must either install a commercial kitchen in the home (at a cost of $15,000 to $60,000) or do their baking in a rented commercial kitchen. Either expense can be enough to make home baking unprofitable. Such a home baker would also be subject to state Department of Health inspections.

There is a legitimate issue beyond the red herring of public health and safety. Home bakers would take some customers from commercial bakeries, which have to be licensed and inspected in keeping with the size and potential effects of their businesses. Of more concern to state government, perhaps, is that its far easier to collect taxes and fees from commercial bakeries than tiny home bakers.

The other states have addressed the matter by limiting the amount of business a home baker can do annually. The N.J. bill would cap gross income at $50,000, meaning that after expenses a home bakers earnings might be about half that. That would be at the top of the range allowed by states, which currently runs from $15,000 to $50,000 a year. A proposal in Wisconsin would set a new low at a mere $7,500 for its home bakers.

Following the path well trod by other states shouldnt be too difficult. Sounds like New Jersey legislators just need to set a revenue cap thats fair to the home and commercial bakers.
A suspected cylinder blast in a bus in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir killed at least one person and injured several more. The blast is believed to be accidental in nature.

The blast is believed to be accidental in nature (Photo: ANI)

By India Today Web Desk: At least one person died and eight more were injured after a blast inside a bus in Anantnag district that was carrying pilgrims on the Amarnath Yatra.

The blast took place in Anantnag's Vessu in a bus that was traveling from Jammu and Srinagar.

The blast is suspected to be accidental in nature and its source is believed to be a cooking gas cylinder.

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(More to follow)

--- ENDS ---
A probe revealed that the boy initially befriended the girl on Facebook and then started talking to her on messaging app WhatsApp.

By Ashwini Kumar: The Jammu police has uncovered a suspected ISI scheme to lure youngsters in Jammu and Kashmir via fake social media profiles.

The plot was discovered after police detained a class 12 student who had befriended what he believed to be a girl on Facebook. However, the account was actually being operated by a Pakistani national from across the border.

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Police believe the account was used as a honey trap to lure the class 12 student into working for Pakistani intelligence. The boy was detained after Jammu police received a tip off from intelligence agencies.

A probe revealed that the boy initially befriended the girl on Facebook and then started talking to her on messaging app WhatsApp.

According to sources, the Pakistani handler who was posing as a girl asked the boy to source and send across photos of important Indian Army installations.

The sources further said that this is the first incident in Jammu of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence agency trapping a school student.

Even as probe into the case continues, Jammu police has issued an advisory asking people to be wary of fake accounts that may exist on Whatsapp or Facebook.

Also Read:

Rajasthan ATS detains suspected ISIS operator from Chennai

Is Pakistan indirectly paving way for ISIS in Kashmir by using its videos to fuel militancy?

--- ENDS ---
Two-Day Summit Hosts 400 Investors in Malta to Showcase Investment Opportunities

ST JULIANS, Malta, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ariadne Capital, an investment firm focused on building Ecosystem Economics-based firms, will be bringing their 7th Annual Follow The Entrepreneur Summit to Malta for the first time. The two-day summit on July 10th and 11th will gather leading entrepreneurs and investors across Europe to frame the investment opportunities of the next decade.

"After six successful years of hosting our flagship event in the UK, bringing our Summit to Malta this year was a natural choice," said Julie Meyer, Founder and CEO of Ariadne Capital. "Having joined the EU in 2004, Malta has become the financial capital of the second largest GDP zone, not to mention a financial services challenger with smart tax incentives and a remarkable testbed for new digital applications inside of the relatively small country infrastructure."

The Prime Minister of Malta, Dr. Joseph Muscat, will be keynoting the event with a discussion on the Future of the EU, The Mediterranean and Malta. Entrepreneurs and investors who will be speaking about the future of various ecosystems include:

Joe Portelli  Chairman of the Malta Stock Exchange

Chairman of the Malta Stock Exchange Andreas Wil Gerdes  Founder of Orange Germany, iWorldGroup

Founder of Orange Germany, iWorldGroup John Porter  Founder of Verifone, Chairman of AML Analytics, and Board Director of Ariadne Capital Group Limited

 Founder of Verifone, Chairman of AML Analytics, and Board Director of Ariadne Capital Group Limited Phil O'Donovan  Co-Founder of Cambridge Silicon Radio

 Co-Founder of Cambridge Silicon Radio George Coelho  Founder of Intel Capital, Chairman of Octo Telematics, and Former MD and Head of VC at Good Energies

 Founder of Intel Capital, Chairman of Octo Telematics, and Former MD and Head of VC at Good Energies Harald Roesch  CEO of Melita

 CEO of Melita Mark Blandford  Founder of Sportingbet

 Founder of Sportingbet Candace Johnson  Founder of SES Astra and President of the European Business Angels Network

 Founder of SES Astra and President of the European Business Angels Network Dr. Karl Strobl  Former Deutsche Bank MD of Asset Management, Global Head of Retirement Solutions, Chairman of the ECO2 Investment Platform

 Former Deutsche Bank MD of Asset Management, Global Head of Retirement Solutions, Chairman of the ECO2 Investment Platform Andre Stark , BMW Ventures  Head of a Major Corporate Venturing Initiative

 Head of a Major Corporate Venturing Initiative Boris Pilichowski  Co-CEO of Karhoo, a GDS system for the taxi industry, and formerly a Goldman Sachs partner

 Co-CEO of Karhoo, a GDS system for the taxi industry, and formerly a Goldman Sachs partner Mark Weingard  Founder of Iniala, Major Investor in Malta

With 508 million consumers, Europe is one of the largest markets in the world. However, its massive capital reserves do not benefit its wealth creators and problem solvers  its entrepreneurs. To encourage growth for future entrepreneurs, Ariadne Capital has launched its ECO2 Investment Platform, a multi-manager platform that combines the needs of large asset allocators with the opportunities pursued by venture capital firms.

"Don't follow the money but follow the entrepreneur," says Meyer. "Capital follows ideas - it always has and always will. We believe that entrepreneurs are focused on the future, as society's problem solvers and wealth creators, and are willing to live abnormal lives to build the ecosystems of tomorrow from which all of society benefits."

Follow The Entrepreneur Investor Summit will showcase the ECO2 Investment Platform  the Portfolio Managers who are plugging in, the Ecosystem Economics Investment Strategy and the Entrepreneur Country executive team who will be working with the portfolio companies of all of the funds.

The Summit is on the record and open to the press.

About Ariadne Capital

Ariadne Capital was founded in 2000 by 62 leading entrepreneurs who pioneered the 'Entrepreneurs Backing Entrepreneurs' model in Europe. They have completed more than 875 m of transactions and investments since then. The entrepreneurs manage the Ariadne Capital Entrepreneurs Fund and the ECO2 Investment Platform, powered by the asset management firm that Ariadne acquired in Malta in 2016. The firm founded Entrepreneur Country and developed Ecosystem Economics for which Julie Meyer was given an honorary doctorate at Warwick University in the United Kingdom.

John Porter, Mark Schneider and Mike Alfant are Board Directors of Ariadne Capital Group Limited in Malta, and Amit Pau, former Group MD of Vodafone, is MD of Ariadne Capital and Partner in Ariadne Investments. Ariadne has offices in Malta and London.

More information at:

www.ariadnecapital.com

www.follow-the-entrepreneur.com

www.entrepreneurcountryglobal.com

For media enquiries, contact:

Prosek Partners

Sofia Chernova

Office: +44 02 3878 8573

Mobile: +44 7453 788350

Email: schernova@prosek.com

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SOURCE Ariadne Capital
LONDON, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Advisor to China's ambitious Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) Professor Yang Jiemian says China and the UK have a lot to gain by working together on the BRI, especially if they tie in existing projects from their two countries and other parts of the world while leveraging the mutual benefits and complementary strengths of both countries. "The BRI could garner the best possible outcome only by [aligning] with each other's plans such as the British Northern Powerhouse, Germany's Industry 4.0 strategic initiative, [along with major road projects in places such as Kazakhstan, Mongolia, etc.]," he said today at a CEIBS-hosted forum looking at China's outbound investments and opportunities for Britain. "China and Britain could reap the benefits by expanding their coordination with the programmes of other BRI participants," he added.

The BRI will see major projects in countries along its route and beyond. As noted in a joint communique issued after the May 15 Leaders Roundtable in Beijing, the BRI will enhance connectivity between Asia and Europe and is also open to other regions such as Africa and South America. With government level support from many countries, the actual implementation of projects has seen widespread participation at the company level. According to data from China's Ministry of Commerce, between January and April of this year Chinese companies in 61 countries along the BRI signed 1,862 contracts. The value of newly inked deals was US$31.85 billion, an increase of 2.3% over last year.

During today's event, Professor Yang  who is also President Emeritus of Shanghai Institutes for International Studies  told the audience of business executives from both countries how China and Britain stand to benefit from leveraging each other's resources. "China and Britain are two important global players and complement each other in many ways. Britain's strength in finance, innovation, education and culture will add irreplaceable value to the BRI and Britain will gain enormous benefits in return," he said. "As an integrated driving force, the BRI would demand  as well as promote  greater cooperation in institution-building, rule-making, advanced research and closer networking."

His comments come at a time when post-Brexit Britain is unwinding years of agreements with the EU, and there is some degree of uncertainty about just how hard of a landing this will be. Concerns, ahead of the Brexit vote, about the economic fallout of leaving the EU are still being assessed; but so too are the potential opportunities when trade deals are renegotiated. For now, the BRI in post-Brexit Britain has the attention of firms such as Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Services, Inc. "[With respect to the BRI], from 2016 to 2021 the UK plans to invest more than GBP 100 billion in infrastructure. Therefore, we have engaged with Chinese EPC contractors, funds and developers in teaming them up with local players, educating them on the market and helping them to win contracts," said company Vice Chairman Angus Knowles-Cutler.

Providing Chinese firms with the know-how needed to succeed in the UK market is a potentially lucrative deal for Deloitte and other firms that can offer expertise on anything from legal advice to logistics support. China's foreign direct investments have grown steadily since 2002 with major M&As in Europe such as the US$43 billion ChemChina-Syngenta deal and China Investment Corporation's US$13 billion grab of Logicor making the headlines. There have also been some headline grabbing failures as well, and there will likely be more in the future. According to CEIBS Vice President & Dean Professor Ding Yuan, some deals will fail because some companies are going global for the wrong reasons. They may be liquidity-driven, responding to political signals or are simply being opportunistic by chasing short-term gain, he said. Globalisation, he stressed, should not be the end game but simply one of the pillars of a firm's overall strategy. He was citing research from CEIBS Centre for the Globalisation of Chinese Companies.

Other Chinese companies, Dean Ding noted, would fail at executing their globalisation plans because they are over confident and over optimistic so they pay too much; or they simply lack the management skills required to succeed. This year, CEIBS began offering a course for Chinese business executives eying the global market or already operating internationally. Events like today's London leg of CEIBS 3rd Europe Forum 2017 also provide useful insights for business executives, as well as bridge the gap between China and the rest of the world. "Our aim is to provide a platform that can integrate business resources on both sides and promote cooperation between Chinese and UK companies," explained CEIBS President Li Mingjun. "It is our hope that our discussions will help foster greater understanding and collaboration between China and the UK, between companies and between people."

The CEIBS 3rd Europe Forum 2017 series of events continues in Paris on July 11.

About China Europe International Business School (CEIBS)

CEIBS (www.ceibs.edu) is the leading international business school in mainland China. It is the only business school in Asia to have simultaneously made it to the Financial Times' top 30 list of MBA, EMBA and Executive Education programmes. CEIBS' world-class faculty  from both China and abroad  are experts in their fields. Since its launch in 1994, CEIBS has provided management education to over 130,000 executives both at home and abroad. CEIBS has campuses in Shanghai, Beijing, Zurich and Accra and a teaching centre in Shenzhen. Its more than 19,000 alumni are spread across 80+ countries around the world.

SOURCE China Europe International Business School
Highlights HNA Group's Commitment to Deepening China-Germany Ties

BERLIN, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- HNA Group, a global Fortune 500 company focused on tourism, logistics and financial services, today announced that Chen Feng, Chairman of the Board of Directors of HNA Group, attended the state banquet hosted by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, at the Bellevue Palace in Berlin, on July 5.

The state banquet was part of a series of events organized in conjunction with President Xi Jinping's second state visit to Germany. The visit, which aims to cement ties between the two countries and push forward series of cooperation agreements, marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of China-Germany diplomatic ties.

"I am honored to have been invited to the banquet and to have has the opportunity to speak with President Steinmeier and President Xi about the importance of deepening the bilateral ties between China and Germany," said Chairman Chen. "As a global company with Chinese roots, we believe constructive communication between China and Europe is essential to further boost global trade. HNA Group is committed to playing an important role in fostering economic growth everywhere we operate, as well as working to help promote the cultural ties between China and Germany. I am pleased to reaffirm HNA Group's commitment to further business development and investment activity in Germany and across Europe and we look forward to continuing to improve trade connectivity between China and this important global region."

HNA Group has played an important role in bringing two of the world's major economies closer together. In September 2008, Hainan Airlines, HNA Group's flagship carrier launched direct flights connecting Beijing and Berlin. Through June 2017, this route has served more than 570,000 passengers, supporting the people-to-people exchanges upon which strong, mutually beneficial business relationships are based.

In 2017 alone, HNA Group has made several significant investments in the German market, including acquiring an 82.5% shares of Frankfurt-Hahn Airport, which is located 125 kilometers away from Frankfurt, the biggest city of Hesse-Darmstadt. In May 2017, HNA Group became the largest shareholder of Deutsche Bank, one of the world's leading and Germany's largest financial services providers. China became Germany's largest trading partner for the first time last year, with bilateral trade volume between China and Germany exceeding $151 billion in 2016.

As a global leader in aviation infrastructure and related sectors, HNA Group's other major European assets include Avolon in the aircraft leasing sector, Swissport and Gategroup in airport and aviation services, and Carlson Rezidor in the hotels and tourism industry.

About HNA Group

HNA Group is a global Fortune 500 company focused on tourism, logistics, and financial services. Since its founding in 1993, HNA Group has evolved from a regional airline based on Hainan Island in southern China into a global company with approximately $145 billion of assets, more than $90 billion in annual revenues, and an international workforce of 410,000 employees, primarily across the Americas, Europe and Asia. HNA's tourism business is a fast-growing, vertically-integrated global player with market-leading positions in aviation, hotels and travel services. HNA operates and invests in nearly 3,200 hotels with over 380,000 rooms across major markets, and has 1,250 aircraft carrying nearly 100 million passengers to 270 cities worldwide. HNA's logistics business is a leader in logistics and supply chain management with capabilities in shipping and equipment manufacturing, maritime transportation, third-party payment platforms and project finance. In financial services, HNA is China's largest non-bank leasing company, and a leading provider of a diverse set of businesses in equipment leasing, insurance, asset management, investment banking and credit services. For more information, visit http://www.hnagroup.com.

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SOURCE HNA Group
OPEC almost 600,000 b/d above ceiling

Saudi output 9.97 mil b/d; Iran at 3.8 mil b/d while Libya

LONDON, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) members' crude output rose 500,000 b/d to 32.49 million barrels per day compared to May, according to the latest S&P Global Platts survey released today.

The June output figure, an increase of 220,000 b/d from May, is a six-month high for the organization, complicating its efforts to hasten the oil market's rebalancing through production cuts that went into force January 1.

"The recoveries in Libya and Nigeria certainly present headwinds for OPEC in its efforts to stabilize the market. The jury is still out on how sustainable those gains are. The outlook for both countries looks promising, which could undermine even the best efforts of the rest of OPEC, who are still showing strong compliance," said Herman Wang, OPEC Specialist, S&P Global Platts.

The production rises in Libya and Nigeria, which were exempted from the agreement as they recovered from militancy, have sent the organization's collective output almost 600,000 b/d above its stated ceiling of around 31.9 million b/d when new member Equatorial Guinea is added in and suspended member Indonesia is subtracted.

This comes even as compliance among OPEC's 12 countries with quotas under the agreement remains robust at 116%, according to an average of January through June production, as seven countries led by largest member Saudi Arabia have cut more than required. Saudi Arabia saw its output rise in the month to 9.97 million b/d, according to the survey, as the kingdom's crude exports rose significantly and the onset of summer drove domestic consumption of oil to power air conditioning. But that is still far below its quota under the deal of 10.06 million b/d.

Second largest member Iraq grew production slightly to 4.45 million b/d, remaining the least compliant country in terms of output above its quota, which is 4.35 million b/d. Iran, OPEC's third largest producer, also saw a slight increase in output to 3.8 million b/d, right at its quota under the deal. Venezuela saw the largest decrease in the month, with production falling 30,000 b/d to 1.91 million b/d, the survey found, as the country's economic crisis continued to worsen, with various refinery units and heavy crude upgraders being shut down and extra heavy crude production being shut in.

New member Equatorial Guinea produced 140,000 b/d in June, down from 150,000 b/d in May, according to the survey.

Diplomatically isolated Qatar, meanwhile, has yet to see any impact to production from the economic blockade imposed by Persian Gulf neighbors Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Oman, with output remaining steady at 610,000 b/d.

EXEMPTION APPREHENSION

Libya's production, boosted by the return of several fields that had been shut in by civil strife, rose 80,000 b/d on the month to average 810,000 b/d, its highest level since October 2014, when output averaged at 860,000 b/d, according to Platts survey data.

Nigeria's output, meanwhile, rose 50,000 b/d to 1.78 million b/d, the highest since January 2016, as key export grade Forcados returned from force majeure, more than offsetting the force majeure declared June 8 on Bonny Light exports, as well as unplanned maintenance on the Bonga field. The combined output of Libya and Nigeria is now about 380,000 b/d above their October level, the benchmark month from which OPEC based its 1.2 million b/d cut in its output agreement.

Further recoveries appear likely, as militancy has quieted in both countries for the moment. Analysts have said that if the two countries' gains prove sustainable, they may need to be brought into the fold if other OPEC members do not wish to see their cuts undermined.

The deal, which also includes 10 non-OPEC countries led by Russia that agreed to a collective 558,000 b/d cut, was recently extended to March 2018. A monitoring committee composed of ministers from Kuwait, Russia, Algeria, Venezuela and Oman are scheduled to meet July 22-24 in St. Petersburg, Russia, to discuss market conditions.

The Platts estimates were obtained by surveying OPEC and oil industry officials, traders and analysts, as well as reviewing proprietary shipping data.

OPEC production (in million b/d)



Country June Change May Algeria 1.06 0 1.06 Angola 1.66 0.02 1.64 Ecuador 0.52 0 0.52 Equatorial Guinea 0.14 -0.01 0.15 Gabon 0.20 -0.01 0.21 Iran 3.80 0.02 3.78 Iraq 4.45 0.02 4.43 Kuwait 2.71 0.01 2.70 Libya 0.81 0.08 0.73 Nigeria 1.78 0.05 1.73 Qatar 0.61 0 0.61 Saudi Arabia 9.97 0.04 9.93 UAE 2.87 0.03 2.84 Venezuela 1.91 -0.03 1.94 Total 32.49 0.22 32.27









OPEC production vs. cut allocations (in million b/d) Country Jan-Jun avg Allocation Over/Under Algeria 1.048 1.039 0.009 Angola 1.644 1.673 -0.029 Ecuador 0.520 0.522 -0.002 Equatorial Guinea 0.140 0.133 0.007 Gabon 0.204 0.193 0.011 Iran 3.765 3.797 -0.032 Iraq 4.420 4.351 0.069 Kuwait 2.703 2.707 -0.004 Libya 0.675 exempt

Nigeria 1.683 exempt

Qatar 0.613 0.618 -0.005 Saudi Arabia 9.951 10.058 -0.107 UAE 2.871 2.874 -0.003 Venezuela 1.961 1.972 -0.001









* Equatorial Guinea figure is only June production, as that was the country's first full month as an OPEC member

Notes: On May 25, OPEC and 10 non-OPEC producers decided to extend their existing production cuts by nine months -- a move that would keep nearly 1.8 million b/d of crude oil off the market through March 2018. Equatorial Guinea became OPEC's smallest oil producer on May 25, when its application to join OPEC was approved, bringing the oil producer bloc's membership up to 14. The agreement exempts Libya and Nigeria, while allowing Iran a small increase in production. The joint OPEC and non-OPEC ministerial monitoring committee will meet in Russia on July 22-24 to review the progress of the deal and the next OPEC and non-OPEC meeting set for November 30. Indonesia suspended its OPEC membership on November 30, but its output is being counted by OPEC under the production ceiling. The estimate for Iraq includes volumes from semi-autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan.

About S&P Global Platts

At S&P Global Platts, we provide the insights; you make better informed trading and business decisions with confidence. We're the leading independent provider of information and benchmark prices for the commodities and energy markets. Customers in over 150 countries look to our expertise in news, pricing and analytics to deliver greater transparency and efficiency to markets. S&P Global Platts coverage includes oil and gas, power, petrochemicals, metals, agriculture and shipping.

S&P Global Platts is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), which provides essential intelligence for companies, governments and individuals to make decisions with confidence. For more information, visit www.platts.com.

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DENVER, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Advisor Group, one of the nation's largest networks of independent financial advisory firms, comprised of FSC Securities Corporation, Royal Alliance Associates, SagePoint Financial and Woodbury Financial Services, today announced its third annual Wealth Management Symposium, which will take place at the Hyatt Regency Denver from July 10-12, 2017.

"As our industry faces a major inflection point, it's imperative that our advisors are empowered with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in this new environment," said Advisor Group President and CEO, Jamie Price. "Our Wealth Management Symposium provides advisors with the expert insight and practical guidance needed to not only adapt, but thrive, as our industry and the future of advice continue to evolve."

In support of this year's theme "The Future of Advice," the Symposium will offer an in-depth look at current events in the financial services industry and the forces driving transformation from within. The agenda addresses a range of issues that are top-of-mind for advisors, including inter-generational wealth transfer, cyber security and advisor-managed portfolios. The event will also feature business technology consultations, industry networking sessions and a workshop designed to help advisors who are looking to transition more of their business to a fee-based model.

Attendance for the 2017 Wealth Management Symposium is expected to be double that of the inaugural turnout, a testament to the value advisors place on the forward thinking agenda and relevant content, as well as the need to stay competitive and grow their businesses in this time of change.

Advisor Group is seeing a strong interest from advisors regarding the many platform enhancements made not only to address the "Fiduciary Era", but also to help position them to capitalize on the future of advice. One product advisors are eager to learn more about is Advisor Group's Genesis Series. Launched in January 2017 this turn-key advisory platform gives clients access to institutional money managers with minimums as low as $5,500 with no IRA custodial fee. Adoption was swift, with more than 800 advisors opening nearly 5,700 accounts on platform, totaling $200 million is assets in just five months - and active proposals look to double those totals. Advisor Group introduced this product and other platform enhancements at its 2017 "Future is Now" 30-city roadshows, which attracted 2,300 advisors  more than half of its advisor base.

"Demographic, economic, and technological trends are transforming the wealth management industry and changing the future of advice," stated Advisor Group Executive Chairman Valerie Brown. "Our advisors have embraced this change and are working diligently to stay informed and embrace these new realities with confidence. We are proud to stand firmly in their corners, offering them the support and tools they need to prosper."

Keynote speakers include Andrew Friedman of the Washington Update, Greg Bell, Thought Leader, Business Consultant and Leadership Trainer, and Dr. David Kelly of JP Morgan Funds.

About Advisor Group

Advisor Group, Inc. is one of the nation's largest networks of independent financial advisors serving nearly 5,000 advisors and overseeing approximately $160 billion in client assets. Headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, the firm is mission-driven to support the heroic role that advisors can play in the lives of their clients, offering securities and investment advisory services through its subsidiaries FSC Securities Corp., Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., SagePoint Financial, Inc. and Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. as broker/dealers, registered investment advisors and members of FINRA and SIPC. Cultivating a spirit of entrepreneurship and independence, Advisor Group champions the enduring value of financial advisors and is committed to being in their corner every step of the way.

For more information, please visit www.advisorgroup.com.

Follow Advisor Group into the Future: @AdvisorGroupBDs on Twitter #AGFutureIsNow

SOURCE Advisor Group

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HONOLULU, July 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Alexander & Baldwin (A&B or Company) (NYSE: ALEX) today named John Perkins vice president of information technology, effective July 10. Perkins will be responsible for the management and delivery of all of technology services to the Company.

Perkins is an experienced executive who ran large information technology departments as vice president of engineering for Magnetic, a New York-based marketing technology company, and as senior vice president for International Fund Services, a State Street company. Perkins also has extensive technology consulting and software development experience, having founded his own technology and management consulting company, Vaiance, LLC. Perkins earned a bachelors' degree in English from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

"John possesses a unique combination of experience in technology, management, and finance that will be extremely valuable as we focus on growing our business and enhancing customer service and organizational efficiency. John will help us turn information technology into a competitive advantage. We are excited to welcome him to the A&B team," said Chris Benjamin, A&B president and CEO.

ABOUT ALEXANDER & BALDWIN

Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. is a Hawaii-based public company, with interests in commercial real estate, land operations, materials and infrastructure construction. With ownership of approximately 87,000 acres in Hawaii, A&B is the state's fourth largest private landowner, and one of the state's most active real estate investors. The Company manages a portfolio comprising 4.7 million square feet of leasable space in Hawaii and on the U.S. Mainland and is the largest owner of grocery/drug-anchored retail centers in the state. A&B is also Hawaii's largest materials company and paving contractor. Additional information about A&B may be found at www.alexanderbaldwin.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the relevant forward-looking statement. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. This release should be read in conjunction with pages 13-24 of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.'s 2016 Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC through the date of this release, which identify important factors that could affect the forward-looking statements in this release. We do not undertake any obligation to update our forward-looking statements.

Contact:

Darren Pai

808.525.6659

[email protected]

SOURCE Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.

Related Links

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Artist Jatin Das, whose painting in among the works missing from Air India's headquarters in Mumbai, has said that he feels pained to see that connoisseurs are art are long gone.

By Poulomi Saha: A day after several paintings worth a Rs 200-crore collection went missing from Air India's headquarters in Mumbai as the matter came to light when painter Jatin Das was contacted for a painting that he had made for the airline, India Today spoke to Das, who has demanded that the matter be thoroughly investigated.

The painting in question - 'Flying Apsara' - was made by Jatin Das for Air India in 1991. More than 20 years later, Das was reminded of his work when artist Pooja Acharya contacted him to authenticate his work, probably on behalf of one Sarabjit Singh, who now allegedly owns the piece.

Artist Pooja Acharya's correspondence with painter Jatin Das.

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Talking to India Today exclusively at his Delhi studio, Jatin Das said, "I asked Pooja Acharya to send me an image of the painting. When she did, I was shocked to see it. It was the same painting Air India had commissioned from me years ago. A collector had acquired it 20 years ago from Dhoomimal Gallery. But those in the gallery told me that they had sold no such painting." Jatin Das has demanded that the paintings' case be investigated properly.

Das has now written to Air India Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ashwani Lohani asking for high resolution images of all his paintings along with title, size, year and medium of each work for his archive. "I will be very grateful for the same", Das wrote to Lohani.

Jatin Das writes to Air India CMD Ashwani Lohani.

CONDUCTING A DETAILED AUDIT OF PAINTINGS' COLLECTION: AIR INDIA

Responding to India Today's queries, the national carrier's spokesperson said, "We are in the process of conducting a detailed audit of the collection that shall also include physical verification, digitisation, cataloguing, classification, proper storage and putting in place a security system. This exercise will be completed by September 2017, after which the entire collection will be open for public viewing in due course."

When Air India was asked about the specific painting Jatin Das was referring to as "Flying Apsara", Lohani said, "The matter was being looked into and the entire inventory of the artist's works would be made available to him."

The key question one needs to ask is - have more similar paintings and artefacts gone missing from Air India collection and can the possibility of an insider being hand-in-glove with the loot be ruled out. Former Air India Executive Director Jitendra Bhargava begs to differ.

"I think Air India should go back and check records and immediately produce an inventory, which includes a valuation of the total assets," he told India Today.

But for all the swift action that the Air India may now have been spurred to, Jatin Das' disappointment is best summed up as he rues, "Art is much more than money. It shocks and it pains. Those connoisseurs of art are long gone."

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AJIT SINGH SLAMS BJP GOVERNMENT

Meanwhile, former Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh has slammed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party government demanding a probe into missing paintings from Air India's collection in Mumbai.

Ajit Singh served as the civil aviation minister from 2011 to 2014, and had also presided over meetings where discussion about these paintings and artefacts came up. He had organised an exhibition of the most prominent paintings from Air India collection at the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi in July 2013.

Speaking to India Today, Ajit Singh said, "I remember in the turnaround plan when assets were being discussed for monetisation, the process was restarted to see where these paintings are, whether they have an inventory. There was none. Now if this incident has happened, I hope the matter is thoroughly investigated." Ajit Singh had estimated that the paintings were estimated at that time to be Rs 300 crore.

Also read | Paintings from Rs 200-crore collection go missing from Air India's Mumbai headquarters

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Also read | Missing Air India paintings: RLD leader Ajit Singh demands probe

WATCH VIDEO

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HOUSTON, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- alliantgroup is hosting a free CPE webinar for CPAs on July 18th at 12:00 pm CDT entitled "The Technology Takeover: How R&D is Now a Part of Every Industry." This free webinar, hosted by Managing Director Michael Siegel, will count for one hour of Continued Professional Education (CPE) credit for Certified Public Accountants. During the webinar, Siegel will discuss how businesses in every industry can qualify for tax incentives.

"At alliantgroup, we have partnered with thousands of CPA firms nationwide. Our CPAs look to us for insight into tax reform and ever-changing IRS regulations," said alliantgroup CEO Dhaval Jadav. "This webinar is yet another resource for CPAs to learn valuable information that can help their clients."

The government offers powerful tax incentives for businesses that create and retain technical jobs here in the United States. Any business that has hired technical staff to handle IT or software solutions could be a great candidate for the R&D Tax Credit. In recent years, regulatory changes have expanded to allow more companies to take advantage of job-creating tax incentives.

"The webinar will educate CPAs on how their clients outside the IT industry can still qualify for valuable business credits. Technology has been rapidly integrated into almost every industry, and CPAs need to understand how to utilize this technology boom for their clients," said Jadav.

Click here to register for the event.

alliantgroup's mission is one of education and awareness. The firm helps U.S. businesses and their CPA advisors take full advantage of all available federal and state tax incentives. alliantgroup is headquartered in Houston, Texas and has offices nationwide including New York, Boston, Irvine, Orlando, Sacramento, Washington D.C., Indianapolis and Chicago. Since its founding, alliantgroup has helped over 20,000 American businesses claim more than $5 billion in tax incentives. For more information visit our website or find alliantgroup on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter.

Media Contact

David Rosen

alliantgroup

713-350-3167

[email protected]

SOURCE alliantgroup

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VANCOUVER, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Amarc Resources Ltd. ("Amarc" or the "Company") (TSX-V: AHR; OTCBB: AXREF) is pleased to announce it has entered into a Mineral Property Farm-In Agreement (the "Agreement") with Hudbay Minerals Inc. ("Hudbay") (TSX: HBM; NYSE: HBM). Under the terms of the Agreement Hudbay may acquire, through a staged investment process, up to a 60% ownership interest in Amarc's 462 km2, 100%-owned IKE copper porphyry district (the "IKE Project" or the "Project"), located near Gold Bridge, British Columbia ("BC").

Robert Dickinson, Executive Chairman of Amarc: "We are pleased to welcome Hudbay, a company with a solid reputation as an experienced and responsible operator of important mines located in North and South America, to a project we believe will emerge as one of Canada's most important new mineral developments."

Diane Nicolson, President of Amarc: "Hunter Dickinson associated companies have a long history of discovering and developing porphyry copper deposits in BC that have gone on to generate decades of wealth and opportunity for stakeholders and shareholders alike. We are excited to be combining our proven porphyry copper discovery skill set with Hudbay's acknowledged capabilities as a first-class mine builder and operator."

Agreement with Hudbay on the IKE Project

Under the terms of the Agreement, Hudbay can earn an initial 49% ownership interest in the IKE Project under a Stage 1 Farm-in Right by funding $25 million1 of expenditures before December 31, 2020, of which $3.3 million is committed for 2017.

Provided its Stage 1 Farm-in Right is exercised, Hudbay can, pursuant to a Stage 2 Farm-in Right, elect to earn an additional 1% interest in the Project (for a total 50% interest), by funding $15 million of expenditures (for a total of $40 million), also before December 31, 2020.

Stage 1 and Stage 2 Farm-in expenditures can be accelerated by Hudbay at its discretion. Amarc will be the operator during the Stage 1 and Stage 2 periods. A Joint Venture ("JV") will be formed when Hudbay has acquired a 49% interest in the Project.

Provided that Hudbay has exercised its Stage 2 Farm-in Right and acquired a 50% interest in the IKE Project, it can then elect to go forward via one of two paths.

1 All currency values are Canadian dollars.

First, Hudbay can replace Amarc as operator of the JV after it funds all project expenditures and completes a Feasibility Study for the IKE Project by December 31, 2025. Having gained operatorship, Hudbay can then choose to either go forward with Amarc in a 50/50 participating JV, or can instead elect to continue with its Farm-in (the "Stage 3 Farm-in Right") to acquire an additional 10% interest in the IKE Project (for a total 60% interest). To exercise its Stage 3 Farm-in Right, Hudbay must fund all expenditures required to submit a British Columbia Environment Assessment ("EA") application for the IKE Project and, if applicable, a Canadian EA application, with the application(s) being accepted for review by December 31, 2026. In addition, Hudbay must also continue to fund all project expenditures until the necessary EA Certificate(s) are received. Following receipt of the EA Certificate(s), all IKE Project expenditures going forward will be shared by Hudbay and Amarc on a pro rata basis (Hudbay 60%/Amarc 40%) under the JV.

As a second alternative path Hudbay can elect, after exercising its Stage 2 Farm-in Right, to proceed directly to the Stage 3 Farm-in Right, so immediately becoming the operator, and acquire a further 10% interest (for a total 60% interest) by, as above, submitting and having accepted for review a British Columbia EA application and, if applicable, a Canadian EA application, by December 31, 2026. Again in this instance, Hudbay must also fund all project expenditures until receipt of the necessary EA Certificate(s). As with the first path, following receipt of the EA Certificate(s), all IKE Project expenditures going forward will be shared by Hudbay and Amarc on a pro rata basis (Hudbay 60%/Amarc 40%) under the JV.

If Hudbay does not submit the EA application(s) by December 31, 2026, then Amarc will become operator again.

Hudbay has the right to defer either of its 2019 or 2020 expenditures, for a one-year period, subject to certain conditions. If this deferral occurs, Amarc will have a "co-expenditure right", whereby it can incur and fund approved additional expenditures on the IKE Project up to the amount of the deferred expenditures. Hudbay may elect to reimburse Amarc for these additional expenditures, thereby retaining its interest in the Project.

About the IKE Project

The IKE Project is located 33 kilometres northwest of the historical mining communities of Gold Bridge and Bralorne in south-central BC, near the heartland of the province's producing porphyry copper mines. There is good industrial infrastructure in the region. Power, railways and highways are all available in the area of Gold Bridge, and in the regional towns of Pemberton and Lillooet. Mainline logging roads leading northwest from Gold Bridge extend to within 13 kilometres of the IKE property.

Over the last three years, Amarc has made a significant new porphyry copper-molybdenum-silver discovery at IKE. Together with the surrounding district of important-scale, porphyry copper (molybdenumsilvergold) targets yet to be drilled, Amarc believes the IKE Project has the potential to possess the grades and tonnages to emerge as an important mining camp.

To date, Amarc has drilled more than 12,000 metres in 21 widely-spaced core holes in the IKE deposit, intersecting copper, molybdenum and silver mineralization over an area measuring 1,200 metres by 1,000 metres and 875 metres vertically. This drilling indicates the potential for extensive resource volumes which remain open to expansion in all lateral directions and to depth.

In addition, Amarc has completed 132 km2 of regional geological mapping, collected 1,258 talus fines samples and conducted 77 line-kilometres of Induced Polarization ("IP") geophysical surveys over regional targets. Results from these surveys have identified four significant porphyry copper mineralized systems, along with three more newly emerging porphyry copper and precious metal epithermal deposit targets  all within 10 kilometres of the IKE deposit. Age dating of porphyry mineralization discovered within the IKE district has confirmed at least four separate porphyry mineralizing events, occurring over an exceptionally long period of 46 million years. Progressing northwards from the IKE deposit, these porphyry copper mineralized systems become decidedly more gold-bearing.

Amarc is working with government, stakeholders and First Nations toward the responsible development of the IKE Project, and manages an ongoing program of community and regional outreach. These efforts include the provision of jobs, training programs, contract opportunities, capacity funding and sponsorship of community events. The Company is also seeking to establish comprehensive partnership discussions with local First Nations at the earliest stages of project development with the goal of establishing progressive agreements.

Amarc proactively supports government's duty to consult First Nations. After a rigorous review process, the Company has received a five-year, area-based permit for IKE Project exploration activities. A 300-hole drill permit and authorization for 250 kilometres of IP surveying provides regulatory certainty and operational flexibility at site.

Amarc plans to mobilize crews to the field for its 2017 drilling season in July. Approved project expenditures of $3.3 million include core drilling focused on evaluating the potential resource size and grade of at least three high priority porphyry copper (molybdenumsilvergold) targets located in proximity to the IKE discovery. Extensive surface exploration surveys, including IP, geological mapping and talus fine geochemical sampling, will be completed regionally to firm up additional porphyry copper deposit targets for potential drill testing next year.

About Amarc Resources Ltd.

Amarc is a mineral exploration and development company with an experienced and successful management team focused on developing a new generation of BC porphyry copper mines. With the successful combination of strong projects and successful management, Amarc has created a solid platform to commence the value creation life cycle of a mining exploration company.

Amarc is advancing its 100% owned IKE, DUKE and JOY porphyry copper deposit districts, located in southern, central and northern BC, respectively, each with proximity to industrial infrastructure, power, rail and highways. These projects represent significant potential for the discovery of important scale, porphyry copper-gold and copper-molybdenum deposits.

Amarc's DUKE deposit, and an adjacent 190 km2 porphyry copper district is located 80 kilometres northeast of Smithers BC, and 30 kilometres north of former mines (Bell and Granisle) operated by Noranda Mines. The DUKE Project area is logging road accessible from Smithers or Fort St. James.

Historically, DUKE has been explored with surface geochemical and geophysical surveys, as well as 30 shallow diamond drill holes. Many of the holes drilled intersected significant lengths of porphyry copper-molybdenum-silver-gold mineralization, which remains open both laterally and to depth. The surrounding district hosts multiple second order porphyry copper deposit targets. Plans are to drill the DUKE deposit target in fall 2017.

Amarc's 72 km2 JOY mineral property is located 310 kilometres north of Mackenzie BC, and 25 kilometres north of the Kemess South Mine site, where AuRico Resources' recently secured a BC EA Certificate for its Underground Project.

Past operators conducted prospecting-style work on the JOY claims. Some 3,000 soil samples, 800 rock samples and 30 silt samples were collected, but no drilling was done. The surface surveys clearly indicate a number of substantial porphyry copper-gold and epithermal silver-gold deposit targets across the JOY property. The deposit targets located on the JOY property are considered by Amarc to be a northern extension to the prolific Kemess porphyry gold-copper district. Most importantly, historical soil and rock sampling, along with a recent soil survey, has revealed a regionally significant 7 km2 copper, gold, molybdenum, silver and zinc geochemical anomaly, which potentially reflects a large and shallowly buried porphyry copper-gold deposit.

The Company is planning to complete surface exploration surveys including IP and drill testing of this exceptional target this season.

Amarc is associated with Hunter Dickinson Inc. ("HDI"), a diversified, global mining company with a 25-plus year history of porphyry discovery and development success. Previous and current HDI porphyry projects include some of BC's and the world's most important mineral resources, such as Pebble, Mount Milligan, Kemess South, Kemess North, Gibraltar, Prosperity, Xietongmen, Newtongmen, Florence, Sisson and Maggie. From its head office in Vancouver, Canada, HDI applies its unique strengths and capabilities to acquire, develop, operate and monetize mineral projects to provide superior returns to shareholders.

Amarc is committed to working collaboratively with governments and stakeholders to achieve responsible development of its projects, while contributing to sustainable development of the communities in which it works. All work programs are carefully planned to achieve high levels of environmental and social performance.

Qualified Person as Defined Under National Instrument 43-101

Mark Rebagliati, P. Eng., a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical content of this release.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Ronald W. Thiessen

Chief Executive Officer

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor any other regulatory authority accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking and other Cautionary Information

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All such statements, other than statements of historical facts that address exploration drilling, exploitation activities and other related events or developments are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Assumptions used by the Company to develop forward-looking statements include the following: Amarc's projects will obtain all required environmental and other permits and all land use and other licenses, studies and exploration of Amarc's projects will continue to be positive, and no geological or technical problems will occur. The Company cannot guarantee that the Consolidated Loan and issuance of securities contemplated by this release will complete. There is no certainty that the Company will be able to repay the Consolidated Loan or any other outstanding debt or liability of the Company in a timely manner or at all. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, potential environmental issues or liabilities associated with exploration, development and mining activities, exploitation and exploration successes, continuity of mineralization, uncertainties related to the ability to obtain necessary permits, licenses and tenure and delays due to third party opposition, changes in and the effect of government policies regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation, exploration and development of properties located within Aboriginal groups asserted territories may affect or be perceived to affect asserted aboriginal rights and title, which may cause permitting delays or opposition by Aboriginal groups, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Amarc Resources Ltd., investors should review the Company's annual Form 20-F filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and its home jurisdiction filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

SOURCE Amarc Resources Ltd.

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AGOURA HILLS, Calif., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE: AMH) announced today that the Company will release its second quarter 2017 financial and operating results on Thursday, August 3, 2017, after the market closes. The Company will host a conference call on Friday, August 4, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time to review second quarter results, discuss recent events and conduct a question-and-answer period.

Live conference call

Toll free number: (877) 451-6152 (for domestic callers) Direct dial number: (201) 389-0879 (for international callers) Passcode: Not required Simultaneous audio webcast link: www.americanhomes4rent.com, under "For Investors"



Conference call replay

Toll free number: (844) 512-2921 (for domestic callers) Direct dial number: (412) 317-6671 (for international callers) Passcode: 13665821# Webcast link: www.americanhomes4rent.com, under "For Investors" Date accessible through: August 18, 2017

About American Homes 4 Rent

American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE: AMH) is a leader in the single-family home rental industry and "American Homes 4 Rent" is fast becoming a nationally recognized brand for rental homes, known for high quality, good value and tenant satisfaction. We are an internally managed Maryland real estate investment trust, or REIT, focused on acquiring, renovating, leasing, and operating attractive, single-family homes as rental properties. As of March 31, 2017, we owned 48,336 single-family properties in selected submarkets in 22 states.

Additional information about American Homes 4 Rent is available on our website at www.americanhomes4rent.com.

Contact:

American Homes 4 Rent

Investor Relations

Phone: (855) 794-2447

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE American Homes 4 Rent

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SAN DIEGO, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- AMN Healthcare Services, Inc. (NYSE: AMN), healthcare's leader and innovator in workforce solutions and staffing services, will host a conference call to discuss its second quarter 2017 financial results on Thursday, August 3, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Company also expects to issue an earnings news release on Thursday, August 3, 2017 after the close of market at approximately 4:15 p.m. Eastern Time.

A live webcast of the call can be accessed through AMN Healthcare's website at http://amnhealthcare.investorroom.com/presentations. Please log in at least 10 minutes prior to the conference call in order to download the applicable audio software. Interested parties may participate live via telephone by dialing (800) 230-1059 in the U.S. or (612) 234-9959 internationally. Following the conclusion of the call, a replay of the webcast will be available at the Company's website. Alternatively, a telephonic replay of the call will be available beginning at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on August 3, 2017, and can be accessed until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on August 17, 2017 by calling (800) 475-6701 in the U.S. or (320) 365-3844 internationally, with access code 426696.

About AMN Healthcare

AMN Healthcare is the leader and innovator in healthcare workforce solutions and staffing services to healthcare facilities across the nation. The Company provides unparalleled access to the most comprehensive network of quality healthcare professionals through its innovative recruitment strategies and breadth of career opportunities. With insights and expertise, AMN Healthcare helps providers optimize their workforce to successfully reduce complexity, increase efficiency, and improve patient outcomes. AMN delivers managed services programs, healthcare executive search solutions, vendor management systems, recruitment process outsourcing, predictive modeling, medical coding and consulting, and other services. Clients include acute-care hospitals, community health centers and clinics, physician practice groups, retail and urgent care centers, home health facilities, and many other healthcare settings. For more information about AMN Healthcare, visit www.amnhealthcare.com

The Company's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "AMN." For more information about AMN Healthcare, visit www.amnhealthcare.com, where the Company posts news releases, investor presentations, webcasts, SEC filings, and other material information. The Company also utilizes email alerts and Really Simple Syndication ("RSS") as routine channels to supplement distribution of this information. To register for email alerts and RSS, visit http://amnhealthcare.investorroom.com/emailalerts.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations, estimates and projections about future events and the industry in which it operates using information currently available to it. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and its other periodic reports as well as the Company's current and other reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Be advised that developments subsequent to this press release are likely to cause these statements to become outdated with the passage of time.

Contact:

Neil Thomas

Senior Director, Investor Relations

866-861-3229

Web site: http://www.amnhealthcare.com

SOURCE AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.amnhealthcare.com


BELLEVUE, Wash., July 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Icertis, the leading provider of enterprise contract management in the cloud, today announced that Aneka Gas Industri TBK (Aneka Gas), the leading industrial gas company in Indonesia and part of Samator Group, has selected the Icertis Contract Management (ICM) platform to solve challenges arising from rapid growth and changing business climate. The ICM platform will help Aneka Gas optimize the full lifecycle for all types of contracts  buy-side, sell-side and corporate  while providing greater insight to manage risk and uncover value.

Facing growing competitive forces and new governance, risk and compliance (GRC) needs, Aneka Gas sought a system for contract lifecycle management that could drive their organizational goal of improved management control and operational and service excellence. After evaluating numerous solutions, the company chose ICM because of its intuitive interface, ease of implementation, and ability to easily integrate into existing systems.

"Aneka Gas' recent growth meant we had to transform our contract management processes to support our accelerating business," said Imelda Harsono, Director of Legal, Governance, Risk & Compliance and Director on Board at Aneka Gas. "Icertis' strong track record in complex contracting environments combined with its easy to use platform made them the ideal choice for us. With the ICM platform we will be able to dramatically reduce contract turnaround times while improving our ability to identify, assess and automatically mitigate risk."

Aneka Gas will also benefit from the platform's ability to monitor key performance metrics with customizable dashboards and a full-featured analytics module that will make it easy to track contracts and receive timely notification of obligations and deadlines.

"Like many of our customers, Aneka Gas is looking for ways to increase business efficiencies in response to an expanding customer base and changing business environment," said Samir Bodas, cofounder and CEO of Icertis. "The ICM platform increases business velocity with automated contract processes and enables transparency by creating a single source of truth for all enterprise contracts."

Aneka Gas is Icertis' first customer in Indonesia as Icertis continues to rapidly expand in Asia Pacific with customers including Airtel, KPIT, Lupin, Mindtree and Wipro. The company is a managed top global Azure ISV partner of Microsoft and is one of the largest ISVs on Microsoft Azure in India.

"The Icertis Contract Management platform powered by Microsoft Azure is helping Aneka Gas to re-imagine contract management as they look to make a better life for Indonesia," said Alberto Granados, Vice President, Microsoft Asia Pacific. "Microsoft Azure provides an innovative, scalable cloud computing platform that offers customers and partners choice, trust and enables them to develop powerful and secure solutions."

Icertis' Vice President of APAC Rajeev Kumar will be highlighting the key features of ICM valued by Aneka Gas and other customers in his presentation "How Contract Management Can Increase Procurement's Speed and Agility" at 14:20 on July 12th at the ProcureCon Asia 2017 event in Singapore.

For more information about the Icertis Contract Management platform, visit www.icertis.com.

About Icertis

Icertis, the leading provider of enterprise contract management in the cloud, solves the hardest contract management problems on the easiest to use platform. Icertis helps companies transform their commercial foundation ensuring compliance, improving governance, mitigating risk and enhancing user productivity, thereby improving the bottom line. The Icertis Contract Management (ICM) platform is used by 1+ million users at companies like 3M, Abbvie, Cognizant, Daimler, and Microsoft, to manage 3.5+ million contracts in 40+ languages across 90+ countries. With its intelligent workflow and built-in analytics, ICM provides ongoing contractual insights and best-of-breed contract management. For more information, visit www.icertis.com .

Icertis Media Contact:

Sarah Nickell

Barokas Public Relations for Icertis

[email protected]

303-895-5673

SOURCE Icertis

Related Links

http://www.icertis.com


SAN FRANCISCO, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Launchpad Digital Health, the leading next generation of seed funds + accelerator for digital health, is open for applications to its next cohort of companies for Launchpad Digital Health  Ground Zero (LDH-GZ).

The upcoming Launchpad Digital Health  Ground Zero (LDH-GZ) cohort is a one-month digital health immersion program for entrepreneurs desiring to pressure-test and expand their business. This LDH-GZ cohort runs from August 15, 2017 to September 15, 2017. The program includes co-location in our headquarters in San Francisco alongside LDH portfolio companies, mentors, and corporate partners. LDH-GZ is designed to immerse entrepreneurs in our digital health hub, testing and calibrating their business plans, operations, scaling, partnerships, and more.

The co-founders of companies in prior cohorts of LDH-GZ said:

"If you are entering the US market, you must understand that domain-specific, value-added guidance is critical. Launchpad provides it on a daily basis. And this is real value. I've learned an invaluable amount in a very short period of time." Giangiacomo Rocco di Torrepadula, Amicomed - CEO & Co-Founder

"The Launchpad Digital Health Ground Zero program taught us what we didn't know, what we need to know, and how to turn ideas into something more tangible. Fred Toney, the Launchpad partners introduced us to ideas and connections that proved to be invaluable for Nutrilyze. I can't recommend Launchpad highly enough for digital health startups." Joe Dunn, Nutrilyze, CEO & Co-Founder

"Launchpad Digital Health - GZ helped us focus on what our customers want and need, rather than relying on things we felt were important. Fine-tuning the value proposition with external feedback was an endeavor that made the whole team grow closer and has really helped improve our product and go-to-market strategy." Silvia Hecher, Ivary  CEO & Co-Founder

"We entered the LDH-GZ program with a product and vision seeking a market. From their experience with B2B digital health, LDH-GZ recognized what we were trying to do, called out our ignorance when they saw it, encouraged us when we were onto something, and gave us the resources, network, and methodologies to build our business. We have since refined our value proposition and go-to-market strategy, expanded our team, landed our first customer, and prioritized new product iterations largely derived from our customer research spurred by the LDH-GZ program." Andrew Trees, Agathos - CEO & Co-Founder

"I love the way this program is organized and operated. It provides a lot of insights, tips, and advice while letting me run my business at full speed. The program is especially helpful when looking for institutional funding  the managing partners are really experts, and they help tremendously during the group sessions and 1:1 meetings." Michael Pliskin, MedM America  CEO

We require no equity from companies in Ground Zero. The total cost for companies includes rent and all aspects of the program.

All companies, upon completion of the program, have opportunities for investment:

The top companies in the program in any six-month period will present at the next exclusive LDH Finalist Day for consideration as LDH investments.

We have partnered with the leading healthcare angel investor group in the U.S. for unprecedented access

All LDH-GZ companies will participate in a mentoring day with feedback from seasoned entrepreneurs or investors.

LDH-GZ also has corporate partnerships for this program. The AWS (Amazon Web Services) partnership for hosting credits alone allows for immediate payback for the program.

Applications may be submitted at www.launchpdh.com.

About Launchpad Digital Health

Launchpad Digital Health is a next generation accelerator more capital , more time and more intensity for its portfolio companies and their founders. Each company accepted into the accelerator program receives: 1) more capital in the form of up to a $500,000 investment, 2) more time commitment in the form of a full one year-long program co-located with other startups in digital health sector and the Launchpad Digital Health founders, and 3) more intensity in the form of daily and weekly engagement with Launchpad Digital Health's founders, partners and mentors as critical business decisions are made continuously with advisors assisting all along the way. The founders of Launchpad Digital Health have funded and operated companies throughout the healthcare and technology sectors, including digital health companies, for the past two decades. Launchpad Digital Health  Ground Zero extends this ecosystem to companies that, with more intensive time and effort over the one-month LDH-GZ immersion program, can ready themselves for institutional seed level funding and can become eligible for LDH investment.

To find out more about LDH and LDH-GZ, visit us at www.launchpdh.com and see how your startup can benefit from this next generation accelerator programs, as its next class of companies begins.

SOURCE Launchpad Digital Health
WASHINGTON, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United States -- On July 4, 2017, Armenia's armed forces illegally stationed on the occupied territories of Azerbaijan targeted the Alkhanly village within the Fuzuli district of Azerbaijan with artillery fire. Armenia's military action resulted in two civilian deaths  grandmother Sahiba Guliyeva and her granddaughter, 2-year-old Zahra Guliyeva  and another woman  Guliyeva Sarvinaz  was severely wounded. Several homes and civilian infrastructure were also damaged in the attack.

The incident occurred approximately 4.5 to 5 kilometers behind the Line of Contact between Armenian and Azerbaijani armed forces in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. Armenia claimed that the Alkhanly village was targeted because of the presence of Azerbaijani firing positions, which the Government of Azerbaijan and observers has resolutely refuted.

Elin Suleymanov, the Republic of Azerbaijan's Ambassador to the United States, condemned Armenia's latest violation of the ceasefire regime and the regrettable loss of Azerbaijani lives. The Ambassador reiterated Azerbaijan's rejection of Armenia's false claims.

"Armenia's military action was deliberate and intentional and a violation of the ceasefire regime. The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan has condemned this violent action and reiterated that there were no military installations nor Azerbaijani firing positions located in the Alkhanly village to warrant such a provocation. This tragic incident shows once again that the status quo of illegal occupation is not sustainable and continues to result in civilian losses. Unfortunately, Armenia continues to reject Azerbaijan's call for substantive peace negotiations," said Ambassador Suleymanov in a statement.

In response to the incursion, the OSCE Minsk Group, co-chaired by the United States, France and the Russian Federation, issued a generic statement on July 5th that called upon Armenia and Azerbaijan to cease military action. Armenian media interpreted this statement as a sign of "indirect encouragement" and justification for Armenia's violent actions.

The July 4th incident is not the first time that Azerbaijan's civilian settlements were deliberately targeted with artillery and other weapons by Armenia. This includes Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani territories during 1991-1994 war and the massacre of civilians in Khojaly as well as Armenian forces firing upon civilian settlements during a breakout of hostilities in April 2016.

In addition, Zahra Guliyeva, the 2-year-old who lost her life this week is not the only recent child victim. Other children killed by Armenia's actions include, but are not limited to, 10-year-old Fariz Badalov, 12-year-old Aygun Shahmaliyeva, 16-year-old Turana Hasanova.

Armenia's direct and deliberate attacks against the Azerbaijani civilian population and civilian objects, constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian and human rights law, including the 1949 Geneva Conventions and the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

This provocation takes place in the context of recent visit of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs to the region, when the Co-Chairs and international organizations called for changing the status quo of the occupation by substantive and serious negotiations. Armenia's continued provocations are seen as a reaction to Azerbaijan's efforts to promote regional cooperation and to contribute to Europe's energy security.

The Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan has repeatedly brought the international community's attention to the fact that the primary reason for continued tension and incidents in Nagorno-Karabakh and the lack of a resolution to the conflict are due to the unlawful presence and militant actions of the Armenian armed forces that occupy Azerbaijan's sovereign territory. Azerbaijan remains committed to achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict and working with international partners, such as the Minsk Group, to move forward in this process.

SOURCE Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United States

Related Links

http://www.azembassy.us


More than 25 countries, including Canada, France, Germany, Korea, Malaysia and the United States, currently offer Bausch + Lomb AQUALOX contact lenses in the spherical modality (known as Bausch + Lomb ULTRA  contact lenses in all countries excluding Japan). In the future, Bausch + Lomb Japan plans to introduce Bausch + Lomb AQUALOX contact lens for Presbyopia to the Japan market followed by the toric version of the lens. (Both are already available in the United States).

"These innovative and unique contact lenses were developed in-house by our scientists and contact lens designers to offer an exceptional lens wearing experience," said Joseph C. Papa, Chairman and CEO of Valeant. "We're pleased to offer this new advanced technology in bi-weekly contact lenses to patients across Japan, a key growth market for the company."

In addition to the Bausch + Lomb AQUALOX lenses, the Bausch + Lomb Japan product portfolio features PureVision2, SofLens 59, and SofLens 38 bi-weekly contact lenses, renu fresh solution, the No. 1 multi-purpose contact lens solution in Japan, as well as the following daily disposable contact lenses, Biotrue ONEday, Biotrue ONEday for Presbyopia, and Medalist ONEday.

About Bausch + Lomb

Bausch + Lomb, a Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. company, is a leading global eye health organization that is solely focused on protecting, enhancing and restoring people's eyesight. Its core businesses include over-the-counter supplements, eye care products, ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, contact lenses, lens care products, ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments. Bausch + Lomb develops, manufactures and markets one of the most comprehensive product portfolios in our industry, which is available in more than 100 countries.

About Valeant

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (NYSE/TSX: VRX) is a multinational specialty pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of pharmaceutical products primarily in the areas of dermatology, gastrointestinal disorders, eye health, neurology and branded generics. More information about Valeant can be found at www.valeant.com.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements which may generally be identified by the use of the words "anticipates", "if approved", "expects," "intends," "plans," "should," "could," "would," "may," "will," "believes," "estimates," "potential," "target," or "continue" and variations or similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current expectations and beliefs of management and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties discussed in the Company's most recent annual or quarterly report and detailed from time to time in Valeant's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators, which factors are incorporated herein by reference. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Valeant undertakes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect actual outcomes, unless required by law.

Contact Information:

Arthur Shannon

[email protected]

514-856-3855

877-281-6642 (toll free)

Elif McDonald

[email protected]

514-856-3855

877-281-6642 (toll free)

Media Contact:

Lainie Keller

[email protected]

908-927-0617

SOURCE Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.valeant.com


Carnival Corporation made history in May 2016 when its Fathom brand became the first cruise line to sail from the U.S. to Cuba in more than 40 years. So the company has had plenty of recent experience in sailing guests to Cuba  and fine-tuning how to provide their guests with a great experience.

And on June 29, history was again made as Carnival Cruise Line's 2,052-passenger Carnival Paradise set sail from Tampa to Havana, becoming the largest U.S. cruise ship ever to sail from the U.S. to Cuba.

Carnival Cruise Line  recently named America's Most Trusted cruise line by Reader's Digest for the third consecutive year  is currently offering four- and five- day cruises starting this summer and fall that will overnight in Havana, giving guests the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the city's rich culture and history, as well as its vibrant nightlife. Five-day sailings also call at Key West or Cozumel.

On December 22, Holland America Line  widely recognized as a leader in the premium segment of the cruise industry  will become Carnival Corporation's third cruise line to sail to Cuba.

Holland America Line's 1,350-passenger ms Veendam will sail on seven-, 11- and 12-day itineraries during the 2017-2018 winter and spring seasons from Fort Lauderdale. The ship's itineraries will visit Havana and some also call at Cienfuegos, known as Cuba's "Pearl of the South," which will include shore excursions to the stunningly preserved colonial city of Trinidad. Depending on the itinerary, passengers will also have opportunity to explore other ports of call in the Caribbean, including the Bahamas and Mexico.

The opening of Cuba gives travelers a new, must-see destination to visit and explore in the Caribbean, the world's most popular cruising region. The Spanish-speaking country is like no other place, filled with legendary history, culture and architecture, with people known for their work ethic, entrepreneurship and vibrant spirit for life.

Only 90 miles from the U.S., Cuba was for generations a place that U.S. travelers could only dream about visiting on a cruise ship. While the country is more accessible than ever by sea, it still feels like another world.

The opportunity to learn more about the Cuban culture directly from the Cuban people only enhances the experience of visiting Cuba. People-to-people exchanges, which meet U.S. guidelines for travel to Cuba, are arranged by the cruise lines on half-day and full-day shore excursions. After a complete day of exploration and immersion, guests can also experience nighttime shore excursions.

"Guests will get the chance to participate in culturally enriching experiences such as visiting historical sites and engaging directly with the Cuban people, which ultimately will expand horizons," said Terry Thornton, Carnival Cruise Line's senior vice president of Port Operations. "Our team has created a variety of great shore excursions that we are excited about and believe will create special memories for our guests."

Global cruise travelers and enrichment seekers are naturally curious about new destinations and places that are not easily visited. Cuba is one of these places, and Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line guests will find opportunities to learn about a country that most have only seen in photos and news reports.

"Many of the tours are designed in order to have our guests interact with small family-run operations to give them an authentic Cuban experience," said Beth Bodensteiner, senior vice president of Revenue Management and Global Deployment for Holland America Line. "We have done all the legwork in creating meaningful experiences that meet all U.S. regulatory requirements. In our view, cruising is the best and most worry-free way to travel to Cuba, even more so going forward."

"The history, culture, amazing sites, art, music and interactions with the Cuban people are unique to this special destination," added Thornton. "A cruise to Cuba will provide lasting memories from being one of the first U.S. guests to visit this fascinating island nation."

Arriving in Havana

Do not miss the sail-in through the narrow channel into Old Havana, with the beautiful, historically significant Morro Castle watching over your cruise ship as it sails into the harbor. Among the city's stately buildings, keep an eye out for the Hotel Nacional, a landmark on the waterfront since 1930.

Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a jaw-dropping place to explore, a history-rich capital city with cobblestone streets, examples of baroque and neoclassical architecture, broad plazas and the impressive Malecon seawall on the Straits of Florida.

Your ship will dock right in Old Havana, an easy walk to museums and other historical landmarks, such as La Bodeguita del Medio, where a scribble on the wall is attributed to Ernest Hemingway.

It's hard to believe this time capsule of a city is a metropolis that is home to two million people. It feels like a living breathing slice of history.

Cienfuegos and Trinidad

On Holland America Line cruises, guests will have the additional opportunity to see the sophisticated neoclassical buildings of Cienfuegos, a port city carefully planned out by French settlers in the 19th century. Book an excursion to Trinidad and you will drive about 60 miles through the countryside to a beautifully preserved Spanish colonial city of cobblestone streets, palaces and plazas, founded in 1514 by the conquistador Diego Velazquez and located on a hilltop overlooking the Caribbean. Both Cienfuegos and Trinidad were significant trading capitals that like Old Havana are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Tips for Cuba cruise travel

While U.S. residents are free to travel to Cuba, you need to do so under regulations established by the U.S. government. Here are some things to know about traveling to Cuba:

Required paperwork. All U.S. citizens and most international travelers must have a valid passport. All guests are required to obtain a visa in order to enter Cuba. The type of visa that a guest will need will depend on certain factors, including the reason for travel to Cuba . Most guests will be able to enter Cuba utilizing a "Tarjeta Turistica" (or tourist card) visa. Guests will be able to purchase the "Tarjeta Turistica" from the cruise line at a cost of $75 per person. The visa is distributed at the time of boarding your ship. You can alternatively obtain a visa from the Cuban consulate or a visa service, but going through your cruise line is a major benefit. Health fee. The Cuban government requires all guests to purchase health insurance, which will be automatically included in your port charges. Shore excursions. Shore excursions offered by Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line meet the people-to-people educational activities requirement. Both lines offer a wide range of shore excursions. Money matters. Your ATM and credit cards may not work in Cuba . You should plan on bringing cash for any purchases. Pending any updated U.S. Department of Treasury rules, U.S. dollars can be exchanged for Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUCs). There is an exchange office at the Havana cruise terminal. The transaction fee for converting U.S. dollars to CUCs is approximately 10%. Staying in touch. Wi-Fi in Cuba requires the use of cards with codes. You are best off sharing experiences with your friends using your ship's Internet access. If you are planning to use your cellphone, check with your provider regarding service and fees.

SOURCE Carnival Corporation & plc

Related Links

http://www.Carnivalcorp.com


Teresa J. Hagy is a first-grade teacher at Washington Lee Elementary School in Bristol, TN. She received her B.A. in Elementary Education from Virginia Intermont College in 1972, and her M.E. in Education from the University of Virginia in 1976. As a tireless champion of elementary education, it can never be said that Teresa Hagy does not care enough about the well-being and mental, physical and emotional growth of the children to whom she has so selflessly devoted her life. She is a compassionate, giving individual gifted with the God-given virtues of patience and intelligence. Ms. Hagy is a traditional woman, in that she values the mores and ways of a bygone era. This, she feels, is precisely what her students and the world at large sorely need in this day and age. However, she is not stuck in the past in any way, as she has continued to develop with the constantly moving world of education  be it technological growth or otherwise. Ms. Hagy entered the public-school system in 1975, following three years as Clinical Instructor of Education in the private school system, which she feels gave her the confident and successful career start which she enjoyed. She has taught grades one through six (sans 2 nd grade) and has amassed a tremendous foundation of knowledge based on this experience. During her tenure at Washington Lee Elementary, Ms. Hagy has helped develop curriculum tests for the school system; she has conducted workshops on teaching techniques; and she has lectured on educational topics, amongst countless other career highlights  far too many to contain in any biographical sketch of overview. She belongs to the following affiliations: National Education Association; Virginia Education Association; Bristol Virginia Education Association; Delta Kappa Gamma; International Reading Association; Virginia Reading Association; Southwest Virginia Reading Council; Member, Church Librarian, Chair of Women's Circle, Member of Church Choir, Song Leader, Chair of Christian's Women's Fellowship and 1st-3rd grades Sunday School Teacher at the Central Christian Church.

Throughout her storied career, Teresa Hagy has claimed a seemingly never-ending series of outside awards, honors, commendations and special distinctions and memberships from Strathmore's Who's Who, America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals and Cambridge Who's Who. Ms. Hagy was mentored early in her career by the venerable Dr. Richard W. Van Deren, who had the following things to say about her in a 1975 recommendation letter:

"After teaching fourth grade for two years, I asked her to take on a first-grade assignment. While I was very pleased with Ms. Hagy's performance as a middle-grade teacher, I find her especially well-suited to teaching primary grade children. While she is very competent in teaching all areas of the curriculum, her very special contribution is her ability to instill a love of learning and good attitudes toward school in the children she teaches.

"In my work as Director of Teacher Education and Demonstration School Principal for Virginia Intermont College, I deal, in varieties of ways with pre-service and in-service teachers. Frequently my job involves evaluating their effectiveness  real and potential. I reserve my highest ratings and praise for those few whom I would welcome to teach my own children. I feel I would be a most fortunate parent to have my children taught by one such as Ms. Teresa Hagy."

As part of our ongoing effort to preserve and honor America's truly unsung heroes, a special multi-episode installment of Strathmore Online Radio during its upcoming season will be devoted to educators who truly make a difference every day of their lives; educators whose students never forget them  even the little ones! Teresa Hagy is no stranger to this sort of influence and, as such, she has been granted the flagship podcast in this special episode arc coming soon. The program itself will be a veritable treasure trove of information about Ms. Hagy, as provided by the woman herself. This show will also act as a "hands-off" warning to the companies whom have taken advantage of Ms. Hagy in the past.

What you might not realize about Teresa Hagy is that she is, in fact, the one-time victim of severe fraud perpetrated by various companies masquerading as Strathmore's Who's Who and America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals. Ms. Hagy longs to tell her story if only to warn others against such attacks and misleading business practices. Our companies welcome this as well, because it's a scenario that has plagued our clients and our organizations time and time again. Ms. Hagy has had a challenging few years, to be sure, as she struggled to find credibility amongst the many Who's Who "copycat" organizations whose opportunist owners and managers took advantage of her.

This is no more.

Ms. Hagy is now back in the care and under the direction of her original Who's Who membership organizations as established in the year 2000 when she joined Strathmore's and America's Registry. Sadly, we live in a time when the "scam" has become commonplace and such questionable, and in many cases, downright criminal organizations have attempted to besmirch the good name of the Who's Who industry and its inherent values as forged so many decades ago.

Strathmore's Who's Who, in its near-30-year run, practically "wrote the book" (pun very much intended) on the networking consulting and exposure tenets still followed and expanded upon today by some of the biggest companies in the world. Lately, a new job of ours has been damage control; repairing the harm caused to ours and other people's clients by illicit imitators who see an opportunity to capitalize on our reputation by tarnishing it. Fortunately, our clients know who we are, and what we do, as our work speaks for itself.

In the end, Teresa Hagy not only straightened out her situation (with the close help of our executive staff), but also returned to the home where she originally made her mark as one of America's top elementary educators. Armed with her own credibility and a team of key Strathmore executives on her side, Ms. Hagy has claimed her rightful position for the ages, and she has done on better: She has secured what is inarguably the most esteemed program and distinction offered in the America's Registry tradition; Biography of the Year (2019).

America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals "Biography of the Year": This singular position has officially been filled by an equally singular professional; the inimitable Teresa J. Hagy. In a triumph to top all triumphs, against all odds, Ms. Hagy won the hearts and minds of the editorial staff and board of directors, securing what can only be described as an underdog victory story. Not only is this the first time an elementary educator has claimed this coveted position, but it is also the first time a Tennessee native has done so. Teresa Hagy, we salute you on a career well done and a life well lived indeed. It is our only hope that you can continue to flourish and succeed in the ways that only a good, God-fearing person can.

ABOUT US

Strathmore's Who's Who and America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals each publish annual two-thousand-page hard cover biographical registries, honoring successful individuals in the fields of Business, the Arts and Sciences, Law, Engineering and Government. Based on one's position and lifetime of accomplishments, they honor professional men and women in all academic areas and professions. Inclusion is limited to individuals who have demonstrated leadership and achievement in their occupation, industry or profession.

Contact: Bea Hanley, 516-997-2525 ext. 100, [email protected]

SOURCE America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals

Related Links

http://www.strathmoreworldwide.com


Former ISRO chairman Dr Radhakrishnan today said that the space agency needs more investment to become the world leader.

By India Today Web Desk: Former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Dr K Radhakrishnan today said that the premier space agency could send a human mission to space in six to seven years.

He said, "In six to seven years, ISRO will be able to send humans to space where he/she can stay for a few weeks. But, that is the decision that the government has to take."

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been scaling new heights with every passing week. While Chinese agencies struggle to keep date with its future strategy, ISRO seems to be bettering its own record.

Putting things in perspective, former chairman of ISRO Dr K Radhakrishnan today said, "ISRO seems to be an island of excellence."

But, Dr Radhakrishnan was quick to remind people that success of ISRO has not been a "cakewalk but a difficult path."

THE ISRO SUCCESS MANTRA

Talking about the success of Moon Mission and Mars Mission, Radhakrishnan said, "It was not a cakewalk. It was a difficult path."

Explaining it further the former ISRO chief said, "If rocket's fabrication is faulty in one dimension by even one micron, the rocket will fail. If satellites fail, everything will come to a halt. The ATM will not work. Our phones will not work. It is a difficult job to do."

Speaking at the second India Today Make in India Emerging Entrepreneurs Awards event held in Delhi today, Radhakrishnan underscored the need to increase investment in science and technology infrastructure in the country.

He said, "Technology evolves at a very fast speed. If you can't keep pace with it, you will lag far behind very soon."

Radhakrishnan said that India currently ranked seven of the countries working on space technologies after the US, Russia, European Space Agency, Japan and China.

However, comparing the investment in space technology by different countries, Radhakrishnan said, "The NASA gets an investment of USD 18-19 billion every year while ISRO works with about USD 1 billion a year. European Agency uses much more fund."

"Space programmes are credible examples of Make in India, Low Cost High Ambition (the theme of his discussion at the India Today Make in India Awards 2017)," Radhakrishnan said.

WHAT ELSE RADHAKRISHNAN SAID Talking about the future of India's space programmes, Radhakrishnan said, "We have great human capital. We require infrastructure for basic engineering. In terms of ratio of input to output, ISRO is at number two in the world among the space agencies." Explaining the task at hand before launch of rocket or a space mission, Radhakrishnan said, "Moon is about 4 lakh km from earth. Mars could be around 40 crore km from earth. To place a mission there successfully, we should be able to predict the timing of landing on their surface accurately at least 300 days in advance. Other countries' experience was 60 per cent failure. We did it in first attempt." "First and foremost, we learnt from the failures of others - the failures of the US, Russia and Japan. We studied what were the reasons for their failure. Second learning was from our own failures in launching GSLVs," Radhakrishnan said, adding, "In difficult times, one needs to take bold decisions." "Cryogenic engine testing had ended in failure in April 2010. Mars Mission was announced August 2015. Questions were asked, do we have to spend Rs 450 crore for Mars Mission? Do we have the capability? We are spending public money. We are accountable to such question. We took in to consideration the criticism," Radhakrishnan said at the Make in India Awards 2017. Explaining the success mantra of ISRO, Radhakrishnan said, "There is a way of doing things in ISRO. ISRO is 50 plus years old... ISRO founders Vikram Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan created that way of doing things at ISRO. We align with the national priority. We look at the problems of the country and work accordingly." "Before we begin to work on a project, we write down the difficulties that may arise. We write down the standard operating procedures... If you prepare for 50 problems and if 51st comes up, you are ready for it," former ISRO chief said. "There is no hierarchy (in working) at ISRO. Everyone is equal. Before clearance is given to any project, even a new person can raise his/her doubt. Only after clearing the doubt clearance is given," Radhakrishnan said.

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Make in India Awards 2017: Modi government will not buckle under public pressure when it comes to growth, says Ravi Shankar Prasad

Make in India Awards 2017: When a peon asked Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad if he would sit on jinxed chair

--- ENDS ---
NEW HAVEN, Conn., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company Ltd. (NYSE: BHVN) announced today that BHV-5000, an investigational compound in the company's glutamate modulation platform, has been granted orphan drug designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment for patients with Rett syndrome. This is the company's fourth product candidate to receive orphan drug designation from the FDA.

Rett syndrome is a rare and severe genetic neurodevelopmental disorder affecting females almost exclusively. Symptoms emerge from six to 18 months of age after apparently normal post-natal development. Patients with Rett syndrome develop global deceleration of psychomotor function, loss of acquired cognitive skills (such as language and purposeful hand movement) as well as brain-mediated episodes of transient respiratory suppression. Patients may survive into adulthood, yet they are severely physically and cognitively impaired. Rett syndrome affects approximately 15,000 individuals in the United States. No approved drug therapies for Rett syndrome are currently available and care is supportive.

"BHV-5000 is a novel glutamate antagonist that Biohaven plans to evaluate for efficacy across several therapeutic indications," said Vlad Coric, M.D., CEO of Biohaven. "Our clinical development program in Rett syndrome is particularly important because patients and their families currently have no approved drugs for this severe neurodevelopmental disorder. The orphan drug designation for BHV-5000 in Rett syndrome supports Biohaven's global development strategy of providing improved therapies for patients suffering from some of the most disabling neurologic disorders."

Potential benefits of orphan drug designation include tax credits for 50% of clinical trial costs, waiver of marketing application user fees (estimated at over $2 million in savings) and 7 years of marketing exclusivity if regulatory approval is ultimately received.

"Patients with Rett syndrome develop debilitating symptoms," said Robert Berman, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Biohaven. "Preclinical studies on BHV-5000 have demonstrated benefits in transgenic mouse models of Rett syndrome, particularly on symptoms of abnormal breathing. We are eager to test BHV-5000 in patients with Rett syndrome to understand if these preclinical effects translate into therapeutic benefits for patients."

Biohaven expects to initiate a Phase 1 trial of BHV-5000 in healthy volunteers with a commercially-ready formulation in 2017, and then proceed to a study in patients with Rett syndrome in 2018.

About Biohaven

Biohaven is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a portfolio of innovative, late-stage product candidates targeting neurological diseases, including rare disorders. Biohaven has combined internal development and research with intellectual property licensed from companies and institutions including Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, AstraZeneca AB, Yale University, Catalent, Rutgers, ALS Biopharma LLC and Massachusetts General Hospital. Currently, Biohaven's lead development programs include multiple compounds across its CGRP receptor antagonist and glutamate modulation platforms. The company's common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and traded under the ticker symbol BHVN. More information about Biohaven is available at www.biohavenpharma.com.

About BHV-5000

BHV-5000 is a low-trapping, potentN-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist licensed to Biohaven from AstraZeneca in October 2016. BHV-5000 has previously advanced into Phase 1 study and its active metabolite, lanicemine, was previously advanced through Phase 2 studies. Unlike other agents in this class, BHV-5000 is a low-trapping NMDA antagonist that has not been associated with the prominent psychotomimetic effects which have plagued other NMDA targeting compounds. In addition, BHV-5000 is orally bioavailable.

About Orphan Drug Designation

The FDA, through its Office of Orphan Products Development (OOPD), grants orphan status to drugs and biologic products that are intended for the safe and effective treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of rare diseases or disorders that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S. Orphan drug designation provides a drug developer with certain benefits and incentives, including a period of marketing exclusivity if regulatory approval is ultimately received for the designated indication.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties, including statements that are based on the current expectations and assumptions of the Company's management. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release, including the Company's future development of BHV-5000, the potential benefits of orphan drug status and the Company's business and product candidate plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. The use of certain words, including the "believe" and "will" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The Company may not actually achieve the plans and objectives disclosed in the forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. Various important factors could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those that may be expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements, including uncertainties relating to the future clinical success of BHV-5000, and whether the preclinical effects of BHV-5000 observed in preclinical models of Rett syndrome will be observed in human patients. Additional important factors to be considered in connection with forward-looking statements are described in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 16, 2017. The forward-looking statements are made as of this date and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

For further information, contact Dr. Vladimir Coric, the Chief Executive Officer at [email protected]

SOURCE Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company Ltd.

Related Links

http://www.biohavenpharma.com


MORRISTOWN, N.J., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) presented Jim Stamatis, Louis Berger's chief executive officer, with its 2017 Distinguished Citizen Award during a special reception in Jersey City, New Jersey. Each year, the award, which was established to recognize the outstanding contributions of leaders across the U.S., is bestowed upon an individual who best exemplifies BSA values of leadership, personal responsibility and civic duty.

"When I received the notice for this award, my initial response was: am I really worthy? Have I accomplished enough to be recognized for such an award? But, as I thought about it and who it benefits, I began to understand that this was bigger than me," said Jim Stamatis. "This was an opportunity to support a terrific organization, the Boy Scouts, to inspire students in STEM programs and provide opportunities for underprivileged young men to participate in Boy Scouts programs. Both of these are near and dear to my heart."

BSA's commitment to ensuring that all young people have opportunity, regardless of their circumstances, neighborhood, or ethnic background echoes Louis Berger's solutions for a better world promise. BSA's innovative STEM programs aiming to captivate students as they discover science, technology, engineering and mathematics mirror programs Louis Berger supports such as the Science and Technology Enrichment Program (STEP) developed by New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). Louis Berger also has partnered with NJIT to provide scholarship and fellowship opportunities to students majoring in science and engineering.

The award reception was one of the largest so far with more than 140 guest and raised nearly $160,000 USD to support scouting in northern and central New Jersey. Jim Stamatis was honored during this fund-raising event on June 14 alongside WSP U.S. senior vice president and COO, Bernard P. McNeilly.

Click here to see a photo of Jim Stamatis with local Boy Scouts.

About Boy Scouts of America

Founded in 1910, BSA has continued to make a difference in the lives of boys and young adults worldwide. The organization provides enrichment through programs and activities that strive to build character, foster a sense of responsibility and develop personal fitness.

About Louis Berger

Louis Berger is a global professional services corporation that helps infrastructure and development clients solve their most complex challenges. We are a trusted partner to national, state and local government agencies; multilateral institutions; and commercial industry clients worldwide. By focusing on client needs to deliver quality, safe, financially-successful projects with integrity, we are committed to deliver on our promise to provide Solutions for a better world.

Louis Berger operates on every habitable continent. We have a long-standing presence in more than 50 nations, represented by the multidisciplinary expertise of 6,000 engineers, economists, scientists, managers and planners.

Contact:

Regine de la Cruz

[email protected]

SOURCE Louis Berger
Since 1876, Budweiser has been proudly brewed across America and its new state packaging pays tribute to the 12 breweries that relentlessly produce America's No. 1 full-flavored classic lager. The packaging will be specific to California (featuring two Budweiser breweries), Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas and Virginia.

"Our new state bottles and cans celebrate the homes of our breweries and the communities that support them," said Ricardo Marques, vice president, Budweiser. "Since 1876, Budweiser has been proudly brewed across America, and this summer, we're inviting local consumers to raise a cold one with us."

On shelves from July to September 2017, 11 different states will enjoy their own custom packaging, each featuring custom copy changes as inspired by each local backdrop, including:

"Budweiser" on cans and bottles being replaced with each state name

The center medallion "AB" monogram updated with state initials

"King of Beers" swapped to include each individual state motto

"Anheuser-Busch Inc." replaced with each state nickname

To continue the celebration of its local breweries throughout the summer, Budweiser will also:

Host brewery open houses  inviting homegrown communities to experience the brand firsthand alongside local food, music and custom merchandise. The World Famous Budweiser Clydesdales will also be making appearances at each brewery open house throughout the summer

Air unique radio spots in each market, featuring local Budweiser brew masters and/or the brewery's general managers

Present its first-ever "Budland" festival bringing together the best of LA's local music artists, fashion and food

To RSVP to a Budweiser brewery open house event near you, please visit www.budbrewedlocally.com. For more information on Budweiser's brewery market packaging, visit Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About Budweiser

Budweiser, an American-style lager, was introduced in 1876 when company founder Adolphus Busch set out to create the United States' first truly national beer brand  brewed to be universally popular and transcend regional tastes. Each batch of Budweiser stays true to the same family recipe used by five generations of Busch family brewmasters. Budweiser is a medium-bodied, flavorful, crisp and pure beer with blended layers of premium American and European hop aromas, brewed for the perfect balance of flavor and refreshment. Budweiser is made using time-honored methods including "kraeusening" for natural carbonation and Beechwood aging, which results in unparalleled balance and character.

For more information, contact:

Jennifer Goldsmith

Anheuser-Busch

[email protected]

Caitlin Feroleto

3pm Agency

[email protected]

SOURCE Budweiser

Related Links

http://www.budbrewedlocally.com


NEW YORK, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- C2 Energy Capital LLC ("C2") (www.c2.energy), a leading sponsor of distributed generation projects in the United States, was honored by Power Finance & Risk as the "Best Buyer of Power Assets in 2016".

The Power Finance & Risk award marks a continuation of C2's breakout second year of operation. C2's growth in 2016 included more than ten acquisitions, increasing its portfolio to 39 MW distributed generation projects under management, establishing C2 as a leading sponsor of non-residential solar projects in the US.

Candice Michalowicz, Managing Member of C2, noted: "We are honored to be recognized by our peers and colleagues for this prestigious award. We founded C2 based on the principle that our team could provide efficient expertise and effective capital to the distributed generation power market. This award is a testament to our team's hard work and diligence."

Power Finance & Risk, a comprehensive data analytics firm focused on the power industry, surveyed active industry participants to narrow the best buyer of power assets over the past year. The winners were announced on May 24th at Power Finance & Risk's annual ceremony at the Bryant Park Hotel in New York City.

ABOUT C2

C2 Energy Capital is a private investment firm based in New York that specializes in power generation investment opportunities. The C2 team brings extensive development, construction, operations, acquisition, and financing expertise to its portfolio, with a focus on distributed generation. Additional information about C2 can be found at www.c2.energy.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

The statements contained in this press release may include forward-looking statements about C2's future business prospects or growth that are based on management's current views and assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements.

Such deviations may arise due to, without limitation, (i) changes of the general economic conditions and competitive situation, particularly in energy industry, (ii) performance of financial markets, (iii) changes in laws and regulations, including tax regulations, and (iv) general competitive factors, in each case on a local, regional, national and/or global basis.

NO DUTY TO UPDATE

The company assumes no obligation to update any information or forward-looking statement contained herein, save for any information required to be disclosed by law.

SOURCE C2 Energy Capital

Related Links

http://www.c2.energy


LAS VEGAS, July 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 28, 2017, Emerson purchased the Valves & Controls business unit from Pentair. The combined portfolio offers customers access to the largest selection in control valves, pressure management, isolation valves such as triple offset, butterfly, gate, globe, ball and check valves, in addition to actuation technologies. These include industry-leading product brands such as Anderson Greenwood, Crosby, Keystone, Vanessa, Clarkson and many others.

A leader in industrial process automation in California, Arizona, Nevada and Hawaii, effective July 5, 2017, Caltrol has been selected by Emerson as the new provider for former Pentair Valves & Controls products and support in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Hawaii. In addition, Caltrol will have the benefit of Emerson's enhanced global network of more than 300 service centers to support shut downs, turnarounds, outages and other maintenance needs.

"Caltrol brings more than 80 years of representing Emerson in the western region. We are confident in their ability to extend these capabilities to support our newly acquired product lines. The combination of Caltrol and Emerson will continue to provide unparalleled support in the region," says John Wilson, Emerson Vice-President, Sales, Final Control  North America.

"What's so exciting with this acquisition is we can design, manufacture, deliver, install and service everything related to final control," says Joe Savoldi, Caltrol's Executive Vice President of Isolation & Actuation. "The addition of isolation valves and pressure relief valves allows our customers to work with an exclusive single-source supplier, which will take the complexity out of procurement and ensure compatibility of technologies." The addition of these product lines and accompanying services means Caltrol can now sell and service all valves everywhere throughout our exclusive territory.

About Caltrol

Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, with nine additional offices across California, Arizona and Hawaii, Caltrol is a leader in industrial process automationconsulting on, engineering, delivering and servicing high-quality solutions of all sizes and complexity to companies in the life sciences, refining, gas utilities and pipeline, power, oil exploration and production and process industries. Founded in 1934 and employee-owned since 1986, Caltrol is one of the oldest and largest local business partners for Emerson Process Management, a division of Emerson. It is also representative for other leading automation manufacturers that complement Emerson's products and expertise. Learn more at www.caltrol.com.

About the Local Business Partner Network

Across North America, Emerson Automation Solutions strategically partners with local companies to assist with delivery, ensure quality, and maximize lifetime value of assets while in use. These strategically selected local representatives, called Local Business Partners, offer the tools, services, subject matter experts, local expertise and technologies within and beyond Emerson's portfolio to serve area needs.

About Emerson

Emerson, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), is a global technology and engineering company providing innovative solutions for customers in industrial, commercial and residential markets. Our Emerson Automation Solutions business helps process, hybrid and discrete manufacturers maximize production, protect personnel and the environment while optimizing their energy and operating costs. Our Emerson Commercial and Residential Solutions business helps ensure human comfort and health, protect food quality and safety, advance energy efficiency and create sustainable infrastructure. For more information, visit Emerson.com.

SOURCE Caltrol

Related Links

https://www.caltrol.com/


HOUSTON, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CARBO Ceramics Inc. (NYSE: CRR) announced today that it plans to release earnings results for the second quarter of 2017 on July 27, 2017, and will host a conference call at 10:30 a.m. Central Time (11:30 a.m. Eastern) that day. Gary Kolstad, President and CEO, and Ernesto Bautista, III, Vice President and CFO, will host the call.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120503/MM00528LOGO

Due to historical high call volume, the company is offering participants the opportunity to register in advance for the conference through the following link: http://dpregister.com/10109095

Registered participants will immediately receive an email with a calendar reminder and a dial-in number and PIN that will allow them immediate access to the call on July 27, 2017.

Participants who do not wish to pre-register for the call may dial in using (877) 232-2832 (for U.S. callers), (855) 669-9657 (for Canadian callers) or (412) 542-4138 (for International callers) and ask for the "CARBO Ceramics" call. The conference call can also be accessed through the company's website, www.carboceramics.com.

A telephonic replay of the earnings conference call will be available through August 4, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. To access the replay from the U.S., please dial (877) 344-7529 and Canada 855-669-9658; international callers outside North America should dial (412) 317-0088. Please reference conference number 10109095. Interested parties may also access the archived webcast of the earnings teleconference through the company's website approximately two hours after the end of the call.

About CARBO

CARBO (NYSE: CRR) is a global technology company that provides products and services to the oil and gas and industrial markets to enhance value for its clients.

CARBO Oilfield Technologies - is a global leader that provides engineered solutions in its Design, Build, and Optimize the Frac technology businesses, delivering important value to E&P operators by increasing well production and EUR. Oilfield Technologies is the world's largest producer of high quality ceramic proppant, provides one of the industry's most widely used fracture simulation software, has proprietary technology that provides fracture diagnostics and production assurance, and offers consulting services for fracture design and completion optimization. The Company also provides a range of technology solutions for spill prevention and containment.

Its products and services are sold to operators of oil and natural gas wells and to oilfield service companies for use in the hydraulic fracturing of natural gas and oil wells.

CARBO Industrial Technologies - is a leading provider of high-performance industrial ceramic media products that are engineered to increase process efficiency, improve end-product quality and reduce operating costs.

Its products and services are primarily sold to industrial companies that work in manufacturing and mineral processing.

For more information, please visit www.carboceramics.com.

Investor Contact:

Mark Thomas, Director, Investor Relations

(281) 921-6400

SOURCE CARBO Ceramics Inc.

Related Links

http://www.carboceramics.com


"Carl's extraordinary knowledge, expertise and relationships throughout the corporate community are very additive to our own, and will reinforce our firm's position at the forefront of strategic communications for global and U.S. companies," said Tom Johnson, chief executive officer of Abernathy MacGregor. "Our clients will benefit from his decades of experience in all facets of public relations, and especially from his intricate knowledge of the media industry and issues facing those companies in the current environment."

"Abernathy MacGregor advises corporate leaders during some of their companies' critical moments  from mergers and acquisitions and shareholder activism to crises and litigation  and I'm pleased to be joining the firm, which I have long admired," said Mr. Folta. "I am excited about working with the outstanding team at Abernathy MacGregor and I look forward to using my skills, experience and insight to benefit the firm and its clients."

During his tenure at Viacom from 1994 to 2016, Mr. Folta served as the company's chief public relations strategist and spokesperson, responsible for overall communications activities, both internally and externally, as well as the coordination of communications at its global operations, which include a diverse television network portfolio and its film studio, Paramount Pictures. He oversaw all financial communications, media relations activities for industry issues and public affairs, communications in support of regulatory and legal affairs, and programs in support of Viacom's overall corporate and digital marketing efforts.

Mr. Folta also was responsible for the company's philanthropic activities and corporate social responsibility programs. He was the architect of the groundbreaking KNOW HIV/Aids campaign, a Peabody and Emmy Award-winning cross-platform public education partnership with the Kaiser Family Foundation, which he helped launch in 2003. In addition, Mr. Folta created and oversaw Viacom's partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation on Get Schooled, an independent non-profit organization dedicated to renewing the promise of education in America, which builds awareness about public education reform and works to raise lagging high school and college graduation rates.

Mr. Folta joined Viacom in April 1994 from Paramount Communications, Inc., where he had been since 1984 with progressively increasing responsibility for corporate communications. He began his career at Ruder & Finn, an independent PR firm, in 1979. A graduate of Boston University's College of Communication, Mr. Folta was presented with the school's Distinguished Alumni Award in 1998. He teaches graduate-level classes in Communication as an Adjunct Professor at the New York University School of Professional Studies. Mr. Folta serves on the Boards of several non-profit organizations, including Literacy Inc. and Staying Alive Foundation and is a Trustee of St. Patrick's Cathedral.

About Abernathy MacGregor

Abernathy MacGregor (AMG) (abmac.com) is a leading strategic communications firm with offices in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Houston. It provides strategic communications counsel and services to companies large and small, public and private, typically in times of transition. Since 1984, AMG has brought to every engagement superior, customized communications planning, 24/7 hands-on implementation and an intensely collaborative and high-energy commitment to our clients. Abernathy MacGregor is a founding member of AMO (amo-global.com), the leading global partnership of corporate and financial communications consultancies.

SOURCE Abernathy MacGregor
"Adding the Kespry drone platform to the advanced tools used by our claim adjusters keeps us ahead of the curve and reinforces our industry leadership," said Glenn Smith, Vice President, CRU Adjusters. "Kespry's drone technology further enhances how we handle and process claims, as well as underwriting elevations and pre-loss reporting. We have become synonymous with efficiency while maintaining a high level of accuracy, and our relationship with Kespry continues to support and demonstrate this commitment."

CRU Adjusters is setting up a new division with a team of adjusters focused on the initiative with Kespry. Smith will lead this team, all of whom are licensed pilots in both Canada and the US, as well as certified to fly Kespry drones and adjust claims. Smith's team is very experienced in damage recognition.

"We're very excited to be the first IA firm in Canada to be embracing this new drone technology from Kespry," said Kyle Winston, President, CRU Adjusters. "We'll also be rolling out this capability across our US operations and continuing to be among the first in the industry to bring new levels of efficiency and new types of data streams and intelligence to the insurance sector."

Founded in 2004, CRU specializes in the administration of catastrophe and daily claims, operating on an international scale in both the US and Canada.

"Kespry is committed to bringing stronger analytic tools and a 100x improvement to the status quo in industrial markets, such as roof inspection," said George Mathew, CEO and Chairman, Kespry. "CRU will be among the first companies in their space to provide their adjusters with a way to retool their skill sets and extend their careers deeply into this new digital era."

Kespry's field-to-finish out-of-the-box user experience is a result of its platform being the only fully integrated, fully automated aerial intelligence solution designed specifically for use in industrial applications, such as to improve the property and casualty roof claim cycle. Using Kespry's platform, CRU will have instant access to accurate data that is automatically processed and securely stored online for immediate use. Data captured by the Kespry industrial drone platform delivers high-resolution imagery with 1 mm per pixel resolution, and is capable of detecting granule loss and physical damage. CRU will also have access to comprehensive roof dimensions and automated damage detection, with onsite availability of rooftop imagery made possible in less than 10 minutes.

About Kespry

Based in Menlo Park, Calif., Kespry is the leading aerial intelligence platform provider that is transforming how organizations capture, analyze and share business insights. Kespry develops drone hardware, software and cloud services that deliver a seamless, accurate and highly efficient solution from field to finish. Founded in 2013, Kespry serves customers across North America, Europe and Australia in Aggregates, AEC, Insurance and Mining. Learn more at kespry.com.

Media Contact:

Rosalie Bartlett

[email protected]

650-434-5048

SOURCE Kespry

Related Links

http://www.kespry.com


ATLANTA, July 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CatchMark Timber Trust, Inc. (NYSE: CTT) will release its second quarter 2017 earnings on Thursday, August 3, 2017, following the market close. The company will host a conference call and live webcast at 10 a.m. ET on Friday, August 4, 2017 to discuss these results.

Investors may listen to the conference call by dialing 1-888-347-1165 for U.S/Canada and 1-412-902-4276 for international callers. Participants should ask to be joined into the CatchMark call. Access to the live webcast will be available at www.catchmark.com. A replay of this webcast will be archived on the company's website shortly after the call.

About CatchMark

CatchMark Timber Trust, Inc. (NYSE: CTT) is a self-administered and self-managed, publicly-traded REIT that strives to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns for all stakeholders through disciplined acquisitions, sustainable harvests and well-timed sales. Headquartered in Atlanta and focused exclusively on timberland ownership, CatchMark began operations in 2007 and owns interests in approximately 496,800 acres* of timberland located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. For more information, visit www.catchmark.com. From time to time, CatchMark releases important information via postings on its corporate website. Accordingly, investors and other interested parties are encouraged to enroll to receive automatic email alerts regarding new postings. Enrollment information is found in the "Investors Relations" section of www.catchmark.com.

* As of March 31, 2017.

SOURCE CatchMark Timber Trust, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.catchmark.com


By PTI: By Yoshita Singh

New York, Jul 6 (PTI) Technology giant Microsoft is undertaking a major reorganisation that will likely see the company cutting about 3,000 jobs from its global workforce, a media report said today.

The layoffs under the restructuring at the technology giant led by India-born Satya Nadella will mostly affect sales, and as many as 3,000 jobs will be cut, CNBC reported.

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The media report quoted a Microsoft spokesperson as saying that the company is implementing changes to better serve its customers and partners.

"Today, we are taking steps to notify some employees that their jobs are under consideration or that their positions will be eliminated. Like all companies, we evaluate our business on a regular basis. This can result in increased investment in some places and, from time-to-time, re- deployment in others," the spokesperson said.

CNBC added that the job cuts amount to less than 10 per cent of the companys total sales force, and about 75 per cent of them will be outside the US.

The report added that Microsoft was going to specifically focus on how it sells its cloud-services product, Azure.

Microsofts cloud business has been booming over recent quarters and the company ? Microsoft noted Azure sales growth of 93 percent last quarter. "While Amazon has become a bigger competitor in the space, Microsofts restructuring is to pivot to software as a service, platform as a service and infrastructure," the report said.

Microsoft said its plan is to use employees who are more knowledgeable about specific verticals so they can sell bigger packages.

Microsoft has 71,000 employees in the US and 121,000 employees around the globe, suggesting that these cuts are relatively small compared to the size of its entire workforce, CNBC said. PTI YAS ABH

--- ENDS ---
PARIS, July 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Cathay Innovation today announced the closing of its first investment vehicle for a total of $320 million, representing one of the largest fundraisings ever in Europe for an inaugural venture capital fund. The success of this fundraising can largely be explained by the unique approach proposed by Cathay Innovation and how this approach resonated among investors.

Cathay Innovation was effectively founded on the conviction that supporting digital entrepreneurs through a platform available on 3 continents  North America, Europe, and China  constitutes a particularly valuable strategy. By connecting these three major ecosystems and by relying on the platform constructed over the last 10 years by Cathay Capital Private Equity, Cathay Innovation provides mission- driven entrepreneurs both a global vision of the evolution of technologies and multi-continent operational support.

This unique model attracted well beyond the initially targeted size with investors of varying profiles. Besides the initial and decisive support of Bpifrance and CDB Capital, Cathay Innovation was also able to count on the support of numerous leading companies including BNP Paribas Cardif, Groupe ADP, Groupe Artemis, Groupe SEB, Joyoung, Michelin, Total, and Valeo.

"Working with these partners is an integral part of Cathay Innovation's approach as our strategic investors form a leading strategic committee that gathers on a regular basis to anticipate the impact of the digital revolution with a consistent global vision covering a multitude of industries. Combined with Cathay's international platform, this network of partners brings enormous added value to the companies we support such as facilitator of links, catalyst of opportunities, and provider of sector expertise," explains both Denis Barrier, Managing Partner and Co-founder of Cathay Innovation, and Mingpo Cai, President of Cathay Capital Private Equity and Co-founder of Cathay Innovation.

Cathay Innovation's team  which today comprises of 11 professionals spread between France, China, and the U.S.  has already closed more than 10 investments in the span of just 20 months. Cathay Innovation has also had the opportunity to contribute to the product launch and then the rise of its first unicorn, Pinduoduo (PDD), now already the largest social commerce platform on the planet and the fastest growing e-commerce merchant ever.

Cathay Innovation is committed to investing in 20 to 25 innovative companies in this fund, with initial commitments between $3 million and $15 million, and a strategy allowing portfolio companies to connect at the outset to a global ecosystem (Europe / China / USA) to accelerate their international growth.

Mingpo Cai concludes: "Connecting European, Chinese, and American start-ups with the whole world may look obvious. But this approach did not exist until now in the world of venture capital and meets a real need of digital entrepreneurs. The entrepreneurs must accelerate the diffusion of their innovations and quickly scale up globally. We are very grateful to our historical investors for having adhered to this vision and very pleased to welcome with this fund new partners in our ecosystem."

About Cathay Innovation

Cathay Innovation is a global venture capital fund, created in affiliation with Cathay Capital Private Equity. It was founded around the shared conviction that supporting digital entrepreneurs by providing them with a platform bridging 3 continents  North America, Europe and China  constitutes a particularly powerful value-creation strategy. As a multi-stage fund, Cathay Innovation partners with visionary entrepreneurs, committed to driving change through technology. Such transformation is accelerated by leveraging Cathay Capital Private Equity's extensive network with corporates and solid experience in operational excellence. Cathay Innovation has offices in San Francisco, Paris, Beijing and Shanghai. To learn more, please visit www.cathayinnovation.com.

About Cathay Capital

Cathay Capital Private Equity is a leading international private equity firm focused on cross-border investment and committed to supporting the international expansion of middle-market companies in North America, China and Europe. The firm's team of 60 professionals is based in New York, Shanghai, Beijing, Paris, Munich, and San Francisco and leverages its unique business model and platform to create value for companies across three continents. With $1.5 billion in assets under management, Cathay Capital Private Equity has completed over 60 buyouts and growth capital investments across three continents since its inception in 2007. Cathay Capital Private Equity invests in and assists middle-market companies in the consumer goods and services, healthcare, business services and technology industries. To learn more, please visit www.cathay.fr.

Media Contact:

Denis Barrier

Phone: 415-968-8292

Email: [email protected]

Related Links

Twitter

Linkedin

SOURCE Cathay Innovation

Related Links

http://www.cathayinnovation.com


MONROE, La., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Vernon Irvin, CenturyLink, Inc. (NYSE: CTL) senior vice president, was inducted into the Executive Leadership Council (ELC) during its 2017 summer general membership meeting in London, England. Comprised of more than 600 current and former senior executives at Fortune 1,000 and Global 500 companies, the ELC champions the development of black leaders and strives to increase the number of successful black executives.

Irvin, who is the first CenturyLink executive to be inducted into the ELC, leads a team of more than 1,000 sales and marketing professionals who focus on growing the company's business through a portfolio of data, voice, hosting, cloud computing, managed and IT services. He also is one of several CenturyLink executives to serve on the company's diversity steering committee.

In addition, Irvin was recently named to the CenturyLink chief operating officer organization leadership team which will be effective upon the completion of CenturyLink's acquisition of Level 3 Communications, Inc. Irvin will be president of the business unit focused on small and midsize business, local government and education.

Throughout his 20-year career, Irvin has held a number of positions with increasing responsibilities and scope that focus on building successful sales and marketing organizations in the network and communications industry.

"I am honored to be selected for membership in the ELC and I am personally committed to promoting diversity," Irvin said. "In addition, the ELC's mission dovetails with CenturyLink's philosophy that a diverse workforce is one of our greatest strengths in a competitive global marketplace."

Irvin is active in his community and serves on the board of directors for Mile High United Way, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, and the Downtown Denver Partnership, Inc.

About CenturyLink

CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL) is a global communications and IT services company focused on connecting its customers to the power of the digital world. CenturyLink offers network and data systems management, big data analytics, managed security services, hosting, cloud, and IT consulting services. The company provides broadband, voice, video, advanced data and managed network services over a robust 265,000-route-mile U.S. fiber network and a 360,000-route-mile international transport network. Visit CenturyLink for more information.

SOURCE CenturyLink, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.centurylink.com


DENVER, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District has selected the joint venture team of CH2M and Burns & McDonnell as one of six firms to share an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to support BUILDER Sustainment Management System (SMS) facility condition assessment services globally.

The Corps of Engineers recently mandated BUILDER SMS as its preferred platform to assess and verify more than 25,000 assets at nearly 885 Installation Management Command locations worldwide. CH2M previously delivered these services as part of the U.S. Air Force's BUILDER SMS implementation, deploying up to 40 inspectors simultaneously to conduct over 30-million square feet of BUILDER assessments across the U.S.

"Effective and proactive asset management is critical to ensuring mission readiness and for sustaining building infrastructure investment," said CH2M U.S. Department of Defense Director, Mark Rigatti. "We look forward to supporting the U.S. Army's facilities assessment needs around the world."

The contract scope of work includes:

Implementation and preparation of sustainable infrastructure assessments.

Real property installed equipment surveys, space utilization surveys and building energy audit surveys.

Real property inventories.

Army sustainment, restoration and modernization.

CH2M's integrated approach to preparing BUILDER SMS programming documentation provides clients with SMS assessments, databases and reports that support the decision-making process for maintaining their building infrastructure and assets. For 65 years, CH2M has worked with the USACE on more than 120 IDIQ contracts for 21 Districts, ranging from facility design and renovation to training support for critical missions.

About CH2M

CH2M leads the professional services industry delivering sustainable solutions benefiting societal, environmental and economic outcomes with the development of infrastructure and industry. In this way, CH2Mers make a positive difference providing consulting, design, engineering and management services for clients needing world-class solutions in environmental; industrial and advanced facilities; transportation; and water markets, from iconic infrastructure to global programs like the Olympic Games.

Ranked among the World's Most Ethical Companies and top firms in environmental consulting and program management, CH2M in 2016 became the first professional services firm honored with the World Environment Center Gold Medal Award for efforts advancing sustainable development. Connect with CH2M at www.ch2m.com; LinkedIn; Twitter; and Facebook.

Contact: Tom Doerr

CH2M, Corporate Marketing & Communications

720-286-3004

[email protected]

SOURCE CH2M

Related Links

http://www.ch2m.com


MORRIS PLAINS, N.J., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CherryRoad Technologies Inc. today announced it has signed NASPO ValuePoint Participating Addendums with the States of South Dakota and Utah, allowing the entities to simplify their entire cloud procurement process. CherryRoad markets its cloud solutions and managed services to state and local governments through NASPO ValuePoint's Master Agreement awarded by the State of Utah.

By signing the Participating Addendums, South Dakota and Utah now can access master agreements to work directly with CherryRoad to address their unique cloud solution needs. Cloud solutions offered by CherryRoad include Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) which were developed specifically for state and local governments.

"By working through a multi-state cooperative procurement organization like NASPO ValuePoint, states have direct access to best-value, cooperative contracts," said Larry Hymson, CherryRoad's Executive Vice President of Client Solutions. "South Dakota and Utah may now achieve greater savings for their constituents and leverage leading technology initiatives with flexibility and improved efficiency via cloud computing solutions."

NASPO ValuePoint is regarded as the nation's most significant public contract cooperative due to its unparalleled value for members as well as contractors, competitive pricing, and superior terms and conditions. NASPO ValuePoint Cloud Solutions Master Agreements are only awarded to a limited number of cloud solution providers whose offerings meet stringent security and data protection requirements.

About CherryRoad Technologies Inc.

At CherryRoad, our clients entrust us with the success of their IT solutions, whether we're delivering on-premise ERP, cloud-based application management, business intelligence, process optimization, or change management consulting. Throughout our 30-year history we've successfully partnered with hundreds of public sector and commercial clients to modernize, optimize and manage their back-office functions. Headquartered in Morris Plains, N.J. with offices across the U.S., we've earned a solid reputation for combining technology, organizational, functional, and vertical market expertise into practical solutions that deliver results  on-time and on-budget. For more information, visit www.cherryroad.com

About NASPO ValuePoint

NASPO ValuePoint is a unified, nationally focused cooperative aggregating the demand of all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the organized US territories, their political subdivisions and other eligible entities spurring best value, innovation and competition in the marketplace. The NASPO ValuePoint Cooperative Purchasing Organization (formerly WSCA-NASPO) provides the highest standard of excellence in public cooperative contracting. By leveraging the leadership and expertise of all states with the purchasing power of their public entities, NASPO ValuePoint delivers best value, reliable, competitively sourced contracts. Since 1993 NASPO ValuePoint has been the cooperative purchasing arm of NASPO (the National Association of State Procurement Officials) encouraging, fostering and guiding the nation's most significant public contract cooperative.

SOURCE CherryRoad Technologies Inc.

Related Links

http://www.cherryroad.com


For those who already know where they want to be for the holidays, Cheapflights' Guide to when to book the most popular flights for Christmas week serves up valuable insider information about the optimal time to find the best fares. The guide also offers some insights into where Americans head during the holidays and can help those who are more flexible with tips on saving and guidance for timing on a mix of possible destinations.

This week, savvy travelers should be looking to book year-end travel to the ever-popular Las Vegas, while the week of July 16 (23 weeks before the holidays) is prime time for finding deals on holiday flights to Atlanta and Denver. For Christmastime in Mexico City and Guadalajara, look to buy in the last two weeks of July, while flights to Florida's top spots are best booked in the week of September 17 (14 weeks ahead of the holidays), with the exception of Orlando, which should be booked the week of August 6.

For those planning a winter holiday break, here's when our data* shows that you'll find the best airfares, on average, for Christmas week to the 10 most popular destinations:

Week of July 2 (25 weeks before Christmas)

Las Vegas, Nevada

Week of July 16 (23 weeks before Christmas)

Atlanta, Georgia

Mexico City, Mexico

Week of August 6 (20 weeks before Christmas)

Orlando, Florida

Week of August 13 (19 weeks before Christmas)

Dallas, Texas

Week of August 27 (17 weeks before Christmas)

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Week of September 3 (16 weeks before Christmas)

Los Angeles, California

Week of September 17 (14 weeks before Christmas)

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Miami, Florida

Week of September 24 (13 weeks before Christmas)

New York, New York

For more details on planning travel for less to the top 20 holiday hotspots, check out The holidays are coming: A guide to when to book the most popular flights for Christmas week at www.cheapflights.com/news/best-time-to-book-flights-for-christmas.

* This data is based on averages from departure points across the U.S. and is intended as a guideline only.

About Cheapflights.com, part of the Momondo Group

Founded in 1996, Cheapflights is a leading global flight comparison and deals publishing platform. It is now a market leader in the UK, U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand generating over $3 billion in global downstream revenue for its partners as it expands into numerous other territories. More than 120 million users visit its websites and apps each year, receiving more than two billion search results a month from across 900,000 routes. The 10 million strong opt-in subscribers to the Cheapflights newsletter receive the best deals from over 120 travel businesses  for whom it has driven more than $65 million in revenue this year. Together, the Cheapflights platforms generate enough bookings for its partners to fill a Boeing 747 every five minutes.

In 2011, Cheapflights became part of the privately owned online travel search and inspiration network, Momondo Group.

Follow us on:

Twitter: twitter.com/cheapflights

Facebook: facebook.com/cheapflights

Instagram: instagram.com/cheapflights

Pinterest: pinterest.com/cheapflights

Website: www.cheapflights.com

SOURCE Cheapflights.com

Related Links

http://www.cheapflights.com


TAOYUAN, Taiwan, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Chroma ATE Inc. is a world leading supplier of precision Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Automated Test Systems, Intelligent Manufacturing Systems, Turnkey Test and Automation Solutions. To cope with the trend of Industry 4.0 and IoT, Chroma's software and hardware technologies create a smart-factory platform supporting big data through suitable solutions such as Chroma Smart Machine Interface (MI) and Chroma Fast Easy Player (FEP) for intelligent manufacturing.

One of the difficulties the enterprise faces when implementing intelligent manufacturing is dealing with the interoperability among various hardware devices on the same platform. In Industry 4.0, all equipment is networked communicating machine to machine (M2M) through one integrated platform. For complex machines, Chroma Smart MI enhances network connectivity by providing a platform incorporating all machines into a unified module. The MI is a real-time hub of both horizontal communication (between the front and rear workstations) or vertical communication (between the client and backend), all linking to a universal work site and data center for real-time analysis. This improves the efficiency and stability of the manufacturing process.

To understand the status of various machines in real time in a production line, the FEP with cross-system integration incorporates various systems into a unified interface for quality control, monitoring and report management. Utilizing visual management and single management platforms, the template can be dragged and dropped to electronic billboards in every work zone with select information. This not only makes the management "visible" but also allows employees intuitive understanding of the instructions.

The Chroma FEP manages the manufacturing machines, the processes and on-site manpower for real-time administration of productivity, yield and mass production. The FEP functions include picture files, weather information, clock, scrolling tests, dashboard, chart and diagram, bulletin boards, tables and embedded web pages providing the on-site manager complete Kanban information.

Driving the Industry 4.0 smart factory architecture, the Chroma Smart MI enables the hardware to integrate more efficiently while the Chroma FEP conveys clear and diverse messages optimizing the factory.

Chroma's intelligent manufacturing solutions has successfully implemented in the manufacturing of batteries, solar cells/panels, LEDs, optoelectronics, electronics / ICT and medical devices to help customers optimizing their quality and productivity.

Product consultation:

Chroma ATE Inc. (HEADQUARTERS) T +886-3-327-9999

CHROMA ATE INC.(U.S.A.) T + 1-949-421-0355

Quantel Pte Ltd. (Singapore) T +65-6745-3200

Sajet System Technology (China, Suzhou) Co., Ltd. T +86-512-6807-1889

Chroma Electronics (China, Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. T +86-755-2664-4598

[email protected]

www.chromaate.com

SOURCE Chroma ATE Inc.
PHILADELPHIA, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Back on My Feet, a national nonprofit organization, announced it is expanding its partnership with Cigna through a $100,000 grant from the Cigna Foundation and the naming of a Cigna executive to its Board of Directors to help drive health and wellness programming. Operating in 12 major cities coast to coast, Back on My Feet combats homelessness through the power of running, community support and essential employment and housing resources.

Dave Guilmette, President, Global Employer and Private Exchanges for Cigna Corporation, was recently appointed as Vice Chairman of the Back on My Feet National Board of Directors, providing oversight and leadership to the strategic vision of the national nonprofit. Guilmette joined the Back on My Feet board in early 2016 and brings with him more than 30 years' experience in the health care industry.

With Guilmette's leadership and the $100,000 in grant support from the Cigna Foundation, Back on My Feet and Cigna will launch an enhanced Health and Wellness Program to help Back on My Feet program participants lead healthier lives.

"Back on My Feet and Cigna are naturally aligned with a commitment to investing in health as a key component to success," said Katy Sherratt, Back on My Feet CEO. "We are honored to have Dave expand his leadership role with Back on My Feet, bringing his expertise and insight to the board. Through our partnership with Cigna, we are able to further grow our mission and provide our members continued support on their path out of homelessness."

By participating in the Back on My Feet program, members have seen, on average, a 48 percent decrease in high blood pressure, a 41 percent decrease in obesity and a 13 percent decrease in BMI. The new Cigna-supported Health and Wellness program targets Back on My Feet alumni, individuals who have graduated from the program into employment and independent housing, and are working hard to stay on their feet.

"I'm honored to be able to serve in an even deeper leadership capacity with Back on My Feet, an organization that is providing individuals a chance to overcome homelessness, with opportunities to better understand their physical and mental well-being, maintain physically active lives and make healthy lifestyle decisions," Guilmette said.

Back on My Feet and Cigna's multifaceted partnership will help to break down the immense barriers to healthy living the homeless population face. For more information and to help support Back on My Feet, visit https://www.backonmyfeet.org/

About Back on My Feet

Back on My Feet combats homelessness through the power of running, community support and essential employment and housing resources. Operating in 12 major cities coast-to-coast, Back on My Feet recruits members at homeless and residential facilities and begins with a commitment to run three days a week. The second phase of the program, Next Steps, provides educational support, job training programs, employment partnership referrals and housing resources. Since 2007, Back on My Feet has served more than 6,000 individuals experiencing homelessness and engaged more than 100,000 volunteers and supporters. Our members have run a collective 500,000 miles and obtained more than 4,500 jobs and homes. Every $1 invested in Back on My Feet returns nearly $2.50 to the local community through increased economic output and cost savings. Visit http://www.backonmyfeet.org/ and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About Cigna

Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health service company dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense of security. All products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Life Insurance Company of North America and Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits, and other related products including group life, accident and disability insurance. Cigna maintains sales capability in 30 countries and jurisdictions, and has more than 95 million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.

Media Contact:

Kirsten Anderson

(212) 561-7497

[email protected]

SOURCE Back on My Feet

Related Links

http://www.backonmyfeet.org


TENAFLY, N.J., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Security Current, the premier information and collaboration community by CISOs for CISOs, named Verodin the winner of its Security Shark Tank New York City competition. The event brought security solution providers face-to-face with potential buyers.

Participating vendors were given 15 minutes each to pitch their solution in a rapid fire question and answer format to a panel of information security executives interested in innovative technologies. The executives scored each vendor based on innovation and vision, ease of use and implementation, value to the industry, and the presenter's ability to clearly and effectively articulate their value.

CISO Daniel Conroy served as event host and panel moderator.

The CISO panel included:

James Beeson, CISO, Cigna

David Hahn, CISO, Hearst

Michael Higgins, VP & CISO, NBCUniversal Inc

Timothy Kropp, Technology and Security Leader, Bridgewater Associates

Elena Kvochko, CIO, Group Security Division Barclays

Brian Lozada, CISO, Zocdoc

Tomas Maldonado, VP & CISO, International Flavors and Fragrances

Mike Molinaro, CISO, BioReference Labs

David Peach, CISO, The Economist

Richard Rushing, CISO, Motorola Mobility

David Sheidlower, CISO, BBDO

Hussein Syed, CISO RWJBarnabas Health

Max Tumarinson, CISO Amalgamated Bank

John Whiting, CISO, DDB

Participating CISOs lauded the Security Shark Tank's unique format that enables them to engage with their peers as they learn about new technology.

"The Security Shark Tank is like no other event in terms of its value for security executives," said host and moderator Daniel Conroy. "Events like these help bring industry experts together to find the next-gen innovative cybersecurity solution and remind us that as CISOs we need to work as one team to mitigate the cyber risks and threats our organizations face through real-time cyber situational awareness."

DDB CISO John Whiting added: "Security Current's Security Shark Tank was the ideal environment to learn about some new and different solution providers while hearing the perspectives and concerns of my peers."

Security Shark Tank New York City winner Verodin's automated defense analysis solution demonstrates the impact of malicious activities within the context of an enterprise's environment to show the effectiveness of their current technology investments.

"The CISOs selected Verodin's Security Instrumentation Platform as it is a new way of gauging security infrastructures and we found that quite intriguing," said RWJBarnabas CISO Hussein Syed. "It will be interesting to see how their platform quantifiably measures the effectiveness of current cybersecurity tools in large enterprises and if the outcome can lead to a reduction in tools and subsequently cut the noise and the costs in our environments."

Visit the Security Current website to learn more about the participating companies. More information can also be found at www.securitysharktank.com.

About Security Current

Security Current improves the way security, privacy and risk executives collaborate to protect their organizations and their information. Its CISO-driven proprietary content and events provide insight, actionable advice and analysis giving executives the latest information to make knowledgeable decisions.

Allison Asmann

[email protected]

Security Current

201-835-9205

SOURCE Security Current
NEW YORK, July 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Canada Concrete Floor Coatings Market: Overview



Concrete floor coating is the covering applied to cured concrete in order to make the surface last longer. These coatings offer corrosion resistance property. Advantages of using concrete floor coatings include esthetic look, durability, ease of maintenance, ability to be customized, long term cost savings, health benefits and low installation cost. Increase in the number of construction projects and rise in demand for green technology are expected to fuel the market for concrete floor coatings. In terms of application, the concrete floor market in Canada has been segmented into indoor and outdoor. Indoor applications include residential, commercial, institutional, and office buildings. Outdoor applications comprise walkways, garages, patios, sport complexes, terraces, and driveways. Indoor applications are estimated to offer attractive growth potential compared to the outdoor applications



Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04977670/Concrete-Floor-Coatings-Market-Canada-Industry-Analysis-Size-Share-Growth-Trends-and-Forecast.html



Canada Concrete Floor Coatings Market: Scope of the Report



The report estimates and forecasts the Canadian concrete floor coatings market on the provincial level. The study provides forecast between 2017 and 2025 based on volume (Tons) and revenue (US$ Mn) with 2016 as the base year. The report comprises an exhaustive value chain analysis for each of the product segments. It provides a comprehensive view of the market. Value chain analysis also offers detailed information about value addition at each stage. The study includes drivers and restraints for the concrete floor coatings market along with their impact on demand during the forecast period. The study also provides key market indicators affecting the growth of the concrete floor coatings market. The report analyzes opportunities in the concrete floor coatings market on the provincial level. Drivers, restraints, and opportunities mentioned in the report are justified through quantitative and qualitative data. These have been verified through primary and secondary resources. Furthermore, the report analyzes average price trend analysis of concrete floor coatings



The report includes Porter's Five Forces Model to determine the degree of competition in the concrete floor coatings market. The report comprises a qualitative write-up on market attractiveness analysis, wherein application and countries have been analyzed based on attractiveness for each region. Growth rate, market size, raw material availability, profit margin, impact strength, technology, competition, and other factors (such as environmental and legal) have been evaluated in order to derive the general attractiveness of the market. The report comprises price trend analysis for concrete floor coatings between 2017 and 2025.



Canada Concrete Floor Coatings Market: Segmentation



The study provides a comprehensive view of the concrete floor coatings market by dividing it into product type, application and provinces. The concrete floor coatings market by product has been segmented into epoxy, polyaspartics and others. Application segments have been analyzed based on historic, present, and future trends, and the market has been estimated in terms of volume (Tons) and revenue (US$ Mn) between 2017 and 2025.



Provincial segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for concrete floor coatings in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba , Saskatchewan, and Atlantic. Additionally, the report comprises provincial analysis in terms of volume and revenue for end-user segments. Market segmentation includes demand for individual end-users in all the provinces.



The report covers detailed competitive outlook that includes market share and profiles of key players operating in the Canada market. Key players profiled in the report include The Sherwin Williams Company, PPG Industries Inc, BASF SE, RPM International, Inc and Sika AG .Company profiles include attributes such as company overview, number of employees, brand overview, key competitors, business overview, business strategies, recent/key developments, acquisitions, and financial overview (wherever applicable).



Canada Concrete Floor Coatings Market: Research Methodology



Secondary research sources that were typically referred to include, but were not limited to company websites, financial reports, annual reports, investor presentations, broker reports, and SEC filings. Other sources such as internal and external proprietary databases, statistical databases and market reports, news articles, national government documents, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market have also been referred for the report.



In-depth interviews and discussions with a wide range of key opinion leaders and industry participants were conducted to compile this research report. Primary research represents the bulk of research efforts, supplemented by extensive secondary research. Key players' product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents were reviewed for competitive analysis and market understanding. This helped in validating and strengthening secondary research findings. Primary research further helped in developing the analysis team's expertise and market understanding.



The Canada Concrete Floor Coatings market has been segmented as follows:



Concrete Floor Coatings Market  Product Type Analysis



Epoxy

Polyaspartics

Others



Concrete Floor Coatings Market  Application Type Analysis



Indoor

Outdoor



Concrete Floor Coatings Market  Provincial Analysis



Ontario

Quebec

British Columbia

Alberta

Saskatchewan

Manitoba

Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04977670/Concrete-Floor-Coatings-Market-Canada-Industry-Analysis-Size-Share-Growth-Trends-and-Forecast.html



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



http://www.reportlinker.com



__________________________

Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

Related Links

http://www.reportlinker.com


By PTI: London, Jul 6 (PTI) Our Milky Way galaxy may be home to over 100 billion brown dwarfs, a study has found.

Brown dwarfs are objects intermediate in mass between stars and planets, with masses too low to sustain stable hydrogen fusion in their core, the hallmark of stars like the Sun.

After the initial discovery of brown dwarfs in 1995, scientists realised that they are a natural by-product of processes that lead to the formation of stars and planets.

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All of the thousands of brown dwarfs found so far are relatively close to the Sun, the overwhelming majority within 1500 light years, simply because these objects are faint and therefore difficult to observe.

Most of those detected are located in nearby star forming regions, which are all fairly small and have a low density of stars.

In 2006, the team - including Koraljka Muzic from the University of Lisbon in Portugal - began a new search for brown dwarfs, observing five nearby star forming regions.

The Substellar Objects in Nearby Young Clusters (SONYC) survey included the star cluster NGC 1333, 1,000 light years away in the constellation of Perseus.

That object had about half as many brown dwarfs as stars, a higher proportion than seen before.

A false-colour near-infrared image of the core of the young massive cluster RCW 38 taken with the adaptive-optics camera NACO at the ESOs Very Large Telescope.

To establish whether NGC 1333 was unusual, in 2016 the team turned to another more distant star cluster, RCW 38, in the constellation of Vela.

This has a high density of more massive stars, and very different conditions to other clusters.

RCW 38 is 5,500 light years away, meaning that the brown dwarfs are both faint, and hard to pick out next to the brighter stars.

To get a clear image, researchers used the European Southern Observatorys Very Large Telescope, observing the cluster for a total of three hours, and combining this with earlier work.

They found just as many brown dwarfs in RCW 38 - about half as many as there are stars - and realised that the environment where the stars form, whether stars are more or less massive, tightly packed or less crowded, has only a small effect on how brown dwarfs form.

"Weve found a lot of brown dwarfs in these clusters. And whatever the cluster type, the brown dwarfs are really common. Brown dwarfs form alongside stars in clusters, so our work suggests there are a huge number of brown dwarfs out there," said Aleks Scholz from the University of St Andrews in Scotland.

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Researchers estimated that our galaxy, the Milky Way, has a minimum of between 25 and 100 billion brown dwarfs.

There are many smaller, fainter brown dwarfs too, so this could be a significant underestimate, and the survey confirms these dim objects are ubiquitous. PTI MHN MHN

--- ENDS ---
OKLAHOMA CITY, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Continental Resources, Inc. (NYSE: CLR) ("Continental" or the "Company") plans to announce second quarter 2017 results on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 following the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The Company plans to host a conference call to discuss second quarter 2017 results on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. CT). Those wishing to listen to the conference call may do so via the Company's website at www.CLR.com or by phone:

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120327/DA76602LOGO

Time and date: 12 p.m. ET, Wednesday, August 9, 2017 Dial-in: 844-309-6572 Intl. dial-in: 484-747-6921 Conference ID: 30586076





A replay of the call will be available for 14 days on the Company's website or by dialing:



Replay number: 855-859-2056 or 404-537-3406 Intl. replay: 800-585-8367 Conference ID: 30586076

Continental plans to publish a second quarter 2017 summary presentation to its website at www.CLR.com prior to the start of its conference call on August 9, 2017.

About Continental Resources

Continental Resources (NYSE: CLR) is a top 15 independent oil producer in the U.S. Lower 48 and a leader in America's energy renaissance. Based in Oklahoma City, Continental is the largest leaseholder and one of the largest producers in the nation's premier oil field, the Bakken play of North Dakota and Montana. The Company also has leading positions in Oklahoma, including its SCOOP Woodford, SCOOP Springer and SCOOP Sycamore discoveries and the STACK play. With a focus on the exploration and production of oil, Continental has unlocked the technology and resources vital to American energy independence and our nation's leadership in the new world oil market. In 2017, the Company is celebrating 50 years of operations. For more information, please visit www.CLR.com.

Investor Contacts: Media Contact: J. Warren Henry Kristin Thomas Vice President, Investor Relations & Research Vice President, Public Relations 405-234-9127 405-234-9480 [email protected] [email protected]



Alyson L. Gilbert

Manager, Investor Relations

405-774-5814

[email protected]



SOURCE Continental Resources

Related Links

http://www.clr.com


AMSTERDAM, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Supervisory Directors of Core Laboratories N.V. (NYSE: "CLB US" and Euronext Amsterdam Exchange: "CLB NA") has announced a cash dividend of $0.55 per share of common stock payable in the third quarter of 2017. This third quarter dividend would mean a total payout of $2.20 per share of common stock, if maintained for the entire year. The quarterly $0.55 per share cash dividend will be payable on Monday, 14 August 2017, to shareholders of record on Monday, 17 July 2017. Dutch withholding tax will be deducted from the dividend at a rate of 15%.

Any determination to declare a future quarterly cash dividend, as well as the amount of any such cash dividend that may be declared, will be based on the Company's financial position, earnings, earnings outlook, capital expenditure plans, ongoing share repurchases, potential acquisition opportunities, and other relevant factors at the time.

The Company has scheduled a conference call to discuss Core's second quarter 2017 earnings. The call will begin at 7:30 a.m. CDT / 2:30 p.m. CEST on Tuesday, 25 July 2017. To listen to the call, please go to Core's website at www.corelab.com .

Core Laboratories N.V. (www.corelab.com) is a leading provider of proprietary and patented reservoir description and production enhancement services used to optimize petroleum reservoir performance. The Company has over 70 offices in more than 50 countries and is located in every major oil-producing province in the world.

This release includes forward-looking statements regarding the future revenues, profitability, business strategies and developments of the Company made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Federal securities law. The Company's outlook is subject to various important cautionary factors, including risks and uncertainties related to the oil and natural gas industry, business conditions, international markets, international political climates and other factors as more fully described in the Company's 2016 Form 10-K filed on 10 February 2017, and in other securities filings. These important factors could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on current expectations of the Company's performance and are subject to a variety of factors, some of which are not under the control of the Company. Because the information herein is based solely on data currently available, and because it is subject to change as a result of changes in conditions over which the Company has no control or influence, such forward-looking statements should not be viewed as assurance regarding the Company's future performance. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this press release.

SOURCE Core Laboratories N.V.

Related Links

http://www.corelab.com


STEYREGG, Austria and MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Delacon, the pioneer and global leader in phytogenic feed additives, and Cargill have agreed to a strategic partnership that will advance the market presence of natural, plant-based feed additives on a global scale, and meet changing consumer preferences of what animals are fed and how food is produced. The deal includes a minority equity investment from Cargill. Terms were not disclosed.

The partnership will connect Cargill's deep expertise in applied nutrition and global presence with Delacon's knowhow and market experience in phytogenic feed additives, a category that uses natural ingredients, including herbs, spices, other plants and their extracts, such as essential oils, to improve animal performance and secure animal health for sustainable, wholesome food production.

The agreement also will allow the companies to expand their technical and go-to-market capabilities to meet customers' needs around the world as they pursue the joint mission of growing the phytogenic feed additives category.

For Delacon, the partnership will give access to countries worldwide, where it does not have a market presence today. For Cargill, the investment expands its presence and capability in the additives space, with a focus on select markets outside the United States. Delacon's successful distribution and partnership network will be retained, and developed further to make plant-based feed additives more available around the globe.

"Our agreement with Cargill represents an opportunity to accelerate growth and invest in Delacon's future and the future of phytogenic feed additives, as our customers are looking for solutions delivered in a natural, efficient and sustainable way - from feed to food," said Markus Dedl, chief executive officer, Delacon. "Phytogenics are one of the most promising groups of feed additives, and are turning from a niche market into a mainstream need. We are entering a new era of phytogenic feed additives, and the next five years are decisive for the developments in this growing market."

This strategic partnership builds on the successful collaboration that Delacon and Cargill have built over the last several years. By centralizing these efforts with a strategic partnership, the companies are expanding their focus, presence and reach in the micro nutrition space.

"Delacon has a strong reputation, recognizable brand and a deep commitment to scientifically driven customer solutions that focus on healthy animals, feed efficiency and performance in a sustainable manner," said Chuck Warta, president, Cargill Premix and Nutrition. "Cargill and Delacon share common values - a commitment to our customers, science-driven innovation and high product quality. We also value a positive and safe work environment for our employees, sustainable and responsible business practices and deep ties to our communities."

Advancing phytogenic feed additives

The term 'phytogenic feed additives' was coined 30 years ago by Delacon's founder, Helmut Dedl. Started as niche product in the 1980s, micro nutrition with phytogenics now provides the next frontier for animal productivity and sustainable, wholesome food production. Given the vast variety of powerful natural ingredients, phytogenic feed additives are known for broad-spectrum efficacy, with proven impact on unlocking the nutritional potential in feed, control and improve the digestive process, enhance the gut's microflora and boost the immune systems of farm animals to promote feed efficiency, keep animals healthy and provide wholesome food while reducing the environmental impact.

About Delacon

Founded and grown as an Austrian family business, Delacon has been the pioneer and global leader in phytogenic feed additives for 30 years. The company researches, develops and produces natural feed additives composed of herbs, spices and essential oils for poultry, swine and ruminants, and coined the term 'phytogenics'. With 130 employees at 17 locations Delacon is consistently working on further expansion of its global leadership. In total Delacon's products are currently exported to about 80 countries. For years, the company realizes double-digit growth of revenues; ten percent of the annual revenues are invested in research and development.

www.delacon.com

About Cargill

Cargill provides food, agriculture, financial and industrial products and services to the world. Together with farmers, customers, governments and communities, we help people thrive by applying our insights and 150 years of experience. We have 150,000 employees in 70 countries who are committed to feeding the world in a responsible way, reducing environmental impact and improving the communities where we live and work. For more information, visit Cargill.com and our News Center.

Contacts:

Karina Umdasch

PR & Communications Manager

Delacon

+43-699-16405326

[email protected]



Tim Loesch

Director, Communications

Cargill Animal Nutrition

+1-612-860-6022

[email protected]



SOURCE Delacon Biotechnik GmbH
CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Deloitte Corporate Finance LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor to Arkansas-based AXPM Dental Management, LLC d/b/a Rock Dental Brands (Rock Dental), on its recent debt financing with Goldman Sachs Specialty Lending Group, L.P. (GSSLG). Rock Dental, a leading multi-specialty dental service organization, engaged Deloitte Corporate Finance to obtain financing for a series of strategic acquisitions and to refinance an incumbent lender.

After its recent acquisitions, Rock Dental now operates 69 practices in Arkansas and Missouri. The financing provided by GSSLG allowed Rock Dental to refinance an existing credit facility, close the aforementioned acquisitions and continue to execute on its strategic growth initiatives.

"As we continue with our acquisition strategy, Deloitte Corporate Finance has played an integral role in helping evaluate capital structure and financing options," said Merritt Dake, CEO of AXPM Dental Management, LLC. "DCF provided invaluable insight regarding this type of transaction in the dental space and the appetite of capital markets, as well as thoughtful guidance throughout the entire process."

John Deering, managing director, Deloitte Corporate Finance LLC, said, "Rock Dental's reputation for providing high quality patient care, as well as its impressive track record of growth led to an excellent match with GSSLG, which has extensive experience in the health care sector."

Tom Spivey, managing director, Deloitte Corporate Finance LLC, added, "Goldman Sachs' debt facility will allow Rock Dental to further solidify its position as a leading dental service organization."

About AXPM Dental Management, LLC, d/b/a Rock Dental Brands

Rock Dental is a leading dental service organization in Arkansas and Missouri, operating orthodontic, pediatric dental, oral surgery, and general dental clinics. The Little Rock-based company has its roots going back to 1986, when founder Dr. Mark Dake opened an orthodontic clinic in West Plains, Missouri. Focused on financial diligence, doctor collaboration, continuing education, and providing the highest quality of patient care possible, the Company grew through acquisitions and de novo clinic additions to what it is today  a fully integrated dental service organization operating four distinct brands under the Rock Dental umbrella.

For more information, visit http://rockdentalbrands.com/.

About Deloitte Corporate Finance LLC

Deloitte Corporate Finance LLC provides strategic advisory services and M&A advice that help corporate, entrepreneurial, and private equity clients create and act upon opportunities for liquidity, growth, and long-term advantage. With an in-depth understanding of the marketplace and access to a global network of investment bankers, we help clients confidently pursue strategic transactions in both domestic and global markets. Deloitte Corporate Finance, together with the Corporate Finance Advisory practices within the Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited network of member firms, include in excess of 1,900 professionals, who work collaboratively across 150 international locations. With our significant experience providing investment banking services across key industries, we are able to offer our clients solutions that help them to achieve their strategic objectives. For more information, visit www.investmentbanking.deloitte.com.

Prior engagement performance is no guarantee of future performance and may not be representative of the experience of other clients. This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of a security.

Deloitte Corporate Finance LLC, an SEC registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC, is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP and affiliate of Deloitte Transactions and Business Analytics LLP. Investment banking products and services within the United States are offered exclusively through Deloitte Corporate Finance LLC. For more information, visit www.investmentbanking.deloitte.com. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of our legal structure. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Shelley Pfaendler

Public Relations

Deloitte Services LP

+ 1 212 492 4484

[email protected]

SOURCE Deloitte

Related Links

http://www.deloitte.com/us


VANCOUVER, July 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Destiny Media Technologies (TSXV: DSY) (OTCQB: DSNY) today announced that it has scheduled its earnings call to discuss its third quarter 2017 financial results. The Company plans to release financial results for the quarter after the market closes on July 17, 2017.

The conference call will include comments from President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Fred Vandenberg.

Conference Call Details

Date: Monday July 17, 2017

Time: 2:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time)

Direct dial in: 416-764-8688

North America toll-free participant dial in: 888-390-0546

Conference ID: 79714804

A replay of the call will be available until July 24, 2017.

Direct replay: 416-764-8677

North America toll-free replay: 888-390-0541

Replay passcode: 714804#

A replay will also be available on Destiny's corporate site at http://www.dsny.com

About Destiny Media Technologies, Inc.

Destiny Media Technologies provides services that enable content owners to securely display and distribute their audio and video content digitally through the internet. The Company's two major services are Clipstream and Play MPE. Clipstream (www.clipstream.com) is an automated high availability self-serve video hosting service built around a proprietary JavaScript playback system. This approach, which is protected by two dozen pending and granted patents, is much more secure and flexible than standard video approaches. Play MPE (www.plaympe.com) provides a standardized method to securely and cost effectively distributes pre-release music to radio stations and other music industry professionals, before it is ready for sale. It is protected by granted security and watermark patents. More information can be found at www.dsny.com.

SOURCE Destiny Media Technologies, Inc.

Related Links

www.dsny.com


SANTA MONICA, Calif., July 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Douglas Emmett, Inc. (NYSE:DEI), a real estate investment trust (REIT), announced today that it plans to release its 2017 second quarter earnings results after market close on Tuesday, August 1, 2017. A live conference call is scheduled for the following day, Wednesday, August 2, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time / 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Jordan Kaplan, President and Chief Executive Officer, will host the call along with Mona Gisler, Chief Financial Officer, Kevin Crummy, Chief Investment Officer, and Stuart McElhinney, Vice President Investor Relations. Interested parties can listen to the call via the following:

INTERNET: Go to www.douglasemmett.com/investors at least fifteen minutes prior to the start time of the call in order to register, download and install any necessary audio software.

PHONE: 888-349-0488 (U.S.) or 412-542-4156 (International)  ask to join the Douglas Emmett, Inc. (DEI) call.

REPLAY: A rebroadcast of the live call will be available for 90 days on our website at www.douglasemmett.com/investors

About Douglas Emmett, Inc.

Douglas Emmett, Inc. (DEI) is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT), and one of the largest owners and operators of high-quality office and multifamily properties located in the premier coastal submarkets of Los Angeles and Honolulu. Douglas Emmett focuses on owning and acquiring a substantial share of top-tier office properties and premier multifamily communities in neighborhoods that possess significant supply constraints, high-end executive housing and key lifestyle amenities. For more information about Douglas Emmett, please visit our website at www.douglasemmett.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Except for the historical facts, the statements in this press release regarding Douglas Emmett's business activities are forward-looking statements based on the beliefs of, assumptions made by, and information currently available to us about known and unknown risks, trends, uncertainties and factors that are beyond our control or ability to predict. Although we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, they are not guarantees of future performance and some will inevitably prove to be incorrect. As a result, our actual future results can be expected to differ from our expectations, and those differences may be material. Accordingly, investors should use caution in relying on forward-looking statements to anticipate future results or trends. For a discussion of some of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Stuart McElhinney, Vice President  Investor Relations

310.255.7751 [email protected]



SOURCE Douglas Emmett, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.douglasemmett.com


BRADFORD, England, July 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Established multi-disciplinary firm, Deo Volente Solicitors, has selected the Proclaim Practice Management Software solution from Eclipse Legal Systems, the sole Law Society Endorsed legal software provider.

Founded in 2007, Deo Volente Solicitors has recently celebrated a decade in business, which it attributes to its reputation of a community focused law firm. Situated in Bedford, the firm's ethos is dedicated to delivering unmatched and unique client care, offering a bespoke service to all clients. The expert team covers a variety of work areas, including immigration, family, criminal, property, litigation and Islamic law.

Deo Volente Solicitors is implementing the Proclaim Practice Management system firm-wide to cater for all aspects of its service offering consistently. The case management module will reduce the time spent processing each matter, and maintain the high level of client service Deo Volente Solicitors is known for, whilst the integrated accounting toolset will offer the team an enhanced overview of the firm's day-to-day operations.

Furthermore, Proclaim's in-built workflow will ensure that all cases are handled in line with the standards adopted by Deo Volente Solicitors. Fast and effortless document production will enable staff to generate all relevant documentation automatically at case creation, and the adaptability of the system will enable the firm to effortlessly expand as and when required.

Dilly Hussain, Business Marketing Director of Deo Volente Solicitors, comments:

"We required a simple, yet robust practice management system with the ability to effortlessly scale - on a departmental level, but also across offices, and potentially outside of the UK.

"Previous experience of Proclaim led us straight to Eclipse, and after thorough demonstrations to our senior team, we found it to be a fantastic solution - for a centralised practice management system, and also for the flexibility and scalability it offers, to us and our clients."



About Eclipse

Eclipse Legal Systems, part of Capita Plc, is the UK's leading provider of legal software solutions, employing over 160 staff at its Yorkshire HQ.

The firm's Proclaim software system is in use by 25,000 professionals within a vast range of market sectors, territories and work areas. Proclaim is Endorsed by the Law Society (the only solution of its type to hold this accreditation) and integrates all case management, accounting, document management, reporting, time recording, task and diary functions into one desktop solution.

TouchPoint+ is Eclipse's unique self-service system, providing an always-on, platform agnostic portal for law firm clients and business partners.

Proclaim clients include:

Eversheds

Usdaw

Co-operative Legal Services

Deo Volente Solicitors

Carillion plc

QualitySolicitors ( Howlett Clarke , Lockings, Oliver & Co, and others)

Eclipse's market territories include:

UK and Ireland

Latvia

Australia

Canada

Nigeria

Zambia

British Virgin Islands

For further information, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].

Alternatively, call +44-(0)-1274-704100 or visit www.eclipselegal.co.uk

SOURCE Eclipse Legal Systems
"The INSPIRIS valve sets a new benchmark for surgical aortic valve replacement, providing patients, particularly those with active lifestyles, with a resilient tissue valve that is built on Edwards' legacy of excellence in heart valve innovations," said John D. Puskas, MD, MSc, FACC, FACS, professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, chairman, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Mount Sinai Saint Luke's, Mount Sinai Beth Israel and Mount Sinai West (Roosevelt) and national principal investigator of the COMMENCE pivotal trial, an FDA premarket approval study.

Joseph Bavaria, MD, Roberts-Measey professor and vice chief of cardiovascular surgery at the University of Pennsylvania and the top implanter in the COMMENCE pivotal trial, said, "With the addition of VFit technology, featuring the unique expandable design feature, the INSPIRIS valve provides an ideal foundation for heart valve patients, both now and in the future."

The INSPIRIS valve features three differentiating elements:

RESILIA tissue , a breakthrough tissue technology that delivers the combination of enhanced anti-calcification properties, improved sustained hemodynamic performance and dry storage;

A first-of-its-kind expandable frame, VFit technology also incorporates fluoroscopically visible size markers and is designed for potential future valve-in-valve procedures;

A trusted valve platform built on the proven performance of the Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT valve design, which has more than 20 years of published clinical durability.

Approval of the INSPIRIS valve is supported by the COMMENCE pivotal trial. Published in the European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, two-year data of 689 patients from the COMMENCE trial showed no cases of structural valve deterioration, valve thrombosis or nonstructural valve dysfunction. In addition, the European RESILIA tissue feasibility study, which initiated enrollment in 2011, underscores the safety and effectiveness of the RESILIA tissue. Four-year results from the European feasibility study will be presented at the 31st European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery's (EACTS) annual meeting in October.

"Building on Edwards' 40 years of leadership in tissue valve technology, the INSPIRIS valve featuring RESILIA tissue has been in development for more than a decade and may be uniquely suited for future valve-in-valve procedures," said Bernard Zovighian, Edwards' corporate vice president, surgical heart valve therapy. "In partnership with surgeons, Edwards is committed to continually developing transformative surgical innovations that benefit patients."

Plans are underway for a full U.S. launch of the INSPIRIS valve in early 2018. The valve became commercially available in Europe earlier this year.

About Edwards Lifesciences

Edwards Lifesciences, based in Irvine, Calif., is the global leader in patient-focused medical innovations for structural heart disease, as well as critical care and surgical monitoring. Driven by a passion to help patients, the company collaborates with the world's leading clinicians and researchers to address unmet healthcare needs, working to improve patient outcomes and enhance lives. For more information, visit www.edwards.com and follow us on Twitter @EdwardsLifesci.

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements by Drs. Puskas and Bavaria and Mr. Zovighian and expectations regarding the product's potential benefits and risks, as well as expected future innovations. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by management of the company and are believed to be reasonable, though they are inherently uncertain and difficult to predict. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statement.

Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements based on a number of factors, including but not limited to, unanticipated outcomes of expanded and longer term clinical experience with the product, or unanticipated manufacturing, quality, development or regulatory delays or issues. These and other additional factors are detailed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. These filings, along with important safety information about our products, may be found at www.edwards.com.

Edwards, Edwards Lifesciences, the stylized E logo, Carpentier-Edwards, COMMENCE, INSPIRIS, INSPIRIS RESILIA, PERIMOUNT, RESILIA, and VFit are trademarks of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE Edwards Lifesciences Corporation

Related Links

http://www.edwards.com


TEANECK, N.J., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Kumon, the world's largest after-school math and reading franchise, has been ranked sixth on Entrepreneur Magazine's annual Top Global Franchises list. That's nine spots up from 2016.

To compile the ranking, Entrepreneur took each company's 2017 Franchise 500 score, then adjusted it to give extra weight to international size and growth.

Kumon has a massive global footprint with more than four million students studying at nearly 25,000 learning centers worldwide. Recently, its operations expanded from locations in 49 countries and regions to 50.

"Being recognized as the top global education franchise is a testament to Kumon's rich history and dedication to the supplemental education industry for more than 50 years," said Larry Lambert, vice president of franchise recruitment at Kumon North America, Inc. "We are proud to be in the same company as some of the world's most recognizable brands."

Earlier this year, Kumon North America was recognized as the number one tutoring franchise in Entrepreneur's annual Franchise 500 issue for the 16th consecutive year.

Kumon opened 72 franchises in the United States in 2016 and plans to add 100 more this year. There are more than 280,000 subject enrollments at 1,500 learning centers throughout the country.

Outside of Japan, where the learning program was founded, Kumon North America has the second largest enrollment of students with more than 400,000 subject enrollments.

For those individuals with a passion for education and an entrepreneurial spirit, learn more about joining the top global education franchise.

About the Kumon Franchise Business

Kumon is an ideal small business for professionals. Kumon Franchisees must have a four-year college degree, be proficient in math and reading and have investment capital of $70,000 and a net worth of at least $150,000. Founded in 1958, Kumon has over four million students enrolled in nearly 25,000 learning centers in 50 countries and regions. Kumon North America is headquartered in Teaneck, NJ.

SOURCE Kumon
BRUSSELS, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Europe continues to lure millions[1] of international travellers confirming the tourism sector's resilience to geopolitical uncertainty and perceptions of safety and security.

According to the latest European Travel Commission's "European Tourism 2017-Trends & Prospects", 28 out of 30 reporting destinations recorded growth so far in 2017 with almost one in two posting double-digit increases. Iceland (+56%) was the fastest growing destination, as its tourism boom shows no signs of abating to date. Montenegro (+25%), Malta (+23%) and Cyprus (+18%) also enjoyed substantial increases. Since these destinations are heavily reliant on peak summer demand, growth outside this period reflects their success in reducing seasonality.

Finland (+18%) and Bulgaria (+17%), also experienced robust growth. While the surge in Chinese arrivals boosted growth in the Nordic Nation, Bulgaria seemed to have been an inexpensive alternative to traditional winter destinations. Portugal, Serbia and Croatia (all +15%) fared well helped by strong marketing efforts and improved air connectivity. Turkey (-8%), however, continues to face security challenges that slow the rate of expansion in the country.

GROWTH MOMENTUM DRIVEN BY A RANGE OF SOURCE MARKETS

Encouraging economic conditions in the Eurozone seem to be behind the growth in arrivals from Germany, France and Italy. Meanwhile, most destinations saw notable increases from the UK with Croatia and Bulgaria enjoying fastest growth, +40% and +26% respectively. All reporting destinations rebounded from previous falls from Russian travel demand. Although figures do not fully offset the falls registered in previous years, prospects remain optimistic as the economy continues to improve. In the US, economic growth and favourable air fares contributed to the strong performance of this market which is expected to increase +6% per year on average through 2021. Travel flows from China and Japan to Europe were weaker than overall outbound travel from these markets due to safety and security concerns across the continent. However, both markets are estimated to have increased +14% and +5% respectively so far in 2017.

"Despite a stable European domestic market, growth is also driven by long-haul source markets. Cheap oil prices, favourable currency exchanges, raising middle classes, improved air connectivity and travel facilitation, are contributing significantly to the surge of outbound travel to Europe," said Eduardo Santander, Executive Director, European Travel Commission (ETC).

[1] 615 million international tourist arrivals in 2016-UNWTO

Contact: Miguel Gallego, [email protected], +32-25489000.

SOURCE European Travel Commission (ETC)
China feels the "atmosphere is not right" for a meeting between Modi and Jinping at the G20 summit in German city of Hamburg since both the countries are involved in a bitter standoff at Doklam near Sikkim.

By India Today Web Desk, Ananth Krishnan: China today suggested a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping along the sidelines of the G20 summit in Hamburg was unlikely, saying that the Doklam standoff had "damaged the political foundations of the bilateral relationship".

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang did not rule out a meeting, and said both leaders would meet on Friday at a BRICS informal leaders' meet which will give them the opportunity to exchange words.

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Sources said with Modi and Xi meeting on June 9 at the SCO summit, a G20 bilateral would have been unlikely in any case, although if scheduled it could have paved the way to deescalate the June 16 stand-off.

"With regard to the bilateral meetings of President Xi on G20 sidelines, if any information we will release in a timely manner," Geng said. "As for arrangements on a bilateral meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi, I have to point out that recently border troops trespassed into China and obstructed normal activities of Chinese troops in the Doklam area. This endangers China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and damaged the political foundations of bilateral relations between China ad India. We hope India can immediately withdraw border troops to Indian side of the boundary, uphold peace and tranquility of China India border area, and this is a precondition for any talk between two sides."

Geng added that the BRICS informal meeting would take place on Friday in Hamburg.

China today reiterated its stand that a withdrawal of Indian troops from Doklam was "a precondition" for talks. The Chinese Foreign Ministry also accused India of using Bhutan as "a pretext". Bhutan had on June 16 protested China's building of a road into the Doklam region which is contested by China and Bhutan.

ALSO READ

Doklam standoff: Chinese media says Beijing should back Sikkim independence

PLA armoured brigade holds 'high altitude drill' in Tibet with most advanced tank

Time to teach India 'bitter lesson greater than 1962', says Chinese media

--- ENDS ---
NEW YORK, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Counter UAS company Sensofusion has inked another major deal to help government bodies create security measures as more and more drones take to the skies worldwide.

This month, the European Union officially selected Sensofusion to be an industry partner in Project SECOPS (an integrated SECurity concept for drone OPerationS). In its role to develop and commercialize its AIRFENCE drone detection and prevention system, Sensofusion is "key to the project's success," according to the EU. SECOPS seeks to mitigate risks in unmanned traffic management (UTM) as Sensofusion and several other industry partners, alongside the Netherlands Aerospace Laboratory (NLR), work together to create proof of concept of a fully integrated security package. Sensofusion was selected from a pool of dozens of drone defense companies vying to be a part of the project.



Because of the grant from the EU, Sensofusion will employ its AIRFENCE technology in the Netherlands this fall. Sensofusion is developing and deploying similar technology for NASA, working alongside the Nevada Institute for Autonomous Studies (NIAS).

"We're extremely excited to be a part of this project and to offer our technology and capabilities to help the EU create concrete solutions to protect airways," said Sensofusion CEO Tuomas Rasila. "This grant is crucial and illustrates the importance major governing bodies place on creating integrated security measures to protect against rogue and potentially very harmful drones."

Sensofusion unveiled its newest countermeasure system, AIRFENCE 4.0, earlier this year and is collaborating with other highly influential organizations around the world including U.S. Marine Corps, NATO, the FAA and the Nevada Institute of Autonomous Systems, working in conjunction with NASA.

AIRFENCE technology is currently in place to patrol various urban environments, specifically by law enforcement and government VIPs, including presidents and prime ministers of foreign governments. AIRFENCE is also in place at international airports, as well as military bases, high profile government buildings and government VIP events. Additionally, AIRFENCE secures prisons from individuals who want to smuggle contraband and is being deployed for various police and military applications.

About Sensofusion

Sensofusion, with U.S. headquarters in New York City and international headquarters in Helsinki, Finland, is the creator of AIRFENCE, a countermeasure technology designed to automatically detect, locate, track, and take over unmanned aircraft system (UAS) controls, all automatically, as well as locate operators. Sensofusion currently partners with the European Union, U.S. Marine Corps., NATO, the FAA, and the Nevada Institute of Autonomous Systems.

For more information, visit Sensofusion.com, email [email protected] or call +1 (570) 239-4912 in the U.S. and +359 9 8561 9420 in Europe.

Media Contact

Bob Spoerl

773.453.2444

[email protected]

SOURCE Sensofusion

Related Links

http://Sensofusion.com


BOSTON, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Fish & Richardson announced today that full scholarships have been awarded to 33 students and their teacher chaperones from across the country to attend the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama this summer. The goal of Fish's Space Camp Scholarship program  which the firm has run for 19 consecutive years  is to get middle school students excited about the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Fish launched the Space Camp Scholarship program in 1999 and has since sent almost 500 students to Space Camp on full scholarships.

Fish attorneys select the scholarship winners based on a written application and an in-person interview. All of the students are from schools in economically disadvantaged areas in the 11 U.S. cities where Fish has offices: Atlanta; Austin; Boston; Dallas; Houston; Minneapolis/St. Paul; New York; San Diego; Silicon Valley; Washington, D.C.; and Wilmington, Delaware. The scholarship winners  who receive full tuition, round-trip airfare, and accommodations  will spend six days at Space Camp experiencing simulated space shuttle missions, participating in programs on space exploration, and learning about mission control.

"We are very proud of this program and the work we have been doing for nearly 20 years to foster young people's interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)," said Peter Devlin, President and CEO of Fish & Richardson. "Students who focus their studies in the STEM field will be leading the next generation of innovators in developing new technologies that drive our economy. Nurturing their interests now is an investment in our future, and we will continue to do everything we can to inspire more students to explore STEM careers."

After the students return from Space Camp, many of them meet with the attorneys from Fish to "report on their mission" and share their experiences as junior astronauts. It is also an opportunity for the attorneys to encourage the students to keep on exploring STEM and to excel in their studies when they return to school in the fall.

Fish & Richardson is a global patent prosecution, intellectual property litigation, and commercial litigation law firm with more than 400 attorneys and technology specialists in the U.S. and Europe. Our success is rooted in our creative and inclusive culture, which values the diversity of people, experiences, and perspectives. Fish is the #1 U.S. patent litigation firm, handling nearly three times as many cases as its nearest competitor; a powerhouse patent prosecution firm; a top-tier trademark and copyright firm; and the #1 firm at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, with more cases than any other firm. Since 1878, Fish attorneys have been winning cases worth billions in controversy  often by making new law  for the world's most innovative and influential technology leaders. For more information, visit https://www.fr.com or follow us at @FishRichardson.

Contact: Amy Blumenthal or Kelly Largey Blumenthal & Associates

Fish & Richardson 617-879-1511

800-818-5070 [email protected]

[email protected]

SOURCE Fish & Richardson

Related Links

http://www.fr.com


"The addition of Mount Crawford to the FleetPride footprint represents our commitment to growth," said Jason Price, FleetPride senior vice president of operations. "The four team members at this location represent over 50 years of combined experience in the heavy-duty parts industry and are committed to serving the needs of the customer."

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held June 22 to officially open the branch, located at 100 White Picket Trail in Mount Crawford. The ceremony was attended by members of FleetPride's corporate team, branch management, and the local chamber of commerce. Over 130 customers visited the branch during the grand opening, where they interacted with representatives from ten of FleetPride's vendor partners.

About FleetPride, Inc.

Formed in 1999, and headquartered in Irving, TX, FleetPride is the nation's largest distributor of truck and trailer parts in the independent heavy-duty aftermarket channel. FleetPride operates over 250 locations in 45 states and carries over 400+ nationally recognized brands. Operating through five regional distribution centers, FleetPride serves a diverse customer base across multiple industries, including freight and shipping, leasing services, agriculture, food and beverage, construction and waste management. In addition, FleetPride offers in-house remanufactured products such as brake shoes and driveline components. Truck and trailer repair services are also offered at a number of locations under the FleetCare brand.

SOURCE FleetPride, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.fleetpride.com


SAN DIEGO, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Medical Marijuana, Inc. (MJNA), the first publicly traded cannabis company in the United States, today announced that its subsidiary HempMeds Mexico received international media attention during the July 28, 2017 inauguration of HempMeds Mexico's first office in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Coverage also included the Company's appointment of medical cannabis activist and Por Grace Foundation founder Raul Elizalde as President in Mexico.

A Huffington Post article, "Monterrey: de ciudad industrial a meca de la marihuana medicinal," or "Monterrey: from industrial city to medical marijuana mecca," and other news coverage from major international and national Mexico news outlets discuss the opening of HempMeds Mexico's new office in Mexico and recent medical cannabis reforms that are sweeping the country. Mexico President Pena Nieto signed a bill into law June 19, 2017 that officially legalized the cultivation, production, and use of cannabis products with less than 1% THC for medical use in Mexico.

An article from Forbes, "5 retos para la venta de marihuana medicinal en Mexico," or "5 challenges for the sale of medical marijuana in Mexico," discusses HempMeds Mexico's strategy for cannabidiol (CBD) product development, scientific research, and education in Mexico.

"We appreciate the outpouring of support that we received at the opening of the first HempMeds Mexico office in Monterrey, Mexico, which reflects a growing demand for the Company's zero-Tetrahidrocannabidiol (THC) Real Scientific Hemp Oil-X (RSHO-X)," said Medical Marijuana, Inc. CEO Dr. Stuart Titus. "The extensive coverage that we received from both local and international media is a testament to the worldwide interest in cannabis reform happening in Mexico, and the efforts of HempMeds Mexico to provide products for this rapidly expanding CBD hemp oil market."

Coverage from the event included:

Follow the link here for more information on HempMeds Mexico and here for its historic first-year milestones.

About HempMeds Mexico

HempMedsMexico is a Mexico-based company that made history by being the first company to receive a COFEPRIS federal government import permit for the cannabis product RSHO-X for a medical indication. HempMeds Mexico plans to work directly with the Mexican government to safely and legally provide access to CBD hemp oil products. For more information, please review the company's website at: http://www.hempmeds.mx.

About Medical Marijuana, Inc.

We are a company of firsts. Our mission is to be the premier cannabis and hemp industry innovators, leveraging our team of professionals to source, evaluate and purchase value-added companies and products, while allowing them to keep their integrity and entrepreneurial spirit. We strive to create awareness within our industry, develop environmentally-friendly, economically sustainable businesses, while increasing shareholder value. For details on Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s portfolio and investment companies, visit www.medicalmarijuanainc.com.

To see Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s video statement, click here. Shareholders are also encouraged to visit the Medical Marijuana, Inc. Shop for discounted products.

FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLAIMER AND DISCLOSURES

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties.

The statements in this press release have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. The Company does not sell or distribute any products that are in violation of the United States Controlled Substances Act. The Company does sell and distribute hemp-based products.

Public Relations Contact:

Andrew Hard

Chief Executive Officer

CMW Media

P. 888-829- 0070

[email protected]

www.cmwmedia.com

SOURCE Medical Marijuana, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.medicalmarijuanainc.com


AMSTERDAM, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Freddy Dezeure, a pioneer in cyber threat intelligence (CTI) and former head of the European Union Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-EU), has joined the Board of Directors for EclecticIQ, an industry-leading cyber threat intelligence technology provider.

As head of CERT-EU from 2011 to 2017, Mr. Dezeure was responsible for launching CERT-EU and developing it into a highly-efficient and well-respected organization. By accumulating unique knowledge of Advanced Persistent Threats and countermeasures, CERT-EU made demonstrable improvements in the mitigation of cyber risk for more than 100,000 users across 60+ EU-level governmental entities located in the 28 Member States.

Previously, Mr. Dezeure has participated as a member in organizations including Europol's European Cyber Crime Center, Belgian Cyber Security Coalition, Global Cyber Alliance, FI-ISAC (for Europe's financial sector), EA-ISAC (for Europe's aviation sector), and several private trust groups.

As a highly sought-after speaker in international and private conferences, Mr. Dezeure recently delivered the keynote address at the Lex Mundi Summit in Amsterdam and at the DFRWS EU/IMF Conference in Lake Constance, Germany. In September 2016, Mr. Dezeure was conference chair for OASIS Borderless Cyber Europe in Brussels.

"We are thrilled to have Freddy Dezeure as a board member," says Joep Gommers, CEO of EclecticIQ. "We've long looked up to him as a leader in the field of threat intelligence and admired his vision and tenacity. His unparalleled network and expertise makes him an incredible resource for EclecticIQ as we continue to help our clients to build threat intelligence practices that create business value."

About EclecticIQ

EclecticIQ helps organizations to turn cyber threat intelligence into business value through products built for cyber security professionals in threat intelligence, threat hunting, SOC, and Incident Response.

EclecticIQ Platform is the analyst-centric threat intelligence platform based on STIX/TAXII that meet the full spectrum of intelligence needs.

EclecticIQ Fusion Center enables the acquisition of thematic bundles of cyber threat intelligence from leading suppliers with a single contract.

The company won Deloitte's Technology FAST50 Rising Star Award for "Most Disruptive Innovator."

EclecticIQ is headquartered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. More info: www.eclecticiq.com

Photo(s): https://www.prlog.org/12650283

Press release distributed by PRLog

SOURCE EclecticIQ

Related Links

http://www.eclecticiq.com


"Frisco is one of the fastest growing cities in America because people see our city as a home for innovation and progress," said Mayor Jeff Cheney. "Frisco is proud to sponsor CauseBot in this elite worldwide group of competitors. The IBM Watson AI XPRIZE is a tremendous opportunity for all the entrants; however, we will be enthusiastically rooting for CauseBot to bring home the prize."

"We are excited to have FEDC as our team's exclusive civic sponsor," said Ken Koo, CauseBot team lead. "The resources provided by our engagement in the Frisco business and nonprofit community will be invaluable as we charge towards our mission of changing the world by providing nonprofits with free artificial intelligence solutions."

CauseBot has successfully cleared the first milestone of the competition, earning a place in the competition for the remainder of 2017. In the fall of 2018 and 2019, subsequent selection rounds will narrow the field. The competition will culminate in three finalists participating in the Grand Prize competition on the TED2020 stage.

About CauseBot

CauseBot is an official team competing in the $5M IBM Watson AI XPRIZE. In collaboration with Dallas-area organizations, the team aims to provide free artificial intelligence software solutions to nonprofits around the world. Sign up to stay informed at causebot.ai.

About Frisco Economic Development Corporation

The Frisco Economic Development Corporation (FEDC) was created in 1991, when Frisco voters approved a half-cent sales tax to fund economic development in the city. The FEDC operates as a Texas non-profit corporation and is governed by a seven-member board of directors appointed by the Frisco City Council. Job number one is creating jobs. Since its establishment, the FEDC has helped facilitate major economic development projects in the City of Frisco, resulting in more than 350 projects that have the potential to occupy over 450 million square feet of commercial space, generate new capital investment in excess of $8 billion, and create or retain more than 78,000 potential direct jobs in Frisco. Learn more at FriscoEDC.com.

About XPRIZE

XPRIZE, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the global leader in designing and implementing innovative competition models to solve the world's grandest challenges. XPRIZE utilizes a unique combination of gamification, crowd-sourcing, incentive prize theory, and exponential technologies as a formula to make 10x (vs. 10%) impact in the grand challenge domains facing our world. XPRIZE's philosophy is thatunder the right circumstances igniting rapid experimentation from a variety of diverse lenses is the most efficient and effective method to driving exponential impact and solutions to grand challenges. Active competitions include the $30M Google Lunar XPRIZE, the $20M NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE, the $15M Global Learning XPRIZE, the $7M Shell Ocean Discovery XPRIZE, the $7M Barbara Bush Foundation Adult Literacy XPRIZE, the $5M IBM Watson AI XPRIZE, the $1.75M Water Abundance XPRIZE and the $1M Anu & Naveen Jain Women's Safety XPRIZE. For more information, visit http://www.xprize.org.

Media Contacts

Ken Koo

CauseBot

[email protected]

Darcy Schroer

Director of Marketing

Frisco Economic Development Corporation

972.292.5155

[email protected]

SOURCE Frisco Economic Development Corporation

Related Links

http://www.friscoedc.com


Themed "Achieving Inclusive Growth in the Fourth Industrial Revolution," the forum focuses on the Fourth Industrial Revolution that will profoundly change the way people live, work and interact with one another through intelligent manufacturing technologies.

"The showcase of GAC Motor at the 2017 Summer Davos is a validation of all of the hard work that has gone into designing and building cars that meet the highest standards of quality, reliability and safety," said Yu Jun, president of GAC Motor.

The GA8 is a luxury sedan that has been built on the C-level platform since GAC Motor launched its high-end oriented strategy. The GS8, another signature model at the "Guangzhou Night" hosted by GAC Motor during the forum, is a luxury 7-seat SUV that has integrated advanced intelligent interconnection technologies and demonstrates GAC Motor's premium manufacturing standards. The vehicle has received a five-star safety score in (China-New Car Assessment Program C-NCAP), the highest among all medium-large SUVs in the Chinese market since 2015.

Other highlights of the "Guangzhou Night" were GAC Motor's five-seat SUV, GS7, which was praised as "A New Generation Blockbuster SUV" by New York Times, and its first pure electric vehicle, GE3, which aims at bringing a friendly and intelligent driving experience. Distinguished guests from different countries were deeply impressed by GAC Motor's excellent workmanship and world-class innovation standard.

The fastest-growing Chinese auto brand, GAC Motor has been accomplishing breakthroughs in the high-end market. The company has introduced its cars to a broader global audience by serving various distinguished high-profile events such as the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (NPC & CPPCC), the China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) Xiamen and the China Attractions Expo (CAE Expo).

"Our strategy for the upcoming intelligent manufacturing era is to follow the quality-first principle and take an innovation-driven development path," noted Yu. "We will keep carrying on independent innovation while forming strategic alliances with peers to achieve win-win situations."

GAC Motor is planning to establish a smart factory to implement an intelligent manufacturing, intelligent logistics, intelligent production management and intelligent control center. Its self-developed Cross-Platform Modular Architecture (CPMA) embodies GAC Motor's high-end positioning, quality-first principle and innovation-driven strategy to move towards Industrial 4.0 capabilities.

"We are exploring creative manufacturing methodologies which can apply to tailored and intelligent products and services," continued Yu, "We will also adopt an innovative business model based on the Internet of Things. The company will transform from one that does manufacturing to one that does creative design, from Chinese manufacturing to global intelligent manufacturing."

With a focus on sustainability, GAC Motor has placed an emphasis on the balanced development of SUVs, sedans as well as new energy models and has achieved remarkable results in 2017. The company launched its first self-developed electrical vehicle, the GE3, this year as well as a hybrid plug-in sedan, the GA3S PHEV, and the plug-in SUV GS4 PHEV.

"We always have great respect and appreciation for the market. In the field of new energy, the best solution is not to prescribe one certain outcome, but to experiment and explore different pathways together and let the market make the final choice," noted Yu at Michelin Movin'On, the global sustainable mobility summit in Montreal, Canada this June, about GAC Motor and the global auto industry in terms of the company's forward-looking strategies on developing sustainable mobility.

With a comprehensive product line and ever-increasing brand competitiveness, GAC Motor has sold more than 250,878 in the first six months of 2017, a year-on-year growth of 57 percent, which is significantly higher than the industry's average increase rate during the off-season. The company has a goal of annual sales volume of 500,000 in 2017.

About GAC Motor

A subsidiary of GAC Group, GAC Motor develops and manufactures premium quality vehicles, engines, components and auto accessories, achieving a year-to-year growth rate of 96 percent in 2016, the highest among all Chinese brands in the corresponding period. GAC Motor now ranks the highest among all Chinese brands for four consecutive years and 5th among all global brands in J.D. Power Asia Pacific's 2016 China Initial Quality Study.

For more information, please visit:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GACMotor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gac_motor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gac_motor

Media Contact:

Sukie Wong

+86-186-8058-2829

[email protected]

Taki Jiang

+86-134-5028-4242

[email protected]

SOURCE GAC Motor
LANGHAM, SK, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Farmers who want to check out the newest technology, explore unique crop test plots or improve their dairy and cattle know-how will find all that and more at the Ag in Motion Western Canada's outdoor farm expo July 18-20.

Located 15 minutes northwest of Saskatoon, along Highway 16 near Langham, Ag in Motion features more than 350 exhibitors, 100 acres of test crops and the newest technological advances in farm equipment.

Ag in Motion is one of the only shows in Western Canada that allows farmers to watch equipment in action on the field, says Show Director Rob O'Connor.

"Farmers conduct their business outside in the field. Here's an opportunity to see equipment working, see it outdoors, see the crops growing. Decisions are made in the field and that's really what farmers do," says O'Connor.

Ag in Motion visitors will be among the first to see Dot Technology Corp.'s autonomous DOT Power Platform, which is expected to change farming as we know it.

"I don't think there's been anything that has the potential to change how we practise agriculture more since the GPS was introduced to farming," says O'Connor. "I really think that 20 years from now, how a farmer actually farms will be changed because of this technology."

Among the innovations on display at Ag in Motion are improvements in tires for high horsepower tractors, grain bin fall protection and increased fertilizer absorption.

Test crops by 25 companies will feature many varieties and highlight the effects of combinations of inputs.

Daily seminars in the AGRI-TREND Knowledge Tent will feature financial and succession planning and precision ag.

Livestock Central will offer sessions on cattle handling, livestock and forage, a dairy day and fencing demonstrations.

Among the speakers at the expo are Glacier FarmMedia's Director of Markets and Weather Information Bruce Burnett, who will update farmers daily on the latest news, and Jolene Brown, presented by RBC, who will address mistakes that break up family businesses.

Now in its third year, Ag in Motion doubled in size last year and has expanded this year by over 50 new exhibitors. And new this year, onsite internet and cellphone service lets visitors and exhibitors stay connected.

Tickets are available online at aginmotion.ca or at the gate (cash only).

MEDIA ADVANCE ACCREDITATION: aginmotion.ca

SOURCE Glacier FarmMedia
CHESEAUX-SUR-LAUSANNE, Switzerland and PHOENIX, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Kudelski Security, the cybersecurity division of the Kudelski Group (SIX:KUD.S) and trusted innovator for the world's most security-conscious organizations, today announced it has been recognized in Gartner's recently released "Market Guide for Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Services" as a Representative Vendor.

Gartner's guide provides insights to IT security professionals looking to augment their operations with real-time threat detection and incident response capabilities. As one of its key findings shows, organizations often struggle to deploy MDR capabilities due to limited resources in people, processes and technology. Kudelski Security, one of only a few full-service Managed Security Services providers (MSSP) referenced in the guide, offers enterprises a cost-effective way to overcome these challenges and optimize cyber defenses.

"Enterprises are reeling from the scale and frequency of security threats and, despite resource limitations, there's great pressure on CISOs to have the right people, process and technology in place," said Rich Fennessy, chief executive officer, Kudelski Security. "Gartner has led the industry with research into MDR and based on their findings expect use to increase from 1 percent to 15 percent of organizations by 2020.

"This recognition in the Gartner market guide validates once more our managed security strategy," continued Fennessy. "Our broader approach includes innovative new services such as managed deception, managed endpoint and rapid incident response, and has generated tremendous client interest. By going far beyond legacy MSSPs we're helping to set a new benchmark in detecting and defending against cyber adversaries."

Kudelski Security has been hailed for utilizing iterative intelligence, advanced detection and deep analysis capabilities to develop new "MSS 2.0" security solutions. The resulting powerful, first-of-its kind offerings are driven by Cyber Fusion Centers (CFCs) in Switzerland and Phoenix, which provide the ability to fuse contextual threat intelligence with security-relevant data. This enables Kudelski Security's service teams to rapidly identify and respond to evasive threats and ensure clients have the vital information and forensic support necessary for quick, effective response.

Over the past year, the company has set an innovation leadership pace in the security marketplace by introducing breakthroughs ranging from the Kudelski Security Research Division to the Kudelski Group's Internet of Things (IoT) Security Center of Excellence. Only weeks ago, Kudelski Security announced it had created the first and only MSS solution featuring illusive networks' Deception Management System(DMS), which minimizes time-to-detection and the impact of breaches by forcing cyber intruders into an alternate reality.

For more information about Kudelski Security and Gartner's "Market Guide for Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Services," please visit: https://resources.kudelskisecurity.com/recognized-vendor-in-gartners-market-guide-for-detection-and-response.

About Kudelski Security

Kudelski Security is the premier advisor and cybersecurity innovator for today's most security-conscious organizations. Our long-term approach to client partnerships enables us to continuously evaluate their security posture to recommend solutions that reduce business risk, maintain compliance and increase overall security effectiveness. With clients that include Fortune 500 enterprises and government organizations in Europe and across the United States, we address the most complex environments through an unparalleled set of solution capabilities including consulting, technology, managed security services and custom innovation. For more information, visit www.kudelskisecurity.com.

Media Contact:

John Van Blaricum

Vice President, Global Marketing

Kudelski Security

+1 650 966 4320

[email protected]

SOURCE Kudelski Security

Related Links

http://www.kudelskisecurity.com


In the months leading up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to Israel, India signed two arms deals, spending USD 2.6 billion on Israeli missile defense systems.

By Reuters: In the months leading up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to Israel, India signed two arms deals, spending USD 2.6 billion on Israeli missile defense systems.

Yet since Modi arrived on Tuesday, military ties -- for decades the secretive bedrock of India-Israel relations -- have taken a back seat. The governments have instead spent time discussing companies that sell medical devices, hi-tech and water systems.

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Rather than making the visit, the first by a sitting Indian prime minister, all about the value of deals signed, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Modi appear intent on playing up shared culture and values, in the hope this will give commercial ties deeper roots.

Under Arab pressure, India kept its distance from Israel for decades but is now seeing advantages in a complementary relationship with Israel. There is interest on both sides in building a broad economic base, rather than merely a contractual exchange based around defence.

The timing reflects a diplomatic shift towards Israel being more accepted in the region. Modi, who is acutely conscious of the need to adopt innovation and new technology to update India's infrastructure has always had a personal affinity for Israel and came to learn more about the country before he became premier.

"India and Israel are walking hand in hand into the future as partners," Modi and Netanyahu wrote in a joint editorial this week. "From start-ups to space, communications to cybernetics, Israel's technological capabilities are merging with India's."

The two men are spending 48 hours together with Modi, accompanied by Indian business leaders, getting a political and business tour that covers Israeli history, culture and innovation, as well as the signing of economic agreements.

HOPES FOR MORE DEALS

"What's it going to take to get Israeli money to take India seriously? Just open their eyes," Jon Medved, CEO of Israeli equity crowdfunding group OurCrowd said. "The problem is their eyes are ... blinded by the China opportunity," he added.

There have only been a handful of Indian investments in Israel over the past decade, as opposed to the USD

16.5 billion received from China in 2016 alone.

OurCrowd just closed three deals with India, joining with Reliance Industries for a hi-tech incubator that helps to grow young companies in Jerusalem, bringing Israeli technology to India with Reliance Capital, and collaborating with India's Lets Venture to invest in start-ups.

During Modi's visit, Zebra Medical Vision, a company from a kibbutz near Tel Aviv, and Bangalore-based Teleradiology Solutions will sign a partnership to use analytics in 150 health-care centres.

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Looking to reorient Israel's economy toward Asia, Netanyahu hopes more deals will follow, setting a goal of increasing exports to India by 25 per cent in the next four years. But it may take a while before the Modi-Netanyahu relationship sparks a serious expansion in investment and trade, both of which remain relatively negligible.

In many respects export-dependent Israel and India, which is focused on supplying its huge population, are complementary.

Israel is a global leader in water and food systems, two critical fields India needs to upgrade. India wants to strengthen its manufacturing base and is looking to do so with technologies coming from Israel. Both countries host major diamond trading and polishing hubs.

BILATERAL TRADE BETWEEN INDIA, ISRAEL

Israeli exports to India last year totalled USD1.15 billion, excluding diamonds, just 2.5 percent of total exports. Bilateral trade was less than USD 2 billion, which jumped to USD 4.13 billion including diamonds. Israel's foreign direct investment in India totals only USD 100 million.

"It's nothing, it's a blip. Why hasn't the relationship grown to the level it should have?" said A Didar Singh, secretary general of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce.

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Singh said more efforts needed to be done to ease regulations, lower non-tariff barriers and solve licensing problems.

Incentives and lifting of red tape could help overcome what diplomats, lobbyists and business owners say is a cultural divide between the breakneck pace of Israel's start-up scene and India's more gradual approach.

It can take time to cement negotiations in India, where building trust and a relationship is paramount, said Elias Ghosalkar, a former investment banker from Mumbai who is director of corporate development for OurCrowd after moving to Israel last year.

"Israelis on the other hand are quite direct and lack patience in their business approach," he said.

Israel's ambassador to India, Daniel Carmon, said it is becoming easier to do business between the two countries, even if there may remain some differences in practice.

"It could be that the Israeli businessman arrives on a Monday flight and wants to return on Thursday with a deal in hand. I say to him 'forget it'. It's not going to happen. There are processes, the processes take time, not four days," he said.

ALSO READ:

Modi in Israel: PM's Haifa visit tomorrow to highlight India's role in two world wars

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Innovation, technology can boost India-Israel ties, says PM Modi

ALSO WATCH:

Modi's Israel visit: An opportunity to bolster defence ties

--- ENDS ---
MONROVIA, Calif., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- GBH Global Services (GBH), a leading provider of advanced, enterprise-class video collaboration solutions, today announced it is the first audio visual partner to achieve Microsoft's Skype Operations Framework accreditation. GBH also offers a fully-managed, end-to-end subscription service to Skype for Business, allowing companies and organizations to transition from capital expenditure to operating expenditure investment, freeing financial resources to support initiatives that drive revenue and strategic growth.

"GBH is extremely proud to be the first Microsoft AV partner accredited for the Skype Operations Framework," noted Jose De La Paz, GBH chief operating officer. "In response to customer requests, we're pleased to offer this integrated managed service. With a single monthly subscription, our clients now have access to the most advanced software and hardware, comprehensive service management and best-in-class supportminimizing Capex investment typically associated with deployments of unified communication and collaboration systems."

Joel Borellis, general manager of Microsoft Partner Enablement, Microsoft Corp., said, "Microsoft is pleased to see GBH's Skype for Business offering. As our first Skype Operations Framework-certified AV partner, GBH is well suited to collaborate with its clients to accelerate the journey toward successful deployment of Skype for Business as a valuable element of their unified online communication solution."

GBH's fully managed, end-to-end solution includes Skype for Business performance assurance, which ensures application operation is not negatively impacted by high volume network traffic. Because it incorporates cloud-based PBX and public switched telephone network (PSTN) calling in a single communication tool, the GBH offering enables more predictable pricing and lower total cost of ownership. Additionally, as a result of its patented monitoring solution, GBH is the only integrated video-based communication provider to deliver proactive quality of service screening and alerting, which enables quick and targeted resolution of any potential issues that may arise.

As an AV solutions provider designated as Skype for Business and Skype Operations Framework credentialed, GBH is able to deliver the most comprehensive, fully integrated cloud-based collaboration solution to customers.

To learn more about GBH, visit www.gbh.com.

About GBH Global Services

GBH Global Services believes in the power of seamless collaboration to help businesses thrive. Fully committed to client success and with a relentless drive to innovate, GBH provides streamlined user experiences. The company taps its unique perspective on unified communication and collaboration solutions, a cloud-based product portfolio and patented intellectual property to advance its customers' vision. To learn more about GBH, visit www.gbh.com.

SOURCE GBH Global Services

Related Links

http://www.gbh.com


Mr. Taylor has over 25 years of experience in civil and structural engineering, design, and construction. This includes investigation of commercial, industrial, and residential buildings for attorneys, insurance companies, and property owners. Mr. Taylor's investigation expertise includes cause and origin (C&O) investigations, and expert witness representation, for horizontal and vertical structures to address various issues such as design errors and standard of care, building envelope water intrusion, code compliance issues, construction defects and poor workmanship, storm damage, accidents, maintenance, structural repair, and product liability. Mr. Taylor has also performed design development, structural analysis, and detailed design for commercial, industrial and government buildings and residential structures.

The firm's strategic plan calls for progressive growth over the next 10 years. Will Smith, President of GCI Consultants stated, "We are naturally excited about the addition of Mr. Taylor to our team. The depth of our talent has expanded over the last several years which lends itself directly to our growth."

GCI has earned a solid reputation for expertise in the Glazing, Cladding, and Water Proofing fields by focusing on providing outstanding results for the firm's clients. GCI has over 25 years of experience in consulting for the construction industry nationwide.

More information about GCI Consultants can be found at www.gciconsultants.com including downloadable resumes for our experts or contact us at 877.740.9990

Bret Taylor can be contacted by calling: Direct: 561.228.4282 Mobile: 561.815.9274

SOURCE GCI Consultants, LLC

Related Links

http://www.gciconsultants.com


SAN FRANCISCO, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Genesys (www.genesys.com), the global leader in omnichannel customer experience and contact center solutions, is hosting a free 60-minute global webinar on July 19 and 20 that examines "blended AI" for customer-facing departments including Marketing, Customer Care, and Digital Commerce. When automation and artificial intelligence combine with the power of the human touch in the contact center, companies bridge the gap from average to magnificent customer experiences.

What: Meet "Kate" and Discover Blended AI by Genesys

Keeping up with your customers' expectations and the increasing demands on your employees is a challenge. A revolution is happening in customer-facing departments as organizations embrace artificial intelligence to support customer experience. Bots can be an effective way to gain efficiencies at a lower cost, but bots and your employees need to work together to enable smooth and seamless handoffs at the right point in the customer journey. Are customers satisfied with automated self-service and bot assistance?





Attend this webinar to hear from Genesys product experts how "Kate"  the new customer experience AI from Genesys  and blended AI can have a positive impact on your customer experience strategy and business goals.



Who: Participants in the webinar include:

 Remy Claret, product marketing director, Genesys

 Lindsay Frazier, global solutions director, Genesys

 Veit Irtenkauf, product line manager, Genesys





Why: Join this webinar to learn about:

 Delivering magnificent experiences when bots and humans join forces.

 Seamless AI integration across all channels.

 Personalized omnichannel experiences backed by employee engagement and business optimization solutions.









When: Wednesday, July 19  60 minutes (Live Sessions)

North America: 11 a.m. PT / 2 p.m. ET

Latin America: 1 p.m. CDT / 3 p.m. BRT





Thursday, July 20  60 minutes (Semi-Live Sessions)

Europe, Middle East & Africa: 2 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. CEST

Asia-Pacific: 1 p.m AEST / 11 a.m. SGT



How: Register now to attend this live webinar and/or to receive a post-event recording.

About Genesys

Genesys powers more than 25 billion of the world's best customer experiences each year. Our success comes from connecting employee and customer conversations on any channel, every day. Over 10,000 companies in more than 100 countries trust our #1 customer experience platform to drive great business outcomes and create lasting relationships. Combining the best of technology and human ingenuity, we build solutions that mirror natural communication and work the way you think. Our industry-leading solutions foster true omnichannel engagement because they perform equally well across channels, on-premise and in the cloud. Experience communication as it should be: fluid, instinctive and profoundly empowering. Visit genesys.com on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and the Genesys blog.

Contacts:

Rachel Faulkner

Senior Manager, PR

Genesys

[email protected]

+1 317-715-8109

Lisa Hawes

Sterling Communications

[email protected]

+1 408-395-5500

SOURCE Genesys

Related Links

http://www.genesys.com


ATLANTA, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power has ranked at the top of a new list of Most Trusted Brands among business customers, according to Utility Trusted Brand & Customer Engagement: Business, a Cogent Reports study by Market Strategies International. Those achieving top-quartile performance on Brand Trust are designated Most Trusted Brands among business customers.

The study analyzes more than 50 consumption, environmental, service, digital and rate offerings. Most Trusted Brand utilities have higher usage of these offerings and higher demand for future usage of these programs.

The study, now in its third year, provides brand tracking and benchmark performance of 60 electric utilities among 10,486 utility business customers. The Brand Trust index is based on 35 rating questions that relate to six factors: Customer Focus, Community Support, Reliable Quality, Communications Effectiveness, Environmental Dedication and Company Reputation & Advocacy.

Customer trust and satisfaction is at the center of Georgia Power's business as it provides 2.5 million customers with clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy. The company continues to evolve to meet customers' changing needs by offering personalized tools like My Power Usage which helps customer better manage daily energy costs and eliminate surprises at the end of their billing cycle, and convenient ways to do business with the company including thousands of new authorized payment locations (APLs). Additionally, the company's 7,000 employees are united in a shared mission to be "A Citizen Wherever We Serve" and improve local communities with employees and retirees donating more than 150,000 hours in volunteer services alone in 2016.

Read more about the study and view the full utility rankings here.

About Georgia Power

Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.5 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, 21st century coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is consistently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

SOURCE Georgia Power

Related Links

http://www.georgiapower.com


Results Include 1.1 Metres Grading 75.7 Grams Per Tonne of Gold

TORONTO, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Golden Star Resources Ltd. (NYSE MKT: GSS; TSX: GSC; GSE: GSR) ("Golden Star" or the "Company") is pleased to report 14 results from the 2017 in-fill drilling program at its Prestea Underground Gold Mine ("Prestea Underground") in Ghana.

The focus of this program was to further define the West Reef ore body, where Prestea Underground's high grade Mineral Reserves (1.09 million tonnes at 13.93 grams per tonne ("g/t") of gold ("Au") are located.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Assay results for 14 diamond drill ("DD") holes from the 2017 Prestea Underground in-fill drilling program have been received

The 14 DD holes comprised 2,323 metres of drilling and were drilled from within Prestea Underground's workings

Significant intercepts included:

o 1.1 metres ("m") grading 75.7 g/t Au from 147.0m in hole WR17-24-274S05A



o 2.0m grading 26.9 g/t Au from 148.2m in hole WR17-24-274S03



o 3.3m grading 14.7g/t Au from 140.7m in hole WR17-24-274S10



o 3.2m grading 14.4g/t Au from 146.8m in hole WR17-24-274S04A, including:



0.9m grading 39.5g/t Au from 146.8m

These results confirm the previously modelled high grade nature, strong continuity of gold mineralization and thickness of the West Reef ore body (averaging 1.5 metres)

Assay results for five holes are pending and a further three holes remain to be drilled in the 2017 Prestea Underground in-fill drilling program  all remaining results are expected during the third quarter of 2017

Sam Coetzer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Golden Star, commented:

"This in-fill drilling program has further increased our confidence in the grade, continuity and thickness of the currently defined West Reef Mineral Reserve. Our exploration team will begin the extension drilling of the West Reef during the second half of 2017 and I am looking forward to announcing those results in due course. The development of our first raise is complete and our second raise is going well, with the raise climber now having advanced 90 metres up from 24 Level. Prestea Underground is one of the highest grade development projects in West Africa1 and when it commences production it will contribute strongly to Golden Star's transformation into a high grade, low cost gold producer."

Notes

1. Based on publicly available information of public companies.

14 Drilling Results

During the second quarter of 2017 Golden Star conducted an in-fill stope definition drilling program to further delineate the West Reef ore body of Prestea Underground. This work focused on assessing flexures in the dip of the ore body ahead of raise development and ultimately stope development.

Twenty holes have been drilled to date, with the assay results for 14 of these holes announced today. These results confirm the previously modelled high grade nature and strong continuity of gold mineralization and the thickness of the ore body. The full set of results is listed in Appendix A.

Expected Drilling Results

Assay results for five holes are pending, one hole was abandoned and a further three holes are expected to be drilled in the 2017 Prestea Underground in-fill drilling program. The results of these holes are expected to be announced during the third quarter of 2017.

APPENDIX A

Full set of initial 14 DD results

HOLE ID Azimuth

() Dip

() From

(m) To

(m) Drilled

Width

(m) True

Width

(m) Grade

(Au g/t) WR17-24-274S01 294 11 156.3 160.9 4.6 4.54 5.7 Including 294 11 159.2 160.3 1.1 1.09 12.7 WR17-24-274S02 284 3 158.4 159.2 0.8 0.77 3.3 WR17-24-274S03 276 10 148.2 150.2 2.0 1.99 26.9 WR17-24-274S03A 276 10 149.5 151.7 2.2 2.17 11.8 Including 276 10 150.0 150.9 0.8 0.84 27.0 WR17-24-274S04 270 12 147.2 148.2 1.0 0.99 36.6 WR17-24-274S4A 270 12 146.8 150.0 3.2 3.17 14.4 Including 270 12 146.8 147.7 0.9 0.89 39.5 WR17-24-274S05 259 13 147.4 148.0 0.6 0.60 24.1 WR17-24-274S05A 259 13 147.0 148.1 1.1 1.09 75.7 WR17-24-274S05B 259 13 147.0 149.1 2.1 2.06 16.0 Including 259 13 148.2 149.1 0.9 0.92 35.0 WR17-24-274S06 298 28 147.0 150.0 2.8 2.8 9.8 WR17-24-274S07 302 39 148.5 149.5 1.0 0.95 22.3 WR17-24-274S09 286 16 147.0 150.0 3.0 2.99 8.3 WR17-24-274S10 288 30 140.7 144.0 3.3 3.25 14.7 WR17-24-274S12 278 30 137.0 139.0 2.0 1.97 22.3 Including 278 30 137.7 138.3 0.6 0.61 69.6

Company Profile

Golden Star is an established gold mining company that owns and operates the Wassa and Prestea mines situated on the prolific Ashanti Gold Belt in Ghana, West Africa. Listed on the NYSE MKT, the TSX, and the GSE, Golden Star is strategically focused on increasing operating margins and cash flow through the development of its two high grade, low cost underground mines both in conjunction with existing open pit operations. The Wassa Underground Gold Mine commenced commercial production in January 2017 and the Prestea Underground Gold Mine is expected to achieve commercial production in Q3 2017. Gold production in 2017 is expected to be 255,000-280,000 ounces with cash operating costs of $780-860 per ounce.

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking information

Some statements contained in this news release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other applicable securities laws. Such statements include: the timing of the release of the remaining in-fill drilling results; the timing of the extension drilling of the West Reef to begin; and Prestea Underground's ability to contribute to Golden Star's transformation into a high grade, low cost gold producer. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and involve risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include timing of and unexpected events during exploration; variations in ore grade; variations in relative amounts of refractory, non-refractory and transition ores; technical or permitting issues; fluctuations in gold price and costs; availability of capital and/or external financing on acceptable terms; changes in U.S. and Canadian securities markets; and general economic conditions. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting the Company will be those anticipated by management. Please refer to the discussion of these risks and other factors in the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2016 and other filings of the Company with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The forecasts contained in this press release constitute management's current estimates, as of the date of this press release, with respect to the matters covered thereby. We expect that these estimates will change as new information is received. While we may elect to update these estimates at any time, we do not undertake to update any estimate at any particular time or in response to any particular event.

Technical Information

The technical contents of this press release have been reviewed and approved by S. Mitchel Wasel, BSc Geology, a Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Wasel is Vice President of Exploration for Golden Star and an active member and Registered Chartered Professional of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

The results for Prestea Underground stated herein are based on the analysis of saw-split HQ/NQ diamond half core. Sample preparation and analysis have been carried out at SGS Laboratories in Tarkwa using a 500 gram pulverized sample. The sample is brush screened through a 75 micron nylon screen. The plus and minus sized fractions are then analyzed by fire assay. The plus fraction is fired to extinction and the minus fraction is fired twice. The plus and minus sized fraction analysis are then weight averaged to determine total gold content. Detection limit to 0.01 ppm.

All analytical work is subject to a systematic and rigorous Quality Assurance-Quality Control (QA-QC). At least 5% of samples are certified standards and the accuracy of the analysis is confirmed to be acceptable from comparison of the recommended and actual "standards" results. The remaining half core is stored on site for future inspection and detailed logging, to provide valuable information on mineralogy, structure, alteration patterns and the controls on gold mineralization.

Additional information on earlier drilling results and Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates at Prestea are available in the Company's National Instrument 43-101 compliant Technical Report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on a Feasibility Study of the Prestea Underground Gold Project in Ghana" with an effective date of November 3, 2015.

SOURCE Golden Star Resources Ltd.

Related Links

www.gsr.com


NEW YORK, July 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- GoldenTree Asset Management ("GoldenTree") and GTIS Partners ("GTIS") are announcing the formation of GTIS Debt Capital Management, a new joint venture focused on real estate debt. The platform will focus on real estate financing, providing customized solutions for both development and bridge debt, with loans generally ranging from $20 million to $200 million. Property types will include multifamily, condominiums, office, retail, industrial, self-storage, hotel, mixed-use, single-family home or land development, and manufactured housing.

"We are pleased to extend our existing partnership and launch this real estate debt platform with GoldenTree. GoldenTree has been a tremendous partner over the years as we built our business," said Tom Shapiro, President and Chief Investment Officer of GTIS. "GoldenTree's expertise in the debt markets is unparalleled and the firm is well known for its ability to structure creative solutions for complex deals. We are extremely excited about the unique advantages this partnership brings to the real estate debt opportunity set."

"Tom Shapiro and his partners are talented and insightful. We have made several successful real estate debt investments with them over the years and believe this new platform will allow us to further capitalize on opportunities in this sector," said Steven Tananbaum, Founding Partner and Chief Investment Officer of GoldenTree.

GTIS Debt Capital Management will be led by David Blum, who recently joined GTIS as Managing Director and Portfolio Manager of Real Estate Credit.

Mr. Blum has over 18 years of experience in the real estate industry. He joined GTIS from The Lone Star Funds, where he was the co-head of its credit affiliate, LStar Capital. Prior to Lone Star, he spent 11 years at Capmark Finance, where he oversaw a large and diverse portfolio of real estate transactions across all major asset classes and markets.

About GoldenTree Asset Management

GoldenTree Asset Management is an employee owned, global asset management firm that specializes in opportunities across the credit universe in sectors such as high yield bonds, leveraged loans, distressed debt, structured products, credit-themed equities and emerging markets. GoldenTree was founded in 2000 and is one of the largest independent asset managers focused on credit. GoldenTree manages over $25 billion for institutional investors including leading public and corporate pensions, endowments, foundations, insurance companies and sovereign wealth funds. For more information, please visit www.goldentree.com.

About GTIS Partners

GTIS Partners is a global real estate investment firm headquartered in New York with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Paris, France and Munich, Germany. GTIS Partners was founded in 2005 and is managed by President Tom Shapiro and Senior Managing Directors Josh Pristaw, Rob Vahradian, Tom Feldstein and Joao Teixeira. GTIS Partners has 86 employees and currently has approximately $3.6 billion of assets under management. The firm pursues opportunistic real estate investments through direct equity investment and non-traditional lending activities. To date, the firm has committed capital to residential, retail, industrial, office, hotel and mixed-use projects in the U.S. and Brazil, and is among the largest real estate private equity companies in Brazil. For more information, please visit www.gtispartners.com.

SOURCE GoldenTree Asset Management; GTIS Partners

Related Links

http://www.goldentree.com


CHICAGO, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Halfway through the strongest year in its history, HighTower welcomes 3 new industry veterans to support its ongoing evolution and aggressive growth strategy: George Fischer, Managing Director, Operations and Service; Susan Krakower, Chief Brand Strategist; and Strategic Consultant Kyle Okimoto.

HighTower completed a total of 21 transactions in the first 6 months of 2017. This includes financial advisor teams acquired as part of WealthTrust, HighTower's largest acquisition ever, announced in April. The 21 new teams add more than $10 billion in client assets to HighTower, with the firm's total client assets now approaching $50 billion a 27% increase since the beginning of the year.

"We believe in challenging the status quo. We believe that the industry does not well serve the needs of financial advisors and their clients, and that we can do it better," said HighTower CEO Elliot Weissbluth. "George, Susan and Kyle bring rich industry experience and fresh thinking to HighTower during one of the most exciting periods in the company's history. Our vision is clear, our momentum is strong, and our passion for change has never been stronger."

In support of this rapid expansion and to help drive HighTower's ongoing evolution, the firm is investing in top talent at the executive level, all reporting directly to Weissbluth:

George Fischer , Managing Director, Operations and Service Fischer will lead operations and operational service support at HighTower. He has more than 20 years of industry experience, including a robust background in operations and service in the financial and technology sectors. Previously, he spent 10 years at E*TRADE, where he ran the firm's wealth management, active investor, lending, banking and cash management lines of business. He also managed staff for the product management, operations, trading, and customer service functions. Fischer holds a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business, as well as numerous FINRA and NASD Series licenses.

Fischer will lead operations and operational service support at HighTower. He has more than 20 years of industry experience, including a robust background in operations and service in the financial and technology sectors. Previously, he spent 10 years at E*TRADE, where he ran the firm's wealth management, active investor, lending, banking and cash management lines of business. He also managed staff for the product management, operations, trading, and customer service functions. Fischer holds a Masters of Business Administration from the Booth School of Business, as well as numerous FINRA and NASD Series licenses. Susan Krakower , Chief Brand Strategist Krakower joined HighTower in June with a focus on leading initiatives to increase awareness of the HighTower brand among consumer audiences. She has more than 20 years of industry experience, including over a decade with CNBC, where she created "Mad Money with Jim Cramer " and "Fast Money." "Mad Money" was the first CNBC show to target consumers directly, expanding the cable network's reach beyond its core audience of investors and financial professionals. Prior to joining HighTower, Krakower was Chief Creative Officer for SkyBridge Capital, where she reported directly to Anthony Scaramucci . She played an integral role in the evolution of the SALT conference and led their successful brand building activities.

Krakower joined HighTower in June with a focus on leading initiatives to increase awareness of the HighTower brand among consumer audiences. She has more than 20 years of industry experience, including over a decade with CNBC, where she created "Mad Money with " and "Fast Money." "Mad Money" was the first CNBC show to target consumers directly, expanding the cable network's reach beyond its core audience of investors and financial professionals. Prior to joining HighTower, Krakower was Chief Creative Officer for SkyBridge Capital, where she reported directly to . She played an integral role in the evolution of the SALT conference and led their successful brand building activities. Kyle Okimoto , Strategic ConsultantOkimoto is working with HighTower as a strategic consultant focused on supporting the company's offering for independent business owners. Former Co-Head of Strategy & Business Development for Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management Okimoto spearheaded development of the firm's Optimal Practice Model (OPM). After holding several senior leadership positions over the course of a decade with Bank of America/Merrill Lynch, he spent 3 years with E*TRADE, where he served as Senior Vice President and head of marketing. Okimoto's extensive knowledge of the wirehouse space will help to strengthen and accelerate the growth of HighTower's offering for independent business owners.

About HighTower

HighTower is reshaping the financial services industry from the inside out. As the nation's largest Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) dedicated to providing advice, not selling a product, we are the leading voice of the fiduciary standard. We believe that the needs of individual investors and their financial advisors are not well-served, and we are committed to transforming our industry for the better. To learn more, see www.hightoweradvisors.com and www.byadvisorsforadvisors.com.

Melinda Brodbeck

JConnelly

973-850-7348

[email protected]

SOURCE HighTower
BERLIN, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- HNA Group, a global Fortune 500 company focused on tourism, logistics and financial services, today announced that Chen Feng, Chairman of the Board of Directors of HNA Group, attended the state banquet hosted by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, at the Bellevue Palace in Berlin, on July 5.

The state banquet was part of a series of events organized in conjunction with President Xi Jinping's second state visit to Germany. The visit, which aims to cement ties between the two countries and push forward series of cooperation agreements, marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of China-Germany diplomatic ties.

"I am honored to have been invited to the banquet and to have has the opportunity to speak with President Steinmeier and President Xi about the importance of deepening the bilateral ties between China and Germany," said Chairman Chen. "As a global company with Chinese roots, we believe constructive communication between China and Europe is essential to further boost global trade. HNA Group is committed to playing an important role in fostering economic growth everywhere we operate, as well as working to help promote the cultural ties between China and Germany. I am pleased to reaffirm HNA Group's commitment to further business development and investment activity in Germany and across Europe and we look forward to continuing to improve trade connectivity between China and this important global region."

HNA Group has played an important role in bringing two of the world's major economies closer together. In September 2008, Hainan Airlines, HNA Group's flagship carrier launched direct flights connecting Beijing and Berlin. Through June 2017, this route has served more than 570,000 passengers, supporting the people-to-people exchanges upon which strong, mutually beneficial business relationships are based.

In 2017 alone, HNA Group has made several significant investments in the German market, including acquiring an 82.5% shares of Frankfurt-Hahn Airport, which is located 125 kilometers away from Frankfurt, the biggest city of Hesse-Darmstadt. In May 2017, HNA Group became the largest shareholder of Deutsche Bank, one of the world's leading and Germany's largest financial services providers. China became Germany's largest trading partner for the first time last year, with bilateral trade volume between China and Germany exceeding $151 billion in 2016.

As a global leader in aviation infrastructure and related sectors, HNA Group's other major European assets include Avolon in the aircraft leasing sector, Swissport and Gategroup in airport and aviation services, and Carlson Rezidor in the hotels and tourism industry.

About HNA Group

HNA Group is a global Fortune 500 company focused on tourism, logistics, and financial services. Since its founding in 1993, HNA Group has evolved from a regional airline based on Hainan Island in southern China into a global company with approximately $145 billion of assets, more than $90 billion in annual revenues, and an international workforce of 410,000 employees, primarily across the Americas, Europe and Asia. HNA's tourism business is a fast-growing, vertically-integrated global player with market-leading positions in aviation, hotels and travel services. HNA operates and invests in nearly 3,200 hotels with over 380,000 rooms across major markets, and has 1,250 aircraft carrying nearly 100 million passengers to 270 cities worldwide. HNA's logistics business is a leader in logistics and supply chain management with capabilities in shipping and equipment manufacturing, maritime transportation, third-party payment platforms and project finance. In financial services, HNA is China's largest non-bank leasing company, and a leading provider of a diverse set of businesses in equipment leasing, insurance, asset management, investment banking and credit services. For more information, visit http://www.hnagroup.com.

SOURCE HNA Group

Related Links

http://www.hnagroup.com/


ATLANTA, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Summer is here and The Honey Baked Ham Company, LLC is kicking it off with "Friday Trydays" allowing customers to taste and experience the variety of products available all year long.

Known for its signature, spiral-sliced Honey Baked Ham during the Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter holidays, the retailer's summer sampling promotion allows customers to experience the full range of premium products. Summer associates will be on-hand to provide samples of turkey breast, BBQ baby-back ribs, signature meat & cheese trays and more.

"We're thankful that our customers have selected HoneyBaked Ham as the centerpiece and tradition of their holiday meal with our signature ham or turkey for 60 years," said Jo Ann Herold, chief marketing officer of The Honey Baked Ham Company, LLC. "Friday Trydays is our desire to expose customers and new friends to the variety of great-tasting, high-quality products we offer all year. We have options for every occasion from backyard barbeques and family reunions to graduation and back-to-school celebrations. No gathering is too big or too small to enjoy HoneyBaked Ham."

Customers can visit a local store from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.* to try a product sample for their next summer occasion. For more information about HoneyBaked Ham's "Friday Trydays" or to find the store nearest you, please visit www.honeybaked.com.

*Times may vary per market

About The Honey Baked Ham Company

Founded in 1957, The Honey Baked Ham Company, LLC is a premium food retailer with nearly 400 locations nationwide. Over the years, serving HoneyBaked has become a tradition for millions of families. Best known for its signature spiral-sliced, sweet-crunchy-glazed Honey Baked Ham, HoneyBaked offers delicious, fully-cooked, presentation-ready hams, turkey breasts and other premium meats, as well as deli side items, heat-and-serve dishes, baked goods and desserts. For more information, visit www.HoneyBaked.com.

SOURCE The Honey Baked Ham Company, LLC

Related Links

http://www.honeybaked.com


NEW YORK, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hunt Mortgage Group, a leader in financing commercial real estate throughout the United States, announced today it has refinanced two retail properties located in Austin, Texas for the same sponsor. The total loan by Hunt Mortgage Group is $27.7 million.

The properties include:

The Linc. Located at 6406 North Interstate 35 Frontage Road, The Linc is a 178,743 square foot community retail center. The property was built in 1984 and is situated on a 15.61 acre site ground leased on a long-term basis until December of 2082. Hunt Mortgage Group provided an $11.2 million first mortgage bridge that will be used to refinance the existing loan, fund future leasing costs and cover capital expenditures to lease-up and stabilize the property.

The property is currently 57.2% leased to 14 tenants including Easy Tiger, Pluckers, Rooster Teeth, Austin Film Society, Big Joy Beauty Supply, Wellmed Medical Management, Men's Warehouse, and Chase Bank. The subject is currently underperforming in the submarket, which has an average occupancy of 97%.

The Linc is located in the Central/Downtown Austin submarket and is situated approximately 5.3 miles north of downtown Austin.

The Crescent. The Crescent is an 117,980 square-foot grocery-anchored retail center located at 6929 and 6903 Airport Boulevard and 610 Kenniston Drive. The property was built in phases from 1964 to 1987 and is situated on a 12.23 acre site. Hunt Mortgage Group provided a $16.5 million first mortgage bridge loan to refinance the existing loan, fund a CapEx reserve, and cover future costs to lease-up and stabilize the property. The ground lease on this property expires in 2058

The ground lease for 6929 Airport Boulevard commenced January 1, 1984 for a 35 year initial term expiring on December 31, 2018. The ground lease for 6903 Airport Boulevard commenced January 1, 1990 for a 30 year initial term, expiring on January 1, 2019. The property is anchored by 99 Ranch and is currently 54.5% occupied by twelve additional tenants including Dollar General, Kula Sushi, BB&T Bank, Taqueria, and TeaHaus.

The Property is located in the Central Austin submarket and is located approximately 5.6 miles north of downtown Austin.

The Sponsor is Misuma Holdings, a commercial real estate development firm, with an emphasis on large-scale retail, office and mixed-use asset classes. Misuma, along with its partners, has owned and operated assets in Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, El Paso, Los Angeles and New Orleans comprising of over 4.4 million square feet of retail space.

Both loans are structured as a 36-month floating rate loan with two options to extend the term of the loan for a period of 12 months each.

"The borrower purchased both properties in distressed states," explained RJ Guttroff, Managing Director at Hunt Mortgage Group. "But this situation provided opportunity for Misuma Holdings to participate in a significant investment and redevelopment project underway in the local area."

The original owner of Crescent intended to develop the property into a high-rise multifamily apartment complex and spent years vacating tenants to prepare for a residential execution. They ultimately ran into roadblocks with the ground lessor and abandoned their plans to redevelop. Misuma purchased the property and over time returned to a purely retail execution strategy.

Crescent was acquired by Misuma in an REO sale in 2013. At the time of acquisition, the property was largely vacant, had suffered from disrepair and mismanagement, and featured a tenant roster comprised of low quality tenants on short term leases.

"The borrowers are experienced real estate investors with a tenure of over thirty years in the commercial real estate industry. In addition, they are well versed is ground-up development, distressed property rehabilitation and providing full service property management service," added Guttroff. "We were pleased to deliver these bridge loans to a quality borrower to help reposition these retail properties in the local market."

Austin has emerged as one of the limited number of U.S. metropolitan areas talented and educated young Americans are flocking to. Named by Forbes as America's No. 1 Boom Town, Austin fosters a booming economy with a low cost of living. Its growing job market and thriving art and music scene anchored by the University of Texas and the tech sector make Austin a thriving city with a young, highly educated and vibrant population that attracts business and tourism.

About Hunt Mortgage Group

Hunt Mortgage Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hunt Companies, Inc., is a leader in financing commercial real estate throughout the United States. The Company finances all types of commercial real estate: multifamily properties (including small balance), affordable housing, office, retail, manufactured housing, healthcare/senior living, industrial, and self-storage facilities. It offers Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, HUD/FHA in addition to its own Proprietary loan products. Since inception, the Company has structured more than $21 billion of loans and today maintains a servicing portfolio of more than $12.5 billion. Headquartered in New York City, Hunt Mortgage Group has 198 professionals in 23 locations throughout the United States. To learn more, visit www.huntmortgagegroup.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Brent Feigenbaum

Hunt Mortgage Group

212-317-5730

[email protected]

Pam Flores

773-218-9260

[email protected]

SOURCE Hunt Mortgage Group
During the three-day visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel, the cordial and warm friendship that he shares with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu was evident and displayed openly for the world to see.

There's nothing like going to the beach with friends Narendra Modi: Benjamin Netanyahu Photo: @netanyahu

By India Today Web Desk: Right from the first day to the last, the bonhomie between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was like two long lost friends getting back together and enjoying every last bit of their time together.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives Prime Minister Narendra Modi a warm hug upon his arrival at Ben Gurion Airport. Photo: @netanyahu

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his three-day visit to Israel on Tuesday, landing in Tel Aviv where he was greeted personally by his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. Modi became the first Indian PM to visit Israel and his historic trip comes in the year that marks the 25th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between New Delhi and Jerusalem.

At the Ben Gurion airport, Modi, sporting the Israeli colours of white and blue, and Netanyahu, sporting an India-Israel flag brooch, shared a warm hug as the former disembarked from Air India One.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomes Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an official welcoming ceremony upon his arrival in Israel at Ben Gurion Airport, near Tel Aviv, Israel on July 4, 2017. Photo: Reuters

Both Modi and Netanyahu described each other as "friends" with the Israeli prime minister using the Hindi word "dost" to refer to Modi.

Modi and Netanyahu also spoke at the airport, after the Indian PM inspected a guard of honour. "Aapka swagat hai, mere dost," PM Netanyahu said in Hindi. He later went on to call Modi "my friend Narendra".

The two prime ministers went on to embrace each other at least three more times, including during the joint briefing held at the Israeli PM's home.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accompanied by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Yad Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev, visits the Hall Of Names at Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem on July 4, 2017. Photo: Reuters Prime Minister Narendra Modi accompanied by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Yad Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev, visits the Hall Of Names at Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem on July 4, 2017. Photo: Reuters

Modi capped off his day out with a visit to Yad Vashem, Israel's official Holocaust memorial, where he and Netanyahu toured the Hall of Names and participated in a memorial ceremony.

Modi later described Yad Vashem as a "tribute to Israel's unbreakable spirit to rise above the depths of tragedy".

Modi's first day in Israel ended with a dinner with PM Netanyahu at his residence. The two prime ministers addressed a joint press briefing where Netanyahu was at his eloquent best as he referenced yoga and mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan to drive home the importance Tel Aviv is according to Modi's visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stands next to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as he hugs Moshe Holtzberg, whose parents were killed during the November 2008 attacks in Mumbai at Nariman House, in Jerusalem on July 5, 2017. Photo: Reuters Prime Minister Narendra Modi stands next to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as he hugs Moshe Holtzberg, whose parents were killed during the November 2008 attacks in Mumbai at Nariman House, in Jerusalem on July 5, 2017. Photo: Reuters

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On the second day of his visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Moshe Holtzberg, the now 11-year-old Israeli boy, who was orphaned during the 26/11 terrorists attacks in Mumbai.

Accompanied by his Israeli counterpart Bejamin Netanyahu, Modi met both 'Baby Moshe' and his Indian nanny Sandra Samuels who has since settled in Israel.

"I love you Mr Modi," the 11-year-old boy quipped as he met Modi. Moshe also said that he wants to visit India and ultimately become a director of Chabad House in Mumbai when he grows older.

PM Netanyahu, who earlier accepted Modi's invite to visit India, said he would bring the boy along during his visit. "PM Modi invited me to India and you will come with me," Netanyahu said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hugs Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as they deliver joint statements during an exchange of co-operation agreements ceremony in Jerusalem on July 5, 2017. Photo: Reuters

India and Israel on Wednesday elevated their ties to the strategic partnership level, vowing to do "much more together" to combat growing radicalisation and terrorism while pitching for strong action against those financing and providing sanctuaries to terror groups.

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The issue of terror and "strategic threats" along with various other topics like cooperation in defence and security, water, agriculture, space and West Asia figured prominently in the talks between Modi and Netanyahu.

After the wide-ranging talks, the two sides signed seven pacts covering areas like innovation, water conservation, agriculture and space.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands as they wave to the crowd during a reception for the Indian community in Tel Aviv, Israel on July 5, 2017. Photo: Reuters

At the conclusion of the second day of his visit, Modi addressed a 4,000-strong gathering of the Indian diaspora at the Tel Aviv Convention Centre.

He said innovation and technology can boost the relationship between India and Israel, and that Israel has progressed so much because of the country's penchant for innovation.

He said that India too is a young nation with 65 per cent of its population below the age of 35 which is why, he said, skill development is being given special emphasis.

On the way to Haifa, I showed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi our beautiful land: Netanyahu. Photo: @netanyahu

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On the third and last day of his visit, Modi headed to Haifa to pay homage to Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during World War I while protecting the city from the powerful forces of the Ottoman Empire.

The battle of Haifa, won with the help of Indian princely state Armies, is also remembered as the last successful horse cavalry action.

A large number of Indian soldiers of the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade died during the battle to free the city and nearly 900 are buried in Israel.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveil the plaque to commemorate Indian soldiers led by Maj Dalpat Singh who fought to liberate Haifa, in Israel. Photo: PIB

Upon reaching Haifa, PM Modi along with PM Netanyahu unveiled the plaque commemorating Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during the war to protect the city.

The Indian Army commemorates September 23 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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Olga Beach in Israel on July 06, 2017. Photo: PIB

PM Modi and PM Netanyahu next headed to Olga Beach where they attended a demonstration of a unique seawater desalination vehicle. The two had on Wednesday held talks and agreed to establish a "strategic partnership in water and agriculture".

The partnership will focus on water conservation, waste-water treatment and its reuse for agriculture, desalination, water utility reforms, and the cleaning of the Ganges and other rivers using advanced water technologies, a joint statement issued after the talks had said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attend a demonstration of a unique seawater desalination vehicle. Photo: @IsraeliPM

PM Modi along with PM Netanyahu on Thursday witnessed the demonstration of sea water purification technology pioneered by Israel at a water desalination unit on Olga Beach Haifa.

Both the leaders, dressed casually, carefully listened to the demonstration at the Gal-Mobile water desalination unit on Olga Beach and also had a long chat among themselves while walking on the beach.

PM Netanyahu and PM Modi attended a demonstration of a seawater desalination vehicle, tasted the purified water and rode the unique vehicle. Photo: @IsraeliPM

Gal-Mobile is an independent, integrated water purification vehicle, designed to produce high-quality drinking water. It can be useful in natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, military use in difficult terrain and rural areas to provide drinkable water, the Indian Prime Minister's Office said.

Modi and Netanyahu viewed the demonstration, tasted the purified water and also rode the unique vehicle.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is next visiting Hamburg, Germany for the G-20 Summit. The visit will be from from July 6 to July 8.

--- ENDS ---
CALI, Colombia, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- INCA WORLDWIDE (Pink Sheets: QEDN), has received the full support of the Choco Government, and its Governor, Jhoany Palacias. The Choco government has been instrumental in the process, and by a court order from the Superior Court in Colombia the communities and the company will receive all the funding for the project and financing in place for the farmers and production. Not only for the current 5,700 acres already in progress but for an even bigger area in the region. We have another group of 5,000 acres in the region that is being approved by the Banco Agrario now. Kate Bahnsen, CEO, states, "This is a huge day for the company and Choco. Working together with the Governor of Choco will allow us to ask for a sovereign guarantee from the government of Colombia, beside all the funding we are working with the Banco Agrario."

About Inca Worldwide

Inca Snacks Worldwide is a public listed company on the OTC under the symbol QEDN.

Our project offers an alternative to Farmers in Colombia to grow crops like Inca Seeds (Sacha Inchi) instead of Coca Plants. Our Inca Seeds (Roasted Sacha Inchi) a complete protein with all 9-essential amino-acids rich in Omega 3, 6 & 9 and an antioxidant. A real Super-food. Sold to private brands and our own brand Inca Snacks.

www.incaworldwide.com

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements:

Our public communications and SEC filings may contain "forward-looking statements"  that is, statements related to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address our expected future business and financial performance and financial condition, and often contain words such as "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "seek," "see," "will," "would," or "target."

Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, such as statements about our announced plan to reduce the size of our financial services businesses, including expected cash and non-cash charges associated with this plan and earnings per share of QED retained businesses (Verticals); expected income; earnings per share; revenues; organic growth; growth and productivity associated with our Digital business; margins; cost structure; restructuring charges; acquisition-related synergies; cash flows; returns on capital and investment; capital expenditures, capital allocation or capital structure; and dividends.

CONTACT: [email protected]

SOURCE Inca Worldwide

Related Links

http://www.incaworldwide.com


NEW YORK, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Infor, a leading provider of beautiful business applications specialized by industry and built for the cloud, today announced it has hired cloud expert Mayumi Hiramatsu in a newly created role, senior vice president of Cloud Operations. Hiramatsu, who reports to Infor CEO Charles Phillips, joins as Infor is experiencing high growth in its global cloud business.

"Infor has built one of the largest cloud companies delivering business applications as a service and that business now represents the large majority of our new sales and customers," said Phillips. "Mayumi's leadership and deep cloud pedigree and experience will help ensure optimal support for our cloud customers."

In this new role, Hiramatsu is responsible for providing direction and leadership for automation, scalability, security, and self service capabilities for Infor's cloud organization. Hiramatsu brings over 10 years of cloud experience delivering and operating cloud at companies including Cisco Systems, Autodesk and Microsoft. Prior to joining Infor, Hiramatsu was VP of Product Operations at Cisco Systems, where she was accountable for life cycle management of a large line of business, including IoT and security, which helped drive Cisco's transition to recurring revenue. She was also in charge of Cisco's digital product operational enablement of NPI, PaaS, and IaaS management. Before joining Cisco, she was VP of Cloud Operations and Product Security at Autodesk and helped Autodesk's transition from on-premise software to cloud.

Hiramatsu shares Infor and Phillips's commitment to STEM education and diversity, and will work to further expand the company's efforts to arm the next generation with critical new economy skills and increase minority representation in technology. Hiramatsu is a board member of GirlsInTech, a nonprofit focused on the engagement, education and empowerment of girls and women who are passionate about technology.

In 2016 Hiramatsu took part in Fortune's Most Powerful Women NextGen Summit and was named one of Connect World's 2017 Women of M2M/IoT last month. A native of Japan, Hiramatsu started her career as a software developer at Charles Schwab and holds a degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

About Infor

Infor builds business software for specific industries in the cloud. With 16,000 employees and over 90,000 customers in more than 170 countries, Infor software is designed for progress. To learn more about Infor, please visit www.infor.com.

Media Contacts:

Dan Barnhardt

Infor

646-336-1731

[email protected]

SOURCE Infor

Related Links

http://infor.com


(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130122/589162 )

This investment reinforces Infosys' commitment, announced in May 2017, to open four Technology and Innovation Hubs in the US and hire 10,000 American technology workers over the next two years. The announcement of the new hub in North Carolina, marks the second key milestone in Infosys' strategy to help drive American innovation and create the next-generation of American innovators. The company plans to hire the first 500 of these 2,000 North Carolina workers by the end of two years, with the remainder to be hired in the state by 2021. The first hub, announced in Indiana, will hire 2,000 American workers by 2021 and help boost Indiana's economy.

These new hires will include recent graduates from the state's prestigious network of colleges, universities and community colleges, as well as local professionals who will benefit from upskilling through Infosys' world-class training curriculum. As part of Infosys' commitment to create 2,000 jobs in the state of North Carolina, Infosys is partnering with the North Carolina community college system to create a customized program designed to train the workforce of the future. North Carolina is also contributing a $3 million grant towards upskilling these workers.

"It is our endeavor, and our passion, to be a leader in boosting American innovation in the transformation of core industries, and to help create the next generation of American innovators and entrepreneurs through world-class education and training," said Dr. Vishal Sikka, Chief Executive Officer, Infosys. "This is absolutely critical as we help our US clients, and every client, renew their core businesses and simultaneously innovate into new breakthrough areas, while empowering employees through learning and education. To this end, North Carolina was a clear partner for us, and we are really excited to announce one of the largest jobs commitments ever in North Carolina state history. With a talented technology workforce focused increasingly on progressive fields such as advanced manufacturing and clean technology, a diverse economy strong in financial services and life sciences, and a rich talent pool drawn from North Carolina's many top universities, research institutions and community colleges, these graduates and experienced professionals will leverage AI, machine learning, analytics, cloud, and more, to drive the transformation of core American industries such as aerospace, banking, biotech, and energy."

"North Carolina's central role in technology innovation makes our state a perfect fit for Infosys," said Governor Cooper. "Our world-class universities and our high-tech workers drive growth and attract companies from around the world that are looking to innovate."

The North Carolina Technology and Innovation Hub is part of Infosys' investment in the future of the U.S. tech workforce and will focus on cutting-edge areas, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, user experience, emerging digital technologies, cloud and big data. The Hub will enable the company to more closely serve valued clients within North Carolina and the surrounding region, where increasing demand for co-innovation, requires skilled technology talent to be at zero distance to the customer. This investment also enables Infosys to build on the strength of its existing North Carolina network of highly skilled professionals. The Hub will facilitate greater collaboration and advancement in key North Carolinian industries such as financial services, information technology, life sciences, clean technology, advanced manufacturing and more.

Infosys' investment in North Carolina and wider national commitment to hire 10,000 American workers is a natural evolution of the company's three-decade legacy in the United States, and builds on the company's commitment to continuous learning, ecosystem collaboration and focus on achieving breakthrough innovations for clients. This commitment to education also extends to the company's charitable foundation, Infosys Foundation USA. In North Carolina, the Foundation has provided multiple grants for classroom technology and computer science training to teachers and schools. To date, these grants have reached 2,400 students and 26 schools across the state.

For more information, please visit: http://www.infosys.com/american-innovation/nc

About Infosys Ltd

Infosys is a global leader in technology services and consulting. We enable clients in 45 countries to create and execute strategies for their digital transformation. From engineering to application development, knowledge management and business process management, we help our clients find the right problems to solve, and to solve these effectively. Our team of over 200,000 innovators, across the globe, is differentiated by the imagination, knowledge and experience, across industries and technologies that we bring to every project we undertake.

Visit http://www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise thrive in the digital age.

Safe Harbor

Certain statements in this press release concerning our future growth prospects are forward-looking statements regarding our future business expectations intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in earnings, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, our ability to manage growth, intense competition in IT services including those factors which may affect our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, industry segment concentration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks or system failures, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which Infosys has made strategic investments, withdrawal or expiration of governmental fiscal incentives, political instability and regional conflicts, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, and unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our industry. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our United States Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017. These filings are available at http://www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. In addition, please note that any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable as of the date of this press release. The company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the company unless it is required by law.

Media contacts:

Asia Pacific

Sarah Gideon

Infosys, India

+91-80-4156-3998

[email protected]

EMEA

Margherita Di Cerbo

Infosys, Europe

+44-2075162748

[email protected]

Americas

Chiku Somaiya

Infosys, USA

+1-408-375-2722

[email protected]

SOURCE Infosys
SILVER SPRING, Md., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The nonprofit International Partnership for Microbicides (IPM) today announced the addition of Dr. Alex Coutinho, Ms. Maureen Luba Milambe and Ms. Lebogang Motsumi to its Board of Directors. The three new members together bring extensive experience advocating for and scaling up HIV prevention, care and treatment programs across sub-Saharan Africa, where the HIV/AIDS epidemic has taken the greatest toll.

Dr. Coutinho, who previously served on IPM's Board from 2003 to 2010, and was chair of the Board from 2008 to 2010, has more than 30 years of experience leading large-scale public health programs across Africa. He is currently executive director of Partners in Health in Rwanda, where he is partnering with the government to strengthen the quality of health services. Dr. Coutinho has been at the forefront of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Uganda since the first cases emerged over three decades ago, first as a physician working directly with people living with HIV and later leading the scale-up of prevention, care and treatment services as executive director of The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO) and the Infectious Diseases Institute at Makerere University.

"I am delighted to be re-joining IPM's Board as the organization advances its innovative HIV prevention vaginal ring that could make a real difference for women in Africa, who continue to shoulder the burden of the epidemic," said Dr. Coutinho.

Ms. Milambe brings to the Board a unique combination of program management and advocacy expertise. She currently coordinates a joint advocacy project between the Centre for the Development of People and the Malawi Network of People Living with HIV that works to build the capacity of people living with HIV and other key populations to engage in Global Fund and PEPFAR activities in Malawi. She has spent more than eight years on projects addressing sociobehavioral, economic and health systems aspects of HIV/AIDS services. As an active member of several regional HIV prevention advocacy networks and as a 2015 AVAC advocacy fellow, Ms. Milambe focuses on increasing access to HIV prevention options such as microbicides for young women and girls in Malawi.

"If women  who are disproportionately affected by HIV  are not given enough HIV prevention tools to control their sexual health, the fight against HIV will always remain an uphill battle. Women cannot wait any longer for options that work for them," said Ms. Milambe. "It is an honor to contribute to IPM's mission of offering women more choices to help stop the virus."

An advocate for womens sexual and reproductive health, Ms. Motsumi is an HIV activist and public speaker in South Africa. As an ambassador for the Zazi campaign, she shares her story as a young woman living with HIV to engage and inspire young people, especially young women and girls, to complete their education and make positive choices for their futures. She serves on multiple regional and international advisory panels focused on ensuring youth sexual reproductive health and rights, including chairing the HIV/AIDS thematic area of the African Youth and Adolescents Network.

"One of the most important actions we can take is providing young people with a set of HIV prevention interventions, from education and access to testing to youth- and women-centered products and services," said Ms. Motsumi. "I am excited to support IPM to empower young women in South Africa and beyond to take control of their health."

IPM is currently preparing regulatory applications for its monthly dapivirine ring, which last year was found in two Phase III clinical trials to safely reduce the risk of HIV in women. The ring, which women insert and remove themselves, slowly releases an antiretroviral drug called dapivirine over the course of one month. If approved, the product would become the first long-acting prevention method for women. Additional open-label studies are under way that are providing the ring to former Phase III trial participants and young women who have not yet used the product, and collecting important information on potential barriers to ring use and strategies to overcome them.

"The first-hand experience of our newest board members in supporting women and communities to access diverse HIV/AIDS tools and services will be invaluable as we plan for the future," said Dr. Zeda Rosenberg, founder and CEO of IPM. "We are thrilled to have their insights and support as we work to expand women's HIV prevention options."

Next-generation products in IPM's pipeline include a longer-acting three-month dapivirine ring that would reduce long-term costs and offer added convenience as well as a three-month multipurpose prevention ring that provides protection against both HIV and unintended pregnancy. IPM is also developing new products that would combine the potency of different antiretroviral drugs.

About IPM: IPM is a nonprofit organization that developed the monthly dapivirine vaginal ring, and is dedicated to developing other new HIV prevention tools and sexual and reproductive health technologies for women, and making them available in developing countries. Our partnerships with public, private and civil society bring scientific ingenuity, political will and financial resources to bear on developing and delivering products designed to have significant public health impact. IPM has offices in South Africa, the United States and Belgium. Please visit www.IPMglobal.org.

Contact:

IPM Global: Holly Seltzer, [email protected], +1.301.608.4277

IPM Africa: Leonard Solai, [email protected], +27.84.660.6776

SOURCE International Partnership for Microbicides (IPM)

Related Links

http://www.IPMglobal.org


BOSTON, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Since the Samuel Adams LongShot American Homebrew Contest was created 21 years ago to recognize passionate homebrewers, it has helped launch the professional brewing careers of multiple homebrewers. Knowing this, the brewers at Sam Adams have brewed a new plan to truly equip homebrewers with the experience and knowledge to take their passion to the next level.

About the New 2017 Samuel Adams Longshot Homebrew Contest

New this year, the brewers at Sam Adams will award the most passionate homebrewer with the thirst for going pro a one-week "Brewership": a fully immersive brewing experience at the Samuel Adams Boston Brewery. The Longshot Brewership will give one homebrewer a chance to work alongside our award-winning team of brewers in the nano brewery, 10 barrel brewhouse and barrel room. It will also provide insight learned from years of experience on the nuts and bolts of running a brewery, ingredient sourcing, quality assurance testing, and packaging, to name a few. Finally, the Brewership will also include the opportunity to brew a limited release collaboration beer that will be available in the winner's hometown as well as at the Samuel Adams Boston Brewery.

In addition to the Brewership, the winner and the two runners-up will have the opportunity to attend the Great American Beer Festival as well as receive a scholarship for an online course at The Siebel Institute of Technology. Brewers worldwide, including many of the Sam Adams brewers, have taken courses at The Siebel Institute as its online courses provide an internationally-inspired educational experience in brewing technology knowledge due to its World Brewing Academy partnership with Doemens Academy (Munich, Germany) established in 2001.

Jim Koch, founder and brewer of Samuel Adams, on Longshot

"The craft beer revolution that we're seeing today exists in part because of homebrewers who quit their desk job, like I did 33 years ago, to pursue their passion for brewing," said Jim Koch, founder and brewer of Samuel Adams. "We updated our successful LongShot contest to not only recognize top homebrewing talent, but also to support the growth of the craft beer industry by providing nuts and bolts advice and hands-on experience to make their brewing dreams a reality. We know the next generation of great craft brewers is out there and just need the extra support to go from a homebrewing system in a garage to a professional brewhouse."

Samuel Adams Supports the Pursuit of Brewing Professionally

For more than 21 years, Sam Adams has supported the growth of the craft beer industry through programs like LongShot and Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream. In fact, top Longshot homebrewers have even turned their victory into a brewing career by joining or opening independent American craft breweries including 2015 winner Tim Thomssen, brewer at Boiler Brewing Company (Lincoln, NE); 2013 winner Cesar Marron, brewer at Sketchbook Brewing Co. (Evanston, IL); 2009 winner Mike Robinson, brewer at Newburyport Brewing Company (Newburyport, MA); and 2006 winner Don Oliver, brewer at Dust Bowl Brewing Co. (Turlock, CA).

Now the LongShot American Homebrew Contest joins the Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream program in providing direct assistance to startup craft brewers or those who aspire to go pro. Sam Adams has supported loans totaling more than $1 million across 40 craft brewers through the Brewing the American Dream program. The program has also provided an in-depth "Brewing and Business Experienceship" to one brewer each year since 2012 including Roc Brewing Co. (Rochester, NY), Woods Beer Co. (San Francisco, CA), Brewery Rickoli (Wheat Ridge, CO), ChuckAlek Independent Brewers (Ramona, CA), and Brazo Fuerte Artisanal Beer (Watertown, MA).

How to Enter the Samuel Adams Longshot American Homebrew Contest:

To be considered for the 2018 LongShot American Homebrew Contest, interested homebrewers should create a two-minute video explaining their passion for brewing and why they want to be a professional brewer. Final videos should be uploaded by July 25, 2017 to www.samueladams.com/longshot. A panel of judges will review the video submissions, and the top 10 entrants will be asked to submit their best homebrew for judging. The LongShot winner receives the one-week immersion as well as a scholarship to the Siebel Institute of Technology. Two runners-up will receive the scholarships to the Siebel Institute of Technology. Please read complete rules and entry requirements at www.samueladams.com/longshot.

Samuel Adams, Boston Lager, LongShot, American Homebrew Contest, Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream, are registered trademarks of The Boston Beer Company.

About Samuel Adams and The Boston Beer Company

The Boston Beer Company began in 1984 with a generations-old family recipe that Founder and Brewer Jim Koch uncovered in his father's attic. Inspired and unafraid to challenge conventional thinking about beer, Jim brought the recipe to life in his kitchen. Pleased with the results of his work, Jim decided to sample his beer with bars in Boston in the hopes that drinkers would appreciate the complex, full-flavored beer he brewed fresh in America. That beer was aptly named Samuel Adams Boston Lager, in recognition of one of our nation's great founding fathers, a man of independent mind and spirit. Little did Jim know at the time, Samuel Adams Boston Lager would soon become a catalyst of the American craft beer revolution.

Today, The Boston Beer Company brews more than 60 styles of beer. It relentlessly pursues the development of new styles and the perfection of classic beers by searching the world for the finest ingredients. Using the traditional four vessel brewing process, the Company often takes extra steps like dry-hopping, barrel-aging and a secondary fermentation known as krausening. The Company has also pioneered another revolution, the 'extreme beer' movement, where it seeks to challenge drinker's perceptions of what beer can be. The Boston Beer Company has been committed to elevating the image of American craft beer by entering festivals and competitions around the globe, and is one of world's most awarded breweries at international beer competitions. As an independent company, brewing quality beer remains its primary focus. Although Samuel Adams beer is America's leading craft beer, it accounts for only one percent of the U.S. beer market. The Boston Beer Company will continue its independently-minded quest to brew great beer and to advocate for the growth of craft beer across America.

For more information, please visit www.samueladams.com.

SOURCE The Boston Beer Company

Related Links

http://www.samueladams.com


WASHINGTON, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On July 12, at 10 a.m., the National Press Club will feature a Newsmaker news conference with Alaska's Governor Bill Walker and elected officials from Alaska, Iowa and Maine, who, like Walker, were elected as independent candidates without the support of a political party. Across the nation, 40 percent of the electorate identify as independent voters. Will a movement to elect more independent candidates break partisan gridlock or only add to the problems of dysfunction in statehouses and in the federal government?

Joining Gov. Walker will be State Senator David Johnson (I-Iowa), State Representative Jason Grenn (I-Alaska), and State Representative Owen Casas (I-Maine), with other panelists will likely be added.

In Alaska, two independent state representatives helped flip control of the state house from the GOP to a new "bipartisan governing majority"  comprised of several moderate Republicans and the House Democratic Caucus.

In Maine, since two independent state representatives were elected in 2016, three incumbent state representatives  one Republican and two Democrats  dropped their party affiliation, now neither party controls an outright majority in the statehouse.

In Iowa, State Senator David Johnson became the first serving independent legislator in 45 years after he left the Republican Party in June of 2016, during his fourth term, as an objection to Donald Trump's campaign.

In France, a new centrist, independent movement ("La Republique En Marche") recently propelled a first-time candidate to the presidency and a near super-majority of parliamentary candidates into office. Could a similar movement take hold in the United States?

The National Press Club is located on the 13th Floor of the National Press Building at 529 14th St., NW, Washington, D.C. This Newsmaker event is open to credentialed media and Club members free of charge but advance registration is required. Please register at: http://www.press.org/events/headliners-newsmaker-alaska-gov-walker-and-iowa-and-maine-officeholders-discuss-movement-elec

Contact: Jamie Horwitz, 202-549-4921, [email protected]

SOURCE National Press Club

Related Links

http://www.press.org


The research has found a significant global preference for 4DX technology over traditional movie viewing.

According to the survey, moviegoers considered "cinemas equipped with 4DX auditoriums to be superior to other cinemas" (China 94%, U.K. 81%, Japan 79%).

Respondents to the survey felt that 4DX is an innovative brand and the study found that 4DX's image even influenced consumers' perception of the cinemas themselves. This drives home the fact that 4DX is well-positioned in global markets as an innovative technology pioneer in the cinematic experience space. Among respondents, those who had already experienced 4DX were more likely to respond positively about the superiority of 4DX auditoriums than the ones who had not yet experienced it (China 95%, U.K. 85%, Japan 85%).

Not only do 4DX auditoriums have a positive effect on moviegoers' image of the cinema, but they also affect their perception of the movie itself.

Consumers answered that they think a movie that plays in 4DX is better than movie choices where 4DX isn't an option (China 85%, U.K. 73%, Japan 66%).

In this case as well, more of the respondents who have experienced 4DX are inclined to agree with this reasoning (China 86%, U.K. 80%, Japan 76%).

The research found that a majority of 4DX consumers plan in advance to see a movie in 4DX. More than half of the respondents (U.K. 69%, Japan 57%), who have experienced 4DX before, say that they planned to do so in advance, actively searching for movies available in the immersive format. The reasons for this were positive word of mouth from those who have already experienced 4DX, or because they had a satisfying and fun experience of watching 4DX movies in the past. This shows also that cinemas can reach new customers since 4DX attracts potential moviegoers who are seeking new activities to enjoy.

"These results show that 4DX auditoriums are playing an important role as a new standard by which to evaluate cinemas and movies," said Byung-Hwan Choi, CEO of CJ 4DPLEX. "Its presence provides a positive image to the cinema, as well as to the movie."

Young-Mi Lee, General Manager of Kantar Millward Brown Korea added, "In marketing, consumers' needs continuously evolve. Likewise, in the cinema industry, viewers go to the cinema not just to view a movie, but also to have a holistic experience around it. Customers always seek new and innovative cinematic experiences and their expectations get bigger. In this sense, 4DX auditoriums seem to be one of the smartest evolutions."

About CJ 4DPLEX

CJ 4DPLEX is the world's first 4D cinema company, headquartered in Seoul with international offices in Los Angeles and Beijing. The company created 4DX, the first and leading 4D cinema technology for feature films, providing moviegoers with an immersive cinematic experience that utilizes all five senses, allowing the audience to connect with movies through motion, vibration, water, wind, snow, lightning, scents, and other special effects that enhance the visuals on-screen. CJ 4DPLEX brings 4DX auditoriums to exhibition partners along with 4DX codes for both major Hollywood blockbusters and local titles. Each auditorium incorporates motion-based seating synchronized with more than 20 different effects and optimized by a team of skilled editors, maximizing the feeling of immersion within the movie, beyond the limits of audio and video. Since 2009, more than 440 Hollywood and local titles have been screened in 4DX. As of July 2017, more than 48,000 4DX seats operate in 390 auditoriums spanning 48 countries. CJ 4DPLEX was named a Most Innovative Company of 2017 in Live Events by Fast Company. For more information, please visit www.cj4dplex.com

About Kantar Millward Brown

Kantar Millward Brown is a leading global research firm specializing in advertising effectiveness, strategic communication, media and digital, and brand equity research. The company helps clients grow great brands through comprehensive research-based qualitative and quantitative solutions. Kantar Millward Brown operates in more than 55 countries and is part of WPP's Kantar group, one of the world's leading data, insight and consultancy companies. Learn more at www.millwardbrown.com

SOURCE CJ 4DPLEX

Related Links

http://www.cj4dplex.com


HOUSTON, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- KBR, Inc. (NYSE: KBR) announced today that KBR's global government services business, KBRwyle, has been awarded a $48 million three-year follow-on task order by the U.S. Army. KBRwyle will provide engineering, Foreign Military Sales (FMS), and project management support to Department of Defense (DoD) missile defense systems on the cost-plus-fixed-fee task order under the Defense Technical Information Center's Defense Systems Technical Area Task (DSTAT) contract.

KBRwyle's work will include system engineering, test, product engineering, diagnostics, FMS case support, and associated program management for the Army's Lower Tier Project Office (LTPO) at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. KBRwyle will assist in integrating the PATRIOT Missile Defense system with the Missile Defense Agency's Ballistic Missile Defense System and the Army's Integrated Air and Missile Defense system. The company performed similar work under a previous contract for the LTPO.

"KBRwyle has a legacy of providing exceptional technical services to U.S. missile defense programs," said Byron Bright, KBRwyle President. "KBRwyle has supported the U.S. Army in enhancing battle space performance against evolving threats for almost 38 years. We are pleased to have the opportunity to continue to be a part of this important mission."

Revenue associated with this project is estimated to be USD $48 million and will be booked into backlog of unfilled orders for KBR's Government Services Business Segment in the second quarter of 2017.

About KBR, Inc.

KBR is a global provider of differentiated professional services and technologies across the asset and program life cycle within the Government Services and Hydrocarbons sectors. KBR employs over 34,000 people worldwide (including our joint ventures), with customers in more than 80 countries, and operations in 40 countries, across three synergistic global businesses:

Government Services, serving government customers globally, including capabilities that cover the full life-cycle of defense, space, aviation and other government programs and missions from research and development, through systems engineering, test and evaluation, program management, to operations, maintenance, and field logistics

Technology & Consulting, including proprietary technology focused on the monetization of hydrocarbons (especially natural gas and natural gas liquids) in ethylene and petrochemicals; ammonia, nitric acid and fertilizers; oil refining; gasification; oil and gas consulting; integrity management; naval architecture and proprietary hulls; and downstream consulting

Engineering & Construction, including onshore oil and gas; LNG (liquefaction and regasification)/GTL; oil refining; petrochemicals; chemicals; fertilizers; differentiated EPC; maintenance services (Brown & Root Industrial Services); offshore oil and gas (shallow-water, deep-water, subsea); floating solutions (FPU, FPSO, FLNG & FSRU) and program management

KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, integrated EPC delivery and long term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results. At KBR, We Deliver.

Visit www.kbr.com

Forward Looking Statement

The statements in this press release that are not historical statements, including statements regarding future financial performance, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company's control that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the outcome of and the publicity surrounding audits and investigations by domestic and foreign government agencies and legislative bodies; potential adverse proceedings by such agencies and potential adverse results and consequences from such proceedings; the scope and enforceability of the company's indemnities from its former parent; changes in capital spending by the company's customers; the company's ability to obtain contracts from existing and new customers and perform under those contracts; structural changes in the industries in which the company operates; escalating costs associated with and the performance of fixed-fee projects and the company's ability to control its cost under its contracts; claims negotiations and contract disputes with the company's customers; changes in the demand for or price of oil and/or natural gas; protection of intellectual property rights; compliance with environmental laws; changes in government regulations and regulatory requirements; compliance with laws related to income taxes; unsettled political conditions, war and the effects of terrorism; foreign operations and foreign exchange rates and controls; the development and installation of financial systems; increased competition for employees; the ability to successfully complete and integrate acquisitions; and operations of joint ventures, including joint ventures that are not controlled by the company.

KBR's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequent Form 10-Qs and 8-Ks, and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings discuss some of the important risk factors that KBR has identified that may affect the business, results of operations and financial condition. Except as required by law, KBR undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

SOURCE KBR, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.kbr.com


ODENTON, Md., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- KeyImpact Sales & Systems, Inc. (KeyImpact) is pleased to announce that they have acquired Nevada Food Brokerage, further strengthening their resources in the Southern Nevada & Southern Utah areas. This is the second major acquisition for KeyImpact in 2017, adding to a 14-year history of successful acquisitions and integration of 45 local market and regional, sales and marketing agencies.

For several decades, Nevada Food Brokerage has operated a successful foodservice brokerage firm providing services in the Southern Nevada & Southern Utah areas. The company has served local casinos and big gaming companies for years and has long-established relationships with local distributors.

Nevada Food Brokerage was founded in 1986, and in January of 1997, it was purchased by Dave & Susan Bull. Rob Bull joined the family business in 2005 and led the organization by building strong client & customer relationships and delivering on client strategies that resulted in high growth.

Rob Bull states, "Much like the reputation and history of our great city of Las Vegas, Nevada Food Brokerage has experienced tremendous growth and success throughout the years. Since 1996, our employees, strategies, and commitments to customers have proven to be a winning formula. The dynamics of our industry have changed, and during these changes, KeyImpact has shown they are a company of integrity and great people. We are excited to join their team, and we look forward to the many new opportunities that lie ahead."

Effective immediately, Rob Bull will assume the role of Las Vegas Market Director for KeyImpact.

Sarah Scott will be leading a newly formed national operator segment team focused on casinos and big gaming companies.

"The addition of Nevada Food Brokerage to the KeyImpact family is exciting," states Dan Cassidy, CEO of KeyImpact. "We look forward to continuing the relationships Nevada Food Brokerage has forged with the newly combined team KeyImpact now has in the Las Vegas marketplace. Our cultures are a great fit, and this talented team will be a big plus for our Customers and Clients. We are ready to hit the streets and create many more opportunities."

About KeyImpact Sales and Systems

Formed in 2000, through the merger of Key Brokerage in New Jersey and Impact Sales in Maryland, KeyImpact has grown to become the leading foodservice sales and marketing agency in the United States. KeyImpact represents manufacturers of food, as well as packaging and supplies, and provides sales and marketing services to distributors and operators across all segments of the foodservice trade channel. KeyImpact currently employs approximately 800 associates in 49 states with industry expertise in sales, marketing, culinary, K-12, military, college & university, contract feeding, retail, deli, national & regional commercial chains, recreation and distribution, as well as extensive product & category expertise. For more information, please visit http://www.kisales.com.

SOURCE KeyImpact Sales & Systems, Inc.

Related Links

www.kisales.com


ATLANTA, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Kitchen Tune-Up, headquartered out of Aberdeen, South Dakota, is North America's premier kitchen and bath remodeling franchise system. Specializing in affordable kitchen and bathroom renovations, they believe in providing you with world-class upgrades without displacing you from your home for an extended time. As Kitchen Tune-Up continues to be the leader in kitchen and bath remodeling services, they have switched to Naranga for effective lead management services.

Naranga's lead management software will provide the ability to automate email drip campaigns, manage FDD's, and analyze dashboard reporting all while focusing on selling additional territories. This allows Kitchen Tune-Up to take full control of their entire sales pipeline, while reducing sales costs, streamlining lead flow and further increasing conversion rates.

"With over 185 franchise locations nationwide and growing, we value staying at the forefront of our business concept, and remaining the leader in our industry. By switching to Naranga for lead management, it enables us to ensure that we capture and cultivate the right franchisee leads in an automated, efficient manner," said Heidi Morrissey, President at Kitchen Tune-Up.

"It's always a pleasure to hear back from a client who used our lead management system previously, and wants to replicate the process to meet their current needs. We are proud to work with Heidi again and welcome the Kitchen Tune-Up Franchise System to the Naranga family," said George Duffield, VP of Enterprise Sales.

About Naranga

Naranga, a franchise technology provider, delivers software solutions that help businesses scale, at any size. Naranga has over 180 clients representing over 250 brands. Their software enhances overall operations, lead management, brand standards/field auditing and employee training. Clients turn to Naranga when support, scalability, visibility and brand consistency are their top priorities. For more information, visit the website at www.naranga.com.

SOURCE Naranga

Related Links

http://www.naranga.com


Over the picturesque blue waters of Israel's popular tourist hangout of Olga Beach, PM Modi enjoyed a lazy walk with Netanyahu who also drove him around in a jeep.

By India Today Web Desk: Before winding up his historic three-day Israel tour, the first one by an Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi went on a beach party with his friend and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

At the popular Olga Beach, near Tel Aviv, the two leaders opened their shoes, pulled up trousers above the ankles, and enjoyed a lazy walk in the waters after two days of serious work of upgrading bilateral ties.

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They were seen enjoying the light breeze blowing over the picturesque blue waters. The ease and comfort level they exhibited clearly reflected the blooming bromance between Modi and Netanyahu.

Netanyahu and Modi attended a demonstration of a desalination vehicle, tasted the purified seawater and rode the unique vehicle.

None other than Netanyahu himself drove the jeep for PM Modi.

Netanyahu tweeted a photo of him and Modi giving a personal touch to their beach party. He said, "There's nothing like going to the beach with friends!".

A?A?A? A?A?A? A?A?A?A A?A?A? AA? A?A?AA?A?! There's nothing like going to the beach with friends!@narendramodi pic.twitter.com/bmVNbQNdgt

; Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) July 6, 2017

Modi's personal chemistry with Netanyahu has caught lot of attention. Both of them have spoken of friendship, beyond bilateral relations. The media has lost count of how many times the duo hugged each other in public. The Israeli premier has accompanied Modi almost like a shadow since Modi landed there on the first visit by an Indian premier to the Jewish state.

PM Netanyahu and @PMOIndia Modi attended a demonstration of a desalination vehicle, tasted the purified seawater and rode the unique vehicle pic.twitter.com/TARsYfY1uQ ; PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) July 6, 2017

Also read:

Modi in Israel: How the visit went beyond defence to broaden commercial ties

Modi in Israel: PM's Haifa visit tomorrow to highlight India's role in two world wars

Innovation, technology can boost India-Israel ties, says PM Modi

Also watch:

PM Modi, Netanyahu visit desalination plant at Olga beach in Israel

--- ENDS ---
FORT WORTH, Texas, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Higginbotham announced today its new operation in Oklahoma City headed by insurance brokers Gray Holden and Chris Lavigne, partners in business for three years. Higginbotham is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, and ranked by revenue as the largest independent insurance broker based in the state. It has 26 offices across Texas serving businesses and individuals primarily located in South Central U.S. This new addition gives Higginbotham local representation in Oklahoma City, its first expansion outside the Texas state border in its 69 years of business. Altogether, the firm has a workforce of 860 with the capacity to deliver comprehensive service to the entire region through localized operations.

Higginbotham President/CEO Rusty Reid said, "Our business model has brought us tremendous success in Texas, and we think there's a great opportunity with our new partners to have the same growth results in Oklahoma. Customers choose Higginbotham because we have cost and service efficiencies that most small brokers can't offer, yet we don't lose sight of personal service because we remain regionally focused with local teams. Our region is bigger now, but our foundation is still face-to-face service."

Executive Vice Presidents Holden and Lavigne will continue their collaboration to bring Higginbotham's insurance solution to the Oklahoma City market. They are experienced brokers of property, general liability, management liability, environmental liability, life and health insurance for mid-market companies. The partnership with Higginbotham gives them an expanded portfolio of risk management and employee benefit services.

The office is located at 5100 S. I-15 Service Road, Suite 201, Oklahoma City 73129.

About Higginbotham

Higginbotham is a single source for insurance and financial services that brokers business insurance, employee benefits, retirement plans, executive benefits, life insurance and home/auto insurance from more than 250 regional and national carriers. It supplements coverage with in-house risk management and benefit plan administration services. The firm was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, with 25 additional offices serving domestic and international customers. Higginbotham ranks by revenue as the nation's 31st largest independent insurance brokerage firm, making it the largest Texas-based broker (Business Insurance, July 2016). Visit www.higginbotham.net for more information.

SOURCE Higginbotham

Related Links

http://www.higginbotham.net


ATLANTA, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Discovery Point, a leader in the childcare industry with nearly 50 centers in the Southeast, announces "Art of Happy," an ambitious new brand direction that highlights the company's industry-leading programs and deep commitment to children.

Designed to frame happiness as an art, Discovery Point's new campaign underlines the importance of tailoring childcare to individual needs of kids. It also emphasizes learning, play and exploration, as well as the ways these activities shape children's well-being.

"There's no one-size-fits-all approach for children," explains Cliff Clark, president, and CEO of Discovery Point. "That's why we chose this theme for our new campaign. At Discovery Point, we recognize that there is an art to making kids happy, and all of our locally-owned centers are dedicated to meeting children where they are to leave both them and their families smiling."

Partnering with digital marketing agency Trevelino/Keller for creative and digital strategy and execution, Discovery Point will feature the Art of Happy theme across all of its new marketing materials and advertising. With grinning children and splashes of watercolor, the materials create strong emotional connections and distinguish Discovery Point from other childcare centers.

"We're dedicated to giving every child we care for a chance to learn and grow, and the Art of Happy campaign captures that commitment  it and appeals to parents and franchise owners alike," Clark adds.

The new branding will also appear in promotional materials for Diane's Devotion, a philanthropic program named for Discovery Point co-founder Diane Clark. Each year, Discovery Point centers partner with local charities in honor of Clark, and each center will encourage its community to celebrate the "Art of Caring."

ABOUT DISCOVERY POINT

With nearly 50 locations throughout the Southeast, Discovery Point Child Development Centers provide safe, educational, and nurturing environments for growing children. Discovery Point partners with Teaching Strategies in using the nationally recognized early childhood education program, Creative Curriculum System for Preschool. Since opening its first location in an Atlanta suburb in 1988, Discovery Point has been a leader in childhood education and care, expanding beyond its Georgia roots into Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee with plans under way to reach new markets nationwide. For more information, visit www.discoverypointfranchise.com.

MEDIA CONTACT

Kelly Ronna

Trevelino/Keller

404.214.0722 x.107

[email protected]

SOURCE Discovery Point Child Development Centers

Related Links

http://www.discoverypoint.com


RESTON, Va., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos (NYSE: LDOS), a FORTUNE 500 science and technology company, has scheduled a conference call for Thursday, August 3, 2017, at 8:00 AM ET to announce its second quarter 2017 financial results for the period ending Friday, June 30, 2017. The company plans to issue its quarterly earnings press release before the conference call on August 3, 2017.

The details for the earnings conference call follow:

Date: August 3, 2017

Time: 8:00 AM (ET)

To Listen via the Internet:

We are pleased to offer a live and replay audio broadcast of the conference call with corresponding supplemental information at http://ir.leidos.com.

To Listen via Telephone:

877-869-3847 (toll-free U.S.)

+1-201-689-8261 (for International Callers)

Replay:

A telephone playback of the second quarter 2017 earnings conference call is scheduled to be available beginning at 11:00 AM (ET) on August 3, 2017, through 11:59 PM (ET) on August 10, 2017. The replay will be accessible by calling 877-660-6853 (International callers: 201-612-7415), and entering conference ID 13665424.

An archived version of the webcast will be available on the Leidos Investor Relations website at http://ir.leidos.com.

About Leidos

Leidos is a Fortune 500 science and technology solutions and services leader working to solve the world's toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and health markets. The company's 32,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $7.04 billion for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2016. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Media contact:

Melissa Koskovich

571.526.6850

[email protected]

Investor Relations:

Kelly M. Freeman

571.526.7686

[email protected]

SOURCE Leidos

Related Links

http://www.leidos.com


INDIANAPOLIS and WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) and Purdue University today announced a strategic collaboration to conduct life science research. The five-year agreement, where Lilly will provide up to $52 million, marks Purdue's largest strategic collaboration with a single company.

"Purdue has enjoyed a long history of engagement with Lilly. Now Lilly and Purdue University are entering into a new level of collaboration that will move us forward in areas core to both institutions," said Purdue President Mitch Daniels. "Our investment on campus in the life sciences announced in 2016 is leading to just the types of impact we hoped to effect."

"The biomedical revolution is upon us, but harnessing its full potential will require strong collaboration between academic research centers and industry partners," said David Ricks, Lilly's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "We look forward to expanding our relationship with Purdue as we work together to discover breakthrough solutions for patients."

The initial research focus areas include:

Developing improved delivery of injectable medicines with the goals of reducing pain, decreasing the number of injections, and enabling better patient compliance and overall health.

Developing predictive models for clinical success that reduce risks associated with investing in drug development and more effectively predict the outcome of new therapies in humans.

The collaboration envisions expansion to other areas to further utilize the range of expertise at the two institutions.

Purdue researchers from the natural and physical sciences, engineering and veterinary medicine will contribute to the interdisciplinary collaboration with Lilly researchers.

"This strategic agreement links our two organizations in a commitment to scientific research supporting the global needs of patients," said Andrew Dahlem, Ph.D., vice president, chief operating officer, Lilly Research Laboratories. "In addition, our collaboration strengthens our shared commitment to attract and retain the top engineering and technology talent in Indiana."

"Purdue University's investment in the life sciences last year has undoubtedly increased opportunities for engagement with industry partners," said Suresh Garimella, Purdue's executive vice president for research and partnerships and Goodson Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering.

"This agreement with one of the most prominent companies headquartered in the state of Indiana is a particular point of pride. The collaboration was structured from the inception to be coordinated by the leadership at Lilly and Purdue to ensure relevance and unprecedented collaboration among teams of university and company researchers," Garimella said.

About Eli Lilly and Company

Lilly is a global healthcare leader that unites caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We were founded more than a century ago by a man committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs, and today we remain true to that mission in all our work. Across the globe, Lilly employees work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. To learn more about Lilly, please visit us at www.lilly.com and http://newsroom.lilly.com/social-channels. C-LLY

About Purdue University

Purdue University, a top public research institution, offers higher education at its highest proven value. Committed to affordability, the university has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels. Committed to student success, Purdue is changing the student experience with greater focus on faculty-student interaction and creative use of technology. Committed to pursuing scientific discoveries and engineered solutions, Purdue has streamlined pathways for faculty and student innovators who have a vision for moving the world forward.

This press release contains forward-looking statements (as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) about the benefits of a strategic collaboration between Lilly and Purdue University, and reflects Lilly's current beliefs. However, as with any such undertaking, there are substantial risks and uncertainties in the process of drug development and commercialization. Among other things, there can be no guarantee that Lilly will realize the expected benefits of the collaboration or that the collaboration will yield commercially successful products. For a further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from Lilly's expectations, please see Lilly's most recent Forms 10-K and 10-Q filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Lilly undertakes no duty to update forward-looking statements.

Refer to: Lauren Zierke; [email protected]; (317) 277-6524 (Lilly)

Brian Zink; [email protected]; (765) 494-2080 (Purdue)

SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company

Related Links

http://www.lilly.com


LINCOLN, Neb., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- MacPractice, Inc. has released MacPractice's next generation practice management and clinical software, macOS Sierra and El Capitan compatible MacPractice MD Gen 7 for physicians, MacPractice DDS Gen 7 for dentists, MacPractice DC Gen 7 for chiropractors and MacPractice 20/20 Gen 7 for eye care professionals. Compatible versions of MacPractice's interoperating Patient Check In, Clipboard and iEHR Apps for iPad are on Apple's App Store for MacPractice Gen 7 users.

MacPractice users are highly satisfied with MacPractice's products and services. MacPractice DDS has one of the highest user satisfaction percentages (92%) across several key criteria including return on investment, clinical, business, and overall satisfaction and was given the CR Choice designation in the March 2017 issue of the independent Clinicians Report. The full report can be viewed on MacPractice.com.

Features and capabilities of MacPractice make it particularly well-suited for use in a private practice or clinic. Some key features include:



Built in AES encryption of data at rest and in motion and AES encrypted and unique password as required by HIPAA to qualify for Safe Harbor

Low Total Cost of Ownership

Saves $1000s on onsite IT services

Integrated MacPractice EMR and EHR/iEHR for iPad for all specialties

ONC-ACB 2014 Certification as required for 2017 and now 2018

Integrated word processing (patient communication, correspondence, etc.)

Built in digital imaging capture and viewing capability

Numerous co-developed macOS native digital imaging solutions with panoramic, cephalometric, cone beam, sensor, phosphor plate, endoscopic equipment and cameras

Bridges to most Windows imaging solutions

Integrated DirectTrust secure messaging: doctor - patient and doctor - doctor

Integrated network efax

Patient Portal (Certified and non-certified)

Online Registration and EHR Forms

Online Scheduling

Built in 2-click reputation marketing

Built in automated appointment reminders

Built in marketing (including innovative birthday emails with birthday song)

A native macOS software, MacPractice is not vulnerable to PC viruses, ransomware like WannaCry, Petya, etc. and other PC malware infecting users of Windows software and which have infected prominent cloud practice management software like Greenway Health.

"We've always known that using Macs in a doctor's office is a money-saving proposition because of quality, ease of use, dependability, etc., but we are excited that IBM has proven that PCs are 3X more expensive to manage than Macs," said Mark Hollis, MacPractice's CEO. "MacPractice users typically spend no more than a few hundred dollars a year on IT support, while Windows users spend $6-13,000 in a medium-sized practice. Our users save thousands yearly, and their patients' data is more secure with automatic virus protection, security and full disk encryption built into macOS. Unlike Windows, both macOS operating system and security are free."

MacPractice's 135 employees support 30,000 users in 30 countries, primarily in the US and Canada, and provide onsite and remote training, as well as training in their national training center in the Haymarket district in downtown Lincoln, Nebraska.

MacPractice MD, DC, 20/20 and DDS are multi-discipline, multispecialty applications that interoperate with MacPractice's iOS native Patient Check In, Clipboard and iEHR Apps for the Apple iPad.

MacPractice Practice Consultants are full time field representatives who provide sales presentations, installation and training services and on site consultation. Most of them have more than 25 years' experience advising and working with doctors who prefer to use Macs, working exclusively with MacPractice. Their business is dedicated to servicing MacPractice customers and prospective customers.

To learn more about MacPractice, its products and services, and to see demos of MacPractice software in operation, please register at MacPractice.com.

About MacPractice, Inc.

MacPractice, Inc. is a client-centric practice management and clinical software development firm, comprised of highly experienced and caring individuals, dedicated to the development and first class support of best-of-class software, and associated services for physicians, dentists, chiropractors, and eye care professionals. MacPractice's products have achieved 2011 and 2014 ONC-ACB certification. MacPractice is one of the top EHR vendor members of HIMSS EHRA (Electronic Health Record Association) that advises ONC, HHS and CMS. MacPractice EHR is a Medical Economics' Top 25 EHR.

Contact:

Nicole Paleologus

267-758-2638

[email protected]

SOURCE MacPractice, Inc.

Related Links

http://MacPractice.com


TAMPA, Fla., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- BICSI, the association advancing the information and communications technology (ICT) community, has identified Toronto in Ontario, Canada, as the location for its 2019 and 2021 BICSI Conference & Exhibition. BICSI is known for its spectacular conferences around the world, leading the ICT world with groundbreaking information about the hottest topics in the industry and providing an excellent product exhibition for all ICT professionals.



2019 BICSI Canadian Conference & Exhibition; April 8-11, 2019 , Toronto Congress Centre

2021 BICSI Canadian Conference & Exhibition; April 19-22, 2021 , Toronto Congress Centre

The headquarters hotel for both conferences will be the Delta Hotels by Marriott, Toronto Airport & Conference Centre.



"We chose Toronto as the location for our largest ICT show in Canada, because of its unique benefits as Canada's largest city and the fourth largest city in North America, with a diverse and global population. It is also a global center and capital city for business and finance, and we expect that the BICSI conference attendees will thoroughly enjoy their experience here at the most livable and competitive cities in the world," said BICSI President Brian Ensign, RCDD, NTS, OSP, RTPM, CSI.



ICT professionals from all over the world will gather at the venue for pre-conference seminars, technical sessions and exhibits. The Exhibit Hall will host vendor presentations and networking opportunities. The conference sessions will feature engaging presentations from industry experts on the hottest topics of the ICT community. Attendees will walk away with valuable information to apply at their jobs, and new connections to bring back to their businesses.



For more information about BICSI's upcoming conferences, please visit www.bicsi.org.

Toronto Congress Centre: http://www.torontocongresscentre.com/about-us/

Delta Hotels by Marriott, Toronto Airport & Conference Centre: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yyzda-delta-hotels-toronto-airport-and-conference-centre/

About BICSI

BICSI is a professional association supporting advancing the information and communications technology (ICT) community. ICT covers the spectrum of voice, data, electronic safety & security, project management and audio & video technologies. It encompasses the design, integration and installation of pathways, spaces, optical fiber- and copper-based distribution systems, wireless-based systems and infrastructure that supports the transportation of information and associated signaling between and among communications and information gathering devices.

BICSI provides information, education and knowledge assessment for individuals and companies in the ITS industry. We serve more than 23,000 ICT professionals, including designers, installers and technicians. These individuals provide the fundamental infrastructure for telecommunications, audio/video, life safety and automation systems. Through courses, conferences, publications and professional registration programs, BICSI staff and volunteers assist ICT professionals in delivering critical products and services, and offer opportunities for continual improvement and enhanced professional stature.

Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, USA, BICSI membership spans nearly 100 countries.

SOURCE BICSI

Related Links

http://www.bicsi.org


STAINES-UPON-THAMES, United Kingdom, July 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Mallinckrodt plc (NYSE: MNK), a leading specialty pharmaceutical company, today announced it will hold an Investor Briefing focused on its Specialty Brands pipeline development assets and commercial portfolio. The Investor Briefing takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Eastern Time, on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, at the Sheraton Times Square, 811 7th Ave., New York.

The briefing will begin with scientific and health economic poster presentations, product demonstrations and lunch, followed by presentations by company leaders and special guests focused on key products and research activities. The day ends with a brief reception.

Event registration is required, with attendance limited to those who register in advance. Registration can be completed here.

For those unable to attend in person, a live webcast and video of the briefing presentations will begin at noon and conclude at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time, and will be made available at www.mallinckrodt.com/investors, where a replay of the presentations and the presentation materials also can be found after the briefing.

ABOUT MALLINCKRODT

Mallinckrodt is a global business that develops, manufactures, markets and distributes specialty pharmaceutical products and therapies. Areas of focus include autoimmune and rare diseases in specialty areas like neurology, rheumatology, nephrology, pulmonology and ophthalmology; immunotherapy and neonatal respiratory critical care therapies; and analgesics and hemostasis products. The company's core strengths include the acquisition and management of highly regulated raw materials and specialized chemistry, formulation and manufacturing capabilities. The company's Specialty Brands segment includes branded medicines and its Specialty Generics segment includes specialty generic drugs, active pharmaceutical ingredients and external manufacturing. To learn more about Mallinckrodt, visit www.mallinckrodt.com .

Mallinckrodt uses its website as a channel of distribution of important company information, such as press releases, investor presentations and other financial information. It also uses its website to expedite public access to time-critical information regarding the company in advance of or in lieu of distributing a press release or a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission disclosing the same information. Therefore, investors should look to the Investor Relations page of the website for important and time-critical information. Visitors to the website can also register to receive automatic e-mail and other notifications alerting them when new information is made available on the Investor Relations page of the website.

CONTACTS

Investor Relations

Coleman N. Lannum, CFA

Senior Vice President, Investor Strategy and IRO

314-654-6649

[email protected]

Daniel J. Speciale, CPA

Director, Investor Relations

314-654-3638

[email protected]

Media

Rhonda Sciarra

Senior Communications Manager

908-238-6765

[email protected]

Meredith Fischer

Chief Public Affairs Officer

314-654-3318

[email protected]

SOURCE Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals

Related Links

http://www.mallinckrodt.com


STRASBOURG, France, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

We, the undersigned Members of the European Parliament, strongly condemn the murders of Allahverdiyeva Sahiba Idris (age 51) and Guliyeva Zahra Elnur (age 2) on the evening of July 4 by Armenian armed forces. The indiscriminate killing of civilians, women and children is unacceptable in any circumstances and must be stopped immediately.

It has emerged that this killing was the result of a mortar and grenade attack committed by Armenian armed personnel against Azerbaijani unarmed civilians in the village of Alkanli in the Fuzuli province. There is no justification for such a grave, heinous crime and we call for an immediate investigation into the acts and a full, criminal investigation launched to identify and prosecute the culprits.

We call for a cessation of all military operation in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. Violence and the escalation of aggressive action can only lead to further conflict and loss of life of innocents. Such thoughtless provocations and destruction is dangerous for the stability of the entire region of the South Caucasus.

Furthermore, we call on the Armenian and Azerbaijani governments to renew and accelerate negotiations in order to find a peaceful, stable and sustainable solution for the withdrawal of Armenian troops from Azerbaijani territories.

We also wish to extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to assure than of our thought and prayers go with them.

Sincerely,

Norica Nicolai, European Parliament rapporteur for Azerbaijan

Ryszard Czarnecki, Vice-president of the European Parliament

Kosma Zlotowski, Member of the Delegation to the EU-Armenia and EU-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Cooperation Committees and the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association Committee

SOURCE Office of Norica Nicolai
The Biopharma Innovation Cup is designed to support the professional development of post-graduate students and to foster innovation from a promising new generation of academic talent. It showcases Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany's deep commitment to leverage innovation, curiosity and collaboration. With more than 1,400 applications from 60 countries, this year's Biopharma Innovation Cup achieved a new record of popularity. Thirty-three participants worked hand in hand with experienced Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, researchers and managers in the biopharma field on developing business plans. For 6 days, bright minds came together at the Innovation Camp near Frankfurt, Germany, and jointly developed novel ideas into innovative project plans for drug discovery.

The winning team "Immuno-Oncology" inspired the audience with their outstanding project proposal on how to translate NK cell biology into a drug discovery project.

The team consisted of:

Alex Kertser (Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel )

) Franklin Zhong (A*STAR, Singapore )

(A*STAR, ) Kelly Moynihan ( MIT , USA )

( , ) Patrik Andersson ( Karolinska Institute , Sweden )

( , ) Simone Mori (The Scripps Research Institute , USA )

(The , ) Arne Sutter (team coach)

As runner-up receiving 5,000, the team "Medicinal Chemistry" was chosen with an innovative proposal on DNA-encoded libraries.

The team consisted of:

Adam McCallum ( Georgia Institute of Technology , USA )

( , ) Anna Rydzik (LMU Munich, Germany )

(LMU ) Josua Jordi ( Harvard , USA )

( , ) Rudiger Borrmann (ETH Zurich, Switzerland )

) Wilian Cortopassi (UCSF, USA )

(UCSF, ) Henning Bottcher (team coach)

The initiative has won several innovation awards over the years, including the Edison Award 2017, Stevie Gold Award 2017, German Industry Innovation Award 2015 and the German Idea Award 2014. More detailed information on the Biopharma Innovation Cup can be found at Biopharma Open Innovation Portal.

"The Biopharma Innovation Cup is getting increasingly popular at innovation hotspots all over the world from year to year. We are happy to offer young talents this development opportunity," said Dr Ulrich Betz, Vice President of Innovation & Entrepreneurship Incubator at the Healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and initiator and manager of the Innovation Cup.

On the occasion of their 350th anniversary in 2018, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, will conduct a special anniversary edition of the Innovation Cup, covering topics in Life Science and Performance Materials in addition to Healthcare. Applications to participate in the 2018 edition of the cup can be submitted starting October 01, 2017.

All Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the EMD Group Website. In case you are a resident of the USA or Canada please go to www.emdgroup.com/subscribe to register again for your online subscription of this service as our newly introduced geo-targeting requires new links in the email. You may later change your selection or discontinue this service.

About Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 50,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life  from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions. In 2016, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of  15.0 billion in 66 countries. Founded in 1668, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, holds the global rights to the "Merck" name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials.

Your Contact

Heather Connor +1 978 294 1660

SOURCE Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
NEW YORK, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the Mesothelioma Victims Center, "We are extremely passionate when it comes to assisting US Navy Veterans who have recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Our service is aimed at family members and Navy Veterans with mesothelioma who want to have direct access to the best resources in the nation; call us anytime at 800-714-0303 to ensure you are dealing directly with the nation's top lawyers for mesothelioma compensation, and treatment options. We are especially focused on sailors with mesothelioma whose ship was based in Norfolk Virginia." http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

Norfolk Navy Base

Norfolk, Virginia is the world's largest naval base. During the Cold War, over 200 US Navy Ships were based in Norfolk. Norfolk is the home base for the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Indian Ocean fleets and at any given time there were thousands of Navy Veterans or shipyard workers preparing a ship for deployment, making repairs on ships that had just returned from deployment, or involved in sea trials for new navy ships.

Prior to 1980, Navy Sailors were routinely exposed to asbestos on their ship or while their ship was preparing for deployment at Norfolk. The sailors or crew involved in their shipboard work frequently had extreme exposure to asbestos. These sailors at Norfolk could have been assigned to almost any type of navy ship including an aircraft carrier, amphibious assault ship, cruiser, destroyer, frigate, a navy supply ship, oiler, or a nuclear submarine. Of all work groups in the United States, Navy Veterans may have had the most extreme exposure to asbestos. Navy Veterans account for roughly one-third of all US citizens who will be diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

Vital tips for any US Navy Veteran with mesothelioma looking for compensation from the Mesothelioma Victims Center:

If the lawyer you are talking to about mesothelioma cannot prove they were the lead attorney for a recent million-dollar mesothelioma compensation settlement, please call us anytime at 800-714-0303 for some of the nation's most skilled mesothelioma attorneys who have references that talk about professionalism and results.

Don't shortchange yourself when it comes to mesothelioma compensation results because the attorney you hired does not have enough experience handling mesothelioma compensation claims for US Navy Veterans. http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

For more information about the Norfolk Naval Station, please refer to the following website: http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/navalstationnorfolkv/

For a listing of US Navy Ships recently decommissioned navy ships, please review the following website: http://www.navysite.de/ships.htm.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. High-risk work groups for exposure to asbestos include Veterans of the US Navy, power plant workers, shipyard workers, oil refinery workers, steel mill workers, miners, pulp or paper mill workers, printers, factory workers, railroad workers, plumbers, millwrights, boiler technicians, electricians, auto mechanics, machinists, welders, pipefitters, insulators, firemen and construction workers. In most instances, a person who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma was exposed to asbestos in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, or 1980s. http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

The Mesothelioma Victims Center says, "If you call us at 1-800-714-0303, you will be talking directly to some of the nation's skilled and experienced lawyers, and they make house calls. When it comes to mesothelioma compensation please don't shortchange yourself because a less than qualified lawyer or law firm." http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

According to the CDC the states indicated with the highest incidence of mesothelioma include Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, Louisiana, Washington, and Oregon.

However, based on the calls the Mesothelioma Victims Center receives a US Navy Veteran who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma could live in any state including New York, Florida, California, Texas, Illinois, Ohio, Iowa, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wyoming, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Idaho, or Alaska.

For more information about mesothelioma please refer to the National Institutes of Health's web site related to this rare form of cancer: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/mesothelioma.html

Media Contact:

Michael Thomas

[email protected]

800-714-0303

SOURCE Mesothelioma Victims Center

Related Links

http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.com


The largest port city of Israel, Haifa has memorial dedicated to Indian soldiers who fought there in the World War I. The Teen Murti Circle of New Delhi has a special connection with the Indian soldiers who fought in Haifa in 1918.

By Prabhash K Dutta: Haifa is the third biggest city and largest port of Israel. It has an almost century old connection with India through the World War I.

Haifa was in news in April, when came a suggestion to rename Delhi's Teen Murti Circle after the Israeli city.

Prime Minister Narendra today visited the Haifa Indian Cemetery and pay homage to the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives while fighting in the World War I.

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WHAT HAPPENED IN HAIFA IN 1918?

In 1918, Indian soldiers fought the World War I alongside British forces. The British were in war with the then Ottoman Empire, who controlled a large part of West Asia. Haifa was part of the Turkish empire.

The British had sent it 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade to fight against the Ottoman and German forces at Haifa. Indian soldiers, who were part of the troop, came from the princely states of Jodhpur, Mysore and Hyderabad.

While soldiers from Jodhpur and Mysore took field in the actual war, those from Hyderabad were employed in maintaining communication channels and serving the injured.

The Indian soldiers were oddly equipped against an army that had heavy machine guns. It is said that the British commander was not in favour of moving forward to liberate Haifa after he became sure about the heavy artillery and machine guns in the enemy's camp. But, the Indian soldiers refused to back off saying that they would not be able to face people back home in Jodhpur and Mysore.

They Jodhpur soldiers led by Major Dalpat Singh Shekhawat were at the forefront and won the Haifa war with the help of Mysore and Hyderabad forces. Major Shekhawat died fighting at Haifa. He is known as Hero of Haifa.

Several historians have chronicled the bravery of Indian soldiers, who beat the bullet coming from machine guns with the speed of their cavalry.

LAST CAVALRY WAR

The Haifa war is also famous as the last battle won by the use of cavalry. The World War I had established that the new age weapons were far too superior against cavalry and the like. The practice of cavalry virtually ended after the World War I.

Haifa war also stamped the bravery and martial skill-set of Indian soldiers, who captured 1350 German troopers in the battle. They also seized 17 guns, 11 machine guns. 60 of Indian horse soldiers were killed while 80 others were injured. 44 Indian soldiers lost their lives at Haifa. Their graves are present there.

About 900 Indian soldiers died fighting on the soil of Israel during World War I. After the war ended, the Teen Murti Circle was built in Lutyens Delhi by British sculptor Leonard Jennings in 1922. The Haifa India Cemetery was built in Israel.

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The three statues at the Teen Murti Circle in Delhi represent the regiments of Jodhpur, Mysore and Hyderabad.

The Haifa war was fought on September 22 and 23 in 1918. Indian Army celebrates September 23 as Haifa Day every year.

ALSO READ |

Modi in Israel: On Day 3, PM to visit Haifa to pay homage to Indian World War I heroes

ALSO WATCH | PM Modi meets 26/11 survivor Moshe Holtzberg in Israel

--- ENDS ---
Bayer's donation  a total of five truckloads of prescription and over-the-counter medication  was the first shipment received in secure warehouse space donated by Kuehne + Nagel International AG in Mexico City, which will serve as the central logistics hub for Direct Relief Mexico.

With support from companies such as FedEx, Baxter and AbbVie, Direct Relief Mexico was established in 2014. The next year, Direct Relief Mexico received Donataria Autorizada status from the Mexican government, allowing companies in Mexico to receive tax benefits for donations to the organization.

"In the traditional aid model, countries receive assistance from abroad," said Eduardo Mendoza, manager of Direct Relief Mexico. "This approach leverages the extensive resources within Mexico and creates a mechanism to provide authentic, approved medications to Mexican low-income patients who have no other way to get the medicine they need."

While Direct Relief has provided more than $35 million USD in donated medicine in Mexico since 2014, it previously was able to distribute only pharmaceuticals manufactured in the United States and delivered them through costly international direct shipments. Pharmaceuticals are manufactured in Mexico both by local and global pharma companies, but no mechanism existed until now to enable large-scale ongoing donations within the country.

"For Bayer, it is essential to work together with professional and well-recognized non-profit charitable organizations in its Corporate Societal Engagement. We are very happy to cooperate closely with Direct Relief in Mexico to bring urgently required medicines to Mexicans affected by poverty and emergencies, and by this, improve their health and lives," said Stephan Gerlich, Senior Bayer Representative for Mexico.

Direct Relief conducts a similar program in the United States, where it is the sole charitable organization licensed to distribute Rx medications in all 50 states. The nonprofit intends to replicate the domestically-sourced model in other countries with pharmaceutical manufacturing and large populations that lack access to medicine.

"Committed to adding value in supply chain and distribution processes, Kuehne + Nagel decided to join Direct Relief and Bayer by providing warehouse space for a unique humanitarian opportunity, donating medicine for low-income patients," said Rodrigo Ahedo, Operations Director Pharma Contract Logistics for Kuehne + Nagel. "This action certainly empowers our biggest driving force, delivering millions of stories around the globe through our business partner's goods distribution. We will be glad to keep joining efforts with organizations and companies with such great projects and amazing social responsibility; this was an incredible experience which we were fortunate to help."

Major recipients of this donation include Fundacion IMSS A.C., Marie Stopes Mexico A.C., and Mexfam, which together received 50,000 units of oral contraceptives and 23,000 units of Plan B emergency contraceptives. Each item was specifically requested by these organizations for patient care.

About Direct Relief

Established in 1948 with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies, Direct Relief delivers lifesaving medical resources throughout the world  without regard to politics, religion, ethnic identities, or ability to pay. With operations spanning more than 70 countries and all 50 states in the U.S., Direct Relief is the only charitable nonprofit to obtain Verified Accredited Wholesale Distributor (VAWD) accreditation by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. Among other distinctions, Direct Relief earns a perfect score of 100 from independent evaluator Charity Navigator, was listed among the world's most innovative nonprofits by Fast Company, and has received the CECP Directors' Award, the Drucker Prize for Nonprofit Innovation, and the President's Award from Esri for excellence in GIS mapping. For more information, please visit https://www.DirectRelief.org.

SOURCE Direct Relief

Related Links

http://www.directrelief.org


NEW YORK, July 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Mexico Telecom outlook report is a comprehensive analytical research on the Mexico's cellular, fixed telephone and fixed broadband segments.



Through detailed analysis of the current market conditions and industry trends, the report analyzes the Mexico telecommunications sector.





Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04890520/Mexico-Telecommunications-Strategic-Analysis-and-Outlook-to-Analysis-of-Mexico-Mobile-Fixed-Telephone-and-Broadband-Markets.html







In addition to emerging industry trends, consumption patterns, geographic coverage, demographic analysis and tariffs of key players are provided to understand the key strategies and analysis of revenues, investments and infrastructure. Further, industry dynamics, SWOT Analysis of the market and changing business scenario of Mexico telecommunications industry is included.



Forecasts of users in mobile segment, landline segment and broadband segment are provided from 2005 to 2025. Further, demographic and economic factors including GDP, population (by age, by gender and by location) and disposable income are forecasted to 2025.



Mexico mobile, landline and broadband industry is benchmarked with peer countries to evaluate its position in regional front. Further, recent Mexico telecom industry trends along with drivers and challenges confronting Mexico telecom markets are analyzed.



On the competitive landscape, key players in each of the segment are detailed. Further, company profiles of three leading players along with their SWOT analyses are included. In addition, foreign and domestic participation in the industry is also included. Further, latest developments and their impact on players in the Mexico telecommunications industry are also provided.

Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04890520/Mexico-Telecommunications-Strategic-Analysis-and-Outlook-to-Analysis-of-Mexico-Mobile-Fixed-Telephone-and-Broadband-Markets.html



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



http://www.reportlinker.com





__________________________

Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

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PITTSBURGH, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, today announced it was awarded a contract by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) to provide value engineering services for a variety of projects at worldwide Foreign Service posts. The projects will be managed out of the firm's Alexandria office by a Michael Baker Certified Value Specialist (CVS) accredited by SAVE International.

Value Engineering is an organized approach for examining and improving engineering project services to reduce costs. Michael Baker has successfully provided value engineering and cost management services to OBO for more than 25 years, based on the firm's proven experience providing multi-disciplined, value-engineering studies and technical-cost reviews of designs for OBO's office buildings, hospital and campus-facility projects.

"Michael Baker's Cost Management Division is pleased to be awarded this contract for the third time since 2005," said Mark Childs, CCP, PMP, Michael Baker Vice President of Cost Management. "Michael Baker's value-engineering specialists continue to demonstrate their expertise related to their ability to identify and address wide-ranging expenses early in the design process. The corresponding recommendations made for modifications to procedures that avoid costly delays and redesigns are just some of the ways We Make a Difference for our clients across broad geographies."

Michael Baker's value engineering team for these projects consists of subject matter experts in civil, architectural, structural, mechanical, cost estimating and electrical disciplines. For OBO, the firm's specialized expertise also will be provided related to areas that cover interior design, landscaping, fire protection, physical and technical security, telecommunications, geotechnical, LEED, sustainability, life-cycle cost analysis and planning.

Work is underway on this contract. The expected completion date is February, 2022.

About Michael Baker International

Michael Baker International is a leading global provider of engineering and consulting services, which include planning, architectural, environmental, construction, program management, and full life-cycle support services as well as information technology and communications services and solutions. The company provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions in support of U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael Baker International has more than 6,000 employees in more than 90 locations across the U.S. and internationally. To learn more, visit www.mbakerintl.com.

Contact: Justin Falce

[email protected]

(866) 293-4609

SOURCE Michael Baker International

Related Links

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RACINE, Wis., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Modine Manufacturing Company (NYSE: MOD), a diversified global leader in thermal management technology and solutions, recently hosted A Breath of Innovation, a summit aimed at educating participants about new European regulations and the HVAC solutions available to meet increasing demands.

Modine Hosts A Breath Of Innovation

With new European regulations aimed at saving energy and barring polluting refrigerants, the HVAC components market has been undergoing significant change. Now, more than ever, companies that operate in the refrigeration sector are looking for reliable partners that have a complete view of market policies and trends, and are capable of transforming restrictions and opportunities into tangible benefits for practical applications.

In order to provide its valued partners with desired solutions, Modine's Commercial and Industrial Solutions (CIS) business hosted A Breath of Innovation, a seminar dedicated to commercial coolers at Filanda Motta in Campocroce, Italy.

A Breath of Innovation offered presentations by Laura Puntin, Head of CIS EMEA; Andrea Fumi, Sales & Marketing Director EMEA; Umberto Di Barbora, Global Product Manager Commercial Coolers; Alessandro Fumi, General Manager Coatings EMEA; and Dennis Appel, Vice President, Commercial and Industrial Solutions. The event covered a variety of topics, including market trends, global regulations and new solutions in a changing industry.

During the event, Modine showcased its new ECO Heat Transfer Coolers. The dedicated spaces at the Filanda Motta, a former textile mill, were the perfect setting to display a selection of its products. The coolers were all equipped with the latest options, ranging from ElectroFin coating to adiabatic panels and control devices to the latest generation of fan motors.

Central to this event was the networking between attendees and Modine's specialists. Experts from all areas of the company were available to lead discussions focused on particular issues of interest, specifically new refrigerants, energy efficiency, and appropriate HVAC solutions. Over 100 people attended, including customers and project engineers, from across the EMEA region.

Modine also introduced the updated version of its Scelte software for the selection of commercial coolers. Guests had the opportunity get a preview under the guidance of technical experts Michele Bivi, R&D Manager for Coils & Refrigeration Coolers, and Paolo Gambellini, IT Senior Specialist.

A Breath of Innovation generated positive feedback, a sign that the Modine team was able to hit the mark and generate "a breath of innovation" that will propel the company and its partners towards a positive future. To view a portion of the event: https://youtu.be/QD7d1NG1DhM.

About Modine

Modine, with fiscal 2017 revenues of $1.5 billion, specializes in thermal management systems and components, bringing highly engineered heating and cooling components, original equipment products, and systems to diversified global markets through its three complementary business units: Vehicular Thermal Solutions (VTS); Commercial & Industrial Solutions (CIS); and Building HVAC Systems (BHVAC). Modine is a global company headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin (USA), with operations in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. For more information about Modine, visit www.modine.com.

Media Contact: Amanda Bulgrin Cristian Michelin

(262) 636-8466 +39 042 772 001

[email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE Modine Manufacturing Company

Related Links

http://www.modine.com


DENVER, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- MOUNTAIN HIGH ACQUISITIONS CORP (OTCQB: MYHI) announces that together with D9 Manufacturing, Inc. it is launching a pilot project aimed at proving a turnkey infrastructure model MYHI intends to roll out in highly promising cannabis markets such as California, Washington and Arizona. The objective is to help licensed cannabis growers overcome the key business challenge of financing steep startup infrastructure costs.

To initiate the project, MYHI has acquired two state-of-the-art intermodal containers engineered and designed specifically for growing cannabis. The opportunity to acquire the grow containers was presented to MYHI by D9 Manufacturing, Inc., an Arizona based company that offers a wide variety of engineering, manufacturing and consulting services to the cannabis sector. On May 30, MYHI announced the engagement of D9 to assist in the identification, acquisition and development of infrastructure opportunities in the cannabis market.

"We are very enthusiastic about pursuing this opportunity, and appreciate what D9 has brought to the table so quickly. The solutions we intend to provide to the cannabis industry solve real problems faced by licensed growers and producers. Having a license is not a guarantee of success. A grower needs infrastructure and equipment that maximizes the quantity and quality of their productionand all of that can be expensive," said MYHI CEO Alan Smith.

"That's where we come in. By providing swift access to affordable turnkey solutions not only do we greatly reduce setup time and costs and help growers get growing, we also help them to minimize risk and optimize their business."

As a part of this initial pilot, MYHI will lease its first two containers to D9 for use in licensed grow operations in Arizona and California. Grow operations in the containers are expected to begin within 30 days. Initial harvests are anticipated to occur 90 days later.

This particular pilot project will allow the company to test both the revenue modelacquiring and leasing infrastructure solutions to licensed growersand the equipment itself. In this case the equipment being leased out consists of intermodal containers that can be geared for cultivation or for extraction depending upon how the container is built out.

"This pilot is just the beginning," said Ferrel Raskin, CEO of D9 Manufacturing, Inc. "We have identified further opportunities for MYHI and D9 to pursue once this revenue model has been vetted and fine-tuned. The reality is that the cannabis industry has now matured enough so that we can identify common problems and challenges and, in turn, provide easier access to meaningful solutions. We're excited to be working with a partner like MYHI to ensure that these solutions are backed by sound business expertise and the ability to raise the capital required."

About Mountain High

Mountain High Acquisitions Corp. (OTCQB: MYHI) is a holding company focused on the acquisition and development of businesses and other assets within the cannabis sector. For additional information please contact Alan Smith at [email protected].

Press Releases may include forward-looking statements. In particular, the words "believe," "may," "could," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "project," "propose," "plan," "intend," and similar conditional words and expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Any statements made in this news release about an action, event or development, are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon assumptions that in the future may prove not to have been accurate and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the company. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although the company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that its forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Investors are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. The forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date hereof. The company takes no obligation to update or correct its own forward-looking statements, except as required by law or those prepared by third parties that are not paid by the company.

SOURCE MOUNTAIN HIGH ACQUISITIONS CORP.

Related Links

http://www.mountainhighac.com


GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- National Bank Holdings Corporation (NYSE: NBHC) expects to report its second quarter financial results after the markets close on July 20, 2017. Management will host a conference call to review the results at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, July 21, 2017. Interested parties may listen to this call by dialing (877) 272-6762 / (615) 800-6832 (International) using the Conference ID of 92242776 and asking for the NBHC Second Quarter Earnings conference call. A telephonic replay of the call will be available beginning approximately two hours after the call's completion through August 4, 2017, by dialing (855) 859-2056 (United States) / (404) 537-3406 (International) using the Conference ID of 92242776. The earnings release and an on-line replay of the call will also be available on the Company's website at www.nationalbankholdings.com by visiting the investor relations area.

About National Bank Holdings Corporation

National Bank Holdings Corporation is a bank holding company created to build a leading community bank franchise delivering high quality client service and committed to shareholder results. National Bank Holdings Corporation operates a network of 86 banking centers located in Colorado, the greater Kansas City region and Texas. Through the Company's subsidiary, NBH Bank, it operates under the following brand names: Bank Midwest in Kansas and Missouri, Community Banks of Colorado in Colorado, and Hillcrest Bank in Texas. More information about National Bank Holdings Corporation can be found at www.nationalbankholdings.com.

For more information visit: bankmw.com, cobnks.com, hillcrestbank.com or nbhbank.com. Or, follow us on any of our social media sites:

Bank Midwest: facebook.com/bankmw, twitter.com/bank_mw, instagram.com/bankmw;

Community Banks of Colorado: facebook.com/cobnks, twitter.com/cobnks, instagram.com/cobnks;

Hillcrest Bank: facebook.com/hillcrestbank, twitter.com/hillcrest_bank;

NBH Bank: twitter.com/nbhbank;

or connect with any of our brands on LinkedIn.

SOURCE National Bank Holdings Corporation

Related Links

http://www.nationalbankholdings.com


DALLAS, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- NexBank SSB, a regional bank based in Dallas, Texas, announced that its financial literacy programs reached 1,600 Dallas County students during the 2016-2017 school year. NexBank sponsors instructor-led and digital learning courses at 12 public schools in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods of Dallas County at no cost to the schools. Its programs are taught in both elementary and high school classrooms in Dallas ISD and Garland ISD.

NexBank partners with an educational technology company called EverFi to bring financial literacy courses into the classrooms. MoneyWorks by NexBank is a web-based program that is available in both English and Spanish and uses the latest in simulation and gaming technologies to bring complex financial concepts to life for today's digital generation.

NexBank also sponsors instructor-led courses for senior-level students at Molina High School using the FDIC Money Smart financial education curriculum. NexBank employees volunteer to teach the curriculum which covers topics such as basic banking services, budgeting, credit history and credit cards. To help the senior students with career exploration, NexBank offers internship opportunities and hosts a career day which includes a visit to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and NexBank corporate office. NexBank associates from Mortgage Banking, Commercial Lending, Loan Operations, Accounting and Legal engage students in discussions and Q&A sessions, providing students with insights into the financial services industry and its career opportunities.

For the upcoming 2017-2018 school year, NexBank plans to expand its digital learning program into new classrooms to reach additional students in Dallas County. It will continue its instructor-led courses at Molina High School for the upcoming Fall and Spring semester.

About NexBank SSB

NexBank SSB is a regional bank with assets of $5.3 billion and a charter that dates to 1922. The Bank provides commercial banking, mortgage banking and institutional services to meet the needs of its clients, which include institutional clients, financial institutions, and corporations nationwide. NexBank SSB is part of NexBank Capital, Inc., a financial services company. www.NexBank.com

NexBank SSB is a member of the FDIC.

Equal Housing Lender

SOURCE NexBank

Related Links

http://www.NexBank.com


TUCSON, Ariz., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- North Korea's belligerence should be sending an alarm to all Americans: its advancing technology poses an existential threat to us, perhaps sooner than predicted. Strong protests, disarmament talks, and sanctions have not worked to date. It is time for the U.S. to consider a strong defensive response, states Physicians for Civil Defense.

"Defense does not mean invading North Korea or 'regime change,'" states PCD president Jane Orient, M.D. "It means assuring that neither North Korea nor any other hostile power can achieve its objective."

The first step, she said, is to harden the U.S. electric grid against electromagnetic pulse (EMP). North Korea may not yet have a missile with a range long enough to reach the American heartland, or the ability to equip it with a nuclear warhead. But it probably will eventually, and other powers already do.

"A North Korean missile launch could also be an occasion for testing anti-ballistic missile defenses," she added. "Do we have some deployed in the Pacific? If not, Americans should demand to know why not. And whatever happened to a space-based system to deny safe passage of weapons of mass destruction through space?"

While Americans may imagine that we could "take out" the nuclear capacity of North Koreaor Iranat will, these facilities are no doubt hidden and well protected underground. "Nuclear weapons are awesomely powerful, but still limited. U.S. developed protective technology early in the nuclear age, but didn't install it here except for 'continuity of government' functions or to protect missile silos," Dr. Orient said.

"Well-publicized civilian protection and radiation monitoring, starting in Japan and South Korea, where 80,000 U.S. troops are stationed, and Anchorage, would send a clear message that the age of denial and indifference is over. The Trump Administration should announce that the U.S. no longer has a policy of deliberate vulnerability to nuclear terror," Dr. Orient said.

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, [email protected]

SOURCE Physicians for Civil Defense

Related Links

http://www.physiciansforcivildefense.org


WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Oasis Outsourcing, the nation's largest privately held Professional Employer Organization (PEO), has acquired DHR Services Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries (DHR). Oasis now serves more than 7,500 clients and 230,000 worksite employees nationwide. Since 1996, DHR has provided a broad range of Human Resources services to its diverse client base. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"The acquisition of DHR, our fourth acquisition in the past two years, is another important step in our growth strategy," said Mark Perlberg, President and CEO of Oasis Outsourcing. "This transaction allows us to provide DHR's clients additional technology solutions, best-in-class partnerships and broader worksite employee support, while Oasis gains access to a team of experienced and knowledgeable HR professionals."

"Joining forces with Oasis Outsourcing is a win-win for DHR and its clients," said Jim Valenzuela, CEO of DHR. "Oasis' demonstrated success in offering innovative workforce solutions will only elevate the DHR client experience. Our employees look forward to continuing their service-obsessed client relationships under the Oasis umbrella."

This acquisition will further expand Oasis' geographic footprint in the Western region of the United States.

About Oasis Outsourcing Holdings, Inc.

Oasis Outsourcing is a Florida-based Professional Employer Organization (PEO) serving more than 230,000 employees and 7,500 clients nationwide. Founded in 1996, it specializes in providing human resources services, employee benefits administration, payroll and tax administration, risk management services and staffing solutions to small- and medium-sized businesses throughout the United States. Oasis is accredited by the Employer Services Assurance Corporation (ESAC), ensuring the highest level of ethical, financial and operational standards in the PEO industry and has received SOC 1 Type II (formerly SAS 70) certification for its high level of accuracy and performance. Offices are located in Atlanta, GA; Austin, TX; Boca Raton, FL; Boston, MA; Charlotte, NC; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Edison, NJ; Houston, TX; Indianapolis, IN; Jacksonville, FL; Los Angeles, CA; Manhattan, NY; Miami, FL; Minneapolis, MN; Nashville, TN; New Haven, CT; Orlando, FL; Phoenix, AZ; Provo, UT; San Diego, CA; Sarasota, FL; St. Louis MO; Tampa, FL; Tucson, AZ; and West Palm Beach, FL. For more information about Oasis Outsourcing, visit www.oasisadvantage.com.

Contact: Laura Burns, 617-921-5969, [email protected]

SOURCE Oasis Outsourcing
"Access to Experian's depersonalized credit data adds immediate value to our clients, whether they are looking to buy, sell or hold loans," said Orchard's chief commercial officer Bill Ullman. "Typically, a borrower's creditworthiness is captured for loans at a particular point in time  when the lender is making a decision. Experian makes it possible to monitor the anonymous credit data of borrowers, in an ongoing and privacy-friendly way. We are excited to work with Experian, the industry leader, to provide our clients with the data they need to make better-informed decisions when using Orchard's analytics and transactional platform."

Delivering greater transparency, high-quality data and analytical tools to the market is central to the mission of both companies. Orchard's institutional clients should benefit from the use of Experian data to not only make more informed investment decisions through refined credit modeling but also through the ability to manage risks more effectively with more current loan data. Experian has been harnessing the power of data for many years to help consumers, financial institutions and governmental organizations make more informed and effective decisions. Raw data without the right level of interpretation is nothing more than untapped potential.

"We're pleased to be working with Orchard Platform to provide a powerful stream of insight through Experian's unique data," said Alex Lintner, president of Experian's Consumer Information Services. "We are confident that our expertise, combined with the technological strength that Orchard Platform provides, will give institutional investors and loan originators access to previously unavailable credit data and empower them to make better investment decisions.

About Orchard

Orchard is the leading provider of data, technology and software to the online lending industry. Founded in New York City in 2013, Orchard is building the infrastructure to power the many interactions between originators and institutional investors and help grow online lending into an efficient, transparent and global financial market. Orchard has been named to the Next Billion-Dollar Startups list, produces the Orchard US Consumer Marketplace Lending Index  the only industry-wide benchmark distributed on the Bloomberg Professional Services  and is recognized for its technical and analytical thought leadership as explored on its blog.

About Experian

Experian is the world's leading global information services company. During life's big moments  from buying a home or a car, to sending a child to college, to growing a business by connecting with new customers  we empower consumers and our clients to manage their data with confidence. We help individuals to take financial control and access financial services, businesses to make smarter decisions and thrive, lenders to lend more responsibly, and organizations to prevent identity fraud and crime.

We have more than 16,000 people operating across 37 countries and every day we're investing in new technologies, talented people and innovation to help all our clients maximize every opportunity. We are listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and are a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.

Learn more at www.experianplc.com or visit our global content hub at our global news blog for the latest news and insights from the Group.

Experian and the Experian marks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Experian Information Solutions, Inc. Other product and company names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

Contacts:





Kristine Snyder David Beaver Experian Public Relations Director, Content & Communications 1 714 830 5192 Orchard Platform [email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE Experian

Related Links

http://www.experian.com


Prime Minister Narendra Modi is making waves in Israel. But Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has slammed Modi for trying to build an India-Israel alliance, saying Indians are with Palestine.

By India Today Web Desk: After what seemed like an amply cheerful three-day visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to go to Germany. As the way Israel and its prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed PM Modi continues to make headlines and memes, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has slammed Modi.

In a Facebook post, Kerala CM Vijayan said making an anti-terrorism alliance with a country that kills innocents is an illogical move. Vijayan said, India's heart is against the brutality of Israel in Palestine.

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Referring to Israel as a country that kills innocent people accusing them of terrorism, Vijayan said that India is against how Israel sabotage Palestine people's fight and defence to live freely in their own soil.

Here is a close translation of his Facebook post:

It is not fun to use a "anti-terrorist" ally with a terrorist state that is killing innocent people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel has been transformed into a strategic partnership with Israel's global advisers Israel and transformed the US-Israeli-India axis into a strategic partnership.

India's mind is against the Israeli outrage that is branded as a threat to the Palestinian people's struggle to survive in their own soil. Zionist aims not only to build the Jews of the Jews but also to completely eliminate Palestine. Recognizing this, the Indian people have always supported Palestine resistance.

India is also the opposite of a non-aligned nation, with the Israeli policy of denying citizenship to the Palestinians and continuing to pursue the racist lounges without considering UN resolutions and internationally. From this point of view, the slogan of the Narendra Modi has changed.

It is because of the mood of the Sangh Parivar that we live in front of the gunfire of the Israeli army, Unity in the Modi-Netanyahu joint statement is unity between the Sangh Parivar and Zionism ideologies. The unity of despotism, hatred and civil liberties became unanimous.

Modi's visit to Israel is a huge celebration in the background of democratic states ignoring the invasion of Israel in close proximity to Israel. The Zionist sympathetic attitude of Narendra Modi without visiting Ramadama, the head of the Palestine Authority, continued to support Israel from indirectly supporting Israeli UN resolutions condemning Israel's human rights violations.

India, living in different religions, can never accept the path of Zionism. The decline of the Zionist nation and cruelty can be seen as a blind way for the RSS's communal agenda to gain acceptability.

Israel has now become the leading nation in the world after India. The profit from arms sales is being used to suppress the Palestinian people. It is a dangerous indication that helplessness for colonizing the occupying forces is a signal. In the name of food and religion, these are the politics of hatred which points to the way out of the country. People have a strong emotion towards this tendency.

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Here is the Facebook post for those who can read Malayalam:

SEE PICS | Narendra Modi, Benjamin Netanyahu's 3-day Israel bromance: In pictures

ALSO READ | Modi in Israel: 5 ways how the visit is timed strategically

--- ENDS ---
SALEM, Ore., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Oregon House of Representatives today ratified previous action by the Oregon Senate in passing an historic Tobacco 21 bill. The bill was amended in the House Rules Committee to remove any language prohibiting possession of tobacco products for those under 21. SB 754 will need to return to the Senate floor for a concurrence vote before heading to the Governor's desk; the end of session in Oregon is July 9. Governor Kate Brown has indicated her support for the measure that will raise the legal minimum sales age for all nicotine and tobacco products to 21. After Senate concurrence, with her action, Oregon will become the third state, after Hawaii and California to join this life-saving addiction prevention effort.

"95% of all smokers take up the habit before age 21, and raising the age has been shown to reduce high school smoking by half," said Eric Brodell, Western Regional Director of the Preventing Tobacco Addiction Foundation. "In Oregon, alcohol and recreational marijuana sales are already set at age 21. Tobacco, which kills almost 500,000 Americans each year, is clearly more dangerous to kids. That's why national polling shows 75% support for raising the age, including 70% of smokers."

Tobacco 21 has been a goal of the Oregon Legislature for the past three years. This session, Senator Elizabeth Steiner-Hayward and more than 15 co-sponsors pushed even harder and connected with a broad coalition of over 30 Oregon organizations representing physicians, nurses, hospitals, parents, teachers, students and service unions.

"As a physician, I'm committed to passing legislation to improve the health and lives of Oregonians. That's why I'm proud to be the chief sponsor of Senate Bill 754, which will prevent young people from a lifetime of tobacco and e-cigarette addiction," said Senator Steiner Hayward. "If signed by the governor, this new law will go a long way to preventing cancer as well as heart and lung disease."

The Tobacco 21 for Oregon coalition and the Senator's office worked closely together to develop campaign materials and create policy language that would be most effective for Oregonians. Additionally, testimony support was robust. Ranging from one of the world's premier cancer doctors, Dr. Brian Druker, to high school students attempting to create a healthier future for them and their peers.

Senate Bill 754 would go into effect on January 1, 2018. The delayed implementation date gives adequate time for Oregon residents, tobacco retailers, and current tobacco users under 21 to prepare for the policy change.

Contact: Eric Brodell, 1-614-7662211, [email protected]

SOURCE Preventing Tobacco Addiction Foundation
TETERBORO, N.J., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Party Rental Ltd., a leading full-service event rental company, announced today that it is newly open for business, servicing Massachusetts and Rhode Island, offering trade pricing to event professionals. Over 4,500 rental products are now available, ranging from furniture and chinaware to linens and cooking equipment.

"We have been in business for over 45 years and are an industry leader for rentals in the Northeast. We're family owned and organically grown and happy to be able to offer our products and services to all events in the New England Region," said Gary Halperin, President and CEO of Party Rental Ltd. The warehouse is strategically located to effectively service from downtown Boston to the Capes. "We're here to give customers more options and we want to inspire their best events yet. We're eager to show New England what we have to offer," said Alan Gottlich, Executive Vice President of Party Rental Ltd.

Party Rental Ltd. has two Design Studios that are now taking appointments. They are located at 186 South Street, Boston, MA and 157 Grove Street Franklin, MA. Boston. Natives, Ellie Goldman and Sandy Smith are now welcoming client consultations.

Party Rental Ltd. is the first rental company in the country to offer its customers an online ordering option, in addition to its traditional phone and email channels."We're happy to have this technology available in time for our New England expansion. We want to offer customers multiple ways and options for ordering at their convenience," said Alan Gottlich, Executive Vice President of Party Rental Ltd.

About Party Rental Ltd.

Party Rental Ltd. is a leading event rental company serving the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regions with the largest selection of linens, tables, flatware, chinaware and catering equipment in the country. The company provides rentals for over 50,000 events a year and prides itself on service, quality and variety of rental products for any occasion.

Party Rental Ltd. is a family-owned business established in 1972 that is headquartered in Teterboro, New Jersey. You may recognize them by their iconic pink hippo trucks! For more information, visit www.partyrentalltd.com

Media Contact:

Party Rental Ltd.

Caroline Ramos, Director Marketing and Communications

201-727-4122

[email protected]

SOURCE Party Rental Ltd.

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NEW YORK, July 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Europe Peat Market: Overview



Peat is also known as turf is a heterogeneous mixture made of incompletely decomposed plant remains, mainly sedges, grasses, reeds and mosses, formed when waterlogging and the exclusion of oxygen affect the natural processes of decay. It is a slow process, with the layer of peat increasing by an average rate calculated to be no more than 1mm (1/16in) depth per year. The peat land ecosystem is the most efficient carbon sink on the planet because peat land plants capture the CO2 which is naturally released from the peat.





Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04977661/Peat-Market-Europe-Industry-Analysis-Size-Share-Growth-Trends-and-Forecast.html







Demand for Peat is projected to have a sluggish growth in coming years considering the extensive concern over environmental issue, growth in renewables on a large scale and use of alternative substitutes such as wood fiber, coir, land fill biomass and green compost. Europe remains dominant in Peat market in terms of production and demand. Countries such as Ireland, Finland and Sweden are expected to be the key consumers of Peat. Peat is also used as a major constituent for horticulture industry. Governmental regulations and environmental concerns has remarkably affected the Peat market. This trend is anticipated to continue during the forecast period, and is therefore expected to unfavorably affect the market growth.



Europe Peat Market: Scope of the Report



This report analyzes and forecasts the market for Peat at Europe level. The market has been forecast based on revenue (US$ Mn) from 2016 to 2024, considering 2015 as the base year. The study includes drivers and restraints of the Europe Peat market. It also covers impact of these drivers and restraints on demand for Peat during the forecast period. The report also highlights opportunities in the Peat market in Europe.



The report includes detailed value chain analysis, which provides a comprehensive view of the Europe Peat market. Porter's Five Forces model for the Peat market has also been included to help understand the competitive landscape in the market. The study encompasses market attractiveness analysis, wherein end-users are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate, and general attractiveness.



Europe Peat Market: Segmentation



The study provides a decisive view of the Europe Peat market by segmenting it in terms of product type (Sapric, Hemic and Fibric) and applications such as power generation, agriculture, freshwater aquaria, water filtration, heating, horticulture and more). These segments have been analyzed based on present and future trends. Segmentation includes current and forecast demand for Peat in Europe.



The report provides the actual market size of Peat for 2015 and estimated market size for 2016 with forecast for the next eight years. The Europe market size of Peat has been provided in terms of volume and revenue. Market volume has been defined in Thousand Metric Tons, while market revenue is in US$ Mn. Market numbers have been estimated based on product type and key applications of Peat. Market size and forecast for numerous end-users have been provided in terms of global, regional, and country level markets.



Europe Peat Market: Research Methodology



In order to compile the research report, we conducted in-depth interviews and discussions with a number of key industry participants and opinion leaders. Primary research represented the bulk of research efforts, supplemented by extensive secondary research. We reviewed key players' product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents for competitive analysis and market understanding. Secondary research includes a search of recent trade, technical writing, Internet sources, and statistical data from government websites, trade associations, and agencies. This has proven to be the most reliable, effective, and successful approach for obtaining precise market data, capturing industry participants' insights, and recognizing business opportunities.



Secondary research sources that are typically referred to include, but are not limited to company websites, annual reports, financial reports, investor presentations, SEC filings, CSA Global, Government database, internal and external proprietary databases, and relevant patent and regulatory databases such as ICIS, Hoover's, oneSOURCE, Factiva and Bloomberg, national government documents, statistical databases, trade journals, market reports, news articles, press releases, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market.



We conduct primary interviews on an ongoing basis with industry participants and commentators to validate data and analysis. These help validate and strengthen secondary research findings. These also help develop the analysis team's expertise and market understanding.



The report comprises profiles of major companies operating in the Europe Peat market. The Europe Peat market is partially consolidated. Key players include Bord na Mona, Klassmann Dielmann, Vapo Oy, Oulun Energia, Neova Ab etc. Market players have been profiled in terms of attributes such as company overview, overall revenue, business strategies, and recent developments.



The Europe Peat market has been segmented as follows:



By Material Type



Sapric

Hemic

Fibric



By End-Use



Power Generation

Agriculture

Freshwater Aquaria

Water Filtration

Others



By Country



Germany

France

Ireland

Finland

Latvia

Lithuania

Estonia

Sweden

Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04977661/Peat-Market-Europe-Industry-Analysis-Size-Share-Growth-Trends-and-Forecast.html



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



http://www.reportlinker.com





__________________________

Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

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WASHINGTON, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Plumbing Pipe Advocate is urging anyone who is about to purchase an existing home in any US state to include a plumbing inspection by a reputable local plumbing contractor. The reason they are urging this is so the soon to be homeowner knows they are not buying a home that needs to be replumbed because it has defective plumbing pipe or because the home's plumbing system needs to be replaced because of the age of the pipe. In the event the home needs to be replumbed-the replacement cost might be something that could be negotiated with the seller.

Plumber-Pipe Replacement

The Plumbing Pipe Advocate is urging real estate agents to share this press release with their home buyer clients especially in California, Texas, Arizona, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, New Mexico, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware.

According to the Plumbing Pipe Advocate, "We do not trust that a home building inspector will necessarily be up to speed on defective plumbing pipes such as polybutylene or defective brass pipe fittings that all combined are still in millions of homes throughout the United States. Unfortunately, a home inspector may be up to speed on the condition of a home's roof but probably may not know much about plumbing pipes-and a water pressure test will not necessarily detect a plumbing pipe issue.

"Why is an independent plumbing inspection by a reputable local plumber so important? If you purchase a home with defective plumbing, or a plumbing system that is at the end of its useful life there may not be insurance coverage for damage done by a pipe burst or leaking pipe down the road." http://PlumbingPipeAdvocate.Com

Types of defective/worn out plumbing pipes a Home Buyer should be aware of Prior to purchasing a Home from the Plumbing Pipe Advocate:

Polybutylene Plumbing Pipe: Polybutylene plumbing was used in millions of homes built in the United States from 1978 until 1995.

from 1978 until 1995. Chinese Copper Plumbing Pipe: Chinese copper plumbing pipe was first introduced in single family homes in the early 2000's and it is still being used today. It is the opinion of the Plumbing Pipe Advocate that US homes that contain Chinese made copper pipe should be re-plumbed because the pipes leak, and or are subject to pin hole leaks that could cause extensive damage to a home. Chinese copper plumbing pipes in residential homes could soon become part of a national class action. If the litigation is successful there may not be insurance coverage for homes that contain Chinese made copper pipes because the litigation will have rendered them as defective.

Galvanized Plumbing Pipe: Galvanized plumbing pipe was used in the United States up to the mid 1960's. Homes that contain galvanized pipe should have these types of pipes replaced because they are at the effective end of their life.

The Plumbing Pipe Advocate is urging a potential home buyer to review an article from an insurance trade publication about defective plumbing pipes and general information about residential plumbing.

http://www.insurancejournal.com/magazines/features/2013/03/25/285518.htm

The Plumbing Pipe Advocate's number one goal is protecting America's home buyers or homeowners from defective plumbing pipes. If the home buyer is aware of plumbing issues they can plan for a re-pipe before they move into the house. A re-pipe of a house is no different than replacing a home's roof. If a home's plumbing system is past its effective life span or if defective plumbing pipe or plumbing fittings are in the home-the home should be re-plumbed with plumbing products that are made in the USA and come with a warranty. In the strongest terms-possible the Advocate is also urging home buyers to avoid a band-aid approach or plumbing patch jobs as the cost may outweigh the benefit. http://PlumbingPipeAdvocate.Com

Contact:

Thomas Martin

866-714-6466

[email protected]

SOURCE Plumbing Pipe Advocate

Related Links

http://plumbingpipeadvocate.com


BOSTON, July 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Media Equality Project has called on CNN to terminate reporter Andrew Kaczynski, whose "KFile" platform on CNN.com is billed as "The leading investigation team for the social, mobile generation."

Media Equality Project co-founder Brian Maloney said, "Because Andrew Kaczynski and KFile exist only as a partisan smear team, they have no place inside any American newsroom. Given today's heavy-handed threat against the creator of a humorous political GIF, CNN and Time Warner have no choice but to terminate Kaczynski and shut down KFile for good"

"When a media outlet allows reporters to advance their personal political agendas and call it news, it isn't investigative journalism. It is inciting harassment. The hashtag #CNNBlackmail is now trending worldwide because Kaczynski threatened to expose the identity of the creator of the viral Trump-CNN wrestling video," added Melanie Morgan, Media Equality Project co-founder.

"This is the same reporter who spread lies about Monica Crowley and Sheriff Clarke to prevent them from working in the Trump Administration. He smeared innocent people in Boston, tweeting that they were responsible for the bombing attacks. He isn't just biased, he's sloppy, reckless and irresponsible," Morgan continued.

The Media Equality Project has documented these attacks, encouraging supporters to contact CNN advertisers to let them know they won't support their products until Kaczynski is gone.

Through our "Stop the Scalpings" project, volunteers have focused their efforts on corporate supporters of MSNBC's Rachel Maddow; CNN's Kathy Griffin and Don Lemon; and the Public Theater's "Shakespeare in the Park" performance in NYC.

Activists are planning a protest outside CNN's Atlanta, GA headquarters on July 22, 2017. For more information, please visit MediaEqualizer.com.

SOURCE Media Equality Project

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http://mediaequalizer.com/


VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- When William "Butch" George, owner of the local butcher shop in a small eastern Pennsylvania town, got into the telephone business with six customers back in 1909, he couldn't possibly have foreseen an industry built on satellites, fiber optics, and cloud-based communications. Nearly 110 years later, however, his companynow one of the most progressive family-owned telecoms in the United Stateshas found the formula for not only competing, but also thriving, in this hotly competitive field.

Five years ago, Ironton Telephone Company (ITC), still owned and operated by the George family, launched its wholly-owned Ironton Global subsidiary to exploit the advent of cloud-based services. ITC identified the need to expand its business model to accommodate a national and even international presence.

"As a CLEC [Competitive Local Exchange Carrier], we are constantly looking to stay ahead of the market," recalled Allen George, Corporate Vice President of Operations for ITC. "Our goal was to acquire a cutting-edge technical infrastructure for both our residential and business customers. In particular we realized the opportunity in offering SIP trunks and hosted cloud PBX services. This is where we felt we could demonstrate leadership in our communities."

From the start, Ironton Global planned its network for high availability. Redundancy, along with affordability, exceptional quality, and a highly flexible platform that could accommodate a wide range of current, anticipated and even unanticipated voice and data services, were all keys to its core technology decisions. Its search led it to PortaOne and its integrated PortaSwitch softswitch and B/OSS (Business & Operation Support System) solution.

"PortaSwitch is especially well-positioned because it represents exceptional value. It is less expensive than the best-known names in the category, but features the same level of robustness," noted George, a third-generation member of the George family.

As a unified platform for voice, messaging, and data traffic, PortaSwitch enables all the essential switching and business functions for next-generation telecommunications networks. The solution contains two main components: PortaBilling, providing B/OSS capabilities across the service spectrum; and PortaSIP, a clusterable and highly scalable Class 4/5 softswitch. Together, these components support the full range of retail and wholesale offerings including Vonage- and Skype-like services, hosted IP PBX and IP Centrex, WiMAX, WiFi, and much more.

Because high availability is important to Ironton Global, it selected the largest available Oracle RAC-based configuration using Oracle RAC (Real Application Cluster). Within a year it expanded its PortaSwitch installation with a secondary site to ensure full geographic redundancy; it also purchased a non-commercial license as a staging platform for R&D and training.

"With PortaSwitch at the center of our infrastructure, we're able to deliver every service our customers need," stated George. "From SIP trunk services that provide both data and voice in the same connection, to enhanced hosted IP-PBX with triple redundancy protection, PortaSwitch helps us meet or exceed the business options offered by our competitorsand at better overall cost."

PortaSwitch has allowed Ironton Global and its ITC parent company to move confidently into the next level of telecommunications technology. The company's cloud-based system gives customers national and international calling capability. Best of all, the George family is assured that the company William George founded long ago will be able to continue serving the needs of the Lehigh Valley.

"By partnering with PortaOne, we continue to break through traditional telecom barriers to evolve the ILEC/CLEC models without losing our focus of our commitment to service excellence," concluded George. "We now deliver an integrated portfolio of business SIP service solutions, hosted IP PBX services, IP Centrex, voice and video calls, conferencing, unified messaging, and presence service to existing customers, industry partners, and a global marketa market unreachable before our PortaOne implementation."

About PortaOne:

Based in Canada, PortaOne is a leading global software developer for modern telecoms. The company's billing (B/OSS & OCS) and switching (SBC & Class 4/5) products enable telecommunication service providers and carriers to run a broad line of retail, enterprise, SME, and wholesale services on a single integrated software platform. PortaOne's flagship platforms, PortaSwitch (http://portaone.com/products/portaswitch/) and PortaBilling (http://portaone.com/products/portabilling) are fundamental parts of the business infrastructure for over 400 service providers and telcos in 85 countries worldwide. Over two-thirds of 300 PortaOne staff are support engineers providing the best-in-industry 24/7 technical support services for clients involved in hosted IP PBX and SIP trunking services, calling cards and wholesale VoIP, IPTV and residential triple-play, MVNO and MVNE, SMS, data and voice over LTE, and more. To learn more, visit http://PortaOne.com.

SOURCE PortaOne

Related Links

http://www.portaone.com


PORTLAND, Ore., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Portland-based family law firm Goldberg Jones is thrilled to welcome Steve O'Hagan to the team.

He's an experienced attorney, a strong advocate for his clients, and a valuable resource for the husbands and fathers of the Portland area. A tenacious litigator, Steve is dedicated to serving the best interests of his clients through a combination of thorough preparation and quick thinking.

Before making the leap to family law, Steve served as a prosecutor for the Multnomah County District Attorney's office for ten years. Working an array of complex cases provided great training to evaluate a variety of situations and figure out the best way to approach. Understanding the range of legal concepts and nuances only serves his skill with family law cases.

Managing attorney Colin Amos says, "Steve's experience as a prosecutor helps make him a sharp negotiator who is exceptionally comfortable in the courtroom. His background provides him with a decisive advantage over opposing attorneys since many family law attorneys do not have much actual trial experience. Clients love his understated confidence, significant experience and appreciate that they have a true advocate on their side."

Steve received his bachelor's degree from Bucknell University in Pennsylvania. He later earned his Juris Doctor from the University of California Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco.

Steve O'Hagan's experience and commitment make him an important addition to the Goldberg Jones family. Moving forward, he will be a valuable resource for the husbands and fathers of Portland and the surrounding areas.

About Goldberg Jones

Since being founded in 1996, Goldberg Jones has grown from three-person startup to a multi-state family law firm with offices in Seattle, Portland, and San Diego. With dozens of attorneys across Washington, Oregon, and California, we exclusively practice family law with an emphasis on protecting the rights of husbands and fathers in divorce, child custody, and other family law cases.

We pride ourselves on direct client contact, accessibility, and responsiveness to our clients' needs. Our divorce attorneys in Washington, Oregon, and California are knowledgeable and aggressive in protecting the rights of husbands and fathers under Washington divorce laws. For more information, please visit https://www.goldbergjones-or.com/

SOURCE Goldberg Jones

Related Links

http://www.goldbergjones-wa.com


Candidate Siddiqui previously announced the launch of his campaign before a crowd of approximately 20,000 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on June 25, 2017, delivering a message of unity, peace, law and justice, emphasizing: "We are a nation, a state, and a county of all backgrounds and beliefs. we are every language, every culture, and although we come from every corner of Earth we are all AMERICAN. It doesn't matter if you are red republican or blue democrat. We are all red, white, and blue." Siddiqui stressed that as a nation, "We must rise against hate, intolerance, and injustice. There is no strength without unity One Nation. One Destiny. UNITED We Rise ."

A trial attorney for the past 17 years and a founding partner of a renowned law firm headquartered in the 48th Congressional District (OC South-Coast Metro area, Costa Mesa), Siddiqui has regularly appeared in prominent media outlets, as the result of numerous high-profile cases. A powerful courtroom advocate, Siddiqui has been selected as a "Super Lawyer" numerous times, including 2015, 2016, and 2017.

On the front lines of national defense, Siddiqui also serves as a private advisor and consultant to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on issues of national security and counter-terrorism. Recruited by the FBI in 2010 to assist as an ally in national counter-terrorism efforts, Siddiqui's programs have been such a success, that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) also tapped Siddiqui in 2015 as a Community Partner and Advisor to help with creating similar programs.

For his efforts as a first line of defense, Siddiqui has been given numerous awards. He is a recipient of several Certificates of Congressional Recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives, the California State Assembly, and the Department of Justice and the FBI, including the prestigious FBI Director's Leadership Award presented by then FBI Director James Comey at FBI Headquarters in Washington DC on April 15, 2016.

In addition to the advising and consulting roles he fills for the FBI and the CIA, Siddiqui is presently Director of Special Projects of the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association [FBINCAAA] and was previously Chairman of the Board of the FBI Los Angeles Citizens Academy Alumni Association [FBI LA CAAA]. An active member of the FBI InfraGard Alliance, he also serves as an advisor to the Fullerton Police Department on the Police Chief's Advisory Committee.

Of his decision to run for Congress, Siddiqui said, "There is no denying we are in desperate need of solutions to far-reaching problems, both locally in our 48th District and nationwide. As a lawyer and an engineer, I am a problem solver by nature, and by trade. My life's work has been dedicated to analyzing, understanding, and then solving complex problems. As a lawyer, people and businesses come to me to resolve their complicated issues. As a government advisor, our national defense, intelligence and law enforcement agencies have honored me by coming to me for solutions. In 2018, I'm ready to get to work solving the myriad of problems facing our local, state and federal government."

"I have discussed the fundamental issues of national security and constitutional rights and freedoms with President Obama, FBI Director Comey, and CIA Director Brennan. Running for Congress is my commitment to continuing the tireless work of protecting America, all the while upholding the Constitution. As Congressman, I am ready to deliver solutions. Running for Congress is my commitment to that mission," Siddiqui said.

A native of Orange County, California, Siddiqui obtained a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Loyola Law School, Loyola Marymount University, where he currently serves as a Board Member of the Loyola Law School Board of Directors. He also holds Master of Science (M.S.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in Engineering from the University of Southern California (USC). Siddiqui was born and raised in Southern California.

www.OmarInTheHouse.com

SOURCE Omar In The House Committee

Related Links

http://www.omarinthehouse.com


CAMBRIDGE, Mass., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Quick Base, the platform for app-enabled business, today announced the addition of Dan Freund to its senior leadership team as senior vice president of sales, effective immediately. In this role, Freund will focus on scaling the existing sales team to accelerate growth and further capitalize on Quick Base's massive opportunity in the enterprise market.

Freund brings more than 25 years of global leadership experience to the team with a track record of driving exceptional results and innovation through the sales process. During his tenure at Oracle, he grew the OracleDirect (now Oracle Digital) division from $700 million to more than $1.2 billion in annual revenue over a five-year period.

"As an early innovator in the no-code space, the market is now heading to where Quick Base has been for a long time," said Rick Willett, Quick Base CEO. "We are thrilled about the opportunity ahead of us and know that Dan's experience will be invaluable as we look to scale our team and better serve our customers and prospects."

Prior to Quick Base, Freund served as the senior vice president of Commercial Business at InsideSales.com, where he opened the Boston office and built out a new sales and business development leadership team. Previously, he spent 17 years at Oracle, where he increased revenues and helped the organization break into new markets and business segments. This included the development of a new mid-market sales team that consistently achieved year-over-year double-digit growth, and the launch of an integrated appliance offering, with packaged hardware and software, to better serve new customer segments. In addition to growing revenue, Freund has a strong track record of building high-performing teams and developing talent. He also launched the OracleDirect Women's Network in 2012.

"In my 25 years working with software companies, I've yet to find one with as passionate customers and partners as Quick Base," said Dan Freund, Quick Base senior vice president of sales. "The Quick Base product and team are helping to drive business agility across organizations and transform the way people work. I am excited to meet with more of the company's 6,000+ customers and partners to see how we can deliver even more value for their organizations."

About Quick Base

Quick Base provides a cloud-based platform that empowers problem solvers to quickly turn ideas for better ways to work into apps that make their organizations more efficient. For nearly 20 years, people of all technical backgrounds have been using the Quick Base platform to create solutions that streamline processes, capture real-time data, and improve company operations while working in concert with existing IT systems. Based in Cambridge, MA and a former division of Intuit, Quick Base has a 6,000+ customer universe of app-enabled businesses that spans all industries and company sizes, and includes more than half of the Fortune 100. For more information, please visit: www.QuickBase.com

Quick Base is a d/b/a of QuickBase, Inc.

Media Contacts: Angela Maglione Puneet Sandhu

Quick Base Bateman Group for Quick Base

(617) 250-2241 (718) 312-8994

[email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE QuickBase

Related Links

http://www.QuickBase.com


The 15th Annual Golden Link Awards laud the innovators, visionaries and digital marketing leaders captivating millions of online consumers. Winners were named at a special event held during the 2017 Rakuten Marketing Symposium conference in New York City. Across the 14 award categories, this year's Golden Link Award winners include the following:

Best New Advertiser: Hilton Hotels

Best New Publisher: BuzzFeed

Affiliate Manager of the Year (Advertiser): Ceres Cueva  Macy's

Affiliate Manager of the Year (Publisher): Vadim Beleckis - TopCashBack

- TopCashBack OPM Agency of the Year: AM Navigator

Advertiser and Publisher Collaboration: JPMorgan Chase & The Points Guy

Rising Star Advertiser: Estee Lauder

Rising Star Publisher: Cools

Best Multi-Channel Performance: PacSun

Best Influencer Monetization: KickGenius/Eastbay

Lifetime Achievement Award: Aldo Bukit  Walmart

Advertiser's Choice: Ebates

Publisher's Choice: Bloomingdale's

"More than 250 of Rakuten Marketing's valued clients and partners joined us in celebrating this year's Golden Link Award winners  the best-of-the-best in affiliate marketing innovation, advancement and performance," said Tony Zito, CEO, Rakuten Marketing. "We are so pleased to work with all of our valued clients and appreciate the opportunity to provide them with industry-leading technology and relationships that help drive their affiliate success. This year's winners showcase the value that affiliate partnerships and technology bring to the ecommerce market. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners who were honored."

Footlocker.com brought additional fun to the evening's festivities with the Footlocker.com Sneaker Cam. Attendees were invited to glam-up their cocktail attire with sneakers at the Golden Link Awards and the 'kicks' were projected during the awards for attendees. Marling Nunez of Rakuten Marketing was honored for her 'hottest sneaker/cocktail attire combo' and was presented with a $100 Foot Locker gift card.

The Golden Link Awards panel of judges is composed of leading industry influencers, pundits and executives who select winners based on nominations from staff and clients. This year's judges included:

Melissa Campanelli , Editor-in-Chief and Content Director, Total Retail, Co-Founder, Women in Retail Leadership Circle

, Editor-in-Chief and Content Director, Total Retail, Co-Founder, Women in Retail Leadership Circle Pippa Chambers , Online Editor, AdNews

, Online Editor, AdNews Peter Figueredo , Partner & Head of Client Services, House of Kaizen and Affiliate Benchmarks

, Partner & Head of Client Services, House of Kaizen and Affiliate Benchmarks Tricia Meyer , Executive Director, Performance Marketing Association

, Executive Director, Performance Marketing Association Chris Trayhorn , CEO and Founder, mThink and Blue Book Network Rankings

Additional information about the Golden Link Awards can be found HERE.

About Rakuten Marketing

Rakuten Marketing industry leading solutions empower marketers to thrive in their evolved role and achieve the full potential of digital marketing, efficiently and effectively, with data-informed insights that create consistent, engaging and influential experiences across screens. Offering an integrated solution, along with unique insights and consultative partnerships, Rakuten Marketing delivers the tools that marketers need to increase efficiency, productivity and performance.

Rakuten Marketing is a division of Rakuten Inc. (4755: TOKYO), one of the world's leading Internet service companies. The company is headquartered in San Mateo, California, with offices in Australia, Brazil, Japan, the United Kingdom, and throughout the United States. Follow us on Twitter or learn more at http://rakutenmarketing.com.

Press Contact

Lisa Tadje

Sr. Director Communications, Rakuten Marketing

801-718-9980

[email protected]

SOURCE Rakuten Marketing

Related Links

http://marketing.rakuten.com


By PTI: Karachi, Jul 6 (PTI) A top leader of a prominent political party in Balochistan was today shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the capital of the restive Pakistani province.

Malik Naveed Dehwar, a leader of Balochistan National Party (BNP), and his guard were shot dead in Quetta city, police said.

Some unidentified gunmen opened fire at Dehwars vehicle and fled from the spot.

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Police said Dehwar died at the spot while his guard succumed to his injuries later in the hospital. Another person was also injured in the firing and was admitted to a hospital.

"No group has claimed responsibility for the target killings as yet," a police official said.

The BNP central leadership condemned the attack and said it highlighted the law and order situation in the province.

The party is headed by Sardar Akhtar Mangal, a former chief minister of Balochistan.

Earlier in the day, the health minister of Pakistans restive Balochistan province survived a rocket attack when unidentified assailants targeted his convoy.

The law enforcement personnel have cordoned off the area for investigation. PTI CORR KJ

--- ENDS ---
SHANGHAI, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ReneSola Ltd ("ReneSola" or the "Company") (www.renesola.com) (NYSE: SOL), a leading fully-integrated solar project developer and provider of energy efficient technology products, today announced that it was awarded 5MW of agricultural projects in Thailand.

The Energy Regulation Commission in Thailand recently announced project winners, which were selected by a lucky-draw system. Winners participate in a power purchase scheme featuring ground-mounted solar farms specific to certain governmental agency and agricultural cooperative programs. Of the projects awarded, 119MW are agricultural cooperative projects and 52MW are government agency projects.

All of the projects are eligible for a guaranteed tariff of Thai Baht 4.12/kWh. The projects are all expected to be connected to the grid by December 31, 2018. The electricity generated from the projects will be sold to the local utility under a 25-year purchase agreement.

Xianshou Li, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ReneSola, commented: "We are excited to further develop our project business in Southeast Asia, which is a high growth market for solar power. This program is an example of the innovative ways that the Thai government is encouraging the development of renewable power in their country. We look forward to further supporting solar deployment in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries."

About ReneSola

Founded in 2005, and listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2008, ReneSola (NYSE: SOL) is an international leading brand and technology provider of energy efficient products. Leveraging its global presence and expansive distribution and sales network, ReneSola is well positioned to provide its highest quality green energy products and on-time services for EPC, installers, and green energy projects around the world. For more information, please visit www.renesola.com.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

ReneSola Ltd

Ms. Rebecca Shen

+86 (21) 6280-9180 x106

[email protected]

The Blueshirt Group Asia

Mr. Gary Dvorchak, CFA

+86 (138) 1079-1480

[email protected]

In the United States:

The Blueshirt Group

Mr. Ralph Fong

+1 (415) 489-2195

[email protected]

SOURCE ReneSola Ltd.

Related Links

http://www.renesola.com


SUNNYVALE, Calif. and ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- RiskSense, Inc., the pioneer and market leader in pro-active cyber risk management, today announced that it was named one of the Most Innovative Companies in New Mexico for a second consecutive year by Albuquerque Business First. The honor recognizes RiskSense for having created and commercialized innovative new technology that enables organizations to detect, prioritize, and mitigate cyber security threats to their business. The publication is a subsidiary of American City Business Journals (ACBJ), the largest publisher of metropolitan business news in the United States with over 3.6 million readers each week.

Winners were selected by a panel of judges for innovation, impact, and disruption. RiskSense and other Innovation New Mexico award recipients have been honored at special event late June 2017 at Albuquerque's Downtown Civic Plaza.

"Being named a New Mexico Innovator again this year is an honor and demonstrates the momentum we continue to experience in the marketplace," said Dr. Srinivas Mukkamala, co-founder and chief executive officer of RiskSense. "Our ability to help businesses and government agencies identify cyber security risks, prioritize the most imminent threats, and address them quickly, has separated us from so many products that provide reactive not pro-active protection from attacks."

RiskSense has pioneered the category of cyber risk management in response to the increasing challenges of extracting actionable intelligence from the massive volume of data generated by a patchwork of cyber security products, including vulnerability scanners, threat intelligence feeds, and other complex security systems. The RiskSense Platform is the first cyber risk management solution that allows enterprises and governments to quickly understand their particular cyber risk exposure across a growing attack surface, quickly orchestrate remediation, and monitor the results. RiskSense reduces detection to remediation to minutes, not months, by unifying and contextualizing internal security intelligence, external threat data, and business criticality. This intelligence-driven approach enables organizations to pro-actively discover and address security gaps that pose the most severe risks to their operations.

About RiskSense

RiskSense, Inc., is the pioneer and market leader in pro-active cyber risk management. The company enables enterprises and governments to reveal cyber risk, quickly orchestrate remediation, and monitor the results. This is done by unifying and contextualizing internal security intelligence, external threat data, and business criticality across a growing attack surface.

The company's Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform transforms cyber risk management into a more pro-active, collaborative, and real-time discipline. The RiskSense Platform embodies the expertise and intimate knowledge gained from real world experience in defending critical networks from the world's most dangerous cyber adversaries.

By leveraging RiskSense cyber risk management solutions, organizations can significantly shorten time-to-remediation, increase operational efficiency, strengthen their security programs, heighten response readiness, reduce costs, and ultimately minimize cyber risks. For more information, please visit www.risksense.com or follow us on Twitter at @RiskSense .

Media Contacts

Marc Gendron

Marc Gendron Public Relations

+1 781.237.0341

[email protected]

or

[email protected]

SOURCE RiskSense, Inc.

Related Links

http://risksense.com


Latest addition to global manufacturing set-up will create approx. 150 new jobs in Jefferson County, West Virginia

MILTON, ON, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Construction is expected to begin in October this year on the 130-acre site in the City of Ranson, with initial production of ROCKWOOL's stone wool insulation slated to begin in the first quarter of 2020. With a total investment exceeding $150 million US, the new manufacturing facility will cover some 460,000 square feet and employ around 150 people in positions ranging from management levels to the production line.

The Jefferson County production facility will add to the ROCKWOOL Group's already strong presence in North America, where the company has existing manufacturing sites in Marshall County, Mississippi as well as Milton, Ontario and Grand Forks, British Columbia. Further production recently began for ROCKWOOL's acoustic ceiling tile subsidiary Rockfon, at a new production line in Mississippi.

ROCKWOOL Group President and CEO Jens Birgersson comments, "We aim to continue double-digit growth in the United States, and this new factory will play a major role in ensuring we meet the growing customer demand for non-combustible stone wool insulation in this market."

Trent Ogilvie, President of ROXUL, the ROCKWOOL Group's North American subsidiary adds, "This new production site places us close to major population centers in the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, and mid-western United States. We're growing along with the market, and we look forward to serving our customers' needs from this new facility."

Ogilvie continues, "We want to thank the State of West Virginia, the City of Ranson, and the Jefferson County Development Authority for the very good collaboration on this significant investment, which will create well-paying jobs for around 150 people. We're excited to become part of the local business community in Jefferson County."

"West Virginia welcomes Roxul as the newest international member to join our business community," says Governor Jim Justice. "This achievement is the result of the outstanding teamwork between Roxul, our Development Office, the Jefferson Development Authority, Jefferson County Commission and the City of Ranson."

The official groundbreaking is expected in October. Today's announcement is a follow-up on the ROCKWOOL Group's 24 February 2017 statement announcing its intention to purchase land for capacity expansion in the United States, Sweden, and Romania.

About ROXUL Inc.

Roxul Inc. is part of the ROCKWOOL Group. With three factories and 900 employees we are North America's largest stone wool producer, offering advanced building insulation, industrial and technical solutions.

At the ROCKWOOL Group, we are committed to enriching the lives of everyone who comes into contact with our solutions. Our expertise is perfectly suited to tackling many of today's biggest sustainability and development challenges, from energy consumption and noise pollution to fire resilience, water scarcity and flooding. Our range of products reflects the diversity of the world's needs, supporting our stakeholders in reducing their own carbon footprint along with way.

Stone wool is a versatile material and forms the basis for all of our businesses. With approximately, 10,500 passionate colleagues in more than 35 countries, we are the world leader in stone wool solutions, from building insulation to acoustic ceilings, external cladding systems to horticultural solutions, engineered fibers for industrial use to insulation for the process industry, marine and offshore. For more information, visit: www.roxul.com and www.rockwool.com.

SOURCE Roxul Inc.
TORONTO, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - VersaPay Corporation (TSXV: VPY) ("VersaPay" or the "Company"), a leading provider of cloud-based invoice-to-cash solutions including electronic invoice presentment and payment, automated accounts receivable, cash application and collections management, today announced a strategic relationship with Royal Bank of Canada RBC (TSX: RY). As part of the agreement RBC will offer its business customers VersaPay ARC, an integrated accounts receivable solution, under the RBC brand.

"RBC is always looking for new and innovative ways to help clients use digital platforms to manage and grow their businesses," noted Greg Grice, EVP, Business Financial Services at RBC. "The invoice-to-cash process is vital to the success of all businesses. Integrating this offering into RBC's leading cash management solutions, our business clients now have another way to improve the customer experience and better manage their receivables and cash flow."

RBC's relationship with VersaPay is unique amongst major banks in Canada  the collaboration between the Canadian Fintech and one of Canada's largest banks has provided commercial businesses with a leading and robust cash management solution.

"We are delighted to collaborate with RBC to deliver this new offering. With the bank's breadth and depth of banking and cash management services, and an impressive roster of business customers, RBC is in an ideal position to expand the use of ARC," commented Craig O'Neill, CEO of VersaPay. "The RBC team has been a pleasure to work with as we integrated our systems and prepared our market launch. We look forward to serving many customers together."

As part of the agreement, RBC will offer the solution to its business customers, with support from the VersaPay team. The bank has already introduced the service to select clients with the first RBC customer already signed. By signing up for the new service, RBC clients can offer an enhanced customer experience, reduce manual effort and operational costs, gain greater insight into their customers' accounts, and get paid faster.

About VersaPay

VersaPay is a Fintech company and leading provider of cloud-based invoice-to-cash solutions, enabling businesses to provide a superior customer experience, get paid faster, streamline financial operations, and dramatically reduce DSO and costs. VersaPay ARC is the new standard in accounts receivable and collections management with a customer self-service environment to view invoices online, collaborate on inquiries and disputes, and facilitate secure online payments (EFT/ACH and credit card). Businesses gain access to a suite of powerful tools that enable efficient collections, cash application and real-time insight into accounts receivable. VersaPay ARC automatically reconciles payments and account information through integrations with a wide range of ERPs and accounting software providers.

More information about VersaPay is available at www.versapay.com or under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Forward Looking and Other Cautionary Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Such forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words and phrases such as "plans," "expects," "is expected," "budget," "scheduled," "estimates," "forecasts," "intends," "anticipates," or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "would," "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.

These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. Management believes that these assumptions are reasonable. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks related to the speculative nature of the Company's business, the Company's formative stage of development and the Company's financial position.

Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE VersaPay Corporation

Related Links

www.versapay.com


SAN FRANCISCO, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), the global leader in CRM, today announced that Mark Hawkins, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, will participate in an RBC Capital Markets hosted bus tour on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at 3:30 p.m. (PT) / 6:30 p.m. (ET) in San Francisco, CA.

An audiocast will be available on Salesforce's website at www.salesforce.com/investor.

About Salesforce

Salesforce, the global leader in CRM, empowers companies to connect with their customers in a whole new way. Salesforce has headquarters in San Francisco, with offices in Europe and Asia, and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "CRM." For more information about Salesforce, visit: www.salesforce.com.

SOURCE Salesforce

Related Links

http://www.salesforce.com


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Browse 107 Market Data Tables and 53 Figures spread through 169 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Seamless Pipes Market"

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/seamless-pipe-market-107715353.html

Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report

Increasing global demand for energy has led to a rise in exploration activities and investments in the oil & gas industry. The increasing demand for high-performance tubular products from the growing oil & gas industry is expected to be a major factor expected to drive the growth of the Seamless Pipes Market. Seamless pipes are preferred over welded pipes in the oil & gas industry, as seamless pipes have high corrosion resistance and a better strength to weight ratio.

Speak to Analyst @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalyst.asp?id=107715353

Based on type, the hot finished seamless pipes segment is expected to be a faster-growing segment of the Seamless Pipes Market

Based on type, the hot finished seamless pipes type segment is expected to witness the highest growth, due to the growing use of hot finished seamless pipes across various industries, such as oil & gas, power generation, infrastructure & construction, and automotive. Hot finished seamless pipes are cost-effective. These pipes have good machinability and are often preferred for projects that require high strength and close tolerance.

Based on production process, the cross-roll piercing & pilger rolling segment is expected to be the fastest-growing segment of the Seamless Pipes Market during the forecast period

Based on production process, the cross-roll piercing & pilger rolling production process segment is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period. The cross-roll piercing & pilger rolling method is highly cost-efficient, which helps reduce the overall manufacturing cost of the end products.

Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing market for seamless pipes during the forecast period

The Seamless Pipes Market in Asia Pacific is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period. China, India, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea are key countries contributing to the high demand for seamless pipes in Asia Pacific. Increasing industrialization and rapid infrastructural development in the region offer opportunities for the growth of the market. Seamless pipes are widely used in various applications in the infrastructure & construction industry, owing to their properties, such as high strength, thermal resistance, corrosion resistance, and chemical resistance.

Request for Sample PDF of Report @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=107715353

Some of the key players in the Seamless Pipes Market include Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation (Japan), ArcelorMittal SA (Luxembourg), JFE Steel Corporation (Japan), Tenaris S.A. (Luxembourg), Vallourec AG (France), IPP Europe Ltd. (UK) Zaffertec S.L. (Spain), Cimco Europe (Italy), Wheatland Tube Company (US), Techint Group SpA (Italy), ISMT Ltd. (India), ALCO SAS (Colombia), Shalco Industries Pvt. Ltd. (India), UMW Group (Malaysia), United Seamless Tubulaar Pvt. Ltd. (India), Jindal Saw Ltd. (India), Tianjin Pipe (Group) Corporation (China), PAO TMK (Russia), Sandvik AB (Sweden), United States Steel Corporation (US), Schulz USA (US), ChelPipe (Russia), EVRAZ Plc (UK), Salzgitter Mannesmann Stainless Tubes GmbH (Germany), and Tubos Reunidos, S.A. (Spain).

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Fiberglass Pipes Market by Type (GRP, GRE), Fiber (E-Glass, T-glass), Application (Oil & Gas, Chemicals, Sewage, Irrigation), and Region - Global Forecast to 2021

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/fiberglass-pipe-market-210259599.html

High Strength Steel Market by Type (High Strength Low Alloy Steels, Dual Phase Steels, Bake Hardenable Steels, Carbon Manganese Steels, and Others), by End User (Automotive, Construction, and Others), by Region - Global Forecast to 2021

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/high-strength-steel-market-4627428.html

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Visit Our Blog @ http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/chemical

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SOURCE MarketsandMarkets
NEW YORK, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Attorney Advertising -- Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is investigating potential claims of whether the board members of Monogram Residential Trust, Inc. ("Monogram" or the "Company") (NYSE: MORE) breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the proposed sale of the Company to Greystar Growth and Income Fund, LP ("Greystar"). Such investors are encouraged to obtain additional information and assist the investigation by visiting the firm's site: www.bgandg.com/more.

On July 4, 2017, Monogram announced that it agreed to be bought by Greystar and that deal, expected to close in the second half of 2017 has been unanimously approved by the REIT's board of directors. Included in the terms of the agreement, Monogram shareholders will receive $12.00 in cash for each share of Monogram stock they own.

The investigation focuses on whether the Monogram board members failed to fulfill their duties to the shareholders and whether Greystar is underpaying for Monogram.

If you are a shareholder of Monogram and believe the proposed buyout price is too low, you can learn more about this investigation by visiting the firm's site: www.bgandg.com/more. You can also contact Peretz Bronstein or his Investor Relations Analyst, Yael Hurwitz of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC: 212-697-6484.

Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a corporate litigation boutique. Our primary expertise is the aggressive pursuit of litigation claims on behalf of our clients. In addition to representing institutions and other investor plaintiffs in class action security litigation, the firm's expertise includes general corporate and commercial litigation, as well as securities arbitration. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Contact:

Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC

Peretz Bronstein or Yael Hurwitz

212-697-6484 | [email protected]

SOURCE Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC

Related Links

http://www.bgandg.com


In his new role, Kelly will be responsible for overseeing Sharp's manufacturing facility in Memphis, TN that supplies the Microwave Drawer and other cooking products under the Sharp brand as well as to strategic OEM partners. Kelly will report to Jim Sanduski, President of Sharp Home Electronics Company of America (SHCA).

"Michael brings more than 30 years of industry and Sharp-specific knowledge to his new role," said Jim Sanduski. "His considerable experience and deep roots within the company make him a perfect choice to take the reins of SMCA as we embark on expanding our home appliance portfolio for the North American market."

"I am proud to lead SMCA in my new role as Senior Vice President," said Michael Kelly. "As Sharp's first overseas factory, SMCA has been manufacturing market competitive products under the Sharp brand and to several major OEMs in the North American market since 1979. The Memphis manufacturing facility will continue to play a key role in providing locally assembled products for the North American marketplace."

Kelly's promotion is one of two executive announcements. Shotaro Watanabe, previous head of SMCA, is returning to the North American Product Planning Department, a part of the Kitchen Appliance Division of the Yao factory of Sharp Corporation in Japan.

For more information about SMCA, please visit www.SharpUSA.com.

About Sharp Home Electronics Company of America (SHCA)

SHCA is the U.S. Consumer Products Group of Sharp Electronics Corporation, the U.S. sales subsidiary of Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer and manufacturer of one-of-a-kind premium technology products. SHCA includes the manufacturing of Home Appliances in Memphis, TN together with the sales & marketing and servicing of Home Electronics in the United States. Leading products include Sharp Carousel, Microwave Drawer, SuperSteam+ ovens, and Plasmacluster Ion air purifiers. Sharp was named one of the Most Admired Brands in America and Sharp Corporation was named one of the 20 Most Loved Companies globally*. Learn more at http://www.sharpusa.com/.

*Sources: Buyology Inc., 2012; APCO Worldwide, 2013

Sharp, Carousel, Plasmacluster, Microwave Drawer, Supersteam+ and all related trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sharp Corporation and/or its affiliated companies. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

SOURCE Sharp Electronics

Related Links

http://www.sharpusa.com


AIRPORT CITY, Israel, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Shikun & Binui Ltd. (TASE: SKBN.TA), a global construction and infrastructure company headquartered in Israel, today announced that the Company's CEO since 2015 Mr. Yaron Karisi, announced his desire to step down from his position as CEO, for personal reasons unrelated to the Company. Mr. Karisi will continue to serve as CEO until a mutually agreed-upon ending date which has not yet been determined.

The Company thanks Mr. Karisi for his service and for his accomplishments during his years of service.

About the Shikun & Binui Group

The Shikun & Binui Group is a global construction and infrastructure company that operates in Israel and internationally in seven segments: 1) infrastructure and construction contracting outside of Israel; 2) infrastructure and construction contracting within Israel; 3) real estate development within Israel; 4) real estate development outside of Israel; 5) renewable energy; 6) concessions; and 7) water. The Group's activities focus on large, highly complex projects carried out for entities in private and public sectors with a focus on sustainability.

This summary announcement was prepared solely for the convenience of the reader and does not replace Shikun & Binui Ltd.'s (hereafter  "the Company") full report. The information contained in this announcement is, by its nature, incomplete. All of its contents are provided as a supplement to the Company's report, and are subject to the declarations therein stated. This announcement includes forecasts, assessments, estimates and other information relating to the Company or its subsidiaries, or to other parties or to future events and matters, the extent of whose realization is not certain and is not under the sole control of the Company (forward-looking information, as defined in the Securities Law-1968). The key facts and data serving as the basis for this information are facts and data, among others, related to the current status of the Company and its businesses, facts and data relating to the current status of the operating segments in which the Company engages in its areas of operation, and other macroeconomic facts and data known to the Company on the preparation date of this presentation.

It is understood that forward-looking information does not constitute a fact and is based solely on subjective assessments. Forward-looking information is uncertain and for the most part, is not under the Company's control. The realization or non-realization of the forward-looking information will be influenced, among others, by the risk factors that characterize the Company's operations, as well as developments in the general environment and external factors that impact the Company's operations. The Company's future results and achievements could differ significantly from those presented in this presentation. The Company is not obligated to update or modify the said forecast or assessment, and is not obligated to update this announcement. This announcement does not constitute an offer to purchase the Company's securities or an invitation to receive such offers. An investment in securities in general, and in the Company in particular, carries risk. One must take into account that past data do not necessarily indicate future performance.

IR Contacts:



Company

Inbal Uliansky

+972 (3) 6301058

[email protected]



External IR

Ehud Helft/Kenny Green

GK Investor Relations

+1 617 418 3096

[email protected]



SOURCE Shikun & Binui
"We like to say 'been there done that' when discussing solar PV monitoring", said Anthony Conklin, President of Solar Data Systems, Inc. "Our experience allows us to assist plant owners in maximizing on their solar investment, and our global fleet means we can help installers overcome any monitoring or metering obstacle."

Installers, plant operators and owners across the country can view the latest solar monitoring technology and receive a hands-on demo of the Solar-Log WEB Enerest platform this July 11-13th, at the Moscone center, San Francisco, CA, West Hall, Level 3, booth 9121.

*According to GTM Research report, 'Global PV Monitoring 2016-2020: Markets, Trends and Leading Players', Solar-Log is the largest independent software vendor for residential and commercial solar PV monitoring.

About Solar Data Systems, Inc.

Solar Data Systems, Inc. is fully owned subsidiary of Solare Datensysteme GmbH, manufacturer of Solar-Log web-enabled monitoring and metering solutions for photovoltaic plants. Solar-Log is a global market leader with over 265,000 plants monitored world-wide, with a generating power nearing 12 GW. The Solar-Log product family monitors plant performance, records local weather data, provides real-time error detection, automatic status information, and offers revenue-grade metering for incentive reporting. Additional communication protocols with supported components allow inverters, batteries, heat pumps, and numerous other devices to be integrated into the Solar-Log monitoring platform. This industry-leading functionality maximizes PV plant performance, optimizes self-consumption, provides intelligent grid feed-in controls, and best-in-class PV plant fleet management.

Solare Datensysteme GmbH is based in Binsdorf, Germany and is a subsidiary of BKW AG (Bern, Switzerland)  a global company for energy and infrastructure.

SOURCE Solar Data Systems, Inc.
By Supriya Bhardwaj: The Opposition will be in a huddle in the coming days to chart out its strategy to corner the government during the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament beginning July 17.

For this, the Congress has even reached out to Janata Dal (United) leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to attend the meeting likely to take place next week in New Delhi.

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According to sources, Nitish may also meet Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi separately.

The Congress wants this meeting to be some sort of a show of strength wherein the Opposition leaders will brainstorm the strategy to corner the government.

The party has already started reaching out to the other parties to build a consensus before the start of the monsoon session.

The issues the Opposition led by the Congress has zeroed in and to be raised in Parliament are farmer suicides, the state of economy following demonetisation and rollout of the Goods and Services Tax, the communal tension across India, and the recent lynching of Muslims allegedly by Gau Rakshaks.

To highlight the plight of farmers, the Congress is planning to hold Kisan Mahapanchayats in the BJP-ruled states like Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.

They will be attended by Rahul Gandhi. The party has also invited other Opposition parties to join in.

The other issues likely to be raised by the Opposition in Parliament are the generation of jobs, the crisis in the Information Technology sector, the Kashmir situation, and the escalation of tension along India's border with China.

Also Read:

Nitish Kumar has all the qualities to become PM, says JDU spokesperson KC Tyagi

Nitish Kumar: Congress a big party, should set Opposition agenda

WATCH | Bihar CM Nitish Kumar attacks Congress, accuses it of indulging in reactionary politics

--- ENDS ---
CHICAGO, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SPINS, the only source for consumer insights; digital applications for brands, consumers, and retailers; cross-channel retail analytics; health & wellness expertise; and industry-leading consulting services, announces Brian Gillis to lead its growing retail team to accelerate cutting-edge, data-driven products and services for North American retailers.

Gillis brings a long and proven history of helping retailers succeed with customer insight and shopper marketing. Most recently, Gillis led the Americas divisions of dunnhumby and later of Symphony EYC as EVP/GM, but his broad view of the CPG industry also includes experience in category management with Loblaw's and marketing and sales with General Mills.

"SPINS' Product Library and proprietary digital solutions are peerless sources of business intelligence for the health & wellness marketplace. For retailers, these will be the keys to success in a transforming omnichannel market," said Gillis. "My team is prepared to help retailers maximize their customer experience and answer today's consumer's demand for transparency."

"By way of Brian and his team, SPINS is setting a new standard for customer insight across SPINS' participating retail partners," said SPINS CEO, Tony Olson. "This team serves retailers as a superior resource, enabling retailers to not only understand their shoppers but engage them and deliver the valuable information that drives buying decisions in the ways shoppers want to receive it."

About SPINS

SPINS is a passionate advocate of brands and retailers that promote healthy living. As the leading provider of retail consumer insights, analytics reporting, and consulting services for the Natural, Organic, and Specialty Products Industry, its business offerings are helping retailers in this high growth area to connect people with the brands that they need and love. Learn more at www.spins.com.

SOURCE SPINS

Related Links

http://www.spins.com


SANTA ANA, Calif., July 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On Monday, June 26th, new start-up company, MyCajita, launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for their company. MyCajita --first of its kind-- is a subscription box that delivers a monthly experience that is inspired by Mexico's cultura, tradicion, y vida. The box is curated to be a shared experience that reflects an authenticity, respect, and love of Mexico, keeping true to the heritage and appreciation of the culture. The thoughtfully curated, monthly experiences include a combination of food & drink, art, history, traditional customs, textiles, home decor, music, celebrity curators, and more. The Kickstarter campaign will be the first time MyCajita is available for public purchase.

The box is curated to be a shared experience that reflects an authenticity, respect, and love of Mexico, keeping true to the heritage and appreciation of the culture. The thoughtfully curated, monthly experiences include a combination of food & drink, art, history, traditional customs, textiles, home decor, music, celebrity curators, and more! One of our MyCajita monthly boxes -- Cafe y Chocolate -- 2 traditional, artisanally crafted mugs and everything needed to prepare Cafe de Olla and authentic Mexican Hot Chocolate!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mycajita/mycajia-mexicos-culture-home-delivered-monthly

(Shortened URL: http://bit.ly/MyCajita)

Those who subscribe to MyCajita via Kickstarter will receive early bird specials and discounts on their monthly subscription.

MyCajita isn't just about creating monthly experiences but about re-writing the narrative about Mexican Americans and being active members in our community. MyCajita is committed to staying active in Hispanic communities and giving back to creating success opportunities.

Some of the monthly themes to be included with MyCajita are:

Cafe y Chocolate (Coffee and Chocolate) -- 2 traditional, artisanally crafted mugs and everything needed to prepare Cafe de Olla and authentic Mexican Hot Chocolate!

(Coffee and Chocolate) -- 2 traditional, artisanally crafted mugs and everything needed to prepare and authentic Mexican Hot Chocolate! Contemporary Mexican Art -- a contemporary Mexican artist curates a box that reflects their interests and includes limited edition prints of their own work.

Craft Cocktails -- everything needed to create some craft tequila cocktails and premium micheladas.

Salsa Roja en Molcajete -- A traditional mortar and pestle found in every house in Mexico . Along with fresh ingredients and recipes to prepare some authentic Salsa Roja and more!

The idea of MyCajita came to fruition after co-founders Alex Lopez and Danny Vivian noticed a loss of culture happening with every passing generation, and a desire by most to stay connected to their culture. The influx of Chinese-made, poor quality, and antiquated styled products led them to search boutique and reputable artisans that reflect authenticity, and quality craftsmanship to source products that would help keep people connected to Mexico's culture.

"We strive to continue to share Mexico's culture and pride. We find great quality products, many from Mexico, and bring a little bit of Mexico to you every month," said Alex Lopez, Chief Executive Officer of MyCajita. "When people subscribe to MyCajita, they join La Comunidad, a way to stay connected, reconnect, or start a connection with Mexico's cultura, tradicion, y vida in an authentic, affordable, and convenient way."

The Kickstarter campaign will last until July 26.

For more information, visit www.mycajita.com, or follow @MyCajita on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

CONTACT: Danny Vivian, [email protected], (562) 858-8387

SOURCE MyCajita

Related Links

http://www.mycajita.com


WASHINGTON, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Steward Partners Global Advisory, LLC, an employee-owned, full-service independent partnership associated with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. (member FINRA/SIPC), was awarded the Best Place to Work in the medium-sized company category at Washington Business Journal's annual ceremony this past week.

Now in its 11th year, the Washington Business Journal's prestigious Best Places to Work list honors companies that excel at creating positive work environments that inspire and engage their employees. This year's honorees ranked highest among the hundreds of Greater Washington companies that participated in an employee engagement survey conducted by Quantum Workplace. Employees were asked to assess different aspects of their work, including communication and resources, work-life balance, personal engagement, managerial effectiveness, team dynamics, trust in leadership and more.

STEWARD'S CULTURE PROVES ATTRACTIVE

Established in late fall of 2013, Steward Partners began with a simple idea: give the advisors a voice in the direction and strategy of the company. That feeling of 'partnership' and having a stake in the company takes on a whole new meaning for our partners," said President and Chief Operating Officer, Hy Saporta.

Through its association with Raymond James, Steward Partners offers its advisors the independence to focus on their clients' needs while, at the same time, providing them with access to the resources and technology of a larger firm. Steward's "Elite Hybrid" model has generated considerable interest, attracting dozens of established high-end advisors and fueling the firm's expansion to 10 offices and over 100 employees in less than four years. "They give us the freedom to do what's in the best interest of our clients instead of worrying about the day-to-day administration of running a company," said Managing Director Aaron Brachman. "That kind of freedom is rare."

As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering a successful workplace culture, Steward Partners will soon introduce an advisory council made up of a variety of employees from across the firm. The council will brief Steward's board of directors and management team on a quarterly basis regarding any areas of concern or issues that need attention.

Since November 2013, Steward Partners has added 64 advisors with nearly $50 million in trailing 12-month production and over $7 billion in assets under management. Earlier this year, Steward Partners announced the opening of the firm's ninth and tenth locations, in Clearwater, Florida, and Boston respectively.

About Steward Partners Global Advisory

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with additional offices in Albany, N.Y., Andover and Boston, Mass., Bethesda, Md., Clearwater, Fla., Keene, Manchester and Portsmouth, N.H., and New York City, Steward Partners Global Advisory, LLC, is an employee-owned, full-service independent partnership catering to family, institutional and multigenerational wealth.

For more information, visit us at www.stewardpartners.com.

About Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.

Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., is a financial services firm supporting more than 3,700 independent financial advisors nationwide. Since 1974, Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, has provided a wide range of investment and wealth planning related services through its affiliate, Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. Both broker/dealers are wholly owned subsidiaries of Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE-RJF), a leading diversified financial services company with 7,200 financial advisors serving approximately 3 million client accounts in more than 2,900 locations throughout the United States, Canada and overseas. Total client assets are $658 billion.

Steward Partners Holdings and Steward Partners Global Advisory, LLC, maintain a separate professional business relationship with, and our registered professionals offer securities through, Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Steward Partners Investment Advisory, LLC, 1776 I Street NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20006. Toll Free: (844) 801-8268.

Press Contact:

Gregory Banasz

202-930-6008

[email protected]

SOURCE Steward Partners Global Advisory, LLC

Related Links

http://www.stewardpartners.com


WAYNE, Pa., July 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Cloud computing is supposed to create vast improvements for organizations with complex technology environments, but getting up and running can prove challenging and costly without the right resources. To help simplify cloud migrations, operations and recovery, Sungard Availability Services (Sungard AS) is introducing Managed Cloud  Amazon Web Services (AWS). Sungard AS now offers a powerful new service to customers looking to move IT workloads to the cloud.

"AWS has done an amazing job of leading a sea change in programmable infrastructure," said Josh Crowe, CTO, Sungard AS. "Through that change, customers continue to look to us to help solve their infrastructure challenges across their existing estate of systems and hyperscale clouds. We provide them with the tools and expertise to deploy their new apps and migrate existing workloads onto AWS so they can focus their attention on their core business."

Sungard AS takes a programmatic approach to leveraging AWS to ensure consistency and reliability. For example, when creating new accounts, the security and configuration is implemented automatically. An automated environment confirms that customers' workloads are secure and performing properly inside of AWS and also in Sungard AS data centers, including our newest data center in Santa Clara, California.

Managed Cloud  AWS is intended to integrate easily with other Sungard AS services. One size does not fit all when it comes to the cloud. According to IDC Worldwide IT Predictions 2017, some 85 percent of organizations are adopting a multi-cloud strategychoosing different clouds for different applications, such as a combination of private clouds, hosted private clouds or public cloud environments across different providers. Sungard AS can meet the needs of these complex environments, providing managed services not just inside of AWS but also in Sungard AS data centers and even, potentially, at customer sites.

"Customers are looking for a partner to help them across their entire IT deployment," continued Crowe. "Not all applications are ready to move to the cloud, so most companies find themselves in a hybrid IT environment. Sungard AS has the expertise to help companies determine the right course of action for each application and create a robust, available and recoverable infrastructure for both cloud and legacy applications."

AWS provides a highly reliable, scalable, low-cost infrastructure platform in the cloud that powers hundreds of thousands of businesses in 190 countries around the world. With data center locations in the U.S., Europe, Brazil, Singapore, Japan, and Australia, AWS allows customers across all industries to take advantage of low cost, agility and instant elasticity, openness and flexibility, and security. Millions of customers already use AWS products and solutions.

Sungard AS Managed Cloud  AWS is available in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

About Sungard Availability Services

Sungard Availability Services ("Sungard AS") is a leading provider of critical production and recovery services to global enterprise companies. Sungard AS partners with customers across the globe to understand their business needs and provide production and recovery services tailored to help them achieve their desired business outcomes. Leveraging more than 35 years of experience, Sungard AS designs, builds and runs critical IT services that help customers manage complex IT, adapt quickly and build resiliency and availability. To learn more, visit www.sungardas.com or call 1-800-468-7483. Connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Media Contact:

Nora Hahn

Sungard Availability Services

Tel: 281-584-4616

[email protected]

Sungard Availability Services is a trademark or registered trademark of SunGard Data Systems or its affiliate, used under license. The Sungard Availability Services logo by itself is a trademark or registered trademark of Sungard Availability Services Capital, Inc. or its affiliate. All other trade names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

The abbreviation for Sungard Availability Services is 'Sungard AS' as cited above. Please use 'Sungard AS' when abbreviating the name rather than 'Sungard' or 'SunGard,' which may confuse the reader with another separate company with a similar name.

SOURCE Sungard Availability Services

Related Links

http://www.sungardas.com


WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N.C., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- One weekend per year, the boys step aside, and surfer girls of all ages take center stage at the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic. Open to newbies, amateurs, or professionals from around the globe, the annual classic returns August 11-13, 2017. Long-time Wahine Classic supporter Blockade Runner Beach Resort will serve as the host hotel.

Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic Ambassador Leah Thompson (R), Courtesy of Ed Potter Wahine Classic Ambassador Kat Neff (top) with Camden Hoover, Courtesy of Ed Potter

"There are only a handful of surf competitions on the East Coast for ladies," said Jo Pickett, event organizer, surf teacher, and former US National Shortboard Champion. "The Wahine Classic at Wrightsville Beach is recognized as one of the majors, in good company with Jacksonville, Florida, Folly Beach, and Virginia Beach."

Along with new entries in 2017, Pickett expects most participants from last year to return. "Girls from Virginia to Florida make their way here to compete," said Pickett. "They love this competition because they get to know each other and learn from each other in a supportive environment."

2017 competition includes the Shortboard Divisions for guppies, girls, junior women, women, open, and pro; Longboard Divisions for girls, junior women, women, and pro; plus the Teenie Wahine, Tandem Longboard, and SUP Surf Divisions. Division winners will receive prizes contributed by local, national, and international businesses. A cash prize is provided in the Pro Divisions.

Activities begin on Friday, Aug. 11, with registration pickup and "a meet, greet, eat, and surf evening for competitors and their families at South End Surf Shop," said Pickett. Saturday's competition is scheduled from 8 AM until 4 PM. Sunday is slated from 8 AM until 3 PM followed by an awards ceremony on the beach. Online event registration will close at midnight on August 9.

Spectators are welcome. The best accesses to the beach are 37 and 38, or just a short walk on the beach from Blockade Runner.

"The mission of Wahine Classic is to empower girls of all ages, build their self-confidence and self-esteem, and to promote physical, mental, and emotional wellness," said Pickett. "While having a fun weekend of learning, teaching, and friendly competition, the girls and ladies develop mutual trust and lasting friendships. We believe that time spent in the ocean has a positive impact on our lives."

2017 Ambassadors for the Wahine Classic are Oak Island, NC native Swain Curtain, a UNCW student and Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) Surfer for the past four years; University of North Florida Student Kat Neff, a two-time East Coast Junior Women Longboard Champion and three-time ESA Regional Champ; and, Wilmington's Leah Thompson, named the Carissa Moore Rookie of the Year in 2016, the 4th place winner in the NSSA Nationals in Huntington Beach, CA, and first-place winner in the under-18 ESA Mid-Atlantic Regionals.

ISA certified Bradley Rose and Steven Mangiacapre will serve as Head Judges, assisted by Judges Eric Knight, Jed Jeffries, Dylan Stone, and John Sideris.

"It is encouraging to see an increase in surfing and other watersports opportunities for ladies and girls," said Mary Baggett, Wrightsville resident and co-owner of host hotel Blockade Runner Beach Resort. "With surfing as an Olympic sport starting in 2020, one day we hope to see our Wahine Classic girls on the podium wearing gold, silver, or bronze."

"Last year we switched our awards to medals," said Pickett, owner of Crystal South Surf Camp. "When I hung the medals around the younger's girls necks I told them, "This is just like the Olympics because surfing is in the Olympics in 2020." They all lit up. They just thought that was the coolest thing."

One week following the Wahine Classic, on Monday, Aug. 21, Surfers Healing returns to Wrightsville Beach. Surfers Healing was founded 20 years ago by professional surfer Izzy Paskowitz and his wife Danielle for their son Isaiah. Wrightsville Beach is one of 21 locations on the 2017 tour from Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, and coast-to-coast in the Continental United States.

Click for Registration Information

Click for Accommodations

Click for Press Photos and Logos

Contact:

Jo Pickett, Event Organizer

Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic

(910) 465-9638

[email protected]

Robert B Butler

Communications | PR

www.RBButler.com

www.NCPressRelease.org

Permission granted for redistribution

#WrightsvilleBeach #Surfing #SurfersHealing #Autism #WahineClassicWB #BlockadeRunner

SOURCE Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic
SEATTLE, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Syntonic, a mobile platform and services provider, today announced the appointment of former Sprint and AT&T senior executive, Steve Elfman, as the new Chairman of the Board amid accelerated customer growth, rapid product innovation and ongoing global expansion. Along with this cornerstone appointment, Syntonic has also rounded out its board of directors with the addition of a Sydney-based leader in emerging technologies, Nigel Hennessy, to drive Asia-Pacific capital market awareness and to support the company's regional expansion.

In the last two years, Syntonic has secured partnerships with major mobile network operators worldwide, including two of the world's three largest carriers. Along with the strong global position afforded by such partnerships, Syntonic has solidified its presence in four major geographies including the United States, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and India  providing sponsored access services to nearly one million users of the Freeway app, the company's flagship consumer product. The appointment of these two non-executive directors furthers Syntonic's larger corporate objective to close the gap between expensive data plans and affordable mobile access on a global scale.

"From a business philosophy and industry expertise perspective, both Steve and Nigel will provide invaluable guidance as Syntonic enters the next stage of corporate growth," said Gary Greenbaum, CEO and co-founder of Syntonic. "With Steve's strong sense of strategic leadership and Nigel's broad business and technical expertise, the two bring very different yet crucial energies and viewpoints to strengthen an already world-class board."

Mr. Elfman is assuming the role of Chairman of the Board following a planned succession of Ian Middelmas who stepped down effective June 30, 2017. With more than two decades of industry experience, Mr. Elfman brings unparalleled knowledge in wireless infrastructure and mobile applications to the Syntonic board. He currently serves as founder and executive managing partner at TAP Growth Group, after stints as President of Network Operations and Wholesale at Sprint and Senior Vice President and CIO of AT&T.

"Syntonic is uniquely poised to address many gaps in the wireless industry, including global issues in access to content," Mr. Elfman said. "I look forward to working alongside Gary, Nigel, and the rest of the board to guide Syntonic's next phase of growth and build the company's long-term strategy."

Mr. Hennessy's background in Asia-Pacific growth coupled with expertise in technology commercialization in the Australian market is ideally suited for Syntonic's go-forward strategy, given the company's global expansion goals and public listing on the Australian Security Exchange (ASX). He has held numerous executive and board director positions at large corporations and emerging technology companies  including BAE Systems plc, CCN/Cabcharge Ltd, Simoco Pacific Networks Pty Ltd, Adacel Technologies Ltd, AquaSpy, Inc. and EASAMS Ltd.

"In the wireless industry, it is rare to find an early stage company that has made such notable traction in just a few short years," Mr. Hennessy said. "With much of the essential technology and infrastructure already in place, I am eager to participate in Syntonic's future growth. Asia-Pacific in particular is on the cusp of a major explosion in mobile usage, and Syntonic will be at the forefront of that movement."

The appointments come during a marquee year for Syntonic, following expansion in the Latin America market and ahead of several product innovations to be released throughout 2017. To keep up with the latest, visit www.syntonic.com.

About Syntonic

Syntonic (SYT.ASX) is a consumer and enterprise mobile platform services company that is transforming the mobile Internet with application-centric business and usage models. Syntonic's Connected Services Platform supports both consumer sponsored content solutions and split-billing for corporate Bring-Your-Own Device (BYOD) deployments. Founded in 2013, Syntonic has developed worldwide strategic partnerships with leaders in the mobile ecosystem. To learn more about Syntonic visit www.syntonic.com.

SOURCE Syntonic

Related Links

http://www.syntonic.com/


NEW YORK, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential securities fraud at Tahoe Resources Inc. ("Tahoe" or the "Company") (NYSE: TAHO).

The investigation focuses on whether the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws. On July 5, 2017, the Company announced that the Supreme Court of Guatemala issued an order suspending its license to operate the Escobal silver mine. Specifically, the suspension followed a claim by a Guatemalan anti-mining group that Guatemala's Ministry of Energy and Mines violated the local indigenous population's right to consultation when it initially granted Tahoe's mining license.

On this news, Tahoe's share price declined sharply during intraday trading on July 6, 2017, causing harm to investors.

If you invested in Tahoe stock or options between and would like to discuss your legal rights, click here : www.faruqilaw.com/TAHO. There is no cost or obligation to you.

You can also contact us by calling Richard Gonnello toll free at 877-247-4292 or at 212-983-9330 or by sending an e-mail to [email protected].

CONTACT:

FARUQI & FARUQI, LLP

685 Third Avenue, 26th Floor

New York, NY 10017

Attn: Richard Gonnello, Esq.

[email protected]

Telephone: (877) 247-4292 or (212) 983-9330

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.

SOURCE Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP

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WILMINGTON, Ohio, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ahead of Amazon's largest single-day sales event, pilots who fly for Amazon Prime Air are taking their concerns about the future of the delivery service directly to Amazon customers. Pilots from Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings (AAWW) and Air Transport Services Group (ATSG)which, together, are contracted to fly 40 planes for Amazon Prime Air by 2018  launched a nationwide advertising campaign detailing the intensifying issues at their airlines and the potential risks for Amazon Prime customers.

"Events like Prime Day are an important reason why customers love Amazon's service, and as pilots committed to making Prime successful, we feel it's our responsibility to educate consumers about the troubles brewing behind the scenes," said Captain Michael Griffith, a long-time pilot at AAWW subsidiary Atlas Air. "Our airlines are facing serious challenges, and after years of working below industry standards, many of our colleagues are leaving at a time when finding and retaining experienced pilots is more difficult than ever. Customers shouldn't have to worry about the future of Prime, and we're calling on them to urge Amazon executives to work with pilots and its contractors to address these issues."

The pilots, who work for companies contracted to fly for Amazon's Prime Air service, say issues simmering beneath the surface at their airlines and across the air cargo industry threaten to undermine the success of Prime and could pose challenges for their ability to deliver for Prime customers.

Raising these concerns directly with customers in the lead up to Prime Day, the pilots are launching an advertising campaign that will target consumers nationwide on Google and Facebook. The ads will link to CanAmazonDeliver.com, an informational website which details the growing issues at the Prime Air carriers that could undermine their ability to get the job done. The site also includes tools for customers to ask Amazon executives to make sure its contracted pilots have a fair contract to strengthen their ability to deliver for Prime customers.

In what industry experts are calling a "slow burning crisis" that has airlines of all sizes and types scrambling to cope, the pilots and experts say a looming pilot shortage not only threatens to disrupt operations at airlines across the country, but poses a significant challenge to the success of Prime Air. The effects of this crisis have already started to have significant ramifications for consumersmost recently, Horizon Air, a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group and a major regional carrier in the Pacific Northwest, was forced to cancel more than 300 flights this summer due to a "severe shortage" of pilots for its Q400 turboprop planes.

At the same time, the realities of the pilot shortage combined with substandard pay and years-long delays in union contract negotiations have also triggered significant problems at the Prime Air airlines. Both AAWW and ATSG are undercutting industry-wide standards in everything from pay and wages to working conditions, eroding pilot morale.

Conditions at Atlas Air, one of the Prime Air carriers and a subsidiary of AAWW, have also created turnover, recruitment, and retention issues that could undermine the airline's commitments to Amazon. The company's efforts to hire at least 160 pilots in the first five months of 2017 have come up alarmingly short. Over the same period of time, Atlas has lost 110 pilots, leaving the company only able to fulfill less than a third of its staffing needs.

In May, pilots voiced concerns to Amazon investors about what Quartz described as "bad news in the cutthroat world of e-commerce" at the company's annual shareholder meeting in Seattle. There, dozens of pilots from each of the Prime Air carriers protested outside of the venue to alert shareholders about the escalating issues at their airlines and how these could spell trouble for Amazon's growing logistics and delivery business. These challenges were also outlined in a letter to the Amazon Board of Directors from International Brotherhood of Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer Ken Hall, which called on the company to work with pilots and the union on solutions to these problems.

BACKGROUND

First rolled out in 2015, Amazon's "Prime Day" is a one-day exclusive sales event for Prime members. In 2016, the event generated the highest single-day sales figures for the company --surpassing Black Friday and Cyber Monday  with Amazon selling two million toys and 90,000 TVs in a 24-hour period.

In recent years, Amazon has signaled an increased investment in creating and growing its logistics arm. The e-retailer broke out revenues for its logistics operations for the first time in the first quarter of 2017, and earlier this year, the company announced that it will construct a $1.5 billion hub at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport (CVG) and will partner with German shipping giant Deutsche Post DHL to leverage the shipper's existing resources at CVG. Amazon has also inked numerous deals to lease freighter aircraft to build out its air cargo fleet and is rumored to be in discussions to purchase as many as 400 new Boeing 767s. The company has also secured warrants to purchase substantial equity in AAWW and ATSG, driving speculation among some analysts that the tech giant may consider acquiring its cargo contractors in the near future.

At the same time, growing issues bubbling beneath the surface at Amazon's cargo contractors and across the logistics industry threaten to derail the success of Prime Air. Carriers of all types are facing a nationwide pilot shortage that could leave airlines scrambling to replace tens of thousands of pilots expected to retire in the coming years.

Simultaneously, extensive delays in union contract negotiations and years of substandard pay continue to fuel problems at Prime Air's contractors, including staffing, attrition and recruitment issues at AAWW. In a recent survey of Atlas pilots, 65 percent of surveyed pilots said they were planning to apply to another airline in the coming year. Many are looking to FedEx and UPS, major delivery companies that offer competitive benefit and pay packages, and that Amazon is relying on less and less for its Prime Air business.

Citing contract violations and short-staffing issues, pilots at ATSG's ABX Air went on strike in 2016 at the start of the busy holiday shipping season, creating what Fox Business called a "rocky start" for Prime Air.

The Airline Professionals Association, Teamsters Local 1224 represents pilots and flight crewmembers from 11 airlines operating across the country.

Contact:

Desmond Lee, (646) 517-1826

[email protected]

SOURCE Teamsters Local 1224
FARMINGDALE, N.Y., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of her wonderful career, Strathmore's Who's Who, in conjunction with America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals, will be endorsing Teresa J. Hagy as one of 2017's Times Square Program recipients. This means her photo and information will appear on two "larger-than-life" digital billboards in central Times Square, Manhattan, New York City starting July 6, 2017. The Times Square appearance is given to the individual who has demonstrated consistent excellence in their career. The visual celebration of this individual will be displayed on digital screens at the venerable and historical 3 Times Square, New York, one of the busiest and most high-profile landmarks in the nation.

Teresa J. Hagy is a first-grade teacher at Washington Lee Elementary School in Bristol, TN. She received her B.A. in Elementary Education from Virginia Intermont College in 1972, and her M.E. in Education from the University of Virginia in 1976. As a tireless champion of elementary education, it can never be said that Teresa Hagy does not care enough about the well-being and mental, physical and emotional growth of the children to whom she has so selflessly devoted her life. She is a compassionate, giving individual gifted with the God-given virtues of patience and intelligence. Ms. Hagy is a traditional woman, in that she values the mores and ways of a bygone era. This, she feels, is precisely what her students and the world at large sorely need in this day and age. However, she is not stuck in the past in any way, as she has continued to develop with the constantly moving world of education  be it technological growth or otherwise. Ms. Hagy entered the public-school system in 1975, following three years as Clinical Instructor of Education in the private school system, which she feels gave her the confident and successful career start which she enjoyed. She has taught grades one through six (sans 2nd grade) and has amassed a tremendous foundation of knowledge based on this experience. During her tenure at Washington Lee Elementary, Ms. Hagy has helped develop curriculum tests for the school system; she has conducted workshops on teaching techniques; and she has lectured on educational topics, amongst countless other career highlights  far too many to contain in any biographical sketch of overview. She belongs to the following affiliations: National Education Association; Virginia Education Association; Bristol Virginia Education Association; Delta Kappa Gamma; International Reading Association; Virginia Reading Association; Southwest Virginia Reading Council; Member, Church Librarian, Chair of Women's Circle, Member of Church Choir, Song Leader, Chair of Christian's Women's Fellowship and 1st-3rd grades Sunday School Teacher at the Central Christian Church.

Throughout her storied career, Teresa Hagy has claimed a seemingly never-ending series of outside awards, honors, commendations and special distinctions and memberships from Strathmore's Who's Who, America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals and Cambridge Who's Who. Ms. Hagy was mentored early in her career by the venerable Dr. Richard W. Van Deren, who had the following things to say about her in a 1975 recommendation letter:

"After teaching fourth grade for two years, I asked her to take on a first-grade assignment. While I was very pleased with Ms. Hagy's performance as a middle-grade teacher, I find her especially well-suited to teaching primary grade children. While she is very competent in teaching all areas of the curriculum, her very special contribution is her ability to instill a love of learning and good attitudes toward school in the children she teaches.

"In my work as Director of Teacher Education and Demonstration School Principal for Virginia Intermont College, I deal, in varieties of ways with pre-service and in-service teachers. Frequently my job involves evaluating their effectiveness  real and potential. I reserve my highest ratings and praise for those few whom I would welcome to teach my own children. I feel I would be a most fortunate parent to have my children taught by one such as Ms. Teresa Hagy."

As part of our ongoing effort to preserve and honor America's truly unsung heroes, a special multi-episode installment of Strathmore Online Radio during its upcoming season will be devoted to educators who truly make a difference every day of their lives; educators whose students never forget them even the little ones! Teresa Hagy is no stranger to this sort of influence and, as such, she has been granted the flagship podcast in this special episode arc coming soon. The program itself will be a veritable treasure trove of information about Ms. Hagy, as provided by the woman herself. This show will also act as a "hands-off" warning to the companies whom have taken advantage of Ms. Hagy in the past.

What you might not realize about Teresa Hagy is that she is, in fact, the one-time victim of severe fraud perpetrated by various companies masquerading as Strathmore's Who's Who and America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals. Ms. Hagy longs to tell her story if only to warn others against such attacks and misleading business practices. Our companies welcome this as well, because it's a scenario that has plagued our clients and our organizations time and time again. Ms. Hagy has had a challenging few years, to be sure, as she struggled to find credibility amongst the many Who's Who "copycat" organizations whose opportunist owners and managers took advantage of her.

This is no more.

Ms. Hagy is now back in the care and under the direction of her original Who's Who membership organizations as established in the year 2000 when she joined Strathmore's and America's Registry. Sadly, we live in a time when the "scam" has become commonplace and such questionable, and in many cases, downright criminal organizations have attempted to besmirch the good name of the Who's Who industry and its inherent values as forged so many decades ago.

Strathmore's Who's Who, in its near-30-year run, practically "wrote the book" (pun very much intended) on the networking consulting and exposure tenets still followed and expanded upon today by some of the biggest companies in the world. Lately, a new job of ours has been damage control; repairing the harm caused to ours and other people's clients by illicit imitators who see an opportunity to capitalize on our reputation by tarnishing it. Fortunately, our clients know who we are, and what we do, as our work speaks for itself.

In the end, Teresa Hagy not only straightened out her situation (with the close help of our executive staff), but also returned to the home where she originally made her mark as one of America's top elementary educators. Armed with her own credibility and a team of key Strathmore executives on her side, Ms. Hagy has claimed her rightful position for the ages, and she has done on better: She has secured what is inarguably the most esteemed program and distinction offered in the America's Registry tradition; Biography of the Year (2019).

America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals "Biography of the Year": This singular position has officially been filled by an equally singular professional; the inimitable Teresa J. Hagy. In a triumph to top all triumphs, against all odds, Ms. Hagy won the hearts and minds of the editorial staff and board of directors, securing what can only be described as an underdog victory story. Not only is this the first time an elementary educator has claimed this coveted position, but it is also the first time a Tennessee native has done so. Teresa Hagy, we salute you on a career well done and a life well lived indeed. It is our only hope that you can continue to flourish and succeed in the ways that only a good, God-fearing person can.

Aside from a celebratory biography and account of what Ms. Hagy has been going through in years past, this press release is also intended to serve as our official statement of warning for any and all companies who have taken advantage of Ms. Hagy or any other clients like her: This behavior will not be tolerated, and it will be met with swift and aggressive legal action if it is discovered that any more clients of Strathmore's Who's Who or America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals are contacted using dishonest information and/or representation involving our companies' names. Regarding our esteemed Bio of the Year recipient, Teresa Hagy, this statement shall also serve as a personal "hands off", as she is not interested in pursuing any ventures beyond those already approved by her trusted executive contacts at Strathmore's Who's Who Publications; those being carried out legitimately.

Or, to put it plainly, so there can be no mistake: Teresa Hagy is not answering the phone anymore.

ABOUT US

Strathmore's Who's Who and America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals each publish annual two-thousand-page hard cover biographical registries, honoring successful individuals in the fields of Business, the Arts and Sciences, Law, Engineering and Government. Based on one's position and lifetime of accomplishments, they honor professional men and women in all academic areas and professions. Inclusion is limited to individuals who have demonstrated leadership and achievement in their occupation, industry or profession.

SOURCE Strathmore's Who's Who

Related Links

https://strathmore-ltd.com


NEW YORK, July 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Baby Food Market in Canada 2017

Summary



Despite the growth in the number of live births, expansion in the milks sector, which accounts for the bulk of retail sales, has been held back by the increase in breastfeeding rates. Sales in other sectors have been negatively affected by challenges to the popularity of baby meals, due to adverse publicity, a move towards home preparation of meals and, for some of the period, a more difficult economy. The market increased by just 13% in value to C$506 Million (US$381 Million) in 2016, while sales in volume terms declined by 4% to 27,902 tons.



Baby milks account for 63.5% of value sales of baby food, well ahead of wet meals (24.5%) and cereals & finger foods (11.3%). Milks have seen their share of sales decline since 2010, mainly as a result of rapid rises in the price of wet meals following the introduction of pouches from 2011/12 onwards. In volume terms, meals account for 48%, compared with milks on 39%. Cereals & finger foods have outperformed the market in both volume and value terms, due to the growing availability and popularity of a widening range of finger foods. Sales of drinks are low and have fallen back significantly.

At present, Canada does not produce infant formula, but several companies have plans to begin local manufacture. A few small players produce other baby food. Imports of baby food have been fluctuating between 23,000 and 28,000 tons per year. In 2016, 90% of volume and 96% of value consisted of cereals and milks, imported predominantly from the US. Exports plummeted in 2012 and, despite a small rally in 2014, have remained at a low level. In 2016, just 2,137 tons, worth US$5.8 Million, were exported. Cereals and milks accounted for 61% of value exports, destined mainly for Mexico and China.



By 2022, the market is forecast to achieve sales of C$677 Million, an increase of 34% compared with 2016, helped by a gradually increasing number of births and a relatively good economy. Value growth will be highest in cereals & finger foods (+43%), due to the continuing growth in finger foods. Milks value should be boosted by the trend towards premium products, resulting in a 35% increase. Wet meals will benefit from the higher popularity of pouches and regular innovation in product flavors and types. Volume growth is likely to be restricted to 5%, bringing total consumption to 29,378 tons.



Mead Johnson now leads the total market, based on its expanding share of the milks sector. In 2016, it had a share of 24% in value, three percentage points ahead of its nearest rival, Abbott, which held 21%. Nestle has seen its share of milks and wet meals fall significantly, although its share of cereals has held up. As a result, it now lies in third place. Heinz has also come under increasing pressure in the wet meals sector, due to the growing popularity of products from newer entrants, including Baby Gourmet and Love Child Organics. Own label products have also made a growing impact.



The report "The Baby Food Market in Canada 2017" provides extensive and highly detailed current and future market trends in Canadian market.



Specifically, this report provides the following -

- Consumption data based upon a unique combination of industry research, fieldwork, market sizing work and our in-house expertise to offer extensive data about the trends and dynamics affecting the industry.

- Detailed profile of the companies operating and new companies considering entry in the industry along with their key focus product sectors.

- Market profile of the various product sectors with the key features & developments, segmentation, per capita trends and the various manufacturers & brands.

- Overview of baby food retailing with a mention of the major retailers in the country along with the distribution channel.

- Future projections considering various trends which are likely to affect the industry.



Companies mentioned in this report: Mead Johnson Nutrition Company, Abbott Nutrition, Nestle Canada Inc., Heinz Canada, Danone, Baby Gourmet, Love Child Organics.

Scope



- The market for baby food stood at tons in 2016, representing a 4.2% decrease over 2010 adversely affected by the rise in the proportion of mothers breastfeeding and the duration of breastfeeding.

- Baby milks account for 63.5% of value sales of baby food, well ahead of wet meals (24.5%) and cereals & finger foods (11.3%).

- At present, Canada does not produce infant formula, but several companies have plans to begin local manufacturing.

- A high proportion of volume (90%) and value (96%) consisted of cereals and milks, imported predominantly from the US in 2016.

- Grocers have increased their share of baby food sales in recent years, while the proportion sold via drugstores and pharmacies has declined sharply.

- GlobalData estimates that the market will begin to expand again, and will increase by 5.3% in volume between 2016 and 2022.



Reasons to buy



- Evaluate important changes in consumer behavior and identify profitable markets and areas for product innovation.

- Analyse current and forecast behavior trends in each category to identify the best opportunities to exploit.

- Detailed understanding of consumption by individual product categories in order to align your sales and marketing efforts with the latest trends in the market.

- Investigates which categories are performing the best and how this is changing market dynamics.

Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04969328/The-Baby-Food-Market-in-Canada.html



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



http://www.reportlinker.com

__________________________

Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

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The New Delhi Municipal Council had proposed in April that Teen Murti Marg and Teen Murti Chowk be renamed Haifa ahead of Modis visit to Israel.

By Press Trust of India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Haifa today, but a proposal mooted by NDMC more than two months ago to rename a prominent road in Lutyens Delhi after the Israeli city is still in limbo.

The New Delhi Municipal Council had proposed in April that Teen Murti Marg and Teen Murti Chowk be renamed Haifa ahead of Modis visit to Israel, the first by an Indian prime minister.

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"No final call has been taken on the proposal yet. It was deferred in the April meeting and has not been taken up since then. We are not sure whether it will be scrapped totally or reconsidered later," NDMC Vice Chairman Karan Singh Tanwar told PTI.

In a meeting on April 24, some council members had claimed the proposal had been passed but the civic body chairman, Naresh Kumar, had announced hours later that the issue was deferred.

The proposal has not been taken up in any council meeting since then.

The prime minister, who is on a three-day visit to the Jewish nation, has visited Haifa to pay homage to Indian soldiers who fought in the World War I.

HAIFA DAY - RESPECT FOR SOLDIERS

The Israeli city was liberated from Ottoman occupation by Indian soldiers during the war.

A large number of Indian soldiers of the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade died during the battle to free the city and nearly 900 are buried in Israel.

September 23 is celebrated as Haifa Day in India and Israel every year as a mark of respect for the soldiers who lost their lives in the battle and to mark the end of 400 years of Turkish control over the city.

Demands to rename Teen Murti Road and Chowk have been made over the past few years by different organisations, including the RSS.

Senior RSS functionary Indresh Kumar had said in 2015 that the government should acknowledge the role played by the three regiments of the Indian Army in the Battle of Haifa in 1918.

According to the Ministry of Culture, a "wrong impression" has been built about the Teen Murti Chowk that it has something to do with Mahatma Gandhi.

"The Teen Murti Chowk was named to mark the role of the three cavalry regiments. But no one knows this today. The moment people think of the Teen Murti they think of Gandhiji's monkeys. This is a wrong impression that needs to be corrected," it had earlier said.

Teen Murti Bhavan, the residence of Indias first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and now a museum, is at the Teen Murti crossing.

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ALSO READ:

Innovation, technology can boost India-Israel ties, says PM Modi

Modi in Israel: PM's Haifa visit tomorrow to highlight India's role in two world wars

ALSO WATCH:

When Netanyahu's dinner with Modi reminded him of a date at an Indian restaurant 30 years ago

--- ENDS ---
WASHINGTON, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Global economic consulting firm The Brattle Group is pleased to announce the promotion of Florin Dorobantu to principal.

The Brattle Group's International Arbitration Expert Florin Dorobantu Promoted To Principal

Dr. Dorobantu specializes in valuation and structured finance issues with a focus on international arbitration. He has testified on damages in cases before the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). He has also advised clients in ICSID, ICC, London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), and PCA arbitration proceedings, as well as in litigation cases in U.S. federal courts, state courts, and tax courts.

"Florin exemplifies many of the qualities that we look for at Brattle. First and foremost, he is committed to intellectual honesty and uncompromising integrity," remarked Brattle President Alexis Maniatis. "He has built a strong practice as a consulting and testifying expert in international arbitration matters and is a valued partner to clients and his Brattle colleagues."

Dr. Dorobantu has extensive experience conducting complex discounted cash flow analyses, including building cash flow forecasts, estimating the impact of business and financial risks on cash flows and discount rates, and incorporating the value of real options in the valuation of long-lived assets. He has performed analyses for a variety of industries, including mining, oil & gas, financial services, large project engineering and construction, consumer goods, and business process outsourcing.

He holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Economics from Duke University. Additional information about Dr. Dorobantu's expertise can be found at www.brattle.com.

The Brattle Group analyzes complex economic, finance, and regulatory questions for corporations, law firms, and governments around the world. We are distinguished by the clarity of our insights and the credibility of our experts, which include leading international academics and industry specialists. For more information, please visit www.brattle.com.

SOURCE The Brattle Group

Related Links

http://www.brattle.com


NEW YORK, July 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cards and Payments Industry in Mexico: Emerging trends and opportunities to 2020



Summary



Cash remains the preferred form of consumer payments in Mexico; especially among the rural population, primarily due to limited knowledge of payment cards or limited access to banking infrastructure. Cash is primarily used for making small-value payments at retailers, and for the payment of utility bills, taxes, and transport fares. A significant proportion of the population is engaged in informal activities, including farmers, street vendors, domestic servants, and self-employed workers.



Debit cards have grown in prominence on account of the introduction of electronic payroll services, an increase in the banked population, and the government's distribution of social welfare funds through cards. Mexico's government is focusing on financial inclusion by undertaking three social benefits programs: Oportunidades, Programa para Adultos Mayores, and Procampo, disbursing benefits through bank accounts and cards. These programs are supervised by the Ministry of Social Development (SEDESOL). Banks have also supported the financial inclusion programs, resulting in an increase in the banked population from 31.5% in 2012 to 46.8% in 2016, which in turn has supported a rise in debit card penetration.



Mexican e-commerce market posted a review-period compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 40.8%, growing from US$4.1bn (MXN85.7bn) in 2012 to US$16.2bn (MXN336.8bn) in 2016, with the country anticipated to reach US$35.8bn (MXN741.4bn) by 2020. Payment cards remain the most popular payment method among online shoppers, accounting for 60.8% of total e-commerce transaction value in 2016. In addition to payment cards, alternative payments such as PayPal, MercadoPago, DineroMail, and SafetyPay are all used extensively for online shopping. The availability of digital wallet services, and the security and convenience they offer, has made them popular among consumers. Mobile wallets, digital wallets, and carrier billing collectively accounted for 10.7% of total e-commerce transaction value in 2016, up from 5.1% in 2012.



Despite being small in size, the Mexican credit card market has recorded robust review-period growth in terms of the number of cards in circulation, as well as transaction value and volume, supported by high consumer spending. However, the market is likely to be affected by Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election. Consequently, banks are cutting credit card exposure to counter a potential rise in consumer defaults and the risks of an economic shock should the new US government restrict trade and business with Mexico. Banks are therefore reducing credit card spending limits and raising consumer lending standards. Banks' profits would suffer if the US government scraps the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) or discourages US companies from moving to Mexico.



The report "The Cards and Payments Industry in Mexico: Emerging trends and opportunities to 2020" provides top-level market analysis, information and insights into the Mexican cards and payments industry.



In particular, this report provides the following analysis -

- Current and forecast values for each market in the Mexican cards and payments industry, including debit, credit and charge cards.

- Detailed insights into payment instruments including credit transfers, cheques, cash, direct debits, and payment cards. It also, includes an overview of the country's key alternative payment instruments.

- E-commerce market analysis and payment methods.

- Analysis of various market drivers and regulations governing the Mexican cards and payments industry.

- Detailed analysis of strategies adopted by banks and other institutions to market debit, credit and charge cards.



Companies mentioned in this report: BBVA Bancomer, BanCoppel, Citibanamex, Banorte, Banco Santander, Inbursa, Visa, Mastercard, Carnet, American Express.



Scope



- To combat fraudulent payment activities in Mexico, banks and scheme providers are taking a number of measures, with one example being Mastercard's introduction of the Identity Check Mobile solution in November 2016. The solution allows card holders to verify online payment by scanning their fingerprint or taking a selfie. Unlike existing identity verification methods - which take shoppers away from a merchant's website or mobile app and often require them to remember and enter a password - Mastercard Identity Check Mobile verifies the user via technologies such as biometrics and one-time passwords. Earlier in January 2015, Oberthur Technologies (OT) partnered with PROSA, a provider of payment processing services, to launch OT Motion Code technology. With Motion Code, the card's CVV code is replaced with a mini-screen on which the CVV code changes automatically at regular intervals, making it impossible for fraudsters to misuse.

- The uptake of alternative payments is gradually increasing in Mexico, with banks and payment solutions providers launching products and services in the market. In partnership with Mastercard, Banamex launched its digital wallet, Banamex Wallet, in February 2016. The Android-compatible mobile app can be used to make contactless m-payments, which are authorized by a four-digit PIN. Users can add all Mastercard-branded credit cards to the wallet. Earlier in June 2014, BBVA Bancomer launched its mobile wallet BBVA Wallet in Mexico. The wallet allows secure NFC payments at merchant locations that accept contactless payments. Available on phones with Android 4.4 and above, other phones can use it through NFC stickers.

- To further enhance financial inclusion, Mexico joined the UN-based Better Than Cash Alliance in June 2016. The move comes after the government introduced a national policy on financial inclusion to promote the use of electronic payments across the country and reduce the dependence on cash. With 86% of the 124.6 million population owning mobile phones, Better Than Cash Alliance aims to harness the popularity of mobile phones for digital payments. Earlier in February 2016, PROSA partnered with digital solutions provider Gemalto to offer m-payment services to its partner banks, which include 95% of credit, debit, and prepaid card issuers in the country. Gemalto's Trusted Service Hub enables banks to offer their own mobile wallets using host card emulation technology, while PROSA is responsible for mobile wallet development, card holder identification and verification, card digitization, and security.



Reasons to buy



- Make strategic business decisions, using top-level historic and forecast market data, related to the Mexican cards and payments industry and each market within it.

- Understand the key market trends and growth opportunities in the Mexican cards and payments industry.

- Assess the competitive dynamics in the Mexican cards and payments industry.

- Gain insights into marketing strategies used for various card types in Mexico.

- Gain insights into key regulations governing the Mexican cards and payments industry.

Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p03289877/The-Cards-and-Payments-Industry-in-Mexico-Emerging-Trends-and-Opportunities-to.html



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



http://www.reportlinker.com





__________________________

Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

Related Links

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 29, 2017, The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit affirmed the Miami Federal District Court's approval of a class-action settlement. The settlement is the result of a class action suit filed by Chris Carter against Taurus International Manufacturing, Inc., Forjas Taurus, S.A. and Taurus Holdings, Inc., alleging that nine Taurus handgun models had certain safety defects. Three class members, out of almost 1 million owners, opposed the settlement, but the District Court dismissed their objections and approved the Settlement.

In 2013, Carter was a Deputy with the Scott County, Iowa Sheriff's Department. He owned a Taurus PT140 Millennium PRO pistol. While making an arrest, Carter's gun fell from its holster and fired when it hit the ground. While no one was injured, Carter says the manual safety was engaged when his gun fell, and it was still engaged when he retrieved it from the ground. When engaged, the manual safety is supposed to prevent the gun from firing. Carter filed an individual lawsuit against Taurus on behalf of himself and a nationwide class of people who own certain Taurus gun models, alleging that the safety devices on the firearm were defective. Carter was represented by Todd Wheeles of Morris Haynes and David Selby of Bailey & Glasser, who were the leading lawyers of the class action suit.

The settlement agreement covers a nationwide class of gun owners, who own one or more of the following models, PT 24/7, PT111, PT111PRO, PT132, PT132PRO, PT138, PT138PRO, PT140, PT140PRO, PT145, PT145PRO, PT745, PT745PRO, PT609 and PT640. The Settlement is valued at more than $30 million. Under the settlement, all class members can choose to turn in their class guns and receive one of two benefits: a cash payment of as much as $200 or an enhanced warranty, under which owners can exchange their guns for a similar new model that includes a trigger blade safety.

Troy Scheffler, Richard Jordan, and Steven Glaviano challenged the fairness of the settlement, miscalculation of attorney's fees, the expert's qualifications, and potential violation of the Second Amendment. After careful review, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals found the opposition's challenges to the class settlement and the attorney's fee award without merit.

Morris Haynes believes this is a positive development in gun safety. "This affirmance is another step towards higher standards for safety mechanisms and testing throughout the firearms industry. At the end of the day, we hope this settlement provides safer options for gun owners," said Todd Wheeles of Morris Haynes Law.

With over 20 years of experience, Morris Haynes Wheeles, Knowles, & Nelson is a full-service law firm with local and national practice that provides legal services in personal injury, wrongful death, product and gun defects, Legionnaire's Disease, business litigation and insurance fraud. The firm has offices in Birmingham and Alexander City, Alabama. For more information, please visit the firm's website at www.mhhlaw.net.

Contact:

Tori Wheeles

[email protected]

Ph: 205-324-4008

SOURCE MORRIS, HAYNES, WHEELES, KNOWLES & NELSON Attorneys at Law

Related Links

http://www.mhhlaw.net


CINCINNATI, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ThriveRx, the nutrition division of Diplomat Specialty Infusion Group, is celebrating a decade of empowering consumers and their families to thrive on nutrition support.

To celebrate its anniversary, ThriveRx recently launched a redesigned website at thriverx.diplomat.is. The new site has a fresh new look with improved organization to create the best user experience for consumers and health care professionals.

Diplomat Pharmacy

"We've made several great strides throughout the past 10 years," said Phil Rielly, Diplomat vice president and president of Diplomat Specialty Infusion Group. "We started out with a mission to foster independence and empower consumers and their families. Ten years later, that mission still resonates with our team as we remain dedicated to meeting the unique needs of our patients."

The company also launched the rebrand of Maximize Health, a home support program for ThriveRx consumers with short bowel syndrome or other malabsorptive disorders. Through routine home monitoring, clinical support, and provider coordination, the program takes patients on a carefully planned course toward intestinal rehabilitation.

"As part of our 10th anniversary celebration, the launch of our new website and relaunch of Maximize Health display our goal of continuing our mission of improving the lives of those on home nutrition support," said Deb Pfister, director of nutrition at ThriveRx. "I'm honored to have worked with a talented group of clinicians and advocates to build a home nutrition division with a fresh industry perspective of consumer-centered care."

In the past 10 years, the company has grownwith the expertise of customers, clinicians, therapy experts, and its research and development teamto advance patient and health care safety and adherence.

Diplomat Specialty Infusion Group, a home infusion pharmacy providing therapies for consumers across the United States, launched in 2016. It unites Diplomat Pharmacy, Inc. subsidiaries including BioRx, a Cincinnati-based company that started ThriveRx in 2007.

To learn more about Diplomat's specialty infusion services, visit diplomat.is/specialtyinfusion.

About Diplomat

Diplomat (NYSE: DPLO) is the nation's largest independent provider of specialty pharmacy serviceshelping patients and providers in all 50 states. The company offers medication management programs for people with complex chronic diseases and delivers unique solutions for manufacturers, hospitals, payors, providers, and more. Diplomat opened its doors in 1975 as a neighborhood pharmacy with one essential tenet: "Take good care of patients and the rest falls into place." Today, that tradition continuesalways focused on improving patient care and clinical adherence. For more information, visit diplomat.is.

CONTACT:

Kali Lucas, Public Relations Specialist

810.768.9580 | [email protected]

SOURCE Diplomat Pharmacy, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.diplomat.is


MINNEAPOLIS, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Treatment.com, a Minnesota-based healthcare AI solutions company, announced the first glimpse of its game-changing MerlinTM  Enterprise Intelligence AI Platform (EIP) solution, creating a new category of healthcare Artificial Intelligence (AI).

According to John Fraser, serial tech entrepreneur, President and CEO, "This unique enterprise class intelligence platform brings forth an entirely new ethos to healthcare, more akin to Uber, Airbnb and Wikipedia, rather than traditional healthcare IT data models. Merlin's Multi-Modular Enterprise architecture is built by physicians and has the ability to manage limitless categories of data consumers, diagnostic clinicians and commercial users, such as payers, ACO's, clinical research organizations, pharma and the biotech world. Unlike other healthcare artificial intelligence companies, we target the point-of-care diagnosis and therefore can affect and impact all stakeholders in healthcare, globally."

Merlin - Enterprise Intelligence Platform (EIP) creates an entire new category, due to the healthcare-wide reach of modules and applications. The multi-modular aspect truly provides value exchange to all consumers, clinicians and commercial users. Merlin has the innate ability to become a guiding force in the move towards value-based care. Providing financial, legal and clinical risk mitigation, the Holistic Healthcare Enterprise Intelligence Platform (EIP) targets improved patient safety, cost of care and overall healthcare outcomes, globally.

"After decades of searching for a Healthcare IT Unicorn, I believe Treatment delivers the requirements. This incredible horizontal platform sets forth a framework allowing for multiple business models to be built and supported. Treatment's physician-built platform serves the masses and the platform approach lays the foundation for many impactful tools to the market. Everything about Treatment is different, from the commercial platform ethos to the unique architecture, delivering a comprehensive set of Amazonian level possibilities," as stated by Dr Paul A. Markham, Chief Strategy Officer of Treatment.

About Treatment.com Healthcare's Artificial Intelligence Platform

Based in Minneapolis, MN, Treatment's MerlinTM - Enterprise intelligence Platform (EIP) delivers a unique suite of modules serving the consumer, clinical and commercial stakeholders in healthcare. Furthermore, the Merlin Platform brings forth superiority over conventional artificial intelligence solutions by delivering hybrid commercial pricing models, challenging traditional care models. The platform allows for information exchange, commercial value exchange and commercial software development.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Dr Paul A. Markham

Treatment  HealthCare's Enterprise Intelligence Platform (EIP)

[email protected]

+1.414.687.0272

www.treatment.com

SOURCE Treatment.com

Related Links

http://www.treatment.com


MIAMI, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Luggage wrapping and protection services company TrueStar Group is alleging improprieties and is suing Miami-Dade County and Safe Wrap of Florida in a bid to secure a new tender for Miami International Airport's exclusive baggage wrapping contract.

TrueStar, which previously won two bids for the service contract at Miami International, saw its concession taken away in 2013 in favour of competitor Safe Wrap in what TrueStar's CEO, Fabio Talin, calls "a House of Cards atmosphere of shady political dealings that are patently unfair."

TrueStar is alleging in its new lawsuit a series of improprieties as well as "a clear error of judgement and an action not based upon consideration of relevant factors."

"After years of service to passengers at Miami airport, we fairly won the tender as specified by the bidding rules. However, the commissioners then changed the usual rules by cancelling the award and directly assigned the tender to the losers. This does not make any sense since we offered the significantly higher bid and won. It was an arbitrary and capricious decision to take this contract away from us, and it should be investigated by the authorities and reversed," said Talin.

Talin called the reversal "a really mysterious and strange decision" and said the citizens of Miami would be best served "by a full and transparent investigation of what happened, including our suspicion of political interference in the normal process of awarding concessions."

Since awarding the contract to Safe Wrap in 2013, Miami-Dade has reduced the minimum guarantee, or rent required by the baggage wrapping concession to operate at Miami International, by 65%, from $9.6 million to $3.5 million in an expedited legislative process that bypassed the normal committee hearing. The revenue-sharing requirement was further reduced from 52% to 35%. In addition, Miami International has also eliminated the $1.8 million in back rent that Safe Wrap owed the airport.

Talin says that during his company's 3-year concession from 2010 to 2013, TrueStar paid more than $25 million in rent, while SafeWrap has only paid $4 million since 2013.

"This means that the tax payers and citizens of Miami-Dade County are getting around $40 million less from that contract than the amount that should be due to them. The situation is absurd, unfair and suspect," Talin stated.

"Why was the tender awarded to a company that pays millions of dollars less to the airport?" Talin asked. "This is not in the interest of the county nor in the interest of the citizens. Miami-Dade is missing out on many millions of dollars over a multi-year period by having SafeWrap handle the baggage-wrapping at Miami instead of TrueStar. How can that be allowed to continue?"

The lawsuit is now entering its final phase. Based upon the deposition testimony, Judge Jennifer Bailey is expected to decide later this summer on whether the case will be brought to trial.

http://www.truestargroup.com

SOURCE TrueStar Group
COLLEGE PARK, Md., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The University of Maryland has named Professor Roger L. Worthington, Ph.D., a national leader in diversity education, as Interim Associate Provost and Chief Diversity Officer. In this role, Worthington will work closely with senior leaders, faculty, staff, students and external constituencies to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and respect as core institutional values. He will be a member of the President's Cabinet, the Provost's Cabinet and the Deans' Council.

"We are very pleased that Dr. Worthington will serve as our Chief Diversity Officer," said University of Maryland President Wallace D. Loh. "He is an exceptional scholar-practitioner and leader to guide our

University's efforts to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all."

Since 2014, Worthington has served as professor and chair of the Department of Counseling, Higher Education, and Special Education in UMD's College of Education. Prior to arriving at UMD, he rose through the ranks at the University of Missouri from assistant to full professor, and served for nearly six years as the chief diversity officer and assistant deputy chancellor.

"I have dedicated my life's work to advancing difficult dialogues and creating a culture of inclusion in higher education," said Worthington. "The University of Maryland was once a national leader for diversity in higher education. In the face of tremendous tragedy, we can come together as a community to achieve transformational change and return to being a model of equity and social justice. I am honored to serve in the role of CDO at UMD."

Worthington is a leading scholar in the fields of diversity, multicultural counseling and education. He is the editor of the Journal of Diversity in Higher Education. A founding member of the board of directors for the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, he is the principal author of the "Standards of Professional Practice for Chief Diversity Officers." In addition, the Governor of Missouri appointed Worthington to the state's Commission on Human Rights.

He is the recipient of three prestigious grants from the Ford Foundation Difficult Dialogues Initiative, and was the founding chair of the board of directors for the emerging Difficult Dialogues National Resource Center.

A Fellow of the American Psychological Association, Worthington has authored and co-authored research and scholarship regarding race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious identity, social class and political ideology. He is a nationally recognized higher education consultant on diversity planning, campus climate research and intercultural student services, and has won numerous awards for academic, service and teaching excellence.

He received his B.A from California State University, Fullerton in psychology, and both his M.A. and Ph.D. from University of California, Santa Barbara in counseling psychology.

The university will also begin the work of elevating the Chief Diversity Officer position to a Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, indicating a major institutional commitment of effort and resources in areas such as campus climate; recruitment and retention; scholarship and creative work on diversity; and educational programs.

About University of Maryland

The University of Maryland, College Park is the state's flagship university and one of the nation's preeminent public research universities. A global leader in research, entrepreneurship and innovation, the university is home to more than 37,000 students, 9,000 faculty and staff, and 250 academic programs. Its faculty includes three Nobel laureates, three Pulitzer Prize winners, 56 members of the national academies and scores of Fulbright scholars. The institution has a $1.9 billion operating budget, and secures $560 million annually in external research funding. For more information about the University of Maryland, College Park, visit www.umd.edu.

SOURCE University of Maryland

Related Links

http://www.umd.edu


As a premier event in the fashion community, the annual Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week attracts the world's top luxury brands, with Dior, Chanel, Valentino and Fendi as leading examples. LANYU 2017 Fall and Winter Haute Couture Show, themed "Graceful Girl", was inspired by the artistic renditions of The Twelve Beauties of Jinling, the leading female characters in the Chinese classical novel Dream of the Red Chamber . Isabelle Huppert, winner of the Best Actress at Cesar Awards 2017, was among a host of global celebrities who watched the event.

"The Vinda 4D-Deco tissue wedding dress was inspired by the unique and unrivaled lifestyle of Paris, with the aesthetics that are part and parcel of the 4D-Deco embossing technology combined with the comfort delivered by the strong yet soft tissues coming together to embody the romance and grace of Paris."

Using Vinda 4D-Deco tissues as the basis for a wedding gown represents not only a bold attempt by a courageous designer in the world of fashion but also a whole new and transformative twist in the selection of materials for bridal attire. In recent years, haute couture designers have become increasingly demanding in terms of materials, with those that are friendly to the skin increasingly favored. Vinda's next-generation DELUXETM4D-Deco series of tissues are notably non-irritating, with a feel that is especially comfortable to the skin, thanks to the world's leading 4D-Deco embossing technology. Lan Yu, the designer, selected the tissues as the yarn of choice for the wedding gowns, offering the ultimate in a skin-friendly experience.

The 4D-deco tissue wedding dress demonstrates both Chinese classical beauty and western modern elements through the combination of a skin-friendly and comfortable soft Oriental texture and the exquisite and elegant 4D-Deco embossing technology in the design and production of the dress, said insiders from the fashion community.

Vinda marketing director Zhong Feng said, Vinda's tie-up with Lan Yu, a top-level designer within the haute couture industry, and Tmall Supermarket, a brand actively advocating the concept of an "ideal life", made it possible to have a presence of Vinda's exclusive tissue wedding dress and DELUXETM 4D-deco Tissue at the world's top fashion event. With the two partners, Vinda was able to showcase the 4D-Deco artisan quality to the world in a well-recognized international setting, while, at the same time, highlighting the combination of a new fashionable form and a more skin-friendly experience.

This is not the first time that Vinda and Lan Yu have cooperated in the roll out of a tissue wedding dress. In 2016, the Vinda brand and Lan Yu jointly launched a tailored tissue wedding gown, and made a stunning appearance with Taiwanese actress and international star Lin Chi-ling as the model. The successful experience laid a solid foundation for the continued cooperation between the two parties and become an important factor contributing to the launch of tissue bridal attire in Paris.

The transformative technology and the unusually comfortable texture come together to raise the expectation that the 4D-Deco will become an epoch-making fashion item and a leading industry trend. Through Lan Yu's exquisite handmade tailored technology and the support of Tmall Supermarket, China's facial tissue art and quality has taken front and center on the stage in Paris.

SOURCE Vinda
DALLAS, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Vistra Energy (NYSE: VST), the parent company for TXU Energy and Luminant, announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a 1,054 MW combined cycle, combustion turbine power plant located in Odessa, Texas (the "Odessa plant") from a subsidiary of Koch Ag & Energy Solutions, LLC.

Curt Morgan, Vistra Energy's chief executive officer, remarked, "The Odessa plant is an efficient, well-maintained asset that will provide critical flexible generation capabilities to Luminant's ERCOT portfolio."

Morgan added, "Perhaps even more important, the Odessa plant brings geographic diversity to the Luminant fleet, as it is ideally situated in West Texas to capture the current natural gas price advantage in the Permian Basin. We expect this price advantage to continue for the next several years until adequate pipeline infrastructure is constructed to transport the large volumes of associated gas out of the region."

"Moreover, this transaction is consistent with Vistra Energy's strategy to opportunistically acquire more efficient and flexible gas-fired generation and renewable generation to support our retail business," Morgan said. "By purchasing this asset at what we estimate to be a nearly 60 percent discount to new construction cost, and with a near-term fuel cost advantage, we believe the acquisition will provide incremental value to our shareholders in the years to come."

Transaction Highlights

$350 million purchase price ( ~$332 per installed kilowatt of 1,054 MW) plus a spark spread-based earn-out payable only if market conditions meaningfully improve

purchase price ( per installed kilowatt of 1,054 MW) plus a spark spread-based earn-out payable only if market conditions meaningfully improve Asset purchase funded with cash on hand

Access to deeply discounted gas supply from the Permian Basin, which we believe will be sufficient to materially improve the economics of the Odessa plant and other existing West Texas power plants, although still insufficient to support new build CCGT in the region

plant and other existing power plants, although still insufficient to support new build CCGT in the region Future gas supply optionality via access to three different gas pipelines

Hedging efficiencies with generation matched against TXU Energy's load position in the ERCOT West Zone

Odessa Plant Statistics and Other Key Factors

Located in Odessa, Texas in the ERCOT West Zone

in the ERCOT West Zone 1,054 MW installed capacity

Full load heat rate of 7.1 MMBtu/MWh

Opportunity to conduct routine replacement of parts in gas turbines during scheduled outages in 2019 and 2020 that, consistent with the vendor's expectations for the replacement parts, could result in a decrease in the frequency of scheduled routine maintenance, heat rate improvement from 7.1 to 6.9 MMBtu/MWh, the ability to operate at original nameplate capacity of 1,150 MW, and a reduction in the plant's NOx emissions/MWh

Commercial operation date of August 2001

Pending the receipt of all necessary government approvals and the fulfillment of all other customary closing conditions, Vistra Energy anticipates the transaction will close in the third quarter of 2017.

Media

Allan Koenig

214-875-8004

[email protected]

Analysts

Molly Sorg

214-812-0046

[email protected]

About Vistra Energy

Vistra Energy is a premier Texas-based energy company focused on the competitive energy and power generation markets through operation as the largest retailer of electricity and generator in the growing Texas market. Our integrated portfolio of competitive businesses consists primarily of TXU Energy and Luminant. TXU Energy sells retail electricity and value-added services (primarily through our market-leading TXU Energy brand) to approximately 1.7 million residential and business customers in Texas. Luminant generates and sells electricity and related products from our diverse fleet of generation facilities totaling approximately 17,000 MW of generation in Texas, including 2,300 MW fueled by nuclear power, 8,000 MW fueled by coal, and 6,000 MW fueled by natural gas, and is a large purchaser of renewable power including wind and solar-generated electricity. The company is currently developing the largest solar facility in Texas by capacity.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as "may," "should," "could," "predict," "potential," "believe," "will likely result," "expect," "continue," "will," "anticipate," "seek," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "project," "forecast," "goal," "target," "would" and "outlook," or the negative variations of those words or other comparable words of a future or forward-looking nature. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Although Vistra Energy believes that in making any such forward-looking statement, Vistra Energy's expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, any such forward-looking statement involves uncertainties and risks that could cause results to differ materially from those projected in or implied by any such forward-looking statement, including the uncertainties and risks discussed in the sections entitled "Risk Factors" and "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in Vistra Energy's prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act on May 9, 2017, as well the following risks and uncertainties: the ability of the parties to obtain all applicable governmental approvals and third party consents required to be obtained in connection with the Odessa transaction, fluctuations in gas prices (particularly in the Permian Basin) and ERCOT power prices, and the ability of Vistra Energy to successfully implement any operational or other improvements to the Odessa facility, including those contemplated herein.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only at the date on which it is made, and except as may be required by law, Vistra Energy undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all of them; nor can Vistra Energy assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.

SOURCE Vistra Energy
The Battle of Haifa fought on 23 September 1918 is considered to be one of the most bravely-contested battles of World War I.

By India Today Web Desk: On the last day of his three-day trip to Israel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today visited the Haifa Indian Cemetery.

Prime Minister Modi paid homage to Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during the World War in 1918 while protecting Haifa from the powerful forces of the Ottoman Empire.

He also unveiled a plaque commemorating Major Dalpat Singh, known as the 'Hero of Haifa' for his critical role in the liberation of the city.

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"I am deeply honoured to stand here today to salute the valiant Indian soldiers, who led down their lives for the liberation of Haifa during the WW I," Modi wrote in the guest book.

"The exceptional bravery and supreme sacrifice of Major Thakur Dalpat Singh MC, the "Hero of Haifa" and his men, will be remembered forever and continue to inspire generations to come. Next year, the centenary of the battle of Haifa will present another opportunity to mark this enduring bond between India and Israel," PM Modi, who visited Haifa along with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, wrote.

The Battle of Haifa was fought on 23 September 1918 and every year on this date the Indian Army celebrates Haifa Day to pay respect to the martyred Indian soldiers. Battle of Haifa is considered to be one of the most bravely-contested battles of World War I.

PM @narendramodi lays wreath at Indian cemetery at Haifa, which Indian cavalry regiments helped liberate in 1918 pic.twitter.com/R09FlBMUh0- PIB India (@PIB_India) July 6, 2017

WATCH: When PM Modi met 26/11 survivor Moshe Holtzberg

On Day 2 of PM Modi's historic Israel tour, India and Israel signed seven agreements on Wednesday to step-up cooperation in key sectors like space, agriculture and water conservation.

Photo: Jerusalem Post

HERE'S ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

Addressing the Indian diaspora on Wednesday, Prime Minister Modi announced a new flight service connecting New Delhi, Mumbai with Tel Aviv. He also said an Indian Cultural Centre would soon be opened in Israel, and that members of the Indian community in the Jewish country who were a part of the Compulsory Army Service would be getting Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards from now on. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed betweenDepartment of Science and Technology and Israel's NationalTechnological Innovation Authority for setting up of US$ 40million worth India-Israel Industrial Research and Development(R&D) and Technical Innovation Fund. Prime Minister Modi said, "we are of one view that together our scientists and researchers would develop, buildand implement mutually beneficial solutions in the field". The two countries alsoagreed for cooperation between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Israel Space Agency (ISA) regarding cooperation in Atomic Clocks. Modi, who held wide-ranging talks with Netanyahu on the second day of his landmark visit, the first by an IndianPM, also said that during their talks he and Netanyahuagreed to to do much more together to combat terrorism toprotect their strategic interests. "Both (countries are) challenged by forces of terror," Israeli PM Netanyahu said. Netanyahu also offered to bring along Moshe Holtzberg, the Israeli child who survived the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, during his forthcoming visit to India. "Netanyahu, who met Moshe along with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, offered to ferry him in his aircraft when he visits India," Moshe's grandfather Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg said. Moshe was two when his parents Rivka and Gavriel Holtzberg, serving as emissaries of Chabad in Mumbai, were killed along with six others by terrorists at the Nariman House, also popularly known as Chabad House.

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ALSO READ:

Israeli media on Narendra Modi-Benjamin Netanyahu meet: A hug and a cover-up on Iran

I love you, Mr Modi, want to visit Mumbai: 26/11 survivor Moshe Holtzberg

India, Israel join hands against terror, sign 7 pacts: All you need to know on Modi-Netanyahu meet

WATCH: The Battle of Haifa: All you need to know about Indian war heroes of WWI

--- ENDS ---

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In addition to this investment, VW Credit, Inc., has worked with AutoGravity to bring Volkswagen and Audi financing directly to car buyers across the United States. Through this project, VW Credit, Inc., has launched the Volkswagen Credit smartphone app, powered by proprietary AutoGravity technology and available for iOS and Android. Finance options from Volkswagen Credit are now available on the AutoGravity platform, extending the range of options available to more than 400,000 consumers who have downloaded AutoGravity. Volkswagen dealers now can benefit from a new source of potential car buyers.

"Customers are becoming more demanding of mobile technology and the world of auto financing is no exception," said Horst Meima, President and CEO at VW Credit, Inc. "We are ready to become a leader in shaping this part of the industry and believe that AutoGravity can help get us there."

"Mobile technology is a game changer for consumers, dealers and lenders. We have pioneered a digital experience that saves time and improves satisfaction for all parties through a device we are intimately familiar with  the smartphone," said Andy Hinrichs, CEO at AutoGravity. "AutoGravity has experienced substantial growth since our first app hit the marketplace in the summer of 2016. This investment will help us accelerate in the face of rapidly growing consumer and industry demand."

AutoGravity simplifies the car shopping and financing experience, giving consumers access to loan and lease offers on their smartphones and empowering them with the peace of mind that comes with securing a fair deal. Through investment and partnership, VW Credit, Inc. positions itself to realize the full potential of AutoGravity technology.

Based in Irvine, California, AutoGravity offers car buyers across the U.S. the ability to obtain up to four personalized financing offers on the vehicle of their choice. Designed with state-of-the-art security, AutoGravity protects consumers' information with advanced bank-level encryption and proprietary data security technologies, ensuring sensitive information is processed securely.

About VW Credit Inc.

VW Credit, Inc. (VCI), was founded in 1981 to function as the captive financial services arm of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and is affiliated with Volkswagen of America, Inc., Audi of America, Inc. and Ducati North America, Inc. VCI services Volkswagen, Audi and Ducati customers, authorized automotive/motorcycle dealers and their affiliated stores as Volkswagen Credit, Audi Financial Services and Ducati Financial Services. The company provides competitive financial products and services to dealers and their customers in the United States. VCI also manages and markets branded financial services through third-party providers. The company is headquartered in Herndon, VA. It maintains operational and customer service centers in Libertyville, lL, and Portland, OR, a remarketing department in Auburn Hills, MI, and regional offices in Woodland Hills, CA, Alpharetta, GA, Woodcliff Lake, NJ, Irving, TX, and Rosemont, IL.

About AutoGravity Corporation

AutoGravity is revolutionizing the way people buy and finance cars. Harnessing the power of the smartphone, AutoGravity technology provides a new level of transparency, convenience and speed to the car shopping and financing process. AutoGravity partners with the world's leading banks and financial services companies to give car buyers direct control over their car financing options while connecting them to a nationwide network of trusted car dealerships. Available on iOS, Android and Web, AutoGravity empowers car buyers with up to four binding offers in minutes. Based in Irvine, California, AutoGravity was founded by an international team of digital natives and auto industry veterans. For more information on AutoGravity, please visit www.autogravity.com and follow @AutoGravityHQ on Twitter.

SOURCE AutoGravity

Related Links

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BETHESDA, Md., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Walker & Dunlop, Inc. (NYSE: WD) (the "Company") announced today that it will release its second quarter 2017 results before the market opens on Wednesday, August 2, 2017.

The Company will host a conference call to discuss the quarterly results on August 2, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time. Analysts and investors interested in participating are invited to call (888) 632-3384 from within the United States or (785) 424-1675 from outside the United States and are asked to reference the Conference ID: WDQ217. A simultaneous webcast of the call will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at http://investors.walkerdunlop.com/.

A telephonic replay of the call will be available from approximately 11:00 a.m. Eastern time August 2, 2017 through August 16, 2017. Please call (800) 839-2398 from within the United States or (402) 220-7208 from outside the United States. An audio replay will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website.

About Walker & Dunlop

Walker & Dunlop (NYSE: WD), headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, is one of the largest commercial real estate services and finance companies in the United States providing financing and investment sales to owners of multifamily and commercial properties. Walker & Dunlop, which is included in the S&P SmallCap 600 Index, has over 600 professionals in 28 offices across the nation with an unyielding commitment to client satisfaction.

SOURCE Walker & Dunlop, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.walkerdunlop.com


MUNICH, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Practice Insight, a leading provider of big data analytics software announced the release of their latest software solution WiseTime. A seamless, fully automated time tracking tool that bridges the gap between freelancers and corporations.

With more than 55 million freelance workers in the US, many corporations rely on freelancers to complete specialty or short term work. A recent study reported that one of the main concerns Hiring Managers have with using freelancers is work accountability. However, by using WiseTime, Hiring Managers can now have peace of mind as WiseTime provides detailed proof of activity reports that show each users exact time expenditure on projects and tasks.

WiseTime also builds the trust between freelancers and their managers or clients. WiseTime automatically tracks and tags all activities including usage time, program details, and document titles. A freelancer can easily provide this information to their client or manager in line with their invoicing charges, making it an open and transparent process. Freelancers can choose which activities they want to submit to their manager or show on their activity reports, as all information is 100% private until the user chooses to submit it.

Time leakage is now a problem in the past. With most time tracking programs requiring the user to stop and start the program, time leakage occurs when a user forgets to do it. WiseTime requires no stopping or starting for tracking. It automatically tracks and creates activity logs of everything the user is doing, including a pop-up prompt to log offline activities. This seamless functionality provides precise time management insight for managers and accurate billing of all tasks for freelancers.

"By using WiseTime you can easily manage your workforce no matter where they are, which is ideal for companies that have remote workers or use freelancers," said Mr. Wolfgang Danner, General Manager, Practice Insight. "WiseTime tracks all usage automatically, delivering a detailed and accurate report that allows managers to understand how their teams are working, regardless of which time zone they're in or what hours they choose to keep. WiseTime gives managers the confidence that no matter where their staff is located, they are just as accountable as an in-house employee."

WiseTime provides a 60-day free trial for freelancers. Enterprise and team licenses are available for purchase. Visit https://wisetime.io.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Erika Dauner,

Marketing Coordinator, Practice Insight,

[email protected],

+ 49 (0)89 89 0578816 (Munich)

About Practice Insight

Since 2010, Practice Insight has been at the forefront of IP Big Data analytics. We build software that brings big data from disparate systems together into simple interfaces for professionals to easily obtain the insight they need to make better business decisions.

Practice Insight's powerful products include Filing Analytics, the world's most competitive market and analysis IP database and Citation Eagle, a database that immediately alerts patent owners and law firms of any possible patent infringements and licensing opportunities

For more information visit www.practiceinsight.io.

 Freelancing in America: 2016 report. https://www.slideshare.net/upwork/freelancing-in-america-2016

SOURCE Practice Insight

Related Links

http://www.practiceinsight.io


NEW YORK, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S.'s Legal Education business unit today announced it has published Marijuana Law, Policy, and Authority, the first law school casebook focused on this rapidly emerging new practice area.

Marijuana Law, Policy, and Authority is authored by Vanderbilt Law School professor Robert A. Mikos, an internationally renowned expert recognized as one of America's premier authorities on marijuana law. The casebook is an accessible, comprehensive, and engaging guide to law, policy and authority issues surrounding three categories of regulated parties: marijuana users, their suppliers, and the third parties who interact with them.

"At Wolters Kluwer Legal Education, we pride ourselves on helping new fields of legal education coalesce through the publication of early, trendsetting casebooks," said Vikram Savkar, General Manager. "Marijuana Law, Policy, and Authority is an exciting new reflection of this commitment."

While Marijuana Law, Policy, and Authority is written in a style familiar to law students, it is also accessible to a broader audience, including graduate and upper-level undergraduate students in courses in policy studies, political science, and criminology.

"Professor Mikos' book makes a valuable contribution to the small but burgeoning body of work on marijuana law," said Mark Osbeck, Clinical Professor of Law, University of Michigan School of Law. "It will prove helpful to law students wanting to gain a comprehensive understanding of the legal and policy issues concerning marijuana use in the United States."

The Legal Education Group within Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S. is the leader in providing content, developing learning solutions, and advancing thought leadership in the field of legal education. As a principal provider of market-leading digital and print textbooks and study aids for almost fifty years, the group is leading the way in the innovation of legal education content.

"Drawing upon Professor Mikos' extensive experience in marijuana law and policy, this new book will help law schools nationwide crystallize a common approach to teaching a new, rapidly evolving, and highly sought-after discipline, and contribute to a fact-based public dialogue on this hot-button issue," said Savkar.

To learn more about Marijuana Law, Policy, and Authority, visit: http://wklegaledu.com/Marijuana_Law_Policy_and_Authority

It is available in Kindle, VST, and Google Play (digital) formats.

About Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S.

Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S. is part of Wolters Kluwer N.V. (AEX: WKL), a global leader in information services and solutions for professionals in the health, tax and accounting, risk and compliance, finance and legal sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with specialized technology and services.

Wolters Kluwer reported 2016 annual revenues of 4.3 billion. The company, headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands, serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries and employs 19,000 people worldwide.

For more information about Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S., visit www.WoltersKluwerLR.com, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Media

Linda Gharib

Director, Communications

Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S.

Tel: +1 (646) 887-7962

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S.

Related Links

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Christine Kent, medical researcher and Founder of Whole Woman Inc. has announced the 6th Annual Whole Woman Conference in Albuquerque, NM, August 11-13, 2017.

"This conference is for women with pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and or chronic hip pain, who have been told that surgery is their best option," says Ms. Kent. "The facts are that these chronic conditions can be readily stabilized and often reversed without dangerous and all too often ineffective surgery."

6th Annual Whole Woman Conference, Hotel Andaluz, Albuquerque New Mexico, USA, August 11-13, 2017 Christine Kent, RN, Founder, Whole Woman Inc.

This intimate conference to be held at the historic Hotel Andaluz in Albuquerque is designed to provide hands on help by Kent and other Whole Woman Practitioners she has trained and certified. The theme of the conference is Whole Woman in Action - Comfortable, Confident, and In Control. Ms. Kent will also be sharing critical and never before released women's health information from the latest medical research studies.

Pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and chronic hip pain are among the most common women's health problems. Collectively, they are routinely treated with over two million surgeries annually in the US alone. However, the surgeries are notoriously problematic, often unreliable, and may have life-long negative impacts on a woman's quality of life.

About Christine Kent

Since 2003 with the publication of the first edition of her book, Saving the Whole Woman, Natural alternatives to surgery for pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence, now in its 2nd edition, Christine Kent's Whole Woman work has kept thousands of women out of the operating room and living full physically active lives in over 60 countries with these conditions.

"For almost 500 years, the medical system has misunderstood the natural orientation of the female pelvis, which has given rise to the myth of the 'pelvic floor'. As a result, their methods for treating these common, chronic pelvic conditions are astonishingly ineffective. Even more amazing is that women can verify the truth of my assertion for themselves in a few seconds. But this anatomical misconception has led to the growth of a huge and lucrative surgical industry, and the cost of untold suffering for women," explains Kent.

Whole Woman provides both streaming and DVD video courses, Christine Kent's books, consultations, workshops, intensives, and Certified Whole Woman Practitioner training. Whole Woman Practitioners are currently active in various cities in the US, Ireland, UK, Australia, France, and Ghana.

Ms. Kent holds degrees in both Anthropology and Nursing and is licensed as a Registered Nurse in New Mexico.

Contact

To learn more about this conference or the Whole Woman work, please contact

Lanny Goodman, COO

Whole Woman Inc.

418 Central Ave SE

Albuquerque, NM 87102

(505) 243-4010

[email protected]

https://www.wholewoman.com

SOURCE Whole Woman Inc.

Related Links

https://www.wholewoman.com


NEW ORLEANS, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Workforce Opportunity Service (WOS)the leading non-profit organization geared towards aligning individuals from underserved groups with transformative career opportunitieshas teamed up with GE and Louisiana State University to create a training program designed to alleviate the tech skills gap and create career pathways for individuals looking to break into the industry.

Research shows that nearly 54 percent of tech leaders project that the most pressing issue they will be faced with in the coming year is finding tech-savvy candidates who can fulfill their talent needs. WOS has joined forces with several major corporations throughout the countryincluding General Electric, Johnson & Johnson, Prudential, and othersto develop training programs with local universities as a solution.

The GE Java Development Program, launched in 2016, is a 34-week intensive training program where non-traditional candidates take courses on Java and technical information systems. Participants also take professional development courses to aide them in strengthening their soft skills. Upon completion of the program, students earn a certificate from Louisiana State University and are given the opportunity to further their careers at GE.

Today seventeen individuals, including military veterans, who have completed the GE Java Development Program will graduate at The University of New Orleans.

"The program has been a life changing opportunity for these 17 young women and men," said Jessica Miller, Associate Director of Academics, WOS. "We are so proud of what the graduates have accomplished thus far and are thrilled to see the impact they will have on the technology industry and the New Orleans community in the future."

About Workforce Opportunity Services

Workforce Opportunity Services (WOS) is a next-generation 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that transforms early career professionals by cultivating their talents. We connect leading companies all over the world with a network of thousands of ready-to-work professionals who reflect diverse communities and customers. Our partners rely on us to recruit, educate, and train employees with the highest potential who will remain committed to their work over the long term.

Every day, we promote upward mobility, professional success, financial independence, and lifelong learning. We are experts in helping companies identify and assimilate the skills of veterans and underserved jobseekers. We offer hands-on support services to ensure that promising employees stay on a steady career path.

Launched at Columbia University in New York City, our scientifically-based program offers cutting-edge research and analytics in partnership with top-tier academic institutions. Since our founding in 2005, we have partnered with more than 50 corporations in 35+ locations around the world. For more information, visit wforce.org.

Contact:

Brandee Sanders

Workforce Opportunity Services

212.870.2247

[email protected]

SOURCE Workforce Opportunity Services

Related Links

http://www.wforce.org


The innovative and proprietary customer loyalty program was developed in collaboration with Paytronix, the industry-leading loyalty technology provider. The program rewards Yesway customers with a friendly and fun currency called "Smiles" for each dollar spent on fuel or in-side store merchandise. "Smiles" can be redeemed for a wide assortment of merchandise, including free fountain drinks, iced tea, and Yesway branded coffee, free roller grill items and candy, and free Yesway fountain travel mugs, to name a few items. The program will also include the roll-out of Yesway's " Beverage Club" , which rewards any customer who buys five hot or cold beverages with the sixth one free.

As part of the loyalty program launch, Yesway has partnered with Coca-Cola to provide Yesway loyalty customers with a terrific summer beverage reward where they can purchase any six 20-ounce Coke products and get their seventh for free. Customers will earn additional "Smiles" simply by registering for the program. As part of the "Surprise & Delight" program, customers will receive other bonus "Smiles" throughout the year including on their birthday. Customers can get a loyalty card at any Yesway store, or by downloading the free Yesway Rewards app, available for iPhone and Android, by visiting www.Yesway.com/rewards on their mobile browser.

"We're thrilled to now offer our customers even more reasons to shop at Yesway stores with our new Yesway Rewards customer loyalty program," said Darrin Samaha, Vice President and Brand Manager for Yesway. "It is so easy to use, either with the card or our new loyalty app. We designed this program specifically to give our customers more of the items they want, when they want them, and also to give us a unique way to get to know our customers at a deeper level and most importantly, to thank them for their loyalty to our brand."

For a limited time, Yesway is offering an extra special reward in celebration of the Yesway Rewards Loyalty Program launch  a discount of $.10/gallon of gas (limit 20 gallons) on the next visit after signing up for the Yesway Rewards program.

To support the program launch, Yesway team members will spend part of the summer on a multi-city "Yesway Block Party" tour, visiting select Yesway locations and treating customers to fun-filled activities, giveaways, music, and food sampling. They will also be on hand to assist customers with signing up for the program.

The six-week "Yesway Block Party Tour" begins on July 7th and includes the following stops:

HARLAN, IOWA:

Friday, July 7th: 2111 23rd St.; 4-7pm

Saturday, July 8th: 618 Durant St.; 10am-1pm

OTTUMWA, IOWA:

Friday, July 14th: 2508 N Court St.; 4-7pm

Saturday, July 15th: 2508 N Court St.; 10am-1pm

MASON CITY, IOWA:

Friday, July 21st: 1920 S Federal Ave.; 4-7pm

Saturday, July 22ND: 1920 S Federal Ave.; 10am-1pm

FORT DODGE/WEBSTER CITY, IOWA

Friday, July 28th: 115 N 22nd St, Fort Dodge; 4-7pm

Saturday, July 29th: 1102 2nd St, Webster City; 10am-1pm

STORY CITY/WATERLOO, IOWA

Friday, August 4th: 527 Park Ave., Story City; 4-7pm

Saturday, August 5th: 117 E San Marnan Dr., Waterloo; 10am-1pm

HUTCHINSON, KANSAS:

Friday, August 11th: 901 E 11th Ave.; 4-7pm

Saturday, August 12th: 1630 E 30th Ave.; 10am-1pm

For more information, visit www.Yesway.com/rewards.

Editor note: To arrange interviews with Yesway executives, please contact Erin Vadala of Warner Communications at [email protected] or 978-468-3076. High-resolution images and graphics are available on request.

About Yesway  BW Gas & Convenience, d/b/a Yesway, is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. Yesway plans to acquire, improve and rebrand approximately 500 convenience stores in the Midwest over the next several years. For more information on Yesway, please visit the company's website at www.yesway.com and also connect on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Yesway

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For the last day of his historic Isarel tour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi probably could have chosen a better put-together ensemble.

By Shivani Chhabra: The world has its eyes glued on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ongoing Israel tour, the visit that has been termed 'historic' by him and his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu.

Narendra Modi, the only Indian Prime Minister to have made an official trip to Israel, started his day today by paying his respects to Indian martyrs in the Israeli city of Haifa. While every little movement by NaMo is creating international news, we are slightly unhappy with his choice of attire for the day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the last day of his Israel visit. Picture courtesy: Twitter/IsraeliPM

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While PM Modi had been displaying his classic taste in clothing with the ensembles he has donned on this trip so far, this one didn't quite live up to expectations. For all his international visits, PM Modi has been the epitome of elegant dressing, from the black Nehru jacket he wore yesterday to the cream kurta-violet jacket combo, the Prime Minister has been looking dapper throughout his Israel tour.

We really loved the yellow-purple combination he wore before this. Picture courtesy: Twitter/IsraeliPM

The black, Nehru jacket really suited him well. Picture courtesy: Twitter/IsraeliPM

Also Read: Textile connects industry and agriculture, says PM Modi

On the final day of his trip, however, the Prime Minister's dressing seems to have gone a little off track. Narendra Modi wore a tortilla-brown Nehru jacket over a striped, peach-pink shirt, a matching brown pair of pants, and black shoes. The white-peach striped shirt didn't quite gel well with the colour of the jacket, and the violet pocket-square looked a bit off in the whole ensemble.

Picture courtesy: Twitter/IsraeliPM

Though we agree that comfort is the only priority when it comes to shoes, we do believe that black shoes were not exactly the best choice for the brown suit PM Modi chose to wear. After looking so graceful in all his previous ensembles during the trip, we were really looking forward to a beautiful finish.

Picture courtesy: Twitter/IsraeliPM Picture courtesy: Twitter/IsraeliPM

Also Read: Whether PM Modi gets to ride his new bike or not, here's why you should

Back in 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi created headlines in the black outfit he wore, with his name imprinted all over it, to meet the then President of the United States, Barack Obama, which piqued the world's interest in the leader's fashion choices.

--- ENDS ---
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
San Francisco, July 2 : With Microsoft putting emphasis on its Cloud-computing products instead of licences for boxed software, the technology giant is likely to reorganise its sales groups, resulting in layoffs, media reported.

A formal announcement could be made by next week, Seattle Times reported, citing a source familiar with the matter.

Plans for a Cloud-focused reorganisation were reported earlier by the Puget Sound Business Journal, which said the shift will bring some of the most significant changes to the sales force in years.

Judson Althoff, Executive Vice-President, Worldwide Commercial Business, Microsoft, has been critical of company's former sales approach, which he characterised as an attempt to sell Azure, Microsoft's platform of on-demand computing power and software services.

The sales group of Microsoft was affected in an earlier layoff announcement.

The layoffs announced in July 2016, which targeted 2,850 cuts over the course of Microsoft's just-ended fiscal year, included at least 900 employees of the sales group.

Microsoft had also added to the payroll about 1,000 salespersons with specialties in selling Cloud-computing products, Althoff had earlier said.
By Shivani Chhabra: So, when Priyanka Chopra is not busy with her global projects or slayin' it at international red carpets, she likes doing what we can only wish for--living a king-size life.

The Baywatch star is currently in Paris for the Paris Couture Week, and she is clearly having a gala time with the bigwigs of the international fashion industry there.

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Considering how overwhelmingly loaded her cap is of feathers of international achievements, we're not quite surprised.

The gorgeous diva has been posting pictures of her awesome-blossom trip on Instagram. Recently, she posted a picture of her sharing space with none other than the god of fine dressing, Giorgio Armnani--yes, she's friends with Giorgio Armani, and this isn't a joke.

Picture courtesy: Instagram/priyankachopra

Dressed in an easy-breezy, white, asymmetrical Armani dress, with a hot pair of black brogues, PeeCee then shared some touristy pictures, posing in front of the Eiffel Tower. Perhaps, the only thing we can more or less relate to.

Picture courtesy: Instagram/priyankachopra

Also Read: Oh, nothing. Just Priyanka Chopra holding hands with Giorgio Armani at Paris Fashion Week

It was, however, the pictures she posted later, with the likes of Sophia Loren and Kate Winslet, that got us a little envious of this charming woman, who never stops to amaze us.

Picture courtesy: Instagram/priyankachopra

Picture courtesy: Instagram/priyankachopra

Picture courtesy: Instagram/priyankachopra

Piggy Chops also went shopping with her stylist, Cristina Ehrlich, and the star seemed to have set her eyes on a pair of dainty, white gloves. We can't help but wonder, if PeeCee was trying to hint at something with those gloves on?

Picture courtesy: Instagram/priyankachopra

Picture courtesy: Instagram/redenavenel

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra's all-black attire might be too much for your heart to handle

Priyanka and Cristina also went shopping to designer Peter Dundas' store, where PeeCee played dress up in a lovely black gown. Peter also gave Priyanka a majestic, pink, fur-coat that she posted a picture of. Quite a gift that is, Priyanka!

Picture courtesy: Instagram/priyankachopra

Picture courtesy: Instagram/priyankachopra

Well, PeeCee's trip has just begun, and we really can't keep calm about what might follow.

--- ENDS ---
Kolkata, July 3 : The first look and trailer of the Bengali film "Dhananjoy", based on the hanging of security guard Dhananjoy Chatterjee, convicted in a rape-murder case of 1990, was unveiled here on Monday.

The backdrop for the launch was a court room set up at a private hotel. The movie, helmed by Arindam Sil, is set in 2008, four years after the execution.

The characters' names in the film, except that of Dhananjoy, have been changed. Each character's look was also revealed at the trailer launch.

Actor Anirban Bhattacharya was presented as the protagonist. He entered in handcuffs ringed by policemen.

Sil said: "We re-analysed the case, met various people and studied books about the case. We found that the execution order of Dhananjoy was given based on inconclusive circumstantial evidence and there was a stark absence of any direct evidence."

The Shree Venkatesh Films production is scheduled for release on August 11.

On August 14, 2004, Chatterjee was hanged at Alipore Central Jail in West Bengal on his 42nd birthday, convicted for the rape and murder of a teenage girl.
Seoul, July 4 : North Korea on Tuesday launched a ballistic missile into the East Sea, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).

"North Korea fired an unidentified ballistic missile into the East Sea from the vicinity of Banghyon, North Pyongan province, at around 9.40 a.m.," Yonhap News Agency quoted the JCS as saying.

Army Col. Roh Jae-cheon, a spokesman for the JCS, told the media that the missile travelled "several hundred kilometres", which means the firing was successful.

"But South Korea and the US are analysing the apogee of the missile and its exact flight distance," he said, adding "Our military is maintaining full preparedness against the possibility of North Korea's additional provocation."

A government source said the missile is estimated to have flown 800-900 km.

Japanese media reported that the missile may have landed in the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Tuesday's launch comes after North Korea fired four surface-to-ship cruise missiles on June 8 in the wake of a ballistic missile launch about a week earlier.

It also comes amid signs that US President Donald Trump is growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress in curbing North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, reports CNN.

On Friday, Trump declared US patience with North Korea was "over" and on Sunday he spoke with the leaders of both China and Japan, two important regional actors in the ongoing standoff with Pyongyang.
Washington, July 4 : US President Donald Trump has slammed Kim Jong-un in response to North Korea's latest ballistic missile launch and warned him that South Korea and Japan's patience is running out.

"North Korea has just launched another missile. Does this guy have anything better to do with his life?" Trump tweeted on Tuesday.

"Hard to believe that South Korea and Japan will put up with this much longer. Perhaps China will put a heavy move on North Korea and end this nonsense once and for all!" he added.

Earlier on Tuesday, North Korealaunched a new ballistic missile test, firing at least one missile that fell into the Sea of Japan, also called the East Sea, a spokesperson for the South Korean Ministry of National Defence told Efe news.

The launch was conducted near the Panghyon air base, where the North Korean military fired the Pukguksong-2 missile, also known as KN-15 with an estimated range of about 3,000 km, for the first time on February 12.

Japanese government spokesperson Yoshihide Suga said at a press conference that the missile was believed to have fallen into the maritime Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which stretches some 200 km off the Japanese coastline.

This latest North Korean weapons test, the first since a cruise missile launch on June 8 and the 11th so far this year, comes just after the new South Korean president Moon Jae-in and Trump met last week in Washington to address the North Korean issue, and just hours ahead of the US Independence Day.
Mumbai, July 5 : Tata Motors on Wednesday announced that it has slashed the prices of its passenger vehicles up to 12 per cent, following the roll-out of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

"We are offering a price reduction of upto 12 per cent ranging between Rs 3,300 and Rs 2,17,000 depending on the model and variant," said the car maker's President (Passenger Vehicles Business Unit) Mayank Pareek.

He said the step was taken with a strong focus to encourage positive buying sentiments.

Pareek said the car maker decided to pass on the entire benefit to its customers following the roll-out of GST.

In June, company's passenger vehicles sales in domestic market were impacted by the mixed reactions towards GST resulting in low buying sentiments.

The passenger vehicle business recorded sales of 11,176 units, lower by 10 per cent, over 12,482 units sold in June 2016.

The car manufacturer had said this drop in volume was seen as being temporary. It would recover in the quarter to come based on 11 per cent growth in the April-June 2017 quarter compared to 2016.

Welcoming the introduction of GST, Pareek said this would enhance the ease of doing business and usher in a new era for the economy in general and especially, for the automotive industry.

Meanwhile, car maker Maruti Suzuki had also passed on the benefit of GST rates on vehicles to its customers and as a result of it, the ex-showroom prices of its models have come down by up to 3 per cent.

Similarly, India's leading SUV maker Mahindra & Mahindra had said post GST the prices of its vehicles for end-customers on large UVs (Utility Vehicles) and SUVs have been reduced by an average of 6.9 per cent, while those that come under small car segment have been reduced by an average of 1.4 per cent.

It also said end-customer prices have been reduced by an average of 1.1 per cent for small commercial vehicles and 0.5 per cent for LCVs and HCVs.
New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi said very proudly during a visit to Russia last month that not a single bullet had been fired along the border between India and China for 40 years.

"It is true that we have a border dispute with China. But in the last 40 years, not a single bullet has been fired because of border dispute," Modi said in a panel discussion at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Modi spoke in the context of an "inter-connected and inter-dependent world" where, he said, countries may have some disputes but that should not stop them from moving ahead in "areas of collaboration", like India and China were doing.

In December 1996, when then state President and Communist Party of China (CPC) General Secretary Jiang Zemin visited Pakistan after a trip to India, he made a very significant statement before the Pakistan National Assembly. Speaking to Pakistani lawmakers, Jiang advised Pakistan to adopt the India-China template in their dealings with New Delhi and not let contentious issues come in the way of the development of their relationship on other fronts, particularly trade and business, and people-to-people ties.

"If certain issues cannot be resolved for the time being, they may be shelved temporarily so that they will not affect the normal state-to-state relations," Jiang said.

Pakistan may not have paid heed to Jiang's advise, but with peace and tranquility being maintained on the border through a series of agreements, China and India had managed to keep the peace between them, despite a disputed border of over 4,000 km. Indian officials have often called it a "managed relationship" where border disputes and differences over Tibet or Arunachal Pradesh were kept on a slow track of protracted negotiations while the two neighbours fast-tracked their trade and economic relationships to a level that made them critical elements of each other's growth story.

But the inexorable rise of strongman Xi Jinping coincided with muscular projections of Chinese authority and power on issues that it considered were "core" to its strategic and foundational principles, whether it be the South China Sea, Tibet, or the Belt and Road project that stood to seal China's role as a global mercantile power.

As Xi moves to establish complete authority over all organs of party, government and military to become one of the strongest leaders of the People's Republic in recent times, it is clear that China has moved much beyond previous supremo Deng Xiaoping's dictum of "Lie low, bide your time".

China thinks its time is now and whatever it does will be in consonance and pursuit of this "Chinese dream" to become one of the world's pre-eminent economic, military and political powers in what Xi terms "the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation".

In line with this political philosophy, China is flexing its muscle, reasserting sovereignty and expanding its arc of influence much beyond the South China Sea, to South Asia, Africa and even to Latin America. But even as its Belt and Road connectivity project becomes a tool to project Chinese economic and cultural power, it has become uncompromising on issues that it earlier preferred to "lie low" on, with the latest being the row with India over disputed Bhutanese territory north of Sikkim.

China's bellicose position, coupled with a sharp escalation of threatening rhetoric, is consistent with its recent posturing over territorial and geostrategic issues.

Suddenly, says Shivshankar Menon, former Indian National Security Adviser and former envoy to Beijing, the old modus vivendi in India-China ties, that worked to enhance areas of common interest while seeking to balance rival sensitivities on their strategic concerns, has broken down and there is an urgent need to find a new modus vivendi.

There is little doubt that China's aim is to contain India's rising power through strategic linkages with the country's neighbours, particularly Pakistan. It seeks to browbeat New Delhi in the hope that the latter will back down and defer to Beijing's growing might.

But India too has been unusually tough and unrelenting in its stances, whether on the CPEC, Arunachal Pradesh or Sikkim, and both have ended up staring down at each other, while underlining that they were a "different" country from the one that fought a war in 1962. Who ends up blinking first will determine how this regional rivalry between the world's two most populous and aspirational nations plays out. But there is also a danger of the situation spiralling out of control if the brinkmanship continues. The position an unpredictable US takes might determine strategic equations in Asia in the coming years.

(Tarun Basu is President, Society for Policy Studies. He can be contacted at tarun.basu@spsindia.in)
Doha, July 5 : The four Arab countries in a diplomatic standoff with Qatar have said that they have received a response from Doha to their list of demands.

Bahrain, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia suspended diplomatic relations and cut off land, sea and air travel to Qatar in June, accusing the country of funding terrorism and destabilising the Middle East. Doha denied the accusations.

The four-country bloc had issued a 12-day ultimatum to Qatar -- that expires at midnight on Wednesday -- to respond to their list of 13 demands as a precondition to restoring bilateral ties, CNN reported.

Qatar's response was handed over to the Arab quartet by Kuwait, which is acting as a mediator in the dispute, the report said.

Qatari Foreign Minister Mohamed bin Abderrahman al Zani had refused to reveal the details of Doha's formal response, and reiterated that the list of demands were "unrealistic and not actionable".

The demands included the closure of the Al Jazeera media network, a reduction in diplomatic ties with Iran and the halting of a Turkish military base in Qatar.

The four countries also did not divulge details of the response but said they will respond in due time.

Foreign Ministers of the four countries are set to meet in Cairo later in the day to discuss Qatar's response.
London, July 6 : Actress Sigourney Weaver is set to reprise her cameo in the British series "Doc Martin". She was spotted filming in Cornish village.

The 67-year-old first appeared in the Martin Clunes-led drama in a 2015 episode, playing American tourist Beth Traywick who pays a visit to the Cornish seaside village of Portwenn.

Spotted on set this week in Port Isaac, Cornwall, Weaver was almost unrecognisable in her low-key costume as she filmed a scene outside a local chemist, reports dailymail.co.uk.

The "Alien" actress ditched the glam look for a hat and anorak, with a camera slung around her neck.

The Hollywood icon's appearance in the tiny Cornish fishing village attracted quite the crowd, with locals seen trying to get a glimpse of the on-set action.
Cairo, July 6 : Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said on Wednesday that Qatar's response to the demands of Egypt and Gulf countries was "very negative."

Shoukry's comments came during a press conference after his meeting in Cairo with his counterparts of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain to discuss their blockade of Qatar, Xinhua news agency reported.

"We have held talks to discuss the recent developments of the Qatari crisis and the ways to deal with it," he said.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut off diplomatic ties with Qatar on June 5 and imposed punitive measures, accusing the gas-rich country of "supporting terrorism and interfering in their internal affairs."

The four Arab countries then issued a list of 13 demands to end rift with Doha, including closing Al-Jazeera television and cutting diplomatic ties with Iran.

The four announced on Wednesday that they received the Qatari response through Kuwait, who has played as a mediator to reach a solution for the crisis.

"There will be zero tolerance with the Qatari support for terrorism," Shoukry said, adding that there are evidences showing that Qatar supported terrorism and extremism.

Shoukry affirmed that another meeting will be held in Bahrain soon to further discuss the issue.
Warsaw, July 6 : US President Donald Trump arrived in Warsaw on Wednesday evening to start his visit to Poland.

Air Force One with US President and his spouse on board arrived here about 10:15 p.m. local time, Xinhua reported.

On Thursday morning, Trump will begin his activities in Poland.

According to Krzysztof Szczerski, chief aide to Polish President Andrzej Duda, these activities include meeting with President Duda, delegation talks and participation in the regional Three Seas Summit.

Trump is also expected to deliver a major foreign policy speech on the Krasinskich Square.

Security and economy will be the main topics to be discussed during the visit, according to Polish top officials.

This is Trump's second visit to Europe. After visiting Warsaw, Trump will go to Hamburg to take part in the G20 summit due to be held on July 7-8 in Germany.
Warsaw, July 6 : US President Donald Trump has arrived in Poland on his first bilateral visit to a European country.

The US leader and First Lady Melania Trump touched down aboard Air Force One at the Warsaw airport on Wednesday night at 10.15 p.m. (local time) for a visit scheduled to last less than 24 hours, reports Efe news.

On Thursday afternoon, Trump is scheduled to fly to Hamburg, Germany, to participate in the G20 summit, where he is also expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump's agenda in Warsaw - amid heavy security - will start with the meeting with his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda at the presidential palace, to be followed by a brief appearance before the media, and later the pair will participate in an economic meeting with 12 heads of government from Central and Eastern European nations.

At the meeting, Trump will propose to the participating countries that they import US liquefied natural gas, arguing that they can thus reduce their energy dependence on Russia.

Poland favours the idea because it aspires to transform itself - with US investment - into a logistical centre for LNG in Eastern Europe, a point on which it is at odds with Germany, by building a port for such shipments on its northern coast.

Trump will then deliver a speech on the capital's Krasinski Square, where the monument to the uprising of city residents against the Nazi occupation stands, a symbol of Poland's fight for independence.

The Polish government, meanwhile, hopes that on his visit Trump will reaffirm his commitment to the security of all NATO members and strengthen Warsaw's position within the European Union amid the differences it is having with Brussels.
Kannada Rakshana Vedike (KRV) activists entered a food court near the Eco Tech Park on Wednesday evening and defaced the signboards of restaurants that had no Kannada on them.

By Nolan Pinto: Close on the heels of pro-Kannada organizations successfully forcing Namma Metro authorities to remove Hindi letters from some of their Metro station display boards, now even restaurants in the city are feeling the heat.

Kannada Rakshana Vedike (KRV) activists entered a food court near the Eco Tech Park on Wednesday evening and defaced the signboards of restaurants that had no Kannada on them.

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Praveen Shetty, KRV state president told India Today that his Mahadevapura area leader Arvind took responsibility for this action as the restaurants have not adhered to the use of Kannada on their signboards. He says that according to the law, Kannada must be used but that is certainly not happening in the city and hence this has caused an upheaval in the state amongst pro-Kannada activists.

Stating that Hindi is not the only national language in India, Praveen Shetty argues that since Kannada is also a national language, it should be utilized in other states as well. Since this is not the case, they will not allow Hindi to be used over here.

"Delhi is imposing Hindi on us all but we have English as a medium of communication along with Kannada so we have no necessity for Hindi," he said.

"If the state language is not being respected, then what is the use of a state government? We might as well have Modi rule over us all from the Centre," he opined sarcastically.

Praveen Shetty along with the KRV are not against Hindi but believe with India being a free country and many people of different cultures, languages and ethnicity residing in different parts of the nation, what is wrong with them learning and speaking the language of the state they live in.

PM MODI IMPOSING HINDI ON US

Likewise, Vatal Nagaraj, former MLA and social activist, is openly blaming Prime Minister Narendra Modi for imposing Hindi amongst the non-Hindi speaking states.

"Ever since Modi became the Prime Minister, the Centre has been trying to impose Hindi on all the states," he told India Today.

Following the Chief Minister's directive, the Kannada Development Authority (KDA) on Tuesday issued a notice to the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) and sought an explanation why it was using three-language policy.

(With inputs from Preksha AB)

--- ENDS ---
Lucknow, July 6 : Heavy rains lashed many parts of Uttar Pradesh including the state capital on Thursday leading to inconvenience among school going children and office goers, weather officials said.

The rains which started around midnight turned into heavy downpour on Thursday morning.

In Lucknow, many localities remained water logged. In Vikasnagar, Indiranagar Sector 9, Hariharnagar, Gokhale Marg, Nighohan and Bakshi Ka Talaab, parts of freshly laid roads sunk due to the heavy flow of water.

Several trees were uprooted across the city, leading to traffic problems.

Angry residents of Ismailganj, Faizullaganj, Mulayamnagar whose houses are under knee-deep water have begun demonstrations against the failure of the civic authorities in pulling out water from the localities.

According to the regional Met office, more rains are predicted over the weekend while 88 mm of downpour was recorded in the state capital on Wednesday.

Five people were killed in rain-related incidents in Kothi (Barabanki), Hardhaurpur in Lucknow, Kanpur, Kanpur rural and Farukkhabad, respectively.
Leh, July 6 : Thousands of Tibetans on Thursday morning joined in the 82nd birthday celebrations of their spiritual leader the Dalai Lama here.

Large crowds donning traditional dresses began to assemble since morning at the Shiwatsel Phodrang complex on the outskirts of Leh for the birthday celebrations.

"Special prayer sessions were held for the long life of His Holiness," a Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) spokesperson told IANS.

The Dalai Lama, revered by the Tibetans as a "living god", attended the prayers and blessed the gathering.

Tibetan Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay also attended the celebrations here.

Officials of the Dalai Lama's office said the spiritual leader would stay in Shiwatsel Phodrang till July 30.

During his visit, he would participate in religious ceremonies, conduct meditational retreat and deliver teachings at Diskit Monastery in the Nubra Valley, Padum in Zanskar area and the Shiwatsel teaching ground in Leh.

The Dalai Lama's sermons on ethics, non-violence, peace and religious harmony have made him one of the 20th century's most revered spiritual leaders.

Born on July 6, 1935, at Taktser hamlet in northeastern Tibet, the Dalai Lama was recognised at the age of two as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso.

He fled Tibet after a failed uprising against the Chinese rule in 1959.

The Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his non-violent campaign for democracy and freedom in his homeland. Since fleeing to India, he has spent his time in exile pushing for autonomy for Tibet.

India is home to around 100,000 Tibetans.
New Delhi, July 6 : The BJP should be held to its promise of dialogue with all stakeholders, including Hurriyat, and even Pakistan, as that is the only way out of the present imbroglio in Jammu and Kashmir, says senior party leader Yashwant Sinha.

He feels that after having promised dialogue, citing former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, somebody should ask why the Centre is going back on the agenda of the alliance with the Peoples Democratic Pary (PDP).

"We should hold them (the BJP) to their own promise in the agenda of the alliance where they have said they would talk to all internal stakeholders. After praising Vajpayee for doing what he did, they were saying that we will do the same thing. Somebody should ask them why are you going back on the agenda of the alliance?" Sinha told IANS in an interview.

The former External Affairs and Finance Minister -- who is now somewhat alienated from the BJP leadership -- headed an apolitical group of eminent citizens that visited the Kashmir Valley twice last year for initiating talks with separatists and other groups after months of unrest that left nearly 100 people dead and thousands blinded by pellets fired by security at street protesters.

He said the group had given its recommendations to the government of India on bringing peace in the valley where "the situation is going from bad to worse because people are getting more and more alienated".

"The most important suggestion that we had made was the reiteration of what had been promised in the agenda of the alliance between the BJP and the PDP (when they formed the coalition government) on national reconciliation and on starting talks with all the stakeholders, including the Hurriyat," Sinha said.

He said some of the suggestions "have been acted upon" and regretted that "some have not been acted upon".

"I am not claiming credit that it is because of us that those improvements have taken place. Take the use of pellet guns for instance. It is much less now than it was earlier. The cases of blinding (people) have reduced."

But, he said, the government has gone back on the promise of dialogue "because there is no talk of talks now, and it is only military action that is taking place" in the Kashmir Valley.

The former minister said it should not be surprising to know that separatists are getting money from Pakistan because it "is something which was well known".

"They are called separatists because they want to separate. Otherwise, why would we call them separatists? So everything about them was known. I don't think in the last two-and-a-half years anything new has emerged to persuade the authorities to go back on the promises made in the agenda of the alliance."

He said the "only way out" of the Kashmir problem was to have talks "not only with internal stakeholders but also with people across the LoC, which means Pakistan" as agreed to between the BJP and the PDP.

"Even if we exclude Pakistan for the time being, why should we not have dialogue with our own people in Jammu and Kashmir? We are having dialogue with the Nagas," he said, urging that the situation in Kashmir was a "matter of the greatest concern" and the problem should be resolved without losing any time.

He said the authorities and the people of India should note that "it is not merely the territory of Jammu and Kashmir that we have to hold, we have to win back the hearts and minds of the people who have been alienated.

"And that is the challenge for us and we can achieve that challenge only by reaching out to them, offering dialogue and if the offer is accepted then actually talking about the resolution of the issue."

Asked why the BJP was still part of the coalition government that has failed to restore order in the valley, Sinha said the question should be why is the PDP, led by the Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, allied with the BJP.

"The BJP is going back (on its promises) and who should be the first to react? The PDP. If the PDP had persuaded the BJP then that there should be a dialogue, that there should be a national reconciliation and if the BJP stood persuaded then, and the BJP has gone back on that understanding, then who should react? The PDP. I can't react on their behalf."

Asked what he planned to do about initiating the peace process in the Kashmir Valley, the BJP leader said there was nothing he could offer to Kashmiris.

"It is only the government of India or the government of Jammu and Kashmir which can make an offer. But I think the time has come where the people of India should reach out to the people of Kashmir.

"There must be more people-to-people dialogue, people-to-people conversations. People of Jammu and Kashmir must be assured that the people of India feel for them. Let's see. The future will tell."

(Sarwar Kashani and V.S. Chandrasekar can be contacted at sarwar.k@ians.in and chandru.v@ians.in)
Los Angeles, July 6 : Actor Seth Rogen wants his mother to stop tweeting about sex.

According to people.com, Rogen on Wednesday expressed his views after his mother Sandy posted: "Falling asleep after sex is like shavasana after yoga!"

Rogen responded: "Jesus f****** Christ mom." Even Rogen's sister Danya got in on the conversation, replying to Rogen's tweet: "Seriously. I actually gagged." She even posted the sick-face emoji.

This isn't the first time the "Sausage Party" star's mother embarrassed him online.

Back in January, Rogen tried poking fun at Sandy while she and his father were vacationing in Paris, France. "My husband needs peanut butter in Paris! Crazy life," she tweeted without further explanation.

"For a billion dollars, I couldn't tell you what this means," he posted in response. To this, Sandy posted: "If you would answer your phone you would know."
Bandhavgarh (Madhya Pradesh), July 6 : Carnivores and other creatures of the Bandhavgarh forests are perking up to the rutting sounds of Chital, the spotted deer -- for the first time in seven years.

The sounds in the core areas of Bandhavgarh are a happy augury, say forest officials. It shows Chital stags are fighting with one another for mating rights and herding together estrus females in their period of fertility, which are apparently now in abundance.

The herds are said to have moved back to the core areas from the periphery near human settlements -- over 120 villages in the buffer zone -- where they had strayed in search of food and water, drawing the felines, or the big cats, of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.

Because of this not only had the tiger sightings near the villages increased, the cases of man-animal conflict also snowballed in the past few years.

"Chital are favourite food for tigers. Bandhavgarh has mostly Chitals, apart from a few Gaurs (Indian Bison) and Sambars (larger species of deer)," the reserve's Field Director Mridul Pathak told IANS.

"Rutting calls in the core area had dropped in the past six to seven years, but they are now significantly improving," says Satyendra Tiwari, a former government official, tour operator and advisor to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), a statutory body.

According to official records, the presence of Chitals around human settlements had attracted a large number of tigers, with some villages being marked as "Tiger villages".

"Gohadi village was among the most affected by the tiger menace. People noticed the presence of tigers on at least 11 different occasions," said a forester.

Other villages that suffered from the tiger menace are Godhpuri, Hardia, Damma and Ghadhua, with sightings of four to seven tigers in each of them. At present, Bandhavgarh has one of the highest tiger densities in India with about 55 adult tigers, around 25 cubs aged between six months and two years, and approximately 20 below six months' age.

For conservationists, the challenge was to bring the deer back to the grasslands, thereby drawing the tigers away from human habitats.

The task was not easy. The process involved working in a core area spread over 920 sq km. The grasslands had to be revived with soft grasses, the water channels fixed and micro-nutrients added to water bodies.

Coarse grass dominates the Bandhavgarh expanse and grows wild as Sambars and Gaurs -- whose primary food it is -- are low in numbers. The entire population of Gaurs is about 130, with 49 of them relocated from Kanha National Park in 2010.

A VIP-visit also helped. So excited was the visitor on animal sightings that he helped arrange for a Swiss grass-cutting machine that was sought by the officials. The machine chops the upper part of coarse grasses and grinds the residue for compost, which helps with the growth of the soft grass below.

Teams then turned to water holes. "We checked the mineral levels in the water holes. If the micro-nutrients are low, animals tend to change the water sources," the forester said. Salt was used to clean and increase nutrients in the water and potassium permanganate added for healthy skins of animals.

"We began with the Tala zone, the biggest and richest of all, in November 2016," Pathak said, adding that check-dams were created and dried water channels revived.

"Things worked out as planned. Soft grass grew, water channels were revived with the water level rising and holes were medicated. Only the inhabitants were missing," Pathak recalled.

And here Lord Rama was invoked. The temple fort on a prominent hillock gives the park its name Bandhavgarh -- or Brother (Laxman's) Fort. Officials led by Pathak visited each village around the zone, met the village head and elders and pointed out the growing menace of man-animal conflict and sold them on the idea of holding "Ramayana-Path for good luck".

The villagers, mostly the Baiga and Gond tribals and some Yadavs and Brahmins, were provided loudspeakers to recite Ramayana and given crackers to frighten the animals away.

"Within a few days, Ramayana started showing its miracle. The heavy sounds from loudspeakers and crackers spooked and pushed the Chital back to the forest. Once the herds started moving back, they stayed in core area," said Field Director Pathak with a chuckle.

"Notice that their numbers are impressive, they all have a healthy glistening coat and each herd, small or big, has fawns," Pathak said with a spread of his hands as hundreds of Chital grazed and gambolled about gracefully in every nook of the Tala zone. And where the prey goes, so do the predators. The tigers have moved away from the villages.

"You will further see the difference during your next visit," Pathak says as a bellow echoes across the woods, "You hear that? That was rutting.". As another night passes in the jungle, he has reason to thump his chest in pride.

(Kushagra Dixit can be contacted at kushagra.d@ians.in)
Islamabad, July 6 : A Pakistani minister on Thursday survived an attack in Balochistan's Panjgur town, the media reported.

Balochistan Health Minister Rehmat Saleh Baloch's convoy was targeted while he was travelling to Prom area from Panjgur, Dawn news quoted a senior police official as saying.

Baloch and his aides escaped unharmed.

The militants used various weapons including rockets in the attack. The assailants managed to escape, the official added.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as yet.
Itanagar, July 6 : A search and rescue team in Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday resumed the operation to retrieve the wreckage of the missing Indian Air Force helicopter and the four bodies near it, police said.

A police official said two of the bodies are identifiable but the other two were charred beyond recognition.

"A team comprising Arunachal Police, Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police personnel along with local volunteers resumed their search and rescue operation at 4 a.m., to retrieve the bodies to upper ground," Inspector General of Police, Law and Order, Nabin Payeng told IANS.

The wreckage and the bodies were found on Wednesday in Sopho Yuha, near Hostallam village, about 30 km from Itanagar.

Tezpur-based defence spokesperson, Lt Col Sombit Ghosh said that an IAF search and rescue ground party team has also left for the wreckage site.

Wing Commander M.S. Dhillon, Flight Lieutenant P.K. Singh, Flight Engineer Sergeant Gujjar and Indian Reserve Battalion member Nada Umbing had boarded the helicopter from Pilputu Helipad near Sagalee on Tuesday.

The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) engaged in flood rescue mission in the state went missing at 3.50 p.m.

The helicopter was evacuating people stranded in Sagalee and Dambuk areas due to massive landslides caused by heavy rain.

Papum Pare district official J.Pertin said the helicopter had made five sorties since it arrived there at around 10.30 a.m. on Tuesday morning.

"In the sixth sortie to Naharlagun, for unknown reason, the crew did not take the last batch of nine civilians and took off from Sagalee with just one policeman, who was deployed to help the two crew members and then went missing," Pertin told IANS.
Chandigarh, July 6 : 'Kar sewa' (voluntary service) was launched on Thursday to build a martyrs' gallery in the Harmandar Sahib complex in Amritsar, despite earlier objections by Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh.

Sikh seminary Damdami Taksal launched the voluntary service by Sikh devotees in the Golden Temple, where Akal Takht Jathedar Gurbachan Singh and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Kirpal Singh Badungar were present.

The proposed gallery will display the photographs of Sikh militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and other militants who died during a violent struggle for a separate Sikh homeland of Khalistan in the state in the 1080s and early 1990s as well as during the June 1984 Operation Bluestar by the Army in the Sikh shrine at Amritsar, nearly 225 km from here.

The Chief Minister had urged Damdami Taksal head Harnam Singh Dhumma not to set up the gallery within Operation Bluestar Memorial inside the religious complex, saying it will disturb peace in Punjab.

However, the Damdami Taksal ignored the appeal and the SGPC, which manages the Golden Temple and other Sikh gurdwaras in Punjab and elsewhere, gave its approval for the gallery project in June.

Amarinder Singh has alleged that the Shiromani Akali Dal, which controls the SGPC, is behind the gallery project to disrupt peace in Punjab.
New Delhi, July 6 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold bilateral meetings with the top leadership of eight countries, including Britain, Japan and Canada, and also participate in a BRICS leaders meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, a senior official said on Thursday.

The comments came after China said there will be no meeting at Hamburg between Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Indian leader in the wake of a stand-off between the troops of both sides in Doklam area in the Sikkim sector.

"The Prime Minister is visiting Hamburg from July 6 to 8 for G20 Summit," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said in response to a query.

"His pre-planned bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit are with Argentina, Canada, Italy, Japan, Mexico, ROK (South Korea), the UK and Vietnam.

"In addition, he will also participate in the BRICS Leaders' meeting. There is no change in the Prime Minister's schedule," he added.

Earlier, a Chinese Foreign Ministry official said President Xi and Prime Minister Modi were unlikely to meet on the sidelines of the summit as "the atmosphere is not right" due to their border stand-off.

While the Indian Foreign Ministry has not indicated whether Modi and Xi will hold a bilateral meeting, there is every likelihood of their meeting, even in passing, during the five-nation Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa leaders' meeting, which is traditionally held on the sidelines of a G20 summit.

Modi and Xi will be in the same room and sitting around the same table at the BRICS leaders meeting, a close group meeting during which leaders of the five countries set the agenda for the way forward.

While the cold vibes between the two sides are in full display over the Doklam stand-off, with China markedly ratcheting up the rhetoric -- both in Beijing and their embassy in New Delhi -- a meeting between the two leaders would help bring down temperatures.

Even as bilateral tensions are at a high, Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar is in Beijing to participate in a BRICS Education Ministers meet. He held "good discussions" with his Chinese counterpart Chen Baosheng and also met "with an old friend" Chinese Special Envoy on climate change Xie Zhenhua, the Indian Embassy in Beijing tweeted.
Itanagar, July 6 : The People's Party of Arunachal (PPA) -- which has nine legislators in the state assembly -- on Thursday extended support to National Democratic Alliance Presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind.

"We have decided to support the NDA candidate as we are part of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA)," PPA President Kameng Ringu told IANS after a meeting with Kovind, who had come here to drum up support ahead of the July 17 Presidential election.

NEDA is a conglomeration of non-Congress parties led by the Bharatiya Janata Party. Assam Minister Himata Biswa Sarma is the NEDA Convener.

Kovind, who was accompanied by Union Ministers Raj Narendra Singh Tomar and Kiren Rijiju, Assam Minister Sarma, and BJP leader Ram Madhav, held a meeting with PPA leaders and legislators.

In the 60-member Arunachal Pradesh assembly, the ruling BJP has 47 members, while two are Independents. Former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki is the lone Congress MLA.

Earlier, addressing BJP legislators in the presence of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Kovind said his dream is of a developed India and equitable development for all sections of people and regions.

"Equality among states and people should be the mantra so that the country develops," he said.
The two apparently bumped into each other at a Hyderabad restaurant and what followed were drinks, chatting and kissing.

Ram Gopal Varma (R) took to Facebook and Instagram to share photos that show him kissing fellow filmmaker Anurag Kashyap (L) on the cheek.

By Mail Today: When it comes to publicity in Bollywood, any news is good news. Ask Ram Gopal Varma. The filmmaker, once considered a gamechanger in Bollywood, has not delivered a memorable hit in nearly a decade, but he sure knows how to stay in the limelight. His recent social media post once again proves as much.

Late on Tuesday, RGV took to Facebook and Instagram to share photos that show him kissing filmmaker Anurag Kashyap on the cheek.

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The two apparently bumped into each other at a Hyderabad restaurant and what followed were drinks, chatting and kissing. RGV then shared photos of the kisses on social media, which soon went viral.

The pics were duly captioned. One where Kashyap is seen kissing RGV, read: "Just met Anurag Kashyap at a restaurant and his lips on my cheek felt better than a most sexiest girls lips on my mouth (sic)."

If that makes you wonder if RGV was inebriated, the next one ensures he was! "No matter what all horrible people think about us I doubt they will suspect our sexual orientation.. But we truly love each other (sic)," he wrote for a photo where he kisses Anurag, RGV then went into details about preferences. "I hate gays bcos I don't like any1 who doesn't like women but connecting point with Anurag is we both like women and our kiss is an acknowledgement of our common love for women, (sic)" read another caption.

In the fourth photo, he explained: "A kiss is not a sexual expression but the purest form of love which can happen between mother and child or thickest friends or bitterest enemies.. but my kiss to Anurag is for his sexy mind.(sic)"

RGV quit Twitter a month back. Looks like he has now chosen Facebook and Instagram to express his 'extraordinary' thoughts.

Also Read:

Ram Gopal Varma: Proud to direct a biopic on legendary Telugu actor NTR

Ram Gopal Varma's attempt to piggyback on Sunny Leone's stardom to regain relevance is pathetic

--- ENDS ---
Mumbai, July 6 : Strong buying activity in banking, automobile and FMCG stocks lifted the Indian equity markets for the second consecutive session on Thursday, despite global cues remaining broadly negative.

However, the key indices pared some gains and fell from their day's highs as investors booked profits during the second half of the trade session.

The wider Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) closed at 9,674.55 points -- up 36.95 points or 0.38 per cent -- after touching an intra-day high of 9,700.70 points.

The 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the BSE, which opened at 31,298.42 points, closed at 31,369.34 points -- up 123.78 points, or 0.40 per cent, from its previous close at 31,245.56 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 31,460.70 points and a low of 31,264.86 points during the intra-day trade.

The BSE market breadth was bullish -- with 1,541 advances and 1,180 declines.

The broader market indices underperformed the Sensex. The S&P BSE mid-cap was up by 0.30 per cent and the small-cap index by 0.31 per cent.

"Markets rallied on Thursday after breaking out of the 9,651 resistance. A sell-off from the highs due to global weakness curbed the gains," Deepak Jasani, Head of Retail Research, HDFC Securities, told IANS.

"Major Asian markets have ended on a negative note, barring the Shanghai and Jakarta indices. European indices like FTSE 100, CAC 40 and DAX traded lower," Jasani added.

The rupee closed on a flat note at 64.78 to a US dollar.

In investments, provisional data with the exchanges showed that foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold stocks worth Rs 15.29 crore while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought scrips worth Rs 315.95 crore.

"The equity markets gained in the first half, but in the later session, profit booking was seen and market gave up some of the gains. Market turnover was on the higher side," said Dhruv Desai, Director and Chief Operating Officer of Tradebulls.

"Banking stocks saw good surge today on the back of weekly Bank Nifty expiry," he added.

Sector-wise, the S&P BSE banking index rose by 119.96 points, the automobile index by 88.42 points and the FMCG index by 80.35 points.

On the other hand, the S&P BSE consumer durables index fell by 51.76 points, the oil and gas index by 51.07 points and the IT index by 25.78 points.

Major Sensex gainers on Thursday were: State Bank of India, up 2.15 per cent at Rs 280.90; ITC, up 1.72 per cent at Rs 336.75; Coal India, up 1.52 per cent at Rs 251.25; Bharti Airtel, up 1.36 per cent at Rs 381.40; and Maruti Suzuki, up 1.33 per cent at Rs 7,469.20.

Major Sensex losers were: Bajaj Auto, down 1.52 per cent at Rs 2,729.60; Sun Pharma, down 1.04 per cent at Rs 544.90; Axis Bank, down 0.81 per cent at Rs 509.65; ONGC, down 0.77 at Rs 161.40; and Mahindra and Mahindra, down 0.59 per cent at Rs 1,376.85.
New Delhi, July 6 : Delhi Police on Thursday told a city court that there are chances that accused Gopal Ansal and Sushil Ansal can flee the country while hearing is on of a case on alleged tampering with evidence in the 1997 Uphaar fire tragedy.

Public Prosecutor A.T. Ansari told Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Sumit Dass that there is serious apprehension that the Ansal brothers may flee the country during pendency of the present trial.

The court, after hearing the submission of prosecution as well as defence, reserved its order for July 19.

The Delhi Police plea was based on a news article by magazine 'Tehelka' that said Sushil Ansal was taking steps to flee the country as he was selling his properties below the circle rates and transferring money to his foreign bank accounts in Britain and Singapore.

Prosecutor Ansari told court that the news article which was published on December 2016 gives rise to serious apprehension that the accused may flee during pendency of the trial.

"There is a substantial change in the circumstances creating reasonable grounds for believing that accused Gopal Ansal and Sushil Ansal are most likely to flee from the country to avoid the trial of the present case and as such, warranting the prosecution to seek indulgence of this court seeking directions to restraining the accused Gopal Ansal and Sushil Ansal not to leave country," prosecutor said.

He requested court to restrain the accused from travelling abroad without the court's permission.

However, defence counsel Rebecca John opposed the police plea and said the accused are facing trial in the cases since 20 years and have attended court proceedings regularly.

Advocate John said the accused are ready to give an undertaking that they will furnish all details whenever they travel abroad and will not hamper the trial in the case.

She pleaded to the court to dismiss the police plea, saying that it is filed with malafide intentions without validating the genuineness of the news article published in the magazine.

The trial court in 2014 framed charges against seven accused, including the Ansal brothers, under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code -- 109 (abetment of offence), 201 (causing disappearance of evidence), 409 (criminal breach of trust by public servant) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy).

Theatre owners Gopal and Sushil Ansal, Anoop Singh, Prem Prakash Batra, Harswaroop Panwar, Dharamveer Malhotra as well as a court employee, Dinesh Chandra Sharma, are accused of tampering with evidence in the case, pending since 2006.

On June 13, 1997, when the Hindi film "Border" was being screened, a fire engulfed the theatre, killing 59 people and left over 100 injured. The fire was sparked by a blast in a transformer in an underground parking lot in the five-storey building which housed the cinema hall and several offices.

A court on Jan 31, 2003 ordered an inquiry after some documents related to the Uphaar case went missing from the court record room. After an inquiry, the judge dismissed a court employee.

The Ansal brothers were granted bail on April 23, 2010 in the case but the court has not imposed any condition regarding permission to travel abroad.

However, the Supreme Court while hearing a separate case related to the Uphaar fire tragedy, has restricted the movement of the accused persons outside the country till disposal of their review petitions.

On February 9, 2017 the Supreme Court finally decided the case and sentenced Gopal Ansal to one year imprisonment.

The Public Prosecutor apprised the court that the review petition has finally been disposed of and thus the Supreme Court's direction is no longer in force.
Dhaka, July 6 : Millions of Bangladeshis in the July 2016-June 2017 fiscal year remitted home nearly $13 billion, a central bank official said on Thursday.

"The flow of inward remittances in the 2016-17 financial year fell by about 14.47 per cent to $12,769.45 million," Xinhua news agency quoted the Bangladesh Bank (BB) official as saying.

The official said the decrease in total inflow of remittance was mainly due to sluggish overseas employment in some Middle Eastern countries and devaluation of their currencies against the US dollar.

According to the official, millions of non-resident Bangladeshis remitted home in June a total of $1.21 billion.

In June last year overseas Bangladeshis sent home $1.47 billion, he said.

The inflow remittances from nearly 10 million Bangladeshis, living and working in over 100 countries, in the last 2015-16 financial year fell by about 2.55 per cent to $14.93 billion.
New Delhi, July 6 : The wreckage of the Indian Air Force helicopter that crashed in Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday and the bodies of three personnel who were on board the chopper have been recovered, the IAF said on Thursday.

A defence statement said Arunachal Pradesh Police team spotted the wreckage of the helicopter on Wednesday evening during the search by joint rescue teams of Army, the National Disaster Response Force, police and the Indian Air Force.

On Thursday morning, rescue parties comprising IAF's Garud commandos and a medical team, Army, NDRF were able to reach the crash site along with the Arunachal Pradesh Police team that had sighted the wreckage.

"The bodies of three personnel have been recovered so far. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the accident," the IAF said.

The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) of the IAF engaged in flood rescue mission in the state went missing at 3.50 p.m. on Tuesday after it took off from Pilputu Helipad near Sagalee for the Naharlagun heliport.

The helicopter was evacuating people stranded in Sagalee and Dambuk due to massive landslides caused by heavy rains.
Amreli (Gujarat), July 6 : At least 100 Dalits in Amreli district in Gujarat on Thursday embraced Buddhism in protest against government inaction over the death of a Dalit youth in judicial custody on June 14.

They vowed to exhume his body on Friday to take out a procession.

The agitating Dalits, who had threatened to convert if no action was taken, collected the requisite forms from the District Collectorate and returned the filled up documents to convert to Buddhism.

After submitting the forms, around 100 Dalits from Dungarpur village took a procession to Thhebi dam and immersed statues and gods and goddesses in the swirling waters.

The Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, 2003, requires the permission of the state government before religious conversion.

Hundreds of Dalits from across Gujarat are expected to converge in Amreli on Friday to exhume the body of Jignesh Sondarva, 29, and participate in a procession.

Though four under-trial prisoners have been arrested in the case, the Dalits who have been protesting over the killing of Sundarva in Amreli sub-jail are not satisfied and want action against jail officials for not preventing the incident.

They also want an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation.

Sondarva, a resident of Dungarpur village of Amreli district's Rajula taluka (tehsil), was arrested on June 12 for allegedly consuming liquor and was sent to judicial custody after he failed to deposit the bail money.

While in custody, he had an altercation with four under-trials who allegedly banged his head several times against the barrack wall. Sondarva succumbed to his injuries in a hospital on June 15.

Dalit activist Navchetan Parmar, who is leading the agitation, said the arrest of four under-trials in the case did not mean anything.

He asserted: "The post-mortem report suggests that Sondarva was beaten up three to four days before he was sent to jail. That means he was tortured during police remand. He might have been thrashed by the jail staff too during judicial custody.

"We want a CBI inquiry, nothing short of that," Parmar added.
Chandigarh, July 6 : The Punjab Police on Thursday booked five people, including three based in the US, for sedition and promoting enmity following putting up hoardings in Punjab seeking a referendum on a separate Sikh state Khalistan.

The police filed a case against New York-based organization Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) legal advisor Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and SFJ activists Jagdeep Singh and Jagjeet Singh (all three based in New York), Gurpeet Singh of Mohali and Harpunit Singh of Jammu.

They have been charged with sedition, promoting enmity and criminal conspiracy.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh also ordered a crackdown on the outfit amid "complaints by people of deliberate attempts to vitiate the state's atmosphere", a spokesman for the Chief Minister said on Thursday.

Amarinder Singh directed the police to ensure that neither the SFJ nor any other outfit succeeds in whipping up passions in the state, which Pakistan's intelligence could exploit to its advantage.

The Chief Minister's orders came after a series of provocative posters and hoardings came up at more than 40 outdoor sites across the state in recent days.

Investigations by the police showed that the campaign, titled `Punjab Independence Referendum 2020', had been managed by the Baba Hanuman Singh Enterprise agency, which was hired for the purpose by the SFJ.

"All five have been booked for promoting feelings of enmity and disharmony between different groups and committing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony, through visible representations. Such acts have disturbed and are likely to disturb public tranquility in Punjab, and are further likely to cause fear/alarm, ill-will and a feeling of insecurity among members of different communities/groups," the Punjab Police said in its FIR.

The spokesman said that further investigations were in progress to uncover the financial and operational linkages between persons based in India and abroad.

"The SFJ, backed by Khalistani forces, had been actively trying to destabilize Punjab for the past several months," the spokesman added.

"The Punjab Police has, in recent weeks, busted several modules of terrorists linked to Khalistani forces which had started raising their ugly heads again in an apparent bid to whip up tension in Punjab.

"Interrogation of these alleged terrorists, arrested from various parts of Punjab, had shown that they were being mentored and armed by Khalistani supporters in Canada, the US and other places, with some also being trained by ISI in Pakistan," the spokesman added.

Amarinder Singh made it clear that all those involved in subversive activities in Punjab would be dealt with firmly.
New Delhi, July 6 : Amid the BJP's worsening ties with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, party chief Amit Shah on Thursday formed a three-member delegation of MPs to look into incidents of communal violence in the eastern state.

The delegation, headed by senior party leader Om Mathur, and comprising New Delhi MP Meenakshi Lekhi and Baghpat MP Satyapal Singh, will visit violence hit areas of West Bengal to take stock of the ground situation. The delegation will submit its report to Shah.

The members will coordinate with BJP General Secretary and incharge of West Bengal Kailash Vijayvargiya and state BJP Chief Dilip Ghosh, an official statement of the party said.

The visit comes in the wake of communal clashes in Basirhat sub-division of North 24 Parganas district on Tuesday night over an objectionable Facebook post. Several shops were vandalised, police vehicles torched and roads were blocked by mobs as violence erupted.

Ghosh has demanded imposition of President's rule in the state and to send central observers to assess the "deteriorating" law and order situation in the state.

The Chief Minister has accused the BJP of misusing social media to spread rumours leading to communal riots.
New Delhi, July 6 : A 50-year-old man has been arrested for sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl, the Delhi Police said on Thursday.

The incident took place on Monday afternoon in a JJ cluster in south Delhi's Jaitpur and was reported to police on Wednesday by the parents of the girl, the police official said.

The attacker has been identified as Chitranjan Mandal, a native of Rudrapur in Uttarakhand. He had come for a "kirtan" programme at the victim's neighbour's house, from where he was arrested. Mandal was staying there for some days, the official said.

"The victim's mother works as a maid and father is a peon at a private company. During investigation, it was found that Mandal had sexually assaulted the girl on multiple occasions earlier," a senior police officer said.

The latest of these incidents took place on Monday when Mandal noticed the girl had returned from school. "When she was changing clothes, he barged into her room and started sexually assaulting her."

Mandal fled when the girl cried for help, the officer said.

"He threatened the girl against telling anyone about it, but the girl on Wednesday shared her ordeal with her mother, who then informed the police," he said.

The girl is a Class 4 student at a private school, he added.

"My daughter had been morose for some days. When I asked her the reason, she initially remained silent but later broke down and told me about the crime," the victim's mother told IANS.

"Mandal often visits the locality for three-day programmes and stays at our neighbour's house. He has assaulted my daughter earlier too. He should be hanged."

A case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) and unnatural offences has been registered against Mandal, the officer added.
Kolkata, July 6 : Supporters of West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress and BJP-RSS activists clashed outside a state-run hospital here on Thursday after a man allegedly injured in the Basirhat communal violence died in the hospital.

The BJP and RSS leadership went to the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital premises, claiming the deceased Kartik Ghosh - an active worker of their party - was killed in Tuesday's communal clash in Basirhat sub-division of North 24 Parganas district.

The police said Ghosh hailed from Basirhat and died of multiple stab injuries.

However, they did not confirm whether his death was linked to the communal violence.

"He was associated with the Sangh and had been an active worker of BJP for a long time. He was stabbed several times with sharp weapons during the clash in Basirhat area. His family members brought him to R.G. Kar Hospital," the RSS' South Bengal General Secretary Jishnu Basu told IANS.

The ruckus started on Thursday morning when some BJP leaders including actor-turned-politician Locket Chatterjee were stopped by a mob from entering the hospital to meet the family of the deceased.

Later in the day, a mob surrounded the cars of state BJP president Dilip Ghosh and party's national General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya and demanded they go back.

Claiming the agitators were Trinamool Congress-backed hooligans, Ghosh said they were being forcibly stopped from meeting the deceased's family members.

The state BJP chief also complained that some of their activists were severely beaten up by TMC activists.

The police said there was a scuffle between the Trinamool and BJP-RSS activists. "The car of former BJP MLA Shamik Bhattacharya was vandalised. No case has been lodged yet. No one has been detained," said the police officer.
Tel Aviv, July 6 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said a new chapter has been opened in bilateral ties as deals worth $5 billion were signed at the first CEOs Forum of Indian and Israeli companies here and an India-Israel Innovation Fund was launched to connect start-ups and innovators of the two countries.

"A new chapter has been opened in India-Israel relations. The driving force is opportunities for betterment of lives of people," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while addressing the chief executives of India and Israel.

The CEOs Forum set a target of increasing bilateral trade from the current $5 billion to $20 billion within five years. The Forum also set up six joint committees covering the start-up, pharma and life sciences, homeland security, agriculture, energy and water sectors.

Modi informed Israel's corporate leaders about India having resolved many regulatory and policy issues that were being faced by businesses and companies.

"GST is by far the biggest business and economic reform of India. Now, we're moving towards a modern tax regime, which is transparent, stable and predictable," he said.

He lauded Israel's reputation as a "start-up nation".

"It has a unique sense and ecosystem of innovation and incubation. Credit must go to the Israeli entrepreneurs."

"There is a lot of potential for India-Israel partnership in Start-up India. I am happy that India-Israel start-up bridge has been formally launched today," he added.

Modi, along with Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday launched an India-Israel Innovation Bridge designed to link start-up companies and innovators of the two countries.

The bridge is aimed at benefitting Israeli companies and India in areas like agricultural technology, water technology and digital healthcare.

While India has 157.35 million hectares of agricultural land, there are over 500 Israeli agricultural technology companies.

Similarly, while India is the largest user of ground water, Israel is the largest investor in water technology.

There will be over 600 million people seeking affordable healthcare by 2018. Israel, with over 385 companies in the digital health sector, can provide a solution.

Modi and Netanyahu started their engagements on Thursday by laying floral wreaths at the Haifa Indian Cemetery that contains the graves of 49 Commonwealth servicemen killed in World War I, 44 of whom were Indians.

Haifa was captured by the Mysore and Jodhpur Lancers from Turkish and German forces on September 23, 1918.

In a highly sombre atmosphere, Modi and Netanyahu also jointly unveiled a plaque commemorating Major Dalpat Singh, who led the Jodhpur Lancers.

On their way from Haifa to Tel Aviv, the two leaders witnessed a demonstration of sea water purification at a mobile desalination plant.

The mobile plant can purify up to 20,000 litres of sea water a day and 80,000 litres of brackish, muddy or contaminated river water and bring it to WHO standards.

It can be useful in natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, military use in difficult terrain and rural areas to provide drinkable water.

Modi also met a group of Indian students here before leaving for Hamburg, Germany, where he will attend the G20 Summit on July 7-8.

The Indian leader arrived here on Tuesday in what was the first ever prime ministerial visit from India to Israel.

During the course of the visit, the India-Israel bilateral relationship was upgraded to a strategic partnership.
Salman Khan was acquitted by a Jodhpur court in the Arms Act case of 1998 but the state government challenged the verdict. Salman Khan had to file a bail bond.

By Dev Ankur Wadhawan: Actor Salman Khan may not appear in the two cases that are scheduled for hearing today in Jodhpur. The cases relate to Arms Act and blackbuck killing. Salman Khan is an accused in both the cases.

Salman Khan had to appear before the District and Sessions Court of Jodhpur today for verification of bail bonds submitted by him in a case of illegal possession of arms that he allegedly used to kill blackbucks in 1998.

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Salman was acquitted by the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate on January 18, 2017 under Arms Act case. But the state government appealed in the District and Sessions Court against the verdict following which Salman Khan had filed a bail bond.

Salman and a few other Bollywood actors were accused of poaching black bucks on the night of October 1, 1998 during the shooting of Hindi movie Hum Saath-Saath Hain.

The state government on March 7 filed an appeal challenging the decision of the Chief Judicial Magistrate acquittal of Salman. This is pending for adjudication in the District and Sessions court.

(With agency inputs)

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Bhopal, July 6 : The 'Kisan Mukti Yatra', taken out on Thursday to pay homage to the five protesting farmers killed in police firing in Madhya Pradesh's Mandsaur district, was halted by the police and 450 persons arrested. The farmers have announced they will continue with the Yatra.

"People involved in the Yatra were arrested on charges of disrupting peace. As many as 450 persons were arrested but were let go at the Daloda mandi," Superintendent of Police Manoj Singh told IANS.

Tight security arrangements were in place for the Yatra and police force was deployed at many places. As the police halted the march, the marchers sat on a 'dharna' and started criticising "the repressive ideologies of the government". The police then started arresting them.

Communist Party of India-Marxist state unit chief Badal Saroj told IANS: "The Yatra, which began from Bhudha village, has been halted at Guddeli village. These people were going to Pipliya Mandi where the June 6 firing occurred."

The marchers included Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan convenor V.M. Singh, Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Sabha General Secretary Hannan Mollah, CPI-M leader Subhashini Ali, Swaraj India's Yogendra Yadav, social activist Medha Patkar and Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghathan's founder Raju Shetti, besides a large number of farmers and women.

Those arrested were detained in Daloda mandi, where a meeting was called. It was decide in this meeting that the Yatra would continue.

Patkar and Yogendra Yadav questioned the police and the government over this step, saying that they wanted to march peacefully to their destination to pay tributes to the slain farmers.

The Yatra, which began under the leadership of the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee, has representatives of more than 100 groups of farmers from all over the country. Their demands include loan waivers and fixing the minimum support price of the crop yield based on recommendations by the M.S. Swaminathan Committee.

"All of them carry symbolic ploughs on their shoulder while the farmers are waving green flags. Pictures of the famers killed during the agitation are also being carried," AIKSC state chief Jaswinder Singh said.

"From Madhya Pradesh, this Yatra will go through Maharashtra and Gujarat to reach New Delhi on July 18, where tributes will be paid to the six farmers killed in Mandsaur. Soil from their native village is also being carried to Delhi," he added.

The 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 five farmers were killed in police firing in Mandsaur and one in lathi charge.

Meanwhile, in the past 24 days, at least 42 debt-ridden farmers have committed suicide.
New Delhi, July 6 : Union Labour and Employment Minister Bandaru Dattatreya on Thursday said that the government plans to amalgamate, simplify and rationalise the 44 labour laws.

"Out of 44 labour laws, we are going to amalgamate, simplify and rationalise them into four...," he said while addressing an ASSOCHAM summit on 'Second Auto Forum and Awards 2017' here.

Dattatreya also said that the government plans to create 65 million jobs by 2026.

He further said the government recognises the importance of skilling the workforce, and it has has allocated Rs 16,000 crore for skill development.

Dattatreya further said that industry should focus more on social security of employees to increase productivity.
New Delhi, July 6 : A local court has held two taxi drivers guilty of gang-rape and murder of a woman in Delhi, and sentenced them to rigorous imprisonment for life. Their act was brutal and diabolic, creating a sense of insecurity among the women seeking to hire taxi at late hours, the court said.

Additional Sessions Judge Sanjiv Jain sentenced Sikander alias Soni, 32, and Pradeep Singh, 34, to undergo rigorous imprisonment for life, which means imprisonment for a period not less than 20 years.

"In the instant case, the convicts have not only committed the vile act of gang-rape of the deceased/ prosecutrix (victim), who was a young woman aged 24 to 26 years, but also strangulated her to death," the court said in its July 1 order, which was released on Thursday.

The court noted that the two men, after committing the murder, tried to destroy evidence as they threw her semi-naked body near a Metro flyover in Nehru Place.

"The act of the convicts was brutal and diabolic," the court said.

"It is also true that the convicts are young men and do not have previous record of conviction and their parents are old and poor, but it is to be noted that they committed gang-rape and murder of a young woman having one-and-half years old son."

"She (victim) had come to Defence Colony for shopping for her son. She hired their taxi for going to Rohini but they betrayed her trust, and created a sense of insecurity among women that it would be unsafe for a them to hire a taxi at late hours," the court said.

The court after considering the facts and circumstances of the case and keeping in mind the interests of the society at large and the rights of the convicts observed: "I am of the view that this case does not fall under the category of rarest of the rare case warranting death sentence."

The court also slapped a fine of Rs 50,000 on each convict and said that the fine amount of Rs one lakh should be given to the victim's son.

Besides, the court also asked the Delhi Legal Service Authority to decide an appropriate compensation to be awarded to the legal heirs of the deceased.

According to Delhi Police, on April 23, 2012, the woman from west Delhi visited Lajpat Nagar and Defence Colony for doing shopping for her son.

She hired the taxi of convicts. Finding her alone, instead of driving her to the destination, the convicts took her towards the Lodhi Institutional Area where they raped her.

Then they throttled the woman to death and threw her body at Nehru Place so as to cause disappearance of evidence, the police alleged.

On May 6, the court had convicted Soni and Singh under various charges related to gang-rape, murder and destruction of evidence.

(Amiya Kumar Kushwaha can be reached at amiya.k@ians.in)
Kolkata, July 6 : The indefinite shutdown in north Bengal hills to press for a separate Gorkhaland state will continue, the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) announced on Thursday, accusing the administration in Jalpaiguri and Siliguri of blocking supplies of essential items to the troubled region.

"The strike will continue and the next meeting will be on July 18," GJM's Assistant General Secretary Binay Tamang told IANS at the end of the Morcha-convened all-party meeting in Pedong.

Tamang said essential commodities like medicines are exempt from the shutdown, which continued for the 22nd day.

He claimed that "the district authorities in Siliguri and Jalpaiguri are blocking (passage of) essential items to Darjeeling and Sikkim".

This is the third all-party political meeting in 22 days held in the Darjeeling hills over its political agitation.

The meeting also marked the maiden gathering of the newly-formed GJM-chaired Gorkhaland Movement Coordination Committee (GMCC).

The GJM declared the agitation will continue in Dooars and Terai regions with the cooperation of people from all communities.

Dooars refers to the foothills of the Himalayas covering stretches of Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar district, while plains close to the hills are called Terai.

"Gorkhaland will not be accepted without Dooars and Terai," said Tamang.

Condemning Wednesday's incident in Kalimpong in which the GJM claimed that four of its members were injured in police firing, Tamang said legal cell, human rights and data research cell under the GMCC would be formed.

"The cells are responsible for gathering evidence and data related to human rights violations and to file cases against Bengal government and administration," he said.

The parties also requested all chairpersons and members of the development boards formed for various hill-based communities by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to resign.
Thiruvananthapuram, July 6 : Keeping political affiliations aside, Kerala MPs are to take up in Parliament a demand by the parents of an IAF officer for probe into his death in a Sukhoi air crash on the India-China border on May 23.

The parents, a retired ISRO scientist and his wife, say the coffin of their son, Flt. Lt. Achu Dev, was empty and they have written to the Prime Minister on the issue.

Speaking to IANS, CPI-M Lok Sabha member A. Sampath said the issue was discussed by the MPs who attended a meeting called by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan here on Thursday, ahead of the upcoming Parliament session.

"The grieving father came to me raising serious doubts over the manner in which the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Defence Ministry handled the case. The coffin that came here to his home was empty. I have already taken this up at all the levels in Delhi.

"The parents have also written to the Prime Minister and others. Their demand is valid and they want a proper response on the entire incident," said Sampath.

The 26-year-old Flt. Lt. Achu Dev and Squadron Leader D. Pankaj were killed after their Sukhoi-30 fighter jet crashed on the India-China border on May 23.

Speaking to IANS, grieving father V.P. Sahadevan said after hearing about the crash they had gone to the Eastern Air Command in Tezpur, Assam.

"After a few days, we were told that the two officers are dead. Thereafter, when the coffin was brought here, I was told that the coffin is empty. I could not believe it, but then I accepted it and went ahead with the other formalities.

"After that, I did raise this issue at all levels, but never got any conclusive reply from anywhere. We feel that our son is missing, as we are unable to accept that he has passed away," said the retired scientist.

In his letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 27, he wrote that he had every right to know if his son was alive or not.

If the IAF was unable to confirm where his remains were, then on what basis did it reach the conclusion that he is dead, asked Sahadevan.

He said it was mysterious that his son's wallet, which was found from the site of accident, was almost intact.

"A court of inquiry is currently on, but I have my own doubts...in all likelihood, the report will only match what the IAF has been saying about this accident.

"We, therefore, want that a probe either by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or any such national agency be undertaken to find out what exactly happened," added Sahadevan.

Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala has also written to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to see that the grieving family gets justice.
Bengaluru, July 6 : Infosys Ltd on Thursday announced that it would hire 2,000 Americans in US' North Carolina state by 2021.

"We will open a technology and innovation hub in North Carolina and hire and train 2,000 American workers in the state by 2021," said the IT major in a statement here.

The hiring in North Carolina is part of the company's May 2 announcement to recruit 10,000 Americans by setting up four such hubs across the US to focus on new technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, user experience, emerging digital technologies, cloud and big data.

The hiring of Americans is seen as a fallout of US President Donald Trump's executive order on H1-B visas in April, as clients in North America contribute about 60 per cent of the $10.3 billion company's software export revenue annually.

The North Carolina hub will be second after the first hub in Indiana state by August where 2,000 jobs will be created for American workers.

"The investment in North Carolina reinforces our commitment to open four such technology hubs in the US and hire 10,000 American workers over the next four years," said Infosys.

About 500 of the 2,000 employees in North Carolina will be hired over the next two years to help drive innovation and create the next generation of American workers.

The new hires will include graduates from North Carolina's colleges, universities and local professionals who will benefit from upskilling through its training curriculum.

The company will also partner with the North Carolina community college system to create a customised programme designed to train the workforce.

North Carolina will contribute a $3 million grant towards upskilling the workers.

"Our endeavour is to be a leader in boosting American innovation in the transformation of its core industries and help create the nextAgeneration of American innovators and entrepreneursAthrough education and training," said Infosys Chief Executive Vishal Sikka.

With a talented workforce focused on advanced manufacturing and clean technology, he said the graduates and professionals would leverage AI, machine learning, analytics and cloud to drive the transformation of core US industries like aerospace, banking, biotech, and energy.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said the state's central role in technology innovation made it a perfect fit for Infosys.

"Our universities and high-tech workers drive growth and attract companies from the world over looking to innovate," he said.
Chennai, July 6 : Amid China's increasing presence in the Indian Ocean, India, Japan and the US are to deploy their frontline warships, submarines and aircraft for the mega Malabar naval exercise that kicks off in the Bay of Bengal from Friday with a focus on anti-submarine warfare.

The July 7-17 exercise comes amid reports of Chinese warships in the Indian Ocean Region in the name of anti-piracy operations, and Beijing's aggressive posturing in the South China Sea.

Malabar is a joint exercise between India and US, which now has Japan as a permanent partner. Australia wanted to participate as an observer this year but was not included, following reservations by China.

With focus on anti-submarine warfare, the exercise will see Maritime Patrol and Anti-Submarine Warfare Aircraft P8-I from India and P-8A Poseidon aircraft from the US work together.

The frontline ships set to participate in the exercise that has evoked sharp reactions from China in the past include India's aircraft carrier - the 45,400 tonne INS Vikramaditya - a modified Russian Kiev-class aircraft carrier, and the American 100,020 tonne supercarrier USS Nimitz that can carry 90 fixed wing aircraft and helicopters.

Japan is bringing along its helicopter carrier, the 27,000 tonne JS Izumo, and 6,300 tonne destroyer JS Sazanami.

India will also have a conventional submarine participating in the exercise, while the US has a Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine.

Other ships of the US Navy include guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59); guided-missile destroyers USS Howard, destroyer USS Shoup, and destroyer USS Kidd.

Besides a P8I maritime surveillance aircraft, India will also deploy two Kamorta class anti-submarine warfare corvettes - the first anti-submarine warfare stealth corvettes built in India.

Also participating from the Indian Navy will be two Shivalik class frigates - the first stealth warships built in India, two destroyers, a Kora class 1,350-ton guided missile corvette, and tanker INS Jyoti.

Malabar 2017 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises that has grown in scope and complexity over the years to address the variety of shared threats to maritime security in the Indo-Asia Pacific, a US embassy statement said.

The exercise will feature both ashore and at-sea training.

While ashore in Chennai, training will include subject matter expert and professional exchanges on carrier strike group operations, maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations, surface and anti-submarine warfare, medical operations, damage control, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), helicopter operations, and visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations.

The at-sea portions will be conducted in the Bay of Bengal and are designed to advance participating nations' military-to-military coordination and capacity to plan and execute tactical operations in a multinational environment.

Events planned during the at-sea portions include liaison officer professional exchanges and embarks; a photo exercise; submarine familiarization; high-value unit defence; air defence exercises; medical evacuation drills; surface warfare exercises; communications exercises; search and rescue exercises; helicopter cross-deck evolutions; underway replenishments; gunnery exercises; VBSS exercises; and anti-submarine warfare, the release said.

"Indian, Japanese and US maritime forces have a common understanding and knowledge of a shared working environment at sea. Each iteration of this exercise helps to advance the level of understanding between our Sailors, and we hope to be able to continue this process over time. As members of Indo-Asia-Pacific nations, our maritime forces are natural partners, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen our bonds and personal relationships," a statement from US embassy said.

China has in the past expressed reservations over the Malabar exercise turning into a multi-lateral one.

In 2007, Australia was included along with Japan in the exercise. But concerns expressed by China led to its withdrawal.
Srinagar, July 6 : An Amarnath Yatri was killed and 15 others injured on Thursday in a gas cylinder explosion inside a bus on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district, police said.

"A Shri Amarnathji Yatra pilgrim died and 15 others were injured when a gas cylinder exploded in a vehicle bearing registration number UP83AT-0909 at Veesu near Qazigund on the Srinagar-Jammu highway," a police spokesman said here.

"Among the injured, nine are being treated at Emergency Hospital, Qazigund and seven others were shifted to District Hospital Anantnag where one, identified as Ganga Warm, a resident of Ganesh Nagar, Andhra Pradesh succumbed to his injuries."

The pilgrims were returning home after performing the Yatra when the accident took place. Locals were seen helping the injured at the site of the accident.
New Delhi, July 6 : Vietnam wants India to balance power and be part of the force that is trying to counter China, a Vietnamese expert has said.

Prof. Nguyen Thai Yen Huong, a Senior Research Fellow and Vice-President, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, said this at the 'Concluding Plenary: Looking Ahead' of the Delhi Dialogue IX, organised by the Ministry of External Affairs along with Observer Research Foundation and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce, according to an ORF release.

Huong said there is a need for both Asean and India to uphold the rule of law and make use of emerging regional powers. She said both sides must be a top priority for each other in their respective foreign policies.

Huong said India should look into the better implementation of its Act East Policy and also engage in more trade and investment with Vietnam and Asean members while the Asean nations should work towards constructive competition.

She noted that it is time for India to push for membership of APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation).

Jayant Prasad, Director General, IDSA and a former ambassador, said India must play role anchor for the communities in Asia Pacific while emphasising that equal importance needs to be paid to the geo-politics in Asia.

He also impressed upon the need for connectivity through rails, air and waterways besides roads.

Biren Nanda, Senior Fellow, Delhi Policy Group and a former ambassador, suggested creation of a common security paradigm by India and Asean.

Naina Lal Kidwai, former president of FICCI, impressed on the need to improve cooperation on maritime as it is important for business opportunities with respect to fisheries, defence, security, etc.

George Barcelon, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce, said India can be of real benefit to Asean nations in space industry, technology in trade, commerce and education, SMEs growth etc, the ORF release said.

Political leaders, policy makers, senior officials, diplomats, business leaders, think tanks and academicians from both India and Asean countries participated in the discussions.

The 10-member Committee of Permanent Representatives of Asean countries and 15 senior media personnel from Asean are attending the event.
San Francisco, July 6 : In a move to focus on the growing cloud business, Microsoft on Thursday announced a major reorganisation that will lead to nearly 3,000 job cuts in sales staff outside the US, media reported.

According to a CNBC report, the job cuts amount to less that 10 per cent of the company's total sales force.

Whether it will impact Microsoft workers in India is still not clear.

"Microsoft is implementing changes to better serve our customers and partners. Today, we are taking steps to notify some employees that their jobs are under consideration or that their positions will be eliminated," a Microsoft spokesperson told CNBC.

"Like all companies, we evaluate our business on a regular basis. This can result in increased investment in some places and, from time-to-time, re-deployment in others," he added.

According to The Verge, Microsoft's cloud and server businesses have been fuelling revenue recently, with server products and cloud services revenue up 15 per cent and Azure revenue itself growing by 93 per cent in the recent quarter.

US-based analyst house Pacific Crest Securities said last month that Microsoft Azure Cloud platform could overtake Amazon Web Services (AWS) as revenue leader in the public cloud market this year.

TechCrunch reported last week that Microsoft is planning to lay off "thousands" of workers worldwide.

Last year in July, Microsoft announced it would cut 2,850 jobs.

Microsoft has 71,000 employees in the US and 121,000 employees around the globe.
By PTI: Srinagar, July 6 (PTI) The security of separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq as also various politicians and police officials has been "thinned" because additional manpower was required for Amarnath yatra and law and order, a top police official said today.

Once the yatra gets over, the security situation and the threat perception of Mirwaiz would be reviewed and, if need be, his security would be increased again, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Munir Ahmad Khan told reporters here.

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He was responding when asked whether the security of Farooq, chairman of moderate Hurriyat Conference, had been downgraded because of last months incident of lynching of Deputy Superintendent of Police Ayub Pandith outside the Jamia Masjid in old Srinagar where Mirwaiz is the head priest.

"As you know Amarnath yatra is underway. Our maximum manpower is committed to the yatra. And after this, we have some special days ahead in the run up to this (slain Hizbul Mujahideen commander) Burhan Wani anniversary (on July 8).

"We again require manpower. Then there are other commitments with regard to law and order. So, we have to pool in our resources. So how do we pool our resources? We pool in our resources by way of thinning various guards," Khan said.

He added that some police personnel had been withdrawn "whether they are my guards or of Mirwaiz sahab?s or they may be of some other police officer or of a civil officer.?

"We have thinned various guards. There were 20-22 guards (for Mirwaiz) and 3-4 have been thinned. Some 4-5 guards of my office have been thinned and also of other officers. We have pooled in another force of say 200-300 people which will be deployed for various duties,? he said.

Asked whether the decision would be reconsidered, the IGP said, "Once these duties are over, we will review the security situation and we will review the threat perception. If required, we will send back these personnel (for Mirwaiz?s security)." PTI SSB MIJ AKK AKK

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New Delhi, July 6 : The opposition parties are likely to meet on July 11 to discuss Vice President's election, as they are contemplating to field a joint candidate for the August 5 poll to elect the successor of M. Hamid Ansari.

According to sources, senior Congress leaders are in talks with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to bring him on board for the vice presidential election.

"The issues have been resolved between the two parties," said a Janata Dal-United (JD-U) leader.

Earlier, an informal opposition grouping of 17 parties, except Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD-U, fielded former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar as the candidate for the presidential election to contest against the NDA's candidate Ram Nath Kovind.

Nitish Kumar has announced his support for Kovind, who was Bihar Governor when his candidature was announced by the NDA.

The last date for filing nomination for the vice presidential election is July 18, while scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on July 19. The last date for withdrawal of nomination is July 21.

Hamid Ansari has been Vice President and ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha since August 11, 2007. He won the second term on August 11, 2012. His current term ends on August 10.
Hamburg, July 7 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here on Thursday from Israel to attend this year's G20 Summit on July 7-8.

On Friday, Modi will attend the leaders' retreat where heads of state and government of the G20 countries will interact with each other informally.

On the sidelines of the Summit, he will attend a meeting of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) leaders.

A series of bilateral meetings between Modi and the leaders of Argentina, Canada, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Britain and Vietnam have also been lined up in Hamburg.
According to Rightmove's research, Spain is the most popular European country for Britons looking to relocate or buy a second home with average monthly searches totaling 2,513,374 - over 74% more than second placed France.

Which UK city loves Spain the most?

A closer look at a years worth of property search data from the largest cities shows consistent interest in Spain right across the UK. It is the number one sunny destination for Britons from Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Nottingham and Sheffield.

Spain is most popular with sun-starved Scots, more than 54% of searches for property in Spain come from Glasgow, a close second being Liverpool with the second highest number of searches, at almost 50%.

France comes up as a consistent second on the list of hot-property destinations, according to UK interest per city, with the most searches for this sunny destination coming out of Cardiff, London, and Bristol.

Which sunny resorts are property-seekers most interested in?

Spain and France are clear favourites for property-seekers looking to buy a second home, a closer look reveals the most searched for resorts in each.

A house in Alicante - most popular second home destination in the UK

Alicante tops the list as the most searched for property destination in Spain and at 126, 053, it also has the lowest average enquiry price of the most popular sunny regions. According to Rightmove, 62% of enquiries are for houses in Alicante, while 38% are looking for flats or apartments. And for UK residents looking for fast, affordable flights to their holiday home in the sun, it doesnt get better than this port city on Spains south-eastern coast.

An apartment in Mallorca - popular with high budget buyers

With an average enquiry price of 397, 813, property in Mallorca is popular with high budget buyers, with 54% looking for flats and apartments and 46% looking for houses. Despite enquiries for properties in Mallorca being three times higher in price than those in Alicante, it still tops the list as the second most searched for property destination in Spain.

Chris Please, Head of Rightmove Overseas, comments: "Just 2.5 hours away by plane, a great climate, upmarket living, picturesque surroundings Mallorca is perfectly positioned as the ultimate destination for high budget UK buyers looking to purchase their own slice of paradise.

Why is Spanish property consistently in demand?

Climate

With warm average temperatures of 21C per year, Spain is one of the hottest countries in Europe making it an ideal destination for summer homes. With high average temperatures hitting 30C in June, 34C in July and 33C in August, summer months in Spain are hot and the climate is mild for the rest of the year.

Distance and Affordability

Average flight time to Spain is just over 2 hours by plane, making it one of the fastest destinations to travel to after France, Ireland and Germany. With plane ticket prices increasing in summer due to high demand, visiting Spain is more affordable than visiting France, Italy or Malta, with the estimated lowest price in mid-summer costing 48 return.

Chris says:Over 12 months, we received an average of 2.5 million searches a month for property in Spain, indicating just how in-demand this sunny country is for property-seekers. Whether its the large expat community, the sunny climate, the food or simply the easy transition into relaxed Spanish culture that has Britons enthralled, Spains proximity to the UK, cheap flights and short travel time has it consistently emerging as one of the most popular property destinations abroad.
FIRST FINANCE Institute (FFI) announces the launch of a new online executive education program in corporate finance with Columbia Business School Executive Education. The program, ICCF (or the International Certificate in Corporate Finance) @ Columbia Business School, offers students and executives the opportunity to learn from some of the worlds best finance faculty and earn a market-leading professional designation.

We have been impressed by the growth of ICCF in the past three years and look forward to bringing this exciting program to a wide array of current and aspiring financial professionals, said Donna Sharp, executive director of Executive Education at Columbia Business School.

Available in English, French and Chinese, the ICCF exam is becoming a benchmark certificate in corporate finance. Columbia Business School is an outstanding partner to deliver this innovative online program, said Eric Chardoillet, Chairman of FFI.

The objective of ICCF is to develop a baseline set of knowledge in the key areas of Corporate Finance. The cohort-based program lasts 17 weeks and covers 3 courses: Financial Analysis, Corporate Valuation, and Investment & Funding Decisions. Students should expect to spend 3-5 hours per week viewing the programs asynchronous materials, 300-page textbook, live synchronous sessions and case studies. The program culminates with a 2-hour final exam offered at Pearson VUE centers globally. Students who pass the program will earn their ICCF designation.

ICCF @ Columbia Business School will be led by newly-appointed Vice-Dean Charles Jones and Professor Daniel Wolfenzon.

The inaugural program starts on October 2, 2017 and the tuition is $2,400.

For more information, visit https://cbs.ff.institute

About FFI

FIRST FINANCE Institute (FFI) is a premier provider of online-based certificate programs in finance, offered in collaboration with the worlds top business schools. FFIs online programs are known for their interactivity and industry-leading completion rates in excess of 80%. More than 25,000 individuals have participated in FFIs short course and certificate-based programs. FFI is a subsidiary of FIRST FINANCE Group, founded in 1996. FFI has offices in New York, Paris and Hong Kong.

About Columbia Business School

Columbia Business School is the only world-class, Ivy League business school that delivers a learning experience where academic excellence meets with realtime exposure to the pulse of global business. Led by Dean Glenn Hubbard, the Schools transformative curriculum bridges academic theory with unparalleled exposure to real-world business practice, equipping students with an entrepreneurial mindset that allows them to recognize, capture, and create opportunity in any business environment. The thought leadership of the Schools faculty and staff members, combined with the accomplishments of its distinguished alumni and position at the center of global business, means that the Schools efforts have an immediate, measurable impact on the forces shaping business every day. To learn more about Columbia Business Schools position at the very center of business, please visit http://www.gsb.columbia.edu.
Nancy Enger-Barrera,Vice-President, Digital Technology, Citi: Like being a fly on the wall in the most noteworthy boardrooms in the world. Wonderful!

The Incite Brand Marketing Summit NYC (October 24-25th) attracts over 400 senior in-house marketing executives from the most influential brands. They gather together to discuss the latest marketing practices to cut through the noise with seamless, consistent, impactful customer interactions that truly impress the customer.

See more information at http://www.incite-group.com/events/east/

The event director, Hayley Dunn said, We are thrilled by the positive feedback for this years agenda and speaker faculty. We have been busy identifying the most innovative marketers to lead the 2017 discussion, and we are certain you will not be disappointed. This year we really feel that we are giving the marketing community something they have asked for and something that does not yet exist in the same capacity.

Although the team say that there are many more announcements to come, Incite Group is thrilled to announce the following speakers for the 2017 New York event:



Raja Rajamannar, Chief Marketing Officer, Mastercard

Peter McGuinness, Chief Marketing Officer, Chobani

John Dillon, Chief Marketing Officer, Denny's Corporation

John Boris, Chief Marketing Officer, Shutterfly

Emily Culp, Chief Marketing Officer, Keds

Russ Findlay, Chief Marketing Officer, Hiscox

Jerome Hiquet, Chief Marketing Officer, Tough Mudder

Jackson Jeyanayagam, Chief Marketing Officer, Boxed

The event has officially launched and you can find the full brochure here: incite-group.com/events/east/brochure

If companies are interested in getting involved they are encouraged to contact Hayley Dunn on the details below.

About Incite Group

Incite Group is part of FC Business Intelligence Ltd, a __title__ incite-group.com/events/east/brochure ] registered company in England and Wales - Registered number 0438897. 7-9 Fashion Street, London, E1 6PX, UK. The company specializes in providing business intelligence to business leaders across marketing, mobile, social media and customer service. incite-group.com/events/east

Contacts

Media and Press Contact:

Zsofia Kulcsar

Marketing Director

Zsofia(at)incite-group(dot)com

Event Contact

Hayley Dunn

(USA Toll Free) 1 800 814 3459 ext 7236

hayley(at)incite-group(dot)com
Contact:

Jessica Placencia

Marketing Manager

PR News

jplacencia(at)accessintel.com

PR News Seeks Exceptional Digital Communicators and Campaigns for the Digital Awards;

Entry Deadline is July 14

PR News' Digital Awards is the industry's top honor in the digital communications space, recognizing outstanding digital initiatives among corporations, agencies and nonprofits. The coveted awards set the benchmark for excellence across all areas of digital communications. The entry deadline is Friday, July 14, 2017 and the late deadline is July 21, 2017. Finalists will be notified in fall 2017.

For more information on the Digital Awards, visit http://www.prnewsonline.com/Digital-PR-2017.

The Digital Awards are open to all individuals and teams worldwide at for-profit and non-profit organizations including agencies, corporations, PR firms, IR agencies, advertising firms, associations, government organizations and sole practitioners. Vendors are also eligible to compete on behalf of clients.

Winners and honorable mentions will be awarded in the following categories:



Annual Report

Blog

Cause Marketing/CSR

Contest/Game

Crisis Management

Digital Communicator of the Year

Digital Marketing Campaign ($100K and Under)

Digital Marketing Campaign ($100K-$200K)

Digital Marketing Campaign ($200K - $500K)

Digital Marketing Campaign ($500K+)

Digital PR Campaign

Digital Team of the Year

Email Newsletter

Employee Communications Online

Facebook Communications

Influencer Communications

Instagram Communications

Intranet

Listening Campaign

Location-Based Digital

Media Relations Campaign

Microsite/Custom Site

Mobile App

Most Engaged Brand

New Digital Service/Product

New Site

Online Community

Online Newsroom

Public Affairs Campaign

Redesign/Relaunch of Site

Snapchat Communications

Twitter Communications

Video

Viral Campaign

WOW! Campaign

For more information on the categories, eligibility rules and entry fees click here.

The entry deadline is July 14, 2017 and the late deadline is July 21, 2017. For questions regarding the Digital Awards, contact Jessica Placencia at jplacencia(at)accessintel.com. For sponsorship and exhibit information, contact Richard Hauptner at rhauptner(at)accessintel.com.

The PR News Group is a go-to source that serves the communications and marketing community at corporations, agencies and nonprofits. The PR News Group focuses on honing and growing PR and marketing professionals skills in social media, crisis management, digital PR, measurement, employee relations, media training, CSR and writing through its flagship newsletter, webinars, conferences, awards programs, workshops and guidebooks. With the launch of its weekly newsletter over 70 years ago, PR News has remained dedicated to supporting the growth of communicators and marketers all while keeping them abreast of the latest news affecting their industries. For more information, visit http://www.prnewsonline.com.

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Solutions and Services Built for Ecommerce a pure Software-as-a-Service or Cloud approach is not for everyone. Many clients have made significant investments in their Oracle Commerce and Endeca platforms and have not yet seen the returns they forecasted

Tenzing, a leading provider of ecommerce application and managed services, is pleased to announce a series of new initiatives and offerings that provide value and flexibility for Oracle Commerce, ATG, and Endeca customers. The company has a 10-year history supporting these technologies and believes the demand for Tenzing solutions and support in this segment will continue to be strong in the foreseeable future.

Tenzing has launched two new services this year called Oracle Commerce on AWS, and Oracle Commerce Managed Application Services. Both solutions are designed to give clients greater flexibility through cloud-based and remotely managed services that are cost-effective, highly scalable and optimize the performance of the Oracle Commerce, ATG, and Endeca environments.

According to Tenzing President Raj Atwal, We have listened to Oracle Commerce customers during the past year and have learned that a pure Software-as-a-Service or Cloud approach is not for everyone. Many clients have made significant investments in their Oracle Commerce and Endeca platforms and have not yet seen the returns they forecasted. Tenzing wants to help these customers extend the life of their investments. Atwal continued, Others are rightly wary of the lack of live customers on some of these SaaS platforms, and are waiting to see the development of micro-services architecture on ecommerce platform design and implementations. We still have clients that have just gone live after long project deployment cycles.

One such customer is TCC, one of the largest Verizon Authorized Retailers in the United States with over 700 locations across 38 states, recently went live with Oracle Commerce ATG and Endeca after an eighteen month project implementation. Brian Lapp, Vice President, Marketing Technology at TCC, commented We had specific business needs for implementing an on-premise version of Oracle Commerce and Endeca. Our aim was centered on improving the customer experience, specifically shortening the amount of time it takes and the complexity surrounding the device activation process. We are pleased to have had a successful launch earlier this year and will be continuing our investment in Oracle Commerce and Endeca. We are really pleased to have a dedicated partner like Tenzing, who are innovating continuously and are a crucial part of our commerce success.

The most recent move by Tenzing to demonstrate its level of commitment has been through a new agreement with PipeLinePros, North Americas premier user community for Oracle commerce-related products. Founded in 2016 by a group of twelve customers and solution providers, PipelinePros was formed in response to customers, partners and Oracle representatives desire to create a place to come together for networking and education related to Oracle Commerce products. As an inaugural partner, Tenzing is making a significant contribution to the PipeLinePros organization and its members. Tenzing will also be the platinum sponsor at the PipeLinePros North America Insights user conference being held from August 28-30 in Rosemont Illinois, near Chicago.

We are excited to have a great community partner in Tenzing, comments Anna Taylor, Executive Director, PipelinePros. Community participation is what a user group thrives on and Tenzing has already proven to be an invaluable strategic partner by becoming the first Insight North America Platinum Sponsor, in addition to connecting customers to PipelinePros. This demonstrates their desire to build a strong, vibrant community for Oracle Commerce customers.

For more details on how Tenzing helps B2C and B2B merchants extend their investments in Oracle Commerce, watch this recent recorded webinar.

About Tenzing Managed Ecommerce Services

Tenzing deploys, manages and optimizes software and infrastructure for leading omnichannel and commerce platforms from partners such as Oracle Commerce, SAP Hybris, Magento, and others. Tenzing provides solutions that enhance performance, maintain security and simplify compliance for leading retailers and manufacturers. By combining deep technical expertise with exceptional service delivery and support, Tenzing helps clients alleviate risk and maximize revenue from their digital investments. Tenzing has offices and customers in the Americas, EMEA, and APAC, and recognized as a high-growth company and industry leader. For more information, visit tenzing.com.
Zahoor Ahmad Thakur was reportedly missing from his camp in Gantmulla area along with an AK-47 rifle.

By Ashraf Wani: A soldier with the 173 Territorial Army went missing today from north Kashmir's Baramulla district, police said. According to reports, police suspect that Zahoor Ahmad Thakur may have joined hands with terror group Hizbul Mujahideen.

Zahoor Ahmad Thakur was reportedly missing from his camp in Gantmulla area along with an AK-47 rifle. "Thakur belongs to Pulwama district. A search operation has been launched," police sources said.

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Thakur's suspected joining of Hizbul Mujahideen becomes more relevant as the terror outfit is planning to recruit more 40 local militants.

Hizbul Mujahideen is planning to commemorate the death anniversary of Burhan Wani, who was killed in an encounter along with two other militants in Anantnag district, on July 8 last year.

Wani was the architect of the social-media driven psychological warfare in Kashmir.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration is already on the edge following reports that a large number of Kashmiris are planning to commemorate Wani's death anniversary with protests across the Valley.

ALSO READ:

Militants attack CRPF camp in Pulwama, hurl grenades followed by firing

Security cover of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, IG Kashmir pruned ahead of Burhan Wani death's anniversary

ALSO WATCH:

Operation Stone Pelters: Kashmir's scariest admissions caught on camera

--- ENDS ---
I was inspired to create Risofu years ago, after learning about a rice-based tofu (as opposed to soy) used in the Shan Region of Asia for thousands of years. Initially, we went to market with the Bahama Burger, a line of pre-formed patties made with Risofu. Over time, it became increasingly clear consumers were bored with preformed foods and so I set out to transform Risofu  and the category  by creating a bulk ground product that can be crafted into whatever the consumer wants. We see this as a transformative new food innovation, said Christopher Morini, CEO of Morini Brands. Mr. Morini continued, While the research and development on this was quite extensive, the results are quite simple: If you can make it with ground meat, you can make it better with Risofu. And, more importantly, you can Make if Your Way! And we think thats important to todays savvy, health-conscious consumers.

In addition to offering consumers the ability to Make it Your Way, Risofu has other appealing attributes: similar protein and nutrient content to that of meat without the saturated fats & cholesterol, vegan, made with whole-grain organic ingredients, gluten free and free of the top 8 allergens, including soy. Consumers who are seeking to reduce meat consumption at home -- or at their favorite restaurant -- will be excited to learn they now have greater recipe flexibility when it comes to crafting nutritious meat-free dishes. And for those not wanting to go completely vegan, Risofu blends easily with any ground meat, creating a simple way to reduce meat consumption while still enjoying their favorite foods. There are other new entrants into this alternative meat category that are generating buzz, but we feel Risofu is going to appeal to vegans and flexitarians in ways these others just cant, states Tina Nelson of Tradewinds Food Solutions, advisor to Morini Brands.

Based on client tests in the foodservice channel, it is anticipated that there will be significant demand for Risofu. The company has recently licensed manufacturers and is in discussions with a number of interested partners. Mr. Charlie Manis, President and CEO of Vanguard Culinary stated, Risofu is truly innovative, versatile, along with numerous features and benefits. Risofu opens up a wide range of opportunities now and in the future addressing the meat alternative category, we believe Risofu can give us a formidable competitive edge. Additionally, the company has a full innovative product pipeline ready for launch later this year with Risofu Sandwich Spreads, offering consumers even more variety.

Risofu is currently available in 5-pound packages for foodservice operators & chefs whose vegan customers are seeking something beyond burgers on the menu. Morini Brands Executive Chef, Susan Harman, is available to select foodservice customers for recipe development. Later this summer, the company will roll out an attractive one-pound, retail-ready package designed to be merchandised in the traditional retail meat case. According to Ms. Nelson, During the first phase of our launch, we plan on working with restaurants & retailers whose consumer base seeks first-to-market concepts. While this is an exciting breakthrough, we realize its a new concept in the alternative meat category and we want to reach out to early adopters and pay keen attention to their needs and expectations. We also anticipate Risofu will resonate with consumers & food service operators who are leaders in the blended burger movement taking shape across the US. For those interested in learning more about Risofu, Morini Brands will be exhibiting at the American Culinary Federations National Convention being held July 9  13 at Disneys Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, FL in Booth 423.

About Morini Brands

The Morini family has been in the food business since 1919, when their grandfather, Mario Morini, opened his first of four grocery stores. With an inherited spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation, Albert Morini and his three brothers became one of the first pizza manufacturers in the U.S. and by the mid-70s began making cheese-related products. Christopher, Albert and their two brothers, pioneered the countrys first soy-based cheese and eventually transitioned into better-for-you foods market by introducing the first-ever healthy cheese alternative in 1983. By 1987 their company, Galaxy Nutritional Foods, Inc, became publicly traded and in 1991, a devastating fire resulted in moving the company to Orlando, Florida. In 1994, Christopher conceptualized Veggie soy milk cheese Slices and Rice milk cheese Slices which propelled Galaxy Nutritional Foods into a leadership role in the alternative cheese category. The company was eventually sold and, as Morini Brands, Albert and Christopher are continuing their passion for creating healthy, trusted foods with a new food innovation, Risofu, Natures Alternative to Meat.
Year Up Greater Philadelphia, a one-year workforce development program for urban young adults, is proud to announce that Mayor Jim Kenney will deliver the keynote address at their Cohort 7 graduation ceremony on July 11, 2017. Mayor Kenney will address members of Cohort 7 along with their families, faculty, staff, alumni, corporate partners and supporters.

Mayor Kenneys record of public service aligns closely with the Year Up mission. As a lifelong resident of Philadelphia, he has dedicated his career to serving the citys working families, fighting for a real living wage, increased funding for public education and community policing measures. Since his inauguration, Mayor Kenney has committed to expanding access to quality education in Philadelphia, including access to quality pre-k, implementing the community school model, and investing in commercial corridors.

Mayor Kenneys dedication to education and the advancement of Greater Philadelphia residents aligns directly with the mission of Year Up, said Joseph Coyle, Executive Director, Year Up Greater Philadelphia. Closing the Opportunity Divide is a priority we share with the Mayor and we are honored to have him speak at our upcoming graduation.

Mayor Kenney said, Year Ups benefits are far reaching, impacting both individual participants and our community as a whole. By combining workforce development, education and professional skills for young adults, Year Up will not only help produce more productive citizens for generations to come, it will generate economic growth and a thriving business community.

Year Up Greater Philadelphia is a yearlong workforce development program for urban young adults, ages 18-24. Located at Peirce College, Year Up Greater Philadelphia provides students with one semester of targeted technical and professional skills training in areas such as Business Operations and Information Technology, followed by a semester-long, credit-bearing professional internship at a top local company. Students can then complete their Associates Degrees in the second year. Year Up Greater Philadelphia has served more than 300 young adults to date, with six graduating classes.

Graduation will take place at the Independence Visitors Center on July 11th at 6:00 pm. Students, family, faculty, alumni and friends are invited to join Year Up Greater Philadelphias Cohort 7 on their graduation day.

2017 HONORARY AWARDS

Urban Empowerment Award

Stacy Holland

Former Executive Director of the Lenfest Foundation

Corporate Champion Award

John McHale

VP of IT, Aramark

About Year Up

Year Up's mission is to close the Opportunity Divide by providing urban young adults with the skills, experience, and support that will empower them to reach their potential through professional careers and higher education. Year Up achieves this mission through a high support, high expectation model that combines marketable job skills, stipends, internships and college-level coursework. Its holistic approach focuses on students' professional and personal development to place these young adults on a viable path to economic self-sufficiency. Year Up currently serves more than 3,600 students annually across 24 campuses in Arizona, Baltimore, Bay Area, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Greater Atlanta, Greater Boston, Greater Philadelphia, Jacksonville, Los Angeles, National Capital Region, New York City, Providence, Puget Sound, South Florida and Wilmington.

To learn more, visit http://www.yearup.org, and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter: @YearUp
ClassyRV.com Website

At the start of the summer 2017 RV season, National Vehicle, a leader in the vehicle sales industry for over fifteen years, is excited to announce the re-launching of its flagship online RV sales site, ClassyRV.com. Dedicated to maintaining a dealer-free sales zone, the site is now offering free nationwide classified listings for all privately owned RVs in addition to the familiar assistance and services customers have come to know and trust.

Shifting its focus toward no-cost classified advertising and more individualized sales, valuation and loan service is grounded in the companys mission of always striving to provide better, more comprehensive customer service. Kevin Tadlock, President, explains, This is a more targeted approach of showing our buyers and sellers that we are in the business of meeting their needs in every possible way. Our aim is to streamline the buying and selling process for everyone, and to have our experienced customer service representatives do the legwork necessary to connect appropriate buyers with sellers.

With the re-launch of the site, ClassyRV.com offers customers:



Free classified listings for all RVs for sale by owner with full color photos, detailed descriptions of every vehicle, a clear asking price, and no after sale fees, commission or additional charges.

Experienced customer care team members providing expert advice on inspections, financing, transport, escrow, insurance, and everything related to the sale or purchase of an RV.

Privacy protection and thorough screening of all potential buyers and sellers.

Complimentary valuations of all vehicles offered for sale.

Expert inspections performed by an NRVIA Certified RV Inspector.

An exclusive FSBO marketplace with no dealer competition.

As an industry leader for over fifteen years, ClassyRV.com (an extension of National Vehicle) has been the nations most trusted source for online recreational vehicles. With an audience of millions of buyers and sellers, ClassyRV.com, together with National Vehicle, has proven that no other online service works harder at reaching so many diverse markets. Named on Inc. 5000s 2009 List of Americas Fastest Growing Companies, ClassyRV.com strives to provide access to the worlds best deals and to exceed the expectations of its customers.
RBMN Group at Press Conference If they weren't as thorough as they were, we wouldn't be here. I'd just be another number in prison.

The Salt Lake law firm of RICHARDS BRANDT MILLER NELSON is delighted to announce the exoneration and release from prison of its client, an innocent man who had served 22 years in a Nevada prison for a crime he did not commit. DeMarlo Berry, 42, was convicted of murder in 1995 and has been in prison since he was 19 years old. Last Wednesday, June 28, a Las Vegas judge signed an order exonerating him and directing his release from prison. On Friday, fittingly just a few days before Independence Day 2017, DeMarlo walked into Las Vegas a free man.

DeMarlo Berry was arrested in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1994 and charged with the murder of Charles Burkes, a manager of a Las Vegas Carls Jr. restaurant. Prior to, at, and after the 1995 trial, DeMarlo maintained he was innocent and identified the man who eventually confessed to having committed the crime. Despite that, and based on questionable eyewitness testimony, dubious prosecutorial tactics, an incentivized jailhouse informant, and an unfortunate recommendation from defense counsel to accept a less than unanimous verdict from a deadlocked jury, DeMarlo was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. DeMarlo appealed, and when his appeals were exhausted, sought post-conviction relief to no avail for over two decades.

In 2012, DeMarlo contacted the Rocky Mountain Innocence Center (RMIC), which agreed to look into his case. Working with RMIC at the time was then law student Samantha Wilcox. In 2013, Ms. Wilcox and Liz Fasse of RMIC met with Steven Jackson, the person whom DeMarlo

had identified as the perpetrator. Mr. Jackson confessed to the crime and signed an affidavit taking responsibility for the crime. RMIC later obtained affidavits from a witness who heard Mr. Jackson admit to killing Mr. Burkes in 1994, as well as from the incentivized informant admitting that he had perjured himself at DeMarlos trial in exchange for leniency on crimes of which he was accused and other benefits from the prosecution.

In the spring of 2014, RMIC asked RICHARDS BRANDT MILLER NELSON to take on DeMarlos case on a pro bono basis. RICHARDS BRANDT agreed, and, along with WEIL & DRAGEs Las Vegas, Nevada office, filed a Habeas Petition on behalf of DeMarlo in May 2014 based on the newly discovered evidence. The Clark County District Attorneys Office moved to dismiss DeMarlos Petition. The District Court, without providing DeMarlo a hearing on his actual innocence claim, granted the motion. RICHARDS BRANDT and WEIL & DRAGE filed an appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court, and on Christmas Eve 2015, the Nevada Supreme Court agreed that DeMarlo was entitled to a hearing on the newly discovered evidence. While continuing to oppose DeMarlos Petition after remand from the Nevada Supreme Court, in the fall of 2016 the Clark County District Attorneys Office formed a Conviction Review Unit (CRU) to review cases where there was evidence of a wrongful conviction. RICHARDS BRANDT asked the CRU to review DeMarlos case as its very first case. The CRU agreed to review it provided that all agreed to a stay of all other proceedings pending that review. With information provided by RICHARDS BRANDT and WEIL & DRAGE, the CRU looked into DeMarlos case in the first half of 2017. After completing that review, the CRU ultimately recommended that DeMarlo be released and the charges against him be dismissed. On June 30, 2017, after more than 22 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit, DeMarlo celebrated Independence Day a little early (or, as DeMarlo called it, his new birthday). He was exonerated and released, an innocent man.

At a press conference on Friday morning, DeMarlo described the experience as surreal. DeMarlo said that he would not have been there, and Justice would not have prevailed in his case, without the tireless efforts of RMIC, RICHARDS BRANDT, and WEIL & DRAGE. The dedicated team of attorneys who believed in DeMarlos innocence and fought for him for over three years was comprised of Lynn Davies, Craig Coburn, Steven Bergman, Joel Kittrell, Jack Reed, and Samantha Wilcox at RICHARDS BRANDT (Salt Lake), as well as John Wendland at WEIL & DRAGE (Las Vegas), and Jensie Anderson and Jennifer Springer at RMIC.

RICHARDS BRANDT MILLER NELSON is a full service law firm located in Salt Lake City, Utah. RICHARDS BRANDT, or RBMN, is dedicated to providing advice and expertise at the highest levels. The firm has achieved exceptional results throughout the years, based on the foundation of a unified team of lawyers focused on solving its clients most important problems. The firm provides specialized legal counsel across focused practice areas, helping businesses and individuals through some of their toughest times.

WEIL & DRAGE is a law firm that specializes in a wide range of complex construction and business-related matters in California, Nevada, and Arizona. The firm was founded on the principle of Excellence from the Beginning.

The Rocky Mountain Innocence Center provides innocence investigation and litigation services  for free  in the states of Utah, Nevada and Wyoming. RMIC does this through a unique program that combines the efforts of trained and supervised law students from local law schools, as well as local volunteer attorneys. The students earn academic credit by conducting the investigations in RMICs cases to uncover the evidence that will prove innocence. The local attorneys get the opportunity to provide pro bono litigation services for the innocent person  which can be the most rewarding experience of ones legal career.
Amanda Adams has provided sound tax strategies for over 13 years to help nonprofit organizations advance their mission.

Nationally acclaimed public accounting and consulting firm Cherry Bekaert LLP (the Firm) is pleased to announce the addition of Amanda M. Adams, CPA, as Managing Director and National Leader of the Firms Nonprofit Tax Services. Adams will be based in Cherry Bekaerts Atlanta practice.

As National Leader of the Firms Nonprofit Tax Services group, Adams will provide tax compliance and consulting oversight to all of Cherry Bekaerts tax-exempt clients. Her responsibilities include keeping clients up-to-date on the latest industry trends through continuous monitoring of legislative and regulatory developments. She will guide various tax-exempt organizations including educational institutions, charitable and religious organizations, along with foundations, museums, social clubs and trade associations.

For over 13 years, Amanda has helped nonprofit organizations advance their mission by providing sound tax strategies that are mindful of their goals, said Kurt W. Taves, CPA, Managing Partner of Cherry Bekaerts Tax Services group. Amandas inclusion in our Nonprofit Tax Services group will benefit our current client base, as well as support further expansion of our growing Nonprofit industry group.

Adams is the author of numerous newsletter and journal articles and is a frequent speaker at several nonprofit seminars. Prior to joining Cherry Bekeart, she served as a tax partner for six years at a Houston-based CPA firm.

A licensed Certified Public Accountant in Texas, Adams is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and an associate member of the AICPA Exempt Organizations Tax Technical Resource Panel. She earned a B.A. in History from the University of Texas and an M.S. in Accountancy from the University of Houston.

About Cherry Bekaert LLP

As a nationally recognized, growth-oriented firm, Cherry Bekaert has the resources to take your business as far as you want to go. The Firms industry specialists already know your marketplace, so they can help you make the most of emerging opportunities while minimizing compliance headaches. With their down-to-earth style and wealth of practical advice, you will find Cherry Bekaert an indispensable part of your team.

Ranked among the largest accounting firms in the country, Cherry Bekaert specializes in offering solutions that impact their clients ability to grow. For more than 65 years, global corporations, private businesses, government entities, nonprofits, emerging firms and successful individuals have relied on Cherry Bekaert to guide them forward as their growth partner.

Cherry Bekaert LLP is an independent member of Baker Tilly International. Baker Tilly International is the worlds 8th largest accountancy and business advisory network by combined fee income of its independent members. Baker Tilly International member firms specialize in providing accountancy and business advisory services to entrepreneurial, growing businesses and mid-market listed corporates worldwide. | cbh.com
FEI's first CFO of the Year Awards recognized peer-nominated financial professionals demonstrating exemplary leadership within their organizations and communities.

Financial Executives International Las Vegas Chapterthe local affiliate of Financial Executives International, the association of choice for CFOs and other senior-level finance executivestoday announced that five area financial professionals were awarded the organizations highest honors.

The 2017 CFO of the Year Awards marked FEI Las Vegas first formal recognition program for individuals who have made a major impact within their company, have achieved success in the companys growth and profitability, and have shown exemplary leadership skills throughout their career. A distinguished selection committee reviewed several criteria for each nominee: leadership, team development, responsibility, planning and budgeting, control and reporting, social responsibility, and innovation. All candidates were peer nominated.

Nominees and winners were celebrated during a ceremony held at the Silverton Hotel and Casinos Veil Pavilion on Thursday, June 22. Dana Wagner of Wake Up with the Wagners emceed the event attended by several hundred industry professionals.

--2017 CFO OF THE YEAR--

Lisa Manning, CFO, Opportunity Village

FEI Las Vegas honored Ms. Manning as the first CFO of the Year. Opportunity Village is a not-for-profit organization serving adults in the southern Nevada community with intellectual and related disabilities. The organization is dedicated to helping people become the very best they can be through vocational training, community employment, day services and more. Beyond her exceptional leadership and professional achievements in her executive role, Ms. Manning demonstrated an unwavering dedication to and passion for the organizations mission.



Runners up for the award included:



Paul Soth, CFO, Companion Animal Practices, North America

Kim Forbes-Daniels, Market CFO, Universal Health Services

Ms. Sandra Beaver, CFO, North America Gaming of IGT

--FINANCIAL EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR INDUSTRY WINNERS--

Additional awards were presented to exemplary professionals in the following industries:

Construction/Real Estate Industry: Scott Seegmiller, CFO, WestCorp Management Group and Nevada West Development

Gaming/Hospitality Industry: Walter Bogumil, CFO, Affinity Gaming

Manufacturing/Technology Industry: Randy Taylor, CFO, Everi

Services/Other Industry: Paul Huether, CFO, GoWireless

Las Vegas businesses and organizations are led by many of the most talented professionals in their fieldsour financial executives being no exception, said Gary Vecchiarelli, President, Las Vegas Chapter. The individuals recognized during the FEI CFO Awards program are joined by many other professionals who, day in and day out, perform their jobs to the highest of standards. We commend each person for conducting such a critical role with integrity while serving as role models for the next generation of financial leaders.

FEI Las Vegas would like to acknowledge and thank the following companies for sponsoring the event: FCI & Design, Helix Vodka, Intelligent Technical Solutions, KPMG, Umpqua Bank and the Silverton Hotel & Casino.

About FEI

Financial Executives International (FEI) is the leading advocate for the views of corporate financial management. Its more than 10,000 members hold policy-making positions as chief financial officers, treasurers and controllers at companies from every major industry. FEI enhances member professional development through peer networking, career management services, conferences, research and publications. Members participate in the activities of 74 chapters in the U.S. and a chapter in Japan. FEI is located in Morristown, NJ, and Washington, D.C. Visit http://www.financialexecutives.org for more information.

Media Contacts:

Heather Ailara

Crimson Communicates

(845) 424.6341

heather(at)crimsoncom(dot)com

Lili DeVita

Financial Executives International

(973) 765-1021

ldevita(at)financialexecutives(dot)org
Ron Thomas (left) hands off leadership of the Midwest Manufactured Housing Federation, producer of the Louisville Show, to new chairman Kreil Moran.

Louisville, Ky. (July 5, 2017)  Mark your calendar for Jan. 17-19, 2018, as the Louisville Manufactured Housing Show, the Midwests premier event for manufactured housing professionals, returns to Louisville, Kentucky.

For more than 50 years, The Louisville Show has brought together the latest manufactured home designs, tech and the best network of suppliers in the industry. In 2017, The Louisville Show attracted record numbers of industry professionals, reaching 2,929 attendees from 962 companies.

The Louisville Show represents the best the manufactured housing industry has to offer, said Kreil Moran, Chairman of the Midwest Manufactured Housing Federation, an industry trade association and producer of the Louisville Manufactured Housing Show. I believe everyone can agree that the 2017 show was a great success, and we look forward to 2018 being the best yet.

Moran is beginning his tenure as federation chairman, taking over for Ron Thomas, who we at the Louisville Show would like to thank for his years of service.

As in years past, the show will be held inside the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky, where manufactured housing professionals can tour 57 model homes from the top 20 manufacturers. Attendees also can talk with more than 100 service and supplier exhibitors to show their latest industry supplies, materials and services.

The Louisville Show allows exhibitors to showcase products and services at the place where qualified industry buyers come for ideas and inspiration. January is an optimal time to understand customers wants and needs as they prepare for the regions spring selling season.

In addition to the model home displays and supplier exhibits, the Louisville Show will also feature a series of educational seminars. These seminars will provide attendees with strategies to directly improve business performance, while still allowing plenty of time to visit homes and exhibits during the three show days.

Exhibit opportunities are now open and available. Exhibit space will sell out fast! General registration details will be announced in the coming months. In the meantime, manufactured housing industry professionals can remain informed about the 2018 show through the e-newsletter available at The Louisville Show website.

As an industry trade event, the 2018 Louisville Show is not open to the public. For more information, visit The Louisville Show website at http://www.thelouisvilleshow.com

Show Produced and Managed by:

Show Ways Unlimited

Dennis Hill, Show Coordinator

(770) 587-3350

The Midwest Manufactured Housing Federation

The Midwest Manufactured Housing Federation is a trade-association dedicated to the promotion and advancement of the manufactured housing industry throughout Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio. The Federation holds the Louisville Manufactured Housing Show annually in Louisville, Kentucky.
Enterprises are now recognizing that customer communities have gone from a nice to have to a must have because they are essential for better managing and optimizing the customer experience, said Rob Wenger, CEO.

Higher Logic today announced it has passed a major milestone in the rapidly expanding social software and customer engagement market, topping 1,000 clients using its online community platform. While continuing to dominate the association and nonprofit markets, Higher Logic has seen strong adoption across a range of industries, including technology, security, healthcare, biotech, public sector and media. Commercial entities, such as Code 42, Discovery Education, Dynamic Communities and Protech, are leveraging Higher Logic to turn deeper engagement with customers into greater customer success, increased loyalty, stronger customer references, more and larger upsell opportunities, lower support costs and more. The company increased sales during the first half of 2017 by 91 percent over the first half of 2016. Recent new clients include American Chiropractic Association, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Power BI User Group, and Workfront. Higher Logic now has more than 180 employees.

Discovery Education was seeking a partner with experience in online community platforms to support the launch of the DEN Online Community, said Kyle Schutt, Discovery Educations director of Online Community, Programming & Production. The only vendor to offer a comprehensive feature set for member interaction and community management, Higher Logic met that critical need, and has helped us create a global platform where you can learn, share and connect with other educators through Discovery Educations digital services. We are pleased to work with the incredible team at Higher Logic, as they are important partners in our continuing efforts to connect educators to their most valuable resource  each other.

Higher Logic, which launched its online community platform in 2007, has brought LinkedIn-like interaction to the enterprise, while making it easier for users to find the valuable information they need and enabling direct discussions between community stakeholders, such as product developers and product users. Higher Logic supports deeper levels of engagement than any product on the market, offering more of the capabilities organizations need to attract, connect and engage with customers and members. The Higher Logic online community platform features unsurpassed workflow and automation tools, enhanced reporting, and the industrys best implementation and ongoing support services to ensure clients are able to set up communities that are specifically attuned to their audiences. With the acquisition of Kavi Corporation and Socious earlier this year, the company has rapidly expanded its product offering and expert team, while bringing new clients into the Higher Logic family.

Enterprises are now recognizing that customer communities have gone from a nice to have to a must have because they are essential for better managing and optimizing the customer experience, said Higher Logic CEO Rob Wenger. Associations have really been the innovators here, successfully putting their online communities at the heart of their member engagement and revenue-generation efforts. Enterprises are now putting these lessons to good use, and its very exciting to see how quickly both businesses and customers appreciate the tremendous business benefits a new community can provide, whether its easy access to information, faster and better customer support, or simply sharing best practices.

About Higher Logic

Higher Logic is an industry leader in cloud-based community platforms. Organizations worldwide use Higher Logic to bring people all together, by giving their community a home where they can interact, share ideas, answer questions and stay connected. Our goal is to help your organization with deeper engagement and meaningful interactions for your members, customers and prospects. Everything we do  the tools and features in our software, our services, partnerships, best practices  drives our ultimate goal of making your organization successful. For more information, visit http://www.higherlogic.com and follow us on Twitter @HigherLogic.

Media Contacts

Amanda Orr

Kickstart Consulting for Higher Logic

Phone: 202-248-6766

Email: aorr(at)kickstartconsulting(dot)com
Roger Hall, Executive Director of the Ohio Music Education Association, was named a 2017 Lowell Mason Fellow. Photo: Ashlee Wilcox Photography / Documentary Associates LLC Roger Hall has contributed to music education, beginning with his 30 years of devotion to his students and his model for fine teaching and mentorship of his colleagues in Ohio and beyond.

On June 30, the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) honored an exemplary leader in music education as this years Lowell Mason Fellow. This distinction is one of music educations most important honors, and is designed to recognize the accomplishments of music educators, music education advocates, political leaders, industry professionals, and others who have contributed to music education in their unique way.

The prestigious award is named for educator, musician, and composer of more than 1,600 hymn tunes, Lowell Mason, who is considered to be the father of public school music education in the United States. He has been credited with introducing music instruction to American public schools in the 19th century, and with establishing teacher training in music education. In 2002, the importance of his contributions to music education inspired NAfME to create the Lowell Mason Fellows award.

Roger Hall has contributed to music education, beginning with his 30 years of devotion to his students and his model for fine teaching and mentorship of his colleagues in Ohio and beyond, said NAfME President Denese Odegaard. His expertise, leadership, guidance and stewardship in all things OMEA and shared at the national level have impacted strong traditions, achievement, respect and love for music and music education.

Roger Hall, Executive Director of the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA), was nominated by past and present OMEA Trustees and staff as a Lowell Mason Fellow, class of 2017. His decades of teaching and administrative experience in public schools and college settings include emphases on concert and marching band, jazz ensemble, music theory, and general music education. He is a professional trombonist and brass instrument specialist.

Roger Hall earned a B.S. in Music Education from Ohio State University and an M.M. in conducting from Bowling Green State University. He has been a guest conductor of many university bands, including Ohio State University and Kent State University; presented clinics at the national and state level; and held numerous positions of leadership at the state and national level in music education. His past awards include induction into the Ohio Band Directors Conference Hall of Fame in 2009; OMEA Distinguished Service Award in 2011; and the 2015 OSU School of Music Distinguished Service Award.

Lowell Mason Fellow designations also provide an opportunity to support the efforts of NAfME through the donation made in the honorees name. This donation goes to NAfME to support future generations of music educators through the organizations programs. Individuals or groups (corporations, universities, foundations, student organizations, etc.) may fund designations.

Read more about the Lowell Mason Fellows distinction and past recipients of the honor here: bit.ly/LowellMason.

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National Association for Music Education, among the worlds largest arts education organizations, is the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. NAfME advocates at the local, state, and national levels; provides resources for teachers, parents, and administrators; hosts professional development events; and offers a variety of opportunities for students and teachers. The Association orchestrates success for millions of students nationwide and has supported music educators at all teaching levels for more than a century. With more than 60,000 members, the organization is the national voice of music education in the United States.

Follow NAfME on Twitter (twitter.com/nafme) and on Facebook (facebook.com/nafme).

For additional information, contact Catherina Hurlburt at catherinah(at)nafme(dot)org or 703-860-4000, ext. 216.
The Institute for Pediatric Innovation (IPI) announces that the Journal of Therapeutic Innovation & Regulatory Science has just published the results of a study on practices for obtaining the assent of pediatric patients who are asked to participate in clinical trials.

This study, entitled Industry and Patient Perspectives on Child Participation in Clinical Trials, is a result of a collaboration among IPI, biopharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Shire and healthcare communications firm The Medicine Group. Coauthors on the study are Irmgard Eichler, Stephanie Gilstein, Donald Lombardi, Philip Sjostedt, Liza Squires, Charles Thompson and Mark Turner.

The issue of obtaining assent of pediatric patients has long been seen as a challenge in the medical world, especially since the introduction of new regulations in the early 2000s. Although children cannot generally provide legal informed consent until they reach adulthood, they need to be given age-appropriate information and asked to agree to participate in clinical trials.

The study focused on determining how varying stakeholders dealt with ambiguities inherent in the assent requirements and the differences observed among patients from a range of ages and populations, cultures, clinical trial types and regulatory environments.

Launched in 2014, the study centered around digital surveys offered both in the United States and internationally. The first survey polled children, parents and/or caregivers while the second was aimed at clinical trial professionals on their organizations experiences and policies regarding pediatric assent.

Forty-five respondents completed the child and parent/caregiver survey. Fifty-seven individuals completed the industry survey. Survey respondents offered their experiences of clinical trials and challenges they encountered to secure assent. Common obstacles included language barriers, cultural issues, disease severity and child maturity.

Respondents also surfaced potential solutions. Both children and parents/caregivers called for visual aids that would clearly explain the procedure while retaining a childs attention. The study reports that standardized practices and tools would help pediatric patients make well-informed decisions about their participation in clinical trials. Such tools would establish a baseline standard for the assent process.

The results of the surveys indicate that a shift in handling management of child assent can provide relief for parents and children in a hospital setting.

If you are interested in reading the article, visit the online journal.

About IPI

The Institute for Pediatric Innovation (IPI) was founded as a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation in 2006. The institute is managed and led by a consortium of pediatric hospitals, who, together with IPI staff, provide deep expertise in pediatric medical device and medicine innovation. IPI is managed and led by a consortium of pediatric hospitals from around the United States. Their expertise is joined by experts from all sectors to identify problem areas and create novel solutions and a worldwide network of collaborators to assist in translating innovations into commercially available solutions.
The SpaceX launched rocket satellite on Wednesday evening at 7.38 pm. This was its third attempt in 12 days.

By Indo-Asian News Service: SpaceX launched a commercial communications satellite using a Falcon 9 rocket, its third flight in just 12 days.

The rocket blasted off Wednesday evening at 7.38 pm from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, delivering the satellite called the Intelsat 35e to a geostationary transfer orbit, reports Xinhua news agency.

The satellite was deployed about 32 minutes after launch.

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The California-based company tried to launch the satellite on Sunday and Monday, but stopped twice in the final seconds of countdown.

With a launch mass of over 6.7 tonnes, the Intelsat 35e is the heaviest satellite Falcon 9 has ever sent to orbit.

As a result, SpaceX did not attempt to recover the rocket's first stage after launch this time, the company said.

SUCCESSFUL LAUNCHES

The Intelsat 35e, the fourth of the next-generation high throughput satellites for Luxembourg-based Intelsat, aims to provide digital services in the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe and Africa.

Yesterday's mission came just 10 days after SpaceX's first-ever "doubleheader" weekend, when it launched two missions within about 50 hours.

One saw the launch of BulgariaSat-1, the first geostationary communications satellite in Bulgaria's history, from the Kennedy Space Centre on June 23.

Another had 10 satellites launched to low-Earth orbit for the US satellite phone company Iridium from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California two days later.

The Intelsat 35e also marked the 10th of SpaceX's more than 20 launches planned this year. Last year, the company completed eight successful launches before an explosion during routine ground testing temporarily halted Falcon 9 launches.

ALSO READ:

GSAT-17, India's latest communication satellite, launched from French Guiana

ISRO launches Cartosat-2 with 30 nano satellites: All you need to know

ALSO WATCH:

ISRO launches GSLV Mark III with GSAT-19 communication satellite successfully from Sriharikota

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Root Logo With the option of Lyft, Root policyholders can now choose to forgo the rental car process entirely and instead have Lyft credits added to their account to use over the period of the repair.

Root, the first insurance company founded on the principle of fundamental fairness, today announced rental coverage in partnership with Lyft. For policyholders with short-term needs for alternate transportation after an incident, Root will now offer the choice between a rental car or a comparable amount of Lyft credits for free rides.

The claims process has long been one of the auto insurance industry's biggest pain points, and a big piece of that is the rental reimbursement experience. Often, with a week or shorter repair, the hassle of arranging for a rental car, getting reimbursement from the insurance company, and organizing pick-up and drop off override the value of a replacement car.

Combined with the fact that more and more people are choosing a ride-sharing service over a rental car in their everyday travel, research indicates broad support for adding a rideshare option to traditional rental coverage. An internet survey of 200 insured drivers aged 18-34 showed that 70% support a ride-sharing option in the case of a short-term rental. Of the same group, nearly half indicated that they would be more likely to purchase rental coverage for their insurance plan if it included an option to use a rideshare service such as Lyft.

Roots new rental coverage offering follows the success of their Lyft on Us perk, which gave policyholders free Lyft credits on the most dangerous driving days of the year, helping keep them safe. The company is committed to build new products and perks that make auto travel more safe and convenient.

The claims experience is notoriously bad. Youve just gotten into an accident and now you have a mountain of paperwork, agents with questions, and the added bonus of no car, said Alex Timm, co-founder and CEO of Root. Were re-building the claims experience from the ground up, starting with rental coverage. Through our partnership with Lyft, were making sure we dont add to the stress of an already bad day.

With the option of Lyft, Root policyholders can now choose to forgo the rental car process entirely and instead have Lyft credits added to their account to use over the period of the repair. The program, which Lyft is also piloting with two carriers in California, has resulted in significantly higher satisfaction ratings for the claims experience overall.

Were excited to partner with Root, a new mobile-first insurance company with high growth potential, said Kevin Dulsky, Strategic Partnerships at Lyft. Were always looking for new ways to innovate within existing industries, and insurance is definitely a place we can make a huge impact.

Under the Lyft program, customers who have a short-term need (a week or less) will have the option to choose a rental car or select Lyft credits worth a comparable amount. Policyholders can make the decision each time they file a claim.

Were constantly looking for products and services to integrate with to create a better, hassle-free experience for our policyholders, said Dan Manges, CTO of Root. Building an insurance company from the ground up means that we have room to explore these new perks and programs that break the mold. Its the power of innovation paired with really good insurance.

In addition to rental coverage, Root also announced today that the company is expanding to Oklahoma and Indiana, following quickly behind Ohio and Arizona.

To join Root, drivers simply download the app and take a test drive, which takes approximately 2-3 weeks, depending on how much they drive. Once complete, Root provides a quote and allows customers to request cancellation of their old policy, all through their mobile phone. To become a Root policyholder and join other good drivers, sign up at: http://www.joinroot.com

About Root

Root is the first insurance company founded on the principle of fundamental fairness. We create personalized products that give good drivers the protection they deserve.

At Root we only insure good drivers, and that is why our rates are always fair. Unlike other insurance companies, we do not bundle good drivers with bad drivers. Instead, we use data science to find and reward good drivers with the best rates.

Root is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. We are an official carrier licensed by the Ohio, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Indiana Departments of Insurance. We are backed by the largest reinsurance company in the world, and we're a member of the Ohio Insurance Guaranty Association, Arizona Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Fund, Oklahoma Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association, and Indiana Insurance Guaranty Association.

Get the rate you deserve at http://www.joinroot.com.

About Lyft

Lyft was founded in June 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer to improve people's lives with the world's best transportation. Lyft is the fastest growing rideshare company in the U.S and is available in more than 300 cities. Lyft is preferred by drivers and passengers for its safe and friendly experience, and its commitment to effecting positive change for the future of our cities.
Today, at the 88th LULAC National Convention, leaders gathered to stand against the most controversial anti-immigrant legislation in recent years. Known as the show me your papers bill, SB 4 requires citizens and non-citizens alike to check their citizenship status. Taking this even further, law enforcement officials, who fail to comply with SB 4 will be fined $25,000 and face criminal charges.

The statute is unconstitutional, and the most anti-immigrant legislation passed to date, said LULAC National President Roger C. Rocha, Jr. This bill will only result in the breakdown of trust between law enforcement and the community and discriminate against and victimize a vulnerable population. LULAC will continue its fight along with the ACLU, MALDEF and the cities of El Paso, Houston, San Antonio and El Cenizo."

LULAC filed the first complaint against SB 4 on behalf of El Cenizo, a small town surrounded on three sides by Mexico. El Cenizo has had a safe haven ordinance since 1999.

We are the leading case in opposition to SB 4, said LULAC General Counsel Luis Vera. We filed it 22 hours after Governor Abbott signed the bill. The Trump administration declared war on people from Mexico and we need people of good conscience from all backgrounds to stand with us. LULAC cannot do this alone, we need the ACLU, MALDEF and other organizations to help us fight against this oppressive bill whose only purpose is to discriminate against the minority community. We have to believe that we will prevail because there is no other option for minorities in Texas.

In addition to it being unconstitutional and a violation of federal law, SB 4 is an unfunded mandate. Once it takes effect, local law enforcement will be forced to redirect limited resources away from the community in order for innocent people to be deported.

San Antonios Chief of Police William McManus has been vocal about the negative impacts of SB 4. I could talk all day about whats wrong with it, he said at the LULAC National Convention. For every second that an officer spends dealing with an immigration matter, that's a second that responding to your emergency calls is lost. He also condemned SB 4 as being a racist bill. How else do you determine to ask someone for their papers, if not their accent or their skin color? Thats profiling in its purest form.

El Cenizo Mayor Raul Reyes, himself, has been a victim of racial profiling. I am an American citizen. Yet, because of the color of my skin I have been asked to show my papers. So were very thankful to LULAC, because any attempt that suppresses and violates human rights and civil rights is worth fighting for. We know we are on the right side of history. This is bigger than LULAC. Bigger than El Cenizo. Bigger than Texas."
Queens Divorce and Family Law Attorney Bruce Feinstein, Esq. Divorces are emotional to begin with, and involving a pet as marital property to be split between two spouses can be used as retribution in particularly charged divorce cases.

Child custody and alimony are common, established terms of the divorce process. But what about pets? Animals do not hold the same rights as children do in divorce cases, yet they also arent relegated to the same status as marital property. Queens divorce and family law attorney Bruce Feinstein, Esq. speaks with his clients about the unique  yet no less important  aspect of dealing with family pets in divorce cases.

In the past, courts treated pets as personal property in divorce cases in New York. But in recent years, animal advocates and politicians have started to shift the dialogue towards acting in the best interest of the animal, as is done in child custody cases. Courts around the country have sided with pets in awarding alimony payment to their owners and shared visitation between spouses. States such as Alaska have even gone so far as to allow the Court to consider a pets well-being in divorce proceedings, as cited in HB-147, "an Act relating to the costs of care of animals that have been seized; relating to the inclusion of animals in protective orders and crimes and arrests for violating those protective orders; and relating to the ownership of animals upon divorce or dissolution of marriage."

Considering the rights of a pet can be just as helpful to the humans involved in reducing extra conflict in divorces, explains Mr. Feinstein. Divorces are emotional to begin with, and involving a pet as marital property to be split between two spouses can be used as retribution in particularly charged divorce cases.

This new point of view uses a best for all concerned standard in addressing pets and where they should belong. As Mr. Feinstein notes, Incorporating all aspects of child custody and visitation would be extreme for pets, but the best for all concerned approach is able to discern several factors to determine the best next steps for pets and their families.

Some of those factors include determining who is largely responsible for the care of the pet, and with whom the pet spends the most time. This provides the best standards of living for the animal, especially those who are older or in poor health. In looking at the best interests of the pet, courts can also see if shared custody is best, especially in cases where the animal would travel with children. This not only helps the animal adjust to a new lifestyle, but it helps children adjust, too, adds Mr. Feinstein. Divorce is tough on children, and making the transition with a pet can make it much easier.

In giving pets more consideration, New York divorce Courts are providing these animals more status in divorce cases. With that in mind, it is advisable for spouses seeking custody of a pet to work with an experienced divorce attorney to show the importance of their relationship, along with any potential impact a separation may cause.

The Law Offices of Bruce Feinstein has nearly two decades of experience in divorce and family law, helping clients and families resolve their issues and move forward with their lives. If you are thinking of getting married or divorced and want more information visit feinsteindivorcelaw.com or call (718) 475-6039 to reach the New York office.

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Garland has been recognized as a Top Workplace for six consecutive years. A great honor like this is also a reminder of what we already know this is a very special company... Past News Releases RSS The Garland Company Unveils...

Garlands Revolutionary Flashless...

Garlands New KEE-Stone...

For the sixth consecutive year, The Garland Company has been awarded the 2016 Top Workplace honor by The Plain Dealer. This year, Garland placed 27th in the Small Companies category among a wonderful group of our fellow Cleveland companies.

"A great honor like this is also a reminder of what we already know -- this is a very special company. Because Garland is an employee-owned company, our team can truly celebrate successes like these together." said Garlands VP & General Manager, Scott Craft.

This year, The Plain Dealer ranked 150 Cleveland companies in the 8th annual, Top Workplace ranking. Garland congratulated the other companies on this list for making Cleveland a great place to live and work.

To be a Top Workplace, organizations must meet our strict standards for organizational health. And who better to ask about work life than the people who live the culture every daythe employees, says Doug Claffey, CEO of WorkplaceDynamics.

The Top Workplace list is based solely on the results of an employee feedback survey administered by WorkplaceDynamics, LLC, a research firm that specializes in organizational health and workplace improvement. Several aspects of workplace culture were measured, including alignment, execution, and connection, just to name a few.

About The Garland Company, Inc.

The Garland Company, Inc. is one of the worldwide leaders of quality, high-performance roofing and building envelope solutions for the commercial, industrial and institutional markets. For over 120 years, Garland has continually developed unique product and service offerings that have raised the bar of performance while exceeding the individual needs of customers throughout the world. Today, our network of over 200 local building envelope professionals is strategically positioned throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom to provide quality building envelope solutions for single and multi-property facilities. The Garland Company Inc., headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company.

For more information, visit http://www.garlandco.com or call toll-free to be connected with your local Garland representative at 1.800.321.9336.
By PTI: New Delhi, Jul 6 (PTI) A 21-year-old aspiring airhostess, who was stabbed by a man in full public view in the Mansarovar area of Shahdara yesterday, died today but the accused it yet to be arrested.

Riya Gautam alias Charu succumbed to injuries in the wee hours of today. She was stabbed close to eight times by the accused, who was allegedly stalking her, the police said.

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The 22-year-old accused, Adil, is still absconding. He has a previous criminal record and has been arrested in auto- lifting cases, they added.

Her family has alleged that she had filed a police complaint against the accused in April but no action was taken.

The woman, a resident of Ramnagar area in Mansarovar Park was attacked by Adil yesterday in a busy market.

A CCTV grab of the incident shows the accused attacking her and she running away from him. After some time, the accused can be seen fleeing from the spot.

The victim and Adil had a fight near her house at 5.30 pm, following which she was attacked.

In an attempt to save herself, she rushed to a shop for help but nobody was present there, the police said.

Adil followed her inside the shop and stabbed her multiple times. Even though there were some people, they did not go near Adil for the fear of getting attacked.

Gautam was rushed to the GTB Hospital after the accused fled from the spot.

According to the police, the victim and the accused were known to each other for the last one year. However, after some time, she distanced herself from him and her indifference irked him.

She approached the police with a complaint against the accused in April but he got a whiff of the matter and when his house was raided, it was found that he had fled to Gujarat.

Her family did not know about what kind of an equation she shared with Adil. They got to know about Adil after she filed a police complaint against him.

He had allegedly been harassing her and would often ask her to talk to him. When she was returning from a shop, the accused stopped her and tried to engage in a conversation but when she ignored him, he attacked her, eyewitnesses told the police.

None of the onlookers came to help here while she was being attacked, her family members alleged. They also accused police of inaction and not arresting the accused when there was a previous complaint against him.

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Even as the accused continues to be at large, the police are scanning the cell phone records of the woman to gain clues to the accused.

The incident is similar to the one reported last year from Burari where a 21-year-old woman was killed as she was stabbed maniacally by her alleged stalker 22 times in front of passersby in north Delhis Burari who failed to save her. PTI SLB SMJ

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These raffia bags are making impressive statements in the international bag world.

She is the founder of AAKS Hand Craft which creates durable bags, characterized by bright exuberant colours with style.

The Ghanaian business woman, Akosua graduated from Kingston University London with a BA (Hons) Fashion degree.

She now stocks her woven bag collections at Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters.

"Now I sell in 46 stores in 16 countries around the world, and I've only been in business since 2014," she says.

It all started when Akosua Afriyie-Kumi visited a small tranquil village in the Northern region of Ghana and spotted a group of local weavers making baskets by twisting raffia to sell along the streets.

Apparently, Akosua was so green to the business world, but she felt raffia bags could be a good opportunity when she stumbled on it.

Although she had little knowledge about business when she started, she capitalized on her social networks.

Just after few months of her setting up her designer bag business, raffia bags gained traction on Pinterest, and also made way to the attention of U.S. retailer Anthropologie.

"To get a call almost three months after launching from Anthropologie was one of the greatest moments of my brand," says Afriyie-Kumi.

Due to the quality of the bags, Anthropologie recommended AAKS to Urban Outfitters(URBN) (both subsidiaries of URBN brands), which included her in its Spring/Summer 2016 collection.

Urban Outfitters will stock her new collection in its Miami and Hawaii stores.

Workforce

The rising demand for her bags has made Akosua increase the number of weavers from three to 30 weavers.

According to her, each bag can take as long as a week to be ready "as raffia palms are taken from the south to the north of Ghana, where they are twisted into strands by hand and dyed using organic colouring. Once dry, the weaving begins."

READ ALSO: Government wages war on oil smugglers

With the pricing, Akosua says the bags sell between $70 and $270.

"I limit production to a maximum of 200 bags a month, to ensure quality and ethical production. A lot of stores are surprisingly OK with us not over-producing, as our bags become more exclusive," she says.

Akosua is currently based in Ghana but finds herself travelling to and throughout Europe and Africa.

She particularly visits Cape Town, London, Accra frequently to work with local artisans, experience the diverse culture of the continents and discover new inspirations for her brand.
Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd, many of them bused in from Poland's more conservative countryside, the president lauded the Polish people's history of rejecting fascism and communism while speaking in Krasinski Square, which contains a memorial to the 1944 Warsaw Uprising against the Nazis.

"I am here today not just to visit an old ally, but to hold it up as an example for others who seek freedom and who wish to summon the courage and the will to defend our civilization," Trump said.

The president seemed to apply his "America First" framework to the larger Western world, arguing that the West must protect its borders and reassert its values "at any cost."

Trump noted that "as the Polish experience reminds us, the defense of the West ultimately rests not only on means but also on the will of its people to prevail and be successful and get what you have to have."

"The fundamental question of our time is whether the West has the will to survive," Trump continued. "Do we have the confidence in our values to defend them at any cost? Do we have enough respect for our citizens to protect our borders? Do we have the desire and the courage to preserve our civilization in the face of those who would subvert and destroy it?"

Trump also turned his criticism toward "the steady creep of government bureaucracy that drains the vitality and wealth of the people," but has not been critical of Poland's current government, run by a conservative nationalist party, which has been accused by human rights advocates for being hostile to democratic ideals.

An administration official who briefed reporters ahead of the speech said the "core theme" was a "defense of Western civilization," according to a pool report.

"The speech is very philosophical," the official said. "It obviously deals with the current events of the day."

Trump's language echoed the bleak picture of "American carnage" he painted in his inauguration speech, in which he described urban communities ravaged by poverty and violence and "rusted-out factories scattered like tombstones" across rural America.
"I think it could very well have been Russia," Trump told reporters, adding: "But I think it could well have been other countries. I won't be specific. But I think a lot of people interfere ... It's been happening for many, many years."

Trump then accused Obama of doing "nothing" in response to intelligence reports last summer that pointed to Russian interference.

"The thing I have to mention is that Barack Obama when he was president found out about this in terms of if it were Russia," Trump said. "Found out about it in August. Now the election was in November. That's a lot of time. He did nothing about it. Why did he do nothing about it?"

Trump was referring to the fact that the Obama administration waited until October 7 to publicly identify Russia as being behind the hacking of Democratic Party organizations, even though the CIA had informed the White House of this intelligence as early as August.

"They say he choked. I don't think he choked," Trump said, referring to reporting that a senior Obama administration official felt the White House "choked" in its reaction to the revelations. "He thought Hillary Clinton was going to win the election and he said let's not do anything about it."

Trump added that Obama would have acted more aggressively had he expected Clinton to lose.

"If he thought I was going to win, he would have done plenty about it," Trump said.

In December, Obama made public that he had confronted Russian President Vladimir Putin about the meddling in September, telling him to "cut it out," but Obama said he was loath to appear as if he were attempting to influence the outcome of the election by discussing it publicly.

"Part of the goal here was to make sure we did not do the work of the leakers for them by raising more and more questions about the integrity of the election right before the election was taking place at a time when the president-elect himself was facing questions about the integrity of the election," Obama said.

When a reporter on Thursday asked Trump whether he disagreed with the conclusion of the intelligence community, the president responded that his administration had done "some heavy research" and determined that only "three or four" agencies were in agreement on the evidence on interference.

"Nobody really knows  nobody really knows for sure," Trump said.

Trump could have been referring to a January report in which four American intelligence agencies  the FBI, the CIA, the office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the National Security Agency  agreed that the Russian government, directed by President Vladimir Putin, meddled in the 2016 election to try to undermine faith in US democracy and hurt Clinton's candidacy.

The US Intelligence Community, made up of more than a dozen agencies, also issued a statement in October concluding that the Russian government directed the election interference.

Trump also argued that intelligence agencies had made "mistakes," and he referred to the faulty conclusion that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction following the 9/11 attacks  information that bolstered President George W. Bush's decision to invade the country in 2003.
New emails disclosed in a court filing on Thursday show Travis Kalanick's suspicions and reaction as it became clear that Google  an early investor in Uber  was exploring launching a competing ride-sharing service using the self-driving cars it was developing.

The two companies are bitter enemies today, with each racing to develop competing self-driving-car technology. Google's self-driving-car spin-out, Waymo, has also sued Uber, alleging theft of intellectual property and patent violations.

Before all the bad blood, though, Kalanick, who resigned last month, sought to partner with Google on self-driving cars instead of competing, according to the emails, dating from 2015. A high-ranking Google executive appeared to see the value of a partnership as well.

I hope Im wrong here

But Kalanick's distrust and fears about Google's motives were inflamed as he suspected Page  a Google cofounder and the CEO of its parent company, Alphabet  was purposefully avoiding him and that Google was secretly plotting to move into his turf.

"A meeting with Larry could calm this down if it's not true but he has been avoiding any meeting with me since last fall," Kalanick wrote in an email in March 2015.

"Without any dialogue we get pushed into the assumption that Google is competing in the short term and has probably been planning to do so for quite a bit longer than has been let on," Kalanick continued. "I hope I'm wrong here, just need to do a meeting with Larry ASAP to get clarity and a mutual understanding of how to do a proper partnership here."

The emails document how the relationship between the two tech giants unraveled, and how the brewing sense of mistrust and betrayal ultimately led to an acrimonious legal feud that has captivated Silicon Valley.

Here's one of the emails in Thursday's filing:

Kalanick's emails were sent to David Drummond, Google's head of business and an Uber board member at the time. Drummond agreed that the "value of a partnership now far outweighs concerns about an uncertain future."

A Google Calendar invite, also in the court filing, shows that Page, Drummond, Kalanick, and Emil Michael, who was then Uber's head of business, met for lunch three days later at Google's headquarters in Mountain View, California.

What happened next, though, is what Uber wants to question Page about in a legal deposition. In the company's argument for why it should be able to depose Page, Uber said that not only did the Alphabet CEO attend the lunch meeting to discuss the idea of a partnership, but he "has knowledge about why Waymo rejected that avenue and instead chose to compete with Uber."

"Any such competitive business decisions are relevant to the issues in and motivations behind this lawsuit, and to damages," Uber's attorneys said. Now it's up the judge to decide whether Page has to answer Uber's questions about why the partnership was falling apart from the beginning.

The lawsuit revolves around Waymo's allegations that one of its former engineers downloaded 14,000 company files relating to self-driving car technology and took them with him when he joined Uber.

An Uber spokesperson sent Business Insider the following statement about the latest emails:

"There is no substitute for these depositions, which would resolve some key unanswered questions. For instance: why, after Google learned of the alleged downloading of 14,000 files, did Mr. Page not alert Uber's then-CEO to that fact when they spoke? Simultaneously, Google was rejecting a partnership with Uber, choosing instead to compete. Thisand the lack of evidence supporting Waymo's casebegs the obvious question: was this lawsuit actually motivated by the downloading of the files, or was it an attempt to slow down a competitor?"

Waymo disputed Uber's complaint about the lack of evidence supporting its case to Business Insider.
His reaction follows the Chairmans allegation that there was no contract signed between the two parties.

Chairman of the Ghana at 60 committee Ken Amankwah said Chief Moomen never came for a budget hearing after he presented his budget.

I reminded him of our earlier discussions when he delivered his budget. There was the understanding that his budget was not a fait accompli. The Committee was entitled to sanitise and prune it down to reasonable amounts. He never came back for the budget hearing.

Moomen denied this accusation saying he was present at every meeting held in connection with the play.

He claims I was supposed to come for a budget hearing and I never turned up. That is also not true. I have availed myself to every single meeting that was required of me. Even after the performance, I have made several attempts to secure meetings. In fact, I have been to the seat of government these past months more than I have done in my entire life, Moomen said.

Chief Moomen also asked that if the committee signed no contract with him, on what basis did they advertise the show?

On what basis was WogbeJeke advertised on radio, television, newspapers and social media as part of the official programme for the anniversary? On what basis were invitations sent out to people, including the Vice-President and Council of State, to come to the Conference Center on Friday 3rd March, 2017 at 6pm to watch the production? On what basis was the first 100,000ghc given to me for the programme?

Yes I was not given a written contract, and I believe that no service provider for the anniversary celebrations was given one either. I , however, presented an invoice of 200,000ghc and a receipt covering the receipt of the first 100,000ghc, he admitted.

Read the full statement below

Now that the Chairman of the committee has issued a response to my entreaties, I am now at liberty to put out the facts of the case. And I shall respond to his claims in greater detail.

1. He Claims our 213,000ghc budget to stage a WogbeJeke is whopping and excessive(The agreed amount was actually 200,000ghc) . By whose standards? We produced a 2hr 30mins production with a cast and crew of 170 people. This was inclusive of all related production and technical costs- remunerations, rehearsals, sound, lights, set, props etc. The only thing we were given is the venue (which is actually the Conference Center and not the Banquet Hall as he claims). Our remunerations budget alone was over 100,00ghc ( eg. @ an average of 500ghc*150 people= 75,000. @ 2000ghc to 5000ghc to directors of various units of the production= 35,000. Our technical costs averaging 20,000ghc and other costs like rehearsals, refreshment, transportation, props, costumes, etc averaging 20,000ghc. I will usually have to spend about 150 to 160,000ghc on every production period. So 200,00ghc charge for WogbeJeke is in no way excessive. Sir did you know Umoja charges 50,000 dollars for a performance of about 30 people and you still have to pay for all their technical costs. If Im even to pay my cast and crew what they reasonably deserve for all the work they put into this, 300,000ghc will be my rate.

2. He claims, Chief Moomen is a young man in a hurry. Before we could examine the details of his budget, he had mounted the stage and the musical was performed without an agreed contract. That is quite a curious claim. So on what basis was WogbeJeke advertised on radio, television, newspapers and social media as part of the official programme for the anniversary? On what basis were invitations sent out to people, including the Vice-President and Council of State, to come to the Conference Center on Friday 3rd March, 2017 at 6pm to watch the production? On what basis was the first 100,000ghc given to me for the programme.? Yes I was not given a written contract, and I believe that no service provider for the anniversary celebrations was given one either. I , however, presented an invoice of 200,000ghc and a receipt covering the receipt of the first 100,000ghc.

3. He again claims,  But the moonshine of his presentation was the ruse that he had never been paid. Now that is plainly not true. In my facebook post and in all my interviews I have always indicated that I was given half of the payment.

4. According to the Chairman, our budget is excessive because ten years ago, my own beloved lecturer Prof Martin Owusu put up plays for the 50th anniversary celebrations and didnt charge that much. I wont even bother to respond. Its like walking into a boutique to buy a shirt and being told that it costs 200ghc only for you to claim that amount is excessive because you came to the shop ten years ago to buy a shirt that costs 20ghc.

5. He claims I was supposed to come for a budget hearing and I never turned up. That is also not true. I have availed myself to every single meeting that was required of me. Even after the performance, I have made several attempts to secure meetings. In fact, I have been to the seat of government these past months more than I have done in my entire life.
This will allow GN Bank to introduce the unique service which combines mobile money with mobile banking to the general public.

According to GN Bank, the service is available on both Android and feature phones.

They argue that their mobile money system is unique because it is available on all networks which mean that every mobile phone subscriber or the user can open an e-account or wallet with GN Bank.

A customer of GN Mobile Money is able to save money, transfer money, pay bills and buy airtime for all networks from their mobile phone.

READ ALSO: Ghanaians are not eating pork because of swine fever

Furthermore, customers of GN Bank will have remote access to their bank accounts via the mobile money service to check their bank account balances, view mini statements and transfer money from one account to the other.
Subramanian Swamy shared a photo of superstar Rajinikanth inside a casino in the US and called him RK 420.

By India Today Web Desk: After completing the Mumbai schedule of his forthcoming film Kaala, superstar Rajinikanth left for the US for a routine medical check-up earlier this week. On Wednesday, Subramanian Swamy shared a picture of Rajinikanth supposedly playing poker and lashed out at him for "gambling" to improve his health.

Taking to Twitter, Swamy said, "Wow! RK 420 in a US Casino gambling to improve his health!! ED must find out from where his $$ came from."

Wow! RK 420 in a US Casino gambling to improve his health!! ED must find out from where his $$ came from. pic.twitter.com/4UeUgg9yNN- Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) July 5, 2017

: He could then afford health care in India. What is his ailment for which he has to go to US? Are his expenses paid by cheque?- Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) July 5, 2017

: He will spoil Tamil Nadu politics- Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) July 5, 2017

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Ever since Rajinikanth hinted at joining politics, Subramanian Swamy has been taking potshots at the actor. In fact, in an exclusive interview to India Today, Swamy claimed that Rajinikanth has done financial fraud.

"If he comes (enters politics), there will be many things that will tumble out which will be harmful to him. I would advise him to not come," said Swamy.

Meanwhile, Rajinikanth is expected to resume shooting Kaala later this month. He also awaits the release of 2.0, which is slated to release on January 25, 2018.

ALSO READ: Rajini's selfie video goes viral

ALSO READ: Rajini requests TN government to remove 30 per cent local body tax

ALSO READ: Soundarya Rajini, Ashwin are officially divorced

ALSO WATCH: Rajini has committed financial fraud, says Subramanian Swamy

--- ENDS ---
READ ALSO: 24 year old MP complains about unbearable financial demands

Ms Francisca Oteng was already enrolled at the university and was in her final year pursuing LLB at the College of Humanities when she contested for the position.

Her ascent to becoming MP of the area started with her shocking victory in the constituency primary in 2015.

She beat the incumbent Kofi Frimpong with 321 votes in an area known to be a hub of the then-opposition party and coincidentally gave the NPP a chunk of its votes.

When asked how she was going to juggle her work and school she told reporters that she was more than capable of handling both jobs.

She graduated over the weekend along with 2,200 from the university.

READ ALSO: Communication expert wants Ghanaian media houses to be creative
Akosua Takyiwaa, aka Maame Bono was discharged together with 12 other people, whom the prosecution now wants to use as witnesses.

She is said to be the one who called the Assemblyman, William Baah, to report that she has seen an armed robber.

The prosecution told the court that their investigations into the matter informed the decision.

READ ALSO: Family of lynched soldier visits Denkyira Obuasi

The prosecutor further indicated that the freed individuals will likely serve as witnesses in the case.

Background

The said food seller [Akosua Takyiwaa, aka Maame Bono] who allegedly raised the false alarm, that the late Major Maxwell Mahama, was a suspected armed robber was selling snails.

Major 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.

According to the police, without verifying the identity of Major 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, two hours after he had started the jogging.

The police said, they met the deceased at Denkyira-Obuasi cemetery, which was about one-and-half kilometres from where he bought the snails and accosted him without giving the deceased the opportunity to identify himself.

Police said by that time, the message had spread that an armed robber had been sighted and so other people had come around wielding all forms of implements and started attacking the deceased.

Meanwhile, the rest of the 19 suspects which include one woman are still facing the charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

The nineteen standing trial are William Baah, assembly man, Yaw Annor, mason, Akwasi Baah farmer, Kwame Tuffuor, driver, Akwasi Asante, farmer, Joseph Appiah-Kubi, driver, Kwadwo Animah, mason, Philip Badu, prison assistant, Kofi Nyame, farmer, Michael Anim, Bernard Asamoah, drivers apprentice.
The Assembly Member of the Dohin Naayili Electoral Area, Abdul Wahab Fuseini told Accra-based Citi FM that the area has been disconnected because some residents attacked staff of the NEDco- VRA-during the discharge of their duties on Wednesday.

He said that some defaulting customers who were against routine checks on illegal connections deflated the lorry tyres of the workers who were in the area for the operation.

The Tamale Teaching Hospital, the St. Charles Minor seminary, Dr. Paa Kwesi Ndoums Suhupieli radio station and some private clinical laboratories are located in the Dohin Naayili community.
Alhaji Umar Alhassan was accused by some residents in his constituency to resign for allegedly being a citizen of the United States.

A youth group said documents available to it revealed the MP has a U.S passport which contradicts the Constitution.

Article 94 of the Constitution spells out the qualification and eligibility criteria for MPs. Nationality and age are two key qualifications for an MP.

Article 94 (2) states: "A person shall not be qualified to be a Member of Parliament if he - (a) owes allegiance to a country other than Ghana."

However, the plaintiffs, Nikimola Jacob Makinye and Moponyaw Godwin want the court to remove Alhaji Alhassan Umar from Parliament and declare the seat vacant.

They are seeking a declaration that "the defendant, who owes allegiance to a country other than Ghana, is disqualified from holding the office of Member of Parliament of Zabzugu in the Republic of Ghana."

The plaintiffs, in their statement of claim the defendant was "convicted in the United States for a traffic offence of overspeeding."

It said the MP relocated to Ghana about eight years ago and worked at the Ministry of Communications as a management consultant.

They noted that Alhassan Umar committed perjury and must vacate the seat as the MP.

But the court ruled in favour of Alhaji Alhassan Umar and said he feels vindicated.

According to him, it was a victory against tribal politics adding that his opponents would have to learn because "their ideas are old and people are getting fed-up."

He said "From day one it was my opponent who had lost and lost big time so this is the second victory over John Jabaah."
The minority insists that the project was a legacy of the NDC government under the leadership of former President John Mahama.

The NDC MPs argued that it doesnt take six months for the NPP government to achieve the Cape Three Points in the Western Region.

READ MORE: Minority accuses government of covering up BOST MD

The Minority Leader, addressing the press on Wednesday, July 5, Haruna Iddrisu said this important milestone in the sector came as a result of the robust regulatory regime in the oil and gas sector under the previous administration.

"As our dear country prepares to celebrate the first oil ceremony led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, we the NDC minority in Parliament join all Ghanaians to celebrate this milestone.

"We established strong institutions and promoted good governance to encourage investments. It is therefore not surprising that, the global index assessing 81 countries in oversight has established that Ghanas oil and gas sector is the best governed in Sub-Saharan Africa," he said.

Below is the Minority statement on Cape Three Point project

OFF CAPE THREE POINTS FIRST OIL COMMISSIONING  NDCS VISION AND HARDWORK HAS PAID OFF

On Thursday 6th July, 2017, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is expected to turn the valve to mark the commencement of commercial exploitation of oil Off Cape Three Points. It must be noted that this project is a legacy of the NDC Government under the visionary leadership of President John Mahama as it doesnt take six months to achieve this feat.

As our dear country prepares to celebrate the first oil ceremony led by H.E President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, we the NDC minority in Parliament join all Ghanaians to celebrate this milestone.

However, it ought to be emphasized that Ghana did not get here by accident, the NDC Government understood within the early stages of commercial oil production in 2011, the importance of a robust regulatory regime in the oil and gas sector. We established strong institutions and promoted good governance to encourage investments. It is therefore not surprising that, the global index assessing 81 countries in oversight has established that Ghanas oil and gas sector is the best governed in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Our record in passing the Petroleum Revenue Management Act 2011 to ensure transparency in revenue management with the oversight responsibility by the citizenry through the Public Interest Accountability Committee (PIAC) has earned Ghana an enviable reputation.

Our record in establishing the Petroleum Commission as the independent upstream regulator through the Petroleum Commission Act 821 was critical to regulate and manage the utilization of petroleum resources. Since its establishment, the commission has saved our country millions of dollars.

Our record with the support of Parliament in passing the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act 2016 (Act 919) has marked a significant watershed for the sector.

Also, the Petroleum (Local Content and Participation) law LI 2204 with the objectives of enabling Ghanaians to benefit from the upstream petroleum business and to expand in-country value creation; are all key examples of the work we did to get us here. We focused on monetizing our gas resources because we understood that gas would serve as a cheaper source of fuel for the power sector. It was for this reason that the NDC Government worked tirelessly to establish the Western Corridor Gas Infrastructure Project and through that, the Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC) that supervised the construction of the Atuabo Gas Plant.

Ladies and Gentlemen:You may recall how the NPP then in opposition opposed the $1 billion CDB facility that was used for the construction of this plant.

What we will be celebrating later this week, began when the NDC came into office in 2009. The NDC Government under the Mills/Mahama leadership approved the Farm-in of ENI Ghana as field operator of the OCTP licensed in September 2009. This is how a major oil producer, ENI, came to Ghana to join VITOL.

This followed negotiations by the NDC government and GNPC on behalf of the state for additional 5% (making a total of 20%) working interest from 15% in original agreement negotiated in 2006. So NPP had negotiated for 15% share, we came in and increased it to 20%.

Having achieved all these, we proceeded with the following:

1. Oil declaration of commercial quantities June 24th 2013

2. July 13th 2013, first submission of phase one oil Plan of Development (POD)

3. December 31st 2014-partners under the leadership of Ministry of Energy and Finance, initiated OCTP Heads of agreement, Gas sales agreement, Terms Sheet, security package, supplementary and fiscal support agreement. It must be noted that these were not easy agreements, it took hard work and dedication by the Ghanaian team under the leadership of H.E. John Dramani Mahama.

4. June 17th 2015, GOG, GNPC and the contractors signed the gas sales agreement after tireless negotiation.

Ladies and Gentlemen:In the context of Ghanas GDP and current economic phase, the OCTP gas project (Sankofa gas project) is the largest domestic gas contract ever negotiated. It represents Ghanas first non-associated gas-to power project.

The gas sales project is expected to secure the reliable supply of feed stock gas for power generation in Ghana-supplying gas to power over 1000MW.

Projected daily gas supply from the Sankofa-Gye Nyame field is estimated to be about 180MMSCF for over 13 years.

The NDC government despite the global downturn was able to get two global players in the industry, ENI and VITOL to finance this multi-billion dollar project, the NDC was also able to bring in the World Bank Group, providing about half a billion US dollars of partial risk guarantee (PRG), the largest ever world Bank guarantee to make this project work. In addition, to this, the world Bank is providing US$300 million of additional support as credit enhancement for the new power plants to off-take the gas from the field.

In terms of the benefits, this project is the largest ever Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). In fact, it is the largest single gas-to-power project in Sub-Saharan Africa in recent years.

Ladies and Gentlemen, you would have thought that, the NPP then in opposition would have supported this laudable project, but unfortunately, that is not exactly what happened, they took every opportunity to discredit this very important project.

For instance, on the eve of the visit of the former Italian Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, on Tuesday February 2nd 2016, this was the caption of the NPP press statement led by their Director of communication, Nana Akomea: Review Ghanas bad gas deal with ENI, NPP to Prime Minister. Among several issues raised, they condemned the financial terms especially the gas price, yet in power, their own Finance Minister confirmed at his vetting that the price was only tentative to be determined after all the contracts have been awarded and savings determined.

We want to take this opportunity to congratulate all the players especially H.E. John Dramani Mahama, whose tireless leadership and bold vision opened the doors for the necessary and giant steps that made the project possible. This includes teams from Ministries of Finance, Energy, Attorney General, the P.C, GNPC and partners from ENI and VITOL for this great milestone.

Ladies and gentlemen, we still have a lot of work ahead on this project. We begin oil production but the gas starts early next year.

The NDC government has laid a solid foundation for this project. We worked hard to monetise the gas, completed the western corridor Gas infrastructure project, established the GNGC and completed the Gas plant, with a 60Km offshore pipeline and 150 mmscf gas processing plant at Atuabo.

However, with additional volumes of gas expected from ENI and in the future from HESS, there is the urgent need to expand the plant and complete the WAPCO reverse flow of gas from Aboadze to Tema for the ENI Gas to get to the Eastern power plants in the Tema enclave.
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As a result of the incident, Shirley Yamauchi was forced to hold her 27-month-old son in her lap for the duration of the nearly four-hour flight.

That may have violated federal regulations which say all children age two and older must have their own seat. According to Yamauchi, her son was older than the Federal Aviation Administration's age limit.

"

According to federal regulation 14 CFR 121.311, children who have reached their second birthday must have their own seat and seatbelt for the duration of the flight.

But without a completed investigation, the FAA can not determine at this time if United violated federal regulations, an agency spokesman told Business Insider.

Yamauchi, a middle school teacher from Hawaii, told ABC affiliate KITV that she declined to speak up during the flight out of fear that it could cause a scene.

"I'm scared. I'm worried. I'm traveling with an infant. I didn't want to get hurt. I didn't want either of us to get hurt," she told KITV. "I had him in all these contorted sleeping positions. In the end, very sadly, he was standing up between my knees."

Yamauchi told Hawaii News Now that she paid nearly $1,000 for her son's seat.

In response, the airline has refunded both the mother's and the toddler's tickets from Hawaii to Boston.

In another statement to Business Insider, United Airlines wrote:
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President Donald Trump is set to meet Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G-20 summit in Hamburg, Germany  a full, bilateral sit-down with high stakes.

The meeting will take place amid crumbling US-Russia relations and as Trump weathers investigations by Congress and the FBI into Russia's interference in the 2016 election and whether the Trump campaign played a role in it.

White House aides are aware of the high-stakes nature of the meeting, which comes after the former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama were unable to cultivate stronger ties with Russia.

Issues on the table for discussion include Russia's military aggression in Ukraine, Russia's US election meddling, continued nuclear weapons threats from North Korea, the ongoing fight against the Islamic State and extremism, and the brutal Syrian civil war.

It is unclear which topics will be discussed. Trump's homeland security adviser, Thomas Bossert, told ABC's "This Week" on Sunday that an agenda had not been set, and his national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, told reporters that "there's no specific agenda."

"It's really going to be whatever the president wants to talk about," McMaster said, in a statement that has drawn alarm from some national-security experts.

Not having a set agenda for any meeting with foreign interlocutors can place American interests in jeopardy from the outset, said Glenn Carle, a CIA veteran and former spy.

"Whoever sets the agenda shapes the discussions," and if the US doesn't go in with a prepared set of talking points, "it means from the get-go that the US is on the defensive, responding, but not driving," Carle said. He said that without an agenda, the US government and Russia hawks in the White House, like adviser Fiona Hill, could not prepare for and advance US interests.

Ned Price, a former CIA analyst who served as the senior director of the National Security Council under Obama, was more blunt. If the White House goes into the meeting without a set agenda, "Putin will eat President Trump's lunch," Price said.

"There's no better way to ensure we don't get what we want out of a bilateral meeting  especially one as delicate as with Putin  than by not going in with a fully cooked and fire-roasted plan," he said.

When meeting with Trump, Putin will bring up common enemies like the American "deep state" and "fake news," a former US ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul, wrote in The Washington Post. "Putin wants the readout of this meeting to be 'we had a very good meeting.' Your objective is different."

"Your goal is not a friendly chat  diplomacy is not a popularity contest  but a clear statement of US national security and economic objectives and an exploration of what issues the United States and Russia could pursue together," McFaul wrote. "Don't expect any breakthroughs in this first meeting. Your task is to demonstrate to Putin that you are a tough negotiator committed to pursuing American interests, and one that is not willing to offer concessions simply to win Putin's praise."

Though Putin had a rocky relationship with Trump's predecessor, Trump has so far appeared to be open to warmer US-Russia relations, and his administration has frequently taken steps that seemed to echo Putin's criticisms of the US and its objectives.

During a February interview on Fox News, for instance, host Bill O'Reilly asked Trump whether he respected Putin.

"I do respect him," Trump replied. "I respect a lot of people, but that doesn't mean I'm going to get along with him. He's a leader of his country. I say it's better to get along with Russia than not."

O'Reilly followed up and said, "Putin's a killer."

Trump replied: "You got a lot of killers. What, you think our country's so innocent?"

Trump has also been slow to acknowledge Russia's election meddling, even though the US intelligence community concluded with high confidence that Russia interfered in 2016 in an effort to help Trump and advance Russian interests.

On the eve of his first meeting with Putin, Trump on Thursday questioned the intelligence community's findings and argued, during a press conference in Poland, that Russia may not have been the only country that intervened.

"Nobody really knows for sure," Trump said.

The Kremlin seized on Trump's characterization following his speech. Spokesman Dmitry Petrov told Bloomberg News that Trump had highlighted "equally the possibility that it could have been other countries."

"Please note the nuances," he said.

The Trump administration is also weighing whether to return two seized diplomatic compounds in Maryland and New York to Russia, a key demand from Moscow. The facilities were shuttered as part of Obama's response to Russia's election interference, and Putin is likely to bring up the compounds on Friday.

"You can bet Putin has an agenda up his sleeve," said Robert Deitz, a former top lawyer at the National Security Agency and the CIA. Russia, he said, "is in effect a second-rate power."

"Everything Putin has obtained  and it is a remarkable list  has been through wiles and chutzpah," Deitz added. "This requires great planning," and Putin will most likely have done that in preparation for the bilateral meeting, he said.

On the other hand, Trump has a known aversion to dense briefings and lengthy preparations. He frequently relies on in-person briefings to bring him up to speed, and he prefers shorter sentences and "killer graphics" as opposed to heavier notes.

In keeping with that, intelligence officials condensed the main points Trump could bring up with Putin into "tweet-length sentences," the Los Angeles Times reported.

But Trump may need more than that when he meets the Russian strongman. Former Obama aides told The Post that Putin often began meetings by running through a list of grievances he had against the US. Aides said that while they tried to direct less substantive complaints through lower-level channels so they could keep the focus on bigger problems like Ukraine and Syria, "those topics got him even more animated."

To drive the conversation, experts said ,the US must focus on topics vital to its own interests, which include addressing the crises in Ukraine and Syria and especially Russia's election hacking.

Trump should emphasize that Russia's interference in the US election was a casus belli, Carle said  an action that justifies a war. He said Trump should outline steps the US would take if Russia continued its aggression, including "going to the Security Council, freezing all assets of Russian banks and individuals, expelling all Russian diplomats," and possibly deploying US forces to the Baltics.

"Russia's actions were that significant," he said.

Deitz said it would be "truly awful" if the issue of Russia's election interference was not brought up.

Price said Trump needed to clearly signal to Russia that US sanctions related to Russia's actions in Ukraine would not be lifted until Moscow lived up to its obligations outlined in the 2014 Minsk Protocol. The agreement, which called for Russia to cease its military aggression in Ukraine, was put in place after Russia annexed the territory of Crimea in March 2014.

The agreement has been violated from both sides since. In recent years, Ukraine has also turned into a testing ground for acts of cyberwar, many of which are believed to have come from Russia. Most recently, Russia is thought to have been behind a colossal cyberattack that crippled countries and corporations across the globe  and Ukraine was by far the hardest hit.

The US must stress that the Baltics and Ukraine are sovereign states, Carle said, adding that "any further actions taken to destabilize them can be considered an escalation of tensions" to which NATO could respond.

The experts argued the ongoing crisis in Syria should also be addressed, with the US taking a strong stance against continued aggression by Syrian President Bashar Assad and chemical attacks against civilians. The US and Russia support opposing sides in the conflict, which has contributed to crumbling relations between the two countries since the war erupted in 2011.

Russia is one of Assad's most stalwart international allies. It has frequently intervened to block UN resolutions critical of Syria and also supplied military assistance to Assad's forces. In 2015, Russia began carrying out airstrikes against Syrian rebels, though it said it was targeting terrorists. The US, on the other hand, supports Syria's main opposition group, the National Coalition, and provides military assistance to rebels and Syrian Kurds fighting the Islamic State and Assad's regime.

Tensions between the US and Russia in Syria escalated after scores of civilians were killed in April following a chemical attack believed to have been carried out by Assad and backed by Russia.

Though the US and Russia have not reached a consensus on how to address the crisis in Syria, both have conceded that only a political solution and a negotiated settlement will end the war.

Trump should certainly "bring up potential areas of broader cooperation  including in Syria  but he mustn't focus on that at the exclusion of our significant areas of disagreement," Price said.

He added that Trump also needed to clearly signal to Putin that the US government was unequivocally committed to Article 5 of NATO and that "any aggression  in whatever form  against a NATO ally will not be tolerated." Trump has frequently criticized the coalition in the past, but he reaffirmed the US's commitment to NATO and Article 5 during his speech in Poland on Thursday.

Most important, experts say, Trump must be careful not to concede anything to Putin.
The AK-12's success in military trials sets it up to become the standard weapon for soldiers in Russia's Ratnik  or Warrior  future weapon system.

Work on the AK-12 began in 2011 with the AK-200 as a base model. Kalashnikov Concern presented prototypes in early 2012, and the first generation of the weapon was also successful in military tests.

However, according to Jane's, the Russian military requested design alterations and wanted the new weapon to be cheaper to make. The company then produced the second-generation version of the weapon, using a 5.45 mm round with the AK-400 as its base model. The second-generation model also addressed issues regarding full-automatic fire.

The 5.45 mm AK-12 is being developed with the 7.62 mm AK-15  both of which are to be teamed with the 5.45 mm RPK-16 light support weapon. The Russian military has also been testing A545 and A762 assault rifles  5.45 mm and 7.62 mm, respectively  made by Kovrov Mechanical Works.

Both the AK-12 and the AK-15 keep some traditional Kalashnikov features and are compatible with magazines used by earlier versions of the AK-74 and the AKM rifles, according to Modern Firearms. The new weapons are designed to offer better accuracy in all conditions, can be fitted with add-ons like sighting equipment and bayonets, and can carry a 40 mm grenade launcher under the barrel.

Arms experts have said the AK-12 is not a grand departure from the AK-74, which is the current standard weapon for the Russian military.

The Russian military has been designing and testing a variety of futuristic gear for the Ratnik program over the past year.

That includes modernized body armor, bulletproof shields, tactical computers, and a helmet equipped with night vision and thermal-imaging devices.

According to Russian state-owned outlet RT, the country's military has also debuted a combat suit with a "powered exoskeleton" that purportedly gives the wearer more strength and endurance, as well as high-tech body armor and a helmet and visor covering the entire face.
The Archaeological Survey of India has banned selfies at 46 museums curated by the department, which includes the Taj Museum inside the Taj Mahal premises.

By Siraj Qureshi: Selfie-crazy tourists visiting the Taj Mahal's museum will have to keep their selfie sticks and mobile phones in their bags only from now on, as selfies have been banned here.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has banned selfies at 46 museums curated by the department, which includes the Taj Museum inside the Taj Mahal premises.

Talking to India Today, an ASI official said the photography/filming policy of the ASI clearly states that no selfies will be allowed in museum premises, so Taj Museum staff and tourist guides are being issued instructions to make the tourists aware of the changed policy. He said that it is not yet clear whether taking a selfie despite the ban would attract a fine, but the staff has been instructed to actively prevent any selfies or any type of photography inside the museum, whether through selfie sticks or any other equipment.

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He said that this new policy also makes the commercial use of the pictures of any archaeological artifacts chargeable and the ASI will charge fee for videos and still pictures of such artifacts. If people are allowed to take unrestricted pictures of these artifacts, the ASI's photographs will have no use.

RESTRICTIONS ON TOURISTS

Agra Approved Guides Association's former president Shamshuddin said that the ASI has already banned commercial photography past the central tank of the Taj Mahal and commercial videography past the red sandstone platform.

Now the ban on photography at the Taj Museum comes as a new restriction on tourists who are already burdened with numerous restrictions at the Taj Mahal. He said that it will be difficult to prevent tourists from taking selfies in the museum and penalising tourists for taking pictures in the museum will not send a good signal internationally.

Notably, a Japanese tourist had died in 2015 at the Taj Mahal when he fell along with his friend from the marble platform of the main monument while taking a selfie. His friend had fractured a leg.

However, selfies have not been banned at the main monument yet, although tourists are now kept away from dangerous points with the help of railings.

Also read: Yogi Adityanath's statement on Taj Mahal irks people of Agra

Also read: International airport to come up in Agra once land is available, Jayant Sinha assures locals

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

--- ENDS ---
North Korea on Tuesday reportedly launched its first intercontinental ballistic missile  a rocket capable of traveling more than 3,400 miles with a weapon on top. The feat suggests that the isolated country, one of nine nations that together wield more than 14,900 nukes, could strike Alaska.

However, the rest of the US faces a much different and shadowy nuclear threat: a terrorist-caused nuclear detonation, which is one of 15 disasters scenarios that the federal government has planned for  just in case.

"National Planning Scenario No. 1 is a 10-kiloton nuclear detonation in a modern US city," Brooke Buddemeier, a health physicist and expert on radiation at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, told Business Insider. "A 10-kiloton nuclear detonation is equivalent to 5,000 Oklahoma City bombings. Though we call it 'low yield,' it's a pretty darn big explosion."

Buddemeier couldn't say how likely such an attack might be today. But the concern isn't unfounded, since weapons-grade nuclear materials have proliferated in recent years, along with smaller, kiloton-class bombs. And while governments do their best to safeguard nuclear-weapons materials, there's no guarantee a terrorist couldn't succeed in obtaining them.

Should a nuclear blast occur near your city or town, and you somehow avoided its searing flash of light, crushing shockwaves, and incendiary fireball, take shelter immediately (read our full fallout survival guide here). You should also have a few items handy in your emergency kit.

"Would you have considered Oklahoma City a likely target?" Buddemeier said. "I think it's worthwhile for everybody to think about preparedness for any kind of event."

Buddemeier said the best plan was to round up the emergency supplies on Ready.gov, which are listed at the end of this post.

"This isn't just for the nuclear holocaust event," Buddemeier said. "This is for general emergency preparedness and making sure that you and your family can be safe in an emergency."

But if you're in a pinch, he said you should grab a few basics while you run for cover from radioactive fallout.

Why you should prepare to hunker down for 24-48 hours

A fearsome aftereffect of nuclear blasts is fallout, a complex mixture of fission products (or radioisotopes) created by splitting atoms.

Many of these fission products decay rapidly and emit gamma radiation  an invisible yet highly energetic form of light. Too much exposure to this radiation in a short time can damage the body's cells and its ability to fix itself, leading to a condition called acute radiation syndrome or sickness.

"It also affects the immune system and your ability to fight infections," Buddemeier said.

Only very dense and thick materials, like many feet of dirt or inches of lead, can reliably stop the gamma radiation emitted by fallout. It's also a threat you'd be foolish to attempt to escape by driving away in a car or other vehicle.

"Your ability to know where the fallout's gonna go, and outrun it, are  well, it's very unlikely," he said, because it would be carried by high-altitude winds "often booking along at 100 miles per hour."

While rushing to a fallout shelter within the first minutes after a blast, or migrating to a better one, you'll want a few things to get through the next 24 to 48 hours  when radioactive fallout exposure risk is the greatest.

The minimum your emergency kit should have

If a full emergency-preparedness kit isn't handy  say, if you were on public transit to or from work  Buddemeier recommends trying to grab a few items, just as long as it wouldn't delay your taking shelter from fallout by more than a couple of minutes.

Item No. 1 is a radio, he said  ideally a hand-cranked type with a USB charging port that can power other devices. "If you have a cellphone, that'll work too," he said.

Buddemeier said he preferred a radio over a mobile phone because "sometimes the cell towers may be affected," either by power outages, crushing demand, or an invisible yet powerful effect of nuclear weapons called electromagnetic pulse. (The effect can disable electronics, though a ground detonation would mostly confine EMP to the blast damage zone, where you'd have much bigger problems.)

He says a radio is important because you need to receive emergency broadcasts and instructions. It's one of the simplest ways to figure out where dangerous fallout has landed, when you can leave your shelter, and where the safest routes to exit a fallout zone are.

Second, Buddemeier says, you'll want water  ideally 1 gallon per person per day, according to Ready.gov. In addition to drinking it, you may need it to rinse off any radioactive fallout after removing your clothes, since this can drastically reduce your radiation exposure.

Third, Buddemeier said, "I would probably grab a breakfast bar or two to stave off the hunger a little bit." Fourth, he says to grab any essential medications or treatments you might need.

Buddemeier says there's a risk in trying to gather too much stuff, since the first minutes and hours after a blast are when radioactive fallout exposure risk is the greatest  especially outdoors.

One thing he definitely does not recommend stressing about immediately after a blast is potassium iodine pills, which wouldn't be very useful in the next 48 hours.

"Most people seem to think of the potassium iodide, or KI, pills as some type of anti-radiation drug. They are not," Buddemeier said. "They are for preventing the uptake of radioiodine, which is one radionuclide out of thousands of radionuclides that are out there."

Radioiodine is "probably like [0.2%] of the overall exposure that you may be facing if you're outdoors," he said, adding that the pills are most helpful for addressing longer-term concerns about food-supply contamination. "The most important thing is sheltering in place and not trying to seek out things like KI, because the act of trying to find your KI and get your KI may cause you to get a much higher exposure to everything else and offer very little protection in return."

Buddemeier says he hopes no one will ever have to act on his advice. But if people could find good shelters  and are able to receive broadcast instructions from emergency personnel  the blow of a catastrophe could be softened, he says.

"We may not be able to do much about the blast casualties, because where you were is where you were, and you can't really change that. But fallout casualties are entirely preventable," he said. "In a large city ... knowing what to do after an event like this can literally save hundreds of thousands of people from radiation illness or fatalities."

More-complete emergency-supply checklists from FEMA

It's smart to have a family plan as well as a few basic emergency kits to last several days, then stash them at home, work, and in your vehicles.

But the emergency-supply lists below, published by the US Federal Emergency Management Agency, aren't helpful just for making it through the aftermath of a nuclear blast, but for weathering tornadoes, hurricanes, snowstorms, power outages, and other take-shelter emergencies.

FEMA recommends each of your kits have these essential items in a portable bag:

If you have the space, the need, and the foresight, FEMA also recommends beefing up your basic kits with these items:
Adewole made the call at the 2 Annual Scientific Conference on Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme organised by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control in Abuja.

The minister, represented by Hajia Binta Bello, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, said that strengthening the nations health system would protect citizens from outbreak of diseases.

To be free of infectious diseases, we need an approach which requires more direct efforts that focuses on inter-play between human health and animal health into one initiative, he said.

Also, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, the Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, said that the conference was aimed at creating a platform for epidemiologists and public health physicians to share scientific work.

Ihekweazu said that physicians, through sharing of scientific works, would deliberate on the application of epidemiological methods to resolve the pertinent current public health issues in Nigeria.

He said that one of the objectives of the conference was to provide residents and graduates of the programme a forum to share findings from various field-based activities.
In a report by Premium Times, the military command and control centre in Maiduguri disclosed that the 57 paraded Boko Haram members were part of the 70 insurgents who surrendered to troops in Gwoza Local Government Area of the state.

Ibrahim Attahiru, head of the armys counterinsurgency operation, reportedly said the 57 paraded persons are those that have been screened by the military, while 13 others are still in the process of being profiled.
A woman was killed after being hit by an overspeeding biker in front of KMC Hospital in Coimbatore on Thursday. Three people, including a two-year-old were injured.

A CCTV footage captures the mishap in which a woman was killed by an overspeeding biker.

By Pramod Madhav: A woman was killed after being hit by an overspeeding biker in front of KMC Hospital in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore district on Thursday. Three people, including a two-year-old were injured in the incident.

The victim has been identified as Rajathi. Rajathi was trying to cross the road to visit the hospital when the incident took place. She was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries before she could receive medical attention.

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According to eyewitness accounts, two bikers were racing with each other when one of them hit Rajathi. Such was the impact of the collision that she was thrown some distance away from the spot. The biker identified as Pradeep and three others, including a two-year-old baby, were also injured in the mishap.

MISHAPS DUE TO OVERSPEEDING COMMON IN TAMIL NADU

Mishaps due to overspeeding of vehicles have become a routine affair in Tamil Nadu, and most of these are caught on CCTV.

As people complained against overspeeding vehicles that make it impossible for pedestrians to cross the road, police have urged all bikers and four-wheeler drivers to follow traffic rules to prevent such mishaps from recurring.

Cops have asked commuters to ensure that they do not overspeed and urged pedestrians to cross the road carefully.

Also read | Tamil Nadu: Family of six dies in a road accident

Also read | Cause of mishaps: 75 per cent road signages in Delhi-NCR incorrect, says traffic survey

--- ENDS ---
A Federal High Court in Lagos had ordered the Muhammadu Buhari administration to release information about public officials who allegedly looted the treasury.

The government had claimed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recovered huge sums of 'stolen' money from some public officials but had refused to release names of the suspected looters and other information about them.

However, following the court order, the government has agreed to publish the information but only after it has "fulfilled judicial principles."

According to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, due process must be followed.

The AGF spoke with State House correspondents on Wednesday, July 5, 2017.

"The issue that is fundamentally worthy of consideration is the fact that the government will definitely be alive to its responsibility as far as those disclosures are concerned," he said.

"You have to take into consideration that there are a lot of factors that are to be considered as far as making those disclosures are concerned.

"So the government will at the appropriate time make necessary disclosures perhaps intermittently against the background of the prevailing conditions relating to the tendency of certain suits and associated things."

Malami added that matters that are pending in court have been restricting government from making some disclosures.

He said, "There are matters of reconciliation, compilations and associated things.

"On need and compliance basis, the federal government has been making necessary statements public, and then courts in their own rights, in the course of adjudication of cases, keep making judgements and statements as they relate to the parties."
The suspect, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike popularly known as Evans had through his lawyer Olukoya Ogungbeje a N300 million fundamental rights enforcement suit against the IGP.

He asked the court to order the police to charge him to court or release him immediately.

Evans also urged the court to award him N300 million in damages against the police for his alleged unlawful detention without being charged to court.

Punch reports that on Wednesday, July 4, the case, which was initially assigned to Justice Babs Kuewumi, was later returned to the court's registry for it to be assigned to another judge who would hear it during the court's long vacation.

"The case was assigned to Justice Kuewumi. But due to its nature, the judge felt it would be better handled by a vacation judge," the newspaper cited a source.

"He felt it would not be ideal to adjourn it for hearing until after the long vacation in September.

"So, it was the judge who gave parties the July 13 date to appear before the vacation judge after studying the file," the source said.

ALSO READ: Evans' wife denies any knowledge of his criminal activities

In the suit, Evans said his continued detention by the police since June 10, 2017, without being charged to court or released on bail is an infringement on his fundamental human rights.
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara state, is under EFCC investigation, under suspicion of looting N500 million and $500,000 from the Paris Club refunds.

The governor, while speaking on Wednesday, July 5, 2017, said, "The EFCC is obviously blackmailing state governors on the Paris Club refunds."

An Abuja Federal High Court has ordered an interim forfeiture of the monies the EFCC said it recovered from First Generation Mortgage Bank Limited, and Gosh Projects Limited.

The two firms were allegedly linked to Yari, with the anti-graft agency saying he masterminded the fraudulent diversion of the funds from the NGF's bank account.

In reaction, Fayose said, "Rushing to court to seek forfeiture of properties on which no one had been convicted and maligning the NGF chairman is to say the least, irresponsible.

"It is like a man stealing your money and now coming back to give you conditions to refund the money he stole and also telling you how to spend the money.

"For instance, EFCC was the one that investigated and it was the one that went to court to file ex-parte application, seeking interim forfeiture of N500 million and $500,000 it claimed was looted from the Paris Club refunds. No defence from any of the accused.

"Yet, Governor Yari is already being presented to the public as a thief by the EFCC. This irresponsibility must stop because these attacks on the person of NGF chairman by Magu and by extension the entire governors in Nigeria must stop."
The Federal High Court in Lagos had granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) an interim order on April 26, to freeze Mrs. Jonathan's account domiciled in Skye Bank.

The funds in the account are allegedly proceeds of crime.

Justice Mojisola Olatoregun of the lower court had earlier fixed May 22, 2017, for anyone interested in the funds to appear before her to prove why the funds should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

Apart from the Skye Bank account, the EFCC also froze an Ecobank account, with a balance of N2.4bn, and with the account name - La Wari Furniture and Bath Limited.

The company was linked to the former First Lady.

Counsel to Mrs. Jonathan, Chief Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), alongside Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), who represented La Wari Furniture and Bath Limited, however, told the judge that their clients have appealed the temporary forfeiture order.

They urged Justice Olatoregun to suspend further proceedings, pending the outcome of the appeal.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently seized a five-storey hotel building in Abuja allegedly owned by the First Lady.

Mrs Jonathans Skye bank account with a balance of $5.9 million was also frozen by the court.

In a petition to the lower legislative chamber through a Rivers state lawmaker, Gogo Bright, Mrs Jonathan urged the lawmakers to call the security agencies to order.

"No former First Lady has been harassed like Dame Patience Jonathan," Bright said.

"But for the sacrifices that her husband has made for the country, the house should consider and call the security agencies to order," the lawmaker added.
For today, Thursday, July 6, 2017:

THE GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER

Reps to invite Jonathan over $1.3 billion Malabu oil deal

The House of Representatives would invite former President Goodluck Jonathan to testify on his role in the award of Oil Prospecting Licence, OPL 245, to Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd in the spirit of natural justice and fair play.

Fulani leaders ask herdsmen to boycott anti-grazing bill hearing

The national body of the Fulani, known as Kawtal Fulbe-Nigeria, has directed all its members nationwide, especially the Miyetti Allah cattle breeders, to boycott the ongoing public hearing on the anti-grazing bill in Taraba State.

Resign if you cant cope, Senate tells Fashola

The Senate Committee on Appropriation yesterday asked the Works, Power and Housing Minister, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, to resign if he could not cope with the responsibilities of his ministry.

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VANGUARD NEWSPAPER

Reps invite Jonathan over $1.3bn Malabu oil dealThe House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating the OPL 245 Malabu oil deal has resolved to invite ex-President Goodluck Jonathan over alleged diversion of $1.3 billion.

Confirmation of nominations: AGF disagrees with Ag. President

The standoff between the Senate and the Presidency on the propriety of the legislative body confirming nominees into federal executive bodies, yesterday, cascaded to a split in the Presidency.

Igbo for referendum, not restructuring

THE Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has restated its stand against restructuring of Nigeria, saying it was referendum or nothing as restructuring would not work out because of lack of trust and confidence among the ethnic groups that make up Nigeria.

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THE PUNCH NEWSPAPER

Magus confirmation controversy: Osinbajos statement, a personal opinion, say AGF, Buharis aide

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, on Wednesday said Acting President Yemi Osinbajos statement on the confirmation of acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, was a personal opinion.

More Badoo suspects lynched in Ogun, Lagos

Jungle justice on suspected members of Badoo continued on Wednesday at Ebute, Ipakodo, Ikorodu, Lagos, when a yet-to-be identified man was set ablaze by residents.

GoFundMe donations now ready for disbursement to hero cops widow, others

The donations from GoFundMe campaign launched by The PUNCH Newspapers and other social media activists for the family of slain hero cop, Sergeant Chukwudi Iboko, are now ready for disbursement.

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THE THISDAY NEWSPAPER

Court Orders FG to Name Officials Who Have Returned Looted Funds

A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the federal government to immediately release to Nigerians information on the names of high ranking public officials from whom public funds have been recovered and the circumstances under which the funds were recovered, as well as the exact amount of funds recovered from each public official.

Addax Petroleum to Pay $32m in Geneva to Settle Nigerian Bribery Charges

Chinas state-owned Addax Petroleum has agreed to pay a 31 million Swiss francs ($32 million) fine in Geneva, Switzerland, to settle charges of suspected bribes given to Nigerian officials, thus ending a four-month old investigation, which uncovered the illegality in the payments.

BPE: FG to Divest 20% of Its Shares in Privatised Companies on Stock Exchange

The federal government will sell up to 20 per cent of its shares in some of the companies it has partially privatised on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), to allow Nigerians own shares in them, the Director General of Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Alex Okoh, has disclosed.

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THE BUSINESSDAY NEWSPAPER

FG to sell own stakes in privatised assets

The Federal Government is working out plans to divest own shares in privatised enterprises, Alex Okoh, newly appointed director-general of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has said.

Nigerias return to JP Morgan Index seen not earlier than 9 months away

In this fourth part of BusinessDays investors series on Looking in from the outside, Publisher, Frank Aigbogun reports on why it could be nine months hence before Nigeria can hope to get back on the JP Morgan emerging market index and the new thinking about the wisdom of a naira convergence.

Gridlock worsens on Apapa-Ijora road as trailers, tankers defy FG vacate order
The governor made the call yesterday in Lokoja, the state capital, during a meeting with leaders of the organised labour.

He described those behind the agitation for the break up and restructuring of the country as real enemies of the country, stressing that Nigeria under President Muhammad Buhari is on the path of restoring its lost glory.

He appealed to Nigerians to support the federal government in its determination to right the wrongs of the past, noting that the President had, since assumption of office, made practical efforts to unite every segment of the Nigerian federation.

According to him, "Every country has their unique challenges, but are making effort to overcome these challenges collectively irrespective of their cultural, religious or political differences."

The Governor said Nigeria is a blessed country with the prospect of a great nation and urged the people to support the government by being patriotic and peaceful.

He noted that his administration has, since assumption of office in the state, taken bold steps to improve critical infrastructures such as road, rural electrification, water and quality health-care for the people of the state.

Governor Bello said the unity of the country stands to gain more when their people live and work together.

He said on his part, he would continue to advocate oneness among the different ethnic groups in the State as exemplified in governance of the State since assumption and urged the people to watch out for sincere leaders who believe in the unity and oneness of the country and throw their support behind them.

He expressed his administration's commitment in taking the Kogi state to an enviable height hence the civil service reform for an accurate database for planning.
Whether you enjoyed movies with dry wit or slapstick comedy, you'll love revisiting these classics from the 90s and 2000s with us.

Comedy is very subjective as what could elicit laughter from one person could elicit a frown from another. However, we have narrowed the long list of comedy movies ever released to just seven we consider the greatest ever.

From "Jenifa" to "Aki Na Ukwa," check them out and also share yours in the comment section.

1. "Aki Na Ukwa"

An ultimate collaboration between Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme, the movie is also probably the hardest you ever laughed about two young troublesome brothers causing disruption and terrorizing people in their village.

The movie also launched Ikedieze and Iheme's acting career and also earned them the nickname Aki and Pawpaw. A name that has stuck till date.

Making an impact in the movie industry, "Aki Na Ukwa" laid the background for countless funny movies about kids causing commotion.

2. "Jenifa"

The 2008 movie featured Funke Akindele as the popular character Jenifa; a secondary school dropout with a bizarre English and behaviour.

The movie successfully made money, entertained and educated viewers.

Based on the popular character of the same name, a sequel was released in 2012, and a spin-off television series was launched in 2014.

3. "Osuofia in London"

The movie was written and directed by Kingsley Ogoro and featured Nkem Owoh as a cheated Nigerian, who travels to London to receive his share of an inheritance left for him by a deceased relative.

utterly charming, this quick, silly, funny film is pabulum superfood for anyone who believes in second chances and true love.

4. "Pam Pam" and "Yogo Pam Pam"

The result of a collaboration between Nkem Owoh and Okey Bakasi is an absolute masterpiece titled "Pam Pam."

The movie attracted a fiercely devoted cult following which birthed the sequel, "Yogo Pam Pam."

As Loco and Mambo Mambo, these veterans provided viewers with adequate humour and superb acting.

5. "Ukwa"

A movie with Sam Loco Efe, Patience Ozokwor and Nkem Owoh, "Ukwa" offered great jokes that kept us on the edge of our seats.

There's also a powerhouse performance from an ensemble cast that also includes Rita Nzelu, Amaechi Monagor. memorable scenes and dialogues, and of course, characters like Susanna, who may never be forgotten.

6. "One Dollar"

A cast perfect for the roles, nonstop humour, originality and a relatable plot, "One Dollar" is a classic.

The movie didn't only set out to entertain, it also, though subtly, addresses mental illness and classicism, with Bob Manuel Udokwu, Chiege Alisigwe, Victor Osuagwu and Jim Iyke leading the cast.

The movie followed the story of Nneka, who leaves her boyfriend for a suitor based in America, after so much pressure from her parents.

7. "Sawam"

Another classic with the right dose of humour, the movie featured Nkem Owoh, Franka Brown, Chiwetalu Agu and Tony One Week.

With a cast well grounded in the comedy genre, "Sawam" offered rib-cracking jokes and outstanding performances.
Theatres in Tamil Nadu will reopen from tomorrow after the government agreed to form a committee to look into the demands of theatre owners.

Bringing good news for cinema goers in Tamil Nadu, theatres owners and distributors have called off strike.

The move comes after the state government said they will form the committee to decide on municipal tax.

The theatre owners and distributors in Tamil Nadu were demanding withdrawal of 30 per cent local body tax on movie tickets.

About 1100 theatres were shut in the state since Monday.

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"We are withdrawing our strike. From tomorrow theaters will be open," Abhirami Ramanathan, Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners and Distributors Association.

The news comes has brought cheers for everyone as new films are traditionally released on Friday, considered auspicious in the film fraternity.

Film producer Venkat Shuba said, "They have agreed to look into our demands. We have withdrawn the strike. Around five movies released last Friday are still waiting for an opening. We will continue with those movies. We will not take new releases this Friday".

He said the ticket prices for now will not have the extra 30 percent after GST. The committee will comprise members from the film industry and state government.

The relief came after a lot of pressure from the film industry and Opposition.

The issue was raked up in the Assembly today by DMK working president M K Stalin. He said, "Top stars like Kamal and Rajini have spoken about it. Film industry is not happy about the 30 per cent municipal tax. I urge the state government to exempt the local tax for the ticket prices. They already have a tax of between 18 per cent to 28 per cent. Kerala and West Bengal have waived off the tax. Hence I request the Tamil Nadu government to waive off the municipal tax."

Replying to him, Tamil Nadu Municipal Administration Minister S P Velumani said, "We are holding talks with the film industry. Soon there will be a solution. But the local body tax is not a dual tax".

The superstar had requested the state government to waive off the tax keeping in mind the livelihoods of many in the industry. Kamal Haasan replied to Rajinikanth saying, "The film industry has estimated a loss of Rs 40 crores in the four days at the rate of Rs 4 crore which was incurred per day. The loss is for producer, distributors, theatre owners and canteen owners".

Also read:

Tamil Nadu: 1100 theatres to go on strike from tomorrow against GST

Tamil Nadu cinema: All you need to know about the confusion over GST

GST will have a HUGE impact on your movie plans from this weekend. Here's how

Also watch:

Why over 1,000 Tamil Nadu cinema halls are shut today after the GST launch

--- ENDS ---
In a report by TheCable, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, whom the supreme court declared as the representative of Vandikwa/Konshisha federal constituency, shed tears after the speaker, Yakubu Dogara, allegedly refused to swear her in.

Mato, it was further reported, had arrived the legislative chamber with high expectations of taking the oath of office but her hopes were dashed as the speaker did not fulfill her expectations.

However, a political associate of Mato, who identified herself as Maureen Acka, a lawmaker from the Benue State Assembly, said the hopeful Mato was a victim of alleged manipulation by Hembe.

Acka, who wondered why Mato was not sworn in after allegedly fulfilling all the requirements, said: We all came in anticipation of this but they kept dilly-dallying."

ALSO READ: Supreme Court sacks Benue lawmaker

Continuing, she said: They asked to wait that they were coming and we all waited patiently, only for them to come out and nothing happened. Papers have been filled, and she has done all the things required of her.

"This is really strange I just pray and hope that this is not some kind of a game because it will not be right. We know the law. Im a member of the APC. I was in ACN before she (Mato) is a honourable person.

On June 23, the apex court held that Herman Hembe, former chairman of the house committee on the federal capital territory (FCT), representing the Benue constituency did not win the APCs ticket to represent the constituency.
Namdas made this known following Maureen Acka's comment on why Mato was not sworn in by the speaker after allegedly fulfilling all details.

Namdas said: Its not true that the speaker has refused to swear her in because she is a woman.

A colleague of mine from Adamawa state lost his seat after a court of appeal ruling. He was replaced by a woman named Talatu, she was sworn in immediately.

ALSO READ: Dorathy Mato sulks over non swearing-in process

So, you can see it is not an issue of gender bias. I know, as a matter of fact, that if there is any pronouncement by the court, there are also some processes you have to undergo in the house before you are sworn in.

Im not aware that that has been done. I have to look at it well. If all the necessary things have been done, I dont think there is any reason that she will not be sworn in.
The governor was joined by the Timi of Ede, Oba Muniru Adesola Lawal on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 to urge residents of the Senatorial district to shun violence before, during and after the by-election.

The governor commended the monarch for calling for peace to reign in the entire senatorial district before, during and after the election.

Aregbesola said it is the responsibility of the Oba to make sure peace reigns in his domains.

ALSO READ:Gov Aregbesola backs Hussain to win Osun West by-election

According to him, "if the monarch fails to guarantee peace in his area, he will be the first person to be blamed for shirking in his responsibility.

"I am very happy that you called for and preached peach to the people. As we all know there is no iota of gain in causing chaos.

"And I must say here, Kabiesi, that peace in a town is the responsibility of a king.

"And if he fails in his secure that peace he will be the one that will be held responsible."
Dujarric declined to say whether a deal was within reach, saying: "It would be dangerous of me to make any sort of predictions at this point."

"The secretary-general just felt that it was a good time for him to return to the talks and he will be there tomorrow," he added.

The UN-sponsored talks opened on June 28 amid some optimism over the prospects for reaching a final settlement to end the decades-old division of the Mediterranean island.

Negotiations have run into hurdles over the thorny issue of security guarantees and the withdrawal of Turkish troops from the north of the island.

Guterres on Friday said negotiations had been "highly constructive" and that the Turkish and Greek Cypriot sides had reached a "clear understanding" of the key elements of a final settlement.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and later occupied its northern third in response to an Athens-inspired putsch seeking union with Greece.
Speaking publicly on the issue for the first time, Macron said any deal "must recognise the legitimate rights of the Palestinians to have an independent state, but also ensure Israel's security".

"There is no viable alternative to a two-state solution," he said, adding "but today this solution is under threat both on the ground and in people's minds."

The UN reported in June that Israel had announced a substantial increase in settlements in the past three months despite a United Nations resolution demanding a halt to the Jewish outposts in occupied Palestinian territory.

Macron said that "France has always condemned the continuation of settlement building, which is illegal under international law, and has reached an unprecedented level since the beginning of the year".

His comments come after Donald Trump called on Israelis and Palestinians to make compromises for peace, saying he was "personally committed" to helping Israel reach a deal with the Palestinians.

Speaking during a trip to the Middle East in May, the US President did not specifically mention the two-state solution, long the focus of international efforts and US Middle East diplomacy.

Both Macron and Abbas said they would support Trump in his efforts to end the impasse.
More than eight months since the start of the operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State group, the jihadists have gone from fully controlling the city to holding a small pocket of territory on the west bank of the River Tigris.

But the fighting against the last IS holdouts is heavy, and civilians caught in the middle of the battle are in "extreme danger," UN humanitarian coordinator in Iraq Lise Grande told AFP.

"Our estimate at this stage is that in the final pockets of the Old City, there could be as many as 15,000 civilians, possibly even as high as 20,000.

"The people that are still trapped inside of these pockets are in terrible condition," facing shortages of food, she said.

"They're in extreme danger from bombardment, from artillery crossfire. The (IS) fighters that are still there are still directly targeting civilians if they try and leave."

The battle has taken a heavy toll on civilians, nearly 700,000 of whom are currently displaced as a result of the fighting, she said.
Doskozil on Monday caused uproar by suggesting that Vienna was prepared to mobilise troops along the main Brenner mountain pass through the Alps between Italy and Austria to protect his country from migrants.

In response, Italy summoned Austria's ambassador and Interior Minister Marco Minniti warned that Vienna's "unjustified" threat could impact security cooperation between the two countries.

Kern's media office told AFP he had spoken with Italian officials on Wednesday "to remove any misunderstanding".

The United Nations' migration agency said this week that the number of people arriving in Europe after crossing the Mediterranean in 2017 had topped 100,000.

Italy has taken in nearly 85 percent -- most of them sub-Saharan Africans crossing from conflict-ravaged Libya -- and has pleaded for help from other European Union nations, saying it is struggling to cope.

Minniti said Wednesday that other EU countries should share the burden of the migrant crisis.

"It's difficult to think of an international rescue mission while leaving the problem of receiving (migrants) to a single country," he told lawmakers in Rome.
The senior UN envoy stepped in as Arab states vowed to maintain their boycott of the emirate, jointly criticizing its "negative" response to their list of demands to end the crisis.

Saudi Arabia and its allies the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain were meeting Wednesday in Cairo one month after they severed ties with Qatar, accusing Doha of supporting extremism.

Their list of 13 demands includes Doha ending support for the Muslim Brotherhood, closing Al-Jazeera, downgrading diplomatic ties with Iran and shutting down a Turkish military base in the emirate.

Feltman, who is UN under-secretary-general for political affairs, "is there currently to discuss with a broad range of interlocutors the ongoing crisis in the region and other conflicts," said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres dispatched Feltman to the Gulf after meeting with Qatar's Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani last week.

Feltman arrived in Kuwait from the United Arab Emirates and will travel to Doha later this week.
The United States is prepared to discuss joint efforts with Russia to stabilize war-torn Syria, including no-fly zones.

By Reuters: The United States is prepared to discuss with Russia joint efforts to stabilize war-torn Syria, including no-fly zones, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said yesterday.

He added the United States wanted to discuss with Russia the use of on-the-ground ceasefire observers and the coordinated delivery of humanitarian aid to Syrians.

"If our two countries work together to establish stability on the ground, it will lay a foundation for progress on the settlement of Syria's political future," Tillerson said in a statement ahead of this week's Group of 20 summit in Germany.

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The statement made no mention of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's future. The United States largely blames Assad for the six years of civil war and has called on him to step down.

Tillerson also said Russia had an obligation to prevent the use of chemical weapons by Assad's government.

Washington hit a Syrian air base with a missile strike in April after accusing the Assad government of killing dozens of civilians in a chemical attack.

G20 SUMMIT, HAMBURG

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to meet on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Hamburg this week, and Tillerson said Syria would be a topic of discussion.

Russia is Assad's major ally and Moscow's military support has helped the Syrian government turn the tide in a multi-sided war against Islamic State and Syrian rebels.

As the fight against Islamic State winds down, Tillerson said Russia has a "special responsibility" to ensure Syria's stability.

He said Moscow needs to make sure no faction in Syria "illegitimately re-takes or occupies areas" liberated from Islamic State or other groups.

US - backed forces have surrounded Islamic State's stronghold in Syria, the city of Raqqa.

Tillerson lauded US and Russia cooperation in establishing de-confliction zones in Syria and said it was evidence "that our two nations are capable of further progress."

Trump came into office in January seeking to improve ties with Russia that had soured during the Obama administration.

But Trump is under pressure at home to take a hard line with Putin due allegations that Russians meddled in the US election and possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia.

ALSO READ:

North Korea's nuke program: US prepared to use force if we must, says UN envoy

US warns Pakistan to act against Haqqani Network or face their wrath

ALSO WATCH:

Ahead of PM Modi's US visit, Donald Trump may ease restrictions on H1-B visa issue

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The victims were stabbed and beaten to death, said Roberto Alvarez, security spokesman for the state of Guerrero.

"Order has now been restored," he said in a statement.

Guards said four of the victims had their throats slit, according to an internal state police report. It also said gunshots had been fired in the maximum-security wing, apparently by prisoners.

Mexico's chronically overcrowded prisons are frequently hit by riots and jailbreaks.
Several fires, including one that burnt down the main market in the capital Lusaka on Tuesday, have been at the centre of rising political tensions in Zambia.

The state of emergency -- which increases police powers of detention and arrest -- is "to curb lawlessness", Lungu told a press conference at his State House residence.

"The theory (by opposition parties) is that they put pressure so that we begin renegotiating the result of the last elections," he said.

"There is a deliberate ploy by the opposition... We won the elections and the winner takes it all. Their idea was to create terror and panic."

Zambia has enjoyed relative stability since its first multi-party election in 1991.

But last year's election was marked by clashes between rival supporters, and opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema remains in detention on treason charges.

Hichilema was arrested in April after his convoy allegedly refused to give way to the presidential motorcade.

He narrowly lost the elections to Lungu, and has alleged that the result was rigged.

'Sad day for the country'

The president, who announced the state of emergency in a televised address late Wednesday, dismissed accusations of growing authoritarianism.

"Zambia is the most accomplished democracy in this region or the whole Africa. If this is dictatorship, then there is no democracy in Africa," he said.

"I know that people think I am targeting political players, I am not targeting any political player. I am only trying to bring sanity," he added.

Parliament has suspended 48 lawmakers from Hichilema's United Party for National Development (UPND), which boycotted an address by Lungu in March.

The government has also increased pressure on media outlets that support the opposition.

"I don't think there is justification for declaring a state of emergency," Lusaka-based analyst Neo Simutanyi told AFP. "It will inconvenience people and create more tension."

He said parliament must approve the measure within seven days otherwise it will lapse, and that lawmakers would be required to renew it every 90 days.

Tobias Simbule, a 43-year-old newspaper vendor in Lusaka, said he feared for Zambia's future.

"We have gone back to the one-party state which we rejected in 1991. Today is really a sad day for this country," he told AFP.

The UPND has yet to react to the president's move, but the smaller MMD opposition party said Lungu should have allowed investigators to probe the cause of the market fire.
The official declined to give details of what might be discussed by the 28 member state ambassadors and their Russian counterpart.

The NRC met regularly until the Ukraine crisis plunged relations with Moscow into the deep freeze in 2014 but they resumed early last year after months of debate within the alliance over whether to meet would send the wrong signal to Moscow.

Since then, it has convened four times, the last in March when the ambassadors discussed the situation in Ukraine where Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and continues to back pro-Moscow rebels in the east.

They also discussed measures to avoid possibly dangerous misunderstandings after a marked increase in military activity on both sides driven by the fallout from the Ukraine crisis.
Hebron in the occupied West Bank is home to more than 200,000 Palestinians and a few hundred Israeli settlers, who live in a heavily fortified enclave near the site known to Muslims as the Ibrahimi Mosque and to Jews as the Tomb of the Patriarchs.

UNESCO's World Heritage Committee is expected to vote Friday on a resolution brought by the Palestinians declaring Hebron's Old City, including where the settlers live, an area of outstanding universal value.

The resolution was fast-tracked on the basis that the site was under threat, with the Palestinians accusing Israel of an "alarming" number of violations, including vandalism and damage to properties.

On Tuesday in a separate vote, the heritage committee backed a resolution condemning Israeli actions in Jerusalem, sparking Israeli anger.

Israel says the Hebron resolution -- which refers to the city as "Islamic" -- denies thousands of years of Jewish connection there.

Hebron claims to be one of the oldest cities in the world, dating from the chalcolithic period or more than 3,000 years BC, the UNESCO resolution said.

At various times it has been conquered by Romans, Jews, Crusaders and Mamluks.

If the resolution passes it would be seen as a victory for Palestinian diplomacy and would be cited by Israel as a fresh example of what it alleges is the UN's inherent anti-Israel bias.

In May the Jewish state reacted furiously after UNESCO passed a separate resolution on Jerusalem, and has recently prevented UNESCO researchers from visiting Hebron.

The vote, which requires a two-thirds majority of those 21 countries that vote either in favour or against, is likely to be close, with both sides expressing quiet confidence.

'Fake news'

On Tuesday the heritage committee backed the Jerusalem resolution 10 to three, with eight abstentions -- a couple of switched votes would have tipped the balance.

The US envoy to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, voiced support for Israel's attempts to block the Hebron resolution.

Alaa Shahin, from the Palestinian Hebron municipality, said UNESCO designation would "help in marketing (the city) as an important global location which will support the tourism sector".

"The second thing is that we'll have a legal body at an international level that will help our efforts to stop any attempts to destroy it."

Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon told AFP the Palestinian plan was "fake news".

"They are trying to rewrite Jewish history and the history of the region," he said.

Nahshon accused the Palestinian Authority of seeking to pretend that the Tomb of the Patriarchs "is actually part of the Palestinian national heritage."

Shahin said they focused only on cultural heritage.

'Empty talk'

Hebron itself is a stark example of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The few hundred Israelis live closed off in a settlement most of the world considers illegal, with Palestinians largely banned from entering and using nearby streets.

The settlers moved in after the 1967 war in which Israel seized the territory in a move considered illegal by the United Nations.

There had been a Jewish community there decades earlier, but they were forced out by attacks in British Mandatory Palestine.

They are now protected by hundreds of Israeli soldiers, with Palestinians saying the settlement makes their lives impossible.

At the centre of the row is the Ibrahimi Mosque/Tomb of the Patriarchs compound, holy to both Jews and Muslims.

Old Testament figures including Abraham are believed to be buried there.

In 1994, Israeli-American Baruch Goldstein opened fire on Muslims praying at the site, killing 29, before being beaten to death by survivors.

Inside Hebron's Old City, the stalls in the traditional souq are largely empty and in places wire mesh above the shops is choked by empty plastic bottles and other trash.

The mesh was installed to prevent the settlers living above from dropping rubbish onto the Palestinian stall holders, traders said.

Three traders AFP spoke to all said the UNESCO vote was unlikely to change facts on the ground.

"It is empty talk," shopkeeper Jamal Muragh told AFP, saying the Israeli government would not pay attention to the resolution.

"If they want to ignore things, they do."

Faye Abu Afifih, whose tiny shop sells brooms, cloths and other household goods, said dozens of shops had closed in recent years due to the Israeli occupation.

While he accepted the resolution was unlikely to change his reality, it was still symbolically important for him.
North Korea test launched an intercontinental ballistic missile that some experts believe has the range to reach the US states of Alaska and Hawaii.

The intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-14 is seen during its test launch. (Reuters Photo)

By Reuters: The United States cautioned on Wednesday it was ready to use force if need be to stop North Korea's nuclear missile program but said it preferred global diplomatic action against Pyongyang for defying world powers by test launching a ballistic missile that could hit Alaska.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told a meeting of the UN Security Council that North Korea's actions were "quickly closing off the possibility of a diplomatic solution" and the United States was prepared to defend itself and its allies.

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"One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces. We will use them if we must, but we prefer not to have to go in that direction," Haley said. She urged China, North Korea's only major ally, to do more to rein in Pyongyang.

Taking a major step in its missile program, North Korea on Tuesday test launched an intercontinental ballistic missile that some experts believe has the range to reach the US states of Alaska and Hawaii and perhaps the US Pacific Northwest.

INTERCONTINENTAL BALLISTIC MISSILE

North Korea says the missile could carry a large nuclear warhead.

The missile test is a direct challenge to US President Donald Trump, who has vowed to prevent North Korea from being able to hit the United States with a nuclear missile.

He has frequently urged China to press the isolated country's leadership to give up its nuclear program.

Haley said the United States would propose new U.N. sanctions on North Korea in coming days and warned that if Russia and China did not support the move, then "we will go our own path."

US MAY PROPOSE NEW UN SANCTIONS ON NORTH KOREA

She did not give details on what sanctions would be proposed, but outlined possible options.

"The international community can cut off the major sources of hard currency to the North Korean regime. We can restrict the flow of oil to their military and their weapons programs. We can increase air and maritime restrictions. We can hold senior regime officials accountable," Haley said.

Diplomats say Beijing has not been fully enforcing existing international sanctions on its neighbor and has resisted tougher measures, such as an oil embargo, bans on the North Korean airline and guest workers, and measures against Chinese banks and other firms doing business with the North.

BEIJING RESISTS TOUGHER MEASURES ON NEIGHBOUR

"Much of the burden of enforcing U.N. sanctions rests with China," Haley said.

The United States might seek to take unilateral action and sanction more Chinese companies that do business with North Korea, especially banks, US officials have said.

China's U.N. ambassador, Liu Jieyi, told the Security Council meeting that the missile launch was a "flagrant violation" of U.N. resolutions and "unacceptable."

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"We call on all the parties concerned to exercise restraint, avoid provocative actions and belligerent rhetoric, demonstrate the will for unconditional dialogue and work actively together to defuse the tension," Liu said.

TENSIONS WITH US

The United States has remained technically at war with North Korea since the 1950-53 Korean conflict ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty and the past six decades have been punctuated by periodic rises in antagonism and rhetoric that have always stopped short of a resumption of active hostilities.

Tensions have risen sharply after North Korea conducted two nuclear weapons tests last year and carried out a steady stream of ballistic missile tests

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said the ICBM test completed his country's strategic weapons capability that includes atomic and hydrogen bombs, the state KCNA news agency said.

Pyongyang will not negotiate with the United States to give up those weapons until Washington abandons its hostile policy against the North, KCNA quoted Kim as saying.

"He, with a broad smile on his face, told officials, scientists and technicians that the US would be displeased ... as it was given a 'package of gifts' on its 'Independence Day,'" KCNA said, referring to the missile launch on July 4.

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STEPS TO REIN IN NORTH KOREA'S WEAPON PROGRAM

Trump and other leaders from the Group of 20 nations meeting in Germany this week are due to discuss steps to rein in North Korea's weapons program, which it has pursued in defiance of Security Council sanctions.

Russia's deputy U.N. envoy said on Wednesday that military force should not be considered against North Korea and called for a halt to the deployment of a US missile defense system in South Korea.

He also said that attempts to strangle North Korea economically were "unacceptable" and that sanctions would not resolve the issue.

US CAPABLE OF DEFENDING NATION AGAINST NORTH KOREAN ICBM

The US military assured Americans that it was capable of defending the United States against a North Korean ICBM.

Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis noted a successful test last month in which a US-based missile interceptor knocked down a simulated incoming North Korean ICBM.

"So we do have confidence in our ability to defend against the limited threat, the nascent threat that is there," he told reporters. He acknowledged though that previous US missile defense tests had shown "mixed results."

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The North Korean launch this week was both earlier and "far more successful than expected," said US-based missile expert John Schilling, a contributor to Washington-based North Korea monitoring project 38 North.

It would now probably only be a year or two before a North Korean ICBM achieved "minimal operational capability," he added.

Schilling said the US national missile defense system was "only minimally operational" and would take more than two years to upgrade to provide more reliable defense.

Also Read:

After North Korea launches missile, Trump's angry tweet suggests China could end this

North Korea fires ballistic missile towards Japan: South Korea military

--- ENDS ---
ROCK ISLAND -- A man sought in relation to a Rock Island shooting is now in custody.

Edward L. McLaurin, 21, of Chicago, is accused of shooting a woman June 28 in the 500 block of 7th Street, according to Rock Island police. The woman's wounds were not considered life-threatening.

Scott County Jail records indicate he was arrested Friday and charged with aggravated battery with a firearm, a Class X felony; unlawful use or possession of weapons by a felon, a Class 3 felony; and reckless discharge of a firearm, a Class 4 felony. His bail was set at $500,000; he has been brought to the Rock Island County Jail.

His first court appearance was Monday, Rock Island County court records state. His next court date is July 18.
CHICAGO  Illinois and Iowa attorneys generals on Thursday joined 17 other states in a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos over her decision to suspend rules that were meant to protect students from abuse by for-profit colleges.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington, says DeVos violated rule-making laws when she announced a June 14 decision to delay borrower defense to repayment rules finalized under President Barack Obama that were scheduled to take effect July 1.

DeVos said the rules would be delayed and rewritten because they created "a muddled process that's unfair to students and schools." The Education Department didn't immediately comment on the suit.

In a Thursday news release, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said Corinthian Colleges, a national for-profit chain that operated Everest College campuses in the Chicago area, closed more than 50 campuses in Illinois. Under the Borrower Defense Rule, former students of those schools who did not take out subsequent federal student loans qualify for automatic closed school discharge of their loans.

Students should not have to pay for student loans they obtained to attend fraudulent schools that promised education and training that they did not provide, Madigan said. The Department of Education has clear evidence of Corinthians widespread fraud, yet it has delayed relief for thousands of these former students and others who are still on the hook for their student loan debt.

Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller also released a statement Thursday indicating Iowa's participating in the lawsuit, headed by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey.

"Since Day 1 of the Trump administration, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos and the administration have sided with for-profit schools over students," Healey told reporters. "For me and my colleagues, it's simple: When students and families are cheated out of an education and taxpayers foot the bill, everybody loses."

The lawsuit says DeVos and the Education Department failed to take legally required steps to delay already established rules. It says they failed to open the decision to public comment and failed to provide an adequate legal justification for delaying the rules, among other faults.

Other states participating in the lawsuit are California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.

Advocacy groups and some congressional Democrats have been gearing up for a fight to preserve Obama-era rules that were intended to hold for-profit colleges accountable, while the Trump administration has sought to roll back regulations it sees as burdensome.

Last Friday, DeVos said she was suspending the new "gainful-employment" rule, another hallmark of the Obama administration, that would have cut off federal funding to career programs that consistently left students with more debt than they could afford. Data from the Obama administration in January stated more than 800 programs across the country failed to meet the rule's standards.

Madigans office runs a free Student Loan Helpline to provide student borrowers with free resources about repayment options, avoiding default or to file a complaint about loan servicing at 800-455-2456, More details also are on her website.
CHICAGO (AP)  Christian crisis pregnancy centers in some Chicago suburbs are challenging a change in an Illinois law that now requires medical professionals to notify pregnant patients of all their available options, including abortion.

The lawsuit against state officials, including Gov. Bruce Rauner, claims the clinics' constitutional free-speech rights are violated by the changes to the right-of-conscience law because they have to offer advice they find morally wrong, the Chicago Tribune (http://trib.in/2sMXdN4 ) reported.

The clinics also say the new law violates federal laws banning discrimination against doctors and other health care workers who don't provide or refer patients for abortions.

Supporters of the law say informing patients of all their options is a standard practice of care in the medical field.

The law was originally passed after the Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling legalizing abortion to shield physicians opposed to performing the procedure. Modifications to the law, designed to protect patients who didn't know all their options, were signed into law by Rauner last year after an emotional Illinois Senate subcommittee hearing.

Under the new law, which went into effect Jan. 1, providers must inform patients of their medical options, such as contraception or abortion, even if the physician is opposed to it for moral or religious reasons. If the patient seeks a particular treatment, the medical professional must give them a list of providers.

The two Christian clinics  1st Way Pregnancy Support Services and Pregnancy Aid South Suburbs  and Dr. Ronald Schroeder, who works at various crisis pregnancy centers, filed a lawsuit in federal court in Springfield earlier this year. The case recently was transferred to federal court in Chicago, and then to Rockford, where it will be consolidated with another lawsuit over the law.

The governor's office has said that it doesn't comment on pending litigation.
CAMBRIDGE -- Henry County soon will turn its attention to solar energy.

The countys plan/development committee on Wednesday planned to hear out people from solar energy firms next month and to try to draft a solar ordinance by December.

Committee chairman Lynn Sutton said hes spoken with people from a solar energy firm.

I had a conversation with some folks for some potential with this, he said. We need something in place by December.

Zoning officer Kyle Stromquist said more than one solar firm could be interested.

Theres multiple companies looking around all counties in the area, he said.

Mr. Sutton said its his understanding new state legislation last December has resulted in a call for 400 to 500 megawatts of new energy from wind and solar, and he noted it takes six acres to generate a single megawatt from solar.

Committee member Shawn Kendall said the land needed for solar farms would be an issue. As long as you do it right, he said.

Mr. Sutton also said quantity of land used would be an issue in farm country, but he recalled driving across Georgia and seeing solar farms like you wouldnt believe.

Member Rick Livesay said dust could be a problem. Mr. Kendall said this area might get enough rainfall to keep solar panels clean.

Mr. Sutton said no prices have been firm, but hes heard of rents of $800 to $1,000 per acre for landowners. For a landowner, that doesnt sound unattractive.

He also said there is not a lot of permanent upset to the land compared to the concrete that goes into a wind turbine. Here youre driving in some piles, but theres no concrete associated with it. You need cables to transmit energy, but as far as decommissioning, its a lot less intrusive.

Mr. Kendall commented on the ethanol plants in the county, the wind farms and the prospect for solar farms.

Henry County starts getting pretty unique in the model (of renewable energy), he said.
The 5000 pages prosecution complaint accessed exclusively by India Today has charged Mallya for conspiring and cheating the IDBI Bank by causing a wrongful loss up to Rs 1,189 crore and Rs 112 crore (total Rs 1,301 crore) against the corporate loan of Rs 750 crore extended to KAL.

By Virendrasingh Ghunawat: The money trail analysis conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) revealed that business tycoon Vijay Mallya continued his good times at the cost of well-being of Kingfisher Airlines Ltd (KAL) and willfully siphoned off the bank loan amount at the cost of public interest and the national economy.

The 5000 pages prosecution complaint accessed exclusively by India Today has charged Mallya for conspiring and cheating the IDBI Bank by causing a wrongful loss up to Rs 1,189 crore and Rs 112 crore (total Rs 1,301 crore) against the corporate loan of Rs 750 crore extended to KAL.

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As per the chargesheet, the loan amount were diverted towards trade creditors; to service the interest/ processing charges and upfront fees; to fund DSRA account; to make payment of statutory dues/TDS collected; to settle liabilities of other banks and for payment of loans/lease rental for the corporate jet acquired by the company for personal use of Mallya.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

The ED investigation revealed that the loan amount were sanctioned and disbursed to KAL by the IDBI Bank, despite weak financials, negative net-worth, low credit rating of the borrower company and despite the fact that the company being a new client did not satisfy the norms stipulated in the corporate loan policy of the bank.

With the support of bank officials, the proceed of crime generated has been either routed and transferred abroad or utilised for purpose other than claimed in loan application.

"It appears the amount remitted outside the country is laundered money. Letter Rogatory/Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLAT) have been issued to various countries seeking information about the veracity of the transactions undertaken between KAL and the lessors. The reports on the same from these countries are awaited," the chargesheet said.

The complaint also pointed out that in February 2016, Mallya had received payment of USD40 million from Diageo Plc, but instead of utilising the same towards squaring up the bank loan, he structured the deal in a convoluted manner to receive the payments outside India.

Forensic analysis of bank accounts revealed that the said payments were made towards operational expenses, aircraft rental leasing and maintenance, servicing and spare parts etc.

"Despite repeated reminders, KAL failed to submit supporting documents such as lease agreements, etc., to substantiate the payments are bonafide. Hence, it establishes that not only the said bank loan was obtained in questionable manner, it also establishes siphoning of the said loan abroad in a calculated and pre-designed manner," the chargesheet stated.

HOW MALLYA FOOLED BANKERS?

The PMLA investigation revealed that at the time of loan application before IDBI Bank, Mallya was holding directly or indirectly assets in the form of shares of public listed companies by way of creating a web of shell companies.

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India Today possesses the list of shell/dummy companies which Mallya had created to hide his assets. They are as follows:

Devi Investment Pvt Ltd in which Mallya was holding shares of USL and UBL worth Rs 89.68 crore

Kingfisher Finvest Ltd in which Mallya was holding shares of McDowell and USL worth Rs 50.35 crore

Mallya Pvt Ltd holding shares of McDowell, UBL and USL worth Rs 470.15 crore

Pharma Trading Co holding shares of UBL worth Rs 72.69 crore

Vittal Investment Pvt Ltd holding shares of UBL worth Rs 18.05 crore

Kamsco Industries holding shares of UBL worth Rs 108.03 crore

The Gem Investment and Trading holding shares of UBL worth Rs 207.23

Endeavour Estates Pvt holding coffee estate at Coorg, Kanataka worth Rs 15.85 crore

PE Data Resources Pvt Ltd holding properties of Mallya worth Rs 34 crore

Mandwa Farms Pvt Ltd holding farmhouse at Mandwa, Alibag worth Rs 100 crore

Force India Formula One Company Ltd holding assets worth Rs 594 crore

All these companies were having a total amount of Rs 1,760 crore during the loan process, but shockingly these details were not mentioned in Mallya's asset/liability statement submitted to IDBI Bank, apparently in order to avoid any threat to his properties. advertisement HOW MALLYA CREATED WEB OF COMPANIES? Most of these companies were controlled by Mallya through his subordinates mainly Ravi Nedungadi and Anil Pisharody. "The directors in these shell companies were namesake or dummy directors, acting on the directions of Ravi Nedungadi and Anil Pisharody, who were at the command of Mallya," the chargesheet revealed. ED believes that the whole exercise of forming plethora of shell companies has been undertaken with the sole purpose of creating a web and camouflaging the link of these properties with Mallya, so as to alienate the properties to escape the liabilities. India Today has the complete chart of multi-layer companies.

The first layer starts with Ace Bin Tech Software Consultancy Pvt Ltd which controls three companies i.e. Explicit Consultancy Pvt Ltd (with shareholding of 33.34 per cent), Deccan Lakes Systems Pvt Ltd (33.33 pc) and Medi Galaxy Pvt Ltd (33.33 pc).

In the second layer, Medi Galaxy Pvt Ltd controls next three companies i.e. Explicit Pvt Ltd (33.32 pc), Acebin Tech Software Consultancy Pvt Ltd (33.34 pc) and Deccan Lakes System Pvt Ltd (33.33 pc).

In the third layer, Medi Galaxy holds 51 per cent shares of H Parsons Pvt Ltd, and the remaining 49 per cent is held by Pharma Trading Pvt Ltd. H Parsons is having beer distribution licence of UBHL in Mumbai.

In the fourth layer, Appstix Technologies Pvt Ltd is promoted by PE Data who is holding (33.33 pc), Vilora Holding (33.33 pc) and SEP Grace Holding (33.34 pc).

In the fifth layer, SEP Grace Components Pvt Ltd is promoted by PE Data who is holding (33.33 pc), Vilora Holding (33.33 pc) and Appstix Holding (33.34 pc).

In the sixth layer, Vilora Consultancy Pvt Ltd is promoted by PE Data who is holding 33.33 per cent of shareholding, SEP Grace holding 33.33 pc and Appstix Ltd holding 33.34 per cent.

In the next level, PE Data Centre is having having Appstix Ltd holding with 33.33 pc, Vilora holding 33.33 pc and SEP Grace holding 33.32 pc and one person by name Rama Reddy holding 0.02 per cent.

Even McDowell Holdings Pvt Ltd, which is a public listed company with general public of 82.01 per cent and remaining 17.99 pc with the promoter group companies viz. UBHL (3.50 pc), Kingfisher Finvest Ltd (14.49 pc).

In another layer, in respect of the shares of Blitz Multimedia Pvt Ltd - 9.1 pc was with Ganpathy Mallya Pvt Ltd, 1 per cent with UBDL and 89.90 pc with Talesi Ventures Pvt Ltd. Here interestingly, in Talesi Ventures Pvt Ltd - Siddharth (son) Trust is holding 28 pc, Tanya (daughter) Trust 28 pc, Leana (wife) Trust 28 pc, and Mallya Family Trust is holding 16 pc. Here interestingly, in Talesi Ventures Pvt Ltd - Siddharth (son) Trust is holding 28 pc, Tanya (daughter) Trust 28 pc, Leana (wife) Trust 28 pc, and Mallya Family Trust is holding 16 pc. advertisement WHAT A RAGHUNATHAN STATED TO ED? In March 2016, A Raghunathan, chief financial officer of KAL was interrogated twice by the ED officials. In his statement given to the agency Raghunathan admitted that all the major decisions were taken by Mallya, including making payments to Formula One and to sign the aircraft leasing agreements. The ED's analysis had revealed that an amount of Rs 41.83 crore and Rs 11.86 crore were transferred to Force India Formula One Team on the instruction of KAL. "These transactions which were not used for the specific purpose for which the loans were sanctioned, are diversions in accordance with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines," the chargesheet said. When Raghunathan was asked why the loan amount got diverted to Formula One, he replied, "Kingfisher Airlines was contemplating to start their international flight in mid 2008. Dr. Mallya felt that the international motor Grandpix is a good medium for advertising the airline brand in other countries, especially in Europe and Middle East. Therefore, it was decided that KFA should sponsor Formula 1 team." On the allegation of price variation in aircraft lease, Raghunathan admitted but claimed not more than 5-10 per cent, however, the agency found it was beyond 30 per cent. "The price variation of 5-10 per cent was mainly due to the variation and specification of the LOPA (Lay Out Plan of Aircraft) and other fittings," Raghunathan said to ED with a confirmation that Mallya was always in the loop during negotiations or signing of lease agreements. AGRAWAL BELIEVED MALLYA'S WORDS Yogesh Agrawal, former CMD of IDBI Bank, in his statement told the agency that his team followed their instincts that strong brand of that period Kingfisher Airlines with the market share of 22 per cent of Indian aviation sector would not default the loan amount, but it happened. When Agrawal was questioned why bank accepted the brand value as collateral, he replied, "A distinction has to be made between loans to manufacturing companies where normally assets are available as security and a service industry like KAL where assets are not available but brand value is strong." He further stated, "In the case of KAL, Mallya had proposed to raise further funds through rights/GDR issues and induction of a strategic investor when Government of India allows FDI in aviation, which is under their consideration. While sanctioning the loan the sanctioning authority considers both the negatives and positives." Sources within the ED have indicated that in next few months a fresh chargesheet would be filed again, as the consortium of banks led by State Bank of India (SBI) has registered its complain before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against KAL and Mallya under PMLA. Also Read: ED chargesheet shows bank staff, Vijay Mallya used Kingfisher brand as collateral security After CBI, now ED will file request to extradite Vijay Mallya from UK Vijay Mallya booed during India-South Africa match, fans shout 'Mallya is a thief' in chorus Watch Video: Enforcement Directorate files first chargesheet against Vijay Mallya in IDBI money laundering case

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ROME (AP)  Joaquin Navarro-Valls, a suave, silver-haired Spaniard who was a close confidant of Pope John Paul II, serving for more than two decades as chief Vatican spokesman, has died at the age of 80.

Manuel Sanchez, spokesman for the Opus Dei movement in Rome of which Navarro-Valls was a member, said he died Wednesday after a long illness. Opus Dei said on its website that he had been suffering from pancreatic cancer.

Navarro-Valls was fiercely loyal to John Paul, accompanying the Polish pope on most of his 104 international trips. He also performed delicate diplomatic missions, such as helping to prepare the pope's historic pilgrimage to Cuba.

Known for his coolness and restraint, Navarro-Valls nearly broke into tears when John Paul was dying in April 2005. He choked up and walked out of a conference room when a German reporter at a briefing on the pope's condition asked him how he personally felt.

"I was trying to keep my emotions in check, but then a reporter asked how I was experiencing the passing of the pope personally, and I couldn't control myself," he explained later.

Navarro-Valls, who spoke four languages, was a foreign correspondent for the Spanish newspaper ABC when John Paul offered him the job as director of the Vatican press office. He was the first journalist to hold the post.

He was a lay member of the conservative Catholic movement Opus Dei, an order much favored by the pope, but Navarro-Valls always insisted the fact he was president of Rome's Foreign Press Association at the time weighed heavily in his hiring at the Vatican.

Navarro-Valls was credited with bringing computer technology to the press office, promoting the use of multiple languages in the Italian-centric press operation and giving journalists better access - making him the perfect press aide for a pope known for his media savvy.

Navarro-Valls held degrees in both journalism and medicine, specializing in psychiatry.

Some saw the combination as perfect for his job as papal "spin doctor."

In 1997, just a few months before the papal pilgrimage to Cuba, he flew to Havana and was summoned for what turned out to be a six-hour-long encounter with Cuban leader Fidel Castro.

Navarro-Valls said he told Castro that the pope had one particular request - that the regime restore the Christmas holiday that was abolished under communism. Castro kept his word to do so, and the holiday is still celebrated today.

With three successive non-Italian popes, Navarro-Valls helped lead a quiet revolution to internationalize the Vatican. The current spokesman is an American, Greg Burke, a former Fox correspondent.

Burke's assistant is the first woman to hold a ranking position in the press office. Paloma Garcia Ovejero worked as a Spanish TV journalist before accepting the Vatican post.

Burke said that Navarro-Valls "embodied what Ernest Hemingway defined as courage: grace under pressure.".

"I got to know Navarro when I was working for Time, and the magazine named John Paul II Man of the Year," Burke recalled in a note. "I expected to find a man of faith, but I found a man of faith who was also a first-class professional."

He recalled Navarro-Valls working at the U.N. Population Conference in Cairo in 1994, calling it "one of the best examples of what Pope Francis calls ideological colonization. It was fascinating to see someone who was defending the faith, but he wasn't on the defensive. He was leading the fight."

Burke continued, "I didn't always agree with Navarro, but he always behaved like a Christian gentlemen, and those can be hard to find these days."

As the Vatican spokesman, Navarro-Valls naturally sought to put the pope in the best light. He said he always regretted overreacting when he barred the Vatican correspondent of the Italian newspaper La Repubblica from the papal plane for criticizing the pope in a column.

He faced some ridicule when he described a meeting in Guatemala of the pope and Rigoberta Menchu, a Nobel peace prize winner known for her critical views of the Roman Catholic church.

Navarro-Valls told reporters Menchu seemed much more moderate and understanding than she had been depicted in the media.

A short while later, he sent an aide to tell reporters to forget the remarks because the meeting never took place. No explanation was ever given.

He found himself under fire from some in the Vatican when he became the first official to publicly hint that John Paul was suffering from Parkinson's disease. The pope's condition clearly was evident, but not something many wanted to disclose.

During a 1996 trip to Hungary, at a time when John Paul looked extremely frail, Navarro-Valls said the pope suffered from an "extra pyramidal syndrome." His comments referring to drug-induced side effects nearly cost the Spaniard his job.

After John Paul died, Navarro-Valls remained as spokesman for 15 months with the new pope, Benedict XVI.

"I am conscious of having received in these years so much more than I have been able to give," he said upon resigning in July 2006.

He was not married and lived in an Opus Dei residence in Rome.
On July 1, 1867, the British-held colonies of Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick came together as the Dominion of Canada, responsible for self-governance in internal affairs under the first British North America Act. Thats why our neighbors to the north celebrated their nations 150th birthday Saturday. Americans have plenty of reasons to celebrate, too.

The U.S. and Canada share the longest undefended border in the world and -- since World War II especially -- the nations have been two of the strongest allies and trading partners on the globe. Peace has contributed to our prosperity and theirs. How different our relationship with Canada than with Mexico, where drugs, corruption and other forms of instability have spilled across the border, causing tension over immigration and narcotrafficking.

Canada Day is observed every July 1 to mark the nations birth. But Saturdays milestone Canada Day offers an opportunity to reiterate the importance of the U.S.-Canada relationship and take stock of Canadas significant ties to our states and cities.

Many Americans joke that Canadians are North Americans who are not from the United States. The quip shows how much Canadians and Americans have in common. If Americans could not live in their own country, Canada would be the closest thing to home and the place where many might want to settle.

U.S.-Canadian relations have had their ups and downs. Almost 250 years ago, British loyalists fled north from the newly minted United States, later siding with the British against the Americans in the War of 1812. There was angst over U.S. draft dodgers who fled to Canada during the Vietnam era. More recently, the excellent rapport between Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Barack Obama has given way to questions about the kind of relationship Trudeau and President Donald Trump will have. The two have different positions on immigration, trade and other issues.

But friendship has been a chief characteristic of the U.S.-Canada relationship. After Iranian militants took over the U.S. embassy in Tehran in 1979, Canada hid a handful of U.S. diplomats for more than two months before smuggling them out of the country with phony Canadian passports. After 9/?11, as the U.S. shut down its air space and grounded planes as quickly as possible to contain the threat of additional terrorism, Canada allowed more than 200 flights to land at its airports and hosted thousands of passengers and crew members until it was safe for them to fly on to America.

In 2014, a terrorist gunned down a soldier outside Canadas war memorial, then stormed the Canadian parliament, where he was fatally shot by security. In Pittsburgh that October night, before the Penguins faced off against the Philadelphia Flyers, the Pens Jeff Jimerson led the crowd in singing the Canadian anthem.

In Put-in-Bay, Ohio, stands the Perrys Victory and International Peace Memorial, constructed between 1912 and 1915 to honor those lost in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812 and to commemorate Americas lasting peace with Canada and Great Britain. It is 352 feet tall -- taller than the Statue of Liberty -- and the only peace monument operated by the National Park Service.

America and Canada are fortunate to have each other in a world where so many neighbors are enemies. Happy birthday, Canada! Heres to the next 150 years.
The Indian authorities believe their case is on a strong footing and all the evidence has been presented to the Crown Prosecution Service to argue India's case for extradition.

After the hearing, Mallya told reporters outside the court, "Let them present whatever they want. We will present our case."

By Press Trust of India: A UK court on Thursday rejected fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya's request to shift the final hearing date in his extradition case to next year and fixed it for December 4.

Mallya, who is wanted in India for Kingfisher Airlines' default on loans worth nearly Rs 9,000 crores, has been in the UK since March 2016 and was arrested by Scotland Yard on an extradition warrant on April 18.

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The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian government, told the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London that they had "excellent cooperation" with the Indian authorities in the case and now had sufficient material to establish a prima facie case for the extradition of the 61-year-old former chief of erstwhile Kingfisher Airlines.

"We have completed a review of materials and I am happy to state that we have had excellent cooperation with the Indian authorities in this case," CPS barrister Mark Summers told the judge. "We are ready and willing to proceed and would invite the court to fix a hearing date at the earliest."

The CPS also informed the court that the Indian authorities had been "anticipating issues" that may block the extradition and had already been engaging on prison conditions in India by giving "detailed assurances" on the matter.

WHAT MALLYA'S DEFENCE TEAM CLAIMS

However, Mallya's defence team claimed they had received hundreds of pages of "further material being relied upon" as evidence only on last evening and that more time should be provided for them to review the material and keep a final date for hearing open in April 2018.

"Mallya is keen to engage as constructively as possible with these proceedings...but there remains ongoing uncertainty on the final case. We also need a detailed opening note explaining how all the evidence fits together," said barrister Ben Watson, arguing on behalf of Mallya.

The judge, Chief Magistrate Emma Louise Arbuthnot, agreed with the CPS to "progress with some rigour" and retained December 4 as the date for a final hearing in the case.

She directed the Indian side to provide a detailed opening note on the case to Mallya's defence team by July 31, after which another hearing to asses the progress in the case would be held on September 14.

The judge was also firm about the "skeleton" document on the case that would have to be submitted by both sides by November to not exceed 35 pages.

She once again told Mallya that she would allow him not to attend the next hearing in September, adding that she had inquired about restraining media within barriers outside the court on the request of his defence team at last month's hearing but it would be a "step too far".

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I DO AS MY LAWYERS ADVISE: MALLYA

When asked about his appearance despite being granted an exemption by the chief magistrate at last hearing on June 13, Mallya today said, "I do as my lawyers advise." Watson earlier told the judge that "Mallya likes to attend the hearings if possible."

The Indian authorities believe their case is on a strong footing and all the evidence has been presented to the Crown Prosecution Service to argue India's case for extradition.

"All documents and witness statements have been presented from the Indian side and the CPS is very happy with it. They are confident that all the evidence is in good order. So we are in good situation and all we hope is that the other side stop delaying," official sources said.

In a statement, the Indian High Commission today said evidence presented makes out a strong prima facie case against Mallya. Despite delaying tactics, it has been possible to have an indicated date in December 2017 for the hearing and the UK counsel CPS will continue to work towards an expeditious hearing of the entire case, it said.

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"In addition to the charge-sheets done by CBI, the Enforcement Directorate has also filed a charge-sheet against Mallya and the court has also issued a non-bailable warrant against him on July 5, 2017," the statement added.

After the hearing, Mallya told reporters outside the court, "Let them present whatever they want. We will present our case."

WHAT HAS HAPPENED SO FAR

In April, he had 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.

The first case management hearing in the case took place on June 13, when December 4 had been pencilled in as a tentative final hearing date.

If the Chief Magistrate rules in favour of extradition at the end of the trial, the UK home secretary must order Mallya's extradition within two months of the appropriate day. However, the case can go through a series of appeals before arriving at a conclusion.

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India and the UK have an Extradition Treaty, signed in 1992, but so far only one extradition has taken place under the arrangement Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel,who was sent back to India last October to face trial in connection with his involvement in the post-Godhra riots of 2002.

However, unlike Mallya, he had submitted to the extradition order without legal challenge.

Also Read:

Vijay Mallya's extradition case hearing at London court today

ED chargesheet shows bank staff, Vijay Mallya used Kingfisher brand as collateral security

Also Watch:

Vijay Mallya booed outside Oval stadium during India-South Africa match

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Alleged leader of notorious Russian gang acquitted of murders, assassination attempts

MOSCOW, July 6 (RAPSI, Lyudmila Klenko)  The Moscow Regional Court has acquitted Alexander Matusov, an alleged leader of the Shchyolkovo organized crime gang, of murders and attempted assassinations, the courts spokesperson Natalya Osipova told RAPSI on Thursday.

The court acquitted Matusov based on the jurors verdict because he had not been involved in the incriminated crimes, and recognized his right to rehabilitation, Osipova added.

Matusov, aka Basmach, was arrested in Thailand at the request of Interpols National Central Bureau for Russia in June 2014.

He was charged with series of murders and attempted murders of businessmen. According to investigators, in November 1996 gangsters, including Basmach, attacked four businessmen, killing three of them. One of the victims survived, but was severely wounded.

Matusov was put on the wanted list in 2009, when police brought three murder charges against members of his crime group.

The Shchyolkovo gang was active from 1995 to 2009 and was notorious for contract killings, extortion and kidnappings in the Moscow and St. Petersburg areas. The gang members are suspected of having killed at least 60 people. In 2009, police found the bodies of 15 of the gangs alleged victims in forests near Moscow.
Yanukovych files motion over alleged coup with Ukrainian authorities

MOSCOW, July 6 (RAPSI)  Former President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych, who stands charged with treason in his country, filed a motion over alleged coup with Ukraines Prosecutor Generals Office, his attorney Vitaly Serdyuk told journalists on Thursday.

The document lists names of people allegedly involved with events at Kiev's Maidan square and fighting between protestors, armed activists and law enforcement officers.

On July 5, Yanukovych told Russian journalists that he refuses to take part in the ongoing trial against him. According to Yanukovych, he does not want to participate in a trial with a predetermined outcome adding that lawyers are powerless in a country of annihilated justice.

In December, Ukraines Prosecutor General Yury Lutsenko read charges against Yanukovych in a court through videoconference link. According to Lutsenko, Yanukovych, who was involved in violation of Ukraines territorial integrity, is held responsible for a 1.8-trillion-hryvnia (about $70 billion) damage caused to the country.

Shortly after, the Pechersky District Court in Kiev issued an arrest warrant for Yanukovych in absentia.

The Ukrainian prosecutors accuse the former president of using fire arms against protesters in Kiev in late 2013 and early 2014.

The political crisis erupted in Ukraine in late November 2013 after the government announced that it had halted the countrys association with the European Union. Protests, called Euromaidan, swept across the country and led to violent clashes between armed activists and law enforcement officers in late 2013 and early 2014.

Fighting between radical anti-government protesters and police culminated in mass riots on February 18, 2014. On February 20, fire was opened on protestors. Over 100 people died those days on both sides, according to RIA Novosti.

Ukraine's authorities claim "Berkut" officers to be blamed for the shootings.

Russia says that militants of Right Sector, a far-right Ukrainian group banned in Russia, may have been behind the attack.

Yanukovych said he did not give order to law enforcers to use fire arms against protesters when testifying about the events in Kiev.

Ukraine went through a regime change on February 22, 2014, when President Viktor Yanukovych fled the country and Euromaidan activists rose to power in Kiev.

In early 2015, it was reported that the Ukrainian Prosecutor Generals Office addressed Russia with a request to extradite the former president.

On June 6, 2016, Russia declined to extradite Yanukovych, according to the Prosecutor Generals Offices spokesman Alexander Kurennoy.

A motion for provisional arrest and detention of Yanukovych filed by Ukraine was considered and dismissed in accordance with Article 3 (Political offences) of the 1957 European Convention on Extradition, he told journalists. Ukrainian authorities were informed about this decision, Kurennoy added.
Russian hacking group's leader sentenced to 2 years in prison

MOSCOW, July 6 (RAPSI, Yevgeniya Sokolova)  The Moscow City Court on Thursday sentenced Vladimir Anikeyev, the leader of Russias hacking group Shaltai-Boltai, or Humpty Dumpty, to 2 years in prison, RAPSI reports from the courtroom.

Anikeyev was found guilty of getting illegal access to computer information in collusion with a group of people.

Earlier, a prosecutor asked the court to give the defendant a 2.5-year prison term.

From 2013 to 2016, Anikeyev and his accomplices hacked computers, cellphones and tablet computers of Russian citizens and stole information data, according to investigation. In some cases, they put the information for sale on the Internet.

Anikeyev has pleaded guilty to the charges against him.
Probe into bribery case against Federal Guard Service General completed

MOSCOW, July 6 (RAPSI)  Investigation into the Federal Guard Service (FSO) General Gennady Lopyrev, who stands charged with taking a grand bribe, has been completed, lawyer Ruslan Zakalyuzhny told RAPSI on Thursday.

Final charges have been already brought against Lopyrev. The defendant and his defense will start reading case materials soon, the attorney added.

Lopyrev was arrested on November 25, 2016, following an internal check conducted in the FSO units in the Caucasus region. Later in the evening, the 94th Garrison Military Court ruled to put him in jail.

Investigators claim that Lopyrev took bribes from businessmen for protection during signing and execution of government contracts on construction and repair works. He pleaded not guilty.

Russian media outlets reported earlier that the case may be connected with the construction of the Olympic venues in Sochi.
Russian court upholds seizure of AFK Sistemas assets on request of Rosneft

MOSCOW, July 6 (RAPSI)  The Commercial Court of the Republic of Bashkortostan has upheld a ruling to seize AFK Sistema holding companys assets valued at 185 billion rubles ($3.1 billion) on the request of Rosneft, RIA Novosti reported on Thursday.

On June 23, the court arrested 31.76% of MTS mobile operators shares owned by AFK Sistema and its subsidiary Sistema-Invest as well as 100% of Medsi Groups shares and 90.47% of Bashkir Power Grid Companys (BESK) as part of 170.6 billion rubles (about $3 billion at the current exchange rate) lawsuit filed by Rosneft, Bashneft and Republic of Bashkiria against the companies.

Press service of Rosneft has said previously that the lawsuit is connected with alleged siphoning of assets. Actions of AFK Sistema allegedly led to decrease of assets at this sum.

Initially, Rosneft sought to collect 106.6 billion ($1.8 billion) in damages from Sistema. Later the oil giant increased its claim to 170.6 billion. The plaintiff revised the claim damage upwards taking into account currency fluctuations, according to a companys representative.

According to AFK Sistema, the plaintiffs demands are illegal and groundless.

The court will continue hearing the lawsuit on July 12.
Second hearing of Vijay Mallya's extradition case will take place today at London's Westminster Magistrate court.

By India Today Web Desk: The hearing of the extradition case of former Kingfisher Airlines owner Vijaya Mallya, who is embroiled in a financial fraud, will take place today at London's Westminster Magistrate court.

Mallya is accused of defaulting on payment of loans worth around Rs 900 crore. This is the second hearing, earlier on June 13 London court heard Mallya's case.

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A joint CBI and Enforcement Directorate team had visited London in June to discuss the Mallya case with the British agencies.

Mallya, 61, was arrested by Scotland Yard in April on fraud allegations, triggering an official extradition process in the British courts.

He was released on conditional bail a few hours later after paying a bail bond of 6,50,000 pounds.

Also Read:

ED chargesheet shows bank staff, Vijay Mallya used Kingfisher brand as collateral security

After CBI, now ED will file request to extradite Vijay Mallya from UK

Vijay Mallya booed during India-South Africa match, fans shout 'Mallya is a thief' in chorus

WATCH | Vijay Mallya booed outside Oval stadium during India-South Africa match

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Two Russian men receive prison sentence for justifying terrorism

MOSCOW, July 6 (RAPSI, Lyudmila Klenko)  The Moscow District Military Court has sentenced two men to 2.5 and 5 years in prison for justifying terrorism in social networks, press office of the Federal Security Service (FSB) reported Thursday.

Additionally, a Moscow resident Orlovsky and a resident of Dagestan Orudzhev have been found guilty of facilitating a terrorist activity, the statement reads.

Orlovsky has cooperated with investigation, testified against Orudzhev and other persons involved in terrorist activities, the FSB reported.

From 2013 to 2015, Orlovsky under an assumed name published in social networks calls to joining the Islamic State organization banned in Russia and videos justifying terrorism. Moreover, the man and his accomplice persuaded an underaged girl to join armed groups in the North Caucasus region.
Baby boxes bills unendorsed by State Duma committee

MOSCOW, July 6 (RAPSI)  The State Duma Committee on Family Affairs, Women and Children on Thursday considered several bills regulating the use of baby boxes, or incubators for parents who want to leave their newborn babies anonymously, and recommended two of them for rejection, according to the statement published on the Committees website.

The Committee recommended that the lower house reject a bill on baby boxes ban submitted by Yelena Mizulina, Deputy Chair of the Federation Councils committee on constitutional legislation. The bill introduces administrative liability for legal entities that establish baby boxes. This violation may result in a fine from one million rubles to five million ($16,000  $83,000 at the current exchange rate) or halt of activity for 90 days.

Another bill permitting to set baby boxes in medical and social organizations was also recommended for dismissal.

In the meantime, the bill that would authorize Russian regions to make autonomous decisions concerning the use of baby boxes has been send back to its authors for improvement.

Special incubators for leaving newborn children have been set up in several Russian regions. However, there is no legal regulation of using baby boxes. Safety requirements and operating procedure have not been fixed for such equipment in current legislation, the bills authors stated.

The draft law would entitle Russias territorial entities to establish by themselves if it is necessary to organize incubators for anonymous leaving babies taking into account cultural and other vernacular traditions. Regional authorities would be able to fix the number of baby boxes, their location and installation order, an explanatory note to the bill reads.

Since 2012, baby boxes have come into use at hospitals and religious organizations in the Krasnodar, Perm, Kamchatka, and Stavropol Territories as well as in the Kaliningrad, Kursk, Leningrad, Moscow, Pskov and Sverdlovsk Regions.

In May, Russias human rights ombudsman Tatiana Moskalkova voiced her support for the use of baby boxes. Baby boxes give children a chance to survive and be adopted in future, Moskalkova told journalists.

According to the Commissioner for Human Rights, all measures, which can save life and minimize harm caused to a child by parents abandonment, have a right to exist.
Bill regulating online taxi services reaches State Duma

MOSCOW, July 6 (RAPSI)  Bill toughening several requirements for online taxi services has been submitted to the State Duma, the statement of the upper house of Russian parliament reads on Thursday.

According to the bill, only partner-drivers with appropriate permits and without criminal record may collaborate with online services.

Authors of the bill believe that status of online taxi services is not legally defined offering them unfair advantage over competitors and significantly lowering safety of transportation. In addition, there are no clear rules on the market as some companies are demanding too much from their partner-drivers, including holding job interviews, while others barely follow Russian legislation.

On June 21, the Supreme Court of Russia dismissed an appeal filed by Uber Technology, the Russian firm operating under Uber brand, against a 100,000-ruble ($1,785) fine for misleading consumers as to who actual carriers are. Russias consumer rights watchdog (Rospotrebnadzor) believes that a consumer gets an impression that the transportation service is provided by Uber company but in fact this service is provided by Ubers partner-drivers. Consumers are not informed about the results of medical examination and licensing of taxi drives as well as consumer qualities of transfer service.
Head of St. Petersburg venture capital fund suspected of funneling assets

ST. PETERSBURG, July 6 (RAPSI, Mikhail Telekhov)  Head of the fund for support of St. Petersburgs small businesses Rifat Islyayev has been arrested on suspicion of deliberately placing 200 million rubles (about $3.3 million) in a bank on a brink of closure, a source in the St. Petersburg Directorate of the Investigative Committee told RAPSI on Thursday.

Allegedly, heads of Fund for Assisting Venture Investments in Small Enterprises in the Scientific-Technical Sphere in St. Petersburg NGO told law enforcement that the organizations head Islyayev transferred money between banks without consulting anyone else in March.

He allegedly cashed in 200 million rubles from Bank St. Petersburg and placed them in Taftobank with the latter losing its license also in March. The Fund was unable to return money frozen on the account and its activities came to a halt as a result. The applicants believe that Islyayev was acting deliberately.
Samuel Johnson once called patriotism the last refuge of a scoundrel. Whether or not that is true, national security is certainly the last refuge of the protectionist. We are seeing that once again in the debate over imported steel. Faux concerns about national security are becoming the thin last line of defence of the domestic steel industry.

President Trump is expected to raise the issue of steel imports and national security at the G20 summit later this week. Soon after, the Commerce Department will release the findings of an inquiry prompted by invoking a seldom-used provision of the trade law to investigate whether imposing import restrictions for steel is justified for national security reasons. This could lead to the imposition of broad new quotas and/or tariffs on imported steel. And it could mark the beginning of an Administration campaign to use national security as a club against foreign exporters, as well as the American consumers and industries that benefit from them. The Commerce Department has already launched a similar probe into aluminum, and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has indicated that semiconductors and shipbuilding might be the next targets.

After a similar investigation in 2001, on iron ore and steel, Commerce found no evidence that imports of the two materials threatened to impair U.S. national security, nor the ability of domestic producers to satisfy national security requirements. There is no reason to believe that any fair inquiry would find differently today. Between domestic producers and friendly foreign suppliers, the United States has far more than enough steel to meet security and defense needs. The amount of steel used for national defense and homeland security comes to a small drop in a large domestic production bucket. The American Iron and Steel Institute has estimated that defense and security needs account for only 3 percent of total domestic steel shipments. Last year, that would have come to less than 3 million metric tons, out of the roughly 80 million metric tons of steel that the U.S. industry produced. In 2016, about three-quarters of all the steel used in the U.S. economy was sourced domestically.

And imports overwhelmingly come from friendly sources. Of the 10 leading steel exporters to the U.S. market, eight are NATO allies, NORAD allies, NAFTA partners, and other friendly nations. Among them these countries generate roughly three-quarters of steel imports to the United States (which themselves total only about one-quarter of all steel used in the United States.) The base of foreign steel suppliers to the U.S. economy is diverse, drawing from companies in more than 100 countries and territories, ensuring that Americans are not dependent a small circle of suppliers.

Of course, the bogeyman of domestic steel producers and unions has been China, which is depicted as a threat to security of steel supply. But last year, steel imports from China dropped by almost two-thirds  from about 3 percent to less than 2 percent of U.S. imports. And China fell out of the list of top 10 exporters to the U.S. market.

In the face of the enormous evidence that steel imports do not represent a potential threat to defense, protectionists are changing their excuses for branding steel imports a threat to national security. They are broadening the definition of what actually constitutes national security, beyond military technology and supplies. In fact, they are twisting the definition of national security out of shape to include transportation infrastructure, large domestic products, and power generation  such as steel used to drill for oil and natural gas, or to ship it, or for transformers used to transmit electricity. And Ross is focusing on specific needs such as specialty steel required for industrial transformers. But ensuring that domestic consumers, including the military, have access to the widest variety of specialty products is all the more reason for keeping the U.S. market open. And many importers say that domestic steelmakers do not make the quality steels they need at affordable prices. Moreover, countries that trade with each other and are economically integrated usually have closer and more positive relationships. Open trade borders make for better allies.

In fact, imposing tariffs or quotas on imported steel would actually weaken America's industrial base, and diminish its ability to meet national security needs. The manufacturing companies that consume steel as an input far outweigh those that make it. Steel companies directly employ only about 140,000, a fraction of the more than 900,000 employed in the auto and auto parts sectors alone. Driving up the price of steel would only undermine their ability to meet U.S. needs, including national security. The U.S. benchmark price for steel last year rose 55 percent after a series of successful anti-dumping cases, a cost that flows to the Pentagon.

National security depends on the widest possible circle of friendly suppliers to foster alliances, increase choice and keep prices reasonable  not a tight cartel to narrow choice and drive prices up. It depends on a strong economy, not a weak one. The best way to strengthen the U.S. economy  and national security  is by opening the economy up, not by closing it.
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By PTI: in Indias natl policy: report

New Delhi, Jul 5 (PTI) The WHO-recommended shorter nine month regime to treat Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) tuberculosis is not included in the national policy of India, which has the worlds highest burden of the disease, a report has said.

In 2015, 2.8 million people fell ill with tuberculosis in India and 4,80,000 people died due to the disease, it said.

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Two days ahead of the G20 summit in Germany, MAdecins Sans Frontires (MSF) and the Stop TB Partnership released the third edition of Out of Step, a report highlighting the need for governments to increase efforts to combat TB.

According to the report, "National policy includes the WHO-recommended, nine-month (shorter) MDR-TB treatment regimen (marked by red in the table) - signifying no.

"National policy reflects WHO guidance on delamanid (medication) use for adults and children - No," it said.

In the category of whether the National policy reflects WHO guidance on bedaquiline use for adults, the report says,"Yes, but not widely".

The report said that smear microscopy is often used as the initial diagnostic test in the public sector in India, where up to 70 per cent of people are treated - and delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation are common.

A study using Xpert MTB/RIF (automated diagnostic test or referred to as CB-NAAT) for initial diagnostic testing in 18 sub-district-level TB programmes reported an over five-fold increase in the detection of rifampicin resistance, it said.

"However, Indias public-sector programmes still use smear microscopy as the initial diagnostic test, except in people with presumptive DR-TB or extrapulmonary TB, children, and people living with HIV," it added.

The reporrt pointed out that access to Xpert MTB/RIF is limited to Indias reference or tertiary hospitals, which increases the risk of loss to follow-up before a confirmed diagnosis.

The report reviews TB policies and practices in 29 countries - which account for 82 per cent of the global TB burden - and shows that countries can do much more to prevent, diagnose and treat people affected by TB.

In 2015 alone, worldwide 1.8 million people died of the disease. The majority (54 per cent) of the 10.4 million people with TB lived in the countries represented at the G20 summit.

"TB is an ancient killer, but we have the knowledge and the tools to tackle this disease; many countries are just not making use of these advances, and people are dying as a result," said Lucica Ditiu, Executive Director of The Stop TB Partnership.

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"We are calling on the G20 leaders to wake up and do something to stop the unnecessary deaths and the spread of TB, including drug-resistant TB," Ditiu added. PTI TDS SMJ

--- ENDS ---
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Launch of new residential projects in top eight cities -- Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, National Capital Region (NCR) and Pune -- came down by 41 per cent in first half of 2017.

Hit by demonetisation and Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Act compliance, launch of new residential projects in top eight cities -- Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, National Capital Region (NCR) and Pune -- came down by 41 per cent in first half of 2017, a seven-year low, according to a report by Knight Frank.

Launches were 73 per cent down when compared with the first half of 2013.

Chennai was the only market to record a marginal four per cent year-on-year rise in launches.

Ahmedabad and the NCR and were the worst hit, with launches plummeting 79 per cent and 73 per cent, respectively. Both the cities are believed to have high cash component in home sales.

In Mumbai, launches were down 36 per cent.

Launches in Bengaluru, India's technology hub, reduced by 42 per cent. South Bengaluru continued to lead in both new launches and sales, courtesy the healthy congregation of large IT hubs and, thus, being preferred by local populace and expatriate population.

"The inclusion of Bengaluru in the Smart City list is expected to have a far reaching impact on the residential market in the forthcoming years, as that would lead to improved infrastructure in the city," Shantanu Mazumder, director, Bengaluru, Knight Frank, said.

Sales volume fell by 11 per cent on a yearly basis, lowest first-half sales in the past five years, the report said.

Demonetisation, Rera and GST all came in a gap of six months they are bound to have a short-term impact on sales, said Shishir Baijal, chairman, Knight Frank India.

However, when compared on a quarter-on-quarter basis, sales grew 11 per cent. A large chunk of this, the report says, was due to the pick-up in the affordable housing segment.

Launches in the under-Rs 50-lakh price segment rose to 71 per cent from 52 per cent during the same period last year.

The NCR, Kolkata, Pune and Ahmedabad markets drove the revival with around 80 per cent of the launches being in the sub-Rs 50 lakh segment.

The GST will bring down the cost of construction for the developers, but it remains to be seen whether they will pass on the benefit to the consumers or not. Rera, on its part, will usher in transparency. Global investors are now looking at the Indian real estate sector as an attractive proposition given the regulatory, policy changes, said Ghulam Zia, executive director for advisory, retail and hospitality at Knight Frank.

Unsold inventory, according to the report, at 596,044 units was lowest across these eight cities, and witnessed a drop of 10% compared to the previous corresponding period (H1-2016).

NCR was the worst market with over four years of inventory. There has been a surge in inventory in the ready for possession category, Knight Frank said.

On the office properties side, transactions fell by 10 per cent to 18.1 million sq ft in H1 2017. The 5 per cent decline in supply saw 17.9 mn sq ft added to the office space inventory, Knight Frank said.

At 12 per cent, vacancy levels were at the lowest since 2012 when it was 21 per cent, it said.

Average rental values across six cities grew at seven per cent y-o-y during H1 of 2017.

While Mumbai saw flat y-o-y rental growth, Hyderabad and Bengaluru experienced the strongest rental growth at 14 per cent and eight per cent y-o-y, respectively.
Priya Nair finds out how investors of mutual funds, shares, unclaimed bank deposits, insurance policies can redeem long-forgotten investments.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

The online push for investments, insurance and other financial transactions is gaining traction, but there are many who still have to struggle with paperwork to make claims or redeem investments made a long time ago.

Sometimes, documents are missing or signatures don't match.

A guide to going through this process painlessly.

Limitation Act in insurance

In the case of life insurance policies, there is no time frame for claiming the proceeds.

"Usually, we get claims after six to nine months, but sometimes we do get claims after more than a year. Most of the time it is because the family is not aware of the policy's existence," says Mohit Rochilani, director, operations and IT, IndiaFirst Life Insurance.

The Limitation Act, 1963, says a claimant has to intimate the insurance company about the death of the policyholder within three years after the latter's death.

But this is a broad guiding principle and insurance companies do not follow it strictly, says Ashok Kumar, senior vice-president and chief underwriter, Max Life Insurance.

In case of policies, the company will pay the money to the nominee by default.

In case of natural death, the documents required are the death certificate for the deceased -- either original or attested copy, KYC (know your customer) documents of the nominee such as address proof, and identity proof and bank details of the account where the money has to be transferred.

In an unnatural death, like accident or murder, the insurance company will also ask for the First Information Report, autopsy report and panchnama.

"The claim could be denied if the existing ailment was something so critical that the insurance company would not have issued the policy upfront," says Rochilani.

"Section 45 of the Insurance Act says if a death happens within three years of issuing the policy, it could be repudiated in case of any pre-existing disease. But, after three years, no claim can be repudiated," he adds.

Once all documents are provided, most insurance companies settle the money within a week.

In fact, some offer to pay interest if the claim is not settled within eight to 10 days.

Delays can occur if there is more than one claimant and no clear nominee.

In such cases, the company will ask the claimants for a succession certificate.

"If a claim is ready for payment, but payment cannot be made due to any reason on proper identification of the payee, the life insurer shall hold the amount for the benefit of the payee and such an amount shall earn interest at the rate applicable to a savings bank account with a scheduled bank (effective from 30 days following the submission of all papers and information)," says Max Life's Kumar.

The current savings bank account rate is four per cent.

Such problems can be avoided by providing a nominee's name at the time of buying the policy.

While this is mandatory, many a time policyholders say they will provide the details later.

There could be other practical problems like a mismatch in the name or age of the policyholder as provided in the insurance proposal form and death certificate or birth certificate.

For this, the company may ask for an affidavit.

Mutual funds

For redeeming a mutual fund investment done many years ago, you will have to do update your KYC, as the rule for the In Person Verification (IPV) was introduced a few years earlier.

This can be done either by going physically going to the fund house or online through the video-based process which is accepted as per the rules of the Securities and Exchange Board of India.

Aadhaar-based verification using a one-time password is also possible, but that is only for amounts up to Rs 50,000, says Rahul Parikh, CEO, Bajaj Capital.

Having a nominee or a joint holder at the time of investing will address the problem, says Sarvjeet Virk, MD and co-founder, Finvasia a technology-oriented financial services company.

"We are also pushing clients to buy mutual funds in demat form because that will allow easier redemption by selling the funds through the stock exchanges. There is no need to physically visit the fund houses or worry about KYC," he says.

Shares

If shares are held in physical form, they need to first be converted into demat form, for which one has to approach the registrar and transfer agent (RTA).

Information about the RTA is available with brokers or depository participants (DP).

You have to submit a demat request form to the DP.

The DP will in turn give it to the RTA, which will convert the physical shares into demat form.

"The charges will depend on the relationship with the DP. It is usually a percentage of the share value. It could also be a flat fee," says Virk.

If the original shareholder has passed away, and the valuation of the shares is less than Rs 5 lakh, they can be converted into demat with just a death certificate of the deceased.

"To transfer the shares to a heir, a no objection certificate from all family members is required, which can be done through an indemnity bond. But if the value is more than Rs 5 lakh, then the DP may ask for a succession certificate and this could take time," Virk adds.

Unclaimed bank account or deposit

A bank account that is inactive for two to three years is termed an inactive deposit and one unclaimed for seven years or more is termed an unclaimed deposit.

It is mandatory to have a nominee while opening a bank account to make recovering such deposits easier.

In case there is no nominee, the heir has to write to the branch with details such as name of the deposit holder, amount, date of maturity (in case of a fixed deposit), account number and the reasons why the amount could not be claimed.

After verifying the details including the legal heir's identity proof, the bank releases the money.

In some cases, the bank may ask for verification from a person known to both the bank and the customer.

In the case of larger amounts, the bank may ask the heir to publish a notice in a newspaper.

Again in case of a rival heir or claimant, the process for establishing the legal heir is the same as for other financial investments.
Enormous debt isn't the only thing afflicting Air India.

Its work culture is an equal culprit in its downfall, discovers Manavi Kapur.

IMAGE: Air India has the poorest and most outdated customer experiences. Photograph: Shailesh Andrade/Reuters

Though the international airport at New Delhi is always bustling with passengers, early mornings are a particularly busy time.

Amid the frenzied activity is a slow-moving row of check-in desks that belong to Air India.

A member of the prestigious Star Alliance, India's national carrier also has the distinction of having one of the poorest and most outdated customer experiences.

"There was once a time when I stood in queue for 45 minutes, only to be told that I needed to join another queue to pay for excess baggage. These delays can still be bearable if one is greeted with a pleasant smile," says a frequent business traveller.

While the central government wants to privatise the airline for its crippling debt of nearly Rs 52,000 crore (Rs 520 billion), a complacent staff that lacks the professional verve, cumbersome processes and age-old bureaucratic hurdles are equally responsible for impeding the Maharaja's pace.

Though the airline has reduced its wage bill over the past three years -- from 13.7 per cent in 2012-2013 to 9.3 per cent in 2014-2015 -- this has been primarily due to the fact that several of its senior employees were due to retire.

Many of its other practices -- such as a high layover allowance and swanky hotels where the crew is made to stay -- still point to a pre-recession world of wasteful luxury.

And then there are the redundancies, such as a dedicated Hindi desk that the airline has at each station, where nearly 500 men and women are employed for translating and transcribing matters in Hindi -- a pointless exercise in the age of the Internet.



IMAGE: A complacent staff that lacks professional verve, cumbersome processes and age-old bureaucratic hurdles are responsible for impeding the Maharaja's pace. Photograph: PTI Photo

Within what appears to be a bloated organisation -- Air India has one of the highest passenger load to employee ratios -- there is also an undercurrent of conflict.

The government's decision to merge Air India, the international carrier, and Indian Airlines, the domestic airline, into one entity in 2007 weakened the average employee involvement in the company.

Ten years on, not much has changed.

In 2012, in its report, the Justice Dharmadhikari Committee that was formed to look into the tensions that arose from the merger, wrote, 'We found it a challenging task as even after more than 4 years, the merger was mostly on paper in so far as the integration of manpower was concerned.'

"It was a clash of cultures that continues to date. While Air India had strict standard operating procedures for all its flights, Indian Airlines staff was not used to this rigour," says an Air India commercial division executive, who requests he not be named.

Given these conflicts, the professional ethos of Air India has been described by many as being sluggish, reflected in the pace at which files and projects are cleared.

For instance, a supplier for Air India says that the reliance on physical paper is too onerous.

"Even though it has a strong IT system -- sometimes too many conflicting IT systems -- the reliance on physical documentation is a big hurdle," he says.

"Most of the paperwork does not even accept digital signatures, which can be exasperating when working with a global company that has its managers in various parts of the world," he adds.

IMAGE: While a junior cabin crew member at a private airline earns about Rs 50,000 a month, an Air India crew member makes almost twice the amount. Photograph: Rupak De Chowdhuri/Reuters

And then there is the bureaucratic hubris.

"There are too many bosses," says an aviation industry consultant who has worked closely with Air India.

So entangled are the processes that for a decision to be made and implemented, it takes close to a year.

The same timeframe for Singapore Airlines, also its country's State-owned entity, is about three months.

Take, for instance, the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) unit in Nagpur.

This facility was created at a cost of Rs 600 crore (Rs 6 billion) so that aircraft could be repaired in house and not flown abroad.

It was also an ambitious project that was meant to generate skilled, technology-driven jobs.

The in-principle approval was given in 2004, but the first aircraft was only sent to the MRO in 2016.



IMAGE: No one discusses if a sandwich sold on any other aircraft is bad, but the quality of food served on Air India flights is debated in Parliament. Photograph: PTI Photo

The sluggishness is also a result of a lack of empowerment its employees have, especially for an airline that sees more than desirable interference of government authorities.

The commercial executive says that in a market-driven environment, Air India loses out on business purely because of the various hoops one has to jump through to get approvals.

"While other carriers follow a dynamic rate policy for freight, Air India has fixed rates. In a competitive market, that is a big blunder, one that leaves even the most motivated managers and executives frustrated," says the commercial executive.

For instance, when a cargo agent comes to him quoting a lower rate from a private airline for transporting freight, the executive's hands are tied.

"By the time I can procure an approval from those higher up the order, the aircraft has flown and we've lost the business."

In an industry where the most perishable commodity is the space sold on a flight, this can spell doom.

"Besides, if I were to be proactive and get the business for the airline, there are chances of a vigilance file being opened against my name. I will be asked if I pocketed the difference in the fare," he says.



IMAGE: Air India, in its heyday, was the talent pool that newly founded airlines dipped into for hiring its crew and ground staff. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters

The aviation consultant also believes that this fear of "consequences" contributes to a mentality of playing safe and merely deferring decisions to buy more time.

In the choice between moving freight at a lower rate or losing the revenue altogether, Air India seems to choose the latter.

But things weren't always so.

Air India, in its heyday, was the talent pool that newly founded airlines dipped into for hiring its crew and ground staff.

A former senior executive remembers how graduates from the country's premier Indian Institutes of Management and Indian Institutes of Technology would be hired off campus and groomed at the airline.

"The core technology and business employees are still those with the maximum amount of skill."

On an average, according to industry veterans, over 50 per cent of middle- and senior-level executives at West Asian carriers such as Emirates and Etihad Airways are from India.

Of these, a majority are Air India alumni.

But even this scenario points to a strong talent pool that existed about 10 or 20 years ago.

IMAGE: At Air India jobs are secured by mere fact of tenure and perks are guaranteed irrespective of performance. Photograph: Pascal Rossignol/Reuters

A 22-year-old cabin crew member of a leading private airline says that Air India was one of her top choices initially, but only because it was a government job.

"That job security would have been quite welcome. But eventually I decided against working for what I think is a laidback organisation," she says.

Besides, the lack of either a reward or a feedback system is demotivating.

"When I complete a particularly good flight service, my manager can give me an official thumbs-up. That is quite a feather in our caps."

A similar model of the proverbial carrot or the stick is almost entirely lacking with Air India, where jobs are secured by mere fact of tenure and perks are guaranteed irrespective of performance.

And the perks too are usually way above the industry standard.

While a junior cabin crew member at a private airline earns about Rs 50,000 a month, an Air India crew member makes almost twice the amount.

IMAGE: Air India's own presentation and optics don't help matters much. Photograph: Punit Paranjpe/Reuters

Once permanent, they are allotted houses in upscale neighbourhoods of metropolitan cities.

In Delhi alone, Air India owns 30 acres of space in Vasant Vihar. There are flats here for employees across five categories, ranging from 700 sq ft to 2,200 sq ft.

While a revised policy for rentals was notified in March, the rentals are still lower than what the property would fetch in the open market.

For instance, a 2,200 sq ft home would be available in the Air India colony for Rs 41,000 a month. For such a prime location, the average rent would be at least double that amount.

In Mumbai, such flats exist in tony neighbourhoods such as Cuffe Parade and Malabar Hill, where a small two-bedroom flat can cost up to Rs 3 crore.

Add to this the near-free air travel for the staff and its family, for life.

In the case of layovers too, it is common practice among low-cost carriers in India to make crew stay on twin-sharing basis in hotels close to the airport.

In the case of Air India, at least in New Delhi, these rooms are booked largely on single-occupancy basis at The Ashok, which is about 15 km away from the airport.

"And when the commander stays, he wants to be upgraded to a suite. It's exactly the babu attitude one accuses Air India of exhibiting," says the commercial executive.

"These perks need to be monetised to truly understand what an Air India employee is entitled to," says a former senior Air India official.

IMAGE: One cannot compare Air India with the young airlines. They do not have the baggage that legacy carriers do. Photograph: Punit Paranjpe/Reuters

Adding to its woes is also the perception battle that the airline faces.

In a FlightStats survey that was published in January, Air India was shown to have 61 per cent of its flights arriving on time.

But the portrayal of this data was turned around by news organisations to highlight how it was the third worst airline in the world.

Air India's own presentation and optics don't help matters much.

Inside Airlines House in New Delhi, a time-machine stuck in the late 1980s and early 1990s seems to have been created.

Electrical switches are reminiscent of old television advertisements and walls need a fresh coat of paint.

Inside an officer's cabin, a rusty mirror has a vintage Boeing 747 sticker stuck to it.

Like its fuel-guzzling old aircraft, the air-conditioner seems to belong to an era before energy-efficient appliances were created.

Everything screams, in common parlance, sarkari.

Air India did not respond to interview requests.

IMAGE: Air India is not an airline that focuses too much on succession planning. Photograph: Punit Paranjpe/Reuters

And it isn't easy living with a legacy, either.

The erstwhile Tata Airlines and brainchild of J R D Tata, Air India was nationalised by then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1953.

These were its glory days, with a monopoly in the aviation industry and a fledgling customer base that was only just beginning to fly.

While a seller's market ensured it made money, a political milieu of trade and labour unions dictated much of its work culture.

When the Indian air space was opened up to private carriers in 1991, not only did Air India lose market share, it was also saddled with outdated human resource policies and a unionised workforce that paralysed it.

"The practices of the airline have not been updated since the 1970s. If we think the airline can be successfully run even by a private entity when it is burdened by this legacy, we are living in a fool's paradise," says Jitender Bhargava, former executive director at Air India and author of The Descent of Air India.

In his scathing account of how affairs at the airline were mismanaged, Bhargava points to the problem of a weak human resources division and not enough focus on training and mentoring staff.

The aviation consultant concurs. "Air India is not an airline that focuses too much on succession planning. Because promotions are based on seniority, all senior management is close to retirement."

"So any project tends to see a lot of delay because of this changing roster and a lack of continuity," he says.

IMAGE: Is privatisation the answer to AI's woes?

Experts believe if it is given a free hand and is run professionally, it can turn its fortunes around. Photograph: PTI Photo

Bhargava points to a more systemic problem. "No minister tells the staff to not give good service to Air India customers. There is an inherent attitude issue that needs some reflection."

"You cannot compare Air India with the young airlines. They do not have the baggage that legacy carriers do," says the former senior official.

"No one discusses if a sandwich sold on any other aircraft is bad, but the quality of food served on Air India flights is debated in Parliament," he rues.

He believes the talk that Air India might be privatised would further demoralise its employees, just when it has begun to stabilise and posted an operating profit of Rs 105 crore (Rs 1.05 billion) last fiscal.

Reports suggest that Tata and Singapore Airlines might bid for Air India.

"We need to ask ourselves if privatisation really is the route," says Bhargava.

"If Air India is given a free hand and is run professionally, it can turn its fortunes around."

But for now, like its offices that refuse to step out of their time capsule, Air India, too, seems to be clutching on to the past.
'Beef-eating is the new media frenzy that is being orchestrated to wrongly implicate the BJP government and is reminiscent of the false anti-Christian acts highlighted by the media when the BJP first came to power in 1996,' says Vivek Gumaste.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

That the brutal stabbing death of a Muslim teenager aboard a Mathura bound train on June 22 over a seat altercation is a senseless, odious atrocity that warrants outright condemnation, there can be no doubt.

That it signifies a serious deficiency in the maintenance of law and order and a disturbing streak of public delinquency, is unquestionable. Needless to say, the guilty must be brought to book and convicted.

But what is even more despicable and troubling is the crass Machiavellian design to exploit this unfortunate tragedy for political and ideological ends by injecting an incendiary element -- beef-eating -- into this secular felony.

Initial reports clearly stated that the cause of altercation was seat sharing.

According to Scroll.in, Sanowar Khan (Junaid's cousin) clarified: 'The fight started because of seats and got worse because they passed communal remarks. They were carrying no meat with them...' (external link)

The Hindu reported: 'A youth was stabbed to death and his two brothers injured when a group of people attacked them inside a crowded train following a dispute over a seat.' (external link)

The FIR registered in the case mentions that the scuffle took place over availability of seats, said the Indian Express (external link), and Haryana's Director General of Police B S Sandhu denied that the incident happened over an argument regarding beef.

Accused of carrying beef, teen killed on train (external link), said The Times of India.

By several accounts, this incident was triggered by a question of seat-sharing which soon escalated into a war of words with communal slurs culminating in a ghastly stabbing death of Hafiz Junaid.

Nevertheless, it is interesting to note how the narrative of this incident undergoes a subtle but ostensibly contrived transformation over the course of the next few days.

Beef eating becomes central to the case; the dispute over seats is relegated to the backburner.

This is typical of a classic modus operandi that has been the strategy of a certain brand of activists.

Pick up a mundane street crime, embellish it with exaggerated shocking details and sell it as an act of communal violence or in this case implicate 'beef' (the current buzz word) as the trigger factor to put your adversaries on the defensive and elicit greater public condemnation.

Beef-eating is the new media frenzy that is being orchestrated to wrongly implicate the Bharatiya Janata Party government and is reminiscent of the false anti-Christian acts highlighted by the media when the BJP first came to power in 1996.

Subsequent scrutiny revealed that the anti-Christian vandalism was a campaign of deliberate fabrication aimed at embarrassing the BJP government (Anti-Christian Acts: Myth and Reality).

In order to make this incident more repulsive than it actually is, disparate cases are being deceptively clubbed together to portray a pattern of widespread diabolism instigated by the charge of 'beef-eating' and primarily directed at Muslims as this excerpt from an op-ed indicates.

Sushil Aaron writes in the Hindustan Times: 'There is no doubt that a form of medieval madness has taken over India in the shape of Islamophobia and regular lynching of Muslims in different states...'

'The lynchings have become so common that we do not know which one to respond to. Should we weep for Mohammad Naeem in Jharkhand or Hafiz Junaid in Haryana?'

'How many remember the details of Pehlu Khan's murder in Rajasthan? Mohammad Akhlaq is now just another milestone in this steady journey of wanton death?' ((external link))

Four isolated incidents are being touted to project a similarity that does not exist and indulge in a sweeping generalisation that is outstandingly suspect.

For one, Mohammed Naeem was killed not because of 'beef eating' nor because he was a Muslim.

He was one of seven individuals killed in Jharkhand by tribals on charges of child abduction.

Three of the seven killed happened to be Hindus (external link), according to the Hindustan Times.

In all honesty, only one or possibly two (if we stretch our imagination) of the four killings listed above can be arguably linked to 'beef eating' vigilantism.

Such writings are a deliberate attempt to distort facts, vitiate the atmosphere and create discord in society; not a display of mature responsibility or upright citizenry.

Criticism of such falsification is not designed to muzzle the expression of free speech or obstruct acts of discrimination being brought to the fore; it is a call to ensure a degree of honesty, accuracy and integrity in reporting.

If these bleeding-heart liberals are under the impression that they are doing a service to the Muslim community by championing their cause, they are sadly mistaken.

On the contrary, they are engendering a fear psychosis and creating an unwanted sense of insecurity in the Muslim community that can make day to day life uncomfortable.

Moreover, such loose talk is certain to provoke indignation and rage that are invariably going to stoke the flames of hatred and revenge and prove to be a fillip to radicalism.

So, whether it be the wanton lynching of a deputy superintendent of police with a Hindu sounding last name (Pandith) by a Muslim mob outside a mosque in Srinagar or the rampant killings of Hindu nationalist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh volunteers in Kerala or the barbaric stabbing death of Hafiz Junaid by a clutch of Hindus aboard a train in Haryana -- all point towards one factor: The disruption of law and order by a combination of police apathy and crude civilian audacity.

By enumerating these three different incidents, I wish to highlight the interchanging identity of the perpetrators and the victims and stress the common strain that runs through them: Lax law enforcement and civilian disrespect for the law.

Also, this cannot be interpreted as an attempt to dilute or diminish the impact of Hafeez Junaid's killing.

By this comparison I wish to inject a uniform standard (as opposed to present double standards) and an impartiality that is vital to maintaining a sense of decorum in a large diverse country with myriad ideologies and conflicting interests.

Instead of getting embroiled in a game of finger-pointing, ideological wrangling and political grandstanding that does nothing more than to distract us from the crux of the matter, it is important that we hone in on the pertinent factor to set right the affliction that ails us: Civilian disrespect and lack of fear of the law and enfeebled police efficacy.
'Unsurprisingly, the joint statement issued after Modi's visit contains a paragraph on terrorism.'

'It is on the usual lines that India would have with, say, Croatia.'

'The surprising part is that it shies away from getting into specifics,' points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Israel has given a masterly lesson to sister embassies in Chanakyapuri what media management skill is all about -- how the Modi government's ban on journalists accompanying the prime minister during his tours abroad can be turned to an advantage at very nominal costs.

Be that as it may, Israel had every reason to celebrate PM Modi's visit. Vendors have strong reason to fawn over clients who are willing to splash money.

The India-Israel defence arms deals are largely conducted out of sight in secrecy, not through open international tendering. They are what one calls 'sweetheart deals'.

There is good money in such 'sweetheart deals' for the Israeli vendor. Effectively, India has become a principal source of budgetary support for Israel's military industry.

Thus, PM Benjamin Netanyahu spent quality time on Modi -- almost the way he did for US President Donald Trump.

India has become a 'pivotal relationship' for Israel.

Since May 2014, perhaps, it has also acquired an extra verve by claiming to be a 'value-based' relationship.

Both governments are wedded to anti-Muslim politics.

Netanyahu, of course, enjoys the privilege of acknowledging it and forcefully articulating and acting on it.

Whereas, the Modi government acts slyly through the art of studied aloofness.

Therefore, from the Israeli perspective, the high noon of Modi's visit has been, without doubt, his visit to the grave of Binyamin Ze'ev (Theodor) Herzl, who is regarded as the 'founder of Zionism'.

Simply put, Zionists believe Judaism is a nationality as well as religion.

This may seem an innocent thought process, but in its practical application in political terms, it created rivers of blood and an entire region tore itself apart, spawning festering wounds.

Modi's visit to Herzl's grave will be noted far and wide in the Muslim Middle East, given the backdrop of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Herzl is the Israeli counterpart of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar -- except that Hindutva is not (yet) India's national ideology.

Modi's visit to Herzl's grave was indeed a 'scoop' for Netanyahu who would have known precisely what he was doing when he gently poked Modi.

Was it a carefully choreographed 'scoop'? We will never know.

Equally, it remains unclear whether Modi quite understood what he was doing.

A profound sense of the Middle East's tragic history is needed at such moments when one is called upon to take a poignant decision in split seconds.

Modi's visit has produced seven MOUs.

They are all in the nature of technical cooperation -- essentially, on India hiring Israeli consultancy services in fields such as water resources (water conservation, waste-water treatment and its reuse for agriculture, desalination, water utility reforms, and the cleaning of the Ganges and other rivers), agriculture (quality planning materials, post-harvest technical know-how and market linkages, etc), space and so on.

The only concrete outcome has been the creation of the $40 million India-Israel Industrial R&D and Innovation Fund with 50:50 equity to enable Indian and Israeli enterprises to undertake joint R&D projects leading to development of innovative technologies and products.

Hopefully, this will stimulate a proliferation of start-ups, an area in which Israel excels.

Unsurprisingly, the joint statement issued after the visit contains a paragraph on terrorism. It is on the usual lines that India would have with, say, Croatia or Mauritius.

The surprising part is that it shies away from getting into specifics.

There is no reference to Lashkar-e-Tayiba although in the run-up to Modi's visit, Israel claimed that it empathises with India's struggle.

When it comes to terrorism, there is indeed a grey area in the India-Israel relations insofar as the two countries have divergent conceptions of what constitutes terrorism.

For Israel, resistance movements like Hamas or Hezbollah become terrorist organisations. And it has no qualms about using Al Qaeda affiliates or ISIS as instruments of regional policy to counter the 'axis of resistance'.

But in Israel's place, India would have come to terms with Hamas and Hezbollah as erstwhile militant organisations that must be legitimised once they took to the democratic path, seeking power.

What is possible between India and Israel, therefore, is 'technical cooperation' in the field of terrorism.

No doubt, Israel has vast expertise in assassination techniques, 'surgical strikes', covert cross-border operations, intelligence gathering, detention and interrogation techniques, suppressing mass protests and quelling civil disobedience ('Intifada').

Perhaps, Israel can provide the Indian security establishment with guidance to be efficient and smart and sophisticated.

Israel would never do such crude things like using pellet guns or using human shields for the military -- leave alone glorify such things as innovative methods.

The most surprising thing about Modi's visit is the complete absence of any cooperation in energy.

From the hype given to the visit, one had strongly suspected that there was going to be a dramatic announcement in energy cooperation. But, alas, that didn't happen.

In the spirit of the 'enduring friendship', Israel could have and should have offered to India's ONGC Videsh at least a sliver of the giant Leviathan and Tamar gas fields for development and exploitation -- similar to the Iranian offer of Farzad-B gas fields to India, which is under negotiation.

The total in-place reserves of the Farzad B gas field are around 21.7 trillion cubic feet of which around 60 percent is recoverable and production is slated to be around 1.1 billion cubic feet/day.

Yet, Iran made an offer to India as a gesture.

Did India seek a share of the Leviathan and Tamar fields? Or, is it that Israel prefers only American partners? Israel would know that India is a terrific market for LNG exports.

Suffice to say, Modi's visit underscores that apart from arms sales, the scope for expansion of business ties with Israel is very limited.

This in turn explains the desperate necessity to incessantly inject hyperbole and give a larger-than-life 'atmospherics' to the relationship.

But it is not sustainable beyond a point, as India keeps growing into a big economy and takes to globalisation in a big way. Of course, technical cooperation is useful.

There cannot be two opinions that it is a good thing if Israel can help us to clean the Ganges of its human debris, or teach us how to dispose of garbage (and develop a better sense of hygiene), or how to run green houses (and market the products), or how to use 'Atomic Clocks'.

But then, India's pressing need is to create jobs in the millions in the economy.

Can Israel invest in India in the manufacturing sector or for infrastructure development? That is too much to expect.

We see at once that this relationship must be put in proper perspective.

A big country with a population of 1,300 million simply cannot pair with a tiny country with 8 million people beyond a point.

There are inherent limitations to the India-Israel relationship as time passes, and all the media management skills in the world cannot obfuscate that reality.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the grave of Theodor Herzl, considered the father of the State of Israel, June 4, 2017. Photograph: @netanyahu/Twitter
The effects of creating 'baiting crowds' on social media, and their use by politicians, have diluted the civilising processes of parliamentary democracy, says Deepak Lal.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

After returning to London on June 5, there has been one shocking event after another.

A suicide bomber blew himself up at the entrance of a concert hall in Manchester as a hall full of teenagers exited.

Three jihadists drove a truck through pedestrians on London Bridge before disembarking with knives and stabbing and killing people in restaurants and pubs nearby.

Then on June 10, Theresa May's electoral gamble to turn her 20-point poll lead into an impregnable Commons majority spectacularly failed, as the electorate (again defying the pollsters) elected a hung parliament.

In the ensuing political chaos, accentuated by the upcoming Brexit negotiations, yet another shock -- heralded by an unseasonable heat wave in London as the 24-storey social housing Grenfell Towers burnt, with the upper floors becoming communal pyres.

An air of hopelessness and of portending doom and gloom hangs over London.

This is matched by hardening divisions between political opponents within and across parties. There is a rising hatred on all sides in public debates.

Emblematic of this was the latest edition of the BBC's Question Time where a heckler had to be evicted for being rude, butting into other people's points and talking over other people's argument before they had finished -- something which has also become commonplace on Indian TV debates.

In all this, we are regressing from the civilising process begun in the 16th century by Erasmus and Montaigne to tame the more primeval habits and passions of our species.

As Norbert Elias argued (in The Civilising Process) the evolution of civilised manners in the West was based on an amalgamation of aristocratic and bourgeois behaviour in post-Renaissance Europe.

The division of labour, monetisation and the accompanying differentiation of tasks and integration of different classes and groups in society required the personal internalisation of various forms of self-restraint on instinctual drives and passions. It is these civilised restraints which are being weakened and more primal passions are being resurrected.

Elias Canetti's Crowds and Power is useful in understanding this regression in public debate and social intercourse. He was particularly concerned with those instincts which arose when we were still small roving bands fending off numerous predators in the savannas.

His starting point is the fear of being touched: 'Man always tends to avoid physical contact with anything strange,' including when we are among other humans who are strangers.

It is only in a crowd that 'man can become free of this fear of being touched. That is the only situation in which the fear changes into its opposite.' The reversal of the fear of being touched belongs to the nature of crowds.

Canetti then distinguishes between different types of crowds and their attributes.

For my purposes, the most important of these is the pack. Of the four types Canetti distinguishes, the one most relevant is the 'war pack,' which differs from its hunting variant as it 'postulates a second pack of men' whose destruction is its goal.

The evolution of parliamentary democracy was part of the civilising process, which transformed the 'war pack' by taming its basic instinct for killing the other pack, but kept 'the psychological structure of opposing armies.'

The final parliamentary vote is decisive, and is all that is left of the original lethal clash of war packs. 'In a parliament there are, and can be, no dead.'

This is ensured by a two-fold parliamentary immunity: 'It operates both in relation to the government and its agents and in relation to other members All members of parliament share in a common immunity. It is this measure of equality which makes them a crowd, and there is no distinction here between members of either party.'

This crowd, unlike the war packs, can be friends as their lives are not threatened by their losing a vote on supporting the losing conviction.

This civilised political process has been poisoned by the outcomes of the 2016 Brexit referendum in the United Kingdom and the United States presidential election. Why?

One important factor has been the widespread use of social media.

Canetti in his classification of crowds had identified the 'baiting crowd,' which goes back to the hunting pack. From the throwing of Christians to the lions in the Roman Coliseum to the collective executions by guillotine in the French Revolution, the importance of this form of primeval instinct cannot be doubted.

The disgust at collective killing in the West is very recent.

Nevertheless, 'today everyone takes part in public executions through the newspapers,' notes Canetti.

Often justified as part of the classical liberal liberty of free speech, Mill's principle of liberty is still preserved -- at least in the English Common Law -- by the victim having recourse to the law of libel. But the anonymous baiting of victims on social media does not allow any such redress.

Most egregiously amongst school children in England it has led to the formation of anonymous bullying packs on the internet. Their elders in the public eye are beset by unaccountable trolls. Whilst young school girls are reported to have been traumatised by their number of 'likes' and 'dislikes' on social media.

Canetti rightly called the 'baiting crowd' of the newspapers even worse than those of yore, as 'because of its distance from events it was a more irresponsible one.'

Also, 'it is the most despicable and, at the same time, most stable form of such a crowd. Since it does not even have to assemble, it escapes disintegration.'

Today's internet 'baiting crowds' are even worse because their anonymity does not allow any legal redress.

Much worse, the effects of creating 'baiting crowds' on social media, and their growing use by politicians, have led to the dilution of those civilising processes of parliamentary democracy, which had tamed the primeval instincts of war packs. Now, rival social media war packs make it more difficult for their representatives to compromise on contentious public policies, leading to the growing public hatred, political polarisation and dysfunction seen in both the US and UK.

This has been made worse as the newspapers lose their advertising revenue to the social media sites accommodating these 'baiting crowds'. They have countered by pandering exclusively to specific 'baiting crowds'.

Though always having been sympathetic to particular viewpoints in their opinion columns, newspapers of record such as The New York Times (NYT) prided themselves: 'to report the news in a fair and straightforward manner.'

'Today all that has changed,' as Michael Goodwin a former NYT reporter and now at the New York Post states in his 'The 2016 Election and the Demise of Journalistic Standards', (Imprimis, May/June 2017, www.Hillsdale.edu).

He sees the 2016 US election as the turning point when the NYT's top editor Dean Baquet explicitly abrogated the standard for fairness and keeping the news separate from opinion set by its legendary editor Abe Rosenthal, which was summed up on his tombstone as 'he kept the paper straight'.

My conclusion can be brief.

To restore the civility, which had tamed our basic instincts through the humanist civilising processes of post-Renaissance Europe, we need to take on social media recreating untamed 'baiting packs' and the 'war packs' based on our basic instincts, which are deleterious to the classical liberal social and political order and the civilising processes they represent.
Amid the Sikkim standoff, the Chinese Army is carrying out exercises simulating real battle scenarios at high-altitude areas in Tibet, testing new equipment, including a light battle tank.

The exercises were being carried at an altitude of 5,100 metres, the Chinese language service of the state-run Xinhua news agency reported from the Tibetan capital Lhasa.

Besides testing the new equipment, the exercises involve conducting live firing exercises.

The exercises also involve combat operations command, combat synergies, live fire shooting training, and comprehensive inspection of arms integration, the report said.

The simulation also involves offensive and defensive training.

Last week, Chinese Defence spokesman Colonel Wu Qin told the media that the trials of the tank, reportedly weighing about 35 tonnes, were taking place during military exercises.

Xinhua has also released photos of the exercises on its website.

The exercises were being held in the backdrop of heightened India-China tensions at Dokalam area in the Sikkim sector.

China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan tri-junction for the past three weeks after a construction party of the Chinese Army attempted to build a road. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.
But Modi and Xi will attend a BRICS leaders meeting in Hamburg.

China on Thursday said the atmosphere was not right for a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, amidst a standoff between the armies of the two countries in the Sikkim section.

The atmosphere is not right for a bilateral meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi, Chinese foreign ministry officials said ahead of the G20 Summit in the German city of Hamburg from Friday.

However, Indian sources in New Delhi said a meeting of BRICS leaders will take place on the sidelines of G20 summit, which is expected to have the presence of, among others, Modi and Xi, suggesting that there was no bilateral meeting between the two leaders scheduled in Hamburg.

China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan tri-junction for the past three weeks after a Chinese armys construction party attempted to build a road. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.

There were reports that Modi and Xi may meet on the sidelines of the G20 Summit to resolve the standoff.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang expressed hope that India can immediately withdraw the border troops to the Indian side of the boundary to uphold the peace tranquillity of the China and India border areas.

I think this is the pre-condition for any meaningful peace talks between the two sides, he told a media briefing when asked about the meeting between Modi and Xi on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

Geng, however, said the BRICS leaders meeting which will be attended by Modi and Xi will take place on the sidelines of the summit on Friday.

On the possibility of a Xi-Modi meeting, Geng said relevant information will be released in a timely manner.

Chinas state-run media on Wednesday had quoted Chinese analysts as saying that Beijing would be forced to use a military way to end the standoff in the Sikkim sector if India refuses to listen to the historical lessons being offered by it.

Asked about minister of state for defence Subhash Bhamres remarks that the standoff can be resolved diplomatically and Chinese soldiers should leave the Bhutanese territory to reduce tension in the area, Geng said, We noted the statement.

To avoid the situation from getting worse as well as to avoid more serious consequences the Indian troops should withdraw, he said.

We have said many times that the illegal entry of Indian border troops at the defined section and mutually recognised boundary is different in nature from previous frictions at the undefined part of the boundary, Geng said.

The action taken by India has changed the status quo. Only when India pulls back its troops, status quo will be restored. China has the will to solve the problem through the

diplomatic means and cherish the peace and tranquillity along the border area. But (there should be) unconditional withdrawal of troops by the Indian side, he said.

Geng also refuted allegations that the Chinese troops entered Bhutan territory. Bhutan has already lodged protest with China saying that the road being built by Chinese troops was in its territory.

To say that the Chinese troops entered the boundary of Bhutan, we have said many times Dokalam is always under the effective jurisdiction of China, Geng said, adding that the area is undisputable.

China and Bhutan have held 24 rounds of talks, he noted.

The two sides have basic consensus on the border areas and the alignment of the boundary. China always strictly follows relevant conventions and Chinas activities in relevant areas does not breach the convention or the ground situation, he said.

As for India, under pretext of Bhutan, it has illegally entered the territory of China, thus hindering the negotiation process between China and Bhutan. We strongly urge India to pull back to the Indian side of the boundary to avoid the situation from getting worse and have some more serious consequences, he said.

Geng also questioned Indias apprehension that the strategic road being built by China in Dokalam area in Sikkim sector could hand China the advantage as Beijing may use it can cut-off Indias access to its north-eastern states.

I dont understand why building of a road by China can bring serious risk to India. China building road on its own territory is a justified action by a sovereign state.

Anyone who knows basic rules of international relations knows that so-called security concerns of India is to trespass the defined boundary to enter the territory of neighbouring countries, he said.

No matter what kind of activities India is engaged in, this will not be tolerated by any sovereign state. This kind of protests are ridiculous. During the past few decades, it is India that built many facilities and deployed a lot of forces along the line, even crossing the line, constantly changing status quo of border areas, Geng alleged.

Without referring to the massive infrastructure development undertaken by China in Tibet and at other parts of the Line of Actual Control, he also accused India of building infrastructure along the border without taking into consideration Chinas security concerns.

I dont know while doing so, whether India has taken into account the security concerns of China, Geng said of Indias infrastructure development in the border areas.

The aim of this incident is, under the pretext of so-called security concerns and protecting Bhutan, flagrantly overstepping the already defined Sikkim section by the mutually recognised 1890 convention, to enter undisputable Dokalam region of China, thus making disputes over Dokalam, hindering the negotiation process between China and Bhutan. I believe more and more countries will come around to this, he said.
Even as the BJP is expected to win the vice-presidential poll, the opposition hopes to make it yet another display of its unity, reports Archis Mohan.

The result of the vice-presidential election, scheduled for August 5, is a foregone conclusion in favour of the National Democratic Alliance. But the Opposition hopes to make it yet another display of its unity and mark it with the return of the Janata Dal-United to the anti-Bharatiya Janata Party camp.

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi has extended an olive branch to the JD-U leadership, and the Nitish Kumar-led party has committed to supporting the Opposition candidate for vice president.

On Tuesday, Gandhi, who returned earlier this week from his foreign sojourn, asked Bihar Congress chief Ashok Choudhary to take disciplinary action against state unit party leaders if they were to publicly criticise Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

According to sources, Gandhi told Choudhary that the Bihar CM was a trusted ally of the Congress and should be accorded respect. Choudhary is also the minister of education and information technology in the Bihar government.

Choudhary conveyed this to the JD-U leadership, which has been upset after Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad had questioned Kumars commitment to fighting the BJP in the wake of the JD-Us decision to support the NDAs Presidential candidate.

JD-U spokesperson K C Tyagi said the bitterness between the two parties has ended and the alliance in Bihar remained strong.

We had said our support to NDAs presidential candidate was a one-off, and we maintain that. We would support the Oppositions vice-presidential candidate, Tyagi said.

Meanwhile, in Patna on Wednesday, Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad said at the foundation day of his party that the BJP would be finished in 2019 if Priyanka Gandhi, Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal were to come together.

The last date for filing of nominations for the vice-presidential poll is July 18.

The BJP expects to win the election comfortably, but Congress leaders have started reaching out to other opposition parties.

Gandhi, also political advisor to party President Sonia Gandhi, is in talks with Opposition leaders. He has phoned Communist Party of Indias D Raja and others.

Leaders of the 17 Opposition parties are likely to meet early next week.

The Left and the JD-U, meanwhile, have asked the Congress to focus on unifying the opposition, and adopt united protests inside Parliament during the monsoon session, as well as outside it, to raise issues of agrarian distress and incidents of mob lynching.

The BJP on Wednesday continued with its attack on RJD chief Prasad and his family for amassing wealth and properties by corrupt means.

BJP leader Sushil Modi called Prasad Bihars Robert Vadra. He asked Bihar CM Kumar to break his silence and act against his ally.

Modi accused Kumar of indirectly patronising corruption with two of Prasads sons being ministers in his government.

The BJP leader also claimed that two senior RJD leaders had met two Union ministers to request them to save the political careers of Prasads sons, but these ministers had rejected the plea.

IMAGE: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, DMK working president MK Stalin and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi at a function to celebrate the 94th birthday of DMK leader M Karunanidhi in Chennai on June 3, 2017. Photograph: PTI Photo
Before winding up his historic and groundbreaking visit to Israel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday visited the Indian cemetery at Haifa and then enjoyed a stroll on Olga beach with his good friend Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Here are the best scenes on Day 3 of the PMs visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during the World War I while protecting the Israeli city of Haifa from the Ottoman Empire forces and said the sacrifices made by them is a mark of enduring bond between the two nations. Modi visited the Indian cemetery at Haifa along with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on the last day of his visit. Photograph: Press Information Bureau

At the cemetery, the two world leaders also unveiled a plaque to commemorate Indian Soldiers led by Major Dalpat Singh who fought to liberate Haifa, in Israel. Photograph: Press Information Bureau

Modi also met members of the Indian contingent of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon at the cemetery and lauded their work. While signing the visitor's book, the PM wrote, ""I am deeply honoured to stand here today to salute the valiant Indian soldiers, who led down their lives for the liberation of Haifa during the WW I." Photograph: Jack Guez/Pool/Reuters

From Haifa, the two world leaders -- NaMo and 'Bibi -- made their way to Olga beach where they opened their shoes, pulled up their trousers above the ankles, and enjoyed a lazy walk in the waters after two days of serious work of upgrading bilateral ties. Photograph: Press Information Bureau

Both Modi Netanyahu are seen enjoying the light breeze blowing over the picturesque blue waters. Do we smell a bromance between the two? Photograph: MEAIndia/Flickr

Netanyahu took Modi on drive on board the Gal-Mobile water desalination unit on Olga beach. The Gal-Mobile is an independent, integrated water purification vehicle, designed to produce high-quality drinking water. It can be useful in natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, military use in difficult terrain and rural areas to provide drinkable water. Photograph: MEAIndia/Flickr

Modi also enjoyed a tasting of the water from the desalination unit along with his Israeli counterpart. Photograph: MEAIndia/Flickr

A hug goodbye! Netanyahu says goodbye to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a farewell ceremony upon Modi's departure from Israel at Ben Gurion International Airport.

Modi and Netanyahu's camaraderie created waves online with many discussing their "budding bromance". The Israeli premier accompanied Modi almost like a shadow since Modi landed here on the first visit by an Indian premier to the Jewish state, with both of them hugging each other at every possible opportunity. Photograph: Amir Cohen/Reuters
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday saluted the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during the World War I while protecting the Israeli city of Haifa from the Ottoman Empire forces and said the sacrifices made by them is a mark of enduring bond between the two nations.

Modi visited the Indian cemetery in Haifa along with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on the last day of his visit to Israel and laid wreaths at the site.

"Together in homage to the fallen brave. Wreaths by PM @narendramodi & PM @netanyahu at Haifa," External Affairs Ministry Spokesman Gopal Baglay tweeted.

He also unveiled a plaque commemorating Major Dalpat Singh, known as the 'Hero of Haifa' for his critical role in the liberation of the city.

"I am deeply honoured to stand here today to salute the valiant Indian soldiers, who led down their lives for the liberation of Haifa during the WW I," Modi wrote in the guest book.

"The exceptional bravery and supreme sacrifice of Major Thakur Dalpat Singh MC, the "Hero of Haifa" and his men, will be remembered forever and continue to inspire generations to come. Next year, the centenary of the battle of Haifa will present another opportunity to mark this enduring bond between India and Israel," he wrote.

The Indian Army commemorates September 23 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.

In the autumn of 1918, the Indian Brigade was a part of the Allied Forces sweeping northwards through Palestine in what is seen as the last great cavalry campaign in history.

Captain Aman Singh Bahadur and Dafadar Jor Singh were awarded the Indian Order of Merit and Captain Anop Singh and 2nd Lt Sagat Singh were awarded the Military Cross as recognition for their bravery in this battle.

Major Dalpat Singh was awarded a military cross for his bravery.

In 2012, the municipality of Haifa decided to immortalisethe sacrifices made by Indian soldiers, many of whom are buried in the cemetery here, by including the stories of their valiant efforts in school curricula.

The municipality also decided to organise a ceremony every year to commemorate the role of the Indian Army in liberating the city from Turks after almost 402 years.

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All Photographs: Press Information Bureau
United States President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel shook hands at the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, on Thursday -- less than four months after the president notably appeared to snub Merkels request for a handshake during their first face-to-face meeting at the White House in March.

IMAGE: German Chancellor Angela Merkel showed she meant business when she thrusted out her hand at United States President Donald Trump for a handshake. Photograph: Michael Kappeler/Pool/Reuters

Merkel shot her hand out toward Trump on Thursday as they stood before a G20 backdrop so that it was clear what she wanted. He did not botch the greeting again.

Trump arrived in Germany just before the meet and greet for an intense two-day stretch at the G20 summit that will put his diplomatic prowess to the ultimate test as he sits down with Russia's president, a former KGB spy, for the first time.

IMAGE: Merkel seems to be thrilled to bits that Trump finally gave in and shook hands with her! Doesn't her expression say it all? Photograph: Michael Kappeler/Pool/Reuters

The meeting with Merkel could turn terse as they speak about Trumps dramatic exit from the international climate accord known as the Paris agreement shortly after he and Merkel were last together and trade relations.



Trump made his way to Hamburg from Warsaw, Poland where he praised the nations will to survive because they have never, ever forgotten who they are.

IMAGE: Merkel does look surprised that Trump known for the most 'awkward' handshakes didn't botch it up. Photograph: Matthias Schrader/Pool/Reuters

The Polish experience reminds us -- the defence of the West ultimately rests not only on means but also on the will of its people to prevail, Trump said.

Your oppressors tried to break you, but Poland could not be broken, he said.

IMAGE: Back in March when Merkel visited the White House, Trump ignored her request for a handshake, which shocked the media and Merkel herself. A meme of that moment quickly went viral and the US president quickly came to be known for his wierd handshakes.

Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

Back in March, a meeting at the White House in March went awry when the US president missed several verbal and situational cues and did not offer Merkel his hand.
The four-day-old strike by more than 1,000 cinema halls in Tamil Nadu protesting levy of 30 per cent local body tax in addition to GST was on Thursday called off after the state government proposed setting up of a bipartite committee to resolve the issue.

The theatres will start functioning from Friday with the ticket prices set to go up from the present maximum of Rs 120 with the addition of 28 per cent of Goods and Services Tax.

The decision to set up the committee comprising government and industry representatives was taken at a meeting between senior ministers and office-bearers of Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners and Distributors Association and other stakeholders on Thursday afternoon.

Emerging from the meeting which lasted for more than an hour, TNTODA president Abirami Ramanathan said the theatres would begin functioning from Friday as usual.

Top functionaries of Film Producers Council and South Indian Artistes Association also participated in the meeting held at the state secretariat.

Going ahead with their strike announced on June 30 on the eve of GST rollout, the exhibitors shut their halls since July 3 citing their inability to pay both taxes.

Opposition parties and prominent industry players, including superstar Rajinikanth, had appealed to the government to step in to resolve the issue, saying the livelihood of lakhs of people dependent on the film industry was at stake.

Thursdays meeting came in the backdrop of the issue also figuring in the state assembly where the government said steps were being taken to find a solution.

We have decided to call off the strike which has been going on the for the last four days. More than 1,000 theatres were shut across Tamil Nadu. The daily loss (incurred due to closure of theatres) was estimated to be Rs 20 crore, Ramanathan told reporters.

When asked how much one has to pay for a movie ticket with theatres set to resume operations, he said, similar to other products and services, along with the existing capped rate of Rs 120 per ticket, 28 per cent will be levied under GST.

This means movie goers might have to shell out a maximum of around Rs 153 per ticket as against existing Rs 120.

Ramanathan thanked Finance Minister D Jayakumar, Commercial Taxes Minister Veeramani, Municipal Administration Minister S P Velumani and Information and Publicity Minister Kadambur Raju for taking steps to break the impasse.

He said the proposed committee would have eight members from the film industry. I do not know how many members will be representing the government, he said.

The association had been demanding withdrawal of the local body tax of 30 per cent, saying theatre owners would not be able to pay both GST and the local tax.

We hope the committees decision will be in favour of us. We have been demanding removal of the local body tax, he said.

Earlier in the day, the issue of closure of the theatres echoed in the assembly for the second time this week with the opposition raising it.

Leader of the Opposition and Dravida Munnetra Kazagham Working President M K Stalin raised the issue, saying imposing of the local body tax amounted to double taxation since the GST has been rolled out.

Besides Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan had also extended support to the strike by the association.

Rajinikanth, who is currently in the US for a health check-up, had on Wednesday requested the government to consider the film industrys plea. Kamal Haasan expressed his gratitude to the Kabali star for taking up the issue.

Image: A notice outside a cineplex states cancellation of movie shows, at a protest, in Chennai. Photograph: R Senthil Kumar/PTI Photo
The US also blasted China and Russia for not joining hands with the international community in their efforts to combat the North Korean threat.

The United States has warned of using military force in response to North Korea's "reckless" launch of a ballistic missile and blasted China and Russia for "holding the hands" of the reclusive nation's "vicious

dictator" Kim Jong Un.

"It is a dark day because yesterday's actions by North Korea made the world a more dangerous place. Their illegal missile launch was not only dangerous, but reckless and irresponsible. It showed that North Korea does not want to be part of a peaceful world," US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said at an emergency Security Council meeting at United Nations on Wednesday following the launch of the intercontinental ballistic missile by North Korea.

The device, launched on Wednesday, was capable of reaching Alaska, and the Korean Central News Agency quoted leader Kim Jong-Un as saying the confrontation with the US had entered the "final stage".

Indian-American Haley warned that the US "is prepared to use the full range of our capabilities" to defend itself and its allies.

"One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces. We will use them if we must, but we prefer not to have to go in that direction. We have other methods of addressing those who threaten us and of addressing those who supply the threats. We have great capabilities in the area of trade," she said, adding that she had spoken with President Donald Trump about the issue.

Calling out on China, Haley said much of the burden of enforcing UN sanctions against North Korea rests with Beijing as 90 per cent of trade with North Korea is from China.

While she said the US will work with China, at the same time she warned that some countries are allowing and "even encouraging" trade with North Korea in violation of UN Security Council resolutions.

"Such countries would also like to continue their trade arrangements with the United States. That's not going to happen. Our attitude on trade changes when countries do not take international security threats seriously," she said.

Haley also blasted China and Russia for not joining hands with the international community in their efforts to combat the North Korean threat, saying the regime of Kim Jong Un has not and will not listen to anything Beijing and Moscow will say.

"And so it's time that we all stand together and say we will not put up with this action. To sit there and oppose sanctions, or to sit there and go in defiance of a new resolution means you're holding the hands of Kim Jong Un," she added.

Haley also warned that in the coming days, the US will bring before the Security Council a resolution that raises the international response in a way that is "proportionate" to North Korea's "new escalation".

Without giving details of the resolution, Haley said if the international community is unified, it can cut off the major sources of hard currency to the North Korean regime.

"We can restrict the flow of oil to their military and their weapons programmes. We can increase air and maritime restrictions. We can hold senior regime officials accountable," she said, warning that the US will take action not just against North Korea but "will look at any country that chooses to do business with this outlaw regime. We will not have patience for stalling or talking our way down to a watered-down resolution".

Briefing the emergency meeting of the Security Council convened following the launch by North Korea of a ballistic missile of intercontinental range, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Miroslav Jenca said that the country must stop any actions that are a violation of Security Council resolutions and allow space for the resumption of sincere dialogue.

"All parties must work to reopen communications channels, particularly military to military, to lower the risk of miscalculation or misunderstanding," he said.

The Hwasong-14 ballistic missile covered a distance of 933 kilometres during its 39-minute flight and reached an altitude of 2,802 kilometres before impacting into the sea.

According to these parameters the missile would have a range of roughly 6,700 kilometres if launched on a more typical trajectory, making it an intercontinental ballistic missile, according to widely used definitions, he said.

As Haley warned that North Koreas actions "are quickly closing off the possibility of a diplomatic solution", Russia's deputy envoy to the UN Vladimir Safronkov said Moscow objected to any action that could lead to a hardening of antagonisms and opposed imposition of sanctions on the country.

He pressed Pyongyang to declare a moratorium on nuclear and ballistic-missile testing, and the United States and South Korea to refrain from conducting full joint military exercises adding that discussions could reaffirm the principles of non-use of force, peaceful coexistence and denuclearization of the Peninsula.

He said Moscow also objected to the presence of some military forces in North-East Asia under the pretext of countering Pyongyang's military programmes.

Calling for measures that would strike a strategic balance in the region, he warned that any attempt to justify a military solution were be "inadmissible", as were attempts to strangle the North Korea economically.

Humanitarian efforts must be depoliticised, he added, underlining that sanctions would not resolve the issues.

China's envoy to the UN Liu Jieyi, Council President for the month, described the launch as a flagrant and unacceptable violation of Council resolutions but called upon all concerned to avoid provocative actions, demonstrate willingness to enter into unconditional dialogue, and work together to defuse tensions.

He said China had always insisted on denuclearisation through dialogue and consultation, adding that his country opposed chaos and that military means must not be an option.

Deploying the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence antimissile system in North-East Asia undermined regional security interests, including those of China, and was not conducive to regional peace and stability, he emphasised, urging the countries concerned to cancel its deployment.

Photograph: Kind courtesy Nikki Haley/Twitter
Egypt: Investigate allegations of disappearance, torture and extrajudicial execution of four men

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 6 July 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Egypt: Investigate allegations of disappearance, torture and extrajudicial execution of four men, 6 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/595e1fa97.html [accessed 12 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Evidence gathered by Amnesty International suggests that Egyptian police extrajudicially executed four men who had been forcibly disappeared and tortured for periods up to four weeks after they were arrested on suspicion of being members of the Muslim Brotherhood. The evidence raises serious questions about government claims that the men were killed during exchanges of fire in two separate incidents on 20 and 23 June.

Family members who saw victims' bodies at the morgue told Amnesty International that three of them bore signs of torture including bruises and in one case, burns, and that National Security Agency officers prevented them from photographing the bodies, confiscating the mobile phone of one of the relatives.

"Evidence pointing to the apparent torture and extrajudicial executions of these four men in police custody highlights the need for a prompt, impartial investigation into their deaths. The Egyptian security services today feel they can torture, disappear and shoot suspects without fear of any accountability or oversight," said Najia Bounaim Amnesty International's North Africa Campaigns Director.

"The Egyptian authorities must not be allowed to whitewash violations or give security forces free rein to torture and kill with impunity in the name of national security."

The deaths of these four men are the latest in a string of dozens of killings of suspects by security forces since July 2015 which have been described by the Ministry of Interior as a successful "liquidation of terrorists".

On 20 June 2017, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) announced on its official Facebook page that Abdelzaher Motawie, 32, Sabry Sabah, 46, and Ahmed Abu Rashid, 41, were killed in "an exchange of fire" when police approached the apartment where they were alleged to be hiding. The statement claimed that the three men had been charged with belonging to the armed group calling itself "Hasm" and participating in violent attacks against state facilities.

On 23 June, the MOI announced that police had shot dead Mohamed Abdel Moneim Abu Tabeekh, 39, on a highway in Giza governorate, after he "resisted arrest" on charges of financially supporting the armed group "Hasm".

However, information gathered by Amnesty International casts serious doubts over the authorities' version of events and suggests that the four men, who went missing a month before their killings were announced, were already in police custody at the time of their deaths.

In both statements, the MOI accused the Muslim Brotherhood of sponsoring the armed group "Hasm". The MOI did not report any police casualties in either incident.

Abdelzaher Motawie's brother attended the washing of the body, a pre-burial ritual, at a morgue in Alexandria. He told Amnesty International he saw three bruises on his brother's head and burns on his chest and shoulders. He also saw three bullet wounds to the chest and one to the mouth. He said that another family member who was there tried to photograph the body, but National Security agents present in the morgue intervened, confiscating his mobile phone.

Ahmed Abu Rashid's brother-in-law and wife, interviewed separately, each said they saw a big bruise on his right cheek and smaller ones on other parts of the face.

Sabry Sabah's relatives, who saw his body in the morgue, told Amnesty International that they saw bruises on his head, chest and near one of his armpits. They described seeing three bullet wounds; one in his chest and two in his back - one above each of his kidneys.

According to the Ministry of Interior, Sabry Sabah had been tried and sentenced in his absence to life imprisonment for belonging to "a banned group"; and Abdelzaher Motawie, was in hiding, wanted by authorities on the same charge. According to Sabry Sabah and Mohamed Abdel Moneim Abu Tabeekh's relatives, police raided both men's homes on 20 May after they had gone missing.

Amnesty International examined copies of documents including letters and telegrams sent by family members to the Public Prosecutor, the Cabinet and the Ministry of Interior calling for an investigation into the whereabouts of their loved ones several weeks before their deaths were announced, suggesting the men may have already been in state custody when they were killed. The documents state that Abdelzaher Motawei disappeared on 19 May, Ahmed Abu Rashid on 28 May, Mohamed Abu Tabeekh on 20 May and Sabry Sabah on 18 May.

They received no response to their complaints and in one case the authorities pressured relatives to drop their complaints and end the search for their loved-ones. Abdelzaher Motawie's brother said that when he attempted to report his brother's disappearance at Damanhour Police station on 22 May, a National Security Agency officer beat him, detained him overnight and interrogated him about his brother's activities, then ordered him to never come back to the station.

This is not the first time that the Egyptian authorities have failed to investigate allegations of extrajudicial executions. Amnesty International documented the extrajudicial execution of six men in Sinai on 13 January by police. They had been held in incommunicado detention for up to three months before being killed. In another incident in April 2017, a leaked video that was verified by Amnesty International showed military forces in North Sinai extrajudicially executing seven unarmed individuals, including a 17-year old child.

"The Egyptian authorities' repeated failure to investigate reports of extrajudicial executions is a dangerous signal that they are colluding in grave violations being committed by the security forces. Instead of emboldening those who commit abuses they should ensure all perpetrators of such crimes are brought to justice," said Najia Bounaim.

Extrajudicial executions are unlawful and deliberate killings carried out by officials, by order of a government or with its complicity or acquiescence. Enforced disappearances and extrajudicial executions carried out as part of a widespread or systematic attack on the civilian population can amount to crimes against humanity.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Director of Amnesty International Turkey must be released from incommunicado detention

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 6 July 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Director of Amnesty International Turkey must be released from incommunicado detention, 6 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/595e20a84.html [accessed 12 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Responding to the news that Idil Eser, Director of Amnesty International Turkey, was detained on Wednesday along with seven other human rights defenders and two trainers during a digital security and information management workshop in Buyukada, Istanbul, Salil Shetty, Amnesty International's Secretary General, said:

"We are profoundly disturbed and outraged that some of Turkey's leading human rights defenders, including the Director of Amnesty International Turkey should have been detained so blatantly without cause.

"Her incommunicado detention and that of the other human rights defenders attending a routine training event, is a grotesque abuse of power and highlights the precarious situation facing human rights activists in the country. Idil Eser and those detained with her, must be immediately and unconditionally released.

"World leaders currently sitting in Hamburg have been remarkably tolerant of Turkey's human rights meltdown. With President Erdogan now in their midst, this would be a good time to speak out firmly and call for the release of all human rights defenders currently behind bars."

Background

The whereabouts of Idil Eser and the others detained alongside her, are currently unknown.

Idil Eser and the other detainees, are understood to have been denied access to lawyers, which police are entitled to do for 24 hours, and the right to contact a family member, which must be granted immediately.

Police have told lawyers that they will be given information at 2.30pm today.

In addition to Idil Eser, the seven human rights defenders detained were: Ilknur Ustun, Women's Coalition, Gunal Kursun , lawyer, Human Rights Agenda Association, Nalan Erkem, Lawyer, Citizens Assembly, Nejat Tastan, Equal Rights Watch Association , Ozlem Dalkran, Citizens' Assembly, Seyhmuz Ozbekli, lawyer, Veli Acu, Human Rights Agenda Association.

Two foreign trainers - a German and a Swedish national - as well as the hotel owner, were also detained.

These detentions come less than a month after Amnesty International's Turkey chair, Taner Kilic, was remanded in prison custody on baseless charges.

Correction: The original text was changed as it incorrectly referred to G20 leaders meeting in Berlin. They are meeting in Hamburg.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Disclaimer

This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
China must release critically ill Liu Xiaobo

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 5 July 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, China must release critically ill Liu Xiaobo, 5 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/595e216c4.html [accessed 12 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The Chinese authorities are demonstrating new-depths of cruelty by preventing Liu Xiaobo from leaving the country to receive urgent medical treatment for his late-stage liver cancer, Amnesty International said.

On Wednesday, the authorities announced medical experts from Germany and the US will be invited to China to assist with the treatment of the Nobel Peace Prize winner. The move appears in part an attempt to limit international criticism, as the authorities continue to refuse to grant Liu Xiaobo and his wife Liu Xia's wish to travel abroad to receive treatment.

"Time is running out for Liu Xiaobo. It is not too late for the authorities to end this cruel farce. They must let Liu Xiaobo and his wife, Liu Xia, travel abroad to get the medical treatment he so desperately needs," said Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty International.

The pro-democracy activist and former university lecturer was placed on medical parole last Monday and transferred to a hospital in Shenyang municipality in north-east China. His wife Liu Xia was able to reunite with him last week. The authorities' claim that Liu Xiaobo is too ill to travel is disputed by his family.

Liu Xiaobo was jailed for 11 years in 2009 for "inciting subversion of state power", after he co-signed a call for political reform in China, known as Charter 08. Amnesty International recognized him as a Prisoner of Conscience, detained solely for exercising his human rights.

Inspiration

In an attempt to impose a news blackout on Liu Xiaobo after he obtained the Nobel Peace prize in 2010, the Chinese authorities systematically harassed and intimidated his family and supporters. Liu Xia has been unlawfully placed under house arrest for the past seven years to prevent her from communicating with the outside world.

Among growing international condemnation of China's treatment of Liu Xiaobo and Liu Xia several foreign governments have offered to transfer and treat Liu abroad. Last Thursday, Amnesty International joined 153 other Nobel Prize Winners in a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping calling for the couple to be allowed to travel abroad.

"Liu Xiaobo is an inspiring figure whose only crime was to speak truth to power. He should never have spent a single day in jail, an injustice made even more tragic by the fact that his cancer was not diagnosed until it reached terminal phase. President Xi Jinping must do the right thing and order his immediate release," said Salil Shetty.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
G20: Press China to Free Nobel Laureate

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 5 July 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, G20: Press China to Free Nobel Laureate, 5 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/595e22054.html [accessed 12 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

World leaders attending the G20 Summit should press Chinese President Xi Jinping to immediately free the gravely ill Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo, Human Rights Watch said today. China should allow Liu and his wife, Liu Xia, to freely choose whether to receive medical treatment in China or abroad. The G20 Summit of 20 major economies takes place on July 7-8, 2017, in Hamburg, Germany.

"China's brutal and inhuman treatment of Liu Xiaobo has not lessened even after his terminal illness was reported," said Lotte Leicht, European Union director at Human Rights Watch. "The G20 summit is a critical moment for some of the world's richest nations to demonstrate that they won't sit idly by while one of their peers acts with deliberate and unrestrained cruelty."

Since the news of Liu Xiaobo's illness became public on June 26, virtually no information has been released about him. Although Liu was formally "released on bail for medical treatment," the hospital where he is being treated in Shenyang, Liaoning province, is heavily guarded by Chinese security. So far only Liu Xia and possibly her brother, Liu Hui, have been allowed to see him.

The media have reported that the Chinese government told foreign diplomats that Liu is too ill to travel, but no independent medical experts have been allowed to evaluate his condition. On July 5, the Shenyang Bureau of Justice announced that China has invited doctors from Germany and the United States to come to China to help treat Liu, which it said it had done at the request of the couple and the doctors treating them[PS1] .

The couple had earlier communicated through close friends their wish to go abroad for treatment. The authorities previously released a video and articles showing Liu Xiaobo being given "meticulous care" and Liu Xia and Liu Hui thanking the doctors. It is unclear whether they were aware of being filmed or had given consent to having the footage released.

Liu Xiaobo has been imprisoned since 2008 for his pro-democracy activities. During that time, authorities have kept Liu Xia under house arrest without legal grounds and detained Liu Hui on dubious fraud charges, though they later released him on bail.

Several governments - including the United States, Canada, and France - have publicly offered to host the pair for treatment, while others, including the European Union and Germany, have made statements calling for his release and right to receive medical treatment at a place of his choosing. A German government spokesman, Steffen Seibert, said that "in such a difficult situation, a humanitarian solution for Liu Xiaobo should be the highest priority" for China's government. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, met with Chinese officials on June 30 to discuss the case.

Other G20 governments have yet to speak out publicly on Liu's case.

Members of the G20 include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the US, and the EU.

"An economic superpower is holding hostage a terminally ill Nobel laureate for its self-serving policies of abuse and repression," Leicht said. "The G20 Summit may be world leaders' last best chance to press China to act with humanity and let Liu Xiaobo and Liu Xia go."

Copyright notice:  Copyright, Human Rights Watch
Tanzania: Stop Threatening Rights Groups

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 6 July 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Tanzania: Stop Threatening Rights Groups, 6 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/595e22974.html [accessed 12 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

"Tanzania's president and other top officials should be focusing on how to build the country by helping everyone complete their education and ending discrimination," said Elin Martinez, children's rights researcher at Human Rights Watch. "Protecting people's rights not only helps them and their families, but strengthens the whole country."

Recent statements by government officials could have a chilling effect on the activities of affected organizations, the international groups said. On June 22, 2017, President John Magufuli stated, "As long as I'm president, no pregnant students will be allowed to return to school." He said that young mothers could opt for vocational training or become entrepreneurs, but should not be permitted to pursue formal education in public schools. In the same speech, he made derogatory statements regarding same-sex relationships.

On June 25, Home Affairs Minister Mwigulu Nchemba threatened to deregister organizations that challenged the president's ban on schooling for pregnant girls and teen mothers, and to prosecute or deport anyone working to protect rights of LGBT people.

The government estimates that 30 out of every 100 girls dropped out of school due to pregnancy in 2015. Many schools routinely force girls to undergo pregnancy tests and expel girls who are found to be pregnant, give birth, or get married, bringing an early end to their formal education.

The recent statements by Magufuli and Nchemba contradict longstanding efforts by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and civil society organizations to develop re-entry guidelines to ensure that girls can go back to school after pregnancy. The ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi ("Party of the Revolution"), in its 2015 election manifesto made a commitment to ensure girls who drop out of school due to pregnancy can continue their studies.

In 2015, the United Nations expert body on child rights, the Committee on the Rights of the Child, expressed concern at Tanzania's lack of explicit legal provisions prohibiting the expulsion of girls because they become pregnant. The committee called on the Tanzanian government to take immediate measures to ensure the continued enrollment of girls who become pregnant, and to support and assist girls in their re-enrollment and continuation of education in public schools.

Tanzania's restrictions on the rights of LGBT people also have serious consequences. Under previous Tanzanian governments, men who have sex with men were recognized as a key population in the fight against HIV, and the country's HIV policies called for dedicated outreach to this group. Such efforts have been halted under Magufuli's government, which has also conducted a raid on one organization working on health issues for men who have sex with men and has threatened to close down others.

In October 2016, a Ministry of Health directive temporarily suspended "provision of HIV and AIDS services at a community level," followed by an order to close "drop-in centers" for key populations. In an unprecedented crackdown, Tanzanian authorities are arresting and prosecuting people on homosexuality-related charges, and subjecting them to forced anal examinations, a form of cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment that can amount to torture.

The government's statements contravene Tanzania's international and regional human rights obligations. These include the obligation to ensure that all children can attend primary and secondary education free from discrimination, as well as an obligation to take all appropriate measures to ensure children who become pregnant have an opportunity to continue their education. The right to campaign for equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity, is also protected. International law and the Tanzanian constitution guarantee the rights to freedom of expression and association. The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights has urged governments to undertake measures to end violence and discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, and expressed concern about violations of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly based on sexual orientation.

The government should immediately stop threatening the work of nongovernmental organizations, the groups said. All civil society groups should be allowed to operate without fear of reprisals for their research, advocacy, programming, and essential services. The United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, which the General Assembly adopted by consensus in 1998, calls on states to "take all necessary measures to ensure the protection by the competent authorities of [human rights defenders] against any violence, threats, retaliation, de facto or de jure adverse discrimination, pressure or any other arbitrary actions" as a consequence of their legitimate effort to promote human rights.

"Independent civil society plays a crucial role in debates, policymaking and services on critical issues facing Tanzania," Michelle Kagari, Deputy Regional Director at Amnesty International said. "Threatening to obstruct their work and silence their voices is counterproductive and contrary to Tanzania's international legal obligations."

Signed by:

Amnesty International

Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE)

Center for Reproductive Rights

Chapter Four Uganda

Child Rights Information Network

Equal Education Law Centre, South Africa

Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya

Global Campaign for Education

Global Observatory for Inclusion

Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF), Uganda

Human Rights Watch

International Women's Health Coalition

Ipas

Kenya Human Rights Commission

National Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission, Kenya

Right to Education Initiative

Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights

Unchained At Last

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Body cameras for the Mooresville Police Department have arrived. Find out when they will be used.
Lawmakers from Cambodias National Assembly met Thursday to discuss a proposed amendment that would ban the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) from associating with its former leader Sam Rainsy if voted into law next week.



The amendment to the Law on Political Partiesproposed by the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP)would ban parties from associating with or using the voice, image, or written documents of anyone convicted of a criminal offense, according to a copy of the proposed changes obtained by RFAs Khmer Service.



Article 44(2) would also prevent parties from supporting or organizing plans with anyone to undertake actions against the interest of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and using a name or acronym that is similar to one used by another party.



Political parties found in violation of the proposed amendment could be banned from political activities for up to five years and prohibited from competing in elections, or even dissolved.



The amendment will be put forward for a vote by the 68 CPP lawmakers and 55 CNRP lawmakers that make up the National Assembly on July 10.



The CPP had proposed an amendment to the Law on Political Parties which was approved amid a boycott of parliament by opposition lawmakers in February that banned convicted criminals from holding a leadership position in a party, forcing Sam Rainsy to resign as president of the CNRP.



The former opposition chief has been living in self-imposed exile in France since November 2015 to avoid jail time for convictions widely seen as politically motivated and delivered by courts beholden to Prime Minister Hun Sens government.



The latest proposal followed a speech by Hun Sen last week to mark the 66th anniversary of the founding of the CPP, during which he slammed Sam Rainsy for his daily Facebook videos criticizing the shortcomings of the ruling party from abroad.



Chheang Vun, a spokesman for the CPPs National Assembly members, told reporters that the ruling party is determined to pass the proposed amendment at its earliest convenience.



He scolded opposition lawmaker Yem Ponhearith for saying recently that a photo of Sam Rainsy holding hands with current CNRP president Kem Sokha had helped the party make substantial gains in last months commune election, warning him that doing so will be a crime when the amendment is passed.



That means the CNRP is colluding with a convictits very serious and your words can be held against you, he said.



You have to be very careful. You have to study the laws before you speak. You can enjoy freedom of expression, but beware of its boundaries. Using Sam Rainsys image will be illegal and punishable.



Ruled by law



CNRP deputy president Eng Chhai Eang told reporters after Thursdays meeting that the CPP intends to use the proposed amendment to narrow the path of the CNRP ahead of a general election scheduled for next year.



He dismissed the proposed changes as a joke  in violation of the constitution, and vowed that CNRP lawmakers will boycott next weeks vote on the amendment, which he called useless and a waste of time.



No law has ever restricted the use of a voice or image of a convict for the interest of a political party, he said.



It is absurdly unprecedented that such a law, which is aimed at restricting the rights and freedom of the people, is being proposed now. It is clear now that Cambodia is ruled by law, not the rule of law. This [proposal] is nothing but an attempt to hold onto power and impose restrictions on the opposition.



Eng Chhai Eang acknowledged that if the new law is adopted, the CNRP will be forced to comply and remove Sam Rainsys image from its posters or be dissolved.



But he warned that adoption of such a law would severely damage Cambodias image in the eyes of the international community.



This law is unwelcome and strongly criticizedit will make Cambodia look bad, he said.



Nonetheless, the CNRP is determined to move forward with our goal of winning the upcoming [general] election. We wont play the CPPs game. We will stick to our objective, and when the CNRP wins the election, we will remove such laws.



The Phnom Penh Post quoted political analyst Cham Bunthet as saying that the proposed amendment would worsen an already divisive and fragile political environment in Cambodia, and that he did not believe it would have the intended effect of sidelining Sam Rainsy.



This will make Sam Rainsy more popular and make the situation in Cambodia even worse, Bunthet told the Post, explaining that whatever credibility the former opposition leader had lost by fleeing arrest threats from Hun Sen would now be recouped with the government showing it feared him.



Reported by Savi Khorn for RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Nareth Muong. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
Sending cancer-stricken Nobel peace laureate Liu Xiaobo overseas for medical treatment as his condition worsens is "not realistic," a former Chinese propaganda official told RFA on .



The former Liaoning provincial propaganda bureau official said the ruling Chinese Communist Party likely won't cave in to growing international calls for Liu's release on overseas medical parole to seek treatment for late-stage liver cancer, as the family has requested.



"It's not realistic for him to go overseas," the former official said. "I don't think they'll allow him to go."



Speaking after the Shenyang No. 1 Medical University hospital in the northeastern province of Liaoning invited cancer specialists from across China, the United States and Europe to treat him, the former official said the authorities' claim to be assembling a team of specialists at Liu's bedside was a public relations exercise.



"It's to make it look good for the foreigners, for certain specific people," he said. "It won't be easy to get them to compromise on this, and if they were going to make any concessions [to Liu's wishes], they would have done so a long time ago."



"They'd be making more trouble for themselves if they were to give in now."



Beijing's decision to "release" Liu on medical parole when his cancer was already in a terminal stage has drawn widespread criticism from rights groups.



"The Chinese authorities are demonstrating new-depths of cruelty by preventing Liu Xiaobo from leaving the country to receive urgent medical treatment for his late-stage liver cancer," Amnesty International said in a statement on its website.



'Cruel farce'

The invitation of overseas medical experts appears in part an attempt to limit international criticism, as the authorities continue to refuse to grant Liu Xiaobo and his wife Liu Xias wish to travel abroad to receive treatment, the group said.



"Time is running out for Liu Xiaobo," the group's secretary general Salil Shetty said. "It is not too late for the authorities to end this cruel farce. They must let Liu Xiaobo and his wife, Liu Xia, travel abroad to get the medical treatment he so desperately needs."



But Beijing has brushed aside criticism, warning other countries not to interfere in its internal affairs.



Liu, who may not have long to live, is suffering from a build-up of fluid in his abdomen caused by his worsening liver function, the hospital treating him said.



While his wife Liu Xia has been photographed with him in hospital, friends of the couple say they are still under tight surveillance by state security police, and that visitors are being prevented from seeing Liu.



His family has been placed on "24-hour alert," indicating that his life is in danger. State media reported that a team of Chinese experts led by liver expert Mao Yilei has been invited to consult on his case.



But fellow rights activist Ye Du said this may not be an indicator of the seriousness of his condition.



"In China, sometimes they place you on 24-hour alert because the person's condition is genuinely critical, but sometimes the hospital just wants to cover itself, so will warn the family even when their condition isn't very serious," Ye said.



Medication suspended

Beijing-based rights activist Hu Jia, who was also recently hospitalized and his family warned to prepare for the worst, said Liu is likely being prevented from going to Beijing for treatment, too.



"That professor, Mao Yilei, who is a recognized authority on liver diseases, at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital in Beijing," Hu said. "If Xiaobo could be admitted there for treatment, he'd be able to fine-tune his treatment, monitor all changes, and react in time."



"But they have the 19th Party Congress coming up in Beijing, so they want to keep Xiaobo confined," he said.



He said the authorities would also want to avoid sending Liu overseas while he is still articulate.



"If Liu Xiaobo does go overseas, then they want him to be in a coma, unconscious, unable to speak," Hu said. "That way, Liu can't leave them with any kind of emotional legacy."



Retired health ministry official Chen Bingzhong said Liu's medication has been suspended owing to his liver's inability to metabolize medication.



"When you have abdominal edema, then things are already very serious," Chen said. "And the side-effects of those medications are very strong, and he won't be able to tolerate them."



"But the stopping of medication is temporary. Once he has recovered to a certain point, they will have to start it again," he said.



Reported by Qiao Long for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Goh Fung for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Kazakh nomads herd their livestock with their caravan across a plain in Altay prefecture, northwestern China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, June 2, 2012.

Amid growing cross-border tensions over a dispute over Chinese restrictions on the free movement of Kazakhs to neighboring Kazakhstan, an elderly Kazakh mother has made an emotional plea to the country's president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, to put pressure on Beijing to release her son, an ethnic minority Kazakh actor in the northwestern region of Xinjiang.

Kazakhstan citizen Sabila Tacassi, mother of Zhenishan Baghdap, 50, made the plea in a video after he was taken away from his home by Chinese police in Xinjiang's regional capital Urumqi on May 2.

"I have been a Kazakh citizen for many years now, after emigrating from China in response to the President's call," she said. "I am a mother of seven, and became a Kazakh citizen in 2002."

"I have also won a Glorious Mother award from the government, as well as government subsidies, which, combined with my pension, mean that I live a comfortable life," she said.

The Chinese government in the mid-20th century issued Glorious Mother awards to women who gave birth to more than five children in recognition for their contribution to boosting the country's population so as to fortify it against Western imperialism.

"But now, I have suddenly discovered that my son Zhenishan Baghdap has been detained in China," she said.

Baghdap, a Kazakh voice actor and movie translator with family in Kazakhstan, may have been detained for posts made to social media, sources in the region told RFA on Thursday.

"This was a fairly high-powered guy, and quite a famous character," an anonymous source said. "He had previously worked in the Kazakh section of Xinjiang TV, and he was a famous voice actor who had also translated a lot of movies."

"The reason they detained him was probably because of something he did or said online," the source said. "But the authorities don't need a reason to detain people anymore."

Growing anger among Kazakhs

Baghdap's detention comes amid growing anger among Kazakhs with relatives in China over the Chinese Communist Party's apparent crackdown on the minority ethnic group within its borders.

Last month, a group of state scientists and other scholars hit out at the "persecution" of ethnic Kazakhs by Chinese authorities, and called on Astana to put pressure on Beijing.

Meanwhile, sources said two other people, a Kazakh named as Kalyhar and a member of China's Uzbek minority identified by the single name Rustum, were detained at the same time.

Kalyhar was detained at Xinjiang's Baktu border crossing on his way to Kazakhstan, a second source said.

"He had already bought a house in Almaty, and then gone back [to Xinjiang]," the source said. "Then he sold his house in [Xinjiang's] Tacheng, and was on his way back again."

"He was detained at the Baktu border crossing, carrying a huge amount of cash, and they wanted to know why he was taking so much money out of the country. He was a former cop in Tacheng, but they detained him anyway."

Rustum, meanwhile, was a devout Muslim youth with an elderly mother to care for, the source said.

"He said his prayers every day like an ordinary Muslim, and was detained," he said.

Passport, resident permit confiscations

Residents of Kazakhstan have complained they are being prevented from seeing their families after Chinese authorities began confiscating the passports and residence permits of ethnic minority Kazakhs whose family members live across the border.

Some 200,000 Kazakhs who hold Chinese passports and permanent residence cards for Kazakhstan were told to hand in their Kazakhstan-issued residency cards to Chinese police "for safekeeping," although sources later said officials in some parts of Xinjiang were rapidly backpedaling on the policy and working round the clock to send Kazakh green cards and passports back to their owners.

In a related development, Chinese police recently issued warrants for the arrest of some 200 Chinese nationals who follow prominent Kazakhstan blogger and podcaster Jarkan 7 on social media, sources in Kazakhstan told RFA this week.

"Some of them had been downloading Jarkan 7's podcasts or retweeting them, so now 200 Kazakhs are on the secret watch list [of the Xinjiang police], including me," the source said.

"I'm not afraid, because I am a Kazakh citizen, so they can't touch me or hurt me, but they have gone to visit my family, my parents a number of times," the source said.

Reported by Qiao Long for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Chesterfield County school administrators have launched an investigation after a Bellwood Elementary School student claimed she was forced to run while fasting in observance of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Of course, the school division was alarmed and is deeply concerned over the allegations of religious discrimination, School Board lawyer Wendell Roberts wrote in a letter Wednesday responding to a complaint from the ACLU of Virginia. The school division will take appropriate action depending on the outcome of the review.

The investigation came after the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia on June 22 sent a letter to the division saying that the allegation, if true, violates the First and 14 amendments, Chesterfields policies and state law.

Teachers should make accommodations for fasting students such as assigning a different task to complete that does not require them to do any strenuous physical exercise, Leslie Mehta, the ACLU of Virginias legal director, wrote.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, marks when the Prophet Muhammad received the first of the revelations that make up the Quran, the holy book of Islam, during the seventh century. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset during this month, which occurred this year between May 26 and June 24.

According to the ACLU letter, a physical education teacher insisted that the student run even after the student said she was fasting. When the teacher deemed her speed unsatisfactory, she said he then repeatedly forced the entire class to continue running as punishment.

After being forced to run, the fasting student complained of feeling nauseous and weak, the ACLU letter read.

Roberts said the school has opened a human resources investigation into the matter, and will follow up with the parents of the child in a few weeks after the review is complete.

In addition to the investigation, Roberts wrote that the school division will review its practices and policies as well as assess the need for professional development on non-western religious beliefs and customs.

School division spokesman Shawn Smith said Wednesday that the school would not comment beyond Roberts letter.
William C. Morva is set to be executed at 9 p.m. Thursday for shooting two men to death during an escape more than a decade ago, unless Gov. Terry McAuliffe intervenes.

The mother of deputy Eric E. Sutphin, who was shot and killed by Morva, said she hopes Morva is executed, while Sutphins daughter is among those asking the governor to spare his life.

Jeaneen Sutphin, the deputys mother, said she hopes the execution proceeds as scheduled, but feels empathy for Morvas family.

I have no hatred for this creature who shot him execution-style. I just want justice for my son, Sutphin, 85, told The Roanoke Times on Wednesday afternoon in her Montgomery County home. If this comes to pass ... if I shed a tear tomorrow, it will be for William Morvas mother, for I know where she will be.

Sutphins daughter, Rachel Sutphin, said in an email to reporters that she sent McAuliffe a letter requesting clemency for the man who murdered her father.

I am against the death penalty for religious and moral reasons. I have fought and will continue to fight for clemency for all death row inmates until Virginia declares the death penalty unconstitutional, she said.

Lawyers for Morva, 35, have petitioned McAuliffe asking him to commute the sentence from death to life without parole. They contend Morva suffers from delusional disorder and, at the time of the slayings, believed his life was in danger at the Montgomery County Jail, where he was being held on attempted robbery charges.

They argue the jury was given incorrect information about the nature and severity of his illness, diagnosed by a forensic psychiatrist appointed by a federal judge years after his trial.

United Nations experts on executions and mental health support clemency along with some Virginia legislators and others.

Morva was in custody in 2006 when he escaped from the hospital where he had been taken with concerns of a sprained leg and wrist after allegedly falling.

At about 2:30 a.m., Morva overpowered the deputy who was guarding him, took his gun and beat him. He then shot to death Derrick McFarland, 32, an unarmed hospital security guard. The following day, he shot and killed Sutphin, 40, a sheriffs deputy who was searching for the escapee.

In a letter to McAuliffe last month, Montgomery County Commonwealths Attorney Mary K. Pettitt urged the governor not to interfere with the jury verdict and to let the sentence be carried out. She wrote that the fairness of Morvas trial has been reviewed repeatedly and upheld in the courts.

She wrote that experts found prior to his trial that Morva had several issues including schizotypal personality disorder with narcissistic features. That information was all available to Morva and his lawyers at the time of his trial and that it was absurd to contend 10 years after the trial that the original experts were wrong, Pettitt wrote.

Morva is set to die by injection in the death house at the Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt. If carried out, it will be the 113th execution in the state since the U.S. Supreme Court allowed capital punishment to resume in 1976, a toll second only to Texas, with 542, among states with the death penalty.

In a statement released by the U.N. on Wednesday, Agnes Callamard, the special rapporteur for arbitrary executions, and Dainius Puras, special rapporteur for mental health, said: We are deeply concerned about information we have received indicating that Mr. Morvas original trial did not meet fair trial safeguards, which include reasonable accommodation in all stages of the process, and may therefore have breached international standards.

The U.N. officials said Wednesday that Morvas condition has caused him to cease all communication with his legal team, hampering their ability to defend him as his execution approaches.

We are concerned at Mr. Morvas deteriorating psychosocial condition. The denial of reasonable accommodation in detention can be considered a form of discrimination against him because of his mental health condition, they said.

Dawn Davison, one of Morvas lawyers, said that as of late Wednesday, 24 state delegates and senators have publicly supported the clemency request. More than 34,000 signatures have also been collected on petitions urging clemency, she said.

It is not known when McAuliffe, who had been on a trade mission in Europe until last Friday, will reach a decision Thursday. A spokesman said Wednesday that Morvas petition was under consideration.
FREDERICKSBURG  The U.S. Department of the Interior will provide $7.2 million in matching grants to preserve nearly 1,200 acres of Civil War, Revolutionary War and War of 1812 battlefields, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced Wednesday.

Zinke broke the news at Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg, Md., gathering with preservationists and National Park Service officials, and touring the 1862 battlefield that witnessed the bloodiest day in American military history.

The grants, which will be leveraged against money from states and the Civil War Trust, will save 19 parcels in Virginia, Maryland, Arkansas, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Tennessee.

The land includes sites at Kellys Ford in Culpeper County, 10 acres at Trevilian Station in Louisa County, near Prospect Hill on the Fredericksburg battlefield in Spotsylvania County, and near New York Avenue on the Second Manassas battlefield.

The 136-acre Gregg Tracts in Culpeper figured in three battles  Kellys Ford on March 17, 1863, Brandy Station on June 9, 1863, and Rappahannock Station II on Nov. 7, 1863.

In Spotsylvania, the small Stevens parcel off Benchmark Road is an integral part of the Fredericksburg battlefield, National Park Service historian Frank OReilly said. It is likely where Confederate Col. Robert Hokes brigade captured a stone fence and other units drove back the retreating 9th Pennsylvania Reserves on Dec. 13, 1862, in the battles most decisive action.

Zinke said President Donald Trumps donation to the Park Service of his first-quarter salary will fund restoration and maintenance work at Antietam.

Matched by nonprofit groups, Trumps $78,333first announced in Aprilwill help preserve the historic Newcomer House near the battlefields Middle Bridge site and replace 5,000 linear feet of deteriorated rail fencing along the Hagerstown Turnpike, where some of the battles most intense fighting took place.

The presidents gift will be matched by a $185,000 donation from the Civil War Trust, the National Park Foundation and the Save Historic Antietam Foundation, a local nonprofit thats been working at Antietam for more than three decades. That brings the total gift to $263,545.

The groups leaders presented a ceremonial check to Zinke and Antietam Superintendent Susan Trail during Wednesdays news conference near the parks visitor center.

The gifts, which included one anonymous donor, will help save the Newcomer House so current and future generations can experience firsthand this incredible piece of history, said Will Shafroth, president of the National Park Foundation, the nonprofit partner to the National Park Service.

As a place where wounded soldiers found much-needed care after the battle, the historic Newcomer House is vital to the story of Antietam, Shafroth said.

Zinke, a military veteran, said he was humbled to deliver Trumps donation to the battlefield.

Visiting the hallowed ground the day after Independence Day is incredibly moving and it underscores the importance of why we must preserve these historic grounds, he said.

I can find no better investment in our country than our battlefields, Zinke added, his voice catching. Our childrens children will walk through these grounds, and realize what a great country we bestowed on them all.

Beyond the Fredericksburg-area sites, battlefields benefiting from the $7.2 million in land acquisition grants are Prairie Grove, Ark.; South Mountain and Williamsport, Md.; Brices Cross Roads, Miss.; Fort Ann and Sackets Harbor, N.Y.; Brandywine, Pa.; Eutaw Springs, S.C.; Fort Donelson, Tenn.; Appomattox Courthouse, Gaines Mill, Malvern Hill (440 acres), New Market and Third Winchester in Virginia; and Shepherdstown, W.Va.

The eight grants for Virginia sites total $4.2 million, the lions share of the money announced by Zinke. His departments American Battlefields Protection Program received $10 million in the fiscal 2017 federal budget.

Zinke said his announcement is part of the Interior Departments renewed commitment to preserve important historic sites and address national parks backlog of maintenance work. National Park Service sites need $12 million in deferred maintenance, including $229 million at the 25 battlefield parks.

Civil War Trust President James Lighthizer noted that visits to Antietam sparked his interest in battlefield preservation years ago, and said his national nonprofit group is proud of its decades-long partnership with Interior.

We look forward to working with President Trump and Secretary Zinke to preserve these irreplaceable national treasures, Lighthizer said.
PLYMOUTH NOTCH, Vt.

When was the last time you heard a member of one political party praise a member of the other party?

Here in this hamlet nestled among the Green Mountains, former Baltimore Democratic Mayor Kurt Schmoke rose to speak well of our 30th president, Calvin Coolidge, a Republican. The occasion was the annual celebration of Coolidges birthday on July 4, the only president born on the day we celebrate Americas birth.

Perhaps it takes the death of one and the absence from public office of another (Schmoke is now president of the University of Baltimore) to cool political passions, but the former mayors respect for Coolidges commitment to civil rights for African-Americans and full voting rights for women long before both movements got moving was, itself, moving.

Schmoke quoted from a commencement address Coolidge delivered on June 6, 1924, at Howard University, a historically black college founded in 1867. The previous year, 29 black people were lynched in the U.S., according to Historical Statistics of the United States. In 1924, there would be 16 more.

Coolidge was vehemently opposed to inequality. He said, The nation has need of all that can be contributed to it through the best efforts of all its citizens. The colored people have repeatedly proved their devotion to the high ideals of our country. ... The propaganda of prejudice and hatred which sought to keep the colored men from supporting the national cause (World War I) completely failed. The black man showed himself the same kind of citizen, moved by the same kind of patriotism as the white man.

The Howard speech wasnt a one-off. Coolidge made a similar pronouncement in his first State of the Union address on Dec. 6, 1923: Numbered among our population are some 12 million colored people. Under our Constitution, their rights are just as sacred as those of any other citizen. It is both a public and a private duty to protect those rights.

Coolidge lost every Southern state in the 1924 election, but won all the rest, save Wisconsin, taking 54 percent of the popular vote and 72 percent of the electoral vote.

It would be 40 years before President Lyndon Johnson, a Democrat, signed civil rights legislation recognizing rights that Coolidge (and Thomas Jefferson) believed were endowed to all human beings by their Creator, but Coolidge showed the way.

In his autobiography, Coolidge wrote of an America that is mostly forgotten, but which cries out to be reclaimed: The neighborhood around the Notch was made up of people of exemplary habits. Their speech was clean, and their lives were above reproach. They had no mortgages on their farms. If any debts were contracted they were promptly paid. Credit was good and there was money in the savings bank.

He learned from his father what he called the practical side of government. He said he understood that it consisted of restraints which the people had imposed upon themselves in order to promote the common welfare.

About taxes he said he learned that when taxes were laid, someone had to work to earn the money to pay them. I saw that a public debt was a burden on all the people in a community and while it was necessary to meet the needs of a disaster it cost much in interest and ought to be retired as soon as possible.

Doesnt all of this  from Schmokes kind words about a member of the opposite political party, to Coolidges innate decency and fairness toward all  seem like another country?

It wasnt. With notable exceptions, it was largely practiced  and expected  in an America not that long ago. Todays America is in desperate need of rediscovering what Vermonters then saw as self-evident truths.
WASHINGTON

Bradley Ledgerwood, 36, is a proud Republican and an enthusiastic fan of President Trump.

Hes also on a fast track to becoming one of Trumps fabled Forgotten Men.

Ledgerwood has been enamored with politics all his life. An active member of the Craighead County Republican Committee and the Northeast Arkansas Political Animals lunch club, he serves as an alderman for 342-person Cash, Ark.

Physically disabled, Ledgerwood participates in these activities only through the help of two government-funded programs that are now on the chopping block: Medicaid and legal aid.

Youve no doubt heard lots about threats to the first of these, given Republican efforts to wring $800 billion from the federal low-income health insurance program. So lets focus on the second, which has received almost no attention, despite facing an existential threat from both the president and House Republicans.

At 2, Ledgerwood was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which left him unable to walk, stand, bathe himself, eat or use the bathroom without assistance.

My mom and dad are basically my hands and feet, he told me by phone Friday.

His mother, in fact, cares for him full-time and has done so for many years. She was able to quit her job and provide round-the-clock care as a result of a special Medicaid program designed to help people with serious disabilities avoid institutionalization. The program pays for hours worked by in-home caregivers, which can include family members.

In Ledgerwoods case, the state has consistently determined that he qualifies for 56 hours of care, the maximum.

At least, it did until last year.

Thats when the Arkansas Department of Human Services abruptly cut Ledgerwoods weekly hours nearly in half, despite the fact that his medical needs had not changed. With minimal explanation, officials claimed that a new computer algorithm determined that he did not need so much care. Other families experienced similar cuts in caregiving hours.

This cut would devastate the familys precarious finances. His mother contemplated returning to work and sending Ledgerwood to a nursing home.

That would destroy my life, he says in no uncertain terms. Fiscally minded voter that he is, he adds that institutionalization would also cost the state multiple times more money than family-provided home care.

Alongside six other plaintiffs with disabilities, Ledgerwood sued the state  and won. The case is currently on appeal.

How was Ledgerwood able to secure legal representation? Not through a lucrative GoFundMe campaign, or lottery windfall, or some long-lost rich uncle.

It was through Legal Aid of Arkansas, one of 133 programs that receive grants from the Legal Services Corporation, a congressionally established nonprofit that funds civil legal services for about 2 million low-income people each year.

And low-income families, whether in red-state America or blue, turn out to need a lot of legal help.

In the past year, seven in 10 low-income families experienced at least one civil legal problem, according to a recent University of Chicago NORC survey done for the Legal Services Corporation. Such problems include foreclosures, domestic violence (getting a restraining order, for example), custody disputes, debt repayment or neglectful landlords. The elderly, rural residents and veterans  all core components of the Republican base  are especially well-represented in this population.

A Navy veteran I spoke with last weekend, 47-year-old Mario Figueroa of Daytona Beach, Fla., credited his local legal aid program with saving his life. He had fought on his own for two decades to convince the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide medical treatment and disability benefits for his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder. He was successful only after seeking representation from Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, another Legal Services Corporation grantee.

People like to say they support veterans and stand behind veterans, he said, complaining that a congressman he met recently was more interested in a photo op than learning how to preserve veterans access to civil justice. Thats just an empty phrase.

In the skinny budget released in March, Trump proposed eliminating the Legal Services Corporation entirely. At the time, this produced bipartisan pleas for robust funding for the organization. Nonetheless, last week a House appropriations subcommittee passed a bill that would slash the organizations funding by roughly a quarter, from $385 million to $300 million. If enacted, such cuts would inevitably leave many families such as Ledgerwoods and Figueroas to fend for themselves.

For now, Ledgerwood still supports Trump (He reminds me a lot of Ronald Reagan) and remains confident that his president and his party will have his back.

But, he says, If I lose my lawyer and my services, I may feel a little differently.
Many backyards in the Richmond metro area were in need of Wednesdays downpours after a drier-than-normal June.

By the numbers, 2017 has been a nearly perfect year for precipitation in Richmond, but that masks a short-term dry spell.

From Jan. 1 to July 4, Richmond International Airport picked up 21.02 inches of precipitation  which was mostly rainfall, plus the liquid equivalent of the January snow.

Its essentially right on the mark for the climatological normal for that same time period, which is 21.33 inches.

The timing of rainfall has been uneven lately. May featured twice the normal monthly rainfall in Richmond, yet June brought only half of what it typically does.

These numbers are just for Richmond International Airport. Youll see some different results in central Virginias backyards due to the hit-or-miss nature of summer storms.

On Wednesday afternoon, for instance, some spots netted rain at a rate of 1 inch per 20 minutes during the late afternoon, while the airport was left with just a trace until shortly before 6 p.m.

The past month has been wetter than normal from Tuckahoe to Ashland to Mechanicsville, though much of that rain came down too quickly in the form of a flash flood on the evening of June 16.

Across Chesterfield County, Richmond and eastern Henrico County, the 30-day period leading up to Wednesday was drier than normal.

Parts of Goochland and Louisa counties were particularly left out from the paths of storms, where some pockets of land got less than half of their typical June rainfall.

Statewide, the pattern has generally been wetter to the south and drier to the north.

Last weeks edition of the U.S. Drought Monitor classifies a sliver of Northern Virginia and some of Maryland as abnormally dry, and a moderate drought could return there if the trends continue.

Topsoil moisture is adequate in much of Virginia and even abundant in the southwestern part of the state, but lower than normal in a region that stretches from Fredericksburg north into Pennsylvania.

Generally, many Mid-Atlantic pastures turned brown during the recent heat wave and remain brown in areas where (Tropical Storm) Cindy didnt provide much rain, climate scientist Jessica Blunden said in a recent drought report for the National Centers for Environmental Information.

Another weekly update will come out Thursday morning, but a serious Mid-Atlantic drought situation is still a long ways off.

When it comes to summer rain, fortunes can change even in the span of a day.

On Wednesday, some parts of Greene County saw 2 to 4 inches of rain in just a few hours, which was more than during the entire month before. That slow-moving downpour caused flash flooding that closed several county routes.

Scattered downpours are once again in the forecast for central Virginia on Thursday and Friday while a front is in the vicinity.

The weekend will favor drier weather as a weak area of high pressure with Canadian origins drops into the state.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
Insurance Back Michel M. Lies to succeed Tom de Swaan as Zurich Insurance Group's Chairman in 2018

Zurich Insurance Group announced the Board of Directors will propose the election of Michel M. Lies as Chairman at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held April 4, 2018.



Upon his election, he would succeed Tom de Swaan who has been a member of Zurich's board since 2006 and Chairman since 2013.



Mr. Lies has been active in global insurance and reinsurance for almost 40 years culminating in four years as Group CEO of Swiss Re, a position he held until June 2016. His career has spanned both the life and non-life segments and has included significant periods with responsibility for growing businesses across Europe and in South America. In addition to his extensive network within the insurance sector, Mr. Lies was Chairman of Global Partnerships at Swiss Re which works with governments, international development bodies and NGOs to identify ways to jointly mitigate and address global risks and increase resilience.



Tom de Swaan, Chairman of the Board and of the Governance, Nominations & Corporate Responsibility Committee, said: "On behalf of the Board, I look forward to welcoming Michel to Zurich. This was a rigorous selection process, with high-quality candidates from across the business spectrum, which is evident in the fact that we are able to attract someone of Michel's talents and experience."



"He brings a wealth of skill and insight gained from a very successful career in our sector, which, combined with his experience at the helm of an important Swiss company, make him the ideal next Chairman. In the fast-changing environment in which we operate, his intellect, deep grounding in insurance and ability to deliver results will reinforce both the Board and the business. I look forward to a smooth transition as we prepare for his election at the 2018 AGM."



Michel M. Lies said: "I am delighted to be joining Zurich, a business I have held in high regard for many years. I have worked extensively with insurance companies and understand the challenging and exciting landscape we are now in. I am also equally aware of Zurich's strengths and the opportunities that lie ahead for it and look forward to contributing to it achieving its goals and realizing its full potential as a leader in the sector."



Biography - Michel M. Lies (1954, Luxembourg) has worked in both the life and non-life sectors of the insurance industry over the past four decades. He joined Swiss Re in 1978, initially working in the life market in Latin America before moving to Europe in 1983, and went on to hold a number of senior positions. In 1994, he moved into the non-life sector, with responsibility for southern Europe and Latin America. He was appointed Head of the Europe Division of the Property & Casualty Business Group in 2000. In 2005, he assumed the position of Head Client Markets and was appointed member of the Group Executive Committee. From October 2010 until his appointment as Group Chief Executive Officer in February 2012, Mr. Lies served as the reinsurer's Chairman of Global Partnerships. He served as the Group Chief Executive Officer of Swiss Re until his retirement in 2016.



Mr. Lies has held a number of external board appointments, including serving as the Chairman of the Global Reinsurance Forum, a board member of the Geneva Association, a member of Insurance Europe's Reinsurance Advisory Board, a member of the Board of Directors of the Swiss American Chamber of Commerce, a voting member of the Conference Board and a board member of the Society for the Promotion of the Institute of Insurance Economics at St. Gallen University.



Mr. Lies holds a Master's degree in Mathematics from the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich and has completed the Stanford Executive Program and the Senior Executive Program at Harvard.





Author: Daniela GHETU on 06.07.2017





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The Bedford County Sheriffs Office is seeking information about items stolen from boats within the past few months.

Boat owners have reported items missing from docked boats and boats in lifts in the Waterwheel area of Smith Mountain Lake since April, according to a release from the sheriffs office.

Items reported stolen from the boats include electronic equipment such as depth/fish finders, sonar units and a large number of fishing poles and tackle boxes, the release states.

Anyone with information about the incidents can call the Bedford County Sheriffs Office at 540-586-7827 or contact Central Virginia Crime Stoppers by calling 1-888-798-5900 or sending a text message to 274637. Those calling Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and could receive a cash reward of up to $1,000, according to the release.
A North Carolina developers concept plan for erecting 238 apartments in 10 buildings on the former Shenandoah Life Insurance Co. site runs afoul of multiple Roanoke planning and zoning requirements, according to an email the city sent to the developer last month.

The plan, submitted May 31 by Greensboro, North Carolina-based Berkley Hall LLC, fails to meet requirements for a public road within the development, parking and building setbacks, according to an email from Roanoke Planning Director Chris Chittum to the firms local engineer, Tom Dale of Lumsden Associates.

The Roanoke Times obtained the mid-June email exchange via the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

Berkley Hall holds an option to buy 17 acres of the approximately 27-acre site from its new owner, Carilion Clinic, and submitted the preliminary concept plan for city review as part of its due diligence to determine if development of the site is feasible. The lands existing MX, or mixed use, zoning allows an apartment complex without a rezoning, but any development plan must pass muster with the citys planning and zoning requirements.

Carilion, which paid $4.6 million for the entire Shenandoah Life parcel, has said sale of the undeveloped part of the site is part of its business model for renovating the former office building for its own use.

Berkley Halls plan has been fiercely opposed by neighbors who decry the loss of the mostly wooded part of the parcel as a de facto neighborhood park with numerous trails that connect to the citys nearby Murray Run Greenway and abundant wildlife. Theyve also raised concerns about traffic and stormwater runoff.

The citys response comes as Berkley Halls purchase option is apparently about to expire. According to an email from Carilion CEO Nancy Agee to Paul Giordano, a neighbor and opponent of the development, the developers due diligence period ends in mid-July.

Berkley Halls leaders, Mike Murray and Mark Reynolds, could not be reached for comment Thursday afternoon.

In his emailed response to the concept plan, Chittum cited several areas in which it conflicts with city zoning and planning requirements.

The plan shows a single public road into the development that terminates in a cul-de-sac. Chittum wrote that the city subdivision ordinance requires interconnectivity with other streets, in compliance with a design principal that neighborhoods be connected. The street also covers more than the maximum allowable 500 feet between connections to other roads.

Chittum said in an interview that the road measures out to about 1,000 feet.

In a reply to Chittum, Dale acknowledged that the steep topography of the site wont allow a connection to nearby streets and said a street limited to 500 feet does not provide enough usable road frontage to permit reasonable development of the parcel.

Other issues Chittum cited include perpendicular parking along a public street, when only parallel parking is permitted, and nearly all of the buildings lacking the required setbacks from the roadway along the public street.

Zoning Administrator Jillian Moore said the building facades must fall between 10 and 30 feet from the road.

Dale asked if perpendicular parking would be allowed if the developer agreed to maintain it, but Chittum said the city transportation department said no to the idea.

Dale also asked about flexibility on the street design and length since the land has development challenges without it. Chittum responded that while the subdivision ordinance allows flexibility, in this case the land could be reasonably developed without a cul-de-sac street and without a street longer than 500 feet, so no flexibility is warranted.

Chittum also noted in an interview that because Berkley Halls concept plans dont address topography, city staff has yet to look at how steep any roads in the development might be. The city allows a maximum 16 percent grade, he said.

Chittum said he couldnt address specific design solutions to the plans problems, but said that rezoning the land to a Planned Unit Development, or PUD, would allow Berkley Hall to construct a private road, thereby giving the developer more flexibility.

He confirmed that the rezoning option was the topic of discussion when city planning staff and the developer met last week.

Under the current zoning, Berkley Hall can develop apartments on the land by right, provided the plans get city administrative approval.

A rezoning request, however, would sacrifice that advantage and expose the plans to greater public scrutiny and politics as the developer seeks approval from the city planning commission and city council, both of which must conduct public hearings.

A rezoning would also drag the due diligence process out well beyond its current expiration date.

The development has been hammered by opponents from its unveiling at a town hall meeting in February. Neighbors, organized under the name Save the Woodlands, have used social media, phone calls and letters to press Berkley Hall to walk away from the land and to call on Carilion to back away from the land deal. Carilion officials, however, say their hands are tied by the purchase option they signed with Berkley Hall.

After months of seemingly fruitless opposition, Chittums letter provided the Save the Woodlands group with its first good news.

Many of us knew that the type of apartment developments that Berkley Hall does  are inappropriate for this beautiful, rolling woodland parcel, said Mim Young, a member of the group. The City Planning department has been diligent in ensuring that Berkley Hall concept plans conform to ordinances, as they should.

The Shenandoah Life site is just the wrong place for this high-density development. Why keep trying to force it? Young asked. We urge Carilion Clinic to NOT extend the diligence period for this obviously inappropriate use of the land. We look forward to working with them for more appropriate options for this land once this awful plan fails and hope they do nothing to delay its failure to proceed.

Spokeswoman Hannah Cline said Carilion is withholding comment during Berkley Halls due diligence period.
* 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.
The Roanoke Times gives me and Unger the opportunity to express our opposing concerns and opinions. There is nothing biased about that. Real facts and truths are the foundation for democracy. The greatest weakness of conservatives is the inability to accept change. Breitbart conservatives use lies to fight against anything they can't control. A black man who is the president and the possibility of a woman becoming president are good examples. There are no media conspiracies, just angry people who "can't handle the truth." Defending Trump and his disciple Republicans must be embarrassing for conservatives. Republicans control every branch of government, including the Supreme Court, but can't accomplish anything. Theyre busy stabbing each other in the back or trying to repeal everything for the last 75 years. Republicans cant blame Obama or Clinton anymore for their failures, so they blame the mainstream media. The Roanoke Times is mainstream. It has to be. It provides an opportunity for people of all political stripes to express their opinions without taking sides. Thank you Roanoke Times for giving us a voice.
What does the recent and ongoing diplomatic crisis of Qatar mean for IP?





Riyadh Al-Balushi ( Katfriend SOAS University of London) explains it all.





Heres what Riyadh writes:





The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) - a union made up of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi, and the UAE - is facing a major diplomatic crisis due to political differences between Saudi, Bahrain, and the UAE on one side, and Qatar on the other. The differences between these countries became public last month when Saudi, Bahrain, and the UAE cut off diplomatic relations with Qatar, banned their own nationals from staying in Qatar, deported all Qatari citizens from their territories, and closed off land borders, airspace, and water territories for Qataris.





The future of the GCC is now uncertain, especially after Qatar officially rejected the demands made the Saudi camp. With no solution to the crisis in sight, it is important to take a moment to consider what this crisis means for GCC intellectual property law and how it affects Qatari rights-holders. Even though the GCC is not as deeply integrated as the EU, the GCC still has a body that issues a region-wide intellectual property right (the GCC Patent Office), has some intellectual property laws that apply across the entire region (e.g. the GCC Trade Mark Law), and has a legal instrument that recognises intellectual property as a fundamental right (the Gulf Declaration of Human Rights).





Unlike the EU, the GCC is not a supra-state, has no legal personality separate from its Member States, and these Member States have not delegated any of their authorities to the GCC. The GCC also does not have EU-style Directives or Regulations that are automatically legally binding on any of its Member States. Decisions made by the GCC are binding on its Member States only if these decisions are made unanimously. Also, in regard to Qatar specifically, international law obligations are, for the most part, not self-executing. This means that even if Qatar ratifies a GCC agreement or any other international agreement, that agreement will not have the power of law in Qatar without specific implementation through a domestic legal instrument such as a royal decree. However, even with all these limitations on the power of GCC, the GCC has been successful in creating a number of pan-GCC intellectual property initiatives that are legally operational in Qatar as well as the rest of the Gulf, and which are now threatened by the current diplomatic crisis.





The GCC patent is the most obvious Gulf intellectual property right that will be affected as this crisis continues. Since 1992, the GCC has had a pan-GCC patent right that enables anyone to apply through the GCC Patent Office in Riyadh to acquire patent protection in the entire GCC. The GCC patent system is not a system that facilitates making multiple patent applications through a one-stop shop, but a system that grants an actual single patent right that applies across the whole region. At the time of its creation in 1992, Qatar did not have a domestic patent law, which meant that the only way to acquire patent protection in Qatar at that time had to be done at the GCC level. However, all GCC Member States now have their own national patent systems in addition to the GCC patent system, but the GCC patent system remains as a parallel system that can be used to acquire patent rights with a much larger geographical scope.





Even though the GCC Patent Office is based in Riyadh, applying for patent protection at the GCC Patent Office can be done online and does not require travelling in person. Therefore, the current ban of Qatari nationals in Saudi should not, on its own, restrict the ability of Qatari nationals to apply for GCC patents. However, the GCC Patent Appeal Committee, which examines challenges made to revoke a patent, includes two nationals of each Member States. The two Qatari nationals who are members of this committee will not be able to attend any hearings that take place at the GCC Patent Office under the current blockade. Normally, one of the conditions for the meeting of this committee to be valid is for at least one committee member from each State must be present. The inability to have a valid meeting of this committee is not problematic just for Qatar, but for the proper legal functioning of the entire GCC Patent System. However, if a State has no representation in a single meeting, the regulations require the meeting to be postponed for two weeks, and if there are still no attending committee members from that same State, the meeting can be considered valid if all other conditions are met. Therefore, the inability of Qatari committee members will not necessarily affect the operation of the GCC Patent Office, even though Qataris will not be able to have a say in the decisions of the Appeal Committee.





If the blockade imposed by Saudi, the UAE, and Bahrain results in ejecting Qatar out of the GCC entirely, it is unlikely that Qatar will be able to remain as part of the GCC patent system without being a member of the GCC  because the GCC Patent System operates within the GCC legal system. The GCC Patent Regulations explicitly define its scope of application as the GCC, and the body responsible for issuing its implementation codes is the Ministerial Council  a body within the GCC structure. If Qatar is officially no longer part of the GCC Patent System, the scope of the protection granted by the GCC patent will shrink from six States to five States  which will make the GCC patent somewhat of less value to inventors. That being said, being able to apply for a GCC patent is not connected with membership to the GCC. Anyone from any nationality may apply for a GCC patent irrespective of nationality, and Qataris will not have any legal barriers from applying for one.





While GCC patents will not be protected in Qatar if Qatar is no longer part of this system, Qatar can still offer patent protection through its domestic patent system, which is independent of the GCC.





In addition to the patent protection, the GCC has a region-wide policy for trademark protection through the GCC Trade Mark Law. On the one hand, the GCC Trade Mark Law is more pervasive than the GCC patent system because it does not allow Member States to have their own domestic alternative to it, but on other hand, it is less significant than the GCC patent system because it does not create a pan-GCC trade mark right, and instead merely unifies trade mark law across the whole GCC. Under this law, individuals are still required to register their trade marks in each Member State through the domestic competent authority and there is no central body that can accept trade mark registration for the entire region. The adoption of this unified law requires individual action of each of the Member States. Qatar has issued a royal decree to adopt the original version of the GCC Trade Mark Law in 2002 as well as the most recent version of the law in 2014, but it does not appear that Qatar has domestically implemented the executive regulations that are necessary for the 2014 law to enter into force.







foremost in true deserts

(see The SandKat is the only cat livingforemost in true deserts(see Wikipedia

The diplomatic crisis of Qatar is unlikely to have any effect on the operation of the GCC Trade Mark Law in Qatar. Even though it is called the GCC Trade Mark Law, its scope of application is purely domestic. Qatar has implemented the GCC Trade Mark Law into its domestic legal system through a royal decree and from the very beginning made simple adaptations to the text to make the GCC law operate within the Qatari legal system. For example, Article 2 of the Qatari implementation of the 2014 GCC Trade Mark Law stipulates that the executive regulations are to be issued by the Qatari Minister of Economy and Commerce  not the GCC Commercial Cooperation Committee. According to the Qatari implementation of this law, the GCC still has the authority to interpret the law and propose amendments. However, Qatar can easily amend these GCC-related provisions if it chooses to do so.





In addition to these two forms of intellectual property, the GCC recognises the moral and material interests of authors as a fundamental right in the Gulf Declaration of Human Rights of 2014. This declaration appears to provide a higher status to intellectual property than what is offered by the Qatari Constitution , which does not recognise intellectual property as a fundamental right beyond a mention that the State has a duty to foster, preserve and help disseminate the sciences, arts and national cultural heritage, and shall encourage scientific research. However, the Gulf Declaration of Human Rights is not a legally binding instrument and was not made to be ratified by individual GCC Member States, so it does not give rise to any legal rights that could be lost by the current blockade that Qatar is facing.





All the Member States of the GCC are also members of the WTO, and therefore the failure of Saudi, the UAE, or Bahrain to respect the intellectual property rights of Qataris is probably going to be in violation of their WTO obligations regardless of Qatars membership to the GCC. Qatar, Saudi, and the UAE, are also members of the original Arab Copyright Treaty, which means that their failure to respect the rights of Qatari authors is also a violation of this regional treaty.




FIVE community groups could be in line for a funding boost as part of a scheme urging members of the Co-op to support them.

Co-op members can raise cash by buying products and nominating recipients as part of the firms membership scheme.

The groups set to benefit include the Dearne Electronic Community Village, Wath Hall, Activate Rawmarsh, Headway Rotherham, and Netherlands Dog Rescue in Mexborough.

Co-op members buying own-brand products from food stores or a funeral plan or funeral from Funeralcare earn a five per cent reward for themselves with a further one per cent going to local good causes.

The members can choose which of the causes they wish to support by logging on to the Co-ops membership website at www.coop.co.uk/membership.

Money will be raised over a six month period.

Pay-outs will be made at the end of October and if members dont choose a specific cause their money is split equally between the causes.

Chief membership officer at the Co-op, Rufus Olins, said: The more people shop, the more we share and wed really like to increase the amounts that we pay out. So the way communities can help to achieve this is to become a member and shop with the Co-op.

In April we paid out 9,000,000 to over 4,000 good causes, and that money has gone on to fund some fantastic projects in communities throughout the country, from a simple lawnmower to help maintain a childrens park to a new pony for a riding school for the disabled.

By voting for the good causes that they want to support, our members are telling us what really matters in their communities, and great things are happening as a result.
Anne Marie Hoekstra-van Westen

A DUTCH writer is trying to trace a Rotherham woman who may have letters which will help her find out more about her uncle.

She hopes to find penpal correspondence sent to a Dinnington woman which will also enable her uncles surviving siblings to find out more about the man who died in action in the Dutch East Indies in 1947.

Anne Marie Hoekstra-van Westen, of Hardinxveld-Giessendam in the Netherlands, wants to track down Doreen Bloomfield of Dinnington, who was the penfriend of her uncle Pieter van Westen.

Anne Marie hopes that the correspondence sent to Doreen may have been kept, perhaps by her family, and is desperate to see what the letters say.

She believes that her uncle, who was killed in an operation against rubber thieves in Sumatra aged 23, may have revealed secrets to Doreen that he kept from his family.

Anne Marie said Doreen was born in 1927 and lived at 8 Meadow Street in Dinnington. She married policeman John Gibson in 1950 and had a son called Ian.

Anne Marie said: Doreen was a penfriend of my uncle Pieter van Westen. In his diary he wrote that he could write to Doreen about things he hid from his family and from his Dutch friends: about all his difficulties and illusions. He wanted to spare the people at home.

Another reason he mentions in his diary, is that there are always things they do not understand at home, or they have a different opinion on.

So Doreen was very special to him. He could share his personal feelings with her. And her letters gave him consolation.

It would be very special if Doreen or one of her relatives kept Pieters letters, or could tell me about her contact with Pieter. That would help me, and my family, to find out more about Pieter.

Anne Marie said that a few months ago her father Wim, now aged 83, gave her Pieters diary and after she read it she decided to write a book about his life as a child on a Rhine barge, how he became a bargemans mate when he was 14 and how he, at the end of the Second World War, decided to become a sailor.

Anne Marie said: After his death, Pieters family was left with questions. Why did he want to leave his home country, almost liberated by the end of 1944, with a considerable chance that he would be sent to another war zone? Did he regret his choice when, by and by, he understood what was really going on in the Dutch East Indies?

What did he feel when friends wrote to him about their relationships with girls and their plans to get married, while he could only write to girls he liked, but never could kiss them? Another aspect is Pieters orthodox upbringing, which he gradually left behind. Did he struggle with questions concerning religion?

Pieters letters to Doreen probably answer these questions.

Anne Marie said that one sister and three of Pieters brothers are still alive, the oldest being her uncle Martien aged 92.

She said: My father was 13 when a police officer came to his parents Rhine barge, to tell them that Pieter had been killed in action.

To see the panic in his mothers eyes and witness his father crying is something he remembers vividly up to the present day.

The same applies to the despair he saw in the eyes of his parents when Pieters suitcase arrived. It broke my grandfathers heart to see his sons belongings spread out on the table. It must have hit him like a sledgehammer that Pieters signet ring had arrived back home, but that Pieter would never wear it again; that the letters he received came back, but that Pieter would never read them again; that his address book was at home now, but that Pieter would never again mention the names in it.

If anyone can help Anne Marie contact Doreen Bloomfield, they can email antony.clay@rotherhamadvertiser.co.uk or telephone 01709 768145 and the information will be passed to Anne Marie.
Paul and Sarah Harrison celebrate the end of their bike ride at the monument marking the end of the Trans-Pennine Trail in Hornsea.

A WOMAN with a brain tumour has succeeded in her 215-mile bike ride to raise cash for the clinic that has given her hope.

Sarah Harrison travelled with husband Paul from Southport to Hornsea  pedalling for a week in high temperatures.

Sarah and Paul, both aged 49 of Knaresborough Road, Conisbrough, have now raised thousands from their mammoth effort to help the clinic run by Dr Paul Mulholland at University College Hospital in London where she has been treated.

The clinic offered Sarah a chance for treatment after other attempts failed.

Paul said: We completed the Trans-Pennine Trail on Saturday (June 24) at Hornsea after seven days of breathtaking scenery and superb trails.

The highlight of the trek was undoubtedly the Stockport to Penistone leg which we did on June 19. The inclines Sarah had to negotiate were awesome, some which I thought she wouldnt manage, especially as the temperature reached a staggering 32 degrees as we battled our way over the top of the Pennines, but manage she did.

After the couples story appeared in the Weekender, people backed their momentous ride.

Paul said: Since you put our story in the Weekender, donations started rolling in to our JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paul-harrison52 and kept coming in all the way through our trek, which just inspired Sarah even more to complete the challenge.

So far we have raised a staggering 4,306 which will go straight to Dr Mullhollands clinic in London which has given Sarah new hope for the future.

The couple are now resting back at home after their long ordeal.
Steve Priest with his wife, Tumika, and son, Tristan.

A FORMER Wath man who runs a school in Nepal is preparing for a fresh challenge  in a new country.

Steve Priest, who lives with his wife and young son in Kathmandu, has been vice principal of The British School there for more than a decade.

But he is set for a big move next month as he takes over as principal at a new school in the former Soviet state of Georgia.

Mr Priest, who was at the forefront of rebuilding schools in the Dhading region of Nepal which were damaged in the huge earthquakes of 2015, said he is looking forward to the new opportunities ahead.

He said: I have been made principal of the British International School of Tbilisi in Georgia.

Its a new challenge that I am looking forward to in a beautiful city and country.

Mr Priest and the British Schools rebuilding project after the quakes were supported by generous donations and fundraising in the Rotherham area.

The funds helped rebuild three schools  Gayetri Devi Primary School, Shree Rudrakanya Primary School and Shree Khanigau Primary School  and a fourth is being constructed.

The British School has also started a new project focussed on skills such as teacher training and health programmes in a different district of Nepal, as well as working with four different schools.

Partly for its work rebuilding the schools, The British School has received four big honours  Times Educational Supplement Community Initiative of the Year 2016, British International Schools Awards Community Initiative of the Year 2017, British International Schools Awards Leadership Team of the Year 2017, and British International Schools Awards British International School of the Year 2017.

Mr Priest  who has a wife, Tumika, and son, Tristan (5)  said: After 13 years in Nepal, I feel it is time for a new challenge and after winning all the awards we have done this year, when better to do so  leave when we are on top.

Obviously leaving Kathmandu and The British School and our community partners will be emotionally tough.

There have been many great achievements during my time at The British School, and its difficult to say what the greatest is, but I do feel that the development of our community programmes from being just charity fundraising links to genuine student and teacher interactions between organisations is something Im proud of.

Mr Priest said he was looking forward to starting work at his new school.

He said: The British International School of Tbilisi (BIST) is a relatively young school. It is only ten years old. It developed as the international wing of a Georgian school that followed a UK-style curriculum, but although the two schools share a site and some facilities, BIST is now an independent organisation.

As the school is so young it has its first cohort starting Year 10 in September and we hope to have our first students complete their A Levels and leave for university by 2021.

Tbilisi is a rapidly developing city that has kept its historical features and is surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Mandatory labeling of jewelry in Russia to begin in 2024 The deadline for mandatory application of physical marking on jewelry made of precious metals and precious stones in Russia has been postponed from March 2023 to March 2024. That resolution was signed by the Government of the Russian Federation. It is...

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During the recent election campaign, Rouhani frequently incited violence against his opponent Ebrahim Raisi. It is true that he tried to make himself appear as a moderate compared to hardliner Raisi who has an equally shocking career history. Raisi was part of the so-called Death Commission in Iran during the 1988 massacre in which the Supreme Leader had issued a fatwa ordering the death of more than 30,000 political prisoners.

It was clear that Rouhani had no intention of challenging the regimes extremism or violence.

The Iranian people, exasperated by the lack of choice, boycotted the elections. They wanted the international community to see what a sham the election process in Iran is.

Rouhanis career history is no more encouraging. He has been a regime insider for years and was a senior security official during the 1988 massacre. During his first term as President, he presided over thousands of executions.

The 2015 Iran nuclear deal agreed with the US and other major world powers has given Iran sanctions relief worth tens of billions of dollars. Many believe that the regime in Iran was given too many concessions and the goal of permanently stopping Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

President Obama (and many others) believed that the Iranian regime would change its behaviour and that relations between Iran and the rest of the world would improve as a result.

This never happened. In fact, the situation got worse. Iran test fired numerous ballistic missiles and has publicly declared that it is ready for war. It has continued to heavily support Assad in Syria, with manpower, funding, arms and ground coordination.

At home, the Iranian people are arbitrarily arrested for dress-code violations, involvement in social activities or sports, political matters or quite simply because of their faith. Torture is used by the Iranian regime and executions, even group ones, are rife with many taking place in public. Women and minors are not even spared execution.

However, support for the Iranian Resistance is growing. People inside Iran, and the international community, now realised that there is a real, viable, democratic alternative to the Iranian regime. Once the Iranian people feel that they have the support they need from the international community, they will no doubt take to the streets like they did in 2009. And the outcome will be different this time.
city of Columbus, Indiana

A $30-million grade separation will be built in Columbus, Ind., in anticipation of increased train traffic following planned upgrades CSX is making on the Louisville & Indiana (L&I) Railroad line between Louisville, Ky., and Indianapolis, Ind.

The planned overpass would bring State Road 46, which is the primary entrance and exit for drivers into and out of downtown Columbus, over L&I tracks. CSX and L&I reached an agreement in 2015 for $100-million in upgrades to occur on the Louisville to Indianapolis route. The improvements on the rail line will be completed in mid-to-late 2018, after which CSX expects to begin increasing the number, size, weight and length of trains.

According to the city of Columbus, the rail solution was imperative to preserve productivity and quality of life for residents, businesses and the approximately 40,000 vehicles that use the rail crossing near the intersection of S.R. 46 and S.R. 11 daily. The city says it has relatively few entries from the west that cross these tracks and additional train traffic is expected to produce significant delays for those using these routes. A major employer in Columbus, Cummings Inc., is investing $50-million into its Columbus headquarters and a majority of its employees use S.R. 46 each day in their commute.

We are grateful to all the parties who came together to reach a solution for the long-term success and sustainability of downtown Columbus businesses and residents, said Rich Freeland, president and COO, Cummins Inc. A rail solution was critical to our future, and we are pleased to make a renewed commitment of approximately $50 million to our global headquarters in Columbus as we near the next hundred years of our company. Cummins will continue its commitment to architecture in our buildings and will ensure that the design of the overpass integrates well within the architectural legacy of Columbus and reflects the welcoming and progressive culture of this great community.

The State of Indiana, the city of Columbus, Bartholomew County, L&I Railroad and CSX came together to address the potential issue and arrived at the overpass solution, which will be financed by several parties, including the Indiana Department of Transportation, the city of Columbus, Bartholomew County and the railroads.

This railroad overpass project demonstrates what is possible when business, state and local officials work together to find creative solutions that benefit Indiana communities, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said. I commend the team at Cummins for their ongoing collaboration and investment that benefits employees, the city of Columbus and our states economic vitality.
The Homeland Security Department enhanced security screening measures for all commercial flights to the United States, but stopped short of extending a ban on laptops in the cabin to more countries.

In March, the US had banned electronic devices larger than a cell phone from the passenger cabins of U.S.-bound commercial flights from ten airports in the Middle East and North Africa.

Announcing the tougher rules Wednesday, Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly said he is concerned over renewed interest on the part of terrorist groups to go after the aviation sector, and said the enemies are constantly working to find new methods for disguising explosives, recruiting insiders, and hijacking aircraft.

Based on these concerns, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is working to raise the baseline of global aviation security to keep the traveling public safe, in coordination with our international partners, he said in a statement.

These measures include enhanced screening of passengers and electronic devices as well as heightened security standards for aircraft and airports in 105 countries.

This will help to secure all commercial flights departing from 280 airports that serve as last points of departure to the United States.

180 airlines operating flights to the US are bound to implement the strict security measures, which are estimated to affect an average of 2,100 flights a day, carrying 325,000 passengers.

Some of the striking measures to come into force are enhancing overall passenger screening; conducting heightened screening of personal electronic devices; increasing security protocols around aircraft and in passenger areas; and deploying advanced , expanding canine screening, and establishing additional pre-clearance locations.

The DHS has warned that those countries and airlines who fail to adopt these requirements face the risk of additional security restrictions being imposed.

Aviation industry had feared extending laptop ban to more airports and countries.

Ban on carrying electronic devices larger than a smartphone will continue in flights from Turkey, Morocco, Jordan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

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As the House prepares to vote on a pair of bills that would crack down on illegal immigrants, President Donald Trump urged lawmakers to approve the legislation in remarks on Wednesday.

Trump expressed support for the bills in a White House meeting with family members of people killed by illegal immigrants.

The bills, the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act and Kate's Law, are likely to be approved by the Republican-controlled House.

Trump said the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act would cut federal grant money to cities that shield dangerous criminal aliens from being turned over to federal law enforcement.

Named for Kate Steinle, who was killed by an illegal immigrant who had been deported five times, Kate's Law would enhance criminal penalties for those who repeatedly re-enter the country illegally, the president said.

"We're calling on all members of Congress to honor grieving American families by passing these lifesaving measures in the House, in the Senate, and then sending them to my desk for a very rapid signature," Trump said. "I promise you, it will be done quickly."

He added, "It's time to support our police, to protect our families, and to save American lives. And also to start getting smart."

However, the bills have been criticized by the American Civil Liberties Union, with the group's director of immigration policy Lorella Praeli claiming they are riddled with constitutional violations.

"Despite claims to the contrary, Kate's Law and the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act will make our communities less safe by undermining the trust that law enforcement builds with its communities  citizen and immigrant alike," Praeli said in a statement.

"The true intent of these bills is to empower Trump's deportation force and anti-immigrant agenda," she added. "We urge the House to reject these bills, to defend the Constitution, and protect the rights of all people, no matter their background."

(Photo: Michael Vadon)

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Political News
Sales of recreational marijuana will begin in Nevada on Saturday, July 1.

Any adult who is over the age 21 and carries a valid ID can buy up to an ounce of pot or one-eighth of an ounce of edibles or concentrates from one of several medical marijuana dispensaries that have been approved for recreational sales.

The state is expecting a large number of tourists to visit Las Vegas and other parts of state to sample the marijuana. However, the tourists will have tough times to find the drug in stores.

State regulators have issued the licenses necessary to only 17 retail outlets in Las Vegas as of June 27. The regulators also may approve to as many as 40 dispensaries by Saturday.

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Business News
Molson Coors announced plans to spend up to $500 million to build a new brewery at Old Montreal instead of renovating its existing brewery.

The company said that the decision to build new brewery was based on a two-year feasibility study.

"The Montreal brewery is an emblem and this historic site will be an invaluable legacy for the city," Molson Coors Canada CEO Fred Landtmeters said in a statement.

The company plans to maintain a microbrewery and store at the 231-year-old site near Old Montreal. However, the company has not decided on the new location to build a new brewery. The company expects to build a new Quebec brewery in about five years.

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Bithumb, the largest bitcoin and ether exchange in South Korea, has revealed that hackers have stolen user data and money.

Bithumb is one of the five largest bitcoin exchanges in the world with a reported 75.7% share of the South Korean bitcoin market volume. The company hosts over 13,000 bitcoins worth of trading volume daily or about 10 percent of the global bitcoin trade.

Bithumb said the hackers stole a database of user information off the personal computer of an employee. The hackers have reportedly stolen the names, email addresses and mobile numbers of over 31,800 customers. Monetary losses from compromised accounts are expected to reach into billions of won.

"The employee PC, not the head office server, was hacked. Personal information such as mobile phone and email address of some users were leaked. However, some customers were found to have been stolen from because of the disposable password used in electronic financial transactions," the exchange said in statement, according to Brave New Coin, a website that tracks digital currencies.

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(Agencia CMA Latam) - The increasing output and high productivity level of Brazil's pre-salt area oil blocks should help the government to lure investments from foreign companies in the next oil auctions scheduled to October. US' ExxonMobil, Malaysia's Petronas and Russia's Rosneft and Gazprom are expected to show up and bid for blocks under a production sharing regime, according to analysts.

Exxon, the world's largest publicly-traded oil company, has few oil operations in Brazil, focusing on chemical and polymers production and two onshore gas blocks in Sergipe and Cear?. The Brazilian government, which visited the company's headquarters in the United States three times this year, expects this to change. "We had close contact with the company and the interest in the country is great," said M?rcio F?lix, Secretary of Oil and Gas of the Ministry of Mines and Energy.

Exxon's interest is to actively participate in oil exploration in the pre-salt area, after studies showed that the reserves in the layer could reach up to 100 billion barrels of recoverable oil, placing Brazil alongside significant world producers like Iraq, the United States, and Saudi Arabia. The company is rumored to try a partnership with France's Total and Norway's Statoil to jointly explore pre-salt areas with Petrobras.

President Michel Temer's recent visit to Russia may also result in opportunities for exploration and production investments in Brazil. Gazprom and Lukoil's executives and the Russian President Vladimir Putin met with representatives of the Brazilian government in the Kremlin for hours to analyze pre-salt data. Output in Brazil's pre-salt layer reached 1.57 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boed) in May.

Another Russian oil company, Rosneft, which explores gas and oil in blocks located in the Solim?es Basin, in the northern Brazilian state of Amazonas, is also a strong candidate to participate in the oil areas auction on October 27.

"It's likely that Rosneft will also play in the 14th round in September,"

Felix said.

In an interview with the CMA Agency, Brazil's Oil and Gas Secretary stated that Petronas is also studying areas to invest. "During the roadshow, we go through new countries to seek investors, and the Malaysian oil company, which is not very active in Brazil, may have opportunities in these tenders." In 2015, there was a Petronas partnership with OGX in the Tubar?o Martelo field, but the alliance was broken after a few months.

New developments can also arise from Chinese companies, especially Sinopec, which operates in Brazilian territory through Galp Energia.

"The expectation is that the Chinese will have a bigger position in the oil and gas industry. This will undoubtedly happen through more partnerships with Petrobras, which dominates ultra-deepwater exploration," said Anderson Dutra, a partner in the KPMG Oil & Gas area in Brazil. Yesterday, Petrobras and China's CNPC, which is part of the Libra consortium, signed an alliance agreement in Brazil and abroad.

According to Petrobras, this deal is significant to fulfill its and management plan for the 2017-2021 period and to reach its divesting goals by the end of next year.

There are rumors that CNPC will take over the works in the Rio de Janeiro Petrochemical Complex (Comperj) construction, halted since 2015, with the purchase of a minority stake in the project. The refinery unit will produce naphtha, diesel oil, aviation kerosene and cooking gas. Another Chinese state-owned company that can expand its presence is CNOOC.

Brazil's secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Energy also said that Chinese investors, including investment funds, are very interested in the pre-salt production-sharing regime, but want to understand better the political crisis in Brazil, centered on President Michel Temer, who was formally charged with corruption last week.

For Dutra, from KPMG, one of the surprises in these bidding rounds may be Saudi Arabia's state-owned Saudi Aramco. The oil company is preparing for an initial public offering since 2016. "Their interest is to expand international performance, and Brazilian reserves can be strategic." Qatar Petroleum, which paid US$ 1 billion to Shell for a 23% stake in the Parque das Conchas project in the Campos Basin is another candidate.

The renewal of Repetro, a tax exemption program for imported equipment used on oil exploration projects in Brazil, is considered an essential condition for the October oil auctions to succeed. Direct investments from these areas could reach US$ 83 billion, according to ANP estimates.

The Brazilian government also granted a few other perks for foreign investors, like reducing the need to use local equipment and services to explore oil areas and ending Petrobras' exclusivity to operate oil fields in the pre-salt layer.

The good results from the pre-salt exploration can also increase the appetite of established competitors in Brazil such as the Anglo-Dutch Shell, the British BP, the US Chevron and Norwegian Statoil.

by Agencia CMA Latam

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Destatis is scheduled to issue Germany's factory orders data for May in the pre-European session on Thursday at 2:00 am ET. Orders are forecast to grow 1.9 percent on month, reversing a 2.1 percent fall in April.

Ahead of the data, the euro showed mixed trading against its major rivals. While the euro fell against the pound, it held steady against the U.S. dollar, the yen and the Swiss franc.

As of 1:55 am ET, the euro was trading at 0.8759 against the pound, 1.0944 against the Swiss franc, 1.1338 against the U.S. dollar and 128.27 against the yen.

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Forex News
Germany's factory orders recovered in May driven by a rebound in foreign demand, but the pace of overall growth was weaker than economists' expectations.

Factory orders grew 1 percent month-on-month in May, reversing a revised 2.2 percent fall in the previous month, data from Destatis showed Thursday. Orders were forecast to climb 1.9 percent.

Excluding major orders, manufacturing new orders declined 0.3 percent in May from the previous month.

Domestic orders fell 1.9 percent from April, while foreign orders grew 3.1 percent. Orders from the euro area climbed 1.7 percent and that from other countries advanced 4 percent.

Manufacturers of intermediate goods reported a 0.7 percent fall compared with April. For consumer goods, a decrease of 2.9 percent was posted. Meanwhile, manufacturers of capital goods showed an increase of 2.6 percent.

Year-on-year, factory orders grew at a faster pace of 3.7 percent in May after rising 3.3 percent in April.

The ministry said the solid development in incoming orders, as well as the excellent climate, support a further slightly upward trend in the manufacturing sector.

Despite the latest monthly growth of 1 percent, order intake of German manufacturing turned out rather disappointing in May, because this plus follows a much larger minus of more than 2 percent in the previous month, Ralph Solveen, an analyst at Commerzbank, said.

Production can hardly be expected to show a significant increase in the coming months, the analyst added.

In contrast, the latest Purchasing Managers' survey from IHS Markit showed that manufacturing new orders grew at the fastest pace since March 2011 in June. However, IHS said growth in new export business slowed from May's seven-year high.

Data showed that manufacturing turnover slid 0.1 percent on a monthly basis, following a 1.3 percent rise in March.

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Cyber security company Symantec Corp. (SYMC) said it has agreed to acquire Israel-based Fireglass, an agentless isolation solution that eliminates ransomware, malware and phishing threats in real-time by preventing potentially harmful content from ever reaching user endpoints or the corporate network. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Symantec noted that the acquisition will further strengthen its Integrated Cyber Defense Platform and dramatically extends the company's leadership in Secure Web Gateway as well as Email protection, delivered both on premises and in the cloud.

The transaction is expected to close in the third calendar quarter of 2017. Symantec expects Fireglass' to be available to its customers and partners soon after the transaction closes.

According to Symantec, Fireglass' innovative approach to browser isolation substantially reduces the attack surface, strengthening an enterprise's security posture. As a result, it will significantly reduce the burden on the company's security operation center or SOC, and IT help desk.

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Business News
Hobby Lobby Stores Inc., an Oklahoma-based arts and crafts retailer, has agreed to pay a fine of $3 million to settle civil charges and also forfeit thousands of artifacts from the Middle East that were falsely labeled and smuggled into the U.S.

The Justice Department said Wednesday that Hobby Lobby purchased more than 5,500 artifacts, comprised of cuneiform tablets and bricks, clay bullae and cylinder seals, for $1.6 million. Cuneiform is an ancient system of writing on clay tablets that was used in ancient Mesopotamia thousands of years ago.

These ancient clay artifacts originated in the area of modern-day Iraq were smuggled into the U.S. through the United Arab Emirates and Israel, contrary to federal law.

Packages containing these artifacts bore shipping labels that falsely and misleadingly described their contents as "ceramic tiles" or "clay tiles (sample)."

Hobby Lobby said in a statement that it began acquiring a variety of historical Bibles and other artifacts in 2009, "consistent with the company's mission and passion for the Bible."

"The Company was new to the world of acquiring these items, and did not fully appreciate the complexities of the acquisitions process. This resulted in some regrettable mistakes," Hobby Lobby said.

However, the Justice Department noted that the acquisition of the artifacts by Hobby Lobby was fraught with red flags.

The Justice Department noted that in October 2010, an expert on cultural property law retained by Hobby Lobby warned the company that the acquisition of cultural property likely from Iraq carried a risk that these may have been looted from archaeological sites in Iraq.

The export also warned that an improper declaration of country of origin for cultural property could lead to seizure and forfeiture of the artifacts by U.S. Customs and Border Protection or CBP.

Despite these warnings, Hobby Lobby executed an agreement in December 2010 to purchase the artifacts.

A UAE-based dealer shipped packages containing the artifacts to three different Hobby Lobby corporate addresses in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. These bore shipping labels that falsely declared that the artifacts' country of origin as Turkey.

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Business News
Ofo, the bike sharing app in China, managed to attract $700 million funding for its global expansion plan. The investors include Alibaba Group, Hony Capital as well as CITIC Private Equity. The existing investors Didi Chuxing and DST Global also participated in the new round of funding.

Ofo, with a valuation of around $2 billion, offers yellow bikes on demand and that too on a non-docking platform. The increased passion for sharing bikes in China have really replaced shared taxis is short routes. By the end of this year, it is expected that the cycle sharing clients in China will reach 50 million, up from 18 million in the prior year.

Ofo, run by Beijing Bikelock Technology Co., is planning to upgrade its service and to offer better experience to clients. Now it has around 5 million bicycles in China. It is slowly expanding to Britain, U.S. and Singapore. It uses an app that can scan the QR code to unlock a bicycle. Each bicycle has a GPS chip and can be parked at any permitted parking.

Earlier in February, Ofo has raised $450 million and at that time the company had a valuation of $1 billion.

Last month, Ofo's rival Mobike that offers orange bikes, has raised $600 million. Earlier, Mobike has raised $300 million from investors such as Foxconn, Temasek, Tencent. Mobike has plans to expand to Manchester in U.K after its expansion to Singapore. It claims to have 100 million registered users and 25 million rides per day. It offer 5 million bicycles with GPS trackers.

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Political News
President Donald Trump said Thursday he thinks Russia interfered in last year's presidential election but argued that "nobody really knows for sure."

"I think it very well could be Russia but I think it could very well have been other countries," Trump said during a press conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda. "I think a lot of people interfere."

"I think it was Russia, but I think it was probably other people and/or countries. I see nothing wrong with that statement," he added. "Nobody really knows. Nobody really knows for sure."

Trump compared the intelligence community's assessment that Russia meddled in the election to the claims that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction in the lead-up to the U.S. invasion.

"I remember when I was sitting back listening about Iraq, weapons of mass destruction, how everybody was 100 percent certain that Iraq has weapons of mass destruction," Trump said. "Guess what? That led to one big mess. They were wrong and it led to a mess."

Trump was also highly critical of former President Barack Obama's handling of the alleged Russian interference.

"He did nothing about it. Why did he do nothing about it? He was told it was Russia by the CIA, as I understand it. It was well reported," Trump said. "He did nothing about it."

"They say he choked. I don't think he choked," he added. "I think what happens is he thought Hillary Clinton was going to win the election and said, 'Let's not do anything about it.' Had he thought the other way, he would have done something about it."

(Photo: Gage Skidmore)

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Political News
Major Muslim groups in Malaysia and Indonesia are urging Muslims in the country to boycott Starbucks because of the coffee chain's support for LGBT rights.

Leaders from Muhammadiyah, Indonesia's second biggest Muslim organization, also has asked the government to revoke the company's license. Malaysian group Perkasa has asked its over 500,000 members to stay away from Starbucks coffee shops.

"The ideology, business and view that they support are against our ideology," Anwar Abbas, Muhammadiyah's head of economic affairs, told AFP.

PT Sari Coffee Indonesia, which holds the license to run the Starbucks chain in Indonesia, said in a statement it was not affiliated with any political or ideological groups.

"We are grateful and proud to have been a part of local communities in Indonesia for 15 years, always maintaining the deepest respect for, and adherence to, Indonesia's local laws, culture and beliefs," said Fetty Kwartati, a director at PT MAP Boga Adiperkasa, the parent company of PT Sari Coffee Indonesia.

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Business News
German retailer Lidl, which opened its first U.S. stores just two weeks ago, has been welcomed by rival Kroger Co. with a lawsuit alleging trademark infringement.

Kroger has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Virginia claiming that Lidl's "Preferred Selection" line of private label goods infringed Kroger's "Private Selection" brand. Kroger claims that the similar names will make customers believe that the two companies are related, allowing Lidl to "compete unfairly."

"As a direct result of Lidl's wrongful conduct, Kroger has suffered and will continue to suffer irreparable injury," the lawsuit states.

Lidl opened its first U.S. stores in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina with plans to expand to 20 locations this summer and add another 80 by the middle of next year. Lidl currently operates over 10,000 stores across Europe.

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(Agencia CMA Latam) - Michel Temer, the Brazilian president charged with corruption, said that there are public authorities in Brazil who, for personal or professional interest, work to disrupt the balance between powers branches.

His comments were an indirect attack to attorney-general Rodrigo Janot, who filed the corruption charge against the president last week.

"People often think about their personal or professional interest and sometimes even enter into disputes. That is interesting, as the Constitution determines the harmony between powers branches. What we often see is the attempt to unbalance state power branches, and this, my friends, is a crime against the democratic state", said the president.

He made clear in his speech that his comments did not refer to Congress.

"When I see disharmony, and I see it many, many times, I preach harmony between the power branches. We act in harmony with the Legislature and in absolute obedience to jurisdiction, which is to say the law applicable to a controversy obeyed by all powers," he said.

Janot charged Temer and his former adviser Rodrigo Rocha Loures of receiving bribes from Joesley Batista, one of the owners of the meatpacker JBS. According to the attorney-general, the president was the final recipient of a R$ 500,000 (US$ 150,000) weekly graft payment promised by JBS to Loures in exchange for government interference in a judicial dispute between the company and Petrobras.

Evidence of those allegations includes an audio recording of an out-of-the-record late-night meeting of Temer and Batista. During the conversation, the president points Loures as someone who would help tilt the scale in favor of JBS at the legal dispute.

Police authorities also filmed the moment when Rocha Loures received the graft payment from a JBS employee, after discussing the terms of the deal. Temer denies having any intention to receive the illegal money.

by Agencia CMA Latam

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[July 05, 2017] 54th Design Automation Conference Announces Preliminary Attendance Numbers

The 54th Design Automation Conference (DAC), the premier event devoted to the design and automation of electronic systems, attracted thousands of attendees from all over the world at the Austin Convention Center in Texas. All leading companies in the EDA, IP and IoT spaces, as well as major foundries, participated on the exhibit floor, in the technical program, and in DAC's Monday tutorial sessions. "We are very pleased with the interest the expanded topics brought to the technical program," said Michael "Mac" McNamara, General Chair of the 54th DAC. "The machine learning tutorial on Monday was standing-room only, as was the AI panel session at the Pavilion and many other sessions. I was also thrilled with the world-class keynotes and our focus on IoT, which clearly caught the interest of the community. I sincerely thank sponsors, volunteers, exhibitors, and technical contributors for making this all come together so well. With your help and involvement, DAC continues to have the most compelling program the design automation ecosystem, $6B business with a vibrant academic backing." DAC 2017 was held in the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas, from Sunday June 18 to Thursday June 22 and offered attendees outstanding training, education, exhibits and networking opportunities. In addition, DAC 2017 included several fun activities for attendees to enjoy on the exhibit floor: the World of IoT exhibit hosted the Hardware Design Contest finalist highlighting their designs, a virtual reality experience and tech puzzles; the daily DAC Pavilion tear-down sessions and the location of the Designer/ IP Poster sessions, all brought excitement to the show floor and drove attendance to the exhibits. "The quality of meetings we had over three days was outstanding," said Ranjit Adhikary, Vice President Marketing at ClioSoft. "Being in Austin for the second time gave us an opportunity to reach out to design companies based in Texas as well key people from all over the world." Preliminary figures for the 2017 DAC in Austin shows:







2017  Conference passes 1738  I LOVE DAC passes 1434  Exhibitors' booth staff 1815  Total badges picked up 4987

About DAC The Design Automation Conference (DAC) is recognized as the premier event for the design of electronic circuits and systems, and for electronic design automation (EDA) and silicon solutions. A diverse worldwide community representing more than 1,000 organizations attends each year, represented by system designers and architects, logic and circuit designers, validation engineers, CAD managers, senior managers and executives to researchers and academicians from leading universities. Close to 60 technical sessions selected by a committee of electronic design experts offer information on recent developments and trends, management practices and new products, methodologies and technologies. A highlight of DAC is its exhibition and suite area with approximately 200 of the leading and emerging EDA, silicon, intellectual property (IP) and design services providers. The conference is sponsored by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the Electronic Systems Design Alliance (ESDA), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE (News - Alert)), and is supported by ACM's Special Interest Group on Design Automation (ACM SIGDA). Design Automation Conference acknowledges trademarks or registered trademarks of other organizations for their respective products and services. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170705005299/en/

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Newegg's 3rd Annual FantasTech Sale Kicks Off July 11

Newegg, the leading tech-focused e-retailer, today unveiled plans for its annual FantasTech sale. Now in its third year, the three-day sale will feature great deals on some of the latest and greatest tech products.

"The summer months are when people shop for themselves, and we aim to be the best place to get tech," said Merle McIntosh, SVP Sales and Marketing at Newegg. "From gaming notebooks for on-the-go fun to computer components that complete a summer PC-build project, we have the products people need at tough-to-beat prices."

Beginning early Tuesday, July 11 (12:01 a.m.), Newegg will offer deep discounts on hundreds of the very best products across all tech product categories. A handful of enticing deals are listed below:







About Newegg Inc.

Newegg Inc. is the leading electronics-focused e-retailer in North America. It owns and operates Newegg.com (http://www.newegg.com) which was founded in 2001 and regularly earns industry-leading customer service ratings. The award-winning website has more than 32 million registered users and offers customers a comprehensive selection of the latest consumer electronics products, detailed product descriptions and images, as well as how-to information and customer reviews. Using the site's online tech community, customers have the opportunity to interact with other computer, gaming and consumer electronics enthusiasts. Newegg Inc. is headquartered in City of Industry, California. Newegg operates Hybrid Centers in City of Industry, CA (News - Alert) and Richmond Hill, Ontario.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170705005780/en/
[July 05, 2017] Spending on IT Infrastructure Supporting Public Cloud Services Will Be Fastest Growing Among IT Deployment Segments in 2017, According to IDC

According to a new forecast from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Cloud IT Infrastructure Tracker, total spending on IT infrastructure products (server, enterprise storage, and Ethernet switches) for deployment in cloud environments will increase 12.4% year over year in 2017 to $40.1 billion. Public cloud datacenters will account for the majority of this spending (60.7%) and will grow at the fastest rate year over year (13.8%). Off-premises private cloud environments will represent 14.9% of overall spending and will grow 11.9% year over year. On-premises private clouds will account for 62.2% of spending on private cloud IT infrastructure and will grow 9.6% year over year in 2017. Increased spending on cloud IT infrastructure and decreasing investments in non-cloud IT infrastructure will be a common theme for all regions. Worldwide spending on traditional, non-cloud, IT infrastructure will decline 4.6% in 2017 accounting for 58.7% of the overall end-user spending on IT infrastructure products across the three segments, down from 62.6% in 2016. Note: All figures above exclude double counting between server and storage. In cloud IT environments, Ethernet switches will be the fastest growing technology segment with 25.8% year-over-year growth in 2017, while spending on servers and enterprise storage will grow 9.1% and 12.0%, respectively. These growth rates include double counting between server and storage to fully represent each of the technology segments. In all three technology segments, spending on IT infrastructure deployed off-premises will grow in 2017 while spending on on-premises environments will decline. Over the five-year forecast, IDC (News - Alert) expects spending on off-premises cloud IT infrastructure will have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.0%, reaching $45.7 billion in 2021. Public cloud datacenters will account for 79.8% of this amount with an 11.0% CAGR, while spending on off-premises private cloud infrastructure will increase at an 11.3% CAGR. Combined with on-premises private cloud, overall spending on cloud IT infrastructure will have a five-year CAGR of 10.9% and by 2020 will surpass spending on non-cloud IT infrastructure. Spending on on-premises private cloud IT infrastructure will grow at a 10.5% CAGR, while spending on non-cloud IT (on-premises and off-premises combined) will decline at a 3.1% CAGR during the same period. An interactive graphic showing worldwide spending share for public cloud, private cloud, and traditional datacenters over the 2015-2021 forecast period is available here. The chart is intended for public use in online news articles an social media. Instructions on how to embed this graphic can be found by viewing this press release on IDC.com.



"The overall profile of spending on IT infrastructure in various deployment/location scenarios seen in 2016 will continue in 2017 with some differences in specific technology segments," said Natalya Yezhkova, research director, Enterprise Storage. "Enterprise adoption of hybrid and multi-cloud IT strategies and the proliferation of cloud-native applications and areas such as the Internet of Things (IoT), which embrace a cloud-first approach to supporting IT resources, will fuel further increases in end-user spending on services-based IT. In turn, this move will be reflected in a shift of the overall spending on IT infrastructure from on-premises to off-premises deployments and from traditional IT to cloud IT." IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Cloud IT Infrastructure Tracker is designed to provide clients with a better understanding of what portion of the server, enterprise storage systems, and networking hardware markets are being deployed in cloud environments. This tracker will break out vendors' revenue by the hardware technology market into public and private cloud environments for historical data and also provide a five-year forecast by the technology market.

Taxonomy Notes:

IDC defines cloud services more formally through a checklist of key attributes that an offering must manifest to end users of the service. Public cloud services are shared among unrelated enterprises and consumers; open to a largely unrestricted universe of potential users; and designed for a market, not a single enterprise. The public cloud market includes variety of services designed to extend or, in some cases, replace IT infrastructure deployed in corporate datacenters. It also includes content services delivered by a group of suppliers IDC calls Value Added Content Providers (VACP). Private cloud services are shared within a single enterprise or an extended enterprise with restrictions on access and level of resource dedication and defined/controlled by the enterprise (and beyond the control available in public cloud offerings); can be onsite or offsite; and can be managed by a third-party or in-house staff. In private cloud that is managed by in-house staff, "vendors (cloud service providers)" are equivalent to the IT departments/shared service departments within enterprises/groups. In this utilization model, where standardized services are jointly used within the enterprise/group, business departments, offices, and employees are the "service users." For more information about IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Cloud IT Infrastructure Tracker, please contact Lidice Fernandez at 305-351-3057 or [email protected]. About IDC Trackers

IDC Tracker products provide accurate and timely market size, vendor share, and forecasts for hundreds of technology markets from more than 100 countries around the globe. Using proprietary tools and research processes, IDC's Trackers are updated on a semiannual, quarterly, and monthly basis. Tracker results are delivered to clients in user-friendly excel deliverables and on-line query tools. About IDC

International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. With more than 1,100 analysts worldwide, IDC offers global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries. IDC's analysis and insight helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based technology decisions and to achieve their key business objectives. Founded in 1964, IDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Data Group (IDG), the world's leading media, data and marketing services company that activates and engages the most influential technology buyers. To learn more about IDC, please visit www.idc.com. Follow IDC on Twitter (News - Alert) at @IDC and LinkedIn. All product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170705005855/en/

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By SA Commercial Prop News

Vukile Property Fund has bought a portfolio of nine high-quality, newly-built retail parks across Spain, in a deal said to be worth nearly R3bn.



Investment group, Vukile Property Fund has bought a portfolio of nine high-quality, newly-built retail parks across Spain, in a deal said to be worth nearly R3bn.

The group has acquired a portfolio of nine newly built retail parks across Spain via its 98.3% holding in Castellana Properties Socimi.

The 193m off-market transaction increases Vukiles diversification, boosts its international exposure to about 21% of total property assets and grows its Spanish portfolio to 11 properties.

"The transaction has given Vukile immediate scale in Spain. Vukile now offers the most focused exposure to Spanish property available in the South African real estate investment trust [Reit] market," said Vukile CEO Laurence Rapp.

Spains economy has been growing strongly relative to its European peers over the past few years. GDP growth has exceeded 3% a year over the past three years.

An increase in disposable income is driving the economic recovery.

The acquisition represents a 6.2% pregeared property yield and reaffirms Vukiles prospects to deliver growth in dividends of 7%-8% in the year to March 2018.

Rapp said the deal "gives traction to Vukiles stated holistic investment strategy in the developed markets of western Europe.

It sets Vukile apart from other South African Reits, many of which have focused their international expansion into emerging eastern European markets."

The nine properties, which have a 117,670m total gross lettable area, are geographically diversified across Spain.

The portfolio has a 2.7% vacancy rate.

It comprised 73 stores, of which 95% of gross revenue was derived from Spanish national and international retail tenants, including Media Markt, Sprinter, Worten, Aki and Mercadona, Rapp said.

Ian Anderson, chief investment officer at Bridge Fund Managers, said Vukile had created a strong offshore platform.

"Together with their recent transactions that have created a specialist, retail-focused portfolio, this transaction should go a long way to keeping shareholders happy and creating a solid platform for the future.

The company trades on a one-year forward yield in excess of 9%, which we believe doesnt fully reflect the improved portfolio and prospects," Anderson said.

Garreth Elston of Golden Section Capital said Vukile had purchased a solid portfolio of Spanish assets in diversified and economically stable areas.

"The bulk of the portfolio are the dominant retail parks within their locations, and these are the type of assets that Vukile should have sourced.

This portfolio goes a long way towards the company achieving its aim of international diversification," he said. But South African property funds could end up overpaying in Spain.

"The deal also underscores the rapidly increasing prices in Spanish real estate.

For example six of the properties in this deal were bought by Redevco Iberian Ventures in late April [2016] for 95m, and the same properties sold to Vukile just over 14 months later for 113.5m, a 19.5% increase.

Therefore, while Spanish fundamentals are looking solid, South African companies need to ensure they do not overpay for assets," Elston said.
India and Israel are expected to ink several agreements in key sectors as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu here on Wednesday.

The two leaders held restricted talks ahead of the delegation-level talks.

"Taking yesterday's discussions forward. PM narendramodi and PM netanyahu meet for restricted talks in Jerusalem," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted along with pictures of the two leaders.

Earlier on Wednesday, Modi called on Israeli President Reuven Rivlin who broke protocol and welcomed the Indian leader with a hug as he alighted from the car ahead of the meeting.

"I am very grateful to the President for welcoming me so warmly," Modi told the media. "He broke protocol and came out to the alighting point to welcome me. This is a mark of respect for the people of India."

Later on Wednesday, Modi is scheduled to meet Moshe Holtzberg, whose young Jewish parents, Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, were killed during the attack on the Chabad House in Mumbai in the 26/11 terror attacks.

He will also address a 4,000-strong gathering of the Indian diaspora in Israel in the evening.
An Indian Army jawan has reportedly ran away with AK-47 and 3 magazine on Wednesday night.

Sepoy Zahoor Ahmed Thakur of 173 Territorial Army regiment of Indian army, absconded on Wednesday night at 11:30 pm with one AK 47 rifle and three magazines.



Zahoor is a residence of Sirnoo, Pulwama and went missing from Gantmulla area of North Kashmir's Baramulla district, where he was posted.



Reports suggest that the jawan has most probably joined the Terrorist's rank and file.



He has good knowledge of the security system followed by units deployed in the valley and elsewhere.

Manhunt has been launched to nab him.



It will not be surprising that this soldier was coerced by the terrorists or the circumstances to abandon post with a service rifle.



This is not the first time that an armyman has deserted his post. Several policemen have deserted their posts and joined militant ranks in past couple of years in Kashmir.
On last day of his historic 3-day visit to Israel, Narendra Modi ' title='Prime Minister Narendra Modi '>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay tributes to Indian soldiers from World War I at the Haifa cemetery on Thursday.

Modi will visit the Haifa cemetery at around 2 p.m. to pay homage to the India soldiers martyred. Around 49 Indian soldiers are buried at the cemetery.



Every year on September 23, the Indian Army celebrates 'Haifa Day' to commemorate the war dead during the Battle of Haifa. The battle is considered one of the bravely-contested battles of World War I.



The Prime Minister will end his visit today with the India-Israel CEO's meet. Modi will have lunch with the Israeli CEO's at the India-Israel CEO's forum at around 3:30 p.m.



He will leave Israel at 7:30 in the evening for the G-20 summit in Germany.


Dear Editor

Re: Is the Fourth of July safe with Donald Trump in control?*

Happy Celebrations on America Day, 4th July to all Americans including American Samoa.

Your nation was fashioned and moulded around a Christian belief, ethics and morals. Your nation had become the leader of the world because of that.

Loosen those underpinnings and your great nation has started morphing into something unAmerican.

You realised this when you elected Trump. (How your president has survived up until now can only be described as divine.) Right from the GO he was ridiculed and despised. The only support he had were the deplorables who against all polls voted him in.

He is meeting the promises he made to voters despite extreme opposition from liberal left/democrats and mainstream media and even his own party.

His inauguration promise is that with the last breath in his body he will fight to give America back to the American people.)

Considering what is being played out on the American political scene, Trump is the last train out of the station if Americans wants their freedoms as inalienable rights.

Sanele Faale
[July 05, 2017] A Place for Mom Announces Strategic Investment from General Atlantic and Silver Lake

SEATTLE and MENLO PARK, Calif. and NEW YORK, July 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A Place for Mom, North America's largest network connecting families to senior living service providers, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Silver Lake, a global leader in technology investing, and General Atlantic, a leading global growth equity firm. The company is being sold by its previous investor, Warburg Pincus. General Atlantic and Silver Lake will own equal stakes in A Place for Mom, which will continue to be led by CEO Sean Kell and the company's management team, who will remain meaningful shareholders in the business. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Established in 2000, A Place for Mom's multi-channel marketing and technology platform connects families to a network of over 18,500 senior living providers in the U.S. and Canada, providing free, personalized assistance. Addressing the unique needs of each family it serves, the company generates in-depth and detailed informational guidance that can dramatically simplify an often challenging and opaque search process. A Place for Mom and its network of senior living partners offer options for independent living, assisted living, residential care homes, memory care and home care services. Over the past year, the company has helped over 275,000 families in their search for senior living and home care solutions. "As a growing number of Americans confront the daunting task of finding the right care solutions for their aging family members, our website, mobile tools and team of more than 500 expert local Advisors offer carefully researched and diverse options to identify the best and most appropriate senior care communities," said Sean Kell, CEO of A Place for Mom. "We are proud of the progress we have achieved together with our valued network of senior living community partners and through our partnership with Warburg Pincus. General Atlantic and Silver Lake both have proven track records of partnering with high-growth companies and will add considerable strategic value as we aim to expand our capabilities to serve the needs of both our families and network of senior living providers." "We are excited to partner with Sean and his talented team as they embark on the company's next phase of dynamic growth," said Greg Mondre, Managing Partner and Managing Director, and Adam Karol, Director, both of Silver Lake. "A Place for Mom provides both families and the senior care community with a valuable service, differentiated by its powerful technology platform and data-driven approach. We look forward to working with General Atlantic to build on these strengths by helping A Place for Mom execute its important mission and expand its capabilities as the trusted network for senior care." Anton Levy, Managing Director and Global Head of Internet & Technology at General Atlantic, said, "A Place for Mom sits at the critical intersection of a number of exciting trends across the information technology and healthcare sectors, including the continued shift in consumer research from offline to online channels." Robbert Vorhoff, Managing Director and Global Head of Healthcare at General Atlantic, continued, "Given the ever increasing demand for high quality senior care, we believe A Place for Mom is poised for continued rapid growth. We are thrilled to partner with the management team and Silver Lake to help achieve the company's long-term strategic vision as an innovative industry leader." "A Place for Mom has established a best in class leadership position in the online senior living and care industry, with an attractive business model and a mission-driven approach," said Vishnu Menon, Managing Director and head of the Warburg Pincus SanFrancisco office and Justin Sadrian, Managing Director, Warburg Pincus. "We have been delighted and honored to support Sean and his team as they have built A Place for Mom into the world-class senior services network and support organization that it is today, while positioning the company to continue capitalizing on powerful long-term demographic trends going forward."



As an authority and thought leader in the senior living industry, A Place for Mom provides extensive resources including its Senior Living Finder mobile app, newsletter, blogs and planning guides to help streamline the search process for families. In addition, A Place for Mom's Senior Living Cost Index helps families learn about the cost of senior living options in over 2,000 cities. A Place for Mom is proud to have a 97% customer satisfaction rating and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. In its next phase of growth, A Place for Mom will seek to enhance its capacity to meet the growing needs of families and adult children who are increasingly turning to the Internet to inform and navigate pivotal life decisions around senior care. The company hopes to expand its service offering across the senior living continuum to provide better access, coordination and quality of care for the families it serves. In addition, A Place for Mom expects to make further investments in its technology platform including cloud-based initiatives and advanced data collection and analytics.

As part of their firms' investment in A Place for Mom, Greg Mondre and Adam Karol from Silver Lake and Anton Levy and Robbert Vorhoff from General Atlantic will join the company's board of directors. A Place for Mom was advised by William Blair & Company and Willkie Farr & Gallagher. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. About A Place for Mom

A Place for Mom is North America's largest senior services network with more than 500 Senior Living Advisor and Community Relations Advisors providing resources and personalized assistance in finding senior living options. A Place for Mom works with a nationwide network of over 18,500 providers to help families find options based on a loved one's stated needs, preferences and budget. This may include independent senior housing, home care, residential care homes, assisted living communities, memory care and Alzheimer's care. The service is offered at no charge to families as providers pay a fee to A Place for Mom. For more information, visit www.aplaceformom.com. About Silver Lake

Silver Lake is the global leader in technology investing, with about $39 billion in combined assets under management and committed capital and a team of approximately 100 investment and value creation professionals located in Silicon Valley, New York, London, Hong Kong and Tokyo. Silver Lake's portfolio of investments collectively generates more than $140 billion of revenue annually and employs more than 300,000 people globally. The firm's current portfolio includes leading technology and technology-enabled businesses such as Alibaba Group, Ancestry, Broadcom Limited, Cast & Crew, Ctrip, Dell Technologies, Fanatics, Global Blue, GoDaddy, Motorola Solutions, Red Ventures, Sabre, SoFi, SolarWinds, Symantec and WMEIMG. For more information about Silver Lake and its entire portfolio, please visit www.silverlake.com. About General Atlantic

General Atlantic is a leading global growth equity firm providing capital and strategic support for growth companies. Established in 1980, General Atlantic combines a collaborative global approach, sector-specific expertise, a long-term investment horizon, and a deep understanding of growth drivers to partner with great management and build exceptional businesses worldwide. General Atlantic has more than 100 investment professionals based in New York, Amsterdam, Beijing, Greenwich, Hong Kong, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, Munich, Palo Alto, Sao Paulo, and Singapore. www.generalatlantic.com About Warburg Pincus

Warburg Pincus LLC is a leading global private equity firm focused on growth investing. The firm has more than $44 billion in private equity assets under management. The firm's active portfolio of more than 140 companies is highly diversified by stage, sector and geography. Warburg Pincus is an experienced partner to management teams seeking to build durable companies with sustainable value. Founded in 1966, Warburg Pincus has raised 16 private equity funds which have invested more than $60 billion in over 780 companies in more than 40 countries. The firm has been among the most active investors in marketplace businesses globally with current and former investments including OfferUp, 58.com, Quikr, Koudai, CarTrade, GO-JEK, Uxin, Haodai, GlobalSpec, GrubHub Seamless, and Slickdeals. The firm is headquartered in New York with offices in Amsterdam, Beijing, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London, Luxembourg, Mumbai, Mauritius, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Shanghai and Singapore. For more information, please visit www.warburgpincus.com. Media Contacts For A Place for Mom

Charlie Severn

[email protected]

+1-206-802-1604 For General Atlantic

Mike Geller

Edelman for General Atlantic

[email protected]

+1-212-729-2163 For Silver Lake

Patricia Graue / Sourav Bhowmick

Brunswick Group for Silver Lake

[email protected]

+1-212-333-3810 For Warburg Pincus

Mary Armstrong / Christopher Beattie

+1-212-878-9201 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/a-place-for-mom-announces-strategic-investment-from-general-atlantic-and-silver-lake-300483582.html SOURCE A Place for Mom

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Dear Editor

Re: Samoa tourisms biggest problem

One problem that holds back tourism is when a few people try to scam tourists, and do not think about their actions in terms of how it affects tourism dollars in the future.

We booked a rental car with a local company, the car's battery cables kept popping off.

Rain or shine we would have to get out and pound down the battery cables to get going again.

Then the fuel line had a leak and the car stopped.

Then they offered another car but showed up with a standard truck and said we should be grateful because it was their last vehicle.

Then the truck had no A/C and no space for our children to put their feet what with the luggage and mealofa packages we were bringing over to Savai'i for family.

Then they said to take a taxi after the car broke down, that they would reimburse us, which they didn't.

The topper was when the rental guy asked us to hand-carry packages of what he called ava, but who knows what was in them. When we said no thanks, he left without completing something.

We had just given him extra tala to do (carry something to the counter).

Since we (our parents) are local, we try to give our money to a local rental company, but the results were not worth it. The guy knew we were local, and still had the nerve to act in this way. Luckily he was only one guy, and everyone else we met this trip and back in April were great.

If each person realises that their behaviour affects the feelings tourists have, and that affects the economy, they would hold themselves to a higher standard. The highlights were the guys from Fiji Air at the airport, and the kind service at the hotels La Uaina, Le Lagoto, Amoa, and Coconuts.

And the kind guy at the blowholes on Savaii.

The real winners were the kind school children, and locals in church who welcomed us warmly, and the LDS missionaries along the way. Really, everyone else was great.

We will be back as we have family there, but not everyone goes back after such experiences from that rental car company!

disqusthisplease
The Financial Year report for 2015-2016 of the Samoa Housing Corporation has been a successful year in terms of operational performance.

According to the report, the Corporation achieved a record profit of $948,942 or a 14% increase from the previous year.

The steady increase in revenue and profit reflects the overall business growth as characterized by a moderate quality loan portfolio and prudent financial management.

Net profit is recorded at $948,942 representing a 14% increase from last year with a 13% increase of overall expenditure, the report says.

An increase of 4% from last year return on equity ratio is due largely to the increase of the value of the Corporations property at Matafele.

A total loan portfolio value increased to $14% increase from the previous year and loan approvals was $20.3million tala or a 26% increase from the previous year.

The transfer of the government rental housing in 2013 the corporation has successfully managed to streamline its rental housing administration processes and guidelines so it can contribute profitably to its mainstream functions.

Managing the rental property portfolio has been a continued challenge due to significant investment to bring them up to commercial standard.

This is evident by the ST$1.4million capital expenditure the FY 2015-16 year.

The 28 properties are now fully refurbished and rented out to mostly private tenants and a few commercial ones.

The report continues, as of today, the Corporation continues its commitment to providing accessible financing for affordable homes to our citizens, and they are also continuing to build and provide a competitive rental portfolio to match.

Their vision is to be the active leader in the provision of finance for housing and land property for residential purposes.

The role of the Corporation in Samoan society is to provide access to quality financial services and to provide affordable homes for those on modest incomes.

Most of its clients are middle to low income earners who are unable to qualify for credit facilities from commercial financial institutions, as they do not meet the collateral requirements and or repayment schedules.

Since its establishment in 1990, the Corporation has managed to increase its market share in home financing with a total portfolio of $40 million. As a lending institution, the Corporation is dependent on long term borrowings from local lending institutions and income generated from repayment collections.

This week, the Samoa Housing Corporation (S.H.C.) celebrated further success and recognition of their achievements from a global organisation.

The Corporation was awarded a Merit Award by the Association of Development Financing Institution in Asia and the Pacific (A.D.F.I.A.P.) during their 40th Annual Meeting held in China.

The award recognises consistent exercise of corporate social responsibility, in relation to the Corporations HAS Build Project II. The organisation has used the project to improve many lives of many people in Samoa.

Chief Executive Officer of S.H.C., Matautia Rula Levi, said the award also recognised their work in partnership with Habitat New Zealand and A.D.R.A. Samoa to build resilient homes for people who are in need.

In the past few years, there have been local and overseas awards for leadership and the achievements in the Corporation as well as recognition of their strong role in assisting their clients into affordable housing.
Tourists have different perspectives when they come to Samoa. Some say its the hospitality that makes us unique.

But for 46 year old Jo Palmer of Auckland, New Zealand, she believes its the Samoa prints (mamanu) that make us unique.

A college art teacher by profession, Ms. Palmer is in the country with a friend for the first time to relax.

We arrived on Sunday and well be going back this coming Friday, she said.

This is my first time here and its amazing.

The first thing we noticed is the people. They are lovely and very friendly and thats difference from home. Its only when you know someone that you get to say hello to but here, the people say hello and Talofa and that makes us feel welcome.

As to how she came to know about Samoa, Ms. Palmer said it was through her husband.

He came over last year to film a programme called Kiwi Living in Savaii and when he came back, he told me all these wonderful things that made me want to come over, she said.

So this year he finally asked me if I wanted to come to Samoa for a holiday and straight away I said yes.

Its a pity that my husband and children are not here but I will make the most of it anyway.

With her background in art, its perhaps not surprising that Jo insists that the prints are her top pick although she is also enjoying the warmer weather.

Im an art teacher and when I saw the prints here, they immediately caught my attention because they are very creative.

I want to take some back with me so I can show my students and I hope the people here have like stencils so I can buy them.

I love the weather because at the moment its freezing back home. I will definitely be buying a fan for myself while Im here because its hot, but its good.

Ms. Palmer went on to say that she will definitely recommend Samoa to her friends and families.

The next time I will be bringing my children and husband and it will be longer than this trip, she said.

I love everything about Samoa and I think the world should also know that there is a place that you can come and relax and enjoy.
Meet Sean and Keil who are here for the first time with their two daughters Olivia and Tiana Parnell to experience a different culture and way of living.

Mr. Parnell told the Dear Tourist that they have only been here for just couple of days of their two week holiday.

We chose Samoa because my wife and I were looking for somewhere warm. As you know, at the moment its winter back home, he said.

We were looking for a place that was a different experience and also we wanted to go somewhere where there wouldnt be lots of tourists. We didnt want to go to a country where wed end up running into other Australians.

We went through the internet and found that Samoa is just the place we were looking for and as we have never been here before, that made the trip even better.

Mr. Palmer said they feel that made the right choice because his two teenage daughters love it here as does his wife.

The people are genuine and very welcoming and we dont get that back home. I guess this is just how the people are but its just amazing, he said.

Weve tried the food as well and its beautiful especially the seafood, the coconut milk.

Our daughters loved the taro chips. Theyre just different from what we usually have back home which is just what we wanted and weve found it here.

Mr. Parnells daughter Olivia also voiced what she loves.

I love how we drive through the small villages and the people just wave at you, she said.

Mrs. Parnell added that she just loves everything about this country.

Im also fascinated by the graves because back home there are cemeteries but here Im just amazed at how the people keep the graves of their loved ones neat and clean. Thats something you dont get to see back home.

We will be visiting Savaii next week on Monday and were feeling exciting about That.

As for the drinks, the couple love the local beers.

Vailima is the best because its a very local taste and has low carbs, she said.

We will definitely recommend Samoa to our friends and families back home and hopefully we can visit again some day.
Photo: Front Row: L-R: Kilisi Faaoso Misimoa (NKF), Salamasina Tofa (NHS), Faasega Matamu (SFESA), Leleai Vaelua (NHS), Faaeteete Lene (LTA) & Mary Agnes Talafaaoti (SQA)

Top Row: R L: Mike Anapu (SQA), Samuelu Puleiata (SWA), Iosefa Reupena (NPF), Sala Tivani Afoa (EPC), Lemalu Peni Anae (ACC), Lutasi Asisiga (SPCS), Malaeolema Samuelu (ACC), Faafetai Vaevaina (Trainer)

The Office of the Public Service Commission has conducted a 4 half day training session on Report Writing on Monday 26th  Thursday 29th June 2017. Ms. Sarona Esera, ACEO for Human Resource Development Division in her opening remarks thank the participants for availing their time to participate in the training.

She also stated that the report writing training was conducted, as a response to the need of government officials to be able to produce excellent and accurate reports for decision making within their respective organisation.

Fourteen participants were invited from Government Corporations who participated in the training enhancing their report writing skills with key themes including:

 Explaining how to adapt to your audiences when writing reports

 Explain and demonstrate knowledge on procedures for report writing

 Demonstrate knowledge on different types of report structure

 To produce a written report

The calibre of participants that attended the training included senior and officers level staff members who are involved in producing reports within their organisations. Some had written reports while others assist in collating information and documents to produce reports. Participants were appreciative of the opportunity to participate in the training and below presented how these participants will transfer the knowledge learned.

The participants will:

 share the knowledge learned from the training to their colleagues in writing accurate, clear, concise and well structure reports

 use relevant report structures(format) learned from the training to write reports for their internal and external customers

 applied the new knowledge and skills in writing efficient office reports as tasked to them

Mr. Samuelu Puleiata of the Samoa Water Authority delivered a thank you note on behalf of the participants.

He acknowledged the Office of the Public Service Commission for the opportunity given through trainings enabling them to build up their capacity to perform effectively in their workplaces. He also stated that this training has provided an opening door to create a network among themselves as participants in sharing new ideas on report writing.

The training was delivered by Faafetai Vaevaina (Principal Human Resource and Planning Officer).

Mrs. Angela Palu  Phineas (Principal Training & Development Consultant) in the presentation of certificates congratulates the participants and remind them again of the important of transferring the knowledge and skills learned from the training to their colleagues and its application to their daily office work activities.
What is done with love is done well.

This is a new beginning for Bruce Pati Otine as he comes out with his first and new cd album called Taimi o Fiafia, Taimi o Loimata.

Bruce comes from the village of Alafua and it took him two months to work on his album, made up of ten songs.

He is also known as the artist who draws Samoa Observers cartoon in the Opinion section.

Bruce stated that this album wasnt just an opportunity for him to make use of his talent but also a chance for him to pour out his feelings and telling love stories happening in our reality.

I did this cd because I wanted to use my talent, my voice to express how I truly feel inside. Im only human and I cant keep on hiding everything inside my heart.

The number 4 song called Loimata says it all; it was actually my drive to make a cd of my own songs.

All these songs are based on true stories about life, basically about broken relationships and you know at this point for me, its not only an opportunity for me to let out all my feelings but also a time to be free.

The picture on the album is an illustration of the good times and the bad times.

You know, in any relationship, when something bad happens, you look at everything differently, you have a different perspective on everything and you become emotional about every little thing.

This could be the first time for Bruce to launch a cd of his own but definitely not the first time for him to sing.

Ive been singing way before this, way before making this cd.

I started singing when I was in a group called Fatu ole Alofa but that ended because I had a family and I wanted to put my family before anything else.

But every day, I am reminded of the greatest blessing Ive received. I always show my gratitude for all you are to me.

In my experience while working on the lyrics for this album, it wasnt easy.

Writing lyrics isnt something that just comes to you and for me, these lyrics came to me under different circumstances or in different situations; you know words came to me when I was taking a bus ride to Apia, or doing work at home or just sitting alone.

You know its those little things that opened up my mind to the perfect words and thats why this means so much to me.

Now that a dream has succeeded at the first stage, Bruce is not only happy to showcase his work but also thankful to everyone who offered him the support he needs.

Grateful is what I feel in my heart that I have been blessed with the people who I can look for love, comfort and support. You mean the world to me not just this achievement but every day, he said.

First of all, I want to thank God, hes the one who gave me this gift and I wouldnt be able to make this cd without it. Hes the one who made everything possible for me and now my work is done.

I would also like to acknowledge Wayne Tupai who have been supporting me along the way as well as Zipso, one of Samoas most known artist.

I would also like to acknowledge Sio Silva and Silva Bullets, also the Kingston Teen.

Not forgetting my sponsor, Ceces Connection and, my special thanks to the Break Through Studio for all the help with my recording. Thank you Fetalaiga Fetalaiga!

Most of all, I would like to give special thanks to my family and friends who have been there for me, making this dream come true. I could not have done it without your help and it has been amazing to have by my side, making my journey a little bit easier every day.

Bruce Otines cd selling price is $20 so if you want to order one, please contact him on phone number: 7508099.
The non appearance of a Chinese translator forced the Court to reschedule the sentencing of two Chinese men who have been convicted of stealing more than $70,000 from the A.T.M machines of the Bank of South Pacific.

Yang Quigreen and Zhong Shuiming, who are under police custody, are represented by lawyer, Alex Sua.

The prosecutor is Lupematasila Iliganoa Atoa, of the Office of the Attorney General.

Presiding is District Court Judge, Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma.

During the proceedings Mr. Sua told the court that he had managed to get the translator in the morning however, he was unable to get a hold of him (translator) in the afternoon.

However Your Honour, I advise the court that since the matter today is just for Your Honour to hand down your decision, the process that I have arranged with the Ministry is that they will inform the Chinese Embassy and they will then update the translator with all the reports given today, said Mr. Sua.

However District Court Judge Fepuleais concern is that the two accused have to understand the sentencing and the reasons for the courts decisions.

I am grateful counsel for the arrangements today but this is the final decision of the court and it should be translated to both accused as the sentence is called, he said.

[And] obviously it is very important for them (accused) to be aware of the sentence and of the reasons as the sentence is handed down to them.

So the translator is not available today but the court is ready to hand down the sentence but that is my concern.

Again Im grateful to counsel for arranging the translators in the past but that is a matter for the Ministry and in this case, the Ministry should arrange for the translators to be present in the court and to translate the sentence.

What Im going to do is I have decided not to hand down the sentence obviously because the accused will not be able to understand it, but I will also instruct the Ministry to liaise with the Chinese Embassy to obtain the assistance of a translator and once that is settled, then we will recall this matter and hand down the sentence.

We will adjourn this matter until a translator is obtained by the Ministry and then we will again call the matter for sentencing.

Last month the pair was convicted.

Judge Fepuleai pointed out the defendants were initially charged with 16 charges however prior to the trial, they both pleaded guilty to four charges.

These include intentionally accessing A.T.M. without authority; theft of $9,700; theft of $1,000; theft of $12,500. The total amount for this is $23,200.

During the trial, two more theft charges were dismissed, leaving 10 other counts which were the subject of the trial.

For the theft charge in the amount of $24,900, they were found guilty in the lesser sum of $19,150; theft of $16,200 they were found guilty in the lesser sum $12,400; theft $6,150 they were found guilty in the lesser sum $3,100; theft of $23,950 they were found guilty in the lesser sum of $11,700; theft of $15,700 they were found guilty in the lesser sum of $1,000.

They were also found guilty of intentionally accessing A.T.M. without authority with the purpose of committing a crime of dishonesty.

They were however acquitted of three theft charges, involving two separate withdrawals of $300 each and theft of $20,500.

The total amount for these theft charges was $47,350.
The Editor of the Samoa Observer, Mataafa Keni Lesa, has been presented with the prestigious United Nations A.H. Boerma Award during a ceremony in Rome. The award recognises his work to address food security and agriculture challenges faced by Small Island Developing States. The scroll reads that Mataafa is being honoured for his strong ability as an Editor to communicate complicated issues through an accessible writing style has successfully captured the attention of the general public.

This is his acceptance speech:

F.A.O Director General Tagaloa Jose Graziano da Silva

Prime Ministers, Ministers and Government leaders

Samoas Honorary Consul in Italy, Papalii Giovanni Caferelli

Fellow Award Winners

Ladies and gentlemen,

Talofa lava. I am honoured and humbled to be standing before you all tonight as a recipient of this prestigious award in this great city of Rome.

At the outset, I want to make it absolutely clear this award is not about me.

I am a product of a family, villages, churches and a nation. I represent a journey, a peoples dreams and aspirations and our common yearning to be the difference and to make a difference.

Tonight, I am proud to represent the people of Samoa on this global stage. So I speak as a Samoan, a son and a chief of the Pacific Islands and a teller of our stories. We have wonderful stories the world should hear being told through our own lenses.

It is a privilege to be recognised in this way.

This Award though is about the work our team at the Samoa Observer does. It is about the leadership and vision of our Editor-in-Chief, Gatoaitele Savea and Publisher Muliaga Jean Malifa. They are true pioneers, I have been blessed to have learnt from the best and I am proud to speak to you tonight on their behalf.

It is for the dedication of our entire team in Samoa, from our reporters, layout team, accounts section, printers, advertising and sales department, online team to our advertisers and the companies who support us every day. It is about the loyalty, interest and support shown by all our readers, thousands of them in Samoa and around the world, to the stories of our people we tell.

Away from the Samoa Observer, this award is about the collective effort of the government, private sector, civil societies and organisations like F.A.O. to improve peoples livelihoods.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is no secret that the world is teetering on the brink of a food crisis. Youve seen the statistics, we know the truth. I will not bore you with the details tonight because I know I am speaking to the converted.

Suffice to say, Samoa and small Pacific countries are not immune from the impact. It is undeniable that we will be among the first countries to suffer given our isolation, vulnerability to natural disasters, demographics and economic prospects  or the lack of.

Which is why its imperative that we are at the forefront of efforts pushing for food security to be prioritised by the nations of the world. Food security, which ultimately leads to poverty and desolation, are real.

This week in Rome during the 40th session of the F.A.O. Conference, leaders from around the world are gathering here  with many of them here tonight  in an attempt to do their part.

Let me say that the media has a critical role to play.

We do this by not only highlighting the bitter truth, struggles and the challenges, but by being objective and accurate in what we do, we also hope to find a common ground where all parties can work towards a better Samoa, a better Pacific region and ultimately a better world.

Indeed, everyone has a role to play. You have a part; I have a job to do.

And it is in doing what you do best and what I can offer, using our God-given gifts, that we can find workable solutions towards a brighter tomorrow. We need to. Our children are depending on it.

Tonight, lets acknowledge Gods sovereignty, his wisdom, and great plan  which includes the honour of me standing before you this evening.

I want to acknowledge my beautiful wife Laufa who is here with us tonight, my girls Solania and Tofigaonafanua Lesa, for always being patient when daddy comes home late  just about every night of the week.

I pay tribute to my parents, the late Levao Alopopo Ramese and Sieni Mataafa, uncles, aunties, brothers, sisters, cousins and my families in Salamumu/Saleaula, Papa Sataua, Nuu, Tulaele, Satoalepai and all over the world for your prayers and support.

I thank my church at the Apia Harvest Centre for your prayers.

I want to thank the F.A.O. Office in Samoa for the secret nomination. You sure did an excellent job in keeping it a secret.

Again, I want to extend a big faamalo to my team at the Samoa Observer. You are incredible.

And lastly to the Director General Tagaloa Jose Graziano, your team at F.A.O. Rome and all over the world, I want to say we appreciate the hard work that you do.

There is no doubt there is a lot more work to be done but in moments like tonight, we from time to time need to pause, reflect and celebrate our achievements to revitalise and prepare us to address the challenges awaiting tomorrow.

To all the other Award winners, Congratulations!

God bless, have a great night and Tofa Soifua.
Attorney General, Lemalu Herman Retzlaff has issued assurances that the final advice will be presented in the upcoming weeks in connection with the criminal investigation against a Cabinet Minister.

The identity of the Minister has yet to be confirmed.

It was also revealed by Lemalu the Police have recommended criminal charges against individuals and not just the Cabinet Minister. However its unclear who those individuals are.

Lemalus comments were in response to Samoa Observer questions.

Last week, Assistant Police Commissioner Salaa Moananu Salaa confirmed to the Samoa Observer that a Minister is accused of forgery and the file was handed over to the A.G.s office for their review.

Questions were sent last week to the Attorney General and his reply came via email yesterday afternoon.

I can confirm that an extensive investigation file related to this matter, was sent to the office of the Attorney General seeking legal advice.

The file already had recommended charges against individuals therein with a request for a review and for advice regarding those proposed charges.

Further police investigations have continued after the file was delivered so that full consideration of the evidence is ongoing, said Lemalu.

He also made it clear the Ministry of Police will make the final decision.

The advice will be tendered back to the Ministry of Police when all the evidence is considered.

Once they receive the advice it will then be the Ministry of Police's final decision as to whether to file charges, as their office is vested with the legal authority to bring criminal charges to Court.

This office can only advise and act as counsel but strictly speaking cannot itself bring criminal charges against individuals, said Lemalu.

As reported earlier, the Acting Assistant Commissioner, has labeled their investigation as a high profile criminal case.

According to Salaa, the investigation into the case has been in the pipeline for more than a year.

Asked what criminal charges the Police recommended in their report, Salaa said they only investigated the allegations.

The police did not recommend any criminal charges, he said. That task has been left up to the Attorney Generals office.

He further explained that usually the Police conduct their investigation and then proceed to file charges against anyone accused.

However there are certain cases where we refer to the Attorney Generals office for their review and advice.

Like this case, its a high profile criminal case where a Cabinet Minister is involved.

Yes, we seek their review and advice to be assured that we have covered every loophole, if there are any.

According to Salaa, they are now waiting for the Attorney General for the next move on this case.
The storied Hotel del Coronado will soon become a Hilton hotel, joining the huge hospitality companys smaller Curio Collection of more unique, upscale properties around the world.

But dont expect to see a large Hilton marquee suddenly adorn the facade of the 129-year-old, red-roofed Victorian building. While Hiltons physical presence will be understated, the companys marketing muscle and its 64 million honors program members will significantly broaden the reach of a property that already is widely known.

 The Blackstone Group, which owns the hotel, will remain as owner but will rely on Hilton to manage the Coronado property. (Fox 5 San Diego)

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The 757-room oceanfront resort, which includes separate tower rooms and luxury cottages and villas, is expected to formally become a part of the Curio inventory by the end of this month. Curio is a newer brand that Hilton debuted three years ago and currently includes 39 four- and five-star hotels, three of them in California, with several more in the pipeline. The Hotel La Jolla is the only other San Diego Curio property.

Others include the Boulders Resort in Arizona, The Darcy in Washington, D.C., and the Renwick in New York.

The Blackstone Group, which owns the hotel, will remain as owner but will rely on Hilton to manage the Coronado property. Hilton will be replacing KSL Resorts, which has managed the Hotel del Coronado since 2003 and at one time had an ownership stake in the property.

Its been truly an independent hotel and were not looking to change it in any way, stressed Mark Nogal, global head of Curio for Hilton Worldwide. What were doing is coming in as an operator to help strengthen the performance of the hotel, and the owners get the buying power behind the Hilton organization.

So quite literally, there will just be a couple plaques near the front door because we dont want to change that independent identity that the Del has. It will always be the Hotel del Coronado.

The changeover, which began to germinate earlier this year, comes about eight months after a planned sale of the hotel by Blackstone to Chinas Anbang Insurance Co. was scuttled.

The Hotel del Coronado was one of 16 luxury properties that were part of Strategic Hotels & Resorts, which Blackstone was planning to sell to the Beijing-based firm. While 15 of the 16 properties were ultimately sold, the Hotel del was pulled from the portfolio after a Treasury Department committee was said to have had concerns about its proximity to the Coronado Naval Base.

The move was especially surprising to longtime broker and hotel analyst Alan Reay of Orange County-based Atlas Hospitality Group.

Ive never seen anything like that before, where you have a restriction on who you can sell a hotel to, said Reay, who values the hotel at $800 million to $1 billion. It is hard to find who the real ownership is behind Anbang, and there was a concern that high-level government officials had a stake in the company.

Just last month, Anbang announced that its chairman, Wu Xiaohui, was stepping aside temporarily for personal reasons. The announcement came not long after it was reported that Wu had been detained by police as part of a Chinese government investigation into his company.

Reay said the new Hotel del Coronado alliance with Hilton makes sense for a number of reasons, including Blackstones relationship with the company, which it purchased in 2007. It has since pared its stake in Hilton to just 10 percent.

Normally, a hotels affiliation with a name brand like a Hilton or Marriott can help raise the profile of a property, although thats less a benefit for the Hotel del Coronado, long known for its connection to major films and such Hollywood luminaries as Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon, said Reay. But there are still other benefits, he said.

Weve moved to a lot of online travel agents like Expedia and TripAdvisor, and as an independent hotel, you have no bargaining power with those online travel agents, said Reay. But with Curio there could be a significant savings on those commissions that could help pay for the fees to be part of the Hilton system. So its definitely an economic decision  the combination of those savings and the affiliation of Hiltons reservations system and tapping into those loyalty members who travel through the Hilton honors program.

Blackstone said it was drawn to Hilton because of its proven record in operating hotels, and the Curio Collection was an especially good fit.

Its the strength of the operating team, the breadth of their distribution, and obviously, the soft branding of Curio maintains the independent feel of the hotel while still getting the benefits of Hilton platform, said Matt Anderson, Blackstones senior vice president for global affairs.

Anderson was unable to disclose what new improvements may be coming to the hotel as a result of Hiltons involvement, saying only that we are evaluating making additional investments in the property.

According to Hiltons Nogal, the ownership spent more than $11 million last year on improvements, and an additional $15 million already has been invested this year on such renovations as new carpeting and painting in hotel corridors, furnishings and upgraded lighting.

Because we have a history with Blackstone and they know how we operate, what theyre looking to do is take a property that has performed well and for us to take it to a better place and drive more profits and revenues, he added.

Built in 1888, the Hotel Del Coronado has had multiple owners over the years, from sugar magnate John Spreckels during much of the first half of the 20th century to M. Larry Lawrence, responsible for a sizable expansion of the hotel rooms.

In 2011, Blackstone rescued the hotel from a potential default on more than $600 million in loans when it invested cash to reduce the hotels debt and became a majority owner.

Business

lori.weisberg@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-2251

Twitter: @loriweisberg
CHARLESTON (JG-TC) -- The city adopted the state prevailing wage set by the Illinois Department of Labor after a City Council vote Wednesday.

According to the measure, these rates are published by state labor department for each county. As previously reported, the most recently posted rates were published June 5, and the rates the city could adopt reflect that.

Mayor Brandon Combs said the state department can change these rates, however, the rates would not likely change that much.

By law, the city must establish prevailing wage rates each year for Public Works projects.

Prevailing wage continues to be a hot topic in Springfield, specifically among Republican lawmakers, who are calling for reforms to these rates. Public entities like the city and Eastern Illinois University must use these rates for a majority of project labor.

The Human Resources department for the city has been removed after a council vote.

Functions of the department have been taken over by other departments since 2015, as previously stated. These functions include recruitment, hiring, benefit and salary administration, workers compensation, and employee relations, safety and training, according to the measure.

These tasks are being handled by the City Comptroller's Office, the city manager and human resource consultants.
Is auto lending becoming a breeding ground for fraud -- much like what occurred with mortgage loans during the housing bubble of the mid-2000s?

Tim Grace and Frank McKenna, two San Diego fraud analytics software veterans, think there is increasing fraud risk in auto lending, fueled in part by a surge in subprime loans. Theyve co-founded PointPredictive, a start-up that taps machine learning algorithms to spot fishy loans. Joe Jackson, former head of Wells Fargo Ventures, is also a co-founder.

The 13-employee firm said Wednesday it has raised its first round of venture funding from San Francisco-based Mosaik Partners. The amount was not disclosed. Mosaik typically invests $1.8 million to $15 million in initial rounds for early stages start-ups.

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PointPredictive will use the money to further enhance its Auto Fraud Manager and Dealer Trace fraud scoring software.

Founded in 2014, PointPredictive is working with 15 of the top 25 prime auto lenders and nine of the top 10 subprime lenders. The company has formed the Automotive Fraud Consortium, where lenders share loan data for PointPredictives algorithms to analyze for anomalies that signal fraud.

Looking at the data, PointPredictive believes the level of annual fraud risk in auto lending will reach $4 billion to $6 billion this year  up from $2 billion to $3 billion in 2015.

Auto lenders want to collaborate to stop fraud, said Grace, chief executive of PointPredictive. In the past six months, weve seen tremendous interest in our solution and we need to respond now to help lenders.

Grace and McKenna are well known in fraud analytics circles. In 2004, they co-founded Basepoint Analytics, which scored mortgages for fraud risk. Basepoint was sold to CoreLogic in 2009 for an undisclosed price.

Prior to that, both worked for FICO on software to uproot credit card fraud. McKenna, chief strategist for PointPredictive, also has been a fraud prevention consultant for more than 100 banks and non-bank lenders.

In auto lending, defaults might not necessarily be classified as fraud, according to the company. But looking at the data, PointPredictive estimates that 40 percent to 70 percent of auto loan defaults that occur within the first six months have bogus information in the initial application.

Dealer risk also is a problem, especially for subprime auto lenders. PointPredictives analyst found that, for some lenders, nearly all of their fraud losses are associated with just 3 percent of their dealers.

With fraud losses reaching historically high levels here in the U.S., we believe PointPredictives technology and consortium approach will become the standard in lending fraud detection, said Miles Kilburn, a partner at Mosaik, in a statement. What interested us in PointPredictive is they have a proven management team, differentiated technology, a working solution that delivers a compelling return on investment to their clients and explosive growth potential.

Business

mike.freeman@sduniontribune.com;

Twitter:@TechDiego

760-529-4973
An out-of-court settlement may be in the offing in a lawsuit aimed at relocating the 3.55 million pounds of nuclear waste at the now-shuttered San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.

But when, where and if the spent fuel can eventually get moved are still open questions.

Citizens Oversight, an East County-based civic group has filed a suit against Southern California Edison, the operator of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS), and the California Coastal Commission, which in 2015 approved plans by Edison to develop storage facilities housing the plants spent nuclear fuel on SONGS 84-acre site.

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Shortly before the trial was supposed to begin, Edison officials in April announced the opposing sides agreed to negotiate a potential settlement. Since then, discussions have been held in private, with no specifics released to the media or to the public.

On Wednesday morning, attorneys appeared before Judge Judith Hayes, asking for more time to hammer out an agreement.

Sufficient progress has been made with respect to settlement that, with additional time, an agreement may be reached, which would resolved this matter, lawyers from each side said in a petition to the judge.

Hayes agreed to extending the discussions, with the understanding that if none is reached by Sept. 8, the trial will start.

We are encouraged with the progress of the negotiations and we are continuing to work to agree to a final resolution to present to the court, said Maria Severson, one of the attorneys for Citizens Oversight after Wednesday mornings brief hearing.

An attorney for the California Attorney Generals office, which is party to the case on the side of the Coastal Commission, declined comment after Wednesdays hearing.

No specifics were offered on what a settlement might entail.

For the past year, another of the attorneys for Citizens Oversight, Michael Aguirre, has argued that SONGS waste should be moved to the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station in Arizona, located about 50 miles outside of Phoenix.

Aguirre said Palo Verde is a logical place to relocate the spent fuel since Edison has a 15.8 percent stake in the Arizona plant. But there are questions about whether the storage designs for SONGS and Palo Verde are compatible.

The superior court case comes as the discussion about nuclear waste in sites across the country heats up.

Last week on Capitol Hill, a congressional committee passed a bill aimed at resurrecting the Yucca Mountain repository in Nevada. The legislation also seeks to streamline efforts to construct what is called interim storage for nuclear waste by two private companies  one in West Texas and another in southeastern New Mexico.

According to the bill in the U.S. House of Representatives, spent fuel has piled up in 121 communities in 39 states because the federal government has not opened a site for nuclear operators to send their waste.

SONGS has not produced electricity since January 2012. Edison has placed spent fuel into 50 canisters on a site called an Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI) and is in the process of constructing a second ISFSI to hold the rest of the sites nuclear waste.

In a controversial decision, the California Coastal Commission in October 2015 approved a 20-year permit for Edisons storage expansion that will eventually see all of the plants waste stored in heavy, dry casks. The move prompted the lawsuit from Citizens Oversight.

This is not the right solution, putting the waste on the beach, Ray Lutz, national coordinator for Citizens Oversight said at a SONGS Community Engagement Panel meeting last year.

Located just west of Interstate 5 and hugging the Pacific Ocean, SONGS is within a 50-mile radius of 8.4 million people.

Business

rob.nikolewski@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1251 Twitter: @robnikolewski

ALSO

Moving nuclear waste out of San Onofre: When and how?

Why San Onofres nuclear waste stays on the beach

House panel passes bill to bring back Yucca Mountain
A developer has proposed demolishing the 332-unit Penasquitos Village apartment complex and building 564 high-end units in its place, potentially displacing hundreds of subsidized renters.

Anxiety over the plan is likely a preview of what could be an increasingly common issue throughout the region for years as a lack of construction lags demand, and builders run out of land.

While roughly 200 Section 8 recipients, low-income renters who get federal rental assistance, might have to move, the proposal creates more housing than what is on the site now  something real estate experts say is desperately needed to keep costs down, in theory, for everyone.

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The Pacific Village proposal calls for 99 large single-family homes, 105 triplex homes, 120 townhomes and 240 apartments. Right now the outline includes no subsidized housing plan.

Some community members have launched a petition to stop the development, even though it has yet to be approved by the city. The 38-year-old complex is one of the few places in the area for subsidized renters, many of whom are on very low fixed incomes.

Atlantic-Pacific Companies owns the property and the project is being developed by Lennar Homes. Both declined to comment for this article. So far, Lennar has paid $28,800 in processing fees to the San Diego Development Services Department.

There are 147 units in Penasquitos Village apartment where renters are using Section 8 funds, the San Diego Housing Commission said, but there are usually two or more people living in each apartment. Because the complex has not seen any major improvements in decades, rent has stayed low there in comparison to the rest of the area.

Its practically 100 percent low-income housing, said Melinda Vasquez, a board member of the nonprofit Rancho Penasquitos Town Council.

If the developers decline to provide subsidized housing, they will be forced to pay fees, called inclusionary housing in-lieu fees.

In an April letter to Latitude 33, a planning and engineering firm hired by developers, city Development Project Manager Firouzeh Tirandazi said affordable housing was a key issue with the proposal and needed to be addressed in future submissions to the city. He also said there are six to 12 month tenant noticing requirements for properties that will no longer be affordable housing.

Penasquitos Village, at 10955 Carmel Mountain Road, has 92 one-bedroom units and 240 two-bedroom units with an average rent of $1,370, according to CoStar. It has a vacancy rate of less than 2 percent.

Most residents found out about the proposed redevelopment on April 1 when a building manager taped a letter to their doors. It said the earliest they would need to leave is January 2018 and that it was not expected the new community would accept Section 8 vouchers.

Tania Mansilla, 40, has lived in a one-bedroom with her husband, 11-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter for two years. Her children attend a school across from the complex, but she doubts they can stay in the area if Penasquitos Village closes.

For us to move out, youll need $5,000, she said of an expected security deposit. We dont have that.

Tanny Garcia, 85, moved to the complex with his wife in 2002. He said they rely on Social Security and a small pension fund to pay rent. Even though they dont have a car, they are close to public transportation.

The place is nice, quiet, Garcia said. Plus, the bus is right in front of my house.

The proposal comes at a time when housing advocates are pushing for more housing, and increased density, to meet demand.

Some groups are actively working to preserve current low-income units. Nonprofit developer Community HousingWorks has bought aging complexes, such as Cypress Cove in Escondido, before they can be turned into upscale housing.

Anne Wilson, HousingWorks senior vice president, said the Pacific Village plan is complicated for housing advocates.

Some of these developments are really low density and we need more housing. Its a good thing to encourage more housing, she said. But, there should be some affordable housing in every one. Thats how we get integrated neighborhoods.

Wilson said getting money for low-income projects does not always mean it is a done deal because the county is running out of buildable land.

We have to compete with Lennar, others, for land. Getting a piece of land is really tough, she said.

Richard Gentry, the president of the San Diego Housing Commission, said current Section 8 recipients can take their vouchers to other complexes but that the city needs an additional 38,680 units by 2020, according to estimates from the San Diego Association of Governments.

While the property owner has the legal right to redevelop their site within the parameters of Citys regulations, he wrote in an email, there is an added burden to replace this much needed affordable housing for our low-income residents when we lose an affordable housing resource due to market place dynamics.

However, he said 567 new subsidized housing units are expected to come online in the future from developers throughout northern San Diego city, including Shea Homes, Pardee, Chelsea Investment Corp, the Olson Company, Standard Pacific and others.

But many Penasquitos Village residents do not want to leave the homes theyve lived in for years and fear what will happen next.

Jose Zara, 86, has begun a letter-writing campaign, using a typewriter, to city officials, as well as to presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

To be just relocated to an undetermined and unknown place when we have been renting here for 12 years is very cumbersome, he wrote to Clinton, especially for the sickly elders and disabled like us.

Zara had a stroke in April, which he said has severely limited his movement. He gets some pension money but essentially lives on his monthly Social Security. With housing assistance he and his wife, Rosita, also disabled, pay $393 a month in rent.

We cant pay if it goes up, Zara said of renting somewhere else.

The issue will be discussed at a public meeting of the Rancho Penasquitos Land Use Committee on July 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Doubletree Resort at 14455 Penasquitos Drive. However, some community members are trying to organize an informational meeting before that.

phillip.molnar@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1891 Twitter: @phillipmolnar
Starting a business is difficult, even under the best of circumstances.

But starting a business without access to banking services puts even the most well-funded start-up in a real bind.

Thats the situation facing many in the cannabis industry, even though California voters passed Proposition 64  legalizing recreational use of marijuana for those 21 and older  by a wide margin and some have predicted the nascent cannabis market in the state may soon be worth $4 billion to $7 billion.

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It definitely needs a resolution, said California state Treasurer John Chiang. America operates on cash and credit. Most of the world operates on cash and credit. And here we have an industry (in which) the cash economy doesnt work properly.

Within weeks of Prop 64s passage, Chiang formed the Cannabis Banking Working Group to try to clear up the uncertainty surrounding financing for legal marijuana businesses.

The group has met four times across the state since last December and its next stop is Friday at the Town and Country Hotel on Hotel Circle North, at 9:30 a.m.

Representatives from the financial sector and the cannabis industry are scheduled to speak and the public is invited to attend.

So why do cannabis business owners have so much trouble getting banks to take their business?

Many financial institutions resist because marijuana is still illegal on the federal level. Its listed by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration as a Schedule I drug  the same classification as LSD, ecstasy and heroin.

While the federal government allows banks to work with cannabis businesses in states that have passed laws approving recreational marijuana, banks still have to file suspicious activities reports in addition to following standard banking guidelines. That means extra costs.

And since the federal prohibition against marijuana is still in effect, banks fear they could be held criminally liable should a marijuana business run afoul of the law.

As a result, many cannabis businesses become an all-cash enterprises, with stories abounding of business people hauling duffel bags filled with cash, making them targets for robberies.

One of the solutions discussed by the working group is getting the federal government to respect the laws of states that have passed recreational marijuana laws.

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Huntington Beach, has introduced legislation on Capitol Hill that would prevent the feds from interfering with the production, possession, distribution, dispensation, administration or delivery of marijuana in states like California.

Rohrabacher will take part in Fridays meeting in San Diego.

Were spending law enforcement dollars not on protecting people from criminals but instead to try to protect people from themselves, to prevent an adult from having smoking weed in their backyard, Rohrabacher said in a telephone interview. Weve spent billions trying to stop that and its ridiculous.

In 2014, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a memorandum called the Cole Memo that was designed to provide greater access between banks and the cannabis industry but Chiang said the disconnect remains.

We want to put a road map in place as to how to address cannabis banking, Chiang said. Its the biggest issue thats been left unaddressed since voters approved Prop 64 last November, 57 percent to 42 percent.

By statute, state officials are required to have a regulatory and taxation framework in place by Jan. 1, 2018.

You cant have what we have today and we cant have (the banking situation) getting worse next year, where you have an incredible black market, where you have people operating underground, Chiang said.

Chiang has written to Californias congressional delegation and President Trump, asking for guidance. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is a harsh critic of legalized marijuana.

Rohrabacher said Sessions is an old friend of mine but said time was on his side.

As the cannabis industry gets legalized across more states, more and more members of Congress are finding themselves in a state where voters have legalized the medical or the adult use of marijuana, Rhorabacher said.

When your voters vote by a significant margin to make something legal  thats something a lot of members of Congress are faced with right now and were actually picking up supporters over the years.

Cannabis Banking Working Group

When: Friday, July 7, 9:30 a.m.

Where: Town and County Hotel, 500 Hotel Circle North, California Room

Attendees will include California state Treasurer John Chiang; Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Huntington Beach; John Hudak, Brookings Institution.

Open to the public; no admission charge

Business

rob.nikolewski@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1251 Twitter: @robnikolewski

ALSO

With six months to go, California hustles to get recreational marijuana framework in place

Cannibis in California is urged to get serious  by doing the boring things other businesses do

A hemp have? An overlooked provision in Prop 64 may have a big impact
Qualcomm fired back at Apple on Thursday in a fierce legal battle over patents, asking the U.S. International Trade Commission to ban the import of certain new models of iPhones.

The San Diego company claims Apple is infringing on six patents issued between 2013 and 2017 that improve performance and battery life in smartphones. It filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in San Diego and is seeking a limited ban from the International Trade Commission on iPhones made by contract manufacturers in Asia.

Apple has been infringing these patents knowingly, willingly for quite some time now in their new phones, said Don Rosenberg, Qualcomms general counsel. We decided, frankly sparked by all their litigation efforts against us, that we werent going to just defend ourselves, which we will do very vigorously, but we were going to have to go on the attack.

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As a practical matter, Qualcomm is seeking a limited ban on iPhone 7s that contain cellular modem chips made by Intel and run on AT&Ts and T-Mobiles networks.

Qualcomm supplies Apple with cellular modems for iPhone 7s on Verizon and Sprint, as well as older iPhones on all U.S. networks. It is not seeking to ban imports of iPhones that use its own chips.

Qualcomm also alleges certain iPads are using the six patents without a license.

If the ITC rules in Qualcomms favor, an import ban could block some upcoming iPhone 8 models, which are expected to launch this fall.

It is unknown how Apple splits its modem supply between Qualcomm and Intel for the iPhone 8. But given the legal battle between the two tech giants, analysts believe Intel may have won the larger share.

In January, Apple filed a lawsuit attacking the core of Qualcomms patent licensing business model  claiming it is collecting patent royalties on technology that it has nothing to do with inventing. Anti-trust regulators in the U.S. and South Korea have brought similar legal actions.

Apples contract iPhone manufacturers in China and Taiwan have stopped paying royalties to Qualcomm at Apples behest, forcing Qualcomm to cut its financial forecast for the year.

An Apple spokesman Thursday reiterated a statement from earlier this month when Apple amended its original lawsuit.

Qualcomms illegal business practices are harming Apple and the entire industry, the company said. They supply us with a single connectivity component, but for years have been demanding a percentage of the total cost of our products - effectively taxing Apples innovation.

Qualcomm says regulators have been spurred on by Apple in an effort to lower its costs. According to Qualcomm, without its cellular technology, the iPhone is little more than a glorified iPod.

While an iPhone 7 runs $700 or more, Qualcomm receives about $10 per iPhone for use of its thousands of cellular technology patents, according to estimates from analysts at Canaccord Genuity.

Qualcomm could face an uphill battle convincing the ITC to issue a ban. Even if the ITC does, the decision could be vetoed by the Trump administration. Samsung won a ban on iPhone imports in a long-running patent dispute with Apple in 2013, but it was overturned by the Obama administration.

In May, Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook told analysts that he didnt think the ITC would ban iPhones because Apple has been willing to license Qualcomms technology but has not received what it considers to be fair terms.

I dont believe anyone is going to enjoin the iPhone based on that, he said at the time. I think there is plenty of case law around that subject. But we shall see.

Rosenberg, however, said there is no case law that helps Apple in this action.

These are good patents, these are patents that are clearly infringed by the iPhone, said Rosenberg.

The six patents are not essential to cellular standards and are not included in Qualcomms existing license agreements with Apples contract iPhone makers, said Rosenberg.

While not standard essential patents, they are quite important and vital to the functioning of the iPhone and other devices that use them, said Rosenberg. They improve performance. They improve efficiency and all of them reduce the depletion of battery power, which is such an important element for all of us when we use our phone all day long.

Qualcomm alleges Apple infringes on the six patents through techniques used in its graphics processor and its applications processor  as well as with voltage switching, envelope tracking, and other circuitry technology inside the iPhone.

In court documents, Qualcomm contends the six patents represent a small portion of its non-standard essential patent portfolio that Apple uses without a license..

The ITC typically takes about 18 months to investigate patent infringement. The lawsuit in San Diego federal court would be put on hold until the ITC issues a ruling.

Bernstein Research analyst Stacy Rasgon said seeking an iPhone ban wasnt a surprise. Given the length of the typical ITC investigation, it doesnt change anything in the near term.

Tim Long, an analyst with BMO Capital Markets, said in a research note that the Qualcomm patents in the lawsuit show that its intellectual property is broader than simply 3G/4G cellular radio technology.

These patents are all relatively new, most issued in the past four years, countering some claims that Qualcomms patents are old and outdated, said Long.

News of Qualcomms request came after the markets closed. Its stock ended the trading day at $54.79, down 66 cents.

Business

mike.freeman@sduniontribune.com;

Twitter:@TechDiego

760-529-4973

UPDATES:

This story was updated at 2:30 pm Thursday with a comment from Apple.
The California Supreme Court dealt a blow Thursday to two Encinitas property owners, ruling that when they accepted a permit to build a new seawall protecting their bluff-top homes they forfeited their right to sue over limits that were placed on it.

The case centers on a dispute between the California Coastal Commission and homeowners Tom Frick and Barbara Lynch over a seawall that armors their two properties against advancing erosion. After a storm demolished the original seawall in 2010, the commission granted a permit to repair it, but placed a 20-year expiration date on the barrier that the plaintiffs alleged was unconstitutional.

In its ruling Thursday, the Supreme Court didnt directly address the legality of the time limit  only the legal question of whether the families gave up their right to fight it by accepting the permit and building the wall in 2011.

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Their ruling, the justices wrote, ensures that property owners dont reap the rewards of land-use permits while rejecting unwanted elements.

In general, permit holders are obliged to accept the burdens of a permit along with its benefits, Justice Carole A. Corrigan wrote for the court.

Sarah Christie, legislative director for the Coastal Commission, said the court upheld a traditional view on the rights and obligations of permit holders, in effect maintaining the legal status quo.

Essentially, the court said you cant have it both ways, Christie said in a written statement. You can build your project, or you can sue, but you cant do both.

That view forces coastal homeowners to choose whether to accept onerous permit conditions or leave their properties unprotected while they fight those restrictions in court, said John Groen, executive vice president and general counsel for the Pacific Legal Foundation, who argued the plaintiffs case before the state Supreme Court.

Its a significant blow to homeowners on the California coast, Groen said. Now, they will have to go through litigation every time they want to challenge a permit, and they cannot act on the permit until they complete perhaps years of litigation.

Frick could not be reached for comment Thursday. Lynch died in 2016, and her family moved forward with the case.

The courts ruling could bolster decisions by other regulatory agencies besides the Coastal Commission, said Patrick Whitnell, general counsel for the League of California Cities, which filed an amicus brief in support of the commission.

The decision covered general aspects of permit law, he said, and would potentially be applicable to any other development projects where conditions have been imposed on the approval by the agency.

The issue has been particularly pressing on the coast, however, as scientists warn that rising seas could reshape the shoreline over the next century, leaving beachfront homeowners scrambling to safeguard their property, and regulators struggling to manage the change. Recent research on climate change reports that sea level rose more than seven inches over the last century, and could swell another 3 to 10 feet by the end of this century.

Coastal homeowners say they need seawalls to protect their homes against that onslaught, but commission officials say the structures hasten erosion, creating worse problems down the line. About 10 percent of the states 1,100-mile coastline is armored, including a third of Southern California beaches, according to the Coastal Commission.

The Frick and Lynch homes on Neptune Avenue in Encinitas feature a concrete seawall constructed after the original wooden fortification was destroyed in a 2010 storm, leaving their homes in danger on the crumbling bluffs.

The Coastal Commission granted permits to repair the damaged barricade, but imposed the 20-year time limit. When it expires, the homeowners must reapply to keep the wall  a condition they say diminishes the use and value of their homes.

The two families proceeded to rebuild their wall and stairway, but challenged the 20-year restriction, saying it amounts to a regulatory taking of their properties.

In 2013, San Diego Superior Court Judge Earl Maas agreed, and ordered the commission to remove the conditions from the seawall permit. The state agency challenged that decision, and in 2014, the 4th District Court of Appeals by a 2-1 vote reversed the lower courts decision, concluding that the homeowners had tacitly consented to the restriction by accepting the permit.

Environmental groups and property rights advocates have been closely following the Encinitas case as a harbinger for the future of seawalls up and down the coastline, and hoping the court would resolve long-standing disputes about the commissions authority over the structures. Both sides, however, expressed disappointment that the court didnt take up the larger, constitutional questions including the time limit on the permit.

It leaves it an open issue of whether or not the permit expiration condition is valid, Groen said. It means that in California we still have no law on the merits or the legality of those conditions.

In a blog post on legal-planet.org  a collaboration between UC Berkeley School of Law and UCLA School of Law that provides analysis on energy and environmental law  Rick Frank, director of the UC Davis School of Laws California Environmental Law & Policy Center, commended the court for concluding that the plaintiffs forfeited their right to challenge the permit conditions.

Frank, however, lamented that the justices didnt go further, arguing that a ruling on whether those conditions constituted a regulatory taking of the property would have provided welcome guidance for managing climate change.

Its unfortunate that the Supreme Court didnt go beyond its procedural ruling to also address the substantive merits (or lack thereof) of the Lynch plaintiffs regulatory takings claim, he wrote. A key aspect of any effective climate change adaptation strategy is maintaining the flexibility to re-address and adjust land use decisions in light of changing ecological circumstances and increased knowledge about the on-the-ground projected impacts of climate change.

deborah.brennan@sduniontribune.com Twitter@deborahsbrennan
Coin collectors will flip this weekend as dealers man more than 75 tables filled with coins and paper money at the Scottish Rite Event Center.

The 60th annual San Diego Coinarama Coin Show, presented by San Diego Countys seven affiliated coin collector clubs, is the largest such show to be held south of Orange County this year. Last year, 824 people attended the event here.

Coin collecting is popular because coins are issued by every single country in the world and if you are from that part of the world, you tend to look for coins say from Scotland or Germany, said Ginny Bourke, chairman of Coinarama and secretary of the San Diego County Inter-Club Numismatic Council. Also, when you go on vacation, in other parts of the world, sometimes you bring coins back with you as souvenirs.

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People collect U.S. coins for the same reason, they live here. Its a nice hobby, which can over time, go up in value. Also, the coins have history, art and beauty, she added.

Will Fragner, a dealer in Rancho Santa Margarita in Orange County, has been coming to the San Diego coin shows with his dad since he was 12 years old. He said that interest in coin collecting was renewed, especially with the kids, when the U.S. Mint introduced the 50 State Quarters Program in 1999. It got them looking at other things, he said.

In 2008, the 10-year program ended, but not before inspiring people to take up the hobby of coin collecting and rejuvenating its appeal.

Coin collecting is personal to each collector, he said. Youre seeking out coins to fulfill your interest. Its like a treasure hunt  youll hopefully find what youre looking for  it may take weeks, months, even years.

Fragner has been in the business with his dad since 1980, when they formed the partnership, Fragner & Fragner, Ltd. He said they attend from 40 to 45 shows a year, covering three states.

Going to these shows is like visiting family, only its been a year since youve seen each other, he said. Its a camaraderie. You spark up new friendships. It gives you a chance to catch up.

Collectors will find an array of inventory, including ancient coins, precious metal bullion pieces, jewelry, reference books and collecting supplies. Coin dealers will be available for free informal appraisals, and ANACS-Americas Oldest Coin Authentication and Grading Service will be on-site to take certification submissions of rare coins, medals and tokens.

Looking to sell your collectibles and bullion pieces? Bring them to the show. You just may have the perfect piece that a dealer is looking for.

An auction will take place at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Jim Hill, owner of Treasure Trove in Normal Heights, will auction off various types of coins and paper money.

Other highlights include competitive educational exhibits, a Boy Scouts Merit Badge workshop (advance registration required) and a Coins for Kids area with contests, awards and free coins and coin albums for children.

Dr. Ken Berger, author of Philippine Emergency Notes: Counterstamped, Signed & Initialed (CSI)  Cebu Province, will sign his book each day.

Commemorative medals of the 100th anniversary of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition and opening of the Panama Canal  including one-ounce .999 fine silver medals  will be available for purchase.

60th annual Coinarama Coin Show

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Scottish Rite Event Center, 1895 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego.

Admission: $5 per person; children under 15 and active duty military with ID are free.

Online: coinarama.org

carolina.gusman@sduniontribune.com
Improv comedy is unpredictability and awkwardness at its best. When done badly, it can be painful. When done well, its magical. Finest City Improv is celebrating San Diego Pride with two days of LGBT-related improvisational comedy performances and workshops this weekend. Writer and performer Justin Sayre is guest monologist on Friday. Also, catch Queerwolves, Double Pretty, The Gay Mafia, L.A. ensemble Triumph, a host of local performers plus a lip sync battle. Guaranteed, magical.

Impride: An Improv Comedy Festival: Friday and Saturday. Finest City Improv, 4250 Louisiana St., San Diego. $20 per comedy block; $45 for workshops. (619) 306-6047 or finestcityimprov.com/impride

cynthia.zanone@sduniontribune.com
The Womens Museum of California is set to open its latest exhibit Friday, honoring the service of women in the military.

This exhibit has been a long time coming, says Diane Peabody Straw, executive director of the museum.

The research has taken about two years, and theres been a lot of community involvement with this project, she says. San Diego is a military town, but women have historically had very different experiences than men in the military, in terms of what they could do and what they couldnt, and thats the story were looking at.

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How have military opportunities really opened up for women? Where did it start? Where is it now? We think its a worthwhile story we should be talking about.

Heroines in Arms: Women of the American Military  which runs from Friday to Aug. 27  will be presented in collaboration with the Veterans Museum, the Coronado Historical Association, and female veterans who loaned uniforms and artifacts.

The exhibit will explore womens service in four branches of the military  Marine Corps, Army, Navy and Air Force  and highlight the military advances women have made throughout the 20th century, from World War I Army nurses to todays combat officers.

In addition to the usual fundraising efforts in support of the exhibit, Straw says Councilman Scott Sherman earmarked $3,500 for this exhibit.

The museum kicks off Heroines in Arms with a fashion show featuring the uniforms servicewomen wore from the Civil War to present day. The military-themed runway show will be held outside Barracks 16 in Liberty Station at 6:30 p.m. Friday.

I was amazed at how heavy, hot and itchy the older uniforms were, Straw says. Many were made using wool, and they were beautifully constructed. Some of these jackets you could wear today and youd look very fashionable. On the other hand, how could anyone work in them? I have such admiration for these women.

The Womens Museum of California is one of three brick-and-mortar museums in the U.S. that focus on womens history, and the only one in California. It was founded in 1983 by Mary Maschal, who assembled an extensive collection of memorabilia and artifacts and filled virtually every room of her Golden Hill home with historic documents, banners, posters and books. Maschal also offered lectures on womens history to students, professionals, social organizations and community groups.

After moving the collection from Maschals Golden Hill house to the Art Union Building in 1997, the Womens Museum was established in its current home in 2011 in the NTC Liberty Station Arts District.

When it comes time to honor the significant roles women have played in the military, they are often mentioned in no more than a footnote. So it seems only fitting that a show honoring them would be housed at the Womens Museum.

This exhibit looks at how women served in the different wars, how women evolved in their service throughout the last century, and at the artifacts and uniforms and how they developed, Straw says. Its a really different shift to see how women were expected to dress as service members, and how their rights to serve opened up.

What still surprises me is how long it took for women to be fully involved in combat positions. The fact that it happened in my lifetime is a little crazy. It blows me away.

This exhibit has a personal connection for Straw.

When I told my aunt about what we were planning, she went into her garage and found my grandmothers Navy uniform. She was a member of WAVES, the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service program. She also worked as a Riveter during World War II, working in the nose of the planes.

Heroines in Arms: Women of the American Military

When: July 7 to Aug. 27

Where: Womens Museum of California, NTC Liberty Station Arts District, 2730 Historic Decatur Road, Barracks 16, San Diego

Tickets: $5 general admission; $3 seniors and students; free to members and military.

Phone: (619) 233-7963

Online: womensmuseumca.org

Sager is a freelance writer.
MATTOON (JG-TC) -- Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. announced this week that it has completed its acquisition of FairPoint Communications, Inc.

Consolidated, which is headquartered in Mattoon, reported that the acquisition of FairPoint will add 22,000 fiber route miles to the Consolidated Communications fiber network, without any overlapping markets. Consolidated reported that the combined network spans 24 states and more than 36,000 fiber route miles, making Consolidated the ninth largest fiber provider in the United States.

Bob Udell, president and chief executive officer of Consolidated, said in the press release that the mission of Consolidated is to turn technology into solutions, connecting people and enriching how they work and live.

We know our customers needs are changing and this business combination creates a stronger company with greater scale and resources to serve our customers," Udell said. "We are excited to close on the acquisition and look forward to realizing the many benefits of this merger and leveraging our combined teams expertise.

Consolidated, founded in 1894, is a broadband and business communications provider serving consumers, businesses of all sizes, and wireless companies and carriers. Consolidated offer a variety of communications services, including data, voice, video, managed services, and cloud computing. The company reported that it plans to expand its cloud services and other broadband enhancements to FairPoint markets.

The Mattoon-based company announced in early December that it planned to acquire FairPoint, a move that grew Consolidated's services area from 11 to 24 states. FairPoint is based in Charlotte, N.C. The acquisition will provide Consolidated's first foray into New England, which will include service areas in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.
ABOARD THE WARSHIP GABRIELLE GIFFORDS  Agile and fast, with a distinct trimaran hull borrowed from racing yachts and commercial ferries, the Pacific Fleets newest littoral combat ship sailed into San Diego on Wednesday.

I tell people that it looks as much like a spaceship on the inside as it does outside, Fire Controlman 1st Class Samuel Johnson, a Virginia native, said as he bounded up some stairs toward the gun deck.

Named after a former Arizona congresswoman who survived a 2011 assassination attempt but suffers from serious brain injuries, the Giffords became the ninth littoral vessel to enter the naval fleet and the seventh to call San Diego home.

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Neither the former congresswoman nor her husband, retired astronaut and Navy Capt. Mark Kelly, were on hand for the warships Wednesday arrival. They had attended the ships commissioning ceremony on June 10 at the Port of Galveston in Texas.

She loved it and it was great to see her, said Cmdr. Shawn Cowan, the warships executive officer. She came aboard the the ship and spent time with the crew. It was very humbling for her to be part of the crew.

The size of the littoral combat ships crew is part of its appeal to the Navy.

With a core of about 50 officers and enlisted sailors, it can be augmented with 40 more personnel to perform a wide range of missions, from minesweeping to launching helicopters and the drone MQ-8 Fire Scout from the flight deck.

Thats less than one-third the size of the crews aboard the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates that littorals were designed to replace, thanks in part to automation.

I actually like the small size of the crew. You get to know everyone, said Johnson, who previously served aboard the amphibious warship Bataan alongside more than 900 other sailors and 2,000 Marines.

Toiling on the warship Giffords for nearly 10 months while it was being prepped in Alabama and Texas for its trip to San Diego, the smaller crew saves the Pentagon money on personnel costs. But the staffing size also has triggered concerns that littoral combat ships lack enough sailors to mend battle damage if struck at sea.

Thats not the only criticism trailing in the wake of the Giffords twin jet engines on Wednesday.

Although contemplated as a futuristic fleet of nimble warships capable of fighting in shallow waters, the littorals have been plagued during the past decade by cost overruns, design flaws, maintenance glitches and leadership snafus.

On Sept. 5, Vice Adm. Tom Rowden, commander of the Coronado-based Naval Surface Forces, ordered a stand-down for every crew in the littoral combat fleet to review procedures and standards for their engineering departments, according to a Navy statement.

Rowdens pause followed mechanical problems discovered on the San Diego-based littoral combat ships Freedom and the Coronado.

Forward-deployed now to patrol the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, the Coronado is staffed by rotating crews from San Diego that fly to its secondary port in Singapore.

Cursed with mechanical problems since its September commissioning in Alabama, the San Diego-based littoral combat ship Montgomery cracked its trimaran aluminum hull in October while being towed by a tugboat off the coast of Florida.

The incident remains under investigation.

Last year, fellow Arizonan John McCain, the Republican chairman of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee, estimated the LCS program accounted for $12.4 billion in wasted spending.

The warship Giffords, however, reported very few glitches following its 2015 christening and none during its trek from Texas, through the Panama Canal; a brief visit to Manzanillo, Mexico; and then a cruise up the Baja California coast to San Diego.

No problems so far, said Cowan the commander. Its a great ship.

As for the christening, then-Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus drew fire in 2012 for naming the future warship after the Arizona lawmaker.

Although it was the 16th Navy vessel to be named for a woman and the 13th to be titled after a living person since 1850, Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, joined other critics on Capitol Hill in urging Mabus to stick to commemorating war heroes with his naming of new U.S. ships.

Built by Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama, the 3,200-ton vessel is moored near the Freedom, Fort Worth, Jackson, Montgomery and the Independence, the first in its class or trimaran-hulled littoral combat ships.

Freedom-class vessels, which have the second of two markedly different designs for littoral combat ships, are stationed in Wisconsin and feature a traditional monohull.

A key reason for the bulk of littoral combat ships being stationed in San Diego stems from their design. During the Obama administration, Pentagon leaders argued that the vessels were perfect for Pacific operations because of Asias shallow-water ports.

But another reason is San Diego can host 16 of the warships and the Navys base in Mayport, Florida, only a dozen. Four of the earliest versions of the vessels will be set aside for training and experimentation.

Citing a lack of range and electronic warfare capabilities, a 2014 report by the Government Accountability Office questioned whether the littoral combat fleet would be a better fit in the Persian Gulf.

The watchdog agency also found that the Freedom and Independence were overweight and lacked endurance and speed, failing to sprint over 40 knots.The Navy has turned both the Freedom and Independence into training and test vessels, further exploring both the warships unique capabilities and reported flaws.

***

LITTORAL COMBAT SHIPS HOMEPORTED IN SAN DIEGO

The Coronado*

The Freedom

The Fort Worth

The Giffords

The Jackson

The Montgomery

The Independence

*Currently forward-deployed in Singapore, but thats considered its second home. Its crews are stationed in San Diego.

Military Videos  On Now D-Day paratrooper from Coronado jumps again in France  at age 96 On Now Remembering war's fallen, one name at a time On Now In Ramona, an airplane and an aviator provide living lessons on World War II 1:43 On Now Video: Navy's newest vessel sails into San Diego and a new future in surface warfare On Now Video: U.S. Navy files homicide charges over warship collisions On Now Stopping Marine hazing On Now Video: U.S. Navy Air Crew Grounded After Creating Vulgar Sky Drawing On Now Navy says Asia Pacific ship collisions were avoidable On Now Hundreds of recruits get sick at Marine boot camp On Now Cutler Dawson Talks Navy Federal

cprine@sduniontribune.com
A high-ranking Los Angeles County prosecutor is on administrative leave after he was arrested last month on suspicion of hitting his wife during an argument at their Pomona home.

Head Deputy Dist. Atty. Michael Yglecias refused to cooperate with Pomona police and puffed out his chest in an attempt to intimidate one of the two officers who responded to a domestic violence call at the home, according to a report by one of the officers.

No charges have been filed. The district attorneys office declared a conflict, leaving the decision on whether to prosecute Yglecias up to the California attorney generals office.

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A spokeswoman for the state agency said the matter is still under review.

Lisa Diaz, Yglecias wife, told The Times that Yglecias slapped her on the hand during an argument. She described the incident as a misunderstanding, and said she called police out of frustration when he wouldnt apologize.

It wasnt domestic violence, she said, adding that the couple had no history of abuse.

Yglecias, 59, who couldnt be reached for comment, is a veteran prosecutor who once worked as the top supervisor at the Pomona Courthouse. He is currently working in downtown Los Angeles as the lead in the Central Trials division

A district attorneys spokesman said Yglecias was placed on leave after the arrest.

The misdemeanor battery arrest took place on the evening of June 23, when police responded to a family disturbance call at a home in northwest Pomona, according to the police report.

When officers arrived, Diaz answered the door and called for her husband. When he didnt come to the door, police said, Diaz led officers to the master bedroom, where Yglecias was folding clothes. An officer asked for his statement and the prosecutor responded with a profanity, police said.

According to the report, the couple  who married a year ago  got into a verbal argument, which Diaz said escalated when she reached to turn off the bedroom light. Yglecias hit her forearm with his hand  a deliberate strike, she told police, not an attempt to block her from the light switch. Diaz said she then used her right hand to hit Yglecias, the report said.

Later that evening, another officer asked Yglecias for his statement. He refused. As that officer walked back toward the living room  where Diaz was waiting  Yglecias informed the officer that police were welcome to leave now, the report said.

The officer explained that police were investigating a domestic violence incident and didnt plan to leave, the report said.

By this time, the officer wrote, the suspect had positioned himself about two feet from me and had his chest puffed out in an attempt to dominate the conversation and intimidate me.

The officer, who said there was a strong smell of alcohol on Yglecias breath, recalled telling the prosecutor that a police supervisor was headed to the house. Yglecias then opened the front door and said, In the meantime, will you please step out.

After an officer handcuffed Yglecias, Diaz asked whether that was necessary and began to frame the incident as a misunderstanding, the report said, noting that her husband had told her it was an accident. The officer told Yglecias he was under arrest and asked whether he had any medical problems, the report said. Yglecias didnt respond.

Neither Diaz nor Yglecias had any visible injuries, the report said, and Diaz said she didnt want a protective order or charges against him.

Yglecias was released the next day after posting $20,000 bond.

The state attorney general released the incident report Wednesday, but the Pomona Police Department had declined to provide basic information about the arrest for several days.

A sergeant told The Times that his supervisor ordered him not to give the media any information on Yglecias arrest. When he was contacted last week, Pomona Police Lt. Ron McDonald said he wouldnt release any information.

richard.winton@latimes.com

marisa.gerber@latimes.com

For more crime news in Southern California, follow us on Twitter: @lacrimes and @marisagerber

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Armed supporters of President Nicolas Maduro invaded the National Assembly complex in Caracas on Wednesday and attacked opposition deputies with metal tubes and stones, injuring at least six legislators and several assembly staff members.

The attack, which occurred during Venezuelas independence day observances, added to mounting tensions ahead of a July 30 vote to authorize a new constitutional convention.

Backed by Maduro, the measure is opposed by a majority of Venezuelans, according to polls. Critics describe the vote as a maneuver to neuter the opposition-controlled congress.

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The invasion, which went unimpeded by national guard officers tasked with providing security, further illustrated the ongoing problems in the increasingly polarized country. Since late March, Venezuela has been convulsed with protests that have left 91 dead and 2,500 injured.

In almost daily marches often led by opposition members of the assembly, Venezuelans are protesting food shortages, violent crime, a collapsed economy and an autocratic government. Maduro has responded with increasingly repressive measures to contain the marchers, including more than 3,000 arrests.

While the floor of the assembly has been the scene of partisan violence in recent years, past incidents usually involved fights between opposing legislators or with security staff. The Wednesday clash was stunning for its breach of security of congress, observers said.

Opposition member Tomas Guanipa showed reporters what he said were shell casings of bullets fired at the assembly from the street. He described the attack as part of a terror campaign by Maduro using disproportionate violence to maintain himself in power.

On June 27, a video circulated in social media of assembly President Julio Borges being manhandled and pushed by national guard unit commander Bladimir Lugo when Borges complained of rough treatment by members of security staff.

The assemblys press office identified the injured deputies as Armando Armas, Juan Guaido, Americo de Grazia, Jose Regnault, Nora Bracho and Luis Padilla. All are members of parties that oppose Maduro.

We will defend Venezuela, which is why we were elected, said Armas, who suffered a head wound. We will continue, whatever the cost.

The attacks came a day after the Supreme Court heard arguments by Maduros lawyers to fire special prosecutor Luisa Ortega Diaz for alleged abuse of power. Earlier, she had moved to disqualify 13 members of the Maduro-controlled Supreme Court and voiced her opposition to the new constitutional assembly, which she has described as illegal. She is the highest level critic of Maduro left in the government.

The Supreme Court is expected to rule by the end of this week on whether to fire Ortega. Meanwhile, she has been forbidden to leave the country.

Hours prior to the attacks, Maduros Vice President Tareck El Aissami and other officials broke protocol by holding a ceremony at the assembly hall to honor the 1811 independence declaration. Normally, all powers participate in the traditional ceremony.

The armed invaders were described by local media as members of so-called colectivos, as the shock troops who back Maduro are described.

In a symbolic gesture, opposition assembly members will convene a nationwide consultative referendum on July 16 at which Venezuelans will vote on whether they approve of the constitutional assembly and whether Maduro should stay in power. The vote is nonbinding since the assembly has been stripped of most of its power by the Supreme Court.

Opposition leaders are also expected to call for a general strike across Venezuela to oppose the July 30 constitutional assembly measure, although no specific date has been set.

Also on Wednesday, a video surfaced on social media of Oscar Perez, the rogue police investigative official who hijacked a helicopter to protest Maduros policies on June 27. In the video Perez, who is being sought by Venezuelan authorities on terrorism charges, vowed to continue his fight against tyranny.

Opposition lawmaker Americo de Grazia is led away by bodyguards and a National Assembly employee after he was injured in a melee with protesters who tried to force their way into the legislature. (Fernando Llano / Associated Press)

Special correspondents Mogollon reported from Caracas, and Kraul from Bogota, Colombia.

ALSO

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Israels Labor Party ousts chairman in leadership vote as it struggles to challenge Netanyahu

A schism among Syrian rebel fighters threatens to slow down the battle against Islamic State

UPDATES:

3:50 p.m.: This article was updated throughout with Times reporting.

This article was originally published at 12:35 p.m.
With California expecting a surge in oil transports by rail, San Diego firefighters will soon receive a new hazardous materials vehicle specially designed for oil tanker derailments, explosions, leaks and potential terrorist acts.

San Diego is among 12 areas of California scheduled to receive one of the vehicles this fall from the state, which will also pay to train the citys 17-member hazardous materials team to use the vehicle.

Much of the oil in California, the third-biggest refining state in the nation, is transported by ships. But city officials said the state is expecting an increase of oil transportation by rail from places such as Canada and North Dakota.

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That increase will bring higher risks of hazardous material derailments, explosions, fires, accidental oil releases and crime or terrorist acts, according to the Governors Office of Emergency Services.

The training will cost $180,000 and is scheduled to be completed by next summer. Officials didnt disclose the cost of the new vehicles.

david.garrick@sduniontribune.com (619) 269-8906 Twitter:@UTDavidGarrick
Firefighters quickly attacked a bedroom fire in a house in San Diegos Rolando neighborhood Wednesday night, a fire official said.

No one was home when firefighters arrived at the house on Madeline Street near 62nd Street, said San Diego fire Battalion Chief Dave Seneviratne.

The blaze was reported about 10 p.m. Firefighters entered the single-story house and found a bedroom fully engulfed in flames, Seneviratne told San Diego News Video. Crews kept the fire from spreading to other parts of the home, but smoke damaged the entire house.

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He said firefighters were told one person lived there, but they didnt find anyone inside when they searched the house.

The resident later came home, and the Red Cross was called to assist her.

The Metro Arson Strike Team was investigating the cause of the blaze. Damage was estimated at $55,000.

Breaking News

Email: david.hernandez@sduniontribune.com

Phone: (619) 293-1876

Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez
The investigation into Scripps Ranch High Schools Advanced Placement tests, which resulted in hundreds of invalidated exams, was prompted by a student reportedly cheating during an exam.

Officials announced Friday that 540 students will need to retake AP exams in as many as nine subjects if they want to earn college credit.

The College Board, which oversees college admission tests, and its testing administrator Educational Testing Service invalidated more than 800 of the schools AP exams because students were seated too close together.

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College Board officials did not cite any students cheating on the exam.

However, an incident report filed by Scripps Ranch and submitted to the College Board indicates that the investigation into exam protocol was prompted by a cheating incident in May.

According to the incident report obtained by U-T Watchdog, a counselor administering an exam noticed a student leaning back away from the testing table and looking at a nearby students work. The other student was not aware of the incident, the report says.

The student was immediately moved away from other students, the report said, and informed that the misconduct was considered cheating.

The student explained that, when thinking, he or she leans back and to the side. Nevertheless, the students testing material was confiscated and the student was dismissed from the exam.

Schools are required to complete an incident report whenever a disruption or disturbance takes place during an AP exam, according to testing instructions on the College Boards website. Each report must be submitted to the College Board along with completed exams and other materials.

College Board guidelines say disturbances include defective materials, missing exam supplies, illness during an exam, disruptive behavior from a student or proctor or cheating of any kind.

Reports of cheating in particular must be accompanied by a seating chart of the examination room.

Andrew Sharp, a spokesman for the San Diego Unified School District, said Scripps Ranch officials submitted a seating chart with the incident report, as required. Sharp also confirmed the validity of the incident report.

On Friday the district said the investigation was prompted by a test irregularity involving one student. It would not provide further details of the irregularity, citing student privacy.

On June 7, Educational Testing Service began an investigation that found Scripps Ranch used six-foot tables instead of eight-foot tables during exams, a violation of testing requirements established two years ago. The school also used partitions, which are not allowed.

According to Jaslee Carayol, an associate director of media relations for the College Board, the decision to invalidate 847 exams from Scripps Ranch is solely based on seating violations.

As we shared with students and parents, this difficult decision is not an indication of wrongdoing on the part of Scripps Ranch students, Carayol said. The decision was made to ensure every AP student has an equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge.

Hundreds of Scripps Ranch parents and students have since filed official complaints with the College Board and San Diego Unified arguing that the decision punishes innocent parties.

We are working hard as a community to pressure the College Board to reverse their misguided decision, said Kristin Hampshire, a Scripps Ranch parent. They are now erroneously punishing the students and their families for their errors  families who have to now cancel summer vacations/plans, and lose money in doing so, or decide not to retest which also has a financial impact.

A petition requesting that the College Board reconsider its decision currently has more than 2,350 signatures.

AP classes represent a major financial opportunity for students on track to attend college after graduation. Universities and community colleges often allow students to convert AP courses into college credit if they score well on the exam.

AP credits can be put toward a students selected major or general elective courses, which all students are required to take.

Students who come into college with AP credits are also able to take fewer classes per semester  to work part-time or handle more difficult course loads  and still graduate on time.

Hampshire said her daughter was able to graduate a semester early from Emory University in Atlanta because of AP credits she earned in high school, saving more than $15,000 in tuition.

Our son, and all affected students, will not get these credits if the College Board does not reverse its decision, she said. All 500-plus students stand to lose quite a lot if they dont retest or if they dont do as well on retesting.

Each AP test costs $93 and can last two or three hours. Some students take up to nine exams.

District officials said that the new tests will be given at no charge and eight teachers have agreed to return to school to teach refresher courses for students who want help preparing for material.

The first round of new tests will be July 17- 20, and the full schedule can be found along with other information at the Scripps Ranch High School website, sandiegounified.org/schools/scrippsranch.

A community meeting on the issue has been scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday at Marshall Middle School. The districts outside counsel is set to attend.

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Contact Lauryn Schroeder via Twitter or Email.
Dr. Spencer Johnson, author of Who Moved My Cheese? and co-author of The One Minute Manager, among the best-selling books of all time, has died. The former La Jollan was 78.

He was a little-known childrens book author in the early 1980s when he met Ken Blanchard at a cocktail party in San Diego and the two decided to write a parable for business leaders. They self-published One Minute Manager, sold thousands of copies on their own, and then struck a deal with a major New York publisher. The book has sold more than 15 million copies.

Dr. Johnson then took a story hed told to friends about two mice and two mouse-sized humans maneuvering through a maze and turned it into a 98-page allegory about change, Who Moved My Cheese? Its sold more than 25 million copies, spawned teen and childrens versions, and become such a pop-culture touchstone that its been parodied in comic strips and books.

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He was a special, creative guy who impacted the world in so many ways, Blanchard said.

Dr. Johnson died Monday from pancreatic cancer at Scripps Hospital in Encinitas, according to his family.

Born in Watertown, S.D. and raised in Los Angeles, he grew up planning to be a physician. He got a medical degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland, did clerkships at the Mayo Clinic and Harvard Medical School, and then went to work for a medical devices company. Thats where he discovered his knack for writing.

He was put in charge of the informational material handed out to prospective patients. To his mind, it was unreadable. He rewrote it.

He learned that he could take subjects that overwhelm most people and distill them down to the core of what they are, said Margret McBride, his literary agent. He would then take that and put it into a story thats enjoyable to read, that can be read in about an hour, and that when youre done you feel like a different person.

What he did is, he took the cobwebs out of your brain.

Dr. Johnson had written a 43-volume series of childrens books called ValueTales with his first wife, Ann Donegan, when he met Blanchard. They put together One Minute Manager in a matter of weeks. It wrote us, Blanchard said. They knew they were on to something when they spoke at a national restaurant convention and then after the presentation sold 1,200 copies of the self-published book in 30 minutes.

During negotiations with William Morrow, the publisher balked at charging $15 for the book, the price the authors had been getting. Youre being a little too Little League, Dr. Johnson said, and started to walk out of the meeting.

A deal was struck that included offering readers a money-back guarantee. Very few took them up on it, and the book became so successful it spawned a whole One Minute industry for Blanchard that continues today. Two years ago, the original One Minute book was re-written for the current business environment and it, too, became a best-seller.

In the late 1980s, Dr. Johnson moved to Hawaii with his second wife, Lesley Bostridge, and in 1998 wrote a story about two mice, one named Sniff and one named Scurry, and two tiny people, Hem and Haw. Who Moved My Cheese? still regularly appears on lists of best-selling business books.

His other popular titles include Peaks and Valleys and The Precious Present.

He was always very pleased when someone would tell him how much one of his books meant to them, said Nancy Casey, his editor and executive assistant. He loved to mentor people, loved to help them tap into their own success.

But he didnt love the trappings of fame, which is why his books didnt include photos of him on the jackets. He wanted to be able to go out in public and not be recognized. When a person picks up one of my books and starts reading it, he once told McBride, his agent, I want the relationship between them and the words to be private. A photo of me is a distraction.

She recalled how one time when his publisher insisted on photos, Dr. Johnson posed for them with his back turned, sitting at his desk.

He wasnt offended by the various parodies that arose in the wake of Who Moved My Cheese? McBride said he would quip about imitation being the sincerest form of flattery. It says a lot that someone would take a year or so trying to make fun of something I did, she remembered him saying.

Dr. Johnson divided his time in recent years between homes in Hawaii and New Hampshire. He moved back to San Diego about six months ago and rented a home in Rancho Santa Fe while undergoing cancer treatment.

Survivors include three sons, Emerson of San Diego, Christian of London, and Austin of Honolulu; his brother, Hugh Johnson and sister-in-law Jane of Los Angeles; his sister, Constance Johnson of Los Angeles; nieces Hillary and Joelle Johnson of Los Angeles; and nephew Erick Johnson of Dallas. He was predeceased by a son, Cameron.

Celebration of Life services are pending.

john.wilkens@sduniontribune.com
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On my first day on the job as San Diego County Regional Airport Authoritys president/CEO, I gave a short speech at a ceremony celebrating the establishment of nonstop service between Frankfurt, Germany, and San Diego International Airport (SAN). That was May 1, and things continue to progress quickly.

In the seven weeks that followed, we also began nonstop service to Zurich and signed a deal to add a second nonstop flight to Frankfurt. We also held a groundbreaking for a $229.4 million Customs facility being built to handle a major influx of international passengers that has been gathering steam for more than a quarter-century.

The average number of international passengers flying into SAN has grown sixfold since the 1990s, and is now more than 300,000 annually, a dizzying pace that far exceeds earlier projections.

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While this is great news for people who want to visit San Diego from all parts of the globe near and far, the real reason Im writing this is to talk about how this affects hundreds of small, local and disadvantaged businesses right here in San Diego.

The construction of the new Customs facility will be similar to others launched by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority in its commitment to providing opportunities for these underserved businesses that often have difficulty competing for contracts on large infrastructure projects in the region.

The Airport Authority has held or scheduled four events to connect these businesses with general contractors looking for qualified workers and teaching them how to navigate the bidding process. The kickoff event on April 18 attracted more than 200 small and local businesses. Many will secure contracts to work on this critical project.

This is just the latest example of the airports emergence as a major economic driver in the region. In fact, over the years, development at the airport has created literally thousands of jobs in a down economy.

If you havent driven past the airport recently, youre in for a surprise. As the new Customs facility is added on to the west end of Terminal 2, a 3,000-space parking plaza is rising nearby. The parking plaza is intended to meet increasing demand for close-in parking and enhance our already-high customer service ratings. Set to open in summer 2018, it has generated nearly $50 million in contracts for local businesses and $24 million for small businesses. Those contracts also mean new job creation.

This jobs-generating trend started during the Great Recession. In 2009, groundbreaking for the Terminal 2 expansion launched the largest improvement project in SANs history. By the time it opened in August 2013, this $900 million undertaking created opportunities for 7,000 workers, with $415 million in contracts going to local businesses and $117 million going to small businesses. In a recession, this was a big shot in the arm.

Around the same time, SAN revamped its airport-wide concessions program, going from 55 stores and food-and-beverage outlets to 85, from 625 jobs to 1,200 jobs, and driving $118 million in contracts (25 percent) to small businesses.

The highly visible Rental Car Center on Pacific Highway opened in early 2016 after having created 4,600 construction jobs, with $186 million in contracts to local businesses and $70.4 million to small businesses.

With all that has been going on at SAN, I have the good fortune to inherit  and build on (so to speak)  a legacy of boosting the economy, creating jobs upon jobs, constantly improving the passenger experience and helping the region become increasingly global.

Looking ahead, we have one very big item on SANs agenda  replacement of the 50-year-old Terminal 1  and other improvements to meet demand through at least 2035. As we complete the environmental review process, we are determining how to finance this next big thing.

This will create an eye-opening number of jobs and  given our commitment to historically underserved businesses  greatly benefit small and local businesses.

While I have not been in my new position very long, I can promise that our commitment to the community is unwavering. We will continue to operate San Diegos air transportation gateways in a manner that promotes the regions prosperity and protects its quality of life.

Becker is president and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. Previously, she was with Mineta San Jose International Airport since 1995 and director since 2013.
After San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer was re-elected last year, The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board wrote him a handy to-do list. Now that he has (again) said he wont run for governor and will honor a pledge to serve out his second term, lets revisit that list to grade his performance so far.

Police and 911 dispatcher retention: B

The mayor won fast City Council approval for a smart series of raises for 911 dispatchers. Yet a series of tweets Wednesday from the Police Officers Association and its president noted there are 38 fewer officers now than a year ago and that department staffing is at levels last seen in the 1990s. Its time to address this.

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The Chargers stadium: C

Political points for playing hardball with the NFL. Points off because the Chargers still left after he backed their stadium plan and his November 2017 special election died.

Short-term vacation rentals: incomplete

The mayor needs to lead here. The confusion must end.

Homelessness: F

Its an intractable problem, but he made it a No. 1 priority. Getting 1,000 veterans off the streets proved tough. Wednesdays $80 million plan to try concerted ways to help San Diegos growing homeless population is long overdue.

The housing crisis: B

Faulconers strong recent proposals require council approval. Will he get it?

Well reevaluate Faulconer in early January. Send your grades now to letters@sduniontribune.com.

Twitter: @sdutIdeas

Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion
A massive demonstration targeting the Group of 20 ( G20 ) summit in Hamburg, Germany, turned violent Thursday, with TV networks around the world showing live footage of police fighting with protesters.

The G-20 gathering consists of leaders from the European Union and 19 countries, including the U.S., Japan, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Russia and South Africa, who meet annually to discuss international cooperation on financial and economic issues.

Protesters with many different agendas lined the streets in a demonstration organizers titled G-20: Welcome to Hell.

More than 100,000 protesters were expected throughout the course of the two-day conference, which begins Friday. The city had 20,000 police officers lined up to help manage their demonstrations.

Welcome to Hell was organized by an alliance of anti-capitlists groups.

Signs and messages carried by the demonstrators ranged from grievances against U.S. President Donald Trump , Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to issues relating to globalization.

One Croatian columnist visiting Hamburg for the summit described what message he felt protesters were trying to send.

The message is an appeal to the politicians who have supposedly closed their eyes to global wars, terrorism, the refugee crisis and climate change, Srecko Horvat wrote. On the other hand, it is a wake-up call to all citizens of Hamburg and beyond to organize and stop sleepwalking into a postmodern 1930s.

But the gathering quickly turned violent. Water cannons and pepper spray were used to push protesters to disperse.

In return, police say they were attacked them with bottles and other objects and that protesters set fires in the street.

Horvat described the scene as a dystopian nightmare.

Police, many heavily armed, are patrolling the streets, backed up by drones and the latest surveillance technology, he wrote.

Police officers tried to halt the protest on Thursday in response to masks worn by many of the protesters, but soon turned to arresting the individuals.

This is an unprecedented challenge, Andy Grote, interior minister for Hamburgs regional government, told reporters on Thursday. The police force is prepared. We do have quite a bit of experience with militant activists.

Take a look.

The violence overshadowed more peaceful protests that began Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

Reporting by The Washington Post found that demonstrations in the streets  which have also popped up every year of the summit  emphasized issues including calls for environmental protections, denunciations of ethnic nationalism and opposition to free trade. There was also frustration with Trumps America first message.

A protester holds a placard at the demonstration during the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, July 6, 2017. (REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach)

A man holds a placard during a protest ahead the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, July 5, 2017. (REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach)

A performance piece organized by the 1,000 Gestalten brought together 1,000 actors on to illustrate a group of zombies walking in silence, with one single zombie shedding the grey clothing to reveal bright colors. Organizers said the display was meant to show that chance can come from an individual.

"We cannot wait until change happens from the world's most powerful, we have to show political and social responsibility -- all of us -- now!" a 1,000 Gestalten spokesman said in a statement. "Our campaign is a further symbol for the fact that many people do not want to put up with the destructive impact of capitalism any longer. What will save us in the end is not our account balance but someone who will offer their holding hand."

For more coverage, The Telegraph has an ongoing livestream of the events surrounding the G20 Summit. Check it out here.

Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @abbyhamblin
President Donald Trump arrived in Poland for a 16-hour visit on Wednesday ahead of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany.

Why?

Why did Trump choose Poland as the starting point for his second foreign trip as president?

Weve got answers to this and many more questions when it comes to the Polish visit by the president. Read on.

Why Poland?

It should first be noted that Poland, which has a population of more than 38 million people, is an ally and host to thousands of U.S. military troops, including many who were just deployed in January in an effort to bolster ties with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and send Russia a message of strength. Poland has also been a purchaser of U.S. military equipment.

The Associated Press notes that Poland could be seen as exemplary by Trump because it spends 2 percent of its gross domestic product on the military, which he has called on NATO leaders to do.

An analysis by The Washington Post also offers a reminder that hundreds of thousands of Polish American voters live in states like Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin, which will be key states in the 2020 election. Mitt Romey, the Republican candidate in 2012, made a similar trip to Poland during his campaign.

What does the Trump administration say about the visit?

National Security adviser Gen. H.R. McMaster called Poland a staunch NATO ally and of a nation that remains one of Americas closest friends in a briefing with reporters last week.

The visit will reaffirm Americas steadfast commitment to one of our closest European allies and emphasize the administrations priority of strengthening NATOs collective defense, a statement from the White House earlier in June said. The leaders will discuss a range of bilateral and regional issues, deepening an alliance based on shared values and common interests.

Polands President Andrzej Duda invited Trump to visit months ago.

What will Trump do there?

Trumps itinerary includes a speech to leaders of the Three Seas Conference, which comprises Poland, Lithuania, Austira, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Croatia and Slovenia.

His remarks will focus on infrastructure development and energy security, highlighting, for instance, the first shipments of American liquefied natural gas into Poland earlier this month, McMaster said.

Hell also give a speech to the Polish people at Krasinski Square, the site of a monument in remembrance of the 1944 Warsaw uprising against Nazi occupation.

He will praise Polish courage throughout historys darkest hour, and celebrate Polands emergence as a European Power, McMaster said. And he will call on all nations to take inspiration from the spirit of the Poles as we confront todays challenges.

How does the country feel about his visit?

The Polish government and media are whipping up quite a fervor over the presidents trip.

"We have new success, Trump's visit," said Polands Law and Justice party leader, Jaroslaw Kaczynski. (Others) envy it, the British are attacking us because of it."

People lined roads and waved American and Polish flags as Trumps motorcade traveled to his hotel on Wednesday, according to a report by The Associated Press.

There are also reports, from the BBC and the Wall Street Journal, that Polish lawmakers organized the transportation of busloads of people who want to show support and offer a warm welcome to the president.

Its going to be hugeabsolutely huge, Polish lawmaker Dominik Tarczynskisaid said ahead of the visit. They just love him, the people in Polandthey just really love him.

However, a recent Pew Research poll found that just 23 percent of Poles think Trump would do the right thing regarding world affairs.

Heres a magazine cover prepared for the visit by Polish publication Gazeta Polska to show just how big of a deal the trip is.

Have other questions about Trumps trip? Send it to @sdutideas on Twitter and well try to answer it.

Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @abbyhamblin
The founders of the nonprofit Ride Above Disability Therapeutic Riding Center in Poway each remember the moment they knew where life was taking them.

For Program Director Allie Sarnataro it was while she was volunteering 15 years ago at another equestrian therapy center. The very first child who came in was in a wheelchair and could barely pull herself up.

We put her on the horse and she was sitting up tall, steering, laughing, Sarnataro said. It blew my mind. I knew this is what I needed to do with my life.

For Katie Cram, the centers equine specialist, it was years ago, after watching a boy at a riding center being passed from one instructor to another because they couldnt stand his attitude.

He was super smart but had zero filter and came off as ... rude and a know-it-all she said. He hated coming to the lessons at first. Cram said she continued working with the boy and, over time, a huge change occurred  he bonded with a horse and his lessons became the favorite part of his week.

Realizing I could take a kid and make it entertaining for him and teach him to have a connection with horses like I had growing up  I thought, yes, this is what I want to do, she said.

For Wayne Jackson, Ride Aboves executive director, it came about five years ago while he was finishing up a 20-year career with the U.S. Marine Corps. After several tours in Iraq  where he became involved in a charity that helped child refugees  he began volunteering at a North County horse center where he met Cram and Sarnataro.

He was typically there every Thursday, but had to miss a few months because of work. When he returned, he had what seemed like a typical session with one of his regular students.

That evening my phone started to blow up, Jackson said. The childs mother had posted on Facebook a description of her normally emotionless son, who on the drive home from the riding center was smiling from ear to ear. He told his mother today was the best day because Wayne was back.

For him to be able to feel an emotion, process it, show the emotion on his face, explain what he was feeling and why he had it  it was a huge thing, Jackson said. That was it, the hook was set for me. This was what I was going to do.

The trio formed Ride Above in 2014 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit, with the goal of helping a wide variety of special-need students at the lowest price possible, and showing that lessons are about so much more than just riding a horse. Theyre now hoping to expand the organization to serve more students.

The center  in Poways Sycamore Canyon, on property donated by the Rolling Hills Boarding Stable  has 37 students who take four or five lessons monthly. Ride Aboves waiting list has mushroomed and Jackson and his colleagues are trying to raise money so they accommodate the growing need.

Every time a butt hits a saddle it costs us a little bit over $90  and we only charge $47, Jackson said. The rest of it we make up with direct public support, fundraising and I beg shamelessly.

The center has a policy that everyone whose doctor says it will not hurt them physically to ride will be accepted regardless of behavior, weight or age. They help students with severe and not-so-severe mental and physical disabilities. Their youngest client is three and their oldest is 70, though their website says they serve students from 2 to 102.

Holly Baltera said her 8-year-old daughter Lauren, who is autistic and non-verbal, began coming to the center in November and has loved it from her first lesson.

Things she never thought she would do shes doing, Baltera said. She just loves it. Her face is grinning from side to side. She cant get enough of it. Its amazing.

So amazing that the family has doubled Laurens monthly lessons to eight.

She has a bond with the horse and the people and the place, Baltera said. They are extremely cautious here. You know they are going to take care of the most important things. Its a great group of people here.

Mara Penick brings her 27-year-old daughter, Kimberly, to the center once a week. Kimberly is deaf, weighs just 58 pounds, and suffers from various ailments that affect her balance.

Like many of the students, it takes a team of instructors and volunteers to accompany her on a ride  one leading the horse, two on each side, a sign-language interpreter and others.

When she comes she feels really special, Penick said. This is one of the best nonprofits youll ever find. Almost all are volunteers and they do it because they have such big hearts.

Ride Above is hoping for corporate sponsorship and encourages private donations. Jackson said more money will help them teach more students and perhaps to even lower the prices more.

To learn more about Ride Above visit radtrc.org or call 858-349-1692 | Email: Katie@radtrc.org.

Jones writes for The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Email: editor@pomeradonews.com
A new way vote?

The underlying problem with most election systems is that they were made by and for the benefit of politicians rather than for the public. Anyone who follows politics knows that easily-gerrymandered districts are no solution.

A better method would be to have all the council members elected at once rather than rotating as done now. Each voter would get one vote. The winning politicians should get voting power in council equal to the number of votes they got and also receive pay proportionally as well. This would have the benefit of almost all voters having a representative they like. This could be increased by having voters list first, second and third choices in case their first choice does not get elected. It would have the added benefit of motivating the politicians to get voters to come out rather than keeping a low profile and relying on the activist voters.

The biggest problem with this sort of system is that most politicians would hate it and fight against getting it implemented.

Thomas Bradley

Poway

No place but down

Mr. Yurow (Letters, June 15) assigns President Trump credit for a lot after only six months. But I dont think he deserves all of it. Previously, there were impotent red lines, Arab Springs, when terror and failed states bloomed, armed islets sprouting in the South China Sea and planeloads of cash for questionable deals. Not to mention resets with former KGB employees.

Ukrainians must snicker at our hacking hysteria after watching the Russian bear devour their country. Instead of arms, we sent camping gear. Angela Merkel talks while Germany still fails to meet its NATO defense spending commitments. China leads in so many things, like CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions. To see blue sky on Sunday in Beijing they have to close the factories on Friday.

We could go back farther, to the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan by President Bush or President Clintons failure to act during the genocide in Rwanda or delayed reaction after Yugoslavia imploded. Considering where we sat after World War II, there is no place to go but down. However, any slide from No. 1 will be the result of actions by many, not just the current president.

I am waiting for someone to blame President Trump for the Chargers move north.

Tom Drzewiecki

Poway

An American issue

An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us, said Paul Ryan after the D.C shooting of a member of Congress. These words, however, ring hollow when Americans attack other Americans - not with guns - but with the heated rhetoric modeled for them by power brokers. That rhetoric includes, but is not limited to, name calling, lies and half-truths, demonization of others, appeals to fears and prejudices, tireless repetition of an idea so it becomes real in and of itself.

Are government leaders really surprised when these age-old propaganda techniques shape peoples behaviors, even violent ones? Do the messengers, including cable news, bear no responsibility for opening Pandoras box?

When a tragedy strikes, leaders speak of common humanity. Yet the other 364 days of the year the bashing lives on.

This is not a Democrat-versus -Republican issue, or CNNversus-Fox News. It is an American issue only addressed when those in power truly lead by example. From what I see, we are on our own folks and it is time to lead from the ballot box.

Al Finley

Poway

Email: editor@pomeradonews.com
BOX OFFICE LEADERS

Despicable Me 3 PG Gru meets Dru, his obnoxiously perfect twin brother, who wants Gru to join him in one final but memorable criminal heist.

Baby Driver R A ruthless crime boss not so subtly convinces a young getaway driver to take on one last job, a bank heist that is destined to fail.

Transformers: The Last Knight PG-13 While the humans are at war with the Transformers, a new alliance forms with Cade, Bumblebee, and others.

Wonder Woman PG-13 Diana, Princess of the Amazons, learns of evil outside of her world and becomes a crusading crime fighter, Wonder Woman.

Cars 3 G In this 3rd installment of the personified racing cars, Lightning McQueen seeks to prove he is still every bit the racer to the younger cars.

The House R When Dad blows his daughters college fund, what better way to fill the kitty than starting an illegal gambling casino in the basement?

47 Meters Down PG-13 Two sisters are trapped in a shark cage with an hours worth of oxygen in the tank while great whites are circling the cage.

Mummy PG-13 A deceased princess comes to life from her buried crypt and begins a reign of evil that has grown to unspeakable heights over time.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell no Tales PG-13 In this 5th installment, Captain Jack takes his men on a search for Poseidons trident

All Eyez on Me R The true story of rapper, actor, poet, and activist, Tupace Shakur, is portrayed through his works as his legacy continues to grow.

Captain Underpants PG George and Harold play the ultimate prank at their school by hypnotizing the principal into believing hes Capt. Underpants.

***Also Playing in Theaters***

Alien: Covenant, The Bad Batch, Beatriz at Dinner, The Beguiled, The Big Sick, The Book of Henry, Can We Still be Friends, Da Co Hoai Lang  Hello Vietnam, The Exception, Guardians of the Galaxy, The Hero, I Am the Blues, It Comes at Night, Letters from Baghdad, Megan Leavey, My Cousin Rachel, Paris Can Wait, Past Life, A Quiet Passion, Rough Night, Wakefield.

Coming to theaters on July 7

Spider-Man: Homecoming PG The Civil War is over, and Peter Parker hopes to return to a normal life of crime fighting until he meets The Vulture. Stars: Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Robert Downey Jr., Marisa Tomei. Directed by Jon Watts

Coming Soon: Past Life, Maudie, The Journey, Amityville: The Awakening, 13 Minutes, The Little Hours, The B-Side: Elfa Dorfmans Portrait Photography, A Ghost Story, City of Ghosts, Santoalla, War for the Planet of the Apes, Wish Upon, Lady Macbeth, The Midwife, Dunkirk, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, Girls Trip, The Emoji Movie, Atomic Blonde, An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power, Menashe, From the Land of the Moon.

New on DVD  July 5

The Zookeepers Wife PG13 In 1939 Poland, a couple in charge of the Warsaw Zoo continues their duties but become involved in the Nazi resistance.

Foreign, Classics, Documentaries: Song to Song, Awakening the Zodiac, Drone, Vincent-N-Roxxy.

Television: Superstore s2
Four Lincoln restaurants were recognized for their wine selections in the 2017 Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards.

The Oven at 201 N. Eighth St. received a Best of Award of Excellence, the magazine's second-highest award. Only one other Nebraska restaurant received the award.

The Green Gateau, JTK Cuisine & Cocktails and Venue Restaurant & Lounge all received Awards of Excellence.

Overall, the magazine honored 3,592 restaurants in 50 states and 75 countries.

To read more about the awards, go to: https://restaurants.winespectator.com/article/55087/wine-spectator-unveils-2017-restaurant-award-winners
Global Pharmaceutical Bottles Market - Spain Industry Analysis Size Share Growth Trends and Forecast 2016-2024

Regional demand patterns have been considered while estimating the market for various end users of pharmaceutical bottles in Spain. Top-down approach has been used to estimate the Spain pharmaceutical bottles market. Market numbers for the Spain bottle type, application, material type and end user segments have been derived using the bottom-up approach, which is cumulative of regions demand. The market has been forecasted based on constant currency rates.
Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/06/2017 -- This report studies the Methionine market status and outlook of global and United States, from angles of players, regions, product types and end industries; this report analyzes the top players in global and United States market, and splits the Methionine market by product type and applications/end industries.



The global Methionine market is valued at XX million USD in 2016 and is expected to reach XX million USD by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.



The Asia-Pacific will occupy for more market share in following years, especially in China, also fast growing India and Southeast Asia regions.



North America, especially The United States, will still play an important role which cannot be ignored. Any changes from United States might affect the development trend of Methionine. United States plays an important role in global market, with market size of xx million USD in 2016 and will be xx million USD in 2022, with a CAGR of XX.



Request For Sample Copy : https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/1210993



Geographically, this report is segmented into several key regions, with sales, revenue, market share (%) and growth Rate (%) of Methionine in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), covering

United States

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

South America

Middle East and Africa



The major players in global and United States Methionine market, including Evonik, Adisseo (Bluestar), NOVUS, Sumitomo Chemical, CJ Cheiljedang Corp, Chongqing Unisplendour Chemical, Sichuan Hebang.



The On the basis of product, the Methionine market is primarily split into

Solid Methionine

Liquid Methionine



On the basis on the end users/applications, this report covers

Feed Additive

Pharmaceutical

Food Supplement

Others



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Table of Contents



2017-2022 Methionine Report on Global and United States Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and Applications

1 Methodology and Data Source

1.1 Methodology/Research Approach

1.1.1 Research Programs/Design

1.1.2 Market Size Estimation

1.1.3 Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation

1.2 Data Source

2.1.1 Secondary Sources

2.1.2 Primary Sources

1.3 Disclaimer

2 Methionine Market Overview

2.1 Methionine Product Overview

2.2 Methionine Market Segment by Type

2.2.1 Solid Methionine

2.2.2 Liquid Methionine

2.3 Global Methionine Product Segment by Type

2.3.1 Global Methionine Sales (K Units) and Growth (%) by Types (2012, 2016 and 2022)

2.3.2 Global Methionine Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Types (2012-2017)

2.3.3 Global Methionine Revenue (Million USD) and Market Share (%) by Types (2012-2017)

2.3.4 Global Methionine Price (USD/Unit) by Type (2012-2017)

2.4 United States Methionine Product Segment by Type

2.4.1 United States Methionine Sales (K Units) and Growth by Types (2012, 2016 and 2022)

2.4.2 United States Methionine Sales (K Units) and Market Share by Types (2012-2017)

2.4.3 United States Methionine Revenue (Million USD) and Market Share by Types (2012-2017)

2.4.4 United States Methionine Price (USD/Unit) by Type (2012-2017)

3 Methionine Application/End Users

3.1 Methionine Segment by Application/End Users

3.1.1 Feed Additive

3.1.2 Pharmaceutical

3.1.3 Food Supplement

3.1.4 Others

3.2 Global Methionine Product Segment by Application

3.2.1 Global Methionine Sales (K Units) and CGAR (%) by Applications (2012, 2016 and 2022)

3.2.2 Global Methionine Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Applications (2012-2017)

3.3 United States Methionine Product Segment by Application

3.3.1 United States Methionine Sales (K Units) and CGAR (%) by Applications (2012, 2016 and 2022)

3.3.2 United States Methionine Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Applications (2012-2017)



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4 Methionine Market Status and Outlook by Regions

4.1 Global Market Status and Outlook by Regions

4.1.1 Global Methionine Market Size and CAGR by Regions (2012, 2016 and 2022)

4.1.2 North America

4.1.3 Asia-Pacific

4.1.4 Europe

4.1.5 South America

4.1.6 Middle East and Africa

4.1.7 United States

4.2 Global Methionine Sales and Revenue by Regions

4.2.1 Global Methionine Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Regions (2012-2017)

4.2.2 Global Methionine Revenue (Million USD) and Market Share (%) by Regions (2012-2017)

4.2.3 Global Methionine Sales (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)

4.2.4 North America Methionine Sales (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)

4.2.5 Europe Methionine Sales (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)

4.2.6 Asia-Pacific Methionine Sales (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)

4.2.7 South America Methionine Sales (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (2012-2017)

4.2.8 Middle East and Africa Methionine Sales (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)

4.2.9 United States Methionine Sales (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (2012-2017)
Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/05/2017 -- The mining industry underwent a transformation, from underground mining to open pit mining, during the 20th century. Open pit mining has become common in developed countries. Haul trucks, draglines, shuttle cars, roofbolters, scoops, loaders, longwall machines, and shovels are some of the machines used in mining. These machines possess heavy gear system, wire ropes, bearings, and transmission system. These need to be lubricated from time to time. A lubricant should be such that it decreases maintenance costs and increases the machine life. It must have high viscosity index, corrosion prevention, high boiling point, resistance to oxidation, ability to absorb shock loads, good thermal stability, and hydraulic stability. The mining lubricants market relies on mining activities. Expansion of the mining lubricants market depends upon the number of mining activities.



Obtain Report Details @: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/mining-lubricants-market.html



Based on application, the mining lubricants market can be segmented into open gears, wire rope, gear boxes, and bearings. The open gears segment dominates the mining lubricants market. Open gears system suffers from wear and pitting because of insufficient lubrication. Asphaltic-based lubricants and synthetic type lubricants are most commonly used in open gears system. Synthetic lubricants do not contain heavy metals. They are environmentally-friendly and are designed to protect from heavy shock loads on open gears system. Mining gear boxes tend to overload. This causes premature failures. A suitable gear oil with properties such as protection due to shock loadings and protection from water contamination should be applied. Lubricant with improper sealing mechanism contaminates the bearing boxes and results in bearing failures.



Based on end-use industry, the mining lubricants market can be divided into coal ore, iron ore, and other earth minerals. Production of coal ore is higher than that of iron ore and other earth metals. Hence, the coal ore segment leads the mining lubricants market. High energy consumption and industrial growth are anticipated to boost the mining lubricants market.



Based on region, the mining lubricants market can be classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Mining activities in Asia Pacific, especially in China, India, and Australia, are high. Therefore, these countries dominate the mining lubricants market in Asia Pacific. China leads the use of mining lubricants due to the high production of coal ore and iron ore in the country. Asia Pacific is followed by North America.



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Key players operating in the mining lubricants market are Total Oil (Australia), Exxon Mobile Lubricants & Specialties (the U.S.), Royal Dutch Shell Plc. (the Netherlands), Chevron (the U.S.), Perma-tec GmbH & Co. KG (Germany), Quaker Chemical Corporation (the U.S.), Petro Canada Lubricants Inc (Canada), BP Lubricants (the U.S.), Conoco Phillips Inc (the U.S.), Aarna Lube Private Limited (India), Lubrication Engineers, Inc. (the U.S.), Engen Botswana Limited (South Africa), Vivo Energy (Mauritius), and Interlube Limited (the U.K.). Large players operating in the mining lubricants market design their products. Total Oil is one of the major players in the mining lubricants market. It manufactures and supplies lubricants across the globe. The company's lubricants have a long life and ensure complete protection to the mining equipment. Total Oil provides lubricants to drag lines, loaders, excavators, haul trucks, and diggers, among others. Petro Canada Lubricants Inc develops products for underground mining and open pit mining. For underground mining, the company uses VULTREX Rock Drill EP000, which is designed for in-line pneumatic systems and mist-free lubrication of rock drills. It markets products under the brand names VULTREX OGL Synthetic Arctic, an open gear lubricant for cold regions, VULTREX OGL Synthetic All Season, an open gear lubricant for all seasons, and PRODURO for gears and bearings. Volatility in prices of raw materials, environmental upkeeps, and instability in government policies related to the mining industry are some of the restraints of the mining lubricants market.



The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.



About Transparency Market Research

Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.



Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMR's syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.
Sarasota, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/05/2017 -- Zion Market Research, the market research group announced the analysis report titled 'Vehicle Anti-Theft Systems Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecasts 20162024'



Global Vehicle Anti-Theft Systems Market: Overview



There has been a rapid rise in the occurrences of vehicle theft. To combat this, there is a rise in the uptake of vehicle anti-theft systems globally. Factors affecting the uptake include ease of use and financial costs. Through these systems, tracking of the lost vehicle, detection of intrusion and sensing devices can be attached to the vehicle in order to secure them. Increasing production of automobiles of different kinds is boosting the vehicle anti-theft system market growth for vehicle anti-theft system market.



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Global Vehicle Anti-Theft Systems Market: Segmentation



The global vehicle anti-theft system market is segmented into its product type, technology, vehicle type, and geography. On the basis of product type, the market is divided into alarm, steering lock, immobilizer, biometric capture device, central locking and remote keyless entry. Based on technology, the market is segregated into the global system for communication (GSM), global positioning system (GPS), global radio frequency identification, face detection system, automotive biometric technology and real-time location system (RTLS). On the basis of vehicle type, the vehicle anti-theft system market is classified into the commercial vehicle, passenger car, off-highway vehicle. Diversification of the global market based on region is seen into North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East and Africa.



Global Vehicle Anti-Theft Systems Market: Growth Factors



The global vehicle anti-theft system market is a growing market. Major factors contributing towards this growth are a massive increase in the number of vehicles of different kinds, rising awareness about vehicle anti-theft devices, government regulations pertaining to vehicle safety and increasing development made in technology. In addition, increasing instances of theft in parking lots have necessitated the use of advanced anti-theft mechanisms for vehicle and passenger security and safety. The immobilizer system and the face detection system are the different sectors showing major growth in the vehicle anti-theft system market.



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Global Vehicle Anti-Theft Systems Market: Regional Analysis



The largest market share in the vehicle anti-theft system market is held by Asia Pacific. Major countries contributing towards this growth are India, China, Australia, Japan and New Zealand. The growth of Asia-Pacific can be contributed to reasons such as rising population and increasing production of automobiles in this region. Asia-Pacific will continue to dominate the global market in the coming periods as well. Following the growth in Asia Pacific will be regions such as North America, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East and Africa. The growth in North America will be centered in countries such as the U.S. and Canada. An ample share of the market growth will be contributed by countries such as the U.K., Germany, Spain, France, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Netherlands, and Russia in the European regions. Latin American countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and Chile will be contributing towards the increasing demand of the market. South Africa and North Africa will also show significant growth rate in the Middle East and African regions.



Global Vehicle Anti-Theft Systems Market: Competitive Players



Some of the major companies in the global vehicle anti-theft system market are Continental AG, Robert Bosch GmbH, Lear Corporation, Tokai Rika Ltd., Delphi Automotive LLP, Johnson Electric, VOXX International Corp. and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation.



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Vehicle Anti-Theft Systems Market by Geographical Analysis: North America( U.S.), Europe( UK, France, Germany), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India), Latin America( Brazil), Middle East and Africa



Our value reports provide full, in-depth analysis of the parent market including most significant changes in market dynamics; the report also presents a detailed overview on segmentation of this market. We managed to present as many important information in essential form  thanks to our report You will learn more about former, on-going, and projected market analysis in terms of volume and value, assessment of niche industry developments and Market share analysis. We have not forgotten to present key strategies for major players, emerging segments and regional markets and last but not least, testimonials to companies in order to fortify their foothold in the market.



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New research led by Paris Diderot University offers a view into the inner workings of the mind of Maxwells demon, a famous thought experiment in physics.

The Maxwells demon is a hypothetical being that can gain more useful energy from a thermodynamic system than one of the most fundamental laws of physics  the second law of thermodynamics  should allow.

The thought experiment first appeared in a letter British mathematical physicist James Clerk Maxwell wrote to Scottish mathematical physicist Peter Guthrie Tait on December 11, 1867.

Maxwell hypothesized that gas particles in two adjacent boxes could be filtered by a demon operating a tiny door, that allowed only fast energy particles to pass in one direction and low energy particles the opposite way. As a result, one box gains a higher average energy than the other, which creates a pressure difference.

This non-equilibrium situation can be used to gain energy, not unlike the energy obtained when water stored behind a dam is released.

So although the gas was initially in equilibrium, the demon can create a non-equilibrium situation and extract energy, bypassing the second law of thermodynamics.

In the 1980s it was discovered that this is not the full story, said co-author Dr. Janet Anders, a theoretical physicist at the University of Exeter, UK.

The information about the particles properties remains stored in the memory of the demon.

This information leads to an energetic cost which then reduces the demons energy gain to null, resolving the paradox.

In this research, the physicists created a quantum Maxwell demon, manifested as a microwave cavity, that draws energy from a superconducting qubit.

They were able to fully map out the memory of the demon after its intervention, unveiling the stored information about the qubit state.

The fact that the system behaves quantum mechanically means that the particle can have a high and low energy at the same time, not only either of these choices as considered by Maxwell, Dr. Anders said.

This ground-breaking experiment gives a fascinating peek into the interplay between quantum information and thermodynamics, and is an important step in the current development of a theory for nanoscale thermodynamic processes.

The research is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (arXiv.org preprint).

_____

Nathanael Cottet et al. Observing a quantum Maxwell demon at work. PNAS, published online July 3, 2017; doi: 10.1073/pnas.1704827114
Chinas space program met with a setback recently when its new heavy-lift carrier rocket was unsuccessful in launching the nations largest satellite into orbit. The Long March-5 Y2 rocket was supposed to launch the 7.5 ton Shijian-18 technology experiment satellite.

According to India TV, an error occurred during the rockets flight that took off at 7:23 p.m. (local time) from the Wenchang Space Launch Center located in Chinas southern province of Hainan. The goal of the launch was to test the countrys new Dongfanghong-5 (DFH-5) satellite platform. The launch was also supposed to lead to in-orbit experiments including an advanced Hull electric propulsion system, satellite-ground laser communication technologies and Q/V band satellite communication.

Nicknamed "Chubby 5," in reference to its huge size, the Long March-5 Y2 rocket measures 5 meters in diameter and 57 meters in length. It has been made to transport up to 25 tons of payload into low orbit, which is twice the previous lift capability of China. The rocket was first launched from Wenchang in November 2016 and transported its payload of the Shijian-18 satellite into pre-set orbit.

The unsuccessful launch was Long March-5 series last test before its mission to launch the Chang'e-5 lunar probe into space during the later part of 2017, after which it will return with lunar samples. China has launched a massive and ambitious space program in recent years. The tentatively scheduled missions to be launched by the nation includes lunar probes, crewed space missions and the construction of a space station. However, the failure of the rocket launch makes the timeline of those missions uncertain now.

This is important. The Long March 5 is their flagship rocket, astrophysicist at Harvard, Jonathan McDowell, told The Verge. It is key for their ambitions. They have got to get it right.

Incidentally, China launched its first cargo spacecraft Tianzhou-1 into space in April of this year. The launch was made with the Long March-7 Y2 carrier rocket, the nations heaviest rocket, which saw the docking of the spacecraft with the orbiting experimental space station.
A trooper involved in a high speed chase last year in which the driver being pursued was killed was also shot several times in 2012 in a 14-hour standoff in Alliance.

Mike Flood of Norfolk, former Speaker of the Legislature, posted a message of support Tuesday night on Facebook for Trooper Tim Flick, noting that it had been a tough couple of weeks for the Nebraska State Patrol.

More than 1,300 Facebook followers responded, including some senators and former senators. By Wednesday evening, more than 375 people had shared the post and about 100 had commented  most of them positively.

In June, Gov. Pete Ricketts announced a review of the Patrol was underway, prompted by the fatal pursuit and other internal problems in the agency. Then Friday, he announced Col. Brad Rice had been fired and six others placed on administrative leave after initial findings of the review showed interference in internal investigations at the highest level.

It is unknown if Flick is one of those placed on administrative leave.

The Sheridan County incident from October in which Antoine Ladeaux, 32, of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, was killed was tragic and life-changing for the family of Ladeaux, Flood said.

Flick was cleared of any wrongdoing by a Sheridan County grand jury in December. But Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers, who had called for Rice to be fired, is now seeking a second grand jury investigation, this time in Lancaster County.

Flood said in an interview he didn't know the facts in the case and couldn't comment on Ricketts' recent actions, but when he was told about Flick's background by troopers attending a recent public hearing on the Keystone XL pipeline in Norfolk, he felt compelled to post it on Facebook.

Flick's duty in the face of danger in 2012 shows his character, commitment and service, Flood said.

"I, like a lot of Nebraskans, have a lot of respect for the State Patrol," he said. "They have to be going through a hard time with some of the things that are going on."

In June 2012, Flick, then a 15-year Patrol veteran, was among the first to arrive at the scene of the armed robbery and standoff at Thiele Pharmacy in Alliance, and took three bullets in the torso and arm when gunfire was exchanged through a door to an adjacent building. He was a member of the SWAT team with Troop E in Scottsbluff.

He returned to work about six weeks later. In February 2013, he was awarded the Nebraska State Patrol Honorable Service Award.

Flood, who was in the Legislature from 2005-13, said the Patrol is the most visible arm of state government, and Nebraskans get great service for their investment of tax dollars.

"In the middle of a blizzard, they're the ones to pull up behind your car and do what they can to help you get out," he said.

He thought the agency needed some positive news.

Comments to Flood's Facebook post came quickly, with people expressing respect for the Patrol, and thanking Flick for putting himself in harm's way to protect Nebraskans.

Gail Graeve said Flick was from her hometown and thanked Flood for sharing his post to show how difficult it can be to serve and protect.

Ned Hodgson said that too often society is critical of people and events without knowing more about the situation or people involved. Law enforcement is an unforgiving profession, he said. "I hope he finds peace in all this turmoil."

Geoff Fox responded: "Tough job. Decisions in milliseconds. Being sent where no one really wants to go. Running toward danger."

Jessica Martin, who said her dad was the pharmacist being held hostage in Alliance, posted this: "Words can't express how grateful I am for everyone who was protecting my dad to get him out safely that day!"

While some might believe the troopers are at odds with citizens, the reality, based on those Facebook posts, is that people are supportive of them, Flood said.

"Sure, there are challenges, and Gov. Ricketts is dealing with those challenges. I just think we have to keep in perspective what's all going on," he said.

Chambers has an entirely different perspective, and wants to see an investigation of the incident, with a grand jury in Lancaster County and a special prosecutor.

Flick was responsible for Ladeaux's death, Chambers said, and then changed his story about ramming the man's vehicle in a tactical maneuver designed to end the chase. He also said he was going 50 mph, rather than the 80 mph that was shown to be his speed when the crash was reconstructed.

"It was stupid to undertake a chase on a gravel road on something like somebody violating a stop sign," he said. "It wasn't worth risking the life of the one being pursued, the people in the car or an innocent third party, or risking the trooper's life," Chambers said.

"Everything about it was tainted ... was wrong," he said. "They knew what had happened. They were trying to cover it up."
WASHINGTON - An injured bald eagle here - likely Liberty or Justice, who have made their home at a D.C. police academy for more than a decade - was treated at City Wildlife on Monday after being found Saturday following a thunderstorm.

Based on its weight and talon size, the injured bird is likely Justice, the male of the beloved pair, said Dan Rauch, a wildlife biologist with D.C.'s Department of Energy and Environment.

It is not possible to definitively determine the injured bird's identity because neither eagle is tagged, but the location where it was found - near Eighth and Xenia streets SE, approximately 1.5 miles from the police academy - means it is likely that the injured bird is Justice, Rauch said.

The bird has no obvious fractures or other signs of trauma, said Kristy Jacobus, the clinic director at City Wildlife, after she completed an examination Monday morning. It was alert during the examination, yellow eyes bright and pink tongue out as it panted from the stress of human contact, and let out a few squeals as Jacobus felt along its wings and feet for injuries.

The eagle was found around 4:45 p.m. Saturday, following intense rain that came with an afternoon thunderstorm. It will be taken to a center in Delaware for further examination and a full X-ray and returned to D.C. once it has been cleared, Jacobus said.

In 1972, when the insecticide DDT was banned, there were 600 bald eagles in the Lower 48 states. Today, there are more than 16,000 eagles in the United States, Rauch said, but only two known nests in D.C. The other, at National Arboretum, is home to a pair of birds named Mr. President and First Lady, who welcomed the births of eaglets Honor and Glory in March.

Liberty and Justice's eaglet, which hatched March 15 and is named Spirit, took its first flight in early June and is likely living and hunting on its own, Rauch said. If Spirit had still been in the nest and one of the baby eagle's parents had been injured, it would have been in danger.

"It takes two parents to care for a nest, so we could have had a failed nest," Rauch said. "The injury could have been worse, timing-wise."

Adult eagles can survive on their own, so if Justice is the injured eagle, Liberty will be safe until his return, Rauch said.

The bird is the first bald eagle that City Wildlife has treated in the four years since it opened. It is also the largest avian - weighing in at nine pounds - that the center has handled. The next largest bird was a snowy owl that was treated in January after being hit by a bus.

Before City Wildlife opened its doors in 2013, injured animals were taken to Second Chance Wildlife Center in Gaithersburg, Md. Now, City Wildlife treats everything from orphaned opossums to injured squirrels to snakes - a corn snake was brought in as the eagle was being prepared for examination - in its center on Oglethorpe Street NW.

During intense storms, water can get under the feathers of bald eagles, weighing them down and making it likely they'll be grounded, where birds are most vulnerable.

"Every spring when there is a thunderstorm, we put our heads under our pillow and go, 'let us not get our first eagle,' " said Paula Goldberg, the center's executive director. "There's a mixture of excitement and dread."
WASHINGTON

As the nation was preparing to celebrate its storied independence from the British crown, the president secured his place as history's greatest jester.

Or America's first toddler president. Take your pick.

Trump did so by tweeting a doctored video clip of himself from several years ago in which he takes down wrestling magnate Vince McMahon and gives him a good pummeling. The new version superimposes the CNN logo on McMahon's head. Get it? In the 28-second clip, Trump walks away from the fray unrumpled with nary a hair out of place.

Bizarre comes to mind. Absurd. Ridiculous. Funny, perhaps, to a certain sort. Embarrassing in the extreme to many Americans who would describe themselves as perpetually appalled. What's next, Trump in his tighty whities atop Trump Tower punching an inflatable Vladimir Putin?

It is baffling to think that Trump is proud of himself and such high jinks, to put it charitably. We get that he's at war with the media, hardly an original concept at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. But no one has ever seen a U.S. president behave in such an idiotic manner. Most adults have a pause button in their brains that shields civilized society from impulsive, inappropriate behavior. For the president, every impulse is apparently irresistible.

For good reason, many people in the journalism world have expressed deep concerns about the effect the video might have. CNN's response said in part: "It is a sad day when the president of the United States encourages violence against reporters."

We've already witnessed one such event this year when Montana congressional candidate Greg Gianforte assaulted a reporter for The Guardian, breaking his glasses. In a comedy, the audience might applaud the tough guy punching the obnoxious reporter, but this isn't a comedy. Please, someone tell the president.

Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., whose recent book laments the absence of people behaving like grown-ups in America, reacted to the video-tweet in strong language, suggesting that Trump is trying to "weaponize distrust" toward the media. It's not as though the country's media-haters need much encouragement to act out Trump's looney-tunes dreamscape. It only takes one.

All is not glum, however. There have been some truly humorous moments in the aftermath of the video's viral reception, principally from those defending Trump's cartoon presidency. The ever-earnest Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the president "in no way form or fashion has ever promoted or encouraged violence." How's that? Isn't this the same Trump who offered to pay the legal fees for anyone who got in hot water for punching out a protester at one of his campaign rallies?

To Trump supporters who find the wrestling video unobjectionable or, I suspect, hilarious in some cases, I would ask that they try to imagine the same video showing Barack Obama superimposing Fox News on someone's face, punching him repeatedly and then smugly strutting away.

Very likely these same folks would have stormed the National Mall demanding the president's impeachment.

As an opinion columnist who draws plenty of threatening hate mail, I fear less for my personal safety than for the integrity and security of our country. I've covered politics off and on for 40 years, including writing a thrice-weekly column for the now-defunct Charleston Evening Post in 1980 leading up to the first Republican presidential primary in South Carolina.

Never during that time or since have I ever worried that a president's behavior would embarrass the country on the world stage. Trump's most unpardonable offense isn't his implied threat to members of the Fourth Estate but his minimizing of the nation's stature in the world. Our allies must shudder while our enemies devise new ways to celebrate. Trump may crack himself up, but he also shatters any pretense of our seriousness as a nation. So much for that shining city on the hill, not to mention the president as leader of the free world.

We look like fools because our president so convincingly plays one.

Trump, naturally, begs to differ. To his mind, he's acting perfectly presidential. His Twitter habit is simply a "modern day presidential" way of communicating. To this thought, homeland security adviser Thomas Bossert added that Trump is a "genuine president expressing himself genuinely."

Well, there's that.

But the act of a president using modern technology doesn't necessarily convey presidential, as most define it.

And being genuine in Trump's case simply means he's a genuine fool.
Gov. Pete Ricketts signed an executive order Thursday aimed at cutting red tape, launching a review of state regulations.

The order immediately suspends rule-making within state agencies, except for critical regulations and those mandated by statute.

In addition, every state agency must conduct a review of existing and pending regulations and submit a report to the governors office by Nov. 15.

Any regulation determined to be more restrictive than required under state or federal law, or that creates an undue burden on Nebraskans, will be revised or repealed, Ricketts said.

The executive order will remain in effect until Dec. 31.

While Nebraska is doing a good job controlling regulatory burdens, especially relative to other states, Ricketts said, its regulations have 7.5 million words, more than 100,000 of which are restrictive in nature. Ricketts pointed out that a person reading 300 words a minute for 40 hours a week would need 10 weeks to make it through all of Nebraska's regulations.

James Broughel, research fellow for the state and local policy project at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, did an initial review so the governor's office can work with agencies to examine how the state can do better, Ricketts said.

The Mercatus Center is a nonprofit, not funded by George Mason University, but rather through donations  including corporate donations from Koch Industries. The center has been described by The Washington Post as anti-regulatory.

The idea of the review is to "eliminate harmful and wasteful regulations that are a hindrance to the job creators, ag producers, startups and small businesses that are growing our state, Ricketts said.

Red tape slows economic growth, the governor stressed. Over the past decade, Nebraskas real gross domestic product has grown at an average of 2 percent a year. At that rate, it will take 35 years for the states economy to double in size, he said.

Ricketts named an advisory task force to assist in the review. Members are the Legislature's Government, Veterans and Military Affairs Chairman John Murante, Department of Banking and Finance Director Mark Quandahl, Department of Revenue Director Tony Fulton and Department of Health and Human Services Chief Operating Officer Bo Botelho.
Group ceo Lim Chern Yuan said the company is currently evaluating projects within its existing operations in Africa and Asia.

Our orderbook stands at $3.7bn and it can last up until 20 years, he said.

In Vietnam, Lim said the company was expected to finalise the value and details of the joint venture contract with PetroVietnam to operate an FPSO in the Ca Rong Do field within six weeks.

The company has also deployed its assets in Gabon, Nigeria, Ghana, as well as two assets in Vietnam.

Speaking on the sidelines of Yinson's AGM, Lim also revealed it is evaluating options for its offshore support vessel services segment. The company needs to decide whether to exit the business or to continue investing heavily in the segment. However, Lim declined to give a deadline or further updates.
Representatives from more than 50 countries have attended a recent workshop on the subject organised by SRI, and addressed by key speakers including Lim Ki-tack secretary-general of IMO.

The workshop discussed the key issue of guidelines on fair treatment of seafarers in the event of maritime accident and explored ways these guidelines could be implemented into national legislation.

Deirdre Fitzpatrick, executive director of SRI, said the level of international support at the event across many stakeholder groups was important because it mixed the practical effects of the guidelines with the legal aspects associated with their implementation.

Fitzpatrick said: We had a panel of three judges from the International Court of Justice, the Tribunal of the Law of the Sea and from the Supreme Court of the Philippines. We also had an emeritus professor of maritime law, a prosecutor, a Lead Auditor from the IMO as well as a casualty investigator from the UKs Marine Accident Investigation Branch who discussed no-blame casualty investigations.

She added that it is not often that the international law community is given the opportunity to discuss a crucial issue concerning seafarers rights in such an informal but thought-provoking way.

Fitzpatrick stressed: We want to raise awareness of the fair treatment of seafarers at international, regional and local levels, and advise on how best countries can implement the guidelines and have the right laws in place in the event of a maritime casualty investigation occurring in their jurisdiction.

The next step will be to run regional workshops outside the UK, and we have already had offers from participants to host similar workshops in their own countries, she added.
Under the MOU, the joint venture will invest $400m by 2019 to build an engine factory capable of producing about 200 engines per year upon completion at the King Salman Global Maritime Industries Complex at Ras Al-Khair, Saudi Arabia.

From the joint venture business, HHI expects a wide range of revenues in the form of royalty, engine part sales and technical support services.

HHI will start its first licensing businesses of the proprietary HiMSEN engines, which are medium speed four-stroke diesel engines developed in 2000 with 10 years of R&D investment.

HHI claims that HiMSEN engines are the worlds most selling medium speed engines with 22% of global medium speed marine engine markets.

An HHI official said: The technology of building quality marine engines is crucial in shipbuilding, power generation and other industrial sectors. As we embarked on our HiMSEN engines first licensing business with the establishment of the joint venture, we will accelerate our efforts to expand the business further as our new growth engine.

On the back of the joint venture, HHI plans to advance into the Middle Easts engine power plant market that is projected to worth $1.54bn by 2026.

The establishment of joint venture is a follow-up of the MOU for New Business Opportunities Collaboration signed in November 2015 with Saudi Aramco for businesses including the maritime yard, marine engine and industrial plant.
Nebraska Secretary of State John Gale on Thursday said he will need assurance from the Presidential Commission on Election Integrity that voter information requested will be securely stored and used in compliance with Nebraska law.

Gale's response comes a week after the commission's vice chair, Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, requested Nebraska's voter rolls, including names, addresses, birth dates, political party registration and the last four digits of voters' Social Security numbers.

As many as 44 states reportedly had said they would deny the commission's request in part or in whole before Gale made his decision Thursday.

"Nebraska law provides that the voter registration register is a public record and may be released for certain purposes related to elections, political activities, voter registration, law enforcement, and jury selection," Gale said in a statement.

Social Security numbers are withheld under state law, while there are other restrictions on how publicly-held information can be used.

Gale said the request from the commission indicated some of the information submitted would be made public  uses that may "run counter to Nebraska's laws with respect to the registration register."

Gale said the commission organized by the Trump administration also did not indicate how the data would be stored and what security measures would be put in place to protect it against domestic or foreign cyberattack.

Later Thursday, the Trump administration told a federal judge it plans to keep voter roll data it has requested from all 50 states and the District of Columbia on White House computers under the direction of a member of Vice President Mike Pence's staff, the Washington Post reported.

"Knowing how the data will be used, how it will be secured and how it might be (publicly) shared by the commission is vitally important," Gale wrote. "With assurance that this request meets compliance with Nebraska law and that these additional concerns are addressed, I will comply with the commission's request for (publicly) available information."

Sen. John Murante, chairman of the Legislature's Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, said Thursday that he would have already complied with the federal commission's request.

While I think its appropriate for the Secretary of State to ensure the federal commission will not exceed that scope that theyve talked about so far, I havent seen anything that is even remotely alarming in what theyre planning on doing," he said. "And as a matter of fact, Nebraska already participates in a program where we compare our voter rolls with other states for purposes of identifying duplicate voting. What the commission is asking for is little beyond what were already doing."

Individuals or political organizations requesting large-scale voter information in Nebraska must sign an affidavit saying the data will not be used for commercial purposes.

Requests to the state election office for voter data also require a $500 fee, although Gale said the fee was not a fixed statutory fee and could be waived "once we learn more about the mission and purposes" of the commission and "whether there will be a public report when the commission completes its work."

Opponents to the commission's request, including the ACLU of Nebraska, commended Gale's statement "for shutting the door on this unusual commission's unprecedented request for information."

Danielle Conrad, executive director of the ACLU of Nebraska, urged Gale to refuse to turn over voter information that risked Nebraskans' personal privacy even if the assurances Gale seeks are given.

"A wink and a nod is not good enough under Nebraska law," Conrad said in a statement. "We pledge to stay vigilant and ask Secretary Gale to stand strong as well."

Two of six state senators who Wednesday urged Gale to decline Trump's voter information request, Kate Bolz and Adam Morfeld, both of Lincoln, said in a statement they remained cautious about the intent of the commission, but applauded Gale for his stance in protecting the personal information of Nebraskans.

Voter registration information in Nebraska includes name, address, date of birth, party affiliation, precinct information and participation in elections over the past 10 years.

The federal commission is also seeking information on felony convictions and military and overseas registrant status, information that is not available in Nebraska voter registration records.
Press Release

July 6, 2017 Martial law extension up to Congress, says Drilon Only Congress has the power to extend martial law, according to Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon, a former justice secretary. Drilon issued the statement as he disproved claims that the President could just issue a new martial law proclamation if Congress does not extend Proclamation 216 placing Mindanao under martial law. "The Constitution is clear that it is Congress that has the power to extend martial law and the President may only recommend," Drilon said. He cited Section 18, Article VII of the Constitution, which provides that "upon the initiative of the President, the Congress may, in the same manner, extend such proclamation or suspension for a period to be determined by the Congress, if the invasion or rebellion shall persist and public safety requires it." That provision, according to Drilon, is one of the measures introduced in the Constitution "to provide a safeguard in the president's exercise of its martial law powers," to prevent abuses that happened when martial law was declared during the Marcos regime. He further explained that the same provision vested Congress the power to determine the period of extension of the martial law. Drilon said that to advise the President to just issue a new proclamation if and when Congress does not approve of an extension is "an affront to the Constitution." "Such action will be a circumvention of the Constitution because for all intents and purposes, it is nothing more but an extension of the existing proclamation," he stressed. "You cannot circumvent the Constitution. Huwag naman sana nating lokohin ang taumbayan. Let us not try to go around with the Constitutional requirements. Let us respect the process," Drilon said. "What cannot be done directly cannot be done indirectly," said Drilon, adding that doing so "would violate the principle of check and balance between the executive and Congress." Drilon said he hopes that the executive will respect the Constitutional duty of Congress to review and approve or disapprove any extension of the martial law.
Press Release

July 6, 2017 PH and Europe United by Vision for "Low Carbon Future" - Gatchalian Senator Win Gatchalian on Thursday said that a common agenda of promoting sustainable energy development and environmental responsibility will continue to ensure strong ties of friendship between the Philippines and key European allies, despite controversies over the past year which had caused strained relations between the countries. The senator's remarks came after completing a two-week sojourn to Germany and France, two of the most influential countries in Europe, to study renewable energy and climate change policies. "The Philippines and its European allies are united by a common vision for a 'low carbon future'. Despite disagreements on other issues from time to time, I am confident that our governments will continue to work together on research and development initiatives which will help bring this noble vision to life," said Gatchalian. The senator, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Energy, explained that the aggressive push among European nations to transition from fossil fuels and nuclear power to renewable energy sources is encouraging intensive investments in RE technologies. These investments will precipitate faster technological developments, which would in turn reduce power costs sooner rather than later. "Maintaining strong ties with European nations will encourage knowledge and technology transfers from Europe to the Philippines during the renewable energy revolution currently happening over there. These transfers will help Philippine energy players produce clean energy at much more affordable prices in the long term," Gatchalian explained. However, Gatchalian stressed that, "as a developing nation with an industrializing economy, the Philippines should adopt a balanced approach in crafting its energy mix." "The key is to find the energy mix which will provide the fuel needed to drive inclusive economic growth, while at the same ensuring that the Philippines will be able to uphold its international obligations in reducing greenhouse gas emissions," Gatchalian added.
A man was arrested Monday in Healdsburg after callers told sheriffs deputies he was lighting fires while naked, officials said.

Witnesses called the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office about 5:45 a.m. Monday reporting that a nude man was setting fires in the middle of the 4700 block of Mill Creek Road in Healdsburg, an area flanked by dried brush and leaves, according to the Sheriffs Office.

When deputies arrived, they found a plastic garbage can in the middle of the road full of smoldering sticks and clothes, according to Sgt. Spencer Crum, a spokesman for the Sheriffs Office.

Nearby, deputies found another fire burning in the middle of the street, with Healdsburg firefighters working to put it out.

Deputies eventually contacted 36-year-old Jesse Wagy, who was carrying a propane torch, a book of matches and slightly less than six grams of methamphetamine, Crum said.

At the time deputies confronted Wagy he was wearing shorts, but no shirt despite the chilly 51-degree morning, Crum said. It was unclear if he had been completely naked, as witnesses initially described him, while setting the fires

Wagy told deputies he and a friend were out practicing using fire extinguishers and that an unknown person told them it was OK. Wagys friend wasnt located nor were any fire extinguishers, or any evidence that an extinguisher had recently been used, Crum said in a statement.

Investigators believe Wagy used methamphetamine shortly before setting the fires, Crum said.

Wagy is being held at the Main Adult Detention Facility in Santa Rosa, according to county records. His bail is set at $10,000, and he is scheduled to appear in court Thursday.

Filipa Ioannou is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: fioannou@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @obioannoukenobi
A Bay Area legislator was shocked when he learned from a young constituent that while Californians cannot legally consent to sex until they are 18, they can  with the permission of a parent and a judges order  get married at any age, even if their spouse is many years older.

I thought, that cant be true in California, said state Sen. Jerry Hill, a Democrat from San Mateo. We found that it is true in California and true in many states throughout the country.

But Hills resulting proposal to bar juveniles from getting hitched has been watered down after it prompted strong objections from civil rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union.

As the emotional fight unfolds in Sacramento, theres no agreement even about a basic piece of information  how many minors get married each year in California. People who want to limit such marriages say the total is in the thousands, while those who oppose the bill say thats vastly inflated.

The state doesnt keep such numbers, and even efforts to change that are running into resistance.

Within the past year, elected officials in several states have pushed to restrict juvenile marriage, with a law passed last month limiting matrimony by minors in Texas to 16- and 17-year-olds who have become legal adults emancipated from their parents, and one in New York holding the line at age 17  with a judges permission.

Hill wanted California to set a strict line at age 18, but the effort encountered swift opposition from fellow legislators, as well as groups that include the ACLU and Planned Parenthood.

While SB273 is still alive and moving through legislative committees, amendments have removed any age restriction. The measure in its current form increases family court oversight to ensure that a minors marriage isnt coerced, including a requirement that judges interview individuals privately.

Its a compromise, Hill said, but still a positive step. Its our responsibility to protect those kids, he said.

Among those disappointed by the result of the compromise is Sara Tasneem of El Sobrante, who said the amended bill wont help children and will only make elected officials feel like they did something.

Tasneem was 15 when her father, who belonged to a cult in Southern California, introduced her to a man 13 years her senior. She was forced to marry the 28-year-old in a religious ceremony that evening. Six months later, at 16, she was pregnant and legally married in a civil ceremony in Reno.

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A person who marries a 15-year-old, theres obviously something wrong, said Tasneem, now 36. Putting that label of husband and wife makes something disgusting and not OK seem normal and OK.

As a teenager, Tasneem dreamed of becoming a lawyer. Instead, she became a mother, with two children by age 19. She would ultimately defy her husband and return to school, and later file for divorce.

Once you leave your childhood, theres no going back to it, said Tasneem, now a business student at Golden Gate University in San Francisco. All those opportunities and freedom of being a child are gone.

Activists aiming to stop such marriages say they occur across demographic groups, spurred by religious reasons, cultural norms, pregnancy, financial incentives or, in some cases, to protect someone from statutory-rape accusations because marriage circumvents the age-of-consent requirement.

Nationally, about 5 of every 1,000 children ages 15 to 17 were married as of 2014, according to U.S. census data analyzed by the Pew Research Center  figures that dont specify where the marriages occurred. Activists for age restrictions estimate that California sees about 3,000 marriages per year that include a minor.

The ACLU and other opponents say that estimate is inflated, noting that just 44 petitions for juvenile marriage were filed in Los Angeles County  which has a population just above 10 million  over the past five years.

The focus of efforts should be on abusive and coerced relationships, regardless of marital status, said Phyllida Burlingame of the ACLUs Northern California chapter.

Referring to current regulations, including the requirement of a court order allowing a juvenile to marry, she said California had a strong package of both programs and laws that prevent coerced marriage among youth, and a lack of data showing this is a widespread problem. Hills original proposal, she said, was a solution that wasnt necessarily going to have the impact on improving young people's health and relationships that we want.

Other opponents said marriage is a fundamental right, and that some juveniles not only marry willingly but benefit from the choice.

Any legislation to eliminate this core right, said the National Center for Youth Law in a statement opposing Hills initial legislation, must be based on concrete data and information that demonstrates this drastic step is the most effective and appropriate strategy to address the harms being alleged, and that there are not other less extreme options available.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

An early amendment to the bill required the state to collect data on juvenile nuptials, but it was eliminated in committee because of cost concerns. Hill said he is trying to restore that requirement.

Those who backed the initial bill havent given up trying to persuade lawmakers to pivot and reconsider an age limit like Texas and New York.

Initially it was a nice, simple, bright line  either youre 18 or not. Like a tanning bed or voting, you cant get a waiver from your parents, said Sarah Bradshaw of the Feminist Majority, which promotes equality for women. Were hoping that people in the Assembly will put teeth back in it.

The debate has energized people like Nicole, a 29-year-old resident of Stanislaus County who at age 16 married a 24-year-old man with the blessing of a judge.

Nicole, who requested her last name be withheld for safety reasons, said she had been dating the man but was still in high school  and wasnt ready to settle down. But her grandmother, who was raising her, was extremely religious and pushed the two to get married.

With her guardian sanctioning what became an abusive relationship, Nicole said she felt helpless.

My grandparents were willing to ignore every bruise, she said. As for her husband, I think that for him he thought it was a way to protect himself from statutory-rape charges.

Her husband was killed two years later in a car accident, when she was pregnant with their first child.

I was widowed at 18, she said. When most kids were applying for college, I was applying for death benefits.

Nicole, who now studies computer science at a community college, said a law limiting marriage to 18 and older might have impacted her life profoundly.

I had no control; I had no say, she said. I can't believe how much Ive missed while Ive tried to cope with life as a child bride.

Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@jilltucker
San Jose Police Department

A suspect in the killing of a 63-year-old man in a San Jose home in June was arrested, police said Thursday.

The suspect, Rael Andal, 30, was tracked down by police in San Jose on June 29, about a week and a half after Leonard Daguro was found dead in a home on the 2200 block of Denair Avenue, police said.
From its incorporation as a territory to today, Nebraska has been a land of opportunity for immigrants and refugees seeking a better life.

But Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson wants to roll back the states welcome mat for those brought illegally into the United States as children. By cosigning a letter with nine other Republican attorneys general that seeks to rescind the Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals program, he has told several thousand Nebraskans their state officials dont want them.

Nebraska is estimated to have more than 3,000 of these young immigrants within its borders. Over the past few years, scores of so-called Dreamers have testified before the Nebraska Legislature on immigration bills, professing their love for America  in most cases, the only country theyve ever known  and their desire to be productive residents.

They were brought to the U.S. in pursuit of a better life as children. But Nebraskas top officials have for far too long made it difficult for them to do that, denying them even simple rights  such as obtaining professional or drivers licenses  and forcing them to be second-class Nebraskans living in the shadows.

Peterson said his reasoning to join the effort, which aims to again force into hiding a group of Nebraskans finally able to pursue their dreams, spearheaded by Texas attorney general was to correct what Peterson considered executive overreach.

We also know hes a big proponent of local control. Therefore, let us remind him of recent choices made by the Legislature  elected by all Nebraskans  to support this group of their constituents.

The Legislature has overridden three gubernatorial vetoes to provide these immigrants  who remain legal permanent residents and avoid deportation by meeting certain requirements and staying out of trouble  rights that allowed them to contribute to Nebraska in hopes of making their long-established home a better place.

Nebraska was embarrassingly the last state in the Union to allow DACA youth to obtain a drivers license  a right native-born Nebraskans have long taken for granted. These and other efforts were supported as positive business and workforce development tools by chambers of commerce and several agricultural groups.

These programs, though opposed by Peterson and Gov. Pete Ricketts, remain the law of the land in Nebraska. Despite the shameful abstentions this year by many current legislators on simple resolutions supporting the states DACA youth and refugees, state policy for immigrants doesnt need to be politicized.

Besides, if Petersons intended phase-out indeed becomes reality, what will happen to these 3,000 legal residents in Nebraska  and nearly 750,000 others nationwide? He and his colleagues appear to have leaped before they looked at the consequences.

Supporting these Nebraskans isnt amnesty. Backing these legal residents is an imperative investment in the future of welcoming, diverse and thriving state.
John Thompson, a renowned Silicon Valley headhunter who nabbed the likes of Eric Schmidt for Google and Tim Cook for Apple, thought he had a tough job when Ubers board of directors asked him to find a second in command for Ubers Travis Kalanick. When Kalanick abruptly resigned under investor pressure, the search got upgraded from chief operating officer to chief executive officer  and suddenly Thompson had whats possibly the most interesting headhunting assignment in tech.

I recently spoke with Thompson, a top executive at the Heidrick & Struggles executive search firm, and while he would not directly comment on the Uber search, he dropped some hints that suggest most of the people playing a Silicon Valley parlor game of CEO-picking on Twitter are way off base.

It might be tempting to assume that Thompson wants a young, uber-smart (sorry) technology executive, ideally with an engineering background, to lead the global ride-hailing company in San Francisco.

Instead, Thompson said, he covets self-aware people who can instinctively spot patterns on the fly, with little or no hard information to guide them. That defies the current fetish in tech for data-driven decision making  and likely rules out some of the top subjects of speculation.

Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle

Take former Yahoo chief Marissa Mayer, newly on the job market after selling the Sunnyvale Web business to Verizon. She recently told an audience of executives at Stanford University that Kalanick is an incredible leader and suggested that he probably didnt know about Ubers sexist culture because he was too busy expanding the company.

Her remarks were possibly pleasing to Kalanick, who Mayer said was a friend and who still wields significant control over Uber from his board seat. But they struck many in the audience at Stanford as tone-deaf, given the huge management problems at Uber and Kalanicks significant role in allowing them to fester. And then theres Mayers overreliance on data: As an executive at Google, she once commissioned a test of consumer reaction to 41 shades of blue to make a simple design decision.

The CEO must make decisions with very little data, Thompson told me.

That person does not need to be a genius, just someone with enough intellect to grasp the technology and understand its potential, Thompson said.

The new CEO must also be sufficiently self-aware to know his or her limitations and attract talent to balance out those weaknesses.

For example, Apple co-founder and CEO Steve Jobs knew nothing about supply chains and had no interest in learning, Thompson said. Thats why he hired Tim Cook away from PC maker Compaq in the late 90s.

Theres this myth that the CEO is strong at everything, Thompson said. I have not met that person yet.

Thompson has met plenty of people. Born in tiny South Boston, Va., Thompson earned an economics degree and a masters in business administration from Virginia Tech. Over a 34-year career in headhunting, Thompson has conducted 210 CEO and 342 board member searches for companies like General Electric, Apple, Salesforce and Hewlett-Packard.

While Thompson said he generally approaches those searches in the same manner hes done over his career, hes noticed two big changes in Silicon Valley in recent years.

The first is that innovation, the type that disrupts industries, is occurring at a much more rapid pace, forcing companies to rethink business models every few years. Thats why Thompson prizes leaders with a knack for recognizing patterns and responding accordingly, he said.

The second is the rise of unicorns, those privately held tech firms worth $1 billion or more on paper.

Thompson suspects that many of these unicorns are highly overvalued, which poses unique leadership challenges as they try to go public. Take Snap Inc., the parent company of the popular messaging app Snapchat. Since going public in March, Snap, which initially valued itself at up to $18.5 billion, has seen its shares fall about 30 percent.

It will take a long time for Snap to work into its valuation, Thompson said.

Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle

The same is probably true for Uber, which is still private. Investors, who have begun agitating for a public offering, value the company at nearly $70 billion, more than the market value of giants like Southwest Airlines, Sony, and Ford Motor Co.

With so much money at stake, Uber needs an experienced leader who can stabilize the company before it files for an initial public offering, said Patricia Lenkov, founder of Agility Executive Search in New York. Ubers scandals have nearly emptied out its top leadership team.

For sure, they need a grown-up in the room, Lenkov said. They need someone whos been there, done that.

Thompson suggested that Ubers situation is similar to that of Google in 2001. At the time, founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page knew they needed an experienced manager to help them sustain the companys growth. It would not go public for another three years.

Today, Googles market value exceeds $640 billion, second behind only Apple. But in 2001, as the dot-com bust was taking hold, Googles success wasnt seen as a sure thing, Thompson said.

Investors only thought of Google as a search engine, he said. Why do we need another search engine?

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

It was only after Google hired Schmidt  first as chairman in March 2001, then as CEO five months later  that the three leaders eventually convinced Wall Street that Google was not simply a search engine but rather the top way for advertisers to reach Internet shoppers at the moment theyre ready to buy.

Its about where the company can go, not where it is, Thompson said.

Like Brin and Page, Schmidt was a software engineer by training. But he was also an experienced executive, having served as chief technology officer at Sun Microsystems and CEO of Novell.

As the outside grown-up, Schmidt knew he had to carefully manage his relationship with Googles young, inexperienced founders.

Eric was sensitive to things coming in, Thompson said.

He was careful not to usurp the spotlight from Brin and Page, he said. For example, Schmidt would never allow himself to be photographed unless he was with the two founders, Thompson said. Schmidt continued as CEO for a decade, eventually stepping back to the chairman role to make way for Page to take back the reins as CEO.

The next Uber CEO will need to be mindful of the companys co-founders, including Kalanick. He or she will also need to figure out how to stanch Ubers losses. The company is burning through cash as it expands around the world.

Like Google, Uber is not merely one business but rather the underpinnings of many. In addition to connecting passengers with drivers, Uber cars are delivering goods. The company has also heavily invested in developing autonomous vehicles.

It may seem like the leadership vacuum at Uber demands urgency. But Thompson suggested that he will take his time. Because Uber is still private, he can conduct the search away from the scrutiny of Wall Street. Thompson noted that Google interviewed 30 candidates over the course of a year before deciding on Schmidt  who famously got the job because, like Page and Brin, hed been to the Burning Man desert arts festival.

Thompson indicated that he will conduct a broad search and will consider people of different ages and industry experience. In particular, he believes that technology firms tend to overlook older, retired executives.

Age is the biggest bias in Silicon Valley, even more so than women and minorities, Thompson said.

Thomas Lee is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Email: tlee@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ByTomLee
Certain couples adore fine cheese so much it becomes a $1,500 part of their wedding. Cheese wheel after deliciously stinky cheese wheel is piled atop one another  in the shape of a wedding cake, of course  and thoughtfully decorated with wild flowers and hand-selected leaves. Perfectly plated, the cheese wheel cake holds court surrounded by bread, crackers, dried fruits and jams. Serious cheese fans might even forgo the ordeal of arranging for a traditional wedding cake altogether. Why offer guests a slice of vanilla sponge cake when a wedding dinner could finish with a stunning slice of Humboldt Fog instead?

The cheese wheel cakes are just one of the changes that Kiri Fisher brought to the Cheese School of San Francisco when she bought it five years ago. We threw a lot of spaghetti at the wall, said Fisher, sitting beneath a vine-covered arbor in the courtyard her school shares with a cafe.

Before Fisher took over, the Cheese School of San Francisco hosted eight or 10 cheese classes a month, offering tastings and lectures from a brick-walled, second-story space in North Beach. It was a quarter-million-dollar business when I bought it, Fisher explained. They didnt market themselves.

Fisher and Daphne Zepos, her business partner, set out to turn the Cheese School of San Francisco into a real moneymaker and full-time business. To do that, the school had to do a lot more than eight classes a month. Fisher laughed as she described her and Zepos brainstorming sessions for growing the business. She lovingly recalled Zepos as a sort of international cheese guru, a charismatic expert and a close friend. From the way Fisher was talking, I could tell what was coming.

One year into their cheese school transformation, Zepos passed away at only 52 years old. It was shocking, she was very lively, said Fisher. She took a sip of her Champagne and smiled, delighted by a memory. She had an international accent. She was very captivating.

Fisher is pretty captivating herself. Shes naturally gorgeous and fresh-faced, soft-spoken and confident, with just enough humor and style to make me wish we were best friends. The 38-year-old is smart and plainspoken, possessing a deep well of knowledge when it comes to the local cheese scene. We sat beneath that vine-covered arbor in the afternoon sun and Fisher told me all about love and loss in the cheese business.

I really didnt know what we were gonna do after she passed away, said Fisher. I didnt know what the path forward was. Sometimes the path isnt totally clear, so you just put one foot in front of the other. So Fisher stepped forward on her own, offering additional classes and operating a catering arm of the school, and will soon open Fishers, a cheese-heavy cafe in Larkspur Landing.

The schools move to Folsom Street, while more expensive, allowed for more classes, a professional kitchen and access to the young and rapidly growing South of Market and Mission communities. Two-hour tasting classes like Rose and Cheese quickly sell out. The catering and private-events arm of the schools expansion is where the cheese wheel cake idea bloomed.

Wed definitely seen them before, Fisher admitted of the wedding cake-style cheese display. The Cheese School simply expanded on the concept. Fisher walked me through The Local, which starts at $309 and is crafted from Bay Area cheese companies. Among the five tiers are gorgeous cheese wheels from Cowgirl Creamery and Bellwether Farms. The cake serves 70 to 80 people and obviously, can be ordered for more than just weddings. Id like to order one for a Super Bowl party.

So at a wedding, I asked, does Uncle Stan just take a knife and dive right in?

I was met with Fishers very decisive, NO.

If a customer doesnt employ someone from the Cheese School to assemble, decorate and serve the cheese wheel cake, Fishers team will send along detailed plating and serving instructions for a caterer. Uncle Stan should not swoop in with his fingers and scoop out the inside of the brie. Some people serve the cake during the cocktail hour, while others offer it as a cheese course after dinner.

The cheese wheel cake, be it The Local or The French, is just as much a work of art as a custom wedding cake. Fisher and her team agonize over every cheese selection and every recommended accompaniment.

It seems ridiculous, said Fisher, but theres a lot of layers to think about.

Beth Spotswoods column appears Thursdays in Datebook. Email: datebook@sfchronicle.com
Ken Maley, who lives at the north end of town, was watching a group of Airbnbers whod assembled on a nearby deck to watch the July 4 fireworks. Only the thunder of the fireworks could be heard, and a glow in the fog was visible.

Unable to see anything much, they stood there on the deck, took out their cell phones and watched broadcasts, a strategy Maley says did not deter the ooohs and aaahs.

P.S.: We thought wed escape not only Donald Trumps tweets but also the rockets (dim but noisy) red glare by going to the movies that night to see Wonder Woman.

But the movie was full of special effects louder and certainly more violent than the fireworks would have been. Gal Gadot had first played the character in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice last year wearing a star-studded codpiece; now that patriotic symbol was gone.

Furthermore, the mysterious accent of the Amazonians, including Wonder Woman  explained in the movie as a result of their being able to speak every language on Earth  reminded me of Melania Trumps. And although bad guy Gen. Ludendorff looked snappier in his German uniform than Chris Christie in his beachwear, his face reminded me of the New Jersey governors.

There was no escaping. Hated the movie. There, I said it.

Movie writer Ruthe Stein notes that at the Embarcadero Cinema, the end of the run of Eleanor Coppolas Paris Can Wait made room for her daughter Sofia Coppolas The Beguiled. Keeping it all in the family, emailed Stein, filmgoers can imbibe Coppola label wine while watching movies at the theater.

Erik Wilson was at the Fillmore Street Jazz Festival last weekend, where at one point, he strolled on the sidewalk next to a woman and her 5- or 6-year-old daughter. As they passed Harrys Bar, the mom told her daughter, When you were just a baby, we got thrown out of that bar.

At a booth selling politically themed T-shirts and posters, Wilson found it hard to resist a poster in which a doctored image of Muhammad Ali stands over a vanquished Donald Trump in the ring. Wilson believes the original image was from an Ali fight with Sonny Liston. In this poster version, In the audience, you can spot Hillary Clinton, Big Bird, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden, Barack Obama, the pope and others.

Gary Tobin received an emailed flyer from the San Rafael Pacifics about last Saturdays Alternative Facts Night game with the Pittsburg Diamonds. The flyer described this as the hugest event ever. Although 5 million tickets have already been sold, there are still some available. Vladimir Putin will run a mascot race unopposed.

And in geographical and political keeping with that, Roger Thornhill reports on the menu for the Mill Valley Community Action Networks July 16 Community BBQ: Make America Grill Again! Among the culinary offerings: Smore Justice; Blue (State) Berries; Impeachment Cobbler; Salad with RussiaGate Dressing.

The New York production of J.T. Rogers play Oslo has gotten rave reviews. The play is about Middle East peace negotiations moderated by Norwegian diplomats. The 1993 Oslo Accords, the agreement that came out of those negotiations, were signed at Bill Clintons White House by the Israeli Shimon Peres and the Palestinian Mahmoud Abbas.

Reader James Patterson attended a Sunday, July 2, performance at Lincoln Center Theater, and found himself sitting behind Bill and Hillary Clinton. The couple arrived quietly, he emailed, but got a standing ovation at intermission.

Coincidentally, Patterson had seen the play Camp David in Washington a few years ago, and Jimmy Carter happened to be in the audience then. Carter signed the Playbill for me, he says, but Clinton declined to sign the Playbill for Oslo.

P.S.: On the way out of a Sunday, July 2, matinee performance of La Boheme, Marvin Halpern overheard a child of about 8 ask her mother, Mommy, did Mimi die because she lost her health insurance under Mr. Trump?

And furthermore, while its still (barely) seasonal: Being British on July 4 is probably like being Jewish on Christmas. That was a barista talking with a British customer at Grand Coffee in the Mission District, overheard by Robert Weiner.

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

PUBLIC EAVESDROPPING

I feel I get a lot of attitude and not a lot of gratitude.

Woman to woman, overheard at Berkeley Rep by Liz Long
HAMBURG, Germany - President Donald Trump on Thursday stepped up efforts to blunt North Korea, warning that the rogue nation could face "some pretty severe" consequences over its latest missile test and huddling for more than an hour with the leaders of Japan and South Korea.

But even as Trump sought to use his proximity to world leaders ahead of the Group of 20 summit here to rally allies, the White House faced firm opposition from Russia and China over any retaliatory measures on Pyongyang.

Asked by a reporter at a photo op whether he had lost faith in Beijing, Trump replied: "Never give up." But he did not respond to a follow-up question about whether he has been disappointed in China's inability to constrain North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un.

Earlier in the day, during a news conference in Warsaw before his arrival in Germany, Trump called North Korea's successful test of an intercontinental ballistic missile "very, very bad behavior."

"Something will have to be done about it," he said, though he did not offer details about what responses his administration was considering.

The Trump administration's effort to forge consensus among members of the U.N. Security Council appears to have hit a wall, given the opposition in Moscow and Beijing to additional economic sanctions or potential U.S. military actions against Pyongyang.

New sanctions would have little effect unless backed by China, which is North Korea's financial lifeline.

Trump had a 75-minute meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in a bid to put the two U.S. allies on the same page as Washington. Norio Maruyama, a Japanese government spokesman, told reporters in Hamburg that the conversation was "very vivid" and that the only topic on the agenda was North Korea.

The three leaders agreed that China should do more to rein in North Korea's "provocative" behavior, Maruyama said. Abe emphasized that "holding dialogue for the sake of dialogue with North Korea is meaningless," Maruyama said. He added that the Japanese leader believes that "it would be essential to put pressure on North Korea to make it engage in dialogue seriously."

Maruyama said the issue of military action was not discussed with any specificity.

"Great trilateral meeting & dinner," Trump wrote on Twitter, including a photo of him flanked by Moon and Abe. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson attended the meeting with Trump, along with other U.S. officials.

Their discussion came a day before Trump was to hold his first bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Friday in Hamburg. Trump is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told reporters at the Pentagon on Thursday that the launch of the ICBM does not alone bring the United States closer to war. Mattis described ongoing efforts to pressure North Korea as "purely diplomatically led" with a focus on economic sanctions.

"Diplomacy has not failed," Mattis said. It is U.S. self-restraint that has prevented "war in the face of provocations," he said, "but our self-restraint holds, and diplomatic efforts remain underway as we speak."

Mattis said the United States is still analyzing the reentry vehicle in the ICBM launched this week. U.S. defense against North Korean missiles are sufficient, and the United States knew quickly that the missile had been launched, he said.

"We assume these sorts of things from him," Mattis said of North Korea's leader. "We were on duty. As you all know, the radars were up and operating."

Pentagon officials this week have sought to underscore that the ICBM threat posed by North Korea is "nascent" and that Pyongyang has a long way to go in terms of understanding the trajectory of the missiles and reentry before they could hit North America.

While the Trump administration has said that all options are on the table to counter North Korea, Mattis has previously warned that an armed conflict would include "probably the worst kind of fighting in most people's lifetime," citing the threat posed by hundreds of North Korean rocket launchers and artillery pieces aimed at Seoul.

The Pentagon and State Department have not taken steps that would indicate U.S. officials are seriously concerned that the situation is an immediate crisis, such as sending home the families of U.S. service members and State Department employees stationed in South Korea.

At an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday, U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley accused China and Russia of "holding the hands" of the North Korean leader.

Her words were met with criticism from Vladimir Safronkov, Russia's deputy ambassador to the United Nations, who called stricter sanctions "not acceptable" and military action "inadmissible."

At a daily briefing in Beijing on Thursday, a spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry backed him up, calling for calm in response to U.S. remarks.

After his first meeting with Xi in April, Trump emerged professing confidence that China would pressure Pyongyang to stop testing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. That plan, as he recently tweeted, "has not worked out."

But U.S. tough talk seems unlikely to bring Beijing on its side, experts said.

The U.S. response to the ICBM test so far has encompassed joint military exercises with the South Koreans, calls for stricter sanctions on those doing business with North Korea and high-level warnings of military action - all of which are at odds with Chinese plans.

It's not that China does not care about the North Korean threat - it does - but that it sees it differently, analysts said.

Beijing and Pyongyang were once communist brothers-in-arms at war with American forces. Those days are long gone, but the memory of the 1950-1953 Korean War looms large.

The fact that thousands of U.S. troops are still stationed in South Korea is a sore point for the Chinese, which would rather not have the American military at their doorstep. Beijing often sees U.S. moves in South Korea, from joint exercises to missile defense, as maneuvers designed to counter Chinese military might.

Indeed, the "double suspension" plan pitched by China and Russia in the wake of the ICBM test calls for the United States and South Korea to suspend joint military exercises and for North Korea to freeze its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

Over the years, Trump has said repeatedly that China is the key to squeezing the regime into submission. However, China does not appear willing to topple Kim.

"It's not very likely that China will follow the will of the U.S. and put a 'heavy move' on North Korea, like what President Trump has called for," said Deng Yuwen, a Beijing-based expert on North Korea.

"It would expand sanctions, but there is a bottom line, and the bottom line is that it won't sanction North Korea such that it causes chaos in the North," he added.

Lastly, Beijing does not have the same sense of urgency when it comes to North Korea. China has always been in reach of North Korea's military, so the development of an ICBM is not as much of a game-changer.

Plus, China's leadership remains focused on domestic issues, namely key political meetings set for the fall, said Michael Kovrig, a Beijing-based senior adviser for the International Crisis Group, and officials are unlikely to make any move that could threaten their bases of support.

"Chinese analysts continue to argue that no amount of pressure, short of what might cause a collapse, will bring North Korea to denuclearize," Kovrig said.

"Beijing's prescription is still to coax rather than to pressure. Unlike the U.S., it's not in a hurry and hopes that economic incentives can gradually induce Pyongyang to moderate its behavior."

- - -

Rauhala, Luna Lin and Shirley Feng reported from Beijing. David Nakamura and Dan Lamothe in Washington contributed to this report.

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North Korea's latest ballistic missile flew 7 times higher than the International Space Station

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The University of California offered admission this year to more than 130,000 freshmen and transfer students for the fall and expects to increase the enrollment of Californians by 2,500 students.

The numbers put the university system on track to meet its goal of increasing the enrollment of students from California by 10,000 between 2015 and 2018, according to a report UC released Thursday.

More California students are enrolled at the University of California than at any point in its history, UC officials said in a statement intended to reassure parents, students and lawmakers that the university is carrying out its primary mission of educating state residents, despite a growing reliance on nonresidents, who pay more than triple the in-state tuition.

The state has encouraged UC to enroll more California freshmen and transfer students by promising to pay for the enrollment growth. This fiscal year, its giving UC $18.5 million to enroll an additional 2,500 resident students. Last year, it offered $25 million for 5,000 more students, and UC raised California enrollment by 7,400.

The report sheds light on the number of students UC has invited to enroll this fall  not on the number who will actually attend, which UC says it is still figuring out.

In all, UC offered admission for this fall to 24,685 transfer students (up 3.4 percent since last year) and 106,011 freshmen (down 1.7 percent). Of the freshmen invited to attend, 66 percent are Californians, 17 percent are residents of other states and 17 percent are from other countries.

Asian Americans and Latinos each make up about a third of all students offered admission. Nearly a quarter of admitted students are white, and 5 percent are black.

We welcome this accomplished, talented group of applicants to the university, said UC President Janet Napolitano. All of us  in California, and throughout the nation and world  will be enriched by their talent, curiosity and drive to learn and succeed.

Under Californias Master Plan for Higher Education, UC admits all state residents who rank in the top 9 percent of their high school class or in the top 9 percent of high school seniors statewide. But it does not guarantee that students get into the campus of their choice. Instead, UC-qualified students who dont get into their preferred campus are invited to attend UC Merced  the systems newest campus, which opened in 2005.

As the catch-all campus for those students, UC Merced admitted 72 percent of applicants this year, compared with 16 percent admitted to UCLA. That campus displaced UC Berkeley this year as the most selective. UC Berkeley came in second, admitting 18 percent. Admission rates at the remaining six undergraduate campuses ranged from 33 percent at UC Santa Barbara to 57 percent at UC Riverside.

Fall tuition will rise for the first time since 2011  although California students from families earning up to $156,000 wont have to pay the higher price and those from families earning up to $80,000 will pay no tuition at all.

The base price of a year at a UC campus for California students will be $12,630, up nearly 3 percent. With the cost of campus fees, room, board and books, the total annual cost for state residents will be more than $34,000 for students living on campus.

Out-of-state students will pay a base price of $40,644, up more than 4 percent. The total annual cost for nonresidents will be about $61,000 if they live on campus. For the first time this year, campuses must cap the percentage of nonresident students at 18 to 24 percent, depending on the campus.

Here are other highlights from the admissions report released Thursday:

 UC has offered freshman admission to 69,972 Californians, or 63 percent of the 111,856 who applied.

 Freshman admissions for Californians is down 1.7 percent compared with last years 71,178.

 UC has offered freshman admission to 36,039 nonresidents, or 60 percent of the 60,011 who applied.

 Freshman admissions of nonresidents are up 4.5 percent compared with last years 34,493.

 This year, as last year, half of nonresident freshmen admissions come from other countries.

 UC has offered admission to 24,685 California community college transfer students, or 76 percent of the 32,329 who applied.

Nanette Asimov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: nasimov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @NanetteAsimov
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Its hard to know which is more frustrating and enraging: North Koreas ever more provocative missile launches or the empty responses from the outside world. There are no ready solutions, as President Trump is learning the hard way.

His outlook isnt working. Hes tried mixing an appeal to China for help along with blustery promises that the North wont get anywhere with a weapons and rocket buildup. That approach was already falling apart when North Korean leader Kim Jong Un chose July 4 to fire off his most powerful device to date: an intercontinental missile that might hit Alaska.
A federal court has ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency cant suspend a methane emissions rule crafted by the Obama administration.

The Trump administration was attempting to place a two-year stay on the rules. Under the EPAs current administrator, Scott Pruitt, the agency argued that the oil and gas industry hasnt been allowed to comment on the rules.

In a 2-1 ruling, an appeals court in Washington, D.C., rejected that claim.

Not only could oil and gas companies have commented during the rule-making process, the judges determined, but they in fact did comment during the process, at the Obama-era EPAs request.

Even a brief scan of the record demonstrates the inaccuracy of EPAs statements, the judges wrote.

The agency also said that because the two-year delay wasnt a final decision on the rule, the court couldnt act. The courts disagreed.

Pruitts arguments were beyond flimsy.

The Trump administration is interested in using compliance delays as a strategy to avoid enforcing regulations. Among other rules its delayed include compliance deadlines for limits on the amount of toxic discharge power plants are allowed to release into public waterways, and a Labor Department regulation mandating that financial advisers put customers interests above their own.

As a tactic, delaying makes sense.

Congress moves slowly. Many of these regulations are (rightly) popular with voters.

But the courts have just indicated that theyre not willing to buy a governing strategy of delaying existing rules. Instead, the Trump administration needs to make a case that changing tactics will serve the voters and protect the public.
A bill that proposes to make California a sanctuary state is making its way through the Legislature. If passed, the bill would limit local governments from complying with federal immigration officials. For many undocumented California youths, it represents a chance to live without fear. Youths from two parts of the state weigh in on Californias Senate Bill 54.

Their stories are part of a collaboration between The Chronicle and Youth Radio, a nonprofit media production company that brings youth perspectives to community conversations.

My city makes me feel safe

I feel safe in my community. Which isnt that unusual. Except Im not just any kid. Im undocumented.

My family emigrated from Mexico to California when I was 2 years old. Most of my life, Ive lived in Hayward, which recently became a sanctuary city.

Hayward joined a list of other Bay Area cities that have already declared themselves sanctuaries, which means its harder for the government to deport undocumented residents.

When President Trump took office, my community took action to make undocumented kids feel protected. My school assured us we were in a safe place, and many of the faculty hung signs that said, proud teacher of undocumented students.

Im lucky. In some places, undocumented immigrants live in fear of being kicked out of homes that they traveled miles to reach and work hard to keep.

Even before adding a sanctuary title, my city allowed me to thrive in school and be more active in my community. If there were more places like this, then undocumented teens would feel a sense of belonging, despite our legal status.

Paulina Ortega, 16, is a writer for Youth Radio.

I am fearful in my county

I wish I could go to college, but Im afraid. As an undocumented teenager in Lamont (Kern County), even going outside my house is scary. Im always worried about being sent back to a country that is not my home.

My parents brought me to the United States from Mexico when I was 11. All my life Ive tried to be a good person. I have attended school since I arrived, and I am a high school graduate. Im constantly thinking of ways to better myself and find opportunities to become successful.

Im working at a packaging company where my parents also work. We get up every day at 5 a.m. to get ready for the nine-hour workday. I usually work five days a week unless the machines break down. When that happens, it usually takes a few days to fix them.

Before President Trump was elected, I went to the movies with friends, out to eat and spent time at parks without being afraid. Right now, I dont do anything but work and stay home.

If California were to become a sanctuary state, then undocumented teens like myself could breathe a sigh of relief. It would mean that I could ride my bike without being scared of being detained and deported. I could go out without having to constantly look over my shoulder.

It would be life changing for my family and me. Instead of being stuck, I could plan for my future, just like most other responsible 19-year-olds.

Luis, 19, is a writer for South Kern Sol, a youth-led publication in South Kern County that collaborated with Youth Radio. He is using his first name only to protect the privacy of his family.
Mitch McConnell is having a bad day. If he cant wrangle support for the Better Care Reconciliation Act from moderate GOP senators, then he might have to actually talk to Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Ive had bad days, too.

There was the day I learned that my 10-year-old son, Mason, had a tumor in his head the size of a lemon. The morning of his brain biopsy wasnt much better, but we found out that it was a slow-growing tumor, too entwined to remove surgically, but at least the cancer wasnt likely to spread.

We managed through many hard days that included chemotherapy, small hemorrhages in Masons tumor, another brain biopsy. Then came the worst day of my life, when I found my son with his head in his hands moaning amid a massive cerebral hemorrhage.

That began a series of 180 days of varying awfulness when my son woke up from a coma unable to walk, talk or eat. On the days he failed his neurological exams because he couldnt manage a weak thumbs-up, I felt gutted and hopeless.

Day 82 in the hospital stands out, because on this good day the Affordable Care Act did away with lifetime limits on care. The $2 million lifetime cap on Masons health coverage established by our private insurance policy was ticking away, a price tag attached to every ear infection, the snail he ate when he was 5, the chemo, the biopsies, each emergency room visit for a troubling headache. It felt like there should be a celebration with balloons.

Our private insurance became our most valuable possession: It stood between us and medical bankruptcy.

My husband worked all day, then met me at the hospital for frozen dinners in the parent lounge and the night-shift bedside. We took our responsibilities seriously, as did the other parents in the pediatric ICU.

The days accumulated into the hardest six months of my life, culminating when Mason stood up from his wheelchair and ceremonially walked out of the hospital a new version of himself, but still hilarious, if unsure on his feet and unable to eat much by mouth, yet determined and positive.

Our story is one of miracles, tenacity and the good fortune to have excellent private insurance and access to top childrens hospitals, which are on the front line in treating childhood cancers, accidents, illness and birth defects.

If Majority Leader McConnell hadnt locked himself in a room to write the BCRA, then he might have noticed that a lot of Americans are talking about their bad days right now.

But the GOP leadership is treating repeal and replace like its the Super Bowl. Its the trophy they want. These pesky questions about sick kids (more than half of patients treated at childrens hospitals are enrolled in Medicaid) and people in nursing homes (two-thirds depend on Medicaid) seem to be beside the point. When McConnell gathered people who looked and sounded just like him to write the bill, he created an echo and then called it the voice of the people. Its not.

Theres only one team that matters here  the American people, which includes those 22 million individuals at risk of losing care, and many, many more who will be affected by scaled-down insurance plans, care caps and hospitals burdened with the influx of the newly uninsured.

With stakes this high, I respectfully ask the Majority Leader to pull on his big-boy pants and call Schumer. I believe the GOP calls this taking personal responsibility. I dont think talking to Sen. Schumer will be so bad. Many of us have had to deal with a lot worse.

Janine Urbaniak Reid is a San Francisco Bay Area writer.
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I am grateful for The Chronicles coverage of political threats to Californias iconic Giant Sequoia National Monument, but Id like to dispel a couple of misconceptions.

First, there is no groundswell of local support for the Trump administrations threats to shrink the boundaries of this beloved national monument. Nevertheless, both Kern and Tulare counties supervisors considered submitting letters of support for these attacks on the monument. At the Kern County Board of Supervisors meeting, which I attended, the chamber was well-populated with monument supporters, and the item was pulled from the agenda. While the Tulare County supervisors voted to reduce the monument, the Porterville City Council voted to protect it.
At 116 years old, its crumbling floors thick with dust and debris, and its tall ceilings streaked with dark-green mold, the Geneva Car Barn and Powerhouse is looking every bit its age.

For nearly three decades, efforts to transform the ghostly red-brick building near San Franciscos southern edge into a vibrant youth-oriented community arts and events space have sputtered, leaving the Car Barn  a former Muni garage  to fall ever deeper into blight and disrepair.

Until now.

Over the past six months, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department has been accelerating long-languishing plans to restore the historic building and amassing the needed funds. On Monday, the department announced that the city would receive an additional $3.5 million in state funding to revitalize the Car Barn, bringing the total for the project to $14 million.

Thats enough money to begin the first of a two-phase restoration project, said San Francisco Supervisor Ahsha Safai, who represents the citys 11th District, where the Car Barn is located, near the Balboa Park BART Station at Ocean and San Jose avenues. The first phase will restore the 3,000-square-foot Powerhouse in the rear of the building. The second phase will tackle the larger, adjoining 13,000-square-foot Car Barn.

This is something that could be a tremendous asset for this community, said Safai, who has been involved in efforts to revitalize the building for years.

These things take time, but this is a very high priority for me. This is something that has the potential to be one of the premier performing-arts and cultural spaces in the city. This is something the community really wants and the kids deserve, Safai said, adding that his district has the citys highest concentration of residents under age 18.

Rec and Park is finalizing a design package in preparation of sending out construction bid requests, but the contours of what will take place in the building are already coming into focus.

Last month, city officials tapped the nonprofit Performing Arts Workshop in San Francisco to provide the arts and cultural educational programming once the renovations are complete. The organization partners with local artists who act as hands-on instructors for youth ages 3 to 18.

Emily Garvie, the workshops executive director, said her organization will be providing music, drumming, dance, theater, spoken-word, art and writing classes. The Community Arts Stabilization Trust, another nonprofit that works to find spaces for community arts groups, is also working with the city to oversee the buildings future tenants.

Built in 1901, the Geneva Car Barn faced down both of San Franciscos major earthquakes. But the Loma Prieta quake of 1989 crippled the buildings structural integrity, forcing the city to red-tag and vacate it; its been vacant ever since.

The Car Barn was designated a historic building by the city in 1985, but barely dodged a proposal to raze it in 1998, thanks to community support that coalesced into the Friends of the Geneva Car Barn. The city granted the group control of the building in 2014, but fundraising fizzled and the city took the building back the following year.

Im happy (the restoration) is finally happening, said Daniel Weaver, chairman of the Friends of the Geneva Car Barn group. It took way too long.

Rec and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg called the Car Barn initiative the little project that could  it just wouldnt stop, he said.

Its been long and slow and grueling to put all these partnerships together to create the will and the funding and the vision for the site, Ginsburg said. We still have a ways to go, but at long last were poised to break ground on phase one.

The building has incredible bones, he added. Its a very important historical structure in a transit hub that will provide a community space in a neighborhood that needs it.

The city is looking to begin work on the first phase of the restoration project by December, with arts classes slated to begin by late 2018.

Dominic Fracassa is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dfracassa@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @dominicfracassa
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In theory, the 25 young ladies presented at the San Francisco Debutante Ball at the Westin St. Francis Hotel, who float atop the dance floor swathed in white satin gowns trimmed with cascading bows and spun-sugar-like tulle ruffles, are the fetes main focus.

Yet after 53 years of this soiree, hosted by the Womens Board Foundation of California Pacific Medical Center, the grandmothers who founded the womens board and the doctors and nurses whove delivered numerous ball participants, are as celebrated as the young debutantes. The ball raises millions for CPMCs specialty health care programs.

I once told a friend that I happened to know Dr. Peter Weber, one of CPMCs top neurosurgeons, shared ball co-chair Ann Girard, with a laugh. Her response was so enthusiastic it was as if Id said I knew Harry Potter.

Led by Girard with ball co-chair Jacqueline Erdman, this elegant evening (with decor by designer J. Riccardo Benavides, toe-tapping tunes by the Dick Bright Orchestra and CMPC CEO Dr. Warren Browner as the master of ceremonies) not only introduced these young women to society  they also actively helped raise funds benefitting the hospitals Gynecologic Oncology department and its groundbreaking cancer research.

Employing air quotes, debutante Sarah Seltsam giggled that being a debutante was a lot of work.

Its really fun, connecting with friends from when I was younger. But we did spend the last year preparing for tonight, she explained. Its not just about dressing up or learning dance steps. Were actually contributing to CPMC by raising money for its programs.

However, the young men manning the floor committee, dashing in their first tuxedos, framed their duties with a bit more frivolity.

Were the hype squad, said Mitchell Austrian. And get people out on the dance floor.

William Hale sensed a more noble calling, to ensure every guest enjoyed themselves, a task he charmingly likened as a bit like a knight in shining armor.

Guest Patrick Herning, a PR and communications pro now based in Los Angeles, perhaps took his debutante era a bit too seriously: He embraced his escorting duties as a career move.

When I turned 18, my dad asked when I was going to get a job, he said, laughing at the memory. But I explained to my dad, in all seriousness, that as I was escorting Natalie Spieker to the CPMC Ball and, later, the Cotillion. So I was already busy all summer attending debutante parties.

Yet CPMC Womens Board Foundation president Karen Weber applauds the benefits in balancing a nose-gay whiff of corseted Whartoniana with more modern mores.

Today the rituals associated with this presentation have evolved to incorporate the gracious elements of tradition, she noted. But one thats imbued with an awareness of philanthropic commitment and community responsibility.

Catherine Bigelow is The San Francisco Chronicles society correspondent. Email: missbigelow@sfgate.com Instagram: @missbigelow

2017 San Francisco CPMC debutantes

Grace Armacost

Kelsey Bauer

Julia Baylis

Elizabeth Benham

Louisa Boudreau

Christine Callinan

Nicole Conte

Catherine Dana

Madison Dempster

Cara Dienst

Acacia Elder

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Anna Ericson

Dyllen Ford

Josephine Fried

Annabella Giannini

Jacqueline Harris

Elizabeth Jack-Schimmel

Olivia Lee

Madeline Moriarty

Darby Read

Sarah Seltsam

Catharine Steigerwald

Elizabeth Swindells

Alexandra Varon

Phyllis Wattis
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For the second time in three months, a large group of teenagers committed a violent robbery at BARTs Coliseum Station in Oakland, snatching a phone from a woman and then punching and kicking a 62-year-old passenger who chased them and demanded the return of the device, police and witnesses said.

The latest attack  which occurred during the evening commute Friday  had a more positive ending than the first one. The rider who took action wasnt badly hurt and managed to retrieve the iPhone 7 for the victim, while at least 10 fleeing juveniles were intercepted by a special BART team dedicated to fighting robberies on the transit system.

The whole thing could not have worked out better, right? the victim, a San Francisco tech worker who asked that her name be withheld for safety reasons, said Wednesday.

The hero, off-duty security guard Leonard Brown, brushed off praise from the woman, saying, This is not my first rodeo.

The incident again highlighted BARTs challenge in responding to a surge in robberies, which were up 45 percent in the first quarter of the year compared with the same period in 2016. It also raised questions about why BART didnt publicize the crime to alert riders and seek additional witnesses.

After a mob of teens robbed and beat riders at the same station on April 22, BART did not immediately announce what had happened, even though the agency communicates with customers in a number of ways, including a website, an app, email alerts, a Facebook account and Twitter feeds. The Chronicle was first to report the robbery two days later.

At that time, BART pointed out that a summary of the incident had appeared in a daily crime log available to reporters over email. After that, media outlets began paying more attention to the logs and reporting the crimes listed on them. A month ago, the agency stopped producing and sharing the logs.

Serious crimes on the system now appear on an interactive mapping website, CrimeMapping.com, but with minimal details. Fridays attack is listed only as a strong-arm robbery that occurred at Coliseum Station at 6:23 p.m.

A BART spokesman, Taylor Huckaby, said the move to the interactive mapping site was absolutely transparent. Users can search for crimes by address, time frame and category. Several big police departments in the Bay Area use the free service.

The victim of Fridays robbery said she had been anxious riding BART after the April robbery, but didnt fear she was in trouble when a group of teenagers invited her to sit in the only empty seat in a car on a train bound for the Warm Springs/South Fremont Station. When the train stopped at Coliseum Station, she said, one of the juveniles grabbed the phone and they all ran.

Thats when Brown, who was unarmed and headed to Oakland International Airport to pick up a rental car, got involved. He said that as the teens sprinted off the BART car, he noticed one of them shove the iPhone down his pants.

Brown said he gave chase and confronted the group in front of an elevator, still on the platform, where he demanded the phone back from the boy he knew had stolen it. A scuffle ensued, and Brown was kicked and punched while on the ground by the thief and several of his friends, according to police and witnesses.

To the shock of the victim, Brown somehow emerged from the pile holding the unscathed iPhone. As the teens fled, Brown reached into a plastic bag containing his dinner from Panda Express and pulled out a napkin that he used to wipe up specks of his own blood from the concrete platform.

I didnt want anybody to catch my pathogens, said Brown, who said he suffered a cut finger as well as bruises.

Huckaby said BART officers surrounded a group of 10 to 13 teenagers as they tried to escape into the surrounding neighborhood. The suspects were detained and photographed, but released to their parents after witnesses could not identify who had taken the phone. The investigation is continuing.

BART police were in the process of reviewing surveillance video, Huckaby said. After The Chronicle revealed last year that most of the cameras on BART trains were decoys, the agency last week said it had outfitted all 669 cars with working cameras.

In the April robbery, which prompted increased police patrols, at least 40 juveniles swarmed a train stopped at Coliseum Station after jumping the fare gates, then vanished into the night after robbing and beating passengers.

BART later made at least two arrests, though it wasnt immediately clear Wednesday how many of the suspects currently face charges. It also wasnt clear if any of the juveniles detained Friday might be considered suspects in the first robbery as well.

Three members of a Dublin family who were accosted in April have filed legal claims, precursors to lawsuits, seeking $3 million while arguing BART could have prevented the incident with more stringent security measures.

Michael Bodley is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mbodley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @michael_bodley

Crime on BART? Tell us

Have you witnessed a serious crime on the BART system? Wed like to hear about it. Contact our reporters by email at metro@sfchronicle.com.
The attorneys who secured a sweeping civil-rights settlement against Oakland 14 years ago stemming from the Riders police-abuse scandal suggested Wednesday that city officials could be held in contempt for failing to institute court-ordered reforms.

The notion was raised in a court brief ahead of a hearing Monday at which city attorneys will be called to account for blunders highlighted in a report last month that detailed the mishandling of a sexual misconduct case by senior members of the Police Department.

U.S. District Court Judge Thelton Henderson ordered the parties to appear Monday after court-appointed lawyers issued the scathing report that detailed a wholly inadequate investigation by police officers into allegations that their peers had sex with the teenage daughter of a 911 dispatcher and engaged in other misconduct.

It will be the first major hearing in the federal oversight case in five years  a sign of the damage last years scandal inflicted on the citys efforts to emerge from court control. John Burris, one of the attorneys who sued Oakland in the Riders case and who now represents the teenager, said in the decade and a half of litigation it will be one of the most important hearings weve ever had.

In their Wednesday filing, Burris and co-counsel Jim Chanin laid out the years of stalled efforts by the Police Department to comply with the reforms laid out in the negotiated settlement agreement. And they raised stronger remedies Henderson could enact, such as contempt, or revisiting the idea of placing the department into full federal receivership, which would strip much of its remaining autonomy.

Holding individual leaders of the Police Department in contempt of court for neglecting the reform process has the advantage of punishing the actual party causing the problem, Chanin and Burris wrote.

In a parallel brief, attorneys for the city said Oakland leaders were disturbed but not discouraged by the sexual misconduct scandal. They outlined how the Police Department will be reorganized and its policies improved to address concerns raised by the case and to become fully in line with the court-ordered reforms.

The citys filing did not address the possibility of Oakland officials being held in contempt, and a spokesman for the attorneys did not respond to a request for comment.

The problem of officers who engage in misconduct can never be eliminated, Chanin said, but whats important is how police departments investigate and manage improprieties.

In this case, there was a problem, and it wasnt handled at all, he said. Were not happy that an officer had sex with an underage woman. But the fact is, thats the kind of thing that can happen. And when it does, it has to be handled by high-ranking police officials in a way that sends a message that this is not tolerable.

Edward Swanson and Audrey Barron, the court-appointed attorneys who reviewed the case, said former Police Chief Sean Whent sent an unmistakable signal that this case was not a priority, which shaped how his deputies approached the investigation and the woman. The pair said the matter casts doubt on whether OPDs reforms are sustainable in the absence of court supervision.

In their filing, Burris and Chanin asked city officials to compile a list of all potential misconduct outlined by Swanson and Barron and to explain whether the incidents were investigated  and if not, to explain why not. Officers whose behavior the report called into question may avoid discipline because of a one-year statute of limitations in California under the Peace Officers Bill of Rights.

My sense is, they missed deadlines, Chanin said. This investigation was a throwback to the way Oakland police did this many years ago. ... We have to get back on track.

The oversight established in 2003, which has cost the city more than $13 million, was not supposed to last more than five years. Henderson enacted a series of one- and two-year extensions when the city police force couldnt show it was complying with the reforms, such as limiting racially biased traffic stops.

Beginning in 2013, it appeared court oversight would finally sunset and the department would once again be able to police itself, Burris said. Chanin said they had meetings with city lawyers in 2015 to discuss fully ending the negotiated settlement agreement.

The revelations last year of sexual misconduct backpedaled much of that progress.

Its unfair to the police officers who are doing a good job, but most of all the public, to have this endless expense and this endless case where the leaders of the department are simply not getting it done, Chanin said. We should be open to all remedies if this goes on much longer.

Kimberly Veklerov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kveklerov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kveklerov
Oxnard Fire Department

A fire department utility truck stolen in Southern California Monday was recovered more than 300 miles away in San Francisco Tuesday afternoon, officials said.

The Oxnard Fire equipment vehicle, a red Ford F-350 with stake bed, was stolen from the lot of Fire Station 1 on South K Street in Oxnard (Ventura County) on Monday, according to the Oxnard Fire Department.
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An Antioch man was convicted Thursday in the 2013 slayings of two clerks at a jewelry shop in the South of Market area of San Francisco and trying to kill the owner of the business over the disputed price of a gold chain.

A San Francisco Superior Court jury convicted Barry White Jr., 27, on two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder stemming from the violence that erupted July 12, 2013, inside the San Francisco Gift Center and Jewelry Mart on Brannan Street.

White killed 51-year-old Lina Lim and 35-year-old Khin Min by cutting both their throats with a knife and shooting Lim with a revolver inside the small jewelry shop. He also shot the shops owner, Vic Hung, who survived.

White was also convicted of six other counts of attempted murder and six counts of assault on a peace officer for opening fire on San Francisco police who responded to the jewelry store killings. The jury also found him guilty of possession of an assault weapon.

The conviction carries a special-circumstance designation because White committed multiple murders, making him eligible for life in prison without parole.

During the trial, Whites attorney, Deputy Public Defender Kwixuan Maloof, argued for manslaughter, saying White suffered from an untreated mental disorder after he was shot in the head in 2009 in a confrontation with Antioch police.

This is a young man that was shot at the age of 19, Maloof said. He had issues ever since then.

Juror David Zensius, 71, said the jury had to carefully consider the mental issues within the case, and whether Whites actions were planned in advance. They decided they were.

The specific acts that were committed were pretty simple to decide, said Zensius, a retired electrical engineer who lives in the Sunset District. Yes, they happened, and he did them.

Inside the second-floor courtroom at the Hall of Justice on Thursday afternoon, White, dressed in a wrinkled red sweatshirt, placed his left hand on his temple as the court clerk began to read the jurys findings. His hand, slightly shaking, dropped to his lap as the clerk methodically read through all 16 findings of guilt.

A woman who knows White, who would not give her name, knitted one finger over another in the third row of the courtroom, closing her eyes and leaning slightly forward. When the clerk finished reading the jurys findings, the womans eyes shot open wide, and for a moment, the shuffling of papers was the only sound.

Assistant District Attorney Diane Knoles said that especially with the four-year anniversary of the killings coming up next week, she hoped the verdict would bring some measure of closure to the families of the victims.

I feel good for the families, because theyve been through so much for the last four years, Knoles said. To finally get a little measure of justice is what they wanted.

Security camera footage played for the jury during the trial that started in early June showed a calm and collected White speaking with Hung before the killings.

White waited until the last customer left the store before challenging Hung over the $5,500 he paid for a gold chain he had purchased weeks earlier, claiming it weighed less than it should have.

White then reached into his pocket and drew a five-shot revolver, firing three times at the owner and once at Lim.

As they fled to a back room, White approached Min, firing his last shot. When he missed, White pulled out a knife and slit her throat. Lim was found almost decapitated.

Covered in blood, White left the store and reloaded his revolver. He fired at responding police officers, ducking into a nearby taqueria, surrendering only when he ran out of ammunition.

Michael Bodley is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mbodley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @michael_bodley
Baidu Inc. has enlisted more than 50 partners for its Apollo driverless project, signing up big firms in areas from mapping and ride sharing to automaking to aid the Chinese search giants foray into artificial-intelligence-powered vehicles.

The move opens up part of Baidus autonomous car software in the same way that Google released its Android operating system for smartphones. By encouraging companies to build products using them, Baidu hopes to fine-tune its systems and overtake research efforts by the likes of Waymo, which is part of Mountain Views Alphabet, as is Google.

Baidu listed four Chinese carmakers, suppliers Robert Bosch GmbH and Continental AG and technology companies including Microsoft as part of the Apollo alliance. Southeast Asian ride-hailing giant Grab and mapping systems company TomTom are also joining the program.

Widely considered the Google of China, Baidu hopes research into artificial intelligence will create a generation of products to help revive revenue growth. It has a stated goal of releasing a driverless car by 2018 with mass production to begin by 2021, but some analysts believe its technology still lags that of competitors like Waymo.

Retail

True Religions

financial woes

True Religion Brand Jeans filed for bankruptcy protection Wednesday, the latest retailer upended as Americans increase spending, but largely in places other than clothing stores. The jeans company is seeking Chapter 11 and operations will continue uninterrupted as it restructures.

Clothing stores that operate largely out of malls have been struck particularly hard. Ascena Retail Group  the owner of brands including Ann Taylor, Loft, Lane Bryant, Dress Barn and Justice  has said it plans to close at least 250 stores. This year, Payless ShoeSource filed for bankruptcy protection and the Limited closed all 250 of its remaining stores.

Los Angeles True Religion, owned by TowerBrook Capital Partners, said Wednesday that its reorganization will trim its debt by more than $350 million. The company also said it secured up to $60 million in financing from Citizens Bank. True Religion filed expects its request to be approved by the court in three to four months.

Trade

EU, Japan

reach a deal

The European Union and Japan have agreed in principle on a free trade deal that will affect an overwhelming majority of commerce between the two economic giants and will be officially endorsed at a summit of their leaders.

EU Council President Donald Tusk and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will meet Thursday and will be able to shake hands on the landmark deal, which took four years of negotiations.

EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom said in a tweet that Weve reached political agreement and now recommend to leaders to confirm this at their short summit.

The timing of the announcement is important, coming just before a summit of world leaders in Hamburg, Germany. President Trump is expected to express his discontent with free trade and his desire to renegotiate some deals.

Both the EU and Japan have stressed that their pact is intended as a rejection of the kind of protectionism Trump advocates.

Chronicle News Services
RACINE  City staff has chosen Nov. 7 as its preferred date for the special mayoral election, despite the fact that Mayor John Dickert has not set a date for his resignation.

Dickert, who has not responded to repeated requests for comment about his resignation date, was not at Wednesdays meeting of the City Councils Committee of the Whole and did not respond to a call for comment Wednesday. Finance Director Dave Brown and City Attorney Scott Letteney suggested Nov. 7 for the general election and Oct. 10 for the primary, but the City Council cannot order the special election until Dickert steps down.

The suggested election timeline would require Dickert to vacate the office before Aug. 23, since city staff would like to give officials the maximum 77 days to prepare. Letteney said city staff is operating under the assumption that Dickert will be out of office before the next City Council meeting on July 18.

However, Brown reiterated the potential timeline allows Dickert to stay on through the first few weeks of August.

Its no ones announcement to make but the mayor, Letteney added.

Fifth District Alderman Steve Smetana expressed frustration at the uncertainty surrounding the mayors resignation Tuesday.

Im receiving phone calls, probably like everyone else is, about this issue, asking when, Smetana said.

Although they wouldnt have been able to officially order the election until Aug. 23, aldermen could have accepted the staffs recommendation Wednesday. When Council President Dennis Wiser asked for a motion to that effect, the room remained silent.

Election logistics

The special election poses a financial difficulty for the city. Anticipating only a spring election in 2017, the city budgeted just $120,000 for election spending this year and most of that has been spent, according to Brown.

With a special mayoral election added in the fall, Brown said city staff anticipate similar turnout to 2016, when the presidential election drew 85 percent of registered voters in Racine County to the polls. Brown added the city spent roughly $320,000 on elections in 2016, meaning an additional $200,000 from the citys contingency fund would be spent on the special election if Browns estimates hold up.

Brown said part of the reason the city chose Nov. 7 is because its the first Tuesday in November, which is a typical election day in years with a general election.

People are used to that being an election day, Brown said. That first Tuesday in November is always considered election day throughout the country.

Additionally, Brown and Letteney said that the Village of Waterford is holding an election on that day, which wouldnt require the county to add another election day to its schedule.

The county will already be working on election stuff that day, so that helps the county out a little bit, Brown said.

The city would need to use its old voting machines one final time, as its new machines arent expected to arrive until early December.
The embattled Internet tycoon behind struggling Chinese tech company LeEco has resigned from all his positions at the companys publicly traded arm, the latest action in a stunning fall for one of the countrys most flamboyant tech leaders.

Jia Yueting has stepped down as chairman of Leshi Internet and has also given up several other positions at the company, the company said in a filing. Jia will become global chairman of LeEcos electric car business, a separate announcement said.

Jias departure from Leshi Internet ended his tenure at the helm of one of Chinas most ambitious tech companies. Last week, a court in Shanghai froze $182 million of assets tied to Jia, and Tuesday, shares connected to Jia totaling 40 percent of Leshi Internets outstanding stock were frozen by courts, according to a company filing.

Jia led his company into an array of businesses that have not panned out. He invested hundreds of millions of dollars in developing LeEcos smartphone business Le Mobile, in what the new LeEco chief executive, Liang Jun, last week conceded was mistimed: Fierce competition has eroded profit for most handset makers.

Jias guarantees bind together much of LeEcos debt, setting up a potentially messy situation that could embroil all of the LeEco companies as creditors battle for assets. No LeEco company has filed for bankruptcy, a company spokesman said, and LeEco could still receive a bailout from investors or a state-owned company.

LeEcos electric car ambitions are centered on Los Angeles, where the financially troubled startup Faraday Future, with more than 1,400 employees, is developing high-end electric cars in a bid to challenge Tesla Motors.

Faraday had been negotiating with Vallejo officials to build a factory on Mare Island, but backed out. LeEco bought property in Santa Clara from Yahoo and had planned to build a campus there, but its plans appear to have fizzled out.

Jia remains Faraday Futures largest shareholder and emphasized in his letter Thursday that he would dedicate his energy to getting the companys first production-ready model, called the FF 91, into mass production.

Faraday Future is in the process of raising more than $1 billion, a spokesman for the company said in an email, noting that LeEco and Faraday Future are separate companies.

Energy

Renewables

top nuclear

For the first time in decades, the U.S. got more electricity from renewable sources than nuclear power in March and April.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration said Thursday that electricity production from utility-scale renewable sources exceeded nuclear generation in the most recent months for which data is available. Thats the first time renewable sources have outpaced nuclear since 1984.

The growth in renewables was fueled by scores of new wind turbines and solar farms, as well as recent increases in hydroelectric power as a result of heavy snow and rain in Western states last winter. More than 60 percent of all utility-scale electricity generating capacity that came online last year was from wind and solar.

Streaming

SoundCloud

cutting staff

SoundCloud is cutting about 40 percent of its staff in a move the digital music service says will give it a better financial footing to compete with Spotify and Apple.

The Berlin company, which in January said it was at risk of running out of money, informed staff on Thursday that 173 jobs would be eliminated. It had 420 employees. Offices in San Francisco and London will be shut.

Economy

Trade deficit

shrinks in May

The U.S. trade deficit narrowed in May, and the politically sensitive trade gap with China also slid.

The Commerce Department said Thursday that the deficit in the trade of goods and services fell 2.2 percent in May to a seasonally adjusted $46.5 billion. Exports rose modestly to $192 billion  the highest level since April 2015  on rising shipments of cars and consumer goods, including cell phones. Imports fell slightly.

President Trump has vowed to reduce Americas trade deficits, blaming them on bad trade deals and abusive practices by trading partners, particularly China. His administration also is preparing to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico to overhaul a trade pact hes called a disaster for American workers.

Chronicle News Services
RadioShack may not be as relevant with shoppers today, but for those who have a soft spot for the electronic retailer, an online auction is offering vintage RadioShack goods that will remind you of its heyday.

Online auction website UBid Estate & Auction Services in Texas is hosting a sale of RadioShack vintage goods that includes store catalogs dating to the 1960s, a 1982 portable computer and even a custom RadioShack bicycle.
After three months as the nations most valuable automaker, a bad week in an otherwise stellar year has knocked Tesla from the top perch.

The Palo Alto companys growth remains excellent, with shares soaring close to 50 percent this year, twice that at General Motors Co., which retook the spot Thursday. Ford Motor Co. has actually fallen in value this year.

But a trifecta of bad news in recent days, starting with a tweet from CEO Elon Musk, has delivered the worst weekly percentage decline for the electric automakers stock since early 2016.

Shares fell nearly 6 percent to $308.83 Thursday, pushing shares down almost 15 percent for the week.

But because shares have grown so valuable this year, it was the biggest weekly decline in terms of pure value, period. Shares this week have given up more than $53 each. That translates to a market capitalization loss of more than $8.7 billion since Monday.

On Monday, Musk sent out tweet saying that the company anticipates production of 20,000 Model 3 cars per month in December, which was below previous estimates. Tesla also said Monday that it delivered about 22,000 vehicles in the second quarter, bringing first-half deliveries to about 47,100. Thats at the low end of its projections this year of between 47,000 and 50,000 deliveries.

Then on Wednesday, the dynamics of the electric car market shifted a bit when Volvo announced that by 2019, it would be producing only electric and hybrid vehicles, the first traditional automaker to make that leap. Volvo, which is based in Sweden but owned by Chinese firm Geely, will launch five fully electric cars between 2019 and 2021. Three will be Volvo models and two will be electrified cars from Polestar, Volvo Cars performance car arm. It also plans to offer a range of hybrids as options, expecting to sell 1 million electrified cars by 2025.

General Motors is already selling the Chevrolet Bolt, and Audi plans to introduce an electric SUV next year. Ford will have one by 2020.

On Thursday, one day after the Volvo announcement, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said that while Teslas Model S received an acceptable rating in its small overlap front test, it did not get the Top Safety Pick+ rating that the Lincoln Continental, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Toyota Avalon received. Overlap front tests gauge the safety of those inside the car when the front driver-side corner of a vehicle hits a tree or utility pole, or collides with another vehicle.

The IIHS said that the main issue with the Model S performance was that the safety belt allowed the torso of crash dummies to move too far forward, allowing the head to strike the steering wheel hard through the air bag. IIHS said Tesla modified the vehicle and they retested it, but the same thing happened again.

Tesla said Thursday that the carmakers rating for the small overlap front crash test was the second-highest rating available and that the company received the highest rating in the rest of IIHSs crash testing categories. A Tesla representative maintained that the most objective and accurate independent testing of vehicle safety is currently done by the U.S. government, which found Model S and Model X to be the two cars with the lowest probability of injury of any cars that it has ever tested.

Nonetheless on Wall Street, where Teslas shares have been unstoppable, investors are taking a breather.
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A pair of thieves were on the run and they had plenty of fuel to keep them going after cops said they siphoned up to 1,500 gallons of gasoline from underground storage tanks at the Novato Unified School District Bus Yard.

The incident occurred about 11:15 p.m. Wednesday at the bus yard at Olive Avenue and Mulligan Lane in Novato when the thieves backed a white Ford Econoline box truck up to the yard and apparently filled up large tanks in the rear of the vehicle with fuel normally used for school buses, police said.

The thieves accessed the underground tanks by cutting a lock on a compound where the fuel is stored, said Kyle Manford, the maintenance and operations supervisor at the Novato Unified School District.

A custodian who works at the yard saw the thieves, a man and a woman, using a long hose to siphon gas from the underground storage tanks, said police, who released photos Thursday in hopes the public would help them catch the culprits.

The equipment that was used to pump the gas indicates that the storage units in the truck are capable of holding hundreds of gallons of gasoline, police said.

The two suspects fled the scene before police arrived, but not before the custodian snapped photos of their vehicle. Their box truck had a California license plate reading 7BQK347, though police suspect the plates could be stolen.

Written on the passenger side door of the truck is Automatic, A/C, SEATS 3. Also on the truck is a California weight sticker that has the number 15 on it and UNDER 14,050 GROSS written underneath.

The male suspect is described as being in his 30s, bald and of medium build. The female suspect has blond hair and is heavy set, police said.

Manford said he suspects the suspects had practice stealing gasoline elsewhere since they were able to pump so much fuel into their truck. But this was a first for Manford, who has been working for the school district for a year and a half.

Usually not that much shenanigans going on around here, its pretty quiet, Manford said.

Anyone with information can contact the Novato Police Department at (415) 897-4361.

Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani
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A 36-year-old church volunteer was arraigned on Wednesday in San Francisco on charges he sexually assaulted teenage twin brothers whom he had befriended through the church, a spokesman for the San Francisco district attorney said.

Marvin Sotorizo, 36, pleaded not guilty to five counts of oral copulation on an unconscious person and was being held in lieu of $750,000 bail following his June 27 arrest.
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A Vallejo kidnapping victim and her boyfriend can sue the city and two police officers who accused them of staging the incident, a federal judge ruled Wednesday.

The officers alleged attempt to brand Aaron Quinn as a deranged criminal, and kidnap victim Denise Huskins as his accomplice, support their claims of defamation, U.S. District Judge Troy Nunley of Sacramento said in a ruling that refused to dismiss most of their lawsuit.

A reasonable jury could find that (the officers) engaged in conduct that was extreme and outrageous, Nunley said, allowing the couple to seek damages for intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Lawyers for Vallejo and its officers declined to comment.

An intruder later identified as Matthew Muller broke into Quinns home early on March 23, 2015, grabbed Huskins and forced her into the trunk of Quinns car, which he drove off. Quinn said the man had tied him up and told him he was kidnapping Huskins for ransom.

Huskins said the kidnapper drugged her, raped her twice and drove her to Southern California, where he released her two days later. Muller later pleaded guilty to kidnapping and was sentenced in March to 40 years in prison.

Quinn said police immediately treated him as a suspect, interrogating him for 18 hours and forcing him to leave the police station at an exit where reporters were waiting.

Quinn said his brother was told by an officer that Quinn had murdered Huskins, and that the same officer later told Huskins family she had fabricated her disappearance to relive the excitement of an earlier molestation. Police told reporters the couple owed the city an apology.

The citys lawyers argued that those statements were made during a police investigation and could not be the basis of a defamation suit. But Nunley said the police comments did not appear to have been made to further the investigation.

The city also argued that police had merely been expressing skepticism about the case and could not be sued for inflicting emotional distress. But Nunley said the alleged police behavior goes beyond (the officers) being skeptical.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
TOWN OF BURLINGTON  Two motorcyclists were hurt in a Fourth of July crash after crashing with an alleged drunken driver near Fischer Park.

Kristen B. Sewell, 46, of the 100 block of Waters Edge Circle, Town of Burlington, was charged Wednesday with two misdemeanor counts of causing injury-operating while intoxicated.

According to a criminal complaint, Sewell pulled out of the parking lot of Als gas station, 304011 Durand Ave., Town of Burlington, at about 4:30 p.m. in front of the two motorcycles. The motorcyclists then collided with Sewells vehicle and were thrown from their bikes.

One of the motorcyclists was taken to Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa due to potential head injuries and also had several broken bones, according to the complaint. She told sheriffs deputies she had no memory of the crash. The other motorcyclist was also taken to an area hospital.

Sewell was taken to the hospital after complaining of back pain. While speaking with Sewell at the hospital, a deputy smelled alcohol on her, according to the complaint. Sewell reportedly admitted to having two glasses of wine before the crash.

Based on Sewells performance on field sobriety tests and the deputys observations, Sewell was placed under arrest, the complaint states.

Sewell made an initial court appearance Wednesday and faces up to two years behind bars if convicted. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 3, according to online court records. She remained in custody at the County Jail as of Wednesday night, according to online records.
On screen, the characters of the "Game of Thrones" universe are the sexiest/scariest/fiercest/freakiest folks to ever battle for the Known World.

As for the actors who play those characters ... well, let's just say there's a lot fewer cuts and scratches offscreen.
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With an unconventional presidential administration comes some seriously unconventional attire.

People have been wearing their partisan affiliations on their sleeves for a long time, as San Francisco Chronicle fashion critic Tony Bravo writes (read his report on printed T-shirt trends here). Graphic tees are proving especially popular in the Trump era, long after the campaign season's end.

Now, as the summer months approach, online retailers have been busting out a variety of increasingly obscure political fashions. What these items are trying to say isn't exactly clear. They aren't as explicitly partisan as a simple slogan t-shirt, and perhaps that's part of their weird allure. But they are certainly eye-catching, whatever their wearer's intent.

At least one world leader seems to be in on the fad. After Toronto-based shirt company Shelfies released a "dreamy" Justin Trudeau-themed sweater, the Canadian prime minister shared a photo of it on his official Instagram.

A post shared by Justin Trudeau (@justinpjtrudeau) on Feb 11, 2016 at 1:07pm PST

A similar American brand, Beloved Shirts, has some of the worst (best?) political fan gear. The company has released a "Shocked Trump" one-piece women's swimsuit, which features an extreme close-up of the President's face. His pursed lips hit at about where the wearer's belly button would be. There are smirking Putin and despondent Kim Jong Un suits to match.

Beloved Shirts went viral last month after women began buying its "Sexy Chest" one-piece. The ironically-named suit is printed with a photorealistic rendering of a hairy, pudgy male torso.

In a press release, Beloved said its goal is to sell not just creepy swimsuits, but the feeling of seeing (and buying) something that you never would have known to ask for. The company promised it will "continue to create shocking apparel even if it confuses the whole Internet."

One satisfied customer said the Trump suit "makes (her) body great again." Shock factor? Check.

Click through the gallery below to see the swimsuits and other freaky offerings.
An upcoming art installation at San Francisco's Crissy Field will feature a meet and greet with strangers thousands of miles away.

The "Portal" exhibit, created by Shared_Studios and made possible by partnerships with Luminalt, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, and the National Park Service, brings a "gold-painted shipping container filled with immersive audiovisual equipment" to the park. The container will allow up to eight people at a time in San Francisco to enter and meet people at one of 20 other portals around the world, including Honduras, Iraq, Afghanistan, Mexico, and elsewhere. Language interpretation assistance, of course, will be provided.

"In a time like this, when we are often equipped with the ability to connect to anyone, anywhere and find out new information ... misinformation and misunderstanding can travel just as quickly," says Sabrina Bedford, the Parks Conservancy's Art & Community Engagement Coordinator. "The portal allows us to connect with people we would not normally be able to meet and to better understand them as a person, beyond photos or headlines. Even if one were to travel to that country, you may not actually interact with individuals this way  you still experience the place through a visitor's eyes. This way, you're introduced to a person and learn about the place through their words and point of view."

If the concept sounds familiar, it's because it is; a similar project, also executed by Shared_Studios, was open to the public in 2015 in Hayes Valley.

"There's a lot of excitement in a lot of our portal connections to connect to San Francisco," creator Amar Bakshi told KALW at the time. "It's imagined as a place of incredible entrepreneurship, world changing ideas, incredible financial resources, and really smart people here. Our portal locations as people know are similarly talented, they are not as well financially resourced, but have incredible amounts to contribute."

There's no opening date set for the Crissy Field location, but officials say the attraction is "coming soon" and will be open to the public Thursday through Saturday.

Alyssa Pereira is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at apereira@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @alyspereira.


The Trump administration should keep hands off our national monuments, the six U.S. senators from Washington, Oregon and California have told U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke in toughly worded letters.

The administration is conducting a "review" of monuments created under the 1906 Antiquities Act, first used in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt to protect the Grand Canyon and the Olympic Mountains. Republican presidents have designated some of America's biggest monuments.

"Rolling back protections for some of our nation's most prized public spaces, like the Hanford Reach National Monument, does not exemplify President Roosevelt: Instead it would represent just another broken promise by this Administration to the American people," Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, D-Wash., wrote Zinke.

Columnist Joel Connelly, SeattlePI

Read more: http://www.seattlepi.com/author/joel-connelly/

President Donald Trump has ordered a "review" of 27 monuments created by Presidents Clinton, George W. Bush and Obama. Trump has denounced what he called a "massive federal land grab" that "should never have happened."

Six of the monuments are in California, including the two-unit Giant Sequoia National Monument, the Santa Monica Mountains National Monument above Los Angeles and the Mojave Trails National Monument in the California desert.

"On behalf of all Californians, we urge that those national monument designations are preserved with their present boundaries, to ensure these special places remain for generations to come," wrote Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris, D-Calif.

The monuments ARE special places. Giant Sequoia protects some of America's tallest trees. The 197,000-acre Hanford Reach National Monument, which is under "review," protects the last non-reservoir stretch of Columbia River between Bonneville Dam and the Canadian border.

The Reach is as vital to wild creatures as was the Olympics when Roosevelt acted to stop the slaughter of elk that now bear his name. Murray and Cantwell told Zinke:

"It is one of the Northwest's best fall Chinook salmon spawning grounds, and the Upper Columbia River spring-run Chinook, an endangered species, and the Upper Columbia River Steelhead, a threatened species, use the Hanford Reach for migration.

"Visitors can observe resident Rocky Mountain elk, which are the largest in Washington state; coyotes; mule deer, porcupines, bats; horned larks, great blue herons; bald eagles; pelicans and many more mammal and bird species."

PREVIOUSLY: Washington AG threatens to sue Trump over national monuments

PREVIOUSLY: Trump to sign 'review' order aimed at axing America's new national monuments

Oregon's Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have come to the defense of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument on the Oregon-California border. It was expanded by President Obama just before leaving office.

The monument was expanded after what Wyden and Merkley call a "robust public process" including four public meetings and a lengthy period for written comment. Comment overwhelmingly favored expansion.

Cascade-Siskiyou is a crossroads of ecological and climate zones, renowned for its plant life and profusion of birds, although hikers are known to encounter Pacific rattlesnakes and poison oak.

"It is an ecological crossroads in an area of unique geology, biology, climate and iconic American landscapes," wrote the Oregon lawmakers, "the place where the volcanoes of the Cascade Range, plants and animals of the Basin and Range Province, and the world-renowned biodiversity of the Klamath-Siskiyou mountain block come together."

The Obama administration set off an uproar when it designated a 1.35 million acre Bears Ears National Monument in southeast Utah. The monument was backed by conservationists, scientists and Native American tribes.

Bears Ears was opposed by such interests as the mining industry, which once fought Roosevelt on the Grand Canyon.

Were Trump a student of the West -- a region he has not visited since becoming president -- he would know that conservative Republicans have protected some of the "crown jewels" of the country.

William Howard Taft created the national monument that became Zion National Park. Warren G. Harding protected Bryce Canyon, also in southern Utah. Calvin Coolidge designated monuments in Carlsbad Caverns of New Mexico and Glacier Bay in Alaska.

Herbert Hoover created an Arches National Monument in Utah and a Death Valley National Monument in California. All of these monuments are now national parks, vastly popular with the public.

In 1903, Theodore Roosevelt stood at the lip of the Grand Canyon, and said:

"Let this great wonder of nature remain as it now is. Do nothing to mar its grandeur, sublimity and loveliness. You cannot improve on it. But what you can do is keep it for your children, children's children and all who come after you, as the one great sight which every American should see."

Zinke has described himself as a "Roosevelt conservationist." The "study" of 27 monuments will test whether he walks his talk.
RACINE  A fire that started in a mattress Wednesday afternoon caused extensive fire and smoke damage to a duplex at 4221 Marquette Drive.

A child playing with a lighter sparked the fire, the Racine Fire Department said in a news release. Occupants of both units were able to escape before the Fire Department arrived about 12:46 p.m.

No one was injured, Racine Fire Department Battalion Chief Willie Hargrove said.

Firefighters contained the fire within 16 minutes. The fire started on the second floor of the north half of the duplex but did not spread to the first floor or to the south apartment at 4219 Marquette Drive.

The fire caused about $30,000 in damage, according to the press release. Residents declined Red Cross assistance because they had made arrangements to stay with their families.
The Trump administrations order to halt rules reducing emissions of climate-changing methane gas from oil and gas wells on federal lands is environmentally harmful and legally nonsensical, state Attorney General Xavier Becerra charged in a lawsuit Wednesday.

Joined by New Mexicos attorney general, Becerra challenged the U.S. Bureau of Land Managements June 15 decision to postpone regulations that had been approved by President Barack Obamas administration in November, after a lengthy review, and took effect Jan. 17.

The regulations required producers of oil and natural gas on federal and tribal lands to reduce flaring and venting that reduce gas production while leaking methane, a potent greenhouse gas. In a separate case on Monday, a federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., rejected a Trump administration decision to suspend another rule requiring reduced levels of methane emissions from new oil and gas operations on private as well as public lands.

In announcing the indefinite delay of the methane limits on public lands, the Bureau of Land Management said a lawsuit by industry groups, and the states of Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota and Texas, had raised serious questions about the rules validity. Ruling in that suit, a federal judge in Wyoming refused to block the rules the day before they took effect..

In Wednesdays suit, filed in San Francisco federal court, California and New Mexico said federal law allows an agency to postpone the effective date of a pending rule that is under court review  but its impossible to postpone a regulation that has already taken effect.

The Trump administration agency also failed to seek public input on its action, as the law requires, or to state any legal justification for it, the states lawyers said.

The agencys action will harm the states and their residents by increasing emissions of hazardous air pollutants and greenhouse gases, reducing royalty collections, and wasting fossil fuel resources that belong to the public, the lawsuit said.

California has 7,000 usable oil and gas wells on public lands, while New Mexico is the nations second-leading producer of natural gas on its public lands, the suit said.

President Trump should put the health of the American people over the profits of private companies, Becerra said in a statement.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com TWitter:
Michael Macor/The Chronicle

A former security screener at San Francisco International Airport was sentenced to a year in federal prison Wednesday for agreeing to look the other way while passengers slipped cocaine in luggage through her checkpoint.

Jessica Scott, 29, of San Pablo pleaded guilty in March to conspiring to defraud the government. She admitted agreeing with her then-husband, Joseph Scott, a supervising transportation security officer, in July 2013 to let a carry-on bag go through without investigating its contents. She acknowledged that an X-ray of the bag showed bricks that might have been explosives.
RACINE  A disabled man and his parents have pleaded not guilty to running a marijuana trafficking operation out of their Town of Waterford home.

Joseph Mucha, 25, of the 6300 block of North River Bay Road, and his parents, Pamela and James Mucha, were each charged last month with maintaining a drug trafficking place. Officers with the Racine Metro Dug Unit reportedly found $60,223 in cash, 1 pounds of marijuana and more than a dozen wax marijuana dabs in their house.

In addition to trafficking, Joseph Mucha was also charged with possession with intent to deliver or manufacture THC in an amount between 200 and 1,000 grams, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Appearing before Racine County Court Commissioner Alice Rudebusch on Wednesday, represented by separate defense attorneys, the defendants each waived their right to a preliminary hearing and entered not- guilty pleas. They remain free on $1,000 signature bonds.

The family members were charged on June 20, about two months after officers searched their home April 25.

When officers arrived that day, Joseph Mucha, who uses a wheelchair, reportedly told them that much of the marijuana found in the home had been shipped in from Colorado, California and Oregon, and that he knew he was going to get caught eventually.

He added that his parents had no involvement in the operation, which included having the drugs shipped to his home and the homes of his friends. Based on the strong odor of marijuana in the home and drug paraphernalia, such as scales and packaging materials located in common areas, officers found that to be unlikely, the criminal complaint states.

In addition to the drugs and cash, investigators also uncovered a pistol conversion kit and UPS tracking receipts from Colorado, according to the complaint.

Joseph Mucha was reportedly seen using the internet to live-stream video of the search as it took place. An officer unplugged the computer after he heard people making comments, the complaint states.

Pretrial conferences in the case have been set for Aug. 11 and Aug. 18.
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Lake Tahoe's beaches were packed over the Fourth of July holiday, and the sunbathers and revelers left behind a big mess.

More than 300 volunteers with Keep Tahoe Blue picked up 1,680 pounds of trash walking 5.64 miles of beach at six sites on July 5.

Their bags were filled with plastic water bottles, beer cans, watermelon rinds, lone flip-flops, wine bottles, cigarette butts and everything and anything one might bring for a day at the beach.

"There was litter everywhere," says Jesse Patterson, Keep Tahoe Blue's deputy director.

Patterson helped with the cleanup at Commons Beach in Tahoe City that hosts nighttime fireworks and his group picked up 900 cigarette butts.

"Those hard plastics and those cigarette butts that have plastic filters are of concern to us because they don't biodegrade," Patterson says. "They'll photo degrade, which means the sun can break them into smaller pieces, but they don't ever go away. Animals mistake them for food. We don't want plastic in our water at Tahoe."

On the lake's northeast shore at the highly popular Sand Harbor, trash was strewn across the beach.

Jay Howard, the supervisor for Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park that includes Sand Harbor, says that from Saturday to Tuesday, the park's garbage truck hauled about 1,000 pounds of trash per day to the transfer station.

"There's quite a bit of trash pick up," Howard says. "We go out with our litter sticks and pick up trash that happens to be everywhere. The message here is that people need to do a better job of cleaning their area."

With Lake Tahoe nearly at full capacity, Tahoe's beaches were smaller this year, offering less real estate for people to spread out blankets and park.

After a wet winter that brought heavy precipitation and built up a snowpack to feed the lake all summer long, many of those low-lying areas that were uncovered during the five-year drought are now under water.

But the lack of sandy area didn't stop people from flocking to the beaches and leaving behind their trash.

"Our numbers from picking up this year are comparable from years past," Patterson says. "[There was] a lot less beach and all that really meant was people were up in the bushes and in little sneaky spots. The trash just kind of moved uphill."

Keep Tahoe Blue's next Lake Tahoe cleanup takes place on Labor Day, Monday, September 4.
A federal appeals court has upheld the securities fraud convictions and prison sentence of more than eight years for the former chief credit officer of United Commercial Bank in San Francisco, found guilty of trying to conceal the banks losses before it collapsed in 2009.

However, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the sentencing judges order that Ebrahim Shabudin reimburse the government for the nearly $1 billion in payments made by federal agencies that covered the banks losses. The court said Wednesday that Shabudins crimes were not the sole cause of the banks failure.

Shabudin, of Moraga, was convicted in 2015 of seven felony charges involving a conspiracy by bank officials to falsify records that would have revealed millions of dollars in losses in 2008 and 2009.

United Commercial failed about a year after its parent company, UCBH Holdings, received almost $300 million from the U.S. Treasurys Troubled Asset Relief Program. The programs inspector general later found that United Commercial Bank executives, while seeking federal help after accumulating overdue loans, had tried to hide the banks deteriorating financial condition.

After the bank failed, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. transferred its deposits to East West Bank of Pasadena, which agreed to share the losses with the FDIC.

Shabudin was the banks chief operating officer in 2008 and 2009 and served from September 2008 until April 2009 as its chief credit officer, responsible for credit assessments of the banks loans. The banks senior financial officer, Craig On, and a senior vice president, Thomas Yu, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and testified against Shabudin.

In Wednesdays ruling, the appeals court said that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White may have given jurors a faulty instruction about Shabudins responsibility for his co-conspirators actions, but any such error would not have affected the verdict.

The evidence heard by the jury amply supported its finding that Shabudin was guilty of each of the fraud charges, the court said.

The three-judge panel also said Whites finding that Shabudin profited from his crimes by $348,000  his salary for that year  supported his 97-month prison sentence, and an order to forfeit that amount to the government.

But the court said Whites restitution order of $946 million was excessive. There were other causes of the banks collapse, the panel said, including the nationwide economic recession that hit banks hard, as well as some bad real estate loans, approved earlier, that caused particular harm to UCB.

The court told White to try to determine Shabudins share of the blame, and, if that proves impossible, to consider eliminating the restitution order.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
Assembly Republicans say the prospect of iPhone maker Foxconn bringing as many as 10,000 jobs to Wisconsin is among the issues in the states current budget standoff  which could affect funding for a freeway project south of Milwaukee, where the company reportedly is eyeing building sites.

Assembly GOP leaders, in a memo made public Wednesday, also urge business groups to offer their own ideas to resolve the impasse over the states next transportation budget.

In a section of the memo called Effect of Delays on Economic Development, Assembly Republicans say Foxconn has indicated its desire to locate in southeastern Wisconsin with up to 10,000 jobs.

That marks the first time high-level state officials have publicly acknowledged the possibility of Foxconn, a Taiwanese iPhone maker, locating in the state.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has reported that Foxconn has inquired about building sites in Pleasant Prairie. The partially completed Interstate 94 North-South project runs through that area, running from the Illinois state line to the Milwaukee area.

Gov. Scott Walkers budget proposal would provide $31 million for the project in the next two years, far less than the nearly $270 million that would be needed to keep the project on its current construction schedule.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, said in a brief interview Wednesday that he has not talked directly to Foxconn officials. But Vos said there are economic development programs all over the state. The one that everybody seems to say has the most potential, that the president mentioned, is this Foxconn.

President Donald Trump, in a public visit to the Milwaukee area last month, said just backstage we were negotiating with a major, major incredible manufacturer of phones and computers and televisions, and I think theyre going to give (Gov. Scott Walker) a very happy surprise.

Vos said: They (Foxconn) are going to want good access to three things: a favorable tax climate, good workers and a good transportation system.

The one thing thats lagging in the three legs of the stool is finding a way to sufficiently fund our transportation system, Vos said.

The company has discussed spending up to $10 billion in the United States to build iPhones and televisions. Wisconsin and other Midwestern states are under consideration for the location.

The offices of Walker and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, did not immediately respond to requests for comment late Wednesday.

Seeking new ideas

Assembly Republicans last week, in an effort to resolve the state budget impasse, floated the idea of collecting a new fee on heavy trucks in Wisconsin. But a group of conservative state senators and industry groups, including the state business lobby, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, dubbed that idea a nonstarter.

Wednesdays memo from Assembly Republicans urges those groups to offer their own proposals to fund state road projects. Disagreement among statehouse Republicans on that issue is central to the budget debate, causing lawmakers last week to blow past a July 1 deadline to enact a new budget.

Vos said Assembly GOP leaders feel like theyve been negotiating with themselves instead of with Senate leaders and Walker.

To our colleagues in the Senate: Im done putting out ideas for you to reject. So how about if you come up with some ideas and well take a look at those? Vos said.

WMC said Wednesday it welcomes Assembly Republicans offer. The group also said, WMC is pleased that the punitive tax on heavy trucks appears to be dead.
EDGERTON  Count Sen. Tammy Baldwin as a "maybe" on supporting a single-payer health insurance proposal.

"Ultimately, Ill look at the bill when it comes in, but I anticipate I will (support it)," the Wisconsin Democrat told reporters Thursday. "Its been a long position of mine, and frankly, its really time that we address this partisan nonsense thats been going on."

The ongoing Republican effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act has brought a renewed focus to conversations about single-payer health care, also known as "Medicare for all."

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders has said he plans to introduce legislation soon to propose a shift to a single-payer system that would either reduce or eliminate the role of private insurers in the health care market.

Baldwin said she is "looking forward" to the proposal, but first she is focused on defeating the GOP effort to overturn the Affordable Care Act. Baldwin spoke to reporters at a news conference highlighting infrastructure in Edgerton, near the site of a major interstate construction project.

"This effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare, is really a partisan exercise, and the idea is that we need to work together across party lines, fix the Affordable Care Act where it needs fixing and strengthen our system," Baldwin said. "And if there are other ideas that need to be on the table, I'm all for that."

A Tax Policy Center study of the health care plan Sanders touted on the presidential campaign trail estimated it would add $32 trillion to the national debt over the course of a decade. The cost of the new plan is not yet known.

Republicans have used the $32 trillion figure to attack candidates and lawmakers who support it, including iron worker Randy Bryce, who is challenging House Speaker Paul Ryan for his 1st Congressional District seat.

Bryce said in a recent CNN interview he supports a single-payer system, in a video sent to reporters Wednesday by the National Republican Congressional Committee.

"There's a lot of things that we can look at as far as making things cost-effective," Bryce said when asked how he would pay for the proposal. "But again, there's a lot of people that are not paying their fair share of taxes. There's corporations getting away with a lot."

The Republican Party of Wisconsin took aim at Baldwin's comments on Thursday, too. Spokesman Alec Zimmerman said the system Baldwin supports would lead to "even more out of control spending and government control on behalf of the Washington special interests."

A single-payer bill introduced in the House by Democratic Michigan Rep. John Conyers has 113 Democratic co-sponsors.

According to a Pew Research Center poll conducted last month, 33 percent of the public favors a single-payer approach. A larger group, at 60 percent, believes the federal government is responsible for making sure all Americans have health care coverage.
TOKYO (AP)  Keeping North Korea from having a nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missile has long been considered a key U.S. red line, and one the North has thumbed its nose at for years. Its Fourth of July ICBM launch is just the latest step in its long march toward, and maybe over, that line.

But while U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to be caught somewhat off guard by the launch, musing on Twitter over why North Korean leader Kim Jong Un doesn't have better things to do with his life, Kim and his regime have been clearly telegraphing their moves. And they have made one thing crystal clear: they have no intention of backing down.

North Korea says it has a sovereign right to develop a credible nuclear deterrent to what it calls the hostile policy of its archenemies in Washington, and has stridently refused any calls to give up the nuclear weapons and long-range missiles that are the "treasured sword" of its national defense.

The U.S. isn't buying that argument. And it says all options are on the table.

KIM'S NEW YEAR RESOLUTION

Kim started the year off with a public vow to launch North Korea's first ICBM.

He did it in his annual New Year's address, a 30-minute televised speech in which he praised his scientists for successfully testing what North Korea says was its first hydrogen bomb, the second of two nuclear tests it conducted in 2016, and then saying preparations for launching an intercontinental ballistic missile had "reached the final stage."

He did not explicitly say an ICBM test was imminent. But it was clear he was putting the possibility out there for a reaction.

Trump almost immediately gave him one.

"North Korea just stated that it is in the final stages of developing a nuclear weapon capable of reaching parts of the U.S.," he tweeted on Jan. 3. "It won't happen!"

A few days later, a North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman declared through the state-run media that an ICBM "will be launched anytime and anywhere determined by the supreme headquarters" of the country. U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter responded that America would shoot down any North Korean missiles appearing to be headed toward the territory of the U.S. or its allies.

"THE WHOLE WORLD WILL SOON WITNESS"

As the North Koreans tell it, March was the breakthrough month for their domestic rocket engine industry.

North Korea conducted a ground test of a new type of high-thrust engine Kim hailed as "a great event of historic significance" for rocket building and efforts to develop "Korean-style strategic weapons."

The "whole world will soon witness what eventful significance the great victory won today carries," he added.

The test came as U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was on a swing through Asia and issuing some of Washington's strongest warnings to North Korea since Trump took office. "We are exploring a new range of diplomatic, security and economic measures," he said. "All options are on the table."

North Korea, angry over ongoing U.S.-South Korea wargames, on March 6 also conducted a high-profile drill that sent a volley of four intermediate-range missiles within 200 kilometers (120 miles) of Japan's shoreline. Japan hosts tens of thousands of U.S. troops.

"North Korea is behaving very badly," Trump tweeted at around the same time. "They have been 'playing' the United States for years. China has done little to help!"

MISSILES ON PARADE

Tensions spiked in April as satellite images suggested that North Korea was preparing to conduct an underground nuclear test.

With the arrival of a U.S. aircraft carrier battle group in the area and another "armada" on the way, according to Trump, both sides traded threats of an escalation to war.

The test never happened, but North Korea did mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of national founder Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Un's grandfather, with a spectacular military parade that featured more missiles than ever before, including some that had never been revealed in public.

The finale of the parade was the appearance of two camouflage-colored canisters on long mobile erector-launch vehicles. Such canisters are used for stealthy launches and although whatever was inside could not be seen, many experts believed the size suggested they could be used to carry a hitherto unknown ICBM.

The display created a significant buzz among experts that the actual ICBM launch might be next.

PUTTING ON THE FINAL TOUCHES

Increasingly concerned by the stepped-up pace of North Korea's missile launches, the U.S. in early June tested its missile defense system. Washington called it a big success, with the interceptor launched from an air base in California "obliterating" a mock incoming missile over the Pacific Ocean.

The U.S. has about 450 of the missiles and each can travel about 8,000 miles (12,900 kilometers), but critics of the $244 million test said it didn't confirm the U.S. could actually intercept a North Korean ICBM fired in war conditions. Only four of nine intercept attempts since 2004 have been successful.

The test also had no apparent impact on North Korea's test schedule.

Though it had no official comment this time  and there were no tweets from Trump  the North conducted another engine test late last month that the U.S. reportedly identified as likely for an ICBM.

By that time, there could be little doubt.

North Korea was moving quickly to fulfil Kim's New Year promise, and the window of opportunity to deter it was closing.

___

Talmadge is the AP's North Korea bureau chief. Follow him on Twitter at @EricTalmadge and on Instagram at erictalmadge.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  The Illinois House voted Thursday to override Gov. Bruce Rauners vetoes of a budget package, giving the state its first spending blueprint in more than two years and ending the nations longest fiscal stalemate since at least the Great Depression.

The budget is retroactive to July 1  the start of the fiscal year. Thats the date a permanent 32 percent tax increase takes effect. Individuals will pay 4.95 percent instead of 3.75 percent. The corporate rate jumps to 7 percent from 5.25 percent.

Rauner, a former venture capitalist whose massive personal wealth has largely funded the state Republican Party, vetoed the measures because he sees no indication that the Democratic-controlled Legislature will send him the structural changes hes demanded. Those include a statewide property tax freeze, cost-cutting restrictions on compensation for injured workers, changes to pension benefits for state employees, and reforms making it easier for voters to merge or eliminate local governing bodies.

The standoff has had potentially disastrous side effects.

Credit-rating houses threatened to downgrade the states creditworthiness to junk, signaling to investors that buying Illinois debt is a highly speculative venture. The bond houses predicted a downgrade without a fix by the July 1 start of the fiscal year  the third consecutive fiscal year Illinois has opened without an approved budget plan. But Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings gave Illinois some breathing room on Monday, issuing notices marking the House tax increase approval a day earlier and indicating they wouldnt take immediate downgrade action.

Government has limped along for two years on the strength of court-ordered spending, but the state comptroller says the treasury will be $185 million short of whats needed to cover basic services by August.

With a $6.2 billion annual deficit and $14.7 billion in overdue bills, the United Way predicts the demise of 36 percent of all human services agencies in Illinois by years end. Billions of dollars in road construction work is shutting down. Public universities have been cut to the bone and face a loss of academic accreditation.

No other state has come close to Illinois when it comes to a budget impasse. The standoff entered a third straight year on July 1.

Illinois lawmakers have been meeting at the Capitol for the last two weeks in an effort to end the gridlock between the Democrat-controlled Legislature and Republican Gov. Rauner.

John OConnor and Sophia Tareen are Associated Press writers.
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Trail cameras in Lassen National Forest have confirmed that a female gray wolf collared by wildlife biologists has given birth to three puppies, only the second family of the revered predators in California in nearly a century.

The 75-pound female was captured in Lassen County on Friday after 12 days of trapping attempts and fitted with a collar containing Global Positioning Satellite technology, said Jordan Traverso, the spokeswoman for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

It was the first time a wolf in California had been fitted with a tracking collar.

This is a pretty incredible conservation moment, said Amaroq Weiss, the West Coast wolf organizer for the Center for Biological Diversity. Its the second time in 100 years that we know wolves have tried to raise a family in California, and its another sign that the state is good wolf territory.

Fish and Wildlife biologists had known since fall that there was a wolf pair in Lassen County. Scat samples indicated the male was the son of OR-7, the famous wolf that entered California in 2011, roaming some 2,500 miles before returning to Oregon and creating what is now known as the Rogue Pack.

The wolf pair were detected again in May in Lassen National Forest, leading to the capture of the female. Biologists and veterinarians collected genetic and biological samples and discovered before releasing her that she had recently given birth.

On Saturday, biologists went to check on the wolf and found puppy tracks. When they checked a nearby trail camera operated by the United States Forest Service, they saw pictures of three gray puppies with their mother.

Its very exciting to have wolves returning to our landscape after 100 years, Traverso said. The pups are really cute and they are going to help us learn more about what they do and when they do it.

The first confirmed breeding pair in California produced five pups in eastern Siskiyou County in 2015. It was the first pack of timber wolves, as they are also known, to establish itself in California in 91 years.

The family, called the Shasta Pack, was believed to have been responsible for the first reported case of livestock depredation in the state in more than a century. The seven members of the Shasta Pack  which all sport distinctive black coats  have not been seen in Siskiyou County since May 2016, but one of the grown pups was confirmed in northwestern Nevada in November.

The presence of Canis lupus in California is considered a milestone in the steady movement of wolves across the Western United States. Up to 2 million gray wolves once lived in North America, but Europeans, fed by big, bad wolf myths, drove them to near-extinction in the lower 48 states.

The last California wolf was killed in 1924.

The new Lassen Pack is known to have traversed both public and private lands, including timber lands, in western Lassen County and Plumas County. Traverso said the collar should help minimize wolf-livestock conflicts by providing information about the packs location relative to livestock and ranch lands.

Gray wolves are listed as endangered by both the state and federal governments.

Peter Fimrite is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: pfimrite@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @pfimrite
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Norwegian Air announced yet another another disruptive move in the transatlantic air travel market today.

Starting next spring, it will launch new nonstops from Oakland to Paris-Charles de Gaulle. Checking today for flights next spring, we are finding roundtrips as low as $475, which is a very good deal for nonstops between the US West Coast and Paris. FULL STORY

Service from Oakland International Airport to Paris will launch on April 10, 2018, and operate four times a week. Norwegian already offers nonstop flights from Oakland to Barcelona, Copenhagen, London, Oslo, Rome and Stockholm.

Norwegian also announced that it would bring its low fares to two more U.S. cities next spring: Austin (3/27) and Chicago (3/25) with nonstops to London-Gatwick.

Chris McGinnis / TravelSkills.com

This is exciting news, but it's important to remember a few things about Norwegian:

First, don't think those low fares don't come with some steep fees. For example, checking a bag between Oakland and Barcelona will run you an additional $130 roundtrip double that ($260 roundtrip) if you change planes. To reserve a specific seat, you'll pay a whopping $90 roundtrip on transatlantic flights. See Norwegian's fee schedule here.

You should also know that Norwegian rarely operates its flights on a daily basis many U.S.-Europe flights only run 3-5 times per week. If for some reason your flight is delayed or canceled, you are in for quite a long wait for the next Norwegian flight. It will not put you on another carrier's flight during irregular operations. For more on this, see this TravelSkills post The Problem with Low-Fare Flying.

CONNECT WITH CHRIS Chris McGinnis is a travel blogger and editor of TravelSkills.com. You can reach Chris at chris@travelskills.com or on Twitter @cjmcginnis. See More Collapse

In addition, Norwegian Air is not part of any of the big three airline alliances, so there is no opportunity to earn or burn frequent flyer flyer miles with U.S. partner airlines.

Despite these drawbacks, Norwegian is growing like crazy in Oakland and across the U.S. It flies new Boeing 787 Dreamliners on its current transatlantic runs-- and generally earns high marks from travelers. (See Norwegian's Dreamliner seatmap on Seatguru here.) For those who want a little separation from the vacationing masses, it offers a nice premium cabin at a higher price point with fewer fees. OAK-Paris premium fares are about $1,700 roundtrip.

From SFO, you can fly nonstop to Paris next Spring on United or Air France for about $900 round trip, according to Google Flights.

See Norwegian Air press release about new flights here and check fares or book flights here. What about you? Have you flown Norwegian yet? Would you? Please leave your comments below!

Chris McGinnis is a travel blogger and editor of TravelSkills.com. You can reach Chris at chris@travelskills.com or on Twitter @cjmcginnis.
HAMBURG, Germany  German security forces clad in riot gear clashed with protesters on the eve of the Group of 20 summit here, using water cannons and pepper spray to clear an anticapitalist march in which a militant group with anarchist sympathies had a prominent presence.

The skirmish followed an hour-long standoff adjacent to Hamburgs harbor, where protesters were attempting to move from a public square toward the downtown conference center where Germanys chancellor, Angela Merkel, is hosting foreign leaders, including President Trump, in a two-day summit that begins Friday.

When police attempted to separate a group of black bloc activists from the roughly 12,000 people who had assembled to protest inequality and economic greed, authorities met a hail of rocks and bottles. As police rushed the group, some of the protesters fled. But a phalanx of activists dressed in dark clothes, with their faces concealed, held their ground. They carried signs that condemned the state and declared, Welcome to hell.

Armored vehicles spewing powerful volleys of water rolled toward the protesters. Smoke bombs detonated in the crowd.

Police made some arrests but said they did not have a final tally Thursday evening. They said 15 officers were injured, two of whom were hospitalized. A furniture store and a bank were damaged, police said.

Medics could be seen treating the injuries of protesters on the sidelines of the demonstration.

After police broke up a large throng of antistate militants clad in black, a lively crowd remained, resisting calls to disband as they chanted anticapitalist slogans. The showdown persisted as the sun set in the northern German port city.

The street marches planned for the summit  emulating the forceful dissent seen at past G-20 gatherings  cover a range of issues, including calls for environmental protection, denunciations of ethnic nationalism and opposition to free trade.

But the Hamburg protests have gained added momentum as a stand against Trump and his brand of America First populism. An estimated 100,000 protesters were expected to converge on the old merchant city during the summit.

Meanwhile, 20,000 officers were being deployed at about 30 registered demonstrations, in the largest police operation in Hamburgs history.

Isaac Stanley Becker is a Washington Post writer.
Experts assumed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had the capability to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile even before the July 4 test. Now, they know for sure: Pyongyangs missiles can reach as far as Alaska.

But experts dont think Kim wants to fire the missiles randomly.

Vipin Narang, an MIT professor who has written two books about nuclear strategy, said Kims blueprint appears to be derived from the playbooks of other countries that developed nuclear weapons, including Pakistan. The short version: repel and deter. He would hope to have enough nuclear firepower to repel a conventional attack from South Korea while deterring a game-ending nuclear retaliation by the United States.

North Korea almost certainly has the capability to use a nuclear bomb against anything in South Korea and the main islands of Japan, said Joshua Pollack, editor of Nonproliferation Review.

Jeffrey Lewis, director of the East Asia Nonproliferation Program at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, says Kim would be most concerned in the rest of northeast Asia about three U.S. bases in metropolitan Tokyo. A strike there would devastate parts of the city.

Other probable strikes would aim to cripple Kadena and Futenma, two air bases on the Japanese island of Okinawa, which houses more than 27,000 U.S. troops at a cluster of installations.

Farther away are Guam and even Australia, a seemingly improbable target, but one that North Korea threatened during a recent visit by Vice President Mike Pence.

In the United States, experts have identified several potential targets, including some that have appeared in North Korean propaganda. They include Honolulu, home to U.S. Pacific Command and the USS Cheyenne submarine, which can launch long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles, and San Diego, the Pacific Fleets home port.

Bonnie Berkowitz, Laris Karklis and Tim Meko are Washington Post writers.
The ad is, as the governor's press release says, powerful. A man lies in his jail cell, unable to rest as he's haunted by the memory of driving drunk and killing a young woman. "ENDWI" it says across the screen at the end.

"This new ad shows exactly what happens when people make the choice to get behind the wheel drunk," the June 22 press release quotes Gov. Susana Martinez as saying.

Four days later, when police caught up with a six-time DWI offender who wasn't reporting for his parole check-ins, another press release noted the arrest "comes on the heels of the Governor unveiling a new hard-hitting ad to end DWI."

In the past three years, the New Mexico Department of Transportation has paid more than $4.7 million to RK Venture, the ad agency responsible for the ENDWI campaign. (State records aren't detailed enough to determine how much of that total is direct spending on the campaign.)

That figure is not a telltale sign of overspending or government waste; by many accounts, the campaign is among the more successful efforts of the governor's time in office. Rather, it's a clear indication that there's value to advertising, and the Martinez administration believes it.

Given ENDWI's high profileand the importance of an anti-DWI message during Martinez' tenureit was with some surprise at the end of last year that local anti-DWI programs in counties across the state learned they could no longer use millions in state grant funds to pay for promotional items or advertising. Times were tight, the DWI Grant Council informed some program managers in November. The six-member panel is appointed by the governor and doles out funding that comes from the excise tax on beer, wine and liquor sales. Effective with the council's December 15 vote, all spending by counties on advertising was banned until further notice.

According to minutes from the meeting, the council's chairman, former Clovis police chief Caleb Chandler, told the few people in the room that because of budget cuts, the council "needed to set priorities that have a direct impact on DWI offenders, such as probation and law enforcement."

By May, counties were pushing back. Kelly Ford, the DWI program coordinator for Lea County, sits on the council and raised the issue. According to the minutes for the council's May 2 meeting, Ford told her fellow councilors, "Much of our advertising is conditioning and being successful in changing behavior. If we don't advertise our services, they will not be utilized. If they are not utilized, the staff members we employ will be sitting in the gallery. Counties cannot afford the costs of advertising."

Martinez spokeswoman Emilee Cantrell emailed SFR on Wednesday evening in response to questions about the administration's view on the value of advertising both state and local anti-DWI efforts.

"We always expect DWI funds to be spent responsibly on effective tools that help fight drunk driving in New Mexico. The administration will continue working with partners like law enforcement, local leaders, community groups and others to fight to get drunk drivers off our roads," Cantrell wrote.

SFR asked Cantrell to clarify what that statement implied about advertising's worth as a DWI prevention tool and will add to this story if she replies.

In Santa Fe County, which is relatively lucky, the DWI prevention program has shuffled its funding sources to keep advertising the services it offers.

"There's a compliance fee that we charge offenders, so we're going to use that to offset what we lost from the state," Lupe Sanchez, Santa Fe County's program coordinator, tells SFR. The county has shifted money from that fee to help cover a contract with local agency Firestik Studio. While it's close to maintaining the level of advertising and promotionwhich includes radio ads, bus wraps and drink coasters given to barsthe contract expires next March, three months before the end of the budget year. The county hopes the state lifts the ban by then.

Sanchez says advertising and promotion is more than just gimmickry and free t-shirtsit's an evidence-based approach for dealing with substance abuse issues. That's why the county's program continues to spend on its "Survive the Summer" campaign instead of shutting down the effort until the DWI Grant Council gives it the OK to reboot.

The same logic applies to spending on ads to let people know about the county's vehicle forfeiture program. It's not a statewide program, so it wouldn't make sense for it to be part of the ENDWI effort.

"There's some programs around the state who aren't spending," Sanchez says. "It's critical."

Money that comes from the state will be used to pay for officers to do saturation patrols or DWI checkpoints. Santa Fe's program is considering a pilot project for pretrial monitoring of arrestees who had a high blood alcohol concentration.

In New Mexico's most populous county, Bernalillo County spokesman Andy Lenderman tells SFR that advertising local anti-DWI efforts is considered a best practice for such programs.

"The advertising funds were used to promote safe, responsible driving. And the funds were used to promote an anti-drunken driving message," Lenderman says. In years past, that's meant advertising on city buses, billboards and on the radio.

According to Lenderman, Bernalillo County was one of the counties that got advance notice of the spending restrictions from the state. The county's Local DWI grant funding had been slashed from $4.9 million in the budget year ending in June 2016 to $3.2 million in the budget year that just ended. When they got the news last November, county officials canceled five advertising contracts. Lenderman says the county has not used non-Local DWI funds to promote the program.

In the May 2 DWI Grant Council meeting, county after county told commissioners about the impact of advertising cuts. The Torrance County coordinator pointed out that advertising saturation patrols or DWI checkpoints increases the perception that drunken drivers will get caught. That fear can keep a drunken driver off the road.

Sierra County's coordinator praised the state's effort at advertising, but said even an ad in a small local newspaper needs to be a reality. In Roosevelt County, the program's coordinator echoed the need for small-scale local advertising. Billboards and sign rentals can often be reused, she said, and called advertising "vital."

Santa Fe Reporter
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When a new generation IT school, 42 opened last year in the Silicon Valley, few people in Fremont, California knew that a similar school had already been functioning in the capital of Ukraine under the name of UNIT Factory. Both of these schools implement the system of Ecole 42, which has huge success in France.

Located in a newly-built complex in Kyiv center, UNIT Factory has no teachers, schedules, lecture notes or traditional marks. It uses Peer 2 Peer pedagogy  a type of participatory learning that allows students to unleash their creativity through project-based learning. The program is based on gamification, as in role-playing computer games: students upgrade their skills, open new levels and gain experience. Special attention is paid to self-education, since this skill is vital for IT pros. And with all that, training at UNIT Factory is free of charge to graduates who agree to work in Ukraine for the further three years.

"The program prepares our graduates for work on real commercial projects. And we do our best to ensure that students never lose their enthusiasm and desire to develop in the chosen profession,"  said Valeriya Zabolotna, Head of UNIT Factory.

The first wave of students has already been studying at UNIT Factory for more than seven months, showing rapid progress and excellent motivation. The second enrollment has already started: by the end of 2017 the number of students will be increased to 800 from today's 280. Students are selected not on the basis of their educational degree or programming skills, but solely on their talent and motivation. A year ago, the selection campaign created quite a stir  more than 12,000 applications were received during the first month.

It is noteworthy that UNIT Factory is not a standalone institution, but the key element of the ecosystem of the UNIT.City innovation park opened in Kyiv in April, 2017. Both of these projects were initiated by Vasyl Khmelnytsky's K.Fund. In the future, the park promises to expand to a "city in the city," a hub of high-tech companies, investors and talents.

About UNIT Factory

UNIT Factory (Ukrainian National IT Factory) is a new educational institution located in Kyiv, where next-generation IT professionals are trained. Graduates of UNIT Factory receive a demanded profession that will allow them to participate in large-scale projects of the digital age.

Training according to the innovative system that operates successfully at Ecole 42 in Paris*:

 Peer-to-Peer method (P2P)  no teachers, schedules, lecture notes or traditional marks

 teamwork and project-based learning

 gamification, as in role-playing computer games: students upgrade their skills, open new levels and gain experience

 skills of self-learning

 soft skills

 open 24/7

* A similar system is used at School 42 in Silicon Valley (Fremont, California).

Training at UNIT Factory is free of charge to graduates who agree to work in Ukraine for the further three years.

Training lasts up to three years, but the course allows students to work at their own pace and rhythm, so it is possible to graduate earlier. After the first year of study, students may either continue upgrading their skills, or enter a job.

The students' selection process:



 registration on unit.ua

 online test

 personal interviews

 one month trial period ("pool")

 UNIT Factory is open to anyone who is between 18 and 30, without regard to any academic criteria (diplomas, marks, etc.).

First enrollment (2016):



 more than 13,000 applications;

 600 candidates underwent the trial period;

 280 people accepted into UNIT Factory in November 2017;

 most of those enrolled are between 18 and 23 years;

 among the first wave of students, 61% had only elementary level of programming before UNIT Factory, and 16% had no programming knowledge.

2017 selection process has already started. By the end of 2017 the number of students will be increased to 800.

UNIT Factory was initiated by Vasyl Khmelnytsky's K.Fund in partnership with the French Ecole 42. The institution is the key element of the UNIT.City innovation park's ecosystem.

UNIT Factory's website: https://unit.ua/

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Police say two men were caught making a heroin deal in St. George early Wednesday evening.

A spokesman for the NYPD said Scott Fox, 37, was observed handing 25 glassine envelopes filled with heroin to 53-year-old Ralph Esposito at approximately 4:50 p.m. outside a store on the 100 block of Bay Street.

The two men allegedly resisted arrest when officers attempted to apprehend them, police said.

The two residents of Central Avenue, who have multiple prior arrests dating back to their teens, were eventually taken into custody by police.

Fox was also found to be in possession of two clear baggies filled with a marijuana, and a cigarette that was allegedly laced with PCP, police said.

He is facing multiple charges including criminal possession of a controlled substance, and resisting arrest. Esposito is also facing multiple charges, including criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Esposito also had a bench warrant issued for his arrest, police said.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Police are asking for the public's help identifying a man sought for questioning in connection to a knifepoint robbery that occurred at a Dongan Hills deli on Friday.

An unidentified individual entered the Giani Food Mart on the 1200 block of Richmond Road at approximately 1:50 a.m., according to a written statement from the NYPD's Deputy Commissioner of Public Information.

The man can be seen putting on sunglasses and a hood as he enters the store in a video provided by police, which was taken from store surveillance footage.

He then approached the 27-year-old employee working the register, brandished the knife, and demanded cash, police said.

The employee complied and opened the register. The individual removed an undetermined amount of money and fled the store northbound on Richmond Road on a black bicycle, according to police.

The man sought for questioning is described by police as a white male with light brown hair in his 20s.

Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.
The number of prescriptions for opioids written by health care providers declined between 2012 and 2015, the government reported Thursday, introducing a glimmer of progress in efforts to quell the worst drug epidemic in U.S. history.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said prescriptions for highly addictive painkillers such as oxycodone dropped 13.1 percent over the three-year period, from 81.2 per 100 people to 70.6.

But Anne Schuchat, the CDC's acting director, expressed tempered optimism about the first national decline in opioid prescriptions that the CDC has reported since the crisis began in the late 1990s. She said the prescription rate is still triple the level it was in 1999 and four times as much as it is in some European countries. Even at the reduced prescribing rate, she said, enough opioids were ordered in 2015 to keep every American medicated round-the-clock for three weeks.

"It looks a little bit better, but you really have to put that in context," Schuchat said in an interview. "We're still seeing too many people get too much for too long."

The overprescribing of legal opioids sparked the addiction crisis, but some addicts eventually move to cheaper or stronger drugs, especially if they run into difficulty obtaining prescription opioids. In recent years the overdose death rate from illicit drugs, such as heroin and fentanyl, has risen much faster than the rate of overdoses from medical narcotics. That means the decline in prescriptions may trigger fewer first-time addictions in the future, Schuchat said.

The improvement should be viewed "as prevention," she said. "The fewer we get started, the fewer we get addicted to opioids."

Gary Mendell, founder of the anti-drug advocacy group Shatterproof, noted "the improvements being made," citing estimates that 80 percent of opioid abusers first become addicted to prescription narcotics, not street drugs. But, he said, the reduction is "not even close to what could occur in this country."

In particular, Mendell said, prescribing practices should be measured and responded to in real time. The cumbersome CDC process of collecting data from states and counties is inefficient, he said.

"Can you imagine being on a conference call with a company and they announce data that's two years old?" said Mendell, a former hotel executive. "There's a simple saying in business: What doesn't get measured doesn't get done."

The opioid crisis appears to have left no community untouched as it's mushroomed into an epidemic since the turn of the century. Prescription opioids alone killed nearly 180,000 people from 2000 to 2015 and those overdoses, abuse and dependence on medical narcotics created an annual "economic burden" estimated at $78.5 billion, according to the new report.

In 2015, the latest year for which the CDC has released data, more than 33,000 people died of overdoses that involved an opioid, including more than 15,000 who had taken a prescription narcotic. Nearly 13,000 more were killed by overdoses of heroin.

State data and a nationwide survey conducted by the New York Times indicate that those figures may be rising sharply in 2016.

More than two million people are addicted to opioids, the government estimates. In 2014 alone, there were 1.27 million emergency room visits or inpatient hospital stays for opioid-related health problems, another government agency reported in June.

The critical shortage of treatment for people with opioid use disorder also has complicated plans by the President Trump and Republicans in Congress to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. States confronting major drug problems have resisted federal proposals to roll back Obamacare's expansion of Medicaid, which is helping to fund treatment for many people.

There are also indications that prescriptions for opioids have been dropping since 2015. In the past year, some private-sector data collectors have reported prescription declines on par with the data in the CDC report. Customers of Cigna Health Insurance, for instance, have consumed nearly 12 percent fewer opioids in the past year, according to Will Lopez, senior medical director of Cigna Behavioral Health.

The CDC report also confirmed another critical factor in the crisis: It found wide disparities in opioid prescriptions in counties across the nation. Doctors in some counties in hard-hit parts of Appalachia, the southwest and New England prescribed the equivalent of 958 to 5,543 milligrams of morphine per capita in 2015. In other locations, prescribers authorized zero to 454 milligrams in the same year.

The report also determined, as other researchers have, that opioids are more heavily prescribed in small town America, in counties with larger white populations, and in places where unemployment and Medicaid enrollment are higher. It also found that they are prescribed more frequently in counties where arthritis and diabetes rates are higher than average.

Still, those factors only explain about a third of the variation among counties, Schuchat said. "That suggests to me that clinicians may not know what the right amount of prescribing is. They may be prescribing based on custom and tradition and what they were taught" in medical school, she said.

In the last few years, medical and public health authorities, including the CDC, have been urging doctors to cut back on the number of pills, the dose and the duration of the prescriptions they offer - a turnaround from just 15 years ago, when a nationwide movement urged physicians to more aggressively treat their patients' pain. Even before the CDC issued guidelines last year, studies were warning prescribers of the dangers of dispensing too many opioids.

The data indicate that at least some prescribers are heeding the message. Nationally, prescribing peaked at the equivalent of 782 milligrams of morphine per person in 2010, declining to 640 milligrams per person in 2015.

The study also found a continued increase in long-term prescribing of opioids. The average length of prescriptions rose steadily from about 13 in 2006 to about 18 in 2015, the data show. But Schuchat cautioned that as fewer people are receiving short-term prescriptions, those who take opioids for years for chronic pain may have skewed the average. The CDC has said that there is no evidence that opioids are effective long-term and suggests that people with chronic pain, one of the most common reasons for visiting a health-care provider, seek alternatives.

"Improving the management of chronic pain is very important," Schuchat said. "There are multiple approaches. Larger-scale studies suggest that opioids, even high-dose opioids, are not in the long run effective for chronic pain, and in the long run may even be dangerous."
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But the optimism over President Trump that brought out the bubbly on the floor of the State Duma on Nov. 9 has long fizzled. The president-elect who was praised in Moscow for his seeming willingness to reconsider U.S. policies abhorrent to Russia turned out to be a president - embattled by an investigation into possible collusion with the Kremlin during the campaign - who has changed nothing.
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Until this moment I have been forced to listen while media and politicians alike have told me "what Canadians think". In all that time they never once asked.

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Bob Fife: Knuckledragger

A Modest Proposal (NP)

Settled Science Series

Y2Kyoto Series

SDA: Reader Occupation Survey

Brett Lamb Sheltered Workshop

Flakes On A Plane

All Your Weather Are Belong To Us

Song Of The Sled

The Raise A Flag Debacle

(Now on Youtube!)

(.mwv Video)

Abuse Ruins Life Of Girl

Trudeaupiate

Kleptocrat Jeans

Child Labour

I Concede

Small Dead Feminist

Protein Hoser: THK Interview

The Werewolf Extinction

Dear Laura (VRWC)

We Wait

Blogging The Oscars

Jackson Converts To Islam

Just Shut The HELL Up

Manipulating Condi

Gay Equality Rights


The ACT Government quietly cut funding to a vital coronial trauma support service in August last year, leaving the families of those lost in sudden deaths without independent support at the scene.

Over 10 years in operation, the service attended at least 520 scenes of sudden and unexpected deaths in Canberra - including car crashes, hospital-related deaths, suicides and drug overdoses - before the government pulled its funding weeks before last year's election.

Supportlink executive director Donna Evans and team leader Jasmin Harrison. Funding for the trauma support service they offered for people affected by sudden deaths was cut last year. Credit:Daniel Burdon

In that time, Supportlink's ACT Trauma Support Service lent practical help to more than 2500 Canberrans; families who lost loved ones and witnesses to scenes of death who may have also suffered trauma from the experience.

From 2006 to 2015, the service operated on volunteers alone, until it secured about $50,000 a year for two years from government, covering about half its costs.
A Queensland man was committed to stand trial on Thursday over a charge arising from the death of his friend Luke Newsome at Summernats 2017.

Alister Peter Spong, 33, appeared briefly in the ACT Magistrates Court before his case was formally sent up to the ACT Supreme Court, where it will later go to trial.

Alister Spong leaves the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday. Credit:Alexandra Back

Mr Spong has pleaded not guilty to culpable driving causing death.

Queensland man Mr Newsome, 30, died when he fell from the tray of a rust-coloured 1942 Ford jailbar ute during the festival on January 6. He was the first to die in the event's 29-year history. Festival security later issued a blanket ban on riding on the back of utes.
High speed trains could be running between Canberra and Sydney within 15 years, according to the federal government's infrastructure advisory agency.

But the fate of the long awaited project might be sealed by events far beyond the borders of the ACT, according to a report to be published on Friday by Infrastructure Australia.

High speed rail will be needed in 20 years, the federal infrastructure agency says.

High speed rail has been on and off the agenda for Canberra policy makers and its business community since the 1980s, with various studies, ideas and campaigns coming to nothing.

Now, Infrastructure Australia is warning that a failure to act soon by state and federal governments might make the project much more difficult and expensive to realise.
No longer the bellwether electorate, Eden-Monaro is shaping up as a bitter three-cornered fight at the next election, sparked by growing Liberal-National Coalition tensions.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and Nationals' federal director Ben Hindmarsh did little to dampen speculation the party would run a candidate in the NSW seat surrounding the ACT on Thursday, potentially pitting a candidate against their Coalition partners the Liberals and Labor incumbent Mike Kelly.

Mike Kelly could benefit from a Coalition fight in Eden-Monaro. Credit:Rohan Thomson

Mr Hindmarsh visited the electorate this week and talked up the Nationals' chances, coming after Nationals' MPs spoke out in frustration over Liberal infighting between Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his predecessor Tony Abbott.

A Nationals bid for the electorate would see the parties' first three-way fight there since 1993.
Domino's Pizza has been telling anyone who'll listen for quite some time that there's fewer greater businesses to have than being a franchisee in its 600-strong network.

Fairfax Media cast a little more than a sceptical eye over this model earlier this year, which was said to be so tight it encouraged underpayment of staff. This prompted a furious response from chief executive Don Meij.

Domino's complained that the coverage "did not reflect the strong financial performance of its franchise network". It's a free world, so good luck to Don.

But his remonstrations have done little to convince investors who have kept driving the share price down as the shorts have kept piling in.
Marketing agency Appco Group is suing Seven Network for malicious falsehood over an expose alleging the fundraising organisation retains more than a fair share of money it collects on behalf of charities, according to documents filed with the Federal Court.

Appco is also claiming damages, injunctions and costs because three charities cancelled their contracts with Appco after the Sunday Night program aired on June 18.

The court case will force Appco to prove claims made by Seven's program were incorrect and made with malicious intent.

Seven's program includes allegations that 93 per cent of money collected in the first year of monthly deductions is returned to Appco and the marketing contractor so that a fraction of money raised from the public ends up with the charities.
Island of gods?

It was thrilling to know that people other than South Asians also had an ancient claim over Hinduism
A former Audi AG manager is being charged with fraud by the Justice Department for his alleged role in helping Volkswagen AG cheat US emissions standards, a person familiar with the matter said.

Giovanni Pamio is facing charges of conspiracy, fraud and violating the Clean Air Act in a criminal complaint filed in Detroit, said the person, who asked not to be named because the matter hasn't been made public. Pamio is the eighth person charged in the US case, which has cost Volkswagen more than $US24 billion in government penalties and owner restitution. He was based in Germany for Audi, which is a division of VW.

The scandal has cost Volkswagen more than $US24 billion ($31.2 billion) in US government penalties and owner restitution. Credit:Getty Images

Audi spokesman Toni Melfi declined to comment and said he couldn't provide a contact for Pamio.

Audi, which is the main profit generator at the larger carmaker, has suffered setbacks in its efforts to emerge from the emissions-cheating scandal. German prosecutors raided the company in March in connection with consumer-fraud investigations related to the case.
The burnt out shell of London's Grenfell Tower is a tragic reminder of the important role of governments in ensuring people are properly housed. Outsourcing or weakly enforcing standards leads to calamity.

Grenfell Tower was clad with highly combustible foam and aluminum, chosen because it was cheaper. The building had no sprinkler system or evacuation plan. The residents were poor.

The fire-gutted Grenfell Tower in London. Credit:AP

Under pressure, British Prime Minister Theresa May conceded that "for too long in our country, under governments of both colours, we simply haven't given enough attention to social housing".

"This itself is actually a symptom of an even more fundamental issue," she said. "In this tower just a few miles from the houses of parliament, and in the heart of our great city, people live a fundamentally different life, do not feel the state works for them and are therefore mistrustful of it."
It is a truism that there is nothing much to like about North Korea. It is harsh, authoritarian, repressive and secretive. And its economic structural problems are largely of its own making - a direct result of the huge expenditure on its "military first" policy, its socialist economic principles and the greed, graft and moral obloquy of the ruling elite. But there has never been a popular uprising and the regime is likely to continue. And China has a vital interest in its ongoing survival.

As with Mark Twain's death, predictions of North Korea's imminent collapse are misplaced. Such imaginings tend to be the preserve of enthusiasts in the Pentagon and the State Department; the same ones who insist foolishly that Kim Jong-un is irrational; who refuse to deal with Pyongyang, hoping for collapse.

The geopolitical reality is that North Korea is committed to being a nuclear state. At some point in the not too distant future, it will miniaturise nuclear warheads on intercontinental ballistic missiles. Refusing to engage with it will not make that prospect go away. Washington's policy of non-engagement serves only to maximise the fear, antagonism and pugnaciousness that have characterised North Korean policy for years. The Pentagon's frequently expressed mantra that it will not reward bad behaviour is unwise. China's recent criticism was pointed. It counselled the United States that by not talking to Pyongyang "you will only drive them in the wrong direction", and that a policy of non-engagement is "only making things worse".

Now China and Russia are taking matters into their own hands, jointly proposing a sensible way forward in North Korea - while Washington appears determined to remain locked in its unresolved 70-year-old war with North Korea. The ground is shifting in Northeast Asia. China and Russia are gradually forming a military semi-alliance in the region. Both countries are united in their desire to check American expansion in the Asia-Pacific. Since 2012, their navies have held regular joint exercises in the East China Sea, the Sea of Japan and the South China Sea. And last year, the Chinese and Russian foreign ministers issued a joint statement objecting to American intrusion in the dispute between China and the Philippines over territorial claims in the South China Sea - on the ground that the US was not a littoral state. There is a perception of American hypocrisy on the South China Sea issue. Washington has not ratified the very treaty - the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea - to which it demands China adhere.
Nell Charlwood, who died on March 22 aged 97, was a pioneer of primary school libraries, a Melbourne State College lecturer, foundation member of Young Australians Best Book Awards, Canadian farm-girl, innovative teacher, mother of four, grandmother of five, enthusiastic traveller and generous giver of hospitality to a worldwide network of friends. She was a vital support to her husband, author Don Charlwood, whom she met in Edmonton, Alberta, in 1941.

Nell lived in Australia for 72 years  as a Canadian citizen. As far as we know, Nell was the last of Melbourne's group of Canadian war brides, who married Australian servicemen  mostly RAAF trainees  during or after World War II.

Nell Charlwood, primary school teacher and librarian.

Nell and Don met when Nell's Australian mother phoned the Air Force base to invite "a couple of Aussies home for supper", after seeing the AUSTRALIA flash on servicemen's uniforms. Their romance was tested by Don's posting to Bomber Command in England, where he completed a tour of 30 operations as a navigator  his crew the first for more than eight months to survive a tour from their base.

Unexpectedly, Don returned to Canada and took the opportunity to propose to Nell. They married in Victoria, British Columbia, and in 1945 journeyed to Australia by ship before the Pacific war ended, settling in Melbourne, Don's home city.
There's only one message coming from the NSW government about the mooted tollway linking Sydney and Wollongong. It's that no decision has yet been made.

For that we can all be thankful, because it gives the government the chance to get the process right. It also gives everyone who cares about it a chance to have their views heard. That's if the process is allowed to work properly.

An internal NSW government memo says upgrading the rail line would ease road congestion between Sydney and Wollongong. Credit:Andy Zakeli

There is cause for alarm based on reports by Fairfax Media's Peter Martin. It appears the government has instructed its transport officials to ignore public transport alternatives. A memo prepared within Transport for NSW dated September 26, 2016, released under freedom of information provisions, refers to a decision not to benchmark the cost of the toll road against the alternative of upgrading the rail line. This was a "serious and significant shortcoming" of the business case for the F6 extension, it said.

The memo says improving the rail line instead with a new rail tunnel at Thirroul, a new freight line to enable coal trains to be taken off the Illawarra line, plus new rolling stock, would greatly increase passenger capacity and cut the train commute from Wollongong to Central by one-third, to about one hour. It would also ease road congestion. The cost savings compared to the road solution would be "of a magnitude that can't be ignored", the memo says.
Down the road when I was growing up in 1950s Armidale there lived a community of Aborigines. In shelters built of corrugated iron scraps and nailed-up potato sacks. At the dump. I barely noticed them. But one thing we were told. They were not warlike. Unlike the Maori, who at least had earned respect as fearsome warriors, Aborigines hadn't fought for their land. They'd just let us take it away. Candy from a baby. Of Aboriginal attacks on early settlers we heard little. Of frontier battles we heard far less. And of massacres of Aborigines we heard nothing at all.

Not one word. I was 19 before I stumbled on the truth. I heard it in a way that shocked me to the bone.

Historian Professor Lyndall Ryan in front of the map mapping Aboriginal massacres.

One afternoon in 1964 I was drinking coffee in the University of New England cafeteria with a bunch of young men from well-to-do grazing properties. They were rowdy and effortlessly good-natured. In those days Australia still rode on the sheep's back; they took for granted that they were the natural aristocrats of the campus, and of the nation. We were laughing a lot that day. The conversation had turned to our old family eccentrics; we'd been vying to cap each other's wacky stories.

Then, a wealthy landowner's son took a turn. Sunday afternoons had been the fun time for his family, he announced. Presumably after church, and a good heavy Sunday dinner. His grandfather would go hunting on horseback with dogs and a posse of mates. Whooping. All armed with whips and guns. The quarry was Aborigines. They would be chased through the bush, cornered, then shot. Or driven over a mighty precipice to their death. Stunned silence fell around the table. The brutal declaration, so breezy and lighthearted, so shockingly new to my ears, threw us completely. I stared down into my coffee. Someone guffawed uneasily.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was scheduled to arrive late Thursday night, Australian time, and head straight to a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is hosting the summit. Dr Merkel has indicated free trade and climate change are key issues that could place her at odds with US President Donald Trump.

Counterterrorism, climate change and free trade are listed as the big ticket agenda items, but the G20 program looks likely to be overshadowed by growing tensions over North Korea's military ambitions and China's response to provocative missile tests by its close ally.

Hamburg, Germany: The security barriers are up, the polizei are on patrol and large parts of Hamburg, Germany's second largest city, are in lockdown as leaders arrive for the G20 summit of the world's largest economies.

In an exclusive interview with Fairfax Media ahead of his departure, the Prime Minister said Australia would join Dr Merkel, British Prime Minister Theresa May and other world leaders in pushing the United States on the need for American tech companies to co-operate with national governments and allow encrypted messages sent on messaging platforms such as WhatsApp by suspected terrorists to be accessed. That push is likely to meet fierce resistance from US tech companies.

Police monitor protesters who have arrived in Hamburg to rally against the G20. Credit:Andrew Meares

Mr Turnbull has also promised to champion free trade, and is expected to hold bilateral meetings and more informal "pull asides" with world leaders including President Trump, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese President Xi Jinping over these matters and the escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula.

Ahead of the summit's opening, Mr Trump - who will attend his first G20 summit - let fly a series of tweets that made the questionable claim that trade between China and North Korea had risen by 40 per cent despite calls from Western leaders for China to put more pressure on the hermit kingdom over its latest round of missile tests.

"Why should we continue these deals with countries that do not help us?" Mr Trump, who is due to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian president Vladimir Putin, tweeted.
"This is not a step that has been taken lightly," Mr Alley said. "It has been taken after considering expert legal advice from senior counsel about the constitutionality of Dr Gillespie's election in 2016. Attorney-General George Brandis says Dr Gillespie has no constitutional concerns. Credit:Andrew Meares "I don't believe I have a choice but to make this application. Over 100,000 people who voted in Lyne last year deserve to know that the member for Lyne was eligible to be elected. This is their democratic and constitutional right." Mr Alley said the government had sought to turn a blind eye to Dr Gillespie's constitutional problems and the High Court was "the most appropriate venue for it to be properly and fairly considered". Labor candidate Peter Alley is bringing a legal challenge against Nationals MP and minister David Gillespie.

The ALP has assembled a high powered legal team to argue the case, led by barristers Bret Walker, SC, and James Mack. Ray Finkelstein, QC, is assisting. If there is a byelection, the Nationals will be well-placed to retain the seat but it would be an enormous political headache for the Coalition. The seat was previously held by independent Rob Oakeshott. Assistant Health Minister David Gillespie with former Liberal leader Tony Abbott. Credit:Port Macquarie News Dr Gillespie won the seat only after Mr Oakeshott announced his retirement in 2013. Dr Gillespie and his wife, through their company Goldenboot, lease the shop space in question to a woman who is an Australia Post licensee - meaning he has no direct financial link to the postal service.

Nonetheless, prominent constitutional law expert George Williams believes Dr Gillespie has a case to answer based on the broad definition of "indirect pecuniary interest" the High Court applied in the Bob Day test case. Fellow constitutional lawyer Anne Twomey on Friday said: "You never can tell what the High Court will do." In the court's April decision, Mr Day was ruled ineligible to be elected because he had an indirect financial interest over a taxpayer-funded electorate office leased to the Department of Finance. Section 44(v) of the constitution says any person who "has any direct or indirect pecuniary interest in any agreement with the Public Service of the Commonwealth otherwise than as a member and in common with the other members of an incorporated company consisting of more than 25 persons shall be incapable of being chosen or of sitting as a senator or a member of the House of Representatives". The section is an anti-corruption measure, designed to stop people sitting in Parliament and at the same time making money through contracts with the Commonwealth. At a Senate estimates hearing on May 23, Attorney-General George Brandis revealed he had urged Dr Gillespie to seek his own legal advice on the matter. He did, from prominent Sydney barrister Guy Reynolds, SC.
Air safety officials will question One Nation leader Pauline Hanson over a drone flight they believe may have breached regulations and could see the senator fined up to $9000.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority wants to speak with Senator Hanson and her staff early next week after she posted a video of herself flying the drone on social media on Wednesday.

Spokesman Peter Gibson said one of the concerning aspects of the drone flight was that it took place in a built-up area of Townsville, which may contravene safety rules.
JC's secretary Subedi appointed SC chief registrar

A cabinet meeting on Thursday promoted Nahakul Subedi as the chief registrar of Supreme Court.
Two and a half years ago, before sexual harassment started backfiring against Silicon Valley venture capitalists, a woman named Trae Vassallo testified in a gender discrimination case that had been brought against the storied firm of Kleiner Perkins Caulfield and Byers.

The plaintiff in the trial, Ellen Pao, a former Kleiner partner, had had an affair with another Kleiner partner, Ajit Nazre; one of her claims was that he had retaliated against her after it ended. Vasallo, who left Kleiner in 2011, had also found herself on the receiving end of Nazre's sexual advances during her time at the firm, according to her testimony.

Susan Fowler described UBER "an organisation in complete, unrelenting chaos," leading to the company taking action. Credit:Shalon Van Tine/susanjfowler.com

In 2009, she agreed to have drinks with him, believing they were going to discuss work; instead he "started touching me with his leg under the table," she told the court. Another time, during a business trip, he showed up at her hotel room door in a bathrobe. She had to close the door in his face.

When Vassallo complained to Ray Lane, the former Oracle president who was probably the best-known Kleiner partner aside from John Doerr, he told her she should feel "flattered." Eventually she wrote a letter to a number of key partners, including Doerr, which prompted an investigation.
One day we will reach a point where entire business etiquette courses are taught solely using footage of US President Donald Trump trying to shake the hands of world leaders.

This time, the US President was meeting his Polish counterpart, President Andrzej Duda, in Warsaw, before his attendance at the G20 Summit in Germany, which begins on Friday.

However, it was Trump's attempted handshake with Duda's wife, Polish first lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda, which has attracted attention.

Footage appears to show Trump extending his hand to Kornhauser-Duda, a high school teacher, who walks straight past it to greet his wife, Melania Trump.
The federal electorate of Sydney, held by Labor's Tanya Plibersek, has more than 37,000 people who are not receiving their super entitlements a breakdown of non-payment and under-payment of compulsory super shows.

That makes the seat the worst in the country, ranked as a percentage of the electorate for non-payment or underpayment of super.

Underpayment or non payment of super is likely to become a bigger problem because of the growth in part-time, casual and "gig" economy jobs.

The seats of Fowler and Werriwa in Sydney's South-West have more than one-in-three people not receiving their correct super guarantee entitlement.

Phil Gallagher, a special adviser at Industry Super Australia, the umbrella group for industry super funds, estimates almost 20,000 people in the seat of Fowler, or 37 per cent, do not receive any of their entitlements or are underpaid their super.
Australia must act now to secure the future of high-speed rail between Melbourne and Sydney by acquiring key land, the nation's infrastructure adviser warns.

Future housing on the fringes of the two cities threatens to add billions to the project's cost, Infrastructure Australia says.

The governments of NSW and Victoria must move to buy the land along the proposed high-speed rail corridor now, at an estimated cost of $720 million, or pay more than $3.5 billion later, it is claimed.

Infrastructure Australia says a failure to protect the corridor within the next three to five years could do serious harm to a project Australia will eventually need to build to deal with a projected doubling of the populations of Melbourne and Sydney by 2060.
Two months before he was stripped of his bank accounts, flash cars and lavish lifestyle, Adam Cranston splurged $200,000 on two racing cars from Italy.

Now the Wolf GB08 Tornado prototypes are in the hands of the Australian Federal Police, who have frozen lucrative assets linked to the son of the recently-resigned Australian Taxation Office deputy commissioner.

The complex court proceedings involving the alleged ATO tax fraud continued on Thursday with further information emerging about the extent of Adam Cranston's worth, much of which has been seized under proceeds of crime laws.

Adam Cranston, 30, and his sister Lauren Cranston, 24, are among nine people charged with running the scheme that allegedly skimmed PAYG payments worth $144 million (revised from $130 million on Wednesday).
After James Packer announced plans in 2012 for a second Sydney casino at Barangaroo, the backlash was swift. Sydney lord mayor Clover Moore led the charge, criticising it as a "clumsy Dubai-style hotel with a new mega-casino right in the middle of Barangaroo Central".

Moore and others were horrified at the prospect of Packer's proposed new hotel and casino resort encroaching on that part of the harbourside development exclusively reserved for cultural and community use. The prospect spurred former prime minister and ex-design excellence panel chair Paul Keating to seek a meeting with the billionaire to make it clear that the "principal civic dividend" of the project was nearly 60 per cent public open space.

Keating said he told Packer he regarded "the public amenity of these lands as inviolate". In other words: back off from building on land reserved for the public's enjoyment.

Five years and much discussion later, Packer has approval for a 275-metre tall building on Barangaroo South, abutting the sensitive central portion of the site that was the subject of the initial angst. Notwithstanding complaints about the height and bulk of the approved building, the intervention by Keating, Moore and others at least protected the central area.
Queensland men charged with offences for being gay should have their convictions automatically wiped, the state's peak body for lawyers says.

The government has introduced a bill to allow people to apply to have offences committed before 1991 expunged from their record.

Queensland Law Society president Christine Smyth says the expungement application process could be distressing for applicants. Credit:The BRANDographers

Gay people were prosecuted for a range of offences including indecency, unnatural offences and sodomy for consensual acts, until homosexuality was decriminalised in 1991.

Despite their sexual orientation no longer being a crime, many people who had been charged were forced to admit they had a criminal record when applying for a job or travelling overseas.
The Ukrainian software firm used to launch last week's global cyber attack has warned that all computers sharing a network with its infected accounting software had been compromised by hackers.

The attack used a virus  dubbed "NotPetya" by some experts  to take down thousands of computers in dozens of countries, disrupting shipping and businesses. Investigators now say the hack may be far more nefarious than previously thought.

A top official in the Ukrainian Presidential Administration said it remained unclear how many computers had been compromised and the state security service was trying to establish what the hackers would do with data stolen during the attack.

A video released by Ukrainian police showed masked men in combat fatigues and armed with assault rifles raiding the offices of software developer Intellect Service this week after cyber security researchers said they had found a "back door" written into some of the updates issued by its M.E.Doc accounting software.
The deep web and its inner recess, the dark web  those less well-trodden parts of the internet beyond the reach of Google and Bing  are not for the faint-hearted or untrained. With the right tools, however, there's little to fear and plenty to discover. Here's how you can start exploring the deep web without having to worry about your digital well-being.

There are a few ways to approach this, but we're going to focus on one of the most straightforward and secure for simplicity's sake. We're going to be using Tails OS, a bootable operating system that includes everything you need to get down to those hidden parts of the web.

If you're still unclear about what the deep web is, it's any part of the internet that's not indexed by search engines. Anywhere you can't get from just clicking links. A large part of the deep web is made up of .onion sites (like the infamous Silk Road), which use a special top-level domain only reachable by a special browser called Tor. Technically, the dark web is a more illicit subsection of the deep web, though the terms are often confused.

For the curious or privacy-conscious internet explorer, it's worth checking out to see what lies beyond the internet we interact with on a day to day basis. But please note: you should be extra careful when clicking links on the deep web as some can lead to illegal sites. Browse at your own risk.
The cost of maintaining the Queen Victoria Market is more than $1 million a year, according to a report that backs a controversial plan to overhaul the site.

The proposed $250 million revamp will rescue heritage buildings from disrepair and deliver a return of $5.50 for each dollar spent, the updated business case commissioned by Melbourne City Council has found.

The council has released the report amid a high-profile campaign against the scheme, which was a major battleground in last year's council election. It argues the investment is crucial to the market's long-term survival and economic viability.

Lord mayor Robert Doyle said doing nothing was not an option, and described the renewal project as the largest undertaken by the City of Melbourne.
Land ownership certificates distributed in Korala

Land ownership certificates have been distributed to government offices including Nepal Army in Korala, Nepal-China border in Upper Mustang, on Wednesday.
St Mary of the Cross looks out onto a vacant block set aside for a state school. Credit:Eddie Jim A Fairfax Media analysis of school growth in Victoria reveals the private school sector built 64 new schools compared to the government's 67 over the last decade. New private schools either equalled or outnumbered the government's in most years. Notably, 12 private schools are planned to open in 2018, compared to 11 public schools. Student growth is tipped to climb by 34.3 per cent in Wyndham, 21.8 per cent in Melton and 23.6 per cent in Whittlesea between 2016-2021. These areas are being targeted by the strategic Catholic schools body. One insider refers to the "trade secrets" of the Catholic school roll-out, which is guided by special school planning software.

Developers acknowledge a preference for dealing with the nimble private sector, noting the capacity for "creative" deals that speed up the arrival of schools. Mike Davis, a manager with major developer Stockland, says where the government might take 12 months to negotiate a new project, it's only six to nine months with the Catholics. He confirms that his company has gifted infrastructure and land in exchange for a quick turnaround. "It's easier to have that conversation with the Catholics as opposed to the State Government, who are beholden to annual budget cycles  you can have a more commercially engaging conversation with the Catholics." In two large estates by joint ventures involving prominent developer Mirvac - Woodlea at Rockbank to the city's north-west and Olivine in Donnybrook to the north - grammar schools will soon open, while there are no plans for public schools.

Mirvac residential manager Elysa Anderson, says the company sought out the private schools for their brands and ability to open schools quickly. "We've stepped outside the public system and are working with these private providers because ... families want good quality education and they want a variety of options and they want them from day one." So, too, does the Catholic sector in particular demand, and is given, a seat at the table in the planning of greenfield areas. In its 2016-17 annual report Catholic Education Melbourne claims to be "firmly embedded" with the Victorian Planning Authority and to have strengthened its "prominent" position in growth area planning. It also notes that where the planning authority agrees a Catholic school is justified in a new suburb, it has changed its approach to designate the site as 'Catholic' rather than just 'non-government'. In precinct plans for Wyndham's new suburbs, for instance, seven sites are earmarked for Catholic schools. The only other private school named in such plans is a pre-existing Islamic school.

While the Catholics celebrate their influence in government planning, others see downsides. When Marcus Ferraro moved into Saltwater estate in Point Cook in 2014, he figured the proposed public primary, just a short stroll from his home, would open by the time his 17-month-old child started prep. Three years later, still no school. The government says it will open the school in 2019, but no land has been purchased. The nearest state school is more than 11 kilometres away - a drive that takes 35 minutes in peak-hour traffic.

So Mr Ferraro has enrolled his four-year-old daughter at the nearby St Mary of the Cross. "I am Catholic but my wife is not, and we felt we were in a situation where, because there was no state school  that St Mary of the Cross was the only viable option." Non-Catholic private schools are also questioning the Catholics' apparently privileged position. Australian Association of Christian Schools head, Martin Hanscamp, says Christian schools are not given a formal invitation to help plan schools in greenfield sites. "We don't have ready access to such a large pool of funds or the helpful systemic mechanisms in place. However, that shouldn't mean we are not offered a reasonable and timely invitation."

A Victorian Planning Authority spokeswoman says the authority contacts The Independent Schools Victoria and the Catholic Education Melbourne "to inform them that planning is underway". The Andrews government is spending much more than its Coalition predecessor on new schools, pouring in more than $2.5 billion over the past three years. Yet the sheer magnitude of Melbourne's growth, combined with the government's budgetary and bureaucracy limits look set to leave the public sector hamstrung. Victorian School Building Authority head Chris Keating acknowledges that keeping up with the Catholic sector in growth areas has been a challenge. He stresses that about 10 new schools would now be built - 11 in 2018 - each year to meet student growth, and the authority is focused on growth areas.
Mexico: A shootout in northern Mexico left at least 14 people dead on Wednesday, according to officials. It was the latest mass killing amid a sharp resurgence of violence related to the country's drug war.

The gunfight occurred between rival drug gangs in a rural part of Chihuahua state, which borders Texas and New Mexico, according to the state prosecutor's office. Initial reports put the death toll at 26, but Felix Gonzalez, a spokesman for the state prosecutor, said that just 14 deaths had been confirmed as of Wednesday afternoon.

Bystanders look at bodies lying on a road in the town of Navolato, Sinaloa state, Mexico. Mexican authorities said that at least 19 people died in clashes between armed men and security forces earlier in the town of Villa Union. Credit:AP

The violence follows a deadly incident on July 1 in which 17 suspected drug traffickers were killed near the Pacific Coast city of Mazatlan in a confrontation with police that some relatives of the victims suspected might have involved extrajudicial killings. Three days later, nine people were killed in the state of Puebla, east of Mexico City, as part of a festering dispute among fuel thieves.

The recent violence has underscored the deteriorating security across Mexico. More than 11,000 people have been killed in the first five months of the year, a pace of violence that is 30 per cent higher than last year and puts Mexico on pace for what may be the deadliest year in its post-revolution history.
London: As Saudi Arabia accuses Qatar, a Persian Gulf neighbour, of spreading extremism, British politicians are debating whether the Saudis themselves may deserve more of the blame.

The government of Prime Minister Theresa May has acknowledged in recent days that it is withholding a study on the Saudi role in fostering extremism in Britain, and opponents have accused her of pandering to the Saudi royals to protect British trade deals.

On Wednesday, a report from a hawkish neo-conservative think-tank in London called new attention to the debate by arguing that Saudi Arabia had, in fact, played a singularly important role in promoting extremist strains of Islam in British mosques and religious schools - including the training of British preachers who have advocated jihadist violence.

Over the past 30 years, "Saudi Arabia has spent at least 67 billion [$113.8 billion]" on this endeavour around the world, said the think-tank, the Henry Jackson Society, named after a US senator from the Cold War era.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Bill Clinton at a G8 meeting in 2000. Credit:AP White House officials have said there is no formal agenda, and they were noncommittal about whether the president intends to raise the election issue with Putin. The meeting will be watched closely for the tone Trump that takes with his counterpart. Jon Finer, who served as an aide to Biden and as chief of staff to former Secretary of State John F Kerry, said it is imperative for Trump to draw "clear lines about American interests and then find common ground, if there is any. Part of why going in without an agenda is so dangerous - you could end up having the entire conversation on his topics and his terms". German Chancellor Angela Merkel reacts as she listens to Russian President Vladimir Putin during their talks at the G-20 Summit in Turkey in 2015. Credit:AP With Putin, Finer said, "there's a sense that personalities matter, but at the end of the day he's someone who has a strong sense of what Russian interests should be and he's not going to deviate from that."

Those who have met with Putin describe him as a direct and forceful negotiator who wields nearly total power in the Kremlin. Though he and Bush developed an initial rapport, their relations soured amid the Bush administration's war on terror and Russia's conflict in Georgia. President Vladimir Putin and President Barack Obama meet in China in September, 2016. Credit:AP After their first meeting in 2001, Bush proclaimed Putin "very straightforward and trustworthy". That assessment has since been widely ridiculed, but Thomas Graham, who served as Russia director at the National Security Council under Bush, said critics leave out the rest of Bush's assessment that Putin was "a man deeply committed to his country and the best interests of his country". "That turned out to be true," Graham said. Putin "knew what he wanted; he had messages he wanted to convey". Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev speak before a meeting of the Council for Strategic Development and Priority Projects in the Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow. Credit:AP

Michael McFaul, the former US ambassador to Russia, recalled Obama's first meeting with Putin in 2009, also at his private residence. The Americans wanted the three-hour session, over tea, to be more than an ice-breaker, viewing it as the opening bid in an "ambitious play" to reset relations. Though Dmitry Medvedev was president and Obama met separately with him, US officials believed at the time that Putin continued to wield significant influence - and later came to conclude that Putin remained in charge. Putin was sceptical of the Americans. He told them he had tried to work with Bush, but then launched into a litany of complaints over how the US had foiled efforts to cooperate on counter-terrorism and on the folly of the Iraq invasion, McFaul recalled. Putin, a former KGB agent, blamed the setbacks on US intelligence agencies. "He blamed the 'deep state' for thwarting efforts to cooperate," McFaul said. "He went through a series vignettes over eight years with Bush: 'We did this, got close on this, yet it was your side that screwed it all up.' "

The Russian leader prefers smaller meetings, with fewer aides, which he believes will result in fewer leaks, US officials said. On one visit to Moscow by Kerry, there were so few officials permitted that the US delegation asked ambassador John Tefft to serve as the official translator. That's not Putin's only power play. While Trump is known to use forceful presidential handshakes to show dominance, Putin's strategy is more subtle. He was 40 minutes late for a meeting with Obama at the G-20 Summit in Mexico in 2012 and kept Kerry waiting for three hours to see him in Moscow in 2013. "Our staff was really upset," one former Obama aide recalled. "The president was like, 'Who cares?' It's only a dis and a power play if you allow it." Yet for a macho leader who has been photographed riding a horse shirtless and drilling for oil, Putin's demeanour in person is remarkably calm and composed, US officials said. Those who meet Putin are often surprised that his tone is "mild-mannered and soft-spoken", Finer said. A famous photo of Obama and Putin looking uncomfortable during a 2013 meeting in Northern Ireland was interpreted as a sign of their mutual disdain.

But Finer said the Russian leader's "body-language tends to be slouched, looking down as if there are notes in front of him. He will then make eye contact for emphasis. I got the impression of someone who is supremely confident, relaxed, not super-animated. That's not to say the content of his words is relaxed or soft in any way. He can deliver quite hard messages." Putin has developed a long list of grievances over US actions, which he often recites to start a meeting, former Obama aides said. Many have to do with visa delays for Russian officials or the treatment of Russian diplomats who aren't granted meetings - a grievance US officials found disingenuous given that American diplomats are routinely harassed and intimidated in Moscow. Obama aides said they tried to funnel Putin's complaints into a "separate channel" to be handled by lower-level aides, while attempting to steer him back to geo-strategic matters such as Ukraine, Syria and the Iran nuclear deal. Those topics got him even more animated, however. Obama's relations with Putin took a downward turn in 2014 when the US and European allies imposed economic sanctions over Russia's annexation of Crimea. In meetings, Putin would refer to "Ukrainian fascists", former Obama aides said. The Russian leader is typically the only person on his side of the table who speaks, the former aides said. He almost never delegates authority, and he has a solid command of the issues, especially energy, where he recites facts and figures.

Though he only recently learned English, Putin has been known to correct a translator, the officials said. As he speaks, he scans for reactions, looking for signs of division, and he considers it a sign of weakness if another world leader is cut off, or corrected, by a lower-ranking aide. Putin also has a penchant for trolling his rivals. During a meeting with Kerry in 2016, Putin mocked him for carrying his own luggage off the plane, suggesting that it was a cash bribe to work out disagreements over Syria. In 2007, Putin brought his black Labrador to a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is scared of dogs. More recently, Putin said with a straight face on Russian television that he would offer asylum to former FBI Director James Comey, who was fired by Trump and then gave damaging congressional testimony about Trump in the ongoing Russia probe. Putin's sarcastic asides can reveal his sharply different view of the world compared to the Americans. In 2015, after a three-hour negotiating session with Kerry over Syria and Ukraine, Putin invited the US delegation to a cocktail reception. The American side was made up largely of women, prompting one to joke that Kerry was "not afraid of strong women". Putin then teased foreign minister Sergey Lavrov about why the Russians had no female aides, which led to an off-colour conversation about gender and sexual orientation, according to former US officials familiar with knowledge of the exchange.

Regarding that formal meeting with Putin, Wendy Sherman, former undersecretary of state who was in attendance, said the US delegation "came away thinking there might be some openings. But none of those really materialised." She added: "This was a leader who was sure about what he was about and didn't need to bluster or pretend or try to impress." Another major frustration for the Americans was that Putin did not always have a high regard for facts. Antony Blinken, a former high-ranking aide to both Obama and Biden, recalled several Oval Office calls during which Obama tried to find common ground with Putin on Ukraine. "It got to the point where he would be claiming there were no Russians in Ukraine," Blinken recalled. "And Obama would say to him, 'Vladimir, we can see things. We have eyes. We know it's not true.' He would just move on." Trump, too, has developed a reputation for ignoring facts in favour of bluster and bullying.
On the many occasions over the past five months during which US President Donald Trump demonstrated his deep ignorance, his alarming impulsiveness, his bottomless need for praise, or his tendency to lash out when criticised, one common response has been to ask, "What happens when he faces a genuine crisis with the need to make difficult decisions and lives are at stake?"

Well it looks as if we may be about to find out.

North Korea has launched what appears to be its first genuine intercontinental ballistic missile. Though it landed near the Japanese coast, it was launched on a high arc that American analysts say indicates it has the capability to reach the United States (Alaska, at least). This is an outcome national security experts have worried and warned about for some time, and one that Trump himself pledged would never happen under his watch. We could be headed for a military crisis with the potential to cost thousands or even millions of lives, the outcome depending on Trump's strategic thinking and good judgment.

During the 2016 campaign, you'd sometimes hear Republicans say that, in contrast to that feckless and weak Barack Obama, Trump is so strong, so resolute, so virile that our enemies would get one look at him and retreat in fear, never to bother us again.
Jakarta: Almost 100 child sex offenders from Australia have tried to enter Indonesia this year, which child advocates say underscores the need for world-first new Australian laws that will cancel the passports of paedophiles.

Indonesian immigration officials have revealed that 92 of the 485 foreigners barred from entering Indonesia this year were Australian child sex offenders.

Indonesia, and in particular Bali, has long attracted Australian paedophiles.

Victorian Robert Andrew Fiddes Ellis was last year sentenced to 15 years' jail after he sexually abused 11 girls - the harshest penalty ever imposed for this type of crime in Bali.
Young protesters are blocked by riot police during a demonstration in downtown Moscow. In many cases, Putin has run Russia for their entire lives. Credit:AP For frustrated young citizens, coming out onto the streets in support of Navalny, these are just dry mind games that divert attention from their concerns about corruption, stagnation and limited opportunities under Putin's long presidency. "I'm not afraid to go to jail for 15 days. More frightening is the prospect of living for another 20 years in this poverty," said a young woman in butterfly sunglasses, in a video shot by the newspaper Vedomosti at the latest pro-Navalny demonstration in Moscow on June 12. Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, left, sits during a hearing over his arrest in Moscow on June 16. Credit:AP Tens of thousands of protesters came out in cities across Russia and around 1700 were arrested, including Navalny himself, who was picked up by police at his home before he could even reach the demonstration in the capital.

It was a national holiday, marking the day in 1990 when the late Boris Yeltsin declared Russian sovereignty. A young protester holds up a pro-Alexei Navalny banner during a demonstration in downtown Moscow. Credit:AP Navalny, denied a platform and sound equipment at the venue where he had been authorised to protest, upped the ante by moving his protest to an unapproved central location where official celebrations were being held. A court sentenced him to 30 days in jail. His supporters could face heavier sentences or expulsion from college - nasty little punishments that will go under-reported. Russia brushed off criticism from White House press secretary Sean Spicer that the detention of peaceful protesters was "an affront to core democratic values". Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the authorities responded correctly to "those who engaged in provocative actions in violation of the law". Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, walks past an honour guard before a meeting with his Brazilian counterpart Michel Temer at the Kremlin. Credit:AP

Putin, 64, who has led Russia since 2000  the entire life of the protesting millennials  has yet to declare his candidacy but it is widely assumed he will run for a fourth term that will run to 2024. The question is whether he will make a martyr of Navalny by putting him out of the way or allow him to register and run in the presidential race. Either approach is risky for the Kremlin. Policies Police detain a protester during a rally in St Petersburg. Credit:AP Since the murder of former deputy prime minister Boris Nemtsov and the exile of dissident oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky, Navalny stands alone in the field of opposition. He is tired of being asked how he is still alive. "I am not afraid," he said in a recent interview with Ksenia Sobchak, daughter of the late liberal mayor of St Petersburg, Anatoly Sobchak. "I am not going to waste my time thinking 'why haven't they killed me yet?'. There is no point in that."

A woman holds a poster depicting Russian President Vladimir Putin with the slogan 'This is it' during an anti-corruption rally in St Petersburg on June 12. Credit:AP Instead, the 41-year-old lawyer and blogger, who spent a year at Yale University in 2010, spelled out what his policies in government would be. His detailed answers gave the lie to criticism that he can only make sensational films about corruption while lacking a political program. On the economy, hit by Ukraine-related sanctions and falling oil prices, he said he favoured doubling health and education spending to bring Russia up to the level of developed countries. He would achieve this by cutting military and police budgets, although not military and police salaries. The savings could be made by rooting out corruption, he said, adding that he would tax rich oil companies but support small businesses. And with a proper tax system, there would be no need to raise the pension age. Avoiding Sobchak's attempts to pigeonhole him either as a leftist or a right-winger, Navalny said: "It's not about right or left but about a return to normalcy. I am against the state swallowing everything."

On the Ukraine crisis, which has soured Russia's relations with the West, Navalny advocated holding a "proper" rather than a Kremlin-orchestrated referendum to determine what the Crimean Peninsula's residents really wanted. As for the Donbass region, Russia should respect the Minsk Accords, withdraw its troops and return the border to Ukraine, he said. It was Putin's greatest failure that he had "made an enemy out of Ukraine", Navalny said. The would-be candidate, dismissed by Putin supporters as an American stooge but criticised by liberals for being too much of a Russian nationalist, said he thought of himself as a "Russian" rather than as a citizen of the multi-ethnic Russian Federation. He saw no harm in calling for a visa system for immigrants from former Soviet republics in Central Asia or a fairer share of state spending across Russia instead of a concentration of funds to keep Chechnya quiet. On gay marriage, he thought regions should vote separately, as a European city like St Petersburg was likely to have a different view from a Muslim region such as Dagestan. And he was against the Russian Orthodox Church's calls for a ban on abortion. Would Putin register him to run, Sobchak asked at the end of the hour-long interview.

"My getting registered doesn't depend on Putin," said Navalny. "It depends on whether my supporters can put on enough pressure." Certainly Navalny is better known now across the vast country than he was in 2013, when he was let out of jail to run in the Moscow mayoral elections, in the end coming second behind Sergei Sobyanin. Sobyanin may also have played into Navalny's hands by announcing a program to demolish Khrushchev-era apartment blocks and relocate 1.6 million Muscovites to new developments. This is proving hugely unpopular with conservative flat owners and may push some of them to join the vocal and internet-savvy young people already demanding change under the slogan "enough is enough". But not all the fractured opposition are uniting around Navalny, and Putin's support remains strong among those who continue to believe in his message of stability. Members of the crowd, watching a historical re-enactment for the official June 12 celebration, cheered on the police arresting Navalny's supporters and some even shouted "Shoot them, shoot them!".
Aline Hanson was described as a woman who dedicated her life to serving her community.

Marigot:--- The community of St. Martin including dignitaries from St. Maarten and other neighboring islands came out in large numbers to bid farewell to former President Aline Hanson who was laid to rest on Wednesday, July 5th. Also known as Madame la Directrice or Madame La President passed away on June 29th, 2017 in her Pic Paradis home.

The former President whose mandate ended on April 2nd, 2017 was known in the St. Martin community as a quiet and simple woman thus she chose not to have a National (Honorary) funeral but instead a private home going ceremony that was organized by her only daughter Leela Hanson Connor and extended relatives. While the ceremony was private the staff of the Collectivity, elected officials from the neighboring islands made their way to the Marigot Catholic Church to pay their last respects.

The former President started out her career as an Elementary School Teacher and climbed the ladder and became the directress of the Aline Hanson Elementary School in Sandy Ground. She entered politics under the leadership of Mayor Albert Fleming some 33 years ago and served with dignity to the very end in March 2017 although she was ailing.

At the service on Wednesday, several persons paid tribute to their former teacher and President in song and poems. Those that paid tributes were Minister of Education Silveria Jacobs from St. Maarten, the Inspector of Education who represented the Rectorat, Fabi Gumbs, Senator Guillaume Arnel, President Daniel Gibbes and others.

Those that had direct contact with the former school teacher, Principal and President all described her as a dedicated and hard worker. A woman whose life was dedicated to instilling proper education and values in the youths of St. Martin.

President Daniel Gibbes was moved to tears while giving his speech as the late Aline Hanson was not only a politician in his eyes but she was also his teacher.

President Gibbes told the gathering that the former President did not want a National funeral but the people including all those that worked with her felt the loss and they are also mourning with the Hanson and Gumbs families. He said that Aline Hanson was the only female that held the position as President in the French Overseas Territories and one thing that was sure she did everything to move her island forward. She was dedicated and despite her medical condition held the forth until her mandate ended.

The body of the late Aline Hanson was carried on the shoulders of members of the Territorial Police in a white casket. As the body reached the Marigot Catholic Church the building filled up within moments while several persons who went to pay their last respects sat under tents outside of the church while others stood up in the parking area.

It was clear that the foundations, associations and several other services were grateful for the services the former President gave to her island, as they all sent wreaths to show their gratitude.

Click Here to view more photos of the Home Going Ceremony of former President Aline Hanson
PHILIPSBURG:--- The mother of an LPN student that is attending NIPA said she never filed any complaint with the schools social worker against any teacher or students that were part of a WhatsApp chat group. Kerry Heron told SMN News on Wednesday evening that she felt bound to speak out after hearing the statements made by the Minister of Education on Wednesday. Mrs. Kerry Heron said she went to NIPA with her daughter seeking the assistance of the social worker to speak to her daughter after she learned that her daughter was starting a relationship with a male student at the school. She said as long as her daughter is living in her home she is the captain that will steer the ship when it comes to raising her children. Mrs. Heron said that this is not the time for her daughter to have a boyfriend and when she spoke to her daughter she was giving her some backchats which led to her slapping her in her mouth. The mother said that she was raised on good Christian principles and her children are also raised on the same principles. Heron said she would not allow anyone to tell her how to raise her children because she worked hard and as long as her children live under her roof they have to abide by her rules. The mother who was obviously angry said that she takes control over her children and her daughter does not have her own phone and that the WhatsApp group is on the family cellular phone. She said all messages that are sent in the group she reads them because she was told that the group was created for school purposes. However, one weekend she saw a student shared a pornographic video in the group and she began speaking to the students, two of which she said was extremely rude to her. She said the teacher Ms. Farrah Busy-Richardson who was ill at the time entered the chat and called on her students to stop the conversation they were having. The mother said while speaking to the Social worker the issue regarding the WhatsApp conversation came up but she did not file any complaint against anyone, not the teacher or the students. She said if the Social Worker said she filed a complaint then that Social Worker would have to provide her with a copy of the complaint with her signature.

Mrs. Heron said that she was a single parent that worked hard to raise her three children and at no time she would allow her 18-year-old daughter to have a boyfriend.

SMN News reporter asked the mother if she ever physically abused her daughter after hearing that she had a male friend, the mother said that she did slap her daughter in her mouth twice because she was speaking to her daughter and her daughter was rude to her and that is something she will not tolerate. The mother said that she is raising her children based on Christian principles whereby they must respect and honor their parents. She even went on to quote verses from the Bible where it states that children must obey, respect and honor their parents.

Heron said that if parents on St. Maarten were raising the children the way they were raised then the island would have less crime, death of young adults and far less teenage pregnancy. She made clear that no police or government officials could tell her how to raise her children because none of them knew how hard she worked as a single parent to raise her children. Furthermore, she said she never abused her children, especially her daughter, but admitted that when her daughter was giving her backchats she slapped her in her mouth.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Parliament invites the public to send in nominations for the Annual President of Parliament Award. The application documents are on the Parliaments website. Persons have until August 15, 2017, to submit their nominations. The website address is: www.sxmparliament.org and can be found under the documents section of the site. Select the link and you will be able to download the application form.

The purpose of the award is to honor young persons on Sint Maarten that are a great example to the youth and who have contributed positively to the community and the country.

Nominations can be submitted by any citizen of Sint Maarten who believes that the individual that he/she is nominating meets the criteria.

The eligibility criteria are: the candidate must have the Dutch nationality and/or has been legally residing in Sint Maarten for 10-years or more consecutively, and has been registered in the Civil Registry for that period of time; must be between the ages of 15-24 years; has made a worthwhile contribution to the development of the community and the country; these contributions/achievements must have taken place within the last three years; contributions/achievements must have been made while the individual was acting as a private citizen, not as an appointed or elected government official; and must have demonstrated capacity for leadership and ability to motivate.

An award committee will be established each year consisting of three members of Parliament. Members of the committee will review the nomination documents prior to the selection meeting and select three nominees.

During the selection meeting, the President of Parliament selects the recipient of the award based on the recommendations of the award committee.

The award will be presented yearly to the recipient during the reception ceremony at the Opening of the Parliamentary Year.

Nominations for the Annual President of Parliament may be submitted to The Parliament of Sint Maarten, attention, Annual President of Parliament Award Committee, Wilhelminastraat 1, Philipsburg or via e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Landslides displace three families in Syangja village

Landslides have driven out at least three families at Tamadi in Waling Municipality-14 of Syangja district.
GREAT BAY(DCOMM):--- The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA), said goodbye to Dr. Virginia Asin, head of Collective Preventive Services (CPS)/Chief Medical Officer, a department within the Ministry VSA last week Friday.

Both the Minister of Public Health Emil Lee and the Secretary General of Ministry VSA Joy Arnell, thanked Dr. Virginia Asin, for her tenure an as civil servant at the department, on behalf of the ministry and civil service corps.

Dr. Virginia Asin started working as head of the CPS in January 2012. Prior to filling the aforementioned position, Dr. Asin was Deputy Director of the Ministry of Health of Suriname as well as Head of the Planning Department.

During her five and half year tenure at the Ministry VSA, Dr. Asin along with her staff developed and implemented several plans and programs in both areas of Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) such as a NCD Plan, a National Mental Health Plan, and Ebola Outbreak Prevention Plan, and a Hurricane Preparedness and Control Plan just to mention a few.

Dr. Asin stated that having reached the official age of retirement some two years ago, and even though is retiring from the civil service corps of Sint Maarten, she will not be sitting idle.

Her message to staff last week was: From the time, you start working, you know that at some point in time, the time will come when you will hit that miracle age called retirement age.

For me the time has come and the time is now to say goodbye as a civil servant working for the Government of Sint Maarten. It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve the people of this country and to have shared my experience, my skills, and my knowledge as a professional and personally.

I am not ready to be sitting in the rocking chair to crochet and reminisce on times were when. I have accepted an offer, to serve the communities of the Caribbean countries at the Caribbean Public Health Agency, CARPHA, in Trinidad.

Living and working on Sint Maarten has been an amazing journey and experience. I worked with awesome colleagues, made lifelong friends, and was able to continue to be active as a Scout and a Rotarian, and held the distinct pleasure to enjoy cultural exchanges with brothers and sisters on the island.

The best part of my job was working with you all to bring our information as efficiently and effectively as possible to the public, and I thank you so much for helping me hopefully leave a good legacy behind. Thank you.

Dr. Virginia Asin, is a medical doctor and physical therapist with more than 30-years of experience in the health sector, both in practice and as a lecturer as well as in administration.

She holds a Masters Degree in Public Health with a focus in Health Organization and Planning.

Dr. Asin is also co-author of several scientific publications.

The Ministry wished Dr. Asin much success on her future endeavors and look forward to continued collaboration from her new position.
Pond Island:--- Assuring a fair return for millions of dollars of investment into a brand new island-wide fiber optic network for St. Maarten and the possible sharing of that network with competing carriers was a hot talking point at the opening of the Caribbean Peering & Interconnection Forum (CarPIF) Conference at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino, Wednesday.

Keynote speaker, Bill Woodcock, from the USA, had suggested in his opening remarks that a good model for St. Maarten would be allowing government a 20% share of the newly built fibre infrastructure that government can then sell at a more affordable price than if the prices were left to the incumbent operator alone to determine.

The comment did not sit well with TelEm Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Kendall Dupersoy, who questioned why anyone, government included, would be entitled to a free ride on the new network and as a money-making venture, without making a cent of an investment into that network.

The same way government or anyone else can sell the bandwidth given to them for free, so can TelEm sell and obtain revenues for a proper return on its investment, said Mr. Dupersoy.

The CEO informed the Keynote speaker and others attending the conference that he is even more concerned that should TelEm Group cede any of its network to government or third parties, there would be nothing to stop Cherry-picking by these entities to a point where TelEm, as the supplier of the service, would end up being squeezed out of the same market it has created.

The exchange got hotter after a morning coffee break in a panel discussion that included, Mr. Woodcock, TelEm Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Mrs. Helma Etnel, UTS Chief Operating Officer (COO) Mr. Exi Luijando and Bureau of Telecommunications and Post, St. Maarten Head Technical Department, Mr. Sidney De Weever.

Once again the matter of return on investments came up, but this time with the UTS representative, Mr. Luijando, indicating that the company is all in favor of a shared infrastructure for St. Maarten similar to what the company is currently putting in place in Curacao.

TelEm Groups Mrs. Etnel countered that this may well be the case now, but for quite some years, UTS in Curacao has refused to share its network and is in fact only doing so now that it has already recouped a large share of its own initial investment.

We would also want to be in a position to get back the huge investment we are making and then we can talk about sharing, said the CFO.

She said the debate about sharing would be moot if the same entities who are now keen to share would be just as keen to share in the investments that have to be made now.

It cannot be that we make the investment and they take a free ride and are able to cherry pick all the best paying customers on a network that we have paid for with our own money, said Mrs. Etnel.

Bureau of Telecommunications and Post Representative, Mr. De Weever said the ultimate aim is to provide an infrastructure that is cost effective and affordable to everyone and at the end of the day, the most successful provider will we the one who provides the best service for consumers, since it is service alone that will differentiate providers on a single network.

Shortly before the start of the panel discussion, BTP Director, Mr. Anthony Carty, drew a round of applause from the audience when he championed the cause of a shared network infrastructure that, in his view would be the best for consumers.

At the end of the day it is all about the price for the consumer, said Mr. Carty.

Speaking at the end of the first days session, the BTP Director thanked everyone for their attendance and for the stimulating discussions that have so far taken place. He also offered why the regulator chose to host such a prestigious conference with the full support of the CarPIF.

We recognize the importance of utilizing local Exchange Points to its full potential to expand the Caribbean Internet, said Mr. Carty.

He said creating more awareness about this important matter and getting all stakeholders involved is imperative to make the internet function better and make it more affordable to all.

Apart from the CEO, who also joined a panel discussion during the afternoon session, and the CFO, other TelEm Group and sister company St. Maarten Cable TV Personnel also attended the conference in good numbers.

The CarPIF conference continues at the same venue, tomorrow (Thursday).
Driving wireless innovation at the 22nd Annual Spectrum Summit

Posted by Publisher Telecommunication

 200 delegates from 33 countries worldwide attended Europes largest Annual Spectrum Summit, hosted by LS telcom in Lichtenau / Baden

 Spectrum Summit 2018 on 4th July 2018

Lichtenau/Baden, Germany  Driving wireless innovation was the theme of the 22nd Annual Spectrum Summit concluding yesterday at LS telcoms headquarters in Lichtenau/Baden Wurttemberg, Germany.

The conference featured presentations and panel discussions on spectrum policy, 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), and attracted representatives and thought leaders from regulatory authorities, mobile and broadcast operators, spectrum consultancies, research institutes, and industry associations.

Rupert Pearce, Chairman of ESOA, the Association of satellite operators in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and CEO of Inmarsat, opened the event with his keynote  a thoughtful consideration of the role of spectrum as infrastructure: In the emerging global digital society, connectivity is a mission-critical enabler as important to the planet as clean water. Spectrum is infrastructure  not merely fuel for broadcast and broadband networks, but instead the catalyst for pervasive, interoperable, heterogeneous, ultra-reliable next generation networks which will break down the digital divide and support a more productive, innovative, healthy, safe and fair world.

Representatives from industry, government and international regulatory bodies presented and discussed the challenges of network deployment and future spectrum access for 5G. The challenge of 5G lies in ensuring that the right spectrum is available to operators and service providers who will make the most valuable and efficient use of it. A diverse mix of vendors, operators, verticals, regulators and infrastructure owners will need to work together to truly make the benefits of 5G a reality within the next five years, concluded Saul Friedner, Associate Director Spectrum Services, LS telcom.

The Internet of Things (IoT) took centre stage in the panel discussion moderated by Martin Sims, Managing Director, PolicyTracker (co-organizers of the event). Together, he and his panelists tried to tease out the likely development of IoT and examined whether the existing approach to spectrum, regulation and technology policy can ensure its future success.

The session Digital Terrestrial Television of the future  more or less, moderated by Richard Womersley, Director of Spectrum Services at LS telcom, explored the continuing role of DTT as part of the changing television landscape and examined whether and how DTT will need to adapt to face the challenges of the future.

It became clear from the days presentations and subsequent discussions that many challenges and difficult decisions are still to be made by operators and regulators and that certainty of the spectrum regulation is paramount to the future success of wireless industries, and to satisfy growing demand for widespread connectivity.

James Watson, Manager, Business Analysis, Business Intelligence and Transformation at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), commented: This was my sixth time attending the annual Spectrum Summit. Every year, very well informed speakers give excellent insights into the latest technological and policy developments from many perspectives. This really is a must attend event, if you want to be ahead of trends in spectrum management and the wireless industry, and to network and share experiences with industry colleagues from around the world.

Roland Gotz, COO and board member of LS telcom AG, said: With a wide range of expert speakers presenting various aspects and different points of view on spectrum regulations and technological innovation, combined with profound discussions among international experts, the Spectrum Summit was once again a great opportunity to get first-hand information on the latest radio regulation and technology trends. Having completed 22 successful years and with an ever growing audience, the event is now a firm fixture on the industrys calendar.

The event is followed by several post-conference workshops on smart spectrum efficiency, spectrum-as-a-service, spectrum in the sky and big data. The Spectrum Summit and the post-summit workshops together with the two-day LS telcom USERgroup conference, a forum for LS telcom system and software users, make up a full week of events, which is organized by LS telcom. For the last two years, LS telcom has organized the Spectrum Summit Day together with PolicyTracker.

This year, LS telcom celebrates its 25th company anniversary. In 25 years, the company has developed from a two-man business into an international company employing over 250 highly motivated people.
Cloudian Unveils New Partner Program to Capitalize on Explosive Growth in Unstructured Data

SAN MATEO, CA  (Marketwired)  07/06/17  , the innovation leader in enterprise object storage systems, today announced the Cloudian HyperForce Partners channel program, which was designed to help partners build scale-out object-storage solutions to address their customers unstructured data storage challenges.

The HyperForce Partners channel program reinforces Cloudians commitment to the channel and enables resellers to capitalize on todays exploding need to store and protect unstructured data. Unstructured data is growing 50 percent year over year and now accounts for 80 percent of storage capacity shipped industry-wide.

Cloudian HyperStore provides the industrys most compatible storage platform for unstructured data consolidation, supporting use cases that include data protection, network attached storage (NAS) offload, media archiving, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence (AI) and more. HyperStores cost-effective entry point and modular scalability make it easy for enterprises to get started and then grow seamlessly with expanding demand.

Cloudians HyperForce Partners program makes it easier than ever to build revenues and profits in this high-growth segment, said Arne Quires, president of Emerging Data Group, a Cloudian reseller partner. We have seen first-hand the business potential for unstructured data storage, and Cloudian provides us with the tools, training and support we need to accelerate business opportunities as our customers adopt converged storage solutions.

The Cloudian HyperForce Partners program includes:

Deal registration with enhanced margins to protect opportunities and increase profits

Enhanced partner portal for news, updates, lead passing and deal registration

Market development funds to support demand generation and business-development activities

Assistance from Cloudians highly-trained inside sales team to help develop and qualify leads

Simplified training curriculum with online assets and completion incentives

Customized go-to-market plans, developed by Cloudian marketing advisors, that meet the individual needs of each organization

Cloudian also announced the appointment of Christine Blum as director of channel marketing. Prior to joining Cloudian, Christine spent four years at Pipeline Demand, where she built out channel and marketing campaigns for some of the hottest companies in Silicon Valley. Prior to Pipeline Demand, Christine implemented highly successful international channel and marketing strategies for LogLogic, Birst and SugarCRM.

Cloudian HyperStore generates huge OPEX and CAPEX savings for our customers as they consolidate multiple storage silos to a simple, modular platform that starts small and grows to petabytes, said Blum. The Cloudian HyperForce Partners program now gives partners the tools, training and business model they need to build new ongoing revenue streams while solving their customers unstructured data challenges.

Based in Silicon Valley, Cloudian is the leader in scale-out object storage. Our flagship product, Cloudian HyperStore, enables service providers and enterprises to build reliable, affordable and scalable hybrid cloud storage solutions. Join us on , follow us on Twitter () and , or visit us at .

Rick Popko

10Fold

415-800-5381
Lexington Biosciences Commences Trading on OTC Markets as LXGTF and Introduces Key Board Members

VANCOUVER, BC  (Marketwired)  07/06/17  (CSE: LNB) (CNSX: LNB) (OTC PINK: LXGTF) (the Company or Lexington), a development-stage medical device company operating within the healthcare industry, is pleased to announce it has met the compliance requirements of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and has initiated price quotation on OTC Link under the ticker symbol: LXGTF.

In related news, the Company wishes to introduce two members of its Board; Mr. Rocco Rossi and Mr. Bryan Disher.

Mr. Rossi is a successful entrepreneur and business executive, champion fundraiser, and dedicated public servant and currently serves as President and CEO of Prostate Cancer Canada. His unique blend of experience intersects general management, philanthropy, public policy, politics, business strategy, and new media. As CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation  one of Canadas largest non-profit organizations  from 2004 to 2009, Rossi oversaw four consecutive years of record fundraising raising over $500 million in total and launching many new, life-saving initiatives. His passion for public policy has led him to stand for election both for the position of Mayor of Toronto and for MPP. At Boston Consulting Group, he provided strategic advice to Fortune 500 companies in a wide range of industries in Canada, the U.S. and Europe. Mr. Rossi then joined TORSTAR (publisher of the Toronto Star, one of the largest circulation daily newspapers in North America), in 1996 as Vice-President, Strategic Planning & New Media. As Vice-President, Interactive Media at Labatt from 1999 to 2001, Rossi launched the most popular consumer beer website in the world, beer.com. A past board member of United Way of Greater Toronto, in 2012 he was awarded the Queens Jubilee Medal for his Philanthropic and Community service. Mr. Rossi has a BA (Hons) in political science from McGill University and a Masters of Arts in politics from Princeton University.

Mr. Disher (CPA, CA, ICD.D) spent 38 years with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Canada, Australia and Ukraine. He was admitted to partnership in PwC Canada in 1991 and from 2011 until his retirement in June 2015 was a partner with PwC Central and Eastern Europe, where he served as both Managing Partner of its 400+ person Ukrainian practice and leader of its Ukrainian audit and assurance group. He has assisted companies with initial public offerings and secondary offerings in both Canada and the US, going private transactions, acquisitions, audit, financial reporting and regulatory compliance and filings. He was elected to PwC Canadas Partnership Board in 2001 and his 8 years on the Board included a term as Chair of the Board. In addition to the Lexington Board, Bryan is a Director and Audit Committee Chair of Balmoral Resources Limited and Education: University of New Brunswick, Bachelor of Business Administration. In addition to his duties as a member of the Board of Directors, Mr. Disher has been appointed as the head of the Companys audit committee.

Company President Eric Willis comments, We are very pleased to introduce the balance of our board membership today, as they bring a broad range of expertise and experience which will greatly assist us to advance our planned HeartSentry product development strategy in a timely fashion. We are also delighted to announce our co-listing on the OTC Markets this week, as the increase in visibility within the US financial markets will markedly aid both shareholder accessibility and value. To find out more about Lexington Biosciences, I invite interested readers to and which provides an excellent overview of our business proposition and opportunity ahead.

(CSE: LNB) (OTC PINK: LXGTF)

Lexington Biosciences is a medical device company that is developing the , a new non-invasive diagnostic device to measure and monitor cardiovascular health by assessing the function of a persons vascular  the vital innermost lining of a persons cardiovascular system. Traditionally, this has only been measured using ultrasound and other complex, difficult to use technologies. The HeartSentry technology core research was created at the University of California Berkeley over a fifteen-year period involving many studies and product iterations resulting in a portfolio of multiple pending and issued patents licensed to the company. The company is in the final stages of releasing the developed product for clinical studies. The aim is to make HeartSentry accurate, quick, and cost effective so it can become the standard of care for cardiologists, general practitioners, and ultimately patients for first line evaluation of a persons cardiovascular health. Lexington is engaged with the US FDA and other regulatory agencies on the required product approvals for the HeartSentry. For more information about the company please visit and .

Eric Willis

President & Director

CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMER STATEMENT: The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release.

This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the completion of the listing of the Companys shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as will, may, should, anticipate, expects and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Companys expectations include the failure to satisfy the conditions of the Canadian Securities Exchange and other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulations.

The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable law.

CONTACT:

Lexington Biosciences, Inc.

+1 (800) 320-2640
Teen arrested after gun found at Riley High School

A teenager was detained at the Juvenile Justice Facility on Friday after police say they brought a gun to Riley High School.
NACs plan to wet lease Airbus falls through

Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) faces possible aircraft shortages and flight cancellations as its plan to wet lease an Airbus A319 to substitute for its Boeing 757, which is being sent away for a maintenance check, has fallen through.
Nearly 150 Nepalis arrested in Malaysia

Nearly 150 Nepali workers have been arrested in Malaysia since the authorities launched a crackdown on foreigners working without valid work permit, the Nepali Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has said. The deadline for permit renewal had expired last Friday.
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Paddy transplantation reaches 40pc in Parsa

Farmers have finished transplanting paddy on 40 percent of the farm lands in Parsa, with the monsoon becoming active and good rainfall being experienced in the district. Paddy is planted on 45,600 hectares in the district.
RJP-N scrambles to make sense of its own decision

When the Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal decided to boycott the second phase of local elections and forced the government to reschedule voting in Province 2, it was like a sort of victory at that time.
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For Erdogan, the meeting in Hamburg is an opportunity to show that he is a member in the club of the powerful -- even if he has largely isolated his country due to his erratic foreign policy. Indeed, Turkey has failed in its attempt to assume a position of primacy in the Middle East. In Syria, the country sought unsuccessfully to topple the country's leader Bashar Assad and Saudi Arabian media are accusing Erdogan of supporting terrorists. Egypt has even called for a boycott of Turkey.

Erdogan is also at odds with the United States over the Kurdish question. Washington sees the YPG, the Syrian arm of the banned Kurdish Workers' Party PKK, as its most important ally in Syria in the fight against Islamic State. Turkey, by contrast, considers the YPG to be a terrorist organization. Many in Europe, meanwhile, haven't forgotten his accusations lobbed at Merkel this spring that she was using "Nazi methods" in refusing to allow Turkish government ministers to campaign ahead of the constitutional referendum -- particularly because he said this week in an interview with France 24 that he didn't regret making those comments.

Domestically, Erdogan's authoritarian chest-thumping has done him no harm and his supporters admire his self-confident tone when speaking to foreign leaders. On the long term, though, Turkey can't afford to go it alone against the rest of the world.
At the same time, he said, "we need each other." Still, there is little to suggest that the Turkish president will seek to strike a conciliatory tone during his private meeting with Merkel on Thursday. Instead, he is likely to reaffirm his accusation that Germany has been too lax in its approach to the Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK), and that Berlin has given reprieves -- in the form of political asylum -- to members of the Gulen movement, which is considered a terrorist organization in Turkey as well as the mastermind behind the 2016 coup attempt. The first anniversary of the failed putsch attempt is on July 15 -- reason enough for Erdogan to flex his muscles inside the circle of G-20 leaders.

Tensions with Vladimir Putin have also become something of a routine in Germany. Together with French President Emmanuel Macron, Merkel also wants to have yet another serious discussion with Putin about the enduring Ukraine conflict. But there is little expectation that Putin will be ready to make any concessions on that front.

And for Putin, his first personal meeting with Trump, scheduled for Friday morning, is anyway more important than the summit itself. During his election campaign, Trump had pledged rapprochement with Moscow if he got elected, but so far the two nuclear powers haven't grown any closer. But they have plenty of issues to discuss -- the war in Syria, the situation in Ukraine and, not least, suspicions that Russia tried to manipulate the U.S. election.

When Trump and Putin meet in Hamburg, the world will be watching in suspense. As Merkel well knows, the radio silence between the two so far has complicated the resolution of international crises. If the two finally manage to find a basis for continued dialogue in Hamburg, the summit's hostess could also chalk that up as a success.
Indeed, it would be a tremendous stretch to speak of a "great relationship" between the U.S. and Russia at the moment. And that is bad news for the rest of the world. Nor is it a particularly good omen for their Friday face-to-face on the sidelines of the G-20 (keep up with current developments with our rolling blog here ).

It would certainly be a clever bit of diplomacy were Trump to engage in a modicum of flattery with his Russian counterpart. Moscow still hasn't forgiven or forgotten Barack Obama's derogatory remark about Russia being a "regional power." The country's age-old yearning for international respect hasn't diminished.
Adil Oksuz opens the secret meeting in Ankara with a prayer. According to witness testimony given to state prosecutors, the group then goes through the final details of the plan that Ozkuz has prepared: A team of elite soldiers is to take President Erdogan into custody and bring him to a ship on the Mediterranean. Hulusi Akar, the head of the army, is to be convinced to lead the coup. Some of the meeting participants express doubts about the plan's prospects for success. "Let's not invite Satan in with negative thoughts," says coup planner Oksuz, according to his indictment.

Monday, July 11, 2016

Ataturk Airport

Istanbul, 6:45 a.m.

Adil Oksuz takes off on Turkish Airlines Flight 003 for New York. Sitting in the same plane is Kemal Batmaz, a former manager of the Gulen-controlled company Kaynak. State prosecutors believe that Oksuz and Batmaz flew to the U.S. to get Gulen's final approval for the coup attempt, but they have no evidence for their supposition. It has been established, however, that Oksuz and Batmaz returned to Turkey two days later in the same airplane. Security cameras show the two arriving back at Ataturk Airport in Istanbul.

Friday, July 15, 2016

Guvercinlik Military Airport

Ankara, in the morning

Pilot Osman Karaca returns earlier than planned from his camping vacation on the Aegean Sea. He is picked up by a major. That is the story that Karaca would later tell investigators. The major asked him to turn off his mobile phone before saying: "I know that you belong to the Gulen movement. We are activating tonight. I will pick up (intelligence chief) Hakan Fidan with the helicopter. Much blood will flow."

Karaca has admitted that he was once a follower of Gulen and that he lived in a residential complex belonging to the movement -- and that in the military, he would meet with members of the movement every two weeks. But he disassociated himself from the Gulen community and now he is overcome with doubts. He sneaks out of the barracks and takes a taxi to the headquarters of the Turkish intelligence agency MIT.

Intelligence Headquarters

Ankara, 2:20 p.m.

Four officials question the pilot and ask him what he thinks is in the works. He answers: "It will be a large action, perhaps even a coup."

At this point, at the latest, MIT is aware that a coup could be in the making. Intelligence head Hakan Fidan is considered a confidante of Erdogan's, but in this fateful moment, the only person he informed was the deputy head of the army.

According to his own testimony, the intelligence chief first spoke on the phone with Erdogan only hours later, at 10 p.m. Did he not trust the source? Or did he conceal the truth to protect the president? Fidan still hasn't provided a sufficient answer to that question.

Akinci Air Force Base

Ankara, early afternoon

Commander Hakan Evrim sends some of his soldiers home earlier than usual. Only those who later take part in the plot against Erdogan remain. Coup participants use encrypted text messages to order other co-conspirators to the base. Only those who know the password "Peace at Home" are allowed to pass through the entrance. As the day progresses, all of the alleged coup leaders make their way to Akinci:

Four-star general Akin Ozturk, the former commander of the air force. According to federal prosecutors, he is the one who delivered the order to start the coup attempt.

Major-General Mehmet Disli, brother of Saban Disli, the deputy head of Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP).

Lieutenant-Colonel Muzaffer Duzenli. He will lead the operation by telephone from Istanbul.

Along with 35 additional officers, the three are part of the "Peace at Home" council. The name is a reference to Ataturk's slogan "peace at home, peace in the world." Civilians are not allowed access to military facilities in Turkey, but coup planners and Gulen confidante Oksuz are nevertheless present in the Akinci base on July 15. Later, he will claim to have been looking at farmland to buy not far from the military base.

Security cameras will also record Kemal Batmaz, the former Gulen manager who returned from the U.S. together with Oksuz two days earlier, walking through the base on the night of the coup and consulting with soldiers.

Military Headquarters

Ankara, 6 p.m.

Almost four hours after the informant's visit to MIT, intelligence chief Hakan Fidan seeks out Chief of the General Staff Hulusi Akar and warns him that soldiers are planning an attack. According to members of the coup investigative committee in Turkish parliament, Akar's reaction is astoundingly composed; he merely issues a no-fly order to the military.

To this day, observers are puzzled by the passive attitude adopted by the chief of the general staff. Did he misjudge the situation? Did he want to lure the conspirators into a trap? Or was he driven by other motivations?

Coup participants in military headquarters learn of the meeting between Fidan and Akar. According to the indictment, they notify their headquarters in the Akinci base. As a result, the order is issued to participating soldiers to launch the coup six hours earlier than originally planned. The move will ultimately prove to be a fatal error, because it will allow Erdogan to mobilize the population against the conspirators. Had the coup taken place in the early morning hours, that likely would not have been possible.

Hotel Grand Yazici Club Turban

Marmaris, around 8 p.m.

President Erdogan is on vacation on the Aegean coast together with his wife Emine, daughter Esra, her husband, Energy Minister Berat Albayrak, and his three grandchildren. In a later interview, Erdogan will say that his brother-in-law informed him on the phone of "problems with soldiers" in Istanbul. According to the president's version of events, Erdogan tries to reach intelligence chief Fidan, but is allegedly unable to get ahold of him.

The Turkish president governs his country like a despot. But he says he only learned of the coup attempt from his brother-in-law that evening? Erdogan's account supports suspicions that he knew of the coup earlier than he claims, but allowed it to go ahead to reap the political benefits.

Military Headquarters

Ankara, 8:30 p.m.

Intelligence chief Fidan and the chief of the general staff go their separate ways. Fidan has hardly left military headquarters before Major General Mehmet Disli shows up at the site. Disli, 55, is head of the general staff's strategy department. Witnesses will later describe him to public prosecutors as a Gulen follower.

At around 9 p.m., Disli knocks on the office door of Chief of the General Staff Akar to try to convince him to lead the coup. That is the story Akar will tell investigators later, backed up by the testimony of other officers who were in the room during the conversation. Disli himself claims not to be involved in the coup, but says he has been forced to speak with Akar by the conspirators.

Akar refuses to join the coup. "Who are you? Are you crazy?" he yells. Additional members of the plot show up, put Akar in handcuffs and take him to coup headquarters at the Akinci base by helicopter. According to Akar's later testimony, Commander Evrim offers to put him in touch with Gulen.

Guvercinlik Military Airport

Ankara, 9:30 p.m.

Karaca, the man who informed the intelligence service of the impending coup, has returned to base. The major says to him: "We have to take off (for Akinci) immediately!"

Soldiers jostle their way into the barracks. Bullet-proof vests, night-vision goggles, machine guns and ammunition are lying on a table. Karaca takes advantage of the chaos to leave the barracks unnoticed. He calls his contact person at intelligence and informs him of the planned flight to Akinci.

Bosphorus Bridge

Istanbul, around 10 p.m.

Volkan Koc, head of the news website Haberdar, is on his way home from a party when he sees that soldiers are blocking the entrance to the Bosphorus Bridge. He asks why and is curtly told: "A state of emergency has been imposed, effective immediately." The 30-year-old journalist has always dreamed of landing a scoop and he grabs his phone and dictates to his newsroom: "Military imposes state of emergency." Koc becomes the first journalist to report on the coup attempt.

AKP politicians call Major General Disli on his mobile phone, wanting to know what is going on. The officer brushes them off. He doesn't contact his brother, deputy AKP head Saban Disli. Later, he will say he didn't have his number.

Esenboga Airport

Ankara, around 10 p.m.

Air-traffic controllers receive a message from their counterparts at the Akinci Air Force Base telling them that two F-16 fighters, Lowe 1 and Lowe 2, will be passing over Ankara at an altitude of 21,000 feet. The pilot of Lowe 1 says that it is a "special mission."

A short time later, low-altitude jets roar over the Turkish capital. The Esenboga air traffic controllers demand an explanation and their counterparts at Akinsi say that the F-16 pilots have switched off their transponders and could no longer be reached. Plus, they say, two additional jets have taken off.

Bosphorus Bridge

Istanbul, 10:20 p.m.

General Umit Dundar, commander of the First Army, tries in vain to reach the chief of the general staff and his deputy. Ultimately, he drives to the Bosphorus Bridge, but turns around when he sees that the entrance is blocked by soldiers. That, at least, is what he will later testify.

The coup participants view Dundar as one of their most important adversaries and use a WhatsApp group to call on their comrades to hunt him down. "Take the commander into custody, no matter what it takes," one colonel writes.

Ataturk Airport

Istanbul, around 10:45 p.m.

Opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu has just landed in Istanbul when he learns of the coup from his press spokesperson. He turns to the deputy head of the AKP, who is sitting next to him in the front row of the Turkish Airlines plane, and utters a sentence that will play a significant role in the events of that night: "We are opposed to the coup."

Kilicdaroglu and his AKP counterpart are led across the tarmac to the VIP area. They are then able to avoid the coup plotters and make their way into the city. On television that same night, Kilicdaroglu will criticize the military's grab for power.

Riot Police Headquarters Bayrampasa Barracks

Istanbul, 10:50 p.m.

The government wants to mobilize riot police, but the rebels have blocked the building's exit with a tank. On the coup group on WhatsApp, Lieutenant-Colonel Duzenli, who is coordinating the operation in Istanbul, writes: "The police may not leave Bayrampasa under any circumstances. Do what is necessary."

Black Sea Region,

around 11 p.m.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim departs Istanbul to drive back to Ankara. But the streets are partly under the control of the putschists. "We can't go any further," Yildirim's bodyguards warn. The prime minister doesn't know what to do and is afraid that they could be attacked from the air. On the search for safety, Yildirim and his entourage hide in a darkened tunnel construction site on the Black Sea and stay there for hours. In a telephone interview with broadcaster NTV, he confirms that part of the military has launched a coup against the government.

Saturday, July 16, 2016

Office of the Prime Minister

Ankara, shortly after midnight

Nine ministers gather for a crisis meeting. "Let's be prepared to die," says one of the meeting participants, according to a later report in the Turkish media.

On state television broadcaster TRT, a newsreader is coerced into reading a statement by the coup plotters. "Democracy based on the separation of powers has been eliminated. We can no longer fulfill our duties under these conditions. We have taken control under the motto: Peace at home, peace in the world."

Istanbul, during the same period of time

The coup plotters capture Ataturk Airport, the Borsa stock exchange and the state television station. They encircle the local offices of the governing AKP party. They appear to be close to achieving a breakthrough. "Anyone who opposes our acts will be dealt with harshly," coup leader Duzenli writes on WhatsApp. "This is the order."

Hotel Grand Yazici Club Turban

Marmaris, 12:24 a.m.

Rumors are swirling that Erdogan is dead or has fled, but then he suddenly appears on television on CNN Turk. He conducts the interview using Facetime from his vacation destination. The president's image is unclear and blurred, but Erdogan is nonetheless recognizable. He calls on the people to resist the military and implores them to "go to the streets and give them their answer."

The stakes are high for the president, who risks the deaths of thousands of people with his appeal.

At this point, Erdogan wants to return to Ankara, but following a conversation with Umit Dundar, the commander of the First Army, he changes his plan. "Mr. President, I am loyal to you," Dundar tells him on the telephone. "Come to Istanbul and I will guarantee your safety."

A helicopter takes Erdogan and his family to the nearest airport in Dalaman. The pilot flies low in order to avoid radar and without any lights on.

Istanbul, 12:52 a.m.

General Dundar brings his own troops into position against the coup plotters. He gives a telephone interview to the TV station A Haber. "This coup attempt is the work of a small group of soldiers. It is not supported by the Turkish army," he says. Dundar's statement marks a turning point. For the first time, it becomes clear that large parts of the military will position themselves against the coup's plotters.

Dalaman Airport, around 1:30 a.m.

Erdogan and his family board the president's jet, a Gulfstream IV, for the flight to Istanbul. The pilot changes the aircraft's call letters from TC-ATA to THY 8456 to deceive the putschists. But Erdogan's plane is nevertheless pursued by F-16 jets. There is no point during this night that the rebels will come closer to killing the president.

The fact that they didn't do so remains a mystery to this day. It will later be reported that the fighter pilot possibly balked out of concern the aircraft might be a passenger jet.

As the aircraft reaches Istanbul, the runway is dark. The pilot circles over the city. But Istanbul's police chief ensures the president that his people can capture the tower within 15 minutes. Erdogan decides to land.

Istanbul, 1:45 a.m.

Politics have never really interested 35-year-old computer programmer Sabri Unal and he rarely votes. But when he hears about the coup attempt on Twitter, he heads out onto the streets. Thousands of people have gathered in the city's Uskudar district. The mosques are summoning the people on government orders to resist the coup attempt. Unal wants to continue on to the Bosporus Bridge, at which point he hears a man shout "Get down! They're shooting." Then he sees a tank rolling toward him. Unal is unable to get out of the way. He throws himself to the ground. Video footage shows two tanks rolling over him.

Pressure on the rebels mounts. "We have shot 20-30 people, but our guys at the 2nd bridge are struggling," one major laments on WhatsApp. Around 3,000 to 4,000 protesters occupy AKP headquarters in Istanbul and civilians at Ataturk Airport are putting up resistance.

Coup leader Duzenli issues the order that: "Crowds that have gathered will be fired on." A comerade of his agrees. "Crush them, burn them, "he says. "No compromise."

Parliament

Ankara, 2:35 a.m.

Mustafa Yeneroglu, a member of parliament with AKP, is working together with representatives of all the country's political parties on a joint statement opposing the coup as soldiers begin firing on the parliament building from the air. The parliamentarians flee to a safe room in the basement.

Yeneroglu follows on his mobile phone as coup organizers bomb the presidential palace and the headquarters of the intelligence service. He sends a text message to his wife, who is together with her children in Germany, where he himself grew up. "Stay strong, take care of the children," he writes.

Hotel Grand Yazici Club Turban

Marmaris, 3 a.m.

Helicopter units controlled by the coup plotters are set to take off from the Taurus Mountains to fly to the site where the president is vacationing in an attempt to capture Erdogan. But security forces stop all air traffic. The putschists instead send soldiers from Izmir.
Uncertainty persists over stalled vote count in Dharan

The stalled vote count in Dharan Sub-metropolis did not resume on Wednesday as well.
Bir Lehlu, July 06, 2017 (SPS) - the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and the Frente POLISARIO has strongly condemned in a statement the decision of the Moroccan government to decide to include Saharawi territorial waters in its territory.

"The government of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and the Frente POLISARIO consider that the bill adopted today by the Moroccan government, which delimits the border between Western Sahara and the Canaries, is null," stresses the statement from the Ministry of Saharawi Information.

The Saharawi government considered that the decision adopted today by the Moroccan government "constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and the status of Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory, registered in the UN Decolonization Committee," the statement said. The decision contradicts "the decision of the International Court of Justice of 1975 and the judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union, which established that Western Sahara and Morocco are distinct territories."

Finally, the Saharawi government argues that "this decision without political and legal effects at the international level, is a flight forward with the objective of hiding the difficult situation that Morocco is experiencing at the internal, African and international levels," the statement concludes. SPS

125/090/TRA
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TRUMBULL  A New Jersey-based developer is turning a property with an empty office building in a neighborhood struggling with high commercial vacancies into a 202-unit apartment complex.

Continental Properties, which opened The Mark apartments in Shelton last year, plans to start construction on the high-density complex in Trumbull next March, according to Planning and Zoning Commission minutes. The development team is led by Continentals Howard Rappaport.

The project is expected to be built in three phases and completed by 2021.

To make way for the apartment structure, the existing three-story, 79,000-square-foot office building at 100 Oakview Drive will be demolished, said Rina Bakalar, the towns economic development director. The building has been vacant for about a year, since Canon Solutions America moved its offices out.

The new $30 million development will consist of 119 two-bedroom apartments and 83 one-bedroom units, a 6,400-square-foot clubhouse with a fitness center, an outdoor pool and recreation area.

Stanley Gniazdowski, a consultant for the developer and president of Realty Corps in Guilford, was hired to assess the need for the housing, according to Zoning Commission minutes. He recommended monthly rents for the market-rate development ranging from $1,600 for the one-bedroom units and $2,000 a month for two-bedroom apartments.

The commission recently approved the development, which also involved changing the zone designation from industrial to a multifamily overlay zone.

Bakalar called the building on the site obsolete and said it was unlikely any other office tenant would have been interested in moving in.

She noted that the office market in that neighborhood is experiencing high vacancy rates, with several foreclosures, Canons departure last year and Sacred Heart Universitys recent decision to move its programs down the road to the former General Electric property in Fairfield, which it acquired late last year.

You have a high amount of vacancy and one of the ideas taking hold, not just in Trumbull but throughout the country, is mixing use, she said.

Already a prospective commercial tenant has expressed interest in taking up space within a nearby property, citing the proposed development as a draw to the area, Bakalar said. She declined to name the business because of the preliminary nature of the negotiations.

I think the housing is going to support some of the businesses, Bakalar said.

Anthony Chory, the only member of the Zoning Commission to vote against the project, in an interview with Hearst Connecticut Media said the project is too dense for Trumbull and sets a bad precedent.

He said that while Trumbull has in the past established a four-unit maximum per acre for its apartment buildings, this proposal has the equivalent of 20 units per acre. He also raised concerns about losing one of the few remaining industrial properties in town.

Bakalar said it is good for the town to offer housing options. She noted most of the town is made up of three- and four-bedroom single-family houses. Its a very good project, she said.

She also noted that the tax bill for the property will be a boon for the town, even with a partial tax abatement granted to the developer. Even with the abatement, in year one the tax yield will be more than the highest tax yield (ever) on that property, she said.

At its peak, the tax bill for the site was roughly $228,000, Bakalar said. In the first year, while construction is under way, the tax bill for the site will be more than $300,000, a number that will rise to $900,000 in about a decade, she added.

Chory, however, said he questioned the actual tax impact when considering that the tenants there will be using town services. He said the estimate that the complex would only have about 16 school-aged children seemed too low.

Its just going to be a dramatic change in Trumbull, he said.

ktorres@hearstmediact.com; 203-330-6227
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A political line has been drawn in the sand this summer, with the governors of Connecticut and New Jersey taking opposite sides on whether to keep state beaches open during a budget impasse  and throwing shade at each other.

Connecticut still has no budget agreement, but Democrat Dannel P. Malloy signed an executive order last week to avert a government shutdown and keep state beaches and parks open for now.

Contrast that with Republican Chris Christie, who basked in the sunshine with his family at a New Jersey state beach over the weekend that was closed to the public because of a budget standoff in Trenton.

By July 4, a budget deal was in place and the beaches reopened, but not before Christie became an internet meme inspiration and got a sunburn from critics, including his longtime adversary Malloy.

It turned out to be a whale of a story, Malloy told Hearst Connecticut Media Thursday. Ultimately, I thought it was a bullying type move. We should not try to punish our citizens for ... governments failures. (Christie) can read from whatever governors (manual) he reads from. I dont know why punishing his citizens was deemed an appropriate way to put pressure on anyone.

Christies spokesman Brian Murray said Malloy is hardly in a position to be telling New Jerseys governor how to run his state.

As Governor Malloy drives GE to Massachusetts and Aetna to New York due to eight years of his failed tax-and-spend policies, he should probably focus on emulating New Jerseys success with an unemployment rate nearly a full point lower than Connecticuts, Murray said. Despite his misguided comments, we would be happy to give him a seminar on how to grow an economy rather than destroy jobs, as he has done for his entire tenure as governor.

The animosity between Malloy and Christie has defined their overlapping tenures, with Christie campaigning for Malloys GOP opponent, Tom Foley, in 2010 and 2014, when Christie led the Republican Governors Association. Malloy is the current head of the Democratic Governors Association.

From whose state has a better business climate to gun control, the gubernatorial adversaries have clashed early and often, which made the following observation from Malloy Thursday about the budget impasse in New Jersey a rare cease-fire.

Now Ill give him credit. They got a budget, Malloy said.

Connecticut lawmakers arent scheduled to reconvene until July 18 for a special session to try to close a $5 billion, two-year budget deficit. Admission and camping fees collected at Connecticut parks and beaches, Malloy said, are enough to sustain state-run recreational facilities. State beaches were such a popular destination during the weekend, the governor said, that they reached capacity early in the day.

Tess Marchant-Shapiro, an associate political science professor at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, said the image of Christie frolicking in the sand will be remembered more than the governors ability to consummate a budget deal.

Christie did manage to parlay (the beach closure) into an agreement this week, which was astounding to me, Marchant-Shapiro said. Certainly, I think Malloys strategy was wiser.

Christie and his family were photographed from a plane by NJ Advance Media Sunday on an empty beach in Berkeley Township, where there is an official summer residence for the governor at Island Beach State Park. Christie has said the residence is separate from the park and that he didnt use any state services there.

But Marchant-Shapiro said Christies response to reporters when questioned about the visual of the first family of New Jersey having the beach all to itself didnt help the governor.

That line that he made, Well if you want to be on the beaches, why dont you run for governor? Thats just not a politic thing to say, she said.

As for Malloys holiday weekend, he said it was no day at the beach.

If I was gonna go to the beaches, I would have tried to go to New Jersey, he said, sarcastically.

nvigdor@hearstmediact.com; 203-625-4436; http://twitter.com/gettinviggy
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The American Red Cross has issued an emergency call for blood donors in response to a summer shortage including two in Stamford.

The Red Cross has scheduled blood drives for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., this Saturday July 8 and Saturday July 22 at the Tully Health Center, 32 Strawberry Hill Ct., Stamford.

In the past two months the Red Cross has had 61,000 fewer donations than needed, causing a significant draw down of the Red Cross blood supply. The shortfall is the equivalent of the Red Cross not collecting any blood donations for more than four days.

Its crucial that people donate now to meet the needs of patients every day and to be prepared for emergencies that require significant volumes of donated blood, said Kelly Isenor, communications manager of the Connecticut Blood Services Region. Every day, blood and platelet donors can help save lives, and right now these heroes are needed to give as soon as possible.

To schedule an appointment to donate, use the free Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The Red Cross has added more than 25,000 additional appointment slots at donation centers and community blood drives across the country over the next few weeks to accommodate more donors. Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help reduce the time it takes to donate.

Blood shortages often worsen around Independence Day due to many fewer volunteer-hosted blood drives at places of work, worship or community gathering, and this year is no exception. Nearly 700 fewer blood drives are scheduled during the Independence Day week than the weeks before and after the holiday.

Below is a full schedule of scheduled Red Cross blood drives in the county through July 25:

Bridgeport

7/5/2017: 12:15 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Bridgeport Hospital, 267 Grant Street

7/5/2017: 7:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m., Bridgeport Hospital, 267 Grant Street

7/10/2017: 1 p.m. - 6:15 p.m., Burroughs Community Center, 2470 Fairfield Avenue

Brookfield

7/14/2017: 1 p.m. - 6:15 p.m., Raymour & Flanigan, 14 Candlewood Lake Road

Danbury

7/17/2017: 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Union Savings Bank, 225 Main Street

7/19/2017: 12:15 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Danbury Hospital, Hospital Ave

7/19/2017: 7:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m., Danbury Hospital, Hospital Ave

Darien

7/13/2017: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Noroton Presbyterian Church, 2011 Post Road

Easton

7/8/2017: 8 a.m. - 1:15 p.m., Easton Volunteer Fire Company, 1 Center Road

Fairfield

7/5/2017: 1 p.m. - 6:15 p.m., Trinity Baptist Church, 300 North Benson Road

7/11/2017: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Fairfield Police, 100 Reef Rd

7/20/2017: 1:30 p.m. - 7 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Center, 1719 Post Road

Greenwich

7/10/2017: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Temple Sholom, 300 East Putnam Avenue

Monroe

7/8/2017: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Beacon Hill Evangelical Free Church, 371 Old Zoar Road

7/20/2017: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Dunkin Donuts / Baskin Robbins, 135 Main Street

New Canaan

7/18/2017: 1 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Saint Mark's Church, 111 Oenoke Ridge Road

New Fairfield

7/18/2017: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., New Fairfield Company A Volunteer Fire Department, 302 Ball Pond Road

Newtown

7/5/2017: 1:15 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St.

7/5/2017: 8:30 a.m. - 1:45 p.m., Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St.

Norwalk

7/16/2017: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Temple Shalom, 259 Richards Street

7/21/2017: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Norwalk Hospital, Maple Street

Redding Center

7/12/2017: 12:45 p.m. - 6 p.m., First Church of Christ, Congregational, 25 Cross Hwy, P.O Box 1055

Ridgefield

7/6/2017: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., St. Stephens Church, 351 Main Street

Shelton

7/7/2017: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 188 Rocky Rest Road

7/14/2017: 8 a.m. - 1:45 p.m., R.D. Scinto Towers, 2 Corporate Drive

Wilton

7/10/2017: 1 p.m. - 6:15 p.m., Wilton Congregational Church, 70 Ridgefield Rd.
There has been a lot of hype surrounding consumer-based chatbots over the past 12 months. They're now being adopted by a multitude of brands for customer care, marketing and sales purposes. However, with most businesses focused on consumer chatbots, many are missing the various other ways bots can be adopted. New conversational business platforms are making it easy for enterprises to adapt and change with enterprise chatbots.

Chatbots for internal enterprise and business-to-business (B2B) applications are currently making strides to improve productivity and efficiency for numerous company activities. So that you don't miss out, I've highlighted some of the most prominent ways enterprise chatbots could change the future of work for the better.

Related: How to Create a Facebook Messenger Chatbot For Free Without Coding

Automating Tasks

Automating tasks is what the future of work is all about. Businesses of all kinds are looking for ways to automate their processes in order to better use their resources, thus increasing their return on investment (ROI).

This new wave of automation is expected to take over certain tasks that many thought to be immune to technological advancements, such as administrative or office work. Enterprise chatbots will help streamline various projects by automating routine and repetitive tasks.

Related: Top 10 Best Chatbot Platform Tools to Build Chatbots for Your Business

Interacting with suppliers.

Aside from helping automate certain internal and external tasks, enterprise chatbots have now been used to communicate directly with, and help suppliers and vendors. Organizations can train their new virtual assistants to do things like:

Answer basic queries

Give information about invoices

Share payment details, such as dates, amounts, etc.

Instead of investing time and money into training a separate customer care team, companies can allocate their human resources to other, more important tasks, leaving their chatbot to provide assistance to vendors, suppliers, as well as third parties.

Related: 7 Ways Chatbots Can Benefit Your Marketing Strategy

Engaging recruits

Enterprise chatbots are also proving to be a formidable tool for increasing recruitment opportunities. Using a combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP), you can:

Vet job applicants based on qualifications and job criteria

Answer applicant questions

Free up your human resources to complete projects, close deals, and finalize contracts

Automate your overall recruitment processes

While complete automation will be challenging, as recruits do need to be examined by authoritative figures within your company, the help with this initial screening process will most likely significantly cut labor costs.

Related: Top 7 Chatbot Monetization Strategies You Need to Know

Serving internal users with HR needs.

Human resources (HR) is an important department within every company, but some of your HR team's processes could easily be automated with the help of a chatbot. Creating a virtual HR agent will help with answering employee questions regarding various HR programs, pay, and other benefits.

Aside from answering questions, an enterprise chatbot could be a more productive way to distribute work schedules. You could also make it so employees are able to schedule time off as well as inform managers about sick leave or other unplanned days off.

Related: 10 Metrics Your Chatbot Should Track to Optimize User Experience

Empowering financial departments.

The amount of data that a chatbot can gather is still something most cannot comprehend. While analyzing said data is proving to still be challenging, enterprise chatbots are able to provide financial departments with algorithms that offer deeper insight into how the company is performing, from sales to expenses, and virtually everything in between.

Not only this, the automation process is making financial reporting and accounting statement preparation increasingly easier, freeing up time to focus on more strategic progress in specific areas in accordance with the various algorithms created by the chatbot itself.

Related: How Chatbots Will Evolve In One Simple Flowchart (Infographic)

Changing the traditional eight-hour work day.

In addition to the above, enterprise chatbots are slowly redefining people's jobs as a whole. The traditional eight-hour workday is expected to go through some serious changes. With the help of these machines, employees and company executives will no longer be confined to their cubicles and usual working hours.

Enterprise chatbots are creating a new hyper-connected network whereby job descriptions are becoming more specific, and as a business leader, you need to be prepared to invest more into your learning programs in order to upskill your employees for maximum efficiency. I believe this new wave of work is likely to enable many to pursue various projects simultaneously, thus opening up new opportunities for entrepreneurship.

Related: Pretty Soon, Chatbots Will Be Able to Understand How You're Feeling

Serving as digital virtual assistants to employees.

As we've now established, chatbots can be used for much more than improving communications with our customers. We can now use them to help our employees, which will, in turn, have a positive impact on company morale.

Enterprise chatbots can be used as digital virtual assistants to help teams excel. Aside from being able to take on some of their workloads, the chatbot can use the data it gathers to evaluate productivity levels. These chatbots will bring individual contextualization to each team member which is likely to bring forward positive change by:

Evaluating how each member's time is spent

Making recommendations to improve productivity in specific areas of work

Suggesting best practices for improving the quality of their work

Choose the right enterprise chatbot-building platform.

For an enterprise chatbot to be successful, it needs to be available across a multitude of channels and integrate with various business systems, for example, customer relationship management (CRM) and supply chain management (SCM) systems.

Luckily, today, you no longer have to have extensive coding or programming knowledge. Instead, you need to have a clear vision of the employee, vendor, supplier, and customer needs you want to address. From there, you can use a chatbot-building platform, to do all the groundwork.

Finally

Enterprise chatbots are expected to have a significant impact on the future of work. While many are concerned about their jobs, chatbots are not here to take over the world. On the contrary, they're here to make tasks easier. Businesses are embracing chatbots, and not just for customer care purposes. With this, I expect companies of all kinds to become more efficient, productive, and successful while enabling employees to thrive in ways we never knew possible...until now.

Related:

Enterprise Chatbots Platforms and the Future of Work

Microsoft's 'Zo' Chatbot Picked Up Some Offensive Habits

These Celebrity Chatbots Are Bringing your Favourite Characters to Life



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com


Valleys heritage sites stare at Unesco danger list

A team of experts from Unesco is holding a meeting in Krakow of Poland to decide whether Kathmandu Valley, devastated by a massive earthquake in 2015, should go onto the Unesco list of World Heritage in danger.
S tepping into the job of leader of Kensington and Chelsea council is a thankless task following the Grenfell tragedy, as Elizabeth Campbell must have known. But in her first interview, in this paper today, she also appears to know what she can and cannot achieve. Its a good start.

First, Mrs Campbell has to handle the raw human anger that so many people died in this terrible fire. She should focus on local residents who lost family members, suffered injury or who will live with the trauma of that night. Every assistance should be provided to help them, rehouse them, and she was right to visit them yesterday.

What Mrs Campbell and the borough cannot do is identify why, in the 21st century, a kitchen fire became an inferno. That is for a public inquiry, although if the opposition to any plausible candidate who might chair it continues, it will take even longer to find out the truth.

Initially, amateur experts pointed the finger at the council for its choice of cladding materials and lack of sprinklers, and the charge was made by those seeking a political opportunity that a Conservative-run authority had cut costs on the accommodation of its poorest residents. Now it turns out similar arrangements were used for years by authorities of all parties, from Labours Camden to Salford, and in the private sector. Lets leave it to the real experts. The inquiry must find out how an apparent catastrophic failure of fire-safety regulation happened across the UK. That is a national task, not a local one.

Second, Mrs Campbell acknowledges that the council made mistakes in the immediate aftermath of the fire but says that no council in the country could have coped. That is partly true  and the Government failed to step in immediately with assistance. At the same time, the council cannot escape responsibility. This is its community and the council let the people down. In the days after the tragedy, the public, businesses and charities rushed to help  as the huge donations to this newspapers appeal showed. All reported a vacuum of official support, including from the council. Instead of being defensive, the new leadership should hold an independent review and ask searing questions about the councils culture. It is welcome that Mrs Campbell wants to do that.

Finally, Mrs Campbell acknowledges that repairing trust with the local community will take a long time, even a generation, and that it would be naive to think the council can do it alone. The tragedy has revealed a deep unease about the divisions in London, and of the two nations, rich and poor, who live cheek by jowl here. No single borough can address that. Instead, we all face a choice. We can use the disaster as a wedge to push our society further apart, as the professional activists and anarchic campaign groups clearly want to do. But we suspect that they are in a minority. The huge outpouring of aid was not organised by agitators; it sprang from the understanding that we are one community and that there are deep ties that bind us. We can instead harness that spirit.

All these questions go to the core of how we unite our society. The previous leaders at Kensington and Chelsea council had to resign because they tried to operate behind closed doors and exclude people. By her interview, Elizabeth Campbell understands that the conversation we must have can only be an open one.

Brexit: what they said...

Today the EU reached agreement on a free trade deal with Japan, which wont cover Britain when we leave. Didnt Brexiteers promise us the opposite would happen?

We were also told President Trump would visit Brexit Britain first, in a great state visit. Today hes in Poland, on his way to Germany and then France. Hmm.
A n Italian chef who has worked in some of Europes top kitchens has picked Parsons Green to open his first restaurant.

Gonzalo Luzarraga will open RIGO in July, drawing on his experience with top chefs including Walter Eynard and Alain Ducasse, as well as his childhood of making bread and pastry with his grandfather, foraging in Italy, and his travels in Asia and South America.

The restaurants unusual name comes from a Piedmontese word meaning a journey of rigorous research and Gonzalo says it will be a kitchen without borders, referring to its international influences.

The restaurant will be Italian, but the food will not be entirely Italian. I have worked in Spain, France and Italy and the menu will show my personal journey, he added.

Team RIGO': Gonzalo Luzarraga and Francesco Ferretti

The restaurants signature tasting menu will feature six courses, kicking off with Gonzalos signature dish of Sea urchin with bagna caoda, quail egg and fermented milk. Other highlights will include a tomato tart with stracciatella and verbena extract; rare-breed pork plume with oyster, scallop and parsnip; a porcini brule; and a pudding of chestnut cream with black sesame.

There will also be an a la carte menu.

The restaurant will be decorated in the style of 1950s Milan and will feature an oak floor, brass lamps and black and white marble columns.

Along with wines, predominantly from France and Spain, a bar will serve Aperol Spritz and other European classics with a twist, including vermouth with a pomegranate and basil tonic.

Gonzalo is opening the restaurant with investor and friend Francesco Ferretti.

30 must-try dishes in London restaurants 1 /41 30 must-try dishes in London restaurants Bone marrow on toast with parsley salad at St John Not only has this dish kicked off countless wonderful meals over the course of St Johns 25 years, but it also gets credit for putting British cooking back on the global culinary map. Roasted bone marrow, coaxed out onto toast, cut perfectly with salad of parsley, shallots and capers. A nose-to-tail revolution, and utterly divine. Whole turbot at Brat Tomos Parrys talents with a turbot first came to feverish acclaim at Mayfair restaurant Kitty Fishers, but they are now the star attraction at his Michelin-starred solo spot. This whole fish  grilled Basque-style, over hot coals and in a specially designed cage  softens as if it has melted, and is basted at the table in an emulsion made with its own juices. Benjamin McMahon Marinara at 50 Kalo di Ciro Salvo Superlatives should be used in moderation  but heck it, this might just be Londons best pizza. This under-the-radar London iteration of a Naples pizzeria serves an unrivalled marinara: just tomato sauce, oil, garlic and oregano. No need for any more  with a sauce this good and a base so fine and perfectly charred, you can stop mourning your cancelled Italian holiday at first bite. Luciano Furia Clay pot baked pork and crab glass noodles at Kiln When we say Kiln is one of the hottest spots in town, we mean it  hang over the counter at the Thai barbecue and youre not far out of range for the odd flame. Baking in the heart of the swirling heat is this must order: shimmering glass noodles, coated with a silky sauce enriched with fatty slicks of Tamworth pork belly and improbably unctuous crab meat. Lamb chops, Melabes Perhaps because its quietly tucked in among its unassuming neighbours down on the wrong end of High Street Kensington, Melabes is often overlooked by Londons food lovers. An unwarranted shame, as this partly Middle Eastern, partly Mediterranean set-up is really very good; it is somewhere to pick and choose from bits and pieces, and put a meal together yourself. The lamb chops, which come all smokey and burnished from the grill, are perfect; pink as a Vegas sign inside, but the fat all soft and dripping and delicious. A must, whatever the order. Steak tartare imperial at Bob Bob Ricard Theres Press For Champagne buttons, lobster in your mac and cheese and anything that stays still long enough gets gilded  there is no point in going small at Bob Bob Ricard. Steak tartare is a luxurious pick at the best of times, but the Imperial upgrade here comes with a dollop of caviar  even without the finishing touch, the tartare itself is one of the best in the capital. Bacon naan at Dishoom Londoners spent decades believing bacon in a bap with some ketchup (or brown sauce, but lets not have that argument now) couldnt be beaten  and then Dishoom came along. This breakfast sandwich fills a fresh naan with bacon, a slathering of cream cheese, a luxurious tomato and chilli chutney, coriander and an oozing fried egg if you feel so inclined. Hangover be gone. Cacio e pepe at Padella Five years ago, you would have thought anyone queuing for pasta in London to have lost their minds  this dish changed that. The starlet of Padellas much coveted is this plate of pici  hand-rolled fat worms of eggless pasta  with a mirror-shine sauce of parmesan cheese and pasta. Simple but unrivalled  and itll set you back just 6. Jamon croquetas at Barrafina A dish like this should be elusive  it is far too easy to eat seven portions of croquetas in a single sitting, which is why we presume Barrafina makes you queue. Very sensible. As the crunchy coating gives way to the oozing centre, enriched with the flavour of Spanish jamon (the best ham in the business), were already planning our next visit. Biang biang noodles at Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles There are oodles of noodles in the capital, but Guirong Weis triumphant take is one of the finest. First finding followers at her north London restaurant Xian Impression (soon to reopen for dine-in, but not yet), the dish of has inspired a whole spin-off restaurant in Spitalfields. Thick, hand-pulled, chewy noodles soak up all the spice and zing of the special sauce they swim in  very special indeed. Souffle Suissesse, Le Gavroche Le Gavroche  the street urchin  is perhaps not for everyone. It is a Mayfair time machine, a reminder of how things were done once upon a time. Fortunately, it happens that how things were once done was very well indeed, and lunch or supper here is a masterclass in traditional French luxury (and often, happily, includes very large glasses of wine). Staff make the place, anyone who has been gently teased by the twins pretending to be each other will know. A tendency towards the old ways does mean the cooking offers little in the way of evolution or revolution, but new, after all, isnt always better. Michel Roux Jrs cheese souffle, baked on double cream, stuns, so overwhelmingly tasty, utter decadence that clings to the taste buds. Buttermilk Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Around the Cluck / 12:51 James Cochran found his signature dish early on, but its good it should stay with him for the rest of his career. While he has chops, and can do more beyond, theres something special in the way he works with his chicken; hotly spiced, gorgeously crispy, beautifully soft on the inside. A long-standing favourite and, though 12:51 cant operate as it did before, there are tables at his new project Around the Cluck, which is operating out of the same site. Breakfast at Hawksmoor Guildhall Your Full English is not full in comparison to the Hawksmoor breakfast at the steak connoisseurs Guildhall restaurant. The mind-boggling two-person spread swaps bacon rashers for an entire smoked chop, serves its bubble and squeak with short rib, puts trotter meat into its baked beans, and adds grilled bone marrow to all the usual trimmings. Cauliflower shawarma at Berber & Q Its not often that the main event at a barbecue restaurant is the veg, but Berber & Q have achieved just that. The cauliflower shawarma here is cooked on their flaming grill until softened and charred, before being doused liberally in tahini, pomegranate molasses, coriander, pomegranate seeds and a scattering of dried rose petals. BBQ Butter Chicken Wings at Brigadiers Brigadiers is a bold, boisterous sort of place: a labyrinthine City dining room, packed to the rafters with beer and Indian food that is indisputably gutsy. But arguably its finest moment comes in one of its smallest packages  these chicken wings may be diminutive, but are mightily spiced, deftly charred and dripping with ghee-fuelled succulence. Beef brisket bun at Smokestak David Carters Shoreditch restaurant occupies itself by giving the entirety of Kansas City a run for its money on a daily basis. The star turn at this lauded barbecue restaurant is its beef brisket bun  the meat is soft and juicy, riddled with its fats in the centre, while charred and treacle-like on the outside, paired perfectly with pickled chillies. To remember it is to salivate, we assure you. Snails, LEscargot LEscargot is one of Sohos old aristocrats and in its grand, beret red dining room there is always a mischievous sense of fun  perhaps because it is still such a smart, suited, chandeliered place, and people are often drinking themselves rather silly. The clue to good eating is in the name; the snails come still clinging to their shells and submerged in their butter and parsley sauce. Dive in; you will emerge stinking gloriously of garlic. It wont matter a jot; roll on the red wine and settle in for a long, comforting night. Confit potatoes at Quality Chop House Yes, there are some high quality chops on offer at this 150-year-old Clerkenwell restaurant but blimey, leave room for the chips. Fine slices of potato are stacked into architecturally sound wedges, and confited until shatteringly crispy on the outside and devastatingly soft in the centre. They have been much imitated in recent years, but never bettered. Smoked eel sandwich at Quo Vadis Jeremy Lee cooks many things to a legendary level at Quo Vadis  his pies could so easily have also made this list  but he gets the nod here for his unrivalled take on the fancy sandwich. Smoked eel, horseradish cream and Dijon mustard, served with red onion pickle  a combination so popular Lee says he nearly ran out of eel on post-lockdown reopening. Classic bao at Bao London has buns in abundance, but we still bow down to the fluffy superiority of Bao. The Taiwanese restaurant has become a cross-town favourite, thanks to its pleasingly pert rice buns (they are genuinely very pert, no crassness intended) and carefully considered fillings. The classic order comes filled with braised pork, fermented veg, coriander and a dusting of peanut powder. Carol Sachs Potato and roe, Core by Clare Smyth Clare Smyth has a knack that must infuriate other chefs; she is able to take the simplest of ingredients  say, a single carrot and a smattering of lamb mince  do something devilish with it and charge rather a lot for it; so good are the results, though, that few mind. Smyths sorcery is perhaps best witnessed with her signature, the potato and roe. It is simply a potato on a plate in a little sauce, but then it is also perhaps the best potato dish in the world; it has this wonderful salty richness, a certain seaside intenseness. It is glorious; so too is the smoked chicken that tends to come as an amuse bouche. Youll be treated here. Omelette Arnold Bennett Dont worry, no Arnolds were harmed in the making of this dish. Alongside impeccable service and an arguably perfect dining room, you could add another highlight to your breakfast at The Wolseley by ordering this creamy, haddock-filled dish, named for the writer who inspired its creation while staying at the Savoy. Fish pie, J Sheekey Long an actors favourite, J Sheekeys glamour has never lost its lustre. Its kept its regulars and charmed newcomers with a menu that plays the greatest hits of fine dining favourites. Seafood is Sheekeys thing; simply done sole is beautiful here, crab comes three ways, brill brushed in butter has a meatiness thats beyond satisfying. The fish pie is famous though, and rightly so; beneath the flaking pastry is a sea of cream, mustard and white wine, in it bobbing cod, haddock and salmon. It is simple but never fails; it does on its own for lunch, but is a failsafe at supper, too. John Carey The Ari Gold at Patty & Bun Theres a cheeseburger on every high street in the capital  but not all of them are created equal. Patty & Bun has got the classic combination down to a tee with its curiously named Ari Gold burger: a fat, 35-day aged patty is served medium rare, and topped with gooey American cheese, smokey house mayo and tangy pickled red onions. Xiao long bao at Din Tai Fung Few dishes in the capital have been known to cause queues of four hours. Thats exactly what the world-famous xiao long bao dumplings did when top Taiwanese restaurant group Din Tai Fung first opened in Covent Garden. An intricately folded out layer (made by chefs trained for at least 18 months) gives way to succulent meat and a broth you could take on by the bowlful. Pig's trotter, the French House Upstairs in the Soho local, Neil Borthwick is quietly running one of the areas best kitchens. He orders in particularly good oysters, does brilliant things with brill and with his pigs trotter, has a dish that is rich and fatty, but with a beautiful salty cut that makes it madly moreish. The menu tends to change often upstairs in the French, but have this if its on. That little dining room is somewhere to go in early for lunch and stay until late, eventually spilling down into the pub below, to drink pints  they do pints now, not just halfs  all while merrily reliving the joys upstairs. Peter Clark Dover sole with crab butter at Bentley's Oyster Bar and Grill There are so many delights at Bentleys, its tricky to pick a single one. This could so easily have been a plate of rigorously sourced oysters, the fish pie, the decadent Royal seafood platter (pictured). It is however, the Dover sole that wins. A sublime piece of fish always, expertly cooked without fail  choose it either filleted with beautiful crab butter, or grilled and whole for a simple pleasure. Over in the City, Corrigan does similarly brilliant things with lobster at Daffodil Mulligan. Ragu, Lina Stores Sohos Lina Stores  the pasta bar, not the longstanding Italian deli it comes from  is the sort of restaurant one longs for; small, fun, friendly, not too pricey. They do small plates of near perfect pasta; their ragu, whether lamb or veal, is a gem. A good ragu is hard to find  too often theres too little meat, or meat not cooked for long enough  but here, they spend the time over it, cooking slowly, carefully. No restaurant can compare with a Nonna, but Lina gets gratifyingly close. Porterhouse steak, the Guinea Grill London is not short of steakhouses, but the Guinea does not number among them. A pub  a proper one  it is tucked down a Mayfair sidestreet, away from everything and yet still perpetually busy. Besides the small bar is a dining room that looks much as it must have done when the likes of Sinatra was in (or Bette Midler, or Kylie, or Regan, or, or, or), where theyve served prime Aberdeen Angus cooked on a smoking hot grill. The Guinea is all about having a good time  pints, red wine, brandies, the lot  but they cook beautifully, and their handling of a good piece of beef is second to none. Puree de pommes de terre, Le Comptoir Robuchon The late Joel Robuchon may have been the most decorated chef of his and perhaps any other era, but his signature stayed humble  mashed potato. Until youve had it, it is hard to believe it could be quite so good; mash, after all, is mash. No matter the scepticism, it will always surprise; it is almost silly that so little could taste of so much. A side, it will match almost everything on the menu; of which, the lamb with aubergine on the menu of classics is extraordinarily good.

Speaking as to whether he would like to get a Michelin star of his own at the site, he said: I would like to, but I know how hard that is and more important is to give guests a good time.

He added: The aim is for the restaurant to be part of the community. We will remember the names our customers.

Visit rigolondon.com.
I have never gained as much comfort from anywhere or anyone as I do from London.

I truly think shes mine  in the way that you think she is your city; we are each in our own way possessive, protective and largely faithful to our magnificent metropolis.

With this London United Collectors Edition of ES Magazine and its six unique covers, I wanted to pay tribute to the capitals resilience in the face of recent tragedies  at Westminster, Borough, Finsbury Park, the Grenfell Tower atrocity  and to commemorate the 7/ 7 anniversary of the London bombings, which fell on this day 12 years ago.

This issue is designed to spread a message of hope and respect, and to create an enduring platform that will keep these stories alive.

Antony Gormley

To my immense pride, artist after artist signed up, although they were given just days to create their cover. Gillian Wearings ambitious idea  to capture 52 Londoners, standing for a minutes silence to commemorate the 52 people who lost their lives in the 7/ 7 terrorist attacks  would usually take far longer to turn around. But my team were determined, drafting in the public from the street outside the studio to star in the shoot.

Gillian Wearing

Wolfgang Tillmans, the legendary photographer, initially declined to contribute due to prior commitments. The following evening, however, he emailed saying that while travelling home on the Tube inspiration had struck. The image you see on his cover, bearing the powerful words London, Light, Hope, was taken in that very moment. Anish Kapoors piece powerfully conveys exactly the optimistic sensibility that I had hoped this issue would achieve.

Wolfgang Tillmans

Antony Gormleys cover was inspired by him reflecting on how resilience and common sympathy occurs with every precious existence  how beautiful is that? Jamie Hewlett came up with his almighty, rousing concept in 24 hours. And then, of course, theres Ai Weiwei, who submitted an excerpt from a recently created piece, Odyssey. The sheer attention to detail is staggering.

Anish Kapoor

I am in awe of these people and their generosity.

Ai Weiwei

Inside, we meet the Londoners who became heroes when terror struck  it is without question the most moving piece I have ever edited. Plus, we present a shoot with photographer Charlie Kwai as he documents Londoners in their natural habitats. Ben Machell writes beautifully about Londons enduring spirit, My London is Roy Lion of London Bridge Larner and Grace Dent returns to El Pastor in the heart of Borough. I am so proud of everyone involved in making this issue, thank you.

Jamie Hewlett

London is an unapologetic metropolis; beautifully foreign yet deeply familiar, its proudly regal yet refreshingly informal, creative and poised; it is the sacred and the profane, the greatest living example of life there is and we are lucky to be here to love it. Enjoy this issue; please seek out all six covers, they are scattered across town. And tell your friends that theres collectable art on the streets for free this Thursday and Friday.
A n MP today led calls for the Government to consider licensing the sale of corrosive liquids to combat a surge in acid attacks.

Stephen Timms, who represents East Ham, has written to Home Secretary Amber Rudd about the growing anxiety among his constituents.

Latest figures reveal that almost a quarter of the 1,800 reported attacks in the past five years have taken place in Newham.

More than 200 people marched on Stratford station last night to raise awareness of the problem and demand that sales of acid are regulated. They say Muslims  particularly women  are being targeted and believe that many of the attacks are racially motivated.

Mr Timms told Ms Rudd: There is growing anxiety in London about the frequency of acid attacks. It has been suggested that ministers may consider restricting sales of corrosive acids, or go further, and introduce a licensing scheme for those purchasing particular corrosive substances. Both have support of many of the constituents, as well as the local authority.

Hate crime protest: Demonstrators gather protesting against recent acid attacks / Stand Up To Racism

Tahira Ahmed, 35, who attended the protest with her two young children, said: I have been getting a lot of warnings from people on social media.

Im scared I could be walking at any time with my children and a man could just throw it at my face, Im worried about my children more than anything. You dont even need ID to buy it.

Resham Khan, 21, pictured, suffered life-changing injuries in the Newham acid attack last month / GoFundMe

An online petition to restrict sales of corrosive substances to licensed buyers has attracted almost 300,000 signatures after aspiring model Resham Khan, 21, and her cousin Jameel Muhktar, 37, were sprayed through their car window when they pulled up at traffic lights in Beckton on June 21.

Detectives are treating the attack as a hate crime and want to speak to John Tomlin, 24.

This week, a 27-year-old man suffered severe burns after being squirted with acid as he walked with a woman, 40, in Mile End.

Student: Resham had been studying abroad for two years / GoFundMe

Police say they are hunting three youths who attacked the pair at 2am in Burdett Road on Tuesday.

Lyn Brown, MP for West Ham, condemned the truly, absolutely shocking nature of acid attacks, which she said have fostered a climate of fear in the area. Obaid Khan, a councillor in Newham, said: We shouldnt be living like this. People are too scared to answer their doors for the delivery man in case they are randomly attacked.

My constituents are genuinely terrified. Its a life-changing injury. People lose their jobs, their whole lives because of acid attac
A five-year-old boy was beaten to death in a park by his mothers boyfriend who descended into a fit of rage after the child lost one of his shoes, a court heard.

Marvyn Iheanacho, 39, is accused of battering little Alex Malcolm to death in a violent attack after the boy was found with fatal head and stomach injuries.

Witnesses heard a childs fearful voice saying sorry, loud banging and a man screaming about the loss of a trainer, jurors were told.

Prosecutors said the noises could have been from repeated assaults on Alex in the Mountsfield Park in Catford, south-east London on November 20 last year.

Iheanacho, from Hounslow, west London, denies murdering the boy.

CCTV captured him taking Alex from his home, on three separate buses, to the park. They arrived there at 5.12pm, when it was already dark.

Alex Malcolm pictured with his mother Liliya Breha

Eleanor Laws QC, prosecuting, told how there were no witnesses or footage of the defendant landing blows on the child, but said: "There is, however, clear evidence as to the fact the defendant lost his temper with Alex before he sustained his injuries."

She said prosecutors know the pair went to the play area because Alex lost one of his trainers, which was later found there by police.

Describing an incident, she added: "The defendant was heard shouting loudly at Alex after finding out that Alex had lost his shoe.

One witness, Sarah Strugnell, allegedly saw Iheanacho bend down to the child and ask where his shoes were.

"The man was very angry indeed and Sarah Strugnell describes how he was raging at the child who was very quiet," said the prosecutor.

"Her partner recalls hearing the loud banging and a male voice screaming about the loss of shoes and a child's fearful voice saying 'sorry'.

He describes the banging continuing. He shouted to his dogs which appeared to bring the male's shouting to an end.

Alex suffered head injuries in Mountsfield Park / Google

She added: "At some point, whether during this confrontation or between this confrontation and the next sighting of the defendant by dog-walkers, soon after, back in the park, the boy had received extreme injuries."

The court heard Iheanacho carried Alex unconscious to a minicab office, from where he was taken back to Ms Breha's flat at about 7pm, while the nearest hospital was just a five-minute walk away.

He told Alex's mother her son fell to his knees and hit his head and that he slapped him to try to wake him up, jurors heard.

Ms Laws said Iheanacho attacked a screaming Ms Breha after she called him a "danger to her family" and stopped her from calling an ambulance.

But she grabbed the phone after noticing her son was getting cold, his face had turned blue and he had stopped breathing.

The court heard Iheanacho told one paramedic the child had fallen to his knees and hit his head on the floor, but told others he had fallen from a climbing frame.

Doctors at Lewisham Hospital tried to resuscitate Alex, but a CT scan revealed he was suffering from severe brain swelling, and he was transferred to King's College Hospital.

But an operation was unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at 3.19pm on November 22.

A post-mortem revealed bruises on Alex's head, neck, and body, while a pathologist concluded the combination of impact type head injury and blunt trauma to the abdomen was "consistent with inflicted injury".

The prosecutor said Iheanacho denies causing any of the injuries to Alex, describing what happened as "an accident".

But she said Iheanacho delivered a "forceful blow", such as "a kick, a stamp, or a punch," adding: "The prosecution say that Alex's death was no accident.

"The injuries suffered were extensive and did not result from a fall. The defendant lost his temper, most likely because Alex had lost his trainer.

He has previous convictions for violence, and has a tendency to lose his temper and lash out, the court heard.

After her sons death, Liliya Breha described Alex as beautiful, kind and gentle. She wept as she said: He shouldnt have been taken away from me.

Ineanachos trial, at Woolwich Crown Court, is expected to last between two and three weeks.
A n NHS hospital manager assaulted her disabled neighbour in a foul-mouthed spat over the noise she was making while walking up the stairs, a court heard.

Jamie Peterson, 39, flew into a rage when she heard management consultant Sarah Kinsella enter their shared building in Hornton Street, Kensington.

She dashed from her flat with her trusted pet dog, a Dachshund called Herman, to confront Ms Kinsella, angry that she was using a trolley to take heavy shopping up to her first floor home.

Peterson accused her neighbour of being f***ing fat and lazy for using the trolley, despite knowing Ms Kinsella was unable to lift heavy objects because of a hip disability.

Peterson said dont be so loud, referred to her neighbour as it rather than she, then shoved the trolley into Ms Kinsella as she climbed the stairs.

Westminster magistrates heard Ms Kinsella has now moved back to her parents home in Oxfordshire after the attack, on November 1 last year, fearing she would be abused again by Peterson if she stayed.

Jamie Peterson's disabled neighbour Sarah Kinsella

I am still stunned to think I was the victim of domestic abuse, she said.

I was in so much fear when still living in the same house as my attacked that I ended up having to move out.

Peterson, who has held senior posts at Barts and The London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trusts, denied attacking her neighbour but was found guilty by magistrates following a short trial.

Her lawyer, Hesham Puri, said the conviction means she faces losing her current job and being evicted from the Kensington flat.

Ms Kinsella told court there had been escalating tensions between her and Peterson, who lived below her on the ground floor, over noise levels in the months before the assault.

She had been complaining about noise for quite a while, complaining I was stomping around my apartment, she said.

Ms Kinsella said she bought slippers to reduce noise, stopped using her washing machine and got rid of her television, but Peterson continued to complain including reporting her to police. She said Peterson had confronted her about using the shopping trolley to take her groceries up the stairs to her flat a few weeks before the assault.

Jamie came flying out and started screaming at me, saying the trolley was too noisy, why cant you pick it up, she said.

She tried to pick it up and grab it off me and that scared me.

When Ms Kinsella arrived home at around 6.30pm on November 1, she set her phone to record when she entered the building because she feared another confrontation with Peterson.

The phone captured Petersons foul-mouthed rant, hurling abuse at Ms Kinsella as Herman the dog barked in the background.

After being struck with the trolley, Ms Kinsella exclaimed ow, dont push me, thats assault, and Peterson replied: Sarah do you know what assault is - you being here every single day.

Ms Kinsella told the court she believed she had been targeted by Peterson because of her disability, which meant she had put on weight and had to work from home.

She knows about my disability but taunts me about it, she said.

Ms Kinsella also accused her neighbour of setting her dog on her - to bite her on the ankle - and attacking her again by pushing her head into her own front door.

Magistrates convicted Peterson of assault with the shopping trolley but ruled they were unable to find her guilty of a second attack or setting her dog on her neighbour.

Peterson apologised to the court for her bad language, saying: I regret what I said, it was in haste of anger which overspilled a bit.

But she insisted: I made no physical contact with Sarah Kinsella at any point in time, ever.

She was given a two-year conditional discharge by magistrates, who ordered her to pay 620 in court costs.
D etectives hunting a man who robbed a 92-year-old woman have released pictures of her horrific injuries as the suspect was spotted in London.

Sanchez Edwards, 28, was seen in east London days after he allegedly attacked the woman to steal her handbag - leaving her with broken bones and bruises.

Police previously released footage of the robbery showing the elderly lady screaming and being dragged along the floor as she desperately tried to cling on to her bag.

And on Thursday they released photos of the victims considerable injuries, including a picture of her leg covered in blue and purple bruising.

Horrific: Police released pictures of the injuries

Edwards, a paranoid schizophrenic who absconded from a mental health unit and has a history of drug abuse, was spotted on CCTV at Bethnal Green station on Monday, police said.

Police hunting for him warned he is violent, dangerous and unpredictable and said members of the public should dial 999 if they see him.

Dangerous: Sanchez Edwards, 28

The victim had been walking along north Hoxton Street at 2.40pm on June 27 when the suspect came up behind her and grabbed her bag  which contained 100, keys and a phone.

The woman was dragged several feet along the floor but, according to police, was left in so much pain that she could no longer hold on.

Devastated: The elderly woman was left in a lot of pain

A police report noted that the doctor who examined the woman was shocked by the extent of her injuries  cracked ribs, a head injury and extensive bruising on her legs, hip and stomach.

Detective Inspector Paul Ridley said: "The injuries to the victim are alarming and harrowing, and in addition to pursuing Edwards for this violent robbery and absconding from the mental health unit, he has also inflicted serious grievous bodily harm.

Wanted: Edwards was spotted at Bethnal Green station

"The lady remains extremely distraught, will not leave the house as she is terrified and has re-occurring nightmares of her ordeal. She finds it difficult to sleep particularly due to the excruciating pain of her injuries.

"I need to re-iterate my warning about Sanchez Edwards. He is a violent, dangerous and unpredictable individual.

"Please do not approach him, but call 999 if seen. The further time that elapses, the heightened risk he is to members of the public as he becomes increasingly desperate. He may commit offences to fuel his drug addiction.

"He is likely to be travelling on buses and underground trains across London, so please remain highly vigilant."

Edwards is described as a dark skinned black male, 5ft 9, with short black hair, medium build and a black beard.

Anyone with details is asked to contact Hackney CID via 101 or via Twitter @metcc quoting operation name Brunton. To give information anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
A London MP has called in police after receiving a death threat from an alleged anti-abortion activist saying she will die like Jo Cox.

Stella Creasy said she had received a torrent of abuse since forcing the Government to fund abortions for Northern Irish women arriving in England.

A handwritten note was sent to the Walthamstow MPs office yesterday and had the senders address included and postmark.

It read: You are a murder (sic) of small babies. You will all burn in hell for this awful sin. One day hopefully you will join that woman Cox.

Jo Cox, the MP for Bately and Spen and a mother of two, was stabbed and shot by a far right extremist in her constituency last year.

Labour MP Ms Creasy said: We have reported it to the police. Sending letters to my office calling for my death is a crime.

Theres comments all over Facebook and Twitter too. Sadly I think people think that this is how to express their concerns. People obviously have a right to disagree but its about the way in which you do that.

Nobody is suggesting that abortion is an easy thing to do. There are things you can do to have a debate which do not entail sending unsolicited pictures. This needs to stop.

The government agreed to fund abortions for women from Northern Ireland to head off an embarrassing parliamentary defeat.

Ms Creasy forced the move by tabling an amendment to the Queens Speech last month.

However before Ms Creasys motion went to a vote, the government made a surprise announcement that they would make the change.

Women from the province were previously paying up to 2,000 for the procedure.

Yesterday Education Secretary and Equalities Minister, Justine Greening, met with Ms Creasy and advocacy groups yesterday in Westminster to discuss how the change could be implemented within weeks.

Currently terminations in Northern Ireland are only permitted if there is a serious risk to the womens life or health.

Even terminations of pregnancies arising through rape or incest are outlawed.

Hundreds of pregnant women travel to England every year to have the procedure but its cost has been of huge concern to pro-choice groups.

Online abuse targeted at the Labour MP also referred to the fact she does not have children.

She said: Ive had ovary shaming too. People saying youre childless by choice and obsessed with abortion... great. I dont have children at this point in time - as if thats got anything to do with it.

Ms Creasy has also received hundreds of messages for support for her campaign for abortion rights for Northern Irish women which followed a supreme court ruling that women from Northern Ireland were not entitled to free abortions on the NHS in England.
T he reaction of Londoners to the Grenfell Tower fire should set an example in the fight against knife crime, Stephen Lawrences father said today.

Neville Lawrence, whose 18-year-old son was stabbed to death in a racist attack in 1993, praised the way people came together to donate food, clothing and cash to survivors and relatives in the days after the fatal blaze on June 14.

He said: I was so impressed by the reaction of people to the Grenfell fire  people came with food and clothes, thats how people should behave, they help people in difficulties.

We are all living in the same world. We all want peace, it is one world, we have to live in this world and we all have to find ways to get along.

Devastating blaze: A woman views flowers left as a tribute to those killed and missing in the Grenfell Tower fire / AFP/Getty Images

This week it was announced that Mr Lawrence, 75, will lead a working group on finding solutions to Londons knife crime epidemic. He will also receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Portsmouth for his work with young people and campaign for justice for his son. After an initial failed police investigation, two members of the gang who attacked Stephen in Eltham were finally convicted of murder in 2012. At least four others were also involved.

Mr Lawrence said: We have had some justice and that is better than none. I used to say to people that to pursue something you have to have something to drive you. One of the things that I had to drive me was the fact that I used to love to dance. When all this happened I decided I was not going to dance.

I went to a lot of parties over the years at weddings and things and I just sat and watched other people dance. Then after these two first people went into prison, about a week after that I went to a friends birthday party and someone asked, Why arent you dancing ? So I danced. And I smiled, because people used to say that in all the years they have never seen a smile on my face.
A man is fighting for life in hospital after a double shooting in a south London street.

Armed police descended on Thornton Heath after reports of a fight shortly midnight on Thursday.

The men, both 22, were found suffering from gunshot wounds and were rushed by paramedics to a south London hospital.

A Met Police spokesman said: The first male has life threatening injuries and remains in a critical condition. His next of kin have been informed.

Double shooting: A man is in a critical condition in hospital

The second male has suffered life changing injuries to his hand but his condition is non-life threatening."

A police cordon remains in place outside a row of shops in Green Lane, while the road was earlier closed to traffic but has since reopened.

Scotland Yard said no arrests have been made, and no weapons recovered.

Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101 or tweet information to @MetCC. To remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A woman who made several false rape allegations, including one that saw an innocent man jailed for seven years, has been convicted.

Jemma Beales bogus complaints led to Mahad Cassim serving some of his sentence after she falsely claimed he raped her in November 2010.

Detectives launched an investigation into the 25-year-old after they received claims from one of her former girlfriends that she lied about the alleged incident.

Police found common discrepancies and similar circumstances between her allegation about Mr Cassim and another in which she said she was raped by a number of men.

In one case, Beale claimed she was attacked by Noam Shazad in a pub and then subjected to a serious sexual assault where she claimed barbed wire was used on her by a gang of three others in a Hounslow car park.

Mr Shazad was charged with assault by penetration and sexual assault, but fled the UK for Pakistan prior to his trial. All charges against him have since been dropped and he is no longer wanted in relation to any of these matters.

Beale was arrested in June 2014, but she maintained she was not making up any of the allegations - despite mounting evidence that they were false.

During the trial, she even accused four separate doctors and medical professionals that they had provided false evidence.

However, the jury found her guilty of four counts of perjury relating to false testimony provided during the trial and retrial against Mr Cassim.

And she was also found guilty of four counts of perverting the course of justice relating to three other incidents where she falsely claimed she had been sexually assaulted or raped.

Samuel Main, London Crown Prosecution Service reviewing lawyer, said Beales false allegations undermine the credibility of genuine victims.

But he added: However, this has been an unusual case and it is important for genuine victims of rape or sexual assault to understand that they should never fear coming forward to report the crime to police.

The rape allegation made by Beale in 2010 led to the conviction of Mr Cassim, who was jailed for seven years.

Cassim subsequently appealed against his conviction and it was quashed at the Court of Appeal in July 2015.

This decision had been subject to reporting restrictions pending the completion of Beales trial.

Beale, of Bedfont, Hounslow, was found guilty of four counts of perjury and four counts of perverting the course of justice following a six-week trial at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, July 6.

She was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on Thursday, 24 August.

Detective Sergeant Kevin Lynott, who led the investigation into Beales false allegations, said: Beale has been exposed as a serial liar and I can only think that she was motivated partly by financial reward, but mainly the attention and control over her partners and family at the time she made the allegations.

The impact on those she falsely accused has been devastating, however hopefully the outcome now fully exonerates all the men she falsely accused of such heinous crimes.
F irefighters response to a 7/7-style terror attack on London would be far less effective than it was at the time because of cuts to the service, a union has warned.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said four fire stations in the capital have closed, 1,000 jobs and nine engines have been lost to sustained cuts since the Tube and bus attacks.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said the closures mean the is no guarantees the response time of crews to the 2005 terror attack could be repeated 12 years later.

He said: "More than 200 firefighters were deployed to rescue those caught up in these dreadful attacks, coming from fire stations closest to the attacks, four of which have since been shut down due to funding cuts.

Firefighters at Grenfell Tower / AP

"These closures, combined with huge job losses and nine fire engines being taken off the run, mean there can be no guarantees that the effective, timely response of fire crews back then would be repeated 12 years later.

He raised concerns after Londoners saw terror brought to its streets this year in attacks such as those on Westminster Bridge, London Bridge and Borough Market.

The firefighter added: "Given that terrorist attacks are showing no signs of abating - the reverse is sadly true in fact - the FBU is extremely worried on behalf of its members and the public.

"These crucial, life-saving resources need to be put back into the London Fire Brigade so that the public can feel safe again and that London firefighters can be confident that they could carry out effective, timely rescues."

Mr Wrack has also slammed a new pay offer for firefighters that breaches the Governments current one per cent cap on public sector workers.

He said the offer does not recognise extra work crews have been doing and that it fails to address their falling living standards after enduring seven years of pay restraint.
A man has died after being hit by lorry at a busy junction in central London.

Emergency services rushed to Dukes Road, Kings Cross, around 9.30am on Thursday to reports of a crash.

A 55-year-old pedestrian, from Lincoln, was pronounced dead at the scene, close to the junction with Euston Road.

The driver of the lorry stopped at the scene and no arrests have been made, Scotland Yard said.

Police are appealing to any witnesses to the crash who may hold vital information to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Jane Mallet, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU), said: "There would have been a number of people in the area who were in the street, local shops or cafes and may well have seen this collision.

"I would ask these people to get in touch with investigators on the dedicated appeal number. If you did see the collision, or the events leading up to it, please contact us.

Your information could be vital in helping us understand exactly what happened."

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call investigators on 020 8991 9555 or contact via Twitter @MetCC.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
B ritain was today hosting a summit on Ukraine amid fears of intensified clashes between government troops and Russian-backed separatists.

The talks in London, led by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and Ukranian prime minister Volodymyr Groysman, were attended by 30 foreign ministers and focused on anti-corruption and democratic reforms.

It comes after Theresa May met Mr Groysman in Downing Street yesterday afternoon to reaffirm the UKs commitment to the country and condemn the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia.

Fighting in the countrys east spikes in summer and last month 23 Ukranian soldiers were killed and more than 100 injured.

Mr Johnson said: Delivering Ukraines ambitious reform agenda is not just good for Ukraine but for the whole of Europe.

We are at the forefront of work to support Ukraine, including helping to establish the National Anti-Corruption Bureau in

Kyiv and deploying a British military training mission to strengthen Ukraines armed forces.

The country is still reeling from last weeks devastating cyberattack. Ukrainians are convinced the virus NotPetya, which soon spread worldwide, originated in Russia.

A Ukrainian government official estimates that one in 10 personal computers at firms and government offices in the country may have been compromised in the cyberattack on June 27.
U nionist Ian Paisley Junior has said his party have been the victims of near universal hatred following their deal with the Conservatives.

The leading Democratic Unionist Party politician, and son of the late Reverend Ian Paisley, complained the vilification of his party has misrepresented their views and their pact with the Tories should be celebrated.

In an after-dinner speech at an event for British and Irish politicians held in Central London last night, he said other groups would not have tolerated the abuse levelled at their party.

He said: We were the recipients of vitriol the likes of which would probably be considered reprehensible and indeed would not have been directed at any other group.

"If I had certainly said some of those things about other groups in our society, or if you had said them, even about Muslim groups, in this city, you wouldnt got away with it.

You got away with it about us. And I think that is something that needs to be said, but needs to be left there.

The annual dinner held in London by the not-for-profit CHAMP group set up after the Good Friday Agreement to promote peace in Northern Ireland also included speeches from Sinn Fein.

Ian Paisley has said the DUP is facing unacceptable 'universal hatred' / Getty

Criticism of the socially Conservative DUP following the election has been aimed at their resistance to gay marriage and anti-abortion stance.

However Mr Paisley said the DUPs 10 MPs had kept their heads down as leader Arlene Foster struck a confidence and supply deal with Theresa May to prop up her minority Government.

He said they got 1.5 billion out of it and jokingly added: Im not asking for sympathy  Ive got the money, the cheque cashed.

The DUP secured the money in return for their support in key votes on the economy and security.

Among the pay-out they secured 250 million for health and mental health services, 50 million for education, 400 million for infrastructure projects and 150 to install ultra-fast broadband across the province.

They also claimed victory for removing number of Tory cuts that would have hit pensioners in the Queens Speech.

Mr Paisley, the MP for North Antrim, said: The DUP deal is something that I believe should be universally celebrated. 1.5 billion for all of our people, our Catholic people, our Protestant people, our people of no religion.

1.5 billion .to make sure that security for our pensioners across the entirety of the United Kingdom is locked in place. Practical things like the winter fuel allowance whether you live in John OGroatsor Enniskillen.

I ask you, how could you object? You shouldnt and I dont believe you can.

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During his 15 minute address he failed to mention the collapsed power sharing deal in Northern Ireland which has left the province without a First Minister of Deputy First Minister since January.

Sinn Fein and the DUP have still failed to reach agreement on various issues, including Sinn Feins call for a stand-alone Irish Language Act.

Barry McElduff, Sinn Fein MP for West Tyrone  although his party do not take their seats in Westminster - said in his speech to the dinner: I dont want to strike too divisive a tone but we believe rights for Irish language speakers, the rights of people to marriage equality, and for families of victims at coroners inquests, are taken for granted in Britain.

"These rights are being denied to Irish citizens at this time and this is unacceptable and I dont think it would be tolerated in London, Dublin, Cardiff or Edinburgh so why should we tolerate it in the North of Ireland?
T he Royal Mint has unveiled a new 2 coin featuring author Jane Austen to mark the 200th anniversary of her death.

The new design is emblazoned with a silhouette of the Sense and Sensibility authors head overlaid by her signature on a backdrop of Regency wallpaper.

The coins have been launched by the Royal Mint to mark two centuries since the writers death aged 41 on July 18 1817.

They will be circulated in locations across Hampshire with links to the author including Winchester Cathedral, the Jane Austen museum in Alston and across Basingstoke from July 18.

New coin: The piece marks the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen's death / Royal Mint

Uncirculated editions, made from precious metals like gold and silver, will be available to buy from the Mint directly.

Designer Dominique Evans said: From the first brief, through to the final design, it was a delight to research Jane Austens life in detail.

Commemorative coin: The new 2 will be launched on July 18 / Royal Mint

I imagined her framed silhouette as if it were in one of the houses featured in Jane Austens books, on the wall of a corridor as guests passed by to attend a dance, perhaps in Pride and Prejudice, or on the wall in the home of Emma.

Director of the Royal Mint Museum, Dr Kevin Clancy, added: Jane Austens novels were well known for their treatment of subjects such as money, with stories often focused on wealth and social status, so it is apt that this well-loved British author will now be featured on UK coinage.
T he suicide bomber who killed 22 people at a concert in Manchester did not act alone, police believe.

Detectives want to speak to Salman Abedis brother in Libya amid suspicions that others may also have been involved in the attack on May 22.

Detective Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson, head of the North West Counter Terrorism Unit (NWCTU), said officers were "engaged" with the authorities in war-torn Libya where Hashem Abedi is currently being held.

He said: "We don't have evidence of a large network. We do however suspect others were either aware or complicit in the knowledge of this attack."

Manchester Arena Terror Attack: Victims 1 /21 Manchester Arena Terror Attack: Victims Nell Jones, 14, who died in the Manchester attack PA Jane Tweddle, 50 of Blackpool, was also killed 'Inseperable couple' Chloe Rutherford, 17, and Liam Curry, 19 Scottish teenager Eilidh MacLeod, 14, was confirmed to have been killed in the blast PA Michelle Kiss died in the blast. Her family have said they are "absolutely devastated" PA Saffie-Rose Roussos eight, from Lancashire, had been at the concert with her mother and sister when she was killed in the blast Wendy Fawell died in the attack Collect Olivia Campbell, 15, is also confirmed among the dead after a desperate search to find her Ariana Grande superfan Georgina Callander, 18, was one of the first victims to be named Lisa Lees and Alison Howe were killed while waiting in the foyer to collect their children Facebook Kelly Brewster died shielding her niece from the blast John Atkinson, 26, was also killed in the suicide blast Polish couple Angelika and Marcin Klis are confirmed among the dead in the Manchester attack Credit: Family photograph Victim: Martyn Hett has been confirmed as one of those killed in the attack Confirmed dead: 14-year-old Sorrell Leczowski Facebook Victim: Elaine McIver, an off-duty police officer Greater Manchester Police

Abedi detonated his bomb in the foyer of Manchester Arena at the end of an Ariana Grande concert on May 22.

Mr Jackson said he had to be careful not to damage any potential future prosecution as he briefed reporters at the headquarters of Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

He continued: "We do believe that there are other people potentially involved in this. We do however believe further arrests are possible.

"We want to speak to Hashem Abedi and I can now say we are currently engaging with the Crown Prosecution Service and the Libyan authorities.

"This is a live criminal investigation where central to it are 22 murdered people, with grieving families."

Police appealed for help to find a distinctive blue suitcase Abedi was seen carrying in the Rusholme area of Manchester / PA

Mr Jackson said attempts to speak to Hashem Abedi were part of an "ongoing" process but he refused to elaborate or say whether British police had travelled to Libya.

However, he did give some detail about what detectives had discovered so far.

Family of Manchester attack victim pay tribute in London

Abedi had spent "several hours" in Manchester city centre with his rucksack bomb before heading for Manchester Arena, detonating the device as the concert ended and young fans streamed out.

Mr Jackson said police were now clear on Abedi's movements in the run-up to the attack, they knew the make-up of the bomb and where parts were obtained.

He would not confirm the exact type of explosive used but said forensic evidence had been found at several locations around Manchester.

The bomber's younger brother, Hashem, was arrested in Libya shortly after the explosion, along with their father, Ramadan.

The family are originally from Libya, but fled during Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's dictatorship, with the father returning to fight with opposition forces when the uprising began in 2011.

Abedi's older brother, Ismail, was among more than a dozen people held and questioned by police in the UK before being released without charge.

Mr Jackson said Salman Abedi travelled to Libya a number of times and they were investigating how he obtained the skills to make a bomb.

Calls Abedi made, reportedly to his mother and others, on the night of the attack were another "key line of inquiry", Mr Jackson said, but would not be drawn further.

Additional reporting by Press Association.
D onald Trump has warned that the future of Western civilisation is at risk in a keynote speech ahead of the world leaders meeting at the G20 summit.

The US President called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to join the community of responsible nations to the fight against common enemies.

Speaking in the Polish capital Warsaw on Thursday, Mr Trump urged Moscow to remove its support for hostile regimes including Syria and Iran.

The US President is set to meet with Mr Putin for the first time at the G20 summit in Hamburg on Friday.

Trump speaking in Warsaw on Thursday / AP

Speaking to crowds in Krasinski Square, Mr Trump said: We urge Russia to cease its destabilising activities in Ukraine and elsewhere, and its support for hostile regimes including Syria and Iran, and to join the community of responsible nations in our fight against common enemies and in defence of civilisation itself.

He added: Our people will thrive and our civilisation will triumph.

"As the Polish experience reminds us, the defence of the West ultimately rests not only on means but also on the will of its people to prevail.

"The fundamental question of our time is whether the West has the will to survive."

President Donald Trump and U.S. First Lady Melania Trump speak to Poland's first lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda as Poland's President Andrzej Duda / AP

The US President offered praise for his hosts' resilience in the face of historic threats from Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, declaring: "Let us all fight like Poles."

In a news conference given hours before the speech, Mr Trump said there would be consequences for North Korea's very bad behaviour and something will have to be done".

In a state television announcement on Tuesday, North Korea said that it had test launched an intercontinental ballistic missile that could reach Alaska.

Mr Trump reacted angrily to the launch, while numerous US politicians have called on world leaders to introduce stronger sanctions.

He will also meet Xi Jinping in Hamburg amid warnings the USA would be prepared to take military action against Kim Jong-un if necessary.

Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive for the G20 leaders summit in Hamburg / REUTERS

In the news conference before his speech, he also questioned the veracity of American intelligence about foreign meddling in the US election, arguing that Russia wasn't the only country that may have interfered.

Allegations of Russian intervention in the US election threaten to overshadow his meeting with Mr Putin.

The US President also reaffirmed his commitment to Nato in his speech in Warsaw.

Mr Trump said the US "has demonstrated not merely with words, but with its actions, that we stand firmly" behind Article 5, "the mutual defence commitment".

The US President will meet with Prime Minister Theresa May at the G20 summit on Friday, with the pair expected to discuss Americas controversial withdrawal from the Paris accord.
F rance plans to ban all petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040, the countrys new environment minister has announced.

Nicolas Hulot told reporters about the planned measures, part of French president Emmanuel Macron's vision for a carbon neutral France by 2050, at a press conference on Thursday.

He described the move as a veritable revolution and while he conceded it would be "tough" for France's car manufacturers, he said projects were currently in place which "can fulfil that promise".

He said: We are announcing an end to the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2040.

Revolution: Electric cars at a charging point in London / Oli Scarff/Getty Images

Mr Hulat, a veteran environment campaigner, made it clear the decision was made based on concerns over public health and was "a way to fight against air pollution".

Meanwhile the French public will be offered financial incentives to use clean alternatives instead of their polluting vehicles.

He said: The government will offer each French person a bonus to replace their diesel car dating before 1997 or petrol from before 2001 by a new or second-hand vehicle.

He cited the example of a "European maker" which had already decided to take the plunge.

This was a reference to Swedish giant Volvo, which said on Wednesday it planned to built only electric and hybrid vehicles from 2019.

French automakers Renault and PSA, the maker of Peugeot and Citroen cars, are both partially owned by the state.

Peugeot, Citroen and Renault ranked first, second and third on a 2016 list of large car manufacturers with the lowest carbon emissions, the European Environment Agency said.

Mr Hulot also told reporters France would stop using coal to produce electricity by 2022 and that up to 4bn would be invested to help to boost energy efficiency.

It comes following the announcement of a five-year-plan to encourage clean energy and fulfil the country's commitments to "make the planet great again" under the Paris Agreement.

He said: "We want to demonstrate that fighting against climate change can lead to an improvement of French people's daily lives."

Meanwhile the Netherlands and Norway have both said they want to be free of petrol and diesel vehicles by 2025, Germany and India by 2030.
W ater cannons were fired at thousands of protesters as they clashed with police in the German city of Hamburg where the G20 summit is set to begin.

Demonstrators carrying banners that read: welcome to hell and Smash G20 were raised as the protest that attracted scores of activists descended in to chaos.

Up to 100,000 protesters were expected to march on the city ahead of the summit as police warned of possible violence, saying they had confiscated a number of homemade weapons.

World leaders including US President Donald Trump were at the same time in Hamburg to discuss disagreements over issues such as climate change and trade.

G20 protest: Police separate demonstrators using water cannon in Hamburg / AFP/Getty Images

Footage from the march shows masked black-clad anti-capitalist activists hurling bottles and stones at police wearing riot gear as they clashed ahead of the summit on Thursday.

Riot officers used a high-pressured water cannon to separate the angry group as violence broke out near the start of the demonstration in the city.

G20 demo: Riot police move in through the smoke from a smoke bomb during the "Welcome to Hell" rally / AFP/Getty Images

Thousands of people took part in the protest against the Group of 20 summit titled "G-20: Welcome to Hell," as police called on the group remove their masks.

Demonstrators gathered at a riverside plaza used for Hamburg's weekly fish market Thursday before setting off on their march.

Hamburg: Police used water cannons against demonstrators / Getty Images

The German government said its Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Trump had discussed issues including North Korea, the situation in the Middle East and the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Ahead of the world leaders meeting, Mr Trump warned the future of Western civilisation is at risk, calling on Russian President Vladimir Putin to join the community of responsible nations to the fight against common enemies.
T he Japanese army was mobilised to rescue stranded families after at least two people were killed and dozens of others were reported missing in flooding in the south of the country.

Homes, roads and rice paddies were deluged after heavy rain followed Typhoon Nanmadol.

Officials in Fukuoka, on Kyushu island, said four people suffered minor injuries. Hideki Tanaka, a Fukuoka disaster management official, said there were unconfirmed reports of at least two deaths.

He said six people were missing and feared dead after being swept away by floodwater or buried underneath mudslides. In one of the worst-hit cities, Asakura, one man escaped after a landslide crushed his home on a steep mountainside, national broadcaster NHK said.

Television footage showed rice fields and homes flooded after a river burst its banks, dragging vehicles into the riverbed and destroying dozens of buildings, roads and bridges.

Soldiers waded through floodwaters, carrying elderly people to safety and evacuating families in inflatable boats.

Nearly 600,000 people were ordered or advised to evacuate in Fukuoka and 270,000 people told to evacuate the city of Oita.
P ro-government militias attacked opposition politicians with wooden sticks and metal bars after storming Venezuelas congress building.

Four deputies were injured with one, Americo de Grazia, removed on a stretcher suffering convulsions.

A bloodied Armando Arias said from inside an ambulance: This doesnt hurt as much as watching how every day we lose a little bit more of our country.

The unprecedented attack, in plain view of national guardsmen assigned to protect the legislature, comes amid three months of violent confrontations between security forces and protesters who accuse the government of trying to establish a dictatorship by jailing foes, pushing aside the opposition-controlled legislature and rewriting the constitution to avoid fair elections.

Deputy Americo de Grazia is evacuated from the National Assembly / EPA

Tensions were already high after Vice President Tareck El Aissami made an unannounced visit to the National Assembly.

Government supporters stand outside the gates of the National Assembly as they besiege the building / REUTERS

After he left, dozens of government supporters invaded the legislature.

The siege was only lifted after seven hours.
R eading your phone can be challenging on the beach. Texting and emailing become painful tasks and seeing whether that holiday snap is actually worth Instagramming is near impossible because of the glare from the sun.

Instead, youre left staring at a dark screen and a reflection of your own squinty face.

But using your smartphone or tablet outdoors is about to get easier. American and Taiwanese scientists are developing a nature-inspired protective film thats four times easier to read in direct sunlight than current smartphone screens.

The technology is based on moths eyes. The insects have a mesh of tiny dimples that prevent light reflecting and stop their eyes from being revealing beacons for predators. Useful.

Now researchers from the University of Central Florida (UCF) are trying to adapt this structure into a film.

Using our flexible anti-reflection film on smartphones and tablets will make the screen bright and sharp, even when viewed outside, says lead researcher Dr Shin-Tson Wu, from UCFs College of Optics and Photonics.

Best iPhone accessories - in pictures 1 /12 Best iPhone accessories - in pictures Scroll to see our pick of the best iPhone accessories... Shutterstock / sergey causelove Moschino Fresh iPhone 6 cover If youre searching for a way to bring some style to your smartphone, then look to Moschinos kitsch case collection. This colourful option, shaped like the designer labels Fresh Couture perfume, sold out immediately after it first released and went down a treat with celebrities including Amber Rose. Created from rubber, the Windex-like design is only compatible with the iPhone 6. 55, FarFetch, Buy it now Bluetooth Selfie Stick While the selfie stick has been around for decades, the concept didnt take off until Bluetooth-enabled smartphones came along. This one is designed with a silicone-rubber handle for a firm grip as well as a foldable phone clamp for easy storage. Designed to work with most iPhones, the handy stick is small enough to fit into bags and pockets. 8.49, Amazon, Buy it now Car Phone Holder A car mount is perfect for when youre on the road and will need to keep up with notifications, view your GPS or control your music. Created with a rubber base and magnetic head, Mpows space-saving holder can be tilted or rotated to help you find the ideal position. Not only does it fit into CD slots, but can also hold encased devices. The design is complete with a quick release button to allow easy removal. Its supportive on even the bumpiest terrain and suitable for most smartphones. 5.59, Amazon, Buy it now Belkin Sport-Fit Armband for iPhone 7 When youre working out and want to keep your iPhone handy, an armband is the answer. Belkins lightweight offering, with its slim design and adjustable strap, means you can concentrate on working up a sweat and not your smartphone. Comfy yet sturdy, its clear screen protector allows you to access your touchscreen with ease. Its also hand-washable. 19.99, Very, Buy it now Olloclip 4-in-1 Lens For extreme close-ups, wide-angle snaps, fisheye shots and ultra-sharp quality look no further than the Olloclip 4-in-1 lens attachment kit. Featuring hard plastic lens covers and two protective holders, it fits easily on to a case-free iPhone and can be used for both selfie snaps and the rear camera. Its discrete clip holds a Macro 10x lens on one side and a Macro 15x lens on the other. A simple way to add some flair to your iPhone photos, the add-on is perfect for anyone wanting to up their game on Instagram and other social media. 51.50, Amazon, Buy it now JBL Flip 3 Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speaker The Flip 3 is big on sophistication and doesnt skimp on sound either. Whether its on its back or facing up, the bass-heavy sound comes through smoothly. It boasts a 10-hour battery life and comes in a range of funky colours. Not only is it handbag-sized, but is also splash-proof, making it ideal for taking along to holidays or picnics. 69.99, Amazon, Buy it now Braven BRV-Bank Smart Ultra Rugged Backup Battery The worlds first ever water-resistant power bank, Bravens BRV-Bank is designed to monitor the battery life of both smartphones and tablets. Its silicone cover provides protection against dust, water and anything else Mother Nature throws at it. With a whopping 6000mAh battery, its just the ticket for when youll be out all day. 49.99, Amazon, Buy it now Beats by Dr. Dre Studio Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones This set of noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones offer 20 hours of battery life and have a visible battery gauge so youll remember to charge them. From 249.99, Buy it now

Most iPhones currently combat the glare issue by boosting the screens brightness, but this rapidly drains battery, so the new film would enable phones to be used for longer outdoors.

The iPhone 7 reflects 4.4 per cent of the sunlight that hits it, whereas the new film has a surface reflection of just 0.23 per cent. Its also scratch-resistant and self-healing.

UCFs latest invention aims to improve on a number of existing solutions for painfully bright screens.

Apples screens generally fare well in sun  the iPad Air 2 has an anti-reflective coating, while the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact Tablet also has a particularly bright screen to combat the issue.

Screen protectors are popular. These come in two forms: matte finish and anti-reflective (AR) coatings. Theyre subtle, and barely affect the colour or contrast on your screen.

Try Tecknet tempered glass screen protectors, 4.95 from Amazon, and AmorGlas for your iPad, 47 from Amazon. The other option is to create a matt finish on the screen, otherwise known as a textured surface.

This reduces glare by scattering reflections. Its better at hiding fingerprints and smudges, and cant be scratched off. The downside is the textured surface can create colour speckles.

Its also a matter of preference whether you like a matt or a shiny look. Tech Armors HD Clear and Antiglare Screen Protector goes on cleanly and doesnt affect touch response.

Of course, you could just not use your phone on the beach.
A 25-year-old man from Bellwood, Pennsylvania faces numerous felony charges following an alleged armed robbery July 4 in a Stafford County gas station.

Mark Francis Lahive, Jr. was also wanted on two robbery warrants issued the day before out of Altoona, Pennsylvania, according to a news release Wednesday from the Stafford County Sheriffs Office.

Local police say the suspect led them on a vehicle pursuit Tuesday through Spotsylvania County after allegedly robbing the Interstate Shell on Warrenton Road.

After buying two packs of cigarettes at the gas station, Lahive reportedly went into the store bathroom for several minutes, exiting only after all the customers had left, according to the news release. He then allegedly approached the clerk, displayed a handgun and demanded cash. The clerk complied with the suspects demands after which time the suspect fled the store with an undisclosed amount of money.

The clerk was able to tell police the Pennsylvania license plate number on the grey sedan Lahive got into before heading south on I-95. The vehicle was soon after spotted in the right shoulder of the interstate before merging back into traffic and exiting on Route 3. Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle at Bragg Road, but the suspect allegedly accelerated, leading to a several-mile pursuit.

Lahive then reportedly turned into the Harrison Crossing Shopping Center, which houses Home Depot, maneuvering through the parking lot and onto the access road paralleling Route 3. Police made contact with the suspect vehicle at this point, causing it to fishtail into the Union Bank parking lot.

Lahive allegedly regained control of the car and headed into the SONIC parking lot, where he was blocked in by police and a concerned drive-thru customer, according to the news release. The suspect vehicle collided with the citizens vehicle and the pursuit subsequently ended. Deputies quickly took the suspect into custody without further incident.

Lahive has been charged in Stafford with robbery, brandishing a firearm, grand larceny, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, eluding police and DUI. An extradition warrant was also obtained against Lahive related to the active warrants out of Pennsylvania. He is being held at Rappahannock Regional Jail.
SCOTTSBLUFF  The Wild Kratts will be at the zoo this weekend.

Riverside Discovery Center will host a Wild Kratts movie on Saturday, July 8, in partnership with NET Nebraska.

Wild Kratts is a childrens animated series shown on PBS stations and on other stations around the world. The show educates children on biology, ecology and zoology, and shows them how small things make a big impact in the world.

The show teaches children about animals in a variety of ways, including how they live, making them less scary and how humans influence their habitats.

NET approached the zoo because they were looking for an event they could host at an outdoor venue. The zoo is a great fit because not only is it an outdoor venue, but the show focuses on the outdoors and animals.

We are coming out because its important for us to be out in communities, said Gary Targoff, assistant general manager for education at NET. We didnt have the kind of trip we wanted last time, so we also hope to make up for the lost time on our last tour.

NETs trip to western Nebraska last year had a mix-up in communications and staff at NET wanted to make things right.

Though the zoo being here is happenstance, Zoo Curator Anthony Mason is looking on the event as something positive for the zoo and for Scottsbluff.

If there wasnt a zoo here, theyd go somewhere else, he said. But theyre going to be advertising and they will be doing it here.

Wild Kratts-themed educational activities for children and families will be available at tables throughout the zoo. The screening will take place at the stage inside the zoo.

NET has selected six animals from the zoo that will be represented on their Wild Kratts Adventure Passports. The passports include questions relating to each of the animals. Each child who visits the animal stations during the event will receive a Creature Power Disc. There will also be giveaways and coloring sheets for children to take home.

The show is part of a summer learning activity NET does every summer to keep children learning while not in school.

Theres a huge gap, so we hope to fill that, Targoff said. We also try to help parents in filling that gap themselves.

Whenever NET hosts a program like the Wild Kratts, they make sure to also include learning activities to keep children interested.

What we do when we have a live event, we want to make it educational for the kids, Targoff said.

The event runs Saturday, July 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entrance to Riverside Discovery Center will be free during the hours of the screening.
LINCOLN  The Public Service Commission voted Wednesday to name Mike Hybl to a second go-round as the regulatory agencys executive director.

Hybl, 63, headed the agency from 2007 through 2012, before leaving to become chief of staff for U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer. Most recently, he has been working as legal counsel for the Legislatures Transportation and Telecommunications Committee.

Commission Chairman Tim Schram said Hybls vast knowledge of policy and his experience on both the state and federal level will serve the commission well.

He replaces Jeff Pursley, who resigned June 12 after questions about his side job as a private telecommunications consultant with Parrish, Blessing and Associates, based in Washington, D.C.

Attorney General Doug Peterson and Frank Daley, executive director of the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission, both issued opinions saying that Pursleys outside employment did not violate state law.

But the attorney generals opinion said a five-year contract the PSC had signed with Pursley was invalid and could not be enforced.

The opinions did not quell concerns about the arrangement, including from State Sen. Jim Smith of Papillion, who said he believed PSC staff should avoid the appearance of impropriety.

Pursley continued working part time for Parrish, Blessing after taking the PSC job on July 1, 2015. He was previously a director of the company. Pursley said he wanted to keep a job with the company because it offers better health insurance.

Hybl, who will be paid $135,000, will begin his new duties July 19.

The PSC regulates several key industries in Nebraska, including telecommunications, natural gas utilities, grain dealers, taxis, manufactured homes and recreational vehicles. The agency is involved currently with a high-profile review of the proposed Keystone XL pipeline.
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.
A Forsyth County judge convicted two Winston-Salem residents Thursday on charges connected to the fatal stabbing of a man last year.

Fred Harris Thompson, 20, pleaded guilty in Forsyth Superior Court to second-degree murder. Katisha Ann Smith, 34, entered a guilty plea to accessory after the fact of second-degree murder.

Thompson is accused of fatally stabbing Vierl L. Banks Jr. on June 10, 2016 in a rooming house on West Academy Street. Smith is accused of cleaning and hiding the knife Thompson used to kill Banks.

Judge David Hall of Forsyth Superior Court sentenced Thompson to serve between 13 and 16 years, eight months in prison. Hall sentenced Smith to serve between three years, 10 months and five years, eight months in prison.

Assistant District Attorney Belinda Foster said Thompson and Smith approached Banks at the downtown bus station on June 10, 2016. They solicited Banks for sex. Thompson, who was dressed as a woman, is transgender and identifies as a woman.

Foster said Thompson and Smith took Banks to a rooming house where Thompson lived. Smith went into a room and had sex with Banks. Then Thompson went into the room and engaged in a sexual act with Banks. Afterward, Banks refused to pay. Lisa Costner, Thompson's attorney, said Banks attempted to sexually assault Thompson, which led to the stabbing.

Another tenant in the rooming house found Banks in his doorway bleeding and called for help. Banks was taken to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, where he died the next day.
Romania is an important ally to the US, said deputy chief of the US diplomatic mission to Romania Dean Thompson at the Thursday meeting with Chamber of Deputies Speaker Liviu Dragnea on the occasion of his wrapping up activity in Romania. I just want to say 'thank you' to the friends I have made here, to my colleagues. (...) It is a strong and wonderful partnership. Romania is an important ally to the United States. I will terribly miss all this and I appreciate the opportunity to have served here. These have been three wonderful years. Thank you all! I was very fortunate to travel all over the country, from the Delta to the mountains, to Transylvania. I'll miss all this. I hope I'll return to Romania one day, Thompson said, confessing that he will also miss the Romania-specific cuisine.

He also had an advice for Romania: Stay the course. According to US ambassador in Bucharest Hans Klemm, talks with Chamber of Deputies Speaker Liviu Dragnea focused in particular on the Strategic Partnership of the two countries. We spent some highly constructive time discussing the Strategic Partnership between the United States and Romania, what we have to do next together with the Romanian government, Parliament, to strengthen this partnership. I assured the President that I am ready to work with Prime Minister Tudose and the new government. It was a fruitful but also sad one hour's time, for Mr. Thompson is leaving Romania tomorrow, said the US official.

Agerpres...
The conclusions of the first week of governance, as well as the calendar for the period ahead will be discussed on Monday, at a ruling coalition meeting, Social Democratic Party (PSD) Chairman Liviu Dragnea announced on Thursday. "On Monday, we'll have a coalition meeting, where the prime minister and Cabinet members, to be packed by Mr Tudose, are invited to attend as guests, to discuss after the first week of governance what their conclusions are and what the calendar of actions for the period ahead is," Dragnea said Parliament Palace.

He mentioned that the meeting will take place in the first half of the day. In respect to the Government decision to block central administration hiring, Dragnea believes that the floodgate was left open in this area. "Yes, because many people have been hired, although we had established, as a strategic decision at the beginning of governance in January, that 10 percent of public spending cuts will take place. And it seems that the hiring floodgate was left open in the central administration and that is not all right," the PSD leader said.

According to him, the situation isn't the same in the local administration. "In my opinion, this is not the case with the local administrations; they will have the freedom within budget limits. The central administration is an entirely different thing," Dragnea said.

Agerpres...
Romania's President Klaus Iohannis has appreciated the public speech delivered by his US counterpart, Donald Trump, in Warsaw, showing that Trump underscored that the US will respect Article 5 in the North-Atlantic Treaty. "The content of President Trump's speech of principle was very good. He reiterated that Article 5 is obviously very important and will be fully respected by the US. It is the article in the NATO contract, if I may say so, which guarantees that any member country supports any other if needed," President Klaus Iohannis said on Thursday.

He said that the first session of The Three Seas Initiative devoted to the transatlantic relation was very good and constructive. President Klaus Iohannis, together with leaders of 12 other countries, participated in The Three Seas Initiative Summit. US President Donald Trump was attending as special guest. Donald Trump delivered a public speech in the Krasinski Square of Warsaw.

Agerpres...
Prime Minister Mihai Tudose said Thursday that Romania should have its own vaccine factory, calling on Health Minister Florian Bodog to work out a plan that the Cantacuzino Institute, a healthcare research organisation, may become operational.

"What should we do so that next week you may come up with what the Cantacuzino Institute needs so that that it may become operational?," Tudose asked Bodog at the beginning of a government meeting on Thursday.Bodog said talks have already started with the research minister concerning the Cantacuzino Institute."We have already started talks over the Cantacuzino Institute with Mr Research Minister. We are seeking a solution that would change the government decision and we will unveil it to you in order to make the institute operational. We will also unveil to you a proposal for its recovery," said Bodog."That should be a proposal based on which we can have our own vaccine factory here in our country (...) if possible," said PM Tudose.

agerpres .
The fiscal framework of Romania won't lose its attractiveness, but, at the same time, as many companies as possible must become even more profitable, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies and Social Democratic Party (PSD) Chairman Liviu Drangea said on Thursday. He maintained that, during talks at Parliament with US ambassador in Bucharest Hans Klemm and with deputy head of the US mission Dean Thompson, the two didn't voice any concern about any potential fiscal measures.

"No, absolutely none. I brought up the topic; I didn't want it to be only a farewell visit. It was a meeting we agreed upon. I started the topic and I said that the fiscal framework of Romania will not lose its attractiveness (...)," Dragnea pointed out, adding that solutions are sought so that companies become even more profitable.

He said the discussion with the two US diplomats was "good, even comprehensive." Dragnea added that, if solutions that can do good to all sides are identified, then they will be adopted, and if solutions that might have secondary effects on the business environment are identified, they will not be adopted. "Starting next week, there will be these meetings organised by the Government, at the PM and the finance minister's initiative. (...) We have established to have constant communication with the US Embassy, as we also have with the other embassies, to exchange information in real time, for greater efficiency in our collaboration," Dragnea said. Asked if the US guests came up with suggestions, the Speaker said no.

Agerpres...
Ambassador of the US in Bucharest Hans Klemm stated on Thursday that the US Government and the US Embassy maintain their confidence in the work conducted by Laura Codruta Kovesi, as head of the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA).

When asked, at the end of a meeting with Speaker of the Deputies' Chamber Liviu Dragnea, what can he say about the scandal involving the DNA chief, Ambassador Klemm, initially stated that he doesn't have a specific statement regarding the Kovesi case.

Asked whether or not the US Government and the US Embassy in Bucharest continue to endorse Laura Codruta Kovesi, the Ambassador answered he is still confident regarding her work, because her activity was analyzed by the judicial authorities of Romania.

When asked if Kovesi is in danger (of losing the office -e.n.) because of this scandal, the US Ambassador stated that the decision should be made by the Romanian authorities.

Speaker of the Deputies' Chamber Liviu Dragnea had a meeting on Thursday with Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy to Romania Dean Thompson, on the occasion of concluding his activity in Romania. The meeting was also attended by US Ambassador Hans Klemm.

agerpres.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Arkansas lawmakers are delaying a vote on a temporary ban of a herbicide thats been the focus of hundreds of complaints from farmers who say its causing widespread damage.

The Arkansas Legislative Councils executive subcommittee on Wednesday delayed voting on the temporary ban of the sale and use of dicamba thats been approved by the state Plant Board.

The legislative panel says it would take up the ban on Friday after it goes before the House and Senate agriculture committees earlier that day.

Dicamba is a relatively inexpensive weed killer, but can drift and damage nearby row crops such as soybeans and cotton in addition to fruit and vegetable farms and ornamental trees. The state plant board has received at least 551 complaints this year about dicambas use.
Each year, seed-corn companies like Monsanto bring in thousands of laborers to produce hybrid seeds, according to a two-year investigation by the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting.

Most of the seeds are genetically modified. The companies sell the seeds to farmers worldwide, in what has become an $11 billion GMO corn industry.

The farmers grow it into corn for sale as food, ethanol, livestock feed and components of a range of industrial products, from fireworks to ceiling tiles.

In the process, the Midwest Center investigation found, Monsanto and its counterpart in GMO corn production, DuPont Pioneer, have faced repeated allegations of labor violations over the past decade related to a growing use of farm labor contractors.

Below are summaries from some of those cases.

DuPont Pioneer: Wrongful death suit in Illinois

Like its counterpart, Monsanto Co., DuPont Pioneer controls slightly more than a third of the U.S. GMO hybrid corn market. And like Monsanto, Pioneer has in recent years faced repeated complaints, including litigation, about its detasseling-related labor practices. Detasseling is the task of lopping off corn tassels, which enables growers to produce lucrative high-yield hybrid corn seed. The work is largely done by migrant farmworkers.

One complaint, a wrongful death lawsuit filed in 2013, alleged that Humberto Casarrubia Sanchez, a 36-year-old Mexican national hired through the H-2A temporary guest worker visa program, suffered heatstroke while detasseling in Illinois in 2011.

According to the initial complaint, Pioneers labor contractor, McNeill Management, failed to provide enough water and shade for workers toiling in 100-degree weather.

Sanchez went unaccounted for when the job ended. More than a month later, his body was found near the rows of corn where he worked.

A private law firm filed the suit on behalf of the workers family. The case is currently working its way through the courts.

Then-Pioneer spokeswoman Jane Slusark wrote in a 2015 email: We do not comment on active litigation.

In a June 2014 court filing, Pioneer admitted that it hired McNeill, and that McNeill hired Sanchez, but otherwise the company denied or pleaded ignorance about the allegations.

Pioneer spokeswoman Susan Mantey stated in a 2016 email: DuPont Pioneer follows all state and federal laws regarding migrant worker housing, and we take the living conditions of our workers seriously.

Mantey wrote that the company works to ensure that workers are provided with a safe environment for their work and offers a comprehensive safety training program for all workers, which includes a safety presentation, handbook, safety toolbox talks, safety rules, and Worker Protection Standard training, among other items.

In a June 2017 email, Mantey added: DuPont Pioneer is committed to the core values of respect for people, safety, environmental stewardship, and commitment to the highest ethical standards.

She would not share copies of the proprietary safety and training materials, but wrote that they covered a range of topics, from what to expect during detasseling to emergency medical procedures.

False and misleading

In another lawsuit against Pioneer, 31 migrant farmworkers and their seven family members from south Texas won a 2015 settlement of $190,000.

According to the lawsuit, originally filed in Michigan in 2014, Pioneers contractors recruited workers to the cornfields around Niles, Michigan, with false and misleading information, then failed to:

 pay migrant workers the promised wage for all hours worked

 employ the workers on the promised start dates

 maintain a reasonable supply of water or toilet or hand-washing facilities

 provide housing that met minimum health and safety standards

In a July 2014 court filing, Pioneer denied or pleaded ignorance about the substance of the allegations. Its June 2015 settlement stipulated that the agreement did not constitute an admission of wrongdoing or liability by Pioneer.

Chris Varner, one of two contractors named in the lawsuit against Pioneer, declined to comment on any specifics related to the case.

It took years to put that whole thing behind me, he wrote by email, about the lawsuit. And Id rather keep it that way.

Reyes vs. Remington Hybrid Seed Co.: Whos responsible?

In 2002, a group of migrant farmworkers sued seed company Remington Hybrid Seed Co. and its contractor, Braulio Zarate, Jr.

The allegations themselves were common  non-disclosure, payment and housing allegations typical of those often fielded by legal aid offices.

But unlike most detasseling cases, which normally settle without generating court rulings, legal aid lawyers said this case ultimately set a key precedent: It established a seed-corn companys liability for the action of its contractors as well as the companys responsibilities to recruited workers.

In July 2007, the federal Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago ruled against the company in Reyes v. Remington Hybrid Seed Company.

In its ruling, the court found: Remington must be deemed the workers employer for events that occurred in the fields under its management or in its offices.

Remington did not reply to multiple phone calls, a website submission of extensive questions or a letter stating the questions.

But Tom Thornburg, a former attorney with the Michigan-based legal aid clinic Farmworker Legal Services, said the Reyes ruling means that seed-corn companies are liable for a contractors violations, including broken promises at recruitment.

Its their responsibility to give accurate disclosure. Its their requirement, he said. Their crew leader is just their agent. Its their responsibility to monitor and police them.

In practice, he said, it doesnt always work out that way.

You show Monsanto on paper that they have an obligation [under Reyes]that they need to know what their contractors do and police them, that theyre liable, and they will simply settle, Thornburg said.

Suit claims Monsanto contractor made false and misleading promises

Many legal aid settlements with seed-corn companies involve non-disclosure agreements.

But over the past several years, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid has handled four lawsuits and a pre-court settlement on corn production, all against Monsanto, in which plaintiffs could talk publicly. Workers in some of the cases agreed to be interviewed.

They included three of the 22 farmworkers who sued after a Monsanto contractor recruited them from the Rio Grande Valley in 2010 with attractive employment terms: six weeks of work at 10 to 12 hours per day, $8 per hour, $12 for overtime and decent housing provided in Boone, Iowa.

The terms turned out to be false and were the products of a malicious design, according to a 2013 lawsuit filed in federal court in the southern district of Texas against Monsanto and its contractor on the job, Eleuterio Cortes.

Defendants knowingly made the false and misleading promises [of] six weeks of employment but offered work for only four weeks, the lawsuit stated. [They] failed to offer work for 10 to 12 hours per day  and failed to disclose housing arrangements.

Agustin Garcia, a Brownsville, Texas, resident, was among the crew members.

They told the time and the work we were going to do, he said. It wasnt so. They didnt keep their word. Ive worked for other companies directly  work is work, whats most important is that the company lives up to its side of the bargain.

Worker on Monsanto job: This is not what we came for

According to most measurements, Josefa Perez was not a typical farmworker on a Monsanto job.

As a retired teacher from Weslaco, Texas, she spoke good English, she was educated and she was not desperate for money.

Instead, Perez said she took the 2012 job, in Oelwein, Iowa, to raise revenue for her daughters college expenses and better understand her ex-students families  what some of my migrant parents go through [and] where theyre coming from.

She said what she learned led her to a legal aid office, where she complained about her experience with Monsanto and its contractor, Leonel Rodriguez.

In the summer of 2012, Perez said she accompanied her then-17-year-old daughter and then-25-year-old son to the job in Oelwein, Iowa.

Perez recruiter, Rodriguez, had been hired by Monsanto to find migrant farmworkers to detassel hybrid corn. Perez said Rodriguez promised good wages and housing.

But there were not enough beds or work, she said.

Perez found herself and her daughter crammed into a room with a stranger, with her son having to sleep on the floor. The roommate, Nila Cantu, echoed Perezs story in an interview, adding that the room lacked a cooking stove. Perez said that she and Cantu ultimately received less than half the pay they were promised.

Not what we were told

This is not what we came for, this is not what we were told, Perez said. They said that easily in the first week we would be getting anywhere from $800 to $900 or more depending on how fast we worked. And then to get $300? That was not fair.

Perez said housing and wages were the biggest problem.

But she said her crew of about 45 workers also experienced at least one problem in the field itself: a long distance from the rows where they were toiling to the sole Porta-potty.

As a result, she said, one worker had to defecate in the field.

We were like way out there, Perez said. It had to be over a mile for him to get back to the front where there would have been a bathroom. The contractor  told us that Monsanto was very upset [after the alleged defecation]. But there was no, Im sorry, we dropped the ball, we should have had one back there for you. Nothing.

Within days of arriving home, Perez sought out Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, which sent a demand letter to Monsanto.

TRLA lawyer Daniela Dwyer said the demand letter, addressing only housing and pay for the crew and not the allegation about restroom facilities, resulted in a 2014 settlement with Monsanto. The settlement itself and the demand letter outlining the problem to Monsanto remained private. But Perez and her fellow workers were not prevented from discussing the experience.

In an unusual development, Rodriguez, the contractor, himself sued Monsanto over the same job, claiming breach of contract.

Monsanto counter-sued, claiming extortion. In the end, Rodriguez and Monsanto jointly moved to end their cases. Rodriguez could not be reached for comment, despite repeated attempts by letter and phone, to the only known address and three known phone numbers.

Charla Lord, a Monsanto spokeswoman, declined to comment on the Rodriguez job, but stated in an e-mail that the most recent U.S. Department of Labor audit of sanitation at one of our sites found we were in compliance with all federal laws and regulations.

Monsanto hired three labor contractors who had prompted complaints, records show

A review of U.S. Department of Labor records and grievances submitted to legal aid offices has found that the St. Louis-based Monsanto Co. approved the hiring of three farm contractors  Eleuterio Cortes, Hermilo Cantu, Jr., and Abel Cuello, Jr.  who at the time of hiring had already been named in labor-related complaints, including litigation, about their work in seed-corn production.

In a 2013, a group of 22 migrant farmworkers filed a lawsuit in Texas against Monsanto and the first contractor, Cortes, over a seed-corn job in Iowa in 2010.

The lawsuit alleged that Cortes was not federally authorized to work as a contractor, did not pay workers their due and housed workers in substandard hotel rooms, some of which had plumbing leaks, backed-up showers, no way to store or prepare food, and were infested with fleas.

Two years later, in 2015, Monsanto offered Cortes work at the same site, where he was again the subject of a complaint, again involving lack of federal authorization. Monsanto settled both cases.

The companys contractor registry shows that it approved the hiring of Cortes again in 2016, the next year.

The second contractor, Cantu, was sued at least twice for his work with Monsanto, records show.

One case  filed in Texas in 2012 for events in Indiana in 2010  included complaints that workers were not paid promised wages and did not have access to adequate sanitation facilities. Cantu also allegedly violated the rights of the non-working children to housing that meets applicable health and safety standard.

In the second case, filed before the 2015 detasseling season for events in Indiana 2011 and 2012, workers alleged that Cantu committed a number of similar violations, from paying far fewer hours than they worked to failing to provide [required] toilet facilities, hand washing facilities with potable water, and cool potable drinking water. The outcome of the case is still pending.

Lord would not comment on whether Cantu was subsequently hired by the company. But an internal Monsanto document, Monsanto Farm Labor Contractor housing List  which the company gives Legal Aid lawyers to reveal the companys contractors in various locations  lists Cantu for the 2015 season, though not for 2016.

Cantu did not respond to letters requesting comment.

Served prison time

Perhaps the most publicly known detasseling recruiter hired by Monsanto was Abel Cuello, Jr., a Florida-based contractor who had a history of legal complaints against him at the time Monsanto hired him.

In 1999, Cuello pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit involuntary servitude, a felony, for his role in a series of violations that included smuggling, trafficking and failing to ensure the safety of Mexican tomato workers in Florida.

Media reports added that Cuello locked workers in a roach-infested trailer each night.

According to court records, Cuello was ordered to pay a fine just under $21,000. Sentenced to a maximum of five years of prison time, Cuello ultimately served less than three years in federal prison.

As long as a felony conviction doesnt happen within the preceding five years, the labor department can certify labor contractors convicted of felonies  from smuggling illegal immigrants to extortion, embezzlement, robbery and murder, rape, assault with intent to kill, according to the federal Agricultural Worker Protection Act.

In late 2004, according to Department of Labor spokesman Edwin Nieves, Jr., the agency granted Cuello his certification, enabling him to return to work in the tomato industry.

By 2009, Cuello was recruiting and supervising workers from South Texas for Pioneers detasseling operations in Indiana.

Pioneer would not comment on the hiring of Cuello. But by 2013 he was the subject of a Texas RioGrande Legal Aid lawsuit alleging violations from the 2009-2010 seasons at Pioneer, including failure to provide adequate access to bathroom facilities and threats to dock pay of workers who took breaks.

By April 2014, the suit added similar allegations for the 2011-2012 seasons with Pioneer and was settled in 2015, records show.

Monsantos Lord would not comment on whether the company knew about the Pioneer-related complaints  or whether it subsequently hired Cuello in 2013.

But Department of Labor documents show that the company did hire Cuello in 2013.

The Department investigated complaints that workers under Monsanto and Cuello in 2013 did not have cold water and were not given proper breaks to drink water and washing stations were not sanitary.

The Department of Labor found no violations and did not fine the company or Cuello.

Cuello could not be reached for comment despite attempts by letter and by phone. Lord did not respond to questions asking whether the company would have considered Cuellos record before offering him work, or whether it generally subjects contractors to background checks.

But she cited a one-page set of guidelines from 2015, which the company issued to contractors to clarify expectations Monsanto holds for all Farm Labor Contractors on issues ranging from pay to violent threats.

The document stated that Monsanto works hard to select Farm Labor Contractors (FLCs) who share our commitment to worker safety, respect and creating a great place to work.

Research assistance provided by Lauren Grandestaff, Ginger Hervey, Renee Hickman, Samantha Sunne, and Francisco Vara-Orta.
REDMOND, Wash.  Microsoft is laying off thousands of employees in a shake-up aimed at selling more subscriptions to software applications that can be used on any internet-connected device.

Most of the people losing their jobs work in sales and are located outside the U.S. The Redmond, Washington, company confirmed that it began sending the layoff notices Thursday, but declined to provide further specifics except that thousands of sales jobs will be cut.

Microsoft Corp. employs about 121,500 people worldwide.

The cuts are part of Microsoft's shift away from its traditional approach of licensing its Office software and other programs for a one-time fee tied to a single computer. The company is now concentrating on selling recurring subscriptions for software accessible on multiple devices, a rapidly growing trend known as "cloud computing."
With morning temperatures approaching 90 degrees one day in July 2015, a migrant laborer walking down rows of corn began to experience symptoms of heat exhaustion, including difficulty breathing and extreme nausea.

The laborer was working near Boone, Iowa, for an independent contractor with Creve Coeur-based Monsanto Co., which hires such contractors annually to recruit and oversee teams of migrant farmworkers in the cornfields of the Midwest.

The farmworker was doing tasks related to detasseling  the practice of lopping off corn tassels, which enables growers to produce lucrative high-yield hybrid corn seed.

Each year, seed-corn companies like Monsanto bring in thousands of laborers to produce the hybrid seeds, most of which are genetically modified.

The companies sell the seeds to farmers worldwide, in what has become an $11-billion GMO corn industry. The farmers grow the seeds into corn for sale as food, ethanol, livestock feed and components of a range of industrial products, from fireworks to ceiling tiles.

In a two-year investigation of GMO seed-corn production, the Champaign, Ill.-based Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting found repeated allegations of labor violations over the past decade against Monsanto, its counterpart DuPont Pioneer, other seed companies and the companies contractors.

A review of federal documents, lawsuits and Monsanto records  and interviews with advocates and experts  shows that the allegations include broken recruiting promises, minimum-wage violations, improperly withheld pay and substandard living conditions in seed-corn production of Monsanto and Pioneer.

Needed more water

As a way to easily locate workers in emergencies, Monsanto requires its detasseling crews to stay within the rows they are assigned to work in. But that morning, the worker finished his water and needed more. Instead of walking the long way down his row of corn, he crossed over other rows of corn to get water more quickly.

After learning about the shortcut, Monsantos contractor, Eleuterio Cortes, allegedly fired the worker. The worker would not speak about his experience for this story and requested anonymity to protect his employment prospects. But an Iowa Legal Aid attorney, Jessica Taylor, complained to Monsanto on his behalf.

According to a Sept. 22, 2015 letter Taylor sent the company, Cortes said he acted because the worker violated company safety policies and couldnt handle the job. The letter also alleged Cortes was not properly registered as a contractor with U.S. Department of Labor.

In response to the letter, Mary Tonkin, Monsantos senior counsel at the time, wrote Taylor that the worker was not terminated but quit  and that Mr. Cortes has provided services for Monsanto for several years and has always provided a copy of his registration.

She added: We do not have a copy of the registration and are checking to see what happened.

She offered to pay the worker $500 for the oversight.

But after Taylor sent additional registration information from the U.S. Department of Labor, Tonkin conceded that it was more likely [the worker] was terminated than quit  and wrote that Cortes, the contractor who allegedly fired the worker, had submitted misleading paperwork to the company.

I am very disappointed that the documentation provided to Monsanto by Mr. Cortes is false, Tonkin wrote. That seriously undermines Monsantos view of his credibility.

Monsantos legal team had already handled a case involving Cortes license two years earlier.

According to a 2013 lawsuit filed against Monsanto by Texas RioGrande Legal Aid and settled out of court later that year, Cortes in 2010 recruited a crew of 22 migrant workers to the same Monsanto job in Boone, Iowa, then denied them promised housing and pay  and also was without a license at the time. A review of U.S. Department of Labor records revealed no evidence that Cortes was licensed at the time of that job or the 2015 job.

To resolve the second complaint, in 2015, Monsanto paid the worker $1,250.

Tonkin stated in a letter to the legal aid lawyer: We have placed Mr. Cortes on our do not use list.

Hired again

By the next year, however, Cortes was back on a 2016 Monsanto list of active contractors, which legal aid workers gave the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting. According to Taylor, Cortes did indeed work at the Monsanto site at Boone, Iowa, that year.

Monsanto would not comment directly on Cortes or whether the company employed him in 2016, although it did respond to requests for comment for this story. Cortes could not be reached for comment despite repeated attempts.

But it would not be the first time the company brought in a contractor who had previously been the subject of labor complaints in similar work.

In the past decade, Monsanto approved the hiring of three contractors  Cortes, Hermilo Cantu, Jr., and Abel Cuello  after the contractors had previously triggered complaints related to their work in seed-corn production, according to a review of Department of Labor records and complaints to legal aid offices, including eight lawsuits naming the company over the decade.

Monsanto is not the only target of labor allegations related to corn detasseling. A review of more than a decade of complaints to legal aid offices, including more than a dozen lawsuits, show labor-related allegations filed against DuPont Pioneer and other seed-corn companies, along with the companies contractors.

The Centers review looked closely at five detasseling-related complaints against Monsanto, including four lawsuits, in which the workers who complained were not prevented from discussing the cases and workers in some of the cases agreed to be interviewed.

But according to legal aid lawyers, both Monsanto and Pioneer generally operate the same way in one important respect: They do not explicitly accept liability for all their contractors actions.

Greg Schell, an attorney who has represented migrant farmworkers for more than 30 years at Florida Legal Services and, more recently, at Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid, said Monsanto and Pioneer have declined to assume key employer-like responsibilities.

For one thing, Schell said, the two companies delegate to their contractors the responsibility for keeping track of hours for payment, typically an employers responsibility.

The ability to log the hours worked by farmworkers, he said, allows contractors the chance to underpay workers to keep money for themselves.

The heart of the problem is that timekeeping is not accurate, he said. If the companies kept the time and did so accurately, people would get paid more.

In practice, according to Schell and other legal aid lawyers, the companies have not explicitly acknowledged a 2007 appeals court ruling holding seed-corn companies responsible for the actions of contractors who recruit and supervise workers.

The seed-corn company targeted in the case, Reyes v. Remington Hybrid Seed Co., must be deemed the workers employer for events that occurred in the fields under its management or in its offices, the court said.

Monsanto and Pioneer, the two largest seed-corn companies, have settled numerous allegations like those at issue in Reyes.

Both declined to comment on the Reyes ruling.

In response to similar litigation, the companies generally deny wrongdoing or claim insufficient knowledge to respond to the allegations. The settlements normally explicitly stipulate no admission of wrongdoing on the part of the defendant.

Monsanto and DuPont Pioneer declined to respond in detail to most questions about complaints related to their use of contractors.

Monsanto spokeswoman Charla Lord would not comment directly on extensive written questions about allegations regarding the companys use of the contractors, despite repeated attempts since 2015.

Safety top priority

But she wrote in an email in 2015 that the company regards safety as our top priority.

That includes guaranteeing the safety of all the products we produce and ensuring the safety of all our workers around the world, she wrote.

Lord wrote that the company is committed to workers who work in farm fields and has pledged to provide them with a safe and respectful work environment.

She also pointed out that the company works closely with legal aid to settle any complaints quickly, a practice several legal aid lawyers confirmed.

In 2015, then-Pioneer spokeswoman Jane Slusark declined to address extensive questions about the companys use of contractors, saying we do not comment on active litigation.

In late 2016 Pioneer spokeswoman Susan Mantey declined to respond to the same questions and additional ones about the companys use of contractors, saying, DuPont Pioneer follows all state and federal laws regarding migrant worker housing, and we take the living conditions of our workers seriously.

In a June 2017 email, she added: DuPont Pioneer is committed to the core values of respect for people, safety, environmental stewardship, and commitment to the highest ethical standards.

Spokesman Paul Bertels of the National Corn Growers Association, which represents 300,000 corn farmers and lists seed-corn producers like Monsanto and Pioneer as industry partners, also declined to comment directly on the use of contractors and complaints against them and the companies that employ them.

The NCGA does not have a position regarding FLCs, Bertels wrote in an email, referring to the acronym for the Department of Labors designation of Farm Labor Contractors.

Using middlemen

In recent decades, complaints have arisen as large agricultural businesses have increasingly hired contractors to serve as middlemen between agricultural companies and migrant workers.

Legal aid lawyers and labor advocates say the current labor-contracting system too often results in abusive  and sometimes dangerous  conditions in the fields.

Hundreds of thousands of farmworkers out there are subjected to labor abuses, said Bruce Goldstein, president of Farmworker Justice, a national advocacy group. Almost any time we talk to farm workers, we find theyre suffering illegal conditions, including in genetically modified seed-corn. Labor contracting situations [lead to] rampant violations of their rights.

While there are reports of worse conditions in other U.S. crops, labor allegations are better documented in genetically modified seed corn, according to legal aid attorneys and labor specialists. That documentation provides a window into the use of contractors and migrant farmworkers nationwide.

Number of complaints

Over the past decade, legal aid clinics that represent the low-wage workers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Texas estimate that they have fielded a combined total of about 50 labor complaints, including lawsuits, related to GMO seed-corn production.

Legal aid lawyers and farmworker advocates said the numbers hardly reflect the scale of illegal treatment of migrant farmworkers or violations of federal law in the cornfields.

These complaints are the tip of the iceberg, said Daniela Dwyer, an attorney with Texas RioGrande Legal Aid.

For one thing, Dwyer and others said, legal aid clinics cannot file civil complaints on behalf of the majority of farmworkers nationwide.

Since the mid-1990s legislation in Congress, which subsidizes legal aid, has effectively prevented legal aid organizations from representing some legal immigrants and all undocumented workers.

But undocumented workers now represent more than half of farmworkers nationwide, according to Philip Martin, a University of California-Davis professor of agricultural economics and an expert in farm labor statistics.

In addition, workers eligible for legal aid also remain reluctant to voice grievances, Dwyer said. Among other reasons, she said, they fear losing their wages, forfeiting scarce work the subsequent year, or being stranded with no funds to get home.

Even workers who describe problems or register initial complaints are hard to track down for necessary vetting and are often traumatized.

Its hard just getting clients to talk, for any reason, Dwyer said.

Miguel Keberlein Gutierrez  a Chicago-based lawyer with the LAF legal aid clinic who has represented hundreds of farmworkers in cases against Monsanto, DuPont Pioneer and other companies  estimated that farmworker complaints to legal aid offices represent as little as 10 percent of the violations that take place in seed-corn production each year, an estimate echoed by legal aid counterparts in two other states.

In 15 years, Keberlein Gutierrez said, I have yet to speak with a [detasseler] who hasnt revealed suffering some type of violation.

The Centers review of detasseling-related allegations made to legal aid offices has turned up numerous cases involving DuPont Pioneer, Monsanto and contractors for both companies  sometimes involving up to 30 or more members of a particular work crew.

The cases, ranging from informal attorneys letters to formal litigation, include more than a dozen suits filed over the past 10 years, almost invariably involving workers claims of being misled at recruitment, not paid the days or hours theyre promised, and housed in substandard facilities  in surroundings where they dont know anybody, dont speak the language and have little recourse but to accept the terms.

Plaintiffs were in desperate economic need of work, stated one typical allegation, from the 2013 lawsuit against Cortes. And being thousands of miles from their homes back in Texas and lacking money and the means of return transportation, Plaintiffs were left with no real choice.

Rise in contractors

At the root of the rising complaints, farm labor advocates and legal aid attorneys say, is an increasing use of contractors.

From 2001 to 2015, the number of farm labor contractors and crew leaders nationwide increased nearly 20 percent to more than 173,000, with their wages rising 40 percent, according to the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages.

While statistics for the prior decade are more elusive, growers started relying more on contractors after Congress passed anti-immigration legislation in the late 1980s, which brought the threat of immigration crackdowns, according to the farm labor statistician Martin.

As the workforce went from local teens to Spanish speakers, he wrote in an email, there was a need for bilingual go-betweens [and] risk absorbers  including those who could absorb the risk of immigration raids. The uptick in farm labor contractors occurred alongside rising illegal migration in the 1990s.

In seed-corn production, Martin said, the change intensified an earlier trend: In the 1980s, high school students who had traditionally done detasseling throughout the Midwest (and still do in some counties) began finding more non-farm summer work.

By the 1990s, the two trends converged, as seed-corn companies began hiring more contractors, or crew leaders, to recruit migrant farmworkers from South Texas.

Problems have arisen, legal aid lawyers said, primarily because crew leaders must work within strict profit margins to recruit and employ the workers.

Seed-corn companies, the lawyers said, typically arrange to pay a contractor a lump sum, but reserve the option to require extra work, with no guarantee of compensating the extra time it takes, to complete the work to specification.

One Monsanto contractor, for example, had to perform work in accordance with Company quality standards, according to a 2012 contract that Midwest obtained from the records of a lawsuit filed by the contractor against Monsanto.

Under such contractual terms, Dwyer and Schell said, companies can require contractors to direct their crews to make extra passes in the field  and leave the contractors to cover the cost of paying the crew for the extra work.

Math skills and honesty

This might not otherwise cause problems for the workers if the company took full responsibility for the workers, Dwyer said. She pointed out that Pioneer now issues checks to crew members directly, but said that both Monsanto and DuPont Pioneer allow the contractors to log the hours of their crew, which she said is often where the alleged trouble starts.

The number of hours could be dictated by the seed-corn company, but its not, she said. Monsanto [relies] upon the math skills or the honesty of the crew leader to make sure people are properly paid or given a stub.

Often the crew leaders are economically vulnerable, too, just one step from being farmworkers themselves, said Schell, the attorney at Texas RioGrande Legal Aid. There is a real incentive for the labor contractors to skim from the workers. The fee paid the contractors by Monsanto and the other seed companies [is] insufficient in many instances for the contractors to pay the workers the wages required by law, pay all taxes and the like, and still make a profit.

Given their constraints and responsibilities, Schell said, crew leaders can often end up looking to wrest a profit from their hires by committing cost-cutting violations, including violating minimum-wage laws. (Federal minimum wage is governed by the federal 1938 Fair Labor Standards Act.)

According to Schell and other labor lawyers, the 2007 ruling on the Reyes v. Remington Hybrid Seed Co. case would put the onus on the companies for such alleged violations.

But companies generally take the position that independent contractors are responsible for abiding by the law in recruiting and supervising workers.

[The] Farm Labor Contractor is the employer of these workers, Monsantos Lord wrote in an email. In some circumstances Monsanto may be the statutory co-employer.

Lord would not elaborate on which circumstances the company would be a co-employer or explain the companys responsibility for recruitment of workers.

Little material consequence

But if they fail to explicitly acknowledge liability for their contractors, as legal aid attorneys say the companies do, Monsanto and its counterparts face little material consequence.

Because Congress has prevented legal aid clinics from filing class-action suits since the mid-1990s, they said, the companies typically pay out only $500 to $2,500 per worker in individual settlements.

Monsanto seems to have built in an amount of roughly $500 per person as an average settlement amount from what weve gathered over the years, Keberlein Gutierrez, the Illinois Legal Aid attorney, said, adding that the figure often rises in negotiations  but not a lot. Its hard for clients to resist any settlement offer because a family of four only makes an average of $14,000 a year.

The Department of Labor doesnt add much regulatory teeth either.

Jim Kessler, immigration branch chief for the agencys Wage and Hour Division, and Michael Kravitz, the divisions communications director, agreed only to an off-the-record interview for this story.

But according to results of a Freedom of Information Act request, the agencys detasseling-related fines of seed-corn companies run in the tens or hundreds of dollars per worker  and fines for violations in the cornfields in the past decade cost Monsanto only $850.

In this relatively permissive judicial and regulatory environment, the potential Reyes v. Remington precedent fails to significantly influence seed-corn companies, said Tom Thornburg, a former attorney with the Michigan-based legal aid clinic Farmworker Legal Services.

You show Monsanto on paper that they have an obligation [under Reyes] that they need to know what their contractors do and police them  that theyre liable  and they will simply settle, said Thornburg.

The next season, their crew leaders will repeat the violation  and theyll settle again.

By maintaining distance from the behavior of their contractors, and by effectively capping the fees they pay the contractors, the companies invite behavior that spurs consistent complaints each year, said Schell, Thornburg and other attorneys.

Monsanto has in place substantial oversight mechanisms which superficially should provide substantial protection against wage theft, said Schell. But glaring holes in this oversight structure all but guarantee a see no evil, hear no evil posture [on] wage problems.

Many wage problems, according to the Centers review of the complaints, start at the places of recruitment in south Texas where contractors allegedly violate farmworker law requiring full disclosure of work terms.

'Bait and switch'

In anticipating tight margins and the companies strict specifications, contractors often recruit workers by a practice of bait and switch, said Bill Beardall, a University of Texas at Austin law professor and migrant labor advocate who helped draft the 1983 federal Agricultural Worker Protection Act.

Companies lure workers hundreds and even thousands of miles on the false promises of the contractors, Beardall said. They use a series of illegal practices that push the risk for unreliability of contractors onto the workers themselves.

As a result, according to Beardall, Schell and other labor lawyers, the companies sometimes end up paying settlements on their use of contractors.

But by arranging to pay contractors a lump-sum amount, usually per acre, the lawyers said, Monsanto and DuPont Pioneer keep annual wage expenses and liabilities low and predictable  boons in a highly volatile, weather-sensitive industry.

Weve attempted to address issues with the seed-corn companies, said Dwyer. But season after season we get the same legal complaints, against multiple crew leaders, she said. Its the contractors business plan and the seed-corn companies are wedded to it. Its broken promises as a business plan.

Detasseling-related complaints

Hybrid corn has been commercially available since before the 1930s and not all hybrid corn is genetically modified.

Since the late 1990s, genetically modified technology has transformed the field, in which now GMO corn seeds account for more than 90 percent of acreage in the U.S. and about $11 billion in annual sales, according to the National Corn Growers Association.

The association does not keep track of the number of farm labor contractors used in seed-corn production  or on the numbers of workers involved.

But according to Martin, the agricultural labor specialist, GMO hybrid corn attracts scores of contractors and thousands of migrant workers to the fields each growing season.

In recent years, seed-corn companies have increasingly begun shifting to H-2A foreign guest workers, who are recruited legally within other countries, including Mexico and its Central American neighbors to the south. They receive higher-than-minimum-wage pay, but do not have the same protection under the Agricultural Worker Protection Act.

But for now, according to Keberlein Gutierrez, the Illinois-based lawyer with the legal aid clinic LAF, much seed-corn production still depends on migrant workers recruited from bus stations, parks, and other sites in the Rio Grande Valley.

Its a dirty secret, he said. Without migrant farmers, they cant sell the hybrid seed.

Worse conditions in other crops

The use of contractors doesnt always go badly. Sometimes wage-related paperwork is maintained, housing is adequate, workers are paid their due, and seed-corn companies hire scrupulous contractors who keep promises.

Indeed, Schell and others point out work in other crops nationwide generally involves even worse labor conditions than corn.

For one thing, Schell and Martin said, pay in GMO corn looks generous compared to other crops.

Many [detasselers] make minimum wage, he said. In Florida, Im used to representing orange harvesters making the equivalent of $2 or $3 an hour.

With the higher pay, detasseling jobs are more likely to be filled by documented workers, who have more protection under relevant federal laws and access to legal aid clinics.

The greater access of documented workers, Schell and Martin said, partly explains why work in seed corn has left a relatively full record of allegations.

In addition, legal aid offices may sue GMO seed-corn companies disproportionately more than other growers because the seed companies are deep pockets, as Martin put it in an email. There are probably worse offenses in fruit picking on small farms, etc., but no deep pockets for suits and less publicity.

Compared to smaller seed-corn companies, Monsanto and DuPont Pioneer also hire the most workers, said Keberlein Gutierrez  and those workers have greater access to legal aid.

The bigger operations run more work sites and labor camps [where] it is often easier for us to do outreach [and] get information on when workers are around, he said.

By contrast, legal aid offices have fielded relatively few complaints against smaller companies.

But legal aid attorneys said the smaller companies use contractors in similar ways, with similar results.

Some of the smaller ones may actually be worse, Gutierrez said, because they operate even more out of the spotlight.

Monsanto guidelines and safety training

Monsanto provides guidance, training and some support to its work crews.

In all situations, Lord, the Monsanto spokesperson, stated in an email, Monsanto provides workers with safety training, personal protective equipment, workers compensation insurance and in some location, housing. We also audit payroll records to make certain all time is recorded and the workers are paid legally and what they have been promised.

Lord also wrote that the company trains all Monsanto employees who interact with field workers on the topic of respect for all workers.

To facilitate fair treatment of workers, Monsanto issues each contractor a one-page set of guidelines that clarify expectations Monsanto holds for all Farm Labor Contractors on issues ranging from pay to violent threats.

A version of the document that Lord provided to the Midwest Center in 2015 states: Monsanto works hard to select Farm Labor Contractors (FLCs) who share our commitment to worker safety, respect and creating a great place to work.

Lord would not comment on how the company enforces the document or how it selects labor contractors  including the extent to which the company uses background checks.

But company, court and federal documents show that the Monsanto hired three contractors  Cortes, Abel Cuello, Jr., and Hermilo Cantu, Jr.  after they had previously triggered labor-related complaints, including litigation.

Cortes did not respond to multiple letters to a known address or calls to his last known phone number.

Cuello and Cantu could not be reached for comment either, despite multiple letters and calls to multiple addresses and phone numbers, obtained through multiple sources.

Pat Geneser, Monsanto Migrant Seasonal Labor Manager, did not respond to the Midwest Centers requests to reach these detasseling contractors or any others used by the company.

Monsanto senior counsel Mary Tonkin retired in September.

Her replacement, Jennifer Scheessele, was copied on the last two rounds of written questions to Lord, the Monsanto spokeswoman. Neither party responded to the questions, which included an inquiry about the reported re-hiring of Eleuterio Cortes.

But Taylor, the Iowa Legal Aid lawyer, said Cortes was indeed re-hired at Boone, Iowa, in 2016.

She said his performance again brought up a number of concerns  from the workers on which her office is looking into filing complaints.

While declining to provide details pending an investigation, Taylor said that the concerns involved wages and other pretty typical [labor] issues  and meant, for the workers detasseling on that Monsanto job, things didnt work out as promised.

For the 2017 season, Taylor said, it was too early to tell whether Cortes would be once again contracting in Boone, Iowa, but she said that earlier in 2017 he reportedly had been working for Monsanto in a different capacity in Huxley, Iowa  a report that Lord would not corroborate.

Taylor added in an email: Monsanto has not given us the list of FLCs and housing locations [as] they have in the past. They are relying more and more on H-2A workers contracted through other agencies, and have told us we need to contact them directly for that information.

Laird Townsend, an award-winning editor and freelance reporter whose work has appeared in major national newspapers and magazines, is the director of Project Word, a fiscally sponsored project of Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE). Project Word administers the Freelance Investigative Reporters and Editors program (FIRE), which provides unaffiliated reporters with stipends and reporting services.

Research assistance provided by Lauren Grandestaff, Ginger Hervey, Renee Hickman, Samantha Sunne and Francisco Vara-Orta.
When A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum opened Wednesday at the Muny, the whole audience was rooting for the leading man, Jeffrey Schecter.

The one with the script in his hands.

Schecter plays Pseudolus, a scheming slave in ancient Rome who longs for freedom and will do anything to obtain it. Until last weekend, that part was to have been played by Peter Scolari. But Scolari, suffering from major allergies and a sinus infection, lost his voice completely on Saturday. A doctor told him it would almost certainly not return in time for Forum.

Allergies knock Scolari out of Muny's 'Forum' Lead role of Pseudolus has been recast for the show starting Wednesday.

The Muny called Schecter, who played Scuttle the Seagull last week in The Little Mermaid, and asked him to step in. Although he was already back in New York with his family, he turned right around.

So, rehearsing hard from Sunday until just before opening, he plunged into the huge role, replete with songs, dances and a lot of stage business. And with the audience applauding him, and with his own winning stage personality, he carried it off with flair.

Of course, he also had a lot of help from the rest of the actors, especially John Tartaglia as Pseudolus sidekick, the anxious, hilarious slave Hysterium. Tartaglias a riot from his first officious bow to his final attempt to pass himself off as a little girl, dressed in crazy Roman drag.

Director Gary Griffin has directed most of the show in that broad style, which we associate with Forum. Loosely inspired by Plautus ancient comedies, sleekly written by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart, and full of clever songs with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Forum takes place on a little Roman street with three houses. Its a very traditional set  no splashy effects, no turntable  smartly designed by Tim Mackabee and lit by Rob Denton.

One house belongs to a sweet, aged Roman (Whit Reichert) whos spent years searching for his kidnapped son and daughter. One belongs to a procurer (Jason Kravits) who sells beautiful courtesans. And one belongs to the slave-owners, a henpecked citizen (Mark Linn-Baker) and his imperious wife (E. Faye Butler, burdened by a bulbous fake nose but fantastic once she opens her mouth to sing).

The couples son, Hero (Marrick Smith), has fallen for a beautiful virgin (Ali Ewoldt) whom he glimpsed next door. Lycus has already sold her to a great Roman warrior (Nathaniel Hackmann). But if Pseudolus can get her away from Lycus before the warrior shows up, Hero will free him.

Talk about offers you cant refuse.

All these actors do a terrific job, boasting and cringing, lying and flirting, striding and hiding, singing and dancing.

Ewoldt (Lovely and the wittily witless Thatll Show Him) and Butler (That Dirty Old Man) are the vocal standouts, well served by music director Brad Haak and the orchestra. The alluring courtesans and a versatile male trio show off choreographer Alex Sanchezs facility in two modes: glamour and slapstick. Costume designer Mara Blumenfeld walks the same double line in style.

All of them throw their weight behind Schecter, doing everything they can to help him through this wide-awake version of the actors nightmare. (Thats the recurring dream in which you find yourself onstage without benefit of rehearsal. You dont need to be an actor to dream it.)

But if Schecter suffered, he never let it show. Mike Isaacson, the Munys artistic director and executive producer, prepared the audience for the situation with a little speech before Forum started. That way, instead of wondering what was going on, theatergoers were insiders, too.

Instead of thinking that Schecter felt uncertain, we appreciated everything he achieved  including, or especially, dancing while holding a script.

How is that even possible? Schecter has loads of breezy comedic charm, and his performance can only get better as he continues night after night.

According to Muny president and CEO Dennis Reagan, the theater never hires understudies. Why would it? This situation almost never comes up. (In a lifetime of Muny-going, this is only the third time I can recall that a lead had to be replaced.)

Its true that there are several men in the cast who might have stepped into the role of Pseudolus, presumably with the advantage of knowing the show better just because theyve attended rehearsals. But in that case, two roles would have demanded replacements.

Even more to the point, Griffin seems to have had a new idea about Pseudolus  a character strongly associated with the actor who originated the role on Broadway and screen, the late great Zero Mostel.

Mostel (who also left his indelible mark on Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof) was a big clown. But suppose he had not originated the role? Suppose for a moment that Pseudolus originally was played by Joel Grey.
Helen Frye, 84, fell and broke her shoulder last year in her rural Missouri home. After that, she and her sons decided it was time for her to move into a nursing home.

She opted to remain close to home and chose to live at Frene Valley of Hermann. Like a majority of older adults across the country, Medicaid pays for her stay.

The Republican Senate bill targeting health care reform has created fear among some Missouri nursing home providers and patients about what will happen if the proposed cuts to Medicaid become a reality. About 89,000 Missourians 65 and older rely on Medicaid to help pay for their long-term care in nursing homes.

Id be homeless if I didnt have it, Frye said. It pays for most of my nursing home care, and I could not afford to pay for the full cost of my care. Fryes Social Security payments defray only a portion of the cost.

Frye isnt alone. Medicaid pays for 63 percent of all nursing home care in the state, according to data from the Missouri Foundation for Health. Medicaid is the government-run health insurance program for the poor.

Even though the Senate delayed a vote on its health care bill because it lacked the necessary votes, it could be taken up again when the Senate resumes work Monday.

And despite the lack of needed votes, worry remains because cutting Medicaid spending is a theme in both the House and Senate health care bills.

The Senate health care bill would reduce Medicaid spending by $772 billion through 2026 and result in 15 million fewer enrollees in the program, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office analysis.

With less federal funding, states would be forced to either assume more of the costs or scale back services.

Many have speculated that the elderly and disabled, who drive a majority of the spending in the program, would be disproportionately targeted in an effort to reduce spending at the state level.

Even if you cut kids (off Medicaid), youre not going to save that much. Where were spending the money is on the disabled and elderly, said Ryan Barker, vice president of health policy at the Missouri Foundation for Health. Thats the choice we want to make? Is to cut folks who are elderly and disabled off of Medicaid?

Nursing home operators such as Eric Doerhoff of St. Charles-based StoneBridge Senior Living worry theyll be forced to close some facilities if Medicaid is cut.

It would have a pretty significant impact on us, Doerhoff said of the Senate bill. StoneBridge operates 12 nursing homes in Missouri and two in Arkansas.

About 45 percent of StoneBridge patients rely on Medicaid, he said.

Its a real fear that some of these facilities, especially smaller ones, would close, said Nikki Strong, executive vice president of Missouri Health Care Association, the industry group that represents nursing homes.

Theyre the economic engine for rural communities, Strong said of nursing homes. She said Missouris 550 nursing homes employed about 48,000 individuals.

States are also looking to trim Medicaid spending, another concern for patients and providers.

Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens signed off Friday on the state budget, which reduces Medicaid payments to providers by 1.5 percent.

The U.S. has an aging population that has yet to experience the bulk of the baby boomer generation in need of nursing home care, and when that happens, these cuts will have a devastating affect, Strong said.

Medicaid payments dont cover the full cost of the care provided in the nursing homes, Doerhoff said. They fall short by about $17 per resident, per day of the total cost of care.

The population that we serve, theyve typically worked all their life, and they have outlived their financial resources, Doerhoff said. Many have spent all that they have left on health care and use Social Security payments to defray the cost of nursing home care, he said.

Frances Coffi, 62, moved her mother, Grace Hayes, 105, into a nursing home four years ago in Marshall, Mo. She worries about the proposed changes to Medicaid and how that may affect her mothers ability to get care.

I am scared to death because Medicaid picks up the cost of what her Social Security doesnt pay. I really dont know what Im going to do if they cut those Medicaid services.
UPDATED at 5:45 p.m. with charges.

ST. LOUIS  A gunman who killed a St. Louis man after an argument was also somehow shot in the leg during the encounter Wednesday night, police say.

The male victim, 57, was pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting inside of an apartment in the 3100 block of Franklin Avenue after the shooting, about 10:20 p.m. The scene is near Jordan Chambers Park.

The name of the victim has not been released.

Prosecutors charged Barry Anderson, 55, of the same block of Franklin Avenue, with first-degree murder, armed criminal action and unlawful possession of a firearm Thursday. He was being held in the St. Louis Justice Center with no bail set.

Police said Anderson went to the victim's apartment Wednesday night and shot the victim after an argument. Anderson was found at the scene suffering from a gunshot wound to his foot. It's not clear how he was shot. He was treated at a hospital and released to police.

Several residents outside at the scene described the area, part of the Jeff-Vander-Lou neighborhood, as quiet.
UPDATED at 5:15 p.m. with name of man shot by deputy.

MAEYSTOWN  A Monroe County Sheriff's Deputy shot and killed a suspect as the deputy investigated a domestic dispute call Wednesday night in Maeystown, police said.

The shooting was about 9 p.m. Wednesday in the 1500 block of Mill Street in Maeystown, according to the Illinois State Police. The agency was called in to investigate the shooting.

They said the deputy was called for a domestic dispute. The suspect, Edwin J. Esker, 53, confronted the deputy when the officer arrived. The deputy fatally shot the suspect during the confrontation, the state police said. The deputy was not hurt.

Esker was pronounced dead at 9:20 p.m., according to the coroner's office. An autopsy was conducted on Thursday and found Esker died of multiple gunshot wounds. Toxicology tests are being performed.

The Monroe County Independent, a local newspaper, reported that the scene is a home in a rural area. The paper says Esker had been in a dispute with his wife at the home and was found by authorities in a wooded area behind the home.

Maeystown is a small village about 30 miles south of St. Louis, across the Mississippi River from Festus.
UNIVERSITY CITY  A man may have been driving drunk when his speeding vehicle crashed off a roadway here late Tuesday, killing one passenger and injuring two others and himself, police said.

Fransisco Rosalez, 19, died of his injuries at a hospital after the crash off Midland Avenue near Shaftsbury Avenue, police said. Rosalez lived in Breckenridge Hills, police said.

The driver of the car, also 19, has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and driving while intoxicated, police said. He has not been formally charged.

Police did not release more details, saying the evidence and any factors contributing to the crash are under investigation.

Rosalez was in the back seat of a gold 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo that was speeding north about 10:30 p.m. on Midland when it traveled off the road, hit a utility pole and spun out of control, police said. The car came to a stop in a grassy area about 100 feet from where it left the roadway.

The utility pole the car hit was split in half, police said. Rosalez was taken to a hospital, where he later died.

The driver of the car and two other passengers, a 19-year-old man and a 20-year-old man, were taken to hospitals with non-life threatening injuries, police said.

Neither the driver nor the two surviving passengers live in University City, police said.

Authorities ask anyone with information to call the University City Police Department at 314-725-2211 Ex. 8010 or CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477.

The St. Louis County Police Department assisted University City police in investigating the crash.
Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was talking to Tajik President Emamali Rehmon during a one on one meeting in Doshanbe on Wednesday.Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif says Pakistan wants to maintain good relations with all its neighbours.

He was talking to Tajik President Emamali Rehmon during a one on one meeting in Doshanbe on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan desires peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues including Jammu and Kashmir dispute with India.

He said India has escalated tension on Line of Control and Indian forces have violated ceasefire agreement repeatedly.

The Prime Minister said CASA-1000 project is a milestone of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan.

He said we want to enhance relations with Dushanbe in diverse fields.

Earlier, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has arrived at Doshanbe on a two-day official visit to Tajikistan.

Prime Minister of Tajikistan Kokhir Rasulzoda received Prime Minister at the airport.

A formal welcome ceremony held at the palace of President Imamali Rehmon where he was accorded guard of honour also.

A high level delegation including Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, federal ministers Khawaja Asif, Khurram Dastgir and high officials is also accompanying the Prime Minister.During the visit, leaders of the two countries will discuss bilateral relations in diverse fields and also exchange views on regional and international issues.

Pakistan and Tajikistan enjoy identical views on regional and international issues and both countries cooperate with each other on international fora.
Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif on Thursday has said that uninterrupted electricity will surely raise the living standards of the people.

Addressing the quadrilateral session of CASA-1000 conference in Dushanbe, PM Nawaz said that Pakistan needs energy for its socio-economic development and to run its industrial sector to its full potential. He said the project would help generate employment opportunities and uplift standards of living of people of Pakistan.

He expressed satisfaction that some of the worlds leading manufacturers have expressed their keen interest to provide Converter Stations for CASA-1000. He also pointed out that tenders for transmission lines from Kyrgyzstan to Tajikistan and from Tajikistan to Afghanistan have been floated and are currently being evaluated.

Mian Nawaz Sharif described CASA-1000 as flagship project in the region connecting Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia to Afghanistan and Pakistan in South Asia through an electricity grid.

He said on its completion, Pakistan will get 1,000 MW and Afghanistan 300 MW electricity in summer time, from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. This project will help bring a number of economic, social and environmental benefits to member countries, he continued.

The premier said the project is an important step toward realization of the planned Central Asia South Asia Regional Electricity Market. He said it will be a good example of promoting cooperation between energy-deficient South Asia and energy-rich Central Asia.

Nawaz Sharif said CASA-1000 Power Project will not only bring revenues to Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan but will also mitigate electricity shortages in Pakistan and Afghanistan and increase the prospects for growth.
Foreign Office has emphatically stated that there is no organized presence of any terror outfit including TTP, Jamaat-ul Ahrar, Daesh and Al-Qaeda on Pakistani land. This was stated by Foreign Office Spokesperson Nafees Zakariya at his weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Thursday.

He said the allegations about presence of Haqqani network in tribal areas are mere rhetoric. This is only aimed at putting the blame of its own failures on Pakistan.

He said the killing of a number of commanders of Haqqani network in Afghanistan clearly indicate that the group is based in Afghanistan and not operating from Pakistan.

He maintained that as result of effective counter terrorism operations, the terrorists are on the run and their infrastructure has been dismantled. This is also manifested in improved security situation in the country

Nafees Zakariya said during the visit of the US delegation headed by Senator McCain, matters pertaining to Afghanistan were also discussed.

He said Pakistan believes in an Afghan led and Afghan owned peace process. Peace and stability in Afghanistan has direct bearing on peace and stability in Pakistan.

He said Pakistan is ready to assist in all efforts aimed at bringing peace to the neighboring country.

He said India on the other hand is part of problem in Afghanistan and it does not want peace prevailing in the country.

He said the people of Pakistan are the most sincere friends of Afghanistan.

The spokesperson said Pakistan welcomes Iranian supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei's recent statement in which he urged the Muslims worldwide to support the oppressed people of Kashmir.

He said the entire Muslim Ummah is concerned over gross human rights violations in occupied Kashmir.

He said the OIC has repeatedly called for sending fact finding missions to the valley for investigation into the human rights violations there.

The spokesperson said Indian reportedly is using ammunition containing chemical agents to kill the innocent Kashmiri people and damage their properties.

He said the international organizations should investigate these reports which if confirmed will be sheer violation of international norms and conventions.

When asked about the sale of advanced weapons to India by different countries, the spokesperson said Pakistan is deeply concerned on the matter which undermines the objectives of preserving strategic balance in the region.

He said Pakistan will continue to raise its voice at the international fora which should objectively assess its actions and policies towards South Asian region.

He said Pakistan is not oblivious to safeguarding its national security.
Pakistan Peoples Party co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari has on Wednesday expressed that those who remain alive in history are not scared of Panamagate or jail.

He expressed this while adressing participants at a gathering of an event, adding that had he not ceded powers during his era, Nawaz Sharif would have been the President of the country today.

Asif Zardari also paid homage to the founding father of Pakistan Peoples Party Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto on the opccasion.

He professed that Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had fought against the dictatorial forces whilst his government was finally toppled on July 5, 1977.

Asif Ali Zardari vowed on the occasion that PPP will continue to fight for democracy.

PPP Co-chairman also professed that General Zia s dictatorship had a vicious impact on Pakistan and that the country needs to embrace a more democratic tone while getting out of this mindset.

He added that Pakistan Peoples Party would work for the development of Sindh and strive to make Pakistan a regional power.
China on Thursday accused India of taking the protection of Bhutan as an excuse to legitimize its border incursion into China.

"India's intention is very clear, which is to use the so-called 'security concern' as well as protecting Bhutan as a pretext to cross the China-India boundary at the Sikkim section and enter the Chinese territory of Doklam," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang.

By creating disputes in Doklam, India intends to obstruct border negotiations between China and Bhutan, Geng told a routine press briefing.

Doklam is part of Chinese territory and there is no dispute over it, Geng said.

China and Bhutan started their border negotiations from the 1980s, and have held 24 rounds of talks so far.

Though the China-Bhutan boundary is not officially demarcated, both countries have a basic consensus on the practical condition and border line of their border region, Geng added.

"China observes relevant agreements with Bhutan, and China's activities in Doklam have not violated any bilateral agreement nor disrupted the status quo," he said.

India's Ministry of Externals Affairs has spoken of "serious security implications."

"China and India, two neighboring countries, should get along with each other," he said.

Branding China's road building with security implications is "ludicrous", said the spokesperson, adding that India has built lots of facilities in the China-India boundary at the Sikkim section over the past years, deployed troops, built fortifications on or across the border line, and changed the status quo of the border area.

China has the willingness to solve the issue in diplomatic ways and peaceful means once India withdraws its troops from Chinese soil, Geng said.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has ruled the fatal shooting of a Bay of Plenty man justified.

Shargin Stephens was shot by police during an armed incident on Rotoruas Te Ngae Road on July 14, 2016.

The 35-year-old died in Waikato Hospital on July 26, 2016.

At the time of the shooting, police say Shargin has been armed with a four foot slashes and was being pursued by three officers.

In a statement released today, Bay of Plenty district commander Superintendent Andy McGregor says police acknowledge the authoritys report into the shooting.

The authority notes that many workers and bystanders were exposed to the threat posed by Mr Stephens, who behaved irrationally and with extreme aggression.

Repeated efforts to stop Mr Stephens were unsuccessful, and the authority finds the officer who shot him was justified in doing so not only to protect himself, but also the public.

I commend the professionalism of staff who responded to this incident which, as the authority notes was fast paced and took place in a busy urban environment, says Andy.

This is the last outcome which anyone wanted, however our staff must act appropriately based on the situation presented to them to keep themselves and our communities safe.
The real New Zealand yachties are nothing like the Americas Cup crew that has been featuring in the 35th cup challenge in Bermuda recently, according to Maritime NZ Statistics.

The numbers show real New Zealand yachties are mostly old men. They are certainly more decrepit than the young sun-bronzed athletes flicking their carbon fibre, foiling catamarans about Bermudas Great Sound over recent weeks.

Yachties are 71 per cent male, with 79 per cent of them aged over 35 and 34 per cent older than 65. Eighty per cent of them identify as NZ European.

On the plus side the statistics show yachties are the most experienced and most qualified boaties on the water.

There are more than 90,000 yachts in the country and many people sail on yachts owned by friends or family, says Maritime NZ director Keith Manch.

For those wanting to make a long trip, New Zealand has 14,000km of coastline to sail around, and there are also lots of boating on rivers and lakes.

Yachties tend to be experienced boaties with 56 per cent of them sailing for 20 years or more - and the most qualified, with nearly half of them, 47 per cent, having completed a formal boating education course.

Forty percent of yachties live in Auckland, while 15 per cent reside in Canterbury and 12 per cent in the Bay of Plenty.

Most yachties (46 per cent) go sailing in Auckland, but Northland (23 per cent) and the Bay of Plenty (18 per cent) are also popular.

They mostly go sailing 2km or more offshore (43 per cent), between 500m and 2km offshore (39 per cent) or within a harbour area (37 per cent).

Maritime NZs most recent statistics about recreational boating participation were amassed from 2015-16, one of New Zealands hottest summers, and when 51 per cent of kiwis took to the water in recreational boats at least once a month.

Even with worse weather last summer 2016/17 the as yet incomplete statistics are still likely to show more than 40 per cent of kiwis took to the water in boats, says Keith.

The number of boaties is likely to be increasing over time, allowing for good and bad summers, says Keith. That means more people needing to learn how to be safe on the water.

The boating code is simple and saves lives:

 Wear your lifejacket  this is the single most important thing to help boaties stay safe on the water

 Take two waterproof ways to call for help  if you cant tell anyone you are in trouble, then no one knows to rescue you

 Check the marine weather forecast  the weather over the sea is different, especially the wind

 Avoid alcohol  you wouldnt drink and drive, dont drink and sail

 Be a responsible skipper  know the rules, take some lessons with the Coastguard or a boat club and take care of your family and friends

The 2015-16 recreational boating research is on the Maritime NZ website.
M/Y Galego is the new Explorer Yacht delivered by Cantiere delle Marche which will cruise the glistening Atlantic, first- it will make a stop-off at the next Cannes Yacht Show, with everything to boast on its arrival. Here are all the talking points that transcend this explorer into a true adventure piece.

Design Dedication here is evident; M/Y Galego showcases a futiristic elegance like no other, proving a series of interesting customizations, both with regards to function and design have flourished. Ample space being a key factor of the Darwin Class Explorer yachts it belongs to, its avid reproportion of doors and windows offer a consequently airy, spacious and more comfortable experience for a yacht of its size.

The technical standards, avidly executred by the credible CdM, have been maintained. Yet, with the client at its focus point, it swoops in with a major lifestyle focus that sets this fleet member apart. In order to allow the owners to live an active life on the ocean, careful attention was dedicated to the layout of the garage, designed to hold numerous toys and diving must-haves for a life on the water, as well as a workout area enveloped by ocean views.

On the inside, its interior design style proposed by Arch. Pierluigi Floris, is warm and inviting. Walnut wood tones and a Poltrona Frau leather drapes 90% of the walls in true luxe. The pairs the classical style with a modern touch, with a flair in accessories and furtniture additions like Minotti and Baxter pieces, visually impactful as an aesthetic experience on board. Add in its Hermes wallpaper, handcrafted leather and refined fabrics, and some extraordinary contemporary art pieces is a sumptuous symphony of interior luxe.

Elsewhere on this explorer, its all about light, perfect from its large windows, with stainless steel utilised for all accessories and appliances to add an edge of modern metallicism by eye alone. Wondering into the four cabins for the guests, a master, one VIP, and two guest cabins, its evident this careful interior consideration is sheer luxe for exploring the world.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Thousands of Central New York high school students have graduated last month, but how prepared are they to enter the job market?

Some recent high school graduates are skipping college and going to work, using the specialized skills they learned in school or in special programs to land a job.

Others students are using the special programs to continue their education in college, some getting a jump start to complete their academics sooner, saving money and landing a job faster.

Some automotive technology students who completed special training and an internship have been hired by local car dealerships. Other students spent their senior year working in a hospital to get experience in medical fields and see what jobs they want to pursue. Students in Syracuse will be graduating next year from a new program that prepares them for jobs or college in engineering and manufacturing.

Future Automotive Workers

Matthew Sharp, 18, this spring graduated from Cicero-North Syracuse High School. Sharp was enrolled in the Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES automotive technology program and had planned to enroll in the automotive program at Morrrisville State College, but instead he was given an offer that he said he couldn't refuse.

Sharp was working part-time for the Nissan dealership at Driver's Village in Cicero when he was offered a full-time position after graduation.

"They are going to pay me to train," Sharp said.

Instead of paying for college, Sharp said he was excited to "make money while learning the same exact thing."

The OCM BOCES automotive technology program has its classroom embedded at the Driver's Village Used Car Warehouse. Students pass through hundreds of cars for sale as they make their way to classroom in the back of the building. In the classroom the students learn from Instructor Erick Dodge.

The two-year program is designed to teach students basic mechanical knowledge and skills, Dodge said.

Outside the classroom students have two bays and an unlimited supply of used cars to work on.

"They work alongside seasoned mechanics," said David Hall, the fixed operation director at Driver's Village. Hall said six dealerships partner with the BOCES program to provide job shadowing and internships.

The students graduate from the program with an automotive service excellence program certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation.

Hall and Dodge said having an OCM BOCES student get offered a job at a dealership after graduation is not uncommon. In the past 3 years, about 15 students have been offered jobs at one of the dealerships.

Andrew Alpuerto, 18, recently graduated from the Liverpool school district and the BOCES program. He said he was drawn to the program because he had trouble learning in a traditional high school setting.

"I'm a hands-on learner and I've always been interested in cars," Alpuerto said. "I knew this would be a good trade to learn."

Alpuerto doesn't plan to go directly into the job market. His plan is to go to the Universal Technical Institute in Florida and enroll in its automotive program in 2018.

Dodge said having the training and certifications that the students earn in the BOCES program will give students, like Alpuerto, an edge.

"This program gives students an advantage in college and in the job market," Dodge said.

Future Engineers and Manufacturing Workers



Syracuse City School District students enrolled in the P-TECH program, which focuses on careers in engineering and manufacturing, are not ready to enter the job market yet, but instructors say they will be.

The Pathways in Technology Early College High School is housed at the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central. The program is a partnership with the Syracuse school district, Onondaga Community College and the Manufacturer's Association of Central New York.

The program offers a unique opportunity for students to earn both a high school diploma and an associates degree in a six-year program that starts in 9th grade. The first class of students just finished 11th grade, said P-TECH Program Coordinator Nick Lisi. Lisi was the former director of photography for The Post-Standard.

Students across the district apply for the program, which will have about 180 students in the fall. At the end of their senior year students will earn up to 30 college credits towards an associates degree in electrical engineering technology or mechanical engineering technology from OCC. The college classes and books are free to students through a state grant, which funds the program.

After high school graduation, students can choose to stay with the P-TECH program to finish their associates degree or they can leave for college or the job market.

"If they stay, we will continue to pay for their classes and their books," Lisi said. "They'll be here so we can support them. They'll essentially be college students, but they're still be in high school. If they can't finish in the fifth year, we'll give them a sixth year."

Upon completion, students will have the skills and knowledge required to obtain well-paying, high-potential jobs in advanced manufacturing or they may choose to go to a four-year college to pursue a more advanced degree, according to the program's website.

After high school graduation Lilly La wants to take her 30 college credits and go to Syracuse University to study biomedical engineering. She said that the P-TECH program has given her more than just college credits.

"I feel way more prepared than any other high school student," La said. "I feel like my peers who are not in this program don't know the little soft skills that we've learned like handshaking or just talking to people. After all a first impression is one of the most important things. I feel this program has prepared me to go into any career field."

La and James Capone are both going to be seniors in September. Lilly is on the mechanical engineering technology pathway and Capone is on the electrical engineering technology pathway. Capone said he hasn't decided if he will stay with the program for the fifth year.

He said he believes the program is preparing him for college and the job market.

"From all the opportunities this program has and all the exposure to new jobs and professionals, I feel like a better person who is more prepared to smoothly switch to the job field, but not only that but prepared for college too," Capone said.

Joe Vargo, executive director of Partners for Education & Business, an affiliate of MACNY, said MACNY has partnered with the program to help team up business professionals with students.

"These students are our future workforce," Vargo said. "We wanted to work with the school to create the straightest path to employment."

Future Healthcare Workers

Grace Van Horn, 18, is a student in the Union Springs school district. She said she always knew she wanted to work in the maternity field and spending the last year in a hospital and witnessing the birth of a baby, she knows she wants to be an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Van Horn and her class graduated in June from the Cayuga Onondaga BOCES New Visions program for medical professions. The program teaches the fundamentals about a variety of health car professions at the Auburn Community Hospital, said Instructor Kelly Harrington.

"I chose this program because I knew it was in a hospital and I would get more experience being able to see different things and being able to actually come up to the maternity floor and watch a delivery," Van Horn said.

New Visions is an immersion program that allows students to experience the health care industry before joining a college or nursing program. Through daily involvement with various medical staff, students apply their education to real-life situations on the job better preparing students for the job market after college or other medical programs.

Most of the students in Harrington's class want to go to four-year college to study medicine. Many of them inspire to be doctors and registered nurses.

Hannah Jane Drake, 18, of Skaneateles said she enrolled in the program because didn't know what she wanted to do for a career, but she knew she wanted to go into the medical field.

"I started with medical law and then when I started this program I thought I wanted to go into nursing, but I totally changed my mind," Drake said. "That's what really drew me to this, an inside perspective."

Drake said after spending a year at the Auburn Community Hospital she know wants to be come an emergency room doctor.

"This program helped me realize that I like the job description more than I like what nurses do," she said. "This gave me the opportunity to see the difference. Looking at it on paper is totally different than seeing it on person."

BOCES programs, such as New Visions, allows students to explore the job market before heading off to college or other training programs.

West Genesee Superintendent Chris Brown said high school is the place where students should be exploring careers.

West Genesee offers 38 courses at the college level. Courses were students can explore photography, criminal justice, engineering, business and more.

"We're asking students to try a college-level course," Brown said. "We are more concerned about the experience rather than the result."

Brown encourages high school students students to do more to prepare for college and careers.

"It makes them employable in the future," Brown said. "And that's our goal."

The Post-Standard | Syracuse.com is featuring a year-long initiative called CNY's Job Hunt to explore the Central New York job market. This series examines the ins and outs of our local job market, analyzes data and discusses topics that affect job seekers and employers.
Chris Flaherty, a career Naval officer, graduated from Paul V. Moore High School in Central Square and still calls Central New York home. A Captain by rank and pilot by training, he commissioned into the Navy upon graduation from Duke University in 1994 and currently commands a multinational task force in the Middle East. The thoughts expressed here are his alone and do not reflect the opinion of the Department of Defense.

By Chris Flaherty | Special to Syracuse.com



A few weeks ago, I arrived home to Central New York from the Middle East where I command a multinational task force flying missions in Syria, Iraq and throughout the region. While home for a little bit of leave, I had the privilege to be introduced to some of Syracuse's best young minds and emerging leaders. By the time I left, I would be reminded of the promise of the nation we hold so dear.



A dear friend from high school invited me to share a few thoughts on leadership with the 2017 Synergy summer interns at the Vision Center on South Salina Street. I have a passion for the principle and practice of leadership - more than 23 years of active Naval service teaches you plenty - so I welcomed the opportunity. But, by the end our brief time together, I was not the teacher, but rather the student. There in that room, I stood in the presence of leaders from across the city, the region, and our world - many of them refugees, all of them in search of a more perfect nation. There in that room, I witnessed the American ideal as never before, the very ideal I have pledged my entire life to, the ideal I am prepared to give my last full measure. There in that room, I rediscovered America, the promise of great opportunity, the land of my birth, the nation I love.



I now find myself back in the Middle East at a time unlike any other in history. But I returned here with a renewed sense of purpose and principle, reminded of both by a room full of summer interns on the other side of the world. Never will I forget the young lady who escaped from Somalia, endured the calamity of refugee camps, now studying to be an environmental engineer so she can go back and make those same camps better. Nor will I forget the young man from Iraq who passionately championed his love of country, our country. Or the young lady from Yemen who asked to have her photo taken with me, and who simply said thank you.



Many in that room on South Salina Street escaped the same war-torn nations I have flown over myself, the same nations I task aircrews to watch over today. Their presence in my home justifies my presence here in theirs. For me, their stories bridge the distance and validate our mission. Theirs are stories of sacrifice, journeys of hope, triumphs of spirit. Theirs are stories worth telling, and worthy of our sacrifice.



After the presentation, I had a few moments to reflect and asked my friend how so many promising young leaders came so far to be in that room on South Salina. If by the grace of God, she smiled, and then I understood. Syracuse is a sanctuary city. To be sure, many might argue we, as a community and as a nation, should place our citizens above those born elsewhere. During this time of dwindling resources and increasing threats, they contend we first must look inward so we can preserve and protect against the outward.



We can, and well we should, debate the finer points of policy, but we never should lose sight of the broader significance of principle. That is fundamental to our essence. We still are a shining city on a hill for many, many who risk everything if but for the opportunity. That is what we, as a community and as a nation, celebrated on Tuesday. A group of 20-somethings reminded me of that, and I am forever in their debt.




leclair.jpg

This undated photo provided by the Erie County Department of Corrections in Erie, Pa., shows Christopher Leclair, a commercial fisherman jailed on a charge of criminal homicide in the death of Karen Leclair, his wife of nearly 26 years.

(Erie County Department of Corrections via AP)

DUNKIRK, N.Y. -- A body found along the Upstate New York shoreline of Lake Erie with a gunshot wound to the head and an anchor attached to the torso was identified Wednesday as that of a Pennsylvania woman whose husband reported her missing and then was charged with killing her.

Karen Leclair's body had been bound with nylon fishing rope, the type used to secure anchors, and an anchor was tied to the upper torso, said Lt. Wayne Kline, of the Pennsylvania state police.

The body was found in the lake by a fisherman on Tuesday a few miles from Dunkirk, New York, which is about 50 miles northeast of Erie, Pennsylvania, along the lake's southern shoreline.

Karen Leclair's husband, commercial fisherman Christopher Leclair, already had been charged with criminal homicide in her death. Her father-in-law, Earnest Leclair, was charged with tampering with or fabricating physical evidence after it was learned on Wednesday that he had tried to hide the revolver that was used to shoot her, police said.

Christopher Leclair, 48, of Albion had reported Karen Leclair, 51, missing on June 11. He told police and the Coast Guard that day that she had a queasy stomach and was sitting on a bucket on the edge of a boat when she apparently fell overboard while he wasn't looking.

Authorities in Erie County, Pennsylvania, charged him with criminal homicide because dock surveillance cameras in Erie show the couple left together on June 10, the day before he reported her missing, and he returned alone. The cameras also show him getting on the boat alone on June 11 and returning alone, a criminal complaint says.

Karen Leclair's body was taken to the Chautauqua County, New York, coroner for an autopsy, which determined she had a gunshot wound to the head. Dental records were used to identify Leclair.

A commercial fishing boat, the Doris M., owned by Christopher Leclair and his wife, Karen.

Defense attorney Bruce Sandmeyer said last week Christopher Leclair "maintains his innocence" though he declined to address the discrepancy between his client's police statement and the dock surveillance video.

Police on Wednesday accused Christopher Leclair of soliciting his dad to dispose of the revolver, which they called "the murder weapon." They said the dad moved the revolver from one hiding spot and hid it under a bed at Christopher and Karen Leclair's home, where investigators found it.

"He tried to get rid of the weapon," Kline said.

The dad was arraigned Wednesday but didn't enter a plea. He was jailed and couldn't be reached for comment, and he hadn't retained a lawyer.

Story by Joe Mandak

Third tornado confirmed in Upstate NY from violent June 30 storms
YOUNGSTOWN, N.Y. (AP) -- A family in upstate New York was rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard during a boating trip.

WGRZ-TV reports eight family members were boating in a 14-foot (4.26-meter) aluminum vessel off Fort Niagara State Park in Youngstown Wednesday afternoon. Officials say a wave hit the boat, causing it to take on water.

A response boat crew was sent to the family after they were spotted waving for help. Four children and four adults were rescued.

Authorities say the children were waving life jackets while the adults' life jackets had been swept away.

No injuries were reported.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) -- A mother faces child endangerment charges for letting her 10-year-old child hang out in a Lego Store while she shopped elsewhere in a western New York mall.

The Ontario County Sheriff's Office says 44-year-old Jia Fan of Pittsford was arrested Sunday evening and charged with leaving her child unattended in the store at Eastview Mall in Rochester. The sheriff's office didn't say how long the child was alone.

Lego corporate spokeswoman Amanda Madore said store employees followed company policy regarding unaccompanied minors and contacted mall security.

In 2014, a mother was arrested for leaving her 7-year-old son alone in a Lego Store at a Long Island mall.

Fan was given an appearance ticket for Victor Town Court. It could not be determined if she has a lawyer to comment.
The release of Samsung's digital assistant Bixby, which was supposed to launch alongside the Galaxy S8, has been further delayed due to issues with its development.

The challenges that Samsung is facing over the rollout of the digital assistant in the United States, meanwhile, has jeopardized the company's plans for a Bixby-powered smart speaker.

Samsung Bixby English Version Delayed

Bixby was supposed to be ready for the April 21 release of the Galaxy S8. However, Samsung decided to hold back the release of Bixby Voice, which would allow the digital assistant to accomplish more tasks through voice commands compared to rival software.

The delay only affected the English version of Bixby Voice, as Samsung said that its voice recognition capability was not performing well in testing. A report later revealed that Bixby actually needed an English tutor, as the digital assistant was having trouble with the grammar and syntax of the language. The expected launch was pushed further back to June.

A new report by The Korea Herald, however, revealed more bad news for Samsung fans. Apparently, in addition to the English version of Bixby experiencing difficulties with the language, Samsung has not collected the necessary amount of big data to make the most out of the deep learning technology that powers the digital assistant.

The report also noted that there is a communication barrier between Samsung's engineers in the United States and South Korea due to the geographical and language differences, further slowing down the progress of the English version of Bixby.

The English version of Bixby is now expected by analysts to be rolled out in the fall at the latest, which would represent a delay of a few months from its initially announced launch.

Samsung Still Working On Bixby Speaker

The mounting delays on the English version of Bixby has hampered the development of a Bixby-powered smart speaker, which was planned to challenge rivals in a suddenly crowded space occupied by the Amazon Echo and the Google Home and soon also by the Apple HomePod and the Microsoft Invoke.

According to a Wall Street Journal report, the challenges on the development of the "Vega" speaker project could lead to its cancellation, like a similar project codenamed "Hive."

Samsung, however, is widely expected to push through with Vega, especially as its major rivals have all released or are planning to launch smart speakers. The project, however, is wholly dependent on Samsung getting Bixby's English version up to speed, which is taking far longer than expected.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The German Aerospace Center looks like it deployed a robot in a galaxy far far away, but it is actually just in Italy on Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, conducting tests for future missions.

Mount Etna's unstable slopes, strong gusts of wind, and frequent seismic activity make for a great space rover testing site.

Space Rover In Sicily

The German Aerospace Center, the German equivalent of NASA, is using Mount Etna's unique terrain to gain a greater understanding of robotic equipment necessary for space exploration.

"This is aimed at simulating a future, hypothetical landing mission on the moon or Mars and they use a lot of robots which are there to transport and install different instruments," said Boris Behncke, a vulcanologist from Italy's National Vulcanology Institute.

The space rover is about three feet tall and moves on four wheels. The first phase of the program took place at the Piano del Lago section of the volcano. If the landscape seems reminiscent of a science fiction film, it might be because it was used for backdrop photography in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.

Robots With Benefits

The German space agency isn't the only organization benefitting from the simulation. Italian, American, and British robotics experts are all participating in the test, or ROBEX (Robotic Exploration of Extreme Environments), to improve its robotics divisions. One recent robotics improvement came in the form of a gecko-inspired robot gripper.

While there are many groups cooperating to advance robotics and space exploration, there are also groups competing to become the first private organization to land on the moon.

Moonquakes And Marsquakes

Volcanologists will also gain valuable insight through seismic-monitoring equipment attached to the rovers. Scientists are hoping to send robots into the volcano's depths for further seismic research. Monitoring seismic activity would be useful for future missions on Mars and the Moon.

Moonquakes last more than 10 minutes compared to earthquakes, which last, at most, two minutes. According to NASA, the extended periods of shaking coupled with some that reached 5.5 on the Richter scale can damage space rovers.

Studies by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter suggest that earthquakes on Mars register at 7 on the Richter scale based on rock displacement, but requires further research to clarify the strength and existence.

ROBEX research is ongoing with hopes of ensuring the next lunar mission is one smooth roll for robotics and one safe step for mankind.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Not getting enough sleep? A new study suggests poor sleep quality, daytime drowsiness, and other sleep problems may be linked to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

In the United States, one in every three Americans admits they don't get enough sleep, while 45 percent of the world's population doesn't sleep well, too, according to the World Association of Sleep Medicine.

Sleep deprivation is considered a public health issue by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention because disruption in sleep patterns has been tied to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Soon, Alzheimer's and dementia may be added to this list, too.

Poor Sleep Quality Tied To Higher Alzheimer's Disease Risk

Researchers in Wisconsin have found that people with higher risks for Alzheimer's disease who had poor sleep quality, daytime drowsiness, and more sleep problems had more indicators for the disease in their spinal fluid than those who did not have any issues sleeping.

The indicators they detected were signs of brain cell inflammation and damage, as well as proteins amyloid and tau, all of which have been linked to Alzheimer's disease.

Tau is a protein that creates tangles in the brain, while amyloid folds and forms plaques. Such tangles and plaques  the hallmarks of Alzheimer's  are present in the brains of patients with the disease.

To determine the link between sleep quality and Alzheimer's, scientists examined 101 people whose average age was 63 years old.

At the time of the study, all participants had normal memory and thinking skills, but they were all considered at risk of developing Alzheimer's either because they carried a gene called apolipoprotein E (APOE) or because they had a parent with the disease.

All participants volunteered to give a sample of spinal fluid to be analyzed for markers of Alzheimer's.

Getting Enough Sleep

Barbara Bendlin, coauthor of the study and a researcher from Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, said their findings align with the theory that worse sleep quality may contribute to the buildup of Alzheimer's disease proteins in the brain.

Bendlin explained that detecting these effects in people who are close to middle age and are cognitively healthy suggest that the relationship between sleep and Alzheimer's proteins appear early. This provides a window of opportunity for intervention, she said.

However, Bendlin said the reason for the link is still unclear, and that not everyone with sleep problems is predestined to develop Alzheimer's disease in old age.

"We're looking at groups of people, and over the whole group we find the association of poor sleep with the markers of Alzheimer's," said Bendlin. "But when you look at individuals, not everyone shows that pattern."

In the meantime, Bendlin said further research is needed to solidify the risks of sleep deprivation in increasing the risks of Alzheimer's disease.

The findings of the study are published in the journal Neurology.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
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A Vermilion Parish government lawsuit blaming wetlands loss on exploration canals and waste disposal pits left after decades of oil and gas drilling must be heard in state court, a federal magistrate in Lafayette has found.

The recommendation, which still needs backing from U.S. District Judge Shelly Dick, mirrors what federal judges in the Eastern District of Louisiana in New Orleans have already ruled in 28 similar lawsuits filed by Jefferson and Plaquemines parishes over wetlands loss in those and other coastal parishes.

Vermilion's and the other parishes' damages suits allege the oil and gas companies violated the state's Coastal Resources Management Act of 1978 when they failed to fill in canals dug for oil and gas exploration and failed to clean up oil waste pits. The law applies to areas in the state's coastal zone, a broad swath of south Louisiana that includes Vermilion Parish.

Vermilion is asking the court to have the defendants restore wetlands damaged from activities that were tied to 11 oil and gas fields and were subject to DNR permits.

Blake David, one of the plaintiffs' attorneys, said the recommendation really isn't a surprise and likely means the case will be tried before a jury at the Vermilion Parish Courthouse and not at the federal courthouse in Lafayette.

"It's basically just following the law from the beginning of time," David said Wednesday.

U.S. Magistrate Carol B. Whitehurst's recommendation does not address the merits of the lawsuit itself.

State courts are often seen as a friendlier venue for plaintiff's attorneys.

Fifteenth Judicial District Attorney Keith Stutes filed the suit July 28, 2016, in state district court, but the defendants removed the case to U.S. District Court in Lafayette on Sept. 2, 2016. On June 30, Whitehurst signed her recommendation to send the suit back to state court.

Attorneys for the defendants have until July 14 to file objections. Attempts to reach the lead defense attorney on the case were unsuccessful Wednesday. Another lawyer referred calls to him.

In relying on the state coastal law rather federal regulations, Vermilion's suit takes a different legal tack than the higher-profile suit filed in 2013 by the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East.

While the levee board suit also attempted to address wetlands loss allegedly tied to oil and gas drilling, that suit relied on different state legal claims which a federal judge in New Orleans found raised federal law questions due to their broad scope. The judge dismissed that suit in 2015. In March, the levee board lost an appeal at the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Vermilion's suit specifically disavows claims under a variety of federal laws, but oil and gas companies, which want the suit heard in federal court, argue the suit still raises federal questions.

In a 40-page recommendation, Whitehurst details point-by-point why the oil and gas companies didn't meet muster in trying to keep the case in federal court. She points to the Vermilion case's reliance on state law to draw a distinction from the levee board case.

Among the companies' arguments, they claim the activities in Vermilion were related to drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Mexico, an area of federal jurisdiction. The oil and gas companies contend wetlands restoration being sought by the plaintiffs would alter the delivery of oil and gas from the Outer Continental Shelf to the land-based facilities.

Calling that theory "speculative," Whitehurst notes testimony from an LSU geologist and geographer in May who said wetlands restoration can complement production from the Outer Continental Shelf.

She also rejected oil companies' contention that the interconnections among onshore and offshore oil and gas operations necessarily bring in federal law. She quotes the district court in New Orleans, which found in the Plaquemines Parish case that such connections are "simply too remote and attenuated."

"Exercising jurisdiction in this manner would give federal courts jurisdiction over virtually any oil or gas dispute regardless of its relationship to OCS operations," Whitehurst wrote.

The 11 oil and gas fields raised in the Vermilion suit are Freshwater Bayou, North Freshwater Bayou, Intracoastal City, Buck Point, North Buck Point, Lac Blanc, Pecan Island, North Pecan Island, South Florence, West White Lake and Tigre Lagoon.
Advocate staff file photo by ROGER ZETTLER -- The Tickfaw River near the La. 22 bridge is used by a wide variety of boats and personal water craft.
In a rare public comment, a former Brookstown Middle Magnet School assistant principal accused in the June 2016 shooting death of a pregnant colleague and the killing of her unborn child he fathered told reporters Thursday that he "had nothing to do with" her slaying.

Robert Jovantie Marks, 40, of Zachary, appeared in state District Judge Beau Higginbotham's courtroom for a motion hearing in his case, but at the request of both sides, the hearing was rescheduled for Nov. 13.

Speaking afterward outside the 19th Judicial District Courthouse, Marks proclaimed his innocence in the killing of Lyntell Washington, 40, and her unborn child.

+4 Accused killer is father of slain Baton Rouge school administrator's unborn child, police report The fetus inside the body of a woman found slain in a sugar cane field June 14 was fathered 

"I assure you I had nothing to do with this," Marks told reporters Thursday as he stood next to his attorney, Lionel "Lon" Burns.

Marks, who is free on $500,000 bond, pleaded not guilty in October to second-degree murder and first-degree feticide charges that were filed against him.

Police have speculated a motive for the slaying could be that Marks, who is married, did not want anyone to know Washington was pregnant with his child. She was seven months pregnant at the time of her death.

"He's not a murderer," Burns said Thursday, adding that just because Marks was the biological father of Washington's fetus "doesn't make him a murderer."

Investigators believe Washington wanted Marks to accept responsibility for the child. In a text message to Marks quoted in a police affidavit, Washington asked Marks if he was trying to avoid responsibility for "our unborn child."

In his comments to reporters Thursday, Marks also expressed sympathy for Washington's family and said he misses the students at Brookstown Middle Magnet.

Washington was an instructional specialist at the school. Marks was terminated Oct. 18, about two weeks after he was indicted and one week after entering his not guilty plea.

Her body was found June 14, 2016, in an Iberville Parish field. She had been shot in the head. Her car, and her 3-year-old daughter wandering near it, were discovered five days earlier in a parking lot on Newcastle Avenue in Baton Rouge. The car was splattered with blood.

The toddler told investigators she was with her mother and "Mr. Robbie" when she heard a loud "bang" and saw "Mr. Robbie" trying to clean up blood, a police report states. She also told police her mother was "in the lake" and "sleeping," but Marks' attorney has said previously that Washington was not found near a lake.

Burns said Thursday there is no indication the child testified before the East Baton Rouge Parish grand jury that indicted Marks in October, and there are no signs that police or the Child Advocacy Center recorded her statements.

"Nothing is memorialized," he said. "Somebody should have at least pulled out their cellphone."

Burns also was highly critical of the police investigation into Washington's disappearance and killing.

"They bumbled and fumbled this investigation early on by making the wrong moves," he said. "They just don't have the evidence. Where's the murder weapon?"

Cellphone records show Marks and Washington were in the Iberville Parish area about 9:45 p.m. on the night she went missing and 15 minutes later traveled to the area in Baton Rouge where the toddler was found, according to a police report.
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An assistant principal at a Baton Rouge magnet school was indicted Wednesday on murder and feticide charges in the June killing of a pregnant 
Louisiana's average sale tax remains higher than any other state in the country.

The nonpartisan Tax Foundation released its analysis this week that found Louisiana's combined state and local sales tax rate is, on average, slightly more than 10 percent.

While the state's 5-cent sales tax ranks 33rd in the country, the highest-in-the-nation average 5.02-cent local tax boosts Louisiana to the top combined spot.

Louisiana is followed by Tennessee (9.45 percent), Arkansas (9.34 percent), Washington (9.20 percent) and Alabama (9.03 percent) as having the highest average combined sales tax rates.

The five states with the lowest are Alaska (1.76 percent), Hawaii (4.35 percent), Wyoming (5.26 percent), Wisconsin (5.42 percent) and Maine (5.5 percent).

Last stab at passing recommended tax changes dies this legislative session A task force spent 2016 studying the tax system, issued a comprehensive set of recommendatio

No states changed their statewide sales tax rates since January, the Tax Foundation's review found. Five states don't charge statewide sales taxes: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon.

Lawmakers used a temporary state sales tax hike last year to balance the state's budget. It expires in June 2018.

The state Legislature is expected to meet in a special session before the 2018 regular session begins in March to try to shore up the $1 billion-plus shortfall anticipated when the sales tax expires.

So far, lawmakers haven't reached an agreement on changes that they may want to make in the state's tax structure. Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, has said he won't call a special session without consensus on a plan.

"Having the highest sales tax in the nation isnt a badge of honor, its a burden on the people of Louisiana," Edwards spokesman Richard Cabo said.

Carbo said that Edwards will work with lawmakers in the coming months to chart the next steps after a package he proposed didn't gain traction in the Capitol this year.

Several legislative leaders have also floated the idea of keeping part of the state sales tax increase but not the entire 5 pennies.
The ACT has recorded a spike in victimisation rates for family and domestic violence, according to new statistics.

The rate leapt 33 per cent - to 240 victims per 100,000 persons - from 2015 to 2016.

Victims of Crime Commissioner John Hinchey said the spike showed the urgency of tackling the issue. Credit:Katherine Griffiths

Women were three times more likely to suffer violence at the hands of an intimate partner than men in the ACT.

The territory still has a lower family and domestic violence victimisation rate compared to other jurisdictions.
The number of people in Canberra seeking treatment for methamphetamine addiction has more than doubled in the past three years.

And rising numbers of those seeking treatment for all drug and alcohol addictions is leading to month-long waits for even basic counselling sessions.

Despite a big jump in methamphetamine users seeking treatment in the ACT, alcohol remains the top drug of concern. Credit:Nic Walker

Data released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare last week showed rising numbers of people seeking help for methamphetamine use nationwide.

In Canberra, it shows the number of people getting treated for ice abuse jumped from 677 in 2013-14 to 1392 in 2015-16, overtaking both cannabis and heroin to become the ACT's second biggest "primary drug of concern" behind alcohol.
One of five sisters who transformed the family's leather boutique into a global fashion giant, Carla Fendi was for many years the public face of her family fashion house.

The history of Fendi began in 1918 when a young entrepreneur, Adele Casagrande, founded her own leather workshop in a corner of Rome's Piazza Venezia. In 1925, she married Eduardo Fendi, and the couple opened a small boutique and handbag and fur workshop, moving into the rooms above the shop. Between 1931 and 1940, Adele gave birth to five children who, to her husband's disappointment, were all girls: Paola, Anna, Franca, Carla and Alda.

Carla Fendi arrives at her company fashion show in Milan, Italy, 2011. Credit:AP

Carla, who has died aged 79, remembered that when she and her sisters were still babies, Adele would breast-feed them while she worked. "We waited our turns in a handbag drawer  accessories were our first toys," she recalled.

In 1946, the eldest daughter Paola joined the business at 15, quickly followed by the other sisters. Carla began working aged 17.
The Victorian government's decision to appropriate a large undisclosed sum of taxpayers' money to buy a struggling timber mill nobody else wanted to acquire appears more driven by dubious politics than by rigorous public policy.

The government has not revealed how much it has agreed to pay Australian Sustainable Hardwood for the mill in Heyfield, Gippsland, but reports place the price as high as $50 million, 20 per more than an estimate earlier this year. With 250 staff, the mill is the biggest employer in a town of 2000 in a region that has been hit by the decline of coal as the economy transitions to renewable energy.

I'm a lumberjack and I'm not OK: Premier Daniel Andrews' government has bought a struggling timber mill, but won't reveal crucial details. Credit:Wayne Taylor

Perhaps the government is feeling some responsibility. The reason the mill owners were set to close the business is a cut by the government in the allocation of timber. This had been announced by VicForests, a statutory body running the logging and commercial sale of native forests, and is part of the ongoing response to the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, which destroyed a quarter of the state's harvestable ash forest. There is some conjecture that protecting habitat for an endangered species of possum might have contributed marginally to the timber shortage.

Another political element of the decision is that although Heyfield is in a safe conservative seat, the downstream effects of the mill closure would have hurt businesses and jobs in three marginal Labor seats. The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union intervened, campaigning hard  including a barrage of automated phone calls  for the retention of the Heyfield mill jobs.
Australia's northernmost cities are now potentially within the regime's range - but the ADF's Chief of Joint Operations, Vice-Admiral David Johnston, has sought to calm any immediate fears.

One of the nation's top military commanders says the global intelligence community is devoting enormous resources to understanding the rogue nation's capabilities after this week's successful long-range missile test.

Defence chiefs have sought to reassure Australians that North Korea's new long-range missiles pose "very little risk" to the nation's north, saying there is nothing to suggest Kim Jong-un would target Darwin or Cairns.

"I think there is very little risk at the moment to the northern part of our country but we will continue to look at what is necessary," he said. "I don't think there's anything to suggest Australia has been or is a deliberate target."

This photo distributed by the North Korean government shows what was said to be the launch of a Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile during North Korea's last missile tests. Credit:AP

He stressed a single missile test did not give a clear picture of North Korea's capabilities. "Given this development and also what's occurred in the peninsula over the last few months there is significant intelligence effort being attributed to it," he said.

The military will play a "supporting role" in responding to the latest crisis on the peninsula but for now the predominant response will be diplomatic. Defence planners will be watching closely the talks at the G20 in Germany in the coming days.

In one of the ADF's rare public briefings, Admiral Johnston also gave an insight into Australia's operations in the Middle East and the Philippines.
Energy and Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg has rebuked his one-time ally Tony Abbott, accusing the former prime minister of helping to elect the Labor Party with his "constant critiquing" of the Turnbull government.

Mr Frydenberg said that while his former leader had a right to stay in Parliament, he should be asking who benefits most from his regular public commentary. The denunciation by a senior frontbencher marks the latest contribution to ongoing Liberal tensions as Mr Abbott regularly challenges Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's more pragmatic political approach.

"Is it the party members who want to see a continuation of a Liberal government? The answer is no. Is it my parliamentary colleagues who want to see them retain their own seats and the government stay in office? The answer is no," Mr Frydenberg told ABC Radio.
It's 2018, and every Muslim in Australia has been interned. The "radicals", the "moderates", the devout, the nominal, the Aussie-born, the migrants, the Logie winner, the TV hosts, the Q&A guests. The lot. Australia is now a Muslim-free country.

Has Islamophobia won? Well, no. Because despite the rhetoric and hysteria, this is precisely what Islamophobia does not want.

You see, Islamophobia needs Muslims. Not because it "needs an enemy". But because Islamophobia is driven by the same logics that define patriarchy.

This is very different to saying that Islamophobia is about hating Muslims. If only it were that simple. Think about how much easier it is to challenge misogyny  hatred of women  than it is to challenge patriarchy  a society structured on male domination, privilege and control. In the patriarchal utopia, women are not removed from society, but they exist within a space that seeks to contain, groom, control and possess them.
For a week every month, I feel like a man. And, just to clarify, I mean that in both senses of the phrase.

Once a month, around the middle of my cycle, I get a hormonal surge. For the few days before I ovulate, and the couple of days after, my libido goes through the roof. While not every woman notices this fertile period (the pill, stress, depression and lifestyle factors can affect hormones), for many women it's very distinct.

Every month it occurs to me that men are distracted by sex all the time. Credit:Stocksy

I don't suffer badly from PMS these days, but I do suffer terribly from libido. It's a huge distraction. For those few days, I think about sex a lot. And let me tell you, it's highly irritating. I'm a busy woman. I need to stay focused. I don't have time for sexual fantasies.

But you know what else it is? It's illuminating. Because every month it occurs to me that this is how many men feel all the time. Distracted by sex. Fighting off fantasies as they work. Wondering when they're next going to get laid.
A supersize trend towards larger portions of junk food is significantly contributing to Australia's expanding waistlines, new research has found.

The average slice of cake in Australia has increased so much in size in recent years it now contains almost 1000 kilojoules more than it did two decades ago, health experts say.

An average slice of cake in Australia contains almost 1000 more kilojoules than it did two decades ago. Credit:William Meppem

Data released by the George Institute for Global Health has also revealed Australians are eating vastly larger portions of foods laden in fat, sugar, and salt.

Researchers compared data from 1995 to 2012 which found portion sizes for a significant number of Australia's most commonly consumed junk foods had soared.
Desperate for a coffee on holidays, I paid $4.75 for a standard long black at a McDonald's McCafe in Queensland.

The assistant poured an average brew. Too much water diluted the taste and the barista (that's being generous) would have struggled to make instant coffee. Yet I and several other customers paid up for a coffee that cost more than some burgers.

It was a similar story across town: coffees ranging from $4.50 to $4.90. Perhaps prices were inflated for school holidays or coffees were dearer in a regional town. A local told me coffee prices are always this high and nobody complains.

Back in Melbourne, the coffee was cheaper, better quality and expertly poured (for the most part). Still, a local cafe has increased its price by 20 a cup and others are doing the same. "Weekend penalty rates are killing us," the owner told me. Yeah, right.
The family of Karen Chetcuti, horrifically tortured and murdered near Wangaratta by a man on parole, will sue the state of Victoria.

Michael Cardamone pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court last week to murdering Ms Chetcuti (nee Verbunt), his neighbour in the tiny town of Whorouly in the state's north-east in January last year.

Cardamone, who raped a 15-year-old girl in 2005, had been on parole for less than six months when he killed the 49-year-old.

"He was free to roam around," Ms Chetcuti's former husband Tony Chetcuti said.
Police are hunting for a pot-bellied man who repeatedly exposed himself in front of young children on a tram in St Kilda.

The man was on the route 16 tram when he flashed himself numerous times about 4.30pm on Sunday, June 11.

Police are hunting for a pot-bellied man who repeatedly exposed himself in front of young children on a tram in St Kilda.

A seven and one-year-old child were on the tram at the time.

The man then got off the tram at Union Street in Windsor.
US President Donald Trump said he believes Russia meddled in the 2016 election but maintained that the US may never know for sure, likening the matter to intelligence that incorrectly said Iraq had weapons of mass destruction.

"I think it was Russia, but I think it was probably other people and/or countries," Mr Trump told reporters on Thursday at a news conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda in Warsaw, a day ahead of his first in-person meeting as president with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Nobody really knows. Nobody really knows for sure."

Mr Trump's remarks  and his attempt to cast blame for the hacks wider than the Russians  made it seem unlikely he'll take a tough line on the issue when he meets with Mr Putin. Mr Trump didn't say whether he intends to raise the subject, and the White House has refused to comment.
An enormous iceberg, measuring more than 3000 square kilometres, is poised to detach from one of the largest floating ice shelves in Antarctica and float off in the Weddell Sea, south of the tip of South America.

Scientists have been expecting the break from the Larsen C ice shelf, monitoring the progress of a crack which extended to more than 160 kilometres long in recent months. The latest update from scientists with NASA and the University of California, Irvine found that only five remaining kilometres of ice continue to connect the impending iceberg to the larger shelf.

Those parts of the iceberg that have already detached have begun to move rapidly seaward, widening the rift in recent days and leaving the remaining ice "strained near to breaking point", according to Adrian Luckman, a scientist monitoring Larsen C at Swansea University in Wales.

The expected calving event - on its own - will not affect global sea level, because the ice that has detached was already afloat in the ocean. But some scientists fear that it could hasten the destabilisation of the larger Larsen C ice shelf.
In case you're missing it, looks like @NPR has been hacked, tweeting like crazy! - Human Being (@Trackerinblue) July 4, 2017 The blowback increased when the tweets reached the portion of the Declaration that outlined, in unsparing detail, all the ways Britain's King George III had wronged the then-colonies. "He has obstructed the administration of justice, by refusing his assent to laws for establishing judiciary powers," read one line of the document.

"A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people," read another. Some people - presumably still in the dark about NPR's July Fourth exercise - assumed those lines were references to President Donald Trump and the current administration. "Propaganda is that all you know how? Try supporting a man who wants to do something about the Injustice in this country #drainingtheswamp," tweeted one user whose account has since been deleted but whose messages were captured by Winnipeg Free Press reporter Melissa Martin. *heavy sigh* pic.twitter.com/Pb35SNdKqe

- Melissa Martin (@DoubleEmMartin) July 4, 2017 Upworthy writer Parker Molloy took images of several more indignant replies to NPR, including one who told the media organisation to "Please stop. This is not the right place." Writer Parker Molloy took images of several more indignant replies to NPR. By Wednesday morning, many of the replies above had been deleted. However, at least one Twitter user admitted he had "screwed up" and apologised to NPR.

The Declaration of Independence is, of course, one of the country's most important documents, adopted at the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The text and purpose of the Declaration would most likely be recognisable to those who have applied for US citizenship, since questions about the document appear on the naturalisation test. US Citizenship and Immigration Services has an extensive list of study materials and other Declaration-related resources for prospective citizens. NPR's Morning Edition has had a nearly three-decade-long tradition of broadcasting a reading of the Declaration of Independence on July Fourth each year. More than two dozen NPR journalists participated in this year's reading, including Morning Edition co-host Steve Inskeep, All Things Considered hosts Audie Cornish and NPR national political correspondent Mara Liasson. "[It is] a document from a deeply divided time," broadcaster Mary Louise Kelly noted in the reading. "It was a time when Americans turned against each other."

The Twitter exercise this year was a way to include additional people in that tradition, NPR spokeswoman Isabel Lara told The Washington Post in an emailed statement. "This year we mirrored that tradition on Twitter as a way to extend to social media what we do on the air," Lara wrote. "The tweets were shared by thousands of people and generated a lively conversation." Here is the full text of the Declaration of Independence: In Congress, July 4, 1776. The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organising its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world. He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good. He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them. He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only. He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people. He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within. He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands. He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers. He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance. He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures. He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power. He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation: For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States: For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world: For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent: For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury: For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies: For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments: For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever. He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us. He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation. He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands. He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends. We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
AUTO LAB RADIO SATURDAY MORNING ARCHIVE! - Auto Lab Call-In Radio Worldwide From New York City LIVE 7-9 AM Saturdays-Now Listen Anytime







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The Auto Lab Radio Show LIVE every Saturday 7 to 9 AM On New York City's WNYM Radio AM 970 and Streamed Worldwide On The Auto Channel

This Weeks Show Broadcast Date: July 8, 2017

Car Question or Concern? Call Toll Free 888-692-7234

Auto Lab is a 28 year old interactive automotive-focused New York area radio call-in show hosted by Professor Harold Wolchok. Each week a cadre of experienced hands-on automotive experts are in-studio with advice for the New York area's 12 million people, providing listeners with honest, practical and street-smart car repair and buying advice.

Auto Lab is also about the automotive industry, its history, and its culture, presenting the ideas and advice of leading college faculty, authors, and automotive practitioners in a relaxed, conversational interactive format.

Listeners can hear the past 18 years of archived Auto Lab shows as simulcast on www.theautochannel.com.

Listen - Auto Lab Page (Includes Audio-on-Demand Archives, Auto Programs at Community College Database, Guests Pictures

This Weeks Show: July 8, 2017

Auto Lab In-Studio Auto Experts Discuss: Repairs, Second Opinions, Regular Maintenance, How To's, Safety, Used and New Car Buying, Ombudsmen Suggestions

Harold Bendell - Major Auto

Ivan Anderson - Brookdale Community College

Fred Bordoff - Bronx Community College Automotive Technology Department-CUNY

David Goldsmith - Urban Classics Auto Repairs

Jerry Pastore-D & J Diagnostic

Johanna Pastore-D & J Diagnostic

Joanne Porcelli, Esq

Michael Porcelli - Auto Mobile Services

Nicholas Prague- MTA and Rockland Community College, SUNY

Auto Lab Correspondent Interviews: Featuring Auto Safety News, New Car Reviews, Technology and Latest Auto World Information That Will Effect You!

Broadcast Date: July 8, 2017

Robert Erskine, Senior European Correspondent, Suffolk England

SCOTT KRUGGER - HEAD OF ALFA ROMEO DESIGN

Russ Rader, Vice President Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

LANE MAINTENACE SYSTEMS STILL A TURNOFF FOR MANY DRIVERS

Robert Sinclair Jr.- AAA Northeast

NEW VEHICLE -ORIENTED LAWS PASSED NY NEW YORK STATE LEGISLATURE

John Russell Senior Correspondent

Impressions Of The 2017 2017 TOYOTA COROLLA IM
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A 26 year-old man was released from the hospital Wednesday after police say he was choked by another man at Lake Bryan on Tuesday.

According to Bryan police, around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, officers and paramedics were called to the lake on the report of a fight. Multiple witnesses told police Seth Alan Neal, 26, was drunk and trying to start fights. According to police reports, the witnesses said Neal walked up to a man who was wading in the water and punched him in the side of the head. Neal is accused of grabbing the victim's neck in a chokehold and strangling him for up to a minute before releasing him.

Authorities say the victim was found unconscious and slumped over on the bank of the water. The man could not be stabilized and was taken to CHI St. Joseph Hospital, where he was sedated and intubated before he was moved to the critical care unit.

Neal was arrested at the lake, and police found he also had a criminal trespass warning that barred him from Lake Bryan. As he was being led to a patrol vehicle, Neal was screaming profanities, police said.

Neal is charged with aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison, and misdemeanor counts of criminal trespass, public intoxication and disorderly conduct.
When the Robison family noticed the paper supply at their College Station home dwindling at a quick pace, they began to have a suspicion a budding author was in their midst.

"She was going through reams and reams of paper," Andrew Robison said of his daughter Annabel. "Always just writing and writing and writing. She was staying up till 10 or 11 o'clock at night, sneaking paper and writing."

Seeing this, the family pitched in to turn one of Annabel's stories into what they hope is the first of many published books aimed at children 4 to 10 years old. Today, the first-grader will debut the book and sign copies at the Ringer Library in College Station.

Called The Adventures of Annabel and Nora: The Terrible Shark, the short chapter book tells the story of Annabel coming face-to-face with a "t-t-t-terrible" shark -- she is particularly proud of that detail in the book -- and learning to not be quick to judge.

"It's about me and my sister and my two friends -- we meet a terrible shark," she said.

Annabel said it made sense to include her 2-year-old sister in the adventure because they do everything together in real life. Her father helped her with the story, and her mother hired an illustrator, put the book together and contacted a publisher. The final product, however, is just one of many story ideas Annabel has fleshed out late at night in her College Station home and during the day in her Pebble Creek Elementary class.

"I have a bunch of them upstairs. Running away from the jungle tiger. Getting stuck in time. Turkey Olympics. Flying. A donut," she said, naming a few.

Annabel herself isn't scared of sharks -- she loves them -- but for the sake of ending the book with a lesson, she made the characters scared of the shark initially only to find it is actually friendly.

"Don't judge a book by the cover -- and we throw a giant party," she said.

Annabel's book signing will take place from 5-7 p.m.
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What you need to know

Wild hogs and hot air balloons aren't a good mix, wrote one Republican lawmaker to Gov. Greg Abbott in May, trying to convince the governor to veto a bill he said could create a "future catastrophe." The request seemingly fell on deaf ears; Abbott signed the legislation last month. Here's what you need to know:

 The bill creates "a false sense of safety," state Rep. John Cyrier, R-Lockhart  whose district was the site of a deadly balloon crash last summer  told Abbott in a May 27 letter, referencing a measure that will soon let Texans hunt feral hogs from a hot air balloon. Lawmakers unanimously passed the legislation in May, but Cyrier said he didn't speak up because "it was something that I personally had missed" amid the session. People in Texas are already able to hunt feral hogs using a helicopter, thanks to a bill the Legislature passed in 2011. Cyrier, a licensed airplane pilot, said he's done it more than 10 times.

 There are plenty of feral hogs in Texas. More than 2 million wild pigs currently roam the state, and officials have taken numerous jabs at trying to halt the destructive species' growing population. A company behind an EPA-approved brand of hog poison withdrew its request in April to operate in Texas after meat processors and hog hunters mobilized against it, placing the measure on hold (for now). Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, a supporter of the pesticide, stepped in mud when he suggested his agency could remove important warnings on the label of the approved hog poison.

 A hog wild memory from the Texas Capitol: When the Texas House debated its proposed 2018-19 budget in April, state Rep. Jonathan Stickland, R-Bedford, suggested lawmakers defund the state's feral hog abatement program, calling it a waste of taxpayer money. That angered some in the chamber, including state Rep. Drew Springer, R-Muenster, who said he'd support Stickland's proposal  but only if lawmakers would nix the same amount of funding for roads and highways in Bedford, Stickland's legislative district. Almost 100 of the 150 representatives backed Springer's slap at Stickland, ultimately forcing Stickland to withdraw his proposal. Here's how the exchange ended.

Other stories we're watching today:

 Decorated Air Force veteran MJ Hegar is launching a Democratic challenge against U.S. Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock, in a solidly red district that includes one of the country's largest military bases. "I see a threat to our Constitution, our democracy," Hegar recently said, "and I feel compelled to do something more about it."

Give us your take: As part of our ongoing effort to engage people directly affected by state policy, were conducting video interviews to learn more about how the bathroom bill debate affects people across Texas. Who should regulate access to bathrooms in Texas? Tell us what you think here.

Tribune today

Securities fraud charges against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton began nearly two years ago, and Paxton's "family friends" are continuing to donate hundreds of thousands of dollars to help pay his legal bills.

Pencil us in

Join us on July 19 for coffee and conversation previewing the 85th special legislative session with state Reps. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston, Drew Darby, R-San Angelo, and Matt Schaefer, R-Tyler.

Register for the 2017 Texas Tribune Festival! Join us for three days of the best conversations in politics and public policy, Sept. 22-24. Register here.

What we're reading

Links below lead to outside websites; we've noted paywall content with $.

Travis County investigates possibility 17 people voted twice in 2016 election, KXAN

Turner changes mind, says unlikely he will ask voters to remove rev cap, The Houston Chronicle ($)

Photo of the day

Texas Congressman Vicente Gonzalez spoke to the crowd during a July 4 parade in McAllen. Photo by Doug Young. See more photos on our Instagram account.

Quote to note

"I think being a Republican is not what it used to be."

 MJ Hegar, who's launching a Democratic bid against U.S. Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock, about the Republican party's evolvement in recent history  including the election of Donald Trump.

Feedback? Questions? Email us at thebrief@texastribune.org. As always, thanks for choosing The Brief  if you liked what you read today, become a member or make a donation here.
January 18, 1936 - June 30, 2017

Mitchell McMillan Jr., 81, of Bryan, passed away June 30, 2017 at Hospice Brazos Valley in Bryan, Texas. Graveside services are set for 10 am on Friday July 7, 2017 at the Franklin Cemetery with Certified Celebrant Dawn Lee Wakefield officiating. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Earl Graham Post 159 of Bryan. Services are in the care of Callaway-Jones Funeral and Cremation Centers of Bryan College Station.

Mitchell was born January 18, 1936 in Franklin, Texas, to Mitchell McMillan Sr. and Nellie Liles. He graduated from Texas A&M University Class of 1974 with a degree in Engineering Technology. He was a proud veteran the United States Navy, and severed honorably during the Korean War.

Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Janette McMillan of Bryan; son, Rob McMillan and wife Paula; daughter, Heather Thoele; sister, Joyce Zemanek and husband Charles; and grandchildren, Brahm and Brianna McMillan and Joseph and Ian Thoele.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Hospice Brazos Valley at 502 W. 26th St, Bryan, TX 77803.

Express condolences at CallawayJones.com
The GOP's red wave foundered nationally, but it swept away Democrats in Iowa
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On a near-perfect Monday afternoon heading into the Fourth of July, you couldnt beat the waterfront deck of Sono Seaport Seafood for New England ambience, with diners gazing out on boaters puttering past on Norwalk Harbor as seagulls wheeled lazy circles overhead.

As the saying goes, if you cant beat them, join them.

Under an ocean blue sign dotted with gulls, Saltwater Restaurant & Bar is readying to open in South Norwalk, its name echoing New Englands seaside heritage. Saltwater Restaurant is taking over 128 Washington St., where the Asian restaurant Chi Public House closed in February after a brief run of just a few months under the 99 Hospitality Group that owns Washington Prime a few doors over and in the Georgetown section of Redding, and which is not involved in the new venture.

Saltwater Restaurant & Bar is being run by Hector Correa and Carlos Lopez-Cabrera, with the building at 128 Washington St. building owned by Stamford-based FD Rich and dating back to the Hoyts Theater in the post-Civil War era. The eatery eyes a planned opening in the third week of July with seating for up to 100 people.

As its name and signage suggest, Saltwater Restaurant & Bar will serve seafood  the traditional New England variety  joining Sono Seaport Seafood around the corner and Harbor Lights across the water among local options, as well as the Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood farther distant, which scores top marks in the city among seafood restaurants posted on TripAdvisor.

The idea is to have a menu that anyone would be familiar with who goes to Marthas Vineyard or Nantucket, Lopez-Cabrera told Hearst Connecticut Media.

Washington Street options these days run the gamut, with more than 20 dining options to include upscale American bistro fare at Washington Prime; barbecue at Johnny Utahs; Italian at Strada 18, which is currently under renovations; Greek cuisine at Estias; pub food at Killer B; Latin cuisine at Tablao or Zapatas Mexican Restaurant; eclectic options at El Segundo and Match; and Asian dishes at Oishi Sushi & Izakaya or the new Enchanted Szechuan.

Missing, however, has been a seafood restaurant, whether the classic New England menu such as Boothbay Lobster Co. that opened last year in Stamfords Harbor Point district; one taking its inspiration from the fruits of Long Island Sound like Elm Street Oyster House in Greenwich; or one more exotic yet, such as Ocean Drive, which occupied 128 Washington St. more than a decade ago with a vibe reminiscent of Miamis South Beach.

 Updated from an earlier version to reflect additional feedback from Saltwater Restaurant & Bar and 99 Hospitality Group, and corrected to note the latter not being involved in the new restaurant.

 Leslie Lake contributed to this report.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; www.twitter.com/casoulman
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So much for Tim Herbst and Dave Walker  GOP rivals with gubernatorial ambitions  following Ronald Reagans 11th Commandment thou shalt not speak ill of any fellow Republican.

The campaign manager for Herbst filed an elections complaint Wednesday against Walker, accusing the former U.S. comptroller general of failing to register as a formal candidate for governor as required by state law.

The Trumbull first selectman said Walker has been actively campaigning for the post, which is prohibited under the rules for exploratory committees like the one Walker set up to gauge support for his brand.

Herbst cited Walkers recent fundraising appeal and social media posts that he said make direct references to running for governor.

If a person is flagrantly violating state elections laws, someone else is going to bring it up if I dont, including Democrats, Herbst said. We cannot afford to nominate candidates for governor who are making rookie mistakes and, by virtue of their rookie mistakes, are demonstrating that they are not prepared to take on a tough campaign.

Walker, who served under presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, said the complaint to the state Elections Enforcement Commission has no merit.

Its a real disappointing distraction, Walker said. Im not a career politician. Herbst is the career politician. Why should I be an expert in campaign-finance rules?

An elections enforcement spokesman declined to comment on the pending complaint.

Under Connecticut law, candidates must register with the state within 15 days of making a public declarations they are seeking nomination for a specific office. What is considered a public declaration is open to interpretation, however.

Herbst, who is a declared candidate for governor, provided elections-enforcement officials a copy of an invitation to a July 11 fundraiser for Walker in Westport that said for governor. He also submitted a screen shot from Walkers Facebook page saying Dave Walker is working now to be nominated for Connecticut governor.

Walker said has he met with elections-enforcement officials to make sure he was in compliance.

We dont use the word candidate and thats the operative issue, Walker said.

This isnt the first time that Herbst has engaged in friendly fire with fellow Republicans.

In March, he criticized Peter Lumaj for contributing to Eliot Engel, a liberal New York congressman who refused to shake Donald Trumps hand during the president's speech to Congress. Lumaj, a conservative immigration lawyer from Fairfield who was the 2014 GOP nominee for secretary of the state, is exploring a run for governor.

Herbst sought to avoid being defined as an aggressor in his latest beef with Walker, who he said has criticized the records of a number of GOP office holders, including himself.

This is the big leagues, Herbst said. You want to be governor? You want to throw punches? Dont think people are going to sit back.

Walker said he will put up his record against Herbsts.

I know that I have far more experience than he does, Walker said. Im not surprised, but Im very disappointed in Tim, and so are others.

nvigdor@hearstmediact.com; 203-625-4436; http://twitter.com/gettinviggy
Many business leaders argue that technology is taking the "human" aspect out of human resources. However, from recruiting to hiring to connecting teams worldwide, the argument can be made that technology is greatly improving the human experience.

Related: A New Wave of HR Technology Is Disrupting the Market

Consider the case of Sarah Wilson, director of talent acquisition and principal staff officer at the Toronto bookstore, Indigo: Wilson has been using AI recruiting software to help personalize the hiring process.

"We started using Ideal.com last year, and we saw results within the first week," Wilson told me. "I think some people dismiss AI because they think it will hurt their candidate experience. We saw it as an opportunity to further improve ours."

The HR director said she didn't want hiring scenarios for her company that resembled those of most large retailers, where candidates hear no response. Instead, AI technology helped her team cut out many time-consuming administrative tasks. This decreased the response time for getting back to applicants and helped her team spend more time with candidates they wanted to meet in person.

While Wilson was able to effectively use HR tech to improve the candidate experience, in general a balance between tech and human interaction can be hard to achieve. Here are four ways companies can use technology to improve the human experience:

1. Automation leaves time for human connection.

Human connection is the end goal for business leaders, and HR tech is providing them the time to grow meaningful relationships.

"Both HR and recruiting professionals get caught up in the monotonous tasks associated with their jobs," Mahe Bayireddi, CEO of Phenom People, a talent-relationship marketing platform in Horsham, Pa., explained via email. "Where many people view HR tech as a human replacement, I view it as a bridge to a very apparent gap between HR and recruiting technology and the human element the industry has lost sight of in the past."

Bayireddi said he believes HR pros get overwhelmed with mundane tasks, making it impossible for recruiters to be more personal in their communications. By using automated technology, they're able to focus on building relationships and bringing on the best talent for their teams.

Tip: Help employees be more productive and motivated in their relationships by first understanding what tasks are holding them back. Before signing up for automation software, ask team members what tasks are preventing them from honing-in on the human element of recruiting and HR. Then, research which software can take care of these tasks and free up their time to target the best job candidates.

Related: Why Tech Is HR's Friend, Not Its Enemy

2. Provides more information

There's no doubt that things move fast in a startup. So, leaders often forget to stop and ask employees for feedback.

Steffen Maier, co-founder of Impraise, a performance-management software company in New York City, said he believes that letting feedback slip out of view can be detrimental to an entire organization.

"The emergence of feedback apps helped to change this by encouraging employees to ask for feedback when they need it, instead of waiting for an annual review," Maier said via email. "Creating an environment in which it's okay to ask for feedback, whether from your manager, reports or colleagues, means that information flows more freely throughout the organization."

Enhancing feedback, especially by offering the option of anonymity, gives managers the information they need to have a more meaningful dialogue with their employees.

Tip: Use a feedback or communication platform to perform a company-wide anonymous survey on employee or organizational matters. From pay and benefits to after-work activities, Maier has improved employees' performance and work experience by using their feedback.

3. Connects employees worldwide

The immersion of video in HR tech is fast evolving how leaders do business worldwide. Gayle Wiley, chief people officer at Lifesize, a video, audio and web-conferencing company based in Austin, puts her company to the test by using video conferencing for her recruiting needs.

"Externally, I use video-conferencing for interviewing candidates who are not located nearby," Wiley explained. "Internally, it is my main communications vehicle for conducting productive meetings with our entire global workforce -- for performance reviews, town hall meetings, onboarding of new employees, training and development and more."

With today's increasingly dispersed workforce, one-click face-to-face interactions are crucial in building the human experience. Co-workers who were once able to connect only over the phone or via email are now able to see one another and interact as though they were in the same room.

Tip: If possible, try the following exercise: Spend a few days communicating with people in your office via phone, email and on messaging platforms. Then, after a day or two of limited facial contact, connect with people via video.

Take notice of the deeper connection with co-workers that's restored through your return to face-to-face discussion. Now, imagine the connections being missed due to the absence of these personalized interactions.

4. Improves personalization

With evolving tools, employers are able to take what were once limited standard procedures and create improved, more expansive experiences for their teams. Such experiences are especially relevant for employee perks and benefits.

Tip: With tools like Maestro Health, an employee health and benefits platform, employers are able to offer complete solutions in a personalized and simpler format. The platform allows users to be shown and to choose from a variety of health benefits to find the ones that are right for them.

Related: This Tech Start-up is Helping Companies Cut HR Expenses

Whether in the health and benefits arena or as part of the overarching employee experience, employees want perks that meet their individualized needs -- not everyone else's. With HR tech, they now have the tools to do this through improved, personalized human experiences.

Related:

4 Ways Technology Improves the Human Resources (and Human) Experience

This Tech Start-up is Helping Companies Cut HR Expenses

A New Wave of HR Technology Is Disrupting the Market



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com


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NORWALK  Firetree Ltd. has sued the city over its denial of a permit to open a controversial halfway house on Quintard Avenue.

Defendants refusal to sustain Firetrees appeal, overturn the decision of the ZEO (Zoning Enforcement Officer), and order that a tenant occupancy permit be issued to accommodate the proposed use constitutes intentional discrimination against persons with disabilities in violation of Plaintiffs rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act, reads the lawsuit signed by attorney Frank F. Coulom of the Hartford law firm Robinson & Cole LLP and filed in U.S. District Court in Connecticut.

The lawsuit comes after the citys Zoning Board of Appeals last month rejected overturning Norwalk Zoning Enforcement Officer Aline Rocheforts decision not to issue the permit to the Pennsylvania-based halfway house operator. The permit is needed for the facility to open at 17 Quintard Ave.

In addition to Firetree, the lawsuit names as plaintiffs John Doe and Jane Doe, whom it identifies as individuals incarcerated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and prospective residents of 17 Quintard Avenue who are in recovery for drug and alcohol addiction disabilities, mental health disabilities, or physical disabilities.

Brian L. McCann, assistant corporation counsel in the citys law department, said Wednesday that the department was still reviewing the lawsuit.

On Feb. 8, Rochefort informed Firetree that the new use of the property was not in accordance with city zoning regulations.

More Information Quintard quagmire 1976: Pivot Ministries opens drug rehabilitation center at 17 Quintard Ave. 2012: Pivot Ministries looks to sell property July 2015: Firetree purchases property for $429,000 March 2016: Firetree begins renovations to property August 2016: Area residents rally in opposition, some city officials attend July 2017: Firetree files lawsuit over permit denial See More Collapse

Based on the materials you have submitted, our knowledge of the previous use of the property made by Pivot Ministries and permits issued by this office we cannot issue a zoning permit, she wrote.

On June 7, the ZBA rejected Firetrees appeal of the permit denial on a 4-1 vote after a lengthy public hearing at which residents sounded off against the halfway house. They argued that the new facility would not be the same as the drug-rehabilitation center once operated by faith-based Pivot Ministries.

During the hearing, Thomas P. Cody, the lead Robinson & Cole attorney representing Firetree, argued that rejecting the proposed halfway house would violate the Fair Housing and Americans with Disabilities acts, which require that reasonable accommodation be made for disabled persons, including persons recovering from substance abuse.

Firetree presented evidence demonstrating its proposal to establish the proposed halfway house as supportive housing for its disabled clients was subject to the reasonable accommodation requirements of the FHA and the ADA, and that it met the required elements for the ZBA to sustain its appeal, overturn the decision of the ZEO, and order that a tenant occupancy permit be issued as a reasonable accommodation, reads the lawsuit.

Firetree is also seeking relief under the Connecticut Fair Housing Act, state statutes and the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution.

Residents opposed to the halfway house have stressed that it would operate under contract with the Federal Bureau of Prisons and does not fit in a residential neighborhood.

Firetree maintains it made its intentions clear to city officials before purchasing the property and investing $600,000 of improvements. Those officials turned against the plan after neighbors voiced fierce opposition, according to the lawsuit.

In the lawsuit, Firetree cites a rally held by residents at 19 Quintard Ave. in late August 2016 and attended by state Sen. Bob Duff, Mayor Harry W. Rilling and Common Council members Travis Simms and Phaedrel Bowman as evidence of bias against the plan.

Firetree filed the lawsuit under a filing deadline and as it continues to seek relief from the ZBA. On June 28, the appeals board opened a public hearing on Firetrees request for a special zoning exception to permit a change from a nonconforming use of land or structure to another nonconforming use. The hearing will resume on July 13.

We got a little bit halfway through the (speakers) list, said ZBA Chairman Andrew T. Conroy. Well carry on with the public comment and well pick up with (Firetrees) rebuttal.

rkoch@hearstmediact.com
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NORWALK  Tiahna Spencer knew from a young age that she wanted to become a doctor, but the path she would take to get there wasnt always so clear.

Though she was born and spent her early years in New York, Spencer moved with her mother to Norwalk when she was 11. Thats when they took up residence at Colonial Village, one of 18 public housing complexes operated by the Norwalk Housing Authority.

While many young people in public housing nationally are isolated due to their finances, Spencer found herself connected with a wide range of programs that exposed her to new corners of the world, as well as ongoing support that continues to follow her today.

Unlike other public housing authorities, in addition to connecting those in need with a place to live, Norwalk Housing Authority offers five integrated learning centers, an extensive scholarship program and general mentoring to its residents, many of whom represent some of the most impoverished in the city and may otherwise have a limited purview as to the possibilities of life.

Norwalk Housing Authority has sent more than 3,000 students through its learning centers since1997. Its foundation has awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarships to send more than 200 students to pursue higher education since 1998. It was also recently recognized as a national model of success by the current U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Administration.

We are trying to give people a launching pad instead of a landing pad, said Craig Adler, director of development for the Norwalk Housing Authority. The best way to get out of public housing is through a good job. The best way to get a good job is through education. Its a transformative approach.

To Spencer, the approach has proven to be just that. Now 23, Spencer is in her third year of medical school at the University of Connecticut. She has conducted research at the National Institutes of Health and is well on her way to achieving her dream of becoming a physician.

Learning centers

One of Spencers most significant experiences was through a summer enrichment program she participated in as a part of the housing authoritys learning centers.

A musician brought in drums and taught students how to play. He also had a flute on-hand and ended up giving it to Spencer to keep.

Ive been using that for years, Spencer said. It was a big thing that changed my life. It probably changed my entire trajectory.

Spencer said the flute set her on the path to participate in band which in turn taught her skills such as hard work and perseverance.

I cant equate it to the army, Spencer said, but it did teach me dedication, concentration, and a general feeling of being in control of my own life.

Norwalk Housing Authority has five learning centers  four for elementary-aged students and one for middle and high school students  strategically placed within complexes where the most students live and serving roughly 200 students in total each year, according to Wendy Gerbier, director of the learning centers.

The learning centers serve as an academic and enrichment-based, after-school or full-day programming, running 3-6 p.m. during the school year and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the summer. Kids time at the learning centers is divided between social recreational times, academics and enrichment.

Enrichment varies from sending kids to the Cloisters to study art to learning strategy at the Chess Club of Fairfield County, Gerbier said. It is designed to allow students who otherwise wouldnt be able to afford such experiences to access them, potentially finding a new, unknown talent of passion.

We are all about exposure, exposure, exposure Gerbier said. You never know what that one thing is thats going to be to the spark.

For Spencer, her experience with the flute landed her in the school band and ultimately led her to challenge herself throughout her education, setting her up, she said, for future success.

Scholarship program

As with the housing authoritys other students, when it came time for Spencer to think about college, the housing authority was there to help by providing scholarships and even show students how to navigate the application process.

Spencer is one of hundreds over the years to receive a housing authority scholarship to help cover the cost of school.

It drastically changed my life, Spencer said. Being awarded the scholarship allowed me to know that people believe in me enough to go to undergrad and ... when I was going to school I didn't have extra concerns or the stresses of finances in my life. It helped me to focus more on school and doing my best.

According to Kim Hein, the housing authoritys scholarship director, education is the pathway out of poverty.

Its really what levels the playing field and what provides our residents the opportunity to get out of public housing, she said. The goal is not to build more housing but to provide more opportunity to our residents.

The housing authority even established funding for the graduate programs starting in 2015. For the graduate scholarship programs third year, there were five recipients, including Spencer.

Looking to the future, Spencer said she has two more years of medical school before applying to a residency program and finally becoming a doctor. And though she is thankful for her experience, she does have one hope for improvement.

I wish they had programs that were more prevalent in the entire community, Spencer said. There are a lot of kids out there that want to go to school. If given the opportunity, they can excel well beyond what people could ever believe. I feel like a very lucky kid to have grown up in Colonial Village.

KSchultz@thehour.com; 203-842-2567; @kevinedschultz
NORWALK  Ponus Ridge Middle School Assistant Principal LaShante James will be moved out of the school after serving in the position for just one year.

James will transition to the same position at Roton Middle School, in a move orchestrated by Norwalk Public Schools Central Office leadership that, according to school district spokeswoman Brenda Wilcox Williams, is a part of typical administrative reassignments made at this stage each year.

When there are openings, its an opportunity for the superintendent, school operations and HR to take a look at our overall staffing and to place people where they are most needed, Williams said.

But school community members hope its not too late for district leadership to change its mind.

News of James move out of the school sparked backlash among Ponus Ridge parents who called the change a devastating loss to students, parents and faculty, as well as to James herself. In addition to a letter to the editor, there has been talk of petitions, sending emails to Central Office and written formal requests, all to have the district leave James in her current position.

We had a perfect fit and she did unbelievably extraordinary things for our school, said Jodi Przybisiki, co-president of Ponus Ridges Parent Teacher School Organization. To now move her, to me as a lay person, it doesnt make any sense ... I hope someone can really think about this and reverse the decision if at all possible. I understand Roton may need her, but Ponus needs her too.

James joined Ponus Ridge as assistant principal at the start of the 2016-17 school year. Before that, Przybisiki said the school went through a period with no assistant principal, then two interim assistant principals and finally went through an extensive search before finding James.

It took a long time to get here, Przybisiki said. Shes been here a year and literally from day one she fit right in. She became Ponus family, part of the Ponus community, and she has done wonders for Dr. Lewis (the schools principal) and our school.

Before coming to Ponus Ridge, James taught for 12 years in New Haven Public Schools. For many of those years she earned the designation as Teacher of the Year. She holds a bachelors degree in English education from Southern Connecticut State University, a masters degree in political science from Southern Connecticut State University and a sixth-year educational leadership degree from Sacred Heart University. Her hiring salary was $153,225.

The Norwalk Hour reached out to James for comment, but was forwarded to Williams.

Williams said the move is not intended to leave Ponus Ridge without an assistant principal and that the position would be filled. It was not clear who would fill the position or when that would occur.

Under the Strategic Operating Plan, Williams added, the district is committed to developing internal capacity to have an effective leadership pipeline that can fill leadership positions from within, whenever possible.

Przybisiki said she understands reassignment, but strongly hopes this particular move is reevaluated and ultimately reversed.

I hope that any one with any interest will do whatever it takes and that it gets us somewhere Przybisiki said. To start again from square one, its like one step forward and two steps back. We had a really good thing going and its a devastating loss to the Ponus community.

KSchultz@thehour.com; 203-842-2567; @kevinedschultz
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NORWALK  The detail is striking at any size, but at eight feet tall and four feet wide, the charcoal drawing of a sugar maple is captivating.

Completed by Fairfield artist Rick Shaefer, the piece, which at its size almost becomes abstract when considering the details, has been selected as the Best in Show winner of Silvermine Art Gallerys annual Art of the Northeast exhibition.

I think the winners this year, theres a greater emphasis on the influence of realism, said Jeffrey Mueller, Silvermine Gallery director. Rick Shaefer is a really interesting example of that. The imagery is of a sugar maple, but the focus on detail starts to become abstract.

The annual exhibit, now in its 67th year is one of the oldest of its kind in the Northeast, and is comprised of work created by both emerging and established artists from Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Washington D.C., Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island or Vermont. It is considered Silvermines signature show. The exhibit opens at 6:30 p.m. Saturday and runs through Aug. 19.

The 2017 show was curated by David Kiehl, a curator at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. Kiehl has also served as the associate curator of prints and illustrated books at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and as a consultant curator at the Wolfsonian Foundation in Miami Beach.

Mueller said the gallery made a shift in the way the show is curated a few years ago, which allowed Kiehls vision and perspective to shine through in the final selected works. Just 52 works made it to the final show, narrowed down from more than 500 submissions.

What we did a couple years ago that was a radical shift, we embraced what juried shows are about, Mueller said. Theyre about the eye of the curator so we really tried to celebrate that and the idea that each curator brings their own perspective.

In addition to Shaefers maple tree, Kiehl named a mixed media work, White Cat by Claudia Renfro of Pound Ridge, New York, as an honorable mention. The Patricia Warfield Jinishian Award in Painting went to Ellen Hopkins of Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, for Rockets. The Andy and Marsha Glazer Award for Painting was awarded to Barbara Marks of Stony Creek for Recollection #88, Wyoming.

Corinne Chase of Orange, Massachusetts, received the Mollie and Albert Jacobson Award for Sculpture for her sand-cast bronze work, and June Ahrens of Stamford won the Carole Eisner Award for Sculpture for her mixed media wall piece, Hidden Promises.

Though there is no designated theme for the annual exhibition, Mueller said they saw a resurgence of realism and narrative in the submissions this year.

Were seeing a growing return to narrative, whether its abstract or figurative, Mueller said. I think whats great about this show is it really gives you a nice cross section of whats going on throughout New England and the Northeast. There is narrative in some of the abstract works as well as in the realistic ones.

Mueller said sculpture is also well represented in the 2017 exhibition.

We have some ambitious works including one that looks like a submarine, done in an Orson Welles steampunk style  a re-purposed, industrial, sci-fi look, Mueller said. Gene Hrachos Aquatic in Nature so charmed David Kiehl that he gave the ... work the Curators Smile Award. Kiehls sensibilities have brought us a dynamic exhibition, quirky in the best sense of the word, with a complex and lush use of materials.

kkrasselt@hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2563; @kaitlynkrasselt
Within the cool confines of the Fonner Park livestock facilities, nearly 250 youth from 23 states have converged upon Grand Island this week for the annual National Junior Limousin Show and Congress.

The show, which runs through Friday, is making its debut at Fonner Park. The Limousin youth and their more than 400 head of cattle are the fourth consecutive national livestock show hosted by Fonner Park since last month.

Katie Campbell, director of activities for the North American Limousin Foundation, helped coordinate the show for the National Junior Limousin Association.

The facility is amazing, Campbell said. Bill Angell does a really good job with these facilities. There is plenty of room and it is air-conditioned.

The air-conditioned Five Points Bank Livestock Arena and the well-ventilated livestock barns are a big selling point for both the critters and contestants, especially as temperatures edge up to near 100 degrees today.

Angell is the livestock superintendent for the Nebraska State Fair and works with the Grand Island Livestock Complex Authority in coordinating the various national livestock shows that come to Fonner Park.

With everybody at the show located in the Beef Barn, Campbell said that is great, especially in promoting a family and community atmosphere.

This is a lot of peoples family vacation and being able to hang out with friends from all across the country is really important, she said. It is a little family reunion.

The junior association membership is from ages 5 to 21. Some of the youth have been attending these national shows all of their lives, especially if they have an older sibling who was coming to the show before they were old enough to show on their own.

Some of them start coming at 5 and some of them before that because they have older siblings, Campbell said. You grow up with this association.

She said the number of youth attending the show and the number of cattle is fantastic.

Campbell said many of their national shows are held around the Fourth of July week.

We have spent the Fourth of July together for quite a few years, she said.

And Campbell said Tuesdays firework display didnt overly spook the cattle, especially the calves who were tied up outside overnight.

There were a lot of fireworks last night (Tuesday), so they might have been a little nervous this morning, she said.

The youth started off their week attending educational clinics, contests and doing demonstrations that are designed to improve their abilities in raising and showing cattle.

Wednesday was spent primarily in the show ring as the youth were competing in a number of competitions, such as cow/calf pairs and bred and owned shows.

Campbell said with these competitions, the youth have been through the whole process of the cow and calves lives.

It is really cool to see them working with these cattle from start to finish, she said.

For Campbell, she spent her whole life involved with the Limousin industry with she and her siblings showing cattle and now taking the position with the national organization straight out of college.

She said the national junior show in Grand Island has been a fantastic experience for the group. Hosting the event was the Heartland Limousin Association.

They have done a fantastic job of putting this on, Campbell said. They do all the hard work beforehand and then we come in and its smooth sailing.

Two of the contestants at this years show are Linden Linthicum and her brother, Jayden, both of Welch, Okla.

Linden said she has been pretty successful with her cow/calf pair winning a couple of reserve champion awards.

It is pretty awesome, Linden said. You prepare all year for this show and when you win, it is a pretty big deal.

She said she works with her cattle every day so they can get used to you.

You work together in the ring, Linden said. I have a good heifer. We have this connection. You see them when they are born and you see them just getting better and better all the time.

For her and Jayden, coming to the national show is a family event.

Its pretty important, she said. My grandpa has been showing cattle almost all of his life. It has become a family tradition.

Linden said this is the ninth junior national show she has attended. She is 15 years old.

I have made so many friends at these shows, she said. Some of them are from other states that I never get to see until we come here.

Her brother, Jayden, said that what he learns from coming to the junior nationals each year is to better interact with people and have fun.

Helping out in the show ring Wednesday was the Junior National Limousin Association President Anna Johnson of Sebeka, Minn.

Johnson, 21, said running for national office was her way of giving back to the juniors and the association who have given me a lot from the beginning.

She has been attending the national show since 2012.

Johnson is attending the University of Minnesota in Crookston where she is studying agricultural education.

This is the environment and the industry that I have grown up in, she said. I plan to teach high school education and Extension work after college this spring.

Johnson said the national show is the highlight for many of these youth and the hard work they have put in working with their animals and learning about their industry.

It is what they build up to and we treat it kind of like a family vacation, she said. They are here for a week. It is a long period of time so we try to make it really family oriented so every member of the family has something to do throughout the week.

The public is invited to attend the show, which concludes Friday with the All-American Limousin Futurity and award ceremony.

For find out more about the remaining schedule of events, go to http://nalf.org
LINCOLN  Nebraskas top election official announced Thursday he will share publicly available voter registration data with a federal commission, provided he receives assurances about how the data will be used and secured.

Secretary of State John Gale said in a statement that he would release the information as long as its release complies with state law. He also said he wants the voting commission created by President Donald Trump to assure his office that the data will receive a high level of security.

Knowing how the data will be used, how it will be secured and how it might be publicly shared by the commission is vitally important, Gale said.

In a letter sent last week, the federal commission asked for each states publicly available voter roll data, including names, party affiliations, addresses and the last four digits of Social Security numbers.

At least 44 states will share some or none of the information requested. Of those, about 10 states will provide no information.

Gale said Thursday Nebraskas voter registration file is a public record under state law and may be released for certain purposes related to elections, political activities, voter registration, law enforcement and jury selection.

Its unclear whether the last four digits of Nebraska voters Social Security numbers would be available to the commission.

Gale notes in his statement that other state laws allow Social Security numbers to be withheld from the public.

However, voters must provide the last four digits of their Social Security numbers when registering to vote if they do not have a Nebraska drivers license.

To obtain the voter registration file, Gale said, those requesting it must complete an affidavit under penalty of election falsification indicating that the list will be used only for the allowed purposes and that it will not be copied.

Gale said the federal commission has not yet met to specify in detail its reasons for requesting voter registration information and whether those reasons comply with Nebraska law.

The letter from the commission to my office indicated that information submitted to the commission would be made available to the public, Gale said. If made available to the public, it may be subject to uses that run counter to Nebraskas laws with respect to the voter registration register.

Gale said he also has no clear assurances about how secure the national database would be.

In light of the domestic and foreign attacks in 2016 on state voter registration databases, the commission will need to assure my office of a high level of security, he said.

Gales response comes a day after six state senators sent him a letter urging him to reject the commissions request. A seventh lawmaker, State Sen. John Murante of Gretna, encouraged Gale to release publicly available information.
The other day I watched Jeopardy. One of the questions was, Which president did Congress override the veto of to allow Nebraska to become a state? Andrew Johnson. (First contestant said Abe Lincoln. Second got it right.)

It seems interesting trivia that Id never heard of before since Nebraska is celebrating 150 years. None of my school teachers or others seemed to ever say anything about this.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 6, 2017 16:07 1954 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a7f6508 1 Parents commuter,KCJ,animation,#animation,#commuter,children,#children,commuter-trains,Education,#education Free

A commuter train-themed superhero animated series titled Train Heroes has been produced by Jakarta train operator PT KAI Commuter Jabodetabek (KCJ).

Created in cooperation with Japans TV Tokyo, kompas.com reports that the series follows the interaction between train-shaped characters that can transform into robots, talk and think like humans.

Each of the show's short episodes is designed with a specific theme, such as what and what not to do inside a train and life lessons for kids. Up to eight episodes have been uploaded onto KCJs official YouTube account.

Read also: Spider-Man: Homecoming better than previous reboots

KCJ vice president of communications Eva Chairunisa said the animated work aimed to shape the mentality and character of Indonesian children and encourage them to love commuter trains.

Just like in Japan, commuter trains are truly loved and education for children should start as early as possible. This is what we will copy, Eva said on Wednesday.

The Indonesian broadcast of the series features original Train Heroes characters, which have also been broadcast in Japan and China, with the addition of KRL mascot Karel. (mas/kes)
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Linkedin I Wayan Juniarta (The Jakarta Post) Denpasar  Thu, July 6, 2017 09:32 1954 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a7e8840 4 Art & Culture Bali-Arts-Festival,bali,art-and-culture,bali-art-scene Free

The annual festival is still going strong in its 39th year.

It was early evening and the exhibition hall on the ground floor of the Ksirarnawa building was packed with visitors, mostly young girls and housewives, browsing through stalls showcasing silver and gold jewelry crafted by local artisans.



The narrow alleyway, barely able to accommodate two persons passing each other, and the absence of any air-conditioning system in the hall, did not diminish the visitors enthusiasm for the glittering rings, necklaces, brooches, pendants and other trinkets on display.



Suddenly, to the amazement of the crowd, a little boy wearing the mask of barong  a mythological beast and one of the islands most iconic dances  dashed along the alleyway, his hands frantically animating the mask while his father followed him closely. In a hushed voice, the father apologized to the other visitors for his sons sudden outburst.



I am sorry. He insisted I buy him the mask just now and he has worn it ever since.



It was an unnecessary apology since everybody was obviously amused by the episode. Some cheered the boy up and one lady even uttered a prophecy.



That boy will grow up to be a great pregina, she said, using the Balinese term for an art performer.

Glittering: Dancers from the Pradana Gita troupe perform a contemporary dance during a special night featuring all-female gamelan troupes from the islands regencies.(JP/Anggara Mahendra)

This atmosphere of jovial enthusiasm is not exclusive to that exhibition hall. In fact, this atmosphere pervades every venue at the Werddhi Budaya Art Center, the spacious cultural compound in East Denpasar that hosts the ongoing Bali Arts Festival. The annual event enters its 39th year this year, making it Indonesias longest-running arts festival.



Some 100 meters to the east from Ksirarnawa building, a similar enthusiasm could be seen on the faces of hundreds of spectators, including many youngsters, who crowded Kalangan Angsoka, one of the centers three mid-size outdoor stages.

Read also: Rebirth shows promise of youngest Titian Prize finalist



The reason for these youngsters radiant faces was not a modern boy band belting out the latest of Korean music or a handsome, hip DJ. In fact, these youngsters were eagerly watching a performance of Gambuh, a classical dance drama and one of the islands oldest forms of performance art.



The fact that a large number of millennials can actually have a good time watching a slow-paced dance drama originally created in the 15th century might seem like a cultural anomaly. Fortunately, here in Bali, it is the norm instead of an exception.



Traditional art is everywhere in Bali. You can find it in temple festivals, community functions, government events and private parties. Balinese people practically grow up and live in and within a stage of performance art, scholar I Made Bandem said.



Balis traditional arts are not a static entity. The challenges brought about by changing times have spurred local artists to be more innovative in order to stay relevant. It is quite common for performers to incorporate contemporary issues, from the countrys political ironies to millennials social media addiction, into dance dramas inspired by Hindu epics written centuries ago.

Read also: Bali's water question



This ability to adapt and innovate both in form and substance is another key reason why Balinese traditional arts have succeeded in riding the waves of times, Bandem added.



Another factor is the fact that most of the more than 10,000 performing art troupes in Bali are closely associated with the local banjar (traditional hamlet) and desa pekraman (traditional village), making these troupes an extension of their respective communities cultural pride and accomplishments.

New character: A Prembon Inovative mask dancer from Sanggar Manik Kencana in Desa Mas, Ubud, poses on the Ayodya stage.(JP/Anggara Mahendra)

This emotional connection is quite visible in the Bali Arts Festival, particularly when troupes from different regions share the same stage. An example of this is the gong kebyar gamelan festival, in which two troupes take turns performing throughout a single night at the large Ardha Chandra amphitheater. The performance always draws thousands of spectators, a large majority of whom hail from the home villages of the performing troupes.



The Bali Arts Festival is the ultimate testament to the enduring ability of Balinese traditional arts to adapt, innovate and maintain the important affinity and emotional connection between the Balinese people, including and most importantly among the younger generation, Bandem said.



The festival, which will run until July 8, presents 230 performances involving around 17,000 artists, as well as exhibitions, parades and seminars.



It also involves art troupes from several regions outside Bali and foreign artists from France, India, Japan, Timor Leste and Tunisia.



Initially conceived in the late 1970s by then Bali governor Ida Bagus Mantra as a platform to showcase the islands artistic masterpieces and cultural legacy, the Bali Arts Festival has played a pivotal role in ensuring the survival and relevance of Balinese traditional arts in the 21th century.
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Linkedin Abirami Durai (The Star/Asia News Network)  Thu, July 6, 2017 17:08 1954 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a7f8468 2 People My-Kitchen-Rules,cooking-show,cooking,TV-show,#TVShow,Tasia-Seger,Gracia-Seger Free

Sisters Tasia and Gracia Seger make as much of an impression now as they did when they stole the spotlight (and emerged victorious) in the seventh season of mega-successful Australian reality cooking show My Kitchen Rules (MKR) last year.

When I first meet them, the girls are in the middle of an animated discussion about how they survived  and eventually thrived  on MKR.

I just told Gracia we should do our best, says Tasia, at 27, the older of the two. To which Gracia, 25, replies: Actually, you were psychotic  pure evil!

Tasia denies this, and the girls end up having a cute little disagreement which inevitably ends in peals of laughter.

It is this dynamic that captured the attention (and affection) of millions of Australians who tuned in to watch the Indonesian-born girls win the show. The sisters were constantly bickering, but they somehow came off as adorable.

Tasia and I are very close in age and were also really good friends. So going into the show, sometimes we forgot that yes, everyone sees us as sisters but we interact as friends as well. There were moments when we were really, really angry but everyone found it funny and we were like, OMG, this is sooo frustrating! says Gracia.

The sisters grew up in Indonesia before their whole family (there are five sisters in total) moved to India, before finally settling in Melbourne, Australia.

They remain firmly tethered to Indonesia, as they make frequent trips back to visit their beloved grandmother, who is one of their major culinary influences as well.

Read also: Seven Indonesian dishes Obama and family dug into during vacation

The girls mother made Indonesian meals an everyday staple, ensuring that they never forgot their culinary roots.

When they moved to India, the sisters started cooking Indonesian dishes for friends and family  but by the time they moved to Melbourne, their culinary concoctions had taken on a more experimental tone.

We were already eating out at restaurants and coming up with new ideas. So I think Melbourne represented an experimental side of things for us, whereas when we were growing up in India and Indonesia, it was about developing our palates and knowing what we liked and didnt like, says Gracia.

In Melbourne, the family often watched MKR together and the girls thought of signing up to be on the show; however, that only happened when they had some time on their hands after both finished their degrees  Tasia has a Bachelors degree in psychology and Gracia has a Masters in biomedical research.

Tasia was doing part-time work for a year after she left uni and as soon as I graduated, it was like Oh now what do I do with my career? So we had the time, and we dedicated that to being on MKR, and everything after that kind of fell into place, says Gracia.

The show starts off with teams of two hosting three-course dinner parties in their homes. Each teams meal is judged by the other contestants as well as the shows hosts and judges Pete Evans and Manu Feildel.

This goes on for some time as there are multiple groups and teams, and often a redemption round. Once the final teams have been assembled, the show progresses to a series of challenges and cook-offs.

The whole series often comes up to a total of 40 to 45 episodes, which is lengthy for viewers at home  but even longer for the contestants.

The girls agree that it was a looong production period, but they loved the experience and ended up meeting a lot of people, making a lot of friends and learning new things.

And they cooked a lot, improving at every turn and impressing with dishes that ranged from lobster tail in yellow curry sauce to crispy fried barramundi with apple, coriander and tamarind dressing to chicken ribs with chili and sweet soy. The girls predilection for fiery food even earned them the moniker spice sisters on the show!

Read also: Three Indonesian smart cities to look up to

On MKR, we cooked a lot of traditional Indonesian dishes. We owed it to our mum and grandma to not deviate too much from the original recipes, but we love to modernize things.

When youre trying to win a competition of such a high standard, you cant really serve as you would on a day-to-day basis. I think that was a big challenge for us  trying to make it more sophisticated, which I think Indonesian food can be, it just needs to be more refined, says Gracia.

Tasia says that nobody, not even their family, expected them to win, so they strove hard to take things as they came.

To be honest, Gracia and I didnt expect it at all. Our family and friends were like, Oh, yeah, we knew you would win! And we were like, No, you didnt. Dont lie, you didnt!

Our goal was to be in the top 10. And then we made it into top 10, so we took it day by day. I think even if you fail but you do your best, you dont have any regrets. So I tried to push Gracia that way, she says.

The girls have since thrown themselves into learning as much as possible about the F&B industry. Their MKR win came with a A$250,000 (RM817,000) cash prize, but they say that money is still safely in the bank, and theyve only spent a tiny portion of it on a camera.

While their ultimate goal is to one day open a restaurant, they still feel like fish out of water in the industry, so theyve taken a softer approach  by launching their own range of satay sauces, available online via their website tasiaandgracia.com. A chilli sauce range will soon be introduced.

Read also: Wealth of four richest Indonesians equal to wealth of 100m poorest

Gracia and I really want that restaurant, but for now, were still in the process of learning. Opening a restaurant is very expensive and to a lot of people, we are just home cooks.

So if we open one, we would like to collaborate with someone, because that would mean we would be learning from them, says Tasia.

The eighth season of MKR is currently airing, and the girls say it is surreal to watch other contestants on the show now, simply because they have a much deeper understanding of what goes on behind the scenes.

Its very different now  were more appreciative of the people on the show.

In the past, you can criticize people for making simple dishes and be like, How did you not manage to do that? But now we know how fast time goes, and we feel their pain because it could be as simple as two elements on a plate and one could fail because you dont have the time, and its very stressful, says Gracia.

The sisters think MKR continues to be a fan favorite because it has such a strong family element, which draws viewers of all ages and ethnicities together.

There are people who just love cooking and want to show their traditions to everyone else, so I think a lot of people can relate to MKR, says Gracia.

Topics :

This article appeared on The Star newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post
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Linkedin Sophie Makris (AFP) Vienna  Thu, July 6, 2017 07:30 1954 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a7e5ee8 2 World #Islamists,#Austria,#MurderCase Free

A Tunisian man suspected of brutally murdering an elderly couple in their Austrian home is believed to have acted with an Islamist motive, Interior Minister Wolfgang Sobotka said Wednesday.

If confirmed, Friday's killings in the northern city of Linz -- in which an 85-year-old woman's throat was slit and her 87-year-old husband was stabbed and beaten to death -- would be the first Islamist attack in Austria, which had so far avoided the jihadist assaults seen elsewhere in Europe.

The killings "clearly had an Islamist background", Sobotka told a press conference in Vienna, adding that the 54-year-old suspect, who handed himself in to police, "is clearly a radicalised Muslim".

The brutal nature of the killings had shocked Austrian media.

Police had said Tuesday that the murders did not initially appear to be an Islamist attack, with investigators focusing on the theory that the suspect harboured resentment against society as well as Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPOe).

He knew the victims, having regularly delivered their shopping from a shop run by his wife, and allegedly believed the elderly couple had links to the far-right.

But Sobotka told a press conference that the investigation had taken a turn after searches of the suspect's home and examination of his electronic data.

He declined to give further details on the evidence against the Tunisian, who has lived in Austria since 1989, or what he had said to investigators.

The Tunisian set fire to the couple's house before handing himself in to police, and remains in detention.

Chancellor Christian Kern urged an investigation "without delay" into the extremist threat to determine "where similar risks exist and how to combat them efficiently".

While Austria has until now been spared the major attacks that have hit other European countries including France, Britain and Germany, a relatively high number of Austrians have left to wage jihad abroad.

The interior ministry estimates that 300 have quit Austria or tried to leave in order to fight in Syria or Iraq -- a figure that is proportionately high in a population of 8.7 million.

There is no indication that the man suspected of murdering the elderly couple had travelled abroad to fight alongside extremist groups.

Most of those accused of jihadist links in Austria have been of Chechen or Bosnian origin.

Last year Austrian courts convicted 36 people of "belonging to a terrorist group", including Mirsad Omerovic, a jihadist of Bosnian origin considered the central figure in Austria's extremist scene.

Austrian authorities have poured more resources into anti-terror operations since 2014, with 14 people arrested in January raids in Vienna and second city Graz, accused of links to the Islamic State group.

The same month, authorities announced they had foiled an imminent attack, arresting an 18-year-old Austrian.

Austria is gearing up for legislative elections in October, which are being closely fought between the social democrats, conservatives and the far-right.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 6, 2017 14:20 1954 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a7f2304 1 National capital-city-relocation,comments,Zulkifli-Hasan Free

President Joko Jokowi Widodo has been advised to delay his plan to relocate the capital city from Jakarta to another city outside of Java because it will place a burden on the state budget.

The construction of roads in Java and Sumatra is not finished. Not to mention other infrastructure projects like power plants and irrigation lines, said Peoples Consultative Assembly Speaker Zulkifli Hasan.

Our state budget is very limited. We have to focus on [these projects], said Zulkifli, a lawmaker and chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN).

Previously, National Development Planning Board chief Bambang Brodjonegoro said his organization was tasked with completing the study on capital city relocation this year so that the construction of infrastructure to support the new capital could start next year.

(Read also: New capital city sought to replace jam-packed Jakarta)

Meanwhile, Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono said infrastructure such as government offices, a mass public transportation system, drainage systems and housing would be needed for the new capital.

The number of civil servants for the central government reaches up to 900,000. They need houses, Basuki said as quoted by tempo.co on Wednesday.

Bambang said the government would minimize the use of the state budget for the relocation process. The government will invite private companies to take part in the development of the new infrastructure.

We are formulating the scheme: cooperation between government and private entities, he added. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (AFP) Dubai, United Arab Emirates  Thu, July 6, 2017 07:00 1954 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a7e47c4 2 World #USA,#flights,#Emirates,#LaptopBan Free

Emirates and Turkish Airlines announced on Wednesday that they had won exemption from a US ban on passengers taking laptops and tablet computers on flights from their Dubai and Istanbul hubs.

They are the latest carriers after Abu Dhabi's Etihad to win a reprieve after Washington imposed new rules in March on direct flights from 10 airports in Turkey, the Middle East and North Africa.

"The ban on electronic devices has been lifted with immediate effect for flights to destinations in the United States," an Emirates spokesman told AFP.

He said the airline had won the exemption after implementing new security measures demanded by Washington when intelligence officials learnt of efforts by the Islamic State group to produce a bomb that could be hidden inside electronic devices.

They required the installation of sophisticated imaging technology for X-ray and ultrasound screening of carry-on devices.

All other electronic devices larger than a mobile phone had to be transported only in checked luggage.

The laptop ban triggered a fall in demand for Emirates' US-bound flights and in May the airline reduced services on five of the 12 US airports it serves.

Istanbul's Ataturk International Airport, the only airport in Turkey with direct flights to the United States, introduced the same new screening procedures to earn the country's flag carrier an exemption.

"Dear Passengers, #WelcomeOnBoard to our US-bound flight. Please fasten your seatbelts and enjoy your own electronic devices," Turkish Airlines said on Twitter late on Tuesday.

Its first flight to benefit from the new exemption was its 6.45 am (0345 GMT) service to New York's John F Kennedy International Airport on Wednesday, the Dogan news agency reported.

Etihad was the first airline to meet the new US security requirements, with its exemption starting on Sunday.

It earned praise from the US Department of Homeland Security for its swift action.

Britain announced a similar ban on personal electronic devices for flights originating from six countries, including Turkey but not the United Arab Emirates.

Turkish Airlines chief executive Bilal Eksi said on Wednesday that he expected Britain to lift its ban on the airline's flights "shortly".
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Linkedin News Desk (AFP) Paris  Thu, July 6, 2017 15:05 1954 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a7f2dda 2 World #France,#Palestine,#MiddleEastConflict Free

French President Emmanuel Macron said he supported a two-state solution to end the Middle East conflict as he welcomed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to the Elysee Palace Wednesday.

Speaking publicly on the issue for the first time, Macron said any deal "must recognise the legitimate rights of the Palestinians to have an independent state, but also ensure Israel's security".

"There is no viable alternative to a two-state solution," he said, adding "but today this solution is under threat both on the ground and in people's minds."

The UN reported in June that Israel had announced a substantial increase in settlements in the past three months despite a United Nations resolution demanding a halt to the Jewish outposts in occupied Palestinian territory.

Macron said that "France has always condemned the continuation of settlement building, which is illegal under international law, and has reached an unprecedented level since the beginning of the year".

His comments come after Donald Trump called on Israelis and Palestinians to make compromises for peace, saying he was "personally committed" to helping Israel reach a deal with the Palestinians.

Speaking during a trip to the Middle East in May, the US President did not specifically mention the two-state solution, long the focus of international efforts and US Middle East diplomacy.

Both Macron and Abbas said they would support Trump in his efforts to end the impasse.

President Abbas reaffirmed his wish to "work with Donald Trump to conclude a historic peace agreement based on a two-state solution".
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 6, 2017 15:32 1954 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a7f5c77 1 Business Jokowi,Turkey,visit,agreement,HealthcareServices,CEPA Free

Indonesia and Turkey will sign two agreements during the two-day visit of President Joko Jokowi Widodo to the country on Wednesday and Thursday.

The signing ceremony for agreements on health care and the launch of negotiations to establish an Indonesian-Turkish Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will be witnessed by Jokowi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday.

"The official meeting will start with a welcoming ceremony, then a tete-a-tete meeting [between the two leaders]," Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said in a statement issued by the Presidential Office.

(Read also: Jokowi departs for Turkey ahead of G20 summit in Germany)

Before the meeting with President Erdogan, Jokowi visited Kocatepe Mosque and Mausoleum Ataturk, the cemetery of Turkey's first president Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

Retno said Jokowi was also scheduled to meet with about 25 CEOs of Turkish companies that operate in the defense, energy and shipping industries.

"We limited the invitations only for some big companies that have a significant interest in Indonesia," she explained.

Retno added that the President would depart for Hamburg, Germany, on Thursday evening to attend the G20 summit. He is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech on counterterrorism. (yon/bbn)

Topics : Jokowi Turkey visit agreement HealthcareServices CEPA
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) India  Fri, July 7 2017

Indonesia has urged India to support ASEAN in empowering micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by enabling greater access to the global market and facilitating the transfer of knowledge from large companies to MSMEs, a Foreign Ministry official said.

The Indonesian ministrys director for ASEAN external cooperation, Benny YP Siahaan, insisted that Indias geographical proximity to ASEANs least developed countries would allow the worlds second most populous country to provide assistance to MSMEs to access the regional market.

The promotion of MSMEs is a top ASEAN priority, with a range of regional initiatives in progress. CLMV [Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam] countries will need additional support to implement these measures, Benny told a panel discussion in New Delhi, Wednesday evening.

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Linkedin Winda A. Charmila (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, July 7 2017

The Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH Jakarta) has criticized the city administration for allocating money for more evictions this year after conducting hundreds of evictions a year earlier.

The advocacy group said it had found 507 programs with a total budget of around Rp 22 billion (US$ 1.7 million) in the 2017 city budget allegedly put aside to finance forced evictions as they are classified as programs to enforce the Regional Bylaw No. 8/2007 on Public Order.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 6, 2017 15:04 1954 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a7f29ae 1 News Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,Tourism-Ministry,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,Joko-Widodo,#Jokowi,Facebook,Arief-Yahya,tourism,#tourism Free

As a President who regularly posts videos, it's no surprise to see President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo take to Facebook to report on the progress that has been made by his administration.

In his latest Facebook post, Jokowi talks about the Indonesian Composite Index (IHSG).

The IHSG broke a new record recently by almost reaching the level of 6,000 after this years Idul Fitri.

Read also: Local coffee shop more popular after Jokowi's visit

Meanwhile, cash inflows from January to June have reached Rp 124 trillion (US$9.276 billion), close to the same period last year, which recorded Rp 126 trillion in inflows.

Jokowi also talks about data from the Central Statistics Agency on the number of foreign tourists between January and May this year. The period saw a 20 percent increase to 5,358,489 visitors from the same period last year.

Read also: Indonesia welcomes more foreign tourists from January-May

According to Tourism Minister Arief Yahya, such success is the result of a team effort involving other ministries.

He gave the example of accessibility issues in the tourist industry. To expand accessibility, the ministry received support from the Transportation Ministry, the State-Owned Enterprises Ministry and state-owned airport operators PT Angkasa Pura (AP) I and II.

Other ministries, such as the Public Works and Public Housing Ministry and the Law and Human Rights Ministry, also helped by improving access to tourist destinations and easing visa regulations, he claimed. (kes)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 6, 2017 10:01 1954 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a7e985e 1 News Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,yogyakarta-tourism,English,Conference Free

Yogyakarta State University has been appointed as the host for The 15th Asia TEFL International Conference and The 64th TEFLIN International Conference that will be held for three days beginning July 13 until 15.

The conference will include 1,500 participants hailing from 13 countries namely China, India, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. The event aims to discuss the current and critical issues faced by TEFL researchers, policy makers and practitioners.

Read also: Monolingual bias and English language education in Indonesia

Topics that will be discussed during the conference include alternative approaches and methodologies, education/language policy, language acquisition, curriculum design, flipped classroom teaching, digital literacy, intercultural awareness in the classroom, micro teaching and MOOCs, motivation in language education, materials development and design, teacher education and development.

Speaking as a keynote speaker for the conference is research, technology and higher education minister H. Mohammad Nasir. He will be joined by other 11 researchers and lecturers from different universities.

To unwind, guests will be offered a city tour to places such as Borobudur Temple, Kraton of Yogyakarta and Prambanan Temple. (asw)
The Isreali-Palestinian conflict is one of the major political issues of the 20th and 21st century and is yet to see successful negotiation between the two sides.

The geopolitical history is extremely complex and any dichotomous analysis should be avoided. Yet, a peaceful resolution seems to escape further away after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's latest political stand.

Abbas has pledged to continue paying salaries to convicted terrorists and their families. Around 5,500 convicted terrorists are receiving monthly salaries, ranging from 230 to as much as 2,000 for those with longer prison sentences.

This could cost him the presidency not only because of negative public opinion but also due to the impact on Palestinian international relations. Indeed, even if the Palestinian Authority (PA) earlier reassured US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson that this practice was coming to an end.

However, almost immediately, a Palestinian official denied this to Reuters.

It was revealed that 214 million paid for these salaries in 2016. This is worth 7% of the governments budget and 20% of its foreign aid receipts. This voluntary aid could be withdrawn if the PA does not keep his promises.

This news can mean nothing good to international aid Palestine is receiving as this pledge comes less than six months after The Express published that UK foreign aid was funding Palestinian terror schools, which promoted terrorism and trained child soldiers.

Britains yearly 25million aid is supposed to be used to promote health and education in the West Bank, located east of Israel. Still, however, Donald Trump budget proposals included an increase in aid to the Palestinians.

PA Mahmoud Abbad via Wikimedia Commons

Yet, the populations indignation is comprehensible as state employees in Gaza will see their salaries cut in the near future after an announcement by the Palestinian Authority in April.

Furthermore, it was announced that this pressure will push 6,000 civil servants into early retirement as the power struggle between Abbas's Fatah Movement and Hamas, who control the Gaza Strip continues.

The conflict has already severed the living condition of the population and like anywhere else in the world, where citizens could see his or her salary cut while prisoners, who have broken the law and thus left the work system, are still being paid, this will have caused anger and indignation.

Even though helping their family financially would be better understood if it was to save those people from poverty.

Officially stating his position on this policy, Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas could also appear as the resolution-reluctant party in the conflict while politics around the world still have a glimpse of faith in peaceful and successful negotiation. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently travelling to Israel on a three-day visit and met Israeli President Reuven Rivlin on Wednesday. Before Abbas stunt, the prime minister declared: "We believe in a two-state solution in which both Israel and a future Palestinian state coexist peacefully".

Indian Prime Minister Modi via Wikimedia Commons

Yet, according to Al-Jazeera, the threatened middle-east media which could soon broadcast for the last time, Palestinians were unhappy that the Indian Prime Minister forgot to visit them as well and his decision not to meet Abbas. The Palestinian Deputy Foreign Minister said that the PM should have visited both states 'to spread the message of peace'.

Will all those pending issues be resolved amicably, or at least nonviolent discussion? Yet, as in any war politicians are sometimes acting strangely against the well-being of their own people. While Abbas' motivations have nothing to do with financial stability, would he prioritise his own convictions rather than embracing the role of a thoughtful leader?

Notwithstanding the reality of the people living under those conditions and this new political stunt are in direct contradiction with the hope of Indian Prime Minister Modi.

Indeed, Human Rights Watch 2016 World Report stated that there were still severe and discriminatory restrictions on Palestinians' human rights including Gaza, a densely populated strip of land that is mostly surrounded by Israel and peopled almost exclusively by Palestinians, where movement of people and goods are restricted either way. The report further describes atrocities from both sides, including murders, violence, property destruction and abuse from security forces, sometimes even escalating up to a violation of international laws on war.

While those atrocities are likely to continue, political leaders around the world are not helping by taking position over this conflict.

It is important to give both sides time and support.

As long as one of the party will continue to feel rejected in their own right as a nation by the international community, no effort will arise on either side while political decisions such as the PA 'prisoners salaries will constantly escalate as if both governments were playing a ping-pong game.
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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.

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Watertown landowners will be involved in new Corps flood-control study

After 30 years, a new flood control feasibility study will include the input of landowners and supply a multitude of options other than a dry dam.
Montreal, CA (H4T1V6)

Today

Periods of rain. Potential for heavy rainfall. Low 54F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected..

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Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting to review the security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of slain Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) commander Burhan Wani's first death anniversary on Saturday.

Minister of State Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir, Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, Inspector General of National Security Guard ( NSG) and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.

The concerns of the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir Government have augmented as the annual Amaranth Yatra is going on in the state.

The security forces and intelligence agencies are apprehending trouble in the Kashmir Valley on Wani's death anniversary.

Wani, who was the poster boy of the HM in Kashmir Valley, was gunned down in an encounter in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on July 8, 2016.

Widespread protests erupted in the Kashmir valley after Wani's death. Kashmir Valley was placed under curfew for consecutive 53 days and it was lifted from all parts on August 31, 2016. However, the unrest continued for about five months after Wani's death in which 78 people, including two police personnel, were killed.

Considering the unrest post Wani's death, the Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered house arrest of separatist leaders like Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and Yasin Malik.

The Centre and the state government are leaving no stone unturned to make the annual Hindu pilgrimage secure and safe.

Providing security for this year's yatra has been a major concern for the Home Ministry as the pilgrimage is facing a terror threat, according to an intelligence warning.

The security officials, especially the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), have mobilised the highest level of security measures, including tracking systems through satellites and drones for the safe conclusion of the Yatra.

Even, before the commencement of the Yatra, Rajnath had chaired a security review meeting in which Ahir, Rajiv Mehrishi, Director of the Intelligence Bureau, Joint Secretary Kashmir and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials participated.

Ahir had earlier said the Amarnath Yatra is on the radar of Pakistan, but the Indian Government is prepared to tackle the issue.

This year till June, Pakistan supported terror outfits like Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba have launched around 22 attacks in Jammu and Kashmir in which 16 civilians, 57 security personnel have been killed. The security forces also 102 terrorists.

The security forces got a big fish on May 27, when they killed HM 'commander', Sabzar Ahmad Bhat and his aide Faizan Muzaffar in Soimoh village of Tral in Pulwama District in an encounter. Sabzar was the successor of Burhan Wani.
China today said the "atmosphere" was "not right" for a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, amid a standoff between the armies of the two countries in the Sikkim section.

"The atmosphere is not right for a bilateral meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi," a Chinese Foreign Ministry official said ahead of the G20 Summit in the German city of Hamburg that begins tomorrow.

China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Doklam area near the Bhutan tri-junction for past 19 days after a Chinese army's construction party attempted to build a road. Doka La is the Indian name for the region that Bhutan recognises as Doklam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.

There were reports that Modi and Xi may meet on the sidelines of the G20 Summit to resolve the standoff.

China's state-run media yesterday had quoted Chinese analysts as saying that Beijing would be forced to use a "military way" to end the standoff in the Sikkim sector if India refuses to listen to the "historical lessons" being offered by it.
China's announcement that no bilateral has been planned between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Hamburg summit that starts on Friday comes as a setback, given that there were hopes that an informal meet between the two would have helped de-escalate the tension on the Sikkim sector. Experts say there is urgent need for any measure that would cool hostilities without either side losing face. The long military standoff, they say, is a dangerous one and even one tense finger pressing a trigger could lead to serious repercussions.

However, as they assess the announcement from Beijing, experts in India say this does not mean the end of the road for peaceful solutions. For one, there is no reason why an informal interaction between the two should not happen. Modi, Xi Jinping and 18 other leaders of the G20 will be in free interaction at the leaders' retreat during the summit, an event that lasts two hours.

The ministry of external affairs (MEA) is trying to downplay the Chinese statement by emphasising that nothing had been planned so far, anyway, except for the interactions during the G20 and the interaction of the BRICS leaders on the sidelines of the meet. China, too, said Xi Jinping will attend both the meets. The MEA, in a statement, emphasised that there was nothing new in what Beijing was saying. "His [Modi's] pre-planned bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit are with Argentina, Canada, Italy, Japan, Mexico, ROK [South Korea], UK and Vietnam. In addition, he will also participate in the BRICS leaders' meet. There is no change in the prime minister's schedule.''

Observers say China's comments stem from their surprise over India and Bhutan's determined position of not ceding space in the Doka La region, where China had unilaterally begun constructing a road into Bhutanese territory, flouting an agreed upon status quo in a section of the Sino-Bhutanese border that has been under dispute for long. This is a clear indication that despite the military hostility, China is keen to continue with the people to people relationship that has developed over the years.

They also point out that China is perhaps a bit confused on how to handle the current situation. On Wednesday, it extended an olive branch to India when Xie Liyan, spokesperson for the Chinese embassy, said China respected the religious sentiments of Indians, and while it had turned back the Kailash Mansarovar yatris from the Nathu La route, it was willing to discuss alternative arrangement through other routes for those pilgrims who had been turned back.

India's former defence attache to China, S.L. Narasimhan said issues can be resolved. I am sure our officials in the external affairs ministry are working with China on fixing some talks somewhere. If Hamburg is not conducive, perhaps somewhere else a little later.''
Bharatiya Janata Party's national general secretary and in-charge of West Bengal Kailash Vijayvargiya has demanded immediate resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. His comment came in the wake of fresh violence in North 24-Parganas district, which has been witnessing communal clashes following an objectionable Facebook post by a young man a few days ago.

Said Vijayvargiya to THE WEEK, Mamata has failed on all fronts. The police in the state is working hand in glove with the workers of the Trinamool Congress. Policemen who oppose (Mamata's policies) are getting beaten up. The state government has a hidden agenda. Hindus in the state are being scared away. Mamata and her team will go to any extent in pleasing Muslims.

The violence in the state has led to a war of words between the chief minister and Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi.

He (governor) threatened me over phone. The way he spoke, I felt insulted, Mamata said.

The governor, however, rejected her allegations. A statement from Raj Bhavan said, Nothing in the talk should have made her feel insulted, threatened or humiliated.

BJPs West Bengal unit has demanded that presidents rule be imposed in the state. Party's national president Amit Shah, on July 6, constituted a team comprising Vijayvargiya to visit the affected area and submit a report to him.

The ruling party, however, dismissed BJP's allegations and said the government was taking right steps to maintain law and order.

We dont care what the BJP says or thinks," said Hassan Ahmed Imran, Rajya Sabha MP, Trinamool Congress to THE WEEK. There are communal riots everywhere in the country. Here the loss of life has been less. Just one death has been reported so far. Even that is unfortunate and should not have happened. The right steps are being taken by the state government. The BJP need not lecture us, Imran said.
The warm, emotional and high-profile welcome which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accorded to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon the latters arrival at Israel signals the palpably altered approach or normal in the trajectory of Indo-Israeli relations. Modi has responded aptly to Netanyahus graciousness. During the Indian PMs visit to Israel, the emphasis, metaphorically speaking, on breaking the fortifications which still hindered the full scope of parleys between India and Israel, has been perceptible. Nonetheless, ensuring and continuing the increasing scope of fruitfulness in relations is paramount for both countries. It demands earnestness and alacrity.

A slew of inking of agreements and the signing of memorandum of understandings (MoUs) comprising various arenas do not invoke much surprise. There were harbingers of such a state of things before the Indian PM boarded the aircraft for Tel Aviv. Security cooperation, defeating terrorism, and defence collaboration has hogged the limelight. Similarly, ties to give effect to collaborative work in agriculture, water utilisation and storage, furthering cooperation in space technology, and economic joint ventures have all been brought under the purview of MoUs. Nearly seven agreed deals were signed in this endeavour to strengthen bilateral ties. The crowning event was the official act of putting the emblem of strategic partnership to this relationship.

Progress of history is often tortuous and torturous. From the dawn of Israels creation in 1948 till 1992, India had taken a pointedly adversarial official approach toward that nation. The inextricable mix of history, politics, perceived national interests and quasi-emotional inferences possibly forced such a stance. Sensitivity for Palestinian grudges had significant import toward formulating Indian foreign policy regarding Israel. That viewpoint had and still has its inherent merit. But, with the passage of decades it was probably becoming increasingly clear to Indian authorities that a meaningful relationship with Israel, without displaying any trace of indignity to Palestinians, would be advantageous for India.

An incident should bespeak the negative verve which characterised Indias official view of Israel. In the summer of 1980, then prime minister Indira Gandhi, was informed that the illustrious music conductor, Zubin Mehta, and his orchestra had not been allowed to perform in India, because some musicians of that group were Israeli nationals! Indira Gandhi laughed at that. Notwithstanding her possible realisation of the sheer absurdity of it, she did not issue any official instruction to rescind that decision. It was the compulsions of the then official Indian policy toward Israel. Ultimately, it was Prime Minister Narasimha Rao, who commenced full diplomatic relations with Israel in 1992.

It has surely not gone unnoticed in India that Israel has entered into a steady working relationship with many of the former bete noire nations of Israels neighbourhood. With Egypt the 1979 peace treaty continues; it has propelled current Egypt-Israel security interests to converge to an extent which would have been unthinkable, even a decade back. Security cooperation between Jordan and Israel is flourishing, relations with Russia have improved noticeably, and the Arab Leagues proposal, offering Israel normal relations in exchange for complete withdrawal to pre-1967 borders, is as valid today as when it was first made in 2005.

Iran and Israel remain adversaries. But, that has not and should not put any spikes within the wheel of Indo-Israeli relations. Indias growing rapport with Iran and Israel is not cause for apprehension for either of those countries as each has its contexts and parameters well demarcated. The scope for discontent of Arab countries and Iran with Indias growing relations with Israel is minimal, if at all.

It is a fervent hope that in diplomacy between India and Israel, opportunities are nourished and challenges are starved.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi left Israel on Thursday evening, with fond memories of the first prime ministerial visit and buoyed by the Israeli promises of technological assistance in agriculture, water management and investment.

He flew from Tel Aviv to Hamburg in Germany, where he will take part in the G20 summit. There, he may encounter Chinese leader Xi Jinpinga rendezvous which the rest of the world is tensely eyeing, given the recent escalation in border tensions between China and India. The Chinese side has already ruled out a bilateral. But there could be quieter meetings between the diplomats.

While in Israel, Modi paid homage to the Indian soldiers who had fallen in the Battle of Haifa, one of the fiercest clashes in the first World War.

Modi's first engagement upon landing in Israel, two days ago, was a visit to an agri-tech farm; his final programmes included a visit to a water desalination plant, a lunch with Israeli CEOs and an interaction with Indian studentsmost of them agriculture scientistsbefore leaving for Hamburg in Germany to attend the G20 summit.

At the desalination plant north of Hadera, Modi and his host, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, rode a vehicle that could transform sea water into potable water. They also rolled up their trousers and waded a little into the Mediterranean waters.

The India-Israel CEOs forum, which had its first meeting on Thursday, set a target of increasing bilateral trade to US $20 billion from the current $5 billion, in the next five years. The forum also set up six joint committees covering startups, pharma and life sciences, homeland security, agriculture, energy and water resources.

An India Israel startup bridge was also launched to encourage startups from both countries to work together and develop innovative solutions in agriculture, water and healthcare.

Modi's visit had sparked much excitement in Israel, especially among the startup sector which believes that they can develop technologies in Israel and scale them up in Indian plants. India will also be a good market for them.

But Modi is understood to have been reminded of the Chinese challenge at the CEOs' meet. The CEOs reminded him that Chinese companies are major investors. They are learnt to have invested $16.5 billion, last year alone, in Israel. One third of the investment, flowing into Israeli startups, are from China.

Chinese and Israeli universities are already working on collaborative technology-reseach programmes, especially in renewable energy, cyber security, brain sciences, nanotechnology, 3D printing, biomedicine, and smart cities. Chinese consumer goods, especially items of everyday use, are beginning to flood Israeli markets.

While an agreement has been reached to set up an Indian cultural centre in Israel, several Chinese universities have already institutionalised study and research programmes in Hebrew culture. In India, only the Jawharlal Nehru University offers Hebrew studies.
People of Indian origin in Israel will get the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards even if they have undergone the compulsory army service here, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced tonight.

Addressing the Indian diaspora in Israel, which was also attended by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi said that direct flights would be launched between Delhi, Mumbai and Tel Aviv to encourage people-to-people contacts.

He said an Indian cultural centre would also be opened in Israel, fulfilling a long-pending demand of the Indian diaspora here.

He said he had heard about problems being faced by the people of Indian origin in getting the OCI cards.

The Indian government has simplified the rules and even those who have undergone the compulsory military service in Israel will get the OCI cards, the prime minister said to the cheering crowd.

Modi said the Jewish nation had links with India dating back to centuries but the fact that no Indian prime minister had travelled here in 70 years "raises questions", an apparent swipe at the previous governments of India.

"For the first time in 70 years, an Indian prime minister has landed here to seek your blessings," he said amid chants of "Modi, Modi".

Describing Netanyahu as "my friend", Modi said the kind of welcome extended to him since his arrival here yesterday cannot be forgotten by anyone.

Hailing Israel, particularly its innovations and scientific advancements, he said the country has demonstrated that the number and size does not matter but it is the spirit that matters.

Modi said there were about 600 Indian students in Israel who can contribute to the future of the relationship.

He remembered former Israeli prime minister Shimon Peres, saying he had worked tirelessly for the humanity.

Referring to Moshe Holtzberg, an 11-year-old Israeli who was saved by an Indian nanny during the Mumbai terror attack of 2008, Modi said it had shown how life succeeds over terrorism. He had met Moshe earlier in the day.

Modi also recalled the contribution of the Indian army in liberation of Jerusalem and Haifa during the World War-I. He will be travelling to Haifa tomorrow to pay his tributes to them.

In his 60-minute speech, Modi talked about various programmes initiated by his government and said these were aimed at the betterment of the common people.

Netanyahu, who spoke before Modi said the partnership between India and Israel was "made in heaven and was happening here now."

He said he and Modi had decided on a vast programme and the Indian diaspora was "a bridge". "We love you," he added.

"We have decided to cooperate in so many areas... We are building this future today, between two democracies," the Israeli prime minister said.
The Ukrainian software firm used to launch last week's global cyber attack warned on Wednesday that all computers sharing a network with its infected accounting software had been compromised by hackers.

The attack used a virus, dubbed NotPetya by some experts, to take down thousands of computers in dozens of countries, disrupting shipping and businesses. Investigators now say the hack may be far more nefarious than previously thought.

A top official in the Ukrainian presidential administration said it remained unclear how many computers had been compromised and the state security service was trying to establish what the hackers would do with data stolen during the attack.

A video released by Ukrainian police showed masked men in combat fatigues and armed with assault rifles raiding the offices of software developer Intellect Service late on Tuesday, after cyber security researchers said they had found a back door written into some of the updates issued by its M.E.Doc accounting software.

M.E.Doc is used by 80 per cent of Ukrainian companies and installed on about one million computers in the country. Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said police had blocked a second cyber attack from servers hosting the software.

The company previously denied its servers had been compromised but when asked on Wednesday whether a back door had been inserted, Chief Executive Olesya Bilousova said: Yes, there was. And the fact is that this back door needs to be closed.

Any computer on the same network as machines using M.E.Doc was now vulnerable to another attack, she said.

We need to pay the most attention to those computers which weren't affected (by last week's attack), she told reporters.

The virus is on them waiting for a signal. There are fingerprints on computers which didn't even use our product.

Dmytro Shymkiv, deputy head of Ukraine's presidential administration and a former director of Microsoft in Ukraine, said the latest evidence further pointed to an advanced and well-orchestrated attack.

I am looking through the analysis that has been done on the M.E.Doc server, and from what I'm seeing, that's worrying. Worrying is a very light word for this, he said. How many back doors are still open? We don't know.

He also said M.E.Doc's servers had not been updated since 2013, providing some indication as to how the hackers were able to access the system.

Intellect Service said Shymkiv's comments referred to a disk used to store M.E.Doc's software updates.

SMOKESCREEN

Cyber security experts said that while hackers have previously been known to insert viruses into software updatesthus tricking computers and system administrators into installing the malware on their own systemsthe attack on Ukraine is the largest and most disruptive such assault to date.

We are in a new phase of cyber security and the way that sophisticated actors behave, said Leo Taddeo, a former FBI cyber investigator and executive with cyber security firm Cyxtera Technologies. I can't think of a supply chain attack that has been this thorough.

Investigators still are trying to establish who was behind last week's attack. Ukrainian politicians were quick to blame Russia, which denied it. A Trump administration official said the US government was not yet ready to accuse Russia.

Security experts from US-based Cisco Systems Inc. said they had examined Intellect's machines at its invitation and determined that an attacker had used a password stolen from an employee to log in on company computer.

After escalating the access rights of that user, the attacker rewrote configuration files, directing customers seeking updates to tampered versions stored elsewhere, at a French web hosting company.

The software with the back doors could spread through other means and the attackers might have used those back doors to install other tools, said Craig Williams, senior technical leader for Cisco's Talos intelligence unit. But since the infected machines were instructed to check in with a command machine that has been taken offline, they do not pose the greatest remaining risk.

Instead, the big worry is what else might have been pushed out by earlier tainted updates, Williams said. With Intellect's servers disabled for now, it cannot push out clean updates to fix what customers have installed.

Williams said Talos believed the hackers were connected to previous attacks on Ukraine's electric system and that it was tempting to ascribe the new attack to a national government, since there did not appear to be a profit motive.

This wasnt made for any other purpose but to destabilise businesses in the Ukraine, Williams said.

Technology news site Motherboard reported on Wednesday that people claiming to be behind the attack had posted a message online offering to unlock all encrypted files for a bitcoin payment of $256,000. Reuters was unable to confirm the report.

Shymkiv said the assault was designed to look like a ransomware attack in order to disguise its true objective.

Initially everybody thought, including me, that it was just an attack with a virus, he said. It was not an attack with a virus, it was opening a back door, which was a hack of the computer networks on a broad scale and then eliminating the results with a virus.

It's like a robber, you get to the house, you steal everything, and then you burn it.
The United States is prepared to work with Russia on the establishment of "no-fly zones" in Syria, said US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

In a wide-ranging statement issued two days ahead of President Donald Trump's first face-to-face with Vladimir Putin, Tillerson said Russia had a "special responsibility" to help stabilise the war-ravaged country.

"The United States is prepared to explore the possibility of establishing with Russia joint mechanisms for ensuring stability, including no-fly zones, on the ground ceasefire observers, and coordinated delivery of humanitarian assistance," he said yesterday.

Tillerson issued his statement before joining Trump in Europe, where the US leader is preparing to meet for the first time with Putin on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany. Syria will loom large in their discussions.

It also came as US-backed fighters inch forwards in Raqa's Old City, in what Washington sees as a "key milestone" in the campaign to defeat the Islamic State group in its de facto Syrian capital.

"ISIS has been badly wounded, and could be on the brink of complete defeat in Syria if all parties focus on this objective," Tillerson said. "In order to complete the mission, the international community, and especially Russia, must remove obstacles to the defeat of ISIS."

"We call upon all parties, including the Syrian government and its allies, Syrian opposition forces, and coalition forces carrying out the battle to defeat ISIS, to avoid conflict with one another and adhere to agreed geographical boundaries for military de-confliction and protocols for de-escalation."

Tillerson appealed in particular to Russia to help create stability on the groundor risk seeing progress in defeating IS undoneand to achieve a political settlement that charts a way forward for the Syrian people.

"Russia has a special responsibility to assist in these efforts," he said.

Tillerson also said Moscow as a key backer of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has the responsibility of preventing his regime from further use of chemical weapons.

The United States launched a cruise missile attack on a Syrian air base in April in response to what it said was a government chemical weapons attack on civilians.
(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

On United States Independence Day, July 4, an El Al Boeing 777 chartered by Nefesh BNefesh arrived at Ben-Gurion Airport carrying over 200 new Olim to Israel from sixteen US States and three Canadian provinces to begin their new lives as Israeli citizens. The flight was organized by Nefesh BNefesh, in cooperation with Israels Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, The Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemet, and JNF-USA.

The flights passengers included a diverse group of newcomers to the country, including 14 soon-to-be IDF soldiers, 5 sets of twins, 34 families, 78 children and 51 singles, working in a range of professions who will reside in communities throughout Israel. Over 20% of the flight (47 people) will be moving to Israels periphery, or locations in the north and south of the country outside of the centers metropolitan areas.

The Zionist mission is an ongoing mission, and every day we are committed to recreating it. These 200 new immigrants have come here and have chosen to implement this mission in the most personal way. They will settle the land in the Negev, Galil and Golan Heights, while at the same time strengthening the social fabric of the periphery, said World Chairman of KKL-JNF, Danny Atar. Keren Kayemet has the privilege of being a leading partner with Nefesh BNefesh in the vision of Aliyah and the settlement of the land. Even in this digital and virtual age, the most fundamental and basic values of KKL are those that are planted deep in the land of Israel.

The State of Israel is proud to welcome and help integrate this newest group of North American Olim today. Their arrival is the result of a close and continuous partnership between our office and Nefesh BNefesh, said Minister of Aliyah Sofa Landver. As Minister of Aliyah, I would also like to congratulate those who decided to settle in the periphery who are contributing to its important development. They will undoubtedly all help strengthen the security, economy and culture of the State of Israel! I am pleased to say that this group of new Olim contains close to 80 children who will find a new, warm home in our country and one day might even defend it in an IDF uniform. We will also ensure that every Oleh will get the personal attention needed to make their absorption into Israeli society an easy, smooth and fast process. Welcome to Israel, dear Olim.

Immigrants from the United States come with a desire and excitement to take part in the national project of the Jewish people, through which their identity is strengthened, said Chairman of The Jewish Agency for Israel Natan Sharansky. We must ensure that the State of Israel remains a place in which every Jew may feel at home and in which the immigrants may confidently connect to the history, roots, and national identity of the Jewish people.

Today we welcome hundreds of extraordinary Olim who have chosen to leave their lives in the Diaspora and make Israel their home, said Nefesh BNefesh Co-Founder and Executive Director, Rabbi Yehoshua Fass. These modern-day pioneers, many of whom are moving to Israels North and South, are not only fulfilling their personal dreams, but the dreams of the Jewish nation as a whole. It has been remarkable, these last fifteen years, to have assisted thousands of Olim in making an impact on the State of Israel and we hope to continue to do so for todays Olim.

The planeload of Olim is the first of two Nefesh BNefesh charter flights this summer, which, along with 11 group Aliyah flights and Olim arriving independently on a daily basis, will bring over 2,000 Olim making Aliyah through Nefesh BNefesh this summer from North America. Since 2002, Nefesh BNefesh, together with its partners, has brought over 50,000 Olim to Israel from the US, Canada and the UK.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit: Shahar Azran, courtesy of Nefesh BNefesh)
The Satmar Rebbe of Williamsburg Shlita, who is visiting France, addressed a gathering attended by thousands.

In view of the growing anti-Semitism and the many terrorist incidents among French Jews, they have been immigrating to Israel for the past two years, but as a result, some are losing their Jewish connection and traditions.

It is precisely in Israel that their children come to study in the state education system and thus we lose the next generation, explains one of the Jewish activists in France.

In the past two years, the Admorim have built a network of holy institutions in order to convince the local residents not to leave the country while giving their children a Jewish education.

The Satmar Rebbe in his address on Tuesday night said, Your place is here and not to immigrate to Israel. The Rebbe elaborated that his ancestors, the founders of Chassidism had taken care of the spiritual lives of the Jews from Eastern Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria.

Even today there are many who come to Israel and are cut off from any connection to Yiddishkheit and undergo a spiritual holocaust, the Rebbe cried out in pain. Therefore, we must continue to stay here and send the children to institutions where there is a genuine Jewish education.

As YWN has previously reported, a delegation of prestigious Rabbonim have traveled to Toronto, Chicago and other cities to raise millions of dollars to provide the many French Jews who have immigrated to Israel in recent years with the opportunity to receive a proper education within the Charedi school system.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
A top Lloyds banker once tipped to succeed boss Antonio Horta-Osorio is quitting.

Commercial bank head Andrew Bester is leaving to pursue other interests. It is likely to trigger speculation that Horta-Osorio wants to stay at the bank, following talk he could leave.

Heading for the exit: Commercial bank head Andrew Bester is leaving to pursue other interests

Earlier this year, the Government sold the final shares it acquired during Lloyds 20.3bn bailout in 2008 for a 900m profit.

The top job at HSBC is set to become vacant next year and Horta-Osorio has been linked with the role.

However, he is now expected to unveil a three-year plan in February  suggesting he will stay. Retail bank head David Oldfield is replacing Bester.
A property website backed by traditional estate agents Knight Frank and Savills has won a competition case upholding its rule that agents who list on its site must choose only one additional listing out of Rightmove and Zoopla.

Zoopla and market leader Rightmove have dominated the British online property search market for years but yesterday's ruling is a major win for Onthemarket.

The ruling stated that a 'one other portal rule' implemented by Onthemarket for estate agents listing properties on its site was legal. It means estate agents cannot use two competing sites at the same time.

Onthemarket's rule restricting agents to using just one of its rivals had taken its toll on Zoopla's membership numbers

The Competition Appeal Tribunal in London said: 'The rule did not form part of a wider concerted practice to 'boycott' Zoopla and was not invalid on that account.'

Onthemarket launched the case after Manchester estate agent Gascoigne Halman tried to break its contract, arguing the rule was anti-competitive.

Ian Springett, chief executive of Onthemarket, accused Zoopla and Rightmove of running a 'duopoly', generating 'super profits for their shareholders at the expense of their agent customers'.

ZPG, which owns the Zoopla website, said: 'We welcome competition based on innovation and performance but firmly believe that Onthemarket's 'one other portal' rule is not in the interests of either agents or consumers.'

'Onthemarket has failed to gain traction precisely because they don't allow agents a free choice in their own marketing decisions and limit consumer choice and exposure.'

Analysts at Jefferies said Onthemarket's rule restricting agents to using just one of its rivals had taken its toll on Zoopla's membership numbers, with the majority of agents sticking with Rightmove in preference to Zoopla.

Nevertheless Rightmove shares are down 2 per cent, or 90p, at 4,174.0p this session.
MANZINI  We are not going to entertain a dying party.

This was a response from government after Swaziland was put in the spotlight during the five-day Policy Conference of the African National Congress (ANC).

Swaziland was one of the topics of discussion on the agenda of the ruling partys commissions report back on the outcomes of the International Relations Commission at the conference where it accused Swaziland of abuse of human rights and suppression of dissent and political activity. The party made reference to the Suppression of Terrorism Act, which it said had been used by the Swaziland government to ban political groups such as the Peoples United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) and the Swaziland Youth Congress (SWAYOCO).

According to a report on eNCAs website, on Tuesday, during the conference, the commission recommended that the ANC strengthens its solidarity campaign on Swaziland and that they formalise the party-to-party relations with PUDEMO.

Reporting back on the outcomes of the International Relations Commission at the ANC national policy conference was Chairperson Miriam Segabutla.

Segabutla said the commission recommended that the ANC also supports the call for the unbanning of political parties in Swaziland and the release of all political prisoners, and that Swaziland be placed before SADC for intervention.

Accordingly, the commission recommended that the 53rd Resolution of the Mangaung Conference on Swaziland be implemented, and further recommended that the ANC explore mechanisms of strengthening its solidarity campaign on Swaziland and that we formalise the party-to-party relations with Pudemo, Segabutla reported.

Political parties were banned in Swaziland in 1973 by King Sobhuza II and this proclamation has not been repealed. The 2005 Constitution does not mention political parties, but does guarantee freedom of association, and the African United Democratic Party was registered as a legal political party on this basis.

Responding to the suggestions that were made on Swaziland at the conference was Government Press Secretary Percy Simelane. Simelane said they would only take suggestions from the South African government following protocols, not from a party.




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By Naeisha Rose

Elected officials in Queens had a lot to say about the bumpy road to renewing mayoral control during an extraordinary session last week in Albany.

Queens lawmakers on the different sides of the political divide supported the measure, but some were dubious of Mayor Bill de Blasios handling of the largest education system in the country, and others were simply displeased by the drawn-out process, which ended up focusing not just on city schools, but a plethora of issues.

The GOP stronghold in the Senate wanted to discuss pensions for the NYPD and the FDNY, before tackling mayoral control.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo had set up the short session so that legislators could reach an agreement to entrust the citys public schools to de Blasio before mayoral control expired June 30.

The Assembly, meeting late into the wee hours of the night after the Senate had adjourned, voted in favor of the extension June 29.

While our leaders in Albany have every right to be concerned with Mayor de Blasios handling of education, the alternative would have had dire consequences for our students, said Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park).

City Council Education Committee Chairman Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) was heartened by the development.

I taught in NYC public schools before and after mayoral control was implemented, said Dromm, a former educator. There is no doubt in my mind: Mayoral control works. While not perfect, it is a transparent system that benefits students, parents and educators alike. Albany must permanently reject the culture of waste, corruption and mismanagement that we saw under the old Board of Education.

The talks were initially stalled because many state Senate leaders not from New York City decided to expand their wish list and use the special meeting to discuss other issues, like land swaps in the Adirondacks and pensions for firefighters, Cuomo told a news conference June 29.

Mayoral control was lumped together with other measures in an omnibus bill Cuomo called a global resolution that was approved by both houses and backed by the governor.

It was not the session we premeditated, but it was a lot of good work done in a short period of time, Cuomo said.

After the Legislatures regular session two weeks ago, Cuomo said mayoral control was dead before the bell rang because the GOP stronghold in the state Senate and the Democratic bastion in the Assembly refused to compromise on caps for charters schools in the city.

The Senate may have conceded on charter schools to resolve other issues, like pensions for firefighters. The details of mayoral control will be released by de Blasio once its been crystalized in a final form, according to the mayor.

The Assembly decided to look at other things that the other parties wanted, de Blasio said. The pension I thought was fair and the cost was reasonable.

State Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) expressed frustration that the Assembly took 11 hours before discussing mayoral control, but he was happy that there was a resolution.

I remain incredibly disappointed in how this process unfolded, Comrie said. Going forward, it is imperative that we ensure political considerations never trump policy-making, especially when we are dealing with matters to do with our states public schoolchildren.

State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst), a member of the Independent Democratic Conference, a third conference in the Senate that shares a majority coalition with the GOP, also welcolmed the compromise on mayoral control.

Mayoral control of public education policy is essential since it holds City Hall accountable for our schools, unlike the old and ineffective school board system, Peralta said. Education is one of the basic pillars in our society, and we must ensure our students receive a quality education and have the necessary opportunities to succeed.

Temporary Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan (R-Smithtown) was proud of what was accomplished.

I thank every one of my colleagues in the Senate Republican Conference for their ideas, their energy, and their determination to improve the lives of the hardworking people they represent, Flanagan said.

(clarifying role of IDC in the Senate)
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By Gina Martinez

A Hillcrest doctor, who neighbors and colleagues described as kind and compassionate, was one of the victims of last weeks Bronx Lebanon Hospital shooting.

Dr. Tracy Sin-Yee Tam, 32, was shot and killed by a vengeful ex-empolyee, 45 year-old Dr. Henry Bello, according to Bronx Lebanon hospital.. The NYPD said he gunman opened fire last Friday at 2:55 p.m. on the 16th floor of Bronx Lebanon Hospital, located at 173rd Street and Grand Concourse. Police said the fire alarm system was activated after Bello attempted to set himself on fire.

When officers arrived, they found Bello on the 17th floor dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Tam was found dead on the same floor as well, police said. Six additional shooting victims were discovered on the 16th floor, five of whom were seriously injured, NYPD officials said.

According to her Health Grades profile, Tam graduated from Harlems Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2013 and was licensed to practice medicine in New York in December 2015.

Police said Tam was not the intended target of the shooting. Her friend has started a go-fund-me that had already raised $36,544 of its $50,000 goal as of Wednesday afternoon.

According to the page, Tam worked extra hours without incentive just to hold the hands of patients who were about to die or just to talk to them and listen to their needs. The go-fund-me page said Tam was at Bronx Lebanon covering for another colleague that day. The page, started by her friend Ahmed Rezk , was set up to raise money to help fund Tracys funeral costs and expenses.

Tracy Tam was an exceptional and an extremely compassionate physician, Rezk wrote. She touched lives of many. I am a family physician who has worked closely with Dr. Tracy Tam for many years. We went to medical school together and I was her senior in our residency program. At this time, we are attempting to get in touch with the family. Funds will be used for Dr. Tams funeral cost and other related expenses to be decided by the family. The funds will be directed toward the family as soon as they are ready to receive it.

Friends and former colleagues wrote their condolences on the page, remembering Tam as a kind and generous person.

Ankit Shah, who donated $100 to the page, wrote She was such a sweet and kind person. She will truly be missed. May God rest her soul in peace and give strength and comfort to her family.

John Hassani, who donated $100, said: Im grateful for getting a chance to know her, and receive help from her when I was a resident intern. This is a tragedy. I send my sincere condolences.

Neighbors also expressed their shock and condolences.

Tam lived with her parents in a two-story home in Hillcrest. Neighbors said the family mostly kept to themselves, but were kind and cordial to everyone on the block. One neighbor, who said he lived next door to the family for a little over 20 years, said he was deeply shocked and the family was not deserving of such a tragedy.

City Councilman Rory Lancman (D-Hillcrest) called the doctors loss a senseless tragedy for the Hillcrest community and the entire city.

Dr. Tam was an American success story. The daughter of immigrants, she worked incredibly hard to make her dream of becoming a doctor a reality, he said. By all accounts, Dr. Tam established herself at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center as a doctor who would routinely go above and beyond to help her patients and colleagues in need. My thoughts are with Dr. Tams friends and family during this extraordinarily difficult time.
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By Gina Martinez

With the future of Willets Point unclear, Community Board 7 is lashing out at the city and the Economic Development Corporation over what it says is a lack of transparency.

The board sent a letter condemning the city administration and the EDC for not showing up to the latest Willets Point Quarterly Committee Meeting. According to CB7, after the state Appellate Court announced its decision on the Willets Point Development, the board sent an email to Queens Development Group to come together for a quarterly meeting before the summer and for it to send a high-level EDC representative.

In a letter dated July 12 reacting to the TimesLedger story, CB 7 Chairman Eugene Kelty said Borough President Melinda Katz did not bail out on the meeting as originally reported.

The meeting was moved up due to timeliness, given the recent decision, the board said.

According to the board no one from the EDC or the administration attended our meeting, although lower-level representatives from both called last week to relay politically correct excuses.

Earlier in June, the Court of Appeals denied the Willets Point mega-mall in a 5-1 decision. The court decided that the developers needed consent from state legislators before moving on with the project to be built on parkland.

Queens Development Group has been fighting to build a proposed mega-mall and movie theater on the 30-acre site where Shea Stadium once stood as part of the original $3 billion redevelopment of the Willets Point auto shop The lawsuit  filed in Manhattan Supreme Court in February 2014 by state Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside), along with the City Club of New York, Queens Civic Congress, members of Willets Point United and nearby residents and business owners  challenged the transfer of Queens parkland worth about $1 billion.

The lawsuit focused on the proper use of the land. The mega-mall was slated to be built on the parking lot east of Citi Field, which is technically still parkland belonging to Flushing Meadows Corona Park and under lease to the New York Mets.

Arguments centered around a 1961 law allowing the construction of Shea Stadium in Flushing Meadows Park.

According to CB7, the purpose of the meeting was to give the community answers as to the future of Willets Point. Some questions were included in the letter such as: What site work has been performed to date? If the current plan is abandoned, does QDG have the contractual right of first refusal to submit a new plan, or will the city send this out for bid again? Does Queens Development Corp have the right to walk away if the current plan is abandoned? Will there be penalties?

A spokesman for EDC said it was given short notice before the meeting and was not able to attend, but the agency still is in the process of evaluating the next steps regarding the project.

Unfortunately, we were not able to send a representative to the community board meeting on such short notice, but we look forward to continuing this discussion with them as we determine next steps for this important project.

Shame on EDC and shame on the mayors office, CB7 said in its letter. We were charged with a very serious and grand responsibility when we partnered to have Willets Point approved. We certainly understood our role,QDG certainly understood their role, but apparently, the city did not understand theirs.

The board ended its letter by saying it was not seeking apologies, or even a response to their letter, but rather a meeting to re-establish dialogue moving forward.

(correcting story to say CB 7 did not bail out on the meeting)
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By Bill Parry

Dozens of Jackson Heights businesses that are part of the 82nd Street Partnership have joined the Hate Has No Business Here campaign. The initiative was launched last week in 21 business improvement districts across the city.

The campaigns goal is to inspire a conversation to combat narratives that purport racism, xenophobia, homophobia and misogyny, especially as they affect the citys small-business community.

Each business will display posters, fliers and postcards with the campaign logo that features an American flag with a heart replacing the stars, designed to express the idea that love, kindness and acceptance are patriotic. The campaign was designed free of charge by Three Furies, a consultancy located in the Lower East Side BID, and Starting Now, a design shop located near the Jackson Heights BID.

Our communitys vibrancy and success are due to its diversity, 82nd Street Partnership Executive Director Leslie Ramos said. Here, respect for each others culture, language, religion and sexual orientation is a way of life. We are an example of how diversity strengthens communities and the entire city.

Campaign literature is translated into nine languages, including Arabic, Bengali, Haitian Creole, Hebrew, Korean, Spanish, Mandarin, Russian andUrdu . The 82nd Street Partnership is joining forces with the Business Center for New Americans to conduct outreach in Jackson Heights and surrounding communities.

Humanity has no borders  same as art, same as love, Urzua Center for Performing Arts in Jackson Heights owner Lily Urzua said. Our difference is our beauty.

The idea for a cohesive campaign originated with Amanda Neville, a wine shop owner in the Myrtle Avenue BID in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn.

One of our business owners in our community was targeted with hateful comments via social media immediately after the election, Neville said. Many of us along Myrtle Avenue were trying to speak out against divisiveness and hate. I thought it would be powerful to come together with one message, one visual to signal that we stand together, for each other.

The group is also providing free digital logos and fliers to others who wish to join their movement. For the free download and a full listing of participating BIDs, go to www.hateh asnob usine ssher e.com .

Our citys small business community is incredibly diverse. We are not only embracing that diversity through this campaign, we are rejecting rhetoric that challenges how valuable it is, Myrtle Avenue BID Executive Director Meredith Phillips Almeida said. We timed the campaign to coincide with Independence Day because we believe that one of the most patriotic things you can do is love your neighbors.
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By Mark Hallum

State Sen. Gianaris (D-Astoria) has backed Gov. Andrew Cuomos decision to issue a state of emergency for the MTA, suspending certain bureaucratic processes to expedite upgrades and overhauls as the Summer of Hell begins at Penn Station and the citys transit system reels from delayed maintenance.

The MTA crisis was years in the making due to neglect and underfunding by government leaders, Gianaris said about Cuomos June 29 announcement. He called it an encouraging first step, but significant questions remain regarding the source of this new capital funding and the continuing budget hole of several billions dollars beyond the amount announced today.

Cuomo pledged to spend $1 billion to upgrade the MTAs vast subway system, plagued by signal problems, long delays, overcrowding and breakdowns.

Gianaris, who is the Senate minority leader, had hoped Albany would take action to find more resources to finance the MTA improvements during last weeks extraordinary session, but it did not happen.

Nevertheless, he vowed: I will continue to fight for the millions of New Yorkers who suffer every day at the hands of the MTA.

On July 10 a major repair effort gets underway to update the tracks in Penn Station, the site of several recent derailments and accidents that have delayed thousands of Long Island Rail Road commuters and their New Jersey counterparts. Amtrak is in charge of maintaining the station and the tracks.

The governors announcement came following an A train derailment in Harlem that left dozens injured on June 27. He is head of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which runs the subways, railroads, bridges and tunnels.

Melissa Orlando, executive director of Access Queens, a transit advocacy group, criticized Cuomo for the current state of city transit and was skeptical an extra $1 billion in capital funds would make a significant difference.

Its disingenuous for him to now be decrying it because the majority of the time hes in office he has been underfunding the system. Hes had direct responsibility for the system getting to the point its at now, said Orlando , who blamed Cuomo for directing a massive amount of funds toward bridges, tunnels and roads.

The MTA needs better cost controls, better oversight and the governors responsible for that, too.

Cuomo spoke at the Hammerstein Ballroom at the Manhattan Center, where he drew attention to the state contest that will award $1 million for an idea to fix the citywide transit woes from anywhere in the world.

The governor will be challenging newly reappointed MTA Chairman Joseph Lhota to reorganize the agency as well as pouring the additional $1 billion into the MTAs capital funds.

The current state of decline is wholly unacceptable, Cuomo said. Were going to do something and were going to do something about it now. Today, I am asking Joe Lhota to do a reorganization plan for the MTA in 30 days. Start with a blank piece of paper. There are no givens, there are no sacred cows. Design an organization that can perform the function rather than the organization that exists today, which is a longstanding bureaucracy that has evolved over time.

Cuomo offered a second challenge to Lhota.

We should have a review of the capital plan, Cuomo continued. The cars, the physical equipement. I would ask Mr. Lhota to get that done in 60 days. Very simple, what do we need, how do we get it, how much does it cost, and how do we expedite the entire process?

Cuomo said he would sign the executive order on the MTA immediately to speed up some of the government procedures, such as the transit agencys procurement process. Cuomo will ask either the state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman or Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli to appoint a team to oversee the effort to expedite these objectives.

It should no longer be a torture exercise to do business with the MTA, Cuomo said.

Riders Alliance Executive Director John Raskin issued a statement of approval for Cuomos announcement and claimed the governor is at last taking responsibility for recent troubles.

For months, frustrated subway riders have been trying to get the governors attention, Raskin said. Now Gov. Cuomo has finally taken responsibility for fixing a broken system, and riders will appreciate his recognition that transit is in a state of emergency. The governor is right that a solution to the transit crisis will require focused leadership and an infusion of new funds. Now, the governor will have to add details to his statement. A billion dollars is a start, but where will it come from, and is it new money? When and where will the state find the other billions that are needed to truly address the problem? How does a state of emergency fit into a comprehensive plan to fix public transit?

He added, Most importantly, when will riders begin to see improvements in their day-to-day commutes?
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By Mark Hallum

Four Queens residents were charged Friday with possession of a catalog of drugs after an early morning NYPD raid in Woodside allegedly turned up a large supply of marijuana, oxycodone, methamphetamine as well as firearm ammunition, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said.

According to the DA, five defendants  including one from New Jersey  are charged with varying degrees of criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of marijuana and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Three of the individuals were residents of Woodside and identified by the DA as Alex Herrera, 56; Josephine Paguio, 55; and Marilyn Castro, 45. Jasper Davis, 26, of Elmhurst was also arrested as well as a 64-year-old person from New Jersey. Police executed the court-authorized search warrant of the semi-detached home near 41st Avenue and 69th Street at around 6 a.m.

Inside the basement, 138 bags of marijuana, seven jars of crystal meth were found in a dresser drawer, the authorities said. Eleven bags of marijuana were stashed in a cabinet and two bags containing psychedelic mushrooms were discovered in a safe, according to Brown.

The five defendantsould face up to 10 years in prison if convicted, the DA said.

The five were arraigned on three separate complaints before Queens Criminal Court Judge Eugene Guarino, according to Brown, while Herrera and Paguio were also charged with unlawful possession of pistol or revolver ammunition. Authorities allegedly found up to 10 pounds of marijuana alone in the house, the DA said.

A morning wake-up call by the police armed with a court-authorized search warrant resulted in the arrest of five individuals  three men and two women  in Queens, Brown said. In the back of a cabinet, police allegedly seized around 79 oxycodone pills, 103 MDMA pills known as Molly on the street, 47 clonazepam pills, 142 alprazolan pills and 50 amphetamine pills, the DA said.

Police allegedly found Paguio in a third floor bedroom where eight rounds of .25 caliber bullets and additional bags of marijuana were found on top of a dresser, the complaint said.

All were given between $10,000 to $300,000 bail and ordered to return for a follow-up court date scheduled for July 7.
Albany

Upstate New Yorkers are less optimistic about the economy than their city-dwelling brethren.

But they're hardly pessimistic.

Consumer sentiment among all upstate New Yorkers saw a slight, 2-point dip between June and March, according to polling released Thursday by the Siena College Research Institute, dropping to 92 points.

That drop is due to a six-point decrease in sentiments among consumers outside of New York City. Republicans, meanwhile, are still riding high from last year's election, with confidence in the current economy trending 20 points higher than it was at this time last year. But, Siena reported, GOP attitudes about the future are less bullish, having dropped by nearly ten points this quarter.

Democrats, meanwhile, are six points lower than they were a year ago, though they are increasingly optimistic about economic outlooks. Still, they are 10 points below their Republican countrymen.

"Concern over both gas and food prices either tied (gas) or set (food) all time record lows this quarter," said Doug Lonnstrom, professor of statistics and finance at Siena College and Siena Research Institute founding director. "Fewer New Yorkers are now worried about the financial impact of gas and food than at any point in the nine years that Siena has measured the household economic impact of those necessities."

Twenty-seven percent of surveyed New Yorkers told Siena that current gasoline prices are having serious or very serious impacts on their financial condition, and 56 percent of respondents said the same for grocery prices.

Consumer plans to buy electronics, and to undertake major home improvements saw small upticks, while plans to buy cars or trucks, furniture and homes all dropped slightly.

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Richer, Republican men are the most optimistic for the future. Respondents making more than $100,00 a year were the most optimistic, followed by Republicans and those under 55 years old. Low-income respondents were the least hopeful, lagging behind those who are older than 55, women, upstate New Yorkers and Democrats.

RDownen@timesunion.com - 518-454-5018 - Follow @RobertDownenTU
Saturday

The Electric City ComicCon is small, but it's pretty mighty. The free convention, which bills itself as "the area's family-friendly indie con," will feature 18 comic book creators, writers and illustrators in its Artists Alley. A few of those artists include ink artist Bill Anderson (Marvel, DC), Erik Craddock (Stone Rabbit, Ultra School), cartoonist Mitra Farmand and Gregg Schigiel (Spongebob Comics, Marvel, Nickelodeon). Vendors will be selling comics and other items, and there will be a cosplay competition. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday. Free. Schenectady County Public Library, 99 Clinton St., Schenectady. 388-4511; https://www.facebook.com/electriccitycomiccon.

Saturday

Summer's here, and Chatham's ready to party. The village will host its 41st annual Summerfest street fair Saturday, featuring live music and street performers, a wine-tasting, lots of local food and drink, and a Big Head paradewith marchers wearing giant papier-mache heads. Performances will take place on three stages: Yanni's Porch, the Gazebo and the Chatham Brewery Main Stage. Magician Jim Snack and the Mac-Haydn Theatre will perform on the main stage at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. respectively, followed by Chatham's Payne AME Church Choir and Rory Block (2 p.m.); and the Reverberators (2:30 p.m.). Stoneflys take the stage at 4 p.m., followed by Bad Mothers at 6 p.m., and Brian LaPoint and the Joints at 8 p.m. 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. Saturday. Free. Main Street, Park Row and Hudson Avenue, Chatham. https://visitchathamny.com.

Saturday

WGNA's Countryfest is back. The annual day-long country concert, hosted by local country radio powerhouse WGNA-FM, features performances by co-headliners Justin Moore ("You Look Like I Need a Drink," "Small Town USA", "If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away") and Randy Houser ("How Country Feels," "Like a Cowboy," "Goodnight Kiss"). Michael Ray ("Kiss You In The Morning"), who co-wrote Big & Rich's 2015 hit "Run Away with You," is also set to perform, along with new country duo Walker McGuire, which Rolling Stone magazine recently spotlighted as one of 10 new country acts to follow in 2017. 11 a.m. Saturday. $30-$75; free for kids 10 and under. Schaghticoke Fairgrounds, 69 Stillwater Bridge Road, Schaghticoke. 881-1515; http://www.wgna.com.

Thursday

The Mabee Farm Historic Site has come up with a program that lets your kids get dirty and learn at the same time. "A Day on the Farm" lets kids experience what life is like on a small farm. They'll get to plant vegetables and harvest rye, which will be used to bake a fresh loaf of bread. The program is tailored for kids ages 5 to 10, but all ages are welcome. 10 a.m. Thursday. $7 for kids; adults are free. Mabee Farm Historic Site, 1100 Main St., Rotterdam Junction. 887-5073; http://schenectadyhistorical.org/families.

Friday

Andris Nelsons kicks off the Tanglewood season in a big way with a performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 2, featuring soprano Malin Christensson and mezzo Bernarda Fink, plus the Tanglewood Festival Chorus and, of course, the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The concert is the first of 10 programs led by Nelsons during the summer season, which runs through Aug. 27. 8 p.m. Friday, Tanglewood, Route 183, Lenox, Massachusetts. $22-$114. (888) 266-1200; https://www.bso.org.
Second Helpings features condensed versions of the restaurant reviews that run in the Sunday Unwind section. On Sundays, Order Up  reviews of inexpensive eateries  runs every other week, alternating with Matters of Taste restaurant reviews. In Preview, we bring you tasty selections from both to help you plan.

BackBar, 347 Warren St., Hudson, 828-0567, www.347backbar.com. Cuisine: A dozen Malaysian-inspired small plates packed with a dizzying array of house-fermented sauces and vinegars. Ambience: Vintage grunge bar featuring eclectic cocktails and a youthful late-night crowd. In summer, the fenced-in patio is perfect for small bites and day drinking. Attracts a diverse crowd. Price: $$-$$$. Hours: Open daily, 5 p.m. until late. In summer, noon until late. Kitchen hours: 5 p.m. to midnight Monday to Thursday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday; noon to 1 a.m. Saturday, noon to midnight Sunday.

Beekman Bar and Eatery, 62 Beekman St. Saratoga Springs, 584-1022, www.beekmanbareatery.com. Cuisine: Pub standards and Italian-ish entrees. Ambience: A number of gluten-free options Ambience: Casual eatery with clean, modern updates; early outdoor crowd, a few guests at the bar. Prices: $$. Hours: 3 to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 3 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday.

Ben Gable Savories, 17 Central Square, Chatham, 392-0205, www.bengablesavories.com. Cuisine: Seasonal savory pastries, quiches, soup, farm salads, dessert pastries, Stumptown coffee, In Pursuit of Tea, GUS soda. Ambience: Charming, modern-vintage cafe with a relaxed mix of local residents and weekenders. Price: $-$$. Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 a.m. Sunday, closed Monday to Wednesday

More Information Cost control Price ratings for inexpensive eateries based on average of entree costs: $: $9.95 and less $$: $9.95-$15.95 $$$: $15.95 and higher See More Collapse

Cafe Capriccio, 49 Grand St. Albany, 465-0439, www.cafecapriccio.com. Cuisine: The best of Capriccio featuring popular dishes, Italian classics (chicken cacciatore to puttanesca), excellent house-cured charcuterie using local Kinderhook pork, and a mix of house-made and Crisan Bakery desserts. Ambience: Classically casual Italian in a historic basement space. Prices: $$$. Hours: 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The Capital Bistro, 55 N. Pearl St., Albany, 694-3122, thecapitalbistro.com. Cuisine: American bistro with gastropub flair. Gourmet burger, daily taco and banh mi sandwich alongside risotto, steak and saltimbocca. Tight creative menu using local and regional ingredients. Ambience: Dimly lit, bustling bistro with a raised bar area, cozy booth seating on a raised surround, and industrial wood and pipe interior. Private chamber for 12. Price: $$-$$$. Hours: 5 to 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, closed Sunday.

Cornell's in Little Italy, 39 N. Jay S., Schenectady, 370-3825 or 612-7341, www.cornellsrestaurant.com. Cuisine: Italian classics, with homestyle sauces using Cornell's original recipes. Excellent Italian menu for children younger than 12; to-go menu and banquet room catering. Ambience: Despite its size, individual dining rooms make it less impersonal. Outdoor tables in summer. Price: $$. Hours: 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday.

Dukes Chophouse at Rivers Casino & Resort, 1 Rush St., Schenectady, 579-8850, www.riverscasinoandresort.com/dining/dukes. Cuisine: Excellent steak. Sides are reliable, but many dishes overshoot with ambitious flavor combinations. Ambience: Modern steakhouse appeal offering respite from the casino. Quiet with very casual crowd. Music Thursday to Sunday. Price: $$$. Hours: Lunch, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Dinner, 5 to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday. Lounge menu available with selection of appetizers.

Ecuador Juice bar and Latin Cuisine, 175 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush, 275-0565, ecuadorjuicebarandlatincuisine.com. Cuisine: Healthy juices and authentic family Latin food. Try the mofongo and Saturday Ecuadorian classics. Ambience: Clean, utilitarian cafe with booths and Latin TV. Grubhub delivery with $20 mininum. Price: $ to $$$. Hours: 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, closed Sunday. Breakfast items: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Elevation Burger, 664 New Loudon Road (The Fresh Market plaza), Latham, 608-0019, www.elevationburger.com. Cuisine: Fast-casual organic burgers and shakes. Beef ground on site. Ambience: Clean fast-food restaurant with moral compass, Alpine logo and green recycled furnishings and recycled packaging. Price: $. Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Forno Bistro, 541 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 581-2401, www.fornobistro.com. Cuisine: Wood-fired oven pizzas, dishes cooked "al forno" and casual regional Italian favorites, and a welcome, accessibly priced wine list with most in the $30 to $40 range and $9 to $13 by the glass. Ambience: Rurban barn chic with spectacular metal ceiling sculptures. Open kitchen, large bar and excellent covered patio with heaters open April to October. Price: $$-$$$. Hours: 5 to 9:30 p.m Monday to Thursday, 5 to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Fujiya Ramen, 301 Central Ave., Albany, 465-8888/8886, www.www.fujiyaramen2016.com. Cuisine: Ramen and Japanese street food. Price: $-$$. Hours: Lunch, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (last seating 2:30 p.m.) and dinner, 5 to 9 p.m. (last seating 8:30 p.m.) Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Closed Tuesday.

Lake Local, 550 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, 886-1373, www.lakelocalsaratoga.com. Cuisine: Freshly made burgers, fish sandwiches and salads with eclectic snack foods from Mexican street corn to curried chicken salad and flatbread pizza. This is pub fare from The Local with a heavier lakeside focus on fish. Full bar featuring cocktails and half dozen draft beers, some regional, surprisingly none local. Ambience: Seasonal, marina casual lakeside bar and restaurant with a beachy, contemporary style. Family friendly, bar-focused. Live music Tuesdays and weekends. Price: $-$$$. Hours 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Open seasonally from May to October/November.

Jacob & Anthony's Italian, 1475 Western Ave. (Stuyvesant Plaza), Guilderland. 599-5331, www.belliniscounter.com. Cuisine: Gourmet pizzas, sandwiches, Italian pasta dishes. To-go counter up front. Ambience: Spacious, youthful Italian restaurant popular with the plaza's diverse crowd. High-tops in the bar and family-friendly dining area. Outdoor tables too close to doorway smokers. Price: $-$$$. Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday and Sunday.

Lil' Deb's Oasis, 747 Columbia St., Hudson, 828-4307, www.lildebsoasis.com. Cuisine: Creatively pan-Latin with Asian influence. Llapingachos, fried fish, stews, fresh salads and ceviche. Eclectic natural wines, beer and soft drinks from Caribbean hibiscus to sparkling Smereldina. Ambience: Quirky, social and artistic. Like a diner crossed with a tiki bar and struck by rainbow unicorn lightning. Price: $-$$$ Hours: Lunch: Pupusas and smoothies, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday. Dinner: 5 to 10 p.m Wednesday to Sunday. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Maharaja, 10 Wolf Road, Colonie, 599-0571, www.maharajaofalbany.com. Cuisine: Wide selection of largely northern Indian cuisine interspersed with regional variations from the palace to the street. Ambience: Shiny copper lighting, tin ceilings, colorful art work creates a warmly inviting, fine dining interior. Price: $-$$$. Hours: 4:30 to 10 p.m. Monday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. (Weekend premium buffet is $14.95)

Mission Bar & Tapas, 438 North St., Pittsfield, Mass., 413-499-1736, www.missionbarandtapas.com. Cuisine: A selection of small plates Spanish tapas and some larger plates including a burger, chicken tacos and paella. Ambience: Dimly lit, rustic jazz bar with crowds drawn for tapas, wine, craft beer and live music. Quieter before 8 p.m. Buzzy and jazzy later, when the volume is high. Price: $-$$$. Hours: 5 p.m. to midnight Monday to Thursday (kitchen closes at 10 p.m. Monday to Wednesday), noon to midnight Friday and Saturday (same menu all day), closed Sunday. (Open occasional Sundays for seasonal brunches like Mother's Day or private events.)

Prime at Saratoga National, 458 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, 583-4653, www.primesaratoganational.com. Cuisine: Dry-aged, prime-grade beef, seafood, including the surf and turf tempura roll and seafood tower. Steak toppings from foie gras to truffles swiftly boosts prices. Bar, children's, and gluten-free menus available. Ambience: Country-club formality with casual outdoor dining. Price: $$$. Hours: Lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. Dinner, 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 5:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Light bar menu available from 3 p.m. until kitchen closes.

Salt & Char, 353 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 786-7100, www.saltandchar.com. Cuisine: Steakhouse menu with organic, sustainably raised quality meats and a seasonal focus on locally sourced produce Ambience: Quiet and chilly in the bistro dining room; families and out-of-town guests with businessmen occupying all the seats in the bar. Summer will revive the flagging vibe. Price: $$$. Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. (brunch) to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. (brunch) to 9:30 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Bar menu, open to close Wednesday through Sunday.

Tara Kitchen II, 172 River St., Troy, 328-6281, www.tarakitchen.com. Cuisine: Moroccan tagine stews and appetizers, large range of allergen-free and vegetarian dishes. Kati rolls, pita pizzas and classic Moroccan couscous available at lunch. Own brand of jarred Moroccan sauces for sale. Traditionally poured sweet Maghrebi green mint tea. Awaiting wine and beer license. Ambience: Open-plan storefront space with open kitchen, large range for tagines and accent Moroccan decor. Still undergoing interior design touches. Price: $-$$$. Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday.

Viva Cinco de Mayo, 809 Madison Ave., Albany, 650-8605, www.facebook vivacincodemayoAlbany.Cuisine: Freshly homemade Mexican food (sopes, huaraches, enchiladas) with street-style tacos and Oaxacan moles. Breakfast specials, house desserts and agua frescas. No alcohol. Ambience: Vibrant Mexican crossed with on-trend reclaimed wood and chalkboard walls. Price: $-$$ Hours: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday, 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m Sunday.

Unagi Sushi, 118 4th St., Troy, 629-9688, http:/www.unagi.restaurant. Cuisine: Pristine purist sushi and crazy fusion rolls. Ambience: Upscale sushi bar with a sleekly modern aesthetic. Price: $$-$$$. Hours: Lunch: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dinner: 4:30 a.m. to 9 p.m daily.

Westfall Station Cafe, 13A Averill Ave., Averill Park, 674-6258, westfallstationcafe.com. Cuisine: Popular steaks and seafood with Italian classics and some less-authentic global fare. Higher-end spin on popular bar food. Ambience: Apartment complex clubhouse. Hours: 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, 3:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; brunch, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner 2:30 to 8 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday.

Willows Bistro, 11 Prospect St., Ballston Spa, 288-3419, Willows Bistro on Facebook.Cuisine: Mix of steak and seafood, signature lobster and truffle oil mac and cheese. Veers sweet.Ambience: Pleasant, spa-like conversion of boxy space. Price: $$ to $$$ Hours: Dinner, 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday. Happy hour, 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday.
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ALBANY  The Albany City School District has named Kaweeda Adams, a 28-year educator and school administrator at one of the nation's largest school districts, its next superintendent.

A native of Shreveport, La., Adams has spent most of her professional career in the Clark County School District in Nevada, a district that includes Las Vegas and 75 percent of all students in the state. With 320,000 students, it's the fifth largest school district in the nation and overwhelmingly diverse, with students of color making up 65 percent of the population and languages spoken surpassing 100.

She is currently a school associate superintendent for one of 16 performance zones in the district, overseeing 24 schools and more than 28,000 students.

In Albany, her purview will be much smaller. The city school district covers 18 schools and nearly 10,000 students, but the issues students face  entrenched poverty, low achievement and language barriers  will be similar.

"Albany attracted my attention because of the diversity and rich history it has," Adams told the Times Union on Wednesday. "It matches my passion and the things I believe in, like equity for students, teaching diverse populations, looking at disproportionality in student discipline issues, and increasing engagement with the community."

Adams, 51, will succeed Kimberly Wilkins, who has served as interim superintendent since January 2016. She starts Aug. 14, and will earn $197,000.

A third-generation educator, Adams got her passion for schooling from her family. Her grandfather was a principal of an elementary school for 30 years. His wife was a teacher. Her grandmother was a teacher. Her father was a teacher and a counselor before he became an administrator. Her mother was a music specialist in the same school district.

After graduating from the University of New Orleans with a degree in English education, Adams began teaching seventh grade English in her hometown of Shreveport and then moved to New Orleans to teach high school English at a private Catholic school.

After earning her master's degree in educational administration and higher education from the University of Nevada, she began working for the Clark County School District, where she has stayed for nearly three decades in various roles: dean of students, assistant principal, principal, human resources director, director of the instruction unit, facility administrator and assistant chief student achievement officer.

In January, she was promoted to her current role of school associate superintendent  a role that involves overseeing instructional programming, professional development for principals, and establishing a school performance plan.

"Kaweeda Adams is an exceptionally strong academic leader," said Board of Education President Sue Adler. "She has a proven track record of success in every position she has held. She has an ability to bring people together. We believe she is the ideal superintendent to lead our school district forward in the critical work that lies ahead for us."

Big changes are on the horizon for the district, which has experienced relative stability for the past year and a half under Wilkins but came off a particularly rocky stretch after the previous superintendent, Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard, resigned amid very public tensions with the school board.

Enrollment has been on the rise, with 1,500 new students since 2008 for 9,700 total. Much of that growth has come from the local immigrant and refugee population, which has grown so fast that the district is currently restructuring the way it delivers English as a New Language instruction.

This fall, the district will open two new schools to accommodate the growth  a new middle school at 50 N. Lark St. to alleviate cramped classrooms and a Newcomer Academy for students who are new to the English language. The latter will occupy space in the North Albany Academy building on North Pearl Street, and serve students in grades six to 12 who speak some 57 different languages.

Meanwhile, Albany High School is preparing to undergo a major expansion and renovation that will take seven years and four phases, starting next year. Once complete, the school is expected to serve 3,000 students, up from about 2,600 now.

All this while the district continues to fight longstanding, pervasive problems of poverty, low reading and math scores, low graduation rates, and widespread academic disparities between students of color and everyone else.

Some progress has been made, though.

The rate of students graduating on time in June has increased 9 percentage points districtwide from 49 percent in 2012 to 58 percent in 2016. And the 506 students who earned diplomas last month represented Albany High's largest graduating class since 516 students earned diplomas in 2008.

"I am excited and ready to accept the responsibilities that are ahead of me," Adams said. "As I paraphrase one of my favorite educators, the renowned Marva Collins, as educators it is our responsibility to believe in the possibilities of all our students, all of the time."

The board began its search for a new superintendent in January.

School officials and residents have become concerned in recent years at the lack of stability at the top. In the past decade, the district has cycled through four superintendents.

Will this new one stick around? According to Adams, she isn't going anywhere.

"I tend to grow roots pretty fast," she said. "I've only lived in two states in my life: Louisiana and Nevada. So I'm very much looking at growing roots in Albany, and I'm excited at the opportunity to be part of such a historical city, and to see our students move forward."

The board expects to finalize the appointment at its meeting July 13. Community members will have the chance to meet the new superintendent just before the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
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ALBANY  Albany County wants to join other localities in a national effort to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for their alleged role in fueling the opioid epidemic.

Roughly 25 counties, which contend the companies are liable for rising opioid abuse across the nation, are considering legal action against them with the aim of requiring financial reparations.

The efforts are being spearheaded by the County Executives of America's Opioid Abuse Task Force, for which Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy serves as one of the co-chairs.

This is a national movement, task force Executive Director Mike Griffin said Thursday. Each major county that has an urban/suburban setting seems to be having a problem, and even rural counties are having problems with it.

Griffin said while the task force hasn't filed a lawsuit, if it does, governments would seek compensation.

"It would change the mores of the country," he said. "It's not going to be a short war; it's going to be a long war."

The Albany County Legislature is poised to vote on a resolution to encourage County Attorney Daniel Lynch to file a lawsuit.

The county saw a 67 percent increase in emergency department visits due to heroin and prescription painkillers between 2005-2007 and 2012-2014. Law enforcement officials report responding to overdose calls in the county every day, in addition to drug-related crimes and violence. People who are prescribed painkillers can become addicted and turn to the cheaper high of heroin for their fix.

McCoy said the task force takes a national approach to an issue that affects everyone.

This is about changing the culture, changing the way we deal with pharmaceuticals and do autopsies, he said, noting that not all drug overdoses are noted in autopsy reports.

Participation in these efforts won't cost the taxpayers, McCoy said.

Governments across the state have launched task forces to combat the crisis, and many counties have filed individual lawsuits against some pharmaceutical companies seeking compensation for costs associated by the epidemic  from the strain on the criminal justice system to hard-hit social service departments.

Schenectady County Attorney Chris Gardner announced last month that he and other officials had filed lawsuit that names about a dozen manufacturers of prescription opiates as defendants. Gardner said that while Schenectady was filing an individual lawsuit, the legal action could be consolidated with other actions in the future.

The South Carolina-based Motley Rice law firm is leading the national effort by counties. The firm's Joseph Rice said the task force still is considering all its options and gathering the information necessary for legal action.

"Opioid-related deaths are rising at an alarming rate throughout this country. Addressing the problem one county at a time is not going to resolve this health crisis, Rice said. This effort will complement the action taken by some of the states.

Motley Rice is known for its work on suits targeting tobacco companies as well as negotiating in lawsuits involving the energy giant BPs oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

afries@timesunion.com - 518-454-5353 - @mandy_fries
ALBANY  A city man found guilty of robbing and slashing a man with a box cutter on Lark Street in 2013 will ask a judge to reconsider his conviction.

The state Supreme Court's Appellate Division upheld 30-year-old Edwin Cruz's conviction in a Thursday decision but granted his attorneys a hearing with an Albany County Court judge who could vacant the sentence.

Prosecutors said at 2:40 a.m. Aug. 11, 2013, Cruz walked up to a stranger sitting on a Lark Street stoop and asked to bum a cigarette.

The man was waiting for his friends, who were inside a nearby pizzeria, and had placed his wallet next to him. Cruz sat down and took the offered cigarette. When he later got up to leave, the man noticed his wallet was gone and confronted Cruz.

An argument ensued and ended when Cruz slashed the victim in the face with a box cutter, prosecutors said. The victim suffered cuts that needed several stitches and was left with permanent scars on his face.

Soon after the attack was reported, officers found Cruz nearby with the weapon and wallet, police said. He was eventually indicted on two counts of felony robbery and a felony assault count.

In December 2014, an Albany County jury found Cruz guilty on all three counts. A month later, Judge Stephen W. Herrick  who is now the county's public defender  sentenced Cruz to 17 years in state prison and five years of post-release supervision.

In January 2016, Cruz's lawyers filed a motion to vacate the conviction, arguing it was not supported by legally sufficient evidence. Herrick dismissed the motion without a hearing, sparking the Appellate Division case.

On Wednesday, the state justices granted Cruz that hearing on the grounds that his trial lawyer, who was not named, failed to assess evidence that could have helped in his defense.

Although businesses with security cameras abound on Lark Street, Cruz told the Appellate Division his defense attorney did not investigate whether the cameras caught the incident on video or whether those videos could disprove the victim's testimony.

Cruz also told the justices that he was with another man when the slashing and robbery occurred, but his lawyer did not interview that witness.

"If (the) defense counsel failed without reason to investigate known proof that had the potential to corroborate (the) defendant's account of events, it 'may have amounted to less than meaningful representation,'" the justices wrote in their decision, partially quoting case law.

The case will return to Albany County Court for a hearing.
ALBANY - A long-standing tattoo studio spent all day Thursday defending its reputation amid an anonymously posted online article that called out some of its current and former employees for their alleged affiliation with what the article described as an "extremist alt-right" group.

The article connected Lark Street Tattoo employees with a local affiliate of Proud Boys  a group that describes itself as a "fraternal organization of Western Chauvinists who will no longer apologize for creating the modern world"  and was shared widely on social media throughout the day.

It caused customers to cancel appointments and others to submit negative reviews of the Albany tattoo shop, and has left business owner Tom "T-Bone" Martin at a loss on what to do next.

"It's spreading like wildfire, and it's definitely affecting the business," Martin said, adding he doesn't support the group. "We don't affiliate as a shop with any political view or organization. We are tattoo artists, and that's it."

A part-time receptionist and a current tattoo artist as well as a former employee all were listed in the article as being connected to the group.

Martin confirmed that the currently employed tattoo artist is associated with the group, but hasn't participated in any violent protests that the article, posted Tuesday night on the website Love and Rage Media, suggests the group participates in.

"I don't know what the end game is here  fire my employee?" he said. "That's not fair to be dismissed from your job for your political views, whether I agree with them or not. I'm not responsible for what my artists and employees do on their free time."

Derek Scarlino, who is part of the Utica-based online website that posted the article, said the group that submitted the post wanted to inform people in the Albany area that the local Proud Boys group exists and what they can do to protect themselves.

"Proud Boys do have a sanctioned and fully recognized 'street fighting team.' There is a violent component of the organization," he said. "Everything that was compiled by these people was taken from social media, so it was already public."

The article, which Scarlino said was submitted by a group of "Albany-based activists," initially listed social media accounts of the individuals alleged to be associated with the Proud Boys, their employers and the employers' contact information, plus links to business review pages like Yelp.

Mentions of the specific employers whose employees were named, which also included Crisafulli Bros. Plumbing & Heating Contractors in Albany, were later removed due to threats of lawsuits and the business owners contacting the media group, Scarlino said.

This statement was later posted at the bottom of the article: "Editor's note: Due to the unprecedented volume of views, we have decided to remove the information surrounding employment. Two owners have contacted us and expressly stated that they do not condone the actions of the Proud Boys, but also felt it was not fair to other employees to have to endure harassment on their behalf. We agree and do not condone the harassment of innocent people. To that point, we do not publish, nor have we ever published, personal information such as addresses or phone numbers. As we reviewed this piece, we felt that the authors' stated goal of promoting community safety and self-defense was clear. Our goal is to report news and information in the public interest so that communities can decide what the best course of action is with accurate, relevant information."

Crisafulli owner Andrea Crisafulli said in an emailed statement that her business was just made aware of the online article and was gathering more information.

"Crisafulli Bros is a family-owned and solely women-owned business whose values and corporate culture support diversity and inclusion of all," she said.

Those who know the tattoo artist mentioned in the online article  as well as the owner of the shop  were shocked by some of the statements made on social media about the business.

"Out of everybody, T-Bone has been one of the best neighbors on the street," said Tess Collins, who ran the Lark Tavern and now owns McGeary's. "I'd have meetings to talk about how to be a community, and he never missed a meeting. Personally, I think he's diverse in his friends. He's supported every single group I know of on the street."

Martin said he's never delved deeply into his employees' political beliefs, and has built his business on the premise of good customer service and providing a safe place for everyone.

"We are not a biker's shop. We are not a heavy metal or death metal shop," he said. "We don't cater to one group. We cater to everybody. We never, in our 24 years, have had any problems with customer relations, or a customer feeling like they weren't treated properly."

Collins' partner Shahila Abbasi  who identified herself as a lesbian Muslim  said she's been tattooed by the artist listed in the article.

"He's the only one that's ever done any of my ink," said Abbasi, who recently had an Arabic tattoo done at the shop. "If you ever meet him, he's so soft-spoken, he's all about peace and love. He's such a good guy, it just doesn't sound right to me."



afries@timesunion.com - 518-454-5353 - @mandy_fries
Warsaw, Poland

President Donald Trump arrived in Europe on Wednesday for three days of diplomacy that will culminate in a meeting with President Vladimir Putin of Russia.

Even his top aides do not know precisely what Trump will decide to say or do when he and Putin meet face to face on Friday on the sidelines of the Group of 20 economic summit gathering in Hamburg, Germany. And that is what most worries those advisers as well as officials across his administration as Trump begins his second foreign trip as president, stopping first in Warsaw to give an address on Thursday and then heading to Hamburg.

The conversation with Putin is in many ways a necessity, given the critical disputes separating the U.S. and Russia.

But it also poses risks for Trump, who faces a web of investigations into his campaign's possible links to Russia, as well as questions about his willingness to take on Moscow for its military aggression and election meddling on his behalf. And it is not the only charged encounter awaiting Trump this week.

Following North Korea's launch on Tuesday of an intercontinental ballistic missile, he also faces new pressure to act on a threat from Pyongyang that has long confounded U.S. presidents, and that he has few appealing ways to address.

He is scheduled to meet in Hamburg with President Xi Jinping of China, as he complains that Beijing has not done enough to rein in North Korea.
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Cooperstown

It's difficult to find a family that has had so much impact on American art as the Wyeths.

First was N.C., the illustrator in the early 20th century with Scribner's magazine; then his son Andrew, a major painter who kept realist impulses alive when abstraction was so prevalent; and, finally, Andrew's son, Jamie, a contemporary painter made definitive portraits of John F. Kennedy and Andy Warhol.

To match such a legacy, you would have to look back to the Peale family in the early 19th century with Charles Willson Peale as patriarch, who founded the first American museums. His children Rembrandt, Raphaelle and Titian, all had distinguished art careers.

More Information If you go "Andrew Wyeth at 100: A Family Remembrance" Gallery tours with Victoria Wyeth: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 6, and Saturday, and Aug. 17, 18 and 19 Where: Fenimore Art Museum, Route 80, Cooperstown When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through Sept. 4 Admission: Adults and juniors (13-64) $12; seniors (65+) $10.50; children (12 and under) free Info: (607) 547-1400; fenimoremuseum.org See More Collapse

With such a well-documented oeuvre, any exhibit on the Wyeths runs the risk of redundancy, producing a tried-and-true experience  a mere review of greatest hits. The exhibit "Andrew Wyeth at 100: A Family Remembrance" at the Fenimore Art Museum in Cooperstown would seem to be such a thing, full of sappy commemoration and teary-eyed nostalgia.

While the exhibit has traces of these maladies, it largely veers clear of them with subtle and fresh interpretations of Andrew through his granddaughter Victoria. An accomplished photographer, Victoria is a student of American studies and psychology. This makes her a viable witness to "Andy's" process and contributions to American culture.

What makes this exhibit move beyond the mere laudatory is its sublime use of archival material  sketches, letters, notes, paintings  woven together to reveal the intimate moments of family life amid all of the artistry, without staging it. There's an honesty to its design that's compelling and invigorating.

Andrew Wyeth was a giant of mid-20th century painting and a master of moments. Although an innovative portraitist  he created the eerie "Christina's World," one of the most recognized paintings of the century  many of his important works are without any humans at all.

He used his fingers to scrape, dig and rip the paper to get an uncanny texture and delicately layer on tempera, creating dreamy scenes, often haunting and foreboding, or simple everyday moments, that elevate place beyond the mundane. One of those in the exhibit, "Master Bedroom," is a prime example of this.

The exhibit unfolds like a memoir with a palatable psychological undertow, especially when it tackles Wyeth's desire to paint Victoria nude in her teenage years, which she resisted, resulting in the clothed but suggestive "Only Child."

You feel you're a guest at the family compounds either in Pennsylvania or Maine, allowed to ask a few pointed questions after listening in for a while. Each of the objects, which number in the dozens, has a written insert from Victoria on the label text, shedding light on the object from her recollection and conversations with Andrew. They were quite close, but the generational difference provides crucial objectivity.

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This intergenerational interplay is full of intricate layers, multiple insights from differing points of view providing a sense of discovery. Having Victoria conduct in-gallery tours during the first week of July should only enhance the experience.

"He always talked about the sounds in painting  the sound of wind blowing snow off the roof, the sound of leaves blowing," writes Victoria. This wonderfully deepens our experience with Wyeth, no matter how well we know his art. She's more than just a narrator, but remains rather impartial in her assessments  neither gushy nor too removed.

"I'm not one to walk down the street and say that's a great face to paint," Victoria recalls Andrew saying. "N.C. always taught me to look behind you, you might see something better. Don't get frozen onto an object. I like to be completely free.'"

An artist of Andrew Wyeth's caliber can always provide new material for analysis and subsequent revelation, but there's no guarantee an exhibit will expand on our prior knowledge, creating a new experience. Through his granddaughter's authentic voice, the exhibit shares a different angle on the artist that exceeds expectations.

Time Kane is a frequent contributor to the Times Union.
Back when Taylor Stanley was a student at the School of American Ballet  the dance academy of the New York City Ballet  he used to watch in awe as the company members performed George Balanchine's "Stravinsky Violin Concerto."

"I watched it so many times over the years," Stanley recalled in a recent interview. "It's such an intricate piece, and it always looked like so much fun to dance."

This summer at SPAC, he'll find out for himself. After eight years with City Ballet, Stanley makes his debut in "Stravinsky Violin Concerto," in a pas de deux opposite Rebecca Krohn.

"Having watched so many people perform that duet, we have to find our own version," he said. "I have to remember that I'm just me and I can make it my own, and that Rebecca and I can make it our own."

More Information If you go New York City Ballet at SPAC Balanchine, 8 p.m., Thursday American, 8 p.m.. Friday Balanchine, 2 p.m., Saturday Richard Rodgers, 8 p.m., Saturday Robbins/Chopin, 8 p.m., Tuesday 21st century choreographers, 8 p.m., Wednesday 21st century choreographers, 2 p.m., Thursday, July 13 Robbins/Chopin, 8 p.m., Thursday, July 13 Balanchine short stories, 8 p.m., Friday, July 14 Richard Rodgers, 2 p.m., Saturday, July 15 Balanchine short stories, 8 p.m., Saturday, July 15 Tickets: $35-$100 amphitheatre, $15-$26 lawn Info: www.spac.org. See More Collapse

Finding his identity as a dancer as his career advances has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding for Stanley, who was promoted to principal dancer just over a year ago. "It can take a while to understand what this craft means to you personally," he said, to "look to other dancers as a mechanism of growth" rather than competition, and "to recognize my own strengths and weaknesses but know that they don't define who I am."

He's also strived to find the balance between rigorous preparation and "letting what happens happen" once he's on stage. "That's where we all find the thrill," he said. "There is really nothing like being on stage."

The Philadelphia native has been dancing since age 3, when his parents took him to his first ballet, a production of "Sleeping Beauty." The minute he got home, he was acting out all the parts.

"The curtain going up, seeing all of these figures come to life and move around in this magical box that was the stage ... the production elements, costumes, scenery  it was so impressive for me as a young child," he recalled. "Sometimes I go back to that 3-year-old self to revitalize my energy. It's still pretty magical."

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Stanley took classes at Philadelphia's Rock School of Dance Education and later attended summer programs with Miami City Ballet before enrolling full-time at the School of American Ballet in 2008, at age 17. He became an apprentice with NYCB just a year later, and from there rose steadily up the ranks. He was just 19 when he was given a major role in Balanchine's "Square Dance," from 1957, fusing social dance with classical ballet.

"It felt like a turning point for me, in terms of growth and self-development," Stanley said. "It was such a big thing to be thrown at me  I was in shock that I had been given this role. It really helped me take a look at myself internally and understand why I dance." It teaches him something new every time he performs it, he says.

Since then, he's originated featured roles in works by Peter Martins, NYCB's ballet master in chief, and Justin Peck, the company's resident choreographer, whose works "The Decalogue" and "The Times Are Racing" will be onstage during the company's run in Saratoga. ("The Times Are Racing" had its SPAC premiere on opening night.) Peck has described Stanley as "one of the purest interpreters of movement that I've ever come across."

Tresca Weinstein is a frequent contributor to the Times Union.
THE ISSUE:

Despite its danger, the use of illegal fireworks is widespread in the Capital Region.

THE STAKES:

Authorities need to educate the public about the risks and then enforce the law.

More Information To comment: tuletters@timesunion.com or at http://blog.timesunion.com/opinion See More Collapse

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When Schenectady County opted to legalize relatively benign sparklers, the individual use of the much more dangerous and illegal fireworks, such as Roman candles and firecrackers, skyrocketed. Dialing it all back is proving to be quite the challenge.

New York state two years ago allowed counties to decide whether to let sparklers be sold. Like many counties, including Albany and Saratoga, Schenectady County's legislature opted to allow sale and use of sparklers. Retailers and manufacturers of sparklers argued that the sizzling, non-aerial and non-explosive devices offered a safe way for families to celebrate. Firefighters and others warned that even these relatively mild pyrotechnics were dangerous.

What wasn't talked about was the unintended consequence Schenectady, for one, has experienced: a surge in the use of illegal varieties, which can be purchased legally in some nearby states.

With people complaining about all the noise, Schenectady County lawmakers voted in April to re-ban sparklers, thinking a total ban would curtail all firework use. It didn't seem to work. Over the long holiday weekend, the popping sounds and whistles of rockets continued into the early morning hours. A city councilman described his neighborhood on the night of July 4th as Armageddon.

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Police responded to more than 100 complaints, but reported no arrests or appearance tickets for use or possession of illegal fireworks. Authorities are weighing what to do next.

For starters, city officials should remind residents why these fireworks were originally banned. Decades ago, it was common for people to lose fingers or suffer severe burns and eye injuries when playing with all kinds of flying and exploding fireworks. Fires have been attributed to burning objects landing on dry tinder or buildings. Plain and simple: Fireworks are dangerous. That's why displays should be left to trained professionals who obtain permits for public presentations.

Illegal fireworks are not just a problem in Schenectady. In Albany, for example, after the spectacular public display concluded at the Empire State Plaza, residents were continuing to light up the night on their own using all types of explosives and rockets.

Fortunately, no serious injuries or property damage was reported in the Capital Region this year, but that shouldn't let public safety officials off the hook. Long before the next big celebration, there should be a strong public education effort, including the reminder of penalties for those who sell or possess the contraband. It needs to be combined with a substantially stepped up police presence in the neighborhoods reporting the most activity this year. Residents should be encouraged to attend the many excellent public pyrotechnic programs.

While it won't be easy, a combination of public education, stern warnings and stricter enforcement, can put this genie safely back into the bottle.
THE ISSUE:

Most states rebuff a presidential commission's demands for voter registration data.

THE STAKES:

Government time should not be wasted chasing down fake fraud.

More Information To comment: tuletters@timesunion.com or at http://blog.timesunion.com/opinion See More Collapse

Whether President Donald Trump is just cynically milking the non-issue of massive voter fraud for political advantage or really believes this delusion, at least 44 states and the District of Columbia refuse, to one degree or another, to indulge him. That's astonishing  and encouraging.

While it's predictable enough that Democratic officials, like New York's Gov. Andrew Cuomo, would rebuff the president's absurd crusade, it's a surprise to hear some Republicans decline to play along, too. That's a refreshing change from a party that, until now, seemed willing to tolerate whatever this president did, no matter how outrageous or counterproductive.

Mr. Trump seems unable to get over the fact that, while he won the Electoral College tally, he lost the popular vote by almost 3 million votes. So he resurrected and amplified a debunked conspiracy theory  that millions of illegal votes were cast, including many by undocumented immigrants. Without all that fraud, he says, he would have won the popular vote, too.

That might have been just a sad commentary on the fragility of Mr. Trump's ego but for his decision, as president, to turn his baseless assertion into at least one official investigation, if not two. He created a Presidential Advisory Commission on Voter Integrity, which last week called for states to hand over detailed voter data, which includes some private information normally protected by law, such partial Social Security numbers and dates of birth. Separately, the Justice Department asked states to supply information on how they purge ineligible voters from their lists.

So far, a CNN survey finds 44 states are either refusing to cooperate with the commission altogether or declining to give information that is not otherwise publicly available. The list includes Indiana and Kansas, the home states of the commission's co-chairs, Vice President Mike Pence and Kris Kobach, respectively. It also includes solid red states like Mississippi, whose Republican secretary of state, Delbert Hoseman, said the commission "can go jump in the Gulf of Mexico."

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This probably should have been expected, especially in more conservative states where distrust of the federal government runs strongest. The commission's effort to gather data on every voter in America would be about as palatable as a national ID program, a central repository of student data, or a federal gun registry, especially among Trump voters.

The president, sadly, hasn't gotten the message; he's now questioning what states are trying to hide.

When it comes to the integrity of U.S. elections, there are real problems worth looking into  the use of voter ID laws and other tactics to suppress votes; Russia's attempts to manipulate last year's presidential election; or the use of gerrymandering to give political parties an unfair electoral advantage. Those, however, don't fit Mr. Trump's mythology.

For now, Americans will have to settle for whatever checks and balances there are on a conspiracy theory-chasing president for whom winning, strangely, is not enough.
The Chairperson of Tipperary ICMSA has expressed confidence that the use of splash plates is not be be ended by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

Sean Butler said he envisaged that the continued use of splash plates would continue to be accepted by officials on the basis of the nature and structure of Irish farming.

Ending the use of splash plates would present an insurmountable problem for many small family farms in rural Ireland who are already struggling to survive, he siad.

The Dolla farmer said that it would amount to another nail in the coffin for the type of farm that backboned the rural economy in many areas.

Mr Butler stated that it was simply a fact that the cost associated with alterative equipment was beyond most farmers financial capabilities, even with current levels of grant aid.

In addition, given the production systems in Ireland where, for example, many farms use baled silage, the splash plate is the only viable option at this time as the alternative systems available do not work in practical farm situations.

ICMSA believes that the current measures being adopted under GLAS and TAMS  with some further enhancements - and through information campaigns on the most appropriate time to spread organic fertiliser will enable Ireland to meet the EU targets set for us and we wont need other measures. We particularly wont need to consider obviously unworkable measures such as a future date for the banning of the splash plat, he said.

Im very confident that the Department officials understood the practical impossibility of a ban on the use of splash plates and ICMSA trusts that such a unrealistic and unworkable proposal will not be implemented by the Department, he said.
Independent TD Mattie McGrath has reiterated his call for the Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, to immediately engage with farmers representatives who have been protesting overnight at the Department's headquarters on Kildare Street.

Deputy McGrath was speaking as tillage farmers from the IFA Grain Committee expressed their bitter disappointment at the refusal of Minister Creed to meet with them this Wednesday, July 5, despite the massive losses farmers have incurred due to severe crop losses:

Given that this problem has been going on for well over a year, it only to be expected that the patience of these tillage farmers has now reached an end, said Deputy McGrath.

The Tipperary TD said that the Minister, by his refusal to meet had sent a clear message to farmers. He had effectively told them they are not worth even 10 minutes of his time, said Deputy McGrath

I know for a fact that he was on the grounds of Leinster House at the time of the protest. The least he could have done was to give them a modicum of respect and listen to their concerns, he said.

Deputy McGrath said that, instead, the Minister had chosen to distance himself from members of the farming community who ertr in desperate straits and whose interests he was supposed to represent.

I again call on Minister Creed to leave his office, take a walk down to Agriculture House and engage with these farmers on a human level. It is the least they deserve after the year they and they families have endured, said Deputy McGrath.

Meanwhile, the protesters are seeking the full details of the tillage scheme and an urgent meeting with Minister Michael Creed.

IFA wants to discuss elements of the scheme, which have been reported in the media, and which would not be acceptable to the IFA.

IFA has been lobbying for a support package for tillage farmers who lost crops in the 2016 harvest due to dire weather conditions.

IFA president Joe Healy said IFA has held a number of meetings with the Department about the details of the scheme, and the Department had committed to a further meeting once the draft scheme had been prepared. This has not happened.

We need to sit down with the Minister and sort this out before the scheme is published, Mr Healy said.

At a meeting of the IFA Grain Committee, chairman Liam Dunne said members were very concerned about the selective information that appeared in the media.

The report quoted a Department spokesman as saying that the scheme would go ahead and gave some limited details about the scheme.

The details are totally unacceptable to the Grain Committee, as the scheme appears to be too narrow and restrictive, he said.

Mr Dunne sadi that the reported budget may not be sufficient to cover the full extent of the losses incurred by farmers.

Those farmers who are most affected must receive the most from the scheme, he said.

Given the financial pressure farmers have been under for almost a year as a result of lost crops, it is crucial that payments are made to farmers as soon as possible.

It must be user friendly and ensure that sufficient aid gets to those who deserve it, said Mr Dunne.
Do you think that the use of cannabis is harmless? Well read on and find out the facts and then decide.

There is a lot of talk about drugs in society today. Some of it is true, some not. Much of what is being promoted actually comes from those selling them. Reformed drug dealers have confessed that they would have said anything to get others to buy drugs. People have unlimited access to all kinds of illegal drugs in every part of Ireland today.

So what are the consequences for those who use?

Everyone knows about cannabis, it has been around for centuries, so what's all the fuss about now? Cannabis describes any of the different drugs that come from Indian hemp, including marijuana, and a whole range of other street names as well as hashish. One of the reasons cannabis is big news today is that the nature of the drug has changed a lot over the years. Cannabis has become one of the most trafficked illegal drugs in the world. It no longer just grows naturally, but is grown under conditions that makes it much more potent.

The potency relates to the THC content - the chemical in cannabis that gets you high. Some types of cannabis are grown for its potency and are extremely high in THC. This means that there is a higher risk of negative and damaging effects from using it. The more potent forms are grown to be more addictive. The potency varies between the different types of cannabis ie. resin, marijuana, or hashish, which is made from the resin of Indian hemp and is six times stronger than marijuana. Unlike alcohol, cannabis does not come with a label telling you how strong it is. You cannot tell from just looking at it. Regardless of the name, this drug causes hallucinations and has a substance which distorts how the mind perceives the world you live in. So one never knows what strength this drug is or the resulting harm caused by its use.



A cannabis plant

What are the risks?

Cannabis or marijuana is one of the drugs young people use the most. The effect is usually felt within minutes. The immediate sensations include increased heart rate, lessened co-ordination and balance, and a dreamy unreal state of mind. It also creates a severe impact on the lungs. The mental consequences for users are equally severe with users having amongst other dangers, poorer memories and decreased mental aptitude. Cannabis can trigger underlying mental health problems. It has hallucinogenic properties which can make you feel paranoid, anxious and in some people, lead to a psychotic episode.

Recent studies, including from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, showed the connection between cannabis use in adolescence and schizophrenia. These studies state that it doubles your risk of developing schizophrenia as an adult. Previous research has shown that young adolescents who started using cannabis/marijuana before the age of sixteen are at greater risk of permanent brain damage and have a significantly higher incidence of psychiatric disorders. This is the critical period in life during which drug use can be damaging and cause permanent health risks.

TEENAGE YEARS are the worst time in a persons life to smoke cannabis, a prominent Irish child and adolescent psychiatrist has said.

Dr Bobby Smyth was reacting to a study concerning the drugs effect on the adolescent brain. He works for the HSE at the Youth Drug and Alcohol Service in Tallaght and referred to the growing evidence that cannabis has a long-term negative impact on the developing brain.

A study published in American journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found cannabis can lower the IQ of young teenagers and may cause permanent mental impairment. The most persistent users suffered an average eight-point decline in IQ between adolescence and adulthood.

Users experienced significantly more attention and memory problems than non-users, the study found. This was the case even after taking account of different educational backgrounds and use of alcohol and other drugs.



Garda have discovered a number of harvesting facilities in Tipperary in recent times.

The tests showed wide-ranging mental decline among men and women who began taking cannabis at a young age and continued using the drug regularly for more than 20 years.

A disturbing new study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, USA, highlights and confirms the dangers of adolescents smoking cannabis.

Results of this research have also shown that young people who regularly smoke cannabis or weed have a greater risk of schizophrenia and can suffer long lasting brain damage. Researchers say the drug is particularly dangerous for a group of people who may have underlying tendencies to a genetic mental disorder or have mental health issues. It also highlights the dangers of teenagers smoking cannabis during their formative years. The study found that even short- term exposure to cannabis impair brain activity with the damage continuing into adulthood.

A separate study carried out only last month by the Imperial College, London, revealed that long-term use of cannabis destroys dopamine, the feel good chemical in the brain that inspires a spirit of get up and go. It suggests that it can lead to individuals becoming withdrawn, lethargic, listless, apathetic or indifferent. Cannabis users who partook in the study said they had all experienced psychotic- like symptoms, such as having strange sensations and having feelings of paranoia and fear.

Dr Michael Bloomfield, of the above college, said there is mounting evidence that the idea that cannabis is a harmless drug is untrue. He has noted short term side effects include a decrease in short-term memory, dry mouth, impaired motor skills, red eyes, and feelings of paranoia or anxiety. Long term side effects include addiction and decreased mental ability in those who started as teenagers. Also noted was the behavioural problems in children whose mothers used cannabis during pregnancy.

Aside from a skewed or twisted change in perception and mood, the most common short-term physical, and impact on the structure of the nervous system, include increased heart rate, increased appetite and consumption of food, lowered blood pressure, impairment of short-term and working memory, lack of co-ordination, depression, panic attacks , anxiety and concentration.

Users also suffer from bronchitis and brain abnormalities.

Some users experienced episodes of acute psychosis, or psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, mania that is marked by delusions, hallucinations, incoherence and distorted perceptions of reality, which usually abates after six hours, but in rare instances, heavy users may find the symptoms continuing for many days. So why are we ignoring these horrendous side effects of cannabis?

A reduced quality of life is associated with heavy cannabis use. Society appears to have accepted the use of cannabis as a recreational drug, but when the effects of its use show such alarming after effects, is it not time that all parents educated their children and themselves about its immediate and long-term dangers . The younger you are when you start using, the higher your risk of becoming addicted to cannabis. Heavy and long-term users experience withdrawal symptoms that include: Anxiety and restlessness, insomnia, loss of appetite, depression and problems with concentration and attention.

Cannabis in all its forms is now readily available, and young people have no problem accessing it. It is long overdue that users be made fully aware of the dangers they are putting themselves in.

It is interesting to note that animals given marijuana by researchers have suffered structural damage to the brain.

Is smoking a joint the same as drinking alcohol?

The facts are that alcohol contain one chemical substance only; ethanol. Cannabis/marijuana and all its associates, contain more than 400 known chemicals, including cancer-causing substances found in tobacco smoke. Unlike cigarette smokers, "pot" smokers tend to inhale deeply and hold the smoke as long as possible to increase the effect of the drug, worsening the damage to the lungs. Alcohol is eliminated from the body in a few hours but THC stays in the body for weeks, possibly months, depending on the length and intensity of usage. THC damage the immune system, alcohol does not. I am not proposing using alcohol, far from it, but these are the facts about cannabis.

Some users in the research project experienced an episode of acute psychosis, or a psychiatric disorder such as schizophrenia, mania that is marked by delusions, hallucinations, incoherence and distorted perceptions of reality, which usually abates after six hours, but in rare instances, heavy users may find the symptoms continuing for many days.

A reduced quality of life is associated with heavy cannabis use. Society may have accepted the use of cannabis as a recreational drug, but when the effects of its use show such alarming after effects, it is time that all parents educated themselves and their children about its dangers. Cannabis in all its forms is now readily available, so it behoves society that the time is long past for users to be made fully aware of the dangers they are putting themselves in.

Cannabis/Marijuana changes the structure of sperm cells, deforming them and even small amounts can cause temporary sterility in men. It can also upset a woman's menstrual cycle. It is one of the few drugs which causes abnormal cell division which leads to severe hereditary defects. Studies also found that mothers who use before birth may result in their baby having mental abnormalities, reduced initiative, and lessened abilities to concentrate and pursue life goals as well as an increased risk of leukaemia in their children.

These are the facts from renowned institutions and researchers for you to study, and allow you to make an informed judgement for you and your children.

Peg Hanafin, MSc. Rehab/Psych/Couns. 18/4/2017

Author of Getting more out of life, Thoughts for your journey and Never Give up.




University of Pittsburgh leadership have been working through several options for the future of the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville campus. During a board meeting, last week, officials appear to have narrowed their options to two, which include different forms of partnerships.
[July 06, 2017] PortaOne Helps Telecom With Longtime Family Ownership Remain Competitive In Pennsylvania Market

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- When William "Butch" George, owner of the local butcher shop in a small eastern Pennsylvania town, got into the telephone business with six customers back in 1909, he couldn't possibly have foreseen an industry built on satellites, fiber optics, and cloud-based communications. Nearly 110 years later, however, his companynow one of the most progressive family-owned telecoms in the United Stateshas found the formula for not only competing, but also thriving, in this hotly competitive field. Five years ago, Ironton Telephone Company (ITC), still owned and operated by the George family, launched its wholly-owned Ironton Global subsidiary to exploit the advent of cloud-based services. ITC identified the need to expand its business model to accommodate a national and even international presence. "As a CLEC [Competitive Local Exchange Carrier], we are constantly looking to stay ahead of the market," recalled Allen George, Corporate Vice President of Operations for ITC. "Our goal was to acquire a cutting-edge technical infrastructure for both our residential and business customers. In particular we realized the opportunity in offering SIP trunks and hosted cloud PBX services. This is where we felt we could demonstrate leadership in our communities." From the start, Ironton Global planned its network for high availability. Redundancy, along with affordability, exceptional quality, and a highly flexible platform that could accommodate a wide range of current, anticipated and even unanticipated voice and data services, were all keys to its core technology decisions. Its search led it to PortaOne and its integrated PortaSwitch softswitch and B/OSS (Business & Operation Support System) solution. "PortaSwitch is especially well-positioned because it represents exceptional value. It is less expensive than the best-known names in the category, but features the same level of robustness," noted George, a third-generation member of the George family. As a unified latform for voice, messaging, and data traffic, PortaSwitch enables all the essential switching and business functions for next-generation telecommunications networks. The solution contains two main components: PortaBilling, providing B/OSS capabilities across the service spectrum; and PortaSIP, a clusterable and highly scalable Class 4/5 softswitch. Together, these components support the full range of retail and wholesale offerings including Vonage- and Skype-like services, hosted IP PBX and IP Centrex, WiMAX, WiFi, and much more.



Because high availability is important to Ironton Global, it selected the largest available Oracle RAC-based configuration using Oracle RAC (Real Application Cluster). Within a year it expanded its PortaSwitch installation with a secondary site to ensure full geographic redundancy; it also purchased a non-commercial license as a staging platform for R&D and training. "With PortaSwitch at the center of our infrastructure, we're able to deliver every service our customers need," stated George. "From SIP trunk services that provide both data and voice in the same connection, to enhanced hosted IP-PBX with triple redundancy protection, PortaSwitch helps us meet or exceed the business options offered by our competitorsand at better overall cost."

PortaSwitch has allowed Ironton Global and its ITC parent company to move confidently into the next level of telecommunications technology. The company's cloud-based system gives customers national and international calling capability. Best of all, the George family is assured that the company William George founded long ago will be able to continue serving the needs of the Lehigh Valley. "By partnering with PortaOne, we continue to break through traditional telecom barriers to evolve the ILEC/CLEC models without losing our focus of our commitment to service excellence," concluded George. "We now deliver an integrated portfolio of business SIP service solutions, hosted IP PBX services, IP Centrex, voice and video calls, conferencing, unified messaging, and presence service to existing customers, industry partners, and a global marketa market unreachable before our PortaOne implementation." About PortaOne:

Based in Canada, PortaOne is a leading global software developer for modern telecoms. The company's billing (B/OSS & OCS) and switching (SBC & Class 4/5) products enable telecommunication service providers and carriers to run a broad line of retail, enterprise, SME, and wholesale services on a single integrated software platform. PortaOne's flagship platforms, PortaSwitch (http://portaone.com/products/portaswitch/) and PortaBilling (http://portaone.com/products/portabilling) are fundamental parts of the business infrastructure for over 400 service providers and telcos in 85 countries worldwide. Over two-thirds of 300 PortaOne staff are support engineers providing the best-in-industry 24/7 technical support services for clients involved in hosted IP PBX and SIP trunking services, calling cards and wholesale VoIP, IPTV and residential triple-play, MVNO and MVNE, SMS, data and voice over LTE, and more. To learn more, visit http://PortaOne.com. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/portaone-helps-telecom-with-longtime-family-ownership-remain-competitive-in-pennsylvania-market-300483907.html SOURCE PortaOne

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July 06, 2017

The question on many peoples lips is whether Microsofts (News - Alert) Azure Internet of Things suite is going to become the new universal standard. While the answer is pretty obvious to some and not so obvious to others, there are still a pretty large number of people that are oblivious to the situation altogether. There are many factors that imply Microsofts Azure Internet of Things will eventually be a universal standard but not everyone is ready to accept it.







The importance of IoT

The Internet of Things best represents the connection between physical and digital, and the connection that physical devices are able to create between one another through the digital spectrum. A couple of years ago, the Internet of Things wasnt nearly as bright of a shining star as it is today as far as trends go.

In todays business sector, but also in the domestic consumer space, the Internet of Things plays a very important role as it is responsible for the interconnectivity of everything tech. That in itself speaks for the importance of IoT, considering the insane demand for interconnectivity and ability to connect with other devices. People want to be able to use their devices in relation with any other piece of tech, and todays technology just happens to be strong enough to make that happen. It is estimated that over 20 billion items will be connected by the time we reach the year 2020, which further speaks for the necessity of interconnectivity.

The benefits of IoT and why Microsoft is pushing Azure IoT

The benefits of IoT are among the least necessary things to be stated, as they are blatantly present at both a small and large scale. Through the IoT, people are able to push machines to new limits and benefit from increased production levels and elevated efficiency ratings. This is possible through a thorough optimization of said machines based on data collected from other machines and from other services. And how do you obtain that information in real time and use it to boost the capabilities of your equipment? Thats right, through the IoT.

From the dawn of time, knowledge has represented power and thorough communication has always yielded great results no matter what the subject of the matter had proven to be. Today, thats truer than ever before and, with the help of the IoT, machines and smart devices are able to pick up on that notion by always being in contact.

Microsofts involvement with the IoT shouldnt be a surprise, as the company behind the most popular operating system in the world has always had a knack for innovation. Microsoft is known for having a hand in a lot of innovative and revolutionary projects, concepts and ideals. When you think about what the IoT stands for and what it aims, and then pair it with a company which holds the most massive network in the world, its fairly easy to begin to see the advantages and promises of Azure IoT.

About the Author

I began writing as a professional on my personal blog and then discovered my true calling, which is writing about technology and news in general. I am a technical writer, author and blogger since 2005. An industry watcher that stays on top of the latest features, extremely passionate about juicy tech news and everything related to gadgets. For tech tips, my email address is neneacostea at gmail.
[July 05, 2017] Mastercard to Host Investment Community Meeting

Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) today announced it will host its Investment Community Meeting on September 7, 2017. Members of the senior management team will provide updates on the company's strategy, products and business initiatives at that time. The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. There will be a live webcast of the meeting and a replay will be available for 30 days at www.mastercard.com/investor. You must be an investment professional to attend in person. The slides used in the executives' presentations will be posted on the company's website in advance of the meeting. About Mastercard Incorporated Mastercard (NYSE:MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry. We operate the world's fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. Mastercard products and solutions make everyday commerce activities - such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances - easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) @MastercardNews, join the discussion on the Beyond the Transaction Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.





View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170705006117/en/

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[July 05, 2017] Spark Product & Concept Design Winners Announced

SAN FRANCISCO, July 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Spark Awards concluded its 11th annual competition for Products and Concepts. Founder Peter Kuchnicki described this year's work as "Sublime stuff! The jury reviewed hundreds of pieces, debating each entry during a very long day. We congratulate all the Winners and Finalists!" Outstanding work received the highest accoladethe SPARK! Award, with 7 designs reaching that coveted level. Students:







Design Name Award Design Lead

Organization Oil Mixing Stopper Spark! Park Seonghyeon Hannam University OOINO Spark! Jae Young Kim Chonbuk National University Soom B Spark! KyeogHun Park Korea Design Membership WATHIELD Spark! Ming Sheng Shih National Taipei University of Technology Beginning Gold Jiyeun Park Hoseo University Blink Gold Belfug Sener Middle East Technical University Boxaw Gold Seung Hyun Sung Sangmyung University Flex Gold Elaheh Tassavor Academy of Art University Grass Manager Gold Lee Donghun Korea Design Membership Busan Han-sip Gold Mira Kim Samsung Art & Design Institute Ball-tab Silver So Young Kim Hoseo University CCTV for Humans & Birds Silver Hoseong Yu Jeonju University Crescent Sport Headset Silver Hongchao Zhou Guangdong Polytechnic Normal University Rescue Shield Silver Jae An Lee Hoseo University SPACKER Silver Kim JiWan Hoseo University Tone and Tune Silver Sohn JeongHwan SADI Air Hoshi Bronze Gyeong-Min Park Hanyang University Buggie Bronze Shiyu Guo Academy of Art University Compression Closet Bronze Seonghwan Hong Konkuk University Hydro Buoy Bronze Sung Uk Jo Cheongju University Protect Bee Bronze Wanki Kim Hannam University Raised-spot Escalator Bronze Jihee Han Korea Design Membership RUKI Bronze Wei-Chun Lin Tunghai University Saving & Recycling Water Bronze Hoseong Yu Jeonju University

|Professionals: Design Name Award Design Lead

Organization Bobrick PRIVADA Spark! Dan Harden Whipsaw, Inc TAPOLE Eyeglasses Spark! Ding Dong Tapole Co.,Ltd Google Home Gold Google Design Team Google TP-Link Quarter Camera Gold Dan Harden Whipsaw, Inc CAAVO Remote Silver Yoshikazu Hoshino NewDealDesign Mr Pip's Double Cross Silver Denny Liao Pip Tompkin Design Lumec Luminaires Silver Philips Lighting Design Philips Lighting Tascent InSight One Silver Dan Harden Whipsaw, Inc 2 in 1 Salt & Pepper Shaker Bronze Sahar Madanat Sahar Madanat Design Studio Dell Wireless 360 Speaker Bronze Joseph Jasinski Dell Inc. LeanRite Office Chair Bronze Jonathan Sheinkop Ergo Impact, LLC Air Cube Concept Spark! Chajoong Kim LG / UNIST 2ToTango Concept Gold Design Team LUNAR Let In Clear Concept Gold Chajoong Kim UNIST Felcana Helix Concept Silver Paul Scrase Felcana & Precipice AGH250V Concept Bronze Kwangmin Cho A+IL / UNIST Winners were honored at the SparkCelebration in San Francisco and are on exhibition at the Autodesk Design Gallery throughout July. Winners and entrants of Spark Product and Concept may be viewed in the gallery at www.sparkawards.com.

The open Call For Entry for 10 other design categories are also at the Sparksite. Interested designers and design departments may register >HERE. Photos:

https://www.prlog.org/12650434

Press release distributed by PRLog To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spark-product--concept-design-winners-announced-300483806.html SOURCE Spark Design Awards

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[July 05, 2017] Aneka Gas Industri TBK Selects Icertis to Transform Contracting Processes and Increase Business Velocity

BELLEVUE, Wash., July 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Icertis, the leading provider of enterprise contract management in the cloud, today announced that Aneka Gas Industri TBK (Aneka Gas), the leading industrial gas company in Indonesia and part of Samator Group, has selected the Icertis Contract Management (ICM) platform to solve challenges arising from rapid growth and changing business climate. The ICM platform will help Aneka Gas optimize the full lifecycle for all types of contracts  buy-side, sell-side and corporate  while providing greater insight to manage risk and uncover value. Facing growing competitive forces and new governance, risk and compliance (GRC) needs, Aneka Gas sought a system for contract lifecycle management that could drive their organizational goal of improved management control and operational and service excellence. After evaluating numerous solutions, the company chose ICM because of its intuitive interface, ease of implementation, and ability to easily integrate into existing systems. "Aneka Gas' recent growth meant we had to transform our contract management processes to support our accelerating business," said Imelda Harsono, Director of Legal, Governance, Risk & Compliance and Director on Board at Aneka Gas. "Icertis' strong track record in complex contracting environments combined with its easy to use platform made them the ideal choice for us. With the ICM platform we will be able to dramatically reduce contract turnaround times while improving our ability to identify, asess and automatically mitigate risk."



Aneka Gas will also benefit from the platform's ability to monitor key performance metrics with customizable dashboards and a full-featured analytics module that will make it easy to track contracts and receive timely notification of obligations and deadlines. "Like many of our customers, Aneka Gas is looking for ways to increase business efficiencies in response to an expanding customer base and changing business environment," said Samir Bodas, cofounder and CEO of Icertis. "The ICM platform increases business velocity with automated contract processes and enables transparency by creating a single source of truth for all enterprise contracts."

Aneka Gas is Icertis' first customer in Indonesia as Icertis continues to rapidly expand in Asia Pacific with customers including Airtel, KPIT, Lupin, Mindtree and Wipro. The company is a managed top global Azure ISV partner of Microsoft and is one of the largest ISVs on Microsoft Azure in India. "The Icertis?Contract Management?platform powered by Microsoft Azure is helping Aneka Gas to re-imagine contract management as they look to make a better life for Indonesia," said Alberto Granados, Vice President, Microsoft Asia Pacific. "Microsoft Azure provides an innovative, scalable cloud computing platform that offers customers and partners choice, trust and enables them to develop powerful and secure solutions." Icertis' Vice President of APAC Rajeev Kumar will be highlighting the key features of ICM valued by Aneka Gas and other customers in his presentation "How Contract Management Can Increase Procurement's Speed and Agility" at 14:20 on July 12th at the ProcureCon Asia 2017 event in Singapore. For more information about the Icertis Contract Management platform, visit www.icertis.com. About Icertis

Icertis, the leading provider of enterprise contract management in the cloud, solves the hardest contract management problems on the easiest to use platform. Icertis helps companies transform their commercial foundation ensuring compliance, improving governance, mitigating risk and enhancing user productivity, thereby improving the bottom line. The Icertis Contract Management (ICM) platform is used by 1+ million users at companies like 3M, Abbvie, Cognizant, Daimler, and Microsoft, to manage 3.5+ million contracts in 40+ languages across 90+ countries. With its intelligent workflow and built-in analytics, ICM provides ongoing contractual insights and best-of-breed contract management. For more information, visit www.icertis.com . Icertis Media Contact:

Sarah Nickell

Barokas Public Relations for Icertis

[email protected]

303-895-5673 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aneka-gas-industri-tbk-selects-icertis-to-transform-contracting-processes-and-increase-business-velocity-300483691.html SOURCE Icertis

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[July 05, 2017] Cognitive Systems, Content Analytics and Discovery Software Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017 - 2025

NEW YORK, July 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Cognitive Systems, Content Analytics and Discovery Software: Overview



Increasing demand of connected healthcare systems is also an important trend in the global market. Connected healthcare systems are likely to collect real time data and information which helps in assisting clinicians in delivering better care and empower people to make better choices. It helps in reducing medical errors and enhances medical administration efficiency. Adopting cognitive systems in healthcare is likely to help physicians to find connections and correlations and identifying new patterns and insights to quicken treatments, discoveries and insights.



Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04977664/Cognitive-Systems-Content-Analytics-and-Discovery-Software-Market-Global-Industry-Analysis-Size-Share-Growth-Trends-and-Forecast.html





Cognitive Systems, Content Analytics and Discovery Software: Drivers and Restraints



Increasing demand of artificial intelligence is a key trend in the market. Demand for artificial intelligence is increasing significantly with the advancement in technologies, and it is an important trend in the cognitive systems, content analytics, and discovery software market. Artificial intelligence is witnessing market growth due to the rise in large and complicated data sets. The biggest revolution is machine learning, where instead of providing linear instructions to a computer, considerable amount of data is supplied and let the computer learn and interpret on their own.



Increasing use of competitive intelligence and advanced analytics escalating data driven decision making is one of the key driving factors in the cognitive systems, content analytics and discovery software market globally. It is very difficult to access and keep track of each and every individual data due to the rise of big data. Therefore, it is necessary to implement competitive intelligence and advanced analytics tools that are likely to help gather, examine, and distribute intelligence of products, competitors, and customers, and also help discover deeper insights, generate recommendations, and make predictions. These tools help identify potential opportunities and risks beforehand. Advanced analytics techniques comprise data mining, text mining, pattern matching, graph analysis, and neural networks. Competitive intelligence is focused on external business environment and is involved in collecting information and converting it into intelligence, whih is then employed for making decisions. Presently, business intelligence tools require very less support from the IT department. The changes in how data is visualized and mined allows the business activities to work with analytics tools and make data driven decisions with or without any technological background. Increasing volume of data tends to increase the need of data driven decision-making software that easily derives actionable data in real-time. Utilizing the analytics and discovery software is likely to support organizations in making decisions and anticipate the market trends and possible risks.







The factor responsible for setting back the growth of this market is due to the prediction based on the past data. The cognitive systems, content analytics and discovery software technologies are at the budding stage due to which they faces various restraining factors. Past-based predictions is a major limitation in the market. Market dynamics are changing over time due to which predictions and analysis based on past data might not be helpful. Chances are that the analysis of the last ten years data is irrelevant to the current market scenario. These technologies when anticipating human behavior sometimes fail to consider certain variables that influence customer purchasing patterns



Cognitive Systems, Content Analytics and Discovery Software: Segmentation





Based on application, the global cognitive systems, content analytics and discovery software market is bifurcated into machine learning, natural language processing, automated reasoning, speech analytics, text analytics, social media analytics and others. On the basis of industries, the market has been bifurcated into banking, retail, healthcare, IT and telecom, transportation and others. Moreover on the basis of deployment type, the market has been bifurcated into on premises and cloud. The regional split of the market encompasses North America , Asia Pacific , Europe , Middle East and Africa and Latin America .



Some of the key companies in the global cognitive systems, content analytics and discovery software market includes Microsoft Corporation (U.S.), International Business Machines Corporation (U.S.), Google Inc. (U.S.), Symantec corporation (U.S.), SAP SE ( Germany ), Adobe Systems Inc.(U.S.), Palantir Technologies, Inc. (U.S.), Oracle Corporation (U.S.), OpenText Corporation ( Canada ),SAS Institute, Inc. (U.S.) among others.



The market has been segmented as follows:



Cognitive Systems Content Analytics and Discovery Software Market, by Application:



Machine Learning

Natural Language Processing

Automated Reasoning

Speech Analytics

Text Analytics

Social Media Analytics

Others



Cognitive Systems Content Analytics and Discovery Software Market, by Industries:



Banking

Retail

Healthcare

IT and Telecom

Transportation

Others



Cognitive Systems Content Analytics and Discovery Software Market, by Deployment Type:



On premises

Cloud



Cognitive Systems Content Analytics and Discovery Software Market, by Geography:



North America

U.S.

Canada

Rest of North America

Europe

U.K.

Germany

France

Italy

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

India

China

Japan

Rest of Asia Pacific

Middle East & Africa

South Africa

U.A.E.

Rest of Middle East and Africa

Latin America

Brazil Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04977664/Cognitive-Systems-Content-Analytics-and-Discovery-Software-Market-Global-Industry-Analysis-Size-Share-Growth-Trends-and-Forecast.html



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



http://www.reportlinker.com



__________________________

Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cognitive-systems-content-analytics-and-discovery-software-market---global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2017---2025-300483857.html SOURCE Reportlinker

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[July 05, 2017]

Laser Technologies: Innovation is Driving Their Adoption in Many Industrial Fields

SHENZHEN, China, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- "Since its invention in the 1960s, the laser has evolved from 'solution looking for a problem' to a tool becoming indispensable in many application fields, spanning multiple industries," explains Royce Lee, Sales Director of Consumer Electronics Industry, Laser Technology, TRUMPF. And he adds: "Advances in laser technologies ranging from power scaling to ultra-short pulse technologies and cost per watt reduction has further accelerated the adoption of this technology in many areas."

Trumpf, Coherent, Hans's Laser and more are part of the 1st Executive Forum on Laser Technologies, taking place on September 6 and 7 in Shenzhen, China, alongside the 19th China International Optoelectronic Expo 2017. Powered by Yole Developpement (Yole), CIOE and supported by EPIC, this conference features a powerful program focused on laser technologies and market trends. Agenda includes 19 presentations proposed by the laser industry leaders is now available: visit LASER FORUM to discover them.

Under a dynamic context investigated by Yole's analysts, countless technical issues, business opportunities, and emerging applications have been identified. Laser technologies are today undoubtedly present in many industries including the impressive emiconductor industry with applications focused on process manufacturing (dicing - lithography and debonding process steps). What is the status of the laser technologies today? Applications and related market segments, technology challenges, competitive landscape and more will be discussed at the1st Executive Forum on Laser Technologies. Yole, in collaboration with CIOE and EPIC developed a relevant program of presentations, Q&A and networking sessions to explore this industry.







"The 1st Executive Laser Technology Forum is a market & technology focused program," announces Eric Yang, Vice General Manager at CIOE. "Because of the leading market positioning of companies based in South China, especially involved in laser micro processing applications, both partners Yole & CIOE mutually decided to set up the Laser Forum in Shenzhen, China. This collaboration shows the growing adoption of laser technologies in numerous industries, for many applications. Laser Forum is a unique opportunity for industrial players to learn more about the technologies status and meet related experts".

"Laser applications in the semiconductor industry are quite broad and diversified", comments Amandine Pizzagalli, Technology & Market Analyst, Advanced Packaging & Semiconductor Manufacturing at Yole. Therefore, various type of laser technologies can be applied in major semiconductor processes such as welding, drilling, cutting, annealing, and debonding. The selection of the most suitable laser processing type is strongly depending on the material you want to process, the related processing parameters as well as the manufacturing process steps. "The penetration of laser technologies in each market segment is evolving independently", adds Amandine Pizzagalli from Yole. "Laser technologies growth is depending on the technology maturity and the complexity of the semiconductor manufacturing process steps as well as the status of the semiconductor market segments.

Sponsorship opportunities are available at this forum. To receive more information, contact Camille Veyrier.

Register today to meet Trumpf, Han's Laser, Chutian, JPT and other 100+ laser companies and attend the concurrent Laser Technology and Intelligent Manufacturing Expo.



Make sure you will be part of Yole & CIOE Forum in September!

About China International Optoelectronic Expo (CIOE) (www.cioe.cn/en/)

Established in 1999, CIOE is the largest show of its kind in the world featuring over 3,200 optoelectronic brands and their latest products in the area of 110,000 sqm at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center. There are concurrent specialized expositions focusing on Optical Communications and Sensors, Lasers, Infrared Applications, Precision Optics, LEDs, Emerging Display, Sapphire Technology & Touch Screen and Photonics Innovations.

About Yole Developpement - www.yole.fr

Founded in 1998, Yole Developpement has grown to become a group of companies providing marketing, technology and strategy consulting, media and corporate finance services. With a strong focus on emerging applications using silicon and/or micro manufacturing, the Yole Developpement group has expanded to include more than 50 collaborators worldwide covering MEMS, Compound Semiconductors, RF Electronics, LED, Image Sensors, Optoelectronics, Microfluidics & Medical, Advanced Packaging, Manufacturing, Nanomaterials, Power Electronics and Batteries & Energy Management. Press Relations, Sandrine Leroy

Media Contact:

Shirly Yi

Tel: +86 755 88242569

Email: [email protected]

Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20170705/1890513-1-a

Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20170705/1890513-1-c

Logo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20160531/0861605221-f

SOURCE China International Optoelectronic Expo (CIOE)
[July 05, 2017] Kepware Expands Flagship Product to Offer Additional Device Connectivity and Support of Chinese Language

KEPServerEX V6.2 includes localization of core features and top drivers into simplified Chinese PORTLAND, Maine, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Kepware a PTC business developing industrial connectivity software, today announced the release of the KEPServerEX version 6.2 industrial connectivity platform. Significant enhancements include localization of core server components and top-tier drivers into simplified Chinese, a new TIA Portal Exporter utility, new functionality for the CODESYS Ethernet driver, improved interoperability with the ThingWorx IoT Platform, and Configuration API support for the EFM Exporter. Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/469987/Kepware_Technologies_Logo.jpg With KEPServerEX version 6.2, core server components and top-tier driversincluding the Allen-Bradley Suite, Mitsubishi Suite, Omron Suite, and morehave been localized into simplified Chinese. "Localization into simplified Chinese presents new efficiencies for our customers here in Asia," said Jason Ye, Application Engineer, PTC. "Users in Mainland China, Singapore, and Taiwan can now navigate and interact with KEPServerEX more effectively, enabling more productive, streamlined, and safe operations as well as expanded integration. KEPServerEX is a truly global product, and this update is a testament to our commitment to supporting the needs of our global customers." KEPServerEX version 6.2 also includes the following: New TIA Portal Exporter Utility: Customers with Siemens S7-300, S7-400, S7-1200, and S7-1500 controllers that utilize the Siemens TIA Portal can now gain immediate access to theirdata. Used with the Siemens TCP/IP Ethernet driver, the TIA Portal Exporter Utility enables users to automatically generate the specific tags they need for their KEPServerEX projects.

Customers with Siemens S7-300, S7-400, S7-1200, and S7-1500 controllers that utilize the Siemens TIA Portal can now gain immediate access to theirdata. Used with the Siemens TCP/IP Ethernet driver, the TIA Portal Exporter Utility enables users to automatically generate the specific tags they need for their KEPServerEX projects. CODESYS Ethernet driver: KEPServerEX version 6.2 provides real-time read/write data access to devices running CODESYS V3. Customers with smart, connected operations using devices that run on CODESYS (a common PLC runtime and development environment) can now easily collect industrial data from disparate devices across their plant.

KEPServerEX version 6.2 provides real-time read/write data access to devices running CODESYS V3. Customers with smart, connected operations using devices that run on CODESYS (a common PLC runtime and development environment) can now easily collect industrial data from disparate devices across their plant. Enhanced ThingWorx integration: Customers utilizing KEPServerEX with ThingWorx can now quickly and easily find and utilize industrial data in augmented reality experiences, machine learning models, mashups, or other ThingWorx tools. In conjunction with ThingWorx 8, KEPServerEX version 6.2 contains new functionality that gives users easy access to all of their KEPServerEX data within ThingWorx Composer, the ability to quickly associate that data with new or existing things in the ThingModel, and the ability to view mapping and critical diagnostic information from the ThingWorx platform.

Customers utilizing KEPServerEX with ThingWorx can now quickly and easily find and utilize industrial data in augmented reality experiences, machine learning models, mashups, or other ThingWorx tools. In conjunction with ThingWorx 8, KEPServerEX version 6.2 contains new functionality that gives users easy access to all of their KEPServerEX data within ThingWorx Composer, the ability to quickly associate that data with new or existing things in the ThingModel, and the ability to view mapping and critical diagnostic information from the ThingWorx platform. Configuration API support for the EFM Exporter: Customers can now make programmatic changes to the EFM Exporter via third-party applications (such as SCADA, HMI, IoT applications, and simple web applications)enabling project standardization and simplification.



Additional Resources

Learn more about KEPServerEX version 6.2

Download a demo now

Contact a Kepware representative at +1 888-KEPWARE (537-9273) x208 or [email protected] About Kepware

@Kepware is a software development business of PTC Inc. located in Portland, Maine. Kepware provides a portfolio of software solutions to help businesses connect diverse automation devices and software applications and enable the Industrial Internet of Things. From plant floor to wellsite to windfarm, Kepware serves a wide range of customers in a variety of vertical markets including Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Building Automation, Power & Utilities, and more. Established in 1995 and now distributed in more than 100 countries, Kepware software solutions help thousands of businesses improve operations and decision making. Learn more at https://www.kepware.com/.

About PTC

PTC has the most robust Internet of Things technology in the world. In 1986 we revolutionized digital 3D design. Now our leading IoT and AR platform and field-proven solutions bring together the physical and digital worlds to reinvent the way you create, operate, and service products. With PTC, global manufacturers and an ecosystem of partners and developers can capitalize on the promise of the IoT today and drive the future of innovation.

PTC.com @PTC Blogs

Kepware, the Kepware logo, KEPServerEX and ThingWorx are trademarks or registered trademarks of PTC Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

Media Contact

Torey Penrod-Cambra

VP Marketing Programs

+1 (207) 775-1660

[email protected] SOURCE Kepware

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[July 05, 2017] Twenty-two additional global banks join the SWIFT gpi blockchain proof of concept

SYDNEY, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SWIFT announces today that 22 additional global banks have joined its blockchain proof of concept (PoC), designed to validate whether the technology can help banks reconcile their international nostro accounts in real time. The PoC is part of the SWIFT gpi (global payments innovation) service, the new standard for cross-border payments. The banks that have recently joined the PoC include: ABN AMRO Bank, ABSA Bank, Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, Banco Santander, China Construction Bank, China Minsheng Banking, Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, Erste Group Bank, FirstRand Bank, Intesa Sanpaolo, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Lloyds Bank, Mashreq bank, Nedbank, Rabobank, Societe Generale, Standard Bank of South Africa, Standard Chartered Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, UniCredit and Westpac Banking Corporation. These banks will test and validate the PoC's blockchain application, currently under development by SWIFT and a group of six founding banks that launched the PoC earlier in the year. Working independently of the founding banks, the 22 institutions will act as a validation group to further test the application and evaluate how the technology scales and performs. "Collaboration is the cornerstone of innovation," says Wim Raymaekers, Head of Banking Markets and SWIFT gpi at SWIFT. "This new group of banks allows us to greatly extend the scope of multi-lateral testing of the blockchain application and thus add considerable weight to the findings. We warmly welcome the new banks and look forward to their insights." Launched in January 2017, the PoC aims to help banks overcome significant challenges in monitoring and managing their international nostro accounts, which are crucial to the facilitation of cross-border payments. Currently, banks cannot monitor their account positions in real time due to lack of intraday reporting coverage. As such, the PoC recognises the need for banks to receive real-time liquidity data in order to manage funds throughout the business day. At its core, the PoC builds on the rulebook defined by SWIFT as part of the recently published intraday liquidity standard. "SWIFT's global payments innovation (gpi) studies continue to find ways to reduce time-consuming processes, as well as providing a superior experience for end customers. Combined with Westpac's other cross-border payment PoCs, this holds great promise for transformation across the entire international payments value chain," - Di Challenor, General Manager of Global Transaction Services, Westpac "The potential business benefits ensuing from the PoC are clear," says Damien Vanderveken, Head of R&D, SWIFTLab and UX at SWIFT. "If banks could manage their nostro account liquidity in real time, it would allow them to accurately gauge how much money is required in each account at any given point, ultimately enabling them to free up significant funds for other investments." In developing the PoC, SWIFT is leveraging the recently released Hyperledgeri Fabric v1.0 technology, and combining it with key SWIFT assets, to ensure that all the information related to nostro/vostro accounts is kept private and seen only by the account owner and its correspondent banking partner. The PoC application will use a private permissioned blockchain in a closed user group environment, with specific user profiles and strong data controls. User privileges and data access will also be strictly governed. Moving forward, the PoC blockchain application will undergo testing over the summer months, with the results scheduled to be published in September and presented at Sibos in Toronto in October. The PoC is being undertaken as part of SWIFT gpi, a new service that is revolutionising the cross-border payments industry by combining real-time payments tracking with the speed and certainty of same-day settlement for international payments. Since it became available in January 2017, 20 global transaction banks have begun actively using or implementing the SWIFT gpi service, with another 50 in the implementation pipeline. To learn more, visit swift.com/gpi.







i SWIFT is a founding and board member of the Hyperledger project.

About SWIFT SWIFT is a global member owned cooperative and the world's leading provider of secure financial messaging services. We provide our community with a platform for messaging and standards for communicating, and we offer products and services to facilitate access and integration, identification, analysis and regulatory compliance. Our messaging platform, products and services connect more than 11,000 banking and securities organisations, market infrastructures and corporate customers in more than 200 countries and territories. While SWIFT does not hold funds or manage accounts on behalf of customers, we enable our global community of users to communicate securely, exchanging standardised financial messages in a reliable way, thereby supporting global and local financial flows, as well as trade and commerce all around the world. As their trusted provider, we relentlessly pursue operational excellence; we support our community in addressing cyber threats; and we continually seek ways to lower costs, reduce risks and eliminate operational inefficiencies. Our products and services support our community's access and integration, business intelligence, reference data and financial crime compliance needs. SWIFT also brings the financial community together -- at global, regional and local levels -- to shape market practice, define standards and debate issues of mutual interest or concern. Headquartered in Belgium, SWIFT's international governance and oversight reinforces the neutral, global character of its cooperative structure. SWIFT's global office network ensures an active presence in all the major financial centres. For more information, visit www.swift.com or follow us on Twitter: @swiftcommunity and LinkedIn: SWIFT Contacts:

Chatsworth Communications

Tel: +44 (0)20 74409780

[email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20160127/8521600559Logo SOURCE S.W.I.F.T.SCRL

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[July 06, 2017] LegalRaasta Launches Free GST Filing and Accounting Software

NEW DELHI, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- With GST launched country-wide from 1st July 2017, LegalRaasta, a Delhi-based startup which is ASP registered with GSTN, has come up with a GST Software for businesses and CAs. The software will be free for the first six months and offers both GST accounting and filing solutions. The software has been designed to simplify the complicated aspects related to GST including HSN, credit notes, tax calculation etc. LegalRaasta GST return filing system supports all types of GSTR and reconciles buyers' and suppliers' data. "The software provides both accounting and return filing functionality. Users also have an option to do billing in their existing software/excel and import data to LegalRaasta GST filing solution. Moreover, the software is cloud-based, so it can be accessed from anywhere," said Himanshu Jain, Founder, LegalRaasta. The GST accounting software supports features such as creating invoice, purchases, expenses, debit/credit notes, HSN etc. The software automatically suggests HSN codes and corresponding taxes. It also supportsother documents mandated by GST such as e-way bill, delivery challan, advance payment receipts etc.



Eight million SMEs are expected to be registered under GST in India. GST software and services is expected to be a 15,000 Cr+ market. Many startups are geared to serving SMEs and accountants on GST. Like others, LegalRaasta is also working with a team of 150+ employees to serve SMEs on simplifying GST compliance. LegalRaasta not only offers GST software, but also GST registration and GST return filing services. They connect a user to a tax expert/CA to handle end-to-end GST needs. The company has also set up a 24x7 free helpline service where SMEs can get in touch with experts and resolve GST related queries.

LegalRaasta already has been offering tax solutions to 200,000+ clients. Along with taxation services, the company also assists businesses with company registration, ITR filing, ISO certification, Trademark, FSSAI, IEC & Loans . About LegalRaasta LegalRaasta was founded by Himanshu Jain along with his brother Pulkit Jain. LegalRaasta is a VC-backed startup which has raised $5 million in Series-A round of funding, primarily for building GST accounting and filing solutions. To know more, visit our website http://www.legalraasta.com. Media Contact:

Yash Rajput

Marketing Manager

LegalRaasta Technologies Private Limited

[email protected]

+91-9582515922





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[July 06, 2017] TUV Rheinland Wins Test Mark Infringement Suit against Burly Power

HONG KONG, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Shenzhen Baoan District People's Court recently issued a civil ruling, (2015) Shen Bao Fa Zhi Min Chu Zi No. 16), against Shenzhen Burly Power Limited (hereafter referred to as "Burly Power") in a mark infringement suit brought by TUV Rheinland. To protect the rights of consumers, TUV Rheinland has always taken a strong stance of zero tolerance against the manufacture and sale of poor-quality counterfeit products and the infringement of any intellectual property rights. TUV Rheinland also strives to protect and enhance its brand value as well as its credibility as a provider of independent testing, inspection and certification services. Exclusive rights to the TUV Rheinland test and certification marks are therefore vigorously defended to effectively protect the interests of customers who are authorized to use TUV Rhineland's test and certification marks. All infringements against our company's intellectual property are therefore investigated and we reserve the right to take further legal action. In 2013, Burly Power began to use the TUV Rheinland test marks for 20 products in 9 categories without testing and certification by TUV Rheinland. They sold these products through the online sales platforms www.made-in-china.com and www.gongchang.com with the fraudulent claims including "Passed TUV Rheinland certification" and "Passed GS certification". TUV Rheinland believed such behavior not only infringed on its right to exclusive use of the test mark but also caused harm to its business reputation and economic inerests. It represented malicious deception of consumers and disruption of socio-economic order and also violated the principles of fair competition. No action was taken by Burly Power despite repeated correspondence, so a test mark infringement suit was filed by TUV Rheinland with the Shenzhen Baoan District People's Court in Guangdong Province. In November 2016, the court ruled that Burly Power had engaged in mark infringement, also ordered Burly Power to immediately cease infringing on TUV Rhineland's right to exclusive use of registered test marks. Besides, Burly Power was ordered to pay TUV Rheinland RMB980,000 as compensation for economic losses.



Supporting Made in China 2025 The latest legal victory by TUV Rheinland will act as a strong fighting against test mark infringements and the illegal use of test marks in exporting counterfeit products. In addition to successfully protecting the legitimate rights of a business and its authorized customers, the action taken against counterfeiting represented direct support of the national "Clear Wind" operation established to protect the overseas image of Chinese manufacturing. It also made a contribution to creating a safe consumer environment and maintaining order in the import/export market. Now that "Made in China" is transforming into "Quality Made in China", and Chinese products are transforming into Chinese brands, Burly Power's use of fraudulent descriptions on an online platform selling Chinese products to the world damages the international reputation of Chinese manufacturing. The action taken by TUV Rheinland is of great importance in maintaining the reputation of Chinese manufacturing, ensuring the quality of Chinese exports, and the realization of "Made in China 2025".

As an internationally renowned provider of independent testing, inspection and certification services, TUV Rheinland has always been known for its commitment to quality, safety and integrity. Our brand value has therefore always been considered to be our most valuable intangible asset. TUV Rhineland's online certification database, www.Certipedia.com, enables the rapid verification of information provided by TUV Rheinland test marks. TUV Rheinland has strict rules governing the use of its trademark and testing/certification marks. Our rigorous brand identity monitoring measures include the establishment of a "Greater China Mark Surveillance" (GCMS) unit to investigate any improper usage and track counterfeit certificates/test reports. GCMS has on numerous occasions in recent years provided customers with export product risk management training. TUV Rhineland's sharing of experience in combating counterfeiting, raising awareness on intellectual property rights among export enterprises, and helping customers reduce infringement risks during the export process have won universal acclaim. In the future, TUV Rheinland will continue to actively take action against the unauthorized use of the logo and test marks in order to effectively protect our brand image as well as the legitimate rights of our company, customers and consumers. Simon Hung

Phone Number: +852-21921948

E-mail: [email protected] SOURCE TUV Rheinland

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Agendia's MammaPrint recommended by the 2017 St. Gallen International Breast Cancer Guidelines in significant update

Agendia, Inc., a world leader in personalized medicine and molecular cancer diagnostics, announces that the 15th St. Gallen International Breast Cancer Guidelines recently published in Annals of Oncology1 have recommended the MammaPrint 70-Gene Breast Cancer Risk-of-Recurrence Test for the third time to help guide treatment decision-making for patients with early-stage breast cancer.

The 2017 update expands the panel's consensus on MammaPrint to include its use as a prognostic tool to make treatment decisions for adjuvant (post-surgery) chemotherapy in patients with lymph-node positive breast cancer.

The biennial guidelines noted the MammaPrint test has now been evaluated in a prospective study. The results of the Microarray In Node-negative and 1 to 3 positive lymph node Disease may Avoid ChemoTherapy (MINDACT) clinical trial, published in August 2016,2 provided the prospective data that demonstrated patients with a MammaPrint "low risk result and a limited degree of lymph node involvement appear to have a good prognosis with or without chemotherapy." Only one other gene-expression test was recommended for guiding treatment decisions for lymph-node positive patients.

Lymph-node positive patients are often the most likely to be classified at high risk of their cancer recurring using clinical factors like age and tumor size. However, data from the MINDACT trial found that more than 60% of patients were reclassified as genomic Low Risk using MammaPrint, and did not show a significant benefit from chemotherapy.

With the new 2017 St. Gallen guidelines, MammaPrint continues to be recommended to guide adjuvant chemotherapy decisions in patients with tumors with no affected lymph nodes (lymph-node negative) and as a prognostic marker to aid treatment decisions in adjuvant endocrine (hormone) therapy in lymph-node negative patients.

Importantly, the updated St. Gallen guidelines also recommended changes from its prior guidance3 for the 21-gene recurrence score's cut-off to avoid chemotherapy, which was lowered from RS<25. In intermediate risk patients with a recurrence score from 12-24, it was suggested to consider adding adjuvant chemotherapy. Similarly, the AJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer) recently updated its 8th edition manual only recommending use of the recurrence score <11 as providing sufficient evidence to be included, which only accounts for approximately 16% of breast cancer patients.4

The St. Gallen panel, which was made up of 43 of the world's foremost breast cancer experts from 23 countries5 discussed and voted on a series of treatment recommendations for early breast cancer during an open session on the final day of the St. Gallen International Breast Cancer Conference, held in Vienna in March 2017.

Dr. William Audeh, Chief Medical Officer at Agendia, said: "It is very encouraging to see MammaPrint not only included in these prestigious guidelines for a third time, but to see the MammaPrint recommendation expanded to become one of only two gene-expression tests recommended for making treatment decisions for patients with positive lymph-node involvement.

"The landmark MINDACT trial provided the highest possible level of clinical evidence to support the clinical utility of MammaPrint, and the St. Gallen Consensus marks the third set of guidelines this year to recommend the test based on this unique data."

MammaPrint has been recently recognized as being spported by level 1A clinical evidence by the German Gynecological Oncology Group (AGO) in Germany, the European Group on Tumor Markers (EGTM), and is also recommended for use in other important best-practice guidelines including those of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO).







1 Curigliano G, Burnstein H, Winer E et al. De-escalating and Escalating Treatments for Early Stage Breast Cancer: The St. Gallen International Expert Consensus Conference on the Primary Therapy of Early Breast Cancer 2017. Ann Oncol 2017 mdx308.

2 Cardoso F, van't Veer LJ, Bogaerts J et al. 70-Gene Signature as an Aid to Treatment Decisions in Early-Stage Breast Cancer. N Engl J Med 2016; 375: 717-29.

3 Goldhirsch A, Winer E P, Coates A S, et al. Personalizing the treatment of women with early breast cancer: highlights of the St Gallen International Expert Consensus on the Primary Therapy of Early Breast Cancer 2013. Ann Oncol 2013; 24 (9): 2206-2223.

4 American Joint Committee on Cancer 2017. M.B.Amin et al. (eds.) AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, 8th Edition.

5 Gnant M, Harbeck N, Thomssen C. St. Gallen/Vienna 2017: A Brief Summary of the Consensus Discussion about Escalation and De-Escalation of Primary Breast Cancer Treatment. Breast Care 2017;12:102-107.

- Ends -

About MammaPrint

MammaPrint is an 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. MammaPrint is cleared by the US FDA and 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/20170706005434/en/
[July 06, 2017] Salesforce Research Reveals Customer Retention and Artificial Intelligence Dominate Priorities of Asian Companies

SINGAPORE, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Salesforce, the global leader in CRM, today unveiled findings from Innovation: All Eyes on Asia, a research report on how businesses in Asia view innovation. The study gathered responses from key business and IT decision makers across eight countries in Asia. Key findings: 70% said customer retention is their key priority for the next 12 to 24 months and more than half (53%) are likely to adopt new innovation to achieve this goal.

Asia (77%) is being viewed as the region to lead innovation globally in the next five years, with America at a close second (64%).

(77%) is being viewed as the region to lead innovation globally in the next five years, with America at a close second (64%). Japan , Korea and China are the top three Asian countries seen to be driving the trajectory. Asian companies likely to invest in innovation to boost customer retention In Asia, innovation is seen as the process of creating new and novel solutions to fulfil unmet customer needs. Asian businesses prioritize innovation that empowers them to retain their customers (70%) and more than half (53%) are likely to adopt innovation that achieves this goal. Companies in India (93%), Singapore (88%), Philippines (88%) and Malaysia (82%) are most likely to invest in technology to boost customer retention. Technology is viewed as a valuable tool in accelerating productivity (62%) and providing better customer support (38%). These findings underscore a focus on customer centricity that is driving the trajectory to innovation in Asia. Asian companies rank Enterprise Apps, CRM, Cloud Computing and Artificial Intelligence as top innovation priorities Enterprise Apps (83%), Cloud Computing (82%) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) are the top three strategic investment priorities for Asian businesses. Additionally, when presented with capabilities of a CRM platform powered by artificial intelligence (A.I.), 78% say they are likely to adopt. Singapore businesses find the concept appealing (84%) and relevant (76%) but only 68% are likely to adopt. India (90%), Indonesia (83%), Vietnam (85%), Philippines (84%) and Thailand (84%) are most likely to adopt while Hong Kong is least likely to (63%). Culture Multiplies Innovation The positive impact of a culture that empowers employees to be innovative is evident in the 77% who agree that innovation has transformed their cmpany operations favourably, with 80% of this group prioritizing innovation within their organization in the next 12 to 24 months. This group of Asian companies are more likely to invest in technology regardless of economic outlook and 79% said they will increase their technology spend even in an underperforming economy where 84% of them view technology as a long term revenue driver.



Knowledge gap hindering pace of innovation Costs, complexity of technology and lack of talent are the three key hurdles that are holding Asian companies back from adopting innovation. One in three Asian companies believe that future innovation will be driven by public-private partnerships.

Comments on the News "This research shines a spotlight on the innovation landscape in Asia and reaffirms our vision for customer-centricity. The mobile-first culture of immediacy has its roots here in Asia and shapes the new business imperative for Asian companies," said Robert Wickham , Regional Vice President, Innovation & Digital Transformation, APAC, Salesforce. "The appetite for artificial intelligence by Asian companies is continuing to grow. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is upon us, and companies that harness the predictive prowess of A.I. are well-placed to address challenges in this dynamic region."

and reaffirms our vision for customer-centricity. The mobile-first culture of immediacy has its roots here in and shapes the new business imperative for Asian companies," said , Regional Vice President, Innovation & Digital Transformation, APAC, Salesforce. "The appetite for artificial intelligence by Asian companies is continuing to grow. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is upon us, and companies that harness the predictive prowess of A.I. are well-placed to address challenges in this dynamic region." "This report is insightful and we are encouraged by how aligned we are with our customers here in Asia . Placing customers at the center of our business has been the driving force at Fonterra and we are even more inspired now to continue our journey with Salesforce in building a customer-first experience," said Caitlin Nguyen , Global Digital and CRM Lead, Fonterra. Connect with Salesforce Like Salesforce on Facebook at http://facebook.com/salesforce.

Follow @salesforceapac on Twitter.

Learn to Get In the Zone with Innovation Basics and how to innovate with the Aloha spirit on Trailhead. 1 Respondents are presented with the following statement and asked (1) if the concept is appealing, (2) if the product is relevant to them and (3) if they are likely to adopt. Imagine there is an artificial intelligence powered CRM platform that allows companies to connect with their customers and prospects in an innovative way. The key features of the platform will enable companies to: capture real-time customer signals (e.g. customer's support request)

analyze every customer data point across multiple sources

predict the best next sales, marketing, or service interaction for each customer

automate everything from routine tasks to real-time customer engagement RESEARCH METHODOLOGY To understand how innovation is perceived by Asia's movers and shakers within the IT field, Salesforce commissioned YouGov in December 2016 to conduct a survey among 707 respondents across eight countries/regions of Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam in the region. A soft quota of 50/50 was set to enrol an even split of CTOs, CIOs and IT decision makers from general businesses and enterprises within the sample; all 707 respondents were recruited via YouGov's proprietary panel and surveyed over a week-long period between 21-28 December 2016. The survey asked questions about the respondents' perceptions of innovation, as well as their attitudes and behaviours towards adoption of innovative technologies. The findings compiled from the study were instrumental towards the development of a clearer view as to how innovation is viewed in Asia. About Salesforce Salesforce, the Customer Success Platform and world's #1 CRM, empowers companies to connect with their customers in a whole new way. For more information about Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), visit: www.salesforce.com. Media Contact

Hongda Tee / Dinda Citrini

Hypertext for Salesforce

[email protected]

T: +65-9487-4310 / +65-8124-6742 SOURCE Salesforce

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[July 06, 2017] 200,000 Ontarians already actively using new Carrot Rewards wellness app

Popular Carrot app  a unique public engagement platform for the Ontario government TORONTO, July 6, 2017 /CNW/ - Just a year after launching and less than three months after becoming available in Ontario, the Carrot Rewards app is proving to be a true game-changer for public policy promoters. More than 1 per cent of all Canadians and more than 200,000 Ontarians are already actively using Carrot as their daily wellness guide. The free app is proving to be a simple, effective and engaging method that aims to influence public behaviour in important areas like health and wellness, financial literacy and environmental literacy. By harnessing two of our most intense social habits -- our attachment to smart phones and our deep love of loyalty points  the app constantly rewards Canadians with their favourite points, including frequent flyer miles, movie points, grocery points and gas points, nudging us daily towards living healthier lives. Users earn points just for downloading it; they earn more points each time they refer a friend to it; and they then earn points just for learning from it (through informative quizzes or videos), as well as allowing it to track their daily steps and for achieving peronalized step goals each day.



Led by Toronto-based Carrot Insights, the app was co-created through a multi-sectoral partnership with national charities including the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Diabetes Canada and YMCA, and select loyalty partners SCENE, Aeroplan, Petro Points, Drop, and More Rewards. It is supported with funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the British Columbia Ministry of Health, with involvement of the BC Alliance for Healthy Living Society. It was launched in March 2016 in British Columbia, where more than 3 per cent of residents use it every day. Shortly after, Carrot launched in Newfoundland and Labrador, with an even more remarkable public participation rate of 5 per cent. And recently, it was made available in Ontario, where the total population of users has already reached 200,000 (fully 1.5 per cent of this province's population). "We are proud to be touching so many lives in our home province, so quickly," says Andreas Souvaliotis, Founder & CEO of Carrot Insights. "Ontarians are embracing Carrot even faster than we've seen elsewhere -- and the impact, in terms of potential behaviour change, is truly remarkable. We are inspiring so many of our fellow citizens to be more physically active and to learn so much more about their health and wellness."

"Ontario is happy to support the Carrot Rewards app," says Dr. Eric Hoskins, Ontario's Health Minister. "It's an innovative platform that encourages people to be active and eat healthy. Our government is committed to help Ontarians manage their own health through the use of new, user-friendly digital tools like this one." The Public Health Agency of Canada is contributing to the creation of the platform and the initial download and referral rewards while each participating province contributes to the rewards provided for its residents. The Carrot app is available for free download from the App Store on iPhone and Apple Watch and Google Play Store on Android, For more information, visit www.carrotrewards.ca. SOURCE Carrot Insights

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[July 06, 2017] Christmas In July? Cheapflights.com Rolls Out Savvy Shoppers' Guide To When To Snag Holiday Flight Deals

BOSTON, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- If booking winter holiday travel isn't on your summer to-do list, perhaps it should be. That's because we are entering the sweet spot for finding the lowest airfare to our favorite holiday destinations. The travel experts at Cheapflights.com, the leader in finding and publishing online travel deals, have looked at the data and discovered that the window for booking affordable holiday flights is now open and runs until mid-September. We've run the numbers and have created a guide to when, on average, to find the best fares to the 20 most popular destinations for Christmas week. For those who already know where they want to be for the holidays, Cheapflights' Guide to when to book the most popular flights for Christmas week serves up valuable insider information about the optimal time to find the best fares. The guide also offers some insights into where Americans head during the holidays and can help those who are more flexible with tips on saving and guidance for timing on a mix of possible destinations. This week, savvy travelers should be looking to book year-end travel to the ever-popular Las Vegas, while the week of July 16 (23 weeks before the holidays) is prime time for finding deals on holiday flights to Atlanta and Denver. For Christmastime in Mexico City and Guadalajara, look to buy in the last two weeks of July, while flights to Florida's top spots are best booked in the week of September 17 (14 weeks ahead of the holidays), with the exception of Orlando, which should be booked the week of August 6. For those planning a winter holiday break, here's when our data* shows that you'll find the best airfares, on average, for Christmas week to the 10 most popular destinations: Week of July 2 (25 weeks before Christmas) Las Vegas, Nevada Week of July 16 (23 weeks before hristmas)



Atlanta, Georgia

Mexico City, Mexico Week of August 6 (20 weeks before Christmas) Orlando, Florida Week of August 13 (19 weeks before Christmas)

Dallas, Texas Week of August 27 (17 weeks before Christmas) San Juan, Puerto Rico Week of September 3 (16 weeks before Christmas) Los Angeles, California Week of September 17 (14 weeks before Christmas) Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Miami, Florida Week of September 24 (13 weeks before Christmas) New York, New York For more details on planning travel for less to the top 20 holiday hotspots, check out The holidays are coming: A guide to when to book the most popular flights for Christmas week at www.cheapflights.com/news/best-time-to-book-flights-for-christmas. * This data is based on averages from departure points across the U.S. and is intended as a guideline only. About Cheapflights.com, part of the Momondo Group

Founded in 1996, Cheapflights is a leading global flight comparison and deals publishing platform. It is now a market leader in the UK, U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand generating over $3 billion in global downstream revenue for its partners as it expands into numerous other territories. More than 120 million users visit its websites and apps each year, receiving more than two billion search results a month from across 900,000 routes. The 10 million strong opt-in subscribers to the Cheapflights newsletter receive the best deals from over 120 travel businesses  for whom it has driven more than $65 million in revenue this year. Together, the Cheapflights platforms generate enough bookings for its partners to fill a Boeing 747 every five minutes. In 2011, Cheapflights became part of the privately owned online travel search and inspiration network, Momondo Group. Follow us on:

Twitter: twitter.com/cheapflights

Facebook: facebook.com/cheapflights

Instagram: instagram.com/cheapflights

Pinterest: pinterest.com/cheapflights Website: www.cheapflights.com To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/christmas-in-july-cheapflightscom-rolls-out-savvy-shoppers-guide-to-when-to-snag-holiday-flight-deals-300484230.html SOURCE Cheapflights.com

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[July 06, 2017]

Salesforce Executive to Participate in Upcoming Investor Event

SAN FRANCISCO, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), the global leader in CRM, today announced that Mark Hawkins, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, will participate in an RBC Capital Markets hosted bus tour on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at 3:30 p.m. (PT) / 6:30 p.m. (ET) in San Francisco, CA.

An audiocast will be available on Salesforce's website at www.salesforce.com/investor.







About Salesforce

Salesforce, the global leader in CRM, empowers companies to connect with their customers in a whole new way. Salesforce has headquarters in San Francisco, with offices in Europe and Asia, and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "CRM." For more information about Salesforce, visit: www.salesforce.com.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/salesforce-executive-to-participate-in-upcoming-investor-event-300484334.html

SOURCE Salesforce
Indiana soldier reflects on Veterans Day from Kosovo

Sgt. Chris Griesinger is among about 300 Indiana National Guard members who deployed to Kosovo from Camp Atterbury, which is south of Indianapolis.
Amgen stock hits high on earnings, prospects of obesity drug In one of the worst years for the stock market since the 2008 financial crisis, Thousand Oaksbased Amgen is showing no signs of weakness. As of Wednesdays market close, the...

Council approves rules to limit self-storage growth Future self-storage facilities in the city of Thousand Oaks will be excluded from prime commercial areas, according to a new ordinance adopted by the City Council this month. In a...

Dealership does Distinguished thing SPECIAL TRIPChildren from Boys & Girls clubs in Camarillo, Simi Valley and Moorpark, and Oxnard and Port Hueneme attended Misty Copelands Oct. 18 appearance in the Distinguished Speaker Series at...
Northeast News: "Its high time that worthless social experiment called NoVA is disbanded. Thats over 150 sworn officers that can be making a difference on the streets of this Cowtown instead of being used as tools by the prosecutor and her cronies . . . Remember what Mean Jean said on the rollout of NoVA, that it would be at least a year before any cognitive results could be shown. That year has come and gone many times and the results are as abysmal as they ever were . . ."

Amid a historic murder spike, this week one of the best community newspapers offers solutions beyond rhetoric or rage.But rather than delve into weak sociology or rhetorical excuses for so much local murder, the editorial offers a practical solution.Checkit:As the deadly Summer moves forward, locals need to hold elected officials accountable for their promises and this might be the best place to start.You decide . . .
A federal magistrate judge has denied a request by Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach (R) to reconsider sanctions against him. U.S. Judge James P. O'Hara fined Kobach $1,000 in June for making "patently misleading representations" to the court regarding the contents of documents he was photographed holding when he met with Donald Trump last year.
Kansas City Big Money Medicine

Report: KC-area docs who were paid the most by drug, device companies - Kansas City Business Journal Last year, drug and device companies paid $8.18 billion to physicians, according to the most recent data published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' Open Payments program. Kansas and Missouri contributed to the total.

Hand It To KCMO Fireworks

Amputated hand among injuries caused by fireworks in Kansas City area More than 90 people were treated for fireworks-related injuries - including an amputated hand and 40 percent burns over a patient's body - at Kansas City-area hospitals this July Fourth holiday. HCA Midwest treated more than 55 fireworks-related injuries, according to Christine Hamele, a spokeswoman for the health system.

Kansas City WayBack B-Ball

Do you remember the Kansas City Kings? KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The land of the Royals and Chiefs once housed Kings. In 1972, the Cincinnati Royals became the Kansas City - Omaha Kings. The Kings played their final game in Kansas City on May 14, 1985. Watch the video above for more about the Kansas City Kings.

Drunken Suspect Lady Captured

Woman charged after allegedly driving drunk the wrong way down I-35 with 2-year-old child in car LIBERTY, Mo. -- A woman has been charged in Clay County after allegedly driving the wrong way down the interstate while intoxicated with her child in the vehicle in the early morning hours on the 4th of July.

Show-Me Box Store Danger

Walmart shopper cut by razor blade embedded in cart FESTUS, Mo. - A Missouri woman was cut on Sunday by a razor blade hidden under the handle of her shopping cart at Walmart. "It bled a little tiny bit so I went to the doctor and they drew blood and I'll have to go back in six months again" Michelle Patterson told Fox2Now.

Hack Headline Of The Day

A New Kansas Museum Dares To Showcase Daredevil Evel Knievel Half a century ago war, protests, and political scandal rocked the United States. Sound familiar? But, out of all that a small-time hoodlum from Butte, Montana rocketed into national prominence, on a motorbike. Evel Knievel's career took off like a rocket, but crashed even faster. Now a new museum celebrates all that is Evel.

Cowtown After All

KCK police help wrangle stray cattle Wednesday morning Kansas City, Kansas, police helped round up cattle on the loose Wednesday morning. Police were called to the 6800 block of Cernech Road, and helped steer the animals off the road. Check out the pictures posted on Instagram.

Hottieis teaching the world about body acceptance and cultural norms in her work while we focus on the top Kansas City news links tonight. Take a peek:And this is thefor right now . . .
KCTV5: "While her family won't say who they are suing, dashcam video that shows a North Kansas City police officer stopping Anderson hours before her death may play a role in their case."

Another reminder of Kansas City fighting even after fatal tragedy . . .The mom has criticized police who pulled her over but didn't arrest her for having coke and other drugs in her system according to authorities . . .No word if her dealer confronts charges . . .Meanwhile, the local homicide count persists . . .Developing . . .
Power Players Inside The Loop

Nominations Open for Downtown KC Awards The Downtown Council has opened nominations for its two annual awards, the Urban Hero Award and the J. Philip Kirk Award. Your input is essential in identifying the most qualified candidates for these honors, which will be presented at the next DTC Annual Luncheon in January 2018.

Classy Kansas City

Big Boost In Attendance For Heart Of America Shakespeare Festival's 'Hamlet' Back in William Shakespeare's day, outdoor theaters like the Globe in London could accommodate about 3,000 people. More than 400 years later in Kansas City, crowds in June and July hauled blankets and lawn chairs to pack into Southmoreland Park for the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival's production of Hamlet.

Johnson County Tax Scam

New phone scam cheats Lenexa woman out of nearly $10,000 A new phone scam has reached the metro and has cost a Lenexa woman nearly $10,000. Lenexa police say the scammer claimed to be from the United States government. The scammer was a man, who told the woman she was eligible for a free grant because she is a loyal, tax-paying citizen.

Kangroo Judge Stays Winning

Zel Fischer will become chief justice of Missouri Supreme Court - Kansas City Business Journal Zel Fischer, a native of northwest Missouri, will become Missouri's next chief justice on Saturday, taking over from Judge Patricia Breckenridge, who remains on the high court. Fischer's term as chief will run through June 2019. Fischer grew up in Watson and attended the Rock Port public schools.

Captive Cruelty In Kansas City

Take a look inside Berlin the polar bear's exhibit KANSAS CITY, Mo. - 41 Action News got an exclusive look to see what happens behind the scenes at the Kansas City Zoo. Meteorologist Lindsey Anderson learned all about the polar bear Berlin's daily routine and how every move is catered to what Berlin wants.

Nobody Is Doing This

Why are teens snorting chocolate? Teens snorting chocolate may be the new way for them to get a rush.

Amazing Local Building Season Pix

Overland Park KS - Metcalf Avenue 80 Construction - Photoblog Overland Park KS - Metcalf Avenue 80 Construction; this is the site of the old White Haven Motor Lodge. After the old motel was demolished, this mixed-use residential and commercial site plan got underway.

Hottiestarts our glimpse at all the important Kansas City links right now as she offers a look at hot-ass Summer fashions.Checkit:And this is thefor right now . . .
CHECK MAYOR SLY TAKING ON MISSOURI GUV GREITENS IN THIS EPIC BLOG POST IN DEFENSE OF KANSAS CITY'S ARTS COMMUNITY!!!

"Our city is proud of its creative capacity and weve made a name for ourselves because of it.





"Thats why I found Governor Greitens recent comments, attacking dancers and art students in his letter vetoing funds dedicated to the University of Missouri  Kansas Citys proposed downtown conservatory, short-sighted.





"I agree with the 117 House members and 28 Senators in Jefferson City, nearly 75% of the state legislature, who voted for this project. And of course, the Governor is fit to make decisions as hed like  but that doesnt explain his suggestion that state funding approved to match $48M in private funds was somehow wrong for Missouri. And, he certainly didnt need to create some political excuse that included dancers and art students. The students of the Conservatory didnt pass the legislation he vetoed. And they are at the heart of what makes Kansas City a national hub for the arts.





"The Governor went on to say, with my veto today, we are changing the way business is done in Missouri. I agree. Here in Kansas City, our arts and culture landscape not only provides Kansas Citians with an excellent quality of life but also serve as an economic driver in our community  employing thousands of people and attracting thousands of tourists.





"In 2015, the arts added an astounding 7,515 jobs to our local economy. It also added $7.9 million in revenue to our local government and $10.9 million in revenue to the state government. I dont hear the Governor saying he doesnt want the revenue our arts community creates for the state.





"If the Governor thinks politicians are addicted to spending taxpayer money and cites the arts as a an example of the problem  - then may the taxpayers of Kansas City have that $10,900,000 back, please?





"Locally, in 2016, the arts and culture nonprofit industry accounted for an estimated $224 million in economic activity. In Missouri, non-profit arts and culture organizations generate $1.1 billion in economic activity each year.





"Im proud that Kansas City honors and celebrates its dancers and art students and painters, violinists, actors, designers, and other creatives. The arts are vital to our citys collective personality and history and we must support this industry if we wish to remain a world-class city that welcomes and encourages everyone to pursue his or her passion."

This morning we must consider the eternal Kansas City debate betwixt arts and commerce that defines so much of the struggle and divide betwixt local politicos and their counterparts in Jeff City.To wit . . .Despite our criticism of the Mayor, we must admit that his is correct that the arts in Kansas City is what separates this town from the Missouri rural wasteland wherein walnut bowls provide the only outlet for expression.Yet, the "tourist defense" of Kansas City cash has worn thin for many fiscal hawks.With the acknowledgement that our bias leans toward support of Kansas City creative types and our UMKC alma mater. Here's the perspective from Mayor Sly:Mayor Sly Money line . . .You decide . . .
Dorota Kobielas and Hugh Welchmans Loving Vincent, the first film in movie history to have been painted entirely by hand, will be making its Greek premiere at the Melijazz festival in Leonidio, Arkadia in Peloponnese. Each of the films 65,000 frames were first shot like any other feature film, and were then transformed into a painting painted by the hands of 125 professional painters who traveled from all over the world to asssist in the production of Loving Vincent at three Studios in Poland and Greece.

Leonidios Melijazz Festival takes place in Leonidio, Arkadia, for 12 straight years, and is considered to be one of the Peloponneses most important cultural institutions. The theme of this years festival, held July 5-9, is the visual arts and their interaction with the movies. This year, all the festivals parallel events are based on Loving Vincent. Through paintings and workshops for children, Melijazz will endeavour to bridge the work of Vincent Van Gogh and of prominent Leonidio painter Nestoras Varveris, who was forgotten after his death.

You can watch the trailer for Loving Vincent here.

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

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: 9gFw_1Vou2CkwQ at Google Cultural Institute License: CC-BY-SA

Source: int.ert.gr
Based on final data by the Bank of Greece, the balance of travel services posted a surplus of 86 million in the period January-March 2017, up 13.0% from a surplus of 76 million in January-March 2016. This development is attributed to the fact that the decline in travel receipts by 9.2% or 50 million was more than offset by a 12.9% decrease in travel payments (down 60 million). The decrease in travel receipts in January-March 2017 over the same period of 2016 was driven by a drop in average expenditure per trip by 16 or 5.2% (January-March 2017: 299, January-March 2016: 315), as well as by a 4.2% drop in the number of non-resident inbound visitors.

Specifically, expenditure per overnight stay declined by 1.9% (January-March 2017: 54, January-March 2016: 55), while the average length of stay fell by 3.4% year-on-year to 5.5 nights (January-March 2016: 5.7 nights). he number of overnight stays decreased by 7.4% to 9,057 thousand in January-March 2017, from 9,786 thousand in the same period of 2016.

Travel receipts

In January-March 2017, travel receipts totalled 489 million, down 9.2% relative to the same period of 2016. This development was driven mainly by a 14.3% decrease in receipts from outside the EU28, which came to 214 million or 43.7% of total travel receipts, and by a drop in receipts from residents of the EU28 (down 3.2% to 267 million).

In particular, receipts from euro area residents increased by 12.0% year-on-year to 180 million, while receipts from residents of non-euro area EU28 countries fell, by 24.3% to 87 million.

Among major countries of origin, receipts from Germany rose by 10.1% to 57 million, while receipts from France dropped by 6.2% to 15 million. Receipts from the United Kingdom also decreased, by 33.8% to 34 million. Turning to non-EU28 countries, receipts from Russia increased by 10.7% to 14 million, while those from the United States also rose, by 3.3% to 52 million.

Travel receipts by trip purpose

Looking at the breakdown of non-resident expenditure in Greece by trip purpose, trips for personal reasons accounted for the bulk of receipts in January-March 2017, with a share of 72.3% in total expenditure, up from 71.6% in the same period of 2016, even though the corresponding receipts declined by 8.3%. Within this category, leisure accounted for the largest share of total expenditure (January-March 2017: 43.1%, January-March 2016: 42.0%), despite a fall in corresponding receipts by 6.8% to 211 million. Trips for the purpose of visiting family, with a share of 15.6% in total expenditure, showed a decline of 8.7% in corresponding receipts. Receipts from trips for health purposes increased by 136.8% to 11 million. Finally, receipts from business trips fell by 11.6%, reducing their share in total receipts (January-March 2017: 27.7%, January-March 2016: 28.4%).

Inbound traveller flows

As already mentioned, the number of inbound visitors in January-March 2017 decreased by 4.2% to 1,637 thousand, from 1,710 thousand in the same period of 2016. Specifically, visitor flows through airports increased by 11.7%, while visitor flows through road border-crossing points declined by 15.9%. Visitors from within the EU28 accounted for 58.4% of the total number of visitors and visitors from outside the EU28 for 38.9% (1). In January-March 2017, visitors from the EU-28 increased by 3.3% relative to the same period of 2016. This development is attributable to an increase in the number of visitors from euro area countries by 23.2% to 453 thousand, as visitors from the non-euro area EU28 countries decreased by 9.9% to 503 thousand. The number of visitors from non-EU28 countries fell by 8.4% to 637 thousand.

In particular, visitors from Germany increased by 31.6% to 155 thousand, while visitors from France decreased by 29.3% to 29 thousand. Visitors from the United Kingdom also decreased, by 14.9%, to 91 thousand. Finally, turning to non-EU28 countries, the number of visitors from Russia rose by 23.6% to 25 thousand and the number of visitors from the United States also rose, by 32.4% to 81 thousand.

Overnight stays

In the period January-March 2017, overnight stays in Greece totalled 9,057 thousand, down by 7.4% from 9,786 thousand in January-March 2016. This was driven by a 14.3% decrease in nights spent by residents of non-EU28 countries, as well as by a 4.1% decline of in nights spent by residents of the EU28. The decrease in overnight stays by residents of the EU28 is attributed to a 23.9% decline in nights spent by residents of non-euro area EU28 countries, as nights spent by residents of the euro area increased by 9.4%. Overnight stays by German residents increased by 32.2%, while those by French and UK residents fell by 49.3% and 20.8%, respectively. Turning to non-EU28 countries, overnight stays by Russian residents decreased by 47.3% and those by US residents by 0.9%.

Cruises

Since 2012, the Bank of Greece conducts a cruise-specific survey (Cruise Survey) in order to enrich the data collected through its Border Survey (3). Following a standardised methodology, detailed cruise data for the period January-March 2017 were collected from 16 Greek ports, covering 85.9% of all cruise ship arrivals.

The period under review saw 92 cruise ship arrivals (January-March 2016: 150) and 82 thousand cruise passenger visits (January-March 2016: 189 thousand). According to this survey, 86.0% of all cruise passengers were transit visitors, with an average of 1.7 stopovers at Greek ports of call (down from 2.1 stopovers in January-March 2016).

In January-March 2017, total receipts from cruise passengers fell by 36.0% relative the same period of 2016, to 9 million. Of this amount, 1 million was already captured in the Border Survey data, as it represents receipts from visitors leaving the country through Greek last ports, while the remaining 8 million concern additional receipts data recorded by the Cruise Survey.

Chart 7 shows a breakdown of cruise receipts by port. The port of Piraeus ranks first with a share of 64.1% in total cruise receipts, followed by the port of Heraklion with 8.4% and the port of Katakolon with 7.6%. The seven most important cruise ship ports together account for 95.7% of total cruise receipts and 92.2% of total cruise passenger visits.

In the period under review, total overnight stays ashore increased by 92.7% to 108 thousand, while the total number of cruise visitors fell by 48.1% year-on-year to an estimated 48 thousand, with a negative impact on cruise receipts.

Balance of travel services by region

As shown by the Border Survey, travel receipts in the period January-March 2017 amounted to 481 million. Five regions accounted for the bulk (85.3%) of total receipts (able 8), namely: Attica (253 million), Central Macedonia (98 million), Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (22 million), the Southern Aegean (20 million) and the Peloponnese (18 million). The remaining regions (Epirus, Central Greece, Crete, Western Greece, Thessaly, the Ionian Islands, the Northern Aegean and Western Macedonia) together accounted for 71 million.

Visits to Greece (all 13 regions combined) in January-March 2017, totalled 1,792 thousand. The number of visits exceeds the number of inbound visitors, as travellers may visit more than one region in the course of one trip.

The five most popular regional destinations, accounting for 85.5% of total visits, were: Attica (692 thousand visits), Central Macedonia (532 thousand), Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (168 thousand), Epirus (91 thousand) and the Southern Aegean (50 thousand). The remaining regions (Central Greece, Western Greece, the Peloponnese, Thessaly, Western Macedonia, Crete, the Ionian Islands and the Northern Aegean) together accounted for 259 thousand visits.

Overnight stays in Greece in the period under review totalled 8,976 thousand. According to the breakdown into the 13 regions, six regions accounted for 87.0% of total overnight stays, namely: Attica (4,230 thousand nights), Central Macedonia (2,268 thousand), Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (397 thousand), the Southern Aegean (313 thousand), the Peloponnese (304 thousand) and Crete (299 thousand). The remaining regions (Central Greece, Epirus, Western Greece, the Northern Aegean, Thessaly, the Ionian Islands and Western Macedonia) together accounted for 1,165 thousand overnight stays.

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

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: Dimboukas License: CC-BY-SA
ATHENS  The exhibition from the Onassis Cultural Center New York, which moved and charmed public and critics alike, is coming to Greece! A narrative exhibition which sheds light on the unseen world of emotions inthe personal, social and political life of antiquity.

Greeces top museum and one of the most important in the world, the Acropolis Museum joins forces with the Onassis Foundation, an organization which has been contributing to Culture and Education for 42 years, in a rare and significant partnership. The end result is co-staging in Athens the motions exhibition, which scored such a huge success at the Onassis Cultural Center, New York.

Exhibits from the worlds greatest museums tell stories of emotions in ancient Greek art through the gaze of the Acropolis Museum. As the Museums President, Professor Dimitris Pantermalis, explains: This is an unusual archaeological exhibition which focuses on the portrayal of the ethos of the soul in 129 ancient art-works. Using surprisingly simple but powerful means, the ancient artists depicted bright emotions like desire, love, lust and shame, but also dark passions like madness, fury, revenge and heartbreak.

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

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: Hromoslav License: CC-BY-SA

Source: thenationalherald.com
Ferrovie, Italy's state railway company, is set to sign deal worth 1.2 billion ($1.36 billion) with the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways (IRIR), a report said.



The memorandum of understanding (MoU) which involves the constructing QomArak high speed railway line in Iran is to be signed in Tehran on July 11, Iran Daily reported, citing Irna.



The contract includes building the infrastructure as well as supplying high-speed trains for Iran. The Italian company will also be responsible for holding technical courses for IRIR personnel.


Azerbaijan has emerged as a hot ticket destination for Arab visitors because of its culture - the halal food, the hospitable people, the music, history and deep diversity  features that have served to build the influx of Arab tourists.



Gabala, a mountainous, wooded region of Azerbaijan and a paradise for nature lovers, has similarly come to be a popular summer and winter getaway for the royal households of the Gulf area.



Apart from escaping the sweltering desert summers, Arabs can also take advantage of the religious similarities that have Azerbaijan catering to devout Muslim travellers  with points of worship that are easily accessible, areas where men and women have separate swimming pools, and beach areas where alcohol is not served.



Azerbaijan is counting on its safety and security, closeness to the Middle East, the similarity of culture, nature, the Caspian coast, and its rich diverse cultural heritage to attract more visitors.



The fundamental thing a tourist searches for when deciding on a destination is peace and safety. Only then do they look towards the service, quality, and price, said Rashid AL Noori, chairman of the Representative Office of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Azerbaijan in GCC. "It is this proven safety and peace in Azerbaijan that has contributed positively to how visitors perceive the country. Aside from the safety, we have conducted many workshops, roadshows and seminars for GCC travel agents and media people to get them better acquainted with what Azerbaijan has to offer the Arab traveller."



Data from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism showed the number of tourists visiting Azerbaijan increased by 24.9 per cent in the early six months of the year. According to the minister, Abulfas Garayev, the country received 844,000 foreign visitors in the first half of 2017.



The Islamic Solidarity Games and The Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe held from May 12 to 22 and June 23 to 25 respectively, in Baku, contributed massively to the growth of the number of Arab tourists who visited Azerbaijan.



While Russians and Iranian tourists continue to top the list of visitors to Azerbaijan, most of them are tempted by cheaper all-inclusive packages. The biggest percentage jump was seen in the number of high-profile, high-spending tourists from the Arab countries.



So far, the country expects to continue welcoming more Arab visitors especially from UAE and Saudi Arabia until the end of summer. - TradeArabia News Service
Will Canada Get Its Own Audit Trail?

Will Canada Get Its Own Audit Trail?

By John DAntona Jr.

Some say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery  and that might be the case in Canada as its leading regulator is considering building its own audit trail system.

Thats right, the beginnings of a Canadian CAT.

The Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) has recently put forth a proposal which would require legal entity identifiers (LEIs) for orders so that the SRO (and other regional regulators) can better understand market structure and track participant behavior. The plan has been issued with a six-month comment period.

According to IIROC, the goal of including LEIs is to enhance market integrity and investor protection. The regulator has published for comment proposed amendments to the UMIR and the Dealer Member Rules (DMR) that would require client identifiers on:

- each order sent to a marketplace

- each reportable trade in a debt security. Dealer Members would need to provide client identifiers.

Doug Clark, head of market structure research at ITG Canada, told Traders Magazine that the idea of a audit trail isnt something new up North despite the move towards LEIs.

IIROC has had something close to CAT data, directly from the exchanges, for almost a decade, for secondary equity market trading, Clark began. They have used this for market surveillance and academic-style studies of market quality. Recently, they have proposed adding LEI's (legal entity identifiers) to orders.

Clark added that the inclusion of LEIs is in line with IOSCO's stated goals, and somewhat consistent with CAT and MIFID II. However, the question regarding all three audit trail plans (IIROC, CAT and MiFID II) is how this sensitive data will be safeguarded.

And whether the three separate plans can work together to find some commonality so global broker-dealers do not have to build three unique solutions, Clark said.

In order to better address the risks of increased usage of electronic trading tools, the IIROC proposed amendments would also require unique client identifiers for clients of a foreign dealer equivalent whose orders are entered under a routing arrangement and are automatically generated on a predetermined basis. In this case, the Participant would need to provide the:

- LEI of the foreign dealer equivalent as the client identifier

- unique identifier for the end-client whose orders are automatically generated on a predetermined basis.

- orders entered under a routing arrangement (RA)

- orders entered through an order-execution only service (OEO). In light of the proposed designations above, the Proposed Amendments would remove the current identifier requirements for DEA, RA, and certain OEO clients.

Also, IIROC would like to see the development to back office systems to accommodate LEIs, systems development to include client identifiers on all order activity on marketplaces and systems development to include client identifiers on all reportable debt transactions.

Furthermore, IIROC wants firms to use a common encryption method and marketplace systems changes be able to pass-through client identifiers and account designations seamlessly.

IIROC requested comments on all aspects of the Proposed Amendments, including any matter that they do not specifically address should be filed and delivered by November 13, 2017.

For more information on related topics, visit the following channels:
Major Financial Institutions Choose Droit for MiFID II Trade Engine

Five of the worlds leading financial institutions have committed to using Droit Financial Technologies (Droit) as their choice for MiFID II trade compliance. The decision by BNP Paribas, Credit Agricole CIB, Goldman Sachs, Lloyds and UBS represents a watershed in the industry search for a strategic solution in the run-up to the implementation of the new European regulations.

Droit currently provides enterprise infrastructure to 11 global financial institutions to facilitate compliant and optimal trading of derivatives and securities across all asset classes, all G20 aligned regulatory regimes, global CCPs and execution platforms.

Droit is a central part of our eligibility architecture as we prepare for MiFID II, and we continue to enjoy a strong and collaborative working relationship with the Company, said Jo Hannaford, Managing Director, Technology Division, Goldman Sachs.

Droits ADEPT platform generates the full global cross-regulatory implications and obligations of a trade in real-time. This enables institutions to implement a comprehensive approach to regulatory pre-trade decision making and accurate execution of pre- and post-trade obligations. MiFID II is the latest in the range of global regulations implemented in ADEPT.

The complete digitalisation of capital markets pre- and post-trade processes is a considerable challenge for investment banks, as it requires a deep understanding of the regulatory texts and mastering the use of data, products and cutting-edge technologies. Droit and its ADEPT platform were a logical choice to accelerate the Information System transformation that Credit Agricole CIB is undergoing to be MiFID II compliant. Our ultimate goal is to deliver an improved experience to our clients, said Samy Beji, Global Head of Structuring and Deputy Sponsor FID II programme for Credit Agricole CIB.

ADEPT comprehensively supports eligibility and scope of obligation determination for the following MiFID II/MiFIR mandates:

Pre-trade Transparency

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We take an agile approach to technology, working with leading external providers as well as developing digital solutions in-house, as part of our strategy to stay at the cutting-edge of digital global markets. Working with companies like Droit enables us to stay at the forefront of technological development, rapidly respond to changes in the industry and ultimately deliver the best outcomes to our clients, said Cyril Cottu, Global Co-head of Electronic Market-Making and Commerce at BNP Paribas Global Markets.

Transactional compliance requires the knowledge, maintenance and automation of extremely complex global rule systems, said Satya Pemmaraju, Founding Partner and CEO of Droit. Knowing who you can trade with, what you can trade and where you can trade is considerably more involved than even five years ago. These real-time, point-of-inquiry demands provide further challenges for a strategic infrastructure. Collaboration with our sophisticated client base has produced a mission-critical platform proven to meet these challenges for MiFID II, as well as other global regulations.

Droit enables low latency decisions, integrating with front office e-trading and voice sales/trader workflows. Through a simple interface, the ADEPT platform has built-in traceability to fully digitised regulatory text, as well as complete, human-readable, auditability of every decision on every inquiry.

For more information on related topics, visit the following channels:
Saurabh Malik

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 6

Justice Darshan Singh, who convicted Punjabs former Director General of Police KPS Gill in a case of outraging the modesty of a woman, was given a warm send-off today after he retired upon attaining the age of superannuation.

Then a Chief Judicial Magistrate posted at Chandigarh, Justice Darshan Singh had slapped three-month imprisonment and a fine of Rs 700 on Gill after convicting him.

In his 81-page order pronounced way back in 1996, Justice Darshan Singh had dismissed the defence of the accused after describing then senior Punjab IAS officer Rupan Deol Bajajs testimony as "wholly credible and worthy of credit". The order had added: "Such type of testimony can be even acted upon without corroboration in such molestation cases."

The former Punjab Police chief was found guilty by the Chief Judicial Magistrate under Section 354 for outraging the modesty of a woman while he was allegedly in an inebriated condition at a party hosted by then Finance Commissioner (Home) SL Kapur at his residence in July 1988.

The Sessions Court had, subsequently, maintained the sentence, but had kept it suspended during a probation period of three years, during which Gills public behaviour was to be supervised by a probation officer.

The High Court, in its order on August 20, 1998, made some modifications in the sentence. It removed the condition of supervision by the probation officer and reduced the period of probation to a year, which ended on January 5, 1999. The Punjab and Haryana High Court judgment was, subsequently, upheld by the Supreme Court. Considered an old hand in criminal laws, Justice Darshan Singh was sharing the Bench with Justice SS Saron, which was hearing petitions filed in public interests and other issues of vital importance.

Justice Darshan Singh graduated in commerce from Patiala before doing his LLB from Kurukshetra University. He joined as Assistant District Attorney before his selection in the Haryana Judicial Services. He was designated Additional District and Sessions Judge in 1998 before he was designated District and Sessions Judge. He was elevated as an Additional Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in September 2014.
Chandigarh, July 6

The Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CCPCR) has asked Mount Carmel School to pay Rs 75,000 to two students hurt in a bus accident. The compensation will be in addition to the medical expenses of the students that are already being borne by the school. While Satvik will be given Rs 50,000, Arjun Singh will be given Rs 25,000 as compensation.

The compensation is to be paid within 15 days. Satvik had received an injury near his eye and an artificial nerve was fitted. It will be removed after six months, according to doctors.

The school bus had met with an accident on Monday when it hit a stationary truck near Hallo Majra, resulting in injuries to the students.

Chairperson of the CCPCR Harjinder Kaur said the schools needed to take full responsibility in such cases. "We will be strict in such cases from now on as safety of children is a priority," she said.

The commission has decided to hold meetings with the Education Department and the State Transport Authority (STA). The CCPCR will seek reports from both regarding the "passive attitude" of schools towards the transport policy. It will also hold workshops in collaboration with the STA and the traffic police to sensitise school principals and the transport authorities.  TNS
TKA Nair

THE advent of the Narendra Modi government with the massive mandate of the electorate and the euphoria it generated raised vague but high hopes of new initiatives on the India-Pakistan and Kashmir fronts. With his penchant for dramatic action and out-of-the-box thinking, Prime Minister Modi was expected to somehow break new ground paving the way for normalisation of relations with Pakistan and resolution of the Kashmir issue.

The symbolism surrounding his formal inauguration and his dramatic landing on Pakistan soil to shake hands with his counterpart lent some credence to popular expectations. Alas, three years down the line, India-Pakistan relations have not only not improved but have nosedived several notches  causing serious concern both nationally and internationally. Recently, the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and more significantly, the US President Donald Trump, during his election campaign and subsequently, offered to use their good offices to resolve the potentially explosive Kashmir issue. Russia has steadfastly backed India's stand on the Kashmir issue, but there are straws in the wind indicative of it moving towards a more nuanced approach in the context of emerging global geo-political and economic developments. Though China is backing its all-weather ally to the hilt, there is mounting pressure on the nuclear-armed neighbours to settle their long-standing dispute over Kashmir, the "powder-keg" of South Asia.

Seeds of violence

The seeds of violence, death and destruction in the Kashmir Valley were sown on the birth of independent India and Pakistan. Kashmir is central to India-Pakistan relations and these relations are critical to militancy in Kashmir. The latest wave of violence in the Valley was triggered by the death of Hizbul Mujahideen Commander Sabzar Bhatt and his associate in an encounter in Pulwama. The embers of the last major bout of violence over the killing of Burhan Wani, though nearly a year ago, had not yet fully subsided before the fresh eruption. The mob violence, specially pelting of stones at the security forces by the youth on both the occasions, has inevitably led to the imposition of curfew and call for protests by the Hurriyat followed by more stringent security measures and curbs on freedom of movement and detentions.

Cross- border terrorist intrusions and the methods used to effectively deal with them, coupled with internal violence and the measures to counter them, have taken many lives of the security forces and Kashmiris. Thousands of widows, young and old, live in perpetual agony specially in districts like Kupwara.

Unmoved by suffering

Neither the loss of human lives nor human sufferings move the protagonists on either side of the India-Pakistan divide notwithstanding the predictable outbursts of patriotic rhetoric, salute to the coffins and phoney pledges of eternal commitment to human rights and universal brotherhood. The Indian side is fighting on two fronts in the Valley: The separatist militants from within and the armed infiltrators from across the border. The two have become integral to each other, making it often practically impossible for the instruments of State authority to deal with them differently on the ground. The consequences have been disastrous as they inevitably lead to escalation of violence, disruption of normal life and the consequent alienation of local people.

The increasing phenomenon of educated youth, including college-going girls, joining the ranks of the protesters, specially the stone-throwers, is ominously perturbing as it reflects the mood of the younger generation. The situation has become so dauntingly complex that an exasperated Army Chief wished: The people instead of throwing stones at us were firing weapons at us ......... Vocal sections of angry youth proclaim Burhan Wani and Zakir Musa their heroes and role models. They perceive the security forces as instruments of State oppression and increasingly sympathise with the cause of the Hurriyat. Their hatred of the forces, coupled with their total mistrust of the political class, have made them easy targets of militant secessionist ideology and propaganda. The stern stand taken against them by the Centre has so far had no deterrent effect. To the contrary, they seem to add fuel to fire as evident from the swelling ranks of the violent protestors. That some of them are speaking the language of the separatists is disturbingly ominous. Regrettably, a new generation infused with anti-India sentiments is on the making which is a matter of very serious concern about Jammu and Kashmir as an integral part of the Indian State and its democratic polity. The militant separatists and the youth are undoubtedly no match to the might of the Indian Army, but a running battle with them is a negation of the very concept of Indian nationhood and pluralistic democracy. The near -total absence of any serious engagement with them at any level makes matters worse by reinforcing their animosity and hatred of the Central Government and Indian State.

Though the BJP-PDP government in Jammu and Kashmir from its inception has been a coalition of convenience, it was vaguely hoped that it would slowly but steadily meander its ways to assuage the hurt feelings of the Kashmiris  thus paving the way for restoration of normalcy and at the same time strengthening the hands of the security forces to deal with infiltration from across the border. Developments in the Valley have proved these hopes to be futile. Distancing itself from the BJP, its partner-in-government, the PDP is charting its own course for talks with the Hurriyat and Pakistan reflecting its conciliatory approach as against the tough stance of the BJP and the Centre that maintain talks would follow the cessation of cross-border infiltration and militant terrorism sponsored by Pakistan and the Hurriyat. According to its spokespersons, PDP is keen on the dialogue process in order to give the suffering people the much-needed relief by setting the stage for reconciliation and dialogue with all stakeholders, including the Hurriyat and Pakistan.

Striking a different chord

The resolution of the Kashmir issue is an article of faith with the PDP. The people of Kashmir are agonised by the confrontationist policies and provocative voices, the PDP Vice President Sartaj Madni said recently. At the same time, the Government of India has reportedly evolved a strategic action plan towards a permanent solution to the Kashmir issue which envisages giving carte blanche to the Army to neutralise terrorists and their sympathisers both at the border and inside the Valley; cutting off funds to the terrorists and separatists; blocking of communication facing ongoing military operations; an aggressive media blitz to highlight how all this is done without killing innocent lives. The much-publicised surgical strike, the statements of the Army Chief and the near-total absence of any overt or covert engagement with the agitating youth, the Hurriyat and Pakistan confirm the tough strategic action plan in operation.

The cold response of the Centre to the overtures for talks with all the stakeholders made by the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir reinforces the current official position of the Government of India.

The recent developments are most disturbing and cruelly agonising for the people of the Kashmir Valley. With the state and Central governments openly divided over the approach and strategy to deal with the complex problem with its security concerns, political sensitivity and international ramifications, most regrettably the human aspects and the suffering of the people of the Valley are overlooked. Given the current international context, in spite of our superior economic and military might, we cannot force our own solution to the border dispute with Pakistan however justified or rational it is. Similarly, it is unlikely that the militancy in Kashmir which has spread its tentacles can be nipped through strong-arm tactics. Well, then are there any options available to the Indian State?

Provide succour to people

The people of India are passionately possessive of Kashmir as an inalienable part of their country. The people of Jammu and Kashmir, including the stone-throwing youth, are as much citizens of India as the people of any other state in the Indian Union. They are strife-torn for no fault of theirs, except the accident of their birth. Random killing of them, however heinous their crimes might be, should not be the Indian way of dealing with them for bringing peace in the violence-prone state. Just as we provide succour to the people in distress in any other part of India, we must rally round the people of Kashmir, engage with them, share their concerns and help them out of their genuine grievances. Our helping hand and healing touch would win their hearts and minds. Let the Indian State extend its olive branch to the Kashmiri youth, establish channels of communication with them and talk to them with full trust and without reservations and preconceived notions.

The path of peace and reconciliation is the only possible humane way of stopping the violence and ameliorating the sufferings of the people. Build confidence in them about the sincerity of our approach, about the security of their lives and their future in a peaceful Kashmir as honourable citizens of India and they will for sure be the best bet for facilitating the process of engaging with our inimical neighbour for peaceful coexistence. No doubt, it is an outrageously uncertain path, which our security establishment and patriotic nationalists would pooh-pooh and reject out of hand with contempt, but let us remind ourselves that for 70 years periodic devious political ploys, half-hearted talks, surgical strikes and other invasive measures have only helped shedding more and more blood on the soil of Kashmir.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is uniquely placed, as no other Indian Prime Minister ever was, to walk the path of peace in the Kashmir valley and rise as a Messiah of hope for its tormented people in Kashmir. Evil cannot be effaced by evil, though Tolstoy and Gandhi are dead and nearly forgotten for long!

The writer served as the Principal Secretary and Adviser to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
It is astonishing Parliament has seldom felt the need to regulate the process of appointments to the Election Commission. Equally surprising, no political party has ever questioned the ruling partys right to pick whosoever it wants to for as important a constitutional body as the Election Commission. Politicians who seldom carry out a polite debate, or agree on any issue, or can find fault with electronic voting machines (EVMs) on losing an election have no objection to the possibility of a ruling party packing the EC with its favourites. That this has not happened so far is no guarantee that it never will. At least the Supreme Court does not seem willing to let this arrangement continue. It has presciently asked the Centre to put in place some credible mechanism for the appointments or it would do so.

Defending the status quo and opposing any possible judicial intervention, Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar contends that since there has been no controversy till date, there is no need for any change. It is a regular practice with every political party in power to hand over EC posts to civil servants. Barring a Seshan here and or a Lyngdoh there, civil servants have sprung no surprises. They are trained to be respectful to authority and know how the system works, and who can be, or cannot be, touched. State-level officers assigned to the Election Commission have often got away by openly serving the interests of the party or candidate of their choice. Political leaders do at times make state-level complaints but rarely have they doubted the independence or neutrality of the Chief Election Commissioner or Election Commissioners.

But there is a valid case for change. There is palpable merit in the court's argument that if there is a formal law and a panel to select the CBI chief, then why not for the CEC and ECs? The apex court has rightly claimed that if no law has been passed as mandated by Article 324(2), the expectation is that Parliament will make the law and if Parliament has not done that, then can't the court lay down the procedure? The Centre is left with few options but to close this gap.
Chandigarh, July 5

In an embarrassment for the Haryana Government, the Punjab and Haryana High Court today set aside the appointment of four BJP MLAs to the post of Chief Parliamentary Secretary.

Allowing a petition filed in public interest against the appointments, a Division Bench, however, gave MLAs Shyam Singh Rana, Kamal Gupta, Bakshish Singh Virk and Seema Trikha time for enabling them to file an appeal against the orders.

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The Bench of Justices SS Saron and Darshan Singh stayed the operation of the order for three weeks for the purpose. The state government, meanwhile, has decided to file a special leave petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court, according to Advocate-General Baldev Raj Mahajan.

The order, nearly two years after the appointments by the Manohar Lal Khattar government, came on a PIL filed by lawyer Jagmohan Singh Bhatti, arguing that there was no provision for the post of CPS under the Constitution and such an appointment was a burden on the exchequer.

Bhatti had also alleged that the CPSes, treated as de facto ministers, enjoyed financial benefits, including salary, travelling expenses, staff, medical and telephone bills as well as accommodation. Seeking directions for quashing the appointments, he had claimed that these were a waste of taxpayers money, besides being unconstitutional.

Refuting the allegations, the Haryana Government, during the course of hearing, had claimed that the CPSes were not getting the same salary and allowances as the ministers. An Under Secretary had also claimed that the Parliamentary Secretaries were not included in the category of ministers. Elaborating, he had asserted that they were neither appointed as ministers on the advice of the CM, nor administered the oath of office and secrecy by the Governor.

The Bench was told that the state had the right to create a post and fix salary and allowances. Moreover, the CPSes were appointed only to assist ministers in public interest in view of their multifarious duties and that the petition was based on factually incorrect, legally misconceived and distorted facts.  TNS

Contrary to constitutional intent
Bhanu P Lohumi

Tribune News Service

Shimla, July 6

The BJP and the Congress are engaged in a war of words on the social networking sites following attack on Sanjay Parmar, BJP councilor from Kachighati at Shogi in the outskirts of the state capital by some miscreants on July 3.

Tweets, re-tweets and writing on Facebook and sharing of comments by both the BJP and the Congress backed people has become the order of the day. Unconcerned about the investigations, people are giving their verdict.

While the BJP councilors have termed July 3 as a black day in the history of Shimla and said that the incident was not reflective of the democratic India holding the Youth Congress activists responsible for attack, the Congressmen said that scared of state Youth Congress president Vikramaditya Singhs Vikas Prachar Yatra, the BJP is making baseless allegations to tarnish the image of the Youth Congress workers.

The BJP maintained that the incident is a glaring example of mafia raj and lawlessness prevailing in the state as the government is shielding goons and called upon the citizens to stand up and fight against these anti-social elements.

The Congress loyalists stated that Parmar had beaten Congress activist Jitender Kumar after the Shimla Municipal Corporation results were declared and said an FIR had been registered even before the attack on Parmar. Congress workers even justified the attack and said that a traitor should be treated this way only.

Four persons were arrested in the case after the BJP took to roads in protest. When a councilor of the ruling MC is not safe what could be the plight of a common man, asked an elderly citizen.

Parmar, who had contested elections as a Congress-supported candidate, joined the BJP ahead of the elections of Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
Our Correspondent

Chamba, July 6

The MBBS classes in Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College (PJNGMC) will begin from this session and the land for the medical college has been identified at Sarol.

This was announced by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, while addressing a mammoth public meeting at Killar in Pangi sub-division, today. He also announced a hostel at Government Senior Secondary Schools (GSSS) at Dharwas and Purthi and a hostel for girls in GSSS, Saach.

He also assured people to look into the demand of a solar plant in the valley and said the construction of micro hydel projects Maahlu Nullah Phase II and one at Dharwas would only be considered on the basis of viability and after conducting a survey.

He said Pangi had witnessed revolution in terms of development. There was a time when the area had no access to roads but after the Resident Commissioner was posted at Killar in Pangi in 1986, there was no look back and the valley witnessed development.

As much as Rs 29 crore was spent on roads and bridges and buildings in the valley in the last four-and-a-half years. He alarmed people not to fall prey to nefarious designs of the BJP in the Assembly elections.

He blamed the BJP for ignoring the area in terms of development and said it was the habit of the BJP to take credit of works done by the Congress.

Chief Minister appealed to the people to support the sitting MLA from the area. He said the younger generation would be given an opportunity next time and in the Assembly elections, Thakur Singh Bharmouri would represent the people of Pangi-Bharmour from the party and the people must ensure his win.

He said a notification had been issued for starting science classes in government college, Pangi, at Killar and said the vacancies in science streams would be filled on priority.

Earlier, Chief Minister also laid foundation stone of a police station building at Killar and inaugurated the Civil Hospital building at Killar.
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 6

Terming slain Hizbul Mujahedeen commander Burhan Wani a national hero and prominent Kashmiri, hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Geelani today said his sacrifice had rejuvenated the Kashmirs freedom struggle.

The separatist leaders of Kashmir, including Geelani, most of whom have been either confined to their homes or jailed ahead of the anniversary, have called for weeklong protests from Saturday to mark Wanis first death anniversary who was killed on July 8 last year during an encounter in south Kashmir.

However, the region had erupted in mass protests over his death, leading to further killing of 118 civilians in clashes and security forces firing.

The 2016 intifda rejuvenated the Kashmiri freedom struggle and gave it a new lease of life, Geelani said in his statement while paying tributes to Wani and his other slain associates.

Terming Wani a prominent national hero of Kashmir, Geelani said his martyrdom had become a milestone in the history of Kashmirs freedom struggle and his sacrifice had echoed in the biggest forums of the world.

Despite being so young, Wanis sacrifice has rejuvenated the Kashmiri struggle for freedom, Geelani said while saluting the sacrifices offered by Burhan and his other militant colleagues.
Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 6

A Kashmiri armyman posted in Baramulla district deserted his unit along with arms and ammunition on Tuesday night.

Sepoy Zahoor Ahmed Tokar of Sirnoo, Pulwama, who was posted in 173 Territorial Army Engineering regiment at Gantmulla Baramulla, fled with an AK rifle and three magazines.

Sources said there were apprehensions that Zahoor might have joined militant ranks.

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We have put security apparatus on alert as the TA man has good knowledge of the security system and units deployed in the Valley, sources said.

In recent past, there have been a few instances were policemen have joined militant ranks.

In May, Constable Syed Naveed Mushtaq, a resident of militancy-infested Shopian district, had fled with four INSAS rifles, including his own rifle, from the guard post at the Food Corporation of India godown at Chondpora in Budgam and later joined militant ranks.

In the past five years, police said at least five cops had joined militant ranks in Kashmir; the most prominent among them was constable Naseer Pandit from Pulwama. He joined Hizbul Mujahideen and was a close aide of Burhan Wani. He was later killed in a gunfight in 2016.
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 6

A day after the J&K Assembly passed the resolution for the implementation of the GST through a Presidential Order, the National Conference today accused the PDP-led coalition government of compromising with the states special status and surrendering its fiscal autonomy as guaranteed by the Constitution of India.

In a statement today, the NC termed the resolution, which has also been approved by the state Cabinet, as vague, ambiguous and anti-people.

In a meeting of the partys core group chaired by party president Farooq Abdullah in Srinagar on Thursday, the National Conference apex political forum observed that the statement of state Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu on the floor of the House terming Article 370 of the Constitution as an obstruction in the development and progress of the state, reflected the machinations of the ruling dispensation against the special political and constitutional identity of J&K, the statement said.

In the meeting, which was also attended by party working president Omar Abdullah among others, it was said the PDP had committed its total support to the BJPs ideological design to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution of India.

The party warned the PDP-BJP government that this would have dangerous consequences. The core group has decided that the National Conference legislators would boycott the remaining part of the legislative session as a protest.

In the garb of evolving a consensus, the state government called a special session of the legislature to commit a monumental fraud with the people of Jammu and Kashmir by not explaining the contours of the safeguards in the GST regime that they have been repeatedly talking about, the statement added.

The core group also noted with concern the BJP state chief Sat Sharmas statement on the floor of the House that the move to implement the GST was the biggest slap on the face of separatists, which, the NC said, was a glaring contradiction of the earlier assertions by the PDP-BJP alliance that the GST issue was purely a taxation matter and had nothing to do with the politics and the identity of the state.
Mukesh Ranjan

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 6

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday held a high-level security review meeting on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in view of slain Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) commander Burhan Wanis first death anniversary on Saturday and the ongoing Amarnath Yatra.

As many as 214 companies of central forces have been sent to the state to deal with any situation.

Senior officials of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and National Security Guard (NSG) gave a detailed briefing to the Home Minister, as it was attended by Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir, Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, Inspector General of NSG and other senior officers.

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As the meeting took place at the official residence of the Home Minister, owing to Singhs fractured leg, sources indicated that both security forces and intelligence agencies expressed apprehension about possible trouble in the Kashmir Valley on Wanis death anniversary.

Singh, it is learnt, directed the officials to ensure that no further escalation of violence took place in the Valley.

Later, talking to reporters, Mehrishi said, We are well prepared to handle any situation in Kashmir. We have sent 214 companies of central forces to control any situation which may arise on July 8 and during Amarnath yatra.

A single company of central paramilitary force comprises 100 personnel and these forces are in addition to the state police forces and those deployed for anti-militancy duties.

Four districts of Jammu and Kashmir--Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian and Anantnag--have been on the boil since the killing of Wani, who was the poster boy of the HM in the Kashmir Valley. He was gunned down in an encounter in Anantnag district on July 8 last year.

Widespread protests had erupted in the Valley following his encounter by the security forces. The unrest had continued for about five months in which 78 people, including two police personnel, were killed.

Meanwhile, the Centre and the state government are not leaving any stone unturned to make the Amarnath Yatra safe and secure. The MHAs concerns heightened further following intelligence reports suggesting terror threat to the Yatra.
Come September, American DJs and production duo The Chainsmokers will head to India for their performances as part of a music festival. ULTRA Worldwide, an independent festival brand, will be making its foray in India with two Road To ULTRA shows in Mumbai and Delhi, on September 7 and 8, respectively, in association with Percept Live.

The Grammy Award-winning artists will be headlining both the shows. The Chainsmokers, consisting of Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall, shot to fame with their tracks #Selfie, Kanye, Closer, Dont let me down and Paris.

Road To ULTRA will be held at Mahalaxmi Race Course in Mumbai, and at India Exposition Mart in Greater Noida. The Chainsmokers will be accompanied by dance music stars Slushii, Rezz, Getter, Sam Feldt and Mykris.  IANS
Manavjit Mann Kang

I WAS born into a Jat Sikh family and a proud one at that. My father, an erstwhile chief of Punjab adorning the title of Sardar Bahadur Saheb, was an erudite Sikh. My mother hailed from an aristocratic Singhpuria Misl. I, along with my siblings, was brought up with rich Sikh values. We were sent to the countrys best boarding schools, right from pre-nursery till we graduated. Although we would be away from home for more than nine months a year, our Sikh values and traditions remained intact.

I am reminded of a particular incident when I was studying at St Vincent Hill in Mussoorie. I had chewing gum stuck in my hair and the nuns snipped it off. When my mother learnt of it, she was infuriated and shot off a strong-worded letter to the principal. The school management was made to apologise. That was that.

Years later, my younger brother entered his teens and started tying his dastar with the precision of an artist. It added to his good looks and charming personality. I would swell with pride looking at him tie his turban meticulously. I was the first to get married. My parents found a young recruit in the IFS as my life partner. A handsome turbaned Sikh with a charismatic personality. I, too, brought up my children with rich Sikh values. My daughter studied at prestigious boarding schools in the hills and later passed out from St Bedes College. It was time for her to tie the marital knot. Rishtas from elite families knocked at our door. Rich businessmen, entrepreneurs, so-called royals and what not. But our hunt for the elusive turbaned Sikh continued till we found a fine-looking debonair gentleman for our daughter. A young probationer in the IAS and a Majhe da Jat. God had answered all our prayers.

The turban is a part of the Sikh identity, signifying spirituality, honour, responsibility and courage. There are many Punjabi idioms and proverbs that describe how important a dastar is in a Sikhs life. Bhai Gurdas writes about an incident highlighting the importance of the turban  A man, after taking a bath during winter, forgot his dastar at the well and came home bareheaded. The women thought someone had died and they started to cry.

Guru Gobind Singh said, Khalsa mero roop hai khaas. Khalse me hau karo niwas (Khalsa is a true picture of mine. I live in Khalsa).

Today, my grandson, a turbantor, feels disheartened to see his peers shun the Sikh identity and laments  Woh Sardar hi kya, jiske sar par taj nahi?
Beijing, July 6

China on Thursday said the atmosphere was not right for a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, amidst a standoff between the armies of the two countries in the Sikkim section.

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The atmosphere is not right for a bilateral meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi, a Chinese Foreign Ministry official said ahead of the G20 Summit in the German city of Hamburg from Friday.

China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan tri-junction for the past 19 days after a Chinese Armys construction party attempted to build a road. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.

There were reports that Modi and Xi may meet on the sidelines of the G20 Summit to resolve the standoff.

Chinas state-run media on Wednesday had quoted Chinese analysts as saying that Beijing would be forced to use a military way to end the standoff in the Sikkim sector if India refused to listen to the historical lessons being offered by it. PTI
New Delhi, July 6

The Delhi Police have registered a case against three Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs for allegedly manhandling and abusing a woman on the Assembly premises recently.

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In her complaint, the woman has accused Oklha AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, Malviya Nagar MLA Somnath Bharti and Tilak Nagar MLA Jarnail Singh of abusing and thrashing her on June 28, the police said.

"I had gone to see the proceedings of the House, but could not get the pass for the Visitor's Gallery. And, while I was standing outside the building, a group of men, who were engaged in a scuffle, came towards me.

"They pushed and shoved me. I was later taken to a room and kicked," she claimed in her complaint.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh, however, called the development "vendetta politics".

"This is vendetta politics by the Centre. We are surprised that the police have arrested only 15 of our MLAs (since coming to power)," he said at a press conference here.

AAP Delhi unit spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj said, "The record of the Delhi Police have been very poor when it comes to cases against AAP MLAs. The force always faces flak by the judiciary whenever they take such cases to court." PTI
Beijing, July 6

China is planning to launch a road and rail freight service to Pakistan through the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a move which could raise concerns in India.

The new line will start from Lanzhou, capital of northwestern Chinas Gansu Province, travelling through Kashgar in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to the Gwadar Port of Pakistan, Xu Chunhua, director of Lanzhou International Trade and Logistic Park, was quoted as saying by state-run Xinhua news agency.

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However, it has not been specified when the service will be launched. In May last year, a rail and road cargo service opened between Lanzhou and Kathmandu. Xu said the cargo service has been welcomed by south Asian countries. In 2016, the bilateral trade between China and Nepal was over 3 billion yuan (about $440 million), and the volume is forecast to hit 10 billion yuan this year. India has objected to the $46 CPEC, which is part of the Silk Road.  PTI
Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 6

Questioning the Centre on lacunae in implementing various policies and programmes to prevent suicide by farmers, the Supreme Court today refused to close a PIL on the issue, even as it said the government was moving in the right direction.

We are not going to close it. We are just keeping ourselves in the loop. You are moving in the right direction but suicides are going up, a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India JS Khehar said during the hearing of a PIL by Citizens Resource and Action Initiative (CRANTI), an NGO.

Giving compensation to the family of a farmer who kills himself is not enough. You are moving but still the suicides are increasing. There are policies but everything is on paper. You must move towards implementation, it said.

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The top courts comments came after Attorney General KK Venugopal explained the steps taken to deal with the agrarian crisis and tried to impress upon the Bench to leave it to the government to implement the policies which, even the petitioner admitted, were good.

Giving details of its multi-pronged attack to tackle the problem, Venugopal said it was not for the court to supervise the government.

But the Bench said: There is a motive for us to hear this. We want you to soften the effect of loan on farmers. Hit by consecutive droughts, India has witnessed an agrarian crisis, driving many farmers to suicide owing to failed crops and indebtedness. Suicide by farmers increased by more than 40 per cent in 2015, crossing 8,000. Most of these were from Maharashtra (more than 3,000) and Telangana (more than 1,300). Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh too have seen suicides by farmers. The Bench had in January expanded the scope and ambit of a 2013 PIL by CRANTI, seeking the top courts intervention in Gujarat where between 2003- 2012 as many as 692 farmers were believed to have committed suicide. Maintaining that suicide by farmers could not be tackled overnight, the Attorney General sought a year for a visible improvement in the ground situation. Its a great tragedy. To reach out is a massive exercise and we need at least a year to see the effective results of the schemes, Venugopal told the Bench.

Agreeing with the Centres submission, the Bench gave it six months and asked it to expedite implementation of welfare schemes meant to provide relief to farmers, adding it would review the matter after six months. The top court asked the government to consider suggestions from senior counsel Colin Gosalves who represented CRANTI.

The Attorney General told the Bench that 5.34 crore of the total 12 crore farmers had already been covered under various welfare schemes, including the Fasal Bima Yojana. Gonzalves said private insurance companies were given Rs13,500 crore by the government, but they had not disbursed the funds to affected farmers so far. Citing farmers agitation in MP, he said, The state did not wake up to fix the minimum support price of onions until deaths took place.

Kisan yatra halted in MP, 300 arrested

Bhopal: The Kisan Mukti Yatra, to pay homage to the six protesting farmers killed by the police in Madhya Pradeshs Mandsaur district, was halted by the police on Thursday. As many as 300 persons, including Ruldu Singh Mansa and Darshanpal from Punjab, were taken into custody. Among the marchers were Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan convener VM Singh, CPMs Subhasini Ali, Swaraj Indias Yogendra Yadav and social activist Medha Patkar. IANS
London, July 6

A UK court on Thursday rejected fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallyas request to shift the final hearing date in his extradition case to next year and fixed it for December 4.

Mallya, who is wanted in India for Kingfisher Airlines default on loans worth nearly Rs 9,000 crores, has been in the UK since March 2016 and was arrested by Scotland Yard on an extradition warrant on April 18.

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The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian government, told the Westminster Magistrates Court in London that they had excellent cooperation with the Indian authorities in the case and now had sufficient material to establish a prima facie case for the extradition of the 61-year-old former chief of erstwhile Kingfisher Airlines.

We have completed a review of materials and I am happy to state that we have had excellent cooperation with the Indian authorities in this case, CPS barrister Mark Summers told the judge.

We are ready and willing to proceed and would invite the court to fix a hearing date at the earliest.

The CPS also informed the court that the Indian authorities had been anticipating issues that may block the extradition and had already been engaging on prison conditions in India by giving detailed assurances on the matter.

However, Mallyas defence team claimed they had received hundreds of pages of further material being relied upon as evidence only on last evening and that more time should be provided for them to review the material and keep a final date for hearing open in April 2018.

Mallya is keen to engage as constructively as possible with these proceedings...but there remains ongoing uncertainty on the final case. We also need a detailed opening note explaining how all the evidence fits together, said barrister Ben Watson, arguing on behalf of Mallya.

The judge, Chief Magistrate Emma Louise Arbuthnot, agreed with the CPS to progress with some rigour and retained December 4 as the date for a final hearing in the case.

She directed the Indian side to provide a detailed opening note on the case to Mallyas defence team by July 31, after which another hearing to asses the progress in the case would be held on September 14.

The judge was also firm about the skeleton document on the case that would have to be submitted by both sides by November to not exceed 35 pages.

She once again told Mallya that she would allow him not to attend the next hearing in September, adding that she had inquired about restraining media within barriers outside the court on the request of his defence team at last months hearing but it would be a step too far.

When asked about his appearance despite being granted an exemption by the chief magistrate at last hearing on June 13, Mallya today said, I do as my lawyers advise.

Watson earlier told the judge that Mallya likes to attend the hearings if possible.

India and the UK have an Extradition Treaty, signed in 1992, but so far only one extradition has taken place under the arrangement  Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel, who was sent back to India last October to face trial in connection with his involvement in the post-Godhra riots of 2002.

However, unlike Mallya, he had submitted to the extradition order without legal challenge.  PTI
Simran Sodhi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 6

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will be in attendance tomorrow morning at the Leaders Retreat in Hamburg, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. The fact that the two leaders will be present at the same venue for a common meeting will offer both nations a chance to possibly discuss steps for de-escalation of the standoff in Sikkim.

A bilateral meeting between the two was never planned in the first place. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said the only meetings scheduled were with leaders from Argentina, Canada, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, the UK and Vietnam. This is in addition to BRICS meeting. Baglays statement effectively rules out any structured meeting between Modi and Jinping.

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However, sources point out that the chances of a pull-aside cannot be ruled out. The India-China confrontation on the Sikkim border continues and the tone from both sides has remained combative. China and the message it has delivered in the past few days via the state-controlled media Global Times (GT) indicates an aggressive posturing with China rejecting India and Bhutans claims.

India, meanwhile, seems to be in no mood to back down. The GT today for the first time since the standoff started slammed Bhutan and said its people are not a happy lot. Till now, the target of the Chinese ire had been India.

India has long used Bhutan as a frontline countering China and a cushion between the two Asian powers, especially after the Sino-Indian Border Conflict in 1962, the GT article said.

The article claimed that the Bhutanese people are less tranquil today because of India. Given Chinas rise and consequent growing influence upon South Asia, and with the development and opening up of Tibet, India is beset with more worries and misgivings, which is making it hard for Bhutan to maintain its peace and tranquility, claimed the article.

Atmosphere not right

The trespass by Indian troops into the Chinese territory had damaged the political foundations of bilateral relations between China and India... The atmosphere was not right for a bilateral meet. Chinese Ministry Spokesperson
Simran Sodhi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 6

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid homage to the Indian soldiers whose bravery was instrumental in securing the liberation of Haifa as he wrapped up his historic three-day Israel visit.

The PM, accompanied by his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, visited the Indian cemetery in Haifa and laid a wreath to honour the Indian soldiers.

This is the final resting place for 44 of the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I to liberate the city, Modi said before visiting the site.

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Forty-four Indian soldiers were killed protecting Haifa from the Ottoman Turks in World War I. Major Dalpat Singh (MC) is known as the Hero of Haifa for his critical role in the liberation of the city. He was awarded a military cross for his bravery.

The Haifa war was fought on September 22-23 in 1918. The Indian Army celebrates September 23 as Haifa Day every year.

Later in the day, PM Modi and Netanyahu attended the first meeting of India-Israel CEOs forum in Tel Aviv. As many as 12 strategic pacts envisaging investments worth $4.3 billion were signed between Indian and Israeli companies at the first meeting of CEO forum in Tel Aviv today, according to information released by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

The forum identified and stressed on the need to realise opportunities in focus sectors identified during the first meeting of CEOs forum. There was a consensus that the current trade volume amounting to just over $ 4 billion has the potential to reach $20 billion in the next five years. To realise this goal, the forum underlined key recommendations to two heads of states, FICCI said in its statement.

After wrapping his rather successful visit, the PM left for the German city of Hamburg where world leaders have gathered to attend the G20 Summit.
New Delhi, July 6

It was the Election Commissions integrity and image and not his personal reputation that he cared about during the entire EVM controversy, former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Nasim Zaidi has said.

I was neither angry nor amused. I was very concerned about the integrity of the Commission, which it enjoys for decades. What was in my mind was how to preserve the integrity of the Commission and to retain and further enhance peoples confidence in the institution. It is not a question of me as an individual, Zaidi told IANS in an interview when asked if he felt hurt or just laughed at the allegations during the EVM controversy.

Zaidi, who demitted office on Wednesday, said the entire controversy was most avoidable as electronic voting machines (EVMs) were in use for a long time and several expert committees had vouched for their soundness.

I feel that this (EVM) controversy was most avoidable, in the sense that the EC has been a pioneer in deployment of EVMs in consultation with political parties, and with so many technical committees saying that these cannot be tampered with. By using the same EVMs we have conducted 107 assembly elections and three general elections in 2004, 2009, 2014. They have always thrown correct results. This controversy was clearly avoidable, Zaidi said.

He said that instead of levelling wild allegations, political parties could have brought up specific cases of tampering with proof or credible information.

But we havent had any such evidence. We are waiting for it even today, Zaidi said with a smile.

Zaidi said the Commission had always been open to suggestions and measures to further enhance the EVMs credibility.

After results to the assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur were declared, in which the BJP swept the crucial state of Uttar Pradesh, some opposition parties raised doubts over the integrity of the EVMs.

Many other parties joined the chorus that was sparked by BSP supremo Mayawati, who lost majorly in the state. In Punjab, the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party raised the same issue, and also after his party lost the Delhi civic elections.

However, the EC was prompt in issuing rebuttals every time such charges were levelled.

In June, the EC threw a challenge to political parties to come and hack the machine. Only the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) showed interest in taking up the challenge. The poll panel had put in place several strictures for holding the exercise, after which most parties decided to keep away. IANS
Itanagar, July 5

An Arunachal Pradesh police team on Wednesday spotted the debris of an IAF chopper that had gone missing on Tuesday in a deep ravine, but the fate of the three-member crew was still not clear.

Rescue teams are scouring the area for the crew, a top police official said.

The aircraft had gone missing near Sagalee in Papum Pare district.

IGP (Law and Order) Nabin Payeng said the debris of the chopper was sighted from a hill top at Chopo Yoha in the district by a police team at the confluence of a water fall and the Nyorch river.

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"Since the spot is located in a deep gorge, rescue teams will take time to reach," Payeng said, adding the fate of the crew members was not yet known.

The debris was spotted by one of the five police teams detailed under Papum Pare deputy superintendent of police Neelam Nega.

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police along with Arunachal Pradesh police and India Reserve Battalion had launched a massive search operation since morning to locate the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) of the IAF, which was engaged in flood rescue mission in the state. It had gone missing on Tuesday at 3:50 pm after take off from Pilputu helipad near Sagalee.

The helicopter was evacuating people stranded in Sagalee and Dambuk due to massive landslides caused by heavy rain.

Tezpur-based Defence spokesperson Lt Col Sombit Ghosh said the chopper had gone out for flood rescue operations from its base at Jorhat on Tuesday morning.

Sagalee additional deputy commissioner J Pertin said the IAF helicopter, which was pressed into service to evacuate people stranded due to floods in Sagalee, had made five sorties since it arrived there at around 10:30 am on Tuesday.

"On the sixth sortie to Naharlagun the crew did not take the last batch of nine civilians for unknown reasons and took off from Sagalee," he added.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu had tweeted on Tuesday, "Successfully evacuated 169 stranded people that include women, children from flood affected areas of Sagalee and Dambuk through IAF."

Sagalee is north of Itanagar while Dambuk is in Lower Dibang Valley district, which is about 350 km east of here.

In May last, two pilots of the Indian Air Force had died when a Sukhoi-30 fighter jet crashed near the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border. PTI
Ajay Banerjee

TribuneNews Service

New Delhi, July 6

In a significant strategic signal to the military world, India, the US and Japan will create a unique first when three seaborne aircraft carriers  considered the most potent projection of power by a country at sea  will be operating in the Bay of Bengal under exercise named 'Malabar' commencing on July 10.

India will field its Russian built 46,000-tonne warship, the INS Vikramaditya, with onboard MiG-29k fighter jets. The US navy will bring its one lakh-tonne nuclear-powered USS Nimitiz with onboard F/A-18 Boeing fighter jets. Japan will be fielding its flat-deck, JS Izumo, a 24,000-tonne helicopter carrier specialising in anti-submarine warfare.

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Though named helicopter, the carrier's 248-metre-long deck makes it often getting termed as an "aircraft carrier in disguise". The F-35B jet built by Lockheed Martin has the ability to do short take off and vertical (STOVL).

More than 120 platforms - fighter planes, warships, submarines, surveillance aircraft and helicopters - drawn from the navies of these three countries shall be part of the exercise.

And with such a massive flotilla being around, China is expectedly not far behind. Its intelligence-gathering warship, the 'Haiwingxing', entered the waters of the Indian Ocean in the end of June. These are international waters and one can be stationed there outside the designated and announced area of exercise. A spy ship normally listening can captures radar signatures of vessels  unique to ship, plane or submarine.

The Malabar is part of ongoing series of exercises that have grown in scope and complexity over the years to address the variety of shared threats to maritime security in the Indo-Asia Pacific.

The exercise will feature both ashore and at-sea training. While ashore in Chennai, training will include subject matter expert and professional exchanges on carrier strike group operations, maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations, surface and anti-submarine warfare, medical operations, damage control, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), helicopter operations, and visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations.

The at-sea portions, to be conducted in the Bay of Bengal, are designed to advance participating nations' military-to-military coordination and capacity to plan and execute tactical operations in a multinational environment.
New Delhi, July 6

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold meetings with leaders of countries like Canada, Japan, and the UK on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg but ruled out any scheduled bilateral meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The Prime Minister is visiting Hamburg from July 6-8 for G-20 Summit. His pre-planned bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit are with Argentina, Canada, Italy, Japan, Mexico, ROK (Republic of Korea), the UK and Vietnam, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said when asked about Prime Minister Modi's schedule in Hamburg.

"In addition, he will also participate in the BRICS Leaders' meeting. There is no change in the Prime Minister's schedule," he said, suggesting that there was no scheduled bilateral meeting between Modi and Xi.

Comments by Baglay, who is accompanying Modi on his overseas trip, came after Chinese Foreign Ministry officials also ruled out the possibility of a Xi-Modi meet.

China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan tri-junction for past 19 days after a Chinese Army's construction party attempted to build a road.

Fighting terrorism, climate change and global trade will be at the core when Prime Minister Modi and leaders from the world's other top economies assemble here for a two-day G20 Summit beginning tomorrow.

Leftist protesters vow to disrupt G20 summit

HAMBURG: "Welcome to Hell". That's the greeting for U.S. President Donald Trump and other world leaders from anti-capitalist protesters in Hamburg, who have vowed to disrupt the G20 summit in the German port city.

Among the 100,000 protesters expected in the city, some 8,000 are deemed by security forces to be ready to commit violence, posing a challenge for those tasked with securing the summit.

There has been no significant violence at several smaller demonstrations in the city this week, including a march on Wednesday by more than 7,000 beer-drinking mainly young revellers holding placards denouncing capitalism and G20 leaders.

Locals are unhappy with Chancellor Angela Merkel's decision to hold the summit in the centre of Germany's second-largest city as they fear property damage by violent protesters. Their daily routines are also being disrupted by security measures.  Agencies
New Delhi, July 6

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Haifa today, but a proposal mooted by NDMC more than two months ago to rename a prominent road in Lutyens Delhi after the Israeli city is still in limbo.

The New Delhi Municipal Council had proposed in April that Teen Murti Marg and Teen Murti Chowk be renamed Haifa ahead of Modis visit to Israel, the first by an Indian prime minister.

No final call has been taken on the proposal yet. It was deferred in the April meeting and has not been taken up since then. We are not sure whether it will be scrapped totally or reconsidered later, NDMC Vice Chairman Karan Singh Tanwar told PTI.

In a meeting on April 24, some council members had claimed the proposal had been passed but the civic body chairman, Naresh Kumar, had announced hours later that the issue was deferred.

The proposal has not been taken up in any council meeting since then.

The prime minister, who is on a three-day visit to the Jewish nation, will be visiting Haifa to pay homage to Indian soldiers who fought in the World War I.

The Israeli city was liberated from Ottoman occupation by Indian soldiers during the war.

A large number of Indian soldiers of the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade died during the battle to free the city and nearly 900 are buried in Israel.

September 23 is celebrated as Haifa Day in India and Israel every year as a mark of respect for the soldiers who lost their lives in the battle and to mark the end of 400 years of Turkish control over the city.

Demands to rename Teen Murti Road and Chowk have been made over the past few years by different organisations, including the RSS.

Senior RSS functionary Indresh Kumar had said in 2015 that the government should acknowledge the role played by the three regiments of the Indian Army in the Battle of Haifa in 1918.

According to the Ministry of Culture, a wrong impression has been built about the Teen Murti Chowk that it has something to do with Mahatma Gandhi.

The Teen Murti Chowk was named to mark the role of the three cavalry regiments. But no one knows this today. The moment people think of the Teen Murti they think of Gandhijis monkeys. This is a wrong impression that needs to be corrected, it had earlier said.

Teen Murti Bhavan, the residence of Indias first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and now a museum, is at the Teen Murti crossing. PTI
Haifa, July 6

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday saluted the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during the World War I while protecting the Israeli city of Haifa from the Ottoman Empire forces and said the sacrifices made by them is a mark of enduring bond between the two nations.

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Modi visited the Indian cemetery in Haifa along with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on the last day of his visit to Israel and laid wreaths at the site.

Together in homage to the fallen brave. Wreaths by PM @narendramodi & PM @netanyahu at Haifa, External Affairs Ministry Spokesman Gopal Baglay tweeted.

He also unveiled a plaque commemorating Major Dalpat Singh, known as the Hero of Haifa for his critical role in the liberation of the city.

I am deeply honoured to stand here today to salute the valiant Indian soldiers, who led down their lives for the liberation of Haifa during the WW I, Modi wrote in the guest book.

The exceptional bravery and supreme sacrifice of Major Thakur Dalpat Singh MC, the Hero of Haifa and his men, will be remembered forever and continue to inspire generations to come. Next year, the centenary of the battle of Haifa will present another opportunity to mark this enduring bond between India and Israel, he wrote.

The Indian Army commemorates September 23 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.

In the autumn of 1918, the Indian Brigade was a part of the Allied Forces sweeping northwards through Palestine in what is seen as the last great cavalry campaign in history.

Captain Aman Singh Bahadur and Dafadar Jor Singh were awarded the Indian Order of Merit (IOM) and Captain Anop Singh and 2nd Lt Sagat Singh were awarded the Military Cross (MC) as recognition for their bravery in this battle.

Major Dalpat Singh was awarded a military cross for his bravery.

In 2012, the municipality of Haifa decided to immortalise the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers, many of whom are buried in the cemetery here, by including the stories of their valiant efforts in school curricula.

The municipality also decided to organise a ceremony every year to commemorate the role of the Indian Army in liberating the city from Turks after almost 402 years. PTI
Pune, July 6

Women rights activist Trupti Desai was on Thursday booked under the Prevention of Atrocities Act for allegedly assaulting a 33-year-old former member of her organisation on June 27 near Balewadi stadium here, the police said.

The complainant, Vijay Makasare, a doctor from neighbouring Amhednagar district, had alleged that Desai, who heads the Bhumata Ranragini Brigade, her husband Prashant and two other persons thrashed him after he fell out with Desai.

Other persons named in the complaint lodged with the Hinjewadi police station are identified as Satish Desai, Kantilal Gaware and two unidentified persons.

Makasare stated that he was approached by Desai a few months ago and asked him to join her organisation.

I accepted her request and joined the organisation as I wanted to work for the society. However, later I realised that the functioning of the outfit was not transparent and the intentions to run the organisation was malafied, so I decided to part my ways, which irked Desai, Makasare said in his complaint.

Quoting the complaint, a police official said Desai asked Makasare to take her to Mumbai in his car for some important work on June 27.

My car was waylaid by Desais husband Prashant and four others near Balewadi stadium on Pune-Mumbai Highway.

Desai snatched my two phones saying they contained crucial evidence against her, Makasare stated in his complaint.

He alleged Desai, Prashant and others thrashed him and snatched his gold chain worth Rs 15,000 and Rs 27,000 in cash he was carrying with him.

Makasare also accused Desai of passing derogatory remarks regarding his caste and threatening him of dire consequences if he dared to raise his voice against her outfit.

We have registered a case against Desai, her husband and four others under section 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 394 (robbery), 341 (wrongful restraint), 506 (criminal intimidation) and relevant sections of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, the Hinjawadi police station official said.

He said the Desai couple and others will be summoned for recording their statements.

When contacted, the activist refuted the allegations, saying Makasare was trying to malign her image.

It was Makasare who approached me requesting membership to my outfit. However, we denied him the membership after knowing about his character. He is now trying to malign my image by levelling such baseless allegations. He filed the case out of a grudge over his non-induction into the organisation, she said.

Desai was instrumental in leading an agitation of women in November 2015 for gaining the entry to the core area of famous Lord Shani shrine in Ahmednagar district.

She subsequently led similar protests at the Mahalakshmi temple in Kolhapur and later at Lord Shiva temple in Trimbakeshwar near Nashik.

Last year, Desai made an attempt to enter the Haji Ali dargah in Mumbai, but beat a retreat after an angry mob prevented her from proceeding further.

On May 12, 2016, she made a successful second attempt and entered the dargah under tight security but not in the inner sanctum where women are not allowed.  PTI
Islamabad, July 6

Pakistan on Thursday expressed concern over the reported sale of advanced weapons to India by some countries, saying it would undermine the strategic balance in the region.

Pakistan will continue to raise its voice at the international fora which should objectively assess its actions and policies towards South Asian region, Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said at his weekly media briefing.

His comments came amid reports that the US has cleared the sale of predator Guardian drones to India.

Zakaria said Pakistan was alive toward the issue of its national security which would be safeguarded at every cost.

He also rejected allegations about presence of the Haqqani network in Pakistan and said that it was just rhetoric and effort to shift blame on his country.

The killing of a number of commanders of Haqqani network in Afghanistan clearly indicate that the group is based in Afghanistan and not operating from Pakistan, he said.

He also claimed that in Pakistan there was no organised presence of any terror outfit like the Taliban, Jamaat-ul Ahrar, IS and al-Qaeda.

Zakaria said that during the visit of the US delegation headed by Senator John McCain, matters pertaining to Afghanistan were discussed.

He repeated Pakistans support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. He alleged that New Delhi was against peace in the war-torn country.

The spokesperson also said that there are reports of Indian forces using ammunition containing chemical agents and precursors in Kahsmir.

We call upon the international community, particularly, relevant International organisations to initiate investigations into these reports, he added.  PTI
Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 6

Questioning the Centre on lacunae in implementation of various policies and programmes to prevent farmers suicide, the Supreme Court on Thursday refused to close a PIL on the issue even as it said the government was moving in the right direction.

We are not going to close it. We are just keeping ourselves in the loop. You are moving in the right direction but suicides are going up, a bench headed by Chief Justice of India JS Khehar said during hearing of a PIL by Citizens Resource and Action Initiative (CRANTI), an NGO.

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Giving compensation to the family of a farmer who kills himself is not enough. You are moving but still the suicides are increasing. There are policies but everything is on paper. You must move to implementation, it said.

The top courts comments came after Attorney General KK Venugopal explained the steps taken to deal with the agrarian crisis and tried to impress upon the bench to leave it to the government to implement the policies which, even the petitioner admitted, were good. Giving details of its multi-pronged attack to tackle the problem, Venugopal said it was not for the court to supervise the government.

But the bench said: There is a motive for us to hear this. We want you to soften the effect of loan on farmers.

Hit by consecutive droughts, India has witnessed an agrarian crisis forcing many farmers to commit suicide due to failed crops and indebtedness. Farmers suicides increased more than 40% in 2015 to cross 8,000. Most of these suicides have been committed by Maharashtra (more than 3,000) followed by Telangana (more than 1,300).

It has also been a problem in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.

Last month, five farmers were killed in police firing in Madhya Pradesh. They were demanding loan waiver and better prices for their produce.

The bench had in January expanded the scope and ambit of a 2013 PIL by CRANTI that had sought the top courts intervention in Gujarat where between 2003 and 2012, 692 farmers had allegedly committed suicide.

Maintaining that farmers suicide cant be tackled overnight, the Attorney General sought one-year to for a visible improvement in the ground situation. Its a great tragedy. To reach out is a massive exercise and we need at least a year to see the effective results of the schemes, Venugopal told the bench.

Agreeing with the Centres submission that the issue cant be dealt with overnight, the bench gave it six months and asked it to expedite implementation of welfare schemes meant to provide relief to farmers. It is justified to seek time to implement the schemes, it said, adding it will review the matter after six months.

The top court asked the government to consider suggestions from senior counsel Colin Gosalves who represented CRANTI.

The Attorney General told the bench 5.34 crore of the total 12 crore farmers had already been covered under various welfare schemes, including the Fasal Bima Yojana, which covered 30% of the gross crop land area. It was likely to go up to 50% by 2018-19, he said.

Gonzalves said private insurance companies were given Rs 13,500 crore by the government, but they had not disbursed the funds to affected farmers so far. Citing farmers agitation in MP, he said, The state did not wake up to fix the minimum support price of onions until deaths took place.
Bijay Sankar Bora

Tribune News Service

Guwahati, July 6

All the six TMC MLAs of Tripura, who were suspended from the party recently, on Thursday came down here to announce their support to the NDAs nominee for presidential poll Ram Nath Kovind.

The Trinamool Congress MLAs were also present in the meeting of the legislators of the BJP and its allies in Assam  AGP and BPF  held with presidential candidate Ramnath Kovind.

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One Congress MLA from Tripura, Ratan Lal Nath, too, flew down to Guwahati to extend support to Kovind.

The leader of TMC MLAs, Sudip Roy Barman said it was a matter of time and a mere formality for them to join the BJP.

We have extended support to the NDAs Presidential candidate in the best interest of the country and it can be construed as the first step towards our formal merger with the BJP, Barman said soon after pledging support to Kovind.

Barman made the announcement of support to Kovind on behalf of the six TMC MLAs in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and BJP-backed North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convener Himanta Bishwa Sarma and BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav.
Ruchika M Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 5

To end the Badal familys monopoly in transport business, the Punjab Cabinet today came up with a new policy that allows for higher government participation in the luxury bus service.

The Council of Ministers also decided to scrap the Shivalik Dhauladhar Tourism Board set up three years ago to develop the area around Thein Dam.

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During an informal meeting later, senior ministers Navjot Singh Sidhu and Manpreet Singh Badal, both Sukhbir Badal-baiters, are learnt to have pressured Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh to initiate action against the cable transmission company, Fastway Transmissions, that flourished under the SAD-BJP government.

The CM has been resisting pressure to act against the Badals, saying he was concentrating on rebuilding Punjab and a witch-hunt was not on his agenda.

Sources said the two ministers sought to discuss the issue of cable mafia. Sidhu had earlier spoken against Fastway. Alleging it indulged in monopolistic practices and owed Rs 684 crore to the government, he had sent the company recovery notices.

Sidhu and Manpreet are learnt to have rather aggressively put across their viewpoint, alleging that despite 1,100 notices, the company had failed to pay dues.

The two ministers insisted that the cable mafia be finished in 10 days.

The CM is learnt to have asked Sidhu to discuss the matter with the Advocate General as well as with departments awaiting payment by the company.
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 6

Eighteen PCS officers were promoted to the IAS today, including two  Puneet Goyal and Perneet Bhardwaj  on a conditional basis.

Sources in the Personnel Department said the officers were promoted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) during a meeting held in New Delhi today. It is after three years that PCS officers from the state have been elevated to the elite cadre.

A panel of 54 officers  based on seniority  was sent to the UPSC. The others promoted to the IAS are Sanjay Popli, Dr Amarpal Singh, Mohinder Pal, Babita, GS Khera, Gurinderpal Singh Sahota, TPS Phoolka, Madhavi Kataria, Vimal Setia, Harjit Singh Kandola, Gurpal Chahal, Davinder Singh, Sandeep Hans, Bakhtawar Singh, and Arvind Pal Sandhu.

As Goyal and Bhardwaj are facing cases in the court, the UPSC has given them a deadline of December 31 to submit papers to prove that they have been discharged. Once they do the needful, their appointment to the IAS will be regularised.

Each year, five officers from the state civil service are to be promoted to the IAS. Since the seniority of 123 PCS officers could not be fixed for two years, and the seniority list remained mired in a legal tangle, the promotions had remained stalled.

Punjab has a cadre strength of 221 IAS officers, against which 187 are posted in the state.

2 on conditional basis

As Puneet Goyal and Perneet Bhardwaj are facing cases in the court, the UPSC has given them time till December 31 to submit papers to prove that they have been discharged. Once they do that, their appointment to the IAS will be regularised.
Tribune News Service

Patiala, July 6

Three months after Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh ordered a probe into an alleged extortion racket involving five police officers, including a senior IPS officer, the Vigilance Bureau (VB) is yet to complete its investigation.

The police officers are accused of extorting money from two farmers after threatening to implicate them in a financers murder case.

I was kept in illegal confinement and tortured. Scared, I paid Rs14 lakh to the police officers after taking a loan against my 1.5-acre land. Once the money was paid, we were let off, one of the two farmers, Dhanwant Singh, alleged.

The other farmer, Harjinder Singh, allegedly paid Rs5.5 lakh to the officers. Fearing that I, too, would be kept in illegal confinement and tortured, I took loans and paid the money, he said.

The two farmers said they stood by their statements in a local court.

The initial probe report submitted to the police zone IG in April named former Sangrur SSP Inderbir Singh, Sunam DSP Jashandeep Gill, Longowal SHO Sikandar Singh, Sangrur city police post in charge Baljinder Singh Chatha and Badru Khan police post in charge Gurmail Singh as accused.

The report prepared by Sangrur SSP Mandeep Singh Sidhu recommended an FIR and a Vigilance probe. The accused officers claimed to be innocent.

The case relates to a 25-year-old financier, Hardev Singh, who was shot dead in Longowal in February by five gangsters allegedly led by Davinder Singh alias Babli Randhawa. They later posted a video celebrating the murder.

Vigilance Bureau Director G Nageswara Rao said the VBs report was in its final stage. It will be completed soon and submitted to the authorities concerned, he added.
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 6

The Vigilance Bureau (VB) today booked a kanungo and three patwaris on the charge of selling government land in Ludhiana district. The accused also include four members of a family.

A spokesperson for the VB said that following a compliant, the bureau found out that Amrik Singh, his mother Jasveer Kaur, and sisters Pritpal Kaur and Jagdish Kaur of Ludhianas Mundian Kalan village had, in 2005, sold government land measuring 1,100 sq ft.

The bureau suspected that the land had been sold in connivance with employees of the Revenue Department  kanungo Paramjit Singh, and patwaris Jaskaran Singh, Gurpreet Singh and Anil Kumar.

The state government had acquired the land near Mundian Kalan village from Amriks family in 1995 and paid them compensation. The Department of Industries and Commerce was to establish an industrial focal point on the land.

The bureau have booked the accused under Sections 409, 420, 467, 468, 471 and 120-B of the IPC and Sections 13(1)(d) and 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act at the VB police station in Ludhiana.
Saurabh Malik

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 5

In deep freezer for more than three years, the controversy surrounding the cremation of the dead came to an end today with the Punjab and Haryana High Court permitting the preservation of Divya Jyoti Jagriti Sansthan head Ashutoshs body. Ashutosh was declared clinically dead by doctors on January 29, 2014.

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In a 42-page judgment with larger ramifications, a Division Bench ruled that belief in samadhi formed an essential part of mythology and religion around which a large part of Hindu and Indian philosophy revolved. History, too, was replete with examples where bodies were preserved. The Bench also called upon the Centre to consider enacting a law for deciding issues revolving around deaths, both natural and unnatural, on the pattern of the Coroners Act, 2008, in England.

The Bench of Justices Mahesh Grover and Shekher Dhawan, at the same time, issued a slew of directions to prevent degeneration of Ashutoshs body.

A team would be constituted by Ludhiana DMC, of which Jalandhar CMO would be a part. It would visit the place where the body has been kept to examine it and ensure its preservation in good state

The sansthan would create a corpus of Rs 50 lakh to be retained in a bank in an FDR, which will ensure a security for the professional charges of the medical team, the Bench added.

Referring to his son Dalip Kumar Jhas prayer for a DNA test, the Bench said he could raise it in a civil suit. If such a course is adopted, the sansthan will not resist handing over a DNA sample from the body, the Bench ruled.

The Bench was hearing a bunch of appeals filed by Jha and other appellants against a single judges order of December 1, 2014, that the godman like any other living person was dead, while ordering the conduct of his last rites within 15 days.

The Bench asserted that the directions were a bundle of contradictions and contained declarations a writ court would normally refrain from making, particularly in view of the serious conflict. The Single Judge should not have reached the conclusion of natural death or even death, when the very issue was in dispute. One side was proclaiming Ashutosh to be in samadhi, while the other was accepting death as a fact. The courts have no power to issue such declaration in the absence of any law or evidence, the Bench observed.

Besides, directing the disposal of body by cremation without ascertaining the custom or practice of the parties would be clearly hurting the sentiments of a group or community if they do not believe in it. The Bench observed that the question whether the Single Judge could have presumed death was immensely difficult to answer without injustice and damage to the belief of the followers, who vehemently contend that Ashutosh was in samadhi.

The Bench said samadhi was supposed to result in complete detachment of oneself from physical realm of existence. There would be examples where even practitioners of yoga would offer this state albeit for a limited period and while being in samadhi would offer no symptoms that the medical practitioner acknowledge as essential to life.

Clarifying that the Bench would not wish to be seen as an advocate or an adherent to the concept of samadhi, it added that one could at the same time not accuse the sansthan of harbouring or practising a belief which was shockingly deviant from the generally accepted societal beliefs or as seemingly absurd to a rational mind.

The Bench ruled that it was not inclined to invade the sacred territory of personal beliefs and faiths.
Jupinderjit Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 6

Aam Aadmi Party leader HS Phoolka has chosen the cause of the 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims over his cabinet minister rank being the Leader of Opposition in Punjab.

In a tweet on Thursday, he said, Will not give up 84 carnage cases. Asking Bar Council if by giving up Minister status I can appear in these cases.

The Delhi Bar Council had disallowed Phoolka to appear for the victims in several cases against Congress leader Sajjan Kumar and others.

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The Council said Phoolka was a cabinet minister, which is an office of profit. The cabinet minister status provides Rs 2 lakh salary and perks per month, and is given to the Leader of Opposition in a state Assembly.

Phoolka had been facing a dilemma for the past few days as he could not leave the victims in the lurch nor could he leave the Leader of Opposition role as the AAP was the only one to take on the ruling party in the Assembly.

Phoolka and his men were marshalled out of the House also. His leaving the post at this juncture can cause a power struggle in the AAP Legislature Party of 20 MLAs. No other leader enjoys support and confidence of all MLAs.

I have requested the Bar Council to let me appear as I am willing to leave my cabinet status. Nothing is dearer to me than getting justice for the riot victims, he told The Tribune.

Phoolka has been representing the victims for over 30 years, without charging any fees.
New Delhi, July 6

Nine and six judges were appointed to the Allahabad and Punjab and Haryana high courts, respectively, on Thursday.

The fresh appointments came days after Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad made it clear that non-finalisation of memorandum of procedure -- a document which will guide future appointments and transfers of judges -- will not have an impact on fresh appointments.

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While nine additional judges were appointed to the Allahabad High Court, six were appointed to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, according to separate notifications.

In the case of Punjab and Haryana High Court, while six out of seven names recommended by the collegium were appointed today, one name is learnt to have been put on hold by the government.

The MoP is pending finalisation for over a year now as the judiciary and the executive continue to have differences over key clauses of the document.

Recently, 11 judges to three high courts were appointed.

As on May 1, the 24 high courts had 450 vacancies. While the sanctioned strength is 1,079, the working strength is 629 judges.

Over the past several months, the Supreme Court collegium had recommended 29 names in two sets of 10 and 19 to the government for elevation as judges of the Allahabad high court.

Recently, the collegium had recalled one name after Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Dilip B Bhosale acted on an Intelligence Bureau inquiry report which had claimed that the district judge based in Lucknow had allegedly received large bribes to grant bail to former Uttar Pradesh minister Gayatri Prajapati.

In another case, the collegium had asked the government to put on hold the process of appointing an Uttar Pradesh lawyer as a judge of the Allahabad High Court after it found that the candidate is facing a criminal case.
Jupinderjit Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 6

The police today booked five activists of the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) on the charge of sedition, as the outfit allegedly put up hoardings in the state announcing Referendum 2020 for Punjabs independence. One of the accused has been arrested.

The hoardings have either been removed or are in the process of being removed, the police said.

Three of the accused  Gurpatwant Singh Pannun (legal adviser to the SFJ), Jagdeep Singh alias Baba Jagg and Jagjeet Singh  are based in the US. The other accused are Harpunit Singh of Jammu and Gurpreet Singh of Mohali.

Gurpreet has been arrested.

Baba Jagg had recently staged a demonstration outside the White House, Washington, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US President Donald Trump.

The SFJ and Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh have had run-ins in the recent past. The Chief Minister has accused the outfit of conspiring with Pakistan-based Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to cause trouble in Punjab. The SFJ slapped a defamation case on the CM in Canada, seeking $1 million in compensation.

After filing the defamation suit, Gurpatwant announced a $10,000 reward for serving summons on the Chief Minister.

A police spokesperson said Capt Amarinder ordered strict action against those putting up provocative hoardings that could vitiate the peace of the state.

The police said several provocative posters and hoardings came up at more than 40 sites across the state. The investigation showed that the SFJs campaign to put up hoardings, titled Punjab Independence Referendum 2020, had been managed by the Baba Hanuman Singh Enterprise Agency hired by New-York-based SFJ through Gurpatwant.

The police further said the investigation was in progress to uncover financial and operational linkages between persons based in India and abroad. The SJF, backed by Khalistani forces, had been trying to destabilise Punjab for the past several months, they said.

The Chief Minister has ruled out any local support for the SJFs campaign, saying external forces were out to whip up passion to further their vested interests.

SFJ website blocked

The Department of Telecommunications has blocked the website of the US-based Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), accused of trying to wage a war against India by calling for a separate Sikh state.

Probe on

The police probe is on to uncover financial and operational linkages between persons based in India and abroad.
IT is understood, says in Associated Press a message dated Simla July 5, there will be no meeting of the Punjab Provincial Legislative Council at Simla this year. So the Land of the Five Rivers is to attain a nirvana until next year. The Government of the province have apparently no legislative business on the tapis which the hon'ble members of council may be asked to assist in enacting into law. But what about the hon'ble members themselves? Have they no grievances to ventilate, no reforms to suggest, no measures of public utility to forward?
Phnom Penh, July 6

Cambodia sent home on Thursday 74 Chinese nationals wanted in China on suspicion of extorting money from people there over the Internet and by telephone, Cambodian police said.

A team of Chinese police arrived in Cambodias capital of Phnom Penh on a China Southern Airline flight to pick up the suspects who had been detained in Cambodia.

They established places to commit crime by extorting money from people over the phone, Uk Heisela, the head of the Cambodian police investigation, told reporters.

They used Cambodia as the location to extort money from people in China.

The 74 suspects had been arrested in Phnom Penh and Kampot province, he said, adding that it was the first such expulsion this year.

Reporters did not get access to the 74 before they were put on the plane and flown home and it was not clear if any of them had lawyers.

The deportation is the latest by Cambodia at Beijings behest. Cambodia is one of Chinas closest allies in Southeast Asia.

In 2009, Cambodia sent home 20 ethnic minority Uighurs, from Chinas troubled far western region of Xinjiang, despite objections from the UN refugee agency and rights groups, which said they feared for the safety of the Uighurs if sent back.

Last year, Cambodia deported 13 Taiwanese nationals wanted on fraud charges to mainland China despite vehement opposition from Taipei which has accused Beijing of abducting its citizens from countries that do not recognize the islands government - such as Cambodia.

Uk Heisela said more than 500 fraud suspects had been deported to China over recent years. Reuters
Beijing: The liver function of Chinas Nobel Peace Prize winning dissident Liu Xiaobo has worsened, the hospital treating him said on Thursday, while source close to his family said doctors had halted medication. Liu, 61, was jailed for 11 years in 2009 for inciting subversion of state power after he helped write a petition known as Charter 08 calling for sweeping political reforms. He was recently moved from jail to a hospital for treatment of liver cancer. Reuters

Pak leader, guard shot dead in Quetta

Karachi: Gunmen on Thursday shot dead a political leader and his guard in Pakistans restive Balochistan province. Malik Naveed Dehwar, a leader of Balochistan National Party, was in his vehicle when the gunmen opened fire on him in Quetta city and fled the spot. Police said Dehwar died at the spot while his guard succumbed to his injuries in hospital. Meanwhile, Balochistan Health Minister Rehmat Saleh Baloch survived a rocket attack when assailants targeted his convoy in Panjgur town, a report said. PTI

Mexico shootout leaves 15 dead

Mexico City: At least 15 persons died in a shootout between police and two rival drug gangs in northern Mexico, authorities said. The pre-dawn battle near Las Varas town started as a firefight between rival drug trafficking gangs, then escalated when police arrived, said Eduardo Esparza of the prosecutor's office for the state of Chihuahua. Fifteen persons died  all from the drug gangs  and five more were arrested, the state police chief said. AFP

Mum forced to hold boy on three-hour flight

Houston: An Asian-origin teacher was forced to hold her two-year-old son on her lap for over three hours on a flight until her leg and arm went numb after United Airlines gave away the toddlers seat to a standby passenger, prompting the beleaguered American airline to apologise. Shirley Yamauchi from Hawaii said her son was in his seat when another passenger showed up, claiming the seat was his. PTI
United Nations, July 6

The US on Thursday warned of using military force in response to North Koreas reckless launch of a ballistic missile and blasted China and Russia for holding the hands of the reclusive nations vicious dictator Kim Jong-Un.

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It is a dark day because Wednesdays actions by North Korea made the world a more dangerous place. Their illegal missile launch was not only dangerous, but reckless and irresponsible. It showed that North Korea does not want to be part of a peaceful world, US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said at an emergency Security Council meeting here on Wednesday following the launch of the intercontinental ballistic missile by North Korea.

The device, launched on Wednesday, was capable of reaching Alaska, and the Korean Central News Agency quoted leader Kim Jong-Un as saying the confrontation with the US had entered the final stage.

Indian-American Haley warned that the US is prepared to use the full range of our capabilities to defend itself and its allies.

One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces. We will use them if we must, but we prefer not to have to go in that direction. We have other methods of addressing those who threaten us and of addressing those who supply the threats. We have great capabilities in the area of trade, she said, adding that she had spoken with President Donald Trump about the issue.

Calling out on China, Haley said much of the burden of enforcing UN sanctions against North Korea rests with Beijing as 90 per cent of trade with North Korea is from China.

While she said the US will work with China, at the same time she warned that some countries are allowing and even encouraging trade with North Korea in violation of UN Security Council resolutions.

Such countries would also like to continue their trade arrangements with the United States. Thats not going to happen. Our attitude on trade changes when countries do not take international security threats seriously, she said.

Haley also blasted China and Russia for not joining hands with the international community in their efforts to combat the North Korean threat, saying the regime of Kim Jong Un has not and will not listen to anything Beijing and Moscow will say.

And so its time that we all stand together and say we will not put up with this action. To sit there and oppose sanctions, or to sit there and go in defiance of a new resolution means youre holding the hands of Kim Jong Un, she added.

Haley also warned that in the coming days, the US will bring before the Security Council a resolution that raises the international response in a way that is proportionate to North Koreas new escalation.

Without giving details of the resolution, Haley said if the international community is unified, it can cut off the major sources of hard currency to the North Korean regime.

We can restrict the flow of oil to their military and their weapons programmes. We can increase air and maritime restrictions. We can hold senior regime officials accountable, she said, warning that the US will take action not just against North Korea but will look at any country that chooses to do business with this outlaw regime. We will not have patience for stalling or talking our way down to a watered-down resolution.

Briefing the emergency meeting of the Security Council convened following the launch by North Korea of a ballistic missile of intercontinental range, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Miroslav Jenca said that the country must stop any actions that are a violation of Security Council resolutions and allow space for the resumption of sincere dialogue.

All parties must work to reopen communications channels, particularly military to military, to lower the risk of miscalculation or misunderstanding, he said.

The Hwasong-14 ballistic missile covered a distance of 933 kilometres during its 39-minute flight and reached an altitude of 2,802 kilometres before impacting into the sea.

According to these parameters the missile would have a range of roughly 6,700 kilometres if launched on a more typical trajectory, making it an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), according to widely used definitions, he said.

As Haley warned that North Koreas actions are quickly closing off the possibility of a diplomatic solution, Russias deputy envoy to the UN Vladimir Safronkov said Moscow objected to any action that could lead to a hardening of antagonisms and opposed imposition of sanctions on the country.

He pressed Pyongyang to declare a moratorium on nuclear and ballistic-missile testing, and the United States and South Korea to refrain from conducting full joint military exercises adding that discussions could reaffirm the principles of non- use of force, peaceful coexistence and denuclearization of the Peninsula.

He said Moscow also objected to the presence of some military forces in North-East Asia under the pretext of countering Pyongyangs military programmes.

Calling for measures that would strike a strategic balance in the region, he warned that any attempt to justify a military solution were be inadmissible, as were attempts to strangle the North Korea economically.

Humanitarian efforts must be depoliticised, he added, underlining that sanctions would not resolve the issues.

Chinas envoy to the UN Liu Jieyi, Council President for the month, described the launch as a flagrant and unacceptable violation of Council resolutions but called upon all concerned to avoid provocative actions, demonstrate willingness to enter into unconditional dialogue, and work together to defuse tensions.

He said China had always insisted on denuclearisation through dialogue and consultation, adding that his country opposed chaos and that military means must not be an option.

Deploying the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence antimissile system in North-East Asia undermined regional security interests, including those of China, and was not conducive to regional peace and stability, he emphasised, urging the countries concerned to cancel its deployment. PTI
Mexico City, July 6

At least 15 persons died in a huge shootout between the police and two rival drug gangs in northern Mexico, authorities said.

The pre-dawn battle near the remote town of Las Varas started as a firefight between rival drug trafficking gangs, then escalated when police arrived, said Eduardo Esparza of the prosecutors office for the state of Chihuahua, which borders the United States.

The region is hotly disputed territory for Mexicos drug cartels because its mountainous terrain and proximity to the border make it a strategic corridor for shipping narcotics to the US.

Investigators believe the groups involved in the shootout were La Lineathe armed wing of the Juarez carteland hitmen from the powerful Sinaloa cartel, Esparza told AFP.

Fifteen people diedall from the drug gangsand five more were arrested, state police chief Oscar Aparicio told Radio Formula.

It was the latest in a series of deadly clashes between police, rival drug gangs and warring factions within the Sinaloa cartel, which has been in turmoil since its kingpin, Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, was extradited to the United States in January.

Last Friday, 17 gunmen were killed in a spectacular shootout with police on a highway in Sinaloa, the northwestern state that is the Guzman cartels home base.

May was the deadliest month in Mexico since the government began keeping track in 1997, with 2,186 homicides.  AFP
Warsaw, July 6

US President Donald Trump today conceded that Russia may have interfered in the 2016 election that brought him to power but said other countries may also have been involved.

Ive said it very simply. I think it could very well have been Russia. I think it could well have been other countries. I wont be specific. But I think a lot of people interfere, Trump said during a visit to Warsaw.

Nobody really knows. Nobody really knows for sure, he said, challenging US intelligence agencies which suspect Russian President Vladimir Putin orchestrated a sweeping campaign to tilt the November vote in Trumps favour.

I remember when I was sitting back listening about Iraq. Weapons of mass destruction. How everybody was 100 per cent sure that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. Guess what  that led to one big mess, Trump said of intelligence claims that prompted the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

He also lashed out at his predecessor Barack Obama over the vote meddling allegations, saying: My big question is why did Obama do nothing about it from August until November? It wasnt because he choked.

Trumps comments came on the eve of a G20 summit in Germany where he is due to meet Putin.  AFP

US Prez urges NATO allies to spend more on defence

Trump, during his warsaw visit, described Poland as an exemplary ally in building defences to counter Russian destabilising behaviour. He urged western NATO allies in Europe to spend more on defence, drawing a comparison with Poland which meets the target of 2% of annual economic output.

US warns using force against North Korea
Hamburg, July 6

"Welcome to Hell". That's the greeting for US President Donald Trump and other world leaders from anti-capitalist protesters in Hamburg who aim to disrupt the G20 summit, already rife with tensions over trade and climate change.

Thousands of protesters from around Europe were pouring into the port city to join big demonstrations later. Police expected around 100,000 protesters in Hamburg, some 8,000 of whom are deemed by security forces to be ready to commit violence.

This poses a challenge for those tasked with securing the July 7-8 summit of leaders of the world's 20 biggest economies, hosted by Chancellor Angela Merkel, who face tough talks on agenda issues, including climate change. While counter-terrorism and climate change will dominate the discussions, the 12th G20 Summit will also discuss issues such as free and open trade, migration, sustainable development and global stability.

On the sidelines of the summit, Merkel will meet leaders, including Turkey's Tayyip Erdogan and Trump. Trump will also have his first session with Russian President Vladimir Putin after the US leader called Russia's behaviour "destabilising", a description the Kremlin rejected.

Merkel, who is running for a fourth term in a September election, today stressed that she was committed to an open international trading system, despite fears of US protectionism under Trump.

"We're united in our will to strengthen multilateral relations at the G20 summit...We need an open society, especially open trade flows," she said in Berlin.

Several small demonstrations in Hamburg this week have passed off relatively peacefully. On Wednesday more than 7,000 mainly young and beer-drinking revelers staged a march waving placards denouncing capitalism and G20 leaders.

But a fire overnight at a luxury Porsche car dealership in the north of the city that damaged eight vehicles could be a foretaste of what's to come. Police said they were investigating whether it was an arson attack linked to the summit.

Locals are unhappy with Merkel's decision to hold the summit in Hamburg to show healthy democracies could tolerate protests, as they are worried about property damage by leftist militants. Protesters say the G20 has failed to solve many of the issues threatening world peace.  Agencies

Bone of Contention
Washington, July 6

Having lost patience with China, the Trump administration is studying new steps to starve North Korea of cash for its nuclear programme.

The options include one that would infuriate Beijing: sanctions on Chinese companies that help keep the Norths economy afloat.

Its an approach thats paid off for the US in the past, including with Iran. So-called secondary sanctions upped the economic pressure on Tehran and helped drive it to the nuclear negotiating table.

There are significant risks, too, however. They include opening a new rift with Beijing that could complicate other US diplomatic efforts.

Washington already has sanctions on North Korean companies and people accused of illicit dealings with the North. Secondary sanctions would target banks and companies that do legitimate business with North Korea.  AP
London, July 6

The UK has begun moving its most extremist prisoners, including those who have been involved in planning terrorism, to special cells dubbed jihadi jails to tackle growing radicalisation within the countrys prison system.

The first such specialist centre has been set up at HMP Frankland near Durham in north-east England.

Two other centres, which are expected to be at HMP Full Sutton near York and at HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire, are due to open soon and the three centres together will hold up to 28 of the most subversive extremist prisoners.

Any form of extremism must be defeated wherever it is found, and it is right that we separate those who pose the greatest risk in order to limit their influence over other prisoners, said UK's Prison Minister Sam Gyimah. These centres are a crucial part of our wider strategy to help tackle extremism in prisons and ensure the safety and security of both our prisons and the wider public, he said.

The mental health of the inmates being considered for referral to the units must be examined and each will have a care and management plan, and their placement will be reviewed every three months.

The UKs Ministry of Justice said those selected for separation in the specialist centres include those who have been involved in planning terrorism or are considered to pose a risk to national security.

Those seeking to influence others to commit terrorist crimes, or whose extremist views are purposely undermining good order and security in the prison estate, may also be sent to the centres.  PTI
ELD Myths Busted

Feeling overwhelmed by ELD? Is what youre learning only creating more questions? Youre not alone.

With any new, complicated set of regulations there can be plenty of confusion. In the case of how fleets need to implement electronic logging devices (ELDs) to be compliant with the ELD mandate, myths are prevalent and need to be cleared up:

Myth #1: Every ELD vendor who is certified is really compliant.

Myth #2: Device registration is the same as verification

Myth #3: If you purchase a non-compliant device from a provider, it will be simple to replace it.

Myth #4: Youre better off waiting until November.

Download this new e-book to discover the truth behind these myths circulating about the ELD mandate and electronic logging devices.

By Verizon Connect
Being Tulsas first woman police officer was rough for Beula Johnson at first.

With polite disdain, her male co-workers treated Johnson like a school marm or social worker who would try to reform criminals instead of arresting them.

Then, about three months after being hired in 1936, a sergeant invited her to go along on a liquor raid targeting a woman who had thwarted their efforts to catch her with bootleg booze.

Armed with a warrant, officers searched the womans rooms in a First Street hotel, even prying up floor boards, to no avail.

All right Beula, take her there and search her, the sergeant said, indicating the other room.

Id never searched anyone before, Johnson told Tulsa Tribune reporter Niki Scott in 1968. The woman just stood there, waiting for me to do something, so I said, Well, I guess youll have to take your clothes off.

She began to chuckle and said, Oh hell, honey, never mind. Ive got the stuff on me. Then, she pulled up her skirt and pulled off a corset-like thing with pockets all around it, each one big enough for a pint.

From that day on, Johnson had the respect of her fellow officers.

Patrolling streets, bars, dance halls

A Kansas native, Johnson graduated from the University of Kansas before being hired as a French teacher at Tulsas Roosevelt Junior High School in 1926. She was employed as a social worker when she was chosen as TPDs first policewoman. (She is also believed to be the first woman police officer in Oklahoma.)

The League of Women Voters had persuaded Tulsa Police Commissioner O.W. Hoop that a woman should be hired to handle women prisoners and juveniles. Johnson passed a written exam and was interviewed by a committee of club women before being selected from the 13 applicants.

Mary Horn, Tulsas first black policewoman, and Alice Whitney joined TPD in 1939.

Johnson patrolled downtown streets, beer parlors, rooming houses and dance halls looking for juvenile girls who were being exploited. A 1937 newspaper story said Johnson had been appointed to the police perversion squad, with the job of apprehending sex perverts and maniacs.

"At first," Johnson said, "my husband and son violently protested my work as a policewoman. But soon they became so interested they forgot their prejudices and wanted me to relate all my experiences to them as soon as I got home."

Johnson was credited in 1944 with cracking the notorious Hex House case, in which a woman held two younger women as virtual slaves and extorted $17,000 from the father of one.

Despite earning the admiration of her peers, Johnson was repeatedly demoted and threatened with firing by superiors who thought women werent fit for police work.

I feel inspection of taverns and rooming houses is mens work, Police Chief George Blaine said after one demotion in 1942.

Her fellow officers, though, elected her as president of the Fraternal Order of Police in 1945. In 1952, she was put in charge of the juvenile bureau. Though she had been promoted to lieutenant, she left TPD as a sergeant in 1959 and went to work for Sheriff Dave Faulkner, retiring from law enforcement in 1963 after 27 years. She died at age 88 in 1980.

Blue blouses and skirts

TPD remained a mostly male bastion, but in 1955, the department hired five women as traffic cops. A Tulsa World story said that after training, the girls will take their places on downtown streets. They will wear police blue blouses and skirts and will carry shoulder bags.

Typical of that time, the story gave each womans marital status, height and weight. Only one  Marilyn Mickey Ethridge  remained on the force longer than a year. She retired in 1986 after 31 years.

Women officers received permission to wear slacks at work, but only after city officials gained public support, the World reported on Nov. 15, 1955. Hundreds responded on the topic and only three people  all women  objected.

They are all trim and attractive and since they are engaged in work with men  then I favor them having the rights and privileges of male officers, stated one man.

Time and again, Tulsas female officers proved they could do the job as well as the men. Regardless, TPD continued to steer women into low-level assignments and bar them from promotion to the upper ranks until 1975, when two female officers won a sex discrimination suit against the department.

In the settlement, Lynn Jones and Monte Peterson were promoted to investigators and received back pay after the city attorney admitted the citys position was indefensible.

Read more Throwback Tulsa stories.
A Tulsa Development Authority commissioner was appointed Thursday to work with the city on the potential creation of a new tax increment financing  or TIF  district to spark economic development in north Tulsa.

Carl Bracy will meet with municipal staff to discuss how we might move this forward based on the various inquiries were getting on industrial development, said Kathy Taylor, Mayor G.T. Bynums chief of economic development. Its definitely something that should be on the table.

Bracy has been a member of TDAs board of commissioners since 2009.

A lot of things are starting to happen in north Tulsa, he said. We cant do anything about the citys direction, but I at least wanted to start the dynamics of a discussion.

TIFs subsidize companies by refunding or diverting a portion of their taxes to help finance development in an area.

Formed in 2002, the North Peoria TIF expired on June 28 with about $2.6 million still to be allocated. Two days before that, the TDA had approved extending the boundaries of the TIF to mitigate infrastructure costs for a proposed Save A Lot grocery store proposed by developer Honor Capital.

The expansion was from the current northern boundary of Apache Street to 36th Street North along the right-of-way on Peoria Avenue.

Any new TIF in that area would coexist with projects linked with the East 36st Street North Corridor Master Plan  as well as a proposed industrial development project by the George Kaiser Family Foundation  and extend the boundary farther north.

More than 100 acres have been set aside for the planned Peoria-Mohawk Industrial Park, a joint effort by GKFF and the city to bring a large employer to that part of town.

Other developments penciled in for north Tulsa include a new USA BMX headquarters and indoor arena at the Evans-Fintube industrial site, 118 N. Lansing Ave., and at least a $23 million, mixed-use repurposing of the historic Morton Hospital site in the 600 block of East Pine Street.

Tulsa native and Houston developer Michael E. Smith, doing business as Morton Reserve Properties LLC, is heading the former health-care sites renovation. The agreement calls for Smith to preserve the former hospital building as a three-story, 12,000-square-foot space for office, commercial and museum use. The project would include a new 50,000-square-foot building for office and commercial use and a 64-unit apartment building.

On Thursday, the TDA amended Smiths redevelopment agreement, allowing him an additional 30 days to provide schematic plans.

Were making good progress, he said.
Hobby Lobby, the Oklahoma City-based retail giant, announced Wednesday it has reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to forfeit thousands of ancient artifacts the government says the company illegally imported from the Middle East.

According to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office in the Eastern District of New York, Hobby Lobby in about 2009 began importing thousands of ancient clay tablets, cylinder seals and other cultural items that were shipped to Hobby Lobby locations in Oklahoma.

The government alleged that the items originated in what is now Iraq and were imported in violation of federal law.

Shipments were made without proper documentation of the country of origin and in containers that falsely described the contents as ceramic tiles or clay tiles (sample), the government said.

In some cases, the materials were falsely labeled as originating in Turkey, the government said.

In accepting the agreement, Hobby Lobby has accepted responsibility for its past conduct and agreed to take steps to remedy the deficiencies that resulted in its unlawful importation of the artifacts, the government said.

Hobby Lobby has agreed to the forfeiture of all of the artifacts shipped to the United States, the government statement said. Hobby Lobby also agreed to pay $3 million and submit quarterly reports to the government on any cultural property acquisitions for the next 18 months.

Hobby Lobby President Steve Green said in a statement: We should have exercised more oversight and carefully questioned how the acquisitions were handled.

Hobby Lobby has cooperated with the government throughout its investigation, and with the announcement of todays settlement agreement, is pleased the matter has been resolved.

He said Hobby Lobby was new to the world of acquiring these items and did not fully appreciate the complexities of the acquisitions process. This resulted in some regrettable mistakes.

The company imprudently relied on dealers and shippers who, in hindsight, did not understand the correct way to document and ship these items, Green said.

He said that at no time did Hobby Lobby ever purchase items from dealers in Iraq or from anyone who indicated that they acquired items from that country.

Hobby Lobby condemns such conduct and has always acted with the intent to protect ancient items of cultural and historical importance.

We have accepted responsibility and learned a great deal, Green said. Our entire team is committed to the highest standards for investigating and acquiring these items.

Green said developing a collection of historically and religiously important books and artifacts about the Bible is consistent with the companys mission and passion for the Bible. The goals were to preserve these items for future generations, to provide broad access to scholars and students alike to study them, and to share the collection with the world in public institutions and museums.

The Green family was the inspiration for the creation of the Museum of the Bible being developed in Washington, D.C., and artifacts from the Green collection are expected to be in the museum.

A government spokesperson said that the protection of cultural heritage is a mission that HSI (Homeland Security Investigations) and its partner, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, take very seriously.
Oklahoma City police are investigating an Uber driver's complaint that a state senator "made advances on her during transit," The Oklahoman has confirmed.

Sen. Bryce Marlatt, R-Woodward, is accused of grabbing the driver forcefully and kissing her on the neck while she was driving late June 26.

The driver reported she was assaulted on the Lake Hefner Parkway in Oklahoma City on the way to a hotel. She reported she later took the customer to The Pump Bar in Oklahoma City.

The driver approached a police officer at a convenience store two days after the incident. She said she needed to file a police report. She told the officer she "wants to press charges."
The Tulsa County Sheriffs Office plans to take over operation of the jail commissary by Nov. 1, Sheriff Vic Regalado said Wednesday.

This is revenue that comes out of the jail, and it ought to stay in the jail, Regalado said after county commissioners ratified a formal notice terminating the current commissary contract with the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services and M&J Snack Bar.

The notice says that contract will end Oct. 30.

Historically, the commissary has been operated by blind vendors under contract with the Department of Rehabilitation Services. State law requires government vending  with numerous exceptions  be given to handicapped operators through DRS.

The current vendor, Michael Spencer of M&J Snack Bar, is blind.

The Sheriffs Office has sought control of the commissary for several years, with an eye on the several hundred thousand dollars in revenue it generates annually. It succeeded during this years legislative session in adding jail commissaries to the list of government facilities excluded from the DRS requirement, thus allowing the Sheriffs Office to bump Spencer and M&J.

Spencer and organizations for the blind strenuously objected to the change, saying he was being penalized for doing a good job.

The county and the Sheriffs Office, though, said the Tulsa Jail commissary should never have been under DRS control in the first place and noted that Tulsas is the only one in the state that is.

Spencer did not return a call seeking comment on Wednesday. His company reportedly will continue to operate vending machines in county facilities.

Regalado said profits from the commissary will be used for jail operations, which in recent years have been millions of dollars in the red. Estimates of potential net income from the commissary have been as high as $500,000 annually.
Correction

A breakout box with this story originally misrepresented the process by which a civil case against Kepler was dismissed Thursday. The breakout box has been corrected.

Former Tulsa Police Officer Shannon Kepler spent a significant part of his three hours on the stand during his murder trial Thursday defending his decision not to stay on scene to talk to investigators after he fatally shot his daughters new boyfriend.

As he did in two previous trials, Kepler claimed he shot 19-year-old Jeremey Lake in self-defense after seeing him carrying a handgun.

Closing arguments will begin Friday morning in the third first-degree murder trial in about eight months for Kepler, 57, related to the Aug. 5, 2014, shooting death of Lake outside the home of the teens aunt in the 200 block of North Maybelle Avenue. He faced trials in November and February, but District Judge Sharon Holmes declared a mistrial both times due to hung juries.

Kepler told lead defense attorney Richard OCarroll on Thursday he was confident he saw Lake carrying a semiautomatic weapon when he fired two shots at him with his revolver, which was an old Tulsa police service weapon. He said he first attempted to de-escalate the situation with Lake, whom he alleged was verbally and physically antagonistic during their brief interaction.

Multiple officers who investigated the shooting, as well as witnesses to the immediate aftermath, previously testified about not finding a gun either on or near Lakes body. However, OCarroll has suggested one of those witnesses took a gun from Lakes body and possibly dumped it in a Tulsa police interview room trash can, where one was found a day later.

Holmes has barred OCarroll from eliciting testimony about the gun, as testing of the weapon did not turn up any evidence that would associate it with the case.

When Assistant District Attorney Kevin Gray subjected Kepler to a lengthy cross-examination Thursday evening, the former officer said he fled the scene after the shooting in part because he did not want to be taken in for questioning without an attorney present. He also expressed concern about his safety because spectators began gathering around the shooting site and he ran out of bullets in the revolver.

He admitted he did not call for medical assistance but said it was clear from his observations someone else did.

Kepler said he and his wife, Gina Kepler, met up later that night and worked to contact an attorney before they went to the police station downtown with the attorney to turn Kepler in. Gina Kepler was arrested on an accessory complaint in the case but was not charged.

He said he was anxious about giving statements because the shooting occurred while he was off-duty. Kepler said his wife reminded him that officers involved in off-duty incidents typically arent afforded assistance with legal representation by the Fraternal Order of Police or a related waiting period before an investigator takes a statement.

The remark about interrogations led to a discussion about Keplers knowledge of what are commonly called Miranda rights, which Tulsa police officers typically read to suspects from a printed card.

You were a police officer for 25 years. Do you not know the Miranda warnings by heart? Gray asked.

I do not, Kepler said, prompting Gray to list some of the rights given to detainees, including the right to have an attorney accompany someone before they are questioned in a criminal investigation.

Kepler told OCarroll he went to the home of Lakes aunt in hopes of finding his daughter, Lisa Kepler, and taking her back to the Keplers east Tulsa residence. Lisa Kepler had posted on Facebook earlier in the day about being in a relationship with Lake, and Shannon Kepler said he used that information to help him find Lakes address and background.

On June 30, Lisa Kepler testified about her parents taking her to a homeless shelter near Lakes home because they kicked her out over conflicts about her lifestyle. Although Shannon Kepler told OCarroll and Gray that Gina Kepler primarily handled monitoring their daughter after dropping her off, he said he became worried when he searched for information about Lake in a Tulsa Police internal database.

He conceded using the database for personal reasons was a violation of department policy, but maintained he was willing to break rules in order to protect his daughter.

When asked why he didnt involve other officers in the situation, Kepler told OCarroll he wanted to keep it within the family because he didnt want to air my dirty laundry out to everybody. He also said he did not seek a violent confrontation with anyone when he decided the night of Aug. 5 to drive by the area to check up on her, but said he took the revolver for protection based on his belief Lakes house was in a high-crime area.

However, he told Gray, If I could go in a time machine, Id never go over there again. Kepler called the matter a unique situation because he was an off-duty police officer at the time, to which Gray said, Yes. Instead of being called there, you chose to go there to Lakes home.

I wanted to tell her the situation she was in and the person she was with was dangerous, Kepler responded. The defense has implied Lake may have been under the influence of K2, or synthetic marijuana, during his interaction with Kepler, but a toxicology screen did not show he had drugs in his system.

However, the screen does not look for the presence of K2 due to its myriad available compounds. Kepler said under cross-examination that he didnt notice Lake walking oddly or slurring his speech, but said he was not close enough to see whether his eyes could have given clues about Lakes state.

Kepler was the final witness the defense presented for its case and was on the stand for about three hours after jurors listened to character evidence from two former co-workers, a neighbor and a childhood friend.

Prosecutors rested their first-degree murder case against Kepler on Thursday afternoon following statements from Dr. Mary Goolsby, a medical examiner who determined Lakes death was a homicide caused by two gunshot wounds to the chest and neck.
Tulsa County prosecutors have dropped murder charges against two men who are serving time in prison for a string of armed robberies.

First-degree murder charges against Gregory Jacquette Carter, 26, and Kiantre Del-Juan Belcher, 28, were dismissed Monday by a judge at the states request, according to court records.

The charges were dismissed without prejudice, meaning prosecutors have the option to refile them at a later date. The charges were dropped pending further investigation, court records state.

Assistant District Attorney Isaac Shields said its likely the case will be refiled.

Carter and Belcher were charged in the shooting death of Deangelous Mackey, 37, according to court documents.

Police said two armed men  one wearing a Ghostface mask and the other a red hooded sweatshirt  rushed a crowd on June 23, 2014, at the Meadows Apartments in the 2800 block of South 115th East Avenue.

One of the men fired at the crowd and the other mans gun jammed, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Police investigators allege the gunmen were targeting people in the group as part of an ongoing dispute. Mackey reportedly was not the intended target of the shooting.

Belchers lawyer, Meredith Curnutte, said her client had already demanded a speedy trial.

From my standpoint, it appeared to be a weak case against my client, she said.

Curnutte questioned how much more investigation could be done on a 3-year-old case.

The only witness to identify Belcher in the investigators affidavit was a co-defendant in a robbery case involving Belcher and Carter. Curnutte said that man had been a witness for the state in the robbery case, giving him a motive to be a witness again in the slaying.

A lawyer representing Carter did not respond to a request for comment Thursday morning.

Carter, Belcher and two other defendants were accused of committing a string of robberies in July 2014 at Patricias at 11344 E. 11th St., Little Caesars at 3308 E. Pine St., Dollar General at 7854 E. Admiral Place and Dollar General at 13886 E. 146th St. North in Collinsville, according to Tulsa World archives.

Carter and Belcher are serving five-year prison sentences in separate facilities after being found guilty in September 2015 on four counts of robbery with a firearm, state Department of Corrections records indicate.
SALLISAW  A man wanted in connection with an Arkansas domestic violence incident was fatally shot by Sequoyah County sheriffs deputies Wednesday after firing his gun at an officer inside a McDonalds restaurant in Sallisaw, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

Jamie Huskey, 45, was shot just before 2 p.m. at the McDonalds in the 1000 block of South Robert Kerr Boulevard.

Authorities were searching for Huskey to question him about a domestic assault involving a firearm that occurred in Fort Smith earlier in the day, according to an OSBI news release.

Deputies located and approached Huskey, who reportedly refused to take his hands from under one of the restaurants tables. As they drew close, Huskey fired one shot from under the table, prompting a deputy to fire back, according to the OSBI.

Huskey was wounded and taken to a hospital, where medical personnel pronounced him dead.

OSBI special agents are investigating the shooting and will submit their findings to the District Attorneys Office for Sequoyah County, which will determine whether the shooting was justified.
A man whom the Tulsa Police Department said Monday morning was its weekly Most Wanted fugitive was arrested that evening on charges of child abuse and uttering a forged instrument.

Isaac Jennings, 26, is accused of child abuse of a 3-year-old who was brought to a local hospital in 2016 with blisters on his feet, hands and genitals. He was wanted on a $150,000 bond. Police said he was considered armed and dangerous due to threats made to individuals about future interactions with the police.

Jennings was taken into custody at 6 p.m. Monday and booked at the Tulsa Jail just more than 30 minutes later.

According to a probable cause affidavit, medical personnel told investigators that the blisters and burns on the child were consistent with immersion burns, the product of being submerged in scalding liquid.

Prosecutors charged Jennings in May 2016 and issued an arrest warrant in May 2017.

The child's mother, Cassandra McDonald, is also charged with one count of child abuse by injury. Her next court appearance is scheduled Aug. 7, according to court records.

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.
Update: East Central University President Katricia Pierson and Regional University System of Oklahoma regents Chairman Mark Stansberry said Thursday they agree with Attorney General Mike Hunter's intervention in a situation involving ECU's campus chapel.

"The issue ... is clearly bigger than just our university and requires legal expertise that can best be provided by the Oklahoma Attorney General's office," Pierson said in a press release on ECU letterhead and distributed by an Oklahoma City public relations firm's e-mail.

Stansberry, in the same press release, said he supports Pierson's statement.

OKLAHOMA CITY  Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter stepped into the middle of a controversy involving the chapel on the East Central University campus in Ada, telling the schools governing board late Wednesday that the matter should be referred to his office.

In doing so, Hunter makes clear his intention to take decisions about the chapel away from a committee formed by ECU President Katricia Pierson.

While it is laudable for a public university to maintain awareness of public opinion, Hunter wrote in a letter to Mark Stansberry, chairman of the Board of Regents for the Regional University System of Oklahoma, or RUSO, ECU has received a demand letter from lawyers implicitly threatening legal action.

In view of the fact that (the ECU) committees decision has a profound import beyond the campus of ECU for the State of Oklahoma and similarly situated entities, I am formally requesting that this matter be referred to the office of Attorney General.

This will necessarily obviate the proposed review and decisions by the committee contemplated by (Pierson).

Late last month, Pierson said a cross on the steeple of the Kathryn P. Boswell Memorial Chapel would be removed, along with Bibles and religious iconography inside the chapel, in response to a letter from Washington-based Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

It is this demand letter Hunter refers to in his message to Stansberry.

Pierson said the decision to remove the cross and other Christian symbols was made in consultation with ECU and RUSO attorneys, but within days she reversed course and said nothing would be done to the chapel until a committee of faculty, staff and community members reviewed the situation.

Hunters letter indicates that he fears that the committees actions could lead to similar demand letters to other campuses. I will not allow guile and intimidation to dictate how Oklahomas public universities meet their legal obligations, Hunter wrote.
Mondays Australian Story is the first in a 2 part profile of UK mother Rosie Ayliffe, who wants to see reforms that give better protection to backpackers in Australia.

Her emotional story follows the murder of her daughter Mia Ayliffe-Chung in Queensland in 2016.

I now understand that theres a dark side to the backpacker culture; that people can find themselves at risk just like my daughter did. Rosie Ayliffe, mother of Mia Ayliffe-Chung

Rosie wants a change in the system. She wants to protect these people. She doesnt want Mias death to be futile. Stewart Cormack, Rosies partner

Rosies been a friend of mine for a long time. Shes seeking to ensure this type of thing doesnt happen to some other mothers daughter. Billy Bragg, friend

When Mia Ayliffe-Chung was murdered at a backpacker hostel in August last year it made headlines around the world.

The 20-year-old childcare graduate had set off from her home in Derbyshire the year before to travel the world. It was a long-held dream cut tragically short. After a stint working in a bar in Surfers Paradise, Mia decided to extend her 417 visa for a second year. But to get that extension she was required to do farm work for 88 days.

She travelled to Home Hill, 100 kilometres south of Townsville, checking into a local hostel. A week later she was dead.

French national Smail Ayad, who shared a dorm with Mia, is alleged to have attacked her in a stabbing frenzy before fatally attacking the man who came to her rescue, fellow Briton Tom Jackson.

When British police knocked on Rosies door that night with news of her daughters death she was inconsolable.

Losing a child in any circumstances is difficult, says Rosies partner, Stewart Cormack, but when it is your only child and youre a single parent, its your entire world thats gone.

After a trip to Australia to bury her daughter, Rosie returned to the UK where she struggled to come to terms with Mias death. Although she felt unable to return to her teaching position in a local school she quickly found another purpose.

She had been hearing stories from distraught backpackers of exploitation and abuse under the 88-day farm work scheme and began to campaign for reform. She wrote articles and letters and reached out to politicians, including the Australian Prime Minister, seeking greater government oversight of a system that she says is broken.

I want to see reform of the system, Rosie says. I want to see regulation of the 88 days. I want a central body which distributes backpackers among farms that are certified.

If shes successful therell be less people going through what weve gone through and Rosie herself has gone through, says Tom Jacksons father, Les.

Galvanised by this cause, Rosie recently returned to Australia to find out more about the 88-day farm work scheme and lobby for change. Australian Story accompanied her on this journey.

During the trip she also made an emotional visit to the place where Mia died and recorded her thoughts. Extracts of this raw and powerful recording feature in part two of the story.

8pm Monday on ABC.
Celebrity Chef Matt Moran will be kept busy as the lead judge on Nines Family Food Fight. Hes already the judge on LifeStyles The Great Australian Bake-Off, one of the networks previous attempts at a cooking title.

He will be joined by former MasterChef favourite Hayden Quinn and mohawked pastry chef Anna Polyviou with UK food critic Tom Parker Bowles (The Hot Plate) returning to Australia as a guest judge.

Produced by Endemol Shine, Family Food Fight is an original concept that sees six families go head-to-head in the kitchen, tasked with cooking a range of varied cuisines.

Updated: The series title as Australias No. 1 food family comes with a $100,000 cash prize. Nine indicates the show will air on multiple nights across several weeks later in 2017, meaning it could potentially follow The Block in Nines calendar.

Challenges will see the families catering for traditional family occasions, feeding an array of special guests and recreating tried and true recipes.

Tapping into the families different cultures and backgrounds, Family Food Fight will be rich in tradition and home-style cooking, with family recipes and sumptuous home cooking shared among the generations at its heart. The focus will be on accessible meals and aspirational home cooking that the Australian public will be inspired by.

With a mix of fast-paced cooking fun and heaped helpings of good humour, the competition will capture the unique family dynamic, with mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, grandparents, kids, husbands and wives all cooking their hearts out to take out the coveted top spot.
The BBC is filming a new Agatha Christie adaptation, Ordeal By Innocence, from the team behind The Witness for the Prosecution and And Then There Were None.

The three part drama features Bill Nighy, Catherine Keener, Matthew Goode, Eleanor Tomlinson, Anthony Boyle, Ed Westwick, Luke Treadaway, Morven Christie, Crystal Clarke, Ella Purnell and Alice Eve.

Adapted from Christies 1958 novel of the same title, it will be directed by Sandra Goldbacher (Victoria, The Hour, Me Without You) and produced by Roopesh Parekh, (Poldark, And Then There Were None, The Hollow Crown).

Damien Timmer, executive producer, Mammoth Screen, says: Sarah Phelps has excelled herself with this spellbinding adaptation of one of Agatha Christies most celebrated stories. A gloriously dark deconstruction of an apparently perfect family, we hope it delights and chills viewers when it airs!

James Prichard, executive producer and executive chairman of Agatha Christie Limited, says: Ordeal By Innocence was one of Christies personal favourites and I cannot wait to see how this outstanding cast will bring her story to life under the skillful direction of Sandra Goldbacher and the Mammoth Screen production team. To have Bill Nighy and Catherine Keener head up this all-star cast really is a testament to the depth and quality of my great grandmothers writing.

Gaynor Holmes, BBC executive producer, says: Were delighted to be continuing our special relationship with Agatha Christie on BBC One. Sarah Phelps stunningly crafted adaptation of this wonderful novel has attracted a brilliantly stellar cast and will thrill audiences.

Filming is currently underway in Scotland.

Christmas 1954. Wealthy philanthropist Rachel Argyll is murdered at her family estate Sunny Point.Her adopted son Jack Argyll, a young delinquent, is arrested for her murder. He vehemently protests his innocence.

Eighteen months later, Dr Arthur Calgary, a scientist, walks onto the velvety lawns of Sunny Point claiming to have just returned from an expedition to the Arctic. Even more extraordinary is his claim to hold the alibi that can prove Jacks innocence. But Jack died in prison before the case could come to trial, and the Argyll family is reluctant to dig up the secrets of the past.

Rachels widower Leo is about to remarry his secretary Gwenda and none of Rachels other adopted children Mary, Mickey, Tina or Hester, nor longstanding housekeeper Kirsten, is willing to reopen that most horrendous chapter of their lives. However, the shattering implications of Calgarys story are too big to avoid; if he is telling the truth then the wrong person was arrested for Rachels murder. And if Jack was not the killer, then it must have been somebody else at Sunny Point.
SBS VICELAND will host a Young and Black panel discussion to be held at Splendour in the Grass in Byron Bay.

Hosted by Marc Fennell this will feature Cleverman star Hunter Page-Lochard plus Indigenous Liberal candidate Geoffrey Winters (Gamillaroi man) and Alice Springs councilor and musician Jacinta Nampijinpa Price (Warlpiri/Celtic woman) and international guest Sarain Carson Fox (Canadian/Anishinaabe woman).

This will take place at Saturday 22 July at 12pm. Although there is no television broadcast, excerpts may be pushed through social media or used in The Feed.

It has been 50 years since the 1967 Referendum. This Constitutional change gave birth to the hope that young Indigenous people would inherit a very different Australia to that experienced by previous generations.

After all, young Indigenous people today have grown up in a time that has seen Mabo, the Native Title Act, the Royal Commission into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Deaths in Custody, the Bringing Them Home report, Reconciliation and Paul Keatings famous Redfern speech.

But what is life really like if youre young and black in 2017?

A panel of Indigenous people with diverse perspectives on a range of issues will explore what it means to be young and Indigenous in Australia today.

Hosted by The Feeds Marc Fennell and Laura Murphy-Oates (Ngiyampaa Weilwan woman), SBS VICELAND Presents: Young and Black will discuss racism, culture, pride, shame, politics, dating and everything in between.

Theyll be joined by star of Cleverman and Wentworth Hunter Page-Lochard (Mununjali and Nunuka man), Indigenous Liberal candidate Geoffrey Winters (Gamillaroi man) and Alice Springs councilor and musician Jacinta Nampijinpa Price (Warlpiri/Celtic woman). International guest Sarain Carson Fox (Canadian/Anishinaabe woman), activist and host of the forthcoming Rise series on SBS VICELAND, will weigh in on what life is like for Indigenous communities in North America as they mark the first anniversary of the Dakota Access Pipeline protests.
UNHCR High Commisioner Filippo Grandi meets with Masoota Hatu, 55.  UNHCR/Roger Arnold

MAUNGDAW, Myanmar  The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, has appealed to communities in Myanmars restive Rakhine state to unite in the face of fear, mistrust and underdevelopment.

On his first official visit to South-East Asia, Grandi met with displaced people, local communities and the authorities in Sittwe and Maungdaw townships to better understand their needs and challenges.

Last October, an estimated 20,000 people were displaced around Maungdaw in a security operation prompted by attacks on several border guard posts. Most have returned home but some are still hosted by local villagers pending agreement on return and relocation sites. Around Sittwe, 120,000 people remain in camps for internally displaced people after they were uprooted by inter-communal violence in 2012.

Masoota Hatu has lived in Sittwes Dar Paing camp for five years, facing health problems that she cannot afford to treat. Only two of her four children are in school as there is no secondary school in the camp.

"We need to move from survival to real life with opportunities."

Its very difficult, the 55-year-old widow told Grandi. What I want most is to go back to my village so that our lives can improve.

Like many Muslims in Rakhine state, stateless people like her cannot move freely without authorization and cannot access basic services like healthcare, education and their livelihoods easily.

"These people deserve a better future than the present conditions of extreme poverty, deprivation and isolation. We need to move from survival to real life with opportunities," said the High Commissioner. This is an extremely complex situation but its possible to work towards solutions.

In March, an interim report by the government-appointed Advisory Commission for Rakhine State recommended steps to end displacement and promote inter-communal dialogue. The government has endorsed the report and agreed to implement these recommendations.

Filippo Grandi has appealed to communities in Myanmar's restive Rakhine state to unite.

It will not be easy  the atmosphere in Maungdaw remains tense after the October violence that was allegedly perpetrated by members of a militant group.

On Tuesday, when Grandi met a group of Rakhine villagers living next to a Muslim village in Maungdaw, they told him the communities used to live and work together.

But after the October violence, we are afraid to leave our homes to collect firewood or fish for a living. Our children are also staying home from school. We need some assistance until things improve, said a community leader.

The High Commissioner urged both communities to resume dialogue. You have the same fears for your families, and the same anxieties over how to provide for them, he said. Humanitarian assistance is important but it will not last forever. By learning to live together in peace, you can lay the groundwork for prosperity and development.

Villagers in a Rakhine village north of Maungdaw share their fears with the High Commissioner.  UNHCR/Roger Arnold

In Maungdaw, Grandi visited a UNHCR, UN Refugee Agency, supported project to promote peaceful co-existence through vocational training classes. It brings together 20 Muslim and Rakhine women to learn sewing skills and basic literacy, as well as health and hygiene education. Although they would appear to have little in common, many of these women have either had no education or had to drop out of school to support their families.

May Than New, 23, dropped out after middle school as her parents could not afford further education. She sold fuel in a shop before joining the sewing class. Now she plans to work as a tailor and teach sewing upon graduation.

My parents always had Muslim friends in our house and we believe discrimination will only bring problems, she said. This class has helped me to understand my Muslim friends better.

Her classmate Somira, 19, added: I didnt know any Rakhines before but now I have made some friends in class.

This class has helped me to understand my Muslim friends better.

UNHCR has also helped to set up a market in downtown Maungdaw where some 2,000 families of Muslim, Rakhine, Hindu and other minority groups go for their daily food supplies and social interaction.

Asked what would help to improve their lives, a Muslim villager in Maungdaw said: We just want to live peacefully, to have an identity card and the same rights as the others.

On Wednesday, the High Commissioner met with Myanmars State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and other ministers to discuss the situation in Rakhine State, the displacement in Kachin and northern Shan state, as well as the potential for mainly ethnic Karen refugees to return home voluntarily from Thailand.

From Myanmar, Grandi will move on to Thailand and Bangladesh to discuss refugee issues in both countries, before ending his regional tour on July 11.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, has concluded his first visit to Myanmar by appealing for inclusive and sustainable solutions to protracted displacement and statelessness.

During his visit, Grandi travelled to Yangon, Naypyitaw as well as Sittwe and Maungdaw in Rakhine state. He met with Myanmars State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi; the Minister of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, Dr Min Myat Aye; the Minister of Labour, Immigration and Population, U Thein Swe; and the Minister of Border Affairs, Lt. Gen Ye Aung.

I was very happy to hear the State Counsellor saying that refugees are welcome back from Thailand, said the High Commissioner. We agreed that returns must be voluntary and sustainable. Refugees should not come back to a situation of dependency but of self-reliance.

They also discussed humanitarian access in Kachin and Rakhine states, where some 100,000 and 120,000 people respectively have been living for more than five years in camps for internally displaced people.

While in Rakhine state, the High Commissioner met with displaced Muslims in Sittwes Dar Paing camp, who expressed their strong desire to return home. He also reached out to Rakhine and Muslim communities north of Maungdaw and listened to their safety and livelihood concerns.

These are complex issues but they are not intractable, said Grandi. A crucial first step is to pursue freedom of movement and access to services and livelihoods for all. Accelerated pathways to citizenship are also part of the solution, as are efforts to tackle exclusion and poverty.

He highlighted that the recommendations of the Advisory Commission of Rakhine State provide an important roadmap for the way forward.

The High Commissioners regional visit will continue in Thailand and conclude in Bangladesh next week.

For more information, please contact:

In Bangkok, roaming, Vivian Tan, [email protected] , mobile: +66 818 270 280

, mobile: +66 818 270 280 In Yangon, Andrew Dusek, [email protected] , mobile, +95 979 310 4430

Further information:
Every day we pray for protection and peace. Boussam Abdulahi, Nigerian refugee

In 2021, the Nigerian refugee crisis will be going into its seventh year. Since violent attacks of the Islamist group Boko Haram started to spill over Nigerias north-eastern frontier in 2014, Cameroon, Chad and Niger have been drawn into what has become a devastating regional conflict.

To date, the Lake Chad Basin region is grappling with a complex humanitarian emergency. Over 3.2 million people are displaced, including over 2.9 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in north-eastern Nigeria, over 684,000 IDPs in Cameroon, Chad and Niger and 304,000 refugees in the four countries.

The crisis has been exacerbated by conflict-induced food insecurity and severe malnutrition, which have risen to critical levels in all four countries. Despite the efforts of Governments and humanitarian aid, some 12.5 million people remain in need of humanitarian assistance in the Lake Chad Basin region, with 5.3 million people remaining food insecure.

The challenges of protecting the displaced are compounded by the deteriorating security situation as well as socio-economic fragility, with communities in the Sahel region facing chronic poverty, a harsh climatic conditions, recurrent epidemics, poor infrastructure and limited access to basic services.

The Nigerian military, together with the Multinational Joint Task Force, have driven extremists from many of the areas they once controlled, but these gains have been overshadowed by an increase of Boko Haram attacks in neighbouring countries. Despite the return of Nigerian IDPs and refugees to accessible areas, the crisis remains acute.

What is UNHCR doing to help?

UNHCR has scaled up its response and is working with the authorities in north-eastern Nigeria, as well as with UN partners, national and international NGOs, the forcibly displaced and affected populations. These joint efforts are geared towards assisting displaced persons, as well as returning refugees and IDPs to regain their dignity and a sense of normal life. UNHCR is providing protection-by-presence in the field through strategic protection monitoring, vulnerability screening, provision of material assistance and subsequent individual protection referrals to service providers

UNHCRs work also includes efforts to ensure that the rights of persons of concern are respected. This work is among other things, geared towards preventing and responding to Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) through the provision of legal and psycho-social support to survivors of SGBV. Such efforts also encompass the provision of shelter and basic household items as well as safeguarding legal rights by providing documentation and legal aid.

The agency is also advocating for increased access to social and basic services for displaced persons, respect for the Civilian and Humanitarian character of IDP camps and a better protection environment overall.

Supporting the governments efforts towards the restoration of peace and security to enable durable solutions is also part of UNHCR engagement in Northeast Nigeria operation. This includes capacity building and training for authorities, the military, partners and persons of concern on international and national legal frameworks for the protection of IDPs and other persons of concern. The Capacity building initiatives also cover international humanitarian law and other relevant frameworks on human rights. This is taking place at both the state and national levels.

Working jointly with other agencies, UNHCR also facilitates sessions on protection against sexual exploitation and abuse for security agents and humanitarian workers at the state capitals as well as at local level.

In neighboring Niger, Cameroon and Chad, UNHCR is working with the authorities to improve the protection environment, ensure that refugees enjoy the right to asylum and that they are not forced to return to Nigeria against their will.

The agency is also coordinating the humanitarian assistance provided by 47 UN agencies and NGO partners through the 2019 Regional Refugee Response Plan.
SBDC Webinar Series to Teach Businesses How to Manage Their Credit

Small-business owners in Wyoming with concerns about their business or personal credit debt standing or how to manage an increasing mountain of debt can seek help.

To assist small-business owners in these areas, a business fitness webinar, titled Manage Your Credit, and sponsored by the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC), is scheduled Thursday, Aug. 3, from 2-3 p.m.

The SBDC is a partnership among the University of Wyoming, the Wyoming Business Council and the U.S. Small Business Administration (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.

Lyann Nguyen, of The ReCredit Company, consumer credit advocates, will explain how small businesses can manage their credit scores and debt exposure. Items that will be covered include: understanding the components of a credit score and the differences between debt consolidation, credit counseling, debt settlement and bankruptcy.

The fee for the webinar is $15. To register, go to www.wyomingsbdc.org.

Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least two weeks in advance. For more information, call the SBDC at (307) 382-0947.

The Wyoming SBDC Network is a business advising group of the Wyoming SBDC, Procurement Technical Assistance Center, 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 U.S. SBA. Additional support is provided by the Wyoming Business Council and UW.

For more information, go to www.wyomingsbdc.org.
University of Wyoming Calendar for July 10-16

These are among the activities scheduled July 10-16 at the University of Wyoming:

Tuesday, July 11, 7 p.m. -- Planetarium show, This Months Sky. Tickets cost $3 for students and $4 for non-students, Physical Sciences Building basement. Advance tickets are available in the Physical Sciences Building, Room 204.

Wednesday, July 12, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. -- Elk Tongue, a Wyoming psychedelic rock band, will perform for the UW Summer Programs concert series on Simpson Plaza. Free.

Wednesday, July 12, 5:30 p.m. -- Mark Ritchie and Leah Hardy, UW Department of Art and Art History professors, will present their research project during the What in the World? program at the Albany County Public Library Centennial branch. Free.

Friday, July 14, 8 p.m. -- Planetarium show, Gaia. A free STAR Observatory tour (weather dependent) follows at 9 p.m. Tickets cost $3 for students and $4 for non-students, Physical Sciences Building basement. Advance tickets are available in the Physical Sciences Building, Room 204.

A variety of exhibitions can be seen at the UW Art Museum in the Centennial Complex, 2111 Willett Drive in Laramie. The museum is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.

Dinosaur skeletons, ancient mammal fossils and other exhibits are on display in the UW Geological Museum, open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.

The UW Department of Botanys Williams Conservatory is open to the public Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.
Six bands will be on the stage. The artists will be playing the songs of Tokyo Skaparadise Orchestra, Black Sabbath, Nirvana, BOaT and original songs.

Time table

16:30 OPEN

17:00 Opening Song: Takeshi Kondo

17:10 YUKEMURI

17:40 Percussion Live: Drum Team

17:50 Calf Branding

18:20 Idol Live: Polaris

18:40 Dead Fish Eyes

19:10 Syamisen Live: Satoshi

19:20 The Pollutions

19:50 Dance Show: ADSJ

20:00 Hanoi de Ska Y?

20:30 Tips Lips

Tickets: VND50,000 at door.

Alt Hip Hop Night with artist Scalper (UK/NZ) will be held at Rec Room, 20th floor, Hanoi Creative City, 1 Luong Yen Street, Hanoi on July 6.

This will be Scalpers only show in Hanoi after his 6-week tour of France and the UK.
ADC concludes that the dumping margin for Vietnamese cooperative exporters ranges from 7.7 per cent to 18 per cent while for uncooperative exporters is 34.9 per cent. - Photo cafef.vn

The ADC, which is under the Australian Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, completed the investigation into the alleged dumping of certain aluminium extrusions exported to Australia from Malaysia and Viet Nam.

Accordingly, ADC concludes that the dumping margin for Vietnamese cooperative exporters ranges from 7.7 per cent to 18 per cent while for non-cooperative exporters is 34.9 per cent.

The ADC initiated the investigation last August, following an application lodged by Capral Limited, a manufacturer of aluminium extrusions in Australia.

The application alleged that goods were exported to Australia at prices lower than their normal value, and these received subsidies from Vietnamese and Malaysian governments.

It said the dumping and subsidisation had caused material injury to the Australian aluminium extrusions industry.

The investigation examined exports during the period from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016, to determine whether dumping or subsidisation had occurred. Details of the Australian market were examined from July 1, 2012, for injury analysis purposes.
A poster of Vietnamese movie "Moi Tinh Dau".

Michael Kohlaas will be screened on July 7 and 9 while Les Aventures dAdele Blanc-Sec will be on shown on July 9, La Grande Illusion on July 14 and 16, and Belle and Sebastien on July 16, all at LEspace, 24 Trang Tien Streeet

Michael Kohlaas (2013, 122), was directed by Arnaud Des Palliere and stars Mads Mikkelsen, Melusine Mayance, Delphine Chuillot, Sergi Lopez, and Denis Lavant.

The movie is about a horse dealer by the name of Michael Kohlhaas in the 16th century in the Cevennes, who leads a happy family life. When a lord treats him unjustly, he raises an army and puts the country to fire and sword in order to have his rights restored.

Les aventures dAdele Blanc-Sec (2010, 107), directed by Luc Besson and starring Louise Bourgoin, Mathieu Amalric, and Gilles Lellouche is about Adele.

Adele is writing the story of her adventurous journey through her own experience because she wants to find people who have the ability save her sisters life after an accident. Her idea is to go to Egypt because the Egyptian medicinal practice has been developing for centuries, and then everything starts from here mummies, dinosaurs all come back to life after a deep sleep

La Grande Illusion (1937, 95) by Jean Renoir, starring Jean Gabin, Erich von Stroheim, Pierre Fresnay, Dita Parlo, Marcel Dalio, is an unforgettable story about the French and German soldiers during the first World War. A French classic!

During the First World War, two French soldiers are captured and imprisoned in a German P.O.W. camp. Several escape attempts follow until they are sent to a seemingly impenetrable fortress which seems impossible to escape from.

The filmwas taken prisoner during the Second World War when the Nazis invaded France and Josef Goebbels propaganda ministry seized the original negative. That original was missing for years, but it was not destroyed. It made its way to Russia and ultimately to Toulouse, France, where it was found and restored.

Belle and Sebastien (2013, 104), directed by Nicolas Vanier and starring Felix Bossuet, Tcheky Karyo, and Margaux Chatelier, is adapted from the famous French TV series Belle et Sebastien 1965. The film fascinates its audience with poetic shots of this wonderful friendship between a young boy and a dog.

Belle and Sebastian film is not the first adaptation of the story told by the creator of the television series, Cecile Aubry. Indeed, in parallel with the series, Aubry wrote a series of novels about its own universe in six volumes and a few years later, in 1981, the Japanese NHK has recovered the account in order to make an animated series 52 episodes: Belle and Sebastian. Set in France in 1943, the plot tells about a six-year-old boy and his dog looking to foil a Nazi effort to capture French Resistance fighters.

Language for the four movies is French with Vietnamese subtitles.

Tickets (VND40,000-VND50,000) are available at LEspace.

First Love will come on July 20, at the Vietnam Feature Films Studio (VFS), 4 Thuy Khue Street.

The film First Love, directed by well-known artist Hai Ninh, was released in 1977. It won the Silver Lotus Award at the Fifth National Festival in 1980.

A poster of the American movie "Some Like It Hot".

First Love is based on short stories by writer Nguyen Huu Truong. It features many leading stars of the time including The Anh, Nhu Quynh, Tra Giang, Lan Huong, Bang Chau

The film is set in Saigon before 1975, just before the Vietnam War ends. It was a time of confusion for young people who had many questions about what choices to make in their lives.

The film recounts the first love of a student Ba Duy (played by The Anh) with a young girl Diem Huong (portrayed by Nhu Quynh). Sadly, their relationship ended when Diem Huong was forced to marry an American counselor in order to save her father. A devastated and heartbroken Ba Duy dropped out school and turned to drugs as a way to forget his first love and his life. But hope returned when Hai Lan (played by Tra Giang), his sister and an intelligence officer working in the inner city, took him under her wing. She counselled him and helped get him back on the right track with his life.

When the liberation army was about to enter and during the final days of rioting in Saigon, Diem Huong suddenly finds out that her husband was plotting to kidnap Vietnamese children to sell to foreigners. Diem Huong was murdered by her husband in order to ensure his secret was not revealed.

This is a critically acclaimed film and is one of the favourite films from the 1970s. It leaves a strong impression and in particular the film was a breakthrough for Hai Ninh as he portrayed a story of love in a sensitive period.

Film is in black and white, 1 hour 41 minutes, English subtitles.

To get tickets, contact: filmteam.fvh@gmail.com

In addition, an old American movie - Some Like It Hot  will be introduced at The Centre for Assistance and Development of Movie Talents, 51 Tran Hung Dao Street (4th floor), Hanoi on July 7.

Some Like It Hot is a film set in 1929, directed and produced by Billy Wilder, starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon. The supporting cast includes George Raft, Pat OBrien, Joe E. Brown, Joan Shawlee, and Nehemiah Persoff. The plot is based on a screenplay by Billy Wilder and Michael Logan from the French film Fanfare of Love.

The film is about two musicians who dress in drag in order to escape from mafia gangsters whom they saw commit a crime inspired by the Saint Valentines Day Massacre. The film was produced in black and white, even though color films were increasing in popularity.

Some Like It Hot opened to largely positive reviews and is today considered to be one of the greatest film comedies of all time. It was voted as the top comedy film by the American Film Institute on their list on AFIs 100 Years 100 Laughs poll in 2000.

The film is also notable for featuring cross dressing, and for playing with the idea of homosexuality, which led to it being produced without approval from the Motion Picture Production Code. The code had been gradually weakening in its scope during the early 1950s, due to increasing social tolerance for previously taboo topics in film, but it was still officially enforced. The overwhelming success of Some Like It Hot was a final nail in the coffin for the Hays Code.

Language: English with Vietnamese subtitles.
Interflour Group aims to replace malt imports in Vietnam, while at the same time striking a bridgehead to Southeast Asia and Asia

The construction of the Intermalt factory has been finished at the end of 2016 and has now officially commenced production. The facility sits alongside the Interflour Cai Mep Port in southern Vietnam, providing unrivalled access to barley shipments. Intermalt is also one of the biggest projects at Cai Mep Industrial Zone.

Under the plan, the plant boasts a capacity of 110,000 tonnes per year with investment capital of $70 million at the early stage of the operation. In the second phase, the firm will inject another $50 million to boost the capacity to 220,000 tonnes per year.

James Kirton, general director of Intermalt Vietnam, said that the firm chose Vietnam to establish its first malt factory in Southeast Asia to tap into the countrys potential food and beverage market. "We see the increasing demand for malt in the confectionery, biscuit, energy drink, and milk sectors. On top of that, we bank on Vietnams booming beer market to fill in a gap in malt supply," he said.

Another malt production project was established in the north, but it only meets 10 per cent of the domestic demand. Therefore, Vietnam has to import 400,000 to 450,000 tonnes of malt per year, mostly from European countries and Australia.

The presence of Intermalt aims to meet the urgent demand of brewers in the country, such as Heineken, Carlsberg, Sapporo, SAB Miller, Habeco, and Sabeco. Intermalt also plans to export malt to other countries in Southeast Asia as well as Asia.

Intermalt is one of the big investment projects of Interflour Group in Vietnam. Its first project was Interflour Vietnam with a capacity of 250,000 tonnes of flour per annum and a modern agricultural port located at Cai Mep Industrial Zone. The recent project is the second flour mill in Danang.

With the Intermalt project, Interflour Group has increased its total investment capital to $170 million in Vietnam. As one of the biggest flour mill corporation in Asia with the capacity of around two million tonnes per year, Interflour Group currently owns many food factories across Asia, from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, to Vietnam.
Along with two other contestants, the three most beautiful women of the ASEAN will hold an online exchange at VIR

The online exchange will start from 3 PM on July 7, 2017. This is a precious chance for followers to understand more about Miss ASEAN Friendship 2017 as well as the five beauties.

Lasting for more than two weeks, the beauty pageant Miss ASEAN Friendship 2017 has ended and left behind vivid memories for followers. This was not a usual run-of-the-mill beauty pageant, as Miss ASEAN Friendship 2017 reached beyond appreciating the beauty and talent of contestants and played is a tuneful melody about friendship and solidarity among the ASEAN member states.

Through a series of strict elimination rounds, organisers found the three most excellent representatives to reward. In particular, the highest prize of Miss ASEAN Friendship 2017 went to Nuttanan Naree from Thailand, the 1st runner up was Huynh Thi Yen Nhi from Vietnam, and the 2nd runner up was Benedicta Heda Mercy Charis from Indonesia.

Also, at the memorable finale organisers announced the Top 10 and Top 5 beauties of the contest.

The Top 5 contestants crowned at Miss ASEAN Friendship 2017

To help followers understand more about the beauty contest, Miss ASEAN Friendship 2017 as well as the contesting beauties, as well as Vietnam Investment Review, one of the three media sponsors behind the contest, will hold an online exchange with the three top beauties and two representatives of the Top 10 and Top 5 contestants.

Nuttanan Naree (Thailand), Miss ASEAN Friendship 2017

The first to appear in the online exchange is Miss ASEAN Friendship 2017 herself, Nuttanan Naree. Born in 1993, the Thai-born beauty queen is 171 centimetres tall and weighs 51 kilogrammes, with the impressive measurements of 84-64-89. She enchanted the audience and the judging panel with her pretty face and friendly down-to-earth attitude.

In the finale, Nuttanan Naree impressed the audience and the judges by her short but meaningful answer to question of what she would do if she became Miss ASEAN Friendship 2017. Her answer was that she would return to her hometown in Thailand to teach people how to say hello, good bye, and thank you in different languages because it is the first step in learning about different cultures.

I will share with everybody my amazing new experiences in Vietnam. I will try my best to become a cultural ambassador of Miss ASEAN Friendship 2017. I will travel to other countries to learn about their cultures and to share the friendship and cultures to contribute to the ASEAN bloc, Nuttanan Naree said.

Huynh Thi Yen Nhi (Vietnam), 1st runner up

1st runner up of Miss ASEAN Friendship 2017 Huynh Thi Yen Nhi will also grace us with her presence. This young girl, born in 1992, is a representative of Vietnam. She weighs 54 kilogrammes, is 174 centimetres tall, and measures 87-65- 93.

Benedicta Heda Mercy Charis (Indonesia) 2nd runner up

Our third guest will be 2nd runner up Benedicta Heda Mercy Charis from Indonesia. She was born in 1993 and is now 51 kilogrammes and 171 centimetres tall, with the measurements 81-63- 91.

Tinaprit Kaur Dillon Balwant Singh (Malaysia)

Malaysian beauty Tinaprit Kaur Dillon Balwant Singha beauty in the Top 10 of the contestwas also invited to the online exchange. She has a weight of 48 kilogrammes, height of 168 centimetres, and measures 81-61-85.

Last, but certainly not least, To Mai Thuy Duong, another Vietnamese contestant, will also join. She has a weight of 46 kilogrammes, height of 167 centimetres, and measurements of 80-60-90.

To learn what these beauties have to say, please follow the online exchange on tinnhanhchungkhoan.vn at 3 PM on July 7, 2017.
Industrialists from across the globe converge to showcase the newest manufacturing technologies, products, and services at MTA

Since its inception in 2005, MTA Vietnam has consistently grown in size and status and is now regarded as the premier technology marketplace and networking platform for the ever-evolving Vietnamese manufacturing sector. It is now the place where industry players congregate to experience new technologies, forge new business partnerships, and network with the industry at large.

Encompassing a total of 12,000 square metres of exhibition space, the 15th edition features a multinational selection of state-of-the-art technologies, equipment, and solutions for all stages of the manufacturing value chain, housing 425 exhibitors from 23 countries and regions.

The exhibition presents an ideal gateway for international suppliers looking to expand into the bourgeoning Vietnamese industrial market, as indicated by an overwhelming percentage of overseas exhibitors (roughly 77 per cent), the most notable of whom include Amada, Bystronic, Blum, DMG Mori, and Han's Laser.

Aside from the impressive presence of established international brands, the event also welcomes a strong line-up of locally-based manufacturers and vendors, such as Creatz3D, Cybertech, Daviteq, Weldtec, to name but a few. Home-grown companies can leverage this opportune showcase to reach overseas exhibitors directly, broaden business contacts, and map the future of smart manufacturing.

This year, the group pavilions are from major economic and industrial powerhouses, such as Germany, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand, who are showcasing their technological capabilities designed to meet virtually every need in the manufacturing process. Among them, there is strong spread of top-notch Japanese technologies from 29 companies specialising in metal cutting, metal forming, metrology, cutting tools, and tooling systems.

Adding to the excitement, a string of educational seminars and workshops are staged concurrently, providing industry players with in-depth knowledge, market insights, and the latest intelligence on the evolving manufacturing industry landscape.

The seminar sessions hosted by Lean Six Sigma Network and Multi Engineering Solutions Laboratory (MES LAB) are expected to gather many industry experts and professionals under one roof to impart technological updates as well as discuss pertinent issues and challenges emerging in the new era of manufacturing intelligence and Industry 4.0.

Taiwan Trade Centre Inc. (Taitra) is conducting a technical seminar titled Taiwan Machine Tools IndustryShaping the World. The seminar is geared to spotlight the latest techniques and capabilities of the Taiwanese manufacturing sector, presenting an opportunity for local enterprises to convene and exchange ideas with like-minded individuals and influential leaders from Taiwan. Taiwanese technology suppliers are now also expanding to provide complete factory system integration solutions to the Vietnamese industrial market.

The strong convergence of market leading brands and major industry players at the expo is a firm reflection of the shows stature in the industry, as well as its ability to provide a unique platform for buyers and suppliers to meet, share technological know-how, and drive industry development.

This year, MTA Vietnam expects to attract more than 10,000 trade visitors from across Vietnam and the region.
President Trump, right, and first lady Melania Trump walk past the hono guards as they arrive in Warsaw, Poland, on Wednesday. Trump is back in Europe hoping to receive a friendly welcome in Poland despite skepticism across the continent over his commitment to NATO, his past praise of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his decision to pull the U.S. out of a climate agreement.
A model presents a creation by Yuima Nakazato during the 2017-2018 fall/winter Haute Couture collection in Paris on Wednesday.
After the wild head rush that was Broadchurchs season-three premiere, were brought down to Earth in the second episode. While we can definitely expect to catch Trishs attacker in the seven hours of TV stretched ahead of us, were going to first encounter red herrings and a veritable clown car of creepy men, all of whom are just a bit off. Thats the break you get with mystery storytelling, but if the first season taught us anything, it is that Broadchurch is not at all interested in leaving Agatha Christiestyle clues around for the extra-attentive sleuth viewers. We learn and move at the same pace as Alec Hardy and Ellie Miller. The latters husband was kept to the fringes in season one, and while our oh, shit! moment probably came a few minutes earlier than it did for Hardy, it was unforeseeable. Expect more of the same here.

Sexual offenses never get the same resources as murder, Hardy grumbles at the beginning of this episode, like an office employee whos just been asked to move desks for the day. As if this task doesnt seem insurmountable enough, theyre forced to work with a skeleton crew, as opposed to the war room they had when investigating Danny Latimers death.

On with the chase, then. The first stop is what Hardy charmingly calls the rope factory, which is very Clue. Whod have thought the ins and outs of rope manufacturing would come into play so sincerely and so early as a major part of the investigation? The 23-year-old acting manager at the factory definitely has some weirdo vibes, butting heads with Hardy and Miller seemingly for the sake of it. But he wasnt at the party and has an all-night alibi. Hardy and Miller seem keen on following up on him purely because he was such a shit. Ah, I missed these two going to work on a putrid suspect together. I cant say it enough: David Tennant and Olivia Colman are a wonderful double act. Were lucky to have them leading the line on a fraught, risky show.

Speaking of risks, the decision to have Beth Latimer as Trishs trauma counsellor still feels strange. Itll no doubt cause friction between her and Miller as the case goes on  already a tenuous relationship given that, yknow, Millers husband strangled her son to death and all. Iffy storytelling aside, Jodie Whittaker and the fantastic Julie Hesmondhalgh sell Beth and Trishs early relationship. Bonding over the unspoken shared experience of great trauma, Beth is able to put into words feelings Trish cant articulate yet. The two women are victims in very different ways, but in Beth, Trish has the support and confidence shed never have found otherwise. Miller and Hardy can only be so sensitive to Trish, since she is, for lack of a better word, also their best evidence.

We see as much when Hardy steamrolls both Beth and Millers concerns and softly demands a full interview with Trish later that day. Hardys obsession with truth, even when it comes at the expense of sensitivity, is both his greatest strength and weakness. Hes tired of waiting. Its easy being you, Miller, he says, seemingly forgetting what his best friend and partner has lived through for the past four years. Im the one who has to decide. Can we just focus on the ex-husband? Its hard to track whether Hardys compartmentalization is a help or hindrance. In Broadchurch cases, things are rarely black-and-white.

Much like Rope Boy, the Ex-Husband cuts a shady figure. (Side note: These nicknames are for my sake, since they help to identify the characters so much better than their actual names.) He admits to fighting verbally with Trish, and doesnt have an exact time on his leaving the party, nor do the people he was with in the cab. He also turns down giving a DNA sample, which in todays world isnt that strange, I guess? The cab driver who took Trish to the party is probably the most interesting suspect so far: His radio wasnt working for most of the night and he drives off looking very worried. If he didnt do it, he definitely knows more than hes letting on.

It turns out Trish is keeping some secrets of her own, too. During her invasive interview, she reveals our shifty cab driver, Lucas, previously held a flame for Trish and theyd gone on a bad date once. More curiously: When asked when the last time was she had sex before the assault, she answers it was just hours prior, the morning of the party. Trish clams up when asked who it was, saying it was someone shed met online, then demanding the interview be stopped. If it really was a dating app stranger, Ill print this recap out and eat it on Facebook Live.

The episodes emotional centerpiece is Trishs reunion with her daughter, Leah, whos been away and is blissfully unaware of just how her and her mothers lives have changed since she was last in the house. Its a masterful scene in which we see Trishs instincts as a mother override her experience at first. Shes smiley and chatty with Leah before quickly running out of steam, telling her daughter about the attack. I was raped, she says repeatedly. Its the first time shes used those words herself, and the impact of them hits her as hard as they do Leah. If theres a connecting thematic thread between the three seasons of Broadchurch, its how trauma has the insidious ability to linger and resurface, again and again.

Elsewhere, the episodes B plots mostly play a game of Keeping Up With the Latimers. Mark and Beth have received a standard 11,000 check for the murder of Danny. What, a grand a year, is that what hes worth? Mark asks, initially refusing the money. While Beth has thrown herself headfirst into helping Trish and others as a way to deal with her grief, Mark is still obsessed with Joe Millers acquittal. We should have just thrown him over that cliff when we had the chance, he says to Paul. Although Im coming round to the inclusion of the Latimers this season, Paul has very little to do. Arthur Darvill is a fantastic actor, but theres been no need for his character since 2013. This being the last season of the show, Im excited to see what he does next.

So as it stands, we have a growing list of very interesting suspects. Ed and Jim from last weeks premiere dont have much of a presence in this episode, but theyre still very much in the running along with Rope Boy, Ex-Husband, and Terrified Cab Driver.

Speaking of Ed, he shows up at the end for our requisite cliffhanger. Turns out he is D.C. Katie Harfords father. Harford has already clashed with Miller and Hardy in the very photogenic, elegant Broadchurch police station (seriously, that thing is beautiful), and the fact that she hasnt revealed her ties to one of the cases main suspects is  extremely unprofessional and dangerous, right? Lets see what she has to say for herself when this shit inevitably hits the fan.

A note to end on: This season of Broadchurch has already aired in its entirety in the U.K., which makes it a bit more difficult for those of us who dont want to be spoiled. If youre inclined to leave comments on these recaps, please dont include any details about the weeks ahead.
Photo: Catherine Lacey

Erotic desire is an unfashionable quality in literary characters of late, and so not a lot of room is left for conventional love stories, though the pressure put on the novel as a result has generated some interesting byproducts: the marriage plot yielding to narratives centered on trauma, friendship, artistic fulfillment, etc. Anxiety about loves status as a fit subject for a contemporary American novel pervades Catherine Laceys sophomore effort, The Answers. Its heroine and sometime narrator, Mary Parsons, is afflicted by chronic pain and crippling credit-card debt. She seeks relief from the former in an elaborate form of one-on-one physical therapy, and to pay for it she enters into an income-generating experience  an immersive and lucrative form of affective labor in the hire of a celebrity actor. What used to count as love is split into consumption and work.

Mary is, conveniently, something of a woman without qualities, having been homeschooled until late adolescence, at the behest of her father, Merle, a state-and-corporation-hating off-the-grid libertarian Christian fundamentalist. Her escape from her parents led her first to her aunt Claras benign guardianship, then to the bureaucratic trappings of citizenship (birth certificate, drivers license, passport), then to Columbia University. (One wonders if the products of isolated noninstitutional educations have as easy a time matriculating to elite schools in real life as they seem to have in recent novels.) Shes now 30, with a dead-end job at a travel agency; one close friend, Chandra, her freshman-year roommate; and a crappy Manhattan one-bedroom without much furniture. Marys outsider upbringing has left her without knowledge of pop culture: Shes never seen a movie (she once fell asleep when a male classmate tried to get her to watch Citizen Kane), doesnt know what Us Weekly is, isnt on Facebook, and doesnt use a cell phone. In her ruthless self-liberation and her willful ignorance of the world shes entered, Mary blends cynicism and innocence, the rival spirits that govern The Answers, managed by Lacey to woozy and disquieting effect.

Its Chandra who, before disappearing mysteriously, introduces Mary to PAKing (Pneuma Adaptive Kinesthesia), a wellness treatment Lacey keeps tantalizingly vague: It involves contortions in states of various disrobe, loss of consciousness, things that sort of feel like sex but according to Mary barely involve touching, and a perhaps too deep connection in closed-door sessions with Ed, a kind of ultra-yogi given to chanting, humming, and spouting New Age mumbo-jumbo as if both his and Marys lives depend on it. But the treatment seems to work, so to pay for 35 sessions at $225 a pop Mary answers a sketchy ad on a bulletin board at a health-food store.

Shes hired on to the Girlfriend Experiment, a project started by Kurt Sky, a movie star around 40 years old out to quantify, through physiological and neurochemical monitoring, the elements of a perfect romantic relationship. The GX is thoroughly compartmentalized: Women are hired to perform the roles of Angry Girlfriend, Maternal Girlfriend, Sleeping Girlfriend, Mundanity Girlfriend, Intellectual Girlfriend, and Emotional Girlfriend, in addition to an Intimacy Team to handle sex. After signing elaborate waivers and nondisclosure agreements and submitting to a background check, Mary comes on as the Emotional Girlfriend, prized by Kurts managers because shes entirely ignorant of his celebrity.

The first third of the novel is narrated by Mary, and outlines her predicament of alienation and penury. Once shes hired, Lacey switches to an omniscient narration that hops between the heads of the various girlfriends, Kurt, and his PA Matheson, a gay man whos given over his adult life to Kurt and regards him like a protective mother and a jealous lover. Kurt himself is a careerist narcissist with a dead mother (a knee-jerk source of self-pity), a fairly generic resume of abandoned relationships (ditto), and a long-gestating unfinished bid to become an auteur called The Walk. Kurt and Mary are ciphers of opposite sorts: one rich, famous, and living in a pleasure dome of a Soho loft; the other poor, without friends and family, in constant pain.

As a character, Mary gets the better of the deal because she has a voice to compensate for her rags-to-rags backstory. Kurt is a hodgepodge of Hollywood cliches dipped in a batter of solipsism. As such, hes perfectly designed for the elegantly executed plot that drives The Answers, but hes a drag on the novel when it enters his head. He fires the Intellectual Girlfriend because she shows him hes shallow and a bit dim. He brings on Mary full-time to double as the Sleeping Girlfriend and stages confrontations between the two of them and Ashley, the Angry Girlfriend, a boxer in training and like Mary a survivor of brutal sexual assault. We learn that Kurts tech team has a set of ulterior motives to do with hardware development, and he probably has one of his own, beyond his stated altruistic goal of showing the world the physiological underpinnings of true love.

Just how interested this novel and its author are in love itself is a question thats hard to answer. Lacey pulls off a diverting and provocative satire, studded with episodes of real gravity, without engaging in slapstick. The ironies are buried deep in the novels symmetrical structure and never played for laughs, though there are enough deadpan comic revelations to qualify Lacey, as some critics have already suggested, as an heir to Don DeLillo in White Noise mode. (A nearer precursor is Tom McCarthys recursive simulation novel Remainder.) But The Answers spends a lot of time in each characters head pondering the nature of love and gets clogged up with trite false epiphanies. Did love have to be declared to exist or was it just as real when it was a silent belief? Mary wonders about Ed, whom she pays to make her feel better. It seemed to her that people could call love whatever they wanted, but it was really just a long manipulation, a changing, a willingness to be changed. She says to Kurt, who pays her to seem like she cares for him: Love is a compromise for only getting to be one person. But there arent any examples of relationships, present or past, that might qualify as successful love in Delmore Schwartzs ironic phrase: Those that arent explicitly transactional either fizzle or devolve into abuse. In the tug-of-war between cynicism and innocence that Lacey stages, cynicism wins in the end. All the innocence she describes along the way suggests she wishes it were otherwise. Dont we all?
Kesha Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Firefly

Despite her ongoing dueling legal battles with producer Dr. Luke, stories of Keshas return to the recording studio have been plentiful, and, evidently, successful. Today the pop star announced on Twitter that her new single Praying will drop tomorrow. In a video post, Kesha told her fans, Your support and love and kindness has gotten me through hands-down the hardest time of my entire life. The number is her first solo effort since her 2013 Deconstructed EP, and her first single since her 2016 collaboration with Zedd, True Colors.

According to Variety, Praying was written by Ryan Lewis, the DJ best known for his work with Macklemore.

Update July 6: Its here! Keshas Rainbow is due out August 11. Watch the video below.
Russom. Photo: Photo courtesy of Gavin Russom

In an illuminating profile on Grindr ahead of LCD Soundsystems new album, Gavin Russom, the bands synth player and vocalist since 2009, has come out as transgender. (Russom uses female pronouns and prefers Gavin, but may change her name.) Its a process she says has been decades in the making, but one that only started becoming public earlier this year. This is my fifth decade being alive, she tells Grindr, and in each of those decades, theres been a time where Ive tried to say, Hey, I think Im transgender! This was even before that word existed. Russom, 43, says she has identified along the feminine spectrum since she was young but felt anything outside of traditional binary gender might be at odds with the culture of bands: You have to be a boy or a girl, she thought. She later navigated queerness and gradually learned to embrace her identity through dance music and studying gender in Berlin for five years before returning to New York in 2009. She also tells Pitchfork she attempted to transition in her 20s but was assaulted on a number of occasions.

Russom officially came out to LCD Soundsystem earlier this year, explaining that she didnt want to spend another album cycle not living visibly as trans. My body rejected it in the same way that it now utterly rejects going into a mens bathroom or when somebody calls me sir, she says, noting her bandmates have been really supportive. The general feeling in the group is that will make the band better, she says. Russom plans to use her platform with LCD Soundsystem to encourage others who wish to come out and to advocate for trans rights: For anybody who is struggling with their gender identity or who wants to come out and is afraid to, what would be better than giving someone permission to do that through my performance? According to Pitchfork, Russom will give her first public performance as a woman in a DJ set at Chicagos Femmes Room party  a local haven for femme and queer culture  on July 13.
Ive long felt the American dream is a lie. Its a romantic fiction about the possibility of upward mobility and hyper-individualism that has undone the lives of many. A lot of potent art has been created interrogating this mythology, from the blackhearted 1957 noir Sweet Smell of Success to Queen Sugar itself, pondering several questions through the distinct lens of the southern black experience. What does it mean for black people to reach toward the markers of success set forth by white America? How does the American dream grow more thorny when rendered from a black perspective?

My Souls High Song ruminates on the limits and splendor that comes with the American dream through a distinctly black point of view. Sometimes it takes the obvious approach, like when Violet and Hollywood discuss his restlessness over giving up his job in order to commit more fully to the relationship. Violet doesnt mince words: They got us thinking that were supposed to work until were dead [] That aint my American dream. Is that yours? While each of the Bordelon siblings wrestle with the cost they accrue trying retain the money and stability they desire  from Ralph Angels precarious place in the world as an ex-convict to Novas annoyance at a new editor who finds her radicalism has the potential to scare off readers  its Charley whose story hits hardest. Through her storyline in this weeks episode, Queen Sugar explores how the demands of the American dream put undue pressure on black folks, and how that pressure leads to noxious respectability politics that argue success and safety are only possible through certain presentations and behavior.

Charleys inability to rough it in St. Josephine has long drawn side-eyes and jokes. While shes great with the business side of the operation, she doesnt understand the toil that comes with getting her hands dirty on the field. This is evident when several acres of the sugarcane are affected by whitefly bugs that have the potential to ruin the crop. Charley insists on paying the $5,000 herself in order to have a plane spray treatment for the crops. However, shes a bit out of her element when it comes to going through the field and cleaning them by hand. (At one point, two farmers joke about the bet they have as to whether Charley would be out in the field with the rest of them ruining her manicure or not.) After several tense situations with Ralph Angel, he becomes notably and somewhat understandably chilly toward Charley. Dont worry about it. Us field negroes can deal without you, he remarks when Charley is notably distraught after hearing the field still needs tending by hand. This insult neatly encapsulates the void between Charley and her other siblings  a void of skin tone, status, upbringing, and money. The display of wealth that defined her life with Davis doesnt really fit in at St. Josephine, which leads to a telling argument between her and Remy over lunch.

When Charley takes Remy to look at another property shes considering for herself and Micah, Remy questions her desire to have a big home and live just down the street from the Landrys while trying to care for the community of St. Josephine. How can she care for a community she wont even deign to live in? What is so wrong with black success looking like white success? Charley counters. Why does white have to be the model for our aspirations? Remy asks. These are intense, fraught conversations that black people have been having for generations. I see and understand both of their perspectives. Even though Charley decides to move into a space at the mill  completely eradicating what little work and personal life distinction she had  I dont think its the last time these concerns will be raised. Does Charley really see herself in St. Josephine long term? Or is this just a vehicle to gain control in her life she lost due to her marriage to Davis? Everything about Charley stands out when shes here. Her manicured aesthetic, her obviously expensive suits, and the way she carries herself are all reminders that this life is new to her.

Meanwhile, Ralph Angel doesnt just undermine Charleys status. He steadfastly believes she doesnt have a right to the land like he does. This is somewhat understandable, given the letter he discovered from his father that said the property was meant for just him and Blue. Charley still doesnt know about the letter, but Ralph Angel opens up to Violet about it. She warns him against arguing for his legal control over the entire property, given that it could cause further strife within the family. Ralph Angels anger with Charley is heightened due to a remarkably harrowing scene earlier in the episode, in which Micah accidentally elbows Blue when he sneaks up on him. Blue stumbles to the floor crying and Ralph Angels first reaction is to harshly push Micah against the wall. Charley and Ralph Angels warring dynamic continues from there. When Charley says she expected Ralph Angel to be kinder to Micah given his arrest, it doesnt land well. To Ralph Angel, the problem with Micah isnt his harrowing arrest from the previous episode, but how Charley and Davis raised him. Micahs soft, Ralph Angel says. Must all black men harden themselves to the world? Is there space in this country for black men to be tender?

Queen Sugar often ends by reaffirming the importance of familial bonds among the Bordelons. Thats why I wasnt surprised that, just as tension reached a fever pitch between Charley and Ralph Angel, an outside threat in the form of a police officer reared its head. The officer knocks at their door accusing Ralph Angel of a parole violation since someone apparently heard shots fired on the property. Ralph Angel may resent Charley for her privilege, but its her aesthetic and stature that allows her to smooth talk the officer into dropping the parole violation inquiry. Its heartwarming to see them reconnect, but there is something about the tenor of this episode that leaves me worried. This feels less like a gentle reaffirmation of the love the Bordelons need to survive than the calm before the storm. Wont Charleys decision to lie in order to protect Ralph Angel from his parole violation haunt her? Will Nova be able to stand by her principles as a journalist, considering her new editors interest in presenting a sunnier picture of New Orleans that she vehemently disagrees with? So much of what happens in My Souls High Song illuminates what is lost in the face of a particular brand of financial ambition. The only character to immediately hew toward the personal rather than the professional is Darla.

Darla has existed in a liminal place since the beginning of the series. As she got closer to Ralph Angel and reestablished her bond with Blue, Ive grown anxious that these meaningful albeit tenuous connections wouldnt last. With the crop affected and pressure mounting, Ralph Angel calls Darla while shes at work pleading for her to come by. I need you, he intones. But dropping work to act as emotional support isnt that easy. Her boss even forbids her from leaving. The moment Darla appears on the property as the farmers and Bordelons prepare to clean the crops by hand, my heart caught in my throat. I knew then that she would be fired. Thats exactly what happens when she tries to return to work. Darlas actions may seem reckless, but to me theyre understandable. Shes trying to prove to Ralph Angel that shes worthy of his love after years of addiction and mistakes. Of course shed put her job on the line to do so. Knowing how Ralph Angel is when it comes to ideas of loyalty and sacrifice, I imagine he may have grown cold if Darla wasnt able to come by when he beckoned. Or at least thats what she thinks.

My Souls High Song ends on the plaintive image of Darla staring up at her boss with those moonbeam eyes trying to convince him she can make this job work. She begs, noting how it is important to her recovery. While hes right that recovery is also about acknowledging actions have consequences, the way he fires her comes across as cruel. When he closed the glass door in her face, threatening to sic security on her if she didnt leave, I worried about where Darla would go from here. Her sobriety has always felt a bit unstable. She looks and acts like a woman made of glass; one false move and shed shatter in two. With this firing, cracks are starting to form. What would a potential relapse mean for her and those she loves?
Photo: Something True Podcast

If there is or even could be such a thing as the perfect podcast, it could be Something True. Part of its perfection is its title. Each podcast in the series is a single story, a true story, taken from history, albeit generally an obscure corner of it. It is literally something true. The podcast is done by two people. One, Duncan Fyfe, researches and writes the script, and the other, his friend and colleague Alex Ashby, recites it and produces the audio.

It may be part of Something Trues perfection that Ashby is British. (Fyfe is a Kiwi; both live in London.) The pair share a deeply sardonic cast; Fyfes Twitter page features a selfie of him next to what seems to be an industrial toilet. The stories Fyfe finds are for the most part ridiculous or harrowing, crafted with a withering clarity. Ashbys crisp delivery in that plummy accent turns them into high black comedy. The net effect is something like Benedict Cumberbatch reading letters to Penthouse.

I dont want to give away too many of the subjects; part of the fun of Something True is not knowing the century or continent where the next one will be situated. One tale is more than 1,000 years old, and there will be blood. Others take place in the last century or close to it, and involve the shattering of souls, not skulls. But the first is about a footnote to the career of Warren G. Harding, who presided over a famously corrupt administration but who excelled at distracting public attention via goofy things, in this case turning his pet dog into a celebrity. (The dog, the celebrated Laddie Boy, even had a chair at cabinet meetings.) Another is about what happened when the city of Stockholm, back in the 17th century, got obsessed with witches, and decided to outsource the actual identification of the witches to a 13-year-old boy.

If there is one thing wrong with Something True its that the episodes are short  just 10 or 12 minutes  and there are but eight of them. These stories from the past are cameos, bijoux  glittering adamantine gems that may or may not hold secrets to help us understand today.

I tracked down Fyfe and Ashby recently, threw them a few questions via email, and lightly edited the result.

Duncan, congrats on the podcast. Its bracingly, pungently written. How did your vision for it evolve?

Duncan Fyfe: It stayed consistent in that we always wanted to do a limited run of short episodes that would end before we exhausted ourselves or started to cover familiar history-podcast territory. So in that sense, we did the thing we set out to do.

We did get more ambitious about the stories we were telling. Our first episode was on Warren Hardings dog, and we had to throw in everything there was to say about that stupid dog to fill even ten minutes of audio. And even then, theres not a whole lot you can learn from that episode that you couldnt also learn from that dogs Wikipedia page. Not that I think learning is the point of our show.

It was more satisfying work to find these really complicated, convoluted subjects and craft a coherent, short, funny narrative out of those parts. Especially if it seemed like nobody had quite done that before. That felt more like what we should be doing. Stories that were thematically complete even if they werent biographically comprehensive.

Malpaso  the Maria Sanchez and William Roach story  could be where it clicked for me. I dont even think thats a perfect Something True story because we had to leave so much out for a ten-minute version to be at all comprehensible. But I remember reading about it for the first time and thinking it was so outrageously, perfectly batshit that inevitably someone with greater resources than us would tell that story as a long feature documentary or Netflix series. That felt exciting. Again, it felt like what we should be trying to do.

Whats your interest in history?

DF: My formal interest in history is that I took two undergraduate history courses when I was at university in New Zealand. Between them I think I averaged a B-minus. I would be really flattered and surprised if anyone came away from the podcast assuming I had any deeper background in history than that.

Im mostly a freelance writer these days, so I spend a lot of time looking for stories that are undertold or underreported. I do a lot of work with Campo Santo, the video-game developer out of San Francisco.

Alex, how did you meet up with Duncan?

Alex Ashby: Duncan and I met about ten years ago when we were both part of Idle Thumbs, the video-game website that has since turned into a podcast network. We formed a kind of partnership with me in a broad editorial role while he did all the actual work. I dont know how I managed to get away with that for so long, but it was deeply satisfying.

Duncan had very quickly become one of my favorite writers and reading his stories was a joy. For his birthday one year, I made a recording of one of those stories with some very rough music production underneath, just for a bit of fun. He liked it and then showed it to other people who also liked it, so we started talking about how we could do it properly.

Luckily, Duncan and I both live in London, so we were able to record in the same room with him directing me, and gradually we figured out what Something True should sound like. Our roles werent entirely reversed from the old writing days, but I like to think that he enjoyed getting the chance to sit back and watch me sweat for a change.

I admire the precise modulation of your readings; what is your acting history? I suppose its just the way we Americans are intimidated by a British accent, but I have to say its done with brio. Your articulation of the seemingly innocent word hobbies in the episode Babylon is worth the price of admission.

AA: I had no formal training, but when I was young I used to listen to old radio plays and audiobooks on cassette. I would play them again and again until the poor things kamikazed through overuse. I think I could still probably repeat large portions of those tapes even today, and I think thats where I got a feel for what a vocal performance should sound like.

Its possible that the accent really does help. I think we are a lot more forgiving of performances in voices that we dont hear every day.

As I started production on the first few episodes I realized that I was, in fact, fairly awful. I had thought I sounded normal, but while listening back I was nervous and monotone, to say nothing of the poor microphone skills. So I rerecorded everything from scratch, trying to really commit and be as dynamic as my natural sense of shame would allow. It came out much better after that, but my lack of training was definitely paid for in time and energy.

And how has the podcast been received?

AA: Everyone had good things to say except for one man who didnt like the swearing, but thats fine. We got around 10,000 listeners a week, which apparently isnt very many, but is certainly far more than I had hoped for. It was one of those rare things that I was so proud of I honestly wouldnt have minded if we had never found an audience, but its lovely to hear that it pleased so many people.

DF: It was a rabbi who got upset at us about all the swearing, which I think makes it way worse.

Where do you stumble upon the stories? Some are tangential to things weve heard about, like the Teapot Dome scandal, or Scientology  footnotes to history as done by the Coen Brothers. Others are epic tales in their own right, like Ruska Pravda, which outGame of Thrones Game of Thrones.

DF: Yeah, characters like Charles Forbes and Jack Parsons you discover because theyre footnotes in better-known stories. In the Heart of the Sea, about the sinking of the Essex, is a pretty well-known book [the true tale on which Melville tangentially based Moby-Dick, and the subject of a recent movie], but I never saw anyone talk about the part of it that grabbed me. Its just, I think, one paragraph, [about] one of the sailors aboard the Essex. That to me felt like it warranted its own book.

You have to keep an eye out and follow anything weird you think or see. Olga of Kiev [the subject of the episode Ruska Pravda], I came across that story because I was reading about weaponized animals for fun.

As of course one would. So Alex, you do the production? With just your voice and some fairly rudimentary sound cues (some of which themselves are quite funny), the productions pack a punch.

AA: Duncan had collected an enormous list of potential creative commons music and had written a cue sheet for each episode, which gave different ideas on how to use music to accentuate or undercut certain moods. I learned the basics of some audio editing tools and started putting things together slowly.

I would have my dialogue playing in the background while I skipped through about a hundred pieces of music, waiting to hear something that matched. Then I would move on to the next section of dialogue and repeat the process. As I got more confident, I began to mess around a little more with the rhythms of the dialogue and music. I would try to edit the speed of my delivery to match the music tempo, or synchronize them so that gaps in the dialogue were filled by flourishes in the music and vice versa.

The result of this was that every 10-to-15-minute episode took about three days of work (there are about 50 pieces of music in this first series), which while slow-paced was immensely satisfying. I dont know how much of a difference those edits made to the listeners experience, but I hope the effort ended up providing at least some of the punch you mentioned rather than just being indulgent.

I almost hate to ask this question, but do you ever choose the stories based on their contemporary relevance? Certainly Haxprocessor has some brutal resonance today. So does The Presidents Dog. Actually, so does Charlie Joyride, and Babylon, too!

DF: I actually wrote all these episodes in 2015 and early 2016, so, no, it wasnt on my mind that, for example, the joyful cronyism of the Warren Harding administration would be extremely topical by the time the episodes aired. That was a happy accident for the podcast and a big fucking bummer for the world. No, I never chose anything based on its potential topicality  our podcast is slow to make, and relevance is a moving target. Not to say I felt any of the stories we did were ever irrelevant. Human behavior doesnt seem to change a whole lot.

Will Something True be returning?

DF: Yeah. I know wed all like to do more. When exactly that will happen, though, I dont know.

Something True is available at your friendly local podcast marketplace. Details on the show and an archive can be found here.
Michael Keaton in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Photo: Chuck Zlotnick/CTMG, Inc.

Spoilers for Spider-Man: Homecoming below.

Its no secret that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has a villain problem. Over the course of 16 films and 200-odd hours of television, the wildly lucrative fictional mythos has offered up an array of baddies to antagonize our do-gooder saviors, but precious few of them really stick in ones mind. Tom Hiddlestons Loki is delectably slimy in The Avengers and David Tennants genteel rapist Kilgrave is blood-freezing in Jessica Jones, but beyond that, its hard to get too excited about many of them. Do you have nightmares about Ronan the Accuser? Do you see a lot of Yellowjacket costumes at Halloween? Can you remember any lines spoken by Obadiah Stane?

Part of the problem is that Disneys Marvel Studios operation is legally barred from making movies featuring Marvel Comics richest and most durable antagonists. Thanks to film-rights deals made decades ago, Fox has exclusive access to the rogues galleries of the Fantastic Four and the X-Men. That means no Doctor Doom for the MCU. Ixnay on Magneto. No dice on Mystique. Galactus? Fuhgeddaboudit. The few A-listers that Marvel Studios did have access to have mostly been used up by now. Weve largely resigned ourselves to enjoyable bits of scenery-chewing from famous actors who pop up for a Marvel picture, give us a little frisson of delight at their presence, and then fade from our memories like a half-remembered stress dream.

How refreshingly terrifying it is, then, to find oneself in the backseat of a car driven by Adrian Toomes. Adrian  also known as the Vulture  is the Big Bad of Spider-Man: Homecoming, and he has instantly entered the top tier of the MCU villain roster. Theres an array of reasons he lands so well, primary among them that Keaton just crushes it. The stellar nature of his performance is never more apparent than in the third-act scene when Spideys civilian identity, Peter Parker, gets a menacingly slow ride in Adrians automobile. I wont spoil the surprising circumstances that have brought them together in that moment, but suffice it to say that Adrian has reached a point of supremacy that allows him to credibly threaten Petey with mere words.

As he speaks, he looks backward from the drivers seat at the child in his midst and says things no youngster should ever have to hear. Dont mess with me, he murmurs at one point, because I will kill you and everybody you love. Coming out of a lesser actors mouth, the line would read as mere murderous bombast. Keaton, however, uses each consonant and vowel like a master violinist translating bars of Mozart. His inverted-Nike-swoosh eyebrows rise and fall hypnotically; his eyes ooze with malicious intent. His vaguely working-class accent and gravelly hush prevent any of it from feeling over-the-top. This is not a Dark Elf or a fallen sorcerer proclaiming that the world shall be theirs; this is more like an ordinary neighbor abruptly putting a gun to your forehead.

I use that metaphor carefully, because another component that makes the character work is that hes so ordinary. When we meet him, right before his turn to supervillainy, hes just a slightly assholish guy who works in salvage and stumbles across some miraculous alien technology, then has an idea for making money off of it.* Hes not a mad scientist or a cosmic fallen angel  hes a plausible human being you could easily know. At the risk of abusing a much-overused term, the characterization is grounded in a way that even the Netflix shows often dont go for. (Is there anything truly street-level about an army of ninjas?) As Keaton put it at a pre-premiere press conference, It was a really unique approach, and kind of obvious, when you think about it: To make this person someone whos approachable and has a legitimate gripe and a legitimate argument.

But what, exactly, is that argument? This is where the most surprising  and gleefully thrilling  aspect of the characters success kicks in. In short, the Vulture is the first supervillain who seems like he voted for Trump. Hear me out. Hes a guy with a working-class past, but who long ago obtained a substantial amount of wealth  and nevertheless continues to act like hes a put-upon, blue-collar prole. His blood foes? Government bureaucrats and bleeding-heart elitists. As he puts it at one point, The rich and the powerful, like Stark, they dont care about us. Im not saying Trump voters are supervillains, just that Adrians motivations have been demonstrated to be all too narratively and experientially potent in the months preceding the movies release. His grievances pack a believable wallop.

His motivations are fascinating for another reason, one that underpins the movies most valuable lesson for filmic adapters of superhero comics: Be willing to jettison the source material. In the Marvel comics, Adrian is generally depicted as an elderly man who sucks up the life forces of the young and commits crimes mostly out of mustache-twirling avarice. He isnt the worlds most compelling villain, to be honest, nor would he have been an interesting  or even just non-laughable  baddie on celluloid in his comics form. Luckily, the six writers of Homecoming looked on those traits with no apparent reverence.

Instead, they boiled the Vulture down to the components that work best: Hes greedy, he flies on mechanical wings, he doesnt like Spider-Man, and hes called the Vulture. Everything else was demolished like a midtown building during the Battle of New York. Hes a more or less brand-new character that nods admiringly at the fun parts of the existing character and moves on into a thrilling and chilling new aesthetic and narrative space. Plus, the Vulture name takes on a new meaning when the guys roots are in picking apart the corpses of buildings. It all works, and you wont see hardly anyone complaining about a betrayal of the classic Vulture brand, because few people actually care about where the guy came from.

Thats the key fact to pay attention to: Its okay to make new villains. That can mean doing an Adrian-style brass-tacks translation, but it could also theoretically mean just coming up with a baddie from whole cloth. Its a little trickier to rethink the heroes, of course, as theyre more likely to be adored by groups of fans. But when it comes to the nasties, you have far less to lose. In fact, original creations may start to become essential sooner rather than later. As Marvel Studios supply of marketable villains dwindles, scarcity can act as an opportunity for future filmmakers to pull a Vulture and build their future projects with fresh stone.

This goes double for Sony. Theyre the ones who own the rights to Spidey and his supporting cast, and they only got to use Iron Man and the MCU because this and forthcoming Spider-Man-starring movies are made in partnership with Marvel. Theyre trying to build a new cinematic universe with the remaining Spider-Man characters, but there are only so many genuinely interesting, Spider-specific bad guys and gals. Sooner or later, theyre going to have to get truly inventive  or theyre going to have to tear down most of an existing character and rebuild them anew. Adrians roots may lie in demolished buildings, but he also provides a blueprint for reconstruction.

*This post has been updated to reflect the fact that Adrian works in salvage, not demolition.
Photo: Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Its only five months into Donald Trumps presidency, but a lot of people are already tired of him. Two of those people are South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and thanks to them, you likely wont be seeing much of Trump in the shows upcoming 21st season. In a new interview with the Los Angeles Times, Parker explains how hard-wiring the show to be so politically reactive had just gotten boring.

We fell into the same trap that Saturday Night Live fell into, where it was like, Dude, were just becoming CNN now. Were becoming: Tune in to see what were going to say about Trump. Matt and I hated it but we got stuck in it somehow, Parker said. Instead, you can expect more of what Parker calls the bread and butter of South Park, which he defines simply as kids being ridiculous and outrageous.

The ratings might take a hit, but Parker says he and Stone have been waiting to get run out of Hollywood for decades anyway, so theyre pretty content with their decision to detach from the reaction machine. The witch hunt is coming. Our day is coming. One of these days, out of nowhere, well do something and theyll go, How dare you!  and well be done. But what people dont realize is, weve thought this for 20 years. Weve been ready for it. Our bags are packed in the car and were ready to go back to Colorado. And its cool, man.
You had me at hygge, Younger. Actually, you had me at naming Empiricals latest release Gettin Hygge With It, because honestly whats better than a play on a classic Will Smith jam? Nothing. Well, maybe a few things, like getting to watch Liza and Charles flirt while Liza helps her boss out with his back spasm. Sure, its completely inappropriate for the workplace, but when has anything at Empirical ever been appropriate? Never, and thats why we love it so.

Anyway, if you missed the explanation, hygge is the Danish concept of cozy contentment. The only real thing getting cozy on Younger is Kelsey and Joshs blossoming friendship: The new roommates bond over grits, their southern roots, and their newly formed Liza Recovery Group. The only rule is to never say the name Liza. Its like Fight Club, but for very attractive hipsters.

I guess Maggie is getting cozy with her new barista friend, too. Her name is Montana, because of course it is. Maggie misreads Montanas art fangirling for flirting, which leads to an awkward kiss. Montana is straight, but would love to assist Maggie with her work. Im not 100 percent sure where were going with this, but I am 100 percent sure that I still miss Maggie and Lauren together. Those two were a hoot.

On the other side of the cozy spectrum are Liza and Kelsey, who is still icing her ex-bestie out. The only thing enjoyable about Kelsey learning the truth about Liza is that now we get to watch as Kelsey sees Liza with fresh eyes: One conversation about memes in a staff meeting later, and Kelsey is mostly just disgusted with herself for not being able to suss out the truth earlier. Its like shes finally in on the joke weve been privy to this whole time.

This broken relationship is a shame for so many reasons, but most especially because Kelsey could use some sage advice from a friend. Almost immediately following the news of terrible reviews for his debut novel, Colin is back asking for Kelseys forgiveness. Shes all too eager to let him back into her life. Okay, first she takes him on a double date with Lauren (bless you, Lauren, for coining the phrase doppelbanger in regards to Kelseys extremely predictable type) and Max to the House of Yes (think kinky Cirque du Soleil), and she and her full pleather outfit give him a little whipping as revenge  but after that, its back to normal.

I mean that in the worst way possible. Kelsey brings Colin as her plus-one to the Empirical hygge party and he barely gets one foot in the front door before he forces Kelsey to introduce him to Charles. Dude, I know Charles is one of a few select grown adult men who can pull off a chunky knit sweater, but slow your roll. Colins bad reviews led to Random House (you know, the publishing house he ditched Empirical for, what a sweetheart) dropping Colins second book option, and now hes angling for a deal with Empirical.

Regardless of the state of their friendship, Liza cant sit back and watch Kelsey get hurt again. She pulls her friend aside and tells her she deserves better than Colin. She deserves someone who treasures her. Who opens doors for her. Who walks on the outside of the sidewalk, LIKE A GENTLEMAN. Kelsey doesnt take the advice well, and yells at Liza for following some old-lady handbook for romance. (Shes 40, Kels, not 100!) Liza doesnt understand her  she never has and never will.

Unfortunately for Kelsey, Liza is dead-on about Colin. A fact that Kelsey realizes as she almost gets hit by a biker while walking on the outside of the sidewalk. Colin doesnt even notice  hes too busy texting his agent about his conversation with Charles. Kelsey makes like Random House and drops that dummy.

Just because Liza was right to be concerned doesnt mean Kelsey has to be happy about it. She gets back to Joshs in the middle of a house party  lord, did I miss that washboard (both instrument and abs)  but the rowdiness doesnt stop Josh from consoling his roommate. It also doesnt stop him from realizing that the word lie is baked into Lizas name. They shouldve known. Hes mostly riled up from a run-in with his ex on the street that was very tense for all parties involved. So, if silly wordplay is going to get you through it, have at it. See Will Smith jams above.

Josh cheers Kelsey up and the two end the night Texas two-stepping in the living room. You guys, I am so conflicted here. This impending hookup feels like the ultimate betrayal, but also  Im into it? Bless their southern hearts, Kelsey and Josh are pretty cute together.

Its Trout Season

 Man, they are priming the pump for Diana discovering Lizas secret. During the hygge party, Richard remarks to Liza how she is one of the few people Diana actually trusts. Is Diana going to take Lizas betrayal the hardest? Or will she be the one person who totally understands? Either way, can Diana and Liza end up as BFFs?

 I love how Diana can barely hide how much she cares for Liza. First, in JCPenny, as she offers condolences for her breakup with Josh, and then as she eavesdrops on Liza and Kelseys fight. Sure, she snidely remarks to Charles that its just 20-something drama, but underneath that giant necklace is some real concern.

 Shout out to all the body-pillow aficionados out there. Unlike what Diana would have you believe, body pillows do not mean youre sad and lonely, they just mean you enjoy sleeping with the utmost level of comfort. THEYRE JUST SENSIBLE, GET OFF MY BACK ABOUT IT.

 On ridiculous candle scents: Nostalgic Snow? What is that, old snow? Isnt that water?
KWTX-TV's two Vietnam War documentaries, "We Can't Forget Vietnam" and "From The Ashes Of Vietnam," continue to bring the station honors and attention.

The latest comes Friday morning when the Military Order of the Purple Heart formally names the television station its first Purple Heart Television Station.

The Purple Heart is awarded to American military personnel killed or wounded in combat with a declared enemy of the United States.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart organization promotes goodwill among combat-wounded veterans, patriotism and efforts to inform the public about the sacrifices made by medal winners.

The organization's Department of Texas Chapter 1876 and Ladies Auxiliary petitioned the national organization to honor KWTX.

KWTX's "We Can't Forget Vietnam" won a Lone Star Emmy and Regional Edward R. Murrow Award while "From The Ashes Of Vietnam" received a National Edward R. Murrow Award from the Radio-Television-Digital News Directors Association.
HOUSTON  On one of his recent visits to the home of an immigrant family, Julio Barquero asked everyone sitting in the living room to stand and join hands. They formed a circle, closed their eyes, and prayed.

"Help us in the name of God," Barquero, a lay minister with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), said in Spanish. "And help the Latino community and the state of Texas."

Barquero is among pastors serving Texas' estimated 1.5 million people living in the U.S. illegally who are offering new programs and, in some cases, visiting families fearful of crackdowns on immigration. A new Texas law targeting so-called sanctuary cities comes just as immigration arrests have gone up dramatically in the state's biggest cities.

In Texas and nationally, some parishes and communities with large populations of immigrants in the U.S. illegally have reported slightly lower attendance on Sundays, or significant drop-offs in attendance at classes or programs outside of prayer services. Others say more immigrants without legal permission are coming to church in search of reassurance and help.

"I've visited people in their own families in their apartments, taking communion to them, almost treating them as they are ill or homebound," said Sam Dunning, director of the Office of Justice and Peace for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese serving Houston.

Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in May signed an anti-sanctuary cities law that would allow local police to ask people about their immigration status during routine stops, though departments can declare a "place of worship" off-limits for cooperation with federal authorities. The law would also force police chiefs and sheriffs to honor all federal "detainer" requests to hold criminal suspects for possible deportation, with the threat of jail time for officials who don't comply. Several Texas cities and civil rights groups have gone to court to try to stop the law, which is set to take effect in September.

Texas is both the nation's largest conservative state, with leaders who have long pushed for tougher immigration laws, and one of the nation's biggest recipients of refugees and other immigrants, with or without legal status. It is also a deeply religious state, with thousands of churches, mosques and temples serving people across race and political lines.

Under Abbott, Texas has lined up behind the immigration priorities of the Trump administration, which has increased immigration-related arrests and promised to try to speed up deportations. Houston and Dallas were in the top three cities for arrests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from January to April. Reports of raids and stakeouts, including at least one near a church shelter in Virginia, have created more fear in immigrant communities. A handful of churches are housing families to shield them from deportation.

Abbott spokesman John Wittman said Texas' new law "squares directly with Gov. Abbott's Christian values to protect all innocent lives" by empowering law enforcement to detain "known criminals."

"The law makes clear that no one attending Sunday Mass has anything to fear," Wittman said.

The nonprofit Catholic Legal Immigration Network is encouraging local affiliates to identify people who could apply for a visa or legal protection from deportation. The group estimates as many as 1.6 million of the 11 million people living in the U.S. illegally could quality for some form of legal status.

World Relief, which works with evangelical churches nationally, said about 35 percent of regional leaders in a recent survey said pastors they supervise were concerned about declines in church attendance. A spokesman for the group, Matthew Soerens, said local leaders were trying to prepare members "for any circumstance," while also pointing out that most immigrants are unlikely to face deportation.

Barquero and his wife, Lucy, conduct weekly meetings by telephone with people who are afraid or unable to go to church. They also make occasional home visits around Houston.

"My message is to continue living your life normally," he said in an interview. "Participate in defending your rights, yes, but don't take unnecessary risks."

Guillermo Pena, a pastor at Living Word, a Houston church that offers services in English and Spanish, said the majority of the members of the Spanish-speaking congregation are in the U.S. illegally.

Pena and his wife, fellow pastor Luz Maria Coto, spent a recent weeknight sitting with several church members who said they felt more threatened and concerned about their families' well-being. A carpenter from central Mexico said people shouted profanities at him recently at a supermarket. A construction worker from El Salvador said he was afraid he would be separated from his wife and two children, all U.S. citizens, and sent back to a neighborhood controlled by gangs that dictate what color clothing residents can wear and what hours they can leave their homes.

Pena says he worries other churches and politicians aren't fully aware or don't care about the plight of immigrants without documentation.

"The migrants are practically alone inside a white structure," Pena said. "At this point, I believe the church needs to understand that we are a church of migrants, so we can better understand the problem."

___

Associated Press reporter Amy Taxin contributed to this report.
As dragonflies zipped through the Lake Waco Wetlands, a group of about 20 children scattered, afraid the harmless bugs would bite.

Though the blitzing movements of the 11- to 13-year-olds were laughable, the sight isnt uncommon when students, often out of their element, are visiting the public nature area for the first time, said Nora Schell, Lake Waco Wetlands program director.

Its really, really typical because they think its going to hurt them, Schell said.

But, the kids were quick to get past some of their fears.

I think they all had a really good time, she said. I dont think theyd normally say, Hey, lets go to a park or to the wetlands. I was a park ranger for 18 years, and I saw it all the time where they would just buzz through the park. They wouldnt stop, and thats why I like to have the time to tell them, its not that.

Schell and three others spent part of Wednesday morning teaching children about Wacos water system and the wildlife that can be found locally. The children were from Bledsoe Miller Community Center, which hosts summer camps with the citys parks and recreation department.

The adventure is part of a new six- to eight-week health education program designed by Baylor University graduate student Andrew Christie. Christie, a parks and recreation intern, is focused on giving children attending the summer camps a chance once a week to unite with nature and to learn about wellness, he said.

Its not necessarily a nutrition class or anything like that, but a look at a healthy, holistic lifestyle to get them exposed to a bunch of different things they might not be exposed to, Christie said.

As Schell took the students across the freshwater marsh, she explained different kinds of pollution and the role the marsh plays in keeping the water clean as it moves through to Lake Waco.

At stops along the way, the children participated in small science experiments to get them used to the outdoors.

Andrews approach is different. We dont see that all the time, usually dont see counselors who are into nature, Schell said. They just want to a place to come, spend a couple of hours and go back.

I dont know what else hes planning to do with the kids, but I just heard him ask (his supervisor) if they could have a campfire to roast marshmallows and stuff. They dont get to do that living in an urban environment.

But with engaging activities like using dip nets to catch fresh water creatures, the students quickly learned to let their guards down, she said.

At first, I wasnt ready for it, 11-year-old Mariyah Freeman said of catching fish and other critters in the nets. Once I did it, it got a lot more interesting. I heard people getting other things, and I wanted to get what they were getting. It was more fun when I did it.

Christie, who grew up catching bugs and exploring creeks in backwoods Pennsylvania, said seeing inner-city children learn something new through his program is his favorite part. During his first week, he asked his group what they wanted to learn about and was surprised when some of the girls immediately showed a desire to learn about health in a holistic way.

He is applying for a federal grant in hopes of keeping the program around next year and offering it to more kids, he said. For now though, hes happy to show these youngsters some of Wacos nature.

I hope they come away with a better appreciation for the public spaces the city of Waco provides for us and become more likely to use them, he said.
McLennan County commissioners got their first look Wednesday at $106 million in countywide budget requests from department heads for the upcoming year.

From $1.1 million in requests for new personnel and a constables request for new weapons, to setting the tax rate and considering the countys reserve fund, commissioners will spend the next 2 weeks preparing a fiscal year 2018 budget proposal. They will submit the document for public inspection July 25, starting the clock for public hearings needed before adopting the budget in late August. The fiscal year starts Oct. 1.

First glance of the budget includes almost $102.7 million in revenues, almost $103 million in expenditures and a total ending contingency fund balance of about $34.4 million. Revenues are based on current figures because a proposed tax rate has yet to be discussed, and the final property appraisals have yet to be released.

Assuming revenues, expenditures and contingency balances dont change, commissioners could approve all $106 million in department head requests and still end the year with more than the target fund balance, County Auditor Stan Chambers said.

Commissioners have discussed increasing the amount they set aside over the years, and County Judge Scott Felton has said he hopes to get to 33 percent of the countys expenditures put away for emergencies, up from 25 percent in recent years.

While the contingency would be ahead of schedule as a percentage of the budget, it would represent a $5.5 million drop in the fund balance from the current year, Chambers said.

We dont want to get into a negative slide and start dipping back down. Weve built ourselves into a pretty healthy situation, Chambers said. We should be encouraged. Were in a much healthier position than we were four years ago.

As commissioners start budget talks, state lawmakers return to the Capitol soon and are set to consider a bill local leaders have spoken out against.

Felton said it is important to keep a strong reserve fund in case the Legislature approves the measure, which would place new restrictions on local governments ability to change their property tax rates.

Chambers said department heads and elected officials requested $1.1 million in new personnel and about $197,000 in raises for specific positions.

If commissioners give all county employees a 3 percent cost-of-living salary adjustment, it would cost the county $1.3 million, he said. The less than 900 county employees got a 4.35 percent cost-of-living adjustment last year and no adjustment two years ago.

Precinct 3 Commissioner Will Jones asked how much revenue the county would lose by reducing the tax rate by 1 penny per $100 of assessed value. He was told it would lose $1.43 million.

Last year, Jones pushed for a steeper cut to the tax rate than the 1-cent cut the court ultimately approved.

This budget years tax rate is 52.5293 cents per $100 of value, down from 53.5293 the year before.

Chambers divided department budget requests into two categories for commissioners to review.

The longer list includes departments requesting a budget increase of less than 3 percent, and less than $50,000, compared to last year.

A few of the 15 departments on the shorter list, requesting more than a 3 percent or $50,000 increase, exceed the threshold because of projects commissioners already have approved.

For others, commissioners will ask the department head making the request for a report on the need.

Commissioners asked for Precinct 3 Constable David Maler, among others, to report to the court to explain requests.

Maler submitted a proposed budget that is 5.5 percent, or $7,693, more than last years.

Weapons request

Chambers said $3,000 of that request is for travel, and it also includes money for professional development, two shotguns, two pistols and two rifles.

Chambers said Maler told him the weapons would ensure he is as well-outfitted as a sheriffs office deputy.

Precinct 2 Commissioner Lester Gibson said if one constable is going to be outfitted to that extent, they all need to be.

Jones said the request for a rifle and a shotgun seems excessive, but he would understand the request if Maler needs to replace existing firearms.

Precinct 4 Commissioner Ben Perry said it is important to ensure law enforcement is properly equipped, but they will have to draw the line somewhere.
A Texas Juvenile Justice Department correctional officer was arrested Wednesday, accused of pushing a handcuffed inmate into a wall face first then lying on top of the inmate June 24 at the McLennan County State Juvenile Correctional Facility in Mart.

Kerry A. McNeil, 42, of Killeen, was arrested on a Class A misdemeanor charge of official oppression after the incident.

The juvenile, who was also in a mask to prevent spitting on officers, received three 3-centimeter-long scrapes to the face and an "egg-sized" bruise on the forehead, according to the affidavit.

Details of what led to the incident are not included in the affidavit. The age of the inmate and the reason for being in custody also were not included.

A correctional sergeant reviewed surveillance video that shows the inmate's hands were securely handcuffed during the push and while McNeil lay on the inmate, who was face-down on a concrete floor, according to the affidavit.

McNeil has been employed at the correctional facility since July 2014, records state.

He was arrested and taken to McLennan County Jail, where he remained Thursday afternoon with bond listed at $1,000.
A local real estate agent was arrested at his office Thursday, accused of deceiving a disabled man into selling mineral rights, valued between $85,900 and $143,280, for $10.

Jody Glenn Scoggins, 31, a local real estate agent with RE/MAX Centex, was arrested on a second-degree felony charge of securing the execution of a document by deception and a third-degree felony charge of exploitation of an disabled person. Scoggins, a real estate agent who has worked throughout McLennan County for the past 10 years, was arrested Thursday afternoon, Waco police Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton said.

According to the arrest affidavit, Scoggins befriended a 66-year-old man who suffers from dementia and blindness while he was living at a nursing home last September and started having the mans mail forward to Scoggins office.

(The victim) is an heir to mineral rights in Hood County, Texas, which has been passed down through his family, the affidavit states. On 09/27/2016, Scoggins, along with  a public notary for the state of Texas, went to (the nursing home). While at the nursing home, Scoggins had (the man) sign a mineral warranty deed granting his wife, Kimberly Scoggins, and he all interest in all oil and gas that may be produced from (the mans) original mineral warranty deed for the amount of $10.

The notary told investigators the full form was never read to the victim, only explained by Scoggins, the affidavit states.

After speaking to (the victim), he told me he would never sign his mineral rights over because they have been passed down through his family and are his main source of income, the affidavit states. Scoggins was deceptive by tricking (the man) due to his disabilities into signing his mineral rights over to him for his pecuniary gain.

Scoggins told investigators last month he knew the man suffered from cataracts but was unaware of any other medical conditions, according to the affidavit.

The victims wife also told authorities the full mineral rights document was never read to her husband, the affidavit states.

Scoggins was taken to McLennan County Jail on Thursday. No bond information was available.
An intermediate appeals court ruled Wednesday that McLennan County District Attorney Abel Reyna should not be disqualified from prosecuting the case of a biker arrested after the 2015 shootout at Twin Peaks.

The opinions from Wacos 10th Court of Appeals maintain Reynas status over the case. However, the courts ruling was a bit unusual in the sense that it featured opinions from all three judges, with two concurring opinions.

Justice Al Scoggins denied biker Matthew Clendennens petition for mandamus in a single sentence, while Chief Justice Tom Gray wrote a six-page concurring opinion and Justice Rex Davis wrote a three-page concurring opinion.

Dallas attorney Clint Broden, who represents Clendennen, appealed an October order by 54th State District Judge Matt Johnson denying a motion to disqualify Reyna, who went to the scene and advised Waco police commanders about how to proceed after the deadly May 17, 2015, melee at Twin Peaks.

Broden asked the court to issue a writ of mandamus, which would have ordered Johnson to disqualify Reyna and appoint an independent and unbiased prosecutor to take over the case.

Broden said Wednesday evening he will confer with Clendennen, a former member of the Scimitars group, before deciding if he will appeal the decision to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.

I was very pleased that at least Judge Davis was troubled by Abel Reynas actions and that Judge Grays decision was not based on the merits of the petition, but rather procedural issues, and we are invited to raise the issues again at a later time, Broden said. I want to study the opinions a little more carefully to make a decision on where we are going to go from here. At least one member of the court had questions about Reynas actions that day, so it may be that the Court of Criminal Appeals may need to decide this.

A phone call to Reyna seeking comment about the rulings went unreturned Wednesday evening.

Broden argued that Reyna crossed the line by ordering the mass arrests of 177 bikers on identical charges on May 17, 2015. He argued that Reyna usurped the judgment of Wacos top police commanders with 100 years worth of collective law enforcement experience, who, Broden said, had decided before Reyna arrived that most of the bikers were mere witnesses.

During oral arguments before the three-member court in March, the justices asked Broden if he had any legal precedent to determine exactly where the line is for prosecutors, who routinely give advice to police agencies, assist them with drafting search or arrest warrants and other legal matters.

Broden paraphrased the famous line from former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart, who in 1964 while reviewing an obscenity case, said, I know it when I see it.

This is pornography, Broden said. This is so far over the line that its ridiculous. That might explain why there is no case law on it.

In his concurring opinion, Davis said Reyna came close to abusing his authority but did not cross the line.

Very close to abuse

The events and circumstances surrounding what has come to be commonly referred to as the Twin Peaks shootout are unique in McLennan County, Davis wrote. That aside, the decision-making on that day by the district attorney, though no doubt well intended, came very close to being an abuse of his professional discretion.

Particularly, his not deferring to law enforcement on the issues of arrest and reporting can certainly be called into question. However, even though I have significant concerns about his actions and about how close he was to abusing his discretion, I believe that he did not cross that line.

Davis determined Johnson did not abuse his discretion by denying the initial motion in October.

Broden also alleged in his motion to disqualify that Reyna should be removed from the case because he is being sued by more than 100 bikers in federal civil rights lawsuits and has a financial stake in ensuring they are convicted.

He also alleged that Reyna should be disqualified because he will be a witness during Clendennens trial.

Gray, in his concurring opinion, said that while Broden has presented some evidence of a disputed fact, he has not exhausted other legal remedies available to him.

Mandamus is an extraordinary remedy, Gray wrote. It is to be utilized only when other legal remedies are inadequate. Thus, if there is another legal remedy available to Clendennen, a petition for writ of mandamus should be denied.
A selection of the best beaches near Rome.

For all you beach-lovers here is a selection of resorts within easy reach of Rome. Each one, ordered from north to south, offers either stabilimenti (private beaches with entrance fees and changing facilities and refreshments) or spiaggia libera (free beach with the option to rent a lounge chair and/or umbrella), and all have childrens facilities. We have indicated how to get there by public transport, as all these towns suffer from heavy traffic during the summer.

S. Marinella

The northern-most beach on our list offers a small strip of white sandy beach with the choice of setting up camp at either the stabilimenti or spiaggia libera. There are two trains per hour leaving from Termini station for S. Marinella station and the journey takes about one hour. Popular with wind-surfers.

S. Severa

Located about 50 km north of Rome and less than 10 km south of S. Marinella. Take one of the regular Civitavecchia trains from Rome and the beach is a ten-minute walk from the station. There are numerous stabilimenti, restaurants and spaggia libera and it is also known for its magnificent castle.

Fregene

A former chic hotspot of the 1960s and 1970s, Fregene boasts long stretches of sand with both stabilimenti and spiaggia libera. Along the coast there is also a wide selection of family-oriented restaurants and less expensive tavole calde. Romes club scene tends to flock to Fregene and nearby Ostia (see below) in the summer months. Although Fregene isnt the easiest place to reach by public transport, Cotral buses depart from Romes Valle Aurelia metro stop (line A) and the journey takes about one hour.

Ostia/Cancelli

Ostia and the Cancelli (gates) are along the coast nearest Rome. Ostia is loaded with often pricey and trendy stabilimenti, while the Cancelli offer free beaches equipped with restaurants and bathrooms. Public transport takes less than an hour and you can use the same metro/bus tickets for public transport in Rome. Take the 070 express bus from EUR, or the Roma-Lido train from Porta S. Paolo beside the Piramide metro station (line B). To reach the Cancelli get off at the last stop and take the 07 MARE bus until you reach the gates numbered 1, 2, 3 etc.

Anzio/Nettuno

These beaches are only ten minutes apart and are easily reached from Rome. One train per hour leaves from Termini station, stopping first at Anzio and then at Nettuno. The journey takes 60-70 minutes and the beaches are about a 10-minute walk from the respective train stations.

Sabaudia

Famous for its beauty and spaciousness, this stretch of beach is another Blue Flag area. Although predominantly spiaggia libera, there are a few stabilimenti to choose from. Cotral buses run from Romes Laurentina metro stop (line B) to Piazza Oberdan in Sabaudia. From here take the shuttle bus which runs up and down the local coastline. Sabaudia is also known for its Mussolini-era architecture.

Also Read:

S. Felice Circeo

Nearly 100 km south of Rome are the Blue Flag beaches and crystal clear waters of Circeo. Stabilimenti abound but look for the spiaggia libera nearest the port: it definitely merits the mini-trek. Cotral buses leave for Circeo from the Laurentina metro station in Rome. Get off at the last stop and walk for ten minutes until you reach the beach.

Also read: 13 Most Beautiful Places on the Amalfi Coast

Terracina

Located just 10 km south of Circeo. From Termini station take the hourly regional train for Naples and get off at Monte S. Biagio. From there, take the bus for about 20 minutes until you reach the beach. Terracina has as many spiagge libere as stabilimenti and both are well-kept and clean, making it a popular destination for families.

Sperlonga

The stabilimenti dominate this gorgeous getaway with picturesque views and Blue Flag status, leaving only narrow strips for the spiaggia libera. Take the regional train headed to Naples from Termini station and get off at Fondi-Sperlonga. Once there, take the Piazzoli bus for 20 minutes to Sperlonga, alternatively take a private taxi but be warned they are far more expensive than the 1.50 bus ticket.

Gaeta

This Blue Flag area has a quaint mediaeval town to explore and clean beaches. From Termini station take one of the frequent trains headed towards Naples, get off at Formia and take the bus for another 25 minutes until you reach Gaeta.

For more information about transportation consult the Cotral and Trenitalia websites.

Top Ph: Giambattista Lazazzera
An elderly Perth woman is fighting for her life in hospital after her car veered onto the wrong side of the road and collided with a tree and power pole on Wednesday night.

A police spokesman said the 70-year-old was driving west on South Street in Kardinya when her vehicle hit the pole with such force, it snapped in half.

A Perth woman is fighting for her life after crashing into a pole and tree. Credit:Nine News Perth

"The vehicle was damaged significantly, coming to rest on its side, while the power pole snapped in half," she said.

"The Department of Fire and Emergency Service attended and freed the woman before being conveyed by St John Ambulance to Royal Perth Hospital with suspected head injuries."
Rome: In 1849 a young boy left a Western Australian monastery on an extraordinary journey. His mentors believed he would be the first Indigenous missionary but he died, homesick, in an ancient abbey. This week his memory has finally been honoured.

Francis Xavier Conaci was part of a bold Benedictine experiment: he was to be trained in Rome as a missionary, and return to convert the continent's native people to Christianity.

Nathan Pitt, 19, was named the inaugural Francis Xavier Conaci scholar on Thursday. Credit:Elena Varasi

The boy  by some reports just 7 years old - travelled from New Norcia by ship and train to Dublin, London, Paris then Rome; along the way he convinced a gathering of London academics that their belief that Australian natives were unteachable primitives was false.

He was personally handed a Benedictine habit by Pope Pius IX, and named a noble by the king of Naples. In a few years he mastered Latin and won a medal of distinction for his studies. Great things were expected of him.
The Government of Malaysia, represented by its Customs administration, signed a new License Agreement with the WCO for the use of the new version of the WCO e-learning programme based on the CLiKC! platform. The signature was carried out in the margins of the 129th/130th Sessions of the WCO Council.

Malaysia has already successfully rolled out the WCO e-learning programme since 2005 and had expressed a keen interest to benefit from the flexibility and new features offered by the new learning management systems in order to build the capacity of its officers.

The Agreement was signed by WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya and the Director General of Malaysian Customs, Mr. Dato' Indera Subromaniam Tholasy on 5 July 2017. The License Agreement allows the installation of all WCO e-learning courses on Malaysian Customs' servers for the benefit of its officers.
by Richard Coulson

First published in The Tribune, Monday, July 3, 2017 and posted here with the authors kind permission.

It is worse than a crimeit is a mistake! These were the words of alarm from the statesman Talleyrand after Emperor Napoleon after ordered the summary execution of a popular rival in France.

I think about these words every day as I read a fresh story of our political regime over the last five years. Fortunately, the PLP never executed anyone, but they committed just about other kind of offence imaginable, whether called malfeasance, misfeasance (criminal or civil), corruption, fraud, self-dealing, cover-up, cronyismor simply first-degree incompetence.

Beginning with the budget debate, the new Ministers have been peeling the covers off a cascade of charges, and the public are scandalized.

The outrage is only normal. But its getting mixed with hysteria. Usually rational commentators are grandly accusing the new Government, of doing nothing against those persons who milked the Bahamian public. 

Attorney-General Carl Bethel is accused of indifference, of little talk and less action.

The Punch reports that FNM Ministers want him fired, for not following the party line. The people want justice others write, presumably meaning arrests, prosecutions, convictions, jail terms, and Mr. Bethel is not delivering.

To his credit, he has not been stampeded,. He knows well that Parliamentary accusations and press publicity do not automatically translate into legal action. If we do not want to be governed like Venezuela or other banana republics, every charge must be precisely investigated to determine whether its indictable, followed by a trial and possibly an appeal, all of which are long proceedings that, incidentally, cost a pretty penny against the peoples treasury.

Many of the charges of milking the Bahamian public, even if the facts are correct, cannot be considered a crime and would not pass the desk of any prosecutor.

When the BAMSI contractor was discovered to have ignored the required building insurance, could he or the Minister or responsible civil servant be criminally charged? Probably no, despite gross negligence. Is anybody guilty in paying $700,000 to the young man for cultural advice to the Ministry of Tourism, or millions to KPMG for NHI consultations? At most, poor judgment. Does the granting of million-dollar repair or maintenance contracts to the Ash Group, or to Minky Isaacs, amount to a crime? Unless direct kick-backs to a government officer can be shown, again no.

This is not to say these matters are insignificant and should be overlooked. But they make clear the difference between crime and mistake. A mistake can be a huge blunder in public policy, with profound consequences. Talleyrand (no great moralist) was not upset by the act of summary killing without evidence , but he was deeply worried that the death would lead other countries to declare a bitter war against France.

Right now, we learn that a criminal investigation has been launched against BEC officials for theft of funds, a clear case of white collar crime. But the much greater offence has been the continuing failure of Government ministers to produce a cheap and reliable way to produce electricity, a mistake of enormous consequence to our economy.

Perhaps worse is the land-fill, or garbage dump debacle . People cry some one should go to jail for allowing toxic fumes to cover whole housing estates. The favorite choice would be former DPM Brave Davis, for selecting the incompetent Renew Bahamas to do (or not do) the job and never disclosing what they were paid. But even the smartest prosecutor in the A-Gs office would fail to prove that their failure was a crime, not just another monumental bungle.

Not all our problems can be solved by the legal process. Mr. Bethel is taking the long overdue step of appointing a Director of Public Prosecutions, which will doubtless provide him more scope to dig out and punish identifiable violations of the criminal laws on our statute books. But that will not make him any sort of Public Ombudsman, charged with easing every problem that citizens can suffer.

To correct mistakes, we must rely not on the judicial branch of government, but on the executive. Prosecuting negligent or incompetent public servants will do far less good than revising the whole structure of rules and systems by which a department operates, and if necessary ordering wholesale staff replacements. These reforms can only be imposed from ministerial level and pushed forcefully down to the rank and file, with the Prime Minister setting the tone.

Not just honesty must be enforced but mundane matters like getting to work on time, filing papers correctly, replacing traffic lights, and getting mail delivered Without these practices, even the most scrupulous judicial system cannot make much impact. Courts are not equipped to be on-the-spot watch dogs and efficiency experts.

Many FNM enthusiasts now demand that the Baha Mar sale be reversed, as the Chinese owner is not a fit and proper person to hold a Bahamian casino license due to crooked connections with Macao gambling lords. They expect that dirty linen of deals with PLP politicians will be revealed when all the files are opened. These charges are colorful, but only qualify as unproven tales.

In demanding reversal, they are whistling in the wind.

Just because Dr. Minnis entertained Sarkis Izmirlian on the podium at Government House does not mean he will return Baha Mar to the handsome young man.

Bahamians can argue all day and night whether it was a mistake to favor the Chinese bank and Hong Kong buyer, and unfair to the Izmirlians. I personally always thought it was , but thats history. Business deals in the world of mega-bucks investors and super-power nations can be tough on the players, but cannot be called criminal.

Up-ending the present arrangements might be possible but would be a colossal mistake. Unwinding legal, financial, physical and human expectations would delay opening interminably, and once again leave thousands of workers in limbo. Recently visiting the executive offices, I met several foreigners and many Bahamians cooperating in the rush to completion. Executive VP Sandy Sands and Artistic Director John Cox both were there, working for President Graeme Davis as they had for Sarkis. They had made the adjustment, and so can the nation.

To maintain its hold on the public, the FNM as a party must wind down its harping on the crimes and mistakes of the PLP (blatant as they were) and focus on the creation of new policies, new measures, new projects. Some visionary thinkers worry that the new Baha Mar may pose a risk of Chinese domination of our economy. Most Bahamians are simply content to see jobs and wealth created in the here-and-now.

Mr. Coulson has had a long career in law, investment banking and private banking in New York, London, and Nassau, and now serves as director of several financial concerns and as a corporate financial consultant. He has recently released his autobiography, A Corkscrew Life: Adventures of a Travelling Financier.
Four region teams look to advance tonight in football playoffs
By West Kentucky Star Staff Jul. 06, 2017 | 11:36 AM | FRANKFORT, KY

Attorney General Andy Beshear said Kentuckians are the winners in a recent decision by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to continue to restrict ringless robocalls. Beshear opposed a recent petition by All About the Message LCC to exempt these direct-to-voicemail calls from federal consumer protections.

Beshear joined attorneys general from Massachusetts and New York in early June to urge the FCC to crack down on the national onslaught of robocall messages and oppose ringless robocalls. The attorneys general contend that this exemption would have further opened the floodgates to more harassing calls and messages.

The FCC denied the petition in late June.

"It's a win for everyone who hates robocalls, which is all of us," Beshear said. "My ongoing priority is to fight against costly, annoying and unwanted calls."

Beshear said the federal government's Telephone Consumer Protection Act protects consumers from unwanted and intrusive calls, including ringless robocalls.

The FCC's Robocall Strike Force reports that robocalls are the number one source of complaints it receives, with consumers receiving an estimated 2.4 billion robocalls per month in 2016.

The letter sent by the attorneys general highlights that ringless robocalls prevent consumers from blocking unwanted messages with many of the latest call blocking apps for mobile phones.

In addition, whether they ring or not, "robocalls can impose significant costs on consumers, especially those with prepaid cellphones or limited minutes who are charged for checking their messages," Beshear said, adding that consumers with limited size voicemail boxes may miss important messages when their voicemail is clogged with unwanted messages.

The FCC provides a National Do Not Call Registry.
By Tom Barber

This year 225,000 people, equivalent to the population of Milton Keynes, will be diagnosed with dementia. By 2025 the total number of people in the UK living with dementia will have exceeded a million. In response, towns and villages across the UK are committing to become communities that better help people with dementia go about their daily lives. In Wincanton, a range of local partners have now joined this movement and are working together on a campaign to make the town Dementia Friendly.

The Dementia-Friendly Wincanton campaign aims to make our community one in which people living with dementia feel understood, included and confidently able to contribute to community life. To do this, schools, businesses, local services and residents of Wincanton will be taking part in a wide range of activities aimed at promoting a better understanding of dementia in Wincanton.

Everyone, from the Town Council and Medical Centre to local shops and hairdressers, share part of the responsibility for ensuring that people with dementia feel understood, valued and able to contribute to the community. - Howard Ellard, Mayor of Wincanton and member of the campaign group

What is dementia?

Dementia is something we hear more and more about in todays society. Recent storylines in The Archers and Emmerdale focusing on dementia have helped to improve the publics understanding but awareness remains generally low. The word dementia describes a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. These symptoms are caused by diseases of the brain such as Alzheimers disease that cause nerve cells to die, damaging the structure and chemistry of the brain. Dementia can also affect the way people perceive things, feel and behave. These changes are often small to start with, but for someone with dementia they become severe enough to affect daily life.

Just over 9,000 people in Somerset are estimated to have Dementia. This is projected to almost double to 18,000 by 2035. Alarmingly, one third of people living with dementia reportedly do not feel part of their community.

People with dementia often stay at home because they feel like a burden to their community. Subsequently they become less independent, and their quality of life suffers. Through this initiative, we hope to reduce stigma and discrimination and promote independence for people living with dementia. - Doctor Iain Phillips, GP at Wincanton Medical Centre

In the UK there are now over 200 communities working towards becoming dementia friendly with support from national charity The Alzheimers Society. The charity, that provides an accreditation process, consider a dementia-friendly community to be a place that is supportive and inclusive of people affected by dementia. In these communities people with dementia are empowered to have aspirations and feel confident, knowing they can live the life they want.

Dementia Friendly information sessions

A key part of the Dementia Friendly Wincanton campaign will involve encouraging local groups, businesses and residents to attend a local Dementia Friends information session. These sessions are run by volunteer Dementia Friends Champions who are trained and supported by the Alzheimers Society. Each session lasts around one hour during which participants learn about dementia and how they can help to create a dementia friendly community. Having a basic understanding of what dementia is and some of the small things you can do to help those affected to live well can make a huge difference.

Afterwards participants are encouraged to turn their understanding into action by making a commitment to one action  big or small  that will help make Wincanton a dementia-friendly community. This might be getting in touch and staying in touch with someone they know living with dementia, volunteering for an organisation that helps people with dementia or simply committing to be more patient when out and about in the community.

Future dementia friend information sessions are planned and we hope everyone in the community will attend one. They will be advertised on the Wincanton Window, the Wincanton Dementia Friends Facebook page, the Wincanton Health Centre newsletter and The Word magazine.

Over the coming weeks we will be writing about some of the other activities relating to the campaign, interviewing members of the community living with dementia and profiling the groups and services in Wincanton that already support people living with dementia. If you would like more information about the Dementia-Friendly Wincanton campaign or would like to attend a Dementia Friends information session please email .
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 06/07/2017 (1954 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

StandardAero Aviation Holdings, the independent engine maintenance, repair and overhaul company, is in exclusive negotiations to acquire Vector Aerospace from Airbus.

StandardAeros management is based out of suburban Phoenix and owns and operates a number of facilities around the world. But its largest shop, by far, is in Winnipeg where it employs about 1,400 people.

Vector is a global aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) company that services turbine engines, components and fixed and rotary-wing aircraft.

In 2016 it had revenues of US$704.8 million and employed about 2,200 people in 22 locations across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Kenya, South Africa, Australia and Singapore.

In a prepared statement, Stan-dardAero spokesman Kyle Hultquist said, StandardAero is proceeding with the regulatory review process to finalize the agreement. Upon closing, this acquisition will put StandardAero in position to be one of the most cost-effective and client-focused MRO companies in the world.

Two years ago, StandardAero was acquired by Veritas Capital for a little more than $2 billion and at the time had revenues of about $1.7 billion.

In addition to its gas turbine engine MRO work, StandardAero also does airframe MRO, engine component repair, engineering services, interior completions and paint applications.

The company, which was founded in Winnipeg, celebrated its 100th year in business in 2011.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 06/07/2017 (1954 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A look into the management jobs chopped as part of massive restructuring in health care sheds light on the effects of the Pallister governments austerity measures.

Records obtained by the Free Press show a manager of patient safety, two positions related to mental health and a director of long-term care are all casualties.

In a province that has struggled to deal with the public health ramifications of tuberculosis, a supervisor for TB management has been axed. And in a jurisdiction with some of the highest rates of kidney disease in the country, a position related to the management of renal care was cut.

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Some of the management jobs to be chopped as part of Premier Brian Pallister's massive health care restructuring plan were revealed recently.

While the list of cuts is incomplete, it remains the only insight available into the effect of a provincial government edict to slash 15 per cent of management jobs within the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority as part of broader public-sector belt-tightening.

NDP health critic Matt Wiebe said the cuts appear to be arbitrary, without consideration of their effect on patients.

How can they claim that they are making the system more effective when theyre cutting people who support patient flow and patient safety? he asked Wednesday.

Improving the flow of patients through hospitals is considered a critical component of reducing wait times for certain procedures and speeding up emergency room care.

Patient safety has been an ongoing concern, with the Health Department recording dozens of critical incidents in its quarterly reports.

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority recently eliminated 132 management jobs after being ordered to do so by the provincial government. It resulted in 73 managers being laid off. The other positions that were cut had been vacant. The cuts are estimated to save $10 million annually.

Wiebe said the needs of the health-care system should dictate changes in staffing  not seemingly arbitrary cuts. He said the loss of management positions is bound to add to the workload of frontline staff.

The WRHA would neither confirm nor deny that the list obtained by the Free Press is accurate. It has refused to release a list of the positions being cut, saying that might identify individual employees.

In an emailed statement Wednesday, WRHA spokeswoman Anne Bennett said positions were consolidated where responsibilities could be absorbed by fewer managers.

In all cases, the decision to delete a position was informed by the need to maintain our focus on patient care, adherence to standards, and to meet our 15 per cent reduction target, she said.

Asked about the elimination of a manager responsible for patient safety, Bennett wrote: There are regional and site-based patient safety staff, and both the region and hospital sites maintain their commitment to ensuring patient safety. The responsibilities under any deleted position were distributed to other patient-safety staff.

Asked about the effect of losing a patient-flow manager, she said: All staff and leaders, whether they provide direct care or support it, have a role to play in ensuring the quality and efficiency of patient flow. In this case, as in others, opportunities were found to redistribute responsibilities so that position deletions did not negatively impact patient care or movement.

Debbie Boissonneault, who represents health-care workers organized by the Canadian Union of Public Employees, said the long-term effect of the cuts on patients and staff workload are unknown.

Frontline workers are already feeling overworked, undervalued, and stressed out about all the major changes being made to health care, she said, referring to sweeping changes to city hospitals, including the closures of three emergency rooms. Ultimately, nobody knows where the governments axe will strike next, or which way the tree will fall, and that definitely hurts overall morale in the health care system.

Michelle Gawronsky, president of the Manitoba Government and General Employees Union, said: Our concern is that the work previously done by people in these positions, much of it in critical areas such as patient safety, is being downloaded onto frontline staff who are already stretched thin.

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/07/2017 (1955 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

University of Manitoba students are demanding a money-back guarantee against a repeat of last years three-week strike.

The U of M Students Union said Wednesday it wants a new collective bargaining agreement between the university and its faculty association reached by Sept. 19  the day before students can withdraw with a full refund of fees and without academic penalty.

We are the most important stakeholder in the process, UMSU president Tanjit Nagra said in an interview Wednesday. Students do not want uncertainty in their education.

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS UMSU president Tanjit Nagra says students do not want uncertainty in their education.

Nagra said students want a guarantee from the university that if theres no deal by the UMSU deadline, that the university guarantee a full refund and academic amnesty to any student who requests them after that date  regardless whether theres another strike.

This round of bargaining is considerably complicated by Premier Brian Pallisters wage control Bill 28  the university said the bill is in effect, the union is challenging it in court.

The UMSU president said some students told her this past school year, had they known thered be a three-week strike in November that pushed back the academic calendar and affected many students plans, they would have gone to the University of Winnipeg or elsewhere.

While some Canadian university student groups have demanded refunds after faculty strikes, UMSUs demand appears to be the first put forward while bargaining is under way. I havent seen any student union in the past take this step, she said.

UMFA was sympathetic Wednesday, but the university avoided addressing the demand directly. Instead, public affairs executive director John Danakas said the university is doing everything it can to reach a speedy settlement.

While it is not unheard of for the U of M to have a deal in place by mid-September, it would be unusual. The previous deal ended March 31.

Bill 28 has been passed by the Tory government but not proclaimed. UMFA is among 25 unions which Tuesday filed a court challenge against the bills constitutionality, and also sought an injunction to prevent the bills proclamation.

Bill 28 dictates that in public sector unions collective bargaining agreements that take effect after March 20, 2017, that new benefits and wages do not exceed zero in the first and second year, 0.75 per cent in the third, and 1.0 per cent in the fourth.

The government is already crediting UMFA with the first year of the required two-year wage freezes in the one-year 2016-2017 agreement reached after the strike.

But as yet another complication, UMFA awaits the Manitoba Labour Boards ruling on an unfair labour practice charge. The Pallister government ordered the university last fall to take a one-year wage freeze, and further ordered the U of M not to disclose that information to the union during bargaining.

The strike had a huge impact on students, Danakas said. The university is very interested in reaching an agreement with the faculty association in a timely fashion, and has been asking for expedted bargaining since last January, he said.

Monetary matters appear to be off the table by Bill 28, Danakas said. Non-monetary matters were discussed and resolved in 2016.

Far from it, UMFA president Prof. Janet Morrill said Wednesday.

UMFA and the public sector labour movement clearly believe that Bill 28 is unconstitutional and should not apply to bargaining, she said.

As for working conditions, which ended up being the main elements of the one-year deal, there are still important issues to be talked about. The university is a pretty complex environment, Morrill said.

The areas where we were disappointed, we didnt get workload provisions for the librarians, and we didnt get job security for the librarians and instructors, she said.

We are sympathetic with the nervousness students have  we certainly hope well be able to avoid a strike this time, Morrill said. It seems like a reasonable request, but it would be the universitys decision.

UMFA will meet with its membership sometime in July to hear proposals for bargaining priorities, and is ready to meet the university to bargain in August.

nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 06/07/2017 (1954 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In a speech in May, federal Health Minister Jane Philpott talked about rising prescription drug prices and announced the launch of consultations on proposed changes to the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board designed to protect Canadians from excessive drug prices.

The proposed changes may be well-intentioned, but could delay access to medications in Canada or deter companies from launching new drugs. This would significantly impact the ability of health-care providers to treat patients with new, innovative and potentially life-transforming medicines.

Many new drugs, in particular biologics and genetic therapies, are more expensive and more effective than the traditional small-molecule drugs that public and private insurers historically cover, which raises additional concerns about affordability. Consequently, insurers want pharmaceutical companies to demonstrate the value of their drugs before considering them for coverage. All stakeholders, including patients, would like to see drugs that are cost-effective. However, whats sometimes forgotten is that the only thing worse than an expensive drug is an inaccessible one.

FRED CHARTRAND / THE CANADIAN PRESS Health Minister Jane Philpott dicusses the high cost of pharmaceuticals in Ottawa earlier this year.

For 30 years, the review board, an independent federal organization, has sought to strike a balance between ensuring Canadian prices for patented medicines are not excessive while recognizing the importance of pharmaceutical innovation by allowing companies to recoup the immense cost of researching, developing and testing new life-saving and life-improving treatments. The review board does this by comparing the price that a company proposes to charge for a new drug in Canada with prices in seven comparator countries (France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States) and with the Canadian prices of similar, older drugs.

Now, the federal government wants to require pharmaceutical companies to submit pharmacoeconomic (cost-effectiveness) analyses of their drugs in the health-care settings of Canada and other countries to the review board to demonstrate the value of their products. Currently, companies submit these assessments, based on Canadian health-care data and prices, to the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) for recommendations regarding reimbursement in public drug insurance plans.

While CADTH does not set prices, it frequently recommends price reductions to improve the cost-effectiveness of a drug. Importantly, CADTHs negative drug reimbursement recommendation rate is close to 50 per cent, which could have serious consequences for patient access.

So even if the review board simply used the analysis submitted to CADTH, it would be inappropriate for it to set a price based solely on a cost-effectiveness analysis of the public insurance market because CADTHs analyses do not account for patient preferences (such as whether the drug is administered orally or intravenously) or wider societal issues related to lost productivity in its recommendations for which insurers of employment-based plans may be willing to pay a higher price. More generally, the requirement for manufacturers to submit cost-effectiveness analyses of their drugs from other countries to the review board is duplicative work for companies and government, which will cost taxpayers more money and further restrict patient access to essential treatments.

Another proposed misstep is the modifications in the list of countries used for comparing drug prices. The changes include the addition of Japan and South Korea and the removal of the U.S. and Switzerland. While replacing high pharmaceutical-cost countries with lower-cost countries will artificially bring down the calculated average, it essentially brushes off all responsibility of ensuring that pharmaceutical companies will continue to invest in researching new and innovative drugs and asks the populations of high pharmaceutical-cost countries to subsidize our health system. Not only does this threaten research and development investment in the Canadian pharmaceutical industry, but it also risks a downward spiral in global research on new and innovative treatments and cures.

Ottawa wants to protect Canadians from high drug prices by changing review board rules to increase affordability, accessibility and appropriate use of prescription drugs. But a requirement for more cost-effectiveness analyses or ever-increasing demands for huge price reductions will not reduce the lack of affordable drug access many patients face. They are more likely to produce delayed access, or eliminate access, as pharmaceutical manufacturers decide that Canadian marketing requirements are overly burdensome and instead launch their drugs in other countries with less red-tape.

Delay or denial of access to life-saving drugs is a potential death sentence, while a lack of access to drugs that can change a life of misery into good health is cruel punishment. Canadian patients need drug insurance schemes that provide access to the right drugs at the right time without cost constraints. More review board bureaucracy that results in delay or denial of access will harm patients.

According to its annual report, the (review board) was created in 1987 as the consumer protection pillar of Bill C-22, legislation which also strengthened the patent rights of pharmaceutical manufacturers in order to spur investment in research and development in Canada.

Its troubling that while the review board was created to help facilitate greater pharmaceutical research and development, the proposed changes are certain to undermine such investment and potentially reduce patient access to new life-saving treatments.

Dr. Nigel Rawson is a senior fellow and Bacchus Barua is a senior economist at the Fraser Institute.

 Troy Media
Winona and Winona County will continue cooperating to assist the citys seniors.

The City Council unanimously approved the continuation of the Winona Senior Advocacy, which is free for Winona County residents over 60 and run out of the Friendship Center.

The two full-time workers do, among other things, educational programs, health insurance counseling, notary services, helping with Medicare issues and referrals.

The city is reimbursed by the county to the tune of $29,500 per year for hosting and providing the services, a slight increase over last year, according to Winona city manager Steve Sarvi.

Sarvi said the program was ongoing and approval was only on Mondays meeting agenda because it took longer than expected to reach an agreement.

This should have been to council last fall, Sarvi said.

The program helps seniors with housing applications, completion of forms for property taxes, telephone and prescription assistance as well as connecting them to other services to address companionship, legal and transportation needs.

The program was unanimously supported by the city council.

Council member Pam Eyden said the program addressed the needs of a large number of people in the city.

This is a very helpful service, Eyden said.

Addressing an aging population and the growing demand for senior housing is being addressed a number of ways.

The Friendship Center sponsors a number of wellness and assistance programs. Out of the 11,000 senior centers in the United States, Winonas is one of just a handful accredited by the National Council on Aging. It was accredited earlier in 2016, and is the only accredited center in Minnesota.

Roughly 25 percent of Winonans are eligible for membership at the center, with the requirement being 55 years of age or older.

The city has also been working on increasing awareness of dementia and how the public can increase safety.

Winona is one of 30 cities across Minnesota that have formed an action team on Alzheimers, a statewide collaborative that began in 2011.

Alzheimers alone affects an estimated 91,000 people in Minnesota and an estimated 900 people in Winona County. A few years ago, Alzheimers was the sixth-leading cause of death in the state.

Dementia is the generic term for a group of disorders  Alzheimers among them  that cause permanent memory loss.

Introduced originally last October, the efforts to make Winona a dementia-friendly city has been funded by the Metropolitan Area Agency for Aging.

Sarvi said the effort is currently on track with the goal of collecting information on dementia procedures, and several departments, including the library and fire department, have had training on dementia safety.

Theyre getting the final grant for the last phase, Sarvi said.

The training is eventually hoped to be widened to other interested businesses.
A self-described meth addict who said he doesnt remember stealing peoples identities while going weeks without sleep will spend the next three years on probation.

Steven M. Pedroza, 21, of North Freedom, appeared in court Thursday, pleading no contest to felony identity theft and misdemeanor bail jumping. In exchange, prosecutors dismissed 14 other misdemeanor and felony charges.

A judge accepted the joint recommendation of the prosecution and defense to withhold sentencing, and place Pedroza on probation for three years. He also will have to pay nearly $2,000 in restitution, nearly $1,000 in fines, seek drug and alcohol abuse treatment, and provide a DNA sample.

Authorities said Pedroza broke into vehicles  one parked outside a government-run nursing home and another outside a gym  in the Reedsburg area. He was alleged to have taken credit cards and used them at businesses in Lake Delton.

When confronted with evidence, including surveillance videos, Pedroza said he used meth and sometimes stayed awake for 20 days at a time. He often would lose his memory during these periods, he said.

In court Thursday, Pedroza apologized for the crimes, and acknowledged that he needs treatment. His attorney said he takes care of a sick spouse and two young children while trying to maintain a steady job.

I wish that I could take (the crimes) all back and I wish I could apologize to the victim in person, Pedroza said.

He also pleaded no contest to two criminal traffic counts of operating after revocation. Under terms of the deal, he would serve 90 days in jail for those offenses. But sentencing on the traffic case will not take place until Aug. 15.

Sauk County District Attorney Kevin Calkins said Pedroza has expressed a willingness to seek treatment for his substance abuse problem.

Given his young age and relatively minor criminal history, I think its appropriate that we try community supervision with Mr. Pedroza, Calkins said.

Circuit Court Judge Guy Reynolds said if Pedroza doesnt comply with terms of the agreement, he will wind up back in court for sentencing. He said Pedrozas addictions dont absolve him of responsibility.

That might explain why youve been doing some of this but it doesnt excuse any of it, Reynolds said. What it shows is that your character is flawed, and you need to grow up.
Strike up the bands and light up the fireworks. This is the week America celebrates not just the 241st birthday of our great nation, but the birth of the American republic that would ultimately spread the democratic model across the globe. Lets hope the Millennials dont mess this thing up.

Generation Y, better known as the Millennials, have taken a lot of bashing over the years. They are the generation where everyone got a ribbon for participating and eventually found themselves with their faces planted firmly on the screen of their smartphones. They take the heat for a lot of stuff.

Now, it seems they are under attack for potentially destroying democracy. Last December, The New York Times reported that the Millennials, more than any other generation, are likely to believe it is not essential to live in a democracy. As many as 25 percent of them believe democracy is failing. For the record, not even close to a majority believes that.

Then, last week, The Australian published a report that researchers from the University of Melbourne and Harvard University have found that this same demographic has simply given up on democracy. Their conclusion was that voter apathy is an early indicator that democracies, as Britains The Courier Mail put it, are feeble and subject to populist takeover. After all, as the Courier concludes, this is how Donald Trump became leader of the free world.

If you believe this stuff, its possible were in worse shape than I thought. The problem with the Couriers thesis is that President Trump was elected by 50 states  not the populace. That is the difference between a true democracy and a democratic republic.

Granted, it is true that elections are based on popularity, but here in the United States, that popularity is divided among the 50 states and territories. It is the very reason people have been screaming that Trump is an illegitimate president. He won the battle of the states, but he lost the popular vote.

The other fallacy about their conclusions is that people who are the same age of these current Millennials are historically low-turnout voters. With the possible exception of the flower power movement of the 1960s, it has been common for young voters to generally be disenfranchised from the system. If you talked to some of the young people I have met, they actually are more concerned they dont know enough about politics to cast a confident vote.

Like it or not, elections are popularity contests. Whether it be a local Assembly race or election for national president, the candidate who is best known frequently wins. Several political pundits are quick to share that Hillary Clinton lost the Midwest states because she assumed she had them in her back pocket. She lost because Trump campaigned harder in this region.

One has to wonder whether or not we would have seen similar reporting about the demise of democracy had Clinton won last November. In contrast to their arguments, had she carried the Midwest, she not only would have won the battle for the Electoral College, she would have won the popular vote. Then, by true definition, we would have elected the popular candidate.

Populism is defined by the dictionary as support for the concerns of ordinary people. The left-wing media, like the Huffington Post, love to compare todays conservative movement to the populist movement of Adolph Hitler.

The same conditions of a poor economy, lack of government action and a realistic foreign threat are the same reasons people elected Barack Obama and Donald Trump. Had Clinton carried the Midwest, she would have won under the same conditions. The populist support of any of these people isnt going to rise to historys next Hitler.

Poll after poll demonstrate that people do not trust the president, Congress or the media. They are more likely to support the person they know, the populist, over the institutions, the establishment, as a whole. The perceived problems with democracy simply come down to a lack of trust. On the flip side, I would trust all three of these institutions before I would trust King George or Emperor Hirohito.

The founders of this country, those that wrote the Declaration of Independence and those who framed the United States Constitution, were revolutionary. Aside from overthrowing an evil monarchy, they forged the future. Its a framework that is likely to last another 241 years.

The founding generation created a republic that would outlast democracy. They had already taken the Millennials into account. Not even Generation Y could mess it up.
JUNEAU  A 63-year-old Milwaukee man entered a not guilty plea Thursday to charges of sending a narcotic to his son, who is serving time in Fox Lake Correctional Institution.

Calvin Brown Jr. is charged with delivery of illegal articles to an inmate. He could face up to 3 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

According to the criminal complaint, a captain at Fox Lake Correctional reported Dec. 14 that he received information about Suboxone, a narcotic pain reliever, being mailed to an inmate in the prison. A correctional officer was processing mail in the mail room and noticed two letters for the inmate with raised spots where the stamps were placed on the letters. The correctional officer peeled away one of the stamps and saw the Suboxone below the stamp. The name on the return envelope was not Brown, but a phone call gave the correctional officers more information.

The phone call from Brown Jr. to his son came in Dec. 3. During the phone call, Browns son was telling him how to put the drug under stamp on the envelope.

Police spoke to Brown Jr. on Dec. 15 and according to the complaint, he promised not to send more drugs into the institution.

Brown appeared before Dodge County Circuit Court Judge Martin De Vries, who scheduled a telephone scheduling conference on Aug. 3.
UW-Madison did not have to make the deep staff and program reductions other University of Wisconsin System institutions faced through years of state budget cuts, supporters of those campuses say.

So with a slight rebound in state funding on the horizon, System officials want the smaller UW campuses  not the flagship  to be the chief beneficiaries when new taxpayer money flows.

The UW System Board of Regents approved an operating budget Thursday that gives UW-Madison a smaller share of increased state spending on higher education and distributes more of that money to institutions such as those in Milwaukee and Whitewater.

The Systems 2017-18 operating budget  which also increases some student fees and housing costs at campuses around the state, and decreases overall spending by $10 million  was passed on a nearly unanimous vote during the Regents meeting in Madison.

Regent Bryan Steil, who said he was uncomfortable with the fee increases, cast the lone vote against it.

UW leaders deviated from their typical formula for dividing taxpayer money among the Systems 13 campuses in how they distributed $25 million of new funding expected from the still-unfinished 2017-19 state budget.

That model, based mainly on each campus enrollment, would have given UW-Madison $9.4 million of the new funding. The UW budget instead gives UW-Madison just $2.9 million, and spreads the $6.5 million difference among other System institutions.

System officials stressed, though, that other board actions have given UW-Madison more options for raising money beyond state dollars. The Regents have granted requests from UW-Madison to raise tuition for non-resident students as well as those in professional programs, and to lift a limit on how many students could come from outside Wisconsin.

This board has worked hard to give Madison the ability to generate revenue in new ways, System President Ray Cross said. The last thing we want to do is negatively impact the flagship of this system.

A statement from UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank issued after the Regents vote repeated the universitys stance that it is concerned about how little of the new money the campus stands to receive, but accepts the change as a one-time measure to help institutions that have faced severe budget cuts.

Badger Advocates, a lobbying group of UW-Madison alumni and donors that is not affiliated with the university and has criticized the Systems budget proposal, said the boards talk of using increased tuition revenue to make up for a smaller share of new state funding was concerning.

Such a change, executive director Matt Kussow said in a statement, could push UW-Madison towards privatization to free up public resources for other campuses.

Were disappointed UW System administrators accelerated the trend of cutting public support for UW-Madison, Kussow said.

A System spokeswoman noted that while less of the new state funding will go to UW-Madison, its operating base  a combination of tuition revenue and taxpayer money  rose by 5.7 percent, a larger increase than at any other campus.

Madison is not getting cut, UW System spokeswoman Stephanie Marquis said. They just didnt get as much of the pot as they typically do.

UW-Whitewater will receive nearly twice as much of the new funding as a result of the change: $2.1 million, compared to $1.1 million under the typical model. UW-Green Bays share grew 66 percent, from $632,500 to $1 million.

This is the second time in three years that System officials have steered more funding to the other UW campuses.

Superintendent of Public Instruction and Regent Tony Evers said the distribution plan was a case in which equity is more important than equality, though he added that the sums of new state funding expected in the coming budget do not come close to matching the cuts UW has received.
In asking for clarification of the city of Portages historic preservation ordinance, City Administrator Shawn Murphy said hes not looking to force Columbia County officials to bury wires or knock down utility poles near the countys two new buildings alongside the Portage Canal.

At this point, Murphy told the citys Historic Preservation Commission, he just wants some clarity, some consistency and as few contradictions as possible.

Murphy said he wants to address some anomalies and irregularities regarding the ordinance, which basically calls for utility wires, such as those for telephones or cable TV, to be buried rather than strung from poles. The ordinance does not, however, regulate overhead electrical wires.

Mainly, the goal of the ordinance is at least as much about maximizing aesthetics as it is about preserving the historical flavor of an area.

We want to beautify the area in any way we can, said Commission member Stephanie Miller-Lamb.

Murphy noted, however, that the requirement for burying wires, instead of stringing them on poles, kicks in not when a new building is constructed, but rather when a utility line or pole is due to be replaced.

Columbia Countys three-story Administration Building, on the northwest side of the Portage Canal at 112 E. Edgewater St., has been open for business for about a month now.

In the next few days, the countys court-related offices will move from the courthouse to their temporary location at the new two-story Health and Human Services Building at 111 E. Mullett St., on the canals southeast side. The courts will operate out of the HHS Building for about nine months to a year, while the courthouse at 400 DeWitt St. is being remodeled for court-related use only.

Murphy said he hasnt talked to Columbia County officials about this issue, partly because there are more questions than answers about the ordinance.

Some of his questions about the ordinance (Article III, Chapter 34) include:

Where, exactly, does the ordinance apply? The language specifies a downtown historic district including the Portage Retail Historic District, Portage Industrial Historical District, St. Marys Catholic Church Historical District and part of the Prospect Hill Neighborhood Historical District. But none of these districts, Murphy said, is recorded in the municipal register, so the ordinance is unenforceable in its present form. Also, he said, city officials have no information on a historic district including St. Marys Catholic Church, 309 W. Cook St., or its surrounding area.

What utilities are included in the requirement? For example, Miller-Lamb noted, the ordinance does not specify fiber-optic cable, which is usually, but not always, buried. Commission Chairman Doug Klapper asked, Can it really be as simple as anything thats strung from pole to pole?

What, exactly, triggers the ordinance? The language includes a definition of rebuilt utility lines that includes rehabilitation, upgrading or replacement beyond service maintenance.

What entity, if any, has the authority to grant a variance from the ordinances requirements? Usually, the Plan Commission considers variances for such things as parking or landscape requirements for developments, and the Common Council is not required to act. For utilities in the downtown historic area, however, the ordinance requires the Common Council to approve the Plan Commissions recommendations for variances.

Murphy also noted that the Wisconsin State Assembly just passed a bill (Assembly Bill 348) to provide a uniform framework statewide for regulations governing mainly cellular phone providers. The original draft of the bill called for not allowing local authorities to require burial of utility lines, but an amendment in the final version restored the authority for municipalities to regulate or prohibit utility poles in historic districts, provided that the municipality had such an ordinance in place as of Jan. 1, 2014. The Senate has the bill, but has taken no action on it.

Both Murphy and Klapper pointed out that vintage photos of the canal area show utility poles standing, with wires strung from them.

Historically, Klapper said, they were there, and we have the pictures to prove it.
By Damali Mukhaye & Moses Kyeyune

Kampala Capital City Authority is holding an extra ordinary sitting to pay tribute to the late John Ssebaana Kizito, the former mayor of Kampala and Democratic Party president.

The sitting that has started with a motion to hail his contribution to the uplifting of the city during his two-term six year tenure as Mayor of the defunct Kampala City Council at City hall marks the beginning of the official funeral program.

Ssebaana a two-time mayor died on July 3 at Nakasero hospital where he was admitted in critical condition on June 19 after he suffered a stroke.

His body has been received by the lord mayor Erias Lukwago and it will later at 11:00am bet taken to parliament.

Government chief whip Ruth Nankabirwa says Parliament will have to suspend its ordinary sittings for members to pay their last final respects.

After laying in state at parliament the body will then be taken for a mass at Sir Apollo Kivebulaaya Church of Uganda in Kansanga.

On Friday, there will be two requiem masses at Namirembe Cathedral and another at his State Wide Insurance Company at Sure House, Bombo road led Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga.

On Saturday, Ssebaana will be buried at Mpande village, Kalule parish, Nyimbwa sub-county in Luwero district.

Meanwhile, the presence of the Christine Namiiro Kizito at the burial of her husband Ssebaana Kizito hangs in balance as it has emerged she is bedridden in the United Kingdom and unable to travel back to Uganda as earlier anticipated.
By Moses Kyeyune

Parliaments Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises that is probing the Centenary Park saga has summoned the Inspector General of Police Gen Kale Kayihura.

He is expected to appear before the committee today.

Yesterday, this committee directed Nalongo Estates to pave the way for National Water and Sewerage Corporation to allow swift construction of a drainage channel and upgrade of water pipes.

According to the committee chairperson Abdul Katuntu, the meeting with the police chief is meant to discuss modalities of securing workers who will be constructing this sewage system.

Earlier National Water and Sewerage Corporation workers told the committee that they were facing stiff resistance from the Estate owners who reportedly use goons to block them.
Never mind whirled peas  visualize Virginias food-access issues

At the CGA: Rob Rose, director of the Center for Geospatial Analysis, looks over the shoulder of CGA Fellow Kaylin Stigall as she walks through a story map on the Virginia Food Access Network website. Stigall, a 2016 graduate of the university, is responsible for much of the graphic visualization that makes the data accessible. Photo by Joseph McClain

With the First Lady: Kaylin Stigall (left), a Fellow at William & Marys Center for Geographic Analysis and CGA Director Rob Rose met with Virginia First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe while working on the Virginia Food Access Network web site. Photo from the Office of the First Lady Photo - of - Hide Caption

Virginia is a prosperous state, yet even so, hunger and food access remain serious issues.

Dorothy McAuliffe, the first lady of the Commonwealth, recently launched the Virginia Food Access Network (VFAN), an interactive tool to address issues of healthy food access throughout the Commonwealth.

Together, with the Commonwealth Council on Bridging the Nutritional Divide, we have worked to align our efforts to increase healthy food access, eliminate child hunger and accelerate the efforts of dedicated partners from across the state, said First Lady McAuliffe said in a press release issued at a meeting of the Commonwealth Council on Bridging the Nutritional Divide.

Through the Virginia Food Access Network, there is now unprecedented access to the data and resources stakeholders need to identify gaps and maximize impact to better serve Virginians struggling with food access and hunger, she added.

The VFAN website is hosted by the Virginia Cooperative Extension Program. A large part of the site is a set of story maps that interface with an interactive map of the commonwealth to provide an easily accessible way to visualize data on food access.

The story maps and interactive maps were developed on the Esri ArcGIS online platform at William & Marys Center for Geospatial Analysis. The final result is largely the work of Kaylin Stigall, a 2016 alumna and a CGA Fellow.

Rob Rose, director of the CGA, met with the commonwealths chief technology officer and the discussion revealed that a project to take an assortment of data and use it to develop a cogent presentation was something that the Center for Geospatial Analysis does and does well.

The visualization of spatial data is what we excel at, Rose said. If you tell us what you want to show, we can think about how to show that in a map. Thats where the idea of these story maps came from.

A story map, Stigall explained, is just like it sounds: a self-contained textual segment that is enriched by online technology.

Basically, it combines a web map with a narrative, she said. Maybe there is some sort of multimedia content  a video or an image. Through this combination, it walks a map user through the issue.

Stigall explained that a story map is an excellent medium, a format that is able to convey complex data simply to the layman as well as the wonk.

Not everyone knows how to interact with a webmap, she said. Its not necessarily the most intuitive platform. This story map really structures an experience that is fairly explanatory and easy for people to navigate.

Stigall explained the elements that make up her Childhood Hunger story map: On the left, theres a side panel featuring the story title and photo, leading to the text.

You can scroll through the side panel bar and read the narrative, she said. As data becomes relevant to the narrative, you click whatever link is relevant. And you instantly see what the narrative is talking about.

The main panel is a map of Virginia, with cities and counties outline. Thats where all the fun stuff happens, she said. The links in the narrative panel activate layers in the map. Clicking on a link Children who are food insecure (%) turns the Virginia map to a mosaic of magenta shades  the darker the shade, the higher the percentage.

So say you want to look at child food insecurity in James City County. Its formatted in the story map so that when you check the link, the layer would appear over that county level, Stigall explained.

Whats really cool about the online interactive component is that you get a popup that displays more information, she added. Additional information adds context, such as the total enrollment numbers in popups related to data on free and subsidized school lunches.

Because its a visual platform, you get the instant satisfaction of clicking on a data layer, Stigall explained. Not only can you interact with specific counties very quickly, but because its a comprehensive view of all counties at the state level, you can quickly get an idea of trends for specific datasets. Also, the idea that its all in the same place is very valuable.

Rose said Stigall is responsible for much of the site. We had been working on it for almost a year before Kaylin arrived, but Kaylin really took it to where it is now, he added. Most of what you see on the website is Kaylin.

Stigall said the biggest challenge was figuring out the proper way to present information from 30 data sets to a public audience for whom data-map navigation is more opaque than intuitive.

So I had to remove myself from the mindset of, Oh, I know exactly what Im doing. I know how to format this, she said. She said she started by asking herself an audience-centric question: If I have no experience with this type of data, no experience with webmapping, what would be the easiest way of navigating?

The VFAN web site was presented at a June meeting of the National Governors Association. Rose and Stigall were members of a panel, Collecting and Leveraging Data to Fight Child Hunger. Stigall says the site was received with enthusiasm by a number of teams representing various state administrations.

I think we inspired several state governments to think more seriously about incorporating geographic visualizations into their outreach and decision-making platforms, she said.




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The gorilla is a great ape species that lives throughout the central region of Africa, where they prefer mountainous forests, tropical rainforests, and bamboo forests. This species is divided into two species: the western gorilla and the eastern gorilla. The western gorilla is further divided into the western lowland and Cross River subspecies, while the eastern gorilla is divided into the mountain and eastern lowland subspecies. On average, gorillas typically grow to over 5 feet in height with males weighing between 300 and 453 pounds. This makes gorillas the largest primate in the world. The eastern gorilla species are usually larger than their western counterpart. Gorillas are social animals that live in communities of between 2 to more than 50 individuals, although the average is between 5 and 10. This article takes a closer look at the conservation status, threats, and global population of the gorilla.

Conservation Status Of Gorillas

Over the last few decades, the wild gorilla population has been rapidly declining. Some areas have lost over half the gorilla population between 1983 and 2000. Between 2005 and 2013, for example, the western lowland gorilla population experienced an 18.75% decline. The eastern woodland gorilla has lost 77% of its numbers in just one generation, a trend that is continuing at a 5% loss every year. If the current population decline continues, eastern woodland gorillas are expected to experience an overall loss of 93% by 2054. Today, all 4 subspecies of gorillas are listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Threats To The Gorilla Population Of The World

The biggest threats faced by gorillas include habitat destruction, poaching, and disease.

Large tracts of traditionally gorilla-inhabited territory have been destroyed by a number of industries, including agriculture and forestry. As trees are cut down to be sold as timber and to make way for increasing agricultural activity, gorillas are left with smaller and more fragmented areas in which to survive. In addition to decreased territory size, the ecosystem needed for gorillas to thrive is also destroyed.

Illegal poaching is another significant threat to gorillas in the wild. In urban areas, wealthy residents view eating gorilla meat as a sign of prestige, therefore creating a high demand for gorilla bushmeat. Many primate species are at risk of poaching, but hunters tend to prefer gorillas due to their large size, which provides significantly more meat that can be sold on the market.

In addition to the previously mentioned threats to gorilla security, disease is also detrimental this species. The western gorillas, for example, have suffered significant deaths due to the Ebola virus. It is believed to have caused a 33% loss in this population between 1992 and 2007. In 1994, the entire population in Gabon, which was once the second largest living in a protected area, was lost due to this virus. Additionally, in Odzala National Park of the Republic of Congo, 95% of its 600 gorillas died as a result of Ebola.

Gorillas In The Wild

The threats facing gorillas have led to significant declines and, in some cases, complete loss of populations throughout central Africa. Today, lowland-inhabiting gorillas outnumber those found in mountainous and upland regions. Of lowland gorillas, those in the west have a larger population size than those in the east.

Western lowland gorillas are believed to have a wild population size of around 100,000. This species can be found in: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Gabon, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic. Within these countries, it tends to inhabit the lowland swamps and montane forests, both primary and secondary.

Eastern lowland gorillas are numbered at approximately 4,000 in the wild. This species is endemic to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where it can be found in montane forests. Because of its endemic nature, the eastern lowland gorilla is particularly susceptible to the previously mentioned threats. The majority of this population lives in protected areas, including: the Tayna Gorilla Reserve, the Kahuzi-Biega National Park, and the Maiko National Park. Others can be found in the Usala forest and the Itombwe Massif mountains.

Mountain gorillas have one of the smallest subspecies populations. Only around 880 are currently living and divided into 2 populations within three countries: Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. One population inhabits the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. The second population inhabits 3 national parks within the Virunga Volcanic mountains: Virunga in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mgahinga in Uganda, and Volcanoes in Rwanda.

The Cross River gorilla has the smallest population of all the subspecies. With only between 250 and 300 remaining, it is the scarcest great ape species in the world. It can only be found along the border between Nigeria and Cameroon, where it inhabits the mountainous forests areas. Researchers believe this population exists in 11 communities within a 4,600 square-mile territory. The government of Cameroon established the Kagwene Gorilla Sanctuary in April of 2008. It covers an area of 7.5 square miles, located in the western region of the country. Roughly half of this sanctuary consists of the mountainous forest habitats necessary for survival of this species.

Gorillas In Captivity

Many gorillas are also kept in captivity around the world, primarily in zoos. Of the 4 gorilla subspecies, only 2 are believed to currently be held in zoos: western lowland and eastern lowland. Approximately 4,000 western lowland gorillas and only 24 eastern lowland gorillas are living in zoos. The eastern lowland gorillas in captivity are primarily found in zoos within its native habitat. The exception to this is the Antwerp Zoo, which is located in Antwerp, Belgium.

Small numbers of gorillas have been confiscated from poachers and illegal traders. Once found, they have been placed in captivity at various rehabilitation centers. Eastern lowland gorillas are currently being kept at the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education center at the Tayna Nature Reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The only mountain gorillas known to be in captivity are held at the Senkwekwe Center at the Virunga National Park in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Origin Of The Garifuna People

In 1935, two ships ferrying slaves stolen from West Africa wrecked near the present day St. Vincent in the West Indies. The slaves escaped and sought refuge among the Amerindians, the Caribbean people of the Island. The Slaves adapted to the local culture in a bid to avoid slavery - they were also protected by the Carib community who also resisted the European encroachment on the Islands. The West Africans and the Caribs began intermarrying, resulting in the Garifuna people. In 1795, the French drove the Garifuna People out of St. Vincent to the nearby Bequia Island. Together with other people in the neighboring islands, the Garifuna fled to Honduras. By 1802, they migrated to Belize. Led by Thomas Vincent Ramos, they spread across several locations between the Atlantic Coast of Belize and Nicaragua.

Languages Spoken By The Garifuna People

The Garifuna people speak the Garifuna language which developed due to the interaction of West African, Arawak and Carib ancestries. The language is an Arawakan language that has a Spanish, French, and English influence due to the long history of interaction with the colonialists. Men or women can use only particular vocabularies, a practice that is derived from an ancient Carib practice during the colonial era. Although it spoke to a large number of people, the Garifuna language is not regarded as a real language and has no written component. The lack of the written component makes the language hard to learn unless it is early childhood. Most children learn Garifuna as a cultural language and either Spanish, English or both as the official language.

Distribution Of The Garifuna People

The Honduras Garifuna relocated from Roatan to mainland Honduras with the aid of the Spanish. Today, approximately 100,000 Garifuna live in towns and modern villages along the coast of Masca, Plaplaya, and Gracias a Dios. In Guatemala, the Garifunas inhabit Livingston, a small remote town of the Caribbean coast. The town served as the countrys main port before the construction of Puerto Barrios. Livingston is only reachable by boat and is a major tourist attraction. A population of about 8,000 reside on Corn Island, Nicaragua. They first made their way to the country in 1912. A large number also reside in the US in search of better opportunities. Around 100,000 inhabit the city of New York, while other cities including New Orleans, Miami, and Los Angeles.

Culture Of The Garifuna People

The Garifuna culture is a blend of the Caribbean marine culture and the ancient African farming culture. The language, dance, and music of the Garifuna have been declared Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. The Garifunas music style combines the use of instruments, particularly drums made of hollowed-out hardwoods. The Garifuna drinks and food consist of native Central American crops, bananas, cassava, and coconut milk soup. The local food is made from crops, and the Garifuna rarely consume modern, refrigerated or preserved food.

Threats To The Garifuna People

Disease and war ravaged the Caribs to near extinction. Today, the Garifunas are regarded as the last remaining descendants of the Caribs. They are referred to as the Black Caribs and the only people who reflect the culture of the original Amerindians who inhabited the Caribbean islands. Modernization of their ancient homes in Belize and Honduras, and the pressure to communicate in Spanish or English, is leading to the death of their language.
Karar Nushi

By: Tanya Clark WorldWideWeirdNews.com

A popular male model in Iraq, was found dead and his body was mutilated after getting warnings by religious leaders that he was too good looking.

Karar Nushi was found dead in streets of Baghdad.

His body showed signs of torture and was mutilated.

Nushi, who was a student at the Institute Of Fine Arts in Baghdad, has received warning from religious leaders that he was too good looking.

Nushi became popular for his long blond hair, which is a rarity in the country. Nushi worked as a model and actor, and recently played in a comedy at the Najah Theatre.

On Sunday, his friends reported him missing. The following morning, his mutilated body was found on Palestine Street.

Shia militias have warned Nushi that his behavior is not comparable with Islam. He was often seen in streets sporting long blond hair and posing with his female fans for pictures.

Extremists have stepped up their threats after Nushi revealed that he was set to participate in a male beauty pageant.
Calls to Establish Fix Rooms For Addicts to Help Save Lives

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Jul 6th, 2017

Setting up a fix room in Wrexham where drug addicts can inject themselves safely and hygienically would save lives.

That is the view of North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Arfon Jones, who spoke out after a recent fact-finding mission to Switzerland.

According to Mr Jones, the tolerant and compassionate approach in Switzerland was a huge contrast to the drugs policy in the UK, which he says was killing people.

The commissioner, a former police inspector, travelled to Geneva with his opposite number from Durham, Ron Hogg. Both have called for a more enlighted attitude to drug use which treats addiction as a health rather than a criminal issue.

While in Geneva they met with Switzerlands former Prime Minister, who in a previous role as the countrys health minister oversaw two key measures which helped tackle drug problems. These included setting up a network of Heroin Assisted Treatment clinics and Safe Injection Facilities (SIFs), or fix rooms, where users can go to inject, snort or smoke drugs under medical supervision.

The group were shown examples of both of these facilities in Geneva as part of their visit.

Mr Jones says the evidence in Switzerland further convinced him that fix rooms / SIFs could be the way forward in North Wales.

Ron Hogg is promoting the setting up of a programme of heroin assisted treatment in Durham, which he believes would benefit long-term problematic drug users, said Mr Jones.

He and I are both interested in safe injecting facilities and we saw one in use behind Geneva rail station which seems very effective.

I believe SIFs would be useful in North Wales and particularly Wrexham where there have been well documented drug problems.

They would give problematic users somewhere secure to go rather than having to inject in public areas and upsetting people with the state they are in.

They would also be much safer as nobody has ever died in a SIF. This is a major consideration with the number of drug-related deaths in the UK having now risen to about 2,500 a year.

In a SIF there would be someone there to give assistance if something goes wrong with injecting.

Drugs policy in the UK is killing people and a more tolerant and compassionate approach would start saving lives immediately.

The PCC also met with the former President of Switzerland, Ruth Dreifuss, who is now president of the Global Drug Commission which is based in the city.

Mr Jones said: I had a very constructive and inspirational meeting with her.

She also told us that Switzerland no longer has any problems with New Psychoactive Substances, such as Black Mamba and Spice, that were once known as legal highs and which have left some people in Wrexham in a zombie-like state.

There is a very tolerant and compassionate approach to drugs in Switzerland, which is the main thing I picked up from her.

In this Switzerland is very much like Portugal, which I also visited recently and saw how minor drug possession is regarded more of a health than a criminal matter.

During the latest trip I also visited a heroin assisted treatment centre in Geneva. This allows people addicted to opiates to take medicinal heroin. If what they require is provided by the state through pharmacies it reduces harm and also reduces crime and re-offending.

We will have to see how Heroin Assisted Therapy works out when it is introduced in Durham but I am further convinced after my visit to Switzerland that safe injecting facilities are very much the way forward in North Wales as a way of reducing harm.

However, we have to take things one step at a time.
Following the announcement on Tuesday that the Republicans would be putting off a Senate vote on their health care bill until after the July 4 congressional recess, the Democrats and Republicans continued their stage-managed debate over measures that will have devastating consequences for millions of Americans.

The medias presentation of a bitter feud over the direction of health care policy is a political fiction. The newspapers and television networks report on the statements of one or another lawmaker and his or her attitude to the plan recently unveiled by Senate Republicans as if this will have any real impact on the trajectory of ruling class policy.

The more decisive verdict was delivered on Tuesday by Wall Street, which saw its biggest one-day drop in six weeks after Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell put off a Senate vote this week. The message was clear: the corporate and financial elite wants its money, and it wants it now. The health care measure includes a $700 billion tax cut for the richa down payment on the money to be freed up by depriving the elderly and poor of their health and even their lives.

The American ruling class is engaged in a form of social arson no less criminal or deadly than the policies that led to the Grenfell Tower fire in London.

McConnell responded on Wednesday by promising that a new version of the bill will be ready by Friday for a vote sometime in July.

Charles Schumer, the Democratic Senate Minority Leader from New York, reacted to the summons of the market by reiterating his call for a bipartisan solution, a mantra repeated by virtually all congressional Democrats. Democrats are genuinely interested in finding a place where our two parties can come together on health care, Schumer said. That Schumer gets more campaign money from the hedge funds and banks than any other senator, Democratic or Republican, is sufficient to demonstrate what type of child will issue from such a union.

Schumer did not comment on the apparent contradiction between his claims to be fundamentally opposed to the Republican plan and his calls for a bipartisan compromise. His position exposes the fact that the two sides share a basic agenda.

The Democrats assert that they want to fix Obamacare. What does this mean? They are not talking about expanding coverage to include the 28 million still without insurance under the Democratic plan, or increasing the inadequate subsidies, decreasing absurdly high deductibles and copays, and preventing the insurance companies from raising premiums. Fixing Obamacare is a euphemism for incorporating the demands of the insurance industry for even fewer restraints on their profit-making and tighter eligibility requirements for consumers.

The public has seen this type of political theater countless times, and the outcome has invariably been the same. The Republicans set the marker as far to the right as possible and the Democratic opposition results in a deal to impose new and more drastic cuts to health care and other social programs. The most significant and fraudulent of these dog-and-pony shows was the passage of the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, itself.

The Republican proposal is not in fact a repeal of Obamacare. It incorporates the structures set up by the Democratic measure, such as the exchanges for purchasing policies from private insurers, designed to more fully subordinate the health care system to the capitalist market and encourage the demise of employer-sponsored health coverage, placing individual workers even more at the mercy of the insurance giants.

The central purpose of Obamacare is to shift costs from corporations and the state to the working class, with health care increasingly rationed on a class basis.

The so-called health insurance that many people now have under Obamacare is, in effect, a transfer of funds to the giant insurance companies. Deductibles for lower-priced bronze plans now average more than $6,000 for an individual and more than $12,000 for a family. Deductibles for so-called silver plans (which make up 70 percent of the market) are on average more than $3,000 for individuals. In other words, after paying hundreds of dollars a month for health insurance, workers must pay thousands more before they begin to receive any benefits.

Corporations have been systematically cutting or eliminating coverage, encouraged by Obamacares coming tax on more generous employer-provided health care plans. More than 80 percent of employer-based plans now have an annual deductible ($1,478 on average, up 2.5 times since 2006). In countless contract disputes throughout the country, health care cuts are a central demand of the companies, invariably accepted and forced through by the trade unions.

The subsidized purchase of private insurance under Obamacare has created the frameworka voucher systemfor dismantling what remains of government-provided health care. The American ruling class is setting its sights on the bedrock health care programs of the late 1960sfirst Medicaid, the already grossly underfunded state-federal health insurance program for the poor, which will be effectively dismantled by the Republican bill, then Medicare, the health care program for the elderly. Behind these health care programs lies Social Security, the federal pension program wrenched from the ruling class through the explosive class struggles of the 1930s.

The hypocritical criticisms of the Republican plan by the Democrats and the various middle-class organizations that orbit the Democratic Party not only cover up for the reactionary character of Obamacare, they completely ignore the central issue: capitalism.

There is no solution to the massive health care crisis that does not take on the domination of health care by giant pharmaceutical and insurance companies, which operate under the ever-present whip of Wall Street and its demands for higher profits and dividends. These giant corporations must be expropriated and the wealth of the financial aristocracy seized to finance emergency measures to address the health care crisis and establish a system of universal health care, guaranteed as a basic social right.

Whatever tactical differences the Democrats have with the Trump administration on health care are entirely subordinate to their basic objective: escalating US military aggression in the Middle East and internationally. The hysterical Democratic campaign over alleged Russian hacking and Trump collusion with Moscow has as its central aim forcing a shift in administration policy toward a more rapid and comprehensive expansion of the US war for regime-change in Syria and a more aggressive policy toward Russia.

But as the Democrats well know, military escalation abroad is inextricably bound up with the intensification of austerity and class war at home.

In asserting its right to health care, the working class cannot allow itself to be drawn behind any section of the political establishment. It must proceed with its own methodsthose of class struggle. The health care counterrevolution is generating enormous opposition, which is beginning to emerge in innumerable forms. Millions confront conditions that spell death or disaster for themselves, their parents and their children.

As the World Socialist Web Site wrote earlier this month, The interaction of objective conditions of crisis, both within the United States and internationally, and the radicalization of mass social consciousness will find expression in the eruption of class struggle. The decades-long suppression of the class struggle by the trade union bureaucracy, the Democratic Party and the affluent sponsors of various forms of identity politics is coming to an end. The social counterrevolution of the ruling elites is about to encounter an upsurge of the American working class.

The Socialist Equality Party is fighting to make conscious this objective movement. Emerging struggles against all of the deplorable conditions of life under capitalismthe destruction of health care, declining wages, unemployment, brutal working conditions, the attack on public education, mass indebtedness, the witch-hunting of immigrantsmust be brought together in a common political fight against the Trump administration and both big business parties, based on a socialist and internationalist program.
Kendallville, IN (46755)

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Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 32F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph..

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Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 32F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph.
Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, a self-styled progressive Democrat, joined with Senate Armed Services Committee chairman John McCain and his right-wing pro-war ally Senator Lindsey Graham at a July 4 press conference in Kabul calling for the Trump administration to put forward a renewed war strategy for Afghanistan.

The bipartisan appeal, which was also joined by Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, came in anticipation of a more than 50 percent increase in US troop levels and the unveiling of more aggressive rules of engagement in the 16-year-old war.

McCain issued a bellicose demand for more a decisive US military intervention in the impoverished and war-ravaged south Asian nation, declaring, None of us would say that we are on a course to success here in Afghanistan.

That needs to change, and quickly, he said. The strongest nation on Earth should be able to win this conflict.

McCain advanced a strategy of military escalation aimed at bleeding the Taliban insurgency in order to force it to negotiate with the US-backed puppet government in Kabul. The Taliban is not going to negotiate unless they are losing, the Republican senator explained. So we need to win and have the advantage on the battlefield and then enter into a serious negotiation to resolve this conflict.

Warren followed up on these remarks by declaring, We need a strategy in the United States that defines our role in Afghanistan, defines our objective, and explains how we can get from here to there.

In an interview with the Boston Globe, Warren expanded on her remarks, stating, A solution needs to have a military angle, but also an economic and diplomatic plan. It needs to involve domestic political reconciliation, and it needs to be regional in nature.

The Massachusetts senator posted online a number of photographs of herself with military officers and troops in Afghanistan.

Warrens joining in a bipartisan push for an escalation of the US intervention in Afghanistan comes in the run-up to a presentation by the US defense secretary, Gen. James Mad Dog Mattis, of a proposed hike in US troop deployments there. The Pentagon is reportedly considering adding some 5,000 US soldiers to the nearly 9,000 already deployed in the country, although there are apparently some within the military advocating considerably greater numbers.

Additionally, the beefed-up US military force is to be employed more directly in the targeting of the Taliban insurgency with increased air strikes and search and destroy special forces operations, which will translate into another spike in already record-high civilian casualties. This is the military angle that Warren is backing.

Mattis has been granted full authority by Trump to determine the number of US troops that will be deployed in Afghanistan. Warren supported Mattis nomination, despite the generals record in directing mass slaughter in Iraq and despite his appointments violation of rules barring recently retired generals from taking the civilian post of defense secretary.

Speaking at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium at the end of last month, Mattis criticized the Obama administration for withdrawing too many US troops too fast from Afghanistan.

According to the Guardian, Warren made clear that her demand that the Trump administration advance a new strategy stemmed from her concern that the publics patience in the US could run out for the longest war in US imperialisms history. Clearly, she sees her role as providing a progressive cover for continuing and escalating the slaughter with hollow rhetoric about her belief in a comprehensive, whole-of-government strategy.

The Boston Globes report on Warrens Afghanistan junket linked the trip to the anticipation that the senior Senator from Massachusetts will mount a presidential campaign in 2020, seeking to mobilize the so-called Sanders wing of the Democratic Party, while making clear to the ruling establishment her commitment to policies of war abroad and continued social counterrevolution at home.

Describing Warrens new-found interest in the US military, the Globe reports, While approaching the subject with studious zeal, she's also rounding out her political resume in ways that further stoke speculation about a possible run for president in 2020.

The Globe also reports that Warren has sought out senior figures in the Democratic foreign policy and defense establishment to advise her on military policy. The most prominent among them is Ashton Carter, who was defense secretary--and one of the most right-wing cabinet members--during the last two years of the Obama administration.

Carter was an unapologetic supporter of the criminal invasion of Iraq in 2003 and advocated preventive US invasions of North Korea and Iran. He also oversaw the escalating US interventions in Iraq and Syria, as well as the Pentagons support for the near genocidal Saudi-led war on the people of Yemen. An advocate of confrontation with Russia, he at one point proposed deployment of US ground-launched cruise missiles in Europe for a pre-emptive strike on Russia.

Underscoring Warrens close relation to Carter, she earlier this year hired his former deputy chief of staff at the Pentagon, Sasha Baker, to serve as her national security adviser.

During the 2016 election campaign Warren withheld her support from Senator Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primaries, eventually endorsing and campaigning for Hillary Clinton, the favored candidate of both Wall Street and the military-intelligence apparatus, in the general election campaign. She has since been a prominent figure in the attempt to divert opposition to Trump behind the hysterical anti-Russia campaign waged by the Democrats and much of the media. The political aim underlying this campaign is to shift the Trump administration toward a more aggressive military policy in Syria and against Russia generally.

With her recent visit to Kabul, Warren is working to burnish her credentials as a trustworthy political defender of US imperialist interests. As with Sanders, her support for US militarism and wars of aggression abroad give the lie to Warrens phony left populist rhetoric, which serves merely as an instrument for corralling mass opposition to the policies of the Trump administration behind the dead end of the Democratic Party.
On the pretext of responding to North Koreas July 4 missile test, the Australian government has aligned itself explicitly behind the Trump administrations military threats against North Korea and backed Washingtons ramped-up demands against China.

In a joint media statement yesterday, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop blamed Pyongyang, not the US, for the war danger on the Korean Peninsula, despite the long history of successive US administrations reneging on de-nuclearisation deals with North Korea and threatening the small, impoverished country militarily.

Turnbull and Bishop sensationalised the threat presented by North Koreas limited military capacity, seeking to incite fears of an attack on northern Australia as a means of overcoming widespread public opposition to the US military aggression around the world.

In lockstep with the US administrations own response, they branded Pyongyangs launch of a long-range missile a dangerous and provocative act that destabilises the region and directly threatens all nations within range of this offensive weapon.

On the pretext of defence, the statement effectively pledged Australias involvement in any US-led military strike on Korea, which could trigger a nuclear war. Australia supports defensive measures required to respond to the threat posed by North Korean offensive missiles, it said.

The statement echoed Washingtons assertions that North Korea now constitutes a threat to the entire world and lined up behind the Trump administrations demands that China impose crippling economic penalties against Pyongyang.

Turnbull and Bishop declared: We again urge China to use its considerable leverage to rein in the dangerous behaviour of the North Korean leadership.

They announced that Australia would go beyond UN sanctions, imposing financial, travel and other bans on North Koreas extractive industries, its shipping network and designated individuals and entities.

Interviewed on Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio, Turnbull declared: The prospect of a conflict on the Korean Peninsula is unthinkable but equally, you have to consider it  and recognise that only the strongest action from China can stop this dangerous escalation by North Korea, absent military action.

Turnbull said that meant imposing the very harshest economic sanctionscutting off power or gas, for example. China is in a position to do all of those things, he asserted.

Speaking from Grenada in the Caribbean, Bishop told Sky News: The regime must get a global message that its behaviour is unacceptable. Military options had to be considered, even though it would mean [the] assured destruction of North Korea.

Their comments came on the eve of this weeks G20 summit in Germany, where Turnbull is expected to line up with Trump in countering opposition by China and Russia to escalating the confrontation with North Korea, as well as possible resistance by South Korea and the European powers.

Australias mass media outlets are doing everything they can to drum up support for the Liberal-National governments provocative stance, mounting a scare campaign fed by wild speculation about possible North Korean missile strikes on Australian cities.

Likewise, the Labor Party opposition has rushed to offer bipartisan backing. Labors foreign affairs spokeswoman Senator Penny Wong said North Koreas missile test represented a risk to global peace and security and therefore the global community must respond appropriately.

Canberras response follows a series of visits to Australia by senior figures within the US military-intelligence complex, insisting that the country must step up its commitment to the US military alliance, regardless of concerns about the instability and unpredictability of the Trump White House.

Those delivering the message have included Senate Armed Services Committee chairman John McCain, former National Intelligence Director James Clapper and ex-CIA director, military general David Petraeus and US Pacific Command commander Admiral Harry Harris.

There also has been a hysterical campaign, led by the intelligence agencies and prominent media outlets, to whip up an anti-Chinese sentiment in the Australian population, with unsubstantiated allegations of Chinese influence in political parties, the media and universities.

This witch hunt reflects concerns in both Washington and Canberra about popular opposition to involvement in disastrous American-led interventions and wars. A 2017 survey of public opinion by the Lowy Institute, a strategic think tank, found a clear majority opposed to participation in a war against China or Russia, or any involvement in a war on the Korean Peninsula.

Washington has its own very extensive network of pro-US elements in the political establishment, business, the media and the military-intelligence apparatus to prevent any shift by Australia from its strategic alignment with the US as China has become the countrys largest export market.

Washington regards Australia an essential post in the Indo-Pacific region, hosting critical war-related communications and surveillance facilities, such as the Pine Gap base in central Australia, and providing Marine, air and naval bases for US forces.

The expanding scope of this integration into US war preparations is being underscored by the latest biennial Talisman Sabre military exercises, involving more than 33,000 troops and other personnel across Australia, the Pacific and the US.

These are the largest-ever joint US-Australian exercises, featuring 21 ships, including the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, the new Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, and more than 200 aircraft.

According to a US Army media release, the month-long war games are being conducted from multiple locations in the US, including Hawaiis Pearl Harbour, the San Diego Naval Base, Camp Atterbury, Indiana and the Pacific island of Guam; and at least 10 Australian locationsDarwin, Rockhampton, Amberley, Canberra, Enoggera, Fog Bay, the Coral Sea, and the Bradshaw, Shoalwater and Townsville Field Training Areas.

The exercises are rehearsing Special Forces activities, amphibious landings, parachuting and other offensive operations in the Asia-Pacific. Their stated purpose is to display the interoperability and battle-readiness of the US-Australia alliance, and send a threatening message to China.

Briefing journalists on board the USS Bonhomme Richard, Admiral Harris was asked how he thought China would view the exercises. He said the size of the deployment was intended as a signal. Im pleased about that message it sends our friends, allies, partners and potential adversaries, Harris stated.

The admiral, an outspoken advocate of confronting China in the strategic South China Sea, added: The Australia-US alliance matters more today than ever before. It matters to our two great nations. It matters to the Indo-Asia-Pacific. And, it matters to world. No one should doubt the staying power of this alliance.

Acting in the closest concert with Washington, the Liberal-National government, backed by the media and the Labor opposition, is placing the Australian people at the forefront of a conflict with North Korea that could draw in nuclear-armed China and Russia, with catastrophic consequences.

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Donald Trump arrived in Poland Wednesday night in advance of the July 7-8 G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, which is taking place amid deepening tensions between Washington and its traditional allies in the European Union. The summit, supposedly an economic meeting, will focus on world military crises such as the US-Chinese standoff over North Korea and growing EU-US geopolitical conflicts in Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Another issue will be Trumps withdrawal from the Paris climate accord.

Prior to Trumps arrival in Poland, US officials issued a barrage of statements denouncing Chinas refusal to economically strangle North Korea after the Pyongyang regime test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile on Tuesday. Nonetheless, Chinese President Xi Jinping received a warm welcome during his state visit in Berlin on Wednesday, which focused on growing trade and political links between the two countries, the economic powerhouses of Asia and Europe. The dominant issue in Xis visit was unmistakably the escalating conflict between the major powers at the heart of the world capitalist economy, with Xi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel both issuing sharp criticisms of US policy.

Asked by Die Zeit whether she would repeat her now-famous remark from May that Europe could not simply rely on its alliance with Washington, she replied: Yes, exactly that way.

Xi arrived in Germany fresh from his summit in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where the two leaders agreed on a common policy toward North Korea at odds with Washingtons. Xi published a comment in the German media titled To Make the World a Better Place, which called for closer German-Chinese strategic ties and implicitly criticized Trumps America First policy.

The Chinese president wrote that Germany and China should play a leading role and enhance strategic communication on bilateral relations and major international and regional issues The G20 needs to stay committed to open development, support the multilateral trading regime with the WTO at its heart, and enable trade and investment to continue to drive global economic growth.

At a press conference, Merkel endorsed Chinas Silk Road/One Belt-One Road plan to develop a Eurasian infrastructure network to connect China, Russia, the Middle East and Europe. We believe we would be happy to participate in such projects and hope the bidding process will be transparent, she said. Merkel highlighted preparations for an investment treaty that could lead to the negotiation of an EU-China free trade zone, as well as greater opportunities for German foundations to work in China after the passage of a new Chinese law on NGOs.

German and Chinese officials also signed a $22 billion contract for the purchase by China of Airbus jetliners.

Amid growing competition between EU and Chinese companies, however, Merkel demanded larger and more favorable trade positions for German firms in China. We also want to be treated fairly and to have access to markets, she said. That is very important for our companies.

Thomas Oppermann, the parliamentary group leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), demanded that the European powers adopt an even more explicitly hostile line toward US interests at the G20 summit. If you try to react to Trump with permanent appeasement, that ultimately leads to an erosion of Western values. And already there are little Trumps in Poland and Hungary, he said.

Oppermann also called on Merkel to unify the 19 other states at the G20 against Trump, isolating the United States: There may also be a good chance to accomplish that, he said.

Xis visit to Berlin in the lead-up to the G20 summit underscores the breakdown of the international institutions and alliances that have dominated the affairs of world capitalism since the Stalinist bureaucracy dissolved the Soviet Union in 1991. As Washington threatens North Korea with military action that could unleash war with China and Russia, the NATO powers are going into the G20 summit deeply split. The summit is not so much an economic conference as a gathering of rival powers, all seeking to decide with whom they will ally as the prospect looms of a new, horrific global conflict.

Trumps visit to Poland itself is a reprise of US strategy during its first major standoff with the EU in the post-Soviet period. In 2002, as the Bush administration prepared its illegal invasion of Iraq over the objections of Berlin and Paris, US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld counterpoised New Europe, that is, the Eastern European countries, to the countries of Old Europe that were opposing the invasion.

These growing conflicts between the worlds major economies are a warning to workers internationally. Xis visit to Berlin yesterday and Trumps visit to Poland today underscore that the conflict over Iraq between Washington and the Berlin-Paris axis fifteen years ago was not an isolated development. Rather, it was the product of deep, lasting antagonisms rooted in the competing corporate interests of the major imperialist powers, which twice in the last century erupted into world wars.

In visiting Poland on the eve of the G20 summit, Trump is seeking to encourage opposition to the EU, and particularly to its dominant power, Germany, whose trade policies Trump has publicly called really bad, and whose auto exports to the United States he has threatened to cut off.

Trump is slated to speak today in front of a monument to the 1944 Warsaw Uprising against the Nazi occupation of Poland, which was brutally suppressed by the German military, with the loss of some 200,000 lives.

Officials of the ruling far-right Law and Solidarity (PiS) party in Poland are planning to bus large numbers of PiS supporters to Warsaw to provide Trump with a friendly crowd. PiS leader Jarosaw Kaczynski has hailed Trumps decision to speak in Warsaw before the G20, telling a party congress on Saturday: We have a new success, Trumps visit [Others] envy it; the British are attacking us because of it.

The invitation does not reflect any broad popularity of Trump in Poland. One poll found that only 23 percent of the population trusts Trump to do the right thing in international politics, compared to 22 percent in Britain. Rather, the PiS hopes to use Trumps visit to send a signal that it has powerful allies in its bitter conflicts with the EU, which has criticized the Polish regimes moves to strip the Polish judicial system of its powers, block immigration into Poland, set up far-right militias and consolidate an authoritarian regime.

US officials made clear that Trump intends to use his speech in Poland to lay out his position on the conflicts that are emerging within Europe and within the NATO alliance between Washington and the European powers.

He will praise Polish courage throughout historys darkest hour, and celebrate Polands emergence as a European power, said Gen. H. R. McMaster, Trumps national security adviser, at a White House briefing last week. He will lay out a vision, not only for Americas future relationship with Europe, but the future of our trans-Atlantic alliance and what that means for American security and American prosperity.
Canadas Liberal government has come under increasing fire from the media, the Conservative Official Opposition, and the trade union-backed NDP over its pursuit of closer relations with China, including a free trade deal.

The dispute is fueled by divisions within the ruling class over how it should respond to Donald Trumps America First protectionist policies and Washingtons fanning of geopolitical tensions with Beijing, particularly over the South China Sea and North Korea. .

Canadas so-called newspaper of record, the Globe and Mail, has run numerous articles in recent months raising concern about Beijings economic and political influence in Canada. But this campaign reached an entirely new level last month after the Liberal government approved the takeover of Vancouver-based Norsat International by a Chinese company, Hytera Communications.

A manufacturer of satellite communications devices, Norsats clients include the militaries of Canada, the US, and NATO.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has defended that Norsat takeover, saying a government review concluded that there was no risk to national security. But the Globe and the opposition have taken the government to task, saying a more comprehensive review should have been conducted. Where other governments are wary of Chinese companies trying to take over their domestic technology firms, ours, complained a Globe editorial, is happy to facilitate a quick and easy sale.

The Globe has trumpeted adverse reaction to the Norsat takeover from the military-security establishment in both Canada and the US, including two former directors of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and the Pentagon. Mac Thornberry, chairman of the US House Armed Services Committee, criticized Ottawa in a statement to the Globe, declaring, I have growing concern that countries like China are investing in various projects, exploiting the seams of regulatory structures, and using other methods to obtain key defence technologies.

The new Conservative Party leader, Andrew Scheer, has been quick to chime in, vowing that if he were elected Prime Minister, there would be no free trade agreement with Beijing. There are so many concerns with the Chinese governmenttheir human rights record, the way their economy works. We dont want to see Canadian manufacturers, Canadian workers put on a completely uneven playing field, Scheer told Global News. The invocation of human and workers rights by Scheer, who boasts about his political affinity with former Primer Stephen Harper and his hard-right policies, could not be more cynical.

The New Democrats have also denounced the Norsat giveaway and are opposing a free trade deal with Beijing from an economic nationalist standpoint.

Scheers comments prompted a swift rebuke from the pro-government Chinese daily Global Times. It accused the Conservative leader of faulty logic and blindness to the benefits of a bilateral free trade agreement.

Canadas ruling elite remains fully committed to its long-standing strategic partnership with the United States. Trudeau won the support of a substantial section of the ruling elite in 2015 on a pledge to improve and expand Canada-US relations. Over the past two years, his government has augmented Canadas role in the US-led war in the Middle East and the NATO military build-up against Russia, and worked to establish a close partnership with the Trump administration, the most right-wing government in modern American history.

In a major foreign policy speech last month, Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland praised Washington for its outsized expenditure of blood and treasure in upholding the capitalist world order since the Second World War and identified Russia and Chinacountries targeted by US imperialism as the principal obstacles to consolidation of its global hegemonyas key threats to Canada.

Canada is already deeply implicated in Washingtons military-strategic offensive against China. Stephen Harpers Conservative government joined in the Obama administrations anti-China Pivot to Asia by signing a secret military agreement with the US in 2013 to expand Canadian-US naval cooperation in the Asia-Pacific. Until Trump scuttled it, Canada was also set to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a US-led trade bloc aimed at economically isolating China.

Under Harper, Canada secured agreement for forward military bases in Singapore and South Korea in case of a need to deploy Canadian troops to the region. In April, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan raised precisely this prospect when he said that Canadas international obligations could cause it to go to war with North Korea in alliance with the United States, a move that would be principally aimed at weakening China and could trigger a nuclear conflagration.

Vice Admiral Ron Lloyd, the commander of Canadas navy, warned late last month that Canada is becoming more heavily involved in the Asia-Pacific, above all due to US-China tensions, including over the South China Sea. The navy is being drawn deeper into the Pacific than we would have typically in the past, Lloyd said, as he lauded the Liberal governments decision to acquire 15 new warshipsan increase from the 12 ships planned by the previous Conservative government.

Lloyd also stressed, in line with governments new defence policy, that Canadas navy must be able to deploy hard power in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Traditionally, Canadas navy has concentrated on the Atlantic, in line with Canadas NATO commitments. But, said Lloyd, a turn to the Asia-Pacific is now necessary.

Even while Canadas military has become increasingly integrated into US war planning in East Asia, corporate Canada, or at least powerful sections of it, have been pursuing closer economic ties with Beijing, hoping to profit from Chinas significantly higher growth rates.

Trumps threats to rip up the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and Washingtons imposition of punitive tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber exports have given added impetus to the push for expanded trade with China. Advocates of a Canada-China free trade deal argue Canada is overly reliant on the US market, which is the destination for 75 percent of its exports and 99 percent of oil exports.

The Trudeau government quietly began a review of Canadas relations with China early last year. Trudeau spent a week there last September on an official visit, meeting with President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Keqiang to discuss trade opportunities. During the visit, Trudeau announced that Ottawa would hold exploratory free trade talks with Beijing. These were launched in the spring. A second round of talks is planned for the summer and an announcement on whether formal free trade negotiations will proceed is expected in the fall.

Trudeau and Li also agreed to establish a high-level national security dialogue. At the latest meeting, held in Ottawa last week, Canada and China signed a non-hacking agreement committing both countries not to target each others trade secrets and business information in cyber-attacks.

At the beginning of June, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr spent five days in China meeting with investors. In a reversal of the Harper governments policy of restricting Chinese investment in Albertas tar sands, Carr stated that Chinese capital is welcome in Canadas energy sector. With its approval of the expansion of the Transmountain pipeline, which terminates at the Pacific coast, the Liberal government hopes Canada can become a major supplier of oil to China and other Asia-Pacific markets.

Clearly, powerful sections of Canadas see the potential for huge profits to be made in China. But others are wary of becoming too closely aligned with China, for fear it will jeopardize what is far and away their principal economic and military security partnership, that with Washington and Wall Street.

Both sides in this increasingly fractious debate are pointing to the example of Australia.

Supporters of the governments orientation to China note that Australia, although a key US military ally, signed a free trade agreement with Beijing in 2014. Opponents claim there are increasing calls in Australia for that agreement to be discarded and that, in any event, Canberra is taking a much tougher line than Ottawa when deciding whether Chinese investments are in the national interest.

The reality is the Australian ruling elites strategic orientation has been the source of major tensions and explosive political shifts, as Canberra, in line with the interests of the most powerful sections of Australian capital, has assumed a leading role in American imperialisms war drive against China.

In 2010, Washington, working with Labor Party apparatchiks, organized a back-room coup to oust then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who had proposed that Australia act as a mediator between Beijing and Washington. His replacement, Julia Gillard, promptly offered Obama a stage to announce his anti-China pivot to Asia and agreed to the stationing of US troops in northern Australia.

Events are not yet so far advanced in Canada, but the tone of the dispute has noticeably grown more shrill. The Globe, which speaks on behalf of the Bay street financial elite, provocatively titled its editorial on the Norsat sale Why are the Liberals doing Beijings bidding.
Barely two weeks after Catalan regional Premier Carles Puigdemont announced a referendum on the independence of Catalonia from Spain in October, the New York Times published an editorial in defence of the plebiscite under the title Catalonias Challenge to Spain.

Spains Popular Party (PP) government led by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy is adamant that the referendum will not be allowed to take place, branding it an illegal coup. In all likelihood, once the official resolution is passed by the Catalan regional parliament, Spains Constitutional Court will annul it, as with a previous resolution fleshing out the secessionist road map approved by the regional parliament in November 2015.

The Times criticises the PP for its intransigence with respect to Catalonia and for galvanizing Catalan separatists by putting their leaders on trial for the crimes of disobedience and breach of trustin 2014 they staged a non-binding independence referendum. Secessionist sentiment, the newspaper adds, has also increased because of the corruption scandal engulfing the PP the instability of its rule, as witnessed by it barely surviving a no-confidence vote on June 14.

The Times recommendation is for the Spanish government to give concessions to the regional Catalan bourgeoisie, which has whipped up Catalan secessionism as a diversion from its own savage austerity measures. Its threat is to establish a mini-state that will deprive Spain of tax revenues from what is the wealthiest region in the country, and serve as a major competitor by offering the global corporate elite tax cuts and stepped-up exploitation of the working class.

Although the Times does not call for the PP government to be changed it declares, A more capable central government could head off the independence fervour by giving the region a better economic return. Catalonia contributes nearly a fifth of Spains gross domestic product, yet the region receives just 9.5 percent of Spains national budget. Negotiating in good faith with Catalan leaders to find a political solution, rather than relying on the judiciarys restrictive interpretation of the Constitution to punish Catalan efforts for greater autonomy, would also help.

While calling for the referendum to be held, the newspaper makes clear it does not support the breakup of one of Washingtons closest allies in Europe, declaring, The best outcome for Spain would be to permit the referendum, and for Catalan voters to reject independenceas voters in Quebec and Scotland have done.

The editorial was posted three months after Puigdemont met with editors of the Times in his visit to the US to lobby for support for the referendum. On that occasion, Spanish officials and the Madrid-based media declared his visit a failure. The Carter Foundation refused to endorse his pleas to act as a mediator between Barcelona and Madrid, and the US embassy in Madrid posted a note in defence of maintaining a relation with a strong and united Spain.

However, like any editorial of the Times, this is more than an opinion piece. The newspaper is the semi-official voice of the Democratic Party establishment, and has intimate ties to US military and intelligence officials. It is currently waging a factional war against the Trump Administration for having retreated from the anti-Russian foreign policy adopted by the previous Obama administration.

The Times main concern is that the latest round in a long game of chicken, as the newspaper calls the tensions between Madrid and Barcelona, might provoke an explosive situation if Madrid uses repressive measures such as the suspension of the Catalan statute or sending in the militarized Guardia Civil or army to suppress the ballot.

Such actions would take place against a backdrop of massive youth unemployment of over 40 percent, a fifth of households with incomes below poverty level, and over a quarter of the population at risk of poverty or social exclusion. The traditional two party system has fractured, leading to the growth of two new parties, Podemos and Ciudadanos.

Under such conditions, the Times worries that neither Madrid nor the Catalan separatists will be able to control a possible social explosion. This could rapidly spiral out of control, destabilizing a key ally in the Mediterranean region, within the European Union and NATO, in a context of growing geopolitical tensions with Russia and China.

Spain is a geostrategic partner of US imperialism in its battle to defend its national interests. The US has a naval base at Rota and an air base at Moron in the south of Spain, both of which have played a major role in all US-led wars since the First Gulf War in 1990. The Rota base also holds the Aegis radar system, part of the Missile Defence System, an essential component of the Pentagons plans for fighting an offensive nuclear war against Russia and China.

Spain also holds the key to the Mediterranean, controlling the Straits of Gibraltar, one of the main sea routes in the world. The Straits are vital, not only for their strategic military value, but also for the supply of oil upon which northern European countries depend carried by tankers from North Africa and the Persian Gulf.

Catalan secessionists have seized on the Times editorial as a confirmation of their political position after years of unsuccessful international lobbying. Puigdemont tweeted, I see they do not buy the idea that a referendum is a coup detat, referring to the accusations from Madrid.

Despite all of Spains major newspapers posting articles in response to the Times editorial and eliciting thousands of comments from their readers, the government has not made any official response. This will only increase the instability of the minority government.

One of first parties to react was Podemos, with its secretary for organisation, Pablo Echenique, tweeting that the Times adopts point by point Podemos position: an agreed referendum and vote NO to independence.

That Podemos prides itself on being in political agreement with one of the main and most aggressive voices of US imperialism is proof the party will do anything to save Spanish capitalism from its intransigent old guard.
Chinese President Xi Jinpings two-day state visit to Moscow this week underscored the growing economic and strategic ties between China and Russia as they try to counter the US military build-up in North East Asia and Eastern Europe, its military intervention in Syria and threats of trade war measures.

The two governments hardening stance against Washington was underscored by the joint response of Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin to US demands that all countries, particularly China, impose crippling economic sanctions on North Korea following Pyongyangs test launch of a long-range missile on Tuesday.

Putin threw his weight behind Chinas proposal that the US and South Korea end major joint military exercises if Pyongyang freezes its missile and nuclear tests, in order to establish the basis for negotiations. The Trump administration has already flatly rejected the proposal and declared it will hold talks with North Korea only under the right circumstancesthat is, if Pyongyang agrees in advance to US demands to denuclearise.

Putin and Xi also called for the US to remove the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) anti-ballistic missile battery being installed in South Korea, saying it seriously damages [the] strategic interests of regional powers, including Russia and China. The THAADs powerful X-band radar is capable of peering deep into Chinese and Russian territory to detect missile launches, undermining their ability to retaliate against a potential US nuclear attack.

While Russian and Chinese opposition to Washingtons aggressive stance against North Korea was on display in yesterdays UN Security Council meeting, Xis visit to Russia was also significant in strengthening their economic and broader strategic relations.

Speaking at a joint press conference on Tuesday, Xi enthused that relations between the two countries were the best they have ever been. He continued: Whatever the changes in the international situation, our determination and confidence in developing and deepening our strategic partnership remains unwavering.

Putin declared: Russia and China really have very close or identical opinions on all major international issues. A joint statement called for respect of Syrias sovereignty and independencea remark directed against Washingtons illegal military intervention aimed at ousting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a Russian ally.

Xi provided a significant boost to Putin by extending more than $11 billion in funding to the Russian Direct Investment Fund and Vnesheconombank, Russias state development bank. While both entities are under sanctions by the US and its allies, the funds from the China Development Bank are denominated in renminbi and thus skirt around US-led bans.

The funds are primarily for investment in cross-border projects as part of Chinas ambitious One Belt One Road (OBOR) scheme, which seeks to establish an extensive network of transport, communication and other linkages connecting Asia and Europe across the Eurasian landmass. Other investment will go into energy, industry and transport inside Russia.

The OBOR plans have the potential to cut across Russias efforts to establish its own Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) dominated by Moscow. The focus of Chinas plans on the Central Asian Republics has led to Russian criticism that Beijing is seeking to undermine Moscow in what it regards as its traditional sphere of influence.

Xi attempted to assuage such concerns by calling for an Ice Silk Roadthat is, transport and other infrastructure that would run through Russia. He said the two countries should boost economic cooperation, launch major manufacturing projects and strengthen rail cooperation, including an early start to a high-speed rail link between Kazan and Moscow.

Significantly, however, no agreement was reached on how to marry Chinas OBOR plans with Russias EEU, even though Putin attended Chinas OBOR forum in Beijing in May. Putting the best possible face on what remains a major bone of contention, Putin said an in-depth exchange of opinions had opened up a highly promising direction that could lead to the formation of a broad Eurasian partnership.

Russia has been increasingly reliant on China economically in the wake of US-led sanctions over Russias annexation of Crimea. While Putin and Xi both pointed to the growth of trade between the two countries, there is an obvious imbalance. China is Russias top trading partner, but Russia does not rate in Chinas top ten.

Moreover, Russia depends heavily on energy exports, which have been hit by falling prices, leading to nearly two years of recession. Putin emphasised that the expansion of oil and gas sales to China, sealed in a landmark 2014 agreement, was going ahead and a gas pipeline from Siberia was on track for completion by the end of 2019.

The 2014 deal, however, was long in the making, due to protracted haggling over prices in particular. It was only after US-led sanctions were imposed on Russia that Moscow turned to China as its markets in Europe began to dry up.

While military cooperation was not openly discussed during Xis visit, it is evident in the growing number of military exercises between the two countries and also involving Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) members. The SCO was established by Russia and China in 2001 to draw in the Central Asian Republics and block US efforts to extend its influence in the resource-rich region.

The Russian and Chinese navies are planning a joint maritime exercise in the Baltic Sea later this month. A group of Chinese warshipsa destroyer, a frigate and a support vesselwill join Russias Baltic Sea fleet just weeks after the US joined its European allies in a major annual drill there. In 2015, Chinese warships conducted drills with the Russian Black Sea fleet in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

China has obtained greater access to advanced Russian military technology and weapons as it seeks to modernise its armed forces due to growing tensions with the US and its allies in Asia.

The conflicting economic and strategic interests that have produced sharp tensions between Russia and China in the past remain. However, confronted with an aggressive and unpredictable Trump administration, Xis visit points to a strengthening partnership that is prepared to openly oppose the US over North Korea, Syria and potentially other dangerous flashpoints.
Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has appointed a number of critics and opponents to his shadow cabinet in what he described as a government in waiting.

Corbyn appointed Owen Smith as Shadow Northern Ireland spokesman immediately following Junes general election. Smith challenged Corbyn in last years second putsch attempt by the partys right wing.

Among the latest brought back into the fold are Karl Turner (Transport), Gloria de Piero (Justice), Roberta Blackman-Woods (International Development), Nick Thomas-Symonds (Home Affairs) and Rachael Maskell (Rail). All had resigned from the cabinet at various points after complaining that Corbyns left credentials meant Labour had become unelectable. This from a party whose association with the criminal invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the multi-billion pound bailout of the banks and super-rich after 2008 had seen it haemorrhage support over years, crashing to a record low in the 2015 election.

The new appointees will join fellow Corbyn critics, such as Jack Dromey and Fabian Hamilton, who were brought into cabinet last year. Dromey supported Owen Smith in the 2016 leadership contest, while Hamilton quit his position as Shadow European Minister in June 2016, before being brought back in as Peace and Disarmament Minister in November the same year. Hamiltons responsibility is especially galling, given that he is a signatory to the right wing, neo-con Henry Jackson Society.

Although Labour lost Junes general election, Corbyns anti-austerity, anti-war pitch saw the party win its largest share of the vote, at 40 percent, since 1997. Moreover, he did so despite a significant section of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) mounting alternative election campaigns aimed at ensuring their partys defeat.

This included the so-called Progressive Alliance initiated by arch warmonger Tony Blair. This cross-party initiative, which sought to bring together all those who oppose Britain leaving the European Union (EU), saw some Labour MPs demanding the party withdraw from the election in marginal seats in favour of Remain candidates from the Liberal Democrats or Greens.

Other Labour MPs, such as Joan Ryan (Enfield North), circulated a letter to constituents disassociating themselves from Corbyn and the party leadership and claiming that Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May would win the election with a massive majority.

Neither Corbyns overtures, nor his electoral performance, have seen off the threat to his leadership from the right wing.

The Grenfell Tower inferno has ignited widespread anger over the record levels of social inequalitydeliberately encouraged by successive governmentsthat allowed working class people to live in a death trap. However, Labours right wing is bitterly hostile to any perceived change in course away from austerity, lest it encourage more wide-reaching demands for wealth redistribution at the expense of the rich.

Last week, Chuka Umunna, another former leadership contender and a Blairite, tabled an amendment in defiance of the Labour leadership opposing a hard-Brexit during the debate on the Tory governments legislative programme.

Umunna had no chance of winning his amendment, which was intended as a public declaration of ongoing hostility to Corbyn. According to the Daily Mail, Umunna has held secret talks with leading figures on the Europhile wing of the Tory Party last week to thrash out a joint strategy on the critical Brexit legislation about to come before the Commons.

The Mail cited a source saying, Chuka sees himself as the leader of the Remain fight back and is rallying troops on all sides of the House. He has got much more in common with open-minded Tory MPs than he does with Corbyn anyway.

Umunna intended to hold a second challenge for leadership if, as hoped, Corbyn had presided over an electoral disaster for Labour. Instead, May has only been able to assemble a government by stitching up a confidence and supply deal with the right-wing, ultra-loyalist Democratic Unionist Party, in return for a 1 billion [US$1.3 billion] additional public expenditure package for Northern Ireland.

Umunnas Tory co-conspirators made it clear they did not want to rock the boat until the governments legislative programme had gone through parliament, so none broke ranks to support his amendment. The PLP had no such qualms, however, with 49 Labour MPs defying Corbyn to back the motion.

Corbyn was forced to sack three members of his cabinet shortly afterwards, but these were third-rank players whose removal will have no impact whatsoever on right-wing plots.

Umunna is thought to be among a group planning a breakaway from the Labour Party. According to the Sunday Times, Labour moderates have approached donors to back a new centrist party. No names are disclosed but the Times reported that the former foreign secretary, David Miliband, has been tipped as a possible leader and that Blair is likely to make an intervention on Brexit soon to rally support for an alternative.

This comes as delegates are meant to be elected this week by Constituency Labour Parties (CLP) for the autumns annual party conference. Shadow Chancellor and Corbyn ally John McDonnell has sponsored a rule change to the conference that will lower the number of nominations required for an MP to stand in leadership contests.

This is to try to prevent a repeat of 2015, when the PLPoverwhelmingly right wingalmost blocked Corbyn standing as a candidate. He only made it in the end after several MPs agreed to support his nomination to give the contest a democratic veneer.

The right wing is now bleating it is the victim of a hard-left plot to deselect them as MPsafter they carried out two attempted coups to depose Corbyn, including legal action and the suspensions and expulsions of members and supporters. In fact, not a single MP has been deselected so far, regardless of how disloyal they have been.

According to the pro-Corbyn SKWAWKBOX blog, the right wing is using undemocratic and downright deceitful tactics to ensure their predominance at the conference. This includes a drive to limit CLPs to a single delegate and the outright disenfranchisement of Labour Party MPs.

It reprints an email sent out by the executive of Enfield North CLP, the seat of Joan Ryan, informing them after the fact that it has appointed a delegate.

Under the subject Events and meetings, the letter to members informs them they may advise the CLP Delegate to Conference [name withheld] who with the approval of the Conference Arrangements Office, was appointed by the EC in order to meet the conference timetable.

The truth is that no action is being taken against the right wing. This was underscored last weekend during a conference of the Blairite think-tank, Progress, which initiated much of the anti-Corbyn campaign. Its title, Beating the Tories, Beating Hard Brexit, makes clear that for the right the drive to overturn the result of the June 2016 Brexit referendum is inextricably bound up with Corbyns removal.

One of the main speakers was Times chief leader writer and former Blair advisor, Philip Collins, who has called on moderates to form a new party. Setting out his plan in the Times, Philips called for a bold man or woman to come forward to help initiate the new party. This would have to be more than a statement about Britain in Europe but the negotiations [over Brexit] may well provide the crack to let the light in, he writes, bewailing a sense that the politics of the country are a mess, that an uninspiring generation of politicians have made a mockery of a proud nation.

Collins model is Emmanuel Macrons En Marche! in France. Thanks to the electoral collapse of the hated and sclerotic Socialist Party, Macron was able to win the presidency and recent legislative elections, amid record levels of abstention. Having extended the state of emergency, Macron now intends to enforce vicious anti-labour legislationdespite having the support of just 16 percent of the electorate.

For Collins, Macrons lack of political legitimacy is a matter of indifference. All that counts are the services rendered for French imperialism. Thus, he writes jealously about Macron, Just across the water Paris will be bathed in sunlight with its shiny new president who had the courage to start a revolution and is now providing strong and stable government.

The Policy Network is among a number of right-wing Labour think-tanks involved in these moves. It has launched the Next Progressive Project for Britaina regurgitation of Blairs so-called Third Way that in turn was warmed over Thatcherism.
There are many unanswered questions about the explosion yesterday at the General Motors Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant that injured three workers. According to press reports, the three workers were involved in maintenance work on the rust inhibitor unit when a pipe exploded. The three sustained burns and one was transported to the hospital.

GM officials tried to downplay the incident and maintain production but workers in several departments were sent home for the day following the blast. There were reports that some workers would not be called back today.

Detroit firefighters said that a pressure pump caused the explosion at just before 10 am. There are about 1,800 workers at the plant, which builds the Buick LaCrosse and several Chevrolet models. In March, GM eliminated a production shift at the plant, impacting some 1,300 workers.

A GM worker at the plant contacted by the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter said his department had been sent home after workers learned of the explosion from the news. It is crazy, he said. They didnt say anything about an explosion. We found out about it during break watching the news. I said, Thats our plant! He added that workers on his shift did not get paid for the time they were off work due to the evacuation.

The GM worker continued, They said it was a pipe connected to the rust inhibitor. They said it could have been worse if the whole tank had blown.

Typically, there was no official comment by the United Auto Workers on the explosion and the Detroit-Hamtramck UAW Local 22 website did not carry a report of the incident or what workers should expect next in terms of an investigation.

The workers involved in the maintenance would normally have been skilled trades workers. In recent years, Detroit automakers have been pushing, with the collaboration of the UAW, for the so-called cross training of trades. This involves schemes for having skilled trades workers perform tasks outside their areas of expertise. Such practices put workers in the position of performing work for which they are not adequately prepared, heightening safety risks.

At Fiat Chrysler, this has gone as far as having production workers do certain tasks normally done by skilled trades workers, who undergo extensive training.

Detroit Hamtramck GM workers contacted by the Autoworker Newsletter expressed anger at being continuously kept in the dark by management and the UAW. One recently laid-off GM worker, who maintains close contact with workers still in the plant, said, They dont ever tell you anything. When someone dies in the plant, they always say he died at the hospital. They keep everything hush-hush. The only way we will learn anything is underground, by word of mouth.

He said, from the information he had received, the explosion likely took place in the body shop where the frames are treated with rust inhibitor. There are dangers all over the plant, he said, due to the large number of steam pipes. In the body shop area, you have to be a little more careful because the lighting is not so good. It was part of the old, original plant. It is like you are going into twilight.

Over in body there are more robots. It is very mechanical, so you have to pay a lot of attention.

He said a worker he knew told him she had been told she might have to miss an extra day of work because of the explosion.

The worker expressed no confidence in the phony investigation by the UAW-GM Joint Health and Safety Committee. Basically, the UAW and management are in bed together.

Once the UAW got hold of the retiree money, he said, there was no more union, the worker added, referring to the fact that the UAW is now the largest single stockholder in GM through its control of the retiree health care trust fund.

The explosion at the Detroit-Hamtramck plant comes just one month after the conclusion of a conference of the UAW-GM Joint Health and Safety Committee at the luxurious Marriot Hotel in the Detroit Greektown Casino. According to the official handout, the conference stressed union management collaboration in creating an improved safety culture.

In fact, militant workers have long understood that a regime of union-management collaboration means the elimination of any genuine representation in the factories. The role of the UAW, which is more or less openly expressed, is to aid in the cover-up of unsafe conditions and silence those workers who try to speak out against management abuses.

At Ford this has gone forward to the extent that management, the UAW and the Michigan Occupational Health and Safety Administration (MIOSHA) have created a joint partnership aimed at reducing the number of safety inspections as well as the probability of fines. The partnership agreement states that among the benefits to management will be the diminished probability of wall-to-wall inspections and maximum penalty reductions.

As part of the arrangement, Ford gets advance notice of inspections. The practical effect of the agreement is to make management and their puppets in the UAW responsible for health and safety conditions with the barest fig leaf of outside monitoring.

Workers must receive complete answers about the circumstances surrounding the explosion at the Detroit Hamtramck plant. This will not come from the UAW or the corrupt MIOSHA, but only through the independent action and initiative of workers. The World Socialist Web Site is willing to assist this effort and urges workers with any information regarding the explosion or general conditions at the plant to contact the Autoworker Newsletter.
In an extraordinary turn of events, the state of Michigans Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Flint for not signing off on a 30-year contract to buy water from the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), the entity that took over Detroits public water system. The suit was filed on June 27, four days after Flint's City Council balked on the long-term deal, opting instead to sign a three-month renewal with the GLWA.

Flint signed onto the GLWA in October 2015, following the eruption of protests by the citys largely working-class population over the lead poisoning of the citys water supply. The poisoning of the citys water resulted from the April 2014 decision by Republican Governor Rick Snyders emergency manager to sever Flints decades-long connection with the Detroit water system and instead draw the citys water from the polluted Flint River.

The legal action filed last week would compel the city to sign the 30-year-deal, which is backed by Snyder, the citys Democratic mayor, Karen Weaver, Genesee County and the Karegnondi Water Authority, the corporate entity contracted to supply Flint with water following the termination of the citys agreement with Detroit. In mid-May, Snyder said of the long-term agreement to stay with the Detroit-based GLWA, You really cant do much better than that. Its a long-term win for the city of Flint.

The only explanation being given for the lawsuit against the city is that the long-term deal with the GLWA is in the best interests of the people of Flint. The City Councils failure to act will cause an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health in Flint, the Michigan Department of Environmental Qualitys complaint states.

The Snyder administration and the states environmental agency have as much credibility as a subprime mortgage lender. After three years of lies, virtually no one in Flint believes the professed concerns about the peoples well-being coming from the very officials, beginning with Snyder and the MDEQ, who organized the switch from the Detroit system to the Flint River in the first place and then covered up evidence that the switchover was killing and grievously harming people.

These officials were utterly unmoved by Flint residents protests, which saw workers holding up jars of rust-colored water and complaining of rashes, breathing problems, hair loss and other illnesses. Only after public health experts and scientists proved that the corrosive Flint River water was exposing the population to alarmingly high levels of lead, permanently damaging the brains and nervous systems of the citys children, did Snyder, the MDEQ and the city agree to switch the water supply back to the Detroit system.

Now, three years after they precipitated a social catastrophe by switching the water supply, they are suing to push through a long-term deal to switch backin the name of the health and well-being of the very people they previously poisoned!

As for Mayor Weaver, who was elected in November 2015 after the discrediting of her Democratic predecessor, Dayne Drink the Water Walling, she has gone from vocal opponent of the Detroit deal to earnest advocate.

No accounting is being given by any of these forces for their extraordinary reversal, nor is the corporate-controlled media asking for one.

So what is really going on?

The World Socialist Web Site does not at this time claim to have all the answers. The forces that are pulling the strings in the background and their various maneuvers are kept well hidden from public view by high-priced lawyers, bribed politicians and a corrupt and compliant media. But one thing is certain: neither side in this legal conflict is motivated by the interests of the workers and poor people of Flint. The City Council itself signed onto the original water switch and was fully complicit in the cover-up.

What the known facts indicate is that the overriding aim of the 30-year deal with the GLWA and the lawsuit to enforce it is to ensure the repayment of the loans made to Flint and the Karegnondi Water Authority by the wealthy bondholders and Wall Street banks that control the debt.

The switchover to the Flint River was not, as was claimed at the time, a move to save money for the sake of the economically devastated one-time hub of General Motors production, which had been bled dry and then abandoned by the auto giant. Instead, it was part of a scheme by private investors, contractors and law firms with close political ties to the Snyder administration and both big-business parties to make millions by exploiting the economic plight of the city.

These forces very likely saw, in the forcing through of the emergency manager law despite its rejection in a popular referendum, a political mechanism by which they could plunder the city with impunity, since the emergency managersunelected and appointed by the staterule essentially by decree. With the ongoing bankruptcy and rape of Detroit at the hands of emergency manager Kevyn Orra Washington DC lawyer with close links to Wall Street, and a Democratthey saw a window of opportunity to turn Flints water supply into a moneymaker for themselves.

This is how it worked. In 2013, the same year that Snyders emergency manager threw the city of Detroit into bankruptcy in order to slash city worker pensions and sell off public assets, Genesee County, which includes Flint, sold $35 million in bonds to start the construction of an alternate pipeline to bring raw, untreated water to Flint from Lake Huron.

The plan for the Karegnondi Water Authority, which was overseen by Genesee County Drain Commissioner Jeff Wright, a Democrat, had absolutely no economic, social or environmental justification. The pipeline, which would take years to complete, would be entirely redundant, running parallel and only six miles away from the existing pipeline owned by the Detroit system.

The Snyder administration claimed that lack of money had forced the emergency manager, whom he had appointed to run Flint, to slash 20 percent of the citys workforce and cut the workers pay by 20 percent. Yet it was backing the KWA scheme, which entailed loading up the city with another $145 million in debt to service bonds and refurbish Flints long-mothballed water plant. To sidestep legal limits on the amount of debt the city could incur, the MDEQ signed an Administrative Consent Order, which presented the scheme to enrich banks and wealthy investors as a public improvement and water protection project.

In April 2014, the same month the city switched to the Flint River, KWA sold $220 million in bonds to more than 30 investors, including JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc. The latter had previously acquired the investment banking and financial restructuring firm Miller Buckfire, which played a key role in the Snyder administrations conspiracy to throw Detroit into bankruptcy.

Behind the backs of the citys residents, Flint officials agreed to pay 34 percent of the $220 million owed to the KWA bondholders, with Genesee County pledging to cover Flints payments within 15 days if the city was unable to make its payments. The money would be extracted in part by increasing the already exorbitant water rates paid by Flint residents.

So bullish were the bond investors, which the Wall Street rating agency Moodys gave an upper medium grade of A2, that the municipal finance web site The Bond Buyer bestowed on the KWA its Midwest Deal of the Year award at a ceremony at New Yorks Waldorf Astoria Hotel in December of 2014.

The Flint water crisis and the eruption of angry protests by the citys residents threw a wrench into these operations. The KWA has been totally discredited and it is possible that some of the criminals behind the investment scheme, including Wright and Snyder himself, could end up in jail. The KWA could collapse. The prospect, in any event, is for a downgrading of its bonds, leaving Chase, Wells Fargo and company facing major financial losses.

Under these conditions, it appears that the big boys on Wall Street are looking to cut their losses, get their money and get out of town.

The 30-year agreement negotiated by the state, the city, Genesee County, the GLWA and the KWA itself includes a financial mechanism to pay off the bondholders in full. Under the proposed plan, the city would receive $7 million a year from the GLWA in return for effectively ceding its water rights in the KWA for a period of 30 years. The city would use that $7 million to meet its annual debt obligation to the bondholders.

Two days after Weaver announced the citys intention to stick with the GLWA instead of shifting to the KWA pipeline, S&P Global Ratings issued a bulletin to investors saying it was continuing to give the KWA bonds an A rating. Regardless of whether Weavers deal is done or not, that responsibility to pay the bonds remains, Genesee County deputy drain commissioner Kevin Sylvester told the Bond Buyer.

All sides in the legal dispute, including the holdouts on the City Council, agree that come hell or high water, Flint must pay off the bondholders, regardless the cost to Flint residents. In this, the dictatorship of the banks and the completely subservient position of the politicians of both parties are expressed.

It should be noted that despite the expiration of emergency manager rule over Flint, the bankers dictatorship continues in a somewhat different form. Last month, the City Council passed a temporary moratorium on the imposition of tax liens on the homes of residents with outstanding water bills, only to have its decision overturned by Snyders unelected Receivership Transition Advisory Board. Now some 8,000 homes are threatened with foreclosure if residents do not pay the bill for water that is still tainted with lead and other toxins.

The most plausible explanation for the recent turn of events is that the governor, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, the mayor, the KWA and Genesee County have all made a 180-degree turn because the banks and bondholders have told them to. Snyder and Weaver cannot, of course, admit this, so they are posing as defenders of the health and well-being of the people.

While the courts and the politicians are scrambling to make the bondholders and the financial institutions whole, they have no intention of compensating Flint residents for ongoing health problems, the collapse in the value of their homes, the loss of their life savings and permanent damage to the development of their children.
On Monday, the leaders of the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union government parties presented their election programme in Berlin. Chancellor and CDU Chair Angela Merkel and CSU leader Horst Seehofer gave brief statements about the 67-page document and affirmed their political unity at a joint press conference.

All of the parties represented in the Bundestag (parliament) have now presented their programmes for Septembers general election.

The most significant thing about the CDU/CSU programme is that it does not for the most part differ from those of the other parties. Asked on Monday what distinguished the CDU/CSU manifesto from those of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens, ARD correspondent Tina Hassel replied, Good question. The consensus is undoubtedly greater than the differences.

Under the heading, For a Germany in which we live well and happily, the so-called Union parties said they aimed to achieve full employment by 2025. They wrote that they wanted to cut taxes for average income earners by 5 billion euros in total. They pledged to gradually abolish the solidarity surcharge over the period 2020 to 2030. They also called for a Baukindergelda government grant scheme to help families to build homes. Under this scheme, a family that buys a property will receive a yearly subsidy of 1,200 euros per child over a period of ten years. The manifesto also pledged to increase child benefits and childrens tax allowances.

The Social Democratic Party (SPD) election programme similarly pledges to abolish by 2020 the solidarity surcharge (introduced in 1991 following German reunification) and provide relief for those with mid-level incomes by imposing a higher tax rate on people with incomes above 76,200 euros instead of the current level of 54,000 euros. In place of the CDU/CSUs Baukindergeld, the SPD is calling for the introduction of a family tax rate as an additional option to taxing spousal income.

These social promises, which can also be found in the election platforms of the Greens and the Left Party, are all subject to an affordability criterion. They are essentially a cover for a massive increase in military spending and a tightening up of domestic security. This is clearly reflected in the almost identical calls for the recruitment of 15,000 new police officers and better police equipment and training.

As in the SPD election programme, military rearmament stands at the centre of the CDU/CSU programme. This is justified with the words: The world seems to be out of joint in many places. Authoritarian state systems are on the rise, seemingly stable states are broken.

Even in Germanys neighbourhood, the platform goes on to say, the territorial integrity of Ukraine is jeopardized by Russian aggression. Noting that the new American administration has not yet defined its position on many foreign policy issues, it adds, The times when we could completely rely on others are quite a way past.

Then comes the crucial formulation: We Europeans must take our fate into our own hands more consistently than before. That is why the CDU and CSU want a strong, self-confident and dynamic Europe: A Europe able to protect its interests and meet its international responsibilities; A Europe that can also defend freedom, security and prosperity

After a few cliches about the EU as a peace project that emerged as the lesson of the disastrous man-made catastrophes of the First and Second World Wars, it states: We must understand our shared geo-strategic responsibility for freedom and peace and for dealing with conflicts in our neighbourhood. That is why the EU engaged in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and why we are fighting together for the Paris climate accord.

This reference to the defence of the Paris climate agreement is directed against the US government and the decision of the Trump administration to withdraw from the agreement. Growing opposition to Washington also shapes the following point in the programme: We support the proposal for a European Defence Union and a European Defence Fund. We are committed members of NATO and work for its success. But the EU must arm itself independently if it wants to survive. Europe must provide an effective security guarantee for the internal and external security of its member states.

Then follows a demand for the defence of fortress Europe. Europe must protect its external borders effectively against illegal migration, strengthen the Frontex border protection agency and complete the European asylum system. Until the protection of EU external borders works, we will maintain internal border controls. This is linked to the establishment of a European police force. The EU urgently needs a better exchange of information between the security services of its member states, the platform states.

The SPD, the Greens and the Left Party agree with this expansion of the states powers at home and abroad. Their criticisms of the Union parties are directed against its social programme, which they call excessive and unrealistic. The SPD, the Greens and the Left Party are attacking the Union parties from the right.

Martin Schulz, SPD chairman and the partys candidate for chancellor, described the Union parties election programme as a superficial mish-mash of ideas that was completely unrealistic and could not be for paid for. The promise to bring full employment to Germany by the year 2025 was not to be financed and therefore irresponsible, he said.

The Left Party also accused the Union parties of unaffordable electoral promises. Party leader Katja Kipping declared, All these promises are blank cheques that will bounce after the election. The CDU/CSU manifesto lacks any information on funding, she said.

This right-wing criticism of the Union parties makes clear that there is no choice in the Bundestag election in September. On the important question of increasing the internal and external powers of the state, all of the parliamentary parties agree. In any case, all of the parties are already working together in various coalitions at state and local level. The time when workers could vote for better living conditions and social justice is long gone.

The Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (SGPSocialist Equality Party) is the only party to advance a socialist programme in the Bundestag elections. It declares openly that poverty, oppression and war can be overcome only if their cause, capitalism, is eliminated. The SGP is not seeking ministerial office in an SPD or left government, but fights for the establishment of an international movement of the working class to expropriate the large banks and corporations and reorganize society in accordance with egalitarian, i.e., socialist, principles.
ANGOLA  Angola Police are seeking the help of the public for the safe return of a hedgehog stolen from Carnegie Public Library of Steuben County.

Thats right. A hedgehog.

Harley the Hedgehog is her name. And shes a rescue animal that has enjoyed the loving care of the folks at Carnegie.

At about 2:30 a.m. Wednesday someone broke into Carnegie Public Library through a window in the Childrens Library. Once inside, the hedgehog thats part of Carnegies pet collection was taken, said Angola Police Detective Tim Crooks.

Thats the only thing thats missing, Crooks said. Wed really like to get it back.

They came in with the sole purpose to take the hedgehog. Its really sad because a lot of the children and adults really enjoy her. A lot of people, even the adults, have never seen a live hedgehog before, said Jessica Boyd, Carnegie Childrens Library director. Its kind of sad.

Police are reviewing video from Carnegies security system to try to get an idea of who broke into the building.

In the meantime, Crooks felt members of the public may have learned about someones recent addition of a spiny little mammal to their household.

Were looking for the publics help, Crooks said.

She is a rescue animal from the Indianapolis area, Boyd said. Shes had kind of a rough life.

Because of the special diet the animal needs, Boyd said it is important that Harley be returned.

Hedgehogs are not native to this area so I hope somebody doesnt turn her loose because she wont survive, Boyd said.

The Childrens Library also has a rabbit, two parakeets, two African clawed frogs and one gold fish. None of these creatures were harmed or stolen.

We have quite a few library pets, Boyd said.

The animals are used for education. People get to learn about the animals and their native habitat, and in the case of pets, people, especially children, can learn about how to care for them and the commitment they must make to have an animal in their possession.

Hedgehogs are a different case.

Theyre an expensive pet. They start out at like $200. Its an investment, Boyd said. And theres the care involved with the nocturnal animal.

Beyond the theft, there was much damage to childrens department. Broken glass was all over and the window had to be boarded up.

It could have been a lot worse. They could have vandalized the library, Boyd said. They just took (Harley) and no supplies or the big cage shes in. Nothing.

People with information about Harley are asked to call police at 665-2121 or Crime Stoppers at 668-STOP.
The life expectancy of people living in low socioeconomic status areas of Sydney, Australias most populous city, is up to 19 years less than residents in wealthier areas, preliminary analysis from the 2017 Social Health Atlas has shown. The median age at death in Mount Druitt, a western suburb with high levels of poverty and public housing, is 68, compared to 87 in affluent northern suburbs.

This gap is about double that officially reported between the indigenous and non-indigenous population across the country, pointing to the underlying class character of the stark divide in health.

Other recent reports shed some light on that inequality. People living in working class areas of major cities have almost double the rates of poor health compared to richer suburbs, according to Australias Health Tracker, compiled at Victoria University using Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data.

Indicators of poor health, which include obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease death rates showed consistent trends across Australias capital cities.

In Sydney, the rates of childhood obesity (ages 217 years) in the poorer western municipalities stood at 9 percent, nearly double that of the wealthier northern suburbs at 5 percent. Blacktown, which covers Mount Druitt and other working class areas, had a rate of 10 percent, compared to 4 percent in Mosman, one of the richest suburbs. Similar trends were evident for overweight children.

Childhood obesity has significant long-term health consequences. Obese children are at higher risk of obesity in adulthood, as well as future cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory conditions, cancer, depression and reduced life expectancy.

The Health Tracker report found similar trends for adult obesity. In western Sydney it was 27 percent, compared to the more affluent northern suburbs at 18 percent. Blacktown had the highest rate at 31 percent, while Mosmans was 15 percent. Likewise, adult diabetes rates peaked in Blacktown at 7 percent, compared to Mosmans 3 percent.

Other capital cities recorded similar figures. In Melbourne, Australias second largest city, the municipality of Stonnington, which features one of the nations wealthiest suburbs, Toorak, had childhood and adult obesity rates of 5 percent and 25 percent respectively, and an adult diabetes rate of 3 percent. Poorer municipalities saw up to a doubling of these rates, with Dandenongs childhood obesity at 11 percent, adult obesity at 37 percent and adult diabetes at 6 percent.

In Sydneys western suburbs the cardiovascular disease death rate of 61 deaths per 100,000 was double the rate of 30 per 100,000 in the northern suburbs. In Melbourne, Dandenong had a rate of 72 per 100,000, more than double the 35 per 100,000 in wealthy Stonnington.

A growing income divergence is driving this health gap. Earlier this year, Australian Tax Office data showed residents of Toorak taking home on average almost five times as much as people in Melbournes poorest suburb, Springvale, near Dandenong. Eleven years ago, the difference in earnings was 3.5 times. Over that period, income in Toorak rose by 82 percent from $95,416 to $173,808, but in Springvale only by 35 percent, from $27,047 to $36,421.

The Heath Tracker study found a lower level of physical activity among adults in poorer suburbs. Sydneys wealthier eastern and northern suburbs had shorter commuting times, permitting greater incidental exercise. As Sydneys house prices and traffic congestion reach impossible levels, residents in far-distant suburbs sit for hours in traffic jams or overcrowded public transport, reducing daily activity and increasing fatigue.

In addition, as one of the reports investigators, Professor Rosemary Calder, explained to the media, people in western Sydney may not have the resources for a bicycle or live in an area where its not very safe for children to ride to school because of distance, busy roads or industrial centres.

The planning of cities is increasingly subordinated to the profit system. Governments have abandoned their responsibility to build and upgrade urban infrastructure and handed it to major corporations. The result is poorly planned suburbs and substandard public transport. The privatised motorways that crisscross major cities can cost commuters hundreds of dollars a week in tolls.

Rising costs of fresh and nutritious foods are also a key factor. Fast food outlets become a compelling alternative, due to lower prices and rapid access, when there is little time or money to cook healthy meals.

A study at Melbournes Deakin University published in 2016 in the Journal SSM  Population Health found fast food outlets in the state of Victoria were concentrated in more socioeconomically disadvantaged areas.

Up to 80 percent of areas classified as the most disadvantaged had at least one fast food restaurant, compared to only 29 percent in wealthier areas. These outlets were also more likely to be close to primary and secondary schools in the most disadvantaged areas. In the richer suburbs, the nearest fast food restaurant was up to 2 kilometres from schools, double the distance in disadvantaged areas.

This confirmed previous studies in Melbourne, which showed the lowest-income postcodes had 2.5 times more fast food restaurants per person than the highest-income postcodes. The findings also supported evidence from studies in New Zealand and Britain.

Australias obesity and overweight rates are among the highest rates in the world, and worsening fast. The ABS 201415 National Health Survey found the total rate was 63 percent in adults, or 11.2 million people, up from 56 percent in 1995.

This is a global trend. Authorities such as the World Health Organisation say obesity rates have doubled since the 1970s and are now epidemic.

Delivering a series of lectures in Australia last year, epidemiologist Professor Michael Marmot provided overwhelming statistical data that established direct links between social inequality and health outcomes.

The latest reports underscore Marmots conclusion that wealth inequality is directly responsible for the poor health outcomes of capitalist society. They challenge the media-propagated myth that obesity is due to individual gluttony or laziness.

The immense and complex problems produced by poverty and social inequality can be addressed only from a social standpoint. What is required is a total socialist reorganisation of life so that food production and distribution, as well as health and education, are undertaken for human need, not corporate profit.

The author also recommends:

Professor Marmots lectures in Australia chart extent of health inequality

[21 December 2016]
In the lead-up to the G20 summit in Hamburg, and three months prior to Germanys federal election, a new frenzy of nationalism and militarism is gripping the ruling elite. One of the most blatant examples is the latest edition of the magazine Internationale Politik (IP), which is published by the German Society for Foreign Policy (DGAP).

The magazine issue is entitled Lets get going, Germany, and there is a picture of Chancellor Angela Merkel (Christian Democrats, CDU) on the front cover holding a beer stein. The editorial by chief editor Sylke Tempel declares that Merkels call in a Munich beer tent for a more independent German foreign and great power policy is a turning point in German foreign policy.

Merkels statementsThe times in which we could fully depend on others are to some extent over, and We Europeans must really take our fate into our own handssound so simple but could hardly have greater significance, Tempel writes. It is now necessary for the great task of building a unified European security policyi.e., a European military power under German leadershipto begin. Soft power is required for this, but also hard power and abundant resourcesLets get going, Germany.

The ruling class new preferred slogan, Lets get going, Germany, is repeated throughout the entire edition. On the first double page, which again shows Merkel in a beer tent, it is provocatively stated, Lets get going, Germany. Something has changed over the past twelve months. There is now a consensus that Europe must stand on its own two feet and that the Germans in particular are called upon to engage more strongly. High time for German foreign policy to become more strategic.

Whom is IP trying to impress with this? There is no consensus on Europe launching a major military build-up and Germany returning to an aggressive foreign policy: The majority of the population oppose this! There is merely a consensus in the ruling class, which is conspiring against the population to make Germany Europes leading military power once again, in spite of its crimes in two world wars.

In 2014, then German President Joachim Gauck, his Social Democrat successor Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and Defence Minister Ursula Von der Leyen announced the revival of German militarism at the Munich Security Conference. The ruling class is now exploiting Britains exit from the European Union and the election of Donald Trump to press ahead with the offensive it had already begun.

In the latest edition of IP, leading politicians and journalists boast in a manner that recalls even rhetorically the great power plans of the ruling class under the Kaiser and during Nazi rule. Under the headline More toughness, more generosity, appeal for a new German foreign policy in uncertain times, the foreign policy coordinator at the politics desk of weekly magazine Die Zeit, Jorg Lau, warns, Today, speaking dramatically, the issue is Germanys self-assertion in a crumbling West.

Lau considers Germanys self-assertion to mean nothing less than the enforcement of German imperialisms global interests if necessary without, and perhaps even against the US government. Lau does not only include in Germanys sphere of influence the immediate EU surroundings and the European periphery, which is formed by a crescent from Rabat to Donetsk. There is also the third ring, hardly anchored in the German consciousness, which runs between the islands thrown up by the Peoples Liberation Army in the South China Sea (through which German goods are shipped) to North Korea.

To realise his dream of a renewed grab for world power, Lau calls for a major military expansion. Instead of making the federal election a referendum over an allegedly dangerous military build-up, we should clarify the public about the new logic of German security: We must spend much more on defence, not because of, but in spite of Trump, not because he orders it, but because we want to counterpose something to his erratic policies.

In an interview provocatively entitled We grow with our tasks, Von der Leyen explains how far the government has already gone in doing this. It had been important to determinedly steer a new course and initiate a shift in spending trends due to the disparity between more challenging security situations and inadequate capabilities. The military budget has been increased several times since 2014 and will rise to 42 billion by 2021. In addition, she presented a plan to invest 130 billion last year. This was the minimum of equipping if we are to fulfill by 2030 the tasks we already see today.

To clarify the vast scale of these figures: this is more than three times the amount of the entire annual budgets for the departments Education, science and research, (17.6 billion), Health (15.1 billion), and Families, elderly, women and youth (9.5 billion).

But the ruling class is not only concerned with making working people pay for the military build-up through social cuts. It also wants them once again to defend German imperialist interests, arms in hand, and by committing new crimes. In a piece entitled Dare to have more ambitions, Jan Techau, director of the Richard C. Holbrooke Forum at the American Academy in Berlin, writes, Germanys supreme national interests are not freedom, peace and prosperity but remaining morally untarnished. In his current book Germany: a leading power, he writes, Whoever goes to war must generally take responsibility for killing people. Including the killing of non-participants and innocents.

When one reads such statements, it is easy to understand why leading media outlets, academics and politicians so aggressively defended Humboldt Universitys right-wing extremist Professor Jorg Baberowski in spite of his defeat in court. As the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (SGP) and International Youth and Students for Social Equality have demonstrated from the outset, his agitation against refugees, his call for waging brutal wars, and his downplaying of the crimes of the Nazis are directly bound up with the foreign policy shift of the ruling class.

Significantly, IPs advisory council includes Josef Joffe (Die Zeit), Gunther Nonnenmacher (Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung), and Markus Spielmann (Neue Zurcher Zeitung), all representatives of newspapers that daily drum up support for the return of German militarism and all of which defended Baberowski against his critics with lies and slanders. Jorg Lau is the husband of Mariam Lau, who recently defended Baberowski in a two-page article.

A glance at the leadership of the DGAP also reveals why the Left Party and its pseudo-left satellites have raised no opposition to the sharp shift to the right in German foreign policy. They are themselves part of this shift and are deeply integrated into the institutions of German imperialism. Along with the SPDs foreign policy spokesman Nils Annen, and the CDUs Elmar Brock, Sevim Dagdelen represents the Left Party on the DGAPs presidium.

The SGP is the only party which has exposed the foreign policy conspiracy from the outset and has placed the struggle against the return of German militarism at the heart of its federal election campaign. Its election statement declares,

The SGP and its sister parties in the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) are today the only organizations worldwide fighting for a socialist response to the global crisis of capitalism.

We reject all imperialist alliances and military blocs. We are for the dissolution of NATO and the European Union and fight instead for the United Socialist States of Europe. Our ally in the struggle against German militarism is the European, American and international working class.

We call on all those who are not willing to accept the return of German militarism, the increase in poverty and the rise of the right wing to support the SGP and its election campaign.
Washington has seized upon North Koreas test-firing on July 4 of a purported intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) to attempt to shift the focus of the upcoming G20 summit in Germany to condemnations of Chinese support for the Pyongyang regime.

The summit was expected to be dominated by the realignment of major European powers toward closer pan-Eurasian relations with China in response to the America First protectionist stance of the Trump administration. It has been preceded by talks between Russia and China, the commitment of the European Union and Japan to enter into a free trade agreement, and top-level meetings between German and Chinese officials on enhanced ties.

Now, Washington intends to push such moves into the background by demanding that the G20 nations line up behind its war buildup against North Korea, with the aim of whipping Germany and the EU into line and isolating China and Russia.

An emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council yesterday was used by Washington to hold Beijing responsible for what US ambassador Nikki Haley asserted was a direct threat by North Korea to deliver nuclear weapons to strike cities in the United States, South Korea and Japan.

It is by no means clear to weapons experts that the North Korean missile could even be armed with a nuclear warhead, let alone accurately reach a target. The White House, the Pentagon and most of the US media have nevertheless declared the test to be a transformative event that requires an immediate and bellicose response.

Once again threatening a possible unilateral American attack and a catastrophic war in East Asia, Haley declared that the US was prepared to use our considerable military forces against North Korea. She stressed that Washingtons intention is to demand that the entire world, and China above all, collaborate in a complete economic blockade of the underdeveloped and poverty-stricken country.

Much of the burden of enforcing UN sanctions rests with China, she asserted. Ninety percent of trade with North Korea is from China. She flagged that she will table a new resolution in the coming days outlining a raft of new sanctions, affecting air and sea links, currency transactions and the export of oil to North Korea.

In a blatant threat of economic reprisals if Beijing refuses to support such actions, Haley stated: There are countries that are allowing, even encouraging, trade with North Korea in violation of UN Security Council resolutions such countries would also like to continue their trade arrangements with the United States. Thats not going to happen. Our attitude on trade changes when countries do not take international security threats seriously.

Haleys statements were in line with two tweets sent by Trump some hours earlier, in which he adopted a hostile tone toward Beijing. In the first, referring to trade arrangements, he wrote: Why should we continue these deals with countries that do not help us? In the second, more explicit comment, he asserted: Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40 percent in the first quarter. So much for China working with usbut we had to give it a try.

Chinese and Russian UN representatives openly opposed the US ultimatums.

Both China and Russia still view North Korea as a strategic buffer between their own borders and US-aligned South Korea, which hosts considerable American military forces. North Koreas economic and political collapse would destabilise the region, including South Korea. For decades, Beijing has insisted that the tensions on the peninsula, which date back to the 195053 Korean War, can be resolved ultimately only by the withdrawal of the US from East Asia.

Chinas UN ambassador Liu Jieyi declared that military means must not be an option and counterposed to the US demands the joint communique China signed with Russia proposing a diplomatic solution. Beijing and Moscow have called for North Korea to suspend its nuclear and missile programs in exchange for the US ending military exercises and terminating the deployment of the THAAD missile defence system to South Korea, followed by longer-term talks.

Russias deputy ambassador Vladimir Safronkov was even blunter in rejecting Haleys statement. He stated that a military solution was inadmissible and that attempts to economically strangle North Korea are equally unacceptable, as millions of people are in great humanitarian need.

In an indication of the poisoned atmosphere that will prevail at the G20, Haley responded by accusing Russia of holding the hands of [North Korean leader] Kim Jong-un. If China and/or Russia does not support greater sanctions, she continued, the US will go our own path and take punitive actions against both countries. Presumably, the White House will also demand that the European powers do likewise, cutting across efforts led by Germany to develop a more independent stance from the US.

To a considerable extent, the White House is returning to the bellicose anti-China stance that characterised Trumps campaign in the presidential election. Trump made threats to brand Beijing a currency manipulator and impose sweeping tariffs on Chinese products.

Over recent months, with official American politics preoccupied with accusations of Russian interference in the US election, the question of trade war with China has not been centre-stage. Trump had instead lauded his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Beijings efforts to rein in North Koreas missile tests.

Such language has fallen by the wayside and been replaced with a series of calculated US provocations against China over recent weeks. These have included two military violations of Chinese-claimed territory in the South China Sea, encouragement of an Indian-Chinese border dispute, arms sales to Taiwan, and talk of Japan acquiring a range of offensive weapons that are technically prohibited under its constitution.

At the same time, the Trump White House has sought to accommodate itself to the anti-Russia campaign in Washington. It has imposed new sanctions over Ukraine and stepped up its rhetoric against Moscows military intervention in Syria.

Propelling the day-to-day geopolitical turmoil and shifts are more fundamental processes flowing from the collapse of the key mechanisms of the post-World War II economic and political order.

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the key objective of American imperialism has been to prevent the emergence of any single power or group of powers that could challenge US dominance around the world. US strategists have come to identify the possibility of China consolidating an alliance with Russia, and forging relations with Germany and other European imperialist powers looking to distance themselves from Washington, as the greatest danger to its global interests.

As the International Committee of the Fourth International stressed in its February 18, 2016 statement, Socialism and the Fight Against War:

As its global weight has grown, Beijing has promoted alternatives to the systems of investment and trade currently dominated by the United States and sought international support, including from the European and Asian allies of Washington. The United States fears that developments such as the formation of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and Chinas pursuit of its Silk Road initiatives in Eurasia will significantly undermine its position in the world economy.

The statement warned: The American ruling class has drawn the conclusion that the nuclear-armed states in Beijing and Moscow must be brought to heel, sooner rather than later. Washingtons objective is to reduce China and Russia to the status of semi-colonial client states, control the heartland,[of Eurasia] and rule the world.

In pursuit of this strategic agenda, US imperialism seeks to use every possible means to destabilise and undermine its rivalswhether they are nominally allies such as Germany or adversaries such as Russia. Washingtons reckless and incendiary actions, however, trigger inevitable counter-reactions. As in the years prior to 1914, the fault-lines of great power blocs are emerging, and with them the danger of world war.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - John Morgan was in Tallahassee Thursday morning to file suit against the State of Florida on behalf of the citizens and medical marijuana patients of Florida.

He announced that the lawsuit had been filed electronically at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday.

In a press conference, Morgan explained that his fight was not for recreational marijuana but was for medicinal use of the plant. He said that patients with ALS, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy rely on the medicine.

"The constitutional amendment that we put before the voters defined medical use. Medical use was very clear," Morgan asserted, "that a patient and a doctor would determine what's best for them. What's happened here is, the statute has decided to redefine medical use."

He said that the Florida legislature was overstepping their bounds. He cited that there were 400,000 people who were counting on the medicine and by limiting use, legislature was also eliminating the people's choice in the matter.

"And so the statute has placed their judgement in place of the doctor's and what the constitutional amendment stood for," Morgan said.

Back in 2014, Morgan was at the forefront of the battle for medical marijuana in Florida and played a major part in helping Amendment 2 get passed in 2016.

But now Morgan says that the Florida legislature has ignored the original goal of the amendment in favor of money and donors.

The medical marijuana advocate condemned the state's legal handling of smoking marijuana, saying that the only place they should've addressed it is in regards to smoking the plant in public.

He read out the original legislative intent of the amendment:

"'This section makes clear that the amendment does not require that the smoking of marijuana be allowed in public, unlike the proper use of medical marijuana in a private place, which is not illegal.'"

"That's the intent. That's what we said before we started," Morgan said. "So if I was going to give a first grader a test, and if I was to say to that first grader, 'listen here, if you go to a swimming pool and it says no swimming unless life guard on duty', the question for that first grader would be, 'can you swim with a life guard on duty?' The answer is yes."

"If smoking is not allowed in public, is it allowed in private? And the answer is as clear to all of you as it would be to any first grader taking first grade logic," Morgan asserted.

When asked why he was filing the suit, Morgan asserted it was because, "I'm right."

"I find myself here today and I shouldn't have to be here. And I think it's crazy what legislature has done to give me this platform. Because I'm right and 71 percent of Florida knows I'm right. So I'm gonna take this wherever it leads me."

Eventually the conversation turned to Morgan's rumored run for Florida Governor, but he gave no clear answers, telling the press that he was keeping his options open.

"When I go to the races, usually you have to bet on the race before the race starts, but I'm gonna have the advantage of letting the race take off, come all the way around and I don't have to make a decision 'til the horses are all coming down the stretch," Morgan explained. "So that's how I'm looking at all this."
The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will visit Bangor from 1:30-6 p.m. Wednesday, July 12.

The summer visit will be hosted at the Bangor High School Cafetorium, 700 10th St. All blood types are needed. Summer vacations always leave the blood supply at a low level with donors traveling.

Walk-in donors are welcome. If you prefer to make an appointment visit redcrossblood.org. Bring a friend and become a blood donor on July 12 in Bangor.
Two Wenas Valley brush fires on Friday, including one that threatened several homes, underscored what local firefighters already know: This is
You are the owner of this article.
The West Mark Street project, which began early last month, has hit something of a roadblock that could set it back as much as a week said West Salem Public Works Director Scott Halbrucker.

The recent discovery of a miss-marked gas line means construction crews are in a holding pattern until the line can be relocated.

Halbrucker, who had expected the street project to wrap up sometime in late July before the start of summer school at West Salem Elementary, said the relocation of the gas line could set the project back as far as a week.

It all depends on the weather, he said, adding that the project could get pushed back even farther.

The delay compounds the school districts existing concerns over student safety.

Buildings and Grounds Director Scott Johnson said the district is already taking steps to keep students out of the street as much as possible.

The Boys and Girls Club was scheduled to be in the elementary all summer long, Johnson said.

Johnson was able to relocate the BGC to the high school; however, many programs sponsored by Village Park and Recreation Department are still being held in the elementary school.

Elementary School Principal Ryan Rieber has asked parents to park in the high school parking lot and keep their eyes open for hazards when crossing Mark Street.

Halbrucker said the village and St. Joseph Construction Co. are working together to help reduce the risk.

Once summer school starts, they are talking with the school to coordinate to have a fence up along the sidewalk, he said.

Halbrucker said this is far from first, nor is it the worst delay the project has experienced.

He said the repairs to Mark Street were long overdue.

The road was literally falling apart, he said. I wanted it done last year.

Planning for the project began in 2012 when Halbrucker applied for federal funding to fix the road.

The village couldnt afford to do it on their own, he said and explained that Mark Street due to its proximity to the schools is considered a high traffic road and was eligible for federal assistance.

There are only certain roads that the village could get federal funding, he said.

It took nearly five years, to secure the funding, long enough that Halbrucker was forced to have the several inches of asphalt applied to the road cover up the deepest potholes.

More updates will be provided to the village by St. Joes Construction during a meeting set for 1 p.m. July 11 at the village hall.

Halbrucker said once Mark Street is complete the village will turn its attention to fixing East Avenue, between Mark Street and Mill Street. He said he expects the village will begin work on the project sometime in 2019.
Dave Sharma, who finished his four year service as as the Australian ambassador to Israel last month, left his replacement a list of tips for survival in the Jewish state.

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Australia has snakes, sharks, spiders, etc. Here in Israel, I explained to him, there are no dangerous animals, at least not outside the Knesset, says Sharma with a charming smile as he continues to lay out his tips.

Do not wear a suit; ties in Israel are only for funerals and official events. The tuxedos should be pushed deep into the back of your closet, you will not need it.

You must learn some Hebrew phrases. If anyone says to you, 'It will be alrightstart worrying. The word balagan means something isnt working at all, but in the end it somehow works out.

There is no such thing as a line in Israel. And its a waste of time to stand in one, because everyone will cut you and try to get ahead, and youll be the sucker who finds himself at the back.

Sharma, 41, was sad to leave Israel. If he could, he would have extended his term another year, but he already received a one-year extension, the maximum possible. During his time here, he managed to acclimatize to Israel, fall in love with the country, and get to know it in depth. One might say that he is one of the most Israeli ambassadors to have served here, and perhaps the most popular as well.

Sharma at his home (Photo: Tal Shahar)

He would travel almost 16 kilometres every day from his villa in Herzliya Pituah to the embassy on Yehuda Halevi Street in Tel Aviv (yes, there's a shower). When our photographer went to his house, he had just fixed a bicycle tire.

In the afternoon, Sharma would eat shawarma, falafel or sabih, and he knows where the best hummus is served, (Carmel Hummus in the Carmel Market, he reveals). And most of all, he will miss Israeli breakfasts and shakshuka.

Sharma was born to an Australian mother and an Indian father who lives on the Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago. His parents met in London. He was born in Canada, and at the age of four moved to Australia. He studied Law at Cambridge University, like his father, who is a lawyer. Despite his studies, he dreamed of becoming a doctor and even began studying medicine. However, he dropped out after a year and joined the Australian Foreign Ministry in 1999. As a diplomat, Sharma was considered a rising star. He served, among other things, as a political advisor at the Australian Embassy in Washington, and then as head of the International Department in the Australian Prime Minister's Office.

During his time in Washington, he became acquainted with Middle Eastern issues and began to show great interest in Israel.

"Israel looked to me like a fascinating and unique country in the Middle East, as well as a good place to live in, with Western values and a high standard of living, he says. "This is a country that is always on the news, and as a diplomat, you want to serve in a place that is in the headlines, and one in which the Foreign Ministry calls all the time and asks what is happening. I wanted to serve in Israel, but my wife told me: 'Are you kidding me? What will the children do? It's not safe.' The usual reactions from people who hear about Israel.

In 2013, he received an offer to serve as ambassador to Israel, but his wife vetoed it. Sharma recruited a close friend who worked as a journalist in Israel to try to convince her.

"He said to her: Israel is a wonderful place. You will see Tel Aviv, the beaches, you'll love the place. It took us a week before she said yes, but from the moment she arrived in Israel, she really fell in love. The truth is, this happens to all of the Australians who come here. At first, they are pretty shocked. They expect it to be tense, a lot of police and soldiers. But then they say: This is just like Australia and Western Europe. It's amazing to see the transformation they undergo. After a week in Israel, their hair is suddenly wild and they want to bring their families over.

How do you explain this? Is the foreign media distorting Israels image?

"I do not blame the media. There is a conflict they need to cover. But I think everything else happening in Israel is not being covered. If you do a Google search on Israel, you see confrontations at checkpoints, terrorist attacks, IDF operations in Syria: People think this is all that happens in Israel. even though there are hundreds of other things happening here."

Can it be changed, or is it a lost cause? There are terror attacks all over the world now, but other places are not branded in this manner.

"People all over the world now understand how the Israeli people are forced to live. Israel understands more than any country what other Western countries are going through. because it has been under the threat of terrorism for decades. Israel has proven a country can continue living normally without turning into a police state. I saw it during Operation Protective Edge. I was here during the terror attack at the Sarona Market , the terrible attack at the synagogue in Har Nof . The stabbings in Jerusalem, the car ramming attacks. I am always surprised and impressed by how fast the Israelis return to routine. I remember everyone returning to the beaches and filling up the restaurants the day after Operation Protective Edge ended. I visited Sarona Market a day after the attack and the shops were already open and people were not afraid to come back. It is very important."

Sharma and his embassy staff at Sarona Market following the terror attack.

The day after the attack in Sarona, you went with your embassy staff for coffee at Max Brenner. Why was it important to do that?

"It was a gesture of solidarity with the people of Israel. We wanted to say that if you are not afraid, we are not afraid. We received amazing and heartfelt responses from the Israelis, but we did not do it for the responses. We wanted to do something meaningful.

A farewell speech in Hebrew

Sharma was stationed in Israel at the age of 37. He is married to Rachel Lord and is the father of three daughters. The youngest, Daphne, is four years old and has lived most of her life as an Israeli. Sharma says his daughter has a warm Israeli temperament and only eats Israeli food (bourekas, shakshuka and hummus). Sharma often flavors his speech with Hebrew words"balagan" (mess), "shtuyot" (nonsense), "habibi" (my friend), "walla", "bo nathil" (let's get started), "sliha al haihur" (sorry for being late). When he speaks about Israel, his eyes light up, as if he were a Zionist or a Jeweven though he is not. At his farewell party, he gave a speech in Hebrew, declaring, "Israel will always be in our hearts, Israel will always be in our blood.

What has been your greatest achievement as an ambassador?

"There are a few. To have Prime Minister Netanyahu visit Australia was a great achievement. An Israeli prime minister had never visited Australia prior to this visit. It was a significant visit, not only symbolic. He promoted relations at all levels. In October, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will be visiting Israel to continue the process and to further strengthen Australia-Israel ties.

"We have also succeeded in advancing the hi-tech relations between the two countries, despite the massive distance20-hour flight and 15,000 kilometres. Australian start-ups are coming to Israel to get to know the local market, as do Australian investors. Today, 14 Israeli companies are on the Australian Stock Exchange. When I arrived in Israel, four Australian delegations visited a year. This year, there were 14. Its crazy. I cant keep up with it.

What about cooperation in the fight against terrorism?

"Australia has been facing both domestic terrorism and the external threat of ISIS and has been fighting against terrorists with an iron fist. Israel has been dealing with this for years and Australia has learned a lot from Israel. We have learned from you how to deal with terrorism while at the same time maintaining civil liberties and normal life. Many Australian counterterrorism police officers have visited Israel. You help us with issues like airport security, profiling, passenger screening, security at large-scale events, VIP security, intelligence gathering, locating individual terrorists on social networks and more."

Would you say that Israeli assistance has helped save the lives of Australian citizens?

"Definitely yes.

Ambassador Sharma says the Australian army is also involved in defending Israel's borders. There are Australian soldiers among the UN forces in the Golan Heights and in southern Lebanon. An Australian commander leads the multinational force in the Sinai Peninsula, both overseeing the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt and taking part in the war against ISIS in the peninsula.

Dave Sharma (Photo: Yuval Chen)

Australia is now considered one of the friendliest countries towards Israel. It is one of the only nations to consistently support Israel in important votes at the UN and it almost never condemns Israeli construction in the settlements.

"We support a two-state solution and the establishment of a Palestinian state, Sharma clarifies. But we focus on the practical elements in order to get there. This cannot be a zero-sum game where one wins and the other loses. The two-state solution will only work if it is a win-win for both sides. If we criticize one side, it will not necessarily motivate them to make difficult decisions and to make the compromises needed to implement the two-state solution.

"In the past, both sides had to make concessions and only focused on what they were losing instead of what they were gaining from a deal. In my opinion, this is why the efforts failed. I think the Trump administration is aiming for the agreement to be part of a regional framework in which both Israel and the Palestinians will stand to benefit.

"Israel is a democratic country and its leadership is democratically elected, and we cannot expect politicians here to make decisions that will lead them to lose power. The same thing applies to Mahmoud Abbas on the other side. He is dealing with local politics. The theoretical two-state solution does not make sense if you cannot sell it to your public.

Do you truly believe there is a chance to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians at this time?

I don't know whether I would get to see two states or a final status agreement in my lifetime, but that doesn't mean nothing can be done. There are steps that could improve trust, security and the quality of life. It might take another generation before we could reach a final status agreement. Look at the agreements Israel has with Jordan and Egypt. There's peace between your countries. It takes time.

Along with his love for Israel, Sharma is concerned about anti-democratic things happening in the country. Israels strength and its ability to survive depends on the vitality of its democracy, its liberal and pluralistic nature, its freedom of press and freedom of expression, no less than its military superiority, he says. "Values such as separation of powers and the free press, the fact citizens and organizations can criticize government policy without being outlawed or arrestedall of this makes Israel unique in the Middle East and grants it international legitimacy. Israel depends on the support of the West, which is based on shared values, shared morality and common governing methods. If Israel abandons these principles, in 20-30 years, it will not enjoy the same legitimacy and support it enjoys today.

According to Sharma, The democratic nature of Israel is as important as its Jewish nature, and I don't think you need to strengthen one at the expense of the other. Today, Israel's Jewish nature is expanding at the expense of its democratic and pluralistic nature. When you see things like this happening, it becomes increasingly difficult to identify with Israel from the outside. This is bad hasbara.

Ambassador Sharma and his wife have a soft sport in their hearts for the Ziv Medical Center in Safed. The hospital has treated more than a thousand Syrians wounded in the civil war raging in the neighboring country. When the ambassador first came to Israel, he was surprised to learn Israel was treating citizens of an enemy country. Since then, he and his wife have organized fundraising projects for the hospital.

What do you regret not being able to do during your tenure?

"That we have not yet established direct flights between Israel and Australia. I set this as a goal and discussed it with Netanyahu, Tourism Minister Yariv Levin and Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz. I also spoke with Australian airline Qantas. I believe we will see direct flights towards the end of 2018. I'm hoping to have Qantas do a pilot of direct flights to Israel this October, as 3,000 Australians are arriving on charter flights for the 100th anniversary events marking the liberation of Be'er Sheva from Ottoman rule in World War One (by ANZAC, Australian and New Zealand Army Corps). The prime minister of Australia will also participate in the event.

Sharma will return to Sydney and take half a year off to decide whether to return to the Foreign Ministry or retire. Based on the amusing video that the embassy produced, in which Sharma leaves a list of tips for his successor, he certainly can consider a career in acting.
Joaquin Navarro-Valls, a suave, silver-haired Spaniard who was a close confidant of Pope John Paul II, serving for more than two decades as chief Vatican spokesman, has died at the age of 80.

Manuel Sanchez, spokesman for the Opus Dei movement in Rome of which Navarro-Valls was a member, said he died Wednesday after a long illness. Opus Dei said on its website that he had been suffering from pancreatic cancer.

Navarro-Valls was fiercely loyal to John Paul, accompanying the Polish pope on most of his 104 international trips. He also performed delicate diplomatic missions, such as helping to prepare the pope's historic pilgrimage to Cuba.

Known for his coolness and restraint, Navarro-Valls nearly broke into tears when John Paul was dying in April 2005. He choked up and walked out of a conference room when a German reporter at a briefing on the pope's condition asked him how he personally felt.

"I was trying to keep my emotions in check, but then a reporter asked how I was experiencing the passing of the pope personally, and I couldn't control myself," he explained later.
The United States is prepared to discuss with Russia joint efforts to stabilize war-torn Syria, including no-fly zones, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Wednesday.

He added the United States wanted to discuss with Russia the use of on-the-ground ceasefire observers and the coordinated delivery of humanitarian aid to Syrians.

"If our two countries work together to establish stability on the ground, it will lay a foundation for progress on the settlement of Syria's political future," Tillerson said in a statement ahead of this week's Group of 20 summit in Germany.

The statement made no mention of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's future. The United States largely blames Assad for the six years of civil war and has called on him to step down.

Tillerson also said Russia had an obligation to prevent the use of chemical weapons by Assad's government.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Israel should definitely make us proud, but not for the reasons Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is thinking about.

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During the welcoming ceremony and reception at Ben-Gurion Airport, Netanyahu told the leader of the worlds biggest democracy: We waited 70 years for this. Hes right. But he didnt bother explaining why Israel and India established full diplomatic relations only 25 years ago. Even if Prime Minister Netanyahu prefers to ignore the answer, Foreign Minister Netanyahu is well aware of it: The Israel-India axis wasnt really born in Jerusalem or in New Delhiit was born in Oslo.

Ironically, or even absurdly, Netanyahu is waving this historical visit as proof that his foreign policy, which supports a diplomatic stalemate with the Palestinians, is bearing fruit. He is forgetting and trying to make us forget, however, that the purpose of this visit is to mark the 25th anniversary of a relationship which was established in spite ofand not thanks tothis policy. Because despite all the failures and disappointments created by the Oslo Agreements, the talks which began between Israel and the PLO (and later the Palestinian Authority) in the early 1990s drove the changes in the international system that allowed India to free itself from the bloc of non-aligned countriesand particularly from the influence of the Muslim states that controlled that blocand to move closer to Israel and establish formal relations with the country in 1992.

If and when India is forced to choose between Israel and the Arab statesduring a conflict with the Palestinians, for exampleall the hugs in the world wont really help us (Photo: AFP

There is no doubt that the two countries have gotten closer in recent years. This building relationship is both the result of the rise to power of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Modi, whichbeing a Hindu nationalist partydoesnt rely as much on the Muslim minoritys support, and the chemistry between Netanyahu and Modi. In international relations, however, there is no room for friendsthere is only room for interests. If and when India is forced to choose between Israel and the Arab statesduring a conflict with the Palestinians, for exampleall the hugs in the world wont really help us.

The map of interests in the region explains why: India has two strategic anchors in the Middle East which are crucial for its survival. The first is oil. More than half of its energy sources are imported from the region. And while its industry is only developing, so is its dependency on the Arab states and on Iran.

Second, about six million Indian work migrants are earning a living in the Middle East, mostly in Saudi Arabia and in the Gulf emirates. The annual sum they send back to India exceeds $30 billionseven times the volumes of Indias commerce with Israeland is a significant part of its foreign-exchange reserves. These are needs that Israel is incapable of providing and losses that it wont be able to cover.

So we mustnt delude ourselves. The Indian prime ministers visit to Israel doesnt prove that there is no diplomatic isolation , but quite the opposite: It points to the huge potential in reaching an agreement with the Palestinians, or at least in trying to advance negotiations. Israel and India have shared international interests, as the prime minister said, but solving the Palestinian issue and ending the occupation were and remain the key for the fulfillment of these interests. Just like the recent UNESCO vote illustrates, the Palestinian problem wont go away. Hugging Modi and being inspired by his enthusiasm for yoga wont get Israel out of it.

Dr. Yoav Fromer teaches politics and history at Tel Aviv University.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi left Israel at the end of a three-day visit on Thursday afternoon, but not before bidding the people of Israel goodbye in Hebrew on his Twitter page.

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"I thank the people and Government of Israel for their hospitality. This successful visit will add more energy to India-Israel relations," he wrote in both Hebrew and English to his 31 million followers.

Modi and Netanyahu say goodbye at the airport; below, their respective tweets.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu bid Modi farewell with a hug and a tweet of his own in Hindi, saying he was happy for the visit and hoping to meet with Modi again soon.

Modi leaving Israel (:  )

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Netanyahu and Modi had a busy day on Thursday, flying in a helicopter from Jerusalem to Haifa to visit the British military cemetery in which Indian soldiers from World War I are buried.

At the cemetery, they laid flowers on the soldiers' memorial and unveiled a plaque in memory of the Indian soldiers who fell in the battle to liberate Haifa.

Netanyahu and Modi on the beach (: ")

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Both leaders signed the guestbook as they paid tribute to the soldiers. In the memory of the brave soldiers of India who helped liberate our land. In deepest respect, Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of the State of Israel," the Israeli premier laconically wrote.

Modi and Netanyahu (Photo: Kobi Gideon/GPO)

Modi was more forthcoming with his words.

"I am deeply honored to stand here today to salute the valiant Indian soldiers, who laid down their lives for the liberation of Haifa in the First World War, he wrote.

Photo: Kobi Gideon

The exceptional bravery and supreme sacrifice of Major Shakur Dayat Singh, the 'hero of Haifa', and his men will be remembered forever and continue to inspire generations to come. Next year, the century of the Battle of Haifa will present another opportunity to mark this enduring bond between India and Israel. Jai Hindi.

Visit to the cemetery (:  )

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After the short ceremony, Modi and Netanyahu headed to a beach in Givat Olga located in the nearby city of Hadera and even dipped their feet in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

There, they attended a demonstration of a Galmobile desalination unit capable of supplying drinking water for 22,000 people per day and were briefed by the G.A.L. Ltd managing director. Both were given a chance to taste water that had been desalinated on the spot.

Photo: Kobi Gideon/GPO

At the conclusion of the brief trip to northern Israel, Modi and Netanyahu made their way to Tel Aviv where the Israeli prime minister had to excuse himself to take a phone call from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Photo: Kobi Gideon

Netanyahu and Modi later met at the Dan Hotel in Tel Aviv with the CEOs of Israeli and Indian companies in the context of the launch of an Israeli-Indian CEOs' forum to be chaired by Manufacturers Association President Shraga Brosh.

According to a statement released by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), 12 agreements worth as much as $4.3 billion were signed between Indian and Israeli companies at the first meeting of the forum, a joint venture with the Manufacturers Association of Israel (MAI).

"There was a consensus that the current trade volume amounting to just over $4 billion has the potential to reach $20 billion in the next five years. To realize this goal, the forum underlined key recommendations to two heads of states," the FICCI said in a statement.

Photo: Kobi Gideon/GPO

On Wednesday, Israel and India committed $4 million a year each over a five-year period to set up the Israel India Innovation Initiative Fund, or I4F.

The fund is modeled on the The Israel-United States Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation which has invested in more than 900 project since being founded in 1977 with an endowment of $30 million each from Israel and the US. BIRD has provided more than $300M in grants leading to $10 billion in direct and indirect revenues.

After the event a joint lunch was held, at which the CEOs presented their products. Afterwards they visited an innovation exhibit that included presentations by six Israeli companies and four Indian companies





Photo: Kobi Gideon/GPO

"Innovation is life. Israel is the 'innovation nation,' so is India," said Netanyahu. "Together we have tremendous potential, potential not only in markets but in creating new possibilities, new opportunities ... Around this table, on the Israeli side are people who run some of our most important companies, and they do so with great talent and with great skill. You have brought similar people from India."

On Wednesday, some 10,000 members of the Indian community in Israel welcomed Modi at an event in honor of his visit to Israel at the Tel Aviv Convention Center.
MK Yigal Guetta (Shas) felt ill during a visit to Prague with his wife and was hospitalized in a local hospital. His family is currently making efforts to fly him to Israel for medical treatment.

The Foreign Ministry said that the consulate in the Czech Republic had visited him and that Guetta is being cared for.
One could say Kyle Lang enjoys running.

The 20-year-old West Salem High School grad spent four years on the high school cross country and track and field teams. For his senior exit project at the school, Lang ran 101 miles to help raise funds for local non-profit organizations. This summer, hes been on an even bigger trek.

The passionate runner is in the middle of a more than 2,967 mile long journey across the U.S. to bring awareness and raise funds for three organizations: Every Hand Joined, United Way and Special Olympics New Jersey.

Every Hand Joined of Red Wing, Minn., is an organization that focuses on bettering todays youth. Lang told the La Crosse Tribunes Mike Tighe in February that the organization where he interns while attending Princeton University focuses on six areas  early childhood, alleviating childhood hunger, youth enrichment, math, literacy and college/career readiness.

Lang is currently just under halfway complete with his journey that started in Grayland Beach State Park on the Pacific Ocean in Washington and will end at Coney Island on the Atlantic Ocean. Its a journey thats in danger of not being completed.

The Langs have been using an RV for the first half of the campaign, titled Run United 2017. The RV was sponsored for the first half of the trip and the family planned to use their van for the second half of the trip. After completing the first half, they realized that it wouldnt be possible.

Theres just absolutely no way, his father, Mike Lang, said. Between him being able to shower, sleep, and us preparing his food, it just wouldnt be possible for us to do.

The Langs currently drive a couple miles ahead of their son and prepare food and snacks so he can be well-rested and fueled during his journey. The camper also gives him a place to rest during breaks.

After hearing of the concern, a group of West Salem community members, including Tina Thompson, decided that something needed to be done.

Their whole family is a big part of our community, and I felt that we needed to step up if they were to finish this journey. We wanted to help them because they are making a pretty big sacrifice this summer in order to better others, said Thompson, who worked with Lang for more than 20 years at West Salem Middle School.

A GoFundMe page was organized to raise $5,000, which will be used to rent or purchase a camper for the family to finish their journey. If one is purchased, the camper will be sold at the end of the trip and that money would also go to the various organizations.

There is little time to come up with funds; Kyle will be running through the La Crosse area around July 14 and thats when they will need the camper.

The whole family has had a tremendous impact on people all over and with Kyles involvement at Princeton, we wanted those friends to be able to donate too. Hopefully we can get people to step up and help out Kyle, his family, and these three awesome organizations, Thompson said.

To donate, people can visit the GoFundMe page at gofundme.com/kyles-camper.

Lang said that while the family doesnt want to beg others for support, they also realize that this is about helping others.

Were so appreciative for our hometown and are humbled that we have such an incredible support network, Lang said. Its been an adventure and we are so thankful to everyone.
US President Donald Trump is calling on Russia to stop its destabilizing activities in Ukraine.

He's also calling on Moscow to end its support for "hostile regimes." Trump specifically called out Syria and Iran.

Trump instead urged Russia to join the "community of responsible nations" in its fight against common enemies and the defense of civilization.

Trump's plea to Russia comes a day before his first face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin annexed the Crimean Peninsula in 2014, which the US does not recognize. Russia also supports separatist elements operating in Ukraine.

Trump included the message to Russia in a public address during a quick visit to Poland.
Five Israelis, two of them brothers, were indicted Thursday for stealing and selling weapons from the Sde Teman IDF base.

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The defendants are brothers Avishai and Lior Itach of Be'er Sheva, Alaa Masri of Kfar Qara, and Saied Masarwa and Hikmat Malham from the village of Arara.

The rifles (Photo: Israel Police)

According to the indictment, the two main defendants in the case, the Itach brothers, broke into the armory at the Sde Teman base in May by cutting the locks on the doors and stole 33 M-16 rifles.

Lior Itach was familiar with the base after having been employed in renovation work there, during which he also had access to the armory building.

Avishai and Lior Itach (Photo: Haim Horenstein)

Prior to the break-in and the theft of the weapons, the brothers met with two others, Guy Leibowitz and A. A.who later became a state witness against the defendantsand offered to sell them rifles, which they agreed to.

Couple of other weapons found (Photo: Israel Police)

All in all, the Itach brothers were paid over NIS 500,000 for the rifles.

Photo: Israel Police

Photo: Israel Police

With information from the state witness, police managed to track and seize 14 out of the 33 rifles. Thousands of bullets, magazines, and additional military equipment such as vests and laser markers were also found along with the rifles.

In addition, police found a large amount of drugs, such as ecstasy and hashish, with a street value of about NIS 200,000 and seized NIS 1 million and several vehicles.

The police suspect the rest of the weapons were sold to criminal organizations in the north, some of them in the Wadi Ara area, Kafr Qara and Umm al-Fahm.

The drugs found in Avishai Itach's home (Photo: Israel Police)

The defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit a crime, burglary and theft, theft under special circumstances, receipt of assets obtained in crime and various weapon offenses (possession, transportation and arms trafficking).

Avishai Itach was also charged with illegal drugs trade and conspiring to import drugs into Israel.
Israel's ambassador to UNESCO Carmel Shama-Hacohen insisted Thursday the UNESCO resolution denying Israel sovereignty over Jerusalem and condemning archaeological excavation in the Old City should not be viewed as a "loss," as many nations did not support the Palestinians' position.

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"This is a loss only if we look at it coldly and not deeply. This may be an achievement, but those who live here know that the Arabs left with disappointed faces; they expected a consensus. However, there are three countries that voted in favor of Israel against the proposal. Another eight countries abstained, including all of Europe. Meaning, the majority of countries in the committee did not support the Palestinian position," Shama-Hacohen told Ynet in an interview.

He also argued the resolution was mostly a symbolic gesture meant to influence world public opinion, but he did caution it could have tangible consequences. "This decision is primarily a struggle for opinion; a narrative that cannot be accepted. We have no problem that only one country supports us as long as the decision does not get a consensus. That is the real struggle here," he said.

Photo: Yoav Dudkevitz

The proposal was submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee by three Arab states. In the wake of Israeli pressure and an attempt to arrive at a consensus, the Arab states and the Palestinians softened the proposal's language.

Ten states supported the proposal: Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Lebanon, Tunisia, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Turkey, Vietnam, Zimbabwe and Cuba. Three voted against the proposal: The Philippines, Jamaica and Burkina Faso. Another eight countries abstained: Angola, Croatia, Finland, Peru, Poland, Portugal, South Korea and Tanzania.

"This is an extremely important issue. These are decisions that determine awareness in regards to Jewish holy sites, the capital of Israel and Hebronthe second holiest city," Shama-Hacohen explained.

Hebron

He also addressed a resolution scheduled to go to a vote on Friday to declare Hebron's Old City, where the Cave of the Patriarches is located, as a Palestinian World Heritage Site.

"The professional consensus also views the Palestinian request as one that ignores the Jewish and Christian connection to Hebron. This is an attempted Islamization and an effort to expand the conflict to one of culture and religion. We need the other international organizations the Palestinians are trying to be accepted into as a state to understand that this is an attempt to cause harm to Israel."
UN diplomats said Thursday Russia has blocked UN Security Council approval of a statement that would strongly condemn North Korea's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile and renew a pledge to take "further significant measures."

The diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity because discussions have been private, said North Korea's closest ally, China, had agreed to the text. They said discussions were continuing Thursday to try to find wording that all 15 council members would approve.

According to one diplomat, Russia objected because the proposed statement said the launch was of an intercontinental ballistic missile.
UNITED NATIONS - Russia objected on Thursday to a United Nations Security Council condemnation of North Korea's latest rocket launch because the US-drafted statement referred to it as an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), diplomats said.

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Security Council statements have to be agreed by all 15-members. It was not immediately clear if the United States would continue to negotiate with Russia in an effort to reach a council consensus on a statement of condemnation.

Moscow has said it believes Pyongyang fired an intermediate range ballistic missile on Tuesday, while China has not identified the rocket launched. North Korea said it tested an ICBM and the United States said that was likely true.

North Korea's latest ICBM test (Photo: Reuters)

"The rationale is that based on our (Ministry of Defense's) assessment we cannot confirm that the missile can be classified as an ICBM," Russia's UN mission said in an email to its Security Council colleagues.

"Therefore we are not in a position to agree to this classification on behalf of the whole council since there is no consensus on this issue," the email said.

The council met on Wednesday to discuss the missile launch by North Korea, which has been under UN sanctions since 2006 over its ballistic missile and nuclear programs.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley denounced Russia's reluctance to recognize that North Korea had test-launched an ICBM, which some experts believe has the range to reach the US states of Alaska and Hawaii.

"If you need any sort of intelligence to let you know that the rest of the world sees this as an ICBM, I'm happy to provide it," she told the Security Council on Wednesday.

The draft statement said the council would start work on "further significant measures" against North Korea. Since 2006, the council has ratcheted up sanctions on Pyongyang in response to five nuclear tests and two long-range missile launches.

Haley said on Wednesday the United States would propose new UN sanctions in coming days and warned that if Russia and China did not support the move, then "we will go our own path." She said Washington was ready to use force "if we must."

"If you are happy with North Korea's actions, veto it. If you want to be a friend to North Korea, veto it," Haley said of her plan to propose new sanctions.
BEIRUT -- The Syrian army said on Thursday it had extended a unilateral suspension of combat operations in southern Syria through the end of Saturday, but rebels said the ceasefire had already been violated by strikes on areas under their control.

The army had announced last Monday a ceasefire it said took effect from midday (0900 GMT) the previous day until Thursday and was being done to support "reconciliation efforts".
RIYADH -- A Saudi security officer was killed and six others injured on Thursday morning by an explosive device which targeted their patrol in eastern Saudi Arabia, said a statement carried by state news agency SPA.

The attack occurred in al-Awamiya, located in the oil-producing Eastern Province, a flashpoint between the Sunni Muslim government and minority Shi'ites complaining of discrimination.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)  Family and friends of Philando Castile on Thursday marked the one-year anniversary of his fatal shooting during a routine traffic stop, organizing vigils and celebrations and pushing to name a new police training fund in his memory.

Castile, a 32-year-old school cafeteria worker, was shot to death by St. Anthony police Officer Jeronimo Yanez last July 6, seconds after informing Yanez that he was carrying a gun. Castile had a gun permit. Yanez was acquitted of manslaughter last month after testifying that Castile ignored his commands not to pull out the gun.

It was the second, high-profile fatal shooting of a black man by Minnesota police officers in less than a year, exacerbating divides between law enforcement and the black community. It followed the November 2015 death of 24-year-old Jamar Clark, who was shot and killed by Minneapolis police officers after what onlookers described as a struggle. The officers involved in that shooting were not charged. Castiles shooting drew immediate attention because his girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, livestreamed the aftermath on Facebook. She was in the car with her then-4-year-old daughter.

Castiles mother, uncle and other family members gathered with Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton at the Capitol Thursday as they encouraged the states police training board to name the recently created $12 million training fund after Castile. His family members sounded both somber about his death and hopeful that such shootings can be prevented in the future.

This is not about my son anymore, said Valerie Castile, his mother. This is about the next generation of children.

Minnesotas Legislature set aside $12 million this year to help better train police officers in diverse communities, though its up to the states Peace Officer Standards and Training Board to formally name that fund. The specifics of the training would be also be worked out by the board itself, in conjunction with individual departments. Castiles family will have a say because Dayton appointed Clarence Castile, Philando Castiles uncle, to the 15-member board.

Dayton, who drew criticism last year for quickly suggesting Castiles race was a primary factor in his death, called it among the most traumatic events he has dealt with in his nearly seven years in office.

I believe this is a very positive step forward to begin healing, Dayton said Thursday. We have a responsibility, all of us who are in public service, to bring Minnesotans together.

Castiles family members planned to gather Thursday evening in Falcon Heights, the suburb where he was shot, for whats billed as a day of love and healing. It includes a candlelight vigil near the shooting scene. The family also plans a lantern release Friday night.

Castiles girlfriend is hosting an event Thursday afternoon in St. Paul.
United Nations: The United States cautioned on Wednesday it was ready to use force if need be to stop North Korea`s nuclear missile program but said it preferred global diplomatic action against Pyongyang for defying world powers by test launching a ballistic missile that could hit Alaska.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told a meeting of the U.N. Security Council that North Korea`s actions were "quickly closing off the possibility of a diplomatic solution" and the United States was prepared to defend itself and its allies.

"One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces. We will use them if we must, but we prefer not to have to go in that direction," Haley said. She urged China, North Korea`s only major ally, to do more to rein in Pyongyang.

Speaking with his Japanese counterpart on Wednesday, U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis underscored the "ironclad commitment" of the United States to defending Japan and providing "extended deterrence using the full range of U.S. capabilities," Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White said in a statement.

Mattis` assurances to Japanese Defense Minister Tomomi Inada came during a phone call to discuss the North Korean test, the statement said.

Taking a major step in its missile program, North Korea on Tuesday test launched an intercontinental ballistic missile that some experts believe has the range to reach the U.S. states of Alaska and Hawaii and perhaps the U.S. Pacific Northwest.

North Korea says the missile could carry a large nuclear warhead.

The missile test is a direct challenge to U.S. President Donald Trump, who has vowed to prevent North Korea from being able to hit the United States with a nuclear missile.

He has frequently urged China to press the isolated country`s leadership to give up its nuclear program.

Haley said the United States would propose new U.N. sanctions on North Korea in coming days and warned that

if Russia and China did not support the move, then we will go our own path.

She did not give details on what sanctions would be proposed, but outlined possible options.

"The international community can cut off the major sources of hard currency to the North Korean regime. We can restrict the flow of oil to their military and their weapons programs. We can increase air and maritime restrictions. We can hold senior regime officials accountable," Haley said.

Diplomats say Beijing has not been fully enforcing existing international sanctions on its neighbor and has resisted tougher measures, such as an oil embargo, bans on the North Korean airline and guest workers, and measures against Chinese banks and other firms doing business with the North.

Much of the burden of enforcing U.N. sanctions rests with China, Haley said.

The United States might seek to take unilateral action and sanction more Chinese companies that do business with North Korea, especially banks, U.S. officials have said.

China`s U.N. ambassador, Liu Jieyi, told the Security Council meeting that the missile launch was a "flagrant violation" of U.N. resolutions and "unacceptable."

"We call on all the parties concerned to exercise restraint, avoid provocative actions and belligerent rhetoric, demonstrate the will for unconditional dialogue and work actively together to defuse the tension," Liu said.

The United States has remained technically at war with North Korea since the 1950-53 Korean conflict ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty and the past six decades have been punctuated by periodic rises in antagonism and rhetoric that have always stopped short of a resumption of active hostilities.

Tensions have risen sharply after North Korea conducted two nuclear weapons tests last year and carried out a steady stream of ballistic missile tests

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said the ICBM test completed his country`s strategic weapons capability that includes atomic and hydrogen bombs, the state KCNA news agency said.

Pyongyang will not negotiate with the United States to give up those weapons until Washington abandons its hostile policy against the North, KCNA quoted Kim as saying.

"He, with a broad smile on his face, told officials, scientists and technicians that the U.S. would be displeased ... as it was given a `package of gifts` on its `Independence Day,`" KCNA said, referring to the missile launch on July 4.

Trump and other leaders from the Group of 20 nations meeting in Germany this week are due to discuss steps to rein in North Korea`s weapons program, which it has pursued in defiance of Security Council sanctions.

Russia`s deputy U.N. envoy said on Wednesday that military force should not be considered against North Korea and called for a halt to the deployment of a U.S. missile defense system in South Korea.

He also said that attempts to strangle North Korea economically were "unacceptable" and that sanctions would not resolve the issue.

The U.S. military assured Americans that it was capable of defending the United States against a North Korean ICBM.

Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis noted a successful test last month in which a U.S.-based missile interceptor knocked down a simulated incoming North Korean ICBM.

"So we do have confidence in our ability to defend against the limited threat, the nascent threat that is there," he told reporters. He acknowledged though that previous U.S. missile defense tests had shown "mixed results."

The North Korean launch this week was both earlier and "far more successful than expected," said U.S.-based missile expert John Schilling, a contributor to Washington-based North Korea monitoring project 38 North.

It would now probably only be a year or two before a North Korean ICBM achieved "minimal operational capability," he added.

Schilling said the U.S. national missile defense system was "only minimally operational" and would take more than two years to upgrade to provide more reliable defense.
Lahore: The minority Hindu community in Pakistan, it seems, continues to face discrimination, prejudice and intolerance.

Recently, dozens of Hindu families living in Haroonabad area of Bahawalnagar district in Pakistan`s Punjab province were asked to vacate their homes by June 28.

According to a report in The Nation, a notification was forwarded to residents of Chak 72/4R, asking them to vacate their homes immediately.

"You people have been living here at Jarnali Sarak (The Grand Trunk Road) illegally for a long time and it has been notified on June 13, 2017 that these houses will be vacated because you are illegal occupants of this property," The Nation quoted the notification, as saying.

"In other case the government property will be vacated with government`s force," the notification further said.

Minority Hindus make up more than one per cent of Pakistan`s 180 million-strong population, and have been facing discrimination in an Islamic-dominant Pakistan since the partition of the Indian subcontinent in August 1947.

It is alleged that this coercive removal of Hindus is being done under pressure from the owners of a housing scheme who want to build the front gate by demolishing the houses of Hindus, who have been living there for the last three decades.

Protest demonstrations against the notification and the local administration have been going on. The Punjab government has been asked to stop the local administration from getting the houses vacated.

Residents have claimed that there is an under hand agreement between the local administration and the owners of the housing society on this matter.

Pakistan Muslim League (Zia) and Bahawalnagar-IV MNA Ijaz-ul-Haq has said he will look into the matter and provide complete assistance to people.

Society of Hindu Balmiki Mandar (SHBM) president (Haroonabad) Harbans Lal Sultani said 69 Hindu families have been living on government designated land called `Jurnaili Murabba` since 1987 on the written orders of the then Bahawalnagar commissioner.

He added that allotment of five marlas to each Hindu family was completed when the Pakistan People`s Party was in power 1995.
Enforcement of the Minnesota buffer law is in Houston Countys hands after the Houston County Board of Commissioners agreed to oversee the task.

The board also approved a contingent tool stipend for the Houston County Highway Department Mechanic and discussed a second appraiser job listing at their June 27 meeting.

The new Minnesota Buffer Law came into effect in 2015. It uses the public water inventory maps, which were originally created in the 1980s, as a guide to whether or not the water area needs a buffer.

Buffers need to have an average of 50 feetwith a minimum of 30 feetof perennial vegetation seeded along the shore of the designated water mapped on the public water inventory maps.

For all cases, except designated exceptions, the buffers must be in effect by Nov. 1, 2017.

Enforcement of the law came down between the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources or Houston County.

Implementation by the county will provide some fundingabout $50,000 for fiscal year 2018 and a higher amount if you chose to continue into fiscal year 2019, said Houston County Planning and Zoning Administrator Aaron Lacher.

Commissioner Jack Miller voiced concern of a possible unforeseen addition to the countys staff to carry out the work.

There is so much overlap with other departments. Someone will be out there, said Dave Walter, the district manager for the Root River Soil and Water Conservation District. We will not bill over the amount.

Appraiser

Along the vein of employment issues, the board decided to wait before taking action on a competitive search for a second appraiser for the Houston County Assessors Office.

A seasoned appraiser recently gave his retirement notice for July 2019, leaving a second vacancy in the department.

As Houston Countys pay and location are not competitive enough to hire a seasoned appraiser, officials say, the search would look for someone to complete at least a year of training under one of the offices appraisers and complete their certification.

We used to have four appraisers plus an assessor, said Houston County Human Resources Director Tess Arrick-Kruger. Currently, we have an assessor plus two appraisers with one leaving in 2019.

A new appraiser would have to complete three years of training to compete with a seasoned appraiser.

The assessors office has gone five years without a third appraiser. This was a conscience choice as retired county assessor Tom Dybing and his office agreed to take on the positions work.

The conversation ended without any decisions as the board requested to speak with current county assessor Cindy Creswell-Hatleli at the Tuesday, July 11. meeting.

In Other News

After a lengthy debate, the board approved a $275 per month tool stipend for the highway departments mechanic.

The board had previously debated Arrick-Krugers recommendation of raising the tool stipend to $325 a month at another board meeting. The stipend had not been amended in over 10 years.

My heartburn comes in doing it at the price of $325 a month, Commissioner Justin Zmyewski said.

Zmyewskiwho is a certified mechanicalso found the current $275 per month excessive.

Id rather see the county purchase the tools themselves, he said.

The board will keep the $275 a month until budgeting time or when they make a decision about the tools. There was discussion that the county may just buy their own tools.
New Delhi: Jagga Jasoos has been in news for all the reasons, be it the fact of seeing ex-couple Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif after their much-talked-about breakup.

The movie added yet another fresh layer to Ranbir's body of work.

Speaking about the conception of the character of 'Jagga Jasoos,' Anurag Basu took a walk down the memory lane and shared, "When I was a child, I had stacks of Tintin's comics in my room".

Talking more about it, he said, "I used to love adventure stories when I was a kid. The setting and details of such stories often stay at the back of your mind and resurface when you are creating something of your own. Jagga Jasoos is my childhood playing on the screen."

Just after the trailer and teasers came out, there was a hullabaloo about Ranbir's hairdo.

"I am aware that the hairdo is the most obvious point of discussion," said Basu, adding, "I wanted to give Ranbir a unique hairdo. This look wasn't my first choice. When we started trying out different looks, there was one we liked, but it did not make him look very child-like, which was an essential. No other look, apart from this one, matched our narrative. It's a coincidence that it is the same as that of Tintin."

Anurag Basu said that even after the whole industry appreciated his previous release Barfi, his daughter didn't really like it. Now, he wanted to make something which children can attach to.

Talking about the vision of the film, Anurag Basu noted, "During my children's vacation, I am compelled to show them Hollywood films that cater to children, because Bollywood doesn't produce sufficient films for them. So, I wanted to make a film that children can enjoy, one that the entire family can watch and enjoy together. I sincerely believe we should make films that cater to all. It's tough, but we should try."

The film is an adventurous drama where Ranbir's character is on the look for his missing father.

The film's trailer and the newly released songs ' Ullu ka Pattha' and ' Galti se Mistake' and 'Jhumri Telaiya' have left the audiences in anticipation and people are eager to witness the world of Jagga Jasoos.

The film stars Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif in the lead with music composed by Pritam.

Disney and Pictureshuru Production's Jagga Jasoos directed by Anurag Basu is set to release on July 14.
Jodhpur: Superstar Salman Khan will appear before the Jodhpur Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) court on Thursday in connection with the blackbuck poaching case.

Advocate Mahipal Singh Bishnoi said the actor was earlier granted bail after signing a personal bond worth Rs 20,000, but since the then judge retired, the actor will have to present the documents related to the bail before the court.

"Salman Khan was granted bail by signing a personal bond worth Rs. 20,000. But, since the then judge has retired, he will have to present the documents related to the bail before the bench headed by Dr. Surya Prakash," Bishnoi was quoted as saying by ANI.

Earlier on June 14, the case was adjourned till July 6.

A Jodhpur court rejected prosecution's plea to summon the doctor who performed the post-mortem on the animal.

The prosecution, on March 1 in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case against Salman Khan, moved a city court seeking the first postmortem examination report of the animal and that of the police probe into its allegedly wrong autopsy.

The prosecution sought the two reports days ahead of the hearing of final arguments in the case of Kankani blackbuck poaching after the actor on January 27 deposed in the court that the first autopsy report by veterinarian N.P. Nepalia was correct.

In the post-mortem examination report, Nepalia had termed the dog bites-driven shock as the cause of death of the blackbucks. Nepalia's findings were subsequently rejected by a medical board, which said there were gunshot marks on the body of the slain animal.

During the shooting of Sooraj Barjatya's movie, 'Hum Saath Saath Hain' in 1999, Salman allegedly went on a shooting expedition along with actors Saif Ali Khan, Neelam, Sonali Bendre and Tabu, killing two blackbucks in Kankani village.

Following protests by the local Bishnoi community, a case was later filed against Salman and the other actors.

With ANI inputs
New Delhi: Bollywood is ready to experiment with fair on-screen pairings this season. The viewers will get to see Sidharth Malhotra and Jacqueline Fernandez in 'A Gentleman' which was earlier titled 'Reload'.

Sid shared the first look of how he is going to be presented in the film and we are drooling already. He is the sunder, susheel types wearing a nice blue crisp shirt, tie and chinos. He tweeted:

I know a sundar, susheel man is totally your type! @Asli_Jacqueline, just like me-Gaurav ! #AGentlemanSundarSusheelRisk pic.twitter.com/qQ4fuUir6Q  Sidharth Malhotra (@S1dharthM) July 6, 2017

The action comedy is directed by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, who made films like 'Go Goa Gone' and 'Shor in the City' previously. The film is scheduled to hit the screens on August 25, 2017.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday attended the first meeting of India-Israel CEOs forum in Tel Aviv.

As many as 12 strategic pacts envisaging investments worth USD 4.3 billion were signed between Indian and Israeli companies at the first meeting of CEO forum in Tel Aviv today, according to Ficci.

"The forum identified and stressed on the need to realise opportunities in focus sectors identified during the first meeting of CEOs forum. There was a consensus that the current trade volume amounting to just over USD 4 billion has the potential to reach USD 20 billion in the next five years. To realise this goal, the forum underlined key recommendations to two heads of states," the industry body said in its statement.

Post the meeting, the forum members called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and the co-chair from both sides submitted a brief meeting outcome report to them for developing future course of economic engagements.

The CEOs from both sides also identified focus sectors for mutual collaboration that included agriculture, irrigation, water treatment, urban infrastructure, transport (including high speed railways and metro), pharma, life- sciences, digital technologies, IT and ITes, start ups and innovation and defence and homeland security.

Talking trade, encouraging investments...Prime Ministers @narendramodi & @netanyahu at the CEO forum to boost economic ties. pic.twitter.com/Bzfongaluf

 PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 6, 2017

Ahead of the meeting, Shraga Brosh, President India-Israel CEOs forum, said, "The goal of the CEO forum is to increase the cooperation between the Indian and the Israeli businesses. We have identified a few sectors like agriculture, water treatment, healthcare, medical devices and others that we are sure we can reach a goal of 20 billion dollar."

"We have created six working groups dealing with each sector separately and experts from both sides will be part of this group," he added.

Eng. Amnon Ofen, member of the forum said that after Prime Minister Modi`s visit Indian investment in Israel would increase unlike earlier and would enable both sides to do mega projects and upgrade GDP of the Indian economy.

Meanwhile, Pankaj R. Patel, Deputy President of India-Israel CEOs forum said that 12 MoUS worth over 4.5 billion dollars have been signed between Israeli and Indian companies.

Both Israeli & Indian CEOs forum have joint declaration to work together in several sectors: Pankaj Patel, Dy Pres, India-Israel CEOs forum pic.twitter.com/rPFZD31LP0  ANI (@ANI_news) July 6, 2017

"We expect a lot of business development between the two sides with an aim of reaching a business of 20 million dollars in the next five years," he added.

Prime Minister Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister visiting Israel. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister along with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu paid homage to fallen Indian soldiers of World War I at the Haifa Cemetery.

With Agency Inputs
London: A UK court on Thursday rejected fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya's request to shift the final hearing date in his extradition case to next year and fixed it for December 4.

Mallya, who is wanted in India for Kingfisher Airlines' default on loans worth nearly Rs 9,000 crores, has been in the UK since March 2016 and was arrested by Scotland Yard on an extradition warrant on April 18.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian government, told the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London that they had "excellent cooperation" with the Indian authorities in the case and now had sufficient material to establish a prima facie case for the extradition of the 61- year-old former chief of erstwhile Kingfisher Airlines.

"We have completed a review of materials and I am happy to state that we have had excellent cooperation with the Indian authorities in this case," CPS barrister Mark Summers told the judge. "We are ready and willing to proceed and would invite the court to fix a hearing date at the earliest."

The CPS also informed the court that the Indian authorities had been "anticipating issues" that may block the extradition and had already been engaging on prison conditions in India by giving "detailed assurances" on the matter.

However, Mallya's defence team claimed they had received hundreds of pages of "further material being relied upon" as evidence only on last evening and that more time should be provided for them to review the material and keep a final date for hearing open in April 2018.

"Mallya is keen to engage as constructively as possible with these proceedings...But there remains ongoing uncertainty on the final case. We also need a detailed opening note explaining how all the evidence fits together," said barrister Ben Watson, arguing on behalf of Mallya.

The judge, Chief Magistrate Emma Louise Arbuthnot, agreed with the CPS to "progress with some rigour" and retained December 4 as the date for a final hearing in the case.

She directed the Indian side to provide a detailed opening note on the case to Mallya's defence team by July 31, after which another hearing to asses the progress in the case would be held on September 14.

The judge was also firm about the "skeleton" document on the case that would have to be submitted by both sides by November to not exceed 35 pages.

She once again told Mallya that she would allow him not to attend the next hearing in September, adding that she had inquired about restraining media within barriers outside the court on the request of his defence team at last month's hearing but it would be a "step too far".

When asked about his appearance despite being granted an exemption by the chief magistrate at last hearing on June 13, Mallya today said, "I do as my lawyers advise."

Watson earlier told the judge that "Mallya likes to attend the hearings if possible."

The Indian authorities believe their case is on a strong footing and all the evidence has been presented to the Crown Prosecution Service to argue India?s case for extradition.

"All documents and witness statements have been presented from the Indian side and the CPS is very happy with it. They are confident that all the evidence is in good order. So we are in good situation and all we hope is that the other side stop delaying," official sources told PTI.

In a statement, the Indian High Commission today said evidence presented makes out a strong prima facie case against Mallya. Despite delaying tactics, it has been possible to have an indicated date in December 2017 for the hearing and the UK counsel CPS will continue to work towards an expeditious hearing of the entire case, it said.

"In addition to the charge-sheets done by CBI, the Enforcement Directorate has also filed a charge-sheet against Mallya and the court has also issued a non-bailable warrant against him on July 5, 2017," the statement added.

After the hearing, Mallya told reporters outside the court, "Let them present whatever they want. We will present our case."

In April, he had 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.

The first case management hearing in the case took place on June 13, when December 4 had been pencilled in as a tentative final hearing date.

If the Chief Magistrate rules in favour of extradition at the end of the trial, the UK?home secretary must order Mallya's extradition within two months of the appropriate day.

However, the case can go through a series of appeals before arriving at a conclusion.

India and the UK have an Extradition Treaty, signed in 1992, but so far only one extradition has taken place under the arrangement ??Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel, who was sent back to India last October to face trial in connection with his involvement in the post-Godhra riots of 2002.

However, unlike?Mallya, he had submitted to the extradition order without legal challenge.


London: A defiant Vijay Mallya, the fugitive liquor baron sought by India for defaulting on several bank loans amounting to nearly Rs 9,000 crore, on Thursday appeared before the Westminster Magistrates Court in London for the hearing in his extradition case.

"I do as my lawyers advise," the 61-year-old former chief of erstwhile Kingfisher airlines said when asked about his appearance despite being granted an exemption by Chief Magistrate Emma Louise Arbuthnot at last hearing on June 13.

"This is a court. Let them present what evidence they have and we will present our case," he told reporters outside the court house before the start of his hearing.

Mallya was arrested by Scotland Yard in April and has been out on bail until December 4, the date tentatively fixed as the final hearing in the case.

The Indian authorities believe their case is on a strong footing and all the evidence has been presented to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to argue India's case for his extradition.

"All documents and witness statements have been presented from the Indian side and the CPS is very happy with it. They are confident that all the evidence is in good order. So we are in good situation and all we hope is that the other side stop delaying," official sources told PTI.

Mallya?had been exempted from attending today's hearing after his defence team claimed he was "swarmed by media cameras" on his entry to the court last month.

Barrister Ben Watson had urged the judge to impose barriers for the media outside the court for future hearings, to which the judge responded by excusing?Mallya?from the next court appearance while she looked into her authority to impose such barriers.

CPS, represented by Aaron Watkins, had presented the case in court on behalf of the Indian authorities.

Mallya's defence wanted a final hearing date in March or April 2018, claiming they are yet to receive the "final evidence" from the Indian authorities and also believe a second extradition request is coming.

The second request is believed to relate to the Enforcement Directorate?s (ED) case against?Mallya.

CPS had argued that the government of India will deal responsibly with any future extradition request and that a conclusion of the current case by December was preferable.

The CPS had met a joint team of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials in London in May to thrash out details of the case.

Mallya, who is wanted in India for Kingfisher Airlines' default on loans worth nearly Rs 9,000 crores, has been in the UK since March 2016 and was arrested by Scotland Yard on an extradition warrant on April 18.

"I don't make statements to the media because anything I say is twisted. There is enough evidence, that will speak," Mallya had said in court last month.

He had 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.

If the Chief Magistrate rules in favour of extradition at the end of the trial, the UK?home secretary must order Mallya's extradition within two months of the appropriate day.

However, the case can go through a series of appeals before arriving at a conclusion.

India and the UK have an Extradition Treaty, signed in 1992, but so far only one extradition has taken place under the arrangement ??Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel,?who was sent back to India last October to face trial in connection with his involvement in the post-Godhra riots of 2002.

However, unlike?Mallya, he had submitted to the extradition order without legal challenge.
New Delhi: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting to review the security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of slain Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) commander Burhan Wani's first death anniversary on Saturday.

Minister of State Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir, Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, Inspector General of National Security Guard (NSG) and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.

The concerns of the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir Government have augmented as the annual Amaranth Yatra is going on in the state.

The security forces and intelligence agencies are apprehending trouble in the Kashmir Valley on Wani's death anniversary.

Wani, who was the poster boy of the HM in Kashmir Valley, was gunned down in an encounter in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on July 8, 2016.

Widespread protests erupted in the Kashmir valley after Wani's death. Kashmir Valley was placed under curfew for consecutive 53 days and it was lifted from all parts on August 31, 2016.

However, the unrest continued for about five months after Wani's death in which 78 people, including two police personnel, were killed.

Considering the unrest post Wani's death, the Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered house arrest of separatist leaders like Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and Yasin Malik.

The Centre and the state government are leaving no stone unturned to make the annual Hindu pilgrimage secure and safe.

Providing security for this year's yatra has been a major concern for the Home Ministry as the pilgrimage is facing a terror threat, according to an intelligence warning.

The security officials, especially the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), have mobilised the highest level of security measures, including tracking systems through satellites and drones for the safe conclusion of the Yatra.

Even, before the commencement of the Yatra, Rajnath had chaired a security review meeting in which Ahir, Rajiv Mehrishi, Director of the Intelligence Bureau, Joint Secretary Kashmir and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials participated.

Ahir had earlier said the Amarnath Yatra is on the radar of Pakistan, but the Indian Government is prepared to tackle the issue.

This year till June, Pakistan supported terror outfits like Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba have launched around 22 attacks in Jammu and Kashmir in which 16 civilians, 57 security personnel have been killed.

The security forces also 102 terrorists.

The security forces got a big fish on May 27, when they killed HM 'commander', Sabzar Ahmad Bhat and his aide Faizan Muzaffar in Soimoh village of Tral in Pulwama District in an encounter.

Sabzar was the successor of Burhan Wani.
New Delhi: In a significant order, the Delhi High Court on Thursday asked the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to re-evaluate the answer sheets of all the subjects of all students who wrote the class XII examination this year and seek re-evaluation.

The CBSE has been directed to give benefit of the scheme of scrutiny to students who have a grievance that their answer books have not been checked as per the marking scheme.

A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar said "the relief is not confined only to the petitioners before it and shall be admissible to all the similarly situated students who seek re-evaluation of their answer sheets".

"The CBSE shall conduct the re-evaluation of the answer sheets of the petitioners as have been applied for by them without the prohibition contained in condition numbers (i), (iii) and (vii) of the notice dated June 28, 2017.

"The CBSE shall accept all applications for re-evaluation in all the subjects which the petitioners may apply for and conduct the re-evaluation forthwith," the bench said in an interim order.

The court's direction came on a plea filed by four students against the CBSE's June 28 notice imposing conditions that the right of applying for scrutiny was limited to 12 subjects only and up to 10 questions per subject.

The notice had also said that a revised marksheet would be issued only if the marks increased by five or were reduced by one.

These are the three conditions which the court said would not apply when a student seeks re-evaluation of his or her answer sheets.

The 12 subjects are -- English Core, English Elective (CBSE), English Elective (NCERT), Hindi Core, Hindi Elective, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Business Studies, Economics and Accountancy.

The petitioner students, who had moved the court, were seeking re-evaluation in subjects which were not mentioned in the notice issued by CBSE on June 28.

The CBSE had issued the notice in pursuance to a statement before the high court during the hearing of a batch of pleas that the aggrieved students could now approach the board under its verification scheme.

On the submission made by the CBSE, the bench on June 23 had disposed of the petitions.

However, a group of four students again moved the high court on the ground that the stipulations in the notice were in blatant violation of the statement made before the court.

Their counsel told the bench that the CBSE had in fact misled the court into disposing of the writ petitions in terms of the said statement.

Taking note of this, the bench observed that prima facie, the petitioners have made out a case for grant of interim orders.

"It cannot be denied that grave and irreparable loss and damage would enure to the petitioners so far as their admissions to colleges and universities are concerned. Balance of convenience is also in favour of the petitioners," it said.

The bench noted in its 10-page order that the relief has to be dispensed to all students who have undertaken the Class XII examination and seek re-evaluation.

The court also issued notices to the Centre, CBSE and the Delhi University on the plea and sought their replies within ten days.

The matter has now been fixed for further hearing on July 26.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Thursday sought the response of the Income Tax department on a plea against its order under the new benami law to attach some assets allegedly linked to Delhi Health Minister Satyender Jain.

Justice Vibhu Bakhru issued notice to the income tax department and directed it to file an affidavit on Jain's plea while listing the matter for hearing on October 11.

During the hearing, the I-T department said the petition should not be entertained.

However, Jain's counsel said the department has no jurisdiction. "Proceedings are without jurisdiction. I am a sitting minister and they are defaming me everywhere," he said.

The court then sought the I-T department's response explaining the issue raised in the petition.

"File an affidavit explaining whether you have the jurisdiction or not, as the same has been claimed by the petitioner," the judge said.

The I-T department has registered a case against Jain under the new Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act.

The department had provisionally attached the land and other assets worth over Rs 30 crore in this case.

The CBI, too, has registered a case against Jain on the I-T department's recommendation.

The assets were initially provisionally attached on February 27 and the order was extended on May 24 by the IT department till the time the adjudicating authority took a final decision.

The court had earlier observed there was nothing wrong with the I-T department's order under the new benami law to provisionally attach some assets allegedly linked to Jain.

The court had also refused to stay the proceedings before the adjudicating authority as was sought by the minister.

In his plea, Jain had said the attachment was done as per the amended provisions of the Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act of 1988 and claimed that the amendment of 2016 would not be applicable in the instant case.

He had contended that the alleged benami transactions, from the proceeds of which the attached assets were allegedly purchased, took place between 2011 to March 31, 2016 and therefore, the amendment which came into effect in November 2016 would not apply.

However, the court had said it was of the prima facie view that Jain would be covered by the earlier unamended provision also. The court had not issued notice in the matter and had renotified it for today.

The income tax department had earlier said the initiating officer has only passed a provisional attachment order and forwarded it to the adjudicating authority, which was yet to even issue a show cause notice.

It had said the adjudicating authority would give Jain an opportunity to be heard and cross examine the witnesses before taking a final decision.

The counsel for Jain, on the other hand, had claimed that witnesses were examined by the initiating officer before passing the order, but no opportunity for cross-examination was given to him.

The Delhi Health Minister's lawyers had said the purchase of assets from the proceeds of benami transactions, as contended by the income tax department, would not be benami as per the unamended Act.

The tax department has alleged that Jain had funded four companies in which he used to be a director prior to his election, and they in turn had bought land from the proceeds.

The minister had denied any involvement with the companies after his election.

Hundreds of bighas of land, allegedly purchased in and around Delhi by the four firms, have been provisionally attached by the department under the new benami law which carries a maximum punishment of up to seven years of rigorous imprisonment and a hefty penalty.
Even though all eight of the La Crescent-Hokah High School and Middle Schoolers returned from their service trip to the Dominican Republic, they may not stay in La Crescent for long.

I keep telling my mom that I am going to live there, said ninth-grader Riahna Bublitz. She keeps saying, Oh, youll go back, but Im like, You dont understand. I am going to live there.

The group took the districts second trip ever to the Dominican Republic with newly-retired sixth-grade La Crescent-Hokah middle school teacher Cyndy Reichgelt.

In the eighth grade, I teach this class called World Cultures, she said. As I was teaching this class, it came to me that most of these kids have never been exposed to another culture. A lot of them havent even been on an airplane.

Reichgelts thought-process bought her to the $3,000 per student Education First Tours. She planned a similar trip to the Dominican Republic in 2015 using EF.

I didnt want them to just be tourists, she said. I wanted them to see everything but also help the community. I chose EF, because it is service oriented.

The group left for the Dominican Republic June 15 and returned June 22. Although they stayed at the Blue Moon Retreat Center in Cabarete, Dominican Republic, the group spent each day working 45 minutes away at the Mariposa DR Foundation.

The Mariposa DR Foundation is a nonprofit in the Dominican Republic that helps girls of all ages with their education and health, while also providing job and life training.

In the Dominican Republic, school is only a half day. The other half is used to help the family by working or helping around the house, Reichgelt said. A lot of the people live in what we would consider extreme poverty. The mom needs the girls to help them cook ... Once the girls get to around 12-years-old the parents stop sending them to school.

School is free in the Dominican Republic, but the families still have to afford books and school uniforms. The costs cause families to either stop sending their children to school completely or choose between kids.

The foundations goal is to eradicate poverty by changing the cycle, Reichgelt said. They currently have 200 girls who come after school every day and 200 on a waiting list.

The La Crescent-Hokah students went to Mariposa every day during their service trip. In the morningsbefore the girls arrivedthey helped paint walls and beautify a trail at the entrance of the building.

Most of the girls parents think that they are adults at age 12. Most are married by 18-years-old, said ninth-grader Destiny Mullen. Im 13 so it would be like Id be pregnant and married by now. That floored me.

When the Mariposa girls arrived after summer camps, they would play games and talk with the students from La Crescent-Hokah.

The little girls taught us Chinese jump rope, said eighth-grader Madison Koenig. They tied two jump ropes together and in an oval they would stand. The jump rope was brought up to different levels from the ankles to the knees to below the butt and then to the waist. You had to do a pattern in between each level.

On Saturday, the group was accompanied by a tour guide to the town that a lot of the Mariposa girls are from.

It was eye-opening to see that, Mullen said. You didnt see as much poverty from the bus windows.

Although the trip was only a week long, the group learned a lot more than they thought they would.

It will change your view on pretty much everything, Bublitz said.

Even though Reichgelt retired at the end of the 2017-18 school year, she would be open to taking another group on a service trip.
New Delhi: The Delhi Police has registered a case against three Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs for allegedly manhandling and abusing a woman in the assembly premises recently.

In her complaint, the woman has accused Okhla AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, Malviya Nagar MLA Somnath Bharti and Tilak Nagar MLA Jarnail Singh of abusing and thrashing her on June 28, the police said.

"I had gone to see the proceedings of the House, but could not get the pass for the Visitor's Gallery. And, while I was standing outside the building, a group of men, who were engaged in a scuffle, came towards me.

"They pushed and shoved me. I was later taken to a room and kicked," she claimed in her complaint.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh, however, called the development "vendetta politics".

"This is vendetta politics by the Centre. We are surprised that the police has arrested only 15 of our MLAs (since coming to power)," he said at a press conference here.

AAP Delhi unit spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj said, "The record of Delhi Police has been very poor when it comes to cases against AAP MLAs. The force always faces flak by the judiciary whenever they take such cases to court."
New Delhi: The Opposition parties will meet on July 11 to discuss the upcoming Vice Presidential elections.

The Election Commission, earlier on July 4, issued a notification to file nominations for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election, slated to be held on August 6.

The Election Commission has fixed July 18 as the last date for making nominations, while July 19 will be the date for the security of nominations.

The last date for the withdrawal of candidates is July 21.

The poll, if necessary, will be conducted on August 5 and the counting will also take place on the same day.

As of now, neither the ruling NDA nor the Opposition has announced their vice-presidential nominee.

The term of Vice-President Hamid Ansari, who has held the post for two consecutive terms, will expire on August 10.

Secretary General of Rajya Sabha, Shumsher K Sheriff is the returning officer for the elections.
New Delhi: After Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a call to the well-heeled LPG consumers to give up their cooking gas subsidies, the Railways department seems to be mooting a similar idea for its passengers too.

As per a report in the Times of India, the government wants to give rail passengers a similar option to voluntarily forego the subsidy on tickets.

The plan will be rolled out next month, TOI said.

Quoting a source, the TOI said, railways will offer two slabs of subsidy surrender  50 percent and 100 percent of the subsidy amount.

Since last year, Railways had started printing the subsidy "burden" it is bearing in the train tickets to make passengers aware of the "real cost" involved in the travel.

Indian Railways recovers "only 57 percent" of the cost of travel on an average that can now be reflected on passenger tickets purchased from counters or online, Railway Board Member (Traffic) Mohd Jamshed had said.

While passengers travelling by suburban and short-haul trains account for 52 percent of the traffic, their share in total passenger revenues was just around 6-7 percent. This segment accounted for around 60 percent of the annual subsidy of Rs 34,000 crore, Jamshed had said.

Recently, a person travelling from Jammu to New Delhi saw the message written on his ticket about the 43 percent subsidy borne by the Railways during his train journey.

He then decided to forego the subsidy and sent a cheque of Rs 950 to IRCTC for a similar train journey undertaken by him and his wife on the Jammu Rajdhani.

He sent the cheque along with a letter addressing the railway minister stating that "he will never avail such financial benefits in future".
New Delhi: Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Israel, the bilateral trade between both the countries has increased significantly from USD 200 million in 1992-93 to USD 6,034 million in 2012-13.

Since then, it has, however, stagnated around USD 4 - 4.5 billion with bilateral trade (excluding defence) for 2015 being USD 4.14 billion.

Indo-Israel trade reached to nearly USD 4.2 billion last year.

During the early years, the trade between two countries comprised primarily of diamonds but it has diversified in recent years to include sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, IT etc.

Major exports from India to Israel include diamonds and metals, chemical products and textiles.

Major imports by India from Israel also include diamonds and metals, chemicals (mainly potash) and machinery and transport equipment.

It is estimated that almost 75% of bilateral trade in services flow from India to Israel.

Trade

Israel was India's 38th-largest trading partner, with trade of USD 5.02 billion (Rs 33,634 crore) in 2016-17, down 18 percent over 2012-13. The trade balance stood in India's favour at USD 1.10 billion (Rs 7,370 crore) in 2016-17.

Mineral fuels and oils are India's leading export to Israel, worth USD 1.01 billion in 2016-17.

India's major imports from Israel in 2016-17 included natural or cultured pearls and precious stones, worth USD 1.11 billion.

Trade in diamonds accounts for nearly 54 percent of the bilateral trade. Nearly 40 diamond dealers from India have opened offices at the Israeli diamond exchange in Ramat-Gan. Some of these dealers have been active in Israel for nearly 30-40 years.

Investment

In addition to direct investments, FDI from Israel to India also flows through USA, Europe and Singapore.

Israeli companies have invested in India in energy, renewable energy, telecom, real estate, water technologies, and are also setting up R&D centres and production units in India. The presence of Israeli companies in India has grown to 300.

While official data about Indias investments in Israel is not available, significant investments from India in Israel include 100 percent acquisition of Israeli drip-irrigation company Naandan by Jain Irrigation, controlling stake in Taro Pharmaceuticals by Sun Pharma and Triveni Engineering Industriesinvestment in Israeli waste-water treatment company Aqwise.

TCS started operations in Israel in 2005, and the State Bank of India opened a branch in Tel Aviv in 2007. During the last two years, Indian IT majors such as Infosys, Wipro and Tech Mahindra have also made notable investments in Israel.



Agriculture

India and Israel have a bilateral agreement for cooperation in agriculture. The bilateral action plan for 2015-18 is currently operational.

10 out of the proposed 26 Centers of Excellence in agriculture being developed in India with Israeli help have already been commissioned across different states such as Haryana, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat etc.

The two countries signed an MoU on Cooperation in Water Resources Management, as well as a Declaration of Intent to further cooperation in agriculture during the visit of President Rivlin to India in November 2016.

Foreign Trade Agreement

India and Israel have shown strong desire and political will to conclude an FTA. Seven rounds of negotiations have been held so far. The First round of negotiation was held on 26 May, 2010.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin also visited India last year with the hope that the visit would pave the way for FTA that will foster economic growth in both the nations.

It is expected that an FTA would raise the annual trade volume between the two countries threefold upto USD 15 million.

Foreign Trade Agreement between India and Israel would prove beneficial to both sides. Israels demand covers the maximum scope of customs book that is, around 80-90%. They are negotiating products from various sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, IT and agriculture.

An FTA will open the gates to those products which are not yet exported due to low competitiveness.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's unprecedented visit to Israel this week, India and Israel launched a five-year technology fund and agreed to holds talks for an investment protection treaty in a bid to boost trade and business ties.

The two nations agreed to put USD 4 million a year for five years into the Israel India Innovation Initiative Fund, or I4F, said the statement issued after Modi's talks with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu.

Besides getting Israeli technology firms to invest in India, the fund aims to spur Indian firms to open development centres in the Jewish state and invest in their technology ecosystem.

Huge opportunities exist in sectors like agriculture and pharma for India and Israel to boost their bilateral trade while businesses of both the sides can look at collaborations in sectors like solar, agriculture, irrigation and pharmaceuticals.

And with PM Modi's epic visit to Israel, it can be widely hoped that Israel will become a core partner for Indias economic modernisation.
New Delhi: The Republic of India and the State of Israel enjoy an extensive economic relationship which has grown exponentially in the last 70 years of robust association. While India became independent in 1947, Israel achieved freedom in the year 1948.

As of 2014, India is the third-largest Asian trade partner of Israel, and tenth-largest trade partner overall. Relations further expanded during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration.

Here we are comparing both countries on these basic economic indicators:

1) GDP (per capita):

Israel's GDP per capita stands at $39,125 (nominal; 2017) and $36,378 (PPP; 2017). India's GDP stands at $1,850 (nominal; 2017) and $7,153 (PPP; 2017).

2) Global Innovative Index (2017):

While Israel ranked 17 on the Global Innovation Index (2017) rankings, India stood at 60.

3) Human Development Index (2016):

According to the UN Development Programmes Human Development Report 2016, released, India ranks 131 of 188 when it comes to the Human Development Index (HDI). Israel stands at rank 19.

4) Trade:

Israel was India's 38th-largest trading partner, with trade of $5.02 billion (Rs 33,634 crore) in 2016-17, down 18 per cent over 2012-13. The trade balance stood in India's favour at $1.10 billion (Rs 7,370 crore) in 2016-17.

Mineral fuels and oils are India's leading export to Israel, worth $1.01 billion in 2016-17.

India's major imports from Israel in 2016-17 included natural or cultured pearls and precious stones, worth $1.11 billion.

5) Ease of doing business:

India stands at 130 in terms of ease-of-doing-index as per World Bank group rankings and Israel lies at 52nd position.

6) Unemployment:

As per International Labour Organisation (2017), India's unemployment rate is 3.4 percent and Israel's is 4.3 percent.

7) Trade balance:

From US$ 200 million in 1992 (comprising primarily trade in diamonds), bilateral merchandise reached $ 5.19 billion in 2011. Since then, it has, however, stagnated around $ 4 - 4.5 billion with bilateral trade (excluding defence) for 2016 being $ 4.16 billion. Though trade in diamonds constitutes more than half of bilateral trade, trade has diversified in recent years to include sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, IT etc. Major exports from India to Israel include diamonds and metals, chemical products and textiles. Major imports by India from Israel also include diamonds and metals, chemicals (mainly potash) and machinery and transport equipment. Though reliable figures of services are unavailable, it is estimated that almost 75 percent of bilateral trade in services flow from India to Israel.
New Delhi: Global warming and climate change are a result of ignoring the teachings of our ancestors, Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Wednesday.



The minister, who started a plantation drive here, said our ancestors handed over to "us a pure environment" along with some "principles of living" to protect it.



"Unfortunately, we did not pay much attention to whatever our ancestors had told us. That is why today threats of climate change and global warming have risen."



The minister said environment protection was in our DNA. "There is a tradition of feeding ants and birds in our country and thus protection of flora and fauna is inherent in our culture."



Harsh Vardhan said his ministry was preparing a data bank of doables - which everyone, from children to senior citizens, can take up on their own.



He added that the data bank will be made public to enhance awareness and to educate people on environment-related issues and create a sensitive society.



"The plantation drive is a token programme. In the days to come, we are drawing up several programmes that will make our environment pollution free," the minister said.


New Delhi: The Great Barrier Reef has been left off the United Nations cultural body UNESCO's 'in danger list' despite recent widespread destruction of the World Heritage Site.

The decision, which came as a great relief for Australia and a big win for the Malcolm Turnbull government, was taken at a UNESCO committee meeting in the Polish city of Krakow.

The announcement overnight also allows Australia's conservative government to dodge political embarrassment and potential damage to the country`s lucrative tourism industry.

"We`re taking every action possible to ensure this great wonder of the world stays viable and healthy for future generations to come," Australia`s Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg told Australian Broadcasting Corporation Radio.

Australia`s management of the Great Barrier Reef has come under sustained criticism amid the biggest ever coral die-off as a result of the strongest El Nino in 20 years, a weather event that scientists believe is exacerbated by climate change.

Eager to head-off charges that it was failing the World Heritage Site, which was recently pegged at being worth $56 billon to Australia, the Coalition government of Turnbull lobbied all 21 UNESCO members.

Australia`s commitment to tackling climate change has been questioned by the government`s lingering love affair with fossil fuels. Coal is the country`s second-biggest export earner and the government is supporting a new $4 billion mine planned by Adani Enterprises which would ship millions of tonnes of coal through the waterways of the Great Barrier Reef.

Adani`s Abbot Point terminal, located adjacent to the reef, would also need to be expanded to accommodate all the extra traffic. This, environmentalists claim, would release plumes of soil and debris over the reef, causing damage to its ecosystem.

"An endangerment listing, as tragic as that would be, would be a more realistic representation of the state of reef and would at least force the federal government to act on climate change," said Alix Foster Vander Elst, Greenpeace Australia Pacific campaigner.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk termed the decision as 'good news'.

"What I want to really see now is that more and more people from, not just from across Australia, but from across the world, come and show their support for the Great Barrier Reef," she added.

Despite endorsing Australia`s management plan, the World Heritage Committee said it still had concerns about water quality targets and land clearing laws in Queensland.

Hence, it urged Australia to accelerate its efforts to improve water quality, describing it as "essential to the overall resilience of the property".

(With Agency inputs)
New Delhi: One of the largest icebergs at the South Pole is poised to break off from Antarctic ice shelf, say scientists. The deep crack in the Antarctica's Larsen C ice shelf continues to cut across the ice.

While the iceberg remains attached to the ice shelf, its outer end is moving at the highest speed ever recorded on this ice shelf.

It has tripled in speed to more than ten metres per day between June 24 and 27, according to scientists of Project MIDAS, a UK-based Antarctic research project.

When it eventually gives way, one of the largest icebergs on record will be set adrift.

Monitored by the Copernicus Sentinel-1 radar pair, the crack in the ice is now around 200 kilometres (km) long, leaving just five km between the end of the fissure and the ocean.

European Space Agency's (ESA) CryoSat Earth Explorer satellite carries a radar altimeter that will measure the height of the ice surface before the 6,000 square kilometre iceberg is spawned.

The information is used to work out how the thickness of sea ice and land ice is changing and, consequently, how the volume of Earth's ice is being affected by the climate.

"Using information from CryoSat, we have mapped the elevation of the ice above the ocean and worked out that the eventual iceberg will be about 190 metres thick and contain about 1,155 cubic kilometres of ice," said Noel Gourmelen from the University of Edinburgh in the UK.

"We have also estimated that the depth below sea level could be as much as 210 metres," Gourmelen said.

Icebergs calve from Antarctica all the time, but because this one is particularly large, its path across the ocean needs to be monitored as it could pose a hazard to maritime traffic.

(With PTI inputs)
Brussels: Belgian prosecutors said Thursday they were looking for further suspects in an emerging terror investigation and that they feared a possible attack.

"We are still looking for several terrorism suspects," Eric van der Sypt, the spokesman for the federal prosecutors` office, told VTM television, adding, "We fear they may feel cornered."

On Wednesday, police charged two brothers of a convicted jihadist with belonging to a "terrorist group," suspected of planning an attack with a large stash of weapons including Kalashnikov rifles.
Brussels: Japan and the European Union agreed a free trade pact on Thursday to create the world`s biggest open economic area and signal resistance to what they see as U.S. President Donald Trump`s protectionist turn.



Concluded in Brussels on the eve of meetings with Trump at a summit in Hamburg, the "political agreement" between two economies accounting for a third of global GDP is heavy with symbolism.



It leaves some areas of negotiation still to be finished, although officials insist the key snags have been overcome.



"Ahead of the G20 summit tomorrow, I believe Japan and the EU are demonstrating our strong political will to fly the flag for free trade against a shift toward protectionism," Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told a joint news conference with EU institutional chiefs Donald Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker.



The "win-win" deal was, Abe said, "a strong message to the world".



In the works for four years, it has been pushed over the line towards a final treaty signature in the coming months by the election of Trump and his moves to ditch a Pacific trade pact that included Japan and leave talks with the EU in limbo.



"Although some are saying that the time of isolationism and disintegration is coming again, we are demonstrating that this is not the case," European Council President Tusk said.



Juncker, president of the executive European Commission, played down prospects of any further negotiating problems and said he hoped the treaty could go into effect early in 2019.



Fears of cheaper import competition for European carmakers and Japanese dairy producers were among the thorniest issues, but officials said the two sides were driven by a shared alarm at Trump`s apparent shift away from multilateral open trading systems towards an aggressive "America First" policy.



Tariffs on much of their bilateral trade -- which Abe noted accounts for some 40 percent of total international commerce -- will be phased out over some years, and other economic areas, such as Japan`s public tender system, will be opened up.



European farm lobby Copa-Cogeca called it "good news". Wine exporters alone should save 134 million euros a year in duty and no longer be a big disadvantage to U.S. and Australian wineries.



The Japan Business Council in Europe, representing Japanese firms in the EU, said it would create "mutual prosperity". The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association also welcomed it.



Both the EU and Japan, which are also forging a parallel cooperation pact on broader political issues such as security, crisis aid and climate change, forecast that the trade deal will boost economic growth and employment in Japan and in Europe.



One detail to be ironed out is how complaints from business over how authorities apply the treaty will be dealt with. That is a touchy subject in Europe due to concerns that trade pacts give too much power to big multinationals. European parliaments nearly blocked a deal with Canada last year over such issues.



Juncker stressed the EU would not accept "private tribunals" ruling between business and states. But Greens in the European Parliament, which must ratify the treaty, were not impressed, complaining of a "rushed procedure" that was "not serious".



Much remained unclear or unresolved, their leader Ska Keller said, calling also for it to do more to stop Japanese whaling.



EU tariffs of up to 10 percent on Japanese cars will be phased out over seven years. Most EU food exports, including chocolate and biscuits, will see tariffs end over time. Duty of up to 29 percent on hard cheeses like Parmesan will fall to zero over 15 years. Quotas on soft cheeses like feta and mozzarella will still protect Japan`s culturally sensitive dairy sector.



Japan will respect over 200 EU geographic protections on product names, like Parma ham or Polish wodka. Scotch whisky might not benefit, however, as Britain leaves the EU in 2019.



Tusk took the opportunity to scoff at arguments in Britain for Brexit on the grounds that London could cut itself better trade deals without the EU`s economic weight behind it.



In an ironic nod to Brexit supporters` rallying cry of "Global Britain", Tusk, a former Polish premier, signed off a tweet confirming the Japan deal with the words "Global Europe!"
Returning to paid on-street parking in downtown La Crosse was not on the agenda Monday at the La Crosse Judiciary and Administration Committee meeting. But it was on peoples minds.

I think the ultimate fix to this is going to be going to metered parking downtown. I think that is going to take care of this issue once and for all, Common Council President Martin Gaul said during debate about whether to adopt language into city code clarifying existing rules on time-limited free parking.

It will spur major debate when we get down that road, he said.

The remote pay station system the city plans to launch in parking ramps in August could be used for paid on-street parking as well, Parking Utility coordinator James Flottmeyer has said. Parking meters would not need to be installed.

In opposing adding the language, Common Council member Scott Neumeister said its premature given the paid on-street parking talk.

It does seem to me that we are obviously going toward meters, and that is something thats obvious and has been brought up, Neumeister said. Why do we want to ruffle the feathers well before that time? It seems like were going to do this and then six months down the road here again were going to talk meters ... Then were going to get the media and everyone all up in arms.

Council member Jacqueline Marcou said parking has become a four-letter word in her house, and paid on-street parking cant come soon enough.

The committee advanced all the actions related to parking on the Monday agenda so theyll go before the full council Thursday, July 13. Those include moves to give the Parking Utility and Board of Public Works more flexibility and recreating the time-limited free parking ordinance to reflect current enforcement practices.

The committee also approved tweaks to snow emergency and downtown night parking ordinances to change director of public works to superintendent of streets.

The Parking Utility and Board of Public Works will gain flexibility in accommodating the needs of the growing number of residents downtown by removing the designation of streets as boundaries in the Business District at Night ordinance, according to Assistant Police Chief Robert Abraham.

Because of the changes in the downtown area, weve heard from citizens that are now living in the downtown area and having problems finding places to park overnight, Abraham told the committee. The current ordinance restricts one-hour parking between the hours of 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. essentially anywhere between Second Street and of Sixth Street in that downtown area. As you know there is a lot of residential area coming into that downtown area and there have been several requests to loosen those restrictions.

He noted there are numerous reasons to restrict downtown parking in those hours, such as snow removal, street sweeping and other maintenance tasks that would be hampered by parked cars.

He added: What this will do is allow the Parking Utility Board and the Board of Public Works to look at individual cases on a case-by-case basis, so if there is a block that they could loosen the parking restrictions to allow residents to park in that area, to park their vehicles on the street between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m., this change will give them flexibility.

The rewritten ordinance will read: No vehicles shall be parked on any street for more than 60 consecutive minutes between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. where official signs are posted.

The new title of the ordinance is 1-hour Night Parking.

Downtown resident and property owner Phil Addis asked that requests be taken on a building-by-building or owner-by-owner basis rather than block-by-block.

Gaul said a downtown resident parking permit system is something that can be considered in the future.
Warsaw: President Donald Trump affirmed U.S. commitment to the defence of NATO allies on Thursday in a Warsaw speech that gently criticized Russia, and said Western civilization must stand up to "those who would subvert and destroy it".



In his second trip to Europe as president and shortly before leaving for a potentially fractious G20 meeting in Germany, Trump appeared at pains to soothe US allies after unnerving them in May by failing to endorse the principle of collective defence enshrined in Article Five of the NATO treaty.



As a presidential candidate, Trump called NATO obsolete, but he has since changed his position on the alliance`s relevance.



The president also had tough words for Russia on Thursday, though he did not fully endorse allegations, backed by U.S. intelligence agencies, that Moscow interfered in the 2016 presidential election that he won.



Trump meets President Vladimir Putin for the first time face-to-face on Friday in Hamburg, the site of the G20 summit.



"We urge Russia to cease its destabilizing activities in Ukraine and elsewhere and its support for hostile regimes including Syria and Iran, and to instead join the community of responsible nations in our fight against common enemies and the defense of civilization itself," he said.



The Kremlin said Russia was not guilty of any destablizing activity.



The brief visit to Warsaw, to take part in a gathering of regional heads of state, was billed by the White House as an effort to patch up relations with European allies after a tense NATO summit in May.



Trump was received by enthusiastic crowds on a central Warsaw square, some 15,000 people according to police estimates, many arriving on busses organised by parliamentary deputies of the ruling conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party.



Many carried U.S. flags or placards with photographs of Duda and Trump. Some wore t-shirts with American flag colours.



Trump reiterated criticism of low defense spending levels by many European nations and praised Poland for meeting the alliance`s target of spending two percent of economic output on defense.



"To those who would criticize our tough stance, I would point out that the United States has demonstrated not merely with words but with its actions that we stand firmly behind Article 5, the mutual defense commitment," he said to applause.



Article five of NATO`s 1949 founding charter states that an attack on any member is an attack on all, and allies must render assistance, military if need be.



The stopover was a major diplomatic coup for Poland`s conservative government, which has faced mounting criticism from Brussels over its democratic record and a refusal to accept migrants fleeing war in the Middle East.



The eurosceptic administration agrees with Trump on issues such as migration, climate change, coal mining or abortion, and wants EU institutions to give back some of their powers to national governments.



"We are against abortion, we promote life. These values are shared by president Trump. There is no other leader who would evoke God in his speeches so frequently," said Lukasz, a 30-year-old teacher from the seaside city of Szczecin, who travelled to Warsaw with 40 others.



"We`ve discussed our mutual commitment to safeguarding the values at the heart of our alliance: freedom, sovereignty and the rule of law," Trump said in a joint press conference after meeting Polish President Andrzej Duda.



In what was likely veiled criticism of the European Union, Trump condemned "the steady creep of government bureaucracy" and cited the importance of national sovereignty.



In his speech near a monument that commemorates the 1944 Warsaw Uprising against Nazi Germany, the president painted the fight against terrorism, illegal immigration and excessive government powers as an existential one.



"The fundamental question of our time is whether the West has the will to survive...Do we have enough respect for our citizens to protect our borders? Do we have the desire and the courage to preserve our civilization in the face of those who would subvert and destroy it?" he asked.



European and other G20 partners have a view of Western values that does not align with Trump`s. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has allowed scores of Syrian refugees into her country, drawing both criticism and praise, and has made fighting global warming a top priority at the summit.



Trump has decided to pull the United States out of the Paris accord on climate change.



Trump`s repeated mention in his speech of the Warsaw Uprising against Nazi occupiers resonated strongly with supporters of the Law and Justice party.



Many conservative Poles see the event, in which thousands died and Warsaw was razed to the ground, as a defining moment in Polish history, symbolising the country`s struggle against its powerful neighbour to the west, Germany.



"Honour to the heroes!," they chanted when Trump mentioned the uprising.



But Trump`s welcome of Lech Walesa, the legendary hero of the Solidarity movement that shook communist rule in the 1980s, drew boos from the crowd, underlining deep divisions in Polish society over the country`s recent history and values.



The PiS believes Walesa, who won a Nobel Peace Prize, was a communist-era collaborator and see his term as president between 1990 and 1995 as a time when Poland lost sight of its Catholic identity.
Gurugram: A 21-year-old tenant from Uttarakhand was killed after his landlord and others allegedly pushed him from the fourth floor of a Paying Guest House here, police said on Thursday.

A police officer said the deceased, Ramesh Singh Bisht, lived in U Block of DLF Phase 2.

Bisht and other tenants protested following the non-availability of water and power late on Wednesday night.

Police said the landlord, Satbir Singh, and his two sons along with eight to 10 men reached the spot and allegedly pushed Bisht from the fourth floor of the building.

The victim was rushed to a hospital where doctors declared him dead.

A case of murder was registered against Satbir Singh and others, who are on the run.
New Delhi: In a huge embarrassment for the Congress, arms dealer Abhishek Verma on Thursday submitted before court that he has threat perception from the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case accused Jagdish Tytler.

Fearing for his life, Verma asked the court to provide him two PSO guards for 24 hours full-proof security cover.

Earlier, Verma had deposed before the CBI that Tytler had told him in 2008 that he had met the then prime minister Manmohan Singh after which he got a clean chit over his alleged role in the case.

The Congress leader is accused of leading a mob in Pul Bangash area in 1984 that led to the killing of three Sikhs.

The premier investigating agency had earlier given a clean chit to Tytler in the case but reopened the investigation following a December 4, 2015 court order in the wake of Verma's allegations.
New Delhi: 2001 saw the highest number of terrorists killed in anti-terror operations since the outbreak of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir about three decades ago, a leading security think-tank has said.

According to the South Asia Terrorism portal, 92 terrorists were killed till July 2 this year, however the figure is likely to change by the year end.

This is 13 more than 79 killed in the corresponding period of 2016.

In the previous year, a total of 165 terrorists were killed in J&K.

However, the 2001 terrorists' toll continues to be the highest since 1988, with a total of 2,850 fatalities, the data compiled by the think-tank showed.

2002 and 2003 also witnessed a record number of terrorists killed, with 1,714 and 1,546 deaths respectively.

But the year 2000 saw the second highest number of terrorists killed, with 1,808 fatalities.

In the last 10 years, 2008 was the deadliest, with 382 terrorists killed.
Chennai: Amid China's increasing presence in the Indian Ocean, India, Japan and the US are to deploy their frontline warships, submarines and aircraft for the mega Malabar naval exercise that kicks off in the Bay of Bengal from Friday with a focus on anti-submarine warfare.



The July 7-17 exercise comes amid reports of Chinese warships in the Indian Ocean Region in the name of anti-piracy operations, and Beijing's aggressive posturing in the South China Sea.



Malabar is a joint exercise between India and US, which now has Japan as a permanent partner. Australia wanted to participate as an observer this year but was not included, following reservations by China.



With focus on anti-submarine warfare, the exercise will see Maritime Patrol and Anti-Submarine Warfare Aircraft P8-I from India and P-8A Poseidon aircraft from the US work together.



The frontline ships set to participate in the exercise that has evoked sharp reactions from China in the past include India's aircraft carrier - the 45,400 tonne INS Vikramaditya - a modified Russian Kiev-class aircraft carrier, and the American 100,020 tonne supercarrier USS Nimitz that can carry 90 fixed wing aircraft and helicopters.



Japan is bringing along its helicopter carrier, the 27,000 tonne JS Izumo, and 6,300 tonne destroyer JS Sazanami.



India will also have a conventional submarine participating in the exercise, while the US has a Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine.



Other ships of the US Navy include guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59); guided-missile destroyers USS Howard, destroyer USS Shoup, and destroyer USS Kidd.



Besides a P8I maritime surveillance aircraft, India will also deploy two Kamorta class anti-submarine warfare corvettes - the first anti-submarine warfare stealth corvettes built in India.



Also participating from the Indian Navy will be two Shivalik class frigates - the first stealth warships built in India, two destroyers, a Kora class 1,350-ton guided missile corvette, and tanker INS Jyoti.



Malabar 2017 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises that has grown in scope and complexity over the years to address the variety of shared threats to maritime security in the Indo-Asia Pacific, a US embassy statement said.



The exercise will feature both ashore and at-sea training.



While ashore in Chennai, training will include subject matter expert and professional exchanges on carrier strike group operations, maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations, surface and anti-submarine warfare, medical operations, damage control, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), helicopter operations, and visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations.



The at-sea portions will be conducted in the Bay of Bengal and are designed to advance participating nations' military-to-military coordination and capacity to plan and execute tactical operations in a multinational environment.



Events planned during the at-sea portions include liaison officer professional exchanges and embarks; a photo exercise; submarine familiarization; high-value unit defence; air defence exercises; medical evacuation drills; surface warfare exercises; communications exercises; search and rescue exercises; helicopter cross-deck evolutions; underway replenishments; gunnery exercises; VBSS exercises; and anti-submarine warfare, the release said.



"Indian, Japanese and US maritime forces have a common understanding and knowledge of a shared working environment at sea. Each iteration of this exercise helps to advance the level of understanding between our Sailors, and we hope to be able to continue this process over time. As members of Indo-Asia-Pacific nations, our maritime forces are natural partners, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen our bonds and personal relationships," a statement from US embassy said.



China has in the past expressed reservations over the Malabar exercise turning into a multi-lateral one.



In 2007, Australia was included along with Japan in the exercise. But concerns expressed by China led to its withdrawal.


New Delhi: Amid soaring border tensions with India, Chinese official media has said Beijing should reconsider its stance over the Sikkim issue.

The state run 'Global Times' in its report accuses New Delhi of inheriting the brutal colonial policies of Britain and pursues regional hegemony at the sacrifice of tiny Himalayan nations.

The state-controlled media has urged the Chinese citizens to fuel pro-independence movement in Sikkim. As long as there are voices in Chinese society supporting Sikkim's independence, the voices will spread and fuel pro-independence appeals in Sikkim, the report stated.

With certain conditions, Bhutan and Sikkim will see strong anti-India movements, which will negatively affect India's already turbulent northeast area and rewrite southern Himalayan geopolitics, the report further said.

China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan tri-junction for past 19 days after a Chinese Army's construction party attempted to build a road. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.

India has said Beijing's action to "unilaterally determine tri-junction points" is in violation of a 2012 India-China agreement. According to the agreement, the boundary will be decided by consulting all the concerned parties.

The two countries share a little over 200 km of border in the Sikkim sector.

China's state-run media on Wednesday had quoted Chinese analysts as saying that Beijing would be forced to use a "military way" to end the standoff in the Sikkim sector if India refuses to listen to the "historical lessons" being offered by it.
New Delhi: There is no question of a conducive atmosphere or not because India did not ask for a bilateral between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the G20 summit in Germany's Hamburg city, an Indian official, who is accompanying the Indian leader, has said.

The comments come after Beijing ruled out a one-on-one between the two leaders, saying the atmosphere was not right for a bilateral, amid a standoff between the two armies at the Sikkim border.

But we did not ask for any meeting, so where is the question of atmosphere being conducive or not, the Hindustan Times quoted an Indian official, who is reportedly accompanying the prime minister to Israel, as saying.

He further said, reportedly requesting anonymity, that the two countries were likely to allow their armies to resolve the Doklam stand-off.

On Thursday, a Chinese foreign ministry official said in Beijing that The atmosphere is not right for a bilateral meeting, between the two leaders.

The G20 summit will begin in Hamburg on Friday.

The Dokalam plateau is in the tri-junction between India, Bhutan and China. Tensions started after a PLA construction party tried to build a road.

India has said Beijing's action to "unilaterally determine tri-junction points" is in violation of a 2012 India-China agreement, which says the boundary will be decided by consulting all concerned parties.

India and China share a little over 200-km border in the Sikkim sector.

China's state-run media on Wednesday in an opinion piece said that Beijing would be forced to use "military" to end the standoff in the Sikkim sector if India refuses to listen to the "historical lessons" being offered by it.
New Delhi: With China on Thursday hardening its stand amid the soaring border tensions with India, the expected bilateral meet between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi seems to be in jeopardy.

"The atmosphere is not right for a bilateral meeting between President Xi and PM Modi," a Chinese Foreign Ministry official said ahead of the G20 Summit in the German city of Hamburg from tomorrow.

President Xi Jinping and PM Modi were expected to meet on the sidelines of the G20 Summit to resolve the standoff.

China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan tri-junction for past 19 days after a Chinese Army's construction party attempted to build a road. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.

Also Read: Chinese media says Beijing should rethink stance on Sikkim's 'independence'

India has said Beijing's action to "unilaterally determine tri-junction points" is in violation of a 2012 India-China agreement. According to the agreement, the boundary will be decided by consulting all the concerned parties.

The two countries share a little over 200 km of border in the Sikkim sector.

China's state-run media on Wednesday had quoted Chinese analysts as saying that Beijing would be forced to use a "military way" to end the standoff in the Sikkim sector if India refuses to listen to the "historical lessons" being offered by it.

China shuts Nathu La pass for pilgrims

The China on Wednesday said it was willing to discuss the possibility of alternative arrangements through other routes for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims who had planned the journey via Nathula Pass, suggesting that the mountain pass in Sikkim was not open anymore for the pilgrimage.

'Indian military can choose to return with dignity or be kicked out'

Chinese official media has warned that the Indian military can choose to return to its territory with dignity, or be kicked out of the area by People's Liberation Army (PLA).

A harshly written editorial in Global Times, said that Chinese public believe that PLA is powerful enough to expel Indian troops out of Chinese territory.

The state-run media has also opined that Beijing should reconsider its stance over the Sikkim issue.

The state-controlled media has urged the Chinese citizens to fuel pro-independence movement in Sikkim. As long as there are voices in Chinese society supporting Sikkim's independence, the voices will spread and fuel pro-independence appeals in Sikkim, the report stated.

India of 2017 different from India of 1962, Arun Jaitley reminds China

After China asked the Indian Army to learn from "historical lessons", Defence Minister Arun Jaitley last week said that the India of 2017 is different from the India of 1962.

In an oblique reference to the 1962 war, China had demanded a withdrawal of the Indian troops from the Sikkim sector as a pre-condition for a "meaningful dialogue" to resolve the current stand-off there and asked the Indian Army to learn from "historical lessons".

Also Read - Withdraw troops 'immediately' and 'unconditionally' before talks, China tells India

Mincing no words, Jaitley, meanwhile, said at an event: "If they (China) are trying to remind us, the situation in 1962 was different, the India of today is different."

The minister added that the Bhutan government had made it clear that China was trying to claim Bhutanese land and said this was "absolutely wrong".
New Delhi: With the Narendra Modi government giving a free-hand to Indian Army, its counter-terror offensive has started yielding positive results.

According to a ToI report, the forces involved in counter-terror operations have killed as many as 92 terrorists till July, this year.

This is 13 more than 79 killed in the corresponding period of 2016, the report said.

Interestingly, the number of terrorists eliminated by the security forces so far this year has surpassed the year-wise figures for 2012 and 2013 when Congress-led UPA was in power at the Centre.

In fact, the numbers of terrorists killed in counter-insurgency operations so far this year have surpassed the year-wise figures for 2012 and 2013 when UPA was in power at the Centre.

As compared to 72 and 67 terrorists neutralised by the security forces in J&K in 2012 and 2013 respectively, the numbers picked up during NDA's tenure, touching 110 in 2014, 108 in 2015 and 150 in 2016.

"Terrorists killed till July 2 this year are only slightly less than killings through 2014 and 2015," a senior home ministry official was quoted as saying, attributing the successes to seamless coordination between the Army, central forces, state government and intelligence agencies.

"The forces have been given a free hand to track and intercept the terrorists holed up in the Valley, before launching intelligence-based operations with due mapping of the target and how to neutralise terrorists with minimum collateral damage," he added.

The official further stated that among the 92 terrorists killed in J&K till July, most of them were most wanted and highly active in Kashmir.

The official also informed that infiltration also saw a decline. While 371 infiltration cases were recorded in 2016, the number declined to 124 till May-end this year.

While at least 168 terror-related incidents were recorded till July 2 this year as compared to 126 in the corresponding period of 2016, stone-pelting cases also witnessed a sharp decline with 142 incidents till June 2017.

Importantly, in July 2016 alone there were as many as 820 incidents, triggered by the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen leader Burhan Wani on July 8.
A business that cleans garments and fabrics hopes to tidy up a North La Crosse property by relocating.

CRDN of Western Wisconsin is planning to buy adjacent properties at 722 Rose St. and 613/615 Hagar St. to consolidate its La Crosse operations and expand.

The La Crosse Plan Commission and then the Judiciary and Administration Committee approved rezoning the parcels Monday from Commercial District to Local Business District to allow for combining the parcels.

CRDN stands for Certified Restoration Dry-cleaning Network. The company inventories and restores garments and fabric items affected by fire, smoke, water mold or other contaminants, according to a letter to the city petitioning for the zoning change.

The owner is James Wille.

The company has been operating for many years in La Crosse, but their operations are scattered between locations at 620 Cass St. and 60 Copeland Ave., attorney Phillip Addis wrote in the letter. They would like to bring everything together, all operations and the office functions, under one roof and also expand the size and capacity of their facility.

The properties are owned by the Kish family and contain two buildings. One is a former Kwik Trip, which Wille intends to remodel. The other building with a Hagar Street address will be removed to allow for a new, larger building.

Though currently there is outside storage on the site by the occupants from time to time, there is no intended outside storage for CRDN, Addis wrote.

City planning staff recommended approval despite some concerns about the design of the larger building and making certain Wille and any potential successors understand in that zoning the business cant grow beyond 12 employees at the site.

Addis said at the meeting that CRDN is willing to work with the city on any design issues.

On the zoning limit regarding employees, Addis said his client is well-aware of the restriction, but resisted seeing the restriction written into any covenant with the city.

(CRDN is) going to be at eight (employees), Addis told the Plan Commission. I guess the day you get to 12 would be great because that means business is huge. Its not a labor-intensive business, its a building- intensive business. You need a building that houses all of the equipment.

Despite all of these concerns, we find the zoning request to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, planning director of Jason Gilman read from a staff report at the Plan Commission.

According to preliminary plans for the new building, it will be a metal building with prefabricated concrete panels on three sides and anodized storefront windows. A loading dock large enough for a semi-trailer will be on the alley side.
Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted the invitation of his 'friend' Narendra Modi to visit India very soon along with his family and 26/11 survivor 'baby' Moshe, who is now 11-years old.

Reciprocating to PM Modi's invitation, Netanyahu said, Sure, Id be glad to visit India. Our partnership will only strengthen with time. Our match is made in heaven.

The Israeli leader has also offered to bring along 'baby' Moshe Holtzberg, the Israeli child who survived the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, during his forthcoming visit to India, the boy's family claimed.

"Netanyahu, who met Moshe along with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, offered to ferry him in his aircraft when he visits India," Moshe's grandfather Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg was quoted as saying by PTI.

"During his meeting with Modi, Moshe told him that he wants to visit Mumbai and become the director of the Chabad House, where his parents were killed," Rosenberg claimed.

"Modi was kind and told Moshe that he was free to visit India any time he wished. Modi assured of all help to Moshe and our family," he said.

PM Modi, in a special gesture, met Moshe, now 11, along with his grandparents and Indian nanny Sandra Samuels who managed to escape with him from Nariman House which came under attack by Pakistan-based LeT terrorists.

"Moshe welcomed Modi in Hindi, saying 'Aapka swagat hai humare desh mein'," Rosenberg said.

Moshe was two when his parents Rivka and Gavriel Holtzberg, serving as emissaries of Chabad in Mumbai, were killed along with six others by terrorists at the Nariman House, also popularly known as Chabad House.
Tel Aviv: On the third day of his highly successful and 'memorable' visit to Israel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday visited the Haifa India Cemetery to pay tributes to the Indian soldiers who fought in World War I.

PM Modi was accompanied by his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu as the two laid wreath at the cemetery for Indian soldiers in Haifa.

PM Modi lays wreath at cemetery for Indian soldiers of WWI in Haifa #IndiaIsraelFriendship pic.twitter.com/O4xBgowIsc  ANI (@ANI_news) July 6, 2017

PM Modi and Netanyahu also unveiled a plaque commemorating Major Dalpat Singh regarded as the World War I hero in Haifa.

PM Modi and PM Netanyahu unveil plaque commemorating Major Dalpat Singh(WW1 hero) in Haifa #IndiaIsraelFriendship pic.twitter.com/HViNGcqnwj  ANI (@ANI_news) July 6, 2017

Major Dalpat Singh Shekhawat, who led the Jodhpur Lancers, had played a critical role in libertaing the port city of haifa in 1918.

Jodhpur Imperial Service Lancers, supported by Mysore and Hyderabad Lancers, as a part of the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade captured the town of Haifa in September 1918.

Every year on September 23, the Indian Army marks Haifa Day.

From Tech To Terror: India, Israel Sign Seven MoUs

Earlier on Wednesday, India and Israel elevated their ties to the strategic partnership level, vowing to do "much more together" to combat growing radicalisation and terrorism while pitching for strong action against those financing and providing sanctuaries to terror groups.

At the same time, both the countries signed seven agreements to step-up cooperation in key sectors like space, agriculture and water conservation after PM Narendra Modi held in-depth talks with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.

The two leaders addressed the media after one-on-one and delegation level talks.

PM Modi said, "we are of one view that together our scientists and researchers would develop, build and implement mutually beneficial solutions in the field".

PM Modi added that Israel is among the leading nations in the field of innovation, water and agricultural technology and "these are also among my priority areas in India's development".

"We agreed that efficiency of water and resource use; water conservation and its purification, productivity increases in agriculture are key areas in deepening our bilateral cooperation," he said.

On his part, Netanyahu said the two leaders recognised that their countries faced forces of terror which seek to undermine peace and stability.

Netanyahu added that he had a feeling that India and Israel were today changing "our world and may be changing parts of the world.

The Israeli leader also talked about cooperation in fields of water, agriculture and health and said these affected the lives of people.

He said they also talked about cooperation in third countries including Africa.

A joint statement issued after the talks said, "Strong measures should be taken against terrorists and terror organisations and all those who encourage, support and finance or provide sanctury to terrorists and terror groups".

Direct flight service between Delhi-Mumbai-Tel Aviv

PM Modi Making a major outreach to the Indian diaspora in Israel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday urged them to visit India more often and announced plans to launch flight service to Tel Aviv from Delhi and Mumbai.

"Now a Delhi-Mumbai-Tel Aviv air service will be initiated. And so I invite youth of Israel to visit India," Modi announced amid thunderous applause.

Modi made the announcement while addressing the Indian Diaspora in Tel Aviv's Convention Center.

Air India had earlier announced to start direct flight between Delhi and Tel Aviv. The flight service was to start in May but the launch was delayed as several countries, which fall in the selected route, denied the overflight permission.

Air India used to operate directs flights to Israel from Delhi until mid-1990s and Mumbai until early 2000. The flights were withdrawn for commercial reasons.
New Delhi: National political parties had collected Rs 287.89 crore during the five Assembly elections in 2016 but the expenditure incurred was only Rs 188.12 crore, according to a analysis by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).



The report also said that of 25 regional parties which contested the five state assembly elections have not submitted their election expenditure statements for at least one of the assembly elections.



Some of these parties were National People's Party, Janata Dal-Secular, Revolutionary Socialist Party, Kerala Congress-Mani, the DMDK, the Rastriya Janata Dal, the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party, the All Jharkhand Students Union and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha.



"Based on the details provided, the regional parties collected a total of Rs 67.22 crore and incurred an expenditure of Rs 213.97 crore," said the report.



2016 saw assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.



According to the ADR report, the election expenditure reports of political parties contain information on the funds collected at the central headquarters of the party as well as at the state level.



"The national and regional parties collected a total of Rs 190.23 crore at the central level, in cash and by cheque. This constituted 53.57 per cent of the total funds collected at the central and state levels," it said.



Among the state units, the parties collected the maximum amount of Rs 84.30 crore from West Bengal which formed 23.74 per cent of the total funds collected at both levels.



"The most preferred mode of collected was by cheque where the parties collected Rs 197.32 crore which formed 55.57 per cent of the total funds collected at the state and central levels," said ADR



The report also says that out of total expenditure of Rs 402.09 crore, 75.32 per cent or Rs 302.86 crore was spent by cheque while the national and regional parties together had left Rs 75.93 crore 'remaining unpaid' which formed 18.88 per cent of the total expenditure.



"Similar to fund collection, the central headquarters of the national and regional parties spent the maximum (Rs 217.64 crore) and the second highest amount was declared by the Tamil Nadu state units (Rs 79 crore) followed by West Bengal state units (Rs 57.76 crore) and Kerala state units (Rs 31.01 crore)," said the report.


Islamabad: Pakistan is closely watching Prime Minister Narendra Modis historic trip to Israel as it can have serious implications on strategic stability in the region, a media report said today.

The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan officially does not comment on bilateral visits of other heads of governments and states, but it is closely following Modis trip since it can have serious implications on strategic stability in the region.

"Israel has long been a major supplier of arms and other defence equipment to India and those deals have deliberately been kept secret by the two sides. However, the two countries are now more open and publicly talk about their deepening defence cooperation," the daily said.

India got access to some of the most modern defence technologies of America through Israel, defence analyst Lt-Gen (retd) Amjad Shoaib was quoted as saying by the daily.

Gen Shoaib said India had greatly benefited from the defence and military ties with Israel.

Dr Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, an international affairs expert, said growing defence cooperation between India and Israel would disturb strategic balance in the South Asian region.

The Quaid-e-Azam University professor believes Israel assistance can propel Indias missile programme, something that would undermine Pakistan's policy of maintaining credible deterrence, the daily reported.

"One of the subjects on which the Indian media has created a lot of hype is the threat emanating from terrorism. It has worked hard to relate terrorism with Pakistan and blame it for virtually any terror incident occurring anywhere in India," the daily said.

Modis three-day visit to Israel is the first by an Indian prime minister to the Jewish nation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu along with his entire cabinet went to Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport to receive Modi in a rare gesture.

Modi, before leaving for Tel Aviv, told an Israeli newspaper that terrorism was a common challenge and said New Delhi and Tel Aviv "can cooperate even more closely" in battling it.

Former ambassador Ali Sarwar Naqvi believes that the Indian media is too much obsessed with Pakistan, saying: "No matter where Modi goes, India always tries to drag Pakistan along."

However, Naqvi was sceptical if Israel would go too far to appease India.

"Pakistan is not under the immediate radar of Israel. Their (Israel) priority at the moment is Middle East."

However, Naqvi said their defence and military cooperation was something that had direct bearing on Pakistan.

For Gen Shoaib, there is a lesson for Pakistan in the ever-growing close relationship between Israel and India.

"If India can cement ties with Israel while at the same time maintaining diplomatic ties with its enemy Iran, why can't Pakistan also show flexibility in its foreign policy, Gen argued.

"Our foreign policy should not be merely aimed at appeasing any particular country. Rather we need to follow our own national interests," he said.

Some analysts have advocated maintaining working relationship with Israel, if not establishing full diplomatic ties, in order to further and protect Pakistan's interests.

In 2005, during former president Pervez Musharraf's tenure, Pakistan and Israel established contacts and even foreign ministers of the two countries met in Turkey. However, things could not make headway further after that.
Tel Aviv: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday thanked the people and government of Israel for their hospitality and said that the visit would add more energy to the relations of both the countries.

He also thanked Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu for "kind words, amazing hospitality and passion towards India-Israel friendship."

I thank the people and Government of Israel for their hospitality. This successful visit will add more energy to India-Israel relations. pic.twitter.com/sreMPExX9i  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2017

Thank you my friend, PM @netanyahu for the signed photo, your kind words, amazing hospitality & passion towards #IndiaIsraelFriendship. pic.twitter.com/1jUtMG3F85  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2017

The official Twitter account of PM of Israel also tweeted:

Prime Minister Netanyahu bids farewell to @PMOIndia @narendramodi, at the end of an historic visit, deepening #IndiaIsraelFriendship pic.twitter.com/bWOnbl6803  PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) July 6, 2017

On the other hand, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Gopal Baglay said in a tweet, "A historic visit, filled with many firsts and the promise of future ends as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu goes beyond protocol again to bid farewell to PM."

"As journey concludes, voyage begins. With sea of opportunities ahead, PM Modi completes ground-breaking visit," he said in another tweet.

A historic visit, filled with many firsts and the promise of future ends as PM @netanyahu goes beyond protocol again to bid farewell to PM pic.twitter.com/hirHtlmrB6  Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) July 6, 2017

As journey concludes, voyage begins. Wth sea of opportunities ahead, PM @narendramodi completes grnd brkng visit. #IndiaIsraelFriendship  Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) July 6, 2017

PM Modi, who became the first Indian PM to visit the Jewish nation, signed seven agreements to boost bilateral cooperation in key areas like science and technology, water, research and space.

The historic visit saw India and Israel elevate their ties to the strategic partnership level with both vowing to do "much more together" to combat growing radicalisation and terrorism while pitching for strong action against those financing and providing sanctuaries to terror groups.

During the visit, PM Modi and his Israeli counterpart discussed the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and underlined the need for the establishment of a just and durable peace in the region that has been marred by years of conflict.

This year, India and Israel are marking 25 years of their diplomatic relations.

PM Modi left today for the German city of Hamburg to attend the G20 Summit after wrapping up his historic three-day visit to Israel during which he discussed key issues like terrorism and economic cooperation with the top Israeli leadership.

He will attend the G-20 Summit being hosted by Germany on July 7-8 in Hamburg.

The theme chosen for this year is 'Shaping an Inter- connected World'.

Earlier today, PM Modi saluted the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during the World War I while protecting the Israeli city of Haifa from the Ottoman Empire forces and said the sacrifices made by them is a mark of enduring bond between the two nations.

He visited the Indian cemetery in Haifa along with his Israeli counterpart on the last day of his visit to Israel and laid wreaths at the site.

The PM also unveiled a plaque commemorating Major Dalpat Singh, known as the 'Hero of Haifa' for his critical role in the liberation of the city.

"I am deeply honoured to stand here today to salute the valiant Indian soldiers, who led down their lives for the liberation of Haifa during the WW I," he wrote in the guest book.

"The exceptional bravery and supreme sacrifice of Major Thakur Dalpat Singh MC, the "Hero of Haifa" and his men, will be remembered forever and continue to inspire generations to come. Next year, the centenary of the battle of Haifa will present another opportunity to mark this enduring bond between India and Israel," PM Modi wrote.

The Indian Army commemorates September 23 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.

At Haifa, paid tributes to the brave Indian soldiers who fought courageously in the First World War. pic.twitter.com/2D7UYKhHwh  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2017

(With PTI inputs)
Jerusalem: On the third day of his highly successful and 'memorable' visit to Israel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Thursday visit the Haifa India Cemetery along with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu to pay tributes to the Indian soldiers who fought in World War I.

"On July 6 both Prime Ministers will pay wreath on the two grave areas - one is for the Hindu soldiers and one for Muslim soldiers - during their visit to Haifa cemetery," Israeli Foreign Ministry's Deputy Director General in-charge of the Asia and the Pacific Division Mark Sofer had said during a briefing.

According to sources, the Prime Minister will pay a tribute at the memorial in a ceremony to remember Indian soldiers who laid down their lives while liberating the Israeli port city Haifa during the war.

A plaque to honour Major Dalpat Singh Shekhawat, who led the Jodhpur Lancers, will also be unveiled.

Jodhpur Imperial Service Lancers, supported by Mysore and Hyderabad Lancers, as a part of the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade captured the town of Haifa in September 1918.

Every year on September 23, the Indian Army marks Haifa Day.

Liberation of Haifa Port City in 1918

Two Indian cavalry regiments had helped liberate the city in 1918 following action by the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade.

The two Indian regiments were the Jodhpur Lancers and the Mysore Lancers. Dalpat Singh was from the Jodhpur Lancers.

In the autumn of 1918, the brigade was part of the Allied Forces sweeping northwards through Palestine in the last great cavalry campaign in history.

During the battle for Haifa, the Indian troops exhibited exemplary cavalry skills in a successful charge which finally culminated in the liberation of the port city.

Major Dalpat Singh, who was awarded a Military Cross, is regarded as the Hero of Haifa for his critical role in the battle.

The action of the Indian troops has been recorded in the Official History of the War - Military operation Egypt and Palestine (volume 2).

This remains the only known incident in military history when a fortified town was captured by a cavalry on the gallop.
Patna: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi is understood to have warned his party leaders of action if they continued to target Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Media reports said Gandhi intervened in favour of Kumar and instructed party leaders not to criticise the Bihar CM.

Bihar Congress president Ashok Choudhary confirmed to PTI that he had a meeting with Gandhi earlier this week in Delhi but refused to divulge what transpired there.

The reports said that Gandhi, during his meeting with Choudhary, hinted that action would be taken against leaders issuing statements against Kumar.

The sparring began after senior Congress leader Gulam Nabi Azad attacked Kumar for breaking ranks with the Opposition and supporting NDA's pick Ram Nath Kovind for the July 17 Presidential election.

He had alleged that Kumar wanted to ensure the defeat of 'Bihar ki Beti' Meira Kumar, who is the Opposition's candidate for the poll.

People having one ideology take one decision while those with many ideologies take different decisions, Azad had said, apparently referring to JD(U)'s long association with BJP.

Some state leaders of the Congress subsequently attacked Kumar, who returned the fire by questioning the grand old party's shift from the ideologies of Mahatama Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.

The JD(U) chief made it clear that his party was no 'pichlagoo' (camp follower) of any party.

Reacting positively to the Congress gesture, JD(U) has hinted that it could side with the Opposition in the August vice presidential poll.

"If our party is invited to participate in a meeting of the opposition to discuss the issue of vice-presidential election, we will certainly attend," JD(U) national spokesman KC Tyagi told PTI over phone.

JD(U) would support the united Opposition's candidate in the vice-president election, provided it is invited and consulted, he said.

Asked who would represent JD(U) in the proposed Opposition's meeting, Tyagi said that it would be decided by Kumar and senior party leader Sharad Yadav.

Choudhary, who is also the education minister in the Nitish Kumar-led government, told PTI, "We expect JD(U) would be with us in the vice-presidential poll."

On July 03, Nitish had dismissed reports about becoming the Opposition's PM candidate and had stressed the need for "alternative narratives" against the NDA.

The JD(U) president, who had asked the Opposition to move beyond "reactive narratives", had also dispelled fears about fissures in Bihar's grand alliance and had said that the government would fulfill its commitment in time by implementing the "seven resolves" of good governance.

Kumar was interacting with reporters after the Lok Samvad (public interaction) programme.

RJD chief Lalu Prasad's son and Bihar Deputy CM Tejaswi Yadav was seen sitting by his side along with other ministers.

Dismissing himself as a PM candidate in 2019 Lok Sabha poll, Kumar had said, "We are a small party and very well know the futility of nourishing prime ministerial ambitions. It is seen that the candidate whose name is in circulation never gets to the post."

More than having a face, "the Opposition should have alternative narratives to go to the people against the ruling party on key issues like the problems of farmers", he had told reporters.

He had added that "only talking" would not help and had stressed that what was needed was "alternative agendas" on issues like farmer problems and cow protection.

"It's the duty of the opposition to oppose the government. We should have alternative agendas for the benefit of the country more than relying only on reactive narratives," Kumar had said.

Asked why he was not piloting the alternative narratives' formulation, the Bihar CM had asked, "Am I the most talented person?"

Kumar's remarks had come in the backdrop of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav describing the JD(U) chief's support to Kovind as a ''Himalayan blunder".

Nitish had justified his party's stand on supporting Kovind and attending the special session of Parliament on GST and had said, "It's our principled stand taken after thoroughly deliberating on all aspects. I have already talked in detail on the subject at JD(U)'s state executive meeting in Patna yesterday."

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: Amid an ongoing stand-off between the India and China, Beijing has now warned New Delhi to 'immediately' and 'unconditionally' withdraw its troops before a meaningful dialogue could be initiated for resolution of all issues between the two sides.

The suggestion has come from the Political Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in India, Li Ya, who has asked India to withdraw its troops back to Indian side of the boundary, before peace talks between the two sides.

"As far as solution is concerned, the Indian troops must pull back to Indian side of the boundary unconditionally and immediately. This is the precondition for any meaningful dialogue between China and India," said Li, in a video issued by the Chinese Embassy, over the border stand-off between the two sides.

He claimed there was no support to India's claim that the Doklam area belonged to Bhutan, adding that China has strong evidence to prove that Doklam belongs to them.

"We have strong evidence to prove that Doklam belongs to China. Doklam has always been the traditional pasture for Chinese border inhabitants. Archives of Xi Zang Autonomous Region still retain some receipts of the grass tax paid by Bhutanese herdsmen. Today the Chinese border troops still patrol there and the herdsmen graze their livestock there, and production and living facilities have been built there," he explained.

"As to changing status quo, since Doklam is part of Chinese territory, activities conducted by China in Doklam are within China's sovereignty," he added.

Li alleged that it was the Indian side that had trespassed into Chinese territory on June 18 and changed the status quo, triggering a close range face-off.

He further said that this section, along the border, is delimited by the convention between China and Great Britain relating to Tibet and Sikkim in 1890.

"In essence, China's territorial sovereignty has been undermined by the Indian border troops. After the incident, the Indian side claims that Doklam belongs to Bhutan, Chinese side changed the status quo and India has security concern," he said.

The present stand-off between India and China emerged after New Delhi expressed its apprehension over Beijing's road construction in the Sikkim sector of the border.

While India claims Sikkim border as part of its territory, China has said that the area falls on their side as per the 1890 treaty signed between British and China.

Consequently, China suspended the annual Kailash Manasarovar yatra and conceded that the decision to suspend the pilgrimage was due to the border scuffle. It also alleged that the Indian troops had crossed the Sikkim section of the Indo- China border.

With ANI inputs
Viterbo University is among more than 20 private nonprofit colleges and universities in Wisconsin that will celebrate Wisconsin Private College Week.

Prospective students and their family members are invited to visit campus between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, July 14, for tours, meet with admissions counselors, and meet with current Viterbo students. Wisconsin Private College Week has promoted the states private institutions of higher learning for more than 20 years and is sponsored by the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.

Private College Week is a perfect time to visit Viterbo and discover everything the university and the city of La Crosse have to offer, Viterbo Visit and Events Coordinator Caryn Witt said. Visiting campus is a very important step in finding the university or college that is right for you.

Interested students may register at viterbo.edu/privatecollegeweek as well as get more information.
New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Subramanian Swamy has filed a PIL in Delhi High Court seeking court-monitored probe and re-investigation by Delhi police in Sunanda Pushkar death case.

51-year-old Pushkar was found dead at a suite in a five-star hotel in South Delhi on the night of January 17, 2014, a day after her spat with Pakistani journalist Mehr Tarar on Twitter over her alleged affair with Tharoor.

The Delhi Police had in January 2015 registered a case of murder in connection with Pushkar's death. The FBI report sent to the Delhi Police in November 2015 had virtually ruled out the theory of 'polonium poisoning' having caused her death. In January 2016, the AIIMS medical board unanimously concluded that the cause of Sunanda Pushkar's death is poisoning.

Several persons, including Tharoor, have been questioned in connection with Sunanda's death. The police have also conducted polygraph test on six persons, all prime witnesses in the case, including Tharoor's domestic help Narayan Singh, driver Bajrangi and Sanjay Dewan, a close friend of the couple.

Tarar has also been questioned about her relation with the Congress leader and his wife, her fight with Sunanda over Twitter, and other issues revolving around Sunanda's death.
Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday gifted PM Narendra Modi a signed picture of them strolling barefoot together at Olga beach in northern Israel.

The photo had a message hailing their friendship.

PM Modi, who wrapped up his three-day visit to Israel today, thanked Netanyahu after recieving the photograph.

"Thank you my friend, PM Netanyahu for the signed photo, your kind words, amazing hospitality and passion towards India-Israel friendship," PM Modi tweeted.

Thank you my friend, PM @netanyahu for the signed photo, your kind words, amazing hospitality & passion towards #IndiaIsraelFriendship. pic.twitter.com/1jUtMG3F85  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2017

On the other hand, Netanyahu tweeted, "There's nothing like going to the beach with friends."

     !



There's nothing like going to the beach with friends!@narendramodi pic.twitter.com/bmVNbQNdgt  Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) July 6, 2017

PM Modi and Netanyahu today took a stroll on the beach and engaged in a discussion in ankle deep water.

The bonhomie between the two leaders was on ample display as they witnessed the demonstration of sea water purification technology pioneered by Israel at a water desalination unit on the Olga Beach in north Israel.

The two leaders had a long chat standing ankle deep in the waters with waves hitting their feet.

PM Modi had his trousers folded up as he entered the waters while Netanyahu came smartly dressed in casuals with a polo shirt.

The two leaders later drove together in the mobile water desalination unit, which looked like a dune buggy, and sipped desalinated water from wine glasses, raising a toast saying - lehaim (to life) - with desalinated water.

Visited the GAL-Mobile water desalination unit at Olga Beach. pic.twitter.com/FuirtlyLAG  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2017

India and Israel signed seven agreements to boost cooperation in key areas like science and technology, water, research and space during PM Modi's visit to the Jewish nation, the first by an Indian PM.

PM Modi today left for the German city of Hamburg to attend the G20 Summit.

"I thank the people and Government of Israel for their hospitality. This successful visit will add more energy to India-Israel relations," PM Modi tweeted on his departure.

I thank the people and Government of Israel for their hospitality. This successful visit will add more energy to India-Israel relations. pic.twitter.com/sreMPExX9i  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2017

On his part, the Israeli PM Tweeted:

It was an honor to host you, @narendramodi. Israel & India are thousands of kilometers apart, but our people are now closer than ever. pic.twitter.com/PxXbWbiaDx  Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) July 6, 2017

(With PTI inputs)
Leh: Thousands of Tibetans on Thursday morning joined in the 82nd birthday celebrations of their spiritual leader the Dalai Lama here.



Large crowds donning traditional dresses began to assemble since morning at the Shiwatsel Phodrang complex on the outskirts of Leh for the birthday celebrations.



"Special prayer sessions were held for the long life of His Holiness," a Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) spokesperson told IANS.



The Dalai Lama, revered by the Tibetans as a "living god", attended the prayers and blessed the gathering.



Tibetan Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay also attended the celebrations here.



Officials of the Dalai Lama`s office said the spiritual leader would stay in Shiwatsel Phodrang till July 30.



During his visit, he would participate in religious ceremonies, conduct meditational retreat and deliver teachings at Diskit Monastery in the Nubra Valley, Padum in Zanskar area and the Shiwatsel teaching ground in Leh.



The Dalai Lama`s sermons on ethics, non-violence, peace and religious harmony have made him one of the 20th century`s most revered spiritual leaders.



Born on July 6, 1935, at Taktser hamlet in northeastern Tibet, the Dalai Lama was recognised at the age of two as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso.



He fled Tibet after a failed uprising against the Chinese rule in 1959.



The Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his non-violent campaign for democracy and freedom in his homeland. Since fleeing to India, he has spent his time in exile pushing for autonomy for Tibet.



India is home to around 100,000 Tibetans.
Thane: The police have arrested a 50-year-old man from Badlapur township in the district for allegedly raping his granddaughter.

The 18-year-old survivor, who lived with her parents at Jaipur in Rajasthan, had come to Badlapur last month to stay with her grandparents for some time, Badlapur (East) police station's senior inspector D P Rajbhoj said on Thursday.

On July 1, when her grandmother went out for some work, the accused locked the girl inside the house.

He then allegedly pushed her to the ground and raped her, he said.

The girl's grandparents are construction labourers who keep moving from one place to another for work, he said.

On the night of July 3, the traumatised girl escaped from her grandparents' house.

In a bid to go to her parents' home in Rajasthan, she boarded a local train from Badlapur and then came to Bandra railway station.

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel on duty at Bandra station spotted her and upon enquiry, she told them about her ordeal, Rajbhoj said.

The RPF personnel then took her to the Thane police.

On July 4, the Badlapur police in Thane registered an offence against the accused under IPC sections 376, (for punishment of rape), 323 (for voluntarily causing hurt) and 506 (criminal intimidation), he said.

The offence of rape under IPC section 376 attracts a maximum punishment of life term.

The accused was arrested yesterday morning. He was produced in a Thane court which remanded him in police custody till July 7, the officer said.

The girl has been sent to a rehabilitation centre in Bhiwandi.

The police yesterday got in touch with her parents and informed them about the incident, he said.
Itanagar: The People's Party of Arunachal (PPA) - which has nine legislators in the state Assembly - on Thursday extended support to National Democratic Alliance Presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind.



"We have decided to support the NDA candidate as we are part of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA)," PPA President Kameng Ringu told IANS after a meeting with Kovind, who had come here to drum up support ahead of the July 17 Presidential election.



NEDA is a conglomeration of non-Congress parties led by the Bharatiya Janata Party. Assam Minister Himata Biswa Sarma is the NEDA Convener.



Kovind, who was accompanied by Union Ministers Raj Narendra Singh Tomar and Kiren Rijiju, Assam Minister Sarma, and BJP leader Ram Madhav, held a meeting with PPA leaders and legislators.



In the 60-member Arunachal Pradesh assembly, the ruling BJP has 47 members, while two are Independents. Former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki is the lone Congress MLA.



Earlier, addressing BJP legislators in the presence of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Kovind said his dream is of a developed India and equitable development for all sections of people and regions.



"Equality among states and people should be the mantra so that the country develops," he said.


New Delhi: Bollywood stunner Katrina Kaif is currently all geared up for her upcoming release 'Jagga Jasoos' with Ranbir Kapoor. The film is set to hit the screens on July 14, 2017, and the fans can't be happier, as the venture has been much delayed.

Now, the latest buzz about the desi Barbie Doll is that after Facebook and Instagram, Kat might actually join Twitter soon. Yes! Happy news, isn't it? Well, according to BollywoodLife.com, when asked about her debut on the micro-blogging site, she told dnaindia.com, Everything will happen in due course of time. I am taking everything, one step at a time. So lets see. It is definitely on the radar for sure.

Hmm...so we can expect that she might join the Twitter bandwagon soon.

She is a total hit on Instagram and Facebook, now Twitter seems like a wise decision.
New Delhi: Superstar Salman Khan tryst with court cases seem to be an ongoing thing, at least for now. The actor was supposed to appear before the Jodhpur Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) court in connection with the blackbuck poaching case.

However, the court has adjourned the matter till next hearing which is on July 22, 2017, as per ANI. Earlier on June 14, the case was adjourned until July 6. A Jodhpur court rejected prosecution's plea to summon the doctor who performed the post-mortem on the animal.

The prosecution, on March 1 in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case against Salman Khan, moved a city court seeking the first postmortem examination report of the animal and that of the police probe into its allegedly wrong autopsy.

The prosecution sought the two reports days ahead of the hearing of final arguments in the case of Kankani blackbuck poaching after the actor on January 27 deposed in the court that the first autopsy report by veterinarian N.P. Nepalia was correct.

In the post-mortem examination report, Nepalia had termed the dog bites-driven shock as the cause of death of the blackbucks. Nepalia's findings were subsequently rejected by a medical board, which said there were gunshot marks on the body of the slain animal.

During the shooting of Sooraj Barjatya's movie, 'Hum Saath Saath Hain' in 1999, Salman allegedly went on a shooting expedition along with actors Saif Ali Khan, Neelam, Sonali Bendre and Tabu, killing two blackbucks in Kankani village.

Following protests by the local Bishnoi community, a case was later filed against Salman and the other actors.

(With ANI inputs)
New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to introduce Rs 200 notes in the coming months to ease pressure on lower-denomination currencies that are in short supply.

The central bank had reportedly decided to bring in Rs 200 notes in March after consulting the finance ministry.

The new notes of Rs 200 is expected to be out before the end of 2017.

Soon, a notification may be issued by the Reserve Bank of India with regard to issuance of new Rs 200 bills.

It is being widely speculated in the media that the new Rs 200 notes may come with these security features

- The new Rs 200 notes may be written in Devnagari with denominational numerical 200 in Devnagari

- Floral design printed both on the front

- See through register with denominational numeral 200 can be seen when it is held against light

- Watermark of Mahatma Gandhi's portrait and electrotype (200) watermarks

- Latent Image with denominational numeral with which the note can be seen when it is being held at 45 degree angle at the eye level

- Security thread with inscriptions like India, RBI and 200

- For the visually impaired, it might have intaglio or raised printing of Mahatma Gandhi portrait, Ashoka Pillar emblem, bleed lines and identification mark

- Guaratntee clause, governor's signature with promise clause and RBI emblem
New Delhi: A new study conducted by scientists has found that Milky Way may have over 100 billion brown dwarfs.

Brown dwarfs are objects intermediate in mass between stars and planets, with masses too low to sustain stable hydrogen fusion in their core, the hallmark of stars like the Sun.

After the initial discovery of brown dwarfs in 1995, scientists realised that they are a natural by-product of processes that lead to the formation of stars and planets.

All of the thousands of brown dwarfs found so far are relatively close to the Sun, the overwhelming majority within 1500 light years, simply because these objects are faint and therefore difficult to observe.

Most of those detected are located in nearby star forming regions, which are all fairly small and have a low density of stars.

In 2006, the team - including Koraljka Muzic from the University of Lisbon in Portugal - began a new search for brown dwarfs, observing five nearby star forming regions.

The Substellar Objects in Nearby Young Clusters (SONYC) survey included the star cluster NGC 1333, 1,000 light years away in the constellation of Perseus.

That object had about half as many brown dwarfs as stars, a higher proportion than seen before.

A false-colour near-infrared image of the core of the young massive cluster RCW 38 taken with the adaptive-optics camera NACO at the ESO's Very Large Telescope.

To establish whether NGC 1333 was unusual, in 2016 the team turned to another more distant star cluster, RCW 38, in the constellation of Vela.

This has a high density of more massive stars, and very different conditions to other clusters.

RCW 38 is 5,500 light years away, meaning that the brown dwarfs are both faint, and hard to pick out next to the brighter stars.

To get a clear image, researchers used the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope, observing the cluster for a total of three hours, and combining this with earlier work.

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: Amid the BJP's worsening ties with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, party chief Amit Shah on Thursday formed a three-member delegation of MPs to look into incidents of communal violence in the eastern state.



The delegation, headed by senior party leader Om Mathur, and comprising New Delhi MP Meenakshi Lekhi and Baghpat MP Satyapal Singh, will visit violence hit areas of West Bengal to take stock of the ground situation. The delegation will submit its report to Shah.



The members will coordinate with BJP General Secretary and incharge of West Bengal Kailash Vijayvargiya and state BJP Chief Dilip Ghosh, an official statement of the party said.



The visit comes in the wake of communal clashes in Basirhat sub-division of North 24 Parganas district on Tuesday night over an objectionable Facebook post. Several shops were vandalised, police vehicles torched and roads were blocked by mobs as violence erupted.



Ghosh has demanded imposition of President's rule in the state and to send central observers to assess the "deteriorating" law and order situation in the state.



The Chief Minister has accused the BJP of misusing social media to spread rumours leading to communal riots.


Karachi: A top leader of a prominent political party in Balochistan was today shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the capital of the restive Pakistani province.



Naveed Dehwar, a leader of Balochistan National Party (BNP), and his guard were shot dead in Quetta city, police said.



Some unidentified gunmen opened fire at Dehwar's vehicle and fled from the spot.



Police said Dehwar died at the spot while his guard succumed to his injuries later in the hospital. Another person was also injured in the firing and was admitted to a hospital.



"No group has claimed responsibility for the target killings as yet," a police official said.



The BNP central leadership condemned the attack and said it highlighted the law and order situation in the province.



The party is headed by Sardar Akhtar Mangal, a former chief minister of Balochistan.



Earlier in the day, the health minister of Pakistan's restive Balochistan province survived a rocket attack when unidentified assailants targeted his convoy.



The law enforcement personnel have cordoned off the area for investigation.
Beijing: China is planning to launch a road and rail freight service to Pakistan through the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a move which could raise concerns in India.

The new line will start from Lanzhou, capital of northwestern China's Gansu Province, travelling through Kashgar in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to the Gwadar Port of Pakistan, Xu Chunhua, director of Lanzhou International Trade and Logistic Park, was quoted as saying by state-run Xinhua news agency.

However, it has not been specified when the service will be launched.

In May last year, a rail and road cargo service opened between Lanzhou and Kathmandu.

Xu said the cargo service has been welcomed by south Asian countries.

In 2016, bilateral trade between China and Nepal was over 3 billion yuan (about USD 440 million), and the volume is forecast to hit 10 billion yuan this year.

Last November, China launched the first trade convoy carrying Chinese goods for export through the western route of the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and shipped it through Gwadar port.

The CPEC plan included a train service connecting both the countries in addition to the road connectivity.

The goods were brought by train till Xinjiang and then taken by trucks through the Karakoram mountains.

The goods will be exported to countries in the Middle East and Africa.

India has objected to the USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, (CPEC) which is part of the Silk Road.

Pakistan's Gwadar forms the southern Pakistan hub of a USD 57 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) of infrastructure and energy projects Beijing announced in 2014.

Last year, Pakistan welcomed the first large shipment of Chinese goods at Gwadar, where the China Overseas Port Holding Company took over operations in 2013. It plans to eventually handle 300 million to 400 million tonnes of cargo a year.

The route through Gwadar offers China its shortest path to the oil-rich Middle East, Africa, and most of the Western hemisphere, besides promising to open up remote, landlocked Xinjiang.
Islamabad: The Health Minister of Pakistan's restive Balochistan province on survived a rocket attack when unidentified assailants targeted his convoy, a media report said.

Unidentified assailants attacked the convoy of Balochistan Health Minister Rehmat Saleh Baloch in Panjgur town today, officials said.

The minister and his aides remained unharmed in the incident, they sad.

The minister's convoy was targeted while he was travelling to Prom area from Panjgur, Assistant Commissioner Panjgur Abdul Jabbar was quoted as saying by the Dawn news.

The militants used various weapons, including rockets in the attack. However, the assailants escaped the scene when security personnel opened retaliatory fire.

Upon receiving reports of the incident, security personnel and Frontier Corps (FC) officials sealed the area and started a search operation.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as yet, the report said.

Rehmat Saleh Baloch, who belongs to National Party, was elected a member of Balochistan Assembly in the general elections of 2013.

Balochistan has been experiencing incidents of violence and targeted killings for over a decade.

The largest province of the country by area, it is home to a low-level insurgency by ethnic Baloch separatists. Al Qaeda-linked and sectarian militants also operate in the region. The province shares borders with Afghanistan and Iran.

In May, 28 people were killed when a suicide bomber targeted the convoy of Senate Deputy Chairman Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri in Balochistan's Mastung area.
Russia, Turkey, Iran, Syria, Bashar al-Assad, Ankara, Kazakh capital, Alexander Lavrentyev,

Astana: Russia, Turkey and Iran failed in talks on Wednesday to finalise an agreement on creating four de-escalation zones in Syria after Ankara raised objections, diplomats said.

Russia and Iran, which back President Bashar al-Assad`s government, and Turkey, which supports some of the rebels, aim to reach a consensus on the zones by the end of August, when their delegations are set to meet again in the Kazakh capital.

The failure is a setback for Moscow, the main architect of the plan, as it seeks to take the lead in global efforts to settle the Syrian civil war.

"During these consultations, the Turkish side said it needed more time in order ... to make an appropriate decision," said senior Russian negotiator Alexander Lavrentyev.

Bashar al-Ja`afari, the lead negotiator from the Damascus government, was more direct.

"The Turkish delegation objected to the adoption of any documents related to the implementation of mechanisms of the agreement on the de-escalation zones," he said.

Russia, Turkey and Iran have set up a working group to reconcile their positions before the next Astana meeting set for the final week of August.

Lavrentyev said details related to the southern de-escalation zone needed to be agreed with the United States and Jordan, which support the rebels based there.

Turkish delegates made no statement to the media after the talks.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson raised the possibility on Wednesday of several joint steps with Moscow to promote stability in Syria and urged all parties fighting Islamic State militants in the country to avoid conflict with one another.

"The United States is prepared to explore the possibility of establishing with Russia joint mechanisms for ensuring stability, including no-fly zones, on the ground ceasefire observers, and coordinated delivery of humanitarian assistance," Tillerson said in a statement issued by the State Department.

"If our two countries work together to establish stability on the ground, it will lay a foundation for progress on the settlement of Syria`s political future," he said in the statement, which did not directly address the Astana talks.

The Kazakh talks, which began in January, come at a time when Turkey and Russia each want to disentangle themselves from the fighting. That has led them into an ad hoc alliance, although they still trade barbs.

Since the May agreement was announced, the rebel-held stronghold of Idlib province in the northwest of Syria has been mostly calm.

But fighting has continued on other frontlines in western Syria, including Eastern Ghouta of Damascus and the southwestern city of Deraa, where government forces and their allies are trying to crush remaining pockets of rebellion.

If the agreement on de-escalation zones is finalised, Russia, Iran and Turkey will be able to quickly - within weeks - deploy forces such as military police on the borders of those zones, Lavrentyev has said.
Beijing: The health of dissident and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo, who has terminal stage liver cancer, has worsened, according to the hospital where he is being treated.



Liu's abdominal swelling has deteriorated due to an accumulation of liquid. A medical team led by liver cancer specialist Mao Yilei has been sent to examine him and decide the further course of treatment, EFE news cited a hospital statement as saying.



Authorities have asked Liu's family to be available around the clock in case his condition deteriorates further, family friend Ye Du said.



Mao is a professor at Peking Union Medical College Hospital's liver surgery department. Official media said he is also the deputy director of the Chinese Medical Association's liver surgery committee.



Activist and dissident Hu Jia on Thursday accused China's Communist Party of denying Liu his freedom, which he said would be the best possible treatment.



Authorities insist Liu is receiving the best treatment possible, while keeping the dissident under strict surveillance, refusing to allow him to leave the country to seek treatment abroad as his family wishes.



Liu, 61, was imprisoned in 2009 for 11 years on subversion charges.



He has been treated in hospital since being released on medical parole between late May and early June when he was diagnosed with terminal-stage liver cancer.



Several international institutions and governments, including the US and the European Union, have increased pressure on China to release Liu and his wife Liu Xia, who was recently united with her husband after spending seven years under house arrest.



Amid growing pressure from the international community, Beijing on Wednesday said it would allow doctors from the US and Germany to assist the Chinese medical team treating Liu.



It is not yet known who these doctors are or when they will arrive, but sources close to the case told EFE they will have to work under the supervision of the authorities.


Warsaw: US President Donald Trump vowed on Thursday to confront North Korea "very strongly" following its latest missile test and urged nations to show Pyongyang that there would be consequences for its weapons program.

North Korea on Tuesday test-launched an intercontinental ballistic missile that some experts believe has the range to reach the U.S. states of Alaska and Hawaii and perhaps the U.S. Pacific Northwest. North Korea said it could carry a large nuclear warhead.

Speaking at a news conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda, Trump said Korea was "a threat, and we will confront it very strongly".

He said the United States was considering "severe things" for North Korea, but that he would not draw a "red line" of the kind that his Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama, had drawn but not enforced on the use of chemical weapons in Syria.

"... they are behaving in a very, very dangerous manner and something will have to be done."

The issue presents Trump, who took office in January, with perhaps his biggest foreign policy challenge. It has put pressure on his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom Trump had pressed without success to rein in Pyongyang.

The United States said on Wednesday that it was ready to use force if necessary to stop North Korea`s nuclear missile program. But China on Thursday called for restraint and made clear it did not want to be targeted by U.S. sanctions.

Meeting in Germany ahead of a G20 summit, Xi told South Korean President Moon Jae-in that "China upholds the denuclearisation of the peninsula, maintaining its peace and stability, resolving the issue via dialogue and consultation, and that all sides strictly abide by relevant resolutions of the U.N. Security Council", according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

And Chinese Vice Finance Minister Zhu Guangyao said that, while China would implement relevant U.N. resolutions, "the U.S. should not use their domestic laws as excuses to levy sanctions against Chinese financial institutions".

"BAD BEHAVIOR"

Trump flew on to Hamburg on Thursday to attend the summit, and was due to meet with Xi there.

His frustration that Beijing has not done more to clamp down on North Korea prompted him to tweet on Wednesday: "Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40% in the first quarter. So much for China working with us - but we had to give it a try!"

Trump did not mention China specifically in his remarks in Poland, but his message that other countries needed to do more was clearly meant for Beijing.

"President Duda and I call on all nations to confront this global threat and publicly demonstrate to North Korea that there are consequences for their very, very bad behavior," he said.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday that the United States would propose new U.N. sanctions in coming days, and that if Russia and China did not support the move, then "we will go our own path".

Some diplomats say Beijing has not been fully enforcing existing international sanctions on its neighbor and has resisted tougher measures, such as an oil embargo, bans on the North Korean airline and guest workers, and measures against Chinese banks and other firms doing business with the North.

U.S. officials have said the United States might specifically seek unilaterally to sanction more Chinese companies that do business with North Korea, especially banks - echoing a tactic it used to pressurise to Iran to curb its nuclear programme.

South Korean presidential spokesman Park Su-hyun gave a somewhat different account of the Xi-Moon meeting. He told reporters that the two men had agreed North Korea`s missile test was "unforgivable", and had discussed stepping up pressure and sanctions.
District of Columbia: The United States is prepared to work with Russia on establishing "no-fly zones" in Syria as part of a joint effort to stabilize the war-ravaged country, America`s top diplomat said Wednesday, ahead of President Donald Trump`s first face-to-face with Vladimir Putin.

In a wide-ranging statement, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Russia had a "special responsibility" to help create stability on the ground -- or risk hobbling the fight against the Islamic State group.

Citing their past cooperation on the creation of deconfliction zones in Syria, Tillerson made a strong case for both countries -- in spite of their "unresolved differences on a number of issues" -- to work together in Syria.

"The United States is prepared to explore the possibility of establishing with Russia joint mechanisms for ensuring stability, including no-fly zones, on the ground ceasefire observers, and coordinated delivery of humanitarian assistance," he said.

Tillerson issued his statement before joining Trump in Europe, where the US leader will meet Putin for the first time on Friday on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany. Syria will loom large in their discussions.

It also came as US-backed fighters inch forwards in Raqa`s Old City, in what Washington sees as a "key milestone" in the campaign to defeat the Islamic State group in its de facto Syrian capital.

"ISIS has been badly wounded, and is could be on the brink of complete defeat in Syria if all parties focus on this objective," Tillerson said. "In order to complete the mission, the international community, and especially Russia, must remove obstacles to the defeat of ISIS."

"We call upon all parties, including the Syrian government and its allies, Syrian opposition forces, and Coalition forces carrying out the battle to defeat ISIS, to avoid conflict with one another and adhere to agreed geographical boundaries for military de-confliction and protocols for de-escalation."

Russia, Turkey and Iran -- without the US -- agreed in May to establish four "de-escalation" zones in Syria. These are supposed to include no fly areas, where no warplanes can fly so as to guarantee the safety of civilians on the ground.

But on Wednesday those countries said they had failed to agree on the details, such as the boundaries of the zones and who will police them.

Tillerson also said Moscow as a key backer of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has the responsibility of preventing his regime from further use of chemical weapons.

The United States launched a cruise missile attack on a Syrian air base in April in response to what it said was a government chemical weapons attack on civilians.
YEREVAN, JULY 5, ARMENPRESS. The ceasefire violations by Azerbaijan are nothing more than a classical crime and terrorism, Davit Babayan  spokesperson of the President of the Artsakh Republic, told Armenpress commenting on the July 4 Azerbaijani aggression launched in the Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact.

According to him, the actions of the Azerbaijani side do not fit into any logic since terrorists and criminals are guided by deceitful and illogical ideas rather than by logic.

This also is added by the scandal according to which Azerbaijan assists terrorists through diplomatic channels: such violations are being made in this background. Of course, this is illogical, but we know that terrorists do not act by logic. They have always received an adequate response from the Armenian side. Now the situation in the border is the same as it happens every day. We have repeatedly said that we will never violate the ceasefire regime first, and our strategy is the active defense, Babayan said.

The Azerbaijani side blames the Armenian side for opening fires towards their villages, but they deployed their military posts at that direction. Commenting on this, Davit Babayan said the adversary uses its own people as a human shield.

They deploy weapons, arms, especially cannons, artillery in their settlements and open fires towards our posts from there. Even in this case we give counter response only when these military posts are at some distance from civilians and do not cause damage to the people. We know that they have a very rich experience on causing damage to their own people, killing them and then blaming other people for their actions. The most vivid and terrible manifestation of this took place in Khojaly. They killed their own people for power and blamed the Armenian side on this. When there are cases when we give counter response, there is always panic in Azerbaijan, the Artsakh Presidents spokesperson said.

According to him, Azerbaijan injects its people into anti-Armenian ideas in order to distract them from the existing problems making Armenians as a target.

The Azerbaijani armed forces continued violating the ceasefire regime in different sections of Artsakh-Azerbaijan contact line on July 4. Particularly, in the period of 11:30-11:35 the Azerbaijani troops fired 82 mm mortars (4 projectiles) in the eastern direction of the contact line and anti-tank missiles (3 projectiles) in the same section at about 12:45-12:55. In the southern direction the Azerbaijanis fired 60 mm mortars (3 projectiles) at 13:35, while at the period of 20:20-20:30 the Azerbaijani armed forces fired 5 projectiles from TR-107 multiple rocket launcher from a military position located in Alkhanlu village in the direction of a command post of a regiment located in the southern direction, and at 20:48 3 projectiles were fired in the same direction from 82 mm mortars. The front line units of the Defense Army had no alternative but take retaliatory measures to suppress the enemy's aggressive activity at 20:31-20:40, as a result of which the military position of Azerbaijan in Alkhanlu village was damaged. According to credible information from the relevant services of the Defense Army, the enemy has suffered losses. The Defense Army suffered no casualties as a result of the provocative actions initiated by Azerbaijan.
YEREVAN, JULY 5, ARMENPRESS. Russia urged the Azerbaijani leadership to stop the discriminatory attitude towards the Russian citizens with Armenian surnames visiting Azerbaijan, TASS reports.

We have to affirm that Russian citizens arriving in Azerbaijan are really subjected to discrimination on the basis of ethnic principle. We continue demanding to stop this annoying discriminatory action which is not in accordance with the friendly relations between the two countries. We will undoubtedly draw conclusions from the existing situation, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The Ministry informed that during 2017, 25 Russian citizens were banned to enter Azerbaijan. They were waited for a few hours, in some cases without food, water and medical assistance, and then they were sent back at their own expenses. The reason was their Armenian surnames, however, there have been cases when people with Russian surnames, names were questioned for revealing their having Armenian ancestors.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said they have repeatedly demanded to stop such action, however, no sufficient response has been received.
YEREVAN, JULY 5, ARMENPRESS. Dilyana Gaytandzhieva, a Bulgarian journalist, who published a scandalous report on Azerbaijans supply of weapons for terrorists, gave an exclusive interview to ARMENPRESS.

-Is there any other information or another link about Azerbaijans illegal weapon distribution that you have not shared yet? And if there is more information related to that issue, are you going to publish them too?

-I have fact checked and published all the information that was leaked to me from the Azerbaijani Embassy to Bulgaria in my investigation. I have not spared anything or anybody. As a war correspondent, I have learned from my experience that the first victim of every war - this is the truth. I have not hidden or I am not going to hide or distort any fact related not only to Azerbaijan (in this particular investigation) but to all participants in the weapons supply to terrorists around the world. I saw on the ground in Syria many civilians dying before my eyes by the very same rockets distributed to the terrorists, as it turned out, on diplomatic flights. The world must know the truth. This is not only dirty business for money  this is business with the death of children and innocent people and it must stop immediately.

-How would you comment on these actions undertaken by Azerbaijani authorities towards transportation of illegal weapon in order to boost terrorist acts throughout the world?

-When I saw the leaked documents, I was shocked. I could not believe it is possible to happen  a state-run company to transport weapons under the cover of diplomatic flights, apparently with the assistance of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The documents implicate Azerbaijan in international weapons supply for war conflicts around the world. This scheme has been working for at least three years now with the knowledge and assistance of Azerbaijans authorities which is appalling and shocking. It is not just one company, it is a whole state involved in international transport of weapons under the cover of at least 350 diplomatic flights, as the documents reveal, for the last three years.

-What do you think how should the international community and media as well respond to these documents and facts which certainly show Azerbaijani authorities eager participation in weapon proliferation?

-I urge the international community, the UN Security Council, the media organizations around the world to take immediate actions and investigate those facts. They are easily proven and if the great powers are honest and do want to fight terrorism, they must stop supplying weapons to the very same terrorists they claim to fight. This is the hypocrisy of the US and Saudi Arabia I am talking about  they are the main users of Azerbaijans diplomatic flights for weapons supplies.

-And what do you think about the possibility to impose sanctions against such illegal policy of Azerbaijan having an aim to prevent other activity similar to this in further?

-The UN must impose sanctions on every country involved in helping terrorism. The sad truth is that some permanent UN Security Council members themselves are involved in assisting terrorism. They call it aid for the moderate opposition. I have reported on the war in Syria since its beginning and since 2014 I have not seen moderate opposition on the ground there. How can an opposition be moderate when it is heavily armed and beheads people?!

Interview by Davit Mamyan
YEREVAN, JULY 5, ARMENPRESS. Polands Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Armenia Jerzy Nowakowski commented on the Azerbaijani July 4 provocation launched in the Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact which resulted in escalation of the situation, Armenpress reports.

The Ambassador referred to the statement of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs stating: They urged to return to peaceful talks over the issue. What else can we say? The West urges to find a peaceful way for settling the conflict.

Commenting on the view that the footage released by the Artsakh Defense Army proves that the Azerbaijani side was first to violate the ceasefire regime, but the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs again issued an unaddressed statement, the Ambassador stated: In the circumstances of Dialogue of Weapons we need to be moderate in our statements as much as possible since one careless word can be really dangerous. It can be dangerous not for the next dinners of Ambassadors, but for the life of civilians. The comments of diplomats must be extremely moderate.

The Polish Ambassador refused to comment on the Bulgarian newspapers publication which proves that Azerbaijan supplied weapons for terrorists under the cover of diplomatic flights. Jerzy Nowakowski said he is aware of such publication in the Bulgarian media, however, he didnt read it and cannot comment.

The Azerbaijani armed forces continued violating the ceasefire regime in different sections of Artsakh-Azerbaijan contact line on July 4. Particularly, in the period of 11:30-11:35 the Azerbaijani troops fired 82 mm mortars (4 projectiles) in the eastern direction of the contact line and anti-tank missiles (3 projectiles) in the same section at about 12:45-12:55. In the southern direction the Azerbaijanis fired 60 mm mortars (3 projectiles) at 13:35, while at the period of 20:20-20:30 the Azerbaijani armed forces fired 5 projectiles from TR-107 multiple rocket launcher from a military position located in Alkhanlu village in the direction of a command post of a regiment located in the southern direction, and at 20:48 3 projectiles were fired in the same direction from 82 mm mortars. The front line units of the Defense Army had no alternative but take retaliatory measures to suppress the enemy's aggressive activity at 20:31-20:40, as a result of which the military position of Azerbaijan in Alkhanlu village was damaged. According to credible information from the relevant services of the Defense Army, the enemy has suffered losses. The Defense Army suffered no casualties as a result of the provocative actions initiated by Azerbaijan.
YEREVAN, JULY 6, ARMENPRESS. The extraordinary session has kicked off in the Parliament of Armenia, reports Armenpress.

The session has been convened by the initiative of MPs. 81 MPs were registered. 9 issues are included in the session agenda.

The lawmakers will discuss the 2016 state budget performance annual report, as well as a number of other issues.
YEREVAN, JULY 6, ARMENPRESS. On July 6 President of the Republic of Artsakh Bako Sahakyan sent a congratulatory letter to the member of the UK House of Lords, Baroness Caroline Cox on the occasion of her 80th birthday, press service of the Artsakh Presidents Office told Armenpress.

The letter reads:

Dear Baroness,

Let me congratulate You on behalf of the Artsakh people, the authorities and personally myself on Your glorious jubilee, the 80th birthday anniversary.

You have always stood by the Armenian nation, shared their pain and anguish, supported in every possible way our righteous struggle for freedom and independence, voiced against human rights abuses and violence. Due to Your efforts many people from all corners of the world learnt about Artsakh and obtained credible information on the Karabagh case.

The life You lead and Your entire activity deserve upper estimate and could be reckoned among the best manifestations of love for mankind.

Thank You for Your allegiance and commitment to panhuman values and democratic principles, for Your long-standing fundamental and consistent work, for the heartfelt attitude and tender friendship You nourish towards Artsakh people.

I once again congratulate You and wish peace, robust health, success and all the best to You and all Your family and relatives.
YEREVAN, JULY 6, ARMENPRESS. Armenia has never refused from negotiations on the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian told reporters in the Parliament, reports Armenpress.

Asked whether a meeting of the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan is expected after the Azerbaijani July 4 provocation, the FM said: Armenia has never refused from the negotiations both at the highest and ministerial level. I said few days ago that a meeting at foreign ministers level is possible. The negotiations have no alternative, Nalbandian said.

Commenting on the statement of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs which came after the escalation of the situation in the Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact, the Armenian FM said the Co-Chairs should have responded immediately which they did actually. But before their response we have talked both to the Co-Chairs and Andrzej Kasprzyk, he stated.

The Azerbaijani side started speculating the death of 2-year-old child. Diplomacy is not guided by media and TV. As far as we can inform about it, we inform. Yesterday both the statements of the Ministrys spokesman and the Deputy Foreign Minister were our response to the Azerbaijani provocation and answered to all questions, Nalbandian said.
YEREVAN, JULY 6, ARMENPRESS. Russian calls on the Nagorno Karabakh conflicting sides to take all necessary measures to stabilize the situation in the Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact, Russian Foreign Ministrys spokesperson Maria Zakharova said at the briefing with reporters, reports Armenpress.

Another incident of ceasefire violation in the line of contact on July 4 resulted in human losses, including civilians and children. We extend our condolences to families and relatives of the victims. We consider unacceptable the further bloodshed and call on the sides to take all necessary measures to stabilize the situation, Zakharova said.

She announced that Russia supports the statement of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs which highlights the need to cease violence and resume the talks.

The Azerbaijani armed forces continued violating the ceasefire regime in different sections of Artsakh-Azerbaijan contact line on July 4. Particularly, in the period of 11:30-11:35 the Azerbaijani troops fired 82 mm mortars (4 projectiles) in the eastern direction of the contact line and anti-tank missiles (3 projectiles) in the same section at about 12:45-12:55. In the southern direction the Azerbaijanis fired 60 mm mortars (3 projectiles) at 13:35, while at the period of 20:20-20:30 the Azerbaijani armed forces fired 5 projectiles from TR-107 multiple rocket launcher from a military position located in Alkhanlu village in the direction of a command post of a regiment located in the southern direction, and at 20:48 3 projectiles were fired in the same direction from 82 mm mortars. The front line units of the Defense Army had no alternative but take retaliatory measures to suppress the enemy's aggressive activity at 20:31-20:40, as a result of which the military position of Azerbaijan in Alkhanlu village was damaged. According to credible information from the relevant services of the Defense Army, the enemy has suffered losses. The Defense Army suffered no casualties as a result of the provocative actions initiated by Azerbaijan.

The Azerbaijani side announced that two civilians were killed and one was wounded.
YEREVAN, JULY 6, ARMENPRESS. The situation in the Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact is under control, Artsakh Presidents spokesman Davit Babayan told Armenpress.

Nothing extraordinary happened in the Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact. The service continues on a daily regime. Of course, the Azerbaijani side continues violating the ceasefire, however, there is nothing extraordinary at the moment, Babayan said.

According to him, provocative actions can be carried out by a provocative state like Azerbaijan, however, the Armenian side is always ready to prevent any Azerbaijani action at any moment.

The Azerbaijani armed forces continued violating the ceasefire regime in different sections of Artsakh-Azerbaijan contact line on July 4. Particularly, in the period of 11:30-11:35 the Azerbaijani troops fired 82 mm mortars (4 projectiles) in the eastern direction of the contact line and anti-tank missiles (3 projectiles) in the same section at about 12:45-12:55. In the southern direction the Azerbaijanis fired 60 mm mortars (3 projectiles) at 13:35, while at the period of 20:20-20:30 the Azerbaijani armed forces fired 5 projectiles from TR-107 multiple rocket launcher from a military position located in Alkhanlu village in the direction of a command post of a regiment located in the southern direction, and at 20:48 3 projectiles were fired in the same direction from 82 mm mortars. The front line units of the Defense Army had no alternative but take retaliatory measures to suppress the enemy's aggressive activity at 20:31-20:40, as a result of which the military position of Azerbaijan in Alkhanlu village was damaged. According to credible information from the relevant services of the Defense Army, the enemy has suffered losses. The Defense Army suffered no casualties as a result of the provocative actions initiated by Azerbaijan.
YEREVAN, JULY 6, ARMENPRESS. Political scientist Hrant Melik-Shahnazaryan says using the death of Azerbaijani child for propaganda purposes is immorality, reports Armenpress.

He is convinced that Azerbaijan will definitely use this fact to gain political dividends.

Unfortunately, there had been developments as a result of the escalation of the recent days which were irreversible. We know that a child was killed, a really painful incident, and I think this will significantly impact the situation. Over the past 3 years Azerbaijan carries out a policy the logic of which is to solve some political problems by escalating the situation in the border or to hide certain negative phenomena which we witnessed recently, the political scientist said.

According to him, the recent border tension is nothing more than an attempt to distract the international communitys attention from the scandalous report in the Bulgarian media about Azerbaijan.

I think this can significantly impact Azerbaijan in terms of international reputation. They didnt find a way to defend themselves more seriously than to escalate the situation in the border. Well aware that they will be silenced in case of opening fire, they did so that there was a great panic, they opened fire towards our posts from residential areas and, of course, it was impossible to avoid certain victims among civilians, the political scientist said.

He said by releasing the photos of the killed child Azerbaijan wants to show the brutal nature of the enemy, however, according to Melik-Shahnazaryan, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and defense minister Zakir Hasanov killed the child.

The Azerbaijani armed forces continued violating the ceasefire regime in different sections of Artsakh-Azerbaijan contact line on July 4. Particularly, in the period of 11:30-11:35 the Azerbaijani troops fired 82 mm mortars (4 projectiles) in the eastern direction of the contact line and anti-tank missiles (3 projectiles) in the same section at about 12:45-12:55. In the southern direction the Azerbaijanis fired 60 mm mortars (3 projectiles) at 13:35, while at the period of 20:20-20:30 the Azerbaijani armed forces fired 5 projectiles from TR-107 multiple rocket launcher from a military position located in Alkhanlu village in the direction of a command post of a regiment located in the southern direction, and at 20:48 3 projectiles were fired in the same direction from 82 mm mortars. The front line units of the Defense Army had no alternative but take retaliatory measures to suppress the enemy's aggressive activity at 20:31-20:40, as a result of which the military position of Azerbaijan in Alkhanlu village was damaged. According to credible information from the relevant services of the Defense Army, the enemy has suffered losses. The Defense Army suffered no casualties as a result of the provocative actions initiated by Azerbaijan.

The Azerbaijani side announced two civilians were killed and one was wounded.
YEREVAN, JULY 6, ARMENPRESS. Armen Ashotyan - Chairman of the Armenian Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, has sent an open letter to the Co-Chairs of the EURONEST PA, the Bureau members of the EURONEST PA, as well as to the members of the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee regarding the Azerbaijani July 4 provocation launched in the Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact, reports Armenpress.

The letter reads:

Dear colleagues,

On behalf of the Armenian delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly and the Armenian component of EU-Armenia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, I would like to bring to your attention that during last weeks Azerbaijan was continuously violating the trilateral ceasefire agreements of 1994-1995. On July 4th Azerbaijani Armed Forces used TR-107 multiple rocket launcher system against Nagorno Karabakh. In response, the Defense Army of Nagorno Karabakh was obliged to take measures to counter aggressive actions of the Azerbaijani side. It turned out, that the Nagorno Karabakh positions were attacked from the location, where the civilian population of Azerbaijan is situated. It is not the first time that Azerbaijani leadership uses the trans-border population as a human shield for shelling the territory of Artsakh. This fact was brought to the attention of the international community on numerous occasions.

And now Baku is trying to manipulate the fact of civilian losses to shift the attention of the international community and the humanitarian organizations from the gross violations of international humanitarian law, committed by Azerbaijan during last years aggression against Nagorno Karabakh, that was accompanied by despicable atrocities against civilian population of Nagorno Karabakh, killing of children, barbaric mutilation of elderly people, the ISIS-style beheadings.

The masterminds and perpetrators of such condemnable provocations by the Baku regime should bear responsibility.

The continued provocations of the Azerbaijani military forces on the Line of Contact with Nagorno Karabakh and the international border with Armenia, emphasizes the vital importance of implementation of agreements reached at the Summits of May 16, 2016 in Vienna and of June 20, 2016 in St. Petersburg and most particularly, the creation of the mechanism of investigation of violations of trilateral ceasefire agreements of 1994-1995, which could serve as a tool for prevention of incidents, as well as the confirmation of the commitment to the non-use of force or threat of force, and full adherence to the exclusively peaceful solution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, as proposed by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, and supported by the European Union and the European Parliament.
YEREVAN, JULY 6, ARMENPRESS. Arpine Hovhannisyan  Vice Speaker of the Parliament, head of Armenia-Great Britain friendship group, hosted Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Armenia Judith Margaret Farnworth on July 6, press service of the Parliament told Armenpress.

Welcoming the guest, Vice Speaker Hovhannisyan said Armenia attaches importance to deepening the mutual partnership with the UK at bilateral and multilateral formats. She valued the role of parliamentary diplomacy in developing and expanding the Armenian-British inter-state ties and highly appreciated the productive cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries. In this context, Arpine Hovhannisyan highlighted the need to intensify ties between the parliamentary friendship groups and make an exchange of experience.

During the meeting the sides discussed the existing favorable cooperation with the UK Embassy. The Vice Speaker attached importance to the Embassys initiative being carried out in Armenia.

Other issues of bilateral interest were also discussed.
YEREVAN, JULY 6, ARMENPRESS. Marina Grigoryan, head of the Ordinary Genocide project and Larisa Alaverdyan, president of the Against Legal Arbitrariness NGO and the formed Ombudsman of Armenia presented the short documentary film entitled Artsakh 2016: 2nd day of April.

The film, produced at the initiative of the PR and information center of the Presidential Staff of Armenia depicts the war which was waged by Azerbaijan in April of 2016 against Artsakh, where the peaceful civilians were greatly affected, including children, who describe the horrors which they had encountered with their own eyes, how they overcame those days, but lost a friend.

Based on military intelligence, the Azerbaijani armed forces had planned to strike the school of Nerkin Jartar, Martuni, NKR  with the purpose of killing children, who had to gather outside the school for a morning routine exercise, as scheduled.

It was only due to a miracle that the children were late for a few minutes, otherwise they would have been the victims of the heavy bombardment.

Larisa Alaverdyan says Azerbaijan doesnt have any intention whatsoever to refuse its genocidal policy.

This large scale attack, which began on April 2 and continues till now, must be presented firstly to all proper bodies through consistent and effective measures by Armenia, in order for them to be able to understand that there is no difference for the criminal clan of Azerbaijan, regarding the civilian, including childrens deaths.

Marina Grigoryan said the only goal of Azerbaijan was to kill as many children as possible, in order to terrorize the people of Artsakh, cause panic and make the people leave.

All of this is so obvious. We dont have any propaganda purpose, the film is entirely based on the testimonies of the eyewitness children and their parents, and facts. This film once again proves that the style, methods and policies of Azerbaijan dont change. Surely Azerbaijan, and personally Aliyev, had several goals: to divert attention through these provocations from the scandalous reports, including within PACE, as well as the recently disclosed Bulgarian discoveries, according to which Azerbaijan has continuously supported terrorists, including the Islamic State, Grigoryan said.

Lawmaker Arman Saghatelyan was present at the screening, who said that it is necessary to notify the international community about this all through these types of documented facts, which is being done.\

The project is available in five languages, and it would be preferable if it was also available for the Azerbaijani society, hoever we are dealing with a completely totalitarian and closed system. Only recently have they also blocked the websites of razm.info, as well as the public radio of Armenia, in order to deprive their people of any alternatives other than propaganda hysteria, which are made with huge cynicism, are false and planned beforehand, he said.
YEREVAN, JULY 6, ARMENPRESS. In 2016, when commercial turnover was decreasing among EEU member states, Armenias commercial turnover was growing, Eurasian Economic Commission minister for integration and macroeconomic affairs Tatyana Valovaya said during the July 6 round table discussion entitled Armenia two years within the Eurasian Economic Union: First results.

According to her, in 2016 Armenian exports to EEU territory have increased by more than 50 percent, not to mention during a difficult economic situation.

The EEC minister says the statistical data is good, however expectations were higher, for which they want to frankly talk with the government and business representatives to see what must be done in order for Armenia to adapt more rapidly to EEU.
STEPANAKERT, JULY 6, ARMENPRESS. The working visit of Artsakhi lawmakers Davit Melkumyan and Lyudmila Barseghyan to Lithuania continues.

The MPs met with the members of the Armenia-Lithuania parliamentary friendship group in the countrys parliament, where they discussed the prospects of experience exchange in the parliamentary format, regional and international security issues, and both sides highlighted ensuring awareness regarding Artsakh within Lithuanias public-political circles.

Speaking about the Karabakh conflict, Povilas Urbsys, chairman of the Armenia-Lithuania friendship group underscored the necessity of its peaceful settlement in the context of regional and international security.

The lawmakers of Artsakh briefed their Lithuanian partners on the process of establishment of Artsakhs democratic institutions, the continuous activities in this direction, as well as information regarding Azerbaijans constant obstacles of the peaceful settlement process through regular escalations in the line of contact.

The targeted statements of international organizations were especially highlighted, which might suppress the further complication of the situation.

On July 5, the Artsakhi lawmakers had a meeting in Varena City Hall with Mayor Algis Kaseta and Dalia Kuodyte, members of the Lithuania-Artsakh friendship circle, with Kuodyte being the co-chair of the circle.

A number of issues related to the possible cooperation between the City Halls of Stepanakert and Varena were discussed. The sides namely highlighted the need to organize mutual visits for increasing the level of public awareness and developing tourism.

At the end of the meeting, Algis Kaseta and Dalia Kuodyte were bestowed with the Gratitude Medals under the order of Artsakhs President Bako Sahakyan.

Later on the same day, the Artsakhi Members of Parliament held a meeting with the Armenian community and Ara Tunyan, president of the union of Armenians of Lithuania.

ARMENPRESS presents the Declaration of Lithuanias political and public figures on forming a friendship circle with Artsakh:

DECLARATION ON FORMING A CIRCLE OF FRIENDSHIP WITH THE NAGORNO KARABAKH REPUBLIC  REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH

10th of May, 2017 Vilnius

Adhering to democratic values, human rights and freedoms enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human rights; acknowledging that all nations, including the people of Artsakh, have a right to self-determination as one of the greatest achievements of democracy; supporting the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs efforts to settle the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict through exclusively peaceful means; appreciating the efforts and consistent actions of the people and government of Artsakh in creating and developing a democratic society, that respects the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms; striving to develop a dialogue between nations on the basis of democratic principles and values;

we, Lithuanian politicians and public figures, declare the establishment of a Circle of Friendship with the Nagorno Karabakh Republic  Republic of Artsakh.

Povilas Urbsys, Simonas Gentvilas, Vitalijus Gailius, Agne Sirinskiene, Eugenijus Jovaisa, Algimantas Dumbrava, Arunas Gumuliauskas, Dalia Kuodyte, Algis Kaseta, Dangute Mikutiene.
YEREVAN, JULY 6, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan held a meeting today with Herbert Salber, the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, who will soon leave his present office for another work.

The president thanked Mr. Salber for his efforts during his tenure and wished good luck in his new activities.

The sides touched upon that Armenia-European Union relations and the prospect of further developing the cooperation.

The president and the EU special representative assessed the level of the ties highly.

During the meeting the president thanked the EU for assistance through its regional Madad foundation to Syrian-Armenians to have found refuge in Armenia.

The sides also discussed the process of the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and the latest developments in the conflict zone.

The president found it to be concerning that Azerbaijan is continuing its provocative policy by increasing the tension and ignoring the calls of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs.

Mr. Salber stressed that the EU continues to find that the conflicts peaceful settlement has no alternative, and it is necessary to make efforts to avoid escalation and pave the way for the negotiations process.
YEREVAN, JULY 6, ARMENPRESS. Co-Chairs of the European Parliament David McAllister, Sajjad Karim and Rebecca Harms released a joint statement regarding the recent escalation in the Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact.

"The European Parliament is greatly concerned about the renewed violence earlier this week between Armenia and Azerbaijan. As previously stated, we firmly believe that the Nagorno Karabakh conflict does not have a military solution. Instead, the conflict needs an early political settlement in accordance with international law. This is the only way to stop unnecessarily claiming the lives of civilians and soldiers on both sides, the statement says.

The Co-Chairs also said that they fully support the efforts and proposals of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, and underscored that Armenia and Azerbaijan should find political will for advancing in the talks, in order for the mediators to succeed.
YEREVAN, JULY 6, ARMENPRESS. Armenias Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan held a meeting on July 6 with Vladimir Kuvshinov, the Secretary General of the International Civil Defense Organization (ICDO), and Oleg Bazhenov, deputy minister of emergency situations of Russia.

The officials are in Armenia for the Armenian-Russian humanitarian response centers management council session, which was held today.

The Armenian PM highlighted the continuous enhancement and development of partnership and praised bilateral cooperation in the emergency situations sphere and the activities of the Armenian-Russian humanitarian response center, the governments press service told ARMENPRESS.

Vladimir Kuvshinov and Oleg Bazhenov found the cooperation with Armenias emergency situations ministry to be effective and presented the results of todays session.

Particularly, the main directions and events were outlines, around which the Armenian-Russian rescue cooperation must be developed: training of rescue forces, exchange of experience and experts, modernization of equipment and others.

Both sides underscored that the expansion of the Armenian-Russian humanitarian response centers capabilities, the only such center in the region, will enable to carry out humanitarian response on the inter-regional level.
Officials take initial steps on measures raising awareness of trafficking, coordinating information, rescuing victims



Joy Anderson was enslaved for seven years before Lanie George, the founder of a Charlotte-area home for trafficking victims, rescued her during an FBI bust. Today, Anderson helps George care for other victims of human sex trafficking. (CJ Photo by Kari Travis)

"I was afraid I'd be spotted by a pimp, or their security, or anybody from that life, and that they would kill me."

"There's such a need for what we have here, and for more of what we have. Because it's long-term. I still go to counseling every week. I still have night terrors. I'm 45, and have been doing my work for 10 or 15 years now. So it's long-term. And it's doable. That's the most powerful thing. It's all fixable. [But] you can't do it alone."

It happened so quickly.Joy Anderson was first deceived.Then, she was lured into a prostitution ring.Anderson, one of four adopted children, had a good home life. But she felt like an outsider, a perception she attributes to her dark skin and unique personality.She met her traffickers at age 19, and, as odd as it now sounds, Anderson found a place to belong.Anderson said.Until the violence began. Until she became trapped.Anderson was introduced to drugs and became addicted. She was trafficked in Charlotte, Washington, D.C., and many other U.S. cities.Always under guard, she was forced to have sex with 15 or 20 men each day. Underfed and under the influence, she lived in delirium. She rarely knew where she was - or how much time had passed.she said.In 2016, 181 cases of human trafficking were reported in North Carolina, landing it among the top 10 states for trafficking in the U.S. the National Human Trafficking Hotline reports.But that data isn't close to representing the real numbers, said Lanie George, founder of Redeeming Joy, a Charlotte area home for women who have escaped sex slavery.Charlotte is the largest known hub for trafficking in the state, given its location near Interstate 77 and I-85 - corridors for trafficking - and its status as a center for sporting events and business conventions.Raleigh and Wilmington, too, are trafficking hot spots, George said.Calls from North Carolina victims to the hotline have risen nearly 200 percent this year, the N.C. Human Trafficking Commission reported in June.The Raleigh Police Department's Rapid Response Team has seen about 1,000 trafficking cases in the Research Triangle over the past few years, Major Rick Hoffman of the Raleigh Police Department said.Victims rarely self-identify out of fear that they will be arrested - or killed by their captors, a study from the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI shows.George knows firsthand what it's like to live in fear and hiding.She was born into a Florida sex trafficking ring and forcibly prostituted - from the time she was 3 until she was 17.George said.At 7, George tried to kill herself. She credits her survival to God.she said.George tried twice more to kill herself after she escaped her captors.She's now a married mother but to this day suffers from post-traumatic stress and dissociative disorders. George says she finds solace in God - and in her mission to rescue and rehabilitate trafficking victims.George's mother was her first rescue.Joy Anderson, after whom George named her organization, was her second.While trafficking is on the rise in North Carolina, most residents don't know about the problem, Rep. Bill Brawley, R-Mecklenburg, told Carolina Journal.Brawley introduced legislation this year that would have provided human trafficking awareness courses to public school students and law enforcers. House Bill 910 , Human Trafficking: Resistance and Rescue, also would have funded victim care and rehabilitation centers.That bill failed to gain traction, but lawmakers aren't done looking for solutions, Brawley said.Another bill, Senate Bill 548 , Strengthen Human Trafficking Laws/Studies, passed the General Assembly just before it adjourned. At press time, Gov. Roy Cooper had neither signed nor vetoed the measure.Backed by Lt. Gov. Dan Forest, S.B. 548 raises felony levels for pimps.The bill also funds public advertisements for the National Human Trafficking Hotline phone number. That provision is included in the state budget, passed by the legislature in June. House Bill 451 , Regulate Massage & Bodywork Therapy Establishments, boosts regulations for massage parlors, which rank behind escort services as the second-most likely front for sex trafficking. Many of its provisions also were included in S.B. 548.While victim rescue is critical, it's only part of the solution, George said.she asked.Homes and resources for trafficking victims are scarce, in North Carolina, and across North America, including Canada. George turns down multiple women each week.She simply can't afford their care.she said.Law enforcers don't have a coherent system for breaking into trafficking rings and arresting pimps, said Adam Wilson, a detective with the Gastonia Police Department.It's equally tough to identify victims - mostly due to lack of training and to the fact women are afraid to self-identify.Law enforcers need manpower and resources to tackle the issue, he said.Wilson, who formerly worked the street and drug crimes beat, is investigating sex trafficking as a special project. Given Gastonia's proximity to Charlotte, prostitution rings often bleed into his jurisdiction.Wilson's investigation is fast turning into a rabbit hole of information, he said. Few local police departments have detectives assigned specifically to investigate trafficking.Often, such cases are handled on a federal level. Even then, prosecuting perpetrators is tough, since sexual abuse and assault charges yield harsher sentences than do trafficking charges.A lack of trafficking prosecutions makes it harder to collect data.It's time to change that.he said.Getting out is easier than staying out, Anderson said of her escape.She was rescued in Charlotte - after seven years in slavery.She remembers crying out to God, desperate for help.Two days later, Anderson's pimps drove her to a hotel, unwittingly handing her over to agents from the FBI, who were working a sting operation.Inside the hotel room, Anderson met George.Anderson said.None of the U.S. or Canadian rehab centers had room for Anderson, so George and her husband cashed in their 401(k) and savings to house and care for the then 26-year-old.Anderson spent at least six months battling a haze of drug withdrawals, guilt, and fear.she said.For a time, she struggled to identify herself as a victim. She then became terrified with the prospect of going out in public.Anderson's experience is the norm.Women who break free of their traffickers often suffer from Stockholm syndrome, PTSD, drug addictions, sexually transmitted diseases, and malnourishment, George said.That's why victims require special care.Only 33 centers in the U.S. cater to such women, Tammy Harris, director of development for Redeeming Joy, told CJ. That equals roughly 100 beds for every 100,000 victims.Housing for male victims is scarcer still, though that population is tiny by comparison.To win the fight against human trafficking, legislators must prioritize funding for victim-care centers, especially those that are religious nonprofits, Harris said.Under Brawley's H.B. 910, the Department of Health and Human Services would have disbursed money to care centers. DHHS would exclude organizations such as Redeeming Joy because of its faith-based curriculum.It's frustrating, says Harris, since the nonprofit - like many others - accepts victims of all faiths.If the state fails to fund her organization, George will continue seeking money from private donors. She's got 12 beds but can afford to house only four women.
This academic year has been punctuated by a series of high-profile campus protests. Many student grievances have, as in previous years, centered on claims of racial injustice. If next academic year is to be about education rather than protest, faculty and administrators must explore the role they play in both politicizing college life and racializing students.In April classes at Harvey Mudd College in California were cancelled for two days following student protests primarily focused on "issues of race." Students0 at Notre Dame and Middlebury College protested lectures given by Charles Murray. They argued, violently at Middlebury, that his 1994 book The Bell Curve "espoused a racist view that had no place on a college campus."In October, students at the University of California, Berkeley demanded campus " safe spaces " exclusively for students of color. Students formed a human chain and blocked the main entrance to the campus; white students were reportedly told to "Go Around!" while students of color were allowed through the blockade.Most recently, Evergreen State College has made global headlines after students called for Professor Bret Weinstein to be fired. Weinstein publicly questioned a change to the school's annual "Day of Absence": instead of black students leaving campus, white students and faculty were asked to stay away for the day. He preferred to teach his biology course and for doing so was subjected to vehement protests. Although Weinstein has become the focus, the protests represent the culmination of a year of tension over perceived racial injustice. This " long simmering discord " was not a response to specific incidents, but a general demand for the college to address "equity" issues and require diversity training for all faculty.Student protests focusing on race are not new. In 1960, civil rights protesters, including Martin Luther King Jr., joined students at college campuses across Atlanta, Georgia , in marches and sit-ins designed to challenge the racial segregation rife throughout Atlanta at that time. The campaign for civil rights prompted the Berkeley Free Speech Movement. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, students across America protested against university investments in apartheid South Africa.There are, however, great differences between today's student protests and those of yesteryear. Most significantly, previous generations rejected segregation and aspired towards racial equality. Many of today's protests, on the other hand, seem to rehabilitate demands for segregation.In 1960, students in Atlanta campaigned for an end to segregated lunch counters; in 2017 students demand segregated safe spaces and accommodation blocks. California State University , Los Angeles, has separate living accommodation for African-American students, while the University of Connecticut has established a "living-learning community" specifically for black male students.The Free Speech Movement was driven by a belief that all students, whatever their skin color, could cope with hearing views they disagreed with. Today's protesters, in contrast, as we see at Notre Dame and Middlebury, want to restrict free speech by anyone they call "racist." At Wesleyan University, students demanded that the newspaper devote front-page space to "marginalized voices" and that the newspaper staff be compelled to undergo "training" in social justice.Once, the fight against racism was premised on the belief that all people, irrespective of skin color, were equally autonomous, rational, and intelligent. Today's protesters employ a therapeutic language of safe spaces and healing; they see people of color as victims of "whiteness" and in need of protection from microaggressions.Colleges themselves have played a fundamental role in bringing about this seismic shift.Today, students are encouraged by faculty and administrators to identify as members of a racial group and to see racial inequality as pervasive.One way they have done so is through the reading that schools assign to incoming students. The National Association of Scholars has analyzed the books students are asked to read before arriving on campus. They note that, "In 2016, the three most widely assigned books were virtually identical: recently published nonfiction or memoirs about African Americans suffering from the effects of American racism." Such books reinforce a view of the U.S. as a deeply racist nation.Once new students arrive on campus, many colleges make attendance at " diversity training " workshops mandatory. The focus of such workshops is often the differences between people rather than what they have in common. Students are encouraged to see themselves as members of a particular racial group and to view their peers accordingly, instead of as individuals with distinct opinions and beliefs. One student recalls,In this way, professors and administrators amplify racial differences between students and give credence to the view that, even within elite institutions, minority students have justifiable grievances.Furthermore, many students are taught a curriculum (particularly in social science and humanities courses) premised upon a postmodernism that eschews "any notion of objectivity, perceiving knowledge as a construct of power differentials rather than anything that could possibly be mutually agreed upon." This lends itself to teaching that privileges subjective experiences and personal feelings above objective debate and rational inquiry.As a result, students are not able to leave their personal circumstances at the door of the classroom and tackle ideas as intellectual equals. Instead, their subjective feelings, drawn from their identity, become an undisputed source of evidence. The more oppressed the speaker, the more respected their response.Radical pedagogues teach students to recognize themselves as representatives of groups based on race, class, gender, and sexuality and those labels become the starting point for their academic work. The concept of color-blind teaching is rejected and the importance of race is reinforced at every turn.The pre-eminence of race moves beyond teaching methods and encompasses what is taught. Campaigns to "decolonize" the curriculum, often led by academics, start from the assumption that students need to see themselves reflected in what is taught. According to this view, a Eurocentric curriculum is an instrument of abuse that black students must be taught to withstand. This racist and patronizing assertion suggests that black students cannot learn Plato, Shakespeare, and Pythagoras and need a curriculum constructed on the basis of biology rather than intellectual merit.This form of teaching confuses politics and education. What's important is not the knowledge students acquire but the values they demonstrate. The politicized classroom becomes a confessional for white students to admit to their inherent guilt and a psychiatrist's couch for black students to share experiences of victimhood.In this way, campus protests around the issue of race are explicitly encouraged or implicitly condoned by the faculty. Until very recently, Evergreen State officials had largely praised the student protesters and agreed that press reports were being unfair to the college. Evergreen's president, George Bridges , has reportedly agreed to excuse protesters from homework.More than fifty faculty members have signed a letter supporting the students and criticizing the way Weinstein has spoken out about the situation. The letter states,Higher education has moved from promoting universal liberal humanist values to creating a racialized environment where students are supported and encouraged to judge each other according to race and see shared communication as risking racial microaggressions. Until this changes, we will see more campus protests.


House lawmakers gathered earlier this year for a special session in the historic capitol building. (CJ Photo by Kari Travis)

As state lawmakers returned home for a brief summer break, some members and their staffs were awaiting court orders outlining new General Assembly districts after federal judges declared the current map unconstitutional and racially gerrymandered.A U.S. District Court for the Raleigh area is expected to issue instructions soon that may break up 28 state legislative districts. The goal is making future General Assembly elections more competitive.A spokesman for House Redistricting Committee Chairman David Lewis told Carolina Journal the committee expects court instructions any day. With those guidelines, lawmakers will set a tentative schedule to meet in September and have a new map in place by Nov. 15.Beyond the wait for new court orders, the General Assembly has taken only basic steps to prepare because the law is the main driver of redistricting efforts, said Mark Coggins, policy adviser to Lewis, a Harnett County Republican.The office of the Senate Redistricting Committee Chairman, Sen. Ralph Hise, R-Mitchell, did not immediately respond to CJ.The forthcoming court orders would be the latest episode in a years-long redistricting legal saga.A panel of federal judges from the U.S. District Court from the Middle District of North Carolina ruled in August 2016 that 28 North Carolina legislative districts were racially gerrymandered, violating the Voting Rights Act.These districts were last drawn in 2011, following the 2010 census. Critics say Republicans benefited from packing black voters in Democratic-friendly districts, boosting the number of districts Republicans would likely win.The judges required new districts in time for a snap 2017 election of legislators in areas affected by redistricting. This would have disrupted the normal election cycle of legislative races every two years. It also could set the stage for some legislators serving two-year terms and others only one, depending on whether their districts were redrawn by court order. These concerns led the General Assembly to appeal its case to the U.S. Supreme Court.The U.S. Supreme Court killed the district court's order in June, and sent the case back for further resolution. The high court said the three-judge panel examined the issue in a "cursory fashion" and did not justify a remedy that would be so disruptive.Days after the Supreme Court decision, Gov. Roy Cooper called for a special session of the General Assembly to draw new legislative districts, in expectation of a court-ordered 2017 election.Already in session to pass the state budget and other laws, Republican legislators and Lt. Gov. Dan Forest rejected Cooper's request, saying the state constitution called for a special session only in "extraordinary occasions."
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.
WASHINGTON  Bradley Ledgerwood, 36, is a proud Republican and an enthusiastic fan of President Trump.

Hes also on a fast track to becoming one of Trumps fabled Forgotten Men.

Ledgerwood has been enamored with politics all his life. An active member of the Craighead County Republican Committee and the Northeast Arkansas Political Animals lunch club, he serves as an alderman for 342-person Cash, Ark.

Physically disabled, Ledgerwood participates in these activities only through the help of two government-funded programs that are now on the chopping block: Medicaid and legal aid.

Youve no doubt heard lots about threats to the first of these, given Republican efforts to wring $800 billion from the federal low-income health insurance program. So lets focus on the second, which has received almost no attention, despite facing an existential threat from both the president and House Republicans.

At 2, Ledgerwood was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which left him unable to walk, stand, bathe himself, eat or use the bathroom without assistance.

My mom and dad are basically my hands and feet, he told me by phone Friday.

His mother, in fact, cares for him full time and has done so for many years. She was able to quit her job and provide round-the-clock care as a result of a special Medicaid program designed to help people with serious disabilities avoid institutionalization. The program pays for hours worked by in-home caregivers, which can include family members.

In Ledgerwoods case, the state has consistently determined that he qualifies for 56 hours of care, the maximum.

At least, it did until last year.

Thats when the Arkansas Department of Human Services abruptly cut Ledgerwoods weekly hours nearly in half, despite the fact that his medical needs had not changed. With minimal explanation, officials claimed that a new computer algorithm determined that he did not need so much care. Other families experienced similar cuts in caregiving hours.

This cut would devastate the familys precarious finances. His mother contemplated returning to work and sending Ledgerwood to a nursing home.

That would destroy my life, he says in no uncertain terms. Fiscally minded voter that he is, he adds that institutionalization would also cost the state multiple times more money than family-provided home care.

Alongside six other plaintiffs with disabilities, Ledgerwood sued the state  and won. The case is currently on appeal.

How was Ledgerwood able to secure legal representation? Not through a lucrative GoFundMe campaign, or lottery windfall, or some long-lost rich uncle.

It was through Legal Aid of Arkansas, one of 133 programs that receive grants from the Legal Services Corporation, a congressionally established nonprofit that funds civil legal services for about 2 million low-income people each year.

And low-income families, whether in red-state America or blue, turn out to need a lot of legal help.

In the past year, seven in 10 low-income families experienced at least one civil legal problem, according to a recent University of Chicago NORC survey done for the Legal Services Corporation. Such problems include foreclosures, domestic violence (getting a restraining order, for example), custody disputes, debt repayment or neglectful landlords. The elderly, rural residents and veterans  all core components of the Republican base  are especially well-represented in this population.

A Navy veteran I spoke with last weekend, 47-year-old Mario Figueroa of Daytona Beach, Fla., credited his local legal aid program with saving his life. He had fought on his own for two decades to convince the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide medical treatment and disability benefits for his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder. He was successful only after seeking representation from Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, another Legal Services Corporation grantee.

People like to say they support veterans and stand behind veterans, he said, complaining that a congressman he met recently was more interested in a photo op than learning how to preserve veterans access to civil justice. Thats just an empty phrase.

In the skinny budget released in March, Trump proposed eliminating the Legal Services Corporation. At the time, this produced bipartisan pleas for robust funding for the organization. Nonetheless, last week a House appropriations subcommittee passed a bill that would slash the organizations funding by roughly a quarter, from $385 million to $300 million. If enacted, such cuts would inevitably leave many families such as Ledgerwoods and Figueroas to fend for themselves.

For now, Ledgerwood still supports Trump (He reminds me a lot of Ronald Reagan) and remains confident that his president and his party will have his back.

But, he says, If I lose my lawyer and my services, I may feel a little differently.
Every successful experiment starts with a great hypothesis. A hypothesis is a testable answer to a scientific question; an educated guess. One can say that our great American experiment started with a profound hypothesis. That hypothesis held that liberty is most secure when it is recognized and accepted that human rights are endowed by the Creator - not by government - and are therefore inalienable; that governments are creations or creatures of the People, instituted primarily to secure their rights and to serve them as they seek to establish an ordered society; and that once government becomes destructive of its ends, the People have the natural and inherent right to alter or abolish it and establish another form of government in its place.Those who read the Declaration and think it stands merely for the notion thatare missing the bigger picture. They are missing out on perhaps the most revolutionary, the most profound, the most important political statement ever made. It is the document that has changed the world.And yet, in planning to declare independence from Great Britain, our Founders could not know that this document, in all its grandeur and espousing such profound and enlightened principles, would be the vehicle. Perhaps history put the right man in the right place at the right time, for the right purpose.Once hostilities broke out between the colonies and Great Britain, the colonies sought to use the opportunity to issue a simple declaration, stating that they regarded themselves as no longer a part of the British Empire but rather as free and independent States . Thomas Jefferson would give us much more than a simple declaration.On June 7, 1776, acting under the instruction of the Virginia Convention and particularly its presiding officer Edmund Pendleton (who had served as the President of the First Continental Congress), Richard Henry Lee on introduced a resolution in the Second Continental Congress proposing independence for the colonies. The Lee Resolution contained three very simple parts: a declaration of independence, a call to form foreign alliances, and "a plan for confederation."Resolved, that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances.That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation.On June 11, the Second Continental Congress appointed three concurrent committees to address Lee's Resolution - one to draft a declaration of independence, a second to draw up a plan to form foreign alliances, and a third to plan a form of a confederation for the colonies. To draft the declaration, Congress named a five-member committee comprised of John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, Robert Livingston of New York, and Roger Sherman of Connecticut. Although Adams was deemed best qualified to write the draft, he urged Jefferson to write it. Jefferson had approached his friend Adams to confirm that he would be drafting the declaration. But Adams responded:When Jefferson asked why, Adams explained:[Adams was indeed unpopular; he had represented the British soldiers involved in the Boston MassacreThat very day, Jefferson would begin work on the Declaration of Independence . He moved into a small house -two blocks from Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where the Continental Congress had been meeting - in order to write in seclusion. Because several members of the Congress wanted to seek instruction from their colonies before addressing such an extreme measure, the vote was deferred until July 2.On July 2, the Congress voted on independence. It adopted the Lee Resolution, which, as reproduced above, declared the individual states independent from Great Britain. "Resolved, that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved." But the Congress decided it needed to draft a document explaining the move to the public ("The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world...") Such a draft had been proposed and submitted by the Committee of Five (written by Jefferson), and it took two days for the full Congress to agree on the edits. That is why we see the words "IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776," at the top of the Declaration, because that is the day the last version was approved and signed in Philadelphia, at Independence Hall.Once the final version was approved, the actual Declaration on Independence document that was signed on July 4 was sent to a printer named John Dunlap. About 200 copies of the Dunlap Broadside were printed and sent to the states, including to General George Washington.The document was not titled "Declaration of Independence" nor does the term appear anywhere in the document, yet that was clearly its intention. The declaration justified the independence of the colonies by first asserting their collective understanding of the relationship between the individual and government, as well as the purpose and limits of government, then listing the colonists' grievances against King George III (summing up with the line: "A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people"), and finally asserting certain natural and legal rights, including the right of secession ("That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved").The Declaration of Independence was a transformative document. No longer would individuals have to petition or plead with government to respect their rights. Going forward, government would be established for the primary purpose of securing and enlarging their rights, guaranteeing that an ordered society would be possible while still allowing individuals to exercise the rights that they were born with; governments would no longer treat individuals like "subjects." They would not be subject to the good graces or generosity of a King or his wrath or insecurity. "Inalienable" would now characterize the rights that their forefathers, Englishmen, could only enjoy if the King allowed it.I love how exquisitely the Declaration of Independence explains how government is grounded in God's Law and Nature's Law and that it is always a creature of the people, for the people. For that reason, governments are always "temporary" in nature, enduring only as long as they protect and secure certain essential individual rights and as long as they serve productive ends. When a government ceases to serve either end, nature and Thomas Jefferson tell us that people have the right, the natural right (the right of self-determination, which is equally as "inalienable" as the right to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness") to alter or abolish it. And that is what the people of the American colonies, chose to do. The Declaration made the case for that decision, explaining that the "government" of Great Britain - the King and Parliament - had become destructive and abusive of their rights, which had been set forth in the great Magna Carta and solidified in the English Bill of Rights of 1689. As Jefferson made clear, because "the history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States," it was their natural right to sever political bonds with it, declare independence, to secede from Great Britain), and to establish a new government better suited to serve them and to respect and exemplify their ideals. The founding principles so brilliantly laid out in the Declaration form a foundation as strong as bedrock for our individual rights. If they are endowed by the Creator, who dare have the authority to take them away? Similarly, if they are natural rights, belonging to us at our birth, we don't lose them - just as we don't lose the ability of our bodies to reproduce and have children and just as a falling body will always be acted on by the force of gravity. Some things are simply absolutes. Nature dictates life since it is from nature that we exist. Jefferson grounded our rights in both God's Law and Nature's Law (some will argue that they are, in fact, one and the same), as the first paragraph of the Declaration makes clear: "When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them."If we only took the time to read this magnificent document, to study it, and to truly understand and appreciate every phrase that Jefferson included, we would have a far deeper sense of gratitude for our Founders and their inspired wisdom and foresight and a far deeper appreciation for what this country stands for (or "stood for"). Perhaps people might even realize that being an American is a far greater privilege that they had ever bothered to contemplate and that maybe, just maybe, such a privilege carries an obligation to conduct oneself in a respectful and dignified manner, always mindful of what he or she represents as a citizen and always ready to defend and exemplify the best that the country stands for. I love our Declaration of Independence, and to me, it is, and has always been, the most important of all founding documents - serving as our nation's moral compass and forever shining a light on the reasons and principles of our existence.Jefferson's profound hypothesis still stands. But has our experiment steered away from hypothesis so that the ultimate question can no longer be answered? That is the question. What does the future hold when we've loosened the moorings that once tied Liberty to the principles in the Declaration?
There are three new species of furry little friends at the Calgary Zoo now that the Land of Lemurs is open for business.

The first of its kind in Canada and the first new exhibit to open at the zoo in five years, Land of Lemurs allows visitors to enter the lemurs' habitat and interact with the cute little creatures in a barrier-free setting.

Land of Lemurs is home to a "mob" of 13 lemurs from three endangered species. Fans of the Madagascar movies or the children's show Zoboomafoo will be familiar with the ring-tailed lemur, but there are also black-and-white ruffed and red-fronted lemurs leaping and lounging in the new exhibit, which opened Wednesday.

Population and conservation

Trish Exton-Parder with the Calgary Zoo said Land of Lemurs offers more than a chance to get up close and personal with some cuddly creatures. The zoo is hoping to help increase the population of these endangered species by helping fund conservation programs in Madagascar.

"First of all, the reason that we're having lemurs is because they are one of the most endangered primates  and a really important species for us to make everybody aware of in Madagascar," Exton-Parder told the Calgary Eyeopener.

Out of the 101 known lemur species, about 94 per cent are at risk of extinction. Madagascar has lost upward of 80 per cent of its original forest due to farming, logging and mining practices, posing a threat to the lemur population in the wild.

Experts believe that if changes aren't made, many lemur species could be extinct in the wild by 2050.

In an effort to increase the wild lemur population, the zoo will be working to develop tree nurseries to aid in reforestation, assisting with population monitoring in the wild and working with the people of Madagascar to integrate green technologies in their communities to preserve the lemurs' habitat.

Helping the habitat

"These kinds of community conservation programs help us link what we're doing here to help people learn about these endangered species and know that we're going to make an incredible impact where their homeland is in Madagascar," Exton-Parder said.

Story continues

But the lemurs' aren't completely defenceless.

Lemurs in the wild are also helping out with reforestation by eating plant life and spreading the seeds through their droppings.

"(Lemurs) are critical to disperse the seeds of plants and the fruits they're consuming," said Dr. Clement Lanthier, president and CEO of the Calgary Zoo. "And when the seeds pass their digestive track ... the probability of those plants to propagate well in the forest will significantly increase."

Of the three species at the new exhibit, the black-and-white ruffed lemurs are most endangered, and Exton-Parder said the Calgary Zoo will eventually be part of a breeding program to help get their numbers up in captivity.

"So what's even cuter than a lemur? Perhaps a baby one," Exton-Parder said.

Calgarians can get to know the residents in the Land of Lemurs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.

- MORE CALGARY NEWS | Penguin Walk returns to the Calgary Zoo

- MORE CALGARY NEWS | Meet Baby Eddy: Calgary Zoo's king penguin gets suitably royal name Edward
THURSDAY, July 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- For many families in poor countries, soap is a luxury that they do without, a new study finds.

Hand-washing with soap can help prevent the spread of diseases, especially pneumonia and diarrhea. These ills caused about 1.6 million child deaths worldwide in 2013, the researchers said.

"Hand-washing prevents leading causes of the 6 million deaths that occur annually in young children around the world. Never before has hand-washing been systematically measured in so many countries," said study co-author Dr. Pavani Ram. She is director of the University at Buffalo's Community for Global Health Equity in New York.

"These data are useful to public health programs and policy makers because they underscore the deep inequities that persist globally and within countries, contributing to these preventable child deaths among people living in poverty and in rural areas in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia," Ram said in a university news release.

For the study, the researchers reviewed data from 51 countries. The investigators found that the availability of soap at hand-washing locations in homes ranged from less than 0.1 percent in Ethiopia to over 96 percent in Serbia.

The availability of soap anywhere in homes ranged from nearly 21 percent in Senegal to 99 percent in Iraq and Serbia. The proportions of homes in Africa with soap and water at a hand-washing place ranged from as low as 0.1 percent in Ethiopia to a high of nearly 35 percent in Swaziland, the study revealed.

The poorest homes often had much lower rates of soap and water for hand-washing than wealthier homes -- for example, 6 percent versus 85 percent in regions of Nepal.

The findings show the need to improve access to soap, along with hand-washing behavior in general, in many poor countries, according to the researchers.

The study was published recently in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on hand hygiene.
A Vietnamese court recently sentenced blogger and human rights activist Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh to 10 years in prison."We are deeply concerned," said State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert, "about the conviction of. . .peaceful blogger, Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh."Also known as Mother Mushroom, she was the recent recipient of a 2017 International Woman of Courage Award at the State Department.

Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh was arrested in October 2016 and charged with conducting propaganda against the state under article 88 of the penal code, which has been used to punish activists and critics of the government, according to Human Rights Watch.

With the motto Who will speak if you dont?, Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh wrote on social and political issues, including land confiscation, police abuse, and freedom of expression.She voiced support for fellow dissidents and publicly campaigned for the release of many political prisoners, including Tran Huynh Duy Thuc, Nguyen Ngoc Gia, Nguyen Hoang Quoc Hung, and Nguyen Huu Vinh, also known as Anh Ba Sam.

She received a Hellman Hammett grant from Human Rights Watch in 2010 as a writer defending free expression and was named the 2015 Civil Rights Defender of the Year by Civil Rights Defenders."Above all," wrote Human Rights Watch, "she advocated for a social and political environment free from fear."

The United States calls on Vietnam to release Mother Mushroom and all other prisoners of conscience and to allow all individuals in Vietnam to express their views freely and assemble peacefully without fear of retribution.

"Weve seen some positive steps on human rights in Vietnam over the past few years," said Ms. Nauert. "However, the trend of increased arrests and convictions of peaceful protests since early 2016 is deeply troubling."

Progress on human rights will enable the U.S.-Vietnam partnership to reach its fullest potential.
Writing in 79 CE, the Roman scholar Pliny the Elder described underwater concrete structures built by his compatriots that become a single stone mass, impregnable to the waves and every day stronger.

The 'Portus Cosanus' in Tuscany, built more than 2,000 years ago. J. P. Oleson

For centuries, Rome built its harbors with a combination of caementum, quicklime and volcanic materials that modern engineering has spent centuries trying to equal. Now, geologists and engineers are examining the remains of Roman ports to find the exact formula needed for the concrete of the future.

Modern concrete begins to deteriorate when it comes into contact with the sea. Its interaction with salt water causes it to lose alkalinity and undergo carbonation, which weakens its surrounding protective layer. Yet astoundingly, despite the passage of so much time, docks that were built by Roman engineers some 2,000 years ago still stand.

The Romans created a concrete that improved with chemical exchange from seawater

Marie Jackson, geologist at the University of Utah

Contrary to the foundations of modern concrete, based on cement, the Romans created a concrete that improved with open chemical exchange from seawater, explains Marie Jackson, a geologist at the University of Utah who has spent years searching for the formula of Roman concrete. Both then and now, an agglomerate  or hardening agent  was used. Today, the most common base of concrete is called Portland cement, composed of limestone and clay, heated to more than 1,500C. Conversely, the Romans relied on a particular type of quicklime: calcium oxide. Today, we use gravels and sands as an aggregate. Back then, any kind of rubble was employed.

But the secret is in the mix. Before the Romans, construction in the most advanced civilizations, like ancient Greece, employed a chalky mortar that agglomerated when it dried. Whether by chance, geographic proximity, or trial and error, it was eventually discovered that the volcanic materials used were reacting with water, as Portland cement does today. In fact, as Pliny wrote, that cement was improved through exposure to seawater.

A 2,000-year-old piece of concrete from a breakwater in the bay of Naples, seen under a microscope. Marie Jackson

State of the art technology has enabled Jackson and her colleagues to learn more about these materials. Under an electron microscope at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, a sample from a Roman harbor built between the first and second centuries CE revealed its secrets.

We could identify different minerals and the complex, enigmatic crystallization sequences at the microscopic level, says Jackson. According to the results of her investigation, published in the journal American Mineralogist, the limestone, when exposed to seawater, rapidly reacted with the volcanic ash. But what they have also confirmed is that, after the limestone has been used up, a second, much slower, phase begins.

During this second chemical reaction, two minerals  neither of which were properly understood in Roman times  play a key role: tobermorite and phillipsite. In the concrete employed at Roman harbors, these minerals formed thin fibers and plaques that made them more resistant and less susceptible to breaking.

If Roman concrete could be recreated, global warming would be reduced

Both tobermorite and phillipsite are still used today in the production of special cements, but the problem with using them regularly is that they must be heated to a very high temperature, an issue that seems to have been avoided in antiquity. No one has created tobermorite at 20C, except the Romans, explains Jackson.

Victor Yepes, professor of construction engineering at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, is slightly more measured in his admiration: Roman concrete was better than bad concrete from the present day, but it was not better than good concrete. Still, he marvels at the fact that the Romans found materials in nature that modern science took centuries to reproduce with the discovery of Portland cement.

Yepes also acknowledges the great innovation of Roman engineers in the use of pozzolanic materials  i.e., those naturally occurring from volcanic rock  a use that did not generate CO 2 emissions in its production, a stark difference from today. The cement industry is responsible for 5% of CO 2 emissions, which are the cause of climate change.

If the cold reaction of Roman marine concrete could be recreated, the cement manufacturing industrys contribution to global warming would be dramatically reduced. This is the goal that Jackson, alongside others, including the US Department of Energy, are working toward. Although they have produced experiments in similar conditions, using water from the San Francisco Bay and volcanic materials from the west of the United States, the concrete they obtained does not possess the essential Roman characteristics. While the once secret ingredients have now been disclosed thanks to modern technology, Jackson acknowledges that they still have yet to determine the preparation of the raw materials and the processing.

English version by Henry Hahn
A yacht in the exclusive Sotogrande community, in Spains southern Cadiz province. julian rojas

Spanish income statements from 2015 show that only 7,194 individuals declared more than 600,000. That number is 31% lower than the 10,425 in this bracket in 2007, but well above the 4,000 declaring this amount during the worst moments of the economic crisis.

However, the majority of Spanish taxpayers in 2015  almost 11 million out of just over 18 million in total  had a taxable income of up to 21,000.

Experts believe middle and lower income earners in Spain bear a greater tax burden than in other European countries

These new tax office numbers published Tuesday do not present any real surprises. Barely 4% of taxpayers, or around 690,000 people, declared more than 60,000 in taxable income in their 2015 returns.

The 2015 fiscal year was one of strong economic recovery, with a 3.2% increase in GDP. According to the tax office data, the declared incomes of the wealthiest  defined as those who declared more than 600,000  grew 41% in total to 5.75 billion. That is an an average of 799,286 per head. In contrast, the total combined income declared by all taxpayers only increased 4.1%.

The total combined income of people who declared between 30,000 and 600,000 also grew  by 13%. But for the group declaring between 12,000 and 30,000, the rise was just 1.5%  a figure below even GDP growth. This suggests the years recovery was somewhat unequal.

At the bottom of the earnings table, almost 6.5 million people reported that they made less than 12,000 in 2015. If the threshold is extended to 21,000, 11 million taxpayers in Spain are included, or more than half of the people who declare income. Another 6 million respondents are situated in the 21,000 to 60,000 bracket. From these figures, it is easy to determine which groups are the principal supporters of Spains public finances: the bulk of tax revenue comes from middle and lower income earners. Of the 364 billion declared in total by all taxpayers, around 300 billion corresponded to the income of those making 60,000 or less.

The majority of Spanish taxpayers in 2015 declared a taxable income of below 21,000

That means more than 80% of the taxable income in Spain does not come from people who can be considered wealthy. Experts therefore believe that middle and lower income earners in Spain bear a greater tax burden than in other European countries.

In light of these figures, is is not surprising that former Spanish economy minister Elena Salgado described it as being difficult to tax the rich because they were slipping through the net. For salaried employees, it is difficult to escape because they are subject to deductions, unless they are paid under the table and do not report their earnings. But for the rest, it is easy: they can declare income via a corporation or simply declare less than they actually make.

This snapshot is an image of the fiscal conscience that exists in Spain, explains Francisco de la Torre, a tax office inspector, currently on leave and acting as a spokesperson for Ciudadanos on the issue of taxes.

English version by Henry Hahn.
The king and queen of Spain will begin their state visit to the United Kingdom on Tuesday, after the trip had to be postponed on two occasions for internal political reasons in both countries . One of the highlights of King Felipe and Queen Letizias schedule, which is still provisional, will be the Spanish monarchs appearance in the House of Commons on July 12.

The king and queen of Spain. J. J. Guillen (EFE)

More information Spanish royal visit to UK will highlight expat issues and economic ties

The king will make a speech to members of the British parliament at a time when the Brexit process  the UKs exit from the European Union  has thrown relations between the two countries into doubt. This visit, the first of its kind in 30 years, will see other political meetings, including a lunch with the prime minister, Theresa May, at 10 Downing Street.

According to Spanish diplomatic sources, the visit will take place at the best moment historically for Spanish-British relations, albeit under the shadow that is being cast by Brexit. The presence in London of the royal family, who have been invited by Queen Elizabeth II, will seek to transmit a message of support and calm to Spaniards resident in the UK and Spanish companies who operate in the British market.

The royal family will seek to transmit a message of support and calm to Spaniards resident in the UK

King Felipe and Queen Letizia will arrive on July 11, with the official program for the visit starting the day after with an official reception with Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh at Horse Guards Parade. King Felipe and Queen Letizia, who will be staying at Buckingham Palace, will visit Buckingham Palace Picture Gallery to see the collection of Spanish art.

Later that day, after meeting at Clarence House with Prince Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, they will attend a gala dinner at Buckingham Palace at which Queen Elizabeth and King Felipe will make short speeches. All members of the British royal family will be present, something that diplomatic sources have explained is not the norm and that have been interpreted as special deference toward the Spanish royal family.

The king will take part in a homage to the fallen, including victims of terrorism

On July 13, the king, accompanied by the Duke of York, will attend a meeting with Spanish and British business leaders in the City, and will also visit Westminster Abbey where he will take part in a homage to the fallen, including victims of terrorism. That night, the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Andrew Parmley, will hold a dinner in honor of the royal couple.

On July 14, after the official farewell by Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh, a meeting will be held with scientists and Spanish employees from the Francis Crick Institute, a biological research organization set up in 2016. They will then travel to Oxford, where they will take part in a number of activities organized by the citys university.

Sources from Spains La Zarzuela palace have explained that this visit was much desired by the royal couple, and that both are very grateful to Queen Elizabeth and the British government for their willingness to organize the state visit in spite of the issues that led to its delay on two different occasions.

English version by Simon Hunter.
These are the responsibility of the editor and convey the newspaper's view on current affairs-both domestic and international

The writing is on the wall for Spain's tourism sector. CARLES RIBAS

Year after year, Spain breaks visitor numbers. Since 2012, the number of tourists has increased by 31%, with more than 75 million coming to Spain annually. Aside from the excellent facilities Spains tourism sector offers, other factors are in play. The insecurity associated with other major vacation destinations has put Spain in a privileged position as a country that is both attractive and safe. Earnings from the sector have mitigated the impact of the economic crisis, and tourism is also a vital source of employment, providing jobs to 13% of the countrys workforce.

But there are now warning signs. Residents of Barcelona see tourism as the citys main problem, even though 83% recognize that it provides benefits. Barcelona cannot turn its back on a sector that provides 20% of its GDP. But it needs to manage it well, just as Madrid and other Spanish cities.

The problem is large numbers of visitors in certain locations and at certain times of the year

Spain needs to hold onto its tourism sector  after all, it contributes 11% of the countrys GDP  but it also needs to manage it properly if it is to be sustainable and of benefit to all. The occasional outbreaks of hostility toward tourists in some locations is a symptom of ill-feeling that needs to be nipped in the bud before it is too late.

In reality, such hostility is not directed toward individual tourists, so much as a rejection of mass tourism. The problem is not the number of visitors so much as large numbers in certain locations and at certain times of the year. If we allow mass tourism to impact negatively on our beaches, towns and countryside, then not only will local people turn against tourists; the industry itself will suffer. When all is said and done, it is tourists themselves who most dislike mass tourism.

English version by Nick Lyne.
WASHINGTON  At moments of institutional conflict and uncertainty, Americans naturally turn to the Constitution. But at times of anger, division and national self-doubt, the best American leaders have helped us turn to a different document: the Declaration of Independence.

That few seem to be doing so now  in our season of division and doubt  is another sign that we lack real leaders.

The Declaration is an odd source of national pride since it can only be properly read in a spirit of humility. It refers to a transcendent order of justice and human dignity that existed prior to the nation  and that exposed the nations horrifying hypocrisies. (How is it, taunted Samuel Johnson, that we hear the loudest yelps for liberty among the drivers of Negroes?) We hold these truths makes us vulnerable to the judgment of those truths.

American independence, of course, involved more than humility. It was an act of defiance rooted in an arm-long list of grievances. In Worcester, Massachusetts, after the Declaration was signed, patriots drank to the toast: Perpetual itching without the benefit of scratching to the enemies of America.

But, as Abraham Lincoln noted, the Declaration could have established national independence without its second paragraph about the human rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The assertion that all men are created equal, Lincoln argued, was of no practical use in effecting our separation from Great Britain. As he saw it, the Founders, while constrained by the political realities of their time, set out a non-arbitrary, timeless truth for future use.

They meant simply to declare the right, Lincoln said, so that the enforcement of it might follow as fast as circumstances should permit. They meant to set up a standard maxim for free society, which should be familiar to all, and revered by all; constantly looked to, constantly labored for ... even though never perfectly attained.

Why is that maxim so important? At one level, Lincolns answer was bluntly practical. If liberty is denied to anyone, it could eventually be denied to you. And when you have stricken down the principles of the Declaration of Independence, he said, and thereby consigned the Negro to hopeless and eternal bondage, are you quite sure that the demon will not turn and rend you? Will not the people then be ready to go down beneath the tread of any tyrant who may wish to rule them?

But Lincoln also saw the Declaration as the embodiment of a moral ideal. It was not the mere matter of the separation of the colonies from the motherland; but something in that Declaration giving liberty, not alone to the people of this country, but hope to the world for all future time. It was that which gave promise that in due time the weights should be lifted from the shoulders of all men, and that all should have an equal chance.

By definition, America cant be a normal nation. It stands for more than getting and keeping. Its greatness is a greatness of spirit. And its failures  such as slavery, segregation and the shameful treatment of Native Americans  are not only legal but spiritual failures. They are blasphemy against our countrys creed.

Does anyone think or talk like this now? They need to. There is so much dehumanization in our politics, and the main role of the Declaration is humanization. Its ideals are desperately needed and roundly ignored.

How do we measure our loss? It might be a useful exercise to take political arguments and apply the Declaration as a kind of suffix. So: We should fear Latino migrants as gang members and murderers ... and all men and women are created equal. Or: Muslims are a threat and should be kept out of the country ... and all men and women are created equal. Or: Spending on AIDS treatments for foreigners is a waste ... and all men and women are created equal. Or: The human cost of a failing health or education system doesnt matter ... and all men and women are created equal. Or: Human beings can be dismembered up to the moment before birth ... and all men and women are created equal.

When our founding ideals are forgotten, it is the vulnerable and powerless who suffer first and worst. Lincoln accused politicians who dismiss or downplay the Declaration of blowing out the moral lights around us. When someone calls us back to that faded document, and begins to rekindle Americas conscience, it will be a sign we have found a real leader again.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 5

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

The Armenian armed forces attacks on Azerbaijani civilians are of systematic nature, Vice-Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Bahar Muradova said July 5 at an OSCE Parliamentary Assembly meeting in Minsk.

The responsibility for yesterday's attack rests with the military-political leadership of Armenia. It is scary to realize that while we are discussing the issue of building mutual trust here, there is bloodshed in our country, on our land, she said.

On the Azerbaijani side, solely civilians live in the villages on the contact line between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops but on the Armenian side, armed forces, formed mainly of the countrys recruits, are stationed, according to Muradova.

She noted that MPs have to find ways to peaceful dialogue and make a contribution to put an end to the bloodshed.

On July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces again violated ceasefire and, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled Azerbaijani positions and territories where the civilian population lives, namely the Alkhanli village of the countrys Fuzuli district, thereby grossly violating the requirements of international law, the Azerbaijani defense ministry said earlier.

As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sakhiba Guliyeva, 50, and Zakhra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Servinaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

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.
Details added (first version posted on 13:26)

Baku, Azerbaijan, July 5

By Seba Aghayeva  Trend:

The Armenian Armed Forces systematically shell positions of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, head of the press service of the countrys Defense Ministry Vagif Dargahli said.

He made the remarks July 5 in Baku at a joint briefing of official representatives of the Foreign Ministry, Defense Ministry and the Prosecutor Generals Office of Azerbaijan, commenting on the latest developments on the contact line between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops.

The recent attack of the Armenian Armed Forces was committed against civilians, he said, adding that the Azerbaijani Armed Forces immediately responded to it.

The Armenian troops suffered losses, although they hide it, said Dargahli.

He also denied the information of the Armenian side about Azerbaijans using the US weapons.

Dargahli noted that the civilian population of Azerbaijani settlements is constantly shelled by the Armenian Armed Forces.

Earlier, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that on July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers shelled the Alkhanli village of Azerbaijans Fuzuli district.

As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sakhiba Guliyeva (born in 1967) and Zakhra Guliyeva (born in 2015) were killed. Servinaz Guliyeva (born in 1965), who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

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.
Details added (first version posted at 13:33)

Baku, Azerbaijan, July 5

By Seba Aghayeva  Trend:

Fragments of anti-tank shells were found when inspecting the Azerbaijani villages, Armenias armed forces had earlier shelled, said head of the press service of the Azerbaijani Prosecutor Generals Office Eldar Sultanov, commenting on the latest developments on the contact line between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops.

He made the remarks in Baku July 5 at a joint briefing attended by officials of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, Defense Ministry and the Prosecutor Generals Office.

A criminal case has already been initiated under seven articles of the Azerbaijani criminal code, Sultanov said.

Examination of the victims bodies by forensic medical experts revealed that the Armenian side had used anti-tank shells, according to him.

Sultanov noted that this is not the first time Baku initiates a criminal case against the Armenian side, as the Armenian armed forces have already used force against Azerbaijani civilians.

On July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces again violated ceasefire and, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled Azerbaijani positions and territories where the civilian population lives, namely the Alkhanli village of the countrys Fuzuli district, thereby grossly violating the requirements of international law, the Azerbaijani defense ministry said earlier.

As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sakhiba Guliyeva, 50, and Zakhra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Servinaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

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.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 5

Trend:

On July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled Azerbaijani positions and territories where the civilian population lives, namely the Alkhanli village of the countrys Fuzuli district.

As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sakhiba Guliyeva, 50, and Zakhra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Servinaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

Below is the photo proof of the Armenian atrocities against Azerbaijani civilians.
Details added (first version posted on 13:40)

Baku, Azerbaijan, July 5

By Seba Aghayeva  Trend:

Baku has repeatedly stated that the presence of Armenias Armed Forces in the Azerbaijani occupied territories is the main reason for the escalation of the situation in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the main obstacle for its political settlement, Spokesman for the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Hikmat Hajiyev said.

He made the remarks July 5 in Baku at a joint briefing of official representatives of the Foreign Ministry, Defense Ministry and the Prosecutor Generals Office of Azerbaijan, commenting on the latest developments on the contact line between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops.

On July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers shelled the Alkhanli village of Azerbaijans Fuzuli district.

As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sakhiba Guliyeva (born in 1967) and Zakhra Guliyeva (born in 2015) were killed. Servinaz Guliyeva (born in 1965), who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk and his assistants are currently inspecting the shelling site, Hajiyev said, adding that the OSCE should understand that these actions of Armenia are aimed at disrupting the negotiation process.

Hajiyev noted that Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry instructed all embassies and diplomatic missions of Azerbaijan abroad to inform all countries they are accredited in about the Armenian provocation and to bring the truth to their attention.

He also noted that Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry expects serious reaction from the OSCE Minsk Group to the recent provocation on the contact line between the Azerbaijani and Armenian troops.

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.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 6

Trend:

Armenias deliberate targeting of Azerbaijani civilians is a despicable act, Bob Blackman, a British MP, chairman of the Azerbaijan All-Party Parliamentary Group, said.

He was commenting on the recent developments on the contact line between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops.

On July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled the Alkhanly village of Azerbaijans Fuzuli district.

As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sahiba Allahverdiyeva, 50, and Zahra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Salminaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

Armenian armed forces should cease firing across the contact line and at least give [Nagorno-Karabakh] peace talks a chance of success, the British MP added.

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.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 6

By Elmira Tariverdiyeva  Trend:

Khalid Chaouki, Italian MP from the Democratic Party, deputy head of the foreign affairs committee of the parliament, condemned Armenia's aggression against Azerbaijani citizens.

Armenia's aggression against Azerbaijani citizens in Azerbaijans Fizuli district proves that the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is anything but not a frozen conflict, Chaouki said in a statement published in Italias www.deputatipd.it .

"We condemn Armenias aggression and express condolences to the relatives of the civilians killed and injured as a result of this provocation, he said. We hope that the peace talks will resume, Armenian troops will withdraw from the occupied Azerbaijani territories and Azerbaijani internally displaced people will return to their lands due to the activity of the OSCE and the OSCE Minsk Group."

On July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces again violated ceasefire and, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled Azerbaijani positions and territories where the civilian population lives, namely the Alkhanli village of the countrys Fuzuli district, thereby grossly violating the requirements of international law, the Azerbaijani defense ministry said earlier.

As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sakhiba Guliyeva, 50, and Zakhra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Servinaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

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.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 6

Trend:

Donald Shooter, a US politician and a member of the Arizona House of Representatives, has sent an open letter to Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan over the death of an Azerbaijani two year old girl and her grandmother as the result of the recent Armenian provocation on the contact line between the Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend July 6.

Murdering innocent civilians, let alone children, is absolutely unacceptable in any circumstance, constituting a serious violation of international humanitarian and human rights law, said the letter.

The ongoing military occupation of around 20 percent of Azerbaijans sovereign territory by Armenia, which has led to the total ethnic cleansing of all the occupied areas of around 800,000 Azerbaijani civilians, is one of the darkest pages in the modern European history, Shooter said in his letter.

The Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict remains the largest threat to stability in the South Caucasus region, according to the letter.

Shooter called on the Armenian president to harshly condemn the killing of a 2 year-old child and her grandmother and to launch a serious investigation in order to find and bring to justice the culprits behind this horrific act and heinous crime.

Shooter also urged Sargsyan to take all necessary measures to make sure that such tragic incidents are never repeated again.

On July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled the Alkhanli village of Azerbaijans Fuzuli district.

As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sahiba Allahverdiyeva, 50, and Zahra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Salminaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

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.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 6

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

Such a ruthless act of violence committed by Armenian armed forces against Azerbaijani civilians is a major blow to the world's oldest democracy, to the values of western European democracies, Peter Tase, a political analyst and international relations expert with the Milwaukee-based Marquette University, told Trend July 6.

He pointed out that Armenian armed forces committed another brutal attack on the 241st anniversary of the independence of the United States, which is one of the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group.

The international community must impose economic sanctions and political pressure to the government of Armenia, he added.

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly should issue a resolution condemning the repeated belligerent acts committed by the administration of Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, said Tase. The US State Department must maintain a more candid position that defends peace and stability in the region, therefore it must stop using an ambivalent language that adds more ambiguity than anything else.

Moreover, the European Council, in charge of defining the overall political direction of European Union, has lost leverage; its leadership, President Donald Tusk and others, must urgently come out on a public statement and condemn the violent acts committed by Armenian armed forces, an attitude that has caused so much harm and destruction to the innocent Azerbaijani civilians, said the expert.



It is becoming impossible for the European Council and European Commission to continue to bolster the Eastern Partnership (which consists in strengthening regional political and economic integration), unless President Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker, issue a public statement that would strongly condemn the atrocities committed by the Armenian government, against the Azerbaijani civilians as well as condemn the occupation of over twenty percent of Azerbaijani sovereign territory by the Armenian armed forces, noted Tase.

I take this opportunity to encourage the Latin American Parliament, the Union of South American Nations and the Member nations of MERCOSUR to publicly condemn the atrocious acts of Armenian armed forces committed in the sovereign territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan, said the expert.  Let's remind ourselves that for as long as the flame of Nagorno-Karabakh protracted conflict is kept alive by the aggressive provocations of Yerevan, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as well as world peace will never be accomplished and simply remain unfulfilled priorities.

It should be noted that on July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces again violated ceasefire and, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled Azerbaijani positions and territories where the civilian population lives, namely the Alkhanli village of the countrys Fuzuli district, thereby grossly violating the requirements of international law, the Azerbaijani defense ministry said earlier.

As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sakhiba Guliyeva, 50, and Zakhra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Servinaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 6

By Elmira Tariverdiyeva  Trend:

Another ceasefire violation took place in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and there are civilian casualties, including a child, as the result of the violation, Spokeswoman of Russias Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said at a briefing July 6.

She was commenting on the recent Armenian provocation on the contact line between the Azerbaijani and Armenian troops.

On July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled the Alkhanli village of Azerbaijans Fuzuli district.

As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sahiba Allahverdiyeva, 50, and Zahra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Salminaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

We express our condolences to the families of the deceased and consider further bloodshed unacceptable, Zakharova said. We urge the parties [of the conflict] to stabilize the situation.

Russia fully supports the statement of the OSCE Minsk Group, which stresses the need to end the violence, she added.

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.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 6

By Elmira Tariverdiyeva  Trend:

Russia keeps the issue of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict under special control and does everything to return the parties of the conflict to the settlement process in case of escalation of the situation, Spokeswoman of Russias Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said at a briefing July 6.

She added that it is not yet known whether Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will meet with Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers at the OSCE Informal Ministerial Meeting July 11 in Austrias Mauerbach town.

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.
Alkhanli, Azerbaijan, July 6

By Samir Ali  Trend:

Military attaches accredited in Azerbaijan as well as representatives of foreign media visited the graves of Sakhiba Guliyeva and her granddaughter Zakhra Guliyeva, who were killed during an Armenian provocation in the Alkhanli village of Azerbaijans Fuzuli district, and met with members of their families and other villagers.

The trip was organized with the assistance of Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry, Defense Ministry, Prosecutor Generals Office and Fuzuli District Executive Authority.

After visiting the graves, representatives of TRT, Ihlas News Agency, MIR TV, Associated Press, RIA Novosti, Voice of America, Interfax, BBC and other foreign media, as well as 15 military attaches of 12 countries, examined the territory in the Alkhanli village, shelled by Armenians.

On July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces again violated ceasefire and, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled Azerbaijani positions and territories where the civilian population lives, namely the Alkhanli village of the countrys Fuzuli district. As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sakhiba Guliyeva, 50, and Zakhra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Servinaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

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.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 6

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

France must make Armenia respect international law, said an article entitled Zahra: New victim of conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia - Yerevan is guilty published in the French Mediapart newspaper July 6.

After many years of total indifference of the international community, the time has come for France to play an important role in the resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, wrote Henri Fourcadis, the author of the article.

In particular, France, the co-chair country of the OSCE Minsk Group, must be able to make Armenia respect international law, said the article.

France must finally condemn Armenia for its disgusting policy in the South Caucasus region, the article noted.

The author went on to add that Armenia, which continues provocations, is directly responsible for the death of the 2-year-old Azerbaijani girl and her grandmother.

On July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled the Alkhanly village of Azerbaijans Fuzuli district.

As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sahiba Allahverdiyeva, 50, and Zahra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Salminaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

This is the continuation of Yerevans obvious policy of aggression and inhuman treatment of almost 4,000 Azerbaijani prisoners who were tortured, and many of whom have already died, the article said.

Fourcadis noted in his article that Armenia continues to act with impunity, despite international law.

Despite the OSCEs condemnation, Yerevan continues to armenize the Nagorno-Karabakh region by ethnical cleansing, scrupulously eradicating all the traces of Azerbaijani heritage in the region, said the article.

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.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 6

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

The murder of Azerbaijani civilians in Alkhanli village of Fizuli district is a consequence of the international communitys inaction, Senator Andre Reichardt, Chairman of the France-Caucasus Friendship Group in the French Senate told Trend July 6.

Frances President Emmanuel Macron and OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs should take measures to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict by peaceful means in accordance with the international law, said the senator.

Reichardt believes that France plays an extremely important role in resolving this conflict.

The international community should finally take measures to ensure the fulfillment of the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council demanding the withdrawal of Armenian forces from the Azerbaijani territories occupied by Armenia, noted the French senator.

Reichardt said he doesnt think that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is a frozen one, because there are regularly casualties among civilians.

Civilians should not suffer due to the inaction of the international community, said the senator, adding that the international community should take measures for the conflicts settlement and France should take urgent measures in this regard.

It should be noted that on July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces again violated ceasefire and, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled Azerbaijani positions and territories where the civilian population lives, namely the Alkhanli village of the countrys Fuzuli district, thereby grossly violating the requirements of international law, the Azerbaijani defense ministry said earlier.

As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sakhiba Guliyeva, 50, and Zakhra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Servinaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 6

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

NATO has extended condolences to the families of Azerbaijani civilians who were killed as a result of the recent military provocation staged by Armenia.

We extend our condolences to the families of the victims of this tragic development, a NATO official told Trend July 6.

NATO supports the call made by the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs upon the sides of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to cease military action and return to the negotiation table in good faith, said the official, adding that there is no military solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

NATO plays no direct role in the negotiations to resolve this long-standing conflict. We continue to support the efforts which are being carried out to this effect in the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group. However, we encourage both Azerbaijan and Armenia to engage into substantial negotiations and to work toward a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the NATO official added.

It should be noted that on July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces again violated ceasefire and, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled Azerbaijani positions and territories where the civilian population lives, namely the Alkhanli village of the countrys Fuzuli district, thereby grossly violating the requirements of international law, the Azerbaijani defense ministry said earlier.

As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sakhiba Guliyeva, 50, and Zakhra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Servinaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 6

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

The death of Azerbaijani civilians Zahra Guliyeva and Sahiba Allahverdiyeva and wounding of Salminaz Guliyeva is highly regrettable and all the US grieves with their families, James Thompson, a marine attache of the US Embassy in Baku, told reporters in Azerbaijans Fuzuli district.

He was commenting on the recent developments on the contact line between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops.

Thompson arrived in the Fuzuli district as part of the visit of representatives of foreign media and military attaches of the embassies accredited in Azerbaijan organized by the countrys Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Defense, the Prosecutor Generals Office and the Fuzuli District Executive Authority.

On July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled the Alkhanly village of Azerbaijans Fuzuli district.

As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sahiba Allahverdiyeva, 50, and Zahra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Salminaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

Thompson added that peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict would be ideal to bring peace to the South Caucasus region, as well as for the safety and security of civilians.

He thanked the Azerbaijani government for the opportunity to visit the Azerbaijani district and take a look at the scene of the incident.

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.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 6

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

The murder of Azerbaijani civilians causes great contempt for those who did this and must be condemned, Colonel Syed Imran Ali, defense attache of the Pakistani Embassy in Baku, told Trend July 6.

He was commenting on the recent developments on the contact line between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops.

On July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled the Alkhanly village of Azerbaijans Fuzuli district.

As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sahiba Allahverdiyeva, 50, and Zahra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Salminaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

Syed Imran Ali said that the incident is a human dimension of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

He noted that Pakistan has a principled position on the issue of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, adding that the conflict must be resolved within Azerbaijans territorial integrity by implementing the UN resolutions adopted in favor of Baku.

These are the principles Pakistan advocates for, we are committed to them and show solidarity with Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani people, he said.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 6

By Elmira Tariverdiyeva  Trend:

France expressed regret over the killing of Azerbaijani civilians by the Armenian armed forces, said a message from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

We deplore the latest deadly incident that occurred on July 4 near the Nagorno-Karabakh line of contact, in the village of Alkhanli, reads the message.

France calls on the parties to abide by the ceasefire and remains fully committed to bringing a negotiated, lasting settlement to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, one that offers stability and prosperity to the entire region, according to the message.

On July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces again violated ceasefire and, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled Azerbaijani positions and territories where the civilian population lives, namely the Alkhanli village of the countrys Fuzuli district. As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sakhiba Guliyeva, 50, and Zakhra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Servinaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

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.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 6

Trend:

British Baroness Zahida Manzoor commented on the killing of Azerbaijani civilians by Armenias armed forces in the Alkhanli village of Azerbaijans Fuzuli district.

The death of any civilian is a tragedy, particularly so when a two year old Azerbaijani girl is killed. The death of her grandmother is no less painful. These horrific incidents will continue until we can convince the Armenians to undertake genuine negotiations on the return of the occupied territories, she said, according to the European Azerbaijan Society.

On July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled the Alkhanly village of Azerbaijans Fuzuli district. As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sahiba Allahverdiyeva, 50, and Zahra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Salminaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

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.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 6

By Elmira Tariverdiyeva  Trend:

On July 4, 2017, Armenia's armed forces illegally stationed on the occupied territories of Azerbaijan targeted the Alkhanly village within the Fuzuli district of Azerbaijan with artillery fire, Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the US said in a message.

According to the embassy, Armenia's military action resulted in two civilian deaths. Several homes and civilian infrastructure were also damaged in the attack.

Elin Suleymanov, Azerbaijani ambassador to the US, condemned Armenia's latest violation of the ceasefire regime and the regrettable loss of Azerbaijani lives.

The ambassador reiterated Azerbaijan's rejection of Armenia's false claims.

"Armenia's military action was deliberate and intentional and a violation of the ceasefire regime, the ambassador said. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense has condemned this violent action and reiterated that there were neither military installations nor Azerbaijani firing positions located in the Alkhanly village to warrant such a provocation.

This tragic incident shows once again that the status quo of illegal occupation is not sustainable and continues to result in civilian losses, Suleymanov added. Unfortunately, Armenia continues to reject Azerbaijan's call for substantive peace negotiations."

In response to the incursion, the OSCE Minsk Group, co-chaired by the United States, France and the Russian Federation, issued a generic statement on July 5 that called upon Armenia and Azerbaijan to cease military action. Armenian media interpreted this statement as a sign of "indirect encouragement" and justification for Armenia's violent actions, the message said.

Armenia's direct and deliberate attacks against the Azerbaijani civilian population and civilian objects, constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian and human rights law, including the 1949 Geneva Conventions and the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, the message said.

According to the message, this provocation takes place in the context of recent visit of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs to the region, when the Co-Chairs and international organizations called for changing the status quo of the occupation by substantive and serious negotiations.

Armenia's continued provocations are seen as a reaction to Azerbaijan's efforts to promote regional cooperation and to contribute to Europe's energy security.

The Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan has repeatedly brought the international community's attention to the fact that the primary reason for continued tension and incidents in Nagorno-Karabakh and the lack of a resolution to the conflict are due to the unlawful presence and militant actions of the Armenian armed forces that occupy Azerbaijan's sovereign territory.

Azerbaijan remains committed to achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict and working with international partners, such as the Minsk Group, to move forward in this process.

On July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled the Alkhanly village of Azerbaijans Fuzuli district.

As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sahiba Allahverdiyeva, 50, and Zahra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Salminaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

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.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 6

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

Murder of Azerbaijani civilians as a result of Armenian armed forces shelling testifies that the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict must be resolved as soon as possible, Mexicos ambassador to Azerbaijan Rodrigo Labardini told Trend July 6.

The recent events in the frontline are the evidence that this conflict should be solved as quick as possible in a peaceful way, the ambassador said.

We have repeatedly said that Mexico respects international law and in particular, the principles of territorial integrity, he said. Of course we call for peaceful resolution of the situation within the four resolutions of the UN Security Council.

On July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled the Alkhanly village of Azerbaijans Fuzuli district.

As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sahiba Allahverdiyeva, 50, and Zahra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Salminaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

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.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 7

Trend:

Norica Nicolai, European Parliament rapporteur for Azerbaijan and Ryszard Czarnecki, Vice-president of the European Parliament in their joint statement expressed support for Azerbaijan regarding the recent Armenian provocation on the contact line between the two countries troops.

"We, the undersigned Members of the European Parliament, strongly condemn the murders of Allahverdiyeva Sahiba Idris (age 51) and Guliyeva Zahra Elnur (age 2) on the evening of July 4 by Armenian armed forces. The indiscriminate killing of civilians, women and children is unacceptable in any circumstances and must be stopped immediately!

It has emerged that this killing was the result of a mortar and grenade attack committed by Armenian armed personnel against Azerbaijani unarmed civilians in the village of Alkanli, in the Fuzuli province. There is no justification for such a grave, heinous crime and we call for an immediate investigation into the acts and a full, criminal investigation launched to identify and prosecute the culprits.

We call for a cessation of all military operation in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. Violence and the escalation of aggressive action can only lead to further conflict and loss of life of innocents. Such thoughtless provocations and destruction is dangerous for the stability of the entire region of the South Caucasus.

Furthermore, we call on the Armenian and Azerbaijani governments to renew and accelerate negotiations in order to find a peaceful, stable and sustainable solution for the withdrawal of Armenian troops from Azerbaijani territories.

We also wish to extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to assure than of our thought and prayers go with them," - they noted.

On July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled the Alkhanly village of Azerbaijans Fuzuli district.

As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sahiba Allahverdiyeva, 50, and Zahra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Salminaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

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.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 6

Trend:

The recent actions of the Armenian armed forces against Azerbaijani civilians cause serious regret, Iranian ambassador to Azerbaijan Javad Jahangirzadeh said at a press-conference in Baku.

In this regard, the diplomat expressed condolences to Azerbaijan and the relatives of the civilians killed and injured as a result of Armenias provocation.

"We condemn military actions against civilians, he said. The international norms and laws condemn the violation of humanitarian law. Such inciting actions taken by Armenians will more aggravate the situation, rather than contribute to the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict politically and peacefully.

The diplomat called the murder of two-year-old Zakhra as a criminal offense.

"Azerbaijan is entitled to investigate illegal actions against its citizens at the level of international organizations, he said. The OSCE Minsk Group must take serious actions to prevent ceasefire violation and similar actions against civilians."

On July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces again violated ceasefire and, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled Azerbaijani positions and territories where the civilian population lives, namely the Alkhanli village of the countrys Fuzuli district, thereby grossly violating the requirements of international law, the Azerbaijani defense ministry said earlier.

As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sakhiba Guliyeva, 50, and Zakhra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Servinaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

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.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 6

Trend:

Azerbaijan is against Armenian occupation and murder of innocent people, First Vice President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva wrote in a post on her official Twitter account July 6.

Rest in peace, little Zahra and all our martyrs, said Mehriban Aliyeva.

It should be noted that on July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces again violated ceasefire and, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled Azerbaijani positions and territories where the civilian population lives, namely the Alkhanli village of the countrys Fuzuli district, thereby grossly violating the requirements of international law, the Azerbaijani defense ministry said earlier.

As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sakhiba Guliyeva, 50, and Zakhra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Servinaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

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.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 6

Trend:

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan today called President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, said the press service of the Azerbaijani president.

The Turkish president offered his deep condolences to Ilham Aliyev in connection with the murder of two Azerbaijani civilians in the shelling of the territories, adjacent to the line of contact between the Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, by the Armenian armed forces, as well to the families of the victims.

Ilham Aliyev thanked for the phone call and condolences. The president noted that this is a military crime, once again committed by the Armenian armed forces against Azerbaijani civilians. This bloody crime committed against the civilian population is another manifestation of the Armenian atrocities. All responsibility for this military crime rests with the political leadership of Armenia.

During the phone conversation, the parties also discussed the issue concerning the World Petroleum Congress, to be held in Turkey in the coming days, and mulled various aspects of Azerbaijani-Turkish relations of friendship and brotherhood.

On behalf of the Azerbaijani people, President Ilham Aliyev once again thanked President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan for the brotherly stance and condolences.
Details added (first version posted at 18:35)

Baku, Azerbaijan, July 6

Trend:

Russias Foreign Ministry once again raised the issue concerning the entry of Russian citizens of Armenian origin to the territory of Azerbaijan in the form that is beyond diplomatic ethics, which causes surprise and bewilderment, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Russias unfriendly attitude does not in any case conform to the spirit of the relations of strategic nature between the countries, the Foreign Ministry said.

Over the past 25 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Russia, this issue has never been on the agenda. It is difficult to explain the extraordinary activity of the Russian side at this time.

Based on its national interests and safety considerations, Azerbaijan itself decides on the entry of nationals of other states into its territory, reads the statement.

Russia, as the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair, knows that Armenia occupied 20 percent of the Azerbaijani territories and more than one million Azerbaijanis became refugees and IDPs, the statement said.

The statement also mentions the July 4 shelling of the Alkhanly village in Azerbaijans Fuzuli district by Armenia, which killed and injured civilians.

Russia is one of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs and we expect that the Russian Federation, on the basis of its commitments, will step up efforts to resolve the [Nagorno-Karabakh] conflict and the Armenian armed forces will be withdrawn from the occupied territories. As a result, peace and stability will be established in the region. Only after this, conditions will be created for free movement.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 6

Trend:

The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry, the Foreign Ministry, the Prosecutor General's Office and the Fizuli District Executive Power organized a visit of military attaches accredited in Azerbaijan and representatives of foreign media to Alkhanli village of Azerbaijans Fizuli district July 6 where two Azerbaijani civilians were killed as a result of shelling by the Armenian Armed Forces.

The military attaches and media representatives were made sure that there is no staff of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces and firing positions in the village, the Azerbaijani defense ministry said.

This fact once again shows that the main goal of the Armenian side was to attack on Azerbaijani civilians.

The information disseminated by the Armenian side about alleged presence of Azerbaijani military units in the village is misinformation and lies.

On July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled the Alkhanly village of Azerbaijans Fuzuli district.

As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sahiba Allahverdiyeva, 50, and Zahra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Salminaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

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.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 6

Trend:

On July 4, 2017, Armenian armed forces fired at Alkhanli village of Azerbaijans Fuzuli district by using the 82-mm and 102-millimeter mortars and grenade launchers on the contact line of Azerbaijani and Armenian troops,the Support for Youth Cultural Development Public Union said in a statement.

As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sahiba Allahverdiyeva, 50, and Zahra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Salminaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

The recent provocation on the line of contact once again proves that the Armenian political leadership did not comply with the Geneva Convention on the Protection of Civilians by violating the norms of international law and the international law on the peaceful settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict by not implementing four UN resolutions on the unconditional withdrawal of Armenian military units from the occupied Azerbaijani lands.

According to the statement, the indifferent and inadequate behavior of the OSCE Minsk Group, which mediates the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, as well as the international community's dual standards, unfortunately creates conditions for Armenia to continue its criminal offenses.

We, the Support for Youth Cultural Development Public Union (SYCD), strongly condemn the recent incidents on the line of contact, particularly the death of a child, and hope that the brutality of Armenia will not remain unpunished and demand that international organizations will impose economic and political sanctions on Armenia to prevent recurrence of incidents, the statement said.

We believe that the injustice committed by Armenians on the line of contact will eventually make the whole world community give a decent answer, the statement said.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 6

Trend:

Members of Nizami Ganjavi International Center Rosen Plevneliev, President of the Republic of Bulgaria in 2012-2017, Rexhep Meidani, President of the Republic of Albania in 1997-2002, Valdis Zatlers, President of the Republic of Latvia in 2007-2011, extended condolences to Ilham Aliyev.

"With sorrow we heard about the recent shelling and killing, especially of an innocent toddler in Nagorno-Karabakh and the casualties incurred bringing about unexpected escalation of your conflict.

On behalf of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, we express our condolences and also deep concern for the situation at hand. Despite a ceasefire reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan back in 1994 following the Nagorno-Karabakh war, Azerbaijani civilians, including children, still become the victims of Armenian aggression. These attacks against the Azerbaijani civilian population and civilian objects constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian and human rights law.

The members of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center are also willing to provide support in form of our expertise and combined experience, if so required and useful to a lasting and peaceful settlement. Even and especially in situations like this dialogue at all levels is needed. We are ready to support you in this endeavor.

Along with our sympathy, please accept, Mr. President, the assurances of our highest respect and consideration", - they said in message.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 6

Trend:

Third and fourth-year students of Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) of Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering and Process Automation Engineering departments will undertake summer internship at SOCAR Turkey facilities and organizations.

After careful and scrutinous selection process, 20 Higher School students were chosen for participation in the company internship program and divided into two groups. These two groups will do the on-the-job training from July 17 through August 15 and from July 18 through August 16 respectively.

Sixteen students will undertake internship at Petkim company, two students will go to STAR Refinery and two students shall do on-the-job training at SOCAR Turkey company. In the course of the summer internship, the undergraduates will have an opportunity to become acquainted with the companies structure, projects and daily operations. They will visit production facilities, constriction sites and fabrication yards, and familiarize themselves with ongoing construction, installation and commissioning works. The interns will also learn about advanced technologies and modern equipment used by the companies, their Health, Safety and Environment policy and procedures, and measures on quality assurance and control.

The summer on-the-job training arranged for BHOS students every year aims to help future engineers to strengthen their theoretical knowledge and obtain industry experience and new practical skills.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 6

Trend:

Azercell Telecom LLC had a meeting with the students who have been admitted to Summer Student Internship Program 2017.

The event brought together the winners, Azercell representatives, the future mentors of interns, as well as representatives of SABAH groups of the Ministry of Education. The meeting was aimed to introduce internship program and plans, and to provide the students with some tips to gain success in future career.

For the first time, Summer Student Internship Program of Azercell also included students and graduates of SABAH groups under the memorandum signed between the Ministry of Education and Azercell Telecom LLC.

As a result, 10 students from SABAH groups gained a chance to join the program this year. In total, 29 students from various higher institutions of Azerbaijan will participate in Summer Student Internship Program 2017.

Summer Student Internship Program provides a unique chance for students to apply their academic knowledge in real work environment at Azercell, the leading company in telecommunications market.

Young fellows qualifying as a result of multi-stage selection process will be able to work and gain experience in the company. In addition, students will get knowledge straight from the source in telecommunications industry and become involved in exciting and demanding projects. The program is an added value for further career development of the young fellows, as well.

Since its first launch in 2008, 112 students have taken internship under Summer Internship program of Azercell and 17 of them have been employed by the company.

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 percent share of Azerbaijans mobile market Azercells network covers 80 percent of the territory and 99.8 percent 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.
Tehran, Iran, July 5

By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend:

Iran is still holding talks with Italy to return its satellite Mesbah, which Tehran sent to the European country for launch 10 years ago, which was not launched for technical reasons, ILNA news agency reported July 5.

Since then, Italy has not returned it, Irans first domestically made satellite.

Recently an official with the Aerospace Organization of Iran said since the satellite cannot be launched, it will be put in a museum in Iran.

Mohsen Bahrami said the $10 million project was developed as a tool for collecting data on ground water resources in the country, as well as studying the region weather.

In 2003 while undergoing tests in Italys Carlo Gavazzis research unit, the satellite was seized by European Union sanctions compliance officers citing sanctions against Iran.

In the latest remarks over the case, ICT Minister Mahmoud Vaezi said after ten years the satellite is sure to have run out of battery, but this does not mean launching it is out of the question.

He said if the government manages to take the satellite from Italy, it will be inspected by experts to determine whether a launch is possible.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 6



By Farhad Daneshvar  Trend:



Azerbaijani entrepreneurs organization has expressed interest in facilitating exports of Iranian goods and products to Russia and other regional countries.



Fuad Humbetov, an official with the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of Azerbaijan Republic, has told Trend that his organization is interested in expansion of cooperation with Iran through producing joint products and exporting those goods to Russia and other former Soviet Union countries.



Speaking on the sidelines of a meeting with Iranian counterparts in Baku on Thursday, Fuad Humbetov added that the two countries are planning to ink several agreements on deepening cooperation in the non-oil sectorc including food and agricultural products.



According to the data available on the website of State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan, trade turnover between Iran and Azerbaijan over the last year surged by 78 percent to post $221.2 million.



In the meantime, Iran-Russia trade turnover saw a huge rise over the past year, hiking by 80 percent to more than $2 billion, with energy, agriculture and defense sales forming the bulk of the transactions.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 6



By Farhad Daneshvar  Trend:



West Azerbaijan Provinces exports to Azerbaijan increased by 17 percent in value but fell by 32 percent in volume terms over the first quarter of the current Iranian calendar year (starting March 20), a provincial official told Trend.



Hossein Mohammad-Sani, an official with the provincial organization of industry, mine and trade, has said that his province exported worth of $132 million of products to Azerbaijan over the three-month period which stood at $112 million in the same period of time over the last fiscal year.



He described Turkey as Irans main rival in exporting goods to Azerbaijan saying that the rival countrys exports to Azerbaijan reached $1.2 billion in 2016.



According to the data available on the website of State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan, trade turnover between Iran and Azerbaijan over the last year surged by 78 percent to post $221.2 million of which 171.5 accounted for Irans exports to Azerbaijan.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 6

By Fatih Karimov Trend:

Irans security forces arrested 21 people affiliated with the Islamic State (IS, ISIS, ISIL, Daesh) terrorist group in Mashhad city, Hassan Heidari, deputy prosecutor of Mashhad, said.

The arrested people were preparing to carry out suicide terror operations, Heidari said, Khorasan newspaper reported July 6.

Some detainees are Iranians and some Afghans, he said, adding that these people have entered the country after passing combat and suicide bombing trainings with forged documents.

Heidari further said that some arrested people have already taken part in operations in favour of the Islamic State terror group abroad.

Iranian security forces have arrested dozens of suspects over the past weeks following the terror attacks on Irans capital Tehran.

Two separate attacks rocked the capital city of Tehran on June 7, leaving at least 17 dead and 54 injured.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 6

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

The United Nations Security Council has to hold an emergency meeting and condemn the Armenian attack, Rachida Dati, French politician and Member of the European Parliament, told Trend July 6.

In the resolution of conflicts, only the respect for international law should prevail, she said, adding it is essential that the parties of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict implement it and guarantee its respect.

The four United Nations Security Council resolutions (822, 854, 874 and 884) adopted in 1993 and the 2008 United Nations General Assembly resolution call for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian troops from Azerbaijan. This attack demonstrates, once again, that Armenia violates international law, noted the French MEP.

Dati pointed out that on the other hand, the international community has a framework for action through the OSCE Minsk Group and the United Nations Security Council.

The United Nations Security Council has to hold an emergency meeting and condemn this attack, added the French MEP.

She noted that it is imperative and urgent that the international community, in particular the states co-chairing the OSCE Minsk Group, including France, react as soon as possible to impose to Armenia the respect of the United Nations Security Council resolutions.

At the same time, it is necessary to use all the capacities of the OSCE Minsk Group - which is the right format to find a peaceful solution to the crisis. We must force Armenia to return to the negotiation table so that this conflict ceases, added Dati.

It should be noted that on July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces again violated ceasefire and, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled Azerbaijani positions and territories where the civilian population lives, namely the Alkhanli village of the countrys Fuzuli district, thereby grossly violating the requirements of international law, the Azerbaijani defense ministry said earlier.

As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sahiba Allahverdiyeva, 50, and Zahra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Salminaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir announced Wednesday that Saudi Arabia and other countries that have imposed sanctions on Qatar are set to keep the boycott in place until Doha changes its policies "for the better", Sputnik reported.

A joint statement issued by foreign ministers of the Saudi-led bloc revealed that Qatar had rejected the demands previously sent to Doha by Arab countries.

The ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates "regret the negative response from Qatar," the statement, read out by Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry after meeting in Cairo, said.

"The response the four states got was overall negative and lacked any content. We find it did not provide a basis for Qatar to retreat from its policies," Shoukry said, adding that Doha's "position reflects a failure to realize the gravity of the situation."

"The political and economic boycott will continue until Qatar changes its policies for the better," al-Jubeir said at the news conference.

He asserted that further steps against Qatar will be taken "at the appropriate time," noting that those future steps would be in line with international law.

On June 5, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt broke off diplomatic relations and communication with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism and interfering in their internal affairs. The Maldives, Mauritius, and Mauritania followed suit, while Jordan and Djibouti decided to reduce the level of their diplomatic contacts with Qatar.

Later in June, Kuwait handed over to Doha the ultimatum of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain with 13 demands, including the requests to severe Qatar's relations with Iran, close Turkey's military base in Qatar and shut down Al Jazeera TV channel, as well as to end support for the Muslim Brotherhood, a terrorist organization banned in Russia.

On Tuesday, Doha said that the demands are unrealistic, but it is ready to continue the dialogue to resolve the diplomatic crisis.
A gunman in US state of Maine killed three people at several locations before being fatally shot by police, the deadliest shooting in the state since 2015, PressTV reported.

The shootings happened on Wednesday at several places along a rural road about 4 miles (6 km) from the center of town in Madison, according to Maine State Police.

Somerset County Sheriffs Office deputies shot the gunman to end the rampage, said Steve McCausland of the Maine Department of Public Safety.

In addition to the three dead, a fourth person was wounded. The condition of the wounded person wasnt immediately clear.

According to Gun Violence Archive, nearly 8,000 people have been killed and over 15,000 more injured in more than 31,000 gun-related incidents across the US this year.

Numerous studies have found that gun ownership is directly associated with gun-related homicides, and homicide by gun is the most common type of homicide in the United States.

Firearm assaults were 6.8 times more common in US states with the most guns versus states with the least, according to a recent study by researchers at Harvard University.

About 29 percent of Americans own one or more of the estimated 300 million firearms in private hands in the United States, according to Columbia University researchers.
Having a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) in middle-age is associated with an increased risk for future dementia, according to a retrospective of study of more than 40,000 TBI patients published in PLOS Medicine by Rahul Raj of the University of Helsinki, Finland, and colleagues.

A TBI usually results from a blow or jolt to the head and, in more severe cases, can lead to torn tissues, bleeding and other physical damage to the brain. In the new study, researchers identified everyone in Finland between the ages of 18 and 65 who was hospitalized with a mild or a moderate-to-severe TBI between 1986 and 2014. They then used the Finnish Care Register for Health Care to track hospitalization, after the TBI, with dementia, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for all 40,639 patients.

3.5% of patients who had a moderate-to-severe TBI went on to receive a diagnosis of dementia, compared to 1.6% for those who only had a mild TBI. After adjusting for confounding factors, people with a moderate-to-severe TBI were 90% more likely than those with mild TBI to be diagnosed with dementia (hazard ratio [HR] 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62.2). The risk appeared to be most increased among those whose injury occurred in middle age (HR 2.7 [CI 1.8-4.2] for age 41-50, and 2.0 [CI 1.6-2.4] for age 51-60). There was no increase in the risk of Parkinson's disease or ALS with TBI. The study was limited by a significant number of deaths in the group of patients with moderate-to-severe TBI, potential misdiagnoses of TBIs, and the fact that the database only included patients who were hospitalized, for TBIs and subsequently with dementia or other neurodegenerative conditions, so may have missed those treated in an outpatient setting.

"Our results imply that in working-aged persons, moderate-to-severe TBI seems to increase the risk for developing neurodegenerative disease later in life," the authors say. "The effect of covariates, such as comorbidities, life-style factors and the effect of genetics, should be accounted for in future etiological studies, as well as to improve diagnostics and prevention of dementia after TBI."

###

Research Article

Funding:

JK is supported by the Suomen Akatemia (Grant #263278). RR has received personal research grants from Svenska Kulturfonden (Grant #17/2921), Medicinska Understodsforeningen Liv & Halsa, Finska Lakaresallskapet, Maud Kuistilan Saatio, Eemil Aaltosen Saatio, Ella & Georg Ehrnroothin Saatio, Suomalais-Norjalainen Laaketieteen Saatio, Suomen Laaketieteen Saatio, and Maire Taposen Saatio. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Competing Interests:

I have read the journal's policy and the authors of this manuscript have the following competing interests: RR has received personal research grants from private foundations (Medicinska Understodsforeningen Liv & Halsa, Finska Lakaresallskapet, Maud Kuistilan Saatio, Eemil Aaltosen Saatio, The Ella and Georg Ehrnrooth Foundation, Suomalais-Norjalainen Laaketieteen Saatio, Suomen Laaketieteen Saatio, Maire Taposen Saatio). JK has consulted for Pfizer on nicotine dependence in 2012-2015. In addition JK has received grants from publicly funded bodies (NIH, European Union FP7, and Academy of Finland) and private foundations (Finnish Cancer Society, Sigrid Juselius Foundation, Finnish Heart Foundation). None of these have funded the study save JK's time funded by the Academy of Finland research professorship.

Citation:

Raj R, Kaprio J, Korja M, Mikkonen ED, Jousilahti P, Siironen J (2017) Risk of hospitalization with neurodegenerative disease after moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury in the working-age population: A retrospective cohort study using the Finnish national health registries. PLoS Med 14(7): e1002316. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1002316

Author Affiliations:

Department of Neurosurgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland

Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland

Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki, Finland

Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care, Emergency Care and Pain Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland

National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland

IN YOUR COVERAGE PLEASE USE THIS URL TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO THE FREELY AVAILABLE PAPER:

http://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1002316




US Coast Guard narco sub drug smuggling Pacific Ocean

In 2016, the Coast Guard seized a record 45,000 pounds of cocaine with an estimated value of $6 billion, intercepted almost 7,000 people trying to enter the US illegally, and stopped a record-breaking six narco submarines.

Coast Guard officials told The New York Times this week that their seizures helped bring about the extradition of almost 75% of Colombian cartel leaders and contributed to the recapture of Mexican kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman in January last year.

Despite those accomplishments, however, Coast Guard officials are again warning that their expanded responsibilities and increased maritime traffic have left them overburdened  a condition likely to be exacerbated by Trump administration plans to cut the service's funding.

Currently, the Coast Guard has been able to pick up much of the drug flows that have shifted offshore in response to increased enforcement along the US's land borders. At-sea interdictions typically capture greater volumes of drugs with higher purity levels. Oceangoing smugglers are also more vulnerable to law enforcement.

"We give you the biggest bang for the buck, but our resources are limited," Adm. Paul F. Zukunft, commandant of the Coast Guard, told The Times. "As a result, we cant catch all the drug smuggling we know about."

US Coast Guard

In 2016, Zukunft added, the Coast Guard had information on almost 580 possible drug shipments, but were unable to act on all of them due to shortages of planes and ships.

Zukunft is not the first Coast Guard official to sound alarm about the service's struggles to keep up with the volume of illicit traffic plying the US's approaches.

Story continues

In February, Vice Adm. Charles Ray, Coast Guard deputy commandant for operations, told the House Homeland Security Committee that the service was observing more smuggling operations than it could stop.

"However, resource constraints and a lack of capable surface assets allow the US Coast Guard to only attack our target [in] 30% of the known cases that we have good intelligence, really high-confidence intelligence," Ray said, adding that the service could not respond to 580 known smuggling events in 2016.

Recent years have also seen the Coast Guard's responsibilities expand to include intelligence and antiterrorism work. Changing conditions in the Arctic have raised concerns among military officials that they could see expanded duties  as well as international competition  in that region as well.

china coast guard scarborough

"We're not even in the same league as Russia right now," Zukunft was quoted as saying in July 2015 in reference to Moscow's activity in the Arctic. "We're not playing in this game at all."

"We're starting to see militarization of some of their outposts," Zukunft told Business Insider about Russia this spring. Moscow fields 40 icebreakers, while the US has just two  a medium one and a heavy one, the latter of which is over 40 years old.

The Coast Guard commandant also said in summer 2016 that China's growing interest in the Arctic "does cause me great concern."

Coast guard RIMPAC

The Coast Guard's budgets have stayed the same despite those added duties, however, and the latest budget proposed by the Trump administration would cut the service's current funding of about $10 billion by 2.4%.

Earlier this year, nearly 60 Congress members called Trump's proposed cuts to Coast Guard funding "cause for serious alarm."

Though Zukunft lauded the White House and Congress in March, and even as the service launches new ships in some of its operational areas, the commandant continues to warn that the Coast Guard is tasked with more than it can handle.

"We continue to be able to see a significant amount of drug trafficking toward Central America and Mexico," Zukunft told The Times. "We are besieged in the region because of a lack of resources. Drug traffickers simply have more boats and crafts than we have ships and planes to catch them."

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'His family is very well connected': The parents of a college student who killed herself after claiming she had been raped speak out about her alleged rapist

The parents of Megan Rondini, a former University of Alabama (UA) student who killed herself after an alleged rape, have filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against her alleged attacker, university officials, and individuals in the Tuscaloosa sheriff's department.

Michael and Cindy Rondini also believe their daughter's alleged attacker, Terry Bunn Jr., escaped prosecution because he's the member of prominent and wealthy family in Tuscaloosa.

"His family is very well connected," Michael Rondini said on CBS This Morning.

Rondini met Bunn in the summer of 2015 as she set to enter her junior year at UA. The suit claims she was drugged, raped, and locked in a room with Bunn after the assault.

Rondini found a gun in the bedroom which she took for her safety and grabbed $3 in case she needed to take a cab home, before jumping from a second-story window in the room to escape, according to the suit. She spoke with officers a few hours after the alleged incident and was read her Miranda Rights. She "was treated as a crime suspect," the lawsuit said.

Bunn met for an interview with investigators the following day. During the interview he told them, "I appreciate y'all's professionalism. And I appreciate the way y'all have handled this."

"If it was me on the other side, I'd want to do the same thing for me," the investigator responded to Bunn.

Back at UA a month later, Rondini met with Women and Gender Resource Center counselor Kathy Echols and told her about the alleged assault.

Echols told Rondini at the end of the conversations that the two could no longer meet because she knew Bunn and his family personally and it would be a conflict of interest. Rondini felt "betrayed and disheartened" that she had revealed the details of her alleged assault to a close friend of Bunn's, according to the suit.

Rondini eventually transferred transferred from UA to Southern Methodist University in Texas. In February of 2016 she killed herself.

Story continues

The federal lawsuit filed accuses the defendants of causing Rondini "extreme depression, anxiety, PTSD, fear, panic attacks ... all of which directly led to Megan's loss of life."

"The allegations against my client as set forth in this baseless lawsuit are simply false. No sexual assault occurred," Bunn's lawyer told CBS.

Business Insider has reached out to the University of Alabama for comment.



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Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton fired back at the official Republican Party Twitter account after it asked for her healthcare plan on Wednesday.

The Republican National Committee's Twitter account went after Democrats on Wednesday with a string of clips that featured Democratic political figures admitting the faults with the Affordable Care Act, the law better known as Obamacare.

Each tweet claimed Democrats have no healthcare alternative and asked the politicians  such as Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, as well as former President Bill Clinton  for their plans to fix the ACA.

One of the tweets featured a clip of Hillary Clinton speaking at a 2016 campaign event about the flaws of the ACA.

"'We've got to fix whats broken.' Where's your plan, @HillaryClinton?" the RNC tweeted.

In reply, Clinton linked to a page from her campaign website with details on plans to expand insurance coverage, bring down drug prices, combat rising insurance premiums, and more.

"Right here. Includes radical provisions like how not to kick 23 mil ppl off their coverage. Feel free to run w/ it," Clinton tweeted along with the link.

[Money Basics: What is a security?]

According to the Congressional Budget Office, the House GOP Obamacare replacement  the American Health Care Act  would result in 23 million more people without insurance coverage in 2026 compared to the baseline under Obamacare.

And the Senate version of the bill has been stalled due to a disagreement between the moderate and conservative members of the GOP conference. That bill, called the Better Care Reconciliation Act, would leave 22 million more people without insurance by 2026, according to the CBO.

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iPhone 8 White:3

US carriers are likely to offer "assertive promotions" alongside the new, redesigned iPhone expected to come out this fall, Nomura-Instinet analysts forecasted on Wednesday.

The iPhone 8, as Nomura-Instinet calls it, could cost more than the iPhones currently on the market  maybe more than $1,000, according to previous rumors.

But there's a good chance that carriers like Verizon or T-Mobile will discount either the phone or a payment plan for the phone, which means that people may be able to get a deal on an iPhone 8 if they sign up for a long-term contract.

A lot of people with older iPhones are waiting for a big launch to update.

"US telcos indicate record-low upgrade rates have not eased further ahead of the iPhone 8," analyst Jeffrey Kvaal wrote. "Modest feature enhancements post-iPhone 6 drove plateauing volumes."

The iPhone expected to come out this fall does sound like a big update  it's rumored to have a glass body, wireless charging, and new, high-quality screen that covers the entire front of the phone, and there will most likely be a lot of iPhone users and Apple fans lining up to get one.

"We believe that Apple has plenty of innovation to add to future cycles, such as AR, machine learning, voice integration, 3D sensing, and optical zoom," Kvaal wrote.

Analysts call the possibility that this new design spurs a boom in sales the "supercycle" theory. And if there's a supercycle, carriers could see a good chance to gain new customers.

"We believe US carriers are preparing assertive promotions for the launch," Kvaal wrote.

Nomura-Instinet rates Apple a "buy" with a price target of $165.





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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Dublin on Tuesday as one of the first world leaders to meet with Irelands new Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, who was elected last month.

The meeting of the two young leadersTrudeau is 45, Varadkar is 38was marked, in part, by a light-hearted moment in which the Irish premiere upstaged his Canadian counterpart by showing off a pair of flashy socks. (Trudeau has a penchant for quirky hosiery.) But the two prime ministers also had more serious topics to discuss, including gender equality.

According to the Irish Examiner, Varadkar said he was very impressed by Trudeaus record on gender equality in his government, and sought input from Trudeau on the issue.

Subscribe to The Worlds Most Powerful Women, Fortunes daily must-read for global businesswomen.

I am always of the view that diversity leads to better decision-making, said Varadkar.

Varadkars background gives him a unique perspective on diversity and inclusivity. He is Irelands youngest-ever prime minister as well as its first openly-gay leader and the first Irish premier of Indian descent.

Diversity is about more than gender, he said, but diversity in general leads to better decision-making and we should try to have a government and parliament that looks like the country that it represents. I did seek some advice from Justin on this because I am very impressed by the fact that he has a cabinet that is gender-balanced.

Varadkar also said hed make an effort to get more women from his Fine Gael party into parliament.

Fine Gael already has more female [MPs] than any other party at 11, but I want it to be much higher, he said. I would like it to be 50/50 and at least 20 after the next election, thus giving me more scope to promote even more women than are promoted already.

When Varadkar picked his cabinet in June, he selected three women among his 19 ministers of state. Six of his 34 ministers in government are women.

Trudeau, meanwhile, famously appointed a gender-balanced cabinet when he took office in 2015 and hes maintained that parity in subsequent reshuffles. In explaining why he selected an equal number of men and women as ministers after being elected, Trudeau said flatly: because its 2015.
The parents of a University of Alabama student who killed herself after saying she had been raped by an influential Alabama man have sued their daughters alleged attacker, as well as local law enforcement officers and officials at the university.

Michael and Cynthia Rondini said they filed the federal wrongful death lawsuit in the hope that the tragedy suffered by their family would not be repeated. The Rondini family is not in this for the money, they are only interested in shining a bright light on a tragic yet preventable situation, Leroy Maxwell Jr., the couples attorney, told AL.com in a statement.

Filed over the weekend in a U.S. district court in Alabama, the suit alleges that University of Alabama officials and Tuscaloosa law enforcement failed to protect Megan Rondini, who was 20 when she killed herself in 2016. Their intentional, wanton and wrongful conduct caused Rondini extreme depression and anxiety, which ultimately led to her suicide, according to the suit obtained by AL.com.

Death of Megan Rondini 'deeply saddening' for Alabama; family attorneys plan federal complaint https://t.co/gSlt0qfnll pic.twitter.com/9AMVjlytcI  AL.com (@aldotcom) June 24, 2017

Rondini told police in July 2015 that she was raped after possibly being drugged by a man at a local bar. The lawsuit identifies Terry Bunn Jr. as the man she accused of rape, and BuzzFeed and other outlets have reported that he is a member of a wealthy and influential Tuscaloosa family. He has not been charged with a crime. The district attorney concluded Rondinis case didnt meet the legal definition of sexual assault  which in Alabama requires victims to prove they earnestly fought their attacker  and was subsequently closed, according to BuzzFeed.

Rondini said the man drove her to his house where he expressed a desire to have sex with her. She repeatedly asked [him] to take her home or back to her friends residence and he refused, according to the lawsuit. Instead, the man demanded her to get on his bed ... [and] forcefully removed her clothing.

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Speaking to police later on the night of the alleged attack, Rondini said shed repeatedly told the man she did not want to have sex with him. He sexually attacked, abused and assaulted Megan for over 30 minutes against her will and without her consent, the suit said.

When the man eventually fell asleep, Rondini tried to leave the room but discovered she was locked inside. In a panic, she crawled through a second-story window and jumped to the ground.

As she was leaving the property, Rondini realized shed lost her keys. She told police that she searched the mans car for them, and found a wallet and a pistol inside. Thinking she might have to take a taxi home, she took $3 out of the wallet, she told authorities, and picked up the gun for safety.

Being unfamiliar with guns, however, Rondini said she accidentally fired it before dropping it on the ground. She did not pick it up again.

I was never going to hurt anybody with it, Rondini told investigators, according to BuzzFeed. I got it just to protect myself but I dont eat meat, I could never kill anything, even if it came to that point I wouldnt have been able to use it on a person.

Investigators were fixated on this detail, according to the suit. Inexplicably, the police shifted the focus to potentially prosecuting Megan for an accidental firearm discharge rather than investigating her assault. Megan ultimately was treated as a crime suspect and her status as a victim of a sex crime was completely disregarded, it said.

Investigators also did not follow proper protocol in handling Rondinis case, the suit alleges. This includes failing to send Rondinis rape kit for testing and not interviewing anyone whod been at the bar the night of the alleged assault.

Staff at the University of Alabama also failed to offer adequate support to Rondini after the incident, according to the suit. The school said in a statement last month that it was deeply saddened by Rondinis death and insisted the student had received information from university representatives regarding services available to her on campus.

University of Alabama releases statement on death of Megan Rondini https://t.co/7aomzNRFaI  WIAT CBS42 (@WIAT42) June 24, 2017

Feeling increasingly isolated and facing potential felony charges for taking the gun, Rondini  who was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after the ordeal  ultimately dropped the case against her alleged rapist and transferred to Southern Methodist University in her native Texas.

When all is said and done, I wonder what I couldve accomplished if one man didnt completely rip everything away from me, Rondini texted a friend last February, just days before killing herself, according to BuzzFeed.

Last week, Rep. Ted Poe (R-Texas) shared Rondinis story in a speech to the House of Representatives. Poe, founder of the Victims Rights Caucus, said Rondini was treated with disdain and disbelief by Tuscaloosas police department and got the death penalty for being the victim of sexual assault.

A rape victim can never move on, Poe said on the House floor. Its something they carry with them for the rest of their lives. The scars left by the rape do not fade away for victims.

People on social media have been tweeting Rondinis name and story in recent days in remembrance of the young woman.

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HER NAME IS MEGAN RONDINI. SHE WENT TO THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA, WAS AN ANIMAL LOVER, AND A BEAUTIFUL SOUL. DO NOT FORGET HER NAME. pic.twitter.com/E61nCkd6tV  LILITH  (@sriracha_mami) June 26, 2017

No one deserves to go through something like this. https://t.co/DkozpOlpak  Michaela Justice (@mgjustice21) June 26, 2017

Related Coverage

There's No More Denying Campus Rape Is A Problem. This Study Proves It.

Fraternities Can Be A Force For Good In The Fight To End Campus Rape

A Supergroup Of Academics Is Trying To Stop People Who Profit From Campus Rape

NYPD Captain Thinks Acquaintance Rapes Arent As Troubling As Stranger Rapes

Georgia Campus Sexual Assault Survivors And Advocates Oppose Last Minute Move To Pass Controversial Campus Rape Bill

Also on HuffPost

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.




An elderly man swims

Jeanne Calment, the French woman who holds the record for the longest verified lifespan, died in 1997 at 122 years old.

Few people, of course, ever become supercentenarians  110 years old or older  and even fewer hit 115.

So few people have exceeded that age, in fact, that a group of researchers published an analysis in the journal Nature last year arguing that the human species' lifespan plateaus around 115.

But a number of scientists are now rebutting that analysis with five separate commentaries published in Nature on June 28.

The authors of these pieces argue that the original analysis relied on statistics that were incomplete or analyzed in a way that led to a false conclusion. They suggest two alternatives: We either don't have enough data to know if the human lifespan has a limit, or the plateau is closer to 125 than 115.

"The available data are limited, there aren't that many supercentenarians," Maarten Pieter Rozing, a professor at the University of Copenhagen who co-authored one commentary, told The Scientist. "And I think there are no strong arguments that show there is a decline [in the rate at which lifespans are increasing]."

Why some think life ends at 115

Life expectancy has crept up fairly steadily over the past 150 years or so. But Xiao Dong, Brandon Milholland, and Jan Vijg, the authors of the original analysis, argue that comparing the life expectancy of supercentenarians to the age at which they died can reveal the natural limit of the human lifespan.

DNA

The scientists used data on maximum reported age at death split into two sets based on supercentenarians from the US, UK, Japan, and France. The first set covered deaths from 1968 to 1994  a period when the maximum age was inching up. But by the time covered in the next dataset, from 1995 to 2006, the age seemed to plateau or even slightly be on the decline (exceptions like Calment aside).

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Life expectancy, however, rose throughout both time periods. The scientists therefore concluded that because humans' maximum age didn't keep rising with life expectancy, it appeared a limit had been reached.

Even if we were to cure various diseases like cancer or Alzheimer's, those scientists still claimed that humans would probably be unlikely to live past 115. And they put the chances of a person live past 125 at less than 1 in 10,000.

elderly chinese couple

Limit or illusion?

The authors of the recent rebuttals say that because there are so few supercentenarians out there, the number of deaths for this age group between 1995 and 2006 is too small to yield reliable conclusions. There just haven't been enough supercentenarians to really pinpoint a maximum age.

As people live longer, it's likely that more will push past that supposed limit, the authors of the rebuttals argue  it'll just take time to get there.

"[T]he idea of a set limit to human longevity is not strongly supported by what is being discovered about the biology of ageing," Rozing and his co-authors wrote in their commentary. "The continuing increase in human life expectancy that has occurred over recent decades was unforeseen. It provides evidence for greater malleability of human ageing than was originally thought."

Over the span of human history, many of the lifespan increases we've seen would have been unimaginable at some point. Those living 200 years ago, for example, would have thought it was crazy that people could regularly live to be 80. Yet here we are.

Rozing told The Scientist that there's an easy way to find out whose hypothesis is correct about the maximum lifespan.

"[W]e can just wait and see who's right," he said.

NOW WATCH: Scientists just discovered the world's oldest shark, and it's ancient

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Thomas Barrack

President Donald Trump's denunciations of a key Mideast ally might have put one of his close friends in a potentially awkward spot.

Thomas Barrack, a real-estate billionaire and close ally of Trump, has several business ties to Qatar, the Gulf nation that has found itself in a dispute with its neighbors following Trump's recent visit to Saudi Arabia.

After Trump's trip, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt severed ties with Qatar, accusing the Gulf nation of sponsoring terrorism and allying with Iran. Qatar has denied those charges.

Qatar hosts a large US military base. But Trump has taken an aggressive approach with the nation, earlier this month taking credit for the pressure being put on Qatar. Trump's position has contrasted at points with the State Department, which has urged mediation among the nations.

The bloc announced Monday that it would extend the deadline for Qatar to accept its demands  which includes shutting down Qatar-based Al Jazeera TV  until late on Tuesday. Qatar effectively refused the demands.

Trump tweeted Monday that he had talked with Saudi Arabia's leader over the holiday weekend about "peace in the Middle East." On Wednesday, Trump spoke with Egypt's president and called for an end to the dispute with Qatar.

Barrack, a close friend who chaired the Presidential Inaugural Committee, has several ties to Qatar:

He is reportedly helping organize a Bel Air mansion that is being built for the Qatari royal family.

Barrack's investment firm, Colony Capital, led a consortium that sold Hollywood studio Miramax to a Qatari media group in 2016. Colony had owned Miramax in partnership with the Qatar Investment Authority, the country's sovereign wealth fund.

Barrack's Colony Capital sold luxury Sardinian properties to Qatar's royal family via its sovereign wealth fund, Qatar Holding LLC, The Telegraph reported in 2012. Earlier this year, Barrack was sued by Italian prosecutors for allegedly evading $190 million in taxes in that transaction. He denied the allegations.

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Trump

In a statement sent via Barrack's spokesperson, he said: "The friendships and alliances with these major Gulf States sometimes bend in the wind like the date palm trees in their oasis but the roots remain unshaken! And the inspired and progressive young leaders of all these nations are currently redefining the Middle East!"

The statement went on: "I have confidence that the great countries of the Gulf (and their amazingly wise leaders) will soon find a consensus which works for the values and betterment of all involved."

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders did not respond to an emailed request for comment.

Barrack was one of Trump's key fundraisers during the election and is a longtime friend and business associate of the president. Barrack orchestrated the sale of New York's Plaza hotel to Trump in 1988, for instance.

He has also shown support for Trump's foreign dealings in recent months. In May, Barrack told an audience of Wall Street execs that Trump's unpredictability in the Middle East has "gained respect" from foreign leaders. Barrack made the comments at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills.

Pedro Nicolaci da Costa contributed to this report.

NOW WATCH: Watch Jared Kushner speak publicly for the first time since joining Trump's administration





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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Condor Resources Inc. (Condor or the Company) (TSX-V:CN) is pleased to announce that Compania Minera Virgen de la Merced S.A.C. ("Merced") has commenced drilling operations at the Ocros project.



Further to Companys news release of May 17, 2017, Merced has the option to earn a 70% interest in Ocros over 4 years by completing 10,000m of drilling and making cash payments totaling US$550,000. Merced is a private Peruvian company, and the owner of the mineral concessions adjacent and to the south of Ocros, where Merced has a small mining operation.

The objective of the drill program is to test the continuity of the copper porphyry mineralization over an approximate area of 1.5 square kilometres centered around the adits of the historic Eldorado mine, where the mineralization has been confirmed by systematic sampling on two levels, and over 325m on each level (refer to our July 7, 2015 news release). Merced are required to complete a minimum 2,000m of drilling over the next year.

Condor is an explorer and project generator focused exclusively on Peru, and our objective is the discovery of a major new precious metals or base metals deposit. Project acquisition and development is managed by our Lima based exploration team.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Lyle Davis,

President & Chief Executive Officer

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information: All statements, trend analysis and other information contained in this press release relative to markets about anticipated future events or results constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to business and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management at the date the statements are made. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements even if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.



Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
French English

PRESS RELEASE

5 July 2017

Ravinala Airports, the concession company for the Antananarivo and Nosy Be airports in Madagascar, formed by Groupe ADP, Bouygues Batiment International, Colas and Meridiam Africa, finalises its funding arrangements and begins work

28-year concession for the two airports at Antananarivo and Nosy Be

Design and construction of a new international terminal at Ivato airport in Antananarivo, the country's capital

Refurbishment of one runway and one terminal at each airport

Technical and environmental compliance of facilities

The concession company Ravinala Airports, formed by Groupe ADP (35% shareholder via its subsidiary ADP Management), the Bouygues group (20%) through Bouygues Batiment International, and Colas Madagascar, a subsidiary of the Colas Group, and Meridiam (45%), has since 23 December 2016 been overseeing the operation of Madagascar's Ivato international airport in Antananarivo and Fascene international airport in Nosy Be, as part of a concession contract signed for a period of 28 years with the Government of the Republic of Madagascar.

The financing of the fixed investment programme was finalised on 25 June 2017, with a consortium of five international development banks: the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank Group, Proparco, the Development Bank of Southern Africa, the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund Limited and the OPEC Fund for International Development will, together with the capital contributed by the shareholders of Ravinala Airports, ensure that the ambitious development projects are completed and that the international airports in Antananarivo and Nosy Be are brought up to the required standards.

These two airports welcomed 845,000 and 147,000 passengers respectively in 2016, almost two thirds of whom were international passengers. Their expected average annual passenger numbers should increase by at least 5% over the coming years.

Under the concession contract, Ravinala Airports, the concession company, is overseeing the design, construction and operation of the following during phase one:

At Ivato Airport in Antananarivo:

a new 17,500 sq.m international terminal with an initial capacity of 1.5 million passengers

the renovation of the existing terminal to handle domestic traffic

the strengthening and full resurfacing of the runway

the technical and environmental compliance of facilities.

At Fascene Airport in Nosy Be:

the full refurbishment of the runway and of the existing terminal, and the technical and environmental compliance of facilities.

The construction work at both airports will be carried out by both Bouygues Batiment International, a company with vast experience in the design and construction of new airport terminals, and Colas Madagascar, based in Madagascar for the past 60 years, which will contribute the renowned expertise of the Colas Group in airfield roadways. The two companies have joined forces in a 50/50 "Design-Construction" joint venture.

As for Groupe ADP, it will provide assistance in the operation and maintenance of both airports throughout the term of the concession. Furthermore, ADP Ingenierie has been working on the design of the new Ivato Airport terminal.

About Groupe ADP - www.groupeadp.fr

Press contact: Elise Hermant, Medias and Reputation Department Manager +33 1 74 25 23 23

Investor Relations: Aurelie Cohen, Head of Investor Relations +33 1 74 25 70 64 - invest@adp.fr

Groupe ADP builds, develops and manages airports, including Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly and Paris-Le Bourget. In 2016, Paris Aeroport handled more than 97 million passengers and 2.2 million metric tonnes of freight and mail at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly, and more than 42 million passengers in airports abroad through its subsidiary Aeroport de Paris Management. Boasting an exceptional geographic location and a major catchment area, the Group is pursuing its strategy of adapting and modernising its terminal facilities and upgrading quality of services; the group also intends to develop its retail and real estate businesses. In 2016, Group revenue stood at 2,947 million and net income at 435 million. Registered office: 1, rue de France, 93 290 Tremblay-en-France. Aeroports de Paris is a public limited company (Societe Anonyme) with share capital of 296,881,806. Registered in the Bobigny Trade and Company Register under no. 552 016 628.

About Bouygues Construction - www.bouygues.constuction.com

Bouygues Construction is a global player in construction, with operations in more than 80 countries. It designs, builds and operates projects in the sectors of building, infrastructure and industry. As a responsible and committed leader in sustainable construction, Bouygues Construction sees innovation as its primary source of added value; this is "shared innovation" that benefits its customers at the same time as improving its productivity and the working conditions of its 50,100 employees. In 2016, Bouygues Construction generated sales of 11.8 billion.

With this new benchmark, its subsidiary Bouygues Batiment International has established itself as a major player in airport concessions. With the ability to operate across the entire value chain of these projects, the company is a current shareholder in Paphos and Larnaka airports (Cyprus), Iqaluit airport (Canada) and Zagreb airport (Croatia), for which it has also overseen the design and construction of new terminals.

About Colas - www.colas.com

Colas, a subsidiary of the Bouygues Group, is a world leader in the construction and maintenance of transport infrastructure, aiming to meet the challenges of mobility, urban development and environmental protection. With 55,000 employees in more than 50 countries on five continents, the Group performs some 90,000 projects each year via 800 construction business units and 2,000 material production units. In 2016, consolidated revenue at Colas totaled 11.0 billion euros (48% outside of France). Net profit attributable to the Group amounted to 355 million euros.

About Meridiam - www.meridiam.com

Meridiam was founded in 2005 by Thierry Deau, with the belief that alignment of interests between the public and private sector is possible and can help answer the social needs of the communities. Meridiam is an independent investment firm specialized in the development, financing, and management of long-term and sustainable public infrastructure projects. With offices in Paris, New York, Toronto, Luxembourg, Istanbul and Dakar, Meridiam currently manages $5 billion of assets, and has to date 56 projects under development, construction, or in operation.
TORONTO, July 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Toronto Real Estate Board President Tim Syrianos, in his first release as TREB President, announced TREB residential MLS sales, listings and price statistics for June, a mid-year forecast update and related Ipsos consumer survey results summarizing home buying and selling intentions.

June 2017 Results

Greater Toronto Area REALTORS reported 7,974 sales through TREBs MLS System in June 2017  down by 37.3 per cent in comparison to June 2016.

The number of new residential listings entered into TREBs MLS System, at 19,614, was up by 15.9 per cent compared to June 2016. While this annual rate of growth was sizeable, it represented a more moderate annual rate of growth compared to May 2017, when new listings were up by 48.9 per cent year-over-year.

We are in a period of flux that often follows major government policy announcements pointed at the housing market. On one hand, consumer survey results tell us many households are very interested in purchasing a home in the near future, but some of these would-be buyers seem to be temporarily on the sidelines waiting to see the real impact of the Ontario Fair Housing Plan. On the other hand, we have existing home owners who are listing their home because they feel price growth may have peaked. The end result has been a better supplied market and a moderating annual pace of price growth, said Mr. Syrianos.

Junes average selling price for all home types combined for the TREB market area was $793,915, representing a 6.3 per cent increase compared to June 2016. Year-to-date through the first six months of 2017, the average selling price was up by 20.9 per cent to $870,016. A better supplied market has certainly been a key factor influencing the moderation in price growth. However, the average selling price has also been impacted by the fact that the greatest home sales declines were for more expensive home types, most notably detached houses. This means the change in the mix of homes sold this past June compared to a year earlier has also had a substantial impact on the overall average selling price.

Annual growth rates for MLS HPI benchmark prices have moderated over the past two months, but remain strong. The MLS HPI composite benchmark price was up by 25.3 per cent on a year-over-year basis in June. However, on a month-over-month basis, we have seen diverging trends. Benchmark prices were down on a month-over-month basis for detached houses (-1.3 per cent), attached houses (-1.4 per cent) and townhouses (-0.04 per cent). In contrast, benchmark prices continued to climb on a monthly basis for apartments (+1.0 per cent).

Ipsos Spring Consumer Survey Results

Following the announcement of the Ontario Fair Housing Plan, TREB commissioned Ipsos Public Affairs to undertake two consumer surveys: one focused on home buyers; the other focused on home sellers.

Highlights from these two surveys, conducted from May 23-29, are as follows:

Home Sellers

30 per cent of GTA households are very likely (12 per cent) or somewhat likely (18 per cent) to list their house over the next year.

15 per cent of households said that the Fair Housing Plan was the primary reason why they would list their home for sale over the next year.

Close to 80 per cent of households who said they were likely to list their home said they would be purchasing another home.

Home Buyers

35 per cent of households surveyed indicated that they were very likely (13 per cent) or likely (22 per cent) to purchase a home over the next year  similar to what was reported from the Ipsos survey conducted for TREB in the fall of 2016.

40 per cent of likely buyers indicated they would be first-time buyers  a marked decline from 53 per cent in Ipsos fall survey.

10 per cent of households who said they would NOT purchase a home over the next year said the Fair Housing Plan was the key factor in this decision (one per cent) or a contributing factor (nine per cent).

The recent Ipsos survey results suggest that home buying activity in the GTA will remain strong moving forward. The year-over-year dip in home sales we have experienced over the last two months seem to be the result of would-be buyers putting their decision to purchase temporarily on hold while they monitor the impact of the Fair Housing Plan. On the supply side of the market, it certainly looks as though buyers will benefit from more choice in the second half of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016, said Jason Mercer, TREBs Director of Market Analysis and Service Channels.

Forecast Update

The Ontario Fair Housing Plan has prompted some households to put their decision to purchase a home on hold, at least in the short-term. This includes would-be first-time buyers, who have more flexibility, allowing them to take a wait and see approach. However, the recent Ipsos survey results dealing with likely home buyers suggest that many households who have moved to the sidelines will return to the market over the next year, possibly after reassessing the type and/or location of home they plan to purchase.

The Ontario government recently released their first wave of foreign buyer statistics, which confirmed earlier TREB research that showed foreign buyers, even in the pre-Fair Housing Plan era, represented a very small proportion of overall home purchases  slightly less than five per cent. This, taken along with the strong buyer intentions reported by Ipsos, suggests that we will see many households moving back into the home ownership market over the next 12 months, said TREB CEO John DiMichele.

It remains to be seen whether the level of inventory will hold up to accommodate the eventual resurgence in demand. The Fair Housing Plan was less precise as it related to long term housing supply issues. Moving forward, TREB looks forward to working with the Ontario government in the development of effective, evidence-based policies pointed at the housing market, continued DiMichele.

While the impact of the Fair Housing Plan may be temporary as it relates to home sales, it is important to note that the probability of higher borrowing costs over the next 12 months has increased. The consensus view is that the Bank of Canada will raise its Target for the Overnight Rate at least once in the second half of 2017 and perhaps more than once. Prospective Bank of Canada increases have already been priced reflected in Government of Canada bond yields and posted mortgage rates, at least to some degree. Advertised discounted mortgage rates, however, remain at or near historic lows.

Taking into account both the temporary impact of the Fair Housing Plan and the further impact of higher borrowing costs, TREBs forecast range for home sales through its MLS System in 2017 has been revised downward to between 89,000 to 100,000 transactions.

While home sales for calendar year 2017 will be down, listing activity will be up. As home owners react to strong equity gains over the past year, plus feelings that price growth will moderate in the future, new listings entered into TREBs MLS System are expected to increase year-over-year. Look for the total number of new residential listings to range between 175,000 and 190,000 this year.

More balanced market conditions, with sales accounting for a smaller percentage of listings in the second half of 2017 compared to the first half, and particularly the first quarter. The overall growth rate for the average selling price in 2017 will be between 13 per cent and 18 per cent. While an annual rate of growth in this range will still be very strong from a historic perspective, it is important to note that it will also represent a moderation in year-over-year average price growth in the second half of the year. This moderation will be due to both more balanced market conditions and a change in the mix of homes purchased, with a greater share of purchases accounted for by townhouses and condominium apartments.

Release Highlights

TREB MLS  sales were down by 37.3 per cent year-over-year in June. Over the same period, the number of new listings was up by 15.9 per cent  a deceleration in the annual growth rate compared to May.

sales were down by 37.3 per cent year-over-year in June. Over the same period, the number of new listings was up by 15.9 per cent  a deceleration in the annual growth rate compared to May. The MLS  Home Price Index (HPI) composite benchmark price was up by 25.3 per cent on a year-over-year basis in June, but on a month-over-month basis the composite benchmark price was down.

Home Price Index (HPI) composite benchmark price was up by 25.3 per cent on a year-over-year basis in June, but on a month-over-month basis the composite benchmark price was down. The average selling price for all home types combined was 793,915 up 6.3 per cent compared to June 2016.

Looking forward, calendar-year TREB MLS  sales are expected to range between 89,000 and 100,000  down from the record level recorded in 2016.

sales are expected to range between 89,000 and 100,000  down from the record level recorded in 2016. A recent consumer survey conducted by Ipsos following the announcement of the Ontario Fair Housing Plan suggests that home buying intentions for the next 12 months remain strong and in line with past survey results from the fall of 2015 and 2016.

The results from a recent Ipsos survey of intending home sellers supports recent trends in TREB MLS  data pointing to elevated levels of listings compared to 2016.

data pointing to elevated levels of listings compared to 2016. An increased supply of listings coupled with a dip in home sales will result in a more moderate year-over-year pace of price growth in the second half of 2017, but the calendar year growth rate for 2017 will remain in the double-digits.

Summary of TorontoMLS Sales and Average Price June 1 - 30, 2017 2017 2016 Sales Average Price New Listings Sales Average Price New Listings City of Toronto ("416") 3,139 $ 829,479 6,295 4,560 $ 775,885 6,259 Rest of GTA ("905") 4,835 $ 770,825 13,319 8,165 $ 730,897 10,659 GTA 7,974 $ 793,915 19,614 12,725 $ 747,018 16,918 TorontoMLS Sales & Average Price By Home Type June 1 - 30, 2017 Sales Average Price 416 905 Total 416 905 Total Detached 848 2,602 3,450 $ 1,386,524 $ 948,099 $ 1,055,863 Yr./Yr. % Change -42.9 % -45.7 % -45.0 % 10.1 % 6.2 % 7.8 % Semi-Detached 273 486 759 $ 987,404 $ 653,936 $ 773,879 Yr./Yr. % Change -37.2 % -40.9 % -39.6 % 8.1 % 12.4 % 11.1 % Townhouse 296 985 1,281 $ 704,449 $ 596,028 $ 621,081 Yr./Yr. % Change -33.2 % -31.4 % -31.8 % 10.9 % 12.8 % 12.2 % Condo Apartment 1,702 669 2,371 $ 552,679 $ 436,097 $ 519,784 Yr./Yr. % Change -21.7 % -27.6 % -23.4 % 23.2 % 21.4 % 23.2 % June 2017 Year-Over-Year Per Cent Change in the MLS HPI Composite (All

Types) Single-Family

Detached Single-Family

Attached Townhouse Apartment TREB Total 25.33 % 24.18 % 22.18 % 29.09 % 30.60 % Halton Region 25.06 % 24.11 % 23.88 % 31.05 % 23.46 % Peel Region 24.58 % 22.82 % 22.43 % 27.71 % 30.37 % City of Toronto 24.22 % 19.80 % 18.57 % 27.04 % 32.16 % York Region 25.58 % 26.50 % 22.71 % 30.29 % 27.06 % Durham Region 29.53 % 29.16 % 27.40 % 36.28 % 31.03 % Orangeville 31.79 % 31.04 % 32.53 % - - South Simcoe County1 26.70 % 25.84 % 29.88 % - - 1South Simcoe includes Adjala-Tosorontio, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Essa, Innisfil and New Tecumseth Source: Toronto Real Estate Board





TREB MLS Mid-Year Forecast Update MLS Sales MLS New Listings MLS Average Price 2015 101,213 160,452 $ 622,121 2016 113,044 154,230 $ 729,823 2017 Forecast Ranges 2017 Low 89,000 175,000 $ 825,000.00 Yr./Yr. % Chg. -21.3 % 13.5 % 13.0 % 2017 High 100,000 190,000 $ 860,000.00 Yr./Yr. % Chg. -11.5 % 23.2 % 17.8 %

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Mehemmed wrote:

I have enough time like 4-5 months. I was good at math at high school, I need to brush my quant skills. I am not yet at 50-51 level. Now, what do you think?) Which resource is best for practising which worth time and effort?)

Then you can go for Manhattan Question bank. Keep testing your knowledge by giving mocks.Also, ALWAYS prefer Quality over quantity.All the best._________________
It is no longer news that Nigeria is blessed with loads of farmlands and other mineral resources but is sad when the people in it are suffering.

In Suleja, Niger state, a young Nigerian boy was spotted eating scraps from a refuse dump as he roamed the streets. The lady who posted his pictures on Facebook disclosed that she saw the boy eating from a takeaway pack.

On Thursday, July 6, Precious Bliss took to her social media page to post pictures of this unknown boy with the caption:

Young boy eating from a refuse dump. Source: Facebook, Precious Bliss

READ ALSO: Heartbreaking as man finds rubber band inside beef sausage roll (photos)

Young boy eating from a refuse bin in Suleja, Niger state. A Facebook user who traveled to Niger state saw the young boy scavenging for food from a trash bin. "I was just seated outside today at Aluminium village Suleja, Niger state when suddenly I say this young guy put his hands in the waste bin and brought out disposed takeaway pack and started eating the remains, I had to secretly snap him. Silver or gold I don't have but I gave him the little I had to purchase food from any nearby mama put...God help your children. WHO DO YOU BLAME FOR THIS, GOVERNMENT OR PARENTS?"

PAY ATTENTION: Get all the latest gossips on NAIJ Gossip App

See post below:

Watch Legit.ng video below:

Nawa o!

Source: Legit.ng
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Brian Winnekins has been elected to serve as the president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting.

Winnekins owns and operates WRDN, 1430 AM, Reel Country in Durand.

Winnekins started his radio career at WKTY in La Crosse before graduating from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He worked at radio stations in Tomah and Sparta before purchasing WRDN.

I have known Brian Winnekins since he entered into his radio career in Monroe County, said state Rep. Nancy VanderMeer, R-Tomah. His relentless dedication to agricultural broadcasting is of tremendous value to farmers, community members and the state of Wisconsin. It has been impressive to watch Brians career grow while he continues to serve his listeners through his informative broadcasts. He is a true ambassador for Wisconsin agriculture.

Winnekins has received other recognition for supporting agriculture, including The New Horizon Award given to agriculture broadcasters who are new to the profession, an honorary state degree from the Wisconsin FFA and Friend of the Agent designation from the University of Wisconsin-Extension. He was also recognized by the head of the Federal Communications Commission for his efforts in resurrecting WRDNs place on the radio dial.


This is Whats Trending Today.

Every July 4th, Americans celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

The document expressed the desire of the American colonies to separate from Great Britain.

It contains about 1,300 words.

On the July 4th holiday, the American media organization National Public Radio (NPR) broadcasts a reading of the Declaration of Independence over the air.

This year, NPR decided to extend that tradition to Twitter. It posted the entire Declaration, line-by-line, in a series of tweets.

The first tweet on Tuesday read: In Congress, July 4, 1776. The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

A few minutes later, NPR tweeted: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal

That is perhaps the most famous line in the document.

The Declaration of Independence presents a number of reasons why the American colonies wanted to break off from England. For example, it says those running the government should be there only because the people consented.

It says if the government becomes destructive, it is the Right of the people to alter or abolish it.

And it mentions that any changes to long-established ideas should be made for a good reason.

The Declaration also writes that the British king, King George III, has a tyranny over the states. One line of the document says, A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a freer people.

Many social media users became confused by NPRs Independence Day Twitter messages, however. They did not recognize the lines of the historical document, and probably had not seen NPRs earlier tweets. Some mistook the Declarations words about King George III for negative opinions about the presidency of Donald Trump.

Twitter users began accusing NPR of trying to get people to fight against Trump.

One Twitter user believed that NPR must have been hacked, because the tweets did not make sense to her.

Another accused NPR of encouraging violence while trying to sound patriotic.

The NPR Twitter confusion soon became a trending topic.

The confused Twitter users soon realized their mistake. Many of them deleted their original tweets. Some even deleted their entire Twitter accounts.

Writer Parker Molloy noticed the negative tweets before they were deleted, however. And he posted a number of screen shots of the messages to Twitter.

NPR has been broadcasting its reading of the Declaration of Independence for 29 years now. This was its first year to post the entire document on Twitter.

NPR spokeswoman Allyssa Pollard said the tweets were shared by thousands of people and created a lively conversation.

And thats Whats Trending Today.

Im Kelly Jean Kelly.

Dan Friedell wrote this story for VOA Learning English, with some reporting from the Associated Press. Ashley Thompson was the editor.

Would you have recognized the Declaration of Independence tweets? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

_____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

unanimous  adj. agreed to by everyone

confuse  v. to make (someone) uncertain or unable to understand something

consent  v. to agree to do or allow something : to give permission for something to happen or be done

alter  v. to change something

abolish  v. to officially end or stop (something, such as a law) : to completely do away with (something)

tyranny  n. cruel and unfair treatment by people with power over others

delete  v. to remove (something, such as words, pictures, or computer files) from a document, recording, computer, etc.

hack  v. to secretly get access to the files on a computer or network in order to get information, cause damage, etc.

encourage  v. to tell or advise (someone) to do something

lively  adj. very active and energetic
A company in Mountain View, California, helps fund and advises new, or startup, technology companies. It is called Y Combinator, and it has helped launch many well-known companies like Dropbox, Airbnb and Reddit.

To expand its business, Y Combinator has put its program online at no cost in a new course called Startup School. This course has gotten more than 7,000 technology founders from 140 countries to sign up for the program.

Expanding the Y Combinator reach

Y Combinator, also called YC, began in 2005. It holds programs two times a year. They bring company founders to Mountain View for 10 weeks of intensive training. Those taking part receive advice from YCs large alumni network of well-known companies.

In addition to advice, YC invests $120,000 in each startup company. In return, the company gets seven-percent share of stock in the startup.

The program ends with an event called Demo Day. During this day, those taking part give their business pitches to a room full of possible investors.

YCs program has become very popular. It also is very competitive. Only two percent of those who apply are accepted to the YC program. The company created the online Startup School to permit more businesspeople to take part in their program.

Goktug Yilmaz did not make it into the normal YC program, but signed up later for Startup School. Yilmaz wanted to help his game-developing business in Ankara, Turkey.

Yilmaz says he wanted to be part of the Startup School because it lets him talk and receive feedback. Just seeing this process would help us get better on focusing on our goals, he said.

Helping companies early

Steven Pham helps run Startup School. He said the company wanted to reach business founders outside of Californias technology center known as Silicon Valley.

Internet access has been only something people have access to very recently in a lot of these markets, Pham said. In a lot of these communities where startups are super, super early, we wanted to get in there and help them learn best practices ... best ways to think about building their product, best ways to think about sales strategies and market(s).

According to Pham, the interest in Startup School has been surprisingly high. More than 13,000 companies and nearly 20,000 founders applied. Because of the high number of applicants, YC had to limit the first class to 3,000 companies and about 7,000 founders so that it could provide enough advisers.

Ti Zhao is an alumna with YC. She helped advise 30 companies during Startup School.

People kind of have this idea of Silicon Valley as where the startups are at and its really cool for me to see so many diverse companies from so many places around the world, she said.

Ideas from all over the world

The Startup School course ends with Presentation Day, which is similar to Demo Day of the regular program. On Presentation Day, those taking part make their pitches online. The one difference is that the objective is not to get the interest of investors, but to present an early version of their product idea in a clear way.

The pitches can come from all over the world, including one from Syria, where a group is teaching children how to create circuits. Another group from Sudan, named SocialEyeze, is trying to help blind people use social media more easily.

Ive learned many useful skills, and those skills appeared in the modifications we made on our solution, said Hussam Eldeen Hassan from Socialeyeze.

About 56 percent of the first Startup School class, or about 1,580 companies, completed the course.

Y Combinator says it plans to expand the number of companies for the next Startup School. The next course is expected to take place early next year.

For Yilmaz, Startup School was a great experience for both business and relationships.

In Startup School, we made a bunch of friends from the online chat, Yilmaz said. We are probably going to continue those friendships with other founders.

Im Phil Dierking.

Michelle Quinn and Deana Mitchell reported this story for VOANews.com. Phil Dierking adapted her report for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor.

Do you think Y Combinator would be useful to companies in your home? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

_____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

alumni - n. someone who was a student at a particular school, college, or university

apply - v. to ask formally for something (such as a job, admission to a school, a loan, etc.) usually in writing

pitch - n. things that are said by someone (such as a salesman) in order to make someone want to buy, do, or accept something

founder - n. a person who creates or establishes something that is meant to last for a long time such as a business or school.

startup - n. a newly established business.

strategy - n. a careful plan or method for achieving a particular goal usually over a long period of time

circuits - n. the complete path that an electric current travels along

modifications - n. the act or process of changing parts of something


The United States has called for the world to act after North Koreas leader celebrated the test of an intercontinental ballistic missile, or ICBM.

North Korea launched a long-range missile, known as the Hwasong-14, on Tuesday. The missile travelled 933 kilometers and reached an altitude of 2,802 kilometers.

American military officials said it went down in the Sea of Japan after 37 minutes. U.S. experts said the missile appears to have a range that could reach the American state of Alaska.

South Korea's Defense Ministry said it was unable to confirm whether North Korea had mastered re-entry technology. Re-entry technology is necessary for an ICBM to strike targets over great distances.

An ICBM must be able to travel long distances, leave the Earths atmosphere and re-enter it, without breaking apart, in order to hit its target.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said the missile was a gift to the United States on its Independence Day, according to the state news agency KCNA. It said that North Korea will not give up its weapons until the U.S. stops its hostile policy against the North.

Responding to the launch, U.S. and South Korean soldiers fired missiles into South Korean waters on Tuesday. The exercises showed a missile system [that] can be rapidly deployed and engaged [with] deep strike precision capability, according to a statement from the U.S. Army.

On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called the missile test "a new escalation of the threat "to the United States and its allies. Tillerson also warned that any country helping North Korea or failing to carry out United Nations restrictions on the country "is aiding and abetting a dangerous regime".

Trumps response to missile launch

In his first response after the launch, U.S. President Donald Trump asked China on Twitter to "put a heavy move on North Korea and end this nonsense once and for all!"

On Wednesday, the president criticized China directly on Twitter. He wrote Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40% in the first quarter. So much for China working with us - but we had to give it a try!

About 90 percent of North Korean trade comes through China. However, China has resisted putting too much economic pressure on its neighbor and ally.

The American president is heading to Europe to meet with leaders of the Group of 20 nations. Trump is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the meeting in Hamburg, Germany. North Koreas weapons program is expected to be among the issues discussed.

Im Jonathan Evans.

Hai Do adapted this story for VOA Learning English based on AP, Reuters and VOA News reports. Mario Ritter was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

_____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

altitude n. height, distance from the surface of the earth, usually sea level

range n. a distance that can be traveled

rapidly adv. quickly

engaged adj. to be put into or brought into fighting

precision adj. very exact

escalation n. an increase in intensity, to become worse

abet v. to help, encourage or support a criminal

regime n. a form of government
Buy a desktop computer and you can probably keep using it for a decade or longer because if anything breaks or needs to be upgraded you can probably open the case and make the changes yourself.

Things are little different with most modern smartphones and tablets, and many laptops. If a component breaks, theres a good chance you wont be able to fix it yourself.

Case in point: online repair shop iFixit recently gave the new Microsoft Surface Laptop a repairability score of 0 out of 10 since the CPU, memory, and storage cannot be upgraded, its dangerous to replace the battery, and its hard to even open the case without breaking the laptop.

But European officials may be taking steps to reverse the trend of non-repairability.

This week the European Parliament issued recommendations for making consumer products more durable and easier to repair. Right now these are just recommendations, and include a request to create a voluntary label that could be affixed to products that meet the recommendations.

But the European Commission could vote on the guidelines in the future, turning them into law.

Among other things, the recommendations include:

Essential components including batteries and LEDs should be removable unless theres a safety reason for them to be fixed to the product. Its not clear that this means you should be able to pop out a battery on the fly, but at the very least once you open the case you should be able to replace a defective battery.

Device makers should make spare parts available.

Device owners should be able to get their products fixed by an independent repairer.

European Union member states should provide incentives for device makers to create durable, repairable products.

Overall, if member countries adopt these rules we could see longer product lifetimes for consumer electronics, a more robust market for repair shops and second-hand sales, and a reduction in e-waste.

Its unlikely that the US would adopt these rules anytime soon, if they have an impact on the design of products sold in Europe that could change the way device makers design products sold around the world even in the US, China, India, and other large markets that havent adopted right-to-repair regulations.

On the other hand, maybe people will decide planned obsolescence isnt such a bad thing after all. Im sure there are some folks who normally replace their smartphones every year or two who would hold onto them longer if they were easier to repair. But when Apple or Samsung unveil a new model with better specs or a sleeker design comes out, I suspect there will still plenty of demand.

These days, upgrading to a new phone is only partially about functionality: its also about fashion.

via Motherboard
Greetings, and welcome to today's chat! Hope you're enjoying our recent ideas and recipes and articles, including Charlotte Druckman's dive into graphic cookbooks; Kathy Gunst's cross-country road trip in search of regional American food; Alex Witchel's profile of the carnivorous NYC chef Angie Mar; Carrie Allan's ode to the white negroni and similar spinoffs; and more.

We have Kathy and Charlotte joining us today! Carrie will swing by as usual, too!

We'll have giveaway books for our favorite chatters: "Cook Korean!" by Robin Ha, "The Adventures of Fat Rice" by Abraham Conlon, Adrienne Lo and Hugh Amano; and "Simply Sarah" by Sarah Chapman, subject of Bonnie's mini-profile of this former circus performer and cook.

For you PostPoints members, here's today's code: FR6460 . Remember, you'll record and enter it at the PostPoints site under Claim My Points to earn points. The code expires at midnight, so be sure to enter the code by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday to get credit for participating.

Let's do this!
(HealthDay)In a technologically advanced society, physicians need to take advantage of the internet to reach patients and exercise caution in their online presence, according to a report published by the American Medical Association.

At a recent education session, two physicians discussed the need for physicians to be visible online. They emphasized that physicians need to improve information available online, including on HealthGrades, Yelp, and ProPublica, as well as other sites. Information should be accurate and up-to-date. When physicians update their profiles, they should remember that inaccurate information reflects on the physician; that physicians don't have control over comments; and that a professional profile that looks great does not provide control over what patients write.

Physicians must exercise caution with sharing online and responding to patient comments. The best policy can be found from the Mayo Clinic, which includes not misrepresenting yourself, being transparent about who you are, not violating patient privacy, not revealing too much personal information, and remembering that once information is out there, it is out there.

To protect their online reputation while increasing visibility, physicians should choose one professional photo for use across all websites; update profiles with clear, consistent, and factual information; provide educational resources; never engage online with a patient who leaves a negative review; and use strategic networking to stay relevant in practice and profession. Patients are looking for ratings and content, so physicians should update and claim profiles.

More information: More Information

Copyright  2017 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Top five most frequently selected Conversation Cards. Credit: Maryam Kebbe

Increasing numbers of children and adolescents struggle with obesity, a challenging and complex health issue. Likewise, health care providers can find it challenging to effectively counsel families on weight management. To this end, Conversation Cards were developed to help families think about and prioritize key challenges regarding pediatric weight management. They also create points of reference for providers, which could help to create treatment plans for families based on their priorities. Using Conversation Cards, researchers from the University of Alberta conducted a study that reviewed the way families use the cards and how their card selections aligned with family characteristics.

Data for this cross-sectional study were retrieved from a clinic providing care for 2- to 17-year-olds with overweight or obesity. Families were introduced to Conversation Cards at a monthly, group-based orientation session after they were referred for care by local physicians and nurse practitioners.

Among 146 participants, families selected an average of 10 cards, with an equal proportion of positive (e.g., Ongoing contact with our clinician keeps us motivated) and negative (e.g., I feel overwhelmed and lack support) statements. The most popular card choices reflected families' readiness to make healthy changes, preference for involving children and adolescents in clinical discussions, the importance of children and adolescents in sharing their thoughts, wanting to learn how to make healthy foods fun, and desire for a specially trained fitness instructor to work with children and adolescents.

"The needs and preferences of families relating to motivation and clinical support, especially across socioeconomic groups, revealed the complexity of patient- and family-level priorities that providers can address," lead author Maryam Kebbe, BSc, said.

Factors such as age and socioeconomic status had interesting effects on attitudes in the study. For example, compared with children, a greater proportion of adolescents disliked exercise and bought fast food in the absence of their parents. Likewise, compared with their counterparts, a greater proportion of parents with a higher level of education and lower household income reported that setting goals helped them to remain motivated; those with lower incomes also reported that their finances limited what they could do. A greater proportion of parents with a lower level of education also reported financial limitations in registering their sons and daughters in sports.

Maryam Kebbe and Geoff D. C. Ball discuss a new study from the University of Alberta that investigated the way families use Conversation Cards as a tool to promote pediatric weight loss and how their card selections aligned with family characteristics. Credit: Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior

"Offering families services that align with their readiness, motivation, and ability to participate actively in pediatric weight management is ideal. Conversation Cards may be useful to complement existing processes and procedures for both providers and families," Kebbe added.

Although Conversation Cards were helpful for families in establishing their priorities with health care providers, further research using this tool is needed. Several other projects are underway, including whether the Conversation Cards can be used effectively for goal setting and enhancing motivation to change habits over time.

More information: Maryam Kebbe et al, Following Suit: Using Conversation Cards for Priority Setting in Pediatric Weight Management, Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior (2017). Journal information: Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior Maryam Kebbe et al, Following Suit: Using Conversation Cards for Priority Setting in Pediatric Weight Management,(2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2017.03.020
Twins exchange T-cells in utero through shared placenta. Credit: Kevin Dufendach (2008), retrieved from commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Placentation.svg, CC BY, adapted and modified by M.V. Pogorelyy.

Key immune system cells produced before birth may survive well into adulthood, according to new research published in PLOS Computational Biology.

The findings provide new insights into the immune system's T cells, each of which possesses receptor proteins that allow it to recognize a specific pathogen. Throughout life, every person maintains a unique but highly diverse set of different T cells with receptors that recognize different pathogens. This enables protection against a wide range of diseases.

Since unique T cell receptors are created through a random process of DNA arrangement, even genetically identical twins differ in their precise set of distinct T cells. However, previous studies have shown that identical twins share more T cell receptors than would be statistically expected.

In the new study, Mikhail Pogorelyy and colleagues from the Ecole normale superieure in Paris, and the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, address this excess of T-cell clone sharing between genetically identical twins.

The team used a statistical model of T cell receptor formation to analyze receptor DNA sequences in blood samples from adult pairs of identical twins. The analysis suggests that the degree of T-cell clone sharing between twins is greater than can be explained simply by shared genomes. Instead, the scientists propose, twin embryos may exchange T cells through cord blood before birth.

"As a result, the immune system of one twin has cells that were generated in the other twin and vice versa," says study co-author Thierry Mora.

These findings, combined with further statistical analysis of T cell receptor DNA sequences from unrelated adults of varying ages, suggest that some T cell clones created before birth may persist in the body for about 40 years. "This longevity of clones implies that any 40 year old person can still have clones that were produced before birth," Mora says.

These results could shed new light on the observation that the exact same T cell receptors are sometimes found in multiple unrelated adults. If T cell clones created before birth can stick around for decades, they might account for a substantial amount of shared T cells between any two unrelated people. Indeed, the diversity of T cell receptors generated before birth is known to be lower than in adults, increasing the odds of two unrelated people sharing the same receptor.

More information: Pogorelyy MV, Elhanati Y, Marcou Q, Sycheva AL, Komech EA, Nazarov VI, et al. (2017) Persisting fetal clonotypes influence the structure and overlap of adult human T cell receptor repertoires. PLoS Comput Biol 13(7): e1005572. Journal information: PLoS Computational Biology Pogorelyy MV, Elhanati Y, Marcou Q, Sycheva AL, Komech EA, Nazarov VI, et al. (2017) Persisting fetal clonotypes influence the structure and overlap of adult human T cell receptor repertoires.13(7): e1005572. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005572
Be careful when you fill up, Linda warned me a few months ago. Theres a new scam that captures your credit card information when you pay for your gas at the pump.

One more thing to worry about, I thought. However, I discovered Senator Rob Cowles, R-Green Bay, already put worry into action. He decided to write a bill to end the scam  Senate Bill 133. I joined a bipartisan group of legislators as a co-sponsor of this legislation.

Recently, both houses of the Legislature unanimously passed SB 133, which creates a new crime designed to stop credit card skimmers at gas stations and ATMs. The previously unknown practice was not written in state law. The gap left criminals a way to squeeze through the legal system.

Senate Bill 133 addressed the question of whether or not possessing the skimmer was against state law. According to the authors of the bill, Wisconsin is currently amongst a minority of states that have not enacted statutes that provide criminal penalties specific to credit card skimming devices, their use and the supply lines these criminals are using to obtain these devices. This legislation changes that and gives Wisconsin prosecutors new tools to fight these crimes.

The bill puts in place harsh penalties for the crime and addresses not only possession but also trafficking of the devices.

Credit card skimmers can be quickly installed in or over credit card readers to steal card information when a customer swipes a card. The criminals sometimes use very small cameras to capture a persons personal identification number for their debit card.

The criminal then uses or sells this credit card information to others who make fraudulent charges. It may take time for you to even know you were a victim of this crime leaving your debit account empty or large charges on your credit card.

The state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protections issued an alert to gas station owners last August when, during their routine work of checking the accuracy of gas pumps, they noticed unusual devices added to credit card readers to capture sensitive financial information.

According to a September story by the Wisconsin State Journal, investigators found 15 devices attached to the credit card readers on gas pumps across Wisconsin. Five of the devices were in Madison; the others were at high-traffic stations mostly near the Interstate. Senator Cowles reported skimmer devices were found in 25 communities including Eau Claire.

Earlier this year, a Wisconsin State Journal story reported that two men from California were arrested and charged with placing the credit card skimmers in Madison gas pumps. In response to this ongoing criminal activity, the city council of Madison passed an ordinance requiring all gas pumps to install unique locking devices to prevent tampering with pumps.

The Wisconsin State Journal went on to report the ordinance was effective. As of last winter, the local weights and measures inspectors found that all of the roughly 2,000 gas pumps in Madison have locking devices and are free of the illegal credit card skimmers.

Impressed by the success in Madison, Sen. Dave Hansen, D-Green Bay, believes the state should take the step of requiring locking devices to protect consumers. During deliberation on Senate Bill 133, he offered an amendment that would require gas station owners to install the unique locking devices on all pumps in the state. Senator Hansen noted that, Card skimming is a crime of opportunity  By making it more difficult for them to access a gas pump, we can take that opportunity away and protect consumers from this type of crime. It doesnt seem unreasonable to require gas station operators to take this small step to protect their customers.

The amendment failed, but Sen. Hansens idea is a very good one.

Meanwhile, consumers can protect themselves with a few routine practices. Check the credit card scanner to see if its loose, looks different from the surrounding pump (older or newer), place your hand over the hand you use to type in your PIN. Ask your local station what they are doing to protect you from fraud.

If you find anything unusual, be sure to report details to the station owner and the police. Do not tamper with something that looks to be a fraudulent skimmer. You may be tampering with evidence of a crime.

Stay safe out there on your summer travels.

Democrat Kathleen Vinehout, Alma, represents the 31st state Senate District.
(HealthDay)Sharing a laugh can make you feel closer to someone else, and that quick-forming social bond may have been a big evolutionary boon to human survival, a small study suggests.

The act of laughing out loud triggers the brain to release its very own "feel good" neurotransmitters, known as endorphins, the study's brain scans showed.

Endorphins are naturally occurring opioids that may produce a sense of euphoria, calmness and stress reduction, the researchers said.

And once laughter causes endorphin levels to go up, so too do feelings of closeness and connection between those "in" on the giggle.

For many animals, primates especially, mutual grooming helps boost social bonds. And humans do this, too. But laughter may work quicker.

"Touching is probably the most powerful way of bonding in humans," said study author Lauri Nummenmaa, "but it is very time-consuming, as an individual can touch a maximum of [only] two people at the same time."

Nummenmaa is an associate professor of modeling and medical image processing at Turku PET Centre and the department of psychology at the University of Turku in Finland.

Laughter, on the other hand, gets the job done faster and more efficiently, Nummenmaa said, noting that it's "highly contagious, and may occur simultaneously in large groups.

"Such contagion," he added, "allows the endorphin responses to spread throughout the group, increasing the effectiveness of this type of 'vocal grooming.' Thus, the evolution of laughter may have enabled humans to significantly expand their social circles."

The Finnish study included 12 healthy men between the ages of 20 and 32. First, they completed mood questionnaires to determine their usual levels of happiness, tension, pain, pleasure and calmness.

Two opioid-tracking brain scans were then conducted. The first took place after each participant spent a half-hour alone in a room, with the goal being to get a snapshot of routine opioid levels. The second took place after each participant watched a half-hour of pre-chosen comedy clips with two close friends.

Audio recordings indicated that, during the comedy screenings, "social laughter" outbursts among the participants and friends clocked in at an average of a little more than one per minute.

Brain scans indicated that as social laughter increased so did the levels of endorphins and other brain opioids similarly linked to arousal and emotions.

"Also," said Nummenmaa, "we found that the more opioid receptors the participants had in their brain, the more they laughed during the experiment. This suggests that individual differences in the brain's opioid system could underlie individual differences in sociality."

But one thing that everyone has in common, said Nummenmaa, is that "laughter is also highly contagious. And we often have a hard time resisting laughing when we hear others doing so, even when we know that the laughter is fake or intentional, as in canned laughter [and] laughter tracks in sitcoms."

Coupled with the investigation's observation that laughing boosts opioid release, this contagiousness, he said, lends weight to the notion that "laughter may support bonding via similar molecular mechanisms in humans as grooming does on other primates."

But Dr. John Ferro, a neurologist at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., cautioned that "with a sample size of 12, there are a lot of assumptions being made" by the study authors.

"Obviously we would like to know the neurobiology of laughter and why it makes us feel good," Ferro acknowledged.

"But this article," he said, "teases us to believe that the tickling of our opioid receptors is the only reason to live in a group."

Ferro said there are likely many good reasons people seek out strong social bonds, including a search for the advantages a group can offer in terms of safety, commerce, education and cultural advancement.

"I think," Ferro said, "human interactions may be a little more complex than just the pleasure principle."

The study was published recently in the Journal of Neuroscience.

More information: Lauri Nummenmaa, Ph.D., associate professor, modeling and medical image processing, Turku PET Centre and department of psychology, University of Turku, Finland; John A. Ferro, M.D., M.S., attending neurologist, Vassar Brothers Medical Center, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and past president, New York State Neurological Society; Journal of Neuroscience, May 23, 2017, online Lauri Nummenmaa, Ph.D., associate professor, modeling and medical image processing, Turku PET Centre and department of psychology, University of Turku, Finland; John A. Ferro, M.D., M.S., attending neurologist, Vassar Brothers Medical Center, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and past president, New York State Neurological Society;, May 23, 2017, online The AARP has more about the benefits of laughter therapy. Journal information: Journal of Neuroscience

Copyright  2017 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
As innovation expands the accessibility of technology, the potential for distraction increases as well. A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior assesses the level and type of distractions that affect mothers during infant feeding and discusses the potential impact on mothers and babies. Researchers found that distractions occurred in close to half of feedings, with ~60% of distractions attributable to technological devices.

There is emerging interest in understanding how technology may impact parent-child interactions, but few studies have examined this issue during infant feeding interactions. Therefore, researchers from California Polytechnic State University created a study to explore maternal distraction in breastfeeding and bottle-feeding participants enrolled or not in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Woman, Infants, and Children (WIC) and to examine whether maternal or infant characteristics were associated with distracted feeding.

For this study, 75 mothers participating in infant-feeding studies were asked to keep a diary of feeding patterns for one to six days. Mothers were 18 to 40 years old and had not experienced gestational diabetes or complications during pregnancy or birth. The infants were all healthy, born full-term, no older than six months, and not yet introduced to solid food. Mothers recorded information about feeding length, feeding breastmilk or formula, amount fed, and what else they were doing while feeding. Questionnaires were also completed by mothers to gauge infant behavior, mothers' engagement, and mothers' perception of infants eating.

"Distractions were reported during 43% of feedings for the group data, with mothers reporting technological distractions during 26% of feedings and non-technological distractions during 17% of feedings," lead author Alison Ventura, PhD, said.

Technological distractions included watching television or using a smartphone, tablet, computer, or other technology.

At the individual level, 92% of mothers reported a distraction during one or more feedings and 83% reported a technological distraction during one or more feedings. More frequent engagement in any type of distraction was predicted by having more than one child and having an infant with a larger appetite; more frequent engagement in technological distraction was predicted by mothers' racial or ethnic minority status, feeding style, younger infant age, and infant food responsiveness and appetite. However, feeding mode, mothers' WIC enrollment, education, and BMI, as well as infant sex, weight status, and temperament were not significant predictors of distraction.

"Although WIC enrollment was not predictive of distraction, mothers enrolled in WIC reported their infants had significantly lower levels of negative affect, satiety responsiveness, and slowness in eating, and greater enjoyment of food," Ventura added.

The findings of the Cal Poly study should inspire future research to determine what impact, if any, distracted feeding has on the quality and outcome of feeding interactions in the short-term, and on infants eating behaviors and self-regulatory abilities in the long-term. This and future research should help elucidate the effects of caregiver distraction and help caregivers understand and attend to their infants' cues.

More information: Alison K. Ventura et al, Maternal Distraction During Breast- and Bottle Feeding Among WIC and non-WIC Mothers, Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior (2017). Journal information: Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior Alison K. Ventura et al, Maternal Distraction During Breast- and Bottle Feeding Among WIC and non-WIC Mothers,(2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2017.04.004
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Using musical cues to learn a physical task significantly develops an important part of the brain, according to a new study.

People who practiced a basic movement task to music showed increased structural connectivity between the regions of the brain that process sound and control movement.

The findings focus on white matter pathwaysthe wiring that enables brain cells to communicate with each other.

The study could have positive implications for future research into rehabilitation for patients who have lost some degree of movement control.

Thirty right-handed volunteers were divided into two groups and charged with learning a new task involving sequences of finger movements with the non-dominant, left hand. One group learned the task with musical cues, the other group without music.

After four weeks of practice, both groups of volunteers performed equally well at learning the sequences, researchers at the University of Edinburgh found.

Using MRI scans, it was found that the music group showed a significant increase in structural connectivity in the white matter tract that links auditory and motor regions on the right side of the brain. The non-music group showed no change.

Researchers hope that future study with larger numbers of participants will examine whether music can help with special kinds of motor rehabilitation programmes, such as after a stroke.

The interdisciplinary project brought together researchers from the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Music in Human and Social Development, Clinical Research Imaging Centre, and Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, and from Clinical Neuropsychology, Leiden University, The Netherlands.

The results are published in the journal Brain & Cognition.

Dr Katie Overy, who led the research team said: "The study suggests that music makes a key difference. We have long known that music encourages people to move. This study provides the first experimental evidence that adding musical cues to learning new motor task can lead to changes in white matter structure in the brain."

More information: Emma Moore et al, Diffusion tensor MRI tractography reveals increased fractional anisotropy (FA) in arcuate fasciculus following music-cued motor training, Brain and Cognition (2017). Journal information: Brain and Cognition Emma Moore et al, Diffusion tensor MRI tractography reveals increased fractional anisotropy (FA) in arcuate fasciculus following music-cued motor training,(2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2017.05.001
Veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) differ from civilians with TBI in some key wayswith potentially important implications for long-term care and support of injured service members and their families. New research from the Veterans Administration TBI Model System is assembled in the July/August special issue of the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation (JHTR).

"The VA TBI Model System is uniquely positioned to inform policy about the health, mental health, socioeconomic, rehabilitation, and caregiver needs following TBI," write Guest Editors Risa Nakase-Richardson, PhD, of James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, Fla., and Lillian Stevens, PhD, of Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Va.

The special issue presents initial reports from a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)-specific database of patients representing all traumatic brain injury (TBI) severity levels. The findings will play a critical role in VA's efforts to meet the long-term needs of veterans with TBI.

VA TBI Model System Will Guide Care for Veterans and Families Affected by TBI

The initial TBI Model System was developed by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research now the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)-in 1987. Over the years, 16 civilian hospitals have contributed data on the course of recovery and outcomes for more than 16,000 patients who received inpatient rehabilitation after TBI.

The VA TBI Model System, created in response to a Congressional mandate, collects similar data on rehabilitation outcomes of military TBI. Since 2010, over 1,000 patients with TBI hospitalized at five regional VA Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers have been added to the database. The five premiere VA Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers offer inpatient rehabilitation with specialized capacity to treat the more severely injured veterans and active duty service members.

Dr. Nakase-Richardson is the lead author of a study comparing the characteristics of 550 patients from the VA TBI Model System versus 5,270 patients from the original NIDILRR system. The results suggested that military and civilian cases of TBI differ in most characteristics/outcomes compared. For example, the data showed that violent causes of TBI were more common in the VA group, while falls were more common in civilian cases. Most violence-related TBI cases in veterans were related to deployment.

At least 13 percent of the civilian TBI patients had previously served in the military. Dr. Nakase-Richardson and co-authors highlight the need for a complementary sample to broaden research findings to veterans and service members who seek primarily civilian health care.

The differences between databases make it difficult to directly compare outcomes between the military and civilian TBI groups. The researchers emphasize the need for further studies to clarify the differences and their implications for treatment and outcomes.

Other topics in the special issue include the critical long-term impact on families and caregivers; and new insights for promoting health, quality of life, and community re-entry (i.e., employment) for veterans and service members with TBI.

These and future studies will have a major impact on VA's efforts to plan for ongoing care and support for the large numbers of veterans and families affected by TBI, according to Joel Scholten, MD, Director of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Veterans Health Administration.

"Participation in the TBI Model System allows VA to continue to define the unique needs of Veterans following TBI and translate these findings into policy, essentially creating a model of continuous quality improvement for TBI rehabilitation within VA," said Scholten.

More information: Risa Nakase-Richardson et al. Comparison of the VA and NIDILRR TBI Model System Cohorts, Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation (2017). Journal information: Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation Risa Nakase-Richardson et al. Comparison of the VA and NIDILRR TBI Model System Cohorts,(2017). DOI: 10.1097/HTR.0000000000000334
South Africas migration to digital TV broadcasting is unsexy, long-winded, and often results in peoples eyes glazing over.

But what many dont realise is that its holding back faster, and eventually cheaper, 4G services.

The migration to digital terrestrial television is about far more than TV broadcasting, the fight over encryption, conditional access, and which standard to use.

Underneath this is an issue which affects every South African, as the migration impacts all of our mobile network operators.

Its called the digital dividend.

The big capacity fight

Wireless mobile networks, radio stations, and the Wi-Fi router in your house require radio frequency spectrum to operate.

The spectrum used by cellular networks in SA is governed by licences which are issued by industry regulator ICASA. These licences help prevent operators from interfering with one anothers signals.

Television signals that you receive with a roof antenna or bunny ears work on the same principle  and right now, TV stations in South Africa are sitting on a significant chunk of prime spectrum.

Local mobile networks generally use the 900MHz, 1,800MHz, and 2,100MHz/1,900MHz bands set aside for international mobile telecommunications (IMT).

Telkom has no 900MHz spectrum, but has spectrum in the 2,300MHz band. Rain and Neotel also have spectrum in other IMT bands.

TV broadcasters currently use frequencies in the very-high frequency and ultra-high frequency (UHF) bands. Of particular interest are the frequencies used between 400MHz and 800MHz.

One of the benefits of migrating from analogue to digital TV is that spectrum used by television broadcasting will be freed (the digital dividend).

As the first phase, frequencies in the 800MHz band have been earmarked for LTE and 4G networks. The relatively low-frequency spectrum, compared to other IMT bands, is ideal for covering large areas, such as rural regions.

Lower frequency signals reach further and offer better indoor penetration. However, a single cell can only support a certain number of subscribers, so smaller, high-frequency cells complement the larger coverage zones in cities and towns.

No digital migration, no spectrum

ICASA has been trying to assign high-demand spectrum since 2006, but technical problems with its invitations to apply and political interference have delayed the process.

One of the recent hurdles, introduced by Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services Siyabonga Cwele in his National ICT Policy White Paper, has been overcome.

Cwele had said the government will withhold new spectrum for a national wireless open access network (WOAN), and will take away the existing spectrum licences of companies like Vodacom, MTN, and Telkom.

Following discussions with the industry, a compromise was reached. Operators were guaranteed their spectrum licences until at least 2028, and not all the currently-unassigned IMT spectrum would be allocated to the WOAN.

However, the path is still not open to assign spectrum.

The government has decided that until the digital migration is finalised and there is certainty about when the digital dividend will become available, no IMT spectrum will be assigned.

Minister of Communications Ayanda Dlodlo said they plan to finish the migration by 2018.

However, she has backtracked on former Minister of Communications Faith Muthambis decision to exclude encryption on set-top boxes (STBs) subsidised by the government for poor households.

Dlodlo said she would implement ANC policy and ensure the set-top boxes for these households includes encryption technology.

Her announcement came just before the Constitutional Court handed Muthambi a victory against e.tv, stating that she was within her mandate to specify that the STBs should not include encryption.

This means Dlodlo has a fight ahead of her. MultiChoice is unlikely to be happy with the turn of events, along with the manufacturers who produced STBs under contract for Muthambi.

Reports suggest there are warehouses full of STBs which Dlodlo refuses to distribute. It is expected these companies will want to be compensated for their losses.

With a new battle looming, it does not seem likely that the digital migration will be finished in 2018  seven years later than it was scheduled to.

This will result in precious spectrum sitting unused and prevents mobile operators from offering faster, cheaper mobile data services.

It is sad to see such an opportunity squandered. Just like we missed out on the benefits and competition WiMAX may have offered from 2006 until the widespread adoption of LTE, so South Africans are missing out on the full benefits of 4G technology.

Standards for 5G are expected to be finalised by 2020 and at this rate, it doesnt look certain that the necessary spectrum will be released in time.

This is an opinion piece.
Rudi Dicks is a Senior Cyber Security specialist at BDOs Forensics and Cyber Lab, and spends his days hacking companies.

Dicks is an experienced ethical hacker, with an array of qualifications, who specialises in offensive security, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessment.

Offensive security involves the testing of cybersecurity systems with the owners permission, and requires a set of skills ranging from development and network security to social engineering.

Becoming a hacker

Dicks said he developed his hacking skills in high school before progressing to network security.

Cyber has always been my passion. I started experimenting with hacking and cybersecurity in high school and then went into networking and began looking after security for clients, said Dicks.

Dicks went on to complete a number of cybersecurity-related certifications, including Certified Ethical Hacker and Offensive Security Certified Professional qualifications.

The examination for the security certification requires the entrant to connect to a VPN and hack into five virtual machines within 24 hours  without prior knowledge of the system.

His other qualifications include: CompTIA A+; CompTIA Security+; Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer; and Cisco Certified Network Associate.

Dicks said cybersecurity professionals can come from any background and feature a variety of specialised qualifications.

He said the most important thing is to have a passion for the field.

People who are good at what we do love their work, and often play mini-games to break into virtual machines in their spare time, he said.

Problem solving and critical thinking are critical skills in the cybersecurity field, and you have to enjoy solving puzzles and being challenged.

Penetration testing

Unlike malicious hackers, Dicks uses his skills to assist companies in keeping their security up to date and helps them protect against cyberattacks.

This involves training, administration, risk assessments, and penetration testing.

Dicks has over 15 years of experience in network design and server administration, and has conducted penetration tests for multiple top 100 companies.

He regularly tests the security of a company with the clients permission, but without staff receiving knowledge of the active penetration testing.

This simulates a real cyberattack and allows the company to identify and fix any vulnerabilities or weak points in its security.

Interesting projects Dicks has worked on include a penetration test for an international financial institution.

Dicks said although the institution had serious security systems in place, they incorrectly assumed that if a website has a folder or page not directly accessible, it cannot be accessed by other means.

Dicks stumbled into the companys ATM login system using this exploit, and was able to tap into its live data.

We sat in real-time and watched people drawing money, he said.

We could see live information such as balances, withdrawal and deposit amounts, and credentials, although some sensitive information was blacked out and remained inaccessible.

Dicks said the deck is often stacked in favour of the attacker in these situations, which makes penetration tests an important part of cybersecurity  as it helps to define possible attack vectors.

Now read: NotPetya is very different and much worse than WannaCry
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YEREVAN.  EU ambassador to Armenia, Piotr Switalskis statement made a lot of fuss, but any sound offer is worth considering, Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Shavarsh ocharyan told reporters in the parliament on Thursday.

Head of the EU delegation to Armenia has recently spoken about shortcomings during the Armenia's April parliamentary elections and the need for reforms in the electoral system.

We have already conducted reforms, but this does not mean that everything is fine now. Any proposal that proceeds from our interests should be discussed, Kocharyan said.

At the same time, he added, that it is difficult to imagine how to implement the ambassador's proposal on including representatives of civil society in the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) of Armenia.

The civil sector is needed, but for control, not governance, the deputy minister said.
Van Gogh's painting sold for a record $117 million

Gentiloni: EU countries have accumulated enough gas to get through the coming winter

Several dozen activists detained at protest rally in Baku: They chant slogans 'Freedom!', 'Resign!'

Princess Haya seeks asylum in Wales

Pashinyan: Iran is concerned about the presence of other actors in our region, which are not in the territory of Armenia

Pashinyan: Presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan listened to presented proposals

Volvo reveals its flagship EX90 electric crossover

Pashinyan: Yerevan supports Russia's proposals for Armenian-Azerbaijani settlement

Pashinyan: Russia cannot withdraw from Karabakh unless it creates additional guarantees for peacekeeping mission

Pashinyan: We will do everything to Armenia-Azerbaijan sign peace treaty by end of year

Russia bans entry of Biden's family and White House press secretary

Pashinyan: We believe there should be a dialogue between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh

Pashinyan says positions voiced by some member countries of CSTO are unacceptable

19 countries that use euro currency will slide into recession over winter

Pashinyan to Baku: If 1991 border is mutually recognized, what are your troops doing near Jermuk?

Pashinyan: If the Karabakh issue is solved, why is Azerbaijani Armed Forces shooting at Karabakh residents?

Pashinyan: Russia should say whether their version of peace settlement is still circulating?

Pashinyan: Maybe Azerbaijan doesn't want Armenia to receive revenues?

Pashinyan: Azerbaijan must withdraw its troops from Armenia

Pashinyan: My yesterday's speech served its purpose, Azerbaijani MFA no longer uses 'corridor' term

Microsoft founder Paul Allen's collection of world masterpieces sold for $1.6 billion

Public TV of Armenia hosts Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan

China shows drone killer

Armenian FM meets his French counterpart

Rishi Sunak decides to close hole in British budget through austerity

Delegation of Russian MPs visits Jermuk resort town

Lavrov and Mirzoyan discuss regional agenda

Harut Sasunyan: The best way to achieve peace is to be prepared for war

Turkish prosecutor demands court to ban Istanbul mayor from political activities

German business leaders warn against leaving China

Sasunyan: Russia and US pursue their own interests in South Caucasus

British economy shrinks in three months, foretelling prolonged recession

Iranian Ambassador to Azerbaijan summoned to Foreign Ministry

Euro rises above dollar for first time in long time

Hungarian Foreign Affairs Minister calls Council of Turkic States 'forum of peace' and praises Turkey

EU embargo on Russian oil will be a boon for OPEC

Armenia defense minister receives China ambassador, military attache

Lemkin Institute condemns Azerbaijan president's genocidal rhetoric

Dollar goes up, euro rises sharply in Armenia

U.S. warns Europe that conflict over Taiwan will cause massive global economic shock

EU calls on Armenia, Azerbaijan to moderate their rhetoric

Erdogan says Turkey has been waiting at door of EU for 52 years and will give answer when time comes

U.S. fears that European support for Ukrainian strategy will begin to weaken

Armenia, Iran emphasize need to quickly implement agreements reached (PHOTOS)

Armenia soldier wounded by Azerbaijan shooting undergoes surgery

Gas over morality: Hungary guards Azerbaijan's interests

U.S. quietly seeks concessions from Saudi Arabia after Mohammed bin Salman humiliated Biden

Italy's Ambassador to Armenia visits Gyumri

Russian Armed Forces complete redeployment of grouping from right bank of Dnieper

IRGC: Adversaries are frightened and on alert

Armenia appoints ambassador to Sri Lanka

Kremlin doesn't consider leaving Kherson 'humiliating'

Israeli president thinks the world is concerned about Netanyahu's far-right coalition partner

Chinese MFA: China is not distancing itself from Russia, as Biden believes

Ukraine will seek help from its foreign partners in financing Starlink satellite internet systems

Erdogan: Situation in South Caucasus remains fragile

Marukyan: Azerbaijans Aliyev admitted that his country started 2nd Karabakh war, despite previously insisting opposite

Azerbaijan blackmailing Armenia through Lachin corridor

Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus becomes observer in Organization of Turkic States

Armenia PM: In his latest speech Aliyev flagrantly violated agreement on refraining from threat or use of force

World Bank official: Armenia is one of best countries in terms of credit portfolio performance

Azerbaijan president makes repeated accusations, threats against Armenia

Iran citizens injured in Armenia road accident

China reveals new giant drone that could point to the future of air warfare

US embassy in Armenia closed today

Karabakh MOD: Defense Army did not fire at Azerbaijan positions located in occupied territories

Israel and U.S. counter threat of hypersonic missiles together

U.S. and EU plan to publish new roadmap on artificial intelligence

Armenia ombudsperson meets with Belgium colleagues

Newspaper: Armenia parliament opposition seats to no longer be empty

Newspaper: Armenia parliament committee of inquiry into 2020 war circumstances is inactive

U.S. will no longer consider Russia a country with a market economy

US intends to protect Azerbaijan from threats of Iran

Aliyev, Erdogan discuss results of tripartite meeting in Russias Sochi

Azerbaijan army fires at Armenia positions, uses mortars as well

UAE is going to launch flying cabs from airports

Volvo Cars expects to introduce electric SUV by 2024

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
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville announces its Dean's List, honoring full-time students who earned high honors in the spring 2017 semester.

The College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture and the College of Liberal Arts and Education require grade-point averages of 3.75 and above for Dean's List honors, while the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science requires students to reach at least a 3.50.
YEREVAN.  Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian met with the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and crisis in Georgia Herbert Salber on Thursday.

Nalbandian briefed the EU official on the situation in connection with the flagrant violation of the ceasefire by Baku on the contact line between the Artsakh and Azerbaijani Armed Forces on July 4.

The Armenian FM once again stressed the need to implement the agreements reached during the summits in Vienna and St. Petersburg that were aimed at creating conditions to advance the negotiation process and overcome the consequences of the situation created by gross violations of international humanitarian law as a result of Azerbaijani aggression in April 2016, the target of which was the civilian population.

According to him, while impeding the implementation of the agreements on the contrary to the calls of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs and the world community, Baku continues to increase the propaganda of hatred and hostility, and organize provocations, which resulted in the loss of four Karabakh servicemen last month.

The EU Special Representative expressed deep concern over the situation and stressed the principled position of the EU about exclusively peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict. He noted that the EU unconditionally supports the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs. The diplomat noted the importance of implementing the agreements reached in Vienna and St. Petersburg.

Herbert Salber said that he is completing his mission as EU Special Representative, noting that he will continue to closely monitor developments in the South Caucasus.
On Saturday, June 17, 356 people participated in the annual Kys 3.1 Run/5K Scholarship Run/Walk. The event draws people from throughout the Midwest to the community of Chaseburg and is held in conjunction with Chaseburg Fun Days.

Held at the Chaseburg Village Park the fifth annual event is sponsored in remembrance of Kylie Ky VonRuden who died in an automobile accident in 2012, at the age of 17. The tragedy sent shock waves through the communities of Westby, Coon Valley and Chaseburg, as family, friends, classmates and even strangers felt the impact of her death.

To honor Kylies memory, her family and her hometown of Chaseburg hosts a 3.1 Run and 5K Scholarship Run/Walk, with all proceeds raised from the event directed to the Kylie VonRuden Keep on Smiling Scholarship Fund.

The race hosts male and female divisions from age 18 and under to 70 and up (10 year increments). Prizes were awarded for top three male and female participants in each age categories. The overall winner was Austin Paasch who finished in 16:02.74, just slightly slower than his winning time in 2016. Lily Paul was the top female runner with a time of 19:36.61.

Kylies memory and spirit also lives on through James Dougherty of Illinois, an organ donor recipient of one of Kylies kidneys in 2012. Dougherty attends the annual event to honor a young lady he never knew personally, but has a lifelong bond with every day. He walked the distance finishing in third place in the 70-79 year-old division with a time of 01:11:47.17.

The VonRuden family was extremely grateful to all volunteers who assisted with the organization of the event and continue to be humbled by the number of people who participate in the run/walk honoring the memory of Kylie. Complete race online results can be found at: https://results.chronotrack.com/event/results/event/event-26595 or at www.kysrun.com.
A Tall Order A unique view of the Washington Monument from the National Park Service. Using new international measurement standards and technology not available in the past, NOAA's National Geodetic Survey has calculated the official architectural height of the Washington Monument to be 554 feet 7 11/32 inchesa highly precise measurement that makes it eligible for inclusion in official registers of the world's tallest structures.

Illustration of the measuring points used by Lt. Col. Thomas Casey in 1884 and the 2014 measuring point used by NOAA to meet Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitats (CTBUH) standards. Download

Using new international measurement standards and technology not available in the past, NOAA's National Geodetic Survey has calculated the official architectural height of the Washington Monument to be 554 feet 7 11/32 inchesa highly precise measurement that makes it eligible for inclusion in official registers of the world's tallest structures. NOAA's NGS provides the framework for all positioning activities in the nation.

The NGS measurement was made using measuring certification standards of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitats (CTBUH) and was finalized in December 2014. The final results were reported to the National Park Service in a report that will be available online beginning February 17.

Although the newly established architectural height differs from the historical height of 555 feet 5 inches, neither the starting point nor the so-called "standard deviation" used for the original 1884 measurement is known, making comparison of the two measurements difficult. The new architectural height provides baseline documentation that can be easily reproduced for comparison with future measurements and investigations to determine if the height of the monument is changing in any way.

The new elevation standard meets the requirements to nominate the monument for inclusion on the register of the world's tallest structures as maintained by the CTBUH. The council recently certified the new One World Trade Center in New York City as the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere at 1,776 feet, and as the third tallest completed building in the world. The council provides the global measuring certification standards for official structure height.

"Data gathered through science and technology are continually teaching us more about our planet and our history," said Kathryn Sullivan, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. "NOAA's National Geodetic Survey's authoritative spatial data, models, and tools are vital for the protection and management of our nation's natural and manmade resources. We are pleased to join with the National Park Service in caring for special places like the Washington Monument and in discovering more about its treasures."

"The National Park Service appreciates the results of our continued partnership with NOAA's National Geodetic Survey and look forward to fully evaluating the report's findings of the architectural height of the Washington Monument," said Karen Cucurullo, NPS acting superintendent of National Mall and Memorial Parks. "The data from collaborative projects such as this provide us additional tools with which to track changes and plan appropriate measures for the long-term preservation of the monument."

"We have to be cautious in comparing this new height to the historic one, since we do not know precisely the actual starting point that U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lt. Col. Thomas Casey used in 1884," said NOAA's Dru Smith, Ph.D., NOAA's chief geodesist. "Today's elevation reflects the international standards for measurement of a building's height as well as considerable technological improvements."

With the earthquake repair scaffolding in place in 2012, NOAA and the NPS worked cooperatively to update the position of the peak of the monument--its latitude, longitude, and elevation--as well as to determine the architectural height of the building, a "base-to-tip" height that for the first time would meet modern international standards for building heights.

The resulting architectural height of 554 feet 7 11/32 inches is accurate to within plus or minus one-thirty second of an inch, or one millimeter. That variation is what is known as the "standard deviation" and can help explain the changing height estimates over the years.

"No measurements are perfect," said Smith. "What is important to know is how well that measurement has been made  the standard deviation. We do not know the standard deviation used in the original estimate of 555 feet 5 inches, nor do we know the actual starting point for the measurement."

"It is the reference to an eighth of an inch that makes the original measurement so interesting," Smith said. "Did the original builders think they had truly measured or estimated the height with sufficient accuracy to justify that last eighth of an inch? The answer is unclear and at present remains lost to history. What we can now say with certainty is that the current height can be definitively stated to be within the standard deviation."

The 2013-14 survey and architectural height is the end result of a request from the NPS to determine if the August 23, 2011, earthquake had caused any unexpected settling of the Monument which suffered extensive cracking of its stonework. Based on a post-earthquake leveling survey done in 2012, NGS determined the earthquake "had no discernible impact on the settlement of the Washington Monument."

As part of that same 2012 survey, NGS further found that the rate of settlement for the Washington Monument itself, based on multiple measurements taken since 1901, is two-hundredths of an inch per year. This indicates that the monument has settled just under 2 inches since 1901, none of which is attributable to the 2011 earthquake.

The just completed 2013-2014 survey included leveling to the base of the monument and verified the 2012 findings. However, the modern standard for measurement of the architectural height of the Monument refers to the height up to the tip of the monument measured from the actual floor point within the Monument itself, and not to a point or points on or below the ground around the building. The source of the original height may have come from four markers, dubbed "the Casey Marks" located in the ground a few feet off each of the Monument's corners that NGS discovered in its 1999 survey of the Monument which basically reconfirmed the Casey original report of 555 feet 5 inches.

NGS in the latest survey also measured the height from those marks, which do not conform to the newer international standards for building elevation measures, and matched the 1885 height to within  of an inch. No other mark or marks on or near the monument comes as close as that to serving as a suitable "zero height." There remains, however, no historical evidence in anything Casey reported that he did indeed use those corner marks as his zero height point.
NIOSH Chief Marks 50 Years of Respiratory Research

Now the Respiratory Health Division, the lab in Morgantown has made great impacts in addressing occupational respiratory disease issues by working in partnership with industry, labor, academia, government agencies, and others, Director Dr. John Howard reports in his latest newsletter.

The new From the Director's Desk newsletter (July 2017) from NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard begins with an item celebrating 50 years of respiratory research at the agency's facility in Morgantown, W.Va. In 1967 the Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Respiratory Disease was established under the U.S. Public Health Service and became part of NIOSH four years later; in 1977, the lab was renamed the Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, which is now the Respiratory Health Division, he explains.

The research done there was transformed by both the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 (the Coal Act) and the OSH Act, with the Coal Act assigning official responsibilities for work to prevent coal miners' lung diseases and the OSH Act and affiliation with NIOSH expanding the lab's mission to advance prevention of work-related respiratory disease, Howard writes: "This also continues be a very important focus for NIOSH, since work-related respiratory disease continues to be one of the most important work-related health issues.

"Over the years," he adds, "NIOSH has made great impacts in addressing occupational respiratory disease issues by working in partnership with industry; labor; academia; federal, state, and local government agencies; and others." He lists these as examples:

Assisting workplaces through the Health Hazard Evaluation Program

Providing health surveillance to coal miners

Tracking the burden of work-related respiratory disease through a program of national surveillance and partnerships with states

Conducting innovative research addressing many respiratory hazards, including coal mine dust, silica, nylon flock, flavoring chemicals, indium, beryllium, and indoor environmental quality

Ensuring that the nation has access to tools for identifying occupational respiratory disease, including classification of chest radiographs and high quality spirometry

Howard writes that NIOSH will co-sponsor an occupational respiratory symposium Aug. 10 with West Virginia University, "a long-time partner celebrating its own 25th anniversary of the WVU Occupational Medicine Training Program." The symposium from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. will be held in the Fukushima Auditorium at WVU's Health Sciences Center in Morgantown; visit this page for more information and to RSVP by July 21.
NTSB Issues Recommendations to Improve Mariners' Weather Information

Stemming from the agency's investigation of the 2015 El Faro sinking, the 10 recommendations aim to increase the frequency of certain advisories and alerts and improve the accuracy of hurricane and tropical cyclone forecasts.

The National Transportation Safety Board has issued 10 safety recommendations intended to make weather information more available to mariners  specifically, making certain advisories and alerts more frequent and improving the accuracy of hurricane and tropical cyclone forecasts and making them more accessible to voyage planners and at-sea mariners.

"As we enter the 2017 hurricane season, we are reminded of the power and devastation associated with these storms," said NTSB Acting Chairman Robert L. Sumwalt. "Storm avoidance is a life-saving skill at sea. And having frequent, up-to-date and reliable weather information is key to effective storm avoidance  and to saving lives."

The 10 recommendations issued June 29 to NOAA, the National Weather Service, and the Coast Guard all stem from NTSB's ongoing investigation of the Oct. 1, 2015, sinking of the cargo ship El Faro near the Bahamas as the ship was nearing the eye of Hurricane Joaquin. After noting how that hurricane and several other major storms had significantly deviated from their forecasts, investigators determined improving tropical cyclone forecasting is needed, according to NTSB.

"We are getting these recommendations out as the hurricane season begins so that the work on these safety improvements can start immediately," Sumwalt said. Thirty-three people  28 Americans and five Polish workers  were aboard the El Faro, a 790-foot roll-on/roll-off container ship owned by TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico and operated by TOTE Services, Inc., which was en route from Jacksonville, Fla., to San Juan, Puerto Rico, with a cargo of containers and vehicles when it sank.

On Oct. 31, 2015, a Navy ship found the ship's wreckage at a depth of about 15,000 feet. NTSB said its investigation is expected to be completed later this year.
There's a lot of great fried chicken in this town, and we're out to find the absolute best. In the second round of two planned fried chicken challenges, we pit Champion Chicken, 8718 W. Lisbon Ave., against Gold Rush, 2625 W. North Ave.

This one turned out to be no real challenge at all, with Gold Rush the unanimous victor.

Check out the results of round one  Nino's Southern Sides versus TomKen's  here.

Lori Fredrich

Senior writer/food & dining

Pick: Gold Rush

I have many fond memories of dining out at Champion Chicken as a child, the fondest of which include tucking myself inside the somehow magical corner booth and pretending I was somehow in another place and time. We always ordered both fried chicken and pizza, both of which my siblings and I thought were some of the best ever. As an adult, I can still wax nostalgic about the taste of that chicken, but when the final die is cast, Gold Rush wins the day. The chicken  which is served piping hot, fresh from the fryer  features both a crisp and flavorful exterior and a moist salt-laced interior that screams "delicious" from the first bite to the last.

Carolynn Buser

Content & Social Media Manager

Pick: Gold Rush

I've never one to frown on fried chicken, but somehow I've become a bit picky  maybe this chicken challenge is not only adding to my waistline but also to my opinions! Champion's chicken, though served piping hot and quite deliciously crispy, didn't have the flavor that Gold Rush's did. Gold Rush's chicken was hands down the winner for me with its juicy, tender chicken that had what could be one of the best batters yet. P.S. Did I mention they deliver? Danger ahead!

Molly Snyder

Senior Writer

Pick: Gold Rush

Another vote for Gold Rush here. The fried exterior makes or breaks a chicken experience for me and the crispy, flavorful skin on Gold Rush's chicken was some of the best I've ever had. The chicken itself was very moist and "fall off the bone" tender. I can't believe I have driven by Gold Rush a zillion times in my life and this was the first time I stopped in to eat. I will definitely return.

Bobby Tanzilo

Managing editor

Pick: Gold Rush

There's no denying that Champion Chicken has got a lot going for it, from a down-home dining room to tasty custard to, well, a truck with a giant hen roosting on top. But when it comes to fried chicken, Gold Rush strikes a vein, with super crispy skin cracking open to reveal tasty and juicy chicken beneath. When it comes to the sides, I'd say the playing field is pretty level, but this is a chicken challenge, friends, and Gold Rush is 24-karat goodness.

Matt Mueller

Pop culture editor

Pick: Gold Rush

When it comes to this contest, there is no contest. This isn't to say Champion Chicken is bad at all. Their fried chicken is still tender and juicy with plenty of meat on each piece, and it has a delectable crispy skin that made me more than happy to dig in. But everything I like at Champion in terms of the chicken, Gold Rush simply does better. The exterior has even more of an addictively crunchy texture, there's even more meat on each piece, and it's incredibly juicy and tender. The big deciding point, however, is the flavor, where Champion falls a little short while Gold Rush has plenty with each meaty bite. The only real problem I can think of concerning Gold Rush's chicken is that I'm not eating it right now.
Food, by its very nature, tells a story. Vegetables tell the tale of the soil in which they were grown. Family recipes relay the stories of food traditions passed on from generation to generation. And when chefs create menus, their dishes weave yarns about where theyve come from and what theyve experienced.

In kind, Mazorca  a new taco truck thats made a home base at South 1st Street and West Pittsburgh Avenue in Walkers Point  tells a story through tacos.

Mazorca owner Jesus Gonzalez was born and raised on Milwaukees South Side. His parents came to the U.S. in the mid-70s from a small farming community in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. And, Gonzalez says, he was brought up in a culture that valued food, as well as the stories it told.

"Food was always central to our lives," he says. "It was a means of communicating with one another. When I was growing up, my mother and grandmother made tortillas for us on the weekends. They grew up in poor families where they ate simple food: tortillas, beans and maybe cheese made from their cows. And they made tortillas by hand because it reminded them of where they were from."

So, it only made sense that, as Gonzalez began thinking about his future, he turned to food for inspiration. He took on work in some of Milwaukees best kitchens, including Cubanitas and Coquette Cafe. He staged at Sanford. And he talked to chefs about their experiences, gleaning advice along the way.

"When I was 17, I interviewed Juan Urbieta [of Ristorante Bartolotta]," he says. "I was looking for wisdom, for advice about what I needed to be successful in the restaurant industry."

Once he graduated from high school, Gonzalez told his parents he was moving to New York. At the time, his siblings were attending college at Marquette University, and his parents wanted him to stay home. "But I knew what I needed to do," he says of his decision to attend the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park.

"I remember them leaving after they dropped me off," he says. "And at that moment, when I was all alone, I made a promise to myself that Id come back to Milwaukee. I also made the promise to myself that when I came back I would be prepared to tell my story."

Six years later, after earning his degree, interning in the Basque region of Spain, traveling to the Sichuan province of China and landing a job in New York as a restaurant consultant with Chipotle, he says he knew it was time to move back home.

He returned to Milwaukee last February and set his sights on launching a food truck. With the money hed saved he bought a 1950 aluminum Ball trailer on Craigslist and converted it into a kitchen. From there, he worked with Michael Cerda, a South Side artist, to create the logo for Mazorca, a word which refers to the corn thats been cured on the stalk in preparation for making it into masa. Glass artist Tom Galbraith designed the neon sign that sits atop the truck.

"It was my turn to tell my story," Gonzalez says. "And as I thought about how to do that, I wanted people to understand what I represented. There arent a lot of people in Milwaukee who are really telling my story. As Mexican people, we always have other people telling our stories, and I wanted that to change."

Tacos with a tale

In turn, the Mazorca menu has become Gonzalezs story. And it all begins with the tortillas.

"We make the corn tortillas ourselves," he says. "Its only the poor in Mexico who make their own tortillas because they cant afford to buy them. And that story is one my mother and grandmother shared with me. In that way, its simple food that tells the story of humble beginnings."

Gonzalez says hes been inspired by the work of Chef Dan Barber, who has pushed beyond the farm to table movement to strengthen the connection between ingredients, the way theyre grown and the flavors they produce.

"In the beginning, I hoped to find a way to source corn locally for making tortillas," he says.

He reached out to a farmer in Lake Geneva, who walked him through the process of what it would take to work together to plan out a corn crop for the following year. He also began working with the Culinary Breeding Network, an organization whose members are engaged in developing and identifying varieties and traits of culinary excellence for vegetables and grains.

"The goal," he says, "Is really to be able to eventually source corn for our tortillas from plants that are native to Wisconsin."

For now, hes using masa produced by El Rey to make tortillas on the truck, each one hand pressed and griddled to order.

Among the four tacos on the Mazorca menu is the al pastor made with adobo marinated pork thats cooked on a trompo and crisped on a flat-top grill. Its topped with avocado and cilantro salsa and served with a slice of pineapple on top. ($2.75).

Bistek features thinly cut sirloin thats been marinated in beer, cumin, garlic and onions before being seared and piled on a tortilla with housemade frijoles de la olla (white beans cooked in broth with aromatics), tomatillo salsa, onion and cilantro ($2.75). "In Mexico this is a really authentic way of serving a bistek taco," he says. "Its simple, but so good."

Birria is made with pulled beef thats been braised in an adobo featuring ginger, chocolate and sesame seeds. The liquid from the braise is reduced to make a sauce thats served atop the taco along with pickled red onions and cilantro ($2.50).

A vegetarian taco features Muenster cheese ("I just love Muenster," says Gonzalez), which is melted and topped with guacamole, tomatillo salsa and cilantro. The same taco can be made vegan when the cheese is subbed out for beans ($2.50).

The truck also offers chips and guacamole ($4), along with housemade hibiscus agua fresca and horchata ($2.50/$3) and Mexican sodas including Coke and Squirt ($3).

"Every now and again, someone will ask me if the food we serve is authentic," Gonzalez says. "And my answer is this: Its authentic to me, a Mexican who grew up in Milwaukee. Its my interpretation, my story."

Gonzalez says that for him the food truck is just the beginning. Some day, he says, hed love to own a brick and mortar restaurant. In the meantime, he foresees expanding Mazorcas offerings, particularly the vegan and vegetarian options. "I have so many ideas I want to share with Milwaukee," he says. "But, its going to take time."

At the forefront of Gonzalezs goals, however, is to represent his culture and ensure that his story becomes a part of the evolution of the Walkers Point area.

"I love whats going on in Walkers Point," he says. "There are so many great new restaurants, and there are a lot of eyes on the area. But this is our neighborhood. And we need to have a place in that development. My hope is that Mazorca plays a role. This food truck is not for me. Its for the community."

Mazorca serves tacos Monday through Thursday 11 a.m to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to midnight. Customers whod like to place an order for pick-up can call (414) 550-7644. You can also share in more of the Mazorca story by following them on Facebook and Instagram.
When you think about German cuisine, spaghetti is likely not the first thing that comes to mind ... nor even the last. Nonetheless, spaghetti is a trend in Germany, thanks to spaghetti eis, a clever dessert made to look like spaghetti.

The dessert is made by pressing ice cream or gelato through a potato-ricer-like sieve and then topping it with a strawberry "marinara" and white chocolate "parmesan cheese."

The result is a magnificently airy creamy dessert that looks like spaghetti, but tastes like a strawberry sundae.

But, you dont have to travel to Germany to find this unique dessert. In fact, its a featured offering at the La Coppa Gelato stand at Summerfest, which is located on the north end of the grounds near the Uline Warehouse Stage.

As the story goes, this unique sweet treat was created in 1969 by 17-year-old Dario Fontanella. Inspired by the Italian dessert, Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc), which features pureed, sweetened chestnuts which are pressed through a potato ricer into a mountain-like shape before being topped with whipping cream. His father owned an ice cream shop in Mannheim, Germany, and he brought the idea back home to try out at the shop.

Today, its easily one of the most popular desserts in Germany during the summer months. In fact, its It is estimated that between 23 and 25 million spaghetti ice sundaes are sold there every year.

Cant get to Summerfest? La Coppa also offers spaghetti eis, featuring either strawberry or chocolate topping at their La Coppa Gelato Cafe at Bayshore Town Center, 5675 N. Bayshore Dr.

The Cafe is open Monday through Thursday from 1 to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.
The genetic make-up of a willow warbler determines where it will migrate when winter comes. Studies of willow warblers in Sweden, Finland and the Baltic States show that "migration genes" differ - depending on where the birds breed in the summer. The willow warblers that breed in southern Sweden migrate to West Africa, while those in northern Sweden, Finland and the Baltic States fly to southern or eastern Africa.

According to a new study led by biologists at Lund University, the key to the willow warblers' differing migration patterns probably lies in their genes.

The researchers studied the entire genetic make-up of willow warblers that breed in southern and northern Sweden, Finland and the Baltic States. The comparison shows that the genomes are almost completely identical, but there are significant differences between the birds that breed in southern Sweden and those that breed in the northern parts of the country and east of the Baltic.

The differences are restricted to two regions in the genome, where the comparison shows extensive differences in over 200 genes.

"Of these 200 or so genes, there are several that can be considered to be important for migration-related physiological adaptations and others that, according to our present knowledge, have a poorly characterized or unknown function," says Max Lundberg, researcher at Lund University.

According to him and his colleagues, the genetic differences are probably decisive in determining that willow warblers in southern Sweden migrate to West Africa, whereas the more northerly willow warblers head for the south-east of Africa.

Researchers have previously known that the migration behaviour of many birds is strongly determined by genetics. Inherited information in the genes determines the direction of migration and a schedule that contains information about when and how far the birds are to migrate. The migration over thousands of kilometres also requires inherited physiological adaptations, for example to store and use fat and energy as efficiently as possible. Up to now, however, very little has been known about the specific changes in the genetic make-up that underlie where birds, in this case willow warblers, migrate.

"Our results represent an important addition to the understanding of migration-related genetics and will guide future studies in the subject," says Staffan Bensch, a professor at Lund University.

More information: Max Lundberg et al. Genetic differences between willow warbler migratory phenotypes are few and cluster in large haplotype blocks, Evolution Letters (2017). DOI: 10.1002/evl3.15
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

In butterflies, sex is determined by chromosome differences between males and females. But unlike in humans with the familiar X and Y, in butterflies, it is the females that determine the sex of offspring.

They do so by either passing along either their Z (male) or W (female) chromosomes. Males are ZZ, while females are ZW. This ZW pattern is also prevalent in birds, some fish, and insects like butterflies. Similar to XY pairs, ZW pairs are different from each other in their shape and gene content: The Z chromosome is larger and has many genes, while the W consists mainly of repetitive DNA.

Sex chromosomes typically evolve from a pair of autosomes. After acquiring sex determining genes, W-chromosomes often degenerate and lose genes (just like the male Y in humans). Beatriz Vicoso and her team are interested in how females compensate for the loss of genetic information, in a broad biological phenomenon called dosage compensation. In this case, either the genes get up-regulated in females (since they have only one Z) or down-regulated in ZZ males.

But to date, prior studies have painted an incomplete picture, with some species having complete compensation of the Z while others seemingly less so.

"Dosage compensation is common and well understood in XY species, but there has been speculation for decades that ZW species may not have it," said Vicoso. "The inconsistent patterns in butterflies and moths had further muddled the picture."

Vicoso's research group at the Institute of Science and Technology in Austria attempts to clear up the confusion with an examination in butterflies and moths.

In a new paper, appearing in the advanced online edition of the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution, they examined the gene expression patterns in two butterfly (which last had a common ancestor around 35 million years ago) and two moth species, and looked at these at distinct times of development and in different tissues to better understand dosage compensation.

Their work shows that, contrary to previously inconsistent findings, dosage compensation appears to be common in somatic tissues throughout the clade. In all species studied, they found that the expression of Z-linked genes is consistently equalized between the sexes.

But there are some nuances to the pattern. It's in the gonadsthe testis and ovaries that things get tricky. In this tissue, Z-chromosome expression was not balanced between the sexes. But this is most likely due to a masculinization of the Z chromosome (the accumulation of many genes with strong male bias in expression, which cannot be accounted for by a two-fold difference in gene copy number)and by the loss of female-biased genes.

When these strongly sex-biased genes are removed, balance is restored between male and female gene expression of the Z chromosome. Finally, the study authors speculate that this bias is found in the accumulation of genes with testis-specific functions.

"Our study shows that these inconsistencies were due to differences in experimental setup, and that dosage compensation is not just possible but widespread in this ZW group," said Vicoso. "It also emphasizes the importance of taking into account genes with sex-specific function, which are unbalanced between the sexes for functional reasons. While there is still a long way to go, these results take us one step closer to understanding what drives some species to balance the expression of their sex chromosome, while other do not."
Researchers at The University of Manchester in collaboration with Central South University (CSU), China, have created a new kind of ceramic coating that could revolutionise hypersonic travel for air, space and defense purposes.

Hypersonic travel means moving at Mach five or above, which is at least five times faster than the speed of sound. When moving at such velocity the heat generated by air and gas in the atmosphere is extremely hot and can have a serious impact on an aircraft or projectile's structural integrity. That's because the temperatures hitting the aircraft can reach anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 C.

The structural problems are primarily caused by two processes called oxidation and ablation. This is the when extremely hot air and gas remove surface layers from the metallic materials of the aircraft or object travelling at such high speeds. To combat the issue materials called ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) are needed in aero-engines and hypersonic vehicles such as rockets, re-entry spacecraft and defence projectiles.

But, at present, even conventional UHTCs can't currently satisfy the associated ablation requirements of travelling at such extreme speeds and temperatures. However, the researchers at The University of Manchester's and the Royce Institute, in collaboration with the Central South University of China, have designed and fabricated a new carbide coating that is vastly superior in resisting temperatures up to 3,000 C, when compared to existing UHTCs.

Professor Philip Withers, Regius Professor from The University of Manchester, says: "Future hypersonic aerospace vehicles offer the potential of a step jump in transit speeds. A hypersonic plane could fly from London to New York in just two hours and would revolutionise both commercial and commuter travel.

"But at present one of the biggest challenges is how to protect critical components such as leading edges, combustors and nose tips so that they survive the severe oxidation and extreme scouring of heat fluxes at such temperatures cause to excess during flight."

So far, the carbide coating developed by teams in both University of Manchester and Central South University is proving to be 12 times better than the conventional UHTC, Zirconium carbide (ZrC). ZrC is an extremely hard refractory ceramic material commercially used in tool bits for cutting tools.

The much improved performance of the coating is due to its unique structural make-up and features manufactured at the Powder Metallurgy Institute, Central South University and studied in University of Manchester, School of Materials. This includes extremely good heat resistance and massively improved oxidation resistance.

What makes this coating unique is it has been made using a process called reactive melt infiltration (RMI), which dramatically reduces the time needed to make such materials, and has been in reinforced with carboncarbon composite (C/C composite). This makes it not only strong but extremely resistant to the usual surface degradation.

Professor Ping Xiao, Professor of Materials Science, who led the study at The University of Manchester explains: "Current UHTCs used in extreme environments are limited and it is worthwhile exploring the potential of new single-phase ceramics in terms of reduced evaporation and better oxidation resistance. In addition, it has been shown that introducing such ceramics into carbon fibre- reinforced carbon matrix composites may be an effective way of improving thermal-shock resistance."

More information: Yi Zeng et al. Ablation-resistant carbide Zr 0.8 Ti 0.2 C 0.74 B 0.26 for oxidizing environments up to 3,000 C, Nature Communications (2017). DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15836 Journal information: Nature Communications
The researchers studied three mason bee species. One of them was the red mason bee (Osmia bicornis). Credit: Mariela Schenk

There are around 550 different bee species in Germany. Most of them are solitary bees. They don't live in large beehives like the honeybee, but each female bee often builds multiple nests and feeds her offspring alone. Solitary bees use their short lifespan of a few weeks exclusively to reproduce and to provide food for their brood to develop into adult bees. Bees depend on the availability of pollen which they can frequently collect on specific plant species only.

Well-timed hatching is crucial

Therefore, good timing is crucial when the insects hatch. This is particularly true in early spring when there is the risk that no plants are available to the bee if it has emerged from hibernation too early. As global warming may have a different impact on the time when different species emerge in spring, temporal mismatches may occur between bee and plant species.

What happens when a bee hatches before its food plants start to flower and it has to do without food during the first days of its life? A team of researchers from the Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology of the University of Wurzburg's Biocenter has looked into this question. The scientists present the results of their work in the Journal of Animal Biology.

Temporal mismatches harm bees

The Collaborative Research Center "Insect Timing" has investigated three different species of spring-emerging bees. The findings of their study are alarming: "Already a minor temporal mismatch of three or six days is enough to harm the bees," Mariela Schenk, the author of the study, explains.

For the purpose of the study, the researchers set up 36 large flight cages. This controlled environment allowed the scientists to make the bees hatch either simultaneously with the flowering of the plants in the cage or three and six days previously. Subsequently, they monitored the bees over their entire lifespan. The scientists recorded the daily activity of the bees and also how many nests and brood cells the bees produced.

What they found was that not all individuals survived three or six days without food plants. And the ones that made it exhibited less activity and reduced reproductive output.

Negative consequences despite change in behaviour

These negative consequences occurred even though the insects had adopted several behavioural strategies to mitigate the impact. One of the three bee species, for example, tried to reduce the effort of providing for the young by producing fewer female and more male offspring. Male offspring requires less food than the much bigger young females. "But this approach could result in a decline in population," Mariela Schenk says.

Another bee species tried to save time in the production of offspring by distributing the same number of brood cells among fewer nests. This strategy, however, increases the risk that the entire brood falls prey to predators and parasites.

A further strategy one bee species adopted was to increase its activity in the second half of its life. But this method, too, was not sufficient to prevent negative consequences. Ecologist Mariela Schenk explains: "Although we found that the bee species we investigated developed species-specific strategies to mitigate the impact of temporal mismatches, the insects still suffered severe fitness loss."

Reduced plant pollination

Dr Andrea Holzschuh, who is also an ecologist and in charge of the study, adds: "Not only can such developments further exacerbate the decline of solitary bees, they can also reduce plant pollination in general." To make matters worse, the negative consequences of temporal mismatching of bees and plants seems to be particularly pronounced in very warm springs.

More information: Mariela Schenk et al. Desynchronizations in bee-plant interactions cause severe fitness losses in solitary bees, Journal of Animal Ecology (2017). DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12694 Journal information: Journal of Animal Ecology

Provided by Julius-Maximilians-Universitat Wurzburg
Green and red fluorescence of Blastomussa merletti cora. Credit: Prof Joerg Wiedenmann

Corals in shallow waters glow because of fluorescent proteins that act as sunblock, protecting the endangered species from the sun's intense rays.

Now scientists from the University of Southampton have found that corals in deep water are fluorescent for the exact opposite reason  to absorb the little light there is for the benefit of photosynthetic microorganisms that provides most of the coral's energy needs. The group is displaying their research at this year's Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition and publishing their work in this week's issue of Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

Corals and microscopic algae called zooxanthellae, have a mutually beneficial relationship where the tine algae gain shelter, carbon dioxide and nutrients while corals get photosynthetic products that can provide them with up to 90% of their energy needs.

Sunlight is one of the most important resources symbiotic corals need to survive, yet they can be found ranging from shallow waters where sunlight is abundant to water as deep as165m, where little sunlight reaches them. The little light that does make it this deep is almost all in the blue spectral range, the other colours having been reduced in intensity by the water column.

Too much sunlight is not only a bad thing for humans but for corals as well. Some shallow water corals produce fluorescent proteins to block excessive sunlight that could harm the zooxanthellae. However, this doesn't explain why numerous corals in deep waters are also brightly fluorescent.

Working in collaboration with scientists from the Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences of Eilat and the University of Haifa, Israel, researchers from the University of Southampton set out to resolve why deep water corals glow. They analysed how well different light colours spread through dense layers of zooxanthellae, the symbionts that are vital to coral survival.

They found that corals survive in deep water by making a special type of fluorescent protein that captures blue light and reemits it as orange-red light, which has the potential to penetrate deeper into the coral's tissue and promotes the photosynthetic capacity of the zooxanthellae.

The team also simulated deep water light environments in their experimental coral aquarium and found that brightly red fluorescent corals had a better chance of survival in the long run compared to their non-pigmented counterparts. This matched the distribution of corals in the Red Sea, where the team found that corals with these special red fluorescent pigments became more abundant in deep water.

Prof. Jorg Wiedenmann, head of the Coral Reef Laboratory at the University of Southampton said: "This is an important step forward in understanding how the mysterious fluorescent pigments in corals work. Our finding help us to understand how the amazing diversity of coral colours structures the communities on coral reef."

"Deep water habitats are discussed as potential refuges for corals from the increasingly degraded shallow water reefs. Our work shows that the 'deep blue sea' may not be the welcoming sanctuary our endangered coral reefs can retreat to without consequence. It becomes clear that corals need special features to adjust to life in these low-light depths for the benefit of their vital photosynthetic partners and not all shallow water corals might be able to use this escape route. It is of utmost importance we do our best to keep their homes in shallow water habitable"

Aside from lending the stunning colours to corals, fluorescent proteins also have important applications for human health. By glowing green, yellow and red under a blue light, these proteins enable scientists to make important discoveries in cancer and HIV research by lighting up living cells so they can be seen under a microscope. Scientists are on the hunt for new fluorescent proteins, particularly those glowing at the far-red end of the light spectrum which are easier to detect than green fluorescent proteins in tissue made up of many cell layers. Visitors to the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition will be able to learn about the value of fluorescent corals, anemones and bio-engineered bacteria at the Glowing Corals exhibit on 4-9 July 2017.

"Coral reef survival is dangerously threatened by climate change and human activity. Reef organisms can provide us with potential life-saving tools and products, so we need to act now and protect this pharmaceutical treasure chest", said Professor Wiedenmann. "Conservation organisations like Blue Ventures will play an increasingly important role in safeguarding precious corals, which are of immense value to humankind."

More information: Edward G. Smith et al. Acclimatization of symbiotic corals to mesophotic light environments through wavelength transformation by fluorescent protein pigments, Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2017). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.0320 Journal information: Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Crassostrea gigas aquaculture introduction pathways in Europe and the genetic differenciation boundary between a documented southern and northern genetic group delineated by a dotted line. The six C. gigas collection sites used in this study are indicated by the oyster symbole . Credit: Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA)

The Pacific oyster is picky about temperature in most of its life stages. For maturation and spawning to be completed, temperatures higher than 16-20 degrees are required for several days in a row. After hatching, the larvae, too, are very sensitive to low temperatures. Therefore, it has been assumed that Skagerrak has functioned as a temperature barrier against the northward spreading of larvae produced off the Swedish and Danish coast. Researchers from The Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) wanted to investigate this assumption further.

Since the millennium, water masses in the Skagerrak sea have become sufficiently warm for Pacific oyster larvae to survive the journey to Norway from the coasts of Sweden and Denmark. In the same period, the occurrence of wild oysters has exploded along the Norwegian coast. Is oyster larvae drift across the Skagerrak the cause of this great increase? New DNA analyses provide insight into the origin of the first wild Norwegian sea oyster populations.

If you plan on chilling along the beaches of Southern Norway this summer, beware of stepping on the sharp edges of the Pacific oyster (Crassotrea gigas). The occurrence of this foreign species has exploded during the last years. From 2012 to 2016 only, the probability of observing Pacific oysters in the Oslofjord has increased from 4 to 80 per cent. The Pacific oyster from Asia is about to displace native species in the Norwegian waters.

Happiest in the heat

The Pacific oyster was introduced to Norway in the 1980s for aquacultural purposes. The first time it was observed in the wild north of Skagerrak was in Krager, Southern Norway, in 2005. Climate change and increasing ocean temperatures are the main reasons why the Pacific oyster suddenly thrives in areas where it used to be too cold; The oyster is picky about temperature in most of its life stages. For maturation and spawning to be completed, temperatures higher than 16-20 degrees are required for several days in a row. After hatching, the larvae, too, are very sensitive to low temperatures. Therefore, it has been assumed that Skagerrak has functioned as a temperature barrier against the northward spreading of larvae produced off the Swedish and Danish coast. Researchers from The Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) wanted to investigate this assumption further.

"The spreading of the Pacific oyster is aggressive and worrying. There is a need to find the origin of the wild populations, so that the most effective preventive measures can be effectuated," says Eli Rinde, senior research scientist at NIVA.

DNA analyses and ocean current models

Two distinct methods were applied to reveal the origin of the Norwegian populations of Pacific oyster: (1) Analyzing the DNA of the oysters, and (2) Simulating larvae drift across the Skagerrak, given certain temperature criteria for survival and changes in temperatures since the 1990s. DNA from a total of 262 oysters collected from four Norwegian, one Swedish, and one Danish locality were analyzed, allowing for genetic comparison. The results revealed the degree of relatedness between the localities. The larvae drift simulations, on the other hand, indicated the influence of temperature increase on the spreading potential across Skagerrak. The results were recently published in the scientific journal PLoS ONE.

Introduced several times

The Norwegian localities were Espevik south of Bergen, Grimstad and Inner & Outer Oslofjord (Stre and Tjme, respectively). According to the simulation model, Tjme (Hui) was most highly exposed to receiving oyster larvae from the south. This surprised the research team when comparing with the results from the DNA analyses, senior research scientist Marc Angles d'Auriac, says:

"According to the simulation model, Tjme is a hot spot for receiving oyster larvae from Sweden and Denmark. However, the genetic analyses showed that Tjme oyster genes were significantly different from the genetic material of Swedish and Danish oysters. In other words, the Tjme oysters we investigated are not established via larvae drift from our neighbor countries," NIVA-scientist Angles d'Auriac explains.

A complex picture

The Tjme oyster was not the only one to have a characteristic genetic profile. The Espevik oyster genes were even more distinct from the other groups, whereas the oysters from Grimstad and Stre were sufficiently genetically similar to be regarded as one single group. The same applied for the oysters from Sweden and Denmark.

"The results indicate that the Pacific oyster has been introduced to the Norwegian coast several times, and that the oysters have a different origin," says Angles d'Auriac.

According to the simulation model, the summers of 2002 and 2006 were sufficiently warm for the larvae to survive across Skagerrak. But the NIVA researchers think there are several other factors that limit the larvae survival.

"The oyster larvae are probably at risk both for predation and starvation on their way across Skagerrak, and they may have problems surviving the long journey. Since the gene material of several of the Norwegian populations were so different from the Swedish/Danish, the individuals we investigated do not origin from drifting larvae," says Rinde.

Which measures can be taken?

If the explosive increase of the Norwegian oyster populations is caused by locally produced larvae, reducing the density might be an efficient measure: simply pick and remove the oyster from production areas. But as temperatures increase, chances to survive across Skagerrak also increase, and oyster harvest might not be as efficient. There is a need for further investigations and analyses to reveal to which extent the current explosive spread along the Norwegian coast is due to drifting Swedish and Danish larvae. More gene analyses of the newly established populations will be an essential part of this work.

More information: Marc B. Angles d'Auriac et al. Rapid expansion of the invasive oyster Crassostrea gigas at its northern distribution limit in Europe: Naturally dispersed or introduced?, PLOS ONE (2017). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177481 Journal information: PLoS ONE

Provided by Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA)
Sequence-specific, twist-induced, kinked elastic configurations, generated by molecular dynamics simulations on supercomputers at the Texas Advanced Computing Center, help explain how long strands of DNA can fit in small spaces. Credit: Christopher G. Myers, B. Montgomery Pettitt, University of Texas Medical Branch

A biological mystery lies at the center of each of our cells, namely: how one meter of DNA can be wadded up into the space of a micron (or one millionth of a meter) within each nucleus of our body.

The nuclei of human cells are not even the most crowded biological place that we know of. Some bactiophagesviruses that infect and replicate within a bacteriumhave even more concentrated DNA.

"How does it get in there?" B. Montgomery (Monte) Pettitt, a biochemist and professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch, asks. "It's a charged polymer. How does it overcome the repulsion at its liquid crystalline density? How much order and disorder is allowed, and how does this play a role in nucleic acids?"

Using the Stampede and Lonestar5 supercomputers at The University of Texas at Austin's Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC), Pettitt investigates how phages' DNA folds into hyper-confined spaces.

Writing in the June 2017 issue of the Journal of Computational Chemistry, he explained how DNA may overcome both electrostatic repulsion and its natural stiffness.

The key to doing so? Kinks.

The introduction of sharp twists or curves into configurations of DNA packaged within a spherical envelope significantly reduces the overall energies and pressures of the molecule, according to Pettitt.

He and his collaborators used a model that deforms and kinks the DNA every 24 base pairs, which is close to the average length that is predicted from the phage's DNA sequence. The introduction of such persistent defects not only reduces the total bending energy of confined DNA, but also reduces the electrostatic component of the energy and pressure.

"We show that a broad ensemble of polymer configurations is consistent with the structural data," he and collaborator Christopher Myers, also of University of Texas Medical Branch, wrote.

Insights like these cannot be gained strictly in the lab. They require supercomputers that serve as molecular microscopes, charting the movement of atoms and atomic bonds at length- and time-scales that are not feasible to study with physical experiments alone.

How and why proteins fold is a problem that has implications for protein design and therapeutics. B. Montgomery Pettitt and his research group at the University of Texas Medical Branch use the Stampede and Lonestar5 supercomputers at the Texas Advanced Computing Center to explore the dynamics of protein folding in solution. Credit: Christopher G. Myers, B. Montgomery Pettitt, University of Texas Medical Branch

"In the field of molecular biology, there's a wonderful interplay between theory, experiment and simulation," Pettitt said. "We take parameters of experiments and see if they agree with the simulations and theories. This becomes the scientific method for how we now advance our hypotheses."

Problems like the ones Pettitt is interested in cannot be solved on a desktop computer or a typical campus cluster, but require hundreds of computer processors working in parallel to mimic the minute movements and physical forces of molecules in a cell.

Pettitt is able to access TACC's supercomputers in part because of a unique program known as the Journal of Computational Chemistry initiative, which makes TACC's computing resources, expertise and training available to researchers within the University of Texas Systems' 14 institutions.

"Computational research, like that of Dr. Pettitt, which seeks to bridge our understanding of physical, chemical, and ultimately biological phenomena, involves so many calculations that it's only really approachable on large supercomputers like TACC's Stampede or Lonestar5 systems," said Brian Beck, a life sciences researcher at TACC.

"Having TACC supercomputing resources available is critical to this style of research," Pettitt said.

FINDING THE ORDER IN DISORDERED PROTEINS

Another phenomenon that has long interested Pettitt is the behavior of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins (IDPs) and intrinsically disordered domains, where parts of a protein have a disordered shape.

Unlike crystals or the highly-packed DNA in viruses, which have distinct, rigid shapes, IDPs "fold up into a gooey mess," according to Pettitt. And yet they're critical for all forms of life.

It is believed that in eukaryotes (organisms whose cells have complex substructures like nuclei), roughly 30 percent of proteins have an intrinsically disordered domain. More than 60 percent of proteins involved in cell signaling (molecular processes that take signals from outside the cell or across cells that tell the cell what behaviors to turn on and off in response) have disordered domains. Similarly, 80 percent of cancer-related signaling proteins have IDP regions - making them important molecules to understand.

Among the IDPs Pettitt and his group are studying are nuclear transcription factors. These molecules control the expression of genes and have a signaling domain that is rich in the flexible amino acid, glycine.

The images above show the average density distributions over 21 DNA configurations each simulated for 100 nanoseconds of molecular dynamics after minimization using a) fully elastic and b) kinked configurations, for comparison to c) Cryo-EM density map from asymmetric phage reconstructions of P22 with capsid density graphically removed. Credit: Christopher G. Myers, B. Montgomery Pettitt, University of Texas Medical Branch

The folding of the nuclear transcription factor signaling domain is not brought about by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic effects, like most protein molecules, according to Pettitt. Rather, when the longer molecules find too many glycines in a space, they go beyond their solubility and start associating with each other in unusual ways.

"It's like adding too much sugar in your tea," Pettitt explains. "It won't get any sweeter. The sugar must fall out of solution and find a partner - precipitating into a lump."

Writing in Protein Science in 2015, he described molecular simulations performed on Stampede that helped to explain how and why IDPs collapse into globule-like structures.

The simulations calculated the forces from carbonyl (CO) dipole-dipole interactionsattractions between the positive end of one polar molecule and the negative end of another polar molecule. He determined that these interactions are more important in the collapse and aggregation of long strands of glycine than the formation of H-bonds.

"Given that the backbone is a feature of all proteins, CO interactions may also play a role in proteins of nontrivial sequence where structure is eventually determined by interior packing and the stabilizing effects of H-bonds and CO-CO interactions," he concluded.

The research was enabled by an allocation of compute time on Stampede through the Extreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment (XSEDE) which is supported by the National Science Foundation.

Pettitt, a long-time champion of supercomputing, doesn't only use TACC resources himself. He encourages other scholars, including his colleagues at the Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, to use supercomputers as well.

"Advanced computing is important for data analysis and data refinement from experiments, X-ray and electron microscopy, and informatics," he says. "All of these problems have big data processing issues that can be addressed using advanced computing."

When it comes to uncovering the mysteries of biology on the tiniest scales, nothing quite beats a giant supercomputer.

More information: Christopher G. Myers et al, Phage-like packing structures with mean field sequence dependence, Journal of Computational Chemistry (2017). DOI: 10.1002/jcc.24727
Left: three color composite image of SDC13 where red, green and blue bands correspond to 70m HIGAL (Molinari et al. 2010), 24m Spitzer MIPSGAL (Carey et al. 2009) and 8m Spitzer GLIMPSE (Churchwell et al. 2009) maps respectively. The four dark, filamentary arms are clearly visible. Right: Brand new, high resolution map of SDC13 tracing the internal dense ammonia gas revealing cores dotted along all the filaments. Credit: G. Williams et al. / University of Cardiff

Swirling motions in clouds of cold, dense gas have given, for the first time, an active insight into how gravity creates the compact cores from which stars form in the interstellar medium. The results will be presented today, Thursday 6 July, by Gwen Williams at the National Astronomy Meeting at the University of Hull.

Williams, of Cardiff University, explains: "We've known for some time that dusty, filamentary cloud structures are ubiquitous in the Milky Way's interstellar medium. We also know that the densest of these filaments fragment into compact pockets of cold gas that then collapse under their own gravity to form individual stars. However, there's still been a question mark over how, exactly, this happens."

SDC13 is a remarkable cloud network of four filaments converging on a central hub, with a total mass of gas equivalent to a thousand of our Suns. Observations by Williams and colleagues at Cardiff University and the University of Manchester, using the Jansky Very Large Array (JVLA) and the Green Bank Telescope (GBT), have now captured the effects of gravity on ammonia gas moving within the SDC13 system.

Material is pulled from surrounding filaments and accreted onto cores dotted along the cloud structure, converting gravitational potential energy into kinetic energy in the process. Intense surges in the gas motion are observed at two-thirds of the cores that have yet to form stars.

Williams notes: "We believe that the same processes are at work at the filament junction, where both the largest internal motions of the gas and the most massive cores are found. We also speculate that strong acceleration gradients are generated at the hub centre resulting in large accumulation of matter and the formation of massive cores. Hence, our results reveal that this type of interstellar filament and hub system represents a privileged location for the formation of the most massive of stars in the Galaxy."

Map of the average internal motions of the dense gas (termed velocity width) for all cores that showed a peak in the velocity width. The overlaid contours represent the average density of the dense gas. Credit: G. Williams et al. / University of Cardiff

Animation showing exactly how the dense ammonia gas moves within the SDC13 filament network. Credit: G. Williams et al. / University of Cardiff
Credit: University of Leeds

In the face of unpredictable weather conditions, waterproof jackets have become key items in many people's wardrobes.

But new research from the University of Leeds suggests that the use of controversial fluorochemicals in the manufacture of most of these garments may be unnecessary.

The chemistry used to repel rain from fabric has raised concerns from European legislative bodies, academia and environmentalists.

As well as posing potential risks to the environment, fluorocarbons have also been associated with health problems in humans.

Some clothing brands have switched to alternative chemistries, but many have claimed it is challenging to meet other repellency requirements  such as stain resistance and the ability to repel oil  without the use of fluorochemicals.

Research from Leeds' School of Design, published in the journal Chemosphere, has for the first time compared the performance of fabrics with newer, alternative finishes alongside ones treated with fluorocarbons.

In addition to subjecting samples of 22 different fabrics to extensive chemical analysis and testing, the Leeds team surveyed 575 outdoor enthusiasts who regularly hiked, trekked, mountaineer and go hill-walking, about how they used such clothing.

Repelling water

"Most studies just look at technical aspects or environmental pollution, but we wanted to see what consumers considered the most important factors in choosing outdoor clothing," said Philippa Hill, whose PhD research is the subject of the paper.

"We found that 82% of people considered water repellency to be the most important factor, but the majority of people were indifferent to levels of stain resistance and oil repellency  one participant even said 'I don't get oily when walking'," added Miss Hill.

Dr Richard Blackburn heads the Sustainable Materials Research Group at Leeds, a world-leading centre in sustainable textiles research.

He said: "We concluded that the use of fluorochemicals in outdoor apparel represents over-engineering, providing oil repellency that is in excess of user requirements.

"Significant environmental and toxicological benefits could be achieved by switching outdoor apparel to non-fluorinated finishes without a significant reduction in garment water-repellency performance."

Leeds' School of Design has a long-standing relationship with the outdoor clothes industry and used world-class in-house clothing testing facilities to compare the performance of fabric samples supplied by various manufacturers and brands, which were finished with either fluorochemicals, non-fluorinated chemistry, or were untreated.

Performance clothing lecturer Dr Mark Taylor, also from the School of Design, said: "We found water repellency ratings were similar across the range of all finished fabrics tested. Non-fluorinated finishes provided no oil repellency, as expected."

Sustainability is a growing concern within the textile and clothing industry, which uses a quarter of all the chemicals produced across the globe. They are used to alter fabric properties such as feel, flame-retardancy and water-repellency, as well as colour.

Dr Blackburn added: "It's very important that sustainability should be about better chemistry. Consumers don't need to compromise on performance for the sake of the environment. However, for all products and processes we have to weigh up if the requirements we are aiming for are fit for purpose."

Once economies of scale kicked in, he said the relatively new-to-market non-fluorinated fabrics were unlikely to be more expensive than their counterparts.

The team's conclusions are being explored by further research into the effects of laundering, abrasion and aging on the various fabrics.

Pamela Ravasio is Head of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability with the European Outdoor Group, which represents the sector.

She said: "The European Outdoor Group welcomes this new research, which adds scientific insight and data to this complex and multi-faceted issue. One of the key challenges we encounter as an industry is that there is very little reliable, scientifically-based data available.

"This limits understanding of the long-term environmental and health impacts of the new chemistries  such knowledge is also critical to avoid new chemistries being introduced which turn out to be even more harmful than those they replace.

"We look forward to further research that will increase knowledge and contribute to better technologies."

"Substitution of PFAS chemistry in outdoor apparel and the impact on repellency performance" by Philippa J Hill, Mark Taylor, Parikshit Goswami and Richard S Blackburn, is published in the latest issue of Chemosphere.

More information: Substitution of PFAS chemistry in outdoor apparel and the impact on repellency performance. Chemosphere. DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.04.122 Journal information: Chemosphere
Customs officers in Hong Kong have seized more than seven tonnes of ivory with an estimated market value of US$9 million, the city's largest bust for three decades

More than seven tonnes of ivory worth over US$9 million was seized in Hong Kong, officials said Thursday, the largest bust of its kind in the city in three decades.

The 7,200 kilogramme (16,000 pound) haul was hidden underneath frozen fish and raised suspicions because of the high transportation fees listed on the bill of import.

Customs officials in the southern Chinese city said the cargo had come from Malaysia and was believed to have been the work of a major smuggling ring.

Three peopleone man and two womenhave been arrested in connection with the find, customs official Wan Hing-chuen said, warning there could be more detentions.

Hong Kong is a major hub for ivory import and processing, but launched a landmark bill last month to phase out the trade by 2021.

Critics say the city's authorities are lagging behind mainland China, where officials have pledged to completely ban ivory trading by the end of 2017.

The global trade in elephant ivory, with rare exceptions, has been outlawed since 1989 after populations of the African giants dropped from millions in the mid-20th century to around 600,000 by the end of the 1980s.

There are now believed to be some 415,000, with 30,000 illegally killed each year.

Ivory is highly sought-after in China, where elephant tusks are used in traditional medicine or to make ornaments. Prices for a kilogramme (2.2 pounds) reach as high as $1,100.

 2017 AFP
Credit: Tim J Keegan, flickr

Researchers have called for health professionals and climate forecasters to work more closely together ahead of extreme weather events and gradual climate change to help prevent the spread of infections.

Lead researcher Dr Aparna Lal from ANU said health researchers were often left out of planning and discussions about the looming climate events.

Dr Lal said more collaboration could help reduce the number of cases of human parasitic infection (cryptosporidiosis) primarily spread through water in extreme weather events or due to gradual climate change.

The Indian Ocean Dipole, a key climate driver in the oceans around Australia, is related to patterns of a human parasitic infection primarily spread through water.

"Such impacts are usually disproportionately felt by the most vulnerable sections of our population- children and the elderly," Dr Lal said.

Dr Lal said as the frequency of positive Indian Ocean Dipole phases is expected to increase, there would be drier conditions for much of Australia.

"This work provides impetus for research to better anticipate where and in whom climate change may have the greatest effect. The research has the potential to inform public health preparedness and planning," she said.

Dr Lal, an applied ecologist from the ANU National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, said instances of disease reporting increased during drier than normal conditions.

"Most of the literature tends to focus on flooding events and increases in infectious diseases spread through water," Dr Lal said.

"Equally plausible, but much less researched is the potential for drought like conditions to increase the burden of diseases spread through water due to inadequate storage and concentration of bugs in water.

Researchers will now look at building models to forecast the arrival of these illnesses, identify regions that typically see the first infections and the specific patient groups likely to be affected.

The information will support communities to prepare for anticipated increases in illnesses and will help focus public health action where it is needed most.

The research has been published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology.
Professor Ana Mancera Rueda. Credit: University of Seville

Professor Ana Mancera Rueda from the Department of Spanish Language, Linguistics and Literary Theory at the University of Seville has carried out research on false profiles, or 'fakes', of famous people on the social network Twitter and the use of language on these profiles. The study addresses whether the misappropriation of the identities of famous people is normal practice on Twitter, in what cases it is permitted, what effects the parody can have on the image of the celebrity and the social role of someone who is well known, and to what extent the messages published by fake accounts can be seen as examples of bad manners or even verbal violence.

Basing itself on the approaches of discourse analysis and sociocultural pragmatics, Mancera has made a linguistic study of 5,030 messages published on more than 50 Twitter profiles, all of which were parodic in nature and which were written in the guise of figures of social importance. These were grouped into different categories according to the area of the parodied subjectfor example, politics, the communications media, sport, royalty, etc.

The aim of parody is to highlight the automatic style of writing of the figure being imitated, their habits and their idiolect, that is to say, their manner of expressing themselves. "The presentations of the parodied characters in the biographies of all the analysed accounts tended to take to extremes such characteristics as a first step toward drawing up the new identity of the subject being parodied. For example, in the profile of Naniano Rajoy, constant reference is made to the digraph 'sh' to ridicule the president of the government's way of speaking," explains Mancera.

This research allows for the identification of three macro-strategies used by the owners of such accounts: using activities of supposed self-image on the part of the subject being parodied; attacks on the image of internet users; and making threats against the image of third parties. With such strategies, the aim is both to damage the social image of the public figure and their private image. "This is perhaps more vulnerable, as it is closer to the ego. For example, via attacks on the target's sexual orientation, highlighting their physical defects, or casting doubt on their mental faculties, which contribute to damaging their image of personal autonomy," says Mancera.

Using a game that is polyphonic in character, it is made to seem that it is the subject whose identity has been stolen holds points of view that cross the boundaries of what is politically correct, or to show a scornful attitude to the parody account's own followers, which also threatens their own sense of affiliation.

In addition, as Mancera has tried to show, the majority of these tweets use linguistic resources of a different type, which makes them offensive in character. Sometimes, they even go as far as verbal violence. However, Twitter's Impersonation policy allows the publication of these messages, with the only condition that it is made clear that they come from a parody account.

Mancera reminds us of the statement made by the Italian journalist Roberto Saviano, who stated in an article he wrote that to insult people on social networks is not freedom of expression, but a way to defame that can be used by those who feed from the fame of others. "Unfortunately, this has become a strategy that is seen ever more frequently. Using it, the aim isn't only to damage the image of the public figure from the protection of anonymity, but also to try to increase the account holder's number of followers on Twitter using irony and verbal humour, with posts that, despite their offensive character, are marked as favourites and retweetedthat is to say, reposted by thousands of users."

More information: Ana Mancera Rueda, La usurpacion de la identidad con fines parodicos en la red social Twitter: 'manifestaciones de descortesia verbal', Rilce. Revista de Filologia Hispanica (2017). DOI: 10.15581/008.33.2.537-65

Provided by University of Seville
Observers Kai Getrost and Alex Parker wait to collect 2014 MU69 stellar occultation data in Argentina on June 3, 2017. Several New Horizons team members and collaborators will return to the country on July 17 for this summer's third and final MU69 occultation observation opportunity. Credit: Kai Getrost

NASA's New Horizons spacecraft doesn't zoom past its next science target until New Year's Day 2019, but the Kuiper Belt object, known as 2014 MU69, is already revealing surprises.

Scientists have been sifting through data gathered from observing the object's quick pass in front of a star  an astronomical event known as an occultation  on June 3. More than 50 mission team members and collaborators set up telescopes across South Africa and Argentina, along a predicted track of the narrow shadow of MU69 that the occultation would create on Earth's surface, aiming to catch a two-second glimpse of the object's shadow as it raced across the Earth. Accomplishing the observations of that occultation was made possible with the help of NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and Gaia, a space observatory of the European Space Agency (ESA).

Combined, the pre-positioned mobile telescopes captured more than 100,000 images of the occultation star that can be used to assess the environment around this Kuiper Belt object (KBO). While MU69 itself eluded direct detection, the June 3 data provided valuable and unexpected insights that have already helped New Horizons.

"These data show that MU69 might not be as dark or as large as some expected," said occultation team leader Marc Buie, a New Horizons science team member from Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) in Boulder, Colorado.

Initial estimates of MU69's diameter, based primarily on data taken by the Hubble Space Telescope since the KBO's discovery in 2014, fall in the 12-25-mile (20-40-kilometer) range  though data from this summer's ground-based occultation observations might imply it's at or even below the smallest sizes expected before the June 3 occultation.

Besides MU69's size, the readings offer details on other aspects of the Kuiper Belt object.

"These results are telling us something really interesting," said New Horizons Principal Investigator Alan Stern, of SwRI. "The fact that we accomplished the occultation observations from every planned observing site but didn't detect the object itself likely means that either MU69 is highly reflective and smaller than some expected, or it may be a binary or even a swarm of smaller bodies left from the time when the planets in our solar system formed."

More data are on the way, with additional occultations of MU69 occurring on July 10 and July 17. On July 10, NASA's airborne Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) will use its powerful 100-inch (2.5-meter) telescope to probe the space around MU69 for debris that might present a hazard to New Horizons as it flies by in 18 months.

On July 17, the Hubble Space Telescope also will check for debris around MU69, while team members set up another groundbased "fence line" of small mobile telescopes along the predicted ground track of the occultation shadow in southern Argentina to try to better constrain, or even determine, the size of MU69.
It's a depressingly familiar sight when an oil well blows or a tanker runs aground: thousands of stranded, helpless animals wallowing in cloying crude oil. 'Birds are often used as the poster children for the deadly effects of oil', says Ivan Maggini from Western University, Canada, recalling the shocking images of struggling animals that accompanied the catastrophic Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. 'However, the effects of oiling go far beyond the unfortunate individuals that become heavily oiled', says Maggini, highlighting the risks of hypothermia and toxin ingestion for lightly oiled birds when they preen. Western University physiological ecologist Chris Guglielmo has been assessing the toxicity of crude oil since 2011. However, no previous study had looked at the effect of oiling on flight, so Maggini, Guglielmo and Karen Dean wondered how even a small amount of contamination might affect the flight of migratory birds that cover great distances. They publish their discovery that light oiling can dramatically increase the flight costs of migrating birds in Journal of Experimental Biology.

Selecting western sandpipers as a representative of the migrating species that got caught up in the Deepwater Horizon incident, Guglielmo and Maggini received 80 birds that had been collected in British Columbia just before the animals embarked on their migration flights, 'when they should be highly motivated to fly', explains Maggini. And when Maggini, Guglielmo, Lisa Kennedy, Alex Macmillan and Kyle Elliott tested the birds' stamina in a flight tunnel, all the birds flew comfortably for 2 hours.

Having set the baseline for unhindered bird flight, the team gently applied oil - collected from the Deepwater Horizon oil well - to the wing and tail feathers of some of the birds (which they considered lightly oiled) before testing their fight in the wind tunnel. They then added oil to the backs and bellies of the birds 1 week later (moderately oiled), to mimic the natural contamination pattern, before giving them a second run in the wind tunnel: the birds struggled on both occasions. 'They found it hard to keep up with the wind speed,' says Maggini, adding that the scientists had to stop half of the flight trials early because the birds kept attempting to land.

Wondering how much of a difference the oil made to the birds as they beat their wings, the team filmed the birds while they flew briefly at wind speeds ranging from 5 to 15 m/s. The moderately oiled birds beat their wings faster across the entire speed range and when the team calculated the impact of the contamination on the amount of energy that the birds consumed, it rocketed by 45% in the moderately oil migrants. 'Even when oiled only on wingtips and tail, the cost of flight was increased by 20%', observes Maggini, adding, 'It's like trying to fly with clipped wings or carrying a ball and chain'.

Maggini suspects that oil reduces the amount of lift that the birds can generate while also increasing the drag that they experience, which could have significant repercussions for the amount of time that the animals take to recover after a high endurance flight. 'We think that our results set a precedent for future oil spill damage assessments by showing how significant small amounts of oil can be for bird flight. Every movement they make in the air becomes more costly and this can have cumulative effects on migration, survival and reproduction', warns Maggini.

More information: Maggini, I., Kennedy, L. V., Macmillan, A., Elliott, K. H., Dean, K. and Guglielmo, C. G. (2017). Light oiling of feathers increases flight energy expenditure in a migratory shorebird. J. Exp. Biol. 220, 2372-2379. DOI: 10.1242/jeb.158220 Journal information: Journal of Experimental Biology
Material design empowered by protein sequence space. Credit: Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, HKUST

Hydrogels, noted for their biomimetic properties, are the leading materials for biomedical applications, such as drug delivery and stem cell therapy. Traditional hydrogels made up of either synthetic polymers or natural biomolecules often serve as passive scaffolds for molecular or cellular species, which render these materials unable to fully recapitulate the dynamic signaling involved in biological processes, such as cell/tissue development.

Photo-responsive hydrogels are of particular interest to material scientists, because light is regarded as an ideal tool to control molecules or cell behavior with high spatiotemporal precision and little invasiveness. The major challenge for scientist is how to assemble these complex globular proteins into supramolecular architectures efficiently while preserving their function.

In a recent research, a group of scientists from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology created a B12-dependent light-sensing hydrogel by covalently stitching together the photoreceptor C-terminal adenosylcobalamin binding domain (CarHC) proteins under mild conditions. This direct assembly of stimuli-responsive proteins into hydrogels represents a versatile solution for designing "smart" materials and opens up enormous opportunities for future material biology.

The findings were published in the journal PNAS on June 6, 2017.

"In our research, we were able to create an entirely recombinant protein-based light-sensitive hydrogels by covalently assembling the CarHC photoreceptor proteins using genetically encoded SpyTag-SpyCatcher chemistry," said Fei Sun, author of the paper and assistant professor at HKUST's department of chemical and biomolecular engineering. "The AdoB12-dependent CarHC tetramerization has been shown to be essential for the formation of an elastic hydrogel in the dark, which can undergo a rapid gel-sol transition caused by light-induced CarHC disassembly."

"The resulting hydrogel composed of physically self-assembled CarHC polymers exhibited a rapid gel-sol transition on light exposure, which enabled the facile release/recovery of 3T3 fibroblasts and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) from 3D cultures while maintaining their viability." Sun added. "Given the growing demand for creating stimuli-responsive "smart" hydrogels, the direct assembly of stimuli-responsive proteins into hydrogels represents a versatile strategy for designing dynamically tunable materials."

More information: Ri Wang et al, B12-dependent photoresponsive protein hydrogels for controlled stem cell/protein release, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2017). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1621350114 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Provided by Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
In this Jan. 15, 2015, file photo, a new Qatar Airways Airbus A350 approaches the gate at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany. Qatar Airways joined two other major long-haul Gulf carriers on Thursday, July 6, 2017 in getting off a U.S. ban on laptops and large electronics in airplane cabins, despite facing logistical challenges amid the country's diplomatic dispute with several Arab nations. (AP Photo/Michael Probst, File)

Qatar Airways joined two other major long-haul Gulf carriers on Thursday in getting off a U.S. ban on laptops and large electronics in airplane cabins, despite facing logistical challenges amid the country's diplomatic dispute with several Arab nations.

Doha-based Qatar Airways, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad, Dubai-based Emirates and Istanbul-based Turkish Airlines all have put security procedures in place to satisfy American authorities. U.S. officials instituted the ban in March across 10 Middle East cities over concerns Islamic State fighters and other extremists could hide bombs inside of laptops.

Qatar Airways said that with "immediate effect, all personal electronic devices can be carried on board all departures from Hamad International Airport to destinations in the United States." Hamad in Doha is the hub of Qatar Airways.

"Safety and security are always our highest priority," Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al-Baker said in a statement. "They are expressed throughout all of our corporate values and must never be compromised."

The airline did not respond to questions about its new procedures. Michael England, a spokesman for the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, said Qatar Airways had been removed from the ban list, but declined to elaborate on what it did to satisfy American concerns.

Passengers check into a flight at Abu Dhabi International Airport in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday, July 4, 2017. Travelers bound for the U.S. now enjoy something many others flying out of the Middle East can'twalking onto an airplane with their laptop. But what has changed in Abu Dhabi remains unclear as the laptop ban still affects nine other regional airports, including the world's busiest for international travel in nearby Dubai. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

The U.S. laptop ban still applies to nonstop U.S.-bound flights from six airports in Amman, Jordan; Kuwait City; Cairo; Jeddah and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; and Casablanca, Morocco. Saudi Arabian Airlines has said it hopes to be off the ban list "on or before July 19."

While Gulf airlines have not commented on security procedures, Turkish officials say they use CT scanners to take cross-section images of electronics just before passengers board airplanes heading to the U.S. Istanbul airport now also restricts U.S.-bound flights to two departure gates, apparently for better security.

Etihad, the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates, already has a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility at its Abu Dhabi hub that allows passengers to clear screening they'd otherwise have to go through when landing in America.

There is a precedent for concern over laptops being used as bombs. Somalia's al-Qaida-linked al-Shabaab said it planted a bomb inside a laptop-like device that exploded on a plane leaving Mogadishu in February 2016, killing only the bomber.

- In this March 22, 2017 file photo, an Emirates plane taxis to a gate at Dubai International Airport in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Dubai-based Emirates airlines says the U.S. has exempted it from a ban on laptops in airplane cabins. (AP Photo/Adam Schreck, File)

However, the security concerns also come amid a wider dispute between Gulf airlines and American carriers, which accuse the Middle East airlines of flooding the market with flights while receiving billions of dollars of unfair government subsidies. The Gulf carriers all vigorously deny that.

The laptop ban, coupled with the Trump administration's travel ban on six predominantly Muslim countries, has hurt Middle Eastern airlines. Emirates, the region's biggest, said it slashed 20 percent of its flights to America in the wake of the restrictions.

Meanwhile, Qatar Airways has seen its flight paths over many of its neighbors cut off since Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE cut diplomatic ties to Qatar on June 5. The airline has since been putting more flights over Iranian and Turkish airspace while appealing to a United Nations agency overseeing air travel to reopen those routes. Qatar Airways also has announced it wants to buy 10 percent of American Airlines, which would cost about $2.4 billion and possibly further open the U.S. market to the carrier.

Qatar's foreign minister on Wednesday said he didn't believe Qatar Airway's delay in getting off the laptop ban list had anything to do with the dispute.

"This is an ongoing process and I think irrelevant to the entire" political crisis, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said in London.

In this Jan. 10, 2017 file photo, Turkish Airlines aircrafts are stationed at Ataturk International Airport covered in snow, in Istanbul, Tuesday. Istanbul-based Turkish Airlines tweeted early Wednesday that it had been exempted from a ban on laptops in airplane cabins. (Faik Kaptan/Depo Photos via AP, File)

 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
An animation shows how an infrared laser beam (orange) triggers atomic vibrations in a thin layer of iron selenide, which are then recorded by ultrafast X-ray laser pulses to create an ultrafast movie. The motion of the selenium atoms (red) changes the energy of the electron orbitals of the iron atoms (blue), and the resulting electron vibrations are recorded separately with a technique called ARPES (not shown). Credit: Greg Stewart/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

Scientists at the Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Stanford University have made the first direct measurements, and by far the most precise ones, of how electrons move in sync with atomic vibrations rippling through an exotic material, as if they were dancing to the same beat.

The vibrations are called phonons, and the electron-phonon coupling the researchers measured was 10 times stronger than theory had predictedmaking it strong enough to potentially play a role in unconventional superconductivity, which allows materials to conduct electricity with no loss at unexpectedly high temperatures.

What's more, the approach they developed gives scientists a completely new and direct way to study a wide range of "emergent" materials whose surprising properties emerge from the collective behavior of fundamental particles, such as electrons. The new approach investigates these materials through experiments alone, rather than relying on assumptions based on theory.

The experiments were carried out with SLAC's Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) X-ray free-electron laser and with a technique called angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) on the Stanford campus. The researchers described the study today in Science.

A 'Breakthrough' Approach

"I believe this result will have several impacts," said Giulia Galli, a professor at the University of Chicago's Institute for Molecular Engineering and senior scientist at the DOE's Argonne National Laboratory who was not involved in the study.

"Of course they have applied the method to a very important material, one that everyone has been trying to figure out and understand, and this is great," she said. "But the fact that they show they are able to measure the electron-phonon interaction, which is so important in so many materials and physical processesthis, I believe, is a breakthrough that will pave the way to many other experiments on many other materials."

The ability to make this measurement, she added, will allow scientists to validate theories and computations that describe and predict the physics of these materials in a way they were never able to do before.

In this illustration, an infrared laser beam (orange) triggers atomic vibrations in a thin layer of iron selenide, which are then recorded by ultrafast X-ray laser pulses (white) to create an ultrafast movie. The motion of the selenium atoms (red) changes the energy of the electron orbitals of the iron atoms (blue), and the resulting electron vibrations are recorded separately with a technique called ARPES (not shown). The coupling of atomic positions and electronic energies is much stronger than previously thought and may significantly impact the material's superconductivity. Credit: Greg Stewart/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

"These precision measurements will give us deep insights into how these materials behave," said Zhi-Xun Shen, a professor at SLAC and Stanford and investigator with the Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences (SIMES) who led the study.

Extraordinarily Precise 'Movies'

The team used SLAC's LCLS to measure atomic vibrations and ARPES to measure the energy and momentum of electrons in a material called iron selenide. Combining the two techniques allowed them to observe electron-phonon coupling with extraordinary precision, on a timescale of femtosecondsmillionths of a billionth of a second - and within roughly a billionth of the width of a human hair.

"We were able to make a 'movie,' using the equivalent of two cameras to record the atomic vibrations and electron movements, and show that they wiggle at the same time, like two standing waves superimposed on each other," said co-author Shuolong Yang, a postdoctoral researcher at Cornell University.

"It isn't a movie in the ordinary sense of images you can watch on a screen," he said. "But it does capture the phonon and electron movements in frames shot 100 trillion times per second, and we can string about 100 of them together just like movie frames to get a full picture of how they are linked."

The iron selenide they studied is a curious material. It's known to conduct electricity without loss, but only at extremely cold temperatures, and in a way that could not be entirely explained by established theories; that's why it's called an unconventional superconductor.

Pursuing an Intriguing Clue

But five years ago, a research group in China reported an intriguing observation: When an atomically thin layer of iron selenide is put on top of another material called STOnamed for its primary ingredients strontium, titanium and oxygenits maximum superconducting temperature jumps from 8 degrees to 60 degrees above absolute zero, or minus 213 degrees Celsius. Although that's still really cold, it's a much higher temperature than scientists expected, and it falls within the operating range of so-called "high-temperature superconductors," whose discovery in 1986 set off a frenzy of research because of the revolutionary impact these perfectly efficient electrical transmitters could have on society.

SLAC/Stanford Professor Zhi-Xun Shen, left, and SLAC staff scientist Patrick Kirchmann with the ARPES instrument used to measure electron energy and momentum in an iron selenide film. Credit: Dawn Harmer/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

Following up on this clue, Shen's group examined the same combination of materials with ARPES. In a 2014 paper in Nature, they concluded that atomic vibrations in the STO travel up into the iron selenide and give electrons the additional energy they need to pair up and carry electricity with zero loss at higher temperatures than they would on their own.

This suggested that scientists might be able to achieve even higher maximum superconducting temperatures by changing a number of variables, such as the nature of the substrate beneath a superconducting film, all at the same time.

But could this coupling of atomic vibrations and collaborative electron behavior also take place in iron selenide alone, without a boost from a substrate? That's what the current study aimed to find out.

Like Tapping a Bell With a Hammer

Shen's team made a thicker, atomically uniform iron selenide film and hit it with infrared laser light to excite its 5-trillion-times-a-second atomic vibrationslike gently tapping a bell with a little hammer, SLAC staff scientist and co-author Patrick Kirchmann said. This got the vibrations oscillating in sync with each other throughout the film, so they could be more easily observed.

The team then measured the material's atomic vibrations and electron behavior in two separate experiments. Yang, who was a Stanford graduate student at the time, led the ARPES measurement. Simon Gerber, a postdoctoral researcher in Shen's group, led the LCLS measurements at SLAC; he has since joined the SwissFEL at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland as a staff scientist.

The new study doesn't prove that the coupling of atomic and electronic vibrations was responsible for boosting iron selenide's superconducting temperature in the previous studies, Kirchmann said. But the combination of X-ray laser and ARPES observations should provide new and more sophisticated insights on the physics of material systems where several factors are at play at the same time, and hopefully move the field forward faster.

More information: S. Gerber el al., "Femtosecond electron-phonon lock-in by means of photoemission and x-ray free-electron laser," Science (2017). science.sciencemag.org/cgi/doi  1126/science.aak9946 Journal information: Science
Credit: ACS

Scientists have created new 2-D nanostructured surfaces which appear as realistic 3-D objects  including shading and shadows - using cutting edge nano-engineering.

The research was carried out by King's College London alongside Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universitat Bonn, and is published in the American Chemical Society journal Nano Letters.

When light hits an object, the colour, texture, and shape affect how light is absorbed and reflected, allowing you to make out the object in front of you. By altering the surface to change how light is reflected, it is possible to manipulate how it appears.

The researchers developed layered materials, incorporating precisely designed nano-features smaller than the wavelength of light, called metasurfaces. This allowed them to control how light is reflected in highly precise ways, so that a 2-D surface reflects light just as a 3-D object would.

Borrowing a technique from 3-D computer graphics called Normal Mapping, researchers encoded shadow effects into the image, creating 3-D images more realistic than holograms or 3-D cinema. As a proof of concept, the researchers fabricated a flat metasurface imitating lighting and shading effects of a 3-D cube.

Changing the way we see light

The technique could have huge implications for the optical industries, including in TV screens and photography, as well as in security labels for protecting goods and banknotes from counterfeiting.

Professor Anatoly Zayats of King's College says: "Metasurfaces are amazing. They open up unprecedented freedom in directing and manipulating light. One might ultimately imagine a TV screen which appears exactly the same as you move around it, or a new movement of 3-D art."

The ability to control light could bring new functionality to small camera lenses. A flat surface can be made to appear optically convex by designing appropriate metasurface properties. Future generations of smartphone cameras could use the tiny flat metasurfaces which mimic the properties of sophisticated curved camera lenses, allowing much greater control of angle and depth field.

Metasurfaces could also replace heavy optical lenses in applications such as satellites, where weight and size have a big impact on efficiency.

More immediately, the novel nano-materials can already be used to create unique complex 3-D images for security and anti-counterfeiting applications, as well as for new measurement applications requiring precise control of light.

Much more than a hologram

Unlike holograms, which require a coherent light source such as a laser to be viewed, these surfaces manipulate the reflection of normal light so they appear as a realistic 3-D object in any light condition and from any angle.

Existing holographic approaches rely on 'specular reection' ie the light coming from a particular direction is reflected in a unique outgoing direction, as with a mirror. In order to achieve dynamic light shading eects, a metasurface design involves 'diuse reection'  which allows control of its scattering properties so that the image can be seen directly on it.

For the proof of concept, the researchers designed a cube using the normal mapping technique, which was encoded into the metasurface. When illuminated, the metasurface instantaneously "computes" how a 3-D representation of the image should look and displays it.

Dr Alexander Minovich, The Royal Society Newton International Fellow at King's College London, said: "The normal mapping demonstrated with our metasurface is a completely new concept, but it could have very important implications for a wide range of optical industries, both in introducing new functionality and making products smaller and lighter."

More information: Alexander E. Minovich et al. Reflective Metasurfaces for Incoherent Light To Bring Computer Graphics Tricks to Optical Systems, Nano Letters (2017). DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.7b01003 Journal information: Nano Letters
Spain is the world's top olive oil producer and home to the world's oldest olive tree

A deadly bacteria that infected thousands of olive trees in Italy has been detected for the first time in mainland Spain, the world's top producer of olive oil, a regional government official said Thursday.

The Xylella fastidiosa pathogen, which dries out trees leaving their leaves looking scorched, was found in June in almond trees near the town of Guadalest in the eastern region of Valencia, Elena Cebrian, head of the regional government's agriculture department, told AFP.

Tests carried out on olive trees in the same area came back negative.

All trees and plants within a 100-metre radius of the almond tree that was found to be infected in Valencia are being destroyed.

The area is also being treated against insects which are suspected of transmitting the bacteria.

The bacteria, which emerged in 2013 in southern Italy and has also been detected in France, was found on Spanish soil for the first time in October in a cherry tree in the Balearic Islands.

The affected trees in two islands of the archipelago were destroyed as well as those in a 100-metre radius.

Local authorities also banned exports of plants from the Balearic Islands to prevent the bacteria, dubbed "olive tree leprosy" by some farming associations, from reaching mainland Spain.

Spain is home to around 340 million olive trees. It produces about half of the world's olive oil.

 2017 AFP
Several states are seeking to join a legal challenge to a Trump administration decision to keep a widely used pesticide on the market despite studies showing it can harm children's brains.

Led by New York, the coalition filed a motion Wednesday to intervene in a legal fight over the continued spraying of chlorpyrifos on food. Massachusetts, Maryland, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia are also seeking to join the suit pending before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco.

The states claim that Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt violated the law by ending his agency's effort to ban the pesticide sold by Dow Chemical after federal scientists concluded it can interfere with the brain development of fetuses and infants. Federal law requires EPA to ensure that pesticides used on food in the United States are safe for human consumptionespecially by children, who studies show are typically far more sensitive to negative effects from pesticides.

"Job No. 1 for the EPA should be protecting Americans' wellbeing, especially that of our children," said Eric Schneiderman, the attorney general of New York, in announcing the legal action. "Yet the administration is jeopardizing our kids' health, allowing the use of a toxic pesticide for which it can't even identify a safe level."

The EPA said Thursday it was reviewing the lawsuit.

Pruitt told Congress last month his decision was based on "meaningful data and meaningful science." Despite repeated requests, EPA has thus far not provided The Associated Press with copies of any scientific studies Pruitt consulted in determining the pesticide is safe.

Public-health advocates have been pushing for years to ban chlorpyrifos, which is commonly sprayed on citrus fruits, apples, cherries and other crops. Lawyers for Dow and the makers of two other organophosphate pesticides also asked the Trump administration "to set aside" the results of government studies showing they pose a risk to nearly every federally protected endangered species.

Last month, the American Academy of Pediatrics also urged EPA to ban chlorpyrifos. The group representing more than 66,000 pediatricians and pediatric surgeons said it is "deeply alarmed" by Pruitt's decision to allow the pesticide's continued use.

Dow, which sells chlorpyrifos through its subsidiary Dow AgroSciences, did not immediately comment Thursday. In the past, the company has said it helps American farmers feed the world "with full respect for human health and the environment."

Spending more than $13.6 million on lobbying in 2016, Dow has long wielded substantial political power in Washington. Dow CEO Andrew Liveris is a close adviser to President Donald Trump and the company gave $1 million for Trump's inaugural activities.

Similar to a chemical spray developed as a weapon prior to World War II, Dow has been selling chlorpyrifos for use on farms since the 1960s. It is now among the most widely used agricultural pesticides in the United States, with about 5 million pounds sold domestically each year.

As a result, traces of the chemical are commonly found in sources of drinking water. A 2012 study at the University of California at Berkeley found that 87 percent of umbilical-cord blood samples tested from newborn babies contained detectable levels of chlorpyrifos.

Under pressure from federal regulators over safety concerns, Dow voluntarily withdrew chlorpyrifos for use as a home insecticide in 2000. EPA also placed "no-spray" buffer zones around sensitive sites, such as schools, in 2012. But a coalition of advocacy groups including the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Pesticide Action Network said those proposals don't go far enough and filed a federal lawsuit seeking a national ban on the pesticide.

In October 2015, the Obama administration proposed banning the pesticide's use on food. A risk assessment memo issued in November by nine EPA scientists concluded: "There is a breadth of information available on the potential adverse neurodevelopmental effects in infants and children as a result of prenatal exposure to chlorpyrifos."

 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Supernova explosion. Credit: University of Oxford

Researchers from the University of Oxford are using the largest, most intense lasers on the planet, to for the first time, show the general public how to recreate the effects of supernovae, in a laboratory.

One of the most extreme astrophysical events, Supernova explosions are the violent deaths of certain stars that scatter elements heavier than hydrogen and helium into surrounding space. Our own solar system is thought to have formed when a nearby supernova exploded distributing these elements into a cloud of hydrogen that then condensed to form our sun and the planets. In fact, the very atoms that make up our bodies were formed in the remnants of such an explosion.

Working in collaboration with Imperial College, London, and AWE Aldermaston the team, led in Oxford by Professor Gianluca Gregori of the Department of Physics, are currently demonstrating their research at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition, a week-long showcase of cutting-edge science from across the UK.

Witnessing and getting to grips with these experiments can help people to understand the inner workings of the Universe.Their "How to make a supernova' exhibit will highlight how lasers like Orion can help us understand and appreciate the origins of the universe.

The team were able to mimic some the properties of these supernovae in the laboratory by using the most powerful lasers on earth, such as the ORION laser at AWE. Each output pulse from the laser only lasts for a few billionths of a second, but, in that time, the power it generates is equivalent to the output of the electricity grid of the whole planet.

The extremes of density and temperature produced by the lasers allow scientists to study how the supernova acts when it expands into space, and can also provide insight into how high energy particles from space are produced, how the magnetic field in the galaxy formed, and what the interior of a giant planet might look like.

Dr Jena Meinecke, Junior Research Fellow at the University Oxford, said: "Lasers are so powerful today that we can actually recreate aspects of tiny supernovae that could fit in the palm of your hand! This allows us to answer fundamental questions such as "What is the origin of magnetic fields in the universe?" Imagine the possibilities.

"Our research is helping us better understand some of the most powerful natural processes known to humankind, and more importantly, the origins of our universe."

Professor Justin Wark, Director of the Oxford Centre for High Energy Density Science (OxCHEDS), said: "The Royal Society Exhibition provides an excellent platform to tell the public about the exciting research that is going on in the field of laboratory astrophysicsin particular it is a great opportunity to enthuse young people, who will be the next generation of scientists."

More information: The 'How to make a supernova' research will be on display at the Royal Society's free annual Summer Science Exhibition until 9 July.
On Thursday, July 4, a point of order was raised, that the Senate president, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, was the acting president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Legit.ng reported that the senator representing Abia South, Eyinanya Abaribe, had raised a motion that the country had no president or acting president at the moment, adding that, President Muhammadu Buhari and Professor Yemi Osinbajo were neither in the country, as at the time.

Sahara Reporters has reported that a Saraki-led group and Aso Rock group led by Isa Funtua allegedly met in Saudi Arabia to discuss how to hijack presidency from the acting president, Yemi Osinbajo.

According to the unconfirmed report, the Senate presidents group had Ahmadu Adamu Mu'azu, a former Bauchi state governor and ex-chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party chairman who fled Nigeria on exile, as well as Bala Mohammed, a former minister of the Federal Capital Territory who is undergoing trial for money laundering.

READ ALSO: Drama: Attempt to declare Saraki Acting President fails

Below is a list of things they reportedly discussed:

1. To force Acting President Osinbajo out of power, they said they might have to bring President Buhari to Nigeria regardless of his health condition.

2. They also allegedly discussed a way to force Osinbajo to accept current Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, as the Vice President.

In that event, the cabal would prevail on President Buhari to resign, provided Osinbajo agreed to drop all corruption cases against senators and withdraw the federal governments appeal against a verdict of the Code of Conduct Tribunal that cleared Mr. Saraki of charges that he violated asset declaration laws.

3. In addition, Osinbajo would be forced to remove Ibrahim Magu from being the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

READ ALSO: Political criminal like Saraki makes free Evans campaign possible - Popular media attacks Senate President

However, another source said Mr Saraki was reportedly opposed to the plan as he aspires to become the vice president himself.

4. Lastly, the cabal was to create enough political crisis in the country as to provoke a military takeover of power.

However, that option proved problematic when Western diplomats sternly signaled that they would not accept a military coup in Nigeria as such an intervention could lead to Nigeria's break up.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara state has denied alleged presidential posters of Senator Bukola Saraki.

APC described the banners of Saraki, which were put on the internet, as fake and photo- shopped.

PAY ATTENTION: Watch more videos on Legit.ng TV

The photo-shopped banners are purportedly calling on Saraki to contest the 2019 presidential election.

Watch this Legit.ng video to learn what Nigerians think of this whole debacle:

Source: Legit.ng
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 

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Lawyers for Brazil's President Michel Temer presented their defense Wednesday against corruption charges that threaten to drive him from office, denying allegations that he took a $150,000 bribe. They filed a written defense to a committee in Congress tasked with drawing up a recommendation on whether he should face trial over the allegations. Temer faces a series of hearings before lawmakers vote on whether he should face a criminal trial over claims he accepted the bribe from a meatpacking firm. He has denied the accusation, which has made him the first sitting Brazilian president to face formal criminal charges. "He committed no crime," said his lawyer Antonio Claudio Mariz de Oliveira after filing the written defense. "This accusation is not against an ordinary citizen. It is against the president of the republic and against Brazil." Police arrested an adviser of Temer's with a suitcase full of money, which prosecutors allege was destined for Temer as a bribe. A video has also emerged of Temer apparently approving the payment of hush money to a jailed ally. Temer's lawyer said Wednesday that video was "technically doubtful." Former vice-president Temer took over as president last year after his leftist predecessor Dilma Rousseff was impeached on charges of budgetary wrongdoing which she branded a "coup." Temer is trying to push through reforms to save Brazil from recession. But his time in office has been blighted by the resignations of ministers and corruption claims creeping ever closer to his door. Left-wing deputy Alessandro Molon told reporters Wednesday the government wanted to hurry up the procedures in congress. But he estimated that the full final vote may not take place until August. The charges come against the backdrop of a sweeping graft investigation which has uncovered systemic corruption in the political and business elite in Latin America's biggest country.
By David Ljunggren OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada's Liberal government will apologize to former Guantanamo Bay inmate Omar Khadr and pay him around C$10 million ($7.7 million) in compensation, two sources close to the matter said on Tuesday, prompting opposition protests. A Canadian citizen, Khadr was captured in Afghanistan in 2002 at age 15 after a firefight with U.S. soldiers. He pleaded guilty to killing a U.S. Army medic and became the youngest inmate held at the military prison in Cuba. Khadr later recanted and his lawyers said he had been grossly mistreated. In 2010, the Canadian Supreme Court ruled that Canada breached his rights by sending intelligence agents to interrogate him and sharing the results with the United States. The case proved divisive: defenders called Khadr a child soldier while the then-Conservative government dismissed calls to seek leniency, noting he had pleaded guilty to a serious crime. "Meet Canada's newest multi-millionaire  Omar Khadr," said the Conservatives as they unveiled a protest petition. Tony Clement, the Conservative Party's public safety spokesman, said "it is one thing to acknowledge alleged mistreatment, but it is wrong to lavishly reward a convicted terrorist who murdered an allied soldier who had a wife and two children". Khadr spent a decade in Guantanamo before being returned to Canada in 2012 to serve the rest of his sentence. He was released on bail in 2015 and lives in Edmonton, Alberta. The Canadian government and Khadr's lawyers agreed on the compensation deal, said the sources, who asked to remain anonymous given the sensitivity. Canada has reached a series of expensive settlements with citizens imprisoned abroad who alleged Ottawa was complicit in their mistreatment. Khadr, 30, had sued Ottawa for C$20 million on grounds of violating his human rights. News of the settlement was broken by the Globe and Mail newspaper. A spokesman for Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale declined to comment. Khadr's lawyers did not respond to a request for comment. The U.S. Embassy was closed for the July Fourth holiday. Khadr was taken to Afghanistan by his father, an al Qaeda member, who apprenticed the boy to a group of bomb makers. The father died in a battle with Pakistani forces in 2003. "It is the right decision in light of the callous and unlawful treatment meted out to Mr. Khadr with the complicity of Canadian officials," said Ihsaan Gardee, executive director of the National Council of Canadian Muslims. ($1 = 1.2936 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Denny Thomas, Howard Goller, Jonathan Oatis and Diane Craft)
EU interior ministers on Thursday pledged to back an urgent European Commission plan to help crisis-hit Italy, which has been overwhelmed by a wave of migrants arriving by sea from North Africa. Ministers from across the bloc gathered in the Estonian capital Tallinn after Italy, which has accepted around 85,000 of the 100,000 people who have arrived this year, appealed desperately for help. At the close of the talks, ministers issued a rare written statement, saying: "The situation in the Central Mediterranean and the resulting pressure on Italy is of great concern to all member states." The move was hailed by Italian Interior Minister Marco Minniti. "There has been a recognition of the question raised by Italy," he said of the talks that were chaired by Estonia, which holds the rotating presidency of the European Union. "Italy is not alone and will not have to act on its own," Estonian Interior Minister Andres Anvelt told reporters after the meeting. In recent weeks, Italy has stepped up calls for help, pleading with its European partners to make a "concrete contribution" by opening their ports to rescue ships to share the burden. At the end of June, Italy threatened to stop vessels from other countries disembarking rescued migrants at its ports. The influx has exacerbated tensions with neighbouring Austria, which this week threatened to send troops to its border with Italy to stop migrants entering. Central to Thursday's talks was a European Commission plan which earmarks 35 million euros ($40 million) in aid for Rome as well as proposals for working with Libya and other countries to stem the flow of migrants. - 'Plan of action' - While no new measures were adopted at the meeting, ministers expressed support for a "plan of action" presented Tuesday by the European Commission which puts in place, "better and more quickly", certain elements previously agreed upon, according to a European source. They include a joint rescue coordination centre which would improve rescue efforts with Libya's coastguard and offer it better training and equipment. It also includes a plan to help Libya strengthen control over its porous southern border while working with Egypt, Niger, Ethiopia and Sudan to improve the repatriation process for migrants who don't meet the criteria for international protection. However, an analysis by the Eurasia Group think tank said the EU's response would likely be "timid" with the new measures expected to only "marginally stem the migrant flow". Under the EU's asylum policy, asylum seekers are supposed to be processed in the country where they first arrive. Ministers also hailed a proposed "code of conduct" to regulate non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on rescue missions patrolling off the coast of Libya. Despite their humanitarian mission, aid groups have come under fire with some critics saying their presence encourages migrants to attempt the crossing. But the groups say not acting would risk lives, with smugglers putting migrants out to sea in unseaworthy vessels with little fuel or water. "We have no problem with NGOs," European Union Commissioner for Refugees Dimitris Avramopoulos said. "The idea is to better our working relationship using more coordinated efforts". Most of those landing in Italy are sub-Saharan Africans who have crossed the Mediterranean from Libya, a journey that has so far claimed more than 2,200 lives this year, UN figures show. Government data released Thursday also show that Italy has received 73,000 asylum applications since the start of the year -- an increase of 46 percent from the first six months of 2016. - 'Mission bankruptcy' - In Rome, top diplomats from the EU and Africa met officials from the United Nations and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Thursday over the ongoing crisis. The talks grouped foreign ministers from Libya, Niger, Tunisia, Egypt, Chad, Ethiopia and Sudan with their counterparts from Germany, Austria, Spain, France, The Netherlands, Malta and Estonia. "In order to lower the number of people arriving here, we must reduce the number arriving in Libya," Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano said after the talks. "If border controls in transit countries are effective, then the 'tickets' sold by the biggest criminal travel agency in history would lose their value. "If the traffickers can't guarantee an arrival in Europe, their travel agency would go bankrupt," he said. "That is our mission." The ministers ended with a call for investment to help young people and women in their countries of origin, as well as supporting beefed-up border controls in such countries. They also agreed to help the UN refugee agency and the IOM increase their presence along the migrant trail and develop communication strategies to warn would-be migrants about the dangers of the journey. burs-hmw/su/pg
By Nidal al-Mughrabi GAZA (Reuters) - A series of meetings between Hamas and senior officials in Cairo in recent weeks are showing an improvement in ties between Egypt and the Islamist Palestinian movement, with implications for Gaza, Palestinian politics and the wider region. Ismail Haniyeh, who has recently assumed the post of Hamas's leader, said in a speech in Gaza on Wednesday that relations with the Gaza Strip's neighbour to the south-west were warming. "We have launched a new chapter with Egypt and the relations have witnessed a big move," he said. For much of the last decade, Egypt has joined Israel in enforcing a land, sea and air blockade of the Gaza Strip, a move to punish Hamas and its armed wing, which seized the territory in 2007 and has controlled it since. The situation has worsened in the past month as Israel, at the request of the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority (PA), has cut electricity to Gaza, leaving it with barely four hours of power a day. The sanctions are part of a years-long effort by the PA, led by the rival Fatah party, to force Hamas to relinquish power in Gaza and join a unified government. Power cuts have hit hospitals and water treatment plants, squeezing Gaza's two million people amid a draining heatwave. Sensing the need to act, and worried about losing popular support, Hamas sought to mend ties with Egypt, which controls their one border crossing and has, under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, been highly wary of ties between Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood, which Sisi ousted from power after mass protests. Hamas's newly appointed leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, whose background is with the group's militant wing, met Egyptian officials, including the intelligence chief, last month. POTENTIAL CHALLENGE TO ABBAS The meetings in Cairo were believed to have been facilitated by Mohammad Dahlan, 55, a former senior Fatah official who is originally from Gaza and is now a staunch opponent of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Fatah's leader. Hanieyh said that Egypt has been helping improve Gazans' living conditions and the talks have already led to alleviating some hardships caused by the blockade. "We have found complete readiness by Egypt and their authorities have issued orders to implement a package of measures that has began with allowing fuel into Gaza." In his speech, Hanieyh also thanked Qatar and Saudi Arabia for financial support. Dahlan, who spends much of his time in the United Arab Emirates and is close to Egypt, has emerged as a powerbroker in the region, determined to bridge differences between Hamas and Cairo and potentially challenge Abbas for leadership. In that respect, closer ties between Hamas and Cairo are a serious threat to Abbas, regional analysts said. Not only because they help to bolster Hamas's credibility in the region, but because they empower Dahlan and undermine the ability of the Palestinian Authority to cast itself as the dominant political body for Palestinians, they said. Israel, which signed a 1979 peace treaty with Egypt and coordinates closely with it on security, is maintaining a wary eye on discussions between Egypt and Hamas. Like the United States and the European Union, it regards Hamas as a terrorist group and wants to keep its influence contained. "MESSAGE OF ASSURANCE" After the last round of meetings in Cairo, Hamas cleared land on its side of the border, creating a buffer zone with watchtowers, cameras and barbed-wire fences in a concession to security-conscious Egypt. "These measures serve as a message of assurance to the Egyptian side," Tawfiq Abu Naeem, the Hamas-appointed head of security services in Gaza, told reporters. Sources with knowledge of the talks said Hamas wants Egypt to open its Rafah crossing for longer and to increase energy supplies and imports. Egypt wants information on "radical elements" entering and leaving Gaza and help with tracking Islamic State-affiliated militants attacking Egyptian forces in northern Sinai. Egyptian officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the discussions. An Israeli foreign ministry official declined to comment. In a sign that the talks are rattling Palestinian politics, Abbas, 82, will visit Egyptian President Sisi this week. Akram Attallah, an independent analyst in Gaza, said that "for the first time we can say there is joint action between the two sides, a joint cooperation. That has never been official since the Hamas movement was founded 30 years ago." DAHLAN'S ROLE Attallah sees Dahlan's mediation as critical. As Abbas has grown more frustrated with Hamas and tried to increase pressure on the group, it has strengthened Dahlan's role as a broker. Abbas expelled Dahlan from Fatah in 2012 and Dahlan has been in self-imposed exile since. The last thing Abbas wants is for him to return to Gaza, with Egypt's approval, as a hero. "Dahlan employed this moment to present himself as the most efficient party in the Palestinian arena and a saviour for Hamas," said Attallah, suggesting each side had gained: Dahlan in terms of leverage and Hamas as a political partner. Regional analysts are closely watching what closer ties with Egypt may mean for Hamas's relations with Qatar, which in recent years has spent more than $500 million improving infrastructure and building clinics in Gaza. Egypt and Saudi Arabia are now leading a Sunni-Arab drive against Qatar over its ties with Iran, accusing it of fomenting terrorism, a charge Doha denies. The analysts say if Egypt is forging better relations with Hamas, it may well insist on Hamas giving up its friendship with the emirate. (Additional reporting by Ahmed Mohamed Hassan in Cairo; Editing by Luke Baker and Peter Millership)
Yahoo Singapore file photo

Two days after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong presented his speeches in Parliament about the 38 Oxley Road dispute, his siblings Lee Wei Ling and Lee Hsien Yang posted a joint statement on Thursday (6 July) saying that they will cease posting evidence of their brothers alleged abuse of power online.

On Thursday morning, the siblings posted two documents online, a seven page public statement on their father Lee Kuan Yews will, the Parliament session and the Ministerial Committee, and a 10-page summary of all the evidence they had been posting on social media since 14 June.

They added that they would manage the disagreement in private, saying that a previous attempt at reconciliation was rebuffed. They wrote, We privately offered a ceasefire shortly after our statement of 14 June 2017. Our attempts at reconciliation were rebuffed. We therefore welcome Hsien Loongs stated desire on 4 July 2017 to manage his disagreement with us in private.

In the concluding paragraphs of the statement, they said, We are not politicians, and do not wish to see Singapore embroiled in a never-ending public argument. For now, we will cease presenting further evidence on social media, provided that we and our fathers wish are not attacked or misrepresented. Ultimately, it is up to the government, and the people of Singapore, to decide whether and how to hold Lee Hsien Loong to account.

The siblings added that they had much evidence they had yet to show, saying, Some of this evidence is too complex to be well-suited to social media. We reserve this to show to a truly open and independent investigation, if there ever is one.

They also thanked Singaporeans who had reached out to them in support.

The Lee family feud has gripped Singaporeans since 14 June, when Hsien Yang and his sister Wei Ling issued a statement denouncing their older brother and accusing him of pursuing a personal agenda with regard to their former family home at 38 Oxley Road.

Story continues

In Parliament on Monday and Tuesday, the Prime Minister responded to the accusations, saying was no basis to call for a Select Committee or a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to look into the allegations of abuse of power.

Note: This story was updated to add that the siblings welcome talks with Lee Hsien Loong in private.

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KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - A prominent Muslim group in Malaysia has joined calls by Islamic conservatives in Indonesia for a boycott of Starbucks to protest against the international coffee chain's support of gay rights. Activists say intolerance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people has spiked in recent years in Indonesia and Malaysia, both majority Muslim, multi-ethnic Southeast Asian countries. Perkasa, a group with about 700,000 members that campaigns for the rights of ethnic Malay Muslims, said it agreed with calls this week by Muhammadiyah, Indonesia's second-largest Muslim group, for a boycott of Starbucks over its pro-LGBT stand. Perkasa also agreed with the Indonesian group's call for Starbucks' operating license to be revoked, it said. Amini Amir Abdullah, who heads Perkasa's Islamic affairs bureau, said Starbucks' position challenged Malaysia's constitution, which recognised Islam as the country's official religion. "Our objection is because they are promoting something that is against the human instinct, against human behaviour and against religion. That's why we are against it," Amini told Reuters in an interview on Wednesday. Muhammadiyah's call for a boycott has gained support from the Indonesian Ulema Council, its top clerical body. The religious groups' opposition to Starbucks came after a video from 2013 circulated online of pro-LGBT comments made by the company's chairman and former chief executive, Howard Schultz. In the video, Schultz said Starbucks embraced diversity and "not every decision is an economic decision", in response to a shareholder who complained that the company had lost customers because of its support for gay marriage. Starbucks Malaysia could not be reached for comment. PT Sari Coffee Indonesia, which holds the license to run the Starbucks chain in Indonesia, said in a statement it was not affiliated with any political or ideological groups. "We are grateful and proud to have been a part of local communities in Indonesia for 15 years, always maintaining the deepest respect for, and adherence to, Indonesia's local laws, culture and beliefs," said Fetty Kwartati, a director at PT MAP Boga Adiperkasa, the parent company of PT Sari Coffee Indonesia. Some Muslims in Indonesia, however, said the boycott call would not stop them from buying Starbucks coffee. "I love their products, not their CEO," said Jakarta resident Kornelius Kamajaya. The boycott call got a similar response from some in Malaysia. "Don't make it such an issue that we have to boycott a company because of one small statement," said Muhammad Azril Maridzuan, an assistant bank manager in Kuala Lumpur. Muslim groups should not "be so extremist" even though gay rights was against their religious beliefs, he said. (Reporting by Ebrahim Harris in KUALA LUMPUR and Yuddy Cahya in JAKARTA; Writing by Rozanna Latiff; Editing by Robert Birsel and Paul Tait)
A 38-year-old man has been sentenced to nine months jail after he pleaded guilty to one count of voluntarily causing grievous hurt.

Tan Yeow Boon Daniel, a former yard manager with the Port of Singapore Authority, committed the offence on 7 February last year at a taxi stand near Bugis Plus Shopping Centre.

Appearing before District Judge Ong Chin Ru on Thursday (5 July), Tan, who was represented by his lawyer, Surian Sidambaram, kept his head down throughout the proceedings.

According to the statement of facts, the victim, Don Ng Zhen Xuan, 24, was with three other friends at about 4.30 am when the incident happened.

As they approached the taxi stand, they noticed that Tan was arguing with two of his friends. One of Ngs friends, Kimberlin Cheng Ting, then asked Ng why the three of them were shouting vulgarities.

As Ng thought that Tan and his friends had overhead the comment made by Cheng, he apologised to them. However, the trio walked up to Ng and shouted at him, asking him to ask your girl to shut up, none of your business.

Ng then raised both his hands in the air and apologised multiple times to Tan and his friends, and said that Cheng had no malicious intention as she was drunk.

Tan suddenly threw a punch at Ngs right eye. The blow caused Ngs spectacles to break and knocked him to the ground.

Ngs friends then helped him to his feet and they quickly boarded a taxi afterwards. Tan and his friends chased after the taxi and attempted to open its door, but the vehicle drove off. When Ng and his friends reached Chengs house, one of them called for the police and an ambulance.

Ng was rushed to Changi General Hospital where it was discovered that he had suffered an injury to his right eye. He was given nine days of medical leave.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will fly to Switzerland later Wednesday to push leaders closer to a historic deal on reunifying Cyprus. Turkish and Greek Cypriot leaders, whose latest round of talks opened in the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana a week ago, have asked Guterres to return to the table, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. Dujarric declined to say whether a deal was within reach, saying: "It would be dangerous of me to make any sort of predictions at this point." "The secretary-general just felt that it was a good time for him to return to the talks and he will be there tomorrow," he added. The UN-sponsored talks opened on June 28 amid some optimism over the prospects for reaching a final settlement to end the decades-old division of the Mediterranean island. Negotiations have run into hurdles over the thorny issue of security guarantees and the withdrawal of Turkish troops from the north of the island. Guterres on Friday said negotiations had been "highly constructive" and that the Turkish and Greek Cypriot sides had reached a "clear understanding" of the key elements of a final settlement. Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and later occupied its northern third in response to an Athens-inspired putsch seeking union with Greece. Turkey maintains more than 35,000 troops there.
When President Trump journeys to Hamburg, Germany, this week for the G-20 summit, he will lock eyes for the first time with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in a meeting that, whatever its outcome, will almost certainly deepen the year-old controversy about their relationship. It comes amid multiple probes into Putins interference in our 2016 election, into Trumps possible complicity with that interference, and Trumps curious toleranceeven admirationof Putins most dastardly deeds.

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U.S. officials say Trump wont raise the election antics in the conversation that theyll break away from the crowded summit to hold. What they will talk about, for how long, and with what intentions, no one knows. Before he starts talking too much, Trump should discuss with his advisersas any other American president wouldwhat the current status of RussianAmerican relations is and what they would like it to be.

The two countries are not at war with each other, but nor are we entirely at peace. Some of our interests coincide or converge, some of them clash, but we have few forums for discussing them openly or in depth. Is that good or bad? Should Trump try to reopen more normal diplomacy? During the 2016 campaign, he often asked, with a shrug, what would be wrong with that.

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To the dismay of some advisers, he would reportedly like to use the Hamburg meeting as a vehicle for lifting some of the sanctions and restoring some of the relations. He has asked his team to assemble a list of deliverablesconcessions he could grant Putin, though its unclear in exchange for what. His advisers have argued that in the wake of Russias annexation of Crimea, its incursions into Ukraine, and its hacking of an American election, that Trump should step up the pressure of sanctions, isolation, andwithout inciting warconfrontation.

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If there were a substantive case for improving relations, the clear evidence of Russias role in the 2016 election and the unabated perception of Trump as a Kremlin sympathizer have, ironically, made it harder for the two countries to go down that road: Any concessions, from either side, would be viewedproperlywith suspicion. Still, from an objective standpoint, whether Trump or Hillary Clinton or someone else were sitting in the White House, it would be neither feasible nor desirable for Washington to cut off all cooperation with Moscow and revert to a posture of total hostility.

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The unabated perception of Trump as a Kremlin sympathizer has, ironically, made it harder for the two countries to improve relations.

History suggests that the two optionsconfrontation or cooperationarent mutually exclusive. Even during the Cold War, when RussianAmerican relations were for the most part darkerand the stakes were higherthan they are now, the two governments pursued common paths when their interests allowed.

Most notably, they negotiated and signed more than a dozen treaties capping, reducing, or scrapping whole classes of nuclear weapons. Some of these negotiations were token stand-ins for diplomacyofficials could discuss the abstract equations of the nuclear balance at a time when it was politically impossible to talk about deeper fissuresbut over time, the talks had real impact and, meanwhile, they offered opportunities for these officials, and a few presidents, to get to know one another and, in a couple of crucial cases, convince themselves that the other side wasnt as threatening as theyd thought.

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Even now, as relations have plunged to a postCold War low, some diplomatic forums persist. Most of the arms-control treaties are still in effect (a notable exception being the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, which President George W. Bush abrogated in 2001) and the bilateral commissions created to monitor and raise issues about compliance with those treaties still meet. The United States and Russia remain among the most active member nations of a global counterterrorism force and of at least two organizations that monitor and take action to block the proliferation of nuclear materials and weapons. They are also among the six nations that negotiatedand continue to monitor and enforcethe 2015 nuclear accord with Iran, which even skeptics acknowledge is abiding by the deals terms.

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There is a reason these forums endure: both nations have a vital interest in ensuring they endure. Both nations see terrorism, especially the jihadi variety (a particular problem on Russias southern borders), as a direct threat. Both oppose the spread of nuclear weapons; in some ways, Russia has historically been the stricter party on this issue. During the Cold War, Moscow wouldnt let its Warsaw Pact allies develop their own nuclear weapons, in part out of fear they might brandish them as leverage for independence, whereas Britain and France built their own arsenals without much protest from Washington. The United States and Russia were also active in the six-power talks over North Koreas nuclear program when those talks were going on; and if diplomacy is ever revived, theyll both have to be involved for anything serious to happen. The same is true in Syria. Meanwhile, both sides have enough nuclear weapons to destroy the planet. Tempting as it might be, neither side can simply ignore the other.

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So, quite aside from our current presidents dubious motives, there are good reasons for America to keep some avenues of diplomacy open, just as presidents have done in the past. Doing so doesnt do the Russians any favors, or us any harm; it benefits us both in fairly equal measure.

But these reaffirmations dont need to be proclaimed with fanfare or with hints of imminent sanctions relief or some other concession that Putin might put on the table. There were reasons for those sanctionsthose that President Obama imposed and those that Congress recently tacked onand Putin hasnt backed off the policies that inspired them. He is still targeting Western democracies with information-warfare campaigns (of which computer hacking is just one part), and though he hasnt pushed his troops deeper into Eastern Ukraine, he hasnt withdrawn them either despite the 2015 Minsk accords, which demand an end to the fighting there.

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The risk that Putin will manipulate the president is even higher given that Trump doesnt seem to be preparing much.

Some of Trumps advisers are nervous about the upcoming tete-a-tete in Hamburg. Trump is insisting on a formal sit-down with Putin, as opposed to the casual hallway conversation that the two countries presidents have often had during a brief break in the G-20 summit. As hes shown in his meetings with President Xi Jinping of China and King Salman of Saudi Arabia, Trump has a weakness for authoritarian leaders, especially those who know how to push his buttonsand Putin, the veteran KGB chief, is a master at button-pushing. Just as Xi managed to shape Trumps views on the geopolitics of China, North Korea, and the South China Sea with 10-minute phone call, one can imagine Putin suavely explaining that Ukraine has long been a part of Russia or that Bashar al-Assads regime in Syria is all thats protecting East and West alike from jihadi terror.

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The risk that Putin will manipulate the president is even higher given that Trump doesnt seem to be preparing much. Usually, before such an encounter, a president would assemble a meeting of his National Security Principals Committeeconsisting of the relevant Cabinet secretaries, backed by the National Security Council staffto hammer out an agenda and an outline of positions. Yet his national security adviser, Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, said last week, with an unsettling calmness. Its whatever the president wants to talk about. The last time this happened, at a jovial meeting in the Oval Office, Trump gave away very sensitive intelligence secrets to the Russian ambassador and foreign minister.

NSC meetings are where even confident presidents vet ideas and form policies. In 2014, shortly after Putin annexed Crimea, President Obama assembled the Principals Committee to discuss how to deal with this egregious violation of international norms. Imposing sanctions was one step they agreed to take. Another, less publicized, step was to withdraw from the Bilateral Presidential Commission. The BPC was a major part of the reset in U.S.Russian relations that Obama put in motion in 2009 with Dmitry Medvedev, Russias president at the time, who was more Western-leaning than Putin proved to be when he resumed the office three years later. The BPC consisted of more than a dozen working groupson arms control, scientific cooperation, the environment, business, and so fortheach headed by senior officials and staffed with technical experts.

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This BPC accomplished a great deal (including another strategic arms-reduction treaty and Russias cancellation of an advanced air-defense missile sale to Iran), but the Crimea crisis, on top of Putins general belligerence, compelled Obama to withdraw from the forum. A few of the working groupsfor instance, one on intelligence cooperationnever got off the ground. Other more technical forumsfor instance, one on the International Space Stationcontinued without the BPC. (In fact, the new congressional sanctions make an exception for the U.S. space program since the Russians provide engines for some of NASAs rockets.)

Should Trump revive the BPC or something like it, this may even be worth considering down the road, but not without resolution of the present conflicts and not at an impromptu, unprepped sit-down at the G-20. Let the issue be decided the same way that Obama decided it: in a meeting of the senior-most administration officials.

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Part of the problem here is that there is no consensus among those officials on the basic elements of this question. Secretary of Defense James Mattis and National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster have one view (fairly hawkish), Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has another (more open to relaxing sanctions), and the man who must make the final decision, President Trumpwell, who knows what his position is? Adm. Mike Rogers, director of the National Security Agency, recently told a congressional committee of his frustration with Trumps refusal to so much as acknowledgeunlike the entire U.S. intelligence community and all the lawmakers, including Republicans, who have seen the classified materialsthat Russia interfered in the 2016 election. Its hard for a president to focus on a solution when he doesnt recognize that theres a problem.

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There might be a simple explanation for Trumps stubborn refusal to accept the word of his top spies and analysts, even as he parrots the most outlandish conspiracy theories spread by the likes of Fox News and Breitbart: If he admits that Russia messed with our democracy, he would have to do something about it. And for some reason, he clearly does not want to do something about it; he does not want to punish or further alienate Russia. Why he doesnt is, of course, the mystery driving the investigations of several congressional committees, the FBI, and a special prosecutor. Several officials and outside analysts are worried that his same mysterious motives might drive the nations foreign policy.

If Trump admits that Russia messed with our democracy, he would have to do something about it.

Some Republicans say that recent events have proved Mitt Romney right when he claimed, back in the 2012 election campaign, that Russia was Americas No. 1 geopolitical foe. In fact, though, Romney was wrong then and now. There is nothing geographic (the geo in geopolitical) about the threat that Russia poses to America. Russias military, while stronger than it was a decade ago, has no strategic reach beyond a sliver of Eastern Ukraine and a base in Syriathe latter of which is its only base outside the former Soviet Union.

Romney made his comments in the context of opposing New STARTthe New Strategic Arms Reductions Treatywhich Obama and Medvedev had negotiated in the heyday of the reset (and which the Senate wound up ratifying by a wide margin). Romney and his neo-conservative advisers saw a new Cold War in the offing and pushed for engaging it with a massive U.S. arms buildup. But grim as U.S.Russian tensions are, it is silly to talk of a new Cold War. The real Cold War was a competitionpolitical, economic, ideological, and militaryon a global scale. By contrast, Russia today has a faltering economy, a regional military at best, and no allies other than a few moribund tyrannical holdovers from Soviet times. Even its effort to build a former East bloc counterpart to the European Union fizzled.

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But Putin is very clever at turning some of his weaknesses into strengths and exploiting them in campaigns of asymmetric conflict. Russian security agencies have long been adept at active measuresusing propaganda, disinformation, and the tools of espionage to destabilize foreign enemiesand in the last decade, they have combined this art with cybertechnology. There are no longer Warsaw Pact armies capable of fighting NATO on the fields of Western Europe, but Putin and his aides are trying to use cyberwarfare to influence Western elections, weaken the European Union, and sever Europes trans-Atlantic ties with North America.

Responding to this campaign requires more than traditional military steps. Some of those measures are neededto assure the easternmost NATO allies (for instance, the Baltic states) that theyll be defended from attack. But for most of the contests in this new kind of warfare, toting up each sides tanks, planes, ships, and soldiers is at best an incomplete measure of the balance of power. The instruments of coercion, influence, and diplomacystill relevant tools of international relations in hard timesare more delicate, and must be honed with more sophistication, than ever.

There are also harder questions which no president has answered. For instance, how much do weand can weengage in cyber-retaliation? Responding in kind to Putins operations might mean a massive American propaganda campaign, the effects of which couldnt be isolated to Russian audiences; they would reach American audiences too, which means theyd soon be debunked in our free press and denounced by enraged citizens (and rightly so).

Or we could reveal certain embarrassing facts about Putin, making it clear that, in doing so, we were retaliating to Putins campaign. The problem here is that Putins spies could then track where we got our information and shut down what might have been a valuable intelligence asset. (This may have happened when Obama revealed that Putin had ordered the hacking of Hillary Clintons email, after which three Russian officials were arrested.) This is one reason why, by law and long-standing practice, all U.S. cyberoffensive operations must be approved by the president. For better or worse, this president isnt likely to approve an operation to counter Russias cyberattacks as long as he doesnt admit that the attacks happened.

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Trump believes, based on his career as a New York real-estate mogul, that the whole point of meeting fellow world leaders is to have a good meeting and make a good deal.

In any case, a nation must first decide what it wantswhich of its interests are vital, which arent, and how much it would sacrifice to protect them if things come to that. This is often harder for the U.S. than for most countries. One reason is that, like many dominant powers in history, we tend to favor the status quo (because the status quo has made us strong), and its hard to block or co-opt change, especially in a convulsive era such as ours. Another reason is that we dont really have an interest (much less a vital interest) in some of the fights that we get mixed up in, often for very bad reasons.

Still another reason, almost unique to the Trump administration, is that we dont have an executive branch when it comes to foreign policy. Rather, we have competing officialsCabinet secretaries bereft of assistants, clashing cliques in the White House, some headed by nobodies who got there entirely through nepotism more befitting of royal dynastiesand a president who has no idea what he wants, who doesnt know what he doesnt know, and who believes, based on his career as a New York real-estate mogul, that the whole point of meeting fellow world leaders is to have a good meeting and make a good deal. The thing is, in real-estate transactions, the basic parameters are setthe buildings location and square footage are known, the laws and currency are acceptedand the main things to haggle are the final price and the terms of payment. In diplomacy and war, sometimes no parameters are set, and disputes over premises are the causes of conflict. Sometimes there is no deal to be made, no useful meeting to be held. Getting along is not a meaningful goal or a strategy.

The peril of a full-blown meeting between Trump and Putinof something more elaborate than a brief hello and, maybe, an exchange of views, a brief and well-monitored probe of possibilitiesis that Putin has a goal and a policy, while Trump doesnt but seems eager to come home with something. Thats when diplomacy can be most risky. Risk sometimes pays off, but only if the leader taking the risk knows the dimension of the riskthe range of possible costs and benefitsand even more, knows where hed like the conversation and the subsequent actions to go. Trump hasnt thought this through, and in Hamburg, more than any other meeting hes had as president, he needs to think before he talks.
Detecting deception is difficult, especially if the person lying isnt someone that you know well. Investigators are often in this position when conducting background check interviews as part of the security clearance process. They speak to numerous individuals, asking a series of questions that range from academic experiences to associations with foreign nationals to treason. They then have to assess if the individuals were being honest.

This predicament recently led a group of researchers to explore how technology might play a role in detecting if someone was telling a liehighlighting areas for investigators to follow up on and making the security clearance process more efficient. And their initial research published this month is promising.

Read the Article

Related: Risk, Revisited: Societal Changes and Their Impact on Personnel Risk

Recommended: The Unique Threat of Insiders
One of the most critical, and most challenging, aspects of running a small business is marketing it. Most entrepreneurs have little to no background in marketing, and often lack the resources to hire the talent that could make a difference in this area, especially early on. Failing to market your business and its products effectively can be costly; poor marketing can limit your companys exposure to new customers, and can leave you vulnerable to more market-savvy competitors.

However, it doesnt have to be this way. Even if your company lacks resources, it can get its message out and create product awareness. Here are four great tips for marketing your company effectively, even when the money is tight.

Shoestring Marketing for Small Businesses

Leverage Social Media

There are billions of people on social media, and access to almost all of them is absolutely free. Establishing a presence on social media is one of the best, and most economical, ways to reach new customers and maintain contact with existing ones. Used correctly, social media can be a powerful marketing tool for a small business.

There are some basic rules to effective social media marketing. First, the content you create should be high quality; your potential customers have to want to view it. It should also be current, meaning that you should update your social media presence routinely. Your companys Facebook page is worthless if the last time you updated it was eight months ago.

You should also remember to share and share alike on your social media platforms. Be willing to link to content that other people create or provide you, especially if it is related to your niche industry. This will help spread your social media presence further in the long run, and enable you to reach more potential customers.

Finally, your social media presence should foster community. Your company should interact with customers and potential customers there, and foster a climate where your customers also talk to one another. If your social media presence becomes a place people come to interact with one another, you will be creating the kind of brand awareness that you cannot buy at any price.

Create Buzz with Online Content

Another way to establish your brand and market your products and services economically is by creating great online content. Content marketing involves producing valuable or interesting information that helps generate interest in your company. All types of businesses and nonprofits have pursued this strategy; it is simple, and it works.

Interesting online content provides a service to current and potential customers; they may gain greater understanding of how to use your products or services more effectively, or greater information about the niche in which your products and services are used. Dues blog, for example, has great information relevant to small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Other small businesses have built their entire marketing strategy around providing interesting content. Jenna Woginrich, for example, owns the Cold Antler Farm blog. She has built an entire lifestyle industry around this blog, selling everything from homemade soaps to books on homesteading to an ever-growing audience eagerly awaiting her next blog post.

Much like social media, the key to effective content marketing is providing useful, interesting content, and doing so on a regular basis. Doing so ensures not only that people will read what you produce, but also that they will be able to find it in the first place.

Become a Public Commodity

One of the best ways to get your business noticed, directly and indirectly, is to increase your engagement with the public. There are many ways to do this that wont break the bank; some of them may even pay you for your troubles, too.

If you are an expert in the niche in which your company operates, consider writing an article about it in a magazine or local newspaper. If you can indirectly discuss your companys products or services, all the better. The more exposure you get in venues like these, the better chance you have of reaching new customers.

You could also consider speaking in public forums, such as conventions based around your particular products and industry. A presentation in one of these forums can help raise your companys awareness; they may also offer you a venue to showcase your products and services to potential clients as well.

Another way to attract customers, and keep new ones, is to offer free classes on use of your products. Retail giants like Home Depot and Lowes often do this, teaching would-be customers how to use the tools and materials they sell to improve their homes and yards. Other than the preparation and execution time required, this marketing technique can be done relatively cheaply.

Finally, you could consider sponsoring, or supporting, popular events that potential customers might attend. Events like 10k races, or a tough man style obstacle course, may be a perfect venue if you run a sporting goods store, for example. Supporting any event in your local area may help to generate positive buzz, and lead to more clients in the long run.

Throw Out the Rulebook and Go Guerrilla

Another way to market your business on a low budget is to think wildly outside the box, and establish an attention-getting guerrilla marketing campaign. Guerrilla marketing often involves taking unconventional, and at times controversial, direct action to create awareness of your company, its products and services. Done well, it can be a highly effective promotional tool for your company.

Guerrilla marketing can involve major indoor and outdoor promotions, user experiences that create brand awareness, or even stealth campaigns that indirectly lead people to think about your company and its products. These types of campaigns typically rely on surprise or even shock value to grab peoples attention.

There have been some truly great, and funny, guerrilla marketing campaigns lately. One such example is the paper towel company, Bounty, creating surreal messes, which included eight foot tall discarded popsicles, and 55 gallon spilled coffee cups in public places; people with, you guessed it, rolls of Bounty paper towels subsequently moved in to clean up the messes before an amused public audience.

Even movies use guerrilla marketing to create buzz. Marketing for the The Dark Knight Rises, for example, included releases of heavily redacted CIA documents concerning several of the films major characters. These obscure documents, released early during the films marketing campaign and prior to major trailers coming out, no doubt left moviegoers hungry for more.

Guerrilla marketing can be done on the cheap, and often requires nothing more than a little theatrical creativity. The key factor for success in these campaigns is ensuring that the outcome of any such effort leads to greater awareness of your company, its products, or its services.

See Also: Beef Up Customer Experience with These 4 Tips

Final Thoughts

If you dont develop an consider sponsoring, or supporting, popular events, the success of your company may be at risk. But that doesnt mean you have to go broke raising your brands awareness, either. Effective marketing campaigns can be executed by any company that is willing to put in the effort, even those on a tight budget.

Effective social media presence and content marketing can help you hold on to current customers, and reach new ones as well. Taking advantage of public venues can also help you build goodwill, and connect you to people interested in your company. Finally, for entrepreneurs with low budgets but high levels of creativity, a guerrilla marketing campaign may be the way to go. So if your company is looking to raise awareness and attract new customers, consider these marketing techniques, and put one of them to work for you today.

Republished by permission. Original here.
Alleged theft at the national cultural heritage organisation Matica Slovenska was recently discovered.

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The District Prosecutors Office and police in Martin are already looking into the case of the missing items, the Sme daily wrote on July 6.

The organisation recently opened a safe deposit in its building in Martin with the supervision of a state notary  only to find that several dozen gold objects were missing. These come from an earlier, nation-wide fundraiser and collection-drive to support the organisation that claims to represent all Slovaks, both those in the country and those abroad.

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As for the suspected theft allegedly committed on the premises of Matica Slovenska in Martin, the District Prosecutors Martin Office, in collaboration with the police, is actively scrutinising the criminal responsibility of the perpetrators, General Prosecutors Office spokesperson Jana Tokolyova told the TASR newswire. In this case, General Prosecutor Jaromir Ciznar ordered all those involved to report to the General Prosecutors Office.

What happened in Matica Slovenska

Matica Slovenska opened the safe to check the metal portion of the Slovak National Treasure collection, the chairman of the organisation Marian Tkac told TASR on June 27. The loss was discovered after the initial stocktaking.

The foundations claim that all of the safes boxes and envelopes with gold and other precious metals have been intact since 2006 is not true, Tkac said. The check found that several dozen envelopes containing gold items have been opened, and the contents do not correspond with what is stated on the inventory list. Several dozen gold items are missing  which Matica wants to verify during a thorough stocktaking with representatives of the Matica Slovenska Foundation in attendance.

A good part of the financial collection has been illegitimately invested in the share cooperative Slovak Investments (Podielove druzstvo Slovenske investicie), which Tkac noted has gone bankrupt. Tkac said that the owner of the collection  the Slovak Republic  has lost about 26 million Slovak crowns, which is about 870,000. He said that the foundations collection of paintings, two-thirds of which was a gift from the painter Vincent Hloznik, were damaged due to the negligence of the foundation. Tkac told TASR that the paintings can be repaired, as the Slovak National Gallery has promised to help restore them for a reasonable cost.
The Devin celebrations of Saints Cyril and Methodius on July 5 caused some uproar among Slovak politicians.

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Prime Minister Robert Fico allegedly caused another coalition crisis when he rejected the request of Speaker of Parliament Andrej Danko (of the coalition SNS party) to hold a speech at Devin, a locality on the outskirts of Bratislava that is connected with the Great Moravian era and the arrival of the two saints, who are said to have brought Christianity, ancient Slavonic liturgies, and a new script to the region that is now Slovakia.

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Danko was insulted that Fico did not want him at the celebrations, the Dennik N daily wrote, adding that the SNS chairman told his ministers not to attend the cabinet session that was planned to take place the next day.

Cabinet session cancelled

The Government Office officially announced that the planned July 6 session would not take place but did not provide a reason for the change.

Danko expressed his regret about Ficos approach on his Facebook profile, claiming he received the response from the Government Office that his speech was not welcomed at the celebrations and he thus did not attend. Dankos spokesperson said that he should meet with Fico, the chairman of the ruling Smer party, on July 6.

One of the tasks of the cancelled cabinet meeting was to decide on the appointment of Lubomir Jahnatek for the head of the Regulatory Office for Network Industries, the Sme daily wrote.

Kiska slammed for absence

On the other hand, Fico publicly criticised President Andrej Kiska for not attending the July 5 celebrations. Hello! Im calling on the top constitutional official of this country, saying that this is the most significant state holiday that Slovakia has and that we must value and honour it, Fico said.

The president reacted by saying that he has attended several national holiday celebrations where he missed Fico. But the president would never even think of publicly talking about that, the presidents spokesperson Roman Krpelan said, as quoted by TASR. Not to mention if he knew that the prime minister has a wife who will soon give birth.
Electric up! begins with half- and full-day rental, will later charge per hour

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The usual taxis in front of the Old Market-hall in downtown Bratislava have been replaced by white electric cars, the Sme daily wrote on July 5. Aliancia Stara Trznica, Volkswagen Slovakia and other partners are launching the first car-sharing service in Slovakia, called up! city.

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The first seven white electric Volkswagen e-Up! cars can be rented from the SNP square.

The cost is 25 for a half-day or 35 for the whole day, and a minimum card balance of 300 is required to rent the cars.

The company will later offer a 4 charge for the minimum rental time of one hour, with the goal of eventually introducing a pricing schedule that charges a per-minute price for the exact time of a drive.

Clients will receive a membership card that will enable them to unlock the car and use it by placing the card behind the windscreen.

The cars have installed the up&go navigation which enables customers to set their own routes or use one of six pre-programmed routes of the capital.

Later, more branches of up! city will be added, Sme wrote, adding that as of now, there is just one location in Slovakia where the cars can be rented and returned.

Electric bicycles and scooters can also be rented in front of the Old Market-hall.
Meteorologists warn of heavy rain and strong winds, but also against high temperatures.

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Slovakia will witness heavy rainfall on July 7. As a result, the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMU) issued an orange (second-level) warning for western Slovakia and some districts in the Banska Bystrica Region and a yellow (first-level) warning for the rest of the country. The warning will last from 14:00 to 22:00 (and in some places even until 23:00).

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During the storms, intensive rainfall of about 20-40 millimetres of water is expected to fall, while the wind may be as strong as 65-85 kilometres per hour, the TASR newswire reported.

Some storms may be accompanied by hail, which may case minor damage.

SHMU also issued a yellow warning for the districts in the west and south of Slovakia, with temperatures climbing to 33 degrees Celsius.

The high temperature poses a potential danger to peoples health, physical activities and of the outbreak of fires, SHMU warned, as quoted by TASR.
By Ruma Paul DHAKA (Reuters) - Police in Bangladesh have filed charges ranging from negligence to murder against more than a dozen people after a boiler explosion at a garment plant killed 13 people and injured dozens, officials said on Wednesday. Monday's blast happened during maintenance work at a factory owned by Multifabs Ltd, whose top buyers include fashion chain Lindex, which is part of Finland's Stockmann, German supermarket chain Aldi, and Rexholm of Denmark. Police have blamed the accident on three boiler operators killed in the explosion on the outskirts of Dhaka, the capital, and 10 unidentified people. "They have been accused of negligence and murder as they continued to operate the boiler, ignoring safety concerns," said Aminul Islam, chief of the police station investigating the incident. Survivors found guilty could face punishments ranging from life imprisonment to the death penalty, authorities said. Preliminary investigations showed the licence for the boiler had expired on June 24, district administrator Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir told Reuters. The company said it had applied to renew the licence before the deadline, however. "We applied to the authorities for renewal on June 15," company chairman Mahiuddin Faruqui told Reuters. "There was no negligence on our side." The accident took place as the plant was being readied to resume operations on Tuesday, following a 10-day closure for the Eid al-Fitr holidays at the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. A boiler warning light was flashing before the explosion, but the maintenance team ignored it, said one survivor, Harunur Rashid, a worker in the garment dyeing process. "We heard strange sounds two or three times, but we were told it was nothing," Rashid, hurt in the head and legs by the blast, said from his hospital bed. "Shortly after, it exploded." The blast happened when workers sought to restart the boiler after servicing, Faruqui said. "We don't know whether it gave any warnings or not," he added. Bangladesh's roughly $28-billion garment industry, the world's biggest after China, employs 4 million people and generates about 80 percent of export earnings. It came under scrutiny after the 2013 collapse of the Rana Plaza factory complex that killed more than 1,100 people, and a 2012 fire at a garment factory that killed 112 workers. The Rana Plaza disaster sparked demands for greater safety and put the responsibility to act on foreign companies sourcing clothing from Bangladesh. (Reporting by Ruma Paul; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
PHNOM PENH (Reuters) - Cambodia sent home on Thursday 74 Chinese nationals wanted in China on suspicion of extorting money from people there over the internet and by telephone, Cambodian police said. A team of Chinese police arrived in Cambodia's capital of Phnom Penh on a China Southern Airline flight to pick up the suspects who had been detained in Cambodia. "They established places to commit crime by extorting money from people over the phone," Uk Heisela, the head of the Cambodian police investigation, told reporters. "They used Cambodia as the location to extort money from people in China." The 74 suspects had been arrested in Phnom Penh and Kampot province, he said, adding that it was the first such expulsion this year. Reporters did not get access to the 74 before they were put on the plane and flown home and it was not clear if any of them had lawyers. The deportation is the latest by Cambodia at Beijing's behest. Cambodia is one of China's closest allies in Southeast Asia. In 2009, Cambodia sent home 20 ethnic minority Uighurs, from China's troubled far western region of Xinjiang, despite objections from the U.N. refugee agency and rights groups, which said they feared for the safety of the Uighurs if sent back. Last year, Cambodia deported 13 Taiwanese nationals wanted on fraud charges to mainland China despite vehement opposition from Taipei which has accused Beijing of "abducting" its citizens from countries that do not recognise the island's government - such as Cambodia. Uk Heisela said more than 500 fraud suspects had been deported to China over recent years. (Reporting by Prak Chan Thul; Editing by Amy Sawitta Lefevre and Robert Birsel)
By Tom Miles and Michele Kambas CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland/ATHENS (Reuters) - The head of the United Nations flew into Switzerland on Thursday to press Greek and Turkish Cypriots to seal a deal reuniting their east Mediterranean island, and the U.S. Vice President urged them to "seize this historic opportunity". Diplomatic efforts to reunite Cyprus have failed since the island was riven in a 1974 Turkish army invasion triggered by a coup by Greek Cypriots seeking union with Greece. But factors such as discovery of gas in the area could increase pressure - domestic and international - for a deal. U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres flew into the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana, where Greek Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci have been meeting. He was due to leave for the G20 summit on Friday morning, opening only a narrow window for what might be a "final push". "The day is almost over. Lets see what the night will bring," Akinci told reporters as the leaders moved to a working dinner, which is expected to be followed by more talks. "Negotiations are continuing, and I want to say one thing; cool-headedness and patience is required," Anastasiades said. Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias said the Greek side had done all it could to find a solution, rescuing the talks from collapsing three times. "Its a very difficult exercise," he said. Earlier in the day, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence rang the rival Cypriot leaders to underscore U.S. support, the White House said in a statement. "The Vice President urged President Anastasiades and Mr. Akinci to seize this historic opportunity to reunify the island and expressed his confidence in both leaders' ability to secure a settlement that would reunify Cyprus as a bizonal, bicommunal federation," the statement said. Recent major gas discoveries in the Eastern Mediterranean have refocused attempts to end the conflict, partly because the basin could hold sufficient to wean Europe off reliance on Russian gas, but also because of overlapping territorial claims. GUARANTOR RIGHTS Greek Cypriots recently indicated they would go ahead with plans for gas exploration, despite opposition from Turkey. One diplomatic source said Turkey might be willing to rethink its role on guarantor rights. Turkey, Greece and Britain are guarantor powers of Cyprus in an independence treaty which granted the former colony independence in 1960. That treaty gives them intervention rights to restore constitutional order. Turkey has about 30,000 troops in northern Cyprus, a holdover from the 1974 invasion. One diplomat at the talks said that while there were signs Turkey might be willing to reconsider its intervention rights, it did not appear to waver on the residual presence of Turkish troops on the island after a settlement, a sticking point for the Greek side which wants assurances of their full withdrawal. A "sunset" clause for a full withdrawal of Turkish troops or a further review of whether they are required in Cyprus after a given period of time would be the key bargaining issues, this diplomat said. Greek Cypriots had previously objected to Turkish Cypriot demands for a rotating presidency, but another source said they had indicated readiness to discuss such an arrangement under conditions. Any agreement would have to go to separate referendums in the Greek and Turkish parts of the island, which each have their deeply-rooted sensitivities born of past communal conflicts. Negotiators must agree what powers would be held by two probably largely autonomous zones and which would be ceded to any central administration. (Editing by Ralph Boulton)
SANTA FE  Joseph Cervantes, a southern New Mexico state senator, announced Wednesday that he is wading into next years race to replace Gov. Susana Martinez.

An attorney who has served in the Legislature since 2001, Cervantes is the fourth Democrat to enter the 2018 race and will try to become the first sitting legislator elected governor since 1974.

He said hell focus much of his campaign on ways to create jobs and stem a recent exodus of New Mexico college graduates, citing renewable energy and outdoor recreation as two sectors of the state economy that could be expanded.

Its become abundantly clear in the last few years of this administration that New Mexicos long-term future was not being considered, Cervantes said in a recent interview.

Cervantes, who comes from a prominent southern New Mexico farming family, indicated he plans to invest some of his own resources into the race, saying, Thats important, to show my level of commitment.

He also said hes not daunted by the candidacy of U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a fellow Democrat who has already raised a hefty amount of campaign cash, and received endorsements from several union groups and Attorney General Hector Balderas, among others.

Unlike others who are in the race, Im not a career politician, said Cervantes, who studied to be an architect before going to law school and eventually opening his own law firm.

Cervantes, 56, was elected to the Dona Ana County Commission in 1988. He was appointed to the state House of Representatives in 2001 and after holding that seat for 11-plus years, he was elected to the Senate in 2012.

As a legislator, he sponsored the 2010 Whistleblower Protection Act and worked with Rep. Monica Youngblood, R-Albuquerque, on 2016 legislation that set up a regulatory framework for ride-hailing companies, such as Uber and Lyft.

Cervantes said his tenure as a legislator would allow him to hit the ground running as the states chief executive.

Too often, governors are unprepared for the job, Cervantes told the Journal. The state is in a fiscal crisis right now and there isnt time or opportunity to begin learning about the complexities of our state from scratch.

In addition to Lujan Grisham, the other Democrats running for governor next year are Jeff Apodaca, a former media executive from Albuquerque, and Peter DeBenedittis, an anti-alcohol activist from Santa Fe.

The state Democratic Party will hold its pre-primary convention after the 2018 legislative session. New Mexicos primary election will then be held in June.

No Republicans have formally launched campaigns yet, though U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce and Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn have both said theyre considering getting into the race.

Martinez, the states two-term GOP governor, is barred from seeking a third consecutive term in office.
Kirtland Air Force Base has chosen a development partner to negotiate a contract for leasing about 100 acres along Gibson Boulevard.

The company, identified as Thunderbird Kirtland Development Ltd., has submitted a proposal to develop a research park with office, industrial, laboratory, retail, and hospitality facilities, according to a news release sent out by Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

Negotiations between Thunderbird and the Air Force deputy assistant secretary for installations to hash out a long-term lease are expected to be concluded within 180 days, according to the release.

The research park will revitalize the area while remaining compatible with the missions, plans and programs at Kirtland, reads the release. The land, which was once base housing, is along Gibson between the bases Truman and Carlisle gates.

A Kirtland spokesman this week could not provide any details related on Thunderbird.

The base leader recently outlined some of the possible ways of boosting the areas economy through a process called an enhanced-use lease.

Potential tenants may be from the defense sector and would complement these mission sets we have at Kirtland, Base Commander Col. Eric Froelich said at an industry day event held earlier this year.

Lease payments would come to Kirtland so we can do infrastructure improvements, and the land available (for development) provides proximity to labs like AFRL, Special Operations Wings and Sandia, Froelich said.

The Air Force would not take on any financial or other responsibility for operation or use of the proposed commercial development.

The Kirtland initiative is one of several potential developments eyed by Albuquerque land owners.

The city has officially started work on a long-discussed 80-acre commercial development at the Albuquerque International Sunport. The goal is to transform a decommissioned runway into space for aviation and aerospace industry tenants, plus retail businesses eager for some of the plots Gibson Boulevard frontage.

Nearby, the 330-acre Sunport South Business Park is being marketed to regional firms and national companies, according to Albuquerque representatives of the Phoenix-based developer.

And a new industrial complex called New Mexico Rail Park is proposed for a 1,400-acre site west of Los Lunas. The park is designed for large land users, such as third-party logistics operations, as well as sites for manufacturing, warehouse and distribution opportunities.
Copyright  2017 Albuquerque Journal

Two weeks after a prominent business in Downtown Albuquerque condemned a plague of crime, homelessness, drug addiction and trash at its doorsteps, the mayor unveiled a plan to clean up the area.

The five-point plan came about because business owners came to us and said they want things to get better Downtown, said Mayor Richard Berry at a news conference Downtown Wednesday morning.  Today is about listening to businesses Downtown.

Although residents, other businesses and the president of the Albuquerque City Council say they have previously asked police to address the crime problem Downtown, the mayors plan comes after tech startup Lavu sent a note to him and the governor warning that it may be forced to leave the area because of the crime.

The plan includes a greater police presence in the area, as well as additional street sweepers, graffiti control and trash cleanup; services for people suffering from homelessness, substance abuse and mental health issues; partnerships with business owners; and more coordination between private security and police.

Berry said the administration wants to make sure the effort is sustainable and can be carried over to the next one.

Douglas Chaplin, the citys Family & Community Services Director, said service providers are working with officers and APDs COAST team of civilians to connect people with substance abuse treatment, homeless shelters and other resources. He said $10.5 million was allocated in the Fiscal Year 18 budget and some of it will be used to support these services.

Albuquerque Police Chief Gorden Eden said that since attention to the area was increased on June 26, police have come into contact with 329 people and visited 81 businesses in the area. He said police gave out 214 verbal warnings and 42 citations, and made eight misdemeanor arrests and 11 felony arrests.

A police spokeswoman did not respond to questions about how many contacts police had with residents during previous weeks.

Cmdr. Donovan Olvera of the Valley Area Command said officers began noticing an uptick in crimes, especially property crimes, Downtown about a month ago. He said they have since tried to adjust schedules in order to make sure more officers are patrolling the area in times of peak criminal activity.

He said two officers on the swing shift unit will be pulled out of other areas to focus on Downtown between 3 and 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Celina Espinoza, an APD spokeswoman, said eight bike patrol officers and the two officers on the Valley Area Commands Police and Community Together team  which is focused on proactive community policing and doesnt take routine calls for service  are going to be roaming the area, as well.

Request for action

Though APD has said its officers noticed a rise in crime about a month ago, community activists, businesses and a city councilor say they began to see an increase many months ago.

Councilor Isaac Benton, whose district includes Downtown, said he started hearing of more crime in the area around the Alvarado Transportation Center about three months ago.

And in mid-May, Downtown businesses, nonprofits and neighborhood associations sent a letter to Berry and Eden that said increasing crime in the citys urban core was becoming intolerable and requesting government action.

The chiefs office responded with a letter saying officers are allocated based on an analysis of calls for service over the previous four years and the department could not put officers there now without losing coverage in other area commands.

Its unclear what changed between when the letter was sent and a little more than a month later when Lavu Inc., a technology startup that employs more than 80 people in the Theater Block building at First and Central, warned it may be forced to abandon Downtown if authorities cant reduce crime there.

There was zero response from the mayor and a form letter from the chief before, Benton said. I certainly think it gets their attention when something comes out on the front page, but it shouldnt take that.

We love Downtown

The mayors plan drew support from some prominent business representatives, including Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Terri Cole, whose headquarters are around the corner from Lavu, and veteran local developer Paul Silverman, whose commercial real estate firm Geltmore LLC helped build the new Downtown Imperial Building that now houses the areas only grocery store.

And individual business owners said theyre encouraged by the mayors announcement and the noticeable increase in police patrols since last week, but the long-term impact of city efforts remains to be seen.

Im glad the problems are getting some attention, said Wes Edling of HoldMyTicket, which occupies the fifth floor of the Sunshine Building at Second and Central. There seems to be more of a police presence since the news has grown about the situation Downtown. But well have to see how it goes, because its tough to solve these problems.

Downtown residents said they were also relieved to hear that APD plans to have more officers in the area and that they had noticed there had been fewer patrolling the streets in recent years.

Michaela Bruzzese, who grew up Downtown, said shes noticed that officers typically respond promptly only if someone calls them while a crime is being committed.

When we met with police about crime, the individual officers have been helpful, but theyre just not around anymore, Bruzzese said.

She said her neighbors have been sharing frightening stories through the website nextdoor.com almost every day of burglaries and assaults, and lots of petty crimes.

In response, she organized a neighborhood alliance against crime to meet and discuss how residents can work more closely with law enforcement and each other to keep the area safe. But while they were meeting, a residents bicycle was stolen from where hed locked it up on the street.

Bruzzese said shes encouraged to hear that the mayor has taken steps to curb crime, and hopes that it begins to restore the neighborhood she and others love so much.

We love Downtown, Bruzzese said. The people who live here are committed to doing something about it.
The continued coupling of New Mexico banks with out-of-state holding companies knows no bounds.

Peoples Bank, with four branches in Taos County and one in Albuquerque, said that its Colorado Springs-based parent company will be acquired by Colorado-based National Bank Holdings Corp., which does business in several states.

The merger, pending approval of regulators, is expected to be completed later this year, according to information posted on the Peoples Bank website.

Following the closing of the transaction, Peoples Bank, with $532 million in assets, will operate under the Hillcrest Bank brand name in New Mexico.

Known for its banking unusual slogan, and chocolate chip cookies, Peoples Bank opened in Taos in 1993 and now has four branches there. The first Albuquerque branch opened in Uptown in 1999 and the Jefferson Street branch opened in mid-2007. The Jefferson branch was quietly shuttered in March of this year. The 7,500-square-foot space is now being marketed to new users by a local commercial real estate firm.

The acquisition provides a strong market position in the attractive Colorado Springs and Overland Park (Kansas) markets, and expands our franchise into northern New Mexico, Tim Laney, CEO of National Bank Holdings, said in statement.

Last month, the parent company of First National Bank of Santa Fe finalized its merger with Kansas-based Sunflower Financial, creating a super-community bank with 60 offices in five states. The move also affected First National Rio Grande of Albuquerque, which is a division of the Santa Fe bank. First National Santa Fe and First National Rio Grande are now known as First National 1870.
SANTA FE, N.M.  Immigrant rights groups criticized New Mexico taxation officials Wednesday for taking too much time to review past tax filings that could result in refunds to thousands of foreign nationals, under a legal settlement signed last year.

Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund regional attorney Marisa Bono told a state district court judge that eight months have passed since attorneys for the Department of Taxation and Revenue signed an agreement to automatically provide tax refunds that were improperly withheld in 2015.

Under the agreement, the taxation department agreed to stop automatically withholding income tax refunds from many foreign nationals without Social Security numbers who file under alternative identification numbers provided by the IRS.

Mark Baker, an attorney representing the state agency, said the review of tax filings and refunds is a complicated task  made more difficult during the current tax filing season and by department leadership changes.

District court judge David Thomson declined to set a deadline for compliance with the settlement because the contract had not been finalized until now, as he agreed to dismiss the original lawsuit. Bono said plaintiffs will return to court to head off further delays in delivering overdue refunds.

Bonos group and Somos Un Pueblo Unido say the practice of withholding tax refunds owed to foreign nationals started in 2012.

At previous court hearings, former Taxation Secretary Demesia Padilla denied targeting immigrants, while acknowledging that the agency used an automated software system to flag inconsistencies on tax returns and withhold refunds to seek more information as a precaution against fraud.

Padilla resigned as taxation secretary in December as prosecutors investigated whether she may have given preferential treatment to a former business client. John Monforte serves as acting secretary.
The state Supreme Court has upheld the murder convictions of an Albuquerque man who tried to get out of trouble by saying he was sleeping at his moms house at the time of the 2011 shootings  though his cellphone location records showed differently.

The courts ruling in Carlos Joe Carrillos case keeps him in prison for the deaths of 23-year-old Christopher Kinney and Lindsey Frost, 18.

It is also the first time the justices have addressed how testimony about cellphones and cellphone technology can be used in trial.

In a unanimous opinion written by Justice Barbara Vigil, the court decided that a layperson can testify about how cellphone companies keep records and what those records mean, but an expert must testify about how cellphone technology works, especially if testifying about how technology can pinpoint where an individual was using a phone.

Both issues arose in Carrillos trial.

Carrillo, a heroin addict on probation at the time of the Dec. 4 shootings, told detectives shortly after his arrest that hed been home sleeping at the time Kinney and Frost had been killed.

But detectives got cellphone company records that showed about 80 phone calls or texts between Kinney and Carrillo leading up to the 4 a.m. shooting as the couple sat in their truck parked next to Tiguex Park in Old Town. Carrillo, who was also connected to the 2005 death of a 21-year-old man outside an Albuquerque strip club, and Kinney had been arguing over a drug deal.

In addition to the timing of the calls on the call log, the court heard testimony about the location of cell towers that were registering pings from Carrillos cellphone.

Carrillo claimed to be home, but the cell tower pinging his phone was located Downtown, not the tower that would have pinged had Carrillo been home.

The justices said that at Carrillos trial, the person testifying about the cell tower location was not an official expert and so the entry of that information was a mistake.

It wasnt, however, a mistake that earns Carrillo a new trial.

A jury found Carrillo guilty in 2013, and he was sentenced to two life sentences (in New Mexico a life sentence is 30 years) plus 12 years in prison. Carrillo is now 37.

Save
The first court hearing Wednesday in the state Financial Institutions Divisions two-month effort to take receivership of the Desert State Life Management company for allegedly draining millions from client trust accounts wasnt much of a hearing at all.

The man at the center of the controversy, Desert State CEO Paul Donisthorpe, was a no-show. In fact, no one appeared to defend the nonprofit company that manages trust accounts for more than 70 incapacitated, elderly or otherwise vulnerable clients.

Chief District Judge Nan Nash set an Aug. 3 date for the receivership hearing.

But visibly concerned about the allegations, the judge said she wanted a more immediate remedy to try to preserve whatever trust funds remain at Desert State.

A TRO (temporary restraining order) would be appropriate in this case, Nash said.

The order, which is expected to be signed in the coming days, would be worded to protect trust funds but still allow Desert State clients to receive their monthly Social Security or other regular IRA or annuity checks through Desert State, which acts as the representative payee for about 14 people.

Donisthorpe, according to court records, reportedly suffered brain damage and now has impaired memory after attempting suicide by taking prescription drugs just days before state FID examiners were to make an on-site visit to look at the trust companys books in February.

Businessman and Corrales Mayor Scott Kominiak was described Wednesday in court as the de facto CEO for Desert State, but he also didnt attend.

The state filed a motion on May 31 for an expedited hearing on whether the company should be placed in receivership. Wednesdays hearing on that motion only set a future hearing date.

Kevin Graham, senior enforcement counsel for the FID, told the judge on Wednesday that when officials from his agency attempted to find Donisthorpe to serve him notice of the hearing, they were told he is now divorced and wasnt living at his home in the North Valley.

They dont know where he is, maybe in Farmington, maybe staying with other family; we dont know. We sent notice to every location we had for him, Graham said.

His wife, criminal defense attorney Liane Kerr, filed for divorce in February, and last month a Sandoval County judge approved the divorce settlement splitting up the couples property and vehicles. The U.S. Attorneys Office has filed a forfeiture action to seize three of Donisthorpes properties, but no hearing date has been set.

Albuquerque attorney Scott Fuqua addressed the court on behalf of one of Donisthorpes business partners, Darrell Pitchford, who has a cattle operation in Athens, Texas, with Donisthorpe.

Mr. Pitchford learned about the allegations at the same time everyone else did and it has turned his life upside down, Fuqua told Nash.

After discussions with Kominiak in April, Pitchford sold about $40,000 worth of cattle to try to help replenish Desert State trust accounts, court records show. The FID contends that Donisthorpe funneled some client trust funds from Desert State into the cattle company partnership.

Pitchford had no idea of any improprieties involving Donisthorpe and still doesnt know what happened, Fuqua said.
A $1,000 fine and mandatory one night in jail penalty would likely quickly resolve a good portion of the driving-while-using-cell-phone problem. BPS

AFTER FORMER City Councilor Sally Mayers hard work rehabilitating the Hahn arroyo, lack of Parks and Recreation care has spawned a Siberian elm apocalypse! Thanks a lot, Mayor Tingley. Millions of dollars spent on a beautiful park on the verge of destruction. So sad. VH

I WAS watching Live PD on A&E, and the police in other states were pulling people over for taillights out, no lights on, speeding, failing to stop, improper turns, talking on their cell phone and failing to wear seat belts. I didnt know those were chargeable offenses. WST

LOOKS LIKE there are rats in the pantry. Some states do not want to let the federal government verify voter roles. Figures. I tried to check if my dead father and mother were still voting in Orange County, Calif., but no luck. GWT

SOME SUPPORT de-funding Planned Parenthood to save the unborn from abortions. These same people want to cut Medicaid to 15 million of our most vulnerable citizens  low-income women and children, dooming millions of children to early deaths or suffering lifelong medical conditions, limiting their ability to lead productive lives. Go figure. RB

I HAVE a solution for hiring enough new policemen. Set up speed traps on Academy, Paseo and I-25 north to Bernalillo. That could raise enough money to hire a totally new police force. Add in ticketing people using their phones, and we could get them a completely new police car fleet. SS

I WANT to thank the persons who stole my 100-percent-disabled Vietnam veterans utility trailer from our yard by cutting the chain (that vet) put on it. He worked hard all his life unlike you who steal from people like him. Nice! PWD

I RECENTLY went to Coronado Center and couldnt believe how aggressive and intimidating the kiosk vendors have been allowed to become. They follow you to the point of entry of your destination while asking constant questions. Coronado Management needs to enforce strict rules on them ASAP. Not going back! JES

PLEASE TELL me that the story about the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce giving the mayor an award for crime fighting is fake news. It cant possibly be true! WDL

MEDICAID, AS currently designed, is not sustainable. Realistic changes must be made to continue services to children and the truly disabled. Monthly cash payments for self-directed care is not a good use of Medicaid dollars. Democrats, you cant keep giving everything to everyone for free. DP

LETTER TUESDAY June 27 headlined Obstruction of justice clearly occurred. Somebody please tell this fellow that Richard Nixon was NOT impeached. He resigned before that could happen. Only two presidents have been impeached  Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton. Study your history before you write! PAW
SAN DIEGO  At the risk of setting off more fireworks, Ive spent the days surrounding the Fourth of July trying to answer a question that has perplexed U.S. Latinos for generations. Whether the yardstick is starting businesses, creating jobs, spreading opportunity, serving in uniform or displaying optimism in hard times, Americas largest minority has shown time and again that we love this country.

But does the country love us back?

Honestly, sometimes, its hard to tell. This nation of second chances offers unlimited opportunities to those who are willing to work, hustle and innovate. In the United States, people may be born in poverty but that doesnt mean that poverty is born in them. Our society is one of the freest on Earth, which weve learned has its downside; we have been known to use that freedom to do things that harm us  like shouting down opposing views rather than debating and refuting them.

A new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll finds about 70 percent of Americans say the level of civility in Washington has gotten worse since Donald Trump became president. Only 6 percent say it has improved. Twenty percent say its about the same.

There are times when Latinos feel cradled in Americas warm embrace  just like the waves of Germans, Irish and Italians before us. But just like those  groups, living in this country hasnt been all ethnic celebrations and parade floats.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, immigrants got mixed signals from America. They were often pushed away, discriminated against and prohibited from living in certain neighborhoods. And then, a generation later, theyd get lectures about how they should assimilate and not segregate themselves.

Today, the same thing happens with Latinos. Were told were not full-blooded Americans, more loyal to our ancestral homelands and not as good as our countrymen. To many, Latinos are dangerous, deficient and detrimental to society. Ive even heard someone stupidly say a federal judge born in Indiana to parents who were born in Mexico couldnt be trusted to do his job fairly because he is Mexican.

A fellow journalist  born in Mexico but whom has lived most of her life on this side of the border  says shes writing a book asking America if its finally ready to accept her. Another friend, a lawyer and academic, was recently fired from a university because, he says, the liberals who run it turned out to be  on race  not as liberal as they pretend.

Readers complain Big Media, while professing to be enlightened, is in the dark when it gathers pundits to discuss Latinos but doesnt include Latinos.

My 75-year-old parents lived through the indignities of segregated schools, job discrimination, English-only laws, and signs in restaurants  that said No Dogs or Mexicans Allowed. 

But, in time, my parents also learned that America could redeem itself by finding its way back to its founding principles. And like most Mexican-Americans, they raised their kids to be crystal clear about the fact that we have only one country, one flag and one allegiance.  And yet, my father will often note that, these days, prejudice is still alive and lurking below the surface. Its more subtle now, hell say. But its still there. Some of this prejudice has developed into a more malignant strain of racism or ethnocentrism. Its largely driven by fear of changing demographics. With the nations 56 million Latinos now accounting for 17 percent of the population  on its way to 25 percent in a couple of decades  white Americans and African-Americans are feeling disoriented and displaced.

 We all have our own story. Mine, which could be titled America & Me, is all about gratitude for my U.S. citizenship, even if one snarky reader did refer to it as a technicality. I love my country for the greatness it reveals, and the potential it has to be even greater. And you know what? I think America loves me back, and that it shows its affection with every blessing it bestows.

E-mail: ruben@rubennavarrette.com.
She found the star tucked away in her old jewelry box, where she had put it when she was 5.

Her father had given it to her for reasons even now she does not understand. It was one of the few things he had ever given her.

I believe he was in and out of prison all of my life, Jennifer Martin said. I never knew much about him.

Her father, Alton Martin, has been dead and gone for about 20 years  so long ago that most criminal and prison records of him are not accessible in online archives, save for a mention of an escape attempt at the Chaves County jail in 1978 in which a guard was overtaken but the bars and metal vents were not.

Old letters he wrote her when she was a child are postmarked from the Penitentiary of New Mexico near Santa Fe, one clue that he had served time there.

The star  tarnished brass, six points, ball-tipped  is another clue.

Though the etchings on the star are mostly worn away, the words Santa Fe Deputy New Mexico are still discernible.

Its just strange to me that he would give me that, she said.

She hadnt thought about that star until recently, when she was going through some boxes of old items from her family home and found the jewelry box. Also among the items was a tattered article torn from a magazine that her mother had shown her when she was 12 or 13.

I read it now from beginning to end, she said.

The article was about the February 1980 prison riots at the penitentiary, a gruesome 36 hours when inmates soused on raisin jack and seething over their living conditions rained hell upon the prison. When the smoke cleared, 33 inmates were dead  tortured, raped, burned by blowtorches, dismembered and mutilated.

Fourteen corrections officers were taken hostage, most of them stripped, blindfolded and beaten.

One of the officers was Herman Gallegos, a 50-year-old Santa Fe man who had spent more than half his life employed at the prison.

In The Devils Butcher Shop, a book written about the riots by Roger Morris, Gallegos is described as a congenial veteran and an older, more benign guard whose decency toward the inmates likely saved him from the humiliation and abuse his colleagues endured as hostages.

Gallegos was able to slip into a day room, where he hid for nearly four hours, surrounded by sympathetic inmates.

They offered me coffee and tea, he told a Journal reporter in 1982. Coffee and tea and something to eat and all that. They were not doing anything else but protecting me and comforting me.

Inmates helped Gallegos escape by dressing him in a prisoner uniform and escorting him through the bloody, burning penitentiary.

One of those inmates was Alton Martin.

Because of his actions that day, Martin and several other inmates had their sentences reduced. The star was a gift of gratitude from Gallegos to Martin.

At least that is what Jennifer Martin said she was told. Records and news accounts do not mention Alton Martin, the reduced sentence or the star.

I feel like theres a lot more to the story, she said. I want to know more about why my dad was let out. I want to get to the truth.

And she wants to return the star to its rightful owner.

I feel like thats the right thing to do, she said.

But Gallegos died in October 2012 at age 82. A year later, then-state Department of Corrections Secretary Gregg Marcantel righted a long-neglected wrong by honoring the officers who were on duty when the riot began with the prestigious Medal of Honor. Gallegos was among the seven officers whose families could not be found by the Corrections folks.

But Priscilla Melgar, one of Gallegos two daughters, found them.

And I found her.

She was 12, she told me, when the riot occurred, and she remembers the stories  how the inmates saved her father, how they were shown mercy for their actions with parole, how her father had given them a token of his appreciation, though she never knew what that token looked like.

My father helped the prisoners in every way he could, so in turn, they protected him, the Pecos woman said. He really believed in them. They respected him. He helped many of them turn their lives around. He treated them like humans.

But she also remembers the years after that, how her beloved father could never go back to the job he had once loved, how he screamed in the night, haunted by the memories of the evil that had descended upon Old Main.

He was just a country boy from Nambe, but that night changed him, she said. It traumatized him.

Melgar received the Medal of Honor on behalf of her father in May 2014. Soon, she expects to accept the tarnished star from Jennifer Martin. Such stars, she said, used to be given to the officers many years ago.

This is so unexpected, so wonderful, she said. Im so grateful to get the chance to have this piece of my father.

The two women have already exchanged emails. Jennifer Martin said she hopes to deliver the star to Gallegos family soon. And she wonders whether her fathers actions were worthy of being given the gift of that star nearly 40 years ago.

My dad never deserved that, Jennifer Martin said. Its like everybody thinks he did a good thing. But doing what he did doesnt make you a good person. It makes you normal.

UpFront is a front-page news and opinion column. Comment directly to Joline at 823-3603, jkrueger@abqjournal.com or follow her on Twitter @jolinegkg. Go to www.abqjournal.com/letters/new to submit a letter to the editor.
Copyright  2017 Albuquerque Journal

It was another record-breaking year for tourism trips in New Mexico in 2016, according to the state Tourism Department.

There were an estimated 34.4 million trips in New Mexico last calendar year, up about 3 percent from the 33.4 million visits in 2015, the department reported. In 2010, about 29.8 million visits were made.

Of 2016s 34.4 million trips, roughly 24.3 million, or 70 percent, were by out-of-state visitors.

A record number of people are visiting New Mexico, and that means more money being spent in our communities, said Gov. Susana Martinez.

Day trips increased the most, up 4.9 percent, from just over 18 million to 19.2 million. Day trips by out-of-state visitors accounted for about 11 million of those.

The number of overnight trips also increased, but by just 0.6 percent. Overnight trips rose from 15.1 million to 15.2 million. Eighty-four percent of those were visitors from out of state.

The numbers are extrapolated from a survey of 3,000 people conducted by Longwood Travel USA.

Overnight trips are broken into three categories: business, visiting friends and family and marketable, according to Longwood. Marketable nights  nights stayed at resorts and hotels  represented 55 percent of all overnight stays, up 2.5 percent from 2015.

In the friends and family category, the number of visits fell to 31 percent of all overnight trips, down 8.2 percent from its 2015 level.

According to Longwood, 86 percent of 2016 overnight trips were by repeat visitors, up from 81 percent in 2015.

Though the New Mexico Tourism Department did not have the exact number readily available, Tourism Secretary Rebecca Latham did say that the satisfaction rate for visitors was over the national average, indicating a potential positive for repeat visits.

Outdoor activities continue to be a large draw for New Mexico, with visits to national parks measured at twice the national average  22 percent, compared with 11 percent. And the percentage of visitors who are visiting landmarks, hiking/backpacking or camping all exceed the national average.

Other potential draws for the state were brewery and winery tours, which at 11 and 12 percent, respectively, were about twice the national average.

Accommodation sector taxable gross receipts, lodging receipts and leisure and hospitality jobs all have had strong growth in recent years, according to the state.
Some nine years after a Cibola High School senior was beaten nearly to death with a shovel in her West Side home, Albuquerque police have made an arrest in the case.

Police say in September 2008, Brittani Marcell, then 18, had gone home for lunch when Justin Hansen, 33, brutally attacked her.

Hansen was arrested Wednesday. He is charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, kidnapping and other charges, according to police.

In a late Wednesday night news conference, Albuquerque Police Department spokesman Simon Drobik said the community is safer and Marcells family can breathe a sigh of relief knowing Hansen is in custody.

The important thing is he is off the streets, Drobik said. We want to let Brittani and her family know that hes in custody and he wont be terrorizing anybody in Albuquerque anymore and he wont be terrorizing Brittani.

He said the arrest was made using DNA evidence, but the warrant is sealed and he couldnt give any more details about the investigation. He wouldnt say why they believe Hansen had beaten Marcell.

Drobik said Hansen had gotten a lawyer and would not talk with detectives.

Hansen has no criminal history in New Mexico, online court records show.

On Sept. 11, 2008, Marcells mother had come home to meet her daughter for lunch and instead found her bloodied and lying in the entryway. She said the attacker was still at the house but ran away when he saw her.

Marcell was in a coma for weeks before making a slow recovery.

In the years following the attack, Americas Most Wanted profiled the case and APD released composite sketches of the assailant as Marcell began to remember more about what happened.
HAMBURG, Germany  German police clashed with violent protesters Thursday in Hamburg a day ahead of the Group of 20 summit, using water cannons, pepper spray and batons to disperse marchers after some attacked them with bottles and other objects.

The skirmishes came hours before the two-day gathering of the worlds top economic powers gets under way Friday morning in Germanys second-biggest city.

Its host, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, said she hoped the leaders would be able to find compromises and answers on a wide range of issues  although the prospects of finding common ground on climate change and trade were uncertain.

Thursday evenings protest as the G-20 leaders arrived in Hamburg was titled G-20: Welcome to Hell, and a standoff between hardcore anti-capitalist protesters and police developed before the march itself really got going.

Police said they repeatedly asked some demonstrators to remove their masks, to no avail. They then decided to separate the group from the rest of the march, which they estimated at 12,000 people in total.

Black-hooded protesters attacked a police vehicle with bottles and bricks, breaking its window.

Organizers quickly called an end to the march after the violence broke out, police said. Skirmishes continued, with police advancing down the street with two water cannons while being pelted with bottles by a group of black-clad people.

A nearby building was plastered with the slogan Borderless solidarity instead of nationalism: attack the G-20. A small group on the roof set off fireworks. Police said windows at a furniture store and a bank were damaged. There was no immediate word on a number of arrests or injuries.

Many other groups are calling for peaceful protests and are pushing the G-20 leaders for action to fight climate change and address economic disparities in the world. Some are even calling for the dissolution of the G-20 itself so the United Nations becomes the platform for such discussions.

In all, more than 100,000 protesters are expected in Hamburg for the summit, with some 8,000 considered part of Europes violent left-wing scene, according to police.

The northern port city has boosted its police with reinforcements from around the country and has 20,000 officers on hand to patrol Hamburgs streets, skies and waterways.

Merkel is also hoping to keep things under control inside the city congress center where the summit is being held. With guests including U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the search for compromises is expected to be challenging.

Merkel said leaders would address regulating financial markets, fighting terrorism and pandemics and combatting climate change, among other issues. She said free, rule-based and fair trade will be an important issue.

You can imagine that there will be discussions that will not be easy, she said. Globalization can be a win-win situation. It must not always be that there are winners and losers.

In the wake of Trumps recent decision to pull out of the Paris deal fighting climate change, the battle against global warming promises to feature prominently in discussions at the summit.

Merkel has rejected calls from some to push for a strong G-19 statement  without the U.S.  on climate change. That is something that Zhu Guangyao, a Chinese deputy finance minister, told reporters Thursday that Beijing also did not support.

The policies produced by the G-20 should be by the consensus of all member states, he said. No one should be excluded.

Still, he added, China will firmly promote its policies taking more measures against climate change.

_____

Geir Moulson contributed to this report.
SEOUL, South Korea  South Koreas president reiterated hes willing to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un even as he condemned the Norths first intercontinental ballistic missile test-launch this week as a reckless move that incurred punishment by the international community.

During a speech Thursday ahead of the Group of 20 summit in Germany, President Moon Jae-in also proposed the two Koreas resume reunions of families separated by war, stop hostile activities along their heavily fortified border and cooperate on the 2018 Winter Olympics to be held in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

But its unclear that North Korea would accept any of Moons overtures as South Korea is working with the United States and others to get the country punished for its ICBM launch Tuesday. Its not the first time Moon has talked about a summit with Kim, but repeating that idea two days after the Norths most successful missile test to date clearly indicates he prefers dialogue to applying more pressure or sanctions on the North.

The current situation where there is no contact between the relevant officials of the South and the North is highly dangerous, Moon said. I am ready to meet with Chairman Kim Jong Un of North Korea at any time at any place, if the conditions are met and if it will provide an opportunity to transform the tension and confrontation on the Korean Peninsula.

President Donald Trump said Thursday hes considering unspecified pretty severe things in response to the Norths ICBM launch. While a pre-emptive military strike may be among Trumps potential options, analysts say its one of the unlikeliest because the North Korean retaliation would cause massive casualties in South Korea, particularly in Seoul, which is within easy range of North Koreas artillery.

Moon said he and Kim could put all issues on the negotiating table including the Norths nuclear program and the signing of a peace treaty to officially end the 1950-53 Korean War. An armistice that ended the war has yet to be completed with a peace treaty, leaving the Korean Peninsula in a technical state of war.

Since taking office in May, Moon has been trying to improve ties with North Korea, but his efforts have produced little, with the North testing a series of newly developed missiles.

I hope that North Korea will not cross the bridge of no return, Moon said in Thursdays speech. Whether it will come out to the forum for dialogue, or whether it will kick away this opportunity of dialogue that has been made with difficulty is only a decision that North Korea can make.

The Norths ICBM launch has stoked security worries as it showed the country could eventually perfect a reliable nuclear missile capable of reaching anywhere in the United States. Analysts say the reach of the missile tested Tuesday could extend to Alaska.

After the launch, Kim said he would never put his weapons programs up for negotiation unless the United States abandons its hostile policy toward his country. Kims statement suggested he will order more missile and nuclear tests until North Korea develops a functioning ICBM that can place the entire U.S. within its striking distance.

In a show of force against North Korea, South Korea and the United States staged deep strike precision missile firing drills on Wednesday. In North Koreas capital, thousands of people rallied Thursday in Kim Il Sung square to celebrate the launch.
COLUMBIA, S.C.  Authorities continued to search Thursday for an inmate who has made his second escape from a maximum-security South Carolina prison, offering a reward for information leading to his capture.

Officers with the Department of Corrections and state police began their search for convicted kidnapper Jimmy Causey at around 2 p.m. Wednesday, according to prisons officials. No other details on the escape have been released, and authorities warn anyone who encounters the inmate not to approach him and to call 911.

Causey, 46, escaped this week from Lieber Correctional Institution, about 90 miles (149 km) southeast of Columbia. In 2005, he and another inmate escaped Broad River Correctional Institution near Columbia by hiding in a trash truck.

The pair eluded authorities for three days before being apprehended at a motel along busy Interstate 95, not far from the prison where Causey escaped on Wednesday. A pizza delivery driver told The Associated Press in 2005 that she tipped off authorities when she recognized a customer as one of the two men being sought by authorities.

Both men were returned to prison. Two years later, Brewer was found hanging from a bed sheet in his cell. Grilled by state lawmakers about how the escape happened, then-prisons director Jon Ozmint blamed budget cutbacks that had forced his department to cut 800 security positions, leaving some areas like the trash compactor and loading dock unmonitored by officers.

The director also said the men had fashioned fake heads out of toilet paper and put them in their beds, fooling officers at a 7:15 a.m. prisoner count. After a 9:00 a.m. count came up short, officials did a roll call and realized the two were missing.

Causey was sentenced to life in prison in 2004 after he was convicted of holding Columbia attorney Jack Swerling and his family at gunpoint in their home. He was first incarcerated in state prison in 1992 on charges including grand larceny, according to online records.

In December, another inmate serving a life sentence escaped from a different maximum-security prison in South Carolina. Authorities said 47-year-old Michael Allen Williamson stabbed a police officer during his escape from McCormick Correctional Institution in the western part of the state. The officers protective vest deflected many blows, but she was treated for two stab wounds to her arm and shoulder.

___

Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP. Read more of her work at https://apnews.com/search/meg%20kinnard.
GREELEY, Colo.  An Oklahoma man accused of taking part in a 2015 marijuana-smuggling killing that left two bodies scorched in a flaming truck pleaded not guilty.

The Greeley Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/2tkS7uQ ) Samuel Pinney pleaded not guilty Wednesday to two counts of murder in connection with the deaths of Joshua Foster and Zachary Moore.

Pinney was one of five people arrested during the ensuing investigation. Police and prosecutors say the group, along with Moore and Foster, ran a marijuana smuggling ring between Colorado and Oklahoma, trafficking up to $20,000 of the drug at a time.

According to police reports, Moore and Foster appear to have tried to branch out on their own, using Pinneys marijuana connections but cutting him out of the deal.

Pinneys trial is scheduled for late-November.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  A New Mexico city is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear its appeal of a lower court ruling requiring the removal of a Ten Commandments monument outside City Hall.

Attorneys representing the city of Bloomfield filed a petition with the nations highest court Thursday, following through on the wishes of city councilors who voted earlier this year to pursue the case.

Attorneys with the group Alliance Defending Freedom argue in the petition that guidance from the Supreme Court is needed because various lower courts are using different standards to evaluate whether such monuments are permissible.

They pointed to a California case involving a Latin cross displayed on government property being held unconstitutional when surrounded by stone plaques honoring military personnel. However, in another case, a cross was deemed constitutional when displayed in a city insignia as a sculpture outside of a city sports complex and in a school mural.

There also are the cases of a Ten Commandments poster in a Kentucky courthouse being found constitutional and a monument on the grounds of a public building in Arkansas being found unconstitutional.

Various lower court judges and legal commentators, as well as several members of this Court, have highlighted the confusion resulting from these decisions and have called for this Court to bring clarity to this area of law, the petition states.

The lower courts are essentially shooting in the dark when it comes to passive monuments. More light is needed, the petition continues.

The legal fight over the Bloomfield monument began in 2012 when the American Civil Liberties Union sued on behalf of two residents who objected to the monument.

Attorneys with the ACLU of New Mexico said Thursday they believe the record is in their favor if the Supreme Court were to hear the case.

We wholeheartedly agree with the courts finding that the monument is an unconstitutional endorsement of religion by the city, said Andy Schultz, an attorney working with the New Mexico chapter. Our nation is home to many rich religious traditions and the government shouldnt be in the business of setting one set of religious beliefs above another.

A federal appeals court in February let stand a lower court ruling that concluded the monument violated the U.S. Constitutions prohibition on the government endorsing a religion.

Attorneys for the city argue that the decision by the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ignored previous rulings by the Supreme Court that simply being offended by such a monument did not give someone a legal basis to challenge the monument.

The concrete block stands alongside other monuments on the lawn in front of Bloomfield City Hall that display the Declaration of Independence, the Gettysburg Address and the Bill of Rights.

According to the petition, in adopting its policy for City Hall lawn, Bloomfield leaders were guided by factors that the Supreme Court had laid out in prior cases.

The city also took steps to avoid endorsing religion, something the Constitution bars governments from doing. City leaders had disclaimers placed on the lawn stating that the area was a public forum for citizens to display monuments related to the citys history of law and government and that the privately-funded monuments did not necessarily reflect the opinions of the city.

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This story has been corrected to fix the spelling of Schultz.
Copyright  2017 Albuquerque Journal

The Albuquerque Police Department wont release any information about cellphone spying technology it may  or may not  be using, according to a lawsuit filed Thursday by the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico.

The civil rights group requested records, if they exist, about StingRay cellphone tracking devices the department has purchased and about procedures and policies regarding who can use the devices and what steps they must take to use them, such as procuring a warrant.

The devices mimic a cellphone tower, drawing to them all cellphone use within a certain distance of the device. They can be attached to a building, vehicle or drone to scan an area near targets of investigations. Such devices then can track all phones used in the vicinity  not just the target phone  and some devices can listen to conversations and track texts underway on the phones.

Federal and other law enforcement agencies say the StingRay helps them track down terrorists or criminals by allowing them to form a map of where the target has been based on the digital trail their phones leave.

But civil rights and privacy groups, including the ACLU, say the technology isnt regulated and is being used in secret.

These devices are incredibly invasive, and the government isnt being transparent about how they are being used, ACLU Executive Director Peter Simonson said in an email announcing the filing of the civil lawsuit in state District Court.

If APD is using Stingrays to snoop into peoples private information, the public has a right to know, the email said. We also need to ensure that protections are in place to prevent these powerful tools from being misused or abused.

APD used an exemption in the states open records law to justify denying the ACLUs inquiries. The exemption allows law enforcement to keep secret documents and information that reveal confidential sources, methods, information or individuals accused but not charged with a crime.

The ACLU says the records it requested dont fit any of these categories.

APD spokeswoman Celina Espinoza said in a statement that the department follows legal standards with the use of any technology but couldnt comment further due to the pending litigation.

The agencys lawyers hadnt responded to inquiries about the lawsuit so she could not comment about the claims or about why an agency would not want to disclose records about StingRay use.

The lawsuit seeks to force the city and the police department to turn over any records and pay any damages and costs that are incurred during the suit.

The issue is getting national attention, too.

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case this fall about whether police agencies need a warrant to collect cellphone records related to location. The case could include consideration of how the Fourth Amendment, which protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures by government agents, applies to technology and digital information.

The USA Freedom Act was passed in 2015 in response to Edward Snowdens exposure of the National Security Agencys bulk collection of phone records as part of surveillance. The law is intended to stop bulk collection, but it does not outright ban it.

At the very least, 13 federal surveillance and law enforcement agencies, including branches of the military and the Internal Revenue Service, use StingRay technology, according to the ACLU. The group has been attempting to catalog the whereabouts and oversight of the surveillance units and their use on Americans during terrorism or other law enforcement investigations.

But the civil rights group has been stonewalled by dozens of police departments, some of them claiming that their purchasing contract with StingRays manufacturer prohibits them from acknowledging purchase of a device. Other departments, including APD, argue that any such information about such a device is protected by open records exemptions.
AURORA, Colo.  A Colorado police sergeant who fired an AR-15 rifle at a suspected car thief will not face criminal charges in connection with the shooting.

The Denver Post (http://dpo.st/2uu7Zd8 ) reported Wednesday 17th Judicial District Attorney Dave Young concluded the suspect, Michael Adrian Torres, made aggressive driving maneuvers and Aurora Police Sgt. Kevin Barnes was in fear for his life when he fired the rifle three times April 1.

According to a June 29 letter Young wrote to Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz, Torres suffered two gunshot wounds to his lower back. He was treated at a local hospital and was charged with vehicular eluding upon his release.

Torres was wanted in connection with aggravated motor vehicle theft at the time of the shooting.
AMMAN, Jordan  The father of one of the three U.S. military trainers shot dead at a Jordanian air base in November said Thursday he will honor any decision made by the military court trying the alleged killer, but that no punishment can compensate for the loss of his son.

Charles and Cynthia Lewellen, the parents of 27-year-old Staff Sgt. Matthew C. Lewellen of Kirksville, Missouri, attended court hearings this week, sitting meters away from the defendant, who stood quietly in a cage in the courtroom. The parents will stay in Jordan until the verdict.

It doesnt faze me to see him behind the cage, said Charles Lewellen. I look at him as a guy that took my son and his life from us  someone that took something from us that we will never get back. I cant say Im angry. I just see a future that was taken away by his hands.

Lewellen was killed instantly when three vehicles carrying U.S. troops came under fire at the gate of an air base in southern Jordan in November. The other victims were 30-year-old Staff Sgt. Kevin J. McEnroe of Tucson, Arizona, and 27-year-old Staff Sgt. James F. Moriarty of Kerrville, Texas.

According to previous descriptions of a security camera video by Moriartys father, the first vehicle in a four-car convoy passed through an outer and an inner gate, entering the base safely. Three more vehicles carrying U.S. troops stood between the outer and inner gate when Jordanian gate guards said they heard a low sound, possibly a pistol shot, from the direction of the convoy.

The defendant, 1st Sgt. Marik al-Tuwayha, said in his testimony this week that he opened fire after hearing a pistol shot coming from the direction of the American convoy, saying he feared his colleagues were coming under attack. He has pleaded not guilty.

Other witnesses have also said they heard a pistol shot. Some of the gate guards said they held their fire because they couldnt identify the exact source of the sound.

The defendant has said he initially opened fire from inside a guard house where he was at the time, believing he was complying with rules of engagement. He has said he had no intention of killing anyone and felt no resentment toward Americans.

The security camera footage shown to the bereaved parents by U.S. law enforcement officials did not have sound. However, Lewellen argued Thursday that the video did not suggest a pistol shot had been heard because a gate guard did not react until the Americans came under fire.

I still dont think we know what his (the defendants) intentions were that day. I dont buy the fact that it was a loud sound. I dont think it holds water, said Lewellen. Did he just go crazy for a moment? Was there this so-called sound? I dont know. And I guess we will never know.

The next hearing is set for Monday. The prosecutor is expected to make closing statements.

If convicted of murder, al-Tuwayha faces life in prison.
VICTORIA, Texas  Prosecutors say a woman with no medical training faces up to five years in federal prison after she faked being a registered nurse at five medical facilities in Texas.

Leticia Gallarzo (gah-YAHR-zoh) pleaded guilty Thursday in Victoria to five counts of making false statements related to health care. Investigators say the 42-year-old former Goliad (GOH-lee-ad) resident remains in custody pending sentencing.

Prosecutors say Gallarzo was hired as a registered nurse at two hospitals and three nursing homes in five Texas cities over seven months. Officials say Gallarzo would leave and immediately seek work at a medical facility in another city when her bosses discovered the deception

A U.S. Attorneys Office spokeswoman says Gallarzo worked at hospitals in Victoria, Palacios (puh-LA-shuhs) and Yoakum and at nursing homes in Goliad and Yorktown.

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This story corrects the spelling of the womans last name to Gallarzo, not Garza, and that two facilities where she worked were nursing homes, not hospitals.
A group of Albuquerque prosecutors, business leaders and other local officials will travel to San Francisco to spend part of next week discussing how prosecutors there have incorporated technology and other strategies into criminal cases.

The goal of the trip will be to use similar practices in Bernalillo County criminal courts, said Adolfo Mendez, the chief of policy and planning for 2nd Judicial District Attorney Raul Torrez.

San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon created a Crime Strategies Unit in 2014 that aims to address chronic crime by targeting criminals and areas using data and crime rates. San Francisco has hosted at least one symposium on those crime-fighting strategies in recent years.

Felony and misdemeanor arrests in San Francisco County have been decreasing significantly in recent years, according to California Department of Justice data. There were more than 17,000 felony arrests in 2005 and fewer than 8,000 such arrests in 2014, according to the data.

The San Francisco District Attorney and his team are national leaders in the use of data and analytics to better understand crime drivers in a community, and use this information to drive their prosecutions, Torrez said in a prepared statement. This research trip will be successful if were able to identify and bring back to Bernalillo County key crime-fighting innovations that will help us efficiently and effectively improve public safety.

Crime rates in Albuquerque have been rising in recent years and its an issue at the forefront in the mayoral race. Recently, the city launched a plan to address crime in the Downtown area.

So, on Sunday, a group of 25 people from Albuquerque will make the trip to the Bay Area to see how San Francisco has used technology to target certain criminals. An agenda for the trip shows the group will be discussing alternative programs for offenders, specialty units with the District Attorneys Office, how business leaders can help address crime and other topics.

The group includes Mayor Richard Berry, Bernalillo County Sheriff Manuel Gonzales III, State Police Chief Pete Kassetas, president and CEO of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce Terri Cole, and others.

If we had this kind of capability, we can reduce crime because we are putting the highest-risk defendants in jail and the low-risk defendants in diversion programs, Cole said. From the business community perspective, were interested in seeing how we might help our DA model that same program.

The trip will take place from Sunday through Tuesday.

The Albuquerque Innovation Team, or ABQ i-team, is funding most of the trip, though the exact cost wasnt available on Thursday. The team is a city-affiliated group that is funded with a grant. The teams current priority is to analyze and study crime in the area, said Scott Darnell, the director of the team.

One of the fastest and most effective ways to reduce crime in our community is to help the district attorney get the tools that he needs to effectively do his job, Darnell said.
Sony PIX, home to Hollywoods biggest blockbusters and premieres, is hosting the finest on-ground Hollywood movie extravaganza  PIX Premiere Nights for the much awaited film Spider-Man: Homecoming on July 6, 2017 across 9 cities in India. A day before the release of the much awaited and talked about instalment of the Spiderman series, Sony PIX viewers will be watching the re-boot of their favourite Superhero film before anyone else in the country!

The channel ran a special contest on its social platforms where Tom Holland gave a shout out to the Indian fans to participate and win free tickets for PIX Premiere Nights of Spider-Man: Homecoming, the most mind-blowing and convivial Marvel movie in ages!

PIX Premiere Nights is a rich and immersive cinematic experience by Sony PIX where viewers get a chance to watch the premiere of latest Hollywood movies before its theatrical release in India. This year, the event is bigger and grander than ever as the channel is hosting the screenings in Mumbai, New Delhi, Gurgaon Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune and Kochi.

Watch and experience Hollywood blockbusters only with Sony PIX.
In a recent development, the Delhi High Court has granted Arnab Goswamis Republic TV permission to use The Newshour as the programme title and Nation Wants to Know catchphrase.

As is known, Times Now had filed two applications with the Registrar of Trademarks to trademark the phrases Nation wants to know and The nation wants to know. These are considered to be Goswamis signature lines, which he continued using in his prime time show on Republic TV, which was launched on May 6 this year.

Representing Times Now, Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayyar stated that this is a clear case of passing off as Times Now has been using the phrase Nation wants to know since January 2013. Meanwhile, Republic TVs legal counsel Sandeep Sethi raised an issue concerning maintainability of the application. He contended that the initial suit filed by Times Now alleging infringement of intellectual property did not have any claims regarding use of phrases like Newshour and Nation Wants to Know.

While hearing both the parties, Justice Manmohan observed that the viewers of these channels are educated and nuanced, who understand very well that the two channels are different.

Regarding the use of the title Newshour, Justice Manmohan pointed out that BBC and PBS networks had been using the said title since the 1970s.

When Nayyar objected the use of such phrases by a former employee on another show, Justice Manmohan cited the example of Rajat Sharma, who used to host the show Janta Ki Adalat on Zee News. After quitting Zee News to set up India TV, Sharma began hosting the show as Aap Ki Adalat.

While maintaining that employers are supposed to be magnanimous, Justice Manmohan asked both the sides to act reasonably and lower the temperature and not indulge in bitter battles.

The proceedings concluded with no interim order on the catch phrase till the final judgment is passed. Meanwhile, the Court has asked Republic TV to file its reply within four weeks pertaining to the matter.

It may be noted here that since its launch, Republic TV has continuously led the English News Channel space. As per BARC data for Week 26 (June 24-30) of 2017 [All India (U+R) : NCCS AB : Males 22+ Individuals], the channel garnered a gross viewership of 965, followed by Times Now with a gross viewership of 868.
It was 1989 when Salman Khan sang Kabootar Ja Ja to express his love in Maine Pyar Kiya and the pigeon became Hindi cinemas most celebrated carrier of love. But when was the last time you saw them solve murders? Intrigued enough? Depicting a splendid story of a special equation between a CID officer and a pigeon, Zee Cinema, Worlds Largest Theatre for Hindi Movies presents the Channel Premiere of Shivalinga on Friday, 7th July at 9 PM.

Directed by P. Vasu, the film stars Shiva Rajkumar and Vedhika in the lead, along with Shakthi Vasudevan. Adapted from the Kannada version of the same name, Shivalinga was declared a super-hit right on the day of its release. Shivalinga is an intriguing tale of a well-known CID officer caught amidst a professional commitment of cracking a murder mystery and also saving his wifes life.

Shiva (Shiva Rajkumar), a CID officer takes on the responsibility to decode the truth behind the suspicious death of Raheem (Shakthi Vasudevan) who falls off a moving train. While the world disguises it as a suicide, Raheems lover claims otherwise. Shiva starts joining the dots and finds his support in Raheems pet pigeon who helps with cues. As he inches closer to the case, his wife Satya (Vedhika) gets possessed by Raheems spirit. To save his wifes life, Shiva must now go out of his way to condemn the murderer. But is it all that meets the eye? Is there a truth Shiva doesnt know of?

~Watch the nail-biting premiere of Shivalinga on Friday, 7th July at 9 PM, only on Zee Cinema~
We are seeing a tectonic shift in recruitment, moving away from mass recruitments towards a laser focus on high-performance candidates with very specific skills  quality over quantity, Ramathreya Krishnamurthi, Business Head, TimesJobs, aptly describes the current scenario in digital hiring.

In Part 1 of our Deep-dive report on digital hiring, we had explored the changing face of recruitment, the key platforms used by recruiters, the Digital Vs Traditional conversations, and the cost & time factor.

Deep-dive: Digital hiring Part 1  navigating the talent path

https://www.adgully.com/deep-dive-digital-hiring-part-1-navigating-the-talent-path-73071.html

In the second part of this report, we shall look at how job portals are leveraging the business, as well as the dos & donts for job seekers in the digital space.

Speaking further,said, We are seeing the digital revolution in every aspect recruitment. For instance, the CV has transformed from a piece of paper to a profile database of information about the candidates that can be mined and cross-referenced with big data, social media and AI tools to provide a comprehensive 360-degree view of candidates

Earlier, job seekers had only a few big brands that they would aspire to work with, today with a proliferation of start-ups and the entrepreneurial wave, the employer space has been completely democratised. Now, there are smaller companies, which can be aspirational brands for candidates with niche skills, and big corporations can have smaller divisions which are doing great work in very specific areas. To help candidates make smarter career decisions in this digital age, TimesJobs has launched JobBuzz to provide insights into such companies. JobBuzz helps candidates select those companies that will be the best fit for them and their career growth.

A Monster.com spokesperson shared that in recent years, the online career and recruitment resource has witnessed several significant changes in recruitment landscape. There has been a gradual shift towards social media, networking platforms and hiring skilled candidates. Moreover, the industry practices have undergone a crucial transformation by the growth of digital technologies. Though the path to digital transformation is critical, it has an opportunity to close the gaps in technology, individuals and businesses. Leveraging digital technologies will streamline the hiring outlook in the country and identify the right talent pool suitable for different roles across the sectors.

Challenges & Opportunities

According to Krishnamurthi, to remain competitive, HR professionals need to upgrade their recruitment methods and processes to leverage digital recruitment technologies  this is both the challenge and opportunity faced by HR professionals today. To enable HR professionals to leverage the opportunities that technology provides them, TimesJobs has initiated a series of recruitment webinars that are organised online to help HR professionals master high-end recruitment skills and practices. This is the age of digital disruption and innovation.

Digital recruitment allows recruiters a more selective approach to recruitment, allowing them to target and quickly focus on the right candidates, radically reducing turnaround time, and improving conversion rates, stated Krishnamurthi. For instance, TimesJobs provides Skill Assessments for candidates to evaluate their personal skill-sets against the latest industry standards, along with personalised suggestions and resources to upgrade their skills and grow faster. These assessments in turn help recruiters judge the skills and competency of the candidate, even before they meet them. Previously, the only way to do this was by calling them for interviews and conducting your own tests, which was very time-consuming and inefficient.

We have received great response to our digital initiatives from our extensive recruiter community on TimesJobs, as we serve a corporate customer base of more than 25,000 clients from across the globe, said Krishnamurthi. TimesJobs.com has been serving clients like Infosys, HCL, IBM, Yamaha, Godrej, HSBC, Mahindra, Bajaj Allianz, TCS and Thomson Reuters, to name a few.

Evolution in the hiring process

Krishnamurthi lists a few more instances from TimesJobs that illustrate how digital recruitment has radically enhanced the hiring process 

Skill Assessed Candidates: TimesJobs helps recruiters by providing technology skill-assessed candidates via our technology community and coding platform - TechGig.com.

Job Sharing on LinkedIn & Facebook: TimesJobs provides contextual employer branding benefits. Candidates want to see a face to who is recruiting, the job, the company - providing a social link adds much needed context to the job posting. In addition, candidates are no longer just on one platform, but can be engaged with across the internet. So TimesJobs enables recruiters to share their jobs on LinkedIn & Facebook as well. With one click on the social link icons, from TimesJobs itself, jobs can be posted instantaneously on their LinkedIn/ Facebook timelines to be shared and referred to across social media.

TJ Hire mobile app: Today, recruiters want to get in touch with candidates even when they are on the move, and not just from their desktops. This app helps them search, shortlist and connect with candidates even when they are away from office or travelling. TJ Hire mobile app is exclusively for recruiters to reduce turnaround time of hiring and provide them real-time information on-the-go.

TimesJobs App for candidates: The mobile is now the first screen of access for candidates, and TimesJobs mobile app provides them with all the necessary tools to enhance their career growth in the palm of their hand.

JobBuzz: Candidates also want to know about more about a company and its performance, values, culture, salary, etc. before applying to for a position. JobBuzz provide such insights into companies and helps candidates select those companies that will be the best fit for them and their career growth. JobBuzz Insights include Top 5 reasons to work, Top 5 reasons to leave, Average job tenure, Employee strength by Qualifications, Employee's Feedback for New Joinees, Employee's Feedback for the company management, Ratings in terms of Career Growth, Work Culture, Salary Hikes and Work-Life Balance, Insights from employees, Comparisons with competitors and Interview Tips to name a few.

This kind of clarity and transparency in recruitment would not be possible without digital recruitment technologies and platforms.

What the work force feels

ForLinkedIn is the ideal platform in todays times to look for a new job. According to him, it helps employers find good profiles while searching for candidates. Meanwhile, candidates can apply for jobs in various companies as per relevance and liking. However, to garner actual benefits from such platforms, it is crucial to use them to their features appropriately and optimally. Citing an example, Singh remarked, In LinkedIn, whats important is to have a complete and updated profile, which helps you get noticed. When actively looking for a job, it is in fact a good idea to go one step ahead and buy a premium subscription for a limited period to increase chances of finding a suitable role. Another great platform for looking for jobs is Facebook groups like Media Jobs, which include daily updates. One can even browse through search engines which pop up with different websites with multiple job options available online.

Dhawal Nemawarkar, Senior Manager, Media Planning  Digital, Havas Media, prefers platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Mashable, etc. He added, These social networking sites allow you to customise and create a professional profile and network with potential employers.

How to be on the radar of recruiters

believes that it is through digital marketing that so many young talents could establish themselves in a short period of time. The digital marketing has compelled pre-eminent business leaders to think about the online business. As a result, not only corporates but the freshers too are influenced by the digital marketing. In other words, digital marketing has taken over conventional marketing or promotion.

Meanwhile, Karamjeet Singh opined that in todays day and age, it is of utmost importance to be active on digital media to be found by recruiters as they are constantly on the lookout for fresh talent on platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook. Hence, updated profiles along with up-to-date CVs help a lot when looking to get a job. It is also important to understand the scope of work to land the right job. For example, a thinker understands the product and communication well, while a doer is better at executing marketing innovations. Different verticals need a different approach and content is core for all verticals  SEO, SEM and Social. Besides, fresh talent comes with fresh perspective and even gets tuned with no baggage on their head. Also, as they are millennials, they even understand the existing TG better.

Enhancing skill sets

For Karamjeet Singh, reading more and self-learning are the key to enhancing ones skill sets. He added, There is a lot of information online  Search engine watch, Search Engine land, Facebook Blueprint, Think with Google and other online portals. I have subscribed to various learning portals to keep abreast of the latest developments taking place in the digital industry. The mailer comes right into my inbox and it cant get any more convenient!

Dhawal Nemawarkar, too, thinks that one of the least expensive ways to improve and increase ones skills is to read good books on the subject. One can also go through articles or blogs online.
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) rolled out its latest television commercial (TVC) for the effortlessly stylish CB Shine SP which is on air now.

The Effortless Style. Its Special! campaigns central theme is how the technologically advanced CB Shine SP lets the rider boast his personal style effortlessly with confidence.

Developed by Asatsu DK Fortune Pvt Ltd (ADK), the campaign features Himansh Kohli, the promising Bollywood debutante and the youth icon. The commercial is live on-air on popular channels.

BACKGROUND OF THE CAMPAIGN

While India ranks among the worlds fastest growing economies, it is also home to one of worlds youngest democracy. Indias next Gen strongly believe in their differentiated identity in the society. The new CB Shine SP mirrors the same I am who I am spirit and make them stand out among of their peers.

Launched in 2015, CB Shine SP takes forward the legacy of CB Shine  Indias largest selling 125cc motorcycle with a sporty and youthful reinvention. CB Shine SP comes with an extra dose of sporty style, performance, features and striking looks which makes it very special.

A young and fun loving audience

The Effortless Style! campaign aims at reinforcing the distinctive positioning of CB Shine SP. The communication is targeted towards the aspirational 20-30 year olds (young professionals mostly unmarried males, students and self-employed) who are first time motorcycle buyers and desire a premium and urbane stylish motorcycle.

Brief which drives the message of Effortless Style. Its Special!

Todays young professionals want to be stylish without trying too hard, but rather being effortlessly stylish.

The new India wants to stay up-to-date, thus the stylish and peppy CB Shine 125cc bike becomes ideal for modern youth. CB Shine SP packed to the seams with advanced features like 5 speed transmission, digital analogue meter, Combi-brake with Equalizer, it is not only ahead in terms of performance but is a bonafide style icon. No wonder the rider doesnt have to worry about appearing stylish, it comes effortlessly.

Mix of emotion and reason

The campaign treatment stands out as its narrative reinforces how CB Shine SP is more than just a product but evokes a special emotional connect. All this while rationally reinforcing that it is leagues ahead of competition when it comes to product attributes. Considering the target audience, the TVC is a slice of life of the young Indian customer who is a working professional, is committed to work and also fun.

FILM DESCRIPTOR

Hondas TVC film connects with the urban young in the lingo of fun and fashion. The film beautifully and yet, in a comic manner, tells us how people go to great lengths to look stylish but compromise on comfort. There are few who can confidently carry off style, effortlessly.

The TVC opens with a young stylish couple riding on the CB Shine SP and heading for a club in an up-street locale. Building the mood is the rap jingle in the background crooning, Swag 100 number, killer hai style. At the same time, the main features of the bike appear as classy at appropriate places.

Wherever the couple rides, there are many who are try to appear stylish but are unsuccessful as they compromise go overboard in the process..

They spot a man at a juice shop with baggy jeans but is unable to carry off the style. A voice over in the background says: Khisak na jaye, sambhal na padta hai.

As they ride on, they pass by three glamorously dressed young girls waiting outside a party hall. The shot then zooms to one of them who is putting her best efforts to looks pretty in her saree, but is shivering in the cold while trying too hard to look stylish. The VO in the background says: Thand mei kaapna padta hai.

They then pass by a marriage procession. People are dancing and swaying to the beat. In this crowd, is a guy who is wearing sun-shades in the dark and trying to look cool. He is dancing but he keeps slipping as he is unable to see clearly. A voice over says: Raat ko bhi din banana padta hai, style ke liye kya-kya nahi karna padta hai?

Finally, the young couple reaches their destination and their friends are waiting at the entrance of the club. It is here that the Voice over reminds: Lekin ek style aisa bhi hota hai jo hai ekdum effortless. Honda CB Shine SP 125  Effortless style. Its special.

EXCERPTS FROM SPOKESPERSONS

Honda is Indias most preferred brand in the 125cc executive motorcycle segment. While CB Shine is the choice of mature professionals, its younger sibling CB Shine SP is a successful Urban Commuter with added advantage of 5th gear and digital analog meter. With this campaign, Honda is connecting with the aspirational buyers seeking that extra style and want to stay a step ahead effortlessly, said Mr. Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Senior Vice President-Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd.

CB Shine SP 125 is one of the most stylish bikes in the 125cc motorcycle segment. We had to showcase the rider imagery in an easy and effortless manner. said Subroto Pradhan, Managing Partner, ADK Fortune Communications Pvt. Ltd.

The calling card is style and the seamless design of Shine SP makes it effortless to exude ones unique style. The creative amplification is a commentary on how people try to do that extra bit to come across as stylish which might end up making them look stupid at times. Defeating the basic purpose.Akashneel Dasgupta, ECD, ADK Fortune Communications Pvt. Ltd.

Excited to be a part of this fun campaign for Honda CB Shine SP 125. CB Shine with its effortless style and smartness surely compliments the philosophy of the commercial film, said Himansh Kohli, Bollywood Actor & Main Protagonist of TVC.

LINKS TO THE CAMPAIGN:

For more information, contact: public.relations@honda2wheelersindia.com

CAMPAIGN SUMMARY:
We can help you make sense of the agribusiness industry, extending from chemicals and fertilizers used as inputs into agriculture, to the commodities, food and by-products that are an output to farming, with policy and regulation applied at every step of the value chain.
According to a report today, the heads of both Amazon and Dish are currently in talks about potentially partnering up for wireless. Dish has long wanted to get into the wireless world, and has been picking up spectrum left and right from various FCC auctions in the past few years. But the issue here is that the FCC requires operators to actually put that spectrum to use within a specific time frame, and Dishs time frame is ending pretty soon. Now Amazon hasnt really shown a whole lot of interest in creating its own wireless network, but it has created smartphones, tablets and even has its own Amazon Prime exclusive smartphones that are discounted, so the only thing missing is indeed a network.

Now the report out of The Wall Street Journal notes that Amazon could help foot the bill for building out this network. Amazon could also bundle it in with its Prime membership and reduce the prices for using this network, or even include it for free with Prime. Amazon is always looking for more things to add to Prime to get more customers onboard, and this could be the perfect fit. Someone familiar with the plans of Dish and Amazon also noted that Amazon could get one-way broadcast for Prime Video to broadcast on Dishs airwaves in this deal. Of course, a lot of whats being said now are just ideas, as neither side has come up with a plan on what they want to do if a deal is made.

However, the report did also note that it is highly unlikely that Amazon would acquire Dish. Now this could become a pretty interesting idea, if something does happen between these two, perhaps Amazon using Dishs network as an MVNO, since Sprint is already in talks with Comcast and Charter as it is looking for a buyer. Analysts have also been stating that telecom companies and cable companies will be merging pretty soon, or at least working closer together. And now that the incentive auction is over, these companies can actually talk with each other, since the quiet period is also finished.
Google has today announced the release of a new Blocks app for the HTC Vive and the Oculus Rift. In reality, this is an app that is more focused on the developer side of things, although the benefit of the app will trickle down to the end user, as the notion behind Blocks is to make it easier for developers and/or designers to include 3D aspects within a typical VR experience.

In short, Blocks is an app which does not look to help create a VR or 3D immersive experience, but instead looks to make it easier to create the more minor aspects which collectively make up a VR or 3D experience. Google claims that this app will be of benefit to anyone interested in creating 3D objects, and regardless of their experience in modelling. As the tools included look to break down the process and create 3D objects in a simple manner, and regardless of the complexity of the actual object in question. As Google puts it, with Blocks, designers can create models as simple as a mug and as complex as a spaceship. Even the name of the app is somewhat designed to highlight this ease-of-use approach, with the Blocks announcement stating that the interface is more designed to feel like playing with childrens blocks than working with traditional 3D modeling software. The user simply starts off by selecting a shape, adding color, and then progressing through the rest of the six tools until the end product comes together.

At which point, the ease-of-use approach then can be extended to the exportation of the creations. Allowing objects to easily be exported out for use in general AR and VR development projects. Or just as easily exported as an object which can then be shared on social media, or just published to the web in general. As mentioned, Blocks is now available for the HTC Vive and Oculus rift (does not currently support Googles own VR platform, Daydream) and can be downloaded for free directly from either of the respective app stores. While more information is available through the link below, as well as by watching the recently released Blocks introductory video.
The Illinois General Assembly voted to approve a new telecommunications modernization bill backed by AT&T last weekend, with the legislative body allowing the second largest mobile service provider in the United States to cut off 1.2 million of its legacy landlines in the state. Governor Bruce Rauner vetoed the decision but was ultimately overruled, though the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) still has jurisdiction over the case and must approve the vote before AT&T can proceed with disconnecting its local landlines. The decision still wont affect landline phone service offered by the wireless carrier for the foreseeable future, the companys Illinois President Paul La Schiazza said on Wednesday. The latest turn of events puts AT&T one step closer to completely disconnecting its legacy landlines in the United States, with the Dallas, Texas-based telecom giant already being able to pass similar legislation in 18 other states. The only remaining state in which the company is offering a traditional telephone service and is still unable to obtain formal approval to get out of that obligation is California.

AT&T claims that disconnecting its legacy landlines is a necessity, with the majority of its user base transitioning to Internet-enabled phone service and the firm claiming that its currently losing approximately 5,000 landline customers in Illinois on a weekly basis. Not even every tenth household in the state is currently using the companys traditional telephone service and the number of those that do is bound to be even smaller by the time AT&T eventually disconnects its landlines, the telecom giant claims. No specific timeline for that effort has yet been provided by the company that so far only estimated the transition could take years, presumably not accounting for the period of waiting for the FCCs approval of the move. The federal telecommunications regulator is unlikely to stand in the way of AT&Ts plans, most industry watchers agree.

Opponents of the change claim that AT&T is neglecting the states elderly and poor population, with those demographics still being reliant on traditional telephone landlines. A number of local organizations like the Citizens Utility Board are still planning to fight the move and all consumers who feel threatened by the decision can submit their complaints to the Illinois Commerce Commission. An update on the situation is expected to follow later this year.
Samsungs Galaxy Note 8 reveal is rumored to be coming up in the next couple of months and while that seems like its far away, the next couple of months is sure to come up faster than you think and before you know it the device will be here. Theres nothing confirmed about the Galaxy Note 8 yet, but there have been plenty of rumors so far, and with those rumors what to expect with the device when it arrives is starting to take shape, so heres what there is to know about the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 in terms of potential specs, hardware, design, and features.

Design

The design of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is likely to be one of the main talking points between interested consumers, as its the first thing to see when looking at the phone, and Samsungs device designs have become a staple in the smartphone market. The latest leak shows what could very well be the final design for the phone and if it is indeed what Samsung has come to in terms of how the phone looks, then it isnt too different from the Galaxy S8 Plus. The image can be seen above and showcases the similarities between it and the Samsungs current flagship, with a nearly bezel-free screen, a rear-facing fingerprint sensor, and the familiar (yet also new) taller display thanks to what could be an 18.5:9 aspect ratio. What is different is the appearance of the dual rear-facing camera sensors, which is a feature many thought would be present on the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus when they launched. While theres no guarantee that Samsung has used a dual camera setup on the Galaxy Note 8, rumors of Samsung using a dual rear camera have been around for a while now and many other top brands are already utilizing such hardware features, so it wouldnt be too out there if Samsung implemented it with its second flagship device line.

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The design of the device show in the images up above could certainly be the final design, but other leaked images which look like press renders showcase a slightly different style. In the images below the Galaxy Note 8 still comes with a dual camera setup on the back but the sensor combo is placed vertically instead of horizontally, though the fingerprint sensor doesnt appear to be present on the back like in the most recent leaks, suggesting that Samsung either used an under the glass fingerprint sensor (which doesnt seem too likely) or its been placed on the side similar in fashion to what Sony has done with their most recent phones from this year and last year. Of course, theres also the possibility that the design with the vertical rear camera setup isnt Samsungs final design. Both seem like plausible options, but the most recent comes across as the most plausible choice as it mimics what Samsung is already doing.

Update: July 8th

Earlier this week a new concept render video popped up which showcases a perceived design that looks like it was based on some of the most recent leaks of the device. While the concept render is just that  a concept, it does give another idea of what to expect in the design department. While its not an official render, it just might be the best look at what Samsung has potentially come up with since you can view the phone from pretty much all angles.

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Update: July 10th

While this certainly isnt the first image thats surfaced showing the front side of the Galaxy Note 8, the design of the screen does seem to match up with previous leaks, showing what looks like it could possibly be two front-facing cameras up top. Now, there havent really been any rumors pointing to two front-facing cameras, and its entirely possible that what looks like a second camera in this image is just one of the sensors that Samsung has placed up front. Nevertheless it adds some more uncertainty to the design, but also adds a level of interest and intrigue.

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Update: July 10th

Two images of the Galaxy Note 8 front panel show that the phone is likely to come with an infinity display, something which shouldnt be much of a surprise as Samsung already applied this design aspect to its Galaxy S8 flagships and theres no reason why it wouldnt continue to use this design for the next device in the Galaxy Note lineup. While these are just the front glass panels, it adds more evidence of the Galaxy Note 8s final design.

Update: July 11th

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This is another design schematic that recently surfaced showing what the Galaxy Note 8s design could be like. This isnt really anything new, but it does show similar traits to other leaks, such as the dual rear cameras and rear-facing fingerprint sensor.

Update: July 13th

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Samsung sent out a tweet on this day which seemed to show off the front of the Galaxy Note 8. The tweet was not in relation to the new phone, rather it was kind of like an advertisement for the next Exynos processor, but the device in the picture looks like the Galaxy Note 8, and this got people thinking that Samsung may have intentionally used the Galaxy Note 8s design for the image without mentioning what it was to get people talking and excited.

Another set of leaks also dropped on the same day which were said to be of the Galaxy Note 8, though providing a better look at the possible design of the phone than Samsungs Exynos 9-related tweet, as the leaks were renders which showed off the full front of the phone. These seemed to match up pretty well with other leaks in the past, adding more credence to the suspected design.

Update: July 14

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This isnt the first time the front panel of the phone has leaked, but it was the latest leak, and it was even posted next to the front panel of the Galaxy S8 for reference of comparison in size and design. While the panels look mostly the same, there is a clear difference in size and a few small adjustments to the way it looks.

In addition to the leaked front panel, another new set of renders were leaked as well. Showing three different images of the phone with different home screen wallpapers, showing what looks like the final design complete with front-facing cameras, the new UI style, and Samsungs latest icon designs.

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Update: July 20th

This is perhaps the best look yet at Samsungs upcoming Galaxy Note 8, as it shows the phone from all angles so consumers have a view of the front, the back, the sides, and the top and bottom, allowing them to see all the buttons, ports, the screen, and the dual rear camera module and fingerprint sensor. On top of all this, the design also looks just like many of the previous leaks that came before it.

Update: July 22nd

Last week it was rumored that the Galaxy note 8 would be coming in at least three different color options. These included a Black color option, which is now being called Midnight Black according to the leak below, and Samsung will reportedly also launch the device in an Orchid Grey, and a Deep Blue color.

Update: July 29th

While it cant be confirmed, the Galaxy Note 8 front panel is suggested to have leaked online recently. Judging by the comparisons of the image above and the rest of the leaked images of the device in this post, it would seem that this is the front panel for the Galaxy Note 8.

Update: July 31st

Heading ever closer to the next Unpacked event on August 23rd where Samsung is expected to announce its latest Galaxy Note device, another leak of the phone has surfaced online showing up in what is being referred to as the Midnight Black color. This provides yet another picture of the Galaxy Note 8 to match up with previously leaked images, such as the very first one at the top of this post.

Update: August 1st

Following from yesterdays early evening leak showing the Galaxy Note 8 in Midnight Black, a new leaked image from earlier on today, August 1st, shows the same Midnight Black model next to the Gold model, but not just from the front. Its also showing from the back so you can see the dual rear cameras and fingerprint sensor, as well as showing from the sides, and it even includes a look at the S Pen.

Update: August 8th

While Samsung is no stranger to launching multiple colors for its devices, according to a new leak Samsung may be looking to launch the Galaxy Note 8 in a total of 8 new colors, which might be just coincidence considering the version number of the device. All of the included colors from the leak can be seen in the image just above, though its certainly worth mentioning that if all colors do launch, they may not launch in all markets and at the same time.

Update: August 16th

Just today a new render for the Galaxy Note 8 leaked which shows a different color variant that hadnt been shown until now  a Blue model, which is reportedly called Deep Sea Blue to evoke its dark blue color.

Update: August 17th

While the design of the Galaxy Note 8 has already been leaked plenty of times, it seems each and every leak only adds more confirmation that the design is whats been out there for the past month. Just yesterday, what is said to be an official brochure for the Galaxy Note 8 was leaked, and in it you can once again see the design of the phone, which matches up with previous leaks.

In addition to the brochure, images leaked of what are said to be of a dummy Galaxy Note 8, offering yet another good look at the design up close.

Specs & Features

None of the specs on the Galaxy Note 8 that are currently being discussed can really be labeled as accurate since Samsung themselves have yet to confirm anything, but that doesnt mean there isnt a running list of possible hardware and software features of the phone. Quite the opposite, in fact. While some of the earliest specs rumors about the Galaxy Note 8 included a massive amount of internal storage and RAM (such as 256GB of storage and 6GB of RAM, though 6GB isnt exactly a lot these days now that multiple OEMs are implementing the use of it), the more recent specs rumors are a little more in line with whats more likely to be in use. A rumor which popped up back on June 30th of this year suggests that the Galaxy Note 8 will come with options for both 64GB and 128GB of storage. This amount of space while not revolutionary, is much more common and due to the cost of storage something as high as 256GB in a device would be sure to raise the cost beyond what many consumers would be willing to pay.

Other internal hardware specs are thought to be a 3,300mAh battery and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor. While the battery is always generally a surprise with each device release, the use of the industrys top mobile processor at the moment shouldnt be too much of a surprise as the Galaxy Note 8 will be a flagship smartphone and Samsung is unlikely to use anything other than a flagship mobile processor. That being said, the Galaxy Note 8 will most likely also feature a different processor for most international markets, and this is probably going to be the Exynos 8895 which is Samsungs equivalent to the Snapdragon 835 CPU, and the same processor that can be found in the international version of the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus. Some rumors have speculated the use of 8GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 836 CPU (which is still an unannounced CPU) but chances are Samsung wont be opting to include such specs. Screen wise the Galaxy Note 8 could come with a 6.3-inch QHD+ display, but the phone could just as easily come with the same 6.2-inch QHD+ display thats found on the Galaxy S8 Plus, which while not an improvement, there isnt much difference in size between 6.2-inches and 6.3-inches, and with using the 6.2-inch display from the Galaxy S8 Plus Samsung would be saving on having to come up with a whole different panel. The cameras are expected to be dual 12-megapixel sensors on the back, while the front-facing camera would most likely be the same 8-megapixel sensor that Samsung is using on its Galaxy S8 lineup.

The Galaxy Note 8 will no doubt come with Samsungs new Bixby software though by the time it launches Bixby should be a little more fleshed out and hopefully come with all its intended uses. When it launched with the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus, Bixby was lacking its most anticipated function  the ability to use its voice features. As a competitor to Google Assistant many expected the full capabilities of Bixby to be available from the start but unfortunately this wasnt the case. Samsung has delayed the launch of Bixbys voice features in the U.S. but now maintains that it expects Bixby Voice to hit U.S. consumers before the second half of July. If this happen then Bixbys voice feature should easily make it to the Galaxy Note 8 as well.

Update: July 7th

Earlier this week, a leaked set of supposed Galaxy Note 8 schematics surfaced which seem to point to the possibility of the phone coming with some augmented reality features similar to the ASUS ZenFone AR. The leak suggests that the Galaxy Note 8 will come with an AR-enabled sensor on the back with the dual rear cameras that will give it the ability to use AR apps and functions.

Update: July 20th

This leak shows off what could be the Galaxy Note 8s S Pen. It doesnt appear to have changed much design wise, but it does provide a look at what is possibly the included accessory for the next Note device. As for what new features will be added to it, as there is sure to be some, these will have to wait until Samsungs announcement for the phone.

Update: July 21st

The most recent leak for the Galaxy Note 8 surrounds the Bixby feature, suggesting that the phone will come bundled with, or launch alongside a set of Bluetooth headphones or earbuds (or perhaps a single earbud similar to Sonys Xperia Ear) which supports Bixby, complete with Samsungs noise-blocking technology to filter out ambient noise (which is likely the same tech as that which is found in the Gear IconX earbuds) and allowing users to interact with Bixby through the earbuds themselves.

Update: July 24th

While its already been rumored for a while that the Galaxy Note 8 would probably be coming with a dual camera module on the back for the main camera setup, its now also been rumored that the main camera will provide users with a 3x optical zoom, which would certainly give the Note 8 a leg up on the competition in terms of zooming in on subjects.

Update: July 26th

While its quite likely that the Galaxy Note 8 will come with 4GB of RAM as standard, there has been a rumored Emperor Edition model that has recently been talked about which is said to potentially come with 8GB of RAM, which would be double the amount of RAM found on the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+.

Update: July 27th

When it comes to watching media on a smartphone, theres no doubting that the experience is better on a device with a bigger display, as it allows you to see more of whats being streamed or viewed locally, and it would seem that Samsung feels its Galaxy Note 8 will be best for media consumption, meaning that this will be one of its best qualities. According to one executive during the Samsung second quarter earnings call on July 27th, the Galaxy Note 8 will offer those who like to consume media on their phones a tailor-made experience meant just for this purpose.

Update: July 30th

It would seem that dual rear cameras and 3x optical zoom may not be the only extra features that users can expect from the Galaxy Note 8 in the picture department. A recent report from July 30th suggests that a number of the different camera traits for the phone have leaked, showing not only the 3x optical zoom, but also the 3x digital zoom to contrast the two types, as well as the phones depth of field effects and other possible software features.

Update: August 15th

While the rumor an the suspicion that the Galaxy Note 8 will come with dual rear cameras is pretty much confirmed at this point, what has been more unclear is what quality the sensors will be. According to a rumor, one lens will be a 12-megapixel sensor and the other will be a 13-megapixel sensor.

Update: August 16th

Samsung Experience is the name of Samsungs software suite for its devices, and its rumored that Samsung will launch the 8.5 version of this software with the Galaxy Note 8, bringing with it some nice improvements compared to the previous version of the software, though it hasnt been detailed what those improvements would be.

Update: August 18th

While some of the camera features for the Galaxy Note 8 have been leaked prior to today, a newly leaked video for a Korean ad spot of the device seems to suggest camera features as well.

Wallpapers  August 8th

Recently a set of wallpapers that are said to officially be from the Galaxy Note 8 have leaked, and its possible to download a number of them if you feel like having a little taste of the Note 8 on your own device.

Cases

Sort of building on the design aspect of the phone, there have been a number of case leaks for the Galaxy Note 8. While the cases themselves arent too exciting what they do provide is a look at the design of the device to some degree, and the design matches up with the design of the phone in the most recent leaks, which includes the dual rear cameras being situated horizontally with the fingerprint sensor to the right of the camera sensors just like on the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus. Whats more, is that the leaks include different types of cases which show the same type of design, so it seems more and more likely that the most recently leaked design is how the phone will look when Samsung unveils it later this year.

Update: July 10th

Another new set of case renders have leaked this week which show off the design of the Galaxy Note 8. These new case renders show what is essentially the same design as what can be seen in quite a few of the previous leaks with horizontal dual rear camera sensors, an infinity display, and other things like USB Type-C as well as the Bixby button.

Update: July 17th

Giving consumers a look at both the front and the back, a new leak showing dbrands skins for the phone gives consumers an idea of what they will look like when applied to the device. Its also one more piece of evidence for the phones final design.

Update: July 19th

Following the dbrand skin leak, cases coming from a Chinese accessory maker show off the Galaxy Note 8 from the front and the back as well. You can see the Infinity display as well as the dual rear camera module complete with rear-facing fingerprint sensor.

Update: July 31st

A number of case leaks have already surfaced for the Galaxy Note 8 and not only does this give the consumer a good idea of what the cases for the phone will be like should they want to pick one up eventually, it also helps solidify the design elements of the phone itself. Ghostek, a company which specializes in a number of different smartphone cases, has leaked another case image for the Galaxy Note 8, showing a different case and yet another look at the phones design.

Update: August 8th

Its now being reported that some countries where the Galaxy Note 8 will launch will come with a case included in the box. The case is said to be a transparent case, which is something that you will often see from many of the Chinese phone vendors.

Availability & Price

When it comes to high-end phones like the Galaxy Note 8 availability is always going to be a topic of interest. Samsung typically announces its Galaxy Note devices in the Fall and usually at IFA, then it launches the phone some weeks later. This year things may be a little bit different as Samsung is now rumored to be unveiling the Galaxy Note 8 at the end of August. Back at the end of June a rumor popped up which stated Samsung would be launching the phone in August at an event in New York. Then a day later the date was specified as August 26th. This a close to a week or two before Samsung would normally announce the device so its not too much earlier, but it could give Samsung just enough time to unveil the phone before any other big name OEMs announce their own fall lineup.

As for the price, its tough to say at this moment but at least one rumor has pegged the Galaxy Note 8 as becoming available in Europe for the cost of 999, which would make it close to $900 in the U.S. These prices seem a little high so they should still be taken with a grain of salt but the Galaxy Note 8 is a high-end device so even if the costs arent completely correct they may not be too far off from the actual price that Samsung intends to put the phone out on the market for. More rumors about price and availability may turn up before the end of next month when the phone is expected to launch, but for now the late August time frame and the possibility of a $900 and up price tag provide an idea of what to expect in this area.

Update: July 12th

While the most recent leaks surrounding the availability of the Galaxy Note 8 suggested that we could see the phone launch sometime towards the end of August, none of the information thus far had suggested an actual launch date. That seems to have changed as the most recent rumor now suggests that Samsung could launch the Galaxy Note 8 on August 23rd. Now, if the launch actually happens on August 23rd, that could mean that Samsung would be announcing the phone earlier than that, as it doesnt usually launch devices the same day theyre announced. That said, its entirely possible that Samsung could announce and launch the phone on the same day.

Update: July 16th

Back on Sunday it was reported that CEO of Samsung was confirming a late August reveal of the Galaxy Note 8, which matched up with previous rumors that it would be coming at the end of that month. Though the exact date wasnt mentioned, it had already been rumored which adds truth to them.

Update: July 20th

Following the CEOs confirmation of a late August reveal, Samsung sent out press invites for its next Galaxy Unpacked event taking place on August 23rd, complete with an image that shows the outline of the Galaxy Note 8 and its S Pen. While theres no way to know what else Samsung may have in store for the event, the Galaxy Note 8 is a given, and now offers consumers something to truly look forward to at the end of August.

Update: July 28th

Just a few days ago the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 passed through the FCC, which is usually one of the last steps for a mobile device on its way to retailers, following an official announcement, of course. Since Samsungs official unveiling of the Galaxy Note 8 is set to happen on August 23rd, and the phone now having passed through the FCC, a launch is likely not too far in the future.

Update: July 30th

Though the Galaxy Note 8 isnt due for an official announcement until August 23rd with a launch happening sometime soon after that date, its been reported that Samsung Australia has already opened pre-registrations for the phone. To be clear, this is not the same as a pre-order, it is simply an opportunity for those interested to stay in the loop about the phone directly from Samsung once the device has been officially announced.

Update: August 14th

https://youtu.be/dIJ45mImgqc

Samsung has started teasing the Note 8 again leading up to its announcement event, and although it doesnt show off the phone, it has published a new video on YouTube which does a good job of hinting at stuff youll be able to do with it.

Update: August 18th

A new leak coming from Evan Blass states that Samsung will be opening up pre-orders for the Galaxy Note 8 on August 24th, next Thursday, and that it will be offering consumers their choice of some free accessories, including a wireless charger or a 360 camera, and that the device will come with a 256GB microSD card as an included accessory bonus in the box. Pricing information was also leaked for the Galaxy Note 8 today, though the prices are for China. That said, the rumored costs for the phone are 6,288 Yuan for a model with 6GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, 7,088 Yuan for a model with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, and 7,988 Yuan for a model with 6GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

Wrap Up

Theres still plenty about the Galaxy Note 8 thats unknown and most of if not all of the actual details will remain a mystery until the possible launch at the end of next month. That being said the Galaxy Note 8 is already starting to take shape and that should be an exciting thought. The Galaxy Note line has grown into an extremely popular device series and this year probably wont be any different even in the wake of the issues that Samsung had with the Galaxy Note 7 last year. While all of the information here is unlikely to be the end of Galaxy Note 8 rumors, as more surfaces this post will be updated.
Anonymous hackers have put out an announcement that they have a decryption key that can save any computer hit by Petya or NotPetya, and they want 100 bitcoin for it, or approximately $250,000. Logically, such a key could only belong to the original authors of the malware unless it was leaked, but the party that posted the announcement online did not make any clarifications as to who they are. The announcement was posted on Pastebin and on the TOR-only DeepPaste. Just after posting the announcement, somebody moved around $10,000 out of the bitcoin wallet associated with Petya, lending a bit of credence to the notion that the party that posted the announcement may have been responsible for the original malware. At the same time, payments were made to DeepPaste and PasteBin where the announcements are hosted. The GoldenEye malware thats based on Petya was not mentioned in the demand.

The posters of the announcement left a link that any interested party could use to contact them, and when contacted, claimed that they could decrypt any Petya-stricken file that they were given. Somebody investigating the ongoing Petya malware saga reportedly gave them such a file, but did not receive a decrypted file in return, and has not heard back as of this writing. While the people behind the announcement could very well be the original malware creators, they could just as easily be a fraud, and simply out to make some cash off the state of affairs, or cause confusion. Until there is proof that their decryption code works for all Petya infection cases, not much more can be said with any certainty.

Petya and its derivatives hit Ukraine last week and spread out quickly from there. It didnt take this new malware family long to wreak havoc on Ukraine and knock down prominent targets elsewhere. If this sounds similar to the WannaCry ransomware outbreak from back in May, thats because it is; the two both use the same EternalBlue exploit. Created by the U.S. National Security Administration (NSA), EternalBlue leaked and was quickly patched up, but it can still hit some systems running older software, though most modern Windows, Linux, and Mac desktops are safe. With Petya, however, a second exploit comes into play, which allows the malware to spread across a network once it infects one device. The exploit used for in-network spreading can hit almost any machine running Windows, Mac, Linux, or theoretically even Chrome OS through its Linux roots.
A UK-headquartered international firm has hired the former Asia Pacific corporate practice head of a US BigLaw outfit.Mabel Lui becomes the head of the Greater China commercial practice at Withers, bringing with her an 11-strong team from Chicago-headquartered firm Winston & Strawn. Lui joined Winston & Strawn in 2014 from DLA Piper , where she was head of corporate for Asia and played a key role in the firms Greater China expansion.Lui specialises in mergers and acquisitions, investment, capital markets, real estate, and private wealth-management matters. Fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin Chinese, she is qualified in Hong Kong; England and Wales; New York; Victoria, Australia; and Singapore.Also part of the team that moved to Withers are two partners, Polly Chu and Daniel Tang. The team also includes four associates, three paralegals, and other support staff.Chu is an expert in corporate real estate matters, including M&A and real estate transactions including acquisition finance, bank finance, leasing and management, wealth planning, and probate and estate work.Tang specialises in cross-border M&A, joint ventures, private equity, venture capital, and corporate and commercial work related to mainland China and Hong Kong investment.The other members of the team are associate and private client specialist Deirdre Fu; associates David Cheng and Kathy Ku; trainee Bobby Fung; and paralegals Quinncy Wu, Mei Ching Yeung, and Lana Yuen.The move comes after Withers former chairman, Anthony Indaimo, relocated to Singapore in January to lead in the firms increased focus on cross-border M&A in the Asia Pacific region as the head of the firms international corporate practice in Asia.Withers has more than 160 partners and more than 450 other lawyers working out of 18 offices worldwide. It has offices in Hong Kong, Melbourne, Singapore, and Sydney.
The most recent piece of info regarding the Rennsport Neunelfer's Ring performance comes from Mark Webber, who recently told Driving.ca (check out the interview in the video below) that he managed to hit 336 km/h (208.7 mph) while hooning the Neunelfer on the Green Hell.The uber-technical nature of the Nordschleife, with its turns and elevation changes, means you can hardly judge a car's lap time by its maximum velocity alone.However, we couldn't help but notice that the GT2 RS's Ring straight top speed overshadows that of the previous record holders. The Huracan Performante? 304 km/h (189 mph). The Mclaren P1 LM - by the way, this Lanzante-modded P1 doesn't exactly make for a factory car - 327 km/h (203 mph).For the record (no pun intended), the P1 LM got round the Nurburgring in 6:43.2, while the Huracan Performante needed 6:52 for the task.We can also factor in another clue Porsche dropped at Goodwoon. This time around, Porsche Motorsport and GT vice president Frank-Steffen Walliser told Australia's Motoring that "This is the seventh generation of the 911. Its all about sevens Its 700hp but its no seven at the Nurburgring,"The phenomenal lap time of the 500 hp 2018 Porsche 911 GT3, which managed to complete the Green Hell task in 7:12.7, can also be regarded as a hint towards the sub-7 nature of the 700 hp GT2 RS.Nevertheless, we mustn't forget that, back in April, Porsche made it clear that Nurburgring lap times are not its top priority anymore, with driving enjoyment being more important. Nevertheless, the exec who made the announcement, namely GT Division helm man Andreas Preuninger, let it slip that "the Empire will strike back."Well, we'll be here, waiting to Porsche to show us what that... Ringwalker statement means.
SUV

We've spied the X7 on countless occasions and we're now back on the topic to bring you a bit of an elephant ballet - the X5's big brother has recently been spotted doing its thing on the Nurburgring.As a part of our office agrees, the BMW X7 looks right-sized for a three-row proposal whose rear seats are supposed to offer proper accommodation.Unlike Audi, which has chosen the uber-styling Q8 as itsflagship, the X7 will be a practicality-focused luxobarge, which obviously means that Mercedes-Benz GLS is a closer rival for the upcoming BMW.It's enough to check out the engine range of the BMW 7 Series to understand what X7 customers will be treated with. As such, the American buyers will get to choose between a 3.0-liter straight-six and a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8.Those who prefer to burn oil will only have to select the number of turbochargers working with a 3.0-liter inline six. By now, the 30d (single turbo), 4.0d (twin-turbo) and 5.0d (quad-turbo) configurations are already familiar.We should also see a 40e hybrid powertrain being offered, which will mix a 2.0-liter turbo-four delivering 255 hp with an 111 hp electric motor, thus offering a combined output of 322 ponies.When it comes to the introduction of the BMW X7, we can be certain that the three-row crossover will land in September, at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Nevertheless, the German venue will probably bring us the high-riding Bimmer in concept form, with the production model expected to land next year. The X7 should reach BMW dealers across the US in the first months of 2019.
Wouldnt be a bit of an overkill to outdo the Ranger Rover we all know and love for all the right reasons? In the view of Gerry McGovern, theres plenty of room for a newcomer. Speaking to Automotive News , the design chief said: Why not? We've realized that the Range Rover has got this big expanse across its price range, so it's not a very big step to get into Bentayga country." That quote, however, is merely the tip of the iceberg.McGoven further explains that he wouldnt be bothered if two models might be similar in size, but only if they had two personalities for only then they would both have equal appeal but to different customers. Its fair to say that, with the advent of the mid-size Velar and the Bentayga-rivaling ambitions, the still-to-be-approved flagship would be a full-size affair.The Land Rover official then makes a stingy comment about the competition, arguing that "Bentley doesn't have the pedigree and authenticity in that particular sector." Thats like Nokia laughing its socks off at Apple in 2007, when the first generation of the iPhone was introduced to the world with mixed reviews. Now look at how the two smartphone giants fare in terms of market share and brand awareness.All in all, if it werent for the Bentley Bentayga and the soon-to-arrive Rolls-Royce Cullinan , the peeps over at Land Rover wouldve carried on with the long wheelbase Range Rover and ultra-luxury spinoffs such as the Holland & Holland Range Rover featured in the photo gallery.Bar yesteryears Holland & Holland , the most expensive Range Rover of the present day is the SVAutobiography with the long wheelbase. Therefore, it should not be all that surprising if the pricing for the yet-to-be-green-lighted flagship will soar past $199,950 and 158,350, respectively.
Hyundai is one of those companies, and the Azera for the U.S. is now officially dead. Classified as a full-size sedan, the comfort-oriented model will live on in Asian markets as the Grandeur. In the United States, however, the premium-ish sedan will be indirectly replaced by the upmarket Genesis G80 and the cut-price Hyundai Sonata.This news comes courtesy of a Hyundai release on its 2018 model year lineup, which mentions the Azera s discontinuation explicitly in this part of the world. What the automaker got wrong, though, is this line here:  has been a successful model in the Hyundai lineup for a number of years.Successful as in what and in comparison to which of its rivals? The best year for the U.S.-spec Azera was 2013, when a little over 11,000 examples were sold by Hyundais dealer network. The Toyota Avalon , which is basically a fridge on wheels whose reputation was built on reliability, managed to move a mind-boggling 70,990 units over the course of that year. Make no mistake about it, but someone at Hyundai is trying to sugarcoat the Azeras lack of performance as far as sales are concerned.What the South Korean automaker has lost in terms of sedans, Hyundai plans to recoup with its newest of crossovers. The Kona is arguably the most important addition to the U.S. lineup for the 2018 model year, and in comparison to all other Hyundai vehicles currently on sale, it looks good.The focus on utility vehicles doesnt mean Hyundai has abandoned the segment altogether. In fact, the Genesis luxury sub-brand intends to make the German establishment put its money where its mouth is with the introduction of the G70. The N performance division is on a roll as well, with the Elantra GT expected to gain the go-faster goodies from the Euro-spec i30 N in due time.
Amelia Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan survived a landing in the Marshall Islands on July 2, 1937, only to be imprisoned by the Japanese, says a new History Channel documentary. According to investigators interviewed by the History Channel, former FBI Executive Assistant Director Shawn Henry and former U.S. Treasury Agent Les Kinney, a newly uncovered photo shows Earhart sitting on the edge of a dock, surrounded by Japanese, with Noonan a few feet away. In the background of the National Archives photo, a Japanese military ship, Koshu Maru, is towing a barge with an object appropriately sized to be the fuselage of the missing Lockheed Electra. The formerly classified photo is credited to a U.S. spy operating in the Japanese-held archipelago following the Japanese invasion of China.

The Marshall Islands theory is not a new one, and is partly corroborated by the accounts of witnesses who claim to have either seen a plane crash in the Marshall Islands or the execution of Earhart and Noonan on the Island of Saipan. The two-hour special, Amelia Earhart: The Lost Evidence, airs Sunday, July 9 at 9 p.m.
When it comes to high-skilled immigration, the U.S.'s loss could be Canada's gain. Canada recently launched a Global Skills Strategy visa program to make it easier for its companies to bring in foreign workers with specific technology or business skills. The program allows firms to have a position pre-approved and get visas within two weeks  a stark contrast to the months-long U.S. visa process.

Why it matters: The Trump administration has moved to restrict the number of immigrants coming into the U.S. on work visas, which worries big tech and consulting firms that use the H-1B visa program to fill technical and specialized jobs. Canada's government is seizing the moment to provide an option for engineers, executives and other tech talent who may no longer qualify for an H-1B visa or who simply don't feel comfortable staying in the U.S.

Open for business: Navdeep Bains, Canada's Minister of Innovation, told Axios that Canada wants to be open to ideas, open to trade, and "more importantly, we want to be open to people" in order for companies to grow. Bains stopped short of framing the program as a way to poach talent from Silicon Valley, instead saying that the government is "open to whatever region has talent."

"Diversity is a point of pride for us. It's a competitive advantage."

"Go North": Canada has tried to lure Silicon Valley talent through its Go North program that launched late last year, which touts the country's 71,000 tech companies that account for 5.6% of total employment  more than the U.S. The program is largely aimed at Canadian ex-pats, many of which have settled in the San Francisco Bay area, Seattle and London.

A number of ex-pats left Canada's nascent tech scene 15 years ago and are surprised at how much the startup ecosystem has grown since then, said Chris Plunkett of Communitech, a public-private organization that runs a startup accelerator in Waterloo that has helped match workers with companies. "With the political situation with Trump and Brexit, you are seeing people really miss Canada," said in a phone interview between meetings in London. "You are seeing our Prime Minister (Justin Trudeau) be more of a symbol."

Not just tech talent: In addition to finding coveted tech workers like software engineers, Canada's new Global Skills visa is hoping to attract people with specific business experience to help pre-IPO companies scale. While the Toronto-Waterloo corridor is home to many startups, there are few big corporations to sell into and to hire expertise from. Blackberry was the primary tech anchor for years, and though a recent burst of startup activity has attracted some attention, for these companies need to move to the next level the region needs more high-growth business expertise, Plunkett said.

Go deeper: TechCrunch has a detailed look at the Canadian tech scene.
Roughly 20 military veterans have announced they are planning to run as Democrats for the House of Representatives next year  a result of a push by the Democratic Party to win back the 24 seats needed to secure the House majority in the Midterm elections, reports The New York Times.

Although most of the vets were recruited by the party, many told NYT they feel it's their duty to run for office, as they believe Trump's policies threaten the nation's values and national security. Specifically, they cited Trump's approach to foreign policy (his willingness to dismiss allies and embrace adversaries) and his decision to leave many State Department posts vacant months after his inauguration.

The goal: Democrats hope that military candidates will be a refreshing contrast to established career politicians, as well as strengthen the notion that the party will take a stricter stance on national security.
Canada is making an open and determined play to attract tech stars and investors to move north amid the squeeze of immigrants by President Donald Trump, and they are starting to respond.

Salim Teja, director of venture services for Mars, Toronto's sprawling innovation hub, tells Axios that hundreds of tech workers and students have applied for positions in Canadian tech firms and to study at the University of Toronto. Among the notable attractions are new artificial intelligence labs led by some of the world's leaders in the field:

Geoffrey Hinton, the neural networks pioneer, will run the Vector Institute on Artificial Intelligence, which was launched in March in Toronto (photo above).

DeepMind, the AI powerhouse owned by Alphabet, the Google parent, said Wednesday that it had hired machine learning pioneer Rich Sutton and two other University of Alberta computer scientists to lead a research facility in Edmonton, its first outside the UK.

Why it matters: Canada is among at least two big western countries  the other is France  to attempt to capitalize on Trump's crackdown on immigration, foreign visitors, and some of the policies many of them care about, such as climate change, to swell their own tech cachet. Early statistics suggest that at least Canada is snagging some of them to jobs and university spots.

Seizing the moment: On Wednesday, we profiled Canada's Go North and Global Skills Strategy visa programs, under which the country is seizing the moment to lure away foreign tech specialists working in the U.S.

Tech hubs like Silicon Valley and Boston tower over Canadian cities as startup incubators, but Toronto is one of the world's leading centers for AI and other tech research, and its numbers are rising:

In 2016, Canadian venture capital hit a 15-year high, with $3.7 billion in investments, a third more than in 2015.

venture capital hit a 15-year high, with $3.7 billion in investments, a third more than in 2015. International applications to Canadian universities are up 25% this year.

to Canadian universities are up 25% this year. U.S. applicants to the University of Toronto have risen 80% since November.

Teja said that in the past, Canadian tech companies frequently received no job applications from the U.S. But he said some of the 1,000 startups housed at Mars are receiving dozens of applications for engineering positions. "We are in the middle of a perfect storm," he tells Axios.
Interviewed by 168 Zham, Andrey Areshev, a Russian political analyst, blames Azerbaijan for the latest escalation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict which he links with the planned meeting of the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers. Its obvious that there are influential forces in Baku that are not interested even in the semblance of a Karabakh negotiation process and are trying to demonstrate their power and intransigence towards the Armenian sides in such a fashion, he says. But I think that this is a wrong path that can only generate the kind of retaliatory steps which, as far as I understand, the Karabakh side took [on Tuesday.]

Stepan Safarian, an Armenian pundit, tells Haykakan Zhamanak that Azerbaijan has already deployed and used artillery inside its villages close to Armenia or Karabakh before. He says Baku will exploit this weeks deaths of two Azerbaijani civilians to provoke more flare-ups of fighting in the conflict zone.

Hatred towards a nation and a desire to take revenge on a whole ethnic group must not blind our minds, Aravot writes in an editorial on this weeks bloodshed in Karabakh. First of all, because war requires composure. Secondly, we are fighting for not only our lands or the security of our people but also for the values with which we, Armenians, want to present ourselves to the world. Therefore, it says, Tuesdays violent death of an Azerbaijani toddler near the Karabakh line of contact was as tragic and unfortunate as any Armenian civilian casualty. The enemy is exploiting it for political aims, it says.

(Tigran Avetisian)
6 July 2017 11:43 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Arizona State Representative, Donald Shooter has appealed President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan following the recent provocation of Armenian militaries, which killed a two-year-old Azerbaijani girl and her granny

I am shocked and appalled by the news of killing of a 2-year-old Azerbaijani girl Zahra Guliyeva and her grandmother Sahiba Guliyeva by the armed forces of the Republic of Armenia on July 4, 2017. Murdering innocent civilians, let alone children, is absolutely unacceptable in any circumstance, constituting a serious violation of international humanitarian and human rights law, he said in his appeal.

Here at the Arizona State Legislature, we are strongly committed to the principles of justice, and try to make sure that these principles prevail not only in Arizona, but also in our nation and in our world. Those principles have been seriously violated when it comes to the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. A fair and just person cannot idly sit by and use vague formulations, when it is crystal clear what is right and what is wrong. The ongoing military occupation of around 20% of Azerbaijans sovereign territory by Armenia, which has led to the total ethnic cleansing of all the occupied areas of around 800,000 Azerbaijani civilians, is one of the darkest pages in the modern European history. This injustice continues to cause much suffering to hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijani refugees, who have been deprived of their basic rights as a result of this illegal military occupation of their homes and lands.

Shooter voiced regret that the legally binding resolutions passed by the UN Security Council in 1993 demanding the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all Armenian troops from Azerbaijans occupied regions have not been fulfilled.

The Arizona State Representative also said: The atrocities that were committed against the civilian population during the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, such as the brutal massacre of over 600 Azerbaijani civilians, including hundreds of children, women and elderly, by Armenias armed forces in the town of Khojaly in February 1992, which the Human Rights Watch called the largest massacre in the conflict, are a sobering reminder of horrible damages wars and conflicts can inflict upon innocent civilians.

It is unfortunate to see that after such atrocities civilians continue to be helpless victims of this tragic conflict. Targeting civilians is wrong and should be vehemently condemned.

Therefore, Mr. President, I harshly condemn the killing of little Zahra and her grandmother Sahiba, in the strongest possible terms, and call on you and your Government to do the same and launch a serious investigation in order to find and bring to justice the culprits behind this horrific act and heinous crime. I also urge you, Mr. President, to take all necessary measures to make sure that such tragic incidents are never repeated again, he concluded.

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6 July 2017 12:40 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

The international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that claim to advocate for the human rights, say nothing of the shelling of the Alkhanli village of Azerbaijans Fuzuli region and heinous killing of a child and her grandmother, and that is astounding, assistant to the countrys president for foreign policy issues, Department Head Novruz Mammadov tweeted on July 6.

Had they been fair and sincere on the human rights issues, the officials from the big nations that attach great attention to such matters would also speak out on the killing of innocent civilians in Alkhanli, but alas Mammadov noted.

On July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled the Alkhanli village of Azerbaijans Fuzuli district.

As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sahiba Allahverdiyeva, 50, and Zahra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Salminaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

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.

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6 July 2017 17:13 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Armenias aspiration to occupy Azerbaijani lands and the use of the most insidious and illogical methods to achieve this is a clear example of the Armenian hypocrisy of naming historical Azerbaijani lands as a homeland, reads a statement issued by "ASAN Volunteers".

The statement condemning the Armenian provocation against civilians on July 4, 2017, reminds that the Armenians militaries occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan`s land in 1992-1993 and displaced more than 1 million people from their homeland.

In the occupied territories, 600 schools, where 140,000 students studied, 65 vocational schools for 53,000 students and 2 higher education institutions were destroyed. 700 health centers which include a hospital for 800 people, polyclinics, maternity homes, drugstores and emergency hospitals were destroyed, the stamen reads, adding that total economic damage to healthcare is about $ 1.2 billion.

Some 903 state registered, 1500 non registered historical and cultural monuments, 26 museums, 8 painting exhibitions, 4.6 million books and 927 libraries, 85 art schools, 20 cultural palaces, 4 state theaters, which belonged to Azerbaijan were destroyed.

The most inhuman act was committed in Khojaly, the statement reads.

Thus, 613 people, including 63 children, 106 women, 70 old people, were killed during the events of February 25-26 1992. Some 130 children lost one of their parents, 487 were injured, including 76 children. 1,275 people were captured and 150 Khojali residents went missed.

Terrorism and genocide, committed by Armenians over the years, is continuing to be at the level of Armenia`s state policy.

During the evening, on July 4 Armenian armed forces shelled the Alkhanli village of Fuzuli using caliber mortars and grenade launchers. As a result of the actions of the Armenian Armed Forces aimed at the civilian population, villager Guliyeva Sahiba, 60, and her 2 years old granddaughter, Guliyeva Zahra was killed. Another civilian, Guliyeva Salminaz was wounded, and civilian facilities were damaged, the stamen reads.

The Armenian state has once again seriously violated the fundamental norms and principles of international law.

The Armenian side violates the Hague conventions on the protection of the civilian population, the Geneva Conventions on the Protection of Victims of War, and the UN Security Council resolutions during the armed conflicts (wars), continuing its repulsive and aggressive policy.

The "ASAN Volunteers" organization further urged all international organizations not to remain indifferent to this vandal policy of Armenia and take important steps to punish the Armenian government.

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6 July 2017 17:28 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Religious confessions and communities in Azerbaijan sharply condemned the killing of civilians by Armenian militaries, said Mubariz Gurbanli.

The Chairman to the State Committee on Religious Associations said that religious confessions condemned the murder of Sahiba Guliyeva and her two-year-old granddaughter Zahra Guliyeva, as well as the wounding of another civilian Sarvinaz Guliyeva as a result of the Armenian armed forces` shelling of Alkhanli village in Fuzuli district.

The everyday shelling of civilians despite the ceasefire, murders and making population to live under the threat of death once again proves that it is time to sharply change attitude towards the Armenian aggressors and take resolute steps against them on the international arena, he told Azertac.

Gurbanli added that representatives of all religious confessions in Azerbaijan urge international organizations, including the UN, the OSCE Minsk group and world leaders to punish the Armenian aggressors.

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict 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 regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia still controls fifth part of Azerbaijan's territory and rejects implementing four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts.

The Minsk Group, the activities of which have become known as the Minsk Process, spearheads the OSCE's efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It is co-chaired by France, the Russian Federation, and the United States. Although the OSCE Minsk Group deals with the issue for over two decades, its activities have brought no breakthrough results so far.

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6 July 2017 18:30 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The death of Azerbaijani civilians Zahra Guliyeva and Sahiba Allahverdiyeva and wounding of Salminaz Guliyeva is highly regrettable and all the U.S. grieves with their families, James Thompson, a marine attache of the U.S. Embassy in Baku, told reporters in Azerbaijans Fuzuli region.

He was commenting on the recent developments on the contact line between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops. On July 4 evening, the Armenian armed forces using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers shelled the Alkhanli village of Azerbaijans Fuzuli region. As a result of this provocation, a resident of the village and her two-year-old granddaughter were killed. Another resident, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

Thompson arrived in the Fuzuli region as part of the visit of representatives of foreign media and military attaches of the embassies accredited in Azerbaijan, which was organized by the countrys Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Defense, the Prosecutor Generals Office and the Fuzuli Region Executive Authority.

Thompson said that peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict would be ideal to bring peace to the South Caucasus region, as well as for the safety and security of civilians.

He thanked the Azerbaijani government for the opportunity to visit the Azerbaijani region and take a look at the scene of the incident.

Armenia broke out a lengthy war against Azerbaijan by laying territorial claims on its South Caucasus neighbor. Since a war in the early 1990s, Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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6 July 2017 18:40 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

The murder of Azerbaijani civilians causes great contempt for those who did this and must be condemned, Colonel Syed Imran Ali, defense attache of the Pakistani Embassy in Baku, told Trend July 6.

He was commenting on the recent developments on the contact line between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops.

On July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled the Alkhanly village of Azerbaijans Fuzuli district.

As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sahiba Allahverdiyeva, 50, and Zahra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Salminaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

Syed Imran Ali said that the incident is a human dimension of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

He noted that Pakistan has a principled position on the issue of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, adding that the conflict must be resolved within Azerbaijans territorial integrity by implementing the UN resolutions adopted in favor of Baku.

These are the principles Pakistan advocates for, we are committed to them and show solidarity with Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani people, he said.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.

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6 July 2017 10:02 (UTC+04:00)

By Joschka Fischer

Politics brings out strong emotions in everyone. Even the British, despite their reputation for pursuing their interests in a cool and calm fashion, apparently are not immune. Perhaps that reputation is merely a holdover from the long-gone British Empire. It surely does not apply to the United Kingdom of 2017.

Consider the political decisions Britons have made over the past year. Last June, they decided  albeit narrowly  to withdraw from the European Union. And in last months snap general election, they delivered an outcome that only reinforces the impression that British pragmatism is in retreat.

The election  in which the Conservative Party lost its majority, resulting in a hung parliament  suggests how far removed from the rest of the country the political class in Westminster has become. Indeed, the UK appears to be undergoing not just a political and identity crisis, but also a crisis of confidence in its political and economic elites, which began with the 2008 global financial crisis.

This will not make the ongoing Brexit talks any easier. The EUs counterpart in the negotiation is a severely weakened government in a state of crisis. But the EUs negotiators cannot lose sight of the fact that the UK will still be important to Europe outside of the EU. One of the biggest risks now, for the EU as much as for the UK, is that the latter will leave with nothing, and end up in an even worse state than it is already in.

Future historians will probably look back at 2016 and 2017 with great interest. It is unprecedented for a country to abandon a highly advantageous geopolitical and economic position simply because it is experiencing a prolonged identity crisis. Before Brexit got underway, the UK had a very strong hand to play within the EU, and thus on the world stage, owing not least to its special relationship with the United States.

Moreover, the UK has a tradition of liberalism and global engagement, especially with Europe and the eurozone. London has long been a financial center for the entire continent. And the British economy is  or, at least, was  a gateway for many international corporations seeking access to the EU single market and the eurozone, despite the UKs refusal to join the single currency.

Still, it is worth remembering that by the early 1970s, the UK had lost its empire and the political clout that went with it; and that it only managed to reverse its economic decline by joining the European Community (the precursor to the EU) in 1973. Regrettably, Britons rarely acknowledge this fact. Instead, a vocal segment of Britains political class and electorate has long blamed the EU and its institutions  some of which require member states to cede part of their sovereignty  for all the evils of this world.

But now that the UK is withdrawing from the EU, it is becoming increasingly clear that it stands to lose a great deal, economically and politically. And for what?

The UKs Brexiteers demand sovereignty, but without considering what that could possibly mean in an era of ever-advancing globalization and market integration. Given the Trump administrations protectionist rhetoric, the importance of maintaining access to Europes single market would seem to be more acute than ever.

But the UK will not be the only loser from Brexit. The EU will lose its second-largest economy and primary guarantor of security. One hope now is that Emmanuel Macrons election to the French presidency will blunt some of the pain from Brexit. Macrons election, along with positive economic news from the eurozone, represents an unexpected opportunity for a fresh start within the EU, which could begin as soon as Germany holds its general election in September.

As it happens, the UK might very well be leaving an EU that is quickly moving toward renewed political stability and economic growth  which is, ironically, what the Leave camp imagines that it can achieve with Brexit.

Fortunately, the UKs recent election may have provided a starting point for negotiations. To many observers, the outcome showed that British voters oppose a hard Brexit, whereby the UK would quit the single market and customs union with no deal in place, and revert to World Trade Organization rules.

Divorce proceedings are rarely pleasant. But they are far worse when the parties involved do not behave like adults. When emotions run free, former affections can quickly turn into spite and a desire to inflict deep wounds.

But for countries, as for people, life goes on after divorce. The EU and the UK will remain geographically close, and thus geopolitically dependent on one another. Ongoing issues relating to security, terrorism, and refugees will force both sides to work together; and trade will continue, even if it faces more hurdles.

It is thus in both sides interest not to inflict deep wounds, instigate confrontations, or embarrass and threaten the other side. Above all, issues relating to common UK-EU security should not be part of the negotiations. Both sides need to acknowledge their mutual dependence and be prepared to show generosity.

The EU, for its part, should be generous with respect to the timeframe for withdrawal, new trade regulations, and any transitional arrangements that could soften the impact of the separation. And the UK should be mindful of the many EU citizens currently residing in Britain, and honest about its financial commitments to the bloc.

If there is one thing to keep in mind, it is that people change theirs. And, because peoples sentiments change, countries change direction. No possible future should be ruled out, including one in which both parties say, Lets try again.

Copyright: Project Syndicate: Brexit to Nowhere?

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6 July 2017 16:22 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

The volume of non-oil shipments through the Baku International Sea Trade Port in the first half of 2017 amounted to 1.9 million tons, which is 43.5 percent more than the same period of 2016.

The Port of Baku announced that it recorded growth in all areas of its activity, highlighting that the transshipment of wagons through a new ferry terminal, located in Alat, increased by 35.2 percent.

"The total number of wagons reached 21,775, while 46.1 percent (10,041 cars) were transported in the direction of Baku-Turkmenbashi-Baku, 26.5 percent (5,773 cars) in the direction of Baku-Aktau-Baku and the remaining 27.4 percent (5,961 cars) in the direction of Baku-Kuryk-Baku, the Port told Azertac.

The volume of passenger transportation in two directions (Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan) increased by almost 50 percent and amounted to 14,478 people.

A significant growth was recorded in the handling of wheeled vehicles, especially large-tonnage vehicles. The number of this type transport increased by 53.7 percent and amounted to 16,204 trucks, as compared to the first half of last year, according to the report.

The Port added that the volume of cargo transshipment through the Main Cargo Terminal, located in Baku, increased by 5 percent, as compared to the semi-annual indicator of 2016, and amounted to 290,000 tons.

The new Port of Baku is located on an area of 400 hectares (ha) of land, of which about 100-115 ha cover the area for the development of the international Logistics and Trade Zone. The northern areas around the port are reserved for future expansion of logistics, industrial, and manufacturing activity.

The Baku International Sea Trade Port in Azerbaijans Alat settlement is expected to become one of the leading trade and logistics hubs of Eurasia. The implementation of all 3 phases of construction is projected to increase the capacity up to 7,660 tons on a daily basis.

The first stage of construction of the Port is projected to be completed until late 2017. Till that period the Baku Port is expected to increase its capacity handling some 10-11 million tons of freight and 50,000 TEUs per year. The second stage will provide for the handling of 17 million tons of freight and 150,000 of containers, while the implementation of the final stage is projected to increase the capacity up to 25 million tons of freight and 1 million of containers.

The volume of freight transportation via the Port increased in 2016 by 47 percent as compared to the index of 2015. The figure stood at 4.5 million tons, while transit transportation accounted for some 87 percent of the total volume.

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6 July 2017 17:09 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) has announced about conduct of its auctions for foreign exchange (FX) instruments and deposits through Bloombergs auction platform.

The Bank reported that the Bloomberg auction platform will be a single platform for these operations of the CBA.

The CBA has started holding deposit auctions since June 2016. During a deposit auction, held twice a week, is the Central Bank accepts deposits from commercial banks for placement.

The main purpose of deposit auctions is sterilization of the money supply (withdrawal of money from the economy), which is carried out by the Central Bank in the framework of monetary policy.

Designed to help central banks and financial ministries manage primary market operations, the technical capabilities of the platform has been recently further extended to facilitate transactions with FX instruments (spot and forward) and deposit auctions following the CBA request; originally the platform enabled to conduct transactions with securities and repo products, the CBA announced on July 6.

The multilateral Bloomberg auction platform gives its participants the opportunity to watch the CBA auctions and take part in them, according to the Banks message.

Auction data will go into Bloombergs FX electronic trading platform, FXGO. Available to subscribers of Bloomberg Professional Services, the system is fully integrated with Bloombergs data, news, analytics and communications tools.

Tod Van Name, Bloombergs Global Head of FX Electronic Trading noted that it is a pleasure to work with the Central Bank of Azerbaijan and offer a platform that enables a step change in the management of monetary operations , Finextra reported.

The volume of official foreign exchange reserves of the CBA amounted to $4.9 billion as of July 1, 2017. The foreign exchange reserves increased by $138.7 million or 2.9 percent, as compared to June 1.

The foreign exchange reserves of the regulator increased by $989.7 million or 24.9 percent, as compared to the beginning of the year and on a year-on-year basis - by $680.2 million or 15.9 percent.

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6 July 2017 19:06 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

First cars of Azerbaijan-Iran joint plant will be manufactured in September.

Groundbreaking ceremony for the joint plant located at the territory of Neftchala Industrial district was held in mid 2016. The project is implemented by Azerbaijani company AzEurocCar and Iranian manufacturer Khodro cars.

Iranian ambassador to Azerbaijan Javad Jahangirzadeh, answering Trends correspondents question on July 5, said that the first cars are expected to be produced in late September 2017.

He also stressed the high level of economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran and expressed confidence in the further strengthening of economic relations between the two countries.

The plant with a capacity of about 10,000 cars per year will produce four Iranian car brands  Dena, Runna, Soren and Samand. The project is worth $15 million.

Earlier, AzEuroCars representative noted that the price of new cars will be 10,000-12,000 manats ($5,800-7,000), adding that the cars produced at the plant will meet Euro 5 standard.

Production of some spare parts is planned in local factories. The plant intends to cooperate with the Sumgayit Industrial Park and SOCARs new plant.

Some 20 percent of the vehicles will be exported to CIS and Central Asian countries.

Azerbaijan and Iran have had diplomatic relations since 1918. Iran recognized Azerbaijan's independence in 1991, and diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1992.

The trade turnover between the countries hit some $15.77 million in January 2017, while the index of last January stands at $9.56 million. In 2016, Azerbaijans trade turnover with Iran amounted to $210.76 million, which is 70 percent more than in 2015.

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6 July 2017 15:39 (UTC+04:00)

Irrespective of reasons or circumstances, there is no justification to murder of a child.

The world saw another terrible crime against an innocent child -- two-year old Azerbaijani toddler was killed two days ago together with her grandmother by the Armenian armed forces.

Armenian armed forces acting under the command of Commander-in-chief of the troops, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, attacked the Azerbaijani village of Alkhanli on July 4.

Little Zahra, who was in arms of her granny on their way back home from a neighbor visit, fell victims of the attack, while another villager was heavily wounded.

Armenia and Azerbaijan are in conditions of war for over 20 years due to Armenia's illegal territorial claims. Armenia keeps under control over 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory that it occupied as a result of war, which killed over 20,000 Azerbaijanis and resulted in displacement of more than one million people.

War is evil and has its cruel terms, but targeting civilians is a crime even in war conditions. Attacking women and even babies makes no sense even by the convolute logic of armed conflict.

Baku has officially announced that killing civilians and shelling human settlements are an act of vandalism that once again proves the terror essence of the Armenian government.

The fire command was given by the Armenian supreme commander-in-chief and the responsibility lies directly on the political leadership of Armenia, stated the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan.

To understand the logic elucidating this most inhuman tactic, one needs to look at what has inspired Armenia's political leadership to do this..

Sargsyan is a "serial killer, who should stand a trial for his countless crimes against Azerbaijani civilians. Nobody has forgotten the foolish statements by Sargsyan, who killed hundreds of people in Khojaly, saying that with this we wanted to give a lesson to Azerbaijan.

Before Khojaly, the Azerbaijanis thought that they were joking with us, they thought that the Armenians were people who could not raise their hand against the civilian population. We were able to break that stereotype, Sargsyan told British journalist Thomas de Waal in one of his interviews.

That is what Sargsyan did back in February 1992, killing over 600 people in Khojaly town.

Which "lesson" then he targeted to give this time?

The objective was to revenge for the areas liberated in April 2016 and most importantly spread a fear among civilians, which is perhaps the most powerful weapon for the occupant states throughout history.

Killing children was also supposed to be a response to Azerbaijans Great Return, which started with the return of IDPs to the recently liberated Jojug Marjanli village.

Besides, the Sargsyan regime is keen to prolong the talks aimed to solve the long-lasting and bloody Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

A couple of days ago the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs visited the region, pushing for a negotiated settlement. Baku once again voiced commitment to peace, but Yerevan is following what looks very much like a terror scenario, using blunt force to prevent the peace.

A reign of terror helped Armenians to occupy the Azerbaijani territories. And now, killing the kids, once again Sargsyan is trying to make Armenia proud.

It is impossible to imagine international acceptance of war criminals, especially those, who bragged about their crimes as respectable politicians. Shouldnt the child killers be punished?

18-month-old Zahra Guliyeva was killed in Azerbaijan, but there is not an adequate concern from the world politicians, let alone action.

Now the Armenian president relishes the image of killer-winner. He boasts of killing civilians with his own hand. And he encourages his soldiers for more. But, is not it high time for world leaders and UN to denounce the act? The international community needs to react with equal outrage, because the victim of military crime is a little girl.

Sargsyan should be punished and world community should bring the criminal to justice.

The killing of children by a regime determined to justify its illegal actions at any price made that point abundantly clear. Child killers deserve punishment and there is no justification for them.

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6 July 2017 10:52 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Armenias direct and deliberate attacks on the civil population and facilities are a serious violation of international humanitarian law, 1949 Geneva Convention and conventions on human rights and childrens rights.

President of the Association of Friends of Azerbaijan in France Jean-Francois Mancel made the remark in his statement on the recent Armenian provocation.

Mancel condemned the Armenian armys recent provocation in Alikhanli village, Fuzuli district, which resulted in the killing of an old woman and her 2-year-old granddaughter, the injuring of another woman and the shelling of civilian facilities, Azertac reported.

"The Association of Friends of Azerbaijan in France expresses its grief over the death of civilians as a result of Armenias provocation stemming from its illegal occupation of Azerbaijani territories, he said, adding that the Association offers condolences to the bereaved families, and expresses its solidarity with the people of Azerbaijan.

Mancel called on the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair countries to ensure the implementation of the four resolutions of the UN Security Council, which demand unconditional and immediate withdrawal of the Armenian armed forces from Azerbaijan`s occupied territories.

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict 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 regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia still controls fifth part of Azerbaijan's territory and rejects implementing four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts.

The Minsk Group, the activities of which have become known as the Minsk Process, spearheads the OSCE's efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It is co-chaired by France, the Russian Federation, and the United States. Although the OSCE Minsk Group deals with the issue for over two decades, its activities have brought no breakthrough results so far.

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6 July 2017 14:57 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The Azerbaijani Foreign and Defense Ministries, General Prosecutors Office and Fuzuli Region Executive Power organized a visit of foreign military attaches accredited to Azerbaijan and representatives of foreign media to the village of Alkhanli of Fuzuli region.

The Alkhanli village underwent intense firing of the Armenian armed forces on July 4. As a result of this provocation, a resident of the village and her two-year-old granddaughter were killed. Another resident, Sarvinaz Guliyeva, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

During the visit, military attaches and representatives of foreign media visited Sarvinaz Guliyeva. Then, they went to the graves of the killed Azerbaijani civilians Sahiba Guliyeva and her granddaughter Zahra Guliyeva.

They also examined the area in Alkhanli village shelled by the Armenian armed forces.

Chief Executive of Fizuli region Ali Aliyev noted that the Armenian armed units shell the village every day. He mentioned that 900 people were killed during the ceasefire period, but the OSCE and international structures are indifferent to that.

"For 25 years, Armenians shell the frontline areas daily. International organizations and the leading states of the world are cold-bloodedly about this," he said. "We do not believe any international structure anymore. Military attaches should inform the international community about this.

Representatives of TRT, Ihlas News Agency, MIR TV, Associated Press, RIA Novosti, Voice of America, Interfax, BBC and other media outlets are among the visitors. Furthermore, military representatives of U.S., Russia, Pakistan, China, Korea, Turkey, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Belarus and diplomats of German embassy in Azerbaijan attend the visit.

Armenia broke out a lengthy war against Azerbaijan by laying territorial claims on its South Caucasus neighbor. Since a war in the early 1990s, Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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6 July 2017 12:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko expressed regret over the death of Azerbaijani civilians as a result of Armenias shelling of the Alkhanli village of Azerbaijans Fuzuli region, Vice-Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Bahar Muradova wrote on her Facebook page on July 6.

Muradova met with Lukashenko within the framework of participation in the OSCE Parliamentary Assemblys session in Minsk on July 5.

During the brief meeting, Alexander Lukashenko was the first to talk about the latest incident on the contact line between the Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, Muradova wrote.

On July 4 evening, the Armenian armed forces using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers shelled the Alkhanli village of Azerbaijans Fuzuli region. As a result of this provocation, a resident of the village and her two-year-old granddaughter were killed. Another resident, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict 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 regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia still controls fifth part of Azerbaijan's territory and rejects implementing four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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6 July 2017 14:27 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Russia keeps the issue of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict under a special control and does everything to return the parties of the conflict to the settlement process in case of escalation of the situation.

Spokeswoman of Russias Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova announced about this at a briefing on July 6.

Russia along with the U.S. and France is a co-chair country of the OSCE Minsk Group established to broker a peace to the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

While the OSCE Minsk Group acted as the only mediator in resolution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the occupation of the territory of the sovereign state with its internationally recognized boundaries has been left out of due attention of the international community for years.

Armenia ignores four UN Security Council resolutions on immediate withdrawal from the occupied territory of Azerbaijan, thus keeping tension high in the region.

Zakharova further added that it is not yet known whether Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will meet with Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers at the OSCE Informal Ministerial Meeting in Austrias Mauerbach town on July 11.

Previously RIA Novosti reported citing a diplomatic source that the two countries foreign ministers are offered to meet during the OSCE Informal Ministerial Meeting in Austria.

The mediators for settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict are also expected to participate in the meeting, the source said.

Last time, Mammadyarov and Nalbandian met in Moscow on April 28 within a trilateral meeting with the Russian Foreign Minister. The ministers continued discussions on prospects for the progress of the negotiation process on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement and stressed the need to implement the agreements reached at the summits in Vienna and St. Petersburg in 2016.

Armenia broke out a lengthy war against Azerbaijan by laying territorial claims on its South Caucasus neighbor. Since a war in the early 1990s, Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities.

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6 July 2017 14:00 (UTC+04:00)

The latest Armenian provocation against Azerbaijani civilians illustrates the extent to which the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not frozen, Senator Andre Reichardt, Chairman of the France-Caucasus Friendship Group in the French Senate said in a statement.

"I deeply saddened by the death of innocent civilians who have nothing to do with this conflict, and especially with the death of this child, which makes me particularly sad. I offer my deepest condolences to the families and to the authorities of the Republic of Azerbaijan, said Reichardt.

He noted that this dramatic event illustrates the extent to which the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not frozen.

In addition to the frequent military casualties, there has been an increase in military clashes in recent weeks, said Reichardt, adding that this absolutely demonstrates that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict must be resolved in a peaceful and equitable manner without delay.

I said this recently at a conference organized by TEAS in Paris on the subject of refugees and internally displaced persons in Azerbaijan: it is imperative that President Emmanuel Macron exercises leverage over the matter and that France takes the initiative to accelerate the peaceful resolution of the conflict, in collaboration with Russia and the United States, the other co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, he noted.

The withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from Azerbaijani territory is a prerequisite for any peaceful resolution of the conflict. The status quo is unacceptable, and my biggest fear is that the Azerbaijani army will react to the events of yesterday and we will witness a new escalation, said the senator.

It should be noted that on July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces again violated ceasefire and, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled Azerbaijani positions and territories where the civilian population lives, namely the Alkhanli village of the countrys Fuzuli district, thereby grossly violating the requirements of international law, the Azerbaijani defense ministry said earlier.

As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sakhiba Guliyeva, 50, and Zakhra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Servinaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

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.

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6 July 2017 14:50 (UTC+04:00)

Iranian Envoy Javad Jahangirzadeh has condemned military actions against civilians.

Jahangirzadeh, talking at a press-conference in Baku, said that the recent actions of the Armenian armed forces against Azerbaijani civilians cause serious regret.

"We condemn military actions against civilians, he said. The international norms and laws condemn the violation of humanitarian law. Such inciting actions taken by Armenians will more aggravate the situation, rather than contribute to the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict politically and peacefully.

On July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces again violated ceasefire and, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled Azerbaijani positions and territories where the civilian population lives, namely the Alkhanli village of the countrys Fuzuli district, thereby grossly violating the requirements of international law, the Azerbaijani defense ministry said earlier.

As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sakhiba Guliyeva, 50, and Zakhra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Servinaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

The diplomat further expressed condolences to Azerbaijan and the relatives of the civilians killed and injured as a result of Armenias provocation. He called the murder of two-year-old Zakhra as a criminal offense, Trend reported.

"Azerbaijan is entitled to investigate illegal actions against its citizens at the level of international organizations, he said, stressing that the OSCE Minsk Group must take serious actions to prevent ceasefire violation and similar actions against civilians.

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.

---

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6 July 2017 16:32 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Armenia has been conducting systematic, deliberate and targeted attacks on civilian population of Azerbaijan encompassing, inter alia, women, children and elderly residing in the densely populated areas adjacent to the frontline, reads a statement by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the UN Office and other International Organizations in Geneva.

Armenia's attacks against the Azerbaijani civilian population and civilian targets constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian and human rights law, in particular the 1949 Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol I thereto, the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, said the statement.

The unlawful presence of the armed forces of Armenia in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan is the primary reason of the continued tensions and ongoing incidents along the frontline and major impediment to the resolution of the [Nagorno-Karabakh] conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

After the visit of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs to the region in June 2017, the co-chairs called for changing the status quo in the conflict by launching substantive and serious negotiations. However, Armenian side responded to these calls by brutal killings of the civilians, according to the statement.

By escalating the situation in a deliberate manner Armenia pursues the goal of undermining the resolution of the conflict via substantive negotiations and maintaining the status quo of the occupation.

This situation once again demonstrates the urgent necessity that the co-chairs and the international organizations demand Armenia to withdraw its troops from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan in accordance with the norms and principles of international law and relevant decisions and resolutions of the international organizations, reads the statement.

The fundamental basis for the settlement of the conflict is laid down in the United Nations Security Council resolutions 822(1993), 853(1993), 874(1993) and 884(1993) and the United Nations General Assembly resolution 62/243 (2008), which condemn the use of force against Azerbaijan and occupation of its territories by Armenia and reaffirm the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and the inviolability of its internationally recognized borders. In those resolutions, the United Nations reaffirmed that the Nagorno-Karabakh region is an inalienable part of Azerbaijan and demanded immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of the occupying forces from all occupied territories of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan calls the international community to demand Armenia to cease the illegal occupation of Azerbaijan's territories, to withdraw its troops from all occupied lands and to engage constructively in the conflict settlement process, said the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan, adding that the responsibility for the current situation and its possible deterioration completely falls on the political-military leadership of Armenia.

On July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces again violated ceasefire and, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled Azerbaijani positions and territories where the civilian population lives, namely the Alkhanli village of the countrys Fuzuli district.

As a result, the residents of the village Sakhiba Guliyeva, 50, and Zakhra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Servinaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

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.

---

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6 July 2017 17:45 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

The incident that happened two days ago with little Zahra shows that the Armenian authorities, which have been holding Azerbaijani lands under occupation for many years, represent the military-criminal regime, said Yusuf Mammadaliyev, assistant to Azerbaijans First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, head of the department of youth policy and sport issues at the Presidential Administration.

Armenias authorities violate the ceasefire, kill civilians in their homes and on their lands, Mammadaliyev said at the opening of a new Youth House in the Shirvan city on July 6.

However, the Azerbaijani state and people believe that its youth, having great potential and high intellectual abilities and physical parameters, will play an exceptional role in a fair solution to the problem, he noted.

Yusuf Mammadaliyev pointed out that the purpose and wish of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva are to see the Azerbaijani youth smart, educated and happy.

Building such centers in regions is an ideal opportunity for the youth to learn, study, improve their knowledge and skills, establish contacts and effectively spend their leisure time. Today, the Azerbaijani youth is going through a very crucial period."

The Armenian armed forces again violated ceasefire and, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled Azerbaijani positions and territories where the civilian population lives, namely the Alkhanli village of the countrys Fuzuli region on July 4.

As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sahiba Allahverdiyeva, 50, and Zahra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Salminaz Guliyeva, 52, who got wounded, was taken to the hospital and was operated on.

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.

---

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6 July 2017 10:21 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has signed an order to provide funding for the construction of Tartar-Seydimli-Garadaghli-Sarov road.

Under the presidential order, AZN7 million is allocated from the state budget for the construction of the road connecting 20 residential settlements with a total population of 24,000 people, Azertac reported.

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6 July 2017 19:18 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Baku announced that repeated expression of the Russian Foreign Ministrys attitude towards the issue of the entry of Russian citizens of Armenian origin to Azerbaijan in the form that is beyond diplomatic ethics is very strange and incomprehensible.

Russias hostile attitude does not in any case suit the relations of strategic nature between the countries, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry stated on July 6.

Over the past 25 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Russia, this issue has never been on the agenda. It is difficult to explain the extraordinary activity of the Russian side at this time.

Based on its national interests and safety considerations, Azerbaijan itself decides on the entry of nationals of other states into its territory, reads the statement.

Russia, as the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair, knows that Armenia occupied 20 percent of the Azerbaijani territories and more than one million Azerbaijanis became refugees and IDPs, the statement said.

The statement also mentions the July 4 shelling of the Alkhanly village in Azerbaijans Fuzuli district by Armenia, which killed and injured civilians.

Russia is one of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs and we expect that the Russian Federation, on the basis of its commitments, will step up efforts to resolve the [Nagorno-Karabakh] conflict and the Armenian armed forces will be withdrawn from the occupied territories. As a result, peace and stability will be established in the region. Only after this, conditions will be created for free movement.

Earlier, Ministrys spokesman Hikmat Hajiyev said that Azerbaijan has brought its position to Russias attention concerning the Russian Foreign Ministrys statement about the situation with the entry of Russian citizens with Armenian surnames to Azerbaijan 5.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has been notified today that twenty percent of the Azerbaijani territories were occupied and ethnic cleansing was carried out, Hajiyev said.

Some people are carrying out instigatory activity on ethnic grounds, Hajiyev said, adding that in this regard some restrictions were made for visiting Azerbaijan.

"We hope that such restrictions will be lifted and citizens will be able to freely move after the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is resolved," he said.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.

--

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6 July 2017 11:32 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Iran says that about $12 billion would be paid to Total-led consortium in 20 years, based on the recently-signed multibillion agreement on development a project of South Pars gas fields phase 11.

Under the 20-year agreement, the first stage of South Pars phase 11 ($2 billion worth), would become operational in 40 months (including construction of two 1,500-ton platforms, drilling 30 wells and construction of 270-km pipeline) to produce 56 million cubic meters of gas and 80,000 barrels of gas condensate daily.

At the second stage, the consortium would launch a 20,000-ton platform with mega compressors, to maintain the production level in the phase, as the field is expected to reach dew point and lose productivity.

Irans Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh told journalists on July 5 that it is expected some $84 billion worth of revenue will come in from the Phase 11 in 20 years, based on expected $50/barrel oil price, of which 15 percent, or $12 billion, would be paid to Total (operator) and its partners.

Zanganeh said that if the agreement is to be extended, then the revenues of consortium would increase as well.

He noted that in case the foreign companies abandon the projects before completion due to possible sanctions on Iran, then their investment would be paid gradually after the project becomes operational, not immediately.

The minister also said that the Islamic Republic is negotiating with other companies on development of several oil fields, like Yadavaran, Yaran, Azadegan, South Pars oil lkayer and Azar field to sign agreement based on IPC.

Iran has signed a $4.8 billion deal with a consortium led by Frances Total, with 50.1 percent stake, to develop the phase 11 of its giant South Pars gas field on July 3.

This deal is the Islamic republic's first one with a European oil company in more than a decade.

CNPC and Irans Petro Pars have 30 percent and 19.9 percent stakes as well.

The long-anticipated agreement, based on newly designed contract model, called Iran Petroleum Contract (IPC), can be extended for 5 years further, and would become operational in two stages. Under the terms of the deal, Total will invest $1 billion in the first phase, the total cost of which amounts to $2 billion.

Total is familiar with the South Pars field that it will work on, as the company had experience there before sanctions made work in Iran impossible for big international companies.

The Phases 11 development project of the South Pars field is set to produce 56 mcmd of soar gas.

South Pars, located in southern region, is divided into 24 development phases, and contains 40 trillion cubic meters of natural gas.

It covers an area of 9,700 square kilometers, 3,700 square kilometers of which are in Iran's territorial waters in the Persian Gulf. The remaining 6,000 square kilometers are in Qatar's territorial waters.

Iran has vast energy resources  the worlds largest proven natural gas reserves and the second-largest trove of oil in the Persian Gulf, according to BP.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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6 July 2017 13:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Qatari diplomatic crisis deepens as Dohas reply to the demands of its Arab neighbours which followed Qatars isolation was disclosed.

Dohas response says that Qatar is not the only Arab country that maintains relations with Iran, and the Arab countries, for their part, must also follow this requirement and reduce the level of diplomatic representation in Tehran, according to the Qatari press.

In addition, Doha excludes the possibility of closing the Turkish military base, arguing that the Charter of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCCC) does not prohibit such cooperation with other countries.

Responding on demand to close Al Jazeera TV channel, the Qatari authorities suggested that the four Arab countries should act symmetrically and stop broadcasting of other Arab channels, such as Al Arabiya and Al Hadath, headquartered in the UAE.

Four Arab nations have voiced "regret" over Dohas "negative reply" to their demands, according to a joint statement.

The statement was issued after the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain held a meeting in Cairo.

The ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates "regret the negative response from Qatar," the statement, read out by Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry after meeting in Cairo, said.

"The response the four states got was overall negative and lacked any content. We find it did not provide a basis for Qatar to retreat from its policies," Shoukry said, adding that Doha's "position reflects a failure to realize the gravity of the situation."

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, at a joint press conference, said that further steps against Qatar will be taken at the appropriate time in line with the international law.

He added that economic boycott against Qatar will remain until the country changes its policies for the better.

The minister also said he hoped that Turkey remained neutral in the crisis, while he called Iran "the biggest supporter of terrorism."

Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has underlined his country's support for Qatar once again and expressed discontent with the demand for the closure of a Turkish military base in Doha.

He said the demand shows "a lack of respect toward us and Qatar."

Saudi Arabia and its allies have not revealed what steps they could take next, but there are fears of a wider embargo that would hurt the Qatari economy, with credit ratings agency Moody's announcing it was changing Qatar's outlook to negative over the crisis.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, along with Egypt, cut diplomatic and transport ties with Qatar in early June, accusing the country of supporting "extremism" and their regional ally, Iran - the charges that Qatar has repeatedly denied.

The blockade has disrupted imports of food and other materials into Qatar and caused many foreign banks to scale back their business with the country.

The Gulf Arab states required Doha to cut diplomatic relations with Iran, close the Turkish military base, eliminate Al-Jazeera TV channel, extradite all persons wanted in four countries on charges of terrorism and pay compensation.

Currently, Kuwait is mediating the conflict in the Persian Gulf.

---

Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 July 2017 14:07 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Turkey can launch a new military operation in Syria jointly with the Free Syrian Army in case of threat to the national security by the YPG (Kurdish Peoples Protection Units), Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

Last week, the Turkish president discussed this issue in a telephone talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"As part of the G20 summit, we will once again discuss with President Putin further steps in Syria," Erdogan said, Sabah newspaper reported on July 6.

Earlier, Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Isik talking about the possibility of new military operation in Syria, stated that Turkey is entitled to neutralize any threat from outside.

Nine phone conversations have been conducted between the General Staffs of Turkey and Russia over the past 10 days regarding the start of a new military operation in Syria, Turkish media reported earlier.

The Turkish and Russian sides agreed that if a new military operation of the Turkish Armed Forces begins in the Syrian city of Afrin, the Russian military contingent will have to relocate to another city.

Starting from June 21, Turkey began to pull military equipment to the border with Syria.

Military equipment is concentrated in the Turkish province of Kilis, bordering the Syrian territory controlled by the YPG (Kurdish Peoples Protection Units) and PYD (Kurdish Democratic Union Party) forces.

The Turkish Armed Force launched an operation to liberate the city of Jarabulus from the IS militants in northern Syria, near Aleppo on August 24, 2016. The operation was dubbed the Euphrates Shield.

The Turkish-led Euphrates Shield was aimed to improve security, support coalition forces, and eliminate the terror threat along the Turkish border using Free Syrian Army fighters backed by Turkish artillery and jets.

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.

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
6 July 2017 15:52 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Uzbekistan has urged neighboring Tajikistan to take into account interests of countries in the lower reaches of rivers, while building worlds tallest dam for the Rogun hydroelectric power station.

Tajikistan earlier diverted the flow of Vakhsh River to start building the world's tallest dam and the main element of the Rogun hydroelectric power plant, a $3.9 billion project which can help the county to secure its energy independence.

Noting that Uzbekistan is aware of the fact that Tajikistan has begun to cut off the Vakhsh riverbed for the dam, Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov said that Tashkents position on the use of transboundary water resources remains unchanged.

Uzbekistan does not prohibit the construction of this hydroelectric power station in Tajikistan, but asks to take into account the interests of countries in the lower reaches of rivers, he said on July 5. We must take into account the interests of all countries, we must agree on guarantees under the conventions, take into account possible damages.

Tajikistan lacks hydrocarbon resources and relies heavily on hydroelectric power, although its neighbors downstream complain that this disrupts their traditional agricultural works.

To power the hydro plants, Tajikistan needs to accumulate water during the summer -- when it is needed downstream for irrigation, and then release it in the winter, causing spring floods downstream. The Rogun power plant is expected to start providing electric power in late 2018.

Kamilov noted that when using the transboundary water resources, the interests of all countries located in the basins of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya should be taken into account.

He reminded that the UN had proposed two conventions on the use of the resources of the Amu Darya and the Syr Darya.

The conventions are supported by the UN Secretary General, the World Bank and Kazakhstan. Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan are currently reviewing these documents.

Uzbekistan, with a nation of 30 million, has repeatedly urged Tajikistan not to build the Rogun HPP with a high-rise (335 meters) stone-throw dam.

The dam of the HPC should form a large Rogun reservoir with a total volume of 13.3 cubic meters. The project is criticized because of the location in the zone of high seismicity, landslide and mudflow processes, and the presence of a tectonic fault filled with rock salt under the base of the dam.

In addition, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are concerned about reducing the flow of water, which will make unfit for agricultural production up to 500,000 hectares of land and lead to the loss of sources of income and livelihoods for about 1.5 million people.

---

Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 July 2017 15:01 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Presidents of Turkmenistan and Turkey, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Recep Tayyip Erdogan exchanged views on a number of topical issues on the regional and global agenda during a telephone conversation.

The commitment of Turkmenistan and Turkey to consolidate efforts to ensure universal peace, security and prosperity was confirmed, the Turkmen government reported on July 6.

Berdymuhamedov noted that traditional Turkmen-Turkish cooperation, based on the unvaried goodwill of the sides, is developing successfully.

Both leaders emphasized the interstate dialogues strategic, constructive character, clear evidence of which are also regular top-level meetings and contacts.

The heads of state exchanged views on prospects for partnership in key areas.

Underlining the importance of human-cultural component of the Turkmen-Turkish relations, the sides called for the deepening of contacts in this area, as well as in tourism and sport.

Turkish companies in Turkmenistan implement large-scale projects in sectors such as transport, fuel and energy, communication, agriculture, construction, trade, water resources management. Currently, Turkmenistan has registered about 600 companies with Turkish capital.

Turkey is Turkmenistan's top import partner; Turkish goods  mostly electronic equipment, machinery, processed metals and furniture  make up over 25 percent of Turkmenistan's imports.

In its turn, Turkey purchases electricity, polymers, propylene, oil and oil products, cotton yarn and textiles.

Apart from the construction sector, the textile and tourism sectors are other areas with active Turkish private involvement.

Turkmenistan's vast energy resources are also important for Anakaa Ashgabat relations. The Central Asian country holds the world's fourth largest natural gas reserves.

---

Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 July 2017 17:58 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Turkeys 12-year-long attempt to become EU member-state may end in failure as the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling on to halt accession negotiations.

The European Parliament on July 6 adopted the resolution, which calls on the EU countries and the European Commission to immediately suspend negotiations with Ankara on the country's accession to the EU unless its authorities make appropriate changes to the constitutional reform.

Voting took place at a plenary session in Strasbourg, RIA Novosti reported. As many as 638 out of 751 MEPs attended the vote, with 477 voting in favor of the report, while 64 rejected and 94 abstained.

The resolution passed by parliament in Strasbourg "calls on the Commission and the member states... to formally suspend the accession negotiations with Turkey without delay if the constitutional reform package is implemented unchanged."

Some constitutional changes approved in April have already been implemented  Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been able to return to lead the ruling AK Party, and members of a top judicial body have been changed. Other steps, such as scrapping the post of prime minister, are due to take place within two years.

Turkey's EU Affairs Minister Omer Celik said Ankara regarded Thursday's vote in Strasbourg as invalid, while the foreign ministry criticized it.

"We reject with the back of our hand any proposals that there should be strong cooperation between Turkey and the EU in other areas instead of accession talks," Celik said.

"This decision, which is based on false claims and allegations, is trampling the reputation of the institution in question," the ministry said in a statement, referring to the European Parliament. "This decision is of no value for us."

The July 6 vote came as EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn visited Istanbul for talks with Celik and other Turkish ministers. Speaking before the result, Hahn said parliament was reflecting the mood in Europe.

Turkeys ties with the EU have worsened last July after a failed coup attempt. Relations further deteriorated following an April referendum which expanded the powers of the president. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE)'s recent decision to reopen a political monitoring process against Turkey also negatively affected Ankara-Brussels ties.

Accession negotiations started in 2005, but until Turkey agrees to apply the Additional Protocol of the Ankara Association Agreement to Cyprus, eight negotiation chapters will not be opened and no chapter will be provisionally closed.

The European Parliament also called on Ankara to abandon the construction of the first Turkish nuclear power plant Akkuyu.

"[The European Parliament] points out that the envisaged site is located in a region prone to severe earthquakes, hence posing a major threat not only to Turkey, but also to the Mediterranean region," the resolution said.

The parliamentarians urged Ankara to join the convention on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), "which obliges the parties to notify and consult each other on major projects that may have a significant adverse transboundary impact on the environment."

In this regard, the resolution calls on the Turkish authorities to hold consultations with the governments of neighboring Greece and Cyprus.

In 2010, Russia and Turkey signed an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in construction and operation of the first Turkish nuclear power plant on Akkuyu site in the Mersin province in southern Turkey.

Akkuyu is the world's first nuclear power plant project implemented on BOO ("build-own-operate") basis. In accordance with this model, Russia will build, own and operate the plant.

In December 2014, the Ministry of Environment and Urban Development of Turkey approved a report on environmental impact assessment of Akkuyu NPP project.

---

Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz




First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

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BIRTHDAY SPECIAL: 5 Best Looks Of The Versatile Style Icon, Ranveer Singh Fashion Dona Dey

Ranveer Singh aka Ranveer Singh Bhavnani celebrates his 32nd birthday today and we know that his fans are eagerly waiting for the day. We wanted to treat this day in a special way for him and here we are presenting a little treat for his fans.

As we all know, Ranveer is famous for trying out different and unique looks and carries them like a pro. We have listed down five of his coolest looks.

Travel Attire Ranveer shared his picture on his social media profile while holidaying in Zurich a few months back and his sea-wear is as cool as a cucumber. This might not have been one of his exceptional dressing options, but he certainly kills it with the swag. The IIFA Moment Ranveer Singh shared his picture, holding the 'Black Lady' aka the honourable IIFA Award which he won in the Best Male Actor category for Bajirao Mastani. He wore a decent suit but the stripes on the blazer stand out and bring uniqueness to the attire. The Chisel Craze We all know the heights of craze Ranveer has for building muscles and here is his workout picture; we totally know how cool he is looking in his workout attire. In Florals Well, this was one challenging task Ranveer opted for. Men are not so fond of florals and you have a lot of raised eyebrows if you see a man passing by wearing florals. Ranveer carried this look with so much swag and we need not mention how much cool he looks. The Dhoti Game Ranveer has played this game with dhotis for a lot of time and this was one of the best ones he carried. GQ magazine hosted an event for best-dressed celebrities and in the year 2015, Ranveer killed it wearing a black dhoti with a white shirt and black jacket. These looks are a few out of some more of Ranveer's stunning looks. We have compiled these looks to convey our best wishes on his birthday. A very Happy Birthday, Ranveer!
Dril-Quip, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, sells, and services engineered drilling and production equipment for use in deepwater, harsh environment, and severe service applications worldwide. The company's principal products include subsea and surface wellheads, subsea and surface production trees, mudline hanger systems, specialty connectors and associated pipes, drilling and production riser systems, liner hangers, wellhead connectors, diverters, and safety valves, as well as downhole tools. It also provides technical advisory services, and rework and reconditioning services, as well as rental and purchase of running tools for use in the installation and retrieval of its products; and downhole tools comprise of liner hangers, production packers, safety valves, and specialty downhole tools that are used to hang-off and seal casing into a previously installed casing string in the well bore. The company's products are used to explore for oil and gas from offshore drilling rigs, such as floating rigs and jack-up rigs; and for drilling and production of oil and gas wells on offshore platforms, tension leg platforms, and Spars, as well as moored vessels, such as floating production, storage, and offloading monohull moored vessels. It sells its products directly through its sales personnel, independent sales agents, and representatives to integrated, independent, and foreign national oil and gas companies, as well as drilling contractors, and engineering and construction companies. The company was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
The following companies are subsidiares of InterContinental Hotels Group: 2250 Blake Street Hotel LLC, 24th Street Operator Sub LLC, 36th Street IHG Sub LLC, 426 Main Ave LLC, 46 Nevins Street Associates LLC, Allegro Management LLC, Alpha Kimball Hotel LLC, American Commonwealth Assurance Co. Ltd., Asia Pacific Holdings Limited, BHMC Canada Inc., BHR Holdings B.V., BHR Luxembourg SARL, BHR Pacific Holdings Inc., BHTC Canada Inc., BOC Barclay Sub LLC, Barclay Operating Corp., Bristol Oakbrook Tenant Company, Cafe Biarritz, Cambridge Lodging LLC, Capital Lodging LLC, Compania Inter-Continental De Hoteles El Salvador SA, Crowne Plaza Amsterdam (Management) B.V., Crowne Plaza LLC, Cumberland Akers Hotel LLC, Dunwoody Operations Inc., EVEN Real Estate Holding LLC, Edinburgh IC Limited, General Innkeeping Acceptance Corporation, Guangzhou SC Hotels Services Ltd., H.I. (Ireland) Limited, H.I. 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Genesee & Wyoming Inc. owns and leases freight railroads. It operates through three segments: North American Operations, Australian Operations, and U.K./European Operations. The company transports various commodities, including agricultural products, autos and auto parts, chemicals and plastics, coal and coke, food and kindred products, lumber and forest products, metallic ores, metals, minerals and stone, petroleum products, pulp and paper, waste, and other commodities. It owns or leases 122 freight railroads, including 105 short line railroads and 2 regional freight railroads located in the United States, 8 short line railroads located in Canada, 3 railroads located in Australia, 1 railroad located in the United Kingdom, 1 railroad in Poland and Germany, and 2 railroads in the Netherlands with a total of approximately 16,200 miles of track. The company also operates 6,200 additional miles of track that is owned or leased by others. In addition, it operates deep sea maritime containers and provides bulk haulage, including coal, aggregates, cement, and infrastructure services. Further, the company provides rail service at approximately 40 ports; rail-ferry service in North America, Australia, and Europe; and contract coal loading and railcar switching for industrial customers. Genesee & Wyoming Inc. was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in Darien, Connecticut.
'A Christian brother and friend': tribute to the late Gordon Wilson

The following is a personal reflection on the loss of the late Gordon Wilson, who was leader of the Scottish National Party from 1979 to 1990. He was a friend, mentor and member of my congregation, St Peter's in Dundee.

The Political Leader

Gordon Wilson was born in Glasgow on the 16th of April 1938 and died in his adopted city, Dundee, on the 25th of June 2017. Best known as a leading Scottish politician the bare facts of his career only indicate some of the story. Having obtained a law degree from the University of Edinburgh, he worked as a solicitor. A committed Scottish nationalist he was the controller of the pirate radio station  Radio Free Scotland. I still have difficulty with the mental image of Gordon as some kind of shock jock! He coined the successful political phrase, 'It's Scotland's Oil'. He was leader of the SNP (1979-1990), MP for Dundee East (1974-1987), Rector of Dundee University (1983-1986).

The Faithful Family Man

Gordon was married to Edith and the father of Margaret (married to Gavin) and Katie (married to Ibrahim) and the grandfather of Alasdair , Shona, Kirsty, Laura and Daniel. Gordon was a real family man and his family have a very appropriate eulogy for him that will be read at the funeral. They say it far better than I can, but we should remember that in his political career he never forgot his family and he was certainly not one of those politicians who argued for 'family values' whilst not practising them!

The Christian Brother and Friend

These are the bare facts. I 'knew' Gordon in the same way as one knows most public figures, through media and news reports. As someone who was very sympathetic with his views I had an admiration for him, but knew little more than that. A few years ago that all changed. One Sunday I was in St Peters a bit early, getting ready for the service when Gordon and his wife Edith walked through the door. I recognized him and went to speak to him  'it's good to have you visit us  what brings you here?'  'I read your book David (the Dawkins Letters), I couldn't get to any of the book events so thought we would just come along to visit St Peters.' They never left. Both Gordon and Edith became members of the Church and I came to regard him as a friend and brother. Hardworking, loving, gracious, wise and gentle, Gordon and Edith were and are a deeply loved couple in the congregation.

I heard of his death entering a Thai restaurant in Sydney on our last night of a visit there. I immediately wrote the following on the St Peters Facebook page.

'The congregation of St Peters have been deeply saddened to hear of the death of one of our members, Gordon Wilson, the former MP and leader of the SNP. Gordon was also the founder together with myself of the Solas  Centre for Public Christianity. He and Edith have been a lively and lovely part of our fellowship for the past few years and we will miss him enormously. Humble, generous and servant hearted they have been a consistent encouragement to us. At a personal level I will miss his humour, wisdom and insight, not only into political affairs but also other aspects of humanity. He was kind, gracious, loyal and intelligent. I regard him as a significant mentor, influence and friend. Before he died he told me that he had no fear because he knew where he was going, only sorrow for the family that he would leave behind. We share with Edith and the family in that sorrow and pray that they would know the comfort of the Comforter. We give thanks for Gordon and his life and witness. Scotland will be a poorer place without him.'

Brian Taylor, the BBC Dundee journalist gave this summary: 'To the end still thinking, arguing, hoping.'

That was absolutely true. I loved visiting with Gordon because we talked politics, theology, faith, education and many other subjects that we passionately cared about. His views about the direction that things were going politically turned out to be right  and often dovetailed with my views about where the wider culture was heading. Apart from his intelligence and wit, the two things that most impressed me about Gordon's character were his integrity and loyalty. Even in private I never heard him diss former colleagues who he had disagreed with. At a time when there is a deep cynicism about politicians in general (somewhat hypocritically and unfairly) it is remarkable that I have yet to hear anyone from the media or political world say anything that would question Gordon's integrity. It is a powerful witness.

And it is a powerful witness to his faith. I know that he would have found it fascinating that whilst some obituaries mentioned his deep faith, others completely ignored it  as though it were incidental to his life and importance. Such coverage is typical of what Gordon would call 'the secularisation of society and the marginalisation of Christianity'. He had a real and deep faith in Christ  not showy, not ostentatious, but clear and strong. It was Gordon who asked that his funeral tomorrow not be a 'political' one but a Christian one. He choose the words he wanted on the order of service.

'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith' (2 Timothy 4:7).

Solas founder

He would have been even more amused at the notion, put forward by a rather ignorant Sun journalist that in his latter years Gordon was 'used' by the Free Church to front it's anti-same sex marriage campaign. The Free Church didn't have an anti-SSM campaign and the notion of Gordon being 'used' is hilarious to anyone who knew him. To the end he was consistently a radical and independent thinker. If anything it was the other way around. Gordon was deeply concerned about the state of Christianity in his beloved Scotland and so he and I set up Solas CPC (Centre for Public Christianity). He became its first chairman. As the current chairman David Randall writes:

Gordon Wilson was the co-founder of Solas and served as the first chairman of the board of trustees The organisation owes a great deal to his initial impetus and his drive.

In an earlier communication he told me that a combination of circumstances brought him and Edith to St Peter's Church where he came to feel that David Robertson's gifts as an evangelist were not being developed effectively enough. He believed that after years of church decline it was time for a Christian counter-attack and this was the genesis of Solas, in which, as he put it, 'I managed the business side, including the eventual incorporation and strategy (and money where I had the legendary reputation of being able to say No to spending!). Everything else was dealt with by David and in its early form it was a platform for his evangelism. The longer term aim was to provide training and education for Church based Christians to give them confidence to project the faith to the wider public.'

Gordon's concern in setting up Solas was not to set up a Christian political or lobby group. He was primarily concerned that we would get the Christian Gospel out. When we first met to discuss it he told me that whilst he was a committed nationalist and would be to his dying day, the message we had in the church was far more important  "but you are rubbish at getting it out. This church is filled with life and young people. Why is this message not getting into the mainstream of societyits so important". His words were both a rebuke and a challenge. He saw the difference that real Christianity made and he wanted Scotland to hear.

Not that we would ever shy away from social or political issues (the Gospel impacts them as well!). We did provide a paper to the Scottish government on the issue of Same Sex Marriage. You can read it here SolasSubmission or from the Solas Website (scroll down to the Solas Submission to the Scottish Government on SSM).

In the midst of what was turning out to be a non-debate we felt it was our duty to put something substantive. I remember when the Scotsman carried it as a headline article all hell broke loose  Gordon went to Newcastle and I ended up in hospital! It was a whole new dimension to spiritual warfare!

Worker and Visionary to the End

Gordon thought that the establishment of Solas and also Options for Scotland with Jim Sillars  were his primary achievements in the latter part of his life. Before he died we talked a lot about another project that he wanted to undertake  developing a proposal to promote family life within Scotland. He asked me to work with the Catholic Church, the Church of Scotland and other groups to develop something that would help with a growing problem in Scottish society  the destabilization of the family. I think his analysis was right and I intend to honour his wishes.

A Friend

I know that everyone says nice things about people when they die and for some cynics this will sound like a professional minister just doing his job. But for me this is personal. Gordon was a friend and a mentor to me. I am saddened that I won't be able to go to Monifieth road and 'chew the fat' with him. I will miss his wise guidance in politics and for the Church and Solas. But most of all I will just miss him. I rejoice that he is now with the Lord. He told me that he knew where he was going and was ready  his only sorrow was leaving his family. We pray for, and will do what we can to support and help them. They will feel the loss most, but the whole of Scotland is a poorer place without Gordon Wilson, a politician of integrity and intelligence.

Rev. 14:13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, 'Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.'

'Yes,' says the Spirit, 'they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.'

David Robertson is Associate Director of Solas CPC in Dundee and minister at St Peter's Free Church. Follow him on Twitter @TheWeeFlea. This piece was first published on David Robertson's blog.
Bishop of Kensington hits out over 'massive breakdown of trust' around Grenfell Tower disaster

The Bishop of Kensington has written of 'a massive breakdown of trust' around the Grenfell Tower disaster which, he says, 'did not happen in a vacuum' and came after many years of broken promises and unheard complaints.

Graham Tomlin wrote in The Independent that many residents feel that their presence was a nuisance to others in wealthier parts of the area and that there was a view that it would be better if the poorer blocks were 'run down so that fancy expensive housing could be erected to be sold off for a greater profit to foreign investors'.

He added that people in 'the smart streets of South Kensington' struggled to understand the 'visceral anger' felt by residents in North Kensington.

'We have seen the vital importance of trust and what happens when [trust] is lacking in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire in the past few weeks... I have been closely involved with the communities around the Lancaster West estate over the past fortnight and beyond, and have watched and listened to the growing frustration of residents, the anger directed towards the Council, the Government, in fact anyone in authority. The anger has taken some by surprise, but it is less shocking when seen against the background of the dreadful events of 14 June,' Bishop Tomlin wrote.

'The Grenfell Tower fire did not happen in a vacuum. It came after many years of residents making complaints, feeling ignored and hearing promises that were not kept. Residents groups had often protested about the 10m refurbishment of Grenfell Tower that made it look good on the outside, without paying much attention to conditions and safety on the inside. A feeling has been growing among many residents, rightly or wrongly, that there were others who felt their presence was a nuisance, that it would be better if their blocks and homes were run down so that fancy expensive housing could be erected to be sold off for a greater profit to foreign investors. Complaints seemed to fall on deaf ears and in such a vacuum, conspiracy theories and rumours spread like wildfire. In other words, there has been a massive breakdown of trust.

'People in the smart streets of South Kensington struggle to understand the visceral anger felt by their neighbours in North Kensington. From the perspective of the south of the Royal Borough, RBKC felt like a reasonably well run Council that did a good job of keeping the schools running and the streets clean.'

The Bishop said that promises from the Prime Minister down are not believed because of 'many years' of exclusion from decision making and a lack of listening.

'The anger felt by those further north comes, not primarily as a result of a few days inaction by the Council or the Prime Minister failing to visit locals on her first visit to the site, but on the back of many years of feeling unheard, unwanted and excluded from decision making, all of which means that when officials, from the Prime Minister to the most menial employee of RBKC makes promises about keeping residents in the area, that air pollution levels are safe, and they have their best interests at heart, local people tend not to believe them,' Tomlin wrote.

'Mistrust is corrosive,' he added. 'In its miasmic presence, both true and false rumours gain credence, honest assurances are not believed, people assume the worst. Mistrust is like a fog in which it is hard to make out the genuine promise from the self-serving excuse. One of the key tasks facing those involved in the longer-term future of North Kensington is rebuilding trust. That task is long, takes careful determination and will not be done quickly. It requires repeated promises fulfilled, honest answers and a will from both sides to make it work. Some relationships that require trust (with the Tenant Management Organisation, for example) may be beyond repair, but elsewhere it will be as slow and painstaking as picking through the rubble of the Tower itself.'

Tomlin concluded: 'As lives, families, and the community in the Lancaster West estate are rebuilt, unless a serious attempt to rebuild trust is made, suspicion will continue to reign and destroy the small shoots of progress. If trust can slowly but surely be established, then this community has a hope and a future.'
Christian unity a step closer as Reformed churches agree with Lutherans, Catholics on justification

Christian unity took another small book significant step closer to reality this week as a group of Protestant churches added its voice to the cause.

The World Communion of Reformed Churches agreed to sign the Joint Declaration on Justification  a document originally agreed by Roman Catholics and Lutherans in 1999.

It's a significant moment because the dispute over justification  how Christians are made right with God  was one of the main disputes of the Reformation. 500 years since the beginning of that major split in the church, the WCRC has added its voice to the Lutherans and Roman Catholics in declaring that aspect of the argument over.

The WCRC is a significant body, representing around 80 million Christians worldwide including Congregational, Presbyterian, Reformed, United, Uniting and Waldensian denominations in over 100 countries.

Orthodox and Anabaptist Christians were witnesses to the ceremony in Wittenberg, home of Martin Luther, while Lutherans and Methodists were involved in the ceremony. Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew sent messages of support.

Catholics and Lutherans agreed a, 'consensus in basic truths exists between Lutherans and Catholics. With the WCRC adding its voice to that sentiment, unity between Christians is one stage closer.

'Today we are not only signing a statement, we are building a church together,' said Rev Najla Kassab from Lebanon, who preached a sermon at the event.

'Today is a historic day,' said Jerry Pillay, president of the World Communion of Reformed Churches.
Christians And Mercy Killing: Is It Really Just Killing?

When is a person not a person? It sounds like the set-up to a bad joke, but it's far more serious than that. People with brain injuries that leave them in a persistent vegetative state (PVS) breathe, sleep and excrete. They really do anything else: they don't communicate, they show no responses to other people or any awareness of their surroundings. Brain scans show nothing happening.

So should they be kept alive, at considerable expense, or should their families be able to decide to let them go?

The question has surfaced again thanks to the story of Jodie Simpson. She died a few weeks ago having spent four years in a PVS after an overdose. Her mother Jean first asked doctors to help her to die in April 2013 and it has taken this long to make it happen. She believes it should be easier and quicker, and that her daughter wouldn't have wanted to remain alive in her condition.

Others disagree: life is life, they say  and there are too many cases of people written off by medical science who've gone on at least to some degree of recovery. Who are we to decide whether someone should live or die?

In the UK, the way doctors deal with PVS was established by the Tony Bland case. A Hillsborough victim, he spent years in a PVS after he was crushed in the crowd. He died in 1993 after a long court battle after artificial feeding and hydration was withdrawn. It was his case that established that the court had to be involved in every decision to allow someone to die  it isn't for the family or for doctors alone.

In the US, it's symbolised by the case of Terri Schiavo, who was the focus of intense campaigning during her PVS from 1990 until she died in 2005, with pro-life and right-to-die activists fighting her case through the courts and in the arena of public opinion. There was a bitter split between her husband, who wanted her to be allowed to die, and her parents, who did not; the legal fight went all the way up to the US President, George W Bush, who returned to Washington DC specifically to sign legislation designed to keep her alive.

Not just in the case of PVS but in other areas, Christians are deeply concerned about a perceived drift to devaluing human life. Belgium has already legalised the euthanasia of children, the first of whom died only a few days ago. In the UK, the latest Assisted Dying bill was rejected last year; it will be back.

So how should Christians think about these issues, and are there principles that can guide us? Here are things to bear in mind as we think things through.

1. The Bible is of limited use

There are no proof-texts to help us, because many of these situations were simply not envisaged when the Bible was written. They are functions of our technical ability, which has allowed us to keep alive people who would otherwise have died. The Bible has nothing to say about people in a persistent vegetative state, because there weren't any. We cannot be fundamentalists about this.

2. People are of infinite value

No one is worth less than another person because they are disabled mentally or physically, or because they are poorer or contribute less to society. One of the gifts Christianity has given to the world is the knowledge that someone's worth is innate; it's given by God, not acquired by some and not others. We should resist anything that tends to write off some people as worthless, no matter what their physical or mental condition  and that's why we should resist any move to take the decision about removing feeding from the courts. It sends a poweful signal that human life is too important to let go on the say-so of any individual.

3. We are part of society

We aren't just free individuals, with no responsibility for anyone else. One of the arguments of the right-to-die lobby is that we should have the freedom to choose death if we're in great pain or distress. In principle, this sounds plausible. However, it's very difficult to imagine a system that allows people this right and at the same time protects vulnerable people from the pressure to choose death when they would rather live  and that is why UK Christians should continue to resist calls for right-to-die legislation.

4. We're vulnerable to self-deception

It's fatally easy for documentaries to portray people who are in pain and distress and want to end their lives, and to get us on their side: it seems cruel not to give in to them. But one of the things we have to bear in mind is the effect their suffering has not just on themselves, but on us. It distresses us acutely; we want it brought to an end, and that can skew our arguments in favour of terminating life.

5. We should beware of faithlessness

Christians believe death is not the end. People facing the end of their lives, or who are in a vegetative state, still have a future. Saying that preserving their lives at all costs is the only Christian thing to do is arguably to place too high a value on continued existence, as though existence is all that matters. That's a view that might make sense to an atheist, but not to a Christian: we believe all life matters to God, not just now but in eternity.

In the end, the situations created by modern medical science are so varied and complex that Christians have to approach them cautiously, humbly and in the knowledge that there are no easy answers. We have to balance our knowledge of the infinite preciousness of human beings with our knowledge that all of us have to die. If we're in a position where we have to make a decision for a loved one, we have to ask for purity of heart and mind as we do it. We have to be able to trust God with the outcome, even when it's desperately hard.

Follow Mark Woods on Twitter: @RevMarkWoods
Conservative Anglicans threaten synod boycott in outrage at pro-gay Scottish bishop's attendance

A small group of conservative Anglicans are considering boycotting the Church of England's biannual synod this week after a pro-gay marriage Scottish bishop was also invited to join the four-day meeting.

The Bishop of Edinburgh, John Armes, proposed the motion that led to the Scottish Episcopal Church's acceptance of gay marriage last month, becoming the first British Anglican Church to do so.

He is invited by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York as an ecumenical guest to the CofE's ruling general synod which meets on Friday in York.

But a group of traditionalists are saying they are placed in an 'invidious' position by the 'entirely wrong' invitation.

In a letter to the Church Times 15 of the 400 plus members of the synod say they are having to consider whether to 'follow our consciences and withdraw'.

Led by Susie Leafe, director of the conservative Anglican grouping Reform, the signatories write: 'In 2016, the Primates of the Anglican Communion made it clear that, though they desired to walk together, the decision to permit same-sex marriages represented "a fundamental departure from the faith and teaching held by the majority of our Provinces" and "further impair(s) our communion and create(s) a deeper mistrust between us".'

They quote from the Anglican leaders' communique, which says: 'This results in significant distance between us and places huge strains on the functioning of the Instruments of Communion and the ways in which we express our historic and ongoing relationships.'

The signatories add: 'It is, therefore, entirely wrong that the Archbishops have chosen to invite the Bishop of Edinburgh as an honoured guest to our General Synod this week. It has put those who stand with the vast majority of the Anglican Communion in an invidious position on whether they participate fully in the Synod and are thereby seen to endorse the Scottish Episcopal Church's decision, or whether to follow our consciences and withdraw and in so doing be prevented from fulfilling the roles for which we have been elected.'

It comes after the Scottish Episcopal Church permitted gay marriage, prompting the conservative group GAFCON to appoint a 'missionary' bishop to offer oversight to traditionalist parishes.
Evangelical firm Hobby Lobby fined $3m for illegally smuggling ancient artefacts from Iraq

The US-based, evangelical Christian-owned craft-supply company Hobby Lobby has agreed with the US Department of Justice to forfeit thousands of ancient artefacts illegally smuggled into the country from the Middle East.

Under the terms of the settlement filed in US District Court in Brooklyn, New York, Hobby Lobby Stores has agreed to forfeit the antiquities, which originated from the region of modern-day Iraq, as well as pay a $3 million fine.

'The protection of cultural heritage is a mission that (Homeland Security Investigations) and its partner US Customs and Border Protection take very seriously as we recognise that while some may put a price on these artefacts, the people of Iraq consider them priceless,' Angel Melendez, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New York, said in the statement.

Prosecutors say that Hobby Lobby, which is based in Oklahoma City, began assembling a collection of historically significant manuscripts, antiquities and other cultural materials in 2009.

Because technically, the defendants in the civil-forfeiture action are the objects themselves, the case has an unusual name: The United States of America v. Approximately Four Hundred Fifty (450) Ancient Cuneiform Tablets; and Approximately Three Thousand (3,000) Ancient-Clay Bullae.

The case involves thousands of ancient artefacts that seem to have been stolen from Iraq, where the pillaging of antiquities has been rampant  and controversial.

Islamic State has reportedly made millions or billions of dollars by selling ancient goods.

According to The Atlantic, nothing in the Hobby Lobby case indicates that the objects were associated with any terrorist group. But the very nature of smuggled goods means their provenance is murky.

The Hobby Lobby chain is owned by the Green family, who are committed evangelical Christians, famous for their participation in a 2014 Supreme Court case, Burwell v. Hobby Lobby, which helped dismantle a number of birth-control-coverage requirements of the Affordable Care Act.

The Greens are major collectors of ancient antiquities and the primary visionaries and contributors behind the Museum of the Bible opening in Washington, DC, this autumn.
Is the tide finally about to turn for women in leadership in evangelical churches?

The moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends towards justice. The phrase, attributed to Dr Martin Luther King, is often used in tough times or when things seem bleak, as a reminder that everything will be alright in the end.

As someone who fully supports women being visible as leaders in every level of Church leadership, it's obvious that, in spite of some recent victories, full equality for women in the Church is still some way off.

The majority of the world's Christians worship in churches which don't allow women to lead. It can seem like a never ending battle. Recently, Vicky Walker wrote a calm, thorough piece which outlines her anger at the gender balance of a forthcoming conference.

'Can we one day get to a point where women aren't tucked away to discuss why society struggles with them and can instead be welcomed and celebrated for their achievements and contributions to say... business?' she wrote.

In response, she received a number of comments which often come up in response to articles like this. 'They tried their best'... 'They picked the best speakers and most of them are men'... 'There is a women's stream'... etc. While many of these responses were offered with good intentions, none of them solve the core problem Walker was identifying. In too many Christian events, gender parity on platforms is a pipe dream.

For this reason, it is nothing short of thrilling to see one of the UK's most important churches begin to step up to the plate. This week, Holy Trinity, Brompton (HTB) announced the 'arise.' conference which will take place in November.

Its aim is to gather, 'young women in HTB network churches who are called to ordained leadership but who have unanswered questions  Is God really calling me? What does it look like for young women to lead churches? How would leading a church work alongside my relationships and family life?'

This is exciting on a number of levels. Firstly, as one of UK evangelicalism's most influential churches, the impact this could have is profound. For the first time, as far as I'm aware, HTB and its network of over 30 church plants are actively promoting women's ministry. Though a number of female clergy have come through the HTB Network in recent years, there has been little in the way of a co-ordinated effort.

As one of the leading voices in British evangelicalism, HTB holds considerable persuasive powers. Other churches and networks will take note and hopefully prioritise their own efforts to empower women's leadership.

Secondly, I'm excited because the potential of the women who have felt unable to follow their call to leadership could now be unlocked. Having been around HTB churches and events, they are teaming with energy, creativity and dynamism. But the majority of the people at the front are white, middle-class, able-bodied men.

While there is a lot more that could be done to pursue diversity, the capabilities that will be unlocked by encouraging women to follow the call into leadership are vast. There is then the possibility of a 'snowball' effect which means a second and third generation of women leaders will grow up as a result of seeing the pioneers who follow this call taking their place.

Thirdly, this is an exciting development because it very practically deals with lots of the objections mentioned earlier. When criticised for a lack of women on panels and in speaking slots, conference and event organisers will often complain that the pool isn't big enough. While this isn't a good enough excuse, it's still true that there are far fewer women 'on the circuit'.

By intervening and specifically aiming to encourage women to receive the training which will get them 'on the circuit' in the first place, this gathering is beginning to tackle that problem.

Last year, I wrote a piece more in hope than expectation, that women should be leading at least half of our big churches. In it I said that visibility was a major barrier to this happening: 'If women don't see other women leading large churches, then a lack of role models and a tacit feeling that it isn't a job they'd be encouraged to do can take hold.'

This remains true, but I am hopeful that HTB might be about to light the blue touchpaper which causes a revolution in the evangelical churches of the UK and sees an explosion in the ministry of women. All power to them.

Follow Andy Walton on Twitter @waltonandy
ISIS poster girl Sally Jones is 'desperate' to return to Britain

Sally Jones, the British-born recruiter for Islamic State who boasted of her desire to behead Christians with a blunt knife, is desperate to return home to Britain.

The convert from Kent became known as the 'white widow' after Junaid Hussain, the Islamic State jihadist she married, was killed in a drone attack.

She took her young son, JoJo, with her to join Islamic State in Syria. The boy, now 12, is thought to be the boy now named Abu Abdullah Al-Britani, who was filmed executing victims of ISIS in one of their horrific propaganda videos.

The news that the former punk rocker who played guitar in a band called Krunch has been left weeping by Islamic State's refusal to let her return is reported today by Sky News who interviewed another ISIS 'military wife', Aisha.

Aisha, who herself managed to escape along with other women from Germany and Indonesia who had been seduced by the dream of a perfect caliphate to become jihadi brides, told Sky: 'She was crying and wants to get back to Britain but ISIS is preventing her because she is now a military wife. She told me she wishes to go to her country.

'She lost her husband in a battle last year. She has one boy.'

Jones has been officially sanctioned by the United Nations as an agent operating for a terrorists.

When her husband was killed she tweeted that she would 'never love anyone but him'.

Aisha also told Sky that few immigrants to the 'caliphate' wanted to join the war.

Of Jones, Aisha said: 'She was crying and wants to get back to Britain but ISIS is preventing her because she is now a military wife. She told me she wish to go to her country.'

Her chances of achieving that are remote.

As Sky reports, Brett McGurk, the leading US diplomat in the fight against the so-called caliphate, recently stated that the 3,000 to 3,500 foreign fighters currently in Raqqa will die there.
On International Kissing Day, 9 times the Bible talks about kissing

It's International Kissing Day, and all over the world people are marking the occasion with anything from a peck to a smooch. The kiss can be either a simple greeting or a romantic gesture. In some cultures it's common for men to kiss each other; in others it isn't.

In the Bible, kissing provides a rich vocabulary, speaking of the whole range of human experience. Here are nine times the Bible talks about kissing.

1. The kiss of reconciliation

But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept (Genesis 33:4)

2. The parting kiss

At this they wept aloud again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her (Ruth 1:14).

3. The kiss of betrayal

Joab said to Amasa, 'How are you, my brother?' Then Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him (2 Samuel 20:9)  Joab stabs Amasa.

4. The kiss of pardon

Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other (Psalm 85:10).

5. The kiss of truthfulness

An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips (Proverbs 24:26)

6. The kiss of passion

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth  for your love is more delightful than wine (Song of Songs 1:2).

7. The Judas kiss

Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, 'Greetings, Rabbi!' and kissed him (Matthew 26:49).

8. The kiss of devotion

You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet (Luke 7:45).

9. The kiss of fellowship

Greet one another with a holy kiss (2 Corinthians 13:12).
President Donald Trump has given 'hope' to desperate parents of baby Charlie Gard

The offer of US President Donald Trump to intervene to help the sick baby Charlie Gard has given the parents hope, they said today.

A family spokesman said: 'The White House has been in talks with Charlie's family, GOSH, the UK Government, the Department of Health and the American doctor who wants to treat Charlie. President Trump has a very good understanding of the whole case and he did not make an off-the-cuff tweet.'

Earlier this month, President Trump tweeted: 'If we can help little, as per our friends in the UK and the Pope, we would be delighted to do so.'

Charlie's parents raised 1.3m in crowdfunding to fund experimental treatment in the US but judges at the European Court of Human Rights have refused to let him go because they believed further intervention will 'continue to cause Charlie significant harm'.

If we can help little #CharlieGard, as per our friends in the U.K. and the Pope, we would be delighted to do so.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 3, 2017

President Trump is expected to talk to Prime Minister Theresa May about the case at the G20 summit in Germany this week.

The Pope has also pleaded for Charlie's parents to be allowed to 'accompany him to the end'.

His parents have been denied permission to take him from Great Ormond Street Hospital in London to the US for experimental therapy

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson intervened to say Charlie cannot also be moved to Italy after the president of the Bambino Gesu hospital in Rome suggested he be transferred there.

Charlie, aged 10 months, is seriously ill with the muscle weakening genetic condition, mitochondrial depletion syndrome, in Great Ormond Street where he has been since October. He cannot see, hear, move, cry or swallow.

In Prime Minister's Questions yesterday, May said that the hospital will always 'consider any offers or new information that has come forward with consideration of the well-being of a desperately ill child'.

Top doctor Robert Winston told Good Morning Britain on ITV that the interventions from Trump and from the Vatican were 'extremely unhelpful and very cruel'.

Lord Winston said: 'This child has been dealt with at a hospital which has huge expertise in mitochondrial disease and is being offered a break in a hospital that has never published anything on this disease, as far as I'm aware.'

Dr Trevor Stammers, Senior Lecturer In Bioethics at St Mary's University, Twickenham, told Christian Today: 'This case shows how when trust breaks down between parents of a very sick child and the hospital team things can escalate through the courts and then social media can fuel conflict further so that politically driven decisions could eclipse medically appropriate ones.

'Doctors cannot be compelled to continue treatments that they feel are futile, having little or no chance of success and which may even be harmful. I have no reason to doubt that the further care Charlie would receive if active treatment is withdrawn would be planned taking into account his parents wishes.'
Three Iranian Christians get 10 years in jail for 'illegal' church activity

Three Iranian Christians have been sentenced to at least ten years in jail, charged with blasphemy and 'acting against national security' for their church-related activity.

The Iranian Christian community are appealing for prayer as the faith community continues to suffer under repeated threats of imprisonment from the government. Persian-speaking churches in the Muslim country are illegal, forcing many 'underground'.

The latest case has seen three Christian men sentenced to upwards of ten years in jail each for 'illegal' Christian activities, according to BosNewsLife.

The lawyer for Pastor Victor Bet Tamraz, Amin Afshar Naderi, and Hadi Asgari planned to challenge the court's decision this week.

The decision by Ahmadpour was announced earlier this week: sentencing Tamraz and Asagri to ten years in prison and Naderi to 15 years. Ahmadpour reportedly also raised the cost of bail for the men to 200 million Tomans (about $60,000) each.

Tamraz's crimes included 'conducting evangelism', the printing and distribution of Bibles and 'illegal house church activities'. His son and wife are also awaiting court hearings for their Christian activity.

Naderi was charged with an oft-cited crime in Iran, 'acting against national security'. As a former Muslim who converted to Christianity, he was also charged with blasphemy. Asgari, another Muslim convert, was charged similarly alongside an accusation of 'organizing and creating house churches'.

The news comes as four other Iranian Christians were sentenced to ten years in jail each in June, according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

In published remarks, Iranian Christians prayed for those detained, and asked 'that those responsible for the persecution of Christians in Iran will love mercy, act justly, learn about Jesus and choose to follow Him.'
'What I have taught with my lips I now seal with my blood': The life and martyr's death of Jan Hus

Jan Hus, who died while singing a hymn as he was burned at the stake on this day in 1415, was, along with his mentor John Wycliffe, a key forerunner to the Reformation a century later.

He was the most important 15th century Czech religious reformer, who helped to act as a bridge between the medieval and Reformation periods. For his entire career, Hus was embroiled in the bitter Western Schism (1378-1417) before being convicted of heresy at the Council of Constance, leading to his death in Konstanz, now in Germany.

Born to poor parents in around 1370 in Husinec (from which he took his name) in southern Bohemia (now in the Czech Republic), Hus graduated from the University of Prague before receiving a master's degree and beginning teaching there, becoming dean of the philosophical faculty there in 1401.

Around this time Hus became impressed by Wycliffe's proposals for reform of the Roman Catholic clergy. Against the backdrop of discredited authority of the papacy, there was envy and resentment among the poor priests, as the clerical estate owned about one-half of all the land in Bohemia. Hus preached against the corruption of the Church and against Catholic doctrines of the Eucharist.

From 1402 Hus was in charge of the Bethlehem Chapel, which had become the centre of the growing national reform movement in Bohemia, becoming increasingly absorbed in public preaching and eventually emerging as the popular leader of the movement.

Since 1378 the Roman Catholic Church had been split by the Western Schism, during which the papal jurisdiction was divided between two popes. As the leader of reform, Hus was pitted against Archbishop Zbynek of Hazmburk when the latter opposed the 1409 Council of Pisa , which was called to dethrone the rival popes and to reform the church.

The Council precipitated the final break between Hus and Archbishop Zbynek when it deposed both Pope Gregory XII, whose authority was recognised in Bohemia, and the Antipope Benedict XIII, and in their place elected Alexander V.

The archbishop, through a large bribe, induced Alexander to prohibit preaching in private chapels, including the Bethlehem Chapel. Hus refused to obey the Pope's order, and Zbynek excommunicated him.

In 1412, the case of Hus's heresy, which had been tacitly dropped, was revived because of a new dispute over the sale of indulgences that had been issued by Alexander's successor, the Antipope John XXIII, to finance his campaign against Gregory XII. Hus publicly denounced these indulgences before the university, which proved fatal for him.

Shortly after forcibly arriving at the Council of Constance  under a guarantee of safe-conduct  Hus was arrested and placed in close confinement, from which he never emerged. Hus's enemies succeeded in having him tried as a Wycliffite heretic. He was given three public hearings, at which he was allowed to defend himself and succeeded in refuting some of the charges against him. When he refused to recant, he was solemnly sentenced on July 6, 1415, and burned at the stake as a martyr.

There is an anecdote about the youthful Hus sitting beside a fire one winter evening reading about the martyrdom of St Lawrence. Suddenly, he thrust his hand into the flames. When a fellow pupil pulled him away from the fire and questioned his intentions, Hus replied: 'I was only trying what part of the tortures of this holy man I might be capable of enduring.'

Whether that is true or not cannot be determined for sure. But what is recorded is that as he died, though the Council had consigned his soul to the devil, Hus  singing loudly as the flames consumed him  consigned his soul to God: 'Jesus Christ! The Son of the living God! Have mercy upon me.'

Here are five top quotes from Jan Hus:

'For whoso dies for Christ, he is conqueror and is delivered from all misery and attains the eternal joy to which may it please our Saviour to bring us all.'

'Open is the way of Satan; many walk therein.'

'Therefore, faithful Christian, seek the truth, listen to the truth, learn the truth, love the truth, tell the truth, learn the truth, defend the truth even to death.'

'As for antichrist occupying the papal chair, it is evident that a pope living contrary to Christ, like any other perverted person, is called, by common consent, antichrist.'

'What I have taught with my lips I now seal with my blood.'
The Fundraising Regulator said it received 713 complaints in 2016/17 and has published eight decisions and one adjudication, in its annual review published today.

It also inherited 11 "live" complaints from its predecessor, the Fundraising Standards Board.

The regulator said that it passes complaints to charities, where the complainant had not first tried this route.

In November it published its first adjudication into the now defunct agency, Neet Feet, and charities that had used its services.

It has also issued eight decisions and published the findings as case studies on its website. The regulator upheld the complaint in seven of the eight cases. The summaries are all anonymised as those involved accepted the regulators recommendations.

The Fundraising Regulator has also gathered data from fundraising charities about complaints and plans to publish a separate report, similar to the FRSBs annual complaints review.

It will also produce advice for charities about key principles necessary for an effective complaints procedure.

Financial results

The Fundraising Regulator ended its first financial year with a surplus of 245,000, but warned that if it needs to stabilise its levy income to be sustainable, in its annual accounts published today.

Its report confirmed that the regulator has struggled to get smaller charities to pay the levy and that if charities continue to refuse it will need to consider moving to a statutory model for the levy.

Total income for the 13 months to March 2017 show it had income of 1.5m and expenditure of 1.3m.

Most of its income came from the levy and set-up donations, while it received 20,000 from charities that were below the levy threshold, but have paid 50 to sign up to the Fundraising Promise be able to use the regulators logo on its communications.

The regulator plans to expand registration to fundraising businesses and agencies at a fee similar to that of the levy.

Optimistically we expect that income from registration will raise around 100k per year, so it is unlikely to fill the funding gap we have identified, the report said.

Spend on FPS lower than expected

The regulator had budgeted to spend 1.2m on setting up the Fundraising Preference Service, however it actually spent 228,000.

It said that this was partly because of a keen tender exercise.

The initial views of the working group suggested that the FPS system development would cost 750,000, but, following a close examination of the requirements and a keen tender exercise, the FPS set-up has been achieved for an investment of around 200,000 in the financial year, the report said.

It expects the annual running cost of the FPS to be around 459,000 to cover the call centre and website.




When The New York Times hired Bret Stephens, a prominent conservative columnist, to write for its op-ed pages, the backlash was swift and furious. Stephenss first column in April questioned some of the certainty underlying climate change science, and the Timess liberal readership revolted. An attempt by the Times to introduce more balance to its mostly left-leaning stable of columnists seemed to backfire. Disgusted readers canceled their subscriptions. A wide range of publications on the left panned the column, calling Stephens a climate change denier and bullshitter.

Explaining the decision to tap Stephens, a former Wall Street Journal columnist who was not shy about excoriating Donald Trump, James Bennet, the Timess editorial page editor, quoted the newspapers 19th-century publisher, Adolph Ochs. Bennett* wrote that Ochs hoped to make the Timess opinion pages a forum for intelligent discussion from all shades of opinion. Given how polarizing and partisan this era has become, we think its important to recommit ourselves to that goal.

The online debate raged over whether the Times, in the name of ideological diversity, had propped up a viewpoint invalidated by science, introducing false balance to its opinion section. For many liberal readers, this was clearly the case.

TRENDING: We need to stop obsessing over Trumps tweets

Yet the contretemps over Stephenss column obscured a larger point. Ochss 19th-century sentiment has not been upheld in spirit by the Times or any large, mainstream news organization, despite Bennets claim to the contrary. Hiring Stephens did not mean all shades of opinion were represented, at last, in its hollowed editorial pages.

For the most part, the shades remain limited to two: conventionally right and conventionally left.

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Despite the phenomenon that was the Bernie Sanders campaign, avowed socialists are not suddenly popping up on op-ed pages. If anti-capitalism is less taboo among the millennial crowds, its more so in newsrooms, where a traditional fear over being perceived as too biased or too radical has led to a long-running tendency to remain firmly entrenched in the center of political discourse, inching occasionally left or right on a select few issues.

In a traditional formulation, there is nothing objective about the socialist left or Trumpian right. These poles do not operate out of a newsroom consensus which, as CJRs David Uberti pointed out, is steeped in the values of a globalized economy. Globalized capitalism, villainized by both Sanders and Trump acolytes, is accepted as an implicit good. To employ a slew of columnists who think free-trade is dumb, America should tighten its borders, or capitalists in other countries are screwing the American worker, would be to openly declare that the safe center can no longer hold, a more obvious proposition outside the newsroomor any corporate structurethan within it.

Just as the anti-war far left can feel marginalized, conservative skeptics of military intervention usually dont end up with columnist gigs at mainstream newspapers.

Open hostility to Trump among columnists and editorial boards has not meant an explicit promotion or celebration of leftist policies. The political center values decorum, which is supposed to transcend ideology, and Trumps uncouth and erratic nature has been a violent shock to the medias well-worn system. For those on the far left who felt validated by Sanderss success, there is a sense that their critique of society is still actively ignored.

ICYMI: Why a Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks movie has former New York Times journalists ticked off

There is a deliberate project to maintain an [acceptability] to the ruling class [status quo] that protects those in power, says Maria Svart, the national director of the Democratic Socialists of America. How violence is described, how economic conditions are describedits shaped by owners of mainstream media.

Whether this deliberate suppression effort exists or not, its apparent that even Stephenss left-leaning colleagues have never fully embraced the burgeoning Sanders movement. Paul Krugman, a Nobel Prize-winning economist and popular liberal columnist, has been especially disdainful of Sanders.

The liberalism of Times columnists never strays too far from the shores of Democratic Party consensus. Hillary Clinton, the candidate of the Democratic establishment, was always their candidate. When military interventions were more popular with the party, for example, left-leaning columnists like Thomas Friedman and Nicholas Kristof backed the invasion of Iraq. This position, at least in the early 2000s, reflected conventional wisdompoliticians and pundits on the left and right agreed on the necessity of the invasion.

Just as the anti-war far left can feel marginalized, conservative skeptics of military intervention usually dont end up with columnist gigs at mainstream newspapers. I once heard a joke. There are only 20 neocons in the country, but they all have Washington Post columns and New York Times columns, says Robby Soave, an associate editor at Reason, a libertarian magazine and website.

TRENDING: This is a whole generation of young people who were basically sold a lie

Stephens is an identifiable neoconservative. In his writings, he has advocated for free-market economic policy and a robust American military presence abroad. He was a prominent supporter of the Iraq War and a critic of Barack Obamas Iran nuclear deal. While Soaves point is an exaggerationhe repeated a joke, after allit speaks to an underlying truth. A certain type of conservative is more than welcome in the opinion pages of a newspaper, no matter the editorial boards political leanings.

This conservative is usually in the Stephens mold: hawkish on foreign policy, a classical liberal on economics (limited government, lower taxes), and generally a believer in Republican Party orthodoxy. At the Times, Ross Douthat, who replaced conservative heavyweight Bill Kristol in the opinion pages, fits this archetype, and was also aggressively anti-Trump. He tweeted in September of 2015 that the entire commentariat is going to feel a little silly when Marco Rubio wins every Republican primary.

The entire commentariat is going to feel a little silly when Marco Rubio wins every Republican primary.  Ross Douthat (@DouthatNYT) September 25, 2015



The Times employs no columnist who is a supporter of Trumps economic and foreign policy prescriptions, let alone the man himself. Though Trump is ideologically elastic and prone to offering contradictory statements, his campaign generally adopted a worldview espoused by a once-fringe element of the Republican Party best represented, before Trump, by Pat Buchanan. By winning the presidency, Trump proved, at least in a GOP primary, this brand of Republicanism could be appealing to average people.

Unlike Stephens and Douthat (and major conservative columnists like The Washington Posts George Will, who said he was leaving the Republican Party after Trump seized the nomination), the Trump wing, at least rhetorically, cares far less about Republican orthodoxy. Like left-wing Democrats, Trump criticized free-trade agreements and promised not to privatize social security and Medicare, the entitlement programs regularly attacked by Republican politicians.

I once heard a joke. There are only 20 neocons in the country, but they all have Washington Post columns and New York Times columns.

The Trump wing is isolationist, intensely critical of American military adventures abroad. It believes, unlike Republican elders, that America must restrict immigration and offer no path to citizenship for most immigrants who arrive here illegally. Critics, notably those on the left, charge that the Trump worldview is inherently nativist and racist.

However controversial and popularTrump crushed a bevy of conventional conservatives on his rampage to the presidencyit has no reliable booster in the Times or Washington Post. It may never.

Cable news entities and the networks really force the dialogue into categories.Thats been seeping into the journalistic consciousness for some time now, says Robert W. Merry, the editor of The American Conservative, a publication known for challenging Republican orthodoxy and offering more nuanced defenses of Trump policy. People are taking a knee-jerk approach. This sounds kind of arrogant on my part, but if you dont have an answerwhats going on is so novel and profound and significant and disruptiveyoud think people would be stepping back and saying, Whats going on here?

Merry blamed cable news for erecting a false left-right dichotomy and making guests adopt certain preconceived, antagonistic postures for whatever controversy dominates the headlines that day. CNN has been blamed for elevating this model, though it has also endured criticism for employing Trump boosters like Jeffrey Lord and Corey Lewandowski, Trumps former campaign manager. Trump talking heads, with few exceptions, do not typically refine a CNN panel. Instead, they are often reduced to repeating, ad nauseam, Trump White House talking points, even when theyre counterfactual.

But this doesnt mean all Trump policies and positions are without merit or not deserving of an intellectual hearing. Nor does it mean other perspectives beyond the Overton Windowthe range of acceptable political discoursedeserve to remain there. Libertarians like Soave are often shut out because their arguments do not easily fit the left-right cookie cutter. Skeptical of foreign interventions, defenders of civil liberties and critics of post-9/11 security measures, libertarians can be lumped in with the left, even if they also believe in limiting welfare programs and reducing the scope of government in all facets of peoples lives.

Soave, who lives in Washington, DC, says his Washington social circle is particularly dismissive of libertarian ideas, and blames the concentration of media in urban areas for a neglect of any ideas beyond the conventional spectrum. Everyone is in the same place, going to the same events, the same parties, socializing together, Soave says. Its amazing to watch opinions starting to converge just for purely social reasons because of your friend circle.

The perspectives you normally dont see a lot of tend to be those who are outside an elite consensus.

Zaid Jilani, a journalist with The Intercept, an online publication often critical of establishment progressives, wrote recently about six types of columnists the Times could have chosen instead of Stephens. Jilani said Arab- and Muslim-Americans, opponents of militarism, scientists and environmentalists, young people, and supporters of both Trump and Sanders could have been selected instead because all are underrepresented in the Timess staid opinion pages.

The perspectives you normally dont see a lot of tend to be those who are outside an elite consensus, Jilani tells CJR.

Jilani, who grew up in the Georgian Bible Belt, says highly religious people are also left out of this consensus. Most journalists reside in secular, cosmopolitan cities where evangelical Christians, many of whom make up the backbone of Trumps support, are in short supply. With the collapse of local and regional media, more and more reporting and commenting manpower is concentrated in a few city centers where not only opinions, but the entire conception of reality, radically differ from what lies beyond them.

News organizations are still struggling to diversify their ranks. Minority groups only accounted for about 13 percent of newspaper jobs in 2015, according to one industry survey. Tied into that equation is a socioeconomic component that anyone who works in todays precarious news industry is well aware of: Holding a newspaper job often means coming from an affluent household, especially as both undergraduate and graduate degrees, along with a slew of prestigious internships, become the price of admission for scant openings.

You have so few people in the op-ed pages who grew up poor, Jilani says. Pointing to the runaway success of Hillbilly Elegy, a memoir by J.D. Vance, a Yale-educated entrepreneur who lived a childhood of poverty in Appalachia, Jilani argued the books popularity was further evidence of how large media outlets (Vance has a Times column) pigeonholed working-class America. Its as if they found their rural Appalachian whisperer and his perspective is the [ultimate] perspective. The South has a variety of perspectives.

Despite all the upheaval over the past year, the unchanging nature of newspaper op-ed pages doesnt surprise Jack Shafer, a Politico media columnist. A newspaper is not a Twitter feed. Its not skywriting, Shafer says.

The editorial status quo will remain as long as the people who control the pages hail from the same classes and ideological backgrounds theyve always known.

We can argue whether Bret Stephens or Paul Krugmans ideas are worthy of placement in The New York Times, Shafer says. but [A.J.] Liebling said it best. The freedom of the press is guaranteed only to those who own one.

* Bennet is a member of CJRs board of overseers.

ICYMI: Breitbart editor slams mainstream media in Pulitzer Hall

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Ross Barkan is a journalist and writer from New York City. He frequently contributes to the Village Voice and his work has appeared in the New York Times, New York Magazine, Esquire and Reuters.
Cenovus Energy Inc., together with its subsidiaries, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas in Canada, the United States, and the Asia Pacific region. The company operates through Oil Sands, Conventional, Offshore, Canadian Manufacturing, U.S. Manufacturing, and Retail segments. The Oil Sands segment develops and produces bitumen and heavy oil in northern Alberta and Saskatchewan. This segments Foster Creek, Christina Lake, Sunrise, and Tucker oil sands projects, as well as Lloydminster thermal and conventional heavy oil assets The Conventional segment holds assets primarily located in Elmworth-Wapiti, Kaybob-Edson, Clearwater, and Rainbow Lake operating in Alberta and British Columbia, as well as interests in various natural gas processing facilities. The offshore segment engages in the exploration and development activities. The Canadian Manufacturing segment includes the owned and operated Lloydminster upgrading and asphalt refining complex, which upgrades heavy oil and bitumen into synthetic crude oil, diesel fuel, asphalt, and other ancillary products, as well as owns and operates the Bruderheim crude-by-rail terminal and two ethanol plants. The U.S. Manufacturing segment comprises the refining of crude oil to produce diesel, gasoline, jet fuel, asphalt, and other products. The Retail segment consists of marketing of its own and third-party refined petroleum products through retail, commercial, and bulk petroleum outlets, as well as wholesale channels. Cenovus Energy Inc. was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.
Compass Minerals International, Inc., produces and sells essential minerals primarily in the United States, Canada, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Salt, Plant Nutrition North America, and Plant Nutrition South America. The Salt segment offers sodium chloride and magnesium chloride, including rock salt, mechanically and solar evaporated salt, and brine and flake magnesium chloride products; and purchases potassium chloride and calcium chloride to sell as finished products or to blend with salt to produce specialty products. This segment provides products for use as a deicer for roadways, consumer, and professional use; as an ingredient in chemical production; for water treatment, human, and animal nutrition; and for various other consumer and industrial uses, as well as records management services. The Plant Nutrition North America segment offers sulfate of potash specialty fertilizers in various grades, including agricultural products that are used in broadcast spreaders, direct application, and liquid fertilizer solutions; turf products used by the turf and ornamental markets, as well as for blends used on golf course greens; organic products under the Protassium+ brand; and micronutrient products under the Wolf Trax and other brands. This segment provides its products to distributors and retailers of crop inputs, as well as growers. The Plant Nutrition South America segment offers various specialty plant nutrients and supplements; water and wastewater treatment chemicals for cleaning, decontaminating, and purifying water; and process chemicals for industrial use. The company was formerly known as Salt Holdings Corporation and changed its name to Compass Minerals International, Inc. in December 2003. Compass Minerals International, Inc. was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas.
BT Group plc provides communications services worldwide. Its Consumer segment sells telephones, baby monitors, and Wi-Fi extenders through high street retailers, online BT Shop, and Website BT.com; and offers home phone, copper and fiber broadband, TV, and mobile services in various packages. The company's EE segment offers 2G, 3G, and 4G mobile network services; broadband, fixed-voice, and TV services; and postpaid and prepaid plans, and emergency services network. This segment also sells 4G mobile phones, tablets, connected devices, and mobile broadband devices from various manufacturers. Its Business and Public Sector segment provides fixed voice, mobility, fiber and connectivity, and networked IT services to retailers, utilities, public sector, healthcare, sports, construction, finance, and educational sectors. The company's Global Services segment offers business communications and ICT services comprising BT Connect, BT Security, BT One, BT Contact, BT Compute, BT Advise, and BT for financial markets. This segment serves approximately 5,500 customers in 180 countries. Its Wholesale and Ventures segment enables communications providers and other organizations to provide fixed or mobile phone services. Its ventures provide mass-market services, such as directory enquiries and payphones; and enterprise services comprising BT Fleet and BT Redcare. This segment also provides broadband and Ethernet, voice, hosted communication, mobile virtual network operator, managed solutions, machine-to-machine, roaming, and media services. The company's Openreach segment engages in the provision of services over the local access network; and installation and maintenance of fiber and copper communications networks that connect homes and businesses. The company was formerly known as Newgate Telecommunications Limited and changed its name to BT Group plc in September 2001. BT Group plc was incorporated in 2001 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.
Veon has indicated that is planning to leave the Russian market in which it operates under the name Beeline, although it has made it clear that it does not have a buyer yet.
Hamburg is bracing itself for the arrival of leaders from the worlds biggest economies this weekend, with the G20 summit rolling into town at a fragile point in the global geopolitical climate.

Beginning with the shock result of last years Brexit referendum little over a year ago and culminating in a widely-unexpected victory for Donald Trump in the US presidential election, the power plates have shifted significantly in recent months as the worlds most influential politicians gather to discuss the economy, security and environmental issues affecting the globe today.

German chancellor and party host Angela Merkel has maintained a hard-line in recent weeks and vowed to place climate change issues at the top of the agenda, despite Trump having withdrawn the US from the Paris climate accord in May.

Merkel said last week that "anyone who believes that the problems of this world can be solved with isolationism and protectionism is making a terrible error", setting up a potential showdown with her US counterpart at the summit.

With Trump and Theresa May leading governments intent on pursuing policies with a distinctly isolationist feel, EU leaders in particular will be keen to present a strong case for increased cooperation on all fronts.

Trump has received a frosty reception from several other world leaders so far in other meetings, as many question the ability of Washington to maintain its status as the pre-eminent global power.

RUSSIA ALLEGATIONS

And what of Vladimir Putin? As accusation after accusation mounts of the Kremlins attempts to stamp its influence on the aforementioned election, and the alleged links between the Trump campaign and Russian officials, the premiers of the two former Cold War combatants will officially meet for the first time on Friday.

Conflicts involving the likes of Syria, North Korea and Ukraine are likely to be among the hot topics discussed by the 20-strong group during the weekend, as investors keep a keen eye on events to provide clues as to how markets will react in the days and weeks ahead.

Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, said markets were being held back by ongoing tensions as the world leaders converge on Hamburg.

Beauchamp said: Geopolitical tensions, oil volatility and Brexit negotiations are all conspiring to keep markets on the back foot this morning.

"The G20 meeting and Donald Trumps visit to Poland flag up the many problems besetting global leaders, from Russia via Saudi Arabia/Qatar, Syria and finally on to North Korea. The world seems to be at loggerheads, and this flow of negativity means that bullish sentiment is being held firmly in check."
Boosted by the weak pound, Associated British Foods improved its performance in the third quarter, with particularly strong trading at its Primark clothing retail arm that has slightly lifted the full year expectations.

Primark sales grew 21% in the for the 40 weeks to 24 June and 15% at constant currency rates versus the 22% at actual rates and 12% constant in the first half of the year.

This helped boost group sales to 20% at actual rates and 13% at constant currency for the third quarter, and to 20% actual and 10% constant for the 40 weeks of the year to date.

While the collapse of sterling since the Brexit referendum in June last year has boosted numbers substantially, AB Foods noted that at current exchange rates the translation benefit will be "significantly less in the last quarter" of its financial year.

Sales at Primark have been driven by 1.3m more retail selling space in the year to date and growth in like-for-like sales, with a 13% increase in average retail selling space to date.

Retail sales in the quarter were particularly strong in the lead up to Easter, benefiting from comparison with results last year that were affected by poor weather and an earlier Easter holiday.

Against a UK backdrop where other clothing retailers are struggling, Primark performed "particularly well" with year to date sales up 9% on last year and a growing share taken of the total clothing market.

Management also said margins are now likely to stabilise in the second half, rowing back on their previous warning that the operating profit margins decline of 1.7 percentage points in the first half due to the strength of the US dollar on input costs would worsen as maturing currency hedges would be at less advantageous rates.

"However, with the benefit of improved input margin mitigation and lower markdowns, we now expect the full year margin and the rate of decline to be in line with the first half."

As of 24 June, 339 stores were trading from 13.6m sq ft of retail selling space, with 10 new stores opened in the third quarter, including two each in the UK, the US, Spain and the Netherlands; and one each in Belgium and Italy.

"Early trading from these new stores, particularly those in Florence and the US, has been good," the company said, expect to add a further 0.2m sq ft of newspace by the end of the financial year, with four stores in the UK and a fourth Italian store.

Elsewhere in the business, grocery achieved further revenue growth from Twinings Ovaltine and George Weston Foods in Australia, though the "very competitive" bread market has had a negative impact on grocery margins.

AB Sugar revenue growth for remained strong in the quarter, still benefiting from higher prices and increased production from Illovo in Africa and the majority of sales contracts in the EU providing protection from the decline in world sugar prices.

UK sugar production for the 2016/17 year was 900,000 tonnes with a smaller contracted growing area than last year and lower beet yields, while the post-quota environment that begins in the autumn has seen the contracted area for the 2017/18 season increased by a third.

China's record beet crop was processed this year and the new season crop is "progressing well" with prices stable and China now adding additional duties on sugar imports.

Illovo expects to produce 1.7m tonnes of sugar this year compared with 1.4m tonnes produced in the comparable months last year, with a good quality crop this season after last year's drought.

Agriculture revenue growth in the quarter was slightly up on the first half but margin remains under some pressure in UK and China Feeds.

Ingredients profit growth remains strong driven by yeast and bakery ingredients and good performances from Abitec in the US and Enzymes, while an enzymes plant expansion will increase fermentation capacity by over 40%.
Food producers were the top rising sector on Thursday thanks entirely to Associated British Foods , a major sugar producer, bread baker, food and ingredients producer under brands such as Twinings Ovaltine and Australia's George Weston Foods.

While its sugar and ingredients arms had solid third quarter and provide half group profits, it was the performance of clothes retail arm Primark that impressed the market and lifted full year expectations. Primark sales grew 21% in the for the 40 weeks to 24 June and 15% at constant currency rates versus the 22% at actual rates and 12% constant in the first half of the year.

This helped boost group sales to 20% at actual rates and 13% at constant currency for the third quarter, and to 20% actual and 10% constant for the 40 weeks of the year to date.

The "stellar" update was so impressive, said Credit Suisse, that it raised full year earnings estimates by 1% and upped its price target to 33.50 from 32. "Primark clearly holds the key to valuation here, and this update confirms it is in robust health." Analysts said the shares look good value for such a structural growth story at Primark "that looks in pretty good health".

Oil services and engineers stocks were down despite a rise in oil prices. By late afternoon on Friday, Brent crude futures were up more than 2.2% to $48.88 a barrel, recouping most of the previous session's losses.

Government Data on US crude oil and product stockpiles showed rapid shrinkage during the latest reference week. Commercial oil inventories fell by 6.3 millions barrels during the week ending on 30 June to reach 502.9m, according to the Energy Information Administration, the US Department of Energy's statistical arm. In parallel, gasoline inventories fell by 3.7m barrels and those of distillates by 1.9m.

Top performing sectors so far today

Food Producers & Processors 8,382.39 +1.08%

Banks 4,477.25 +0.71%

Insurance (non-life) 3,109.42 +0.60%

Industrial Metals & Mining 2,568.87 +0.51%

Industrial Transportation 3,095.95 +0.28%

Bottom performing sectors so far today

Forestry & Paper 21,402.69 -1.78%

Oil Equipment, Services & Distribution 11,900.79 -1.61%

Electronic & Electrical Equipment 5,748.31 -1.54%

Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology 13,946.80 -1.40%

Construction & Materials 6,747.83 -1.37%
Eurovision Choir brings together Europe's best amateur vocal groups in an exciting competition that celebrates different traditions, languages and the joy of singing. Watch the full show online

10 amazing choirs competed in the 2nd Eurovision Choir in Gothenburg on Saturday 3 August 2019. All of them performed an unaccompanied selection of music in a variety of styles taking viewers on a colourful journey across Europe in search of the continent's pre-eminent amateur vocal group.

Vocal Line from Denmark were named as the winners of the competition.

Participating broadcasters and choirs

Rules

Performance: Each choir performs a 4-minute unaccompanied set in the first round. Three choirs are invited to perform a second 3-minute set after which the winner is announced.

Genre: Any

Choir size: 4 - 45

Adjudication: Expert jury

Hosts

Ella Petersson

Ella Petersson is head of the music department at SVT and is responsible for concerts and music documentaries. She is also hosts many of SVT's culture programmes. She worked for many years as a producer and music editor at Sveriges Radio. Ella studied musicology, literature and culture at Stockholm University,

Petroc Trelawny

Petroc Trelawny is one of the best-known voices on BBC Radio 3 - where he presents the daily Breakfast programme. This summer he will introduce the BBC Proms on radio and television for the 20th year running. He presents the BBC's coverage of the VPO New Years Day Concert and in 2018 hosted Eurovision Young Musicians from Edinburgh.

Jury

Deke Sharon

Heralded as The Father of Contemporary A Cappella, American Deke is a performer, arranger, music producer, producer and coach and credited by many as being responsible for the current sound of modern a cappella. He produced five seasons of The Sing Off for NBC, was arranger, music director and vocal producer for the Pitch Perfect films and was music director and guest judge on the BBCs Pitch Battle.

John Rutter

John is a British composer and conductor; much of his early work consisted of church music and other choral pieces including Christmas carols. Today his compositions, including such concert-length works as Requiem, Magnificat, Mass of the Children, The Gift of Life, and Visions are performed around the world. His music has featured at a number of British royal occasions, including the two most recent royal weddings.

Katarina Henryson

Swedish Katarina works within a broad range of music genres, from classical music to jazz and pop and is one of the founding members of the internationally renowned a cappella group The Real Group. With her flexible altovoice, numerous compositions and distinct stage presence she has contributed to the group for 32 years and can be heard on 20 albums.
ExxonMobil, Chevron and other oil bigwigs have spoken out against legislation that would establish tough, new sanctions against Russia for meddling in the 2016 election.

The U.S. oil giants worry that the bill, which overwhelmingly passed the Senate 98-2 last month, could shut down oil and gas projects around the world that involve Russian partners, according to Market Watch.

The companies have been contacting lawmakers about how the bill could disadvantage U.S. companies compared to our non-U.S. counterparts, the Wall Street Journal reported.

This has far-reaching impacts to a variety of companies and industries, Jack Gerard, American Petroleum Institute CEO, commented to the Journal. It has the potential to penalize U.S. interests and advantage Russia.

The bill is currently stalled in the House but the Trump administration is reportedly lobbying House Republicans to weaken the bill as it also sets up a Congressional review process if President Trump wants to remove or ease the sanctions.

I think our main concern overall with sanctions is how will the Congress craft them, and any potential erosion of the executive branchs authority to implement them, press secretary Sean Spicer said last week.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson expressed similar concerns.

I would urge Congress to ensure any legislation allows the president to have the flexibility to adjust sanctions to meet the needs of what is always an evolving diplomatic situation, the former Exxon CEO said in June.

In 2012, Tillerson spearheaded a multi-billion dollar exploration and drilling deal with Russia-owned Rosneft. But the venture has largely stalled over sanctions imposed in 2014 against Russia over its annexation of Ukraine.

Tillerson has promised to recuse himself with issues related to his former company, but Exxons opposition to the sanctions bill raises more conflict-of-interest issues swamping the Trump administration.
France plans to end the sale of vehicles powered by gasoline and diesel by 2040, environment minister Nicolas Hulot said.

Hulot made the announcement Thursday in Paris as he launched the countrys new Climate Plan to accelerate the transition to clean energy and to meet its targets under the Paris climate agreement.

To ease the transition, Hulot said the French government will offer tax incentives to replace fossil-fuel burning cars with clean alternatives.

The government will offer each French person a bonus to replace their diesel car dating before 1997 or petrol from before 2001 by a new or second-hand vehicle, he said.

The target is a tough one, he noted, but France wants to become the No. 1 green economy.

Hulot is a former TV host of nature documentaries and a popular environmental activist. His appointment as ecology minister was seen as a major coup by French President Emmanuel Macrons new administration.

The new environment minister cited the example of a European maker that decided to embrace the electrification of vehicles.

That was a clear reference to Volvo, which announced Wednesday that every car it launches from 2019 will have an electric motor, marking a historic end to the internal combustion engine. Volvo is the first mainstream carmaker to commit to phasing out vehicles powered solely by fossil fuels.

France is not alone in outlawing gas guzzlers. Norway is banning the sale of new gasoline- and diesel-powered cars in 2025. Germany plans to ban the internal combustion engine by 2030. India also intends to be a 100 percent electric vehicle nation by 2030.

As Bloomberg noted, France intends to end oil and gas exploration in French territory, eliminate coal-fired power plants by 2022 and encourage homeowners to produce their own energy. It also aims to eliminate net carbon emissions by 2050.

Frances pledge to move beyond dirty fossil fuel-powered cars shows that bold national commitments to clean transportation are possible, Sierra Club Electric Vehicles Initiative Director Gina Coplon-Newfield said. By making the switch to electric vehicles that will increasingly plug into renewable sources of electricity, France is decelerating the climate crisis and accelerating its commitment to the Paris Agreement.

While Donald Trump takes the low road by withdrawing from the Paris agreement, world leaders like Macron are taking the high road, knowing that clean energy is not only the economic choice, its the responsible choice for communities and the environment. U.S. policy makers should follow Frances lead so that we reach the end of the road for dirty transportation.
Dakota Access Pipeline developer Energy Transfer Partners is no longer using private security firm TigerSwan to monitor security in North Dakota, a company spokesperson confirmed to the AP.

Last week, a governor-appointed security board revealed TigerSwan had been operating in North Dakota during the NoDAPL protests after being denied a license, and sued to block the companys work in the state and seek administrative fines.

Groups in Iowa are now investigating whether TigerSwan also operated without a license in their state during the protests. Documents leaked to The Intercept in May revealed that ETP hired TigerSwan, which was originally founded as a State Department contractor working to execute the war on terror, to conduct counterterrorism measures on activists, including aerial surveillance on protesters, infiltrating activist groups and developing counter-information campaigns.

Must Read @ecowatch: Leaked Documents Expose Military Tactics Used to Defeat Pipeline 'Terrorists' at Standing Rock https://t.co/dV6L51fqr0  Josh Fox #BanFrackingNow (@joshfoxfilm) May 30, 2017

It was also reported by DeSmogBlog Wednesday that Retired Major General James Spider Marks, who chairs the advisory board for TigerSwan, led intelligence efforts for the task force which brought more than 10,000 U.S. military troops to police the 1992 riots following the acquittal of Los Angeles police involved in beating Rodney King.

In addition, Marks, a long-time military analyst for CNN, led intelligence-gathering efforts for the U.S. militarys 2003 shock and awe campaign in Iraq, which was dubbed Operation Iraqi Liberation.

According to DeSmogBlog:

In recent months, Marks has endorsed Dakota Access and its southern leg, the Bayou Bridge pipeline. He has shown this support by writing op-ed pieces published in various newspapers and on the website of a pro-Dakota Access coalition run by a PR firm funded by Energy Transfer Partners.

For a deeper dive:

ND: AP, Bismarck Tribune IA: AP. Commentary: Bismarck Tribune editorial

For more climate change and clean energy news, you can follow Climate Nexus on Twitter and Facebook, and sign up for daily Hot News.
On Wednesday night, Warsaws highest building displayed a prominent message to POTUS: No Trump, Yes Paris

The action was organized by

Greenpeace activists from Poland and Germany who are criticizing Donald Trumps controversial decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement.

The words were beamed onto the facade of the Palace of Culture and Science to mark Trumps arrival in Poland.

Trump is in the Polish capital before attending the G20 summit in Hamburg, where world leaders are reportedly planning to confront the climate-denier-in-chief about exiting the Paris accord.

Trump is going to the G20 summit as an isolated politician, Pawe Szypulski of Greenpeace Poland said. It is hard to imagine that during his visit to Warsaw he would find a common language in this matter with [Central and Eastern European Countries] countries, since all of them have signed the Paris agreement and since they realize that its implementation is in their best interest and in the interest of the whole European Union.

Greenpeace Poland also tweeted, Dear. Mr Trump, welcome to Poland!

While in Poland, Trump met with Polish President Andrzej Duda, where they discussed shifting Polands energy use away from Russian energy sources toward U.S. natural gas.

But Wenonah Hauter, the executive director of Food & Water Watch, pointed out that U.S. exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) are expensive.

For the economics to work, U.S. production costs have to be low while prices in importing countries stay high. In India, a major importer of U.S. LNG is now finding itself at the mercy of contracts that locked in high prices for U.S. LNG, relative to other sources of gas. This is how energy dominance will play out for those at the receiving end, Hauter wrote.

Consumers in LNG exporting countries are also getting pinched. In Australia, for example, extreme levels of LNG exports have caused economic disruptions. While the Industrial Energy Consumers of Americas call for a moratorium on LNG exports is prudent, Trump is not known for his prudence.
ROSEMONT, Ill. (July 5, 2017)--Helping patients to better manage stress and improve coping strategies related to pain may minimize the need for opioids following ankle fracture surgery, according to new research appearing in the July 2017 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

The U.S. is facing an opioid epidemic, with millions of people dependent on or misusing prescription painkillers such as codeine, morphine, oxymorphone, tramadol, hydrocodone or oxycodone. In 2015 alone, more than 15,000 people died from overdoses involving prescription opioids. A 2016 Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation survey found that one in three patients (34 percent) who took opioids for at least two months reported being addicted or dependent.

"Opioid-centric pain relief strategies have led to safety concerns without adequately relieving pain," said lead study author David Ring, MD, PhD, associate dean of comprehensive care and professor of surgery and perioperative care at the Dell Medical School at The University of Texas. "This is the latest in a series of studies demonstrating that pain relief after surgery or injury has more to do with calm and reassurance (self-efficacy) than with medication. Getting comfortable seems mostly about giving your body time to heal."

In the study, researchers sought to determine if opioid intake was associated with disability, satisfaction with surgery and pain relief, both at the time of suture removal (one-to-two weeks after surgery) and at the follow-up appointment, between five and eight months later. The study involved 99 adult patients at suture removal, and 59 of these patients at follow-up appointments. Disability, satisfaction and pain were measured through questionnaires.

Among the results:

No association was found between opioid intake and disability, satisfaction with the surgery or satisfaction with pain management at the time of suture removal, or at follow-up appointments.

Opioid use was independently associated with more reported pain with activity, and greater catastrophic thinking (excessive worry/rumination leading to anxiety and preventing patients from taking proactive steps to ease pain and discomfort) at suture removal and at follow-up appointments.

Greater disability (limited mobility) also was associated with catastrophic thinking and a poor response to the surgery and pain.

Eighty-three percent of patients (84) were using opioids at the time of suture removal. That number decreased to 14 out of 59 (24 percent) at the follow-up appointments.

The study authors say the results "demonstrate the need for a comprehensive approach to pain relief after surgery, including optimization of the patient's mindset and circumstances (with effective coping strategies being most important) in addition to the use of analgesics, elevation, ice, and other physical strategies."

Dr. Ring said "compassion, communication and coordination" are key to minimizing opioid use following injury or surgery. "The pre-operative discussion of pain relief is important. Patients also should be screened for symptoms of depression, less-effective coping strategies, and/or the risk for misuse."

If necessary, doctors should consult or partner with social workers, psychologists or psychiatrists to assist at-risk patients.

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To highlight the potential dangers of opioids, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons launched a public service announcement (PSA) campaign earlier this year urging doctors and patients to exercise caution in prescribing and taking opioids. The PSAs were distributed to more than 5,000 media, including television and radio stations, print publications and outdoor billboard/ sign companies. In addition, the Academy offers a Pain Relief Tool Kit for doctors highlighting talking points and patient pain relief strategies. More information on the campaign is available at the AAOS patient information website, OrthoInfo.org.

More information about the AAOS

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Disclosures

From the Department of Orthopaedics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA (Ms. Finger, Dr. Hageman, Ms. Ziady, and Dr. Heng), the Department of Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Dr. Teunis), and the Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care, University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, TX (Dr. Ring).

Ms. Finger or an immediate family member has stock or stock options held in Merck. Dr. Hageman or an immediate family member has stock or stock options held in the PATIENT1 Foundation and has received research or institutional support from the Anna Foundation. Dr. Ring or an immediate family member has received royalties from Skeletal Dynamics and Wright Medical Group and serves as a board member, owner, officer, or committee member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Orthopaedic Trauma Association. None of the following authors or any immediate family member has received anything of value from or has stock or stock options held in a commercial company or institution related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article: Dr. Teunis, Ms. Ziady, and Dr. Heng.

J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2017;00:1-8 DOI: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-16-00505
Numerous studies have shown that being prompted to think about money can predispose people to engage in self-sufficient thinking and behavior--but some findings suggest that demographic characteristics may moderate this type of effect. In a new research article, scientists present results from three experiments that systematically explore these money-priming effects, finding inconsistent evidence for the effect of money primes on various measures of self-sufficient thinking and behavior.

The research is published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science.

Psychology researcher Eugene M. Caruso (University of Chicago Booth School of Business) and co-authors Oren Shapira (Stony Brook University) and Justin Landy (also Chicago Booth) were motivated to carry out this systematic exploration after conducting a set of studies in which they observed varied findings that were inconsistent with their predictions.

In their initial studies, Caruso and his collaborators found that the effects of money reminders on participants' thinking often seemed to depend on certain demographic characteristics, a result they were not expecting. In discussing these results, they discovered that colleagues had also observed unpredicted interaction effects in their research in this area.

Importantly, the kinds of interaction effects observed seemed to vary across different studies that used different techniques for activating the concept of money.

"These inconsistent results led us to step back to try to gain a better understanding of whether different money primes lead to similar effects, and whether they interact with sociodemographic characteristics in a reliable, and potentially theoretically meaningful, manner," Caruso explains.

To do this, Caruso, Shapira, and Landy decided to systematically evaluate the effects of various money-priming manipulations on a predetermined set of outcomes while accounting for the potential influence of certain sociodemographic factors, within a single experiment that sampled a diverse group of participants.

In their first experiment, the researchers recruited a total of 2,167 participants for an online study, randomly assigning participants to receive specific primes. For example, some saw a faint image of $100 bills in the background of the instructions screen, others were asked to select the best sizes and shapes for new paper currency, some completed phrases that included money-related terms, while others were asked to imagine having ample access to money. Some participants saw a clear image of $100 bills and were explicitly asked to describe what money meant to them, while others were asked to recall a time when they felt powerful.

The results showed that four of the five money primes did activate the concept of money. Participants exposed to these primes were more likely to complete word stems to create money-related words compared with participants who received a neutral prime or no prime - only those exposed to the background image of money showed no difference in the word completion task relative to their peers.

But the primes seemed to have weak and inconsistent effects on participants' feelings of wealth and self-sufficiency. Only participants who imagined an abundant life reported differences in self-sufficiency, and they actually reported lower self-sufficiency compared with those who received a neutral prime, an unexpected finding.

Additionally, there was little evidence to suggest that the effects of the primes on various outcomes were moderated by any of the demographic characteristics measured, including gender, socioeconomic status, and political ideology.

The researchers observed similar results in a second online experiment with 2,150 participants that omitted the money-activation measure.

In a third experiment, Caruso, Shapira, and Landy conducted a lab-based study with 332 members of the university community. To examine the effects of money primes on self-sufficient behavior, the researchers measured how long participants spent working on a puzzle that was actually unsolvable before they asked for help.

The results echoed those of the previous online studies: The three money primes tested had weak and inconsistent effects across the different outcome measures. Only those participants who unscrambled phrases including money-related terms reported greater feelings of self-sufficiency relative to the comparison group.

"Contrary to what we expected based on the published literature, we did not find that any manipulation consistently affected any dependent measure across our three studies, nor did we find reliable evidence for statistical moderation by sociodemographic characteristics," says Caruso.

The researchers urged caution in interpreting the findings relative to specific published studies, given that the three experiments were not designed to be exact replications of any one study. Rather, this series of experiments can be seen as offering a rigorous and systematic examination of a particular effect.

"Beyond the implications for money-priming research, we hope that our methodological approach--comparing multiple manipulations of a construct and assessing multiple individual-difference moderators within the same heterogeneous sample--can make a broader contribution by supplementing the emerging toolkit of methodologies for establishing the reliability of individual effects and the validity of the theories that attempt to explain them," Caruso concludes.

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This work was supported by The University of Chicago Booth School of Business and by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation.

All data and materials have been made publicly available via Open Science Framework. The design and analysis plans were preregistered at the Open Science Framework (Study 1, Study 2, and Study 3). The complete Open Practices Disclosure for this article is available online. This article has received badges for Open Data, Open Materials, and Preregistration.

For more information about this study, please contact: Eugene Caruso at ecaruso@chicagobooth.edu.

The article abstract is available online at http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0956797617706161

The APS journal Psychological Science is the highest ranked empirical journal in psychology. For a copy of the article "Show Me the Money: A Systematic Exploration of Manipulations, Moderators, and Mechanisms of Priming Effects" and access to other Psychological Science research findings, please contact Anna Mikulak at 202-293-9300 or amikulak@psychologicalscience.org.
Lead researcher Dr Aparna Lal from The Australian National University (ANU) said health researchers were often left out of planning and discussions about the looming climate events.

Dr Lal said more collaboration could help reduce the number of cases of human parasitic infection (cryptosporidiosis) primarily spread through water in extreme weather events or due to gradual climate change.

The Indian Ocean Dipole, a key climate driver in the oceans around Australia, is related to patterns of a human parasitic infection primarily spread through water.

"Such impacts are usually disproportionately felt by the most vulnerable sections of our population- children and the elderly," Dr Lal said.

Dr Lal said as the frequency of positive Indian Ocean Dipole phases is expected to increase, there would be drier conditions for much of Australia.

"This work provides impetus for research to better anticipate where and in whom climate change may have the greatest effect. The research has the potential to inform public health preparedness and planning," she said.

Dr Lal, an applied ecologist from the ANU National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, said instances of disease reporting increased during drier than normal conditions.

"Most of the literature tends to focus on flooding events and increases in infectious diseases spread through water," Dr Lal said.

"Equally plausible, but much less researched is the potential for drought like conditions to increase the burden of diseases spread through water due to inadequate storage and concentration of bugs in water.

Researchers will now look at building models to forecast the arrival of these illnesses, identify regions that typically see the first infections and the specific patient groups likely to be affected.

The information will support communities to prepare for anticipated increases in illnesses and will help focus public health action where it is needed most.

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The research was a collaboration between the ANU, the University of Otago in New Zealand and Nagasaki University in Japan.

The research has been published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology.

For media assistance, contact Kate Prestt in the ANU media team on +61 2 6125 7979, or email media@anu.edu.au.
The British and Irish ruling class was a political, social, and economic elite. It constituted a hereditary landed aristocracy, constantly renewed and expanded by commercial and manufacturing wealth, that dominated government into the nineteenth century. Going strong and remaining potent well into the twentieth century, it helped shape the modern world beyond Britain.

New book by Ellis Wasson provides an account of the 2,352 families (close to 3,000 counting cadet lines) that had one member sit in either House of the English, British, or United Kingdom Parliament, the Irish Parliament, or the Scottish Parliament between 1660 and 1945 and was represented in one of these Parliaments by at least three members at any time between the Middle Ages and 2015. Nearly 20,000 individuals are included in the main listings.

The author dissects anything from social origins, ownership of country houses, wealth through honors, offices and links with associated families.

The book will serve as a comprehensive reference source of the governing class of Great Britain and Ireland from Oliver Cromwell to Winston Churchill, offering an unrivalled pool of data to support analysis of social, political, economic, and cultural history in the British Isles over the course of more than four centuries. Says Prof. Grayson Ditchfield, from the University of Kent :"The volume will become a major work of reference for historians and others interested in the British social and political elites from the seventeenth century to the end of the Second World War. The great merit of the book is its assembly in one convenient location of a very substantial body of data. The British Isles, as distinct from a purely English, approach is to be welcomed and is very much in line with the most recent historical research. The detailed explication of complex family relationships and property ownership is based on extremely thorough investigation and the three indexes, listing titles and family seats county by county, will make it easy to use."

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"The British and Irish Ruling Class 1660-1945" by Ellis Wasson is available in open access to read, download and share on De Gruyter Online.
Using priority setting tools helps health care providers create weight management plans with families, according to a new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior

Philadelphia, PA, July 6, 2017 - Increasing numbers of children and adolescents struggle with obesity, a challenging and complex health issue. Likewise, health care providers can find it challenging to effectively counsel families on weight management. To this end, Conversation Cards were developed to help families think about and prioritize key challenges regarding pediatric weight management. They also create points of reference for providers, which could help to create treatment plans for families based on their priorities. Using Conversation Cards, researchers from the University of Alberta conducted a study that reviewed the way families use the cards and how their card selections aligned with family characteristics.

Data for this cross-sectional study were retrieved from a clinic providing care for 2- to 17-year-olds with overweight or obesity. Families were introduced to Conversation Cards at a monthly, group-based orientation session after they were referred for care by local physicians and nurse practitioners.

Among 146 participants, families selected an average of 10 cards, with an equal proportion of positive (e.g., Ongoing contact with our clinician keeps us motivated) and negative (e.g., I feel overwhelmed and lack support) statements. The most popular card choices reflected families' readiness to make healthy changes, preference for involving children and adolescents in clinical discussions, the importance of children and adolescents in sharing their thoughts, wanting to learn how to make healthy foods fun, and desire for a specially trained fitness instructor to work with children and adolescents.

"The needs and preferences of families relating to motivation and clinical support, especially across socioeconomic groups, revealed the complexity of patient- and family-level priorities that providers can address," lead author Maryam Kebbe, BSc, said.

Factors such as age and socioeconomic status had interesting effects on attitudes in the study. For example, compared with children, a greater proportion of adolescents disliked exercise and bought fast food in the absence of their parents. Likewise, compared with their counterparts, a greater proportion of parents with a higher level of education and lower household income reported that setting goals helped them to remain motivated; those with lower incomes also reported that their finances limited what they could do. A greater proportion of parents with a lower level of education also reported financial limitations in registering their sons and daughters in sports.

"Offering families services that align with their readiness, motivation, and ability to participate actively in pediatric weight management is ideal. Conversation Cards may be useful to complement existing processes and procedures for both providers and families," Kebbe added.

Although Conversation Cards were helpful for families in establishing their priorities with health care providers, further research using this tool is needed. Several other projects are underway, including whether the Conversation Cards can be used effectively for goal setting and enhancing motivation to change habits over time.

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Astronomers Dr Jane Greaves, of the University of Cardiff, and Dr Wayne Holland, of the UK Astronomy Technology Centre in Edinburgh, may have found an answer to the 25-year-old mystery of how planets form in the aftermath of a supernova explosion. The two researchers will present their work on Thursday 6 July at the National Astronomy Meeting at the University of Hull, and in a paper in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

The first planets outside the solar system were discovered 25 years ago - not around a normal star like our Sun, but instead orbiting a tiny, super-dense 'neutron star'. These remnants are left over after a supernova, the titanic explosion of a star many times more massive than our own.

Such 'planets in the dark' have turned out to be incredibly rare, and astronomers are puzzled over where they come from. The supernova explosion should destroy any pre-existing planets, and so the neutron star needs to capture more raw materials to form its new companions. These after-death planets can be detected because their gravitational pull alters the times of arrival of radio pulses from the neutron star, or 'pulsar', that otherwise pass us by extremely regularly.

Greaves and Holland believe they have found a way for this to happen. Greaves explains: "We started looking for the raw materials soon after the pulsar planets were announced. We had one target, the Geminga pulsar located 800 light years away in the constellation of Gemini. Astronomers thought they'd found a planet there in 1997, but later discounted it because of glitches in the timing. So it was much later when I went through our sparse data and tried to make an image."

The two scientists observed Geminga using the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT), which operates at submillimetre wavelengths, sited on Hawaii. The light the astronomers detected has a wavelength of about half a millimetre, is invisible to the human eye, and struggles to get through the Earth's atmosphere.

Holland, part of the group that built the JCMT camera the team used - called 'SCUBA' - notes: "What we saw was very faint. To be sure, we went back to it in 2013 with the new camera our Edinburgh-based team had built, SCUBA-2, which we also put on JCMT. Combining the two sets of data helped to ensure we weren't just seeing some faint artefacts."

Both images showed a signal towards the pulsar, plus an arc around it. Greaves adds: "This seems to be like a bow-wave - Geminga is moving incredibly fast through our Galaxy, much faster than the speed of sound in interstellar gas. We think material gets caught up in the bow-wave, and then some solid particles drift in towards the pulsar."

Her calculations suggest that this trapped interstellar 'grit' adds up to at least a few times the mass of the Earth. So the raw materials could be enough to make future planets.

Greaves cautions that more data is still needed to tackle this quarter of a century old puzzle: "Our image is quite fuzzy, so we've applied for time on the international Atacama Large Millimetre Array - ALMA - to get more detail. We're certainly hoping to see this space-grit orbiting nicely around the pulsar, rather than some distant blob of Galactic background!"

If ALMA data confirm their new model for Geminga, the team hope to explore some similar pulsar systems, and contribute to testing ideas of planet formation by seeing it happen in exotic environments. This will add weight to the idea that planet birth is commonplace in the universe.

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It's never easy to orientate oneself in a new place - that applies to rats as well. Researchers from the Ruhr University Bochum have examined how the brains of rats cope with the challenge.

They wanted to find out whether rats rely most on what they see, or on their directional sense when navigating through space. The results of the study of neurophysiologist Prof. Dr. Denise Manahan-Vaughan, computational neuroscientist Prof. Dr. Laurenz Wiskott and their co-workers were recently published in Frontiers of Behavioral Neuroscience.

The goal of the study was to examine the relative dependence of rodents on remote, local and internally generated directional (idiothetic) cues for the generation of reliable spatial representations. In other words, when learning how to navigate through space, do we rely most on what we see, or on our directional sense?

To do this, a paradigm was created that was composed of two identical environments that were separated by a barrier wall. A local visual cue was placed in the same location on the wall of the main chamber of each environment. Animals approached either environment in complete darkness in the presence of white noise and absence of reliable olfactory cues. The intention was to convince the animals that only one environment existed.

The scientists then recorded from hippocampal place cells while the animals navigated through the environments. Place cells are specialized brain cells that become active when rodents find themselves in a specific spatial context: their firing activity is unique for different spatial environments and can thus be used to understand how a rodent perceives its environment. If the rats recognized that the environments were different, the place cell activity (place fields) will be different in the two environments.

But what the scientists found out was that, in darkness, place cell activity indicated that the animals were indeed unaware that two environments exist: place fields appeared in the same relative locations in both environments. When the barrier between the environments was removed and animal could commute freely between chambers, place fields didn't change suggesting that they continued to rely on the local visual cues.

Multiple exposures to the chambers were necessary before the animals began to trust idiothetic cues in discriminating one seemingly identical environment from the other. This suggests that, in a cue conflict situation, local visual cues will be relied on more than idiothetic cues. Furthermore, the integration of subtle idiothetic cue information into a spatial representation in darkness is a gradual learning process.

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Funding

The study was conducted within the Collaborative Research Centre 874, which has been funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) since 2010. The interdisciplinary research consortium at the Ruhr University Bochum investigates how sensory input is processed in the brain.

Reference

Fabian Draht, Sijie Zhang, Abdelrahman Rayan, Fabian Schonfeld, Laurenz Wiskott, Denise Manahan-Vaughan: Experience-dependency of reliance on local visual and idiothetic cues for spatial representations created in the absence of distal information, in: Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 2017, DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2017.0009

Link to publication

Contact

Prof. Dr. Denise Manahan-Vaughan

Department for Neurophysiology

Faculty of Medicine

Ruhr University Bochum

Phone: +49(0)234 32 22042

E-Mail: denise.manahan-vaughan@rub.de

Text: Prof. Dr. Denise Manahan-Vaughan
Suaad Abd-Elhadi wins Kaye Innovation Award for her work on a new diagnostic approach that could pave the way for early diagnosis of one of the most common and debilitating neurodegenerative disorders

Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in humans, after Alzheimer's disease. It is typically characterized by changes in motor control such as tremors and shaking, but can also include non-motor symptoms, from the cognitive to the behavioral. An estimated seven to 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson's disease, with medication costing approximately $2,500 a year, and therapeutic surgery costing up to $100,000 dollars, per patient.

Making an accurate diagnosis of Parkinson's, particularly in early stages and mild cases, is difficult, and there are currently no standard diagnostic tests other than clinical information provided by the patient and the findings of a neurological exam. One of the best hopes for improving diagnosis is to develop a reliable test for identifying changes in the severity of the disease. This will allow drug companies to test potential drugs at higher efficacy.

Now, a novel diagnostic approach developed at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Faculty of Medicine could pave the way toward such a test. Working under the supervision of Dr. Ronit Sharon, at the Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), PhD student Suaad Abd-Elhadi developed the lipid ELISA, an approach that could lead to earlier detection of Parkinson's, along with better tracking of the disease's progression and a patient's response to therapy.

How the ELISA works

ELISA stands for "enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay." An assay is a procedure used in laboratory settings to assess the presence, amount and activity of a target entity, such as a drug, cell or biochemical substance. ELISA is a common assay technique that involves targeting cellular secretions.

In the case of the lipid ELISA, the cellular secretion of interest is a specific protein called the alpha-Synuclin protein. This protein serves as a convenient biomarker that is closely associated with the tissues where Parkinson's disease can be detected, along with the neurological pathways the disease travels along, causing its characteristic symptoms.

The development of a simple and highly sensitive diagnostic tool that can detect Parkinson's biomarkers could lead to a minimally invasive and cost-effective way to improve the lives of Parkinson's patients. Toward this end, Abd-Elhadi has recently demonstrated a proof of concept to the high potential of the lipid-ELISA assay in differentiating healthy and Parkinson's affected subjects. She is now in the process of analyzing a large cohort of samples, including moderate and severe Parkinson's, and control cases, as part of a clinical study.

The Hebrew University, which holds granted patents on the technology through its technology transfer company Yissum, has signed an agreement with Integra Holdings for further development and commercialization.

2017 Kaye innovation Award

In recognition of her work, Suaad Abd-Elhadi was awarded the Kaye Innovation Award for 2017.

The Kaye Innovation Awards at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have been awarded annually since 1994. Isaac Kaye of England, a prominent industrialist in the pharmaceutical industry, established the awards to encourage faculty, staff and students of the Hebrew University to develop innovative methods and inventions with good commercial potential, which will benefit the university and society. For more information about the 2017 Kaye Innovations Awards, visit http://bit.ly/kaye2017.

Suaad Abd-Elhadi is a direct-track Ph.D. student at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada in the Hebrew University's Faculty of Medicine. Under the supervision of Dr. Ronit Sharon, she conducts research that has been published in Scientific Reports and Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. She completed her BSc in medical laboratory science at Hadassah Academic College, and was awarded a scholarship from the Liba and Manek Teich Endowment Fund for Doctoral Students and an Adrian Sucari Scholarship for Academic Excellence.

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About the Hebrew University of Jerusalem

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel's leading academic and research institution, is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world. Founded in 1918 by visionaries including Albert Einstein, the Hebrew University is a pluralistic institution where science and knowledge are advanced for the benefit of humankind. For more information, please visit http://new.huji.ac.il/en.
Engineers at the University of Arizona are designing an autonomous border-surveillance system that can collect, assess and act on data in real time -- and deploy drones on its own.

As the United States expands surveillance technologies on, above and below its 1,900-mile-long border with Mexico, operating them effectively grows more challenging.

Systems and industrial engineers at the University of Arizona are building a framework for border surveillance that uses artificial intelligence, based on realistic computer simulations, to integrate data from different sources and respond in real time.

"Our goal is to devise a system to most effectively, efficiently and safely deploy border patrol resources," said Young-Jun Son, professor and head of the UA Department of Systems and Industrial Engineering and principal investigator of the project.

With some unmanned aerial vehicles at the border starting at $18 million apiece, their performance has implications for taxpayers as well as national security.

Air Force Funding for More Focused Surveillance

Son has received a three-year, $750,000 grant from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research to build an integrated and autonomous surveillance system for land and aerial vehicles monitoring the nation's southern border. The project began in March 2017 and continues his previous AFOSR award of nearly the same amount for work in this area.

Young-Jun Son and his co-principal investigator, UA associate professor of systems and industrial engineering Jian Liu, specialize in helping manufacturers implement smart production systems, with Son's main expertise in computer modeling and simulation, and Liu's in statistics and data analysis.

With the Air Force funds, the researchers are applying these skills to help the federal government -- ultimately, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection unit -- gain a clearer picture of border activities for swifter, better-coordinated responses.

Homeland Security has used unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with cameras and radar for border surveillance since 2005. Flying at altitudes of 100 feet and far higher, the UAVs, or drones, can cover broad swaths of land and quickly detect activities that might be missed by fixed or mobile ground sensors, particularly in remote or mountainous areas.

Ground-based vehicles have their own advantages. Their sensors better detect objects on cloudy days or beneath trees and produce higher-quality images for better identifying individual objects or people.

The challenge for the UA researchers is to choose the right combination of aerial and ground vehicles, given different terrain and weather conditions, and activate them at just the right time.

"A major task of unmanned vehicles in patrol missions is to detect and find their targets' locations in real time," said research collaborator Sara Minaeian, a UA doctoral candidate in systems and industrial engineering. "This can be challenging for many reasons: for example, the surveillance vehicles and targets are all moving, and the landscape's uneven nature may alter how targets appear."

In a paper with Liu and Son published in the July 2016 edition of "IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man and Cybernetics: Systems," she describes their novel motion-detection and geo-localization algorithms for enabling aerial and ground vehicles to work in teams to precisely locate targets and decide how to respond.

The researchers have also been analyzing and testing different wireless network technologies for drones to communicate and cooperate over varied distances.

Balancing Act

Establishing when and where to send unmanned aerial vehicles versus personnel on foot or in trucks is a delicate balancing act. Factors to consider include fuel consumption at different altitudes, accessibility, weather conditions and whether subjects may be armed.

"Once we have detected, located and identified our targets of interest, we must decide which vehicles to deploy, and how many of each, to best meet objectives while considering tradeoffs of performance, cost and safety," Son said.

"For example, to track a group of people moving in mountainous areas under clear blue skies, the optimal solution might be to deploy six UAVs and two trucks driven by border patrol agents; whereas for monitoring a group of the same size traveling in an urban area on a cloudy day, two UAVs and six ground patrol vehicles might be more effective."

Son's team will also be adding aerostats, increasingly used to tracking drug traffickers' low-flying drones and intercept traffickers, in their AFOSR simulations.

The Human Factor

Using NASA geographical data from the border, the UA researchers have written hundreds of algorithms to simulate and predict how groups of people may move when traveling on flat desert and mountains, uninhabited areas and cities, in dry, dusty conditions or during monsoons.

While the UA researchers are not doing field tests at the U.S.-Mexico border, they are conducting experiments outside the lab. They have two quadcopter drones, one purchased and the other built with off-the shelf-parts, and a ground vehicle resembling a toy car. All are remote-controlled and carry a variety of sensors.

In experiments this spring, the researchers used an aerial drone outside on the UA Mall and inside the Student Union Memorial Center to track 10 student volunteers walking in a group before randomly dispersing. They also deployed their unmanned ground vehicle to identify individual people and served as a moving landmark to prevent the UAV from losing sight of its subjects.

The researchers are using their experimental data to better understand various crowd behaviors, such as gathering and splitting, and refine their algorithms to more accurately predict and track the crowd's movements. From experiments with a few drones and students, the researchers are scaling up their simulations models to involve hundreds of drones and thousands of people.

"We believe that by integrating multiple surveillance technologies, we can far surpass their individual capabilities," Son said. "In our integrated system, the sum is bigger than its parts."

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The application of gentle cooling and warming currents inside the ear canal can provide relief for migraine sufferers, new research at the University of Kent has helped show.

Volunteers in the study who had a history of migraines experienced a significant reduction in the number of migraines they normally experienced in a month after using a technique known as caloric vestibular stimulation (CVS).

CVS activates the balance organs which are believed to alter activity in the area of the brain, known as the brainstem, associated with the onset of migraine headaches.

Dr David Wilkinson, of the University's School of Psychology, helped lead the randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. It was carried out across the US and UK, involving 81 volunteers with a history of between four and 14 migraine attacks per month.

The volunteers self-administered caloric vestibular stimulation daily for 20 minutes over a period of three months. The thermal currents were delivered by aluminium earpieces seated within padded headphones, powered and controlled by a small, hand-held device.

The findings demonstrated that the treatment reduced both the number of migraine days per month (the active treatment group experienced a reduction of 3.6 days compared to 0.9 days in the placebo group) as well as headache pain and the consequent need for migraine abortive prescription medications.

Dr Wilkinson said the results indicated that vestibular stimulation 'may address the existing need for new preventative therapies for episodic migraine'.

The findings were presented at the American Headache Society's annual meeting in June, where Professor Peter Goadsby, Chair of its Science Committee, said that 'many patients want non-drug options, so developing a non-drug therapy such as this may provide that.'

A second, expanded study will begin this summer, involving another collaboration between the University of Kent and US medical device company Scion Neurostim, who produced the CVS delivery device and will again fund the study, as well as local GP surgeries and specialist headache centres across the UK and US.

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The research, entitled Preventing episodic migraine with caloric vestibular stimulation: a randomized trial, (David Wilkinson, University of Kent; et al.) was published 27 June in the journal Headache. See: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/head.13120/abstract

For interview requests or more details of the event, contact Martin Herrema at the University of Kent Press Office.

Tel: 01227 823581/01634 888879

Email: M.J.Herrema@kent.ac.uk

News releases can also be found at http://www.kent.ac.uk/news

University of Kent on Twitter: http://twitter.com/UniKent

Notes to editor

Established in 1965, the University of Kent -- the UK's European university -- now has almost 20,000 students across campuses or study centres at Canterbury, Medway, Tonbridge, Brussels, Paris, Athens and Rome.

It has been ranked: 23rd in the Guardian University Guide 2016; 23rd in the Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2016; and 22nd in the Complete University Guide 2015.

In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2015-16, Kent is in the top 10% of the world's leading universities for international outlook and 66th in its table of the most international universities in the world. The THE also ranked the University as 20th in its 'Table of Tables' 2016.

Kent is ranked 17th in the UK for research intensity (REF 2014). It has world-leading research in all subjects and 97% of its research is deemed by the REF to be of international quality.

In the National Student Survey 2016, Kent achieved the fourth highest score for overall student satisfaction, out of all publicly funded, multi-faculty universities. Along with the universities of East Anglia and Essex, Kent is a member of the Eastern Arc Research Consortium (http://www.kent.ac.uk/about/partnerships/eastern-arc.html).

The University is worth 0.7 billion to the economy of the south east and supports more than 7,800 jobs in the region. Student off-campus spend contributes 293.3m and 2,532 full-time-equivalent jobs to those totals. In 2014, Kent received its second Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education.
Luxembourg, 4 July 2017 - The aim of the project "Impresso: Media monitoring of the past. Mining 200 years of historical newspapers" is to link digitised corpora of newspapers from Switzerland, Luxembourg, France and Germany and to develop new methods to analyse them.

Over the next three years, the Luxembourg Centre for Contemporary and Digital History (C2DH) at the University of Luxembourg will work with the DHLAB at the Ecole polytechnique federale de Lausanne (EPFL) and the Institute for Computational Linguistics at the University of Zurich on this project. The project will receive 1.7 million Swiss francs (1,55 million euros) in funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF).

Improve usage of digital technologies for research

Historical newspapers represent a wealth of archival material, and many have already been digitised. However, conducting research using these sources raises a number of problems, including insufficient text searchability as a result of poor text recognition and missing metadata, the relative isolation of digitised newspapers within their respective archives, search functions that are difficult to use, and poorly designed user interfaces. Recent progress in text analysis has also opened up new possibilities for conducting research on large collections of texts.

The project will develop "deep learning" method, a subfield of machine learning, in order to correct errors in text recognition, improving the identification of people, institutions and places, and enhancing this entity recognition using external data repositories. The C2DH will be responsible for developing a user interface that will incorporate new search functions and facilitate the critical analysis of the newspaper corpora. This may include providing information on the provenance of the data and the quality of automatically generated annotations, as well as indicating any gaps in the inventory.

An comprehensive and collaborative project

To boost the relevance of the project for history, the humanities and social sciences in general, the C2DH will coordinate a series of workshops that will provide a forum for users and developers to exchange their ideas. "Further links between history, computer science and design will be developed via an associated C2DH-based research project on resistance to European unification in the late 19th and early 20th centuries", explains Dr Marten During, who coordinates the project at the University of Luxembourg. "Finally, the project will also be used for University teaching, giving young scholars the opportunity to explore automated methods for the extraction and representation of information from historical sources."

The project will not only lead to academic publications; at the end of the project, the individual processing, analysis and storage systems will also be made available on an open source basis for others to reuse and develop.

Associated project partners include the Luxembourg National Library, the Swiss National Library, the Swiss newspapers Le Temps and Neue Zurcher Zeitung, Swiss archives, and researchers from the University of Lausanne. In Luxembourg the project will be coordinated by Dr Marten During, Dr. Lars Wieneke and Prof. Dr Andreas Fickers, in coordination with Daniele Guido and Estelle Bunout.

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Notes to editors

For further information, please contact: Dr. Marten During, E. marten.during@uni.lu, T. +352 46 66 44 9029

Copyright for the photo:  University of Luxembourg / Michel Brumat

The Synergia programme

The SNSF's Sinergia Programme offers exclusive support to interdisciplinary collaborative research groups working on pioneering research. Projects are eligible for funding under Sinergia if they draw on theories and methods from two or more disciplines, with a similar degree of importance being attached to all the disciplines involved, and if the respective partners can provide complementary skills and knowledge.
New key systems allows car owners to enter and start their vehicle without ever touching a key. But the technology is not entirely safe. That is why two ICT experts from the Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) at the University of Luxembourg partnered up with Honda R&D Europe to address security vulnerabilities. Prof. Thomas Engel and Dr Florian Adamsky signed a 30.000 euro grant agreement with the automotive giant in the Spring of 2017 to collaborate on secure key systems.

Much like contactless payments, the new key technology lets individuals unlock their cars just by getting close to it. Conversely, walking away from a vehicle locks it. The only security measure is thus the limited range of key systems that is about 10 meters. Car thieves can buy off-the-shelf products from the black market to amplify the key signal. This enables them to unlock and start the car and drive away while its owner is just a few meters away. It is such a clean theft that no traces are effectively left behind, making a claim with insurance difficult to nearly impossible.

Unknown to most car owners, passive key entry systems carry this new kind of vulnerability that causes major headaches to insurance companies and authorities. The so-called relay attacks have been around since 2011, but the problem has been growing exponentially and gaining increased attention. Several automobile clubs have begun alerting the population (in German), such as the German automobile club (ADAC).

To prevent such attacks, Thomas Engel and his team have begun working on a solution that works with a smart device, like a phone or a smart watch. They analyse the time the signal needs to travel from the key to the car, and assess if it occurs within a certain distance (distance bounding protocol). When the signal exceeds a specific time, the system recognises the tampering attempt and automatically locks the car. "A big challenge will be the amount of interference on the 2.4 GhZ band because nearly all wireless devices use this frequency nowadays," states Florian Adamsky. "Since the distance bounding protocol is very time-critical, it will also prove difficult to implement that protocol on a normal smart device."

Other car manufacturers, like GM for instance, have also tackled this vulnerability. But so far, no one has yet created a secure and smart key entry system that does not require an internet connection or the push of a button.

The team applied to the call "Honda Initiative Grant Europe Program" in late 2016. The 30.000 euro grant was formally awarded to them in the spring of 2017, and will cover research activities for one year--after which both parties can agree to extend their partnership. SnT researchers Thomas Engel and Florian Adamsky are part of the SECAN-Lab (secan-lab.uni.lu), which addresses both fundamental and applied research activities in computer networking and security.

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PITTSBURGH (July 6, 2017) ... The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has renewed funding for the University of Pittsburgh Department of Bioengineering's Cardiovascular Bioengineering Training Program (CBTP). The program - which educates students who are interested in cardiovascular research and pursuing a PhD in bioengineering - will receive nearly $1.9 million over the next five years.

Sanjeev Shroff, the Distinguished Professor of and Gerald McGinnis Chair in Bioengineering at Pitt, established the CBTP in 2005 to train bioengineering doctoral students for careers in basic and/or translational cardiovascular research. By renewing the grant, the NIH has guaranteed funding until 2022.

"A unique feature of the program is that students are exposed first-hand to real-world clinical problems requiring bioengineering input for their solution," said Dr. Shroff, who serves as principal investigator for the program. "The program is designed to provide students both breadth and depth in engineering and biological sciences and also includes a formal exposure to biostatistics, bioethics, and professional and career development issues. Upon completion, students are well-versed in both basic and clinical aspects of cardiovascular engineering and are well prepared for rewarding careers in a growing field."

Student research within Pitt's CBTP has focused on a variety of problems, ranging from basic science to novel biomedical technologies for the diagnosis and/or treatment of critical cardiovascular health issues. Examples of these research projects include:

Regulation of cardiac muscle contraction by cardiac troponin-I phosphorylation

Mechanical processes and pathways that underlie heart morphogenesis

Molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying vaso-occlusion in Sickle Cell Disease

Role of Profilin-1 in angiogenesis

Externally regulated synthetic capillary system for promoting angiogenesis

Rapidly degrading synthetic materials for tissue-engineered vascular grafts

Extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds for heart tissue regeneration

Adipose stem cell-based treatments for abdominal aortic aneurysms

Improved biocompatibility of implanted cardiovascular devices to reduce rejection

Coacervate-based controlled delivery of growth factors for cardiac repair

Thermal strain imaging for non-invasive identification of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques

The NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute provides funding for the program and has designated the grant a National Research Service Award. These awards are granted to training programs in disciplines that address the nation's biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research needs with an emphasis on producing diverse pool of highly trained scientists.

Each student in the CBTP receives a monthly stipend, tuition scholarship, health insurance, and a travel budget.

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About the Cardiovascular Bioengineering Training Program

The goal of the Cardiovascular Bioengineering Training Program (CBTP) is to provide a solid foundation upon which to build a productive independent career in cardiovascular bioengineering. This is accomplished via a highly coordinated and mentored interdisciplinary training program with a combination of core and elective courses, clinical internships, research activities, and specialized training opportunities to enhance professional and career development. There are three focus areas of this program: (1) Basic understanding and quantitative characterization of native (normal and pathological conditions) and perturbed (i.e., with deployment of man-made devices or constructs) cardiovascular function at various levels of organization (cell, tissue, whole organ), (2) Imaging for functional assessment at various levels of organization (cell, tissue, whole organ), and (3) Design and optimization of artificial devices and constructs (mechanical, tissue-engineered, and hybrid).

About Dr. Shroff

Dr. Sanjeev Shroff is the Distinguished Professor of and Gerald E. McGinnis Chair in Bioengineering and Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh and Chair of the Department of Bioengineering. Prior to joining the faculty at Pitt, Dr. Shroff was a faculty member at the University of Chicago for 17 years in the Department of Medicine (Cardiology Section). Trained as an electrical engineer (Bachelor of Technology from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India, and Master of Engineering from McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada), Dr. Shroff obtained his doctoral degree in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania and completed his Postdoctoral Fellowship within the Cardiovascular-Pulmonary Division of the University of Pennsylvania Department of Medicine. Dr. Shroff is widely recognized as a distinguished scholar in the cardiovascular arena.
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A new industry-level food training body launched will help tackle key questions facing the future of UK food and farming.

The AgriFood Training Partnership will combine the skills of six university partners who are internationally recognised leaders in agri-food research and training.

The partnership will offer more than 150 courses and workshops in all areas of agricultural production, environmental protection, food manufacture, scientific research and development and associated business and transferable skills.

The partnership has received a further 1.5m from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) to unify and expand into new markets, both in the UK and overseas.

The agri-food sector is one of the UKs largest industrial sectors, employing 3.9 million people, and delivering an estimated 20.1Bn in exports.

'Best talent'

Carol Wagstaff, Professor in Crop Quality for Health and Director of the AFTP said: Todays launch event marks the start of a tremendous opportunity for us to work together with the agri-food sector to deliver the skills the industry needs to drive increased productivity, profitability and sustainability for both pre and post farm gate agrifood businesses."

The ATFP said that in an era of climate change, food insecurity and a growing population, it is vital that the best talent is found to continue opportunities and professional development.

The new AFTP will act as a single entry point for all professional training in the food industry, bringing together the University of Reading, Aberystwyth University, Bangor Cranfield, Harper Adams and Nottingham and has been funded over the next five years by the BBSRC.

Courses provide professionals with the evidence-based skills to succeed in the food industry, covering everything from international food law to influencing consumer behaviour.
A dairy company which doesn't cull its older cows, but instead "retires them", has moved to a new permanent home.

The UK's first "slaughter-free" dairy farm, Ahimsa dairy, is hoping its model will be picked up upon by other farms.

Dairy cows are usually culled when they get older and cannot produce as much milk. But for Ahimsa dairy, the older cows are "retired".

Newborn calves are normally separated from their mothers, but they stay together as grazing partners at the Ahimsa dairy.

The dairy farm has now acquired land in Manton, Rutland, after previously renting land in Leicestershire.

The inspiration behind the Ahimsa Dairy comes from the farm at Bhaktivedanta Manor, which is run by the Hare Krishna community, a Hindu religious organisation.

'Build for the future'

Its website states: "Thanks to support from our wonderful friends and supporters we have finally completed the purchase of new organic land in Rutland. Our cows now have a permanent home and we can start to build for the future.

"So far we have bought 48 acres of land in the lovely village of Wing. We are also renting a further 24 acres there with an option to buy in 18 months.

"We are renting a yard adjacent to the land with a track running down to the fields where our cows spent the winter in a barn. They were over-joyed when we finally opened the gate and let them run out onto the grass."

The Ahimsa Dairy Foundation is a not-for-profit company, and produces 23,000 of litres of milk a year.

Until recently, the model was piloted and worked in partnership with an organic dairy and environmental charity in Kent called Commonwork, and with OMSco  the Organic Milk Suppliers Co-operative. They are now independent.
COP27: Energy and food security must be addressed, farm leaders say
Silver Heritage Group Limitedhas received approval from the Central Bank of Nepal to transfer additional funds to its local FDI-approved investment company, Silver Heritage Investment Private Limited.The gaming operations company says the aggregate amount of funds which can be transferred has increased from NPR1.95 billion to NPR 5 billion.Silver Heritage says the increase covers the remaining capital expenditure needed in Nepal, to complete and open its Tiger Palace Resort in Bhairahawa.The company says it was the last in a complex series of approvals needed to increase its foreign direct investment in Nepal.Shares in Silver Heritage Group Limitedclosed 30 per cent lower to 7 cents.
What happened

Shares of Tahoe Resources (NYSE: TAHO) are getting pulverized -- down more than 32% at 10:45 a.m. EDT on Thursday -- after Guatemala's Supreme Court suspended the license on the company's flagship Escobal mine.

So what

In late May, an anti-mining group filed a claim against Guatemala's Ministry of Energy and Mines, alleging that the Ministry didn't consult local groups before awarding Tahoe Resources the license for the Escobal silver mine. Today, the Supreme Court of Guatemala issued a provisional decision by ordering the temporary suspension of the license to operate the Escobal mine while the court reviews the claims. Tahoe Resources plans to immediately appeal the decision to the Constitutional Court, which could rule on the appeal within two to four months. However, the entire process could take 12 to 18 months, and there are no guarantees that the court will reinstate Tahoe's license.

That said, the company is assuming a three-month suspension period in its guidance. As a result, Tahoe estimates that it will need to defer 5.1 million ounces of silver production that it expected to produce this year to future periods. However, if the license remains suspended, it will have an even greater impact on the company's future production and financial results, which could ultimately lead the company to cut its lucrative dividend. Still, Tahoe confirmed its July dividend today and has $165 million in cash to provide it with a cushion while it works to get its license reinstated.

This news led several analysts to downgrade the stock. TD Securities, for example, cut its rating from buy to hold, while BMO Capital changed its outlook from outperform to market perform. Driving those downgrades is the increased uncertainty due to the length of time it could take before Tahoe can resume production at Escobal.

Now what

While Tahoe Resources remains confident that it will be able to resume production at Escobal shortly, investors are running for the exits due to the potential that the company's suspension could be permanent. That's because Escobal is the company's flagship mine, so the loss of this license would have a meaningful impact on Tahoe's future financial results and could weigh on its stock for years.
According to a study commissioned by the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, the U.S. and Canada will need to invest $546 billion in building new oil and gas midstream infrastructure through 2035. Of that amount, the industry will need to spend between $290 billion and $376 billion -- about 60% of the total at the midpoint -- on new natural gas-related infrastructure, including gas gathering and transmission lines, as well as processing, storage, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities. It's a long-term trend that plays right into the hands of Williams Companies (WMB 1.37%) and its master limited partnership, Williams Partners (NYSE: WPZ), because of the prime location of their natural gas infrastructure.

Hitting the accelerator on natural gas demand

Fueling the need for additional natural gas infrastructure is the expectation that natural gas demand in North America will accelerate over the next few years. After growing at a 3.2% compound annual rate from 2010 through 2016, gas demand growth is projected to increase by a 3.8% compound annual rate through 2021, according to analysts at Wood Mackenzie. Several factors drive that forecast, including the recent or upcoming completion of new gas-fired power plants, petrochemical plants, and LNG export facilities.

Because these new facilities run on natural gas, each requires a connection to the country's gas pipeline infrastructure, which drives expansion opportunities for pipeline companies. For example, Cheniere Energy (LNG -3.32%) has two LNG export facilities under construction along the Gulf Coast that need access to a steady supply of natural gas. As a result, Cheniere Energy signed long-term supply contracts with Williams Partners, which led to the construction of the Gulf Trace and Gulf Connector projects. Meanwhile, there are 88 new natural gas-fired power plants under construction in the U.S., including 54 located near Williams' existing infrastructure. That proximity of these plants to its pipelines opened the door for Williams to build the Dalton Expansion, Hillabee phase 1 and 2, and Virginia Southside II, which will bring gas supplies to some of these facilities.

Location, location, location

Overall, Williams Companies has already captured $7 billion of expansion opportunities just along its key Transco pipeline, which runs along the East Coast from New York City to Texas. The largest project is its $2.6 billion Atlantic Sunrise Project, which should enter service in the middle of next year and help move gas from the Marcellus shale to end users in the Mid-Atlantic, including Dominion's (D -1.14%) Cove Point LNG export terminal in Maryland. Williams estimates that upcoming Transco expansions will supply it with $900 million incremental EBITDA on an annual basis, which represents meaningful earnings growth for a company expected to generate between $4.25 billion to $4.45 billion in adjusted EBITDA this year.

In addition to the projects it has already secured, Williams is pursuing 21 additional expansion opportunities across its interstate pipeline systems along the East and Gulf Coast. These projects would support new power plants, rising industrial demand, and exports via both LNG facilities and pipelines to Mexico. In fact, the company is already in final negotiation on three of those projects.

Meanwhile, the company has several potential demand-related expansion opportunities across the rest of its portfolio. In the West, for example, rising gas demand should drive growth opportunities on its Northwest Pipeline. Meanwhile, two proposed LNG export facilities could eventually get built along the West Coast, which would receive gas supplies from Williams.

Finally, on the supply side, Williams controls a large-scale gathering and processing position in the rapidly growing Marcellus and Utica shale plays, which will account for 70% of natural gas production growth over the next few years. Because of the strategic location of its assets, Williams currently gathers 34% of the gas produced in the region. However, thanks to the acreage dedications from its customers, Williams will capture additional expansion opportunities to build new gathering lines and processing plants as it supports these producers when they increase their gas output to meet the growing pull of demand.

Investor takeaway

Natural gas demand in North America is expected to accelerate in the coming years, which could require as much as $376 billion of new gas-related infrastructure spending by 2035. That long-term trend bodes well for Williams Companies, which should capture an outsize portion of these future expansion opportunities because of the strategic location of its natural gas infrastructure. In fact, the company expects that its investments in new gas-related infrastructure will fuel 10% to 15% annual dividend growth over the next several years, making it an awesome buy for investors.
The UK cannot rip up the rulebook for trade and farm support after Brexit, warns an AHDB report.

In its latest Horizon publication, The WTO and its implications for UK Agriculture  published on 28 June, the AHDB said the government will not be entirely free to write its own tariffs, trade standards or subsidy regime.

This means plans to keep out food produced to lower welfare criteria or draw up a bespoke farm support system may be hindered.

As part of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the UK will have to follow the bodys wide-ranging rules, which aim to encourage freer trade between its 164 member nations (see World Trade Organization: what is it?, below).

After Brexit, the UK will have to meet the WTOs principles  even if it signs a free-trade deal with the EU.

See also: Business challenges UK grain will face after Brexit

The WTO exists primarily to liberalise world trade, and provides a framework of rules to achieve this, says AHDB head of strategic insight David Swales, one of the reports authors.

These rules are far-reaching and have implications not only for UK trade but also for UK policy and policy of devolved nations.

AHDBs report sets out five ways the WTO rules will affect British farming:

Liberal trade

The UKs membership of the WTO is not in doubt, AHDB reports.

In force since 1995, the WTOs agriculture agreement has a long-term goal of freeing up trade in food.

As a WTO member, the UK will have to follow the course of liberalisation and the rules that come with it.

The British government already has a similar, broad approach to encouraging free trade.

Politicians are confident in securing a preferential trade deal with the EU before 2019, which would allow British farmers to buy and sell with European neighbours on the same terms as today.

But, if there is no complete or transition deal, UK producers will have to do business with the EU and the rest of the world on basic WTO terms only.

New tariffs

For countries with which the UK does not strike a special trade deal, the government will have draw up its own list of tariffs, which food importers have to pay.

The most likely case, the report says, is the government will simply use the EUs schedule.

It could choose to use lower tariffs, if it wanted to encourage imports, but the WTO would not allow higher rates, which would make it harder for foreign farmers to sell into the UK.

On the export side, AHDB suggests WTO tariffs would hit British agriculture more than other industries, as European duties on food are much higher than for other goods.

Under WTO rates, importers into the EU have to pay a 46% tariff on lamb carcases, more than 50% on wheat, and 42% on cheddar.

The loss of tariff-free access to the EU is likely to precipitate a restructure of UK agriculture, particularly in those sectors most dependent on EU trade, and those facing the highest tariffs, the reports authors wrote.

Flexible rates

The WTOs agreement allows countries or blocs to set tariff-rate quotas (TRQs), which allow certain amounts of food to come in at lower duties.

The EU has about 100 such quotas with individual nations and another 23 as part of regional agreements.

The most well known is for New Zealand lamb, by which Kiwi farmers can ship 230,000t into the EU each year.

In the run-up to Brexit, the UK and the EU will have to decide how this quota, and all the others, will be split between them.

From there, any UK-EU deal on TRFs would have to be approved by the other WTO members.

Subsidy limits

WTO countries have limits on how much production support they can pay to their farmers.

There is a cap for the whole EU, which will also be divided up after Brexit.

As Europe is below that limit and the UK is unlikely to ramp up subsidies, AHDB argues, this should not be a problem.

The WTO is especially worried about the kind of policies that support prices or make payments linked to production, as they may fend off imports and lead to cheap food being dumped on world markets.

The WTO divides different farm support measures into coloured boxes, depending on their impacts.

In the green and blue groups, which are unrestricted, is spending on agri-environment schemes, rural infrastructure, and decoupled subsidies, such as BPS.

In contrast, the WTO limits schemes classed as amber, which includes coupled or headage payments and price support tools.

For UK farmers, this means a significant return of coupled subsidies or deficiency payments would not be possible.

Fair barriers

The WTO allows countries to set their own standards for food safety and animal and plant health  so-called sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures.

After Brexit, the UK will also be able to set a broader range of technical barriers to hit consumer or environmental goals, such as food labelling or quality guidelines.

But any safety and health benchmarks will have to be based on good science, so countries are not allowed to discriminate against others.

Also, any technical rules would have to apply to both home-grown and imported food, and only restrict trade for a legitimate aim.

It has been suggested that animal welfare standards could be used to prevent imports from countries with lower standards than the UK, says Mr Swales. However, WTO rules mean this is highly likely to be challenged by other member states, and needs to be based on a sound scientific or legal basis if UK standards are to be set higher than the prevailing international standards.

World Trade Organization: What is it? Formed in 1995, the World Trade Organization (WTO) now has 164 members, which account for 95% of global trade. The body aims to liberalise trade, while acting as a forum for members to thrash out trade deals and settle disputes. Its principles are: Trade without discrimination  any advantage granted to a WTO member must be extended to all others, except in free trade agreements. Also, countries must have the same rules for imported and home-produced food. Freer trade through progressive liberalisation  lowering tariffs and limiting quotas and import bans. Predictability through transparency  countries agree to a binding ceiling on their import tariffs. Promoting fair competition  WTO discourages dumping of below-cost goods and excessive subsidies Encouraging development and economic reform
British beef farmers who dont understand how to calculate total cost of production may struggle to compete in an uncertain subsidy landscape post 2022.

The World Angus Forum heard last week (25-26 June) that much of the UK beef sector was not calculating their businesses net margins. Although a number did attempt to do gross margins, they were not then accounting for overheads such as buildings, machinery and labour.

An audience spanning 26 Angus-breeding nations was told by dairy/beef farmer and veterinarian Rob Drysdale and Gavin Hill from Scotlands Rural College, that this approach was unlikely to be sustainable post Brexit.

See also: New feed mix helps beef farmer slash feed costs

Fixed costs

Mr Hill said fixed costs are taking a big bite out of UK beef margins.

Quoting the latest SRUC/Quality Meat Scotland figures, he said the best performing units across all beef systems were making profits, but in percentage terms these were not many.

By increasing farm productivity (kg output/ha and percent of animals reared a year), monitoring inputs and increasing scale, some producers were preparing themselves for the future, he told Farmers Weekly.

Previously, direct subsidies made enterprises look profitable with numbers reared at 88-89%, whereas now some farms were striving to achieve 94-95% or more, he added.

A number of farms are actually expanding their herds and now 50% of Scottish cows are on 14% of the farms, said Mr Hill.

He said some farms are reinvesting heavily for the future and preparing for tightening straw supplies by building slatted housing.

Meanwhile, those who can are exploring outwintering or extended grazing and keeping cattle out longer to help reduce overheads.

Weve seen breeds such as Shorthorn, Luing, Angus, Blue Grey, Hereford, Salers and Stabiliser increase in popularity as they may be suited to some farms helping bring in more fertility, milk, good levels of fat cover and having lower maintenance costs.

We want to produce a cow better suited to the environment which can still produce a calf wanted in the marketplace.

The negative effect of the show ring

He added that the show ring can lead breeds often in the wrong direction and urged farmers to tighten up bulling periods and analyse success on a kg produced a cow put to the bull basis.

Many farms have 16 to 18-week bulling periods still. My advice would be to shorten this, but not abruptly. Shave one or two weeks off each year and aim for an eight to 10-week calving period. This will give you uniform batches of cattle to sell and focus labour while also improving herd fertility.

World view

And while environmental red tape and animal health standards can place restraints on British farmers, Nuffield scholar Rob Drysdale stressed that foreigners faced challenges too.

Beef farmers abroad have harsher climates, greater labour and disease issues and have far less forage availability but still make a profit, he added.

See also: Rethinking cattle performance: How precision technology can fine-tune beef production

He believes COP, efficiency and production targets, data management, technologies, cooperation and precision farming were going to be the themes for the sector in the future.

And while there are restraints on British farmers its important to note that large swathes of Canadian beef is hormone-free and land is even dearer in New Zealand, where beef farms compete with so many dairies.

I think farms should look at what they do and see where their talents lie. If youre especially good at grazing then that is what you should do and cooperate with someone who is a good finisher  work together.

Case study: Bryan Mussard, Dillon, Montana You have to know what you are spending Montana Angus breeder Bryan Mussard runs 500 cows at Reminisce Angus Ranch, Dillon, and buys about 10,000 stores of which 2,000 are finished each year. Costs are calculated on a daily, weekly, monthly, annual and biannual basis. From daily costs such as cost of every lb of feedlot gain to longer term costs across a group of cattle or a ranch. Cattle calve up to 8,000ft and cope in climates of eight to 10 inches of annual rainfall. Cattle costs Gain off grass 60-70c/lb (0.94/kg-1.10/kg)

Feedlot gain $1.15/lb (1.80/kg)

Cow running costs about $875/year (676/year) We dont have any subsidies so theres nothing to fall back on and you have to know what youre spending. Last year we made a loss and you cant afford to do that too often. You can get government support for environmental work but once you take a dollar off the government then they have you. They can then start to dictate what you can and cant do. Currently, commercial farmers in the US who own their farms need a rough profit margin of about $150 a cow to allow reinvestment to improve the business and keep things progressing, although its higher for those that rent.

Case study: Michael Shannon, Biggar Lanarkshire I use spreadsheets for everything First-generation farmer Michael Shannon, Thankerton Camp Farm, Biggar, Lanarkshire, runs a one-man store cattle buying and finishing operation. For the past 10 years, he has been scrutinising costs to position his farm to operate without subsidy and now covers all costs apart from his own labour. A 101ha freehold farm (16ha of woodland) carries 280 Scotch Mules and 150 mostly Angus store cattle sold through Highland Meats and farm shop Damn Delicious. Fixed costs are controlled by only employing himself and using one tractor, one loader and one fertiliser spinner. Cattle costs Summer: 28p a head/day

Winter: 48p a head/day

Reseeding: 10p a head/day As a first-generation farmer having worked in the grass seed business I use spreadsheets for everything. A simple trick I learned from New Zealand is to take the ring feeder to the bales, not the other way around. This means no machinery travels on the forage ground in winter. Banks are asking farmers about Brexit now and the answer seems to be to get more units produced from the same farm as renting land isnt really an option. I believe I can build up to more than 200 cattle and 300 ewes on a [80ha] farm and in the summer have 300 cattle.
Flipkart's top executives to visit customers across the country in July News oi -Priyanka The visits to customers homes are planned across India, especially from where Flipkart expects its next 100 million customers to come.

As part of its 10th-anniversary celebrations, e- commerce giant Flipkart's top executives, including Krishnamurthy will visit customers across the country in July.

Flipkart says that the visits to customers' homes are planned across India, especially from where Flipkart expects its next 100 million customers to come from, such as tier 2, 3 and 4 towns like Amritsar, Bhopal, Cuttack, Guwahati, Indore, Jamnagar, Nashik, Patna, and Vijaywada."

The company also added that, "Through the visits, Flipkart employees would have the chance to hear first-hand what customers like about us, and collect feedback on what could be done better - ideas that could help drive the next phase of growth for India's largest e-commerce marketplace."

Besides, the company has also said that with thesevisits, it will also be an opportunity for the company to learn more about how customers live, the products they are interested in buying, and the kind of solutions they require.

Talking about the inspiration behind celebrating customers, Kalyan Krishnamurthy, CEO, Flipkart, said, "Customers are at the heart of everything we do, which is why all our work in the past decade - our innovations that drove adoption and affordability, tech advancements, and category expansions - was done to simplify and bring value to our customer's life. As we dedicate this month to our customers, we would like to take this opportunity to get to know them better by personally interacting with them."

He further added, "We want to thank each and every one of our customers for supporting us through this 10-year journey and making Flipkart what it is today."

However, while the company says it is celebrating customers we basically think that Flipkart is aiming to better understand the consumer behaviour of the people and at the same develop a key strategy to make the user experience more better on its platform.



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Google Home finally supports Bluetooth streaming News oi -Chandrika Thanks to a new update released today, Google Home will work like any other Bluetooth audio device and all media audio will be routed via the device when connected.

Google's voice-activated assistant, Google Home now carries support for Bluetooth streaming. Thanks to a new update released today, it will work like any other Bluetooth audio device and all media audio will be routed via the device when connected.

Google had announced the feature at this year's Google I/O and finally, it has started to roll out. Users can also check for the update manually by going to the settings menu of the device, which has a new "Paired Bluetooth Devices" section. So users now have the option to pair their smartphones with the Google Home and directly stream audio to the smart speaker.

Up until now, Google has been quite consistent in rolling out updates to its Google Home. Back in April, multi-user access was added to the device. The smart speaker as some of you may know recognizes up to six voices. While it can't differentiate the voices if all of them are talking to the speaker at the same time, this feature has definitely given Google Home an edge.

Google Home, which comes in the size of a pint glass, has the ability to answer questions, play music and control smart home technology just by the use of voice recognition.

It runs on the virtual assistant software Google Assistant, the same one featuring on the Google Pixel Phone.

Apart from answering questions from the Google search engine, like giving weather updates, traffic information and reading out a schedule, it can even deliver news briefings from various news outlets. There's more; it can read out recipes.

Overall, Google Home is proving to be an advanced smart speaker suitable for today's generation.

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Nokia 3310 (2017) is available in a new see-through retail box News oi -Abhinaya Prabhu Nokia 3310 retail box shows the device in its full glory.

HMD Global relaunched the Nokia 3310 (2017) with an all new design in February at the MWC 2017 show floor. The feature phone was aimed at bringing nostalgia to the fans of the old Nokia 3310 launched in early 2000s.

In addition to launching the Nokia 3310 (2017), HMD Global has been committed to impress buyers with the device. Earlier, the company announced a contest in which fans can upload their artwork and the winner can get his or her own artwork printed on the new Nokia 3310. Now, they have made an even interesting move. HMD has come up with a new transparent retail box for the Nokia 3310 (2017).

Going by the photo revealed by NokiaPowerUser, the new transparent retail box of the Nokia 3310 (2017), the retail box shows off the handset in its full glory, thanks to the see-through cover. Below the transparent casing is the normal retail box with the same graphics that was seen on the original box.

The Nokia 3310 (2017) was released in May at a price of the 3,310 in the country. The handset comes with a 2.4-inch QVGA display and runs on Nokia Series 30 platform. It boasts 16MB of default memory capacity that can be further expanded up to 32GB using a microSD card.

The handset has a 2MP rear camera with LED flash as well. The downside is that the handset supports only 2G connectivity and has a 3.5mm audio hack, FM Radio, dual SIM support and in-built MP3 player.

The Nokia 3310 (2017) is powered by a 1200mAh battery claimed to render up to 22 hours of talk time and up to 30 days of standby time.

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Samsung Galaxy On Max to launch in India on July 7? News oi -Samden Sherpa New Samsung Galaxy On device might debut tomorrow in India.

Looks like a new Samsung smartphone is coming to the Indian market soon. How soon, well, if you go by the reports it might be tomorrow July 7.

While that is good news for the Samsung fans, the South Korean company has been recently sharing several teasers on various social media platforms especially Twitter. Besides, the company has been giving hints as to what the smartphone might be. But there is no clear indication as to which smartphone would be launched.

However, the only thing that we can make out from the leaks is that the phone will be a part of the Samsung Galaxy On series. On the contrary, some have also said the smartphone could be Samsung Galaxy J7 Max as well. Guess we will find out tomorrow.

Talking more about the teaser image in detail, we see a smartphone and it seems to come with slim bezels on the sides and normal bezels on the top and the bottom. At the front there is a physical home button is present on the smartphone which could double as a fingerprint sensor as well. Interestingly, one unique aspect of the leaked image is you can see the glowing 'Max' on the display. Taking a guess, the smartphone could be the Samsung Galaxy On Max.

Flipkart Exclusive Further, Samsung Galaxy On Max is expected to be a Flipkart exclusive in India. How? Well, the popular e-commerce website seems to have already put up a banner for the upcoming device. Interestingly, the e-commerce company suggests that the phone will be a flagship device', meaning that this new smartphone will be the top device in the Samsung Galaxy On series. Teasers Coming back to the teasers, they suggest that the new smartphone will be a camera-centric device and will focus more on low-light photography. Secondly, the teaser also suggests the Samsung Galaxy On Max might come with a similar camera resolution for the front and the rear camera. Lastly, the phone seems to come with a new social camera mode' that will allow users to capture and share moments on the go. Expected features and Specifications As for the specifications, the handset is expected to run on Android Nougat 7.0 OS coupled with Samsung's TouchWiz UI. It is expected to be priced in the sub-Rs 25,000 segment. One surprising fact though is that Samsung Galaxy On Max has already been listed on Smartprix website for Rs 17,990 coincidentally at the same price as Samsung Galaxy J7 Max. As per the listing, the specifications of the device include a 5.7-inches FHD (1080p) display, dual-SIM card slots, octa-core MediaTek chipset, 32GB storage and 4GB RAM, 13-megapixel cameras both at the front and back, 3300mAh battery. These are just the alleged specifications. There are chances that these could change when the smartphone is officially announced tomorrow.

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Haiti - News : Zapping...





Motorcyclist against truck, 3 victims

Monday afternoon, a motorcyclist died in an accident on National Road #6 in Dilaire, commune of Ouanaminthe. 2 others were injured in the accident.



25 people intoxicated

Between June 30 and July 1, 25 people were poisoned at Anse d'Hainault after consuming fish ("bequine" fish) purchased from street conservators. Health officials at the Anse d'Hainaut community hospital have already taken care of these patients who suffer from headaches, abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting. The Hospital asks the population to respect the rules of hygiene and prudence not to consume this fish during the summer period.



Strike, paralyzed justice

On Monday, almost all activities were paralyzed at the Port-au-Prince courthouse as a result of a 5-day strike by the clerks and bailiffs of the 18 jurisdictions to demand better working conditions and payment of wage arrears.



Dominican senior officer sentenced for murder of Haitian

St. Therese Terlin Beloved, the Head of Mission of Haiti in Dajabon, informs us that Captain Ruben Antonio Leclerc Peralta of the Dominican army, was sentenced by the Court of First Instance of Monte Cristi, to 20 years of prison and 500,000 pesos of damages for having murdered on March 16, 2015 our compatriot Kesner Bataille.



Explanatory memorandum to the Finance Bill

Following the tabling Friday of the bill of finances 2017-2018 in the office of the Chamber of Deputies https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21395-haiti-flash-tabling-in-parliament-of-the-draft-budget-2017-2018.html , The Office of the Lower House will invite Jude Alix Patrick Salomon, Minister of Economy and Finance, to present to the Assembly the reasons for the Draft Budget 2017-2018, announced Cholzer Chancy. This exercise will precede the transmission of the document to the analysis of the Commission "Economy and Finance". Cholzer Chancy hopes his colleagues will vote the draft budget before the second regular session of the legislative year that closes on 11 September 2017.



Report of the CSS this week

Roosevelt Bellevue, the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, promised that the Salary Council (CSS) will submit its proposals on the minimum wage this week and also warns the contractuals of the Ministry that they will receive their salary this week.



PM met with an ACP delegation

On Monday, Prime Minister Jean Guy Lafontant chaired a meeting with the delegation of the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group led by its Secretary General Dr. Patrick Ignatius Gomes, who reaffirmed the ACP's commitment to Haiti in the framework of of its cooperation with the European Union.



HL/ HaitiLIibre






















Haiti - DR : Nearly 5,000 Haitians expelled from Dominican territory in June





Tuesday, the Directorate General of Migration (DGM) of the Dominican Republic revealed that last June 4,943 foreigners in irregular migration had been deported to their country of origin. Most of the returnees were of Haitian origin even though the DGM indicated that these deportations included foreigners [note HL -- a very small number] from other countries such as China, India, Russia, the United States, Venezuela and the Netherlands.



Regarding migratory movements through the land border, DGM reported 16,778 admissions and 14,246 exit in June, mainly at the border crossing point of Jimani where the largest flow of foreigners is observed.



Moreover, the DGM indicates that the Dominican authorities had refused the entry in June to 3,616 foreigners without proper documents, trying to enter the Dominican territory by Jimani



The DGM reiterated "that it will remain firm in its commitment to control the entry and exit of [Haitian] foreigners in Dominican territory, considering that the migration movement must be harmonized with the needs of national development."



Recall that since the expiry of the National Plan for the Regularization of Foreigners (PNRE) in June 2015, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) found that more than 202,252 Haitian migrants returned spontaneously or were expelled to Haiti https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21364-haiti-dr-after-more-than-200-000-returns-first-reception-center-of-haitians.html to which are added the expellees of June 2017. It should be noted that this number is partial and inferior to the reality because they concern only the persons registered by the agents who monitor at the level of fifty border crossing points out of 141 unofficial crossings points.



SL/ HaitiLibre


























Haiti - News : Zapping...





A Haitian army with many bodies

Herve Denis, Minister of Defense about the new defense force in Haiti said that the new force will include among others: a military engineering corps, medical corps, an agronomy body, a body to fight corruption at border an that this force will protect the integrity of land, sea and air territory.



Diaspora Investment Mechanism

On Tuesday, in view of the implementation of the Diaspora's investment mechanisms for the development of the great North, Borgne Mayor Anne-Lise Mocombe paid a visit to Stephanie Auguste, Minister of Haitians Living Abroad (MHAVE). Discussions focused on the investment process and mechanisms of the diaspora.



PetroCaribe, hearing of the former BMPAD leader

On Tuesday, as part of the resumption of the PetroCaribe fund management investigation, Michael Lecoprs, the former Director General of the Development Assistance Program Monetization Office (BMPAD), was heared by the Senate Anti-Corruption Commission.



4 million Euros for 7 projects

On Wednesday, the European Union proceeded to the launching of 7 new projects to support civil society organizations and local and regional authorities. 6 departments, including the South, Grand'Anse, Nippes and Artibonite, are involved in these projects, totaling 4 million Euros.



Petite Riviere de Nippes thanks Mexico City

Haitian Ambassador to Mexico City Guy G. Lamothe handed to the Governor of Mexico City, Miguel Angel Mancera, an Honor and Merit plaque on behalf of the Mayor of Petite Riviere de Nippes, Cereste Cadet Pressoir, following donations of medicines carried out by the City of Mexico. Also participating in the ceremony : ean Claude Lappe advisor at the Embassy of Haiti in Mexico City and Ramon Amieva Secretary of State for Social Development (SEDESO) of the Government of Mexico City.



Bus station and Vocational School

Aviol Fleurant, the Minister of Planning and External Cooperation met Charles Ernest Chatelier, Director General of the Social and Economic Assistance Fund (FAES), as well as the technical staff of the institution to discuss the construction of a bus station and the Vocational School of Ouanaminthe.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Charity Navigator, the nations largest and most-used evaluator of charities, is advising Amazon founder Jeff Bezos to donate some of his fortune to Heifer International.

Heifer was one of six organizations on the list Charity Navigator created for Bezos, who last month asked his Twitter followers for ideas about how to share his growing net worth. Bezos is the worlds third-richest man.

In a piece posted on Buzzfeed, Charity Navigator said: Heifer International is an organization focused on ending world hunger by empowering impoverished people and providing them with sustainable solutions to hunger. Rather than providing a single meal for a hungry family, Heifer provides its beneficiaries with sustainable agriculture that will benefit them by providing both food and a reliable income. Heifer International has a three star rating from Charity Navigator.
Previously, Mr. Mazal was Chief Operating Officer of UVM Laureate International Universities and before that he acted as General Manager of Vitro Cristal, a subsidiary of glass manufacturer Grupo Vitro.

Hoteles City Express, S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: HCITY), today announced the appointment of Mateo Mazal as Chief Operating Officer.

Mr. Mazal brings significant operational management expertise to the Company, with over a decade of experience in senior roles. At Hoteles City Express, he will be responsible for strengthening organizational processes that underpin future growth, incorporating new operating practices to maximize efficiency and supporting the brand promise across the hotel portfolio.

Previously, Mr. Mazal was Chief Operating Officer of UVM Laureate International Universities and before that he acted as General Manager of Vitro Cristal, a subsidiary of glass manufacturer Grupo Vitro. He is an Industrial Engineer with a Bachelor's degree from the Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM) and has an MBA from Instituto Panamericano de Alta Direccion de Empresas (IPADE).

Hoteles City Express is considered the leading and fastest-growing limited-service hotel chain in Mexico in terms of number of hotels, number of rooms, geographic presence, market share and revenues. Founded in 2002, Hoteles City Express specializes in offering high-quality, comfortable and safe lodging at affordable prices via a limited-service hotel chain geared mainly towards domestic business travelers. With 125 hotels in operation located throughout Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia and Chile, Hoteles City Express operates five distinct brands: City Express, City Express Plus, City Express Suites, City Express Junior and City Centro to serve different segments of its target market.
AC Hotel Bella Sky Copenhagen, Denmark Sold

JLL has worked with Sadolin & Albk to advise Danish private equity firm Solstra Investments A/S on the sale of the AC Hotel Bella Sky Copenhagen, the largest hotel in Denmark, to Norwegian investor Wenaasgruppen.

Will Duffey, Executive Vice President, Hotels and Hospitality Group, JLL, says: "This is a landmark deal for the Danish hotel investment market which continues to see strong demand from new types of international investors looking for secure, stable returns.

"Denmark's strong, transparent economy, political stability and AAA credit rating make it a safe haven investment destination. This iconic Copenhagen landmark was very well received by international capital and we are happy to have been able to secure the best deal to help our client achieve their investment objectives."

The sale of the AC Hotel Bella Sky has been completed on a sale-and-leaseback basis. The seller will continue to operate the hotel in a franchise agreement with Marriott International.

The four-star design hotel is Denmark's largest hotel and Europe's largest Marriott branded hotel. Located in the rapidly developing area of restad, the hotel is visited by some 215,000 guests annually and contains 812 guest rooms and 30 conference rooms.
5 Jobs for Creative People

Posted by Addison Jenning on Thursday, 07-06-2017 3:27 am

Currently 2.7/5 Stars.

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 Having a creative mind is both a blessing and a curse. It opens up doors for you that many other people can never enter, but it can also make it difficult to enjoy many of the mundane and tedious jobs on the market today. Luckily, being a creative doesn't have to mean you can't enjoy your career. There are a number of jobs out there that can stimulate your creative mind while paying the bills. This article will outline 5 great jobs for creative people where they can feel like their talents are being utilised and that they are making a measurable difference. Marketing Director A director of marketing is essentially the chief ambassador of a brand. Through monitoring market trends and identifying potential consumer bases, a director of marketing develops and oversees a cohesive marketing strategy. Furthermore, a marketing directors qualifications will enable him to oversee teams of marketing professionals in their efforts, including digital marketing, events and campaigns. This ...

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.

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New EEO-1 Reporting and Compliance 2017

Posted by Aman Verma on Thursday, 07-06-2017 7:53 am

Currently 5.0/5 Stars.

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Hillsboro, Oregon (July 6, 2017)Eduplianceannounces webinar titled, New EEO-1 Reporting and Compliance 2017 that aims to update attendees on the significant changes the EEOC recently made to the EEO-1 survey, its impact on businesses, and what can be done now to prepare. The event goes LIVE on Tuesday, July 18, from 01:00 PM to 02:30 PM, Eastern Time. One of the most important forms is the annualEEO-1where you have to identify the race and gender of your employees by various employment categories. The EEOC uses EEO-1 data to support civil rights enforcement and to analyze employment patterns, such as the representation of female and minority workers within companies. The OFCCP uses the data to determine which company establishments to select for compliance reviews. Both federal agencies are responsible for enforcing federal anti-discrimination laws and the EEO-1 that you will be filing may serve as an indicator of whether either of these agencies should be taking a closer lo...

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The strength of Ethiopias regional air connectivity commitments and leadership was underscored this week by the President of the ICAO Council, Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, during his meetings with countrys President, Prime Minister, and Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Transport.

Ethiopian President H.E Mulatu Teshome, and the countrys Prime Minister, H.E Hailemariam Desalegn, concurred on the need for Ethiopia to continue to enhance its role as a champion of growth of aviation on the African continent, especially in light of international aviations key role as an enabler of sustainable socio-economic development and expanded local prosperity for Ethiopian citizens and businesses.

Council President Aliu stressed his appreciation for the prioritization of aviation modernization and growth needs within Ethiopias national and regional strategic growth plans, in addition to the key role to be played by continued progress on the liberalization of air transport Africa-wide, notably through the realization of a Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) by implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision. The need to strengthen internal oversight capacities was also highlighted.

Dr. Aliu held separate briefings for the Federal Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Transport, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu and Mr. Ahmed Shide, respectively, where he stressed the benefits of enhanced compliance with ICAOs global standards and policies. He also stressed ICAOs extensive support of States efforts in this area, notably through the UN agencys No Country Left Behind initiative, while praising Ethiopias early commitments to the ICAO CORSIA emissions offsetting programme.

During his stay, President Aliu was also updated on Ethiopias development of the Addis Ababa International Airport as a regional hub, and he participated with Ethiopias State Minister of Public Enterprises, Getachew Mengiste, in a special ceremony surrounding the laying of a cornerstone for the construction of the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authoritys new headquarters building and aviation museum.

The mission also provided Dr. Aliu with an opportunity to undertake bilateral meetings with the African Unions Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid, and its Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture, Mrs. Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko. Guided by the Memorandum of Cooperation between the two intergovernmental organizations, discussions focussed on means to realize air transports benefits to the African economy, particularly through the upcoming ICAO World Aviation Forum and ICAO RPAS AFI events. These are key given the crucial need to achieve progress on the liberalization of air transport and to address the challenges raised by the very beneficial yet aggressive development of RPAS for agricultural purposes in Africa.

Dr. Aliu also met with Interpols representative to the Africa Union, Mr Francis Rwego, to enhance cooperation on security issues, especially in regard to the realization of the Windhoek Declaration and Targets for security and facilitation in Africa.

Taking place from 26 to 28 June 2017, the mission was concurrent with the Second Meeting on Air Cargo Development in Africa, for which Dr. Aliu offered an address that stressed the need for renewed commitment to the Lome Declaration. A meeting he held afterward with Mr. Vladimir Zubkov, Secretary General of the International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), provided an opportunity to explore this and other African cargo-related issues.

During his various activities in Ethiopia, Dr. Aliu was accompanied by the Director of ICAOs Air Transport Bureau, Mr. Boubacar Djibo, and the Directors for ICAOs WACAF and ESAF Regional Offices, Mr. Mam Sait Jallow and Mr. Barry Kashambo, respectively. Ms Iyabo Sosina, Secretary General of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), also attended a number of the meetings that were held.


We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector

We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector

We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector

We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector
New Delhi, Jul 6 (IBNS): The Ministry of Food Processing Industries announced on Thursday that it has established a four member GST Facilitation Cell at its office to guide the industry about the new tax regime.

The GST facilitation cell will provide all possible support for the rollout of the levy to the major industry and business associations related to MoFPI, the Ministry said.

This cell will serve as the first point of contact to address any issue being faced by any sector related to the ministry.

The GST cell will be equipped with the complete knowledge of the relevant GST Act, rules, rate structure etc, according to the release.



The cell will be headed by Bijaya Kumar Behera, Economic Advisor and G Srinivasan, senior marketing officer, S N Ahmed, Assistant Director, and Bikram Nath, Assistant Director, as its members.



The Ministry is in the process of organising several programmes for the industry to sensitise associates about GST, and has also planned to conduct seminars to disseminate information about the new tax regime.



The members of the GST Facilitation Cell can be accessed through Toll Free No 1800111175 or on #AskonGSTFPI.

Further details can be accessed from http://www.mofpi.nic.in



Image: Food Processing Ministry Twitter
New Delhi, Jul 6 (IBNS): The implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) since July 1, 2017, as part of the One Nation, One Tax regime has left many people worried about the associated rules and regulations.

To ease people's worry, the Press Information Bureau has created a special webpage on GST.

The website (http://pib.nic.in/gst) is expected to be a one-stop platform for all information on the new tax regime.

It contains press releases issued on GST in both Hindi and English.

The webpage also contains various presentations, FAQs etc on GST.



Image: PIB GST website
Image: twitter.com/who

New Delhi, July 6 (IBNS): Saima Wazed Hossain, a globally renowned champion for the cause of autism spectrum disorder, has been appointed as WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Autism in South-East Asia Region.

Ms Hossains passionate and persistent efforts for addressing autism are commendable. She has been making significant contributions towards creating awareness and generating action to address and elevate sufferings of people affected by autism, Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia, said, announcing extension of Ms Hossains association with WHO, now as a Goodwill Ambassador for a two-year period.



In the last one year, championing for the cause of autism for WHO, Hossain facilitated the Thimphu Declaration on autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders at an international conference in Bhutan in April 2017.

The declaration calls for a whole-ofsociety and whole-of-government approach, with a focus on strengthening national capacities in health, education and social care sectors to provide effective services and support to people with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.



As WHO Goodwill Ambassador, Ms Hossain will be promoting the Thimphu declaration which also emphasizes on integrating the needs of autism affected people, into national health and socioeconomic development plans, Khetrapal Singh said.



Besides Thimphu declaration, as a WHO champion for autism in the Region, Hossain made other important contributions, such as development of a collaborative framework for implementation of WHO Regional Strategy on autism spectrum disorder; and national action plans for post disaster mental health and psycho-social support, the Regional Director said.

Autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders are life-long disabilities that affect brain functioning, and when left without proper support can cause significant impairment in exercising of an individuals human rights and fundamental freedoms.



Globally, autism prevalence rates are estimated to be 160 cases in a population of 10 000. In low-and middle-income countries, children with autism do not get the medical attention and care they need. Their life is a struggle, marred by stigma and discrimination.



With Ms Hossains efforts and support, WHO aims to put autism high on the health agenda of countries in the Region, to address this public health challenge, Singh said.



Earlier, in recognition of Hossains work for advancing autism in her home country Bangladesh, WHO South-East Asia Regional Office had honoured her with the Excellence in Public Health Award in September 2014.



She was designated as WHO Regional Champion for Autism in May 2016.
Kolkata, Jul 6 (IBNS): One of Kolkata's popular restaurant and lounge bar, Orko's, is ready to delight gourmets with two different food festivals in July.

With summer giving way to the monsoon, Orko's, located at the City Centre 1 Mall in the eastern fringe of the city, has decided to offer the best of both seasons to its patrons.

Until July 14, the restaurant is holding a Mango Festival where Alphonso and other popular varieties of the fruit have been used to prepare a range of coolers and desserts.

Beginning on July 15, will be the Hilsa Food Festival when the most favourite fish of the Bengalis during the monsoon will come plated in many avatars.
New Delhi, Jul 6 (IBNS): Chinese state media has warned India that the former will support Sikkim's independence call if the latter does not back down in the border dispute, reports said.

"Beijing should reconsider its stance over the Sikkim issue," an editorial in the Global Times read.

The editorial has said that Beijing should make India pay for its provocations.

"Although China recognized India's annexation of Sikkim in 2003 [Sikkim became an Indian state on May 16, 1975], it can readjust its stance on the matter. There are those in Sikkim that cherish its history as a separate state, and they are sensitive to how the outside world views the Sikkim issue," the editorial read.

The editorial said that the Communist regime should fuel Sikkim's demands by raising 'pro-independence appeals' in the region.



"As long as there are voices in Chinese society supporting Sikkim's independence, the voices will spread and fuel pro-independence appeals in Sikkim," read the editorial.

The editorial also came down hard on India's Bhutan stance, blaming the former for manipulating and controlling the latter.

"India has startling control and oppression over Bhutan, and as a result, Bhutan has not established diplomatic ties with its neighbour China or any other permanent member of the UN Security Council. Through unequal treaties, India has severely jeopardized Bhutan's diplomatic sovereignty and controls its national defense," it said.

"New Delhi's regional hegemony is boldly shown by the border face-off this time. Using the excuse of 'helping Bhutan protect its sovereignty,' India brazenly obstructs China's road construction in Chinese territory,' it added.

The editorial urged the Chinese government to lead the international community in restoring Bhutan's sovereignty.

"China should lead the international community in restoring Bhutan's diplomatic and defense sovereignty. Unfair treaties between India and Bhutan that severely violate the will of the Bhutanese people should be abolished," the editorial read.
Patna, Jul 6 (TheBiharPost/IBNS): The ruling Janata Dal United (JD-U) in Bihar has decided to support the opposition in the vice-presidential elections scheduled to be held on August 5.

The JD-U will support the opposition if it announces its candidate for the vice-presidential polls, partys national spokesperson KC Tyagi has told the media.

The development comes after top Congress leadership reached out at a rapprochement with the JD-U and has warned its leaders against speaking against the Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar who heads the JD-U.

The JD-U has supported NDAs presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind against oppositions Meira Kumar but the party says this is a one-time decision.

The Congress has termed Nitish Kumar as one of the trusted allies which helped the grand alliance checkmate BJP-led NDA in the last assembly elections in Bihar.

Reports said Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi will very soon be meeting the Bihar chief minister to clear any confusion, if any, between them.

thebiharpost.com/IBNS
Patna, Jul 6 (IBNS) : A Muslim lawyer in Bihar's Begusarai district has reportedly converted to Hinduism along with his two sons after allegedly being harassed and threatened by the hardliners within his own community, media reports said.

According to reports, Mohammed Anwar, 46, alleged that his family was being forced to follow the Sharia law by Muslim hardliners since he used to participate in events organised by Hindus.

As a result, Anwar, along with his sons, Mohammed Amir, 11, and Mohammed Shabir, 9, decided to embrace Hinduism on Tuesday.

"I am a liberal. I used to visit temples and mosques both, but hardliners in my community objected to it," Anwar told News18. "I was threatened for participating in events organised by Hindus."

He claimed that he contacted members of the Bajrang Dal who told him about Hinduism. "I was convinced that Hinduism was not a religion but a way of life. So, I decided to follow their advice," he said.

Begusarai Superintendent of Police Ranjeet Mishra denied that Anwar was under any pressure, saying he had taken the step of his own accord.

Anwar said he has given an affidavit declaring that he has taken the decision out of his own will.
Forty-three delegates from the Macau ASEAN International Chamber of Commerce recently visited the Philippines for a seminar on trade and investment, held at the Hyatt City of Dreams Manila.

The delegation met with the countrys Department of Trade and Industry, and attended presentations about investment opportunities in the Philippines.

Philippine Consul General in Macau, Lilybeth Deapera, suggested that the growing relationship between the Philippines and China led to this visit, recalling that president Rodrigo Duterte had visited China in October 2016.

As early as July last year, Ive spoken with officers of MAICC saying that they were thinking of going to the Philippines either at the end of the first quarter or in the first half of 2017, she said.

I think [one of the factors] that pushed the trade visit was president Dutertes visit to China, she added.

Members attending the trade visit were delegates from Macau, Hong Kong and China. The delegation represented different sectors, such as real estate and property, tourism and hospitality and maritime transport services and logistics.

The networking session was followed by a business matching session attended by more than 50 companies from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCI), and Manila WTC Club.

The five-day event in May included trade visits to both Manila and Cebu City.

We [also] went to Cebu and some of them are interested in furniture [so] we visited a renowned furniture designers shop, she said.

Although Deapera did not know of the deals that were signed during the event (as it was only exploratory for the delegates), she hoped that similar trips would be arranged in the future.

I dont know if they were followed through after their meeting. [] I hope there will be results after this initial meeting between them.

Meanwhile, when questioned about updates on the government-run shelters for its domestic workers, Deapera said they have yet to receive an update from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Its not a simple thing. DOLE has to learn about the situation and then budget a plan. Its a long process [and] we havent received feedback on the status.

Last year Filipino migrant group Migrante-Macau highlighted the need for government-run shelters as a means to provide support to migrant workers who experience premature termination.
Tel Aviv, Jul 6 (IBNS) : People of Indian origin in Israel will get the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card even if they have undergone the compulsory army service, PM Modi announced in Israel,reports said.

Calling Indian-Israelis human bridge between the two countries, Modi was addressing a gathering of about 5,000 Israelis of Indian origin at an event on Friday night.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was also present at the programme.

Modi also announced that direct flights would be launched between Delhi, Mumbai and Tel Aviv to encourage people-to-people contacts.

He said an Indian cultural centre would also be opened in Israel.

In his speech, Modi recalled several Jewish Indians who had served in India, including General JFR Jacob, and hundreds of Indians who worked to make the desert bloom in Israel in farming jobs.
Haifa, Israel, Jul 6 (IBNS) : Beginning the third and last day of his historic visit to Israel, Prime Minister Narendta Modi on Thursday visited the Haifa Indian military Cemetery and paid homage to the soldiers who had sacrificed their lives while fighting in the World War I.

"This is the final resting place for 44 of the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I to liberate the city," PM Modi had said before visiting the site.

Around 150 kilometers from here, there is a slice of history in the city of Haifa in Israel that is very dear to my country, Modi had said while in Jerusalem.

In 1918, Indian soldiers fought the World War I alongside British forces.

The British had sent its 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade to fight against the Ottoman and German forces at Haifa. Indian soldiers, who were part of the troop, came from the princely states of Jodhpur, Mysore and Hyderabad.

The Indian Army commemorates September 23 every year as Haifa Day to pay its respects to the two brave Indian Cavalry Regiments that helped liberate the city.

In 2012, the municipality of Haifa decided to make a memorial of the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers, many of whom are buried in the cemetery.
Guwahati, Jul 6 (IBNS): Incessant rains have thrown life out of gear in almost 13 districts of Assam and nearly four lakh people are affected, the media reported on Thursday quoting official sources.

The water of the Brahmaputra is rising fast and others rivers are in spate too, media reports said. Ferry services along the Brahmaputra river have been suspended.

Low-lying areas of the Kaziranga National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is under water, with animals at the mercy of the swirling waters.

Assam's Water Resource Minister Keshab Mahanta visited flood affected Nagaon and Morigaon districts, according to media reports on Thursday.

Separately, relief material were distributed at flood hit Majuli district in Assam, media reported.

Meanwhile tweeted Sashi Tharoor, author and MP, "Deeply concerned about situation inAssam. Trust Govt can take its eyes off Israel&attend to our citizens in distress."



Image: AIRNews Twitter
New Delhi, Jul 6 (IBNS) : Ruling out the meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of G 20 summit, China has said that "the atmosphere is not right" for a formal or bilateral talks between the two leaders, NDTV reported.

The statement comes amid a heightening tension in the relation between the two neighbouring countries with their armies in an eyeball to eyeball situation at the border near Sikkim.

PM Modi arrives in Hamburg on Thursday night from Israel for a conclave of the G20 group of nations.

Modi and Xi were expected to hold bilateral meetings with other leaders at the summit.

China has this week issued a series of warnings to India demanding withdrawal of its troops from an area in the tri-junction of India's Sikkim, Bhutan and China where.

Beijing claims the area as its own.

Indian soldiers arrived at the area early in June to stop the construction of a road-an act perceived by New Delhi holds as "a serious security concern."

China says the Indian Army's actions violate an 1890 border agreement.
New Delhi, Jul 6 (IBNS) : A fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed at Balesar near Jodhpur in Rajasthan on Thursday, media reports said.

Both the pilots of the MiG-23UB jet trainer have ejected safely.

Reports quoted IAF sources as saying that the jet crashed approximately 60 km from Jodhpur while on a routine training mission.

A Court of Inquiry has been ordered.

Mig-23UB trainers are used to train pilots for the Mig-27 fighters in service with the IAF.
Chennai, July 6 (IBNS): Tamil Nadu theatre owners called off their strike against double taxation as it entered the fourth day on Thursday, media reports said.

The strike has been called off following the formation of a committee comprising government officials and representatives of theatre associations.

Theatre owners had been protesting since July 3 after the state government imposed an additional tax of 30 % over the GST slab of 28%.

According to the new tax system, the movie tickets below 100 rupees will be charged 18% while 28% above 100.

Goods and Services Tax was launched on June 30 midnight by President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

According to the Indian Express, the president of Tamil Nadu Cinema Theatre Owner's Federation said the movie halls will be open from Friday onwards.

Earlier, superstar Rajinikanth who comes from the state, urged the state government to look into the matter.

"Keeping in mind the livelihood of Lakhs of people in the tamil film industry, I sincerely request the TN GOVT to seriously consider our plea," he tweeted on July 4.

Keeping in mind the livelihood of Lakhs of people in the tamil film industry, I sincerely request the TN GOVT to seriously consider our plea  Rajinikanth (@superstarrajini) July 4, 2017

Actor Kamal Haasan extended his support to the Theatre owners' protest and echoed the words of Rajinikanth. In a tweet, the actor said on July 5: "Thanks Rajni avaragaLay for voicing your concern. Lets request first as gentlemen should. Then we shall see. @superstarrajini & TN .Govt."

Thanks Rajni avaragaLay for voicing your concern. Lets request first as gentlemen should. Then we shall see. @superstarrajini & TN .Govt.  Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) July 5, 2017

The decision to call off the strike will definitely give a sigh of relief to the producers and distributors as three Tamil films are scheduled to release in one week time. Vikram Vedha on July 7, Gemini Ganesanum Suruli Rajanum and Meesaya Murukku on July 14 are scheduled to release.

Image: Creative Commons.
Guwahati, July 6 (IBNS): Mamata Banerjeeas Trinamool Congress (TMC) faces huge set back in Tripura ahead of the assembly poll in the north eastern Indian state after all its six legislators of Tripura on Thursday had made their first appearance in a meeting of BJP in Guwahati to support National Democratic Alliance (NDA)as presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind.

The six TMC legislators led by Sudip Roy Barman would likely to join the saffron party ahead of assembly poll in Tripura next year.

Apart from the six TMC legislators, lone Congress MLA from Tripura Ratan Lal Nath too flew down in Guwahati to support Kovind.

The TMC legislators of Tripura said that, they had come here to extend their support to the NDAs presidential candidate.

We have come here to extend our support to Kovind for greater interest of the country. India will more develop under Kovind leadership. Our support is unconditional Today is our first formal move to join BJP, Sudip Roy Barman said.

While asking about joining in BJP, Sudip said that, they have not yet formal invitation from the party.

Meanwhile, a crucial meeting was held at a hotel in Guwahati between the leaders of BJP and six TMC MLAs in presence of BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav, North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convenor Himanta Biswa Sarma.

On the other hand, BJPs Tripura unit president Biplab Deb, who also accompanied with the six TMC legislators and lone Congress MLA said that, people of Tripura already decided to oust Left Front from Tripura in the next assembly poll.

All six TMC legislators and the lone Congress MLA would likely to join BJP in next month after formal discussion, Biplab Deb said.



(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Beijing, July 6 (IBNS): While the two countries are witnessing a tense situation in the border, Chinese army practiced in a battle like scenario to project their readiness with armored drill in Tibet on Thursday, media reports said.

The Chinese news agency Xinhua reported that the country's troops were, "carrying out battlefield environment analysis, combat operations command, combat coordination and other real combat and live-fire shooting training".

According to military experts, the Chinese government wants to conduct similar exercises with forces of other countries.

Xinhua said the practice was carried out to check the country's most advanced battle tank, 96B.

It was carried out at a high altitude of 5,100 metres in the border area of Tibet.

Image: File.
Kolkata, July 6 (IBNS): Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau organised a travel-trade interaction in Kolkata on Thursday.

The objective of this event was to highlight and boom Sri Lanka as a leading leisure and MICE destination.

Top of the line travel professionals attended the event as well as interacted with the SLTPB team, to understand the unique offerings for Indian travellers in Sri Lanka.



SLTPB expects more than 26% growth in the footfall this year and aims for about 4, 50,000 Indian tourist, to discover the beautiful destination in 2017.

Sri Lanka is growing as, a destination for all seasons! The year 2016 saw approximately 356,729 Indian tourist visiting Sri Lanka compared to around 3,16,247 in 2015. In 2016 destination Sri Lanka, saw a growth of 12.8% in Indian arrival over last year. The country is a top-notch tourist destination and known as the Wonder of Asia for its long preserved culture and heritage. Witnessing the growth and potential from India, SLTPB has taken a step forward in consolidating their presence in the Indian market.

Viranga Bandara, Assistant Director /Marketing (India) on his visit to India conversed with the travel fraternity to promote Sri Lanka as the exotic destination among niche travellers and holiday makers.

He said, Sri Lanka has gained immense popularity in India and has experienced a consistent growth over the period. We have come first to Kolkata to explore this beautiful landmark of joyful people and tap the travel agents to increase the flow of business. We will also be participating at the travel fairs in Kolkata & other cities of India to enhance destination visibility among travel trade & consumers, to further consolidate Sri Lankas position as preferred destination for Indian travellers. We are confident that in 2017 a lot of more Indians will choose Sri Lanka as their preferred holiday destination. Sri Lanka wholeheartedly welcomes Indians. On 6th July, Sri Lankan airlines launch its operations from three more cities of India; Hyderabad, Coimbatore & Visakhapatnam. With this addition Sri Lankan airlines will now provide direct connectivity from 14 Indian cities with over 100 flights including Kolkata."
New York, July 6(Just Earth News): By evicting a family with young children from a rented room a without providing alternative housing a Spain violated the right to housing, according to a group of United Nations human rights experts.

This is not a unique case. Families in developed and developing countries are faced with similar situations, said Rodrigo Uprimny, a member of the Geneva-based Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.



The Committee issued their findings after considering a complaint by a couple, who were evicted from their Madrid home in 2013 with their children, aged one and three.



Through our decision we reaffirm that all people, including those who live in rented accommodation, have the right to housing. States have a duty to ensure that their evictions do not render them homeless, he added.



In 2012, the couple stopped receiving unemployment benefits and were unable to continue paying the rent. In its findings, the Committee noted that although the eviction by court order was legal, the authorities had not taken all the necessary steps to provide the family with alternative housing.



States have an obligation, to the maximum of their available resources, to provide alternative housing to those evicted who are in need. It is for the State concerned to show that it took all the necessary steps but was unable to grant the evicted people with alternative housing, Uprimny underscored.



Virginia Bras Gomes, Chair of the Committee, noted that this case revealed the extent to which institutional failures, such as the high rate of unemployment, lack of adequate social policies and poor coordination between agencies, were at the root of alarming human rights violations.



States must respect their international obligations and urgently tackle these causes to create adequate conditions for the people in need, she stressed.



The Committee urged Spain, a State party to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to take all necessary measures to help the family obtain adequate housing and pay them compensation.



Spain was also asked to put into operation a comprehensive plan to guarantee the right to adequate housing for people with low incomes.



The Committee considered the case under the Optional Protocol to the Covenant, which gives it the authority to examine individual complaints.



Photo: World Bank







Source: www.justearthnews.com




The Portuguese Institute of the Orient (IPOR) has kicked off its new International Student Desk yesterday aimed at assisting non-Portuguese students intending to study in higher education in Portugal.

Under special regulations created by Portuguese authorities for international students, foreign students who are non-Portuguese and non-EU nationals may be admitted to study at universities in Portugal if they have a high school diploma and Portuguese language proficiency.

Roughly 400 local students decided to study in Portugal last year alone. As of June, the Portuguese consulate has received nearly 300 study visa applications for the coming academic year.

Speaking to the Times, director of IPOR Joao Laurentino Neves indicated that many local students prefer to continue their studies in Portugal and are keen to process their applications under the countrys special regulations for international students. What were trying to do is to support this decision making of family and students, said Neves.

In addition to the support and assistance available from the local government for students intending to study in Portugal, the director noted that the support desk would be able to effectively mediate between students and universities.

What were trying to do is to get this information from universities to provide useful information for [parents and students] to make decisions, the director clarified.

Neves predicted that the number of students wanting to move to Portugal to continue their education would increase as a result of the platform, stressing the governments aim to produce bilingual talents.

Regarding this aim, he said: I do think that students now have understood that the political message is very strong. They hear it from the Central Government and from the Macau government.

Neves also noted that the message is very strong and effective as foreigners are aware that Portuguese speakers have also been receiving opportunities, for example in the development of startups.

People understood this message and decided that its time to get new resources, Neves continued.

Some universities participating in the scheme demand a level of B2 Portuguese language competence, although this depends on the students desired course.

Because of this competency requirement, IPOR is encouraging students to learn the language before moving to Portugal. The institute is also working with universities in Portugal to have part of the language training requirements conducted at IPOR.

Meanwhile, Neves believes that the region is making good progress on its goal of becoming a Portuguese-language learning-center within the Asia pacific region.

Neves stated that IPOR is one of the biggest centers for acquiring an international Portuguese certification in the Portuguese language in Asia, adding that it has two institutes that support training Portuguese language teachers.

I do think that Macau not only has the conditions, but the will to perform as the center of a network that has Portuguese language as its main core, he said.

Director of Tertiary Education Services Office (GAES) Sou Chi Fai was cited in a TDM report describing the International Student Desk as a good idea, an innovation.
New York, July 6(Just Earth News): While a number of steps have been taken to address the scourge of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), the former deputy head of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (CAR) has urged continued vigilance to ensure that the world bodyas personnel do no harm while carrying out their duties.

We can never take anything for granted. Every day, every step of the way, every time we set up a new mission, every time you deploy a new contingent, youve got to put in place the measures that are going to stamp out SEA. And weve got to keep doing it, said Diane Corner.

Since 2014, Corner, a British national, served as the Secretary-Generals Deputy Special Representative with the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in CAR (MINUSCA).

The past few years have been particularly challenging for the CAR, a country of 4.5 million people that was plunged into civil conflict in 2013. According to the UN, more than half the population is in dire need of assistance. Despite significant progress and successful elections, CAR has remained in the grip of instability and sporadic unrest.

In addition, MINUSCA  which was deployed with the aim of protecting civilians, supporting the transition process and facilitating humanitarian assistance, among other tasks  has been dealing with numerous allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse by its personnel.

It was a huge shock to the Mission, Corner recalled in an interview with UN News upon the completion of her assignment, adding that it really turned us upside down in the way it approached the problem.

I insisted that we should be transparent. I insisted that we should try and adopt a victim-centred approach. I say try because, in a country like the Central African Republic, theres not much by way of provision for anybody actually, anybody in need. So you have to do your best to use the services that were available and maximize that.

In the wake of the allegations that arose in CAR, as well as in other missions, the UN took a number of measures to prevent such abuses; to respond quickly and effectively to allegations that come to light; to protect and support victims; and to demand zero impunity  recognizing that in the case of uniformed personnel, accountability is a shared responsibility requiring action by Member States.

Corner noted that what happened in CAR prompted the UN system as a whole to address the problem of sexual exploitation and abuse in a completely different way now.

So if theres any good thats come out of this, its the fact that the chances of it happening again are reduced but I think we need to be constantly vigilant, she stressed. We can never take anything for granted.

Every day, every step of the way, every time we set up a new mission, every time you deploy a new contingent, youve got to put in place the measures that are going to stamp out SEA. And weve got to

Corner also pointed out that it makes a huge difference having women in leadership positions in the UN. Obviously, you see things differently, she noted. Not to say that there arent some men whove been fantastic champions of the fight against SEA, and weve had some of them in our mission as well.

I think women have more of an understanding of what it means for the victims, and maybe have more of an insight as to how to have a more holistic response to ensure that we really are taking this seriously and that were doing everything that we can.

She added that often the protagonists and the combatants are men, while women are the ones who suffer. Weve seen in CAR for example, that between communities, when there are problems, when there are tensions, its very often the women coming back together again who re-create the bonds between communities.

And I think women take a longer-term view because they think of the coming generation, of their children, and so theyll really invest in trying to ensure that peace is restored, that they can look after their families, she stated.

I just think that they can be a very powerful force for good.

Corner added that the importance of MINUSCA cannot be overstated. In CAR, if MINUSCA wasnt there, you wouldve had a genocide, she stated.

In my mind, theres no doubt weve saved tens and tens of thousands of lives in CAR, no doubt at all.

Photo: UN MINUSCA

Source: www.justearthnews.com
New York, July 6(Just Earth News): Stating that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the aboldest agenda for humanitya and requires equally bold changes in the United Nations development system, Secretary-General AntAnio Guterres on Wednesday outlined steps to better place the Organization to deliver tangible results in the lives of the people it serves.

We need to change in order to secure the promise of sustainable development, human rights and peace for our grandchildren and we have no time to lose, Guterres told the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).



The UN development system, therefore, must itself be far more integrated [and aligned] in our response [] to work seamlessly across sectors and specializations  and to do so more effectively.



Guterres noted that his report to the Council (on repositioning the UN development system) is an integral component of the broader reform agenda at the UN to better meet the worlds complex and interlinked challenges.



He added that his ideas and proposals are intended to spur further discussions in the Council and to solicit the views of Member States on a number of key areas. A more detailed report will be submitted in December.



Eight guiding ideas



Guterres highlighted eight key guiding areas for his proposed reforThe first is accelerating the transition of the UN development system from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the 2030 Agenda and, at the same time, closing gaps and improving skillsets.



We must be able to provide advice, pool expertise and help governments implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and help convene the partners they require to take actions to scale, he said.



He also highlighted the need for a stronger focus on financing for development to help governments better leverage financing as well as working with a broad range of actors including the private sector, international financial institutions and other partners.



Another area of focus is enhancing the effectiveness of UN Country Teams  which comprise all UN agencies operating in a particular country  to build on the strengths of individual agencies while delivering with greater coherence, unity and accountability.



He also underlined the need to delink the functions of UN Resident Coordinators from UNDP Resident Representatives to enable more effective and integrated analysis and planning at the country level to encompass the dimensions of sustainable development.



Further, he noted that reform efforts would be taking place at the headquarters levels as well to ensure that no new bureaucracies or superstructures are created.



To that end, he announced that Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed has been tasked to oversee and provide strategic guidance to the UN Development Group and lead a Steering Committee to strengthen coherence between humanitarian action and development work.



Other areas of focus included strengthening a more cohesive UN policy voice at the regional level; strengthening accountability of the UN development system; and ensuring effective and efficient funding structures that would offer greater value-for-money and reporting on system-wide results.



Success will be seen through results on the ground



Noting that the success of the reforms would be seen in tangible results in the lives of the people served by the Organization, the Secretary-General said that many of the issues raised in the report would require further consideration and that he looked forward to working with the Member States on that matter.



Repositioning the UN development system is our shared responsibility [] I am convinced that, together, we can take the bold steps that the new agenda requires and that humanity deserves, he stated.







Photo: UN Photo/ Kim Haughton







Source: www.justearthnews.com


















Washington, Jul 6 (IBNS); The possibilities of a diplomatic solution between the US and North Korea is fast fading as the former has issued a stern warning for the latter, saying that they'll use 'considerable forces' if they must.

"The United States is prepared to use the full range of our capabilities to defend ourselves, and our allies," US ambassador Nikki Haley told the UN.

"One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces. We will use them, if we must, but we prefer not to have to go in that direction," she added.

The threats were made following an ICBM test by Kim's men.

Following North Korea's missile test, the US and South Korea too fired missiles into the Sea of Japan as part of their respective military drills.

The Kim Jong-un led government has been adamant about its use of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), frequently testing and threatening its neighbours.

North Korea has so far tested or fired 11 missiles this year, disobeying a ban imposed on the nation by the United Nations.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump also criticised China for its trade with North Korea, but said that he'll wait for China's cooperation in the matter.

"Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40% in the first quarter. So much for China working with us - but we had to give it a try,' his tweet read.

The US has repeatedly urged China to take up issues with North Korea and stop the reclusive nation from conducting missile tests.
Ottawa, Jul 6 (IBNS): A popular media poll has revealed that a majority of Canadians have opposed the government's plan to sell to China two domestic companies dealing with military technology even though they are in favour of bilateral free trade between the two countries according to media reports.

Results of a Nanos Research poll, commissioned by The Globe and Mail, revealed more than three-quarters of Canadians opposed Ottawas decision to allow Chinese investors to buy two Canadian high tech firms with developed military-edge technology.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang had hoped that Canada would relax its restrictions on high-tech exports to China, believing it would lead to promotion of bilateral trade, Globe and Mail News reports said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau -- keen to deepen relations with China -- also believed relaxing restrictions on investment from China.

Although people understand it is important to have good trade relations with China, they find it more difficult to understand why transactions that could directly impact our national security or have military purposes  how that connects, pollster Nik Nanos said.

Concerned about the transfer of Canadas advanced military laser technology to China, Canadian Security Intelligence Service also opposed Chinese takeover of Canadian firms dealing with military technology.

76 percent of Canadians, reported by Nanos poll, opposed the takeover of Norsat -- leading provider of innovative satellite communication solutions -- by China, while only 18 percent supported its purchase and 78 percent of Canadians opposed Chinas purchase of Montreal-based ITF Technologies.

For many Canadians, they actually believe those transactions put Canada at risk, Globe and Mail quoted pollster Nik Nanos in an interview. If the government continues to embark on this path, it will probably be a significant political risk for them.

U.S. Defence Department was also concerned about Chinese investing in important technology such as artificial intelligence, robotics and augmented reality, New York Times reported earlier this year.

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)

Image of Justin Trudeau with Li Keqiang: Twitter
The Penobscot Nation does not own a 60-mile stretch of its namesake river in Maine, a divided federal appeals court has ruled.

By a vote of 2-1, the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday confirmed that the tribe owns certain islands within the Penobscot River . But water itself belongs to the state, Judge Sandra L. Lynch wrote in a 29-page ruling.

The holding was based on language found in the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act and in a corresponding state law. According to the court, the Penobscot Reservation consists of "land" but not "water."

in

and

"The plain meaning of 'islands in the Penobscot River' is the islandsthe river, not the islandsthe river or the riverbed," Lynch wrote for the court

The decision represents a major setback for the tribe, whose lawsuit drew the support of the Obama administration. The United States intervened in the case of hopes of clarifying that the reservation includes certain portions of the river.

The tribe had been hoping to exercise sovereignty over fishing, hunting and other activities on the river. But the state is now poised to impose its own laws on Penobscot citizens in the portion that runs through the reservation.

"We respect and honor the Penobscot Nations deep historical and cultural ties with the river and look forward to working with them to preserve the health and vibrancy of this major watershed which is so critical to all the people of Maine," Attorney General Janet Mills said in a statement after the ruling

The lawsuit is just one of a number of tribal-state disagreements that have boiled over in the decades since the land claim was finalized in 1980. Most of the disputes have centered around natural resources issues, including fishing quotas water quality and pollution controls

The relationship reached a low point in 2015 when the Penobscot Nation and Passamaquoddy Tribe ( Pleasant Point and Indian Township ) withdrew their representatives from the Maine Legislature after complaining that their needs weren't being addressed.

The tribes have accused the state of repeatedly going back on its word to deal with them on a government-to-government basis. One judge on the 1st Circuit agreed with that characterization in a dissent issued as part of the river case.

Joseph Dana, a citizen of the Penobscot Nation, paddles a birch-bark canoe on the Penobscot River in Maine as the decommissioning of the Veazie Dam takes place in 2013. Photo: Meagan Racey / U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

"In the present case, the United States is on the right side of history and the law, but regrettably the same cannot be said of the state of Maine and its co-parties," Judge Juan R. Torruella wrote in the 38-page opinion in which he said he "respectfully, but emphatically" disagreed with his colleagues.

According to Torruella, the majority ignored U.S. Supreme Court precedent in excluding the waters of the Penobscot River from the reservation. Ambiguities in the settlement act should be resolved in the tribe's favor, he wrote.

"The fact that the Indians can fish 'within' their reservation implies that there is a place to do so," Torruella wrote. "Unless the majority is of the view that one can fish where there is no water, there is no place to fish on the uplands of the Nation's islands -- which implies that some part of the river has to be a part of the reservation."

The disagreement makes the case a prime candidate for a rehearing among a larger group of judges on the 1st Circuit. The tribe could also petition the Supreme Court to take up the dispute, although chances of success are lower there.

1st Circuit Court of Appeals Decision in Penobscot Nation v. Mills:

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Burma 34,000 Migrant Workers Return from Thailand

Press conference held by the Ministry of Labor, Immigration and Population. / Htet Naing Zaw / The Irrawaddy

More than 34,000 migrant workers have returned to Myanmar since the Thai government launched a crackdown on illegal foreign workers, according to the Union minister for labor, immigration and population U Thein Swe.

The minister said the two governments were negotiating to issue work permits to undocumented Myanmar workers in Thailand, at the ministrys press conference on the issue of Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand and Malaysia in Naypyitaw on Wednesday.

It is also important that workers go to Thailand through licensed agencies only when Thai businessmen send job offers, they should not trust brokers, said the minister.

The Thai government has promised not to arrest more illegal Myanmar migrant workers this year, he said. It also promised not to detain Myanmar citizens, but hand them over to the Myanmar government, the minister added.

The Myanmar government estimates there are nearly 5 million Myanmar migrants in Thailand with around 2.2 million working legally with the correct documents, said the minister.

There are around 500,000 Myanmar migrants in Malaysia and around 200,000 are legal, according to the minister.

The Thai government declared a 180-day delay in enforcing parts of the new labor law aimed at regulating the foreign workforce after criticism that the crackdown had caused economic chaos.

State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi made a special request to the Thai Ambassador to Myanmar and requested him to ask higher-level authorities to consider, director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs U Myo Tint said at the press conference. Thai authorities relaxed the policy the same day, he added.

Since the Thai governments move to arrest foreign workers, Myanmar migrants have been flocking through various border checkpoints along the Thai-Myanmar border. In Karen State, they were welcomed back by government representatives and private businessmen, with the Myanmar Army assisting in transport back to their hometowns.

The policy of the president and the state counselor regarding migrant workers is that the [Myanmar] government must protect its citizens whether they are working legally or illegally [in foreign countries]. We have informed the concerned embassies of this policy, said minister U Thein Swe.

Director general U Myo Tint said his ministry is also helping Myanmar migrant workers in Malaysia after the labor attache of the Myanmar Embassy in Malaysia reported that Myanmar workers were being arrested.

The director general said the Myanmar Embassy in Malaysia could solve 55 of 56 labor cases reported to it; and it was also working to deliver justice for Myanmar migrants who were killed in Malaysia.

Myanmar migrant worker U Nyan Naing Ye, who is working in Malaysias Kuala Lumpur, told The Irrawaddy that migrant workers were being arrested by the Malaysian authorities. Even legal workers are brought to the police station for interrogation, he said. We feel unsafe. There are tens of thousands of people who are overstaying and they all are in a state of alarm. It all depends on their bosses to retain their jobs.

Additional reporting by Pe Thet Htet Khin. Translated form Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.
Burma 60 Bn Kyats Worth of Drugs Seized in Mandalay

More than 60 billion kyats worth of drugs seized in Mandalay. / Police Official Myint Lwin / Facebook

MANDALAY  More than 60 billion kyats (US$44 million) worth of drugs along with 380 million kyats worth of gold were seized from a home in Mandalays Pyigyitagon Township on Wednesday, the largest single amount seized in Mandalay this year.

The haul was made after the owner of the house Liou Yone Chan, also known as Kyaw Win, was arrested along with his wife and a friend for possession of 70 kilograms of methamphetamine in Nawnghkio Township, Shan State last week, according to police.

The three individuals, along with the couples housekeeper, are now in police custody and will be charged under Myanmars narcotics law, U Kyaw Tun, deputy police superintendent of Mandalay regional anti-narcotic unit 1, told The Irrawaddy on Thursday.

According to the police, more than one million methamphetamine yaba tablets called 88, five cars, gold blocks and gold accessories were seized along with with 36 million kyats in cash.

The tablets were concealed inside the gas tank and hubcaps of cars parked on the grounds of the house, ready to be transported, said U Kyaw Tun.
China has agreed to allow liver cancer experts from the U.S., Germany and other countries to join a medical team treating imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo, amid international criticism of Beijings handling of his case and calls for him to be allowed to be treated abroad.

The judicial bureau in a northeastern city where Liu is being treated said yesterday Lius medical team agreed to a request by Lius family members for foreign experts to be consulted. Liu, Chinas best-known political prisoner, is being treated at a Shenyang hospital for late-stage liver cancer diagnosed in late May.

The bureau said in an online statement that the invited experts were the most authoritative liver cancer treatment experts, but gave no other details. Other countries whose experts had been invited werent named.

In an emailed statement, the German foreign ministry in Berlin said it supports a humanitarian solution and hopes Liu will get the medical treatment he needs.

It was unclear whether Lius case was brought up when German Chancellor Angela Merkel met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Berlin yesterday ahead of the G-20 Summit in Hamburg. The U.S. Embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Following initial questions over how Liu had become so sick without having been previously diagnosed, authorities said they had assembled a team of eight Chinese specialists to oversee his treatment and have released statements testifying to the care he is receiving.

Yet his friends have raised concerns that Liu, his wife and other family members have not been able to freely communicate with the outside and that their messages have been tightly controlled by authorities, who say Lius family has been satisfied with their course of treatment.

Having foreign experts on the medical team is no replacement for Liu Xiaobo and his family to freely choose how and where he should be treated, Lius friend, scholar Wen Kejian, said yesterday. We have not been able to speak to family members, who are under pressure not to speak to us.

Wen said he believes Liu and his family want to seek medical treatment overseas and that it is important for Liu to be allowed to communicate with his friends for the sake of his emotional health as he battles the liver cancer that has metastasized to his entire body.

Wen and another friend of Lius, Mo Zhixu, tried to visit Liu at the First Hospital of China Medical University in Shenyang where the authorities said Liu is being treated. They made inquiries at likely floors, but were turned away when nurses said they were not aware of a patient by the name of Liu Xiaobo.

Western governments have been urging Beijing to release Liu and allow him the freedom to choose where he wants to be treated. The invitation of foreign experts also followed meetings between Chinese and Western officials, who suggested at least American and German doctors be allowed to see Liu.

Geng Shuang, spokesman for Chinas foreign ministry, said yesterday that China protects the rights of those convicted and serving time in jail.

We request that Chinas judicial sovereignty be respected, Geng said at a daily media briefing. No country shall interfere with Chinas internal affairs through an individual case.

Liu, 61, an essayist and literary critic, was sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2009 on the charge of inciting subversion of state power, based on his writings, including the bold Charter 08 that he co-authored. That document and some of his prior writings called for political reforms that would end the one-party communist rule. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010 while incarcerated.

China calls Liu a criminal who sought to overthrow the government and has denounced the awarding of the Nobel prize to him as an attack on its political and legal system.

In a statement yesterday, Amnesty International reiterated calls for Liu and his wife Liu Xia to be allowed to travel overseas.

It is not too late for the authorities to end this cruel farce, the group said by email. The invitation to foreign experts appeared to be in part an attempt to limit international criticism, it said. Didi Tang, Beijing, AP
Burma Coal Mining in Hsipaw Township Poisoning Farmland: Report

Contaminated water being released into Nam Ma stream from Pieng Hsai mine in Hsipaw Towship, Shan State. / Supplied

Coal mining operations conducted by the Ngwe Yi Pale Company in Shan States Hsipaw Township have poisoned farmland and severely impacted the lives of more than 3,000 local villagers according to a new report released last week by a group representing local farmers affected by the mines. The company, which began mining in the Nam Ma village tract area in 2004, has so far ignored calls from local residents to halt the mining and has actually expanded considerably in recent years.

Strong opposition from the local community was apparent last month when 600 villagers took part in a prayer service held on June 23 at the Ho Na Pa forest area, in which participants blessed the forest and called for an end to coal mining in the area.

Ngwe Yi Pale is currently operating two mining sites in the Nam Ma area, using both underground tunnels and open pit practices, with the biggest share of the mining taking place near Na Koon village. A third mine at Pieng Hsai village ceased operations in 2015 and has now filled with water.

According to a press release accompanying the publishing of the report by the Nam Ma Shan Farmers group, villagers have in recent weeks noticed large cracks in the ground and sinkholes emerging close to the mining operations.

The report notes that water quality in the area has declined since the mining began.

Water from the mining operations is being dumped into Nam Ma stream, which is used by local villagers for irrigation; as a result the stream has become black. A pump system set up by the firm purportedly to provide water for local farmers near the abandoned Pieng Hsai mine is problematic because the water pumped from the site is polluted and smells like engine oil. The report claims that farmers using the dirty water from Pieng Hsai have seen their yield per field go down by about a third.

A new problem also appears to have emerged last month. One day after the prayer service was held, large amounts of smoke began billowing out of one of the mining tunnels in Na Koon. The source appeared to be an underground coal fire, according to photos published alongside the report. Coal mining operations can trigger such fires but once a coal seam fire begins it can last for months or years, with some such fires releasing huge amounts of toxic smoke for decades after a mines operations have finished.

The 36-page report notes that the Ngwe Yi Pale Company received a 10-year permit in August 2010 to dig for coal in the Nam Ma area, in a joint venture with Myanmars state-owned Mining Enterprise No 3. The Ngwe Yi Pale Company firm owns a 70 percent stake in the project with the state-owned entity holding the remaining 30 percent. The concession area is 11.3 square kilometers in size, but, according to the report, two of the mining sites that the firm operated appear to be outside the concession area.

The Ngwe Yi Pale Company, which also operates sugar cane plantations and sugar cane processing facilities, has also come under fire for accusations of using forced labor. A detailed expose by Myanmar Now released last year showed that the firm was using unpaid prison labor on its 800-acre sugarcane plantation in Shan States Nawnghkio Township as part of a joint venture agreement Ngwe Ye Pale has with prison authorities.

The companys coal mining activities appear to be equally as controversial as their sugar operations. Heavy fighting in May of last year in the Nam Ma area saw the army use airstrikes and shelling to drive out the Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP), an armed group which has had a presence in the area for many years. The move was, according to the Shan Human Rights Foundation (SHRF), connected with the companys expansion plans and the desire to rid the area of the SSPP. There is thus no doubt that a main aim of the offensive was to safeguard the mining operations. The Myanmar Army and their militia have now secured control of areas around the mines, including coal transport routes, said SHRF in a report released last year.

According to the SHRF, the fighting drove more than 1,000 villagers from the area. The group reported at least two civilians were killed by the army during the clashes, including a villager who SHRF alleges was shot while driving a motorbike and then beaten to death. SHRF also alleges that other villagers were arbitrarily arrested and abused during an army sweep of the area.

Following the fighting last year, the armys Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 325 built a base at Kho Nang Pha, which was previously held by the SSPP. According to the SHRF, about 100 army troops together with their allies from the Wan Pang militia, a group that emerged from Shan warlord Khun Sas Mong Taii Army (MTA), now patrol much of the area that was previously held by the SSPP.

The SSPP, who in 1989 signed a ceasefire agreement with the central government, have not signed the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) and have been on the receiving of repeated attacks from military troops in recent years. The group, which is also known as the Shan State Army-North, is a member of the United Nationalities Federal Council and also closely aligned with other northern armed groups and part of the newly emerged Northern Alliance.

Earlier this year, Nam Ma village tract secretary Lung Jarm Phe was shot and killed near his home. The February 26 killing remains unexplained but in the words of SHRF has instilled fear among local villagers.
Burma Journalists Planning to Sue Police

Journalists arrive at the Bahan Township police station in Yangon during the arrest of The Voice Daily's staff on June 2, 2017. / Thet Htun Naing / The Irrawaddy

YANGON  The Protecting Committee for Myanmar Journalists (PCMJ) complaint against Cpl Soe Myint Aung of the Yangon military command was rejected by deputy police captain Aye Min Thein of Bahan Township police station on Thursday.

At the fifth court hearing of The Voice Dailys chief editor U Kyaw Min Swe, plain-clothed soldier Cpl Soe Myint Aung photographed journalists individual faces instead of taking wider shots while they were interviewing legal adviser U Khin Maung Myint outside of the court. U Kyaw Min Swe is being sued by Lt-Col Lin Tun of the Yangon military headquarters under the notorious Article 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law, enacted during ex-president U Thein Seins tenure.

The PCMJ reasoned that Soe Myint Aung had violated the Protecting the Privacy and Security of Citizens Law that was enacted by President U Htin Kyaw earlier this year in order to restrict state surveillance. Such conduct was once a tactic used to suppress activists.

The Bahan police station summoned complainant Ye Lin Htoo and other six journalists on Thursday. A policeman gave a response letter to the plaintiff which was signed by police captain Aye Min Thein.

The letter stated that the soldier in question did not breach any prohibitions of section (4) of the recently enacted law. The law has six chapters and 13 sections in total.

Capt Aye Min Thein recommended the plaintiff Ye Lin Htoo and other PCMJ members file a case at the Bahan Township courthouse directly if the journalists felt that the conduct of Cpl Soe Myint Aung had harmed their dignity.

Although police summoned seven journalists to the station on Thursday morning, those who attended the meeting said Capt Aye Min Thein did not show up to speak with them, despite a police statement declaring that all seven reporters had met with him.

Ma Thuzar of 7 Day TV told The Irrawaddy that PCMJ members are now in talks with lawyers since the police have failed to bring the case to court, and allege that they prejudged the reporters as complainants.

She said she had expected the rejection.

Tha Lun Zaung Htet, a committee member of PCMJ and a presenter on the Democratic Voice of Burma, said, the police have no right to override the case. Its gone too far.

Tha Lun Zaung Htet said that the PCMJ committee had decided to continue the case directly against both Cpl Soe Myint Aung and Capt Aye Min Thein for interfering in what they say should be the role of the judiciary.

We are now receiving consultations from lawyers to sue the police official for failing his duty and prejudging. Guilty or not must be decided by a judge, not by the police, he said.

Former chairman of the Myanmar Lawyer Network U Kyee Myint corroborated the statement from journalists that the police did not have a right to object to the lawsuit and were required to open the case for the plaintiff. They should have taken legal advice from the township law officers, he added, explaining that under the current circumstances, the plaintiffs could take their complaint to a higher level.
Burma Majority of Joint Ceasefire Monitoring Committee Complaints are Territorial Disputes

A JMC meeting at the National Reconciliation and Peace Center in Yangon on July 3. / Thet Htun Naing / The Irrawaddy

YANGON  The Union-level joint ceasefire monitoring committee (JMC) said almost 70 percent of the complaints it has received were territorial disputes that would soon be assessed by verification teams.

The JMCs role includes monitoring the ceasefire implementation for signatories of the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA).

The JMC held its 11th regular meeting from July 3-5 in Yangons National Reconciliation and Peace Center office. The meeting focused on issues related to monitoring the ceasefire implementation, complaint verification, local participation in ceasefire monitoring, and the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Since its formation in late 2015 following the signing of the NCA in October of that year, the JMC established state- and regional-level joint ceasefire monitoring sub-committees in five locations in Karen, Mon and Shan states, and Bago and Tanintharyi (Tenasserim) divisions. It is still in the process of forming its state-level complaint verification teams.

Dr. Sui Khar, a secretary of the Union-level JMC, told reporters in Yangon at a press conference on Wednesday evening that a JMC verification team would assess two cases in Shan States Mongping Township in the coming months. One case concerns the death of a militia member and another concerns engagement between Tatmadaw and Restoration Council of Shan State troops in May.

A JMC spokesman said it would hold further workshops on territory demarcation, as some ethnic armed groups had clear statements regarding boundary lines in their bilateral ceasefire agreements with the government while others did not.

The groups have different understandings of the territory demarcations. Their complaints center on this so it is important to consider how we handle this, Dr. Sui Khar said.

The JMC will also develop a computerized complaints management system, as it receives more verbal complaints than written ones.

As for drafting standard operating procedures, Seng Pan, the deputy executive director of the technical secretariat center (TSC) said 12 of 40 SOPs needed for the JMC mechanism have been drafted and approved at this time.

But SOPs related to helping internally displaced persons have not yet been approved, as further assessments need to be done on the work of the social welfare ministry, she added.

The JMC recently accepted the appointment of U Aung Naing Oo, former Myanmar Peace Center employee, as the new executive director of the TSC, as the current director Dr. Min Zaw Oo will leave the position at the end of July.

JMC spokespersons said Dr. Min Zaw Oo had planned to leave the position since November 2016 but was waiting until a replacement was found.

Dr. Min Zaw Oo is also an adviser to the governments Peace Commission and will remain in that post, according to Seng Pan.
Guest Column Do Not Punish Migrant Workers, Fix a Broken System

Myanmar migrant workers sort shrimp at a wholesale market for shrimp and other seafood in Mahachai, Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand, July 4, 2017. / Reuters

What does it take to effectively regulate migrant labor? A tougher law? Thailands Labor Ministry believes so. So does the military government. Hence the draconian decree on migrant labor management  and the subsequent red faces all around.

Effective June 23, the harsh punishment triggered panic among migrant workers and their employers, leading to mass layoffs and an exodus of workers across the borders back to Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.

Now its the governments turn to panic. Hence the promise from Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to evoke Section 44 which gives him absolute power as a military leader to suspend the decree for 180 days.

This is policy embarrassment big time.

That the Labor Ministry and the countrys top leadership failed to foresee how this big-stick policy would wreak havoc on the economy shows their top-down, ivory tower mentality  and their deep prejudices against migrant workers.

That the cabinet gave the decree the green light one day, then suspended it the next, does not give us much confidence in how the military government runs our country, does it?

Under the decree, employers will face a hefty fine of 400,000 to 800,000 baht (US$11,700 to 23,500) for each undocumented migrant worker they hire. Even if their workers have work permits, the employers will still be fined 400,000 baht per worker if the job is not the same as registered in the permits.

The decree hits small businesses hard. For them, it means bankruptcy.

As for migrant workers, the undocumented are subject to a maximum five-year jail term and/or a fine of anywhere from 2,000 to 100,000 baht. If they are registered but not working in the job they are registered for, they are subject to a maximum 100,000 baht fine.

Meanwhile, the new decree does not make registration any easier. The employer must pay an exorbitant fee of 20,000 baht for a license. The migrant workers must also pay 20,000 baht for a work permit, and another 20,000 baht to extend it. Can poor migrants afford it? What is the government thinking?

In normal time, decrees are reserved for urgent matters. To justify the heavy punishment, the Labor Ministry says the decree is urgently needed to protect the countrys economic security.

What? Do the labor authorities really believe Thailand will be economically secure if millions of migrant workers leave? Do we still need the labor bureaucracy which does not understand the significant contribution of migrant workers to the national economy?

We cannot deny, however, that the labor authoritiesnegative attitude reflects the nationwide belief that migrant workers are national security threats. Migrant workers are stereotyped as job thieves, carriers of contagious diseases, and a burden on the country to provide health care and education for their children. Worse, migrants are often seen as cold-blooded criminals.

Remember when the junta seized power in 2014? One of the first things then coup leader Gen Prayut did was crack down on illegal migrant workers because it struck a chord with his nationalistic supporters. After a migrant panic, an exodus and employersfury, the general took a sharp U-turn, urging the migrant workers to quickly come back.

After repeating this mistake, its worrying that the prime minister still misses the crux of the problem  the migrant labor management system itself.

Its why he insisted employers and migrant workers should use the 180-day grace period to legalize their status.

No need to fear if you follow the law, said the prime minister. Migrant workers need to be registered. Its not too much of a problem. If they still dont register [before the grace period is over], I dont know what to do but implement the new decree.

Contrary to what the prime minister said, the registration system is plagued with problems and corruption.

For starters, the annual registration period is unreasonably short, leaving migrant workers who cannot register in time vulnerable to police extortion. The dizzying amount of red tape in the nationality verification process and the issuance of work permits forces workers to turn to brokers, which feeds corruption at all levels on both sides of the borders.

The high expenses for registration  including the tea money involved  mean workers start off in debt to their employers who pay fees for them in advance. Migrant workers also have to pay for health insurance as part of the registration system. Yet they rarely benefit from public health services because the newcomers cannot speak Thai while hospitals lack translators.

Despite their legal status, migrant workers are rarely protected from police extortion. Many employers still confiscate workers passports and work permits. Without legal papers, migrant workers are routinely subject to arrest and extortion. Stories of sexual harassment of female migrant workers are common.

Even if migrant workers go through the complicated system to get work permits, its not the end of the problem due to the oppressive labor law. Migrant workers are barred from changing jobs and employees  a gross violation of labor rights. The punishment is arrest and deportation. By increasing the punishment with heftier fines and longer jail terms, the new decree fortifies these violations even further.

Migrant workers are also restricted to labor-intensive work, which robs them of professional development and deprives the country of skilled human resources. They are also prohibited from traveling outside their work zones, a serious infringement on freedom of movement.

With little benefits from their legal status, the majority of migrant workers here prefer to work underground. Its not because they are bad. Its because our system is.

With no measures to fix the flawed registration and oppressive law, the 180-day grace period is of little help in encouraging migrant workers to join the system. And if Gen Prayut lifts the freeze on the decree as promised, the problem of extortion and corruption will worsen.

How do we effectively regulate migrant labor then? Easy. Make the registration easy. Make access to welfare and health benefits easy. Then extortion and corruption will be difficult.

Start an open, year-round registration system. Get rid of the red tape so workers and employers do not have to pay money under the table. Fix the law to open the job market for migrant workers. And get tough, really tough, on corrupt officials.

Accord migrant workers human dignity and lawful rights. See them as they are  contributors to our economy. Give their children an education so they be can be part of society, ready to chip in when the country gets old and needs a young workforce.

Respecting migrantsrights is good for the economy. Unless policy makers understand this, harsh laws based on control and punishment are only good for the business of corruption. Or is it just meant to be that way?
Specials Interactive Timeline: Press Freedom Under Attack

Eight media organizations recently faced legal action over their reporting.

YANGON With the arrest of three journalists by the Myanmar Army on charges of contacting an unlawful association last week, The Irrawaddy and the Democratic Voice of Burma joined a number of local media outlets being threatened in court by the countrys powerful institutions, including the military. Myanmars stringent media censorship laws, in place since 1962s military coup, were lifted under former President U Thein Sein in 2012 but broad draconian laws used to throttle the media remain. Colonial-era legislation such as the State Secrets Act and the Unlawful Associations Act continue to be used as weapons of press oppression.

In 2014 freelance journalist Ko Par Gyi (also known as Aung Kyaw Naing) was shot dead in military custody. Controversial Article 66(d) of the 2013 Telecommunications Law is a newer law used to silence media on defamation charges concerning online content; there have been 65 cases brought forward since Daw Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy (NLD) formed a government in 2016 April. In fact, reporters and editors from five media organizations in Myanmar are now facing trial. Among them, three were cases filed by the military.

Here, The Irrawaddy has outlined some of significant cases brought against publications through use of the countrys restrictive laws.
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By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) |  

The Swedish auto manufacturer Volvo, owned by the Chinese automotive corporation Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd, has abruptly decided to produce only electric, plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid vehicles by 2019, only two years from now, AP reports.

Le Monde called the announcement a coup for Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur who pioneered the idea of mass market electric cars. When he announced his goals, he was thought eccentric. And now with Volvos announcement, he looks like a prophet. It is true that Tesla has increasing competition, but the electric automobile sector also has enormous room to grow, so that lots of competitors can all make money. It is the companies that continue to produce only gasoline and diesel engines that will be in the biggest trouble.

Swedish CEO of the Volvo division, Hakan Samuelsson, says that only 2 years ago, he and his board had severe doubts about electric cars, but that the situation has changed rapidly. My suspicion is that Geely, which is big on electric cars in China, pushed Volvo in this direction.

Another big change in my view is battery cost and capacity. I drove a Chevy Volt for years, but it only got 40 miles or so to a charge. That was all right for me, since Ann Arbor is a small town. But most people needed more. And now they can have it. Both Elon Musks Tesla 3, to be rolled out at the end of July, and Chevrolets Bolt, can get 250-300 miles on a charge, and they both cost around $35,000 (the same as the old Volt, which had a much more limited range). In the US at the moment, purchasing a Tesla 3 or Bolt will get you a $7500 Federal tax rebate, making the cars affordable to middle class families. The cars are perfect for commuting or in-town use, and if you needed to go a longer distanced Tesla has fast charging stations around the country or you could just rent a vacation car.

By the way, nowadays EVs have great pick up. People have asked me if you have trouble merging. No, you dont have trouble merging.

Samuelsson at Volvo wants to push for even cheaper batteries, and as more auto firms go electric, the R & D funding for better batteries will soar.

All electric cars emit less carbon dioxide, a toxic greenhouse gas, than gasoline and diesel cars, even if they are charged in states that depend heavily on coal and natural gas for electricity production. Many owners of electric cars, however, pair them with rooftop solar panels, which reduces the pay-off period for both items. Likewise, driving an electric car in states like Iowa, California and Idaho, which depend heavily on renewables, guarantees that they will be less carbon intensive.

Sweden itself has made big progress in cutting CO2 emissions, and plans to be carbon-free by 2045.

Volvo also wants its manufacturing plants to be net carbon zero by 2025.

Volvo buyers are more typically upper middle class or wealthy, so they can afford the electric version. Volvo sells 500,000 cars a year. About 88 million cars and light vehicles are sold annually worldwide. However, so many of those are sold in China, and given that China and India are so increasingly dedicated to pushing electric vehicles, the Asian market may drive the whole industry in the direction of electric cars much faster than anyone now realizes.

Electric car purchases could also encourage adoption of rooftop solar. The pay-off time for both the car and the panels is brought down substantially if you combine the two. I know what not having an automobile fuel bill is like, and let me tell you, it is very gratifying.

The US imports 10 million barrels a day of petroleum, most of it from Canada, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Mexico, and Colombia. Saudi Arabia is a religiously intolerant absolute monarchy that has begun throwing its weight around in very unpleasant ways. Venezuela is unstable. Do you really want to be beholden to other countries for your transportation? Do you really want to donate to the Saudi cause?

Not everyone can afford an electric car and solar panels. Those who can afford them, and who have a choice the next time they make a purchase, should go green. Theyll save money and theyll make our country more secure, and theyll de-fund some sketchy suppliers like Saudi.

-

Related video:

Financial Times: Volvo to go electric from 2019 | Companies
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TeleSur |  

Saudi Arabia said restrictions on Qatar will continue, but it did not announce new sanctions against Doha.

Foreign ministers from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain have issued a statement on Wednesday saying that Dohas response to their demands to end the crisis was negative and current restrictions on Qatar will continue.

The response the four states got was overall negative and lacked any content. We find it did not provide a basis for Qatar to retreat from its policies, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said reading out a joint statement.

He also described Dohas response as a position that reflects a failure to realize the gravity of the situation.

The political and economic boycott will continue until Qatar changes its policies for the better, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said at a news conference.

He added that further steps would be taken against Qatar at the appropriate time, and would be in line with international law.

Foreign ministers from the four Arab states met in Cairo on Wednesday, a month after they severed ties with the Gulf state, to discuss the situation after a deadline they gave Qatar to meet 13 demands expired.

The authorities in Doha have responded to the demands via letter to Kuwait, who was acting as a mediator since the beginning of the crisis, but no details of the response have been publicly released.

After confirming receiving the response, Saudi Arabia and its allies said Qatar will receive a reply in due time.

The Saudi-led group accuses Qatar of supporting Islamist militants and being an ally of regional rival Iran, which Doha denies.

On June 22, the four nations issued a 13-point list of demands and gave Qatar 10 days to respond. On Sunday, the deadline was extended by 48 hours.

The list of demands included Doha ending its support for the Muslim Brotherhood, closing Al Jazeera Media Network, downgrading diplomatic ties with Iran and shutting down a Turkish military base. Saudi Arabia said the list was non-negotiable.

On Tuesday, Qatars foreign minister said the list of conditions for restoring relations is unrealistic and is not actionable.

Its not about terrorism, its talking about shutting down the freedom of speech, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said.

If Qatars response to the demands fails to satisfy the Arab states, it may face further isolation and possible expulsion from the Gulf Cooperation Council, a regional economic and security cooperation body founded in 1981.

Suggesting it was ready for a prolonged dispute with its Gulf neighbours, Qatar announced plans to raise Liquefied Natural Gas production capacity by 30 percent over the coming years.

Sheikh Mohammed said Doha was still looking to solve the crisis through dialogue and was doing all it could do to reach agreement.

The state of Qatar has adopted a very constructive attitude since the beginning of the crisis. We are trying to act mature and discuss the matter, he said.

Via TeleSur

-

Related video added by Juan Cole:

EuroNews: Qatars response to neighbours demands
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - July 6, 2017) - Banro Corporation (the "Company" or "Banro") (NYSE MKT:BAA) (TSX:BAA) is pleased to report that following the precautionary measures taken to evacuate staff from the Namoya mine on a temporary basis, as reported in the Company's July 3, 2017 press release, staff have now returned to Namoya and mining operations have resumed.

Dr. John Clarke, President and CEO of Banro, said: "We would like to thank the hard work and diligence of all of our staff in supporting this turnaround at the Namoya mine. We would also like to thank the support we received from both the national and regional governments of the DRC. This support has been instrumental in the safe return of our employees and contractors to site, and the safety of the supply truck convoy that was originally stranded in Lulimba and has now been released."

Banro Corporation is a Canadian gold mining company focused on production from the Twangiza mine, which began commercial production September 1, 2012, and on production at its second gold mine at Namoya, where commercial production was declared effective January 1, 2016. The Company's longer term objectives include the development of two additional major, wholly-owned gold projects, Lugushwa and Kamituga. The four projects, each of which has a mining license, are located along the 210 kilometre long Twangiza-Namoya gold belt in the South Kivu and Maniema provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (the "DRC"). All business activities are followed in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.

For further information, please visit our website at www.banro.com.
London, England (FSCwire) - Further to the announcement made on May 11, 2017, Gabriel Resources Ltd. (Gabriel or the Company) announces that its Romanian subsidiary, Rosia Montana Gold Corporation S.A. (RMGC), has been served with a decision by the Romanian National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF) assessing a liability for value added tax (VAT) in the principal amount of approximately RON 27m ($8.6m)[1] (VAT Assessment). This amount does not include any penalties or fines which the Company understands are also likely to be levied. The liability relates to VAT previously claimed and received by RMGC in respect of its purchase of goods and services from July 2011 to January 2016. The VAT Assessment is due for payment on August 5, 2017 although RMGC has until August 21, 2017 to make an administrative appeal to ANAF, which it fully intends to pursue.

The Company views this VAT Assessment as fundamentally flawed and abusive, and plainly retaliatory coming just days after the Company filed its statement of claim in its ICSID arbitration against Romania seeking compensation in an amount equivalent to $5.7 billion[2] (ICSID Arbitration Claim).

The VAT Assessment follows the re-run of a prior VAT audit concluded by ANAF in July 2016 which assessed a liability for approximately the same amount, rising with interest and penalties to RON 42.9m (then approximately $13.7m) but which was successfully challenged by RMGC and partially quashed by ANAF in September 2016 (the Quashed 2016 Assessment).

[1] Assumes the July 5, 2017 Bank of Romania exchange rate of RON 0.3198 to the $

[2] The claim, based on a damages assessment performed by an independent expert, seeks compensation in the amount of US$4.4 billion, the Canadian dollar equivalent uses the closing foreign exchange rate on June 27.

In common with the Quashed 2016 Assessment, Gabriel and RMGC will vigorously challenge this decision. The VAT Assessment has been issued despite its conclusions being wholly contradictory to the results of at least 18 prior VAT audits conducted by various divisions of ANAF relating to similar categories of expense, suppliers, transactions and activities and despite the substance of the audit being almost identical to the Quashed 2016 Assessment. The Company also believes that the procedure followed by ANAF to arrive at the VAT Assessment was improper and unlawful and that the VAT Assessment conflicts with Romanian fiscal laws as well as the mandatory applicable principles of EU law.

The basis of the VAT Assessment continues a remarkable departure from ANAF practice and precedent including ANAFs reliance on submissions from known opponents to the Rosia Montana Project (Project) and lawyers who have acted for anti-mining NGOs in opposing permits for the Project. This practice, together with the wide-ranging extent of other ongoing enquiries undertaken by a separate directorate of ANAF, previously disclosed by Gabriel, evidences that the actions of ANAF continue to be made in bad faith and are an abuse of power by the Romanian authorities.

Jonathan Henry, Gabriels President and Chief Executive Officer, stated:

The Company believes that the VAT Assessment is without merit, enacted by ANAF alongside other actions with an overarching purpose to intimidate Gabriel, RMGC and their personnel and to frustrate the Companys pursuit of its international arbitration case against Romania. The fact that the VAT Assessment has been received immediately after the Company has filed the ICSID Arbitration Claim of $5.7 billion against Romania is not a coincidence; we see this as completely abusive and retaliatory. As an EU member state, Romania should not be resorting to such bad faith tactics in the face of the Companys legitimate pursuit of its treaty claims against the State. Gabriel will assist RMGC to vigorously challenge this unlawful VAT Assessment.

About Gabriel

Gabriel is a Toronto Stock Exchange listed Canadian resource company. The Companys principal focus has been the exploration and development of the Rosia Montana gold and silver project in Romania. The Project, one of the largest undeveloped gold deposits in Europe, is situated in the South Apuseni Mountains of Transylvania, Romania, an historic and prolific mining district that since pre-Roman times has been mined intermittently for over 2,000 years. The exploitation license (License) for the Project is held by Rosia Montana Gold Corporation S.A., a Romanian company in which Gabriel owns an 80.69% equity interest, with the 19.31% balance held by Minvest Rosia Montana S.A., a Romanian state-owned mining company. It was anticipated that the Project could bring over US$24 billion (at US$1,200/oz gold) to Romania as potential direct and indirect contribution to GDP and have generated thousands of employment opportunities.

Since the grant of the License in June 1999, the Company has focused substantially all of its management and financial resources on the exploration, feasibility and subsequent development of the Project. Despite the Companys fulfilment of its legal obligations and its development of the Project as a high-quality, sustainable and environmentally-responsible mining project, using best available techniques, Romania has blocked and prevented implementation of the Project without due process and without compensation.Accordingly, the Companys current core focus is the ICSID Arbitration Claim.

For more information please visit the Companys website at www.gabrielresources.com.
VANCOUVER, July 6, 2017 /CNW/ - Amarc Resources Ltd. ("Amarc" or the "Company") (TSX-V: AHR; OTCBB: AXREF) is pleased to announce it has entered into a Mineral Property Farm-In Agreement (the "Agreement") with Hudbay Minerals Inc. ("Hudbay") (TSX: HBM; NYSE: HBM). Under the terms of the Agreement Hudbay may acquire, through a staged investment process, up to a 60% ownership interest in Amarc's 462 km2, 100%-owned IKE copper porphyry district (the "IKE Project" or the "Project"), located near Gold Bridge, British Columbia ("BC").

Robert Dickinson, Executive Chairman of Amarc: "We are pleased to welcome Hudbay, a company with a solid reputation as an experienced and responsible operator of important mines located in North and South America, to a project we believe will emerge as one of Canada's most important new mineral developments."

Diane Nicolson, President of Amarc: "Hunter Dickinson associated companies have a long history of discovering and developing porphyry copper deposits in BC that have gone on to generate decades of wealth and opportunity for stakeholders and shareholders alike. We are excited to be combining our proven porphyry copper discovery skill set with Hudbay's acknowledged capabilities as a first-class mine builder and operator."

Agreement with Hudbay on the IKE Project

Under the terms of the Agreement, Hudbay can earn an initial 49% ownership interest in the IKE Project under a Stage 1 Farm-in Right by funding $25 million1 of expenditures before December 31, 2020, of which $3.3 million is committed for 2017.

Provided its Stage 1 Farm-in Right is exercised, Hudbay can, pursuant to a Stage 2 Farm-in Right, elect to earn an additional 1% interest in the Project (for a total 50% interest), by funding $15 million of expenditures (for a total of $40 million), also before December 31, 2020.

Stage 1 and Stage 2 Farm-in expenditures can be accelerated by Hudbay at its discretion. Amarc will be the operator during the Stage 1 and Stage 2 periods. A Joint Venture ("JV") will be formed when Hudbay has acquired a 49% interest in the Project.

Provided that Hudbay has exercised its Stage 2 Farm-in Right and acquired a 50% interest in the IKE Project, it can then elect to go forward via one of two paths.

1 All currency values are Canadian dollars.

First, Hudbay can replace Amarc as operator of the JV after it funds all project expenditures and completes a Feasibility Study for the IKE Project by December 31, 2025. Having gained operatorship, Hudbay can then choose to either go forward with Amarc in a 50/50 participating JV, or can instead elect to continue with its Farm-in (the "Stage 3 Farm-in Right") to acquire an additional 10% interest in the IKE Project (for a total 60% interest). To exercise its Stage 3 Farm-in Right, Hudbay must fund all expenditures required to submit a British Columbia Environment Assessment ("EA") application for the IKE Project and, if applicable, a Canadian EA application, with the application(s) being accepted for review by December 31, 2026. In addition, Hudbay must also continue to fund all project expenditures until the necessary EA Certificate(s) are received. Following receipt of the EA Certificate(s), all IKE Project expenditures going forward will be shared by Hudbay and Amarc on a pro rata basis (Hudbay 60%/Amarc 40%) under the JV.

As a second alternative path Hudbay can elect, after exercising its Stage 2 Farm-in Right, to proceed directly to the Stage 3 Farm-in Right, so immediately becoming the operator, and acquire a further 10% interest (for a total 60% interest) by, as above, submitting and having accepted for review a British Columbia EA application and, if applicable, a Canadian EA application, by December 31, 2026. Again in this instance, Hudbay must also fund all project expenditures until receipt of the necessary EA Certificate(s). As with the first path, following receipt of the EA Certificate(s), all IKE Project expenditures going forward will be shared by Hudbay and Amarc on a pro rata basis (Hudbay 60%/Amarc 40%) under the JV.

If Hudbay does not submit the EA application(s) by December 31, 2026, then Amarc will become operator again.

Hudbay has the right to defer either of its 2019 or 2020 expenditures, for a one-year period, subject to certain conditions. If this deferral occurs, Amarc will have a "co-expenditure right", whereby it can incur and fund approved additional expenditures on the IKE Project up to the amount of the deferred expenditures. Hudbay may elect to reimburse Amarc for these additional expenditures, thereby retaining its interest in the Project.

About the IKE Project

The IKE Project is located 33 kilometres northwest of the historical mining communities of Gold Bridge and Bralorne in south-central BC, near the heartland of the province's producing porphyry copper mines. There is good industrial infrastructure in the region. Power, railways and highways are all available in the area of Gold Bridge, and in the regional towns of Pemberton and Lillooet. Mainline logging roads leading northwest from Gold Bridge extend to within 13 kilometres of the IKE property.

Over the last three years, Amarc has made a significant new porphyry copper-molybdenum-silver discovery at IKE. Together with the surrounding district of important-scale, porphyry copper (molybdenumsilvergold) targets yet to be drilled, Amarc believes the IKE Project has the potential to possess the grades and tonnages to emerge as an important mining camp.

To date, Amarc has drilled more than 12,000 metres in 21 widely-spaced core holes in the IKE deposit, intersecting copper, molybdenum and silver mineralization over an area measuring 1,200 metres by 1,000 metres and 875 metres vertically. This drilling indicates the potential for extensive resource volumes which remain open to expansion in all lateral directions and to depth.

In addition, Amarc has completed 132 km2 of regional geological mapping, collected 1,258 talus fines samples and conducted 77 line-kilometres of Induced Polarization ("IP") geophysical surveys over regional targets. Results from these surveys have identified four significant porphyry copper mineralized systems, along with three more newly emerging porphyry copper and precious metal epithermal deposit targets  all within 10 kilometres of the IKE deposit. Age dating of porphyry mineralization discovered within the IKE district has confirmed at least four separate porphyry mineralizing events, occurring over an exceptionally long period of 46 million years. Progressing northwards from the IKE deposit, these porphyry copper mineralized systems become decidedly more gold-bearing.

Amarc is working with government, stakeholders and First Nations toward the responsible development of the IKE Project, and manages an ongoing program of community and regional outreach. These efforts include the provision of jobs, training programs, contract opportunities, capacity funding and sponsorship of community events. The Company is also seeking to establish comprehensive partnership discussions with local First Nations at the earliest stages of project development with the goal of establishing progressive agreements.

Amarc proactively supports government's duty to consult First Nations. After a rigorous review process, the Company has received a five-year, area-based permit for IKE Project exploration activities. A 300-hole drill permit and authorization for 250 kilometres of IP surveying provides regulatory certainty and operational flexibility at site.

Amarc plans to mobilize crews to the field for its 2017 drilling season in July. Approved project expenditures of $3.3 million include core drilling focused on evaluating the potential resource size and grade of at least three high priority porphyry copper (molybdenumsilvergold) targets located in proximity to the IKE discovery. Extensive surface exploration surveys, including IP, geological mapping and talus fine geochemical sampling, will be completed regionally to firm up additional porphyry copper deposit targets for potential drill testing next year.

About Amarc Resources Ltd.

Amarc is a mineral exploration and development company with an experienced and successful management team focused on developing a new generation of BC porphyry copper mines. With the successful combination of strong projects and successful management, Amarc has created a solid platform to commence the value creation life cycle of a mining exploration company.

Amarc is advancing its 100% owned IKE, DUKE and JOY porphyry copper deposit districts, located in southern, central and northern BC, respectively, each with proximity to industrial infrastructure, power, rail and highways. These projects represent significant potential for the discovery of important scale, porphyry copper-gold and copper-molybdenum deposits.

Amarc's DUKE deposit, and an adjacent 190 km2 porphyry copper district is located 80 kilometres northeast of Smithers BC, and 30 kilometres north of former mines (Bell and Granisle) operated by Noranda Mines. The DUKE Project area is logging road accessible from Smithers or Fort St. James.

Historically, DUKE has been explored with surface geochemical and geophysical surveys, as well as 30 shallow diamond drill holes. Many of the holes drilled intersected significant lengths of porphyry copper-molybdenum-silver-gold mineralization, which remains open both laterally and to depth. The surrounding district hosts multiple second order porphyry copper deposit targets. Plans are to drill the DUKE deposit target in fall 2017.

Amarc's 72 km2 JOY mineral property is located 310 kilometres north of Mackenzie BC, and 25 kilometres north of the Kemess South Mine site, where AuRico Resources' recently secured a BC EA Certificate for its Underground Project.

Past operators conducted prospecting-style work on the JOY claims. Some 3,000 soil samples, 800 rock samples and 30 silt samples were collected, but no drilling was done. The surface surveys clearly indicate a number of substantial porphyry copper-gold and epithermal silver-gold deposit targets across the JOY property. The deposit targets located on the JOY property are considered by Amarc to be a northern extension to the prolific Kemess porphyry gold-copper district. Most importantly, historical soil and rock sampling, along with a recent soil survey, has revealed a regionally significant 7 km2 copper, gold, molybdenum, silver and zinc geochemical anomaly, which potentially reflects a large and shallowly buried porphyry copper-gold deposit.

The Company is planning to complete surface exploration surveys including IP and drill testing of this exceptional target this season.

Amarc is associated with Hunter Dickinson Inc. ("HDI"), a diversified, global mining company with a 25-plus year history of porphyry discovery and development success. Previous and current HDI porphyry projects include some of BC's and the world's most important mineral resources, such as Pebble, Mount Milligan, Kemess South, Kemess North, Gibraltar, Prosperity, Xietongmen, Newtongmen, Florence, Sisson and Maggie. From its head office in Vancouver, Canada, HDI applies its unique strengths and capabilities to acquire, develop, operate and monetize mineral projects to provide superior returns to shareholders.

Amarc is committed to working collaboratively with governments and stakeholders to achieve responsible development of its projects, while contributing to sustainable development of the communities in which it works. All work programs are carefully planned to achieve high levels of environmental and social performance.

Qualified Person as Defined Under National Instrument 43-101

Mark Rebagliati, P. Eng., a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical content of this release.
Hong Kongs new leader distanced herself from her predecessors fraught relationship with lawmakers, vowing better communication as she sought to break years of political deadlock.

Five days after becoming the citys first female chief executive, Carrie Lam went before the Legislative Council yesterday promising more frequent meetings with lawmakers. Hong Kongs former No. 2 said her government would lobby the chambers 70 democratically elected members directly to ensure their concerns were heard.

I am a bit saddened seeing the internal conflicts and scuffles in the past few years, Lam said in a rare public critique of her ally and former boss, Leung Chun-ying. Seeing the poor administrative-legislative relationship and the lack of trust between officials and lawmakers slow down the speed of policy implementation, I am concerned, but not disheartened.

Lam delivered the olive branch days after President Xi Jinping presided over her inauguration on the 20th anniversary of Hong Kongs return to Chinese rule on a promise of a high degree of autonomy. Xi  making his first visit since mass pro-democracy protests in 2014 

warned Saturday that challenges to Chinas sovereignty wouldnt be tolerated.

Lams speech to lawmakers was more accommodating and represented her most substantive attempt to differentiate herself from Leung, whose five-year term was marred by legislative gridlock and increasingly radical protest movements. Her challenge will be wooing his critics without running afoul of Chinas Liaison Office, which democrats have accused of meddling in local affairs.

Even before she assumed office, she tried to make peace with legislators and other political parties in Hong Kong to offer something new to society rather than adopting the C.Y. Leung approach, said Chung Kim-wah, a political scientist at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The question is whether the Liaison Office is willing to step back and stop interfering.

Lams first appearance at the legislature was largely orderly, despite pro-democracy lawmaker Long-hair Leung Kwok-hung being removed for rowdiness. Her predecessors question-and-answer sessions were often interrupted by opposition lawmakers chanting slogans, throwing objects and staging walkouts.

Lam, 60, a one-time colonial civil servant who was preparing to retire before Leung decided not to seek a second term, has pledged to focus on healing political divides. Chinas support helped her overcome a more popular challenger in March to win an election by a committee of 1,200 political and business elites dominated by Beijing loyalists.

At a time when some citizens are feeling anxious and confused, my top priority is to unite the society, Lam said. Therefore, connecting all parts of society extensively would be an important job for me and my executive team.

Lam is seeking an early victory in the legislature, where the pro-democracy opposition blocked many of Leungs most ambitious proposals including a China-backed overhaul of the electoral process. She started by proposing a HKD5 billion (USD640 million) education fund, which includes converting contract teachers to full-time positions and paying annual subsidies of HKD30,000 for students who are funding their own undergraduate education.

The proposal appeared to enjoy across-the-board support. Wu Chi-wai, chairman of the opposition Democratic Party, said the move showed Lams willingness to engage with stakeholders and could improve the administrative-legislative relationship.

The test for Lam will come should she attempt to push through proposals that touch on more controversial issues, such the national security legislation sought by Chinese authorities. Shell also have to deal with rising tensions as the courts proceed with cases that could result in the ouster of as many as 10 pro-democracy lawmakers.

Legislator Alvin Yeung, leader of the opposition Civic Party, said he was withholding judgment on Lam for now.

I adopt a wait-and-see attitude, Yeung said. It is now premature to make judgments without seeing any concrete policies being put forward. Shawna Kwan, David Tweed, Bloomberg
VANCOUVER, July 5, 2017 /CNW/ - Leagold Mining Corporation (TSX-V: LMC) ("Leagold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Rt Hon. the Lord Garel-Jones as an independent non-executive director effective today.

Frank Giustra, Chairman, stated "On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Tristan to Leagold. Tristan has extensive experience in Latin America with deep diplomatic relationships and experience in international affairs that will assist our Board as we continue to implement our growth strategy."

Lord Garel-Jones PC, Director, is Chairman of UBS Latin America. He was elected Conservative MP for Watford, England in 1979. In 1983 he joined the Whip's Office and was successively Lord Commissioner of the Treasury, Vice-Chamberlain, Controller of the Household and Treasurer of Her Majesty's Household. In 1990 he was appointed Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office with responsibility for Europe and Latin America. He was made a life peer in 1997.

Leagold's Board will now be comprised of seven members, including Chairman Frank Giustra, Russell Ball, Gordon Campbell, General Wesley K. Clark, Lord Tristan Garel-Jones, Miguel Rodriguez, and Neil Woodyer as Executive Director and CEO.

About Leagold Mining Corporation

Leagold is building a new mid-tier gold producer with a focus on opportunities in Latin America. Leagold is based in Vancouver, Canada and is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol "LMC". The recent acquisition of the Los Filos Mine, a low-cost gold producer in Mexico, provides an excellent platform for growth.
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - July 5, 2017) - Denison Mines Corp. ("Denison" or the "Company") (TSX:DML)(NYSE MKT:DNN) is pleased to announce that its 22.5% owned McClean Lake operations have been granted a 10-year Uranium Mine Operating Licence from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission ("CNSC"), which is valid as of July 1, 2017 and will expire on June 30, 2027.

The McClean Lake operations are located in the infrastructure rich eastern portion of the Athabasca Basin region in northern Saskatchewan and are owned by the McClean Lake Joint Venture ("MLJV"), a joint venture between AREVA Resources Canada Inc. ("AREVA") (70%), Denison (22.5%) and OURD (Canada) Co. Ltd. (7.5%). The McClean Lake operations include several uranium deposits as well as the McClean Lake mill, which is currently operating and processing ore from the Cigar Lake mine under a toll milling agreement. The MLJV is operated by AREVA.

Denison's President and CEO, David Cates, commented, "We are quite familiar with the CNSC's rigorous processes, having worked closely with the CNSC for many years in regards to our own reclaimed mine sites in Elliot Lake, and we are very pleased with the outcome of the McClean Lake renewal process. AREVA continues to be a tremendous partner at McClean Lake and we are very appreciative of not only AREVA's commitment to the licence renewal process, but also their commitment to operating the McClean Lake operations with the utmost respect for employee safety, the environment, and the neighbouring northern communities."

McClean Lake Mill

The McClean Lake mill is one of the most technologically advanced uranium mills in operation and is the only facility in the world designed to process high grade uranium ore without dilution. In 2016, the MLJV obtained regulatory approval from the CNSC to increase its annual production capacity of uranium (U 3 O 8 ) to 24 million pounds per year. With the Cigar Lake mine expected to produce approximately 18 million pounds U 3 O 8 annually, the McClean Lake mill currently has excess licenced processing capacity of up to six million pounds U 3 O 8 per year.

Denison's Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") for the Wheeler River Project, completed in 2016 (see press releases dated April 4, 2016 and May 12, 2016), contemplates the use of the McClean Lake mill, on a toll milling basis, for the processing of mine production from Wheeler River's Gryphon and Phoenix uranium deposits. The Wheeler River project is a joint venture between Denison (60%), Cameco Corp. (30%), and JCU (Canada) Exploration Company Limited (10%).

Further details regarding the Gryphon and Phoenix deposits are provided in the NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Wheeler River project titled "Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Wheeler River Uranium Project, Saskatchewan, Canada" dated April 8, 2016 with an effective date of March 31, 2016. A copy of this report is available on Denison's website and under its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.

On July 19th, 2016, Denison announced the initiation of a Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") for the Wheeler River project and the complimentary commencement of an infill drilling program at the Gryphon deposit to bring the inferred resources to an indicated level of confidence. This work continues at present, and an updated mineral resource estimate for Wheeler River is planned to be completed once summer assay results are received, and is then expected to be incorporated into the completion of a PFS planned for 2018.

McClean Lake Uranium Deposits

McClean Lake is also host to the Caribou, Sue D, Sue E and McClean North uranium deposits. Together the deposits are currently estimated to contain indicated mineral resources of 18 million pounds U 3 O 8 , plus inferred mineral resources of 7.6 million pounds U 3 O 8 , as outlined below.

Indicated Mineral Resource Estimates (1)(2)(3)



100% Basis Denison Share (22.5%) Project/Deposit

Tonnes

(,000)

Grade

% U 3 O 8 Pounds of U 3 O 8

(,000) Pounds of U 3 O 8

(,000) McClean - Caribou 47.8 2.62 2,800 600 McClean - Sue D 122.8 1.05 2,800 600 McClean - McClean North 205.8 2.75 12,400 2,800 Total Indicated Mineral Resources 18,000 4,000

Inferred Mineral Resource Estimates (1)(2)(3)



100% Basis Denison Share (22.5%) Project/Deposit

Tonnes

(,000)

Grade

% U 3 O 8 Pounds of U 3 O 8

(,000) Pounds of U 3 O 8

(,000) McClean - Sue D 24.2 0.39 200 0 McClean - Sue E(4) 483.4 0.69 7,300 1,600 McClean - McClean North 3.3 0.74 100 0 Total Inferred Mineral Resources 7,600 1,600

Notes: (1) Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. No mineral reserves have as yet been defined. (2) The mineral resources were estimated at a cut-off grade of 0.10% U 3 O 8 . (3) The Company received a technical report from Scott Wilson RPA (now RPA Inc.) dated November 21, 2005, as revised February 16, 2006, on its mineral reserves and mineral resources at certain of the deposits (Sue A, B, E and McClean North and Caribou) at McClean Lake entitled "Technical Report on the Denison Mines Inc. Uranium Properties, Saskatchewan, Canada". Further revised reports were obtained for the mineral resources at Sue D and McClean North deposits entitled "Technical Report on the Sue D Uranium Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate, Saskatchewan, Canada" dated March 31, 2006, and "Technical Report on the McClean North Uranium Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate, Saskatchewan, Canada" dated January 31, 2007 respectively. Copies of all Technical Reports are available on the Company's profile on the SEDAR website at http://www.sedar.com/. (4) The operator conducted confirmatory drilling on a portion of these mineral resources outside the designated pit and late in 2006 submitted a preliminary analysis detailing an inferred mineral resource of approximately 2 million pounds on a 100% basis in this area, as compared to the 7.3 million pounds that Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. (now RPA Inc.) has estimated in its February 2006 technical report. RPA Inc. has not re-estimated the mineral resource using the new drill information.

Qualified Persons

Dale Verran, MSc, Pr.Sci.Nat., Denison's Vice President, Exploration, who is a Qualified Person in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release.

About Denison

Denison is a uranium exploration and development company with interests focused in the Athabasca Basin region of northern Saskatchewan. Including its 60% owned Wheeler River project, which hosts the high grade Phoenix and Gryphon uranium deposits, Denison's exploration portfolio consists of numerous projects covering over 330,000 hectares in the infrastructure rich eastern Athabasca Basin. Denison's interests in Saskatchewan also include a 22.5% ownership interest in the McClean Lake joint venture, which includes several uranium deposits and the McClean Lake uranium mill, which is currently processing ore from the Cigar Lake mine under a toll milling agreement, plus a 25.17% interest in the Midwest deposit and a 63.63% interest in the J-Zone deposit on the Waterbury Lake property. Both the Midwest and J Zone deposits are located within 20 kilometres of the McClean Lake mill.

Denison is also engaged in mine decommissioning and environmental services through its Denison Environmental Services division and is the manager of Uranium Participation Corp., a publicly traded company which invests in uranium oxide and uranium hexafluoride.
Kincora intends to raise up to C$6m at $0.33 per Unit with half a warrant

C$1.5m cornerstone investment from a leading mining private equity investor

Strong support from insiders, other existing and new investors

Proceeds will be used to advance high priority drill ready targets and earlier stage district scale pipeline which have the potential to host multiple Tier one assets and includes up to 26,000 metres of drilling

Kincora will be joining other major players including Rio Tinto in stepping up exploration on the belt. Rio Tinto recently resumed regional exploration drilling for the first time in 5 years at a target adjacent to Kincora's Red Well license

VANCOUVER, July 6, 2017 /CNW/ - Kincora Copper Limited (the "Company", "Kincora") (TSXV:KCC) announces a non-brokered private placement of units (the "Units") at $0.33 per Unit to raise up to C$6,000,000 (the "Private Placement"). Each Unit will be comprised of one common share (the "Shares") and one-half of a share purchase warrant, each whole warrant (the "Warrants") entitling the holder to acquire a further Share at C$0.445 for a period of two years.

The Company is pleased to announce that it has received a subscription agreement for up to 4,545,545 Units (C$1,500,000) from one of the largest mining private equity specialist funds following extensive technical and legal due diligence, subject to Kincora raising a minimum total of C$4,500,000 inclusive of the lead order for which Kincora has indicative support for.

Sam Spring, President and CEO commented, "I am delighted that we have attracted a lead order from such an industry group, with it's due diligence process providing validation of our exciting dual exploration and expansion strategy, with strong support also from insiders, many existing and new shareholders.

The offering will fund the first modern systematic Tier 1 drill testing and district scale reconnaissance exploration program in the world-class, under-explored Southern Gobi Devonian copper gold belt.

This provides for an extensive two-phase drilling program at the East TS and Bayan Tal targets, which are the first new Devonian targets since Oyu Tolgoi and analogies to the two existing large scale mines in the belt. The raising will also allow us to advance our earlier stage pipeline up the value curve, and to undertake opportunistic and countercyclical expansion activities benefiting from our proprietary knowledge of the belt.

We note reports of Rio Tinto resuming regional drilling for the first time in 5 years at a target adjacent to our Red Well license, now onto hole two, with plans to also drill other new ground they have secured on the Devonian trend towards our Bayan Tal target. Such news is a positive validation of Mongolia as a jurisdiction and the potential of other major discoveries in this belt where we hold a dominant 1437 km2 landholding."

Proceeds from the Private Placement will help accelerate the Company's dual exploration and expansion strategy, and for general working capital. Kincora already holds the dominant position in the Devonian copper-gold belt, with plans for an extensive two-phase drilling program at the East Tsagaan Suvarga and Bayan Tal targets for up to 16,000 metres (up to 8,000 metres at both targets), also providing for further geophysics after the first phase of drilling, while advancing its district scale multi-target, multi-stage pipeline.

The Company may pay finder's fees in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange in connection with the Private Placement. None of the securities comprising the Units have been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the Shares in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Closing is subject to receipt of approvals of the TSX Venture Exchange. All Shares and Warrants issued in connection with the Private Placement will be subject to a four (4) month hold period.

Further details are provided in an updated presentation on the Kincora website: http://kincoracopper.com/investors/corporate-presentation

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information in this news release was prepared in accordance with the standards of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum and National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and was reviewed, verified and compiled by Kincora's geological staff under the supervision of Peter Leaman, Senior Vice-President of Exploration of Kincora Copper, who is the Qualified Person for the purpose of NI 43-101.
Kingstree, SC (29556)

Today

Cloudy skies this morning followed by thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 78F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Showers early with some clearing overnight. Low 62F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
By Lee Han-soo

A Thai woman's wits have led to her rescue and that of four others from a brothel in South Korea.

The Busan Metropolitan Police Agency revealed the case on Wednesday.

The incident started when the five women visited a Busan supermarket on May 16 under the "guidance" of a Korean man.

The women were regular customers who visited late at night to buy daily necessities.

On May 16, the women bought products while the Korean man stood just outside the supermarket. But something unusual happened when they paid the bill.

As one of the women extended her cash-filled hand to the casher, he realized there was more there than he expected -- a hand-written SOS message hidden inside the cash.

"Help the police. I was caught in the fourth floor of the building," read the note in English, Korean and Thai.





The note the woman handed to the supermarket clerk. / Yonhap



It also said in poor Korean that she had been deceived and needed his help to call the police. The clerk realized the urgent nature of the issue and penned an answer: "112 call, helping you." 112 is Korea's police hotline number.

But the woman stopped him and left with the others.

When his shift finished, the clerk handed the note to police with a phone number given to save store points.

Police checked the number and traced it to a person who they had previously caught operating a brothel.

But during the initial investigation, police failed to find the "fourth floor of the building" where the women were being held captive.

They did discover a suspicious fortune-telling shop but did not investigate further as it seemed closed.

The women were finally rescued on May 18 after the woman specified the fortune-telling shop as the location through social media.

A foreigner support center in Osan picked up the SNS post and reported it to the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency, which told the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency.

"I believed that she was afraid that if I immediately reported the case to the police she would face dire consequences by the Korean man waiting outside," the supermarket clerk said.

"I was too afraid to escape on my own," the Thai woman, who handed the note to the clerk, told police. "I wrote the note with the little Korean I learned from customers."

The ringleader, surnamed Lee, had held five Thai nationals and forced them into prostitution for 90,000 won ($70) to 160,000 won a customer.

Lee and the broker who brought the women to Korea lured them with the prospect of getting jobs at legitimate Thai massage parlors.

But when they arrived, Lee took their passports and locked them inside the building, forcing them to have sexual intercourse with customers.

Lee said he advertised his illegal business on the internet and met customers at subway stations to avoid detection. He said he asked for an official identification card or a salary check slip to see if the customer was an undercover police officer.
By Choe Chong-dae





Strong diplomatic ties between Korea and Belgium have existed since 1892, even before the two countries entered into a treaty of friendship in 1901. Accordingly, the first legation of Belgium was inaugurated in Korea in 1903.



Testament to this longstanding friendship is the unique Belgium Consulate building built in southern Seoul in 1905 and renovated in 1983. The building's classical ionic columns and fireplaces have been kept intact, allowing it to serve as a tool for studying classical architecture of the 1900s as well as modern art. It is now part of the protected Korean architectural heritage as Historical Site No. 254.



With Japan annexing Korea in 1910, the majority of foreign missions were expelled. Belgium closed its diplomatic post in Seoul in 1918 but became one of the first countries to recognize Korea as a sovereign nation after Korea gained independence and established a new government in 1948.



It was not until 1970 that Belgium re-established its embassy in Korea. The most dramatic demonstration of Belgium's involvement with Korea was the participation of 3,000 volunteer soldiers during the Korea War (1950-1953) under the flag of United Nations Command. More than 100 of these valiant Belgians sacrificed their lives for the freedom of Korea.



Commemorating the 110th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and Belgium, a special concert and reception were held at KBS Hall in September 2011. The organizers, the Belgium Embassy in Korea and KBS, treated guests to the delightful KBS Symphony Orchestra conducted by Patrick Davin, as well as the unique flavor and taste of Belgian beer. Some of the world's finest beers hail from Belgium, which offers over 1,000 types.



Most recently, Korean dignitaries were honored to welcome Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium to Seoul as she led a 256-strong Belgian delegation on its 4th economic mission to South Korea from June 10 to 17. Ever since King Philippe became king of Belgium, he has requested Princess Astrid to lead Belgian economic missions abroad.



On this occasion, Princess Astrid travelled to Korea with a delegation including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders and Secretary of State for Foreign Trade Pieter De Crem.



While in Korea, Princess Astrid was appointed an honorary citizen of Seoul. Another high-profile event during the mission was a visit to Panmunjom, a village in the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea called the "Joint Security Area," or JSA. The JSA was created in 1953 after the ceasefire and is nowadays controlled by United Nations forces.



I was invited to attend the June 12 Korea-Belgium Friendship Concert and reception to celebrate Korea's friendship with Belgium on the occasion of the Belgian Economic Mission to Korea. In attendance were Princess Astrid and other distinguished figures included Ambassador of Belgium to Korea Adrien Theatre, and Yonsei University President Kim Yong- hak.



Kumho Art Hall at Yonsei University offered the perfect venue for invited guests to enjoy the chamber music concert elegantly performed by exceptionally gifted musicians of the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel, which is under the honorary chairmanship of Her Majesty Queen Paola.



Unlike other past receptions held by the Belgium Embassy, on that night I was unable to savor Belgiums variety of beer as only soft drinks were served at the reception for the Korea-Belgium Friendship Concert. Nevertheless, the melodious notes that filled the air lifted my spirits despite the lack of the other kind of spirits.



Exchanging greetings and shaking hands with Princess Astrid was a great honor for me. I was pleased that she showed much interest in Korean culture and media at the reception. I believe the visit of Princess Astrid has paved the way for fruitful bilateral relations between Korea and Belgium.





Choe Chong-dae is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is President of Dae-kwang International Co, and Director of the Korean-Swedish Association. He can be reached at choecd@naver.com
Work is underway on Chinas second railway line to Tibet that will wind through some of the worlds most mountainous and inhospitable territory and likely take the better part of a decade to complete, state media said yesterday.

Work at the lines two ends in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, and Tibets capital of Lhasa has already begun, the official Xinhua News Agency reported.

Other feasibility studies have been completed, but the most difficult section, through the mountains from Kangding in Sichuan to Nyingchi in Tibet, is still being designed and may take seven years to finish once construction begins, Xinhua said.

Once completed, the line will run for 1,700 kilometers, 80 percent of it consisting of tunnels and bridges. Total cost is estimated at 250 billion yuan (USD37 billion), while the travel time from Chengdu to Lhasa will be cut from 48 to about 13 hours, Xinhua said.

Likening it to a roller coaster, designers said the line will traverse eight ascents and descents, topping out at 4,400 meters, Xinhua said. Varying terrain, landslides and earthquakes are also major threats.

It will be the most difficult super project in railway construction history, Xia Lie, a senior engineer at China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group, was quoted as saying.

The line is the latest in a seemingly endless series of hugely ambitious construction projects that include the gargantuan Three Gorges Dam, the worlds longest bridge over water in Jiaozhou Bay and the worlds most extensive high-speed rail network.

China opened an initial line to Lhasa from Qinghai province to the northeast in 2006 that runs for 1,956 kilometers and tops out at about 4,000 meters.
Ten minutes later, they unscrambled the word he was sure would stump them.

They explained.

Morph is a real word. I-C usually comes at the end of words, and weve never seen Z and G next to each other.

From that they narrowed the choices down to four and went with: zygomorphic.

Whats it mean? they asked him.

He had no idea, having only read it in a Calvin and Hobbes cartoon once. Together, the three looked it up online and discovered that it meant something that has bilateral symmetry. From that point on, he stopped looking at them as an annoyance, but instead started talking to them  asking them, what he presumed was an innocuous question.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

We want to be a worker.

He figured that they meant social worker, since he knows that theyve been around them a lot and that they make a difference. But one chimed in, No, a worker at Winn Dixie. The other said, No, Home Depot. It pays more.

While he notes that theres nothing wrong with those jobs, Canfield says, These were 8-year-old girls who unscrambled the word zygomorphic  and their big dream, their big life goal, that thing that drove them was to work at Home Depot or Lowes because it paid more than Winn Dixie. And that always bothered me. You have kids who dont even know how brilliant they are walking around on this Earth.

After picking his jaw up off the floor, he told them that the world was theirs, and they could be anything they wanted. Reflecting on that moment years later, he says, they couldnt be whatever they want because of their situation.

Theyre more concerned with hunger than homework, standing in a shelter line than studying shapes, and just surviving until tomorrow. And that never sat well with me.
In one of Amelia Earhart's last transmissions, the U.S. Navy Radio in Honolulu heard a garbled Morse code: 281 north Howland - call KHAQQ - beyond north ... wont hold with us much longer ... above water ... shut off.

Amelia Earhart was an American aviator, author and womens rights activist. She was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic. Her disappearance in 1937 during an attempt to fly around the world is a mystery that continues to intrigue people worldwide.

Early life

Amelia Mary Earhart was born in Atchison, Kansas, on July 24, 1897. During Christmas vacation in 1917, she went to visit her sister in Toronto. One day, at an aviation expo, a pilot flew his plane near her. Later, she said, I believe that little red airplane said something to me as it swished by."

In December 1920, Earhart attended an air show in Long Beach, Calif. She took a short plane ride, and that 10-minute flight changed her life. By the time I had got two or three hundred feet off the ground, I knew I had to fly, she said.

Just six months after she began flying lessons, she purchased her first plane, a bright yellow, second-hand biplane that she named The Canary. She soon achieved the world altitude record for women pilots  14,000 feet  in October 1922.

In 1924, however, her parents divorced, and her familys financial troubles forced Earhart to sell The Canary. She ended up working in Boston.

Lady Lindy

In April 1928, Earhart received an unexpected phone call asking if she would like to be the first woman to fly across the Atlantic. Earhart immediately accepted the offer. She was listed as a co-pilot, but ultimately was not allowed to fly.

Nevertheless, Earhart became an aviation celebrity. The press dubbed her Lady Lindy, and George P. Putnam, who had published several stories about Charles Lindbergh, took on Earharts story as his next bestseller. Earhart worked closely with Putnam during appearances, lectures and other promotions, and they grew closer. After Putnam's divorce in 1931, he and Earhart were married.

Earhart put her stamp on many industries, including womens fashion, magazines and airline management. Her true passion, however, always remained with flying. She set a world record for altitude, reaching 18,415 feet, and became president of The Ninety-Nines, an organization dedicated to womens aviation.

Across the Atlantic, solo

For some time, Earhart and Putnam worked secretly on plans for Earhart to make a solo flight across the Atlantic. This would be the first woman and second solo person to make the flight.

On May 20, 1932, five years to the day after Lindberghs famous flight, she took off from Harbor Grace, Newfoundland, heading to Paris. Almost immediately, the flight was plagued by poor weather, thick clouds and ice on the wings. Earhart knew she wouldnt make it to Paris and landed in Londonderry, Ireland. After scaring the cows in the neighborhood, I pulled up in a farmers back yard, said Earhart.

For her 15-hour flight, Earhart received many honors and became an international hero. Between 1930 and 1935, she set seven womens speed and distance aviation records.

Earharts last flight

Nearing her 40th birthday, Earhart said, I have a feeling that there is just about one more good flight left in my system She hoped that it would be a flight around the world. She wanted to be the first woman to do it.

On June 1, 1937, Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, departed from Miami with great fanfare. They began the 29,000-mile journey heading east. After 29 days of flight, they touched down in Lae, New Guinea. The remaining 7,000 miles would be done over the Pacific.

The plan required landing on Howland Island, located between Hawaii and Australia and 2,556 miles away from Lae. At only 1.5 miles long and half a mile wide, Howland Island was a difficult spot for landing. Special navigation precautions were taken, including establishing radio communication with U.S. Coast Guard ship Itasca off Howland Island.

At 10 a.m., Earhart and Noonan took off from Lae. They encountered problems with overcast skies and rain showers early on. Some witnesses reported that the radio antenna may have been damaged, and other experts suggest that their maps may have been inaccurate.

As they neared Howland Island, they were unable to make sufficient connection with the Itasca or to land on the island. Earharts last communication was at 8:43 a.m.: We are running north and south.

Though the Itasca began a rescue attempt immediately and the search continued for weeks, nothing was found. On Jan. 5, 1939, Earhart was declared legally dead.

Theories about disappearance

For a long time, the most likely explanation was that the plane ran out of fuel and the flyers ditched or crashed and then died at sea. More recently, another theory has gained some traction. It holds that the flyers landed on uninhabited Nikumaroro Island, formerly called Gardner Island.

According to the International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR), Earhart and Noonan survived on the island for several weeks. They caught fish, seabirds and turtles and collected rainwater. Earhart died at a campsite on the island's southeast end. Noonan's fate is unknown.

This theory is based on on-site investigations that have revealed improvised tools, bits of clothing, plexiglass and an aluminum panel. In May 2012, investigators found a jar of freckle cream that some believe could have belonged to Earhart. Additionally, reports of lost distress calls have been reported.

Also, in 1940, a British Colonial Service officer found a partial skeleton on the island, as well as a campfire, animal bones, a sextant box and remnants of a man's shoe and a woman's shoe. The officer thought he may have discovered Earhart's remains, but a doctor believed the skeleton to be male, and American authorities were not notified. The bones were later lost. Recent computerized analysis of the skeleton's measurements suggests that the skeleton was probably that of a white, northern European female.

TIGHAR has led several expeditions to the island and found artifacts that suggest they were left by an American woman of the 1930s. The organization plans more expeditions in the next few years.

In July 2017, a photo discovered in the National Archives caused a buzz when some researchers suggested it showed that Earhart and Noonan had survived the crash and were taken hostage by the Japanese on Jaluit Atoll in the Marshall Islands. However, other experts contacted by Live Science said they would need to learn more about the photo before saying whether the evidence met scientific scrutiny.

Additional resources
Many bird species are known to dine on insects, but for a dozen species of praying mantises, birds aren't the predators  they're the prey.

Carnivorous mantises are deadly hunters that use their powerful front legs to capture insects and spiders; some larger species have even been observed nabbing small vertebrates, such as amphibians, lizards, snakes and mice.

And now, scientists have found that mantises distributed around the world are also regularly catching and eating small birds, according to a new study. The researchers discovered 147 examples of mantises hunting birds in 13 countries, on every continent except Antarctica. [Lunch on the Wing: Mantises Snack on Birds (Photos)]

To gather their data, the researchers scoured extensive records of mantises preying on birds, delving into published studies, academic dissertations, books and posts on social media. The earliest description they found  from Argentina  dated to 1864, but 67 percent of the observations took place between 2000 and 2015, mostly in warmer climates, the researchers wrote in the study.

More than 70 percent of all the examples were from the United States, and the birds most often on the menu were ruby-throated hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris), which the mantises frequently captured near flowers and hummingbird feeders, the study authors reported.

Stealth attackers

As ambush predators, mantises lie in wait until their prey is close. They hold fast to a perch with four hind limbs as they strike with their front legs, and they begin to feed on the living victim once it is in their grasp. In some cases, the birds' brains appeared to be a favorite part of the meal, the scientists wrote.

One account dating to 1922 in Australia described an unidentified mantis near four dead birds, "each with a hole in its head through which its brains had been extracted," the study authors wrote.

In total, about 24 species of birds were identified as mantis prey. This group included hummingbirds and small passerines  perching birds such as sparrows, finches and canaries. And once a bird was caught, its fate was as good as sealed, with only 2 percent able to free themselves from the insect's clutches without human intervention, the scientists found.

Most of the birds caught by mantises were relative lightweights, weighing in at less than 0.2 ounces (6 grams). By comparison, some of the mantis species weighed as much or slightly more than their prey. But mantises are also known for their ability to snag meals larger and heavier than they are. A prior study reported a mantis in Australia catching a tree frog that weighed 0.9 ounces (25 g), and another study described a mantis "attempting to chew on the wing" of a bird that weighed 0.5 to 0.7 ounces (14 to 19 g), according to the study.

A female Tenodera sinensis eating an immature male ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) in Clermont, New Jersey, with a courting male on her back. (Image credit: Todd Klein)

The bird-hunting mantises that the researchers encountered were generally female, with bodies measuring at least 2.4 inches (6 centimeters) in length. In two instances, the hungry female mantis was found multitasking  feeding on a bird while simultaneously mating with a male, study lead author Martin Nyffeler, a senior lecturer in zoology at the University of Basel in Switzerland, told Live Science in an email.

Reproductive needs could possibly explain why only female mantises were discovered eating birds  they might require more energy, as female spiders do, prior to producing their eggs, Nyffeler said.

The scientists also learned that in North America, about 55 percent of the birds counted in the study fell prey to invasive species of mantises, which were introduced about 100 years ago, and which are both larger and heavier than native mantises.

Invasive or not, mantises probably aren't catching nearly as many birds as domestic cats, which kill hundreds of millions of small birds each year in the U.S. alone. But the study's findings suggest that mantises do present an unexpected and significant risk to bird populations around the world  particularly hummingbirds, the study authors reported.

"On a global scale, bird mortality caused by praying mantises might be rather insignificant compared to the losses caused by raptor birds and cats," Nyffeler said in a statement.

"Notwithstanding that, if we limit our consideration to the suburban/urban areas in USA, we arrive at the conclusion that praying mantises pose a considerable threat to hummingbirds," he added.

Original article on Live Science.
An influx of men from the steppe of Central Asia may have swept into India around 3,500 years ago and transformed the population.

The same mysterious people  ancient livestock herders called the Yamnaya who rode wheeled chariots and spoke a proto-Indo-European language  also moved across Europe more than 1,000 years earlier. Somehow, they left their genetic signature with most European men, but not women, earlier studies suggest.

The new data confirm a long-held but controversial theory that Sanskrit, the ancient language of Northern India, emerged from an earlier language spoken by an influx of people from Central Asia during the Bronze Age. [24 Amazing Archaeological Discoveries]

"People have been debating the arrival of the Indo-European languages in India for hundreds of years," said study co-author Martin Richards, an archaeogeneticist at the University of Huddersfield in England. "There's been a very long-running debate about whether the Indo-European languages were brought from migrations from outside, which is what most linguists would accept, or if they evolved indigenously."

Aryan invasion theory

From the earliest days of colonial rule in India, linguists like William Jones and Jakob Grimm (who co-edited "Grimm's Fairy Tales") noticed that Sanskrit shared many similarities with languages as disparate as French, English, Farsi (or Persian) and Russian. Linguists eventually arrived at the conclusion that all these languages derived from a common ancestral language, which they dubbed Indo-European.

But while North Indian languages are predominantly Indo-European, South Indian languages mostly belong to the Dravidian language family. To explain this, scholars proposed the so-called Aryan invasion theory  that a group of people from outside India swept in and brought a proto-Sanskrit language to northern India. (The name "Aryans" came from a Sanskrit word for "noble" or "honorable.") In the early 1900s, British archaeologist Mortimer Wheeler proposed that these Aryan people may have conquered, and caused the collapse of, the mysterious Indus Valley Civilization that flourished in what is now India and Pakistan.

The Aryan migration theory eventually became controversial because it was used to justify claims of superiority for different Indian subgroups; was claimed as the basis for the caste system; and in a bastardized form, was incorporated into Nazi ideology that the Aryans were the "master race."

What's more, earlier genetic data did not seem to corroborate the notion of a dramatic Aryan influx into India during the Bronze Age, according to a 2003 study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics.

Complex migration patterns

But past genetic analyses were based on either DNA from mitochondria, which is passed from mothers to daughters, or from genetic mutations found in nuclear DNA, which are inherited from both parents but can be difficult to date.

In the current study, which was reported in March in the journal BMC Evolutionary Biology, Richards and colleagues analyzed modern genetic data from mitochondrial DNA, Y-chromosome DNA  which is passed only from father to son  and nuclear DNA. By tying all these pieces of data together, the team was able to tie patterns of migration to specific points in time.

The team found evidence that people began colonizing India more than 50,000 years ago and that there were multiple waves of migration into India from the northwest over the last 20,000 years, including waves of people from Anatolia, the Caucasus and Iran between 9,000 and 5,000 years ago.

But evidence for one migration was particularly striking: The genetic makeup of the Y chromosome dramatically shifted about 4,000 to 3,800 years ago, the study found. About 17.5 percent of Indian men carry a Y-chromosome subtype, or haplogroup, known as R1, with the haplogroup more dominant in men in the north compared to the south of India.

This new finding points to an ancient group of people who inhabited the grassland between the Caspian and Black seas from about 5,000 to 2,300 years ago, known broadly as the Yamnaya people. The Yamnaya (and its later subgroup, the Andronovo culture) typically buried their dead in pit graves, drove wheeled horse chariots, herded livestock and spoke an early precursor Indo-European language. About 5,000 years ago, people from this culture almost completely transformed the genetic landscape of Europe, a 2015 Science study suggests.

The genetic signature of the Yamnaya people shows up strongly in the male lineage, but hardly at all in the female lineage, the study found.

One possibility is that a group of horse-riding warriors swept across India, murdered the men and raped or took local women as wives, but not all explanations are that martial, Richards said. For instance, it's possible that whole family units from the Yamnaya migrated to India, but that the men were either able to acquire (or started out with) higher status than local males and thus sired more children with local women, Richards said.

"It's very easy for Y-chromosome composition to change very quickly," Richards told Live Science. "Just because individual men can have a lot more children than women can."

The shift wasn't as dramatic as the genetic transformation of Europe; while up to 90 percent of European men from some countries carry a version of R1, only a minority of men from the Indian subcontinent do, Richards said.

"It's not like a complete wipeout by any means," Richards said.

Remaining questions

The study has a limitation: Because the very hot conditions in India don't preserve DNA well, the group lacks ancient DNA to prove that ancient migrants to the region carried the R1 haplogroup, said James Mallory, an archaeologist at Queen's University Belfast in Ireland, who was not involved in the study.

"They're trying to read the history of a people through its modern DNA," Mallory told Live Science. In the past, similarly well-grounded theories have been disproven once people sampled ancient skeletal remains, Mallory added.

The other problem is that there is very little archaeological evidence for a dramatic cultural transformation in India at that time, he added. The Andronovo left behind distinctive artifacts and evidence of their culture in other places, such as their pit burials and unique pottery.

But in India, "We do not really find evidence for these particular cultures," Mallory said.

On the other hand, population studies of the Irish have revealed almost 90 percent of men carry an R1 haplogroup, and yet there's also very little archaeological evidence of a cultural transformation consistent with huge population turnover, he added. So it may simply be that genetics are revealing a lost history of people in the area.

"The genetics are continually giving archaeologists surprises," Mallory said.

Originally published on Live Science.
Escaping methane gas has blown at least two new holes in the Siberian tundra in the past few months, according to eyewitness accounts to the Siberian Times and the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Reindeer herders northwest of the village of Seyakha in Siberia's far north reported seeing an eruption of fire and smoke on the morning of June 28  an event caught on seismic sensors at 11 a.m. local time, according to The Siberian Times. Scientists visiting the site photographed a fresh crater blown into the banks of a river.

Researchers also discovered a second, previously unknown crater in the Tyumen region of Siberia this month, the newspaper reported. Local herders told Aleksandr Sokolov, a researcher at the Institute of Ecology of Plants and Animals in Russia, that they'd observed fire in the area of that crater in the winter or early spring. [See Photos of Siberia's Mysterious Craters]

When permafrost melts, it releases large amounts of methane. According to Russian scientists, this sudden release could have led to the explosions. How fast and how frequently this is happening remain controversial topics in the scientific community, given that Siberia is so remote and unexplored. But scientists do agree that Siberia's permafrost is in danger of melting as the globe warms.

See more

Permafrost is soil that stays frozen all year long. Any organic matter, like dead grass or animal corpses, caught up in permafrost stays frozen, too. But as the Arctic warms, the depth of the spring thaw gets deeper and deeper  a process called active-layer deepening. As the soil thaws, the organic material locked inside begins to decompose all at once, releasing flammable gases such as methane, University of Michigan postdoctoral researcher Ben Abbott told Live Science in March.

In some cases, this release is slow, Abbott said. Other times, the soil can collapse dramatically, creating features called thermokarsts. These can look like landslides, slumps, pits or craters. Some fill with water and become lakes.

Past research suggests that warming can cause explosive changes in the landscape. A study released in June found that at least 100 giant craters formed in one region on the Arctic seafloor about 11,600 years ago as the ice sheet retreated and destabilized mounds of frozen methane underneath. These mounds, call pingos, sometimes blew craters up to 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) wide into the ocean bottom.

Some Arctic scientists think something similar is happening in Siberia today. Pingos, or soil-covered permafrost hills, occur on land, too. If they melt rapidly, they could release a fiery burst of methane and create craters similar to the ancient ones seen on the seafloor. Previously, Siberian researchers had discovered craters that had never been seen before, but they had not published any information on the ages of the craters or scientific analyses of how they'd formed. The new eyewitness accounts from local herders suggest that the formation of these craters may, indeed, be violent.

Though the region of Siberia where these craters are located is remote, Russian authorities are concerned about the explosions caused by melting permafrost. The crater that formed on June 28 is about 60 miles (100 km) from Sabetta, a newly developed port on the Ob River that's used to transport liquefied natural gas from the Yuzhno-Tambeyskoye gas field, The Siberian Times reported.

"It is very important for us also to know what to do, because such an eruption can occur anywhere," Alexander Mazharov, deputy governor of the Yamalo-Nenets autonomous region in Siberia, told The Siberian Times. "It might hit a technical facility, a residential settlement or a linear object," he said, referring to a pipeline or railroad.

Original article on Live Science.
A cuneiform tablet that is part of the Iraqi artifacts to be forfeited by the arts and crafts chain Hobby Lobby.

In its quest to amass a huge collection of biblical-era artifacts, Hobby Lobby made some big mistakes.

The craft-store chain bought thousands of ancient objects from Iraq that were smuggled into the U.S. through the United Arab Emirates and Israel, according to a complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York on Wednesday (July 5).

As a result, the company will pay the U.S. government $3 million and forfeit thousands of cuneiform tablets, clay stamp seals and other artifacts that were falsely labeled and shipped to its Oklahoma offices. The settlement comes after a years-long federal investigation that kicked off when five of those packages were intercepted by U.S. Customs officials in early 2011. [In Photos: Ancient City Discovered in Iraq]

Iraq considers all antiquities found on its soil property of the state, and the U.S. has its own strict restrictions on the importation of Iraqi artifacts. Additionally, a 1970 UNESCO convention made the international sale of cultural artifacts illegal for member nations, including Iraq. Objects that entered the antiquities market before 1970 are generally legal for sale if they have proper documentation. Newly surfaced artifacts are regarded with caution, especially when they might come from a place like Iraq, where looting is a well-documented problem.

Hobby Lobby was founded by David Green in 1970, and since then, the family has built a fortune worth billions. The Greens are devout evangelical Christians; Hobby Lobby famously won a Supreme Court case in 2014 over the Greens' religious objections to a birth control mandate in the Affordable Care Act.

But their support for Christian causes doesn't end there. In 2009, the family founded the Green Collection with the purpose of amassing rare ancient texts and biblical-era artifacts. The plan is to fill the $500 million Museum of the Bible that's slated to open on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., this fall.

The fact that the Greens built a collection of some 40,000 objects in just a few years raised eyebrows among scholars and cultural-property experts. [In Photos: See the Treasures of Mesopotamia]

"The pace of their acquisition alone suggests that the Greens may not have taken every possible step to investigate the provenance of what they have bought, a risk that they acknowledge," Candida Moss and Joel Baden wrote last year in The Atlantic. (Moss and Baden broke the news about the federal investigation into the Greens in 2015, and they have a book coming out in the fall about the Green family's quest to boost the Bible's influence in the United States.)

Court documents from the case (titled "United States of America v. Approximately Four Hundred Fifty (450) Ancient Cuneiform Tablets and Approximately Three Thousand (3,000) Ancient Clay Bullae") say that the president of Hobby Lobby, Steve Green, and a consultant met with antiquities dealers in the United Arab Emirates in mid-July 2010. There, they inspected thousands of artifacts being offered for sale, including tablets inscribed with cuneiform, an ancient writing system used in Mesopotamia, a region that covers most of modern-day Iraq.

Two Israeli dealers present during that meeting claimed that the artifacts had been legally acquired in the late 1960s by a third Israeli dealer's father "from local markets," and then moved to the United States, where they were kept in storage by another person in the 1970s, according to the court documents. These artifacts, federal officials allege, were actually never stored by the person in the U.S., but Hobby Lobby officials never looked into this alleged collecting history for themselves. [In Photos: A Mummy Hand and Other Artifacts Smuggled into the US]

In October 2010, an expert hired by Hobby Lobby warned that buying artifacts that likely came from Iraq carried "considerable risk." In a memo to Hobby Lobby's in-house counsel, the expert noted that up to 500,000 objects have been looted from Iraq since the early 1990s and that small, portable objects  like cylinder seals and cuneiform tablets  were especially popular on the black market. "Any object brought into the U.S. and with Iraq declared as 'country of origin' has a high chance of being detained,the expert wrote.

Still, Hobby Lobby went ahead with the sale, buying over 5,500 artifacts for $1.6 million, the documents revealed. A dealer in the UAE split up the collection of artifacts into several packages (a common method smugglers use to avoid scrutiny) and shipped them to three different Hobby Lobby addresses in Oklahoma City, federal officials said.

These shipments had labels that misleadingly described their contents as "ceramic tiles" or "clay tiles (sample)" that came from Turkey and Israel, federal authorities say, and they did not have proper entry documentation. U.S. Customs and Border Protection intercepted five of those packages, and an investigation began. The complaint alleges that the names of people, places and months inscribed on several of the cuneiform tablets confirm that these objects originated in what is now Iraq. The documents related to the artifacts' provenance also had several inconsistencies, federal authorities said.

"American collectors and importers must ensure compliance with laws and regulations that require truthful declarations to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, so that Customs officers are able to scrutinize cultural property crossing our borders and prevent the inappropriate entry of such property," Bridget M. Rohde, acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said in a statement. "If they do not, and shippers use false declarations to try to clandestinely enter property into the United States, this Office and our law enforcement partners will discover the deceit and seize the property."

Hobby Lobby now says it will change its internal policies and procedures regarding purchases of cultural property, and it will submit quarterly reports to the government about its acquisitions for the next year and a half.

"We should have exercised more oversight and carefully questioned how the acquisitions were handled," Steve Green said in a statement. "Hobby Lobby has cooperated with the government throughout its investigation, and with the announcement of today's settlement agreement, is pleased the matter has been resolved."

The statement released by Hobby Lobby also said that the company was new to the collecting world. Therefore, company representatives "did not fully appreciate the complexities of the acquisitions process," and this "resulted in some regrettable mistakes," they said in the statement.

Moss and Baden, however, told Live Science in an email that "it's inexcusable that these kinds of mistakes should be made in the twenty-first century."

"What we would really like to see is the independent vetting of everything they have purchased in the past and greater transparency about the origins and nature of their collection," Moss and Baden added.

Original article on Live Science.
It was a dramatic chase with a gory end. A pod of orcas recently pursued and killed a minke whale off the coast of Kamchatka, Russia, and a member of a marine expedition captured the bloody scene on video from above, using a drone.

Researchers with the Far East Russia Orca Project (FEROP) spotted the whale-hunting orcas while on a scientific expedition in Avacha Gulf, southeast of Kamchatka. The six-day survey partnered FEROP biologists with Kosatka Cruises and Team Trip to document the region's orcas, FEROP representatives wrote in a Facebook post.

The scientists spied a group of orcas in pursuit of a minke whale  an unusual sight, because orcas that hunt mammals are few in number and are rarely glimpsed in that region, according to the researchers. But what followed was even more exceptional, the scientists said: They found themselves with a front-row seat to the whale's last minutes of life, which ended as the orcas tore the animal apart. [Photos: Orcas Are Chowing Down on Great-White-Shark Organs]

Team Trip's Mikhail Korostylev piloted a drone overhead to capture photos and video of the scene as it unfolded, and the organization shared the video on YouTube on July 3.

In the video, several orcas  including calves  pursued the whale, estimated to be about 39 feet (12 meters) long, RT News reported. FEROP researchers told RT News that the orcas chased the whale to the point of exhaustion, then held it under water to drown it, before ripping it to pieces. Then, on June 28, FEROP representatives shared photos of the hunt and kill in a Facebook post and on Instagram.

(opens in new tab) A photo posted by on

The biologists identified the orcas as "transients," a term describing killer whales that live in smaller social groups than so-called "resident" orcas do. Transients also roam a wider range in coastal waters and hunt mammals, while resident orcas primarily eat fish, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Once the hunters had dispatched their victim, FEROP biologists submerged microphones in the water to capture the orcas' vocalizations, later publishing the recordings on SoundCloud. The killer whales produced a variety of chirps, squawps, trills and whistles. This was an unusual amount of noise for mammal-eating orcas, which are typically quieter than their cousins that feed on fish, turtles and other marine prey, FEROP biologist Asia Danishevskaya wrote in a Facebook post.

"There is still much to learn in order to understand the Russian Far East killer whale populations," researchers explained on the FEROP website. "We hope that our study will help prevent their further capture and will lead to a greater understanding of their population structure and to the threats to their habitat."

Original article on Live Science.
Editor's note: New information that has come to light casts even more doubt on the validity of the "Amelia Earhart image." Read Live Science's coverage here.

A newly found black-and-white photo taken on the Marshall Islands may help solve the mystery of Amelia Earhart's disappearance, but not everyone is convinced that the famous aviator is in the photo.

The 80-year-old photo shows what may be Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, surrounded by a group of people on a dock on Jaluit Atoll in the Marshall Islands in 1937, according to History channel researchers, NBC reported today (July 6). The researchers suggest that Earhart was taken hostage by the Japanese, who had a military presence there.

However, experts contacted by Live Science say they'll need to learn more about the photo and the History investigation before saying whether the evidence meets scientific scrutiny. [Photos: The Incredible Life and Times of Amelia Earhart]

"The new photo has certainly caused a stir," Richard Jantz, director emeritus of the Forensic Anthropology Center at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, who is also studying Earhart's disappearance, told Live Science. "I look forward to their putting it out before the scientific community, so we can see what they did and how they did it."

Other experts had a more skeptical take.

"What bothers me is that it is a side view and not a full lateral/side at that," Ann Ross, director of the Forensic Sciences Institute at North Carolina State University, told Live Science in an email. "A frontal view would be necessary for a good image comparison."

Earhart's adventures

Earhart set several aviation records for speed and distance in the early 1930s, including her famous solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932  the first time a woman had accomplished such a feat, Live Science previously reported.

But her disappearance during a later adventure  her goal to become the first female pilot to fly around the world  continues to intrigue the public and scientists alike. Earhart and Noonan began the 29,000-mile (46,000 kilometers) journey hugging the equator from Miami on June 1, 1937. After flying for 29 days on her plane, the Electra, they landed in Lae, New Guinea, in the Pacific Ocean.

The duo planned to fly to Howland Island, but weather, and possibly a damaged radio antenna and inaccurate maps, seem to have led them astray. They were last heard from on July 2, 1937. The United States declared her dead on Jan. 5, 1939, but her remains were never found.

Recovered photo

The newly recovered 8-by-10-inch (20 by 25 centimeters) photo is dated to 1937, and was reportedly taken by a U.S. spy keeping an eye on the Japanese military in the Marshall Islands, History channel investigators told NBC.

History's researchers discovered the photo in a U.S. National Archives file. Former FBI Executive Assistant Director Shawn Henry will describe the investigation during the 2-hour History special "Amelia Earhart: The Lost Evidence," airing at 9 p.m. EDT/ 8 p.m. CDT Sunday (July 9).

In the photo, a woman with a short haircut that resembles Earhart's is seen sitting on the dock. She is also wearing pants, as Earhart often did, and the proportions of her body match those from other photos of Earhart, Henry told NBC. Nearby, a man who resembles Noonan (he has the same prominent nose and receding hairline) stands next to a group of people, Ken Gibson, a facial recognition expert, told NBC.

The yellow circles show the individuals that resemble Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan. (Image credit: National Archives)

But Ross said this analysis was open to interpretation. [7 Extreme Female Explorers]

"The image of Noonan is very dark and you cannot see any facial features," Ross said. She added that she's not certain how common short haircuts for women were during that period. Moreover, Earhart's posture does not suggest she was being held hostage, Ross said.

"I would say this is not convincing nor is it definitive," Ross said.

The Electra?

On the right side of the photo, the Japanese ship Koshu tows a barge with a plane-like object on it, which photo analysts estimated to be 38 feet (11.5 meters) long, the length of Earhart's Electra. The analysts added that the photo does not appears to be doctored, NBC said.

If the individuals in the photo really are Earhart and Noonan, then perhaps the team survived a crash-landing in the Marshall Islands, as islanders say they did, NBC reported. The events were even memorialized in postage stamps (opens in new tab) released by the Republic of the Marshall Islands in 1987 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of her last flight.

"We believe that the Koshu took her to Saipan [in the Mariana Islands, about 1,800 miles/3,000 km northwest of the Marshall Islands], and that she died there under the custody of the Japanese," Gary Tarpinian, the executive producer of the History special, told NBC.

The yellow circle shows what may be Amelia Earhart's plane, the Electra. (Image credit: National Archives)

It's unclear whether the U.S. government knew who was in the photo, NBC said. Its news team reached out to the Japanese foreign ministry, the Japan Ministry of Defense and the National Archives of Japan, and all three organizations said they had no evidence that Earhart was in their custody, NBC reported. Still, it's possible that such records were lost, NBC noted.

There are myriad ideas on what happened during Earhart's last flight. The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR), a Pennsylvania-based group, has floated the idea that Earhart and Noonan ran out of fuel and landed on Gardner Island (now known as Nikumaroro), about 400 miles (640 km) south of Howland Island, where they died as castaways.

The group, in conjunction with National Geographic, is now bringing forensic dogs to Nikumaroro to sniff for human bones, and to see if any such bones match those of Earhart and Noonan, Live Science previously reported.

The distance between Jaluit Atoll, where the photo was taken, and Howland Island, where Amelia Earhart was supposed to land. Some researchers suspect that Earhart landed on Nikumaroro. (Image credit: Google Maps)

Original article on Live Science.
A place in history

(Image credit: Getty)

Though her career as a pilot was tragically cut short, Amelia Earhart remains one of the most celebrated aviators in history, and her pioneering accomplishments continue to inspire people today.

Check out these photos of the incredible life and times of Amelia Earhart.

In the beginning

(Image credit: Hulton Archive/Getty)

Amelia Earhart was born in Atchison, Kansas, on July 24, 1897. This baby photo was taken in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Hooked on flying

(Image credit: Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty)

In December 1920, Earhart attended an air show in Long Beach, California, where she took a flight that changed her outlook on life. "By the time I had got two or three hundred feet off the ground, I knew I had to fly," she said.

Here, Earhart stands next to a bank of cars carrying equipment, circa 1935.

Amelia and Fred

(Image credit: Topical Press Agency/Getty)

Earhart is pictured here with her navigator, Captain Fred Noonan, in the hangar at Parnamerim airfield in Natal, Brazil, on June 11, 1937.

Pioneer

(Image credit: Sasha/Getty)

On May 20, 1932, Earhart took off from Newfoundland and landed in Ireland almost 15 hours later, becoming the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

Last takeoff

(Image credit: DOT/National Archive)

In 1937, Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, set off on an attempt to circumnavigate the world. On July 2, 1937, Earhart and Noonan were scheduled to arrive on the uninhabited Howland Island, located just north of the equator in the Pacific Ocean, but the pair never made it. The disappearance of Earhart's plane, and her presumed death, is still one of history's biggest mysteries.

Earhart is pictured here in 1937, before her last takeoff.

Celebrated aviator

(Image credit: Sasha/Getty)

Earhart poses for a portrait on May 25, 1932.

At the controls

(Image credit: Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty)

This photo, circa 1935, shows Earhart at the controls of the "Flying Laboratory."

In Ireland

(Image credit: Topical Press Agency/Getty)

Earhart in the cockpit of her plane at Culmore, near Derry, in Ireland, after her solo Atlantic flight.

Soaring over California

(Image credit: Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty)

The Lockheed Electra "Flying Laboratory," piloted by American aviator Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan, flies over the Golden Gate Bridge in California, at the start of a planned round-the-world flight on March 17, 1937.

Setting records

(Image credit: Topical Press Agency/Getty)

Earhart is surrounded by a crowd of wellwishers and pressmen upon her arrival at Hanworth airfield after crossing the Atlantic. In this photo, she is being congratulated by Andrew Mellon, U.S. ambassador to Britain.